Automobiles Review

Author: Georgi Boychev

  • Hyundai Kona receives a TopGear award! Check it out!

    2020 Kona ElectricKona Electric has been recognized as the Best Small Family Car in the TopGear Electric Awards after it completed a daunting 1,600km road trip across 9 European countries. Hyundai Motor’s fully electric SUV was not only praised for its efficiency and long-distance endurance, but also for its smooth and effortless performance and overall road behavior.

    The 24-hour-long drive took place in December 2019, with BBC TopGear magazine’s Editor-in-Chief Charlie Turner using the European rapid charger network in order to supply the Kona Electric with 316kWh of electricity, choosing to charge 80 percent in order to maximize the driving time. In total 9 countries were visited with the trip starting in the Czech Republic and the journey passed through Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Lichtenstein, France, Luxembourg, Belgium, and Holland.

    SEE ALSO: New Renault ZOE wins a prestigious award! Details here!

    It seems as the team has put some effort and desire in order to deliver us a reliable vehicle, which not only features an advanced electric drivetrain system but also lures customers with its advanced driver-focused technologies, next-gen active and passive safety features and user-friendly infotainment systems.

    Source: Hyundai 

     

     

  • New Renault ZOE wins a prestigious award! Details here!

    2020 Renault ZOEThe new Renault ZOE has been awarded the Best Supermini Award by TopGear magazine in its latest dedication Electric Awards issue. This most recent recognition marks the eighth win for the latest Renault all-electric vehicle despite only being available since the beginning of 2020.

    New ZOE follows Renault’s win as Best Manufacturer and still brings pride for its creates with the City Car of the Year in its annual TopGear.com awards, with the zero-emissions-in-use model praised for its range and advanced technologies.

    The award follows the prestigious wins from WhatCar?, Driving Electric and the Great British Fleet Awards, recognizing new ZOE’s all-round facets. Furthermore, this multiple award-winning electric mini is created with the intention in mind to adapt to a range of driving situations with ease and elegance, endure a long mile coverage with a single charge and adapt to driver’s own preferences.

    2020 Renault ZOE

    New ZOE features a class-leading 245-mile range and can be used for much more rather than running around the city with its powerful 52kWh battery pack. New ZOE is also available with 50kWh DC fast charging capability, meaning 90 miles or range can be added in mere 30 minutes, while the free and fully installed 7kWh home wallbox means customers benefit from easy and convenient charging at home with no additional cost.

    SEE ALSO: 2020 Subaru Impreza takes home a prestigious award – details here!

    Additionally, new ZOE is super user-friendly with its revised and more comfortable interior which features a fully customizable 10-inch TFT instrumental cluster and Renault’s EASY LINK 9.3-inch portrait touchscreen infotainment system. There’s also a suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems that deliver added convenience and safety, while the premium interior components contribute to that futuristic and comfortable ambiance.

    2020 Renault ZOE

    Already available, new ZOE can be specified with a choice of R135 100kW or R110 80kW motors. Neat!

    Source: Renault

  • Hyundai celebrates Earth Day with K-pop legends BTS

    2020 Hyundai Earth DayHyundai Motor Company is commemorating Earth Day with a new film as a part of its Global Hydrogen Campaign with the global K-pop band BTS.

    The new film features numerous sceneries with BTS members each of which highlights a beautiful element of the great nature that we must treasure – such are “emerald ocean”, “pure-white”, “sky”, “sun-kissed”, “crystalline raindrops”, “starlit”, and “woody fresh”. Hyundai’s flagship fuel cell electric vehicle NEXO appears at the end of the video, presenting the brand’s vision of hydrogen energy as the positive and clean energy for a brighter and cleaner future.

    The film reaffirms Hyundai’s ongoing commitment to a sustainable future while serving as a reminder to keep our planet clean and not take for granted all the remarkable gifts of nature. There are two versions – a 60- and a 120-second one. Each one has premiered on brand’s official YouTube channel on April 22 in order to honor Earth Day and will air as TV commercials on major networks around the world over the next few weeks.

    BTS has been promoting sustainable mobility as the Global Brand Ambassador for Hyundai Motor under the slogan #BecauseofYou and has aided Hyundai spread its messages not only with millennials but also to a wider audience in general.

    SEE ALSO: 2020 Subaru Impreza takes home a prestigious award – details here!

    Earth Day is observed on April 22 every year with numerous events taking place around the world in support of the environment which also includes shutting down lights in major cities. Last year, in 2019, Hyundai Motor worked with the Seoul Metropolitan Library during the city’s lights off event.

    2020 Hyundai Earth Day

    2020 Hyundai Eath Day Celebration
    2020 Hyundai Eath Day Celebration
    2020 Hyundai Eath Day Celebration
    2020 Hyundai Eath Day Celebration
    2020 Hyundai Eath Day Celebration
    2020 Hyundai Eath Day Celebration

    Source: Hyundai 

  • 2020 Subaru Impreza takes home a prestigious award – details here!

    2020 Subaru ImprezaSubaru of America, Inc. announced the 2020 Subaru Impreza was one of the five vehicles that earned the title Best Car for Teen Drivers awarded by PARENTS. The jury made its decision based on the Impreza Sedan and the 5-Door receiving a 5-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA. Also, the magazine was impressed by Imprezza’s roominess, which could make it an appealing car for the teen driver’s needs.

    2020 Subaru Impreza is the only vehicle in the segment that is offered with an AWD system for all trim levels. Something more, it is the only automobile to offer the impressive 55.3cu.ft. of carrying space, rivaling even some of the small SUVs. Parents also include the 2020 Ascent SUV, Crosstrek Hybrid, Forester SUV and Legacy sedan in its prestigious 20 Best Family Cars of 2020 list. Sweet!

    However, let’s get back to the Impreza, shall we? The vehicle is geared with Lineartronic CVT and EyeSight Driver Assist Technology suite which includes Automatic Pre-Collision Braking and Throttle Management, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure, and Sway Warning systems as well as Lead Vehicle Start Alert.

    SEE ALSO: Hyundai unveils new Veloster N. Here are details!

    Also new for the 2020 model year is the inclusion of Rear Seat Reminder. This is a system specially designed to prevent child and/or pet entrapment by alerting the driver to check the rear seat before exiting the automobile. Automatic door locks were also added for the 2020 model lineup. Other fresh standard features include front-seat side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags, a driver’s knee airbag and a rear vision camera with steering line display.

    2020 Subaru Impreza

    Source: Subaru

  • Hyundai unveils new Veloster N. Here are details!

    2020 Hyundai Veloster NHyundai Motor Company unveiled the newly upgraded Veloster N. Geared with an updated N 8-speed wet dual-clutch gearbox (N DCT), the 2020 model is engineered and designed in order to deliver an enhanced pleasure of driving. Let’s check out more, shall we?

    Hyundai developed the N DCT in order to provide an engaging experience of the manual gearbox with the convenience of an automatic system. With N DCT, the new Veloster N can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in a mere 5.6 seconds. Furthermore, N DCT is geared with electronic actuators that operate the double-clutch, providing comfort, fuel efficiency and driving fun. In fact, unlike the dry double-clutch gearbox, the wet N DCT uses oil in order to improve lubrication and cooling performance, which is typical of higher torque applications.

    Additionally, N Power Shift engages when the vehicle accelerates with more than 90 percent of throttle, therefore mitigating any reduction in torque by using upshifts in order to deliver optimal power to the wheels. This gives the driver a responsive feeling of dynamics when shifting.

    Also, along with numerous more features such as Rev Matching, Launch Control and Overboost, Veloster N is optimized to sense driver’s driving style and therefore adjust to in and optimize shift points. For example, if the vehicle is going downhill, it will use engine brake to reduce the risk of overheating the disc brakes. Should the driver push the car on a racetrack, it will use the full spectrum of available engine revolutions in order to maximize performance.

    SEE ALSO: TFLtruck names Ram and Jeep winners of Gold Winch Awards!

    Additionally, Veloster N comes with Hyundai SmartSense safety technologies which include Front Collision-Avoidance Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Lane Following Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, High Bea Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning.

    2020 Hyundai Veloster N

    Source: Hyundai 

  • TFLtruck names Ram and Jeep winners of Gold Winch Awards!

    2020 Jeep GladiatorThe Fast-Lane Truck (TFLtruck) has named two FCA vehicles as winners of the 2020 Gold Winch Awards. The first is the 2020 Jeep Gladiator, which has earned the Gold Winch award as the Best Mid-Size Off-Road truck of the year. The second vehicle is the 2020 Ram Power Wagon and it has managed to earn Gold Winch awards as the Best Heavy Duty Off-Road truck of the year.

    For Gold Winch Evaluations, TFLtruck’s editors tested vehicle on demanding paths in Colorado, reaching high elevations with terrain that varies from loose gravel to rocks and snow. The Gladiator’s overall performance on-road and off-road was so smooth and flawless that it has managed to impress all of the jury members.

    SEE ALSO: Honda is recognized as Best Value Brand – details here!

    Judges have also recognized Power Wagon’s off-road capabilities and equipment. Especially notable were the special suspension system, the 2-ich factory lift, locking front and rear differentials, disconnecting front sway bar and the 12,000lb winch. After the votes were counted, 2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon and 2020 Ram Power Wagon were determined to be the winners of each respective segment.

    2020 RAM Power Wagon

    Neat!

    Source: FCA US LLC

  • Honda is recognized as Best Value Brand – details here!

    2020 Honda CR-V HybridFor a sixth consecutive year, Honda has been chosen as America’s “Best Value Brand” in Kelley Blue Book’s Brand Image Awards, which recognizes automobile manufacturer’s success in fostering and retaining brand attributes that customers appreciate and pay attention to. In awarding its “Best Value Brand” award for 2020, Kelley Blue Book recognized Honda for its quality, reliability, durability and overall advanced technologies that the brand incorporates in its vehicles.

    The 2020 Brand Image Awards are based on consumer automotive perception data from Kelley Blue Books’ Brand Watch study. This Brand Watch is an online brand and model perception tracking study, which taps into more than 12,000 in-market new-vehicle shoppers annually on KBB.com, and offers insight into how shoppers perceive important factors driving their purchase decisions, including capturing brand and model familiarity and loyalty among new-car shoppers.

    SEE ALSO: VW Tiguan – brand’s bestseller breaks the 6 million units barrier

    As it comes to Honda, the prominent manufacturer offers a full line of reliable fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive vehicles with advanced safety technologies sold over 1,000 independent US dealers. Brand’s portfolio includes the famous Fit, Civic, Insight and Accord passenger cars, all along with HR-V, CR-V, Passport and Pilot SUVs. Honda’s electrified lineup includes Insight hybrid-electric sedan, Accord Hybrid, CR-V Hybrid and the Clarity series.

    Source: Honda 

  • VW Tiguan – brand’s bestseller breaks the 6 million units barrier

    2020 Volkswagen Tiguan

    In spring 2020, Volkswagen Tiguan broke the production barrier of six million units, with 910,926 produced in 2019 alone. These statistics make the model the best-selling in the entire Volkswagen portfolio. This success is also based on vehicle’s worldwide availability – being present in 80 percent of the countries in the world, Tiguan is produced in four tie zones across three continents. On average, the Volkswagen rolls out a new Tiguan vehicle in every 35 seconds. Neat!

    The world debut of the first generation of Tiguan took place at the Frankfurt International Motor Show back in 2007. Since this glorious moment, the lineup has enjoyed a meteoric rise. A year later, in 2008, VW has already manufactured more than 150,000 units, making it the most successful SUV in Germany from a standing start. Some years later, in 2011 a new and significantly updated version was unveiled and it also marked a resounding success: the annual volume broke the 500,000 units barrier for the first time.

    Then the second generation Tiguan arrived in April 2016. This new vehicle was based on the Modular Transvere Toolkit (MQB), which allows for an authentic and muscular exterior design. The interior has also undergone some considerable changes and now is roomier thanks to the longer wheelbase. The production was revamped again in 2017 with the debut of the Tiguan XL, whose wheelbase was expanded to 4.3 inches and allowed for a total of seven seats. This new version gave another boost to production.

    Currently, Tiguan is manufactured at four Volkswagen plants across four time zones, thus ensuring almost around-the-clock production. The normal wheelbase version is manufactured at VW’s main plant in Wolfsburg, Germany, for markets in Europe, Africa, Asia and Oceania. The Kaluga plant, 104 miles south-west of Moscow, produces the NWB vehicles for the Russian market and for neighboring Central Asian countries. In Shanghai VW produces the LWB Tiguan L for the Chinese market. In the Mexican city of Puebla, the LWB version of the Tiguan are produced for North and South America and for some countries in Europe, Africa, Asia and Oceania.

    SEE ALSO: SKODA reveals first details of new Octavia lineup!

    The entire Tiguan lineup has developed into one of the most successful SUVs in the world and as it seems, Volkswagen team is only starting to unleash the potential of the model!

  • SKODA reveals first details of new Octavia lineup!

    2020 SKODA Octavia2020 marks the arrival of the fourth-generation Octavia – a fully revised model that is set to continue its role as the main driving force at the heart of SKODA. Ahead of its debut, the Czech manufacturer releases a new set of images and some details about the new family member. Let’s find out more, shall we?

    Just like its practical sibling, the new Octavia hatch is bigger and wider and comes with an extended list of technology features. In addition to the ample space and advanced safety technologies, the vehicle also has a larger boot and reveals SKODA’s latest design concept.

    New Octavia is 19mm longer and 15mm wider than its predecessor, while the boot volume is increased by 10 liters to a total of 600 liters. The front apron and the razor-sharp and narrow headlights feature new LED technology for both low and high beam. Furthermore, the vehicle features exclusive alloy wheels up to 19 inches that give the Octavia hatch a powerful appearance. Additionally, customers can specify their vehicle with Crystal Black, Petrol Blue, and Titan Blue body finishes – these are the newly added colors to the already rich palette.

    2020 SKODA Octavia

    In terms of interior, new Octavia offers a new two-spoke steering wheel that can be heated as an option. It comes with tons of controls and buttons, all along with knurled scroll wheels which allow drivers to operate a total of 14 different functions without removing their hands. Additionally, the modular dashboard has been revised and now is larger and offers even more functions. At the same time, the central console is upgraded with some chrome details – as are the new door trims and handles. New and soft materials lend the interior a premium look, which is further enhanced with new LED ambient lightning, which indirectly illuminates the front doors, dashboard, and footwells.

    SEE ALSO: Lotus reveals details of new Evija via a digital configurator – check it out!

    The entire Octavia range mimics this of the estate and is offered in three special First Edition trim levels, each with three engine options.

    2020 SKODA Octavia

    Stick with us for further details!

    2020 SKODA Octavia
    2020 SKODA Octavia
    2020 SKODA Octavia
    2020 SKODA Octavia
    2020 SKODA Octavia
    2020 SKODA Octavia
    2020 SKODA Octavia
    2020 SKODA Octavia
    2020 SKODA Octavia
    2020 SKODA Octavia
    2020 SKODA Octavia
    2020 SKODA Octavia

    Source: SKODA 

  • Lotus reveals details of new Evija via a digital configurator – check it out!

    2020 Lotus Evija Digital ConfiguratorAs the Evija moves closer to massive production, Lotus team has revealed how buyers of the all-electric hypercar can specify their own vehicle.

    The exclusive vehicle features tons of customizable options and offers the chance to become a completely unique automobile, thanks to Lotus’ personalization program. The 2,000hp two-seater can be specified with exclusive exterior components and finishes, neat interior touches and changes, all along with some drivetrain exclusive specifications.

    Production of the Evija will start later in 2020 and the first year’s allocation is already designed to customers all around the world. The starting point of every cars’ specs is the all-new touch-screen setup. It is designed exclusively for this Lotus lineup and features ultra-sharp graphics that provide the occupants with photo-realistic images and animations. Such features allow the customers to build and personalize their own car form the ground up and visualize it from every angle inside and out. Sweet!

    2020 Lotus Evija Digital Configurator

    Furthermore, thanks to the advanced imaging technique, known as ray-tracing, buyers can even place their Evija into numerous environments around the world in order to see how the local sunlight levels affect the expression of the machine. How cool is that?

    In fact, Lotus has released some images of new Evija captured from the configurator – they show a car set inside the Lotus Design studios at Hethel, UK, brand’s global home since 1966.

    SEE ALSO: Buggati’s jewel: the most expensive vehicle in the world!

    This configurator is merely one element of the entire Evija experience. At regular intervals during the purchase process, each customer will receive some gifts and tons of additional goodies that accompany the elegant and super-exclusive Evija.

    2020 Lotus Evija Digital Configurator

    Stick with us for further details!

    2020 Lotus Evija Digital Configurator
    2020 Lotus Evija Digital Configurator
    2020 Lotus Evija Digital Configurator
    2020 Lotus Evija Digital Configurator
    2020 Lotus Evija Digital Configurator
    2020 Lotus Evija Digital Configurator
    2020 Lotus Evija Digital Configurator
    2020 Lotus Evija Digital Configurator
    2020 Lotus Evija Digital Configurator
    2020 Lotus Evija Digital Configurator

    Source: Lotus 

  • Lexus named Best Brand by Driver Power 2020. Details here!

    2020 LexusLexus has been named Britain’s best car maker for the fourth year running in the Driver Power brands survey, published in Auto Express. The findings come as numerous drivers rated their cars in Britain’s most comprehensive ownership survey.

    These same owners claim that there’s no other manufacturer and brand that delivers as reliable cars s Lexus’ cars are. Not only customers like their design and overall expression both inside and out, but also express their satisfaction with machine’s performance capabilities and overall technological advancements.

    As it seems, closely mirroring the Driver Power New Car survey revealed last week, the Asian brands completely dominate the upper echelons of the survey. Kia, for example, has managed to take the second place, narrowly missed out on the first place, and was followed by Subaru and Mazda. Honda and Toyota are also present in the top 10, all along with some European entries: Skoda, Peugeot, Alfa Romeo and Volvo.

    As it seems, Lexus continues its confident journey through the ranks and recently has proven itself to be worthy of all the awards and recognitions the team has received. We are eager what else is there for us in the future from such a prominent automaker as Lexus!

    SEE ALSO: Four Subaru models earn a Best Family Car award by Parents magazine!

    The Driver Power 2020 top 10 brands:
    Lexus
    Kia
    Subaru
    Mazda
    Skoda
    Toyota
    Honda
    Peugeot
    Alfa Romeo
    Volvo

  • Four Subaru models earn a Best Family Car award by Parents magazine!

    2020 Subaru Ascent LimitedSubaru of America, Inc. announced that the 2020 Ascent, Crosstrek Hybrid, Forester and Legacy models have managed to earn a top spot on Parents 20 Best Family Cars of 2020 list. This prestigious recognition is based on NHTSA crash-test results, along with the magazine’s own evaluations form a certified child passenger safety technician and road tester. In order to be present in the list, a vehicle should have already received a 5-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

    2020 Subaru Legacy Limited

    Parents team has also relied on Abbie Patterson’s aid, a certified child passenger safety technician, owner of consulting company Super Car Seat Geek. Patterson and his fellow teammates have tested the installations of the infant-sized seats, convertible seats, harnessed booster, backless booster, and numerous more features and mechanisms in order to ensure that everything that has undergone their supervision is of top-notch quality. The vehicles have also undergone braking, steering, acceleration and user tech capability test as well.

    2020 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

    With safety as a top priority, the four models, Ascent, Crosstrek Hybrid, Forester and Legacy, come with Subaru EyeSight Diver Assist Technology as a standard feature. This suite includes Automatic Pre-Collision Braking and Throttle Management, Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Departure with Sway Warning. Sweet!

    SEE ALSO: New Volvo XC90: a quick overview of the Best Luxury Car by Parents magazine

    In fact, Subaru brand tied for most IIHS awards earned by an individual brand for 2020, which includes 2020 Ascent, Crosstrek Hybrid, Forester and Legacy. These four models also come with brad’s well-known Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and a high-resolution touchscreen multimedia system with smartphone integration provided by Apple CarPlay and Android auto. Neat!

    2020 Subaru Forester Touring

    Source: Subaru