Latest automotive analysis
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BEIJING SHOW WORLD DEBUTS LIST - BMW iX3 concept
23 Apr 2018 | Glenn Brooks
A preview of the electric X3 which is due for release in 2020 is to be displayed for the first time at AutoChina, BMW has announced. And Volvo will be exhibiting the Ambience concept, a new take on its existing S90 Excellence.
Interior design and technology – Ford Mondeo
23 Apr 2018 | Matthew Beecham
The fourth and latest generation Ford Mondeo (Fusion) can guide drivers hands-free out of parking spaces at the start of their journey and deflate the seat-base bolsters to allow them easy exit at the end. Continuing QUBE/just-auto's review of interior design and technology trends, we slip inside the Mondeo to see what else it offers.
GM Korea in bankruptcy - the fall-out for future models
18 Apr 2018 | Glenn Brooks
GM Korea is teetering, its March sales crashing by 58% and the Chevrolet brand even falling below Mercedes-Benz in the domestic market. Exports of fully built models are faring better, although shipments of SKD and CKD kits are fading. Time to take a look at what the fall-out of a bankruptcy would be for greater General Motors.
ANALYSIS - Bentley Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase
17 Apr 2018 | Glenn Brooks
If luxury is increasingly defined by levels of tranquillity, lounging space and a feeling of being in control, then Bentley surely has a bright future. The Mulsanne, its oldest model, is also at the top of the tree when it comes to pricing. And for those who wish to indulge themselves with the biggest, most expensive definition of rolling luxury, there is the 5.8m long Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase.
Only one SUV in top 10 as German market hits 18 year high
12 Apr 2018 | Glenn Brooks
The German market for new passenger vehicles ended the first quarter at a level not seen since 2000. There are some surprising performances from older models, such as rocketing Ford Focus registrations and a boost for the Volkswagen Passat. Conversely, Opel's ongoing collapse means it may soon be at risk of falling behind an ever-improving Škoda.
Interior design and technology – Nissan X-Trail
11 Apr 2018 | Matthew Beecham
Launched years ago, or in 2014 to be precise, Nissan’s third-generation X-Trail (badged Rogue overseas) is one of the world’s most popular SUVs. Continuing QUBE/just-auto's review of interior design and technology trends, we take a closer look inside the X-Trail to see what makes this family crossover such a fashionable choice.
ANALYSIS - XC60 D5 and future Volvos
10 Apr 2018 | Glenn Brooks
Volvo Cars has an XL sized hit on its hands with the new XC60. In the first three months of 2018, deliveries reached 38,241 units, making this the company's best seller ahead of the XC90 and helping VCC to set a fresh record for worldwide sales in Q1.
Hands-On Tech - Vauxhall Astra
9 Apr 2018 | Cat Dow
Seventh in our Hands-On-Tech (HOT) reporting series, we take a look at Vauxhall’s Intellilink system. Taking you through the top-spec connectivity features offered by manufacturers in detail, we look to benchmark the connectivity functionality based on various test criteria. Available in Europe since October 2015, the Astra features GM’s Intellilink system and award-winning Onstar telematics service, where humans assist rather than automated messenger.
ANALYSIS - Skoda goes after Qashqai with new Karoq
5 Apr 2018 | Glenn Brooks
Demand for crossovers and SUVs shows no sign of abating. Ever more brands are piling in to a class which in Europe is led by the assailed but still strong Nissan Qashqai. Now Škoda believes it can build up a strong following with the Karoq, a new name in a segment one size up from where the Yeti formerly found a lot of success.
Interior design and technology – Kia Stonic
4 Apr 2018 | Matthew Beecham
Arriving late to the party, the Kia Stonic is the South Korean carmaker’s first entry into the crowded small (B-segment) SUV market. Continuing QUBE/just-auto's review of interior design and technology trends, we slip inside the top-drawer First Edition trimmed model to take a closer look.
ANALYSIS - Kia future models Part 2
28 Mar 2018 | Glenn Brooks
The final feature in the Hyundai Motor Group series is on the topic of Kia Motors' current and future SUVs, MPVs, electric vehicles and even a pick-up. This follows a look at Kia's forthcoming cars plus what Genesis division has up its sleeve, and Hyundai's own passenger cars as well as electric models and light trucks.
ANALYSIS - Kia future models Part 1
26 Mar 2018 | Glenn Brooks
After a trying 2017 when sales fell in China and the USA, a constant roll out of new Kia models should see deliveries heading back in the right direction. In this first of two features, the brand's cars are looked at, as well as their successors. The second part will see the emphasis shift to SUVs, MPVs, electric vehicles and a future pick-up.
23 Mar 2018 | Graeme Roberts
"e-Pedal takes a little getting used to," cautioned the Nissan UK redesigned Leaf EV press launch logistics man as he double-checked the nav settings before despatching us from Glasgow airport's car park. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Press start-stop button. Ding. Engage D. Notice park brake is electric so that'll self-release. So, let's go. Press accelerator, manoeuvre towards trick left turn exit past inevitable cones. Release accelerator suddenly. Peel nose off windscreen...
Mercedes reinvents luxury pick-up segment with X-Class
22 Mar 2018 | Glenn Brooks
If we overlook the Lincoln Mark LT and Cadillac Escalade EXT, discontinued ten and five years ago respectively, Mercedes-Benz is the first luxury brand with a global reach to launch a pick-up. Will the new X-Class succeed in the parts of the world - and North America isn't one of them - where Mercedes-Benz Vans has begun to sell it?
ANALYSIS - GM Korea’s future in the balance
21 Mar 2018 | Staff reporter
GM Korea (GMK) faces two crucial months of talks with the South Korean government, creditors including state-owned Korea Development Bank and major shareholders, as management look to rebuild the company’s bombed-out balance sheet and meet upcoming obligations including debt repayment schedules.
Isuzu updates D-Max as GM divorce dust settles
20 Mar 2018 | Glenn Brooks
Suddenly, crew cab pick-ups seem to be everywhere. Mercedes-Benz and Renault are the latest brands to launch four-door ladder frame models, while Peugeot is co-developing its own model with Changan. Meanwhile, Isuzu continues to quietly update the D-Max, adding refinements and new variants, keeping this stalwart of the one-tonne segment competitive.
ANALYSIS - Genesis future models
19 Mar 2018 | Glenn Brooks
Hyundai's Genesis division, while clearly a success, has been having a challenging time of things thus far in 2018. In its number one market, year-to-date sales stand at 2,976 cars, while this time last year, US deliveries were 3,400. For 2017, the first full year, sales numbered 20,594 vehicles. As well as extra models which are coming soon, stand-alone dealerships are another major development for 2018.
Interior design and technology – Volvo V90
19 Mar 2018 | Matthew Beecham
Launched at the 2016 Geneva motor show, the Volvo V90 is the latest in a long line of family estates from Sweden. Continuing QUBE/just-auto's review of interior design and technology trends, we take a closer look inside this Scandinavian workhorse.
ANALYSIS - Hyundai future models Part 2
16 Mar 2018 | Glenn Brooks
The second of two features which looks at the current and future models of Hyundai Motor Company is a focus on the brand's SUVs, minivans/MPVs, electrified passenger vehicles and a sole future pick-up. This follows the recent in-depth analysis of HMC's cars.
ANALYSIS - Hyundai future models Part 1
15 Mar 2018 | Glenn Brooks
In 2018, HMC aims to sell 4.68 million vehicles worldwide, compared to the 4.51 million units it delivered in 2017. After suffering a substantial setback in the Chinese market last year and to a lesser extent in the USA too, the company has been investing heavily in new and additional models, especially SUVs.
Quirky C4 Cactus now shoulders Citroen's C-segment burden
14 Mar 2018 | Graeme Roberts
On the face of it, the UK launch of the updated Citroen C4 Cactus is just a mere, mid-life refresh - a new grille here, new tail lamps there, new interior colours and trims, the usual. Next! But, according to PSA's UK unit, it's a bit more significant than that and the newcomer has loftier goals to achieve than its quirky, well liked predecessor.
New XV behind 29 per cent UK Subaru sales surge
13 Mar 2018 | Glenn Brooks
Having fallen by more than a quarter during 2017, Subaru's UK sales are finally going back in the right direction, with a 29 per cent surge in February. Most of that is due to the arrival of the new XV.
Management briefing - 2018 Geneva motor show review
12 Mar 2018 | Glenn Brooks
Geneva 2018 had the usual collection of hypercars, although many of them are powered by the energy stored in batteries rather than in petrol tanks. Robotic taxis were there too with Volkswagen cheekily painting its already seen SEDRIC in the colours typical of a US schoolbus. Why then for a show rich in electric vehicle world premieres were so many of them overshadowed by new petrol and diesel models?
Management briefing - 2018 Geneva motor show preview
5 Mar 2018 | Glenn Brooks
Will there be one stand-out car at this year's Geneva show? Already, many are jostling to take the title. The list includes the Mercedes A-Class, EQC and AMG GT Coupe; Audi A6; McLaren Senna; Hyundai Kona EV; Jaguar I-Pace; Volkswagen I.D. Vizzion; Volvo V60; Skoda Vision X; and let's not forget the Corbellati Missile, claimed to be powered by an 1800PS 9.0-litre V8.
2 Mar 2018 | Cat Dow
Sixth in our Hands-On-Tech (HOT) reporting series, we take a look at the Peugeot 3008’s i-Cockpit technology. Taking you through the top-spec connectivity features offered by manufacturers in detail, we look to benchmark the connectivity functionality based on various test criteria. Having won European Car of the Year 2017, the Peugeot 3008 set a high expectation. Where technology was concerned, however, it offers more style than substance.
Vietnam scraps ASEAN tariffs, but imports crash - ANALYSIS
1 Mar 2018 | Staff reporter
Vietnam has cut import tariffs to zero on completely built-up (CBU) vehicles originating from southeast Asia at the beginning of the year - the third cut in as many years as the country moved to fulfill its commitments under the ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (AFTA).
ANALYSIS - Jaguar scores a bullseye with E-Pace
28 Feb 2018 | Glenn Brooks
This is the first Jaguar to have a front-wheel drive-based architecture since production of the X-Type ended in 2009. There is neither a V6 nor a V8. The platform is steel not aluminium. It's only 4,395mm long. And this first attempt at a BMW X1 rival is close to being as great to drive as rear-wheel drive Jags.
Car sharing update – who, what and where
27 Feb 2018 | Matthew Beecham
Car sharing schemes allow us to rent cars for a short period on an as-needed basis. Although car sharing has been around since 1950s, it only really came of age in the 1990s with a number of small-scale schemes dotted across Europe and North America. Since then its use has become widespread in the shared economy. Here’s a quick round-up of who is doing what and where.
Take a seat, your car is almost ready to drive you
26 Feb 2018 | Matthew Beecham
Developments in vehicle seating have been taking place much faster than may be apparent on the surface. OEMs are demanding greater differentiation in their seat designs while motorists look for greater functionality and luxury. Continuing just-auto/QUBE’s series of research snapshots, this one focuses on automotive seating developments.
ANALYSIS - SsangYong future models and platforms
22 Feb 2018 | Glenn Brooks
SsangYong Motor remains a small firm and yet it was able to outsell Renault Samsung Motors in the home market last year, rising to third position from fourth in 2016. Europe and China remain tricky markets, though, and SsangYong has not mentioned its planned entry to the US for some time.
