All posts by Francis Mitterrand

Hybrid

2024 Ford Ranger PHEV

The Ford Ranger is the best-selling pick-up model in Europe, and now it has a plug-in hybrid version. It is the first PHEV Ranger, and production will start by the end of this year. It is interesting that the American car manufacturer decided that this model will make its debut outside the United States.

Ford Ranger has been a leader in the European market for years, and with this version Ford wants to strengthen that position. When it comes to design, the differences between the plug-in hybrid version and other versions are minimal. The charging port is located on the left side next to the fuel cap, while the 18-inch wheels have a new design. Initially, the Ranger PHEV will only be available as a Wildtrak, and will have the Pro Power Onboard feature that includes outlets in the trunk for various tools and devices.

The new Ford Ranger will be powered by a 2.3L turbo four-cylinder engine combined with an electric motor, with an unknown total power output. As a reminder, the 2.3L EcoBoost V6 engine delivers 292 hp (215 kW) and 362 lb-ft (491 Nm) of torque. Ford announced that the Ranger PHEV will be able to travel 45 kilometers (28 miles) in purely electric mode, while the maximum weight the car can pull is 3,500 kg.

Source: Ford

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2024 Ford Ranger PHEV
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2024 VW Tiguan has arrived

In 2007, Volkswagen presented the first generation of a new crossover that took its place between the T-Roc and the larger Touareg, the VW Tiguan. Since then, 16 years and two generations have passed with 7.6 million copies of this model sold, and now the third generation VW Tiguan has arrived on the market.

At the front, there are stylish headlights integrated into a black panel over the hood, LED technology with a full-width light strip, and a new front bumper with a black grille for an aggressive look. The rear part has undergone the most changes compared to the previous generation. A large rear spoiler and a full-width light strip across the tailgate are standard. The R-Line model has a rear bumper with a sporty look.

The interior of the previous models was classic and somewhat conservative in design, but now that has also changed. In the middle of the dashboard is a completely new 12.9-inch touch screen, i.e. a larger 15-inch diagonal available as an option. It’s a big step up from the current car, which has a 9-inch screen. The user interface has been modernized to make it easier to use. Climate control is still managed via on-screen controls, but the menu is now at the bottom for easier access. On the central console there is a round button for adjusting the volume, changing the driving mode and changing the ambient lighting.

When it comes to the powertrain, the VW Tiguan will be offered with mild hybrid, plug-in hybrid, gasoline and diesel engines. At the bottom of the range will be a 1.5-L mHEV engine with 130 hp (96 kW) or 150 hp (110 kW). There are 2.0-L TSI petrol engines with 204 hp (150 kW) and 265 hp (195 kW). Both will have all-wheel drive. The third option is a 2.0-L TDI engine with 150 hp (110 kW), with front-wheel drive, and 193 hp (142 kW) with all-wheel drive.

The plug-in hybrid option will be available in two versions with a 1.5-L gasoline engine combined with an electric motor with a total output of 204 hp (150 kW) or 272 hp (200 kW). Both versions will have a range of up to 100 km. The all-electric Tiguan is not offered.

Source: Volkswagen

Gallery:

2024 VW Tiguan has arrived
Hybrid

2024 Fiat 600 Hybrid

After recently introducing the all-electric Fiat 600e that comes almost a decade after the production of the Fiat 600 was discontinued, the Italian automaker is now introducing the 600 Hybrid.

This model is the same size as the all-electric 600e, but lighter. The interior is made of recycled materials, and the instrument panel is made of bioplastic. Fiat claims that thanks to the electric motor, the car can be driven partly without emissions in the city and in parking lots. This technical solution reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 15%.

Fiat 600 Hybrid is powered by a 1.2L three-cylinder engine that, combined with an electric motor, has a total power of 128 hp (94 kW), which is enough to reach 62 mph (100 km/h) in 11 seconds. The car is equipped with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission and a 48 V lithium-ion battery that enables a range of one kilometer with a top speed of 30 km/h.

For now, it will be available in Italy and other countries where the sale of electric cars is not so popular, and the starting price will be 25,000 euros.

Source: Fiat