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Mercedes-Benz Concept A Sedan unveiled at Shanghai

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled what maybe its future A-Class, at the ongoing Shanghai Motorshow. Dubbed the Mercedes-Benz Concept A Sedan, the car forgoes the German automaker’s current design language for one that features more elegant and curvy contours.

“Our Concept A Sedan shows, that the time of creases is over”, say Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer Daimler AG. “With its perfect proportions and a sensual treatment of surfaces with reduced lines, it is the next milestone of Sensual Purity and has the potential to introduce a new design era.”

The Concept A Sedan measures 4570mm long, 1870mm wide and 1462mm high and features proportions that are similar in some ways to the current CLA but graced with a whole new front end. Unlike the current car, the concept has a prominent ‘Panamericana’ grille that is tilted towards the front and features vertical chrome inserts with the iconic star dominating the front. The bonnet is a little flatter and features two dome like structures that add to the muscular appearance. The door handles sit flush with the body which should aid aero efficiency.

The headlamps are sleeker than the ones on the current generation cars as it starts from each end of the grille and tappers off towards the wheel arches reminiscent of the GT Gran Turismo. The car’s grid structure in the headlamps are coated with UV paint and exposed to ultraviolet light. As such, the headlamps “glow” in different colours, depending on the light medium – the daytime running lamps, for instance, are white. This same lighting technology is also used for the rear. The large lower air inlet has a diamond grid structure and trim strip finished in dark chrome.

Things are pretty neat at the rear end too, as Mercedes-Benz has chosen a more subtle approach for the design. Similar to the current CLA, the lights take on sharp prominent contours that end toward the number plate. The rear bumper’s diffuser-look lower part is trimmed in black and has a chrome trim strip and the exhaust deflectors are finished in dark chrome.

The side windows are large and darkened to improve privacy while the large panoramic glass roof provides an airy feeling to the entire cabin. The wheel arches are wide and less pronounced to accommodate the 20-inch lightweight alloy wheels. The design features a swept blade look that have structures surfaces between the spokes.

The Current A-Class is very important to the automaker as it accounts for a substantial chunk of its yearly revenue. It has sold more than two million compact vehicles to date and with the introduction of this new radical design language, Mercedes-Benz is hoping to bolster its impressive sales figures even further. As of now, models that make up MB’s compact car line-up are the A and B-Class, CLA and CLA Shooting Brake as well as the GLA, which is its SUV crossover.

Whether or not This new design language is incorporated into the next A-Class remains to be seen but if it does, we won’t complain.

Infiniti QX50 to debut at Shanghai Motorshow

Infiniti’s QX50 Concept will make its debut at the on going Shanghai Motorshow. The next-generation premium crossover is said to offer futuristic design elements that complement the modern drivetrain very well.

The company stated that the QX50 will be the first vehicle in the world to have an engine that can adjust its variable compression ratio while on the move. This Variable Compression Turbo (VC-Turbo) engine will have the ability to adjust to the needs of drivers as and when power or fuel efficiency is favoured.

Infiniti also says that the QX50 will feature autonomous drive support technologies that will allow the vehicle to operate unaided. Besides the tech, the company has designed it in such a way that the interior and exterior designs complement each other very well and lend to a muscular silhouette. It’s space-centric cabin will have decent levels of comfort while offering modern and elegant levels of craftsmanship.

“INFINITI is pleased to debut an SUV concept in the world’s fastest growing segment, here in the world’s largest market,” said Roland Krueger, president of INFINITI Motor Company. “The QX50 production vehicles will feature advanced autonomous drive capability and will be the first vehicle in the world to be powered by an engine that can adjust variable compression ratio on the fly.”

Infiniti says that its goal is to produce a vehicle that looks muscular yet elegant, has futuristic autonomous technologies but ultimately, offer high levels of driver engagement – a must for those looking for something more than just a mode of transportation.

Automaker previews new ownership and sharing services

LYNK & Co a newly formed car company has previewed two new models at the ongoing Shanghai Motorshow. Unlike most automakers, this company will offer its cars with a lifetime warranty and free data traffic for connectivity.

Speaking of the offer, Alain Visser, Senior Vice President of LYNK & CO, said: “Now with two cars in the LYNK & CO family, just five months in to our company’s life, the promises we made of having a range of vehicles ready, high quality, unrivaled technology and connectivity as standard, and a unique brand identity, are being proven. On top of this we now add a lifetime warranty on every car, and free data traffic for connectivity, to further underline our determination to challenge the traditional business model of the car industry.”

The company is looking to streamline the task of shopping and purchasing a car. it will offer online sales and home delivery services and a subscription model as well. They are planning to make it as simple as picking what you like from a smartphone app. Taking this approach a step further, LYNK & Co will also feature a a car sharing function where owners will be able to rent out their vehicles.

The automaker will have transparent fixed pricing to make purchasing and renting a whole lot easier. The exact details on how this will actually work is rather scarce at the moment, but should make for an interesting take on the ride sharing services concept.

This service is slated for launch in China this year and with it, the company hopes to bring a unique connected mobility experience with the option to share your car, all in a simple yet complete user experience. On April 19th, at the motorshow, the company will showcase a production ready version of the 01 car and a concept version of its 03 model as well. The exact details will be revealed by Peter Horbury, Excecutive Vice President Design at Geely Auto Group, which leads us to believe that LYNK & Co may actually have Chinese backing with their new business approach.

Genesis GV80 Concept SUV unveiled at New York

Genesis, Hyundai’s luxury sub-brand has unveiled a new SUV Fuel Cell concept vehicle at the New York International Motorshow. Meant to be a futuristic SUV powered by hydrogen, the vehicle, called the GV80 Concept SUV, features a design that conforms to the current design language used by the contemporary crop of Genesis vehicles.

It incorporates the signature Genesis crest grille that stretches to over most of the front fascia. The vehicle has quad headlamps that encase jewel-like graphics, which lends a certain luxury appeal to its appearance. The futuristic rear tail lights feature laser fiber optic technology that is said to offer a unique Genesis lighting effect. The lower rear fascia is designed to channel air efficiently out of the vehicle to help cool the the fuel cell vehicle’s powertrain. Areas around the front wheels and side rocker panels feature cut-outs that help channel air cleanly through to aid better aero flow.

Hyundai has fitted 23-inch mesh alloy wheels which are designed to reduce weight and cool the large brake system. Electronic door handles sit flush inside the body work that help airflow and provide the car with a cleaner and more elegant look. The side pillars are constructed with structural trusses which provide the cabin with an airy feel.

Inside the GV80 features modern futuristic design thanks to a multi-function interactive controller with capacitive touch. Dominating the centre console is the 22-inch curved OLED infinity display which provides different information to the front driver and passenger. The top of the interactive multi-function controller features a concave gorilla glass touchpad and knurled metal wheel with handwriting recognition. Through the use of the touch control system, each if its metal strings allows direct access to the most commonly used functions including Navigation, Entertainment, Communication, and Environment.

The GV80 features a spacious cabin which is complemented by the ash wood centre console and floor boards. The GV80 features exquisite semi-aniline leather interior, with quilted diamond stitching on the interior door panels, seat inserts and center console side. The use of suede, dark gray leather and slate ash wood provide the vehicle with a luxury business appeal.

No word yet on whether the GV80 will actually make it on the showroom floor, but the vehicle that it eventually turns out to be will feature the Korean automaker’s latest Fuel Cell technology that will definitely appeal to the alternative fuel community. Unfortunately, there are very few places that have sufficient infrastructure to support hydrogen fuel cell technology for now. Unless more countries embrace the technology, it will take a long time for hydrogen power to make its mark in the automotive industry.

BMW posts record sales for first quarter of 2017

BMW has posted its strongest sales this quarter compared to the same period last year. According to the company, its top premium brands, BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce, saw a combined increase in total sales by 5.3% which amounts to 587,237 vehicles that have been sold globally. Its the first time that the German automaker has cracked half a million sales at such an early period in the year.

“We’ve achieved a strong start to the year, with our X-family models and the BMW 7 Series being the main growth drivers,” commented Dr Ian Robertson, Member of the BMW AG Board of Management with responsibility for Sales and Brand BMW. “March was the first full sales month for the new BMW 5 Series Sedan and the customer feedback for this benchmark car is already very positive,” he continued.

Sales of BMW vehicles alone totaled 503,445 vehicles in the first quarter of 2017 which is a 5.2% increase compared to the same period last year. There were a number of models that contributed to the company’s sales growth. In March, deliveries of the BMW X1 increased 21.0% (26,759), sales of the BMW X5 were up 20.7% (17,678) while deliveries of the flagship BMW 7 Series grew 74.8% (7,134).

BMW’s electric line of vehicles helped bolster sales further as the company shifted 20,000 of these vehicles to customers world wide since early 2017. These sales figures are double of what were reported last year, which is proof of the growing popularity of electric vehicles. BMW i3 sales have been off to a positive start this year and the same can be said about the newly launched plug-in hybrid 530e iPerformance.

MINI branded vehicles also contributed to the overall sales growth by posting a 6.1% increase which is 83,059 vehicles sold since January. Sales of the MINI Clubman alone rose to 21% in the first quarter compared with the same period last year, which means that it is becoming a favorite among car buyers. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars had a good quarter too by posting a 33% increase in sales since January. Despite the economic situation and the volatility of the current vehicle market, there is still a strong demand for Rolls-Royce cars and the company is confident that this sales growth will be sustainable for the near future.

BMW Motorrad, the automaker’s two-wheeler arm, managed a total sales volume of 35,636 vehicles which is a 5.5% increase overall this quarter. Based on what we have seen, 2017 seems to be shaping up to be a good year for a number of automakers. Let’s hope that the surge in sales also brings with it better and improved vehicles in the not so distant future.

New MINI Cooper Countryman Launched in Malaysia

BMW Group Malaysia has finally launched the new MINI Cooper Countryman here in Malaysia. The new car is bigger than its predecessor, measuring 4,299mm in length, 1,822mm in width and 1,557mm in height. The new Countryman has a higher ground clearance and a raised seating position which should complement the MINI ALL4 Bodykit very well.

Including the kit, the Countryman has unique rear and front fenders, Piano Black bumper element and a silver coloured sump guard. There are roof rails on the roof that allow for a fitment of a roof rack, roof box or a bicycle rack. It has satin-finished aluminum with silver-coloured side sill top. And now for the first time ever, the car comes with auto LED Headlamps with Cornering Lights which keep the path ahead illuminated based on the steering position.

Available as either the Cooper Countryman or Cooper S Countryman, the former is fitted with 18-inch Light Alloy Wheels while the latter comes with 19-inch ones. Both rim types are wrapped in run-flat tyres which should offer better convenience in case of a puncture. Thanks to the larger dimensions, the Countryman offers a larger storage volume (450 litres) and increased cabin space. The interior comes with Cloth Firework Cabon Black upholstrey with Hazy Grey interior surfacing which is complemented by the subtle use of chrome and a John Cooper works sports leather steering wheel with paddle shifters.

The front seats can be adjusted electronically, but both front rear door pockets offer small storage space as does the centre console that now extenteds to the instrument panel. Two cup holders are fitted in front of the gear selector. The rear tailgate can be operated electronically and for added convenience a sensor has been fitted below the tailgate that can be operated with your foot.

Unlike its predecessor, the new car has a picnic bench that folds out of the boot and offers seating for two. In the centre console sits a 6.5-inch high resolution infotainment system which has in-car smartphone integration. The apps that are download can accessed via the car’s controls and is view-able via the LCD panel that is also integrated with the rear view camera.

There are two engine options available. The Cooper Countryman comes with a 1.5-litre 3-cylinder turbo engine that is mated to a 6-speed automatic Steptronic transmission. It produces 136bhp and 220Nm of torque. MINI says that you should get about 6 litres per 100 km on a combined cycle. Opt for the Cooper S Countryman however, and you will get a 192bhp 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo engine which is also mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. It will return 6.5 litres per 100km when driven frugally.

For the suspension, the car comes with a single-joint spring strut axle at the front and a multi-link rear axle at the back. The car also has electro-mechanical steering with Servotronic function and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) which should come in handy during emergency maneuvers. A welcomed feature is the Hill Hold Control which keeps the vehicle in place when stationary on an inclination. For safety, the car comes with two front, sides and the ceiling airbags for aided protection.

There are a number of body colours that are available which include Chestnut, Island Blue, British Racing Green, Chili Red, Light White, Melting Silver, Midnight Black, and Moonwalk Grey. The Thunder Grey colour option is only available with the Cooper S Countryman, so if you want people to know that you didn’t buy the standard car, this is the colour to have.

As for prices, the Cooper Countryman is available for RM239,888 while the Cooper S Countryman can be yours for RM269,888. Both variants come with a 4-year unlimited mileage Warranty with a free scheduled service package.

If you are interested, head on over to your nearest MINI dealership or visit the company’s local website to learn more.