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Geneva Preview: 2011 Kia Sportage

February 3rd 2010 18:00
2011 Kia Sportage


Continuing their recent good run of form is Korean car maker Kia who has just announced the world premiere of the bold, athletic and sporty all-new Sportage at this year's Geneva Motor Show in March.


The crossover vehicle is visually dynamic with its bold and athletic design while also retaining the DNA of Kia's recent design direction as shown in the Cerato and Sorrento models.

2011 Kia Sportage


The new generation Sportage is larger than its predecessors in all dimensions - its longer, lower and wider - and thus will offer more space for people and cargo, with an improved ride quality thanks to the longer wheelbase.

Available in a range of petrol and diesel engines, further details of the Sportage will be available after its debut at the Geneva International Motor Show on March 2.


The Official Kia Press Release:

World premiere for all-new Kia Sportage at Geneva

Bold, athletic and sporty all-new Sportage to make its world premiere in March 2010
Marking a shift in design direction for the popular SUV

(Seoul) February 3, 2010 – The all-new Kia Sportage crossover will mark a dramatic shift in design direction for the brand's popular SUV when it makes its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show on 2 March.

Embodying Kia's newfound visual dynamism, the new Sportage is a fresh, bold, athletic and sporty design that successfully blends the key features of an SUV – the commanding driving position and heightened sense of security and raised ground clearance – and envelopes them in a sleek and urban-friendly design with global appeal.

Longer, lower and wider than the previous generation model, the new Sportage will offer more space for people and cargo, with an improved ride quality thanks to a longer wheelbase.

The all-new Sportage crossover will be available at Kia dealerships later this year, with a range of highly competitive diesel and gasoline engines.

The world premiere of the new Sportage will take place on 2 March (8:45AM, CET) at the Kia Stand (No. 6441) in Hall 6 at the Geneva International Motor Show.


[Source: Kia]








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MINI Countryman


MINI has today officially unveiled the Countryman Crossover - a cross between the classic concept of the MINI and a modern Sports Activity Vehicle - ahead of its official debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

The Countryman becomes the fourth model in the MINI family and targets the demographic requiring extra space and flexibility yet still having the unique driving pleasure so typical of MINI. As the first model in the MINI range with four doors and a wide-opening rear lid, the MINI Countryman provides even greater freedom of space for truly versatile use, a slightly elevated seating position, and optimised driving comfort.

MINI Countryman


Full integration of the passengers within the vehicle creates that driving experience so typical of MINI. And at the same time the MINI Countryman maintains that go-kart feeling likewise so characteristic of MINI, optional MINI ALL4 all-wheel drive offering an additional highlight for the genuine connoisseur. In a nutshell, therefore, the MINI Countryman offers all the characteristic features of the brand in terms of design, premium quality, handling, efficiency and customisation in new, fascinating style.

The MINI Countryman will be powered by a choice of three petrol and two diesel engines, with output ranging from 66 -135 kW. The 135 kW MINI Cooper S Countryman is the flagship of the range; its 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine comes for the first time not only with a twin-scroll turbocharger and direct fuel injection, but also with fully variable valve management offering by far the best balance of engine power and fuel consumption in its class.

MINI Countryman interior


And as an alternative to the six-speed manual gearbox featured as standard, the petrol engine models are also available with six-speed automatic complete with Steptronic.

As an option the MINI Cooper S Countryman and MINI Cooper D Countryman are available with permanent MINI ALL4 all-wheel drive, an electro-hydraulic differential positioned directly on the final drive varying the distribution from front to rear in an infinite process. Under normal driving conditions up to 50 per cent of the engine's power goes to the rear wheels, under extreme conditions up to 100 per cent, offering a new, high-traction rendition of that agile handling so typical of MINI.

The Official MINI Press Release:

Fun has no Limits: The MINI Countryman*. (* The name of the car may vary in some markets.)

MINI is adding a fourth model to the family, opening up a new dimension of that unmistakable MINI feeling. As a genuine Crossover, the MINI Countryman bridges the gap between the classic concept of the MINI and a modern Sports Activity Vehicle. Boasting enhanced opportunities in urban mobility and beyond, the MINI Countryman offers that unique driving pleasure so typical of MINI to new target groups requiring extra space and flexibility. As the first model in the MINI range with four doors and a wide-opening rear lid, the MINI Countryman provides even greater freedom of space for truly versatile use, a slightly elevated seating position, and optimized driving comfort. Full integration of the passengers within the vehicle creates that driving experience so typical of MINI. And at the same time the MINI Countryman maintains that go-kart feeling likewise so characteristic of MINI, optional MINI ALL4 all-wheel drive offering an additional highlight for the genuine connoisseur. In a nutshell, therefore, the MINI Countryman offers all the characteristic features of the brand in terms of design, premium quality, handling, efficiency and customisation in new, fascinating style.

The MINI Countryman carries on the design of the brand in superior style and quality, combining larger body dimensions, greater ground clearance and four doors at the side with those unmistakable design features so characteristic of MINI. Short overhangs, a high window line, powerful stance on the wheels, and window graphics extending round the entire car create those unique proportions so typical of MINI. At the same time the MINI Countryman re-interprets the characteristic icons of a MINI such as the roofline, the hexagon radiator grille, the large headlights integrated in the engine lid, the surrounds on the side direction indicators, the voluminous wheel arches and the upright rear light clusters in new style and class.

Proceeding from that design language so typical of MINI, the MINI Countryman authentically visualises the particular features of this very special car. Positioned almost upright, the front end bears out strong presence and serves to optimise pedestrian safety. The extra space within the car, in turn, is emphasised by extra-large windows, the introduction of four doors, and the individual shape of the roof. The particularly wide frame around the lower part of the body and the powerfully flared wheel arches highlight the robust character of the car and its all-wheel drive. With that typical MINI style now being conveyed to a new segment in absolute clarity and precision, the MINI Countryman stands out from the start as a brand-new, highly innovative model but is nevertheless clearly identifiable from the very beginning as a genuine MINI.

Within the interior again typical of the brand, the MINI Countryman boasts innovative design and function elements throughout. The slightly elevated seating position guarantees comfortable and pleasant access to the car, optimises the driver's all-round view, and underlines the powerful character of this new model. The Central Display and air vents are surrounded by coloured rings. The MINI Center Rail quite unique the world over, extending from front to rear instead of a conventional centre console, opens up new, individual options for integrating all kinds of storage boxes, cupholders, external audio devices, mobile telephones and other comfort features. Flexibly positioned clip-in elements enable the driver and passengers to subdivide the storage boxes individually as required, keeping travel utensils within easy reach, wherever they are required. At the same time the Center Rail forms an unconventional, visual and functional connection between the front seats and the rear passenger compartment.

The MINI Countryman comes as standard with four seats, while a three-seat bench is available as a no-cost option. The interior offers superior comfort also on long distances, with generous legroom, headroom and shoulder freedom. The rear seats move fore-and-aft either individually or in a 60 : 40 (three-seat bench) split, the backrests may be tilted for angle either individually or in a 40 : 20 : 40 (three-seat bench) arrangement, increasing capacity in the luggage compartment from 350 to 1,170 litres (12.2–41.0 cu ft).

The MINI Countryman is entering the market with a choice of three petrol and two diesel engines, all coming in the new generation of power units developed with the full know-how of the BMW Group and naturally complying with the EU5 and, respectively, ULEV II emission standards. The power range extends from 66 kW/90 hp in the MINI One D Countryman all the way to 135 kW/184 hp in the MINI Cooper S Countryman. The 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine in the top model comes for the first time not only with a twin-scroll turbocharger and direct fuel injection, but also with fully variable valve management offering by far the best balance of engine power and fuel consumption in its class. As a particular highlight of the MINIMALISM fuel efficiency concept, the MINI Countryman comes as standard and in appropriate combinations on each model with a wide range of features serving to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, among them Brake Energy Regeneration, Auto Start Stop, a gearshift point indicator, and on-demand management of the engine's ancillary units. And as an alternative to the six-speed manual gearbox featured as standard, the petrol engine models are also available with six-speed automatic complete with Steptronic.

As an option the MINI Cooper S Countryman and MINI Cooper D Countryman are available with permanent MINI ALL4 all-wheel drive, an electrohydraulic differential positioned directly on the final drive varying the distribution from front to rear in an infinite process. Under normal driving conditions up to 50 per cent of the engine's power goes to the rear wheels, under extreme conditions up to 100 per cent, offering a new, high-traction rendition of that agile handling so typical of MINI. This superior traction and drivetrain technology is based on the top-end suspension of the MINI including features such as the front axle with McPherson spring struts and forged track control arms, the multi-arm rear axle and EPS Electric Power Steering complete with Servotronic. The MINI Countryman furthermore comes as standard with DSC Dynamic Stability Control, DTC Dynamic Traction Control coming either as an option or as a standard feature on the MINI Cooper S Countryman and the MINI Cooper D Countryman with ALL4, as well as an electronic limited-slip function for the front axle differential.

Designed for optimum safety in the event of a collision, the body structure with its precisely defined load paths and deformation zones ensures passive safety of the highest calibre. Frontal and side airbags as well as curtain airbags at the side both front and rear, three-point inertia-reel seat belts on all seats, belt latch tensioners and belt force limiters at the front, as well as ISOFIX child seat fastenings at the rear all come as standard. Yet another standard feature is the Tyre Defect Indicator, with runflat tyres coming as an option and standard on the MINI Cooper S Countryman with ALL4.

The wide range of customisation options on both the exterior and interior again so typical of MINI are supplemented by new, model-specific features exclusive to the MINI Countryman. New combinations in the range of interior colours, trim strips and upholstery enable even the most discerning customer to create his – or her – very special car with truly unique character. The wide range of standard features boasted by the MINI Countryman includes highlights such as air conditioning, the MINI Center Rail, and an audio system complete with a CD player. The equally wide range of options and special equipment tailored to each model comes with features such as high-end audio and navigation systems as well as mobile telephone interfaces including the option to completely integrate an Apple iPhone and other Smartphones in the car. Further options are the extra-large Panorama roof, Adaptive Headlights in combination with xenon headlight units, a heated windscreen, a towbar, light-alloy wheels ranging in size from 16 to 19 inches, sports suspension lowering the entire car by 10 millimetres or almost 0.4", as well as the wide range of John Cooper Works Performance Components.


[Source: MINI]







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2010 Mazda CX-7


Japanese car maker Mazda has announced that a facelifted CX-7 with a diesel engine will debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September


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2010 Volvo XC60 R-Design

July 7th 2009 18:30
Volvo XC60 R-Design


The Volvo XC60 CUV will soon be available in R-Design guise with the optional pack set for its worldwide debut at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show


[ Click here to read more ]
45
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2010 BMW X1

July 2nd 2009 18:45
BMW X1


BMW has officially announced the arrival of a new cross-over vehicle for the premium compact segment as they expand and enhance the range of BMW X models to 4 with the all-new X1


[ Click here to read more ]
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Audi Q5 custom concept


The Wörthersee Tour has been home to the unveilings of several concept cars over the past few years including the VW Golf GTI W12 of 2007


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Suzuki SX4 now with AWD

August 5th 2008 00:15
Suzuki SX4 AWD


Japanese car maker Suzuki has launched an AWD version of the SX4 hatchback to complement the 2WD hatch and sedan variants available in Australia until the end of August


[ Click here to read more ]
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Mazda Kazamai concept


Japanese car maker Mazda has released the first images of the Kazamai compact crossover concept vehicle ahead of its international debut at the Moscow International Automobile Salon next month


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Video: 2009 Volvo XC60

February 22nd 2008 10:30
Volvo XC60


A video of Volvo's XC60 crossover compact off-roader which the Swedish car maker proudly proclaims to be the most stunning Volvo to leave the production line has been released


[ Click here to read more ]
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Geneva Motor Show: 2009 Volvo XC60

February 21st 2008 05:15
Volvo XC60 Crossover


Swedish car maker Volvo has released some official pics and specs for the smallest off(soft)-roader in their line-up, the XC60 crossover vehicle


[ Click here to read more ]
77
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Geneva Motor Show preview: Ford Kuga

February 15th 2008 05:50
Ford Kuga


Ford's European Design team has applied its exciting 'kinetic design' form language to introduce a compact and distinctive new 4x4 crossover called Kuga to the Ford portfolio


[ Click here to read more ]
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