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Skoda Octavia Scout 4×4 Upgrade

March 31st, 2011 by Arman

Skoda has upgraded the popular Octavia Scout 4×4 for the Australian market with new top of the line premium models and a DSG transmission.

The Octavia Scout 4×4 with DSG transmission improves the car’s fuel efficiency, comfort, versatility. The combination of 103TDI engine with an automatic, twin-clutch, six-speed DSG transmission, a clever all-wheel drive system, and an extensive list of standard features makes the new Scout even more interesting for customers looking for an affordable but refined crossover.

Skoda Octavia Scout 4x4 Upgrade Skoda Octavia Scout 4x4

Standard safety features on the Octavia Scout 4×4 include six airbags and ESP including ABS, EBD, ASR and Hill Hold Control. The all-wheel drive system, Škoda’s fourth-generation Haldex clutch, represents the best in modern all-wheel drive technology. It works with other onboard electronic systems and has an exceptionally fast response time.

Equipment Highlights

  • All-wheel drive
  • 17” ‘Proteus’ alloy wheels
  • Cruise control
  • Six airbags – dual front, front side and curtain
  • Dual-zone climate control air-conditioning
  • Electrically-adjustable and heated door mirrors
  • ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Program), ABS, EBD, ASR and hill hold control
  • Front foglights
  • Columbus’ satellite navigation incl. 30GB hard drive and voice control (8 speakers)
  • Underbody protection
  • Rear parking sensors
  • Body protective mouldings
  • Leather pack (steering wheel, gearknob, and gaiter)
  • Multi-function trip computer
  • Heated front seats
  • Light Assist (coming home/leaving home function)
  • Rain-sensing windscreen wipers
  • Hill Hold Control
  • 17” ‘Proteus’ polished alloy wheels
  • Privacy windows (from B-pillar)
  • Electric glass sunroof
  • Leather upholstery
  • Electric driver’s seat memory

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    Volvo FE Hybrid

    March 29th, 2011 by Arman

    Volvo is very serious about launching a hybrid range of trucks as they celebrate premiere of the FE Hybrid in Europe.

    Following a series of comprehensive field tests limited series production of approximately 100 hybrid trucks is now underway and deliveries are expected to commence in selected markets in Europe will occur from 2011 to 2013. The Volvo FE Hybrid will initially be delivered to 13 European countries, and sales may be extended to additional markets in the longer term.

    Volvo FE Hybrid Volvo FE Hybrid

    The Volvo FE Hybrid is a parallel hybrid, which means that energy from the diesel engine and electric motor can be utilised either together or independently of one another. The system switches automatically between the two power sources. When the hybrid is driven in first gear, the vehicle is powered solely by its electric motor, giving the driver alert throttle response and thus excellent driveability. Then, when the hybrid mode kicks in, the diesel engine and the electric motor will work in parallel to optimise fuel savings.

    The new quieter and cleaner hybrid trucks offer  fuel savings of up to 30 per cent and will primarily be used in distribution and refuse operations in urban environments. The trucks will be manufactured in limited series production because the advanced hybrid technology requires customised production solutions. Battery technology is also constantly evolving. This means that the company’s after sales organisation must be trained in parallel to provide the right service to customers.

    “Our new Volvo FE Hybrid is a fantastic high-tech truck, which has already created a large amount of interest. It’s clear that there is a great demand for heavy hybrids,” says Claes Nilsson, President of Volvo Trucks’ Europe Division.

    “The fact that we are starting production of hybrids now is tremendously inspiring and important for future product development since some form of hybrid technology will exist in most trucks in the future. Hybridization is definitely an important piece of the puzzle for more fuel efficient transport,” says Claes Nilsson.

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    Mazda BT-50 Powertrains Announced

    March 29th, 2011 by Arman

    The new Mazda BT-50 designed for the pick up-loving Australia will hit the showrooms nationwide in a couple of months. The company just released powertrain details for this rugged yet stylish truck so the buyers ca plan their purchase in advance according to their need.

    Mazda BT-50 gets new advanced diesel engines developed with fuel efficiency in mind and optimum torque for good pulling power.

    Mazda BT 50 Powertrains Announced Mazda bt50

    The first is the new MZ-CD 3.2 litre diesel engine, in-line 5-cylinder configuration, delivering a massive 470Nm of torque and 147kW of power. This represents a 24 per cent increase in torque while power is up by 28 per cent over the current BT-50’s 3.0 litre diesel engine. It comes with a new high-pressure fuel system combined with advanced turbocharging and can be had with a six-speed transmissions, in either manual or automatic forms.

    The other more economical option is the new MZ-CD 2.2 litre diesel engine which has been designed to further improve efficiency while delivering an impressive 375 Nm of torque and 110 kW of power. The 2.2 litre engine offers a highly competitive 2,500kg maximum towing capacity, an increase of 250kg over the current 2.5 litre model. The 3.2liter model however is capable of towing up to a huge 3,350kg, delivering a 350kg increase over the current model.

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    Audi Is The King of All-Wheel Drive Segment

    March 25th, 2011 by Arman

    Thinking about best 4×4 cars you usually come up with names like Jeep or Range Rover, but official sales figures indicate that the most successful brand in All-wheel drive segment is indeed the inventor of quattro system, Audi.They have the broadest all-wheel drive model lineup in premium segment.

    In 2010 they produced 437,792 automobiles with quattro drive.

    What’s more astonishing is that the fact that most of their quattro cars are indeed sedans and sports coupes! They do have a range of SUVs too, like the Q5 which is the most popular of the pack, but the best versions are are 4×4 high performance sedans. In the year in which Audi celebrated “30 years of quattro,” around 38 percent of all cars produced worldwide were equipped with the all-wheel drive technology. With 74,262 new car registrations for all-wheel drive models, Audi also topped the competition in Germany.

    Audi Is The King of All Wheel Drive Segment 2011 audi q7 3.0 tdi quattro diesel

    The most popular Audi model with quattro drive in 2010 was the Audi Q5, 155,025 units of which were built. In the months ahead, the brand will further expand its all-wheel drive lineup in the SUV segment with the Audi Q5 hybrid quattro and the compact Q3. But it is not just SUV drivers who are turning to quattro; the all-wheel drive technology is a popular choice of Audi customers for all other model lines as well. From the Audi A3 to the A8, nearly one quarter of the automobiles produced in 2010 had quattro on board.

    “quattro is one of the Audi brand’s greatest success stories, and today we are writing what may well be its most exciting chapter,” says Peter Schwarzenbauer, Member of the Board of Management for Marketing and Sales at AUDI AG. “As we move down the road toward electric mobility, we see entirely new possibilities for quattro technology. The electric quattro of the future will be even more agile, safer and – above all – more efficient,” adds Schwarzenbauer.

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    2011 Four-Wheel Drive Car of the Year: BMW X3

    March 25th, 2011 by Arman

    We are not big fans of the new BMW X3 to be honest. We think it’s too ugly, but still we can’t deny it’s engineering excellence as a fine small SUV.

    And that’s what makes it popular. It is also what won it the 2011 2011 Four-Wheel Drive Car of the Year title, awarded to the Bavarian car by readers of the magazine “Off Road”. With this double success, the new BMW X3 is quick in following the traces of its predecessor, which, in 2006 and 2007, was able to secure the readers’ vote of both periodicals twice in succession.

    So if you decided you can live with its design, let us talk you through some of the technical features of the BMW X3.

    2011 Four Wheel Drive Car of the Year: BMW X3 BMW X3

    Compared to the predecessor model, with which BMW established the concept of the Sports Activity Vehicle in this segment, it offers a noticeable increase in space, even more efficient engines, optimum motoring comfort and a widened choice of innovative equipment features. Both at the front and at the rear the new BMW X3 convinces through outstanding travel comfort and a high-class ambience. With a 550-litre loading capacity, which can be increased to 1,600 litres, and 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats, the vehicle’s carrying capacities also set new benchmarks for the segment. In the spring of 2011, the engine portfolio for the new BMW X3 will comprise two petrol engines and two diesel engines with a power output ranging from 135 kW/184 bhp to 225 kW/306 bhp. Depending on the engine variant, the new BMW X3 features an eight-speed automatic transmission either as standard or as an option. The still unique, intelligent four-wheel drive system xDrive has been optimised even further. Electronically controlled power distribution ensures not only supreme traction and maximum road stability on slippery surfaces, but also superior dynamics on the road, thus providing that unmistakable driving pleasure that is so typical of BMW.

    Another new feature for the 2011 model is the BMW ConnectedDrive system which includes amazing options like in-car Internet access and Head Up Display. They are not cheap though!

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    Posted in 4x4, BMW, SUV | | 0 Comments

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