CHINA - BYD launches Qin model, with advanced hybrid and remote control technology

BYD has officially launched its Qin model in China, a new and high tech, performance-based hybrid car intended to target key world markets. European availability of a similar but probably renamed model is planned for early 2015.

The dual mode Qin can accelerate from 0 to 100kph (62 mph) in just 5.9 seconds and has a top speed of 185kph (115 mph) with a claimed overall fuel consumption of up to 1.6 L/100km (177mpg). The Qin can be driven in pure electric mode for up to 70km (44 miles), a distance which BYD research indicates will satisfy most daily travel needs and is believed to be by far the longest achieved by a PHEV (at least twice the range of competitor models). For long distance journeys the car uses its BYD 1.5TID petrol engine thus eliminating any ‘range anxiety’ associated with battery power vehicles.

When the first 100 Qin cars were put on sale on line in China, BYD set a record for new car sales anywhere. All 100 cars were snapped up by eager buyers in just two seconds – thought to be a record in the car industry. About 95,000 people had visited the BYD e-shopping mall, 6,000 actually registered and 23,405 were online when the sale began. An incredible 4,155 of them rushed to purchase the innovative new model from BYD.

The new car utilises the technology pioneered and fully proven in the original BYD F3DM model, of which many tens of thousands have been sold. As a PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) the Qin can be recharged at any normal household socket. When power is low or there is an on-demand need for ultimate acceleration the HEV mode is activated; this can be programmed either automatically or manually. The Qin also generates electric recharging power during deceleration – either by means of engine braking or via the foot brake – typically contributing 2.5 to 3 kWh every 100km (62 miles).

The Qin offers four fully matched driving functions – EV+ECO, EV+SPORT, HEV+ECO and HEV+SPORT modes. These can be selected by the driver, commanding the appropriate blend of economy and performance for any driving condition.

All models in the Qin family feature a 12.1-inch TFT instrument panel, smart key system and BYD’s unique remote driving facility, which allows the car to be manoeuvred remotely at very low speed from the outside of the vehicle where permissible.

Standard safety features include Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), Electric Park Brake, ISO-FIX mounting points for child safety seats, Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), Control Deceleration Parking and 12 air bags.

The Qin family includes advanced internet connectivity encompassing a Cloud-based services system, currently available only in China, which brings together the intelligence technology and interactive experiences into one driver-friendly control unit.

The BYD Qin, spearheading a range of BYD petrol, hybrid and pure electric cars for the consumer market, is expected to be launched in Europe in early 2015. Initial prices in China prior to any EV subsidies range from €23,725 to €26,225 (£19,645 to £21,715).

Honda previews two new models at Tokyo, the Vezel and S660

Honda has unveiled the new Urban SUV production model on the first day of the Tokyo Motor Show. The new model will be named Vezel for the Japanese market. Strengthening its sports car activity, Honda also revealed the S660 Concept mid-engined sports model.

The new Urban SUV will be launched in Europe during 2015, with the name of the European model being confirmed nearer to launch.

The exterior design of the new model is close to a SUV, with coupe-like styling in its upper body. The sharp character lines create an inspiring and emotional exterior design. The interior is designed to create a high-quality space for the driver and front passenger, and comfort and functionality for those in the rear.

In Japan, Honda will launch both a hybrid and petrol model of the Vezel. The hybrid model will be equipped with Sport Hybrid i-DCD* that combines a 1.5 litre direct injection engine with a high-output motor, and the petrol model will be equipped with a 1.5 litre direct injection engine. Adopting new-generation powertrain technologies, the Vezel delivers both a dynamic driving character and excellent fuel economy for both models.

The Japanese model will be launched on 20th December 2013.

Honda also unveiled the S660 Concept which aims to deliver nimble and dynamic driving, outstanding stability and a dynamic design that are only possible with a mid-ship layout.

Speaking at the Honda Press Conference, Takanobu Ito, CEO and President of Honda Motor Co., said, “This model embodies the freewheeling thinking of young Honda engineers, who want to make a cool car that is unique to Honda. Our engineers are devoting their passion and technologies to the development of this model.”

Designed for the Japanese kei-car market, the model is being developed towards mass production in 2015.

All new Nissan Qashqai, prices and spec

• All-new Nissan Qashqai priced from £17,595
• Premium quality interior, materials and specification
• Four trim grades: Visia, Acenta, Acenta Premium and Tekna
• Suite of technologies brings maximum convenience, comfort and driver engagement to the crossover segment
• Outstanding efficiency with CO₂ emissions from only 99g/km-132g/km
• On sale from January 2014

Prices and specifications have been announced for the new Nissan Qashqai – the car that redefines the crossover sector. Combining innovation and exciting technology with intelligent design, the new Qashqai will build on the success of its two-million selling predecessor.

Yet despite setting new standards for technology, comfort and practicality, the Qashqai remains accessible to buyers considering a conventional hatchback or crossover. With prices starting from just £17,595, buyers can benefit from premium quality and some of the most advanced features on the market.

Nissan’s philosophy of bringing premium features to the family car market is tried and tested. The exceptional success of the original model proves that buyers now expect Nissan to deliver sector-first innovations and fresh thinking in every key area.

Four grades – all packed with standard equipment

The new Qashqai, which goes on sale in January 2014, is available in four familiar grades: Visia, Acenta, Acenta Premium and Tekna.

Visia models, priced from £17,595, come with a range of new features including automatic air conditioning, Hill Start Assist, a five-inch colour HD infotainment screen, Chassis Control, TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System) and Speed Limiter/Cruise control all fitted as standard.

Acenta models continue the generous theme with a further list of premium features fitted as standard. Priced from £19,145, these include dual-zone automatic air conditioning, premium leather steering wheel and gear knob, 17-inch alloy wheels and a Luggage Board System. Safety equipment includes front fog lamps, auto headlamps and rain-sensing wipers.

Both the Visia and Acenta models come with the option of a Smart Vision Pack (£450) that adds Nissan’s advanced Safety Shield system among other driver aids. Designed to enhance the safety of occupants, the pack incorporates Front Collision Avoidance, Driver Attention Support and Traffic Sign Recognition.

Acenta Premium models start from £20,995 and feature a raft of comfort and safety technologies. These include new-generation NissanConnect infotainment system with DAB radio. A rear view camera is also fitted as standard, along with i-key Start Push Button, parking sensors and a panoramic glass roof. Safety features include Front Collision Avoidance, High Beam Assist and Lane Departure Warning.

Range-topping Tekna models – which start from £23,145 – feature an array of new-to-sector technologies that further highlight Nissan’s lead in the crossover market. For safety, Tekna models benefit from Bi-LED headlamps, Safety Shield with Traffic Signal Recognition and High Beam Assist. 

Tekna models also excel when it comes to design and technology features. All models are equipped with 19-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, part-leather seats, a large glass roof, heated seats, front and rear parking sensors and Intelligent key with engine start button. The latest-generation NissanConnect system is also standard, including a seven-inch touchscreen display, DAB digital radio, Around View Monitor and smartphone connectivity.

A range of supremely efficient and refined petrol and diesel engines allows the new Qashqai to exceed the expectations of drivers no matter which powertrain is chosen.

The line-up consists of four engines: two petrol and two diesel, with the option of two- or four-wheel-drive. Customers can also choose between manual and all-new Xtronic automatic transmissions.

Petrol

Driving through a six-speed manual transmission, the entry-level 1.2 DIG-T delivers 115PS and generates 190Nm of torque. Despite its modest size, the 1.2-litre engine packs a real punch, offering sharper acceleration and greater flexibility than the outgoing 1.6-litre naturally aspirated engine.

Its lower weight and more fuel-efficient operation also mean it is considerably cleaner and more economical than the model it replaces. The 1.2 DIG-T engine emits 129g/km of CO₂ (15g/km less than the outgoing 1.6-litre petrol unit), and has a fuel consumption figure of 50.4mpg.

Like all engines in the new Qashqai range, the 1.2 DIG-T is equipped with Start/Stop ignition as standard.

Set to join the Qashqai range in Autumn 2014, the most powerful petrol engine will be the 1.6 DIG-T engine with 150PS.

With 240Nm of torque on offer, the 1.6 DIG-T delivers impressive low and mid-range pull, with excellent in-gear flexibility. Yet despite its strong performance, the range-topping petrol option retains impressive efficiency. Fuel consumption is 50.4mpg on the EU combined cycle, while CO₂emissions are 132g/km.

Diesel

The latest evolution of the award-winning 1.5 dCi 110PSdirect injection diesel engine is the cleanest and most fuel-efficient engine ever offered in a Qashqai with CO₂emissions of just 99g/km and an EU combined fuel consumption figure of just 74.3mpg. The sixth-generation 1.5-litre dCi unit is smoother, more efficient and more refined than the outgoing engine. Thanks to a substantial re-engineering programme, the 1.5-litre dCi engine offers greater in-gear flexibility thanks to a 20Nm increase in torque.

Positioned at the top of the Qashqai’s diesel range, the 1.6 dCi 130PSis offered with the option of two- and four-wheel-drive. This unit is one of the most advanced diesel powerplants in its sector, with a number of technical innovations designed to maximise fuel consumption and reduce CO₂ emissions.

In two-wheel-drive manual form, the 1.6 dCi has CO₂ emissions of 115g/km and an EU combined fuel consumption figure of 64.2mpg. The Xtronic automatic version emits 119g/km and returns 61.4mpg, while the four-wheel-drive manual version has figures of 129g/km and 57.6mpg.

New Qashqai – reinventing the crossover

Redesigned from the ground up, the new Qashqai has been created to meet the demands and expectations of next-generation crossover buyers. Using feedback and ideas generated by the two million owners of the first-generation model, Nissan has created a car that perfectly matches form with function.

Every element, from the new cabin that offers more space, higher quality materials, greater practicality, to the new, all-turbocharged engine range that is wider and more efficient than ever, has been rethought, re-engineered and re-imagined.

Designed and engineered in Europe, for Europe, the new Qashqai has been created by Nissan’s experts at Nissan Design Europe (London, UK) and Nissan Technical Centre Europe (Cranfield, UK and Barcelona, Spain), and it will be built in Sunderland, UK. 

Note to editors:

• For the full new Nissan Qashqai story, please visit www.nissan-live.com/newqashqai
• See the development of the new Nissan Qashqai brought to life in the first of three innovative Nissan films. “The New Nissan Qashqai by the people who created it – part one” will be released tomorrow, 14/11/2013 at 10am CET.

Equipment summary

Visia:
ABS + EBD
ESP
4 speakers
Audio w/ CD & USB
Bluetooth
Heated body-coloured mirrors incl. directional indicator
Chrome glass surround
16-inch steel wheel
Hill Start Assist
Cruise Control
Speed Limiter
Remote Central Locking
Thatcham Alarm
5-inch Colour TFT Combimeter
LED Signature Daytime Running Lights
Front, Side, Curtain Airbags
Rear folding bench 60/40
Manual Air Conditioning
Stop Start System (ISS)
Tyre repair kit

Visia Smart Vision Pack (+£450 over Visia trim)
Auto anti-dazzling rear view mirror
Traffic Signal Recognition
High Beam Assist
Lane Departure Warning
Front Collision Avoidance
Front and Rear Parking Sensors

Acenta (additional equipment over Visa):
Dual Auto Air Conditioning
Rain sensing wipers
Auto headlights
6 Speakers
17-inch alloy wheel in Silver
Luggage Board System
Front fog lamps w/ chrome ring
Interior Ambient Lighting
Higher grade seat fabric
Rear armrest w/ cupholder
Leather steering wheel & gear knob

Acenta Smart Vision Pack (+£450 over Acenta):
Auto anti-dazzling rear view mirror
Traffic Signal Recognition
High Beam Assist
Lane Departure Warning
Front Collision Avoidance
Front and Rear Parking Sensors

Acenta Premium (additional equipment over Acenta):
New Nissan Connect (with DAB radio and 7-inch colour screen)
Rear View Camera
Panoramic Glass Roof
Privacy glass
i-key
Start Push Button
Front Collision Avoidance
Auto anti-dazzling rear view mirror
Traffic Signal Recognition
High Beam Assist
Lane Departure Warning
Front and Rear Parking sensors

Tekna (additional equipment over Acenta Premium):
Roof rails
19-inch Alloy wheels
Bi-LED headlamps
Automatic headlamp leveling
Full Leather seats
Power seats & manual lumbar adjustments
Heated Front Seats
ThermaClear Heated Windscreen
Intelligent Parking Assist
Safety Shield including:
•      Around View Monitor
•      Blind Spot Warning
•      Moving Object Detection
•      Driver Support Assist

New Qashqai price range

OTR includes VAT, first registration fee of £55 and first year VED.

TMW - The new MG3, the car that has to succeed

MG 3FORM Sport

The new MG3 is a car in its own class, it is far better than a Dacia Sandero, but not quite the level of a mid to top range Fiesta, the MG3 is a very likable small car and one that those that owned the ZR before will like, the engine is revvy and the gear change quick and short, as well as being quite smooth, I previously stated I was not a fan of the silver sheen seats, so the £400 option for a leather upgrade would be my only option to have.

MG are relying on the younger market with this car and therefore there are a large number of colour schemes, wheel choices and graphic packs, personally I and not a great fan of these graphics but if they bring in much needed cash then so be it.

What is it

Well, this new car from MG is, I suppose a replacement for the very likable and popular MG ZR, which was a rebadge Rover 25, nee Rover 200, The MG3 will have a lot of work to do to be able to say it is as good as the ZR before it, and it has got off to a good start, the "3" is a good looking car, the hockey stick look DRL's at the front really make the car stand out, I even got a few looks when i was out on the road, so, in the looks dept, it is a winner, I know that a lot have spoken about the rear end being ungainly, but as far as I am concerned it is far better than a lot of cars out there.

What's it like inside

Someone has taken a lot of time with the interior, as so much of it gels with each part, similar shaped instrument pods, the shape of the radio, rear view mirror and so on are similar in shape, and this gives the interior a coherent look that will satisfy anyone that chooses to buy this car, even the key fob is like a USB stick, again to give you the emphasis of a young persons car.

The seats in this little car are extremely shiny, but once you sit down and don't have to look at them, you are comfortable if not as supported as other cars, but this car has a charm of its own, it does not want to be a Fiesta, or a Sandero, it is an MG and that's what makes this car stand out, that badge if it were another badge from china then I probably would not have bothered, but MG means a lot in the UK, and that's why they have to get it right first time and not balls it up.

Engine and Gearbox

Like its bigger brother the MG6, the "3" comes only with one petrol engine and one state of tune, neither inspiring, which is such a shame, this car should have a range of engines, from 1 litre 3 pots to a turbo 1.5, which may be coming to the UK sometime in the future, maybe, possibly, but for now we have this engine, it is a new block which begs the question, what went wrong, for general around town driving, this car is ideal, it will handle all you can throw at it.

On the main roads things start to become a little difficult for the car, you do have to use the gears a lot more than in other similarly powered/geared cars and the lack of sixth gear is shameful these days, if the car had that sixth gear it would make motorway cruising slightly better, and getting there easier. I am not saying it is dreadful, quite the opposite, this little 1.5 MG3 cruised nicely at motorway speeds, with quite a bit of wind noise for the over sized mirrors which started to become intrusive at about 48 mph.

With MG co-developing engines with GM there should be a nice new range of modern engines coming on stream but when that will be I cant say, but it wont be too soon, also the five speed box is another negative point, for a new car six gears should be the norm these days, if not more, and the total lack of an auto in any of the UK MG's is also a negative point, by not having the choice of engines and gearboxes, it is sorely limiting the car to those that either don't care, or relish the thought of aching shoulders due to constant gear changing, me, i got the aching shoulders.

Space and Storage

There are a few storage and cubbies in the "3", and the sliding cubby in the top of the dashboard hides a rubber mat with the MG logo embossed, owners of older Rover models will be familiar with this as a number of 200, 400, 600 and 800 models also had rubber mats on the dashboard, also within this cubby is the aux connection for those that want to use iPods, iPhones and the like, the door pockets are not overly large, but big enough to hold a few bits and pieces.

The glove box is also on the smallish size, especially when you take into account that the MG literature pack takes a chunk of the space, but like the "6", there is enough room for some chocolate, sweets and more chocolate, which after all is what most people keep in the glove box, don't they ? or is just me ! Now we come to the boot, this is where the "3" is compromised further, the extremely high lip to the boot makes it very difficult for the less mobile, or elderly to get anything in, but as this car is being aimed at the young, who will no doubt change the boot into a undersized nightclub, with various woofers and tweeters (is that right), so the higher lip will no doubt help rather than hinder them.

Gizmo's and gadgets

• 16" Alloys
• Electric windows
• Hill Hold Control
• Tyre pressure monitor
• Remote central locking
• Steering wheel controls
• Air Con
• Side sills with black inserts

Options

MG seems to have learned from teh shambles of the MG6, and have at least given this car a serious number of options, allegedly over 8000 different versions can be specified, we will never know, as they wont be selling that many cars in the UK, for a while, but as with a lot of brands, the idea of customisation is the name of the game with the MG3,

• Seven wheel choices
• Three wing mirror choices
• Ten Graphics packs
• Ten colour choices
• Leather Upholstery

MG are definitely on the button with this car, and it deserves to do well, I just can't see many young people buying it,  after all, they love the aftermarket add ons, lights, exhaust, wheels, lower suspension and so on, but they should at least consider it, but they have played a blinder with a ridiculously low 4E insurance rating, no other competitor comes close, for the package given, so maybe it will do well, but only if the advertising and online media is up to par, and not just the usual facebook posts, as they are becoming a joke amongst many, for trying far too hard with too little.

Overall

Have they got it right, well, partly, one model one engine Again, is not they way to go, where are the diesels, the autos the ultra fuel efficient engines, or the sporty top of the range car, like the MG6 before it, it struggled on with one engine until the diesel came out, and that's it nothing else, where are the autos in that, nowhere, but I digress, the MG3 is a very punchy car, it likes to be driven it grips extremely well around the corners and roundabouts has some intrusive road noise, but not as much as some cars I have driven, but it struggles badly on the motorway,to clarify, I was on the slip road which joins the A-road, which in its self was not too long, at 40mph I joined the A-road,  I had my foot planted and it huffed and puffed, but once in top gear it eventually got to about 60, it was fine and the increase to 80, oops, i mean 70 was not too bad, however, an overtaking maneuver is definitely something that will need to planned, once at 70 it cruised ok at that speed with lots of wind noise and engine noise intrusion, this is to be expected, after all it is a small hatchback, built to a price, so something had to be left aside, and that was sufficient noise insulation, but, if you want near silent riding, you go buy a Rolls Royce.

Would I own this car myself, ultimately no, it is just a little too harsh for me, I prefer a little more comfort, but that's more to do with age and a worn out body than anything else, if I were younger with no commitments then yes, most definitely, I would have one, and at the prices they are you really would be silly not to consider it, this MG3 at less that £10k for the top of the range, must do well for MG, it can not carry on selling 18 cars a month, the bean counters in China will be calling and wanting things to change, maybe however, they should be told that to sell a car, people have to know about it, and that means advertising, after all not everyone reads auto magazines.

My thanks goes to James at MG Cambridge, whose team treated me with respect and courtesy at all times, and never not once commented in the negative about the brand, their enthusiasm and foresight was a breath of fresh air, this is how all dealerships should be, even my suggestive questions never resulted in anything against MG, this was a great dealership, thank you.

Jon Mower