RUMOUR HAS IT...
something called Energising comfort control. This system provides climate, massage and even music control to suit the mood of the occupants. Remember when a car had an optional radio?
Honda has announced that it will ditch diesel for its new CR-V in Europe and switch to a hybrid, which it will reveal at the show. The decision is a little strange given that diesels still account for the vast majority of SUV sales in Europe, but the winds of change are already being felt, so who knows. The new model features a 2.0l petrol engine which is used for propulsion, as well as electricity generation as well as a regular electric motor. Honda isn’t giving details of outputs at this stage, saying it is a prototype.
Renault will follow its stunning Trezor concept with a new concept called the Symbioz. It says the concept will reveal its design strategy until 2030. It will also showcase the company’s electric vehicle technology.
Still with Renault, it will also show its new Duster, although of course in Europe it wears a Dacia badge. The new generation gets a big styling upgrade and a completely redesigned interior.
Kia will show a concept of the next generation of its C’eed hatchback. It brought a version of the outgoing model to the SA Motoring Experience at Kyalami, presumably to gauge interest ahead of deciding if it will bring the next generation to our market.
Skoda will have its new Karoq SUV on show in Frankfurt. Skoda? Why are we talking about Skoda? Moving on.
SPORTY GENERATION
Ford has revealed the first official pictures and information of its new EcoSport model, which we expect to arrive in SA late in 2018. For the first time there will be an all-wheeldrive version, as well as a sporty ST-Line derivative, although local models have yet to be confirmed. The EcoSport will also get a new 1.5l EcoBlue diesel engine, as well as a long list of equipment, including Sync 3 infotainment, cruise control and electronic automatic temperature control.
We have received confirmation that the delayed new Ford Kuga will launch in
RIO RECALL
Kia has issued a recall in SA for its 2017 Rio models. The company says there is a possible fault with the child locks on the rear doors due to a faulty actuator cable. Anyone who owns a 2017 Rio should take it to the dealer for a quick repair.
PERSONAL ASSISTANT
Do you remember the concept of having an avatar that contains all your information that you could just sit on the dashboard? The idea was that you only need to carry your avatar and then you get into a shared car and your avatar would tell the car everything it needs to know about you and off you go.
Well, Jaguar has picked up the idea and revealed Sayer, a portable steering wheel. The idea is that it is a personal assistant that can live in your home in the same way as a Google Home or Amazon Echo but then travel with you, also providing all your information to unlock and use a car sharing vehicle or similar.
Does this mean that one day we will go into a tech store and buy a steering wheel instead of an actual car? Perhaps.