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Added on the 28/08/2014 14:01:37 - Copyright : CarBuyer
Euro NCAP announced the release of its second series of Highway Assist tests. To ensure the safe adoption of these and other assisted driving technologies by consumers, Euro NCAP has developed a dedicated test and assessment protocol, and a grading system. The latest test series includes ten cars that offer Highway Assist: the Audi Q8, the BMW 3 Series, the Ford Kuga, the Mercedes GLE, the Nissan Juke, the Peugeot 2008, the Renault Clio, the Tesla Model 3, the Volkswagen Passat and the Volvo V60.Increasingly, vehicle manufacturers have been making use of the sensor-sets fitted to their cars to provide more extensive driving support, paving the way for an autonomous future. A prime example is Highway Assist, a technology designed to make motorway driving safer by reducing fatigue and encouraging safe driving. Highway Assist helps the driver to maintain a steady speed, to keep a safe distance from the car in front and to keep the vehicle in the centre of the lane by combining (intelligent) Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Lane Centering (LC). However, the driver always needs to be responsible and engaged behind the wheel, and the assisted system is there to do just that – assist. They are not flawless and should not lead or have full control.
Is the new Audi A4 the car to beat the likes of the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes C-Class and Jaguar XE? We hit the road for a first drive to find out. Also we speak to the men behind the car to find out if this is the best Audi A4 ever or indeed the best all round Audi ever!
1.Audi RS 3The new Audi RS 3 offers driving dynamics on the highest level and optimum values in its segment. With a 400-hp five-cylinder engine that generates 500 Nm of torque, the car ensures quick acceleration and highly emotional sound. This is the first Audi ever to include the RS torque splitter, which variably distributes the torque between the rear wheels. In terms of looks, the RS 3 demonstrates its sporty genes with a widened body, the RS sport exhaust system and cockpit displays resembling those used in motorsport.2.BMW 2 Series Active TourerSpatial functionality, hallmark BMW driving pleasure and an extremely progressive approach mark out the new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer. The second generation of the sporty all-rounder for the premium compact segment exudes visual dynamism and imposing presence through BMW’s clear design language. Its fundamentally redesigned interior combines a variety of usage possibilities with modern geometry and a BMW Curved Display in the style of the BMW iX. Added to which, the new 2 Series Active Tourer leads the way when it comes to powertrain, driver assistance, control/operation and connectivity innovations.3.BMW 2 Series CoupéBMW is opening a new chapter in its tradition of super-sporty compact models. In the process it will set a new benchmark for driving pleasure – a brand speciality – at the premium end of this vehicle class. The new BMW 2 Series Coupé embodies sporting prowess in a particularly concentrated form, with a vehicle concept focused squarely on dynamic excellence, an athletic design, powerful engines and sophisticated chassis technology.4.BMW 4 Series Gran CoupéSignature BMW driving pleasure, sporting elegance and modern functionality come together in the new BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé. Its vehicle concept – comprising four doors, a large tailgate, dynamically flowing lines and five full-size seats – brings a highly distinctive character profile to the premium reaches of the midsize class. The second generation of the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé also makes its mark in fine style with noticeably enhanced driving dynamics, a sharper design in the brand’s new design language, a refined premium ambience in the cabin and a wide array of innovations in the areas of control/operation and connectivity. Five model variants will be available from launch, developing between 135 kW/184 hp and 275 kW/374 hp.5.BMW i4All-electric mobility reaches the very heart of the BMW brand. The BMW i4 is the brand’s first electric vehicle focused squarely on driving dynamics. Locally emission-free driving pleasure, compromise-free premium quality and customer-oriented individualisation come to the traditional core of the midsize segment for the first time. Market launch gets underway in November 2021 with two model variants: BMW i4 M50 – the first purely electric performance car from BMW M GmbH, with 400 kW/544 hp, all-wheel drive and a range of up to 521 kilometres in the WLTP cycle; BMW i4 eDrive40 with 250 kW/340 hp, classical rear-wheel drive and a range of up to 590 kilometres in the WLTP cycle.6.BMW iXThe BMW iX is a modern SUV which has been designed from the inside out and which redefines the idea of interior spaciousness and luxury. The BMW Group has set a high bar for sustainability with the vehicle concept, materials selection, raw materials extraction and manufacturing of the BMW iX. The model variants available from launch will be powered by one electric motor at the front axle and another at the rear axle, together producing a system output of 385 kW/523 hp in the BMW iX xDrive50 and 240 kW/326 hp in the BMW iX xDrive40.7.DS 4DS 4 has eye-catching proportions. With a benchmark width of 1.83 metres and large diameter 720-millimetre wheels (alloys up to 20 inches, 19 inches as standard from TROCADERO and PERFORMANCE LINE up), for a compact length of 4.40 metres and a roof height of 1.47 metres, the dimensions are striking with a memorably imposing presence.The profile combines fluidity and sharp lines. The flush fitting door handles go with sculpted surfaces on the sides. The ratio of the bodywork to the large diameter wheels (including a 20-inch offering with aero inserts) comes from the DS AERO SPORT LOUNGE concept, displaying an imposing and unique presence.8.Genesis G70All-new Genesis G70 saloon embodies premium design and on-road dynamismUnique and compelling character the result of Genesis’s tireless pursuit of perfectionTireless development on European roads, including the legendary Nürburgring circuitUnique chassis and steering calibration for dynamic and involving driving experienceLatest iteration of brand’s distinctive ‘Athletic Elegance’ design languageSpacious and well-equipped interior that emphasises high performance luxury9.Hyundai Kona NWith technology inspired by motorsports, the N brand excels at delivering driving enthusiasm by providing racetrack capabilities and ‘corner rascal’ ride and handling character in everyday sports cars, and the Kona N is no exception.Kona N is powered by a flat-power, 2.0-liter, turbocharged and intercooled, direct-injected engine with an N eight-speed wet, dual-clutch transmission (N DCT) with paddle shifters. This N DCT is the enhanced version of Hyundai’s in-house developed N DCT, an eight-speed wet-type dual-clutch transmission.10.Kia EV6The all-new 2022 Kia EV6 crossover arrives as the brand’s first dedicated battery electric vehicle (BEV). The introduction of EV6 signals the U.S. launch of Kia’s ‘Plan S’ strategy that will deliver 11 all-new electrified models across the world by 2026. The E-GMP modular platform maximizes development efficiency and enables the Kia brand to expand its dedicated EV portfolio across multiple vehicle segments – sedans, CUVs, SUVs – in a short time and with minimal complexity. The architecture provides an adaptable foundation with a long wheelbase and wide stance.11.McLaren ArturaThe all-new McLaren Artura is revealed today, marking the beginning of both a new chapter for the pioneering luxury supercar company and a new era in supercar technology and performance.McLaren’s first series-production High-Performance Hybrid supercar focuses more than half a century of the company’s racing and road-car experience and expertise into a next-generation supercar that blends ground-breaking technology with McLaren’s dedication to pure driver engagement.Underpinned by the McLaren philosophy of super-lightweight engineering, the all-new Artura is the distillation of every attribute inherent in a McLaren – distinctive design, unrivalled performance, dynamic excellence and engineering innovation – with electrification now bringing the additional benefits of even faster throttle response, lower emissions and being able to run in pure EV mode for emissions-free journeys of up to 30km.12.The new Mercedes-Benz C-ClassFollowing the recent launch of the new C-Class generation it is now possible to order the C 300 e and the C 300 e Estate as the first plug-in hybrid models. The market launch of the Saloon is taking place immediately, while the Estate will land in dealerships from December. The level control system thanks to air suspension at the rear comes as standard in both models. Prices start at €56,168 (C 300 e) and €57,9532 (C 300 e Estate), respectively. An environmental bonus of €5625 in Germany helps to makes both models particularly attractive. Diesel plug-in hybrid models are set to follow in due course.
"In our Automotive News Weekly Recap you can watch all the news from the last week. This week: Mercedes EQC - World Premiere of electric SUV EQC in Stockholm Chevrolet unveiled the Colorado ZR2 Bison Mercedes-Benz Vision Urbanetic into the city of the future The new BMW 3 Series Sedan enters the final phase of testing The new Mercedes-Benz GLE - The SUV trendsetter completely reconceived BMW Motorrad presents autonomous driving BMW R 1200 GS Jeep Cherokee - 44 Years of unique models First details - The Škoda Kodiaq RS Mopar for the new Jeep Cherokee"
In the heat of the summer it is time to look at the best cars that could bring us some coolness while driving towards a beautiful beach, a majestic mountain or just to a breathtaking view....
With its clearly structured surfaces, dynamic lines and large air intakes, the front apron adds even greater emphasis to the sporty appearance of the new BMW 3 Series Sedan and BMW 3 Series Touring. The redesigned headlights and kidney grille also give the car strong visual presence. The standard full-LED headlights are now much slimmer, with clear contours and daytime driving lights arranged in an inverted L shape to create a harmonious and modern look.Adaptive LED Headlights are available as an option, and are identifiable by the blue accents inside their covers. Blue light effects below the headlight units also give the front end a striking and high-class appearance in the hours of darkness. The Adaptive LED Headlights’ range of functions includes the cornering light and non-dazzling matrix high beam as well as dynamic headlight range control and variable light distribution.The lightly modified contours and new double bars give the BMW kidney grille an even more powerful look. Air intakes in Black high-gloss positioned below the kidney grille cool the braking system and add a sophisticated touch.
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