Category: Car presentations

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) Belgium on the Brussels Motor Show…

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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!

Hans Knol ten Bensel

Audi at the 98th Brussels Car show…

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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.

Hans Knol ten Bensel

New Porsche Macan GTS: superb sportiness…

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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…

Hans Knol ten Bensel

We drove the Skoda Scala 1.5 TSI 150 DSG: your stylish and practical friend.

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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…

Hans Knol ten Bensel

Continue reading “We drove the Skoda Scala 1.5 TSI 150 DSG: your stylish and practical friend.” →

We drove the Mercedes EQC 400 4-Matic: your wonderful electric star.

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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!

Hans Knol ten Bensel

Continue reading “We drove the Mercedes EQC 400 4-Matic: your wonderful electric star.” →

Nissan unveils the new Juke and looks forward at the Brussels Salon 2020…

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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.

Just read further!

Hans Knol ten Bensel

Continue reading “Nissan unveils the new Juke and looks forward at the Brussels Salon 2020…” →

Audi e-tron goes Sportback…

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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…

Stay tuned!

Hans Knol ten Bensel

New Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio MY2020: the Alfa driving experience enters a new era…

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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…

Just enjoy the photos here already!

Hans Knol ten Bensel

We spoke with Charles Fuster, Product Marketing Manager Fiat 500 X: this Sport version is built to conquer everybody’s sporting heart, like football…

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Charles Fuster taking the 500X Sport to the football field…

When Fiat presented the 500 X Sport, they had the very good idea to draw a parallel between its excellent sporting and stylish qualities and embed it into the language and philosophy of top football. Therefore the venue of presenting this new Fiat was at the the “Luigi Ridolfi” Federal Technical Centre in Coverciano (FIorence), a centre of excellence for teaching, training and sport, as well as the historic seat of the Italian Football Federation.

The presentation “in the field” was expertly done by Charles Fuster, Product Marketing Manager 500 X, and the qualities of dynamism, precision, control

Echoing the qualities of the National Team in the Fiat 500 X…

and Italian style of this 500 X Sport were echoed on the accompanying screen by the coaches and specialists of the Italian national team, indeed the same characteristics that lead a player to wear the blue jersey of Italy with pride and joy…

Reason enough to have an interview with Charles Fuster here…

Hans Knol ten Bensel

HK: How did you communicate the enhanced sporting characteristics and properties of the new 500 X to the top people of the Italian Football Federation, how did they tune into this? What was their reaction?

CF: Actually, the starting point and the basis was and is the car. It arrives with important improvements. The balance, the road holding, the performance, the style, and of course, when we had created this story about the car, we focused ourselves on the world of football. This had very good reasons: like Fiat, it is a very democratic world, it is a very accessible sport for everybody. And so we started to work with the Italian Football Federation to draw all these parallels, between the world of the automobile and the world of football.

Charles Fuster on the playing field…

This proved extremely interesting because all this storytelling proved extremely natural. Also the persons of the federation, who we have presented today is somebody who has worked all his life with football and has an incredible experience.

Top performance is top performance, whether one speaks about cars or people…

These people prepare the future stars of tomorrow. So we arrive at an allegory with a well perfected industrial product and a sports player, and this can be very eloquent…

 HK: indeed, this is very unique in your presentation today… we saw the comments of Roberto Mancini, Italy’s National Team Head Coach and others…

CF: Thank You, it is indeed the work of our whole team!

HK: Can you tell a bit more what is the mission of this sporting version of the 500 X…

CF: Just have a look at its position within the range. The Cinquecento is a typical women’s car. 75 % of the clients are women. This is different with the 500 X, where the buyers are about fifty-fifty between men and women. The 500 X Sport will also be bought by independent women who want to be seen having personality and character.

But this is a car which is targeted to a large public. We will not discriminate. Of course the car has a look which distinguishes it from the others in the range.

HK: Can you tell a bit more about the future electrification of the Fiat models? We think about PHEV…

CF: There will be something new in 2020. There will be an important electrified range at FCA in 2022. That is the only thing I can tell you right now… The first models will be launched in 2020, and this will continue throughout 2021 to 2022. It is the strategy of the group to be present in all forms of electrification. It will also be very important for the fleet market.

HK: We thank you for this interview.

Of course there is (still) more. We will treat you also shortly with further interviews with Danilo Coglianese, Head of Fiat & Abarth Communications, EMEA, and also have a long talk with Alessandro Grosso, Head of Fleet and Business Sales, EMEA, about the European Fleet markets and FCA’s position therein.

Stay tuned!

Hans Knol ten Bensel

We drove the new Fiat 500X Sport: Dynamic Gran Turismo pleasure…

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We already told you, dear reader, in our “teaser” about our venue to the “Luigi Ridolfi” Federal Technical Centre in Coverciano (FIorence), to have a stint at the wheel of the new Fiat 500X Sport.

The 500 X is the most global model of the Fiat range. This iconic compact crossover is designed and engineered in Italy and built in the FCA factory in Melfi. It was launched in 2014, but has lost none of its appeal, as it has been renewed last year. Now the 500 X accentuates sportsmanship, and emerges as an alternative to compact C-segment cars with a sporty look.

Does it live up to its promises on the open road?

Just read further…

Hans Knol ten Bensel

Continue reading “We drove the new Fiat 500X Sport: Dynamic Gran Turismo pleasure…” →