Automobiles Review

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Car Makes

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

    2021-Kia-Telluride-910Kia 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

  • A lucky Aston Martin DB5 undergoes a comprehensive restoration process

    2021-Aston-Martin-DB5-910Aston 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.

     

  • PEUGEOT opens orders for the advanced e-Partner lineup

    2021 PEUGEOT e-PartnerPEUGEOT 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.

  • Volkswagen Jetta: a quick overview of 7 generations of convenience

    1981 Volkswagen JettaFor 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.

     

  • Suzuki celebrates high positions in the 2021 What Car? Reliability Survey

    2021 Suzuki SwiftSuzuki 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.

  • National Motor Museum showcases the special vehicle from Wind in the Willows

    2021 National Motor Museum Mr Todd VehicleFans 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.

     

  • 1965 Maserati Mistral wins “Best in Show” at the Concorso Italiano 2021

    1965-Maserati-Mistral-910Maserati took participation in the 36th 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 50th 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.

  • 2021 Lincoln Nautilus receives a top rating from IIHS

    2021 Lincoln Nautilus2021 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.

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  • Toyota unleshes Prius Night Shade Special Edition lineup

    2021 Toyota Prius NightshadeInstantly recognizable, the new Toyota Prius not only managed to impress both critics and skeptics, but also showcased that all the advanced technologies that it comes with aren’t gimmicks, but altogether contribute to a safer and more rewarding driving experience.

    Now, the Toyota team adds more drama and depth to the vehicle with the new and exclusive Nightshade Special Edition. Let’ check it out, shall we?

    The 2022 Prius Nightshade comes with either Midnight Black Metallic or Super White and Silver Metallic paint, neat black headlight accents, mirror caps, door handles, and a shark antenna. The elegant design is topped off with exclusive 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, and 15-inch alloys for the AWD-e-versions.

    Furthermore, the exclusive edition adds a 3-door Smart Key system, standard SoftTex-trimmed seats, and numerous chrome accents. Other goodies include 4.2-inch color Dual Multi-Information Display with customizable screens, Energy Monitor and Hybrid System Indicator with Eco Score, Eco Savings Record, Drive Monitor, Eco Wallet, and Eco Diary features, plus displays for climate control, driver support systems, audio system content, and navigation system.

    SEE ALSO: New Golf GTI: what is special about the 8th generation of the legendary lineup

    In terms of safety features, all Prius models in the lineup include Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), and Smart Stop Technology (SST). The standard Toyota Safety Sense suite is also included and adds:

    • Pre-Collision System with Low-Light Pedestrian Detection
    • Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
    • Daytime Bicyclist Detection
    • Lane Departure Alert
    • Automatic High Beams
    • Road Sign Assist

     

  • New Golf GTI: what is special about the 8th generation of the legendary lineup

    2022 Volkswagen Golf GTIn its latest generation, the 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI offers more power and driving pleasure, thanks to its new technologies and brand-new approaches when it comes to drivetrain systems. With this particular model, the challenges before designers and engineers were two: how to create an appealing new look and how to complement it with contemporary and advanced systems.

    The all-new GTI is a design statement; it merges a dynamic, sporty character with uncompromising functionality, said Klaus Zyciora, Head of Volkswagen Group Design. As the former head of design for the Volkswagen brand, he oversaw the development of the new GTI, we wanted to show that the GTI in its eighth generation has made a huge leap forward in performance.

    Based on the MQB platform, the exterior of the 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI has been completely restyled and now demonstrates a quite aggressive face and stance, and yet has retained this modest elegance the lineup is known for. The vehicle features a new and larger lower air intake grille, a new foglight design, and an overall cleaner and sportier stance.

    The new Golf GTI boasts a very low visual center of gravity, which we achieved through the wide air intakes at the front and the striking shoulder line, said Zyciora, The connection between the upper grille element and headlights is much more precise, elongated even into the fenders, giving the car a much more concentrated and sportier look.

    Furthermore, the new Golf GTI comes with a powerful rear shoulder and a diffuser placed lower, compared to previous models, and an exhaust system that is more powerful and ending with a pipe both on the left and right corner of the vehicle.

    SEE ALSO: Rolls Royce team celebrates Sir Charles Stewart Rolls’ 144th birthday with a special event

    As it comes to the interior, the GTI reveals a futuristic cockpit with a focus on the driver. There’s a set of two displays – the standard Digital Cockpit Pro and either an 8.25-inch Composition Media or available 10-inch Discover Pro infotainment system, neat sports seats with integrated head restraints, ambient lighting, illuminated areas, and more.

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  • Innovative Automotive is about to unveil some new models

    2021-Innovation-Automotive-Compact-Van-910Innovation Automotive, UK’s first multi-brand and all-electric automotive company, will make its first debut at this year’s Commercial Vehicle Show on 31st of August, 2021.

    IA set out to its vision to the UK this week and announced its plans to simplify and demystify the process of switching to all-electric systems and adding new levels of accessibility to the market.

    Paul Brigden, CEO of IA, said, Many operators are still unsure of the business case for switching to electric, and perceptions remain that it is too risky, too complicated, and too expensive. But change is coming and it’s coming fast so we’re here to help fleets of all sizes make the switch. Our commitment is to source the best alternative 100% electric LCVs, to provide a first-class advisory service to our customers with an accessible and cost-effective after-sales network.

     

    Brigden added: We will officially launch later this year, but we’re at the CV Show to introduce ourselves, our initial product range, and, most importantly, to listen to our future customers to help fine-tune our service.

    The first machine that IA will bring to the market is the all-electric DFSK EC35, a compact vehicle designed especially for inner-city trips. Although coming with modest dimensions, the vehicle is extremely capable with its 2,600kmg and a payload of 950kg.

    SEE ALSO: Rolls Royce team celebrates Sir Charles Stewart Rolls’ 144th birthday with a special event

    This model will later be followed by an EC31, an electric chassis cab van that blends this same practicality, but with even greater payload capabilities.

     

  • Rolls Royce team celebrates Sir Charles Stewart Rolls’ 144th birthday with a special event

    2021 Rolls Royce StopsRolls-Royce Motor Cars celebrate the 144th birthday of the co-founder of the company, Charles Stewart Rolls on the 37th of August, 2021. In honor of the birth date, the double-R team will make a pilgrimage around London and will visit notable locations that are associated with the gentleman’s life and career.

    The following stops are:

    35 Hill Street, Mayfair

    This is the birthplace of Hon Charles Stewart Rolls. As the third son of Lord and Lady Llanattock, he had the chance to be well-educated and yet enjoy his passion for aviation and motorsports.

    On the other hand, his business partner, Henry Royce, came from a humble family. He used to work as a telegram delivery boy and it is possible that he delivered letters and telegrams to the Rolls Family.

    119 Piccadilly

    There was the home of the Royal Aero Club, in which Rolls co-founded back in 1901 with Frank Hedges Butler, and his daughter, Vera. Rolls began his career as a balloonist, making over 170 flights, and even winning the Gordon Bennett Gold Medal in 1903 for the longest sustained time aloft.

    Also, back in 1910 he became the second person in Britain to be awarded an aeroplane pilot’s license. This very same year he became the first Englishman to fly one such across the English Channel and the first aviator to ever fly non-stop from England to France and back again.

    Royal Automobile Club (RAC)

    Rolls was also a founder member of the Automobile Club of Great Britain and Ireland, which later became the Royal Automobile Club.

    SEE ALSO: Mitsubishi Motors enters 2021 Rebelle Rally with Special Tribute Livery

    The Club took up residence in its current home at 89 Pall Mall in 1911, a year after Rolls’ tragic early death in a flying accident, aged just 32.

    14-15 Conduit Street

    This building on Conduit Street, which connects Bond Street and Regent Street, was the headquarters of Rolls-Royce Ltd for much of the twentieth century. From 1905 until his death in 1910, Rolls had his office there and used it as a base for demonstration drives. On 22 March 2010, its historic significance was marked with an English Heritage Blue Plaque, unveiled by Lord Montagu of Beaulieu.

    Berkeley Street

    Close to Rolls’ birthplace and one of the most prestigious places in London, Berkeley Street is regarded as the heart of Mayfair. Today, it is the site of Rolls-Royce’s flagship UK store, the first in the world to be transformed with the marque’s new corporate identity.