The motor industry is never stagnant with engineers, designers and the biggest brands going head-to-head each year in a bid to lead in innovation.
Brands that have worked their way into the hearts of the consumers have all changed their game in the last decade with revamps in regards to styling, design, technology and engineering. The next decade doesn’t indicate any deceleration.
New models are being rolled out and old ones are getting facelifts across the board and Top Revs is looking at some of the exciting prospects this year holds.
Hyundai
In recent years, big brands have branched out into the transport industry as well as self-driving technology which is trying to break into the future and beyond.
One of the latest brands to venture into this neck of the woods is Hyundai. Hyundai is the third largest vehicle manufacturer in the world and their first model rolled out was in collaboration with Ford Motors, producing the Cortina in 1968, a year after the company was established. Half a century later, and the South Korean manufacturer is looking to team up with another company to take them higher.
Uber Elevate and Hyundai earlier this year announced a partnership to develop Uber air taxis leading to an aerial ride-share market. The South Korean brand will produce and deploy the aircraft with Uber providing airspace support services, connecting to ground transportation and customer interfaces.
“Our vision of Urban Air Mobility (UAM) will transform the concept of urban transportation. We expect UAM to vitalise urban communities and provide more quality time to people. We are confident that Uber Elevate is the right partner to make this innovative product readily available to as many customers as possible,” says Jaiwon Shin, executive vice-president and head of Hyundai’s UAM division.
Hyundai is certainly looking to taking things up a notch.
Audi
Looking to improve on what they already have, Audi is planning to refine the business class of twin models the A6 and the S6. Upgrades in styling, suspension technology, body dimensions, electrification, digitalisation, elegance and comfort are on the cards for the German manufacturer.
Moving into a more environment-friendly mode with better efficiency and comfort, the Audi S6 is fitted with a 48V mild-hybrid system which connects with a six-cylinder engine. In real-world driving, the mild hybrid technology based on 48V reduces fuel consumption by up to 0,7 litres per 100 kilometres
For longer journeys, the A6 model range is fitted with all-new electric seats with memory and leather upholstery as a standard feature. The Audi S6 includes sport seats as standard equipment. The panoramic glass sunroof, standard for the S6 models, floods the interior with natural light.
Sometimes it’s not only about the power and ruggedness, but also finding new comfort in something familiar and Audi is hitting that nail right on the head.
Ford
Ford has a way of blending segments and delivering on vehicles that have a wide audience. Their all-new Ford EcoSport is testament to that. The compact SUV is the perfect city car that could manoeuvre on the rough gravel and unforgiving landscapes that make Africa so beautiful.
Ford’s EcoSport has consistently featured in South Africa’s monthly ranking of the 10 top-selling passenger cars since its launch in 2013 and the brand looks to further their developments on the power-house.
“Designed for the urban jungle, and built to escape it, the EcoSport is definitely worth a look-see for active young families,” says Doreen Mashinini, general manager for marketing at Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa.
“Since its introduction in 2013, the EcoSport, which blends rugged SUV functionality with unrivalled city car practicality, has consistently featured in the country’s monthly ranking of the 10 top-selling passenger cars,” she continues.
There are many other new forthcoming models across the industry that motorheads will be excited to see. Keep your eyes on Top Revs in 2020 as we bring the best and most thrilling test drives right to your doorstep.
– With additional information from QuickPic.
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