Mercedes-Benz is teasing the next-generation GLA with a design sketch, just a day or so before the official release of the 2021 model.According to Mercedes-Benz, the new vehicle will be 10 centimetres taller than the previous model to give it more of a crossover appearance.It will also be 15 millimetres shorter, although Mercedes says legroom will not be impacted, since the length will be taken off the overhang.In fact, there will actually be more room, because the wheelbase has been lengthened.As far as styling goes, the sketch reveals, mostly, what weve come to expect of Benz crossovers. Were sure the pedestrian looks wont stop Mercedes-Benz from packing the vehicle full of tech, including the excellent MBUX infotainment system. At the very least, we know the rear bench seat will be unique, and feature a forward- or backward-sliding function, as well as 40/20/40-split capability.The wheels are huge, at least on the teaser drawing, in ironically stark contrast to recent reports Audi predicts 23-inch wheels should be about the largest fitted to production cars. Clearly, Mercedes stands with GM in forecasting 26-inch rims in the near-future.On top of the regular model, AMG 35 and 45/45S models are expected to be available, as well as a 250e plug-in hybrid model.The GLA will be revealed to the world online exclusively on December 11; the first auto show to feature it in the metal will be Genevas, in March of
Origin: 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA teased in design sketch just ahead of reveal
sketch
New Hyundai i10: sketch shows design revamp
Hyundai has revealed a preview sketch showing the design of its third-generation i10 city car ahead of it’s reveal at the Frankfurt motor show in September. The sketch shows a new design direction for the Volkswagen Up rival, with a new wider front grille reflecting the firm’s current styling. As with the current i10, the car’s daytime running lights are located within the grille. It also hints at what Hyundai calls an ‘X-shaped C-pillar’, which was first teased in a single preview image released by Hyundai last month. Hyundai says the model will be designed, developed and built in Europe. While it hasn’t revealed any technical details, Hyundai does say the car will feature a “range of new connected car and safety features”, including smartphone connectivity, a reversing camera and a range of driver assistance systems. A heavily disguised i10 test mule has previously been spied undergoing winter testing. That car retained the familiar smaller footprint and upright stance of the outgoing i10 but had significant body cladding, including over the C-pillar, which appears to rise in the same way as that in the preview image. Details of the interior are yet to be seen, but the Korean manufacturer is expected to boost perceived quality as well as introducing the promised advanced technology. Interior space isn’t likely to increase significantly, because the current i10 is only fractionally shorter than the latest Kia Picanto, with which the new model is expected to share its platform and mechanicals. Engines are expected to include the familiar 1.0-litre three-cylinder and 1.2-litre four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol units, with a turbocharged 1.0-litre triple likely to make its way over from the range-topping Picanto. Expect prices to rise slightly to reflect the improvements and changing
Origin: New Hyundai i10: sketch shows design revamp
Skoda sketch previews facelifted Superb flagship
A new sketch released by Skoda previews the design of the facelifted Superb flagship ahead of a reveal later this month. The preview image hints at a subtle evolution of the Mazda 6 rival’s front fascia, which retains Skoda’s trademark grille design, alongside redesigned headlight clusters and a reworked lower bumper. Like the recently launched Scala hatchback, the revised Superb will feature the marque’s name in letters across its bootlid, in place of the Skoda emblem. More significant is the fact that the new Superb will be the first to offer a plug-in hybrid option, likely the same 1.4 TSI petrol-electric powertrain that features in the Volkswagen Passat GTE, with which it shares a platform. In the similar-sized Passat, this hybrid set-up produces a combined 215bhp and can emit as little as 39g/km of CO2. Like the Passat, the Superb can be expected to run in electric-only mode for up to 31 miles. Inside, the Superb will benefit from similar interior revisions to those received by the Rapid-replacing Scala hatchback. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration is likely to be made standard across the range, with an enhanced focus on simplicity and ergonomics differentiating the new model from its predecessor. Skoda’s revamped infotainment system will also feature, enabling over-the-air updates and new mobile app functions. Increased personalisation is likely, with Skoda currently offering new microfibre interior materials and backlighting lower down the range. Last year, Skoda design chief Oliver Stefani pledged to roll out a new, bolder design language for the Czech firm in the run-up to mass electrification of its line-up. “Skoda values have always been functionality, usability and practicality,” he said. “We’d like to add more emotion.” The new Superb will be revealed in full during the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship, of which Skoda is the long-standing main sponsor, in Bratislava later this
Origin: Skoda sketch previews facelifted Superb flagship
All about car 