In our day and age, “green” mobility is becoming a must. Downsized petrol engines are doing already a quite remarkable job now, but there is a propulsion solution which really stands out in this age of transition where fully fledged e-mobility still meets practical barriers due to hitherto insufficient (re)charging infrastructure.
Indeed, the hybrid car is not only here to stay, but has a very bright future ahead. No small wonder that also Kia is adding a very refined and remarkable hybrid to its range. It does it also with a “crossover” body, which strikes an ideal balance between a hatchback and a SUV. We tested it for you, just read further…
The new Insignia has stylish looks, here in Magnetic Silver with OPC pack for the exterior…
When Opel launches a successor to its stylish flagship which was “car of the year” in 2009 and found 900.000 buyers, you can reckon it is something special. The new Opel Insignia Grand Sport and Sports Tourer recently displayed their qualities publicly for the first time when they made their premiere at the recent Geneva Motor Show, and the dynamic Opel PR team in Belgium invited us for a first drive at their magnificent Insignia Center in Zaventem. We drove for you two Grand Sport versions, one with the 136 HP 1,6 l CDTI diesel with the 6 speed auto box, and then the 6 speed manual 1,5 liter petrol engined 165 HP Turbo. We were very impressed by its mechanical refinement, its comfort, looks, ergonomics, and last but not least very entertaining handling.
In the EMEA area, orders can now be placed for the 180 HP 2.2 Diesel with automatic 8-speed transmission and rear wheel drive, letting you enjoy power in iconic Alfa Romeo style.
The new engine is clean, with CO2 emissions of only 124 g/km.
Some markets also see the debut of the 200 HP 2.0 Turbocharged petrol unit combined with automatic 8-speed transmission and Q4 all-wheel drive.
Citroën shows at the 2017 Shanghai Motor Show its New-Generation SUV, the C5 Aircross. Directly inspired from the Aircross Concept, unveiled in Shanghai in 2015, it combines bold design with an interior space focused on the well-being of each passenger: the brand with the double chevron calls it a “People Minded SUV”, human-oriented with generous dimensions for all passengers.
But there is more: the C5 Aircross is a big milestone in the Citroën Advanced Comfort® programme with the World Premiere of the “Progressive Hydraulic CushionsTM” suspension, delivering again the legendary and a unique smooth comfort of suspension that is typically Citroën.
William CROZES@AUTOMOBILES CITROËN
Scheduled for launch in China in the second half of the year, and at the end of 2018 in Europe, the new C5 Aircross is a major asset in Citroën’s international offensive in 2017.
Just read on…
Hans Knol ten Bensel
Following the C-Aircross Concept presented at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, heralding the C3 Aircross SUV in Europe for the end of 2017, Citroën is continuing its offensive in the SUV segment with the global reveal of the new C5 Aircross.
Copyright William CROZES @ AUTOMOBILES CITROËN
Targeting global markets, this SUV marks a new stage in the deployment of the Brand’s product strategy, but adding its very own flair to it..
Dynamic design
The C5 Aircross has robust, muscular exterior lines, a high bonnet, 2.73 m wheelbase, short overhang, and flowing organic lines with strong graphic features. Inside, it provides a sense of power and space, thanks to its robust dashboard with a horizontal layout for greater width, its welcoming seats, its wide and tall central console, and its soft and warm materials enhancing the feeling of protection and comfort.
Unique comfort
The C5 is innovating in the iconic Citroën way. It embodies a significant step in the Citroën Advanced Comfort® programme. Taking advantage of the EMP2 platform, it delivers intelligence of architecture and well-being on board. To go further C5 Aircross is the first vehicle to be equipped with the new “Progressive Hydraulic CushionsTM” suspension, improving damping quality for an exceptional level of ride comfort, that is typically Citroën. On board, it is a genuine invitation to travel for every passenger: the space is clear and full of light thanks to the opening panoramic sunroof, the front seats have heating and massage functions, the welcoming rear seats offer leading leg room, and the atmosphere is purified thanks to air quality treatment.
Copyright William CROZES @ AUTOMOBILES CITROËN
Equipped with a clear and understandable 12.3” TFT digital cluster and a capacitive 8” HD touchscreen, C5 Aircross features an array of driving aids, including Active Safety Brake, Active Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control with a Stop function… Endowed with Grip Control and Hill Assist Descent Control to strike off the beaten path in complete safety, the C5 Aircross will also be the first Citroën available with PHEV plug-in hybrid technology.
Unveiled at the Shanghai Motor Show, as said above, the C5 Aircross will be launched in China in October 2017. It is scheduled to be launched in Europe at the end of 2018.
The new Q8 looks quite dramatic in Krypton Orange, and will seduce many…
Audi is to expand its portfolio with two new Q-models and has also told us where they will be built: Production of the Audi Q8 will start in Bratislava (Slovakia) in 2018 and the first Audi Q4 will drive off the assembly line in Győr (Hungary) in 2019.
With the Audi Q8, the brand will open up a new segment for its top-end models. The premium SUV is executed in a coupe style, combining space with appealing design. It will offer of course the latest in driver assistance and infotainment systems. Audi will produce the model in Bratislava as of 2018. As you know, the Audi Q7 has already been produced at the Slovakian plant since 2005.
Meanwhile, the second generation of the large SUV is in production there, as an S version and as the Q7 e-tron plug-in hybrid.
In 2019, production of the Audi Q4 will start at Audi Hungaria in Győr. With this model, the brand is entering the segment of compact utility vehicles (CUVs). The very sporty Audi Q4 with its typical coupe-style silhouette will be positioned between the Audi Q3 and Q5. Remarkable is also that from 2018 onwards, Audi Hungaria will also be responsible for production of the Audi Q3 compact SUV, which until then will continue to be produced in Martorell, Spain.
We were very keen to see the new Velar after Geneva in our country, and Land Rover chose a rather dramatic setting for it.
Indeed, as Gerry McGovern, Land Rover Chief Design Officer puts it, this is a new type of Range Rover, sitting between the Evoque and the Sport, being from design a truly avant-garde Range Rover.
We just show you the pictures and a short film here,
The big Opel model offensive “7 in 17” with seven new models in 2017 is in full swing. After the Opel Insignia Grand Sport and Sports Tourer, the new Ampera-e, Opel adds a newcomer to the crossover segment now with the Crossland X. It is the second member of the Opel X family, joining the bestseller Mokka X.
The I.D. Buzz concept car from Volkswagen celebrates its European premiere at the Geneva International Motor Show, held from 9 to 19 March.
The new electric MPV is already the second model in the I.D. range and provides a look ahead to the future – it shows in particular that the modular electric drive matrix (MEB) is well suited to larger vehicles as well: batteries and drive system are housed within the floor;
driver and passengers find lots of space for travelling in comfort above.
The Geneva International Motor Show is already the third outing for the I.D. Buzz. Following its world premiere at the start of January in Detroit, it came an encounter with the T1 for a photo-shoot in Miami, Florida.
Even though there are seven decades between Volkswagen’s oldest and newest MPV, the I.D. Buzz undoubtedly has its predecessor’s genes: maximum utilisation of space on the footprint of a medium-size passenger car. On top of that comes multi-variable seating and interactive connectivity. Thanks to the extended MEB XL platform, this 4,942 mm long, 1,976 mm wide and 1,963 mm high concept vehicle provides what for its class are extraordinary spatial dimensions inside as well. We just let you look here at some photos…
In the meantime, we are driving the V6 Diesel version of the Amarok pickup. Impressive! A full test report will follow soon…
The French have a gift for elegance and beauty. And we must admit that the Renault styling department is going from strength to strength lately. The 32nd Festival Automobile International at the Hôtel des Invalides in Paris, France, has singled out on January 31st the Renault TREZOR as the most beautiful concept car of 2016.
“I would like to thank the jury for this award which will inspire us to pursue our design strategy,” says Laurens van den Acker, SVP Corporate Design, Renault. “The TREZOR’s powerful, sensuous lines pave the way for the styling and technologies that will be features of our upcoming models. It also marks the beginning of a new cycle of Renault concept cars which will be revealed soon.”
“The jury decided this award should go to the TREZOR because of the extreme beauty, sensuality and elegance it exudes,” observes Rémi Depoix, President of the Festival Automobile International. “It is the epitome of a concept car and we were notably won over by the cohesion of its overall design and the attention that has been paid to the details. It is a fine creative work which, we hope, will inspire Renault’s future roadgoing models.”
A harbinger of the styling language of future Renaults
The lines of the Renault TREZOR are warm, sensuous and refined, while its assertive front end incorporates signature C-shaped lights. In terms of their styling, Renault’s upcoming models will draw their inspiration from the TREZOR’s DNA as their forms become even more fluid and mature.
The TREZOR’s interior design, meanwhile, places the emphasis on driving enjoyment and features a large enveloping touchscreen display that reinforces the cockpit feel. This customisable, connected interface juxtaposes warming, prestige materials like wood and leather. The interiors of upcoming Renault models will take their inspiration from these increasingly refined styling trends and connected technologies.
For the duration of this year’s Festival International de l’Automobile, the Renault TREZOR will be on display at the Hôtel des Invalides alongside other concept cars selected by the jury.You will have to hurry though: this display will be open to the public from February 1-5, 2017. For further information, go to www.festivalautomobile.com/gb/index.php.
911 Targa 4 GTS, 911 Carrera 4 GTS Cabriolet und 911 Carrera 4 GTS911 Targa 4 GTS, 911 Carrera 4 GTS Cabriolet und 911 Carrera 4 GTS
Porsche is expanding the 911 model line with five new GTS models: from March 2017, the following versions will be available: the 911 Carrera GTS with rear-wheel drive, the 911 Carrera 4 GTS with all-wheel drive – both available as a Coupé and Cabriolet – and the 911 Targa 4 GTS with all-wheel drive. The newly developed 3.0-liter flat-six cylinder with larger turbochargers delivers 450 horsepower, which is 30 horsepower more than the current 911 Carrera S and 20 horsepower above the previous, naturally-aspirated GTS model. All GTS variants are equipped as standard with a seven-speed manual transmission. The seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) dual-clutch transmission is available as an option, with the manual seven speed gearbox being standard equipment.
Interior 911 Carrera 4 GTS Cabriolet
…delivering even greater performance
550 Nm of torque further improves acceleration and responsiveness. Maximum torque is available between 2150 and 5000 rpm. Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) is included as standard on all GTS models. The GTS Coupés still feature the PASM Sport Suspension, which drops the ride height by 0.39 inches (10 millimeters)compared to the PASM suspension, which is standard on all 911 models including the Cabriolet and Targa variants of the GTS.
911 Carrera 4 GTS
When equipped with the optional PDK (Porsche Doppelkupplung) transmission, the Carrera 4 GTS Coupé takes just 3.6 seconds to reach 100 km per hour. This is what we call superfast!
The 911 GTS Coupé with manual transmission and rear-wheel drive is capable of 312 kph, but rest assured, all GTS models are faster than 300 kph…
911 Carrera 4 GTS
Typically GTS: Black elements mean business…
The GTS models distinguish themselves within the 911 model line not only in terms of technology, but also in their design: All GTS variants are based on the Carrera 4/4S body, which measures 72.9 inches (1852 mm), even on the rear-wheel-drive models. The new Sport Design front end with a spoiler lip painted in black emphasizes the high-performance character.
911 Targa 4 GTS
Combined with an increased rear spoiler extension height, it reduces lift on the front and rear axle compared to the Carrera S models. Tinted tail lights, rear lid grill strips with a satin black finish and tailpipes in high-gloss black, which are part of the standard Sport Exhaust system, give the GTS a particularly striking appearance. A new black trim strip between the tail lights is featured on the rear-wheel-drive variants. A light strip between the tail lights is reserved for the all-wheel-drive models. Sport Design exterior mirrors, 20-inch center lock wheels painted in satin black, and black GTS logos on the doors represent further visual enhancements.
The characteristic Targa bar, is black with a satin finish for the first time, also gives the 911 Targa 4 GTS a very sporting look.
New Porsche Track Precision app included with extensive standard equipment.
911 Carrera 4 GTS Cabriolet
The GTS offers a unique interior. The stopwatch of the standard Sport Chrono Package is now integrated as a central component of the dashboard. The included Porsche Track Precision App has been further enhanced for the market launch of the GTS models. Its features include automatic recording as well as a detailed display and analysis of driving data for smartphones. Just to make you a better driver…
Standard Sport Seats Plus with GTS logos on the headrests provide that lateral support you need for the serious high speed work. They are fitted with a combination of leather and Alcantara® that is highlighted with a new seat stitching. Alcantara® can also be found on the standard GT Sport steering wheel, the gear lever and the armrest, all for that extra grip. The brushed aluminum interior trim is anodized with a black finish.
Interior 911 Carrera 4 GTS Cabriolet
Good economy…
The GTS remains a feul-efficient automobile. The GTS with the PDK transmission consumes 8,3 l/100 km according to the NEDC. This corresponds with CO2 emissions of 188 g/km.
The I.D. Buzz concept car from Volkswagen celebrates its European premiere at the Geneva International Motor Show, held from 9 to 19 March.
Autoprova - for the Connaisseur 