Having made its world debut already last November, it was presented this week in Belgium. Subaru wants it to be, well, a true Subaru. This means that the SOLTERRA (from the latin Sol = soil, and Terra = earth) has been built as an authentic SUV, and provides the value of “enjoyment and peace of mind” – as Subaru puts it – that Subaru have cultivated over many years.
The e-SUBARU Global Platform…
Using the know-how cultivated with the highly recognized Subaru Global Platform, Subaru has jointly developed the e-Subaru Global Platform together with Toyota Motor Corporation as a BEV-dedicated platform.
The e-Subaru Global Platform enables a driving experience with superior driving dynamics, that brings high stability and handling linearly responds to driver’s steering operation, says Subaru.
High capacity battery packs are placed under the floor as it is a BEV, and by utilizing that battery as a part of the structure, a low center of gravity and high body strength and rigidity are realized.
An AWD System with two motors…
The SOLTERRA has adopted a new system that drives the front and rear wheels with separate motors. Taking advantage of the expertise in AWD technology precisely controlling the four tires that SUBARU has accumulated over many years, the agile response of the electric motors and the flexible driving force distribution between front and rear, SOLTERRA offers a driving with confidence.
Like the other SUBARU SUV models, SOLTERRA features the X-MODE AWD control system that enhances the sense of security on rough roads. By adding the new Grip Control function, which enables the vehicle to run at a constant speed while stabilizing the vehicle even on rough roads, the all-terrain capability is further improved.
Developed together with Toyota…
The SOLTERRA is the vehicle which takes an important role for SUBARU.
The vehicle has been jointly-developed by Toyota and SUBARU, which entered into a new business and capital alliance in September 2019. They brought together technologies and knowledge’s that are expertise of each under the slogan “Let’s make ever-better cars together” and the engineers of both companies developed it together “while engaging in a friendly rivalry” according to Subaru.
The launch of the SOLTERRA will start by the middle of 2022 in the markets including Japan, the United States, Canada, Europe and China.
We hardly can wait to sit behind the wheel of one!
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 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…
Some more BMW news: the new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer had its physical world premiere for the general public at the Belgian BMW dealers. It is the first time that a new BMW model has been launched so soon after the physical world premiere – in Belgium too! – can be viewed at any BMW dealer. For this stunt, 67 cars from the very first production from the factory in Leipzig, Germany, were taken to Belgian dealers in secret, where they will be unveiled today as part of the BMW Salon, which will take place at the dealers this year.
The BMW 2 Series Active Tourer is BMW’s brand new asset in the smaller front-wheel drive segment. The predecessor of this sporty all-rounder convinced more than 400,000 customers. The new model, which features mild hybrid (48v) technology as standard for the first time in this class, stands out for its extensive connectivity and its unique interior space with the large curved display that we recognize from the latest electric flagships BMW iX and BMW i4.
PEUGEOT is accelerating its electrification and, starting in January 2022 in Europe, focusing its People Mover offer – embodied by the compact Rifter and the medium Traveller/Expert Combi – solely on purely electric vehicles.
Linda JACKSON, CEO of the PEUGEOT Brand, commented: “PEUGEOT is already at the spearhead of electric mobility: 75% of our passenger cars and 100% of our commercial vehicles are already available with an electrified powertrain. In 2021, every sixth vehicle sold by PEUGEOT in Europe was electrified and, in November, this reached one electrified PEUGEOT vehicle out of every five sold.
With room for 5 or up to 7 passengers, the PEUGEOT e-Rifter is fitted with a 100 kW/136 hp electric motor and a 50 kWh lithium-ion battery allowing a range of 280 km (according to the WLTP cycle).
As for the PEUGEOT e-Traveller, it is available in three body lengths and with a choice of two batteries of 50 and 75 kWh which power the 100 kW/136 hp electric motor, making it possible to transport up to 9 persons in great comfort with a range of up to 330 km (75 kWh battery, WLTP cycle).
For customers needing a simpler People Mover with similar capacity, the PEUGEOT e-Expert makes shared electric mobility even more accessible. To enable faster shuttle rotations or to ease longer distance travelling, the 50 kWh battery of all PEUGEOT people movers can be charged to 80% in only 30 minutes at a public DC fast charging station.
At PEUGEOT, electrification takes the shape of both plug-in hybrid technology – in the SUV 3008 or the top of the line 508 sedan and SW – and pure battery-based set-ups – like in the e-Rifter and e-Traveller, but also in the e-208 and e-2008.
The new 308, just being launched in the market, will be the first PEUGEOT to display the full scope of electrified technologies: plug-in hybrid versions, already available from launch, and full-electric battery versions coming as early as 2023 for both body styles: the sedan and the SW.
More Peugeot news soon… We are keen to test several Peugeot’s this year!
BMW Group reveals for the first time a world premiere of a production vehicle on the CES. It is the new BMW iX M60. It is the first performance automobile from BMW M GmbH developed from the outset for all-electric mobility. And it breathes performance, as a BMW should.
Indeed, the third and even more powerful model of the new technological flagship is at once the most powerful and the fastest electric vehicle the BMW Group has ever produced. With output of 455 kW/619 PS, a maximum torque of 1,015 Nm in Sport mode or even 1,100 Nm when Launch Control is active and with M specific chassis tuning, the BMW iX M60 is bringing a phenomenal performance experience to zero local emissions mobility.
The BMW iX M60 takes just 3.8 seconds* to sprint from a standing start to 100 km/h. The top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h, making it 50 km/h faster than the BMW iX xDrive50.
The necessary energy for this is supplied by a high-voltage battery with a gross energy content of 111.5 kWh. State-of-the-art battery cell technology permits a range of up to 566 kilometres* according to WLTP and helps to give the BMW iX M60 impressive long distance capability.
There is a lot more BMW news unveiled on the CES, so there is more to come in these columns…
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…
Lexus is taking advantage of the Salon period to introduce “Lexus Relax”, a unique program with a free extended warranty of up to 10 years to all customers, irrespective whether they have a new or pre-owned Lexus. Indeed, as our report about our own Lexus on these pages shows, reliable they are!
In order to offer the customer the opportunity to discover all hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric models and the Salon conditions at any time, Lexus is opening a virtual showroom. The latest model, the new NX, will be on public display in a number of shopping centers across Belgium and Luxembourg.
Relax with a Lexus…
With the Lexus Relax Program, every Lexus owner that has reached the end of the conventional manufacturer’s warranty (3 years or 100,000 km) automatically receives a free extended warranty of 12 months or 15,000 km after each annual service in the Lexus authorized network. Any car that is less than 10 years old or has less than 185,000 miles on the odometer is eligible for this free extended warranty. This also applies to used cars, even if they were previously serviced outside the official network(!).
Virtual showroom, the interactive Lexus experience
Lexus offers a fully virtual showroom to give everyone the opportunity to explore its hybrid, electric and plug-in hybrid models. When a visitor selects a model, he or she is given the opportunity to discover the car, the interior and the technical specifications. With regard to this specific “Salon”period, Salon conditions will be proposed. After this interactive experience, the visitor has the option to make an appointment with a Lexus dealer and even book a test drive right away.
The virtual showroom is accessible through the Lexus website.
The new NX goes shopping…
During the Salon period, the new Lexus NX will be on display in a number of shopping centers throughout Belgium and Luxembourg. Visitors to the various Lexus stands will have the opportunity to discover the new compact SUV for the first time, experience the luxurious interior and learn more about the technical specifications and the associated Salon conditions.
On a special website, D’Ieteren presents Volkswagen, Audi, SEAT, CUPRA, ŠKODA and Porsche, to make buyers choose more easily…
In the first days of this new year, interesting auto news is reaching our desk. Last but not least big Belgian importers are doubling their efforts to reach the car buying public, as there is no Automobile Salon this year due to Covid reasons.
Indeed, the salon period in January is traditionally the time for the Belgian public to think about a new car, even when the Show is not taking place. Today, where the range of models is ever increasing, making the right choice has become more complex. This is how the idea was born at D’Ieteren to offer a comfortable solution in a few clicks by bringing together all the models of the importer and making a ‘short list’ with the ideal model in the first place.
The site suggests these models, but of course the buyer can freely click away and make his personal choice…
D’Ieteren therefore launches for the first time a national multi-brand campaign from January 3 to 31 to coincide with the show period. Volkswagen, Audi, SEAT, CUPRA, ŠKODA and Porsche are joining forces on the new platform Dezewordthet.be/voicimavoiture.be, on which visitors can discover their ideal Top 5 cars based on personal criteria.
Once the visitor has selected their ideal model, they can use the platform to find the contact details of the nearest dealer, request a quote or even book a test drive.
José Fernandez, Chief Marketing & Digital Officer D’Ieteren comments: “This innovative approach takes advantage of the entire model range of the Volkswagen Group and has been designed as simply as possible to guide customers in their choice. It takes into account their criteria of use and the technological developments, especially in the field of hybrid and electric vehicles.”
The launch of the internet platform will be supported by a major communications campaign, including a digital campaign and a major TV and radio campaign.
