5 minute read
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.
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.
SKODA
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.
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.
MAZDA
CX-60 arrives as range-topping SUV
MAZDA’S new CX-60 has gone on sale with prices starting from £43,950.
Available in three specs, it joins the CX-5 in the range of SUVs, topping the line-up.
It's been launched with Mazda’s first plug-in hybrid powertrain, which links a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a 100kW electric motor and 17.8kWh battery.
Together, you get 322bhp and 500Nm, making it Mazda’s most powerful road car. A combined fuel consumption of 188mpg alongside emissions of 33g/km CO2 is claimed, as is up to 42 miles of range.
FORD
Click here to watch the Mustang California Special
Mustang range expanded with California Edition
FORD has unveiled a new addition to its Mustang line-up of cars with a new California Edition.
Available in convertible form only, it starts from £52,105 and features a variety of retro-inspired design touches.
The California Edition takes inspiration from a 1967 Shelby GT notchback coupe prototype named the California Special. It featured a blacked-out grille, fog lights and side racing stripes, with a limited number of cars put into production in 1968.
This version also has a black front grille, while lower side stripes in black, grey and red run along the car’s length. They also have a hidden ‘California Special’ script that can’t be seen in low light but gets more prominent in stronger sunlight.
FISKER
Ocean EV makes European debut after LA showcase
FISKER revealed its Ocean electric SUV in Europe for the first time at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.
Previously showcased at the Los Angeles motor show last year, the Ocean is expected to hit UK roads in the second quarter of 2023. The five-seater Ocean – which will start from £34,490 – will be available in three trim levels.
Entry-level Sport models bring a range of up to 250 miles from its single motor. Step up to Ultra and you get Fisker’s ‘hyperrange’ battery, which brings the car’s range to 380 miles.
Finally, there is Extreme specification, with up to 391 miles claimed between charges.
VOLVO
C40 line-up gets new single motor version
VOLVO has introduced a single-motor version of its electric C40 Recharge.
Sitting alongside the existing dual-motor variant, the new model combines a single motor with a 69kWh battery to deliver up to 269 miles between charges. The more powerful version, for context, has a range of up to 273 miles but uses a larger 75kWh battery.
The single motor’s charging ability means a 10 to 80 per cent charge is possible in 32 minutes via a rapid charger.
VW
Electric ID.Buzz reinvents icon
VOLKSWAGEN has unveiled the ID.Buzz as its new electric MPV and van that pays homage to the T1 – one of the brand’s most iconic models.
Originally shown in concept form more than five years ago, the production version has surprisingly few changes, with Volkswagen stressing that ‘form follows function’.
The ID.Buzz will launch in two forms: an MPV version and a van – the ID.Buzz Cargo.
The passenger model will debut as a five-seater, with six- and seven-seaters and an extended wheelbase to follow.
Key details include bold LED lights that run into the Volkswagen emblem.
NISSAN
Juke to gain hybrid engine
NISSAN has announced that a hybrid engine will join the Juke line-up.
The popular compact crossover’s range is expanding with the addition of the powertrain, which uses components from both Nissan and its alliance partner Renault to bring extra performance and efficiency.
The hybrid powertrain uses a 1.6-litre petrol engine that was developed specifically for use in a hybrid setup, and is combined with an electric motor to make 143bhp.
