Automobiles Review

Author: Georgi Boychev

Kia mark its best-ever third quarter sales performance in company history

Kia announced its September sales of 52,906 units, led by Forte and Telluride models. These two accelerated Kia to its best-ever third-quarter sales in company history for a total of 177,014 units sold.

This result makes Kia’s highest ever sales performance for the first nine months of the year – a total of 555,525 units – a nine-percent increase over the previous first three-quarter sales record of 491,764 units.

In September, Kia sold 77-percent of available inventory and saw a marked increase in sales of its hybrid and battery-electric vehicles, with year-over-year sales up more than 81-percent. Telluride realized record September sales with 9,278 units and throughout the month anticipation for the all-new EV6 – Kia’s first dedicated battery electric vehicle – continued to grow with the model expected to arrive at dealerships in early 2022.

Kia sales continued to break records and build upon the momentum seen since the start of the year, despite the ongoing supply chain issues facing the industry, said Eric Watson, vice president, sales operations, Kia America, Our record setting performance in Q3 has reinforced confidence that our positive sales trajectory will continue well into 2022.

In addition to sales, last month saw a number of significant announcements coming from the brand, including:

The third class of Great Unknowns Scholarship recipients was announced, bringing the total number of students receiving the $5,000 yearly scholarship to 45 since the scholarship was established in 2019.

A new 60-second spot highlighting Kia’s electrified future and new brand identity made its debut during the 73RD EMMY® AWARDS on September 19th

The all-new, all-electric EV6 was driven by NBC’s America’s Got Talent Judge Simon Cowell and was featured as part of in-show integrations and season-winner and runner-up prize packages

September 1, 2021
A lucky Aston Martin DB5 undergoes a comprehensive restoration process

Aston Martin specialists, McGurk Performance Cars, has undertaken a full, bare-metal restoration of a 1964 Aston Martin DB5 during the lockdown. The tuning studio’s owner, John McGurk bought the car in March 2020 with the intention of a light restoration on it, but with lockdown meaning nobody could travel to look at it, the project escalated into a full bare metal restoration.

Delivered in 1964 to Aston Martin concessionaire J S Inskip, 64th Street, New York, USA, it left the UK painted in light metallic green with a white gold interior, white wall tyres, a heated screen, Motorola radio, powered aerial and air conditioning.

It lived in the USA until it made its way back to Europe back in the 1980s when it was purchased at auction by Jean-Marie Cousty, a member of the French Aston Martin Owners Club, who enjoyed it for two decades in and around Paris before he sold it in 2000. It left France, going to Holland before later being bought by the Kuwait Royal Family.

McGurk discovered the car in 2020 and brought it back to McGurk Performance Cars’ Warwickshire HQ and say:We could tell it was a very sound and solid car, and we thought it would be a great base for a light restoration. I advertised it for sale as it was and was inundated with people interested in it, but nobody could come and see it because they couldn’t travel during lockdown. By the time it got to June (2020) we decided to strip the car ourselves, get the engine running properly and things escalated from there,” says McGurk.

We’re better known for our sales and servicing of more modern Aston Martins, but with assistance from a few specialists, we’ve completely restored this beautiful, rare, left-hand drive DB5,” says McGurk. While doing so McGurk’s found all the body panels numbered with the 334 chassis number, underlining its originality, while the fitting of a sunroof in 1978 is again obvious thanks to the fitter dating the sheet metal panel. It wears Vantage badging, too, with it having previously been converted to Vantage specification, it having the correct Weber carburettors and revised camshafts to increase the 4.0-litre straight-six engine’s output from 282bhp to 325bhp.

Finding the original parts has been a mission worthy of the DB5’s most famous driver, with things like the original glass headlight covers being particularly tricky to source, McGurk admitting some things caused headaches, but, usefully, the car was virtually complete when it was purchased, maintaining its originality.

SEE ALSO: Ferrari expands its list of after-sales services

Having finished the restoration McGurk’s will showcase it over the next few months and use it as intended, it likely to visit to its one-time Paris home and be enjoyed as it should be on a classic European tour.

You could say we’ve used lockdown productively, says McGurk, who having personally managed the restoration is somewhat reluctant to put it up for sale. “I’m hugely proud of what my team here have achieved with this beautiful DB5, any restoration is a challenge, but to return a car to such immaculate condition while the rest of the world stopped turning is testament to the dedication and passion of all of those involved. I’m looking forward to showing it at various events here at McGurks and beyond, as well as driving it, too, admits McGurk.

Based just a short drive from Junction 12 off the M40 in Kineton, Warwickshire, McGurk Performance Cars is local to Birmingham, and easily reached from London and all over the UK.

September 1, 2021
Mecum Auctions will launch three special events during October, 2021

Mecum Auctions, the large collector and auction company, will host a set of three collector car auctions in October on back-to-back weekends in three cities.

The events come on the heels of some neat accomplishments for the renowned house, during a period of great shows and ample generation of funds.

As a leader in the field of auctioning, the Mecum team will launch a big campaign that will include three standalone auction events held over three consecutive weekends – The first will be held in Las Vegas Oct. 7-9, followed by an auction in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Oct. 15-16 and then one in the Chicago region Oct. 21-23. Each event is expected to see between 600 and 1,000 classic and collector cars for sale.

SEE ALSO: PEUGEOT opens orders for the advanced e-Partner lineup

Whether it’s our TV programming, customer service, online bidding platform, or any number of industry-leading achievements, we at Mecum Auctions have always challenged ourselves to take it to the next level,” Mecum’s Chief Operating Officer Sam Murtaugh said. “We produced auctions last November back-to-back in Las Vegas and Kansas City in the midst of the pandemic, and now our consignment, operations, marketing and most of all, customer experience departments will take on a three-peat this October, and we’re all looking forward to it.

September 1, 2021
PEUGEOT opens orders for the advanced e-Partner lineup

PEUGEOT opens orders for the new e-Partner, the 100 percent electric variant of the award-winning Partner van. Customers are able to choose between a fully electric range of vehicles that can satisfy even the most demanding business needs.

Based on the award-winning PEUGEOT Partner, the new e-Partner is available in Panel Van and Crew Van configurations and also in Standard and Long Body lengths.

The electric lineup features a 50kWh battery that is connected to a 136hp electric motor and can cover a distance of 171 miles with a single charge. Also, drivers can choose between driving modes – Eco, which is perfect for long ranges, Normal, which satisfies the everyday driving needs, and Power, which optimizes the performance for the heaviest of loads.

Julie David, Managing Director, PEUGEOT, UK, said: With order books now open for the new e-Partner, PEUGEOT customers can choose a fully electric van across our entire LCV range. This is a huge achievement for us as a brand, moving us one step closer to our target of offering an electrified variant across our entire passenger car and LCV range by 2025.

SEE ALSO: Volkswagen Jetta: a quick overview of 7 generations of convenience

Also, the new e-Partner is available with Professional Premium and Asphalt Premium trim levels from launch. Both packs include PEUGEOT’s Multi-Flex modular folding passenger bench seat, a pivoting writing table and a load-through bulkhead. Drivers also get an alarm, air conditioning, cruise control with a variable speed limiter, as well as an eight-inch capacitive touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard.

August 31, 2021
Volkswagen Jetta: a quick overview of 7 generations of convenience

For seven generations the Volkswagen Jetta has delivered a neat mix of European handling and a four-door convenience in a single package. The model is so popular that about 18 million units are sold globally and about 3.2 are sold in the US. As the latest model arrives later this year, we take a closer look at some of the most notable vehicles in the lineup.

Influenced by the Golf, the original Jetta was introduced to America back in 1979. The first models were assembled at the Wolfsburg factory in Germany, and the first models delivered a total of 76hp and offered ample space for that era. Also, the Jetta was considered a bit more luxurious than other VW models at the time.

The debut was met with positive feedback and a new model was introduced in 1985 – the Mk2, with an output of 100hp and some more sophistication regarding the interior and exterior. Also, the new Jetta was bigger compared to the first model and had ample space for up to 5 passengers and their luggage. This model was offered in two- and four-door variants, and came with some neat drivetrain system upgrades.

During the 90s, Jetta evolved both in size and performance rates. The 1993 model came with a narrow-angle V6 unit with a total of 172hp and with some exclusive safety features, as well as some premium goodies like interior appointments and more.

Then came the Mk4 in 1999, which showcased more of the Bauhaus-style visual influences from the larger Passat rather than the smaller Golf. Also, Jetta now featured a wagon model.

The fifth iteration of the model was introduced in 2005 at the Los Angeles Auto Show, which showcased some dramatic rework. Even wider and longer, the revised Jetta offered even more space and some next-gen technologies. Such included electric power steering, dual-zone automatic climate control, active head restraints, and optional seat-mounted rear-sided and emergency brake assist.

Then came the Jetta Mk6 in 2011 and was the first in the lineup to be offered with a hybrid power unit. The 2011 model featured a lowered sporty suspension, rear spoiler, and a two-tone heated seat set. All this was complemented by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that generated a total of 170hp.

SEE ALSO: Lynk & Co showcases the brand’s latest model at the 2021 Chengdu Motor Show

Seven years later, in 2018 VW unveiled the new Jetta at the Detroit show. This was a rather special model, because of its advanced MQB platform, 1.4-liter TSI engine, and tons of infotainment features.

For the upcoming 2022 model, Volkswagen has prepared tons of surprises. The latest Jetta model will come with a 1.5-liter turbocharged and direct-injection EA211 engine, a revised drivetrain platform, and many new smart technologies that make the drive even more rewarding and pleasurable.

August 31, 2021
Lynk & Co showcases the brand’s latest model at the 2021 Chengdu Motor Show

Lynk & Co unveiled the Lynk & Co 03+ Cyan Edition vehicle at the 2021 Chengdu Motor Show as a part of the celebration of Lynk & Co Racing’s success in the FIA World Touring Car Cup, so far taking home three World Titles between 2019 and 2020.

We are glad to see our World Touring success being celebrated and that the motorsport program continues to boost the strong Lynk & Co road car sales numbers of the 03 model,” said Christian Dahl, owner and founder of Cyan Racing.

The Lynk & Co 03+ Cyan Edition, as expected, bears the notable Cyan Racing color, Cyan Racing emblems, exclusive Cyan Racing design rims, Akebono brakes, Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires, adjustable Bilstein dampers, a carbon fibre front splitter, and adjustable rear wing, all that with a total power output of265hp/380Nm, and new front seats with embroidered Cyan logos.

The vehicle will be sold only in China where the 03 model remains the brand’s best-selling model of the Lynk & Co brand.

SEE ALSO: National Motor Museum showcases the special vehicle from Wind in the Willows

Also, the FIA World Touring Car Cup program of Lynk & Co Cyan Racing has so far secured three World Titles and a total of 16 race victories. The team is currently heading the standings at the mid-point of the 2021 season.

August 30, 2021
Suzuki celebrates high positions in the 2021 What Car? Reliability Survey

Suzuki celebrates its extremely positive feedback and positive results of the 2021 What Car? Reliability Survey in which about 16,300 readers shared their ownership experience from owning a new and up to five years old Suzuki vehicles.

Of all the 30 brands that were evaluated, Suzuki managed to rank in the third overall position with a total of 97.1 percent. The total sample of Suzuki owners was measured at 178 different models across the industry.

Interestingly, or not, the Swift model was ranked in the top three models in the small car class with owners reporting 99.3 percent reliability during their ownership period.

Editor of What Car? magazine Steve Huntingford comments: The Suzuki Swift majors on value for money, but that’s not at the expense of dependability. In fact, the Swift is one of the most dependable small cars you can buy according to owners of cars up to five years old.

SEE ALSO: GMC reveals the new Canyon AT4 OVRLANDX concept machine

Also, all Swift Hybrid models, including the Suzuki Swift Sport, are available with some exclusive offerings and buyers can get the popular 1.2-liter SZ-L for pretty good money. Additionally, the Ignis Hybrid lineup is also available with exclusive offers and can be purchased with ample customer savings benefits.

August 30, 2021
National Motor Museum showcases the special vehicle from Wind in the Willows

Fans of the Wind in the Willows will be delighted to know that Mr. Toad’s vehicle from the 1996 adaptation can be seen at this year’s Beaulieu at the National Motor Museum workshop. After being almost totaled, a team of enthusiasts has brought the unit back to life.

The perfect replica was brought back to life by the National Museum engineers and designers – the handy team has managed to depict the vehicle in an impeccable manner. The process has included a new Land Rover four-cylider power unit, curing severe oil leaks, rebuilding the brakes, fitting new tires, and bringing the car back into fully functioning condition.

After filming, the vehicle was first used at promotional events for the film, after which it was intentionally damaged because of a famous in-movie scene. After that, the car has spent numerous years in a ceiling in Florida, then, during shipping, has suffered additional severe damage. Then, back in 2020, the film car expert, Gordon Grant has shipped it back to the UK and started the process of restoration.

SEE ALSO: Salon Privé hosts the debut of the super exclusive Automobili Pininfarina Battista Anniversario

The restored vehicle can be seen in its initial glory at the National Motor Museum, Little Beaulieu, On Screen Cars, the ancestral Montagu home Palace House, Secret Army exhibition, 13th century Beaulieu Abbey and the beautiful grounds and gardens.

August 30, 2021
GMC reveals the new Canyon AT4 OVRLANDX concept machine
GMC team revealed the new Canyon AT4 OVRLANDX concept vehicle at the Overland Expo Mountain West 2021, which showcases the vision for the brand’s future growth and chosen business path.

Based on the Canyon AT4, the new AT4 OVRLANDX further enhances the vehicle’s off-road capabilities, as well as showcasing some new design and technological features.

We wanted to showcase GMC Canyon with this concept and punctuate GMC’s commitment to premium, off-road capable vehicles. Consumer reaction to this concept’s design will help us further serve the growing market of buyers leading authentic outdoor lifestyles, said Buick and GMC Global Vice President Duncan Aldred.

With its new and beautiful styling and premium components, the new Canyon concept vehicle includes features such as:

Factory-lifted, wide off-road chassis with enhanced underbody coverage
- Off-road rocker panel protectors
- Cast-iron control arms
- Heavy-duty front bumper with winch
- Integrated front recovery points
- Front and rear electronic locking differentials
- Wheel flares with integrated task lamps
- Multimatic DSSVTM dampers
- Spare tire swivel mount
- Guy lines for protecting the windshield from low-hanging branches
Additional features that could help drivers venture off the road include:
- AEV rear off-road bumper
- Stainless steel truck bed cap
- Roof-mounted tent
- 270-degree awning
- Jerry cans for gasoline and water
- Traction boards
- Off-road jack and mount
- Cooler and kitchenette
- Truck bed storage with drawer system
SEE ALSO: Salon Privé hosts the debut of the super exclusive Automobili Pininfarina Battista Anniversario

The Canyon AT4 OVRLANDX concept truck was designed to balance functionality with aesthetics. When you’re overlanding, the capability is an important factor, but doing it with premium style and comfort elevates the experience even further for customers who truly want zero compromises,” said John Owens, lead creative designer for the concept truck.
August 30, 2021
Salon Privé hosts the debut of the super exclusive Automobili Pininfarina Battista Anniversario

Salon Privé Week is an event that plays as a host for numerous debuts of new vehicles, from the world’s leading companies to some more obscure companies. At this year’s event, one of the most notable machines that were unveiled is the new Automobili Pininfarina Battista Anniversario.

The all-electric Battista is by far the most powerful Italian street-legal car with its massive 1873bhp and acceleration rate of 12 seconds to reach 186mph.

There are only 150 units produced and all of them come with a large range of exterior and interior specification options, so we will rarely see two vehicles that look the same. However, the worldwide production of the Anniversario models has been limited to merely five vehicles, all of which are already preordered.

The Anniversario machines come in three signature colors – Bianco Sestriere, Iconica Blue, and Grigio Antonelliano, as well as Furiosa aerodynamic package with carbon fiber front splitter, side blades, and a rear diffuser for extra downforce and improved high-speed stability.

SEE ALSO: 1965 Maserati Mistral wins “Best in Show” at the Concorso Italiano 2021

It was always my grandfather’s dream for Pininfarina to produce cars bearing its own name, said company chairman Paolo Pininfarina, the Battista is the realization of that dream and will deliver a unique driving experience that combines fantastic performance with the ultimate in sustainable luxury, and Salon Privé is the perfect venue for the Anniversario’s UK debut.

August 30, 2021
1965 Maserati Mistral wins “Best in Show” at the Concorso Italiano 2021

Maserati took participation in the 36^th edition of the international event for enthusiasts held at the Bayonet and Black Horse Golf Course at Seaside, California.

At the event, the beautiful vintage 1965 Mistral Spider won the “Best in Show” award – the neat convertible vehicle managed to turn thousands of eyes at the event and attracted numerous enthusiasts.

The event also celebrated the 50^th anniversary of another famous Maserati model: Bora, the first road vehicle with a mid-mounted rear engine in the brand’s over a century of history.

SEE ALSO: 2021 Lincoln Nautilus receives a top rating from IIHS

Back in 1963, Maserati began the tradition to name its vehicles after famous winds. This idea resulted in some of the most famous names in the world of motorsport – Ghibli, Bora, Merak, and Khamsin. This tradition was also continued in recent years with the unveiling of the brand’s first SUV, the Levante. Now, once again, the name of a new model is borne by the wind, as Grecale is to be presented in November.

August 26, 2021
2021 Lincoln Nautilus receives a top rating from IIHS

2021 Lincoln Nautilus has won the TOP SAFETY PICK award when equipped with the optional headlights set.

In order to qualify, a vehicle must score good ratings in the driver-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength, and head restraint tests, also should get at least acceptable ratings in the passenger-side small overlap front test. It also needs an advanced or superior rating for vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention and a good or acceptable headlight rating.

The new Lincoln Nautilus has managed to score excellent points in all six crashworthiness tests and also was recognized for its overall reliability and safety capabilities because of its Ultimate Package upgrade. Also, because of the vehicle’s signature design and exclusive technical approaches, occupants will enjoy a rather pleasurable and rewarding experience with every single ride, while the intuitive technologies will entertain them during even the longest journeys.

SEE ALSO: Toyota unleashes Prius Night Shade Special Edition lineup

Michael Sprague, Lincoln North America director, says Nautilus plays a critical role for the brand, bringing in new clients who appreciate the flexibility of a larger midsize SUV combined with the luxurious features that set Lincoln apart, now, along with beautiful craftsmanship and intuitive technology, these exceptional safety ratings for Lincoln Nautilus position it for even greater success for our brand, he said.

August 26, 2021