VW Exec on Mercedes X-Class: ‘Very Difficult to Disguise a Nissan’

Volkswagen’s management has proven itself to be excellent at a few things. They can run a hell of a company, they’re good at (ahem) crisis management, and they’re rapidly earning their entry to the Player Haters Ball.

A few weeks ago we heard Matthias Müller drop the mic on Tesla (boy, did that turn out to be prescient) and now VW’s Australian head of communications, Paul Pottinger, had a few choice words for Mercedes’ “new” pickup truck, the X-Class.

“It’s very difficult to disguise a Nissan Navara,” Pottinger told Motoring after seeing the X-Class for the first time. “If I was a buyer I might be surprised [with the quality]. When a Mercedes-Benz owner opens the door and sees Nissan hinges, the game might be up.”

SEE ALSO: BMW Says the Mercedes-Benz X-Class is Appalling

The question of German quality in pickups is anything but academic in Australia, where VW’s own pickup, the Amarok sells rather well.

The X-Class, rather than being designed, built, or even really touched by Mercedes, will be built at Renault’s Cordoba, Argentina plant as of 2019.

We wait with bated breath for the next corporate burn VW has to offer.

Source : http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2017/11/vw-exec-on-mercedes-x-class-very-difficult-to-disguise-a-nissan-.html

New Hyundai Creta Small SUV Makes Official Debut

After many appearances in private events, Hyundai has officially unveiled its new Creta sub-compact SUV in India before it goes on sale in the country on July 21.

The car's styling that adopts Hyundai's Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 theme comes as no surprise, as we've already seen the SUV in China where it's sold under the ix25 namesince last year. 

The new name is derived from the largest of the Greek islands, Crete, and will be used internationally, although, the Koreans have not yet revealed in which other markets the SUV will be offered in.  
In India, Hyundai's first-ever entry in the sub-compact SUV category will launch with a choice of three engines, including a 123PS (121hp) 1.6-liter petrol unit and a pair of 1.4-liter and 128PS (126hp) 1.6-liter diesels. All engines get a standard 6-speed manual gearbox, with the 1.6-liter diesel also offering the option of a 6-speed automatic transmission. 

Depending on the trim, the Creta will be available with up to 17-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, infotainment and navigation systems with a 5-inch touchscreen, 6 airbags, parking reverse camera and leather upholstery.

Some of its main rivals in India include the Ford Ecosport, Renault Duster and Nissan Terrano. 

Speaking at the presentation of Creta, Hyundai Motors India Managing Director and CEO, BS Seo (seriously, we did not make that name up…) said: “The CRETA is the most awaited and aspirational SUV of the year and would be a revolutionary product in the Hyundai portfolio. The global SUV CRETA will herald a new chapter in Hyundai Motor India’s success story and will set a new benchmark in the SUV segment of India with unmatched capabilities." 

via @carscoops