20 minute read
NEWS
Honda takes the wraps off allnew hybrid HR-V
Honda has unveiled the latest generation of its popular HR-V compact SUV, now available with a powerful and responsive two-motor e:HEV powertrain as standard for the first time.
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The all-new HR-V is said to deliver exceptional hybrid efficiency and advanced safety and technology features, all incorporated into a bold and sleek coupe-inspired form designed to enhance the class-leading interior space and comfort the nameplate is known for.
The new HR-V is the latest model in Honda's line-up to wear the e:HEV (hybrid electric vehicle) badge, following the refreshed CR-V and all new Jazz that launched in 2020. It expands Honda's electrified line up as the brand moves further towards its goal of electrifying all of its European mainstream models by 2022.
The new model embodies the brand's seamless, clean, modern design philosophy seen in other recent new Honda models. The design includes a new bold integrated grille, while the body shape incorporates a long bonnet and sharper, more vertical sides to ensure there is no impact on interior space. The bonnet centre is low and flat, with a shoulder line that flows to the base of the A-pillars, projecting a sense of stability and security that further enhances the SUV aesthetic. As a result of clever packaging of its hybrid drivetrain, the HR-V retains its predecessor’s class-leading interior space, with four adults able to sit in maximum comfort. As with the exterior, the spacious interior has a solid, premium SUV feel, but with contemporary fabrics and soft-touch materials.
The modern minimalist aesthetic, which is initiated by the horizontal sweep of the instrument panel, is the result of an uncluttered interior and dashboard, with each element carefully positioned to contribute to the sense of space. The feeling of airiness and space is elevated by a new air diffusion system that creates a curtain of fresh air beside and above passengers, flowing from unique L-shaped vents positioned in the top corners of the dashboard.
Thanks to Honda's compact, integrated powertrain technology and centre tank layout, the all-new HR-V also retains the versatile Magic Seats that offer both 'fold-flat' or 'flip-up' seat flexibility, depending on cargo space required.
The all-new HR-V e:HEV will be available in Europe in late 2021. Register your interest now at:
News
Ranger Rover places 1, 2 & 3 in an 'unwelcome' Top 10 list
According to the latest data analysis by www.Tracker. co.uk Range Rover models dominate the podium of most popular vehicles for thieves in 2020
Tracker reveals that Range Rovers and Land Rovers take six of the ten places in the 2020 list of Tracker’s most commonly stolen and recovered vehicles. The three top spots are all Range Rover models, and the Land Rover Discovery, Range Rover Evoque and Land Rover Defender also make the top ten. These 6 models alone account for 37% of all stolen cars recovered by Tracker in 2020.
Analysis of how criminals stole cars in 2020 reveals that keyless theft has risen to an all-time high, with 93% of all recovered vehicles having been stolen without the thief having possession of the keys. This has nudged up from 92% in 2019, but represents a 26% increase in the last 5 years. Thieves use sophisticated equipment to exploit keyless technology by hijacking the car key’s signal, typically from the security of the owner’s home, and remotely fooling the system into unlocking the doors and starting the engine. This is commonly known as a 'relay attack'.
Clive Wain, Head of Police Liaison for Tracker, commented:
Adding to owner’s security woes, in 2020 new car production ground to a halt in response to COVID-19. This caused significant delays to the supply chain and made Tracker’s top ten all the more desirable. Pent-up demand for both nearly new cars and manufacturer approved parts increases values and boosts trade for criminals stealing to fill the gap.
Wain concludes
We encourage drivers to use traditional visual deterrents such as crook locks and wheel clamps to deter criminals and protect their car, however in the event of a theft, stolen vehicle tracking technology will significantly help police quickly close the net on thieves and return the vehicle to its rightful owner.”
Tracker is the only SVR provider offering vehicle tracking systems that are supported nationwide by UK police forces. Tracker SVR solutions work like an electronic homing device. A covert transmitter is hidden in one of several dozen places around the vehicle. There is no visible aerial, so the thief won’t even know it’s there. The combination of VHF with GPS/GSM technology, unique to Tracker, makes its units resistant to GPS/GSM jamming, confirming Tracker as a superior security defence against determined thieves.
more at » www.Tracker.co.uk
2020 Tracker’s Top Ten Most Stolen & Recovered Vehicles
1. Range Rover Sport
2. Range Rover Vogue
3. Range Rover Autobiography
4. BMW X5
5. Land Rover Discovery / BMW 3 Series
6. Mercedes-Benz C-Class
7. Range Rover Evoque
8. Mercedes-Benz C-Class AMG
9. BMW M3 / Mercedes S-Class
10. Land Rover Defender / Mercedes-Benz E-Class / BMW 6 Series
News
The New Toyota Hilux gets the Arctic Truck Treatment
Based on the recently launched 2.8 litre Invincible X Double Cab, the new Hilux AT35 features a host of extensive chassis, suspension, handling and styling upgrades typical of an Arctic Truck build.
To begin with, there's the Arctic Trucks Bilstein performance suspension system that features front springs and dampers, anti-roll bar adjustment and rear dampers with extended shackles that give an extra 40mm of front and 20mm of rear suspension lift.
Then to accommodate the 17” Arctic Trucks alloys that are shod with 35” BFGoodrich KO2 All-Terrain tyres, Arctics Trucks have re-engineering of the vehicle’s chassis, inner arches and bodywork. All of this means that the new Hilux AT35 has an increased ground clearance of 65mm and an improved approach angle of +9º and departure angle of +3º.
Arctic Trucks haven’t simply given the new Hilux AT35 some big tyres and a suspension lift, no, more importantly they’ve optimised torque and drivability by re-gearing of the front and rear differentials.
On the outside you get the usual Arctic Trucks styling features that include the company’s signature flare package for the front and rear wings, extendedprofile side steps, AT35 badging and a 30th anniversary decal. Each vehicle comes with an individual Arctic Trucks certificate of authenticity. Extra practicality is provided by a rear height bar with an integrated 2” receiver hitch for quick and easy deployment of tow balls, winches, steps, gear carriers or other accessories.
Want more? No problem, there are a range of fully fitted Arctic Trucks options available, including full underbody armour, Vision X grillemounted light bar and Truxedo lowprofile load cover.
The tyre specification can be upgraded to BFGoodrich KM3 Mud-Terrain tyres and an on-board inflation/deflation kit can be installed, with a 12V performance compressor mounted in the engine bay.
Added benefits of the new Hilux AT35 include an elevated driving position, superior mobility from the wider front and rear tracks, wider tyres and a larger, “lighter” footprint for more secure driving over soft and delicate terrain. The larger tyres provide an increased suspension effect, giving a smoother and faster ride over rough surfaces as well as offering a greater range and flexibility for using lower pressures to gain better traction in challenging conditions.
The new 201bhp 2.8-litre diesel engine and six-speed automatic transmission are carried over from the standard Hilux Invincible X, making this most capable Arctic Trucks Hilux yet to be offered through the Toyota retailer network.
All conversion features are carried out by Arctic Trucks technicians to original manufacturer standards, maintaining Toyota’s five-year/100,000-mile new vehicle warranty. The model is fully type approved and retains commercial vehicle status, with no compromise in payload or towing capacity.
The Arctic Trucks Hilux AT35 is available to order from Toyota retailers now as a conversion for the new Invincible X Double Cab automatic model, priced at £18,780 plus VAT (that's for the kit not the vehicle).
News
CUPRA's charges in with their new plug-in - the Formentor
CUPRA is adding to its growing range of electrified performance vehicles in the UK with the new CUPRA Formentor e-HYBRID.
Powering the Formentor plug-in hybrid is a 150PS (110kW), 250Nm 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine, and a 116PS (85kW) electric motor with a 13kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Combined, these deliver an impressive 245PS (180kW) of power and peak torque of 400Nm. It can accelerate from 0-62mph in 7.0 seconds, charging on to a top speed of 130mph. The new powertrain delivers a combined fuel consumption of up to 188.3mpg and produces CO2 emissions as low as 33g/km (WLTP).
The CUPRA Formentor has an electric-only range of 32 (VZ2) and 34 (VZ1) miles and the battery can be charged from 0-100% in just 3 hours 33 minutes, using a 3.6kW AC charger.
The exterior boasts exclusive 19” matte black or silver alloy wheels, stylish sports bumpers, electrically adjustable, folding and heated door mirrors, welcome lights and LED headlights and tail lamps with dynamic indicators.
Step inside and you get CUPRA sport pedals, ambient lighting, a 12” Navigation system with Full Link phone integration and wireless phone charging, a configurable digital cockpit, four USB-C sockets and three-zone climate control. A black headlining is complemented by CUPRA’s trademark copper detailing, with the VZ1 model featuring black bucket seats paired with copper stitching.
The VZ2 adds electrically adjustable and heated black Nappa leather bucket seats also featuring copper stitching, an embroidered CUPRA logo in the headrest and leather dashboard, door inserts and side trim panels. A heated sports steering wheel with start/stop and CUPRA driving mode button completes the interior upgrades.
There are also a range of advanced technologies to optimise the comfort and driving experience including keyless entry and start (KESSY), Predictive Adaptive Cruise Control with speed limiter, park assist sensors and rear view camera, Dynamic Chassis Control with driving profile selection, sports suspension and an electronic locking differential.
The Safety and Driving Pack for the VZ1 includes dynamic road sign display, high beam assist, blind spot monitor and exist assist, while the upgraded VZ2 package adds Lane Change Assist and Emergency Assist (semi-autonomous control in an emergency).
Additional options include a towbar, panoramic sunroof, petrol blue Nappa leather (VZ2 only) and a range of metallic, premium metallic and matte paint colour options.
The Mud Life will have a full review in our June issue, and we can’t wait! more at » www.cupraofficial.co.uk
News
Drivers, check your tyres during lockdown
TyreSafe are warning that many vehicles will not have been used much since Christmas and those that have are likely to have only been used for short trips. Some drivers might put maintenance checks on hold, TyreSafe is advising drivers to check their vehicle’s tyres during Lockdown to potentially save themselves money in the long run and reduce the risk of a tyre-related incident when they do return to the roads.
Most drivers are aware that as they drive, over time their tyres’ tread will wear down however they may ignore other important checks such as condition and air pressure if they aren’t regularly out on the road.
In fact, a tyre is likely to harden and crack more quickly when it is left stationary than when it’s regularly used. If a tyre is left on a vehicle parked for any significant period of time, without the heat and movement from nominal use cracking could occur more quickly. To protect them from the environment, ideally tyres should be covered.
While the effect of hardening usually takes months to have a noticeable impact on tyre condition, those who have had the same set fitted for some years should be aware of the potential for cracking to appear at any time.
The weight of the vehicle resting on one section of the tyre also presents long-term problems. The tyre can become misshapen, which can create weak points internally. When used at higher speeds, these weak points create excessive heat and can lead to a catastrophic failure (or blowout) of the tyre.
Vehicles should be moved regularly to ensure they do not rest on the same point. To reduce the risk of long-term damage caused by being out of use, a tyre’s air pressure should also be maintained at the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended settings. The correct air pressure (displayed as PSI or Bar) can be found in the owner’s manual, the fuel filler cap or door shut. An accurate pressure gauge should be used to check all tyres are properly inflated, including the spare wheel if your vehicle has one.
When used on the roads, underinflated tyres cause the vehicle to use more fuel than is necessary. Not only that, but they will also wear quicker and be more vulnerable to damage.
Stuart Jackson, TyreSafe chairman, said:
News
Powerful new petrol engines add punch to VW Tiguan range
The Tiguan’s two new engines - both turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol units - are the most powerful petrol powertrains in the range yet, offering 190 PS and a range-topping 245 PS, with 320 and 370 Nm of torque respectively.
The 190 PS engine’s power peak is available between 4,180 and 6,500 rpm, while the more powerful of the duo reaches its maximum output between 4,750 and 6,500 rpm. Both engines deliver their highest torque figures in a remarkably accessible fashion, between 1,500 and 4,300 rpm. This equates to brisk 0-62 mph acceleration of 7.4 seconds and a 133 mph top speed for the 190 PS model, and 6.0 seconds for the more powerful 245 PS unit, which tops out at 142 mph, where permitted.
Suiting the high output of the powertrain, the Tiguan 190 PS 4MOTION is available in high-spec Elegance and R-Line trim levels, with WLTP combined cycle fuel consumption figures of 33.2 and 34.0 mpg respectively, and CO2 outputs of 194 and 189 g/km. The 190 PS-equipped Tiguan starts at £36,275 RRP OTR in Elegance trim. Befitting the sportier side of the Tiguan’s personality, the 245 PS 4MOTION powertrain is available exclusively in the more visually assertive R-Line specification, and has figures of 32.1 mpg and 200 g/ km of CO2. This current Tiguan range-topper starts at £39,560 RRP OTR.
Its top speed and acceleration figures mean that, for now, the Tiguan R-Line 2.0 TSI 245 PS 4MOTION is the performance flagship of the Tiguan range. That is until the arrival of the R-division fettled Tiguan R, which will represent a first for the Volkswagen brand: the Tiguan R being the first time the top-selling SUV has been bestowed with a stand-alone performance trim. Further details on the Tiguan R will be released in due course.
Hannah Doherty, Tiguan Product Manager at Volkswagen UK, said:
News
Kia showcases defence vehicle technologies at IDEX 2021
Yes, you read that headline correctly! Kia Corporation has showcased two light tactical defence vehicle concepts at the 2021 International Defence Exhibition & Conference (IDEX) in the UAE, the largest international defence exhibition in the Middle East and Africa.
Kia has been supplying its light tactical vehicles to the South Korean army since 2016, becoming the standardbearer for vehicle quality in the country’s military operation system.
The new four-seater Light Tactical Cargo Truck concept displayed at IDEX adopts a bold, commanding design and has been equipped with a cargo container for transporting troops alongside diverse armoury. Kia expects the added visual appeal and usability to stimulate further demand for its military vehicles.
Together with the Light Tactical Cargo Truck concept at IDEX, Kia is displaying the vehicle’s bare chassis. With the body removed, the bare chassis showcases the truck’s powertrain and basic frame, providing a glimpse of the platform’s scalability as a basis for a range of armoured vehicles. Kia is actively developing vehicles based on the Bare Chassis for clients’ eclectic taste around the world.
The vehicle’s modular chassis has enabled Kia to offer standard and long-wheel base variants alongside armoured and unarmoured versions for purposes including tactical commanding and reconnaissance, weapon instalment, target observation and multi-purpose for supporting troops.
Differentiated by its unique design, the four-person Light Tactical Cargo Truck has been optimised for use by military forces by offering superior mobility, outstanding durability and a high level of functionality. The unarmoured long wheelbase design features a superstructure that can be tailored to underpin different structures such as a cargo box, a mobile workshop and a communications centre. The vehicle can also carry 10 fully-armed soldiers and up to three tonnes of cargo in the vehicle’s rear compartment.
The Kia Light Tactical Cargo Truck is powered by a 225 bhp Euro 5 diesel engine, with power sent to all four wheels via stateof-the-art eight-speed automatic transmission. The truck also features an independent suspension system, air conditioning, a limited-slip differential, run-flat tyres and an electro-magnetic interference system.
News
All-New Isuzu D-Max is Smarter, Stronger and Safer
The Isuzu D-Max has always appealed to a wide variety of drivers, from fleet operators to families, and the new model range is structured into three segments: Business, All-Purpose and Adventure. A new line-up of trucks sit within each range to suit every customer’s requirements.
The Business range features the Utility trim and this base specification workhorse is offered in a choice of 4x2 or 4x4 and in three different cab types: single, extended and double cab. Developed with work in mind, the Utility features a wide range of practical and safety features to ensure drivers are as productive, safe and comfortable as possible.
The All-New Isuzu D-Max has an incredible amount of additional equipment on all variants so the Utility model is anything but basic. Comfort and convenience are assured in this versatile pick-up thanks to automatic headlights with high beam assist, automatic windscreen wipers, speed-sensitive power steering, DAB radio and a stop & start system.
Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS) are now standard on all models. Autonomous Emergency Braking, Traffic Sign Recognition, Intelligent Speed Limiter and Lane Departure Warning & Prevention are fitted on every model and, for the first time in the pick-up segment, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Monitor and Emergency Lane Keeping are fitted on all double cabs.
Utility models are ideally suited to working environments with features like an easily-cleanable vinyl flooring and durable steel wheels, while the bumpers, door mirrors and door handles are made from a hard-wearing black plastic.
The All-Purpose range consists of the DL20 and DL40, with ‘DL’ signifying that the rear diff-lock becomes a standard feature and the ‘20’ and ‘40’ demonstrating the model hierarchy. All-Purpose models are also available with an automatic transmission, which come with the additional ADAS functionality of Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keep Assist.
The DL20 features heated front seats, rear parking sensors, front fog lights and a front centre armrest for increased comfort and practicality, while bodycoloured front and rear bumpers, silver door handles, a medium grey radiator grille and 18” alloy wheels provide a more premium appearance.
DL40 adds a variety of sophisticated enhancements like distinctive Bi-LED headlights, LED front fog lights, daytime running lights and rear lights, a chrome radiator grille, silver side steps and two-tone 18” alloy wheels. DL40 models also include front and rear parking sensors and a reversing camera.
Keyless entry, introduced from DL40, works on both the driver and passenger side and is accompanied by a push-button start system and welcome light. The interior benefits from leather upholstery, a leather steering wheel and an 8-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat. The 7” multifunction colour touchscreen is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and there’s also a dual-zone climate control system, which allows the driver and passenger to set different temperatures.
Topping off the new model line-up is V-Cross which sits within the Adventure range. It features distinguishing ‘Gun Metal’ exterior styling on the radiator grille, side steps, door mirrors, door handles and 18” alloy wheels. The premium interior is practical and fuss-free: entertainment is provided by a 9” multifunction colour touchscreen with a CD player and eight speakers, there is an auto-dimming rearview mirror and automatic headlight levelling, and the smart leather interior is complemented with V-Cross branded carpet mats.
There are up to eight colours to choose from on the All-New Isuzu D-Max. Utility models are available in four colours (Splash White, Mercury Silver, Obsidian Grey and Onyx Black), DL20 models also come with the option of Spinel Red, the vibrant new Valencia Orange is offered from DL40 and the stylish Pearl White is exclusive to V-Cross models.
Priced from £20,999 CVOTR, the Stronger, Smarter and Safer All-New Isuzu D-Max combines attractive new styling, impressive safety technology and superior levels of comfort. The new model has already won the coveted 2021 Pick-Up of the Year award from 4x4 Magazine and, thanks to its even stronger chassis and intelligent new ADAS safety systems, it has become the first pick-up to achieve the maximum 5-star rating in the latest Euro NCAP tests.
The All-New Isuzu D-Max offers the same workhorse practicalities that Isuzu customers have become accustomed to, with a one-tonne payload and up to 3.5 tonnes towing capacity. Backed by Isuzu’s 125,000 mile / 5 Year warranty, the new model arrives into UK showrooms in March 2021 and customers are encouraged to register their interest now.
