Volvo has reaped rich rewards in the first ever Car of the Year Awards from carwow, the online consumer car deals and reviews specialist, being honoured as Manufacturer of the Year and with the new V60 receiving the Practicality Award.

The Manufacturer of the Year Award recognises the advances Volvo is making as a brand, not just by bringing exciting new generations of saloons, estate cars and SUVs to the market, but also by demonstrating in real terms its commitment to the environment, safety and the application of useful, advanced technology. Its priorities are resonating with customers, helping drive global sales to record levels.

Mat Watson, carwow Editorial Director, said: “Volvo has won the Manufacturer of the Year Award because it has quite literally transformed its entire range, and the public perception of its brand, thanks to brilliant and desirable new cars such as the new V60 and XC40.”

Turning to the success of the V60, he added: “The new Volvo V60 is stylish, feels posh inside, and has lots of storage solutions and passenger room. But most importantly of all, it has class-leading boot space. Yes, Volvo is back as the undisputed king of the posh estate car.”

Jon Wakefield, Volvo Car UK Managing Director, said: “It is a genuine honour for Volvo to be named Manufacturer of the Year by carwow. As a brand, we are seeking to deliver valuable innovations that make driving better connected, more convenient and safer, while at the same time designing and engineering cars that are highly efficient, enjoyable to drive and meet all the priorities of today’s customers in terms of contemporary style and everyday practicality. And it’s on this last point that we’re delighted that our V60 estate has again been selected as one of the best new cars on the market.”

The new V60 is in the best traditions of Volvo family estate cars, benefiting from intelligent packaging that ensures there is generous room for everyone on board, together with a spacious and cleverly designed boot. With all the seats in place, there is a class-leading 529 litres of load space, while maximum volume with the rear seats folded down extends to 1,441 litres.

Across the range there are numerous standard features that enhance this fundamental practicality, including a power-operated tailgate, underfloor boot storage and cargo hooks in the luggage area. As standard, all V60s also benefit from Volvo’s Sensus touchscreen system, voice-activated control, satellite navigation, access to cloud-based apps, and the Volvo On Call connected services platform.

Volvo’s world-leading reputation for safety includes the intelligent City Safety suite of active and preventative safety systems, again fitted to every V60.

The V60’s user-friendly character can also be extended with a wealth of options and accessories that perfectly compliment owners’ different lifestyle and leisure pursuits.

Page 2

Caption: L-R: Head of Sales, Massilia Motors Limited, Olatunji Itiola; Managing Director, Massilia Motors/Country Delegate, CFAO Group Nigeria, Thomas Pelletier; Marketing Manager, Massilia Motors Limited, Funmi Abiola; and General Manager, Sales & Marketing, Massilia Motors Limited, Navin Chander, at a press conference to announce the launch of Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross into the Nigeria market, in Lagos, yesterday        PHOTO: autotrackng.com

Massilia Motors Unveil Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Massilia Motors, sole distributor of Mitsubishi Motors and subsidiary of CFAO in Nigeria has unveiled its latest all-new compact SUV to the delight of the motoring public.

Known for its strength in Sports Utility Vehicles, the Japanese auto maker has crafted the Eclipse Cross with a fusion of sharp coupe looks, dynamic SUV mobility and the signature Mitsubishi styling, technology and driving confidence.

The rear design is distinguished by the almost cubist styling created around the high-mounted, stretched rear lamps and a horizontally divided rear window.

Eclipse derives its name from the Mitsubishi Motors popular specialty coupe model sold in the 90’s, while Cross is short for crossover.

The vehicle was unveiled in the recently renovated showroom of Massilia Motors in Ijora Lagos. A tour of the facility was conducted with a stop by the newly renovated state of the art workshop which boasts of an epoxy flooring and modern day car lifts amongst other things.

Journalists were also taken on a tour of the newly refurbished after-sales facility of Massilia Motors which features state of the art features like a well stocked spare parts store and a modern spray booth.

The after-sales facility also feature modern engine room, warranty room, tools warehouse, multiple working bays, oil room, washing stand and an electrical and AC department among others.

Being an intelligent vehicle, the human connectivity features of the Eclipse Cross such as Bluetooth, AM/FM/CD Touchscreen Audio system + MP3, Hands-free phone kit etc. are well pronounced just as in the cockpit, the Smartphone Link Display Audio system encourages new encounters on the road.

The Eclipse Cross comes with a variety of seat materials such as standard fabric, high grade fabric with silver stitches and leather with orange stitches.

The Head Up Display (HUD) conveys vehicle information in full color above the meters for easy viewing. You can adjust image brightness and display height to suit your preference and time of day. The combiner extends or retracts when you turn the ignition.

Rear seat adjustment

The comfortable rear seats with 9-step reclining and 200mm sliding adjustment can be slid all the way back for class-leading leg room. Even then, there is plenty of storage space in back and the 60:40 split seatbacks can be individually lowered for more.

Tailgate window

The rear view is clear through the double rear windows with minimal interference from the height-adjustable rear headrests, which are specially designed to stay low while providing comfortable head support.

Performance

Eclipse Cross for the local market which is the GLS CVT Gearbox 4WD (2.0 litre engine), comes with some other performance enhancing features such as the Super-All Wheel Control, which takes away worries in difficult terrains such as muddy, gravel or sandy roads.

Even if you unintentionally brake or accelerate too hard around a muddy turn, you can maintain control without extra steering effort because S-AWC adjusts braking and coupling in the rear differential to improve vehicle performance.

The Forward Collision Mitigation System (FCM) helps prevent a frontal collision or reduce damage if the collision becomes unavoidable. Responds to vehicles and pedestrians via camera and laser radar.

The Adaptive Cruise Control maintains a selected distance between your vehicle and the car ahead via radar for greater safety and peace of mind. It reduces driver stress especially during traffic jams on highways.

You are also safer in your Eclipse Cross as it features the Lane Departure Warning. This feature beeps and displays a warning if the vehicle drifts from its lane while the turn signals are not operating.

To increase safety, comfort and driving ease at night, the Automatic High Beam activates high beams switch to low beams when vehicles are detected ahead and automatically switch back to high beams so you don’t have to remove your hand from the steering wheel to switch the beams manually.

Other safety features of this award winning vehicle include the Blind Spot Warning, Active Stability Control (ASC) and Hill Start Assist.

If wheels lose their grip on slippery surfaces or while turning, ASC automatically adjusts engine output and applies braking force at the appropriate wheels to help maintain control and prevent skidding.

Some other exciting features include, the reverse (video) camera for ease of mobility and comfort and the Mitsubishi trademark “paddle shift” which simulates a traditional automatic transmission by stepping the gear ratios up or down.

Keyless Operation System (KOS)

When carrying the key, you can press a button on the outside of the front doors or tailgate to lock or unlock all the doors and tailgate, and press the engine switch in the cockpit to start or stop the engine.

Cruise control

Vehicle speed is automatically maintained without keeping your foot on the accelerator pedal, allowing more relaxed driving on extended journeys. Pressing the brake pedal disengages the system.

Electric parking brake with brake auto hold

Simply pull the switch up to apply the parking brake or push the switch down to release it. If Brake Auto Hold is active, the vehicle will remain stationary even if you release the brake pedal. Pressing the accelerator releases the brakes.

Rain sensor

The rain sensor activates the windshield wipers automatically when moisture is detected on the windshield.

Auto headlights

When your surroundings become dark, such as at night or when passing through a tunnel, the headlights automatically activate for your safety and convenience.

Color LCD multi-information display

The large, 4.2-inch liquid crystal Multi-information display in the center of the meter panel is extremely easy to read. It keeps you clearly informed of various useful information on vehicle status, your trip, external temperatures and more.

Display audio

Controlling the audio system is easy on the 6.1-inch QVGA touch-panel display, which can also display the views from the rear view camera.

USB port

The port is conveniently located near the shift lever, allowing easy access from both front seats.

Caption: All-Electric Jaguar I-PACE

Audible Vehicle Alert System of All-Electric Jaguar I-PACE Protects Road Users

With no engine sound, the electric Jaguar I-PACE required a new way to warn blind, visually impaired and other vulnerable road users it is approaching at low speed. 

Jaguar has designed a unique Audible Vehicle Alert System (AVAS) for its first EV that meets and exceeds all forthcoming global legislation. Jaguar’s engineers have developed a sound that can be heard at speeds up to 20km/h and exceeds the 56dB(A) minimum required by forthcoming European legislation – the strictest in the world – for all new EVs from July 2019. 

The I-PACE’s sound was tested by members of Guide Dogs for the Blind, the UK’s leading charity for people affected by sight loss, as part of the testing undertaken by Jaguar. It also marks the start of an on-going relationship between the two organisations.

Iain Suffield, Jaguar NVH Technical Specialist, said:“The absence of traditional engine noise from electric vehicles creates a problem for vulnerable pedestrians, such as the blind or visually impaired. This is especially true at low speeds in town centres and car parks. We developed the Audible Vehicle Alert System for the I-PACE to ensure the safety of all road users. Our potentially life-saving technology cannot be switched off and as the leading charity for people with sight loss, we are pleased to have the support of Guide Dogs to ensure real people are at the heart of our product testing.”

Jaguar’s engineers worked for four years to develop a soundtrack that is audible yet discreet and cannot be heard from inside the vehicle. Initial attempts to create a noise inspired by the sound of sci-fi spacecraft had to be shelved after pedestrians reacted by looking up to the sky, rather than at the road, as the vehicle approached. 

Engineers tested sounds in a number of environments, including an anechoic chamber (specialist echo-free room) and various urban scenarios, before settling on the final sound for the I-PACE. It is emitted from a speaker located behind the front grille, can be heard in every direction and cannot be disengaged.

The alert increases in pitch and volume in line with the speed of the vehicle and, when in reverse, is accompanied by an additional tone that indicates the change in direction. AVAS is not required at higher speeds as there is sufficient wind and tyre noise for pedestrians to hear the zero-emissions vehicle approaching.

John Welsman, Policy Business Partner (Travel & Mobility), Guide Dogs for the Blind,said: “Guide Dogs campaigned hard to make it compulsory for quiet vehicles to have sound generating systems built in and turned on, including when the vehicle is stationary at a pedestrian crossing. We applaud Jaguar for being the first to launch an EV which meets standards before the new legislation even comes in and look forward to working with the company more in the future.”

Jaguar unveiled the I-PACE, its first all-electric vehicle, earlier this year to deliver sustainable sports car performance, next-generation artificial intelligence (AI) technology and five-seat SUV practicality.

Fitted with a state-of-the-art 90kWh lithium-ion battery, two Jaguar-designed motors and a bespoke aluminium structure, the I-PACE is capable of 0-100km/h in 4.8seconds and a range of up to 470km (WLTP).

Hyundai Motor Wins “Red Dot: Brand of the Year 2018”

Hyundai Motor has triumphed again in Red Dot Awards with the honorary title “Red Dot: Brand of the Year 2018”, adding to its five previously received Communication Design accolades for 2018 for its creative and innovative design.
The Red Dot Award is one of the most highly-respected international design competitions in the world, and the “Red Dot: Brand of the Year” is awarded to the brand that has come up with innovative and creative design on a particularly high level. This year it took into consideration Hyundai’s innovative design solutions, quality of design and brand management expertise.
“It is an honor to be selected as the Red Dot: Brand of the Year 2018. We are humbled to receive such an accolade, as this award is a validation that we are on the right track and it is an impressive milestone for our brand image,” said Wonhong Cho, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Hyundai Motor Company. “This should encourage us to push harder in our approach and be a stepping stone for more creative and innovative projects in the future so that our brand can truly be loved by all.”
The official ceremony honoring the award will take in Berlin, Germany on October 26.
“In a highly saturated market, Hyundai succeeds in repeatedly addressing its customers in a creative manner, and manages to convey the technical background of its cars in a universally comprehensible way. The company’s innovative design approaches are both creative and high-quality, providing customers with a unique, one-of-a-kind, 360-degree brand experience.” said professor Dr. Peter Zec, founder and CEO of the Red Dot Award.
In August, Hyundai Motor set the all-time record for Red Dot Awards in the company’s history, winning four Red Dots and three “Red Dot: Best of the Best”. Hyundai won awards for its Solati Moving Hotel, Hyundai Pavilion, Genesis Gangnam, Genesis Sound Design, Pioneer Film and Safety Hologram in their respective categories, including Retail Design, Sound Design, Spatial Communication, Film & Animation and Interface & User Experience Design.