Tag Archives: renewed

News

Mini’s New Countryman Takes On VW T-Roc R with 296bhp

Mini is targeting the performance SUV market again with its upgraded John Cooper Works Countryman. The new model will be available in the UK in 2024 and features an updated version of BMW’s turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, delivering 296bhp and 295lb ft to both axles through an eight-speed automatic transmission.

These numbers are slightly lower than its predecessor’s, but they match the outputs of the Cupra Ateca, Volkswagen T-Roc R, and the new BMW X2 M35i. The Countryman also claims a 0-62mph time of 5.4sec and a top speed of 155mph, which makes it slightly quicker off the mark than the electric Countryman.

Produced alongside other Countryman and BMW X2 variants in Leipzig, Germany, the new Mini model from the performance division is visually distinct with a sporty makeover inside and out. It boasts a revised front end, unique LED headlight graphics, a more deeply structured bumper, and red vertical elements in the outer air ducts. The brake calipers, mirror housings, roof, and C-pillar all feature the signature red of the JCW, while the rear showcases updated light clusters and a new rear bumper with a central diffuser and dual round black tailpipes.

The new Countryman is Mini’s largest model to date, growing by 120mm in length and 22mm in width, at 4433mm and 1843mm respectively. Despite this, it boasts a class-leading drag coefficient of 0.26. Inside, it is equipped with a new John Cooper Works steering wheel, sports seats, and a dashboard with a red and black color scheme.

News

Stellantis upgrades electric van line-up

Stellantis is making significant updates to its van line-up in an effort to surpass Ford and become the world leader in the light commercial vehicle market by 2027. The key improvements include enhancing the capabilities of its electric vans and achieving best-in-class range figures in the compact and large van segments.

The small electric van, sold under different brands such as Citroën ë-Berlingo, Fiat E-Doblò, Opel/Vauxhall Combo Electric, and Peugeot e-Partner, now offers a range of 205 miles between charges, which is an increase of 30 miles compared to the previous version. Additionally, each van is equipped with a larger 10-inch infotainment display, level-two autonomous driving capabilities, a 360-degree camera view, and wireless connectivity to fleet management systems.

Stellantis’s medium electric van, available as the Citroën ë-Dispatch, Fiat E-Scudo, Opel/Vauxhall Vivaro Electric, and Peugeot e-Expert, has also seen an improvement in its range. Vans fitted with the 75kWh battery now provide a range of 224 miles, an increase of 28 miles. Similar interior upgrades have been made in the medium-sized vans as well.

The large electric van, sold as the Citroën ë-Relay, Fiat E-Ducato, Opel/Vauxhall Movano Electric, and Peugeot e-Boxer, now features a larger 110kWh battery, delivering an extended range of 261 miles. Notably, the charging speed has also been significantly enhanced, allowing for recharge rates of up to 150kW, compared to the previous limit of 50kW. These vans share the same interior improvements found in the smaller and medium-sized models.

Despite the upgrades, Stellantis claims that the vans’ capabilities, such as carrying capacities, remain uncompromised. The company aims to provide fleet operators with cost-effective charging and maintenance solutions, as well as on-board coaching for economical driving.

Opinion

Matt Prior: Is your old Ford Fiesta suddenly worth a fortune?

When products like salad cream and Subbuteo were facing the end of their production, renewed customer interest saved them. Their decline in popularity was attributed to the increasing popularity of mayonnaise and video games.

However, when their makers announced their discontinuation, nostalgia sparked renewed interest and saved them. Today, we can still enjoy tangy lettuce and play with tabletop figurines.

Interestingly, both products were actually saved in 2000. It’s easy to think that it was more recent, as we often mix up memories from several decades ago.

Now, the beloved Ford Fiesta, one of Britain’s favorite small cars, has ceased production. While it’s not clear if there was a sudden increase in demand for the new model, it’s likely that the model’s profitability was affected by safety and emissions regulations.

Despite this, the discontinuation of the Ford Fiesta has led to a surge in interest in older models. Car & Classic, a classifieds website, reported a 70% increase in searches for Fiestas during the weekend when production ended.

This raises the question of whether the value of old Fiestas has also increased. While it’s unlikely that many people are buying Fiestas as an investment, it’s reasonable to assume that prices would rise when demand goes up.

News

Suzuki GSX-S1000GT And GSX-R1000 Return For 2024 With New Colorways

Suzuki Cycles has officially announced the return of the GSX-S1000GT and GSX-R1000 models for the 2024 model-year. The GSX-S1000GT is now available in a new candy red colorway, adding to its existing Glass Sparkle Black option. The GSX-R1000 also received a refresh with new color options. Let’s take a closer look.

Starting with the Suzuki GSX-S1000GT, the sport-touring machine retains all of its comfort-focused features for 2024. It now comes in a new Candy Daring Red paint scheme, along with the existing Glass Sparkle Black color option. This allows customers to choose between a bold and vibrant look or a more understated one that complements the bike’s unique styling. 

Aside from the new color, the GSX-S1000GT remains unchanged. It features a 999cc liquid-cooled fuel-injected inline-four cylinder engine, producing 150 horsepower and 79.6 pound-feet of torque. Advanced electronics like traction control, cornering ABS, and an up-and-down quickshifter are included. The bike also boasts a large 6.5-inch TFT display with mySPIN connectivity for access to maps, music, and communication. 

The 2024 Suzuki GSX-S1000GT starts at $13,449 USD, while the more premium GSX-S1000GT+ is priced at $14,199 USD. For more details and to schedule a test drive, contact your local Suzuki dealer. 

The Suzuki GSX-R1000 also makes a return for the 2024 model-year. While it remains largely unchanged from previous iterations, it continues to be a prominent liter-class supersport option in Suzuki’s lineup. Powered by a 999.8cc liquid-cooled fuel-injected inline-four cylinder engine, it delivers a maximum output of 199 horsepower and 86.7 pound-feet of torque. 

The Suzuki GSX-R1000 is equipped with race-derived technology, including traction control, launch control, and an up and down quickshifter. It features Showa BFF and BFRC-Lite suspension components, along with Brembo brakes for precise stopping power. 

For the 2024 model-year, the Suzuki GSX-R1000 is available in a new Glass Matte Mechanical Gray colorway. It also comes in Metallic Matte Black No. 2 and Glass Sparkle Black with blue graphics on the fairings and wheels. The more premium GSX-R1000R features a race-inspired Pearl Brilliant White and Metallic Triton Blue paint scheme. The standard GSX-R1000 is priced at $16,349 USD, while the GSX-R1000R starts at $18,499 USD.