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Sarah Kidd

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In what is ‘the first step towards full electrification’, Bentley have announced a hybrid version of the Bentayga.

It will utilise a new V6 petrol unit in conjunction with an electric motor and retains all-wheel drive present in the rest of the Bentagya range – along with Sport, Comfort, Bentley and Custom drive modes. There will also be three electrified drive modes in EV Drive, Hybrid Mode and Hold Mode. The Bentagya hybrid will emit 75g CO2  per kilometre.

The Bentagya hybrid will be capable of 50km purely using the electric motor, and will go on sale in selected markets in the second half of the year.

The new SsangYong Musso pick-up has been revealed at the Geneva Motor Show.

The Korean marque’s rugged new pick-up has a body-on-frame assembly and is built on the same platform as their current Rexton – which won our 4×4 Of The Year title.

It also has SsangYong’s e-XDi220 2.2-litre diesel with 181bhp and 309lbf.ft – that has already impressed us in the Rexton and the smaller Korando. It gets the choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions, and part-time all-wheel drive comes as standard. So too does high and low ratio boxes, promising off-road prowess akin to that of the Rexton.

Eight-point body mounts and wheel-arch linings are in place to add sophistication to the pick-up, making the cabin quieter and more comfortable. Bluetooth and DAB radio are present across the range, whilst an 8″ infotainment screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and wi-fi mirroring are available on higher spec models.

The pick-up bed is sized to carry a Euro pallet, and houses 12V/120W power outlets, plus rotating hooks to help when strapping cargo down.

The manual can tow a braked trailer of 2,800kg, whilst the automatic can tow 200kg more, and both can haul an unbraked trailer of 750kg.

Specifications for the UK are yet to be announced, but the new Musso is expected to go on sale this summer.

 

Skoda have revealed their concept SUV, the Vision X, at the Geneva Motor Show.

The concept is the first hybrid to wear the Czech company’s badge, and showcases a combustion engine that runs on petrol and naturally compressed gases (CNG) for the front axle, and is supplemented by electric motors powering the rear wheels. The 1.5-litre unit has been developed to work with CNG and is fitted with a turbo, resulting in emissions of a mere 89g CO2 per kilometre.  CNG units are considerably more efficient than their fossil fuel counterparts, and the G-Tec Skoda example is capable of using biogas – something that opens the possibility of carbon neutral emissions.

Alongside the green drivetrain, images of equally green bodywork have also broken cover, and the styling of the SUV shows a sporty advance on the current Skoda family look. The interpretation of a modern crossover is a hint at what a third Skoda SUV would be and also a look forward to the future of the brand – that has targeted a plug-in hybrid Superb for next year and electrification of the whole range by 2025.

The electric motor can offer 52lbf.ft in the rear axle on demand, which will be useful off-road and compliments the 130bhp and 147lbf.ft on tap from the drivetrain. It also utilises regenerative charging when braking or coasting to keep the power supply topped up.

 

 

With front, rear and all-wheel drive selectable, the Vision X is a versatile concept. That continues inside, with infotainment extensively available thanks to a wide dash, with a large glass-like display that rises from the centre console. The concept also previews systems that do everything from find parking spaces, offer ride sharing or vehicle rental and the Vision X will even pick the kids up from nursery when you can’t – or at least it would do.

To further the active lifestyle appeal of the Vision X concept, it’s boot is home to two electric skateboards, charging ports and a pair of helmets plus a drone to film the knarly kick-flips and grinds. In a sentence that could be taken from a budget adaptation of Transformers, the backs of the rear seats also detach and double up as spinal protection for skateboarding.

Concepts often feel like gimmicks to simply get people interested, but the plausibility of the Vision X, plus Skoda frequently referencing it as a study, give the impression that at some point, we might actually see something like this in production.

 

BMW have revealed the latest addition to their X range – the X2. The small SUV will get the xDrive all-wheel drive system across the board, with one engine available at launch and more joining it throughout the year.

The X2 xDrive20d will be available with SE, Sport, M Sport and M Sport X trim levels on the table. The initial engine produces 190bhp and 295lbf.ft, sprints from standstill to 62mph in 7.7 seconds and has a top speed of 137mph.

Order books are open, with prices starting at £33,890 for the X2 xDrive20d SE.

Mercedes-Benz recently released the X-Class pickup, and not long afterwards a few adventure themed concepts. They’ve announced they are now updating the range with a new engine – and permanent all-wheel drive – and will debut the model next week at the Geneva Motor Show.

The X350d utilises a 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo diesel, that’s good for 258bhp and 368lbf.ft, and does 0-62mph in 7.9 seconds. A seven-speed automatic gearbox comes as standard, with paddle controls behind the wheel, as does stop-start functionality. Off-road transmission mode is featured alongside comfort, eco, sport and manual gearbox settings.

The 4matic all-wheel drive system has a low-range box and a two-stage transfer case, and distributes the power with a 60:40 bias in favour of the rear axle.

The X350d will come with two trim options, including the range-topping Power No pricing has been announced for the UK yet, but is expected to follow after the debut in Switzerland, given that it will be available from the middle of 2018.

Jaguar have officially unveiled their all-electric I-Pace in a live broadcast tonight, 1st March, before it makes its debut in the metal at the Geneva Motor Show in five days’ time.

The electric SUV has a pair of batteries powering the axles with 400bhp and 513lbf.ft. This means the I-Pace clocks a 0-60mph time of 4.5 seconds and is said to be able to charge from flat to four fifths of its battery capacity in 85 minutes, and a charge of 30 minutes giving 80 miles – both with rapid charging.

Now on sale, the I-Pace will cost from £63,495 with S, SE and HSE trims are joined by a limited number of First Edition models.

 

The ‘Fully Charged’ documentary, about the making of the I-Pace, was played after the launch.

Despite the fact the Mecca of motoring doesn’t start until next week, manufacturers have been teasing a mix of pictures, specs and new releases already. Here’s a list of what to look out for.

Honda 

Honda will reveal the European spec of the next-gen CR-V in Switzerland, with styling updates accompanying optional sixth and seventh seats and a hybrid powertrain on the new model. Oh, and four-wheel drive variants with both petrol and hybrid drivetrains.

The first deliveries are expected in autumn this year, with hybrids coming next year.

 

Jaguar

The I-Pace will get it’s full public unveiling next week in Geneva, but there will be an online reveal before then.

Tomorrow night the electric SUV will be uncovered live on the internet at 6pm. Jaguar say that the battery on the five seat SUV will charge from empty to 80% in 85 minutes, and full pricing and specifications are to be announced after the curtain drops.

 

Jeep

There will be three debutants from Jeep at this year’s show, with the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, the 2019 Cherokee and the most anticipated new model in the off-roading sphere, the fourth-gen Wrangler appearing in Europe for the first time.

Joining the new releases on their stand will be a Night Eagle special edition of the latest Compass and four Mopar kitted Jeeps, showing off the accessory brand’s latest ranges.

 

Land Rover

Land Rover have teased a limited run two-door Range Rover, harking back to the Classic. We know very little thus far, except that it’s a full-fat Range Rover minus the back doors, there will only be 999 of them and the interior looks funky.

The full reveal will be at the show on the 6th March.

 

Mitsubishi

Geneva will see two model debuts from Mitsubishi – the e-Evolution concept and the 2019 Outlander PHEV.

The all electric e-Evolution will be making its European debut at the show. The EV shows the ‘strategic directions’ of the Mitsubishi brand, combining a sharp exterior with an under-floor triple battery system. One battery drives the front axle, whilst to share responsibilities at the back, and this is paired with Mitsubishi’s all-wheel drive management setup.

A global debut awaits the 2019 Outlander PHEV at Geneva. The second-generation hybrid SUV has had its drivetrain redesigned, with the previous 2.0-litre petrol engine being upgraded to 2.4-litres. The outputs of the generator, rear motor, and the drive battery will be 10% higher than the current PHEV, whilst the drive battery’s capacity will be upped by 15%.

The Outlander’s 4WD system will also be getting more modes, including sport and snow settings.

Click here to visit Mitsubishi’s dedicated Geneva Motor Show website.

 

Skoda

Skoda have announced that they will reveal several model updates at Geneva, including the latest L&K and their latest concept.

The Kodiaq L&K will make its debut in the metal in Switzerland, as the SUV receives the top-spec treatment. A digital instrument panel will also be added to the Kodiaq lineup.

The Vision X concept looks forward to the future of the Skoda SUV family. The hybrid, ‘emotionally rich study’ operates a large touchscreen display and champions infotainment and connectivity. The powertrain in the Vision X is a four-cylinder turbo unit that runs on compressed natural gas and is enhanced by an electric motor.

 

SsangYong

SsangYong are doing well at the moment, and fresh from winning our 4×4 Of The Year Award with the Rexton, they’ve got a couple of reveals lined up for Geneva.

A new Musso will be revealed for the first time in Europe, alongside an electric offering. The e-SIV (which stands for electronic smart interface vehicle) is a concept SUV geared towards connectivity and autonomous driving, and has a slated range of 450km and can charge up to 80% in 50 minutes.

 

With more reveals certain over the duration of the show, we’ll keep you updated with everything 4×4.

Ineos have announced a partnership with MB Tech for their planned 4×4, the Projekt Grenadier.

In September last year, CEO of the chemical and energy company Jim Ratcliffe announced plans to manufacture the spiritual successor to the Land Rover Defender, thus INEOS Automotive was born. It has now been announced that Mercedes-Benz subsidiary MB Tech are going to be the engineering partners on the venture.

Head of Engineering at INEOS Automotive Alexander Quint is confident that signing with MB Tech was the correct choice for Projekt Grenadier.

“This agreement represents a great end to many months’ work securing the perfect partner for Projekt Grenadier’s development. We are working to create a very special car and it was essential for us to find the right partner. I believe MBtech’s reputation for quality, reliability and craftsmanship, alongside their long and proud history, make them the right choice. We have a supreme level of confidence in their engineering skills and know we have made the right decision.”

Work will begin on the ‘uncompromising’ off-roader this spring, with 200 engineers starting on the concept in Stuttgart, with more specifications earmarked for mid-2018.

The new XV is the first SUV on Subaru’s Global Platform – which will eventually underpin all the company’s vehicles. It’s good news for customers, because the XV and Impreza – which is also based on the new platform – take the top two places in EuroNCAP’s league table for child occupant protection.

It’s designed to route energy more efficiently through the body of the car in the event of a crash, and the engine is mounted in a cradle which carries it underneath the passenger compartment.

But to avoid that eventuality, the XV now features autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning and rear cross-traffic alert, linked in to Subaru’s EyeSight system which uses a pair of cameras to create a 3D image of the road ahead. The XV will self-steer to a degree, too, to keep you on the straight and narrow, and if you try to pull away before the car in front, it’ll kill the gas.

And it looks after you the rest of the time, too. Inside, the XV’s cabin feels more modern than the old model’s, with a slick design and excellent build quality. The dashboard is dominated by a large screen which does the stuff you want it to but not the stuff you don’t – i.e. the heating and air-con which get traditional buttons.

We like the all-round view from the vehicle, too, as well as the space in the front seats. The rears aren’t as good – one six-footer can sit behind another, but not without compromise.

The rear seats drop down to leave a cargo floor with a sizeable step in it and a sloping front section. There’s a high lip at the tailgate aperture, too – because the floor is set low to allow the tallest possible luggage space.

The XV’s seating position is quite sporty, as is the vehicle’s willingness to be driven with verve.

The new platform is stiffer, with a low centre of gravity as well as a side-to-side balance of weight which flatters Subaru’s all-wheel drive system, letting the vehicle grip more tenaciously while steering and handling with greater feel and sharpness. It feels alert, and it also covers the ground very smoothly, with real composure.

You might not be surprised by any of that, but you’re unlikely to be expecting the XV to slay any giants off-road. Incredibly, though, we took on some mud on the luanch – the kind you really wouldn’t fancy having a go at on the wrong tyres. They wouldn’t have done this, of course, if they hadn’t tested it first. But this was on standard 18” tyres with the regulation amount of air in them. There was wheelspin, and a certain amount of sideways action as the vehicles found themselves a way through, but the fact is that we didn’t once see one getting into difficulties.

There’s no low box and the short stroke of the suspension means that although ground clearance is good, lifting wheels will always be an issue. But a standard CVT gearbox to some extent overcomes the absence of low range and, with Subaru’s X-Mode system now fitted, the XV’s traction control kicks in at lower speeds to prevent wheelspin.

There’s also a very effective hill descent control system whose set speed can be fine-tuned by dabbing the pedals, allowing you to tackle surprisingly rough terrain with much more control and finesse than a crossover estate normally allows.

Overall, there’s more off-road ability here than we believed possible in a car of this nature – Subaru is a past master at making estates perform in the mud, but the company has excelled itself here.

That’s the icing on top for a vehicle which makes a very good first impression indeed. And it’s a good first impression in more ways than one – because with the XV’s new platform set to go under the next Forester and Outback, Subaru has some very good times ahead.

Read the full review in the next issue of 4×4, out 9th February.

Land Rover have announced a two-door, limited run Range Rover as their 70th Anniversary merriments continue. The SV Coupé pays homage to the first Range Rover and will make its debut on Land Rover’s website on 6th March, before appearing publicly at the Geneva Motor Show. Each of the 999 Coupés will be hand crafted at Land Rover’s Special Vehicles facility in Warwickshire and will be available to customers worldwide.

Despite only releasing a singular birds-eye-view shot of the interior, the brands Chief Design Officer Gerry McGovern promises that the exterior will not disappoint.

‘The Range Rover SV Coupé is a highly compelling design with peerless refinement and uncompromised sophistication from its breath-taking exterior proportions to its sumptuous, beautifully appointed interior. This is a vehicle that will resonate on an emotional level.’

The new model will be a sleeker vision of the full-sized Range Rover, having only two doors like the original Rangey had on its release back in 1970. Like the Defender Works V8 and the restoration of a recently discovered, pre-production prototype, the SV Coupé commemorates both the brands heralded history producing now classic off-roaders, and its current status as a luxury SUV powerhouse.

With three announcements celebrating the brand’s 70th year, and it’s still only January, it seems as though the whole Land Rover team are set for the busiest of years.

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