SE – Automobiles Review

Mini Cooper SE Convertible

Following the positive feedback on the unique specimen presented in summer 2022, MINI is now going ahead with a small series of the all-electric MINI Cooper SE Convertible (power consumption combined: 17.2 kWh/100 km according to WLTP; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g/km) which represents another big step in the direction of electric mobility. The world’s first locally emission-free premium convertible in the small car segment shortens the transition period to the introduction of the next-generation all-electric model family. From April 2023, the MINI Cooper SE Convertible will be available in Europe in a limited number of 999 vehicles.

“Three years ago we launched the all-electric MINI Cooper SE, and today one in five MINI sold in Europe is an all-electric MINI. This success has spurred us to implement the small series of the MINI Cooper SE Convertible within only a few months. I’m delighted that we can offer 999 MINI customers an extraordinary and exclusive open-air go-kart feeling,” says Stefanie Wurst, Head of the MINI Brand.

The MINI Cooper SE Convertible is available in Enigmatic Black and White Silver. Door handles, side scuttles and the surrounds of the front and rear lights are finished in Resolute Bronze. The MINI logos and the model lettering feature in elegant Piano Black to match. The E logo familiar from the MINI Cooper SE is found on the front apron and on the rear, thereby visually underlining locally emission-free driving fun.

Further edition-specific equipment details also adorn the door sill trims and side scuttles and, with the 1 of 999 lettering emphasising the exclusive character of the limited edition open-air MINI.

MINI takes on a pioneering role with the edition-specific alloy wheels. The 17″ cast alloy wheels in Electric Power Spoke 2-tone design are made of 100 percent secondary aluminium. The combination of green electricity during production and the use of the secondary raw material can significantly reduce CO2 emissions compared to conventional manufacturing processes.

Extensive interior equipment with MINI Electric Design features.

The sports seats are in MINI Yours Leather Lounge design and feature seat heating and adjustable thigh support. The multifunctional sports leather steering wheel in Nappa leather finish contributes to the fun-to-drive atmosphere and stylish driving comfort and can also be heated. In the lower steering wheel spoke, the MINI Electric Badge highlights the limited character of the all-electric convertible. The exclusive Piano Black surfaces, which can be stylishly set off by the ambient lighting, also contribute to car’s exclusive status. The design of the interior emphasises the fully electric character of the open-top four-seater with yellow colour accents, such as the yellow start-stop toggle switch.

In addition to numerous other features, the high-quality equipment is complemented in the cockpit by the eDrive services familiar from the MINI Cooper SE. These provides the driver with information on current energy consumption, range and tips for an economical driving style. All essential information is summarised on the MINI Head-Up Display while driving. On longer journeys, the Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function and the MINI Driving Assistant, among other features, enhance the comfort of the limited MINI Convertible with all-electric drive as standard.

Pure electrified go-kart feeling.

With a length of 3,850 mm, a wheelbase of 2,495 mm, 1,727 mm width and 1,427 mm height, the dimensions, including the luggage compartment with 160 l load volume, remain unchanged compared to the conventionally powered MINI Convertible. The 135 kW/184 hp electric motor comes from the BMW Group’s electric mobility competence centres in Dingolfing and Landshut. Its small size enables particularly harmonious axle load distribution and favours agile and easily controllable handling. The electric drive accelerates the MINI Cooper SE Convertible smoothly from standstill to 100 km/h in 8.2 seconds.

With a range of 201 kilometres determined in the WLTP test cycle, open-air excursions are possible well beyond the city limits. Up to 30 km/h, the fully electrically powered and thus particularly quiet textile soft top in MINI Yours style with typical Union Jack pattern can be opened, closed or set as a sliding roof.

From idea to small series.

With the MINI Cooper SE Convertible, MINI highlights its flexibility and has set up the production of a small series for the first time. The MINI Cooper SE Convertible will be produced in a limited edition of 999 vehicles alongside the conventional MINI Convertible in the Netherlands.

February 16, 2023

Mini Cooper SE Convertible Concept

Sunshine, rising temperatures, fresh green scenery: Right on time for summer, MINI is presenting the all-electric MINI Cooper SE as a convertible for the first time. Not as a series production version, but as a unique specimen that shows how the path to an all-electric premium brand could continue and also electrify classic sporty open-air driving in the future. As an open four-seater, the MINI Cooper SE Convertible is the world’s only premium convertible with a fully electric drivetrain in the small car segment. With this frontrunner, the British premium brand combines classic sportiness, maximum open-top driving fun and locally emission-free electric mobility for the first time.

July 25, 2022

Superb SE Business Edition with Two Engine Options

Skoda Superb SE Buisness is designed to meet the specifics of the fleet market with additional equipment that adds even more comfort and technologic additions. This particular trim level is geared with front and rear parking sensors, touchscreen satellite navigation, drive mode selection, including Eco, Sport and Normal modes, sunset glass from the back and even a Phonebox with wireless enhanced signal.

But the goodies do not end here. The SE Buisness comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights for better vision, Adaptive Cruise control and lumbar support. The most interesting fact is that, although the vastly increased number of additions, the new trim will come at the same price as its predecessor. With all improvements and the incredibly spacious cabin and the increased rear legroom, the new SE Buisness is set to be the businessman’s best friend out on the streets. Only some of the new features are the optional: Virtual pedal system, Blind spot detection, new generation Park assist.

The SE Buisness will come with a choice of two EU6 diesel engines: the 1.6-litre 120PS unit and the 2.0-litre 150 PS one. Both come mated to DSG transmissions. Also, the new GreenLine model will emit about 95g/km of CO2, or at least it is expected to do so.

Furthermore, the SE Buisness will be up to 75kg lighter, despite the fact it is larger than the SE – 47mm wider, with 80mm longer wheelbase. It is believed, that all of these features will make the new model more efficient and comfortable.

Other “firsts” here are the LED rear lights, sunset glass, the redesigned multi-function steering wheel, manual lumbar support, electric parking brake, expanded set of safety and security extras – ABS, EBW, MSR, EDS, HDA and more. The technical additions include AC Contro, Satelite navigation control and SmartLink. The new Skoda SE Buisness will be specifically distributed in Europe and is expected to make a market debut later this year.

Source: Skoda

March 25, 2015

Nissan adds more features to 2015 Navara

We all know that Nissan plans to launch the 2015 Navara model – after all the vehicle has been in the news since this past summer but the Japanese auto maker has decided to make a splash – the new vehicle now comes with more features and extras than previously expected.

The latest version of the 2015 Navara pick-up will be launched at the upcoming IAA Commercial Vehicle Show in Hannover, Germany (September 25 – October 2) and will have new safety features, new standard equipment, new body colors and an upgraded interior trim. For instance, starting now every model in the 2015 Navara range has 17-inch alloy wheels and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) as standard. Two new body colors are also present – bronze and grey and they both offer enhanced looks and improved quality. Nissan says the overall goal has been to bring enhanced value to the new features and improve customer benefits by up to EUR 800.

The big news is that the new 2015 Nissan Navara now offers a new SE model that comes with a 144 HP (106 kW) version of the 2.5-liter diesel engine used in other Navara modifications. This engine, which was launched for the first time in the fleet-oriented XE version last year, is the perfect compromise between power and efficiency. The 144 HP engine now produces 215 g/km of carbon dioxide, which is 7 g/km improvement over the 190 HP (140 kW) version and needs 8.2 liters of fuel per 100 km (29 US MPG). In addition to that the new SE version offers numerous improvements over the XE model that include automatic air conditioning, a combined CD tuner with Bluetooth connectivity, side airbags, chrome front grille, cruise control with speed limited, driver seat height adjustments and more.

The 2015 Navara has three versions – XE, SE and the top LE – and they all now feature a 190 HP (140 kW) version of the dCi engine, while the most advanced LE version of the same pick-up is available with a more powerful 231 HP (170 kW) 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine along with an advanced Nissan 7-speed automatic transmission. The LE version excels in other areas – it has premium navigation, a reversing camera, roof rails, heated seats, cruise control, privacy glass, rain sensor and electrically folding door mirrors as standard. A special version of the LE also adds eather/alcantara trim, 18-inch alloy wheels, chrome touches and a steel bar at the front for added protection.

No word on pricing as of now.

Source: Nissan

September 24, 2014

2013 Hyundai Sonata Tackles Other from its Segment

Don’t you hate it when car manufacturers bash one another over which one is the leader in a segment? That’s exactly what Hyundai are now doing with their 2013 Sonata. We had to go trough bulks of comparisons between their car (the 2013 MY) and 2012 MY Altimas and Accords, Malibus and Fusions to actually get to some relevant information. Whichever table we looked at, the Sonata was one step ahead… but is that really the case?

It is cheap, we’ll give them that. At $21,720 you get a Sonata GLS complete with the “Popular Equipment Package”. That roughly means front heated seats and fog lights among other luxuries. Power comes from a Theta II GDI 2.4-liter unit which, judging by the acronym, one might think it’s a diesel. The thing is GDI stands for Gasoline Direct-Injection and that’s what the Sonata uses to spray fuel into the cylinders at pressure of 2,175 psi. Thus the compression ration stands at a high 11.3:1 and the pistons inside are dished so that they can handle the combustion process more efficiently. With all that in mind, we are being told that the Sonata achieves 24 mpg in an urban environment and 35 mpg on the highway. The transmission that comes as standard is a six-speed automatic with SHIFTRONIC and has to deal with 198 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque. The SE trim also boasts a standard dual exhaust system which adds 2 more hp and 2 more lb.-ft. of torque.

While the 2.4 Theta II GDI is naturally aspirated, the 2.0-liter one is turbocharged. That means even more power and almost no compromises in terms of efficiency – 274 hp at 6000 rpm and 269 lb-ft of torque within the 1,750 – 4,500 rpm range.

On the Hyundai Sonata 2.0T SE trim you get a fully automatic temperature control unit which is convenient. What isn’t convenient, but rather exciting, is the sporty suspension – stiffer springs and larger stabilizer bars, resulting in a 20 percent increase in roll resistance. Add to that 18-inch, low profile tires and a constantly adapting electric power steering and you’ve got yourself a car that does not shy away from a corner.

Driver aids include the usual ABS and ESP systems but also Electronic Brake-force Distribution – depending on the place of load, braking power gets redirected. Six airbags and active front-seat head restrains keep you safe and sound.

It goes without saying, that inside, the connectivity is topnotch – XM Satellite Radio for three months, Bluetooth, a place to plug in your iPod or USB drive and a touch-screen navigation system that comes with the SE and Limited trim levels.

Overall, the Hyundai Sonata sounds like a decent car. The only thing the company needs to do is to stop jabbing the others and gain and focus on their product. The automotive industry should not tolerate dirty play.

Source: Hyundai

May 9, 2012

2012 Lexus GS 250 SE – Price £32 995

The new 2012 GS range is already available on the UK market. It starts at £32 995 for the entry-level GS 250 SE and goes up to whopping £44 995 for the Luxury model – full hybrid GS 450h.

The engine range includes a 2.5-litre V6 Dual VVT-i petrol with 206PS (154 kW) and a 3.5 litre V6 hybrid with overall power 340PS (253 kW).

The standard equipment includes 17” alloy wheels, automatic bi-xenon headlamps and windscreen wipers, LED daytime running lights and a rear-view camera with parking guide monitor. Cabin comfort is assured with leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control and electrically adjustable front seats (10-way, with memory setting for the driver’s seat) with heating and ventilation functions. The steering wheel is electrically adjustable, too, and incorporates paddle shifts. On-board entertainment is provided by a 12-speaker audio system with CD player, DAB tuner, Bluetooth and USB/Aux ports for connecting personal music players.

Both the GS 250 and full hybrid GS 450h are offered in Luxury and F Sport grade. The former builds on the SE specification with the introduction of 18-inch alloys, front and rear parking sensors, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and an HDD satellite navigation system with Remote Touch controller. Luxury grade also provides a new blind spot detection system integrated into the folding/auto-dimming door mirrors.

F Sport versions of GS make a bolder style statement thanks to 19” rims, a boot-lip spoiler and sports-styled bumpers and front grille. In addition to the Luxury specification, the F Sport has bi-xenon headlights with an automatic high beam function, as well Lexus’s Adaptive Front-lighting System, which adjusts the beam direction as the car approaches bends and turns at junctions.

The F Sport look carries through to the cabin with sports pedals and perforated leather-trimmed sports steering wheel and gear knob. The front sports seats gain further adjustment functions – 16-way for the driver, plus four-way lumbar support.

The F Sport benefits from Adaptive Variable Suspension and selectable drive modes plus, on the 450h model, the Lexus Dynamic Handling System, which brings together a comprehensive array of steering and handling features, including Dynamic Rear Steering, electric power steering, Variable Gear Ratio Steering and Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management.

At the top of the range, the GS 450h Premier is fitted with 18-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels and the same bi-xenon headlamp system as the F Sport models. The F Sport’s adaptive suspension and selectable drive modes are also part of the Premier’s specification.

In the cabin the seats are upholstered in semi-aniline leather, with both front seats benefiting from 18-way electric adjustment and memory settings. The passenger seat offers extra leg support and a rear easy access function.

The sophisticated climate control system is divided three-ways between the front left and right and rear sections of the cabin, and is equipped with an ioniser to help maintain an ideal environment.

The HDD navigation and premium Mark Levinson sound system are linked to a 12.3-inch central display screen, the largest on the market. Other details include automatic boot closing, sunshades for the rear windows (electrically operated for the back window) and a tyre pressure warning system.

Options list include a premium surround system with 12.3” navigation and multimedia screen, a sun roof, LED headlamps and a preventive safety package featuring Adaptive Cruise Control and Pre-Crash Safety. Metallic or mica paint is an option across the board, while full-map navigation is available for the GS 250 SE.

Nine exterior colours are available for SE, Luxury and Premier versions of the new GS: Arctic Pearl, Sonic Silver, Velvet Black, Mercury Grey, Meteor Blue, Crimson Red, Atlantic Blue, Celestial Black and, for GS 450h only, Obsidian Black. The F Sport models have a different range of colours: Arctic Pearl, Sonic Silver, Velvet Black, Mercury Grey and Crimson Red.

In the cabin SE and Luxury models have gloss black dash inserts, with aluminium used for the F Sport; Walnut, Ebony or Bamboo wood trims are used in the GS450h Premier, according to the choice of leather upholstery shade.

There are six leather colours, with a Garnet red exclusive to the F Sport.

Source: Lexus

February 15, 2012

2012 Vauxhall Zafira Tourer Price – £21 000

Vauxhall has introduced the new 2012 Zafira Tourer at the Frakfurt Motor Show. The vehicle will be positioned above the current Zafira model in Vauxhall’s line-up and is set to raise the bar for design, luxury, flexibility and innovation in the MPV sector.

There are four trim levels: Exclusiv, SRi, SE and Elite.

The base model is priced at just £21 000 and it comes with an air conditioning, DAB, cruise control, MP3/Aux In connections, 6 airbags, 7-speaker sound system, active headrests, and Flex7 seating.

There are also two new engines – a 1.4 Turbo petrol and a 2.0 CDTi diesel with three outputs, including a 119g ecoFLEX version – join a 1.8-litre petrol unit. This means that you’ll be able to choose from 110PS to 165PS.

A great emphasis has been placed on safety in the Zafira Tourer, with a plethora of driver-assist systems making a first appearance in the new model. Traffic Sign Recognition, Side Blind Spot Alert and Advance Park Assist – which helps drivers find an adequate parking space and guides them in to it – are among the option highlights.

Source: Vauxhall

September 15, 2011

2012 Toyota Highlander Price – $28 090

Toyota has announced the price list for the 2012 Highlander SUV. The manufacturer didn’t make any improvements or upgrades to the vehicle except the slightly lower price for the entry level.

The 2011 Highlander is available in three trim levels – Base, SE and Limited grades. There are two petrol engines – four and six-cylinder, which can be mated to a 5-speed or a 6-speed automatic gearbox. Both two-wheel (2WD) and full-time four-wheel-drive (4WD) are also available on all trim levels. However, the E-CVT gearbox is available only on the 2012 Highlander Hybrid.

The Hybrid version comes with 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine plus electric motor with overall power of 280PS.

2012 Toyota Highlander starts at $28 090 for the entry level with 2WD and goes up to $35 595 for the 2WD Limited V6 5-speed Automatic model. The 4WD vehicles start at $30 695 and go up to $37 045.

Toyota offers 36-month or 36 000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items.

Source: Toyota

August 2, 2011

Volvo released 119g/km DRIVe versions of its S80 saloon and V70 estate

Volvo S80 Volvo Car UK has revealed 119g/km DRIVe versions of its S80 executive saloon and V70 premium estate, the fourth and fifth body style it’s launched delivering CO₂ emissions below 120 g/km.

Delivering 109bhp and 240Nm of torque, the modified 1.6 litre turbocharged diesel engine provides improved fuel economy by 5.1mpg to 62.8mpg on the Combined Cycle, increasing both cars’ range to nearly 1100 miles. (more…)

February 1, 2010

Peugeot 308 CC Gets Six Appeal

The Peugeot 308 CC now has extra six appeal with the introduction of a new 1.6 litre 156 bhp Euro 5 THP turbo-charged petrol engine and a new 6-speed automatic gearbox.

Positioned as the flagship of the 308 CC petrol range the new 308 CC THP 156 automatic sees the introduction of a new “AT6” 6-speed automatic gearbox, further strengthening the vehicle’s image as a distinctive and dynamic vehicle.

The new “AT6” automatic gearbox has been developed by “Aisin AW” to specifications defined by the PSA Peugeot Citroën group. Close in engineering terms to the “AM6” (fitted to the group’s most powerful HDi diesel engines – V6 HDi, 2.2 litre and 2.0 litre HDi), this new gearbox is designed to withstand a maximum torque of 300 Nm (450 Nm for the AM6). (more…)

January 27, 2010

Skoda Announces Superb Estate Pricing

Prices for the award-winning new Škoda Superb Estate have been announced. Prices start at just £17,715 OTR for the Superb Estate S with the 1.4 TSI 125bhp engine. With class-leading legroom and boot space, a long list of standard equipment and Škoda’s legendary great value, the Superb Estate sets a new standard for estate motoring.

The Superb Estate will be available in three trim levels, S, SE and Elegance. A choice of six engines will be offered, three petrol and three diesel, ranging from the entry-level 1.4 TSI 125bhp to the range-topping 3.6 V6 260bhp DSG 4×4. (more…)

December 17, 2009

Volkswagen Three-Door Polo Unveiled Ahead Of Frankfurt Show

The new three-door Polo has been unveiled ahead of its public debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

Drawing on the same clean, sharp lines adopted by the five-door model the new Polo three-door features a more aggressive stance, with a pronounced kink in the window line just above a sharp crease running the length of the car. The overall effect is a cohesive, clutter-free design that makes the new Polo appear lower and wider than it really is. (more…)

August 26, 2009

Tag: SE