Drag Race: BMW M135i vs Audi S3 Sedan

To be a real performance car contender these days, you need to packing at least 200kW. This battle pits the executive warrior (Audi S3 Sedan) against the brawny hooligan that is the facelifted BMW M135i.

Both have over 200kW on offer, but there are many key differences between the two. The Audi S3 makes do with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder motor delivering 206kW and 380Nm. The BMW M135i has an almighty 240kW and 450Nm from its 3.0-litre turbocharged straight six. Not only is the BMW more powerful, but it also makes a lovely noise at full power. On paper at least, the Audi S3 sedan looks to be substantially outgunned, but it has one additional weapon at its disposal: quattro all-wheel drive. How much of an advantage would all-wheel drive traction be on the slippery tarmac of Killarney Raceway in Cape Town, South Africa? One way to find out…

Compare the BMW M135i to the Audi S3 sedan here.

Watch the video below to see who wins this battle of the premium brands. Regardless of who wins, we can guarantee there will be another title challenger soon enough.

BMW M135i vs Audi S3 Sedan Video

 

Peugeot 308 1.6 GT (2015) Review

 

Want a family hatchback with a decent turn of speed, but don’t want to or can’t go the full hot-hatch route? Peugeot may have the answer with the new swift and luxurious 1.6 GT derivative of the acclaimed 308.

Highlights
-Handsome looks and impressive interior quality
-Spirited performance and a rorty sound
-Firmer ride, but no track special

We’re not the only ones that have been impressed with Peugeot’s 308 thus far. It is, after all, the European Car of the Year, has scooped more awards in Switzerland and Italy, and, crucially, is a strong seller in European markets such as France and the Netherlands. But given the brand’s relatively small footprint in South Africa and the unfavourable exchange rate, it plays a very niche role here. Still, for customers looking for something different, with a full specification sheet and performance, the new 308 1.6 GT provides a tempting alternative.

Impressive engine

The big news here is, of course, under the bonnet. The 308 GT is powered by a high-output 1.6-litre turbopetrol engine that pushes out a strong 151 kW and 285 Nm of torque. These outputs are very impressive for a small 1.6-litre engine, but keep in mind that for the same money, several 2.0-litre turbocharged rivals are on offer (from the likes of Renault and Volvo) that offer more torque. With a 0-100 kph time of 7.5 seconds, the Peugeot is certainly competitive in the performance stakes, though, and subjectively it even feels brisker than the benchmark sprint time suggests, with very good throttle response. Press the Sport button and it sounds even faster.

The advantage of going for a smaller engine is, theoretically at least, better fuel economy. Peugeot claims an excellent economy figure of 5.6L/100 km, which compares well with rivals from BMW (also a 1.6-litre in the 120i) and Volvo (V40 2.0-litre). In the real world our achieved consumption was pretty good, too, with a figure of below 7L/100km seemingly easily achievable.

The engine is mated with a six-speed manual gearbox. In typical French fashion, the throws are perhaps a bit on the long side for a car that carries the hallowed GT moniker, but at least it feels significantly more robust than in the past. The 308’s drivetrain is perhaps even more impressive on the open road, where it offers very good refinement and more than sufficient reserve power to overtake safely.

Tweaked underpinnings

The less sports-oriented versions of the 308 have impressed thus far with their fine balance of ride comfort and composed dynamics. This GT version, however, features some changes to the suspension in an effort to give it a sportier persona.

Firstly, the GT rides lower, secondly, Peugeot has stiffened the springs and, lastly, changed the damper settings. The result? Well, the 308 GT is noticeably stiffer overall but retains decent composure around town. It does, however, create the perception that the car will be a real cracker in the handling department, but this is an expectation that the GT never quite fulfils. The steering is pleasantly accurate and weighted, even without having pressed the Sport button, so it’s a nice car to drive with enthusiasm, but just don’t expect it to be as electrifyingly engaging as a hot hatch. Firm suspension notwithstanding, there’s a tad too much bodyroll in the corners.

Full-house specification

The 308’s cabin has been the topic of much debate. Like its smaller sibling, the 208, it offers a very small steering wheel and high-set instrumentation. Peugeot believes the resultant “steering-wheel-in-the-lap” driving position to be ergonomically superior – read our interview with Gilles Vidal, the designer, here. With prolonged exposure and, in general, they may have a point, especially with less performance-oriented vehicles and their owners.

Driving enthusiasts, however, tend to prefer to sit low down with the steering wheel higher, something which is not really possible in the 308 without obscuring the instrumentation. That said, by the time our one-week test had run its course, we were quite happy with the seating position, and enjoyed the small diameter steering wheel, too.

The facia itself is very modern and uncluttered, with almost all the controls having migrated to the neat full-colour touchscreen interface. Build quality is superb, with excellent fit and finish all-round and high-grade materials used throughout.

This GT model offers all the toys – cruise control, climate control, massaging seats and park distance control are just some of the features. To distinguish the GT from “lesser” 308s it gets racy Alcantara-upholstered seats with leather bolsters, red stitching, aluminium pedals and a chequered-flag motif background for the instrumentation. The previously mentioned Sport button not only weights up the steering wheel and changes the exhaust note, it also alters the instrumentation display to show things such as boost pressure and longitudinal acceleration.

Handsome looks

The 308 is a relatively conservatively styled car, but handsome nonetheless and boasting some exquisite detailing. We particularly like the two-tone 18-inch wheels fitted to the GT model, and the LEDs, the gloss black trim, stylised exhaust outlets and lower ride height combine to make the 308 GT look rather striking. It turned plenty of heads.

Inside, the packaging is relatively straightforward. There’s no problem with space in front, but rear passengers will find legroom to be about average for this class. The boot, however, is very decently shaped and sized at 420L. Fold down those rear seats and total utility space is among the best in this class, too.

Conclusion and Summary

Seen in isolation the Peugeot 308 GT presses many of the right buttons. It looks very good, is loaded with features, offers strong performance and excellent economy. Plus, the build quality appears very solid, too. Its biggest problem, besides the historical brand image problem and small dealer footprint, is the price. The exchange rate is to blame, of course, but at the price the Peugeot sits precariously close to the BMW 120i 5-dr (a Cars Awards finalist) as well as a vehicle such as the Ford Focus ST1, which is a proper hot hatch.

Then again, if you are considering the Peugeot in the first place, it is probably indicative of a desire to stand out and buy something different… by choice. In that case the 308 GT competes not against the BMW and Ford, but probably the Renault Megane and Volvo V40. The Renault may have more power, but is bested elsewhere, so it’s a close call between the Volvo and Peugeot in almost every way. Design preference will be key.

Peugeot 308 1.6 GT Price in South Africa

The Peugeot 308 1,6 GT costs R369 900 and comes with a three-year/100 000 km warranty and five-year/100 000 km Maintenance plan.

Test Team Opinion

Thanks to exceptional build quality, the Peugeot 308 shows improvements from the brand. In the case of this GT version, the engine is lovely and it’s impressive to get that much power from something as small as a 1.6-litre. It’s good to drive too. My only gripe? The artificial engine noise coming from the speakers… -David Taylor

We Like: Engine refinement and performance, cabin quality, features

We don’t Like: Firmer ride… without a real handling benefit

Also consider: Volvo V40 T4 Momentum, Renault Megane 162kW Turbo GT

Compare the Peugeot 308 1,6 GT with the Volvo V40 T4 Momentum and Renault Megane 162kW Turbo GT here

Mercedes-Benz GLC (2015) First Drive

Mercedes-Benz’s X3 and Q5 fighter is now on African soil. We headed to the testing conditions of Namibia to try out this new mid-size offering.

Highlights
– All models offer 4Matic all-wheel drive
– Competitively priced
– Surprisingly competent off road

The Mercedes-Benz GLC is a replacement for the GLK – a vehicle that was never manufactured in right-hand drive and therefore never offered in South Africa. This missed opportunity allowed the likes of the BMW X3 and Audi Q5 to gain significant market share in the medium-size SUV segment. The Mercedes-Benz GLC is the first step the German brand’s fight back. At launch there are four models to choose from in the GLC line-up. Two are petrol, and two are diesel, and all offer 4Matic, meaning all-wheel drive. The vehicle also comes with the new Mercedes-Benz 9G-Tronic transmission.

During the launch, we had the opportunity to drive both diesel models. The GLC 22od and GLC 250d both use the trusty 2.1-litre diesel motor that’s been in service for many years. Not only is it fairly economical, it can be tuned to deliver varying amounts of power and torque. In this application and mated to the new 9G-Tronic gearbox, the GLC offers a relaxed drive. At times however it could be almost too relaxed, as it displayed a desire to shift to a higher gear as quickly as possible, thus putting you out of the powerband when the need to accelerate arises.

Inside the Mercedes-Benz GLC

The interior of the GLC is a great place to be. It shares many parts with and is based upon the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. This is a good thing as that cabin is a luxurious techfest. Rear legroom is to be commended and tall adults will find adequate space when sitting in the back. The boot offers generous space too.

Mercedes-Benz had specified the cars generously and you get a good amount of kit as standard. The most important feature is arguably Dynamic Select which allows the driver the option to adjust the driving modes. For general driving the more comfort oriented mode is best and also prioritises low fuel consumption. For some fun, hit the Sport or Sport+ modes for a more involving and entertaining experience.

Off-road Competency

The Mercedes-Benz GLC is marketed as a mid-size luxury SUV. While it does boast 4Matic all-wheel drive and reasonable ground clearance, it’s not intended to be a serious off-roader, just like its rivals from Audi and BMW. Sure, you can specify the Off-Road Line which gives it a hardcore off-road appearance, but your best bet is to get the Off-Road Engineering Package, which gives you five off-road modes as well as raised suspension. You get 20mm extra ground clearance to play with, but if you have Air Body Control as much as 50mm extra clearance is gained. When it’s in full attack mode, there’s 227mm of ground clearance which is certainly very useful.

Our off-road testing of the GLC put it in situations where many serious off-roaders would struggle, but the car coped admirably. The thick beach sand was a killer and the 40 degree temperatures ensured the sand was loose. The one time we got stuck we were thankful for the lumbering G-Class, which towed us out. The reality is that few owners would be willing to get their GLCs this dirty and we doubt that the cars pictured here will ever go this far off the beaten track again.

On-Road Manners

While we didn’t spend much time driving the new Mercedes-Benz GLC on tarmac, the few kilometres behind the wheel gave us some great feedback. See, the GLC rides on varying wheel sizes – all of which offer reasonable high profile rubber. Our GLC 250d was fitted with generous 19-inch alloys and imperfect roads such as those between Swakopmund and Walvis Bay were effortlessly soaked up. The reality is that the GLC rides well, something which the younger generation of Mercedes-Benz products like the pre-facelifted A-Class battled with.The new A-Class thankfully rides a lot better.

Mercedes-Benz SUV Onslaught

The launch of the new Mercedes-Benz GLC was part of a bigger new product experience. The GLE range has been expanded to now include the non-coupe models and this is the anticipated replacement for the ML, while the lumbering G-Class which we drove not so long ago in Austria and Germany, also came along to play in the sand.

We had a brief stint in the fire-breathing GLE 63 AMG S model, which offers a tremendous amount of power from its biturbo V8 engine. Snarling engine and brisk performance aside, the GLE 63 AMG S is a fine place to be, both from a driver and a passenger’s perspective. That sound is mesmerising and given the right set of wheels, it looks massively intimidating, which is core to its appeal. Inside, features are of the highest order in terms of quality, which is something you’d expect from a vehicle costing close on R2-million.

Summary

The Mercedes-Benz GLC acquits itself rather well and despite what we (and Namibia) threw at it, it performed capably. We’d argue that these testing conditions were hardly what your average GLC owner would be facing, but it’s reassuring that the vehicle can cope in even the harshest terrain.

The GLC is a good product and we expect it will steal substantial sales from Audi’s Q5, which is due to be replaced, as well as the BMW X3. Pricing is on par with its German rivals and the levels of specification count heavily in its favour, plus the looks are substantially fresher. We also think it’ll dip into Range Rover Evoque sales. Brand prestige also comes into play here and we think the three-pointed star on the nose offers significant snob value. Nevertheless, brand value and other intangible qualities aside, the GLC will do well in South Africa and we look forward to digging deeper and getting to know it better, far away from the dust and sand of Namibia.

Mercedes-Benz GLC Price in South Africa

The new Mercedes-Benz GLC pricing and engine outputs are as follows:

GLC 220 d 4MATIC 125 kW – 400 Nm R599 900
GLC 250 d 4MATIC 150 kW – 500 Nm R619 900
GLC 250 4MATIC 155 kW – 350 Nm R604 900
GLC 300 4MATIC 180 kW – 370 Nm R654 900

Best Fun Cars in SA 2015

 

In the final category of the 2015 Cars Awards, we look at the category that sets your heart racing. Welcome to the Fun Car.

It’s time to check out the cars petrolheads are most interested in – the fun car category. It’s not all about acceleration and top speed and certainly not about practicality. What we are looking for here is a car that gives us that special feeling of happiness and spine tingling fizz after every jaunt behind the wheel.

In order to not break the bank and make this about supercars, we set a budget of R600 000. Then we started to look at engagement, the thing that makes you feel at one with the machine, especially in terms of the engine and gearbox combination. Handling is an obvious trait every fun car must have, but not scary oversteer that turns every journey into a survival mission. We’re thinking more along the lines of feel and feedback from the chassis and steering as well as driver enjoyment.

We didn’t discount the exterior appeal that comes with owning a fun car. It needs to have some sort of aesthetic appeal and sporty appearance.

Our final pillar of success took standard features into account. It’s all very well having a track-ready machine, but if it doesn’t have aircon or electrics, it’s hardly going to be useable every day.

Best Fun Cars in SA 2015

Audi TT 2.0T S tronic R566 500

The days are gone when the TT was considered just a cool design with no real substance underneath. This latest version hits all the marks with its powerful 2-Litre engine and amazingly slick S tronic gearbox. The front-wheel drive model is especially nimble and light offering a great experience on a country road. The new interior is also a techfest with a really cool digital display that can be changed to suit what you want displayed. Read more

BMW M235i Steptronic R586 846

The perfect car for the rear-wheel drive enthusiast. It delivers on so many levels. There’s an abundance of grip from the rubber and the chassis feel borders on telepathic. The straight-six turbocharged engine howls in the upper end of the rev range whilst it pumps out 240 kW. The 2-Series shape is also arguably BMW’s best looking car at the moment especially with all the M trim that comes with the M235i. Read More

Ford Fiesta ST R276 900

The Ford Fiesta is the quintessential pocket rocket hatch. The price is a bargain compared to its rivals and the handling is playful, keeping you entertained for hours. It’s got enough power to keep you thrilled and drag it by the scruff of the neck to get the most out of it. Adding to the cool factor is that around tight bends, it will pick up the inside rear wheel and ‘three-leg it’ all the way round. Read More

Renault Megane RS Trophy 275 R449 900

The Megane Trophy is by far the most track-focused vehicle among our Fun Cars finalists. The chassis is stiff and the steering heavy but gives race-car like feedback. It’s got plenty of grunt with 201 kW available from its 2-Litre turbo engine. If its lap records you want to set then this is the car for you but it is quite harsh on bumpy roads and every day driving. Read More

Toyota 86 High R393 800

Think of the Toyota 86 as an entry into real-wheel drive sports car driving. It’s not overpowered but offers its thrills in high doses of oversteer. It’s seriously easy to get the tail out and just as easy to hold it out there. There’s a short shifting manual gearbox and a low seating position to really get you in the mood every time you get behind the wheel. Read More

Porsche Macan GTS Revealed

 

Porsche has revealed details of its Macan GTS, coming to SA in 2016!

Sharing much of its wardrobe with the Macan S, the Macan GTS crossover features slightly revised exterior styling, a reworked interior and a retuned 3.0-litre V6 engine.

Styling Features

On the outside, the major changes include high gloss and matte black accents while the Macan GTS rides on 20-inch RS Spyder Design wheels that are finished in Satin Black. The dark wheels contrast nicely with the red brake callipers of the high-performance braking system. Optional LED headlights feature Porsche’s four-point daytime running lights, as well as a cornering light function. The Macan GTS also sits some 10mm lower when compared to the Macan Turbo.

On the inside, the Macan GTS is fitted with leather and Alcantara GTS sport seats with GTS logos on the headrests. The model benefits from the Porsche Communication Management system which is fitted as standard and music lovers will appreciate the 8-speaker sound system with USB, Auxiliary and Bluetooth connectivity. A navigation module is available as an option which supports a 3-D navigation display, satellite image overlays and route calculation.

Power To Macan GTS

Lurking beneath the bonnet is an uprated 3.0-litre twin turbo V6 engine that’s been tuned to produce 268 kW and 500 Nm of torque through a 7-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission. All-wheel drive ensures maximum performance and the Macan GTS sprints from 0-100kph in under 5 seconds before reaching a top speed of 256 kph with the optional Sport Chrono Package fitted.

Porsche’s Stability Management system has been specifically recalibrated for the Macan GTS which improves driving dynamics. The Macan GTS also features air suspension including the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) which comes standard and allows the driver to adjust ride height and damper stiffness to suit just about any driving situation.

The good news is that the Macan GTS is available for order in South Africa, with deliveries expected in the second quarter of 2016. Pricing however is yet to be confirmed by Porsche South Africa. We will keep you updated as soon as pricing for the Macan GTS is revealed.

Subaru Impreza 5-Door Concept Shown in Tokyo

The Tokyo Motor Show is well underway and it was Subaru’s turn to display something new and interesting. Subaru unveiled the 5-door concept Impreza, which it says will be an entry model into the Impreza lineup.

Subaru Impreza 5-door Concept details

Minimal details are available on the specifications of the hatch Impreza but Subaru has stated that it forms part of its ‘prominence 2020’. The goal is to increase sales by 20% by 2020. Also Subaru will introduce a new platform and work on improving the fuel efficiency of its engines.

The Impreza 5-door concept sits as a solid C-segment offering (Golf, Astra, Megane etc.). It will have impressive aerodynamic efficiency and an upgrade to the overall quality feel of the car.

‘Hawk eye’ headlights make a return to the front-end which has been designed to look low and wide. In total the Impreza 5-door concept measures 4400mm long, 1880mm wide and 1440mm tall with a wheelbase of 2670mm.

The Impreza 5-door will still come with Subaru’s legendary all-wheel drive setup.

Drag Race: BMW X6 M vs Mercedes-AMG GLE63 S Coupe

 

SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO

When it comes to tarmac devouring mammoth SUVs, two manufacturers reign supreme. BMW and Mercedes-Benz. There are a few other models on the periphery but these two are top of the pile when it comes to laying down huge numbers into an SUV and still getting it to turn a corner. As far as this drag race goes, the numbers are nearly identical everywhere you look.

Power and torque are slightly in the favour of the Mercedes-AMG with its 5.5-Litre biturbo V8 pushing out 430 kW and 760 Nm. The BMW is hardly an underdog though with its 4.4-Litre twin-turbo V8 capable of 423 kW and 750 Nm. Zero to 100kph is exactly the same at a claimed 4.2 seconds and both have to be electronically restrained at 250kph. The BMW has a slightly faster shifting gearbox but the margins in every department are minimal. The prices, while bordering extortion are similar too. The BMW will set you back R1 757 659 and the Merc a little more at R1 876 111.

Both machines are coupe SUV’s, a segment that BMW created with its first generation BMW X6. Mercedes-Benz is joining the fray with its version of a coupe SUV in hopes of stealing sales from its long-time rival.

As we sat on the start line, we expected this to be a close race. The two giants sat with their exhaust pipes banging away, louder than anything we have drag raced before. It really was a shouting match between two loud-mouthed heavyweight boxers going at each other pre-fight.

Take a look at the video below to see who wins this mighty drag race, a title we don’t see being lifted from its shoulders any time soon.

BMW X6 M vs Mercedes-AMG GLE63 S Coupe Video

 

Mazda RX-Vision Concept Shown in Tokyo

 

Mazda will be showcasing the RX-Vision Concept at the Tokyo Motor Show this week!

According to Mazda, the RX-Vision Rotary Sports Car Concept represents a ‘vision of the future’ as the company continues its research and development in the evolution of the rotary engine. The RX-Vision introduces the next generation SKYACTIV-R rotary engine and although it’s only a concept, it hints at the possible future of Mazda’s RX sports car family.

RX-Vision Design Features

The RX-Vision Concept adopts a front-engine, rear wheel drive sports car layout featuring Mazda’s KODO design philosophy, drawing on Mazda’s history in sports car design.

The RX-Vision stands 4389mm long, 1925mm wide and 1160mm tall with a wheelbase of 2700mm. Compared to Mazda’s previous rotary powered RX-8, the RX-Vision is shorter, wider and lower and rides on 20-inch black alloy wheels.

For the interior, handcrafted detailing and machined finishes are complemented with leather trim. The RX-Vision Concept is also kitted out with a three-spoke steering wheel and a bespoke instrument cluster.

Mazda hasn’t revealed much regarding the SKYACTIV-R rotary engine but the company did say that the engine “represents Mazda’s next significant step towards achieving a breakthrough in addressing three key rotary engine issues – fuel economy, emissions performance and reliability.”

The Mazda RX-Vision Concept will make its debut at the Tokyo Motor Show which runs from 29 November to 8 November 2015.

New MINI Convertible Coming to SA in 2016

 

Mini recently revealed its new convertible and it will go on sale in South Africa in the first quarter of 2016!

The new Mini Convertible is bound for South Africa early next year and will bring fun driving dynamics to the premium small car segment. With its four seat layout and soft-top roof, the new fourth iteration of the Mini Convertible is longer, wider and slightly higher than the outgoing model. Three engine variants will be available on launch.

Mini Convertible Design

In terms of design, the new Mini Convertible is defined by a hexagonal radiator grille along with recognisable circular headlamps and rear lights with chrome surrounds. The body is also complemented with a black peripheral surround and side indicator elements. A new exterior colour called ‘Caribbean Aqua Metallic’ makes an appearance for the first time too, as seen in the images above.

The soft-top roof is fully automatic and features a sliding roof function too. The roof opens and closes in 18-seconds at speeds up to 30kph. The roof is also available with a unique woven Union Jack graphic.

In addition to its increase in size, the new Mini Convertible boasts increased comfort levels thanks to the improved range of the front seat adjustment which makes entry and exit for rear passengers easier. Luggage space has improved by 25% according to Mini, totalling 215-litres with the roof closed and 160-litres with the roof down.

The Mini Cooper Convertible will be available with either 15 or 16-inch light alloy wheels as standard while 18-inch examples will be offered as an option.

Engine Lineup

Three engines will be available at launch including two petrol and one diesel engine. Powering the Mini Cooper Convertible is the 3-cylinder 1.5-litre turbo petrol offering 100 kW and 220 Nm of torque.

Next up is the 2.0-litre turbo petrol in the Cooper S Convertible with power at 141 kW and 280 Nm of torque. 300 Nm is possible thanks to an overboost function.

For diesel heads, there will be a 3-cylinder, 1.5-litre turbodiesel on offer in the Cooper D Convertible with 85 kW and 270 Nm of torque, or 300 Nm with overboost.

A 6-speed manual is fitted as standard while a 6-speed Steptronic transmission will be available as an option.

We will keep you updated as local pricing becomes available closer to the launch of the Mini Convertible in the first quarter of 2016.

Nissan IDS Concept Previews Next Leaf (Video)

 

The all-electric Nissan Leaf is due for replacement soon and this IDS Concept seems to be the likely inspiration for the upcoming model. The IDS also focuses on developing artificial intelligence (AI) into a workable autonomous driving solution.

Nissan IDS Concept Details

Nissan Intelligent Driving is Nissan’s concept of autonomous drive technology and represents what Nissan believes next-generation vehicles should be. “Nissan Intelligent Driving improves a driver’s ability to see, think and react. It compensates for human error, which causes more than 90 percent of all car accidents. As a result, time spent behind the wheel is safer, cleaner, more efficient and more fun.” said Nissan president and CEO Carlos Ghosn.

The design of the Nissan IDS concept is heavily inspired by aerodynamics and reducing the vehicle’s drag. It’s low at just 1.38m and runs tyres that are just 17.5mm wide. The wheels have a layered design suggestive of thin fins that create tiny vortexes of air flow on the wheel’s surface. This design further contributes to smooth air flow.

Two Autonomous driving modes

The Nissan IDS does not need to be driven in autonomous mode only, there is a second manual mode where the driver can take over the controls. Behind the scenes, the Nissan IDS Concept continues to provide assistance. Sensors continually monitor conditions and assistance is still available. In the event of imminent danger, Nissan IDS Concept will assist the driver in taking evasive action.

When in autonomous mode the IDS Concept does its best to act like the driver would, learning from their driving style. It will mimic the driver’s style and preferences.

Improved Electric power

The next evolution of battery power is said to still be under construction as Nissan investigates new technologies to improve range and efficiency. The IDS concept is fitted with a 60 kWh, compared to the current Leaf which is powered by a 24 kWh battery. The IDS makes use of carbon fibre to drop weight as well as its efficient aerodynamic shape to make long journeys possible on electric power.