Ford Mustang Mach-E EV launched The new crossover EV has a range of more than 370 miles The Ford Mustang Mach-E has been revealed in Los Angeles, with the company’s pure-electric crossover featuring a range of more than 370 miles on a single charge. There will be standard and extended range battery options, as well as single- or duel-motor set-up for rear- or all-wheel drive. A performance Mustang Mach-E GT model will be available, with a sub-five second 0-62mph time, thanks to a 342 kW power output and 830 Nm of torque. The batteries are placed in the underbody, allowing for a coupe-styled SUV with plenty of space for five. There’s a small load area up front to complement the traditional boot, and Ford has included a number of styling features to like the Mach-E SUV with its inspiration – the famous Mustang. Pitched as a vehicle on a par with the Model T by Ford, the Mustang Mach-E will have the next-generation of the company’s Sync infotainment system. A 15.5-inch screen promises more intuitive usage, and the Mustang Mach-E benefits from over-the-air updates over time. Kit includes a B&O sound system, the introduction for Ford of ‘phone-as-key’ technology, and a panoramic glass roof that has a special coating to keep the cabin cooler in summer and warmer in winter. Three modes – Whisper, Engage, and Unbridled – will provided different driving characteristics, depending on preference and situation. Technical features see the option of the 75.7 kWh standard range battery or 98.8 kWh extended range pack. Ultra-rapid DC charging will be available at up to 150 kW, with Ford one of the founding members of the Ionity network, which has installed chargers across Europe capable of up to 350 kW. UK pricing and specifications will be announced at a later date, though expect prices for the range to start between £40-45,000 mark, with a launch edition at £50,000 or more. Deposits of £1,000 are being taken now, and the Mustang Mach-E will arrive towards the end of 2020.
Origin: Ford Mustang MachE EV launched
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Citroen C5 Aircross PHEV launched
Citroen C5 Aircross PHEV launched A range of 31 miles should be possible on electric power alone Citroen has revealed details of its C5 Aircross Hybrid – a new PHEV due from the French firm with a range of 31 miles on a charge. Using a 13.2 kWh battery and 80 kW motor, the plug-in Citroen combines the electric components with a 180hp petrol engine for a combined output of 225hp. Power goes through an eight-speed EAT automatic transmission. Citroen is making use of the ‘ë’ that should be included in its name as an indicator of electrified systems. As such, the ë-Comfort system has been launched – prioritising a comfortable ride with the added refinement that electric drive brings. Drive modes include electric-only, hybrid, and electric-save, and there are the usual brake energy recuperation systems fitted to help top up the charge en route. Efficiency figures come in at 39 g/km CO2 and a combined WLTP fuel economy of 166 MPG. Charging will take less than two hours on a fast charger at home or in public, with a 7.4 kW on-board charger fitted as standard. Charging is carried out via a Type 2 inlet. Citroen is making use of the shared platform and powertrain technology of the PSA Group. The C5 Aircross Hybrid joins similarly sized group stablemates in the shape of the Peugeot 3008 Hybrid and Hybrid4, and Vauxhall Grandland X Hybrid4. Other PHEV models from the group include the Peugeot 508 Fastback and SW, and the DS 7 Crossback E-Tense. The group is in the middle of an electric model offensive, as pure-electric versions are due from the Peugeot e-208, Vauxhall Corsa-e, Peugeot e-2008, and DS 3 Crossback E-Tense – plus pure-electric vans from the group’s brands. Pricing for the Citroen C5 Aircross Hybrid starts at £35,340, with deliveries due in the middle of 2020. Registration of interest are open now.
Origin: Citroen C5 Aircross PHEV launched
New VW Golf launched with two PHEV options
New VW Golf launched with two PHEV options The new Golf features more tech and improved efficiency Volkswagen has launched its new Golf, the eighth generation of the best-selling hatchback. The new line-up will feature five electrified powertrains, though no pure-electric e-Golf, as VW promises a model bristling with tech. The reason for no e-Golf replacement is the launch of the ID.3. The EV kick-starts VW’s all-electric sub-brand, and is Golf sized itself. Having two models of a similar size, target market, and cost would be rather redundant. Instead, for the Golf, VW is pushing ahead with other forms of electrification. Three 48-volt will feature as VW launches the eTSI badge. This sees a beefed-up starter motor support a petrol unit producing either 110hp, 130hp, or 150hp. Efficiency is improved by around 10% claims VW, and responsiveness is improved. More crucially to VW’s electrified aspirations are the plug-in hybrid Golfs due. The Golf GTE badge returns, but as a sportier model – a true alternative to the famous Golf GTI. Producing 245hp, the Golf GTE is complemented by a cheaper, less powerful model, for those prioritising efficiency over sportiness. This ‘normal’ PHEV will produce 204hp, and both plug-in hybrid Golfs are backed by a 13 kWh battery, enabling an electric-only range of 37 miles on a single charge. The rest of the range is made up of conventional petrol and diesel engines, outputs ranging from 90hp to 150hp initially. No doubt there will be additional GTI, GTD, and R models further down the line. TGI natural gas will be made available in certain markets, though the UK is expected not to be one of them. Volkswagen is launching its We Connect and We Connect Plus functions on the Golf range, allowing it to be the first VW model to offer V2X connectivity. This vehicle-to-infrastructure connectivity means traffic signals and information from vehicles up to 800 meters away are displayed to the driver. Benefits include improved efficiency, traffic flow, and safety warnings. The cabin is far more digital than before, and represents a significant step forward for the Golf – impressive considering the previous version wasn’t at all bad. Behind the steering wheel are three panels that focus on the driver. This incorporate lighting controls on the smallest panel closest to the door, a large and comprehensively customisable digital instrument display, and a new infotainment system. For automatic models, a small digital gear selector replaces the previously conventional stick, and the dashboard is far more stylish than the outgoing model’s efficient yet slightly dull affair. Particular attention has been made to making the digital controls easier to use on the move. With more than 35 million sales over the years, the Golf is expected to continue its huge success story. However, it will have greater competition than ever before, not least from VW itself with the ID.3.
Origin: New VW Golf launched with two PHEV options
Nissan Ariya Concept launched at Tokyo show
Nissan Ariya Concept launched at Tokyo show The Ariya could become an electric Qashqai Nissan has unveiled the Ariya Concept at the Tokyo Motor Show, showcasing a new electric crossover that could make it into production ‘in the near future’. A possible Qashqai EV, the Ariya Concept features twin electric motors, an evolution of the current Nissan house design, and a suite of connected assistance systems. Fitted to the concept is Nissan’s ProPilot 2.0 which allows assisted driving functions to pilot the car in a chosen lane. Door-to-door navigation is factored in to journey plans, and the smart route planner includes charging stops when required. Few technical details are offered, but CHAdeMO charging is included, indicating Nissan’s unsurprising continuation with the standard. Over-the-air updates are included, and vehicle-to-grid charging made possible by the on-board charger. The interior makes good use of the improved packaging made possible thanks to the electric powertrain. It’s more spacious than a conventional crossover, with a flat floor sitting on top of the batteries. A minimalist dashboard uses haptic touch controls on the instrument panel, and the only physical controls are the start button and a single knob to operate the 12.3-inch display.
Origin: Nissan Ariya Concept launched at Tokyo show
Porsche Taycan 4S launched
Porsche Taycan 4S launched The new Taycan offers a range of up to 287 miles Porsche has revealed the Taycan 4S, set to join the company’s pure-electric sports saloon range from early next year. The new Taycan 4S produces 390 kW (530hp) in overboost, or up to 420 kW (571hp) when fitted with the optional Performance Battery Plus. In either variant, the 0-62mph time is 4.0 seconds with a top speed of 155mph possible. Range is quoted at up to 287 miles on a single charge with the Performance Battery Plus 93.4 kWh battery fitted – the highest found in the Taycan range. Standard Performance Battery models – 79.2 kWh – get a range of 252 miles. Charging is available at up to 225 kW or 270 kW for the standard and optional battery specifications respectively, via the Taycan 4S’s CCS inlet. All wheel drive is offered thanks to a motor fitted on each axle, with two-speed transmission fitted to the rear axle aiding with efficiency at higher speeds. Prices start at £83,367, and the Performance Battery Plus option adds around £4,600 to the cost of the Taycan 4S. OTR costs exclude any government grants. The £3,500 Plug-in Car Grant would likely be applied to the Taycan 4S, since it meets all the criteria, but it has yet to be approved by OLEV. The new Porsche can be ordered now, with deliveries expected from January 2020.
Origin: Porsche Taycan 4S launched
VW ID3 launched
VW ID.3 launched The new electric VW is pitched as a crucial car for the German firm Volkswagen has revealed its highly-anticipated ID.3 pure-electric hatch on the eve of the Frankfurt Motor Show, showcasing what it reckons is the third chapter in its history – and one of its most important launched ever. The all-electric model is based on the company’s new MEB platform, designed for electric powertrains and set to be rolled out across the mainstream brands of the VW Group. For now though, all eyes are on the ID.3, pitched as the next key model and following in the footsteps of the Beetle and Golf. Come full launch, there will be three battery variants to choose between; an entry level 45 kWh model with 205 mile range, mid-spec 58 kWh version with 261 mile range, and flagship 77 kWh pack allowing a 342 mile range. Charging is possible at up to 100 kW DC via the CCS inlet. Pricing will start at below £30,000 – around £27,000 – for the ID.3, which sits in the same bracket as the Golf. However, with a skateboard style chassis freeing up interior packaging, cabin space is much better than the Golf, despite a very similar footprint. The electric motor sits on the rear axle, giving the ID.3 a link to the car that started it all for VW, with a rear-engine, rear-wheel drive set-up reminiscent of the original Beetle. The interior is set to be a major shake-up for VW in this sector, with an augmented reality head-up display projecting information into the driver’s line-of sight. The whole dashboard is minimalist in style, comprising essentially of just two screens – one for the driver’s instruments and one infotainment set-up. Even the drive selector has been moved to the edge of the driver’s instrument binnacle, similar in concept – though not identical – to the BMW i3’s. VW has also launched its new logo on the ID.3, and though no word has yet come of a performance version, it wouldn’t be too surprising in future from the company that gave the world the Golf GTI. Full pricing and specification details will be announced closer to the car’s UK launch.
Origin: VW ID3 launched
New Renault Zoe launched with longer range
New Renault Zoe launched with longer range A range of 242 miles is now available, along with option for CCS charging Renault has launched a new version of its Zoe EV supermini, with the latest iteration set to get a 52 kWh battery for a range of 242 miles (WLTP) on a single charge. The new Zoe can also feature a CCS inlet, allowing for faster rapid charging at speeds of up to 50 kW, while the Type 2 section of the port will continue to accept up to 22 kW AC. Not only is the rapid charging capability faster than the current 42 kW DC limit, it also opens up new rapid charge points for Zoe drivers. Renault’s Zoe Z.E. 50 is the latest update to a model that has already had battery upgrades and motor power increases during its life-span. Not only is the battery capacity larger – the physical size remains the same – but also the new model features refreshed design inside and out, and improved equipment. GT Line models get a new R135 100 kW (135 hp) electric motor, up from the 79 kW or 65 kW models currently available, which provides improved acceleration and comfort at higher speeds. This drops the 0-62mph time to a little under 10 seconds, with a top speed of 87mph. A new B mode function is fitted to both R135 and the R110 motor models – the latter is carried over from the Z.E. 40 models – which allows for stronger brake energy recuperation for improved ‘one-pedal’ driving potential. This, and other drive modes, are selected via a new e-shifter, which is a switch rather than a conventional gear lever. New safety equipment is fitted, and a 10-inch digital instrument cluster represents a significant improvement in design, perceived quality, and display size. Exterior design details bring the Zoe in line with other current Renault models, but it is the interior design that has seen the most changes.
Origin: New Renault Zoe launched with longer range
New BMW 3 Series Touring launched with focus on sharp handling
BMW has taken the wraps off the new 3 Series Touring and promised it will retain the dynamic handling of the saloon version. The new 3 Series estate will go on sale in late September with a range of petrol and diesel engines. For the first time in the Touring, there will be a plug-in hybrid 330e model, which will arrive in July 2020. As with the 330e saloon, it will feature a 248bhp powertrain, comprising a 181bhp petrol engine with a 111bhp electric motor, and the ability to run 39 miles on electric-only power. At launch, the petrol engine range will start with the 181bhp 320i and the range-topper will be the four-wheel-drive M340i xDrive, which has a 3.0-litre unit with 369bhp and 295lb ft. The M340i xDrive Touring can achieve 0-62mph in 5.8sec. Diesel options will range from the 147bhp 318d to the 261bhp 330d xDrive. All models will have an eight-speed automatic gearbox as standard. No manuals are offered in the range. The 3 Series Touring also receives a new lift-related damping system for the first time. An M Sport differential is standard on the M340i xDrive and optional on higher-spec models, as is M Sport suspension. Product manager Stefan Horn told Autocar the new Touring will “handle even better” than the old car thanks to a stiffer chassis, lower centre of gravity and weight reduction. Entry-level models will sit on 17in wheels as standard, rising to 19in on higher specs, with full-LED headlights and tail-lights also standard. Horn claimed the objective was to prioritise the car’s looks to increase desirability, as the estate sector declines in the face of SUVs. At 4709mm, the new model is 76mm longer than the previous generation, in part due to a wheelbase that’s 41mm longer, at 2851mm. The new 3 Series Touring is also 11mm taller and 16mm wider. BMW claims it offers extra shoulder and knee room, along with the ability to fit three child seats across the rear bench. The 500-litre boot is wider and five litres larger than before and is accessed via a standard automatic tailgate, which retains a separately opening window. There are storage areas under the main boot floor, and new optional rubber anti-slip rails, which keep smaller loads in place. The rear seats can be folded in a 40/20/40 layout, increasing the storage capacity to a maximum of 1510 litres. In the UK, the 3 Series Touring will be offered in SE, Sport, M Sport and M Sport Plus trim levels. The top level includes M Sport suspension and brakes, 19in alloy wheels and a choice of exclusive colours. Prices have yet to be announced, but expect the base model to start from just under £30,000, with an average increase over like-for-like saloons of around
Origin: New BMW 3 Series Touring launched with focus on sharp handling
New extended BMW 3 Series launched in Shanghai
BMW has revealed the long-wheelbase version of the new 3 Series saloon, which will be offered exclusively in the Chinese market, at this year’s Shanghai motor show. The extended version of the recently launched seventh-generation 3 Series has been reworked to offer extra space in the rear, along with a number of new features. It fits a long trend of car firms making longer versions of premium models for China. The stretched 3 Series’s wheelbase of 2851mm is 41mm longer than the regular 3 Series, and the car’s total length is stretched to 4719mm. It is 1827mm wide and 1459mm high, with increased track widths of 1583mm at the front and 1599mm at the rear. Power comes from a four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, while the 3 Series long-wheelbase features comfort seats in the front and rear and a panoramic glass roof, among a number of features to meet the demands of Chinese customers. The machine will be produced by joint venture firm BMW Brilliance Automotive, at its Tiexi plant in Shenyang in Liaoning Province, where Chinese market versions of the regular 3 Series will also be produced. In China, the 3 Series – in both standard and long-wheelbase forms – will also be offered with BMW’s new Intelligent Personal Assistant system, which offers a range of digital services. It also responds to voice controls with the prompt ‘hey BMW’. BMW has also displayed the recently announced X3M and X4M performance SUV models in public for the first time at the Shanghai
Origin: New extended BMW 3 Series launched in Shanghai
VW ID Roomzz launched at Shanghai show
VW ID. Roomzz launched at Shanghai show The latest pure electric concept from VW will arrive in 2021 Volkswagen has unveiled the ID. Roomzz at the Shanghai Motor Show, its latest model set to join the ID. all-electric sub-brand. A production version of the large SUV is due to go on sale in 2021 to rival the likes of Tesla’s Model X. Based on the VW Group’s MEB architecture – a platform designed specifically for electric vehicles – the ID. Roomzz is part full-size SUV, part lounge on wheels. Three rows of seats are possible thanks to the opened up packaging possibilities provided by the skateboard-style platform, and fully autonomous driving systems – on this concept at least – means that three different seating configurations are possible. ID. Drive mode sees a conventional forward facing arrangement for all occupants, with the driver controlling everything via a steering wheel and pedals. When the driver puts their hand on the VW logo on the steering wheel for longer than five seconds, ID. Pilot is engaged, setting the car into autonomous driving mode. All seats angle inwards by 25 degrees for a more sociable seating area, or ID. Pilot Relax mode enables each passenger to create their individual seating position, including a reclined setting. Twin electric motors power the ID. Roomzz, providing a combined 225 kW for the all-wheel drive system. A 75 kW motor sits on the front axle, and a 150 kW motor on the rear, providing a 0-62mph time of 6.6 seconds. Power comes from an 82 kWh battery, which gives the ID. Roomzz a range of 280 miles on a charge, based on WLTP tests. Charging can either be carried out wirelessly via induction charging, or through a conventional plug. Rapid charging can be carried out at up to 150 kW. Other features showcased on the concept model include ID. Light, which provides passengers with information such as assistance systems, navigation, and air quality displayed via light effects from an LED strip along the bottom of the windscreen, or doors and roof in the rear. Augmented reality (AR) is used for the driver to display navigation instructions projected ahead of the driver, and the interior is trimmed with AppleSkin artificial leather, which contains 20% vegetable matter. The ID. Roomzz will be the sixth model to join the ID. family, after the ID., ID. Crozz, ID. Buzz, ID. Vizzion, and ID. Buggy. It is confirmed to go into production, launching in China initially in a couple of years’ time.
Origin: VW ID Roomzz launched at Shanghai show
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