Renault will reveal the new generation of the Espac at the International Motor Show in Paris. Even before that, the French published the first official photos, which show that the new model will mean a departure from the traditional single-seater guidelines to a more coupe-like design and exterior image, placing it among the crossovers of this brand.
Cars
The BMW 2 series active tourer is a different BMW and at the same time a home experiment of a compact minivan, which brings many new moments and challenges for this brand. It is a completely new philosophical approach of the brand, which required compromises and innovations. It is the first BMW with front-wheel drive, the first compact minivan of this brand, and at the same time the first to feature a three-cylinder engine under the hood. For those who are active at heart and those who simply need more space. A new leaf, a new segment and thus freshness from the heart of Bavaria. We had the opportunity to meet the active tourer on the streets of the Bavarian capital.
Ford is preparing a real small offensive of more environmentally friendly models. The first to hit the roads is the hybrid Mondeo, which we can expect on the roads in May, which means less than half a year behind the other versions. The second will be the plug and hybrid C-max, which is already sold on the other side of the Atlantic, and the same applies to the third in the queue, which is also already on sale in certain EU markets, and it is a fully electric Focus.
The RCZ is a car with a sign of extraordinary sex appeal, but this grows even higher in men's eyes when a member of this species realizes that in front of him is the expert RCZ-R, which transformed from a "lipstick", ordinary RCZ into a racing machine, only this has no real comparison in its price range. 270 horses from a 1.6 liter engine is a record that will make you laugh. 5.9 seconds to 100 km/h is enough to make you too fast most of the time.
One of Nissan's more robust SUVs - the X-trail model - has moved into more mod(er) waters in the third generation, as evidenced by a more pleasing image and less robust design, and it is now closest to the qashqai in terms of design and technology. For now, only one engine is available, combined with two drives and gearboxes, and prices range from 26 to 40 thousand euros.
Fiat's version of the Dodge Journey goes by the name Freemont. It is a large and spacious cross between a van, station wagon and suv for seven passengers. This is now also available with four-wheel drive, but it is only available in combination with an automatic transmission. It offers a lot of comfort and flexibility. Driving characteristics in the background, and the price of 36,850 euros is not the lowest.
The cosmetic facelift gave the Yaris a distinctive X-shaped nose, better handling and soundproofing. Inside, better materials and more colors. Innovations in technology, where passengers can read SMS and email messages via the central screen. Prices and emissions from 10,200 euros and 75 grams of CO2 onwards.
Renault continues the offensive of ecological passenger vehicles, with the hybrid eolab, which presents a number of advanced innovations, thanks to which it boasts an average consumption of only 1.0 liters and 22 grams of CO2 emissions per km. This is ensured by the combination of an electric and gasoline engine, which enables driving on electricity up to 120 km/h and a distance of up to 60 km.
The coupé unit in the previous edition is so rare on our roads that we could already talk about it as an exotic. The fact that the design indicated that it was only a series 1 fitted rear took its toll, as few are willing to pay that much for it. The test 220d offered a concrete measure of sportiness and plenty of driving pleasure, only the price of 52 thousand made us think.
Ford's medium minivan will be presented in Paris in a refreshed look, and as expected, it will get the now characteristic "Aston Martin" engine mask and a more modern and more refined interior in the style of the current plague. There are also some innovations in the engines, especially in the form of the 1.5-liter ecoboost engine, and advanced technology has also been improved.
The classic Mercedes buyer is not the youngest. He doesn't need a back for his sports props, baby carriages and the like. He experienced this somewhere in the past, in the years when he was just planning his life's path. Hence the fact that Mercedes station wagons have never been popular with buyers of this brand. They represent only around a modest and average 10 percent of total sales. Mercedes wants to change that with the CT model, the sale of which started these days.
We are not overly used to limited series in this size and price range, especially from this brand. The Helly Hansen version of the Captur convinces with its red and black color combination, extensive standard equipment and an excellent and economical diesel engine. Less convincing is the substantial price in the immediate vicinity of 20 thousand.