Daily Archives: August 14, 2013
Volkswagen CrossBlue Coupe Hybrid Revealed – Is This The Future Of SUVs?
The Shanghai Auto Show 2013 offered a stunning display of 1300 vehicles with exhibitors hailing from 18 different countries. Everything of significance in the automobile industry was represented here; the demand for affordable luxury cars, fuel efficiency, style and flamboyance and so on. But what stood out in prominence was an apparent fascination for hybrid SUVs. In fact, Volkswagen’s unveiling of its CrossBlue Coupe Hybrid had many eyes staring and several tongues wagging over it.
Volkswagen’s CrossBlue Coupe combines the chic, sports-feel of a coupe with the striking majesty of an SUV. In terms of exterior appearance and interior design, this concept car is a VW classic; German layout, clean spaces, sharp creases, distinctive head and taillights and carefully designed controls. While the external features are suitably impressive, it is the internal mechanics of this model which tends to amaze and overwhelm.
The CrossBlue is empowered with a direct-inject V6 gasoline engine and two electric motors – 40 kW and 85 kW – at the front and back respectively. Together they have the capacity to produce 305kW power (or 409 horsepower) which allows for the vehicle to reach the speed of 62mph in less than 6 seconds. The maximum speed attainable is a whopping 146mph. This means it would outperform other contemporary models such as the Mercedes-Benz ML350 and Porsche Cayenne as well.
Despite the speed and luxury that the Volkswagen CrossBlue concept promises, it is meant to be a green car through and through. It uses plug-in hybrid technology and can thus be driven in 5 modes; “Eco” or classic hybrid mode, “Sport”, “Offroad” or permanent all-wheel drive, “EV” where only the rear motor provides propulsion, and “Charge” where the V6 engine charges the electric battery for subsequent zero-emission driving. Volkswagen claims that this model would offer a combined fuel economy of 78 mpg or 3 liters per 100 km. However, these figures are likely to drop in the real-world driving experience, though VW does quote a more convincing battery-depleted figure of 34 mpg and only-electric figure of 21mpg.
This concept car is based on Volkswagen’s recently developed “Modular Transverse Matrix” or MQB, which assigns uniform positions for transmissions and motors across varied automobile platforms. VW asserts that all the new MQB models are designed such that they can sustain with any kind of engine, be it diesel, gas, natural gas, electric or hybrid. With the CrossBlue having being unveiled at the prestigious Shanghai Auto Show, there has been much speculation in the industry regarding Volkswagen’s vision for future SUVs. Interestingly, Klaus Bischoff, Head of Design for the Volkswagen Brand, stated, “In the CrossBlue Coupé we are showing the potential of our Volkswagen design DNA. This concept vehicle will undoubtedly have an influence on future SUV models”, sparking off much contemplation over the nature of vehicles that the VW is to produce in the future.
While Volkswagen has remained silent over the question of production of this CrossBlue Coupe Hybrid, it goes without saying that the whole industry eagerly awaits this confirmation.
Boxy, Yet Amazing…the New 2014 Ford Flex
With the square and flat, solid face that it carries, Ford Flex 2014 can certainly not just be titled as a family car housing 7 passengers, reminding of the old school station wagons dating back to 1960s and 70s showing off a silken look sleeker than other SUVs. The Flex is a one of its kind innovation. Compared to its competitions in the market namely Chevrolet Tahoe, Honda Pilot etc. focuses over ride quality than off-roading capabilities.
With a seating configuration of 2-3-2 the Flex is aimed pin-pointed at people, until the rear seats are folded and its directions alter to cargo, but not being built upon solid body-on-frame chassis, the Flex is dissimilar to a van. Initially called a Crossover Utility Vehicle by Ford, it has now been decided to be called just a Utility Vehicle rather, the entitlement being unclear. The Flex could be really called a modern version of the old American station wagon clan. It would best be called a crossbreed between a limo and a taxi, not well suited for heavy off-road business. The 2014 Flex received minor tweaks in this year’s model, after last year’s extensive redesign and mechanical upgrade.
The Flex is packed in a box full of stylish confetti with great riding comfort and long journey pleasures. The shape seems to be just apt for an elegant box, simple and sweet, with sharp edges and a rounded front. It utilizes maximum space and provides large interior space while presenting a bold image. The three screen instrumental panel is easy to use and simple while it is a home to the new MyFord Touch System. The rear compartment refrigerator and voice-controlled Sync Communication system have undoubtedly been the favorites of the show. Forgetting its wide body and long wheelbase, the Flex is good enough to respond to your driving requirements. The ride overall is fairly smooth and it quests very well over tight turns, while the quiet interiors add on to the amenity if offers. The Flex boasts a low ground posture, managed nicely because of the large wheels and taut suspension. The electric power steering often arrests the feel, but works well. Despite of its squared appearance, Flex manages to flow through the air at great speeds. An option of contracting color of the roof and a lift gate adorned in brushed aluminum enhance the looks greatly.
The base 3.5L V-6 engine with a power of 287 horsepower, with a fuel economy of 18 mpg in city and 25 mpg on the highway, provides just enough acceleration while a twin-turbo V-6 EcoBoost engine with a power of 365 horsepower adds a thrill to the ride, though compromising on the fuel economy by 2 mpg . An all-wheel-drive system ensures tight grips on snowy and slippery tracks. A 6-speed automatic transmission is available with both engine variants while options of Front-wheel-drive and All-wheel-drive are available for buyers.
The Ford Flex is a clear winner for somebody looking for roomy interiors and soothing long rides but it certainly cannot double as an SUV or a crossover. Although the package is bundled with latest technology and has offers comfortable, smooth and fast rides it fails to please buyers expecting more from its looks.