Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid and Battery Hybrid Vehicles Join Niro at Chicago Auto Show

The all-new Optima PHEV is Kia's first ever plug-in hybrid vehicle, so it's got a lot of expectations to live up to.

The wheelbase of almost 2.8 metres houses five passengers and a 9.8 kWh battery back. The 2.0-litre petrol engine, able to produce 152 bhp, is paired with a transmission-mounted electric motor just like the Niro which you can read about elsewhere on this blog.

The Optima PHEV boasts a 27-mile electric-only range, and a total system range of 600 miles. Here in Britain it will take under 3 hours to charge the batteries, although it will take about 3 times longer over the pond with the lower voltage. As with most plug-in hybrid vehicles, it has an EV mode, a 'let the car decide what's best' mode and a battery charging mode which makes exclusive use of the 4-cylinder engine to drive the wheels and power the battery pack.

As we've already seen in the Niro, the Optima PHEV uses Eco-DAS which monitors the terrain ahead  through the satellite navigation system. Other tech includes autonomous emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, an advanced cruise control, lane departure warning system and even a collision warning system.

The regular hybrid Optima will not makes its way to the UK, but is essentially the same car with a smaller battery pack (just 1.62 kWh).

2017 Kia Niro Unveiled at 2016 Chicago Auto Show

The Niro crossover, set to arrive next year, offers all the benefits of hybrid technology whilst restraining on all things negative. Or so they say.

Built to be a hybrid crossover from day one, Kia's engineers designed the Niro in such a way that unwanted noises and vibrations are avoided through means of many changes to the structure of the car including thick insulation under the bonnet. The energy regeneration system is integrated more closely into the braking system in order to make the crossover perform more like a conventional car.

Kia Niro Concept, 2013

The 102 bhp 1.6-litre petrol engine is paired with a transmission-mounted electric motor to produce a complete output of 144 bhp and 264 Nm. On the subject of transmission, Kia has steered clear of the whining continuously variable transmission (CVT) in favour of a more familiar 6-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), which gives the driver a sense of freedom, particularly when it comes to getting the power to the road through the front wheels.

The Niro is to be seen more as a useable, everyday hybrid with pleasantly surprising running costs, such as CO2 emissions of 89 g/km and an estimated 60+ mpg.

The 1.56 kWh battery pack is stored under the rear seats which results in a very practical flat floor for loading items into the rear of the car. The 2.7 metre wheelbase is 12 cm longer than that of the Škoda Yeti and 16 cm longer than the Peugeot 2008's. It even trumps the Nissan Qashqai with an additional 5 cm. What this should mean in the real world is an impressive amount of legroom for rear seat occupants.

Up front, the simple and uncluttered design makes information easily obtainable by the driver. Dense seat cushioning helps provide a more pleasant journey, combined with a Kia Soul-like high driving position, making the driver feel like he or she is looking down over the rest of the traffic.

The iconic tiger-nose grille and sharp headlights make it an obvious addition to the Kia lineup. It's almost as if the recently released Sportage shows what's possible and the Niro cools it off and brings it back down to earth. Its wide and low stance and exaggerated roofline make it almost a competitor of the Infiniti QX50.

Infiniti QX50

The Niro will be available with a 7-inch touchscreen complete with Android Auto and CarPlay, but more sophisticated technology includes a blind spot monitoring system, lane changing assist and departure warning, autonomous emergency breaking and a smart cruise control system.

The Eco-DAS (Driver Assistance System) comprises of a Coasting Guide and Predictive Energy Control, which utilise satellite navigation-based information usually reserved for higher end brands in order to monitor changes in the terrain, all with the aim of achieving the best fuel efficiency.

Although smaller than the Sportage, the Niro is expected to sit between the Sportage and Sorento when it comes to price as the hybrid technology inevitably comes at a premium - think £24-26,000.

Ateca SUV Joins the SEAT Range

The all-new Ateca will be built alongside the next-generation Škoda Yeti and is the first of three exciting new SUVs to come from the Spanish auto maker. It's predicted to be joined by a smaller Ibiza-based model, followed by a larger 7-seat range-topper.

Despite being based on the same platform as the VW Tiguan, the highly-anticipated Ateca is likely to be a fair bit cheaper. It's estimated that the range will kick off with a starting price of some £18,000.

A familiar Volkswagen Group engine choice will make its way into the new model. The entry-level 1.6 TDI will produce 113 bhp, with a 2.0 TDI available in 148 and 187 bhp guises. MPG figures range from 56-66, with the petrols coming in at 46-53. These include a 113 bhp 1.0 TSI and a 148 bhp 1.4 TSI, the latter being a four-cylinder engine that's able to cut off two in order to improve fuel economy.

Most buyers will opt for front-wheel-drive, but the option of all-wheel-drive will be available too, as well as manual or dual-clutch automatic transmissions.

Outside, the Ateca's face is particularly SEAT, with its double grille. The headlights, borrowed from the Leon, are optionally available as full LEDs. The rear end's sharp creases takes some inspiration from the next-generation VW Tiguan, but work very well on this smaller SUV.

VW Tiguan

Inside, the dashboard is unmistakable Volkswagen Group. Luxury features such as an engine start button, an electronic parking brake and an optional 8-inch touchscreen point towards the future, but we still get everything we love from the current generation of SEATs. Full Link allows full smartphone integration, and wireless charging makes its debut into the SEAT brand.

Traffic Jam Assist takes full control of accelerating, braking and steering at "traffic jam speeds", whereas Emergency Assist ensures that the driver is awake by providing visual and acoustic reminders, followed if necessary by a pulse of braking. Should the driver not respond, the Ateca will slow itself down to a safe stop.

Other technologies that are halfway to autonomous driving include Active Cruise Control, Traffic Sign Recognition, a blind spot monitor, a camera system to aid in those tricky manoeuvring situations, and a system that warns of oncoming cars when reversing out of a blind parking space.

At 4.36 metres long, the Ateca is just under 14 cm longer than the Škoda Yeti, and 8cm shorter than the new Kia Sportage. Although all-wheel-drive models get a 25-litre decrease in boot capacity, front-wheel-drive models get a 510-litre loading space, putting it ahead of the Renault Kadjar with 472 litres and the Volvo XC60 with 495 litres. It looks to have a useable square opening making it a practical, useable space.

Kia Sportage

Named after a municipality in Aragón, Spain, the Ateca will be launched in the UK in September ready for the 66 plates, but buyers can register their interest as of tomorrow (11/02/16).

Subaru tweaks its XV for 2016

As with any other car manufacturer, Subaru is performing some sort of facelift on its XV as an inter-generational outreach.

The year 2015 brought with it under-the-hood improvements both in the suspension and a quicker steering rack with the aim of improving handing.

The refreshed interior of the 2016 Subaru XV is made of higher quality materials to keep up with rivals such as the Nissan Qashqai and Audi Q3. Metallic and piano black trims give the XV an air of luxury along with the blue TFT LCD display in the instrument cluster.



The Japanese firm's all-new touchscreen is a step up from the previous generation's. Large smartphone-style buttons make it easy to use on the go, and familiar pinch and swipe gestures mean it will not be necessary to learn a new system. The 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system emits a blue hue just like the driver's display, ensuring continuity throughout the cabin. As standard, all XVs come with a reversing camera.

Voice control is also made good use of in the latest touchscreen, controlling features such as the navigation. Siri® Eyes-Free, although not as integrated as CarPlay, makes controlling your iPhone just that little bit easier, removing any excuse to use your phone behind the wheel.  An additional USB port allows for music playing and charging on multiple devices.

Subaru StarLink uses mobile phone connectivity in order to bring online updates ranging from traffic reports and news to weather forecasts and even calendar appointments!



The 2.0-litre Boxer engines remain available, one petrol, one diesel. You can have them with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic, and claimed fuel economy figures have improved across the range.

The 145 bhp turbodiesel produces an adequate 350 Nm of torque in order to achieve 52.3 mpg, with a 5 g/km decrease in CO2 emissions to 141. Although it'll still cost the same £145 a year to tax, company car drivers will benefit from a 25% BIK tax. It'll sprint to 62 mph in a little over 9 seconds.

The 148 bhp naturally-aspirated (non-turbocharged) petrol engine produces an impressive 196 Nm of torque making it good for 0-62 mph in 10.5 seconds. Running figures of 43.5 mpg and 151 g/km (£180 road tax per annum) impress when we remember that the XV uses all-wheel-drive.

Outside, redesigned front bumpers, a reformed front grille and updated 'hawk-eye' headlights help keep it in line not only with the rest of the range but also competition.

The understated boot spoiler may seem insignificant, but add to this the LED technology in the tail lights and some fresh diamond-cut alloy wheels and you have yourself an impressive facelift.



Hyper Blue and Dark Blue Metallic join the colour options for 2016.

For all of this, the pricing remains completely unchanged, with the cheapest model being the 2.0-litre petrol model in SE trim, priced just under £22,000. The lineup continues up to the range-topping 2.0-litre diesel SE Premium at an additional £4,000.

SEAT Leon

The first generation Leon took us into the new millennium and on to 2005, sharing its platform with the first generation Audi A3, VW Golf Mk4 and even the VW Bora. The next model lived until 2012, sharing its platform unsurprisingly with the 2nd generation A3 and Golf Mk5.



Shortly after the Paris Motor Show of 2012 the 3rd generation of SEAT's family car became available. It was only offered in its 5-door guise until the 3-door SC arrived in Geneva 2013, followed by the ST estate in Frankfurt 2013.



The latest-generation SEAT Leon shared its platform with, you guessed, it, the latest Audi A3 and VW Golf. It sits on the new MQB platform of the VW Group. It was the first family hatchback to offer full LED headlights, although these do not come as standard.

Entry-level Leons get halogen daytime running lights, a 5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth and air conditioning. Every Leon comes with electric power steering and height and reach adjustability for the steering wheel, making it easy to get behind the wheel.



Avoid S and opt for SE level Leons which bring 16-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights, cruise control and electric rear windows. Everything a modern family will require.

If you're particularly font of sporty aesthetics, the Leon FR ups the alloys to 17 inches, adds dual-zone climate control, electrically folding door mirrors and the usual bodystyling, inside and out. A feature that makes this car recognisable from afar, day or night, is the LED technology used in the tail lights.



Only the CUPRA 290 gets LED headlights as standard. The LED interior lights means it has the full package for just shy of £29,000. The uprated 6.5-inch touchscreen adds 3D mapping and smartphone connectivity such as Android Auto and CarPlay. Automatic headlights, wipers and a dimming rear-view mirror complete the CUPAR 290.

X-PERIENCE models are available for the ST estate only, and are well-equipped. Dual-zone climate control and rear parking sensors make it easy to live with, but the off-road bodystyling and 4Drive all-wheel-drive system make it practical too.

Top-of-the-range X-PERIENCE Leons get 18-inch alloys, the uprated 6.5-inch touchscreen and LED headlights and tail lights.

Entry-level Leons get a 108 bhp 1.6-litre diesel engine that's capable of more than 70 mpg, but it does cost £10 a year to tax.



SE unlocks a wider range of engines, which consist of 108 bhp 1.2-litre and 123 bhp 1.4-litre petrols and 108 bhp 1.6-litre and 148 bhp 2.0-litre diesels. There's even an economy-orientated 1.6 TDI Ecomotive that can achieve almost 80 mpg, and of course is free to tax.

There is however, a 148 bhp 1.4 EcoTSI petrol engine that makes its way into the FR range, which is joined by a 178 bhp 1.8-litre petrol. Two 2.0-litre diesels are available with power outputs of 148 and 181 bhp.

The CUPRA 290 gets its very own 2.0-litre petrol engine that produces 286 bhp, with claimed figures of just over 40 mpg.

For most families, the 1.4 EcoTSI or 2.0 TDI (148 bhp variant) will be more than adequate.



The Leon shares most of its engines with the VW Golf, however the Golf does offer a lower-than-adequate 84 bhp 1.2-litre petrol and a small displacement 1.0-litre 113 bhp unit.

The Leon has a total of 9 engines, whereas rivals such as the Ford Focus provide a lot more choice, with 14 to choose from plus a bonkers 345 bhp 2.3-litre Focus RS.

The CUPRA 290 will rival the Golf R as opposed to the Golf GTI, although does not quite match the stats of the Focus RS.



There is a niche that SEAT is missing out on, and that's the alternative power market. Both the Golf and the Focus offer all-electric variants of their family hatchbacks, and the Golf GTE fuses a 1.4-litre petrol engine with electricity to form a plug-in hybrid.



Saying that, all of the Leon's engines are phenomenal and provide enough punch when you need it.

I've tried and tested the 1.4 EcoTSI which is punchy enough yet still returns good figures, which is why I've chosen it in my configuration:

SEAT Leon FR Configuration

Mercedes SLC

The SLC is simply a refreshed SLK under Mercedes' new nomenclature. As a result, the engines have remained unchanged.

The SLK 200d is now the SLC 200d. It's still a 2.1-litre 201 bhp 500 Nm diesel that averages a claimed 70.6 mpg and 114 g/km. It'll still get to 62 mph in 6.6s.

The story's the same for the petrols. Both are 2.0-litre units producing 181 and 242 bhp respectively. Their impressive 300 and 370 Nm figures help them get to 62 mph in 6.9 and 5.8s too. Mercedes likes to think that they'll both get 47 mpg, but in my experience, my personal car that has the same claimed figure actually averages 35 mpg.

The only engine that has changed is the 5.5-litre V8 of the Mercedes-AMG SLK 55. In the name of none other than efficiency, a new 3.0-litre biturbo V6 is utilised. It produces 53 bhp and 20 Nm less, but only takes 0.1s more to reach 62 mph (now 4.7s). CO2 emissions have dropped too, now costing £225 a year to tax as opposed to £265. It's dubbed the Mercedes-AMG SLC 45, has an electronically-limited top speed of 155 mph and costs £8,995 less than the outgoing model. You can hardly grunt at that!

SLC 45

Some standard kit that we'll see on the new SLC includes Active Brake Assist, Attention Assist and an Active Bonnet that helps provide more of a 'crumple zone'. Headlamp Assist also shows its face, aiding with the refreshed halogen headlights. LED technology is used for the daytime running lights and tail lights.

All cars get alloy wheels, with the range kicking off with 17-inch 5-spoke wheels.

Some optional kit includes LED headlights with Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus for £1,150. Keyless Go is also available for £765, which incorporates an automatic boot separator, a handy life-facilitating feature.

Its main rivals are the German alternatives, the Audi TT Roadster and BMW Z4. Audi offers the same setup of two petrols, a diesel and a hot petrol, whereas BMW has a range of no less than 5 petrols with a range-topping Z4 sDrive35iS.

These both start cheaper than Mercedes, but Mercedes' standard kit and engine outputs put even the entry-level SLC in line with some mid-spec competition.

There's also cheaper rivals to look out for like the new Mazda MX-5, or equally the Porsche Boxster which is somewhat more expensive. Saying that, its entry-level 2.7-litre V6 is capable enough to beat the SLC 300 and costs £168 more.

Mercedes C-Class Estate

Introduction

The all-new C-Class Estate followed the redesign of the hugely popular C-Class Saloon. Not only are they used by many a family across the country, but they're also favoured by company car drivers as a comfortable motorway mile muncher.

The refreshed Estate's wheelbase grew by 8cm, whilst outside, it's 9.6cm longer and 4cm wider. This all results in an increase in space inside, particularly for rear occupants. The boot size remained almost unchanged, which is no bad thing. There's 490 litres on offer in most C-Class Estates (the C 300h and C 350e get 450 and 350 litres respectively. The majority of buyers will enjoy 1,510 litres of space upon folding down the 40:20:40 split folding rear seats which come as standard right across the range (an upgrade over the previous generation's 60:40 setup).

Powertrains

Mercedes has a range of 4-cylinder engines on offer for the new C-Class Estate, as well as some nippy AMGs and sensible hybrids.

If you remain unconvinced and prefer petrol power, you haven't got much thinking to do. Your only option is the C 200. It's a 2.0-litre unit that produces a more-than-adequate 181 bhp and 300 Nm. This makes it good for 0-62 mph in 7.5 seconds putting it up against the Audi A4 Avant 2.0 TFSI and BMW 320i Touring, all of which costing between £28,400 and £28,900. Running costs of 51.4 mpg and £110 road tax don't make it a particularly enticing option when you take a look at the diesels.

The entry-level 1.6-litre C 200d produces a measly 134 bhp and 300 Nm. It's the most economical diesel too, at just over 65 mpg. That doesn't quite match rivals such as BMW's EfficientDynamics and Audi's ultra. It'll cost a tenner to tax.

There are also two 2.1-litre diesel units. The C 220d and C 250d. They produce 168 and 201 bhp respectively, as well as 400 and 500 Nm of torque. The quickest of all conventionally-powered C-Class Estates is the C 250d, reaching 62 mph in 6.9s. They're both said to do over 60 mpg, costing £10 and £20 to tax.

Although Mercedes doesn't have a four-wheel-drive 4MATIC on offer, therefore falls a pace behind the vast array of rivals (BMW 320i xDrive, 320d xDrive, 330 xDrive, 335d xDrive, Audi A4 2.0 TFSI quattro, 2.0 TDI quattro and 3.0 V6 TDI quattro), it does offer one unique prospect that the others don't. Or should I say two prospects.

The C 300h uses the 2.1-litre diesel engine as well as an additional boost provided by electricity. This means almost 230 bhp and 500 Nm, and a 0-62 mph time of 6.4s. It'll even get more than 70 mpg, and it's completely free to tax!

If it's a plug-in hybrid you're after, then look no further than the C 350e. It uses a 2.0-litre petrol engine, electricity and batteries to make 275 bhp and 600 Nm. It's half a second quicker to 62 mph than the C 300h, and produces half the CO2 (49 g/km). They say it'll do up to 134.5 mpg, too. Both hybrids cost north of £38,000.

There are even two hyper-C-Classes. The Mercedes-AMG C63 and C63 S utilise 4.0-litre V8 petrol engines to produce 469 and 503 bhp. With a hefty 650 and 700 Nm of torque, they're able to get to 62 mph in 4.2 and 4.1s. They both average just over 30 mpg and cost £265 to tax, emitting 196 g/km.

Standard Kit

All C-Class Estates get alloy wheels, a reversing camera, automatic wipers, a 7-inch infotainment display and an automatic powered tailgate, dubbed EASY-PACK.

Entry-level SE gets comfort suspension with 5 driving modes, a tyre pressure monitoring system, black ARTICO leather upholstery, LED daytime running lights and halogen headlights (although Audi's entry-level A4 Avant gets xenon headlights).

Active Parking Assist, upgraded alloys, LED headlights, Garmin® navigation, heated front sports seats and 15mm lower suspension are all part of the Sport trim, although it's worth noting that the C 350e Sport gets air suspension instead.

AMG Line brings along with it uprated brakes, steering and suspension as well as AMG bodystyling, sports seats and steering wheel. The 18-inch alloys are particularly charming.

Options

The cheapest package is the Executive package. It's a tad under £1,300 and is only available on entry-level SE models. It brings many of the Sport trim's features at a reduced cost.

Then you have the Premium package for almost £1,700. It has ambient lighting, keyless entry and a memory function for the front seats, steering wheel and exterior mirrors. The Premium Plus package costs nearly £3,000 and adds a 13-speaker Burmester® surround sound system and an upgraded 8.4-inch display with added functionality. This is available for Sport and AMG Line.

For £895 you can get Mercedes' highly regarded AIRMATIC self-levelling variable air suspension on Sport and AMG Line C-Class Estates.

The 360-degree camera system is a steal at £335, it's available on all by SE trims. Same goes for the panoramic glass sunroof (£900). For £825 on these trims, you can get a head-up display, but privacy glass is available across the whole range for £265.

My C-Class Estate

This is how I would order my C-Class Estate on a moderate budget:

Mercedes C 220d Sport Estate Configuration