Ford and Safeguard SVP also displaying five-tonne Transit conversion
The new Ford Mach-E has already caught the imagination of thousands of customers and fans, but a new client has also shown considerable interest – the UK’s police force.
Such has been the enthusiasm of the British police for Ford’s stunning new all-electric SUV that already seven forces have either tested the new vehicle or requested a full evaluation of a specially-built concept car.
And the concept, in full ‘blue light’ livery, is on display at the Emergency Services Show, at the NEC, Birmingham on 7-8 September.
The test car was built following many enquiries from UK police forces looking for greener solutions to the current products currently available to them.
The Metropolitan Police Force has already appraised the standard Mustang Mach-E and has now requested a full evaluation of the marked concept. Also waiting for an opportunity to try the new 999 vehicle are the Sussex, Surrey, South Wales, Dyfed Powys, Devon & Cornwall and Police Scotland forces.
The initial concept is a demonstrator Mustang Mach-E Standard Range AWD (all-wheel drive). Subject to testing of this model, Ford is planning to offer Extended Range version of its RWD (rear-wheel drive) and AWD versions. The extended battery types would give the police even greater range, and therefore versatility and capability, for police operations.
Instant and super-quick acceleration – the new Mach-E is capable of 0-62mph in 3.7 seconds (GT version) and 111mph – will be a useful weapon against crime for any police car, while the all-electric Mach-E will offer the forces one of the most economical and environmentally-friendly cars on their fleets.
The Mustang Mach-E is already a Guinness World Record holder having achieved the lowest energy consumption on a journey in an electric car. It’s capable of 379 miles range between charges.
The issue of where the power to operate the concept car’s blue lights, sirens and other high-tech equipment would come from, has been addressed by Ford technicians.
“The vehicle range is uncompromised as the blue light equipment is being drawn from the vehicle’s 12V battery and not the drive battery,” says Terry Adams, Blue Light Direct Sales Manager, Ford of Britain and Ireland.
“In future developments we will look to increase this battery capacity to allow for additional equipment to be fitted.”
The conversion of the original Mach-E was carried out by Ford’s long term partner to the blue light industry, Safeguard SVP, a specialist constructor based in Essex.
Among the equipment fitted to the concept car are bespoke mounting pods and brackets to ensure suitable locations are found for operational use, with minimal damage to the vehicle. All lighting is LED with very low power consumption to reduce current draw from the vehicle’s 12V power system.
Meanwhile, the 999 livery is a first-off design which utilises high specification material to maximise day and night visibility requirements.
Ford and Safeguard SVP are displaying an additional concept project at the Emergency Services show – a five-tonne ‘Protected Personnel Carrier’ conversion. This latest conversion offers polices forces greater flexibility, with adjustable rear cell and storage areas.
Increased pace in the battle against climate change
Commitment to a clear course to achieve the 5-degree target
50% reduction in global CO2 use-phase emissions by 2030
Over 40% reduction in CO2 emissions during life cycle
Circular economy: Up to 50% use of secondary material planned
E offensive: Delivery volume for battery cells almost doubled – ten million all-electric vehicles within ten years
BMW i Vision Circular demonstrates the potential of a car that is consistently aligned to material cycles
Four additional concept vehicles for a pioneering sustainable mobility mix on two and four wheels
All-electric core models BMW iX and BMW i4 celebrate their motor show premiere
The BMW Group is putting circular economy and sustainable urban mobility at the centre of its presence at the 2021 IAA Mobility.
At the motor show, the company is consistently demonstrating its sustainability and CO2 targets as well as its concrete measures and concepts to achieve these goals.
More stringent CO2 targets and consistent focus on a circular economy The BMW Group is increasing the pace of its efforts to combat climate change. Looking ahead to the introduction of the Neue Klasse, the company is further strengthening its self- defined objectives, announced in summer last year, to significantly reduce CO2 emissions, whilst also committing itself to a clear course that supports the 1.5 degree target for the limitation of global warming. The Neue Klasse will also see the BMW Group hugely increase its use of secondary materials with a firm focus on the principles of the circular economy, whilst also promoting better framework conditions for establishing a market for secondary materials.
To achieve a further reduction in CO2 emissions, the focus is on the utilisation phase of vehicles, which account for 70% of the BMW Group’s CO2 footprint. By 2030, the CO2 emissions per vehicle and kilometre driven will be at least halved from 2019 levels. The commitment of all manufacturers when it comes to combatting climate change can best be compared when looking at the entire life cycle of a vehicle, including production and upstream supply chain. Here, the BMW Group is planning a reduction of CO2 emission per vehicle of at least 40%.
“How companies are dealing with CO2 emissions has become a major factor when it comes to judging corporate action. The decisive factor in the fight against global warming is how strongly we can improve the carbon footprint of vehicles over their entire life span. This is why we are setting ourselves transparent and ambitious goals for the substantial reduction of CO2 emissions; these are validated by the Science Based Targets Initiative and will deliver an effective and measurable contribution,” said Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, in Munich on Thursday. “With the Neue Klasse we are significantly sharpening our commitment and also committing ourselves to a clear course for achieving the 1.5 degree target.”
The most powerful driver on this path to climate neutrality is electric mobility, with the BMW Group’s Neue Klasse set to provide significant further momentum to the market. During the next ten years or so, the company will be putting around ten million all- electric vehicles on the road. As early as 2030, at least half of global BMW Group sales will be all-electric vehicles, with the MINI brand offering exclusively all-electric vehicles from 2030.
Against this background, the BMW Group has also almost doubled the delivery volume for battery cells – a volume of EUR 22.36 billion has been agreed with the relevant suppliers for the fifth generation of the BMW electric drive.
BMW i4 and iX as drivers for promoting e-mobility at the IAA Mobility With the BMW iX and the BMW i4, two important core models of this electric offensive are introduced to the general public for the first time on the occasion of the 2021 IAA Mobility. The BMW iX, the new technological flagship of the BMW Group, is a spearhead in the areas of electromobility and digitisation. BMW eDrive technology of the fifth generation enables locally emission-free driving pleasure with electric four-wheel drive and an extended range.
With the BMW i4, all-electric mobility is now available for the first time in a premium mid- range model. Electric mobility has reached the core of the BMW brand. The BMW i4 combines locally emission-free driving pleasure in a particularly sporty style with ample space and the practicality of a four-door Gran Coupe.
Fully electric versions of the high-volume BMW 5 Series and the BMW X1 will follow in the years to come. The same is true for the BMW 7 Series and the successor of the MINI Countryman. In 2023, the BMW Group will have at least one fully electric model on the road in around 90% of its current market segments.
BMW Motorrad is also consistently pursuing an electromobility strategy for metropolitan areas. The BMW CE 04, also presented at the 2021 IAA Mobility, ensures sustainable driving pleasure on two wheels . With its electric drive, future-oriented design and innovative connectivity solutions, the new scooter combines the functions of mobility and communication.
CO2 reduction through circular economy: BMW i Vision Circular shows enormous potential However, climate friendly mobility is not automatically created through a higher number of electric vehicles on the road. Furthermore, it is crucial to reduce the use of primary material and the related environmentally harmful exploitation of resources and their often CO2– intensive processing – especially when it comes to car manufacturing, one of the most resource-intensive industries.
As part of its holistic approach to sustainability, the BMW Group aims to increase significantly the percentage of secondary materials in its vehicles. On average, current vehicles are manufactured using almost 30 percent recycled and reusable materials. With the ‘Secondary First’ approach, BMW Group plans to successively raise this figure to 50 percent.
With the BMW i Vision Circular, the BMW Group is demonstrating the consistent design of a car according to the principles of a circular economy. The overall design goal of this visionary vehicle was to create a vehicle that is optimized for closed material cycles and achieves a rate of 100% recycled materials or 100% recyclability. In addition to bio-based and certified raw materials, materials that have already passed through a product life cycle – so-called secondary materials – are used for this purpose. This also applies to the energy storage system: The solid-state battery of the BMW i Vision Circular is 100% recyclable and almost completely made from recycled materials. At the same time, it will achieve a considerably higher energy density with significantly fewer of the most valuable resources.
“We have included circularity in our concept right from the start when designing the BMW i Vision Circular. That’s why this visionary vehicle is full of innovative ideas that combine sustainability with new and inspiring aesthetics – we call this approach Circular Design,” explains Adrian van Hooydonk, Head of BMW Group Design. Circular Design is based on the four principles RE:THINK, RE:DUCE, RE:USE and RE:CYCLE.
Four additional groundbreaking concepts for sustainable urban mobility Under the umbrella of electric mobility, digitisation and sustainability, the BMW Group will be presenting four additional groundbreaking concepts for a versatile and sustainable mobility mix on two and four wheels at the 2021 IAA Mobility – in addition to the BMW i Vision Circular.
With the BMW i Vision AMBY, the first high-speed pedelec, the company is presenting a visionary two-wheel solution for urban mobility of tomorrow. From the outside, the BMW i Vision AMBY resembles an e-bike, but offers significantly more possibilities. The electric drive system comprises three speed stages for different road types: Up to 25 km/h for use on cycle paths, up to 45 km/h on inner-city roads and up to 60 km/h maximum speed on multi-lane roads and out-of-town. The speed modes available to the rider are stored on a smartphone app. Manual selection of the speed level is conceivable, as is the automatic detection of position and road type by means of geofencing technology and the associated automatic adjustment of the maximum speed.
The BMW Motorrad Vision AMBY has a similar approach, combining the benefits of a motorcycle with those of a bicycle. It is an extremely emotional, electric mobility concept for clever mobility in and out of the city combined with maximum flexibility. Through an automated speed limitation system, thanks to innovative geofencing technology, the rider can also travel on roads (up to 60 km/h) as well as on bicycle paths (up to 25 km/h). Unlike the BMW i Vision AMBY, the BMW Motorrad Vision AMBY accelerates using a throttle grip and has typical motorcycle footrests instead of pedals.
As a legal framework for such vehicles with a modular speed concept does not yet exist, the AMBY visionary vehicles are meant to provide stimulus for such legislation to come into effect.
BMW Motorrad is represented with another concept at the 2021 IAA Mobility – the BMW Motorrad Concept CE 02. This is neither a classic motorcycle nor a scooter, but a completely new mobility offer. It is an easily accessible, electric two-wheeler for those aged 16 and above who want to be mobile and independent. The emphasis is on fresh looks, ease of use and plenty of emotions.
MINI Vision Urbanaut as a space concept for the mobility of the future The main attraction of the MINI brand at the IAA is the MINI Vision Urbanaut, an innovative and fully electric vision of space for the mobility of the future. Here, typical MINI characteristics are translated into the future of mobility and given an individual interpretation. The MINI Vision Urbanaut is the epitome of “clever use of space” and a response to the needs of future cities and lifestyles. The interior, in particular, is completely new in design and uses sustainable materials such as cork for the floor and steering wheel or recycled fabrics for the seats. The reduction of components and the absence of leather and chrome underline the sustainability of the visionary concept.
Links to relevant BMW Group press releases concerning the IAA Mobility 2021:
Electrogenic develops and installs technology to convert historic and classic vehicles to 100% electric drive. Electrogenic’s aim is always to retain the character of the cars they convert, making them a better version of themselves.
Conversion to electric enables some historic vehicles to contribute to a sustainable future. It also makes them accessible to a new generation by being easy to maintain and to drive.
Bicester Heritage is now the UK’s only hub for historic motoring excellence, home to more than 45 specialist businesses
Bicester Heritage is pleased to welcome Electrogenic, specialists in converting classic cars into 100% electric models, at its unique ‘motoring-marina’. As a leading setting for classic car collectors and enthusiasts in the UK, Bicester Heritage provides the perfect backdrop against which the brand can celebrate motoring and sustainability using 21st century technology.
Dreamt up during the construction of a 60MW biomass power plant in a Cuban hurricane, Electrogenic revolutionises the beauty and joy of classic vehicles through electrification. Based out of the recently reactivated Building 118 at the centre of the vibrant site, Electrogenic will provide a new skill base to the Heritage campus, in addition to using the onsite track for testing and development opportunities.
Furthermore, Electrogenic will be a welcome events presence to the Bicester Heritage events calendar, with opportunities to showcase their range of current conversion projects including a beautiful Citroën DS, a Porsche 356 and an E-Type Jaguar. The company is an excellent addition to the broader Bicester Motion site, on which Bicester Heritage sits, which is planned to become a leading destination for mobility technology and experience, past, present and future.
Steve Drummond, Founder and Director of Electrogenic, comments: “We are delighted to bring our electric conversion technology to be part of the Bicester Heritage specialist hub. Electrogenic’s aim is always to preserve the spirit of the original vehicle, retaining gear-changes and the original instrument clusters, while adapting the drive train to the modern environment. Our classic vehicle-centred technology continuously evolves, which is why Bicester provides the perfect setting for our business to grow in.”
Dan Geoghegan, CEO, Bicester Heritage adds: “The motoring industry is changing at a rapid rate, and Electrogenic are a firm that very much have their finger on the pulse when it comes to super-charging the future of our much-loved classic car industry. We are looking forward to welcoming them on site and witnessing the magic of their conversion projects.”
1938 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Cabriolet A Singelfenden wins top award at Salon Privé
Unique low-drag Lightweight tops Jaguar E-type class
Monte-Carlo Rally Aston Martin DB2 scoops two awards
Superb entry spanned everything from veteran machinery to supercars
A 1938 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Cabriolet A has been named Best of Show at the 2021 Salon Privé Concours d’Elégance presented by Aviva.
The sensational German thoroughbred wowed judges and visitors alike, and was part of a keenly contested Pre-War Tourers class that lined up directly in front of the majestic Blenheim Palace.
The Mercedes-Benz is chassis number 154076, which was delivered on 5 February 1938 to Tauentzien-Verlag, a Berlin advertising agency whose proprietor was Georg Niedermeier. It features a unique specification that combines the two-seater Cabriolet A coachwork with the longer-wheelbase chassis, as well as an engine and gearbox that are set back by almost 20cm. It’s a spellbinding example of a model that is renowned as being among the most coveted of all pre-war cars.
The Concours d’Elégance presented by Aviva is the traditional curtain-raiser to Salon Privé Week. As one of the most prestigious such events in the world, it is a Partner Concours to the Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award and features a panel of judges who are all renowned experts in their respective fields. Class winners in the 2021 Concours d’Elégance presented by Aviva included everything from a 1901 Triumph motor bicycle to a 1993 Jaguar XJ220, via coachbuilt French beauties, Italian sports-racers, and even Rolling Bones hot-rods.
The 60th anniversary of the Jaguar E-type was celebrated throughout this year’s Salon Privé Week, and there was a class dedicated to the ground-breaking British sports car. The judges eventually gave the nod to the unique 1963 low-drag Lightweight that was raced in period by the German pairing of Peter Lindner and Peter Nöcker. Decades after suffering a tragic crash in the 1964 Paris 1000km, the E-type was painstakingly rebuilt using more than 90 per cent of the original bodywork.
There were more competition cars to be found in the Racing Greats class, which was won by an ex-Ford France 1965 GT40 Mk1 that retains its original engine, gearbox, running gear and bodywork. The judges recognised that it was a rare example of a GT40 that has remained in period condition and not been modified for use in modern historic racing.
The Pre-War Sports class also attracted a strong entry, with an extremely original and beautifully restored SS 100 3½ Litre Roadster getting the nod. The rakish sports car was selected ahead of some particularly significant Bentleys, included a 3 Litre that was part of the factory team for the 1927 Le Mans 24 Hours, and a 4½ Litre Vanden Plas tourer owned new by company saviour Woolf Barnato.
Covid restrictions prevented 90 years of Pininfarina being celebrated in 2020, so instead there was a class dedicated to the revered Italian design house in 2021. Against fierce Ferrari opposition, judges awarded top spot to a 1963 Alfa Romeo Giulia 1600 Spider. One of only 404 right-hand-drive Giulia 1600 Spiders produced for the UK, Australian and South African markets, it had been restored to perfection between 2014 and 2016.
One of the most eye-catching displays belonged to the Fit for a King class. The winner was an elegant 1937 Rolls-Royce Phantom III that is one of only three cars to feature Sedanca de Ville coachwork by Arthur Mulliner with a Thrupp & Maberly sliding roof over the driver. Lining up alongside was a 1949 Bentley Mk VI Light Touring Saloon that was chosen to receive the Duke of Marlborough Award by the event host. The Hooper-bodied car is finished in an extravagant two-tone paint scheme and was delivered new to HH Maharaja of Mysore, Sir Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar.
The Churchill Cup for Most Exceptional Design was awarded to a 1972 De Tomaso Mangusta. ‘Our mission was to look at the aesthetics of a car from a designer’s point of view,’ said legendary racer Derek Bell, who was part of the judging panel. ‘We looked at every car here, and it was incredibly difficult. We eventually selected our top three and then held a vote. The Mangusta had a simple elegance about it, and when it drove up onto the stage we knew that we’d made the right choice.’
Former Aston Martin and Jaguar designer Ian Callum added: ‘It has such beauty and real impact, and it’s a very pure design. There’s a totality to it – the whole picture ties together perfectly.’ The Mangusta also won the Low-Slung Sports class.
A 1955 Aston Martin DB2 that was driven on the Monte-Carlo Rally deservedly picked up two prizes – the Preservation Award and People’s Choice. Ken Carter was a noted 500cc racer in the early 1950s and, having completed the Monte-Carlo Rally twice before, he entered the Aston Martin on the 1956 event with his friend Robert D Ropner. He later sold the car with no mention of its rallying history because he felt it would be detrimental to its value!
Salon Privé Director Andrew Bagley said: ‘The entry for this year’s Concours d’Elégance was absolutely superb, and we must congratulate everyone who brought their cars to Blenheim Palace and all of the class winners. The beautiful Mercedes-Benz 540 K was a very worthy recipient of our coveted Best of Show award, and truly epitomised the grace and elegance of the late 1930s.’
2021 Salon Privé Concours d’Elégance presented by Aviva Award Winners
Best in Show – 1938 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Cabriolet A Singelfenden
Class A: Competition Motorcycles – 1951 Moto Guzzi 500cc Bicilindrica
Class B: Exceptional Motorcycles – 1975 MV Agusta 750 Sport
Class C: Early Pioneers – 1904 Cadillac 8¼hp Model B Rear-Entrance Tonneau
Class D: Pre-War Tourers – 1938 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Cabriolet A Singelfenden
Class E: Pre-War Sports – 1938 SS 100 3½ Litre Roadster
Class F: Fit for a King – 1937 Rolls-Royce Phantom III Sedanca de Ville by Arthur Mulliner
Class G: Racing Greats – 1965 Ford GT40 Mk1
Class H: Post-War Open – 1962 Aston Martin DB2 Drophead Coupé
Class I: Post-War Closed (European) – 1950 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 SS Villa d’Este Coupé by Touring
Class J: Post-War Closed (British) – 1954 Austin-Healey 100/4 BN1 Coupé by D’Ieteren Frères
Class K: Post-War Tourers – 1946 Tatra T87 Aerodynamic Saloon
Class L: Pininfarina Design – 1963 Alfa Romeo Giulia 1600 Spider 101 Series
Class M: 60 Years of the Jaguar E-type – 1963 Jaguar Lightweight ‘The Lindner Low-Drag’
Class N: Low-Slung Sports – 1972 De Tomaso Mangusta by Ghia
Class O: Classics of the Future – 1993 Jaguar XJ220
Class P: Rolling Bones Hot Rods – 1932 Ford 3-Window Coupe
Preservation Award – 1955 Aston Martin DB2 rally car
People’s Choice – 1955 Aston Martin DB2 Monte-Carlo Rally Car
Churchill Cup – 1972 De Tomaso Mangusta
Duke of Marlborough Award – 1949 Bentley Mk VI Light Touring Saloon by Hooper & Co
Duke of Marlborough Award (Motorcycles) – 1901 Triumph Minerva
Chairman’s Award – 1951 Jaguar XK 120 OTS
Spirit Award – 1903 Panhard et Levassor 80hp
Most Exceptional Coachwork – 1927 Rolls-Royce 20hp Tourer by Barker
Most Opulent – 1931 Bentley 8 Litre Park Ward Four-Door Sports Saloon
Coup de Coeur – 1937 Talbot-Lago T15 Cabriolet by Worblaufen
Best Interior – 1947 Bentley Mk VI Cabriolet by Franay
Most Elegant – 1965 Ferrari 275 GTS
Most Iconic – 1966 Jaguar E-type 4.2 GT FHC
Salon Privé Week 2022 31 August – Salon Privé Concours d’Elégance presented by Aviva 1 September – Salon Privé Concours d’Elégance presented by Aviva 2 September – Salon Privé Ladies’ Day presented by Boodles 3 September – Salon Privé Club Trophy presented by Lockton 4 September – Salon Privé Classic & Supercar
Charity Partner Salon Privé is proud to once again have Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity as its charity partner. The organisation provides emotional and practical support to families who have a child with a life-threatening or terminal illness, and thanks to the generation donations of guests and Concours entrants, the event has so far raised in excess of £1.2 million for these great causes.
At the International Motor Show IAA MOBILITY 2021 in Munich, Volkswagen presents a compact crossover concept car
The ID. LIFE1 embodies sustainability, digital technology, timeless design and an innovative interior
The concept car is consistently focused on users and their needs and provides a glimpse of what urban mobility will look like in the future
Volkswagen is speeding up the transformation to electric mobility with the ACCELERATE strategy: ID. family to be expanded with a new model in the small car segment from 2025 onwards
Volkswagen is once again speeding up the transformation to electric mobility with its ACCELERATE strategy, making sustainable mobility accessible to even more people by 2025, a whole two years earlier than originally planned, Volkswagen will launch an ID. family model for the small car segment.
It will cost approximately 20,000 euros. The ID. LIFE concept car, which was presented at the International Motor Show IAA MOBILITY 2021 in Munich, gives an impression of how a vehicle of this type would look.
The vision of a fully electric small car for the urban environment is centred around people and communal experiences. The concept car combines sustainability and digitalisation with extremely flexible usage: the ID. LIFE can become a mini cinema or a gaming centre, for instance, or simply be used for relaxing in the open air.
“The ID. LIFE is our vision of next-generation fully electric urban mobility. The concept car provides a preview of an ID. model in the small car segment that we will be launching in 2025, priced at around 20,000 euros. This means we are making electric mobility accessible to even more people”, says Ralf Brandstätter, CEO of the Volkswagen brand. “In creating the ID. LIFE, we have consistently focused on the needs of younger customers. We believe that, even more so than today, the car of the future will be about lifestyle and personal expression. The customer of tomorrow won’t simply want to get from A to B; they will be much more interested in the experiences that a car can offer. The ID. LIFE is our answer to this.”
Pared-down design. The design of the ID. LIFE is strikingly clear, pared-down and high-quality. Decorative elements and add-on parts are dispensed with, as is any complex mix of materials. The horizontal division between the body, glass surfaces and roof also contributes to the car’s purist appearance. An individualised and removable roof made of air chamber textile lends an open-air feeling in the ID. LIFE, while also reducing the vehicle weight.
Electric motor drives the front wheels. The ID. LIFE is based on a smaller variant of Volkswagen’s modular electric drive matrix (MEB) that has been developed specifically for the small car segment. This is the first time a vehicle based on the MEB has front-wheel drive. With its 172 kW (234 PS) electric motor, the ID. LIFE accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds, while its 57 kWh high-voltage battery enables a range of some 400 kilometres (WLTP).
“The ID. LIFE proves once again how uniquely flexible the MEB is. The platform is suitable for vehicles of all types, from small cars to vans,” says Thomas Ulbrich, member of the Volkswagen Brand Board of Management for Development. “It’s the most scalable electrical architecture in the industry. We’re just beginning to tap into the potential of MEB. Performance, charging capacity and range will continue to improve with each new model and software update.”
Natural and recycled materials. The sustainable character of the ID. LIFE is reflected particularly in the choice of materials and paint finishes. In the clear coat for the bodywork, wood chips are used as a natural colouring agent along with a bio-based hardener. The air chamber textile for the roof and front cover is made from 100% recycled PET bottles. In the interior, wood in the dashboard and rear seat surrounds is combined with ArtVelours Eco for the seat surfaces and door trims. Bio-oil, natural rubber and rice husks are just some of the materials that serve as a basis for the tyres on the ID. LIFE.
Multifunctional interior. The ID. LIFE is a reliable companion for digital experiences of various kinds. For example, it can be converted into a cinema or gaming lounge in no time at all. The vehicle comes with a video game console and projector, as well as a projection screen that extends from the dash panel when required. Other devices can be connected as needed to the 230-volt / 16-amp power supply in the interior. The seating design, too, is extremely flexible, in keeping with the idea of the car as a companion for all situations and lifestyles. For instance, the front seat bench can be completely folded down, as can the rear seat bench. This enables a range of different possibilities, from cinema seating, to a bed measuring around two metres in length, to a cargo version that maximises luggage volume.
Innovative digital operating concept. Cameras and a display replace both the exterior and interior mirrors. Essential driving functions are controlled via a touch panel on the hexagonal, open-topped steering wheel, and a smartphone can be integrated in the operating system. Personal devices – whether smartphones or tablets – can be used to operate the navigation system, for instance. Music, films and games stored on the device can be used seamlessly in the ID. LIFE, with visuals displayed on the projection screen.
ACCELERATE strategy is speeding up the transformation process. The expansion of the ID. family into the small car segment at prices starting from 20,000 euros is another key step towards fully electrified mobility. By 2030, Volkswagen aims to increase the share of all-electric models in total vehicle sales in Europe to at least 70 per cent and in North America and China to at least 50 per cent.
The Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand is present in more than 150 markets worldwide and produces vehicles at more than 30 locations in 13 countries. Volkswagen delivered around 5.3 million vehicles in 2020. These include bestsellers such as the Golf, Tiguan, Jetta or Passat as well as the fully electric successful models ID.3 and ID.4. Around 184,000 people currently work at Volkswagen worldwide. In addition, there are more than 10,000 trading companies and service partners with 86,000 employees. With its ACCELERATE strategy, Volkswagen is consistently advancing its further development into a software-oriented mobility provider.
1 The vehicle is a concept car. The vehicle is not yet available for sale.
Vauxhall announces additional details of eighth-generation Astra
Full-electric version – Astra-e – due to go on sale in 2023
Plug-in Hybrid powertrain available from launch – set to offer two performance levels
Highly efficient petrol and diesel engines complete the drivetrain line-up
Bold and pure design with ‘Vizor’ front end and available with two-tone paint finish
Next generation ‘Pure Panel’ fully digital cockpit with all-new HMI. Features two glass-to-edge 10-inch screens & intuitive controls
Best-in-class Intelli-Lux LED® Pixel Lighting with 168 LED elements
Best-in-class ergonomic AGR-certified seats, optionally in leather and Alcantara
Numerous advanced driver assistance systems for high safety and convenience
Intelli-Drive 2.0 system with Adaptative Cruise Control with semi-autonomous lane-changing, curve speed control and long-range blind sport detection.
Intelli-HuD head-up display
Available to order from Autumn with deliveries from Q1 2022
Sport Tourer version to follow later in 2022
In its eighth generation, Vauxhall’s All-New Astra will be available for the first time as battery electric Astra-e. Plug-in hybrid and highly efficient petrol and diesel versions of the All-New Astra go on sale next month, with the Astra-e following in early 2023.
A Sport Tourer version of All-New Astra will follow the hatchback in late 2022.
Versions with highly efficient petrol and diesel engines in combination with friction-optimised six-speed manual and eight-speed automatic transmissions will also be available to order from next month.
The new Astra portfolio has something for everyone in terms of drivetrains. Customers will soon be able to choose between plug-in hybrid or efficient internal combustion engine with a pure-electric version to follow. The power range extends from 110PS to 225PS system output – so superior driving performance is guaranteed. Vauxhall combines driving fun with top efficiency and responsible motoring in the next generation of its compact class bestseller. The new Astra continues Vauxhall’s tradition of always bringing innovative and ground-breaking technologies to the compact class that are affordable for all – also in its powertrain offer.
Astra goes Electric The All-New Astra will be available as a fully-electric model from 2023. And will join the Vauxhall all-electric line-up alongside Corsa-e, Mokka-e, Combo-e Life and Vivaro-e Life, as well as an already fully-electric light commercial vehicle line-up of Combo-e, Vivaro-e and Movano-e. Vauxhall’s line-up will be electrified across the line-up by 2024 and solely fully-electric from 2028 – years ahead of the UK Government’s deadline.
High-tech drive for highest efficiency: The All-New Astra as a Plug-in Hybrid The top-of-the-line hybrid offers system output of 225PS and maximum torque of a powerful 360Nm (fuel consumption WLTP1: 201.8mpg-256.8mpg, 31-24 g/km CO2; both combined). Powerful performance is ensured by the exemplary interaction between the combustion engine and the electric motor. The 1.6-litre four-cylinder produces 180PS. The electric motor contributes up to 110PS. Power is sent to the front axle via a comfortable eight-speed automatic transmission.
Alternatively, a Plug-in Hybrid version with 180PS system output will also be available. The maximum torque here is also a powerful 360Nm (fuel consumption WLTP1: 201.8mpg-256.8mpg, 31-24 g/km CO2; both combined). In this case, the petrol engine contributes 150PS. Both plug-in hybrid vehicles offer a lot of driving fun: they feature sports car-like acceleration from zero to 62mph in 7.7 and 7.9 seconds, respectively, and reach a top speed of up to 146mph and 140mph (electronically controlled).
For emissions-free city driving, the electric mode can simply be selected. Then, thanks to its 12.4kWh battery, the new Astra Hybrid drives up to around 35 miles (WLTP1) purely electrically.
Ultra-modern combustion engines: Lively petrol and diesel engines At the same time, customers can choose the type of drive they want, depending on their requirements and individual preferences. The Astra’s combustion engine portfolio are characterised by high economy and low fuel consumption.
The 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol direct injection engine with six-speed manual gearbox delivers 110PS (fuel consumption WLTP1: combined 52.3mpg, 125-123 g/km CO2). In addition, the petrol engine is also available with 130PS – with a six-speed manual gearbox (fuel consumption WLTP1: combined 51.4mpg-52.3mpg, 127-122 g/km CO2) or with eight-speed automatic transmission (fuel consumption WLTP1: combined 49.6mpg-51.4mpg], 131-125 g/km CO2). The petrol engine delivers its maximum torque of 230Nm from 1,750 rpm.
The 1.5-litre four-cylinder diesel with 130PS delivers 300Nm maximum torque from 1,750rpm and is available with a six-speed manual gearbox (fuel consumption WLTP1: combined 62.8mpg-64.3mpg, 117-113 g/km CO2) or an eight-speed automatic transmission (fuel consumption WLTP1: combined 60.1mpg-62.8mpg, 121-116 g/km CO2).
Eight Generations – A bestseller for 40 years The success story of Vauxhall’s bestseller began over 40 years ago. With the All-New Astra, the British manufacturer is now opening the next chapter: for the first time, the compact class model is available with electric drive.
The new Vauxhall Astra is also a design statement for the brand. Dynamic as never before, with sheer, taut surfaces, detoxed of superfluous elements and with the new brand face – the Vauxhall Vizor. With the next compact class generation, Vauxhall shows that the Astra is ready to define a new era.
The new Vauxhall Astra will launch this year as a sporty five-door with a low-slung look and yet more space than its predecessor. With a length of 4,374mm and width of 1,860mm, it hits the sweet-spot of the compact sector.
Thanks to the especially short front overhang, the new Astra is only 4mm longer than the previous model, despite the considerably increased wheelbase of 2,675mm (+13mm). Notwithstanding the muscular, confident stance, the new Astra’s practical boot with adjustable floor still offers the driver and four passengers 422 litres of luggage volume.
Like its predecessor launched in 2015 – that was named European Car of the Year 2016 – the newcomer brings innovations to the compact class that customers previously only knew from more expensive vehicles. For example, the Astra can turn night into day: the latest evolution of the adaptive Intelli-Lux LED® Pixel light comes straight from Vauxhall’s flagship Insignia and, with 168 LED elements, leads the way in the compact and midsize market sectors.
A leap in time has taken place in the interior of the new generation Astra. With the fully digital Pure Panel, analogue instruments are consigned to history. Instead, the new human-machine-interface (HMI) with fresh, modern graphics offers customers a pure, more intuitive experience. Passengers can operate the new Astra intuitively via extra-wide touchscreens, just like a smartphone. The Vauxhall designers and engineers have taken great care to ensure that the driver receives all the necessary information and useful operating options, but is not burdened with superfluous data or functions. In addition, key settings such as climate control can still be operated via physical switches and buttons.
Typically Vauxhall is also the outstanding seating comfort of the new compact class model. The front seats, developed in-house, are AGR (“Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V.”) certified and, with their exemplary ergonomics, are exceedingly comfortable, especially on long journeys. The driver is supported by state-of-the-art assistance systems ranging from the Intelli-HuD head-up display to the semi-automated Intelli-Drive assistance system and the Intelli-Vision 360-degree camera.
New interpretation of bold and pure Vauxhall design philosophy After the Mokka, Crossland and Grandland SUVs, the new Astra is Vauxhall’s first hatchback to interpret the brand’s bold and pure design philosophy. The Vauxhall Vizor (the new face of the brand first seen on the Mokka and the central exterior design element) follows the Vauxhall Compass where the vertical and horizontal axes – the sharp crease in the hood and the wing shaped graphic of the daylight running lamps – intersect with the Vauxhall Griffin emblem in the middle. Stretching across the front, making the new Astra look even wider, the Vizor also seamlessly integrates technologies such as the ultra-slim Intelli-Lux LED® headlamps and the front camera of the Intelli-Vision system. Viewed from the side, the next-generation Astra looks especially dynamic thanks to the pronounced forward rake of the C-pillar.
At the rear, the Vauxhall Compass is repeated by the centrally mounted Griffin, the vertically aligned high-mounted brake lamp and the tail lamps (energy-saving LED, as is all exterior lighting). The Griffin emblem also doubles as the latch for the tailgate, which is made of state-of-the-art composite material. This technology is not only light in weight and rigid, it also allows the precise execution of design details such as the especially slim tail lamps. The Astra is available with two-tone paint
Mark Adams, Vice-President Design, Vauxhall, said: “The All-New Astra represents the exciting next step of our new design execution. With its bold Vizor front face, strong muscular wheel arch blisters and sheer surfacing, the All-New Astra has a very sporty and confident personality. The interior also takes a bold step into the future. The strong driver-orientated cockpit with seamless glass look of the new Pure Panel will bring a whole new emotional experience to our customers.”
Next-generation Pure Panel digital cockpit with fully-glazed option The same technical precision applies throughout the interior where the absolute highlight is the next generation of the Pure Panel – a concept first introduced in the Mokka. This expansive, digital cockpit features two 10-inch displays, seamlessly integrated with glass-to-edge design – even integrating the driver’s side air vent in a horizontal format. Thanks to a shutter-like layer that prevents upward reflections in the windscreen, the design dispenses with a hood over the displays, which further enhances the high-tech functionality and ambience.
The Pure Panel achieves the optimum balance between digitisation and intuitive operation, detoxed of irritating visual stimuli and without the need for sub-menus. Buttons are present for the most-used functions. There is no need for cables either, since the infotainment system – which can be operated by voice recognition as well as by touch – can be connected as standard on all model variants to wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto via compatible smartphones.
Dynamic yet composed handling, braking and stability The new Astra is based on the third generation of the highly flexible EMP2 multi-energy architecture, with Vauxhall DNA built in from the start of development. This means that the handling is composed as well as dynamic.
The steering and lateral stiffness of the chassis – McPherson strut suspension at the front, torsion bar at the rear – are designed for high yaw control (damping of the movement around the horizontal axis). Under braking, the new model delivers strong stopping power and remains highly stable in curves as well as in a straight line. The torsional rigidity of new Astra is 14 per cent higher than its predecessor.
Advanced driver assistance systems including semi-automatic lane change The new Astra’s architecture also incorporates the latest automated driver assistance systems. In addition to the multifunction camera in the windscreen, the technology comprises four body cameras (one at the front, one at the rear and one on each side), five radar sensors (one at the front and one at each corner), as well as ultrasonic sensors front and rear.
Cameras and sensors are integrated with e-horizon connectivity in Intelli-Drive, which extends the range of the cameras and the radar. This enables the system to adapt the speed in curves, make speed recommendations and perform semi-autonomous lane changes. Hands-off detection on the steering wheel ensures the driver remains engaged at all times.
The long list of automated driver assistance systems also includes adaptive cruise control, which increases or decreases speed to follow the vehicle ahead and can brake to a standstill if necessary. With the automatic transmission, driving resumes automatically thanks to “Stop & Go”.
The offer of class-leading assistance systems additionally features a large Intelli-HuD head-up display, long-range blind-spot detection, Intelli-Vision 360-degree camera for easier parking, extended traffic sign recognition, rear cross-traffic alert and active lane positioning, which keeps the car in the middle of the driving lane.
New Astra brings premium Intelli-Lux Pixel Light® to compact market sector The Astra’s role as advanced technology carrier continues in lighting and seats, typical areas of expertise for the Vauxhall brand. The previous model played a pioneering role in the introduction of adaptive matrix light in 2015 and the next-generation is now bringing the newest development in lighting to the compact market sector for the first time – Intelli-Lux LED® Pixel Light. This state-of-the-art technology, already available on Vauxhall’s Grandland SUV and Insignia flagships, is upgraded to features a segment-leading total of 168 LED elements – 84 in each ultra-slim headlamp. The main beam adjusts seamlessly in milliseconds, without glare for other road users. Approaching or preceding traffic is “cut out” precisely. The range and direction of the light vary according to the driving situation and surroundings.
Best-in-class ‘AGR’ ergonomic seats with massage and ventilation Vauxhall’s ergonomic AGR seats enjoy an award-winning reputation and the new Astra continues this long-standing tradition. Certified by “Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V.” (“Campaign for Healthy Backs”) the position of the front seats is 12mm lower than in the previous model, further enhancing the feeling of a “sporty” drive. Good posture is guaranteed, with the foam density of the seats optimised according to the “Sport” or “Comfort” contours.
The new Astra’s AGR front seats are the best the compact class has to offer and feature a wide range of optional adjustments, from electric tilt to electro-pneumatic lumbar support. In Nappa leather-trim, they even offer ventilation, massage for the driver and heating at the rear as well as the front. Seats trimmed in stylish Alcantara are also available.
Astra goes electric for first time with powerful plug-in hybrids The new Astra will be available from the start of sales with powerful plug-in hybrid electric drive as well as highly efficient petrol and diesel engines, electrifying Vauxhall’s compact class model for the first time in the brand’s history. Power ranges from 81kW (110PS) to 96kW (130PS) with the petrol and diesel variants and up to 165kW (225PS) system output with the plug-in hybrid variants. A six-speed gearbox is standard on the petrol and diesel power units, with an eight-speed automatic transmission (electrified on the plug-in hybrids) optional on the more powerful engines.
Vauxhall will open the order books for the new Astra this autumn. The first customers will take delivery of their cars early next year. Further details including UK pricing and specification will be announced at the on sale date.
