Skoda Citigo iV details revealed The compact Citigo iV is the first EV from Skoda Skoda has revealed pricing and specification details of its new Citigo iV pure-electric citycar. Featuring a range of up to 170 miles on a charge, the Citigo iV starts at £20,455 excluding £3,500 Plug-in Car Grant (PiCG). Sharing a platform, motor, and battery with the recently released Seat Mii Electric and forthcoming updated VW e-up!, the Skoda uses a 36.8 kWh battery to achieve its range. As standard, the Skoda’s battery is recharged by a 7.2 kW on-board charger for AC points. There’s an option for CCS rapid charging at up to 40 kW for higher specification models. Power comes from a 61 kW electric motor, good for a 0-62mph time of 12.5 seconds and a top speed of 81mph. There will be two trim levels available – SE and SE L. Entry level SE starts at £16,995 and SE L costs from £19,315. SE trim starts at the above price and includes climate control, leather steering wheel and handbrake, and DAB radio. SE L starts from £22,815, and adds 16-inch alloys, heated front seats, parking sensors, and the CCS charging capability. Orders open on 10th December, with deliveries expected early in 2020.
Origin: Skoda Citigo iV details revealed
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BMW i4 details revealed
BMW i4 details revealed A range of more than 370 miles is likely from the new i4 BMW has announced details of its forthcoming i4 – a pure-electric four-door coupe due in 2021. It will feature the company’s next generation electric powertrain, enabling a range of around 370 miles on a charge. The fifth-generation systems are set to debut on next year’s iX3, and will then appear on the i4. BMW is pitching its next pure-electric models at the core range – the 3/4 Series for the i4, and the SUV equivalent in the iX3. Power from the electric motors in the i4 comes in at 390 kW (530 hp) which is equivalent to the current V8 available in the similar ranges. As such, performance will be more than brisk, with the 0-62mph time completed in around 4.0 seconds. The battery is roughly 80 kWh in capacity, promising an efficient set-up considering the Ford Mustang Mach-E launched recently achieves a similar range but from almost 100 kWh. Ultra-rapid charging will be possible at 150 kW, allowing a top-up to 80% in a bit over half an hour. All figures are approximates so far, as more precise technical specifications are yet to be confirmed. In terms of rivals, the Tesla Model 3 and Polestar 2 will be the closest of those models currently known about, both in terms of driving range and likely price.
Origin: BMW i4 details revealed
Updated: More details on new 612bhp V8-powered Ferrari Roma
Ferrari has revealed a new 612bhp V8 front-engined coupé called the Roma. While it shares some underpinnings with the Portofino drop-top, the new machine features bold new styling and is described by the Italian firm as an all-new model. The fifth new model Ferrari has launched in 2019, the Roma is termed a “2+” coupé, which Ferrari says features “refined proportions and timeless design”, while offering “unparalleled performance and handling.” The two-door Roma, which is set to rival the Aston Martin Vantage and Mercedes-AMG GT, features a bold grille at the end of its elongated front bonnet, with sharp lines over the bold wheel arches. The back features a sloping rear window, distinctive narrow lights and quad exhausts. An active rear spoiler integrated into the rear screen deploys automatically at high speeds for optimal downforce. The Roma is powered by a revamped version of the 3.9-litre turbocharged V8 engine used in the Portofino drop-top and elsewhere in Ferrari’s line-up, albeit using the eight-speed DCT gearbox that was introduced on the SF90 Stradale. In the Roma, the unit delivers 612bhp between 5750 and 7500rpm, with 591lb ft of torque between 3000 and 5750rpm, up from 592bhp and 561lb ft in the Portofino. The version of this powerplant used in the recently launched F8 Tributo produces 710bhp. Ferrari claims a 0-62mph time of 3.4secs, and a top speed of more than 199mph. Ferrari also says it has ‘completely redesigned’ the exhaust system to incorporate petrol particulate filter technology and enhance its sound. Notably, the Roma has a dry weight of just 1472kg with lightweight options fitted, around 80kg less than the Portofino’s dry weight. The eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox alone weighs six kilograms less than the seven-speed unit in the Portofino, and is claimed to offer reduced fuel consumption, faster shifts and enhanced comfort in urban driving situations. The new model measures 4656mm long and is 1974mm wide, making it marginally shorter and narrower than the Portofino, while both models feature a wheelbase of 2670mm. Inside, the driver is separated from the front-seat passenger by a central divider, in what Ferrari calls “an evolution of the dual cockpit concept that embraces the entire cabin rather than just the dashboard as was previously the case”. The steering wheel is an all-new design, and hosts all the main driver settings to ensure constant focus on the road ahead. The traditional analogue speed and rev counter dials have been replaced by a 16in screen mounted behind the steering wheel, while a centrally mounted, vertically oriented 8.4in unit displays infotainment functions. A boot capacity of 345 litres is roughly equal to that of the Roma’s AMG GT and Aston Martin Vantage rivals. According to Ferrari, the Roma was named after the Italian capital – where it was revealed at a launch event – because it “is a contemporary representation of the carefree, pleasurable way of life that characterised Rome in the 1950s and ’60s.” That implies that the machine will focus more on everyday usability and relaxed driving than being intended as a long-distance grand tourer. The decision to introduce a new nameplate, rather than just producing a hard-top version of the Portofino, has likely been taken to target the car at a new audience. By turning the car into a “2+” coupé, it can likely broaden its offering at the entry level of its range. Earlier this year, Ferrari’s marketing chief, Enrico Galliera, told Autocar that the firm would become “less predictable” and said that at least one car it would reveal this year would be “in a new segment”. Ferrari’s current focus is on increasing revenues rather than strictly increasing
Origin: Updated: More details on new 612bhp V8-powered Ferrari Roma
Fisker Ocean details revealed
Fisker Ocean details revealed The new electric SUV will feature a solar roof Fisker has revealed details of its forthcoming production SUV, including the fact it will be called the Fisker Ocean. The Ocean will come with a range of between 250-300 miles on a charge, from a battery that will be around 80 kWh in capacity. It’s been designed to be one of the most sustainable vehicles on the road, with a number of efficiency and recycling systems built in. A solar roof will be included, good for around 1,000 free miles each year, and further updates to the car’s hardware is expected to see that figure increase further down the line. The carpets are made from recycled fishing nets, the interior will be vegan, and the cabin’s materials will be made from recycled polyester fibres from things such as t-shirts and plastic bottles. The Ocean will be available on a flexible leasing plan run through an app, with no long-term contracts. As well as the system becoming increasingly popular with customers, another reason behind the move is to help keep Fisker’s environmental responsibilities in-house. This way, the company is in greater control of recycling parts. Production is set to begin at the end of 2021, and a full launch will take place at the beginning of January next year. Reservations via the app will be available from 27th November 2019.
Origin: Fisker Ocean details revealed
Mazda releases more details on its first EV
Mazda’s first electric vehicle, to be revealed at Tokyo motor show next week, will develop the design language first seen on the recently launched Mazda3 to reflect “futuristic values and changing lifestyles,” said the car maker. The model, which will go on sale next year, has a coupe-like cabin and “achieves a lightweight look by adopting a unique door concept”. Mazda added that the front face bears a “friendly expression”. The interior is said to use empty spaces around the centre console to create a closeness between the driver and passenger seats. Mazda added that interior materials were chosen for comfort and “eco-friendliness”, both of which are intended to make the cabin comfortable. The model, previewed by the e-TPV prototype, will adopt an SUV bodystyle, which can more easily accommodate an underfloor battery pack. The latest information from Mazda follows confirmation last month that it would launch its first electric car on 23 October. The model, previewed by the e-TPV prototype, is expected to adopt an SUV bodystyle, which can more easily accommodate an underfloor battery pack. It will use a similar set-up to the prototype, which has a 35.5kWh battery and a single electric motor delivering 138bhp and 195lb ft of torque to the the front wheels via a single-speed transmission. The EV is likely to have a range between 120 and 150 miles, similar to the new Mini Electric but significantly less than more obvious rivals, such as the 279-mile Hyundai Kona Electric. It will be able to accept 6.6kW domestic charging and 50kW public rapid charging. Mazda will also introduce a modern version of its famed rotary engine in a range-extender variant of the EV. Two years ago, Mazda boss Mitsuo Hitomi confirmed that, rather than being used in its purest form, a rotary engine will be used as an EV range-extender. He said: “The rotary engine isn’t particularly efficient to use as a range-extender, but when we turn on a rotary, it’s much, much quieter compared to other manufacturers’ range-extenders”. The Japanese firm’s range hasn’t featured a rotary-engined road car since the RX-8 went out of production in 2012, but it did produce a rotary range-extender Mazda 2 prototype – which Autocar drove – back in 2013. It has remained interested in reintroducing the technology to production since. The Mazda RX-Vision Concept, which was shown at the Tokyo motor show in 2015, used such a powertrain. Mazda has eschewed hybrid and electric models in recent years, instead choosing to focus on improving the efficiency of its petrol engines. This year, it introduced spark plug-controlled compression ignition to the latest Mazda 3, with the promise that it will “combine the economy and torque of a diesel engine with the performance and lower emissions of a petrol
Origin: Mazda releases more details on its first EV
Mazda gives more details on its first EV
The interior of Mazda’s first electric vehicle, to be revealed at Tokyo motor show next week, has been designed to “evoke a sense of openness” through empty spaces, said the maker. Mazda said the concept uses empty spaces around the centre console to create a closeness between the driver and passenger seats. It added that interior materials were chosen for comfort and “eco-friendliness”, both of which are intended to make the cabin comfortable. The latest information from Mazda follows confirmation last month that it would launch its first electric car on 23 October. The model, previewed by the e-TPV prototype, is expected to adopt an SUV bodystyle, which can more easily accommodate an underfloor battery pack. It will use a similar set-up to the prototype, which has a 35.5kWh battery and a single electric motor delivering 138bhp and 195lb ft of torque to the the front wheels via a single-speed transmission. The EV is likely to have a range between 120 and 150 miles, similar to the new Mini Electric but significantly less than more obvious rivals, such as the 279-mile Hyundai Kona Electric. It will be able to accept 6.6kW domestic charging and 50kW public rapid charging. Mazda will also introduce a modern version of its famed rotary engine in a range-extender variant of the EV. Two years ago, Mazda boss Mitsuo Hitomi confirmed that, rather than being used in its purest form, a rotary engine will be used as an EV range-extender. He said: “The rotary engine isn’t particularly efficient to use as a range-extender, but when we turn on a rotary, it’s much, much quieter compared to other manufacturers’ range-extenders”. The Japanese firm’s range hasn’t featured a rotary-engined road car since the RX-8 went out of production in 2012, but it did produce a rotary range-extender Mazda 2 prototype – which Autocar drove – back in 2013. It has remained interested in reintroducing the technology to production since. The Mazda RX-Vision Concept, which was shown at the Tokyo motor show in 2015, used such a powertrain. Mazda has eschewed hybrid and electric models in recent years, instead choosing to focus on improving the efficiency of its petrol engines. This year, it introduced spark plug-controlled compression ignition to the latest Mazda 3, with the promise that it will “combine the economy and torque of a diesel engine with the performance and lower emissions of a petrol
Origin: Mazda gives more details on its first EV
New Ford Puma: pricing and spec details for SUV confirmed
Ford has confirmed UK pricing of its new Puma SUV ahead of the first examples being delivered to customers in January. The rebirth of the Puma name as a sporty high-riding model will see it start from £20,845 in Titanium trim, with Ford not initially looking to offer a lower-spec variant. It comes as standard with features not usually confined to ‘base’ models, such as lumbar massage front seats and wireless phone charging, plus lane-keep assist and pre-collision assist with pedestrian detection. However, Ford won’t be taking orders for this model until the start of next year. Instead, a number of First Edition variants are being offered first for January deliveries. The Puma Titanium First Edition starts from £22,295 and gets intelligent adaptive cruise control, a rear-view camera, heated seats and a heated steering wheel. It’s powered by a 123bhp version of the 1.0-litre Ecoboost mild-hybrid three-cylinder petrol engine. Also offered is a Puma ST-Line X, which gets the option of a 153bhp version of the same engine alongside the above unit, adding an exterior bodykit and sporting cabin details, sports suspension, alloy pedals, a digital instrument cluster and LED headlamps. The initial First Edition adds 18in alloys, an electric tailgate and a 10 speaker BO audio system to that tally, and is priced from £25,195. Finally, a fully-loaded ST-Line X First Edition Plus, solely available with the 153bhp unit, adds 19in wheels and a panoramic roof from £27,345. The lower-powered unit comes with the mild-hybrid system in everything but the base Titanium trim, reducing its CO2 output from 103g/km to 96g/km. Both engines come with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard. The model, which sees the small coupe of the late nineties morphing into a sporty compact crossover, is subtly but effectively different from its established SUV rivals. Officially, the company describes the Puma as an “SUV-inspired crossover”, with its three standout virtues claimed to be “seductive styling”, ingenious rear stowage and the new 48V mild-hybrid petrol drivetrain. The body’s flowing surfaces have been developed under what designer George Saridakis labels an “anti-wedge” policy. What he calls “separated” headlights and tail-lights are also a move against the current trends for “joining everything up”, Saridakis citing the industry fashion for full-width light bars across a vehicle’s tail. The new Puma is based on Ford’s existing B global small car architecture, the same as the Fiesta, but the platform’s inherent flexibility has allowed the Puma to be sized very specifically. It is just 30mm higher than the new Fiesta and the front seating position is raised by the same amount. This is still a compact vehicle, but it is usefully longer than the Fiesta as well as wider, with a wider track. And it squeezes a surprising amount of interior space out of a vehicle that’s smaller than the Focus. Saridakis says he and the project’s chief engineer, Norbert Steffens, worked in the styling studio with “cardboard and tape” trying to extract the maximum luggage space from the Puma structure. This crossover has a claimed 456 litres of boot space, whereas the Focus has just 370 litres. They achieved this by way of what Ford calls a “lower load box”. Cut through the boot floor, the box is a useful 80 litres in capacity and even has a removable plug in the bottom to allow it to be washed out. The Puma’s rigid boot floor can also be fitted in three different ways: low, on top of the load box; at a mid-height, which gives generous hidden storage; and clipped out of the way, by being attached to the backs of the rear seats. Steffens demonstrated that, with the boot floor clipped out of the way, it is possible to load items such as a golf club bag vertically in the back of the Puma thanks to the extra load height offered by the box. Even the parcel shelf has been rethought as a lightweight fabric cover attached to the tailgate itself, which avoids the need to stow an awkward load cover. From an engineering point of view, it’s the Puma’s new 48V mild-hybrid drivetrain that stands out. This is based around an updated version of Ford’s 1.0-litre Ecoboost petrol unit and replaces the conventional alternator with an 11.5kW integrated starter/ generator (called a BISG). It will come in 123bhp and 153bhp guises, with the more powerful version using a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The BISG is connected to the engine via a belt and works in two directions: it can be used when braking and coasting to recover energy (which is stored in a small lithium ion battery) and it can also assist the engine during acceleration. Ford says the hybrid assistance has allowed the engine’s compression ratio to be lowered and a larger turbocharger to be fitted, as the BISG can mitigate turbo lag and keep the engine turning faster. Performance at lower speeds is especially enhanced, says Steffens, with as much as 50% more torque on
Origin: New Ford Puma: pricing and spec details for SUV confirmed
Renault details two new EVs due in 2020
The next two electric models from Renault will be a Kadjar-sized crossover and a zero-emissions variant of its Twingo city car. They form part of Renault’s electrification strategy to offer eight electric vehicles by 2023. Both are expected to be revealed in the next 18 months. Future product planning boss Ali Kassaï said: “We need to add an A-segment (electric) car to address customer needs.” It’s a relatively easy project because the Twingo was always engineered to be electric, thanks to the maker’s partnership with Smart. Kassai explained that the plan had been to launch it much sooner but there was “no infrastructure” to make it tenable. The other new electric Renault expected to be revealed next year is a crossover. Although it has not been officially confirmed by Renault, Kassaï said the EV will be bigger than the Zoe and its range will exceed the Zoe’s 264 miles because its owners are more likely to drive outside of urban areas. While the Zoe and upcoming crossover will be stand-alone models, Kassaï said Renault didn’t want to separate all models into either electric or internal combustion engine. “The focus of Renault will be Renault,” he said, adding that if an electric derivative worked for an existing model – such as the Twingo – it would be considered. Alongside its electric rollout, Renault has recently revealed its Captur plug-in hybrid, with a Clio variant soon to
Origin: Renault details two new EVs due in 2020
New Renault Zoe details announced
New Renault Zoe details announced Pricing and specification details for the new Zoe EV available Renault has announced prices and specification details for its new Zoe, which features a 245 mile range on a single charge. The popular electric supermini is being launched in second-generation spec with a 52 kWh battery, more powerful R135 100 kW motor, and 50 kWh DC rapid charging capability via its CCS inlet. CCS charging is offered as an option, with the existing 22 kW Chameleon Charger fitted as standard to the new Zoe. Those opting for the CCS inlet will be able to charge at 7 kW on home and public AC units. The currently available R110 80 kW motor is also available to buyers. Performance for the R135-powered models – available on Iconic and GT Line trims – is indicated by a 9.5 seconds 0-62mph time. The R110-powered models – in Play or Iconic trim – see the same sprint completed in 11.4 seconds. New styling features inside and out add a freshness to the new Zoe, though it is clearly a case of evolution rather than revolution aesthetically. There are sharper lines, a new front end, and LED lights front and rear. The interior sees a new digital instrument panel and larger touchscreen infotainment system fitted. New materials are used – with 100% recycled seat trim on Iconic versions – and the centre console, including gear selector, has been given an overhaul. Equipment includes Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, wireless phone charging, the 10-inch instrument cluster, 9.3-inch Renault Easy Link system, a suite of safety systems, and a new B Mode regenerative braking system. This new B function is designed to allow ‘one-pedal’ driving much of the time, with a stronger braking set-up for better performance in heavy traffic or urban driving. Available in three trim levels – Play, Iconic, and GT Line – the new Zoe starts at £25,670 including Plug-in Car Grant with full purchase. That will see buyers get the R110 motor with Play specification – no CCS option is available on Play trim. Iconic and GT Line models can see the CCS charger included for £750 on top of their £27,170 (Iconic R110), £27,620 (Iconic R135), and £28,620 (GT Line R135) prices. Battery leasing remains an option, which sees the price of the new Zoe start at £18,670 (including PiCG) though mandatory battery leasing prices – depending on mileage – need to be factored in to costs.
Origin: New Renault Zoe details announced
BMW reveals details of new X5 PHEV
BMW reveals details of new X5 PHEV The X5 xDrive45e gets a 24kWh battery pack BMW has launched a new version of its X5 xDrive45e, with this new generation PHEV offering a range of up to 54 miles on a single charge. This figure is possible because of a new 24 kWh battery – 21 kWh usable – added to the plug-in X5. This powers an 83 kW electric motor, which works with a 286 hp straight six petrol engine to produce a combined 394 hp (290 kW) and 600 Nm of torque. As such, the X5 is a quick SUV, completing the 0-62mph sprint in just 5.6 seconds – a 1.2 second reduction over the previous model. Despite this performance potential, the official efficiency figures come in at 27 – 44 g/km CO2 and 235.4 – 148.7 MPG, depending on specification. The electric motor’s efficiency is rated at between 23.1 and 28.3 kWh/100km. All of the above are calculated on the WLTP test cycle, which is a fairly reliable set of results as to what is achievable in real-world driving. Looking at the NEDC figures that the previous model was tested under, the electric driving range has more than tripled. Energy managements systems have been refined from earlier models, aiding drivers further in making the most of the electric driving potential. Familiar plug-in car systems such as regenerative braking, pre-conditioning, and charger timing are fitted. BMW calculates that the new X5 xDrive45e has a CO2 footprint 40% smaller than that of the comparable petrol-powered X5 xDrive40i, based on average European electricity mix. When using electricity from renewable sources, that figure is reduced by as much as 70%. UK pricing and specifications when the model goes on sale at a later date.
Origin: BMW reveals details of new X5 PHEV
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