New Zealand Volkswagen importer European Motor Distributors has increased the specification of the the Golf hatchback. All models now feature remote central locking with integrated anti-theft alarm, air conditioning, and a higher-quality, factory-fit stereo system. According to the company, these extras have a total value of $4000, but the price
of the entry-level Golf 1.6 GL has increased by just $1000 to $34,990. The turbocharged 1.8 GTi remains at $48,990.
Alfa Romeo's new look
An upgrade for the Alfa 146 hatchback has rounded out a full revamp of the New Zealand Alfa Romeo line-up over the past two years (the all-new 156 arrived in 1998, followed by the GTV V6 and 166). The facelifted 146 features new frontal styling and new-look interior trim. Minor changes to the 1.6-litre Twin Spark engine have improved its torque characteristics. Standard equipment on the $38,995 five-door includes air conditioning, twin airbags, anti-lock brakes and a six-speaker CD stereo system.
German Rolls in motion
Development work is well under way on the first-ever German engineered Rolls-Royce. BMW, which now owns the legendary British marque, is working on an all-new sedan set for launch in 2003, possibly to replace the Silver Seraph. It will be built at a brand-new factory in Britain.
These fuelish things
The Fiat Group is working on six new technologies designed to battle high fuel prices and achieve ultra-low emissions. The Ecodriver hybrid system uses an electric motor to improve performance during transient states such as acceleration and pick-up, giving drivers more usable power and improving fuel economy by 30 per cent.
Multijet is a second-generation, common-rail, direct-injection system which uses a more gradual diesel combustion for greater efficiency and less noise. The Italian company's third-generation Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) system uses a single unit to govern air and fuel intake simultaneously. Both Multijet and VVA are used in Fiat's Near Zero Emission Vehicle (NZEV), which boasts emission levels 60 per cent lower than those set for the European Union in 2005.
Ergojet is a new software system that integrates engine and automatic transmission strategies, and Active Aerodynamics Applied to the Automobile (4A) is an aerodynamic wheel system that reduces drag through vanes fitted to the rear wheel rims. Fiat says that most of these concepts will filter through into production models in the next three years.
