2021 Kia Ceed: a slight mid-term restyling

2021 Kia Ceed a slight mid-term restyling

The Kia Ceed goes through the restyling box. The facelift is above all aesthetic with the appearance of the brand’s new logo on the body. The engines remain unchanged or almost.

The Kia Ceed leads a rather discreet career within France . However, it nevertheless has a very complete range with no less than 4 different bodies : a 5-door sedan, a “classic” SW station wagon, a Proceed hunting station wagon as well as the XCeed crossover. For the first six months of 2021, a total of 3,850 units were sold, which is relatively few for all models.

For this month of July, it is therefore the three versions SW, Proceed and XCeed which will therefore go through the restyling box.

A visual restyling that stands out

What is striking from the outset is obviously the appearance of the new Kia logo on the body, which was inaugurated by the EV6 crossover a few months earlier, in April.

The radiator grille now features a much wider design, supported by chrome elements that can be seen in the upper and lower air intakes. On the GT Line and GT Sport versions , which are still available, the side air intakes at the wheel arches are larger. At the rear, the GT versions are distinguished from the standard models by a glossy black diffuser with chrome trim.

The interior revamp is understated: Customers can choose from eight different seat covers, while the GT and GT Line feature black suede upholstery and contrasting stitching. We find the 12.3 ? digital instrumentation combo as well as a 10.25 ? central touch screen. Connectivity improves with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay which now work wirelessly.

The range of engines remains the same, or almost

The engine range of the Kia Ceed Facelift remains unchanged: despite the model update, the five-door version is still not available as a hybrid version. This engine is reserved for the SW station wagon. The range still includes four turbo petrol engines and a diesel combined with light hybridization. The entry-level engines are the 1.0 T-GDI three-cylinder with 100 or 120 hp. The 160 hp 1.5 T-GDI and the GT version with a 204 hp 1.6 T-GDI are positioned just above. The diesel version is the 136bhp 1.6-liter four-cylinder and the 48-volt mild hybrid system now features a smart manual gearbox with electronically controlled clutch.

Diesel and the 1.5 T-GDI are optionally available with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, while it is standard on the 1.6 T-GDI. Kia equips the 1.0 T-GDI with a six-speed manual transmission.

The Kia Ceed Facelift will hit production lines from August 2021, for a market launch early in the fourth quarter of 2021.

 

Opel Grandland (2021): big restyling for the SUV!

Opel Grandland Hybrid4 (2021)

Launched in 2017, the Opel Grandland X goes through the restyling box. New look, more high-tech interior, new driving aids… the changes are numerous. The SUV even goes so far as to change its name!

Opel continues to rejuvenate its range . After launching a new Corsa in 2019 and restyling the Crossland in 2020, and while waiting for the sixth generation of Astra scheduled for this summer, the German manufacturer is renewing… the Grandland X ! Marketed since 2017, the compact SUV benefits in spring 2021 from a mid-career restyling .

And for the occasion, Opel has decided to change everything . Or almost. Starting with the name of the model . Like the new Mokka , the latter loses its “X” suffix and simply becomes the Grandland.

The face of the new Mokka

The connection with the new Mokka continues even in style. Like the urban SUV, the restyled Grandland sports the brand’s new face, the Opel Vizor . At the front, we find ultra- thin IntelliLux LED Pixel Light projectors , borrowed from the Insignia, while at the rear the name of the model is now located in the center of the tailgate, just below the brand’s logo.

A fully digital dashboard

On board, same story since Opel has grafted its new “Pure Panel” dashboard . The restyled Grandland thus inherits a large digital panel consisting of two screens, one for the instrument cluster (12 inches) and the other for the infotainment system (up to 10 inches). Ergonomic seats, which can be leather, massage and ventilated, are also part of the game.

Additional technologies

This restyling is also an opportunity for the SUV to get up to date technologically speaking. It thus gains new driving aids, such as Night Vision , a system which detects pedestrians and animals in the dark at a distance of up to 100 meters, and which then warns the driver.

Also new is the support for highway driving (Highway Integration Assist). Semi-adaptive, the latter keeps the Grandland in the middle of its traffic lane and is responsible for keeping the distance with the vehicle in front.

The “techno” range is completed by a 360-degree panoramic camera, an automatic parking assistant or even a blind spot warning system.

A trendy SUV

Finally, under the hood, Opel announces “fuel-efficient diesel and gasoline engines” as well as plug-in hybrid versions , without detailing its offer in this area. The Grandland should however share the same blocks as the Peugeot 3008, namely a 3-cylinder 1.2 l petrol of 130 hp, a 1.5 l Diesel also developing 130 hp and two PHEV engines of 225 and 300 hp. These models will be offered in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

The restyled Grandland will be produced at the Opel plant in Eisenach, Germany. The brand will announce its prices and open its order book in a few weeks. The first deliveries will take place in the fall.

 

Skoda Enyaq iV (2021): 265 hp in Sportline version!

Skoda Enyaq iV (2021) 265 hp in Sportline version

Skoda is expanding the Enyaq iV range with the unveiling of the new Sportline 80x version. On the menu for the electric SUV: 265 hp, all-wheel drive and more than 500 km of range!

Marketed a few months ago in its classic intermediate versions “60” (180 hp, 62 kWh battery and 412 km of range) and “80” (204 hp, 82 kWh battery and 534 km of range), then in its entry-level “50” version (148 hp, 55 kWh battery and 392 km of range), the Skoda Enyaq iV was then launched in March in its more dynamic “ Sportline ” version .

In this configuration, the Czech electric SUV was then offered in “60” and “80” versions for respective prices displayed today at 44,470 and 50,380 €.

265 hp, all-wheel drive and over 500 km of range

While the first deliveries to customers began in May, Skoda is now expanding its range even further by offering a new variant of the Enyaq Sportline : the 80x version.

On the menu: two electric motors and all-wheel drive for a total power of 265 hp and 425 Nm of torque. The maximum speed is 160 km / h. All this is accompanied by an 82 kWh battery for a range displayed at more than 500 km (WLTP cycle).

A more dynamic look for the Sportline version

As a reminder, the Sportline versions receive as standard a sport chassis lowered by 15 mm at the front and 10 mm at the rear, large 20 or 21-inch alloy wheels and distinctive black elements in the radiator grille, window surrounds, roof rails and rear diffuser. They also gain specific badges on the front fenders, an exclusive front apron and side skirts in the same color as the bodywork.

On board, there are black sports seats with integrated headrests , a three-spoke multifunction leather sports steering wheel with contrasting stitching and carbon-effect inserts. Not to mention a 5.3-inch digital handset and an augmented reality head-up display.

Finally, on the driving aids side, the SUV notably has Front Assist with predictive protection for pedestrians and cyclists or even the Travel Assist automated driving system.

The price of the Enyaq Sportline iV 80x is not yet known but will easily exceed 50,000 €.

 

New Kia Sportage (2021): the SUV transformed!

New Kia Sportage (2021) the SUV transformed

Kia unveils the first official news and photos of its new Sportage. On the occasion of its fifth generation, the South Korean SUV is making its revolution …

Announced in recent days through several pictures, the new Kia Sportage is emerging. Launched in 1994, the South Korean SUV is now upgraded to the fifth generation . For the occasion, Kia has completely revised its design . The Sportage is now unrecognizable , both on the outside and inside.

Kia changes everything!

No more curves. The Sportage takes muscle and gains character . The transformation is notably obvious at the front where the model now adopts an imposing “tiger nose” grille, very vertical, which is surrounded by very tapered boomerang-shaped projectors. At the rear, the lights are connected to each other by a thin light strip and a roof spoiler is installed above a narrow and inclined window.

In profile, the evolution of the Sportage is also evident. The silhouette of the SUV is clearly energized via an extended and tapered side glazed surface.

A high-end and high-tech interior

The metamorphosis continues on board with a real feeling of moving upmarket . Modernized, the Sportage seems to benefit from better quality materials. It is also much more high-tech thanks in particular to a large digital dual-screen panel that includes the instrument cluster and the central screen, as on the recent Kia EV6.

Electrified, like the Hyundai Tucson?

Not a word on the other hand concerning the technical sheet. As a cousin of the new Hyundai Tucson , with which it shares its platform, the fifth Sportage of the name should nevertheless be equipped with electrified engines . Light hybrid, hybrid and plug-in hybrid diesel versions are particularly hoped for. Commercialization is expected at the end of 2021 or early 2022.

 

New Renault Mégane (2021): the electric compact is unveiled!

New Renault Mégane (2021) the electric compact is unveiled

Renault publishes new images of its future 100% electric Mégane and unveils its first technical characteristics.

Surprise at Renault! A month almost to the day after a first series of pictures , the French manufacturer has just published new images of its future Mégane .

The new 100% electric Mégane E-Tech is unveiled today in camouflage , which echoes the brand’s new logo, and in a pre-production version . The opportunity to see that the sedan will be aesthetically close to the eVision show car which was presented in October 2020.

Close to the eVision show-car

We find the same robust and compact silhouette but also the same front light signature with optical units linked together by a thin strip and completed by an angular “S”. At the back, same topo. The lights are thin, horizontal and connected by a light strip. For the rest, the surfaces are smooth, the sides hollowed out and the hips marked. At the front as at the rear, we also notice the presence of the new striped and illuminated Renault logo .

However, no new photo of the interior has been published. Photos released last month, however, revealed a completely redesigned interior including a floating center console and a new dashboard. A large digital panel was also on the program. It was made up of two screens positioned in an L- shape , one for the instrument cluster and the other for the new generation multimedia system.

217 hp and up to 450 km of autonomy

The diamond also takes advantage of these few images to reveal the first technical characteristics of the car. The new Mégane E-Tech Electric, also called MéganE (pronounced “Mégane i”), will therefore be equipped with a 160 kW (217 hp) electric motor and a 60 kWh battery which will allow it to travel up to 450 km according to the WLTP standard.

The compact will also be based on the Renault-Nissan Alliance’s CMF-EV (Common Module Family-Electric Vehicles) platform , designed exclusively for 100% electric vehicles and inaugurated by the Nissan Ariya SUV .

30 Mégane E-Tech Electric tested on the road this summer

This new appearance of the MéganE marks the start of its testing on open roads. Led by Renault engineers, 30 vehicles will be driving the roads this summer. The presentation of the car should take place in the coming weeks . Produced at the end of the year at the Douai plant (North), it will be marketed at the beginning of 2022.

 

Ford Puma ST (2021): it’s up to you to create the next version of the vitamin SUV!

Ford Puma ST (2021) its up to you to create the next version of the vitamin SUV

Via a polling device on social networks (Twitter and Instagram), Ford invites its European fans to participate in the design of a new special series of the Puma ST.

Ford needs you The American manufacturer is embarking on an at least original approach by offering its European fans to participate in the creation of a new model .

Choose the color, the stickers or the name of the model

The brand is launching a series of online surveys to design a new special edition of the Puma ST . Until June 10, Twitter and Instagram users will have the opportunity to create the sports SUV of their dreams. In particular, they will be able to choose its exterior color, its stickers or the color of its brake calipers and the stitching of the seat belts . They will also be able to choose whether the exterior of the vehicle will be ST badged or whether it will be neutral. Best of all, it will also be up to them to choose the name of the special edition.

The technical characteristics, they will not vary. The model will still be powered by the 1.5l EcoBoost 3-cylinder engine with 200 hp and 320 Nm torque (0 to 100 km / h in 6.7 seconds). Custom chassis (inspired by the Fiesta ST), limited slip differential (LSD), specific suspensions and selectable driving modes will also always be there.

On sale during the year!

The final characteristics and name of this new Puma ST will be revealed on June 18th . The model will then be produced at the Ford plant in Craiova, Romania, and available for sale later this year .

Mercedes AMG GLE 63 S: Brabus gives us a muscular preparation

Mercedes AMG GLE 63S Brabus gives us a muscular preparation

The Brabus preparer improves the Mercedes GLE 63 S AMG SUV to make it significantly more powerful!

Brabus is used to delivering us muscular versions for his preparations. For this occasion, the German is tackling Mercedes’ big SUV, the GLE 63 S AMG, and offers it careful preparation.

Shiny black and carbon

Regarding the exterior part, the preparer opted for a body kit made up of several aerodynamic elements, all made of carbon fiber.

There is a new grille at the front, a roof spoiler , a diffuser with four 90 mm tailpipes also in carbon mixed with titanium elements.

The interior is also largely modified, with two-tone red and black leather seats that can also be found on the steering wheel. Finally, many elements in shiny carbon fiber are also arranged on the dashboard and at the level of the central column.

The SUV is also equipped with a special module, which allows the suspension to be lowered by 25 mm. The wheels are shod with huge 24-inch Monoblock Z Platinum Edition rims.

Almost 800 horsepower for the Brabus SUV

For its preparation, Brabus offers 188 additional horsepower to the V8 4.0-liter twin-turbo which offers 612 horsepower.

Thus, thanks to the installation of the Brabus PowerXtra B40S-800 module , the vehicle has after transformation a power of 800 hp and 1000 Nm of torque!

All the power is sent to the four-wheel drive via an ultra-fast 9-speed Speedshift , which offers impressive performance for a vehicle of such a large size: indeed, the exercise of 0 to 100 km / h is complete. in 3.4 seconds! The top speed is 280 km / h and acceleration takes place under a demonic sound thanks to the sports exhaust system in stainless steel.

If you plan to afford it, the manufacturer offers its SUV at a price of 300,000 euros .

 

Nissan Ariya (2021): delayed launch for the electric SUV

Nissan Ariya (2021) delayed launch for the electric SUV

Due to the coronavirus pandemic and the global semiconductor shortage, Nissan is forced to delay the launch of the Ariya. Expected from mid-2021 in Japan, the electric SUV will not finally arrive before the end of the year.

Bad news if you’ve been impatiently awaiting the release of the Nissan Ariya : the all-electric SUV will be launched a little late .

Several months late for Ariya

Nissan had initially planned to release the Ariya in the Japanese market from mid-2021. But ultimately, the model’s launch in Japan was postponed until “this winter,” said executive vice president Asako Hoshino. “Sales in the United States and Europe will arrive approximately two months later,” added the manager.

This delay is due to the coronavirus pandemic and the semiconductor shortage that is currently affecting the entire auto industry.

A promising SUV

As a reminder, the Ariya is a zero-emission SUV 4.60 m long (1.85 m wide, 1.66 m high and 2.78 m wheelbase) which inaugurates a new modular platform of the Renault-Nissan Alliance (CMF-EV). Spacious and high-tech (digital panel with two 12.3-inch screens, level 2 autonomous driving system, active parking aid, intelligent pedals, etc.), it will offer the choice between 5 power levels (218 and 242 hp in two drive wheels and 279, 306 or 394 hp in e-4orce four-wheel drive ) and 2 battery capacities (63 or 87 kWh). All for a range of up to 500 km.

Even though its launch date has been pushed back, customers can already express their interest in the Ariya on a website dedicated to the model .

 

Volvo C40 Recharge (2021): what price for the electric coupe SUV?

Volvo C40 Recharge (2021) what price for the electric coupe SUV

Three months after presenting its second electric model, the C40 Recharge, Volvo is opening its order book. The SUV coupe appears in France from…

In early March, Volvo unveiled its second 100% electric model . A little over a year after the XC40 , the C40 Recharge was born. It was then a compact SUV cut 4.43 m long, a sort of XC40 with a lowered and plunging roof line.

408 hp and 420 km of autonomy

Based on the CMA (for Compact Modular Architecture) modular platform and only offered in a zero-emission version , the C40 promised a range of 420 km (WLTP cycle) thanks to a 78 kWh battery, as well as a power of 408 hp from two electrical blocks (one on each axle). All for a 0 to 100 km / h given in 4.9 seconds, a top speed of 180 km / h and recharged to 80% in about forty minutes.

A “First Edition” to start

Three months after its presentation, this C40 Recharge is now available to order online via volvocars.com . For its launch, the SUV is offered on the French market in a special series called “First Edition” .

It has 19-inch alloy wheels as standard, front and rear parking sensors, heated front seats and steering wheel, panoramic roof, 360 camera, intelligent driving assistance , adaptive cruise control, blind spot detector, induction smartphone charger and Harman / Kardon audio systems.

Tinted windows and 20-inch rims are optional.

From 62 250 €

Prices start at € 62,250 . At this price, Volvo also offers “maintenance for 3 years, the manufacturer’s warranty for 3 years, roadside assistance and comprehensive insurance. ”

Production of the C40 Recharge will begin this fall at the Volvo plant in Ghent, Belgium. The first customer deliveries are expected by the end of 2021.

 

New Lexus NX (2021): a first photo and a date!

New Lexus NX (2021) a first photo and a date

Lexus announces the arrival of the new NX. The second generation of the compact SUV is promised for June 12. In the meantime, here is a first official photo of the model …

Things are moving at Lexus . The Japanese manufacturer has just announced the imminent arrival of a new model. This is the new… NX ! Launched in 2014, restyled in 2017, the compact SUV will indeed pass in the coming days to the second generation. Its big world premiere is scheduled for June 12.

To make us wait until then Lexus has already unveiled a first shot of the machine. We discover here part of its stern.

New look for the NX

The opportunity to see that the design of the NX will be widely reviewed. The SUV will trade in particular its large boomerang-shaped tail lights against a light strip, like its little brother, the Lexus UX . The name of the brand, and no longer its logo, will also appear just below this banner.

For now, Lexus is not revealing more, but a few images recently appeared on the internet confirm this evolution of style. At the front, the NX will also abandon its remote LED daytime running lights in the shape of an arrow. These will now be integrated into the optical units at the front. The sides will be more refined and less angular. Overall, the lines will gain in elegance.

But it is especially on board that the changes will be the most notable with in particular the disappearance of the physical buttons in favor of a large touch screen placed in the center of the dashboard. A digital instrument cluster and head-up display should also be on the program.

The first Lexus plug-in hybrid?

Finally, this NX 2 could also innovate from a mechanical point of view since it should be the first Lexus model to embed a plug-in hybrid engine, in addition to the traditional simple hybrid proposals dear to the brand. Confirmation expected on June 12 …