From future models in Munich to past models from Coventry and some exciting news about a scale model, there’s a lot of modelling going on in Car news this week.
Big international motor shows are back with the new IAA Mobility 2021 happening Munich. Technically it’s a mobility show which means lots of e-scooters, e-bikes, urban pods and the like, but they all have electric motors so we’re happy to still call it a motor show. For car people there were lots of new models too so to kick off this week’s news, here’s a quick run down of what was hot in Munich.
It’s the home show for BMW and electrification was very much the order of the day. It showed its iX5 hydrogen and then a nasty surprise in the form of the i Vision Circular, a design study that looks at the concept of the circular economy with a vehicle that BMW says should make you “re:think, re:duce, re:use and re:cycle.” If they could just re:turn it so we never have to see it again that would be good.
Volkswagen showed something far more pleasant in the form of the ID Life, a compact crossover that is of course fully electric and has a multifunctional interior that can be converted into a gaming lounge or cinema. It definitely brings new meaning to the idea of a drive-in movie.
Still with the Germans, Mercedes-Benz had plenty of new stuff to show. The one that grabbed the most attention is the EQG, a concept that shows a possible future electric G-Class. We’re not convinced that electric suits the G but we’ll wait and see. It does suit the new EQE which is the latest electric saloon as Merc starts racking up the electric derivatives. Then there’s the Mercedes-Maybach EQS which is frankly an insult to good design. They’ll probably sell five in the Middle East. Finally there was the AVTR concept which Merc says has various functions which can be adjusted using brain waves. This could be super cool or maybe a bit scary depending on your point of view.
Renault showed its Megane E-Tech Electric, which is the production version of the 2020 Megane eVision concept which itself was based on the 2019 Morphoz concept. Looking more crossover than hatchback, it’s a big design move for the Megane as Renault accelerates its electric vehicle programme. No idea as yet when it will be in the UK but Renault is promising a 292 mile range and the ability to charge to 186 miles of range in just 30 minutes on a 130kW fast charger.
Kia showed the world the new Sportage, then told us it’s not for the UK and that together with Europe we would be getting out own Sportage for the first time. Well here it is, the new Sportage, which by all accounts looks remarkably like the one everyone else is getting. We could play a spot the difference competition, because there are a few, but the main thing is that it looks much more dynamic than the outgoing model and much less like a Porsche Cayenne wannabe. Also important is that as well as petrol and diesel engines there will be a plug-in hybrid will an electric-only mode. It will also have Terrain Mode for the first time, mated with an Electronic Controlled Suspension system, a wider range of driver assistance systems and of course more connectivity, a cool curved touchscreen and undoubtedly a slightly higher price.
If however you need more seats, let’s say maybe space for up to seven, then Dacia might have the answer to your prayers. The new Dacia Jogger might sound like a drab piece of clothing from a high street sports store, but it looks good, offers loads of space inside and word is that it will start from just £15,000. Seriously, a fifteen grand seven seater estate SUV thing with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. And there’s more, it has roof rails that swing across the roof so they become a roof rack. These could be the most practical roof rails in history and they’re on a fifteen grand car. Yes, we’re jumping up and down with excitement about this one and if you're not then that’s fine, you can just jog on.
If we’re using puns then we suppose we’d better have something along the lines of “the name’s Defender, Bond Edition Defender.” Admittedly that’s not the best pun for the new Land Rover Defender Bond Edition thats been revealed. It’s based on the new V8 in short wheelbase 90 and longer 120 versions and while it doesn’t have guns, ejector seats or anything, it does have puddle lamps that project the 007 logo on to the floor. What do you think of that Miss Moneypenny?
While the Land Rover people have been having fun with 007 stuff, the team at Jaguar Classic have been putting the finishing touches to their C-Type continuation model. Up to 16 will be built, each costing between one and two million quid (Jaguar won’t say exactly how much) and we’ve had a close look at the first one. It’s achingly gorgeous and is based on the 1953 competition specification version that came first and second at Le Mans that year. Many components have had to be built from scratch, but incredibly they managed to find original rear view mirrors and fuse box covers. Officially continuation models can’t be driven on a public road so if you want one, you’ll need a very long driveway, access to a racetrack or just be happy to look at your pride and joy.
On that note, this week’s last piece of news is that Hot Wheels, the people who make cool scale model cars, is running a competition to make a model car of your car. Yes, your own car could be immortalised as a little model complete with your own aftermarket modifications. How cool is that. There are a few modded cars in the team so maybe we’ll enter.
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