TESLA CYBERTRUCK: TOTALLY DIFFERENT FROM THE OTHERS

The Cybertruck is the most recent vehicle from Elon Musk's workshop. As always with the new Tesla vehicles, the Cybertruck has attracted a huge amount of media attention even though its production has not even begun. So far Tesla has presented its vision for pickup, the favorite adult toy in the United States. Detroit's 'Big Three' sold over 3 million pickup vehicles in the US in 2019. Sales of pickups have been growing steadily in recent years and manufacturers are sticking to the proven 'big cars - big profits' formula. American pickups are still powered by big, powerful and thirsty gasoline and diesel engines.

Tesla Cybertruck is entering a highly competitive market and it will be the pioneer of electric drive among pickups. Like Tesla's previous vehicles the Cybertruck raises much controversy and conflicting opinions. The design of the Cybertruck is compared to the pyramid, the wedge or the badly peeled potato. A reader of the popular car website noticed that the Cybertuck look like the work of a first-year design student who did his homework in the rush the night before submitting his work.

 It seems that Cybertruck's designers sharpened their graphite pencils pretty well and most likely solely used a ruler . The overall exterior and dashboard design look somewhat unfinished. Sharp body edges can be dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists. The huge flat surfaces of the exterior reduce production costs. It is very likely that there will be design changes due to safety concerns.

Not surprisingly for Tesla's vehicle, the Cybertruck is packed with high tech and infotainment. Everything is regulated and controlled on a 17-inch screen in the center of the dashboard. For $ 7000, a fully autonomous 'autopilot' can be ordered as an option - but active driver monitoring is still required. One option is likely to be a rooftop solar panel that additionally charges the batteries.

The driving characteristics of Tesla's Cybertruck are almost spectacular. The top 4x4 version with three electric motors accelerates from 0 to100 in just 2.9 seconds, top speed is over 200 km / h and all of that with impressive road autonomy of even 800 km! Prices start at $ 39,000 for the rear-wheel-drive model up to $ 69,000 for the 4x4 top model. Performances, a cabin for six persons and fuel economy are certainly big pluses for Cybertruck's market success.

It should be added that the Cybertruck will be equipped with adaptive air suspension so it can embark on off-road adventures. The minuses may be the price and design and it is not very likely that the Cybertruck will attract buyers of traditional pickups.

Tesla Cybertruck is unlikely to revolutionize the pickup category. But it is expected to trigger 'electrification' in the segment. The Cybertruck is high tech statement. Elon Musk seems to want to say that he can offer something completely new in this field and to be totally different from the others.

Without any intention to degrade the distinctive and innovative Tesla vehicles, it seems that Musk's concept of the future of transportation still lacks one essential component. That is the price, which should be more accessible to the wider population. If we look at the revolutionary vehicles of the 20th century, they all have in common an affordable price. The  Mini Morris, the Citroen 2CV, the VW Beetle, the Renault 4 and the Fiat 500/600 were all relatively cheap and no less revolutionary in their time compared to today's Tesla models.

To conclude, like many big SUV-s and pick-up vehicles most likely is that Cybertruck will serve as a small 'tank' for its users with the purpose to be additionally isolated and 'protected' from ordinary 'plebeians'.

NEW MERCEDES A CLASS: IPHONE ON WHEELS

 The first generation of Mercedes A class was introduced in 1997. Due to the length of only 361 cm the car was named 'Baby Benz'. 'The kid' had a serious teething problem and that was the overturning in the moose test. The test simulated the behavior of the vehicle in case of sudden swerving. Mercedes had responded quickly and installed the ESP (Electronic Stability Program) in all of the A-class cars as a standard.

Recently, the fourth generation of the Mercedes A class has been introduced. Baby Benz has grown to a length of 442 cm and has become one of the longest car in the compact car category. The new model is 12 cm longer than the previous- third generation and, as Mercedes says, has mucn more space for passengers and luggage.

The exterior of the new Mercedes A class has not changed significantly in comparison with the predecessor. Less informed could argue that this is a more profound redesign of the A class third generation. But there are many significant differences as the A class nose which is now lower and looks more aggressive. Furhermore, the front and the rear overhangs are shortened.

The new A class is packed with  new high-tech and gadgetry. The instrument panel and two huge touchscreens offers 'widescreen experience' to a driver. To attract younger buyers, Mercedes has incorporated all of the available luxury infointment and high-tech from the its classes above into the new A class.

 The numerous systems which help the driver are impressive . The Distronic System scans traffic ahead with radars and detects road signs while simultaneously monitoring GPS satellite information. In case of emergency, the Blind Spot Assist and Brake Assist systems will first alert the driver and if necessary speed up, slow down or stop the vehicle. All this features make the new A class a sort of semi-autonomous vehicle.

The new A class will be powered by the two new petrol engines with volumes of 1.4 (163 hp) and 2.0 (224 hp) and the new 1.5 (115 KS) diesel engine. The high performance AMG and the 4matic (4x4) versions are also on the way.

In its twenty years of existence the A class has risen in length about 80 centimeters. From the first generation which was competing with the small Peugeot, Renault and Fiat models up to the latest high-tech fourth generation Mercedes strives to be a step ahead of market rivals. Definitely,  the new A class is the most technologically advanced compact, the iPhone on the wheels.

Mercedes is the world's best-selling premium brand, but Audi and BMW are not lagging far behind. The new high-tech A class visually and technologicaly fully follows the spirit of the time. Some will argue that it looks overdesigned and has a cockpit with too much high-tech bling. Others, most likely  the younger ones, will cherish and applaud to the new A class.  But, different tastes are not matter for discussion.
Prices start at € 25.000.

ALPINE A 110: EVERYDAY ATHLETE

In its recent history The French Renault has been trying to become an exclusive car brand. Futuristic design in  cars such as the Renault Avantime and the Vel Satis found a cold reception with customers and Renault eventually returned  to more understandable design forms.

 Renault Avantime 2001. and Renault Vel Satis 2002.

But, with meteoric growth in sales of its sub-brand Renault has compensated for the consequences of the economic-financial crisis from the last decade. 'Life always finds the way' as Dr. Malcolm pointed out in 'Jurassic Park'. The crisis is now a thing of the past and after more than 20 years  Renault started to rebuild the true sports car under the iconic name Alpine A110.

 the new and the old Alpine A 110 

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Renault has reinvented the legendary Alpine A110, a small sports car which was a rally star in the 60s and 70s. 418 cm long the new A110 is by today's standards also small sports car and direct rival to  the Porsche Cayman. The Alpine A110 is 20 cm shorter and over 200 kg lighter than the Cayman. Interestingly, the A110 with a price of 55-60 000 euros is somewhat more expensive than the basic version of the Cayman which costs  around 53 000 euros.

The Alpine A110 engine and drivetrain are located in the rear. The body and chassis are made of aluminum so the entire car weighs only 1103 kilograms. Renault 1.8 turbo engine with 249 hp catapults the A110 from 0 to 100 in 4.5 seconds. The maximum speed is about 250 km / h. The gearbox with double clutch and has seven speeds that change with wheel mounted paddles. Thanks to its low center of gravity, the A110 is well balanced on the road. Relatively soft suspension will be welcomed by the customers who will drive this athlete on a daily basis. The A110 does not incorporate too much technology and gadgets so that Renault has put  an emphasis on driving pleasure.

The retro design theme is inspired by the original a 110 from 1961. I would dare to say that the Alpine A110, with the Fiat 500 and the Dodge Challenger, is one of the finest modern design interpretations of the retro original. The modern instrument panel and the passenger cabin has been successfully integrated with soft and dynamic retro lines of the exterior.

On the basis of Renault Sport's expertise and experience, Renault's designers and engineers have  successfully combined all the aesthetic and technical ingredients in construction of this elegant car. It should not be forgotten that Renault is one of the pioneers of modern turbo engines. The initial market interest for this sexy French car is big. With the new Alpina A110 Renault has successfully hit the target with this somewhat exotic, yet practical sports car.

We should not doubt that the Alpine A110 with its thrummy turbo sound and elegant appearance will be a common sight on the european roads. In addition to the old continent, the sales of the Alpine A110 will begin- in Japan and Australia.

CITROEN SM

Today's cars are suffering from lack of charisma. Due to various security, technical and economic reasons cars now look very similar. Automotive companies share the same engines and platforms and often together produce almost identical models of cars under different names. So, today's cars look boring.

The SM story begins in 1969 when Citroen took over Maserati. As Citroen wanted to enter the world of super-sports cars by acquiring Maserati the question of an adequate engine was solved. The legendary Citroen DS served as a design and technical basis. Hydropneumatic suspension from the DS was one of the key ingreditiens in the SM. The exceptionally aerodynamic SM with a maximum speed of 225 km / h was the world's fastest car with front drive.

The car was extremely comfortable for driving and ideally suited for high speed cruising down the highway. SM's hydropneumatic suspension had six levels to adjust the height. Hydropneumatic assisted steering wheel made easy to park relatively heavy vehicle. When the  SM would increase the speed, the steering wheel would become stiffer. The Citroen SM was a technologically complex car and Masserati's V6 engine was quite prone to failures. Inevitably, after the successful launch the sales have fallen over time. Citroen itself was in deep financial troubles, and in the early 1970s company was sold to Peugeot. In 1975. the SM production was suddenly stopped.

Citroen Maserati or more precisely  Citroen SM is also a product of cooperation; French design-Citroen and Italian mechanics-Maserati. The result- Citroen SM is an impressive blend of speed, style and individuality. Even though the Citroen SM was created in the 1970s, it still looks stylish and its comfort has not surpassed by today's cars.

A total of 12,920 SMs were sold worldwide, while well-preserved SM today costs over 20,000 euros. The SM's timeless design secured the place in the cream de la cream category of classic cars. The SM came about at the same time as the supersonic Concorde passenger jet. The Citroen SM is considered to be the automotive equivalent of a tour de force anglo-french aircraft. The world without the Concorde and the Citroen SM is a somewhat uniform and boring place. It remains to be seen if human imagination will someday re-design similar cars and planes as were the Citroen SM and the Concorde.

SEAT ARONA: SPANISH FLAIR IN SMALL PACKAGE

After a long time the Spanish car maker Seat, a branch of mighty VW,  recorded positive sales results. One of the keys to recent sales success is Seat's entry into the increasingly popular SUV segment. Exiting from the recession and following the trend from America, the sale of SUV models of all sizes and shapes in Europe has exploded.  In 2016, the total sales of SUVs amounted to almost astronomical 3 800 000 units . Today in Europe every fourth car sold belongs to the SUV segment. This rise has also threatened the sales of the cars from "traditional" car segments such as the Volkswagen Golf.

With the launch of the Ateca Seat  presented its first SUV and stepped into fierce battle for buyers across Europe. Recently, Seat has introduced the Arona, a small SUV based on the (new) sixth generation of Seat Ibiza.  Constructed on the same platform, and 7.9 cm longer and 9.9 cm taller, the Arona is entirely inspired by the design of the latest Ibiza.  Arona's sporty design is dominated by a sharp and dynamic but harmonius lines that first appeared on the retired fifth-generation Ibiza 2008-2017.

The Seat Arona is a stylish car with all the required technology and info gadgets. From the first reviews and tests we can find that everything on the Arona is well-screwed toghether at Seat's factory in Barcelona. The Arona is 413.8 cm long with a 400 l trunk. The motorization consists of five gasoline and diesel engines. Emphasis will be on the new Volkswagen's three-cylinder petrol engine ,due to environmental scandals with VW diesel engines..

Undoubtedly, with Arona Seat has a serious runner-up in the small SUV category. As the European cities are overcrowded with heavy traffic buying a small SUV vehicle like the Arona seems like a sensible choice. With the Arona Seat counts on younger buyers who will mostly drive from point A to B.  During the weekend, the Arona will provide its buyers transportation to the beach, the countryside or for hiking in the mountains. Very unlikely is that farmers and firefighters will be buying this stylish small SUV.

 The main rivals on the European market will be the recently introduced Hyundai Kona, the Kia Stonic and the Citroen Aircross. We should not forget or understimate already established players such as: the Renault Captur, the Nissan Juke and the Mazda CX3.

SKODA TREKKA

Skoda Kodiaq

Petrol heads around the globe enthusiastically greeted the Kodiaq, the new Skoda SUV. In addition to the Yeti- globally recognized and praised younger and smaller SUV brother, Skoda in co-production with 'big brother' Volkswagen is now offering flashy Kodiaq.

But, less known is that the Kodiaq and the Yeti are not the first off roaders in the long and rich history of the Czech company from Mlada Boleslava. Skoda in its 121 year history was producing bicycles, motorcycles, cars, buses, agricultural machinery and engines for aircrafts.  Skoda was also a major manufacturer of arms; cannons for the Austro Hungarian monarchy and later the tanks for Nazi Germany.

light tank LT 35

Cynics might say that the first Skoda off roader was a light tank LT 35, which took part in Hitler's invasion of Poland, France and the Soviet Union. But the first real off roader Skoda constructed  in the early fifties of the previous century. The Skoda Babeta, very capable fully fledged 4x4 was tested as a potential candidate as 'the jeep' for the armies of the Warsaw Pact countries. Despite the excellent test results Babeta was dropped at the end.  As favored the Russian GAZ 69 won 'the jeep of the east' title,  Despite all qualities the Skoda Babeta did progress beyond the prototype.

Skoda Babeta

Next off roader Skoda  constructed ten years later after the fiasco with the Babeta. The Trekka was constructed in cooperation with the New Zealand companies.  Skoda delivered the chassis and engines and the body,  in several versions, was constructed in New Zeland.  Trekka's caricatural design looks as it was 'signed' by school boy who had tried to draw a Land Rover.

 Despite the caricatural appearance, due to the low cost and practicality the Trekka  has become a popular means of transport and the workhorse of New Zealand farmers and surfers. The Trekka was exported to Australia and some Pacific islands.  Inevitably, in the early seventies Trekka's sales  were jeopardized by the much more competent Japanese SUVs.

surfers liked the Trekka

Very little is known about Trekka's driveability, but it can be assumed that due to the low weight of the vehicle the Skoda engine of 1221 cm3 with 47 HP and rear-wheel drive was quite sufficient. Unfortunatelly, in the West today simple cars like the Trekka  could not meet the  bureaucratic and security obstacles. Thus, because of its convenience, simplicity and low cost cars like the Trekka are somehow missing.

Interestingly, in Istria, Croatia, we can still see the Renault 4, the Fiat Uno and even the Yugo as 'workhorses' on the missions in the fields and olive groves. As these old-timers will soon become extinct their owners on the market and can not find some inexpensive alternative to the aging trio, either as new or used vehicle.

Lets hope that one day someone will again construct versatile, funny and cheap utility car as the Trekka. Why not as electric powered runabout!?

Trekka versions