Showing posts with label Auto Show. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Auto Show. Show all posts

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Monday, April 27, 2009

2009 Seat Exeo Review


Overview

To the untrained eye it's hard to tell the difference between the new Seat Exeo and the current Audi A4. The front and rear light clusters and, of course, the badge give the game away.
With this in mind the ordinary family saloon buyer looking to cut costs may consider the Exeo a wise choice. Indeed, the 2.0 TDI PS Sport we tested costs £19,230 whereas the equivalent Audi A4 TDI retails at £23,425 - over £4,000 more expensive.
This car, however, is based on the previous-generation A4, first built in 2001. It's not a cynical rebadging exercise, though: Seat has taken the trouble of changing 30% of the parts.
It's not a direct rival to the current A4 anyway - it's taking on the likes of the Ford Mondeo and the Vauxhall Insignia, and it's hard not to be seduced by the thought that you are getting Audi quality for Seat money. Prices start at £17,735 for the generously equipped entry-level Exeo and that's pretty competitive when you compare it the base-spec Mondeo which starts at just over £17,390. It's here the Exeo starts to make sense.
The Exeo uses the new generation of Volkswagen engines so it's not been short-changed. The old noisy, lethargic and unrefined pumpe duse diesel engines makes way for a torquey 2.0-litre common-rail engine and there's also a smooth-revving 2.0-litre in the line-up. So are you really getting Audi quality at Mondeo money? Read on to find out.

Reliability and Quality

The previous-generation Audi A4 was a pretty solid car, so we think it's fair to assume your shiny new Exeo will stay bolted together for years to come. The cabin is of a decent quality but we did get a rather annoying rattle from the alloy trim on the gearlever.
The mechanicals and exterior quality should stand the test of time if customer satisfaction surveys are a guide. In the 2008 JD Power Survey the A4 finished 20th out of 100 models - not bad- but Seat finished 21st out of 28 brands - not particularly good. Still, we think the A4 result gives a more accurate picture for the Exeo.
On the road

There are three engines on offer with the Seat Exeo: a 2.0-litre 140bhp common-rail diesel, a 170bhp diesel and a 197bhp turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol.
We tested the 140bhp diesel and came away extremely impressed with the low-down pull - the maximum torque of 236lb-ft is delivered as low as 1,750rpm, ideal for A-road cruising and more than adequate for town driving. It will take you from 0-62mph in 9.2 seconds and then all the way up to a top speed of 133mph and that's on par with a similar powered Ford Mondeo and even a BMW 3-Series.
The 170bhp does 0-60mph in 8.4 seconds with a top speed of 142mph and the petrol will complete the benchmark sprint in 7.3 seconds and top out at 149mph.
Handling-wise the Exeo is pretty predictable: dynamically it's not in the same league as the Mondeo and 3-Series, but it's acceptable and you'd have to be a picky travelling salesman to start complaining to the fleet manager about it. Turn in and the car will respond nicely - it's not prone to too much body lean because the springs are rather firm. But it feels safe and secure and it's only when you are charging into a corner that you'll start to experience any levels of understeer.
The old A4's steering didn't feel particularly precise but the new Servotronic power has helped things on the Exeo. There's a bit more weight now to give you more confidence behind the wheel.
The brakes have a nice progressive feel but the gearchange is fractionally notchy at times, particularly if you are going down from third to second.



Safety and Security

The 2001 Audi A4 secured 4 stars out of 5 for adult occupant protection and 1 star out of 4 for pedestrian safety in the Euro NCAP crash tests. That's not too shabby for a 2001 car but the game has moved on and there are now better-performing four-doors out there including the BMW 3-Series, Ford Mondeo and Vauxhall Insignia.
Stability control with electronic brake assist is standard as are front, side, and passenger airbags. Front active head restraints are also standard-fit.
An alarm and immobiliser are also included on the Seat Exeo's standard equipment list.




Running Costs

Thankfully the VW group diesels are refined and frugal. Official fuel consumption for the 140bhp version is 51.4mpg and that compares well with rivals. The 170bhp diesel returns 48.7mpg and the petrol 36.7mpg. Emissions levels are reasonable: the lower-powered diesel emits 143g/km of carbon dioxide which will put you in the Band F for road tax. The 170bhp emits 153g/km (Band G) and the petrol 179g/km (Band I).
Insurance will be affordable since the diesel models in groups 12 and 13. A group 14 rating for the high-powered petrol version should keep premiums low.
You won't pay a king's ransom if you choose the Exeo as a company car: Benefit-in-Kind rates are pegged at 19 % for the 140bhp diesel, 21% for the 170bhp diesel and a very affordable 23% for the petrol model.




Comfort and Equipment

The benefits of having an Audi A4 as a base are obvious as soon as you step inside the Exeo - this is probably the best cabin of any Seat. All the controls and switches respond with a satisfying thunk and the layout is no-nonsense and logical. All the materials look and feel decent and the addition of chrome on the rotary dials and the more aesthetically pleasing chromed circular vents offering an overall feeling of quality.
Fire up the Exeo and there's a slight sense of disappointment. The common rail diesel engine is noisy and rumbly, which is especially tiresome when you're pootling around town. It does settle down once you get up to motorway speeds, though.
The ride, although fidgety at times, is compliant and nicely balanced to give you reasonable comfort levels when cruising. The driving position is a little low but the seats are comfy and there's plenty of legroom and headroom available in the front and the back. Wind and road noise is well contained.
You can fold the rear seats down to get more space from the 460-litre boot. We stuck three golf bags in there with no problem with two rear seats folded down.
Base models get stability control, cruise control, electric windows and mirrors, split-folding rear seats, CD player and climate control.

Used Value

Used prices for the Exeo are unlikely to be in the same league as the current Audi A4, but Seat still performs pretty well in the second-hand market.
The 140bhp 2.0-litre diesel will be the pick of the bunch and we expect it to retain between 38-40% of its original value after three years/36,000 miles. That trumps the 2.0-litre diesel Ford Mondeo's 35% residual value.

2009 Seat Exeo Review


Overview

To the untrained eye it's hard to tell the difference between the new Seat Exeo and the current Audi A4. The front and rear light clusters and, of course, the badge give the game away.
With this in mind the ordinary family saloon buyer looking to cut costs may consider the Exeo a wise choice. Indeed, the 2.0 TDI PS Sport we tested costs £19,230 whereas the equivalent Audi A4 TDI retails at £23,425 - over £4,000 more expensive.
This car, however, is based on the previous-generation A4, first built in 2001. It's not a cynical rebadging exercise, though: Seat has taken the trouble of changing 30% of the parts.
It's not a direct rival to the current A4 anyway - it's taking on the likes of the Ford Mondeo and the Vauxhall Insignia, and it's hard not to be seduced by the thought that you are getting Audi quality for Seat money. Prices start at £17,735 for the generously equipped entry-level Exeo and that's pretty competitive when you compare it the base-spec Mondeo which starts at just over £17,390. It's here the Exeo starts to make sense.
The Exeo uses the new generation of Volkswagen engines so it's not been short-changed. The old noisy, lethargic and unrefined pumpe duse diesel engines makes way for a torquey 2.0-litre common-rail engine and there's also a smooth-revving 2.0-litre in the line-up. So are you really getting Audi quality at Mondeo money? Read on to find out.

Reliability and Quality

The previous-generation Audi A4 was a pretty solid car, so we think it's fair to assume your shiny new Exeo will stay bolted together for years to come. The cabin is of a decent quality but we did get a rather annoying rattle from the alloy trim on the gearlever.
The mechanicals and exterior quality should stand the test of time if customer satisfaction surveys are a guide. In the 2008 JD Power Survey the A4 finished 20th out of 100 models - not bad- but Seat finished 21st out of 28 brands - not particularly good. Still, we think the A4 result gives a more accurate picture for the Exeo.
On the road

There are three engines on offer with the Seat Exeo: a 2.0-litre 140bhp common-rail diesel, a 170bhp diesel and a 197bhp turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol.
We tested the 140bhp diesel and came away extremely impressed with the low-down pull - the maximum torque of 236lb-ft is delivered as low as 1,750rpm, ideal for A-road cruising and more than adequate for town driving. It will take you from 0-62mph in 9.2 seconds and then all the way up to a top speed of 133mph and that's on par with a similar powered Ford Mondeo and even a BMW 3-Series.
The 170bhp does 0-60mph in 8.4 seconds with a top speed of 142mph and the petrol will complete the benchmark sprint in 7.3 seconds and top out at 149mph.
Handling-wise the Exeo is pretty predictable: dynamically it's not in the same league as the Mondeo and 3-Series, but it's acceptable and you'd have to be a picky travelling salesman to start complaining to the fleet manager about it. Turn in and the car will respond nicely - it's not prone to too much body lean because the springs are rather firm. But it feels safe and secure and it's only when you are charging into a corner that you'll start to experience any levels of understeer.
The old A4's steering didn't feel particularly precise but the new Servotronic power has helped things on the Exeo. There's a bit more weight now to give you more confidence behind the wheel.
The brakes have a nice progressive feel but the gearchange is fractionally notchy at times, particularly if you are going down from third to second.



Safety and Security

The 2001 Audi A4 secured 4 stars out of 5 for adult occupant protection and 1 star out of 4 for pedestrian safety in the Euro NCAP crash tests. That's not too shabby for a 2001 car but the game has moved on and there are now better-performing four-doors out there including the BMW 3-Series, Ford Mondeo and Vauxhall Insignia.
Stability control with electronic brake assist is standard as are front, side, and passenger airbags. Front active head restraints are also standard-fit.
An alarm and immobiliser are also included on the Seat Exeo's standard equipment list.




Running Costs

Thankfully the VW group diesels are refined and frugal. Official fuel consumption for the 140bhp version is 51.4mpg and that compares well with rivals. The 170bhp diesel returns 48.7mpg and the petrol 36.7mpg. Emissions levels are reasonable: the lower-powered diesel emits 143g/km of carbon dioxide which will put you in the Band F for road tax. The 170bhp emits 153g/km (Band G) and the petrol 179g/km (Band I).
Insurance will be affordable since the diesel models in groups 12 and 13. A group 14 rating for the high-powered petrol version should keep premiums low.
You won't pay a king's ransom if you choose the Exeo as a company car: Benefit-in-Kind rates are pegged at 19 % for the 140bhp diesel, 21% for the 170bhp diesel and a very affordable 23% for the petrol model.




Comfort and Equipment

The benefits of having an Audi A4 as a base are obvious as soon as you step inside the Exeo - this is probably the best cabin of any Seat. All the controls and switches respond with a satisfying thunk and the layout is no-nonsense and logical. All the materials look and feel decent and the addition of chrome on the rotary dials and the more aesthetically pleasing chromed circular vents offering an overall feeling of quality.
Fire up the Exeo and there's a slight sense of disappointment. The common rail diesel engine is noisy and rumbly, which is especially tiresome when you're pootling around town. It does settle down once you get up to motorway speeds, though.
The ride, although fidgety at times, is compliant and nicely balanced to give you reasonable comfort levels when cruising. The driving position is a little low but the seats are comfy and there's plenty of legroom and headroom available in the front and the back. Wind and road noise is well contained.
You can fold the rear seats down to get more space from the 460-litre boot. We stuck three golf bags in there with no problem with two rear seats folded down.
Base models get stability control, cruise control, electric windows and mirrors, split-folding rear seats, CD player and climate control.

Used Value

Used prices for the Exeo are unlikely to be in the same league as the current Audi A4, but Seat still performs pretty well in the second-hand market.
The 140bhp 2.0-litre diesel will be the pick of the bunch and we expect it to retain between 38-40% of its original value after three years/36,000 miles. That trumps the 2.0-litre diesel Ford Mondeo's 35% residual value.

2009 Seat Exeo Review

Overview To the untrained eye it's hard to tell the difference between the new Seat Exeo and the current Audi A4. The front and rear light clusters and, of course, the badge give the game away.With this in mind the ordinary family saloon buyer looking to cut costs may consider the Exeo a wise choice. Indeed, the 2.0 TDI PS Sport we tested costs £19,230 whereas the equivalent Audi A4 TDI retails

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Feature: Best of 2009 Shanghai Auto Show


Detroit may be in the doldrums, but Shanghai is swinging: the Chinese motor industry is growing rapidly, investing in design expertise and preparing to have a significant global impact in coming years.

And besides the domestic manufacturers, who are producing ever-more interesting concepts, the established European and Western car-makers are finding that they can't afford to ignore China, where new-car sales are rising exponentially. Here's the low-down on the most important cars of this year's Shanghai Auto Show.

Bertone Mantide

Based on the 620bhp Corvette ZR1, the insectile Mantide (Italian for 'praying mantis') is a one-off, road-legal creation from the Stile Bertone studio for a private client.

Designer Jason Castriota - the man behind the one-off Pininfarina P4/5 - says it's inspired by jet-fighter aircraft, and its fuselage-type body, butterfly-opening doors and canopy certainly make it look ready to fly away.

Though the underpinnings are Corvette, the extra-aerodynamic Mantide is some 100kg lighter, thanks to its carbon fibre bodyshell and interior - which help it to 217mph and 0-60mph in less than 3.5 seconds. Downforce is 30% better than that of the Corvette, thankfully.

Buick Business Concept

Chinese buyers love GM's Buick brand - they see it as the epitome of American luxury - and the Business Concept MPV is suitably kitted out with armchair-type seats, plush burgundy and cream suede upholstery and carpets, and high-tech LED displays.

The work of the GM-SAIC Pan-Asia joint research and development facility, it incorporates traditional Chinese patterns in its trim, and evokes Chinese crystal sculptures in its headlight design. It shares its hardware with the Chevrolet Orlando and thus also the upcoming new Vauxhall Zafira, and also previews a next-generation GM hybrid powertrain.
Source:http://www.channel4.com

Feature: Best of 2009 Shanghai Auto Show


Detroit may be in the doldrums, but Shanghai is swinging: the Chinese motor industry is growing rapidly, investing in design expertise and preparing to have a significant global impact in coming years.

And besides the domestic manufacturers, who are producing ever-more interesting concepts, the established European and Western car-makers are finding that they can't afford to ignore China, where new-car sales are rising exponentially. Here's the low-down on the most important cars of this year's Shanghai Auto Show.

Bertone Mantide

Based on the 620bhp Corvette ZR1, the insectile Mantide (Italian for 'praying mantis') is a one-off, road-legal creation from the Stile Bertone studio for a private client.

Designer Jason Castriota - the man behind the one-off Pininfarina P4/5 - says it's inspired by jet-fighter aircraft, and its fuselage-type body, butterfly-opening doors and canopy certainly make it look ready to fly away.

Though the underpinnings are Corvette, the extra-aerodynamic Mantide is some 100kg lighter, thanks to its carbon fibre bodyshell and interior - which help it to 217mph and 0-60mph in less than 3.5 seconds. Downforce is 30% better than that of the Corvette, thankfully.

Buick Business Concept

Chinese buyers love GM's Buick brand - they see it as the epitome of American luxury - and the Business Concept MPV is suitably kitted out with armchair-type seats, plush burgundy and cream suede upholstery and carpets, and high-tech LED displays.

The work of the GM-SAIC Pan-Asia joint research and development facility, it incorporates traditional Chinese patterns in its trim, and evokes Chinese crystal sculptures in its headlight design. It shares its hardware with the Chevrolet Orlando and thus also the upcoming new Vauxhall Zafira, and also previews a next-generation GM hybrid powertrain.
Source:http://www.channel4.com

Feature: Best of 2009 Shanghai Auto Show

Detroit may be in the doldrums, but Shanghai is swinging: the Chinese motor industry is growing rapidly, investing in design expertise and preparing to have a significant global impact in coming years.And besides the domestic manufacturers, who are producing ever-more interesting concepts, the established European and Western car-makers are finding that they can't afford to ignore China, where

Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart Sportback (2009-) Review


We last drove the Ralliart Sportback as a pre-production car and even then it was shaping up to be a good compromise for someone who can't stretch to an Evo.


The prototypes had their flaws, though. The Ralliart's auto 'box blunted the 237bhp 2.0-litre turbo's performance, while others complained that Mitsubishi had gone too far in softening the Ralliart to make it palatable for the Golf GTI buyers and the like.


Mitsubishi listened and got to work. The finished Ralliart still sprints to 62mph in 7.1 seconds, but now boasts better gear ratios. Even more significantly, engineers have found the 'box is strong enough to take the full 253lb-ft of torque without the need for the pre-production car's torque limiter on first gear, promising for harder acceleration.


If that's not enough, the brakes have been boosted, suspension tweaked and it's competitively priced from £21,649 - that's £7,000 cheaper than the cheapest Lancer Evo and about £1,300 cheaper than the five-door Golf GTI.

So has Mitsubishi succeeded in providing an appetising cut-price alternative to one of the fastest, most accomplished four-door saloons ever made? Read on to find out.
Source:http://www.channel4.com

Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart Sportback (2009-) Review


We last drove the Ralliart Sportback as a pre-production car and even then it was shaping up to be a good compromise for someone who can't stretch to an Evo.


The prototypes had their flaws, though. The Ralliart's auto 'box blunted the 237bhp 2.0-litre turbo's performance, while others complained that Mitsubishi had gone too far in softening the Ralliart to make it palatable for the Golf GTI buyers and the like.


Mitsubishi listened and got to work. The finished Ralliart still sprints to 62mph in 7.1 seconds, but now boasts better gear ratios. Even more significantly, engineers have found the 'box is strong enough to take the full 253lb-ft of torque without the need for the pre-production car's torque limiter on first gear, promising for harder acceleration.


If that's not enough, the brakes have been boosted, suspension tweaked and it's competitively priced from £21,649 - that's £7,000 cheaper than the cheapest Lancer Evo and about £1,300 cheaper than the five-door Golf GTI.

So has Mitsubishi succeeded in providing an appetising cut-price alternative to one of the fastest, most accomplished four-door saloons ever made? Read on to find out.
Source:http://www.channel4.com

Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart Sportback (2009-) Review

We last drove the Ralliart Sportback as a pre-production car and even then it was shaping up to be a good compromise for someone who can't stretch to an Evo.The prototypes had their flaws, though. The Ralliart's auto 'box blunted the 237bhp 2.0-litre turbo's performance, while others complained that Mitsubishi had gone too far in softening the Ralliart to make it palatable for the Golf GTI buyers

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

上海车展 新车 即将上市

上海车展梅赛德斯-AMG将率领多款新车出席车展,其中改款S65 AMG、C63 AMG、SL63 AMG首次以官方身份在中国市场亮相。



『SLK55 AMG』



● SLK55 AMG

SLK55 AMG,输出360马力,百公里加速4.9秒,最快时速可达250公里。它使用了AMG家族里唯一的一款5.5升V8自然吸气发动机,一旦引入,除了完成秉承“一人一机”





『SLK55 AMG』

哲学下AMG的现有四款发动机在国内的一次会师,更可以视为对刚刚引入的TT-S的一个有效制衡。SLK55 AMG的硬顶敞篷可以在22秒内完成一款硬顶轿跑车到一款敞篷跑车的无缝变身,而AIRSCARF(头枕部暖风系统)的设计更是SLK的首创,将敞篷车的舒适性提升到一个新的高度。『SL63 AMG』

● SL63 AMG

SL63 AMG,输出525马力,百公里加速4.6秒,最快时速可达250公里。虽然SL63 AMG一直没有引进,但我们对它并不陌生:它是世界上唯一能走在一级方式赛车前面的车,既2008赛季后,2009赛季SL63 AMG还将继续担任F1的安全车。4月17日-19号上海站结束之后,在紧接其后的20号车展上会不会来一个近距离接触也未尝可知,但非常有可能。





『C63 AMG』

● C63 AMG

C63 AMG上海车展后很快就会引入中国市场。一旦引入,输出457马力,百公里加速4.5秒,最快时速可达250公里的C63 AMG 将成为M3的有力竞争对手。

迈巴赫齐柏林亚洲首次亮相

梅赛德斯-奔驰旗下超豪华品牌迈巴赫推出的新款迈巴赫齐柏林车型,将隆重亮相上海车展,这是此款新车型在亚洲首次亮相。据悉,这款称雄超豪车市场的巅峰力作将在全球限量发售100台,而且很有可能成为上海车展上身价最高的超豪华轿车。





迈巴赫配备了专门为新款迈巴赫齐柏林打造的Mercedes-AMG V12引擎,迈巴赫57齐柏林百公里加速时间仅为4.9秒;而迈巴赫62齐柏林的百公里加速时间仅为5.1秒,不愧是史上最强迈巴赫车型。



新款迈巴赫齐柏林处处可见对传统技术的突破,尤其是采用珍稀石材作为内饰配件的原材料,然而选取石材做内饰,在工艺上有很大难度。工程师和设计师必须采取非常规的方法,把坚硬的石材打造成薄如蝉翼“曲石”,还要通过严格的安全测试。此次采用的印度星河花岗岩呈深黑色,这种天然发亮的长石和周围隐约闪烁的三维水晶相映衬,装饰效果非常奇特。



Article Source:http://www.autohome.com.cn/news/200904/58817-1.html

上海车展 新车 即将上市

上海车展梅赛德斯-AMG将率领多款新车出席车展,其中改款S65 AMG、C63 AMG、SL63 AMG首次以官方身份在中国市场亮相。



『SLK55 AMG』



● SLK55 AMG

SLK55 AMG,输出360马力,百公里加速4.9秒,最快时速可达250公里。它使用了AMG家族里唯一的一款5.5升V8自然吸气发动机,一旦引入,除了完成秉承“一人一机”





『SLK55 AMG』

哲学下AMG的现有四款发动机在国内的一次会师,更可以视为对刚刚引入的TT-S的一个有效制衡。SLK55 AMG的硬顶敞篷可以在22秒内完成一款硬顶轿跑车到一款敞篷跑车的无缝变身,而AIRSCARF(头枕部暖风系统)的设计更是SLK的首创,将敞篷车的舒适性提升到一个新的高度。『SL63 AMG』

● SL63 AMG

SL63 AMG,输出525马力,百公里加速4.6秒,最快时速可达250公里。虽然SL63 AMG一直没有引进,但我们对它并不陌生:它是世界上唯一能走在一级方式赛车前面的车,既2008赛季后,2009赛季SL63 AMG还将继续担任F1的安全车。4月17日-19号上海站结束之后,在紧接其后的20号车展上会不会来一个近距离接触也未尝可知,但非常有可能。





『C63 AMG』

● C63 AMG

C63 AMG上海车展后很快就会引入中国市场。一旦引入,输出457马力,百公里加速4.5秒,最快时速可达250公里的C63 AMG 将成为M3的有力竞争对手。

迈巴赫齐柏林亚洲首次亮相

梅赛德斯-奔驰旗下超豪华品牌迈巴赫推出的新款迈巴赫齐柏林车型,将隆重亮相上海车展,这是此款新车型在亚洲首次亮相。据悉,这款称雄超豪车市场的巅峰力作将在全球限量发售100台,而且很有可能成为上海车展上身价最高的超豪华轿车。





迈巴赫配备了专门为新款迈巴赫齐柏林打造的Mercedes-AMG V12引擎,迈巴赫57齐柏林百公里加速时间仅为4.9秒;而迈巴赫62齐柏林的百公里加速时间仅为5.1秒,不愧是史上最强迈巴赫车型。



新款迈巴赫齐柏林处处可见对传统技术的突破,尤其是采用珍稀石材作为内饰配件的原材料,然而选取石材做内饰,在工艺上有很大难度。工程师和设计师必须采取非常规的方法,把坚硬的石材打造成薄如蝉翼“曲石”,还要通过严格的安全测试。此次采用的印度星河花岗岩呈深黑色,这种天然发亮的长石和周围隐约闪烁的三维水晶相映衬,装饰效果非常奇特。



Article Source:http://www.autohome.com.cn/news/200904/58817-1.html