2010 VW Fox and 2010 VW Crossfox

This was one of the most expected releases of the year. VW has recently re-modelled its Fox and Crossfox models. They are best-sellers inside the VW range, and on this re-styling VW listened to consumers' complains, which concerned mainly the models' fit and finish.
The Fox follows VW's new design, which was introduced in Europe with the Mk6 Golf, a model which is not available yet in the Brazilian market. The sides of the Fox were not altered, but the rear-end was granted new tail lights and bumper. The Fox is avaliable in nine different trim levels, with an engine choice of 1.0 or 1.6 liter power sources, and a gearbox choice of either manual or automated, this last one called I-Motion.

This so called new generation of the Fox has new optionals, such as the forementioned I-Motion transmission, and sunroof. The radio system now has a USB and iPod connections, and the dashboard now has plastics that feel nicer to the touch. The instrument pannel is now the same as in other VW models, such as the Polo and the Gol. It has a blue illumination, and when equiped, the I-System on-board computer screen. Prices start at R$ 29'993 for the basc, 3-door, 1.0 liter trim level, and can get as high as R$ 39'400 for the 5-door, 1.6 liter I-Motion trim level.

VW has also announced the adventurous brother of the Fox, the VW Crossfox. The improvements from the previous model concern mailny the same issues as the Fox: fit and finish. Its design is also "cleaner" as the outgoing model's, due to the loss of the transversal roof rails and the front cross-bar.

The Crossfox is avaliable in only one trim, the 1.6 liter manual, but the owner may equip it with items that range from a simple air conditioner to a complexsunroof. The higher suspension and the off-road tyres enhance its off-road appearance, but the lack of a 4x4 system or any other off-road apparatuses put off any serious off-roading pretensions.

In the interior, the same changes as the Fox's can be found. The only difference is the seat lining, which as a different saliance and a different fabric as the ones found in the Fox. VW says that 60% of the Crossfox owners are women, and that only 5% of the owners actually take the car off-roading regularly. With prices starting at expensive R$ 45'550 (and getting as high as R$ 62'510 when fully equipped), the Crossfox is pretty expensive, but its improvements over the previous model are a reasonable sales argument.

André's Opinion: The Crossfox is from now on my favorite car. It is high enough off the ground to face the speed bumpswe have in São Paulo; small enough to fit into any parking space and agile enough to make a quick stoplight getaway. The Fox is also a very good car, but I would look at the Polo, it's "older brother", with a lot of attention.

Source: Quatro Rodas

Fifth Gear Crashes - Part 3

The third and last post of the crash test series kills the myth that bigger cars will always perform better in crashes than smaller cars. It shows that if an old big car crashes into a modern supermini, the driver runs serious life-threatening risks when being in the older car.

Of course this does not apply to modern big cars, but when buying a used car, it is surely something to consider: whether to buy a recent supermini or an old station wagon, for example. I would much rather be in the supermini, not only for safety reasons, but also because it is cheaper to run and easier to park.

Source: Fifth Gear

Fifth Gear Crashes - Part 2

The second video of the crash-test series proves right the myth that badly repaired vehicles won't do as well as well-repaired vehicles in a second crash.

This is a very big issue for people who buy second hand cars. It is very important that the car's past is investigated, because it bay be hiding serious safety threats. Here in Brazil, this cannot be forgotten, and there are already companies such as "Auto Visão" that perform this investigation (at a certain cost, of course.)

Source: Fifth Gear

Fifth Gear Crashes - Part 1

This video kills all the myths about the smart car's lack of safety. We can see that at a 70mph crash, it performs just as well as any other supermini. Its structure is very stiff, and even though the driver has low chances of surviving such an impact, this can be considered a very good safety award for the smart.

This is the first of three crash videos performed by fifth gear I am going to post. They prove some of people's myths right or wrong, and improve our safety knowledge. I'm a very safety-aware person, and I really wanted to share these videos.

Source: Fifth Gear

2010 VW Saveiro

The new VW Saveiro is the newest member of the "Gol" family. Following the example of the VW Gol and the VW Voyage, this small pick-up can be considered one of the best in its class. It has a suspension system which conciliates cargo capacity, comfort and handling both when the car is loaded or empty.
Avaliable in three different trim levels, this pick-up can fulfill the needs of a variety of customers. All trim levels have the option of normal or extended cabin, always powered by VW's 1.6 liter engine, which delivers 103hp. The trim level shown in the pictures is the extended cabin Saveiro Trooper.

The "1.6" trim level is teh basic trim, targeted at those who want a robust small pick-up for work, with black plastic bumpers and steel wheels. The intermediate "Trend" trim adds body-colored bumpers, plastic wheel covers and some luxuries such as fog lights and keyless alarm system. The Troopertrim level adds a more agressive look, with black-painted steel wheels, black inserts above the wheel arches and roof rails. All trim levels hve the so-called "side step", which facilitates the loading/unloading of cargo in the rear. Prices start at R$ 30'990 for the basic, normal cabin, 1.6 trim and get up to R$ 38'990 for the extended cabin, Trooper Trim.

André's Opinion: Personally, I really like this pick-up truck. It is small and agine, due to its reduced weight, and it is very important to be like that in today's traffic. I would have one, but in black.

Source: Novidades Automotivas

New Mini Production Video

This post is similar to last week's, where I commented on a production video of Rolls Royces. This week, however, the Luxury level is not as high, since I am "only" looking at the Mini factory. Still, Minis are pretty luxuriouy superminis, and really fun to drive.

In this video, we can see how they are attentive to detail, and quality control on the assembly line is high. I wish to work in a factory like this someday, or even if I don't get to work there, I would like to at least visit one of them.

Source: Youtube

Building a Rolls Royce

This week's post is a bit different from the other posts. This is a video of the Rolls Royce factory, and it highlights the processes taken to build such a beautiful car. Considering its price, which is of about US$ 400'000 in the USA, the fit and finish of this car is absolutely perfect. It is considered the ultimate luxury car, and the dream car of the millionares around the world.

I love this car. It is not only the ultimate luxury car, but also a beautiful feit of engineering. I want to do mechanical engineering in college, and I wish to work in a factory like this (a premium car brand), and even if I do, my biggest dream is to actually own one of these fabulous cars.

Source: Youtube

Volvo C30 Electric Vehicle

Volvo is preparing for the future with new hybrid technologies for their cars, but they are also preparing new full-electric models to go on sale in 2012. They are starting by developing that technology on their smallest car, the C30

This car is a plug-in electric, and it can be charged in almost every electric outlet there is, as long as it is 220V. Volvo claims that new lithium-ion batteries have been developed for this model exclusively, using a technology similar to cellphone batteries.

This car´s performance figures werén´t very affected by the electric powertrain. It still does 0-100km/h in 11 seconds, which is perfect for city driving. The only drawback is that its top speed is 130km/h.

The electric C30 can run 150km on one complete charge, which is more than most of the drivers drive each day. Volvo hasn´t announced any pricing figures for it yet, but it is reasonable to think that it will cost more than the petrol- or diesel-powered C30, since the electric technology is more expensive.

Andre´s Opinion

I like the Volvo C30. It is small enough to drive in town, and roomy enough inside so that all passengers feel comfortable. The exterior design also catches one´s attentionm, with its coupé-like design. I would not mind having one, I just worry how long it will take for the automakers to realize that Brazil is a perfect place to sell electric cars, and also desperately in need of them.

Source: World Car Fans

New Mitsubishi Pajero TR4

This week, Mitsubishi Motors of Brazil has released the first pictures of its new smll SUV, the Pajero TR4. Being the best-selling model in the Brazilian mitsubishi model range today, the re-styling of this car comes with a huge task, to keep having good sales and attract new buyers.

It isn't a completely new model, yet Mitsubishi managed to fix the main problems the pre-re-styling model used to have. Lack of power, stiff suspension and defased looks are things you won't find in this new model.

Mitsubishi changed all the outer pannels of the car, keeping only its roof the same. Doors, bumpers, bonnet; everything has been re-designed. The new model looks more robust and attractive in comparison to the outgoing model. It also features new rims along with new multi-purpose tyres.

The interior features a new steering wheel, a new radio, new air conditioning controls and a new, more easy-to-read dashboard. The new radio is a double-din, with an iPod , USB and Auxiliary connections, along with bluetooth, which allow the driver to connect almost any type of media devide to the car's stereo system. It also reads MP3 CDs, in case the driver likes to keep their old school possessions.

The new dashboard has a whole new arrangement, with different coloured LEDs, and an illumination which makes it better to be seen both during day and night. The model also features Dual Airbags (except for GLS version) and ABS with EBD, compulsory safety items in today's cars.

Prices range from R$ 65'500 for the GLS model with a manual gearbox, R$ 68'990 for the regular manual model and R$ 71'990 for the regular automatic model.

André's Opinion

This car, to me, is the perfect car to have in a city like São Paulo. It is small, so it will fit into almost any parking space; its suspension is really robust, which will hold up consideraby better the conditions of our roads than other cars; it is safe, since it has dual airbags and Anti-Lock Brakes; It is agile and comfortable, because the recalibrated engine delivers more torque and, along with the automatic gearbox (optional), is the best solution to the terrible traffic jams we have; and for those who are worried about city safety, bullet-proofing is a factory optional, which means that its characteristics, such as power and handling figures are maintained. I would definately get this car.

Aston Martin Rapide revealed in Frankfurt

Aston Martin has released its Porsche Panamera competitor, the Rapide, during this year's Frankfurt Car Show. It is very i9nteresting to note that the exterior design is practgically identical from the concept version, and inside there were also only minor changes.

It features a very powerful 6.0 liter V12 engine, which delivers nothing less than 470 hp. Even though it only has one engine option (the panamera has 3), it still grants its driver (and its family, too) with astonishing power figures, such as 0-100km/h in 5.3 seconds and a top speed of 303km/h.

This car features the latest technology in what comes to structural assembly, having an aluminium platform and a double wishbone suspension in both the front and the rear ends. The car has built-in rollbars, and its suspension manages to be comfortable as a family car, and sporty as a sports car, at the same time.

Inside, the technonogical equipment will definately catch your attention.all versions come with leather upholstery, walnut trim and iridium silver acents as standard. Other features include a rear center console, automatic climate control, individual seating for four (with heat), organic electroluminescent (OEL) instrument displays, and LED interior lighting.

In the technological department, the Rapide has a GPS navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a 1000 W Bang & Olufsen BeoSound audio system with iPod and USB connections.

The boot isn't very large, with only 301 liters of space, but it can increase to 750 by the simple touch of a button, which lowers the rear seats (electrically, of course)

André's Opinion

To me, an Aston Martin fan, this car has everything it should have to be a success. Price figures haven't been announced yet, but as long as Aston Martin does not charge more than the Panamera, this car has a lot of potential to be considered the Family Car of 2009, and your garage, too.

Toyota's Hybrid Auris HSD Concept headed for Frankfurt

Toyota has announced this week that the hybrid concept of its best-selling midsized hatchback will be headed for the Frankfurt Car Show. The Auris is already a success in Europe, and Toyota hopes that when this version actually hits the market, sales will increase even more.
Performance figures aren't as good as one might have expected. Its 1.8 liter engine only delivers 97 horsepower, considerably low for today's power standards. It reaches 100 km/h also in a very long time, around 10 seconds, as toyota has revealed so far.

The hybrid system also does not grant the Auris with any exceptional hybrid features. Even though Toyota did not reveal them yet, knowing the fact that the Auris is only able to run on electrical power for 2 km at a maximum speed of 46km/h, meas that it won't have much difference if compared to the regular Auris models. The only exciting feature granted by this system is that emissions get as low as 100g/kmAndré's Opinion

I think that this car has everything to not be a success. Since it is a hybrid, it will probably cost more than the regular Auris models, and even though it pollutes less, opting for a diesel version of this hatchback might be wiser and grant its buyer with better performance figures and a much lower price tag.

VW's New BlueMotion range will be released in the Frankfurt Car Show

This week, Volkswagen has released pictures of its new BlueMotion range, which will be released in the Frankfurt Car Show. The Passat has been updated from the previous BlueMotion range, while the Polo and the Golf are brand new models.

The Passat has recieved tweaks in its engine. It has the same 1.6 liter diesel engine which equips the Golf, which allows it to do 22.7km/l, which is 2.3km/l better than the previous BlueMotion Passat. Its performance figures aren't the same as in a sports car, but it reaches 100km/h in 12.5 seconds and 193km/h of top speed.

The Golf has the same eengine as the Passat. It is a new engine, different from the last generation's BlueMotion model. While the last generation had a 1.9 liter engine, the new 1.6 liter diesel engine is more efficient and slightly quicker. It delivers 105hp, just as in the passat, but due to its lower weight, it is able to do 26.3km/l. Performance figures aren't its best, since it takes 11.3 seconds to reach 100km/h, and its top speed is 190km/h.

The Polo BlueMotion is the one who had the biggest improvement from its previous model. The new BlueMotion range has a 1.2 liter engine, which delivers 75hp. The previous model had a 1.4 liter diesel engine, which delivered the same amount of power. Its performance haven't been announced yet, but its fuel consumption, at 30.3km/l, is really low. Compared to the last model, the emissions are 20% lower and fuel consumption has been improved by 6.5km/l, a considerable improvement.


All the BlueMotion models feature a Start/Stop system, regenerative breaking, improved aerodynamics, and lightweight wheels with low-resistance tyres. The new models are likely to go on sale before the end of the year. The emissions are 87 g/km for the Polo, 99 g/km for the Golf and 114 g/km for the Passat.

André's Opinion

The BlueMotion range is something that makes me wonder what the future will look like. I wonder if the car makers will make more efficient fossil-fuel powered cars, or if they will invest in new technologies, such as fuel cells or electric cars. It is a shame that in Brazil, diesel passenger cars cannot be sold. If they could, I think a considerable amount of people, the ones who care about the environment, will consider buying one of these models. We will just have to wait for the prices to come out to see if they are a good option or not. If I lived in Europe, I would consier buying one. But, to me, a hybrid car sounds more tempting, and has a lowe carbon footprint.

Smart ForTwo Brabus will be released in Brazil in November

The Brazilian representatives of smart have announced that they will release the Smart Fortwo Brabus Xclusive will be avaliable for sale in Brazilian dealerships in november. Due to high sales, which exceeded Smart's predictions, and because clients were asking for it, Smart has decided that importing the "spicy" version of the ForTwo is a good idea.

The Smart ForTwo Brabus Xclusive will be priced over R$ 80'000, which makes it an expensive option due to its size. But when we look at the technical figures, things start to get more interesting.

Its engine delivers 98 hp, and since it weights less than 800kg, it is considerably agile, and this three cylinder turbocharged engine allows it to go from 0 to 100km/h in just 9.9 seconds, which makes it comparable with many cars much bigger than it, with bigger and more polluting engines.

The interior has black leather and suade seats, a leather-covered steering wheel and pedals and gearstick in aluminium. The luxurious interior allows its driver to forget the fact they are driving a car that is a meter smaller than a Ford Ka.

André's Opinion

I am a huge Smart Cars fan. I love them, and I think they are the perfect city solution. However, since the cars sold in Brazil are imported, they arrive here with a huge price tag. Especially the Brabus version. I doubt it will be a success, since many people aren't willing to spend more than 80'000 reais in a two-seater car. If i had the money, and if I was allowed to drive, I would, but that is just because I really want to have a smart car one day.

Source: Carsale and World Car Fans

BMW releases low-emission 320d EficcientDynamics Edition

BMW has just announced the addition of another model to its EfficientDynamics range. However, the 320d EfficientDynamics is the lowest-emission BMW in the whole model range. For the time being, this model will be avaliable in Germany, Spain, France and Italy, with further market introductions throughout the rest of the year.

This model features a 2,0 liter engine, which delivers 163hp, and features a longer-ratio gearbox, which grants it with better fuel mileage features. It does an average of 4,1l/100km (24km/l) on a combined cycle (50% city/50% highway). The performance figures are: 8.2 sec. from 0 to 100km/h, and a top speed of 225 km/h.

Some fuel-effricient features this model has are Auto Start-Stop function, which switchess off the engine automatically in traffic lights and switches it back on at the first movement of the clutch pedal; Brake Energy Regeneration System, which regenerates the brake energy and uses it to recharge the battery; Gear Shift Indicator, which flashes at the appropriate time the driver should make the gear change, in order to get a better fuel economy; and an Intelligent Power Steering, which only switches it on when it is needed, such as in city driving, for example. All these features make it have emission ratings of only 109g/km, comparable to other small cars such as the Mini One and the Smart Fortwo.

The low-resistance tyres and the lowered suspension make it more aerodynamic, and it should be really successful in the European market, since the European consumers have increased their interests for fuel-efficient cars, and also hybrid models.

Andre´s Opinion

This is a great option for a family, fuel-efficient car. Since the equipment list is the same as the regular 320d, the prices should be about the same. However, if they increase the price too much, i doubt this car will be a success.

Source: World Car Fans