Carbon Motors: Lost sight

Carbon Motors: Lost sight - You probably remember the famous American police car, the E7 powered by a 3.0 L diesel BMW L6 (another supply contract which falls into the water for BMW after Fisker and Saab) that seemed accomplished, interesting in of these functions and performance because of its modern design.

Unfortunately the one hand the U.S. saw a giant evil eye the arrival of this troublemaker and it seems that lobbying have borne fruit as Ford and GM have won the vast majority of market forces for cars the American order. But that's not all because according to IBJ (Indianapolis Business Journal), the new small manufacturer is becoming ex future small manufacturer would emptied his future industrial complex Connersville should be produced where the E7 car.

Moreover, the "builder" has already removed all signs his name, the lease for the coming year was not renewed, the website of Carbon Motors is dead and the management and the engineering team are missing. All this does not bode well and this time, it seems that we do not talk about Carbon Motors in the next month or next year.

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Renault: The start to the luxury segment with Clio

Renault : The start to the luxury segment with Clio - At Renault, we obviously want to start your own luxury line. Under the label "Initial Paris" to many models are particularly well equipped and specially designed. 

The first model with many extras it will be according to the magazine "Autocar" from 2014 in Clio. Only a short time later to be followed as a luxury variant of the Espace.

Initially it was planned that a special version of the Renault. Mercedes E-Class is brought to the market with the cooperation partner Daimler. The plans for the new flagship for the time being but now were discarded because they could not agree on a viable business model. If the new luxury trim line but then it should sell well, so there are probably at Renault have plans for a separate premium sub-brand with initially only one model. Thus, one could introduce the counterpart of cheap Dacia subsidiary in the market then soon.

Photo : Renault

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Hyundai Sonata Hybrid 2013: new technological configuration

Hyundai Sonata Hybrid 2013: new technological configuration - The South Korean manufacturer has felt the need to rejuvenate the sedan Sonata Hybrid 2013.

This facelift mainly affects the hybrid hosting, among others, an electric motor more performance associated with a more powerful battery to the output.

New hybrid configuration
From the outset, we always trust the four-cylinder Theta II 2.4-liter Atkinson cycle, which delivers 169 horsepower yet.

The latter is associated with a more powerful electric motor ad 35 kW. It receives its power from a lithium polymer battery small, but whose strength is greater, to 47 kW.

The whole is coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission.

In total, the car exudes a power of 199 horses.

In all-electric mode, it is possible to drive at a maximum speed of 120 km / h.

Its index of consumption on the road is 4.9 L/100 km, while in town, it is about 5.4 L/100 km.

More cargo space
With a battery that takes up less space, cargo space trunk gaining from 304-344 liters.

New starting price
The 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is offered in three variants:

1. Hyundai Sonata Hybrid from $ 27,999;
2. Hybrid Hyundai Sonata Limited from $ 30 199;
3. Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Technology Limited from $ 33 999.

Photos : Hyundai

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Jaguar XJR V8 with 550 hp

Jaguar XJR V8 with 550 hp - Not to make too thick trousers. Dignified travel. Holding British understatement that draws from the Jaguar XJ. At least so far, for the leaves to go to the New York Auto Show XJ version presented the tiny Appendix "R" neither visually nor drive technically but restrained. Jaguar calls its appearance simply "self-aware".

The occasionally menacing-looking front splitter, rear spoiler and aerodynamically optimized side to the XJR also ensure maximum stability at high speeds. At least they secure him a place on the left-lane highway. For beefy look the forged 20-inch alloy wheels fit in design "Farallon". The dynamic of the XJR ambitions are reflected in the very technical materials of the interior. Including optional semi-aniline leather seats and real wood panels fall in deposits in carbon fiber or piano black finish. Five different color combinations with soft grain leather seats complete the athletic-inspired ambience.

The turbocharged, already from other R models from Jaguar familiar 5.0-liter V8 engine delivers 550 hp (+40 hp compared to the strongest XJ) and 680 Nm in the new XJR transparent and seamless acceleration in all situations . Subtle changes to the exterior and smooth on the air flowing around the car - and give the XJR a more assertive appearance. A front splitter, "Supercharged" vents in the bonnet and a four-pipe sports exhaust system with tailpipes complete the otherwise marked by understated impression.

A true to size matched to the torque curve of the eight-speed automatic transmission, the XJR Jaguar sedan accelerates in just 4.6 seconds from 0 to 100 km / h at 280 km is the driving electronically limited.

Photo: Jaguar

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Nissan Canada announces pricing of NV200 Compact Van

Yesterday, Nissan announced that its new compact van NV200 Cargo will sell at MSRP of the lowest in its segment is $ 21,998 CAD. The NV200 has several unique features in its segment, including the best fuel economy in its class at 8.7 L/100 km city and 7.1 L/100 km on the highway, the shortest turning radius in its class to maneuver in tight urban spaces and other useful features such as control system tire pressure, low headroom for easy indoor parking and a low loading height practice.

"For many years, companies have bought large vans simply because they were the only vehicles available on the market," said Judy Wheeler, Director of Marketing at Nissan Canada. "Now, we are delighted to offer Canadians an outstanding alternative, more compact. The Van NV200 2013 Nissan boasts excellent fuel economy, an extremely competitive price and reduced development costs, assets that result in a low total cost of ownership for business owners. '

The NV200 2013 Nissan mounted on the compact commercial platform proven manufacturer is equipped with an efficient 4-cylinder engine with 2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve. This is coupled to a gearbox Xtronic CVTMD nervous and energetic. Among its many features include a generous space of conduct, a console style "mobile office", a fold-flat passenger seat, large sliding doors, rear doors divided 40/60 that open to 180 degrees, a floor low loading to 19.5 inches for easy loading and unloading of equipment and attachment points integrated series exclusive to the segment.

The NV200 replaces the NV full-size van Cargo Nissan, launched in spring 2011, and the full-size van Nissan NV Tourism and will be sold in 44 Nissan commercial vehicle dealerships in the country.

The suggested retail prices:
- S $ 21,998 base CA - Options: Bluetooth
- Basic SV $ 23,398 CA - Options: rear door windows, Technology

Sets / options:
- Rear door windows $ 200
- Bluetooth $ 250
- Technology $ 700

Photos : Nissan

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Kia Carens: The Compact Van comes for 19,990 Euro

At 04 May 2013, the Kia Rio comes on the market and now has also been announced, which is expected to cost the van. The price table starts at € 19,990. The Carens can preorder now before. The basic version can be obtained for nearly 20,000 euros to be paid 136 hp 1.6 GDI petrol engine installed. The choices are then also an additional charge for the 136-hp 1.7 CRDi diesel engine and the 166 hp 2.0 GDI petrol payable. All engines transmit their power through a six-speed manual transmission to the wheels. For the top version are optionally available with a six-speed automatic transmission.

As of the equipment variant "vision" come the cars so with a start-stop system, which will reduce the fuel consumption of course. The most environmentally friendly engine is the 1.7-liter diesel, which is to consume only 4.8 liters on 100 km of standard distance and intended to release only 127 grams of CO2 into the atmosphere. Who besides the environment also pays attention to the warranty, which is a special treat in the checkbook. Seven-year warranty and seven years (up to a maximum 105,000 km) long no costs for maintenance of the car according to the maintenance schedule. The annual update of the maps of the built-Navis is also already included.

The length of 4.53 m long Carens has lost over its predecessor by around 20 mm. In width he has slimmed to 15 mm and the height of 40 mm was received by Kia, which makes it one of the slimmest in its class cars. But thanks to the 2.75 m long wheelbase and large, wide-far extended interior, the van can accommodate up to seven occupants. The three individual seats in the middle row can be moved individually and together folded.

Fall forward again the initially known by Kia "tiger nose" on. Under the bumper greets a wide grin drawn and the lights are pretty stretching the width and thus to almost the entire fender. Of the page is more streamlined roofline on the course that makes the van almost look like a station wagon. The side windows are framed by a stylish chrome strip. Immediately behind the rear spoiler on the roof overhang will catch the eye. In the trunk of 536 liters fit at full seating and 1694 liters when folding down the rear seats and loads the car up to the roof.

Photos : © Kia

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New Details for Appearing Audi A3 Cabriolet 2014

Even just a year ago we ventured a preview of the upcoming Audi A3 Cabrio. Fortunately, the Convertible of the A3-8V-generation is not based on the hatchback model, but on the much more stretched lower notchback variant.

In comparison to the base hatchback This approach will significantly sportier proportions. And different than those shown by us in March 2012 draft, has the design of the "Auto Bild" actually very smart and very athletic. Under the new A3 Cabriolet is the modular transverse matrix of the VW Group, which makes it possible on a platform different wheelbases.

With a wheelbase of 2.67 meters in the Convertible of the A3 family after information of the "Auto Bild" no longer in competition with the Volkswagen Golf open, but with the BMW 1 Series Convertible and the Opel Cascada. VW for a new A3 would be another reason to stop production of the unsuccessful and similar sized Eos.

The motorization of the A3 Cabriolet gets the hatchback model. Of gasoline engines from Audi offers turbocharged 1.2-liter four-cylinder base model with 105 hp to the S3 with 300 hp as a top model in different variants. Three types of diesel engines with 105, 150 and 184 hp will be available.

Audi will introduce the A3 open in early 2014 and is expected to bring to the market in summer 2014.

Photo : AUTO BILD

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Kia Forte 5 2014: More than a Facelift

In Chicago, the South Korean manufacturer has its model Forte 5 2014.

Among the most obvious changes, there is a new section before hosting a grid closer to make room for the more aggressive grille, which is reminiscent of the Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart and Evo.

Under the hood
The main improvements to the Kia Forte 5 2014 found under the hood. The chassis is new, while the 4-cylinder 2.4-liter disappears from the landscape, the 4-cylinder 2.0-liter GDI (direct injection) to 173 hp is the new entry-level unit.

A new engine option joins the latter. It is a 4-cylinder 1.6-liter turbocharged, direct injection, which delivers a power of 201 horsepower.

In both cases, depending on the model, we find a manual gearbox or an automatic transmission, both 6-speed.

Kia Forte 5 2014 will find themselves concession within a few months.

Photos : Kia

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2014 Chevrolet Spark EV

The all-electric version of the Chevrolet Spark small will be sold initially in California, Oregon, South Korea and of course Canada.

It is powered by an electric motor combined with a long battery life, which deliver a total force of 130 hp and an impressive torque of 400 lb-ft.

The Spark EV is the first all-electric car in North America to offer an optional rapid charging SAE DC to recharge 80% of the strength of the battery in just 20 minutes.

Photo : Chevrolet

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BMW M8: a rumor of more persistent

This is wishful thinking long cherished leaders of the division of BMW M Sport: Designing a high-performance sports coupe, exclusive and bearing claw Mr. A cut of the caliber of Aston Martin Vantage, Audi R8 GT, Ferrari 458 Italia, Lamborghini Gallardo, Maserati GranTurismo and Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG.

Thus, after the M3, M5, M6, X5M and X6M, it is more likely that we see appear at the beginning of 2016 a coupe M8. Lightweight coupe that borrows its below those of the coupe i8. But there all resemblance stops with rechargeable hybrid model.

Between these two cars, it's like going from one extreme to another.

While the BMW i8 hybrid rechargeable hosts the most environmentally friendly, the coupe M8 inherit a powerful twin-turbo V8 deploying more than 600 horses, whose speed would be 322 km / h (200 mph).

The style of the car takes its inspiration from the M1 Hommage concept, introduced in 2008, in celebration of the 30th anniversary of the iconic BMW M1. It might also be appropriate forms of i8 concept.

A final decision should be made aware of the year relating to the production or not, cut the M8 anyway, will be available in very limited quantities.

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Mini Cooper Five-door in 2014

The current version of the Mini Cooper will be replaced next year. It will include a wide range of models and versions, including a new version of the five-door Cooper.

Recall that, so far, the Mini Cooper, Cooper S and Cooper JCW are only sold in three-door version. Currently, only the Countryman range offers the opportunity to enjoy five doors.

The Mini Cooper hatchback
It goes without saying that the main change that will result from this second generatio, will the version with four-door hatchback, which will enrich the offer that was previously limited to three doors.

Mini Cooper 2014 based on an entirely new platform, which will be used by BMW to design and market a more compact model than are the BMW 1 Series. This car will be developed around the principle has been that of the Mini Countryman, but the ground clearance has been lowered. Some even suggest the name of a range ahead, named Traveller.

There is every reason to believe that a concept car would be unveiled next September at the International Motor Show Frankfurt and the final version should be released in March 2014, at the International Geneva Motor Show.

Photo : Mini

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Volkswagen CC 2013

In 2008, his debut on the European market, it was called the Volkswagen Passat CC. A nice 4-door coupe that took for a Mercedes-Benz CLS more compact and much less expensive.

Volkswagen, the name means CC Comfort Coupe.

Since last year, the leadership of the German manufacturer has decided to differentiate its models Passat and Passat CC, eliminating the latter becomes the Volkswagen CC.

With the arrival of the next generation, it will eventually show a family of new models.

A family coming
Next year, we will have to unveil the second version of the Volkswagen CC, which will take the braid is positioned between the Passat and Phaeton models in some markets.

A coupe with four doors that give birth to offspring:
- Volkswagen CC type shooting break.
- Volkswagen CC type four-seater convertible luxury.

The Volkswagen CC will be developed from the new MQB platform, released by the Audi A3 and Golf VII.

Photo : Volkswagen

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Introducing: Mercedes CLA Edition 1

Because the new Mercedes Coupe is based on the A-Class is not even on the market and already a first special model. Edition 1 of the CLA should therefore come even sportier than the standard version of the CLA, the we had already reported here. This sporty vehicle, the Stuttgart first lay on for 12 months. From the third quarter 2013, the cars will be available.

The special version will be freely combined with all engine variants. So there are currently four units to choose from. The three petrol and one diesel offer a power range from 90 kW/122 hp to 155 kW/211 hp. From the outside one can particularly sporty coupe then recognize the AMG front and rear aprons, side sill panels and the black-painted AMG light-alloy wheels. At the front is a sleek radiator grille in diamond look provide the right accents. In addition to the standard bi-xenon headlights of course includes a sports suspension including lowering the features of the new model. This will be available with a choice of finishes mountain gray, cosmos black, black night, cirrus or polar silver Designo Magno.

Exclusively for this special model, the designers have designed the interior line "Neon Art". The sports seats in leather and microfiber Dinamica here are covered with yellow stitching. In addition, the instrument panel and the curbs are provided with the Artico leather and decorated with yellow stitching in wrap-around look. The multifunction sports steering wheel with nappa leather in a three-spoke design is the sports optics inside the finishing touches. CLA 180 is available as a special edition then from 35,402 Euro.

Photos: © Mercedes-Benz

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Alfa Romeo 4C with 300 hp

Alfa Romeo will introduce in Geneva the production version of the Alfa 4C.

The turbocharged 4-cylinder gasoline engine draws its power from the traditional Alfa Romeo displacement of 1,750 cubic centimeters. He was with a view to use in the new 4C on both the A-like outlet optimized again thoroughly.

The power to weight with Alfa Romeo's "less than 4 kg per horsepower" to. If we go from a total weight of 1,200 kilograms (and much more likely the extremely compact construction Alfa-athletes do not get on the scale), it would mean that the small 1.75-liter engine will mobilize at least 300 hp.

This unit in all-aluminum construction, the sophisticated Alfa TCT automatic transmission (with dual dry clutch) in combination with rear-wheel drive and an additional "Race" mode for the Alfa DNA vehicle dynamics program suggest a correspondingly ambitious dynamics.

For the mid-engine sports car takes Alfa Romeo back to materials that were used also in the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione. The material mix of carbon fiber aluminum to facilitate the total weight of a few pounds. In addition, the Alfa 4C is extremely compact: it is less than 4 meters long, 200 meters wide center, 118 cm tall and has a wheelbase of just under 2.4 meters.

A straightforward design language also characterizes the interior of the Alfa Romeo 4C. Clearly visible: the unclad portions of the carbon fiber chassis. They emphasize its function as a protective cell survival and emphasize both the very light such as high strength "framework" of 4C.

The in-house Centro Stile Alfa Romeo 4C will be built in the subscribed Maserati Modena factory, it comes in the course of 2013 to the market.

Photos: Alfa Romeo

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VW Golf R Cabriolet 265 hp

The sports version of the VW Golf Cabriolet can now be ordered in good time before the hopefully soon begin open air season from 43,325 euros. Thus, the Wolfsburg then bring the most expensive but also the fastest Golf Cabriolet history on the market. Ensure the sporting buyer is then screwed but also the already known from the sedan 2.0-liter turbo gasoline engine with 195 kW / 265 hp under the hood. However, this engine has in the closed variant good 270 hp and there is the force transmitted to all four wheels. The convertible drivers must be satisfied with a pure front-wheel drive.

This has then also a significant influence on the acceleration values. While the car in 5.7 seconds to sprint takes to 100 km / h, then it takes the open-air golf 6.4 s already good, we do not want search the fly in the ointment, because after all, that's enough for the fleet ride along the beach promenade all from. And the consumption falls by 8.2 l/100 km to 0.3 l of at least less than the sedan. In the circuit takes you back to the Volkswagen Cabrio to a six-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The competition on the street recognizes the R variant of the fresh-air golf, for example to the "Talladega" alloy wheels in 18-inch format, the lowered by 25 mm sport suspension or the specially designed front and rear bumpers. Sill extensions and a rear spoiler in body color provide a muscular appearance of the dashing Lower Saxony. Also make the black calipers with the R logo, the R-typical tailpipes left and right and the black exterior mirror housings immediately clear that this is a special vehicle anrollt. Inside, there are of course the obligatory leather sport seats, to admire the leather sport steering wheel and a lot of applications of aluminum and stainless steel.

Photos: © Volkswagen

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BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo: Business Class for the highway

After sedan and wagon now the third body version of the Munich bedrock comes on the market. In early March, the new BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo in Geneva will be presented to the world public, 15 June, the rollout is in the car dealerships. He looks from the front even as "ordinary" 3, so show up at the rear of the car but a few design changes.

But beautiful in order. Front of course greets the BMW-typical radiator grille. The elongated headlights connect the front view of the car with the fenders. The long bonnet has exactly like the low roofline somewhat. Of a coupe But the highly stretched tail displays already recognize that it needs to be more space than a flashy sports car. The already compared to the 3 Series Touring had grown to 20 cm long and had grown by 8.1 cm in height to make it clear. This is then also the rear-seat passengers in the form of abundant legroom used to benefit. And also equipment with a luggage compartment volume from 520 to 1600 liters is larger than on the Touring.

On the trunk lid then emblazoned which automatically from a speed of 110 km / h extending mini spoiler. He and lengthened by 11 centimeters compared to the wheelbase Touring will be important building blocks for a good driving stability. The necessary dynamics of three petrol and two diesel engines will provide. In the petrol, the buyer has the choice between the top engine, the 335i in a six-cylinder version and the two four-cylinder 328i and 320i. When the diesels are the 318d and the 320d in the offer. The power range of the engines ranges from 143 to 306 hp. All units are working with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. The drive is provided by BMW as usual via the rear wheels. For the power transmission standard with a six-speed manual transmission is responsible. Optionally, an eight-speed automatic will be booked. To save fuel, all models have been the mandatory start-stop system.

Starting in July 2013, can be not only the usual trim levels Sportsline, Luxury Line and Modern Line again the M-Sport package can be ordered. In the summer is to be added then another diesel engine and the xDrive will be available. For merchant gets the Gran Tourismo from € 36,150, what are the proud 1,800 euros more than the Touring.

Photos: © BMW

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BMW i3 Concept Coupe

The new electric car at the Geneva Motor Show (March 07 - March 17, 2013), first presented in Europe. On the already pre-release images are particularly striking, the high shoulder line and the apparent lack of B-pillar. The two different colored paint, the stylish wheels and LED lighting make for a modern appearance acting.

For the drive, the drive eDrive system, which should be designed for a range of 130 to 160 km. The energy needed to drive the on-board systems and comes from a specially developed high-power lithium-ion battery. The power consumers such as heating and lighting should have been aligned according to BMW on particularly low energy consumption. Different driving modes to extend the range to up to 25% again.

Another special feature leads to BMW that the battery built here much less sensitively to temperature fluctuations in its environment as today's commercial power storage, which should have a positive impact on the range of the model. When the energy has decreased but then so strong that the driver has to charge so he can view the next charging station and the charging to reserve space by pressing a button. Using an optional range extender available, the range of the vehicle can then also be increased to a total of around 300 km.

Photos: © BMW

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Preview: Citroen DS3 Cabrio

in 2013 seems to be a peak year for all fans will be convertible. It's obviously not the current weather that makes me so euphoric, no, they are the convertibles coming soon to the market. 

Besides the new Opel Convertible Cascada, the beginning of the week I could see up close (and that looks mighty good!), Now runs the Citroen DS3 Cabrio before the dealer.

The two drove the 156 hp DS3 THP 155 and were quite impressed - even if that is not a true-to DS3 Cabrio convertible and fits more into the category of "open at the top" lifestyle small cars. After all, the soft top can while driving up to a speed of 120 km / h . And in just 16 seconds.

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Honda plans "Civic Wagon Concept"

The station wagon market in the compact class, Honda has not operated for a long time, at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2013, however, the Japanese presented the "Honda Civic Station Wagon Concept".

Judging by initial sketches, the Civic is expected to grow significantly in the combined length to make room for the rear combination. Perhaps the wheelbase grows only marginally, the rear overhang, however, should be correspondingly greater.

Whether it creates in the martial appearance of the form in the series remains to be seen. Nevertheless the Honda Civic-spice combination with a sporty design the competition with Variant Tournament and Sports Tourer considerably.

After the B-pillar interesting running window line promises a pretty coupe look with a surprisingly gently sloping rear window, which could, however, have the effect that the view to the rear is more difficult. The powerful rear wheel arches issued, however, should be attributed to the increased euphoria of designers and in-series Civic Wagon come therefore significantly smoothed.

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Volkswagen Golf VII 4MOTION

Since 1986, Volkswagen offers AWD version of its mega-popular Golf.

It was therefore expect to see appear such a variation of the 7th generation Golf.

This is now done with the release in Germany, VII Golf 4MOTION proposed versions Trendline, Comfortline and Highline.

This new version has a Haldex AWD system, lightened up to 1.4 kg weight of the current system.

This allows the car to have a fuel consumption reduced by 15%.

4MOTION

4MOTION technology favors the FWD mode with a distribution of 90% on the front wheels, against 10% on the rear wheels, and in normal driving. When there is loss of traction torque distribution will vary in proportion to the importance of this loss of traction.

Torque distribution can even reach the inverse proportion, that is to say 10% on the front wheels and 90% to the rear wheels.

On the German market, the Volkswagen Golf 4MOTION is offered first powered by two diesel engines:
1. 4L 1.6-liter TDI with 105 hp
2. 4L 2.0-liter TDI with 150 hp

Photos : © Volkswagen

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