Automobiles Review

Tag: geneva motor show 2014

  • Kia Sportage MY2014 Update Debuts At Geneva

    2014-Kia-Sportage-shadow2014-Kia-Sportage-mediumWith the Geneva Motor Show drawing nearer, we get all kinds of news: interesting, prolific, and downright mind blowing. This is neither of these, but we’ll deliver nevertheless. It’s the slightly updated Kia Sportage range for this year.

    Here’s the deal: the MY2014 gets a new premium sound system, FlexSteer (Kia’s selectable steering feedback) as standard, a heated steering wheel, and trailer stability control. In terms of refinement, the interior is, apparently, less noisy thanks to an even more stream defying windshield. Bush-mounted subframes and new transmission mounting brackets bring about further improvements to the overall ride quality.

    We guess beauty is in the details since there’s nothing else to be said about the update. Surprisingly enough, the Spotage is Kia’s best-selling model in Europe. Back in 2013 there were a total of 89,553 models sold. That’s a year-on-year increase of 10.5 percent. Clever moves like that are sure to keep that trend going.

    2014 Kia Sportage
    2014 Kia Sportage
    2014 Kia Sportage
    2014 Kia Sportage
    2014 Kia Sportage
    2014 Kia Sportage

    Source: Kia

  • 2014 Skoda Octavia Scout Debuts At Geneva

    2014-Skoda-Octavia-Scout-shadow2014-Skoda-Octavia-Scout-mediumThe Skoda Octavia Scout: essentially a Combi with a personality disorder (it, among others, thinks its a mountain goat). Now, there’s a new one due to appear at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show in March.

    There is, undeniably, an off-roadish look about it. The typical-for-crossovers black bumpers, door sills and wheel arches are the first to catch your attention. Bring out a ruler, however, and you’ll also find that the ground clearance has been increased by 33 millimeters compared to the standard Octavia. The 17-inch alloy wheels are a given and inside you’ll find a 3-spoke multi-functional steering wheel with Scout-specific features.

    It’s clear that the Scout wants to be taken seriously and for a good reason. It has an AWD system that incorporates VAG’s Haldex 5 coupling system, the traction has been increased by 25% to up to two tonnes, and the larger approach/departure angles mean that the Scout also has better climbing capabilities. There will be a choice of two diesel and one petrol engines. If we had to guess, we’d say the two diesel options are Volkswagen’s 1.6- and 2.0-liter blocks that develop 105 PS and 140 PS respectively. As for the petrol, our money goes on the 160 PS 1.8 TSI plant (not entirely sure about that one). Either way, all powertrains will be 20% more economical when compared to the Scout’s predecessor.

    2014 Skoda Octavia Scout
    2014 Skoda Octavia Scout
    2014 Skoda Octavia Scout

    Source: Skoda