Volkswagen Beetle, 2012

 

 

 

 

• Volkswagen Beetle, 2012

A look back to the start: at the beginning Volkswagen built one of the most successful cars of all time and did not even give it a name. Why should it? After all, it was the Volkswagen! People loved it, and on all of the world's continents the small car was nicknamed according to precisely what it looked like: Beetle, Käfer, Vocho, Coccinelle, Fusca, Maggiolino or ???! It embodied the automotive concept itself and symbolised the democratisation of mobility. 21.5 million cars were sold. Then the New Beetle arrived in 1998. It introduced a new automotive feeling to the world and brought with it Beetle Mania. In 2010, the Final Edition completed the New Beetle series that had sold more than one million cars. And now? A look forward. The future of the most famous car in the world begins now. In a completely new generation. It's The Beetle! And because Volkswagen and the Beetle call the globe their home, the new car is celebrating a transcontinental world debut - simultaneously in Shanghai, Berlin and New York .

Technological goal: high-tech in harmony with the environment
Volkswagen Beetle is an icon. This car tells a story. Only someone who knows its history could make a new generation of this Volkswagen a reality. The task ahead for the engineers was very clear. They had to develop a high-tech car that was still affordable, did not leave any stone unturned, integrated the communication technologies of our times and of course achieved the lowest environmental impact. It also had to be a car that places driving fun at the forefront. The new generation VW Beetle would have to be a very agile, dynamic performer, and the people who developed the Golf GTI would also be able to achieve this.

No previous Beetle was this fuel efficient. High performance no longer suffices by itself: At 4.3 l/100 km (European 1.6 TDI) and 33 mpg (American 2.0 TDI), the new Volkswagen Beetle is the most fuel-efficient Beetle ever.

Design target: "Design a new original!"
The most recognisable automotive design in the world. Coke bottle, iPhone, Ray Ban Aviator, Beetle - how does one reinvent a design that is so recognisable and independent? There is a clear answer to this: It is necessary to understand the product and the brand; then it works! Volkswagen Design Chief Walter de Silva (Group) and Klaus Bischoff (Volkswagen Brand) "understand" both and therefore they set this as the objective for the Beetle: "Design a new original!"

Challenge as a thrill. The team began its task under Bischoff's guidance. The challenge of designing a new Volkswagen Beetle was inspiring. The designers knew that they wanted to develop the original Beetle profile more than on the 1998 New Beetle. They also made very dynamic proportions a high priority. An interesting aspect was that more than a few team members actually own their own air-cooled Beetles. It has also become a cult car among younger designers at Volkswagen. And that is how the final design of the 2011 Beetle came to be in Wolfsburg - a car of today as well as a design tribute to the automotive seed of an entire corporate group. And unmistakable indeed: If one were to take the first Beetle and the new Beetle and place them in a room together - shining light just over the roofs and viewing them from the side - one would see that the lines of the rear sections are nearly identical.

No standing still: "We remade every part."
Bolder, more dynamic, more masculine. A comparison to the 1998 New Beetle shows this: nothing remained as it was on the old car: "The Beetle is now characterised by a clean, self-confident and dominant sportiness. The car not only has a lower profile; it is also substantially wider, the front bonnet is longer, the front windscreen is shifted further back and has a much steeper incline. All of this creates a new dynamism," explains Klaus Bischoff. While the New Beetle was defined by three semi-circles (front wing, rear wing, domed roof above it), the new model has broken free of this geometry. The roof profile actually runs distinctly lower and can be considered a continuation of the Ragster concept car shown in Detroit in 2005 - a type of hot rod based on the New Beetle. The new Beetle is bolder, more dynamic, more masculine.

The figures confirm this: The new car is 1,808 mm wide (84 mm wider), 1,486 mm tall (12 mm lower) and 4,278 mm long (152 mm longer). This has resulted in entirely new proportions. The gain in length meant that the roof could be extended further, the front windscreen could be shifted back, and the rear section could follow the contour of the original Beetle. The new focal point is the C-pillar. In parallel, the development team increased the car's track widths and wheelbase. All of this gives the VW Beetle a powerful appearance with muscular tension.

Typical Volkswagen, typical Beetle: a new DNA
2011 styling. Despite all of its individuality, the styling follows the Volkswagen design DNA created by Walter de Silva and Klaus Bischoff. It clearly expresses itself in the horizontal image of the front bumper, front air inlet, straight lines of the bonnet edges, the precisely drawn line between the A-pillar and C-pillar and the styling of the rear lights.

Beetle, Microbus, original Golf. And yet it was possible to preserve all of the Volkswagen Beetle's typical styling characteristics. This should come as no surprise; after all, it was vehicles like the Beetle, Microbus and original Golf that had a decisive influence on Volkswagen's "design DNA." Of course, some of the Beetle's longstanding characteristics remain: these include its round headlights (optional bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights are available for the first time in this model series), the flared wings, the shapes of the bonnets, sides and door sills and - more than ever - the large wheels (up to 19 inch) that can be integrated. A new feature is the rear spoiler that is homogeneously integrated in the design (standard for TSI engines with 118 kW / 160 PS and 147 kW / 200 PS); it aggressively maintains contact with the road on this Volkswagen, which has a top speed of up to 225 km/h, depending on the engine, and is available in the three equipment lines "Beetle", "Design" and "Sport". Incidentally, the top surface of the rear spoiler is always black, while its underside is painted in body colour. These colours - 12 different hues - will make everyday car driving more vibrant with names such as "Saturnyellow" and "Denim Blue".

An original interior like no other
The cockpit makes a visual impression. Is it possible for a cockpit to make an impression? Are you kidding? By its very nature! Car drivers sit in the cockpit. Sometimes for hours at a time. And yet, there are cars whose cockpits do not leave any lasting impression. They have a "look alike" appearance, as the marketing people say - one easily mistaken for another, lacking charisma. The VW Beetle's cockpit, on the other hand, is unique, unmistakable, cool, classic and designed with a passion for detail. This cockpit is perceived as something special.

Everything within reach and sight. The shape and use of colour in the painted or carbon-look front facia panel of the dashboard hark back to the design of the first VW Beetle, yet the new car does not have a retro look. In Europe, for example, this facia is styled in "Schwarz uni" (Black) on the base model ("Beetle"); in the "Design" equipment line, it is always painted in the specific exterior colour. Customers choosing the "Sport" level get the carbon look ("Carbon Fibre"). Regardless of which colours are used, Volkswagen drivers will be able to locate every interior feature with their eyes closed.

And yet everything has been redesigned. Three round instruments arranged in front of the driver (tachometer, speedometer, fuel gauge) provide all key information; integrated in the speedometer (middle position) is a multifunction display. From the "Design" equipment level, the adjustable air vents and the instruments have chrome bezels. This also applies to the audio/navigation systems optimally located in the driver's visual field on the dashboard, framed by two air vents. This also includes the controls for the climate control system. Everything is within grasp and sight.

Comeback of the glovebox. Similar to the original Beetle, the new car has an extra glovebox integrated in the front facia whose lid folds upward (the standard glovebox that is also integrated opens downward). Another classic feature: the optional auxiliary instruments above the selected audio/navigation system: oil temperature, clock with stopwatch function and boost pressure gauge. Also new: the steering wheels specially designed for the Volkswagen Beetle with optional painted accents in the spokes depending on the equipment line. Details like these clearly indicate that the occupants are in a Beetle - there's no mistaking it.

Air-cooled Beetle. New Beetle. The Beetle. A distinguishing feature of The Beetle - the third generation if you will - is that its interior ergonomics and packaging are based on completely new parameters. While drivers in the air-cooled Beetle travelled in a very low-slung seat, and drivers of the New Beetle felt as if they were chauffeured because the bonnet was so far forward, the latest Volkswagen Beetle now offers an agile, driver-oriented coupé experience. Every feature is within easy reach. In addition, Volkswagen has once again succeeded in implementing a quality of materials that goes beyond all class limits. The car's styling, ergonomics, operability and quality interact to create a new, friendly car with a highly individual nature.

The New Beetle was a cathedral inside. In front, the Beetle is now somewhat lower in profile, since the domed roof of its predecessor has been eliminated. It now offers 1,044 mm interior height instead of the previous 1,082 mm. However, the 38 mm will hardly be missed, even by very tall drivers, since the New Beetle's interior was a "cathedral" among compact cars. Meanwhile, in the rear seating area, the longer roof section results in a distinctly larger feeling of space. The bootspace is significantly larger; it now holds 310 instead of 209 litres. As usual, the car has a split, folding rear seatback, and a wide opening bootlid making it is easy to load and unload.

More optional features: individualising the VW Beetle
"Beetle", "Design" and "Sport". The new Volkswagen will be available worldwide in the three equipment lines "Beetle", "Design" and "Sport". Each of these versions has a very unique character. In addition, individual markets themselves will emphasise certain aspects. Volkswagen will announce individual parameters of these customisation levels at an international driving presentation for journalists. In addition to the three equipment lines, the Beetle can be customised with a wide choice of optional features. An overview of certain key features:

Bi-xenon headlights and LED daytime running lights. Volkswagen is offering the Beetle with bi-xenon headlights for the first time. 15 LEDs frame the xenon module on the outer perimeters of the headlights; they implement the daytime running lights and parking lights.

Panoramic roof. It is transparent, and it can be tilted or opened. Therefore, the exact name is: panoramic tilt/slide glass sunroof. Much more important: It is 80 percent larger (glass surface area) than on the previous model. Incidentally, the insulating glass blocks 99 percent of UV radiation and 92 percent of heat energy.

Radio-CD and radio-navigation systems. The New Beetle was exclusively available with radio-CD systems specially designed for this model. No navigation systems were offered. Now, Volkswagen is taking a completely different approach and is offering all of the systems available in other model series such as the Golf, Jetta or Passat on new VW Beetle as well. Standard in the Beetle is the RCD 310 with 8 loudspeakers, which is a very good audio system (includes dual tuner). The top audio system is the RCD 510 with integrated CD changer, interface for SD cards and touchscreen. An attractively priced entry-level radio-navigation system is the RNS 315 with 5-inch touchscreen (400 x 240 pixel), CD player, SD card slot and dual tuner. The top radio-navigation system model is the RNS 510. It offers refinements such as a 6.5-inch touchscreen, DVD player, voice control, SD card slot and 30 Gigabyte hard drive.

Premium sound system by Fender. Anyone knowledgeable about the world of rock music is familiar with such greats as Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton. The first played Fender guitars, while the latter still does. Now, the legendary producer of US musical instruments and amplifiers - in a joint venture with Panasonic - is exclusively sharing its know-how with the Volkswagen brand. The result is an optional Fender sound system that is being offered in the Volkswagen Beetle with an additional woofer and 400 Watts of output power. Those choosing this sound system also get adjustable interior ambiance lighting. Besides providing indirect illumination, it also includes two light rings around the loudspeaker boxes in the doors. In Europe, the Volkswagen Beetle is the first car to offer a Fender sound system.

Keyless Access. The Keyless Access locking and engine starting system is appearing for the first time in the Volkswagen Beetle; it operates without a door or ignition key. When one of the front door handles is touched, the system detects access authorisation from a transmitter carried in the person's jacket, trousers or hand bag; it then unlocks the Beetle and enables an engine start via the engine start button. Locking of the Volkswagen is from the outside, also activated by touching one of the two door handles; in this case, however, a specially marked surface is used.

All round safety. Let's get to the point. In The Beetle, Volkswagen is building an automobile that is one of the safest in terms of both active and passive safety. Naturally, the ESP electronic stabilisation programme is standard, as is an effective network of six airbags that protects in the passenger compartment. Naturally, the car body - much of it laser-welded and galvanised - exhibits one of the best torsional rigidity values in the segment at 26,000 Nm/º. Naturally, because safety is a fundamental quality in a Volkswagen.

Engines: top fuel economy of 40 mpg and 4.3 l/100km
US diesel with 140 PS. When it comes to engines, all signs point toward sustainability. In the USA, the VW Beetle will be offered as a turbodiesel for the first time. The Beetle 2.0 TDI (103 kW / 140 PS) meets all USA emission limits and attains 40 mpg fuel economy in the Highway cycle, 29 mpg in City driving, and 33 mpg combined. As a result, the Volkswagen Beetle is a good choice as one of the most fuel-efficient cars in its class. Incidentally, the Volkswagen not only has excellent fuel economy values in the version with a 6-speed manual gearbox, but also - and this is a technical debut in the Beetle as well - with the optional 6-speed dual clutch transmission.

US petrol engines with 170 PS and 200 PS. Fuel economy values were also improved in the 2.5-litre five cylinder petrol engine, which was already a success in the previous model. The manually shifted VW Beetle attains 22 mpg (City), 31 mpg (Highway) and 25 mpg (combined). Its counterpart with a 6-speed automatic comes in at 22 mpg (City), 29 mpg (Highway) and 25 mpg (combined) - this represents an increase of up to 10 percent in fuel economy. Pioneering: even the Beetle 2.0 TSI with 147 kW / 200 PS of power attains a combined fuel economy of 25 mpg. The large TSI is also available with an optional 6-speed DSG.

World engines with 105 PS, 140 PS, 160 PS and 200 PS. In markets such as Asia, Australia, Europe and New Zealand, the new Volkswagen Beetle will be offered exclusively with charged engines. All engine versions - all of them with four cylinders - are being used for the first time in this model series. The car exhibits significantly reduced fuel consumption and emission values compared to the previous model thanks to the switch to turbo-petrol (TSI) and common rail turbodiesel direct injection engines (TDI). The three charged petrol engines of the Beetle output 77 kW / 105 PS, 118 kW / 160 PS and 147 kW / 200 PS. The two diesel engines develop 77 kW / 105 PS and 103 kW / 140 PS (TDI engines are not offered in China). All five engines may be combined with a dual clutch transmission as an option.

Engines with 160 PS and 200 PS in detail. Even the fast moving 225 km/h VW Beetle 2.0 TSI with 200 PS of power consumes just 7.4 l/100 km (equivalent to 173 g/km CO2) with a manual transmission. Also extremely economical is the 1.4 TSI with 160 PS shifted by a 7-speed DSG; in the Beetle it consumes just 5.9 l/100 km (139 g/km CO2). Fuel economy data like this makes the Beetle 1.4 TSI DSG (top speed: 207 km/h) a pleasant surprise in the engine programme. By comparison, the previous model with 110 kW / 150 PS attained a value of 8.9 l/100 km in the automatic version. Despite 10 PS more power, fuel consumption was reduced by 3.0 l/100 km or 34 percent.

Differential lock for top petrol engine. To ensure that the power of the two strongest Volkswagen Beetle versions is applied properly to the road in quickly approached curves as well, the models with 160 PS (European version) and 200 PS (worldwide) come with a factory-installed XDS electronic differential lock. This system extends the familiar EDS functionality. XDS improves handling in fast curve driving and calibrates the car toward more "neutral" steering; it does this by using active brake intervention to prevent wheelspin of the unloaded wheel on the inside of the curve, and this improves traction.

Engines with 105 PS and 140 PS in detail. The most fuel-efficient petrol engined model is the Beetle 1.2 TSI with BlueMotion Technology (including Stop/Start system and battery regeneration) and 105 PS with a top speed of 180 km/h. It has a combined fuel consumption of 5.5 l/100 km (129 g/km CO2). The comparable previous model (75 kW / 102 PS) consumed 7.5 l/100 km. Savings: 2.0 l/100 km or 27 percent. An extremely sustainable performer is the Beetle 1.6 TDI with 105 PS. At 4.3 l/100 km (equivalent to 112 g/km CO2), this diesel version is the most fuel-efficient VW Beetle ever built with BlueMotion Technology. Its fuel consumption is 20 percent lower than even the existing TDI engines which have always been very fuel efficient. Incidentally, on the Autobahn, the new Beetle 1.6 TDI with BlueMotion Technology can reach a top speed of 180 km/h - in this case, fuel economy is not gained at the cost of performance. This is especially true of the even higher performance TDI with 2.0 litre displacement and 103 kW / 140 PS. This torque-strong turbodiesel (320 Nm from 1,750 rpm) takes the Volkswagen Beetle to a top speed of 198 km/h and combined fuel consumption of just 4.9 l/100 km (equivalent to 129 g/km CO2).

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Lancia Voyager, 2012

 

 

 

 

•  Lancia Voyager, 2012

When the Lancia Voyager is used every day, it turns the concept of a simple "means of transport" into an exhilarating travel experience. That is because a "great trip" is not just leaving and arriving, but is instead a continuous string of emotions. A promise that the new model keeps even before getting into it thanks to an exterior style that transmits protection and charm from the very first glance.

Here then is a brand new front end featuring the grille emblazoned with the Lancia logo, wraparound front and rear bumpers, rear light clusters with LED light technology, and large headlights with built-in fog lights in the front bumper. The design is up-to-date and finely wrought. The side view offers the classic wheel arch design, while the slim pillars coupled with large windows guarantee excellent visibility. The car is equipped with rails and crossbars on the roof while the tailgate has been redesigned with a modern, functional look in order to optimise access to the interior.

The benchmark in the segment of large MPVs, the Lancia Voyager is 5.21 metres long, 1.99 m wide, 1.75 m high on a wheelbase of approx. 3.1 metres. This impressive size is matched by a spacious, refined passenger compartment in line with Lancia's best tradition, which is distinguished by attention to details and the use of soft materials of superior quality. And it is precisely when the new model welcomes guests that it is at its best.

Offered standard in the configuration with 7 seats, it is a model for relaxing moments and comfortable journeys, whose passengers will benefit from a firm sense of on-board wellbeing. To achieve this objective, the designers worked according to the most modern ergonomic standards, in order to fulfil the criteria which measure a vehicle's capacity to meet the requirements for comfort and wellbeing. The final results of the Lancia Voyager are excellent in all key ergonomic areas: comfort, driving position, accessibility, visibility and space reconfigurability.

Its welcoming and versatile interior is made attractive by the especially refined, comfortable and snug seats. The front seats are adjustable with electric controls. In addition, the useful "Easy Entry/Exit" function moves the driver's seat into the predefined position, simplifying getting into the vehicle.

Comfort and pleasant wellbeing also abounds for those sitting on the rear seats. They are genuine armchairs complete with headrests that ensure excellent comfort without compromising the driver's visibility. One of the peculiarities of the model is the exclusive Stow 'n Go®, the configuration system offered as standard equipment which frees up all the space needed for rear passengers and their luggage, without having to remove any seats. Not only can the seats be folded, but they can be retracted into the floor panel to transform, with utmost ease, the five comfortable seats of the second and third row into an ample load surface, suitable for all travel requirements. If the seats are kept upright, the practical compartments in the floor panel can be used for storage.

The Lancia Voyager seats are the best expression of MPV functionality combined with the beauty and luxury of a flagship, as also proven by the presence of heaters both in the cushions and in the backrests to offer a sense of on-board wellbeing.

Comfort and versatility: the art of travelling
Lancia Voyager surrounds the driver and passengers with technologies that ensure their highest level of acoustic and climatic comfort. This gave us a padded interior, which is comfortable and vibration-free thanks both to the car's super-efficient sound insulation obtained by using new acoustic panels and silencers throughout the vehicle and the adoption of impressive features such as the automatic triple-zone climate control system, the redesigned suspensions and the tyres designed specifically for maximum comfort and safety. Also the extensive electric roof, the Super Console, the "keyless entry/go" system and the sliding doors and tailgate, all electrically controlled, contribute to the elevated comfort and pleasure of travelling on board the Voyager. Separate mention must be made of the Stow 'n Go® system, which frees up all the space needed for rear passengers and their luggage, without having to remove any seats.

Synonymous with uncompromising choice for the driver and also for those who have the pleasure of experiencing it as a passenger, the Lancia Voyager features Uconnect, a sophisticated hub for information and entertainment that manages four main areas: multimedia system, navigation, phone and Internet connection (available via Mopar®). The most advanced statement of "infotainment" level, the device is a complete package that guarantees connection with the outside world and ensures the finest technologies for the driver's comfort and the passengers' entertainment. All in the spirit of maximum safety because the driver always has his hands on the steering wheel without having to take his eyes off the road.

Finally, Lancia Voyager offers many devices to really make driving comfortable: from the Cruise Control, heated steering wheel and adjustable pedals to the radio controls on the steering wheel, digital compass and electrochrome interior rearview mirror.

Triple-zone automatic climate control system
The climate inside the passenger compartment is one of the principal factors for comfort when travelling and is also important for preventative safety, because comfort, humidity and ventilation all influence the wellbeing of the driver and therefore his/her level of attention. Not forgetting that the heating and ventilation system is also responsible for the defrosting of the windscreen and side windows. This is why the Lancia Voyager is equipped with a triple-zone automatic climate control system, which allows three different temperatures and levels of air distribution to be programmed simultaneously, at the right of the passenger compartment, at the left and in the rear zone.

The system operates by automatically controlling temperature, air capacity, air distribution, the use of the compressor and air recirculation. The vent output positions and speed are automatically adjusted according to input conditions such as exterior temperature, interior temperature, the solar radiation and the coolant temperature. If required, the direction and speed of the air flow can be selected manually and fixed. In addition, the air vent on the floor directs the air flow onto the passengers' feet of the third row, hile further air vents for both the middle passengers and those in the third row are present in the head lining.

Suspensions optimised and specific tyres
The Lancia Voyager's suspension system uses a solid framework that is optimised to attain the best result in driving comfort and handling terms. At the front, it is the MacPherson type with crossmember and wishbones optimised for new load conditions; at the rear, there is a torsion beam and anti-roll bar to provide excellent handling performance.

The Lancia Voyager's suspensions have been specially developed for use on European roads, obtaining both exceptional travelling comfort with all types of road surfaces and handling features, such as precision and immediate driving response, of absolute reference.

In detail, the MacPherson struts ensure smooth driving, reactive handling and ultimate noise insulation while the rear axle, with interconnected wheels fitted with coil springs, contributes to improving driving stability and comfort. In addition, the setting up of the springs and shock absorbers envisaged installation of rear shock absorbers with a larger diameter and greater damping and adjustment spring rate control. The height from the ground has also been reduced to give aerodynamic improvement and a more solid and powerful aesthetic form.

On request, suspensions with load distribution and height control - so that the distance from the ground can be adjusted according to the combined passenger and load weight - are available, thus ensuring optimum handling and control values.

The Lancia Voyager is equipped with premium tyres with less rolling resistance that guarantee a better grip and vehicle response. The designers have also researched the handling features for emergency manoeuvres and obtained improvement in cornering performance and better turning and stability precision.

Stow 'n Go
The innovative system patented by Chrysler is composed of two rows of seats that fold away into the floor and practical storage compartments that can be used when the seats are raised. The seats of the second and third row (which can be split 60/40) can bend, tilt and fold away into the floor with simple gestures without removing the headrests. In this way all the surface necessary for transporting luggage and particularly voluminous objects is obtained, transforming with utmost ease the seat zone into a large load surface. Lastly, if the seats are kept upright, the practical compartments in the floor panel can be used for storage.

This is how the Lancia Voyager Stow 'n Go system works:
    move the front seat forwards, lower the headrests and raise the armrests of the second row seats;
    move the locking mechanism of the container compartment into the locked position and raise the compartment lock in order to open the cover;
    extract the lowering lever of the backrest on the outer side of the seat and tilt the backrest forwards. Greater pressure on the backrest may be required while it is being lowered to ensure that it is locked in the bent position;
    pull the release belt on the upper part of the seat backwards and place the seat in the container, then close the cover.

Keyless entry/go system
The Lancia Voyager offers the "keyless entry/go" system, making entering your car and starting the engine simple and convenient. You no longer need to search for your key, put it in the lock, turn it, and once in the driver's seat, put it into the ignition to start the engine. All you need is your remote control key and everything changes. When you approach the car and pull the door handle, the keyless entry/go system's electronic control unit checks whether the key is in the vicinity. When the key is located and the secret code transmitted via radio frequency is confirmed as correct, the door automatically opens. At this point, all you need to do is get behind the wheel and start the engine by pressing the button on the dashboard. Once you reach your destination, the same procedure is carried out in reverse. Switch off the engine by pressing the same button, and once out of the car, push the door handle. For the control unit, this is the signal that you intend to leave the car, so the keyless entry/go system locks the doors.

Super Console
The new Super Console includes two 12 volt current sockets within the driver's reach, ideal for mobile phones and digital audio devices. Occupants of both the first and second rows have access to a glove compartment. The front LED cup holders can contain one-litre bottles, while the rear cup holders can be loaded from the first row and then slid back to the second row. There are two storage compartments covered for greater safety. Thanks to the diffused light system on the upper console that contains four storage compartments and adjustable LED lights, it is like travelling aboard an executive jet. There is also a quadrangular rear view mirror that allows the driver to keep an eye on the other occupants.

Electrically controlled sun roof, sliding doors and tailgate
The Lancia Voyager can be equipped with a glass sun roof that lets you have a different relationship with the surrounding environment every time. When you want the passenger compartment to be filled with light, it is possible to have the glazed part closed and the blind underneath open. If, on the other hand, you prefer driving under open skies, it takes just a few seconds to completely open the glass panel and you can enjoy a real "window to the world". All this happens by simply pressing the button on the roof panel console. The roof also has a safety system that reverses glass movement as soon as an obstacle is detected.

Again with maximum versatility in mind, the new car features electrically operated sliding doors and tailgate with a safety system for the detection of the presence of obstacles during closure (in this case, the doors are opened again to avoid unfortunate accidents).

Uconnect Media Center
The innovative Uconnect Media Center offers a touchscreen and voice commands (the microphone is built into the rear view mirror) for easy control of several multimedia sources and outputs. It is also possible to customise on-board multimedia entertainment through iPod® integration and the auxiliary port for MP3 players. The Media Center also includes a modern Radio/CD/DVD/MP3/WMA system and a 30 GB hard disk where music, photos and voice messages can be stored through a USB interface. In addition to the software and navigation maps, the hard disk can contain up to about 6,700 tracks, depending on the model. And for the more demanding customers, a voice message recorder stores reminder notes with a maximum time of three minutes.

By connecting a digital device with analogue connection (it supports Mini, 4G, Photo, Nano, 5G, iPodT and iPhoneT peripheral devices) to the USB port located in the storage compartment, you can listen to hours and hours of digital music in MP3 and WMA formats. The audio is played by the car stereo system while the information (artist, track title, album, etc.) are displayed on the radio screen. In addition, the audio peripheral device battery recharges when connected to the USB/AUX connector.

Another peculiar feature of the Lancia Voyager is "Uconnect Multimedia", a rear entertainment system with dual LCD screen DVD player for passengers in the middle and back. Specifically, the innovative device enables reproduction of two different media resources at the same time - chosen from many sources (radio, hard disk, AUX input, USB port, two RGB inputs and two DVD players) - on two 9" LCD screens which can be lowered from the roof console complete with remote control and two-channel wireless headphones. In addition, adjustable LED roof lights, inspired by aeronautical design, enable light to be directed only where required. Thanks to the double DVD screen, while one passenger is watching his favourite movie the other can continue to have fun by connecting his video game console.

Finally, now available is "Uconnect GPS": the satellite navigation function with 2D and 3D bird's eye view maps and progressive route guidance.

Uconnect Phone
It is an innovative hands-free communication system with voice activation that guarantees maximum safety and is simple to use. The voice command system and its full integration with the audio system, with controls on the steering wheel and with the information on the instrument display allow customers who have Bluetooth® mobile phones to use it even if it is in a jacket pocket or a handbag, without ever having to take their hands off the steering wheel (up to 7 phones can be paired up). Therefore, by using the voice commands or the buttons on the steering wheel it is possible to call the numbers in the phonebook (up to 1,000 items can be automatically downloaded from the mobile phone) or answer incoming telephone calls using the car audio system as the microphone (the system automatically cuts out the radio volume). Uconnect Phone is available in 6 languages: English, Dutch, French, German, Italian or Spanish.

Engines: power and reliability
Lancia Voyager proposes two Euro5-compliant engines which enhance the dimension of travel, with engineering and performance coming together to deliver comfort beyond compare: the lively 163 HP 2.8L diesel and the powerful 283 HP 3.6 petrol engine. Both engines comply with Euro 5 standards and are combined with a 6-speed automatic gearbox with torque converter that offers closer spacing between the gears, limiting engine speed changes between the different transmission ratios and guaranteeing smoother engagements suited to all driving situations. Compared to the four-speed automatic transmission of the Chrysler Group from which it derives, the six-speed automatic transmission of the Lancia Voyager is equipped with two new main gear ratios and a secondary gear ratio to optimize performance at high speeds. It is also designed to increase the torque power on the initial peak to provide greater acceleration when starting off.

163 HP 2.8L diesel
The Lancia Voyager can be equipped with a 2.8 litre common rail turbodiesel engine delivering 163 HP and a torque of 360 Nm, keeping fuel consumption at 7.9 l/100 km in the combined cycle while CO2 emissions are 207 g/km.

The engine has four valves per cylinder and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) with belt control. It is equipped with a 1,800 bar common rail injection system, piezoelectric injectors and variable geometry turbocharger.

Other features of the Lancia Voyager 2.8L engine are the new intake manifold made of composite material, a new EGR exhaust gas recirculation system, reduced friction O-rings, electronic turbulence control, oil and exhaust gas temperature sensors, diesel particulate filter (DPF) supplied standard and further adjustments to reduce noise, vibrations and rigidity (NVH) and to guarantee improved driving comfort.

283 HP 3.6L V6 petrol engine
The second engine in the range is the new 3.6L V6 petrol engine with 6 cylinders configured in a 60° V, which delivers 283 HP at 6,600 rpm and a torque of 344 Nm at 4,400 rpm. Thrilling performance puts it at the top of the class, all with fuel consumption at around 10.8 l/100 km in the combined cycle. Worthy of note is its exceptionally flat torque curve with a high specific power from 1,600 to 6,400 rpm, in addition to passing the peak value of 90%. This means concrete excellent driving and reactivity features for the customer.

The Pentastar V-6 engine of the Lancia Voyager boasts a completely restyled design, with double overhead camshaft (DOHC), aluminium exhaust manifolds, piston skirts covered with polymeric materials, forged steel connecting rods and the 60° die-cast aluminium crankcase. Thanks to the combination of the high flow intake and exhaust valves with the phase transformer with independent timing of the two camshafts, it offers optimum volumetric and fuel efficiency in the entire load and rpm interval. What's more, the sophistication of the single components was a key goal since the design phase. This goal has been achieved due to using state-of-the-art techniques in computer-aided design. The structural intake and exhaust zones have been designed in order to reduce the noise levels and to attain specific goals regarding perceptible sound quality by exceeding the expectations of attentive and demanding customers.

Designed complying with environmental criteria, the Pentastar 3.6-litre V6 engine does not require the use of lead during its manufacturing stages and adopts an eco-compatible oil filtering system with recyclable filter and removable elements that do not cause leaks. In addition, an integrated oil radiator contributes to protecting the environment when the filter element is sent to the incinerators. The use of long-life spark plugs and a direct ignition system with high distribution of energy prolong the life of the components, reducing the maintenance costs.

Safety: pampered and protected
In full observance of Lancia's tradition, the new model offers the best available to date in the technological innovation field applied to safety and protection as the more than 40 devices offered as standard show. Some of them are introduced for the first time in the segment. These include: latest generation multistage airbags for front seats, new side airbags fitted on the front seat, side window airbags for three rows of seats, electronic stability control system complete with braking assistance and traction control at all speeds, fog lights, automatic headlights and active pedestrian protection, blind spot detection system, active headrests, windscreen wipers with rain sensors, ParkSense® parking assistance system, and ParkView® rear camera.

The Lancia Voyager boasts excellent braking thanks to the anti-lock disc brakes as standard on the four wheels, besides special structural features that, in the event of accidents, help to keep the passenger compartment intact and to better manage the energy produced: from the crossmember at mid-dashboard to the Dual Phase steel in the internal and external octagonal front bar; from the straight tips of the front bar to the energy absorbing chassis anchoring struts supporting the engine.

Multistage front airbags, side airbags and window bags
The front airbags of the Lancia Voyager are fitted with an advanced latest generation multistage system which supplies an opening adequate for the severity of a crash, which is detected by the ECU that manages the restraint systems and the sensors located at the front of the vehicle. The inflation device for the first stage engages immediately during an impact which requires the activation of the airbag. The timing device for the second stage determines whether the supply force required is low, medium or high. If a low supply is sufficient to meet the needs of the situation, the second stage release is delayed in order to eliminate, in the case of a crash, pyrotechnic material activated by the system.

To protect the passenger's pelvis and chest when the side of the car is struck, the Lancia Voyager is equipped with side bags which are located inside the backrests, ensuring better protection of occupants, regardless of their stature, the position that they assume and the adjustment of the seats. Fitted as standard on all vehicles in the range, window bags are set up to descend along the windows to protect the occupants' heads in the case of a lateral collision. Compared to other solutions, the Lancia Voyager's window bags offer more protection (because they always inflate in the correct position), and are quicker to inflate and less invasive for passengers. They open from the top downwards, with no risk of causing secondary damage to the occupants' arms through their movement. In this way, they efficiently protect both the heads of the front passengers and those seated behind, because they are as wide as the windows. The window bags also ensure that passengers are protected if the vehicle rolls over. The two cushions (one for the right hand side and one for the left) are located under the roof side members, folded into a closed compartment.

Active headrests
The Lancia Voyager's headrests are designed to reduce the risk of injury by limiting the head's movement in the case of shunt. The restraint system ECU determines whether the severity or type of rear impact requires the activation of the rear headrests. If their activation is required, the front half of both active headrests extends forward to reduce the distance to the occupant's neck.

Adaptive front lighting system
The Lancia Voyager's front headlamps are automatic (they switch on and off depending on the environment lighting levels) and have a levelling system that allow them to maintain the most suitable position compared to road surface (regardless of the vehicle load).

Blind Spot Monitor
Another exclusive feature of the new Lancia Voyager is the "Blind Spot Monitor" (BSM). This visual indicator on the door mirror signals entry into the blind spot, namely the dangerous situation of having a car travelling alongside which is not visible in the door mirror. When the indicator is used to signal an intended lane change, a visual and audible alarm alerts the driver to check the position of vehicles around him very carefully before manoeuvring.
Active Pedestrian Protection

The system intervenes in the event of accidental impact raising the rear of the bonnet in order to safeguard the pedestrian safety.

ParkSense and ParkView: the parking assistance systems
The Lancia Voyager offers two systems that help in parking manoeuvres: the ParkSense sensors and the ParkView camera. When parking, it may be the case that there are obstacles behind the vehicle which are outside of the driver's field of vision, or more simply, the driver may not know how close he/she is to the car parked behind. This is where the ParkSense parking sensor comes to the rescue. It is activated every time the vehicle is put in reverse and at a speed of less than 16 km/h, and transmits visual and acoustic warnings to the driver on the control panel display. The system is formed by an electronic control unit and four ultrasound sensors in the rear bumper that detect obstacles at a distance between 30 centimetres and 2 metres horizontally, depending on the position, type and orientation of the object.

The Lancia Voyager can then be equipped with ParkView, a camera placed over the number plate that displays a rear overview of the vehicle. When reverse is engaged, the device transmits the image onto the multimedia radio/navigator display, illustrating the width of the MPV and the distance from the rear objects with a static line grill.

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Honda Fit Sport, 2012

 

 

 

 

•  Honda Fit Sport, 2012

The Honda Fit builds on its proven strengths for 2012 with updated styling on Honda Fit Sport, interior upgrades on all models, and the addition of new standard and available features.

The Fit's compact size and tight turning diameter (34.4 feet, curb-to-curb) can conveniently navigate space-confined urban areas and fit in small parking spaces. Yet a roomy and versatile interior offers the convenience and cargo volume of a relatively larger vehicle. Compared to any other vehicle in the subcompact class, the five-passenger Fit provides the lowest, flattest cargo floor and the most cargo volume of 57.3 cu-ft. when the rear seats are down. Its four distinct seat configurations are designed to accommodate large objects ranging from mountain bikes to surfboards to tall houseplants.

Honda Fit Sport exterior updates for 2012 include new designs for the front grille and bumper, black headlight bezels and a dark "machined surface" finish for the alloy wheels (replaces a painted finish appearance). The entry-model Fit retains its exclusive front fascia design and for 2012 receives body-color exterior mirrors (previously black) and updated wheel covers.

Inside, 

the Honda Fit Sport interior is enhanced with dark metallic dashboard components for a unified color theme (replacing the previous gray and black theme). Honda Fit Sport receives additional chrome accents around instrument displays. All models receive newly designed console-mounted center beverage holders along with console ambient lighting, which provide easier access and greater stability. All models also receive added sound insulation measures in the floor, front fenders and A-pillars, plus thicker front corner-window glass, to help create a quieter, more-refined cabin environment. Two new colors are available: Blue Raspberry Metallic and Orangeburst Metallic, which replace similar colors from the prior model year.

The top-of-the-line Honda Fit Sport includes a long list of exclusive, standard features compared to the entry-model Fit. For 2012, it gains standard steering wheel-mounted audio controls for fingertip operation (previously exclusive to navigation-equipped models) and upgraded seat fabric. When equipped with the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with Voice Recognition, the Honda Fit Sport now includes Bluetooth HandsFreeLink to help make hands-free telephone calls more convenient. The enhanced system also includes a Bluetooth Audio capability with compatible phones and devices.

Though the Fit has an overall exterior length of just 161.6 inches, the interior provides an impressive 90.8 cubic feet of passenger volume. There's comfortable seating for up to five passengers, and behind the rear seats, there's 20.6 cubic feet of storage space - much more than you'd find in a typical sedan. For enhanced versatility, the exclusive 60/40 split rear Magic Seat offers multiple seating and cargo-carrying configurations. With its one-motion dive-down functionality, it can fold flat into the floor to maximize rear cargo volume. The Fit's interior can also be easily converted to tall object mode or long object mode based on the shape of the cargo.

The 1.5-liter, i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine is tuned to deliver an engaging combination of power and fuel economy. A five-speed manual transmission is standard and a five-speed automatic transmission is available. Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters on Honda Fit Sport models equipped with the available automatic transmission allow for manual gear selection.

All models are powered by a four-cylinder engine that produces 117 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 106 lb-ft. of torque at 4,800 rpm. When equipped with the available automatic transmission, the Fit has an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) city/highway/combined fuel economy rating of 28/35/31 miles per gallon. The Honda Fit Sport with the available automatic transmission has an EPA city/highway/combined fuel economy rating of 27/33/30 miles per gallon. All manual transmission-equipped models have an EPA city/highway/combined fuel economy rating of 27/33/29 miles per gallon.

A sporty, refined and dynamic driving experience is provided by the front MacPherson strut suspension and torsion beam rear suspension. Fifteen- and 16-inch wheels (Fit and Fit Sport, respectively) feature 175/65 R15 84S (Fit) and 185/55 R16 83H (Fit Sport) tires. The standard anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) uses 10.3-inch ventilated discs in the front and 7.9-inch drums in the rear.

All Fit models are equipped with a wide range of standard safety equipment including Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), the Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure, anti-lock brakes and more. Dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags, front-side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS) and side-curtain airbags are also standard equipment for 2012.

The standard comfort and convenience features include air conditioning, cruise control, remote entry, a 160-watt AM/FM/CD audio system with four speakers, a USB audio interface, an auxiliary audio input jack, MP3/WMA playback capability, Radio Data System (RDS), power windows, power mirrors, power door locks and a security system.

The Honda Fit Sport adds or replaces: alloy wheels, an underbody aero kit, rear roofline spoiler, fog lights, illuminated steering wheel mounted audio controls and upgraded seat fabric. For improved audio performance, the Honda Fit Sport audio system has a total of six speakers. The Fit Sport is available with the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ with Voice Recognition, which features a 6.5-inch screen and more than seven million points of interest. The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System debuting on the 2012 Fit Sport features 16 GB of flash memory in place of the DVD-based system used previously. Like other Honda navigation systems, this new system allows simple, intuitive operation and has an extensive on-board database.

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Fiat Punto, 2012

 

 

 

 

•  Fiat Punto, 2012

The new 2012 Fiat Punto builds on the Italian company's heritage of producing mould-breaking, class leading small cars. Aimed at the most competitive and dynamic sector of the car market, the 2012 Punto cements its hard-won reputation as a stylish, technologically advanced supermini.

Other three or five doors, the new Punto features a wider range of planet pleasing engines, more equipment, and more choice of specification than ever before. This enables it to meet buyers' ever more demanding requirements for smaller, more environmentally friendly cars that are affordable to run, easy to live with, yet still chic, safe, comfortable and fun to drive.

The simplification of the name to simply Punto matches the rationalisation of the look, with a new exterior design, a new range of exterior colours, new alloy wheel designs, new colours and materials inside, and a new engine with the ground-breaking TwinAir joining the line-up.

The importance of the new Fiat Punto shouldn't be underestimated. The supermini segment accounts for approximately a quarter of all the new cars sold with around 30 models from Europe, Japan and Korea all vying for a share of the market. Since its launch in 1993 the Punto has been a leader with more than 8.5m vehicles sold throughout Europe. The new 2012 Punto is tasked with developing this while appealing to a younger customer profile.

The five trim levels, Pop, Easy, Lounge and the new GBT and TwinAir, reflect this. The Pop version has been designed to appeal to price sensitive customers who don't want to forego style just because they're buying a very affordable car. The interior boasts stylish denim inserts on the seats, all models get Daytime Running Lights and the Blue&Me TomTom LIVE infotainment system can be specified.

The Easy version will be the big seller of the 2012 Fiat Punto range and features a combination of style and technology. Additionally, this gets body-coloured door handles and mirrors, remote control door locking, a rear bench that splits 60/40, heated mirrors, plus manual air-conditioning.

The range-topping Lounge gets new trim for the interior and features a new finish to the dash. Other luxury touches include sculpted sports seats, a front arm rest, climate control, cruise control, white ambient light on the dash and front fog lights.

The GBT model, built to celebrate Fiat's support for British Cycling, is based on the Easy version, with sportier wheels, lowered sports suspension, darkened privacy glass, a body coloured rear spoiler and side skirts. The TwinAir model is also based on the Easy with 15-inch multi-spoke diamond finish wheels, glossy black mirror covers and door pillars, unique seats, and darkened privacy glass.

Compared to the Fiat Punto Evo range that the new model replaces, the engine line up has been rationalised too. It now includes the award-winning TwinAir Turbo engine which offers the performance of a four-cylinder combined with the economy of a two-cylinder and the sound-track of something that thrives on being driven.

Fiat's clever MultiAir technology also features in a pair of 1.4-litre engines, one with a turbo, one without. The MultiAir philosophy controls combustion directly through the intake valves rather than by the throttle to give better efficiency and more power than other similarly sized units. The petrol line-up is completed by conventional 1.2 and 1.4-litre units which use the latest variable valve timing to ensure they're as economical as they are fun to drive.

Finally there are a pair of class-leading MultiJet 2 diesels. These put out 75 and 85hp with the latter engine benefiting from more new technology to emit just 90g/km of carbon dioxide.

All this is housed in a re-working of the Punto's now familiar shape that makes it even more handsome and brings it right up to date.

DYNAMIC AND DISTINGUISHED
The new 2012 Fiat Punto maintains the model's instantly recognisable and dynamic shape but it's been made even more elegant and characterful thanks to a host of detail changes, inside and out.

Outside
The most noticeable of these modifications is a new front bumper. To ensure the exterior look of the car reflects the cutting edge technology inside, it blends the strong points of the 2005 Grande Punto's design with those of the 2009 Punto Evo. Whether in three or five door, the new bumper gives the front an elegant look, aided by being painted the same colour as the rest of the car. The two air intakes are split by the number plate but enclosed in a single trapezium-shaped perimeter. The direction indicators remain on either side of the number plate with headlights above, the round fog lights with cornering function are located within the lower air intake.

All models have a black grille with a hexagonal mesh pattern. This makes the grille stand out from the rest of the car giving the new Fiat Punto's appearance a more technical and sporty feel. The body coloured front bumper also helps the Fiat badge stand out more prominently than before.

At the rear the Fiat badge now doubles as the door lock: push it and the tailgate opens. The Punto logo sits beneath it in the centre and has a red dot in the same colour as the Fiat badge. As at the front, the rear bumper has been redesigned to be the same colour as the rest of the car. Beneath it the rear fog and reversing lights have been elongated and integrated into the surrounding surface.

New-look wheels and colours complete the makeover. The 15-inch alloys have a new design and there are three new metallic bodywork colours. The TwinAir name denotes a new trim level which has a dedicated colour, Unplugged Green, with a glossy black roof available as an option.

Inside
To go with the smart new appearance outside, brand new fabrics on the seats and dashboard have been used inside to give the 2012 Fiat Punto a fresher, more youthful look. Fabric with electro-welded patches to facilitate ventilation in hot weather and even a Sportex material with a hexagonal pattern similar to the front grille are available. There are also new soft touch coverings available on the dashboard.

Trims
The entry level Pop model has been designed to be an accessible, simple and functional way into Punto ownership. Even so, it's still very well equipped, coming with stylish Spicy Grey interiors complete with fabric seats that have red stitching on them, height and reach-adjustable steering wheel, height-adjustable driver's seat, trip computer, remote central locking, electric front windows, driver, passenger and window airbags, radio, CD and MP3 player, rear head restraints and ABS anti-lock braking.

The mid-range Easy and GBT trim levels offer an exceptional price to equipment ratio. Designed to embody a combination of style and technology, their dashboard has black Diamond inserts and the seats feature embellishments in one of three colours which contrast with the charcoal interior elsewhere. On top of the equipment in the Pop the Easy has as standard manual air-conditioning, driver knee airbag, leather covered steering wheel and gear lever knob, a rear bench that splits 60/40, darkened headlights, body-coloured electrically adjustable heated door mirrors, body-coloured door handles and 15-inch Comfortline alloy wheels.

The GBT version has the same specification as the Easy, but with 15-inch Sportline alloy wheels, darkened privacy glass, sports suspension and body coloured rear spoiler and side skirts.

Top of the range is represented by the elegant and sporty Lounge model. This has 15-inch Sportline alloy wheels, front fog lights with cornering function, the Skydome electric sun roof, chrome-plated exhaust pipe, sculpted Castiglio fabric seats, automatic dual-zone climate control, front arm rest, ESP, electric rear windows on the five door, ambient lighting inside and Blue&Me with Bluetooth plus USB and Aux inputs.

To emphasise the unique, innovative and cheeky personality of the TwinAir model it gets its own trim. Exterior details such as the door mirrors and pillars are gloss black while the 15-inch alloy wheels also get a glossy diamond finish. The darkened burnished headlights and a special TwinAir logo complete its identification.

In addition to its unique Unplugged Green paint, most of the other 12 shades of the Punto range are also available with a gloss black roof in TwinAir spec. Inside, the seat upholstery is grey Sportex fabric complete with the TwinAir logo embossed on the front headrests while the soft touch fascia has the black Diamond finish. In addition to the same equipment as the Easy, it also features darkened privacy glass and front fog lights with a cornering function.

With the new model, Fiat Punto owners will be able personalise like never before. To create a car that's truly made to measure there are a total of 13 body colours, five trim levels, seven types of interior upholstery, 11 types of stylish alloy wheel and a host of other accessories. The result is an infinite number of combinations for owners to give their Punto a unique touch.

NEW ENGINES IMPROVE EFFICIENCY
To demonstrate its technical excellence, at the heart of the 2012 Punto is a revamped range of five petrol and two diesel engines. Each offers a varying degree of driveability and class-leading efficiency to ensure the new Fiat Punto is capable of satisfying all manner of demanding drivers. All engine options feature Fiat's Start&Stop (optional on Easy 1.2) combined with a Gear Shift Indicator which suggests the best gear to reduce fuel consumption and emissions by up to 15 per cent on an urban route.

TwinAir Turbo
For the first time, the Punto comes with Fiat Powertrain's ground-breaking TwinAir Turbo engine. Winner of the 2011 International Engine of the Year, and Best Green Engine 2011, this is a two-cylinder that drives like a four cylinder. It works with a six-speed gearbox to pair two distinct characters in one compact, low weight package to appeal to multiple driving styles.

In Normal mode, full engine performance is on tap to ensure lively and spirited progress courtesy of a zesty peak power of 85hp at 5500 rpm and maximum torque of 145Nm at 2000rpm. Pushing the Eco button on the dashboard reduces torque to 110Nm at 2500rpm. This makes the engine even better at coping with town driving conditions, reduces fuel consumption and emissions, and helps the engine achieve its amazing 98g/km of CO2.

Engineers settled on the capacity of this two-cylinder engine after numerous thermodynamic calculations specified the optimum surface-to-volume ratio of the combustion chamber to yield maximum efficiency. A small turbocharger was chosen to ensure maximum torque from low engine speeds. Combined with dedicated valve management, this minimises engine response times and keeps power levels high to amplify driver pleasure. The result is performance that's approximately 25 per cent better than the 1.2-litre 8-valve engine.

Thanks to Fiat's MultiAir technology, engine combustion is controlled directly through the intake valves. This facilitates high combustion stability even at very low engine loads which uses the injected fuel in the most efficient way to reduce emissions.

But the TwinAir isn't just notable for the driving pleasure and low fuel consumption it offers. It's also remarkably refined. Engineers worked hard to maintain the distinctive sound of the two-cylinder while reducing vibrations courtesy of a balancing countershaft and dual-mass flywheel.

MultiJet 2 Turbo diesel
Fiat has a proud history of world firsts in diesel engine development. There was the first direct injection diesel engine in a production saloon car in the 1980s, and in the 1990s it invented Common Rail. Then in 2003 Fiat came up with MultiJet. The 2012 Punto features an evolution of the MultiJet 2 engine, which is available in this latest Fiat Punto with two power outputs.

The new 85hp 1.3-litre 16-valve version sees the MultiJet 2 family of engines take another step forward with the introduction of two new technologies. An Intelligent Alternator optimises the recharging strategy of the battery when the engine is cut by the Start&Stop system. Intelligent Flow employs a variable displacement oil pump and optimisation of the cooling circuit to improve efficiency. The results are a punchy 200Nm of torque at 1500rpm combined with CO2 emissions of just 90g/km which makes the Punto one of the cleanest cars in its class. It's also one of the most economical, with a Combined Cycle figure of 80.7 mpg.

As with all second-generation MultiJet engines, both this unit and the 75hp version employ a new common rail injection system with a balanced solenoid servo valve. This controls the quantity of diesel injected into the cylinder with enormous precision to allow a quicker and more flexible injection sequence than previously.

The eight injections per cycle also feature Fiat's ground-breaking Injection Rate Shaping (IRS) technology. This consists of two consecutive injections with zero hydraulic dwell in between. It means combustion is more gradual and at higher loads is smoother leading to improvements in consumption, emissions and noise. In real terms, consumption and CO2 emissions of these Euro 5 compatible engines are believed to be improved by around three per cent, and nitrogen oxide emissions are reduced by 20 per cent.

Further gains in efficiency are made thanks to low viscosity transmission fluid and second generation turbochargers. The fixed geometry turbo in the 75hp version and the variable vane geometry of the 85hp version ensure the best possible turbo function at any engine speed. On top of that, torque at low revs is improved by 25 per cent compared to the previous engine. The 1.3-litre MultiJet 2 engines come with a five-speed manual gearbox.

MultiAir petrol
Just as Fiat has revolutionised the world of diesel engines, so it has also been instrumental in technological advances in petrol power, courtesy of its MultiAir range. Compared with a traditional petrol engine, a MultiAir unit has increased power and torque along with lower fuel consumption and emissions. The 2012 Fiat Punto range features two different power outputs of MultiAir engine: 105hp and 135hp.

MultiAir takes dynamic control of drawing air into the engine, cylinder by cylinder and stroke by stroke without using the throttle. At its heart is a new electro-hydraulic valve management system that uses a high pressure oil chamber between the camshaft and the intake valve, managed by a solenoid valve connected to the engine's ECU. This enables increased flexibility in valve lift schedules and allows them to vary, depending on how much air the engine requires.

As a consequence, full valve lift is only used when full engine power is required. At start-up, late intake valve opening gives a higher air speed intake to optimise the petrol/air mix and its combustion. At partial engine load, early intake valve closing optimises volume efficiency and reduces pumping losses. Backflow into the maniflow is avoided and air mass trapped in the cylinder optimised. Combustion can be further enhanced by multiple valve opening or multi-lift at low engine speeds or from idle.

The result of this versatile technology isn't just a 10 per cent reduction in consumption and emissions. It also boosts power by 10 per cent and torque by 15 per cent compared to regular engines. And since air intake is adjusted precisely according to road conditions and driving style, the MultiAir engines are more relaxing to drive in heavy traffic and more fun, with improved dynamic responses on the open road.

The 135hp 1.4-litre MultiAir engine has a turbocharger that gives the 2012 Fiat Punto the performance of a sports car. The turbo gives optimal torque delivery throughout the rev range and sees it hitting 62mph from standstill in just 8.5 seconds. But despite this and a top speed of 124mph it still returns 50.4mpg on the Combined Cycle and 129g/km of CO2 emissions.

FIRE
The 2012 Fiat Punto range starts with the 1.2-litre Fire EVO II engine. This 1.2-litre eight-valve has continuously variable valve timing to optimise the opening and closing of the valves. This ensures maximum efficiency but still means the engine feels peppy thanks to a healthy 102Nm of peak torque at 3000rpm and a maximum power output of 69hp.

The other engine in the range is the 1.4-litre eight-valve. As with every other engine in the line-up it's compliant with Euro 5 exhaust emissions legislation and has a handy 77hp and 115Nm of peak torque. Like the 1.2, this engine comes with a five-speed gearbox. It is also the only engine in the 2012 Punto range to be available with the five-speed Dualogic semi-automatic gearbox.

Air Technologies
With such a host of high efficiency, low environmental impact technologies now available on its cars, Fiat has given them an umbrella name. Included in the new Air Technologies brand are the Start&Stop and Gear Shift Indicator plus the exclusive eco:Drive software.

TECHNOLOGY IN ACTION
In its various previous guises, the Punto has been renowned for a high level of exciting and innovative technology. It became the first car in the supermini sector to feature an in-built infotainment system courtesy of Blue&Me. It was also the first car in its class to be able to analyse and give suggestions for improving driving styles in real time thanks to eco:Drive. The 2012 Fiat Punto builds on these attributes.

Blue&Me TomTom LIVE
Fiat recognises that it's vitally important for drivers to be able to concentrate on the road and not on finding directions or operating in-car entertainment systems, so the 2012 Punto can be specified with Blue&Me TomTom LIVE.

Designed for maximum user friendliness, this integrates mobile phones and media players with the car's built-in systems so drivers can use them in total safety without taking their hands off the wheel. Featuring a 4.3-inch high definition touch screen that mounts in a cradle on the dash board, this system is much more than mere satellite navigation.

Using Fiat's intuitive Blue&Me, phones and media players can be synched via Bluetooth, meaning there are no untidy wires. The devices can then be controlled through the touchscreen, with buttons on the steering wheel or using voice commands, without drivers taking their eyes off the road or their hands from the wheel.

The Blue&Me TomTom LIVE screen is mounted on the dashboard but can be removed so the driver can also use it as a portable navigation system. The navigation system features detailed maps, a routing system that chooses the best roads after analysing traffic conditions, and TomTom HD Traffic with detailed information on traffic, queues, road blocks and engineering works updated every two minutes during the journey.

Eco:Drive
Blue&Me also incorporates Fiat's revolutionary eco:Drive system. This enables users to download information about their driving to a USB stick. This can then be uploaded to their computer and by accessing Fiat's eco:Drive website, acceleration, deceleration, gear shifts and speed are analysed to give drivers a personal eco:Index of between 1 and 100. The eco:Drivers then receive tips on how to improve their performance and can become part of the eco:Ville on-line community. This has so far enabled 64,000 users to save 4300 tonnes of CO2 through improvement in their driving styles.

Start&Stop and Gear Shift Indicator
To boost economy further, all engines are equipped with Fiat's Start&Stop. This is specifically designed for city driving and switches the engine off when traffic signals or conditions require the vehicle to stop, while keeping all functions such as lights, windscreen wipers, climate control and the sound system operating. When it's time to move off again, lifting off the brake or touching the clutch triggers the engine to fire up.

The Start&Stop comes with a Gear Shift Indicator (GSI). This offers a discreet prompt to drivers to change gear at the optimum point to minimise fuel consumption. In urban driving fuel economy can be boosted by up to 15 per cent if both these technologies are employed.

Safety
As with every Fiat, the priority is to ensure the safety and well being of everyone on board. The vehicle body is made out of high strength steel and handling has been made as predictable as possible thanks to independent MacPherson strut suspension at the front and torsion beam at the rear.

Fiat's Dualdrive electric power steering gives the driver plenty of feedback without drawing too much power from the engine. Driver, passenger and window airbags are standard fit on every model, as are front and rear adjustable head restraints. But there are also plenty of features that are usually considered the preserve of larger models.

To ensure that drivers can see, adaptive cornering fog lights show the way round corners. To make sure that cars can be seen they feature Daytime Running Lights (DRL). These use less power than dipped beam headlights and are switched on automatically by the key going into the ignition. Using them doesn't illuminate the instrument panel so this maintains its visibility during daylight. As well as this, the front fog light flashes at the same time as the first indicator blink to signify a lane change manoeuvre.

The Punto is fitted with a powerful braking system that is supplemented by various electronic systems. There's ABS anti-lock braking that detects and prevents wheel locking in extreme braking or on slippery surfaces. The Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) helps increase the amount of control the driver has in all conditions. By monitoring steering inputs the ESP can tell if the car is deviating from its intended path and steps in to brake individual wheels so the car returns to its correct trajectory.

The same computer controls the Hill Holder which maintains braking pressure after the driver lifts off the pedal to ensure perfect hill starts every time. The 2012 Fiat Punto can also be specified with rain sensors. Using an infrared LED installed in the front of the screen these detect the presence of rain and automatically switch the windscreen wipers on if it's sufficiently wet.

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