Displaying items by tag: SUV

The new Euro model's longitudinal-engine platform will also underpin the upcoming CX-70 and CX-90.

Sitting on Mazda's new Skyactiv scalable architecture, the CX-60 is the first in a series of longitudinally engined SUVs intended to move the brand positioning closer to premium rivals. The CX-70 will be wider and, we're told, styled with American tastes is mind—meaning it should possess more visual presence than the somewhat timid-looking CX-60, which is roughly the size of a BMW X3.

However, we have nothing but praise for the quality and style of the CX-60's cabin, which Mazda says contemporary Japanese design has inspired. Our sample car, in the plushest Takumi specification, featured wood door trim, a dashboard faced with woven fabric, and shiny metal accents that seemed inspired by the fenders of a '50s Cadillac. Digital instruments and a 12.3-inch central display screen are standard, but the CX-60 keeps conventional HVAC controls, and the CX-70 likely will too. Strangely, although the large display supports touch input when running Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, it doesn't for Mazda's native navigation system, which still needs to be commanded through the click-wheel controller.

 

2023 mazda cx60 eurospec
 

Being a Mazda, there is plenty of powertrain innovation. The base powerplant, which has yet to arrive in Europe but should be in the U.S. CX-70 at launch, will be a naturally aspirated 3.0-liter inline-six that uses variable compression and foregoes the turbocharging that has become all but standard in this part of the market. In Europe, the CX-60 will also be offered with a new 3.3-liter e-Skyactiv D diesel-six—for which Mazda is targeting an impressive thermal efficiency of more than 40 percent—but this is highly unlikely to make it to the States. Power and torque ratings have not been revealed.

The car we drove was fitted with the least exciting new powerplant, although the most innovative one. This is a plug-in hybrid, Mazda's first, and we anticipate it will be offered in the CX-70 as well. It uses the 188-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder from the CX-5 in conjunction with a 173-hp electric motor that sits between the engine and a new eight-speed gearbox.

2023 mazda cx60 eurospec
The transmission uses an electronically controlled clutch pack rather than a torque converter to aid low-speed efficiency, and the same gearbox is set to be offered with the six-cylinder engines. Total system output for the PHEV is 323 horsepower, with a 17.8-kWh battery pack able to deliver up to 39 miles of EV range under Europe's generally optimistic WLTP testing protocol. While an impressive figure, that's still short of the Euro-cycle EV range results for the Toyota RAV4 PHEV or the Volvo XC60 Recharge T8 Extended Range PHEV. The Mazda's battery can be fully recharged from 240-volt Level 2 equipment in a claimed two hours, 20 minutes or, alternatively, topped off courtesy of the engine burning extra gasoline.

Under electric power, the CX-60 PHEV is smooth and refined. The motor drives through the gearbox, so there is the unusual (for an EV) sensation of gears shifting, and there is enough urge to keep ahead of urban traffic. But the transition to combustion power is less elegant, even using the blended Hybrid mode, with a noticeable pause as the four-cylinder fires up. As in the CX-5, the 2.5-liter is not a charismatic companion, growing loud and sounding increasingly coarse when worked hard. Although the redline is 6500 rpm, the engine already feels tight and reluctant at 5500 rpm. Once everything is pulling, acceleration is strong—an estimated low- to mid-five-second 60-mph time should make this the brand's quickest car since the RX-7. But it seems likely the six-cylinder gasoline engine will be much more of an experiential highlight.

2023 mazda cx60 eurospec
Fortunately, the chassis is more satisfying than the engine, combining compliance and athleticism in the finest Mazda tradition. The CX-60 resists understeer well for a vehicle of its size and shape, although there is little sense of the rear torque bias Mazda claims for the PHEV's all-wheel-drive system. Ride quality is on the firm side but stayed acceptable even when riding on the (largest available) 20-inch wheels, with body control staying tight during hard cornering.

While the CX-70 will be a different car—as will the related CX-90—our first impression of Mazda's new architecture is positive. And although the company's first plug-in-hybrid system is less impressive, we are still very much looking forward to experiencing the new straight-six engine.

Source: caranddriver.com

Published in Mazda
Tagged under
Friday, 02 September 2022 07:08

Volvo XC40 Electric review

Pure-electric powertrain suits Volvo’s smallest SUV

 PROS

  • 408hp model has rapid acceleration
  • Maximum official range of 270 miles
  • Same boot and cabin space as standard car

 CONS

  • Expensive
  • Limited info on digital gauge panel
  • Not that entertaining to drive
 The pure-electric Volvo XC40 Recharge bolsters the SUV’s already widely electrified model range. On top of the EV, you have a choice of mild-hybrid petrol engines and a two plug-in hybrids – but we reckon the fully electric version is the pick of the line-up.

Volvo introduced the electric XC40 in 2019 and, because it was destined for launch when the car was still on the drawing board, it doesn’t make any comfort or practicality sacrifices by making the switch to battery power.

Volvo XC40 Recharge front driving
 
You have a choice of two electric powertrains. The entry-level front-wheel drive model has a 69kWh battery pack and a single electric motor with 231hp and 330Nm of torque. Volvo says it can sprint from 0–62mph in 7.4 seconds and that it’s capable of covering up to 264 miles on a charge.

There’s also a more expensive dual-motor, four-wheel drive option called the Recharge Twin. This model gets a larger 78kWh battery pack and an extra electric motor on the rear axle, bumping its power and torque figures up to 408hp and 660Nm respectively.

 
The extra grunt also slashes its 0–62mph time down to a hot hatchback-troubling 4.9 seconds, while the added battery capacity increases its maximum range to 270 miles. What’s more, both versions of the pure-electric XC40 offer support for 150kW DC rapid charging, allowing both to charge from 10–80% capacity in around half an hour.

The list of rivals for the Volvo XC40 Recharge has grown since it was launched. Now, buyers can choose from the likes of the Mercedes EQA, BMW iX3, Ford Mustang Mach-E and the latest Kia Niro EV. The question is: can the aging XC40 EV still compete in this class of newcomers?

What’s it like inside?

Well-made and easy to use. You get a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 9.0-inch portrait infotainment system. Both look great and work well – their graphics are sharp, and the central screen runs on Google software which loads quickly and has built-in support for Google Maps.

The climate controls are operated through the central screen, which we’re normally not huge fans of. However, Volvo has designed a permanent toolbar for the lower edge of the display which means you don’t need to dig through a load of submenus to adjust the air conditioning.

Volvo XC40 Recharge dashboard
 
Volvo has also fitted the XC40 with voice control and pushed as many functions as possible through the system to minimise the amount of time you spend with your eyes off the road. You can program sat-nav instructions, change the cabin temperature and ask it to read your messages for you. It works well for the most part – but you can trip the system up if you have a regional accent.

Space inside is identical to the petrol-powered versions of the car. The batteries don’t eat into the boot or the cabin and the rear electric motor on the flagship Recharge Twin model occupies the same space as the petrol tank on the petrol-powered models. That means boot space is identical, at 452 litres with the rear seats in place and 1,328 litres with the bench folded flat.

 

Because there’s no engine up front, you also get some extra storage space under the bonnet. It only measures 31 litres, but that’s just enough space to hide the storage cables. It’s particularly useful if you’re taking the electric XC40 on a long family trip, as it means you don’t have to unpack the boot to fish the cable out from the hidden storage space under the boot board.

The build quality is impressive, too. It’s a match for any of its German rivals, with tight shut lines and soft-touch materials everywhere within your wingspan. Refinement is good, too – there isn’t much wind noise, and the sound deadening is thick enough to keep tyre roar to a minimum. That’s especially important given there’s no engine noise to drown out the road noise.

Volvo XC40 Recharge front boot
 
If you want to know more about the Volvo XC40’s interior space, quality, comfort and infotainment technology, follow this link to read our main review of the car.

Comfort

The XC40’s seats are great. The front seats have loads of adjustment and clever fatigue-mitigating extras like an extendable thigh support and a thick inflatable lumbar support cushion. Both hold you in place well and stop you from slouching. The seats are well-sprung too, striking a keen balance between bracing and plushness, meaning you won’t feel tired after a long stint behind the wheel.

The rear seats are equally welcoming. They’re a good shape with plenty of padding for your lower back, which should prevent those in the rear from curling up into the shrimp position halfway through a road trip. There’s also a lot of legroom and a surprising amount of headroom – even with the panoramic sunroof fitted to the range-topping Ultimate model.

Volvo XC40 Recharge rear seats
 
There are lots of storage bins dotted around the cabin, too, which help to keep it looking tidy even when they’re holding all the items required for family life. There’s a deep storage bin under the front central armrest, a wide wireless smartphone charging pad in the centre console and door bins that are large enough to swallow laptops, tablets and litre-sized water bottles.

Safety

Safety has always been Volvo’s strongest suit – and the XC40 is no exception. Euro NCAP awarded the petrol-powered version of the car a five-star rating back in 2018, and this score was also applied to the electric model in 2021. It’s worth bearing in mind that Euro NCAP has since tightened up its scoring system, but the XC40 remains a very safe way of transporting your family around.

The testers were particularly impressed with the XC40’s passenger protection ability. The car achieved a 97% score for adult occupants and an 87% score for child occupants – and the child dummies emerged from the wreckage with no major injuries.

Volvo XC40 Recharge front static
 
The XC40’s success can be partly attributed to its arsenal of airbags. In addition to the usual front airbags, you get a driver’s knee airbag and a full-length side curtain airbag to protect passengers’ heads, chest and pelvis. There’s also an automatic belt pretensioner which will pull occupants into their seats if the car recognises an imminent accident.

We found this latter system can be a little too eager to engage. For example, if you go around a corner or over a crest a little faster than the computer would like, the seat belt will choke-slam you into the backrest. But we’d rather it errs on the side of caution than not work when you need it.

What’s it like to drive?

Agreeably pleasant, but it won’t set your trousers on fire. The range-topping 408hp Recharge Twin model is the most powerful and fastest-accelerating XC40 on sale, but it’s also the heaviest – and that makes it quite reluctant to corner with haste.

Push the car hard into a bend and Volvo’s torrent of safety features will come down on you like an anvil. The laws of physics aren’t on your side, either – the XC40 Recharge’s 2,188kg kerbweight is quite high for compact family SUV which makes the car feel a little ungainly. At least the mass is concentrated down low, which minimises the harm by dropping the car’s centre of gravity.

The front-wheel drive model is slightly nimbler as its battery is smaller and it doesn’t have the added weight of an extra electric motor over the rear axle. It still isn’t comfortable belting down a B-road at speed, though. Despite this, it’s quite refreshing to have a car that’s unashamedly geared towards comfort in a class of supposedly “sporty” rivals.

Volvo XC40 Recharge front cornering
 

The suspension is supple and the chassis doesn’t crash over bumps, even with the car’s rather large standard 19-inch alloy wheels. Potholes are more noticeable around town, but the jolts they produce aren’t enough to knock the ride quality crown off the XC40 Recharge’s head.

And the XC40 EV is no slouch in a straight line. Both the front- and four-wheel drive powertrains deliver their torque instantly, meaning you always have the confidence for an overtake. Just be cautious about getting the hammer down if you’re travelling longer distances – the less smoothly you drive, the more time you’ll spend at charging stations.

Thankfully, Volvo has thought about that and has engineered the throttle pedal to encourage a more mellow driving style. Unlike some older electric cars, it isn’t a simple on / off switch – it’s progressive and feels much more like a petrol or diesel car in use.

Volvo XC40 driving, rear 2020
 
Press it gently and you get a small amount of acceleration. Batter the pedal into the floorboards and you get everything the powertrain has to offer which, in the 408hp model, gives you a very satisfying shove into your seat. Rather cleverly, though, the same action applies in reverse for the regenerative braking system. So, if you lift your foot off the throttle quickly, the brake regen is more severe than it is if you ease off the pedal gently.

Click through to the next page to read our verdict on the Volvo XC40, where we’ll let you know whether it’s worth your money.

Volvo XC40 Recharge rear three quarter static

Should you buy a Volvo XC40 Recharge?

If you want a small premium electric SUV, the Volvo XC40 Recharge should be on your shopping list. It’s a quality product with a comfortable ride, a good range and more safety equipment than you can shake a high-visibility vest and an accident book at.

There are more exciting electric SUVs available, such as the BMW iX3. But we think the sporty SUV niche is becoming cliché, and we found it quite refreshing to drive a family crossover that was unapologetically set up for comfort.

Volvo’s electric powertrain really suits the XC40’s easy going nature. It delivers its power effortlessly and silently, it’s smooth and the arsenal of draconian safety equipment encourages you to not drive like a hooligan. The regenerative braking system has a similar effect on your driving, too, making you look further ahead to avoid touching the brakes and wasting energy.

Prices range from between £47,000 for the entry-level front-wheel drive model to more than £60,000 for the range-topping 408hp dual-motor variant. You’ll spend the same sort of money on a Mercedes EQA or an Audi Q4 e-tron, neither of which ride anywhere near as well as the Volvo. So, it’s down to your personal preferences on comfort.

It’s also worth noting that the flagship the plug-in hybrid version of the XC40 costs around £51,000 – and for just £4,000 more you could have the range-topping front-wheel drive pure-electric model. In this instance, we reckon you’re better off with the electric option.

Just to throw another spanner in the works, bear in mind that, for a similar amount of money, you could have a very well-equipped Kia EV6. Sure, it doesn’t have the same premium image as the Volvo, but it looks great, it’s better to drive and, if you pick the right battery pack and motor combination, it can comfortably drive more than 300 miles on a charge.

Source: parkers.co.uk

Published in Volvo
Wednesday, 31 August 2022 07:06

New Skoda visual identity

The next generation of Skoda models will not be distinguished by the previous emblem, according to the company, but instead a new mark will be used.

Revealing its new visual identity, along with the new Modern Solid design language, Skoda confirmed that two versions have been created: an updated classic emblem and a lettermark.

The historic emblem, which will be used for communication and digital purposes only, replaces the 3D design for a 2D effect. Like the Volkswagen logo, it's simpler and cleaner than the previous design, so it looks better digitally, according to Britain's Autocar.

The letter version was created to be installed on all future cars. This will be introduced across the range from 2024, with the new Skoda Superb and Skoda Kodiaq models to be announced next year expected to be the first to carry it, followed by the refreshed Skoda Octavia.

It will also have a confirmed seven-seat electric SUV, a supermini and a compact crossover, which should arrive before 2026. These will also be the first cars to go on sale with Skoda's new design language.

Skoda says these changes are the biggest for the company in the last 30 years.

Describing the new logo, head of sales and marketing Martin Jahn said: "We see this as the perfect opportunity to align our brand to a decade of transformation."

For the lettermark, the designers incorporated the accent usually found above the "S" into the letter - which they describe as a key to their Czech roots. The firm wanted to maintain the accent while removing the confusion it believed it had created among non-Czech-speaking customers.

The new emblem features two different shades of green, called Emerald and Electric, which Skoda says represent ecology, sustainability and electromobility.

Published in Blog/News
Tagged under

The new version of Honda's small SUV deserves a "most improved" award for addressing all our complaints—except the acceleration.

Pacific Northwest loggers run the mountain roads with flat-footed confidence, even in the rain, and because it's almost always raining, they've had lots of practice. It was raining during our test drive of the 2023 Honda HR-V, and the 18-wheeler in the rearview mirror came up behind us like it was auditioning for a remake of Duel. To avoid becoming a Peterbilt hood emblem, we put the pedal down. Floored, the HR-V made more noise, but, in disappointing CVT-equipped fashion, did not go noticeably faster. Just as we were preparing to be absorbed into a truck grille, the straight uphill road took a right, then a left, and then a fun series of sweeping curves. The truck slowed down, and the HR-V swept through at full speed. It was the first of several pleasant surprises from the redesigned small Honda.

The HR-V is not a car with a reputation for fun surprises. Since its introduction in 2016, it has been a sensible and uninspiring choice of transportation, a vehicle meant to solve the basic problem of transportation with a little extra space. The redesigned HR-V is hoping to shed its reputation for dull driving while holding on to its promise of value and practicality. To do so, Honda moved it from the tiny and now departed Fit platform to the larger Civic underpinnings while giving it a tad more horsepower and a lot more personality. The new model is nearly 10 inches longer and three inches wider than the first-generation HR-V, with less stubby proportions and a growly front fascia—yes, you're so tough, little SUV.

2023 honda hrv
 

The exterior rework brings wide LED lights in front and rear, dramatically framed inlets and patterned grilles in the nose, an angled hatch, and a clean roofline, thanks to roof panels that are laser brazed, which leaves a smooth finish. It won't go down in the annals of groundbreaking automotive design, but we found it sort of endearing, like an angry hamster.

Inside, things are more appealing and less raging rodent. The seating position is lower and more carlike than in the outgoing model, which sat the driver high and upright. The seats are patterned fabric in the LX and Sport trim and leather in the top EX-L, offering a pop of texture across all levels. The pillowy dash echoes the Civic with an unbroken line of honeycomb mesh across all the vents. The steering wheel is thickly padded. The car is more cohesive and stylish than the previous generation, with a good mix of physical buttons and digital displays. The center console is a work of ergonomic art, with a tall shifter, deep cupholders placed forward and out of the way, and several places to store or charge a phone, including a pass-through that gives the passenger access to their own phone storage and USB charging. The EX-L trim we drove also offered wireless charging in the front tray. While upper touch points are squishy soft, the plastic lower on the door panels has a wavy corrugation. It hides scuffs, adds rigidity to the large door pockets, and is both a clever and an attractive solution to an area of the car that gets a lot of rough handling—or, more accurately, footing.

2023 honda hrv
 

HIGHS: Nicer to spend time in, easier to see out of, improved ride and handling.

If you're still hung up on the lower seating position—a higher viewpoint is one reason people have moved to SUVs—we assure you that visibility in the new HR-V is vastly improved. The beltlines of door and hood are lower, the A-pillars are thinner, and the driving position is more comfortable while offering a better view. Honda says the front seats were redesigned with more internal structure to offer support and a better posture, and after a full day of outrunning trucks and chasing waterfalls in blatant defiance of TLC's advice, we agree that whatever is happening inside the seat cushions makes a positive difference. The new seat is not only soft and supportive but also highly adjustable. Between that and the good sightlines, we'd put the new HR-V high on a list of recommended cars for folks of smaller stature. Tall drivers will still fit fine behind the wheel, and the rear seats lean back and offer more padding than the outgoing model's. So even though this utility vehicle is small, the passengers don't need to be.

 

2023 honda hrv
 

If it's stuff you're carrying, you may be saddened to hear that the "magic seat," which offered the option of flipping up the rear seat bottom for more hauling space, is a casualty of the new chassis design. Unless you're regularly taking your fiddle-leaf fig for a drive, we’d say it's a fair trade for the much more comfortable back seat and the excellent handling characteristics. General cargo space is slightly decreased behind the rear seats, but they still fold flat, so you can carry plenty of shorter plants, a bicycle, or all your dirty laundry on your way to your parents' place for spring break.

Features and pricing are simplified from 2022. There are three trims, each standard as front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive a $1500 option. The base LX starts at $24,895, while the top trim EX-L requires $28,695. The engine and transmission are unchanged by trim choice, and all of Honda's safety-related driver aids come standard on all models. The EX-L gets the eight-way adjustable leather seats, a sunroof, dual-zone climate control, and a 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment interface, among other audio and tech upgrades. We liked the Sport trim's black accents, orange interior stitching, and lower $26,895 price. Honda famously doesn't offer mechanical or convenience options on any given trim, but the all-wheel-drive EX-L we had in for testing was slathered in Nordic Forest paint that added $395 to its bottom line. Its $30,590 total price is pretty much the most you can pay for one of these.

2023 honda hrv

The HR-V powertrain remains unsatisfying. It's better than the last one, but by so little, they shouldn't have bothered. The previous loud and lethargic 1.8-liter four-cylinder made 141 horsepower, getting the all-wheel-drive vehicle an EPA rating of 28 mpg combined. The new model's 2.0-liter engine, also borrowed from the Civic, makes 158 horsepower, is still loud and lethargic, and helps the all-wheel-drive version get a 27-mpg combined EPA rating. But this new HR-V did prove more efficient on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy loop, averaging 32 mpg, an improvement over the outgoing model's 30-mpg showing.

LOWS: Still slow, still noisy, not quite as adept at carrying cargo.

In performance testing, the EX-L AWD reached 60 mph in 9.4 seconds, quicker than the 10.1 clicks the previous version needed. Performance falls off quickly, as a full quarter-mile takes 17.3 seconds, only 0.5 second better than before. Honda made some attempt to quiet it down with a polished crankshaft and a low-friction cam drive, but it still howls and shivers when you floor it. The CVT behind it plays make-believe as a gearbox, promising faux downshifts and stepped acceleration to distract from the hardworking four-banger, but straight-line acceleration is all bark and barely a nibble.

2023 honda hrv

We did see improvement in the stopping numbers. In the 70-mph braking test, the new HR-V came to a halt in 172 feet, eight feet shorter than the last one. Like many small SUVs, the previous HR-V offered all the driving pleasure of a Home Depot lumber cart. The new HR-V may not be superquick, but it's light and cheery on the road, feeling connected while still cushioning choppy pavement. This is thanks to the multilink rear suspension, which replaces the torsion-beam setup of the previous generation. The body also uses more adhesive for increased rigidity. Aluminum components reduce weight front and rear, and the front suspension rides smoothly on a low-friction damper mount. The steering, too, is vastly better than the previous car's and feels light but not flimsy. The driving experience was notably better subjectively, but that was not borne out when the HR-V was making circles at the limit on the skidpad. There, the 2023 vehicle pulled 0.80 g, whereas the previous model did 0.84.

We got behind the wheel of the HR-V expecting a dutiful but joyless driving experience. What we found was a charming small machine that could use a bit more push (to keep from being pushed by fast-moving tractor-trailers) but made a willing and encouraging road-trip companion. Big windows, easy-to-read displays, an attractive and comfortable interior, and a pliable chassis are the HR-V's defining characteristics. This is still a vehicle designed to solve the basic problem of transportation, but it now fulfills that mission with lively enthusiasm, if not outright speed.

Source: caranddriver.com

Published in Honda
Tagged under
Friday, 26 August 2022 04:41

Volvo XC90 Recharge mixture survey

"The Volvo XC90 Recharge is beautiful, lavish and alluring yet it's not the most prudent enormous half and half SUV"

An opponent for the Mercedes GLE half and half, Audi Q7 TFSI e, BMW X5 xDrive45e and other huge extravagance mixture SUVs, the Volvo XC90 Recharge is a petroleum electric cross breed that plans to consolidate the reasonableness and solace of the remainder of the reach with great execution and further developed mileage.

The Recharge sits at the highest point of the XC90 territory, so while it's absolutely not modest, it is seething with hardware and highlights. Its inside is a fabulous spot to be, perfectly planned and loaded with innovation - the vast majority of which is controlled or observed by a halfway mounted picture infotainment screen that acts rather like a tablet. It's vaporous inside and the cowhide managed seats are among the most agreeable fitted in any vehicle for long excursions.

Power comes from a 2.0-liter petroleum motor in addition to an electric engine, which join to deliver 448bhp. It's exceptionally quick for this sort of vehicle, however the XC90 Recharge isn't a games SUV - the BMW X5 xDrive45e, for instance, handles better on more tight streets. Consider rather the XC90 Recharge as a strong and truly agreeable vehicle for regular driving, and the Volvo takes some beating.

Regardless of having seven seats and a crossover powertrain, the Volvo XC90 Recharge is still extremely reasonable. The batteries just diminish boot space by 40 liters and even with each of the seven seats up, you've actually got a boot that is a comparative size to a supermini's. Grown-ups will be very cheerful in the rearmost seats, albeit a Land Rover Discovery will be considerably more agreeable in the event that you're routinely conveying heaps of individuals.

MPG, running expenses and CO2

With the Recharge's authoritatively cited economy figure of 83.1 to 217mpg, you'd be excused for thinking it was one of the most economical half and halves around, yet unfortunately this isn't true during genuine driving. To accomplish anything near this figure, you'll need to drive without taking advantage of the vehicle's incredible presentation, stick to metropolitan streets and ensure its batteries are completely energized, as well. Its electric-just scope of somewhere in the range of 27 and 43 miles (contingent upon the haggles fitted) is cutthroat with most opponents, yet the BMW X5 xDrive45e is in front of the Volvo with its 50-mile range, because of a 24kWh battery, while the Mercedes GLE 350 de has a much bigger 30.8kWh battery and 66-mile range. The XC90 Recharge has a 14.9kWh lithium-particle battery.

As it's a half and half with CO2 discharges of 28-76g/km, the XC90 Recharge has a low first-year charge bill (normally moved into the out and about cost). After this, you'll pay the option fuel vehicle VED rate each year, in addition to an extra charge from years two to six, because of the Recharge's £40,000-in addition to asking cost. Because of its low outflows, the mixture XC90 has a low Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) organization vehicle charge rating, yet it's at this point not excluded from the London Congestion Charge, which currently just applies to zero discharges models.

Similarly as with all Volvos, the module XC90 accompanies a guarantee that goes on for a considerable length of time or 60,000 miles, whichever starts things out. Because of the presentation on offer, the Recharge is among the most costly XC90 to safeguard; it sits in bunches 44-45 (out of 50) contingent upon trim level.

Motors, drive and execution

With 448bhp from its joined petroleum motor and electric engine, the XC90 Recharge is the quickest vehicle in the reach. It can reach 62mph from a stop in 5.4 seconds, while its maximum velocity is electronically restricted to 112mph. There's loads of force down and out the fire up reach and it is great to overwhelm execution. It's a second quicker to 62mph than the eco-disapproved of Mercedes GLE 350 de, yet has an emphasis on solace so it's not the most ideal SUV for twisty streets. It's quite far off offering the lively allure of the BMW X5 xDrive45e, as well. The Volvo is best at loose, steady, rapid cruising; it's a major, weighty vehicle that becomes disrupted assuming you're too forceful in the corners.

The XC90 Recharge is as yet a delight to drive, in any case. Its controlling is light and there's bunches of grasp and foothold on account of its four-wheel-drive framework, making it more fulfilling than the delicate Lexus RX L 450h. Like most XC90s, the Recharge is most at home on more extensive, open streets, however by and large's not difficult to drive generally speaking gave its size isn't an issue. On the off chance that you're utilized to a more modest vehicle, you could require an opportunity to conform to the Recharge's significant length, width and weight.

Inside and solace

Moderate yet sumptuous - the Volvo XC90 has one of the most outstanding insides around
Perhaps of the greatest benefit the Volvo XC90 Recharge has over its adversaries is its awesome inside. It's gigantically agreeable paying little mind to where you're sitting, with lashings of cowhide and quality trim causing it to feel unmistakably upmarket. It's planned in a pleasingly unfussy way, as well.

The dashboard is overwhelmed by a focal touchscreen that controls everything from the multi-zone environment control to the sat nav, sound system and different settings. On the off chance that you're mechanically disapproved, you'll adore the tablet-like connection point - however if not, it could require an investment to become accustomed to. Joined by another screen replaces customary dials behind the directing wheel. This is not difficult to peruse and can show every kind of data, including sat-nav bearings. Touch radio, and Android Auto network and an incredible 10-speaker sound system come as standard. Google-based programming additionally implies it feels immediately natural to cell phone clients.

Given you don't work the motor too hard, it's surprisingly calm in the XC90 Recharge's inside, which when joined with the agreeable and broadly customizable seats, 'CleanZone' air quality control framework and a delicate, controlled ride, makes it an exceptionally great vehicle to go in. With the air suspension (standard on the Ultimate models), things just get more wonderful.

Standard hardware is phenomenal on the Recharge, paying little heed to which trim level you pick. The cross breed can be had in Core, Plus and rich Ultimate trims, alongside Dark and Light renditions for a really brandishing or customary outside plan with sparkle dark or chrome trim separately. Indeed, even the least expensive is genuinely rich, with 19-inch combinations, full LED headlights, front and back stopping sensors and a switching camera, a fueled rear end and full cowhide trim, among other engaging elements.

Furthermore profits by an opening all encompassing sunroof, versatile headlights, a 360-degree camera, surrounding inside lighting and a Harman Kardon speaker update. Extreme adds 21-inch composites and versatile air suspension, alongside fleece mix upholstery, a head-up show and a significantly more impressive Bowers and Wilkins sound system with 18 speakers for a really vivid encompass sound insight.

Reasonableness and boot space

A lot of room for seven individuals and an enormous boot that is effectively made much greater
As perhaps of the biggest vehicle out and about, it's not shocking that the Recharge is likewise exceptionally extensive inside. With each of the seven seats being used, there's 262 liters of room in the boot - extraordinary for a vehicle of this sort. Notwithstanding, crease them generally down and you're left with a colossal, van-like 1,816 liters to the rooftop. With all seats in the second and third lines collapsing exclusively, Volvo claims the seats can be arranged in 32 distinct ways. The XC90 is a lot greater and more flexible than the five-seat BMW X5 xDrive45e; just the electric Tesla Model X can match it in the class - it beats the Volvo's complete seats-collapsed space, yet its third line isn't exactly as obliging.

Leg and headroom are fantastic in every one of the three lines and third-column travelers shouldn't experience a lot of difficulty getting into their seats thanks to huge entryways and sliding center column seats. There are a lot of cubbies dispersed all through the lodge, with even third-column travelers getting their own stockpiling canisters.

Assuming you intend to tow with your XC90 Recharge, it's essential to take note of that its most extreme braked-trailer towing weight is 2,400kg. This is 300kg under XC90s with the most impressive motors, so in the event that you anticipate towing a huge train, horsebox or boat trailer, you could require the petroleum or diesel model. The Recharge's towing limit is still nice, particularly as numerous crossovers can tow a negligible portion of that weight.

Dependability and wellbeing

Class-driving evaluations and loads of astute wellbeing innovation
The freshest Volvo XC90 didn't highlight in our Driver Power 2021 review however the more modest Volvo XC40 came eighth out of the main 75 vehicles marked down. Volvo itself completed 10th out of 30 producers. Proprietors commended motors and gearboxes, as well as solace and in-vehicle amusement, and the brand performed well for security. All of this looks good for the reach besting crossover XC90.

Volvo is celebrated for its wellbeing and the XC90 is no exemption, procuring a five-star Euro NCAP crash-test score and incredible 97 and 87% evaluations for grown-up and youngster security individually. The XC90 likewise has bunches of smart innovation fitted as standard to assist with staying away from crashes, including IntelliSafe, a framework that cautions of perils ahead and brakes for you if necessary - basically a high level AEB (programmed crisis stopping mechanism.

The vehicle additionally includes a high level vulnerable side checking framework that can control once again into path assuming you're going to crash into another vehicle, and will try and brake and steer itself assuming it detects you've left the street. These, in addition to a lot of other standard frameworks, cause the XC90 To re-energize one of the most secure SUVs around - crossover etc.

Published in Volvo
Tagged under

The second generation of the Japanese crossover is a common sight on our streets, and what adorns this car are low costs, comfort, and build quality. As such, it is a frequent choice on the second-hand market, and on this occasion we bring the advantages and disadvantages of the second-generation Nissan Qashqai model.

The second generation Nissan Qashqai was introduced in 2014, and used examples from the beginning of production can be found on the domestic market for around 11,500 euros. The redesigned version debuted in 2018 with new technology and several new units on offer.

Originally, 1.5-liter and 1.6-liter diesel engines were offered, as well as 1.2-liter and 1.6-liter turbo gasoline engines. In both cases, the smaller units were actually preferable in terms of cost and sleekness. A CVT automatic transmission called Xtronic was available as an option, but the slightly noisier operation of the engine with this transmission turned many away, so they opted for a six-speed manual transmission. The redesign from 2018 brought some changes, but also a new range of engines, so a 1.3-liter gasoline unit with 140 hp or 158 hp was available.

As for the diesel, the 1.5-liter engine remains the same as before, but a 1.7-liter diesel with 150 hp was introduced in 2019. Some of the most important positive features of the Qashqai model are a high level of comfort and a feeling of spaciousness, primarily due to the comfort of the seats and suspension.

It should be said that the finish of the material is much better compared to the first generation, such as soft handles and feet, as well as much better sound insulation. The second generation Qashqai offers a sense of balance when driving, which is rarely found in any crossover, especially in corners where it inspires confidence when you step on the gas pedal.

When talking about engines, the best choice is economical diesels: 1.5 dCi (110 HP) and 1.6 dCi (130 HP). Turbo petrols are quieter, and also don't consume much, and have similar dynamics to diesels. The trunk has a volume of 430 liters, which is certainly not a record in the class, but it is quite enough for most needs.

As for the flaws, the Nissan Qashqai received the most criticism during its first years of production, and most of them were related to some "childhood diseases", such as the early failure of the factory battery, oil leaks on the valve cover, and the halogen lights were able to weaken quickly. .

Among second-hand examples, diesels make up the overwhelming majority, and the most important thing is to find a well-maintained example because you won't have any problems with it. The durability and quality of the Nissan Qashqai model is both a virtue and a disadvantage when buying a used model. Because this crossover is very solidly built, which makes it somewhat resistant to use, you may have trouble determining the true condition and mileage of the car. That is why it is important to pay attention to determining the correct mileage, because its use could be well concealed.

As Auto Klub writes, the owners' experiences are excellent, and the second generation still looks modern, offering comfort, spaciousness, reliability and economy. It is a quality and versatile car with an excellent choice of engines and a very good chassis. Prices for the oldest models with the highest mileage start at 11,500 euros, while a well-equipped redesigned version will cost you more than 20,000 euros. With a little searching, you can find a decent copy with a price of around 15 thousand euros.

Published in Blog/News

The decision: The all-new Mazda CX-50 is a capable — if unacceptable — reduced SUV that does most things effectively, however it doesn't do a lot to push Mazda's setup toward another path.

Versus the opposition: Given how firmly paired the minimized SUVs in our most recent correlation test were, it would be great assuming the CX-50 accomplished other things to separate itself from its opposition — or even its CX-5 stablemate.

At the point when Mazda uncovered the 2023 CX-50 in November 2021, it was obviously hopping on board the rough terrain vehicle fad that turned out to be progressively common in the market as the COVID-19 pandemic delayed and individuals searched any reason to escape the house. Rough terrain vehicles and trims are obviously the new shut down appearance bundles.

Related: 2023 Mazda CX-50 Vs. 2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness: Who Off-Roads Better?

The CX-50 has standard all-wheel drive, a six-speed programmed transmission and a decision of two 2.5-liter four-chamber motors: a normally suctioned variant with 187 strength and 186 pounds-feet of force or a turbocharged form making either 256 or 227 hp and 320 or 310 pounds-feet of force contingent upon whether it's burning premium gasoline.

We drove a reach finishing off Premium Plus CX-50 with the 2.5-liter super both now and again street to check whether it could bear outing in its very packed and serious section. Sadly, the CX-50 doesn't actually stand apart even in Mazda's own setup, where it's in direct contest with the CX-5 (for the time being, in any case).

Driving the CX-50

Regardless of utilizing an alternate stage, the CX-50 drives a ton like its CX-5 kin. One thing generally present in Mazda vehicles is open controlling, that is as yet the situation in the CX-50. Tragically, it needs other on-street capacities that could make the most of that: The ride is weak, and influences were unforgiving with the 20-inch wheels that come norm with the 2.5 super motor. Forceful cornering produces body roll and some understeer, however no more than you'll track down in basically any SUV in this fragment. Most contenders, nonetheless, additionally have guiding that feels substantially more numb.

For more nitty gritty rough terrain impressions, you can peruse my drawn out contemplations here. Without driving a CX-50 outfitted with the Meridian treatment, which incorporates more serious off-road tires, checking exactly the way that competent the CX-50 could be is hard. We can address its exhibition with road tires and 20-inch wheels, however, and with that arrangement, the CX-50 effectively explored a light rough terrain course, yet it never felt cheerful doing as such. The CX-50 is intended to be the vehicle that gets you and your stuff to the trailhead, not one that goes down the path, yet in the majority of those cases, you'd be similarly as fruitful arriving in a Camry. The CX-50 isn't intended for serious or continuous going 4x4 romping, so assuming you're searching for something to that effect, look somewhere else.

It's conceivable the Meridian Edition, with its more modest haggles rough terrain tires, could feel both more fit rough terrain and cushier on asphalt, yet it's presumably not going to supersede a portion of the more able delicate roaders in its fragment, similar to the Ford Bronco Sport Badlands, the Subaru Forester Wilderness or any of the various Toyota RAV4 TRD models.

The CX-50's mileage is fair, at any rate, and there's a sad punishment for getting the more impressive super motor. The normally suctioned 2.5 is appraised 24/30/27 mpg city/thruway/joined, and changing to the turbocharged powerplant drops those appraisals just somewhat to 23/29/25 mpg. Obviously, to get the most pull and force out of the super 2.5-liter — 256 hp and 320 pounds-feet — Mazda suggests utilizing premium gas. That is obviously more costly than customary, and the 2.5 super doesn't give overpowering power on it; it's far-fetched that proprietors will miss the additional 29 hp or 10 pounds-feet of force assuming they decide on standard. The super motor gives sufficient power when called upon, however it can sound stressed and crude under heavier burdens.

The CX-50 likewise adds two new drive modes: Off-Road and a super selective Towing. Rough terrain helps a piece whenever difficulties arise, however there's no extra configurability past "Rough terrain" to assist with explicit kinds of landscape. Towing mode is select to super controlled CX-50s, which can tow 3,500 pounds versus the 2,000 pounds the non-super CX-50 can pull. The other driving mode worth focusing on is Sport, however that is simply to take note of that it doesn't do a lot to change the personality of the CX-50.

Happy with, Frustrating Interior

The front and back seats of the CX-50 don't feel a lot roomier — or truly entirely different by any means — from a CX-5. The CX-50's more forceful roofline and Mazda's most memorable power-sliding all encompassing moonroof cut into headroom a piece, yet there's not an awkward seat in the vehicle. The CX-50's freight region is likewise stunningly spacious, if essential, with two little cubbies for more modest things. (They were, for example, an extraordinary spot to put a few valuable six-packs of Wisconsin-elite New Glarus brew while driving home to Illinois.) We estimated the CX-50's freight volume at 18.13 cubic feet — almost indistinguishable from the 2021 CX-5 we estimated at 17.91.

What's tricky is Mazda's infotainment framework. The bigger 10.25-inch show in our test vehicle (a 8.8-inch screen is standard) is in fact a touchscreen, yet it doesn't work as such as a rule. Contact control possibly works when the vehicle isn't moving; when the vehicle is driving, a handle regulator is the best way to explore the presentation and make choices. In any event, that was the situation before Mazda gave touchscreen usefulness back while utilizing Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It's a brilliant choice given how much more straightforward it is to utilize a cell phone reflecting point of interaction like you utilize a cell phone. Both those connection points work remotely, however I saw some slight lagginess in remote CarPlay while rapidly burnning through tunes.

While bringing back touchscreen capacity is great, the actual screen is situated so high and profound on the dashboard that considerably longer-equipped drivers and front travelers might experience difficulty arriving at it. I switched back and forth between utilizing the touchscreen and the disappointing handle contingent upon the circumstance and how agreeable I felt inclining forward.

On the off chance that you're not utilizing Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, the remainder of the UI looks dated and can be confounding. It seems like Mazda is imitating early cycles of BMW's iDrive before the Bavarians dealt with every one of the issues.

A portion of the CX-50's rivals have their own idiosyncrasies and flaws with regards to this stuff, yet for an all-new vehicle like the CX-50 to have the normal, worn out tech that is baffled us in other Mazdas is frustrating.

Mazda means to be viewed as a more exceptional automaker than, say, Toyota or Honda, and the CX-50 is attempting to satisfy that objective. Its inside materials are a stage above contenders', and construct quality is first rate. Actual controls have a strong vibe, and an accessible head-up show is a superior touch. Contrasted and an Acura RDX, the CX-50 may not beat the competition, however contrasted and a Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4, it is probably going to intrigue.

Wellbeing

The CX-50 has various standard dynamic security highlights, including Mazda's low-speed City Brake Support programmed crisis slowing down with passerby recognition, as well as path takeoff advance notice, path keeping help and vulnerable side observing with back cross-traffic alert. I didn't find these highlights excessively nosy or pointless during my time in the CX-50, which isn't generally the situation. The discretionary head-up show was great, if exceptionally fundamental in its usefulness.

As of this composition, the CX-50 has not yet been assessed by either the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In our own Car Seat Check, the CX-50 procured generally Bs and one A grade - write Cars.com.

Published in Mazda

Hyundai's three-line family SUV is currently more clever than any other time.

Hyundai's drive into the SUV market major areas of strength for is — it's not difficult to fail to remember the Korean automaker had a terrible SUV setup only quite a while back. Presently it has six models covering essentially every section of the SUV market. Furthermore, when the Hyundai Palisade hit the roads quite a while back, it immediately turned into a deals hit famous with families who needed style, worth, and space for eight. With the new 2023 Hyundai Palisade, a midcycle update brings some crisp styling components and more innovation, in addition to extra solace highlights. We headed out to the lovely streets outside Asheville, North Carolina, to test the refreshed Palisade and attempt the invigorated SUV firsthand.

Anyway, What's New?

Alongside another grille and a few outside subtleties, the 2023 Hyundai Palisade is presently 0.6 inch longer than before because of a leveled up front shade. The back overhang is more limited, and the wheelbase continues as before, however by and large length is currently 196.7 inches. Albeit the inside aspects didn't change, creators took these actions to give the Palisade a superior position in profile view — and it paid off.

Inside, Hyundai added solace highlights across each of the three lines to satisfy a wide assortment of travelers. Taking a page from sister brand Genesis' Ergo movement situates, the Palisade adds a rubbing component to the driver's seat, and the subsequent line currently flaunts headrests that curve to give sidelong head support. Warmed seats are currently presented in each of the three columns, and the first and second line keep on offering ventilated seats.

Hyundai's remote savvy leaving help is accessible without precedent for the Palisade, and that implies drivers might escape their vehicle and push the SUV ahead and in reverse utilizing the key. Another back traveler side airbag and it are likewise present to stop impact aversion help.

Educated

Families who missed having a Wi-Fi area of interest in the Hyundai Palisade will be blissful, as Hyundai joined forces with Verizon to permit drivers to now associate up to five gadgets on the double. A three-month preliminary is incorporated, yet proprietors from that point should pay $20 each month to utilize this element. In-vehicle Wi-Fi areas of interest are the same old thing, yet the 2023 Hyundai Palisade is the first of the organization's models to offer the innovation.

Another advanced key permits Apple and Samsung clients to lock, open, and begin the Palisade with their telephones. Working with NFC innovation, just put your telephone on the entryway handle to open the Palisade. To begin the vehicle, you should put the telephone on the remote charger (where there's another NFC sensor).

The assignment is simple, and there are five advanced keys in absolute that can be imparted to companions through instant message. Proprietors can change the settings of every one of those keys to just lock and open the Palisade, and proprietors can eliminate key access without any problem. The best part is that the NFC sensors work in any event, when your telephone is dead, and the tech works with the Apple Watch, too.

Individuals acquainted with the old Bluelink application realize there were a couple of constraints of what you could do in the Palisade. The 2023 model extends the rundown of highlights; it presently turns the warmed and ventilated seats on and off and sets the temperature when the proprietor begins the Palisade from a distance. Proprietors can likewise see and get warnings about entryways and windows left open, as well as fuel levels.

The equipment refreshes likewise permit two driver profiles in the Bluelink application and the computerized key, so in the event that you share a vehicle with your better half, the radio presets, seat and mirror positions, and temperature will naturally change contingent upon who opens and starts the vehicle.

On The Road

New for 2023 is the XRT trim, which adds rough styling and hazier medicines outside, yet there are no equipment upgrades, for example, off-road tires or better methodology and takeoff points. We went through a portion of a day driving the XRT on city streets close to Asheville and on trails around the Biltmore Estate, and we were by and large satisfied with the manner in which the SUV took care of.

There are no mechanical changes to the 2023 model; each Palisade keeps on being fueled by Hyundai's 291-hp, 262-lb-ft 3.8-liter V-6 motor mated to an eight-speed programmed. The XRT we drove was outfitted with all-wheel drive, which was valuable during the rough terrain area. On sloppy pieces of the path, the Palisade exhibited great foothold and straight power conveyance, making it simple to vanquish obstructions. Albeit the path was generally a back road with a couple of grooves and puddles, it was a decent portrayal of what families will experience while heading on a setting up camp outing.

Out and about, the ride was for the most part agreeable and calm, with the guiding tuned on the lighter side and the motor conveying sufficient punch to go over Asheville's bumpy midtown roads without fight. Before, we've grumbled about the Palisade's stiffer ride contrasted with the Kia Telluride, but since of our restricted time in the driver's seat until further notice, we'll hold back to deliver our full judgment once we can get a 2023 model in our grasp for testing.

Would it be a good idea for me to Buy A Palisade?

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade is accessible in five different trim levels — SE, SEL, XRT, Limited, and Calligraphy. Costs start at $36,245 for the SE and ascend to $50,195 for the Calligraphy. The all-wheel-drive choice adds $1,900.

The midcycle update for the 2023 Hyundai Palisade could look gentle outwardly, however it's critical when you take a gander at all the new innovation that is gotten on. With remote stopping, a computerized key for Apple and Samsung, and more highlights for the Bluelink application, the Palisade feels refreshed and present day. Furthermore, Hyundai figured out how to add that large number of highlights while keeping costs cutthroat.

Source: motortrend.com

Published in Hyundai
Sunday, 09 January 2022 15:28

BMW iX review (2021)

 PROS

  • State of the art purpose-built electric car from BMW
  • Impressive to drive with outstanding comfort and refinement
  • Eye-catching interior, packed with user-friendly technology

 CONS

  • Exterior design takes some getting used to
  • Not all of the driver assistance tech works flawlessly
  • Cheaper, more conventional BMW electric cars on the way
 

The BMW iX is a new purpose-built luxury electric car, and the flagship for BMW’s latest electric vehicle technology. It combines controversial exterior looks with a plush, ‘lounge-style’ interior and a seriously impressive driving experience – as well as offering a large number of modern safety and driving aids.

Rivals include the Audi E-Tron, Mercedes-Benz EQC and Tesla Model X.

Is the BMW iX any good?

If you’re in the market for a premium electric car and like to make a striking impression, BMW has definitely got you covered. Although you will also need to spend quite a lot of money. Two versions are available to buy now – iX xDrive40 and iX xDrive 50 – with an M-performance model badged xDrive M60 to follow in summer 2022.

At this stage, we’ve only driven the xDrive50 model, which commands an eye-watering £93,905 asking price in more basic Sport specification, rising to £96,905 for the fancier M Sport variant.

For that you get BMW Gen5 – fifth generation – electric motor and battery technology, and an ‘intelligent material mix’ structure that incorporates carbonfibre, aluminium and high-strength steel. For the xDrive 50, this results in the fairly spectacular combination of 523hp and 765Nm with a claimed WLTP driving range of 380 miles per charge.

BMW iX review (2021) profile view, driving
 

Living up to this promise, the iX is fast, comfortable, refined and outstandingly nimble for something that weighs over 2.5 tonnes and is similarly proportioned to a BMW X5 SUV. It also seems well able to deliver the on-paper driving range – though this will depend considerably on how much use you make of the available performance.

Other attention-grabbing features include a new generation of iDrive infotainment system (BMW Operating System 8) and a set of driver assistance features that include augmented-reality navigation, customisable digital and head-up displays, and adaptive brake recuperation that works superbly.

What about the way it looks?

BMW has never been a brand for building particularly beautiful cars, but there are some truly unusual angles and surfaces here. However, we would argue that it looks better in real life than it does in the pictures.

What’s more, not only is it unlikely to be mistaken for anything else – probably important for the kind of buyer who’s happy to drop nearly £100k on a BMW electric car – the design has been massaged to provide excellent aerodynamics.

This helps the iX drive faster and further, by allowing it to cut through the air more cleanly.

BMW iX review (2021) exterior view, grille
 

What’s it like inside?

The interior of the iX is just as unusual as the exterior – though not in such a controversial way. Here you’ll find the modern beauty of a contemporary luxury hotel room, rather than the edgy confrontation of modern art.

That’s not to say it will appeal to everyone. The slice of curving screen across the dashboard – actually two screens combined – is much as we’re coming to expect from EV interior design, while the latest iDrive software gives you comprehensive control in a reasonably instinctive manner. But the big, quilted seats are dramatic, the abrupt transition between surfaces and materials even more so, and the use of faceted crystal for some of the controls bordering on the gauche. The hexagonal steering wheel isn’t as odd to use as you might think, though.

Once again, this all helps the iX stand out against its rivals. It’s also very roomy inside, with lots of head and leg room front and rear. While there is a large battery pack under your feet, the floor doesn’t feel unnecessarily high.

BMW iX review (2021) interior view
 

What’s it like to drive?

BMW has a reputation to uphold for exceptional driving dynamics as we move further and further into the age of electric cars, and the iX certainly isn’t going to do that reputation any damage.

Built around BMW’s first bespoke electric vehicle platform since the i3 city car, it has a very stiff bodyshell, which is then further reinforced by the large battery pack bolted to the underside. Being so stiff is a real benefit to every area of the car, as it allows the suspension to work more effectively.

The battery pack is heavy. In the xDrive50 model it contains an enormous 111.5kWh of electricity storage and weighs around 650kg. Because this weight is concentrated so low in the chassis, it not only gives the iX lots of extra strength, it also lowers the centre of gravity – which is further good news for stability when driving round corners.

Adding another touch of luxury class, the iX uses variable air suspension rather than steel springs.

BMW iX review (2021) exterior view, cornering

Combine all of the above, and you get a large car that manages to pull off the magic trick of riding bumpy surfaces brilliantly – despite 21-inch alloy wheels as standard – while also cornering with agility and precision on the twistiest of mountain roads. It leans a bit when really pressing on, but this only seems to highlight the depths of talent to the chassis tuning, allowing you to enjoy the process of handling it more.

Grip, meanwhile, isn’t an issue. The iX has two electric motors – one on each axle, making this the first BMW with electric all-wheel drive – and new control components mean that power can be measured out between them with exceptional speed. If one end of the car loses traction, the other compensates so swiftly the process is practically imperceptible.

Outright performance is mighty. The benchmark 0-62mph takes 4.6 seconds, but more significantly, BMW has engineered the electric motors to maintain their maximum power and torque at higher rpm. Overtaking punch is really impressive and the xDrive will hit and maintain its electronically limited 124mph top speed with ease (on derestricted autobahns in Germany).

What many owners will perhaps appreciate more, however, is the refinement. This is a very quiet car inside, even when travelling very quickly. BMW has taken the trouble to commission Oscar-winning movie composer Hans Zimmer to provide an electronic soundtrack that syncs beautifully with the way the car is being driven – but with this switched off, something that’s easily done via the infotainment system, the iX just whispers its way through the air.

What driver aids are available?

The iX is available with more driver assistance systems than BMW has ever offered before. Many of these will be familiar from other modern vehicles, but of particular interest are the elements that best show off the way the iX is properly aware of its surroundings.

For instance, it will monitor traffic lights to prompt you when they turn green. The head-up display will warn you if there are ‘dangerous’ bends ahead. The sat-nav can overlay direction information on a camera feed from the front of the car.

Our favourite example, however, is the ‘adaptive’ brake recuperation. This uses navigation and sensor data to vary the amount of braking effect you get from the motors whenever you release the accelerator – which sounds unnerving and complicated yet works remarkably intuitively. It will even allow the iX to coast at high speeds if that’s most efficient.

BMW iX review (2021) interior view, transmission selector

Engage the full B-mode, and you can drive almost exclusively without touching the brake pedal, as the motors will do the braking for you in all but extreme circumstances. And in exemplary fashion.

Better still, because of another integrated control unit balancing the effort between motor and traditional friction braking, when you do use the brake pedal, the feel and performance remains consistent at all times. Something that few other electric vehicles manage to pull off.

How long does it take to charge?

With 195kW fast-charging capability, the xDrive50 can be topped up with 93 miles of additional range in 10 minutes – or go from 10% to 80% in 35 minutes.

But this relies on very fast and comparatively expensive DC public chargers – the vast capacity of the battery pack means that you’ll need to allow 16 hours for 100% on a single-phase 7kW AC wallbox of the type most commonly found at UK homes and offices.

What different models and trims are available?

The iX is currently available in two versions: the xDrive40 priced from £69,905 and the xDrive50 priced from £93,905.

We’ve covered the stats of the xDrive50 in detail above. The xDrive40 produces 326hp and 630Nm of torque, does 0-62mph in 6.1sec, and has the same 124mph top speed; WLTP driving range is 257 miles.

Both versions are available in Sport and M Sport trim levels.

Standard equipment highlights for the iX Sport include an 18-speaker harmon/kardon hi-fi system, 21-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, four-zone climate control and a substantial number of driver assistance systems.

The upgrade to iX M Sport – which costs an extra £3,000 – adds a styling package, bigger brakes, dark headlight glass and anthracite roof lining.

A car like this never has a short options list, and among the add-ons for the standard models are massaging front seats, heated steering wheel and other cabin surfaces, Bowers and Wilkins hi-fi upgrade, ‘Skylounge’ panoramic roof, Laserlight headlights, and an interior camera that can be used for security and fun.

High-performance BMW iX M60 on sale in summer 2022 

In summer 2022 an M-performance model called the iX xDrive M60 joins the range. Power output for this is now confirmed at a staggering 619hp combined with a huge 1,100Nm peak torque, delivering 0-62mph in 3.8 seconds and an electronically limited 155mph top speed.

BMW iX M60, front view, grey

Maximum claimed WLTP driving range is equally impressive at 357 miles per charge, though it needs to impress, given pricing starts at £111,905.

For the money you also get bespoke BMW M suspension tuning, 22-inch alloy wheels, soft-close doors, powerful BMW Laserlights instead of regular LED headlights, and a technology suite that includes an interior camera, Bowers & Wilkins hi-fi, massaging front seats, heated everything, and BMW Parking Assistant Professional.

What else should I know?

The built-in connectivity means BMW will offer new features and allow customers to pay for upgrades to their iX via over-the-air updates. Among the things coming this way are an automated parking system that allows the car to learn and self-drive certain short-distance manoeuvres, which you’ll then be able to control from outside the car using your phone.

A heated element in the front grille area ensures all of the cameras and sensors built into the nose will still work when it’s snowing. BMW has put a lot of thought into this car.

BMW iX review (2021) rear view
 
Should you buy one?

If you want a stand-out, high-price, high-quality electric car, close to the cutting edge of the current state of battery electric vehicle technology then the BMW iX could well be for you. The look of the thing is sure to raise more than a few eyebrows, but as a statement-maker that may be exactly what you’re looking for anyway.

Regardless, the interior is inviting, and the impressive blend of performance and serenity achieved by the driving experience means that even the most doubtful potential customer should at least take an iX for a test drive.

What we like

We can think of few other cars that are capable of providing such comprehensive ride comfort in combination with such cornering athleticism. The iX is at once a limousine and a creditable substitute for a sportscar – all while producing zero emissions in motion, thanks to its electric drive system.

That electric drive not only gives awesome performance, but also does things an ordinary combustion car can’t – most notably the adaptive recuperation that practically makes the brake pedal a thing of the past. Traction is mega as well, thanks to the twin-motor setup.

The technology used throughout – from the materials it’s built from to the latest iDrive – matches the iX’s price tag, while the refinement and the luxury interior put some proper icing on what is a pretty fancy automotive cake.

What we don’t like

Looks are subjective, so we’ll pass over that.

More of a concern is that not all of the driver assistance systems work consistently. With everything switched on, the iX can theoretically accelerate up to speed limits automatically as well as slow down for hazards and ‘assist’ through turns (though this relies on you touching the steering wheel – it is not a fully autonomous car). However, we found many of these facilities unreliable in action, and certainly would caution against relying on them too heavily.

Beyond this, most of the issues with the iX are the same you’ll face with any electric car – the classic being the way charging it up takes longer than filling a fuel tank. But as we all know there are means of coping with these things, and it’s getting easier and easier to live with an EV all the time.

(https://www.parkers.co.uk/bmw/ix/review/)

Published in BMW

We started our 15 months with our long-term Mazda CX-30 Premium AWD wondering if the handsome new subcompact SUV could convince us Mazda is truly on the march upmarket to become a luxury automaker. Now 19,163 miles later and with our CX-30 departing the MotorTrend garage, we feel safe saying although Mazda has made serious strides in some areas, the overall CX-30 experience left us cold—a new feeling for us, considering how much we loved our old CX-5, CX-9, 3, and 6 long-term cars.

The CX-30 has had an admittedly weird stay in our long-term fleet, with more than half of a year overlapping with safer-at-home orders. But despite sticking close to home base in Los Angeles for the first six months or so of its loan, our CX-30 got some meaningful road trip time in, including long stretches up to northern Oregon and shorter stints to San Francisco and out to the Mojave Desert in support of our Of The Year programs. Over that time, we got to know the CX-30 quite well. We really appreciated our CX-30's premium styling. Although the swooshy waveform on its flanks is controversial among staff (some think the reflections make it look like the SUV was sideswiped), the CX-30 has a distinctive and unmistakably Mazda look. The interior styling won high praise, too, outdoing segment rivals such as the Buick Encore GX and Lexus UX in design and material choice. We were also charmed by our long-termer's engaging steering feel, which is usually something of an afterthought in the subcompact SUV segment.

2020 Mazda CX-30 36

But despite the bright spots, the CX-30 wore on us over the months. Its styling promises luxury, but the drive experience doesn't deliver. We grew tired of apologizing to passengers for the buzz-prone powertrain, the transmission's sloppy shifts, and inconsistent stops due to a mushy brake pedal. The standard 186-hp, 186-lb-ft 2.5-liter I-4 also felt a bit underpowered when loaded with four people—an impression that the hunt-happy six-speed automatic didn't help. Mazda now offers a 250-hp turbocharged I-4 on the CX-30, but it's still saddled with the increasingly dated six-speed auto.

The CX-30's cabin also wasn't as nice a place to spend time as it first appeared to be; passengers frequently complained that the tight cabin was claustrophobic, due to the stylish high beltline. (The driver's seat is thankfully height-adjustable.) We've also found Mazda's infotainment system difficult to use while driving, requiring far too much time looking at screens and twiddling a knob than is safe to do while on the road

Although our CX-30 has been mechanically trouble-free over its time with us, its cabin is showing signs of early wear and tear. The white leather seats have started to stain from sliding across them in jeans, and the bolsters have been marred from rubbing up against the SUV's B-pillar. We were also disappointed to see the CX-30's faux carbon-fiber plastic trim quickly became an ugly rainbow of scratches, especially in high touchpoint areas around the shifter and cupholders. We had identical issues with our 2020 Mazda 3 long-termer.

Mazda's failure to improve materials quality is disappointing. However, we continue to be pleased with the dealer experience. For a mainstream automaker on the march upmarket, Mazda's dealership fell squarely on the luxury side of the spectrum, impressing us with the swiftness of its service and the attention to detail. Granted, we didn't spend much time at the dealership during our loan. Our two visits to the dealer were for routine service (an oil and filter change, tire rotation, and inspection) and recall work (one for a Bose audio system glitch, the other to improve the spotty adaptive cruise control).

We spent about $375.00 maintaining our Mazda (we say "about," because a careless former employee neglected to file the paper work for our CX-30's second service). That's significantly more than we spent on our long-term 2020 Kia Soul ($198.19 for two services) and 2018 Subaru Crosstrek ($281.85 for three services). It's also about $100 more than what we spent maintaining the 2020 Mazda 3. All of these vehicles covered about 20,000 miles.

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The EPA rates the CX-30 AWD at 25/32/27 mpg city/highway/combined, and in our time with it, which heavily skewed toward urban driving, we netted 25.8 mpg. Unsurprisingly, that's worse than our Mazda 3 hatchback (28.8 mpg), but it's about dead even with our old Crosstrek, which achieved 25.9 mpg in our hands.

Overall, Mazda has made notable strides with both design and the dealership experience. But if we're looking at it as a luxury SUV, its lack of polish and drivetrain refinement seriously detract from the ownership experience. At the same time, the compromises resulting from Mazda's move upmarket make the CX-30 less enjoyable to drive day to day. As a result, this is probably the least engaging Mazda we've experienced in a decade; improvements in design and dealerships don't outweigh that.

Ultimately, the CX-30 is less a jack-of-all-trades vehicle than a master of none. We won't miss this Mazda, but there's always the next one.

https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2020-mazda-cx-30-long-term-verdict/
Published in Mazda
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