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Tuesday, 07 September 2021 04:13

New Skoda Enyaq Coupe iV prototype review

We hit the road in a prototype version of the all-electric Skoda Enyaq Coupe iV 80

Verdict

Almost as practical and as clever as ever, it appears the Skoda Enyaq Coupe will offer few drawbacks over its conventional counterpart. Skoda has never been one for compromise, and on this evidence, that trend looks set to continue long into the future.

Skoda has dabbled with coupes in the past, but most recently it’s come to be known for its humble family hatchbacks, cavernous estate models and spacious SUVs rather than anything you’d conventionally call stylish, or fashionable.

But not one to get left behind, the Czech maker is gearing up to launch a coupe version of its pure-electric Enyaq SUV later this year. Set to be revealed in December, the Enyaq Coupe iV will go on sale in the UK in January next year, with first customer cars arriving in early summer 2022.

It’ll get all the same battery and motor combinations as the existing Enyaq SUV, meaning a choice of iV 60 (58kWh battery, 177bhp) and iV 80 (77kWh, 201bhp) models, plus a range-topping iV 80X with all-wheel drive and 261bhp. A performance-focused vRS version is planned for later.

To get a taste of what’s in store, we were given the chance to try a camouflaged version of the 4.65m-long Skoda SUV on European roads. Identical from nose to B-pillar, the Coupe’s smoother, more rakish roofline and the subsequent changes inside are the big news here.

These tweaks are arguably best sampled from the rear seat, then. Every version gets a fixed, full-length panoramic roof, but thanks to special heat reflecting glass, the car doesn’t require a roller blind. This frees up space in the back, where only those over six foot will find their heads brushing the roof; knee room is particularly generous, while the MEB platform’s flat floor means even those in the middle can get comfortable.

The boot shrinks, but only marginally – from 585 litres in the standard Enyaq, to 570 litres in the Coupe. It’s a decent shape, and unless you’re regularly loading the car to the roof you’re unlikely to notice the slightly smaller capacity; there’s a big, deep well under the floor that’s perfect for storing the car’s charging cables, too.

Speaking of which, Skoda says that developments in battery technology mean that the Enyaq Coupe will launch with brand-new ‘ME3’ software enabling not only faster peak charging, but a flatter charging curve. While bosses couldn’t confirm charge times at this stage, we can expect the Coupe to better the current flagship Enyaq’s 125kW maximum, as well as slightly reducing the 10-80 per cent charge time of 34 minutes.

In terms of range, a more favourable drag coefficient means the Enyaq Coupe is, Skoda says, capable of “10 to 15km” (6-9 miles) more than the conventional car on a single charge. That should mean, for this iV 80 model, somewhere in the region of 340 miles – versus 331 in the normal Enyaq. The figures haven’t yet been homologated, but in any case, the difference is likely to be negligible in real-world driving.

From behind the wheel, the Coupe is near-enough indistinguishable from any Enyaq we’ve driven to date. Refinement is excellent, tyre noise is non-existent, and wind noise was barely noticeable. This is largely true of the standard SUV too, of course, despite its boxier shape.

The suspension and chassis feel stiff, but never uncomfortable – aided by smooth roads, the smallest 19-inch wheels, and our Enyaq’s adaptive dampers. The steering is on the weightier side compared with rivals, but lacks the finesse or sharpness found on a Ford Mustang Mach-E, for example.

On-paper, performance is little more than satisfactory alongside, say, a Tesla Model 3, although that doesn’t dent its appeal. You still get that shove of instant torque, but without constantly having to watch your throttle inputs or your speed via the standard-fit digital instrument cluster. Figures haven’t been confirmed, but we expect 0-62mph in around eight seconds and a top speed of around 100mph.

We mentioned that the Enyaq Coupe is visually identical to its standard sibling from the B-pillar forwards – and it’s the same story inside. The cabin is finished in high-grade materials, customisable via Skoda’s range of Loft, Suite, Lounge, EcoSuite and Sportline trims. The overall layout feels familiar, but the climate controls remain hidden in the central infotainment display – frustrating if you want to adjust the temperature or fan speed on the move.

Prices and specs will be revealed alongside the full production car in December, but we expect the Coupe iV to command a circa-five per cent premium over the standard SUV, with prices from around £33,500.

Model:	Skoda Enyaq Coupe iV 80
Price:	TBC
Engine:	77kWh battery, single electric motor
Power/torque:	201bhp/310Nm
Transmission:	Single-speed auto, rear-wheel drive
0-62mph:	8.0 seconds (est)
Top speed:	100mph (est)
Range/CO2:	340 miles (est), 0g/km
Charging:	10-80% @ 125kW+ in 30 minutes (est)
On sale:	January 2022

(autoexpress.co.uk)

Published in Skoda

Sunday, 05 September 2021 05:20

2021 Kia K5 GT First Test: Front-Wheel-Drive Burnout Machine

Never forget how important the right tires are.

"Power is nothing without control." That's not a quote from a notable historical figure or philosopher; it's part of Pirelli's marketing message, with the slogan plastered across billboards during Formula 1 races. The point is well taken, but Kia apparently didn't get the memo while it worked on the 2021 Kia K5 GT.

Funny enough, the Korean manufacturer ships the 2021 Kia K5 GT on Pirelli P Zero All-Season tires rather than the outright performance rubber it begs for. And those tires stick out like pimples on a teenager's face—you just want to pop 'em. However, an excellent and darn quick family sedan sits atop those four hunks of rubber.

Did Somebody Say Power?

Much like the 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line we tested earlier this year, the 2021 Kia K5 GT's immense grunt comes courtesy of a 2.5-liter turbocharged I-4 that kicks out 290 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. Those types of figures tend to be too much for the front wheels of most cars, and the Kia is no different.

Should you manage to avoid undue wheel hop and execute a clean launch, the K5 GT sprints from 0 to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, just a tenth shy of the Sonata N Line. The 0.1 second advantage holds true all the way to the quarter-mile mark as the Kia crosses the line in 14.0 seconds at 101.8 mph. Although the all-season tires might not have limited the GT significantly during its acceleration runs, the rubber made a huge difference in braking and around our figure-eight course.

Handling And Braking

The 2021 Kia K5 GT needed 127 feet to stop from 60 mph, an unimpressive result for what is supposed to be a somewhat sporty sedan. The Rolls-Royce Cullinan, a yacht-sized SUV that weighs 2,715 pounds more than the K5 GT, stopped 20 feet shorter. Out of every 2021 model-year sedan we've tested to date, just one stopped in a longer distance: the Honda Accord EX-L, which needed 129 feet.

The Sonata N Line also stopped in a considerably shorter distance, just 110 feet, and the difference between the two sedans is even more apparent around our figure-eight test. The 2021 Kia K5 GT's time of 26.3 seconds at an average of 0.69 g was both slower and less grippy than the Sonata N Line's 25.8-second time at 0.72 g. Of course, the Hyundai we tested wore stickier rubber.

How Does It Feel?

Without available options for all-wheel drive or a limited-slip differential, the 2021 Kia K5 GT sells itself a bit short. After a riotous first five minutes behind its wheel, the charm of an absurdly powerful four-banger and an equally absurd lack of grip at the driven wheels tends to bleed into frustration. You'd like to stop screeching your way through every intersection and away from every stoplight, but at anything more than 50 percent throttle, the GT is either abusing its front tires or being suffocated by traction control—all the way into third gear.

But perhaps the most telling number regarding just how quick the K5 GT could be is how it accelerates at speed. It needs just 2.5 seconds to get from 45 to 65 mph; that's 0.2 second quicker than a Mercedes-AMG GLA35 and right on par with the 2022 VW Golf GTI. It's also quicker than the Honda Accord Sport 2.0, the midsize family sedan everyone wants to steal the gold medal from. The instant the K5 GT is no longer traction limited, its persona changes from a knuckle-dragging burnout machine into something resembling a legitimate sport sedan.

What About Comfort?

What's more, the rest of the 2021 Kia K5 GT doesn't lose any of what makes the K5 one of the better sedans in its class. The eight-speed double-clutch transmission is surprisingly snappy, and it rips shifts without hesitation whenever the driver beckons. It's nearly as alert as the DSG in the new Golf GTI, a standard-setter for mass-market twin-clutch transmissions. The car's overly light steering doesn't provide much in the way of feedback, but that hardly matters when there's so little grip to begin with.

However, the all-season tires might provide one advantage over a sportier tire: comfort. Despite sharing a platform with the Sonata N Line, the Kia K5 GT's ride is markedly better than the Hyundai's. Around town, the supple suspension tune and squishy tires deliver a sort of calm that contradicts the beastly character lurking under the hood. The ride quality isn't what you'd call serene all the time, and a fair amount of wind noise can creep into the cabin by way of the driver-side mirror. But the K5 GT's poise and the way it handles bumpy ruts make it easy to believe you're driving something much more expensive.

Interior

The K5 GT's interior features a lot of plastic, but it doesn't cheapen the car's appeal. Kia uses some nice materials for the cabin's touchpoints, and it breaks up the plastics used everywhere else. The dash is handsome and boasts a nice screen that integrates with the instrument cluster cowl instead of sticking out like a tacked-on tablet. The cabin is spacious for both front and rear passengers, and the trunk offers a handy 16.0 cubic feet and a wide aperture.

With all of Kia's excellent driver aids, a supportive pair of front seats, and easygoing road manners, the 2021 Kia K5 GT is certainly worth considering if you want a sedan with some hot sauce under its hood. Set your budget for some proper summer tires on top of the car's $35,705 base price, and you'll unlock its potential.

(motortrend.com)

Published in KIA

Thursday, 02 September 2021 05:26

2022 Porsche Macan Does More with Less

Even in its base four-cylinder form, Porsche's updated compact SUV is a joy to drive.

"Oh, that's the Macan," the woman said. "I like those." Just as we were feeling smug about our ride, it became obvious she was talking about another Macan, parked a few spots over. Ah, well, it is the bestselling Porsche after all, and one can't be too annoyed to see someone else in the same dress at a party. Besides, it's a good dress, both fashionable and practical, as a sporty SUV should be. And the one she was admiring? So last season. The trend for the 2022 Porsche Macan involves new details in and out, and more power under the hood.

Porsche has tidied the Macan's exterior with perked-up front and rear fascias, new mirrors, bright new color options, and a seemingly endless selection of wheels, with the standard for the base model now a 19-inch split-five-spoke design. Our test car wore 20-inch Macan S rollers with a dark finish, a $2320 option. That's going to happen a lot in the coming paragraphs, as the base Macan that we drove was optioned so enthusiastically as to top out at $85,340, almost $30K over its reasonable starting price of $56,250. That's enough to leapfrog the middle S trim, secure a top 434-hp GTS model, and have enough left over to spring for new-for-2022 $700 Papaya Metallic paint. But hey, love the one you're with, right?

There is plenty to love about the starter Macan, and we're not alone in thinking so. Most Macans you'll see on the road will be this four-cylinder model. Porsche says the proportion of customers choosing the base model over the more powerful S and GTS (and previous Turbo) has been about 60 percent, and the automaker expects that trend to continue. While the performance models offer more power, plus a few cosmetic changes not available on the base version, you'll get the same wide-hipped, athletic stance no matter which Macan you pick—and if our parking-lot admirer was any indication, all of them are head turners.

It impresses on the road too. Backed by a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic and standard all-wheel drive, the entry-level turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder makes 261 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, increases of 13 horses and 22 lb-ft over the 2021 model. Porsche made a lot of engine changes to free up those ponies. The new mill is fed air by a larger turbo and a redesigned intake designed to diminish turbo lag. It also has a higher-pressure fuel-injection setup, a new timing chain, and different pistons and rings. Reduced internal engine friction may not be your usual topic of conversation with the other parents in the school parking lot, but now it could be. Leave the bragging about acceleration times to the folks with the V-6 models, though. Even with its baker's dozen of extra horses, the four-cylinder Macan should reach 60 mph in a relatively tame 5.5 seconds, and that's with the optional performance boost of launch control from the $1220 Sport Chrono package. That was about the only option our test car didn't have, so we avoided late-night street races in favor of sunrise in the hills above Malibu, California. It may not be a straight-line rocket, but the Macan is delightful when lines on the map get squiggly.

On the two-page options list for our example, one item we would spring for is the adaptive air springs, a $2750 add-on that includes Porsche's PASM adaptive dampers. Various suspension and drive modes are expected in many vehicles these days, yet often they don't seem to do much other than satisfy a desire to click buttons. But the Macan's settings result in noticeable changes to its character on the road. The standard damper setting is soft enough to allow some wallowing around turns and absorb every bump like ciabatta soaking up olive oil. Click over to Sport Plus, and the Macan straightens up like a slouching schoolboy whacked with a nun's ruler. Now it's paying close attention, and all the sponginess is gone. Rough spots of pavement make their way through the steering wheel with soft thumps, enough to communicate a sense of the road but nothing that would turn your cream to butter on the way home from the grocery store. A lot of cars claim to deliver both comfort and handling. The Macan makes good on that promise, and it comes to a stop with the same smooth confidence with which it turns. The base model features conventional cast-iron rotors clamped by four-piston calipers in front and single-piston floaters at the rear, but the S model's upgraded tungsten-carbide-coated brakes are an option for those who are fond of white calipers and minimal brake dust.

Inside the cabin, away from dust of any kind, the Macan employs Porsche's minimalist interior decor with mixed results. What works in the smaller cockpit of a 911 feels sparse in the larger space of an SUV. Even with $3880 worth of extra red and black leather on the doors and dash, the interior feels underdone, with an odd jumble of touch-sensitive controls on the console and a slimmed-down but somewhat old-fashioned shifter jutting up by the cupholder. The gauges and infotainment screen were similarly split in design focus. The gauge cluster, with its sweeping physical needles, was refreshing, but the 10.9-inch center touchscreen was so small that Apple CarPlay may show up larger on your iPhone. And Android Auto? Still not supported. Storage compartments, usually the shining glory of an SUV, are as scaled down as the center display.

The Macan's back seats provide ample legroom, but the gently sloping roofline limits headroom. This also necessitates a deeper reach to help small children in and out of the back, but the seats themselves—heated on our car, via the $2240 Premium package—are comfortable and feature a fold-down armrest, cupholders, and USB ports. While the tallest adults might not want to spend much time back there, most family-oriented buyers should be adequately pleased. As expected from a compact crossover, the Macan's 17-cubic-foot cargo area isn't move-a-couch large, but who wants to move a couch? Groceries, coolers, suitcases, pool floaties—the Macan can easily carry any combination of them, and it offers several handy tie-downs and an underfloor storage compartment.

While many SUVs are seemingly designed more for comfort and utility than driver entertainment, the Porsche Macan is still all about the view out the windshield, whether that's on an early-morning run up a winding road or a nimble dance through the moving chicanes of a strip-mall parking lot. Even in its most rudimentary form, Porsche's compact crossover is an enthusiastic partner through all the unexpected twists of a day on the go. Let buyers of other more capacious SUVs lumber through town in their big seats, staring at their expansive infotainment screens, sucking down to-go drinks from cupholders large enough to house a koi pond. We're going to weave through them until the scenery is open road. The base Macan proves that you don't need to have the most horsepower to have a great drive.

(caranddriver.com)

Published in Porsche

Monday, 30 August 2021 05:59

Range Rover Sport PHEV SUV review

“The Range Rover Sport PHEV could prove to be far cheaper to run than other models in the range, and it’s more luxurious, too”

Pros

31-mile electric range
Low CO2 emissions
Good to drive

Cons

Reduced practicality
Thirsty once batteries run out
Less suited to high-mileage drivers

The Range Rover Sport P400e plug-in hybrid arrived as part of a range update, and brought with it an option in the luxury SUV’s range that will be of great interest to company car drivers. Tax rates and running costs will be significantly lower than for other versions of this big, heavy car, yet it offers an impressive level of comfort and luxury.

There are plenty of alternatives, including the Volvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine, Audi Q7 e-tron, BMW X5 xDrive40e and Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid. The Range Rover Sport has only around 26 miles of all-electric range, so it falls behind some of these rivals when it comes to commuting on battery power alone.

The Sport features a 297bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine and a 114bhp electric motor, so it can go from 0-62mph in 6.3 seconds. It’s not just about the power, though, because the electric motor means low-speed driving is as quiet as it gets. Of course, this being a Range Rover the electric motor’s instant torque means it’s a superb off-roader as well – although most owners never go near so much as a muddy field.

The interior is as luxurious as you would expect given the brand’s credentials. Materials are high quality and there’s plenty of tech, including a dual-screen infotainment system with all the modern features you need. One area the PHEV model does lose out is with boot space, because of the space taken up by the hybrid batteries. There’s no seven-seat option here, either, and the plug-in model’s maximum towing weight is lower than for other versions.

From the outside, you might not think you are even looking at an electrified car. The only clues lie in the charging port on the front – and even this is hidden away most of the time – and the badges.

The Range Rover plug-in makes the most sense for those who don’t tend to do a lot of long trips but can’t quite make the jump to a fully electric car just yet. Yet the Range Rover Sport P400e is possibly the most luxurious model in the range to drive, because of the near-silent low-speed running when the engine is off. We’d still stick with a diesel model if you do a lot of motorway trips, though.

The Range Rover Sport P400e might have a relatively thirsty 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, but combining this with an electric motor and battery pack means running costs can be significantly reduced. As with all plug-in hybrids, this benefit diminishes the further you drive – and if you don’t have access to a charging point – so the P400e is best suited to motorists with a fairly short commute who can top up the batteries frequently.

Thanks to the 13.1kWh lithium-ion battery pack, the Range Rover Sport can travel for up to 26 miles on electricity alone, boosting its official fuel economy figure to 88mpg – a huge improvement over the 27.4mpg of the equivalent petrol-only model. While this figure will obviously depend on how you drive the P400e, its 72g/km CO2 emissions figure is fixed, which means this is by far the cheapest Range Rover Sport for company car drivers. Its 18 per cent Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) band compares with 37 per cent for the standard Si4 petrol.

Compared with its closest rivals, the P400e betters the 25-mile range and 75g/km CO2 emissions of the Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid, while the Volvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine manages just 59g/km of CO2 and 134.5mpg, and has a slightly lower, 25-mile range on battery power.

Road tax for the P400e costs the discounted VED (road tax) rate each year. However, there’s also the additional surcharge in years two to six owing to the fact the hybrid costs more than £40,000 to buy.

Charging the P400e at home takes around 7.5 hours using the standard 10-amp cable, but this can be sped up to under three hours using rapid charging with a dedicated wall box and 32-amp cable. The charging port is located in the front grille, making it easier to park facing public charging posts.

The Range Rover Sport’s P400e badge signifies its power level, because its turbocharged 297bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine and electric motor combined produce up to 399bhp. This PHEV certainly isn’t short of power, then, sprinting from 0-62mph in just 6.3 seconds, before hitting a maximum speed of 137mph. This is only four-tenths faster than the petrol model, but the P400e feels very different to drive, especially in town. Here, electric power allows the Sport to accelerate briskly from a standstill with little fuss or noise – attributes that suit its character. It's just a shame the P400e can hesitate when asked to accelerate from a rolling start at a junction or roundabout – a frustrating sensation.

Using 'Save' mode allows you to keep the battery charge for use later, even if you fancy some silent and green off-roading. Here, the P400e still has to fulfil its Range Rover brief, and the Terrain Response 2 off-roading ‘brain’ has been calibrated to make use of the instant torque of the electric motor to improve control when negotiating low-speed obstacles.

Back on the road, it’s when the battery pack is depleted that the Sport P400e makes least sense. With a small engine and more weight to lug around, it needs working fairly hard and emits a vocal whine that’s at odds with the Range Rover’s luxurious character.

Tackle a winding road and the P400e does a better job of disguising its weight, serving up impressive agility and grip for a big SUV. It’s sharper than the XC90 that majors on comfort, while being slightly less driver focused than the Cayenne.

Inside, the Range Rover Sport is just as luxurious as ever, with swathes of leather covering virtually every surface and metal trim that’s cool to the touch. The PHEV features the brand’s Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, with two 10-inch displays stacked on top of each other. These are crystal clear and look great, with the top display taking care of sat-nav and media, while the bottom screen is used for vehicle settings. It largely works well, but smartphone integration still lags behind rivals such as the Audi Q7 – and it's a bit of a fingerprint magnet.

There are plenty of places to charge your smart devices, with up to 12 power points dotted around the interior, as well as two traditional power sockets to charge laptops and other devices that need more juice than a USB port can provide. You can essentially turn the Sport into an office away from home – or family entertainment centre – at the drop of a hat. The introduction of the Activity Key from the Jaguar F-Pace means you can also take a waterproof wristband on your outdoor adventures instead of the key and use it to unlock the car when you get back.

It has a lower roofline and sleeker shape than the standard Range Rover, or a Volvo XC90 for that matter, but the Range Rover Sport is still a large SUV. It can carry five adults in comfort, with well shaped leather seats providing plenty of support.

However, there have been some compromises in practicality in order to fit the battery pack and electric motor. In the standard Sport, there’s up to 780 litre of luggage space, but this is reduced by up to 79 litres in the P400e, while the boot floor is also raised up by 46mm. Perhaps more significantly for families, there’s also no longer the option of the 5+2 seating layout that makes the Sport an occasional seven-seater, because there’s no room to stow the third row in the boot.

Towing has been made simpler, thanks to Advanced Tow Assist, a driving aid that allows you to guide a trailer into place using the reversing camera and turning the rotary controller to steer its path. The on-board computer then automatically works out the correct steering inputs required. It’s worth noting that the P400e can tow between 500-1,000kg less than other Sports, but its maximum trailer weight of 2,500kg is still more than enough to pull a large caravan.

Land Rover doesn’t have the best reputation for reliability, and in our 2021 Driver Power owner satisfaction survey it finished in 22nd place – although that’s actually an improvement over previous years.

While the Range Rover Sport hasn’t been crash tested by Euro NCAP, safety should be less of a worry. Both the fully fledged Range Rover and the Range Rover Velar managed a five-star result, so there’s little reason to think the Sport would do worse. It shares most of those models’ safety kit after all, including features such as autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring and electronics designed to help prevent rollover accidents.

Depending on its specification, the 400bhp plug-in hybrid P400e costs around £4,000 more than a Range Rover Sport fitted with a 300bhp V6 diesel engine. Some will consider this a bargain, especially company car drivers considering the potential tax savings – although we’re talking about a car costing well over £70,000 here, so it’s all relative.

However, the savings only really make sense if you plan on driving on electric power a large proportion of the time. If you often drive more than 30 miles a day, or on long trips, a diesel will probably make more sense.

(https://www.carbuyer.co.uk/)

Published in Land Rover

Saturday, 28 August 2021 06:37

Tested: 2022 Volkswagen Taos Plays Big Among Subcompact SUVs

Nearly as large as the compact Tiguan, the Taos is an attractive new entry point for VW's crossover lineup.

The all-new 2022 Volkswagen Taos is the product of a familiar pattern in the car business. As a particular vehicle segment grows in popularity (in this case, crossovers), manufacturers tend to enlarge and differentiate their entries to make room for new models that fill the newly created gaps in their lineup. With VW's range of SUVs in the United States swelling to include the compact Tiguan, mid-size Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport, and the electric ID.4 (sort of an SUV, we guess), a vacancy opened up in the increasingly popular subcompact space, among the likes of the Jeep Compass, Kia Seltos, and Subaru Crosstrek. It also helps that VW won't be offering Americans a regular TSI version of its latest Golf hatchback, which we're still sore about. At least the Taos is a compelling little crossover on most fronts.

"Little" is sort of misleading, though, as the Taos is one of the larger players in its class. Its MQB-based architecture rests atop a wheelbase of either 105.6 inches for the all-wheel-drive variant or 105.9 inches for the front-driver. It has a huge back seat for a subcompact SUV, and its capacious and easily accessible cargo hold can swallow 25 cubic feet of stuff behind the rear seats (28 cubes if you forgo all-wheel drive). On the road, if you don't know to look for its distinguishing design cues—a broad LED lightbar that connects the standard LED headlights plus chrome TAOS lettering on the rear liftgate—you can easily mistake it for a (slightly) larger Tiguan. VW says the name Taos refers to the rugged, picturesque town in New Mexico. We didn't go there for our drive, but we did traverse our local Michigan haunts in both of the vehicle's primary configurations.

HIGHS: Cavernous interior for a small SUV, impressive fuel economy, attractive base price.

Powering the Taos is a new 1.5-liter version of the EA211 turbocharged inline-four—a 1.4-liter EA211 is found in the Jetta sedan. Aided by the boost of a variable-geometry turbocharger, the engine purrs willingly to its 6400-rpm redline and produces a respectable-if-not-quite-spirited 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, the latter from just 1750 rpm. That's less grunt than you'll get from a top-spec 175-hp Seltos 1.6T or a 250-hp Mazda CX-30 Turbo, but it's perfectly adequate for casually merging onto highways. Standard front-wheel-drive models pair the turbo-four with a conventional eight-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel-drive versions get a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, which VW calls a direct-shift gearbox (DSG). The company says this split allowed it to focus both on greater fuel efficiency with the eight-speed and a sportier driving character with the dual clutch.

Our test car was a front-wheel-drive SEL model, which ambled to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds and covered the quarter-mile in 15.8 seconds at 87 mph, making it slightly quicker than the latest Subaru Crosstrek with a 2.5-liter flat-four and significantly fleeter than a Jeep Compass. The more-powerful turbocharged Kia Seltos, however, is roughly a half-second quicker both to 60 and through the quarter-mile.

That said, the front-drive Taos is the fuel miser's choice, earning an EPA combined estimate of 31 mpg, versus 28 mpg for all-wheel-drive models. Our example fared well in the real world with a 30-mpg average, and it posted an impressive 40 mpg on our 75-mph highway test, beating its federal rating by 4 mpg. Both the aforementioned Subaru and Kia managed only 30 mpg on our highway run. But the all-wheel-drive model's DSG isn't as convincing in its role as a sporty transmission. While its shifts are generally quick and well-coordinated at speed, it lacks the eight-speed's unobtrusive smoothness, being relatively clumsy around town and under quick on-off-on throttle applications. Only all-wheel-drive variants get a drive-mode selector with Normal, Eco, Sport, and Individual settings, but even in its most aggressive mode the dual clutch hesitates between upshifts when accelerating briskly. There are no steering-wheel paddle shifters, so we mostly let the DSG pick its own gears rather than use the shifter's sluggish manual gate.

LOWS: Modest performance, some cheap-looking interior plastics, clumsy optional dual-clutch transmission.

The other significant difference between the two drivelines is the rear suspension. The front-wheel-drive Taos features a torsion beam at the rear, while the all-wheel-drive model employs a multilink setup. This is why there are two wheelbase lengths. The multilink's greater composure and more substantial feel make the all-wheel-drive Taos our clear choice. Though the all-wheel-drive Taos adds a claimed 255 pounds of additional mass, its more sophisticated suspension fosters greater driver confidence by bringing better body control. We'll have to wait for a second test car to see if this more-refined character translates to better grip than the modest 0.83 g that the front-driver exhibited on the skidpad.

Braking ability is adequate and is controlled via an easy-to-modulate pedal, despite some mushiness in the first inch or so or travel. We recorded a so-so 176-foot stop from 70 mph. All of the examples we've driven have rolled on 18-inch wheels (17s are standard, 19s are optional), with our test car's wrapped with Bridgestone Turanza LS100 all-season tires. With decent ride comfort and reasonably low levels of interior noise—68 decibels at a 70-mph cruise; 73 at full throttle—road isolation is good for a vehicle that starts at $24,190. Just don't expect Golf levels of agility from the Taos's extra girth and higher center of gravity.

From the low liftover height of its cargo floor to its rear climate-control vents to its ability to easily accommodate six-plus-footers front and rear, the Taos's interior is highlighted by its functionality. This subcompact feels solidly built, and material quality is mostly commensurate with its price, although the hard, shiny plastic dashtop panel looks chintzy, especially in the top-spec SEL models that go for more than $30,000. While not boldly inspired, the Tao's cabin does benefit from contoured trim pieces and contrasting colors that lend it some character. Soft-touch materials are soft enough and well placed, and there's VW's familiar and nicely thick-rimmed steering wheel. Seating choices include cloth upholstery for base models, leather at the top of the range, and a leatherette/cloth combo with grippy inserts for mid-level SE trims. All offer good comfort and excellent visibility.

At 72.5 inches, the Taos is actually a hair wider than the one-size-up Tiguan and feels similarly spacious in terms of elbow space. Unlike the Tiguan, there's no available third row of seats. Base models get an 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster and a 6.5-inch center touchscreen, with the displays in higher trims increasing to 10.3 and 8.0 inches, respectively. We like that the Taos sticks with VW's more familiar infotainment system rather than adopting the newer, less-intuitive version in the ID.4 that we're still warming up to. Ambient lighting, automatic headlights, and VW's App Connect smartphone integration system all are standard.

Additional microprocessors control the IQ.Drive bundle of active-safety features: stop-and-go adaptive cruise control with semi-automated assistance, active blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, automatic forward-collision warning, and emergency braking. IQ.Drive is a $895 to $995 option on lesser S and SE trims and standard on the top SEL. Notable extras include a heated steering wheel, a panoramic sunroof, and a yet-to-be-released Basecamp appearance package that will add a touch of off-road flair.

Coincidentally, the starter S model's competitive $24,190 base price is the same as that of the outgoing Golf hatchback that the Taos more or less replaces. Budget $28,440 for the SE trim and a somewhat substantial $32,685 for an SEL model like our test car, plus another $1450 to $2045 if you want all-wheel drive. Depending on the configuration, those prices position the Taos awfully close to certain versions of the grander Tiguan, which starts at $26,440. Yet, considering the Taos's generous packaging and strong roster of equipment, potential Tiguan buyers won't have to sacrifice much if they step down to this new lower rung in the brand's model range. The Taos isn't the fun-to-drive substitute for the Golf that we'd prefer, but it does make a solid anchor for VW's SUV lineup.

(https://www.caranddriver.com)

Published in Volkswagen

Tuesday, 24 August 2021 05:00

Tesla already produces more than 1,000 copies of the Model Y on a daily basis

The American brand manages to mount more than a thousand units of the popular SUV model every day.

Of course, this is Tesla's factory in Shanghai, where in addition to the Model Y, the Model 3 is also produced. Moreover, unofficial data indicate that the crossover overtook its older limousine brother, and that the Chinese assemble about 800 Model 3s every day.

The report for the second quarter, which Tesla disclosed, states that the plant in Shanghai has become primarily export-oriented. Cars from this factory go to other Asian countries, but also to Europe. According to the official data of the American brand, the mentioned production location can make more than 450,000 pieces of the Model Y / Model 3 duo.

Model Y for the needs of European customers is sent right from Shanghai, of course, until the factory near Berlin is ready. This plant in Germany should serve consumers on the Old Continent.

Tesla's smaller SUV, let us remind you that they also offer a bigger one - the Model X, is an essential key four-wheeler for that brand. This was emphasized by Elon Musk himself, who has repeatedly said that he believes that the Model Y will be Tesla's best-selling car.

What’s more, Musk pointed out in April this year that he believes the Model Y will be the world’s best-selling light passenger car. He predicted that it would happen as early as 2022 or 2023!

Published in Blog/News

Tuesday, 24 August 2021 04:52

Hyundai Kona N SUV review

“In the Kona N, Hyundai has created another fantastic performance model - one that makes a great alternative to a Volkswagen T-Roc R”

Pros

Very quick
Lots of standard equipment
Cheaper than nearest rivals

Cons

Automatic only
Too many drive settings
i30 N is bigger and costs less

The standard Hyundai Kona isn’t our favourite car in its class but the Kona Electric is one of the best electric cars on sale. The Kona range is now even broader and better with the introduction of the Hyundai Kona N, a high-power, performance-focused model. Despite the car industry moving towards electrification, Hyundai still sees a place for fast and loud petrol cars for enthusiasts to enjoy.

The world of fast small SUVs wasn’t very heavily populated until relatively recently but now the Volkswagen T-Roc R, BMW X2 M35i, Audi SQ2 and MINI Countryman JCW are all fighting it out for supremacy. There’s also the more affordable and less powerful (but no less fun) Ford Puma ST. Hyundai has found a gap in the market directly between these cars, making the Kona N more powerful than the Ford but less expensive than all its other rivals.

The car’s 276bhp 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine is shared with the Hyundai i30 N, as is most of the rest of the running gear. The i30 N is one of our favourite hot hatchbacks, so the recipe is a good one and sets the Kona N up well. A 0-62mph sprint can be done in 6.4 seconds, unless you engage launch control, in which case it’s just 5.5 seconds. This makes the car easily quick enough to mix with its rivals, despite the Kona N only coming with front-wheel drive.

The N buttons on the steering wheel let you increase the firmness of the suspension and sharpen the throttle response so you can corner more quickly. There’s also an NGS button that’s short for ‘N Grin Shift’, which provides an overboost function to give you short spells of extra power.

But the Kona N allows you to dial back the performance with a slightly bewildering range of driving modes (even ones for mud and snow). Sticking it in Eco or Normal will make the car feel little different to a standard Kona and the ability to calm things down suits the car’s slightly raised driving position.

The Kona N has joined the range as part of the model’s facelift, so it feels fresh and modern inside. Digital dials are standard, as is a new 10.25-inch touchscreen, while a smattering of specific badges and stitching choices elevate it above the regular Kona. The price of the N may look high compared to entry-level versions of the Kona but you get a huge amount of kit as well as the performance, such as a head-up display, a premium sound system and heated and cooled electrically adjustable seats.

While the Kona N does share its running gear with the i30 N, it’s slightly more expensive, slightly less practical and doesn’t come with the option of a manual gearbox like the i30 N does. We can’t imagine any of these will be major issues if you like the Kona’s driving position and styling, however.

More often than not, the trade-off for a powerful petrol engine is poor fuel economy - and that’s exactly the case here. While the Kona Electric and hybrid models are focused on efficiency, the Kona N certainly isn’t. It’ll achieve up to 33.2mpg at a steady cruise and much less if you drive it enthusiastically. In fact, use all of the car’s performance all of the time and you could end up travelling fewer miles on a tank than you’d get from a full charge in the electric model.

Whether you pick the Kona or another fast SUV like the Volkswagen T-Roc R or BMW X2 M35i, that’s about as efficient as a performance SUV gets. However, because the Kona doesn’t breach £40,000 like many of its rivals, private buyers will only pay the standard rate of tax per year. It almost goes without saying that the Kona N will be costly to run for company-car drivers, as its 194g/km CO2 output puts it firmly in the top Benefit-in-Kind band.

Still, a five-year unlimited-mileage warranty means the Kona N should prove easy to live with. Your dealer should also be able to arrange a pay-monthly service plan to do away with unexpected bills.

The Hyundai i30 N was the brand’s first hot hatchback but Hyundai’s relative lack of performance-car experience meant nothing; the i30 N shot to near the top of the hot hatch class. The smaller, Ford Fiesta ST-rivalling Hyundai i20 N is also excellent, and the Korean company has done it again with the much-anticipated Kona N.

Just like the i30 N, the Kona N uses a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine that produces 276bhp. That enables a 0-62mph time of 6.4 seconds, or just 5.5 seconds if you engage launch control. In the past, launch control was reserved for supercars and sports cars but now you’ll be able to surprise people with a perfect launch in your small SUV. The Kona is only available with an eight-speed dual clutch automatic transmission, whereas the i30 N is also available with a manual gearbox. We’d like the option of the six-speed manual here too, as the auto gearbox sometimes struggles to find the right gear.

The Kona N comes with electronically controlled dampers and a differential as standard in the UK, which, again, would previously have been reserved for the very best performance cars. You can feel the differential working if you press the throttle down mid-corner, as the car tightens its line and doesn’t stray wide. It makes the car’s performance feel accessible and gives you confidence to drive faster.

There are also a wide range of driving modes, from Eco and Normal to Sport and even mud/snow settings but the sportiest setup is accessed by pressing one of the N buttons on the steering wheel. With N mode engaged, the suspension firms up and makes the Kona more agile through corners. A wider track (the distance between left and right wheels) helps reduce body roll to almost zero.

Another Kona N-specific feature is the NGS button on the steering wheel. Press this and you’ll get a hit of extra power (the full 286bhp) for 20 seconds. We can see it being useful for quick overtakes, where you want all the power without having to resort to scrolling through all the driver modes.

Joining the range as part of the Kona’s facelift, the N benefits from Hyundai’s very latest interior design. There’s a new 10.25-inch touchscreen on top of the dashboard and a large digital instrument cluster instead of traditional dials. The N gets a sports steering wheel with the aforementioned N buttons, plus seats trimmed partly in leather and partly in Alcantara suede.

You’ll pay less for the Kona N than its main rivals but you’ll get more equipment as standard. The front seats are electrically adjustable, heated and cooled, while the outer rear seats and the steering wheel both have heating too. There’s also automatic climate control, wireless phone charging, a head-up display and a reversing camera.

One of our bugbears with the standard Hyundai Kona is that it is far from the most spacious small SUV on sale and the N is the same in this respect. A Volkswagen T-Roc R or a MINI Countryman JCW will be more comfortable for adults in the rear seats but then you might find it’s fine if you’re not regularly bringing mates along for the ride. We’d recommend sitting in the rear seats with the driver’s seat in your position before you buy.

Many small SUVs have a surprisingly large boot - the Renault Captur offers more space than some cars in the class above - but the Kona has one of the smallest boots in the class. The N’s 361 litres isn’t terrible but the i30 N offers more rear-seat and luggage space for a lower price.

The standard Kona was the best-rated car on sale in our 2021 Driver Power owner satisfaction survey, with top scores for everything except practicality. Although the Kona N wasn’t specifically mentioned in the result, it should be absolutely excellent to live with. Kona owners love the fit-and-finish, the technology and the driving experience - and the N provides tech and performance in spades. Hyundai’s five-year warranty is more generous than its rivals too.

Euro NCAP tested the Hyundai Kona in 2017 and awarded it a five-star score, with 89% protection for adult occupants. The range-topping Kona N features a host of driver assistance technology including adaptive cruise control, lane keeping and following, front and rear collision avoidance and a head-up display.

(carbuyer.co.uk)

Published in Hyundai