2011 Volkswagen Touran

New for 2011 is the facelifted Touran compact MPV. The Touran made its public debut at the Leipzig motor show back in April. After selling more than 1.13m units across the world and dominating nearly 50% market share (in its segment) in Germany, the Touran ranks among the top five in its class in Europe.

The facelift consists of a restyled grill, bigger front body-coloured bumper and a set of new headlights, all of which echo the Golf Mk6. At the rear, the Touran now gets LED tail-lights as well as a new spoiler for better aerodynamics.

Internally, major changes start with the new multi-function steering wheel, improve cabin materials with more use of chrome and enhanced front-seat headrests, all of which are also borrowed of the Golf Mk6.

Under the hood on the petrol side is VW's new-developed 1.2 litre TSI with 105bhp and 175Nm (129lb/ft) of torque. Combined fuel economy is rated at 44.1mpg (6.4l/100km) with CO2 emissions of 149g/km. In Bluemotion form, 47.8mpg (5.9l/100km) combined can be achieved, with CO2 emissions of 139g/km. The 1.2 TSI will feature alongside the previous 138bhp and 168bhp 1.4 litre engines.

On the diesel end, the arrangement stays the same with two 1.6 litre engines with 89bhp (90PS) and 104bhp (105PS) and two 2.0 litre TDI diesels with 138bhp (140PS) and 168bhp (170PS). The 1.6 TDI CR 90PS engine will return 55.3mpg (5.1/100km) combined. The Touran Bluemotion uses a 1.6 TDI CR 104bhp engine and has a combined fuel economy of 61.4mpg (4.6l/100km), while emitting 121g/km of CO2. The 2.0 TDI CR 170bhp is mated to a 7 speed DSG gearbox, while it’s optional on other engines, which gets a standard 6 speed manual.

A new feature added to the Touran is VW's Dynamic Light Assist, which helps control the headlamps' lighting so it doesn’t dazzle oncoming vehicles, while not compromising visibility for the driver. Standard features vary with each trim-level but include air-conditioning, radio/CD with MP3, x4 electric windows, light & rain sensors, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, chrome interior trim, black roof rails, multi-function leather steering wheel, 16” alloy wheels, front fog lamps, multi-function colour display and Alcantara interior.

Optional features consist of adaptive bi-xenon headlamps, metallic paint, panoramic glass sunroof, rear-view camera, RNS 315 touch-screen satellite navigation system and DCC dynamic chassis control.

The VW Touran will also see its price rise to £17,000 (€19,367) from £15,800 (€18,000) when it goes on sale during August in Germany, Autumn for rest of Europe.

 
 

2011 Hyundai Elantra/Avante interior rendering & photo gallery

At this year's Busan Motor Show in April, Hyundai gave us our first viewing of the stylish new Elantra sedan (Avante in South Korea). However, Hyundai only showed the exterior as the display model's windows were heavily tinted.

Now, Hyundai is teasing us with a theoretical image of the Elantra's/Avante interior that, like the exterior, promises a striking overhaul compared to the current model. Judging from the drawing, the 2011 Elantra's/Avante cabin design will continue the same "sculpted" theme.

The Elantra/Avante is expected to go on sale in South Korea with a new 140bhp 1.6 litre direct-injection petrol engine during Autumn. While Hyundai has yet to confirm a launch date, recent reports from South Korea claim that the new Elantra will be built at Hyundai’s Montgomery, Alabama plant starting from April 2011.

U.S bound models are moving into final testing stages, which has been spied by our boys in Death Valley, CA. Notice that the U.S market Elantra has an extended front bumper, likely to help it in meeting U.S crash regulations.

Hyundai has yet to decide what engine should go under the hood of the 2011 Elantra. While the 1.6 GDI is a little underpowered for U.S tastes, a direct-injected version of Hyundai's Theta 2.0 litre petrol engine seems like a possible candidate. Whatever the engine, Hyundai is most likely to offer a 6 speed automatic, seen in this pre-production prototype.

A photo of the interior that shows the tidy combination of a factory-installed satellite navigation system, plus a smart set of gauge binnacles. The Elantra will go on sale late 2010/early 2011 as a 2012 MY. An official unveiling at the LA Motor Show in November is expected.

 
2011 Hyundai Elantra spy pictures and 2011 Hyundai Avante/Elantra comparison:
 

2011 Mercedes Viano & Vito facelift

Mercedes has revealed the revised Viano and Vito models. The Viano is an executive MPV with loads of space and creature comforts for passengers. It features LED reading lamps and fibre optic units for interior ambient lighting. Options such as a Rear Seat Entertainment system can be specified.

All engines contain BlueEFFICIENCY technology to make them efficient without forfeiting power. Things like start/stop, low-resistance tyres and a new 6 speed transmission with long gear ratios all contribute to improved fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions. A range of 4 and 6 cylinder Euro5 petrol & diesel engines, ranging from 134bhp (136PS) to 255bhp (258PS) are available.

The more functional Vito is also improved. With the Vito commercial vehicle, BlueEFFICIENCY is optional and the same drive system as the Viano. The Vito has engines with power outputs between 94bhp (95PS) and 255bhp (258PS).

The suspension and chassis have been altered to suit the character of the Vito as commercial van. Drivers will enjoy a simpler interface and more comfortable interior surroundings. The facelifted Vito will be distinguished for its different front end (compared to the Viano) with new headlights and refreshed bumpers.

Press Release:

Comfort, Sustainability, Design, Driving Pleasure: The new generation of Mercedes-Benz Viano

• Interior: comfort and operating convenience better than ever

• New suspension melds ride comfort, driving enjoyment and active safety

• Drive system: clean and economical BlueEFFICIENCY technology

New look emphasises independent character:

Stuttgart - The new generation of Mercedes-Benz Viano raises the benchmark for comfort, material quality and efficiency in large-capacity vehicles to a whole new level. The improved interior of both cockpit and passenger compartment sets new standards, as does an efficient new drive system. The vehicle's unique BlueEFFICIENCY technology, which comes as standard, ensures maximum fuel economy and minimum environmental impact. The new suspension offers comfort in conjunction with driving enjoyment and active safety, while the fresh styling of the Viano takes cues from the current Mercedes-Benz passenger car range to give the Viano a character all of its own.

Interior: comfort and operating convenience better than ever:

New interior trim materials improve the look of the Viano significantly and improve its inherent functionality still further. A key feature of a new lighting concept for the passenger compartment is the impressive ambient lighting system. This comprises individual LED reading lamps as well as fibre optic units, while the whole system can be dimmed. New optional extras such as the Rear Seat Entertainment system enhance passenger travel comfort. Both driver and passengers ride in style on seats with redesigned upholstery. The upgrading of the cockpit ranges from new control buttons to a four-spoke multi-function steering wheel. All vehicle occupants benefit from significantly reduced noise levels.

New suspension melds ride comfort, driving enjoyment and active safety:

At the heart of the new suspension is a combination of ride comfort, driving enjoyment and active safety that takes the handling safety as well as the comfort of the vehicle to hitherto unknown levels. Both front and rear axles have been revised in every detail and specially tuned to match each specific model. As a result the Viano's handling is precise, predictable and safe, while it also delivers excellent performance in terms of comfort, ride and noise.

Drive system: extremely clean and economical BlueEFFICIENCY technology:

Exceptional efficiency, delivering low emissions and fuel consumption, is key to the new drive system. In all versions, the Viano meets EU 5 emission standards. CO2 emissions and fuel consumption could be reduced by up to 15 percent compared with the previous models, giving record figures.

In conjunction with the sophisticated engineering of the current generation of four and six-cylinder Mercedes-Benz engines, this is achieved through the BlueEFFICIENCY technology that comes as standard on the Viano. This encompasses on-demand activation of major assemblies, an ECO start/stop system and optimised low-resistance tyres. The new six-speed transmission, standard in combination with all four-cylinder diesel engines, also helps reduce emissions and fuel consumption. Its broad gear ratio spread allows excellent traction at low speeds, while at higher speeds revs and thus fuel consumption are reduced.

The smooth-running four and six-cylinder diesel and petrol engines in the Viano range in output from 100 kW (126 hp) to 190 kW (258 hp).

New look emphasises independent character:

Externally, the new generation Mercedes-Benz Viano is differentiated from previous models by a new, distinctive headlamp design reminiscent of the current Mercedes-Benz passenger car range and by a redesigned rear end. This gives the Mercedes-Benz Viano a more independent character than ever before.

Efficieny, Sustainability, Comfort: The new generation of Mercedes-Benz Vito:

• Drive system: extremely economical and clean

• Optional BlueEFFICIENCY technology

• Robust and resilient: payload capacity increased, suspension renewed

Improved comfort; noise levels considerably reduced:

The new generation of Mercedes-Benz Vito is a benchmark among vans. Its new drive system is extremely efficient and delivers top performance. The optionally available BlueEFFICIENCY technology offers the utmost in eco-friendly and economical driving. The Vito is also a star in terms of its improved payload and robust nature. Significantly reduced noise levels as well as the new suspension and an upgraded cockpit make handling and controls much simpler whilst also improving the vehicle's ergonomics.

Drive system: extremely economical and clean, optional BlueEFFICIENCY technology:

Economic running thanks to low fuel consumption, low emissions thanks to emissions level Euro 5 - the new drive system in the Mercedes-Benz Vito demonstrates just what vans fitted with the latest technology are capable of. CO2 emissions and fuel consumption have been reduced by up to 15 percent compared with the previous models, giving record figures.

In conjunction with the sophisticated engineering of the current generation of four and six-cylinder Mercedes-Benz engines, this is achieved through BlueEFFICIENCY technology. This encompasses on-demand activation of major assemblies, an ECO start/stop system and optimised low-resistance tyres. BlueEFFICIENCY technology is available as an option on the Vito. The new six-speed transmission, standard in combination with all four-cylinder diesel engines, also helps reduce emissions and fuel consumption. Its broad gear ratio spread allows excellent traction at low speeds, while at higher speeds revs and thus fuel consumption are reduced. The engine output of the Vito ranges to suit its spectrum of applications from 70 kW (95 hp) to 190 kW (258 hp).

Robust and resilient: payload capacity increased, suspension renewed:

The character of the Mercedes-Benz Vito as a particularly robust and very functionally designed van is underlined by the new, sturdy bumpers. The Vito's practicality in rough, everyday situations is further emphasised by a payload that has been increased, in some models quite significantly, and by a completely retuned chassis and suspension system. Both front and rear axles have been revised in every detail and specially tuned to match each specific model. Different suspension configurations are used for the high-payload panel van and the more comfort-oriented crewbus variant.

Improved comfort; noise levels considerably reduced:

Not that comfort is by any means forgotten in the Mercedes-Benz Vito. The interior of the new-generation model offers simpler controls and a new colour concept. The quality feel of the passenger compartment has been improved quite noticeably and, in this context, noise levels could also be considerably reduced.

Visually, the new generation of Mercedes-Benz Vito can be identified by its new-style headlamps. The bumpers have also been modified.

2011 Mercedes C-Class Coupe spied

These are the very first spy pictures of the forthcoming Mercedes C-Class coupe, returning to the R&D centre after doing some hot-weather testing in Germany. The C-Class coupe will replace the aging CLC in Mercedes range in 2011. The CLC will be axed once the C-Class coupe goes on sale.

Mercedes approved the C-Class coupe in March while outlining their plans to increase production at the Bremen plant, which will assemble the C-Class saloon, estate, coupe and GLK SUV from 2011.

The C-Class coupe will be the second 2dr based on the current C-Class, but the first to take the ‘C-Class coupe’ name into production. The coupe has been envisaged to replace the CLK, which was discontinued earlier this year after 12 years in production and two model generations. Unlike the E-Class coupe, however, the C-Class version will not be modified and offered in cabriolet guise.

“We did look at an open-top version but in the end the costs were too high given the short model life,” said an insider.

The forthcoming coupe will avoid a sole body-shell and distinct styling that made the CLK a success for a rather upright look that borrows heavily on the profile and detailing of the C-Class sedan.

“We went back and studied what made our coupes so popular in the past. If you look at some of the more successful two-door models Mercedes-Benz has produced, you can see a direct relationship between them and their four-door stablemates,” a source said.

Unlike its sedan & wagon siblings, the coupe will be short-lived. With development of the fourth-generation C-Class already in progress at Mercedes’ R&D centre by Stuttgart, the coupe will be intended to be sold for four years. It will then be replaced with a much more rounded and practical model that will likely draw lines of the CLS and possess a four-door layout.

The newcomer will go on sale in the UK in Spring 2011, alongside the revised C-Class saloon and wagon.

Hyundai planning i40 coupe for 2012

According to a recent report, Hyundai is preparing a i40 coupe which is due in 2012.

While details are scares, a Hyundai source has revealed the car will borrow heavily from the wild iFlow HED-7 concept car. The forthcoming i40 coupe will complete directly with Volkswagen’s Passat CC and Ford’s future Mondeo coupe. However, when it comes to prices, the i40 coupe will cost roughly £4,530 ($6,960/€5,370) less.

Under the hood, a 1.7 litre diesel 115bhp & 140bhp diesel engine and a 1.6 litre petrol engine will be offered. These engines will be mated to a 6 speed manual or a 6 speed automatic transmission.

2011 Hyundai i45 (Australia)

2011 Nissan Rogue facelift

Nissan has given its compact SUV, the Rogue a mid-cycle facelift. The revised Rogue features new styling changes and equipment upgrades.

Externally, the 2011 Rogue gets a remodelled grille and a more pronounced front bumper, different front and rear spoilers, chrome side door mouldings, new front and rear tyre caps, plus new alloy wheel.

Due to new low rolling resistance tyres and an under-body cover, fuel economy of the same 2.5 litre 170bhp petrol engine, linked to a XTronic CVT, has improved fuel economy by 1mpg for both Highway driving (FWD models) and City (AWD models). The new EPA estimates are 22/28mpg City/Highway for the FWD Rogue and 22/26mpg City/Highway for the AWD model.

For the 2011 model year, the Rogue will be offered in two trim levels, S and SL, along with the special edition Rogue S Krom that comes with a exclusive front grille and rear fascia, centre-exit sport-tuned exhaust and 18” alloy wheels.