Category Archives: Vehicle type

Crossover, Electric/hybrid, Hyundai, Manufacturer

Hyundai powers ahead

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Hyundai Kona Hybrid

By Bill McCarthy

HYUNDAI’S funky compact crossover is an eye-catcher in many ways, not least with the manufacturer’s move to electric power.

It has a bold, wide stance, cascading grille, full LED light cluster set-up, high ground clearance and wheel arch cladding protecting this model’s 18-inch alloy wheels, plus rear privacy glass and integrated roof bars.

There is a choice of petrol, full electric and now this hybrid as the firm charges towards full electrifcation. No longer bargain basement, but still excellent value for money, despite the still relatively high cost of electrified cars, with this model setting you back more than £27k. But it is lavishly kitted out. 

Power comes from a 1.6-litre GDI direct injection petrol engine and electric motor producing a maximum of 141PS. This combined with the 1.56kWh lithium battery provides the urge for a motor clearly designed for economy rather than performance. 

The key though is economy with a huge, claimed 72mpg, via the petrol/electric combination. It was difficult to judge accurately, but I reckon real world economy was nearer 60mpg. 

To supplement this, the ECO-Driving Assist System (ECO-DAS) aims to reduce fuel consumption and minimise brake usage by charging and discharging the battery in uphill and downhill situations.

The hybrid also offers technological enhancements including the clever Bluelink app, a system which connects drivers to their cars through their smartphones.

Drivers can check the status of their vehicle, as well as offering a control mode function to make it easy for them to keep track of their car and send remote commands anytime, from anywhere. The app also allows users to lock and unlock car doors remotely.

They will also receive a push notification on their smartphone if they forget to lock the car. It can also switch on the car’s climate control before setting off on a trip to heat or cool the interior of their car on hot or cold days. 

The system is built into the centrepiece on this model, the 10.25-inch split touch, multifunction screen. Smartphones can be displayed on screen via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It also controls navigation, connectivity and and an excellent KRELL audio system with eight speakers, 

Hyundai cars are no longer bargain basement, but still offer excellent value for money and quality

In addition, a 4.2-inch cluster screen highlights dedicated hybrid-specific graphics for customers.

The interior is of high quality and spacious enough with part leather seats on this model, glossy black accents on the door handles, but soft touch finish is largely absent with sturdy plastic finish more prevalent. 

Head and legroom are decent for a compact SUV and practicality is also excellent with boot space offers 334 litres with the seats in place, which increases to 1,116 litres with the seats folded. There are plenty of other useful little cubbyholes, drinks holders and side pockets for extra practicality.

This range topping model includes just about every gizmo, bell and whistle, including heated steering wheel, power front seats with heating and ventilation, climate control, steering wheel audio, automatic dimming mirror, USB connectivity and automatic headlights with dusk sensor

On the road the car performs well enough, I commented to the other half that is is one of the easiest of cars to drive, despite a slightly hesitant six-speed dual clutch transmission.

For a more engaging drive, you can switch to sport mode and engage the steering wheel paddles, which sharpens responsdes up. It does feel well planted on corners and the ride is extremely comfortable with little body roll.

Safety kit is  comprehensive with the firm’s driver assistance system constantly monitoring the environment around the vehicle. The safety package can add the collision warning and avoidance assist with pedestrian and cyclist detection ability. In addition, customers can also choose the optional smart cruise control.

 This goes further than standard cruise control by incorporating advanced safety features such as automatic braking. It uses a front radar sensor to maintain a constant speed and distance from the vehicle ahead by automatically accelerating and braking.

Hyundai is firmly on the road to electrification with the hybrid still a compromise for those who are still unsure about making the leap to full electric. Add the Hyundai five-year/unlimited miles warranty and the Kona is a fine option.

Factfile

Hyundai Kona Hybrid Premium SE

Price: £27,195

Mechanical: 141PS, 1,580cc, 4-cyl petrol engine and electric motor driving front wheels via six DCT  transmission

Max Speed: 99mph

0-62mph: 11.6 seconds

Combined MPG: 72

Insurance Group: 10E

C02 emissions: 99g/km

Warranty: 5yrs/unlimited miles

Audi, AWD, Executive, Manufacturer, SUV, Vehicle type

Head of the Q for performance

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Audi Q8 50 TDI quattro S line

By Bill McCarthy

THERE’S a saying that all good things come in small packages. In Audi’s case that is partially true. The German car maker produces fine smaller cars, but the same is true of its bigger models, including the flagship Q8.

It’s a huge SUV that proves good things also come in larger packages. It features a mini-hybrid, 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine combined with a lithium battery set up, eye-catching styling and a raft of high-end hi-tech equipment.

Usual Audi size grading by letter has been partially ignored here as the Q8 is around the same size as the Q7. It is actually shorter, although wider and is available only as five seater.

The interior is the usual Audi class act, with plush leather seats and virtual cockpit

The Q8 is still very large, with styling cues from the original Audi quattro. ThisS line includes high definiition LED lights, 21-inch alloy wheels and adaptive air suspension as standard, not to mention the allwheel drive and eight-speed tiptronic gearbox.

Despite its near three-metre wheelbase it looks pretty sleek, almost coupe like, with a swooping profile and raked rear end. It has a large grille with the signature four rings sitting on six vertical fins, giving it a slightly aggressive look.

The interior is the usual Audi class act, with plush leather seats, the now familiar virtual cockpit over two screens, in a pleasing piano black finish.

The upper display controls infotainment and the navigation system, sat nav, Apple and Android connectivity and the superb Bang and Olufsen sound system. The lower 8.6-inch display manages the heating, ventilation and air conditioning as well as comfort functions.

The top screen and TFT display can also be configured in various way to whatever is the driver’s preference.

The trim and finish is first class, with electrically operated leather seats, soft touch finish to dash and doors, with aluminium flashes throughout.

It is packed with equipment, including goodies like the 360 degree camera for parking, collisions and lane departure warning, head up display, ambient lighting , full climate control and parking aids plus a full range of safety kit.

In typical executive German style, optional extras can add thousands to an already eye watering price.

On the road, the six-cylinder 50 TDI with 286ps, hits 62mph in 6.3 seconds and a 144mph top speed. Lightning quick for such a big car.

The power plant integrates a lithium-ion rechargeable battery located underneath the luggage compartment floor and stores 10Ah of electrical capacity. This allows the SUV to coast between 34 and 99mph with the engine switched off.

Duringdeceleration the system can recover up to 12 kW of energy. This delivers an impressive, claimed economy of 41.5mpg and CO2 emissions of 178g/km.

For a sportier drive, switch to the steering wheel mounted paddles and choose dynamic driving mode from the five available to sharped up throttle, gearing and suspension and you get a surprisingly engaging drive.

The four wheel drive with the optional all wheel steering means the car is both agile, with sharp, precise steering and provides plenty of grip, especially in inclement conditions.

The quattro system provides power to the front axle and rear axle at a ratio of 40:60 as standard. When required, it transfers the majority to the axle with the better traction.

The clever sound insulation and the sophisticated aerodynamics, with double-layer windscreen means occupants are well insulated from road and wind noise.

In practical terms there is a host of storage compartments and tray areas, while the boot area offers 605 litres as a standard, which increases to 1,755 litres with the rear backrests folded down. Two golf bags can easily fit in diagonally. The tailgate can be opened and closed electrically as standard.

Factfile

Price: £64,115

Mechanical: 286ps, 2,967cc,6cyl diesel engine driving foiur wheels via 8-speed automatic gearbox

Max Speed: 152mph

0-62mph: 6.3 seconds

Combined MPG: 41.5

Insurance Group: 45

C02 emissions:178g/km

Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles