Best Cars Guide

Ssangyong Rexton W

Arman Barari — Wed, 30 May 2012 16:58:37 +0000

At Busan motor show in Korea, Sangyong revealed a new version of its most successful model, the Rexton.

Called the Rexton W, this model benefits form a revised styling and Korean-type diesel engine, e-XDi200 LET with performance of 155 ps and fuel efficiency of 13.7 km/liter. It will initially launch in the Korean domestic market. The new Rexton W incorporates premium elements, and offers high fuel efficiency, strong performance, convenience and economy. Some of the features in the new model include smart key system, eco cruise control system, Rain sensor wiper system, ECM room mirror & Hi-pass system as well as , MP3&WMA music player and Bluetooth audio streaming.

The previous version do the Rexton were also good cars. The new one builds on the success of those versions, with added luxury and style.

Details in Ssangyong press release:

Completed over a period of two and a half years with investment of about 130 billion won for research and development, the Rexton W continues the brand heritage of ‘Top 1% in Korea’. Ssangyong explains that the name Rexton W combines the meaning of a New Premium SUV with a Work of Art (adding initial “W”), improving its world class standards. ? The front of the Rexton W represents the harmony between moderated lines and sides, embracing modern style and luxurious charm with its aggressive projection headlamps shaped like the eyes of an eagle. ?Its side-lines complete the look of stable style connecting the front fender to the rear quarter. ?The rear design applies practicality to refined dignity, enhancing the sense of balanced finish. The luxurious rear lamps emphasize visibility and distinctiveness with the bar-type tail light guide, a first in the Korean SUV segment.

In addition, the symmetric structure of the Rexton W’s interior combines driving convenience and passenger comfort, matching the dignity of a new premium SUV and bringing its interior space to the luxury level of a top-notch sedan with modern sense.

The center dashboard is simple but luxurious with its combination of splendid chrome lines and silver paint which gives the feel of aluminum to demonstrate modern and unified system elements. By connecting to the power jack on the upper dash, passengers can mount digital devices such as navigation and smart phones, resulting in greater convenience.

In particular, the Rexton W’s e-XDi200 LET (Low End Torque) diesel engine offers high fuel efficiency and quiet NVH with higher performance and reliability. With reinforced middle and low-speed torque, it is optimized for the Korean driving environment, which often features curved roads and mountainous highways. Additionally, cutting-edge Mercedes 5-speed automatic transmission is equipped to guarantee the best driving experience by sensing the driver’s driving pattern and the state of the vehicle.

As a result, the Rexton W offers excellent fuel efficiency of 13.7 km/?(2WD A/T), improved over 20% as compared to the existing Rexton, as well as output performance of maximum 155 ps and maximum torque of 36.7 kg•m, improved over 15%, as compared to existing engines. It also ensures driving efficiency as maximum torque is kept at the engine driving area and is most frequently used during actual driving (1,500~2,800 rpm).

The Rexton W uses a triple-layer steel frame and chassis structure with high rigidity applied, with the best frame production technology achieved by Ssangyong Motor. This helps minimize the impact of vehicle crash on passengers, maximizing safety. ?ESP (Electronic Stability Program) and ?ARP (Active Roll over Protection) ?TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) ?UWS (Ultrasonic Warning System) greatly contribute to the driving experience.

2012 Renault Master

Arman Barari — Wed, 30 May 2012 16:51:44 +0000

Renault steps up its panel van game by updating its massive Master van for the new model. The car is only offered in limited market.

In home country France, it comes in a choice of three power outputs (100hp, 125hp and 150hp) and its fuel consumption has been cut this year by up to 0.6 litres/100km. It delivers further CO2 emissions cuts this year with a saving of up to 16g/km, equivalent to a fuel consumption gain of up to 0.6 litres/100km. Renault’s big van also features a number of equipment-specification changes, including the availability of new radios, the introduction of air suspension and the addition of the dCi 100 engine for Chassis Cab, Chassis Double Cab and Platform Cab versions.

The Master currently holds a 15 percent share of the European market. Renault hopes the new upgrades increase that further.

Renault Master Details:

For enhanced cabin comfort, a selection of new, easier to use and better-equipped radios is now available. Bluetooth and USB connectivity are standard features of the R-Plug&Radio which is fitted to Comfort versions of Master, while the optional R-Plug&Radio+ comes with a CD player and MP3 playback, as well as a separate display.

Air suspension available for front-wheel drive Masters

Optional air suspension is available for the vast majority of the front-wheel drive range, irrespective of engine (Panel Vans, Chassis Cab, Chassis Double Cab, Platform Cab), with the exception of the 2.8-tonne GVW version. The advantage of air cushions is that they:

* Maintain a constant ride-height irrespective of load and correct differences behind the left- and right-hand sides of the vehicle.
* Permit the vehicle’s ground clearance or rear clearance angle to be raised momentarily.
* Drop the rear suspension to achieve a lower rear sill height (450mm).
* Manually adjust the deck height at the rear by +70mm or -60mm.

* Introduction of towing equipment with a capacity of 3.5 tonnes for twin-wheel rear-wheel drive versions. This represents an additional towing capacity of 500kg over the current Master, taking GTW from 6.5 to 7 tonnes.
* The dCi 100 engine is available for the Chassis Cab, Chassis Double Cab and Platform Cab versions.
* The introduction of a new body colour: Pearlescent Black.
* A new smartphone dock is available as an accessory. It was designed especially for Master and takes the mobile office concept one step further.

Alfa Romeo 4C Design Award

Arman Barari — Wed, 30 May 2012 16:43:34 +0000

The Alfa Romeo 4Cconcept bags yet another design award, and rightly so. This time it’s the prestigious Villa d’Este concourse that recognizes the car’s brilliance.Alfa brand on the whole was on a roll at the event.

Alfa Romeo was the winner of an impressive four prizes last weekend – with its 4C and sixth series 1933 6C 1750 GS models – at the Concorso di Eleganza in Villa d’Este, a prestigious event which has been celebrating the world’s finest historic vehicles for many years. Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 GS also won the Coppa d’Oro, a recognition granted by referendum in Villa d’Este.

The car on display, an especially rare model, was a coupé designed by the Figoni coach builders and presented for the first time in Paris in 1933, which has been well placed at several previous concorso d’eleganza. The 4C appeared in a nice juicy red that multiplied its appeal by 100.

Alfa press release:

Between 1929 and 1933, Alfa Romeo produced a series of sports cars for use on the road and in competition, specifically the 1750 6Cs, where 6C referred to the 6 cylinder in-line 1752 cm³ engine. Originally developed by designer Vittorio Jano, the 1750 6C was presented in Rome in 1929, and over the four years which followed, it was continually updated and improved, with six successive series. The vehicles produced were for the most part sold as a complete chassis and outfitted by specialist firms, many of them with open two-seater bodies.

The Alfa Romeo 4C was awarded the Design Award for Concept Cars & Prototypes by referendum of the public in Villa d’Este. The fruit of the brand’s experience with the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione and the 8C Spider (with which it shares its rear wheel drive), the 4C represents the essence of a true sports car in accordance with the brand’s values: performance, Italian style and technical excellence for maximum driving pleasure in complete safety. The concept presents the classic formula of the two-seater, rear-wheel drive coupé with its central engine, a length of approximately 4 metres and a wheelbase of less than 2.4 metres. These dimensions on the one hand emphasise the car’s compact attributes, while also accentuating its agility on the other.

McLaren Opens Jeddah Showroom

Arman Barari — Wed, 30 May 2012 16:39:02 +0000

McLaren’s global expansion plan continues with the opening of a new showroom in Jeddah, sudi Arabia.

McLaren Jeddah officially opened for business by McLaren Automotive Regional Director, Mark Harrison and Al Ghassan Motors President and CEO, Sheikh Ghassan A. H. Al Sulaiman. The facility is located in the sophisticated residential and shopping district of Tahliah Street, is a fitting venue for the British brand, which has now launched four of its six Middle East showrooms. It also has McLaren’s 1998 championship-winning Formula 1 car, MP4/13 on display in the new showroom alongside MP4-12C.

Currently only the MP4 is on sale at the showroom, but next year it will be joined by the P12 super car. McLaren is expanding by the day.

McLaren press release:

Commenting on the launch, Harrison said: “McLaren has firmly established its presence in Saudi Arabia today with the opening of McLaren Jeddah; the new showroom provides our customers and fans with an impressive facility where they may see our debut model the 12C, and soak up some of the McLaren brand values. In particular, our attention to detail and focus on performance and exceptional customer service.”

Visitors will be able to see the first ‘pure’ McLaren production road car, the MP4-12C. The debut model will be joined within a year by the second of McLaren’s planned model line-up, with a full range of McLaren sports cars in place within three or four years.

The 12C draws upon the company’s longstanding Formula 1 experience and features a number of unique and innovative features that help make it the world’s fastest and most efficient high performance sports car in its segment: the world’s only one-piece, moulded carbon chassis; a lightweight, highly efficient 592bhp V8 twin turbo engine; and an innovative ‘Proactive Chassis Control’ suspension system that allows drivers to switch between ultimate track performance and optimum road comfort.

2013 Toyota Venza Price

Arman Barari — Tue, 29 May 2012 15:27:26 +0000

Toyota revealed pricing of the new-look Venza crossover weeks ahead of its market launch in the US of A.

The enw model features enhanced exterior styling, added value through several new standard convenience features and updated option packages, which include the Entune® multi-media system for the 2013 model year. It is available in LE, XLE and Limited grades. The LE and XLE models are available with all powertrain combinations: four-cylinder, V6, front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). Finally Venza Limited is powered by the V6 engine only, in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configurations.

As for the prices, the range begins with the $27,700 FWD basic version, and ends with $38,870 fully-loaded AWD model.

Details in Toyota press release:

Value has been augmented and ordering simplified with the addition of many standard features in all three grades. All Venza models will be will equipped with a standard blind-spot mirror and outer mirror turn signals with puddle lamps.

Additional key standard features include dual-zone automatic climate control with air filter and second-row-seat vents; eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar; 3.5-inch LCD multi-information display; a tilt/telescopic adjustable wheel with integrated audio controls; an overhead console with map lights; rear-seat adjustable personal reading lamps and three 12-volt power outlets. The XLE and Limited models add to the abundance of standard features with many audio and convenience upgrades.

Entune Multi-media System
The 2013 Venza now offers the Toyota Entune multimedia system. Entune leverages the mobile smartphone to provide a richer in-vehicle experience with fully integrated access to navigation, entertainment and information services.

Toyota Entune supports engaging mobile apps, such as Bing, OpenTable, and movietickets.com, along with accessing useful travel-related services, such as live weather, traffic, fuel information (location and price), stocks, and sports. Toyota Entune has a large selection of music options available to a vehicle, including iHeartRadio’s 750+ stations, and Pandora’s personalized music service.

The audio systems combined with Entune feature a best-in-class, advanced conversational voice recognition system that helps the driver to stay focused by eliminating the need to memorize thousands of voice commands.

The base MSRP for the 2013 Venza LE will range from $27,700 for the front-wheel-drive (FWD) four-cylinder to $30,970 for the V6 all-wheel-drive (AWD), reflecting an increase $270 to $275, or 0.9-1.0 percent.

Pricing for the Venza XLE will range from $31,360 for the four-cylinder FWD to $34,630 for the V6 AWD, an increase ranging from $1,580 to $1,585, or 4.8 to 5.3 percent.

The Limited grade Venza will be receive a base MSRP of $37,420 for the FWD model, while the AWD model will be priced at $38,870. Both prices reflect an increase of $955, or 2.5 percent for the AWD and 2.6 percent for the FWD.

The MSRP for the 2013 Venza does not include the delivery, processing and handling (DPH) fee of $810. The DPH fee for vehicles distributed by Southeast Toyota (SET) and Gulf States Toyota (GST) may vary.

Opel Movano Update

Arman Barari — Tue, 29 May 2012 15:20:31 +0000

Opel takes its commercial vehicles very seriously, which is why they spent a big deal of time to upgrade the Movano.

The Movano provides the widest range of body variants on the commercial vehicle market, offering a model for virtually every customer-specific utility profile. The range includes panel vans (available in four vehicle lengths and three roof heights), combis, crew vans, platform, chassis and crew cabs as well as a full range of factory built conversions, including tipper, dropside, box body, and bus versions, ensuring that there’s a Movano built to meet their individual needs.

The new model has the lowest fuel consumption ever, and also gets a new infotainment system.

Read complete details on the new model in the press release below:

A series of optimizations has been made to the 2.3 CDTI Movano engine with its 74 kW/100 hp and 92 kW/125 hp versions which both come as standard with a six-speed manual transmission. Modifications to the oil and steering pumps, the gearbox oil, and electrical control systems, together with low rolling resistance tyres contribute to a significant lowering of both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions across all engines, powertrain and body style combinations. For example, in the 100 hp or 125 hp FWD Movano with the panel van body style (5048 mm length, 2496 mm height) fuel consumption and CO2 have been cut by nine percent and now stands at only 7.8 l/100 kilometers and 205g/km. Similar improvements were also achieved with the Combi FWD nine-seater passenger variant (5048 mm length, 2307 mm height) which now boasts more than seven percent less fuel consumption and CO2 (190 g/km, 7.2 l/100 km) than its predecessor both in the 100 and 125 hp output levels.

n a big boost to comfort and safety on board, all the infotainment systems in the Movano now come with Bluetooth and USB connectivity. This means the Movano driver who wants to use his mobile phone on the road can now do so in a safe, hands-free manner, whereas users can also benefit by being able to listen to, and control, their MP3 players through the built-in USB socket. This function is now available in the basic radio tuner and two of the more advanced CD/radio units. Two of the tuners on offer now come with a user-friendly easy-to-read display which is located in the center of the CD/radio instrument panel lets the driver navigate through several infotainment menus using rotary knobs and buttons, whilst the CD15 BT USB and the top of the range unit (CD35 BT USB) also benefit from steering column mounted remote controls, enabling the driver to keep their hands on the wheel at all times. The top of the range tuner also includes a safety and comfort-enhancing remote display so that the driver does not need to bend down to reach for the tuner, which is a significant improvement in terms of road safety, and a TomTom based SD-card Navigation System is also optionally available with this unit.

Skoda Racing Look Bicycle

Arman Barari — Tue, 29 May 2012 15:14:14 +0000

Skoda Auto unveiled a new line of its bicycles painted din the same sort of livery as their Fabia rally car.

The new bicycle range for the year 2012 comprises seven models for different range of use and age groups. All bikes are coloured green and white as is typical for the SKODA Motorsport team. The bikes’ appearance also echoes SKODA brand’s new, fresh corporate design. The current 2012 design highlights the brand’s involvement with motorsport which dates back all of 111 years. The 2012 SKODA range also offers functional and comfortable bike wear from KalaS company in SKODA AUTO’s exclusive design.

More and more car makers are offering bicycles these days, probably to compensate for their gas guzzling models. Skoda’s offering look cool and are more affordable than Audi’s or Mercedes’.

Details in Skoda press release:

The two drivers from the SKODA Motorsport works team, Juho H?nninen and Jan Kopeck?, have been named ambassadors for the 2012 SKODA bicycle and accessory range. “Though hardly anyone is aware of this, bicycles are an essential part of our training,” says Jan Kopeck?, driver in the SKODA Motorsport works team and IRC vice champion in 2009, 2010 und 2011. “Before every race, we clock up several hundred kilometres. This is why I really value workmanship, functionality and timeless appearance, and this is what SKODA bicycles and the new functional wear are all about.”

The offering for 2012 includes models based on the ‘Superior’ brand. Street racers will opt for the 8.4 kilogram SKODA ‘Road’ with an aluminium frame and carbon fork. Off the asphalt, bike fans will be riding the SKODA ‘MTB’ model or even the SKODA ‘MTB Full’ with a full-suspension frame. The SKODA ‘Cross’ is a versatile bike in the 2012 range. All these SKODA models come with a lockable front fork and are available in three sizes.

But SKODA AUTO also has the little bikers in mind: the older ones might zoom off on the SKODA ‘MTB-Junior’, which is dimensioned to fit a child but has all the technology of “adult” bikes. This includes a lockable front fork or a 21-speed transmission. Even smaller children can cycle safely on two wheels with the SKODA ‚Kid‘. An all-new item in the range designed especially for the youngest children is the SKODA ‘Mini’ training bike, which was designed completely afresh in cooperation with Olpran, a bicycle maker.

Volvo SARTRE Road Train

Arman Barari — Tue, 29 May 2012 15:08:04 +0000

Volvo road train project is a project that might not make sense at first, but it’s very important. It is about a bunch of autonomous cars following a car driven by a human!

For the first time ever a road train comprising a Volvo XC60, a Volvo V60 and a Volvo S60 plus one truck automatically driving in convoy behind a lead vehicle has operated on a public motorway among other road users. The historic test in Spain was highly successful and opens new chapter for the developers. SARTRE (Safe Road Trains for the Environment) project is a joint venture between Ricardo UK Ltd, Applus+ Idiada, Tecnalia Research & Innovation, Institut fur Kraftfahrzeuge Aachen (IKA), SP Technical Research Institute, Volvo Technology and Volvo Car Corporation.

This is a major leap forward in autonomous driving.

Details in Volvo press release below:

A road train consists of a lead vehicle driven by a professional driver followed by a number of vehicles. Building on Volvo Car Corporation’s and Volvo Technology’s already existing safety systems – including features such as cameras, radar and laser sensors – the vehicles monitor the lead vehicle and also other vehicles in their immediate vicinity. By adding in wireless communication, the vehicles in the platoon “mimic” the lead vehicle using Ricardo autonomous control – accelerating, braking and turning in exactly the same way as the leader.

Improved driver environment – among much else
The project aims to deliver improved comfort for drivers, who can now spend their time doing other things while driving. They can work on their laptops, read a book or sit back and enjoy a relaxed lunch.

Naturally the project also aims to improve traffic safety, reduce environmental impact and – thanks to smooth speed control – cut the risk of traffic tailbacks.

One lead vehicle and four trailing vehicles – consisting of a Volvo S60, a Volvo V60 and a Volvo XC60 plus a truck – made up the historic road train in Spain.

“Driving among other road-users is a great milestone in our project. It was truly thrilling,” says Linda Wahlstr?m. The vehicles drove at 85 kilometres an hour. The gap between each vehicle was just six metres. “During our trials on the test circuit we tried out gaps from five to fifteen metres,” relates Linda Wahlstr?m.

Quick acclimatisation
Sitting in a car just six metres behind another one while travelling at 85 km/h and relying totally on the technology may feel a bit scary. But the experiences gained so far indicate that people acclimatise very quickly.

The three-year SARTRE project has been under way since 2009. All told, the vehicles in the project have covered about 10,000 kilometres. After the test on the public roads in Spain, the project is now entering a new phase with the focus on analysis of fuel consumption.

“We’ve learnt a whole lot during this period. People think that autonomous driving is science fiction, but the fact is that the technology is already here. From the purely conceptual viewpoint, it works fine and road train will be around in one form or another in the future,” says Linda Wahlstr?m.

Wolfrace Perodua Myvi on Sale

Arman Barari — Tue, 29 May 2012 15:02:48 +0000

Perodua is ready to launch its new Myvi Wolfrace edition, revealed before as a concept car.

Designed in collaboration with Wolfrace wheels, the car gets special interior and exterior appointments. Main features include striking 17” Wolfrace Brooklands alloy wheels along with a silver and red graphics kit including stripes along both sides of the vehicle, with chequered flags, Wolfrace Design logo to the rear doors and Wolfrace logo on the tailgate. Exclusive black and silver Wolfrace Design front entry guards will also be featured which will be individually numbered from one to ten.

The Myvi is not an interesting car, and with the visual features it is also stupid now. It is cheap though, very. but it’s not cheerful, not at all.

Further details:

Standard specification seen across the Myvi range which includes air conditioning, four electric windows, electrically adjustable door mirrors, power steering, integrated radio/CD player and much more. All owners of a Myvi Wolfrace Design limited edition will also receive a free Wolfrace travel mug courtesy of Wolfrace Wheels (UK) Limited!

Just ten people will become the owner of a limited edition Myvi Wolfrace Design which is available for only £7,999** representing exceptional value for money given the high level of specification. There will also be the option of a luxurious sport style leather/alcantara interior for an additional £1,000 which will further enhance the vehicle’s appeal. Available in manual transmission, the Myvi Wolfrace Design will be available in a choice of either Ebony Black or Medallion Grey, both of which are metallic paint finishes provided at no additional cost.

1.0-litre EcoBoost Sales On Fire!

Arman Barari — Tue, 29 May 2012 14:58:13 +0000

A 1.0 liter car used to be the stuff of cheap eastern block cars not that long ago. But now with all the concerns about fuel economy they are becoming more and more popular. Just ask Ford.

The new Ford Focus 1.0-litre EcoBoost model accounted for 17 per cent of sales in April – its first full month of being on sale – which equates to almost 1,000 cars. Overall UK orders for this multi-award-winning engine in Focus currently stand at more than 25 per cent of sales. Across Europe, more than 4,700 customers ordered a Focus 1.0-litre EcoBoost in April, accounting for 23.3 per cent of the Ford Focus models in Europe’s major 19 markets.

Of course Ford’s Ecoboost engine are great engineering marvels. Weighing just 97 kilos, the 1.0-litre EcoBoost is small enough to sit on a sheet of A4 paper, and it delivers satisfying performance for its size.

Ford press release:

“The 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine is an example of an innovation arriving to market at just the right time, when customers are looking for a very fuel efficient but still-fun-to-drive petrol engine,” said Roelant de Waard, vice president, Marketing, Sales and Service, Ford of Europe. “I have rarely seen such universal praise from the press, dealers and customers as that received for the Focus 1.0-litre EcoBoost.”

Philip Maskell, Ford UK dealer council chairman and chairman and managing director, Essex Auto Group, said: “The new and exciting 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine in Focus has attracted a lot of positive attention at Ford dealers since its launch in April. We are delighted that over 60 per cent of customers who are in the market for a Ford Focus with a manual transmission go on to purchase one equipped with the new 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine after a test drive.”

The new EcoBoost turbo-charged, direct injection engine is Ford’s smallest, yet highest power density petrol engine ever, delivering the performance of a conventional 1.6-litre engine with improved fuel efficiency and lower CO₂. The Focus 1.0-litre EcoBoost is class-leading in fuel economy and CO₂ emissions in the C-segment for petrol-engine vehicles.