Powered by a 1.7L diesel engine, producing 100kW of power @ 4000rpm, the Hyundai i40 1.7 CRDi diesel Active comes in both a 6 speed manual producing 330Nm of torque @ 2000-2500rpm and 6 speed automatic transmission producing 320Nm of torque @ 2000-2500rpm.

The 2.0L petrol engine however is noticeably more powerful, especially in the lower speeds, producing 130kW of power @6500rpm and 213Nm of torque @ 4700rpm for both automatic and manual transmissions.

Fuel economy is something that consumers need to be weary of when purchasing a car these days. Generally speaking, you will get more distance out of a diesel fuel tank and that is shown with the Hyundai i40. The diesel Active has a combined fuel usage of around 5.6L/100km, rising to 7.2L/100km around town and dropping to 4.8L/100km on highway driving. The petrol Elite however has a combined usage of 7.7L/100km, peaking at 10.5L/100km around town and lowering to 6.1L/100km for highway driving.

In todays society, the damage a car does to the environment is also a consideration for many buyers. Automatic transmissions will always emit higher levels of carbon, however the diesel option is yet again better over the petrol variant. The diesel Active emits 149g/km and the petrol Elite emits 179g/km. It is worthwhile noting that the Hyundai i40 Elite is a higher model than the Active and in both the diesel and petrol it consumes more fuel and emits more carbon than the Active range, however, when comparing both Active petrol and diesel engines, the diesel still comes out on top.

As for the features of the Hyundai i40, they vary slightly over the Active and Elite range. The easiest way to compare them is to talk about the features of the bottom of the range Active and then address what differs in the Elite.

With a range of nine colours, the exterior of the i40 is not what you usually expect from a wagon. Hyundai has managed to achieve sleek lines and a curved design to make the i40 a modern and appealing car. With 16 inch alloys for the Active and 17 inch alloys for the Elite, they both have a rear spoiler, body coloured bumper and side mirrors and chrome effect door frame and belt line moulding. The Elite also has the added features of chrome effect exterior door handles and front fog lamps.

Once inside, it is very easy to achieve a comfortable driving position with a steering wheel that is tilt and telescopic adjustable and a height adjustable drivers seat. In addition, the passengers seat is height adjustable and the drivers seat is equipped with electronic lumbar support in the Elite. Both models have cloth seats. The steering wheel is mounted with cruise control, audio and phone controls along with paddle shifters for automatic gearboxes. The dash displays a trip computer with all the essentials including instant and average fuel consumption, distance till empty, trip distance, average speed and elapsed time read out. The dash also has an ECO indicator for when the car is being driven in an economical fashion.

The i40 is also equipped with a few nifty gadgets including a one touch triple turn stalk making turning and changing lanes easier, an Electronic Park Brake with Auto Hold for hills and Amplitude Selective Dampers (ASD) for the suspension system to make your ride smoother. The center console also has a 12V plug for those wanting to charge an electronic device or plug in a DVD player for the kids on long trips. Hyundai has also equipped the i40 with one touch up and down features on the windows for convenience and safety.

Audio is such a big part of a car and the Hyundai i40 ticks all the boxes. Both models are equipped with AM/FM radio, CD Player, MP3 compatibility, WMA, AUV/USB input with iPod compatibility and Bluetooth connectivity. Where the Active and Elite are separated is in the speakers. The Active model has standard audio with 4 speakers and 2 tweeters while the Elite boasts premium audio with an in-dash 6 CD stacker, 4 speakers, 2 tweeters, an amplifier and a wolfer.

The Elite is set apart by the installation of automatic rain sensing wipers, alloy pedals, chrome effect inserts in the air vents and knobs of center fascia, chrome effect indoor handles and a brushed aluminum effect on the door inserts and dashboard compared to a metallic paint finish. Another main difference between the Active and Elite i40 models is the air-conditioning. The Active has manual air-conditioning while the Elite is full dual auto air-conditioning with automatic defog.

When it comes to storage, the i40 has no problems. With an already large boot, 60:40 split fold rear seats allow for an even larger storage area when the rear seats are folded down. There is a dual center console plus 2 cup holders with a sliding cover, the rear armrest also houses 2 cup holders, front seat back pockets, map pockets on all doors and a sunglass compartment. The Hyundai i40 Elite however goes a few steps further with the glovebox equipped with a cooling technology and the rear equipped with a cargo blind, safety net and luggage rails.

Security is something that needs to be addressed in all cars and the Hyundai i40 has certainly done that. Central locking, an engine immobiliser, Hyundai Active Locking Operation (HALO) including speed sensing auto door locking, auto door unlock and inside door unlock function, impact sensing door unlock system and keyless entry with burglar alarm are all equipped in both the Active and Elite models. The only added security feature the Elite boasts is a push button start with proximity smart key.

Passive safety is the same across both models and includes driver and front passenger SRS airbags along with thorax, driver knee, full-length side curtain and rear seat outboard side SRS airbags. The body is fitted with child locks on rear doors and side impact intrusion bars in all the doors to ensure maximum occupant safety in the event of a crash. A seat belt reminder will flash on the dash to alert the driver to occupants not properly restrained in the seat belts, which are height adjustable and equipped with electronic pretensioners and load limiters in the front.

Hyundai ensures that all their cars are equipped with the best safety systems and the i40 is no exception. It boasts ABS, EBD, Brake Assist System (BAS), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), ESC and TCS. Automatic dusk sensing headlamps ensure that you never forget to turn your lights on and they also run during the daytime for when it is overcast. Static bending lights and Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFLS) mean that when you turn the corner, the lights automatically turn as well, giving you a wider field of vision. I must say however, the high beams on the i40 are rather weak. The i40 also has an Emergency Stop Signal, projector beam headlamps, warning chimes for seatbelts and when speeding and warning lights for seatbelts, when you need to check the engine and when a door is ajar. For those conscious of speeding, there is a steering wheel mounted speed limiter. While the Active has a basic day/night rear view mirror I much prefer the auto-dimming rear view mirror in the Elite and am very partial to the front and rear park assist with 8 sensors the Elite offers, while the Active does not.

All in all, the Hyundai i40 ranges has done very well in creating a car that is pratical but also appeals to today society. The design and features are at a premium and the range, which also includes a top of the line Premium, ensures that there is a model to suit everyone. Hyundai has not only made a stylish and comfortable car, but one that is efficient, powerful and available in both diesel and petrol, manual and automatic to ensure that this car can be tailor suited to almost anyones needs.

The Veloster we drove was an incredibly vibrant blue colour known as Blue Ocean, It has the wonderful LEDs for daytime driving headlights or as others call it daytime running lamps(if you can run with these guys your doing well ) , a smart key with ‘proximity’ features and engine start/stop button, power driver’s seat, touch screen entertainment system .

Bluetooth, stream audio from your iPhone/iPod, has USB input and broadcast all that through a high-end audio system powered by an amplifier and subwoofer. Rear park assist viewed via the 7 inch touch screen. A huge panorama glass roof. A five-star safety rating thanks to six-airbags and all the active safety features Hyundai has.

Veloster offers the dual passenger doors on the kerb side. Its unique shape turns heads wherever you go. As mentioned before there is seating only for four, and access for the rear seat/s is via the hidden door behind the passengers door. The rear seats are quite limited in the headroom department.

The front buckets are very comfortable they hold you in place whilst cornering without managing to be too cramped for long-distance cruising or commuting but I will add that being a little on the tall side I was a bit squeezed in .

Its available in sporty coupe or smart hatch 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, which powers all current variants, is not what you’d call powerful. It’s capable of 103kW of power and 166Nm of torque, but towards the end of the year a Turbo will be available …and when that gets here ….hang on!!!it will push the 1200 kerb weight along with great velocity on its 18-inch alloys.

Overall it’s a very impressive vehicle added to the Hyundai stable .It’s a vehicle with a stance and the European /South Korean collaboration have put together an impressive Sports /Coupe with a twist.

I’m looking forward to what Hyundai have to offer next .There seems to be no end to their innovations in the latest of cars available.

It has distinct family looks with similar frontal and rear design to its bigger brother the Touareg, and crisp lines front to back. It certainly ticks the style box.

Internally it is also distinctively VW with familiar dash, centre stack and console. The manually adjustable cloth driver seat is comfortable enough however it has an upright driving position that places a strain on the right foot after a while. I found myself getting cramps in the right ankle and really no way to adjust the seat to avoid it.

In front of the driver is a comfortable leather steering wheel that is tilt and reach adjustable and contains the controls for the multi-function display and the stereo. The dash has clear instruments with the multi-function display in the centre. The centre stack houses the radio with the sat nav RNS 510 a whopping $3,000 as an option. At least it now has Bluetooth.

There is reasonable storage space in the centre console and the door pockets for drinks, water bottles and all the little things we all seem to accumulate.

The rear seat has adequate leg room but the squab is a little flat. The seats are a 60:40 split bench that can be adjusted forwards and backwards by up to 16 cm and also reclined, while cargo capacity ranges from 395 to 1,510
Safety features include high passenger safety with daytime driving lights, six airbags; safety optimised front head restraints, ABS, Auto Hold function, BA and EBD, ASR, EDL, ESP and EBC as standard.

Other standard features include 16-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, AM/FM security coded radio (RCD310) with MP3 compatible CD player, Bluetooth® phone connectivity as well as Media Device Interface (MDI).

The Tiguan is powered by a 2.0L TDI turbocharged diesel engine that produces max power 103kW @ 4200rpm and max torque 320Nm @ 1750-2500rpm. This was mated to 7-speed DSG with 4MOTION all-wheel drive. This economical unit uses a measly 6.4 L/100Km. Assisting with the economy are new features such as Stop/Start, Coasting Function (only available for Tiguan 103TDI DSG) and Brake Energy Recuperation

However compared to others in its market segment it is underpowered and the DSG transmission can be a little fussy and indecisive down low and around town. Also worth noting is the fact that this engine was the subject of a massive recall globally with over 480,000 being recalled? To read more about these recalls click here

Even though the latest release Tiguan has addressed a few of its shortcomings it still remains as a second tier choice for a compact AWD SUV. It has a poor towing ability, is quite choppy on dirt tracks and underpowered compared to its competitors. There is still a question mark over VW reliability. In addition to that it has a long and expensive options list.

What is good:
• Fit and finish
• Styling
• Safety
What is not so good:
• Underpowered with fussy DSG
• Poor towing ability
• Expensive options

Model VW Tiguan 103 TDi 7 Sp DSG
Model Price $42,900 RDAP
Drivetrain 103 TDi 7 Sp DSG 4Motion
Power 103 Kw @ 4,200 rpm
Torque 320 Nm @ 1,750–2,500 rpm
Safety 5 Star ANCAP
CO2 Emissions g/km 164
Green Vehicle Rating 3 ½ Star
Fuel (ADR comb) 6.2 L/100Km
Tow Capacity – Max 2000 kg
Tow Ball Rating 100 kg
Servicing Not Supplied
Warranty 3yr/ unlimited km with full roadside assist

Overall OzRoamer Rating 59/100
Behind the Wheel 7
Comfort 7
Equipment 7
Performance 6
Ride & Handling 7
Practicality 7
Fit for Purpose 5
Towing Ability 3
Off Road Ability 4
Value for Money 6

Available in a range of different engines including a 1.6L petrol, 2.0L petrol and 1.6L Diesel CRDi, I was able to test the 2.0L petrol over the past week. This zippy little car is more responsive in it’s acceleration than one would think and produces 112kW of power @6,500rpm and 200Nm of torque @ 4,800rpm. While it’s no sports car, it certainly does give some other small Gen Y cars a run for their money.

It is worthwhile noting that while the 1.6L petrol and the 2.0L diesel come in both manual and automatic transmissions, the 2.0L petrol only comes in the 6 speed automatic (sportsmatic) transmission. Using around 7.5L/100km, the Kia Soul has fairly average fuel consumption, however the 2.0L petrol variant consumes the most fuel and emits the most CO2 (179g/km) of the range. The Kia Soul drives with fairly precise handling and ease and is a comfortable drive for something that looks as though it may be a little rough.

Now the exterior of this car is the thing that captures everyones attention and has been the talk of media for a while now. As I mentioned before, car companies such as Kia, Toyota and Nissan have tried developing something that is futuristic, modern, funky and appealing to younger audiences. Nissan’s Cube really failed with this and ending up looking more like a squashed milkman truck and had elements of bubble design, the Toyota Rukus was definitely an improvement, however its lines are far too harsh creating a squat look.

Kia has managed to create the Soul, which is an edgy new shape to the market, however has retained some of the traditional elements of exterior design such as contoured lines in the windows, a slanted not harsh straight line in the front windscreen and classic curves in the rear lights and front bumper. I urge you all to pull up photos of these three cars side by side and you will see the difference. Yet again, Kia has managed to hit the markets needs right on the mark.

Now we have established the overall design of the exterior, lets look at the specifics. I test drove the Soul+, the top of the Kia Soul range. This model is equipped with 18 inch alloy wheels, chrome radiator grille, front and rear tush bumpers, roof rails, tinted glass, body coloured from bumper, outdoor handles and side mirrors which are electronically adjustable as well.

Once inside the drivers seat is manually height adjustable and works well with an energy absorbing, leather wrapped, tilt and telescopic adjustable steering wheel and drivers foot rest to create a relatively comfortable driving position. The special Soul shining seats are made of cloth and the drivers seat also has an armrest. When it comes to gadgets the Kia Soul+ has steering wheel mounted cruise control and audio control buttons, tachometer and 6 function trip computer. The interior of the Soul+ is completed with a metal trim on the center console and door handles.

Boot space in these small cars is always something of a concern however the Kia Soul is slightly better than average holding a 222L boot capacity expanding to a massive 700L capacity with the rear seats folded down. The boot also has a under floor tray with lid and rear cargo cover. Storage throughout the rest of the Kia Soul is very reasonable with a center console with power outlet, map pockets in both front and rear doors with a bottle holder in each, seat back pockets, twin cup holders and a 2 tier glovebox.

To appeal to a younger market, special attention needs to be paid to the audio system. The Kia Soul has AM/FM radio, USB/AUX input with iPod compatibility, Bluetooth connectivity, Speed Dependent Volume Control, MP3 compatibility and 6 speakers. Now this sounds all very ordinary but the Kia team have something new. The optional audio package comes with speakers that light up. Yes, that’s right, your speakers will illuminate lights in beat with the song you are playing! Now find me another car that can do that! Pretty cool I think.

It’s not all just fun and games when choosing a car to buy, you also need to consider safety. With a 5 star ANCAP rating, the Kia Soul won’t let you down. It comes equipped with ABS, EBD, BA, ESC, TCS, HAC and VSM. The SRS airbags are placed in both driver and passengers, front side (pelvis and thorax protection) and curtain positions. The front seat belts have pre-tensioners and there is a seatbelt warning chime and light on all positions/ The Kia Soul is also equipped with anti-theft immobiliser, child proof rear door locks, impact sensing auto door unlocking, day & night rear view mirror, central locking with keyless entry and panic button and of course front fog lights.

While some may think the Kia Soul is a comical looking car, I think it’s innovative and pushes the boundaries of car design just enough, while still remaining appealing to todays society. It is jam packed with cool features and ensures maximum safety for all occupants. Its is reasonably powerful and fuel efficient and starts from as low as $19,990! So for those looking for a new car, be sure to check out the Kia Soul range for a unique, quirky and fun loving car.

The new compact SUV goes on sale next month, priced from $28,990 for the 2WD manual.

“Peugeot Australia has made a decision to make safety a priority with the new 4008 given the issues that surround SUVs and, in particular, child safety,’’ said Peugeot Australia General Manager Bill Gillespie.

“With many families opting for the practicality and versatility of SUVs we decided to fit all 4008 models with a rear camera and ensure that safety is not an optional extra on the new 4008. This is an Australia-specific decision for Peugeot as our model and equipment line-up is different to that of other markets around the world.’’

The new 4008 comes in both two and four-wheel drive and the choice of two model grades – Active and Allure.

Active models are available with either a five-speed manual transmission or an optional CVT for $2500. Active models are also available in 2WD or AWD.

The high grade Allure is available in AWD with a CVT only. Allure models are priced from $38,490.

“With sharp pricing and a high level of equipment the 4008 represents excellent value in the premium Small SUV market. All 4008 models are also covered by the Peugeot Assured Service Plan (ASP) giving customers peace of mind when it comes to servicing their new 4008’’ Mr. Gillespie said.

The 4008 is the latest model in Peugeot’s line-up to be covered by the Assured Service Plan which already applies to the 308 and 508. Under the ASP, servicing costs are capped at just $330 a year for three years. As part of Peugeot’s dedication to Customer service, the ASP also includes a valet service. And, unlike some other capped price servicing plans, the ASP covers all Business fleet categories and government sales.

Born out of the PSA Group and Mitsubishi partnership, the 4008 still has a strong personality firmly rooted in the world of the Peugeot Marque.

Peugeot designers wanted not only to emphasize the company’s DNA in the design of the car but to also emphasise the car’s off-road character by adopting a vertical grille design, the inclusion of body sill protectors and prominent wheel arch protection trims, to accommodate large wheels enhanced by the sophisticated design of the wheel rims.

The interior ambiance is enhanced by the choice of materials, like the soft texture fascia, piano black trim and chrome highlights.

*PEUGEOT 4008 PRICING:
2.0 Active 2WD manual: $28,990
2.0 Active 2WD CVT: $31,490
2.0 Active AWD manual: $30,990
2.0 Active AWD CVT: $33,490
2.0 Allure AWD CVT: $38,490

*Prices quoted are the Manufacturer’s List Prices (MLP), inclusive of Luxury Car Tax (LCT) at the rate of 33%, and excluding dealer delivery charges. LCT is payable on all vehicles with a total purchase price, including the price of factory & dealer fitted optional extras & dealer delivery charges, above $57,466. This is a manufacturer’s list and new vehicles must be purchased from dealers. Specifications and pricing are as planned for Model Year 2012 and subject to change without notice or obligation.

The prototypes, their camouflage harking back to historical Porsche 917 racing cars, signal the final touches to the 918 Spyder. The focus is on the interplay between the highly sophisticated individual drive components. The combination of combustion engine and two independent electric motors – one on the front axle and one in the drive line, acting on the rear wheels – poses completely new demands on the development of the operating strategies. “They are therefore a critical component in this vehicle into which we have put all of our expertise and capacity for innovation,” said Wolfgang Hatz. These operating strategies and the development of the software to go with them are one of Porsche’s core competences. Both of them have a major influence on the extreme driving fun to be had with the 918 Spyder and they make possible a unique combination of minimal fuel consumption and maximum performance. The initial results of the driving trials are in line with the high expectations placed on the 918 Spyder.

The super sports car is designed as a plug-in hybrid vehicle combining a high-performance combustion engine with cutting-edge electric motors for extraordinary performance: on the one hand, the dynamics of a racing machine boasting more than 770 hp, on the other hand, fuel consumption in the region of three litres per 100 kilometres. Moreover, Porsche is breaking yet more new ground with the technology demonstrator with spectacular solutions such as the full carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) monocoque with unit carrier, fully adaptive aerodynamics, adaptive rear-axle steering and the upward-venting “top pipes” exhaust system. In the process, the 918 Spyder is offering a glimpse of what Porsche Intelligent Performance may be capable of in future.

Its harmonious proportions ensure the new BMW 3 Series Touring appears from every angle as if cut from a single mould and proves that impressive practicality and dynamic design need not be mutually exclusive. The sweeping silhouette with smoothly sloping roofline, side windows extending well back to the rear and a powerful rear end all combine to create a distinctive Touring character and highlight the huge potential of the new BMW 3 Series variant at first glance.

Leading the way: more space for luggage and clever details.
With 97 millimetres added to the car’s overall length and 50 millimetres to its wheelbase, the new BMW 3 Series Touring offers extra room for passengers and luggage alike. Plus, this space can be adapted for a variety of uses, allowing the new car to turn its hand to a range of activities. A 35-litre increase in capacity (to 495 litres) means the load compartment can offer more space than any of the Touring’s rivals. Standard equipment designed to meet the challenges of everyday life, such as the 40:20:40 split/folding rear seat bench, the automatic tailgate with separate rear window opening, the stainless steel protective strip on the comfortably low loading sill (62 centimetres from the ground), the separate partition net and a luggage compartment cover that stows away neatly into an underfloor compartment highlight the ability of the new BMW 3 Series Touring to adapt as required to the situation at hand.

Made-to-measure options like the adaptive attachment system with variable plug-in elements for the load compartment floor, the hands-free tailgate opening function as part of the Comfort Access option, and the electrically pivoting trailer coupling further enhance long-distance comfort and make it even easier to transport a variety of gear.

Alongside its extra practicality and versatility, the new BMW 3 Series Touring also benefits from enhanced ride comfort, the availability of the new Sport Line, Luxury Line and Modern Line equipment packages, and the materials and colour concept familiar from the recently introduced 3 Series Sedan. An optional M Sport package will also be available from launch.

The range kicks off with the BMW 328i, 330d and 320d Touring.
Agility and dynamic performance are among the other qualities which set the new BMW 3 Series Touring apart. Customers can choose from three refined, economical and punchy engines at launch, all of which boast BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. Alongside the new four-cylinder petrol unit developing 180 kW/245 hp and revised 2-litre diesel with 135 kW/184 hp, the line-up also includes an optimised six-cylinder diesel producing 190 kW/ 258 hp that combines sporty dynamics with significantly reduced fuel consumption and emissions. All engines fulfil the stipulations of the EU5 exhaust standard, while the 320d diesel unit can be further optimised to meet EU6 specification, if desired. The Driving Experience Control switch with ECO PRO mode, meanwhile, opens up extra fuel-saving potential for all engine variants.

A sporty six-speed manual gearbox sends power to the rear wheels in the four-cylinder models. And BMW also offers an innovative eight-speed automatic transmission – fitted as standard in the six-cylinder diesel model – as an option. A further option is the eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifts on the steering wheel. Both transmission variants link up with the fuel consumption-reducing Auto Start-Stop function.

Advanced suspension technology, featuring a large number of light-alloy components and new tuning, the torque steer-free Electric Power Steering, an up to 40-kilogram lighter overall weight and finely-balanced axle load distribution set the seal on the car’s dynamic concept. State-of-the-art electronic control systems enhance the dynamic potential of the new BMW 3 Series Touring and help to ensure it displays the perfect combination of sporting prowess and ride comfort. The new Touring can be ordered with M Sport suspension or the Adaptive M Sport suspension as an option.

BMW EfficientDynamics.
In addition to its enviable practicality and sporting dynamics, the outstanding fuel economy of the new BMW 3 Series Touring helps maximise driving pleasure. The key here is the BMW EfficientDynamics development strategy, whose influence can be seen in virtually every area of the new model. In addition to the ultra-frugal petrol and diesel engines, the intelligent lightweight construction concept, optimised aerodynamics and other measures including the Auto Start-Stop function, Brake Energy Regeneration, Optimum Shift Indicator and on-demand operation of ancillary components, ensure that the powerful BMW 3 Series Touring also boasts impressively low fuel consumption and emissions. The Driving Experience Control switch with ECO PRO mode offers further potential for fuel saving.

BMW ConnectedDrive.
An extensive selection of driver assistance systems and mobility solutions, offered as standard or as options under the BMW ConnectedDrive programme, allows the new BMW 3 Series Touring to set the benchmark in its segment in terms of safety, convenience and infotainment. One highlight of the range is the latest-generation full-colour Head-Up Display, which projects key information onto the windscreen in sharp resolution. Included alongside an array of other comfort and safety-enhancing assistance systems is extremely effective interface technology that allows extensive use of external mobile phones and numerous Bluetooth office functions for internetbased services.

The Apps option and the free BMW Connected app provide a gateway to services such as social networks, web radio and the iPhone calendar function. Finally, information and office services along with travel and leisure planners further enhance the individual convenience and comfort of travelling in the new BMW 3 Series Touring.

“The decision in favor of the escooter has been made,” announced Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing, Mercedes-Benz Cars, on the sidelines of the international dealer meeting in Davos, Switzerland.

“With this step, we are adding a further important component to our smart mobility concept for urban mobility in the future,” he added.

Back in 2010, smart unveiled a comprehensive portfolio of electric products for urban transport at the Paris Motor Show. In addition to the smart fortwo electric drive as a coupé and a convertible, it includes the smart ebike and the escooter. smart is now consistently turning this concept into reality: the smart fortwo electric drive will be launched on the market in summer 2012, and delivery to customers of the first ebikes is just beginning. The fully electric escooter will be premiered within the next two years. The design of the escooter study is being developed and refined further. With its many innovative and trendsetting features, the new product will be unmistakably a genuine smart. Just like the ebike, the escooter will also be available for customers who (as yet) have no driver’s license for cars as a smart on two wheels.

“Anyone who thinks of urban mobility has to think of smart,” says Dr. Annette Winkler, the head of smart. “We offer the perfect zero-emissions vehicle for every requirement, and with our products, electric travel is a lot of fun too.”

A number of external studies and the awards that the brand has recently won illustrate how much the ideas from smart are in tune with today’s demands for individual urban mobility.

“We are especially proud that the ebike received the red dot award, and that our comprehensive mobility concept won the 2012 iF product design award,” Dr. Winkler added.

The judging panel for the red dot awards gave the coveted “best of the best” predicate to the series production version of the 2012 smart ebike. This year, the iF product design award, which has been internationally recognised since 1953, singled out the smart mobility concept, consisting of the smart electric drive, the smart ebike, and the smart escooter, as an excellent overall concept for urban mobility.

The film’s premiere, on the eve of the Spanish Grand Prix at the Catalunya circuit, was attended by Formula One paddock insiders, media, and guests of Infiniti. The evening, hosted in the underground cellars of the Ocaña club, also featured a live music performance from Sebastian’s multi-talented film co-star Celina Jade.

‘Drive of the Dragon’ is the first of the Infiniti ‘Inspired Performers’ series and sees Sebastian Vettel star alongside martial artist and Hollywood actress Celina Jade.

There is also a competition on www.driveofthedragon.com for ten lucky entrants to win an official, strictly limited edition film poster.

Since the 2011 season Infiniti has been a major partner of the Red Bull Racing team and in 2012 the relationship has been deepened with Infiniti featuring even more prominently on the Red Bull Racing RB8 and the overalls of Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber. Last year Sebastian Vettel was appointed Infiniti’s first ever Global Brand Ambassador.

Are Hyundai completey monkey nuts? In the first endurance test of its kind in the UK by a car manufacturer, cheeky safari park baboons were let loose on Hyundai’s New Generation i30 hatchback.