Motogari

• The Range Rover Evoque : Multi-terrain technologies

  Posted: December 19, 2011, 4:02 pm by Bobby

  Like all Range Rover vehicles, the Range Rover Evoque makes use of a unique suite of technologies to improve performance and safety in challenging on- and off-road conditions.

  The primary technology is Terrain Response®, which adapts the responses of the car’s engine, gearbox, center coupling and braking/stability systems to match the demands of the terrain, optimizing drivability and comfort as well as maximizing traction.

  The Evoque has four Terrain Response settings, selected via a control on the center console: General Driving (on-road and easy off-road); Grass/Gravel/Snow (slippery conditions, on- and off-road); Mud and Ruts; and Sand. An additional Dynamic setting is available for cars specified with Adaptive Dynamics.

  To optimize safety and control on steep gradients, the Range Rover Evoque also offers Hill Descent Control (HDC®) and Gradient Release Control (GRC). HDC® automatically restricts speed downhill using the anti-lock brakes. GRC is linked to HDC®, and progressively releases the brakes on very steep or more gradual slopes, for maximum control.

  Below is a short video describing a few of these technologies.

• Range Rover Evoque

  Posted: December 19, 2011, 3:42 pm by Bobby

  The all-new Range Rover Evoque, the smallest, lightest, most fuel efficient Range Rover ever produced is set to bring its stylish presence to Kenya in the coming months.

  The Evoque is said to stay true to the core values of Range Rover; providing premium levels of craftsmanship, luxury, performance and Land Rover multi-terrain capability while embodied in a more compact package.

  The Range Rover Evoque

  The “Baby Range Rover” successfully blends coupe styling with capable off-road geometry and ground clearance.

  The Evoque exterior features new interpretations of classic Range Rover design cues, including the signature clamshell bonnet, the floating roof and the solid ‘wheel-at-each-corner’ stance. Unlike any previous Range Rover, it adopts a very dynamic profile with its rising beltline, a muscular shoulder running the length of the car, and a distinctive taper to the floating roofline. The sculpted corners reduce the car’s visual overhangs front and rear.

  It’s available with xenon headlamps with a signature design created by innovative LED light-blade technology.

  On the inside, the strong, clean architecture and quality materials of a traditional Range Rover are applied in a more contemporary and sporting fashion.

   

  Firenze Red Dynamic Coupe Petrol Si4 interior featuring Dynamic Plus Agility interior - centre console & steering wheel

  When the vehicle is started, the interior displays and ambient lighting come to life with a precisely choreographed start-up sequence. The solid aluminum rotary shifter completes the ‘greeting’ as it rises silently into the driver’s hand.

   

  The Rotary shifter, an interesting touch

  A full glass fixed panoramic roof enhances the sense of room and freedom within the spacious cabin, filling the interior with natural light.

   

  Dynamic Mode

  LED ambient lighting provides illumination within the cabin at night, with a range of colors that can be chosen by the driver. When Dynamic Mode is selected, a sporting red color fills the interior.

  Rather than using a traditional trim hierarchy, the Range Rover Evoque gives customers the choice of three stylish design themes, each of which has its own distinctive character. The three themes are: The cool and contemporary ‘Pure’, the luxurious ‘Prestige’, and the bold and sporting ‘Dynamic’.

  • Pure – combines the concept-car exterior with a stylish, clean interior in neutral colors to highlight the pure, simple forms of the cabin architecture.

  • Prestige – ultimate Range Rover luxury, combining a bespoke exterior that includes unique, 19-inch wheels and sparkling metallic details with an interior that is almost entirely leather-wrapped. Luxurious duo-tone color schemes are embellished by premium leather, twin-needle stitching and real wood and metal finishes.

  • Dynamic – a bold exterior with 19 or 20-inch wheels and unique bumpers, sills, grille and tailpipes for a more assertive, confident stance. Contrasting roof and spoiler colors are available. The premium sports interior offers a darker environment with splashes of bright contrast color, together with perforated leather seats and sports detailing.

  The Evoque will be available in two versions: a coupe model, which precisely mirrors the LRX concept design, and a five-door. The coupe and five-door are identical in overall length and width; however, the five-door has a 1.18 inch higher rear roofline.
  

  Prospective customers can personalize their Evoque with a vast array of design, trim and technology options, so that each vehicle meets its customer’s own taste and lifestyle. The choices range from exterior color and design packages, designer interiors to a range of technologies to maximize comfort and enjoyment.

  The scope of aesthetic options includes:

  • 12 exterior colors
  • Three contrasting roof colors
  • Five alloy wheel designs, from 18-inch to 20-inch
  • 12 tailored designer interiors
  • Interior trim available in contemporary wood veneers and metal finishes
  • Illuminated aluminum and chrome tread plates
  • Black or chrome roof rails

  The Evoque has been designed and engineered to provide customers with the same comprehensive range of premium technologies they expect from a Range Rover vehicle, just delivered in a more compact package. The broad array of Range Rover equipment comprises the latest technologies for controls, connectivity, comfort and convenience, including new high-end Meridian audio systems.

  Features available include:

  • Surround Camera System – One of the Range Rover brand’s signature features

    The 8 inch touchscreen display showing the surround camera

    The system uses five digital cameras, discreetly placed around the car, providing a 360-degree, real-time view of the surrounding area.  The rear camera can be used to assist with hitching trailers.

  • Adaptive/Auto-Dipping Headlights – The Range Rover Evoque is available with xenon headlamps with an adaptive feature that follows the curves in the road.  An auto-dipping function switches automatically between high and low beam.
  • Heated windshield, heated seats, and heated steering wheel
  • Keyless entry system – The Range Rover Smart Key enables keyless entry and start
  • Powered tailgate
  • Hard drive navigation system – including turn-by-turn directions in the cluster display.
  • Bluetooth® hand-free phone connectivity. Bluetooth® audio streaming is supported.
  • 825W Meridian surround sound system

  • Sirius® tuners and HD Radio® tuners in addition to AM/FM
  • Rear seat entertainment package, with 8-inch (203 mm) video screens, digital wireless headphones and touch screen remote control

   

  At the heart of the control system is the Range Rover 8-inch (203mm) high-definition touch-screen display. The touch-screen provides the primary control and display system for a range of features including audio, video, navigation and phone. Simple hard keys on either side of the display provide short cuts to the most commonly used screens, such as Home, Audio/Video, Navigation and Phone.

  The 5 inch display showing the Evoques CO2 readings

  An additional 5-inch (127mm) color display between the two instrument dials in the gauge cluster show the primary vehicle-related information. A sophisticated voice control system works with ‘Say What You See’ prompts in the cluster display.

  As the Range Rover Evoque gears up for its sales launch, there is a growing buzz amongst prospective buyers who have been intrigued by the car’s bold and radical approach. With the Range Rover Evoque on schedule for its sales launch, there is mounting anticipation among a the Kenyan audience about this exciting new car.

  John Edwards, Land Rover’s Global Brand Director said, “The Range Rover Evoque remains true to the brand’s core values of premium luxury and formidable all-terrain performance and combines them with dynamic and sporty handling. The stunning coupe and five-door models offer unprecedented customer choice, broadening the appeal of this exciting new addition to the marque.”

  Download the full specifications for the Evoque here

   

   

   

• Chevrolet Cruze enters compact saloon market

  Posted: December 14, 2011, 3:51 pm by Bobby

  Value for money, together with exceptional build quality, are the hallmarks of the exciting new Chevrolet Cruze, unveiled at GMEA’s celebration of 100 years of Chevrolet at the Carnivore Grounds last month.

  This is the third compact saloon car GMEA has introduced into the market following the Cherolet Aveo and the Chevrolet Optra, which some of you may know as the Daewoo Lacetti used on Top Gear for the “Star in a reasonably priced car” segment.

  The Chevrolet Cruze

   

  The five-seater cabin conveys a sporty yet warm ambience. The interior is characterised by harmonious, flowing lines with quality soft-touch materials used throughout. This is a high quality interior that stands out amongst competitors.

  Twin cockpit design

  The core interior design theme is a modern expression of perhaps the most famous of all Chevrolet interior design cues, the ‘twin cockpit’ layout featured in the Corvette designed to provide both driver and passenger of a feeling of being at one with the vehicle. Trim inserts on the dashboard are complemented by matching inserts in the seat trim and door panels.

  The focal point of the ‘dual cockpit’ experience is the neatly integrated centre console that houses the infotainment and air conditioning controls and displays. The console is mounted at a shallow angle and has a flowing, free form that eliminates the traditional ‘picture frame’ defined layouts common in other vehicles.

  The body structure of the Cruze is amongst the stiffest in its class. This taut and strong structure is fundamental to the suppression of NVH (Noise Vibration and Harshness) as well as providing a high level of occupant safety in the event of a collision. It also plays a pivotal role in optimising ride, handling and stability.

  The Cruze features two new all-aluminium petrol engines with capacities of 1.6 and 1.8 litres. Both are twin-cam 16-valve units with variable valve timing for both inlet and exhaust systems on the 1.8 litre models.

  The suspension, braking and steering systems of the Cruze were developed and designed to meet the demanding preferences of East Africa drivers. The Cruze offers the driver a feeling of being connected to the road with an excellent balance between ride comfort and agility.

  The 1.6 litre engine produces 83 kW @ 6400 r/min with maximum torque of 153 Nm @ 3800 r/min. Corresponding figures for the 1.8 litre engine are 104 kW @ 6200 r/min and 176 Nm @ 3800 r/min. This engine delivers 85% of its torque from just 2000 r/min through to 6300 r/min.

  The 1.6 litre Cruze will accelerate from rest to 100 km/h in 12,5 seconds while the 1.8 litre version achieves this in 10.0 seconds. Combined cycle fuel consumption, as measured by GM test engineers, is 14.93km/litre and 14.71km/litre respectively (all figures for manual transmission models). The 1.6 litre engine is available in the L and LS specification grades while the 1.8 litre engine is available in LS and LT trim. Drive is via a 5-speed manual transmission for the L and LS models while the 1.8 LT is fitted with a 6-speed automatic transmission – a segment first for Chevrolet.

  Below find the full technical specifications for all the model variants available in the Kenyan Market (click to enlarge)

  (click to enlarge)

   

   

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