Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Audi 3.0 TDI

The 3.0-liter, 240-hp diesel that first served in the Audi Q7 has been assigned to duty in the Audi A4. We drove the 3.0 in the Q7 during last year's Audi Mileage Marathon, and both mileage and power didn't disappoint. Put into the A4, the oil burner with 369 lb-ft should shine like Alpha Centauri.

Audi says it will get you to sixty in 6.2 seconds with the six-speed Tiptronic and return 35 mpg at the same time as it already meets the Euro 6 standards coming in 2014. It's unlikely we'll get the treat in this corner of the Western Hemisphere, but that doesn't mean we won't keep looking out for it... especially as an Avant... with those wheels...

PRESS RELEASE

The Audi A4 3.0 TDI clean diesel quattro – Highly efficient and extremely clean

* The world's cleanest diesel technology now also in the A4
* Midsize sedan consumes only 6.7 liters per 100 km (35.11 US mpg)
* Powerful engine with 240 hp and 500 Nm (368.78 lb-ft) of torque

Using the world's cleanest diesel technology, the 3.0 TDI clean diesel already meets the Euro 6 emission standard not scheduled to enter into force until 2014. Having debuted in the Audi Q7, the innovative engine is now coming to the A4. The powerful TDI is not only extremely clean, it is also highly efficient, using only 6.7 liters of fuel per 100 km (35.11 US mpg) in the EU cycle.

The technology package of the 3.0 TDI clean diesel quattro comprises the engine itself and the highly efficient exhaust gas after-treatment system. A new common rail injection system that develops pressures of up to 2,000 bar, innovative combustion chamber pressure sensors and an ultra-high-performance exhaust gas recirculation system ensure highly efficient combustion which produces minimal raw emissions.

A novel DeNOX catalytic converter at the end of the exhaust system reduces nitrogen oxides. Just upstream of it, a pump injects an aqueous additive named AdBlue into the hot exhaust flow, where this solution decomposes into ammonia, which splits the nitrogen oxides into nitrogen and water. The tank is large enough that the driver never has to refill it. This is done instead by the Audi dealership during scheduled maintenance.

Using the world's cleanest diesel technology, the Audi A4 3.0 TDI clean diesel quattro meets the Euro 6 emission standard announced for 2014. It is also very fuel-efficient, averaging only 6.7 liters (Avant: 6.8 liters) of fuel per 100 km (35.11 and 34.59 US mpg).

The innovative V6 TDI engine makes the A4 a powerful performer, needing only 6.2 seconds (Avant: 6.3 seconds) to go from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph). Top speed is electronically governed to 250 km/h (155.34 mph). The combination with the six-speed tiptronic and quattro permanent all-wheel drive ensures a high degree of comfort and superior traction.

The equipment and data specified in this document refer to the model range offered in Germany. Subject to change without notice; errors and omissions excepted.

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Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Citroen C3

It's really a shame we can't buy Citroens in America anymore. Main reason is the awesome C6. Second reason is that all the small Citroens we poked our heads into at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show had sticks. By comparison, more than half the VWs were slushers. Moving on – check out this cute little guy! It's the new C3, complete with its "Zenith Windshield." As you may have noticed, the front piece of glass goes all the way to eleven. We like this, because as time moves on, safety concerns and styling trends are forcing more and more glass out of the cabin. It's getting so bad that you can't hardly see out of the new Chevy Camaro. Not so in this here Citroen C3. Forward visibility for the win. And the view from outside the car ain't so bad either. High style, low price – what's not to like?

PRESS RELEASE

A TOUCH OF GLASS: CITROËN INTRODUCES THE NEW C3

Citroën has released first details of the new C3, a completely redesigned successor to the popular C3 supermini – a bestseller with over 2 million units delivered worldwide.

Arriving in the UK early in 2010, the new C3 boasts contemporary lines and seductive styling, compact exterior dimensions – cleverly matched to exceptional interior space – good environmental credentials and a refined, high quality interior – as well as offering a unique and innovative windscreen design.

On the outside, new C3 gets a sportier edge, with a tauter profile that gives the car a more dynamic, yet robust appearance. Nowhere is the modern styling more apparent than in the design of the new C3's unique Zenith windscreen, which flows dramatically up and over the heads of the front occupants. Coupled with slim side pillars, the huge progressively tinted windscreen offers a truly panoramic field of vision – along with optimum overhead sun protection.

'Visiodrive' – the word created to best describe the new Citroën C3 – is born out of this unique windscreen, which is yet another example of Citroën's use of 'Creative Technologie'. The screen helps to create a bright and pleasurable cabin environment for driver and passengers alike – improving visibility, road safety, driving pleasure, ambience and the overall feeling of spaciousness.

Inside the cabin, attention to detail and the use of high quality materials, delivers an air of refinement and class, which is complemented by enhanced sound insulation and a pleasant fragrance from the car's integrated air freshener.

Despite its added sophistication, increased comfort and interior space, the new C3 remains one of the most compact vehicles in its segment – and avoids any increase in weight over the current model. At just 3.94m long and 1.71m wide, it offers a generous 300 litres of boot space, along with numerous storage areas throughout the cabin. Occupants also benefit from a feeling of comfort and roominess with a slightly raised seating position for ease of access and improved visibility.

The new C3 is at ease in the city, with its compact dimensions and 10.2m turning circle, as well as on the open road, thanks to its enhanced dynamics. The careful control of weight, combined with optimised aerodynamics (Cd of 0.30), allows the new C3 to achieve excellent fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

From launch, an HDi 90 powered version will be available emitting just 99g/km CO2 – the first full production Citroën to emit less than 100g/km. Whilst the arrival of new power plants from 2011, incorporating second-generation Stop & Start technology, will see diesel versions emitting as little as 90g/km CO2, to be followed by new generation three-cylinder petrol engines with less than 100g/km CO2.

Modern and perfectly at home in the 21st century, the new C3 can be well connected with USB, iPod and Bluetooth® functionality, as well as offering Citroën's 'MyWay' satellite navigation and Hifi System®.

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Frankfurt 2009: Kia c'eed

The Kia c'eed has come in for a voluminous number of changes, all of which are explained in the massively massive press release after the jump. The short of it is a restyled exterior, new interior elements, new mechanical structures such as a revised subframe for better NVH performance, the addition of hill-assist, a new diesel engine among the 5-engine range... see what we mean? This is not the Kia c'eed you knew...

What you really need to know about the new c'eed is that it takes a rightful place among the lead group of entry-level hatches in Europe. Sometimes you get in a cheap car and it looks cheap and feels cheap. That isn't the Kia c'eed – a little car that gives you a 6-speed manual to make the most of what power it offers. As has been the case with Hyundai and Kia lately, this one's probably going to be another good one.

PRESS RELEASE

NEW KIA CEE'D

1. INTRODUCTION

'New-look' for best-selling Kia cee'd range

Created especially for European consumers, the original Kia cee'd marked a major turning point in Kia's history. It was the start of a new era, the first-ever Kia designed and produced in Europe. Manufactured in an all-new factory, it introduced a qualitative revolution for the brand as the highest standards of engineering and European-style aesthetics were applied to every aspect of its design.

Unquestionably, the Kia cee'd family, which grew to encompass wagon and coupe (pro_cee'd) body styles, has proved to be the brand's strongest-ever contender for top C-segment honours. It offered consumers an unprecedented choice of engines, body styles, exterior colours, interior trims and options. It was backed by an industry-leading, 7-Year Kia Warranty – the best warranty ever offered by any car manufacturer, on any vehicle marketed in Europe.

Now, with more than 230,000 examples sold across Western Europe, it is time for Kia to launch the 'new-look' cee'd. The brand's top-selling model in Europe has been thoroughly re-engineered and restyled under the direction of Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer, to feature the latest version of the company's signature grille – an evolving expression of the brand's design DNA – and to adopt a more distinctive road presence.

Comprehensively updated, the new Kia cee'd range delivers a host of customer benefits, with numerous exterior and interior design refinements and upgraded standard equipment. Kia is confident that these significant enhancements will enable new cee'd to capture an even higher share of the C-segment market in Europe next year.

Technical innovations being introduced with new cee'd enhance the driving experience while also significantly reducing fuel consumption and cutting CO2 emissions to a low of 110 g/km (estimated) and by an average of 5% across the cee'd line-up.

Fuel-stretching Start/Stop (ISG) technology is now available on both gasoline and diesel engines for the first time, a hill-holder function for the ESC is introduced and brighter projection-style headlamps are fitted. The suspension has been fine-tuned for a more comfortable ride, without any loss of agility and the steering response has been sharpened.

The existing range of five engines, which includes 1.4, 1.6 and 2.0-litre CVVT gasoline engines and 1.6 and 2.0-litre CRDi diesel engines, is carried over. But the 1.6-litre diesel is an all-new, super-efficient engine from the 'U2' family and is matched to a new six-speed manual transmission. In some countries lower-power versions of the diesel and gasoline engines will be available to suit local taxation regulations.

Kia's New cee'd range will reach Kia dealer showrooms all across Europe during September 2009. The range offers three body styles, five engines, three trim/equipment levels (LX, EX and TX), will be available in a choice of 12 distinctive exterior finishes – including five new colours.

2. STYLING & DESIGN

Restyled with Kia's evolving DNA for a stronger presence

The 'new look' Kia cee'd has been thoroughly restyled in order to keep the brand's best-selling model in Europe 'fresh' and maintain its strong appeal to consumers.

Working under the direction of Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer, Kia's European design team have made a number of changes to the exterior of the five-door hatchback and wagon models, to give both cars a more distinctive road presence while incorporating the company's evolving design DNA and retaining the original cee'd family styling connection.

Briefed to enhance the original models' 'sporty and strong' appearance, the cee'd team at Kia's Frankfurt-based Design Centre Europe, headed by Chief Designer, Gregory Guillaume, set out to make the new model's 'face' appear more striking and impactful, while refreshing the whole car. Ultimately, the only new metal panels are a new bonnet and new front wings on models where the repeat turn indicators are moved to the door mirrors.

New look cee'd adopts the company's signature grille, also featured (with small variations), on the all-new Sorento SUV and all-new Venga MPV being unveiled at the Frankfurt Show.

On New cee'd, the grille stretches the full width between the front headlights, which combined with the new trapezoidal lower air intake and completely redesigned lower front bumper, makes the car seem wider, lower and more purposeful. Completing the changes at the front end are redesigned, projection-type head lamps and square fog lamps which give a more high-tech and luxurious feel.

The grille's finish varies with different trim/equipment levels as a way of visually differentiating between models. Most models feature an all-chrome edge to the grille, while models with the Sport Pack will have a Piano Black high-gloss edge with a contrasting chrome strip to the grille's inner edge.

Overall length of New cee'd is increased by 25 mm on the hatchback and 20 mm on the wagon. The new front bumper and grille (common to both models), extends the nose by 20 mm, while at the rear the hatchback features an all-new bumper which adds 5 mm to the rear overhang. The hatchback's bumper also features new shape lower reflectors and this body style has new LED-look rear lamp clusters with a subtly revised shape. The profile of the cluster's top and side is unchanged, but the lower edge is raised (compared to the original cee'd) and consequently, the bumper is slightly deeper. On the wagon, the shape of the rear clusters is unchanged, but the lamps incorporate the new LED-look.

The profile of New cee'd appears sleeker, thanks to the extended nose, new, lower mounted door mirrors, a range of new-style 16- and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Sport Pack models of the hatchback are fitted with the Piano Black high-gloss front grille, plus a deeper central front air intake (also in Piano Black), black headlamp bezels and, at the rear on the hatchback, a black 'venturi-style' panel set into the bumper.

As with the original model, the final appearance of European-designed New cee'd was fine-tuned in Kia's world-class full-size aero-acoustic wind tunnel at the Namyang R&D Centre in Korea. The new model's aerodynamic drag figure is Cd 0.33 (bettering the VW Golf and Ford Focus) while its lift coefficient figure (Cl 0.01) is a class-best result that enhances vehicle stability at high speeds.

For New cee'd, five new exterior colours will be offered – four metallics: Phoenix Silver, Sirius Silver, Infra Red and Byte Blue, plus one solid colour, Clyde Blue.

The seven most popular colours from the original cee'd palette will be carried over so that New cee'd can also be ordered in: Cassa White, Machine Silver, Dakar Yellow, Oil Blue, Pewter Beige, Piston Gray and Black Pearl.

3. COMFORT & CONVENIENCE

Upgraded kit and materials for a fresher cabin ambience

Interior style, execution, quality, fit and finish of the original Kia cee'd were specifically designed and developed to impress and satisfy European consumers' needs and tastes. For the New cee'd, Kia has carried over all the key attributes while giving the cabin a fresh ambience by upgrading those zones with which the driver regular inter-acts and improving the environment for all occupants.

Facing the New cee'd driver is a new-style four-spoke steering wheel, which is becoming a Kia trademark feature, that can be adjusted for height and reach. It features sporty thumb-grips, alloy-finish lower spokes and remote control switches on both left and right spokes. When fitted with Bluetooth and a Trip Computer those remote controls are mounted on the lower spokes.

Another element of Kia's developing design DNA – the 'three-cylinder' instrument cluster – can be viewed through the new wheel. The cluster is available in both Standard and optional Super Vision forms (depending on model), featuring all-red illumination and clear, precise graphics.

The 'Super Vision' cluster incorporates a new 'message centre' digital information display at the bottom of the centre instrument. This display gives information about average and instant fuel consumption, current fuel level, range-to-empty, average speed, elapsed journey time, engine temperature and low-pressure tyre warnings, as well as door and tailgate 'open' alerts.

Inside New cee'd, the standard interior colour scheme for the dashboard and cabin trim of all cars is Ebony Black, while a 'Classic Grey' option retains Ebony Black for the top half of the cabin and trims the lower half in grey.

The new Centre Stack is flanked by vertical panels featuring four air vents and these panels can be specified in a choice of Classic Silver, Caramel Bronze and high-gloss Piano Black finishes. These finishes are also applied to the gear lever surround trim and the door garnish strips.

A wide choice of seat upholstery is also available. Standard interior colour scheme on LX is Black with silver cloth inserts, with the option on EX models of contrasting Bronze or Blue cloth inserts. TX versions feature Chevron cloth with the option of the 'Classic Grey' lower dashboard and cabin trim.

Optional Full Leather trim and a Sport Pack – with Carbon tyre-pattern cloth seat trim, contrasting grey stitching, alloy pedals and footrest, plus a unique gear-knob – are available on both EX and TX derivatives.

The radio/CD player is all-new and similar to the system destined for the Kia Venga with a circular central 'master' control. The centre-top, red-on-black display panel has much better readability thanks to its Dot Matrix and is able to present information about the audio system, tyre pressures, door locks, external temperature, time, day and date. The centre-bottom heating and ventilation selectors now control the standard (depending on model), or optional new dual-zone air-conditioning.

For New cee'd, the gear lever is fitted with a re-styled knob, a button-type reverse selector (instead of having to lift a collar), and a 23 mm deeper skirt to minimize the gap between skirt and gear knob. The floor console around the gear lever is also re-designed, with 'flying buttress' style side sections linking to the centre stack. It houses an oddments tray (with USB and AUX iPod®* connections), gear selector and hand-brake lever, twin cup-holders and large-capacity storage box topped by a padded armrest.

In front of the passenger, the dashboard houses a 6.5-litre glove box which has 18% more capacity than the original model.

New convenience features available include 'one-touch, triple-signal' turn indicators – ideal for lane changing on motorways – and a speed-limiter function which enables the driver to pre-set a maximum speed at which the throttle is reduced and a warning buzzer sounds.

Following Kia's tradition of delivering generous kit, top quality and great value, the New cee'd LX model comes with standard equipment that includes: front, side and curtain airbags, central locking, electric front windows, tinted glass, rear wash/wipe, RDS radio/CD player with four speakers, steering wheel mounted audio controls, glovebox and luggage area lamps, body colour outside door handles and 15-inch steel wheels with low rolling resistance 195/65 section Michelin tyres.

Standard equipment on EX models adds: front fog lamps, keyless entry, driver and front passenger seat height adjustment, driver's seat lumbar support, two tweeter speakers, 'active' head restraints, manual air-conditioning, front centre console, rear cup-holders, body coloured door mirrors – electrically adjustable and heated.

The range-topping TX models also come equipped with: 16-inch alloy wheels with 205/55 tyres, ESC with hill-start assist, dual-zone air-conditioning, part-leather seats, leather trimmed steering wheel, gear lever and hand brake, Piano Black high-gloss interior trim, turn repeater lights incorporated in the door mirrors, rear centre armrest and luggage-retaining net.

As well as the three equipment levels, customer will be offered a wide range of options – depending on individual markets. Main options include: cruise control, Bluetooth hands-free communications, 6.5-inch full-map satellite navigation with touch screen, auto light controls, auto wiper controls, leather trim, water-rejecting Hydro-phobic door glass, parking sensors and a tyre pressure monitoring system.

All cee'd models are fitted with a 60/40 split rear seat cushion and backrest. To increase luggage space, the cushions tip forwards and the backrests fold complete flat, aligning neatly with the trunk floor. Slots to store the detachable rear head restraints when the seats are folded are provided in the underside of the cushions.

The New cee'd hatchback and wagon models offer the same, generous interior space, as the original models:

Interior, Front Hatch Wagon
Headroom 1020 mm 1020 mm
Legroom 1105 mm 1105 mm
Shoulder room 1410 mm 1410 mm

Interior, Rear
Headroom 980 mm 995 mm
Legroom 900 mm 900 mm
Shoulder room 1385 mm 1385 mm

Behind the rear seats, New cee'd has a large and practically shaped luggage compartment. With the rear seats upright, maximum capacity is a competitive 340 litres (hatch) and 534 litres (wagon), which can be increased to 1300 and 1664 litres respectively, with the rear seats folded.

4. REFINEMENT

Improving on a 'best-in-class' NVH performance

In the lead-up to launching the original cee'd, Kia Motors made an unprecedented commitment to improving its all-new C-segment model's refinement and durability. The company was determined that cee'd would constitute a 'qualitative revolution' for the brand.

Kia's cee'd engineering teams at the company's R&D Centre in Russelsheim were tasked with creating a new C-segment challenger that matched or beat competitor vehicles for minimising noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).

They achieved their original goal and now the same teams have made painstaking, small detailed changes throughout the New cee'd to reduce cabin noise even further – by between 0.5 dB and 1.0 dB, depending on model.

The bodyshell for New cee'd is carried over from the original and makes an excellent foundation on which to build a low NVH vehicle. Torsional (twisting) stiffness is 42 Hz and flexural (bending) rigidity is also high. The resulting strong structure delivers numerous benefits in terms of controlling NVH, enhancing occupant crash protection, and providing a firm base for the fully independent suspension.

A significant reduction in the transmission of road noise is achieved by the use of a front sub-frame to support the engine, transmission, suspension and steering, and a rear sub-frame for mounting the rear suspension – delivering many positive effects on NVH and isolating the cabin from vibration sources.

Aerodynamically, New cee'd is a smooth, slippery and efficient car with a Cd of just 0.33 – minimizing airflow disruption over the car, and consequently achieving low levels of wind noise. The perception of low wind noise from within the cabin is aided by the fitting of multi-layer rubber seals around the doors and tailgate and one-piece weather strips around all windows.

Revised suspension settings and bushes, plus a new Michelin tyre structure, means that New cee'd is better able to absorb vibrations and shocks from imperfections in the road surface.

Kia engineers focused their NVH-reduction push on minimising vibrations, both at source and by extra dampening, over a wide range of frequencies. Each panel of the cee'd bodyshell was scrutinised to identify areas which could be modified for New cee'd to reduce noise generation at source. Hollow sections of the shell, especially in the A, B and C-pillars, were injected with sound-proofing foam, while isolation pads, made in new advanced materials, were placed in key locations.

Models fitted with the all-new 1.6-litre 'U2' diesel engine and new six-speed manual gearbox, also benefit from the improved refinement offered by this powertrain.

5. ENGINES

All-new U2 1.6 diesel joins five-strong engine line-up

Although Kia's New cee'd will be offered with the same engine choice as the original model – three gasoline and two diesel engines, ranging in power output from 90 to 143 ps – all the powertrains deliver significant reductions in fuel consumption and CO2 output. This is the result, partly of more refined engine tuning and partly because most models are fitted with low-viscosity engine and transmissions lubricants and new Michelin low rolling resistance tyres. Across the New cee'd range, the average of reduction is 5%.

The popular 1.6-litre diesel is replaced by a new engine from Kia's new 'U2' family, designed and engineered at Kia's R&D centre in Rüsselsheim, Germany and manufactured in Slovakia, especially for use in this important Kia newcomer.

Making its debut in New cee'd, the U2 1.6-litre diesel has the latest generation common rail diesel injection system and is fitted with Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT). It is cleaner, quieter and more fuel-efficient than its forebears, while still ensuring a responsive and lively performance.

U2 1.6L has been developed to deliver best-in-class power and torque outputs over the entire rev range to ensure optimum driveability. Crucially, more than 90 per cent of the maximum torque is available from just 1,500 rpm, for strong and smooth acceleration almost from idle.

Maximum power is 115 ps (84.5 kW) at 4,000 rpm and maximum torque of 255 Nm (26.0 kg.m) across a wide rev band, from 1,900 to 2,750 rpm.

U2 uses high pressure common rail injection with a variable swirl control system (up to five injections per cycle), electronically-controlled Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR), a variable geometry turbocharger, and a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) to ensure it meets Euro 4 emissions regulations – depending on market.

NVH is well controlled and U2 engine noise has been reduced by 1.1% (to 92 dB at 4,000 rpm). Thanks to the fitment of a chain-driven timing system, owners will benefit from extended (to 30,000 km or one year) service intervals.

Fitted in New cee'd, the U2 with the new six-speed manual gearbox emits just 110 g/km (hatchback with Start/Stop) and 119 g/km (wagon with Start/Stop) of CO2. This represents an 8% improvement over the previous 1.6-litre 'U1' engine, and brings both cee'd models below the crucial 120g/km threshold applicable for taxation purposes across European countries, meaning many owners will be able to enjoy paying reduced or no vehicle taxation, and free parking or other benefits, in some markets.

Alongside the U2, buyers will be able to choose between four 'carry-over' engines – a 2.0-litre 140 ps diesel and three gasoline engines, a 1.4-litre (90 ps), a 1.6-litre (126 ps), and a 2.0-litre (143 ps), each fitted with Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) to ensure greater engine efficiency in all operating conditions. Lower power versions of these engines are available in some markets to meet local taxation requirements.

Start/Stop (ISG) available for three engines

In addition to using the latest technologies to enhance the efficiencies of each engine, Kia is offering its fuel-stretching Start/Stop (ISG) system – which automatically switches off and then restarts the engine in congested city driving – as an option on 1.4 and 1.6 gasoline engines, plus the 1.6 U2 diesel engine.

Working in conjunction with other technologies as part of Kia's new 'EcoDynamics' package, Start/Stop helps reduce fuel consumption and tailpipe emissions, enabling certain cee'd models to cut their CO2 emissions to just 110 g/km (hatchback). Other innovative technologies fitted to New cee'd include an Eco Driving Guide (gear-shift up/down indicator) to encourage an economical driving style and a power-saving alternator management system.

6. TRANSMISSIONS

New six-speed manual delivers customer benefits

Kia's New cee'd is available with a choice of either five- or six-speed manual or four-speed automatic gearboxes. Manual transmission is fitted as standard on all models, with the automatic available as an extra cost option on some engines.

An all-new six-speed manual gearbox is fitted as standard on all cee'd models powered by the new U2 diesel engine. Made in Europe, the new transmission is lighter, has taller gearing, uses low-viscosity oil and provides a marked improvement in gear change 'feel' for a more rewarding driving experience.

Both the five-speed and six-speed manual transmissions incorporate several innovations, including triple axis gear train and multiple-cone synchroniser (on first and second gears), for faster, smoother gear shifts. Rather than having to lift a spring-loaded safety collar before selecting reverse gear, drivers now depress a button on the leading edge of the gear lever.

Although manual transmission will be the standard equipment on New cee'd, two gasoline models (1.6 and 2.0) and one diesel (1.6) will be available with automatic transmission as an extra-cost option.

The automatic for New cee'd is a four-speed gearbox, featuring an electronic controller, which monitors a range of parameters including acceleration, deceleration, engine speed and road speed, ensuring safe gear changes with excellent shift quality, and also adapts the transmission's characteristics to suit an individual's driving style.

7. SUSPENSION & RUNNING GEAR

Fine-tuning an already competitive Ride & Handling package

When they developed the original Kia cee'd, Kia's European chassis engineers based in Germany were determined to ensure that the newcomer was among the 'segment-best' for ride and handling – targeting the Ford Focus and VW Golf as the models to match or beat.

Now, with New cee'd those engineers have taken the opportunity to fine tune the C-segment Kia's already competitive ride and handling package with minor modifications to the suspension and running gear that deliver valuable customer benefits for real-world, everyday motoring.

While retaining the same subframe-mounted MacPherson Strut (front) and Kia's subframe-mounted 'in-wheel multi-link' (rear) fully independent suspension layouts, engineers were briefed to improve riding comfort and steering response, without altering the car's overall handling balance.

After extensive testing, revised suspension settings were devised for New cee'd including softer front and rear springs and dampers, reduced friction in the front strut springs, modified anti-roll bars and suspension bushes, plus new bump stops.

Kia's precise MDPS 'electric' power steering

To save fuel and deliver responsive handling in everyday driving, New cee'd retains Kia's Motor Driven Power Steering system (MDPS). This electric power-assisted rack and pinion steering has relatively high gearing, requiring just 2.69 turns of the wheel from lock-to-lock. This system gives a fuel saving of 3% compared to conventional hydraulic assistance.

Although the steering hardware is carried over, the steering effort is reduced. A new Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) programme is introduced with improved electronic communications between the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system and the MDPS steering controller. The VSM reduces the amount of assistance if the driver is applying too much steering effort – and increases assistance if the driver is applying too little effort.

Powerful braking for rapid stopping

The Kia cee'd has a power-assisted all-disc braking system which delivers excellent stopping power that is highly competitive in the C-segment. The large diameter 280 mm ventilated front discs and solid 262 mm rear discs, are backed-up by four-channel, four-sensor ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), which is standard fit for all cee'd models.

Available as part of the ESC package, the emergency Brake Assist System (BAS), senses when a driver is making an emergency stop and applies maximum braking effort. It is standard equipment (with ESC) on New cee'd TX models and optional on others. The standard braking system delivers powerful, secure and stable braking performance with consistent pedal feel.

Multiple choices for wheels – all with Michelin tyres

Maintaining a policy adopted early in the original car's evolution, Kia continued to develop the New cee'd chassis and running gear using Michelin tyres exclusively, so that its engineers could tune the new model's characteristics precisely for a specific type of tyre size, compound and construction.

The close collaboration between Kia and Michelin also allowed technicians to optimise the cee'd tyres to minimise rolling resistance and maximise fuel economy – without compromising road holding, handling, ride and refinement.

The standard wheels for LX and EX New cee'd models are 15-inch diameter 5.5J wide steel wheels with 5-spoke full-cover plastic trims. LX models are equipped with 185/65 R15 tyres, while EX models feature fatter 195/65 section tryes. Range-topping cee'd TX models have 16-inch, 6.0J alloy wheels and 205/55 R16 tyres – as standard.

In most European countries, New cee'd models will be offered with a wide choice of optional wheels and tyres, including a 16-inch steel wheel with 10-spoke plastic trims, three designs of 16-inch and two of 17-inch alloys – including new 'D Type' 17-inch 5-spoke wheels finished in Hyper Silver and supplied as part of the factory-fitted optional Sports Pack.

The 16-inch diameter wheels will be fitted with 205/55 tyres, while the 17-inch wheels will have 225/45 tyres. All cee'd models come with a steel space-saver spare wheel – located in the trunk floor well.

8. SAFETY & SECURITY

ESC with new Hill-Start Assist available for every New cee'd

Kia's engineers have worked hard to ensure that New cee'd is one of the safest cars in the C-segment and has the highest levels of active and passive safety, to fully satisfy the ever increasing consumer expectations about this aspect of car design. The original Kia cee'd achieved a 5-Star Euro NCAP safety rating in 2007 and Kia anticipates that the New cee'd will perform equally well in the tougher tests now being applied to new cars.

New cee'd has many stress-reducing features to help maintain driver alertness, plus its active safety features, such as stable handling, precise steering, and powerful braking, result in drivers of this Kia being fully equipped to avoid potential accident situations and cope with everyday motoring hazards.

As before, every New cee'd has a powerful all-disc braking system featuring ABS anti-lock with EBD electronic brake force distribution. The ESC system, which now incorporates a Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC) programme to prevent roll-back, is standard on TX models and available as an option on all others. ESC comes with a Traction Control System (TCS) and BAS. The system is fully automatic and operates at all times, in all weathers, reducing under-steer or over-steer and returning the car to the course intended by the driver.

Three options boost safety performance even further. The Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) will trigger an instrument cluster display indicating which tyre is punctured or has low pressure.

Kia's Park Assist System (a rear parking aid), has four sensors and enhances safety during low-speed manoeuvres. The system gives the driver an audible alert when reversing towards an obstruction. The intensity of the warning increases as the car gets closer to the person, animal or object.

Unique to the Kia cee'd family, innovative 'Hydro-phobic' glass is an option for all door glass. Coated with a water repellent film, the hydro-phobic glass enhances safety by encouraging rain to flow away quickly, leaving the driver with greatly improved visibility.

Safeguarding occupants to maximise protection

If an accident is unavoidable, New cee'd is engineered to safeguard the occupants with a robust bodyshell and a range of passive safety measures to offer its occupants maximum possible protection. All five seats have manually adjustable head restraints and three-point seatbelts as standard. Integrated 'active' head restraints are standard on both front seats in EX and TX models. During a rear impact, these head restraints move forwards to reduce whiplash injuries to the neck or back. The system is available on LX models as an optional extra.

Every New cee'd hatchback and wagon is equipped with six airbags – dual front airbags, front side airbags and full-length curtain airbags, protecting the occupants in both seat rows – as standard.

All safety systems work together to provide full passenger protection, so simultaneously with an airbag inflation, a signal is relayed to the other airbags and to the seatbelt pre-tensioners, activating them if appropriate. The passenger side front airbag features an on-off switch so it can be deactivated if children occupy that seat.

The rear side doors of cee'd are fitted with child safety locks and two ISOFIX anchor points are fitted in the back row seats for the attachment of child safety seats.

Security and peace of mind

In the modern world, vehicle security is an important aspect of personal safety and New cee'd is comprehensively equipped to resist thieves. Central locking with all-door override is standard on all models, with speed-sensing automatic locking. Keyless entry and an anti-theft alarm and dash-top security lamp are standard on EX and TX models.

Every cee'd engine is fitted with an advanced electronic immobiliser that was developed in tandem with the Thatcham Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre in the UK, and targets a top-level anti-theft protection rating. Every model has a battery saver which switches off any interior or exterior lights that have been left on after the engine has been turned-off, preventing draining of the battery.

9. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

New Kia cee'd

Body & Chassis
Five-seater with choice of hatchback and wagon bodystyles. All-steel unitary construction bodyshell. Choice of five transversely-mounted gasoline and diesel engines driving the front wheels via a five-speed, or six-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission (depending on model). Choice of three equipment levels (LX, EX and TX) and 12 exterior colours (depending on market).

Engines (availability may vary by individual markets)

Diesel Engines
2.0 CRDi 140 ps (136 ps)*
Name 'D'
Type DOHC, four-cylinder in line, with VGT
Capacity 2.0-litres, 1991 cc
Max power 140 ps (103 kW) @ 4000 rpm
Max torque 305 Nm (31.0 kg.m) @ 2000 rpm
Emissions class Euro Stage 4

1.6 CRDi 115 ps (90 ps)*
Name 'U2'
Type DOHC, four-cylinder in line, with VGT
Capacity 1.6-litres, 1582 cc
Max power 115 ps (85 kW) @ 4000 rpm
Max torque 255 Nm (26.0 kg.m) @ 1900-to-2750 rpm
Emissions class Euro Stage 4

Gasoline Engines
2.0-litre 143 ps
Name 'Beta'
Type DOHC, four-cylinder in line, with dual CVVT
Capacity 2.0-litres, 1975 cc
Max power 143 ps (105.2 kW) @ 6000 rpm
Max torque 184 Nm (19.0 kg.m) @ 4750 rpm
Emissions class Euro Stage 4

1.6-litre 126 ps (115 ps)*
Name 'Gamma'
Type DOHC, four-cylinder in line, with dual CVVT
Capacity 1.6-litres, 1591 cc
Max power 126 ps (91.9 kW) @ 6200 rpm
Max torque 154 Nm (15.7 kg.m) @ 4200 rpm
Emissions class Euro Stage 5 (optional depending on market)

1.4-litre 90 ps
Name 'Gamma'
Type DOHC, four-cylinder in line, with dual CVVT
Capacity 1.4-litres, 1396 cc
Max power 90 ps (66.2 kW) @ 6200 rpm
Max torque 137 Nm (14.0 kg.m) @ 5000 rpm
Emissions class Euro Stage 5 (optional depending on market)
*Lower power versions available in some markets to meet local taxation regulations

Transmissions
2.0 Diesel 1.6 Diesel
Manual 6-sp 6-sp
Automatic ----- 4-sp
2.0 Gasoline 1.6 Gasoline 1.4 Gasoline
Manual 5-sp 5-sp 5-sp
Automatic 4-sp 4-sp -----

Suspension & Damping
Front Fully independent by subframe-mounted Macpherson struts, with coil springs and gas-filled shock absorbers. Anti-roll stabiliser bar.
Rear Fully independent by subframe-mounted compact multi-links, coil springs and gas-filled shock absorbers, Anti-roll stabiliser bar.
Steering
Type MDPS electric power-assisted rack & pinion
Overall ratio 13.2:1
Gearing 2.69 turns lock-to-lock (most models)
2.58 turns lock-to-lock (2.0D and all with 17-inch wheels)
Turning circle 10.34 metres (most models)
10.80 metres (2.0D and all with 17-inch wheels)


Brakes
Power Single 10-inch booster
Front 280 x 26 mm ventilated discs
Rear 262 x 10 mm solid discs
ABS 4-Channel anti-lock system with EBD
ESP Stability Program with hill-start-assist to prevent roll-back
BAS Delivers maximum braking in emergency situations

Wheels & Tyres
Standard
(LX) 15 x 5.5J Steel 185/65 R15 tyres
(EX) 15 x 5.5J Alloy 195/65 R15 tyres
(TX) 16 x 6.0J Alloy 205/55 R16 tyres
Optional 17 x 7.0J Alloy 225/45 R17 tyres
Spare (standard) Temporary wheel & tyre



DIMENSIONS (mm)
Hatch Wagon Coupe
Exterior
Overall length 4260 4490 4250
Overall width* 1790 ----- -----
Overall height 1480 1490 1450
Wheelbase 2650 ----- -----
Front track 1546 ----- -----
Rear track 1544 ----- -----
Front overhang 885 885 875
Rear overhang 725 960 725
Ground clearance 150 ----- -----
*excluding door mirrors

Hatch Wagon Coupe
Interior, Front
Headroom 1020 ----- 990
Legroom 1105 ----- -----
Shoulder room 1410 ----- -----


Interior, Rear
Headroom 980 995 940
Legroom 900 ----- -----
Shoulder room 1385 ----- 1360

Capacities
Hatch Wagon Coupe
Fuel tank 53 53 53 litres (all models)
Luggage (VDA) 340 534 340 litres
Rear seats folded 1300 1664 1300 litres


HATCHBACK (manual models)
Curb weight (kg)*
2.0 Diesel 1.6 Diesel
Manual 1458 1367
Automatic ----- 1374
2.0 Gasoline 1.6 Gasoline 1.4 Gasoline
Manual 1341 1263 1263
Automatic 1349 1291 -----
*excluding driver

Performance & Fuel Economy (litres/100 km) *
2.0 Diesel 1.6 Diesel 115ps (ISG) 1.6 Diesel 90ps (ISG)
Top speed / kph 205 188 172
0-to-100 kph / sec 10.3 11.5 14.0
Combined cycle 5.4 4.4 4.2
CO2 g/km 142 115 110

2.0 Gasoline 1.6 Gasoline (ISG) 1.4 Gasoline (ISG)
Top speed / kph 205 192 187
0-to-100 kph / sec 10.4 10.8 11.6
Combined cycle 7.0 5.9 5.5
CO2 g/km 167 139 132

WAGON (manual models)
Curb weight (kg)*
2.0 Diesel 1.6 Diesel
Manual 1438 1344
Automatic ----- 1351
2.0 Gasoline 1.6 Gasoline 1.4 Gasoline
Manual 1397 1317 1317
Automatic 1409 1334 -----
*excluding driver

Performance & Fuel Economy (litres/100 km)*
2.0 Diesel 1.6 Diesel 115ps (ISG) 1.6 Diesel 90ps (ISG)
Top speed / kph 205 188 172
0-to-100 kph / sec 10.3 11.5 14.0
Combined cycle 5.5 4.5 4.5
CO2 g/km 146 119 119

2.0 Gasoline 1.6 Gasoline (ISG) 1.4 Gasoline (ISG)
Top speed / kph 205 192 187
0-to-100 kph / sec 10.4 10.8 11.6
Combined cycle 7.1 6.0 5.7
CO2 g/km 168 142 135

*iPod is a registered trademark of Apple, Inc.

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Frankfurt 2009: Reva NXG

The REVA Electric Car Company announced the price of the REVA NXR – which starts at 9,995 euros for the lead acid version with leased batteries – in Frankfurt today and also took the wraps off of the NXG (above), the company's next electric vehicle that is due as a 2011 model.

The NXR, which stands for NeXr Reva (perhaps as a way to move away from some of the negative associations that the company's G-Wiz has), is scheduled to go into production early 2010 and has a top speed of 65 mph with a 100-mile range. Standard charging takes eight hours, but the car can accept a quick charge in 90 minutes. The hatch can seat four, Reva says, and comes with the company's REVive remote emergency charge (i.e. a way for Reva to use the car's telematics to temporarily access more of the battery's capacity than is usually available). Reva's pricing structure for the NXR is flexible, with both purchase and lease options for the lead acid (called the NXR CIty) or lithium-ion batteries (NXT Intercity).

[Source: REVA Electric Car Company]


PRESS RELEASE:

Photos: Price Announced of the New REVA NXR - an Electric Car That Can Be Ordered Today

FRANKFURT, Sept. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- 63rd Frankfurt International Motor Show (Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung) -- Today sees the world launch of the REVA NXR (NeXt Reva), a new lithium-ion powered electric car from REVA Electric Car Company (REVA), which is scheduled to go into production early 2010. Also being unveiled for the first time is REVA's showcar, the REVA NXG (NeXt Generation), which is the company's 2011 model.

REVA NXR is an M1 category three-door, four-seater hatchback family car that is suitable for urban driving. Top speed is 104 kph (65 mph) with a range of 160 kms (100 miles) per charge. If using the 90 minute fast charge (normal charging is eight hours), the REVA NXR offers an effective range of 320km a day. A fast charge for 15 minutes will provide a 40 km (25 mile) range.

The REVA NXR has keyless entry and operation, dual charge ports, intelligent digital display and a range of telematics. These include SMS alerts and commands such as distance-to-empty and time-to-full charge, remote cabin heat/cool, a monthly eco-drive check by email, service and insurance alerts, remote diagnostics and healing and REVive remote emergency charge. REVive is exclusive to REVA and acts like an invisible reserve fuel tank and addresses 'range anxiety'. If a customer runs out of charge, they can telephone or SMS REVA's customer support centre. The advanced telematics feature will assess the car's batteries remotely and activate a reserve amount of energy while protecting the battery life. Within minutes, a few extra kilometres of range are made available via the telematics and the driver can continue home or to a place where the NXR can be charged.

Prices of the NXR will vary across Europe depending on taxes and subsidies. Customers will be offered the option of purchasing the car and batteries separately, or at an all-inclusive price. If bought separately, the benefit will be a lower purchase price, with the batteries paid for on a monthly basis - just like petrol - as part of a monthly mobility fee, which could also include electricity, telematics and other services. Average prices in Europe, excluding batteries, will be around 14,995 euros for the lithium-ion NXR Intercity version. The REVA NXR City, with lead acid batteries that has an 80 km (50 mile) range and a speed of 80 kph (50 mph) is also available from 9,995 euros and a small monthly mobility fee.

Chetan Maini, deputy chairman and chief technology officer of REVA said today; "The NXR is a stylish city car packed full of user-friendly technology. You can order one from today and production will start early next year, so you can be one of the first to own the latest generation of electric cars."

Styled by Dilip Chhabria, the REVA NXG is an M1 category, two-door, two-seater car with a targa top. The REVA NXG has a range of 200km (125 miles) per charge and a top speed of 130 kph (80 miles per hour). It features the same telematics as the REVA NXR, including REVive and, using the fast charge, it has an effective range of 400 kms (250 miles) a day. This showcar, the REVA NXG, is REVA's 2011 model and its first showing is at the Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA). Pricing in Europe excluding batteries is from 23,000 euros plus a monthly mobility fee.

REVA is committed to mitigating climate change with the creation of ultra low carbon cars - it has only ever made EVs. Every REVA NXR and REVA NXG will be Born Green, meaning they will have one of the lowest dust-to-dirt carbon footprints of any car in mass production. The REVA NXR has been designed to use approximately 80% fewer parts than a conventional or hybrid car and will be assembled in REVA's new ultra low-carbon assembly plant in Bangalore powered by solar energy and using natural light and ventilation and rainwater harvesting. Preparations have begun to create a 'second life' for the lithium batteries to optimise energy efficiency and reduce the cost to consumers via the creation of guaranteed residual values. From 2010 REVA will publish the carbon emissions for the assembly and lifetime operation of both these new cars and by this environmental disclosure, customers can make an informed buying decision.

REVA's new website, www.revaglobal.com, launches the same time as the new cars and customers can register their interest in either vehicle on the online priority list from today by paying a refundable 500 euro fee.

REVA - Hall 8, Stand D38

63rd Frankfurt International Motor Show (Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung), 15-27 September 2009.

Open to the public 19th to 27th September.

September 16th, 2009

Notes to editors:
1. REVA is the brand of the Reva Electric Car Company, a Bangalore-based company formed as a joint venture between Maini Group of India and AEV LLC of California and backed by US investors Global Environment Fund and Draper Fisher Jurvetson. Today, REVA is selling, or being test marketed, in 24 countries worldwide and has the largest deployed fleet of electric cars on the market with over 3,000 EVs on the road and more than 70 million kilometres of user experience.
2. REVA's business model includes: electric vehicle design, development and manufacture, electric vehicle technology licensing and electric vehicle manufacturing franchising. REVA develops all key technologies including energy management, fast-charge and telematics systems in-house.
3. European distribution is in the following countries: Norway, UK, Spain, France, Germany, Austria, Belgium, Ireland, Hungary, Portugal, Cyprus and Greece with other distributors being appointed over the next few months.
4. The company is building a new ultra low carbon vehicle assembly plant in Bangalore, with a capacity of 30,000 units per annum, to accommodate increased production and is planning to introduce even more measures to ensue that it has the cleanest and greenest production.
5. 'Dust-to-dirt' is a term used for the complete lifecycle of a car from the carbon emissions generated in the parts manufacture, assembly, operation and disposal / recycling of a REVA electric car. This is a commitment and the beginning of the process that will take time to determine, starting with the assembly and operation and then extending down the supply chain to tier 1 suppliers and up to second life / end of life.
6. For fleets and institutions wishing to place early confirmed orders with a view to obtaining subsidies, REVA will provide an all-in price including car and batteries on a cash or lease basis.
7. REVA electric cars have no tailpipe emissions. The amount of C02 per km varies depending on a country's electricity generation method. When charged with renewable energy, REVA vehicles are zero emissions.

8. REVive addresses 'range anxiety'. The amount of reserve energy in a battery depends on several parameters including the temperature, usage (that day and historically) and the age of the batteries. The REVA support centre assesses information from the car via telematics (information and communication technology) to calculate the amount of reserve energy available for that particular car. Then, within a few minutes the digital display will indicate 'Revive' and the 'distance to empty' gauge will display the additional amount of range available and the driver can continue their journey.

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Frankfurt 2009: Peugeot BB1 Concept

You know what the problem with Smart cars is? Not tough enough! Regardless, meet the Peugeot BB1. Yes, it is the logical result of a one night stand between a Subaru SVX and a Peel 50. What are we talking about? We don't even know what we're looking at. Feel free to read a rational account of the Peugeot BB1 at your leisure.

OK fine -- our editor is forcing us to tell you some facts about the BB1. Four wheels for sure. And the weirdly curved glass is all tilted forward before eventually morphing into solar panels on the roof. You steer it with moto-style handle bars. No word if you can opt for a set of ape-hangers, but why on earth not? Engine? Hey – it's a concept, you don't need no stinking engine. Uh.. oh! There are tiny rear-hinged doors with even tinier roll-down windows. So now you know what happens if you allow French automotive weirdness to go unchecked.

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Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Citroen DS3

Seriously Citroen, what is up? We're all for premium small cars (think Mini Cooper, Audi A3) and pray nightly that more will start coming to our shores. But calling this C3-based hatchback a DS? For reals? Look, any new Citroen DS has some mighty big Louboutins to fill. Like, huge. And, well, come on now – who you fooling? End oleopneumatic-a-phile rant.

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Frankfurt 2009: Mansory Cyrus

When Mansory wants to give it to us good, they know how. This is the Mansory Cyrus (Khouresh Mansory told us that Cyrus was the first king of Iran), and – even though every other colleague here disagrees with us – we feel it the best use of carbon fiber we've seen since we've been here. The car is DB9-based and has been redone in aerospace, pre-preg carbon fiber, and gets 28 extra horses.

Well, all except the rear fenders because they couldn't shape the carbon fiber accordingly, so the carbon fiber -- extended in width by two inches from the original car – is glued to the standard panels with adhesive bought from Lamborghini. Otherwise it's all CF. No, the roof scoop isn't functional – but beauty makes no promises to functionality. You can also get the DBS done up thusly, and although we don't know what that car is called, we hope it's Xerxes. The Cyrus will run you €380,000 on top of a DB9. We won't call it money well spent... but we'd spend it.

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