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10 new models at the Frankfurt Auto Show
Here are the latest car models revealed by auto manufacturers present at the Frankfurt Motor Show impressed. I invite you to see the collection of pictures of new models!
The new models presented are: Seat Leon S, Audi A3, BMW X5 Series 4, Peugeot 308, Mazda 3, Mercedes GLA and S class, Porsche 911 Turbo and Turbo S. Here is the collection:
Audi A3 Cabrio
Sporty, elegant and multi-faceted – Audi presents the new A3 Cabriolet. The compact four-seater impresses at first glance with its flowing lines and soft top. It is also at the top of its class technically – with systematic lightweight design, new engines, multi-faceted networking and high-performance assistance systems.
The new Audi A3 Cabriolet has grown compared to the previous model: its length increased from 4.24 to 4.42 meters (13.91 to 14.50 ft), its wheelbase from 2.58 to 2.60 meters (8.46 to 8.53 ft) and its width from 1.77 to 1.79 meters (5.81 to 5.87 ft). Only its height (1.41 meters [4.63 ft]) was reduced by 15 millimeters (0.59 in). This gives the four-seat convertible a more elegant and sporty look on the road. Luggage capacity grew by 60 liters (2.12 cubic ft), and it is easier to load. The wheel housings can handle wheels up to 19 inches in size.
The front of the Audi A3 Cabriolet is characterized by the Singleframe radiator grille. The flat headlights give it a resolute look; they emphasize the horizontal styling and the air intakes in the bumper. Audi offers headlights with LED technology as an option; they are the only LED headlights in the compact segment to offer variable headlight leveling control.
The rear overhang plays a key role in the harmonious proportions of the two-door car. The windshield frame is made of aluminum – and an aluminum-look trim strip runs around the entire car. On the flanks, the design features a taut tornado line and contoured sheet metal surfaces that create a fascinating interplay of light and shadow.
BMW Serie 4
The new BMW 4 Series Coupe heralds the dawn of a new coupe era at BMW. Launched as the fourth generation of BMW’s sporty mid-size Coupe, the new BMW 4 Series Coupe embodies the very essence of aesthetic appeal and dynamics in the premium segment. Its stylistic features carry the promise of a powerful presence on the road, stand-out dynamic ability and driving pleasure in abundance. Indeed, the new BMW 4 Series Coupe represents a paragon of balanced proportions and the final chapter in a story of development. The “4” in its title headlines this new era for the Coupe and emphasises not only its stand-alone design, but also an even greater technical differentiation from its BMW 3 Series cousins.
The new BMW 4 Series Coupe is visibly larger in width and wheelbase than the outgoing BMW 3 Series Coupe, and its dynamically stretched coupe silhouette sits considerably lower to the road. This, together with its BMW-typical short overhangs, long bonnet and set-back passenger compartment with flowing roofline, lends the BMW 4 Series Coupe impeccable visual balance. The car’s striking front end – with its characteristic BMW design features, such as the double-kidney grille, twin circular headlights and a large air intake in the front apron – is keen to display its family ties with the BMW 3 Series. However, the more sporting interpretation of the BMW 4 Series Coupe also underlines its dynamic convictions. A new element of the BMW 4 Series Coupe are the Air Breathers, positioned rearwards of the front wheel arches to reduce drag in this area. The Coupe’s muscular wheel arches and wide track make a particularly prominent contribution to the hunkered-down design of the rear, with its prominent horizontal lines.
New BMW X5
Third generation of the BMW X5; founder of the Sports Activity Vehicle segment and global market leader in its class sets new standards in powerful design, luxurious spaciousness, cutting-edge versatility and
efficient driving pleasure.
Three engine variants at launch: BMW X5 xDrive50i with a new generation of the V8 petrol engine (330 kW/450 hp), BMW X5 xDrive30d with revised six-cylinder in-line diesel unit (190 kW/258 hp) and the BMW X5 M50d M Performance Automobile with tri-turbo six-cylinder in-line diesel (280 kW/381 hp). In December 2013 the BMW X5 xDrive40d, BMW X5 xDrive35i, BMW X5 xDrive25d and BMW X5 sDrive25d (with CO2 emissions of just 149 g/km) will be added to the range.
Driving Experience Control switch fitted as standard; Comfort, Dynamic and Professional adaptive suspension packages and Adaptive M suspension can be specified to enhance the car’s sporty handling properties and ride comfort; Electric Power Steering for all model variants; Active Steering optional
Mazda 3
The 2013 Mazda3 has powerful engines and sharp handling, which reviewers say make it one of the most exhilarating small cars you can buy. Two available body styles add to its versatility.
All Mazda3 models have a four-cylinder engine, but regardless of which engine you choose, test drivers say that most shoppers will be very pleased with the Mazda3’s performance. The 155-horsepower Skyactiv engine, which was new for the 2012 model year, achieves an EPA-estimated 28/40 mpg city/highway, which is great for a small car. Plus, it doesn’t sacrifice performance for efficiency. All models except the Mazdaspeed3, which only comes with a six-speed manual transmission, offer a manual and automatic transmission. Depending on the trim, these transmissions have five or six gears. Test drivers think both the manual and automatic transmissions are responsive, but some find that the manuals make the Mazda3 feel faster. Reviewers are almost unanimous in saying that the Mazda3 has nimble, accurate handling, which makes it one of the most fun-to-drive models in the class.
The 2013 Mazda3 is available in sedan and hatchback body styles. The sedan is available in five trims: i SV, i Sport, i Touring, i Grand Touring and s Grand Touring. The hatchback is available in i Touring, i Grand Touring, s Grand Touring and Mazdaspeed3 models. The Mazda3 was last redesigned for the 2010 model year, and as a result, this overview uses applicable research and reviews from the 2010 to 2013 model years.
Mercedes Benz GLA – See car review
Mercedes Benz S Classe
Peugeot 308
Porsche 911 Turbo and Turbo S
Seat Leon ST
The rear end of the new Leon Sport Tourer, extended by 27 centimetres, provides an indication of the generous load space, while the angled rear windscreen, gently rounded roofline and muscular shoulders emphasize the dynamic driving pleasure. The technical elegance of the Leon ST is further accentuated by the optional full-LED headlamps in combination with LED rear lights.
Alongside the distinctly sporty look, exceptional efficiency was very high up the list of priorities in the development of the SEAT Leon ST. The fuel-efficient TDI and TSI engines, with displacements ranging from 1.2 to 2.0 litres and output from 63 kW (86 PS) to 135 kW (184 PS), all run with direct injection and turbocharging.
FORD Ranger – Ford Ranger & Ford Ranger XLT
The Ford Ranger, code named T6, was unveiled at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney. The T6 replaces two regional Ranger platforms: the Mazda BT-50-derived model sold in the Latin America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific regions and the North American model sold in select Latin American markets.
Although the T6 Ranger will be offered in 180 markets globally, it is not currently planned to be sold in the United States or Canada, due to the new platform being too close in size and cost to the F-150, and due to overall declining sales of compact pickups in North America. However it is offered in the United Arab Emirates along side the F-150 and Super Duty.
Ford initially planned a mid-size truck based on a modified F-150 chassis for the North American market named the F-100; however, this was shelved in favour of offering the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine on the F-150. Additionally, American and Canadian safety and emissions standards as well as the long-standing 25% import tariff imposed on non-American built light trucks prevent the T6 Ranger from being imported into North America. Likewise, safety and emissions standards in ECE-compliant nations, the need for right-hand drive in certain international markets, and the physical size of the F-150 prevent it from being globalised.
Production is expected to commence in summer 2011, starting with Thailand’s Rayong plant, with production in South Africa and Argentina to follow.[6] Additionally, Mazda will build a badge-engineered version of the T6 as the second generation BT-50.
One of the most reliable vehicles in the Toyota stable, the RAV4 has been produced since 1994, and was most recently updated in 2006; the 2013 versions offer even more durability, as well as a sleeker design, and some efficient engine modes that use Toyota’s Integrated Dynamic Drive system.
As a sports utility vehicle, the RAV4 is one of the leading competitors to the Mazda CX-5 for value, and is set to be spun off into an all electric model later this year. At present, the RAV4 is one of the most comprehensively packaged sports utilities on the market, and should be considered by families and drivers that want long term durability.
Drivers have a choice of several trims for the RAV4 – these include the entry level Active, the mid range Icon, and the premium Invincible. All these trims have a variation on the RAV4’s standard and all wheel driving system, as well as an automatic petrol option alongside diesel engines.
The 2.0 litre petrol engine is the most powerful in terms of speed, while the 2.0 and 2.2 litre diesel engines deliver better economy at 57.6 mpg for the 2.0 diesel, and 176 g/km of CO2 emissions for the 2.2 diesel. The diesel engines are best if you want to get a low mileage, and if you’re not particularly invested in having a sports utility vehicle that can rapidly accelerate.
Exterior upgrades to the 2013 RAV4 from the earlier model include swept back lights, less of a scallop line, and a curvier, sleeker appeal. The driving position in the RAV4 has also been adjusted for a higher vantage point, while you get plenty of space within the rear. Handling for the RAV4 is flexible, if not going to deliver significant speed on the road – the larger diesel engines are slightly noisier, but still capable of cruising on the motorway.
The 1600kg weight RAV4 is stabilised against rolling, although you probably won’t want to push the RAV4 too fast on tight corners.
For interiors, the RAV4 comes with Bluetooth, air conditioning, a CD Player, and a home lighting system as standard, and extras for higher trims that include Dual Zone Air Conditioning, rear view cameras, leather steering wheels, roof rails, and leather seats. The Invincible trim version of the RAV4 also has a keyless push button start installed.
The five seater RAV4 also gives you plenty of space. When combined with optional extras for roof racks, the RAV4 is ideal for large families, and is tough enough to stand up to extended periods of driving overseas.
So, what do get out of the RAV4? Primarily, you get a competitive economy and Toyota’s reputation for durability; the RAV4 is in a low tax band, and has a five year warranty, putting it ahead of the three year warranties usually given with sports utility vehicles.
Safety features also include a hill start assist, ISOFIX child seat fixings, and aftercare maintenance that pushes the RAV4 in front of its rivals for durability. Toyota are also set to release an all electric version of the RAV4 by the end of 2013, which will further increase its economy.
Guest posts offered by Lisa Jane
