Bentley hybrid concept

Based on the Mulsanne, the Bentley Hybrid concept, unveiled at the recent Beijing Show is designed to demonstrate that even a large powerful car can show greater respect for the environment. According to Bentley, by the end of the decade at least 90% of the company’s models will be available as a plug-in hybrid. The company claims that the plug-in hybrid system for the concept gives a 50km electrically powered range and reduces emissions by up to 70%. The company will introduce a plug-in hybrid SUV in 2017.

Citroën C-XR

Citroën unveiled an SUV concept – the C-XR – at the Beijing Show. It is the first SUV developed jointly by Citroën and Dongfeng. The 4,260mm long concept has a 2,650mm long wheelbase, designed to maximise interior space. The C-XR features the PSA Grip Control system to provide a degree of off-road and poor weather traction without the cost and weight of a four-wheel drive system.

Power comes from the PSA THP 160 petrol engine. Engine Stop/Start is part of the specification as well as a latest generation automatic transmission designed to minimise fuel consumption.

Hyundai ix25 Concept

This small SUV concept, unveiled at Beijing is due to form the basis of a production ix25 model for the Chinese market later this year. Target customers will be young drivers.

Power comes from a Hyundai ‘Nu’ 2.0-litre engine – Hyundai has given no further details.

“Hyundai Motor is now poised for a new challenge to become the most-loved brand by Chinese customers, with high-quality models such as the ix25 SUV, which is strategically-developed for China,” commented Hyundai Motor president Sung Kee Choi at the unveiling.

Lexus NX

Lexus’ premium compact crossover NX was given its global debut at the Beijing Show. Three powertrain options will be available according to market. The NX 300h offers a hybrid option, the NX 200t will feature Lexus’ new 2.0-litre petrol turbo engine and there will be a naturally aspirated engine in the NX200.

Both front and four-wheel drive options will be available as well as Lexus’ Stop/Start system. Innovative technology includes a wireless charging tray for mobile electronic devices, a remote touchpad control, head up display, blind spot monitor and a panoramic view monitor. The range will include an F Sport version.

MINI Paceman

MINI launched a revised Paceman at the Beijing Show, with Euro 6 compliant engines and claimed lower fuel consumption and emissions. MINI also claims fresh design details and a sportier interior finish. Instruments are finished in an anthracite colour on all Paceman models now, similar to John Cooper Works models.

Like the revised MINI Countryman launched at the New York Show, the Cooper S Paceman now develops 190hp, while the range topping John Cooper Works model delivers 218bhp and is equipped with four-wheel drive as standard. Many other details are shared with the revised Countryman including the new paint colours and LED fog lamps.

Peugeot EXALT

Peugeot claims inspiration from its ONYX concept for a new concept at Beijing, the EXALT.

It featured hand beaten bare steel bodywork, in homage to French cars from the 1920s and 1930s. Shark Skin – a red material is used to cover the rear end of the car. The four-door four seater uses decorated wood in the interior. Macassar Ebony is used for the door cappings, worked by two Chinese artists, using a lion with bamboo stems and leaves motif.

The concept is powered by a plug-in HYBRID4 drive train producing 340hp from the 270hp 1.6-litre THP engine, with automatic gearbox and a 50kW motor driving the rear axle.

Volkswagen Touareg

Volkswagen brought the revised Touareg to the Beijing Show. Revisions include new larger bi-Xenon headlamps, now standard across the range. The front grille is larger and the front bumper has been re-profiled. The rear bumper has also been re-profiled and there’s a new rear diffuser between the tailpipes and LED rear fog lamps. Inside, the leather upholstery is available in new colours. Technology revisions include automatic post collision braking and a coasting function for the eight-speed automatic gearbox. Reduced fuel consumption and emissions from the 3.0-litre V6 TDI engines are also part of the changes. The higher-powered variant now produces 258hp in place of 245hp.

CV Show 

Citroën Relay/Jumper

The revised Citroën Relay/Jumper was shown at the recent UK CV Show, introducing a range of revisions to the model, which shares its structure with the Peugeot Boxer and Fiat Ducato. Ownership costs have been reduced with extended service intervals – up to two years/50,000km. Fuel consumption has also been reduced by up to a claimed 15%. A more rigid body structure is said to improve durability and reduce noise levels. New cab trim and a revised dashboard layout complete the changes.

Renault Trafic and Opel/Vauxhall Vivaro

Renault and Opel/Vauxhall unveiled their long-awaited replacement for the Trafic and Vivaro vans at the UK CV Show. Like the outgoing model, the two are built under a joint venture between Renault and GM. The new vans offer more load space than before, a new cab and new engines based on Renault’s 1.6-litre common-rail diesel, with four power options between 90hp and 140hp.

The revised load space means the shortest models are longer than the outgoing model and feature through storage for piping or ladders with an opening flap in the front bulkhead. The cabin features new storage spaces including space under the dual passenger seat. There is a cradle mount on the dashboard to hold tablet computers and a space designed to hold a laptop computer on a fold down table top in the central passenger seat.

Renault Master

Renault and GM’s other joint venture van, the Opel/Vauxhall Movano and Renault Master has been revised ahead of the Euro 6 emissions limits and Renault launched the new Master, based on the current Master, at the CV Show.

The new van will get revised engines, with power outputs of 110hp, 125hp, 135hp and 165hp. The 135hp and 165hp variants will feature twin turbocharging. Although the 165hp engine provides 15hp more than the current 150hp engine, Renault claims that fuel consumption will be reduced, offering 6.9lit/100km combined. ESC will become standard equipment and will incorporate Hill Start Assist and Grip Xtend to improve traction in difficult conditions such as mud and snow. Among other options will be Wide View Mirror designed to reduce the blind spot on the passenger side. New Master will go on sale this summer.

Opel/Vauxhall Combo

Opel/Vauxhall launched a second new model at the CV Show and added a new model to the Combo van range, based on the Fiat Doblo. The Combo L2H2 brings the high roof option to the long wheelbase L2 Combo model.

Previously, the H2 high roof has only been available with the short wheelbase L1 model. The Combo L2H2 offers a 5.0m3 load volume with a 1,000kg payload, the highest in its class. Power will come from the 1.6-litre diesel in the Combo range available with either 90hp or 105hp and engine Start/Stop as standard. The 90hp engine is equipped with an automated transmission.

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