Premiere showroom

Auto Shanghai 2015 runs from April 20 to April 29 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai). The auto show features 1,343 automobiles, 109 of which are world premieres.

Mercedes-Benz all-new C-Class Sport sedan

Mercedes-Benz' all-new C-Class Sport sedan, locally produced by Beijing Benz Automotive Co, a joint venture between Daimler AG and Beijing Motor Corp Co, was launched last week at the Shanghai auto show.

With a standard wheelbase of 2,840 mm, the model is equipped with a new 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine with a 7G-TRONIC PLUS and ECO start/stop function. It also has a 4MATIC All-Wheel Drive system, equipped for the first time on a locally produced C-Class model.

The model comes with a night package equipped standard across the model line that gives it a high degree of night visibility, and the interior is enhanced by AMG sport seats, an AMG 3-spoke multi-function steering wheel, and a central control panel in high-gloss piano lacquer.

According to the company, the all-new C-Class Sport is the first model in its segment to come with full LED headlamps and tail lights, and features the smallest turning circle in its segment, measuring 11.22 meters.

Renault Kadjar

The Renault Kadjar, which made its Asian debut at the Shanghai auto show, offers an excellent driving experience both in urban areas and when exploring the great outdoors.

The all-new global model will also be the first Dongfeng Renault product to be localized in China's Hubei province in 2016.

The C-segment crossover is built on the Renult-Nissan Common Module platform which has been producing the Nissan Qashqai. It boasts sophisticated versatility and an athletic profile, and can easily switch between the front-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive modes.

The 4,450-mm long, 1,840-mm wide Kadjar consumes less fuel and emits less carbon dioxide than its segment peers, according to the company.

The car is equipped with Renault's latest R-Link 2 multi-media infotainment system, functioning voice control, navigation, Bluetooth and radio. It also has engine stop-start, emergency brake assist, lane departure warning and road-sign recognition with speed limit alerts, 360-degree sensors, a reversing camera and a hands-free parking system.

The French carmaker said the name Kadjar is a combination of "kad" and "jar". "Kad" is inspired by "quad", which represents a go-anywhere four-wheel-drive, while "jar" represents agility and suddenly emerging from somewhere.

New Skoda Fabia

New Skoda Fabia, the subcompact model, made at Sino-German joint venture Shanghai Volkswagen, has two engine options - 1.4-liter and 1.6-liter four-cylinder.

The car also has two gearbox options - 6-speed automatic and 5-speed manual.

The 1.4-liter new Fabia produces maximum power of 66kW/5500rpm and offers top torque of 132Nm/3800rpm.

The 1.6-liter version generates maximum power of 81kW/5800rpm and offers peak torque of 155 Nm/3800rpm.

The model consumes 4.6 to 5.0 liters of gasoline per 100km at a constant speed of 90km/h. Its length, width and height are 3,993 mm, 1,732 mm and 1,487 mm respectively.

The new Fabia, a Red Dot Award winner, has a more fashionable and sporty exterior design to attract younger buyers.

The car retails between 69,900 and 109,900 yuan.

Ford Taurus

Ford's new Taurus made its global premiere in Shanghai. The 5-meter model has a 2,950-mm wheelbase and sports a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine.

Designers improved the exterior with fine details on the sides, including an upswept highlight trim on the doors. Polished 19-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels help to give it a bold and premium stance.

As part of Ford's 1515 campaign, the sedan will hit the Chinese market later this year. It will be produced at Changan Ford's Hangzhou plant which started production in March. The SUV Edge is also produced at the plant.

Volvo S60L TwinEngine

Volvo launched its plug-in hybrid S60L TwinEngine model, made in Sichuan province, which have three driving modes - pure electric, hybrid, or power mode.

The premium hybrid sedan drives 53 kilometers in pure electric mode, which is suitable for daily commuting, and the hybrid mode enables a 1,000-km maximum range with a fuel consumption of 2.1 liters per 100 km.

The power mode can switch it to a sporty vehicle with 306 hp max power and 550 Nm peak torque. The 5.6-second 0-100 km/h acceleration offers greater driving pleasure.

The car is the only model in the same level equipped with all-wheel-drive technologies, distributing the torque output between the front and rear wheels in accordance with the grip on the road. The fuel engine can constantly power the electric motor in the back when the electricity is used up, in order to secure the output in all four wheels.

The S60L TwinEngine qualifies for national new energy vehicle subsidies, and some offered by local governments. In Shanghai, where the launch ceremony took place, motorists can obtain registration plates for such vehicles at no cost, while plates for gasoline cars are auctioned.

Qoros 2 SUV

Chinese automaker Qoros staged the world premiere of its concept model 2 SUV at the Shanghai auto show.

The plug-in hybrid has a 2,600 -mm wheelbase and measures 4,185 mm in length, 2,030 mm in width and 1,553 mm in height.

Qoros said the design features many Chinese elements. Its color resembles that of Chinese porcelain made in the Song dynasty, while the symbol on its wheel hub is a ram. The year 2015 is the Year of Ram in China.

The automaker did not offer details about the car's engine performance.

(China Daily 04/27/2015 page20)