Car News

CAR NEWS AUGUST 2021

By Dhiren Ganesh

In this month’s article we look at a range of new mid-sized models available this year and next – from brand new to upgraded classics.

021 Hyundai Bayon – the Hyundai Bayon is a new small SUV based on the South Korean brand’s i20 hatchback. Hyundai already has one compact SUV in its line-up – the Kona – and the Bayon is a slightly cheaper yet roomier alternative. You will have a choice of two 1.0 litre turbocharged petrol engines one – 99bhp and 118bhp. Both will have a six-speed manual gearbox as standard. All trims will include an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring, along with a digital driver’s display, rear parking sensors and cruise control. Four adults will be comfortable enough in the Bayon and even six-footers can enjoy plenty of legroom in the back. On sale now the prices start from £20,295. 2022 Vauxhall Astra – this is the all-new Vauxhall Astra hatchback, one of the most popular family cars historically. The new Astra sees the front grille stretched the full width of the car, with the headlights incorporated within it. It also offers more in-car storage than its predecessor, with automatic versions helped by the fact that they get a small sliding gear selector. The list of technology that will be available includes lane-keeping and lane-change assistance in an effort to make motorway driving less tiring, a 360-degree camera and rear cross-traffic alert system to help with parking and manoeuvring. There will be a hybrid 1.6-litre petrol engine with an electric motor. A 1.2-litre petrol turbo engine and 1.5-litre diesel. Sales will commence in early 2022 and prices are estimated to start from £22,000. 2022 BMW 2 Series Coupé – the new 2 Series has given the car a wider, sportier stance, and there are more aggressive front and rear bumpers, a wider and deeper front grille, and thinner light clusters. Three version will be available at launch – a 2.0-litre petrol 181bhp, a 2.0-litre diesel with mild hybrid technology with 187bhp and a range topping 3.0-litre petrol 369bhp. On the inside it includes the sat-nav map, plus BMW’s excellent iDrive infotainment system is presented on a separate screen in the centre of the dashboard, measuring up to 12.3in depending on specification. Standard kit includes 18in alloy wheels, adaptive LED headlights, heated front seats and three-zone climate control. Prices should start at around £35,000 when its on sale in early 2022.