Subaru announces the availability of the Forester MY22. The versatile, compact SUV with standard four-wheel drive is not only getting a makeover, it now comes with an improved suspension, even more comfort, and the latest generation EyeSight safety system.
Bolder looks…
The front bumper was redesigned with a new grille, a revised design for the headlamps and fog lamps The new fog lamp housings (in chrome or black, depending on the trim level) are better integrated with the contours of the bumper and give the Forester extra character.
At the rear only some subtle changes were made to the rear bumper protection. The roof rails will now be given a silver color and the Premium version will be fitted with new 18-inch rims. Finally, the consumer can choose from three additional colours, namely Autumn Green Metallic, Cascade Green Silica and Brilliant Bronze Metallic.
Focus on safety and comfort…
The Forester now has the latest generation EyeSight that was previously introduced on the new Outback. Thanks to Subaru’s stereo camera collision prevention system, the Forester now has a wider viewing angle (almost double) and new image recognition software along with a number of safety features, including some new functions: Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering function, Autonomous Emergency Steering, Lane Departure Prevention including recognition of dividing lines such as grass or road edges, Preceding Vehicle Adaptive Steering Control (following the center line of the vehicle in front of the vehicle in the lane) and Pre-Collision Braking System with comprehensive support for collision avoidance at intersections.
For even more comfort, the suspension has been further optimized, making rides even more comfortable in all conditions and on any surface. The possibilities of the X-MODE were also further refined. Once X-MODE is activated, it will automatically go into standby mode from 40 km/h and will automatically reactivate once the vehicle speed drops below 35 km/h.
Airco Gesture Control
From the Luxury version, an Airco Gesture Control is also added. Via two simple hand movements that are registered via the Driver Monitoring System, the driver can quickly and safely adjust the temperature of the air conditioning system to the desired temperature. This way the driver will not be distracted by pressing the buttons and/or looking at the screen.
The Forester MY22 is available immediately from all dealers in the Subaru network from €35,995 (€34,805 in Lux)
More news very soon to be expected, last but not least Subaru’s First Global All-Electric Vehicle SOLTERRA!
The new C5 pleases with a unique experience of on-board peace of mind, and the C5 Aircross adds to this a new attitude, expressing greater strength and more refinement. A benchmark in terms of comfort and modularity, especially in its plug-in hybrid version, C5 Aircross has now been redesigned to be more mature.
C5 Aircross introduces a new design language at the front, with curves giving way to more structured lines. This makeover of the front end gives a more vertical and modern face, a hi-tech and distinguished look which reinforces the perception of width and the character of a safe and imposing vehicle.
The move upmarket is also illustrated by a three-dimensional light signature at the rear, new 18” diamond-cut alloy wheel and new, more elegant and distinctive customization options. Inside, the new design of the 10” touchscreen and centre console reinforce the character of the passenger compartment.
Honouring its benchmark status for on-board comfort, the C5 Aircross offers Citroën Advanced Comfort® suspension, new Citroën Advanced Comfort® seats, already present on C4 and C5 X, space and modularity and driver assistance technologies such as Highway Driver Assist.
A NEW 10” TOUCHSCREEN
C5 Aircross gets a new 10” touchscreen that appears to float on the dashboard. This new, larger screen improves ergonomics by offering direct-access climate controls and a higher reading that allows you to keep your eyes on the road. The vents are now located below the screen and have been modernised with a new sharp, horizontal design. The new 10” touchscreen will be fitted to the petrol and diesel versions with navigation, and from the Feel version for hybrids.
In addition, the fully customisable 12”3 digital display provides all essential and customisable information directly in the driver’s eye-line: navigation map report, information on active driver-assistance systems, information on the operating status of the hybrid engine, etc. – ensuring that the driver’s eyes stay on the road for completely safe driving.
PLUG-IN HYBRID: A SMOOTH EXPERIENCE
The offer of a plug-in hybrid engine for mid-range versions further enhances on-board well-being, thanks to the benefits of electric driving for daily journeys up to 55 km and unlimited driving range for long journeys using the petrol engine.
The plug-in-hybrid motorisation allows a driving in silence and absence of vibrations in electric mode up to 135 km/h, offers an instant availability of 320 Nm of torque, ensuring permanent user comfort by guaranteeing dynamic pick-up at all times. With zero CO2 emissions it gives the freedom to access urban areas where petrol and diesel vehicles are banned.
Users of the C5 Aircross Plug-In Hybrid also benefit from a range of services to facilitate charging: with management either directly in the vehicle or from their smartphone, as well as the possibility of programming charging times. Charging is fast, with a full charge completed in less than two hours on a Wall-box.
We are keen to see the car in the flesh soon and gather driving impressions!
The gracious EV6 announces a new design and styling era for Kia
A strong wind of superb design is blowing through the model range of Kia, and the same is true for Hyundai. Indeed, their new designs are stunning, and therefore it is no surprise that they win international accolades.
Kia received two prestigious design awards for two of its latest models: the Kia EV6 electric crossover and the fourth-generation Kia Carnival MPV. They were awarded top awards in the “Transport” category in the annual GOOD DESIGN Awards.
Sleek and well balanced…
The EV6’s bold conceptual style encompasses Kia’s acclaimed new design philosophy, ‘Opposites United’, which draws inspiration from the contrasts of nature and humanity.
The all-new EV6 is Kia’s first battery-powered electric vehicle (BEV) and the first Kia to be based on the brand’s new Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), with a driving range of 528 kilometers in real-world conditions and combines this with ultra-fast charging speeds.
Key exterior highlights include the sleek daytime running lights that are part of the ‘Digital Tiger Face’, a contemporary and aerodynamic side profile and the bold crossover silhouette. The interior benefits from the E-GMP platform, which enables a high-tech, spacious and inviting environment.
The Kia Carnival also earned accolades…
Karim Habib, Head of the Kia Design Center said: “These GOOD DESIGN Awards confirm the approach we have taken with the style of the Kia EV6 and Kia Carnival and pay tribute to the combined efforts of our talented international design team. It was really a pivotal year for us. We have launched our brand new design philosophy ‘Opposites United’, which is already transforming our cars today, and we are committed to ensuring that Kia continues to push the boundaries of car design.”
We are keen to drive the EV6 this year, and are looking forward to more elegant creations from their design tables…
The Qashqai is a very important car for Nissan, and it enters now its third generation. Consequently, the engineers and designers pulled all the stops. Keeping the car very recognisable as a Qashqai, the designers gave the car nevertheless a contemporary look with headlights stretching all to the sides, emphasising the familiar “V” pattern on the grille, putting some clean, sharp styling accents on the sides, and finishing it all in a very well proportioned rear end.
The suspension has also been redesigned and the drivetrains have been reworked too. You will not see a Diesel engine anymore in this Qashqai, only 1,3 liter petrol engines with mild electrification, awaiting a full hybrid version around the middle of this year.
We found this latest generation Qashqai elegant, refined, and convincing with nice upmarket touches, just read on…
Hans Knol ten Bensel
Gained in panache and elegance, but not so much in size…
The new Qashqai grew hardly bigger: it grew only 3,5 cm longer and a good 3 cm larger. But the wheelbase gained some 2 centimeters, which gives you more legroom in the rear. As we said, the elegant presence and stylish proportions of the car have been greatly improved. Luggage space varies between 436 and 504 liters, depending how you use the boot panels, which can make a level luggage floor,or not. Indeed, two panels are available to make a continuous flat floor, and these panels can also be used to divide up the luggage space to prevent things from sliding around. Nissan also lowered the luggage floor for easier loading.
Interior and dashboard with premium touches…
Instrumentation is fully digital in the top equipment version we tested, and the design of the dash with its curvacious stitched leather surfaces is decidedly elegant and upmarket. Also the seats in our test car had a premium look and feel with their nice stitching on the seat cushions and backrests.
One finds quite improved soft padding and materials in the dashboard and interior, and one is happy to see a good array of knobs, which make this Qashqai intuitive to use.
Indeed, the heating/ventilation can still be set with thse classic knobs, and below the touchscreen one finds a nice array of knobs too. Also the tactile feeling of these knobs and functions, indeed everything you feel and press, feels solid and well finished.
The infotainment system coming with the higher equipment levels is outstanding, also the digital instruments read well and are elegant. What to think of the 9 inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, etc. There are also two sorts of USB ports for connectivity, USB C-type and the classic ones, and these are provided in the front as well as in the back.
The Qashqai has practical touches too: the rear doors open to almost 90 degrees actually, which is excellent for loading baby seats, toddlers…
We also liked very much the very legible head up display, and many will also appreciate that Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa can be connected to the Nissan system.
Map information can now also be updated “Over the Air”. Of course, all the usual assistance systems are on board. It even uses map information in the cruise control modus, and will slow you down in bends…
Smooth 1,3 litre petrol engines.
There are no diesel engines available anymore for the new Qashqai. Only supersmooth 1,3 litre petrol engines, developing 140 or 158 HP. Both engines are assisted by an integrated starter generator. The Qashqai is therefore a mild hybrid so to say. The Qashqai cannot move on pure electric power, but its engine is assisted by the starter/generator motor, and one feels clearly the extra push when driving away from standstill.
Only the 158 HP engine is offered when you opt for the X-Tronic automatic transmission. This is a CVT type box, but its artificial seven gears prevent the engine from revving too high under full throttle. Even under spirited driving, the Qashqai remains quiet and subdued. The electronic motor assistance sets in harmoniously from standstill, by the way. The drivetrain is very refined indeed, enhancing the premium feel of this Qashqai.
The revised suspension also pleased us. Comfortable, it coped quite well with uneven urban pavés, staying still a bit firm at slower speeds, but for an SUV quite comfortable nonetheless. The steering is light and also now more direct. This Qashqai is even more relaxing to drive than its predecessor.
Good performance
Performance is smooth and leaves nothing to be desired. 0 to 100 km/h is absolved in 9,2 seconds and top speed is 199 km/h. Driving leisurely with this 1468 kg Qashqai will let you reach consumption levels between 6 and 7 liters, but as soon as you move with more zest, the consumption goes up by one liter. According to WLTP norm, the average consumption is 6,4 liter/100 km.
Full hybrid “E-Power”fro the Qashqai will be expected around the middle of this year. Then a 154 HP 1,5 litre petrol engine will be coupled to a quite zesty 140 kW electric motor. The front wheels will exclusively be driven by this electric motor, the petrol engine will only generate the electricity.
This will allow the petrol engine to operate always in ideal conditions, and the Qashqai will accelerate and have the pleasant responsiveness of a “pure” EV. We will be keen to drive this car as soon as it arrives, of course…
Conclusion
The Qashqai has decidedly carved a nice niche for itself in the European compact SUV market. The third generation is even more mature, stylish and refined. The finish and the equipment in the higher level versions is decidedly upmarket, the infotainment is lavish and future proof. The Qashqai is comfortable, practical and also a lively performer, relaxing to drive and supersmooth. All the good qualities of a bestseller, which it will continue to be…
At the heart of the Stellantis experience at the 2022 Consumer Electronic Show (CES) in Las Vegas, which had opened its doors from 5 to 8 January, Citroën shared its vision of current and future mobility with an original innovation, the Citroën Skate and of course, its mind-blowing Citroën Ami.
Citroën exhibited its “Skate”, an essential part of its concept of autonomous and shared mobility, Citroën Autonomous Mobility Vision.
The concept combines an autonomous technology platform, Citroën Skate, with pods purposed for a range of services and uses designed by partners (local authorities, service companies). The “Skates” will transport users from one point to another in the city, offering them a singular on-board experience”e.
The aim of this autonomous open-source concept is to free up urban traffic and bring users an original experience that takes care of all their needs.
To optimise urban traffic flows, a fleet of autonomous and interconnected robots, “Citroën Skates”, dissociated from the pods that they transport, will circulate in special lanes seamlessly integrated into the urban landscape. The Skates are mobility vectors which enable the pods, created by various service companies, to position themselves on their platform.
Users enjoy 24-7 access to the service of their choice. For example, they can benefit from a relaxed environment to read a book, watch a video, listen to music while sipping a drink, or practice sports while travelling from A to B.
Of course, focusing on the present, the Citroën Ami was also in the spotlight in its playful and sporty My Ami “Pop” version. Accessible, electric, ultra-compact and agile, Ami responds to new micro-mobility needs, rounding out our range of electric vehicles for individuals and professionals alike.
Range and efficiency are set to define the electric era. Outstanding range will make electric cars suitable for every journey and will also speed up the adoption by the public. Exceptional efficiency will create a virtuous circle of battery size and weight reduction, allowing Mercedes to go further with less. Indeed, the men (and women) at Mercedes-Benz are determined to lead the way.
The brand with the star is already leading the charts of real-world range with the EQS with 245 kW (electrical consumption WLTP combined: 19.8-15.7 kWh/100 km; CO2 emissions: 0 g/km)[1], as evidenced by the recent Edmunds test where an EQS 450+ travelled 422 miles on one charge, 77 miles further than any other car previously tested.
But Mercedes-Benz is not resting. Driven by the idea of zero impact on our planet and a highly responsible use of green energy, the engineers are working intensively to take range and efficiency to a whole new level. The VISION EQXX is the result of a mission to break through technological barriers across the board and to lift energy efficiency to new heights. It demonstrates the gains that are possible through rethinking the fundamentals from the ground up. This includes advances across all elements of its cutting-edge electric drivetrain as well as the use of lightweight engineering and sustainable materials. Complete with a barrage of innovative and intelligent efficiency measures, including advanced software, VISION EQXX allows to explore new frontiers of efficiency.
Mercedes-Benz VISION EQXX, exterior
Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG commented: “The Mercedes-Benz VISION EQXX is how we imagine the future of electric cars. Just one-and-a-half years ago, we started this project leading to the most efficient Mercedes-Benz ever built – with an outstanding energy consumption of less than 10 kWh per 100 kilometres. It has a range of more than 1,000 kilometres on a single charge using a battery that would fit even into a compact vehicle. The VISION EQXX is an advanced car in so many dimensions – and it even looks stunning and futuristic. With that, it underlines where our entire company is headed: We will build the world’s most desirable electric cars.”
VISION EQXX – The EV road trip reimagined by Mercedes with a new technology blueprint for series production
There’s a reason why road trips have been a cultural touchstone for at least 70 years, telling stories from the highway in books, movies and music.
Mercedes-Benz VISION EQXX, interior
The journey to electric mobility is a road trip; as exhilarating as it is challenging, as unknown as it is certain. The Mercedes-Benz VISION EQXX is a vehicle designed for that road trip. It answers the progressive demands of a modern generation of customers for and emotionality through innovation. Part of a far-reaching technology programme, this software-defined research prototype was engineered by women and men with the creativity, ingenuity and determination to deliver one of the planet’s most efficient cars – in every respect. They did so using the latest digital technology, the agility of a start-up and the speed of Formula 1.
The result is an efficiency masterpiece that, based on internal digital simulations in real-life traffic conditions, will be capable of exceeding 1,000 kilometres on a single charge with an outstanding energy consumption of less than 10 kWh per 100 kilometres (efficiency of more than 6 miles per kWh).
Mercedes-Benz VISION EQXX, interior
By ripping up the automotive engineering rule book, Mercedes-Benz has built a software-driven electric car that re-imagines the road trip for the electric era. At the same time, it presents a highly progressive interpretation of the fundamental Mercedes-Benz principles of modern luxury and Sensual Purity. Rather than simply increasing the size of the battery, the cross-functional, international team focused on maximising long-distance efficiency. They pulled out all the stops in drivetrain efficiency, energy density, aerodynamics and lightweight design.
“The technology programme behind the VISION EQXX will define and enable future Mercedes-Benz models and features,” says Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Mercedes‑Benz AG, Chief Technology Officer responsible for Development and Procurement. “As a halo car, the VISION EQXX firmly establishes Mercedes-Benz as the brand that pairs luxury with technology in the automotive world and beyond. And the way we developed it is as revolutionary as the vehicle itself. VISION EQXX has seen the best minds from our R&D centres work together with engineers from our Formula 1 and Formula E programmes. They are proving that innovations from motorsport – where powertrains are already highly electrified – have immediate relevance for road car development. We are challenging current development processes with innovative spirit and outside-the-box thinking. This truly is the way forward.”
The VISION EQXX is how Mercedes-Benz imagines the future of electric cars.
The VISION EQXX offers meaningful answers to pressing issues. For instance, sustainable materials throughout cut the carbon footprint considerably. Its UI/UX features a radical new one-piece display that comes to life with responsive real-time graphics and spans the entire width of the vehicle. Other elements of the UI/UX help the car and driver work together as one, and even use technology that mimics the workings of the human brain. And the software-led development process that delivered it revolutionises the way electric cars are designed.
This car is one outcome of an ongoing programme that is delivering a blueprint for the future of automotive engineering. Many of its features and developments are already being integrated into production, including the next generation of the MMA – the Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture for compact and medium-sized cars.
We will come back soon more in detail about this outstanding EQXX…just show you some photos…
The segment of the compact Crossover SUV’s is very popular in Europe, and it sales have over the last seven years not less than quadrupled. Of course Seat wants to have its piece of the cake in this niche of the B segment. Seat builds therefore the Arona since 2017 in its Martorell factory, and this Crossover rolls on the VW Group MQB-A0 platform. This means that the Arona is technically very close to the fifth generation of the Ibiza, the Polo Mk6, the Skoda Kamiq and last but not least the VW T-Cross.
We tested here the Arona in its latest facelift, which saw some major changes mostly at the front end, and even more so in the interior. Just read further!
Hans Knol ten Bensel
The grille has now moved a bit higher, and the front skirt is now more expressive with even a special reflex silver paint finish. The top equipment line Xcellence is now replaced with Xperience. The Arona has now also LED headlights as standard equipment. It has received also quite an array of extra colours, and its roof, which now ends in a newly shaped spoiler, is also available three colours.
The cabin and dashboard underwent the same changes as the Ibiza, and has now a central touchsreen angled towards the driver. Standard the touchscreen measures some 8,25 inches, but can be had in 9,2 inch size, and in combination with the digital instrument panel it gives the Arona a distinctly modern look and aura. We liked very much the angular instrument display, very legible indeed.
The overall finish of the dashboard is also improved, with soft touch top panelling, and behind the screens sits now the latest wireless version of Volkswagen’s Infotainment building block, with Full-Link, Apple Car Play and Android Auto of course.
Add to this the Smartphone App and the voice command function, which can be triggered by “Hola! Hola!”
Extremely well balanced…
We mentioned in our title “allround”, and that is exactly what this Arona is. Just big enough to offer pleasant roominess, it is ideally compact for the city, and due to its higher stance as a Crossover, it feels “adult” and safe on the motorway and open road. The higher seating position makes it also very easy to get in and out of, and also improves visibility, which is ideal for its urban life.
We applauded already the layout of the dashboard, and the controls are placed just right. One feels immediately at home in this Arona. With a wide range of seat adjustments and the pleasantly high seating position itself, a commanding and comfortable position behind the wheel is soon found.
Driving is believing
But the Arona really reveals its qualities when you push the start button. The 3 cilinder 1 litre unit from the VW concern purrs into life. Smooth, vibrationless and emitting a subdued, pleasant growl when you push it, this TSI version develops a healthy 110 HP. Ideally mated to a super smooth and alert 7 speed DSG, it has also ample pulling power, with 200 Nm of maximum torque at a low 2000 rpm. This means that the DSG gearbox will hardly rev the engine higher than some 2500 rpm in normal driving situations. The engine then remains also barely audible, which adds to the pleasant experience of effortless, comfortable driving.
The Arona TSI has more than enough zest with a 0 to 100 sprint absolved in 10,1 seconds and a top speed of not less than 190 km/h. So the Arona is a little Autobahnmeister too, fit for comfortable high speed long distance driving. No small wonder, its technical brother is the Polo, and VW saw to it that it’s very important car scores on all points in any driving situation.
As said, the Arona rolls on the MQB-A0 platform, and its excellent qualities are felt from the first meter you drive it. Rock solid construction and showing admirable stiffness, which results in a very precise steering and handling, also thanks to the impeccably balanced suspension, all this adds to a wonderful dynamic experience, akin to… driving an early Porsche.
The Arona has a higher ground clearance, and this means you can tackle country roads of all sorts with success.
This German engineering excellence adds to the charm of this Arona. You will smile also at the pump: with restrained, anticipative urban driving, it was no trouble at all to stay below 7 litres in urban traffic, and on the open roads driving at the legal limits was rewarded with just over 6 litres/100 km.
Good practical qualities abound in this Arona, with also some 400 litres of available luggage space. We already mentioned the excellent infotainment, and let it be known that two USB ports and inductive smartphone charging are available on the centre console.
The Arona offers more than adequate head- and legroom for four, and its hatchback configuration makes it also your allround transport.
Conclusion
Well styled and engineered, this Arona Crossover SUV has many qualities indeed. It’s an outright pleasure to use daily, is practical, its drivetrain is very refined, offers plenty of performance and is frugal. In this day and age, it offers the simple efficiency of a state of the art modern engine and smooth automatic DSG gearbox, providing a care free action range of well over 500 km.
It carries VW top concern technology, and it does this in style. On top of that, it is well equipped, well finished and sports the latest generation infotainment. So have a long hard look at this one…
It had to happen: the cute Citroën My Ami city car was due to convert itself in a robust, go-anywhere champion for the outdoor-loving crowd, and here it is… as a concept car.
“This concept expresses without reservation the style of Citroën and draws its inspiration from non-automotive worlds such as building games, industrial design and fashion. The My Ami Buggy Concept” says Citroën, “it has an unbridled style, but remains fully rooted in real life, being at once playful and functional, aesthetic and ergonomic, but also eminently practical and ecological.”
We just cite here its designer, Samuel Pericles:
“The My Ami Buggy Concept is a proposal in line with the philosophy of Ami that is not a car. That is why we have sought inspiration from the world of building games for the playful and functional, industrial design for ergonomics and aesthetics which include everyday objects (furniture, lighting, etc.), fashion accessories (sneakers, sports equipment, glasses, etc.), for example, the camera and smartphone holders with their simple, extruded shapes are inspired by the work of designers who in the second half of the last century created essential and timeless utensils. My Ami Buggy Concept is minimalist, functional, simple, in the purest spirit of iconic contemporary industrial objects.”
My Ami Buggy is indeed a mischievous concept car that every kid from 14 to 77 might want to put on their Santa wish list… more details about this concept car here, and some photos.
Hans Knol ten Bensel
Cute robustness…
Standing firmly on its large notched wheels, the My Ami Buggy has a distinctly adventurous character, which is emphasized at the front and rear by its bull bars, headlamp shrouds and grilles, bumper panels and front panels with the chevrons in the middle.
On the sides, reworked fender flares and tubular protectors on the undersides of the doors give the car a more muscular appearance. On the roof, the roof rack and spare wheel reinforce the adventurous spirit of the concept. All these decorations are in a single black color, which is dyed directly into the mass.
The LED light bar on the front of the roof adds to the sense of adventure when driving at night or in fog. Once the vehicle is stationary, everything is set up for a “campfire atmosphere” thanks to the light diffused by this bar and the sound of its playlist, distilled through the nomadic loudspeaker.
The doors have been removed and replaced with clear watertight covers that can be pulled up in bad weather, a reference to the Mehari. These use sliding latches to close off the cab with a high opening reminiscent of the glass doors of classic vehicles. The practical covers can be removed, rolled up and stored in the backs of the chairs in special covers.
My Ami Buggy Concept is available in a total of three colors: black, khaki and yellow. The black, inspired by camping equipment, enhances the functional and robust character of the vehicle. The different shades of black – anodized black on the wheel arches and roof, textured speckled black for a hammered effect at the rear – match with the anodized khaki and lemon yellow, giving the vehicle a bold look with careful detailing.
My Ami Buggy Concept comes in a two-tone color scheme: Anodized Khaki at the front and Speckled Black at the rear, a play of symmetry that also aims to clearly distinguish the front from the rear of the vehicle.
The color anodized khaki is a nod to nature, because black, synonymous with strength and modernity, catches the light and dramatizes the colors with which it is associated. The choice of black was also motivated by the desire to use a dark, less messy color.
Many key elements of My Ami Buggy Concept are accentuated by a speck of Citric Yellow, such as the seats, the charging cable, the graphics capsule on the doors, all luggage and many accessories. This acidic color also indicates that the articles marked in this way are functional.
It’s all in the details…
The chevron theme, a key Citroën styling feature, is repeated with the same graphic elements on various exterior and interior elements to create a rhythm reminiscent of the Traction’s grille, the center console of the 19_19 concept car, the front roof panels of the Ami One Concept and the design of the Ami’s storage compartments. On the My Ami Buggy Concept they can be seen on the outside of the wheel covers, fascia’s, hood, side skid plates, light rail brackets, underside of bumper and rear of mirrors; and inside on the accessory brackets, storage bins and dashboard.
The word ‘Pilot’ can be seen on the roof on the driver’s side and ‘Copilot’ on the passenger’s side, and in a similar nod to motorsport, the number 01 is engraved on the driver’s seat and 02 on the passenger’s seat to indicate the location of each. Cool!
Yellow arrow stickers under the nose cone indicate the direction of the wind, a reference to aviation. This type of decoration can be found on the wheel arches.
A “+” badge appears on the driver’s side mirror, referring to the electric motor and battery terminals, just like in the parking spaces reserved for electric vehicles.
Originality also continued in the cabin…
The interior design of My Ami Buggy Concept has been meticulously (re)worked on in three areas: the seats, the storage space and the luggage.
The My Ami Buggy Concept has new Advanced Comfort® seat cushions with an increase in foam thickness from 35mm on the “City” Ami to 70mm. The combination of memory foam and seat cushions makes them both light and soft. They are easy to remove from the shell, interchangeable and washable. Their construction, consisting of two shells mounted one above the other, is inspired by the design of a buoy, thus establishing a link with the world of beach accessories.
The storage units are smart and mobile. Each has its own function in the cabin, but can also be taken outside for a picnic or outing.
The storage compartments on the dashboard, accessories already available on My Ami, have been redesigned especially for My Ami Buggy Concept. A matte gold metal gallery is attached above the bins to prevent objects from sliding.
A specific luggage line has also been created, with each piece in harmony with the interior spaces of the vehicle. Storage space is also built into the doors at seat height.
It can hold all kinds of items or a large detachable bag, which is custom and can be opened from the inside. It works like a bag. A nice push button is used to unlock the doors, which, like the Ami, always open in the opposite direction.
The charging cable is attached to the passenger door frame by means of a handle-like element that makes it easier to hold and operate.
Functional, well-designed accessories…
The accessories of My Ami Buggy Concept are not just a mere exercise in style. They had to be also truly functional. The designers adopted the mindset of a leisure enthusiast and came up with functional items to make a trip on board of the My Ami Buggy Concept are both fun and practical.
The design of the interior components was self-explaining to make their use very intuitive. For example, the turning wheel used to hold or adjust objects is used several times, in a spirit of homogeneity. The design instinctively suggests its operation. The fastening mechanisms of many accessories are designed according to the same model and are arranged transversely, so that they can be detached and placed in different places in the passenger compartment, as a mounting kit.
This is for example the case with the support for attaching a camera or camera, a must for capturing and sharing the highlights of a journey or the landscapes you pass… Equipped with a universal screw suitable for all types cameras, it can be retracted thanks to the release button integrated into the part and can thus be placed on the four anchor points located on the vertical moldings of the driver and passenger doors. A touch of genius!
The exterior mirrors can be adjusted by means of the ball joint integrated in the mounting device and can be mounted in the places provided in the door pillars. They are also removable.
The cup or bottle holder can be placed on the dashboard or on the holder instead of the My Ami bag holder.
The smartphone clamp developed for My Ami, located on the right side of the driver’s seat, transforms in the My Ami Buggy Concept into a support in the form of a cylinder with a clamping wheel at the right end of the object to hold the device. The tube can be engraved with the owner’s name and surname, a must for some.
A new conical bracket has been designed to fit the mobile speaker into the rounded shape of the dashboard behind the steering wheel.
Thanks to 3D printing, the step from idea to reality is made quickly. Each of these accessories has been the subject of an original design, as they are 3D printed and can therefore be reproduced at will.
The My Ami Buggy Concept, is for the moment a style study that you might want to put on your Christmas list. It illustrates one of the many faces that Ami could take on, the atypical mobility object developed by Citroën, ready to explore new areas. A runabout that I would love to have in my holiday home, but then, could it be sitting there for several (winter) months without using it? Would the batteries endure this? Hmmmm, wait and see…
Toyota now takes the BEV market very seriously: Akio Toyoda, President of the Toyota Motor Corporation, seen on the photo above, today presented news concerning the company’s carbon neutrality strategy, by outlining its plans to offer 30 battery electric models by 2030 (Toyota & Lexus combined).
The company expects total global battery electric vehicle sales to reach 3.5M by 2030, and this announcement underpins the plan of for a 100% CO2 reduction in all new vehicles sales by 2035 in Western Europe.
Toyota’s bZ (beyond Zero) battery electric family in Europe is also soon to expand with introduction of a compact SUV as follow up to bZ4X launch. Not less than three battery electric ‘Toyota bZ’ vehicles are planned for Europe by 2025.
Toyota will further increase its investment in batteries from the 1.5 trillion yen – which was announced in September – to 2 trillion yen (15 billion euros).
The Lexus electrified sport will have formidable performance and range…
Now let’s turn the spotlight on Lexus:
Lexus aims for 100% battery electric mix in Europe, North America and China by 2030
The full name of the new Lexus BEV (that will be launched towards the end of 2022) was revealed: the Lexus RZ450e. See the photo here below…
The Lexus Electrified Sport (Sports BEV) concept was also shown: it offers impressive Lexus driving performance, with an acceleration time that will be in the low 2 second range and a cruising range over 700km.
There were also two other future concepts were shown: the Lexus Electrified Sedan (BEV Sedan), and Lexus Electrified SUV (SUV BEV). We show you the photos here.
The Lexus electrified sedan…
More interesting Toyota/Lexus news to come. Faithful readers know that we are the a satisfied owner of a midnight blue Lexus CT 200h, which proves to be not only frugal with an average consumption this year of 4,7 liter/100 km, but also utterly reliable and recently passed the yearly technical inspection with flying colours. A report will follow soon. Stay tuned!
All car enthusiasts have the image of a drifting blue Alpine “berlinette” in a corner of their memory. The A110’s heroic performances in the rallies of the 1960s and 1970s left a deep impression for generations and contributed to an instinctive association between the brand and this colour.
“For Alpine, blue is more than a color. It’s territory!” exclaims Antony Villain, Director of Design at Alpine. We can only agree. But blue was not always used on Alpine bolides…
A varied palette
Indeed, the first Alpines were not exactly blue. When Jean Rédélé presented his first productions in the courtyard of the Billancourt factory to Pierre Dreyfus, General Manager of Renault, in the summer of 1955, Jean Rédélé used a varied color palette: a blue, a white and a red car. And when he entered the car in races, the little A106 is sometimes white or light blue, but not yet metallic blue. Also, Alpine street versions were more often ordered in red, white or yellow, instead of in blue.
The birth of a legendary color combination
It is only with the A110 “Berlinette” that metallic blue, which soon becomes iconic, makes its appearance. It seems that this happened at the request of a customer who wanted to see his A110 painted in a blue color called Panama. Jacques Cheinisse, then a regular commercial employee at Alpine and also an amateur pilot in his free time, would have seen it blue and also asked for the A110 that he ordered in early 1963 and used in rallying. A viral choice that was soon applied to all of the official team’s berlinettes. This is to allow the national colors to shine in races, as was formally done at Grand Prix until 1967 (blue for France, red for Italy, green for Great Britain, white and then silver for Germany, etc.). A legendary color combination was born…
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