New BMW X2 for 2018

BMW will release its new small SUV, the X2, early in 2018, but the order books will open in the next few weeks for those who are very keen. This will be an all-new addition to the BMW X range. It will come with a large range of model variants including SE, Sport, M Sport and M Sport X. When it is launched in Ireland the single engine option will be xDrive20d. During 2018 further engines will be added to the lineup: sDrive20i, X2 sDrive18d and X2 xDrive18d. On-road prices start at €50,320 (BMW X2 xDrive20d SE); available to order from mid-November.

Ford designs Robutt to test seat durability

A robot has been created to move like a human bottom and perfectly simulate how drivers and passengers get in and out of their car seats. Engineers used pressure maps to establish a “perch pattern”, the data enabling them to test the wear and tear of materials using the robotic bottom – or Robutt – to mimic the most common paths. “From the first moment we get into a car, the seat creates an impression of comfort and quality,” said Svenja Froehlich, a durability engineer, at Ford’s European HQ, in Cologne, Germany. “Previously, we used pneumatic cylinders that simply moved up and down. With the Robutt, we are now able to replicate very accurately how people really behave.” Based on an average-sized man, the Robutt was used to simulate 10 years of driving in just three weeks as part of testing for the new Fiesta – sitting down and getting up 25,000 times. The new test is now being rolled out for all Ford vehicles in Europe.

Environment minister goes electric

Denis Naughten TD, Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, hit the road in the new 100% electric Renault ZOE Z.E. 40 this week. The Minister test drove the ZOE as he travelled to engagements and meetings in the course of his normal working week, including between his constituency of Roscommon-Galway and Dáil Eireann in Dublin. The Renault ZOE Z.E. 40 has the longest range of any mainstream electric vehicle, 400km in NEDC tests, which Renault estimates at up to 300km in real-world driving, meaning the Minister could travel from Dublin to Roscommon and around Dublin city without any so-called range anxiety. Minister Naughten was driving the Signature Nav version of the new Renault ZOE in pearl white, complete with built-in satnav and BOSE 3D sound system.