The Tesla Model 3 PerformanceHandout / Tesla Teslas latest over-the-air update adds more performance to the sporty dual-motor Model 3, suggest new reports from owners.The update is available only on the dual-motor Model 3, according to Road Show, and can boost the cars acceleration off the line, leading to a new zero-to-60-mph (96 km/h) time of just 3.9 seconds. Thats 0.5 seconds faster than it used to be, and slots the vehicle just under the Model 3 Performances acceleration time of 3.3 seconds to 60 (96 km/h).There is a caveat to this boost in performance, however. The upgrade will cost US$2,000. Thats a lot of cheddar for a small boost in performance. If you were competing in real drag racing, half-a-second can mean winning or losing the race. But does it really matter when the vehicle is your daily driver? Is that significant an amount of money worth it for just a half-a-second better acceleration time? Users took to Reddit to describe their experiences, and they all seem to be pretty positive. The upgrade is described as noticeable, and worth it. People have even taken to calling updated vehicles 3D+.Tesla has not commented on the upgrade as of yet, but hopefully it will give some insight as to why the upgrade isnt free, and what exact changes were made to give the car its performance
Origin: Tesla reportedly offering a Model 3 acceleration boost for a small fee
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Volkswagen’s sub-£18,000 small EV due in 2023
Volkswagen is committed to launching an entry-level sub-£18,000 electric ID ‘people’s car’ – but company boss Herbert Diess has admitted there is a long way to go before it can offer enough range to make it viable. Autocar exclusively revealed the firm’s plans to develop an entry level small hatchback on its new MEB architecture earlier this year. The machine, set to be called the ID 1 or 2 in keeping with the numbering convention for the firm’s new electric car range, will be comparable in size to the Volkswagen Polo. Volkswagen has set a price target of under €20,000 euros for the machine. Speaking at this year’s Frankfurt motor show, where VW unveiled the Golf-sized ID 3 and a major brand revamp, Diess said the small car “make a lot of sense” from an environmental standpoint. But he said the production version was unlikely to arrive before 2023. But he added: “There’s a long way to go. It’s really tough to get a decent range for a car under €20,000.” When Volkswagen confirmed the nomenclature for its ID range at the pre-booking launch of the ID 3, sales boss Jurgen Stackmann noted that calling the first Golf-sized model the 3 allowed for the range to be expanded with both smaller and larger models. With the Golf-sized model taking the ID 3 tag, the Polo-sized entry level car will be called the ID 1, and accompanied by an ID 2 compact crossover SUV. Stackmann noted that the larger ID models, based on the already seen Crozz (set to be called the ID 4), Buzz, Vizzion and Roomzz concepts, would be the next cars to reach production, but emphasised the firm’s commitment to making genuinely affordable electric cars. “In the long term we clearly need to scale down and be more aggressive on prices,” said Stackmann. “That will be a scale of industrialisation, and it will take some time until we bring it into classes.” Said to be part of a modern-day ‘people’s car’ project, the compact crossover utility vehicle was confirmed by product strategy head Michael Jost. It will arrive by 2023, or 2024 “at the latest”. The compact five-seater will have a raised ride height and exterior dimensions similar to the existing combustion-engined T-Roc, forming part of Volkswagen’s upcoming line-up of I.D. battery-powered models that will kick off with the launch of the ID 3 hatchback in 2020. Previously, Volkswagen chairman Herbert Diess indicated the cost could be as low as €20,000, or just £17,400 in the UK. Jost also confirmed that price point, while saying “we build cool electric cars that are fun to drive, beautifully designed and fully networked”. The keen pricing for what will be the fifth I.D. model after the ID 3 and production versions of the Crozz, Buzz and Vizzion concepts is a crucial component in a broader plan at Volkswagen to create a contemporary, new electric-powered people’s car in a move aimed at mirroring the success of the original Beetle and its indirect successor – the Golf. Diess, the architect of Volkswagen’s electric car strategy, recently claimed engineers are working on a car conceived to be priced at half that of the Tesla Model 3 without naming the secret new electric-powered crossover, suggesting it would be on sale within four years. Autocar has been told the idea behind the new ID model is to create a car with classless design appeal, outstanding interior space within a compact footprint and the sort of affordability to allow it to appeal to a wide number of car buyers in all of Volkswagen’s existing markets. As with Volkswagen’s other ID models, it is based around the company’s new MEB (Modularen Electrik Baukasten – modular electric architecture) platform with a front-mounted electric motor together with a battery of sufficient capacity to provide a range well over the claimed 186 miles of today’s e-Golf. To keep the price down, it will likely be offered exclusively in front-wheel drive guise, with a series of connectivity options set to be offered as optional equipment. Together with the primary Volkswagen version, the new zero-emission crossover five-door has been conceived to sire similar models from Audi, Seat and Skoda. Production will take place at Volkswagen’s Emden manufacturing plant in Germany, a site which currently produces the Passat and Arteon, with capacity set to top 300,000 units a year. Insiders at Volkswagen’s Wolfsburg headquarters suggest plans are to switch production of the next-generation Passat and Arteon to Skoda’s Kvasiny plant run in the Czech Republic, which currently produces the Superb, or possibly even a brand-new greenfield site in Bulgaria. The decision to use the Emden plant for the production of the junior ID models means Volkswagen will have installed capacity for well over 1 million electric vehicles by 2022, with its existing Zwickau and Hannover commercial vehicle plants in Germany, as well as joint venture factories operated with SAIC (Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation) in Shanghai and FAW (First Automobile
Origin: Volkswagen’s sub-£18,000 small EV due in 2023
James Ruppert: with small cars, choose substance over style
It’s funny how some car buyers just want something that is funky-looking and on-trend, when really all they need is a hard-working hatchback. Here’s what Ryan said to me: “Hey James, I’m looking for a small and cheap motor to run between local schools for my sports coaching company. I’ve looked at a Smart car and a Toyota iQ. Could you recommend any?” Well, the Smart is quite an old bit of kit now and the Toyota iQ is no longer with us but that doesn’t make them bad choices. The Smart is well proven and the Toyota is a Toyota, so it won’t break down. Both are small and neither is that cheap, although a tidy 2003 Fortwo Passion with 50k miles is around a grand and a proper warranted iQ from 2009 is £2500. That’s not too bad, but if you’re using a small car for work, it can turn out to be not that practical – especially a minimally booted Smart. That’s why an old-school shopping hatch is always going to be a better idea. The Ford Ka won’t be around for that much longer, but I rather like them. I was surprised that a pre-Aston grille example from 2009 is just over £1000. The mileage was 100k, but it had service stamps and was at a dealer, so they had a responsibility if anything was awry. For that money, it would be a three-door 1.2 Zetec. Ryan might find he wants a couple more doors, so let’s think Kia Picanto. They’re mostly privately owned and well looked after. Picantos have tiny wheels and do look a bit toy-town, but a 2004 1.1 SE with lots of MOT and a fresh service for £700 is pretty good going. It would do a spectacular job and keep Ryan running for a year without a worry, proper cheap motoring and high-50s economy. At this point, Ryan came back to me. The Ka seemed to fit his criteria pretty closely and I had mentioned the Toyota Aygo in passing, but he was unaware of the badge engineering which also created the Citroën C1 and Peugeot 107. A 2008 1.0, for instance, is £20 road tax and, with 100,000 miles showing, costs £750. So that’s a contender. Ryan, though, had his head turned by a Volkswagen Up. More style over substance? I like them, but Ryan would struggle to get very much below £3000 and he would be dodging insurance write-offs to do it. But if he wants to Up his budget, then by all means do it. New small cars are going out of fashion, but used ones will be around for some time to come yet. It’s the continuing beauty of buying used. What we almost bought this week Once we’d mastered the name and sampled the eager motor and kart-like handling, the Sporting won a place in our heart. This 1996 car with 36,000 miles, full history and one former keeper brings it all back. It’s just £2295. Best feature? The sporty red seatbelts. Tales from Ruppert’s garage The immediate follow-up to last week’s fat-pin-in-tyre crisis: the Michelin Fit2Go tyre checker said the pressure was dropping fast, and a tyre specialist condemned the rubber. Given that the car belongs to Miss Ruppert, it’s up to her to do the shopping around. She found a 205/55 R16 19W Michelin Energy Saver to match the rest for £76 fitted. At times like these, a good old-fashioned space saver would really help, and my daughter wasn’t keen on using a tin of tyre gunge. The garage, though, took the car in a day early. Reader’s ride Skoda Fabia vRS: Here is part two of Nick’s inspiring tale, which began last week with his Peugeot 206 banger. “My colleague’s granny bought a Skoda Fabia vRS diesel new in 2004 and then passed it on a couple of years back. It’s done 99,000 miles with full history but it isn’t perfect: the bushes need replacing, the fuel cap doesn’t clip shut, the radio maintains a poor grasp on a signal and the bonnet is sun-bleached. But I’m now stopping at the pumps once every seven days rather than every four. It cost me £700 with no increase on my insurance. I put a fresh MOT on the Peugeot 206 and sold it – for £700. I’d call that a free upgrade!” Readers’ questions Question: I’ve seen a oneowner, 2015 BMW i3 Range Extender with 77k miles for £12,950. It would be my first EV. Does it sound like a good buy? Don Shelby, Bristol Answer: The range extender version is no longer made so used ones are sought after. You can expect up to 180 miles of range from the car compared with 100 miles max from the regular i3. If the batteries have always been topped up and the extender never used, the 650cc motor occasionally cuts in to keep itself fresh. Its servicing is condition-based and should be recorded on the key fob. However, the motor was subject to recalls, so check they were actioned. All being well, it sounds good. John Evans Question: I’m planning a driving trip after October, but how will Brexit affect my EU driving entitlement? Simon Fisher, via email Answer: It’s all still a bit uncertain but there’s nothing like being prepared so get an international driving permit, find that old GB sticker in your garage and pack the car’s V5 along with your motor insurance green
Origin: James Ruppert: with small cars, choose substance over style
Big city and small town shows across B.C. this weekend
Two of the spectacular classics that will be at the Crescent Beach Concours dElegance on Aug. 31st: Ethan and Troy Coopers Riley, left, and Gerry Sungs Intermeccanica Italia. Sung is joined by Dave Sanderson.Cam Hutchins Im going to miss some great events this weekend, but that doesnt mean you have to. There are great downtown shows in Ladner and Port Coquitlam, the Early Ford V8 Club sets up at Hougen Park in Abbotsford and the annual BurnOuts in the Sky Bradley McPherson Memorial Show Shine takes place tomorrow at the Twilight Drive-In in Aldergrove.Of course, its not like Im going to be car-starved as Im in covering Car Week in Carmel, California for the National Association of Automobile Clubs of Canada. That includes attending the Pebble Beach Concours dElegance, the Concorso Italiano, and the historic racing at Weathertech Raceway Laguna Seca. The annual BurnOuts in the Sky Bradley McPherson Memorial Show Shine takes place tomorrow at theTwilight Drive Inn in Aldergrove. PNG Files I got a little preview of that kind of racing last weekend during the British Columbia Historic Motor Races at Mission Raceway Park, and it brought back memories of my Westwood days shooting in the rain. Saturday midmorning the skies opened up, and considering the downpour I was impressed that not many cars spun out. Clearly a testament to the mad skills of the drivers in their precious old tin.. One of the older Camaros got into wet part of the drying track coming out of turn one and certainly showed us what racing in the rain is all about. Rain or shine, historic racing is great.My weekend actually started at 7 a.m. on Friday morning with a photo shoot of two cars for the cover of the Crescent Beach Concours dElegance program. This annual fundraising showB.C. Childrens Hospital Foundationtakes place on the Saturday of the Labour Day weekend at Blackie Spit in Crescent Beach.One of the two cars was a Riley, and really the only thing I knew about Rileys is that my dad had a framed print of which I now have. Turns out Riley started as a bicycle manufacturer in the 1890s before building cars and merging with larger companies. In 1952 it became part of British Motor Corporation and was shuttered in the late-Sixties after being reduced to making rebadged Austins.The other car looked familiar and when I asked if it was an Apollo GT convertible, I was told it was an Italia. Both made by Vancouver-based Intermeccanica. The company was the brainchild of Frank Reisner, a Hungarian-born engineer who was living in Canada and moved to Europe to build sports cars in the late-Fifties. After some success and some struggles he eventually moved to Vancouver and produced very high quality Porsche speedsters for decades. Franks son Henry is still making those, along with Solo electric vehicles under the Meccanica banner.Henry has been involved in cars since he was a kid and now he runs the car company, so remember to take a kid with you to a show this weekend.SH0WSAUG. 16Date: Aug 16What: Friday Night Rod RunWhere: Starts at AW Restaurant at Ivy Green Husky, proceeds through downtown Ladysmith and returns to AWWhen: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.Info: 250-246-0637, 250-245-2263 or duckwon@shaw.caWebsite: ladysmithshowandshine.comAUG. 17What: BurnOuts in the Sky Bradley McPherson Memorial Show ShineWhere: Twilight Drive Inn, 3360 260th St., AldergroveWhen: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.Admission: $5; Children under 11 freeRegistration: 8 a.m. $20 and open to all vehicles, including motorcyclesInfo: 604-360-7455 or burnoutsinthesky@gmail.comWebsite: burnoutsinthesky.comWhat: Ladysmith Show ShineWhere: Downtown LadysmithWhen: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.Registration: 8 a.m. $15 and open to all vehiclesInfo: 250-246-0637, 250-245 2263 or duckwon@shaw.caWebsite: ladysmithshowandshine.comWhat: Rods Rails Car ShowWhen: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.Where: Pleasant Valley Boulevard, Downtown ArmstrongAdmission: FreeRegistration: 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Open to all vehiclesInfo: cmelanson@shuswapins.com or 250 838 7707What: Beverly Corners Show ShineWhere: Cobble Hill Country Grocer, 5847 Chesterfield Ave., DuncanWhen: 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.Admission: Free (donations accepted)Info: 250-748-1314 or info@beverlycornersshownshine.comAUG. 17-18What: Downtown PoCo Cruise Car ShowWhere: Downtown Port CoquitlamWhen: Saturday cruise starts at 6 p.m. at Leigh Square; Sunday show 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Admission: FreeInfo: 604-674-2899 or info@pococarshow.caWebsite: pococarshow.caAUG. 18What: Hougen Park Show ShineWhere: Hougen Park, AbbotsfordWhen: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.Admission: FreeRegistration: 9 a.m. $15 and open to all vehiclesInfo: 604-942-5651, questions@earlyfordv8bc.com, oldcars@telus.netWebsite: earlyfordv8bc.comWhat: Vintage in The Valley Vintage Motorcycle ShowWhere: Chilliwack Heritage Park, 44140 Luckakuck Way, ChilliwackWhen: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.Admission: Adults $10; Children under 16 freeRegistration: By donationInfo: 778 242 7104 or wallylevy@hotmail.caWebsite: vintagemotorcycleshows.comWhat:
Origin: Big city and small town shows across B.C. this weekend
Report: Jaguar’s two new small SUVs to be BMW-based
Jaguar E-Pace Cub graphicJaguar Jaguar is building two more small SUVs under the -Pace name to fit under the E-Pace, according to new reports, and those new trucks could see a BMW chassis underneath.According to Autocar, there will be two variants: a standard SUV style; and a crossover coupe with a sloping fastback roof.The SUV will be visually related to the I-Pace, but be smaller and lower than the E-Pace, Jaguars best-seller. The coupe could be related to BMWs X2, thanks to a growing partnership between the brands.The relationship between Jaguar and BMW has already gotten pretty deep, with plans for the Bavarian brand to share four- and six-cylinder engines with the British.JLR doesnt have a hybrid platform for the future, and with CO2 fleet emission regulations tightening in 2025, its running out of time, but the budding partnership with BMW could change that as well. The new SUVs possibly named A-Pace and B-Pace will likely ride on a platform that BMW is sharing with JLR known as FAAR. Currently underpinning the new BMW 1 Series, it can handle gasoline, hybrid and fully-electric powertrains. As for the styling, the 2003 R-D6 hatchback concept might lend a few cues here and there.On top of the new Jaguars, there are also rumours a more budget-minded Land Rover will be released based on the classic looks of the Defender. Its possible the smaller SUV could bring back the Freelander name, and will be more urban-focused. The Land Rover could also be priced from 24,000 ($38,300), which would make it more accessible to a larger
Origin: Report: Jaguar’s two new small SUVs to be BMW-based
New Hyundai Kona Hybrid revealed as 70mpg small SUV
Hyundai has extended its Kona compact SUV range range with a new Hybrid variant, joining the already available petrol, diesel and fully electric models. As part of the brand’s desire to offer the widest powertrain choice of any competitor, the Kona Hybrid borrows its petrol-electric system from Kia’s larger Niro. That means it uses a 1.6-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, making 104bhp on its own, mated to a 43bhp electric motor also powering the front wheels. Both are linked through a six-speed dual-clutch auotmatic gearbox and a small (1.56kWh) lithium ion battery that recharges through coasting and braking. Total system output is 139bhp, with a combined torque figure of 195lb ft. That’s sufficient for a 0-62mph time of 11.2sec on the smallest wheel size, and a maximum speed of just under 100mph. More importantly, the hybrid is considerably more frugal on paper than the normal petrol equivalents, managing a claimed 72mpg (66mpg on 18in wheels) and CO2 emissions of 90g/km (99g/km on 18in wheels). For comparison, Hyundai claims the base 1.0 T-GDI petrol engine manages 54.3mpg combined. Hyundai has also added some new equipment to the Kona Hybrid, including the app-based Blue Link system and a larger instrument display for hybrid-specific driving information. The optional 10.3in infotainment system also gets an Eco-driving assist function, notifying the driver when it’s best to coast or brake for minimal fuel consumption. Wireless smartphone charging is also included, as are hybrid-specific interior colours and trims and upgrades to the safety assist package. The exterior looks largely identical to the standard petrol or diesel Kona, save from a new Blue Lagoon launch colour and the new 16in or 18in alloy wheels. The Kona Hybrid will be available to order in the UK in August. No price has been revealed, but expect it to be slightly pricier, trim for trim, than the equivalent petrol version while being significantly cheaper and less supply-restricted than the Kona
Origin: New Hyundai Kona Hybrid revealed as 70mpg small SUV
Kia previews new small SUV designed for millennials
Kia has released the first sketches of a new small SUV created “for the millennial generation” which has been designed as a global model – although it won’t go on sale in European markets. The as-yet-unnamed machine has been ‘inspired’ by the SP Signature Concept that was revealed earlier this year, and will be the smallest SUV that the firm offers. While there are no plans to sell the car in the UK or other European markets, Kia insiders suggest that the SUV gives an insight into the firm’s future design language that will inform future versions of the Sorento, Sportage and Stonic SUVs, along with the forthcoming Ceed crossover. Kia says the new machine will have a “modern and urbane design” with the space of a traditional SUV in a compact package, adding that it will match “the unique preferences and needs of the millennial generation.” The SP Signature Concept featured LED lights integrated into the latest version of Kia’s ‘tiger nose’ grille, and the sketches of the new SUV show that feature will be carried over. The lights will have a three-dimensional light graphic. Kia has hinted the new model will also feature a long bonnet and sharp bodywork lines with a tapered rear end. The new machine will go on sale in Korea later this year, with other regions
Origin: Kia previews new small SUV designed for millennials
Is Volkswagen finally ready to challenge Tacoma and Ranger in the small pickup market?
What is it? Not a full-size truck and not an SUV either, the Volkswagen Tarok Concept is VW dipping its toe in the small-truck waters to see if should dive in and swim. Clearly envious of the stampede of sales going to full-size trucks amid an equally coveted resurgence of midsize trucks, VW is presenting the Tarok at the NY Auto Show as way to gauge interest for the vehicle in North America, even though VW already intends to build the truck for South America. Why does it matter? With a reconfigurable cargo bed capable of carrying six-foot objects, thanks to a folding waterproof panel behind the rear seat, the Tarok boasts a cargo-carrying capacity of 1,030 kg (2,270 pounds) — more than the Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger or Jeep Gladiator — so perhaps take that with a grain of salt, given that a solid rear axle is unlikely and the engine is the same as that in a Golf, a 147-hp turbocharged 1.4-liter four cylinder. A digital instrument cluster, 9.2-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a removable Bluetooth speaker in the centre console also add character, as does the concept’s large glass roof. When is it coming? That’s entirely up to the public’s reaction. VW previously showed a small pickup in NY, the Atlas Tanoak, a pickup with considerable appeal and strong interest, yet the Tanoak hasn’t moved much down the production line as far as we know. Should you buy it? If a full-size truck is too big, and the midsize offerings from Chevrolet, Toyota and Jeep are just too truckish, the Tarok would no longer leave some buyers between a rock and a hard
Origin: Is Volkswagen finally ready to challenge Tacoma and Ranger in the small pickup market?
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