Automobiles Review

Author: Georgi Boychev

Kia team reveals first teaser pictures for the new Sportage lineup

Kia team reveals the first official teaser images of the new Sportage – the fifth generation of the brand’s successful SUV lineup.

The vehicle is expected to be revealed in July in Korea and has been revised in order to demonstrate a new design language and tons of advanced tech features. In September, Kia will also unveil an exclusive European version of the new Sportage.

As it comes to the vehicle itself, the fifth generation of Sportage comes with Kia’s dedicated Opposites United design concept and the images showcase cutting-edge stance and an overall elegant body. Some of the notable details include crisp and taught character lines and an instantly recognizable front face. The rear is characterized by wide shoulder lines and slim daytime running lamps, altogether making the vehicle worthy of today’s high automobile standards.

As it comes to the interior, the teaser images reveal a driver-focused cabin with a bold character, soft ambiance, and a hint of all the innovative technology placed within the interior.

SEE ALSO: MG ZS takes home Best Value New Car and Best Car for Dog Owners awards

Taking inspiration from an ethos we created where nature meets modernity, the new Sportage challenges design norms with an adventurous yet contemporary exterior and a beautifully detailed and pioneering interior,” said Karim Habib, Senior Vice President and Head of Global Design Center. “With new Sportage, we didn’t simply want to take one step forward, but rather move to a completely different level within the SUV class.

Stick with us for further details.

June 1, 2021
MG ZS takes home Best Value New Car and Best Car for Dog Owners awards

The MG ZS has taken the awards for the Best Value New Car and Best Car for Dog Owners at this year’s Auto Trader New Car Awards.

The ZS, which has also taken first place at the New Car of the Year event, beat every other strong competitor at the New Car Awards. The vehicle also managed to scoop the award for the Best Car for Dog Owners ahead of the Toyota RAV4 and Dacia Duster.

What is special about this event is that the winners are determined by genuine car owners who voted in 19 of this year’s 21 categories. There were about 148,000 car owners who took part in the judging process between September 2020 and April 2021, helping to provide the industry with feedback about the vehicle’s quality, features, and performance rates.

This all means that MG’s victory was based on completely honest opinions of owners and brand enthusiasts.

SEE ALSO: McLaren presents Elva Roadster with a windshield

As it comes to the evaluation process, consumers were asked to rate their vehicles across 16 different criteria, ranging from overall satisfaction through design and utility features to tech advancements and capabilities.

Winners of the awards will be promoted across Auto Trader, one of the largest marketplaces in the world.

MG currently offers six models, including three plug-in cars – the MG ZS EV, MG5 EV, and MG HS Plug-in Hybrid, all backed up by MG’s 7-year warranty and fast-developing dealer network.

June 1, 2021
McLaren presents Elva Roadster with a windshield

McLaren Automotive is about to unveil a production windscreen version of the Elva roadster. Especially designed for customers who prefer a physical screen rather than a barrier of air, the vehicle also comes with numerous advanced technologies.

Super-lightweight and extremely powerful, the Elva delivers the ultimate connection between a driver, the road and the elements. Created to celebrate the pure joy of driving, it’s one of the most distinctive – and exclusive – cars we have made. Roofless and without windows, whether you opt for the screenless model with its sophisticated AAMS technology that provides an invisible barrier of air, or the windscreen version with an additional level of enclosure, this is a roadster that rewards owners with the most exhilarating of open-air driving experiences, delivered as only a McLaren can.
Mike Flewitt, Chief Executive Officer, McLaren Automotive

The street legal Elva has undergone a comprehensive programme for optimizing its aerodynamics and performance, and takes full advantage of the 815hp twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine.

The performance rates are comparable with these of the McLaren Senna – Elva roadster accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 2.8 seconds and from 0 to 200km/h in 6.8 seconds.

SEE ALSO: CUPRA Formentor e-HYBRID lineup brings excellent performance rates

The Elva lineup pays homage to the McLaren race cars from the 1960s – the fist sportscars designed and raced by Bruce McLaren.

The first examples of the windscreen Elva will be delivered to customers towards the end of this year, following personalisation by McLaren Special Operations.

Source: McLaren

May 27, 2021
CUPRA Formentor e-HYBRID lineup brings excellent performance rates

CUPRA Formentor e-HYBRID SUV coupe offers fleets the opportunity to stand out from the crowd and benefit from a competitive ownership payment plan.

Already available for order, the new Formentor e-HYBRID is available with either a choice of 204hp or 245hp power outputs and both models have a Benefit in Kind (BiK) rating of just 11 percent in year one and 12 percent in years two to five.

Furthermore, the SUV coupe was awarded a five-star safety rating by euro NCAP and comes geared with predictive and adaptive cruise control, lane assist, dynamic road sign display, and high beam assist.

The plug-in hybrid powertrain is mated to a 1.4-liter TSI petrol engine with a 116PS electric motor and 12.8kWh battery pack. Formentor e-HYBRID can cover up to 37 miles (WLTP) on electric power alone and recharged from 0-100% in 3.5 hours with a 3.6kW AC charger.

Formentor e-HYBRID 204PS can be specified with numerous customizable elements and features expressive LED headlights, taillights and dynamic indicators, electric folding door mirrors, three-zone climate control, and keyless entry and start.

SEE ALSO: Genesis marks its European launch with excellent Euro NCAP ratings

Depending on the trim level, the vehicle can also be geared with a digital cockpit, 12” infotainment system with navigation, voice control, Full Link smartphone integration (including wireless Apple CarPlay), four USB-C charging ports and wireless phone charging, 19-inch Exclusive alloy wheels, Nappa leather bucket seats, heated steering wheel, front parking sensors, and a rearview camera.

May 27, 2021
Genesis marks its European launch with excellent Euro NCAP ratings

Genesis has finally launched in the European market, after having gone on sale in South Korea and the US sometime earlier. The first vehicles demonstrated to the European audience is the G80 sedan and GV80 SUV – both have been awarded the highest Euro NCAP safety ratings.

With its comprehensive safety system, the GV80 has managed to score full points for side impact protection, and the G80 is only a point behind. Both vehicles also received a full score for child occupants prevention and ensure all kinds of driver-assistive technologies for smooth and pleasurable driving.

The third-generation Citroën C4 sits confidently in the four-star territory, with its advanced adult occupant protection, pedestrian protection, and safety assistance technologies. Tests have included the AEB front crash prevention system for cars and pedestrians, but not the cyclist functionality that is only offered as an optional add-on.

Michiel van Ratingen, Secretary-General of Euro NCAP says: These remain difficult times for the car industry, with the pandemic and semiconductor shortage presenting big challenges. Still, Genesis has managed to bring two cars to the market which offer excellent, all-around robust safety performance. Citroën chalked up a respectable four-star rating for the new C4 models, but still left us with the impression that with some more careful engineering it could have been much better.

The BMW 4 Series Convertible and 4 Series Coupé also have received the maximum of 5 stars, rated by Euro NCAP in 2019. Tests have been carried over from the 3 Series but, in addition, extra tests have been done to ensure that the safety is at the same 2019 five-star level.

SEE ALSO: Toyota reveals new Highlander Bronze Edition model

The ratings of PHEVs like Škoda Octavia, VW Golf, Renault Captur and Opel Grandland X are extended to cover hybrid or PHEV variants, while those of the BMW X3 and the Opel Corsa now include full electric variants. now include full electric variants.

Source: Genesis

May 27, 2021
Toyota reveals new Highlander Bronze Edition model
The fourth-generation Toyota Highlander comes with a bold and distinctive exterior design and for the 2022 model year also offers new Hybrid engines. Available in front-wheel drive and AWD setup, the Bronze Edition offers elegant styling and premium features.

Furthermore, the vehicle can be specified in Cement or Wind Chill Pearl exterior finish with bronze-colored accents and exclusive 18-inch bronze wheels. Additional details include illuminated bronze door sills, mid-century modern-inspired SofTex-trimmed seats, and unique floor and cargo mats.

Based on the popular Highlander Hybrid XLE grade, standard features also include:
- Hands-free power liftgate
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Digital rearview mirror
- 1500W power outlet
- Puddle lamps with Highlander logo
- In-dash ambient lighting
- Driver seat memory with 10-way power seat
- LED-strip Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
Drivetrain system

2022 Highlander Hybrid Bronze Edition blends an efficient 2.5-liter DOHC four-cylinder power unit with two electric motors. The gas engine adopts a Variable Valve Timing system on the intake camshaft and VVT-i on the exhaust camshaft. There’s also a variable cooling system with electric water pump and electric thermostat and a fully variable oil pump help to further enhance the engine efficiency. This setup offers a manufacturer-estimated 36 combined MPG rating.

SEE ALSO: Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles takes home tree prestigious awards

At the same time, the small battery pack is installed under the rear seats so it does not take up any cargo or passenger space. This means Highlander Hybrid drivers get all the benefits of a hybrid powertrain without sacrificing much-needed cargo room for everyday activities.

Source: Toyota
May 27, 2021
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles takes home tree prestigious awards

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has won three titles at the 2021 Trade Van Driver Awards event. Volkswagen Transporter 6.1 and Volkswagen Crafter were named Van of the Year and Best Large Van respectively while the Best Technical Innovation was won by the Volkswagen City Emergency Braking feature.

Being popular because of its advanced technology and offering excellent residual value, the Transporter 6.1 took the prestigious Van of the Year award home.

The Volkswagen Crafter was honored at the awards as the Best Large Van in 2021. The panel of expert judges concluded that the Crafter offers award-winning comfort, value, and overall performance.

Furthermore, VW Commercial Vehicles took home one more award – Best Technical Innovation for its excellent City Emergency Braking system. This is an innovative technology that helps avoid collisions under hazardous urban conditions, improving drivers’ peace of mind. Offered as standard across the van range, City Emergency Braking helps prevent crashes and improves driver safety.

Matthew Eisenegger, Editor of Trade Van Driver said: “We are delighted to be hosting the Trade Van Driver Awards in 2021, albeit virtually, celebrating the best that the commercial vehicles sector has to offer. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles deservedly took home three coveted awards from this year’s ceremony, which is a credit to the manufacturer and its best-in-class product line.”

SEE ALSO: Jaguar Land Rover and Google will measure the air quality in Dublin

Kate Thompson, Head of Marketing for Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, commented: “We are thrilled to have collected three sought-after accolades at this year’s Trade Van Driver awards. It is a testament to the performance, technology and reputation of our vehicle line-up as one of the best in the industry.”

May 26, 2021
Jaguar Land Rover and Google will measure the air quality in Dublin

Jaguar Land Rover has partnered with Google in order to integrate the latest all-electric Jaguar I-PACE with air quality measuring sensors and Street View mapping technology. This will be the first all-electric Google vehicle to be used to measure the street air quality in Dublin.

The Jaguar I-PACE is geared with specialised mobile air sensors developed by Aclima and has launched in Dublin to capture data over the next 12 months. Google’s scientific research partners will analyse the data and develop maps of street-level air pollution.

Jaguar Land Rover specialists have integrated Google Street View technology into the vehicle, including new roof mountings for the Street View camera, new rear-window glass which allows for wiring and redesigned interior switchgear to incorporate Google Street View controls. Focusing on air quality, the I-PACE offers cabin air ionisation and PM2.5 filtration to enhance occupant comfort and well-being.

Elena Allen, Project Manager for Business Development at Jaguar Land Rover said: The integration of Google Street View technology with the all-electric Jaguar I-PACE is the perfect solution for measuring air quality. We are delighted to support this project as it aligns with our own journey to becoming an electric-first business and achieving net zero carbon by 2039. Partnerships like this are one of the ways we can achieve our sustainability goals and make a positive impact on society.

SEE ALSO: Vauxhall announces first details for the new Movano and Movano-e lineups

Paddy Flynn, Vice President of Geo Operations at Google, said: Air quality is a serious concern, especially for cities, but there is a gap in terms of localised data and insights available to both decision makers and citizens. As part of this project, we’re using technology to capture this important data and make it accessible so that together with Dublin City Council, we can drive solution planning.

May 26, 2021
Vauxhall announces first details for the new Movano and Movano-e lineups

Vauxhall revealed the first images and details of the new Movano and Movano-e lineup. Both models feature class-leading load volume, a wide variety of body styles, seven-seat configuration, and economic yet agile performance rates.

The vehicle is designed to meet the wide-ranging demands of businesses and fleet users and can be specified in panel van, crew cab, and chassis cab version.

Drivetrain system characteristics

The Movano-e

Geared with a 122hp and 260Nm electric motor, Movano-e can further be specified with a choice of either a 37kWh or 70kWh battery, which ranges from 72 to 139 miles, depending on the setup.

The Movano-e’s lithium-ion battery is placed under the floor between the front and rear axle, which contributes to enhanced volume for load, compared to the diesel variants.

The Movano

The all-new diesel lineup comes with an advanced 2.2-liter unit and can be specified with either 120hp or 165hp output, and torque figures of between 300Nm and 370Nm. All versions are mated to a six-speed manual gearbox.

Safety features and equipment

All-New Movano and Movano-e benefit from VauxhallConnect and the MyVauxhall app. On the Movano-e, the MyVauxhall app allows access to useful information such as nearby charging stations, while VauxhallConnect gives drivers access to features such as current charge status. On all versions of All-New Movano, LIVE Navigation provides online traffic information in real time

SEE ALSO: Bentley reveals first details for the new Bentayga S

All-New Movano and Movano-e are also available with a range of key safety features designed to protect both occupants and other road users. Depending on trim level the systems include forward collision alert, blind spot warning, lane departure warning and Hill Descent Control, which takes into account the extra length of a trailer when warning drivers about objects in their blindspot.

May 26, 2021
Bentley reveals first details for the new Bentayga S

Bentley has announced details for the new Bentayga S. With its elegant and yet aggressive design and unique details, the new family member is specially designed to meet the needs of even the most demanding clients.

Based on Bentley’s established S brand, the new Bentayga offers more output via Bentley Dynamic Ride active anti-roll control. New Bentayga S also features a revised exterior design language via neat and exclusive black details, and some aggressive roar, thanks to the newly designed and free-flowing sports exhaust system.

In terms of exterior, Bentayga S is characterized by a range of distinctive elements like the new 22-inch wheels, three exclusive finishes, dedicated badges, and some proportion enhancements – larger rear spoiler, gloss black side sills, and lower bumpers. Inside the vehicle welcomes everyone to a place with a neat seat design, Alcantara-covered components, and an overall cozy and comfortable ambiance.

SEE ALSO: Hyundai is about to unveil IONIQ 5 to the North American audience

Performance rates

New Bentayga S comes with Bentley’s famous 4.0-liter twin-scroll turbocharged V8 engine, combining some neat power and impressive fuel economy. The engine develops 542 bhp (550 PS) and 568 lb.ft. (770 Nm) of torque, with a 0-60 mph (0–100 km/h) time of 4.4 (4.5) seconds and a top speed of 180 mph (290 km/h). This class-leading performance is complemented by a range of 406 miles (654 km), with CO2 emissions of 294 g/km.

Source: Bentley

May 26, 2021
Hyundai is about to unveil IONIQ 5 to the North American audience

Hyundai will showcase the new 2022 IONIQ 5 to the North American audience today. The vehicle comes with advanced technologies, innovative use of interior space and a new global electric platform.

Furthermore, IONIQ 5 showcases progressive design and explores new personalization options, all thanks to the new battery electric platform. The innovative Vehicle-to-Load function allows customers to use their electric devices, including bicycles, scooters and camping equipment out of the vehicle. During the debut, the Hyundai presenters will discuss commitment to electrification, IONIQ 5 design, North American product attributes and other major announcements.

Hyundai’s technology-rich product lineup of cars, SUVs and alternative-powered electric and fuel cell vehicles is backed by Hyundai Assurance— brand’s dedication towards excellent customer service and enhanced quality control. Hyundai vehicles are sold and serviced through more than 820 dealerships nationwide and nearly half of those sold in the U.S. are built at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama.

SEE ALSO: New Nissan Ariya goes for a ride at the Monaco street circuit for its public driving debut

Hyundai Motor America is headquartered in Fountain Valley, California, and is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company of Korea.

Source: Hyundai

May 25, 2021
New Nissan Ariya goes for a ride at the Monaco street circuit for its public driving debut

New Nissan Ariya has made its first public appearance and undertakes a slow drive around the iconic Circuit de Monaco in the French Riviera. The vehicle is beautifully redesigned and demonstrates a seamless design with neat proportions and a menacing stance.

Ariya’s public driving in the streets of Monaco is a great way to witness the capabilities of our e-4ORCE technology. Ariya is the epitome of Nissan’s innovation in electric mobility and this event marks a defining moment in the next chapter of Nissan’s EV journey. said Arnaud Charpentier, Region Vice President, Product Strategy and Pricing, Nissan AMIEO.

The vehicle blends powerful performance and a new EV tech approach. Featuring a unique e-4ORCE drivetrain system and tons of connectivity gadgets, Ariya also impresses with a striking exterior design. It proudly showcases a clean and aggressive face, a straightforward side design, and a compact and muscular rear-end. Blending elegance with a futuristic vision, this new generation of Ariya vehicles will surely manage to impress both brand fans and skeptics.

SEE ALSO: Low-mileage vehicles are confirmed for CCA’s auction at The London Classic Car Show

As it seems, Nissan’s aim is to transfer all its experience and knowledge of EV technologies to the new generation of vehicles and ensure the best price:quality ratio for customers. And what we can say is that the team is doing pretty good in this manner.

Source: Nissan

May 25, 2021