Automobiles Review

Author: Georgi Boychev

World’s first battery swap station starts operation in Beijing

NIO and Sinopec unveiled the NIO Power Swap Station 2.0 and Sinopec’s Chaoying Station in Beijing. This is NIO’s first second-generation battery swap station and also the first under the NIO-Sinopec partnership.

The smart battery swap is enabled by software-defined cloud technology and NIO Power Swap Station 2.0 is the world’s first mass-produced battery swap station that would allow a vehicle to maneuver into the station automatically. Each station includes a total of 239 sensors and four collaborating cloud computer systems that maximize precision.

Sinopec and NIO have also signed a partnership agreement, according to which the two brands will continue to produce materials, smart EV tech, Battery as Services, and other activities in order to contribute to the electrified future of the automobile world.

SEE ALSO: Nissan reveals new 2022 X-Trail lineup

Тhe collaboration between NIO and Sinopec will efficiently consolidate their resources and bring a better charging and swapping experience to EV users. Sinopec’s determination to invest in green energy services will encourage more people to adopt new energy vehicles, According to William Li, founder, chairman, and CEO of NIO.

Source: NIO

April 19, 2021
Vauxhall announces new trim level for its commercial fleet models

Vauxhall introduces the new Griffin Edition model line for its light commercial vehicle models, including Combo, Vivaro, and Movano.

Combo updates

For the exterior Combo Griffin Edition receives 16-inch alloy wheels, metallic paint, and rear parking sensors. For the cabin, the vehicle gets Vauxhall’s Multimedia system with an 8-inch touchscreen, cruise control, and brand’s FlexCargo for improved practicality.

Furthermore, Combo Griffin can be specified in L1H1 body style and with a 1.5-liter Turbo D diesel engine.

Vivaro updates

The Vivaro special edition comes with rear parking sensors, 17-inch alloy wheels, high-beam assist, and automatic windscreen wipers, and body-colored bumpers. The interior of the model comes with Vauxhall’s Multimedia system and a 7-inch touchscreen, cruise control, and FlexCargo.

Vivaro Griffin Edition is also characterized by a standard wheelbase with L1H1 body style and comes with a 1.5-liter 120hp Turbo D diesel engine.

Movano updates

The large Movano comes with rear parking sensors, cruise control, automatic windscreen wipers, and automatic headlights. Buyers also get a digital radio with Bluetooth and a USB connection, and comfortable seats with lumbar support and armrest.

SEE ALSO: Volkswagen announces new ACTIVE trim for several model lines

The Movano Griffin Edition is available in medium wheelbase L2H2 and long-wheelbase L3H2 body styles, with both models featuring a powerful and efficient 2.3-liter (135PS) Turbo D diesel engine.

April 16, 2021
Volkswagen announces new ACTIVE trim for several model lines

VW team revealed details for the new trim level that would add tons of features to many of the brand’s models. The pack is named ACTIVE and sits above Match, SE, Design, and Life equipment lines. This means that it is available with Polo, T-Cross, T-Roc, T-Roc Cabriolet, Golf, and Tiguan.

ACTIVE is designed to enhance the style of these models and add new features. Every trim vary depending on the model it is specified as follows:

For T-Cross the upgrades include a new ‘Galway’ alloy wheel, offered in 15- to 18-inch diameters depending on model; bespoke ACTIVE badging on the ‘B’ pillar, or side fender for the T-Roc Cabriolet; door sills bearing the ACTIVE designation; bespoke ‘ACTIVE’ seat cloth and ACTIVE logo light projection from beneath the door mirrors on the majority of models.

Polo receives Discover media; winter pack; climate control; and carpet mats.

The T-Roc ACTIVE lineup grants buyers with standard-fit Discover navigation, a winter pack (including heated seats), front fog lights, privacy glass, and an electrically operated tailgate. T-Roc Cabriolet ACTIVE gains front fog lights, a winter pack (including heated seats), and keyless entry.

SEE ALSO: New Kuro Limited edition joins the 2021 Mazda6 lineup

The popular Golf also benefits greatly from the ACTIVE trim level and will offer a selection of high-value extras including heated front seats, climate control, 30-colour ambient lighting, and carpet mats front and rear, a winter pack (including heated front seats and heated steering wheel), driver profile, the keyless entry including the addition of an electric tailgate, electric folding door mirrors; and ambient lighting.

Source: Volkswagen

April 16, 2021
New Kuro Limited edition joins the 2021 Mazda6 lineup

New Mazda6 Kuro Edition arrives in dealerships this month and will bring some visual changes to the lineup, along with some neat tech features. Limited to only 100 units, the Kuro Edition line comes exclusively with 165hp 2.0-litre Skyactiv-G petrol engine, reversing camera, 11-speaker Bose audio system, heated steering and signature LED running lights.

Now, exclusively petrol-based, the 2021 Mazda6 lineup features seven more models outside the Kuro line: there are four Saloons and three Tourers. All of these are geared with a 145ps Skyactiv-G petrol unit, the Saloon and Tourer can be specified with either automatic or manual gearbox.

The flagship of the lineup remains the 2021 Mazda6 GT Sport. Powered by a 2.5-liter 194ps Skyactiv-G engine, the vehicle features a special grille design and many exterior exclusive features, while the interior is characterized by Brown Nappa leather, front seat ventilation and heated outer rear seats. Other exclusive features include real Japanese Sen wood, unique steering wheel stitching and numerous driver-assistance features.

SEE ALSO: Bentley presents a limited run of Continental GT for the Japanese market

Also, across all models in the lineup, including the new Kuro Edition, Mazda has included Apple CarPlay as a standard feature, and all vehicles can optionally be specified with Polymetal Grey.

Source: Mazda

April 16, 2021
Bentley presents a limited run of Continental GT for the Japanese market

Bentley Mulliner has added to a new model to its expanding Collections lineup. This time the vehicle is a handcrafted limited edition exclusively created for the Japanese market – the Continental GT V8 Equinox Edition. Based around a monochrome black color theme with silver and white accents, the Equinox is both elegant and muscular. Strictly limited to only ten units, the Equinox Edition has a lot to show.

Exterior design

The exterior styling showcases a powerful stance with contrasting monotone styling that accentuates the dynamic and powerful look of the Continental GT. Each of the 10 vehicles can be specified with Black Onyx or Glacier White exterior paint details and the power line that goes through the profile of the vehicle and ends at the rear.

Furthermore, the aerodynamic body is completed by a Styling Specification pack that brings exclusive front splitter, rear diffuser, boot lip spoiler and side sills branded with metal Bentley wing inlays. The exterior design is then finished off with exclusive 22-inch Mulliner Driving Specification wheels finished in dark metallic Tungsten color.

Interior design

The monochrome color concept continues into the cabin and creates a blend of traditional and modern details that contribute to that elegant and yet sporty feel of the cabin.

There’s contrast stitching in silver to the seats and seat edge panels that complements the Beluga main hide. There’s also contrast stitching applied to the seats and steering wheel and elegant dual-finish veneers with Piano Monbeam over Grand Black.

SEE ALSO: Another award for Kia team! Sorento is named Best Family Car by PARENTS

The interior also features mood lighting and illuminated sill plates, refined silver accents and diamond quilted seats and deep pile Mulliner floor mats.

Drivetrain system

Under the bonnet of the Continental GT V8 Equinox Edition is Bentley’s signature twin-turbo V8 engine. This is a new generation 4.0-litre, 32-valve unit that generates a total of 542hp and 568lb-ft of torque. It also features dual twin-scroll turbochargers located inside the V of the engine that altogether result in a top speed of 318km/h and 0-100 acceleration in 3.9 seconds.

The performance is complemented by refined efficiency, stemming partly from the ability of the engine to deactivate four of the cylinders in suitable conditions. The change happens in mere 20 milliseconds and happens unnoticeably.

Source: Bentley

April 16, 2021
Another award for Kia team! Sorento is named Best Family Car by PARENTS

Kia Sorento is the winner at this year’s PARENTS Magazine Best Family Cars event. PARENTS remains the leading source for modern families and the jury select winners based on high-tech performance, safety, and convenience.

New 2021 Sorento managed to stand out from the other entries with its enhanced safety features and especially the Advanced Driver Assistance suite that gives even more control and convenience to passengers.

PARENTS jury tested more than 50 vehicles that aced the industry’s most demanding safety tests. In the end, there were 24 models that passed the examinations and were worthy of the final recognition However, Sorento managed to beat all the competition and became the leader in the event.

We’re honored to see the best-selling Sorento awarded for its safety technology, smooth ride, and stylish exterior, said Sean Yoon, president, and CEO of Kia Motors North America. Our diverse lineup appeals to a wide range of buyers, and we’re excited to see one of our three-row vehicles recognized as the best buy for families.

SEE ALSO: Business Motoring Awards jury names Kia Niro the winner in this year’s event

Kia Motors America continues to impress both brand enthusiasts and critics with its advanced vehicles and new technological solutions. Kia cars are often the winners of many demanding evaluations and the Kia team is also the “Official Autmotive Partner” of the NBA and offers a wide range of models through a network of more than 750 dealers in the US alone.

April 15, 2021
Business Motoring Awards jury names Kia Niro the winner in this year’s event

The advanced Kia Niro lineup has managed to take two top spots at the Business Motoring Awards 2021. Popular with customers and businesses, the E-Niro is crowned Best Company Car, while Niro is named Best Hybrid.

The Business Motoring Awards search for the vehicles that best serve the fleet and SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) and evaluate each entry thoroughly by an independent jury of experts.

The Niro lineup is created to provide more solutions to our sustainable future and ensure that the vehicles of tomorrow will not only be of great overall quality but will also be capable of delivering more without harming the environment.

In this year’s edition, the Best Company Car category was dominated by the e-Niro model that comes with a choice of two battery variants – 64 and 39kWh, and up to 282 miles on a single charge. Also, the jury was impressed with model’s extended list of standard features and the overall high build quality.

SEE ALSO: What Car? has named Hyundai Ioniq as the most reliable car in a comprehensive survey

With the combination of tax benefits and long-range, the e-Niro is a real game-changer for businesses looking to electrify their fleets. Equipment levels are good and it offers smooth performance, but range really is key for fleet and this car delivers, said Chris Wright, Managing Editor at Business Motoring

April 15, 2021
What Car? has named Hyundai Ioniq as the most reliable car in a comprehensive survey

What Car? team analyzed more than 745,000 anonymous MOT records in order to find out more about the vehicles that receive the best rating and those who receive mainly negative feedback. Models aged from 3 to 8 years old and with a sample size of at least 100 vehicles were included in the research.

As it seems, the Hyundai Ioniq lineup receives the highest overall MOT pass rate at 96.18%. Another hybrid vehicle is also close to the Ioniq lineup in terms of reliability and quality – the BMW i8 with an impressive 95.97%.

The list is dominated mainly by Korean, Japanese, and German machines, but there are also some notable mentions – Jaguar F-Type (2013-present) is the highest-rated British vehicle, in 14^th place with an MOT rate of 90.83%. Also, Tesla’s Model S is the highest-ranking pure electric vehicle in 26^th place and with a rate of 89.94%.

Along with the premium vehicles that made it to the top 50, there are also some more affordable models that have also a place in the prestigious list – in top 50 are also Peugeot 108 and Toyota Aygo.

What Car? has also ranked the bottom brands for the MOT pass rate. For example, Ssangyong has the lowest MOT pass record with 76.98%.

SEE ALSO: 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid earns one more prestigious award

One of the first things used buyers do is check a vehicle’s MOT record to see how well it’s been maintained and if it’s suffered lots of faults. Our extensive study reveals the models with the best MOT pass rates, ranging from large SUVs to city cars. Buyers can use it to help them choose the most dependable models. Although the top 50 list contains several prestige cars, that tend to have lower mileage and immaculate service records, it’s reassuring to find some budget and family cars in the mix. Steve Huntingford, editor of What Car?

April 15, 2021
2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid earns one more prestigious award

Good Housekeeping recognized the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid as Best Hybrid Minivan, marking the fourth consecutive honor from Hood Housekeeping for the lineup. In fact, Pacifica remains the most awarded van for the last five years.

The vehicle is one of only 8 Good Housekeeping awarded machines. The jury has managed to conduct hundreds of hours and thousands of miles of testing in order to identify the top hybrid machine out there. Once the contestants were identified, Good Housekeeping team turned to the Car and Driver nominees to compare notes of performance and gain some more insight for the performance and build quality of the evaluated vehicles.

As it comes to the vehicle itself, the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid is the first-ever hybrid minivan to deliver more than 30 miles of all-electric range and a total range of 500 miles. Furthermore, the vehicle features a Stellantis-designed innovative dual-motor eFlite electrically variable transmission paired with a fine-tuned 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 gasoline power unit that contributes to a smooth and rewarding driving experience.

Pacifica Hybrid also comes with an extended list of safety and security features and allows for a child seat in each of the second-row captain’s chairs, plus two additional child seats in the third row. There’s also an advanced 10.1-inch seatback touchscreen where children can watch and stream videos and play 13 built-in video games.

SEE ALSO: Polestar 2 comes with a wide choice of equipment options. Check details here!

This is also the most spacious and versatile plug-in hybrid vehicle, which offers seating capacity for up to seven passengers with second-row captain’s chairs and third-row Stow ’n Go seating.

Source: Chrysler

April 15, 2021
Polestar 2 comes with a wide choice of equipment options

Polestar 2 range is expanding in three new variants. The lineup offers two engines, two battery packs, and curated optional equipment services. Having launched the model in 2020, the Polestar team has received high praise from customers and critics and has managed to win a large number of awards and recognitions.

In terms of design, the vehicle demonstrates refinement and minimalism. The standard equipment includes 19-inch wheels, signature LED light design, signature frameless mirrors, and a new kind of vegan upholstery for all trim levels. Other notable features are the high-performance audio system and the rear parking sensors with a rear-view camera.

Furthermore, the vehicle comes with Polestar 2 hallmarks, an Android Automotive OS-powered infotainment, and an infotainment system with a large central display.

As it comes to the drivetrain system, the three mentioned engine choices are the 408hp dual motor with a large 78kWh battery pack, a front-mounted single motor with a long-range battery, and a 170kW motor, and the smaller standard-range battery with 64kWh and 165kW motor.

Buyers can specify their vehicle with an optional Performance Pack that remains available for the Long Range Dual motor and includes adjustable Öhlins dampers, Brembo brakes, forged 20-inch alloy wheels, and signature ‘Swedish gold’ details inside and out.

Furthermore, the options include Plus and Pilot packs. The first one, the Plus Pack comes with high-level premium equipment like the full-length panoramic glass roof, premium Harman Kardon audio system with 13 speakers, heated steering wheel, heated rear seats and wipers, WeaveTech upholstery, Black Ash deco panels, fully-electric heated front seats with memory, and a new heat pump.

SEE ALSO: Bentley presents new GT Speed Convertible. Check it out!

The Pilot Pack includes enhanced safety and driver assistance features, such as the Pixel LED headlights with LED front fog lights, Driver Assistance with Adaptive Cruise Control and Pilot Assist, a 360-degree surround-view camera, all-round parking sensors, and Driver Awareness including Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with steering support, Cross-Traffic Alert with brake support, and Rear Collision Warning.

Other optional upgrade options include ventilated Nappa leather upholstery (requires Plus Pack), metallic paint, 20-inch alloy wheels, and a semi-electric folding tow bar.

Source: Polestar

April 14, 2021
Volkswagen announces the arrival of new generation of Multivan lineup!

In September 1985, VW unveiled a new version of the T3 van: the Multivan. This was quite an unprecedented model because it managed to blend numerous functions in a single machine – this could simultaneously be a passenger car, MPV, and a camper. Smartly conceived like an automotive tool, the van managed to blend the functional DNA of vans with the elegance of a light vehicle.

Now, VW will try to do something similar and bring us a van with the DNA of the original Multivan. Later this year, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles will unveil the new Multivan vehicle and will try to breathe a new spark of life in the legendary lineup. The goal for engineers is to present a more sustainable, comfortable, and safer vehicle that would also be the most advanced one in terms of technology.

The VW team has already gained tons of experience in the segment with the Transporter, Caddy, Crafter, and Amarok models, so we expect that the new generation of Multivan will be as flexible and reliable as all other models in the segment. Something more, VWCV is also the lead brand for autonomous driving and the provider of such services, so we expect that the new Multivan will be geared with the latest and greatest tech concepts.

SEE ALSO: Bentley presents new GT Speed Convertible. Check it out!

Hopefully, this vehicle will help us build a cleaner and more intelligent future for us all. Stick with us for further details!

Source: Volkswagen

April 14, 2021
Bentley presents new GT Speed Convertible. Check it out!

Bentley Motors reveals a new flagship version of the open-top Grand Tourer – the Continental GT Speed Convertible. This is a performance-oriented sibling of the beloved Grand Tourer and features the most powerful and driver-focused drivetrain system in the lineup.

The third-generation Continental GT Speed Convertible comes with Bentley’s renowned 6.0-liter W12 TSI power unit, delivering a total of 650hp and accelerating from 0 to 100km/h in 3.6 seconds. The top speed of the vehicle is 335km/h.

Furthermore, designed and crafted with speed and high-performance in mind, the GT Speed Convertible features an AWD system with an electronic rear differential and optional carbon-ceramic brakes. Talking about the drivetrain, the vehicle is also optimized for cornering and ensures extra grip, thanks to the fine-tuning and the capabilities of the selectable driving modes – BENTLEY, COMFORT, and SPORT.

In terms of design, the vehicle manages to blend modern elegance and performance-ready stance. The bold presence is further enhanced with numerous exclusive details. Such include the Dark Tint radiator grille and lower bumper design, blended with Speed Sports Sills, Dark Tint radiator, and elegant Speed badging on the front fender. Furthermore, the 22-inch Speed wheels match perfectly the Dark Tint color scheme and complete the neat exterior design.

SEE ALSO: 2021 SKODA Kodiaq: an overview of the contemporary SUV

As it comes to the interior design, GT Speed Convertible features an Alcantara sports steering wheel and refined details that altogether complete the neat interior ambiance. Every single detail looks seamlessly integrated into the cabin and further enhances the sense of luxury and comfort.

Source: Bentley

April 14, 2021