All posts by Francis Mitterrand

News

More than half of sold cars are Crossovers and SUVs

Sales of Crossovers and SUVs are on the rise, but perhaps even the biggest fans of these cars did not expect to achieve such results. According to sales data for the first six months of 2023, more than half of the vehicles sold were Crossovers and SUVs, which is a historic result.

According to Dataforce, 3.37 million crossovers and SUVs were sold this year, which is a 23 percent increase compared to the same period in 2022. Individually, the highest demand was for the Tesla Model Y (138,152), but not far behind were the VW T -Roc (104,465) and Toyota Yaris Cross (96,849). Regular cars are also not far behind, and their numbers are very respectable. The best results were achieved by Dacia Sandero (125,190), while the “magic number” (100,000) was also exceeded by Opel Corsa, Peugeot 208 and Renault Clio.

Generally speaking, the highest growth in SUV sales was recorded by Tesla Model Y by 207 percent, Skoda Octavia by 77.3 percent, Toyota Yaris Cross by 49 percent and VW T-Roc by 38 percent, compared to 2022.

Small SUVs were the most popular in Europe with 1,133,822 cars sold. They are followed by compact SUVs with 999,568 units and small cars with 913,751 units sold.

Source: Dataforce

News

Kia Sportage Anniversary Edition

In 1993, South Korean manufacturer Kia premiered its new SUV, the Kia Sportage. 30 years have passed since then, and five generations of the compact SUV, a car-based platform which placed it into the compact crossover SUV class, were produced in 7 million units. Celebrating this car’s anniversary, Kia will launch a special model, the Kia Sportage Anniversary Edition.

Good car design takes comfort and style to an even higher level, merging the brand’s history with its future. Wolf Gray body (optional Deluxe White, Casa White, Pearl Black, Penta Metal and Experience Green), gloss black contours on the side windows and spoiler, as well as new dark colored trim elements and chrome finish front, rear and sides add more a more classic look. All color versions will be available with an optional contrasting pearl black roof. There are tinted windows as well as new 19-inch high-gloss black sports aluminum rims. All color versions will be available with an optional contrasting pearl black roof.

Inside, comfortable and adjustable heated seats are trimmed in suede and leather, giving passengers the feeling of driving in a luxury car. Additional equipment includes two 12.3-inch screens, touch-sensitive controls below the infotainment interface, heated steering wheel, as well as ambient lighting. There are also accessories in Midnight Green color, which is intended to emphasize the premium style in the interior.

The current model is larger than the previous one, which thanks to the design philosophy of “Opposites that complement each other”, refines the appearance of this SUV. When it comes to the powertrain, the current Sportsge is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 187 hp (138 kW), paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Source: KIA

Gallery:

Kia Sportage Anniversary Edition
Auctions

1995 Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe is for sale

In 1994, Porsche presented the final and best incarnation of the air-cooled 911 (993), an ideal blend of technology and classic 911 heritage. It was produced until 1997, and 14,541 cars left the production lines. One of them, the 1995 Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe is up for auction.

This 911 Carrera Coupe is powered by an air-cooled 3.6L flat-six with 270 hp (200 kW) and 243 lb-ft (330 Nm) of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox. It reaches 60 mph in 5.4 seconds with a top speed of 168 mph (270 km/h). It is mounted on 18″ Speedline-style wheels wrapped in Advan tires.

The car was repainted in Riviera Blue by The Works Auto Body of Santa Clara in 2022, has been properly maintained and is in good condition. It is equipped with front and rear spoilers, a body-color roll bar, RS-style door panels, Carrera RS rear decklid badging, Turbo S-style fog lights, red Porsche-branded calipers over cross-drilled rotors at all four corners, H&R coilover suspension and an aftermarket front strut brace.

Inside, the Recaro seats are covered in black leather, which also covers the door panels and the dashboard. An RS-style three-spoke steering wheel is wrapped in black leather, and behind it is a six-digit odometer reading 66,657 miles. Additional equipment includes blue seat belts, Titan Motorsports body-color roll bar instead of rear seats, Pioneer head unit, RS-style carpets, air conditioning, a fire extinguisher, Sullivan Racing Products pedals, and a Rennline driver-side aluminum floorboard.

The car has a clean Carfax report that shows no accidents or other damage. It comes with a California title.

The auction ends on September 11th and the current highest bid is $89,500 USD.

Source: Bring a Trailer

Gallery:

1995 Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe is for sale