It is not selling well. The big winner in this class is the MG ZS.

The Kia comes with some or all electrification. The basic hybrid, the plug in hybrid and the all electric model.

The interior of the Kia is neat and modern with a dashboard layout that integrates  well with a 7 inch infotainment screen that is designed into the facia not appearing like it was stuck on after.

TO LISTEN TO THE RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

These good room for this size of vehicle and a rated at a highly credible 3.8l/100km

The road noise is high perhaps aided by the quietness of the hybrid.

The basic mild hybrid is priced at $40,000. Kia is currently offering to add only $2000 for on road costs. A non-hybrid MG costs $22,000 drive away.

Some Other Kia Niro Articles

• KIA Niro PHEV Sport 2021 Review
• KIA Niro Full 2021 Review
• Is the NEW Kia Niro 2021 any good?
• Kia Niro – Mild Hybrid, Plug-In or Full Electric?
• Kia NIRO Australia enters the electrified market

What is good?

• Fuel Economy
• Good room even for second row of passengers
• Neat and functional interior

 What is not so good?

• Price
• Mild Hybrid
• Road Noise

 Also Look At

• MG ZS
• Hyundai Kona
• Subaru XV

• *MLP – Manufacturers List Price includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of any options.

• Motoring Minutes are heard around Australia every day on over 50 radio channels through the Torque Radio network. Motoring Minute has an average daily audience of over 150,000 listeners. That’s over 750,000 listeners a week.
• Motoring Minute is also broadcast as part of Overdrive Radio Program, which is broadcast through the Community Radio Network across Australia and has a weekly audience of over 450,000.

The post Kia Niro Hybrid 2021 Review appeared first on Your Source for EV News & Reviews.

While you let that sink in, it will come as no surprise that power and torque figures are also hard to believe. Up to 581kW, and 1,250Nm makes a mockery of the posh Euro-Barges.

Suffice to say you’re going to need many more shekels to go any faster without leaving the ground. Only hyper-cars are faster, just, but none are anywhere near as comfortable.

Meanwhile, this unassuming Execu-hatch follows in the great traditions of my favourite 1970s masterpiece, the Rover SD1.

The drive is nothing short of spectacular. They’ve only gone and built a hyper-car inside an execu-hatch.

You’d expect the ride to be abominable because of the massive wheels, but not a bit of it. The cabin is serene from start to end, regardless of speed. And, oh what speed!

Once the car senses the key secreted about the driver’s person, it awakens. It is then ready to go, and all the driver has to do is select the direction. With the foot on the brake, the column-mounted gear selector can be pulled down in to Drive. The only sound is the movement of the air through the vents.

There is no handbrake handle. There isn’t even a handbrake button. Putting the Tesla in Park by pressing the button on the end of the gear stalk, will activate the parking system.

Once in “D”, you press the accelerator very, very, gently, and off you go. Do not, under any circumstances, mash the peddle to the floor unless you’re ready for all hell to break loose.

Like all electric cars, the neck-snapping torque is always available.

There is no gearbox as such, and the motor only has one moving part. The air suspension doesn’t have shock absorbers so unless something breaks, there is no need to service your car. Tesla charges around $600 for an inspection if needed.

You quickly notice the steering has very little road feel. It doesn’t take long to become accustomed to it, but it is never an issue, and I grew to love it.

The cloud-like ride has several levels, and is height adjustable. It doesn’t make a huge to the handling, which is sensational regardless of setting.

The post Tesla Model S P100D Electric Car Video Review appeared first on Your Source for EV News & Reviews.

BMW i8 Hybrid – There were more than a few raised brows when BMW made the announcement that a BMW I8 hybrid supercar was in development. “Light the raging fires of hell” are words never said about a car that runs on batteries.

At $322,903, the BMW i8 Hybrid supercar will be for the kind of bloke for whom price is irrelevant. This isn’t the sort of car where affording it means not getting the Comfort Pack or unticking SatNav. BMW make no apologies for the price so what do you get for it?

You get a fabulous 2 door coupe with movie-star looks and the performance of Usain Bolt strapped to a rocket. The chassis and exterior skin are aluminium and the passenger cell is carbon fibre. It is simply gorgeous, but it isn’t all lightweight practicality, oh no. The interior is furnished with lashings of cow highlighted with even more aluminium. Just to put an exclamation mark after “hi-tech”, parts of the interior are left unpainted to proudly display the carbon-fibre reinforced plastic construction.

The lighting is courtesy of a shedload of bright LEDs, but if you’re feeling decadent you can pay a few extra shekels and have headlights with even brighter reflective lasers, yes, lasers. The rear of the body has a beautifully sculptured taillight in two parts. The stop/tail light cluster is in the main section of the panel, with the indicator in a voluptuous fold of bodywork which is part of the rear window above. The rear fender bulges muscularly outwards barely containing the 20” alloy beneath it. It looks fast even when standing still.

The super-light scissor doors are made of aluminium and carbon fibre and hinge forward, outward, and upward supported by a substantial gas strut. Such doors in the past have been so heavy that they were almost impossible to open even harder to close without half getting out of the car. You struggled even more in tighter spaces.

The i8 door handle is concealed at the rear of the door in what looks like yet another aerodynamic fold of aluminium. You can leave your key secreted about your person because both the door ignition can be operated merely by touch. The car knows you’re approaching and switches on the puddle lights so you don’t dirty your loafers. It allows you to push the button causing the door to pop out where a gentle pull brings it out, up and forward in a single swift motion.

The car is very low and the door aperture somewhat more bijou than I’m used to. Getting in takes a bit of practice if you’re not to look awkward. The man at BMW said “put your bum on the sill then turn and slide”. I took him at his word and like magic I slipped straight in. After a few days I mastered getting out virtually the same way.

Opening the door attracts looks, then you have to get in or out. The reason they open the way they do is so that you don’t bang the door against the curb. The sill is so low that even a modest slope would see a normal hinge leaving you wedged against the footpath. In fact, you’ll notice that no matter what you do or where you go people will be gawking at you. Every time you stop someone will want a selfie or ask “Is it a V8, V10 or V12” as one crusty old gent did. Quick as a flash I said “That’s so last century. This is a twin turbo 3 cylinder 1500 with a couple of electric motors tossed in for good measure”. With that, I pulled down the door, waved, and glided regally into the sunset. The only sound was lightly crunching gravel because we had built enough charge to do a few k’s in pure electric.

The 1.5 twin turbo petrol engine drives the rear wheels through a 6 speed paddle shift auto. There is an electric motor driving the front wheels through a 2 speed auto and a second charging the batteries. At various states and in various modes they operate together to push the BMW to 100 in 4.4 seconds. If 170kw/320Nm for the petrol engine and 96kw/250Nm for the battery powered motor doesn’t sound like much, remember that the torque of the electric motor is always available. From the moment you press the Bally into the Axminster i8 torque will try to rip your face off, very gently. BMW claims you’ll get up to 600ks from a combined full electric charge and 42L tank, but I doubt it. Then again, who cares? The more you have to call into a rest stop the more people will see you.

If it all looks sounds terribly cutting edge, it is. However, the real shock is how normal the i8 is to drive. You see, if you can drive any other hybrid you can drive an i8. Press the start button and the dash comes to life. The instrument cluster is a single LCD with another sitting tablet-style on the top of the dash. They share Satnav and other such functions. The heads-up display also shows speed, navigation directs and music details. They’re hard to see if you wear polarized sunnies but such is life. There is no instruction needed especially if you’re already familiar with BMW controls. The interior may look like a fighter jet, but the function is pure BMW.

The I-drive has been refined and has a touch pad on the top of the central control knob. Input is easier using voice commands especially in the navigation system. For a change, it actually works but is still not as intuitive as Siri. Unlike Siri, the voice control is self-contained and works without the aid of cell service.

The mood lighting is particularly attractive at night where discrete blue lines highlight doors, dash and centre console contours. The entire cabin is bathed in an eerie but tasteful glow. Our nine-year-old honorary-nephew squealed “Oh, Tron” which made me feel about a thousand years old. He loved the green creds which come with hybrid technology and suggested mum and dad buy one and get solar panels to charge it. Smart kid. First the first time since he started riding shotgun on test drives, the i8 scored multiple “Ollie Approvals”. Usually it is a simple yes or no, so I suspect i8 is approaching schoolboy pinup status.

Unlike super-cars of the 70’s, this one is completely practical. You can use it as a daily driver but then all super-car makers say that don’t they? While it’s true that i8 doesn’t have the driver aids of cars a tenth of the price, you can still toss a couple of Coles bags in the boot. If you’ve popped in to DJ’s on your way home, there’s a back seat for those Hounds-tooth-wrapped packages. When you get home, you’ll want to reverse into your garage where all round sensors and a multi-view rear camera which can simulate 360° views will prove invaluable. The rear view isn’t bad considering the type of vehicle i8 is but I still wouldn’t want to tackle parking just with mirrors alone. Even with the Cameras and auto-dipping passengers mirror the process can be a trifle nerve wracking. The last thing you’d want is to leave a 300 grand car marooned on a central reservation.

The Drive: It is almost impossible to put into words exactly what driving BMW’s i8 is really like.

The seats are surprisingly comfy even though they’re firm. You quickly get the Goldilocks position just right. A press of the start button and you’re ready to go, just like a normal car. As you move off, the handbrake releases itself and at car park speeds you’ll be in electric mode. You skulk down the rows like a Ninja assassin in complete silence. You don’t notice the electric whine until you get a bit of speed up.

We decided to use the car exactly as an owner would. A well healed homo isn’t going to catch public transport to the symphony. He would book his Festival of Sydney tickets to the Opera house and decide on the night whether to drink, and take Uber Black or not. I rather think “or not” when an i8 is waiting. In fact, we took every chance to use the BMW even when going to get a carton of milk from Coles 200 metres away. Many have seen the Sydney Opera House but far fewer have seen the iconic double-helix car park. It is a massive free standing concrete structure in an enormous sandstone pit. Like the i8, it was ahead of its time. Going down one of the helixes is a matter of coasting, building charge as you go. The regenerative braking ensures nothing is wasted.

More importantly the energy you stored on the way down can be used to go back up the other helix, again, in complete silence except for a slight futuristic whine. As you’re ejected into Macquarie Street, pressing the accelerator presses the rasping turbo petrol engine into service. A flick of the steering wheel and in a thrice you’re on the Eastern Distributor.
It’s about now you’ll wind down the windows for that enthralling exhaust. Slipping the pistol grip gear selector into SPORT means the engine won’t cut out. It has the added advantage of adding extra charge to the batteries and the hoarse sound track. It’s especially mesmerizing late at night when you’re alone and you allow a little temptation. Pulling back on the paddle drops a few cogs and a gentle press on the accelerator turns the little 4 pot into thunderous monster. The raised adrenalin may cause a spontaneous tear of joy. It’s a near religious experience.

To round off a perfect evening, you could go home and have a Courvoisier or five, but a run down the freeway to the Royal National Park will reward you with an epiphany of galactic proportions. It also gives you a chance to try out the automatic high beam. Annoyingly, bright reflective signs can fool it into thinking a B-double is approaching so it dips when it shouldn’t. The suspension is tight, there is no doubt about it. However, it’s not uncomfortably so and yes, the tyres make a bit of a hum but it’s just another stitch in i8’s rich tapestry.

As you make that final turn off the freeway the atmosphere has built to a thrilling crescendo. The near-psychic steering seems to sense every thought. It’s the eeriest feeling to have a car go round a corner at almost any speed as if it is held to the surface by a force field. The temptation of course is to continue to push but many have tried and failed. The park is littered with the shattered dreams of those who overestimated their ability and underestimated the danger. Staying within the modest speed limits will help protect Huey, Duey and Louis, my remaining demerit points. More importantly it makes the experience much less frantic. The stability control stayed on throughout but the clever sports shift stayed in SPORTS.

The straights felt graceful and elegant, more like a GT than a super-hard-core-sports-car. I took the opportunity to switch between COMFORT and ECO PRO via a button on the console. Doing so makes the gear lever move sideways back to normal driving position. It causes mysterious alchemy under the skin, and the BMW shifts between full electric, or boost, or a combination of engine and electric all done without the driver being aware. Shifting back to Sport brings the petrol engine online and there it stays. As the straights give way to twists and turns, you can leave the gear selection to the 6 speed transmission or shift yourself. The latter is far more rewarding. Each corner is taken completely flat with the tyres never pushed so far as to complain. Even the final 15kph turn is no challenge. Each kilometer is proof that every dollar spent on the i8 was spent wisely.

To my surprise, leaving the SPORT mode engaged built up 22k of charge so the remainder of the coastal journey was done in silence, a spooky experience. Even the final steep 4 kilometre mountain pass elicited only a faint hint of electric whine. Although the electric motor produces under 100kw, the 250Nm of torque seemed to will us up the side of the mountain. Of course this kind of work drained the 22k of charge in about 10k but it’s surprisingly rewarding.

The run back into Sydney shows how brilliantly the cruise control keeps the speed down. There is no radar assistance so the braking is provided via electric regeneration of the batteries, again nothing is wasted.

Conclusion:
Yes yes yes, oh YES: looks, looks, looks
Oh dear me no: no apple car play, limited luggage space, few driver aids
There are simply no words to convey a proper picture of how brilliant the BMW i8 really is. Of course really rough surfaces present a challenge but she still proved to be thoroughly charming and completely captivating. There is enough space for shopping or for a couple of small weekend bags. You can commute to work or drive just because you want to, but every centimetre is unbridled pleasure. You find yourself creating reasons to drive even if only a few hundred metres. There are plenty of super cars but few are hybrids and even fewer are usable on a daily basis.

Would I buy one? Yes, even if it meant selling my mother.

Price:$322,903 (drive away NSW)
Electric: 96kw/131Nm, hybrid-synchronous motor with integrated electronics, charger and generator mode for recuperation with 2 speed auto transmission driving front wheels
Petrol: 1.5l 170kw/320Nm, 6 speed auto driving rear wheels
Performance:0-100 4.4 seconds
Economy: combined 2.1L/100k claimed, 49gms CO2, 42L fuel tank
Weight: 1485 kg

The post BMW I8 Hybrid Review – An Epiphany on Wheels appeared first on Your Source for EV News & Reviews.

With the Australian launch of the new BMW X5 xDrive40e, BMW Group has demonstrated its commitment to remaining at the forefront in the production of sustainable vehicles that deliver trademark BMW performance with low emission, fuel-efficient motoring.

The first model to arrive here under the new iPerformance banner, the X5 xDrive40e is a showcase of the latest generation BMW plug-in hybrid technology that has been developed under the auspices of the company’s innovative BMW i brand.

Joining the X5 xDrive40e in May will be a second iPerformance model, the BMW 330e Sedan, with both new vehicles demonstrating the increasing transfer of cutting-edge technology developed for groundbreaking products like the BMW i8 sports car to a broader range of models.

Chief Executive Officer of BMW Group Australia, Marc Werner, said the advanced technology developed by BMW i would be implemented in a growing range of models across the BMW lineup with the new iPerformance models providing a bridge for customers that wanted sustainable alternative-fuel vehicles but were still unsure about pure electric powertrains.

“The leading role of BMW i in terms of development is already being reflected in the increased scale of electrification in other models and the launch of the new X5 xDrive40e iPerformance model is only the beginning as BMW prepares to offer a broader variety of sustainable technologies for all our customers,” Mr Werner said.

“By combining a small yet powerful BMW TwinPower Turbo petrol engine with a highly efficient electric motor, together with an eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission and further fuel saving technologies, the BMW X5 xDrive40e delivers outstanding fuel consumption and low emissions without any sacrifice of BMW trademark driving pleasure.”

The X5 xDrive40e can operate on electric power alone with zero emissions for short urban commuting with a range of 31km with the intelligent hybrid powertrain control offering three modes of operation depending on driver requirements.

Delivering all the versatility, luxurious ambience and style of BMW X models, the X5 xDrive40e pairs a 180kW/350Nm BMW TwinPower Turbo 2.0-litre four cylinder engine with an 83kW/250Nm synchronous electric motor that drives through BMW’s intelligent xDrive all-wheel drive system – even in electric mode.

This advanced drivetrain is able to power the BMW X5 xDrive40e from 0-100km/h in 6.8 seconds, while returning a fuel consumption figure on the combined test of 3.3l/100km and CO2 emissions of 77g/km.

In addition to its advanced plug-in hybrid powertrain, the X5 xDrive40e maintains typical BMW appeal with high levels of standard equipment. This includes BMW Connected Drive driver assistance systems, extensive connectivity and other services, practical interior design and luxurious fit and finish and characteristic style with a dynamic on-road presence.

Through BMW ConnectedDrive, the X5 xDrive40e gains other technologies to further its sustainability. These include an intelligent energy management function for the standard Navigation system Professional, a hybrid specific version of the BMW Remote app that allows checking the battery status and locating public charging stations, and instrument cluster and control display information tailored to the hybrid drive.

It also features model-specific tuning of the xDrive all-wheel drive chassis to ensure an optimal balance of ride comfort and dynamic handling.

The advanced high-voltage lithium-ion battery that supplies energy for the electric motor is able to be charged from a standard domestic power socket, via the high-speed and efficient BMW i Wallbox, or through the growing number of public charging stations.

BMW X5 xDrive40e Australian Pricing*:

BMW X5 xDrive40e: $118,900

* Manufacturer’s Recommended List Price is shown and includes GST and Luxury Car Tax (LCT) – if applicable, but excludes dealer charges, stamp duty, statutory charges and on-road charges, which are additional and vary between dealers and States/Territories. Customers are advised to contact their nearest BMW dealer for all pricing inquiries.

Highlights

• BMW launches first core brand iPerformance plug-in hybrid model with X5 xDrive40e.

• Plug-in hybrid powertrain offers a bridge between traditional IC engines and pure electric power.

• X5 xDrive40e utilises technology developed by BMW i for the groundbreaking BMW i8 sports car.

• New iPerformance model demonstrates BMW’s commitment to sustainable driving pleasure.

• Combination of four-cylinder BMW TwinPower Turbo petrol engine and electric motor delivers low emission, fuel-efficient motoring while retaining trademark BMW performance.

• X5 xDrive40e capable of zero emission electric-only power for short urban trips of up to 31km.

• Advanced high-voltage lithium-ion battery powers the electric motor and can be recharged from a standard domestic power outlet, through the fast, efficient BMW i Wallbox or at public charging stations.

• BMW X5 xDrive40e maintains typical X model practicality, versatility, space and intelligent all-wheel drive sporty dynamics, even under all-electric power.

• Superb performance and efficiency for X5 xDrive40e with hybrid powertrain generating maximum power of 230kW and peak torque of 450Nm enabling 0-100km/h sprint in 6.8 seconds and combined fuel consumption of 3.3l/100km.

• Three modes of operation for the intelligent powertrain control together with three-mode Driving Experience Control deliver optimum efficiency and performance tailored to driver preferences.

• Hybrid-specific features for BMW ConnectedDrive, Navigation system Professional and BMW Remote app with bespoke suspension tuning.

The post BMW iPerformance plug-in hybrid X5 xDrive40e appeared first on Your Source for EV News & Reviews.

The Mirage’s sleek new looks include a new front grille with chrome accents, redesigned bonnet, front and rear bumper and wheel design.

Inside, a new high-grade seating trim and cushioned rear seats improve passenger comfort and piano black and chrome accents enhance the cabin’s touch points.

Mirage’s on-road performance benefits from more intuitive steering response, better balanced handling and increased ride comfort, thanks to an extensive rework of suspension tune and electric power steering calibration.

The 2016 Mirage now offers even lower running costs with Capped Price Servicing reduced by $270 over the four-year servicing period. Combined with class-leading fuel economy* of 4.6L/100km^, the Mirage remains one of Australia’s cheapest cars to own and operate.

Mitsubishi Motors Executive Director of Marketing Tony Principe said Mitsubishi‘s 2016 update improves on Mirage’s award-winning formula with bold new looks, higher quality interior finishes and on-road performance that encourages more confident driving.

“Mirage is already packed with great standard features, so for 2016 we’ve made meaningful improvements to Mirage’s Capped Price Servicing costs, dynamic performance and visual appeal, while preserving Mirage’s attractive price point, which we know is critical to value-conscious micro car shoppers,” he said.

“Mirage is still the most affordable car in Australia with five star ANCAP safety, and it’s this combined with Mirage’s low running costs, great packaging and class-leading fuel economy that has made it one of the top picks in the micro segment since 2013.”

“Easy to drive and easy to live with, the Mirage offers an unbeatable mix of style, practicality and value.”

Leading the field at the recent 2015 Australia Best Car awards, the Mirage hatch ES was named the ‘Best Micro Car’ for the second year in a row, with judges praising the Mirage for its class-leading fuel consumption, road manners, low running and repair costs and new car warranty.

Exterior

Exterior styling updates include a new grille and front bumper with chrome accents, redesigned front bonnet and rear bumper and a new two-tone alloy wheel design for the LS model and new steel wheel covers for the ES.

Two new premium paint colours will be introduced on the 2016 model year range; Wine Red and Sunrise Orange.

Interior

Inside, a new high-grade black seat trim will be available on both models, complementing the all-black interior colour scheme. Passenger comfort has also been improved on the rear seats with new cushion stitching.

A new chrome accent has been added to the audio panel, complementing the existing chrome touches around the cabin. On the LS model, piano black accents are added to the gear shift panel and around power window switch panels in the front and back.

The LS model also gains a new high-contrast meter with white back lighting, an outside air temperature reading and illuminated gear shift panel while the ES model features a new design three dial air-conditioning control.

The passenger side sun visor also gains a vanity mirror, lid and ticket holder.

On-road

The 2016 model year is upgraded with a number of technical improvements to enhance the driving characteristics of a city car.

A new electric power assisted steering system has been tuned for improved steering response, easy parking manoeuvres and relaxed highway driving

The Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), available in both models, has been recalibrated to deliver improved rolling acceleration when on the move.

Vehicle dynamics have been enhanced with an extensive spring and damper tune for reduced body roll and stable handling. New front suspension top mounts also improve ride comfort and reduce road noise.

Safety

The 2016 Mirage offers a comprehensive five-star safety package including six SRS airbags, Active Stability Control (ASC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Emergency Brakeforce Distribution (ABD) and an Emergency Stop Signal function (ESS).

Hill Start Assist will now be standard on the manual ES model.

Servicing and Warranty

The 2016 Mirage delivers a strong peace of mind with a full five-year/100,000 kilometre New Car Warranty, four-year Capped Pricing Servicing and five-year Roadside Assist.

The Mirage’s Capped Price Servicing has been reduced by $270 over the four-year servicing period. Service intervals are 15,000km or 12 months, whichever comes first.

The 2016 Mirage Capped Price Service schedule:

15,000km (12 months)        $200 RRP
30,000km (24 months)        $230 RRP
45,000km (36 months)        $230 RRP
60,000km (48 months)        $230 RRP

16MY Mirage hatch key features

ES standard features:

• Revised front grille with chrome accent, front and rear bumper and bonnet – new
• New high-grade seat material and design – new
• New design 14-inch steel wheel cover – new
• New manual 3-dial air-conditioning design – new
• Chrome accent on audio panel – new
• Passenger sun visor with mirror, lid and ticket holder – new
• Hill Start Assist – new to MT model
• 1.2L DOHC MIVEC petrol engine
• Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with INVECS III Smart Logic (optional)
• Electric power steering
• Active Stability Control
• Anti-lock Braking System
• Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
• Emergency Brake Assist System
• Emergency Stop Signal
• Driver and passenger front airbags
• Side and curtain airbags
• Bluetooth® phone connectivity with audio streaming and voice control
• Steering wheel with audio and phone controls
• AM/FM CD player with USB and auxiliary input
• Air conditioning with pollen filter
• Power windows with driver side auto up and down
• Body colour door handles and mirrors
• Driver’s seat with slide, recline and height adjustment
• Two ISOFIX rear seat child restraints
• Child proof rear door locks

LS changes over ES:

• Piano black accent on gear shift – new
• Piano black accent around window switches – new
• Chrome accent on climate control – new
• Illuminated gear shift – new
• High contrast meter – new
• New 15-inch two-tone alloy wheel design with chrome surround – new
• Outside air temperature – new
• Cruise control
• Privacy glass
• Climate control air conditioning
• Leather bound gearshift
• Chrome and silver interior accents
• Front fog lamps
• 4 speakers

Exterior colour range

Sunrise Orange* (new)
Wine Red* (new)
Cyber Blue*
Red Planet*
Black*
White

*Premium Paint $550

Product Line-Up

*JATO Micro segment <$15k
^ADR 81/02 ES model

Mirage Sedan

The 2016 Mitsubishi Mirage sedan offers improved on-road performance and minor interior updates for the compact city car.

Mirage sedan vehicle dynamics have been enhanced with a comprehensive spring and damper tune for reduced body roll, stable handling and a more comfortable on-road performance.

The Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), available in both models, has also been modified to improve rolling acceleration.

A new electric power assisted steering system has been tuned for improved control at lower speeds.

Hill Start Assist will now be standard on all models and cruise control has been added to the LS model.

Inside, the base model ES receives a three-dial air conditioning control and the LS model gains a high meter cluster with outside air temperature reading.

The LS model also features a new three-spoke leather steering wheel and piano black trim on the power window switch panel and gear shift panel.

16MY Mirage sedan key new features

ES standard features:

• New manual 3-dial air-conditioning
• Hill Start Assist – new to MT model

LS changes over ES:

• Cruise control
• High contrast meter
• Outside air temperature
• Three spoke leather steering wheel
• Piano black accent on gear shift
• Piano black accent around window switches

Exterior colour range

Wine Red* (new)
Cyber Blue*
Cool Silver*
White

*Premium Paint $550

Product Line-Up

The post Mitsubishi micro Mirage hatch: better, bolder for 2016 appeared first on Your Source for EV News & Reviews.

The all-new Honda Accord Sport Hybrid has touched down in Australia; the first of a new generation of hybrid powertrains from the global Earth Dreams Technology series.

“The Accord Sport Hybrid is the first vehicle in Australia that features our all-new hybrid powertrain,” said Honda Australia Director, Mr. Stephen Collins. “Honda’s advanced technology delivers exceptional performance with outstanding fuel economy, ensuring our customers can have the best of both worlds.

“The Accord Sport Hybrid further demonstrates Honda’s commitment to petrol-electric hybrid powertrains as a critical technology for reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions,” Mr. Collins said.

The Accord Sport Hybrid’s powertrain is called Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive or i-MMD and is able to seamlessly switch between three drive modes: electric, hybrid and petrol engine only.

It combines a newly-developed engine dedicated to hybrid vehicles, an electric CVT coupled with two built-in motors, lock-up clutch and high-efficiency lithium-ion battery.

The Accord Sport Hybrid’s design offers the roomy interior of a premium sedan while helping the advanced hybrid system achieve superior driving dynamics without compromising on fuel efficiency.

Utilising Honda’s Earth Dreams Technology, the Accord Sport Hybrid is designed to deliver outstanding fuel efficiency and fun-to-drive performance. As with its petrol cousin, the Accord Sport Hybrid features Honda’s state-of-the-art safety technology, the Advanced Driver Assist System (ADAS).

The Accord Sport Hybrid has a Manufacturer’s List Price of $58,990 (excluding on-road costs).

SPECIFICATIONS

• 2.0 litre DOHC four cylinder engine that works with the two-motor hybrid system to deliver combined power of 146kW and 307Nm of torque
• Fuel consumption of 4.6 litres per 100 km and 107 grams of CO2 per km
• 18 inch alloy wheels
• Acoustic Alert System
• Emergency Stop Signal (ESS)
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Hill Start Assist (HSA)
• Active Cornering Lights
• Electric sunroof
• LED Daytime Running Lights
• Rain-sensing auto front wipers
• Keyless entry with push button start
• Eco Assist
• Leather-appointed seats
• Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity
• In-built satellite navigation system
• Honda’s LaneWatch blind spot monitoring system
• Multi-angle reversing camera
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
• Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)
• Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS)

The post Honda’s All-New Accord Sport Hybrid Is Here appeared first on Your Source for EV News & Reviews.

Outlander PHEV – V.I.P. Home Services will introduce lean, green electric vehicle technology to its national network with a new fleet of Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV plug-in hybrids.

The world-first Mitsubishi plug-in hybrid SUV was the star choice for V.I.P.’s franchise support team thanks to its practical SUV layout, five-star ANCAP safety and advanced electric vehicle technology.

The Outlander PHEV – which stands for Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle – boasts combined fuel efficiency of just 1.9-litres per 100 kilometres* – the lowest official ADR fuel consumption figure of any SUV sold in Australia. Outlander PHEV’s CO2 emissions are also super low at 44 gm/km.

Founder and Chairman of V.I.P. Home Services Bill Vis said its national fleet of Outlander PHEVs would help the company promote energy efficiency and reduce its environmental impact.

“V.I.P. Home Services has partnered with Mitsubishi Motors Australia because it shares our values of protecting the environment,” he said.

“We developed V.I.P’s Very Important Planet initiative as part of our long-term commitment to environmental sustainability, which has included the installation of solar power and LED lighting at our head office.

“We’re proud to announce this initiative now extends to the cars we drive.

“The Outlander PHEV, with its highly efficient electric vehicle system and low emissions performance, is the ideal fleet vehicle to power our field support team and help us protect the environment we operate in.”

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PHEV stands for Plug in Hybrid Electric Vehicle. Yes that’s right it’s a normal petrol engine that is a hybrid as well as an all electric vehicle that plugs in at night. Talk about hedging your bets.

The PHEV Outlander comes in two models, the PHEV AWD (at around $47,490 MLP) and the PHEV AWD ASPIRE. (at around $52,490 MLP). Unlike a lot of electric or hybrid vehicles that come with a hefty price premium, The PHEV Outlander is reasonably priced for a medium sized AWD SUV and comes packed not only with the technological marvel engine but a host of safety and comfort features as well.

So basically it is an updated restyled Outlander with a complicated engine combination. As this is a first impressions review I won’t go into all the details here but suffice to say that a figure of 332Nm of torque from a standing start is impressive. Yes that’s right 332 Nm of torque instantly available for towing or sand driving etc.
The other impressive feature of the 2.0L petrol engine is an ADR combined fuel economy figure of 1.9l/100km. That’s not bad considering the vehicle weighs a hefty 1800 odd kg. On the launch we drove an 80km test loop around Canberra and achieved for the most part that figure, except for that last few km where it went to 2.2l/100km. So normal driving should see about 4-5l/100km. We will test this on a longer drive and let you know in our next review.

So how does it all work.

Basically there is the standard 2.0l petrol engine that produces maximum power of 87kW@4500rpm and maximum torque 186Nm@4500rpm. On top of this there is a 300v Lithium Ion battery that drives 2x60Kw electric motors. The front electric motor produces 137Nm and the rear produces 195Nm. That is where the 332Nm total instantaneous torque comes from. Here is where the clever bit starts. The petrol engine can act like a generator and charge the battery while driving and produce another 60Kw of power front and back as well while still on battery power. If more than 120Kw of power is needed the petrol engine kicks in and drives the front wheels.

In addition to this when you get home at night just plug it into a 15amp plug and next morning you are ready to go again. A full charge costs around $3- $3.60 per charge. Distance is around 50km on EV power alone.

lets allow Mitsubishi to explain it better

Drive Modes Outlander PHEV

The Outlander PHEVs default operation is EV Drive mode, but the system will automatically select the ideal driving mode based on performance and speed demands to optimise efficiency. The engine will start to either act as a generator or provide drive directly to the front wheels, with assistance from the electric motors.

EV Drive Mode: Drive by front and rear electric motors
EV Drive mode is an all-electric mode in which the front and rear motors drive the vehicle using only electric power from the drive battery. Zero CO2 emissions and petrol consumption up to a maximum of 120km/h

Series Hybrid Mode: Engine generator assists electric motors
The electric motors power the vehicle using engine-generated electric power to supplement the energy provided by the drive battery. The system switches to this mode when the remaining battery charge falls below a predetermined level or more performance is required, such as accelerating to pass a vehicle or climbing steep inclines.

Parallel Hybrid Mode: Motors assist engine drive
The PHEV switches to Parallel mode when the vehicle reaches higher speeds with assistance from the electric motors when extra power is required for overtaking manoeuvres or steep inclines. In this mode the high-efficiency petrol engine provides direct drive to the front wheels, assisted by the electric motors.

It’s all rather clever and complicated yet simple at the same time, and it really works in real life situations. Range anxiety is a thing of the past.

More details soon

We will have another review of the PHEV Outlander very soon but suffice to say that this may be the most sophisticated AWD SUV engine on the planet at the moment. It is a complicated piece of work that works exceptionally well in real life and well worth a look. This is another model in the range, not an odd man out vehicle that stands alone. If you are in the market for a midsized AWD SUV that also has an alternative fuel delivery source that is seamless but still allows exceptional fuel economy without sacrificing daily comfort, then the PHEV Outlander should be top of your list to have a look at. Yes Mitsubishi have taken the game to another level.

The post Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV first drive Review appeared first on Your Source for EV News & Reviews.

Delivery of the first customer cars will start in June 2014, beginning with the main European markets. Beforehand, special public events will be held in various regions all over the world to meet the enormous interest in the BMW i8. For this purpose BMW i agents will be equipped with separate demonstration vehicles. The start of series production of customer vehicles will commence in April. Customers have already been able to place pre-orders for the BMW i8 in all major markets since autumn 2013. However, demand for the BMW i8 is already exceeding the planned production volume during ramp-up.

Further improvements to the BMW i8 specifications

In parallel to the completion of the statutory type approval the BMW engineers were also able to achieve a further improvement of key driving performance and fuel consumption data. Thanks to its novel powertrain concept BMW eDrive in plug-in hybrid configuration, the i8 combines a 0–100 km/h (62 mph) sprint time of 4.4 seconds with an EU test cycle average fuel consumption of 2.1 litres/100 km (134.5 mpg imp) and CO2 emissions of 49 g/km. The related electricity consumption was measured at 11.9 kWh per 100 km .

Every-day fuel economy substantially better than all conventional sports car concepts

Although the results achieved in the EU test cycle allow for quick comparisons with other vehicles and despite their relevance for a favorable taxation in many countries, the BMW i8 engineers hat a particular focus on low fuel consumption in real life.

As a result the BMW i8 shows extraordinary efficiency not only in standardized testing procedures, but also in the practice of everyday traffic:

In typical everyday commuting, with the battery fully charged at the beginning, the BMW i8 can return a fuel consumption below 5 litres/100 km (more than 56 mpg imp) around town. If the commute includes extra-urban or motorway driving less than 7 litres (more than 40 mpg imp) are achievable.. Even in longer-distance operation at higher speeds, drivers can keep their average fuel consumption below 8 litres/100 km (more than 35 mpg imp). Overall, the fuel consumption of the plug-in hybrid model therefore works out around 50 per cent better than that of conventionally powered sports car models.

World’s first production car with laser light.

Introduction of the optional BMW laser headlights is scheduled for autumn 2014, when the BMW i8 will become the world’s first production car to offer this innovative lighting technology. BMW laser headlights are around 30 per cent more energy-efficient than the BMW i8’s standard LED headlights and provide considerably more powerful road illumination, with a range of up to 600 metres. Highly concentrated beams of light from high-performance laser diodes act on a fluorescent phosphor material inside the headlight, which projects a sharply focused beam of light onto the road. The laser headlights produce a light similar to natural daylight and are therefore always easy on the eye.

BMW eDrive: Sports car powertrain of the future.

The BMW i8’s plug-in hybrid system comprises a 170 kW/231 hp, 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) three-cylinder petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and a 96 kW/131 hp, 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) hybrid synchronous electric motor. The BMW eDrive system also includes a lithium-ion high-voltage battery (with a usable capacity of 5,2 kWh) and intelligent energy management that uses the combined output of 266 kW/362 hp to provide breathtaking performance and maximum efficiency, while always taking into account the driving situation and driver requirements. The excellent balance between driving pleasure and fuel economy is aided by a low vehicle weight of 1,485 kg (DIN kerb weight) and an unusually good drag coefficient (Cd) for a sports car of 0.26.

In zero-emission all-electric mode, the BMW i8 has a top speed of 120 km/h (75 mph) and a range of 37 kilometres (23 miles) within the EU test cycle. Depending on whether the plug-in hybrid sports car’s lithium-ion battery is recharged at a household power socket or BMW i Wallbox, or at a public charging station, charging times range from less than two up to three hours. In Sport mode the BMW i8 offers mid-range acceleration from 80 to 120 km/h (50 to 75 mph) in 2.6 seconds. The electronically governed top speed is 250 km/h (155 mph).

The post BMW i8 Deliveries to Customers Starting in June appeared first on Your Source for EV News & Reviews.

Engineers from Kia have developed the outstanding power pack featuring 192 lithium-ion polimer battery cells in eight modules, delivering a total power output of 27 kWh. The pack incorporates state-of-the-art thermal control technology to maintain individual cells at optimum temperature and structural design to enhance crash worthiness.

Nickel-rich NCM (nickel-cobalt-manganese) cathode material is used in the mass production of the battery cells for Soul EV. Energy density, which is dependent on cathode capabilities, is a core performance factor deciding EV driving range. By exploiting the class-leading energy density of its battery, the Soul EV offers a driving range of ‘around’ 200 km on a single charge.

High performance electrolyte additive and anode materials were also developed to meet various performance requirements (such as safety and lifecycle), while maintaining high energy density.

In addition, a special safety & secure separator is used in the Kia Soul EV’s battery cells. The separator determines the safety and the charge/discharge speed of the battery. It has improved thermal resistance, which helps to keep the cell secure from exposure to heat or fire by preventing the shrinking of the separator if the temperature of the cell increases beyond normal levels.

Together, the low electrical resistance battery cell, proper battery system thermal control and accurate state-of-charge calculation improve the charging performance, thereby enabling an outstanding ‘fast charge’ time of 25 minutes (100 kW DC) or 33 minutes (50 kW DC). Full recharge time, depending on power source, takes up to five hours (6.6 kW AC).

The electrolyte additive used in the Soul EV will prevent the degradation of battery performance at both low and high temperatures, expanding the temperature range of the battery usage and reducing the fluctuation of the driving range according to the weather.

Cold weather is notoriously hostile for a battery and the Soul EV features a battery heating system, which warms-up the battery while the car is plugged into the grid, prior to use. This helps to maintain optimum battery performance regardless of external temperature.

For maximum ‘active safety’ the battery module is fitted with an overcharge protection device that cuts the high voltage circuit if ever the battery cell swelling phenomenon should occur due to overcharging.

Optimization of the raw materials used to create the cathode morphology control and surface coating, the anode surface coating and electrolyte additive, plus the excellent mechanical strength of the separator, ensure class-best durability and safety of the cell.

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