Purpose

I will try my best to provide detailed info on various cars and what is like to live with them, I have already produced a few for Jaguar-car-forums, I will do my best to be unbiased, but it will be hard for some cars. I will re-produce press releases and copy from other motoring news.
Showing posts with label 49g/km. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 49g/km. Show all posts

Monday, 15 May 2017

MINI's first plug in hybrid will get its debut at this years Goodwood Festival of Speed.

MINI’s first plug-in hybrid model to receive UK debut at Goodwood Festival of Speed 2017, 29th June – 2nd July. Available to order now priced from £31,585 OTR and eligible for additional £2,500 OLEV government grant
  • MINI’s first plug-in hybrid model to receive UK debut at Goodwood Festival of Speed 2017, 29th June – 2nd July
  • Priced from £31,585 OTR and eligible for additional £2,500 OLEV government grant
  • 3-cylinder petrol engine and electric motor combine to produce a total system output of 224 hp
  • 0-62 mph in 6.8 seconds, CO2 emissions of 49 g/km and average fuel consumption of 134.5 mpg
  • Electric driving at speeds of up to 78 mph with a range of up to 25 miles
  • MINI Satellite Navigation System, Bluetooth, Cruise Control, Emergency E-call, Active Guard and 6-speed Steptronic automatic transmission all as standard
The MINI brand’s first plug-in hybrid model will receive its UK debut at Goodwood Festival of Speed on 29th June to 2nd July. The new all-rounder for town and country now offers the option of purely electric driving with zero tailpipe emissions.
Available to order now, the new MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 will launch in MINI Retailers on 24th June 2017 and is priced from £31,585 OTR. The vehicle is also eligible for an additional £2,500 OLEV government grant.
The first plug-in hybrid model in the MINI product range offers sporty agility on the road as well as competency beyond the asphalt thanks to its intelligent all-wheel drive system. The MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 hybrid system is made up of a 3-cylinder petrol engine with MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology and a synchronous electric motor. Together they generate a system output of 165 kW/224 hp enabling the car to sprint from standing to 62mph in 6.8 seconds.
The power of the combustion engine is transmitted to the front wheels via a 6-speed Steptronic transmission, while the electric motor powers the rear wheels. The intelligently controlled interaction between the two power units creates an all-wheel drive system that optimises agility and stability on the road as well as providing supreme traction over snow and unsurfaced terrain.
In everyday traffic the intelligent drive control of the MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 makes for an intense hybrid driving experience. When setting off, only the electric motor is initially active meaning a virtually noiseless start. As is typical of electric motors, the entire torque is available from standing. Once a driving speed of 50mph is reached, the combustion engine is gently activated. The eDRIVE toggle switch enables the driver to continue to drive with only the electric engine beyond this point if preferred: in MAX eDRIVE mode the MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 runs at up to 78mph free of local emissions. The electric range of the first MINI plug-in hybrid model is 25 miles.
The energy required for this is stored in a high-voltage lithium-ion battery. It can be charged at a conventional household socket or, for increased power input and reduced waiting times, at a wallbox or public charging station. Charging takes between 2:15 and 3:15 hours.
The efficiency and pulling power of the electric motor, its cleverly controlled interaction with the combustion engine and the premium quality and reliability of all components of the hybrid system is the result of the BMW Group’s eDrive technology. The high-voltage battery comes with a warranty which lasts for six years or 60,000 miles.
The MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 combines its progressive drive system with the versatile space concept and hallmark brand style of the latest MINI model range. The battery is housed underneath the rear seat and flat load boot floor, minimising drawbacks to boot space and leg room. The luggage compartment volume of the hybrid model is 405 litres, which can be extended to as much as 1,275 litres with the rear backrests folded down.
The new MINI Cooper SE Countryman ALL4 comes with a range of high quality standard equipment. This includes the MINI’s acclaimed Satellite Navigation System, Bluetooth, Cruise Control, Emergency E-call and Active Guard among other features. 6-speed Steptronic automatic transmission, the MINI Driving Modes and three spoke sports steering wheel are also offered as standard.
In addition to model-specific design elements such as the “E” emblem on the radiator grille and side scuttles as well as door sill finishers with a yellow “S” logo, the 17-inch light alloy wheels in Light Spoke design are another distinguishing feature exclusive to the model. Inside, hybrid-specific displays and the eDRIVE toggle switch indicate the distinctive character of the MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4.

Sunday, 26 March 2017

MINI Announces pricing and specification for the Countryman Plug In Hybrid.

  • MINI’s first plug-in hybrid model will launch in the UK on 24th June 2017
  • Prices start from £31,585 OTR
  • High-quality BMW Group eDrive components developed specifically for MINI Countryman
  • 3-cylinder petrol engine and electric motor combine to produce a total system output of 224 hp
  • 0-62 mph in 6.8 seconds
  • CO2 emissions of 49 g/km and average fuel consumption of 134.5 mpg
  • Electric driving at speeds of up to 78 mph with a range of up to 25 miles
  • MINI Satellite Navigation System, Bluetooth, Cruise Control, Emergency E-call, Active Guard and 6-speed Steptronic automatic transmission all as standard
The MINI brand’s first plug-in hybrid model will hit British roads in 2017 – the new all-rounder for town and country now offers the option of purely electric driving with zero tailpipe emissions.
Available to order from today, the new MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 will launch on 24th June 2017 and is priced from £31,585 OTR. On the road pricing does not include the government plug-in car grant.
The first plug-in hybrid model in the MINI product range offers sporty agility on the road as well as competency beyond the asphalt thanks to its intelligent all-wheel drive system. 
The MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 hybrid system is made up of a 3-cylinder petrol engine with MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology and a synchronous electric motor. Together they generate a system output of 165 kW/224 hp enabling the car to sprint from standing to 62mph in 6.8 seconds.
The power of the combustion engine is transmitted to the front wheels via a 6-speed Steptronic transmission, while the electric motor powers the rear wheels. The intelligently controlled interaction between the two power units creates an all-wheel drive system that optimises agility and stability on the road as well as providing supreme traction over snow and unsurfaced terrain.
In everyday traffic the intelligent drive control of the MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 makes for an intense hybrid driving experience. When setting off, only the electric motor is initially active meaning a virtually noiseless start. 
As is typical of electric motors, the entire torque is available from standing. Once a driving speed of 50mph is reached, the combustion engine is gently activated. The eDRIVE toggle switch enables the driver to continue to drive with only the electric engine beyond this point if preferred: in MAX eDRIVE mode the MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 runs at up to 78mph free of local emissions. The electric range of the first MINI plug-in hybrid model is 25 miles.
The energy required for this is stored in a high-voltage lithium-ion battery. It can be charged at a conventional household socket or, for increased power input and reduced waiting times, at a wallbox or public charging station. Charging takes between 2:15 and 3:15 hours.
The efficiency and pulling power of the electric motor, its cleverly controlled interaction with the combustion engine and the premium quality and reliability of all components of the hybrid system is the result of the BMW Group’s eDrive technology. The high-voltage battery comes with a warranty which lasts for six years or 60,000 miles.
The MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 combines its progressive drive system with the versatile space concept and hallmark brand style of the latest MINI model range. The battery is housed underneath the rear seat and flat load boot floor, minimising drawbacks to boot space and leg room. The luggage compartment volume of the hybrid model is 405 litres, which can be extended to as much as 1 275 litres with the rear backrests folded down.
The new MINI Cooper SE Countryman ALL4 comes with a range of high quality standard equipment. This includes the MINI’s acclaimed Satellite Navigation System, Bluetooth, Cruise Control, Emergency E-call and Active Guard among other features. 6-speed Steptronic automatic transmission, the MINI Driving Modes and three spoke sports steering wheel are also offered as standard.
In addition to model-specific design elements such as the “E” emblem on the radiator grille and side scuttles as well as door sill finishers with a yellow “S” logo, the 17-inch light alloy wheels in Light Spoke design are another distinguishing feature exclusive to the model. Inside, hybrid-specific displays and the eDRIVE toggle switch indicate the distinctive character of the MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4.

Saturday, 29 October 2016

MINI launches the All-New Countryman and offers it as a plug in hybrid, the first for the brand.

  • The new MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4
  • The brand's first ever plug-in hybrid model
  • High-quality BMW Group eDrive components developed specifically for MINI Countryman
  • 3-cylinder petrol engine and electric motor combine to produce a total system output of 224 hp
  • 0-62 mph time of just 6.9 seconds
  • CO2 emissions of 49 g/km and average fuel consumption of 134.5 mpg
  • Electric driving at speeds of up to 78 mph with a range of up to 25 miles
  • Innovative driving experience due to the electrified all-wheel drive system ALL4
  • Lithium-ion high-voltage battery can be charged at a wallbox in 2:15 hours.
Hallmark MINI driving experience with zero tailpipe emissions, the new MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 is the first plug-in hybrid model offered by the premium British brand. This new Countryman model provides the option of purely electric and therefore emissions-free mobility.
Propulsion is shared between a 3-cylinder petrol engine and a synchronous electric motor. Together they produce a system output of 224 hp. Equally impressive is the average fuel consumption of 134.5 mpg and the CO2emissions figure of 49 grams per kilometre (EU test cycle figures for plug-in hybrid vehicles), yet also enabling a 0-62 mph time of just 6.9 seconds.
The MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 is the perfect vehicle for those who wish to enjoy the benefits of purely electric mobility when commuting between home and work every day for example, while at the same time benefiting from unlimited long-distance suitability at the weekend.
MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 combines the space and practicality of the largest model in the MINI range with the sustainability of BMW Group eDrive technology and an electrified all-wheel drive system.
The front wheels are powered by the combustion engine, the rear wheels by the electric motor. MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 is able to run on electricity alone not just in urban traffic, but for long distances too – at a top speed of 78 mph and with a range of up to 25 miles. Drawing on the power of both drive forms, it offers driving fun away from surfaced roads as well.
“The plug-in hybrid concept perfectly matches the new MINI Countryman because it offers intelligent all-wheel drive as well as being able to run on electricity alone both in urban areas and over longer distances, too. 

This is unique in the segment,” says Uwe Seitz, MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 project manager.
MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4: the highlights.
  • The brand’s first ever plug-in hybrid model
  • High-quality BMW Group eDrive components developed specifically for MINI Countryman that draw on expertise gained from the development of BMW iPerformance automobiles 
  • 3-cylinder petrol engine and electric motor combine to produce a total system output of 224 hp
  • Fuel consumption in the EU test cycle: 134.5 mpg, CO2 emissions: 49 g/km
  • Electric driving at speeds of up to 78 mph with a range of up to 25 miles
  • Innovative driving experience due to the electrified all-wheel drive system ALL4
  • Three operating modes available for selection via eDrive toggle switch
  • High standard equipment, including satellite navigation and Hybrid-specific displays
MINI is a pioneer in the field of electric mobility.
The BMW Group’s technological expertise and range of models already on offer are evidence of the company’s leading role in the area of electric mobility. MINI was an early pioneer of these developments: the MINI E presented in 2008 was the BMW Group’s first ever purely electrically powered automobile and was driven by private users in everyday traffic as part of a large-scale field experiment. More than 600 of the MINI E, based on the MINI Cooper Hatch, were used for practical testing purposes worldwide. The project yielded vital insights into the use of electrically powered automobiles which were incorporated in the development of the BMW i3.
MINI TwinPower Turbo and eDrive technology combined.
The plug-in hybrid drive of the MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 combines the best of a 3-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor. The space under the bonnet is occupied by a 3-cylinder petrol engine with MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology from the latest generation of the BMW Group engines. From a capacity of 1.5 litres this provides a peak output of 136 hp. The maximum torque of the engine is 220 Newton metres, which goes on stream at 1,250 rpm. In the MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4, the combustion engine is combined with a modified 6-speed Steptronic transmission which transfers its power to the front wheels.
The second power unit of the MINI S E Countryman ALL4 is an electric motor that is housed under the luggage compartment floor. Designed according to the principle of a hybrid synchronous motor, the electric drive offers a high output of 88 hp -considering the size and weight of the car - and generates a maximum torque of 165 Nm that is available from standing. In addition, it provides constant power delivery even during high engine speed ranges as well as a very high level of efficiency. The electric motor directs its power to the rear axle via a two-stage single-speed transmission.
Lithium-ion battery: compact, powerful and produced using BMW Group expertise.
The lithium-ion battery is positioned directly in front of the electric motor underneath the rear seat. It is made up of five modules, each comprising 16 battery cells. Like the electric motor, it is produced at the Dingolfing plant, the BMW Group’s competence centre for eDrive technology. The high-voltage battery has a capacity of 7.6 kWh. At a wallbox with a charging capacity of 3.6 kW it can be fully charged in 2:15 hours. Charging at a regular household socket takes 3:15 hours.
Intelligent energy management provides fun driving and excellent efficiency.
The intelligent energy management system controlled by the power electronics of the plug-in hybrid system ensures that the interplay between the combustion engine and the electric motor is optimised for both driving fun and efficiency in all situations. Using the power of the electric motor alone, the MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 is able to provide locally emissions-free driving, and in the event that more intense acceleration is required, the electric motor supports the combustion engine via a boost function. A total system output of 224 hp and a combined torque of 385 Nm are available. The MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 accelerates from 0-62mph in just 6.9 seconds.

Two power units, four drive wheels.
Only one of the two power units is used when the car is moving, while the other one can be additionally enabled at any time to optimise traction, ride stability and agility. The signal required for this purpose comes from the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) unit, which continuously analyses both the situation on the road and the commands of the driver. “The result is an intelligent all-wheel drive system that ensures perfect movement in all weathers and on all road surfaces,” explains Uwe Seitz, MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 project manager. The precisely controlled interaction achieved in the powering of the front wheels by the combustion engine and the rear wheels by the electric motor is the same as the principle that is applied in the BMW i8, only the other way around: it is a key factor that contributes to the captivating character of the plug-in hybrid sports car.
The eDrive toggle switch: purely electric power at the press of a button.
The driver can also use the eDrive toggle switch to choose between three operating modes.
AUTO eDRIVEPurely electric driving up to 50 mph. The combustion engine is automatically enabled when necessary, for example when accelerating quickly or when the battery charge falls below seven per cent.
MAX eDRIVEPurely electric driving up to 78 mph, the combustion engine is additionally enabled at higher speeds or on kickdown.
SAVE BATTERYThe car is powered by the combustion engine.
In the standard setting AUTO eDRIVE, the MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 runs on electrical power only up to a speed of 50 mph. At higher speeds and in the case of very intensive loads, the combustion engine is automatically enabled in addition. In MAX eDRIVE mode the vehicle is powered by the electric motor alone at speeds up to 78 mph. Finally, the SAVE BATTERY mode can be selected so as to relieve the capacity of the high-voltage battery or raise its charge state to at least 90 per cent so that sufficient electrical power remains for purely electric driving later on.

When route guidance is activated on MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 standard-fit navigation system, the anticipatory energy management system ensures that appropriate sections of the route are run on electric power alone. Taking the data from the navigation system into account, the operating strategy of the hybrid system is geared towards drawing on the energy capacity of the high-voltage battery to maximum extent.
Versatile in the interior, too.
Thanks to the compact structure and arrangement of the eDrive components, the plug-in hybrid model variant of the new MINI Countryman has a versatile interior. The high-voltage battery is housed underneath the slightly raised rear seat, as is the 35-litre fuel tank. When all seats are in use, the luggage compartment volume in the MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 is only slightly less than in the conventionally powered model variants. The rear backrests offer the possibility of a 40 : 20 : 40 split; they can also be folded down and varied in their tilt angle. “The entire hybrid technology is installed in such a way that you don’t notice it inside the car at all,” says Uwe Seitz, MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 project manager, “with the exception of the controls used to activate the various driving modes.”

Hybrid-specific design features and displays.
Discreet but equally unmistakable indications of the car’s unique drive form are provided by the model-specific design features on the MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 exterior. The connection for the charging cable is under a flap in the area of the left-hand side scuttle. Other features are the model-specific “e” badge on the side scuttles and also a yellow “S” in the model inscription on the rear as well as on the radiator grille and door sill finishers.
Inside, the cockpit includes a yellow start/stop unit at the centre of the toggle switch panel and a performance display in the instrument cluster on the steering column.
The MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 comes as standard with the MINI Visual boost Radio featuring a 6.5-inch colour screen in the central instrument. This displays information such as the charge state of the high-voltage battery and operating mode of the hybrid drive selected by eDrive toggle switch. In conjunction with the optional Media package including MINI navigation system XL, operation is via an 8.8-inch screen with a new graphic design and touchscreen function as well as via the Touch Controller in the centre console.
Efficiency meets individual style.
The MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 combines highly efficient driving fun with versatile space and all the other advancements that characterise the new edition of the all-round model for the premium compact segment. Its powerfully expressive design and optimised use of space are just as striking as its increased ride comfort and refined premium ambience.

The MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 comes with the MINI Driving Modes as standard. Regardless of the operating mode selected via eDrive toggle switch, the vehicle set-up can be adapted to a particularly sporty or efficient driving style, according to preference.
MINI CooperS E CountrymanALL4:
3-cylinder petrol engine, capacity: 1 499 cc, output: 100 kW/136 hp, synchronous electric motor, output: 65 kW/88 hp, system output: 165 kW/224 hp, system torque: 385 Nm.

Thursday, 2 June 2016

TMW - The Volvo XC90 T8, the range topping hybrid that wipes the floor with everything else in it's class.

Under Ford Volvo had a strange and trying time, with models coming infrequently and based on other Ford branded products, then we had the downturn and Ford panicked, they cleared out all but Lincoln, and Volvo was sold to Geely of China.
It was then that people started to worry, what would become of the Swedish giant, would it be watered down, and if so, by what margin, but those fears were unfounded, Geely seems to have left the bosses in Sweden alone with the know how to build world beating cars, and the first of those cars that came from that confidence was the XC90 SUV.

The existing XC90 was getting rather long in the tooth, and was at one stage the companies best selling model, but no longer, the new car was needed and swiftly, it was then the concepts appeared and then the All-New XC90 was launched, and what a car that is.
The model tested here is the T8, the Twin Engined model which is a plug in hybrid, unusual in such a large SUV, but works really well, the T8 has followed the D5 and T6 models, both of which are superior to the car it replaces, the T8 comes with a 2.0 litre engine, and comes with a Supercharger for low-rev response and a turbocharger for higher revs, this powers the front wheels of the car via a seamless and super smooth 8 speed automatic gearbox.
The second engine is situated at the rear of the car, sitting nicely between the sub frames, this electric motor generates around 80bhp and obviously drives the rear wheels, this motor is powered by a battery which is stored within the transmission tunnel, this is an ideal area, as there is no prop shaft so space is available for these batteries, the weight also gives a lower centre of gravity, again helping to create a near perfect off-roader.
The way in which this car is propelled is via different methods and is very flexible in the way it does this, you can have full on electric mode, where you can get upwards of 25 miles of range, half and half or full power, or even a specific 4WD mode which is best for driving, well, off road, or just allow the car to chose, which is most probably where the majority of owners will put it.
Now you would think that, that's it, but no, there is a third engine which generates 25bhp and is specifically designed to iron out the changes between different drive methods and to top up and gaps in the torque range. 
The car is big, there is no getting away from that, but once you are sat behind the wheel it really does not feel that large, in fact you can push it and whip it about like a medium sports car, the grip is great, and cornering is one of the best for this size of SUV, you get the added benefit of not really being beaten about the ears with engine noise, road noise is a little wearing on really rough roads, and on pot holes and sleeping policemen, you do hear the thud, but it is not intrusive enough to make the driver regret buying it, far from it.

Breaking is OK, not the best at stopping, but you would not expect it to stop on a penny for a car of this weight and size, it does everything right, stops when you need it too, and without any issues, no rear end wobble at high speed braking, but you do occasionally feel the difference between normal braking and regenerative braking, but again not noticeable enough to be intrusive.


The car shines when you look at the numbers and they are very impressive, 49g/km is really impressive, combine that to 134.5mpg and you have a car that not only does everything you could ever ask of it, but it is friendly to the environment too, and in these times of diesel scandals and smog infested cities, this car can help eliminate some of this.


Top speed is 140mph, so no slouch, and with the eight speed auto, overtaking is child's play, but you are never far from being aware that this is a large beast, and one that does everything right.

Spending time inside the car and you will soon feel at home, it takes little time to get comfortable, and once you have  everything in the right place, driving the car is a pleasure, the very light and airy cabin is a really nice place to be in, it has a zen like feel to the interior. you sit low down, or that's how it seems, with a built up central area, you feel like you are in a jet fighter.


There are very few buttons to play with, and that's a nice change from some of the competition, that has upwards of 30+ button and switches to play with, the vast majority of the car is run entirely through the touchscreen system, and believe me, it really is simple to use, with one of the simplest, perfectly designed touchscreen systems there is, you can even pinch the screen of stretch it out with your fingers, just like an iPad.

Whether you use the third row of seats is up to you, but they are quite opulent for a third row, and can take people, albeit, smaller than your average adult, with sublime comfort and room to spare, the entire interior is luxurious, even in the lower spec models, you feel like you are in something far more expensive, a Bentayga comes to mind.

The T8 is not cheap, at around £65k plus options but for that you get probably the best SUV out there, even ranking above the Daddy, the Range Rover, and for Volvo, this model is just the start, we already have the new S90 and V90 ready for the public, the V40 has been face lifted and concepts for the S40, V40 and XC40 have been launched, and from what i have been told (on the quiet) these cars will appear not to dissimilar to the concepts, if true, then Volvo will have even more massive hits on their hands.

There is only one question, would I own one.

To damned right I would, this is as near to perfect as they come.

TMW - Jon Mower