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Amazing pictures show Renault is readying radical battery model. Called the Twingo ZE, it’s set to charge in at Frankfurt Motor Show.
It’s the all-electric supermini that’s set to change the way we own and drive our cars. This is Renault’s three-seat green machine, the Twingo ZE.
Auto Express’s French sister magazine, Auto Plus, published these amazing scoop images – which reveal a top-secret clay model at the firm’s Paris HQ.
Set for an official debut at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show, the newcomer is aimed at Vauxhall’s imminent Trixx – which we unmasked in Issue 1,062. The Renault goes on sale next year, starting at £13,000.
According to our sources, it will be powered by a simple electric engine and an advanced battery pack. This set-up is similar to that already fitted to the Be Bop ZE concept, but as the Twingo ZE is smaller it should be able to go further.
The estimated range is an ambitious 100 miles on each charge. However, what’s most interesting is that the design is so focused on making the most of the electric powerplant, no conventionally fuelled variant will be offered.
The drivetrain offers 59bhp, which should mean a 0-60mph time of around 10 seconds and a top speed of 80mph. Taking cues from the Be Bop show model, the Twingo ZE will have smooth bodywork surfaces to improve aerodynamics.
Drivers can also expect regenerative braking, while other energy-saving kit is set to include high-performance insulation – this is designed to reduce the demands on the air-conditioning system.
As with other electric models, there will be a charger that works with conventional household plug sockets. This promises to revive the battery incredibly quickly – in around four hours – and means owners should be able to keep their car topped up for commuting using a combination of public and private charging points.
Most radical of all, however, is the way the company plans to keep drivers on the road for longer runs. It’s setting up an innovative ‘Quick Drop’ scheme. Dedicated sites – most likely to be Renault’s network of dealers – will allow owners to exchange flat batteries for a fresh, fully charged set.
At the heart of this is the concept that drivers will merely lease the batteries for the car, rather than own them outright. This will help keep the costs of the Twingo as low as possible – matching Renault’s stated aim that all of its electric cars will cost the same as, or less than, the equivalent petrol models.
Source | Auto Express | Text: Alex Goy | Photos: Auto Plus
Much-loved coupé set to return to road while sporty model to use latest Fiesta platform.
One of the most-loved Ford sports cars in history is making a comeback: it’s the return of the Puma! Hot on the heels of the hugely successful Fiesta, Auto Express can bring you news that a stunning coupé version is in the pipeline.
Reviving memories of the popular Puma, production of which ended in 2001, the new Fiesta Coupé would be a hugely desirable addition to the blue oval’s line-up. It will pack stunning looks, a great drive and low running costs into an affordable package.
The stage is firmly set for the Puma’s return: Honda has confirmed that a replacement for its CR-X sports car will go on sale next year, in the shape of the hybrid CR-Z. Meanwhile, Hyundai has given the green light to the Veloster concept and there are rumours of an upcoming Polo Coupé from Volkswagen.
As our images show, it’s a real head-turner – just like the original. It builds on the well received Fiesta shape that’s the work of Ford’s chief designer, Martin Smith, and his team.
At the front is that car’s stylish large trapezoidal grille and rakish headlamps, but the coupé also gets sporty spotlights and a lower splitter. Towards the rear, though, the new model’s design really takes off with a dramatically sloping tail that looks simply sensational.
Details such as the slash which runs from the front wheelarch to the bootlid, where it blends into a pronounced rear deck, the sporty lower venturi and the classy roof spoiler all fuse together very neatly indeed. Lowered side skirts and smart alloy wheels finish things off.
Inside, expect the cabin to be carried over from the Fiesta, but with sports seats and a chunky wheel. In the back there will be space for two small adults, along with a decent boot. Under the skin, the new Puma will share its chassis with the much-praised Fiesta. The supermini is already the best-handling model in its class, with a mix of steering feel, grip and agility that rivals just can’t match, so the Puma has a great base to build upon.
Engineers will further stiffen the suspension in the search for even greater agility and a hot hatch-style driving experience – after all, the original model was famed for its exciting dynamics and the new car will be no different.
The Fiesta’s wide range of engines will be available, with a 95bhp 1.4-litre petrol unit for the base version along with a 118bhp 1.6. Diesels will also be produced in 1.4 and 1.6-litre TDCi form.
However, given the car’s sporty status, there could be room for a hot flagship with power from Ford’s eagerly anticipated EcoBoost direct-injection turbocharged engines. A new 178bhp 1.6-litre unit will make its debut in the fresh C-MAX and third-generation Focus next year – and it’s this motor that could provide a real dynamite experience.
Boasting nearly 180bhp, the hot Puma would be able to do 0-60mph in around six seconds and accelerate on to a 140mph top speed. Allied to a even sharper chassis with a subtle ST-style bodykit, uprated brakes and figure-hugging Recaro seats, it could be a successor to the revered Racing Puma. This boasted a 155bhp 1.7-litre engine, Sparco competition seats, an uprated chassis and an RS-style bodykit. Produced by specialist coachbuilder Tickford, only 500 were sold in the UK – and each carried an enormous price tag of more than £22,000 when new.
The revived Puma won’t be that expensive, though. Key to its appeal will be its affordability, and the range could start at around £14,000. The new car is some way off yet, as Ford has a raft of launches planned over the next few years. The second-generation C-MAX is due to debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, while the third-generation Focus will be revealed next year.
After that, it’s the turn of a much-needed replacement for the Fusion in the shape of the Vauxhall Meriva-rivalling B-MAX mini-MPV, then a new Capri, Kuga Coupé and Mondeo Coupé. One thing is for sure – the new Puma would slot neatly into that upcoming range.
Source | Auto Express | Text: Paul Bailey
Business partners Marc Matthew and Peter Isted of Lifestyle Europe, have had an incredible year.
Having already won the prestigious title of Best Retail Group, awarded by the motor industry magazine, AM, for the second year running, Lifestyle has gone on to triumph with further award wins both within the automotive industry and the public, for its levels of customer care.
In addition to this year’s AM award, Lifestyle Ford has picked up three Ford Motor Company Chairman’s Awards for customer service, in a scheme voted for directly by Lifestyle’s customers. In judging the awards, Ford’s research teams conducted extensive enquiries into how customers felt about the quality of attention they received when buying a new car or having one serviced.
Marc Matthew, Chairman, and Peter Isted, Managing Director, started the company in May 2001 and their focus on delivering such good customer service has enabled them to expand the company to nine locations throughout Kent, Surrey and Sussex, in a network employing 450 staff. As Marc explains, this trio of Ford awards is yet further recognition of the hard work and dedication to customer care, on behalf of the staff at Lifestyle which, in turn, ensures that the group is able to buck the trend during this difficult period for much of the motor trade:
”The awards from Ford are very special, as they are judged directly and anonymously by our customers. It’s the ultimate test of the service we provide and a tribute to our members of staff who treat every customer as a lifelong one.”
Adding to this year’s accolades, Lifestyle has also been awarded the prize from Car Dealer magazine for running the best interactive customer website at www.lifestyleeurope.co.uk and this commitment to delivering a hassle free buying and servicing experience was further underlined with the award in May of Business of the Year – again, voted for by the public, in this case, newspaper readers in West Sussex where Lifestyle operates Ford and Mazda showrooms.
Lifestyle’s crop of awards also includes a runner-up environmental prize in the same West Sussex awards for a scheme set up by Peter in which a tree is planted for every new car sold, as he explains:
“The Ford range, in particular, has made huge steps in improving fuel efficiency with one model, the Fiesta ECOnetic delivering over 70 miles per gallon. We committed to the tree planting, as it’s a public way of demonstrating a bit of responsibility. Still, delighted as we are to have picked up seven awards this year, we’re happy to only come second on this one – perhaps there was no chance that a car dealer group could win the green prize!”
This is Mazda’s version of a downsized, credit-crunch friendly MX-5, the MX-2.
Our illustration shows what the MX-2 is likely to look like. You can see that the Furai concept will have a strong influence in the design, while a hint of Ferrari California is also present in the headlamps.
Because the MX-2 is smaller than the MX-5 it will come equipped with smaller engines. Small capacity petrol engines ranging from 0.7 to 1.6-litres will get the MX-2 moving, while a range-topping 1.6-litre turbo pushing out an expected 160bhp. Combine that with low weight, and the MX-2 will embarrass more expensive machines with ease.
The Mini Speedster and Nissan Urge may be at design and concept stage now, but they’ll be keeping the dinky Mazda on its toes.
An insider has hinted that the MX-2 will be upon us as soon as 2012, so we can expect to see a concept reflecting the ‘downsized roadster’ very soon.
To find out more about the current Mazda range please visit Lifestyle Mazda
Source Auto Express | Text: Alex Goy | Photos: Automedia
To find out more about the Mazda range or to arrange a test drive, please call Lifestyle Mazda on Crawley 01293 845000 or Horsham 01403 254331 or visit one of our showrooms at Manor Royal, Crawley or Bishopric, Horsham.
Amazing pictures show Renault is readying radical battery model. Called the Twingo ZE, it’s set to charge in at Frankfurt Motor Show.
