By Christopher Tan
SMALL BUT POWERFUL
As sort of an encore to its magical 1.4-litre twincharged engine, the Volkswagen Group has unveiled a new 1.2-litre direct injection turbo that puts out 105bhp and 175Nm of torque from 1,500rpm.
With an aluminium crankcase, the four-cylinder eight-valve engine weighs just 89.5kg. The first cars to have this mighty mite will be the three-door VW Polo (above) and Audi's three-door A3.
AVOID HITTING ERRATIC BOB
Volvo Cars has a new crash dummy nicknamed Bob. He never gets to sit in a car during a collision.
Instead, he is the one who risks being run over. He may suddenly appear from behind a parked car or around a corner. This is because he is suspended from a crane that can propel him into the driver's field of vision.
Bob's erratic behaviour poses a challenge to Volvo's latest active safety system, which features both radar and cameras. The new system will spot pedestrians who suddenly dart into the car's path, then activates the brakes if the driver does not respond in time.
NEW PRIUS CONCEPT
To be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in a fortnight are a couple of new Toyota hybrids. These include an all-new Auris hybrid concept and a new Prius Plug-in Hybrid concept.
Early next year, Toyota will test 150 units of the latter in Europe. The company will also display another Lexus concept: a sporty wagon-style hybrid with an extended all-electric range.
KIA'S NEW LPG-ELECTRIC HYBRID
Also, KIA will preview an LPG-electric hybrid at the Frankfurt show. The Kia Forte LPI Hybrid is powered by a 114bhp 1.6-litre engine that runs on liquefied petroleum gas (commonly used for cooking).
It also has a 15kW 105Nm electric motor powered by a 180-volt lithium polymer battery pack. It has a continuously variable transmission, stop-start function and "regenerative braking". The car's drag-coefficient is reduced to just 0.26. Kia will test a fleet of the unique hybrids from next year.
The Korean brand will also unveil an all-new model at the show. The Kia Venga is a compact car that offers the roominess of a mid-size model. It has a 2,615mm wheelbase and a 1,600mm roofline. The latest Kia will be equipped with a sliding rear seat that also folds flat onto the floor for a spacious cargo bay. Engine choices include a 1.4- and 1.6-litre, in petrol and diesel.
RENAULT COMPACT WAGON
Renault has stepped into the compact wagon segment with the Renault Sport Tourer. Stylishly designed and powered by 1.6-litre engines, the range could compete with cars such as Volvo's V50 and Audi's A4 estate.
The French wagon is suitably equipped for the job, with premium options such as dualzone climate control, electric folding mirrors, electrochrome rear-view mirror, electronic parking brake, panoramic sunroof and 16- or 17-inch wheels.
SAAB'S SPECIAL OFFER
Saab agent Trans Eurokars is marking the Swedish marque's "new era under the Koenigsegg Group" with a special offer to customers. They will be offered a competitive car loan with zero interest in the first year. In addition, they will enjoy a comprehensive five-year servicing plan at no extra charge.
BMW'S K BIKES
BMW's latest two-wheeled road warriors will be unleashed this weekend. The new K-series - K1300S and "naked" K1300R - will offer more punch and flexibility.
Engine displacement goes to 1.3 litres, offering 175bhp in the S and 173bhp in the R. The bikes come with a lot of equipment, including anti-lock braking system as a standard feature and a second generation of electronically adjustable suspension as an option.
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