When Volkswagen is rejuvenating the most popular car in its segment into a new generation, the world is watching.
The new Polo is now wider, longer, rolling on the big MQB platform which is also seen in other models of the group, up to the Passat no less. It has grown to the size of the Golf IV, and it looks indeed a lot bigger than its predecessor.
It has more room for passengers and luggage, and this sixth generation comes with multitude of driver assistance systems, and is now definitely entering the digital age. It comes to you in a wide array of versions, which will include soon a Polo GTI1 and Polo Beats. The Polo is now for the first time also available with a natural gas engine. Just read further…
B-segment crossovers are all the rage, and Kia quite understandably wants also to have a slice of the cake. Its baby will be called the ‘Stonic’, combining ‘Speed’ with ‘Tonic’. The tonic pitch in music is what we refer to as the beginning and ending note of the scale used to compose a piece of music. it’s not only a center for the compositional process, but it’s also the pitch name that is the key.
Well, judging from the first drawings, the Stonic truly sets the tone…
Hans Knol ten Bensel
A sweeping roofline and originally styled roof rack create a sporty look. The tail lamp graphics evoke a young and futuristic appearance.
The car has sharp horizontal feature lines combined with softer sculpted surfaces, has compact dimensions and a low centre of gravity.
The European-designed cabin echoes the appearance of the exterior, with straight lines, smooth surfaces and geometric design forms. The Stonic’s interior places technology and ergonomics at its heart, with smart packaging maximizing space for all occupants, and a ‘floating’ HMI (human-machine interface) blending smartphone access with the car’s many functions.
On sale in the second half of 2017, the Stonic will also be the most customizable Kia ever, inside and out. We are anxious to see this car in the flesh, and drive it for you towards autumn…
The ink of our latest post on the new Jeep Compass was just dry, when we heard about a gripping TV commercial, starring the new Compass. We could not miss this, and give here some further info and the link…
Hans Knol ten Bensel
Today, Saturday June 3, hundreds of millions of TV viewers worldwide will watch the final of Europe’s top competition, as Juventus takes the field. The Jeep brand has been supporting the team all the way to the big match and uses the occasion to show to the main European markets their new “Recalculating” commercial, starring the new Jeep Compass immediately after the digital preview on June 2.
“Recalculating” is a 60-second commercial that offers a creative take on the sat-nav voice applying it to the important decisions and tough challenges encountered in one’s real life instead of road directions.
The characters are shown making headway and tackling the obstacles that come their way – be it professional opportunities or game changing events tied to family.
Life is unpredictable and throws many a curve, but in the film this offers the characters an opportunity to strengthen their spirits, further work on their identity and grow as a person. Indeed, wherever life leads you, in the new Compass you would never miss the right path to reach your goal…
The all-new Jeep® Compass made its debut at the latest Geneva Motor Show, and arrives at the dealers showrooms this summer, at a starting price of 25,000 Euros in select markets. This new Compass enters the compact SUV segment, which is the largest SUV segment in Europe.
But before you actually can see the car in the showroom, Jeep has brought in an innovative customer experience through augmented reality, thanks to Google’s Tango technology.
So clever, we wanted here to present it here in a special report… besides telling you more about this new Compass, which we will hope to drive for you soon!
The new Insignia has stylish looks, here in Magnetic Silver with OPC pack for the exterior…
When Opel launches a successor to its stylish flagship which was “car of the year” in 2009 and found 900.000 buyers, you can reckon it is something special. The new Opel Insignia Grand Sport and Sports Tourer recently displayed their qualities publicly for the first time when they made their premiere at the recent Geneva Motor Show, and the dynamic Opel PR team in Belgium invited us for a first drive at their magnificent Insignia Center in Zaventem. We drove for you two Grand Sport versions, one with the 136 HP 1,6 l CDTI diesel with the 6 speed auto box, and then the 6 speed manual 1,5 liter petrol engined 165 HP Turbo. We were very impressed by its mechanical refinement, its comfort, looks, ergonomics, and last but not least very entertaining handling.
In the EMEA area, orders can now be placed for the 180 HP 2.2 Diesel with automatic 8-speed transmission and rear wheel drive, letting you enjoy power in iconic Alfa Romeo style.
The new engine is clean, with CO2 emissions of only 124 g/km.
Some markets also see the debut of the 200 HP 2.0 Turbocharged petrol unit combined with automatic 8-speed transmission and Q4 all-wheel drive.
Citroën shows at the 2017 Shanghai Motor Show its New-Generation SUV, the C5 Aircross. Directly inspired from the Aircross Concept, unveiled in Shanghai in 2015, it combines bold design with an interior space focused on the well-being of each passenger: the brand with the double chevron calls it a “People Minded SUV”, human-oriented with generous dimensions for all passengers.
But there is more: the C5 Aircross is a big milestone in the Citroën Advanced Comfort® programme with the World Premiere of the “Progressive Hydraulic CushionsTM” suspension, delivering again the legendary and a unique smooth comfort of suspension that is typically Citroën.
William CROZES@AUTOMOBILES CITROËN
Scheduled for launch in China in the second half of the year, and at the end of 2018 in Europe, the new C5 Aircross is a major asset in Citroën’s international offensive in 2017.
Just read on…
Hans Knol ten Bensel
Following the C-Aircross Concept presented at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, heralding the C3 Aircross SUV in Europe for the end of 2017, Citroën is continuing its offensive in the SUV segment with the global reveal of the new C5 Aircross.
Copyright William CROZES @ AUTOMOBILES CITROËN
Targeting global markets, this SUV marks a new stage in the deployment of the Brand’s product strategy, but adding its very own flair to it..
Dynamic design
The C5 Aircross has robust, muscular exterior lines, a high bonnet, 2.73 m wheelbase, short overhang, and flowing organic lines with strong graphic features. Inside, it provides a sense of power and space, thanks to its robust dashboard with a horizontal layout for greater width, its welcoming seats, its wide and tall central console, and its soft and warm materials enhancing the feeling of protection and comfort.
Unique comfort
The C5 is innovating in the iconic Citroën way. It embodies a significant step in the Citroën Advanced Comfort® programme. Taking advantage of the EMP2 platform, it delivers intelligence of architecture and well-being on board. To go further C5 Aircross is the first vehicle to be equipped with the new “Progressive Hydraulic CushionsTM” suspension, improving damping quality for an exceptional level of ride comfort, that is typically Citroën. On board, it is a genuine invitation to travel for every passenger: the space is clear and full of light thanks to the opening panoramic sunroof, the front seats have heating and massage functions, the welcoming rear seats offer leading leg room, and the atmosphere is purified thanks to air quality treatment.
Copyright William CROZES @ AUTOMOBILES CITROËN
Equipped with a clear and understandable 12.3” TFT digital cluster and a capacitive 8” HD touchscreen, C5 Aircross features an array of driving aids, including Active Safety Brake, Active Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control with a Stop function… Endowed with Grip Control and Hill Assist Descent Control to strike off the beaten path in complete safety, the C5 Aircross will also be the first Citroën available with PHEV plug-in hybrid technology.
Unveiled at the Shanghai Motor Show, as said above, the C5 Aircross will be launched in China in October 2017. It is scheduled to be launched in Europe at the end of 2018.
The new Q8 looks quite dramatic in Krypton Orange, and will seduce many…
Audi is to expand its portfolio with two new Q-models and has also told us where they will be built: Production of the Audi Q8 will start in Bratislava (Slovakia) in 2018 and the first Audi Q4 will drive off the assembly line in Győr (Hungary) in 2019.
With the Audi Q8, the brand will open up a new segment for its top-end models. The premium SUV is executed in a coupe style, combining space with appealing design. It will offer of course the latest in driver assistance and infotainment systems. Audi will produce the model in Bratislava as of 2018. As you know, the Audi Q7 has already been produced at the Slovakian plant since 2005.
Meanwhile, the second generation of the large SUV is in production there, as an S version and as the Q7 e-tron plug-in hybrid.
In 2019, production of the Audi Q4 will start at Audi Hungaria in Győr. With this model, the brand is entering the segment of compact utility vehicles (CUVs). The very sporty Audi Q4 with its typical coupe-style silhouette will be positioned between the Audi Q3 and Q5. Remarkable is also that from 2018 onwards, Audi Hungaria will also be responsible for production of the Audi Q3 compact SUV, which until then will continue to be produced in Martorell, Spain.
The big Opel model offensive “7 in 17” with seven new models in 2017 is in full swing. After the Opel Insignia Grand Sport and Sports Tourer, the new Ampera-e, Opel adds a newcomer to the crossover segment now with the Crossland X. It is the second member of the Opel X family, joining the bestseller Mokka X.
The I.D. Buzz concept car from Volkswagen celebrates its European premiere at the Geneva International Motor Show, held from 9 to 19 March.
The new electric MPV is already the second model in the I.D. range and provides a look ahead to the future – it shows in particular that the modular electric drive matrix (MEB) is well suited to larger vehicles as well: batteries and drive system are housed within the floor;
driver and passengers find lots of space for travelling in comfort above.
The Geneva International Motor Show is already the third outing for the I.D. Buzz. Following its world premiere at the start of January in Detroit, it came an encounter with the T1 for a photo-shoot in Miami, Florida.
Even though there are seven decades between Volkswagen’s oldest and newest MPV, the I.D. Buzz undoubtedly has its predecessor’s genes: maximum utilisation of space on the footprint of a medium-size passenger car. On top of that comes multi-variable seating and interactive connectivity. Thanks to the extended MEB XL platform, this 4,942 mm long, 1,976 mm wide and 1,963 mm high concept vehicle provides what for its class are extraordinary spatial dimensions inside as well. We just let you look here at some photos…
In the meantime, we are driving the V6 Diesel version of the Amarok pickup. Impressive! A full test report will follow soon…
The I.D. Buzz concept car from Volkswagen celebrates its European premiere at the Geneva International Motor Show, held from 9 to 19 March.
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