All-new Subaru Impreza revealed in New York

Subaru debuted its all new Impreza at the New York International Auto Show.

As before, every model is equipped as standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD), for maximised driving agility, stability and traction on all surfaces, says Subaru.

Power comes from four-cylinder horizontally-opposed ‘Boxer’ engines, while a new Subaru Global Platform is set to form the basis of all future Subaru models. The 'highly-adaptable' platform is suitable for a range of different body styles and powertrains, including Subaru’s all-terrain crossover and SUV models.

A new design language sees the brand’s signature hexagonal grille and ‘hawk-eye’ headlights fitted to a more ‘sculptural body’, with the new car’s its athletic stance accentuated by prominent wheel arches and flowing lines. Overall length is up 41 mm and width has been increases by 38 mm. The larger dimensions create a roomier cabin, while a 10 mm lower height aids aerodynamics with a lower coefficient of drag.

The Impreza’s new platform incorporates several types of high-strength steel to ‘significantly’ enhance straight-line stability, agility and ride comfort, while suppressing noise, vibration and harshness. Subaru claims the new platform increases rigidity of the unitised body structure by over 70 percent compared to the current Impreza model. The double-wishbone independent rear suspension mounts its rear stabiliser bar directly to the body, reducing body roll by 50 percent.

The new model provides higher levels of safety than the outgoing car, by accommodating the EyeSight collision avoidance technology for the first time, as well as crash energy absorption figures improved by 40 percent over the old Impreza. The EyeSight system acts as a ‘second pair of eyes’ for drivers by employing stereo colour camera technology to monitor the road and traffic ahead of potential hazards. This includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Pre-Collision Braking and Lane Departure and Sway Warning, plus a Lane Keep Assist function. Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross Traffic Alert are also available.

Also new are Steering Responsive Headlights, which can illuminate curves as the vehicle steers into them, and High Beam Assist, which automatically activates and deactivates the high-beam headlamps based on driving conditions. All models include as standard equipment front seat side impact airbags, side curtain airbags and a driver’s knee airbag. New driver-assist technologies, include Reverse Automatic Braking and the display of steering lines for the standard rear-vision camera. Reverse Automatic Braking can apply the vehicle’s brakes if an obstacle is detected while reversing.

High connectivity comes via the Subaru STARLINK touchscreen infotainment. Controlled by a large touchscreen and using Subaru’s latest-generation voice control system, the display screen also provides the display for the standard rear vision camera and navigation.

Subaru says the new Impreza 5-door hatchback is currently under consideration for the European market.

Genesis ‘New York Concept’ to debut in the big Apple

Genesis will reveal its aptly named ‘New York Concept’ in NY.

The luxury division of Hyundai motors will reveal its ‘ideas of refined design’. A teaser image released ahead of the unveiling hints at the ’athletic elegance’ of the four-door sports saloon, expressing the design direction that will distinguish forthcoming Genesis products.

Manfred Fitzgerald, head of Genesis brand, said: “The New York Concept is a progressive concept car that showcases the design quality of the brand. With its expressive volumes and refined design, the New York Concept truly embodies the athletic elegance, which characterises Genesis products.”

The New York Concept will be unveiled at the Genesis Press Conference March 23. The New York Auto Show is open to the public from March 25 - April 3.

Hyundai confirms new IONIQ eco-car

Hyundai confirms new IONIQ eco-car

Hyundai has announced a new eco-friendly compact car, due for launch in 2016, will be called the IONIQ.

The car will be available with electric, plug-in petrol/electric hybrid, or petrol/electric hybrid powertrain - the first car from any manufacturer to offer these three powertrain options in a single body type. The IONIQ will combine 'class-leading fuel efficiency with a fun, responsive drive and attractive design, a unique mix not yet achieved by a hybrid vehicle' says Hyundai.

The new car's name references elements of its creation (with 'ion' representing an electrically-charged atom) and is based on an 'exclusive' new platform, made specifically for the car's multi-powertrain options. The chassis is optimised to deliver 'responsive handling' while remaining efficient in each of its three powertrain configurations.

In its fully-electric (EV) form, the IONIQ is powered by a high capacity, ultra-efficient lithium ion battery. The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version combines a fuel-efficient energy with battery power obtained by charging the car with electricity, boosting its range while cutting its emissions. Finally, the hybrid (HEV) utilises the petrol engine and motion of the car to charge the on-board battery, which returns enhanced efficiency by supplementing the engine's power.

Woong-Chul Yang, Head of Hyundai Motor R&D Center said, "Hyundai Motor has a heritage of building innovative, fuel-efficient vehicles, so we are proud to advance our eco-friendly car line-up with the introduction of IONIQ. Our vision for future mobility focuses on choice, with a variety of powertrain options to suit customers' varied lifestyles, without compromising on design or driving enjoyment. IONIQ embodies Hyundai Motor's vision to shift the automotive paradigm and future mobility; IONIQ is the fruit of our efforts to become the leader in the global green car market."

Following its world premiere in Korea in January, the IONIQ is due to be shown at the Geneva Motor Show, followed by the New York Auto Show, both in March 2016.