Facelift – Automotivesblog – The Latest Automotive News https://automotivesblog.com Sun, 23 Feb 2020 12:23:27 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.2 https://automotivesblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/cropped-favicon-32x32.png Facelift – Automotivesblog – The Latest Automotive News https://automotivesblog.com 32 32 Press Release: 2020 Audi A4 & Audi S4 – Prices Announced https://automotivesblog.com/press-release-2020-audi-a4-audi-s4-prices-announced/ https://automotivesblog.com/press-release-2020-audi-a4-audi-s4-prices-announced/#respond Sun, 23 Feb 2020 12:17:29 +0000 https://automotivesblog.com/?p=1424 More]]> The German-based high-end carmaker Audi, has recently announced the full prices for the latest A4 and S4 models. A press release also reveals full details of the models, including technology, exterior and interior features and motorizations.

Even if the 2020 Audi A4 and S4 Allroad officially debuted last year in May, there was no words regarding pricing in the United States. However, the company released the full pricing list just a couple of hours and is detailed below.

2020 Audi A4 – Pricing Details:

2020 Audi A4 TFSI Premium – this is the base version with prices to start at $37,400. Features include a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 188 horsepower.

2020 Audi Premium Plus – from $41,000

2020 Audi Prestige – from $46,950

2020 Audi A4 45 TFSI Quattro – from $40,900

2020 Audi A4 Premium Plus Quattros – from $44,000

2020 Audi A4 Prestige – from $49,950

2020 Audi A4 Allroad Premium – from $44,600

2020 Audi A4 Allroad Premium Plus – from $47,700

2020 Audi A4 Allroad Prestige – from $53,650.

2020 Audi S4 – Pricing Details

2020 Audi S4 Premium – from $49,900 – it features a 3.0-liter engine with 349 horsepower

2020 Audi S4 Premium Plus – from $52,400

2020 Audi S4 Prestige – from $58,350.

Note: Prices do not include the $995 destination fee.

2020 Audi A4 – Press Release

  • First model to feature the brand’s all-new MIB 3 infotainment system
  • Striking exterior design gives compact model more dynamic presence
  • On sale now, 2020 A4 models highlight benchmark infotainment, driver assistance systems

HERNDON, Va., January 14, 2020 – The A4 represents the bestselling sedan in Audi history and now for 2020, Audi has made the full model line – including the A4 sedan, A4 allroad and S4 – even sportier and more cutting edge than its predecessors.

Exterior design
The midsize model looks more dynamic and sophisticated thanks to the new design language updates. Almost every piece of sheet metal on the exterior of the A4 has been transformed. The Singleframe grille is now broader and flatter and underneath the headlights are larger air inlets that point narrowly inward.

From the front, the shoulder line starts at the corner of the headlight and intentionally runs together with the edge of the hood. It begins again over the rear door handle and draws toward the rear lights. From the side, the pronounced wheel arches pay homage to the brand’s quattro DNA and the lower set shoulder line visually lowers the vehicle’s center of gravity. At the rear, the broadened rear side window makes the cabin seem longer and the C-pillar more slender.

A4 quattro models feature a standard S line exterior, which includes titanium black honeycomb structure in the Singleframe grille, aluminum silver matte inserts in the large front air inlets and tailpipe trim, and 18″ 5-double-spoke design wheels with all-season tires.

For the A4 allroad, standard structured gray matte body cladding helps to highlight the vehicle’s adventurous spirit. The allroad also features a unique Q-design Singleframe® grille with vertical chrome slats to emphasize the vehicle’s increased ground clearance and ride height over the A4 sedan.

Sporty design-cues differentiate the S4 sedan, including a double-slat alu-optic Singleframe® grille, alu-optic exterior side mirror housings, body-color door handles, S model specific quad exhaust outlets in chrome and a trunk lid lip spoiler. An available black optic package adds black exterior trim with black exterior mirror housings and 19” 5-V-spoke-star design wheels in titanium finish with summer tires.

Lighting
New for 2020, all A4 models come standard equipped with LED headlights. The full LED headlights on Premium Plus models include a unique daytime running light (DRL) signature, giving an unmistakable presence on the road. At the top of the range, available matrix-design LED headlights with dynamic front turn indicators feature leaving and coming home animations. Fast-moving lights play in the headlights and taillights when the vehicle is locked or unlocked, emphasizing the vehicle’s dynamics and lighting technology while standing still.

The standard LED taillights continue the horizontal architecture from the front of the vehicle. Their design echoes the optional front DRL signature, creating a cohesive design aesthetic in the front and rear. A chrome strip provides a visual link between the left and right taillights and underscores the visual width of the vehicle.

Interior design and infotainment
The interior of the new A4 models includes greater attention to detail through functional refinements and additional driver-focused technologies. The design focuses on horizontal lines, with the focal point being the MMI® touch display, which features the all-new MIB 3 infotainment system. This new infotainment system, combined with the large 10.1-inch touchscreen, offers drivers a seamless integration of more useable technology.

The new third generation modular infotainment platform operates up to ten times faster than the MIB 2 system, allowing for quicker processing speeds and graphical resolution in order to provide a better overall user experience. Acoustic feedback helps enhance the driver’s ease of using the touchscreen when the vehicle is moving, and available handwriting recognition with whole-word input offers an easy way to enter information such as telephone contacts or navigation destinations. Natural-voice control helps turn the A4 into an intelligent travel assistant. Drivers can speak both commands and questions, to which the A4 can provide comprehensive feedback through on-board stored data or available information from the cloud.

With new packages offering greater value to customers, Audi connect® services help connect the vehicle with the internet, the owner and the surrounding infrastructure through the MMI system (subscription required). Launching on 2020 A4 models, Audi connect® packages feature an available Verizon Unlimited data connection powered by Verizon’s 4G LTE network to deliver fast, secure in-vehicle internet access to drivers. With an active Audi connect® subscription, functions such as parking, weather updates and Yelp® review highlights are now integrated within the MMI and can be accessed through their own icons. Infotainment features such as internet radio streaming and Amazon Music (subscription required) are also accessible via the MMI via the Audi connect® mobile app.

Additional interior features include:

  • Standard three-spoke multifunction steering wheel with shift paddles.
  • Standard power sunroof (panoramic sunroof on A4 allroad) adds light to the cabin.
  • Standard power rear child locks
  • Standard heated eight-way power driver seat with four-way power lumbar for driver on A4 FWD models, standard front sport seats with four-way lumbar on A4 quattro models,  and standard front S sport seats with power lumbar, pneumatic side bolsters, and massage function on S4 models.
  • Standard three-zone automatic climate control with rear display.
  • Standard ambient LED interior lighting or available multicolor LED lighting plus package.
  • Available S line interior package (A4 quattro sedan) enhances the vehicle’s already sporty interior with a flat-bottom steering wheel with S line badge, leather and Alcantara® seats, brushed aluminum inlays, and stainless steel pedal caps.

Additional technology features include:

  • Available second-generation Audi virtual cockpit featuring a 12.3-inch display that offers HD resolution of 1920 x 720 pixels. The driver can choose between three viewing modes – classic, sport and dynamic. On S4 models, sport mode replaces classic mode as the default view, and an S Performance mode replaces dynamic mode, which brings the tachometer and speedometer to the front and center of the display and adds a boost gauge and lap timer function. The virtual cockpit helps to enhance the infotainment and navigating experience through the large Google Earth™ imagery or 3D city maps (requires Audi connect PRIME subscription) supported with 4G LTE (where available).
  • Available full-color head-up display projects relevant driving information in the driver’s field of vision.
  • Available Audi phone box connects compatible smartphones with an external antenna and can wirelessly charge the phone.
  • Standard Audi smartphone interface provides access to Apple CarPlay™ and Google™ Android Auto for compatible devices.
  • Available Bang & Olufsen sound system with 3D sound, which delivers nearly true to-life surround sound through 19 speakers, including a subwoofer and center speaker, and a 16-channel amplifier producing an output of 705 watts.

Powertrain and performance
The A4 quattro sedan comes standard with a robust 2.0-liter TFSI® engine, which generates 248 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque and accelerates from 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds for the sedan and 5.9 seconds for the A4 allroad. The four-cylinder engine is mated to a seven-speed S tronic® dual-clutch transmission and quattro® all-wheel drive. The 2.0-liter TFSI® engine in A4 FWD models utilizes a combustion method with shorter compression and longer-expansion phases to help increase efficiency. The A4 FWD with seven-speed S tronic® dual-clutch transmission delivers 188 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque.

The 3.0-liter TFSI® engine in the S4 delivers 349 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, and sprints from 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The 3.0-liter engine is mated to an eight-speed Tiptronic® automatic transmission that is well suited for the low-end torque of the V6. Lower gears offer short, sporty ratios while longer upper gears help reduce engine revs. Every Audi S4 is standard equipped with quattro® all-wheel drive, offering high precision and dynamic handling through active torque distribution to both axles.

Model Drivetrain Output
A4 sedan FWD Seven-speed S tronic® transmission 188 hp/236 lb-ft of torque
A4 sedan quattro Seven-speed S tronic® transmission and quattro® all-wheel drive 248 hp/273 lb-ft of torque
A4 allroad quattro Seven-speed S tronic® transmission and quattro® all-wheel drive 248 hp/273 lb-ft of torque
S4 sedan quattro Eight-speed Tiptronic® transmission and quattro® all-wheel drive 349 hp/369 lb-ft of torque

Suspension
A4 models come standard equipped with a front five-link steel suspension to provide a comfortable yet agile ride for long distances. Also available is a sport suspension, which lowers ride height by 23 mm.

The A4 allroad’s standard adaptive damping suspension provides an increased ground clearance of 34 mm over the A4 sedan, achieved through a taller suspension and higher profile tires, making the allroad a more capable choice for off paved road terrain.

Unique to S4 models, drivers can choose an available S sport package, which adds a sport adaptive damping suspension, red brake calipers and a sport rear differential that enhances cornering agility by actively splitting torque between each of the rear wheels, with the ability to direct nearly all torque to one wheel. The S sport package can be combined with available dynamic steering, which helps provide increased handling and stability at all speeds and is the most dynamic iteration of the S4.

Advanced driver assistance features
The A4 model line brings a full suite of newly standard and available driver assistance features, designed to help drivers confidently navigate the road and traffic.

Driver assistance features include:

  • In the case of emergency braking or maneuvers, standard Audi pre sense® basic can intervene to help prepare the vehicle for impact. This process includes beginning to close the side windows and panoramic sunroof, pre-tensioning the front safety belts.
  • Standard Audi pre sense® city uses a camera to monitor the area in front of the vehicle and provides visual and acoustic warnings to help alert the driver to potentially hazardous situations.
  • Available Audi side assist provides blind spot monitoring via LED indicators on the exterior mirror housings at speeds above 9 mph.
  • Available Audi active lane assist helps to keep the driver within the driving lane through corrective steering intervention and adjustable wheel vibration, at speeds above 40 mph.
  • Available Rear cross traffic assist (as part of Audi side assist and parking system plus) supports the driver when reversing out of a perpendicular parking space. Indicator arrows in the MMI® display can help inform the driver of approaching vehicles, and in critical situations, a warning tone and brake jolt can be applied, prompting the driver to fully stop the vehicle.
  • Available Audi pre sense rear (as a part of Audi side assist) uses radar sensors in the rear bumper to help detect an impending rear-end collision, and can initiate preventative measures.
  • Available Adaptive cruise control with Traffic Jam assist helps maintain set distance from the vehicle in front, including braking and accelerating as needed, between speeds of 0 to 40 mph.
  • Available top view camera system uses four wide-angle 360-degree cameras to record the entire area surrounding, projected on the MMI screen, allowing the driver to see “around” the vehicle to help with maneuvering in tight spaces.
  • Available for the first time on A4 models, Park assist can assist the driver with parallel and perpendicular parking by taking control of the steering while the driver accelerates, shifts gears and brakes.
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Video Spy: 2021 Hyundai i30 Is Under Testing https://automotivesblog.com/video-spy-2021-hyundai-i30-is-under-testing/ https://automotivesblog.com/video-spy-2021-hyundai-i30-is-under-testing/#respond Thu, 16 Jan 2020 17:21:06 +0000 https://automotivesblog.com/?p=1500 More]]> Rumors of the new 2021 Hyundai i30 are not new, with information and photos to be revealed last year. Now, we have the chance to see the prototype in some tests on the track, with a video highlighting the new changes the model will be coming with, both at the exterior as well as inside the cabin.

As we can see in the video, the test mule is wearing camouflage around the areas where the changes will occur. These tests were taking place at high altitude in Russelhsheim, Germany, as the German number plates state.

Changes at the Exterior

As we can depict from the spy video, the new 2021 Hyundai i30 will come with significant changes on the body.

The front end is set to be slimmer and sexier, with full LED technology and surrounded by thin daytime running lights. Right in the middle, there is the new grille with the company`s latest “cascading” design theme. The theme is also visible on the new 2021 Tucson concept car and the NEXO hydrogen SUV.

Other features at the exterior include the updated front and rear bumper bars, new set of alloy wheels, while the rear end promises LED taillights coming as standard.

Changes in the Cabin

As previously stated, the new i30 also promises to come with a new interior. Just like the Kia Seltos, the 2021 Kia i30 would adopt the new touch-screen with wide-screen layout, with plenty of gadgetries. The quality of the materials have also been improved.

Engine under the hood

Even if the motorizations is a bit disappointment, given the styling changes and technology tweaks, the 2021 Kia i30 will surely have more to offer in the future in that regard. For the moment, it would come with a 1.6-liter turbo engine paired to a new eight-speed dual-clutch automatic. This might develop around 275 Nm of torque, which is a significant boost from 265 Nm of torque. As for output, we are talking about the same 150kW.

The new 2021 Kia i30 is set to debut at the 2020 Geneva Motor Show this March, otherwise we might see it in full swing at the Paris Auto Show, in October. Prices will be announced at a later date. Meanwhile, take a look at the spy video showcasing the prototype performing tests on the tracks in Russelsheim, Germany!

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Facelifted 2020 Skoda Rapid Is Finally Here https://automotivesblog.com/facelifted-2020-skoda-rapid-is-finally-here/ https://automotivesblog.com/facelifted-2020-skoda-rapid-is-finally-here/#respond Fri, 20 Dec 2019 10:30:39 +0000 https://automotivesblog.com/?p=1220 More]]> The Rapid model from Skoda never appealed to the public, and that is mainly because the car manufacturer designed it just for daily basis purposes. And that is why perhaps so many people loved it even from the start – it had a small body, simple interior and economic engines.

However, with the new design that each car manufacturer offers today, Skoda has redefined the classic image of the Rapid and tried to make it more attractive, by making it bigger, wider and of course, more attractive. Below, you can get a taste of the facelifted 2020 Skoda Rapid that everybody has been waiting for some time now.

Unveiled in Russia a couple of months ago, the 2020 Rapid is visibly changed at the exterior. However, the company decided to also add some new enhancements inside the cabin, while working on new safety features as well.

Speaking of manufacturing, the 2020 Skoda Rapid will be built in Russia, at the company`s Rus factory in Kulga. It will come on the market early next year and will have a starting price of around $13,050, the equivalent of 829,000 rubles. Later on, it will also arrive in countries like China and India, but it will only wear a sedan body.

Changes to the Exterior

You can tell at a single glance, that the 2020 Rapid is a completely new car. It now sports triangular LED headlights, which brings it close to the Scala model released in Europe. The sportier looks is given by the new front bumper and hexagonal corporate grille. And that only up front. At the rear, the Scala influence is also present on the horizontal L-shaped LED taillights, which makes the car wider. Other new elements are the updated rear bumper, subtle deck lid spoiler, as well as the “Skoda” logo on the tailgate.

Changes Inside

The interior of the 2020 Skoda Rapid is also influenced by the Scala model. It now looks more appealing and attractive, with better materials and a series of new gadgets. From the Scala, it sports a new digital instrument panel, center console with two USB-C outlets, or the company`s latest infotainment system with a 6.5-inch floating touch-screen display. For extra cash, you can also opt for the much bigger 8-inch display. There is also the winter package with heated windscreen, heated steering wheel and heated seats.

As for safety systems, the 2020 Skoda Rapid is now available with plenty of new features which increase the driver`s driving comfort and safety, like the driver fatigue recognition. Other features also include the Front Assist distance control system, cruise control, emergency braking or parking sensors.

Engine Lineup

Disappointingly, the facelifted Rapid will come with the same engine lineup as the previous model, with a bit more power, however. We mention a 1.4-liter TSI four-cylinder gasoline engine, with output of 123 horsepower. There is also a 1.6-liter naturally-aspirated MPI and and a turbocharged variant, with power between 89 horsepower and 109 horsepower. All engines will be available with a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The TSI will also have a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission.

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