We just realised that we didn’t actually show the rear of the new 3rd generation Porsche Cayenne earlier, so here you go! Featured image of its backside, just for you. Also, we just opened up a whole bunch of really nice photos of the new 2019 Porsche Cayenne on a thumb-drive that somehow fell into another interstellar dimension of space and time for the past 24-hours, and just had to share them with you! Feast your eyes on these! Videos after the jump…
Also if you’d like to know ALL about the new 3rd Gen Cayenne, you can download this PDF, sharing is caring: The new Cayenne press information
Here’s the new Porsche Cayenne in action during its launch in Greece recently…
MICHELIN Malaysia kicked-off 2018 with the MICHELIN OFF-ROAD DAYS event from 20 to 23 March to showcase MICHELIN’s range of SUV and 4 x 4 tyres, including its latest innovation in on- and off-road tyres – the MICHELIN LTX FORCE.
L-R: 1. Mr. Kuang Boon Keat, Customer Engineering Support, Michelin Malaysia 2. Mr. Pascal Nouvellon, Managing Director, Michelin Malaysia 3. Mr. Duy Pham, Marketing Manager, Michelin Malaysia 4. The Michelin Man, aka Bibendum, Michelin’s Mascot
The MICHELIN LTX FORCE features both on-road and off-road capabilities and toughness – from asphalt highways, concrete roads, to unpaved, gravel, sand, and wet mud path. The week-long event saw a diverse group of tyre and car enthusiasts test drive and experience first-hand the adaptability of the MICHELIN LTX FORCE tyres at on- and off-road terrains in the Sepang Circuit.
Consumers were able to experience the tyres’ full potential on various vehicles, including the Toyota Hilux and Toyota Fortuner, as well as witness on-site comparison against other tyres in the market. Themed “By Passion, By Necessity”, the event was aimed at the SUV and 4×4 market segment which is a growing market globally. The theme also addresses the need of today’s drivers who travel for work and leisure, from the daily worker to the avid adventurer.
In Malaysia, the SUV / 4×4 segment accounts for almost 12% of total Passenger Vehicles sold in 2017 – or 61,275 units – according to the Malaysian Automotive Association. Global Insights estimates that the SUV market is expected to grow at a rate of 9.7% by the year 2022, while the Malaysia Tire Forecast and Opportunity Report projects tyre sales to increase by 6.6% the same period.
MICHELIN Malaysia’s Managing Director, Mr. Pascal Nouvellon (above) revealed: “Over the past two years, the SUV tyre segment has outgrown the passenger car tyre segment globally; and will continue to do so for the next five years as more people are seeking safety and versatility in vehicles and would expect the same from their tyres. At MICHELIN, we strive to deliver tyre safety that people deserve – simply.”
The MICHELIN LTX FORCE’s on-road capabilities are enabled by CompacTread Technology, whereby reinforcement between tread blocks increases the contact area with the ground, for better braking and safety; BevelTread Technology, whereby a rounded sloping edge cuts the peaks of noise power at the frequency which is sensitive to human ears, thus providing a peaceful ride; and CushionGuard Technology, which absorbs road imperfections for a more comfortable drive.
Its off-road toughness is enabled by Extended Sidewall Biting Edge, which improves the sidewall’s cut-chip resistance; plus Deep and Open Shoulder Design for off-road traction. True to its tagline “Whatever The Terrain, One Tyre Handles It”, the MICHELIN LTX FORCE is the best option for drivers who seek the best driving experience on all types of roads.
“Off-road technologies behind the MICHELIN LTX FORCE are derived from the World Rally Championship (WRC), one of the world’s most demanding rallies – thus, providing another example of MICHELIN’s “From Track to Street” philosophy. At the same time, on-road technologies improve braking performance on both wet and dry roads, as well as increases durability. Through a series of tests held at the event, consumers could witness the MICHELIN LTX FORCE braking to an average distance of 2 meters shorter versus its competitors on-road, which is a crucial safety feature. Third party studies also revealed that the tyre delivers 35% more mileage” added Mr. Nouvellon.
With the MICHELIN LTX FORCE, customers can be ensured of safety and versatility with excellent on-road grip and great off-road traction, as well as of longevity and durability with better mileage and a tougher design.
MICHELIN LTX FORCE is available in a wide range of fitments – from 15 to 18 inches – at TYREPLUS car service outlets, MICHELIN EXPERT CENTRE and authorized dealers across the nation.
Remember the Skodabrand? It used to be a lot more prominent in the country some time ago, but it seems to have faded into obscurity hasn’t it? Pity because I thought this Skoda Superb was, well, superb…
I do get a feeling though that the brand might be poised for a resurgence locally, especially with the likes of the new KaroqSUV (below) in the pipeline.
Globally, Skoda plans a “significant sales increase” by the year 2025, and this new Karoq is supposed to spearhead that charge, as it replaces the very popular (in Europe) Yeti mid-size SUV (below).
“Latest to arrive on the scene is the new Skoda Karoq, a model which has an integral role to play in the firm’s long-term plan to significantly increase sales by 2025. More than that, though, it has a hard act to follow, replacing the much-loved Yeti as the company’s contender in the mid-size SUV class.” – Auto Express.
The age-old question or rather conundrum; do you need 4WD in an SUV? I recently got my hands on the new Subaru XV 2.0i, and during my time with it, the question popped into my mind again, so I decided to get it all down in a video…
[Erratum: The XV as tested has Hill-Hold, and not Hill-Descent Control as mentioned in the above video, sorry! – CW]
If you haven’t fallen asleep and you’re still with me, let’s delve a little deeper into the new XV. Premiered to the media sometime in the middle of 2017 in Taiwan, the new XV was officially launched here toward the end of last year, to a very enthusiastic target audience. Here’s the official launch video from Taiwan…
It’s in speaking about said target audience that got me thinking about that question posed earlier about the need for 4WD or AWD in a ‘family’ SUV. I’ve decided that there’s really no right or wrong in it, it’s all a matter of personal preference. And if you’re worried about the urban-myth about 4WD or AWD vehicles being ‘thirsty’, well, over the course of 4 days, and quite a bit of driving, I only managed to burn 2 ‘bars’ of fuel…
Speaking of the engine, the new XV is powered by a direct-injection, 4-cylinder, horizontally-opposed (boxer), DOHC, 16-valve naturally-aspirated engine, capable of 156Ps and 196Nm of torque. Earth-shattering figures these are not, however, do remember that nowhere on this SUV does it say STI…
It is perhaps that fireballs-out-the-flanks ‘performance’ association with the brand that will dampen the enthusiasm of anyone seeking ‘WRX-thrills’ in this Subaru, because that ain’t gonna happen with the XV, nor should it. And besides, gearbox wise, this new XV comes with a 7-speed continuously-variable transmission (CVT) or what Subaru calls a ‘Lineartronic CVT’, which is about as far from a performance oriented gearbox as one can possibly get…
Built on Subaru’s new SGP or Subaru Global Platform, the new XV feels taut and very well put-together. It has incredible levels of NVH suppression, resulting in one of the quietest cabins I’ve ever come across for a SUV in this mid-size segment.
Its party-trick of course, the thing that sets it apart from other SUVs in this segment, is its X-Mode function, that’s specifically tailored to take the guess work out of any light-off-road driving. Hitting that button on the centre console, this mode controls the engine output, transmission, all-wheel drive torque split, and even the braking system, to ensure the most optimum performance for off-road driving.
But you know what, if that was its only ace up its sleeve, the new XV would be a let-down; but thankfully it isn’t. Perhaps the most important aspect of a mid-size ‘family’ SUV is what it’s like on the inside, the one place that matters most when you’re hauling your most precious cargo, and in that respect, this new XV really shines.
As I mentioned earlier, the NVH of this XV based on the new SGP, is quite remarkable. This is the one thing that’s going to set it apart from the rest of the competition out there, really. Unfortunately, only an extended test-drive will bring forth this benefit, so please, don’t take my word for it, head over to TC Subaru and give it a go for yourself. With prices starting at RM118, 819 incl. GST, it’s definitely a worthy consideration. – Chris Wee.
Contrary to popular belief, Many SUV owners believe that four-wheel-drive capability is a nessesity rather than a means to show off. Atleast that’s what BuyaCar.co.uk was able to surmise from it’s most recent survey. Owners cited snow and persistent flooding as reasons for needing the extra traction.
Though there is a discernible difference between all-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive systems in terms of functionality, for this particular instance, we will ignore that fact. The survey says that more than 70% have admitted to have driven in conditions where conventional two-wheel-drive vehicles would have been left stranded.
Interviews with 316 four-wheel-drive owners has revealed that older SUV owners have a higher appreciation for all-wheel-drive stability for snow driving. But in general, one in four people had no idea if they have ever needed this system but like the reassurance that it provides. However, one in five say that they need it on a regular basis due to worsening road conditions, flooding and the need to traverse muddy areas.
Austin Collins, Managing Director of BuyaCar.co.uk, said, “There is a long standing joke that the closest most four-wheel drive owners get to driving off-road is negotiating the humps in the supermarket car park, but our findings suggest otherwise.”
There are differences between men and women when it comes to why they purchased an SUV. Men who currently own such a vehicle are more than twice as likely to claim that they require the 4WD capability. But, one in four women have admitted that it wasn’t a requirement but welcome the safety assurance that SUVs provide.
Popularity of SUVs have soared in recent years despite the gradual rise of petrol prices and the volatility of the current economic climate. Many believe that the benefits of such a vehicle far outweigh the drawbacks. And the recent survey That was conducted by BuyaCar.co.uk, supports this notion.
Hyundai’s newest vehicle, the Kona has received high marks in the latest round of Euro NCAP crash safety tests. The independent European body determined that the Kona deserved a 5 star rating, the highest distinction possible in all four categories: Adult Occupant, Child Occupant, Pedestrian and Safety Assist.
“The five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP for the All-New KONA proves that our newest SUV fulfills the highest standards for the safety of our customers,” says Thomas A. Schmid, Chief Operating Officer at Hyundai Motor Europe. “The top result demonstrates that Hyundai Motor not only offers technology-driven and innovative solutions, but also makes them easily accessible to everyone.”
The compact SUV completed the required tests with more than satisfactory results thanks to it’s slew of safety tech. Most notable of the lot have to be Lane Keep Assist and Autonomous Emergency Braking. The former monitors vehicle movements, prompting drivers to keep within the white lines when they stray off course. It does give off audible and visual warnings before stepping in to steer it back on track.
The latter, which is becoming commonplace on many new vehicles, monitors the road ahead via radar and camera sensors. If the system senses an impending collision, it warns drivers both visually and audibly. If the driver continues to ignore the warnings, the system will step in and apply the appropriate braking pressure to avoid or lesson the severity of an impact.
Apart from these, the Kona also benefits from having High-Beam Assist (HBA) with Static Low Beam Assist, Driver Attention Alert (DAA), Blind-Spot Detection (BSD) and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCCA). Together, these safety features makes up Hyundai’s SmartSense system. Adding to this, the car also offers SUV capabilities, allowing drivers to traverse tricky terrain in a safe manner.
Lamborghini has finally introduced its highly-anticipated SUV to the masses. It’s called the Urus, after a famous Spanish fighting bull – the nomenclature of choice for many of the automaker’s models. The styling is inline with lamborghini’s current design language, featuring a swooping bonnet, angular headlights and massive front bumper.
The front fascia, especially the lower region, have been assembled with a series of fins and honeycomb styled inlets that offer sufficient cooling for the car’s engine and also aerodynamic efficiency. The raked roof line makes the Urus look more like a hatchback than a full-fledged SUV. A minimalist approach to the LED tail lights, diffuser and bumper assembly lend a cleaner look to the entire look of the rear.
On the subject of engines, the Urus features a twin turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 powerplant that produces 650bhp and 850Nm of torque. Mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the road via Lamborghini’s all-wheel-drive system. Torque is split 40/60 between the front and rear, which changes depending on the chosen mode (Off-road, Snow, Sand or tarmac) and driving behaviour.
As such, the Urus is able to sprint to 100km/h from a standstill in just 3.6 seconds and reach a top speed of 305km/h. It has an air suspension system, that enables ride height changes as well as rear wheel steering, which at low speeds, turns in the opposite direction to the front ones, for better cornering ability. Lamborghini’s various driving mode selection enables the muffling of the exhaust note when discretion is needed.
Despite its size, the Urus’ body has been kept fairly light through the use of aluminum and Steel. This blend offers a good level of rigidity and lightweight properties, and contributed to it weighing only 2,200kg. It features frameless doors, torsional beams replacing a C-pillar, and cross-members made of aluminium.
Stopping power has been made available through the use of carbon ceramic brakes measuring 440 x 40 mm at the front and 370 x 30 mm at the rear. They are said to offer virtually no brake fade and optimizes pedal feel regardless of driving conditions. Wheel options range from 21 to 23-inches that can be fitted to a variety of tyre types that have been especially developed by Pirelli for the automaker.
Like other Lamborghinis, the interior has been layed out with a decent blend of sportiness and luxury appeal. There’s a decent infotainment system and a slew of connectivity options to cover your entertainment needs. It is coupled with an 8-speaker setup that can be upgraded to a high-end Bang & Olufsen Sound System with 3D sound and 1,700 watt output and 21 fully active speakers.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems are fitted as standard and offer a decent level of safety and security to driver and passengers. The High Beam Assistant automatically fades headlights in and out of high beam mode as required, front and rear parking sensors and cruise control are also included as standard, as is the PreCognition system preventing or mitigating collisions.
The Urus is one of the the most technologically advanced Lambos in the stable and features keyless start, electrically operated rear taligate as well as a whole slew of others. Unlike other models, the Urus is meant to offer a blend of luxury, comfort and sportiness that isn’t really offered by other vehicle manufacturers.
Polestar has finally revealed its first ever production car to the world. Called the Polestar 1, the vehicle is a Volvo S90 based Coupe that is built upon the Swedish automaker’s Scalable Platform Architecture (SPA).
The company stated that parts sharing with its Volvo cousin has enabled it to build the Polestar 1 in record time, taking just a fraction of what usually amounts to years worth of research & development as well as testing. That said, 50% of the components used are new while the remaining half are inherited from Volvo.
Sporting similar a silhouette as the S90 sedan, Polestar has done away with Volvo’s signature chrome grille and placed an understated yet menacing louvered grille. The projector headlights with DRL’s resembling Thor’s hammer are still present but subtle tweaks have been made to the front and rear sections of teh car for better aero efficiency.
The body is made from carbon-fibre, which has enabled the improvement of torsional stiffness by 45% and lowered the car’s centre of gravity. This will result in a massive weight reduction compared to the standard Volvo meaning, that agility and nimbleness should be better too.
The car features a hybrid powertrain that brings total output to a colossal 600bhp and 1000Nm of torque. Called the Electric Performance Hybrid, the Polestar 1 is able to travel about 150km on pure electric power, making it the only hybrid vehicle currently on sale that can achieve such a feat on a single charge.
Another first, the Polestar 1 is the first car in the world that will be fitted with the Öhlins Continuously Controlled Electronic Suspension (CESi) advanced chassis technology. That coupled with a double electric rear axle for torque vectoring, will enable the car to remain planted while cornering at high speeds.
Marketed as a 2+2 seater grand tourer, the Polestar 1 is a concept vehicle that previews what the production version may look like when it is unveiled in mid-2019. The vehicle will be built in Polestar’s state-of-the-art production centre in Chengdu, China. Due for completion in mid-2018, the facility will be responsible for manufacturing future models from the automaker.
During the reveal, Polestar made it known that it will be launching two further models called the Polestar 2 and Polestar 3. The former will be an electric vehicle that will take on the Tesla Model 3, while the latter is poised to be an SUV styled EV.
Apart from this, the automaker is also planning on revolutionising the way we buy our cars. It will allow its vehicles to be purchased/rented online and will also introduce a substription service that will enable ownership with zero-downpayment at a steady monthly fee. In addition to that, owners can also rent alterntavie vehicles within the Volvo family.
The exact details are still a bit hazy at the moment as Polestar has yet to lay down concrete framework that will enable the public to its subscriptions service for a 2-3 year lease of its vehicles rather than opt in to an out-right purchase.
Thomas Ingenlath, Chief Executive Officer of Polestar said, “Polestar 1 is the first car to carry the Polestar on the bonnet. A beautiful GT with amazing technology packed into it. All future cars from Polestar will feature a fully electric drivetrain, delivering on our brand vision of being the new standalone electric performance brand.”
Despite this, Polestar will still have its brick and mortar showrooms around the globe to facilitate customers how prefer the old fashion way of buying vehicles. The order books of the Polestar 1 begins today, and Polestar says its ready to facilitate all interested parties.
Bollinger Motors, a relatively new US automotive company has unveiled what it considers the first practical all-electric SUV. Based on the conventional three box design of more dated 4×4 vehicles like the Land Rover Defender, the Bollinger B10 is said to be a a rugged no-nonsense off-roader.
The boxy design is rather basic and combines elements of several classic vehicles. It incorporates some design elements of the Defender for the front fascia, as well as the A-pillars, but further back, the squared roof and c-pillars are reminiscent of older Jeep Wrangler models.
It’s all-aluminum chassis with a high-strength, low-alloy (HSLA) steel rollover structure, is designed to handle the touchest of conditions. Overall weight is said to be 1,769kg and thanks to a dual motor setup, the B10 has a payload capacity of 2,767kg.
“The B1 combines Bollinger Motors’ advanced all-wheel-drive system with our all-electric powertrain to produce best-in-class horsepower, torque and ground clearance,” said CJ Winegar, Bollinger Motors engineer. “This vehicle signifies a huge leap above what is currently on the market. There’s nothing like it out there.”
At an overall length of 150 (in), a width of 1,493mm and a height 1,867mm, the B10 is by no means a small vehicle but thanks to clever enginering, it has a 50/50 weight balance for the front and rear.
Its painted in a gunmetal-like colour with black accents on the body work and the rims. Unlike most manufacturers, Bollinger Motors, isn’t trying to win any stylistic contests, instead, they want its capabilities to be its most talked about attribute.
On the inside, the basic black design continues and there’s only minimal gauges and switch gear. What’s unique however, is the machined table-like centre console that should allow for ample storage and placement of tools.
As mentioned earlier, power is supplied via two electric motors that provide a combined output of 360bhp and 640Nm of torque. According to the automaker, the B10 is able to sprint from 0-100km/h in just 4.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 204km/h.
These are synchronous electric motors that drive all four wheels. One is placed at the front and the other the rear, both are supplied with power by a lithium ion battery pack. Buyers can choose between a 60kWh or 100kWh version that produce either 193km or 322km range respectively.
Charging time varies depending on the battery pack. The smaller 60kWh takes 7.3 hours to fully charge but only 45 minutes using DC Fast Charge. The bigger 100kWh takes about 12.1 hours to charge but only 75 minutes with DC Fast Charge option. These numbers mean that if you lack the DC Fast Charging option, this won’t be the practical SUV that it is touted to be.
Bollinger Motors is currently in talks with a number of contract manufacturers to help them with building the B10. And once the deal has been finalized, the company is looking to start delivering vehicles to customers within two years.
Kia’s answer to the compact crossover segment leaders, is the Stonic, which is said to be an important model for the Korean manufacturer in Europe. That’s because this particular crossover segment accounts for 1.1 million vehicle sales in Europe alone, each year and that figure is predicted to balloon to more than double that by 2020.
The Stonic features relatively sharp styling and contours that are aesthetically pleasing to the eye. The signature Tiger nose grille is present but less prominent than those found on other model and features a minimalist look that adds detail to the entire assembly. The long swept LED headlights are a decent addition and lend a touch of class to the entire look of the front end.
The side profile blends the width of an SUV with the compact lines of a modern day hatchback, giving the Stonic a sleek sporty look that’s almost car-like. At the rear, it features a design reminiscent of the Hyundai i30. The curvature of the tail lamps and tailgate provide the vehicle with a broad and masculine look.
The Stonic’s design is a collaborative effort between Kia’s design houses in Europe and Korea, which the company says, allowed the body to incorporate sharp horizontal feature lines with softer sculpted surfaces. Built on a strong and lightweight platform, the Stonic is made from advanced high strength steel, which accounts for 51 percent of the body’s total material.
Speaking of the latest addition to the family, Michael Cole, Chief Operating Officer of Kia Motors Europe, said, “The Kia Stonic will be one of the most compelling new cars in this rapidly-expanding class, backed by Kia’s unique warranty, and the brand’s reputation for reliability, quality and contemporary design. As the segment expands, the Stonic looks set to become one of our best-selling cars.”
Typical of a modern day Kia, the interior is well laid out and features an infotainment system that is said to be user-friendly and convenient to operate on top of being compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Powering the new crossover will be a range of lightweight, turbocharged petrol and diesel engines that will be paired to a manual transmission. The lack of an automatic option is rather surprising but Kia believes this combination will offer maximum driver engagement and efficiency. The engine options are a turbocharged 1.0-litre T-GDI, 1.25-litre and 1.4-litre naturally aspirated MPI petrol engines as well as a 1.6-litre diesel one to complete the range.
Kia has tuned the steering and suspension setup to match the taste of European buyers and comes with a slew of safety tech, which include Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Vehicle Stability Management (VSM). Specific functions of VSM include Torque Vectoring by Braking, Straight Line Stability, and Cornering Brake Control.
Buyers can choose from a selection of Kia’s DRiVE WISE Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), which are Autonomous Emergency Braking with pedestrian recognition and Forward Collision Alert, Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Lane Departure Warning System. Thanks to a new fusion camera system, Stonic also offers High Beam Assist and Driver Attention Warning.
Apart from that, the Stonic’s ‘Targa’-style roof and two tonne paint scheme will provide potential buyers with several different colour combinations to choose from, 20 to be exact with a choice of five distinctive colours for the roof. Buyers in Europe can expect it to go on sale sometime in the next few months with Kia’s unbelievable 161,000km warranty package.
