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The Fiat Punto Evo, the evolution of the Fiat Grande Punto, will make its debut at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. It is destined to repeat the success of its predecessor and become the new pacesetter for innovation, safety and style, thanks to its many innovative features.
The epithet “Evo” identifies a level of car design that is capable of satisfying even the most demanding customers in terms of technology, driving pleasure and respect for the environment.
The Fiat Punto Evo expresses its technical excellence first and foremost through a wide choice of Euro 5 engines, including a 1.3 second generation Multijet diesel and a 1.4 petrol engine with the revolutionary MultiAir technology developed by Fiat Powertrain Technologies and eventually to be incorporated in all Fiat Group engines. Fiat’s innovative and conventional powerplants are also joined by dual-fuel methane and petrol units to create the most complete and ecological range of engines in the segment. With reduced consumption and emissions in mind, the new Fiat Punto Evo also offers Start&Stop, the system that switches off and restarts the engine in stop-and-go traffic. Start&Stop is being introduced as standard on all Euro5 petrol and diesel engines. Another system making its first appearance on the Fiat Punto Evo is “Blue&Me-TomTom”, the new portable satellite navigation unit that lets you manage telephone, navigation and information functions on a practical colour touch-screen.
In the area of safety, the Fiat Punto Evo sets new standards thanks to 7 airbags, including a driver knee airbag. The Fiat Punto Evo is one of very few cars in its segment with a driver knee airbag fitted as standard on all versions. Other innovative safety systems are also available, including Hill-Holder to help with hill starts, adaptive ‘cornering’ front fog lights that switch on automatically with dipped headlights according to the angle of steering, and Fiat’s tried and tested ABS, EBD (Electronic Brake force Distribution) and ESP (Electronic Stability Program) systems.
Finally, the new Punto Evo is even more attractive thanks to the work of Fiat’s Centro Stile. The interiors (fascia, seats and instrumentation) have been completely renewed to become even more prestigious and elegant, and the outside has been given a thoroughly restyled look too.
The Fiat Punto Evo goes on sale in the second half of October with the precise objective of consolidating its role as one of Europe’s market leaders in the highly important compact segment.
Technical innovation
The Fiat Punto Evo expresses its technical excellence first and foremost through a wide choice of engines Euro 5, including petrol units equipped with the revolutionary MultiAir system and second generation Multijet diesels.
Developed and patented by FPT – Fiat Powertrain Technologies – MultiAir technology will gradually be adopted by all engines fitted to Fiat Group cars. The heart of MultiAir is a new electrohydraulic valve management system that reduces fuel consumption by controlling air directly via the inlet valves (without using the throttle). MultiAir reduces emissions (thanks to improved combustion control) and also improves performance by boosting both power and torque.
Similar results have been achieved in diesel versions thanks to the adoption of second generation Multijet units across the range. These engines incorporate new common rail injectors that, thanks to a balanced hydraulic servo-valve, control the quantity of fuel injected into the combustion chamber with improved precision, and in a faster and more flexible sequence than in the past.
The choice of engines available for the Fiat Punto Evo is the most complete and ecological in this market segment, and even includes two alternative fuel engines, a methane and an LPG unit.
The new Fiat Punto Evo is even equipped with the latest version of the Blue&Me system. “Blue&Me-TomTom” is a fully integrated infotainment system that lets you manage telephone, navigation and information functions on a practical colour touch-screen. The system is the result of a partnership between Fiat Group Automobiles and TomTom, European leader in portable navigation systems, and integrates with the car’s other systems thanks to the Blue&Me system developed in conjunction with Magneti Marelli. The new system also incorporates “eco:Drive Info” for real time information on your driving style and useful suggestions for reducing environmental impact and optimising consumption by changing gear and using the accelerator to suit the nature of the route.
Respect for the environment
At Fiat, innovation means greater respect for the environment too. In fact, the environment is one of the main issues driving product development, and ensures that the Fiat range is the greenest in Europe. The Fiat Punto Evo is no exception to this rule.
The new MultiAir engines prove the point. Compared to a conventional petrol engine of the same size, a MultiAir engine develops more power (up to 10%) and torque (up to 15%), while consuming significantly less (up to 10%) and emitting less CO2 (up to 10%), less particulates (up to 40%) and less NOx (up to 60%).
In the same way the second generation of Multijet diesel engines also offers more accurate combustion, with benefits for consumption, emissions, NVH and drivability. This has been achieved through a new common rail injector that modulates fuel injection into the combustion chamber and gives, for the Euro 5 engines, an improvement of around 2% in consumption and CO2 emissions on the homologation cycle, and a reduction in NOx emissions of up to 30%.
Still with reduced consumption and emissions in mind, the new Fiat Punto Evo will also offer Start&Stop, the system that switches off the engine when you stop and restarts it for you to move off again (at traffic lights for example). Start&Stop will be standard on all Euro5 petrol and diesel engines.
The methane-fuelled engine is not only the most ecological dual fuel engine in segment B, producing only 115 g/km of CO2, but is also the most economical thanks to record running costs of under 4 Euros per 100 km. Among other advantages, methane-fuelled engines benefit from the highest government incentives in Italy: 5,000 Euros if combined with a contribution for scrapping your old car.
Then there is the LPG-fuelled version, developed using Fiat’s longstanding experience in alternative fuels to respond to the extraordinary growth seen in this market. The Fiat Punto Evo GPL boasts record autonomy of 1,500 km in the extra-urban cycle, and running costs up to 50% lower than a petrol equivalent.
Safety
The Fiat Punto Evo is designed and built to achieve the highest levels of safety. The model boasts a large number of safety systems (standard or optional depending on market and version) starting from those dedicated to passive safety: 2 front airbags, 2 front side airbags, 2 window bags and a driver knee airbag (the Fiat Punto Evo is one of the few cars in this segment on which this device is standard on all versions).
The Fiat Punto Evo is also one of the few cars in its class equipped with adaptive ‘cornering’ front fog lights that switch on automatically with dipped headlights according to the angle of steering. And don’t forget that the new Fiat Punto Evo also guarantees constant and reliable road holding thanks to electronic dynamic control systems for braking and steering. The ABS system that is available across the complete engine range incorporates EBD (Electronic Brake force Distribution), ESP (Electronic Stability Program) and Hill-holder to help with hill-starts.
Style and comfort
The Fiat Punto Evo is more stunning than ever thanks to the work of Fiat’s Centro Stile. In particular, the interiors of the new model have been completely redesigned to represent the most evolved expression of Italian style, with top quality materials and superb attention to detail. The result is a bright and elegant cabin with completely renewed fascia, seats, storage compartments and instrumentation.
On the outside, both the front and the rear have been thoroughly restyled, as shown by the attractive lines of the new bumpers and the incorporation of innovative and original headlights and taillights. The latest design has also “stretched” the car to a total length of 406 centimetres, so that its winning characteristics of driver and passenger comfort remain unchanged. The other external dimensions remain the same, with a width of 169 cm, a height of 149 cm and a wheelbase of 251 cm.
source netcarshow.com
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Renault Fluence was designed with the aim of standing out as the most attractive car of its class and several features set it apart from rivals: beneath its strong, sporting exterior, Renault Fluence features a comfortable cabin and a barrage of useful technological aids.
Renault Fluence targets customers looking for a status-enhancing saloon and will be built on the existing assembly line at the Oyak-Renault plant in Bursa, Turkey, where the booted Renault Mégane II was previously produced.
Harmonious, modern forms
This new, four-door saloon is 4.62 metres long and its size and generous levels of standard equipment place it halfway between the C segment, for compact family cars, and the segment immediately above.
Streamlined headlights herald the start of an elegant waist line which sweeps harmoniously along Renault Fluence’s sides to the boot. The surround and chromed grille of the upper air intake embellish the car’s front-end looks with a sporting flourish, while Renault Fluence’s status-enhancing appeal is heightened by its sculptured wheel arches and long bonnet. At the rear, the horizontal, two-part lights allow a generous boot aperture and reinforce the car’s thoroughly modern styling.
Renault Fluence packs several opulent upgrade touches: the lower window and boot trims, foglamp surrounds and door handles are finished in chrome, while the B-pillar uprights are gloss black along with body colour side protective mouldings.
Perceptions of strength and quality
The sense of strength and safety is reinforced by the carefully proportioned balance between the windows and the large surface area of the doors, the lower part of which incorporates protective panels. Seen from the side, a distinctive character line flows rearward from the rounded front wings before emphasizing the solid rear haunches.
Renault Fluence creates an impression of quality, and particular attention has been paid to the fit and finish of body panels (windscreen pillars and refuelling flap, for example). The rear bumper incorporates discreet parking sensors. At rest, the windscreen wipers are tucked away behind the bonnet’s upper edge, partly for aesthetic reasons, but also to reduce wind noise and improve aerodynamic efficiency.
A simple yet elegantly styled interior
In the cabin, the airy facia design incorporates taut, uncluttered lines that are complemented by the sweep of the dashboard trim strip. Essential driving functions and useful accessories all fall easily to hand. They are concentrated around the steeringwheel and centre console with a view to freeing up as much space as possible and to making the car even more user-friendly. Significant care went into choosing the ideal materials and finish: the integrated upper dashboard cowling has a soft-touch finish, yet it is also resistant to everyday knocks and exposure to direct sunlight.
The step-up in range is equally visible in cabin details such as the chrome finish applied to door handles, instrument surrounds and gearlever knob, as well as the availability of either light- or darkhued leather upholstery.
Particular attention has been paid to the decorative trimming to create a varied range of distinctive ambiances, and also distinguish between different equipment levels. Customers can choose from a light, elegant interior which exudes a sense of wellbeing, or else something darker, with more sporting overtones.
An ergonomic driving position
It is very easy to feel at home at the wheel of Renault Fluence, thanks to its sound ergonomics and straightforward interfaces. On board, every driver will be able to find the ideal seating position thanks to a wide range of adjustability options, with all the controls near at hand. In a matter of seconds, he or she can:
adjust the angle of the seatback and headrest,
alter the level of lumbar support,
adapt the steeringwheel for rake and reach,
vary the seat position (it can be moved fore and aft through up to 240mm, and up or down by +/- 35mm).
All essential cockpit functions fall easily to hand. These include the controls for the navigation and climate control systems, the steeringwheel-mounted radio and telephone fingertip remote controls and the controls for the cruise control/speed limiter.
Space – and a place – for everything
The sense of onboard comfort is embellished by attention to detail in the realm of reduced noise levels and high standards of interior space, including class-topping elbow room (1,480mm at the front, 1,475mm at the rear).
Renault Fluence’s cabin provides more than 23 litres of stowage space, including an illuminated, refrigerated, nine-litre glovebox, a 2.2-litre centre console and a 2.6-litre bin in each front door. The 530dm3 boot capacity is one of the biggest in its class. Access is facilitated by a low sill and a large (1,020mm) aperture, which has been made possible by incorporating one part of the rear light cluster within the boot lid.
The 60/40-split folding rear seat enables the load capacity to be increased to suit the needs of the moment. The absence of any steel partition between the cabin and the boot makes this feature particularly useful when long or bulky items need to be carried.
Perfect cabin temperature at all times
No effort has been spared in terms of thermal comfort, either. To ensure maximum efficiency, notably in international markets exposed to fierce heat and humidity, all versions of Renault Fluence feature climate control as standard equipment – even at entry level. The system is complemented by air vents positioned:
at the base of the windscreen, as well as at the centre and both ends of the dashboard for frontseat passengers,
beneath the front seats and at the rear of the centre console for those sitting at the back.
On some models, automatic dual-zone climate control is also available. Tried and proven on the Mégane range, this system is supremely efficient without being intrusively noisy. It enables the driver and front passenger to select individual temperature and fan-speed preferences via the ‘Soft-Auto- Fast’ control:
the ‘Auto’ mode optimizes thermal and acoustic comfort and swiftly adjusts the system to an appropriate setting,
the quiet ‘Soft’ mode places the emphasis on effective distribution,
the ‘Fast’ mode ensures rapid ventilation of the whole cabin.
New, integrated Carminat TomTom® navigation system
Simple to use, the Carminat TomTom® navigation system costs less than €500 and provides:
clear, precise maps on a large, 5.8-inch screen,
real-time traffic information and alternative route options,
notification of speed limits,
a comprehensive selection of points of interest,
speed-camera alerts (depending on market),
a range of functions that can be tailored to suit individual needs or tastes.
The system’s integration within the dashboard is a pledge of quality and security. It is easy to update and extend, too, by simply linking its SD card to the internet.
A new audio range whose watchwords are ’sound quality’ and ‘connectivity’
Renault Fluence benefits from the entry level 60-Watt RadioSat Classic system which includes an MP3-compatible CD player and an RCA connector.
For customers who crave more refined performance, Renault has worked with Arkamys® to develop the 3D Sound by Arkamys® system which incorporates:
a powerful 140W system with eight speakers (four woofers and four tweeters),
Bluetooth® connectivity,
Arkamys® digital sonic tuning, which provides three-dimensional surround sound, guarantees precise reproduction and tailors sound to suit the forms of the cabin and the materials employed,
a double antenna to provide optimal radio reception.
The Plug & Music option enables drivers to control auxiliary players (such as an iPod®, or anything with a USB connection) via the steeringwheel-mounted fingertip remote controls. The menu and playlists are displayed on the dashboard screen.
Bluetooth® connectivity also enables the driver to operate the telephone via the steeringwheelmounted remote control.
Several other similarly practical touches complete this high-tech package (available as standard on some models, or as an option on others). These include a hands-free entry and ignition card (with automatic locking of doors as the card-holder walks away from the car) and cruise control with speed limiter.
Dynamic handling
Renault Fluence’s chassis delivers an efficient, comfortable and enjoyable ride. The aim of Renault’s engineers was to combine steering and handling precision with minimal noise and vibrations. Renault Fluence’s front suspension features MacPherson-type struts with rectangular lower arms, while the rear incorporates a programmed-deflection flexible beam.
Renault Fluence also benefits from a particularly effective braking system, with large discs that provide both outstanding stopping power and durability.
The electric power steering combines precise driver feedback with quick, accurate response to instructions from the wheel. It is easy to use and feels completely natural.
Engines that combine punch with fuel economy
From launch, and depending on market, Renault Fluence will be available with a wide range of thrifty engines which are all a pleasure to drive.
Two petrol engines, each available in two versions:
1.6 16V 110hp, with automatic transmission or manual gearbox
2.0 16V 140hp, with continuously variable transmission (CVT) or manual gearbox
A choice of five variants of the 1.5 dCi diesel block:
dCi 85
dCi 90 DPF
dCi 105
dCi 110 DPF
dCi 110 DPF with the new dual clutch transmission (DCT)
All diesel-engined versions return CO2 emissions of 119g/km and qualify for the Renault eco² environmental hallmark.
Reliability and durability proven by extreme endurance testing – a hallmark of Renault quality
In addition to all the standard tests, Renault has added another 800 quality checks to take into account the demanding road conditions found in the majority of the countries where Renault Fluence will be marketed.
Fluence benefits from Renault’s ongoing efforts to reduce the cost of everyday motoring by between 20 and 30 per cent. For instance, oil-change intervals have been extended to 30,000 kilometres (or every two years) on all diesel models (with the exception of the dCi 85: 20,000km/every year), while climate control systems no longer need to be replenished.
Real-world safety that meets customers’ needs and expectations
Renault Fluence was designed using the same philosophy that applies throughout the Renault range. The company has capitalized on studies conducted by LAB and also used its extensive engineering expertise to develop efficient safety systems relevant to the real-world driving conditions found in all the countries where Renault Fluence is marketed.
Entry-level Renault Fluence models will be equipped with:
ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution,
emergency braking assist, with automatic activation of the hazard warning lights,
ESC (electronic stability control) with CSV understeer control,
three-point inertia-reel seatbelts, with pretensioners and load limiters for the front seatbelts,
inertia-reel seatbelts with load limiters for all three rear seats,
driver and passenger airbags, two lateral thorax airbags and two curtain airbags,
warning alert if driver or passenger seatbelts are unfastened,
three-point Isofix anchorage for outer rear seats,
cruise control with speed limiter,
latest-generation headrests.
source netcarshow.com
We did say “glimpse”. It may not look like much but our spies caught a glimpse of the next Ford C-Max’s interior while they were out searching for excitement. Parts of the dashboard appear to have similar design elements as the Fiesta. The driver’s hand rests on what looks like the gear lever which is elevated for easier reach.
Styled in similar fashion to the more chiseled Golf VI, the Jetta will undoubtedly feature the company’s new signature front end.
Kimi Raikkonen won the Belgian grand prix, Giancarlo Fisichella’s second place is worth “squillions” to Force India, but the big winner at Spa-Francorchamps was Sebastian Vettel.
Spied during overnight testing in Germany is this, the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG wagon. Caught almost completely unmasked, the AMG model is getting ever-closer to its debut in Frankfurt.
