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2015 Land Discovery Sport 30 First drive of brand’s 7-seater in Oman

COVERstory |

Shanghai calling Some familiar, some unfamiliar names at this year’s edition 22

42 48 cover story 30-35 Discovery Sport NEXT ISSUE 42-47 Ford Mustang Ecoboost Oman and regional news 2015 A6 6-13 Megane arrives in Oman, Harley-Davidson Street 750 arrives in Oman, 2015 Speed arrives in region, Audi ‘Land of quattro 2015’ tour held in Oman, fastest all-new John Cooper Works introduced for region, Middle East posts incredible results, Twin mitsubishi model launches by GAC, OTE introduces all-new Tiggo5 SUV

brandwatch 14-21 and Mazda confirm strategic partnership beyond 2020, new Rolls- Royce model announced, Mexico appeals to as production possibility, Renault rebranding taking place, Lincoln reconsidering naming nomenclature, some engineering details of NSA released, confirms URUS SUV production, to offer RX SUVs with turbo power, why are Mercedes and VW battling Uber and Apple? considering more crossovers? confirms return of Africa Twin, India’s Royal Enfield has acquired UK-based Harris Performance, Hyundai celebrates three decades of the Sonata, BMW celebrates 40 years of 3 Series, Next Nissan GT-R could use hybrid technology, rules out RCZ successor

milestone 20 Peugeot celebrates 40th anniv of 204

International news 22-29 2015 shanghai

74 first drives 36-41 2015 BMW X4 48-53 2015 Renault Captur 54-59 2015 Mazda CX-5 60-65 2015 Turbo

first ride 68 66-67 2015 KTM rc 200

Concept Previews 68-69 HNR 70-71 Audi Prologue 72-713 Citroen Aircross 74-75 BMW Hommage concept

MOTORSPORTS 76-79 F1, Moto GP, snippets

Chicane 88 Colour my response editor-in-chief Mohammad Al Taie

AL ROYA PRESS & PUBLISHING PO Box: 343, Postal Code 118 Al Harthy Complex Sultanate of Oman We pointed out at the beginning of the year itself that the longish cool weather of winter Email: [email protected] may just as likely be a portent of a blistering summer and the month of May has lived up Website: www.automan.me to that promise. With temperatures in the high forties (once in a while leaping over fifty

Editorial office: on our car dashboards) the condition of our car maintenance and air-conditioner efficiency Tel: +968 24652400/1/2/3/4/5 Extn 300, makes all the difference. Fax: +968 24652444 Distribution: Tel: +968 24652400/1/2/3/4/5 Extn 555, We hope that many of you have taken the message we passed out last month about the Subscription: condition of our tyres. While tyres always function at a higher than ambient temperature, Tel: +968 24652400/1/2/3/4/5 Extn 650 having bad tyres, high speeds and these scorching roads is a bad recipe. Do watch out publisher and if necessary, get your tyres changed while getting your air-conditioner topped up and Hatim Al Taie [email protected] cleaned.

EDITOR & GM Raj Warrior [email protected] This issue is choc-a-bloc with testdrives of turbo-powered . Long time readers will know that we have been early proponents of boosted aspiration in regular sedans. Gone are executive EDITOR the days when having turbos was indicative of a sporty identity. The use of turbocharging Chandan B Mallik [email protected] in has one mainstream with manufacturers across the spectrum opting for the contributing EDITOR extra huff and puff that it provides on smaller displacements and the resultant extra fuel Anne Kurian [email protected] efficiency ratings that help corporate figures.

HEAD OF Design Antony Karlo The six turbo-boosted vehicles that we test cover a rather wide range of choices, from a small to a car that actually is better known as a , although that is one photography Elvis John Ferrao tag that may have to be inferred rather than experienced. In trying to reach the Mustang out to global markets, Ford have to find smaller displacement engines that can provide at marketing least some of the excitement. Sayantani Ghosh [email protected] circulation Speaking of a global footprint, the Shanghai motorshow served to debut quite a few [email protected] models on to the Chinese carscape as well as providing some that will see the light of

FINANCE & ADMIN day even in the Middle East. Outside the models itself, what is even more interesting is Sumy Mol [email protected] the new technology that debuted, with new standards being drawn up entertainment systems, drivetrains and cabin environments. We have an extensive report. Website & IT Mohammed F Draz [email protected] One technology that we hope to see in cars in the region is something that will keep the Printer car interiors cool while parked. It’ll make a lot of difference to customers here and perhaps Al Anan Printing Press LLC Road No. 4A, Rusail Ind. Est., P.O. Box 10, help save the lives of sundry pets and infants left locked in cars. Postal Code 124, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman. Tel: +968 24446163 | Fax: +968 24446287 alananprinting.com | [email protected]

© 2015 All editorial content of Automan in the magazine and its website is copyrighted and may not be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the management of AL ROYA PRESS & Now, Automan is available in bookshops in PUBLISHING the United Arab Emirates too! Get your copy Automan accepts unsolicited exclusive editorial or let us know which outlets you would like material, but reserves the right to publish any such material. Once published, the copyright for any to see us in such material will vest with AL ROYA PRESS & PUBLISHING

Audi ‘Land of quattro 2015’ tour held in Oman news Oman & region

As part of a region wide brand exercise, on model applications, there are three New A6 launched in region Wattayah Motors, the brand custodians types. The first one is the Hydraulic Multi- for Audi in Oman organized a three-day plate Clutch quattro, which primarily quattro experience with customers, utilises the front wheels in ideal conditions prospects and media. The elaborate but can send up to 50 per cent of the event was held at the Oman Automobile ’s power to the rear when extra Association in Seeb, Muscat. The all- traction is needed. This application finds new 2015 Audi S3 and Audi TT were also place on the , Q3, and TT. showcased at the event. The second one is the Self-locking The quattro tour, which has also visited Centre Differential quattro, which is the various cities in the GCC is specifically most common type of all-wheel drive designed to give four-wheel drive technology across the Audi line-up and is The newly refreshed C7 platform A6 enthusiasts a chance to test their designed for lengthways-fitted engines – has landed in the region. Unveiled to driving skills by taking advantages of the such as the or Q7 and powers the journalists across the region at a driving technologies available from the Quattro drivetrain asymmetrically, sensing event held across Dubai and Ras Al set-ups. “Audi’s quattro system is a across all four wheels and delivering Khaimah, the A6 premiered in all engine triumph of technology that excels in the power to where it’s needed most. options but one across the line-up of the most diverse of conditions. Delivering The third type of quattro technology is A6, S6 and RS6 models. dynamism and sportiness with the highest only available on sportier models like the Featuring a completely refreshed exterior standards of safety and precision, quattro high-performance R8. Here it delivers all- design, new lighting technologies, a new technology has powered the success of wheel drive to predominantly rear-wheel generation of the MMI interface as well the brand over the past 30 years,” said driven set-ups via the Viscous Coupling as a completely new engine in the 2.0 TFSI Faisal Nawaz, Marketing Manager of Audi system. Additional power is transferred unit (the one engine that wasn’t on the Oman. Currently, 50 per cent of Audi to the front wheels when it’s needed for drive), the A6 seeks to beef up the brand’s models sold are quattros and depending difficult bends or in adverse conditions. increasing dominance of the segment. While the complete event report and Automan’s take test drive will be carried in our next issue, Audi chassis engineer Jörg Bensinger in the early 80s applied his pioneering all- we can definitely say that the RS6 and wheel drive technology to the original . This application helped the car S6 with their turbocharged V8 engines win four World Rally Championships. Since then it has become as hallmark feature will dominate rivals, while the 2.8 FSI will and Audi continues to pioneer the development and refinement of all-wheel drive. remain a stalwart of the price sensitive As a result of many years of development, today’s quattro provides benefits across entry V6 segment for the brand. the driving spectrum: from safety and ride quality, to high-performance and all- Initially the new 2.0-litre TFSI is expected terrain capability. to come in FWD mode to be followed at a later stage by the Quattro version as well.

6 JUN 2015 Nissan Middle East posts incredible results

Nissan maintained its status as the strategy ‘Power 88’, which CEO Carlos situation. However, Nissan has excelled fastest-growing automotive brand in Ghosn announced Nissan would achieve in the last financial year and lofty targets the GCC for the third consecutive year, by 2016. Under the Power 88 Mid Term will again be met in the next one.” The selling a record 219,129 units in the 2014 plan, Nissan Middle East announced that 2014 period was not only successful for financial year [up 3.3per cent on 2013]. In it will be targeting to sell 240,000 units Nissan in terms of sales, but also in terms addition, Nissan achieved the best ever in the GCC by fiscal year 2016 reaching of awards as the Japanese automaker customer satisfaction results through 12.3per cent market share. “This is our received 15 highly-regarded international top-level quality customer service. In the third successive year of record growth and regional accolades, positioning GCC, Nissan recorded an 18.1per cent in the Middle East and the momentum Nissan as the most awarded automotive sales increase with 185,135 units sold in will continue due to our broad product brand in the MENA region for the third 2014 versus 156,778 in 2013— increasing line, top-quality customer service, consecutive year. its market share by 0.8 percentage points outstanding dealership network, and Delivering on its after-sales promise, to reach 10.3per cent. commitment to our brand’s message Nissan achieved record results in sales In the UAE, Nissan maintained its strong of ‘innovation that excites’ that we live and service customer satisfaction number two position in the sales charts, daily with all touch points and at all reaching the top group level in the Gulf, selling 63,036 units – up 10per cent levels. The record breaking results are and number one in three of the GCC versus 2013 and achieving a 15.3per cent testament to the success of our Power countries. After one year of operation, market share. Nissan’s brand purchase 88 strategy,” says Nissan Middle East’s Nissan has already entered the top four consideration in the UAE has also managing director Samir Cherfan. “There performing auto brands in the Kingdom increased by 46per cent in the past two are plenty of headwinds impacting the of Saudi Arabia. years, closing the gap with the market industry at the moment such as falling Despite the proliferation of Chinese and leader. oil prices and currency fluctuations, plus Asian brands in the region, Nissan has as Nissan’s strategy for success is based closer to home there are instabilities of now no plans to introduced its recently on the well-known Nissan global growth in Iraq and the Azerbaijan regulations revived Datsun brand in this region.

Renault Megane hatchback arrives in Oman Suhail Bahwan Automobiles [SBA] introduced the facelifted and upgraded 2015 Renault Megane hatchback. It will be offered with a 115hp 1.6-litre engine. However, the biggest news in terms of powertrain is that the old automatic gearbox has been replaced with a CVT automatic. The front-wheel-drive Megane suspension comes with independent front and live-axle rear suspension. Standard features in the hatchback include cloth upholstery, split-folding rear seat, fog lamps, rear wiper, manual a/c, power windows and mirrors, keyless entry, 4-speaker CD/ MP3 stereo with AUX port and Bluetooth and 15-inch steel wheels with hubcaps. Available features on higher models include optional leather upholstery, cruise control, optional HID headlights, automatic a/c, intelligent keyless entry and start, rain-sensing wipers, sunroof, Arkamys stereo with USB port, and 16in or 17in alloy wheels. Standard safety features include ABS and dual front airbags, with side and curtain airbags available on higher models.

JUN 2015 7 Twin Mitsubishi model launches by GAC

The all-new 2015 Gen V L200 pick-up and heavily refreshed 2016 Outlander SUV were introduced to media and customers by General Automotive Company and Mitsubishi Motor Corporation representatives in Muscat. The incoming pick-up which gets its first full redesign in nine years has been improved in relevant departments to offer better comfort for its occupants, reduced NVH, sharper performance and class leading driving dynamics. Meanwhile, the refreshed Outlander gets a new front end, trims and rear design in the same body profile. The SUV is also the first production model to sport the new corporate face called ‘Dynamic Shield’ which will also feature in future models. The L200 will be sold with either normally-aspirated petrol or turbocharged diesel engines mated to 5-speed manual . GAC’s 2015 Ramadan campaign for Mitsubishi vehicles was also announced during the twin launch. The campaign factors in most requirements of customers during the ownership period of the car. “We are happy to welcome these two important models into our wide- ranging family of Mitsubishi models. The ideal timing of this launch allows our clients to enjoy these vehicles together with the offers provided by GAC during the holy month; providing them with total peace of mind and a real sense of value in addition to the power, reliability and performance that Mitsubishi vehicles are known for. This is in addition to the professional service and maintenance provided by our highly trained staff across our country-wide branch network in the Sultanate,” said Rajesh Sharma, national marketing manager for GAC.

8 JUN 2015

Fastest all-new MINI John Cooper Works introduced for region The all-new MINI John Cooper expertise was put through The MINI JCW gets sports seats in Works, the most powerful its paces at the Yas Marina model-specific design and Dinamica/fabric with MINI ever has ever made was circuit. Compared with the equipment features such as integrated headrests, entry introduced in Middle East previous MINI John Cooper LED with white sills, wheel with at an event held at Formula Works, the new model direction indicators, wheel multifunction buttons and 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, delivers 10 per cent more arch surround with distinctive shift paddles in conjunction Yas Marina Circuit. This car power and 23 per cent more contours, radiator grille, with 6-speed Steptronic gets a high output 2.0-litre, torque, reaching 0-100km/h in side scuttles, sports exhaust sports transmission, gear 4-cylinder TwinPower Turbo- 6.1secs; 0.2 seconds quicker system with special exhaust lever or selector lever; charged engine, delivering than the model it replaces. It tips and an exclusive new cockpit displays, central 231hp and 320Nm of torque. also benefits from upgraded Rebel Green body paint finish. instrument display and car The tuned car, which draws suspension, steering, brakes The ’s interior has key in model specific design on the brand’s motorsport and styling. exclusive John Cooper Works and more.

10 JUN 2015 Harley Street 750 in Oman

The Al Makan Café in Qurum Corniche, Muscat served as the host for the launch of the newest and smallest member of the Harley- Davidson family: the all-new 2015 Street 750. The cruiser-styled machine is assembled in India and is powered by a Revolution X 2015 Bentley Mulsanne Speed liquid-cooled, 60-degree V-Twin engine. The 750cc unit produces 56hp at 8,000rpm and 59Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. The mill is arrives in region mated to a six-speed belt-drive transmission. As standard, the Bentley’s new luxury flagship, the Mulsanne Speed, has been bike comes equipped with black seven-spoke cast aluminium unveiled on the roads of the Middle East and is now available wheels, riding on 17in x 2.5in fronts and 15in x 3.5in rears. Black is at Bentley dealerships across the region. The new Mulsanne the thematic colour here – the engine and covers are finished in Speed is tailored for the driver, with 530bhp and 1,100Nm and the shade, as are the bike’s front end (fork gators and towers), selectable sports suspension and steering on demand. pull-back handlebar and 2-into-1 upswept exhaust.

OTE introduces all-new Chery Tiggo5 SUV

As a Chinese brand, Chery for the first time at the 2013 high, 1,740mm wide on a commitment to make better is fairly new recent in Oman Guangzhou Auto Show of 2,610mm car was vehicles by having technical with its five-year footprint followed by domestic market introduced last month. The and design tie-ups with mostly as a result of its association launch in China as well as car has been designed with Europe-based specialists like with multibrand automotive overseas markets since late inputs from Europe and will be , Bertone, Bosch, retailing set-up Oman Trading 2014. available in the Sultanate with AVL, Ricardo among others. Enterprises [OTE]. The Tiggo The pleasant looking and 132hp 2.0-litre engine mated OTE provides the back-up and 5 is the largest Chery SUV to well-proportioned 5-seater to 7-speed CVT. Over the aftersales services through its date which was introduced SUV is 4,506mm long, 1,841mm years, Chery has reaffirmed its network in Oman.

JUN 2015 11 Toyota and Mazda confirm strategic partnership beyond 2020 Toyota-Mazda courtship that began years ago with the licensing of a hybrid powertrain to Mazda for use in its Japanese-market 3 models has now entered into an interesting phase following last month’s announcement. As part of the technology transfer agreement between both sides Toyota will gain from Mazda’s expertise in lightweight design, fuel-efficient Skyactiv technologies, while Mazda will get access to hybrid and fuel-cell technology and some manufacturing expertise. The agreement also looks at partnership beyond 2020. Peugeot rules out RCZ successor Peugeot has confirmed that the sleek RCZ will be axed at the end of the current model’s life cycle. This was confirmed by Peugeot CEO Maxime Picat on the sidelines of the Shanghai Motor Show a few weeks ago. “I love the RCZ but I want us to focus on making the best of our core models. Chasing niches is for premium brands; for us, it has been a distraction.” Peugeot has not officially disclosed when it is planning to discontinue the RCZ. The stylish coupe went on sale in 2009 and was last updated in 2012. Meanwhile, Peugeot is not entirely giving up on performance cars as its sport division is working overtime to develop a hot-rodded version of Automan’s take the 308 hatchback that will fight head-to-head against the Mazda is among the few automakers considered to be new Volkswagen Golf R and the upcoming Ford Focus RS. conservative. Mazda’s past associations with other carmakers Tentatively scheduled to go on sale in Europe and in China haven’t been so fruitful [particularly with Ford] and as of now, a later this year, the yet-unnamed sport-focused 308 will get a weak Japanese yen has helped bolster Mazda’s bottom line, but muscular look inspired by the 308 R HYbrid that was presented without question, the company’s long-term viability requires a in Shanghai and a tuned turbo four that will generate 300hp. strong partner and we hope Toyota will live up to its promise with Mazda and both sides will enjoy the fruits of this association.

New Rolls-Royce model announced At the 2015 Rolls-Royce World Dealer like no other Rolls-Royce to date,” said beautiful people who wish to bathe in the Conference in Los Angeles, California Mueller-Oetvoes. “Dawn is a beautiful sunlight of the world’s social hotspots.” last month, besides the usual agenda, new open-top motor car with a name Rolls-Royce Dawn is the next step in the Torsten Mueller-Oetvoes, Chief Executive that suggests the fresh opportunities that renaissance of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Officer of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars dropped every new day holds – an awakening, an which began in 2003 with the launch of in pleasant surprise by announcing the opening up of one’s senses and a burst Phantom and subsequent introductions name of its forthcoming new car. The of sunshine. It will be the most social of Ghost and Wraith. It justifies the new model is an exciting and sensuous of super-luxury motor cars for those continuing investment of the BMW Group drophead which will be known as Rolls- into the world’s pinnacle super-luxury Royce Dawn. “Our new Rolls-Royce Dawn brand. promises a striking, seductive encounter

Automan’s take The new Rolls-Royce Dawn will revive another famous and rare Rolls-Royce name first used in 1949, but only ever applied to 28 very special drophead bodies between 1950 and 1954. A new beginning for Rolls-Royce at the time, the original Silver Dawn was the first Rolls-Royce to be offered with a factory-built body. The drophead Rolls-Royces that carried the name Dawn continued to be coach-built for individual customers, ensuring their uniqueness and rarity.

12 JUN 2015 Renault is in a major drive to revitalize will continue its metamorphosis that will features the same more generous, higher- its brand power. The French brand has a result in an entirely renewed range. In status, brighter logo that adorns the front long tradition for making ‘Voitures à Vivre’ addition to being designed with passion of the brand’s latest models. has seen it design innovative, ingenious, by our engineering and design teams, our The brand block has changed, as well. modular, comfortable cars ever since the new models must make the lives of our Although it draws its DNA from Renault’s company’s origins. Since 2012, this integral customers easier and more pleasant every past, it stands out as more modern and part of the brand’s DNA has combined day.” more assertive. It also features a new, with a determination to engage once more Along with Renault’s new brand signature, specially developed typeface designed with its customers in an emotional way, as the brand’s graphic identity has been to add a distinctive touch to the brand’s well. This called for a revitalised approach reviewed and redesigned, too, by in-house communication. The Renault yellow, which to vehicle design. teams working out of its Corporate Design has been made brighter and warmer, is “Our new brand signature – ‘RENAULT Department. This evolution concerns all visible as a vertical strip to the logo’s right. - Passion for life’ – reflects the in-depth the company’s advertising, both audio and The Groupe Renault’s new corporate transformation that is under way at visual (TV, print, posters, radio, etc.), as identity, which will cover the Renault, Renault and which began with the new well as websites, exhibition stands, special Dacia and Renault Samsung Motors Clio,” says Michael der Sande, Senior events, merchandising, clothing, etc. brands was revealed at the Groupe

Vice-President, Global Marketing. “More Meanwhile, the Renault diamond has been Renault’s general meeting last month. news brandwatch than the words themselves, the slogan is made bolder and has been freed from the a pledge to our customers that Renault confinement of its surrounding outline. It

Renault revitalisng brand power with key messaging

Honda confirms return of Africa Twin Honda has announced the return of one worldwide. The new Africa Twin remains of motorcycling’s most celebrated and true to all the attributes and abilities of evocative names—the Africa Twin. The the XRV650 and its successor, the XRV750, reveal of the True Adventure prototype at while adding the benefits of everything EICMA in November 2014 was the first hint Honda has learned on and off-road over and now American Honda has confirmed the last decade, including Team HRC’s that the all-new CRF1000L Africa Twin will return to the Dakar in 2013. be in US dealerships early next year. Furthermore, in a first for the category, The original XRV650 Africa Twin—which the Africa Twin will feature the option of a debuted in 1989 after Honda’s four new evolution of Honda’s Automatic Dual successive wins in the Dakar Rally—was Clutch Transmission (DCT) technology, one such machine. Its go-anywhere ability, which remains unique to Honda in rugged durability, agile handling and all- motorcycling. This latest evolution of day comfort made it the perfect partner DCT has been specifically developed with which to explore. And it helped to and programmed to provide the off- define a motorcycling segment that has road ability with which the Africa Twin is now grown into one of the most popular synonymous.

Automan’s take Some motorcycles encapsulate perfectly what an adventure motorcycle is all about and the all-new CRF1000L Africa Twin is set to redefine expectations of just what a large-capacity adventure motorcycle can and should be capable of, both on and off-road, and it opens an entirely new chapter in Honda’s illustrious history of dual- purpose motorcycles made for true adventure.

JUN 2015 13 Lamborghini SUV project greenlighted Lamborghini has confirmed the launch of a sports utility vehicle and also announced where it would be built. Volkswagen Group-owned Lamborghini said that the new third line product would be built in . This means the Italy beat a bid from to build the car there. Top executives from Lamborghini joined the Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi at a signing ceremony in Rome last month. The Urus SUV was unveiled as a concept car in 2012 and is expected to go on sale in 2018, with a planned production level of 3,000 cars a year. Reports say the sports car maker received the high-riding version of the as next-generation versions from this platform, engineers $98m worth of tax breaks and other MLB Evo platform, currently of the and are expected to use lighter incentives from the government found in the latest VW Touareg. To extract the carbon fibre components in to produce the car in Italy. and destined to underpin performance one would place of some of the steel and Lamborghini’s new model will share Bentley’s Bentayga as well expect of a Lamborghini aluminium sections.

Lexus to offer RX SUVs with turbo power Following the world debut of the next- Katsuda: “A major point of appeal in the generation RX in New York on 1 April, Lexus RX 200t is its ability to deliver seamless has revealed its luxury SUV will be available and continuous acceleration up to mid with a 2.0-litre turbocharged . and high speeds.” According to market, This idea was showcased in the RX 200t new RX will also be available with a more model that was presented for the first time powerful 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine, coupled at the Shanghai motor show last month. with an eight-speed automatic gearbox Designed for selected markets around the and producing more than 300bhp. The full world, the model is powered by the in-line hybrid version will use an Atkinson cycle 3.5 four-cylinder engine first deployed in the NX V6, together with an electric motor, giving a range. combined system output of around 300bhp. The unit features VVT-iW intelligent/ All three powertrains have been engineered wide variable valve-timing, a low-inertia for high fuel economy and lower carbon and an air-to-liquid intercooler. emissions. Target output in the RX is more than 225bhp. The engine will be matched to a six-speed with ratios tailored to support strong acceleration from standstill and at overtaking speeds. According to RX chief engineer Takayuki

14 JUN 2015 India’s Royal Enfield has acquired UK- based Harris Performance In a very calculated and intelligent move, Royal Enfield has acquired Harris Performance for an undisclosed amount. Under the deal, the company shall acquire all the assets, employees, trademarks, intellectual property and technical know-how of the motorcycle component maker. Harris Performance was closely associated with Royal Enfield for the development of chassis for the Continental GT, the most advanced bike by the Indian bike maker till date. The experience of Harris Performance of over forty years is bound to be beneficial for the iconic bike brand. Royal Enfield is also setting up a technical centre in the UK to develop world class products. Harris Performance employees will be a part of this tech centre. Harris Performance has been known for making specialized chassis and components for high capacity motorcycles and this expertise would be instrumental in the development of the upcoming 750cc twin-cylinder bike from the Chennai based brand. Automan’s take

The move by Royal Enfield is being seen as a strategic one because the company is currently working on a variety of new platforms. Having experts from Harris Performance working exclusively for them shall ensure better product designing aspects as well as engineering benefits. Other upcoming products like the Himalayan adventure model would also benefit from this association. In the past, Harris Performance has designed, developed and manufactured race bikes for Grand Prix and World Superbike for and Yamaha and remains the only manufacturer from the UK to have been officially involved for the same.

grow and become ten inches longer and it will have five doors instead of Volkswagen than the current model and about three. The entry-level crossover is a foot shorter than the five-seater expected to be a hit in Europe, but it considering more CrossBlue. The new Tiguan will also be might not be sold in the United States crossovers? built on the MQB platform. It can be due to its small size. available with an optional third row The two big crossovers will be built of seats best suited to carrying small alongside the Passat in Chattanooga, A new report from UK suggests that children. A sportier-looking version of Tennessee. The Tiguan will be Volkswagen will launch no less than the Tiguan will join the lineup shortly assembled in Puebla, Mexico, and it is five new crossovers before the end after the regular model bows in 2017. too early to tell where Volkswagen will of the decade. The crossovers are At the bottom end of the spectrum, build the entry-level model. largely being designed to give the Volkswagen will build a Polo-sized automaker’s North American arm a crossover aimed right at the Nissan much-needed boost. Juke. It will borrow a handful of styling Scheduled to land next year, the cues from the Taigun concept shown first crossover will be a seven-seater in São Paulo, Brazil, in 2012 but it model that will stretch nearly 200 will be slightly bigger inches long. It will essentially be a toned-down version of the CrossBlue concept that was presented to the public at the 2013 Detroit Motor Show. The yet-unnamed soft-roader will be bigger than the Touareg but it will be a lot less expensive and it will feature smaller four- and six-cylinder engines and possible hybrids. A five-seater version of the CrossBlue will follow shortly after. Inspired by the CrossBlue coupe that was presented in Shanghai two years ago. It will be built on Volkswagen’s MQB platform, and it will share the bulk of its engines with its seven-seater counterpart. Meanwhile, the next-gen Tiguan will

JUN 2015 15 Why are Mercedes and VW battling Uber and Apple? Well, it boils down to a piece of technology that carmakers are desperate for. Nokia’s mapping division up for grabs and Silicon Valley players are making a beeline for it. The reason is understandable: it’s technology that is vital for future needs like autonomous driving or simply better navigation. And it’s no secret that digital mapping is now closely linked with the future of motoring. The sale of a major player in that industry is spurring a showdown between automotive behemoths and tech giants, and it’s a fascinating battle to watch unfold. Nokia is selling its Here mapping division, and while the company might not have the name recognition of Google, it controls about 70per cent of the auto market. The business is valued at $785mn, according to Reuters, but is likely to sell for significantly more. Uber has reportedly submitted a $3bn bid and Apple has also been rumoured to be among those interested in purchasing Here. The bigger news is that three German automotive heavyweights are in a cartel and in the process of mounting a bigger challenge to the Silicon Valley bidders. According to Reuters speaking to two unnamed insiders, Daimler, BMW, and Audi are teaming up to submit a joint bid for an undisclosed sum. They’re worried that if Here falls under the control of tech-savvy companies, then automakers might have limited availability to these vital maps in the future.

Some engineering details of NSA released Honda/ will begin taking orders The manufacturing technology results in The configuration is said to decouple for the flagship NSX next summer. In ultra-rigid aluminum components that can the twin-motor-unit torque from the the interim period the carmaker has be placed within the car’s crush zones, driver’s experience at the steering wheel, released some engineering details of the serving as junction points. improving steering feel and achieving the forthcoming car. According to NSX chief On the powertrain side, it will employ10 promised “on the rails” handling via TMU engineer Ted Klaus, the hybridised NSX will air-cooled heat exchangers to help cool torque vectoring and variable-gear-ratio use the company’s first development of the front twin-motor unit (TMU), the twin- steering. multi-material space frame, with a focus turbo 3.5-litre V6 engine, rear direct-drive Aerodynamic efficiencies are also being on lightweight construction and maximum electric motor and nine-speed dual-clutch talked about and the NSX is expected to body rigidity. The chassis combines transmission. Three separate radiators achieve top-class aerodynamic balance plenty of aluminum with high-strength to maximize airflow and efficiency have and aerodynamic downforce steel, all anchored to a carbon-fibre floor. been assigned for the internal-combustion without the use of active aerodynamic The construction is claimed to feature engine. aids. Aerodynamic drag will be minimized, the first automotive application of new The car will also feature Honda’s next- even while moving large airflows as it ablation casting technology, overcoming generation torque vectoring system inhales and exhales. the brittleness of traditional castings. which is being developed separately.

Automan’s take Honda is taking the NSX project quite seriously and it seems it has set a goal to create something altogether new and exciting, something that advances the concept of a next generation supercar in the spirit of the original NSX. As a result, it is also prepared to push, experiment with, refine and then realize several genuine new technology options or applications.

16 JUN 2015 Lincoln considering naming plan Mexico appeals to Jaguar Land Rover Lincoln could be returning to full names for its range of models, potentially dropping the MK-based scheme. The company signaled as production possibility such a shift when it introduced the Continental concept in New Jaguar Land Rover is reportedly considering setting up a factory York, reviving a nameplate that had been formally retired more in Mexico. Mexico has attracted several carmakers as it offers than a decade ago. “Without divulging the future, we’re very its cheap labour, free-trade agreements and proximity to the US excited about the Continental name and the attention it’s gotten,” market. “Three years from now it could be interesting to have said Ford’s president of the Americas, Joe Hinrichs. a plant in North America, and Mexico would definitely be a very Hinrichs acknowledges the potential confusion in the current strong candidate because of the cost of labour, the logistics and the arrangement, which includes the MKC, MKS, MKT, MKX and MKZ. expertise of the whole supply network,” Jaguar Land Rover Mexico The MK term dates back to the Lincoln Mark series and some of the managing director Joseph ChamaSrour said in a recent interview. third letters hint at the bodystyle -- the MKS , MKC crossover and MKX crossover -- however other names, such as the MKZ and MKT, do not follow the same pattern. “It’s, frankly, where the auto industry -- the premium industry -- has gone, if you look at all the nameplates,” Hinrichs added. “But another way Lincoln could distinguish itself is to leverage its heritage. So I’ll leave it at that.”

Automan’s take Various automakers including Ford, Hyundai, , Toyota and Volkswagen have announced projects in Mexico. Meanwhile, the British automaker, which is owned by India’s , is reportedly considering investments of more than $500mn to build a new factory in North America. The Evoque and and are expected to be top priorities but Automan’s take Jaguar models could also be built at the factory. The company The Continental concept will likely be the first model to shift currently operates several manufacturing facilities throughout back to a classic name, replacing the MKS when a production the UK, along with a factory in India and its newest plant in model arrives on the market. China.

Next Nissan GT-R could use hybrid technology There’s a lot of buzz regarding the next- said: “It’s a direct injection engine, and the will be a hybrid, suggesting engineers will generation GT-R and any information that combustion technology, and integration of be borrowing more than just the internal- comes out is greeted with great interest. A turbo and intake system within the head combustion components from the Le Nissan engineer has shed a bit of light on design, is all very interesting and highly Mans racer. Industry watchers suggest engine development already underway for applicable to the road.” Bowlby suggested the gasoline-electric hybrid will likely reach the current GT-R’s replacement. the engine already has a general design toward 800hp. The redesigned model, The GT-R LM Nismo race car may not look conducive to use in a street car, sharing the which could borrow design cues from the anything like the road-going version, but same 6,500rpm redline as the 3.8-litre V6 in 2020 Vision Gran Turismo concept, is unlikely its 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 is being the current GT-R. It also produces the same to arrive before 2018 or later. designed with full production in mind. The level of power, but burns “about a third of LMP1 racer uses the mill in a longitudinal the fuel” in the process. Automan’s take configuration, driving the front wheels via a The company’s chief creative officer, Downsizing displacement and boosting hybrid system that produces approximately Shiro Nakamura, early this year rejected output using electric motors as a hybrid 1,250hp. rumours of a switch to a mid-engine layout set-up could be the key to the success of Nismo’s technical director, Ben Bowlby for the next GT-R. He confirmed that it this new model.

JUN 2015 17 BMW celebrates 40 years of 3 Series

First unveiled at the 1975 International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, the BMW 3 Series has since developed into both the brand’s most successful model range and an international bestseller. Gen I [1975-1982] Gen III [1992-1999] Gen V [2005-2011] The BMW E21 was the original BMW 3-Series The E36 platform served as the basis for the The fifth generation 3 Series debuted automobile, produced from 1975 to 1983. It 1991-1999 BMW 3 Series entry-level / as a sedan (E90) and touring (E91) in replaced the BMW 2002 and was succeeded compact . It was the successor to March 2005, while the coupé (E92) by the BMW E30. Worldwide sales of the E21 the BMW E30 and was eventually replaced by and a retractable hard-top topped 1.36 million, although the car was not the BMW E46 in 1999. The M3 was produced (E93) went on sale in August 2006 as particularly popular in the lucrative United as an E36 from 1995-1999 in the US, and 1993- 2007 models. The coupé/cabriolet body States market. For the driving enthusiast the 1999 in the European market. E36 experienced was now its own design and no longer pick of the crop was most certainly the 323i, enormous success in the market. It laid strong derived from the sedan/touring unlike its a car widely credited with being the first foundations for the success the BMW E46 predecessors. The retractable hard-top executive-sporting car. experienced in subsequent years. The E36 is convertible, meanwhile, was a first for the considered the performance benchmark in its 3 Series. The E90 was available with four- Gen II [1982-1991] class. BMW also made an entry level version of cylinder and six-cylinder engines, and the The E30 platform was the basis for the 1982 the E36 called the 3 Series Compact, a three- E92 M3 used a . through 1991 BMW 3 Series entry-level luxury car door hatchback. / compact executive car. It was the successor of Gen VI [2012-] the BMW E21 in 1982 and was replaced by the Gen IV [1999-2004] The F30 debuted on 14 October 2011 in BMW E36 in 1992. BMW continued to produce The E46 automobile platform is the fourth Munich and went on sale in February 2012. the cabriolet (convertible) E30 well into 1993. generation of BMW’s highly successful The first model to be produced was the The M3 cabriolet was never officially offered for 3 Series entry-level luxury car / compact sedan (F30), which was followed by the sale in North America; it was offered only for the executive car. It was introduced in 1998 Touring (F31) in May 2012 and Gran Turismo European market. This was also the first platform and replaced the E36 sedans the same year. (F34) in June 2013, a smaller variant of the 5 that BMW introduced their famous Motorsports The touring and coupé models appeared Series GT hatchback. The 3 Series convertible division 3-series, the BMW M3. A widened version for 2000, and the compact version for 2001. and coupé models were no longer available, of the E30 front suspension and the drivetain Despite being introduced last, the E46 as they have been included in the 4 Series from the E30 325i were used in the BMW Z1 compact was the first to be replaced when 1 lineup. . Series was launched in September 2004.

Nissan 2015 results Nissan Motor Company has announced financial results for the 12 months to March 31, 2015. The company delivered solid full-year revenues and profits. Robust demand, especially for new products in North America and Western Europe, along with cost efficiencies and the continued correction in the yen-dollar exchange rate, offset challenging market conditions in Japan and several emerging markets. Operating profit rose to $5.4bn for fiscal year 2014, representing a 5.2 per cent margin on net revenues that reached $103.6bn for the period. In the fourth quarter, operating profits were 171.6bn yen; net income reached 118.8 billion yen; and revenues increased by 2.6 per cent to 3.29 trillion yen. On a management pro-forma basis, which includes proportional consolidation of results from Nissan’s joint venture operation in China, fiscal year 2014 net revenues increased to 12.41 trillion yen, up 8.5per cent year-on-year. Pro-forma operating profit rose by 18.6 per cent to 718.6bn yen compared with fiscal year 2013. This resulted in a 5.8 per cent operating profit margin. “These are solid results in a highly competitive market-place,” said Carlos Ghosn, president and chief executive officer. “We have been encouraged by demand for our new products. In the year ahead, we will remain focused on delivering continued revenue and profit growth, driven by our product and technology offensive, cost and sales discipline, and growing synergies from the Renault-Nissan Alliance. These actions will ensure we remain on the right path towards our mid-term strategic goals.”

18 JUN 2015 a more organic, aerodynamic design. The facelift of this generation, launched in 1991, was the first model to be badged with the newly revised Hyundai logo.

Gen III (1993) The 1990s marked the acceleration of digital technologies replacing traditional analog technologies. This Sonata leveraged this consumer trend, enjoying robust sales due to many advanced features, including automatic side mirrors and anti-lock braking system (ABS) technologies.

Gen IV (1998) The fourth generation was launched in 1998 and was the best-selling model in Korea from February 1999 to August 2000. This generation was sold in Europe and was equipped with an in-house developed engine and a Hyundai Intelligent Vehicle Electronic Control (HIVEC) transmission. It was also the highest scoring mid-size sedan in the 2004 J.D. Power Initial Quality Survey in the U.S.

Gen V (2004) The fifth Generation Sonata was designed to be a world-class mid-size sedan as a fundamental development target. This generation of Sonata adopted a European design theme, offering premium character and road presence. It was equipped with significantly advanced features and achieved a top-ranked safety rating.

Gen VI (2009) The sixth generation sedan was one of the first Hyundai models to employ the company’s Fluidic Sculpture design philosophy. Its bold and compelling design, powerful, efficient engine and solid performance created a new sensation in mid-size sedan markets throughout the world with record sales, solidifying Sonata in the minds of consumers as one of the Hyundai celebrates three decades of the Sonata Hyundai’s most recognizable models. In addition, the Sonata Hybrid model was Hyundai is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its Sonata introduced globally on the Sonata platform mid-size sedan. The Sonata made its debut in 1985 in in 2010. Korea, playing a pivotal role in Hyundai’s growth and Gen VII (2014) The current generation model has further reputation. With more than 7.3 million Sonata models refined and balanced the convention- sold since its introduction, Sonata has become a family shattering version of Hyundai’s Fluidic Sculpture design philosophy, raising the sedan loved by customers all around the world. bar for the mid-size sedan segment in both design and performance. Further, the Gen I (1985) Gen II (1988) all-new Sonata expanded its powertrain The first generation Sonata was one of Unlike the first Generation model, which offerings with two additional eco-friendly Hyundai’s first models designed exclusively was rear-drive, the second generation opted models, including the Sonata Hybrid by Hyundai’s in-house design teams. It for a front-wheel drive system for enhanced unveiled in 2014, and the first Sonata Plug- started the Sonata legacy by exceeding 1 interior packaging efficiency. As Korea’s first In Hybrid model, introduced at the North million unit sales in Korea for a single model independently-designed model, it departed American International Auto Show in Detroit line for the first time. from angular design language and adopted in 2015.

JUN 2015 19 Peugeot celebrates 50-year anniversary of 204

ifty years ago a car was launched with more modest budgets. The 204 This kept both cost and weight down. that heralded the birth of the stylish, changed that and brought Peugeot back Three years after launch a 1,255cc diesel Fhigh quality small cars that Peugeot to its basic principles with characteristics engine joined the range. is famous for today. When it was revealed that still define its range today: stylish, The engineering results saw the Peugeot to Peugeot dealers in Paris on 22nd April, high quality and fun to drive cars that are 204 praised by independent reviewers 1965, the 204 was at the forefront of affordable. in the UK for its lively performance, automotive innovation. At less than 4m long, the 204 was touted positive, accurate steering and good Pininfarina designed the sedan which at as one of the first examples of the ‘small- fuel economy. The 204 also went on to be the time appropriately appeared relatively medium’ sized segment. It was a car that offered in two-door cabriolet, three door conservative. However, its four-door promoted downsizing, long before the ‘coupe’, five-door estate, and three-door shape cloaked some true innovations. concept became a motoring phenomenon. van body shapes, as well as the four-door After nearly eight years in development, The aim was to offer the space of a family saloon it was launched as. Between 1969 the 204 was the first front wheel drive car in a smaller package. The resulting and 1971, the 204 became the best-selling Peugeot and it also became the first segment has gone on to spawn popular car in France, the first time a PeugeotT had production Peugeot to offer disc brakes models such as today’s 308. ever held that title. up front. The car was endowed with The reason that the 204 managed From the very beginning, the Peugeot has all round. But to combine generous interior space inspired technological efficiency. The ‘20’ arguably the biggest revolution was in the with smaller exterior dimensions was series range started with the ‘201’, at the car’s size. helped in part by the layout beneath time the 201 design and it was followed From the end of WWII, had the bonnet. The transversely mounted over time by the successive 202, 203, gradually grown in dimensions. By engine had a transverse gearbox located 204, 205, 206 207 and 208 models. This the 1960s the French firm was known beneath it. This liberated sufficient compact range of cars has long since principally as a large car maker. The space for the car to be front-wheel drive. been the company’s best-selling models models were chic and sophisticated but The 1,130cc single overhead camshaft and continues to demonstrate unrivalled their price put them out of reach of buyers petrol engine was made from aluminium. innovation today.

20 JUN 2015 potlight S news

Despite some familiar, some unfamiliar brand names, concepts and production cars, one thing is for sure: Chinese brands are moving upmarket. This was evident at last month’s 16th edition of Shanghai Auto Show Author: Chandan B Mallik

owadays, most industry shake-out. Latest data multinational industry leaders. 109 new models had their international auto from China indicates that auto As of now in China, more world debuts at the event, Nshows try to reflect sales are on track to increase foreign branded cars from 44 new models had their the mood of the market 7per cent year-on-year to hit Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz debuts in Asia. This represents with movers and shakers. 25.1mn units in 2015. and Land Rover are rolling an interesting juncture and But, when it comes to China, China’s domestic auto makers, off assembly lines installed in timing as in the past few years, which is currently the world’s among them the six major China. Meanwhile, lower-end Chinese automakers have second largest market, there’s players, FAW, SAIC Group, models produced by joint come under international much more than just cars Dongfeng Motor, Changan ventures are also squeezing criticism for producing – production or concepts Automobile, GAC Group and domestic brands. cheap knock-offs of popular from international and local BAIC Motor, as well as other This year’s show also depicted international models. While, players. Despite the economic Chinese brands including the collective motivation and this year’s show had a few slowdown, global car makers Chery, Brilliance Auto, rise of the domestic industry of the copy cats around, but are taking on a growing , BYD and Great Wall and further evidence of it what is worth noting is that presence in China with more Motor offered impressive moving upmarket with an array several domestic brands made investments. presentations ranging from of innovative presentations. the effort to offset that image China has the world’s most car design to technical Auto Shanghai 2015, as it is of their industry and project competitive car market, with innovation. These exhibits also called, brought together 2,000 themselves as convincing twice as many brands and communicate the fact that the Chinese and foreign exhibitors global entities. three times as many models on Chinese players are moving up from 18 countries and regions. Interestingly, out of the 109 car the market than in the United in the domestic markers with Up to 1,343 complete vehicles models that made their global States. But it is also a market confidence while at the same were on display at the event, debut at the Shanghai Auto so large and lucrative that no time also pose a significant including 47 concept cars and Show, 103 were new energy domestic players can afford an challenge to traditional 103 new energy vehicles, while vehicles. Read on...

22 JUN 2015 Audi BMW Audi’s star car was the hybridised Prologue Allroad high-riding estate concept. The car sported a 724bhp petrol-electric The German brand presented the production version of its hybrid powertrain. The car was presented as Prologue Avant plug-in hybrid variant of the X5 SUV. Called xDrive40e, it concept at the earlier. The core idea from was shown as the Concept X5 eDrive previously. The show Audi appeared to communicate what to expect from large car featured a four-cylinder 242bhp turbocharged 2.0-litre production models in the next decade besides engineering. petrol engine mated to a 111bhp electric motor helping This includes an adaptation of the trademark trapezoidal grille it to offer a combined output of 309bhp with 350Nm of design, swept back headlamps and sleeker, less angular sheet torque. Power is transferred via eight-speed automatic metal profiling. transmission.

Beijing Auto Beijing Auto introduced its new X55 compact SUV that will be launched on the Chinese car market in the second half of 2015, and it will be positioned under the Senova X65.

Buick

General Motors brand used the auto show to reveal its all-new Verano compact sedan. The car has been designed specifically for the Chinese market, where it will be sold as Wei Brilliance Lang. A US-version is also planned where it will differ slightly in Brilliance-BMW presented the Concept Next. Zinoro is a detailing, but its basic styling and proportions will be carried over. sub-brand of the Brilliance-BMW joint venture focused on building The car features styling inspired by the Riviera concept of 2013 electric cars. The Concept Next previews a possible electric SUV as well as the more recent Avenir. Up front is Buick’s signature in future. If greenlighted, the production version will be based waterfall grille, which is complemented by Avenir-style wing- on the BMW X3. The Zinoro brand currently has only one car: the shaped headlamps with incorporated LED DRLs. The car is built BMW X1-based Zinoro 1E EV.The BMW-Brilliance alliance’s brand on an updated version of GM’s Delta II platform. This focuses on building electric cars, with the Concept Next also is the first time the Verano is being offered in the Chinese market featuring an all-electric powertrain. and is powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine.

JUN 2015 23 Changan Chery The Changan Raeton CC concept previews a future four-door Chery had an assortment of cars at the show. The Chery Alpha coupe based on the same platform as the 2013 Changan Raeton 5 concept sedan is said to preview the production Arrizo 5, sedan. The electric motor only powered four-door coupe concept which will be launched later in the year. This car when it goes car features two giant air intakes on each side of the bumper, into production will be slotted between the current Arrizo 3 and super thin LED headlamps, an illuminated Changan logo, and a Arrizo 7 models. The production Arrizo 5 will get 126hp/155Nm rounded bonnet in darker black. The car’s electric motors will 1.6-litre and 130hp/212 Nm 1.2-litre turbo charged engine mated to pump out 167hp and 335Nm. five-speed manual and CVT gearboxes. Besides the above, models like the Arrizo M7 and Tiggo 5 1.5T are claimed to be two new- energy efficient vehicles that the Chinese carmaker could soon launch as the Arrizo 7 PHEV and Arrizo 3 EV repsectively. The Arrizo 7 PHEV incorporates Chery’s new iPOWER system, which joins ACTECO traditional energy with ETECO new energy. The result of 18 years of development, iPOWER encompasses hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and start/stop technology.

Chevrolet The biggest attraction at GM’s Chevrolet stand was the vision of the future of motoring with the FNR Concept.The FNR imagines what a fully autonomous, electric vehicle might look like many years from now and is meant to appeal to young, Chinese consumers. The concept’s design from the minds at GM’s Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center and in its design uses a mass of glass and curving lines that make it looks very sci-fi. The dragonfly doors open upwards to reveal some knife-edged angles in the styling, as well. As a cutting-edge concept, this capsule is also Citroen packed with futuristic tech. Power comes from magnetic hub Citroen shook up the crossover class with the C4 Cactus last year less electric motors in each wheel, and it could charge wirelessly. and the brand is now looking to replicate its success in the SUV Crystal lasers generate the headlamps and taillamps, and radar in market with the all-new Aircross concept at the Shanghai Motor the roof would allow scanning the surroundings for autonomous Show. driving. Beneath the Cactus-inspired exterior, the Aircross is powered The second car that made its debut was the eighth generation by a 218bhp 1.6-litre THP petrol engine, paired to a 95bhp rear- Malibu sedan for China market. It will be offered with a choice of mounted electric motor. This enables 31 miles of all-electric a 2.4-litre Ecotec SIDI engine or a 2.0-litre DVVT engine, as well as driving. The Aircross also promises a 4.5-second 0-62mph time, a new-generation six-speed automatic transmission. plus 166mpg economy and CO2 emissions of just 39g/km.

24 JUN 2015 Dongfeng Motor unveiled an impressive production ready Following on from Honda’s striking Civic concept shown at sedan: Dongfeng Number 1 . The same car was presented as a the New York Show recently, a bold new SUV was revealed at concept at last year’s Beijing Auto Show. The Dongfeng Number Shanghai sporting similar design language. With an imposing 1 is a European-flavoured mid-sized sedan bearing more than a face, wild body and gold-tinted paint, Honda’s aggressive looking passing resemblance to Volkswagen’s Passat. The car shares its Concept D pointed its vision of a new future flagship SUV. underpinnings with and the Citroen C5. However, Honda played down the global enthusiasm by saying the model will spawn a production variant developed exclusively for the Chinese market. In production garb, it will come equipped with advanced safety technologies and other advanced features. The SUV model will go on sale from both and Dongfeng Honda and will be positioned as a new flagship model of Honda in China.

Geely Automobile Geely Automobile which now owns Volvo, is keen to shake off its budget car image. “It does not mean that we have given up on Ford budget cars,” said Zhao Fuquan, Geely vice president. “But the luxury models at the show do indicate the direction of our future As part of the seven model introductions for the Asia Pacific development.” market at the Shanghai, Ford introduced the China market At the show, Geely revealed a concept version of its flagship GC9 version of the Taurus sedan. sedan. While, the replacement for Geely’s branded sedan is still a couple of years away, but the Europe-inspired concept shown in Shanghai introduces some of the themes that can be expected on the production model in future.

Great Wall Great Wall launched a [SUV] that was used previously by the Chinese rally drivers in the Dakar Rally.

Haval released two visions of its SUV for the future, the Concept Guangzhou Auto B and Concept R. The Concept R is a full-sized SUV that brings styling inspired by Porsche’s Macan and Cayenne, along with a From the China market perspective, the GA8, arguably, sporting intent capped by oversized wheels and tyres. was the most beautiful Chinese sedan to debut.

JUN 2015 25 Lexus Infiniti played host to a ‘Bespoke’ version of its Chinese-only Q70 Infiniti played host to a ‘Bespoke’ version of its Chinese-only Q70 L executive saloon. The long-wheelbase model gets 150mm extra L executive saloon. The long-wheelbase model gets 150mm extra legroom as that’s the fashion in Asian markets, but this Bespoke legroom as that’s the fashion in Asian markets, but this Bespoke Edition claims to have a ‘concept car’ inspired four-seat interior. Edition claims to have a ‘concept car’ inspired four-seat interior. There’s white quilted leather and various additional trinkets to There’s white quilted leather and various additional trinkets to give it extra appeal. give it extra appeal. Also making its Shanghai debut was the striking Q80 Inspiration Also making its Shanghai debut was the striking Q80 Inspiration concept coupe. Infiniti confirmed to us last year that the elegant concept coupe. Infiniti confirmed to us last year that the elegant show car will make production before 2020. show car will make production before 2020.

Landwind For a foreign visitor, would appear to be the most controversial car maker when it comes to blatantly violating copyright and copying designs from existing car makers. There is no reason to do so considering that fact that it is jointly owned by and Changan Auto. Interestingly, both thes brands are joint venture partners of Ford, ad do business as Jiangling-Ford and Changan-Ford respectively. Lifan The Landwind X7 CUV might have raised eyebrows with its Lifan had the X70 SUV prototype’s launch in mind for some time clone design, but the car gets genuine now and took advantage of the Auto Shanghai 2015 to showcase engineering inputs from the Melbourne-based Premcar, an the car that fills the gap between the Lifan X60 and the Lifan X80. independent automotive engineering consultancy that evolved The car will use a 1.8-litre four-cylinder unit delivering around out of Prodrive’s Ford Performance Vehicles [FPV] operation. 150hp. Other details about the SUV’s specifications were not The X7 is powered by a Mitsubishi-sourced 2.0-litre turbocharged released. Lifan is also looking to invest into the development of four-cylinder petrol engine with 190hp and 250Nm, mated to a electric cars and expand the already massive network comprising six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic. The X7 is based 80 fully-owned flagship stores, 300 dealers selling only the Lifan on a shortened variant of the platform that also underpins the brand and 1,000 dealers that sell the Lifan products as well as . other models coming from various carmakers.

26 JUN 2015 McLaren Nissan That the booming China market holds significance for specialist Nissan used the venue to unveil the China-only Lannia mid- manufacturers was evident with McLaren’s presence. The British- size sedan, which it says has been specially created for “the brand introduced the second model in the new Sports Series, the rising young Chinese generation.” The Lannia is the production McLaren 540C Coupé. version of the Friend-Me concept showcased two years ago in Shanghai and the Lannia concept unveiled in Beijing last year. Designed and developed locally by Nissan Design China and the styling bears many hallmarks of the Japanese automaker’s latest design language, particularly up front with its V-shaped grille treatment and sharply shaped headlamps. The C- gets the Nissan signature treatment as well. Alongside the Lannia sedan, Nissan’s second world debut at Shanghai Auto Show was the Murano Hybrid. This car is powered by the new supercharged QR25DER 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine assisted by a 20hp electric motor paired with a compact Lithium-ion [Li-ion] battery. The engine produces 250hp and 243lb-ft [combined 329lb-ft] of torque.

Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes is looking to take over BMW’s dominance of the premium SUV market with two new midsize models in China. Development on the GLC is well underway, and now a swoopy new GLC Coupe has been shown in Shanghai. The production car is set to appear in 2016 and go head-to-head with the BMW X4.

Peugeot Peugeot stormed into the Shanghai Motor Show with a brand new concept, the 308 R HYbrid. Developed by Peugeot’s in-house racing division, Peugeot Sport, the plug-in hybrid hatchback produces 493bhp from a 1.6-litre turbo and one electric motor on MG each axle, making the 308 R HYbird four-wheel drive. Not to be confused with the Lexus GS sedan, the China-owned It’s loosely based around the 308 R Concept which was first British brand announced its formal entry into the SUV market showcased at the last year – a decision on with the GS. Roughly the size of Nissan’s Qashqai or Juke, this car whether to build it still hasn’t been made – but ups the game also has Europe in its sights. when it comes to performance.

JUN 2015 27 Shanghai-based Qoros turned up at the show with a concept for a new Nissan Juke-sized SUV called Qoros 2. The ‘2 SUV’ will sit underneath the 3 City SUV when it appears in China towards the end of 2015. Venucia, a local brand by Passenger Vehicle Company is a passenger vehicle business unit of Nissan’s joint venture in China. The brand unveiled the VOW Concept, which is a sporty-looking crossover designed to appeal to young Chinese buyers. The design is said to have been inspired by the Salar de Uyuni plateau in the Bolivian Andes, but in real time reminds one of the and Mitsubishi XR-PHEV concepts! Technical details are few and far between, but the name VOW apparently stands for “Venucia Over Wonder,” that brand name itself having been derived from the Roman diety Venus. Beyond Shenbao that we couldn’t tell you anymore. Shenbao brand (Senova in English) is owned by Beijing Auto, the same organization which bought the rights to the Saab 9-3 and 9-5 back in 2009. The Shenbao D80 crossover presented is the result of a joint venture with a German luxury brand. This model benefits from a platform shared with the previous-generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class, along with a grille that echoes the front- end treatment of that brand’s CLS four-door coupe.

Volvo The most luxurious car in Volvo’s 88 year history was presented at the show. The opulent Volvo XC90 Excellence as it is called has been tailored to offer business class luxury. In this car, the third row has given way to the second row, which has been replaced with two first-class recliners. The rear seats include massage and ventilation functions, tray tables that fold into the centre console, retractable touchscreen displays, an onboard refrigerator and temperature-controlled cup holders. There’s even a set of Volkswagen crystal glasses made by Orrefors. That’s not all. Volvo has also VW sprang a surprise at the 2015 Shanghai Motor Show with the installed ambient lighting, retrimmed the dashboard, upgraded C Coupe GTE concept - large four-door Coupe that will inspire a the Bowers & Wilkins audio system, partitioned the luggage production model in 2016. Unfortunately though, unless sales of compartment, fitted low-noise tyres and further insulated the large saloons picks up significantly in Europe it’s destined to be a cabin from the road. Detailing and comfort are the two key USPs China-only model. of this car.

28 JUN 2015

2015 Land Rover Discovery Sport

30 JUN 2015 Toned & tanned

UK-based Land Rover has replaced the Freelancer / LR2 with the all-new 2015 Land Rover Discovery Sport. Automan checks out the first new sub branded model in Oman Author: Chandan B Mallik | Photography: Elvis John Ferrao

JUN 2015 31 n 2014, UK-based Land Rover made a comes from the Land Rover LR-MS family, successor to the Freelander, one would significant announcement regarding which itself is a heavily modified variant of have expected it to be an evolution, but Ihow it was moving forward with the Ford’s 2006 global midsize car EUCD in reality, it’s very much a different vehicle its future SUV business. The idea platform. Interestingly, this platform is in appearance, packaging and overall announced at the time suggested that currently used in many successful models execution. The Discovery Sport is 3.7in the organisation was adopting a tier across brands from Ford and Volvo and longer than the LR2 and is also about nine approach for its line-up by appropriately in recent times, the all-new 2011 Range inches longer than the Evoque. Unlike the sub branding them. Under the new Evoque’s coupe like sloping rear roofline, arrangement, there are now three tiers The new Discovery the Discovery Sport has a taller and under the parent umbrella with Range sub-brand focuses straighter roof line. The front face of the Rover badged models sitting at the top car takes some of the newer design cues as premium luxury/performance models, on leisure vehicles from the Range Rovers and as a result the introduction of middle order Discovery sheetmetal is clean and devoid of clutter. branded models and of course the and features two In fact, when compared with the fashion- utilitarian Land Rover badge models as forward Evoque, the Discovery Sport always representing the entry level. Under models as of now would appear a bit conservative. this product re-arrangement regime, the In its construction, the car uses a Freelander/ Discovery now get Range -- the compact new healthy mix of aluminium and steel. The Rover-style names. In fact, the outgoing Discovery Sport and proportion of glass to metal is also very Freelander 2 is being replaced with the nice in this car. Nothing seems out of place Land Rover Discovery Sport. the larger Discovery and the build quality is by far among the Now, that the nomenclature and market best the industry can offer. Some of the positioning has been made clear, the new which is also known plastic fittings used in the car’s exterior Discovery Sport is packaged as premium could have been engineered better – while mid-size crossover SUV in a segment which as the LR4 in some shooting the car, we realized the grille was also has entries from Audi and BMW. coming off its clip-type mounts. Taking cues from the line-up below and markets Inside the car, the hip points are set above, as a new segment contender Rover Evoque. The smaller Evoque uses conveniently allowing occupants to slide it comes with styling influences from a platform called LR-MS, which is also in and out easily. Front occupants get the new Range Rovers and engineering loosely based on the EUCD platform. significantly better command view and from other models. But what makes it While the Discovery Sport may sport a generous headroom. Design elements a stand out in the segment as of now is similar profile to the Evoque, it rides on a inside the cabin could be best described that it offers accommodation for seven larger 2,741mm wheelbase. Designers have as an evolution of the familiar family occupants, something still new in the ensured that with these proportions the DNA. The instrument cluster appears to segment and a slot which arch rivals like car gets its standalone personality. To do be carried over, but in the Discovery it is Audi or BMW haven’t been able to touch this, one of the things they have done is set more upright and has better detailing. till now. to put the wheels out at the corners and Other familiar elements include the F-Type- This has been made possible, thanks to a encourage short overhangs. Together, style climate control dials with integrated highly flexible platform, which comes as a these elements give it its planted looks. temperature displays. The infotainment legacy from its previous owner Ford. The Also aiding in the effort is the low centre system is new and Land Rover claim that is platform on which this vehicle is derived of gravity. From the design point, as a faster and more intuitive to use. It uses an

32 JUN 2015 JUN 2015 33 8.0in touch screen with higher resolution. four pre-programmed settings [General, The seats, especially, rear ones are on the The cabin is finished in typical Land Rover Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud/Ruts and firmer side. In terms of space, it is one of kit with excellent materials and fit finish Sand] also include throttle mapping, the most spacious and functional compact is quite good. While front and second steering response, gear selection, centre luxury SUVs in the market. Most of the row accommodation is good in terms of differential engagement and braking/ front strut suspension is borrowed from head and leg room availability, the third- stability control systems to optimize the Evoque and the rear gets a new rear row is at best suited for small children. performance. Unlike the hardcore Land multi-link suspension set-up. Access to third row has been simplified, Rovers, there are no locking differentials, For the Middle East, only one petrol thanks to the 60:40-split second-row low range or adjustable suspension height engine will offered. Actually, it comes seats which also fold, slide and recline. in the Discovery Sport. from the Evoque which means it the Despite these efforts, we would agree that Other practical elements include up to six same turbocharged, 2.0-litre four-cylinder newer models like the , BMW X3 USB ports and four 12v power sockets. developed during Ford ownership which or Volvo XC60 still communicate a degree produces 240hp and 251lb-ft of torque. of superior interior design flair, especially Like all previous The mapping allows most of the torque to when it comes to touch points. be available from as low as 1,750rpm. A ZF The big question at this stage was: what Discovery models, the nine-speed automatic transfers power to makes the LR Discovery Sport different the wheels. and standout when you have Audi and incoming Sport will The list of standard safety features BMW models at your door step. Well, includes antilock brakes, stability and one need not look further than the base accommodate seven, traction control, front side airbags, a driver of the central console where the rotary knee airbag and side curtain airbags. A control of the Terrain Response system which is a bona fide rearview camera and parking sensors are is located. This systems uses pre-set unique selling point in also standard, as are hill descent control programmed algorithms that dictate and hill start assist. Safety-related options the four-wheel drive system’s behaviour the premium mid-size include a blind spot and rear cross-traffic depending on the option chosen. The alert system, lane departure warning, SUV segment.

34 JUN 2015 frontal collision warning and automatic sibling, the Discovery Sport is supremely articulation [13.4in] and impressive arrival, braking for frontal crash mitigation. stable and confident on winding roads, departure and breakover angles of 25˚, 31˚ with very accurate steering offering and 21˚, respectively. As a result, one can Driving impressions decent feedback to the driver. wade through wadis with relative ease and Given the fact that the Discovery Sport The big surprise, howerer, is just how good without the fear of flooding. We doubt the is packaged to be an all rounder, we the Discovery Sport proves from behind Audi Q5 or BMW X5 can reach this level of decided to give it the full-on test in the the wheel. The smartly programmed performance. Sultanate. This meant driving the car transmission and the engine’s low torque on fast past highways, city and winding peak ensured that the Discovery Sport is Verdict mountain roads, off-road trails and a decidedly more engaging. Irrespective of As the newest member in the SUV family, bonus wadi wading exercise. By now, we terrain we drove the car over, it appeared the Discovery sport has been very well have experienced the car well enough to composed and more agile than most of conceived and presented. It has the three understand its capabilities and limitations. the rivals that we have tested. We tried core attributes -- style, substance and In the past few months, global media have out our test car’s Terrain Response system desirability that help it stand its ground had the opportunity to test drive the car setting depending on the type of terrain confidently. There are many elements in various conditions and the feedback thrown in. Whenever required, it can in this vehicle that even key rivals from has been somewhat mixed. Many global execute starts in second gear to minimize Audi and BMW simply can’t match. We media said that the 2015 Discovery Sport wheel spin on slippery surfaces. And particularly liked the fact that the new was unsurprising and hence uncharitably then there’s a Haldex centre differential, Discovery Sport manages to retain labeled a “soft-roader”. We beg to steering and efficient braking systems to some of the brand’s legendary off-road contradict the observations these so- optimize responses. capabilities. However, in brand conscious called experts. On the onset we can say Most of the rivals in this growing segment Middle East markets, pricing point is also this car is no slouch. It has a responsive use electronic aids that help in their now a key consideration. The task retailers engine, turbo lag is hardly felt and the off-road ability to tackle basic trails and have is to woo back LR2 customers and 9-speed transmission holds its gears well modest ascents. But this car moves up also bring new customers to the brand. and offers very smooth upshifts. Very a few notches as it incorporates decent The SUV is sensibly priced at OMR15,950 in much like its lifestyle-oriented Evoque and usable ground clearance [8.3in], Oman.

JUN 2015 35 2015 BMW X4

‘X’ factor Introduced as the smaller sibling to the coupe-styled X6 in late 2014, the all-new 2015 BMW X4 seems to be better equipped to take on the world on its own. Automan explains why Author: Chandan B Mallik | Photography: Elvis John Ferrao

36 JUN 2015 JUN 2015 37 38 JUN 2015 t’s no secret that BMW Group is on X4 too. The X4 is slightly longer than the marginally compromised due to the sloped a product drive and what we have donor X3 and as before from the front roofline, rear occupants can experience a Iwitnessed in the past couple of years all X-designated models have almost classic sports coupe feel. is the ability of this motor car maker to identical ‘faces’. The only exterior panels The dashboard and trims used being the create niches and aim at new slots. Several the X3 and X4 share are the bonnet and most noticeable among common kit. of BMW’s niche models are based on its doors. As with the X6, the X4’s the waist Comfort and convenience features are passenger sedan line-up, such as the 3 line runs though the door handles, then the usual BMW fare. Standard equipment Series/4 Series, which has now expanded a second character line appear above the includes easy-to-use dual-zone air- to six variants – 3 Series sedan, Touring, rear wheel arch creating a strong looking conditioning with air outlets for those in Gran Turismo, and the 4 Series coupe, ‘rear haunches’. Its proportions present the rear, eight-way power front seats and convertible and Gran Coupe. Existing SUVs a persuasive case for the BMW X4 as the a tilt-and-telescoping steering column. such as the X3 and X5 have also served most dynamic vehicle in its segment. In With all seats in place, the X4 offers 17.7 as the mechanical donors for coupe-style hallmark BMW style, there’s a longer cubic feet of space, expandable to 49.4 versions in the X4 and X6 respectively. cubes. A standard 40:20:40-split rear The X6 is in its second generation and the BMW’s recently seat makes the X4 more versatile. This X4 has been in the market for less than a is reinforced by the rear bench seat in year. They are a subject of intense interest introduced X4 is a particular, which comes with molded side because they both offer a similar package bolsters. Under normal circumstances it to what seems like similar customers, but sportier compact SUV acts like two individual seats, but can offer the catch is that they are offered at vastly space for three occupants if required. different price brackets. designed to compete BMW’s iDrive interface is much simplified The X4 crossover SUV was officially with the new breed and the ConnectedDrive services permits revealed for the first time at the April 2014 users to pair smartphones and enables New York International Auto Show as an of crossovers like access multiple apps and information. all-new MY2015 model addition. Internally The car comes with satnav and a colour known as the F26, the X4 is built on the X3 the , head-up display with sharper resolution platform and is styled to mimic its bigger graphics. A Harman Kardon sound system sibling. That it is closely related style wise Audi Q5, Range Rover and BMW’s Comfort Access which allows to the second generation X6 is clearly you to unlock the car just by touching the evident from the fact that this crossover Evoque door handle. A practical feature that we shares similar proportions, its low coupe- wheelbase, relatively long bonnet, short liked was operating the power tailgate by like roofline and stance. over-hangs and a set-back greenhouse. the key holder. All he has to do is to swipe The X4 actually benefits from many Like the X6, the inside of the X4 cabin under the bumper with a foot. Among, the improvements that were incorporated has a familiar feel to that of the X3. On a new features noted was the new iDrive in the X3 when it was being prepared for closer look, there is little differentiation Controller with touchpad which allows its second generation appearance and between the X3 and X4. Compared with drivers or passengers to use their finger besides features the most significant the X3, the front passengers sit lower by to write letters for text inputs, such as a change was the car being re-dimensioned. 0.8in and the rear passengers by 1.1in. That navigation destination. As a result, the X3 grew in dimensions and marginal difference means the command Under the bonnet of the X4, BMW offers also became pleasantly proportioned. seating position is still available for front two powertrain options and both come This aspect is now carried over into the occupants. While, rear headroom is with all-wheel drive as standard. The

JUN 2015 39 smaller engine one is designated as is excellent. This is even before the car’s rpm and torque from 1,200 to 5,000rpm the xDrive28i and is powered by a twin engine has been fired and gear engaged ensures spirited performance. The car’s turbocharged 2.0-litre inline 4-cylinder that for the drive. throttle response is good, no turbo lag outputs 240hp and 260lbs-ft of torque. Then, after a few kilometers of driving is noticed and we reckon it will do the The bigger engine one is the X4 xDrive35i it becomes evident that engineers have 0-100km/h straight line sprint in under which uses a 3.0-litre inline 6-cylinder used some special toys from the kitty 5.5sec. Since the all-wheel-drive system offering 300hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. that ensure there’s more in the X4 than it is identical to that of the X3, tossing the Both models come with an 8-speed being just a rebodied/stylised edition of car even on off-road trails is great fun. automatic transmission and all-wheel the X3 hardware. The key to the difference The car’s X4’s all-wheel-drive system drive. in handling and feel is directly related thus works seamlessly as it shuttles Active safety options include adaptive to the Performance Control system and torque between the wheels through the cruise control, lane departure warning, variable sports steering in the X4, besides algorithm vectoring. blind spot detection and pedestrian/ its variable suspension setting that doesn’t We also took the liberty of exploring collision warning with automatic braking. require the ride height to be altered. the car in Sport mode. In this mode, The test car provided for this report was To some it may seem minor, lowering there’s more reactive accelerator and the top of the line X4 35i MSport which the occupants also affects the centre of transmission responses. While toggling essentially means it is a stock model with gravity and this does help in the vehicle’s the centre console’s Driving Experience specialized appearance kit designed by dynamics. Control into Sport the desired effect BMW’s in-house performance M division. Together, these elements give the can be intensified. And that’s when the The MSport Package also includes sport X4 its sportier edge over the more paddle shifters come in handy since the seats, an aerodynamic body kit, an M traditionally designed X3. One of the ZF-sourced transmission doesn’t always steering wheel and a black headliner. Our handling characteristics we noted that choose the ideal gear for the most tester came with 20in alloy wheels shod there’s significant reduction in understeer eruptive exits from corners. That’s the job with run flat tyres. tendencies when cornering. The car feels of the enthusiastic driver. ever so planted. Driving impressions The X4’s steering feel is quite delightful Verdict Being fully aware that the X3 and X4 considering the fact the X4 is a bigger BMW seems to be enjoying its success have similar performance figures, the than your average sedan. This comes as with the X derivatives, especially the first question that came to our mind was part of BMW’s continuous evolving its Coupe-styled versions. The X4 is smaller, in terms of driving and handling: how electromechanical power-steering system, lighter, faster and sportier and this makes similar or dissimilar this car would be to and this is one of its best yet we have it a much better proposition as a package. its donor? From the BMW perspective, experienced. The X4 is priced from OMR27,000 [for the the X4 is supposed to be the sportier As expected, when driven in urban speed X4 28i] in Oman and the motivation for of the two. Some of that is instantly limits the variable steering allows for more looking at this car would mean that users communicated when you settle in the car’s stability in high speeds in a straight line, appreciate the high driving position of the supportive front seat and grasp its thick- and also tightens up in corners and at X3 but don’t really need the same level of rimmed, leather-bound steering wheel. lower speeds. This aspect allows the driver passenger and cargo carrying capability. Interestingly, Apart from the fact that you to delve into sharper manoeuevring. Alternatively, it would appeal to those sit higher, the driving position feels similar In terms of power availability, the prefer unique styling as opposed to boxy- to a sport sedan and the view forward availability of 300hp from 5,800 to 6,400 looking rivals.

40 JUN 2015 JUN 2015 41 2015 Ford Mustang

42 JUN 2015 Ford says that the all-new Gen VI 2015 Mustang is the logical evolution of a classic with notable improvements in power, handling and convenience features. With the Ecoboost four- cylinder under the bonnet, Automan thinks Ford has created a new entry point for global markets with this package

Author: Chandan B Mallik | Photography: Nabeel Ferzan

JUN 2015 43 44 JUN 2015 n 2014, Ford celebrated the 50th The interior of the car has been revisited and Android-powered smartphones. anniversary of the Mustang in style all and it resembles that of an airplane Depending on markets as a global car it Iover the world with the introduction cockpit taking advantage of the increased is being offered with several powertrain of the all-new sixth generation. Ford says body width and it constantly reminds options and body styles -- coupe or that the incoming model is the logical one of the Ford GT. And this has been convertible. Three trims are offered and evolution of a classic that comes as part done with a purpose in mind. The rear are identifiable with V6, EcoBoost, or GT of Ford’s One Ford campaign to globalise occupants in the earlier editions had to badging. The V6 trims come with a 300hp this model. In fact, this will also be the first live in cramped accommodation and now 3.7-litre normally aspirated V6. Next comes Ford Mustang to be built as right hand it seems a bit of that has been improved. in is an EcoBoost with a 310hp from a drive model from factory. A few features from European luxury 2.3-litre four-cylinder. The top-of-the-line With this in agenda mind, when seen cars like changeable ambient lighting machine is the GT which gets a 435hp for the first time, it becomes clear why is out here as before, but the effect 5.0-litre V8 engine. Both six-speed manual the design of the new Mustang is not spreads beyond the dials, cup holders, and automatic transmissions are available. so revolutionary. Its character lines and and speakers to other points within the Our tester was the Ecoboost version. proportions are familiar with a long and cabin. The car’s front seats have been The suspension has been thoroughly rakish front end and short boot in rear. designed to be sporty and in the tester revamped for better handling. Past But all is not carried over. The car is lower had powered movements fore and aft. Mustangs were pretty famous for straight and wider now and it is obvious more However, the back has to be adjusted line stints but not so sharp when it came at the rear where there’s a wider rear manually and it is a cumbersome affair to to fast corners as it had the tendency track accompanied by flared mudguards. get the right position. The car’s steering to oversteer with the rear of the vehicle Dimensionally, the car’s body has been wheel is small and adjustments are also losing traction. The car also exhibited widened body by 1.5in and it sits 1.4in minimalistic. As a modern car, it also understeer in the hands of inexperienced lower. It does share its wheelbase with comes with features such like digital drivers. Technically, oversteer can the outgoing model and shares very few instrument cluster with analog dials, be prevented by stiffening the front components from the parts bin.. proximity key and push-button start, a suspension by replacing or adding the Stylistically and with detailing, the car centre touch screen, a radar-based blind front strut tower brace and replacing the does retain its iconic visceral appeal and spot monitoring system, and a parking front sway bar with a stronger, thicker at the same time benefits from a new sensor system with driver alert. brace and understeer can be prevented interpretation of what Ford calls the ‘shark The base of the central console also has a by adding a stiffer rear sway bar. Ford was bite’ front end. This aspect is associated with set of chrome plated toggle switches for keen to make this car do better, and hence a low, wide trapezoidal front grille with an hazard, steering feel, chassis modes and the rear set-up now is fully independent integrated pony icon. However, the greatest traction control. While build quality shows with controlled damping set-up. The multi- giveaway that refers to the past is the improvements, several quirky elements link rear end underpins the new chassis rear end. The styling has also aided stick out as sore thumbs. Unexplained and is joined by a revised MacPherson in helping the car achieve a lower coefficient was the way one had to get the Satnav strut set-up up front. of drag as it the boot lid sits 2.75in lower activated – there was no dedicated switch Safety equipment on all Mustangs includes when compared with the outgoing model. for that on the dash or touchscreen a post-crash alert system, seven airbags, Interesting new design cues include LED access. It could only be activated or including dual‑stage frontal, front seat headlamps and accent lights, as well as a deactivated by engaging the Bluetooth side impact, side curtain and driver knee; new three-dimensional interpretation of the audio switch! Meanwhile, Ford now offers antilock brakes, electronic stability control. classic tri-bar tail lamps. a new free app, compatible with iPhone In some markets it will be offered with 911

The 2015 sixth generation Ford Mustang is the best yet in the model’s 50- year history which now offers globally recognized sports car characteristics

JUN 2015 45 Assist crash notification system. Optional we decide to start the exercise with stock generations, thanks to the independent safety features include reverse parking settings. The steering is light, acceleration rear suspension set-up and 19in alloy sensors, blind spot alert with cross-traffic is pretty good for a four-cylinder even in wheels shod with Pirelli P Zero tyres. The monitoring and adaptive cruise control normal mode where the transmission is bump sensitivity and nose dive under hard with collision mitigation. geared on the sporty side, holding shifts braking of the old Mustang is gone. While longer and downshifting when our revs previous Mustangs were good in straight Driving impressions dropped. line performance but were a bit of a Despite the quirky front seating, visibility In this mode, the flip side is that car crooner when it came to handling corners in the 2015 Mustang is remarkably good, doesn’t feel like an out an out muscle car with understeer issues. Meanwhile, especially compared to the blind-spot- and despite the EcoBoost’s solid torque braking is superb and linear, and even laden Chevrolet Camaro. The Mustang’s numbers, the grunt doesn’t hit all at in hard braking it will show no signs of cleverly designed A-pillar is narrow enough once like that of the V8 when you stab fade and the car will not budge from its to allow one to look through the corners. the throttle, particularly noted while line. Actually, the Ecoboost packaged car Settling in the car takes a little extra time exiting a corner which means it is less of benefits a lot from the rejigged suspension as finding the perfect seating position is a hooligan than it could be. At this point tuning, sportier steering characteristics time consuming. You have fore and aft one has to accept that it does feel more and 3.55:1 ratio limited-slip rear end. The powered movements, but the back rest is like a typical European coupe. While Ecoboost four-cylinder certainly doesn’t manual. There’s no bolstering booster so the 310hp it produces is well-utilised sound like a traditional Mustang and the you have to live with that. across theband, the engine doesn’t feel exhaust note has been artificially created The 2015 Ecoboost Ford Mustang is a stressed and one hovers at 120km/h in conjunction with the car’s audio system. unlike any Mustang built before. It offers with the engine ticking at 2,000rpm and several shades of dial-in characteristics peaks out at 4,000rpm. Verdict -- you want a muscle hooligan, you want We dial-in the second settings -- that As a package, it’s a pretty decent one, a refined road car, you want a sports car is sport mode and interestingly one is but for a purist it would be considered -- you got them all in this one bundle. The also able to change the weight of the somewhat un-Mustang-like. The closest question is most of us are familiar with steering. From light it becomes stiffer analog I can think of when Harley- V6 and V8 Mustangs in the past, so how and thereby more entertaining. This is Davidson introduced its Porsche-designed does one make a four-cylinder to sound the mode where we think most drivers Revolution X liquid-cooled engines for appealing? Well, there’s a bit of techno will enjoy besides the track only options the newly created V-Rod family. This car trickery out here. The acoustics, especially most of the time. The car feels spirited looks like a Mustang, feels like a luxury what you hear inside the car has been and alive and seemingly the chassis firms coupe, but the experience suggests that electronically tailored using the car’s audio and offers sharper handling which is this is a car that has been designed with system. So when you take a stab at the notable better in fast corners. Change in a different objective in mind. And on the throttle especially in sport mode, all you acceleration characteristics is also noted performance level, it is far more reserved get is a drone like effect. In fact, the four- with extra torque availability and longer and civilized than any Mustang we have cylinder turbocharged Golf R32 still sounds holding of the gears. The torque delivery driven before. It’s more like a refined car better naturally! in this set-up is much better and is also made for global audience than for the Thankfully, the Tiptronic function is not on flat and hence watching the analogue hardcore enthusiasts. Well, for the gearshifter [as practiced in most Ford boost and vacuum gauge in the car is a them, the 5.0-litre 430hp GT500 is the models despite criticisms from drivers] good pastime. benchmark. The Ecoboost edition, in our but as proper paddle shifters behind the Over all, the car’s handling has opinion is an interesting experiment with steering wheel. After the engine was fired, dramatically improved over previous new technologies.

46 JUN 2015 The exhaust note of the Ecoboost engine isn’t as melodious as that of the V8, but thanks to some electronic wizardry, it sounds beefier than most inline-4 cylinders

JUN 2015 47 2015 Renault Captur

Renault’s compact cute utility vehicle, the Captur has been sale in its domestic market since May 2013. Launched for the first time in Oman a few weeks ago, Automan checks out the car to determine whether arriving late in the market gives it a comparative advantage or not

Author: Chandan B Mallik | Photography: Elvis John Ferrao

he compact SUV/CUV segment is hot in Europe and the winds of change are also heading in this direction. It’s an Tinteresting moment in the region which has been been traditionally served with bigger SUV offerings. Proof that the compact SUV segment is being noticed comes from the fact that several brands like Peugeot offer the 2008, Ford with the Ecosport and Chevrolet with the Trax. The latest arrival in this segment from Renault is the all-new Captur. The idea of the Captur CUV was first presented as a futuristic concept at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show and the production version a year later at the same venue. Dutchman Laurens van den Acker, senior vice President of Renault Corporate Design based the design of this car on the platform of the fourth generation Clio. The car incorporates design lines from the concept and is also among the early recipients of Renault’s renovated design strategy. This strategy looks at various customisation options for the interior and the exterior in a lifestyle model. Meanwhile, we are aware of the limitations usually associated in design and engineering a SUV out of a hatchback platform. But, when you see the Captur for the first time, it comes as a pleasant surprise. Surprise, because it doesn’t appear as if the donor hatchback was put on stilts. In fact, it’s got its very own distinctive personality, design-wise along with a confident stance. Considering the fact that this car along with its donor were conceived at a time when most of Europe’s economic activity has been faltering, times could have never been better for car designers. First there is an acknowledgment that design and brand play an enormous role in car success irrespective of the segment they represent. The Captur is 100mm taller and roughly 100kg heavier than the Clio on which it is based, and based on its dimensions alone, it sits at the bottom end of the compact SUV segment and this makes it compete with rivals as the Ford EcoSport, Chevrolet Trax and Peugeot 2008.

48 JUN 2015 JUN 2015 49 50 JUN 2015 And given its proven lineage and looks it lot of messages while complimenting the it comes to material quality. While the use has been packaged very well. With ground exterior. The creative freedom enjoyed of excessive plastics could make it feel like a clearance increased to 163mm, it has an by the interior designers in this car shines commercial vehicle Renault designers have all-new body that offers marginally more through all the way. Not only a spacious adopted a clever and effective technique interior space [by being 60mm longer interior has been created, it also comes to offset any such possibility. Depending overall] than its hatchback sibling. The car with innovative and usable features. From on trim, a range of funky colour matched is built at the Valladolid plant in Spain. design perspective it tries to be youthful. components are offered in the cabin. Driver Although, slightly tall boy in appearance, Behind the wheel, it’s clear that it features gets a height-adjustable driver’s seat and the car’s exterior features have been none of the classy plastics that one gets steering wheel. Most of the interior is designed to complement its stance. As in a premium or entry luxury car. There from the familiar Clio which means the car a result in this first crossover from the are dollops of plastics in the cabin with gets the same digital speedometer and brand, Captur’s flowing lines highlight variations in perceived touch points when gloss black centre console that houses the its SUV-like proportions and profile. With infotainment system which used Renault’s its rounded sheetmetal, it does display French automaker R-Link which provides access to a whole new a number of striking styling cues. Up level of connectivity, with an ever-expanding front, the Captur features a large Renault Renault creates a library of dedicated motoring applications. badge, the narrow signature ‘bow-tie’ funky lifestyle CUV Hip and entry and exit points are very grille and a pair of smart headlamps. All convenient due to the higher ride height. these elements come together to give the using the Clio as its Front occupants get command view and Captur the rakish look of a slightly taller overall view is pretty generous. Most and beefier Clio. Add to that large 17in base. In fact, its arrival occupants will find the seating seating wheels, generous ground clearance and position in the car halfway between that of a wide tracks. Our tester was top-of-the-line in Oman’s showrooms car and a sport-utility. Front seats come with Dynamique trim that came with factory good bolstering and hold occupants in place. supplied dual tone paintwork. The SUV- a few weeks ago Hollowed-out seat backs in the front give inspired touches noted were the chunky refreshes this virtually enough rear-seat legroom for four six-foot rubbing strips on the doors and bumpers. adults to sit comfortably without feeling Likewise, the interior of the car conveys a uncharted segment cramped for space.

JUN 2015 51 In the passenger compartment, two rivals, Renault doesn’t offer the Captur The Captur’s handling set-up has been ingenious innovations highlight the with four-wheel drive, which means it is borrowed from a Europe-only Clio Estate cabin’s user-friendly character: a large more on-road biased. and it seems very well suited for our kind drawer-type glove box, which is easy for Brakes are disc up front and drums at the of roads. The biggest charm this car offers the driver to reach and holds 11 litres, and rear. On the safety front, the Captur has is that it feels like a bigger sedan when the availability of removable seat covers done quite well for itself. It has achieved driving and its road holding for a front- which can be unzipped, machine washed a 5-star rating at the 2013 EuroNCAP tests. wheel drive is truly impressive. Steering at home and refitted. Between its standard safety equipment weight and feedback is near perfect and The car’s rear bench seat split folds 60:40 it has three-point seat belts, two airbags, hence quite entertaining. Its progressive and also slides 160mm fore and aft. And cruise control, speed limiter, ESC, ABS light steering is great in town and makes when the seat is folded flat, it helps and audible and visual seat belt reminder the Renault easy to manoeuvre even in expand cargo space from 377 to 455 litres. warnings. tight driving situations. The cargo bay also offers a split-level The car’s slightly stiffer chassis set-up floor and allows users to secure packets Driving impressions helps achieving commendable levels or bags. Renault claims the Captur can The car’s powertrain has been well- of roll control and doesn’t upset the delivers up to 1,235 litres of cargo space, mapped to offer lag free acceleration occupants inside as most of the road which places it in the enviable position of and although, it’s slightly behind the imperfections are well taken care of. being up there with next-segment (larger) Clio in terms of performance [due to Braking performance is adequate, but not SUVs like the Mazda CX-5 or Nissan’s power to weight ratio considerations], outstanding, though the pedal weight and Qashqai. but for a CUV it is definitely sits with feel, much like the steering, cooperates Depending on markets, the Captur is the top performers and we think the well with driver input. offered with a choice of drivetrains -- a direct-injection engine outclasses 0.9-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol and the Ecosport [1.0-litre] performance Verdict 1.2-litre four-cylinder, 1.2-litre four-cylinder with quite a margin. Also contributing The new Renault compact CUV brings turbo-petrol. Our tester came with the in the performance is the six-speed with it unexpected practicality and top larger engine which offers 116hp and transmission which prompts faster riyal value. Renault has been able to 190Nm of torque. Thankfully, the Captur up or down shifts according to the build car with high level of personalized is not offered with CVT. Instead, it gets engine’s demand. On the move, the car’s factory customization features. Punters a six-speed Getrag-sourced dual-clutch 116hp output feels at home both in and looking for an attractive, lifestyle transmission system. The Captur is a front- out of the city. While it’s not a car that compact crossover with youthful looks, wheel drive car and its suspension set-up encourages you to poke it like a , features, functionality and genuine comes with a strut-based system [front] the important thing is that the Captur practicality should have this on top of their and torsion beam at the rear. Unlike some always feels composed and secure. consideration list.

52 JUN 2015 JUN 2015 53 2015 Mazda CX-5

54 JUN 2015 For MY 2015, Mazda has refreshed its best selling CX-5 SUV with interesting features. The CX-5 was created in 2012 as a ground up car with the latest that Mazda could offer to replace the slow selling -rebadged Tribute and the Mazda CX-7. Automan checks out the updated car Author: Chandan B Mallik | Photography: Elvis John Ferrao

he year 2012 was a watershed year for Hiroshima-based Mazda and especially for its crossover CUVs. In fact, a year Tearlier, Mazda had presented the Shinari concept which was essentially the first hint of the carmaker’s new design language which it calls KODO. The connection of this new design language in all the Mazda’s cars also saw it coming with the benefits of the brand’s resurgence in engineering and efficient technologies which is sub branded as Skyactiv. As part of the new product direction, the CX-5 was created as a replacement of its Ford legacy model, the Tribute and its very own mid-size crossover SUV model called CX-7. The Mazda Minagi compact crossover SUV concept presented in 2011 is the one on which the current production CX-5 is based. Mazda started producing the CX-5 in 2012 and introduced it into most markets within a year. The mid-size SUV’s global success has helped pull the company from near collapse late last decade to its highest- ever profit in the last Japanese financial year. The CX-5 competes with the likes of Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV-4, , among key models sold in this region. Since efficiency was to be a hallmark of the model it was constructed as a unibody on a rigid, lightweight Mazda6 platform. It is also the first production model from Mazda featuring the company’s full repertoire of Skyactiv technologies which includes efficient powertrains. So just a few years in it successful career, the CX-5 has been upgraded in its mid-cycle. Like any progressive carmaker, Mazda is confident that the refreshed styling/detailing, improved specification, better ride and quieter cabin will keep the interest value of the model at an all-time high. When conceived, one of the ideas was to make the CX-5 larger than it looks. This was done by carefully plotting the dimensions. For instance, its overall length, width, and height are nearly an inch larger than those of the current Honda CR-V. However, at 106.3in, the Mazda’s wheelbase is 3.2ins longer than that of the CR-V. From the exterior, the refresh comes in the form of minor exterior styling tweaks at the front and rear ends. The car gets

JUN 2015 55 56 JUN 2015 LED headlamps that replace the xenons occupant comfort and to some extent offered with a choice of two turbocharged and the grille has been reshaped. practicality. Notable among them are four-cylinder engines displacing 2.0- and Even when the car was launched in 2012, changes to the dashboard which now 2.5-litre and offering 155hp and 184hp the cabin’s design and interior quality was hosts a larger TFT screen featuring the respectively. Both are mated to 6-speed contemporary, but in a conservative way. company’s MZD Connect connectivity automatic transmission. Our tester was all- While the CX-5 may look like a compact system and the Human Machine Interface wheel drive with larger engine and luxury SUV from the outside, the cabin space is (HMI) concept that includes a controller trim. quite generous. In fact, space availability located near the gear shifter. The car’s The car’s suspension also uses lightweight is more than many similar sized sedans. narrow central console releases more construction including a front strut and Getting in and out of the rear seats is easy knee room for the driver and front a multi-link rear format along with an and it’s comfortable for two adult. passenger. The base of the central console assortment of design changes. In terms One of the reasons why the five-seater also houses the toggle switch for driving of safety the CX-5 does very well. The US cabin appears spacious is due to is mode. Only two modes are available Insurance Institute for Highway Safety uncluttered design and relative simplistic – normal [default] and sport. Among (IIHS) has given it the highest ratings execution of elements which comes with sensible upgrades is the handbrake that for frontal offset and side impact crash soft-touch materials, comfortable seats has now been replaced by a smaller tests, for roof strength, and for rear crash and an attractive, logical instrument panel electronic brake switch, allowing more protection—as well as in the new, more in term of layout. Instrument dials are space in the centre console. stringent small-overlap frontal test. The some of the simplest with black needles, Practical features are generous and there’s IIHS also designated the CX-5 a “Top black backgrounds and white lettering. very little to complain about really. The Safety Pick+” on the merits of those The front seats are sporty in design and rear hatch opens wide to reveal typical top-notch scores, and it should repeat in more supportive than most in this class. for the class lift over height which means the 2015 calendar year since its forward- Mazda says it also improved the seats as it is quite low and mostly uninterrupted. collision system is rated as Advanced by well, with the rear seat gaining a larger Single-pull releases for the 40:20:40 split- the IIHS. The car also gets antilock brakes, seat-bottom cushion. The 13in steering fold rear seat which helps in increasing the stability and traction control, front side wheel feels good. It tilts and telescopes cargo bay. There’s also more cabin storage airbags and side curtain airbags. for ideal adjustments. Forward view is thanks to larger door pockets and a bigger better than most rivals and big mirrors console bin. The rear seats fold nearly flat, Driving impressions offer a good view rearward. but not completely. Cargo capacity is 34c- One of the nice things noted in this car is Upmarket features include the pushbutton ft behind the rear seats, which expands to that its longer wheelbase [compared to start and keyless entry. Small, thoughtful 65 c-ft with the rear seats folded forward. rivals] has helped improved ride quality touches are for the benefit of more Depending on market, the CX-5 is still and high-speed stability. During our time

JUN 2015 57 with the tester, we drove this 2.5-litre six-speed automatic transmission now before they reach the driver. Electric turbocharged car initially in normal mode plays a major role in making the most power steering feedback is also spot-on and found acceleration smooth and of the new engine’s smooth, willing for this category of vehicle and by far acceptable. However, in this mode, while character. It launches with little slip, which among the best in the class. There are there is barely perceptible turbo lag, the makes a shift about as quickly as a dual- no hidden surprises when diving out of low end torque from the turbocharged clutch unit. There’s a manual gate for the corners or between transitions as typical engine does feel restricted and with shifter, with quick response. The only in some other taller vehicles. The overall reason too. The car’s Skyactiv bundle of niggle out here we would observe is that impression we get that this is still among technologies has been designed to work under full throttle, even using Tiptronic, one of the best-driving crossovers in together along with electronic engine the electronics forces the driver to the its segment. Everything feels just right mapping and throttle management to avail the lowest possible gear available here, from its flat cornering to its direct offer lean performance. On straight at that speed. Otherwise, simply put, steering, to its responsive brakes and stretches of roads it is OK and unlike older this transmission does everything right, handling. days one would have hardly noticed that downshifting right away, we were driving a four-cylinder car. The In general, the car’s cabin is now much Verdict laid back performance and its weakness in quieter and it seems that Mazda engineers There are a lot of good choices in the normal mode is evident on climbs or when have been able to deliver the promised crossover class. The Honda CR-V has lots driving through winding neighborhood 10 per cent sound-intrusion reduction by of space, a high-quality interior and a roads at slower speeds. To extract better introducing effective noise, vibration and likable, easygoing driving character. But and more enthusiastic performance harshness (NVH) measures. Meanwhile, it’s not as athletic as the CX-5. The new there’s this magic switch which when CX-5’s coefficient of drag is a slippery Cd Ford Escape has an improved as well as engaged virtually wakes up the car. When of 0.33 which also contributes besides the powerful, turbocharged engine. The Sport mode is chosen, the immediate the new external mirrors also help divert Toyota RAV4 boasts a roomy cabin and is gratification is extra torque availability, noisy airflow. All together, they make the especially comfortable on the highway. spirited response to the tap on the CX-5 quieter, while thicker door glass also For those interested in a small crossover accelerator pedal, longer holding gears benefits NVH. SUV that can handle the occasional off- and much better performance over all. The car’s suspension according to Mazda road excursion, there’s the Cherokee While some SUV rivals have move up to has been revised to offer a compliant, and Subaru Forester. While each of these 7- or 8-speed transmission set-ups, the but firmer ride. We have no issues with competitors has certain advantages, CX-5 isn’t actually at a disadvantage in that since it being slightly stiffer controls the 2016 Mazda CX-5 is one of the best the sense as it has been designed to offer any roll tendency and also absorbs with all-around vehicles in this segment and dial-in performance. In fact, the all-new great efficiency road imperfections even deserves strong consideration.

58 JUN 2015 JUN 2015 59 2015 Hyundai Veloster Turbo

Hyundai now offers its Veloster with a turbocharged unit in the region. The model has also been refreshed for the current year with interesting feature upgrades. Automan has the story

Author: Chandan B Mallik | Photography: Elvis John Ferrao

yundai Motor created quite a 138hp. And in order to give the engine buzz in automotive circles when its best possible transmission in terms Hit introduced the unusual format of efficiency, it was engineered with in a hatchback design with the Veloster direct injection systems for fuel delivery. in 2012. It was an all-new addition to Hyundai’s commitment in making the line-up aimed at the young generation Gamma engine extremely fuel efficient of drivers and also a replacement of the and popular was done by pairing it with a void created after the Tiburon coupe standard six-speed or was retired. As a ground up designed an all-new, in-house developed six-speed new car, it was naturally among the first dual-clutch transmission [DCT]. In terms wave of new vehicles from the South of performance and handling, it coped Korean automajor to feature the brand’s reasonably well with the demands of the now familiar “Fluidic Sculpture” design driver, but given its sporty looks, many language that focuses on character lines, drivers in the region felt it was not exactly muscular wheel arches and detailing like a fun car but more of an average hatch or colour-coded door handles and mirrors, a slightly underpowered city car. and wraparound headlamps and taillamps. And considering the fact that the The Veloster’s design inspiration is said Veloster’s popularity around the world has to have come from sports motorcycles. soared especially in tough markets like the For its time, it did have features which US, Hyundai kept the consumer interest were not usually found in cars in the in the car high by introducing variants and segment like blacked out A-pillars and new powertrain options. In Korea last aggressive front end with Hyundai’s year, Hyundai even presented a mid-ship then signature hexagonal front grille, concept as a future possibility. At the bonnet scoop detailing, and signature 2012 North American International Auto LED position lights. The car’s muscular Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, Hyundai America shape is loaded with lumps, scoops and introduced the refreshed Veloster with scallops! And depending on trim sold charging a part of its world debut. packages offered chrome grille surround, The Middle East now gets the piano black highlights, fog lights, and turbocharged version and attempts to a massive panoramic sunroof. Equally promote the car as its entry level sports dynamic was the car’s rear end design model sitting under the Genesis Coupe which was characterized by its distinctive Veloster Turbo distinguishes itself from glass hatch and centrally placed chrome the naturally-aspirated Veloster with a exhaust tips. The car was introduced huge front black grille that looks to be all with a normally-aspirated 1.6-litre four- air intake, as well as different fog lights, cylinder engine that produced around LED accents around the headlamps and

60 JUN 2015 JUN 2015 61 side mirrors with integrated turn signals. Velosters gain a rearview camera, driver’s market. In Middle East version, the engine The front and rear bumpers are also blind-spot mirror and daytime running outputs 201hp at 6,000 rpm and 265Nm of different and so are the new 17in wheels. lights as standard equipment. Turbo torque available between 1,750-4,500 rpm. The rear of the car is where most of models add standard Torque Vectoring Transmission remains unchanged which the action is -- two large, flush-fit large Control, along with Active Sound Design means it will continue with the six-speed diameter exhaust tips poke out from the in-cabin powertrain sound enhancement. DCT automatic with Tiptronic function. centre of a faux underbelly diffuser. Automatic temperature control is newly Hyundai’s EcoShift DCT is calibrated Inside the cabin, the cosy wraparound standard in the Turbo. As far as the with low fuel consumption in mind. layout is familiar, but there’s some extra powertrain goes, there’s no change in In addition, the EcoShift DCT enables detailing which helps in differentiating displacement or number of cylinders or its direct connection for high efficiency and between the normally aspirated and fuel deliver system of the Gamma Series uninterrupted torque transfer during forced fed models. The leather seats engine. The Gamma engine is a fairly manual shifts. come with grey or blue accents and an modern engine which uses aluminium The car employs an unusual rear embroidered “Turbo” logo. Pushbutton block, Dual Continuously Variable Valve suspension set-up: it uses a V-beam torsion start and 450W stereo system is thrown in Timing, an electronic throttle control, a axle with an integrated stabilizer bar. as standard. In terms of accommodation, Safety equipment on all models includes the Veloster seats four. Interior details The Veloster turbo ups six airbags (frontal, front side impact, include nice support at the right thigh, the ante considerably curtains), stability control with traction good feel with the three-spoke leather control, ABS, and tyre-pressure monitor. steering wheel, pleasing uncluttered in the segment with its gauges, and digital information that’s turbocharged, higher Driving impressions easily accessed. There’s a blind spot at While there’s a modest gain in weight the C-pillar over the driver’s shoulder, output engine, bigger due to the added hardware [twin scroll and the horizontal structural support for instance], enabling in the fastback glass liftgate restricts brakes and tyres the car’s game changing performance visibility, but it still offers better views roller timing chain, variable induction and should be the extra 63hp and extra than most other . Fit, finish of trims innovative anti-friction coatings. torque. The initial feel is that the Veloster and touch points is very impressive. In The key difference is that it now gets Turbo has its dull attitude removed. Now terms of connectivity, the usual Hyundai twin scroll turbocharging and Hyundai with the remapping and availability of benchmarked features are there. has programmed the electronics so that generous torque at lower rev bands, As part of the upgrade programe, all has different outputs depending on the the car definitely feels more lively and

62 JUN 2015 JUN 2015 63 responsive. As the torque band opens rev matched and hence doesn’t feel as years as Hyundai is investing more into up progressively, the throttle response is sharp as Volkswagen’s DSG for instance. motorsports and lessons learnt from stronger and more accessible to the driver Instead, in this Hyundai, gearshfts are rally-derived machines will soon find their across a wider range. Considering the too smooth and thereby such a move way into street machines. Until then, the fact that Hyundai is wanting to promote steals the sporty feeling from the car as it Veloster turbo and other models make the this car into a different league, our niggle feels like a pure automatic. In general the best of the current situation. Meanwhile, at this juncture relates to the overall transmission will shift at higher revs and braking power is improved, thanks to the packaging and what we are essentially hold gears nicely through the corners. We slightly larger front discs [11.8in instead of saying the performance enhancements were disappointed that the Turbo’s sport 11.0in]. should have been complemented with mode did not modify other elements of better exhaust acoustic management, the car, such as steering feel or suspension Verdict which is possible even in four-cylinder characteristics [stiff/soft] or offer Hyundai is gradually moving its models hot hatches these days – ask Mercedes, downshift blips. up the ladder in terms of content and Volkswagen, MINI or Audi! The car is no Much of the front wheel drive Veloster packaging. While it would like punters doubt comfortable to drive around and was designed and developed in the US. to consider that Veloster turbo as a we also wished that the EPS system that The car’s rear suspension that gives sports car, we think it can qualify as an it currently employed offered more direct Veloster an excellent all-around ride entry level hot hatch. But we are also feedback. We are aware that for the turbo that’s dialed-in but still comfortable. After sure in future more potent versions of version Hyundai did speed up the steering experiencing the turbo Veloster, we can the Veloster are being considered. The ratio from 14.2:1 to 13.9. The quicker ratio now understand where Hyundai was Veloster turbo will appeal to punters allows the driver to take faster corners feeling restricted in its efforts to push the in the market looking for a standalone with a bit of extra confidence with some handling boundary envelope. It still falls design car, an affordable fun car that’s support from the soft suspension but in the mediocre dynamics category when smooth and efficient. Familiar Velster overall feel isn’t sporty enough. The car’s it comes to handling. However, this core enthusiasts will especially welcome the DCT transmission doesn’t appear to be issue should be overcome in the coming turbo version’s extra oomph.

64 JUN 2015 JUN 2015 65 2015 KTM RC200 The sub 250cc sports bike segment is emerging to be hot bed of rivalry amongst motorcycle players in Asia. Among the new arrivals is the full-faired KTM RC 200. Launched late last year, it is a sport bike in every sense of the word, finds Automan after checking out the bike in India Author: Faisal Khan

hen KTM launched the Duke tell-tale lamps on the top and right, the the RC 200 draws power from the same 200 in India, its design was buttons are placed on the left and are a 199.5cc, single-cylinder mill which to our Wconsidered as a ‘love it, loathe it’ bit hard to operate. The console’s multi- disappointment hasn’t been tinkered with. affair. Although we loved it, not everyone information display keeps you updated Thus it produces the same 25hp and 19.2Nm liked the edgy and unfamiliar design. With with things like distance to empty, average of torque. Due to the accessorisation, this the arrival of the RC 200 with a full faired speed, distance to service, average riding motorcycle is heavier by 8kg. The extra design, we think it will appeal to even the time, etc. There are twin trip meters, side weight makes negligible difference in harshest of critic of the Duke 200. The stand indicator [and engine shut off if you performance and thus the RC 200 moves new addition to the range looks absolutely engage gear with the side stand down], with the same zest as the Duke 200. Sadly wicked with that exposed frame behind the programmable shift light and the usual fuel KTM hasn’t altered the gearing so the bike fairing and the twin projector headlamps and temperature meter. Switchgear quality revs very fast and is unwelcomingly greeted at the front. The sharp front-end has the is top notch with the buttons being backlit. by the rev limiter at 10,500rpm, quite parking lamps [which double up as daytime Committed but not like a super sport, that’s abruptly. running lamps] below the twin projectors how one can best describe the ergonomics Compared to the Duke 200, the RC 200 while the panels are sharp and edgy for of the KTM RC 200. While we all know the does sound a bit more refined but that’s a sporty look. Turn indicators are neatly ergos are suited to riding fast and scraping largely because of the fairing which does placed on the front mirror stalks while knees on corners, the key question is, can a better job in isolating engine noise. The the orange coloured wheels and frame you ride long on this machine. The answer exhaust note is similar too so it won’t really instantly draw attention. is in the negative because the RC 200 tires excite you but the refinement levels are Then comes the split seat set-up with you out as the riding position is committed better than its bigger sibling, the latter the rear seat finished like a cowl does and that takes a toll on your wrists. The sounding rough in comparison. While the come across as extremely sporty, giving super soft pillion seat does make the RC 390 twins are tall-geared, the 200 twins the bike a single-seater look while the The KTM RC 200 is are shorted geared [you can ride in higher grab rails aren’t placed conventionally gears at low speeds with ease], making like seen on most other bikes. The rear is essentially the full faired this KTM truly at home in the city. One sharp with an LED tail lamp and the whole can simply have fun while riding in town design is smooth flowing yet with a dose version of the Duke 200. because the motor is fast revving and of KTM attitude. The RC 200 gets a black The latter was launched in thus ambling around town is no issue, the colour scheme with prominent branding bike doesn’t heat much. 0-100 km/hr takes on the fairing. The RC moniker is placed markets like India in 2012, 9.31secs as per our VBOX tests while top lower down on the panel which covers while the RC 200 went speed is 137km/hr. the exhaust. The tyre hugger and saree guard [a feature common on bikes sold in on sale in the country in Riding impressions India] usually spoil the visual appeal but The first impressions on this machine is considered as a safety feature for the September 2014. suggests that the RC 200 is more fun in the pillion rider. For this report, Bajaj Auto, better than the Duke in terms of pillion city than the highway because out on the the manufacturers of the RC 200had them comfort but then the person is almost open road, you reach the top speed very removed temporarily. sitting on the first floor like the Yamaha quickly and the rev limit kicks in so abruptly A lot of common features are also evident, R15. The rider’s seat is hard though which that it spoils the ride further. You can’t prominent among them is the usage of means long hours on the saddle won’t even hold the top speed for long because the instrument cluster and switchgear be welcomed by your butt. There are keeping throttle open makes the limiter features from other members of the Duke underseat recesses to hold onto and a grab kick in abruptly, pushing you back from family [200, 390]. The all digital console rail on the right side. The pillion seat isn’t 137 km/hr to 135 km/hr and the process has a plethora of data and there is nothing the easiest to open and it’s only usable keeps repeating till you decide to keep the different on it. So you get a speedometer enough to keep bike documents safe. bike under 130 km/hr, where the motor in the centre, on the top and Being the clothed sibling of the Duke 200, doesn’t feel stressed at all as peak power

66 JUN 2015 comes in at 10,000 RPM. The 200cc the capacity now reduced by powerplant does have more pep 1-litre, the range per tank is even to do higher speeds but the short worst than before. gearing robs away that. While the KTM RC 200 excels The KTM RC 200 in truth isn’t a city in handling, it lacks on the ride or highway machine, but it seems quality front and it is stiffly set-up, to like the track. It’s a bike for those resulting in a harsh ride quality who want to become the Rossi of on less than good roads. It simply their respective neighbourhoods. will rattle you on bad roads and To further improve handling over your arms and shoulders already the Duke 200, the RC 200 gets take a toll due to the race inspired MOTO3 ergonomics, it has a ergonomics. Other issue is of changed with a sharper course the ground clearance, rake, front-end centric weight, which in spite of being raised, is of clip-on bars, stiffer chassis, reduced little help when you have a healthy front suspension travel and shorter pillion on board. But still, if you ride wheelbase. All this enables in super solo and corner hard, the RC 200 sharp and precise dynamics, the RC will not scrape its underbelly on a Eds note: the graphics in this feature are meant to 200 turns in very quickly and before levelled road, it will however do showcase the bike’s capabilities and were done by you know it, you are scrapping your it if you are on a incline or decline professionally trained riders in contolled conditions. knee down with little effort. The and leaned in hard. Brakes offer Automan doesn’t recommend riders to do so as it can be India-made MRF tyres offer good good bite, better than the 390 and unsafe. grip but in front of the Metzelers, stopping power is good but with they lack in inspiring the level of the Pulsar 200 SS set to get an ABS confidence you would expect option, the lack of it on the RC 200 for a track bred machine. Being isn’t understandable. short geared, the RC 200 offers good enough grunt to power out Verdict of corners quickly and you don’t The KTM RC 200 has been much have to wait for the motor to get overshadowed by its bigger going, like in the mad 390. 100 km/ sibling, so much that no one hr comes up in fourth and if the really talks much about KTM’s bike was a bit taller geared, we entry-level faired bike. Sure the think it could do the ton in sub RC 200 isn’t as fast as the RC 390, nine seconds. The frantic nature but out in the real world, it’s a of the motor keeps you aware more practical bike, with better and makes you shift the smooth engine refinement, more usable shifting 6-speed gearbox early so power, no heating issues and most as to not get bogged down by the importantly a lower sticker price. limiter which comes in like a wall. The KTM RC 200 is for those who The clutch is light too but the palm want to have fun yet don’t care grips and levers don’t go well with about being the fastest around. a motorcycle which commands It offers similar handling as the premium pricing. Fuel efficiency is RC 390 at lesser money, yet it good at 30 km/l in a mixed riding will make you grin wide at every cycle of highway and city but with corner.

2015 KTM RC 200 Specifications

• Engine: 199.5cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled • Power: 25.34 PS @ 10,000 RPM • Torque: 19.2 Nm @ 8000 RPM • Transmission: 6-speed • 0 – 100 km/hr: 9.31 seconds • Top Speed: 137 km/hr • Fuel Consumption: 28-32 km/l • Fuel Type: Petrol • Frame: Steel Trellis • Suspension: Upside Down Forks [Front], WP Monoshock

[Rear]

• Tyres: 110/70/17 [Front], 150/60/17 [Rear] • Brakes: 300 mm Disc [Front], 230 mm Disc [Rear]

JUN 2015 67 Chevrolet FNR Concept

uite a few automakers are GM’s engineering, convinced that the future of The Chevrolet FNR Qmotoring is autonomous and design and all-electric. As technology progresses concept from General within the industry, new engineering electrification ideas are being promoted and presented Motors may appear periodically. At the same time while teams drew on their too extreme for there’s a buzz about this futuristic application of technologies, design is past experience production right now, also expected to play a fundamental developing electric role too. In this respect, General Motors but it does represent did have something to convey at the concept vehicles. Shanghai Auto Show where along with a possible solution as the reveal of the CT6 Plug-in Their aim was to Hybrid, the unusual looking Chevrolet an with FNR Concept also made its debut. create a unique, independent mobility. Technically, the Chevrolet FNR is an autonomous electric car concept that intelligent vehicle In fact, GM is among has been developed in Shanghai by for tomorrow’s GM’s Pan Asia Technical Automotive the few car makers Centre (PATAC) joint venture. The design younger consumers theme of the FNR is said to be inspired that are trying to by an insect and hence it looks like a by utilizing innovative “capsule” with the wheels pushed out anticipate now how to the corners and well away from the car networking autonomous driving four-passenger cabin. “Dragonfly” dual- swing doors allow most of the curvy technology. can impact car design and angular bodywork to peel away like in science fiction movies. The car has discarded pieces of armour. newly developed crystal laser head and in future too The car’s double-bubble cockpit is tail lamps, sensors and roof-mounted Author: Chandan B Mallik loaded with a range of intelligent radar that can map out the environment technologies that are usually seen only to enable driverless operation. It’s

68 JUN 2015 It seems General Motors is looking at the possibility of delivering a stylish look at a fully electric and autonomous automotive future called Chevy Intelligent Assistant and iris recognition start. The Chevrolet FNR can also serve as a “personal assistant” to map out the best route to the driver’s preferred destination. The switchover from manual to autonomous operation is accomplished using gesture controls and in self-driving mode, the vehicle’s front seats can swivel 180 degrees to face the rear seats, creating a more intimate setting. The driver can switch to manual mode through the gesture control feature. The car’s powertrain is just as sci-fi as the styling. Chevy says the FNR uses a magnetic hub less in-wheel type electric motors and an automated wireless charging system. No performance figures were made available.

JUN 2015 69 Audi Prologue Concept

Making its debut at the 2015 Shanghai Show, the Audi Prologue allroad concept tries to establish the brand’s future design DNA that will be applied in future all-terrain models including hybrids Author: Chandan B Mallik

irst introduced fifteen years ago, wants to take the allroad experience to inspired by the e-tron and featured Audi’s allroad models sort of the next level. a flat and wide single frame grille Fbridged the gap between sedans So, what is to be expected? Like all complementing the wedge-shaped and virtually non-existent crossovers. allroad models, quattro, the latest headlamps. The headlamps feature The German brand has utilised the name evolution of the Prologue hybridized Matrix laser technology, which Audi “allroad quattro” to signify semi-offroad Concept features a raised body and claims to lead when it comes to ability on two of its mainstream model when viewed from the side, the 5.13m application of this innovative lighting lines. Originally, the name “Audi allroad car is characterized by a long front end, technology. The light is broken down quattro” applied to a semi-off road a roofline that quickly begins to drop in to countless tiny pixels, and the version of the Audi A6 Avant [wagon] again and at the rear sits on top of the possibilities for distributing this light in 1999. Audi retitled subsequent extremely flat D-pillars. are virtually boundless. LED light guides generations, as released in 2006 and 2012, The Shanghai show car set the stage for sketch a new e-tron light signature at the as “Audi A6 allroad quattro”. progressive elegance in every detail. The upper and outer edges of the air inlets, The engineering recipe for the allroad window capping strips include sensor which are bisected by the bumper blade. cars was quite simple. Audi used a stock surfaces for the door locks; the covers for The rear of the car is strongly drawn-in estate/stationwagon model with all- the charging port and fuel tank are also laterally and gets a narrow strip of lights wheel drive [Quattro] and raised its body electric. Detailing included aluminium connects the LED rear lamps as sign-off. to give it generous ground clearance to accents the roof rails, the mirror The interior design merges overcome most driving challenges on and housings, the area around the windows groundbreaking new display technologies off-road. This recipe has worked quite and both the front and rear of the car. along with the latest in operating well for Audi over the years and now it The front end of the car is very much concepts. Across its full width, the front

70 JUN 2015 of the instrument panel is designed to be a display surface which integrates three touch displays. The front passenger can configure infotainment options using a widescreen display fully integrated into the instrument panel. He can swipe to send these to the right driver display or to the Audi virtual cockpit future behind the steering wheel. The central console tunnel houses an additional driver display for climate control system, infotainment and text input. Featuring innovative OLED technology with an extremely thin, flexible film, it displays brilliant, high-contrast images. Interestingly, rear passengers sit in individual seats. The hybrid uses a 4.0-litre TFSI V8 engine and electric motor integrated into the eight-speed tiptronic gearbox. Combined, they produce 734hp of power and 900 Nm of torque enabling the car to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.5secs. Meanwhile, the lithium-ion battery mounted in the rear of the car has a capacity of 14.1 kWh for a purely electric range of 54km. With its AWC (Audi wireless charging) technology which the brand is developing for series production, the Audi prologue allroad can also be charged inductively.

JUN 2015 71 Citroën Aircross concept

itroën is once again demonstrating cutting edge features in a SUV format. With its bold and that its engineering flexibility The detailing and engineering in the innovative futuristic Ccan be equally paired with Aircross concept suggests that it is contemporary design. At this point, production ready, subject to the project designs, French Citroën’s core business agenda is being getting approval from top management. built on its current line-up of models and It is built on the existing EMP2 scalable automajor Citroën’s standalone premium subbrand DS. At the platform, which underpins all of PSA recently concluded 2015 Shanghai Auto Peugeot Citroën’s mid to large offerings. Aircross concept Show, Citroen debuted the Cactus-based The Aircross concept car showcased was Aircross concept. 4.58m long, 2.1m wide and 1.8m tall. In points the way to The Aircross SUV concept presented in current terms, it means it’s very close Shanghai gives an indication of the future to the dimensions of the Land Rover a new family of [and bit radical if one may observe] design Discovery Sport in all dimensions except crossovers for the language that is expected to be adopted in width. in one form or another on every Citroën Although based on the Cactus concept, brand. model produced by 2020. In this case, one it is quite interesting to see how design could say it is a new interpretation of the elements from the former have been Author: Chandan B Mallik hatchback with ultra-modern looks and metamorphosed in the latter. Familiar

72 JUN 2015 Although, Citroën Curtains,’ which enhance aerodynamics and engine air intake. plans to sell the Designers claim that the high waistline puts emphasis on the car’s exaggerated Aircross SUV proportions, while the wraparound cockpit and gradually sloping roofline add globally, as part a sportier edge. In the concept, access was through the wide opening created by of an aggressive the rear-hinged door arrangements. The marketing strategy, four-seat layout is definitely inspired by furniture design and the cabin has been the automaker will designed to encourage communication between passengers, as each seat push this new SUV into features its own microphone and speaker. Dual 12in HD screens continue to highlight strong SUV markets in the cockpit, one of which can actually be removed and passed from passenger to Asia also passenger. design cues of the brand are the two-tier Citroen is keen to project the car as light structure and chevron design up tech-savvy model and hence the Aircross front, while the floating roof bars have has been set-up as a plug-in hybrid. been borrowed from the C4 Cactus. The engine is placed up front and Citroen has also developed a fresh electric motors are rear-mounted. The take on the unique honeycomb-style turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol produces Airbump design from the Cactus for a 218hp and is paired to a 95hp rear- more rugged SUV application. Here the mounted electric motor. This enables the Cactus’ Airbumps have morphed into possibility of a 50km range of all-electric something called ‘Alloy Bumps,’ which are driving. Combined output is 313hp and essentially honeycomb aluminum castings 351lbs-ft of torque, which results in a 0 surrounded by durable rubber. The car to 96km/h time of 4.5secs and an eye- also wears ‘Air Signs’ — chrome window opening fuel economy rating of 138.2 surrounds, more or less — and ‘Air mpg.

JUN 2015 73 BMW 3.0 CLS Hommage

At the exclusive Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este show in Italy last month, BMW took the wraps off a new concept car called the 3.0 CSL Hommage. BMW says it’s the spiritual successor and also a design tribute to the iconic 3.0 CSL from the seventies Author: Chandan B Mallik oncorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 1970s. “CSL” stands for “Coupé Sport the earlier car’s highly distinctive shark is an annual event that is held in Leichtbau” (coupé, sport, lightweight) nose. Two circular openings and a series CItaly. It is by far among one of the and these ideas are reflected in the way of elongated slots pay tribute to other most prestigious and exclusive private the car has been fabricated using a mix elements featured in the earlier car, but automotive events of its kind where it of lightweight materials and composites offer a new interpretation for the 21st attracts an interesting array of cars that – an area which BMW has given a lot century. stand out not by its size but by its quality. of evidence of its expertise in series A character detail of the BMW 3.0 CSL This year’s 50-car presentation was more production of CFRP structural parts for Hommage is in the way the roofline has diverse than ever before with an ever cars like the BMW M and BMW i. been designed. It has been consciously impressive array of machines. Alongside Boasting one of the broadest and lowest subdivided into three sections and the striking show cars like the Pegaso front ends of any vehicle in the BMW line recalls the distinctive upper section Cupula and the six-wheeled Panther Six, Group, the BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage’s of the BMW 3.0 CS - one of the first the Concorso d’Eleganza also boasts a front end gets the characteristic BMW coupés to feature a roof that did not flow tradition of old by inviting brand new kidney grille stands tall in citation of into the tail. show cars. This year was no exception the more upright styling of the kidney In its construction, the concept also as a couple of world debuts took place grille of yesteryear. The characteristic follows the weight saving tradition and at Villa d’Este. Among notables were the four-eyed face uses laser light and LED hence uses aluminium in its bonnet, BMW 3.0 CLS Hommage and the Zagato technology. A stylised “X” inside the boot and wings. Plexiglas is used for its styled and built Maserati Mostro. lights divides the lighting functions. A windscreen. Rest of the car is composed The BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage is BMW large carbon-fibre front splitter reduces of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic. Design Team’s tribute to the 3.0 CSL the gap between road and front end The Hommage’s flanks are one of its BMW Coupé, a timeless classic and and, in combination with the kidney strongest design talking points, with the considered iconic by many from the grille, offers a modern interpretation of clean, simple design proving one of the

74 JUN 2015 clearest connections with the 3.0 CSL that that did not flow into the tail. The black inspired it. The use of dark materials on 21in alloy wheels in finished in matt. Air the flanks is designed to have the effect of control blades in the interstices of the visually lowering the car, while the BMW wheel rims, meanwhile, serve to further badge and shape of the window line also optimise aerodynamics. have been plucked from the and Pared down to a minimum, the interior thrust into the 21st century. of the BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage puts its There’s also evidence of some practical lightweight design on show and renders aeroprofiling in this car. Its elongated its racing character elegantly tangible. body is set off by distinctive air deflectors All interior elements are there out of and prominent spoilers to the roof and absolute neccesity. In the all-CFRP rear. Aerodynamic elements have been interior, the only wood-like presence incorporated in enabling air to flow is the “instrument panel” - a cross- optimally along the sides of the vehicle. member and purely structural element. The front air deflector serves to vent Infotainment is equally minimalist in the engine compartment, while wings concept: a central display on the steering over the rear wheels ensure optimum column informs the driver of the current airflow around the vehicle. Small rear- gear, speed, revs and shift point. view cameras serve to further reduce Other racing features include bucket aerodynamic drag. The large rear spoiler seats, six-point safety harness, two increases downforce on the driven rear switches on the centre console for the axle and in so doing improves power emergency shut-off and the mandatory transmission. The air curtain and air fire extinguisher. There’s dedicated breather systems are used for ventilation space for two helmets integrated into of the wheel housings. The show car was the transmission tunnel. These are presented in original colour of its spiritual held in place by a belt when not in predecessor - Golf Yellow. A particular use. In the place of a rear seat bench, detail of the BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage there are only covers for the eBoost is the roofline. Consciously subdivided energy accumulators. No details of the into three, the line recalls the distinctive powertrain were revealed except for the upper section of the BMW 3.0 CS - one fact it will use a six-cylinder in-line engine of the first coupés to feature a roof with eBoost technology.

JUN 2015 75 2015 Monaco Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton wouldn’t like to remember this particular race which started off great and ended in a disaster of sorts through no fault of his.

reshened with his new his engineers left him in the had qualified 11th but took a to the inside at St. Devote in three-year deal with wrong engine setting for his penalty for a gearbox change. attempt to make a pass, but FMercedes-AMG Petronas final hot lap, so by the very Want to know how hard it is Grosjean braked earlier than and firing on all cylinders, first corner he’d lost the time to do better on race day than usual and Verstappen’s left Hamilton was in no mood to he would have needed to get in qualifying at Monaco? Even front hit Grosjean’s right rear. let anything, including any higher than fourth on the the never-say-die Fernando Verstappen lost his left front mishaps by teammate Nico grid. The second Infiniti Red Alonso said, “Monte Carlo wheel and went straight into Rosberg to stand in the way Bull car of Daniil Kvyat slots is a train of cars on Sunday, the barriers at high speed, but of his best qualifying effort at in behind him, ahead of the the race finishes on Saturday was all right. The barrier and Monaco. Hamilton’s superb second Ferrari of Kimi “Not A afternoon.” Well obviously, he the car, however, weren’t. qualifying performance saw Very Happy Day” Räikkönen, didn’t take Max Verstappen’s That brought out the safety that he was rewarded with his who just can’t get it going seek-and-destroy tactics into car on Lap 68, and that first pole position at Monaco. lately. account. changed the entire race. So as experts say, the results Sergio Perez did for the Sahara The young Dutchman had Lewis Hamilton had been of Sunday’s race at Monaco Force India what the car can’t made passing look like a real leading the race comfortably are usually sealed on Saturday do on its own, which is grab a option in Monaco, getting until then, enjoying a afternoon. top-ten qualifying spot. Toro past Maldonado at St. Devote 21-second lead on teammate But, it was an anticlimax this Rosso rookie Carlos Sainz had on Lap 7 after a bit of argy- Rosberg in second and rival year. Rosberg did make a qualified eighth but missed bargy on Lap 6, then taking Vettel in third. A bunch of mistake but this time it was a call to the weigh bridge, so advantage of blue flags to team miscommunication and behind Hamilton, which meant he’s been slapped into the slink past teammate Carlos overthinking led to Mercedes he stuffed-up the qualifying pit lane. Pastor Maldonado in Sainz and Williams driver believing Vettel might come in attempts of rival drivers like the Lotus inherits his eighth Valtteri Bottas while hiding in and pit for super soft tires, so Sebastian Vettel. So Rosberg place, ahead of rookie Max Sebastian Vettel’s slipstream. Mercedes brought Hamilton starts second, 0.342 behind Verstappen in the second He tried the same move on in for a new set, thinking he Hamilton but 0.449 ahead Toro Rosso, and Jenson Romain Grosjean on Lap 65, had time for the stop... until of Vettel in the Ferrari. Button in the McLaren. Button but Grosjean locked him out. he came out of the pits behind Daniel Ricciardo thinks he only got up there because Verstappen lined up the Lotus Rosberg and Vettel, neither of should have been third, but of two penalties: for Sainz, driver over the following laps, whom pitted. a communication error with and Romain Grosjean who then looked like he slipped When racing resumed on Lap

76 JUN 2015 71 of 78, there was no way Hamilton Räikkönen turned in he got punted was going to get around Vettel and off the racing line and then passed. Rosberg, even with fresh tires. He He complained to his team, but radioed his team to say, “I’ve lost the stewards decided to take no this race, haven’t I?” No one wanted action. The team ordered Kvyat to to admit it, but the answer was yes. let Ricciardo through to attack the After owning the day and managing front three, but when they realized brake overheating issues early in that wasn’t possible Ricciardo gave the race, the same kind of strategy the position back. The order of those mistake that Mercedes made with three spots at the flag was Kyvat, Rosberg in Malaysia this time bit Ricciardo, and Räikkönen. Hamilton, and the Brit had to settle Perez and Button finished seventh for third. It’s a terrible way to lose a and eighth, the two of them together race, and Hamilton was expectedly in that order since at least Lap 31. downbeat on the podium, but Force India will be happy for the unexpectedly gracious in defeat, result, and Monaco gave McLaren its congratulating Rosberg and Vettel first points for the season, ending a and refusing to blame the team, drought that has already made 2015 saying, “We win and lose together.” the worst opening to a campaign It was Rosberg’s third win in a row since the original McLaren outfit in Monaco, a feat not achieved since was formed in 1966. Sauber driver Ayrton Senna did it more than 20 Felipe Nasr and Toro Rosso driver years ago. For Vettel, it was the third Sainz took the last two points-paying time that he has started third on the positions, after a race where they grid in the principality and finished were either trying to defend or heed second on the podium. blue flags. Fourth, fifth, and sixth places also Rosberg’s win cuts Hamilton’s got switched up after the Safety Car lead at the head of the Driver’s left the track. Kvyat, Räikkönen, and Championship standings to ten Ricciardo were in those spots, but points, 126 to 116. Vettel isn’t far Ricciardo had pitted for new tires away with 98 points. Mercedes during the slow-down. Attacking isn’t hurt by throwing away three Räikkönen as soon as racing points, with 242 points at the lead resumed, the Aussie slipped his of the Constructor’s Championship, left front wheel under Räikkönen’s ahead of Ferrari with 158 points and rear right at Mirabeau, and when Williams with 81 points.

JUN 2015 77 2015 MotoGP

Jorge Lorenzo is confident that he can win a third MotoGP crown after closing the gap to team-mate Valentino Rossi following third win in a row, at Mugello, Italy

ovistar Yamaha’s “For sure the other riders are [Andrea] Dovizioso, but in the between me, Marc and Jorge. Jorge Lorenzo is going to improve and they first corner I could open the But we couldn’t continue with Min great form and are going to come, but five line a lot to make a very high that rhythm.” this makes him believe it victories of six [for Yamaha] corner speed and I overtook Lorenzo has dramatically could be his year to clinch means something and our Andrea on the outside,” he reduced Rossi’s lead – who his third MotoGP crown. bike is working very well. said. finished on the podium in This confidence comes after “Here, the Ducati seems very “I knew that probably third behind Iannone – to Lorenzo made a hattrick with strong and after the warm- Iannone was stronger today six points ahead of his home his latest dominant victory at up Andrea [Iannone] seems than Dovizioso after warm- race, but he has vowed to Mugello. very strong, but today at two up so it was my chance to stay grounded despite his Lorenzo has closed the deficit o’clock it was not the same. pass Dovizioso and put him magnificent run of form. to team-mate Valentino Something changed on the between me and Iannone. “Valentino is making an Rossi at the summit of the track and it was impossible to “I overtook him before the unbelievable season and is championship to six points be in 1’47.5 and we had to go first Arrabbiata and I tried like always on the podium and after the first six rounds and 1’47 high and lucky for me the crazy to pull this gap.” luckily for me today Iannone is now heading into his home other ones were in 1’48,” he Dovizioso, having done his stayed in front of him so it race at Catalunya in two added. best to stay with Lorenzo was four points more,” said weeks’ time. “That was my lap today and during he early stages, Lorenzo. The two-time premier class I was able to leave [them] explained: “It is difficult to recover to champion is back to his behind more easy than I “Today, like the last race, the Valentino even though I have brilliant best on the factory expected and in some laps race before - it is really, really won three in a row but it is M1 and currently looks [open] even six, seven tenths, difficult to fight with Lorenzo much better to be six points unstoppable after completing so when this happens you because he is strong in every behind than 29, so we make a faultless treble to pocket a know inside yourself it is your area when he is riding like a great job these races to maximum 75 points from the day and you have to take this. recover these points. last three races to boost his profit of the opportunity.” “He can be fast in the first “But anything can happen confidence of winning the Lorenzo took the lead on lap, but the main point is at Montmelo and I can lose world title in 2015. the opening lap and seized his consistency. I mean his points, I can finish behind “I thought on Saturday that his chance to put Andrea fastest lap wasn’t amazing, Valentino, the Ducatis or this can be our year but Dovizioso between himself but he is able to keep [the Marquez, so I have to keep it is still very soon to say and Andrea Iannone, who lap time] - it looks from the the feet on the ground, keep that we are going to win or Lorenzo expected to be his outside - in an easy way. And working, Yamaha will keep keep this level, because the chief threat in the race. that is the difference. working and this could be championship is very long “The start was not so good “Because in the first few laps our year, so we have to take still,” said Lorenzo. and I lose my position with the lap time was very similar profit.”

78 JUN 2015 Aprilia debuts seamless gearbox Aprilia’s seamless-shift gearbox made its MotoGP race debut in the factory’s home Italian round at Mugello last month. The gearbox - seamless for both upshifts and downshifts - was declared a ‘complete success’ when handed to the race team for the post-Jerez test, earlier this month . Alvaro Bautista even described it as ‘not far’ from the standard-setting Honda gearbox he raced with during the previous two seasons. “Mugello... is a particularly important occasion because right here on the Tuscan track our seamless gear shift system will make its debut, available for both our riders,” declared Aprilia Racing manager Romano Albesiano. “The positive feedback Bautista provided after the tests at Jerez immediately following the Spanish Grand Prix convinced us to speed up development on this solution in order to have it ready to Lorenzo’s form cause of Rossi’s woes race as soon as possible.” alentino Rossi says his team-mate needed in qualifying to earn a higher The seamless gearbox is the latest Jorge Lorenzo’s current form is position on the front two rows of the grid upgrade for the RS-GP, based on last ‘bad news’ for his championship and he lost ground at the beginning of the year’s Open class ART bike. An all-new V design is being prepared for 2016, the prospects after the Spaniard clinched race, dropping back to 11th after losing his third victory in a row this season at confidence in the front in the early laps. date originally planned for Aprilia’s Mugello. Lorenzo dominated the Italian “In reality during the weekend I wasn’t factory return. Grand Prix to win from Andrea Iannone, strong enough, I wasn’t fast enough in the But the new gearbox will not be the only with Rossi finishing on the podium in third practice. We were struggling and we tried development for Mugello. “As important as his title advantage was cut to six points to change but unfortunately except some as the new transmission is, in any case ahead of round seven, which takes place at good laps I was never at the top about the it will not be the only new feature,” Lorenzo’s home circuit at Catalunya. pace and it was difficult,” he said. Albesiano continued. “We have prepared Rossi managed to haul himself onto the “For the race we tried to change various changes in terms of aerodynamics rostrum after struggling in qualifying, something with the bike, especially in the and chassis as well with respect to the starting the race from row three in eighth weak point with the change of direction, bike that started off the season. All of this place, but the nine-time world champion but it doesn’t work – especially at the is part of our path of improvement which is only too aware that he will need to beginning because I had a big struggle with we hope to successfully move forward at find something extra to halt Lorenzo’s the new tyre and the full tank. Mugello.” sensational run of form. “I was very, very behind and I don’t know Bautista has claimed the final point in “To arrive on the podium is not so bad, the position because the start was not three of the five races this season. we want to try better to fight with Jorge fantastic, so I tried to keep concentrating “At Mugello we’ll be taking a lot of but today it was impossible,” Rossi said. and ride at the maximum without risking technical changes onto the track, “The good thing is that our bike works very too much because the front doesn’t give beginning with the seamless gearbox well. In the first half of the season I was me a very good feeling,” Rossi added. that I tested at Jerez with good results, stronger, but now Jorge has come back “Lap by lap [it was] coming a bit better so we are very motivated as we approach with an incredible pace and he is the only and when I saw the second group behind this round,” said the Spaniard. “We’ll also one that can arrive at the maximum of the Jorge, I thought today was not possible to have some other upgrades available in bike and take all the potential from the arrive on the podium. But after, I saw that various areas of the bike, so I’m confident bike. “He recovered on me a lot of points the front group had some issue because that we’ll be able to take a big step with these three victories and now we are the condition was difficult today and forward. quite close,” he added. “It’s also true that everybody was having trouble I think with “Our main goal is still bike development, the race of today is very bad for [Marc] the front. “I tried to recover and when although I won’t hide the fact that Marquez and the other rides closer in the I arrived I overtook Dovi and Pedrosa. achieving a good result in Aprilia’s home championship because the two Yamahas I wanted to try to beat Andrea and Grand Prix would be nice.” have more gap. “This is good news for especially to try and not arrive on the last Melandri, yet to score a point this season, me, but at the same time it is bad news lap with Pedrosa because in the last corner did not try the gearbox at Jerez and, the shape of Jorge because he is very fast, and in the straight he was a lot stronger having previously departed MotoGP for so to try to fight with him we have to be than me. But I understand my potential WSBK at the end of 2010 (before seamless faster and more competitive.” was not enough and to stay on the podium gearboxes were introduced) will be Rossi was unable to find the pace he here in Mugello is always great.” making his debut on the technology.

JUN 2015 79 Colour my response

The other day I was glancing through some pages when I realised that my mind was sending me warnings. There’s something not quite right on the page and no amount of reading under, over or between the lines seemed to bring out the problem. It was then that I realised that the issue was with the photographs. All beautifully taken as is usual with us. But the car was in white. And the car was a Veloster. The combination was something that my mind wasn’t ready to accept as a valid proposition.

Between Oman’s traditional love affair with white cars and the safety found by dealers in keeping their test cars white so as to allow them an assured clientele for resale, you don’t have to look far for the raison d’être of a white Veloster.

Colour has come to define so many aspects of our lives that very often the message is more implied and subliminal that really overt. To the automotive maven some colours have natural connotations – Red is to Ferrari as Blue is to BMW and Yellow is to Porsche and Green is to Jaguar or Bentley. Oh yes, Silver is to Mercedes-Benz. But then what happens to a Lamborghini that also champions yellow? The shades start evolving in cadence with the growth of brands and very often to match with the launch of new models.

The strong association of a colour to a marque or a model is becoming a fine art. We were at a Lamborghini event where the car being promoted was projected in a particular cerulean blue. Why blue, you may well ask? As we did and the answer sat bang in the middle of “it really looks good in the colour” to “we have assigned this shade as the signature colour of the model”.

But our connection with colour harks back into antiquity and has become so pervasive that we don’t think twice about it. We have learnt to divide colour into masculine, feminine and neutral shades. We have strong shades that express emotions as well as gentler pastels that seemingly play out their roles in wall paints and sundry linen. We also Raj Warrior is editor of Automan and has been in the thick tend to treat Black and White as colours rather than a complete lack of colours and an of the Automotive journalism field from the past 15 years. overdose as they rightly are. For the really adventurous among us, or the artistic minded there is a rainbow of colours even in Fifty Shades of Grey. Want to comment or have your say? There are some ready combinations that we even associate with specific roles. Black and Email at [email protected]. Identify yourself or your message will be trashed and White seem to hog the limelight of weddings and funerals, red is thrown in liberally in the your id blocked décor and signage of fast food eateries. And there is more than a passing association of purple and gold with royalty.

In the colour wheel that is building up, car companies have also grabbed onto blue and green with a vengeance. Although quite confusing to the mind – blue is greener than most because blue is the colour of the Earth as seen from space. So hybrid technologies usually get blue hued. Green is connected with plant life so we understand that going green is good for the environment. Add a bit of green on the lettering at the end of the mail and you have done your bit to save the earth – especially if you have convinced your recipient not to print out that mail. In this kaleidoscope of colours we often have the weird and quirky ones on the sidelines. After all we have all heard of mauve, puce and tangerine, but have you ever heard of razzmatazz? The very name connects us with showmanship, so it is a given that the colour with its bright pinkish hues itself will be an extrovert.

While tangerine, orange and peach are also fruit we eat, one should look out for atomic tangerine and caput mortuum both of which sound far deadlier than they are. And why wouldn’t one love the creamy, nutty essence of café au lait?

So what does one’s choice of colours really say about you? I hope it really doesn’t say much, for between the wife and me we have a grey SUV and a greyish car in the house. While the lack of colour may say something about our outlook, the advantage is that we have two shades of grey in between us. Now we need to find the remaining forty eight.

80 JUN 2015

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