As we come to the end of another week we look at some of the Motoring news which you may have missed starting with the new Volkswagen Golf GTI
The new Volkswagen Golf GTI is now open for order in the UK, in both manual and DSG formats, from £33,4601. Alongside the eighth generation of the iconic GTI hot hatchback, the Golf’s potent and ultra-low emission GTE variant can now be configured too. In this latest wave of new Golf variants now available to order, a frugal, 1.0-litre eTSI mild hybrid drivetrain is also introduced to the line-up.
The eighth-generation Volkswagen Golf GTI starts at £33,4601 for the 6-speed manual-equipped variant, and £34,9601 with a quick-shifting 7-speed DSG. The model reaches 62 mph from a standstill in 6.2 seconds in its quickest, DSG-equipped form, with 245 PS and 370 Nm on tap from its 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine. The model will continue on to a 155 mph top speed regardless of transmission.
The eighth-generation Golf GTI brings with it a comprehensive standard equipment package, including styling upgrades, new convenience features and the latest driver assistance systems. At the front, the Golf GTI gets an illuminated grille strip, as well as LED fog lights in the GTI’s distinctive honeycomb design, with IQ.Light LED matrix headlights completing the light signature. A set of 18-inch ‘Richmond’ alloy wheels gives the GTI a purposeful look from the side.
At the rear, a pair of chrome plated tailpipes sits beneath a uniquely styled GTI bumper – the GTI receives bespoke front and rear bumpers as part of its assertive, sporty look. A roof spoiler also marks out the back, as well as smoked LED tail lights with dynamic turn signals.
On the inside, the Golf GTI’s sports seats are clad in a new iteration of the Golf GTI’s distinctive Jacara check cloth, while the sports steering wheel is leather-wrapped and heated, with paddle shifters for the DSG-equipped variant. The gearshift knob is finished in aluminium, while Black Metal Chrome dash and door panels bring a sleek look to the interior. A keyless entry and start/stop system, 3Zone climate control and electrically heated, adjustable and foldable door mirrors with built-in puddle lights all also feature as standard.
The car’s driver assistance systems include lane change assist and Travel Assist with Side Assist and Emergency Assist. A new front locking differential and Vehicle Dynamics Manager system are also included, delivering an even sharper and agile driving experience, along with the unrivalled long-distance comfort that Volkswagen has woven into the DNA of the GTI over the past 45 years. The new Vehicle Dynamics Manager function controls all electromechanically adjustable running systems such as the XDS electronic differential, alongside the new locking differential and optional adaptive dampers. The result is a significantly enhanced balance between maximum driving dynamics and the highest levels of comfort.
New Generation Mercedes S-Class priced
The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class is now on sale, with prices starting from £78,705 on-the-road for the standard wheelbase S 350 d AMG Line.
The S 350 d features an inline six-cylinder diesel engine, which produces 286 hp and 600 Nm of torque. It emits 173 g/km of CO2 and delivers between 40.4 and 42.8 combined mpg (39.2 and 39.8 mpg for LWB). It can reach 62 mph from standstill in 6.4 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.
Priced from £94,135 OTR, the S 400 d 4MATIC – only available in long wheelbase – uses an inline six-cylinder diesel engine, producing 330 hp and 700 Nm. It emits 192 g/km of CO2 and delivers between 37.7 and 38.7 mpg on the combined cycle. It can travel from 0 to 62 mph in 5.4 seconds and also has an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.
The petrol-powered S 500 4MATIC – with prices starting from £89,105 – produces 435 hp and 520 Nm of torque and can sprint to 62 mph in just 4.9 seconds. The S 500 uses EQ Boost which features an integrated starter-generator powered by the 48 V on-board electrical system – this also enables certain hybrid functions, ultimately improving overall performance and efficiency. As a result, the S 500 delivers between 32.8 and 34.9 mpg (31.7 and 32.5 mpg for the long wheel-base variant) and emits 184 g/km of CO2.
All models come as standard with a 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic transmission. The S 400 d and S 500 are also now available with 4MATIC all-wheel-drive.
The new S-Class features the next generation of Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) with a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen central display, a 12.3-inch digital driver display, plus an MBUX tablet – which can be used as a fully-fledged tablet outside of the vehicle, including the ability to download Android apps (MBUX tablet is available as part of the Executive line). The driver display is also optionally available with 3D technology, including facial recognition which can monitor driver drowsiness and exterior mirror settings.
The ‘Hey Mercedes’ virtual assistant is also more intelligent than ever, now recognising instructions or requests from any seat in the car.
Available to order now, with first UK vehicles arriving late 2020
Bentley Fragrances has introduce three new scents
Bentley Fragrances has introduce three new scents in its exclusive Bentley Beyond collection: Radiant Osmanthus – a fruity floral scent; Mellow Heliotrope – a delicately powdery scent; Vibrant Hibiscus – an exuberant floral scent.
Each exquisite scent is captured in a luxurious, heavy glass bottle, with a thick base. Inspired by the signature cut-crystal headlights of the Bentley Continental GT, the glass has a satin-like effect. Each bottle is finished with a unique cap featuring coloured suede detailing and bearing the name of the scent itself.
This luxurious new wardrobe of scents for trailblazing women will satisfy their appreciation of high-quality materials, meticulous craftsmanship and originality. For such exacting customers, fragrance must be an individual statement and a true expression of their personality.
Women have always been part of Bentley’s history – the Bentley Boys may have set the pace on and off the race-track, but Bentley Girls refused to take a back seat, breaking motoring records and making their mark in inimitable Bentley style.
Women like Diana Barnato-Walker, daughter of Woolf ‘Babe’ Barnato, heir to a diamond fortune who bought Bentley Motors in 1926 and sealed his name in the annals of motor-racing history in the 1920s. Diana was a pioneering English aviator, a former Spitfire pilot who was the first British woman to break the sound barrier in 1963, thus establishing the air speed record for women.
Then there was Dorothy Paget, the heiress and race-horse owner, who was responsible in the late 1920s for financing the team of supercharged Bentley Blowers created by Sir Henry ‘Tim’ Birkin. Without her largesse in funding a private racing team based in Welwyn, the four racers would never have been built.
To celebrate the proud heritage of these adventurous and ingenious women, Bentley Fragrances offers three unique perfumes, each interpreting the individual characteristics of a unique flower to express the character of the exceptional women who wear them. Difficult to find … impossible to forget.
Vauxhall confirms prices and specs for all new Mokka and Mokka-E
Vauxhall has confirmed prices and specifications for the all-new Mokka and the 100% electric Mokka-e, with order books now open.
The new Mokka will start from £20,735 in SE trim, while prices for the Mokka-e start from £30,840 for SE Nav Premium models after the Government Plug-in Car Grant (PICG)*. With orders now open, deliveries are set to begin in April 2021.
The all-new Mokka and Mokka-e represent the first step in Vauxhall’s bold new design language. Both vehicles feature Vauxhall’s innovative Vizor front end with a single module that contains the new Griffin logo and LED headlights. The Vauxhall Vizor will be a key feature on all future Vauxhall models.
Customers can choose from a range of striking new colours – including Mamba Green, Voltaic Blue and Power Red – and a combination of contrasting roof and bonnet colours available) for a personalised look.
Built on the Common Modular Platform (CMP), the new Mokka is up to 120kg lighter than the outgoing model, with a more responsive and agile chassis thanks to improved body stiffness. All models provide up to 350-litres of boot space with the rear seats in place, regardless of powertrain.
Inside, the new Mokka and Mokka-e continue Vauxhall’s new pure and bold design philosophy with the launch of the Pure Panel display. A single panel features two wide screens, which measure up to 10- and 12-inches in size, with both tilted to towards the driver for ease of use and access. The system comes with the latest infotainment features, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard.
The new Mokka is available with an all-electric powertrain – the Mokka-e – or highly efficient petrol and diesel engines.
All Mokka-e models feature a 50kWh lithium-ion battery and a 100kW (136hp) electric motor with 260Nm of torque as standard. The Mokka-e also comes with a standard 11kW on-board charger. Under preliminary WLTP tests, the Mokka-e has a range of up to 201 miles from a single charge.
Hyudai Motor to accelerate urban air mobility test flights
Hyundai Motor Company is partnering with Incheon International Airport Corp. (IIAC), Hyundai Engineering & Construction Co. and KT Corp. to accelerate the development of Urban Air Mobility (UAM) and work together to conduct test flights. With a memorandum of understanding signed on September 18, the four parties will work toward commercialising UAM by 2028.
In June 2020, the Korean government announced the Korean UAM Roadmap, outlining steps needed to commercialise UAM. Hyundai Motor and its partners will align with the roadmap that includes the Korean UAM Grand Challenge, the public-private joint demonstration project that provides the basis for jointly studying the construction and operation of vertiports, airports for UAMs.
Hyundai will push forward developing the UAM business and securing business cases while IIAC will work to establish the infrastructure and study feasibility of utilising UAM as airport shuttles. Hyundai Construction will utilise its expertise to build vertiports as well as the transit hub that will connect UAM to other public transportations. KT will set up the communications infrastructure and make business cases for UAM as a mobility service. All four parties will be sharing necessary information during the development as well as jointly working on test flights.
“The breadth and depth of this partnership shows what it will take to build a comprehensive UAM ecosystem to serve megacities like Seoul,” said Jaiwon Shin, Executive Vice President and Head of Urban Air Mobility Division at Hyundai Motor. “Building a robust infrastructure and business model is just as important as developing innovative UAM vehicles. This partnership demonstrates Hyundai’s commitment to facilitating progress for humanity by ushering in a new era of urban air mobility that will revolutionise transportation.”
At CES 2020, Hyundai unveiled its innovative vision for urban mobility and its first concept Urban Air Mobility vehicle equipped with eVTOL.
Lotus reveals further details on the Evija all-electric hypercar
Lotus reveals further details on the Evija all-electric hypercar in a stunning new film featuring an engineering development vehicle testing on the 2.2-mile track at Hethel.
At the wheel is Gavan Kershaw, Director of Vehicle Attributes for Lotus, who provides extensive new commentary on key elements of the Evija project. At almost five minutes long and using on-board cameras to reveal new views of the car, it’s the most detailed insight yet into the dynamic excellence of Britain’s first all-electric hypercar.
The film has been launched as the Evija takes centre stage at this week’s Salon Prive Concours d’Elegance, the UK’s most exclusive motor show. It’s staged in the beautiful gardens of Blenheim Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site in heart of the Oxfordshire countryside.
In the film, Kershaw reveals how from the earliest discussions about what the Evija should be, the goal was to create a hypercar with genuine everyday usability. He reveals new details on the progressive deployment of power and torque though the car’s five drive modes:
