The electric Bulli is set to become Volkswagen’s bestseller.
(Photo: VW)
Cologne After the summer factory holidays, the second half of the 2022 car year will begin. Numerous interesting new car models will still be rolling into dealerships until New Year’s Eve. Five examples.
VW ID Buzz
The VW Bulli is coming back – as an electric car. With the retro-futuristic ID. Buzz in the style of the classic Transporter T1, Volkswagen will be adding a predestined sympathizer to its range at the end of the year. At first there is only one drive variant, but as a passenger car and as a commercial vehicle.
Like the other ID electric models, the bus is also based on the group’s MEB architecture, which allows for various battery and motor sizes. Initially, VW is limited to a 77 kWh storage unit that supplies power to a 150 kW/204 hp electric motor on the rear axle. The range should be 400 to 450 kilometers. The prices probably start at around 65,000 euros.
The compact SUV will be a little more angular in the future.
BMW X1
BMW is relaunching the X1 in October. The third generation of the compact SUV has a slightly larger kidney grille and is generally a touch more aggressive than last. In terms of dimensions, the new model is only slightly larger, but with a length of 4.50 meters it maintains the respectful distance to the mid-range SUV X3.
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There are two petrol and two diesel engines to choose from right from the market launch, each of which is combined with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The basis is a 100 kW/136 hp 1.5 liter petrol engine with prices starting at 41,400 euros.
From November, the range will be supplemented by other conventional variants, two plug-in hybrids and the electric iX1 xDrive 30 (from 55,000 euros) with all-wheel drive and 230 kW/313 hp system output.
The SUV from Stuttgart, on the other hand, remains true to its style.
Mercedes GLC
The freshly modernized C-Class will again have an SUV cousin in the fall. As before, the new GLC is technically based on the sedan, also remains true to the well-known design line, but makes many things better or at least more modern in detail. This can be seen directly on the giant display in the cockpit, which runs one of the best infotainment software on the market.
In terms of drive, the new generation, like the C-Class, dispenses entirely with six-cylinder engines, instead all four-cylinder engines are electrified – in addition to mild hybrids, plug-in hybrids are also available towards the end of the year, with electric ranges of around 100 kilometers. Compared to the previous generation, Mercedes calls for at least 9,000 euros higher prices, depending on the variant.
The Kadjar gets a new name and a more modern look.
Renault Australia
Kadjar becomes Austral in September: Renault changes the model designation of its compact crossover as part of the generation change. The new name is derived from the Latin word “australis”, which means “south” in German. It should evoke associations with the warmth and colors of the southern hemisphere. Relatively flowery for a car that shares the technology with the Nissan Qashqai and, like this, wants to be a more rational vehicle with good space and a fair price-performance ratio.
Visually, at least, the new one appears fresh and is based on the Mégane E-Tech electric model. There will not be a pure electric drive for the crossover, but there will be a 147 kW/200 hp full hybrid that will drop the diesel offered in the previous generation from the range.
Alternatively, various petrol engines with mild hybrid technology are available. The prices should start beyond 30,000 euros.
The brand’s new flagship wants to compete with the upper class.
Mazda CX-60
The Japanese are known for their technical special ways. While everyone is turning their backs on diesel, the newly developed compression-ignition engine in the mid-range SUV CX-60 is also turning its nose at the downsizing trend. The 3.3-liter in-line six-cylinder will not be delivered until 2023, initially in the largest Mazda SUV to date there is a more contemporary plug-in hybrid consisting of a 2.5-liter petrol engine (141 kW/192 hp) and an electric motor (100 kW /136 HP), which brings it to 241 kW/327 HP.
The high performance is no coincidence, according to Mazda’s new premium doctrine, but in the future it wants to target premium brands such as Audi, BMW, Volvo, Lexus and Genesis. This is also reflected in the prices, which start at just under 50,000 euros.
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