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Page last updated at 14:10 GMT, Wednesday 3rd March 2010
4x4 NEWCOMERS UNVEILED AT GENEVAThe Geneva Motor Show saw the unveiling of an array of crucial new 4x4s, SUVs and crossovers, set to give the UK market a shake-up over the next 12 months. We take a look at six of the most intriguing MINI COUNTRYMAN
For the first time, the 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine in the regular top-of-the-range Mini comes with a twin-scroll turbocharger and direct fuel injection, plus fully variable valve management. A six-speed manual gearbox is available as standard, but the petrol models are also available with six-speed automatic thanks to BMW's Steptronic system. The Countryman will offer the option of ‘All4’ four-wheel drive, worked via an electrohydraulic differential positioned directly on the final drive, which varies the torque distribution front to rear in an infinite process. Under normal driving conditions, up to 50 per cent of the engine’s power goes to the rear wheels, but this can switch to as much as 100 per cent when necessary. The Countryman will come as standard with four individual seats, with a three-seat bench available as a no-cost option. Inside, the car's styling follows current Mini trends, including the over-sized speedo and toggle switches, but includes more storage areas – including a console that extends from the front to the rear of the car.
Based on the American-spec Outback Sport model, the Impreza XV features raised ground clearance, a new front grille and wheel arches, a roof spoiler and roof rails, and will be available with either 2.0-litre petrol or 2.0-litre turbo-diesel powerplants – both engines being Euro5-compliant versions of the company’s iconic flat-four design.
At 4300mm long, the ASX is slightly shorter than the Qashqai and is based on the same platform as the regular Lancer range. It is expected to be available with either two- or four-wheel drive, and its best-selling engine is likely to be an all-new Euro 5-compliant 1.8-litre turbocharged direct-injection diesel with stop-start technology, linked to a six-speed gearbox. The ASX is part of Mitsubishi’s plan to move away from its image as a manufacturer of large SUVs, repositioning itself as a maker of smaller, more fuel-efficient cars – although it’s expected that the Shogun and top-selling L200 line-ups will continue to be part of the company’s future plans.
Tata – owner of Jaguar Land Rover – sees the Indian-built Aria as a global model, with Britain a crucial market for the newcomer. It has been designed to meet European crash legislation, and is claimed to be the most sophisticated Tata to date, despite retaining a traditional separate-chassis construction rather than a regular monocoque design – though this is likely to be welcomed by anybody who appreciates extra rigidity in off-road conditions. Just one engine will be available, in the shape of a 140bhp, 2.2-litre, four-cylinder diesel coupled to a full-time four-wheel drive system. No official performance figures have been released, though Tata is said to be considering a 170bhp version for European markets. Inside, the Aria has boasts three rows of seats, making this another addition to the seven-seater SUV market. There’s no word on UK pricing yet, though we’d anticipate a low start price of around £16,000. Tata has yet to announce whether it will set up a separate dealer network for the Aria or encourage Land Rover dealers to consider a Tata franchise.
The distinctively styled Juke will be sold with four-wheel drive only at the top of the range, and is based on a widened and lengthened version of the Renault-Nissan ‘Alliance B’ platform – better known for its use in the Clio and Micra. Suspension remains a MacPherson strut front and torsion beam rear set-up for the two-wheel drive versions, though Nissan has decided to fit the four-wheel drive models with a new multi-link suspension at the rear – claimed to give this miniature crossover impressive on-road handling. The range-topping 187bhp, 1.6 turbo is expected to be the only Juke available as a four-wheel drive model.
The new car is slightly longer than the current Touareg, measuring 4758mm. And visually it’s been updated, featuring VW’s new wider-grilled corporate look inspired by the latest Golf. More importantly, though, the new Touareg is 200kg lighter than the current model, and up to 20 per cent more fuel-efficient. A choice of three engines and four trim levels will be available, starting with a 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel offering 238bhp and 405lb.ft. of torque. Combined with an eight-speed automatic gearbox and automatic engine stop-start, this version will provide 38.1mpg on the official ‘combined’ cycle, with 195g/km of CO2. An entry-level 202bhp version of the 3.0-litre V6 diesel will be available from November. Above this sits a 4.2-litre V8 TDI developing 337bhp and 590lb ft of torque, capable of 0-62mph in around six seconds and limited to 155mph flat out; it should return 31mpg on the ‘combined’ cycle. Arguably the most interesting new Touareg, though, is a hybrid version – driven by both a 329bhp, 3.3-litre supercharged V6 and a 46bhp electric motor. Working together, they provide peak outputs of 375bhp and 428lb.ft., making the hybrid both quick and economical. Average official fuel consumption will be around 34mpg, while at urban speeds of up to 30mph the hybrid Touareg should be capable of emissions-free electric-only running. New-look Touareg prices are likely to range from around £35,000 to £60,000. As soon as we know more, we’ll bring further details – and driving impressions later in the year. |
Official details of the Mini Countryman – which will go on sale in the UK in September, priced from around £17,000 – were confirmed as the vehicle made its show debut in Geneva. And with a choice of three petrol and two diesel engines, ranging in power from 89bhp in the One D Countryman to 181bhp in the Cooper S Countryman, Mini owner BMW is hoping there’s a Countryman to suit most potential buyers.
Subaru announced a crossover version of its all-wheel drive Impreza five-door at the Geneva Motor Show – though the company is remaining tight-lipped over whether it will be sold in the UK.
This is the Mitsubishi ASX compact crossover, a Nissan Qashqai and Hyundai iX35 rival that was also unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show – and looks set to go on sale in Britain in the summer.
Tata is re-entering Britain’s 4x4 market in 2011 with this, the all-new Aria – the first Tata SUV to be sold in the UK since the slow-selling Safari disappeared when it previous importer went bust five years ago.
Nissan’s radical new Juke compact crossover went on show in Geneva, and looks set to compete against the new Mini Countryman Cooper S thanks to the availability of a 187bhp turbocharged petrol engine.
The Volkswagen Touareg will be replaced in the UK this August by this new-generation model – offering more power, more space, less weight and, for the first time, a hybrid-electric powertrain.| Email a friend | Français | Deutsch | Español | Italiano |
