EuropeanCarBlog

To be honest, it reminded me of root beer! Now, that’s not because I want to portray Volvo as a velvet fist in iron gloves, but simply because to give an estimate of the excitement (imagine a child and the factor that compels him to choose root beer over coke; there you are!) that the Volvo XC70 delivers.

As a die-hard SUV fanatic, I had faced a lot of criticism from my family; while my elder son is a chip of the old block, his mom and sister are ardent worshippers of everything – in their words – cute and cozy and cuddly and pink. Both grumbled all these years looking forward to a family car but we both are men with an outlook like – ain’t a car if not a SUV; well, we didn’t compromise - until we saw the strong and shapely and AWD Volvo XC70.  No, it’s not a SUV – you got it right – but the next best thing to one!

The Volvo XC70 underwent a lot of changes in these eleven years but kept its strong point intact i.e. it’s still the even blend between a station wagon and a SUV. The cladding is rugged; the ground clearance has been slightly elevated – perhaps, it’s the new, refined definition for the crossover market? However, if I have to give an honest opinion, the second-generation Volvo XC70 didn’t require the contemporary, new dashboard to match the plush, supportive seating; with the entire wafer-thin lower panel, it appears more gimmicky and ultra-modern than its real capabilities. The world is itself a complex one; we don’t need another round of complexity while out on a drive! But then again, it was much pleasing to find that Volvo worked hard to keep complexities on the outer side at bay; the tail lamps, no more confined to the body, now have lenses bigger than before. Translated, that’s an added safety measure.

The 208-hp inline-five-cylinder powerhouse is now a straight 27 hp greater and smoother engine that measures a whole 3.2-liter in a V-6 configuration. To match with it, there’s a six-speed automatic transmission counter-balanced by an all-weather-traction system. Another additional feature is the hill-descent control; it brings the vehicle automatically to a safe speed when driving on steep grades. And my, my, I shall require plenty of that, for with a ground clearance of 8.3 inches, I have no doubts that I shall be heading the hills all the more. And that’s for $36,420; I think I’m quite happy to pay that price for something that’s a V-6 with a six-speed automatic transmission and a revamped all-wheel-drive system.

Mercedes Benz had been looking of late at the U.S. auto market, considering it to be a fair game, a place where it can sell luxury automobiles as well as the low budget ones. Estimated around $25,000, the new ‘budget Benz’ B-Class; based on the A-Class series is proposed to roll out in the U.S. market from 2008. This car will come loaded with electronic stability program with all the standard features, as other cars in its segment. Though this will be about the size of a rabbit, I found it to be well equipped with all the standard gadgets and trims, as preferred by most Mercedes owners.

As compared to the A-Class, I find the new Benz to be 43cms longer with a height of 5.2 ft, throwing a sporting aerodynamic look. The boot looks quite spacious measuring 544 liters, and the cabin is said to accommodate 5 people theoretically. However, the rear bench is seen to give room to only 2 passengers comfortably, and not three with the two singe seats separated by the armrest. However, I always search for adequate room, as I believe a lot of room takes away the driving pleasure, and the new B-Class is one of my types. Though the windscreen is much smaller I find it to give a decent flexible broad view of the road ahead. The dashboard as well as the sides is a bit smaller than its competitors. The sunroof is panoramic. The option of placing your cell phone at a holder is simply amazing. Just recline back and avail it’s hands-free advantage.

Mercedes offers DVD navigation and an Autotronic CVT gearbox to the new B-Class. This gearbox allows the engine to deliver the maximum power in a smaller time interval without any disturbance. The engine is derived from the A-Class. Though only the 115-193hp-petrol engine or the 109-140hp diesel engines will be available at the launch, I am looking to wait for some time for the 160CDI version.  The 150 (95 hp) and 160 CDI (82 hp) engines will be available a little later. The B-200 Turbocharged model is loaded with a 2.0L turbocharged engine producing 280Nm of torque at 1,800 rpm. Therefore, the new “budget Benz” reaches 100kph i.e. 62mph in only 7.6 seconds from stand still.

It is safety where Mercedes always stands out. The intelligent sandwich concept of the B-Class with the engine and transmission arranged under the bonnet and the passenger compartment; makes the passengers totally secure from the front. The power train is set to divert downwards to the pedal floor panel, and not towards the passengers compartment, in case of a serious front impact. Besides, the higher sitting position in the new B-Class is an added advantage in case of sidelong impacts.
The “2 stage adaptive” airbags are set at the front, the top and thorax positions, and that I believe it to form the most important while enjoying the engine’s overall performance.

If you are a SUV enthusiast, then a longitudinal engine mounting is less likely to grab your attention; more so, when the chassis and the drive-train architectures are based on an automobile’s previous generation models. But then again, we are talking about Audi and that should be enough to make you throw away your bunny slippers and put on your steel-toes. The Audi concept (either ways), by itself, is that influential and I, a part of the crowd at the Los Angeles Auto Show, couldn’t think otherwise after seeing the Audi Cross Cabriolet Quattro Concept.

Now, while the handsome ladies and the beautiful gentlemen were going head-over-heels on the Audi’s open-top feature, a few others and I (plain-looks folks) started peeping under the hood and started planning how to spend the night under the Cabriolet Quattro. The Audi representative got the whiff somehow and with great pleasure, started explaining this two-door, four-seat 4.62 meters baby from the point where others left. What follows is a summary of all the nonsense we asked and the explanations that he delivered with great patience.

“Think this car to combine the genes of all the typical, dynamic soft-top Audi convertibles with that of the most prominent SUV-s of today. It’s muscular; it’s powerful, but it also comprises the Audi elegance to make you feel comfortable in every aspect of life, irrespective of whether you are going out for the weekend night with your friends or driving to some distant place with a Just Married poster attached to the back.”  “All right” – I interrupted – “Let’s hear about the tech stuff.” And he gave me back a frown.

“Sir, this one has a 240 bhp, longitudinally mounted six-cylinder, 3.0L TDI engine” – came the stark reply – “And we guarantee an ultra-low emission level of the EU 6 standard.” I figured out that part – something this provocative must have that as the minimum criteria - if I get to find myself a place behind the steering wheel, God knows who shall wear out whom. “But anyway, I have to install something that cuts the emissions out furthermore” – I thought – “I hate getting the tickets.”  Only if I knew what awaits.

“Now, Sir, the new Audi comprises a permanent four-wheel-drive system” and I immediately remembered the Just Married part. “Shall extra wide tires increase the traction for an extra safety?” – That was my immediate question and I was so pleased that everyone took a note of that (one of the mesmerized complimented me later).  “The chassis has been built by incorporating a new technology using an electric ride-height adjustment. If you prefer the off-roads, then this is your passport to every terrain and curve-radius that’s imaginable.”

I tried to recall if I’ve heard about this engine before. “Seems to be a new one” – I thought before asking for the torque. “Only 500 Nm” – came the prompt reply “but it shall take you at least a hundred kilometers on 7 liters of diesel. This is where our current emissions reduction system comes into play” – he continued as if he was nosing-out – “along with the tip-tronic transmission and a common-rail direct fuel injection system.” Ok, that’s why the torque, and he considers it only. But then again, he was reading our minds; 0 to 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds can still be a lot better, especially with an eight-speed automatic transmission system.

But what came a surprise to us all is the mention of the technical breakthrough - the exhaust aftertreatment system. That means there will be less nitrogen compounds leaving the engine. “Do you still guarantee an uncompromising sports characteristics?” I never heard a more challenging but positive reply so far.

If you are thinking I’m just trying to pack-in some sleazy punch line, beware; you are going to have your own words as breakfast by mid next year. That explains one thing – the BMW X6 SAC shall show up sometimes around late May or early June; I think you are clear on the Gemini part now. Is it? Wait, the story has just begun.

The BMW X6 SAC shall have two different faces (read hearts i.e. engines) – while the first choice for an absolute sword-in-the-wind person shall be the twin-turbo, direct-injection 4.4L V8 delivering 400 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque (between 1,800 and 4,500 rpm), for the timid and the focused, it shall be a less powerful twin-turbo 3.0L inline six with 300 hp with 300 lb-ft of torque. Got your salt and the pepper ready? Good. And now the third one – it might be possible to see a diesel version as well. However, this Gemini shall have something in common, which is to say, the features. BMW does not discriminate much between the powerful and the weakling; therefore, the Dynamic Performance Control feature (for a smoother and more efficient torque transfer between the front and rear axles) shall be available in both.

A suitable successor to the impressive BMW X5, the X6 is sharp on the handling. That’s because, this time, it’s an enhanced version of the xDrive 4WD technology that is giving the BMW X6 a better stability, with road-agility and a precise steering filling in the rest. The Dynamic Performance Control (mentioned above) distributes the drive-forces between the rear wheels, thus multiplying torque on individual rear wheels, thanks to the re-designed computer control and the rear differential. The two planetary gears, together with two clutch-packs stay responsible as well. It is vital, since the new, compact V8 turns pretty wild with the Twin Turbo technology and direct fuel injection backing it up. But that intricate an engine requires some serious cooling and BMW has added the large air intakes to take care of that. But what about the components to overlook the bumps?

Enter the X6’s drivetrain and the suspension system; together, they provide the Integrated Chassis Management to fight the abruptness of sudden changes in driving conditions to deliver the optimum dynamics. An outstanding agility, to be precise; enhanced further by a double track-control arm configuration of the front axle to bring the double-joint, dynamic, lateral acceleration principle into play. The rear one is a BMW-patented Integral IV axle, designed to harmonize a superior variety of comfort and dynamics through the wheel mounts; the rear axle sub-frame and the four track-arms that also reduce noise and enhances the ride-comfort.

But then again, unless those 19-inch light-alloy wheels were there, the entire technology wouldn’t have served as much. The run-flat safety tires are a standard equipment though the Tire Pressure Monitoring ensures that the pressure doesn’t go beyond 30 per cent below the permissible level.

So, how do you find the X6? I found it great, not only because of the modest dimensions and weight, but fuel-wise as well. The double-VANOS infinite camshaft management develops an exceptional high-torque when the engine speed is low; together with the High Precision Injection using piezo-injectors, a compression of 2900 psi while complying to the US ULEV II emission standards becomes a child’s play to the premium German carmaker.

Here are a few shots of the BMW X6 Concept from the IAA 2007

Popular Mechanics has taken the electric only version on a test drive and is showing the video on their site as well as details on how the car is built and what the components look like. Here is the Popular Mechanics video of the Aptera.

In turn to offer an affordable car to the U.S. citizens, Volvo restores one of its model in the 2008 Volvo C30. Alike the Mini Cooper, this classic hatchback represents much of the Volvo P1800ES of the early ‘70s, with the legacy of an easy backseats access and foldable long doors to reveal a large cargo space out of the blue. However, the glass finish, a curved front and the rear fenders impart a rather sporty look to the C30 with the flexibility of customizing the car up to any extent an owner may like, including a 9.1 channel, surround sound Dynaudio/Alpine hybrid audio system for the ultimate in audile pleasances.

But things related to the ears don’t stop there; press them on the hood and you shall get skeptical whether the Volvo T5 truly exists there. For a transversely mounted turbo-charged five-cylinder 2.5L 227 hp engine, it is remarkably silent. And even subtle is the 236 ft-lbs of torque, even at 1,500 to 5,000rpm. Equally responsive is the C30’s five-speed automatic transmission, though the standard manual six-speed would have proved a better match. It’s a crime to curtail the power the T5 delivers and the automatic transmission does just that, even when in the manual-selection mode. At the best, it’s plain sluggish.

However, the sport-tuned suspension makes up for that particular flaw. This is the Dynamic Chassis technology and delivers just the right amount of rigidity when bumps are to be handled. That said, any veteran motorist shall understand how the DC minimizes the body rolls at the hard corners, thus eliminating the chances for rollovers at the hairpin bends.

But oh, when it comes to the automobiles, power and money seldom travel the same road and the Volvo C30 is no exception either. It’s a 19mpg within the city and a flat 27mpg on the highways that we received as the best mileage in this car; however, other features like the BLIS lane-change warning system strikes the fine balance in the equation. It’s not a very common thing to see this kind of a security feature available in the less expensive cars; thus, at a tagged price of $25,700 and $22,700, it seems, hatchbacks are again back in style, especially with the young crowd. Thanks go by and large to the racks and the walnut steering wheel; it adds the necessary charm a sports car purist can never deny.