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CAR NEWS ROUND-UP
Manufacturers have been busy refining existing models and producing new ones. We look at 10 of the results...
AUDI
Q4 e-tron EV gets faster charging with update AUDI has given its electric Q4 e-tron model a number of updates. One of the most important is faster charging, although it only applies to the larger battery sizes with a 76.6kWh capacity, which now charge at up to 135kW. These are the 40- and 50-badged models in both SUV and Sportback sizes.
SKODA
Sporty Fabia Monte Carlo is now available to order SKODA'S new Fabia Monte Carlo is available to order now from £20,925. The sporty addition to the Fabia range has been a mainstay of the line-up since 2011 and is now the rangetopping model. This new version gains plenty of standard equipment and sits on the largest alloy wheels of the entire Fabia range, with 17-inch black diamond-cut alloy wheels on all four corners. Redesigned bumpers are fitted too, as well as gloss black door mirrors and a radiator grille finished in the same shade. All cars get Monte Carlo badging and black Skoda lettering as well. 26 | CarDealerMag.co.uk
It's particularly noticeable on the 40 models, with the optimal five to 80 per cent charge time dropping from 38 minutes to 29, while 50 models see a reduction from 38 to 36. The improvements have come from optimisation of the battery’s thermal management and control systems.
RENAULT
Austral SUV unveiled in Kadjar's place RENAULT has released the Austral with a bold exterior design and a variety of electrified powertrains. The replacement for the popular Kadjar has a striking design as well as a high-tech interior. It’s also based on the new CMF-CD platform, which has been developed alongside alliance partners Mitsubishi and Nissan. Only hybrid powertrains will be available. The first uses a 1.2-litre threecylinder turbocharged petrol engine linked with an electric motor, with outputs of either 157 or 196bhp. Renault claims it’ll emit just 105g/km CO2. There’s also a mild-hybrid version of that same engine that links the petrol motor with a 48-volt battery and belt-integrated starter-generator, which helps to take some of the strain off the engine when accelerating.
VW
Updated T-Roc goes on sale from £25k
VOLKSWAGEN’S updated T-Roc is now on sale, with prices starting from £25,000. Among the revisions – applied to five-door and cabriolet models – the front end has new headlights. The air inlets have also been reshaped and are connected by a black trim piece. The tail lights have been given new LED graphics, while the rear bumper has been reprofiled, too. It now has a simplified lineup of three trims – Life, Style and R-Line.
