Peugeot 2008 (2014) Driven

It’s remarkable to note that the Peugeot’s 2008 has exactly the same wheel-base – 2 538 mm — as its 208 hatchback sibling. Driving the car, and living with it for a couple of days on this week’s launch, it feels far bigger.

Dimensions

In length it has grown by nearly 200 mm, and it is almost 10 cm taller than the small, sporty hatch, but of course by using the same208  platform without any extension of wheelbase the cost benefits to Peugeot are enormous. Thus the very stylish new cross-over, half-hatch, half SUV, comes in at a South African launch price of R269 900. That’s right in there in Nissan Juke territory, Juke being the market-leader in terms of sales in the so-called crossover division for some time now.

Peugeot 2008 styling

The 2008 has pleasing, non-frivolous exterior lines, the most notable feature being the squared off wheel-arches, which  give the vehicle a gravitas it may not otherwise have enjoyed with the sort of ‘raised-eyebrow’ wheel-arches favoured by most other cross-over and compact SUV builders. In fact the overall style is very much shades of Mazda CX-5 in profile, while from the front the 2008 has a very clean front end with a sharp grille-intake profile dominating in bright metal.  The headlights are endowed with an interesting, but somewhat frivolous zig-zag outline.

Build quality

Build quality is a vast improvement over Peugeots of just some five years ago. The materials used in the interior have an extremely high quality feel, especially the seat upholstery, which is a mix of leather and rugged textile. The same goes for the dash and door fittings to a large degree. There is still the occasional panel that employs  a rather brittle-looking dimpled plastic, but these are minimal (notably on the door cappings) and the overall effect,  high-lighted by  a type of rugged carbon-weave-looking dash trimming, is classy and modern, without in any way being over boy-racer-ish.

Peugeot staffers are proud of their new minimalist instrumentation-pod and steering wheel arrangement. I am still not convinced by this layout, both in the 208 hatch and the new 2008 cross -over. I find that with my 1,83 metre height I have to drop the steering column way down so that I can get a decent view of the instrument panel. A bigger steering wheel would solve this problem. On the plus side, in the 2008, the steering wheel is small enough not to snag on my thighs as I drop it down far enough to see the dials (which is only just possible).

Peugeot 2008 engine and gearbox

The powertrain package on the new 2008 has a naturally-aspirated 1.6-litre motor, which is very lively at sea level. In fact initially I felt we might have been sitting behind a low-pressure turbo version of the Peugeot 16-valve motor, which incidentally is also used in the Mini Cooper in both naturally-aspirated and turbocharged form.

Okay, we were at sea-level, which accounts for 17% more power than we enjoy up on the Reef, but I still felt the initial throttle response was excellent. Interestingly, this large, full-five-seater car weighs 1 080 kg, which is appreciably  lower than many workaday hatchbacks, and impressive for a car that has a pretty full specification.

Thus the power-to-weight ratio is much more impressive than one would assume for a car of this size, given that the engine is rated at just 88 kW and 160 Nm of torque. What is impressive is that the engine spins very pleasantly to over 6 500 rpm. It is interesting, too, that Peugeot is only offering the one model here, in 1,6-litre petrol form, and with a  five-speed manual transmission.

Initially I was surprised that there is only a five-speeder available, in this age where manufacturers are going to six-speeders on manuals and eight or even nine speeds on automatic ‘boxes. Peugeot’s SA management team said that this is the only model available to them.

On the one-hand, some motorists may feel that the engine is buzzing a little too hard at the 120 km/h speed limits – a little under the 3 500 rpm mark – and thus using too much fuel at highway cruising speeds. But on the other hand, having only a five-speeder makes highway cruising and overtaking a more relaxed chore, for the simple reason that you stick it in fifth and leave it there – with the overall gearing, there is enough on tap to manage fifth-gear overtakes, and thus you don’t need to scramble between fifth and sixth as you do on some lower-powered six-speed models. Also, the engine is particularly smooth at cruising speeds.

Ride and handling

The launch route for the Peugeot 2008 took us from Port Elizabeth to Port Alfred and then into the interior via Bathurst and the outskirts of Grahamstown. The road surface is that light-grey tar peculiar to the Eastern Cape, commendably pot-hole-free but replete with many ripples and camber changes, not to mention bumps right in the apex of a corner.

The 2008 handles this with aplomb. Marc Bocque, Peugeot’s international Head of Communications,  was on the SA  launch and he remarked to assembled journos at a stop  in Kenton on Sea that we had no doubt experienced the “excellent ride quality Peugeot had achieved with this car.” Indeed, Peugeot have done just that, allied to a steering system that is ultra-light at parking speeds and very quick on turn-in at highway speeds, making for accurate placement of the car. Combined with the small steering wheel diameter, this gives the Peugeot 2008 a very-un-granny-like attitude when pitching it into a corner.

Summary

Overall I found the Peugeot 2008 satisfying in a refreshingly non-SUV or MPV fashion. Give its utility of excellent rear leg and head-room, and a 350 litre boot that is easily loadable(and expandable)  thanks to a hatch lid that extends all the way down to the bumper, this is a car that really can be used happily as an active-lifestyle conveyance. Mountain bikes, suba gear and the like.

Peugeot 2008 price in South Africa

The very good price of R269 900 includes a touch-screen NAV system, audio, six airbags, ESP and EBD, and a maintenance plan good for three years/60 000 km (that distance seems a little short for three years) and a three-year/100 000 km warranty. This car is going to surprise a lot of people who have consigned the French brands to those of also-rans and haven’t kept up with the strides they have made in recent years.

Peugeot 2008 gallery

Suzuki SX4 (2014) Driven

The next generation of Suzuki’s SX4 crossover has arrived in South Africa, and we attended its launch in Johannesburg.

Crossover festival

Crossover is a hotly-contested segment of the car market, with many manufacturers all fighting for a slice of the pie. Nissan has its Juke and Qashqai, there’s the decent Subaru XV and even Volvo is getting into the act with the V40 Cross Country. As I type this, a Ford EcoSport has just arrived for evaluation. I can understand the appeal. Crossovers are big, practical and aimed at the weekend outdoors enthusiasts. They’re also aimed at the young families, as well as the… in fact they’re marketed as a car for everyone.

The previous generation SX4 wasn’t a bad car, and some additions like all-wheel drive at the end of its product cycle made it quite good. Fast forward 2014 and I’m behind the wheel of the next generation of Suzuki SX4 – a larger, more practical version and a completely different vehicle compared to its predecessor. It doesn’t look half bad either and looks like a bigger and bolder Kizashi from the front. However those tail lights look a little generic. The 17-inch alloy wheels are also particularly striking.

Practicality

Suzuki claims class-leading practicality and has addressed the one main criticism of its outgoing SX4: rear legroom. The 2014 SX4 is substantially bigger as the wheelbase has grown by 100 mm, the overall length by 165 mm and finally the luggage space has grown from 270 litres, to 430 litres. If you fold the backrest all the way down, there’s 1 269 litres of space to play with.

Standard specification for SX4

So it’s bigger, wider and more practical. Let’s look at standard specification. In true Suzuki tradition, the product is well equipped. There are a few specification levels to choose from, but seeing as I spent most of my time in the GLX manual, I’ll focus on that.

You get cruise control, 17-inch alloys, six speaker USB/Mp3/CD radio, Bluetooth connectivity with steering-wheel mounted controls, automatic HID headlights, daytime LED lights, comprehensive trip computer, keyless start, auto wipers, park distance control as well as a five-star safety rating. It’s an impressive offering and yet this is the second cheapest version in the line up.

Suzuki SX4 engine

Powering the Suzuki SX4 is the M16A engine. If M16A means anything, you’ll know it’s the same motor which does duty in the pocket rocket Suzuki Swift Sport. Sadly, this engine has been detuned in the Sx4 and focuses on being economical. This 1.6-litre four cylinder has a power and torque rating of 86 kW and 156 Nm respectively. Fuel economy is where the vehicle shines and Suzuki South Africa claims the new SX4 will sip just 5.8l/100km.

It’s believable as I achieved around 6.2l/100km on the launch route in the North West province. As for power and delivery, the car is no hot performer and there’s just enough grunt to get about. I’m keen to see how the Suzuki SX4 will perform at sea level, where it won’t be suffering from a 17% power loss caused by altitude.

Gearbox choices

Things start to go awry when you consider the transmission options. There’s nothing wrong with the tried-and-trusted five-speed manual gearbox, but the continuously variable transmission (CVT) doesn’t make the most of a good engine. It’s fine if you’re happy to drive slowly and efficiently, but if you’re in a rush the ‘box just doesn’t seem to put all the power to the wheels.

The engine’s revs climb, the engine note increases, but you just don’t seem to pick up speed even when using the well-designed paddles. I’d only advise the CVT if you’re totally adverse to a manual gearbox. Otherwise, stick to the manual gearbox and you’ve got a winner, especially as the fuel consumption figure is better.

AllGrip and 4×4 ability

The Suzuki SX4 comes with a four-wheel drive system called AllGrip, and while I didn’t get to try it out, it seems capable on paper. There’s between 175 and 180 mm worth of ground clearance and the automatic AllGrip system does most of the work for you. By using a dial located in the centre console, you can choose modes to tackle different terrain.

There’s an auto mode, which will send torque and power to the back wheels if the fronts start to lose grip. Snow is ideal for unpaved surfaces and spreads the torque between the front and back wheels as you drive. In theory, this snow setting should work well on gravel and dirt. Sport will make things interesting and sharpens up the engine’s response as well as sending more torque to the back wheels for better cornering. If you literally get stuck in the mud and want to get the car out, activate the lock mode and the car will dig itself out.

Ride and handling

The Suzuki SX4 happens to ride well, and there’s a nice feeling of solidity about the vehicle. It’s well damped too and the car feels sure footed and stable on questionable tarmac. The roads of the North Western province really aren’t that great. Part of the launch route included some serious gravel sections as we went up an old mountain pass.

Amazingly, I didn’t need the all-wheel drive version as my launch unit was more than capable, and skipped up the pass without any problems. For gravel driving, it’s pretty good and I was delighted to not hear a single rattle after rejoining the tarred road, underlining decent build quality.

Suzuki SX4 Price in South Africa

The Suzuki SX4 is available in a number of derivatives which all share the same 1.6-litre engine.

Model Price Fuel efficiency Power Torque
 1.6 GL  R265 900  5.8  86 kW  156 Nm
 1.6 GLX  R295 900  5.8  86 kW  156 Nm
 1.6 GLX CVT  R318 900  5.8  86 kW  156 Nm
 1.6 GLX AWD  R319 900  6.2  86 kW  156 Nm
 1.6 GLX CVT AWD  R341 900  6.2  86 kW  156 Nm

Suzuki SX4 gallery

Porsche Macan Pricing Announced For South Africa

Porsche has revealed pricing for the 2014 Macan which first debuted late last year at the 2013 Los Angeles Motor Show.

2014 Porsche Macan Pricing in South Africa

The entry-level Macan S Diesel will cost you R912 000, while the Macan S goes for R923 000 and the top-of-the-range Macan Turbo sits at R1 289 000.

It was also announced that the compact crossover will now be offered with a base four-cylinder engine which will be available by the end of 2014. Apparently the last time Porsche offered the four-cylinder engine was in 1995 when the 968 model went out of production.

The all-new Macan is fitted with an extensive range of equipment including the all-wheel drive system, PDK, multi-function sport steering wheel with shift paddles, large wheels, high-performance audio system and an electrically operated tailgate.

The list of optional special equipment further includes the air suspension system, Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus system (PTV Plus), and the much sought-after dynamic high beam forming part of the Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus (PDLS Plus), which continuously adjusts the headlight level in keeping with the traffic ahead and any oncoming traffic.

All pricing includes a 5-year/90 000 km maintenance plan.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X FQ-440 MR Announced For the UK

Mitsubishi has announced details of its forthcoming Lancer Evolution X FQ-440 MR special edition designed to celebrate the brand’s 40th anniversary in the UK.

Special edition features

The special edition is offered exclusively in Frost White and is additionally equipped with bi-xenon headlights and 18-inch forged BBS alloy wheels.

The model also features Recaro leather bucket seats, a leather-wrapped sport steering wheel, GPS navigation with 7-inch LCD touch screen and a Rockford Fosgate premium audio system with 8 speakers and subwoofer, as well as a Bluetooth handsfree system with music streaming.

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is said to be the most powerful Evo ever sold by the company. It is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that has been equipped with an HKS turbocharger, high-flow fuel injectors and an optimized ECU.

The car also has a Janspeed exhaust system, intake and intercooler piping kit, all of which help the 2.0-litre turbo mill deliver an impressive 328 kW at 6 800 rpm and peak torque of 558 Nm at 3 100 rpm. It is connected to a six-speed dual-clutch Sports Shift Transmission.

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is lowered by 35 mm in the front and 30 mm in the rear, and is additionally equipped with Alcon brakes, and Eibach coil springs. There’s also a data recorder which can record details such as driving style, performance, vehicle diagnostics and present its location.

Production will be limited to 40 units.

BMW 2-Series (2014) Driven

BMW SA has launched its all-new 2-Series coupé to the South African market at a launch held in Kwa-Zulu Natal.

The current batch of newly-named BMWs are still confusing people, but essentially all the odd numbers are five doors, whereas the even numbers are two-door vehicles. The 4-Series coupé arrived in 2013 and now its smaller, more compact sibling, the 2-Series has made its way to South African shores.

Styling

I’ve always been a sucker for a small, attractive and sporty coupé, and the BMW 2-Series for me is one of the prettier cars in its arsenal. There’s a distinct sportiness about the car and this is exaggerated by the lovely red and blue paint jobs which our launch cars came in. The striking daytime running light halos are eye catching too. It really is a good looking little car.

BMW 2-Series engine options

Currently there are three engines available at launch. There’s the 220i with a 2.0-litre turbo motor pushing out 135 kW and 270 Nm to start off. For the diesel fans, you can get the 220d which has the same amount of power (135 kW) but torque is a hefty 380 Nm.

Finally, the M fans won’t be disappointed as the M235i offers terrific performance from its 240 kW 3.0-litre turbocharged straight six. The 180 kW 2.0-litre engine will make an appearance in the 228i around the September mark.

Driving the M235i on track

The launch was held in Kwa-Zulu Natal and gave us the chance to sample the all-new BMW 4-Series convertible too. We started in the convertibles on a long drive from Durban’s King Shaka airport, up to Pietermaritzburg and finally down the winding roads towards Port Shepstone.

Once at Port Shepstone, we had the opportunity to drive the M235i on the purpose-built race track of Dezzi Raceway. This track specialises in the art of drifting and the little M235i was eager to impress (and to light up its rear tyres). From the outside, the blue M235i is a really attractive car and when full throttle is applied, it sounds terrific. It’s a proper sports car requiring some talent to make the most of its abilities, but be warned: it’s an animal and with all the stability switched off, it will slide sideways with very little effort.

M235i on the public road

Once the driving shenanigans were over, we jumped into a BMW 2-Series to take us to our overnight stop. I had hoped to grab one of the oil-burning 220d models, but unfortunately my motoring journalist peers had the same idea. I landed up taking a second M235i and it gave me the chance to drive this hooligan on the public roads.

With its 240 kW straight six providing some awesome power driving through the rear wheels through a proper, short throw six-speed manual, the BMW M235i is not a car for sissies and it requires some proper driving skills to really appreciate it. Highway overtaking is a risky affair, even in the tame Comfort mode as you’ll find yourself exceeding the speed limit with no real effort at all.

BMW 2-Series 220i

The next morning I made a beeline for the diesel 2-Series, but was thwarted again! Instead, I landed up with a rather lovely red 220i. With its 135 kW 2.0 engine providing just enough power to be entertaining, the 220i impressed me the most. It’s a relaxing drive generally, but you can push sport mode which livens things up a little.

To be fair, with the amount of speed cameras in Kwa-Zulu Natal, you really don’t want to be driving over the speed limits anyway. I took the BMW 220i around the Valley of a Thousand Hills and on the roads used by the Comrades Marathon runners, and its capable chassis and rear-wheel drive was a great combination.

Summary

In summary, the BMW 2-Series is a delightful and attractive addition to the fleet. It looks great, has numerous features and some great engines to choose from. In my opinion and if I had the money, I would simply go for the 220i right now. A pretty, sporty and classy coupé for Volkswagen Golf GTI money? Yes please! Admittedly the M235i offers exciting and real sports car-like performance, but I couldn’t drive like that every day. If you had your eye on a base-model BMW Z4, then you’d be wise to reconsider and check out the 2-Series instead – you won’t be disappointed. It is that good.

*With all BMWs you get the car with some features. Go through the brochure carefully and check the options, as you can quite easily add R100 000 on top of the base price. That said, the 2-Series is quite generous with standard specification

BMW 2-Series price in South Africa

Model Price Power Torque
220i R376 000 135 kW 270 Nm
220d R406 000 135 kW 380 Nm
M235i R512 000 240 kW 450 Nm
228i Coming in Sept Coming in Sept Coming in Sept

 

BMW 2-Series gallery

SEAT Confirms Development of Crossover Model Due In 2016

SEAT has finally confirmed that it will produce a new compact SUV model which will come to market in 2016

This will be the company’s first ever crossover which has been in development for almost two years at the Martorell facility in Spain.

The model is said to ride on a modified version of Volkswagen Group’s MQB architecture which will offer the choice of either standard front-wheel drive or optional four-wheel drive. Power is expected to come from an extended range of four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines shared with the SEAT Leon.

“This is an excellent piece of news, since it takes SEAT into a new territory, in one of the largest and fastest growing segments in the world,” declared SEAT Chairman Jurgen Stackmann today in the Annual Results Press Presentation. “The SUV is an important pillar in the future corporate strategy and is a major step forward on the road to reaching sustainable profitability for the company,” he added.

Although it will be the first crossover/compact SUV to wear the SEAT badge, the Spanish company has previously produced such a body style with the Audi Q3 at its aforementioned Martorell factory since 2011.

*Please note that pictured is the Seat IBX Concept which debuted live in Geneva this year.

General Motors Reveals New Modular Engine Line-up

General Motors has unveiled their new generation of Ecotec small displacement engines which will be based around a series of common components in a bid to establish a global engine network.

New Ecotec architecture

Built on a modular architecture that broadens its adaptability to global markets, the engines promise to deliver “leading-edge efficiency, refinement and durability.” They will also be highly adaptable and less complex to produce.

The new engines were developed for GM’s global vehicle portfolio and will power many of the company’s highest-volume small cars and compact crossovers – including the next-generation Chevrolet Cruze, which launches in 2014 as a 2015 model.

The line-up is said to include 11 engines with three- and four-cylinder variants ranging from 1.0-litre to 1.5-litre – including turbocharged versions. GM confirmed that power ratings will range from 56 kW to 123 kW, and torque ranging from 95 Nm to 250 Nm. The architecture has also been designed to support hybrid propulsion systems and alternative fuel applications.

The company further said that the turbocharged 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine recently introduced in the Opel Adam develops as much power as the naturally aspirated 1.6-litre engine it replaces, but with a 20% improvement in efficiency. While the new 1.4-litre turbo is up to 5% more efficient than the 1.4-litre turbo engine it will replace.

The turbocharged 1.4-litre four-cylinder will produce approximately 110 kW and 235 Nm of torque, while the naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre four-cylinder which will be offered in the next-generation Chevrolet Cruze is expected to develop 84 kW and 146 Nm of torque.

This Ecotec family is one of three new ranges planned or already confirmed by GM, and are the product of a clean-sheet design process. They feature common bore spacing, bore diameter and liners across both three- and four-cylinder blocks designed to reduce complexity and increase flexibility for new applications.

The engines will be built at five different plants – China, Hungary, Mexico, South Korea and the United States – and General Motors expects to produce more than 2.5 million annually by 2017. They will eventually be used in 27 different models by the 2017 model year.

“The new Ecotec architecture represents the most advanced and efficient family of small-car gas engines in GM’s history,” said Tom Sutter, global chief engineer.

“Along with performance and efficiency targets, we’ve also aimed for segment-leading refinement with low noise and vibration – and we’ve hit the bulls-eye.”

2015 Audi A3 Sedan Earns IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has released crash-test results for the new 2015 Audi A3 sedan which fared quite well and took one of the top positions among all vehicles tested.

Midsize luxury car earns the IIHS Top Safety Pick Award

According to the IIHS, the A3 Sedan is in fact the first Audi model to earn the 2014 Top Safety Pick Plus moniker, as it scored ‘good’ rating in the small overlap test – where a car is crashed into a barrier at 40 mph with 25 percent of the front end. That’s in addition to ‘good’ ratings for frontal and side impact, rear (head restraints), and roof strength (rollover).

The optional front crash prevention system was also taken into account, and received an ‘advanced’ rating after successfully avoiding a crash in the Institute’s 12 mph test.

The only place where the Audi A3 Sedan faltered was in the side impact test, where it scored two ‘acceptable’ ratings (the second highest rating) for torso and pelvis/leg injuries. The report says that during the side impact test, the dummy shows that “rib fractures plus a fracture of the pelvis would be possible in a crash of this severity.”

Safety features on the 2015 Audi A3 sedan include side airbags: front and rear head curtain airbags and front seat-mounted torso airbags (standard), rear seat-mounted torso airbags (optional), rollover sensor: designed to deploy the side curtain airbags in the event of an impending rollover, driver and front passenger knee airbags: separate airbags in the lower instrument panel designed to minimize knee injuries in frontal crashes, electronic stability control, antilock brakes, and daytime running lights.

“The Top Safety Pick Plus rating for the A3 sedan demonstrates the full Audi commitment to safety,” said Mark Del Rosso, Chief Operating Officer, Audi of America. “With a host of standard luxury features, industry-first technology and uncompromised design, the Audi A3 raises the bar as to what is expected out of entry-level luxury vehicles.”

 2015 Audi A3 Sedan small overlap IIHS crash test

2015 Hyundai Sonata Goes Official

Hyundai has taken the wraps off their brand new mid-size Sedan in South Korea, following some rather revealing spy shots which circulated on the internet earlier this month.

Modern enhanced exterior features

The all-­new 2015 Hyundai Sonata has been designed using Hyundai Motor’s evolved Fluidic Sculpture philosophy, displaying a refined,  premium style, sleek exterior and intuitive interior design ethos, projecting a harmonious and athletic appearance.

Coming to dimensions, the 2015 Sonata is 35mm longer and 30mm wider than its predecessor, and Hyundai boasts this car will have superior driving dynamics thanks to MacPherson strut front suspension and a 41% increase in torsional rigidity for the chassis and its 35 percent bigger bending strength. The vehicle is additionally 4855mm long, 1865mm wide and 1475mm tall, with a 2805mm wheelbase and a 462-litre trunk.

According to Hyundai, the Sonata rides on a variety of 16- to 18-inch alloy wheels and benefits from a front MacPherson strut suspension combined with a rear multi-link arrangement. It comes fully equipped with bi-xenon headlights (with High Beam Assist) together with LED daytime running lights and taillights.

Engine line-up

Three engine units will be available for the 2015 Hyundai Sonata in the Korean market including a 2.0 CVVL engine producing 125 kW and 201 Nm, a 2.4 GDi delivering 144 kW and 247 Nm and a 2.0 LPi producing 112 kW and 194 Nm. Transmission options include a six-speed manual and six-speed automatic gearbox .

Interior features

Inside, the model benefits from improved ergonomics and more premium materials that create a more luxurious cabin for the passengers.  Safety features include six airbags, ABS, EBD, ESP and TCS systems, along with Advanced Smart Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning System and Blind Spot Detection assistance systems.

Heated and ventilated seats will also be among the features offered, together with heated rear seats, electric rear window blind and rear side curtain blinds along with an eight-inch touchscreen display with support for USB, iPod and Bluetooth connectivity as well as smartphone integration.

The 2015 Hyundai Sonata is due to be introduced again at the New York International Auto Show, and is programmed to go on sale on international markets in the second half of the year. We are still unsure about local plans for this model, but we will keep you updated if any details emerge.

2015 Hyundai Sonata gallery

Alfa Romeo To Launch Seven New Models By 2018

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is apparently working on introducing seven new Alfa Romeo models by 2018 to increase sales of the sports car brand fivefold.

New models set to increase sales

According to a report, Alfa Romeo plans to release a convertible Spider by 2016, which will be followed by the sedan and wagon versions of the Giulia and Alfetta models in 2017 and 2018, respectively.

The Giulia sedan is said to be a rival of the BMW 3 series, while the Alfetta sedan will compete against the BMW 5 series. The seven models will also include the Italian marque’s latest crossover slated for a 2017 release and a larger SUV due most likely in 2018.

These new models will supposedly ride on a newly developed rear-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive architecture named Giorgio, which suggests the MiTo and Giulietta front-wheel drive hatchbacks will not get successors.

The report further said that Alfa Romeo wants to increase annual sales to at least 500 000 cars a year compared with around 100 000 units sold last year. The same report mentions that the re-launch of the 104-year-old Alfa Romeo is a key part of the group’s plans to return to profit in Europe by 2016.

Official details are said to be announced on May 6 when Fiat is due to introduce a new industrial plan outlining investments and all the models the group will launch over the next three years.