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Design Essay: BMW i – Setting the industry agenda for the next decade

Many have already dismissed BMW i as a radical experiment too far ahead of its time, but looking beyond the glossy carbon fiber facade reveals three ways it will change the automotive landscape during the next decade: 1. Re-define the EV category Despite Tesla, Nissan, GM, Renault and Toyota all operating in the EV space, global sales in 2012 totaled just 54,000. Many put this down to high-cost and range anxiety, but another key factor is nearly always overlooked.

Opel / Vauxhall Astra revealed

New Vauxhall / Opel Astra revealed ahead of a launch at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September The Astra has been with us for 30 years, and this is the sixth generation to hit the showrooms. And it looks to be the best yet (as you would hope), with a cohesive style and loads of design cues taken from Vauxhall’s Insignia. This new Astra is built on the same platform as the much heralded Vauxhall Ampera (the Electric Car that will be the salvation of GM – once the technology is sorted) and as such offers a bigger wheelbase (up by 71mm) on a 4.4 meter (14′ 4″) body, with a wider track, which should make the Astra a better drive.

2012 Nissan Qashqai & Qashqai+2: 1.6 dCi replaces 2.0 dCi

2012 Nissan Qashqai 1.6 dCi 2012 - less power, better economy We’ve got used to car makers downsizing engines, managing to improve economy and emissions and yet still improve power and performance. But it doesn’t look like Nissan are going to achieve that with the arrival of the 2012 Qashqai and Qashqai +2. In the name of economy and emissions, Nissan are dropping the 2.0 dCi diesel engine from the Qashqai range and replacing it with a 1.6 litre dCi lump.