Auto News – Page 52 – Automobiles Review

Nissan showcases first details for the new Qashqai model line

2021 Nissan Qasqai Nissan team confirms On-The-Road details for the third generation of the all-new Qashqai lineup. The first deliveries start in early summer and the vehicle will be available with a wide range of custom options and an extended list of standard features.

Also, Nissan offers a limited-run of special Premiere Edition models that will feature exclusive packaging and will be geared with 1.3 DiG-T 140hp Mild Hybrid Manual 6-speed system or a .3 DiG-T Mild Hybrid 158PS Xtronic automatic system.

Consumers want uncompromising comfort, connectivity, and safety from their personal mobility – the new Qashqai absolutely delivers on all these requirements, said Andrew Humberstone, Managing Director, Nissan Motor (GB) Ltd.

Along with the rich standard equipment for all models in the lineup, the Nissan team has also made changes to the design language in order to honor the technological advancements of the latest Qashqai lineup.

In fact, Nissan remains one of the most prominent automobile manufacturers and continues to impress both brand enthusiasts and skeptics. Now, the Nissan team’s biggest goal is to present a new generation of vehicles that produce no emissions and yet are as capable and reliable at all times.

Source: Nissan

May 3, 2021

Kia announces details for the new EV6 lineup

2021-Kia-EV6-910 Kia UK Limited reveals details for the new Kia EV6 model lineup. The new vehicles include the sport-inspired GT-Line models and GT-Line S.

The top-tier machine is the EV6 GT. It comes with AWD system and is based on brand’s dedicated new E-GMP technology. EV6 is geared exclusively with electric motor and a 77.4kWh battery pack. Furthermore, every version of the five-seater comes with panoramic display, twin 12.3-touchscreens, smartphone integration. The entry-level Kia EV6 is rear-wheel drive, powered by a 168kW motor on the rear axle (226bhp). This model offers the following feature highlights:

Dark grey 19-inch alloy wheels with diamond-cut finish
Electrically folding, adjustable and heated door mirrors
LED headlights, rear lights and daytime running lights
Black vegan leather upholstery
Ambient lighting
Heated front seats and steering wheel
Dual automatic air conditioning
Rear parking sensors
Rain-sensing front wipers
Engine Start/Stop button with Smart Entry System
Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go
Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (FCA) with city, pedestrian, cyclist and junction-turning functionality
Highway Driving Assist
Drive Mode Select

EV6 GT-Line

This lineup is available with a choice of different drivetrains – a rear-wheel drive with 226hp and an AWD with 321hp, generated via a dual-motor drivetrain. GT-Line models also offer additional standard equipment:

GT-Line exterior and interior styling
Black 19-inch wheels with diamond-cut finish
Black suede and light grey vegan leather two-tone upholstery
Front parking sensors
Premium relaxation seats (tilt-back front seats for a ‘NASA nap’ while charging)
Memory driver and power front passenger seats
Alloy driver pedals
Vehicle-to-load (three-pin plug)
Wireless smartphone charger
Dual LED headlamps with adaptive driving beam
Privacy glass
Blind-Spot Collision Warning

EV6 GT-Line S

2021-Kia-EV6-Interior

This lineup also offers a choice between a rear-wheel drive and AWD configuration, but adds up some more advanced technologies and features such as:

20-inch wheels with dark grey inserts
Ventilated and heated front seats
Heated outer rear seats
Power Tailgate
Panoramic sunroof with tilting and sliding functionality
14-speaker Meridian audio system
Remote Smart Park Assist
Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist
Blind-Spot View Monitor
Highway Driving Assist 2
Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (with junction functionality)
Augmented Reality (AR) head-up display

EV6 GT

This is a flagship range and is expected to be in dealers in the second half of 2022. The vehicle will come with an advanced AWD system, 430kW dual-motor drivetrain with a combined power output of 577hp. Features include:

GT exterior styling (removes panoramic sunroof)
21-inch wheels
Bucket seats, trimmed in black suede with neon green highlights (replace memory driver and power front passenger seats and premium relaxation seat functionality)
Electronically controlled suspension
Electronic limited-slip differential
Drive Mode Integrated Control
Battery heat pump
Premium paint

2021-Kia-EV6-Rear

Source: Kia

May 3, 2021

CUPRA presents new models for the Formentor and Leon lineups

2021 Seat CUPRA The CUPRA family continues to expand with new variants for the Formentor and Leon Estate versions. This time Formentor lineup is extended with a selection of petrol and Plug-In Hybrid powertrains. The first one is e-HYBRID DSG-auto 204hp. This variant is the most efficient in the range and delivers up to 235.4mpg on the combined WLTP cycle and 27g/km CO2 emissions.

This hybrid is paired with a 1.4-liter TSI petrol engine that generates a total of 116hp and together 330Nm of torque – enough to complete the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.8 seconds and chase a top speed of 127mph.

On the other hand, Formentor TSI DSG-auto 4Drive 190 offers buyers an advanced four-wheel-drive system and a revised 2.0-liter TSI petrol unit. It is available in two trim levels with an extended list of standard features.

The final addition to the Formentor is the TSI DSG-auto version with 245hp and 2.0-liter TSI petrol unit.

Equipment goodies include exclusive alloy wheels, nappa leather, heated seats, power driver seats, leather dashboard, door inserts and trim panels, sporty upgrades like a rear diffuser, bucket seats, dynamic chassis control, sporty suspension system, and numerous more.

Equipment options vary depending on the trim level.

2021 Seat CUPRA

Source: Seat

May 3, 2021

Mazda MX-5 wins 2021 Kelley Blue Book 5-Year Cost to Own Award

Kelley Blue Book announced today that the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata is the winner of the 2021 5-Year Cost to Own Awards in the sports car category. The award recognizes the best vehicles in terms of the lowest ownership costs by taking into consideration depreciation, insurance, fees, maintenance, state fees, and fuel costs.

2021 Mazda MX-5 is available with different trim levels and can be further specified with a soft-top or power-retractable hardtop. The vehicle offers enhanced driving dynamics and is geared with tons of technical features. Along with the generous equipment, MX-5 also showcases elegant and yet aggressive design and muscular stance. This package comes with fairly reasonable pricing, and, as it seems, low costs for maintenance and running costs.

Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, California. The brand oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through approximately 620 dealers. Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City.

Source: Mazda

April 30, 2021

INFINITI QX80 is named winner at 2021 Kelley Blue Book 5-Year Cost to Own Award

2021 INFINITI QX80 INFINITI QX80 received the 2021 Kelley Blue Book 5-Year Cost to Own Award in the luxury SUV segment. In fact, this is the fifth time in a row that QX80 wins this award. The event itself honors new vehicles with the lowest projected ownership costs.

We are thrilled to have the QX80 honored with a Kelley Blue Book 5-Year Cost to Own Award, said Jeff Pope, Group Vice President of INFINITI Americas. For model-year 2021, the QX80 has been enhanced with new equipment, innovative technologies, and stylish features befitting its luxury status. It’s fantastic to have this vehicle recognized by such a credible third party five years running.

The research for the best vehicle was conducted by Kelley Blue Book’s own data for new cars for the initial five-year ownership period. Depreciation and fuel costs are the two greatest expenses for the owners, but there are also other factors that impact the costs of owning a car.

The 5-Year Cost to Own information is also based on finance and insurance fees, maintenance and repair costs, and state fees for all new models. The information and award exist to help shoppers make more informed decisions when buying a vehicle and break down the ownership cost details.

INFINITI’s QX80 is the winner of Kelley Blue Book’s 5-Year Cost to Own Award based on depreciation costs that are estimated to be thousands of dollars less than other domestic and European SUVs In the Luxury Full-Size SUV/Crossover category, said Eric Ibara, director of residual values for Kelley Blue Book. Additionally, lower repair costs contributed to its overall strength.

Source: INFINITI

April 30, 2021

Volkswagen shares some more info about the upcoming Multivan

2021 Volkswagen Multivan Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles announces new details for the anticipated Multivan. What we know so far is that the latest generation of the van will try to be even more functional than all previous models combined and showcase new ways of enhancing functionality and comfort.

The latest generation of the Multivan will come with tons of interior space – a great amount has been achieved by transforming the gear knob into a switch and thus reducing its size to a minimum, so the gap for climbing through the back becomes even bigger.

Generosity in the interior. We have taken out the gear knob. We’ve even cleared the space in the middle, assigned it to the driver. The new Bulli will be an exciting product. You can look forward to it, The Head of Design at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, Albert Kirzinger says.

As a leading manufacturer, VW is constantly reshaping the transportation of goods, services, and people in a contemporary fashion. Brand’s vehicles have helped families and businesses in their everyday tasks. And now, the wait is almost over as Volkswagen is about to reveal one of the most functional and flexible vehicles in its lineup – the Multivan!

Source: Volkswagen

April 29, 2021

Volkswagen presents ID.4 GTX: intelligent performance with sustainability in mind

2021 Volkswagen ID.4 GTX Volkswagen presented a fully electric high-performance model – the ID.4 GTX. With this one, VW is bringing intelligent sportiness to the world of mobility. ID.4 GTX is the first model to feature a modular electric drive matrix and to include a dual-motor AWD system and attractive and contemporary design.

New ID.4 GTX comes with one electric drive motor on both the front and rear axles. Together, they generate a maximum of 299hp and can work together as an AWD system – the first for the ID. lineup. This setup allows the vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 3.2 seconds and from 0 to 100km/h in 6.2 seconds. The top speed is 180km/h.

In terms of design, new ID.4 GTX reveals an extraordinary character by combining three revised honeycomb components that form the daytime running lights design, new bumpers, 3D LED taillights, and new brake lights.

2021 Volkswagen ID.4 GTX

As it comes to the interior, the upper section of the dashboard incorporates leather inserts and red contrasting stitching. The GTX logo appears on the sporty steering wheel, while the sill panel trim contributes to the sporty ambiance.

The GTX lineup is based on the ACCELERATE corporate strategy, with which VW aims to become the most coveted sustainable mobility brand. It has set itself the target of increasing the proportion of sales of electric vehicles in Europe by 70 percent by 2030. VW also intends to become climate-neutral by 2050 and by 2025 it will have invested about 16 billion euro in electric mobility technologies.

2021 Volkswagen ID.4 GTX

Source: Volkswagenen

April 29, 2021

Volvo’s entire lineup has earned TOP SAFETY PLUS Award by IIHS!

2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge The fully electric Volvo XC40 Recharge has earned the TOP SAFETY PICK PLUS award from the American Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The addition of the vehicle in the prestigious lineup of winners means that Volvo Cars is the only automobile manufacturer to achieve TSP+ across its entire product range.

The XC40 Recharge is the first fully electric small SUV to earn the award and adds to the record set last month for the most single-year TSP+ awards earned by any car maker since the TSP+ awards began back in 2013.

IIHS recognizes vehicles with TSP+ that provide the highest level of safety. Volvo Cars received 9 TSP+ awards in February, five in March, and now one in April, which makes a total of 15 recognitions.

What sets Volvo Cars apart from other manufacturers is the attention paid when it comes to refining the safety technologies. Such include including forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking, combined with advanced pedestrian and cyclist-collision prevention.

Regardless of body style, engine or trim, every Volvo offers innovative protection in a crash, said Anders Gustafsson, President and CEO of Volvo Car USA. We are proud that IIHS has recognised this by awarding a Top Safety Pick Plus to every vehicle we produce today. No other company has been awarded this honour across all car lines.

The fully electric Volvo XC40 Recharge joins the following vehicles earning a TSP+ award:

The following vehicles produced after September 2020 have been awarded the TOP SAFETY PICK PLUS award from IIHS as of 31 March 2021:

Volvo S90
Volvo S90 Recharge
Volvo V90
Volvo V90 Cross Country

The following vehicles have been awarded the TOP SAFETY PICK PLUS award from IIHS as of 31 March 2021:

Volvo V60 Cross Country

They join the following vehicles awarded the TOP SAFETY PICK PLUS in February:

Volvo S60
Volvo S60 Recharge
Volvo V60
Volvo V60 Recharge
Volvo XC40
Volvo XC60
Volvo XC60 Recharge
Volvo XC90
Volvo XC90 Recharge

Source: Volvo

April 28, 2021

IONIQ 5 wins Best Design at TopGear Electric Awards

2021 Hyundai IONIQ 5 Hyundai IONIQ 5 won the Best Design at the TopGear Electric Awards 2021. The first car in the lineup and the first to be based on the new E-GMP battery electric platform, the IONIQ 5, doesn’t just herald a new era for the EV design, but also for the entire EV segment.

The vehicle is fully electric and rich in eco-friendly materials and includes fast charging capabilities, aggressive performance rages and extended mileage coverage with a single charge. Indeed, IONIQ 5 can be recharged from 10% to 80% in mere 18 minutes and can cover a distance of 300 miles with a single charge. In terms of performance, the vehicle can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 5.2 seconds.

The IONIQ 5 looks like an Eighties hot hatch that’s been beamed into the future. It’s head-turningly bold and peppered with talking point details. Those wheelarch strakes. The robot dot-matrix tail-lights. The solar roof. And inside is just as futuristic, with twin 12.3-inch screens bookended with a magnetic panel you can pin receipts, notes or perhaps family photos on to. The fully flat floor means the interior can be morphed to your will; the centre console slides fully forward, while both front chairs have built-in footrests and recline almost bed-flat, said Jack Rix, Editor of TopGear Magazine.

2021 Hyundai IONIQ 5

In terms of design, IONIQ 5 comes with new approach, made possible by the new BEV platform, evoking the daring attitude of Hyundai Pony, the brand’s first production car.

The front of the vehicle is geared with brand’s first clamshell hood that minimizes the panel gaps for improving the aerodynamic features. Also, the front bumper is defined by an eye-catching V-Shape and incorporates distinctive daytime running lights that provide an unmistakable light signature for the IONIQ 5. The sides are defined by auto flush door handles that ensure clean surface styling and enhanced aerodynamic efficiency. The front and rear forms of the vehicle merge at the doors.

In terms of interior, the vehicle adopts a new “Living Space” design concept for the cabin and takes advantage of IONIQ 5’s bespoke platform. Axles are pushed right to the front and back of the car and free up a free big amount of space in the interior. Many of cabin’s details are eco-friendly too: the seats, headliner, door trim, floor and armrest use sustainably sourced materials, such as recycled PET bottles, plant-based (bio PET) yarns and natural wool yarns, eco-processed leather with plant-based extracts, and bio paint with plant extracts.

2021 Hyundai IONIQ 5

Source: Hyundai

April 28, 2021

Volswagen reveals EPA-estimated ratings for 2022 Taos lineup

2022 Volkswagen Taos Volkswagen of America announced the official fuel economy ratings for the 2022 Taos compact SUV. The entire Taos front-wheel-drive lineup comes with an 8-speed automatic gearbox and EPA-estimated ratings of 28 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 31 mpg combined. Furthermore, all Taos models are tied for the best-in-class EPA-estimated highway fuel economy for internal combustion engines.

The lineup also features a 4Motion AWD model with a 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission and EPA-estimated ratings of 25 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 28 mpg combined.

We developed the Taos for North America with a balance of efficiency and drivability that we’ve rarely seen from competitors in the compact SUV space, says Hein Schafer, senior vice president of product and strategy for Volkswagen of America, We think customers will embrace a fun-to-drive, well-equipped SUV at a very competitive price point.

All Taos models are powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged and direct-injection EA211 power unit, delivering a total of 158hp and 184 pound-feet of torque. Additionally, the vehicles are geared with variable geometry turbocharging and offer excellent performance to fuel economy ratio.

According to EPA, the 2022 Taos FWD is capable of saving about $750 in fuel over five years compared to other brands, and the AWD version can save as much as $250.

New Taos is expected to go on sale in June. The vehicle is positioned in the largest US segment, the compact SUV market, where about 4 million vehicles were sold in 2019, about 4 percent of the market.

April 27, 2021

Honda announces first details for its new interior design language [VIDEO]

2021 Honda Vehicles Interior In a new video, Honda reveals a new interior design philosophy that will shape the interior design of the new Honda vehicles. Inspired by the classic human-centered design of the early Honda days, the brand adopts a simplistic approach towards the design, but without sacrificing any of the advanced technological functions of today. The new idea features a renewed focus on Honda’s classic “Man Maximum/Machine Minimum” approach and maximizes the interior space and minimizes the space required for mechanical technologies.

Simplicity in design requires not only a strong philosophy but a discipline toward the user experience, says Johnathan Norman, Creative Lead for Honda Interior Design in the U.S, We’ve heard from designers working for other brands who say they were inspired by the simple, human-centered design of old Hondas. Well, so are we!

For the Honda team, all this means that the upcoming models will be free of visual clutter and will focus on thin pillars, low cowl, and a large greenhouse for excellent visibility, which enables the driver and passengers to see the road and environment around them more clearly and vividly.

As it seems, Honda continues to impress both brand enthusiasts and skeptics by delivering safe and reliable vehicles. In fact, this is the brand with the highest fleet average fuel economy and lowest CO2 emissions of any major full-line automaker in America, according to new data from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Honda lineup includes the Civic, Insight, Accord, and Clarity series passenger cars, along with the HR-V, CR-V, Passport and Pilot sport utility vehicles, the Ridgeline pickup, and the Odyssey minivan. Honda’s electrified vehicle lineup includes the Accord Hybrid, CR-V Hybrid, Insight hybrid, and the Clarity Fuel Cell and Clarity Plug-In Hybrid.

2021 Honda Vehicles Jonathan Norman

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKuuV8w4G0Y&feature=youtu.be

Source: Honda

April 27, 2021

Ford works on a new illumination technology [VIDEO]

2021 Ford Smart Headlights Ford team is looking to a new way of making driving in the dark easier and more comfortable. The company’s engineers at Ford Research and Advanced Engineering Europe are testing a technology that uses real-time location data to effectively show the vehicle’s way to go. This predictive smart headlight system directs the beams into upcoming corners even before the driver may see them, illuminating dangerous obstacles.

The prototype system uses GPS location data, advanced technologies, and highly accurate street geometry information to quickly and accurately identify turns and obstacles on the road ahead. The algorithm calculates the trajectory and speed of the vehicle in order to proactively adjust the direction of the headlight beams, providing optimal light coverage of bends and junctions.

Should the vehicle encounter a stretch of road where location data is not available, the system will work alongside the camera and the steering-wheel dynamic headlight bending technologies to continue to intelligently illuminate the road until the location data access is once more available.

Furthermore, the research team has made some extensive use of the digital twin simulation that recreates real-world events in a digital environment. This simulation accurately calculates how light fall and reflects in the real world, enabling researchers to better visualize and improve the technology they are working on.

Michael Koherr, Ford European lighting research engineer, said: The predictive lighting technology we are developing now means that one day driving in the dark could be as simple as just following your headlights. This new map- and location‑based system is the next step on our quest to make driving at night no more difficult or stressful as during the day.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PN5lvwjf1VY

Source: Ford

April 26, 2021

Category: Auto News

EV6 GT-Line

EV6 GT-Line S

EV6 GT