Citroen has just unveiled its new Cactus M Concept car in Frankfurt.
SsangYong teases two new concepts ahead of Frankfurt
SsangYong will introduce two concept models - the XLV-Air and XAV-Adventure - at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show.
News, Family Car, People Carrier
Volkswagen confirms new Touran pricing
DS 4 gets a new face and a Crossback
The DS 4 range has been revamped with new styling and powertrains as well as the addition of a new Crossback soft-roader model.
Infiniti Q30 interior revealed
New Megane Renaultsport 275 Cup-S revealed
Coupe, Hatchback, Convertible, News
smart reveals new fortwo cabrio
smart has unveiled a new open-top two-seater - the fortwo cabrio.
Set for a world premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the fortwo cabrio will be available with three different colours for the 'tritop' fabric soft top: blue denim, red or black. The removable roof bars, that can be stowed in a compartment in the tailgate, come in the tridion colour.
At the push of a button, the cabrio is transformed from a closed two-seater into a car with a large sliding canvas sunroof, or a fully fledged cabriolet with the soft top completely open. The B-pillar is narrower than on the closed variant and the styling of the tridion safety cell is more progressive, giving the smart fortwo cabrio an 'even sportier and more forward-focused look'.
The fabric soft top can be opened fully automatically in twelve seconds - even when driving at top speed. With the 3-button key the soft top can also be opened from outside the car by remote control. Removing the side roof bars enables a full-blown cabrio experience.
Torsional strength has been improved by around 15 percent compared with the predecessor with the material mix featuring a high proportion of ultra-high strength hot-formed steels and maximum-strength multiphase steels. In addition, the cabrio has been specifically reinforced in decisive places in comparison to the coupe. The modifications include a large steel cross under the vehicle, two torsional bulkheads under the vehicle at the front and rear and an inner tube in the A-pillars made of high strength hot-formed steel.
As well as meeting the requirements of mandatory crash tests, the new smart fortwo cabrio features advanced assistance systems such as the latest-generation ESP with Crosswind Assist and hill start assist (standard), forward collision warning (option) and Lane Keeping Assist (option).
Initially available with two three-cylinder engines rated at 71 hp and 90 hp, both units can be combined with the five-speed manual transmission or the fully automatic twinamic dual clutch transmission. In addition to the three trim lines passion, prime and proxy, customers can choose from a large range of safety and comfort features - including the new features added in the latest facelift such as smartphone integration with MirrorLink (standard in combination with the smart Media-System) or the Urban Style package (including black wheel arch linings and lowering kit).
The testing programme for open-top vehicles from Mercedes-Benz Cars is extensive - and identical for all models. The new smart fortwo cabrio was therefore subjected to the same rigorous tests as, for example, the Mercedes S-Class Cabriolet. In an endurance test, the opening and closing of the soft top was simulated over the whole vehicle life cycle. As well as this component test, which comprises 20,000 cycles, the soft top and the soft top mechanism must also prove themselves in the climatic chamber with temperatures between -15 and +80 degrees centigrade.
A car wash test ensures that smart cabrio passengers always stay dry, with 500 cycles - the requirements correspond to those for the coupe. In addition to this testing in the development phase, every single smart cabrio is also tested for 'leak-proofness' - at the end of the production at the Hambach plant every vehicle is sprinkled with a standardised amount of water for seven minutes.
The new smart cabrio will be available to order in mid-November with first models reaching dealers in February 2016.
Fiat 500 to perform with Ella Eyre on stage
British singer-songwriter Ella Eyre is set to be joined on stage by the new Fiat 500.
Specially-invited guests and members of the media will see the new Fiat 500 on stage with Ella Eyre this September, as 'they' perform a specially re-mastered version of the No. 1 track "Best of My Love" by The Emotions - marking the arrival of 2015 Fiat 500 in UK showrooms. Details of just how the Fiat 500 will make its contribution to the track, and where the London location for this special event will take place, are both still under wraps.
First launched in 2007, the latest generation Fiat 500 retains the same 'look and charm' of its predecessor but with 1,800 modifications for 2015. Fiat says, like the classic pop song Ella Eyre will cover, the 500 has also been re-mastered for a new generation, with advanced technologies, refreshed interior and exterior style, better economy and efficiency and even more customisation options.
Commenting on the collaboration with the New Fiat 500, Ella Eyre said: "It's great to be working with Fiat, I loved working on the track - which I am really pleased with - and I'm looking forward to debuting it live in such a unique way."
Sebastiano Fedrigo, Head of Brand for Fiat UK said, "You don't replace an icon - you embrace it and evolve it and that's what we've done with the New Fiat 500. It has been truly re-mastered and reloaded and we wanted to mark the launch with a spectacular and memorable event and what better way than to use the car to re-master an iconic track with a sensational up-and-coming artist like Ella Eyre? We are very excited to be working with such a talented performer and to see the New Fiat 500 and Ella Eyre perform together on 2 September."
The new Fiat 500 will be in showrooms from 2 September with prices starting at £10,890 OTR.
All-new Kia Sportage set for Frankfurt debut
Kia has revealed exterior images of the all-new Sportage, ahead of a global debut in Frankfurt.
Entering its fourth-generation, the new Sportage features a 'bold, progressive design'. Kia says the new model is inspired by the smooth and sharp shapes found on some of the most iconic modern fighter jets, and that the Sportage creates 'visual harmony out of the tension between sharp, defined feature lines and smooth surfacing'.
The face of the new Sportage represents the biggest change to the car's design, with the headlamps no longer integrated with the grille for the new model, instead sweeping back along the outer edges of the more sharply-detailed bonnet and bolder wheel arches. The Sportage's lower, wider 'tiger-nose' grille adds more volume, resulting in what Kia describes as a more imposing appearance and a more stable-looking stance.
The new model retains the swept-back silhouette of the outgoing Sportage, with a roofline that tapers slightly towards the rear of the car, longer front overhangs, shorter rear overhangs and longer wheelbase. At the rear, the horizontal forms and surface volume 'emphasise the car's width', while slim combination lamps are joined by a strip that runs the width of the rear, inspired by the 2013 Kia Provo concept car. Turn signals and reversing lights are separated, relocated lower down to add more 'visual weight and a greater sense of stability' to the lower half of the car.
The Frankfurt International Motor Show runs from 17-27 September 2015.
Mazda2 Sport Black special edition revealed
Mazda's supermini range has been boosted with the launch of the all-new Mazda2 Sport Black special edition.
With higher levels of standard specification, sporty styling enhancements and the opportunity to personalise your car, the Sport Black is based on the 90ps SE-L Nav model, but with 'subtle styling enhancements'. 'Brilliant Black' front and side skirts contrast with both the free-of-charge Soul Red Metallic and Snowflake White Pearlescent paint choices, while the Sport Black is further distinguished by its Brilliant Black roof spoiler and chrome exhaust trim.
Further customisation options includes exterior graphic designs and contrasting door mirror covers. Sweeping from the headlights to the taillights a 'KODO' - Mazda's 'Soul of Motion' design theme - graphic follows the lines of the side profile as they intersect at the centre of the car, while the Race graphic adds sporty stripes low down behind the front wheel. Customers can choose to add either or both of these decals to their Sport Black.
In addition to the standard equipment of the SE-L Nav, the Sport Black comes with 16" Gunmetal alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, auto lights, rain-sensing wipers and rear parking sensors.
"Thanks to its combination of fun-to-drive handling, stylish looks and generous equipment, the all-new Mazda2 is already winning over UK supermini buyers and our latest special edition model offers even greater value to our customers. With extra standard equipment, plus striking styling enhancements the all-new Mazda2 Sport Black is sure to be a very popular addition" said Peter Allibon, Sales Director of Mazda Motors UK.
Arriving in dealerships from the 1st September, the Mazda2 Sport Black special edition is priced at £15,395 OTR.
Electric, SUV, Hatchback, News
Kia Soul EV tests wireless charging
The Kia Soul electric vehicle is being used to test a new wireless system capable of transferring high power.
The wireless charging systems, which don't need precise alignment between the charger and the vehicle, are currently under development for electric vehicles in America. The test is being developed between HATCI and Mojo Mobility - a wireless power technology company, after being awarded a funding grant from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE).
The scheme has the potential to significantly enhance the convenience of electric vehicles - and so increase the appeal and acceptance among consumers - while possibly enabling smaller battery pack sizes and reduced vehicle weight.
"HATCI is honoured to be selected as a partner with the DOE" said Dr. Sung Hwan Cho, President, HATCI. "Innovative technologies such as this align well with one of our core goals, which is to create a vehicle experience that is intuitive and easy for the consumer."
Having already gone through several stages of development, this final phase will use five Soul EV's to test how wireless technology works in real-world performance, including durability, safety, and performance.
KMA and Mojo Mobility have not yet announced when the system will be available for purchase.
Renault reveals new Talisman Estate
Renault has taken the wraps off the Talisman Estate following the unveiling of its Saloon sibling.
The new large estate car delivers the same technological features as the saloon, along with extra load-carrying ability. Renault says it features the same 'assertive styling' with a sleek silhouette and dynamic proportions.
The French manufactures also claim the Talisman Estate has an 'unprecedented level of driving enjoyment' thanks to the combination of the 4Control chassis and active damping. Powering the estate will be a choice of two petrol engines and three diesel units. The interior includes comfort features such as integrated ventilation in the front seats, while load space comes in at almost 1,700 litres.
The Renault Talisman Estate will make its first public appearance at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show and will go on sale in Europe during the first half of 2016, however there are no current plans for the car to be produced in Right Hand Drive or sold in the UK.
Skoda adds frugal Superb GreenLine model
Skoda has added new Superb Hatch and Estate models to its GreenLine range.
The Superb GreenLine takes fuel economy and emissions 'to a new level' with a predicted combined consumption figure of 76.4mpg and CO2 emissions of 96g/km for the Hatch and 97g/km for the Estate. Skoda says these provide the new Superb GreenLine with a potential range of more than 1,100 miles on just one tank of fuel - enough to drive from Milton Keynes to Barcelona.
The most fuel-efficient and cleanest Superb to date is powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder diesel engine that develops 120PS and incorporates a host of advanced fuel-saving technologies and engineering features. As with all other Superb models, the GreenLine is equipped with start-stop ignition and brake energy recovery as standard. In addition, both Superb GreenLine models feature longer gear ratios, SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) and 16-inch reduced rolling resistance tyres.
To meet European emission standards, the new model utilises two exhaust gas treatment units: an oxidation catalytic converter and a diesel particulate filter. Nitrogen oxide emissions are reduced through the Superb GreenLine's SCR system, using the reducing agent AdBlue. This synthetically manufactured solution, 32.5 per cent high-purity urea in demineralised water, treats the diesel exhaust gases, reducing nitrogen oxide and saving fuel.
To further improve efficiency the chassis sits 15mm lower than the standard Superb, while both the Hatchback and Estate models incorporate tailgate and roof spoilers to efficiently channel air around the rear of the car. As a result of these subtle additions and revisions, both models have lower drag coefficients than the standard models (0.263 Hatch, 0.275 Estate).
The new Superb GreenLine will be unveiled to the public at next month's Frankfurt Motor Show with further details, including UK specification and prices, to be announced closer to the launch date later this year.
Nissan adds N-TEC to Micra line-up
Kia previews all-new Optima
Future Fuel Station by Nissan and Foster + Partners
Nissan is teaming up with renowned international architects Foster + Partners to design and develop the Fuel Station of the Future.
Toyota Hybrid sales top 8 million
Dacia Duster range revamped
The Dacia Duster lineup has been expanded to offer reduced running costs and more engine options, including a brand new EU6-compliant 1.6-litre 16V 115 petrol unit.
Hyundai previews all-new Elantra
Hyundai has revealed an artist rendering of its all-new Elantra, ahead of the car's imminent launch.
Nissan LEAF tests eVADER pedestrian recognition software
Nissan has taken a leading role in the European Union-funded project 'eVADER' - to create an audible pedestrian alert system for electric cars.
With vehicles driven in electric mode, either hybrid or pure electric vehicles considerably quieter than combustion engined cars, they constitute a safety hazard for pedestrians and bicyclists in traffic. The eVADER project was founded to tackle the problem, with the help of many partners alongside Nissan including Renault, the Peugeot Citroen group and Continental tires to name a few.
In a move to assist pedestrian recognition of electric vehicles (EVs), Nissan has collaborated in the creation of a potential next generation pedestrian alert technology which produces effective and targetable audible cues to alert vulnerable road users to the presence of a nearby EV, whilst having minimal impact on noise pollution levels.
Pedestrian alert technology is currently a hot topic, as growing sales of EVs have led to discussions over the pros and cons of quiet EVs. The low sound levels have been heralded as a strong benefit, as they could contribute to a drastic reduction in noise pollution.
In 2010 Nissan introduced its LEAF - the first mass-market, all-electric EV - which has Approaching Vehicle Sound for Pedestrians (VSP), fitted as standard equipment. As a leading partner in the eVADER project, Nissan drew on its EV expertise to integrate the range of technologies provided by other consortium members and Nissan into the demonstration vehicle, and worked to ensure that the sounds created were clearly audible, whilst having as little impact as possible on ambient noise levels.
The sound created not only had to be directionally beamed at targeted pedestrians, it also had to keep annoyance levels to a minimum. Siren-like noises were ruled out at an early stage, as they were found to be irritating, loud and, in some cases, emotionally upsetting to other road users.
The final version of the system features a camera built into the windscreen, which is programmed to recognise pedestrians, cyclists and other road users. On detection of a road user, six loudspeakers directionally beam sound at the target to alert them of the presence of the EV. The sound is up to five decibels lower than the sound of a conventional petrol or diesel engine vehicle. Nissan then built this system into a LEAF for real-life trials, and the vehicle was used to showcase the completed alert system at a concluding event in Barcelona in December 2014, where it was well-received by the visually-impaired community.
David Quinn, Nissan's e-VADER Project Leader said: "Pedestrian safety is of the utmost importance to Nissan, which is why we already have a pedestrian alert installed in our EVs as a preventative measure. As leaders in the EV market, we were keen to use our considerable experience to examine possible systems for future development in this field. Our objective has been to find an optimum balance between ensuring the cars are detectable, whilst retaining the reduction in noise pollution, which is one of the great benefits that our EVs offer."
The research and results collated from this project form reference material for future research into this area, and it is likely that it will be utilised to shape future EU legislation on EV pedestrian alert sounds.