In palace 5 of the show, Renault will present the New Clio, under a full hybrid version from 2020, christened E-TECH. This is a major first for Groupe Renault, which relied on its pioneering know-how as the European market leader in electric mobility to develop a unique hybrid experience for New Clio. New Clio E-Tech is presented as a world premiere at the Brussels 2020 Salon.
Renault CLIO in Portugal…
Another world premiere is the new Captur, the first affordable model in its segment to be offered in 2020 with a fully rechargeable hybrid engine. Renault calls its hybrid technology E-TECH Plug-in.
New Renault CAPTUR in Greece…
Renault presents its hybrid technology, under this E-Tech label, to the general public for the first time at the Brussels Motor Show.
That is why a special technological zone will be dedicated exclusively to New Clio E-Tech and New Captur E-Tech Plug-in at the Renault stand in Palace 5. Visitors to the salon will be able to learn everything about this new technology thanks to demonstration modules, but also thanks to technical experts with whom they will be able to talk.
A 1,6 litre petrol engine is used in the hybrid layout, alongside with two electric engines. More about all this soon, when we discuss all this more in technical detail.
2019 – New Renault ESPACE Initiale Paris
The new Espace has also its world premiere in Brussels. There is also the new ZOE, a next step in terms of versatility, quality and technology. With 52 kWh, the battery offers Z.E. 50 in New ZOE now a range of 395 km WLTP, an increase with 25%.
Two years after it was launched on the European market, New Koleos is making progress in all areas, with a more pronounced body design and a higher level of comfort. He also has new, more efficient and more efficient engines and more technologies in the interior.
The new ZOE with a bigger range…
The New ZOE sets a next step in the field of versatility, quality and technology. With 52 kWh, the battery offers Z.E. 50 in New ZOE now a range of 395 km WLTP, an increase with 25%.
We just let you look at the photos here… and needless to say that we are very keen to make a test drive soon with the new E-Tech cars!
Ceed Sportswagon and XCeed are now also offered as PHEV versions…
Electrification is the name of the game at Kia. In Hall 4 it will show not less than 11 “electrified” cars, ranging from mild hybrid to hybrid and plug in hybrid on to full electric.
In Belgian premieres, we will stand eye to eye with the XCeed PHEV and the Ceed SW PHEV.
Emilio Herrera, Chief Operating Officer at Kia Motors Europe, commented that in the first half of 2019, one in seven of the Kia’s sold in Europe was an electrified model, a trend which is catching up quite fast.
The new drivetrain combines a lithium-polymer battery package of 8,9 kWh, an electric motor of 44,5 kW and an efficient 1,6 litre ‘Kappa’ four cylinder GDI (gasoline direct injection) engine. Total system power is 141 HP and 265 Nm, enough to propel the Ceed Sportswagon in 10,8 seconds and the XCeed in 11 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h.
Regenerative braking is provided for, and both cars have the so-called Virtual Engine Sound System, which is actvated in the EV-mode when driving slowly or backwards.
A charge indicator is of course provided in the instrumentation, and one can monitor the energy flow between engine, battery package and electric motor.
Power transmission of the petrol engine is via a 6 speed DCT, and both engines deliver their power parallel to the front wheels. The 8,9 kWh battery package is situated next to the 37 liter fuel tank under the rear seat.
Clever is also the “driver only” heating/ventilation mode, where the vents closest to the driver are opened, and the blower is cancelled. Just to save energy!
We will soon take the Kia XCeed 1,4 T for a test drive, awaiting this interesting PHEV version…
The new Stelvio MY2020 offers unrivalled and refined driving pleasure…
On our 98th edition of the Brussels Motor Show, FCA will be present in hall 7. Here you will stand eye to eye with the new Alfa Romeo Giulia MY2020 and Stelvio MY2020. Both models evolve in three directions: technology, autonomous driving and connectivity.
The quality interiors and the technology on board now ensure the same level of excellence thanks to new driver assistance systems, autonomous driving systems (level 2), the new, fully upgraded infotainment system with connected services and the redesigned human-machine interface.
We will soon tell you in an extended report more about these two very charismatic automobiles, which we drove for you in Bari.
In addition to the Giulia and the Stelvio, the latest version of the Giulietta is also in the spotlights, and this Alfa is thoroughly updated in the course of 2019. We also drove it for you recently, and a test report will follow soon…
Jeep : « Avant-Première » van de nieuwe Jeep Renegade PHEV
Jeep presented its three PHEV hybrid models last March, following the Geneva Motor Show 2019: the Renegade, the Compass and the Wrangler.
On the new Jeep Renegade PHEV, which will be premiered at the Brussels Motor Show, the electric motor works together with the new 1.3-turbo gasoline engine to increase efficiency and overall power. For the Renegade the power is between 190 and 240 hp, with excellent road performance as a result: in about seven seconds it goes from 0 to 100 km / h. The same figures – although they still have to be homologated – are achieved by the first rechargeable hybrid version of the Compass, which therefore becomes faster than ever.
Fiat: prominent offers on the leading models in the range
The brand presents a range of interesting special series at the BMS 2020: the 500 range and its many variants (500, 500C, 500L and 500X) are central, as well as the timeless Panda and the Tipo range.
These special series also include the «Sport» models, available on Tipo, 500X and 500L (the latter is a premiere for the Belgian public at the Brussels Salon). The «Sport» versions combine a distinctly sporty look with ultra-complete equipment.
The “Club Edizione” series is available on the Fiat 500, 500L and 500X models. These versions offer a distinctly refined style with an interesting price / equipment ratio.
With regard to the Tipo family, Fiat proposes the «Tipo More» range, this concept consists of «More» packs which are offered at a unique price (€ 500) and are available at every Fiat Tipo equipment level. In this way, each model can be equipped with adequate equipment, with an interesting customer advantage.
Finally, there is the Fiat Panda, which is in the spotlight with its «Waze» version, which offers an unpublished equipment / price ratio with the refreshed look of the Fiat Panda Waze 2.0.
Abarth: the new Abarth 695 70 ° Anniversario is the star on the BMS 2020
The new special series Abarth 695 70 ° Anniversario was presented on the BMS2020 as an ode to the seventieth anniversary of the Abarth & C. brand and to the ingenuity of its founder, Carlo Abarth (1908-1979).
The new Abarth 695 70 ° Anniversario – of which 1949 will be built, which also refers to the year the brand was founded – is equipped with the new ‘Spoiler ad Assetto Variabile’, the result of the work that Abarth engineers in the wind tunnel of FCA in Orbassano (Turin) to improve the streamline of the car. It enhances the grip on fast mixed courses and provides better stability at high speeds.
The new 695 70 ° Anniversario is powered by the most powerful engine in the range. The 1.4 turbo engine delivers 180 hp and a torque of 250 Nm at 3,000 rpm. It drives the car from 0 to 100 km/ h in barely 6.7 seconds and further to a top speed of 225 km /h (with the spoiler set at 0 °). We would like to have our hands on one in the coming months…
Fiat Panda 4 x 4 and Jeep Wrangler soon to be tested…
Your servant will drive into the new year be behind the wheel of the Fiat Panda Cross 4×4, to be followed by the 200 HP Jeep Wrangler 2.2 MultiJet Diesel. We look forward to it and soon you will read our test findings in these columns! Stay tuned!
The Brussels Car Show is unique in the world, as it is an event where cars are actually SOLD in large numbers to the visiting public. This has been a “bourgeois” tradition since its early beginnings, now almost a century ago. Understandably, as the Belgian car market is a rather small, but “open” market, with no national brands to distort the picture when you want to assess your possible European market share. So all car makers are keenly looking at our market, and testing it… in a salon or show where they actually sell cars.
Audi is present in “palace” or hall 11 at the show. It shows the Audi e-tron Sportback in European premiere, and a world premiere of the updated
Audi A5 Sportback 40 g-tron. The 2.0 TFSI gasoline engine is specially adapted to run on CNG (compressed natural gas) and develops a power of 125 kW (170 hp). The maximum torque of 270 Nm is available between 1,650 and 4,400 rom. The Audi A5 Sportback g-tron has a combined CNG consumption between 3.8 and 4.1 kg / 100 km and combined CO2 emission between 103 and 111 g / km.
Important is also the new range of plug-in hybrid models: Audi A6 Saloon 50 TFSI e quattro, Q5 55 TFSI e quattro, A7 Sportback 55 TFSI e quattro and A8 LWB 60 TFSI e Quattro.
“25 years of RS” with new Audi RS range: Audi RS 6 Avant, RS 7 Sportback, RS 4 Avant RS Q8 and RSQ 3 Sportback.
We show you here the RS 6 Avant, its 4.0 V8 TFSI twin-turbo engine now boasts 600 hp and 800 Nm of torque, and advanced mild-hybrid technology for superior – and efficient – performance. Its renewed RS design that is even broader and more muscular. Performance has its sprice, starting from 119,950 euros.
The impressive RS Q8 has the same engine and power. This makes the large SUV coupe from Audi Sport sprint from 0 to 100 km / h in just 3.8 seconds and then hurtle to 200 km / h in 13.7 seconds. The base price of the Audi RS Q8 is 130,970 euros.
Last but not least there is the Audi R8 LMS GT2 at Dream Cars Salon. This track car is based on an Audi R8 Spyder, and develops 470 kW (640 hp). This makes it the most powerful customer racing car in the eleven-year history of Audi Sport customer racing.
Your servant has recently tested the stylish Q3 Sportback 45 TFSI, a true gem when it comes to smooth power and driving pleasure, and a report will follow soon. Of course we are keen to test the new hybrids, and end of March we will drive the Audi A7 Sportback 55 TFSI e quattro 367 hp S tronic. We are certainly looking forward to that one, and assess how Audi understands hybrid driving…which comes in plug-in hybrid form. All plug-in hybrid models use the TFSI, or a direct-injection petrol engines, which interacts with an electric motor integrated into the drive. A lithium-ion battery under the trunk floor provides the electrical energy.
More Audi news soon in these columns, as we discuss the new e-tron Sportback and technical facelifts which extend the e-driving range, and look closer at the formidable Q8 RS.
The Macan series is ever more popular, and Porsche now adds a distinctive touch of zest to the range, with a 380 HP GTS version. The 2.9-litre V6 biturbo engine comes with a performance-oriented chassis, characteristic design and enhanced equipment.
The engine is coupled to a newly adapted PDK dual-clutch transmission. Performance is nothing short of exhilarating. With the optional Sport Chrono package, the Macan GTS can accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds, three tenths faster than before. It has a top speed of 261 km/h.
The Macan “Gran Turismo Sport”, has outstanding driving dynamics. The Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) damping control system has of course been specially tuned. The chassis has also been lowered by 15 millimetres for greater lateral dynamics. Adaptive air suspension is optionally available with chassis lowering by a further 10 millimetres.
Combined with the standard 20-inch RS Spyder Design wheels and the cast iron brakes (360 x 36 millimetres at the front, 330 x 22 millimetres at the rear), the new Macan GTS has the agility and responsiveness of a true sports car. As an option, deceleration can be further improved by means of the Porsche Surface Coated Brake (PSCB) with tungsten carbide coating or the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB).
The 2.9-litre V6 engine sounds not only delightful; it has also plenty of punch. The Central Turbo Layout, with two turbochargers arranged in the inner V of the engine, see to that. The maximum torque of 520 Nm (plus 20 Nm) is available over a wide range from 1,750 to 5,000 rpm. Economy is here more than ever the result of your driving style. Suffice to say here that consumption is 11.3 – 11.8 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres according to WLTP.
Design touches for more sportiness…
The standard Sport Design package with new front and rear trim and striking side skirts lends the car a characteristic appearance. The front apron and front section are characterised by black painted elements – a distinguishing feature of all Porsche GTS models.
The LED headlights with Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS) and the three-dimensional rear lights with LED light bar are also darkened. The 20-inch RS Spyder Design wheels in satin-gloss black, the red brake calipers and the trim strips in high-gloss black also emphasise the high-performance appearance.
In the cabin, the sports seats catch your eye. They are exclusive to the GTS, with eight-way adjustment and pronounced side bolsters for stable support during dynamic cornering. The GTS leather upholstery in Carmine Red or Crayon with additional Alcantara® features and colour accents, the BOSE® Surround Sound system and the new smartphone tray with inductive charging function are among the many personalisation options.
The new Macan GTS is available to order now. In Belgium, prices start at 81,892.80 euros including VAT. We just let you dream further, and look at the photos…
Skoda has an admirable tradition of building cars which fit wonderfully in your daily motoring life. They are dependable, sturdy, practical and roomy. Last but not least, they offer a lot of value for money. Over the years, Skoda’s have also become a hallmark of elegant styling, and indeed the rakish, clean lines of this latest Scala are also quite inspiring. Needless to say that we were quite interested to take the car through its paces in a full test…
Electrification is amongst us, and the oldest manufacturer in the world has the panache and experience to come up with a truly stunning vehicle. The EQC 400. An impressive Mercedes in every aspect. Aimed at the higher market segments, and rightly so. It creates first of all an upmarket image for fully electric vehicles, and it targets a well to do clientele which has invariably charging points at home and at the office or workplace, making them less dependent on the public charging infrastructure, which is still seen to be (very) deficient in some EU countries.
A prudent strategy adopted also by other premium car manufacturers, like Audi for instance with their e-tron.
After driving a few days – a full battery charge – with this superb car with the star, we can say that this car sets indeed the standards for what electric driving can be… Just read further!
At the Brussels press conference, the new Juke was under cover… before its premiere
The Brussels Motor Show approaches at a rapid pace, and in the coming weeks the car world is receiving the automotive media community to have a look at the new year and the models it will exhibit at the show.
Nissan Belux was the first to hold its annual reception, and also took the occasion to present the new Juke.
Indeed, an extra zest of sportiness is added to the already iconic Audi e-tron. The Sportback version looks and is more dynamic, as it offers up to 300 kW of power and a range of up to 446 kilometers (277.1 miles). A new feature, and for the first offered on a in a mass-production vehicle, are its digital matrix LED headlights.
This was also clearly visible at the Los Angeles presentation of this elegant SUV Coupé, where the rakish and elegant contours of the Sportback were lit by an array of LED headlights in the background, and mounted on a robot alongside the car.
Just read on for more details…
Hans Knol ten Bensel
The Audi e-tron Sportback looks very good in the typical Audi design language. The roof drops down steeply to the rear—in typical coupé style— and is flowing into the steeply raked D-pillars. The lower edge of the third side window rises towards the rear—also a typical Sportback feature.
The designers also varied the signature at the broad diffuser, drawing attention to the absence of exhaust tailpipes. A light strip connects the LED lights to one another.
Announcing even more colour…
A total of thirteen paint finishes are available for the all-electric drive SUV coupé, including the new colour plasma blue, metallic, which is exclusive to the e-tron Sportback. The logo on the electric charging flap features the eye-catching high-voltage signal colour orange, which can also be applied to the brake callipers on request.
The S line model emphasizes the sporting
DNA of the Audi e-tron Sportback, and is standard equipped with 20-inch wheels
and sport air suspension. At the rear end, the spoiler as well as a striking
diffuser which extends across the entire vehicle width, contributes to the
outstanding vehicle aerodynamics. In contrast to the basic model, the
attachments on the S line exterior are painted in the exterior body colour –
including the wheel arch trims, door sills, bumpers and exterior mirrors.
For those who want more contrast, Audi also
offers the so-called black styling package that accentuates the area of the
Singleframe, the side windows, and the bumper. The exterior mirror housings are
also available in black as an option.
A drag coefficient of merely 0.25…
In conjunction with the S line exterior and virtual exterior mirrors, the Sportback achieves an drag coefficient value of just 0.25. This is primarily due to the coupé body shape and the associated lower aerodynamic drag behind the car. The high separating edge of the Sportback minimizes swirl in the air flow in this area.
Global innovation in a production vehicle: The digital matrix LED headlights
With the digital matrix LED headlights as top-of-the range equipment, Audi presents a worldwide first in a production vehicle: Broken down into minute pixels, their light can illuminate the road in high resolution. The design is based on a technology abbreviated as DMD (digital micromirror device) and is also used in many video projectors.
Audi e-tron Sportback: digital matrix LED headlight
At its heart is a small chip containing one
million micromirrors, each of whose edge length measures just a few hundredths of
a millimeter. With the help of electrostatic fields, each individual
micromirror can be tilted up to 5,000 times per second. Depending on the
setting, the LED light is either directed via the lenses onto the road or is
absorbed in order to mask out areas of the light beam.
Revolution ahead: just follow the light…
These LED lights will be seen on the e-tron Sportback mid 2020, and they can perform multiple tasks. It can generate dynamic leaving- and coming-home animations that appear as projections on a wall or on the ground. This presentation transforms the area in front of the car into a carefully illuminated stage. Not only does the digital light system deliver cornering, city, and highway lighting as versions of the low-beam light with exceptional precision, it also supplements the high-beam light by masking out other road users with even greater accuracy.
Above all, however, it offers innovative
functions such as lane light and orientation light. On freeways, the lane light
creates a carpet of light that illuminates the driver’s own lane brightly and
adjusts dynamically when he or she changes lane.
In this way, it improves the driver’s
awareness of the relevant lane and contributes to improved road safety. In addition,
the orientation light uses darkened areas masked out from the light beam to predictively
show the vehicle’s position in the lane, thereby supporting—especially on
narrow roads or in highway construction zones—the safe lane centering assist.
The marking light function is also used in conjunction with the optional night vision assist. The light automatically draws attention to any pedestrians it detects, thereby reducing the danger of overlooking pedestrians in the immediate vicinity of the lane.
Detail
On the second part of this report, we will
tell you more about the dynamic qualities, the drivetrain, i.e. batteries and
engines, interior and connectivity of this e-tron Sportback…
We drove for you the new 2020 Stelvio and Giulia in Puglia: revised interiors, infotainment and advanced driver assistance systems make Alfa driving even more stunning… Here we parked it in fort of the Borgo Egnazia Hotel, where the event was held…
Driving an Alfa should be on the bucket list of every car enthusiast, and indeed blessed are those who can sit in their daily life behind the iconic three spoked steering wheel of an Alfa, and even more, can call it their own.
The ever more elegant Giulia in the alleys of Borgo Egnazio Resort…
This unique driving pleasure is now further brought into the digital age, adding to the sheer driving dynamics and bringing it to an even higher level.
Alberto Cavvagioni, Head of Alfa Romeo Brand EMEA, presented to us the further steps of Alfa entering into the digital age…
We flew to beautiful Puglia to see and try it out for you, and soon you will read in these columns here the full report of our delightful Alfa experience in the stunning surroundings of Bari and the Borgo Egnezia resort hotel.
Hans Knol ten Bensel
The Giulia and Stelvio now benefit from a new interior, revised materials and dashboard layouts. The infotainment has also been overhauled with connected services, touchscreen, completely redesigned human-machine interface, and new ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) and level 2 autonomous driving systems, of which (much) more soon.
The iconic names used on the Alfa’s of the sixties and seventies are also back, and sound wonderful to the Alfa connoisseurs’ ears: Veloce, Veloce TI and Sprint for the Stelvio, and TI, Super for the Giulia, with a Business badge thrown in to suit the fleet market in these modern times.
Last but not least, there is also a whole new colour range, to fully express new emotions, closely linked to the brand’s tradition.
At the event, Leasys and FCA Bank introduced “I-Link” by Leasys, a service designed to strengthen the link between Alfa Romeo customers and the new forms of shared mobility.
Marcella Merli, Head of Sales and Marketing, FCA Bank, explains to us the merits of sharing the Alfa experience through i-Link…
Indeed, sharing the Alfa Romeo driving experience could or should be on the cards, we think!
Much more of all this later in depth with separate reports…
Of course, we had the opportunity to drive classic Alfa’s too…
Autoprova - for the Connaisseur 