Ford’s range of stylish and versatile seven-seater MPVs now offers an enhanced engine and technology mix.
The Ford S-MAX and Galaxy are the latest to offer the new flagship 175PS TDCi engine.
Developed for performance, the 175PS 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi engine is the largest displacement and most powerful diesel installation available in Ford of Europe’s passenger cars. It provides a sustained 400Nm of torque at 1,750rpm for effortless overtaking ability combined with exceptional economy.
There is also a 10PS power boost, from 130PS to 140PS, for 2.0-litre diesel S-MAX and Galaxy models equipped with an automatic gearbox. Another new 2.0-litre Ford MPV variant is the S-MAX and Galaxy flexifuel vehicle (FFV) – capable of running on any mix of bioethanol and petrol in the same fuel tank.
Ford S-MAX and Galaxy are more advanced inside as well as out. Wireless Bluetooth® mobile phone connectivity becomes standard across the range.
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In 2009, Opel will introduce one new 1.6-liter turbo CNG engine (Compressed Natural Gas) with around 110 kW/150 hp and 210 Nm of torque. Developed by GM Powertrain in Turin, the new unit joins Opel’s current aspirated CNG engine, which has the same displacement and an output of 69 kW/94 hp. “Environmental awareness and driving fun are no longer mutually exclusive,” says Alain Visser, Chief Marketing Officer, GM Europe. “With this newly developed turbocharged CNG engine, we continue pursuing our strategy of turbocharging engines to increase efficiency – meaning lower consumption and emissions – without making any concessions in performance.”
Key features of the new CNG engine include a turbocharger integrated into the exhaust manifold, an intake manifold with gasoline and CNG fuel pipes, an oil cooler and piston cooling. By virtue of their propulsion units, natural gas-powered Opel vehicles produce 80 percent less nitrogen oxide than a diesel, and almost 20 percent less CO2 than a gasoline model (nearly 10 percent less CO2 than diesel). Furthermore, the exhaust gases contain almost no soot particles.
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Modern and dynamic styling, seven seats standard in every model, Electronic Stability Program (ESP) standard in every model, European-standard ride and handling, the versatility and seating positions of an SUV, flexible seating arrangements, 5-year/unlimited kilometre warranty for private buyers, great value and a low entry price - the all-new Kia Rondo 7 is a car without equal in the Australian car market.
Rondo 7 is being launched initially with a 2.0-litre version of the same smooth-revving ’Theta’ four-cylinder engine that powers the 2.4-litre Kia Magentis, mated to either a five-speed manual (in LX trim) or Kia’s optional Sport Mode ’intelligent’ four-speed Tiptronic-style automatic transmission.
The twin-cam, four-cylinder 2.0-litre ’Theta’ petrol engine, with continuously variable valve timing (CVVT), produces 142 hp @ 6,000rpm and 189 Newton metres of torque @ 4,250rpm. The Rondo 7’s 2.0-litre petrol engine is a state-of-the-art four-cylinder 16-valve unit that is powerful, quiet and economical. Weight-saving measures include a die-cast aluminium block and a plastic cylinder head cover and intake manifold.
All three models of Rondo 7 - LX, EX and EX Limited - are also available with a four-speed automatic transmission (extra-cost option in LX), fitted with Kia’s Sport Mode system which offers drivers the choice of fully-automatic gear changes or driver-controlled sequential manual selection.
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Ford S-MAX owners appreciate the safety and convenience of three rows of seating for seven passengers. However, for some potential Ford S-MAX customers, seven seats is two too many.
Today, Ford releases details of the five-seat S-MAX Trend that joins the S-MAX model range for 2008. Ford will debut the new five-seat S-MAX Trend at Auto China 2008 in Beijing alongside the seven-seat S-MAX Flagship.
“The S-MAX is spacious, safe and convenient but not everyone needs seven seats. Introducing a five-seat variant to the S-MAX range makes perfect sense and illustrates Ford’s ability to provide Chinese customers with cars and features they want," said Nigel Harris, General Manager of Changan Ford Sales Company.
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You may think that Leonid Stadnyk, 37 years old and 2.58 meters, is a very happy man. After all he was registered in the Guinness Book of World Records in 2007 as the world’s tallest man. But when you don’t have a proper car to drive then you are not that happy!
To solve his big problem he send a letter to the Ukraine’s president asking to find him a proper car. The president didn’t ignored the letter and with the help of the government they offered him a Chevrolet minivan, modified at the ZAZ plant, in Zaporizhia.
Although he doesn’t have a driving license at the moment, Stadnyk said he will solve this problem soon. Until then he will only be a passenger to the car.
Stadnyk start growing really high when he was only 14 years old, after a brain surgery.
You may not have noticed it, but in the people mover segment of the auto market, what the car makers refer to as “family,” there is something of a war.
On the one side, you have General Motors and Ford. And a bunch of Japanese, such as Nissan.
Their rallying cry is “CROSSOVER.”
On the other side, you have a much more muted crowed, whose rallying cry is, “God, please don’t call it a ‘minivan.”
On that side you have, of course, Chrysler and Dodge.
And, now, you add Volkswagen.
(more after the jump)
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Volkswagen today officially revealed the 2008 Routan at the Chicago Auto Show. The Routan is a seven passenger vehicle that combines European sensibilities in design, fit and finish, and handling characteristics with market relevant features and outstanding value. The Routan was developed together with Chrysler and will go on sale with prices starting below $25,000.
The Routan will come standard with a 3.8L V6, offering 197 hp and 230 lb. ft. of torque when combined with the standard six-speed automatic transmission. A 4.0L V6 will be available rated at 253 hp and 263 lb. ft. of torque. Routan features European tuned suspension and steering optimized for handling and improved driving dynamics. Standard all-season traction control and ESP, brings safety and security to the Routan.
Press release after the jump.
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Volkswagen will unveil at the Chicago Auto Show the Routan, an imposing seven-seater more than five metres in length. The Routan is the result of the collaboration between Chrysler and Volkswagen.
Under the hood there will be a V6 engine that will deliver 253 hp and a peak torque of 355 Nm and a 3.8 liter V6 that will deliver 197 hp and a peak torque of 312 Nm.
Stay tuned! More details will follow.
Citroën is taking the Compact MPV to new levels of luxury with the introduction of the Lounge, a very special edition of the Company’s multi-award winning C4 Picasso, created uniquely for the UK market. The marque’s popular family car has been given a prestigious upgrade to create a stylish and distinctive vehicle that combines a sleek and dynamic exterior with a spacious and luxurious interior.
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For the soccers moms who spend some time on the road and also some time on the track, Dodge is bringing to us the Caravan Road and Track (R/T). Guarantee you will be the fastest mom on the block to arrive at school to pick up your loved ones. Don’t expect this concept vans on road anytime soon though, as security conscious moms are very unlikely to spend the extra cash for the extra horses.
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