Motoring February 2020

IN THIS ISSUE: THE ALL-NEW RENAULT CAPTUR: ALL NEW, STILL A CAPTUR | AIWAYS PREVIEWS U6ION ELECTRIC CROSSOVER COUPE CONCEPT | DS AUTOMOBILES’ DIESELS ACHIEVE RDE2 COMPLIANCE BEFORE DEADLINE | THE ALL-ELECTRIC MINI: CHARGED WITH PASSION | THE NEW CONTINENTAL GT MULLINER CONVERTIBLE: DEFINING OPEN-TOP LUXURY | LOTUS EVIJA PRODUCTION COMES ALIVE | KIA ANNOUNCES NEW PLATFORM AND POWERTRAIN DETAILS FOR NEXT-GENERATION SORENTO | REFRESHED LOOK FOR NEW NISSAN NAVARA N-GUARD | THE INNOVATIVE ELECTRIC CARS AND PLUG-IN HYBRID OF BMW

The Malta Independent on Sunday. February 2020

THE ALL-NEW RENAULT CAPTUR: ALL NEW, STILL A CAPTUR

DS AUTOMOBILES’ DIESELS ACHIEVE RDE2 COMPLIANCE BEFORE DEADLINE • ALL NEW DS AUTOMOBILES’ DIESEL CARS MEET UPCOMING RDE2 (REAL DRIVING EMISSIONS) STANDARDS AHEAD OF LEGISLATIVE IMPLEMENTATION • MEETING THE RDE2 STANDARDS, COMPANY CAR TAX USERS ARE EXEMPT FROM THE CURRENT 4% SURCHARGE ON BENEFIT-IN-KIND (BIK) RATES • RDE TEST FORMS A PART OF THE NEW WORLDWIDE HARMONISED LIGHT VEHICLE TEST PROCEDURE (WLTP) TYPE APPROVAL TEST, AND IS USED TO CONFIRM NITROGEN OXIDE (NOX) EMISSIONS UNDER REALWORLD DRIVING CONDITIONS • ALL DS MODELS – DS 7 CROSSBACK AND DS 3 CROSSBACK MEET THE RDE2 STANDARD. TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT LATEST DS AUTOMOBILES’ CARS, VISIT DSAUTOMOBILES.CO. UK

choice to petrol and E-TENSE electrified products we also have to offer.”

The following DS Automobiles have already been certified for RDE2: DS 3 CROSSBACK • 1.5L BlueHDi 100 S&S 6-speed manual – CO2 from 97-102g/km DS 7 CROSSBACK • 1.5L BlueHDi 130 S&S with 6speed manual – CO2 from 102108g/km • 1.5L BlueHDi 130 S&S, with 8speed automatic – CO2 from 100106g/km • 2.0L BlueHDi 180 and S&S, with 8speed automatic – CO2 from 113124g/km

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ll new DS Automobiles’ diesel engines are now RDE2 certified before all new cars are required to meet the tough new emissions standards, providing significant potential savings to business buyers.

These new diesel engines, including the 1.5L BlueHDi 100 with 6-speed manual transmission in the all-new DS 3 CROSSBACK and DS 7 CROSSBACK with the 2.0L BlueHDi 180 have been certified to meet the latest RDE2 standards. Under European Union legislation, all new cars (and vans) must meet the second phase of the Real Driving

Emissions (RDE) testing standards by January 2021. Diesel cars that meet the RDE2 standards are currently exempt from a 4% surcharge to Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) company car tax rates, bringing significant savings to company car owners and fleet operators.

The Real Driving Emissions test is used to determine Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) emissions under real world driving – with vehicle emissions measured through a Portable Emissions Measurement System (PEMS). Since September 2019, all new cars and vans sold in the UK have had to meet a maximum allowance of 168mg/km NOx emissions under RDE testing.

However, from January 2021

onwards, the RDE2 standards mean new cars will only be allowed to pollute up to 120mg/km NOx under real world driving.

Alain Descat, Managing Director, DS Automobiles UK, said: “Our Dieselpowered models are an important part of our product strategy and drive to lowest emissions. We are delighted that this new classification further cements DS as among the best of industry-leading producers with high efficiency. Diesel gives drivers excellent drivability, excellent fuel economy and low CO2 emissions. DS Automobiles has a very modern range, with its current range of products launched in 2018 and 2019, and these RDE2-compliant diesel models are a useful alternative

ABOUT DS AUTOMOBILES Driven by the avant-garde spirit and backed by the exceptional heritage of the 1955 DS, DS Automobiles, launched in 2015, aims to embody French luxury savoir-faire in the automotive industry.

DS Automobiles is Groupe PSA's Premium brand.

Designed for customers seeking personal expression and eager for the latest technologies, the secondgeneration DS models combine refinement and advanced technology.

With DS 7 CROSSBACK and DS 3 CROSSBACK Premium SUVs, the DS brand plans for a range of six worldwide vehicles, all offered with electrified versions under the ETENSE signature.

For its demanding customers, DS Automobiles has created ‘ONLY YOU, the DS experience’, with its exclusive service program for a unique brand experience.

Present in 32 countries, the DS brand has created and is developing an exclusive distribution network that includes DS STORES and DS SALONS throughout the world.

Follow all DS news on www.DSautomobiles.com @DS_Official

AIWAYS PREVIEWS U6ION ELECTRIC CROSSOVER COUPE CONCEPT • FIRST U6ION SKETCHES PRESENT CROSSOVER COUPE DESIGN FOR AIWAYS’ SECOND ALL-ELECTRIC SUV • U6ION TO BE GIVEN GLOBAL DEBUT AT 2020 GENEVA INTERNATIONAL MOTOR SHOW • AIWAYS GENEVA PRESS CONFERENCE AT 13:15 ON 3 MARCH (HALL 2, STAND NO. 2121) 02 motoring | February 2020

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IWAYS, the Shanghai-based personal mobility provider, has published the first sketches of its U6ion electric crossover coupe concept, ahead of the model’s global debut at the 2020 Geneva International Motor Show (GIMS) next month.

The U6ion previews a second all-electric SUV from AIWAYS, based on the same MAS (More Adaptable Structure) platform as its U5 sibling.

Under the tutelage of Ken Okuyama, creator of the Ferrari Enzo and former Pininfarina design chief, and now chief advisor for design and arts at AIWAYS, the company has created a form language which embodies the ‘intelligent and simplified technology’ at the heart of AIWAYS product development ethos.

AIWAYS chief designer Dongfei Luo commented: “The U6ion sketches present a crossover coupe with a harmonious and exciting body shape, aimed at attracting young car users looking for a zero-emission SUV that offers style,

practicality and electric performance.”

The U6ion will be presented to media and the public for the first time during GIMS. The

AIWAYS press conference takes place at 13:15 on press day (Tuesday 3 March, Hall 2, Stand No. 2121).

THE ALL-ELECTRIC MINI CHARGED WITH PASSION

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he all new MINI Electric merges the elements of delivering a remarkable driving experience, innovative space use and outstanding design features with providing a sustainable mobility experience. Upon introducing of the MINI Electric, the responsiveness in both agility and acceleration are kept constant with the preceding standard characteristics and features which MINI as a brand is renowned for.

The modern appealing and outstanding design of the new MINI combines the sleek aerodynamic lines along with the distinctive signature details. These exclusive characteristics make this electric vehicle an optimal choice for unconventional

drivers. The all-electric MINI interior and exterior can be customized and personalized by four trim levels made available, providing an electrifying experience based on the individuals preferences.

The all-electric MINI not only contributes in providing the ultimate driving experience that generates

progressive power along with its stylish designs and features, but also to the increasing commitment towards being environmentally sustainable.

For further information, contact our MINI Sales Team at Muscats Motors on 2326 4583 or via email on info@mml.mizzi.com.mt.

February 2020 | motoring 03

THE NEW CONTINENTAL GT MULLINER CONVERTIBLE: DEFINING OPEN-TOP LUXURY

LOTUS EV • EVIJA’S NEW MANUFACTURING FACILITY READIED TO DELIVER FINAL PROTOTYPES FOR LAST STAGES OF THE TESTING PROGRAMME • SERIES PRODUCTION TO BEGIN IN HETHEL THIS SUMMER • “WITH OUR NEW FACTORY READY, WE ARE AHEAD OF THE PACK IN THE EMERGING EV HYPERCAR SEGMENT AND 100% READY FOR SOME HEALTHY COMPETITION” – PHIL POPHAM, CEO, LOTUS CARS • NEW FILM SHOWS EVIJA ASSEMBLY HALL COMING ALIVE AT HTTPS://YOUTU.BE/K MHGUB8ACBY AND WWW.MEDIA.LOTUSC ARS.COM

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entley Mulliner – Bentley’s bespoke commissioning division – is today announcing the introduction of the new Continental GT Mulliner Convertible: the luxury pinnacle of the Continental GT family.

Mulliner has gone above and beyond the industry-leading craftsmanship so synonymous with Bentley and the world’s definitive Grand Tourer to create the Continental GT Mulliner Convertible and redefine the pinnacle of roof-down automotive luxury.

The new Continental GT Mulliner Convertible has been created to appeal to those customers wanting an even greater focus on beautiful details.Taking pride of position between the cut-crystal inspired, precision-made headlamps, Bentley Mulliner introduces a bold new Double Diamond front grille which is further complemented by bespoke Mulliner branded side vents that continue the unique silver on black diamond theme.

The new Double Diamond design has been inspired by Bentley’s exclusive Diamond-in-Diamond interior quilting design concept, which adorns all four seats, the door casings, rear quarters and now for the first time furnishes the tonneau cover.The Diamond-in-Diamond interior quilting itself has been tailored to include contrast stitching in two complementary colours to accentuate the thread against the quilting. It takes almost 400,000 stitches to deliver this quilting across the cabin of the car, with each diamond containing exactly 712 individual stitches – each one precisely aligned to point to the centre of the diamond it creates. Developing the embroidery process to deliver this process alone took 18 months.

Furnishing the sleek and muscular profile of the Continental GT Mulliner Convertible are all-new 22” 10-spoke painted & polished wheels with floating, self-levelling wheel badges that remain upright as the wheel rotates.

The ultimate handcrafted Continental GT

Convertible interior offers eight custom-made threecolour combinations. A new Mulliner-designed colour split defines the eight colour ways, including a third accent colour to the interior in the form of a distinctive design line.The hand-stitched hides are embellished with unique Mulliner branded embroidery.

Bentley Mulliner has combined traditional and modern coachbuilding techniques to introduce new contemporary and bespoke features. A contrast diamond milled technical finish has been applied to the centre console, which is finished with a new and exclusive brushed silver Breitling timepiece set within a quartet of chrome bullseyes to provide stunning interior jewellery.The same theme carries from the physical to the digital, with the precision-rendered gauges of the LED-display driver’s instrument panel using the same brushed finished and Mulliner branding.

The new Continental GT Mulliner Convertible features mood lighting comprising of seven different themes, uplifted by illuminated Mulliner tread plates and LED welcome lamps that project the famous Bentley wings to the ground from the door mirrors.

The Continental GT Mulliner Convertible is available with the top of the range Naim for Bentley audio system.The state of the art setup features eighteen speakers and two Active Bass transducers driven by a 2,200-watt, 20-channel amplifier and eight DSP sound modes with Active Bass.

Customers of the Continental GT Mulliner Convertible will receive a leather key in a sumptuous, Mulliner-branded handcrafted presentation box., which matches the three-colour interior configuration of the car.The two keys are provided in similarly colour-matched cases with contrast stitching.

The Continental GT Mulliner Convertible will be

available with Bentley's V8 and W12 powertrains.

When equipped with Bentley’s 6.0-litre, twinturbocharged W12, the Continental GT Mulliner Convertible accelerates from 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds (0-100 km/h in 3.8 seconds) and is capable of a top speed of 207 mph (333 km/h).The newgeneration 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 delivers a top speed of 198 mph (318 km/h) and 0-60 mph in 4.0 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.1 seconds).

Available in the extended Bentley Mulliner paint range of 61 colours, customers wishing to specify their Continental GT Mulliner Convertible in a bespoke shade can commission Bentley’s artisan paint specialists to colour-match to any item or sample.

The first example of the exquisite Continental GT Mulliner Convertible will make its global debut at the Geneva International Motor Show on 3 March 2020

Bentley Mulliner Bentley Mulliner is renowned throughout the automotive world for crafting some of the most individual Bentleys ever created. Bentley Mulliner is the birthplace of coachbuilding – the oldest automotive coachbuilder in the world.

As Bentley’s personal commissioning division, Bentley Mulliner is able to respond to the requirements of Bentley's most discerning customers’ requests for further bespoke features on the Continental GT Mulliner Convertible.

The experienced team, supported by in-house engineers and designers at Crewe, prides itself on a long history of fulfilling the desires and demands of Bentley’s most discerning customers worldwide.The exciting three-portfolio future of Bentley Mulliner will be revealed on 3 March 2020 at the Geneva Motor Show.

VIJA PRODUCTION COMES ALIVE he new manufacturing facility where Lotus will build the Evija all-electric hypercar is being readied for final prototype production.

Series production and first customer deliveries of the all-electric two-seater will begin in the summer.

The hall is situated at the brand’s historic home of Hethel, in Norfolk, UK. It has been built trackside, next to Lotus’ storied 2.2-mile circuit which has hosted testing and shake-down sessions with many Formula 1 legends such as Ayrton Senna, Emerson Fittipaldi, Jim Clark and others.

The result is a versatile and inspiring workspace that will see Lotus handbuild up to 130 examples of the Evija.

The first year’s production allocation is already designated to customers around the world.

Phil Popham, CEO, Lotus Cars, commented: “This is now the newest car production facility in the world, and to witness it move from the drawing board to reality has been deeply satisfying. It’s testament to the commitment of all involved, and is the perfect sleek and high-tech production home for the Evija at our iconic Hethel headquarters.”

He proudly unveiled the completed hall to more than 1,400 Lotus employees during a series of staff briefings held in the new facility, telling them: “With our new factory ready, we are ahead of the pack in the

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emerging EV hypercar segment and 100% ready for some healthy competition.”

Work on the new Evija factory began in summer 2019. The interior has been fitted on three sides with gantries which frame the build stations. These have been designed and engineered to be sleek and unobtrusive, though robust enough to carry the necessary power, data and compressed air systems required to assemble the Evija.

An overhead gantry crane, multiple vehicle lifts and a wheel alignment ramp have also been installed. The interior is illuminated by more than 30,000 of the latest high-density, lowenergy LEDs. A state-of-the-art light tunnel will house the rigorous final inspection, before each Evija is driven out directly on to the famous Hethel test track for dynamic validation.

Highly collaborative in nature, the project has involved the co-ordination of 20 specialist contractors with more than 50 experts on site over the last six months.

About the Lotus Evija: • The name means ‘the first in existence’ • The world’s first all-electric British hypercar • The first electrified Lotus, the first Lotus hypercar and the first Lotus developed under the stewardship of majority shareholder Geely

• At 2,000 PS, the world’s most powerful series production road car • 0-62mph in under three seconds; 0186mph in under nine seconds; a top speed of more than 200mph • Full battery charge capability in under 10 minutes; battery power output of 2,000 kW; full EV driving

range of 250 miles • Outstanding aerodynamic performance and downforce • A Lotus like no other. A hypercar like no other.Yet instantly recognisable – as a beautiful car, as a Lotus • Destined to be driven, not left

unappreciated in a gilded cage. It is ‘For The Drivers’ • A statement of intent, and a global calling card for Lotus Cars and Lotus Engineering • It performs like a beast, but looks like a beauty – a technical masterpiece February 2020 | motoring 05

KIA ANNOUNCES NEW PLATFORM AND POWERTRAIN DETAILS FOR NEXT-GENERATION SORENTO • NEW PLATFORM ENHANCES SPACE, COMFORT AND DRIVING CHARACTER • ACCOMMODATES POTENT NEW ‘SMARTSTREAM’ TURBO ELECTRIFIED POWERTRAINS • LAUNCH LINE-UP INCLUDES NEW 1.6-LITRE T-GDI HYBRID POWERTRAIN AND 2.2-LITRE DIESEL • PUBLIC DEBUT FOR ALL-NEW SORENTO AT 2020 GENEVA INTERNATIONAL MOTOR SHOW

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ia Motors Corporation has revealed details of the next-generation Sorento’s new platform and powertrains today.

The latest Sorento will be the first SUV to be based on Kia’s new platform when production commences later this year. With a compact engine bay structure, shorter overhangs and a longer wheelbase, the platform supports the car’s stylish new design and onroad posture, as well as its comfortable ride and satisfying handling traits.

The overall length has been extended by 10mm more than its predecessor, while the wheelbase is up 35mm to 2,815mm. The cabin now provides more room than in many other competitor SUVs, while intelligent packaging means the Sorento will also offer class-leading cargo space.

When the first-generation Sorento was launched in 2002, it was underpinned by a robust body-onframe chassis, maximising space and

all-road ability. The shift to a monocoque structure for the second-generation Sorento in 2009 marked a step change in the car’s onroad character and behaviour.

Kia’s new midsize SUV platform represents a similarly important leap forward for the next-generation Sorento, allowing the car to set new standards in its segment for space, practicality, efficiency and quality.

For Korea, Europe and North America, the structure and layout of the platform accommodates the Sorento’s potent new ‘Smartstream’ turbo hybrid powertrain.

Representing the first application of electrified power in the Sorento line-up, the new powertrain comprises a 1.6-litre T-GDi (Turbocharged Gasoline Direct injection) engine, 44.2kW electric motor and 1.49kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack. The engine and motor produce a combined total output of 230ps power and 350Nm torque, providing low emissions with high levels of performance from the new electrified powertrain. The intelligent

packaging of the new platform means the battery pack can be located beneath the passenger cell, with no impact on cabin or luggage space.

Korean and European customers can also specify the Sorento’s new four-cylinder 2.2-litre ‘Smartstream’ diesel engine, producing 202ps and 440Nm torque. This is paired with Kia’s new 8-speed wet double-clutch transmission (8DCT), developed to offer the smooth shifting characteristics of a conventional automatic while enhancing efficiency over dry clutch DCTs. Additional powertrains will be announced in future, including a powerful new plug-in hybrid variant.

In addition to its new platform and powertrains, the Sorento

implements a range of high-tech safety and convenience features, differentiating it further from other midsize SUVs. This includes Kia’s first Multi-collision Brake system, which enables the Sorento to mitigate the severity of secondary collisions. It automatically applies vehicle brakes when the airbags have been deployed after an initial collision, further protecting occupants from secondary frontal or side impacts.

The Multi-collision Brake

system will be available depending on market with a total of eight airbags to further enhance collision safety, including front seat centre side airbags and knee airbags.

Designed and engineered to take on everything life can throw at it, the new Sorento will make its debut on March 3 at the 2020 Geneva International Motor Show. UK specification, pricing and on-sale date for the All-New Sorento will be announced in due course.

REFRESHED LOOK FOR NEW NISSAN NAVARA N-GUARD • NISSAN’S NEW TOUGH, SMART AND EFFICIENT NAVARA N-GUARD GETS A FRESH, PREMIUM LOOK BOTH INSIDE AND OUT • FOUR COLOUR CHOICES, NEW FOOTWELL ILLUMINATION AND UPDATED DETAILING IN THE CABIN MAKE THE NAVARA N-GUARD AN EVEN MORE STYLISH PROPOSITION • NEW SPRAY-ON LINER FOR THE LOAD BED HELPS TO ABSORB SHOCKS AND SOUNDS, ENHANCING THE NAVARA N-GUARD’S EXCEPTIONAL QUALITIES • CONNECTED CAR TECHNOLOGY PROVIDES ADVANCED SAFETY AND ENTERTAINMENT 06 motoring | February 2020

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issan has launched the latest Nissan Navara N-Guard, with the range-topping, double cab premium pickup now featuring a re-

freshed look.

Enhancing the Navara N-Guard’s premium feel, the model now comes with four exterior paint colour options – including an electric blue joining the popular black, white and grey.

The pickup stands out thanks to noticeable details. Among them, eye-catching blue stitching for the leather seats, footwell illumination that highlights the floor mat colour accents, and decals on the outside panels.

Perfectly complementing its stylish design, the Navara N-Guard delivers tough off-road functionality to match its impressive form. The Navara N-Guard now features a spray-on liner for its load bed, which not only looks great but absorbs shocks and sound. The new liner is therefore more resistant to all elements, making this the perfect pickup for both work and play.

“With its refreshed look, advanced connectivity and dependable off-road talent, the new Nissan Navara N-Guard really allows this pickup to be a workhorse during the weekday and a stylish companion in the evening and on the weekend,” said Soufiane Elkhomri, Light Commercial Vehicles General Manager for Nissan Europe.

“This all-round versatility and appeal has made

the Navara N-Guard a highly popular choice with customers, and we look forward to seeing customers enjoy everything that this renewed version has to offer.”

The new Navara N-Guard offers impressive capabilities that make every Navara model a dependable companion on the road or off it, able to tow up to 3,500 kg and carry over 1100 kg of cargo across a wide variety of terrain. The recently upgraded four-disc braking system and revised rear suspension also equip the model, making it easy to handle and control.

The N-Guard comes with the Navara’s 190PS, 450Nm twin turbo engine and is available with a choice of 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic transmission. Both versions come with Navara’s proven part-time 4-wheel drive system with low-ratio for unstoppable off-road

capability.

A host of advanced Nissan Intelligent Mobility technologies are also standard, including Intelligent Emergency Braking, Intelligent Around View Monitor and Hill Start Assist – giving drivers maximum confidence and control on the road.

The Navara N-Guard is also loaded with advanced connectivity, with the NissanConnect infotainment system, an improved user-friendly 8-inch screen and NissanConnect Services – allowing customers to engage with multiple functions on the vehicle.

The technology offering is expanded even further by a host of additional functions, such as advanced navigation, over-the-air software updates and smartphone integration courtesy of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

THE ALL-NEW RENAULT CAPTUR: ALL NEW, STILL A CAPTUR THE BEST-SELLER IN ITS CATEGORY FOR SEVEN YEARS, THE RENAULT CAPTUR HAS BEEN COMPLETELY RENEWED. NOW IT OFFERS EVEN MORE VERSATILITY, PERSONALIZATION AND SAFETY IN SURROUNDINGS THAT ARE MORE DESIRABLE.

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angible aspects such as the steering, suspension and chassis has been improved. This has been achieved by using all of the innovations that the Alliance has brought to the new modular CMF-B platform. A high degree of comfort for all occupants is offered and the bar for dynamic driving has been raised.

The All-New Captur uses the modular CMF-B platform first seen on the All-New Clio, so it provides a similar level of driving pleasure.

The All-New Captur is spreading

the use of driving the fullest and most advanced offer in its category.

Along with equipment such as the 360 camera and braking with cyclist and pedestrian detection, the Rare Cross Traffic Alert is making its first appearance in the Renault Range, to make leaving a parking safer. The ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) will be available. Together they form the Renault EASY DRIVE system.

The All-New Captur has also stepped up a class when it comes to its wider range of redesigned petrol and diesel engines. Paired with a 5 or 6-speed manual gearbox, these

engines provide an increased power range. These latest engines include leading-edge technologies. Hence, meeting current standards and provide optimized consumption .

Above all, this portfolio will be enhanced with a plug-in hybrid engine named E-TECH Plug-in, The first Plug-in hybrid from Groupe Renault.

This model forms part of Renault Group’s new strategy as part of the Drive the Future plan (2017-2022).

The starting price of the All-New Captur is €17,900 including scrappage scheme. Available at Kind’s Auto Sales in Mosta Road Lija Malta or Mgarr Road, Xewkija Gozo.

February 2020 | motoring 07

THE INNOVATIVE ELECTRIC CARS AND PLUG-IN HYBRID OF BMW

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he BMW 225xe - 2 Series Active Tourer variant with eDrive – delivers a combination of sporting ability, economy and everyday practicality unique in its segment. It allows locally emission-free driving without compromising on the driving pleasure you’d expect from BMW and combines an electric driving experience, high operating range with functional excellence and everyday practicality.

The BMW 2 Series Active offers both a higher system output and more boot capacity than its competitors. With its plug-in hybrid drive system, it combines BMW Efficient Dynamics with comfort, driving pleasure and all-wheel drive, and brings versatility and generous levels of space together in a compact vehicle. The BMW 225xe uses its combination of BMW eDrive and a 1.5-litre three-cylinder BMW TwinPower Turbo engine to offer both an electric driving experience and unrestricted mobility.

The BMW 2 Series Active Tourer with eDrive impresses with its interior, practical details and ergonomic ease of use. The driving experience is an

08 motoring | February 2020

equally important element of BMW’s family and leisure cars as everyday practicality. The BMW eDrive technologies developed under the banner of BMW Efficient Dynamics and a BMW TwinPower Turbo petrol engine team up to create an efficient and dynamically accomplished hybrid drive system which makes the perfect match for a BMW brand model: dynamically adept, locally emissionfree thanks to the electric drive and efficient over long distances.

The high-revving three-cylinder petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and an output of 100 kW/136 hp is standing by for longer journeys and when higher speeds are the order of the day. The combustion engine sends its power to the front wheels via a six-speed Steptronic transmission and represents a compelling proposition with its smooth running and 220 Newton metres (162 lb-ft) of torque available up to the 202 km/h (126

mph) top speed. Under heavy acceleration from rest and for overtaking manoeuvres, the power from the two drive systems combines to give a system output of 165 kW/224 hp and peak torque of up to 385 Newton metres (284 lb-ft). All of which enables acceleration from 0– 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.7 seconds. It ensures the combustion engine and electric motor work together to optimum effect in all driving situations and gives a pure-electric top speed of

80 km/h (50 mph). MAX eDRIVE allows the car to run on the electric drive system alone up to a speed of 125 km/h (78 mph). With SAVE BATTERY, the charge of the high voltage battery can be maintained or, if it’s already depleted, raised to over 50 per cent during a journey.

Send an email to info@mml.mizzi.com.mt to book your test drive with Muscats Motors – The only BMW retailer in Malta