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 2022 Suzuki S-Cross
The Suzuki S-Cross has earned high acclaim for its stylish design, compact and easy to manage dimensions, good on-road performance as well as off-road capability with its optional ALLGRIP Select 4×4 system. It is now replaced by an all-new model which takes advantage of Suzuki’s long established expertise in packaging vehicles above their class with flexibility, an even higher level of safety equipment and the latest technology to meet the diverse needs of both driver and passengers.
The S-Cross expresses Suzuki’s SUV styling heritage and the new model makes a strong statement featuring a bold and more muscular design that enhances its presence with larger and more angular wheel arches and smooth flowing lines. The front design incorporates a raised bonnet line, piano black front grille and new design three LED position headlamps that help portray a high centre of gravity. This theme continues at the rear with larger combination lamps that integrate horizontally with the rear centre garnish to emphasise a sense of width, in addition to roof rails and integrated rear spoiler. This all-new design is complemented with a more spacious and versatile interior and an even higher standard and safety specification than the previous model.
S-Cross is produced at the Magyar Suzuki plant in Hungary which also produces Vitara models for European markets as well as exports of both vehicles around the world.
1.4-LITRE K14D BOOSTERJET TURBOCHARGED ENGINE
The Boosterjet engine was developed with Suzuki’s ethos of reducing weight and size with added response and smooth power delivery to achieve the characteristics that Suzuki engines are renowned for.
The 1.4-litre engine was developed further in 2020 and is fitted to both model grades. Offering the same level of power and torque of a much larger capacity normally aspirated engine (2.0-litre), it delivers an effortless drive and genuine driving pleasure.
The 1.4-litre engine offers strong benefits in performance too with a 0-62mph acceleration time of 9.5 seconds (2WD models) for both manual and automatic transmissions and a maximum speed (where permitted) of 118mph.
48V HYBRID TECHNOLOGY
The 48V Suzuki system is lightweight and consists of a lithium-ion battery, Integrated Starter Generator (known as ISG) and 48V-12V (DC/DC) converter to power components requiring lower voltage including lights, audio and air conditioning. The ISG acts as both a generator and starter motor, is belt driven and assists the petrol engine during vehicle take off for a higher level of torque with 235Nm available from 2,000rpm and up to 3,000rpm.
Next-Generation Ford Ranger
Ford today put the global pick-up world on notice by revealing the smartest, most versatile and most capable Ranger ever – delivering an even more desirable pick-up partner for customers.
Using years of Ford truck expertise and deep understanding of truck customers, the company collaborated with customers around the globe to create a vehicle and ownership experience that next‑gen Ranger owners can rely on for their businesses, family lives and adventure.
“With Ranger, we’ve had a big extended family for decades,” said Jim Farley, president and chief executive officer, Ford Motor Company. “This truck has always been a trusted partner to small business owners, farmers, families, adventurers, commercial fleets and so many more in more than 180 markets around the world. And with the new Ranger, this is our moment to deliver. Not just a product our customers will love, but an always-on experience that will help us build strong and lasting relationships with them. This is the midsize truck people will want to own and experience.”
Order books for next-generation Ranger will open in Europe in late 2022 for customer delivery in early 2023. The current Ranger is Europe’s pick-up segment leader and recently set a new September year-to-date sales record of 45,539 units, with market share of 39.9 per cent. 2
Customer input was key to developing the next-generation Ranger’s rugged new look. Ford spent a lot of time with owners around the globe, conducting more than 5,000 interviews and dozens of customer workshops to understand how customers used their pick-ups and what they wanted and expected in the new Ranger.
Visually, the next-generation Ranger is bold and confident, with a purposeful exterior that shares Ford’s global truck design DNA. The design features a defined new grille, and signature C‑clamp headlight treatment at the front while a subtle shoulder line down the sides incorporates bolder wheel arches that gives Ranger a sure-footed stance. For the first time, Ford Ranger offers matrix LED headlights. At the back, the taillights are designed in harmony with the signature graphics on the front. Inside, the car‑like cabin steps up, using premium soft‑touch materials, and prominent portrait‑style centre touchscreen with Ford’s signature SYNC™ 4 connectivity and entertainment system. 3
“Customers told us the Ranger needs to look tough and needs to inspire confidence,” said Max Tran, chief designer for Ranger. “They were very clear in what Ranger should be, both in the way it looks, and the way it makes them feel.”
Beneath the new bodywork is an upgraded chassis riding on a wheelbase 50mm longer and a track 50mm wider than the prior Ranger. A hydro‑formed front‑end structure creates more space in the engine bay for the new V6 engine and helps future-proof the Ranger for other propulsion technologies. It also opens up the front of the pick-up to allow more airflow to the radiator, which helps keep running temperatures low when towing or carrying heavy loads.
Customers wanted a choice of more power and torque for towing heavy loads and extreme off‑roading, so the team added Ford’s proven 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel and developed it for the Ranger. It is one of three turbodiesel engine options available at launch. 1
“The 3.0-litre turbodiesel V6 delivers,” said Pritika Maharaj, Ranger program manager. “When you drive a Ranger with the V6 turbodiesel, it feels like a much bigger truck. And it feels really tough in the sense that it’s got endless power and torque, which is exactly what our customers wanted.”
The next-gen Ranger will also come with a choice of proven Single-Turbo and Bi-Turbo 2.0-litre in-line four-cylinder diesels. The Single-Turbo comes in two different performance levels and delivers power, torque and fuel economy, 1 which is important to small business owners or commercial vehicle fleets. The Bi-Turbo engine is a more sophisticated, performance variant for customers who want more power but need to maintain fuel economy. 1
Nissan LEAF e+ scores maximum five-star rating in Green NCAP
Nissan LEAF e+ has passed the comprehensive Green NCAP assessment securing the maximum five-star rating from the independent testing body.
Established to promote the development of cars that are clean, energy-efficient and kind to the environment, the industry-leading Green NCAP initiative awarded the LEAF e+ a string of exceptional scores across its three testing parameters, reinforcing the model’s extensive sustainability credentials.
Put through its paces in real-world and laboratory tests according to thorough clean air, greenhouse gas and energy efficiency standards, the zero-emission LEAF e+ achieved a perfect rating in the first two assessments.
Underscoring the intelligent design of the fully electric 62kWh powertrain, the LEAF e+ secured 9.9/10 for its impressive energy efficiency performance, with Green NCAP highlighting its innovative e-Pedal with regenerative energy technology.
Marco Fioravanti, Region Vice President, Product Planning, Nissan AMIEO, said: “Since the model’s launch as the first mass-market electric vehicle in 2010, the Nissan LEAF has made sustainable, zero-emission mobility an attainable reality for hundreds of thousands of customers around the world.” Dave Moss, Region Senior Vice President, Research & Development, Nissan AMIEO added: “The maximum five-star rating for the LEAF e+ awarded by Green NCAP is a powerful testament to the quality of the product, and the extensive expertise that Nissan has gained throughout a pioneering decade of innovation in electrification. I want to thank the whole Research & Development team which made this achievement possible.”
As the culmination of 10 years of development for the LEAF, the LEAF e+ offers customers a comprehensive blend of efficient electric power and intelligent driver assistance technologies.
The model’s 62kWh powertrain yields up to 385km of range under the WLTP combined cycle, while the innovative e-Pedal allows drivers to accelerate, decelerate and stop using one pedal – maximising efficiency on the move.
PopUp Motor Shows to return in build-up to British Motor Show 2022
The organisers of The British Motor Show have announced the first in a series of ‘PopUp’ Motor Shows after successfully launching the concept last year.
The first PopUp Motor Show of the current season opens at Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth, on December 1, and will run until Christmas Eve.
It’s the first of four PopUp Motor Shows, sponsored by cinch, which will take place at venues around the country between now and the main show taking place next summer.
As well as featuring the latest new models from a selection of local retailers, the show will include a number of other interesting cars, gifts and interactive activities, along with the chance for visitors to win a car courtesy of the Show’s headline sponsor, cinch.
The free-to-enter exhibition will use 5,000 square feet of retail space, with expected footfall of over four million people visiting the shopping centre in the run-up to Christmas.
The British Motor Show CEO, Andy Entwistle, who is behind the event said: “Think of the PopUp Motor Show as a creche for car fans, kids and car buyers whilst out shopping – as we head towards the first Christmas since lockdown restrictions have been lifted and we look forward to spending time with our families.”
“The PopUp Motor Show is much more than just a means of promoting The British Motor Show 2022, our headline sponsors cinch and our other partners – it’s a great place for people to come along and get some advice, buy essential Christmas gifts for the car fan in their life and meet likeminded enthusiasts as we build up to the big event next summer, which is set to build on the staggering success of 2021.”
In 2022, The British Motor Show will take place from August 18-21 at Farnborough International, but will be even bigger and will feature even more interactive content, as manufacturers and exhibitors have already booked stand space following the show’s triumphant return.
Run alongside a major partnership with cinch, The UK’s fastest-growing online used car marketplace, the show will continue for at least the next four years, returning to the same venue.
The 2021 show featured an amazing mix of new, used and classic cars, supercars, driving displays and marketplace sellers, with the halls and outdoor areas of the show packed throughout.
But unlike traditional motor shows, it was the event’s multiple interactive and live elements that really set it apart, with visitors praising its size, value, layout and content.
Celebrity guests included Fuzz Townshend and Tim Shaw form Car SOS, TV motoring pundit Mike Brewer, presenter Vikki-Butler Henderson and YouTube sensation Yianni, who mixed happily with the crowds.
Coupled to a Live Stage and an Live Arena featuring the Paul Swift Stunt Show, the British Army Lightning Bolts parachute display team, Car Football, supercar and motorsport displays, many guests returned for a second day to make sure they got to see everything that was happening.
No other Motor Show has ever delivered such a variety of content, celebrity guests and live action, nor has it had such a focus on supporting our incredible automotive industry, which contributes £18.6 billion to the British economy at a time when it needs it most.
The ŠKODA SLAVIA: second ŠKODA model in the INDIA 2.0 project makes its debut
The introduction of the SLAVIA marks the start of ŠKODA AUTO’s next stage in the INDIA 2.0 project. Following the successful launch of the KUSHAQ SUV, the brand-new saloon is the Czech carmaker’s second India-specific model. The SLAVIA is produced in the country, with a localisation level of 95%. As the saloon is based on the MQB-A0-IN platform – an MQB variant specially adapted by ŠKODA AUTO for India – it offers a comprehensive range of safety features and advanced infotainment systems. The power output of the TSI engines available for the SLAVIA is 85 kW (115 PS)* and 110 kW (150 PS)* respectively, and just like other ŠKODAs, this model is characterised by an emotive design. Its name is both a tribute to the carmaker’s beginnings and a symbol of a new era in the Indian market.
Thomas Schäfer, ŠKODA AUTO CEO, said: “With the new SLAVIA, we are igniting the next stage of our INDIA 2.0 product campaign. Following the successful launch of the KUSHAQ, we are now entering another popular segment with our brand-new saloon. The SLAVIA is perfectly tailored to the needs of our customers in India and is built with a localisation level of up to 95%. We are confident that both the KUSHAQ and the SLAVIA will allow us to leverage the full potential in this promising, growing market.”
Gurpratap Boparai, Managing Director of ŠKODA AUTO Volkswagen India Private Limited, stated: “The successful start of the INDIA 2.0 project with the KUSHAQ truly highlights what can be achieved with global collaboration here in India. In addition to the increasingly sought-after SUVs, the premium saloon segment offers tremendous potential, and it’s a territory that we have made our own. The sophisticated SLAVIA stands for prestige and style. It also represents a new growth area for ŠKODA AUTO. With its sophistication, capable engines and numerous Simply Clever features, the SLAVIA will appeal to discerning customers in India, and it will also be appreciated in markets around the world. We are confident that the ŠKODA SLAVIA will continue the benchmarks set by the OCTAVIA and SUPERB, and will help us to further strengthen our dominance in the segment.”
One million and counting: SEAT hits sales landmark
SEAT has reached a new milestone in the UK, the sale of one million vehicles.
The millionth car, a SEAT Leon e-HYBRID, was registered by Pulman SEAT (based in Southwick, Sunderland) and sold to a private customer.
The UK is SEAT’s third largest market, after Spain and Germany, and it has exported cars here since September 1985. The first models were the first-generation SEAT Ibiza and the Malaga saloon, with both models initially achieving a combined first year sales total of 405.
By comparison, SEAT sold 68,800 vehicles in 2019, a new UK record for the brand, and was one of the fastest growing major automotive manufacturers in the country. To date in 2021, SEAT sales have already passed 40,000, close to surpassing the full-year 2020 COVID-effected figures.
The introduction of the CUPRA brand in 2019 and the MÓ eco-mobility brand in 2021 has further quickened the pace at which the SEAT brand has increased sales and electrified its line-up.
As of today, SEAT has plug-in hybrid models of the Leon and Tarraco, CUPRA has plug-in variants of the Leon and Formentor, as well as the all-electric Born, while the MÓ eScooter 125 is an all-electric scooter, ideal for traversing the city efficiently and cleanly.
Richard Harrison, Managing Director of SEAT UK said: “The UK is one of SEAT’s largest and most significant international markets. This is a tremendous milestone and comes at a time when SEAT offers its most diverse range of vehicles yet. Our SUV family – Arona, Ateca and Tarraco – have sold extremely well within the UK, while legacy models – Ibiza and Leon – continue their longstanding popularity.
“It’s fitting that the one millionth car is a Leon e-HYBRID as it symbolises SEAT’s journey towards electrified powertrains. With a range of petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid and fully electric powertrains, and six models to choose from, all our UK customers can easily find a SEAT to suit their needs.”
