Audi has another first: you can now experience virtual factory tours! For the moment, you can experience production processes of the brand at the Ingolstadt site online and in English language, both from the comfort of your own homes and/or while on the go. It is also interactive: experienced tour guides accompany the virtual tour and answer questions in the live stream.
The tour guides moderate the virtual tours live from a studio…
AudiStream provides detailed insights into selected production stages at Audi in Ingolstadt. Additionally, the new online feature presents the technical highlights of the brand. The tour guides moderate the virtual tours live from a studio. They explain production processes, answer individual questions as part of a dialog, and tailor the course of the approximately 20-minute live stream to the wishes and interests of the participants.
You visit Audi Ingolstadt virtually…
AudiStream starts with the online feature “Audi live at the Ingolstadt factory.” Participants learn how an Audi is made, from the first production steps in the press shop up to the last manual operations during the final assembly. Streams about further topics concerning the Audi brand are to follow.
You see on your screen the A4 production at Ingolstadt
Users select the desired live stream and a suitable time slot online at http://www.audi.stream.
The offering is free of charge; fees may be charged for internet access, however, depending on the selected provider. Further information on AudiStream can be found in the video. We give you here the link:
Battery tray welding at Audi Brussels for the e-Tron: to see this, follow your servant in the factory!
If you want to see the production of the E-Tron at Audi Brussels, you will still see your servant and his colleagues. For your info, I am personally guiding you through the factory and tell you everything you want to know about its presence and history and all the state of the art Audi production techniques in four languages, German, English, French and Dutch. You can book a visit through the website http://www.audibrussels.be/brussels/web/nl/factory-visit/reservation.html. Just hurry, interest is large, and bookings are already months ahead!
The Brussels motor show is always a unique event. Last but not least because this is a true buyers’ show, to be taken in the literary sense: about 30 % of the annual car sales in our country is done on the grounds of the Motor Show!
“Our” show is also unique because all the brands are present here in Brussels. First of all because no car manufacturer wants to miss the sales opportunity, but also because the Brussels show is also an ideal “test” market, it allows brands to assess what global (European) market share they can achieve overall and for their respective models individually, judging by their penetration in the Belgian market, where no national brands can distort the situation in our market place.
We took a walk through some of the stands, and here follows our report, where we focus on the brands we did not yet discuss already in our show preview, starting here with BMW.
Hans Knol ten Bensel
BMW and MINI unveiled two world premieres with respectively the BMW plug in hybrid versions for the X1 and the X2 models, the BMW X1 xDrive25e and the new BMW X2 xDrive25e. BMW is pushing its electrification very hard forward, and on the accompanying photo you can see the table they displayed at the show, showing the further steps they are taking towards an electrified future. An electric drive and a lithium-ion battery enable an electrically powered range of up to 57 kilometres in the two new plug-in hybrid models. In the near future, four BMW X models with plug-in hybrid drive will be available. BMW intends to have more than one million vehicles with electrified drive on the road by the end of 2021.
The plug-in hybrid system of the new BMW X1 xDrive 25e and the new BMW X2 xDrive25e consists of a 1.5 litre 3-cylinder petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology and an electric drive specially developed for this model. It is taken from the eDrive technology modular system of the BMW Group. The petrol engine mobilizes a peak output of 92 kW/125 hp and a maximum torque of 220 Newton meters. It transfers its power to a 6-speed Steptronic transmission and drives the front wheels.
The electric motor generates an output of 70 kW/95 hp and delivers 165 Nm of torque to the rear wheels via a single-speed transmission. This makes for a hybrid specific all-wheel drive…Together the combustion engine and electric motor produce a system output of 162 kW/220 hp. The maximum system torque of both drive units is 385 Nm. The new BMW X1 xDrive25e accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds. The new BMW X2 xDrive25e does the 0 to 100 km/h sprint in 6.8 seconds. The top speed of the new BMW X1 xDrive25e is 193 km/h. Maximum speed of the new BMW X2 xDrive25e is 195 km/h.
The MINI crowd was also spoiled with a world first of a Sidewalk Edition of the MINI convertible. The MINI is already cute, desirable and truly iconic, and a cabrio version adds to all the pleasure a MINI can offer its driver and occupants. Variants of the exterior paintwork, soft top design, rim styling and interior fittings are developed especially for the edition model. The version of the fully automatic textile soft top, specially designed for the edition model, can be opened or closed electrically and almost silently in 18 seconds. It features an artistically woven-in arrow graphic in the particularly high-quality finish typical of MINI Yours. The 17 inch light-alloy Scissor Spoke 2-tone wheels of the new MINI Convertible Sidewalk are also a model-specific design feature. There are also the side indicator bezels, known as side scuttles, which bear the “Sidewalk” model designation.
Presenting the MINI John Cooper Works GP and the M8 Gran Coupé
Three engine versions are available, The new MINI One Convertible Sidewalk develops 75 kW/102 hp from the 1.5 litre 3-cylinder engine. The new MINI Cooper Convertible Sidewalk is also powered by a 1.5 litre 3-cylinder engine which produces 100 kW/136 hp. The 141 kW/192 hp 4-cylinder engine of the new MINI Cooper S Convertible Sidewalk provides the sportiest fresh air experience.
European premieres for BMW and MINI
There were also European firsts in Brussels, like the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé, interesting as it is beautiful, and we are certainly keen to drive one soon to tell you more about it. The same goes for the BMW M8 Competition Gran Coupe. It has a 200 mm longer wheelbase makes extra room for the rear passengers.
Furthermore there is the insipring MINI John Cooper Works GP, with a 4 cylinder 306 HP engine, catapulting this Mini from 0 to 100 km in merely 5,2 seconds. It is produced in Oxford in 3000 units, and is on sale from March 2020.
Things to come: The Vision INEXT dashboard…
The BMW BMW X5 M and X6 M have their Belgian premières, the 4,4 litre V8 is good for 625 hp and this formidable engine makes these cars sprint form 0 to 100 in merely 3,8 seconds. Last but not least there is the Belgian first of the MINI electric, or the 3-door MINI Cooper SE.
On the stand, we stood also eye to eye with the BMW Vision iNEXT, the optical highlight of the exhibition stand, which also showcases the interior design principle “My Favorite Space” with harmonious, natural surfaces and technology that is kept discreetly out of sight.
Just look at the photos here… which answers the question: “What will cars look like when they no longer have to be driven by a person, but still can be?” The interior can be a place for relaxation, interaction, entertainment, or concentration, as preferred. It is more like a comfortable and fashionably furnished “living space” on wheels – a new “Favorite Space”. A new design principle, referred to as “Shy Tech”, plays an especially important part in this.
To preserve the high-end, yet cozy character of the rear compartment, and place its occupants center-stage, the intelligent technology behind the operating controls is integrated out of sight. It only becomes visible and operable when required by the driver or passengers…
Soon more about other brands and novelties we saw on the Brussels show…
Faithful readers will remember that we stood in the FCA Centro Stile eye to eye with the stunning design concept car, the Alfa Romeo Tonale. For those lucky ones who will be invited to the gala evening and attend the press day on January 9, we have good news : it will be on show on that day in the Hall 7 of the Brussels Salon…
Hans Knol ten Bensel
Indeed, you can admire it for one day in Hall 7 of the Motor Show buildings, and you will see its design language close up. This is rather important, as its shapes will be seen back in the second SUV which will bear the Alfa Romeo badge.
Its expressive design and compact shape bode well for the future styling of Alfa’s, whilst maintaining and even rather enhancing and accentuating further the organic Alfa styling DNA of the past. One only has to look at the formidable 21-inch alloy wheels, which evoke the “telephone dial”, a pure execution of the circular theme of the wheel itself. It was first seen in the 60’s and proudly carried by the Alfa 33 stradale. The wheel design has been further enhanced by special custom-made Pirelli’s…
The lateral profile of the car is reminiscent of the shapes of the Duetto and Disco Volante Spider, and the “Linea GT” profile of the Tonale is a modern day interpretation of the shapes seen on the GT Junior.
The “Trilobo” front end bears proudly the “Scudetto” grille, and the “3 + 3” headlights remember proudly the SZ and the Brera.
The cabin shapes have a distinct thoroughbred touch, and the materials are rich and inviting, with transparent panels in the centre console, and of course the DNA driving mode elector is a prominent element.
The Tonale is named after the Tonale mountain pass, which lies not far from the iconic Stelvio pass, and is equally breathtaking with eternal snow and water falls. Just come to admire it in Brussels…on the 9th of January. If you missed it, there is always a nice consolation for you: you can admire on the following days instead the new Giulia MY 2020…
Volkswagen will of course be quite present at the show in palace 11 with a very impressive stand, under the new VW logo, reminiscent of its early beginnings, and we must admit we like its style.
There is a lot to see: in the first place the brand new Golf, the iconic bestseller and of course the electric ID.3. We will be very keen to admire it “in the flesh.”
At launch, a special range of ID.3 1ST will be available in three trim levels and with an electric driving range of up to 420 kilometers (WLTP). All ID.3 1ST versions are equipped with the most popular battery variant, which has a useful energy content of 58 kWh.
The series models will later also be available with a smaller battery (45 kWh), with a driving range of up to 330 kilometers, and a larger battery (77 kWh), with a maximum driving range of 550 kilometers.
VW is also presenting some fun cars, like the T-Roc Cabriolet and the sporting version of the range, the T-Roc R.
On the new Golf, not less than five hybrid versions are offered. Three eTSIs (mild hybrids) make their debut. A belt-driven 48 V starter generator, a 48 V lithium-ion battery and the latest generation of the groundbreaking efficient TSI engines offer performance but also significantly reduce fuel consumption.
The mild-hybrid powertrains, which are always combined with a 7-speed DSG, have a powerful energy recovery and deliver power of 81 kW (110 hp), 96 kW (130 hp) and 110 kW (150 hp). The 48 V system also makes it possible to roll out with the engine switched off completely and to save fuel.
Of course, there are also Plug-in Hybrid (eHybrid) versions. The eHybrid program is divided into a 150 kW / 204 hp version optimized for driving range and a performance-oriented GTE version with 180 kW / 245 hp (system power each time). The plug-in hybrid drive line consists of a 1.4 TSI, the hybrid module with electric motor, a six-speed DSG and a lithium-ion battery. The new battery is distinguished by a 50 percent larger storage capacity (13 kWh) and therefore a larger electric driving range: almost all daily journeys in the city can be done locally without emissions.
The family of the Multivan, Caravelle and California 6.1 with a nod to the first-born, the T1, is also to be seen at the show.
The T-Roc Cabriolet is already a classic with its foldable cabrio roof which can be opened in merely 9 seconds and which is powered by a choice of two petrol engines, the 1 litre 110 HP 3 cylinder and the 1,5 litre 150 HP four cylinder.
T-Roc R, fun, sporty and safe with the integral transmission
The modern 2.0 engine with TSI technology and the 4MOTION intelligent four-wheel drive gives the new T-Roc R quite some zest. Pressure feed and direct injection ensure an impressive torque of 400 Nm even at low speeds.
You can also admire two electric concept cars: the ID. BUGGY and the ID. BUZZ Cargo.
Here the basis is formed by the new and already much discussed MEB platform. The high-voltage battery in housed in the floor of the vehicle. This lithium-ion battery provides in the case of the ID. Buggy a capacity of 62 kWh to power the 150 kW / 204 hp electric motor in the rear for a driving range of approximately 250 kilometers (WLTP).
Last but not least the importer D’Ieteren is showing electric charging solutions. With Electric D’Ieteren Solutions, or EDI for short, D’Ieteren Auto wants to expand a portfolio of intelligent charging and energy solutions.
The EDI range includes charging stations for home and work, but also a charging card for charging on the road, which offers access to more than 100,000 charging points in 25 European countries. In addition, EDI provides a range of services for both private customers and professional accounts.
As you see, a lot of interesting news to see in hall or “palace” 11 of the Brussels Motor Show on the Heysel…
Mercedes-Benz is launching at the Brussels Motor Show with a scoop: after the digital premiere of the GLA in mid-December, the youngest member of the Compact Car segment makes its very first worldwide physical appearance in Brussels.
The brand new GLA will be joined by the Belgian premieres of the CAP and the GLS – both available as seven-seater.
In addition, the EQ offensive from Mercedes-Benz is gradually coming up at full speed: from the newest and therefore most efficient generation of diesel engines and EQ Boost on petrol engines to the EQ Power Plug-In Hybrids from A-Class to S-Class to fully battery-powered EQC, the smart EQ facelift and the EQV in Belgian premiere.
In the next year we will drive the E-300, and indeed, as you can read in our columns, the EQC has greatly impressed us…
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.
