Category: Auto News

Auto news – automobile industry news. Articles about all the latest car models and concepts. Breaking news, uncovered secrets.

  • 2020 Kia Soul is recognized as the winner at a prestigious event!

    2020 Kia Soul Kia Motors America’s popular Soul model has been awarded Best Multimedia Quality in its award segment in the J.D. Power 2019 Multimedia Quality and Satisfaction Study. The announcement follows Kia’s award as the highest-ranked mass-market brand in the J.D. Power Initial Quality Study for the fifth consecutive year, with the Soul being chosen among the top 10 machines in the industry.

    The new Soul offers sexy exterior styling, agile performance and advanced technology features and urban practicality. What the engineering team has prepared for us for 2020 model year is Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration, Bluetooth Multi-Connection, Interior mood lightning, a 10.25-inch HD color touch screen with split screen functionality and a 640-watt Harman/Kardon audio system. Neat!

    As it comes to the event itself, the J.D. Power Multimedia Quality and Satisfaction Study measures the experience and opinions of automobile owners regarding quality, design and overall satisfaction level with their new machine. Customers are also asked to rate their audio, communication, entertainment and navigation systems. New 2020 Kia Soul has managed to score a 9.0 PP100, which is one of the highest scores ever achieved by a mass-production vehicle.

    SEE ALSO: SKODA team rolls out the 250,000th Karoq! Check it out!

    It is a pleasure to witness how Kia team confidently makes its path towards prestigious awards and recognitions with each one even more important than the previous one!

    Source: Kia 

  • Nissan team reveals additional details for 2020 Armada lineup!

    2019 Nissan Armada Nissan announced US pricing and details for the 2020 Armada full-size SUV, which is already on sale at brand’s dealers worldwide. For 2020, Armada adds sexy new set of 22-inch wheels with 14-spoke forged aluminum alloys, heated outside mirrors and numerous more goodies for all trim levels.

    Armada, Nissan’s flagship SUV is especially designed for full-size family adventurers and off-road enthusiasts. The vehicle comes with eight seats and a large cargo department. Armada is geared with a large 5.6-liter Endurance V8 power unit with best-in-class power output of 390hp and can be specified with both 4WD and 2WD configurations.

    Additionally, the vehicle will be offered in four trim levels – SV, SL, Platinum and Platinum Reserve. Among the numerous advanced technology systems available for 2020 model year, Intelligent Rear View Mirror makes its debut – this system uses a high-resolution camera on the rear that projects a clear image onto a dedicated LCD monitor. There’s also a switch located at the bottom of the mirror that allows the driver to access either the traditional rearview mirror system or the Intelligent Rear View Mirror substitute.

    SEE ALSO: Nissan showcases 2020 Pathfinder details and capabilities

    Furthermore, Armada comes with an extensive suite of available advanced safety features that include Intelligent Distance Control, Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Warning, Intelligent Back-up Intervention, Remote Engine Start System and Family Entertainment System.

    Source: Nissan 

  • SKODA team rolls out the 250,000th Karoq! Check it out!

    2019 Skoda KaroqThe 250,000th SKODA Karoq has rolled off the production plant in Mlada Boleslav. The milestone model is a 1.0-liter TSI 115hp in a metallic Black Magic finish. The compact and agile SUV celebrated its world debut in Stockholm in mid-May 2017 with serial production beginning in July, 2017.

    SKODA has been building Karoq at its plant Kvasiny since mid-July 2017 and also in Mlada Boleslav since January, 2018. In fact, in 2018, the Czeck manufacturer has managed to deliver 115,700 Karoq units to its customers and this year the brand managed to deliver 97,900 vehicles.

    SKODA’s advertising campaign started back in 2016 with Kodiaq, brand’s first large sport utility vehicle. Production has begun in Kvasiny in October 2016 and the model was launched onto the markets in the spring of 2017. Now having Kodiaq, SKODA has focused its energy towards new Karoq unit and the Kamiq lineup. All of these models bear the trademark of SKODA and this notorious quality the manufacturer is known for.

    SEE ALSO: SKODA reveals details about new Kamiq lineup – it is both sexy and agile!

    And now for 2020 model year, SKODA has provided the Karoq with visual and technological changes and upgrades. The popular SUV comes with a comprehensive range of equipment for even more safety and comfort. There’s Side Assist, for example, which warns the driver of vehicles in the blind spot up to 70 meters away. New Karoq also features new connectivity technologies and gadgets, ensuring online services and great infotainment goodies. Furthermore, SKODA Karoq sets benchmark in terms of chassis and drivetrain system too. The vehicle comes with a special Adaptive Dynamic Chassis Control system, which ensures smooth and pleasurable drive, along with front- and AWD regimes.

    Sweet!

    Source: SKODA

  • Audi presents plans for a greener and more efficient future

    2019 Audi Q4 e-tronAudi and VW Group are one of the first manufacturers to commit to the Paris Climate Agreement. The Audi brand has set itself the ambitious goal to reduce CO2 emissions by 30 percent by 2025 – compared to the reference of 2015. In the long term, Audi pursues the vision of CO2-neutral mobility and aims towards climate-neutral portfolio until 2050.

    Furthermore, the brand focuses its potential and energy towards the electric car segment, which has the best carbon footprint of all drive systems. The first step was done with the Audi e-tron lineup, which has been available since March this year. Additionally, Audi is ready to present a new Q4 e-tron lineup, based on the Q4 e-tron concept, unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show.

    Since the end of 2018, the company has been conducting numerous CO2 workshops alongside with its partners in order to find and execute some effective measures, concerning reducing the carbon footprint that Audi leaves behind. The brand with four rings also focuses on the manufacturing process of its products. In the future, the brand intends to create some CO2-neutral basis on balance in order to achieve the 2025 goal. In fact, the Brussels plant is playing a key role in the project. It has been CO2 neutral since the start of the production of the Audi e-tron in 2018. The biggest levers are the changeover to green electricity and the supply of heat from renewable energy sources.

    SEE ALSO: Jag team reveals new E-PACE Checkered Flag Limited Edition lineup

    Additionally, the next step will be the conversion of the vehicle and engine plant int the Hungarian town of Győr. This year, the largest European solar-roof system with a peak output of 12 megawatts will be created on the roofs of Audi Hungaria’s two logistic centers, covering an area of 160,000 square meters. The generation of renewable energy starts in 2020 with the solar-energy park production of more than 9.5 gigawatt-hours of energy annually. This is the equivalent to the energy for 5,000 households!

    Stick with us for further details!

    Source: Audi 

  • Jag team reveals new E-PACE Checkered Flag Limited Edition lineup

    2020 Jaguar F-PACE Checkered Limited EditionJaguar team has confirmed that the new E-PACE Checkered Flag Limited Edition model will be available for order in North America for the upcoming 2020 model year. The vehicle features premium design and refined drivetrain system, along with expanded list of standard features. This time the machine relies more on the sporty features, but without sacrificing comfort and pleasure of driving. New E-PACE family member is far more agile and precise compared to predecessor models! Let’s check out why!

    Following the ideology of Jaguar, the new family member comes in a sexy and appealing package with an exclusive finish with R-Dynamic body-colored front and rear bumpers, twin tailpipes and LED headlamps with signature J-blade daytime running lights. All this in addition to the Black Exterior Pack. Furthermore, the “Checkered Flag” exterior comes with exclusive 19-inch Satin Dark Grey wheels and neat badges here and there.

    Along with the neat exterior packaging, the new limited-edition vehicle comes with a comprehensive list of standard features that include 10-way heated front seats, a fixed panoramic roof and a 12.3-inch TFT Interactive Driver Display, along with R-Dynamic branded Soft Grain Leather Sport steering wheel, black gearshift paddles and an Ebony Morzine headliner.

    2020 Jaguar F-PACE Checkered Limited Edition

    All new E-PACE models include Jaguar’s exclusive Smart Settings, a system that is capable of self-learning and recognizing driver’s behavior over time. This gadget was designed in order to learn driver’s habits over time and predict potential situations in which the autonomous systems can take action if necessary.

    Additionally, the new Jag comes with Adaptive Dynamics system, which offers improved handling response, body control and ride quality. It was designed in order to monitor vehicle’s movements every two milliseconds and calculate the required damping force every 10 milliseconds, which allows the F-PACE to respond instantly to driver inputs and road surfaces and conditions.

    SEE ALSO: Fiat and Trussardi team up in order to present new Panda Trussardi lineup

    And last, but not least, owners have chance to specify their luxurious E-PACE with a comprehensive range of Jaguar accessories. Such include several popular versatility and practicality features, new Pet Packs and many more.

    2020 Jaguar F-PACE Checkered Limited Edition

    Source: Jaguar 

  • Keep your family safe with proper winter tires

    Winter TiresFor most people with families it is one of the highest priorities to make sure that their families are safe, regardless if they are home or on the road. To make sure that your family is safe when driving you will need to make sure that you have good tires mounted on your car. You also have to make sure that they are of good quality and in good condition. Then you have to make sure that you have the correct tires for the weather and driving conditions that you are and will face.

    As winter is approaching it is of utter importance that you make sure that you have tires that can handle cold temperatures and icy and snowy roads. That is of course if you live in an area that will actually see some winter weather. If not it is easier to stay safe while driving. The tricky part is of course the areas that will only have some occasional winter weather, but when it comes it brings chaos and havoc with it. A lot of the problems come from the fact that people are driving with the wrong tires, so they are left without much grip in winter conditions. This is because they are driving with summer tires or all-season tires that are not developed for winter conditions.

    Tires that are not developed for the winter conditions will have very slim chances of getting you to your final destination without an accident, as have very little possibility to create any traction on slippery surfaces and with dropping temperatures the rubber compound used in the tires will become increasing hard. As it gets harder it will provide you with even less grip and since the tread design is not designed for snow or ice.

    The only way to drive safely is to make sure that you have sufficient tread depth on your tires and make sure that they are in good condition. Then make sure that mount winter tires early enough before the winter weather arrives. If you only have occasional winter weather, you might consider winter approved all-weather tires instead of using all-season tires. You can use them safely all year round, so that you will never be bothered with weather forecasts, as you will always be able to drive safely.

    For more information regarding winter tires, visit: www.nokiantires.com

  • Fiat and Trussardi team up in order to present new Panda Trussardi lineup

    2019 Fiat Panda Trussardi EditionFiat team has partnered with the prominent Italian Fashion house Trussardi in order to create the “Panda Trussardi” lineup of vehicles. These exclusive limited edition machines bring together the two brands and showcase how art and engineering can merge together in a rather stylish manner.

    Fiat Centro Stile and Trussardi designers have collaborated on the design and accessories in order to reflect the character of Panda and the notable Italian fashion house signature tweaks. The Trussardi Greyhound symbol can be seen on the rear quarter light, on the center of the exclusive alloy wheels and on the side mouldings while other exclusive styling details, as the black roof bars, mirror caps, wheels and skid plate are covered in black and set the model apart from its siblings. Additionally, the exclusive model can be specified with a Caffe Italiano Brown body finish. Sweet!

    2019 Fiat Panda Trussardi Edition

    In terms of interior, Trussardi letterings can be seen on the exclusive mats, seat belts, door panel inserts and on the seat upholstery. There are black techno-leather seat inserts embellished with brown stitching and sporty Caffe Italiano Brown dashboard. The beautiful Trussardi logo can also be seen on the center of the exclusive steering wheel.

    SEE ALSO: SKODA reveals details about new Kamiq lineup – it is both sexy and agile!

    And as it comes to drivetrain system, Panda Trussardi features 69hp 1.2-liter petrol unit, mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. The vehicle also comes with a City Brake Control system, which detects obstacles in the front of the vehicle and automatically engages the brakes if the driver doesn’t respond when the vehicle travels under 18mph.

    2019 Fiat Panda Trussardi Edition

    Source: Fiat 

  • SKODA reveals details about new Kamiq lineup – it is both sexy and agile!

    2019 Skoda Kamiq ŠKODA team has announced details and price lists for the all-new Kamiq, brand’s latest family member to the award-winning SUV lineup. Geared with advanced technologies and ensuring this impeccable ŠKODA driving experience, new Kamiq surely has a lot to demonstrate. Let’s check it out!

    New model neatly blends practicality and agility and this traditional ŠKODA attention to detail and smart packaging. The vehicle features sexy new body language and hosts striking styling details as LED headlights and sexy lines and curves.

    Furthermore, Kamiq range will be offered in four trim levels: S, SE, SE L and Monte Carlo – each one offers a long list of standard equipment along with tons of new and contemporary features. For example, Kamiq S comes with 16-inch alloys, LED headlights, air conditioning and touch screen infotainment system. Building upon this foundation, SE models benefit from 17-inch alloys, body-colored bumpers, Bolero infotainment system and smartphone integration systems.

    SE L models grand buyers with 18-inch alloys, Amundsen infotainment system with satellite navigation and a larger, 9.2-inch touchscreen display, keyless engine start/stop and Blind Spot Detection. Additionally, the trim level also comes with silver microsuede interior upholstery, silver haptic decorative inserts and glossy black LED lights with dynamic indicators.

    2019 Skoda Kamiq

    And last, but certainly not least, Kamiq Monte Carlo delivers some premium driving experience. Driver and passengers will enjoy a smooth ride with a panoramic roof, exclusive 18-inch Vega anthracite alloy wheels and a red LED ambient lightning system. Additional details about this model will be announced shortly.

    SEE ALSO: Bentley team unveils new Flying Spur at the Moscow City towers!

    Drivetrain-wise, Kamiq range consists of four engine options – three petrol units and a diesel option. The petrol engines feature two 1.0 TSI with an output of 95hp and 115hp and a sportier 1.5-liter TSI motor with a total output of 150hp. Both 115hp and 150hp versions can be specified with a seven-speed DSG gearbox. As it comes to the diesel unit, it is a 1.6-liter TDI system that develops 115hp, which can also be mated to a seven-speed DSG gearbox.

    2019 Skoda Kamiq

    Stick with us for further details!

    Source: ŠKODA

  • Nissan showcases 2020 Pathfinder details and capabilities

    2020 Nissan PathfinderNissan announced US pricing and additional details for the 2020 Pathfinder SUV, which is already on sale with a starting price of $31,680USD. This seven-passenger machine is offered in 2-wheel- and 4-wheel-drive configurations, along with four trim levels of equipment: S, SV, SL and Platinum. Additionally, for 2020, Pathfinder will offer a wide range of cutting-edge technologies and convenience features, which also include the well-received Rock Creek Edition Package.

    All new Pathfinder models hit the roads with a 284hp 3.5-liter V6 engine with Direct Injection Gasoline system and Xtronic gearbox. Standard towing capacity is measured as best-in-class with 6,000 pounds, which gives owners the ability to tow two-axle recreational trailers.

    2020 Nissan Pathfinder

    Additionally, 2020 Pathfinder’s stylish exterior is accompanied by a luxurious and welcoming cabin. The interior of the vehicle comes with EZ Flex Seating System with LATCH AND GLIDE feature, a second row tilt and glide seats and easy third row access. Furthermore, 2020 Pathfinder will also grant users with Intelligent Around View Monitor, Bose 13-speaker premium audio system, Dual Panorama Moonroof, Motion-Activated liftgate and NissanConnect with Navigation and Services.

    SEE ALSO: SKODA reveals details about new Kamiq lineup – it is both sexy and agile!

    As it comes to the Pathfinder Rock Creek Edition, it features exclusive exterior and interior components and is only available on 2020 Pathfinder SV and SL grades. Furthermore, every Pathfinder Rock Creek Edition includes a standard trailer tow hitch and harness and splash guards.

    2020 Nissan Pathfinder

    Source: Nissan 

  • Bentley team unveils new Flying Spur at the Moscow City towers!

    2019 Bentley Flying Spur at MoscowBentley team introduces new and refined version of the Flying Spur at the Bentley Rooms on top of Tverskaya Residence in Moscow.

    Bringing this prominent British style to the Moscow centre, the vehicle surely managed to catch the eye even of brand sceptics. The event took place at the Moscow City towers – an ideal place for unveiling a refined beauty as the Fluing Spur.

    Along with the vehicle itself, audience had the chance to witness the entire development process from the very first lines to the final product via a set of unique sketches displayed in the gallery center. Furthermore, the bar place offered exclusive cocktails dedicated to brand’s centenary, which were named after legendary Bentley machines. Sweet!

    However, let’s talk about the protagonist of the event, shall we? The all-new Bentley Flying Spur offers an unique blend of limousine luxury and sporty dynamics and focuses on both on comfort and extended pleasure of driving.

    2019 Bentley Flying Spur at Moscow

    The star of the event, the Flying Spur is geared with an improved 6.0-liter W12 unit and an 8-speed gearbox with a double-clutch system that shifts gears even faster and smoother, compared to predecessor models. This entire system delivers the massive 635hp and 900Nm of torque. It also accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 3.8 seconds and can reach a top speed of 333km/h.

    Furthermore, the bright and expressive design of the vehicle completely honors the refined drivetrain system. For the first time ever the design team decorates the bonnet with a retractable mascot in the form of the letter B. Also, each and every part demonstrates this well-known and beloved Bentley style. With a new chromium-plated reflector, the edges of the LED matrix lights affect the expression of the front-end even when the headlights are off. Neat!

    SEE ALSO: Fiat announces details about the upcoming 500X Sport model!

    In terms of interior, the Flying Spur showcases the mastery of Bentley craftsmen and offers exclusive luxury and innovations. The model can be specified with a three-edge rotating display and for the first time the leather finish can be optionally reshaped with three-dimensional diamond-shaped embossing. New Flying Spur introduces decorative inserts from Crown Cut Walnut veneer, which further contributes to this stylish and contemporary finish.

    2019 Bentley Flying Spur at Moscow

    2019 Bentley Flying Spur at Moscow

    Enjoy!

    Source: Bentley 

  • Hyundai Kona receives Ideal Vehicle Award. Here’s what impressed the jury!

    2019 Hyundai Kona AutoPacific team has named the Hyundai Kona a winner at the 2019 Ideal Vehicle Award! New Kona has managed to earn the highest overall vehicle score in the Compact Crossover SUV Segment. The award itself recognizes vehicles for their quality and capabilities, blended with owners’ expectations and personal satisfaction.

    2019 Ideal Vehicle Awards (IVA) are based on responses from more than 50,000 owners of new machines across major manufacturers. Based only on owner input, AutoPacific IVA measures the level of fusion between owner expectations and reality. Scores and results are developed using results from organization’s national New Vehicle Satisfaction Survey. Respondents to the survey are owners of new model vehicles and trucks purchased from September through December 2018.

    As it comes to the vehicle itself, the award-winning Kona comes with standard equipment, which includes a seven-inch LCD touchscreen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone incorporation, LED Daytime Running Lights and a suite of advanced safety features, which include Rearview camera with Dynamic Guidance, Vehicle Stability Management System, Hill Start Assist Control, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning and Lane Assist System.

    SEE ALSO: Lincoln Continental and Nautilus take home another prestigious award. Details here!

    Furthermore, there’ also a premium infotainment system with tons of connectivity features, including the optional Sirius XM Radio, HD Radio and next-gen Blue Link LTE-powered connectivity.

    Source: Hyundai 

  • 2019 Road Worthiness Report: Are Britain’s roads and road users up to the task

    2019-Car-Crash-910In 2017, 254.4 billion miles were driven by car in the UK, making it the biggest ever year for motor transport, and that number is climbing. As car ownership increases and Britain’s road network strains under the pressure, are we as road users up to scratch with our knowledge of the roads and are our roads safe enough to carry the British public?

    Halfords Autocentre has compiled a report that looks at 12 key areas of interest for motorists titled the 2019 Roadworthiness Report. The following article will briefly discuss a few of the main points in the report.

    Accidents in the UK

    The report found a downward trend in the number of casualties resulting from accidents from 148,385 in 2015 to 126,977 in 2017. Despite the number of cars and drivers on the road increasing, the total number of accidents of all kinds are down since the mid 60’s. London (unsurprisingly) is the accident hotspot of the UK, contributing to 20% of all accidents.

    When it comes to the causes of accidents, a massive 70% of collisions are down to driver error, and 39% of this figure is made up of motorists not looking properly. These statistics led to Halfords Autocentre running its 2018 Roadworthiness Quiz to test Britain’s knowledge of the road, and determine whether they were ‘road worthy’. The questions tested basic road safety knowledge, including identifying the legal drink drive limit, and required an 86% pass rate. The results backed up what the statistics showed, as 83% of the 55,000 people who took the test failed. London also had a staggering 99% failure rate.

    Vehicle Defects

    The report reveals that only 2% of accidents are down to defective motors, yet that still means over 2,000 people have been affected by avoidable car issues. The three biggest issues were faulty brakes (36%), illegal, defective or under inflated tyres (33%), and defective steering or suspension (18%).

    Breakdown Incidents

    Highways England deal with 85,00 breakdowns a year, and over a 2 year period, they found that 40% of breakdowns were down to these four things:

    1. Running out of Fuel
    2. Poor Tyres
    3. Power Loss
    4. Engine trouble

    The report found that you’re most likely to break down on a friday, during the summer, on the M1 and in the East of England.

    Worst UK Junctions

    The report also details three of roads.org.uk 52 worst junctions, detailing how sometimes the roads themselves aren’t fit for purpose. It looks at Spittals Interchange – A14 – A14 – A141, Worsley Interchange – M60 – M62 – M602, and Chevening Interchange – A21 – M25 – M26.

    How Safe are our Roads?

    Bad junctions leads us nicely onto the condition of our road network. A fifth of people surveyed admitted they never used the motorway, with 34% saying they avoided using them because they didn’t feel safe. The two main culprits for this were the M25 (unsurprising given that it was voted Britain’s worst road) and the M6 (the longest motorway in the UK).

    What needs to Change?

    To conclude, the report goes details five ways in which the roadworthiness of our drivers and our roads can be improved.

    1. Improved Knowledge – There have been calls for mandatory retesting and encouragement to regularly brush up on your own knowledge
    2. Better Car Maintenance – Keeping on top of your service history and learning basic car maintenance skills.
    3. More government investment – To fix potholes and maintain busy routes.
    4. Addressing congestion – Smart motorways are being rolled out with active traffic management.
    5. Taking action – petitioning your local MP/Council to fix the issues with their roads.