The highly anticipated V8-powered version of the new 2021 Land Rover Defender brings “a new level of driver appeal” to the reborn SUV along with a number of lineup updates.

The 5.0-litre supercharged AJ V8 engine – familiar from charged models including the Range Rover Sport and Jaguar F-Type, now produced by JLR – delivers 525bhp and 625 Nm, which makes it the most powerful. It is also the fastest, accelerating to 100 km / h in just 5.2 seconds and reaching a top speed of 240 km / h in a three-door, short-wheelbase variant.

Priced from £ 98,505 for the 90 version and £ 101,150 for the larger five-door 110 model, the new addition to the lineup is visually distinguished by its twin exhaust, grey 22-inch alloy discs and blue front brake callipers, as well as customization, as the intake and exhaust systems should help differentiate the V8 from its quieter four- and six-cylinder rivals.

Inside, there are also hints of “charged” characteristics of the car: the standard leather steering wheel has been replaced with an Alcantara-covered steering wheel, and the paddle shifters have a unique chrome finish.

A contrasting black roof is available for vehicles in mostly grey or white shades, while a special Carpathian Edition gets a contrasting bonnet and tailgate, as well as a matte-effect body finish that protects against scratches and chips.

As previously anticipated, when the Defender V8 prototypes drove aggressively on the Nürburgring, Land Rover also focused on the SUV’s handling, making many chassis modifications to provide “unrivalled agility and driver appeal.” In addition to the off-road modes offered by the standard Terrain Response Defender, the V8 gets a new Dynamic setting that accelerates throttle response and boosts the continuously variable dampers for a more playful dynamic character.

The V8 also features stiffer suspension bushings and thicker anti-roll bars for better cornering agility, as well as a limited-slip differential that modifies torque on the rear axle for maximum grip.

Along with the introduction of the new performance model, Defender can now be ordered with a large 11.4-inch touchscreen – with an interface 60% larger than the standard version.

The Korean company Hyundai held the world online premiere of the new mid-size crossover 2021 IONIQ 5. The IONIQ 5 is built on the E-GMP global electric modular platform, specifically designed by Hyundai Motor Group for battery electric vehicles, to combine unique body proportions with an extended wheelbase.

The 2021 Hyundai IONIQ 5, inspired by the profile of the Pony, features a design and 3,000mm wheelbase. Exterior features of the car include pixelated headlights and taillights, as well as 20-inch alloy wheels. The centre console can be moved back 140 mm. This feature, combined with the flat floor under which the batteries are installed, provide more freedom in the vehicle, the company said.

The IONIQ 5 also features electrically adjustable front seats. The seats can be tilted at an optimal angle. Hyundai has also reduced the thickness of the front seats by 30%, which has increased the space for rear passengers. Hyundai says the SUV’s interior has been designed using sustainable materials, including eco-leather, bio-paint, and natural and recycled fibres.

The E-GMP platform allows both 400V and 800V infrastructure to charge the IONIQ 5. The platform is rated at 800V by default but allows the use of 400V chargers without the need for additional devices or adapters. With a 350 kW charger, you can charge the IONIQ 5 battery from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes.

The vehicle is equipped with V2L technology, which functions as a power source and ultra-fast charging. The IONIQ 5 will go on sale in the first half of 2021.

The new 3rd generation Nissan Qashqai 2021 developed on the CMF-C platform is the first Nissan model designed by Nissan’s European Design Studio in London. It has a body length of 35 mm, width 32 mm, height 25 mm and a length of 20 mm wheelbase while retaining the unique V-Motion grille and headlights. Full LED design, boomerang design Option to install large alloy wheels up to 20 inches (originally available up to 19 inches).

The interior of the cabin is decorated to be more premium. Install infotainment system NissanConnect It works via a 9-inch touch screen, supports Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the 12.3-inch TFT display can display navigation, entertainment, traffic and vehicle information. Supplemented by a 10.8-inch Head-Up Display, it is said to be the largest in its class.

The new Nissan Qashqai 2021 will also feature a Home-to-Car function that can be connected to Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa to operate from home, such as sending the navigation system’s destination information to the vehicle.

In Europe, the base will be a “mild” hybrid with a 1.3 DiG-T gasoline turbo engine (almost the same as in Arcana or Captura, but brought up to Euro 6d and slightly modified) and an electric superstructure weighing 22 kg, which includes a 12-volt starter. generator and compact lithium-ion battery. The electric motor can assist the gasoline engine at speeds up to 110 km / h, giving an additional 6 Nm for 20 seconds.

The petrol unit will be available in two versions: the initial version produces 140 hp. and 240 Nm, and its forced modification is set to 158 hp. and 260 Nm. Both engines will be available with a six-speed “mechanics” and front-wheel drive transmission, although the older version can be ordered with a variator (then the torque will be increased to 270 Nm) and all-wheel drive.

In addition to a simple system with a starter-generator, Nissan Qashqai has acquired a sequential hybrid powertrain e-Power. It debuted in Japan four years ago, but in Europe, the Qashqai will be the brand’s first model with such a system. The bottom line is that the front wheels are rotated only by an electric motor with a return of 190 hp. and 330 Nm. And the internal combustion engine operates in the generator mode to recharge the traction battery. Nissan Qashqai e-Power will be equipped with a new petrol turbocharger 1.5 VC-Turbo with variable compression ratio (like Infiniti) with 157 hp. There is also an e-Pedal mode for driving in one pedal with maximum recuperation.

This model is one of the best-selling compact SUVs in Europe. It has cumulatively sold over 3 million vehicles since its debut in 2007.

The Cupra brand celebrates three years since its foundation: on February 22, 2018, the first Cupra Ateca model was presented, which is the most powerful and fastest version of the Seat Ateca crossover. Later, the Cupra Formentor SUV on the MQB platform became the symbol of the new brand’s independence, which does not have a “source” in the Seat range. And for the next birthday, the company prepared a new present for itself – a “charged” modification of the 2021 cupra Formentor VZ5.

Under the hood is a five-cylinder turbo engine of the EA855 series, which until now has only been used on Audi RS models. However, the subordination is strictly observed and especially for Cupra, this 2.5 TSI engine was strangled to 390 hp. and 480 Nm, although in current Audi cars it produces 400 forces. The transmission has a seven-speed DSG and 4Drive all-wheel drive with a clutch on the rear axle.

The 2021 Cupra Formentor VZ5 can accelerate to 100 km / h in 4.2 s versus 4.9 s for the 2.0 TSI turbo four with 310 hp. The maximum speed is traditionally limited to 250 km / h. In addition, the VZ5 modification has a retuned adaptive suspension with a 10 mm lower ground clearance and new front brakes with six-piston callipers.

The Cupra Formentor VZ5 crossovers will appear at European dealers only in the fall, and the circulation is limited: only seven thousand copies will be produced. This amount should be enough for a long time, because the price promises to be immodest: about 58 thousand euros. Although the 400-horsepower Audi RS Q3 with the same engine is even more expensive: from 64 thousand euros in Germany.

The new 2022 Kia Carnival minivan Reached North America and here it will also be called Carnival, although all previous generations were sold overseas under the name Kia Sedona.

The local division of the company uses such a simple rebranding not only for the sake of global unification, but to change the image of the car itself, because in the new generation Carnival actively exploits the crossover image. It has a more pronounced hood, massive wheel arches, large wheels (up to 19 inches) and unpainted underbody liners. It is also the first Kia to feature the new logo on the US market.

In general, Carnival for America repeats the Korean version, but there are nuances. For example, specifically for overseas buyers, instead of the gearbox control washer, a traditional lever is installed, and the box at the base of the centre console has no cover. The electric drive of sliding doors is already “in the base”, nine USB-connectors and two 110-volt sockets are scattered around the cabin.

If in Korea Carnival can have four rows of seats, then for the USA only three-row options are intended. The basic configuration has an eight-seater saloon: in the second row there are three individually adjustable armchairs, and in the gallery, there is a three-seater sofa, divided in a 40:60 ratio, which can be folded into the luggage compartment.

The seven-seater version is distinguished by comfortable “captain’s” seats in the second row – with armrests, footrests and the ability to recline.

There will be no diesel in America, here 2022 Kia Carnival will be offered only with petrol aspirated V6 3.5 (294 hp) and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive only. Such a minivan can pull a trailer weighing up to 1590 kg. Local dealers will have cars in the second quarter at a price of $ 32,000.

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled a new generation 2021 C-Class sedan and station wagon (W206). The model turned out to be larger than its predecessor, and also acquired a number of modern electronic systems.

The length of the sedan was 4751 mm, which is 65 mm more compared to the previous generation car, and the size of the wheelbase has increased by 25 mm to 2840 mm. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class has a completely new four-link front suspension and a multi-link at the rear.

As for the 2021 Mercedes Benz c-class exterior, the new compact sedan has a raised bonnet and the shape of the head optics in common with the flagship S-Class. The Mercedes C-Class will be available with LED headlights with new Digital Light technology. Each headlamp contains 1.3 million reflective elements and holographic lenses that rotate at up to 2,000 revolutions per minute. Thanks to this, the system is able not only to illuminate the road but, if necessary, project warning symbols onto it with a light beam.

The 2021 Mercedes Benz c-class interior also bears a resemblance to the flagship S-Class. Thus, the Class sedan and station wagon got the second generation MBUX infotainment complex with a digital instrument panel with a diagonal of 10.25 or 12.3 inches, as well as a central touchscreen display, available in 9.5- and 11.9-inch versions. The number of analogue buttons and physical switches is kept to a minimum. The MBUX system supports a voice control function that is self-learning and recognizes live commands. To activate the system, you must say “Hey Mercedes”.

An infotainment complex with a head-up display and augmented reality is available as an option. The windshield now displays not only instrument readings and information from the on-board computer, but also navigation tips, which in real-time, using graphical indicators and arrows, show the necessary lane for movement, the direction of the exit or the desired turn. In addition, the system “highlights” visible obstacles on the way and road signs, as well as projects other useful information. All the latest updates for MBUX are downloaded automatically from cloud storage.

The engine line-up of the C-Class sedan and station wagon includes four-cylinder petrol turbo engines with a working volume of 1.5 and 2.0 litres, as well as two-litre diesel engines. They all operate in a “mild hybrid” scheme – with a starter-generator that provides an additional 20 hp. and 200 Nm of torque.

The base 1.5-litre petrol engine develops 170 hp, while its more powerful modification produces 204 horsepower. The two-litre engine produces 258 horsepower. As for the two-litre diesel, it is available in two stages of boost: 200 and 265 horsepower. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class will be offered with both a two-wheel drive and an all-wheel-drive system.

Mercedes will begin taking orders for new C-Class sedans and station wagons in Europe at the end of March.

Honda unveiled the new 2021 Honda HR-V (Vezel), which is scheduled to be announced in April 2021, online for the first time in the world. In addition to unveiling a completely redesigned exterior and interior design, it also announced major equipment, newly adopted items, and new grades.

The styling has changed a lot. The form of the SUV is the same, but the horizontal tone “Sleek & Long Cabin” is adopted, which emphasizes the coupe-like proportions and provides a refreshing view to all seats. Around the front, the grille of the same color as the body enhances the sense of unity. Due to the relaxed styling, it seems that the size is larger than the conventional type, but in reality the overall height is slightly lowered, but the overall length and width are almost the same as the conventional type (the outer dimensions are not yet available at this stage) Presentation).

The interior has also changed. While emphasizing the solid form with a “lumpy feeling” to express the strength of the SUV, the parts close to the body are treated with a soft touch and shaped pad to combine strength and gentleness. I am designing a space. The visual system such as the meter is located above the instrument panel, and the switches are located at easy-to-operate positions to reduce the movement of the line of sight and to consider the flow line.

The base 2021 Honda HR-V (Vezel) has an aspirated 1.5 gasoline paired with a CVT, but the main bet is on the Vezel e: HEV rechargeable hybrid. It works in the same way as other gasoline-electric Honda. The power plant includes the same aspirated 1.5 and two electric motors. One is connected to the internal combustion engine and operates in the generator mode, and the second rotates the wheels. Most of the time, such a hybrid moves precisely on electric traction (the internal combustion engine rotates only the generator) and only at high speed, when the efficiency of the electric motor drops, the clutch connects the gasoline engine directly to the wheels. There is no gearbox here.

The characteristics of both modifications will be published later. In the meantime, it is stated that both gasoline and hybrid crossovers can be ordered with both front and all-wheel drive. Moreover, in both cases it is the same “full-fledged” 4×4 transmission with a propeller shaft and a rear axle coupling. And the Honda Vezel is equipped with the Honda Sensing complex, which includes adaptive cruise control, automatic braking and lane-keeping systems.

Mitsubishi Motors announced the fully remodelled crossover SUV “2021 Outlander” on February 17 and will release it in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico from April.

The Outlander is a crossover SUV that is deployed in the global market, and according to Mitsubishi Motors, it has sold a total of about 2.6 million units. In the North American market, it was introduced as Mitsubishi Motors’ first crossover SUV in 2002, and has been well received for three generations due to its practicality and mobility as an SUV, as well as its environmental performance and economy.

The new Outlander, the fourth generation, has attempted to evolve in all directions, featuring three features: styling, driving performance, and interior space.

The design is made in the corporate style of Dynamic Shield, already perfected on other Mitsubishi models. The main headlights are located in the “cheeks” of the massive bumper, and above them are the horizontal sections of the navigation lights and turn signals. The largest wheels are now 20-inch, although they are lost against the background of the massive body.

Technically, the new 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander has become the closest relative of the Nissan rouge/x-trail crossover, which is currently only presented in America. They now have the same platform with a multi-link rear suspension and a similar body structure with a high proportion of ultra-high-strength steels.

The size of the North American specification is total length 4710 x total width 1862 x total height 1748 mm, wheelbase is 2706 mm. 15mm longer, 51mm wider and 37mm higher than the current model (North American version). The wheelbase has also been extended by 36mm. It’s a little bigger overall.

The interior has a function that makes it easier to grasp changes in the body posture while the horizontal instrument panel gives a spacious and spacious impression. A soft leather-wrapped pad with a nice touch is used on the upper part, and stitching is also used to improve the texture.

In the high-end grade, Mitsubishi’s first 12.3-inch full-color LCD meter panel, 9-inch smartphone-linked navigation on the center dash, and 10.8-inch head-up display are also installed. It also has a wireless charging function for smartphones.

The new Outlander also has the same 3-row seats for 7 people as the current model, and the 3rd row is retractable and the 2nd row is a 4: 3: 4 3-split foldable type, so various seat arrangements are possible. The luggage space capacity is 180L when 7 people are on board, 478L when the 3rd row is stored, and 810L when the 2nd row is folded (both include the 29L luggage under box).

The power train installed on the newly developed platform by the Renault / Nissan / Mitsubishi alliance is also equipped with a 2.5L gasoline engine called the newly developed PR25DD type. The maximum output is improved by about 8.9% and the WLTC mode fuel efficiency is improved by about 2.6% compared to the current model. The transmission to be combined is an 8-speed sports mode CVT.

2WD (FF) and 4WD are set as the drive system, but the 4WD system adopts an electronically controlled 4WD that incorporates a hydraulic clutch by an electric motor, and the further evolved vehicle motion integrated control system “S-AWC (Super All)” Wheel control) ”is also installed. It also has a 6-mode drive mode selector for 4WD vehicles and a 5-mode drive mode selector for 2WD vehicles.

In Japan, production of the fourth-generation Mitsubishi Outlander gasoline crossovers has already begun. But the priority market for this model was North America (USA, Canada and Puerto Rico), where the first batch of cars has already been shipped. In the States, sales will begin in April at a price of $ 25,800.

General Motors set out to disrupt the market for affordable electric vehicles, but progress has been modest. Since 2017, a little more than 100 thousand of these machines have been sold around the world under various brands. For example, the Tesla Model 3 sedan only in 2020 and in the US market alone has sold more than 167 thousand copies. But GM has not yet abandoned Bolt. On the contrary, a restyling was carried out and a potentially more demanded cross-version called the Bolt EUV (Electric Utility Vehicle) was built.

The base hatchback 2021 Chevy Bolt EV has found a new face with a “predatory” look of lighting technology, and instead of imitating a radiator grill, now a plug-in body colour. The stern has also been redesigned with new lights and a bumper. The emblems are no longer golden, but black.

The 2021 Chevy Bolt EUV crossover has a different body with less mono-volume proportions. It does not have triangular windows in the front roof pillars, another beltline, and roof rails are installed on the roof. The wheelbase has been stretched from 2600 to 2675 mm, the total length has increased from 4145 to 4306 mm. At the same time, in width (1770 mm) and height (1616 mm), the SUV almost does not differ from the base hatchback.

The update brought Bolt a new interior that looks stricter than the pre-reform hatchback. Not only the front panel has been changed, but also the steering wheel and seats, and instead of the transmission control joystick, there is now a button panel. The devices are “drawn” on an eight-inch screen, the media system now has a 10.2-inch display. In rich trim levels – ventilation of the front seats and heated rear sofa.

The Chevrolet Bolt EUV crossover has the same interior decoration, but a little more space, because the distance between the rows is increased by 76 mm. However, the boot volume is even slightly less than that of the base model: 462 litres versus 470 litres according to the American EPA method. But only for the SUV, you can order a panoramic roof.

The technology of the two electric vehicles is the same, and it came from the pre-reform Bolt. An electric motor is installed on the front axle with a return of 204 hp. and 360 Nm. A traction battery with a capacity of 65 kW ∙ h appeared back in 2020 (before that it was 60 kW). According to the passport, the Bolt EV hatchback can travel 416 km on a single charge, and the heavier cross-version Bolt EUV – 402 km.

However, there are also several innovations. For example, a “one-pedal” driving mode has appeared, when the car starts to break as the accelerator pedal is released. And also – a dual-mode AC charger that allows you to connect to terminals with a voltage of 120 or 240 volts (in the second case, the power is 7.2 kW). For a regular hatchback, this is an option, and for a SUV it is standard equipment.

The basic configuration includes the Safety Assist complex, which includes automatic braking, lane-keeping and a number of assistants. But the Bolt EUV was the first Chevrolet model to offer Super Cruise, adaptive cruise control with a second level of autonomy, previously offered only for Cadillac cars.

However, this is not all the measures that GM intends to use to attract buyers. After restyling, the base 2021 Chevy Bolt EV became immediately $ 5,000 cheaper! Prices now start at $ 32K (excluding subsidies). And the Bolt EUV SUV costs at least 34 thousand, although the Launch Edition welcome version with the maximum equipment is estimated at $ 43,500. The start of sales in America is scheduled for the summer.

Following the Renault Trafic  minibus , its closest relative Nissan NV300, which is sold only in the European market, has undergone an update. Initially, this model was created with minimal costs and differed from the original Traffic only in the radiator grille and nameplates. Now the set of original elements has become a little wider.

Following Traffic, the Nissan NV300 has a new front end. The hood, headlights and front fenders have been changed, and of the original elements, Nissan now has not only a radiator grill, but also a bumper, fog lights and even LED running lights that are built into the main headlights. In a word, it has become easier to distinguish the minibuses of the two brands.

The interior is new, but here Nissan differs from Renault only in the steering wheel hub with a different emblem. The cars have a classic instrument cluster with two large scales and an eight-inch display of the media system. In front, the number and volume of all kinds of places for storing small things have been increased: now 88 liters.

The Nissan NV300 Combi minibus is offered in versions with five, six, eight or nine seats. But if Traffic has the richest version of SpaceClass, which boasts climate control, leather interior and extended trim, then a relative Nissan is not entitled to such wealth. However, he still got the complex of assisting electronics.

The set of units for the twins is the same: there are three versions of the 2.0 dCi turbodiesel to choose from. The base variant produces 110 hp. and is aggregated with a six-speed “mechanics”. The power of the middle version has been increased from 146 to 150 hp, such a minibus can have both a manual transmission and an EDC “robot” with two clutches. And the most powerful 170-horsepower diesel is combined only with a robotic gearbox.

If the updated Renault Trafic minibus will enter the European market in March, then a similar Nissan NV300 will arrive only in May. Restyled vans under both brands are expected to follow.