CITROËN ENTERS THE COMPACT SUV MARKET WITH THE TOUGH, STYLISH AND VERSATILE NEW C3 AIRCROSS

  • Citroën has unveiled the primary pictures of the New C3 Aircross, which can open for orders within the UK later this yr.
  • Its exterior design reveals a troublesome and classy SUV. Its new angle makes it extra assertive, muscular, and sturdy.
  • At 4.39 metres lengthy, New C3 Aircross grows to supply more room onboard and as much as seven seats, a primary within the phase, whereas remaining compact, sensible and agile.
  • New ë-C3 Aircross will probably be out there with an all-electric powertrain for the primary time.
  • In addition to the all-electric powertrain, New C3 Aircross will probably be out there with both a hybrid or petrol engine.  
  • The C3 Aircross marks the continuation of Citroën’s offensive within the compact phase. It shares the identical design language, philosophy of onboard consolation and practicality as New ë-C3.

 

Citroën has revealed the primary pictures of New C3 Aircross. New C3 Aircross shares the identical design id, promise of area, and onboard consolation as New C3, in addition to the ambition to shake up the market with a aggressive pricing place. Both fashions are based mostly on the identical Smart Car platform permitting powertrain flexibility and price effectivity.

New C3 Aircross undergoes a radical change and enters a brand new period for purchasers by adopting a extra assertive character. New C3 Aircross presents extra inside area than ever earlier than, with seating for as much as seven, a selection of engine choices, and the identical stage of onboard consolation. Combined with a aggressive pricing place, this extra mature and muscular model is ready to satisfy the altering calls for of the market.

A contemporary and coherent design. New C3 Aircross incorporates Citroën’s new type language components, of which the Oli idea was the manifesto and New C3 the primary realisation. Its design thus integrates the brand new model id and an assertive type. Its extremely vertical entrance finish proudly shows the brand new Citroën brand and adopts the attribute lighting signature in three luminous segments. Very fashionable, its type additionally highlights high quality and a focus to element by incorporating the chevron sample on sure components. In addition to those graphics, Citroën performs with the notion of its silhouette and presents customisation with a two-tone roof and punchy color accents. The color clips, on the the bumper and the quarter panel, permit the client to customize their C3 Aircross as they need.

A SUV that reinforces its character. New C3 Aircross undergoes a radical change in angle, transitioning from a mannequin emphasising roundness and kindness to 1 that, with out being aggressive, exudes a extra angular, muscular, and assertive type. Powerful and suggesting robustness, New C3 Aircross embraces its SUV typology with a excessive and horizontal bonnet, widened wings and tracks, and stable shoulders benefiting from safety that crowns giant wheels with a diameter of 690mm. Each type line provides stress and power to a mannequin that now exudes nice confidence. Its silhouette is balanced and expresses power.

Compact SUV providing as much as seven seats. New C3 Aircross is 4.39 metres lengthy offering higher inside area. The balanced proportions of its silhouette trace at a protracted wheelbase, the most important in its class. This permits for extra legroom for rear passengers. The design of the rear quarter panel offers a dynamic and vertical rear finish, making certain beneficiant area for occupants within the third row. This is a significant innovation within the phase, providing the power to comfortably accommodate as much as seven folks onboard with two foldable seats within the boot. New C3 Aircross is filled with methods to make household life simpler by providing nice utilization flexibility, nonetheless, it stays very compact for straightforward manoeuvring and stress-free parking. Rational, versatile, and reassuring, New C3 Aircross is an easy-to-live-with SUV.

An inexpensive multi-energy supply. This new compact SUV shares the Smart Car platform with New C3, launched by Citroën and designed from the begin to optimally accommodate an electrical supply. Thus, New C3 Aircross is completely consistent with the challenges of power transition by providing for the primary time a totally electrical variant. Alongside the electrical variant, Citroën will supply a hybrid and environment friendly petrol powertrain for New C3 Aircross.

Serene onboard expertise. The SUV silhouette of New C3 Aircross guarantees a raised floor clearance, permitting for extra reassured driving, facilitating onboard entry and favouring a excessive driving place that permits for higher visibility. These components contribute to the sensation of well-being on board, one other signature of New C3 Aircross. Like New C3 hatchback, New C3 Aircross will spotlight consolation and could have all of the gear and know-how anticipated by prospects.

A change in scope. Set to be absolutely revealed this summer season, New C3 Aircross presents a brand new imaginative and prescient of the compact European SUV in a significant market. Since 2020, compact SUV gross sales have overpassed these of compact hatchbacks in Europe. Sales exceed 2 million registrations every year in an more and more aggressive market. Citroën entered this market phase in 2008 with its C3 Picasso. The compact SUV class did not actually exist then, however Citroën already provided a car with a raised driving place and inside area for a practical car with the distinctive character of a “magic box.” The Aircross designation appeared in 2017 with C3 Aircross, which maintained benchmark practicality whereas including the codes of an adventurer. In mid-2024, Citroën will unveil New C3 Aircross, which has been utterly reinvented to satisfy the expectations of households. It has a very new dimension with highly effective, assertive styling, more room on board and modularity with the capability to accommodate as much as seven folks, electrified choices from hybrid to all-electric, and luxury and connectivity on board.

More details about New C3 Aircross will probably be shared nearer to the worldwide reveal this summer season.

 

Stellantis named Van Manufacturer of the Year at Great British Fleet Awards

  • Stellantis takes dwelling award for Van Manufacturer of the Year on the Great British Fleet Awards 2024
  • Stellantis is the UK’s best-selling van producer thus far this yr
  • The group additionally leads the UK’s electrical van market
  • Stellantis is the one OEM producing vans in quantity within the UK

 

Stellantis has been named Van Manufacturer of the Year on the Great British Fleet Awards 2024.

The award comes shortly after Stellantis revealed its newly-upgraded LCV line-up. Citroën, Peugeot, FIAT Professional and Vauxhall have all up to date their small, medium and enormous vans, with every receiving new designs, improved expertise and upgraded efficiency on electrical variants. The not too long ago up to date van vary is now open for orders.

John Kendall, Editor, Van Fleet World, mentioned: “Merging two vehicle brands is enough of a challenge, but trying to bring five together, while striking a deal to supply vans to another, certainly isn’t for the faint-hearted. In the past year, Stellantis has revised the van ranges for Citroën, Fiat, Peugeot, Vauxhall and Opel. Each model has received a facelift and range has been extended for all electric models. All new vans are now equipped for connectivity from the factory. The largest electric vans now all get the same motor and battery, while there are new transmissions for diesel models. At the same time, Stellantis has formed a new business unit, Pro One to handle LCV sales for all brands. It’s been quite a year.”

Lee Titchner, Director, Stellantis ProOne UK, mentioned: “This award reinforces our status as the UK’s best-selling van manufacturer and highlights the strength of our commercial vehicle range. We are proud to be leading the way in the electrification of LCVs, with all four brands offering an electric variant of every model in their line-ups. We are grateful to the Great British Fleet Awards for recognising our status as a leading provider of practical and affordable vans for our professional customers.”

The manufacturing group’s success is exemplified by its sturdy gross sales efficiency in 2024, which sees it lead the UK van market year-to-date. Stellantis accounts for almost one-in-three (31.24%) vans bought within the UK thus far this yr.*

 

Stellantis additionally leads the market in electrical van gross sales, with a market share of 44.82% year-to-date. As of March this yr, Peugeot took the crown for the best-selling electrical van model within the UK, with the E-Expert being the UK’s hottest electrical van year-to-date.

Stellantis is the one OEM presently producing vans in quantity within the UK. The manufacturing group produces the Citroën E-Berlingo, Vauxhall Combo Electric, Peugeot E-Partner and Fiat E-Doblo at its Ellesmere Port plant, the UK’s first EV-only quantity manufacturing facility. In 2025, Stellantis can even start restricted manufacturing of electrical vans at its Luton plant, alongside continued manufacturing of ICE vans.

*excluding pick-ups and off-roaders

About Stellantis

Stellantis N.V. (NYSE / MTA / Euronext Paris: STLA) is without doubt one of the world’s main automakers and a mobility supplier. Its storied and iconic manufacturers embody the fervour of their visionary founders and at the moment’s prospects of their revolutionary services and products, together with Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Citroën, Dodge, DS Automobiles, Fiat, Jeep®, Lancia, Maserati, Opel, Peugeot, Ram, Vauxhall, Free2move and Leasys. Powered by our variety, we cleared the path the world strikes – aspiring to turn into the best sustainable mobility tech firm, not the most important, whereas creating added worth for all stakeholders in addition to the communities wherein it operates. For extra info, go to www.stellantis.com.

Audi Q6 e-tron: 6 huge issues it’s essential know

It’s all enhanced by the uninterrupted mild bar that extends the complete width of the rear, connecting the ‘quattro blisters’ on both aspect of the automobile to the Audi Q6 e-tron’s amazing-looking lively digital OLED taillights.

#5 Even extra illuminating

Audi has led the best way for many years in the case of revolutionary mild know-how, and the Audi Q6 e-tron takes that to the following degree. Its game-changing lively digital mild signature enhances each the character of the automobile, and its security.

Up entrance, the Audi Q6 e-tron’s slim Matrix LED headlights now boast 12 dimmable segments, with high-positioned daytime working lights that boast 61 segments. It’s on the rear the place the Audi Q6 e-tron marks probably the most illuminating progress, although, with the introduction of Audi’s second-generation ‘active’ OLED taillights. 

Boasting three OLED tiles on every rear mild and a complete of 360 particular person segments, the taillights work with the built-in mild strip to generate high-contrast 3D-feeling shapes and sophisticated animations that may replace as rapidly as 10 milliseconds.

The entrance and taillights work collectively to form eight particular person expressive dynamic mild signature animations (with six extra to come back later), which you’ll select from contained in the automobile or through the MyAudi app. But they’ll additionally make it easier to talk with different street customers, displaying warning alerts to following drivers to alert them to imminent hazards, or informing passing cyclists should you’re about to open the door.

UK is most suited nation in Europe to mass EV adoption, information exhibits

The UK is essentially the most suited market in Europe to the mass-adoption of EVs, particularly fleets, in accordance with new information that analysed 1.3 million automobiles throughout seven international locations.

In its ‘Taking cost: on the highway to an EV future’ report, analytics agency Geotab claims 66% of combustion-powered UK-based fleet automobiles may very well be swapped for an electrical various with out impacting each day usability and saving companies hundreds of kilos in prices.

The key to this declare is the mileage pushed by UK enterprise motorists. Over 12 months, tracked automobiles averaged 52 miles a day – “well within the limits of current EV technology”, Aaron Jarvis, Geotab’s AVP gross sales and enterprise improvement, advised Autocar.

“Of the [vehicles we tracked], 49% never drove more than 250 miles in a day during the period of the study,” he added.

Alfa Romeo to politicians: neglect about names and save the trade

Alfa Romeo boss Jean-Philippe Imparato has urged European politicians to concentrate on defending jobs within the automobile trade, moderately than the names of vehicles, following a spat that prompted the rebranding of the model’s new crossover.

The automobile was rebranded from Milano to Junior simply 5 days after it was revealed, after claims by Italian trade minister Adolfo Urso that it violated an Italian regulation that geographical names can be utilized solely on merchandise which are produced in Italy.

The crossover will likely be produced at a Stellantis plant in Tychy, Poland. The regulation is usually utilized to merchandise equivalent to Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.

Urso’s claims adopted feedback by Stellantis boss Carlos Tavares on the unveiling of the Milano warning the Italian authorities in opposition to providing incentives to Chinese and different international companies to determine battery and automobile manufacturing services within the nation.

Speaking to Autocar, Imparato stated the choice to alter the title of the Milano was made regardless of authorized recommendation that the title did not violate the regulation and to keep away from being drawn right into a political row.

“When they informed me it was forbidden by regulation – it’s not – I stated: ‘Calm down: I’m not right here to play politics; I’m simply right here to make an Alfa Romeo that’s sustainable for the longer term.’”

Noting that the title change “created a buzz I might by no means have dreamed of”, Imparato said the Milano name was revealed in December and it had been known for years that the car would be produced in Poland alongside the Jeep Avenger and Fiat 600e, with which it shares the Stellantis e-CMP platform.

“If I wanted to answer the question of Giuletta and Mito owners who have wanted a B-segment car since 2021, I didn’t have any other solution than to follow the platform,” he added. “I couldn’t invent a local solution.”

Imparato additionally famous that when Stellantis was fashioned in January 2021, Alfa was shedding “hundreds of millions of euros” however is now worthwhile and that the next-generation Stelvio SUV and Giulia saloon, due in 2025 and 2026, could be in-built Italy.

Used BMW 1 Series 2015-2019 evaluation

The 116d Efficient Dynamics continued BMW‘s pattern of complicated petrolheads with its badge designation and engine capacities. Up till this facelift, all diesel 1 Series variants had been powered by 2.0-litre motors, together with the 116d. Come 2015, this was not the case.

As beforehand talked about, the 116d Efficient Dynamics received a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-pot diesel engine, with the remainder of the diesel vary staying loyal to the two.0-litre capability. The base 116d received an output of 114bhp, the 118d was upped to 147bhp and the 120d pumps out 187bhp. The diesel flagship 125d (nonetheless in 2.0-litre kind) develops a substantial 221bhp.

Buyers searching for a petroleum 1 Series received the selection of the 1.6-litre, three-cylinder, 134bhp 118i and 174bhp 120i – the two.0-litre 125i with 214bhp and naturally, the ballistic M140i with its 335bhp 3.0-litre twin turbocharged straight six engine.

Just by being a diesel BMW, the 116d Efficient Dynamics comes into this part with a heavy weight of expectation hung, albatross-like, round its neck, however with solely three cylinders to name its personal, it won’t initially encourage the utmost confidence.

The 1.5-litre triple, nevertheless, proves to be a credit score to each the automobile and the BMW model, delivering admirably peppy and versatile energy mixed with sturdy real-world economic system and an industrious model of likeability.

BMW’s six-speed handbook gearbox is definitely an acquired style, although, and it is the one transmission on provide if you need the 89g/km of the EfficientDynamics Plus mannequin.

The springy, notchy, sometimes fussy shift really feel can be immediately acquainted to long-time BMW house owners, however the EfficientDynamics mannequin’s low-resistance gearbox oil solely serves to exacerbate the unit’s stubbornness – significantly when ranging from chilly.

Once you get used to the deliberate drive required to alter gears with any confidence, there’s the gearing to get on phrases with. With a taller closing drive than that of the common 116d, the EfficientDynamics mannequin feels extraordinarily long-legged.

Around city, you’ll seldom get out of third gear, whereas sixth is just too tall for even average motorway acceleration. As such, common cog-swapping is important if you wish to mix good economic system with equally good ground-covering tempo.

That the automobile manages to tug off these lengthy ratios has the whole lot to do with the working vary of its engine. The three-pot diesel is predictably spikey at low revs, firing some vibration via the pedals and seat. But its inherent benefit comes with engine pace, as a result of because the tacho needle climbs, so the coarseness and wheeziness you anticipate of a diesel engine declines to materialise.

Although the engine produces its 114bhp peak energy at 4000rpm, it revs to 5000rpm and past fairly freely and responds neatly all through the rev vary with a lovely, constant unfold of urge.

Real-world gas economic system is likewise spectacular, and whereas it’s not probably the most civilised engine in its class, the 1.5-litre triple conforms to BMW’s trendy turbodiesel mould. In different phrases, it’s able to over-deliver on efficiency, effectivity and tractability above all else.

At the opposite finish of the spectrum, the two.0-litre four-cylinder diesel lump of the 125d is remarkably linear in its supply, with a broad energy band that is nearly free from lag and one which continually desires to chase the redline past its peak energy output at 4400rpm. Its hefty 331lb ft of torque from 1500-3000rpm makes the 125d unquestionably swift in real-world driving, too.

Autocar journal 17 April: on sale now

This week in Autocar, we element Alfa Romeo’s new BMW M3-beater, drive Skoda’s Swiss military knife, and discover out why the boss of Jeep is bullish in regards to the firm’s future.

News

The subsequent Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio will arrive in 2026 as its most potent automobile thus far, nudging 1000bhp and on-board AI that may tweak its dealing with – now we have each element. We additionally check out Alfa’s long-awaited new SUV, the Milano, because it appears to focus on a ‘new technology’ of patrons.

Meanwhile at Mercedes, the EQS has been handled to a brand new face and vary boosted by 11% – we have got the lowdown on the BMW i7 rival.

The best-selling Nissan Qashqai has additionally obtained a gentle facelift to carry it consistent with the electrical Ariya, full with sharper strains and a brand new face impressed by Japanese samurai helmets.

We additionally cowl Porsche’s determination to maintain the Boxster, Cayman and Macan on sale within the UK, and why Aston Martin is about to maintain combustion powertrains for so long as it will possibly.

Reviews

The new Skoda Kodiaq has arrived greater and swisher, providing seven-seat petrols and diesels and, for the primary time, a plug-in hybrid. We discover out if it nonetheless has the enduring enchantment of the outgoing automobile.

BMW’s best-seller, the X3, has been given an overhaul in each division – we head to France to drive a pre-production prototype.

Speaking of prototypes, the Audi RS E-tron GT has been given a spread of updates with the promise of being a extra well-rounded and dynamic GT. Does it fulfil that billing? 

Omoda, the Chinese agency planning an offensive on UK shores, is heading for our markets with a competitively priced rival to the Hyundai Kona, merely known as the 5. We drive the plug-in hybrid and electrical model to see what’s what.

Elsewhere in a packed opinions part, we’re testing three model new Volkswagens, the Aston Martin DB12 Volante, and the Citroen C5 Aircrews Hybrid.

Features

New Jeep CEO Antonia Filosa understands what makes the American model totally different. James Attwood hears how he plans to show it into a world success story.

Horiba MIRA, the 80-year-old automotive validation station, is reworking itself right into a one-stop car improvement store. Matt Saunders takes the tour.

Opinion

Matt Prior discusses the federal government’s determination to look into headlight glare and the nifty resolution he has give you. He additionally talks in regards to the SMMT’s name to halve VAT on EVs.

Steve Cropley, in the meantime, riffs on the attractive and daring Wells Vertige, the revival of the Vauxhall Frontera, and the way a nook of the Bicester Heritage circuit has been given a well-recognized title.

Here’s What You Need To Know About GMC’s TurboMax Engine (And Which Trucks Have It)

The GM TurboMax engine — generally known as the GMC TurboMax or Chevy TurboMax — is a gasoline motor that GM constructed to be used in light-duty truck purposes. The TurboMax is predicated on one other General Motors engine, the two.7-liter inline-four-cylinder L3B motor. The L3B was first launched in 2019 and has been used within the Cadillac CT4-V, the Chevrolet Colorado, the GMC Canyon, and varied different GM automobiles and SUVs. 

The TurboMax is a high-output model of the L3B. It’s extremely strong for its small dimension and might produce 310 horsepower and a powerful 430 lb-ft of torque. If these torque ranges appear distinctive for a four-cylinder motor, you are not flawed. But GM designed the TurboMax particularly to be used in light-duty vehicles and SUVs, a gaggle of autos that depend on excessive low-end torque outputs for issues like towing trailers and driving off-road. The motor consists of varied efficiency upgrades, together with lengthened piston strokes for improved combustion and compression, a strong turbocharger to extend engine airflow, a three-position camshaft to enhance timing and scale back extra valve warmth, and plenty of extra high-output parts. 

Finally, GM modeled the TurboMax engine after diesel motors. It includes a totally solid backside finish, which means it could deal with elevated energy with out the danger of creating stress-based injury or malfunctions. It can tow as much as 9,600 kilos and rise up to 19 mixed metropolis and freeway miles per gallon. Considering the engine’s diminutive dimension and its quarter- and half-ton purposes, the GM TurboMax represents a promising glimpse into the way forward for highly effective and environment friendly but small engines.

Solar Panel Inverters Explained: What They’re Used For

When a photo voltaic panel is uncovered to daylight, it produces direct present (DC) electrical energy.A photo voltaic inverter is the gadget that takes the direct present and converts it into alternating present (AC) power. On their very own, photo voltaic panels can solely generate DC, which suggests they aren’t appropriate with powering properties, which completely use AC, in addition to nearly all of home equipment — therefore the necessity for an inverter. As properly, photo voltaic panel inverters have a number of options which are useful and handy with regard to all the solar energy setup.

For instance, most trendy photo voltaic panel inverters can show, at minimal, the day’s primary system stats, similar to whether or not the battery is at present charging and the way a lot energy the photo voltaic panels have generated. This performance is normally primary, however extra superior options — similar to monitoring energy era over time — could also be made accessible in a companion cell app. Regardless whether or not your photo voltaic setup makes use of a cell app or inverter for monitoring, nonetheless, the inverter stays a key a part of the system, as you will not have the ability to energy your property and home equipment utilizing daylight with out it.

The Biggest Differences Between 392 And 5.7 HEMI Engines

Both engines are big Mopar V8s, and each share numerous purposes. However, the engines are fairly totally different from each other. From the outset, the 5.7-liter HEMI is considerably smaller than the 392 (6.4-liter) V8, and sometimes makes much less energy. The previous adage “there’s no replacement for displacement” applies right here. Next, you must take a look at the applying of every engine. While each HEMIs are comparatively giant V8s which might be definitely able to placing out lots of energy, the 392 is decidedly made for increased efficiency purposes. 

As such, the 392 is barely obtainable on Ram 2500 vehicles, SRT Dodges, and a scant few Jeep Wranglers. Those are hardly run of the mill autos. The 392 cubic inch displacement is, in itself, a reference to the 1957 Chrysler 300C, which additionally housed a 392 V8. While not a weak engine by any means, the 5.7 HEMI has a extra humble use case. It’s the bottom engine for increased trim Durango fashions, and obtainable as an possibility on practically each trim of Ram 1500 truck. It’s a workhorse that occurs to be lots of enjoyable. 

The 392 is so much larger and extra highly effective than the 5.7-liter HEMI. However, if road cred is your aim, both engine will work — the HEMI badge speaks for itself. 

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