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plug-in hybrid drives, TDI, 4MOTION – new Passat can now be ordered with additional drive variants from 41,745 euros

Volkswagen is considerably increasing the vary of drive methods which might be accessible for the brand new Passat: pre-sales of two new plug-in hybrid drives at the moment are beginning. The eHybrid fashions have outputs of 150 kW (204 PS) and 200 kW (272 PS). Electric ranges of as much as 120 km imply they grow to be electrical automobiles in on a regular basis life. Two additional turbodiesel (TDI) variations are additionally being launched: the Passat TDI with 90 kW (122 PS) would be the entry-level model in future. The strongest TDI engine within the Passat will now ship 142 kW (193 PS) and is coupled to the 4MOTION all-wheel drive as normal. The new Passat has already been accessible for configuration with a light hybrid drive (eTSI) and a TDI with 110 kW (150 PS) since autumn final 12 months.

Four strains. The Passat is mostly provided as a Variant in addition to within the gear strains Passat (entry-level model), Business, Elegance and R-Line. The Business model is geared to frequent enterprise drivers, whereas the Elegance and R-Line variations provide the top-of-the-line specification packages. The completely different drive variants are linked to particular gear strains:

Plug-in hybrid drive with 150 kW and 200 kW. The two Passat eHybrid fashions have one of many world’s most fashionable plug-in hybrid drive methods on board. An 85 kW electrical motor is mixed with a 110 kW (150 PS) or 130 kW (177 PS) high-tech turbocharged petrol engine (1.5 TSI evo2). As each Passat eHybrids allow an electrical vary of as much as 120 km, they usually grow to be electrical automobiles in on a regular basis life. This is all of the extra true as their 19.7 kWh battery takes on new power with a charging capability of 11 kW at an AC wall field and as much as 50 kW at DC quick-charging stations. Both eHybrid fashions are additionally supreme long-distance automobiles due to their lengthy mixed ranges. The Passat eHybrid with 150 kW (204 PS) system energy (350 Nm system torque) might be configured at costs from 50,320 euros and within the Passat, Business and Elegance gear strains. The 200 kW (272 PS) model has a system torque of 400 Nm, begins at 62,470 euros and might be ordered along with the Elegance and R-Line specs.

TDI with 90 kW. The new Passat TDI with 90 kW (122 PS) is without doubt one of the most economical property fashions within the mid-sized class. With a most torque of 320 Nm, even the smallest turbodiesel engine within the Passat vary affords superior energy supply. The Passat might be ordered with this drive system at costs from 41,745 euros; the 90 kW TDI is obtainable for the Passat and Business gear strains.

TDI 4MOTION with 142 kW. The Passat is certainly one of Europe’s most profitable enterprise automobiles. The highly effective turbodiesel engines are notably well-liked with frequent drivers. The motive for that is that they provide giant energy reserves with the bottom consumption values. A first-rate instance of that is the Passat TDI 4MOTION with 142 kW (193 PS) and all-wheel drive as normal. Other benefits of the highly effective Passat TDI 4MOTION drive embrace optimum traction on any terrain and a most trailer weight of two,200 kg. The Passat TDI 4MOTION can now be ordered at costs from 57,475 euros; it’s completely reserved for the 2 high variations Elegance and R-Line.

TDI and eTSI with 110 kW. It has already been potential to configure the Passat fashions with 110 kW (150 PS) TDI and eTSI engines since November final 12 months. The Passat eTSI (gentle hybrid) is provided with a 48 V belt-driven starter alternator and might be ordered at costs ranging from 39,995 euros; the eTSI is out there for the Passat and Business gear strains. The 110 kW TDI begins at 48,495 euros and might be configured within the Business, Elegance and R-Line gear strains.

BMW Motorrad Motorsport units course for strategic realignment.

Munich. With a brand new administration construction, BMW Motorrad emphasizes its ambitions to considerably strengthen the model’s dedication to motorsport. As of June 1st Sven Blusch will take over as the brand new head of BMW Motorrad Motorsport. Marc Bongers will totally consider the operational administration of the FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) engagement.

As the brand new head of BMW Motorrad Motorsport Sven Blusch will concentrate on the strategic realignment and improve the stable base for profitable motorsport sooner or later. Due to his earlier duty for race and check group at BMW M Motorsport, he contributes over a decade of motorsport experience to his new position. Since becoming a member of
BMW M Motorsport in 2013 he has celebrated a number of motorsport successes with the groups. Blusch has additionally been extremely profitable in selling younger expertise at BMW, creating Dan Harper, Max Hesse, and Neil Verhagen into BMW M manufacturing facility drivers. His skilled profession additionally consists of positions as a race engineer and information engineer, underlining his complete understanding of racing dynamics.

From June 1st  Marc Bongers will concentrate on the WorldSBK and lead BMW Motorrad Motorsports manufacturing facility engagements to additional successes. He has constructed the bottom for at the moment’s factory-supported groups within the WorldSBK and FIM Endurance World Championship (EWC), top-notch racers have been delivered to BMW Motorrad Motorsport, and the BMW Motorrad Motorsport challenge was set on monitor to success.

The organizational modifications underline BMW Motorrad’s dedication to a long-term and success-oriented motorsport technique. The objective is evident: to proceed dwelling the racing spirit, to strengthen the model on and beside the racetrack and to share the eagerness for bike racing with followers and companions worldwide.

Can You Use Diesel Engine Oil In Old Gasoline Powered Cars?

Diesel engine oils comprise considerably extra zinc dialkyldithiophosphate (ZDDP) than primary passenger motor oil. ZDDP is a robust anti-wear and anti-oxidant answer added to motor oil to make sure optimum efficiency. However, the completely different speeds between diesel and gasoline-powered engines activate ZDDP at completely different charges, requiring very particular ranges of ZDDP within the oil.

Additionally, diesel oil and gas-powered oil include various quantities of anti-foam components. The movement of elements within the drivetrain and powertrain results in a buildup of froth that may have dangerous ramifications for the engine. To fight this, anti-foam components are blended into the oil, and the variety of components in every form of oil is completely different. Oil designed for a excessive rpm engine can have twice as many anti-foam components in it than a diesel method.

Lastly, diesel oil comprises considerably extra detergent than gasoline engine oil. Detergent components in oil not solely assist hold steel elements clear, but in addition neutralize acids. The quantity of detergent in diesel oil will take away factory-applied coatings on the inner elements, resulting in extra oil within the exhaust. This will in the end harm the catalytic converter, that factor that California is trying to stop people from stealing. Do not put diesel engine oil into your gasoline-powered engine when you worth your automobile and don’t need an costly restore invoice.

Around 4.87 million autos worldwide: Volkswagen model will increase deliveries in 2023

The Volkswagen model considerably elevated its deliveries final yr, with: round 4.87 million autos handed over to clients worldwide. The figures exceeded the earlier yr’s numbers in all areas. In whole, the rise in deliveries was 6.7 per cent. Demand for electrical mobility additionally grew: Volkswagen handed over about 394,000 absolutely electrical autos to clients worldwide in 2023, which corresponds to a rise of 21.1 per cent in comparison with the earlier yr.

Imelda Labbé, Volkswagen Board Member for Sales, Marketing and After Sales: “The delivery figures show that we are on the right track as a brand and that our cars are well received by our customers. We expect the market environment to remain challenging in 2024. But with our revised and attractive product portfolio, we are in the right position.”

All-electric ID. fashions in excessive demand worldwide

Volkswagen was capable of improve gross sales of its absolutely electrical autos by 21.1 per cent to about 394,000 models in 2023. The largest markets for all-electric vehicles for the Volkswagen model – in absolute figures – have been China, Germany, the US, the UK, Sweden, France, Norway and Belgium.

In Germany, for instance, about 30,000 ID.4 fashions have been delivered (+ 62.9 per cent). Volkswagen’s first absolutely electrical ‘world car’ was additionally effectively acquired within the US: about 38,000 examples of the ID.4 have been delivered to clients right here, which corresponds to a rise of 84.2 per cent in comparison with 2022. The ID.3 all-electric compact automotive was notably fashionable in China: greater than 75,000 have been delivered in 2023 there – a over 200 per cent improve in comparison with the earlier yr.

T-Roc as soon as once more best-selling Volkswagen SUV in Europe

The SUV development additionally continued in 2023: the share of SUVs in whole Volkswagen deliveries stays very excessive at 54.2 per cent (+ 14.9 per cent in comparison with 2022). In the US, greater than 81 per cent of Volkswagen vehicles offered have been SUVs. In Europe, the T-Roc stays Volkswagen’s best-selling SUV: the mannequin set a brand new supply document in Germany, the UK, Spain and Turkey.

Forty-eight years and 20 million models after its debut, the Polo stays one of the vital profitable vehicles in its class: in Brazil, greater than 110,000 of them have been handed over to clients, which is a brand new document. In Germany, the variety of Polo deliveries was about 33,500 – 44.1 per cent larger than within the earlier yr.

Volkswagen begins the brand new yr with quite a few newly launched bestsellers

Volkswagen is anticipating dynamic development in demand as a result of new editions of a few of its most essential bestsellers: deliveries of the brand new generations of the Passat and Tiguan in addition to the visually and technically enhanced T-Cross will start within the first quarter of 2024. The ID.4 and ID.5 additionally lately acquired a serious replace with a very new working idea and new drive system. The new ID.7 Tourer, the property model of the all-electric high mannequin ID.7, may also launch this yr. To meet the excessive demand for SUVs, Volkswagen is planning to supply a completely electrical SUV within the high-volume A-segment from 2026.

Another spotlight for 2024 shall be that, 50 years after the primary Golf, Volkswagen is presenting the subsequent evolution of its eighth technology, which presents spectacular visible refinements, new help methods and drive methods in addition to next-generation infotainment and software program. Pre-sales are scheduled to begin in spring 2024.

Lap dancers: Ford Focus ST Track Pack vs Toyota GR86

Then, most importantly, it additionally will get KW Automotive coilovers, which cut back the experience peak by 10mm (and supply a drop in centre of gravity) and have adjustable damping settings – 12 levels in compression and 16 levels in rebound – that are accessible when you stick the automobile on a ramp and/or take away some trim.

With some shiny black plastics the place extra bizarre ones would usually be, the Track Pack is full at £40,650, which is nearly £5000 greater than it was two years in the past, once we famous how costly, at across the mid-£30,000s, the ST had turn into.

For which you’ll blame a lot of issues: inflationary pressures, a scarcity of semiconductors, company common gas consumption limits restraining gross sales volumes, and low cost rates of interest and powerful residuals that means none of that mattered a lot to the month-to-month compensation.

Besides, it’s not prefer it’s as dangerous because the £50,000- plus of the newest Honda Civic Type R, which lets Ford nonetheless declare that it’s the blue-oval, blue-collar, inexpensive efficiency automobile for the working geezer form of automobile firm.

Toyota GR86 - front

But relating to actually restricted provide, welcome to the world of the Toyota GR86 coupé, a automobile that should be magnitudes cheaper than the Ford.

But isn’t essentially. It was £29,995 for the handbook model and £32,085 for the automated when, on 14 April 2022, Toyota introduced costs and specs then, about an hour and a half later, discovered that the complete two-year allocation was spoken for.

Most compact Volkswagen SUV is better than ever: the new T-Cross is now available to order

Volkswagen is now opening pre-sales of the visually and technically enhanced T-Cross. The distinctive exterior design of the SUV has been sharpened, and the standard LED headlights and LED tail light clusters are also new. In addition, the vehicle interior features a new dash panel with higher-quality surfaces and a new infotainment system generation. At the same time, Volkswagen has extended the standard equipment of the T-Cross, of which around 1.2 million units have been sold in just three years. The most compact Volkswagen SUV is again characterised by a particularly attractive price/performance ratio. Prices in Germany for the T-Cross start at 23,250 euros. Delivery is planned to start in the first quarter of 2024.

The new T-Cross will be offered with three efficient turbocharged petrol engines (TSI). They deliver 70 kW (95 PS), 85 kW (115 PS) and 110 kW (150 PS) respectively. There is a choice of four equipment lines: T-Cross, Life and the two top-of-the-range versions Style (elegant) and R-Line (sporty). The three colours Grape Yellow, Clear Blue Metallic and Kings Red Metallic are new.

Versatile and spacious for family and leisure. The interior of the T-Cross impresses with its proven operating concept, well-arranged space for up to five people, a rear bench seat that can be moved by 140 mm and an extremely flexible luggage compartment. When all the seats are occupied, the T-Cross offers a luggage compartment capacity of between 385 and up to 455 litres when loaded up to the height of the rear bench seat. When the rear bench seat is folded down (60:40 split), this creates a flat load area with a stowage volume of up to 1,281 litres (loaded up to the height of the front seat backrests). In addition, the front passenger seat backrest can be folded down as standard (from the Life specification and above / only for left-hand drive vehicles). The continuous load area from the rear to the front is then 2,398 mm long and can stow everything from a surfboard to a medium-size ladder.

Increased drawbar load for greater freedom when transporting e-bikes. Volkswagen has significantly increased the drawbar load of the T-Cross from 55 to 75 kg. This additional 20 kg increases the maximum load that can act vertically on the removable ball coupling (optional). The new T-Cross therefore offers greater scope towing a heavy trailer. At the same time, the maximum permitted weight of bicycles that can be transported on a carrier mounted on the ball coupling is also increased – something that is particularly important for transporting e-bikes.

Travel Assist offers significantly improved comfort

The new T-Cross is optionally equipped with Travel Assist for greater longitudinal and lateral vehicle control. Depending on the traffic ahead and the permitted speed, the T-Cross can control the vehicle’s speed with automatic acceleration and braking. Within the system limits, Travel Assist can also include speed limits, bends and roundabouts in its control interventions. At the same time, Lane Assist can help to keep the vehicle in its lane. The new T-Cross can automatically perform stop-and-go operations when fitted with the DSG.

The T-Cross equipment variants: The significantly enhanced T-Cross base version already includes new features such as LED headlights (instead of halogen), LED tail light clusters, Dynamic Road Sign Display, a Digital Cockpit measuring 20,3 cm (8.0 inches) across the diagonal, a now floating infotainment system display (also with 20.3 cm diagonal), USB-C interfaces and Park Assist at front and rear. The base model of the product line is powered by the 70 kW TSI engine.

The Life version is positioned above this. Here, the new additional equipment details include the 16-inch Nottingham alloy wheels, logo projectors in the exterior mirror housings and smartphone app integration via Mirror Link. The drive power for the T-Cross Life is also provided by the 70 kW TSI engine as standard. The base price for this version in Germany is 25,150 euros.

The top versions Style and R-Line now come as standard with new technologies in the form of the IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights (R-Line: standard only in Germany) with cornering and all-weather light functions, offered for the first time in the T-Cross. The new light functions also include welcome and goodbye light animations. Additionally, both top models include as standard new 17-inch alloy wheels in specific designs (“Manila” for Style, “Valencia” for R-Line), exterior background lighting, as well as LED tail light clusters with dynamic turn signal and brake light functions. The new T-Cross Style exudes stylish elegance, while the T-Cross R-Line underlines its sporty character with its R-design bumpers.

The extended infotainment equipment of the two top models include a touch display with a diagonal of 23.4 cm (9.2 inches), the 25.4 cm Digital Cockpit Pro (10 inches), App-Connect for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (Wireless & Wired) and a mobile phone interface.

Both versions are powered as standard by the 85 kW TSI engine (with seven-speed DSG). The T-Cross Style is available in Germany from 29,465 euros, the T-Cross R-Line from 30,740 euros. The Life, Style and R-Line versions can be optionally ordered with the powerful 110 kW TSI Evo2 engine, which is delivered as standard in combination with a seven-speed DSG.

10 Things The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Minivan Does Better Than An SUV

Hybrid minivans have significantly transformed the landscape of family transportation in the United States. These vehicles seamlessly merge the inherent spaciousness and practicality of traditional minivans with the fuel efficiency and environmentally conscious features of hybrid technology. Among the notable contenders in this category stands the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivan, a vehicle characterized by its sleek esthetics, accommodating seating capacity for up to seven occupants, and impressive travel range.

The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid has garnered widespread acclaim and interest from families nationwide. Whether embarking on extensive road trips or conducting daily errands within city limits, this vehicle consistently delivers a seamless, efficient, and gratifying driving experience. In doing so, it caters to the evolving expectations and preferences of modern families, setting the standard for the future of family transportation. Here’s how the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid could be even better than an SUV.

Note: Specifications, data, and information related to the cars on the list have been sourced from the Chrysler, NHTSA, IIHS, fueleconomy.gov, and Car and Driver.

Related: 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid: Everything We Know

1 More Bang For Your Buck

2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Minivan infotainment system
Chrysler

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivan offers more value for your money compared to typical American SUVs in its price range. Starting at $51,095 for the Touring L base model, it provides superior performance, efficiency, spaciousness, and advanced technology. Upgrading to the Limited trim at $55,840 and the top-tier Pinnacle trim at $60,990 further solidifies its position as a superior choice.

2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Minivan Trim Pricing

Model

Price

Chrysler Pacifica Touring L

$51,095

Chrysler Pacifica Limited

$55,840

Chrysler Pacifica Pinnacle

$60,990

(Figures sourced from Chrysler)

The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivan offers a top-performing hybrid powertrain, a range of 520 miles, top Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) features, a 10.1-inch infotainment system, and more, all at a comparable or lower cost than luxury hybrid SUVs offered by other manufacturers. Luxury hybrid SUVs, such as the Lexus NX 450h+ with a range of 550 miles, have a minimum starting price of $62,765. The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivan represents excellent value for its cost and provides a compelling alternative to SUVs in the same price range.

2 Twice The Cargo Capacity

2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Minivan interior space
Chrysler

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid can accommodate up to seven passengers in its three rows of seats. The second row has two captain’s chairs that can be removed to create more space, and the third row has a 60/40 split-folding bench seat that can be folded into the floor. The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica hybrid minivan comes with all the amenities of a luxury SUV but with more space.

2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Minivan Interior Dimension Comparison

Model

Seating Capacity

Cargo Capacity (with all seats in place)

Front Leg Room

Front Hip Room

Rear Leg Room

Rear Hip Room

2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Minivan

7 Passengers

32.3 cubic-feet

41.1 inches

59.0 inches

39.0 inches

64.8 inches

Acura MDX Hybrid

6 passengers

15 cubic-feet

41.4 inches

57.5 inches

35.6 inches

57.8 inches

Volvo XC90 Recharge

7 passengers

15.8 cubic-feet

40.9 inches

56.0 inches

37.0 inches

56.5 inches

(Specs sourced from Chrysler)

The Pacifica Hybrid minivan offers more cargo capacity compared to hybrid SUVs like the Acura MDX Hybrid and Volvo XC90 Recharge. With 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 87.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and 140.5 cubic feet behind the first row, the Pacifica Hybrid provides twice the cargo capacity of many hybrid SUVs. This makes it a more practical choice for families who need to carry large amounts of cargo.

Related: Why You Should Pick The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Over Any SUV

3 An All-Electric Range As Extensive As Top Hybrid SUVs

2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Minivan front
Chrysler

The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivan achieves an impressive all-electric range of 32 miles, thanks to its 16 kWh 360 Volt lithium-ion battery pack. This extensive electric range allows for shorter trips to be completed solely on electricity, reducing the need for gasoline consumption. When the battery charge diminishes, the vehicle seamlessly transitions to its gasoline engine, resulting in a total driving range of up to 520 miles. This places the Pacifica Hybrid minivan alongside hybrid SUVs with the longest electric ranges. It is a remarkable feat for a vehicle as long, spacious, and heavy as the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica minivan.

Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Minivan All-Electric Range Comparison With Longest Range Hybrid SUVs

Model

All-Electric Range

Battery

Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Minivan

32 Miles

16 kWh

Dodge Hornet R/T

30 Miles

15.5 kWh

Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid

31 Miles

13.8 kWh

Kia Sorento PHEV

32 Miles

14 kWh

(Specs sourced from respective automakers)

The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivan’s all-electric range competes with some of the longest range hybrid SUVs available, such as the Dodge Hornet R/T, Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid, and Kia Sorento PHEV. This impressive electric range allows for eco-friendly driving and reduces the overall environmental impact of the vehicle.

4 Most Awarded Minivan Six Years In A Row

2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Minivan parked infront of a cabin
Chrysler

The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivan has been recognized and awarded by industry experts for its outstanding features and performance. It has been named the most awarded minivan for six consecutive years. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has awarded the Pacifica Hybrid minivan an overall safety rating of 5 stars, further highlighting its commitment to safety. This vehicle is highly regarded in the industry and has received over 170 accolades, making it one of the most decorated hybrid minivans in the U.S.

Related: 15 Reasons Why The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Is Criminally Underrated

5 Much More Efficient Than Most Hybrid SUVs

A pair of parked 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
Chrysler

The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivan achieves an impressive fuel economy, with a combined efficiency of 30 mpg. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Pacifica Hybrid offers an electric range of up to 32 miles and boasts an 82 MPGe combined rating. Compared to other hybrid SUVs, the Pacifica Hybrid performs exceptionally well. For instance, the 2023 Volvo XC60 T8 AWD Recharge has a combined MPGe of 63 and a combined MPG of 28, while the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has a combined MPGe of 74 and a combined MPG of 26. The Pacifica Hybrid’s advanced hybrid powertrain reduces fuel consumption and emissions, making it a more efficient choice for eco-conscious families.

2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Efficiency Figures vs. SUVs

Model

Combined MPGe

Combined MPG

2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

82 MPGe

30 MPG

2023 Volvo XC60 T8 AWD Recharge

63 MPGe

28 MPG

2022 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

74 MPGe

26 MPG

2022 Audi Q5 TFSI E Quattro

61 MPGe

26 MPG

(Specs sourced from EPA)

The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivan outperforms many hybrid SUVs in terms of fuel efficiency. Its advanced hybrid powertrain, electric range, and efficient design contribute to its impressive efficiency ratings.

6 A Smooth And Responsive Drive

2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Minivan parked sideshot
Chrysler

The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivan offers a smooth and responsive driving experience that distinguishes it from SUVs. Thanks to its electric drive, it provides quick throttle response and smooth and powerful acceleration, comparable to that of top-ranked hybrid SUVs. Additionally, its smooth suspension and weighted steering system enable easy maneuverability and comfortable driving. The Pacifica Hybrid’s larger weight also allows it to tow up to 3,600 pounds, providing additional versatility for families.

2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Minivan Exterior Dimensions

Gross Vehicle Weight

6,300 pounds

Curb Weight

5,010 pounds

Length

204.3 inches

Width

79.6 inches

Height

69.9 inches

Wheelbase

121.6 inches

(Specs sourced from Chrysler)

The Pacifica Hybrid minivan offers a smooth and responsive drive, thanks to its quick steering response and smooth suspension. Despite its larger size and weight compared to SUVs, the Pacifica Hybrid is easy to maneuver and provides a comfortable driving experience for families.

Related: Top Three-Row Hybrid SUVs

7 Better Equipped With Technology To Keep Your Family Safe

2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Minivan FamCam
Chrysler

The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivan is equipped with advanced technology to enhance safety and convenience for families. It seamlessly integrates with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Wireless Android Auto, allowing easy control of your smartphone through the Uconnect touchscreen or voice commands with Siri. The minivan is also equipped with a FamCAM that allows you to monitor your children with automatic day and night modes and a split-view screen, even when they are seated in rear-facing child seats. Additionally, the rear dual-screen entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV built-in ensures that your family remains entertained throughout the journey. These advanced technologies make the Pacifica Hybrid minivan an exceptional choice for families and elevate its safety features beyond those found in most SUVs.

8 A Design Remarkable Enough To Compete With The Muscular Silhouette Of An SUV

2024 Lexus IS: Design Upgrades and Higher Price

The 2024 Lexus IS has reached its tenth year on the US market in its current form. While it boasts a significantly sleeker appearance compared to its 2014 iteration, there are no major changes for the upcoming model year. However, there are some visual enhancements and an increase in price across the range.

One of the notable updates is the introduction of the F Sport Design grade for the base IS 300 model. This includes exterior enhancements like 19-inch wheels and special badges. Meanwhile, the IS 300 F Sport variant receives the same visual upgrades along with additional features such as heated and ventilated front seats, aluminum pedals, and a heated steering wheel with F Sport branding. Despite these changes, the powertrain options remain unchanged – the IS 300 is still offered with either a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine in rear-wheel drive configuration or a 3.5-liter V6 engine in all-wheel drive setup.

Hongqi H5: China’s Competitor to BMW 5 Series, Based on Mazda6 Platform

The Chinese automotive industry has come a long way from producing cheap imitations of foreign vehicles to developing its own high-quality products. Hongqi is one such brand that has gained recognition for creating some of the finest Chinese cars. However, collaborations with Asian, European, and North American automakers are still prevalent in many cases.

The featured car, known as the Hongqi H5, can be seen in the gallery below and in the attached video by Wheelsboy. This may be the first time you’ve heard of this brand, but one important fact to note is that it is China’s oldest passenger car manufacturer. Currently owned by the FAW Group, it gets its name from the Chinese words meaning “red flag.” Positioned as a mid-size sedan, the H5 is below the company’s flagship model, the H9.

London’s ULEZ: what you need to know

Some cars that are older than the introduction of emissions standards can still meet the requirements, but they need a certificate of compliance (CoC) from the manufacturer. To prove compliance, you must send a copy of the CoC and your V5 to Transport for London (TfL) to register your vehicle. Owners of certain Lotus Elise S1 models (produced from 1996-2001) have reported success with this method.

Electric cars are compliant because they do not produce tailpipe emissions.

How much does London’s ULEZ cost?

Cars and vans going over a bridge

Driving a non-compliant car within the ULEZ costs £12.50 per day. The charging period runs from midnight to midnight. For example, if you enter the ULEZ at 10pm and leave at 6am, which covers two days within the zone due to the charging period, you will have to pay £25.00.

Recent media reports indicate that TfL has been sending warning letters and waiving fines for unpaid fees since the expansion. TfL’s chief customer and strategy officer, Alex Williams, stated that the letters suggest recipients should switch to a cleaner vehicle or register for automatic payments. The discretion period for fines will last for about four weeks from the 29th August expansion.

The template for these warning letters has previously been available online through freedom of information requests.

What is the ULEZ scrappage scheme?

Blue Mk1 Vauxhall Zafira behind a crane in a scrapyard

All London residents can now apply for a £2000 payment from TfL by scrapping a car that does not comply with ULEZ standards.

To qualify for the scheme, you must live within one of the 32 London boroughs, have been the registered keeper of the vehicle since 30th January 2022 or earlier, and the vehicle must be insured, taxed, and have a valid MOT. You should provide copies of the V5 and a valid insurance certificate as evidence.

If your application is approved, you must scrap the vehicle at one of TfL’s approved treatment centers within a month. The treatment center will provide a certificate of destruction, which you must send a copy of to TfL as proof of scrappage. Do not scrap the car until TfL approves your application and instructs you to do so, as this may prevent you from receiving the payment.