Global Vehicles

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Future MGs

The MG X30 is slated for production later this year.

MG Rover Group has released pictures and some details of new models based on current platforms—although they are not to be launched until the fall. At present, they carry company project-code identifications of X10, X20, and X30. They are described as "uncompromising driver's cars," reflecting MG Rover's philosophy of creating sportier and more responsive models. According to the company, "The roots of the MG sedan program actually pre-date the formation of MG Rover Group to the early summer of 2000. The enthusiasm for sporting cars was latent in the product development areas, and considerable exploratory work was done in this direction during the BMW Group era. Therefore, a sound development base already existed, allowing a fast start."

Project X10, a four-door sedan based on the Rover 75, will be produced in several versions, including a V8 delivering 191 kW (256 hp) and a "radically re-engineered" car with 276 kW (370 hp). Less powerful versions planned use a 2.5-L quad-cam alloy engine. MG Rover has paid great attention to the car's chassis, with changes to elements that influence handling. A high-geared steering rack is used. Body changes compared to the 75 include a rear deck spoiler and deep front air dam.

The MGF in Trophy 160SE configuration.

Project X20 will offer the choice of four- and five-door configurations. Compared with current models on which they will be based, they receive extensive chassis modifications. A 2.5-L KV6 engine, together with 1.6- and 1.8-L four-cylinder units, will be available, plus a 2.0-L turbodiesel.

Project X30 is described as a "small hot-hatchback" to be built in three- and five-door forms using the 1.8-L, four-cylinder VVC engine also fitted to the MGF sportscar.

There are also changes to the MGF, which is now available with a tuned version of the 1.8-L, four-cylinder K-series engine producing 118 kW (158 hp), which is 10% more than the standard model. A 1.6-L engine is also offered.

- Stuart Birch

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Opel, Renault improve van comfort

IBC Vehicles, a GM subsidiary in the UK, builds the Opel Vivaro and Renault Trafic.

Efforts to raise driver comfort standards of small- and medium-size commercial vehicles to near car levels have made major progress in recent years. A new panel van, the result of cooperation between Renault and GM Europe's Opel, continues the trend. Renault had responsibility for design and development, Opel for production. The new vehicle is badged Opel Vivaro (Vauxhall in the UK), or Renault Trafic, and is built in the UK. It is also available as a nine-seat people carrier (minivan). Maxi-mum payload is 1.2 t (1.3 ton), and there is a choice of gasoline and turbodiesel engines and two wheelbases: 3098 mm (122 in) and 3498 mm (138 in).

The Opel Vivaro has car-like ergonomics and driving position.

The Vivaro/Trafic has been designed to have car-like ride, driving position, and handling qualities, with particular attention paid to driver ergonomics. One of the main differences between the Opel and Renault is seat design to suit individual markets, and there are some other relatively minor differences. In-vehicle communications in the Vivaro are largely identical to those fitted to Opel's Omega sedan and station wagon. Steering-wheel function buttons are available, and an optional navigation system has a traffic-routing function to avoid congestion. Five- or six-speed gearboxes are available, and a 2.5-L four-valve common-rail turbodiesel producing 98 kW (131 hp) is planned.

The Vivaro/Trafic is being built in the UK by IBC Vehicles, a subsidiary of GM.

- Stuart Birch

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Mercedes stretches A-Class

The long and the short of it: the Mercedes-Benz A-Class is available with a longer wheelbase.

Mercedes-Benz has lengthened its small A-Class. An optional stretched version with a 170 mm (6.7 in) longer wheelbase gives the car 11% more interior space than the standard version, which continues in production. The added length translates directly into more legroom for rear-seat passengers, with a distance of 945 mm (37.2 in) between front- and rear-seat passengers. The longer wheelbase should also improve the A-Class's ride over poor surfaces.

More space is available in the longer-wheelbase A-Class. (dimensions in mm) Click to enlarge

Changes to the whole A-Class range include exterior detail styling modifications and an ergonomically and stylistically altered interior. A criticism of the early A-Class cars was instrument panel quality. This was improved early in production, and now the instrument panel has been restyled. It uses similar materials to those in the S-Class to provide a soft-touch surface. The center console has also been upgraded.

Mercedes has increased the power output of the A-Class's common-rail direct-injection diesel engines. Power of the A160CDI is up from 44 kW (59 hp) to 55 kW (74 hp) due to the introduction of a charge-air cooling system. Power of the A170CDI is up from 66 kW (88 hp) to 70 kW (94 hp). The gasoline engines in the range remain unchanged. The car's standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP) combines a new hydraulic Brake Assist system. "Windowbags" are now an option on the A-Class, and a dew-point sensor controls the air-conditioning system. Mercedes said the A-Class is the first car in its segment to be produced with such technology.

- Stuart Birch

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