Car Guides and Maintenance Tips

ABS Now Mandatory for New Motorcycles in Argentina

29Nov

By J.CarterNo Comments

ABS Now Mandatory for New Motorcycles in Argentina

After several delays due to industry lobbying, the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is now mandatory for all new motorcycles over 250cc sold in Argentina. This regulation was initially slated to take effect from January 1st, 2025 but has been postponed until recently.Key TakeawaysMandatory ABS for new motorcycles over 250cc starting now in ArgentinaNo further delays expected as manufacturers have had sufficient time to adaptNew CBS braking system also mandatory for smaller bikes since January 1st, 2025The implementation of ABS on motorcycles is a significant step towards enhancing rider safety. This move follows similar regulations in other countries like the European Union and Japan, where ABS has been standard equipment for years.Manufacturers such as Honda had already prepared their model...

28Nov

By E.WilsonNo Comments

Guides & Maintenance, News

Letters to the Editor: Readers React to Classic Cars and Guides

Readers of Hemmings Magazine have shared their thoughts on recent articles about classic cars, including a letter from one of the first owners of the rare 1965 Chevrolet Malibu SS 396 Z16. This car was part of a promotional campaign to build excitement for the production model.Key TakeawaysThe letter writer was one of the first 200 owners of the rare Malibu SS 396 Z16.The car was a promotional vehicle to create buzz for the upcoming production model in 1966.Readers' letters reveal personal stories and emotional connections with classic cars.The letter writer, who grew up with this rare car, shared his experience owning one of the first 200 Z16s built. This car was part of a promotional campaign to generate excitement for the production model that would follow in 1966.Another reader wrote a...

Honda Keeps It Classic with the Same Engine in City, WR-V, and HR-V

28Nov

By J.CarterNo Comments

Guides & Maintenance, News

Honda Keeps It Classic with the Same Engine in City, WR-V, and HR-V

At this year's São Paulo Motor Show, Honda showcased its latest SUV offering, the new WR-V, which is set to debut in Argentina next January. This model marks a departure from previous iterations as it no longer relies on the Fit platform but instead uses a homegrown design based on the Brazilian City’s chassis. The engine powering this trio of vehicles—City, WR-V, and HR-V—is a 1.5L i-VTEC inline-four that produces 121 horsepower and 145 Nm of torque.Key TakeawaysHonda employs the same engine across its City, WR-V, and HR-V models in South America.The 1.5L i-VTEC inline-four engine meets stringent emission standards.This motor is a departure from the trend of turbocharged three-cylinder engines with chain-driven camshafts.During an interview at the São Paulo Motor Show, Renan Barba Dos San...

Volkswagen Polo Mk2: A Reliability Icon in the Early ’80s

28Nov

By M.ChenNo Comments

Guides & Maintenance, News

Volkswagen Polo Mk2: A Reliability Icon in the Early ’80s

The Volkswagen Polo Mk2, introduced in late 1981 and arriving in the UK a year later, offers a blend of reliability and simplicity that was unmatched by many competitors at the time. This evolution of its predecessor maintained much of its original design while making subtle improvements to address common issues.Key TakeawaysThe Polo Mk2 retained the EA111 engine but offered a 1043cc/45bhp unit for entry-level models and a 1093cc/50bhp option for higher trims.Styling changes were minimal, with the notable addition of the 'Breadvan' three-door estate model in early production.The Polo Mk2 gained improved noise reduction, smoother ride quality, and enhanced rust protection compared to its predecessor.The Volkswagen Polo Mk2 was launched as an evolution of the original Polo, maintaining a sim...

Renault Kardian and VW Taos Earn Five-Star Safety Ratings from LatinNCAP

28Nov

By AGN EditorNo Comments

Guides & Maintenance, News

Renault Kardian and VW Taos Earn Five-Star Safety Ratings from LatinNCAP

The Latin American New Car Assessment Program (LatinNCAP) has awarded the Renault Kardian and Volkswagen Taos five-star safety ratings, marking significant improvements in vehicle safety standards for these models.Key TakeawaysRenault's Kardian and <a href="https://autoglobalnews.com/tata-s-new-1-5l-turbo-petrol-engine-challenges-hyundai-and-vw/" style="color:#1a73e8;text-decoration:underline;" title="Tata’s New 1.5L Turbo-Petrol Engine Challenges Hyundai">VW's Taos receive top safety ratings from LatinNCAP.The vehicles were tested under the current evaluation protocol, with a more stringent one set to take effect in January 2026.LatinNCAP highlights the commitment of both manufacturers to enhancing vehicle safety.The Renault Kardian and Volkswagen Taos, manufactured in Brazil a...

New Zealand Slashes Emissions Penalties to Ease Consumer Burden

28Nov

By S.MartinezNo Comments

Guides & Maintenance, News

New Zealand Slashes Emissions Penalties to Ease Consumer Burden

New Zealand's transport minister, Chris Bishop, has made a significant move to ease the financial strain on consumers by slashing emissions penalties under the Clean Vehicle Standard. This decision comes after intense scrutiny over the cost implications for buyers of vehicles that do not meet CO2 targets set by the government.Key TakeawaysNew Zealand slashes emissions penalties up to 80% under Clean Vehicle Standard.Penalties are applied at importer level, affecting retail prices but not directly paid by consumers.The changes were rushed through parliament this week following public concern over costs.With the aim of promoting cleaner vehicles, New Zealand's Clean Vehicle Standard mirrors Australia’s NVES (New Vehicle Efficiency Standard) in its approach to penalizing high-emission cars. H...

27Nov

By J.CarterNo Comments

Guides & Maintenance, News

F1 Qatar GP: Weather, Schedule and Viewing Guide

The Formula 1 season rolls into the Middle East with a high-stakes race in Qatar. As drivers prepare for the challenging Doha street circuit, fans are looking to secure their viewing spots for what promises to be an electrifying event.Key TakeawaysThe F1 Qatar Grand Prix will take place under variable weather conditions.Race day is scheduled for November 19, with practice sessions and qualifying leading up to it.Fans can watch the race live on various platforms including Sky Sports in the UK and ESPN in the US.The Qatar Grand Prix has been known for its unpredictable weather patterns. Previous races have seen everything from clear skies to sudden downpours, making track conditions a key factor in driver strategy and car setup. Teams must balance performance on dry tarmac with the need for ...

Tata Sierra Launches with Seven Variants and Advanced Features

27Nov

By M.ChenNo Comments

Guides & Maintenance, News, Pickup Trucks

Tata Sierra Launches with Seven Variants and Advanced Features

Tata Motors has unveiled the new-gen Tata sierra-in-early-2024 Sierra, a midsize SUV that competes in a crowded segment. Starting at Rs. 11.49 lakh (ex-showroom), the Sierra offers three engine options paired with various transmission choices to cater to diverse customer needs. Key Takeaways The Tata Sierra is available in seven variants and six colors, offering a range of features from basic to advanced. It comes equipped with three 1.5-litre engines: Revotron (naturally aspirated), Kryotec diesel, and TGDi Hyperion turbo. The SUV includes standard safety features such as ESP, ROM, VDC, CSC, AVH, HAC, HBA, BDW, EDTC, TCS, ABS, EBD, CDD, AIB, and DST across all variants. Starting with the entry-level Smart+ variant, the Sierra offers a comprehensive list of standard features incl...

TU Eindhoven Unveils DIY Electric City Car Aria

26Nov

By J.CarterNo Comments

EV & Electric Cars, Guides & Maintenance, News

TU Eindhoven Unveils DIY Electric City Car Aria

TU Eindhoven has unveiled a new battery-electric vehicle (BEV) called Aria, designed by students to challenge the automotive industry's approach to sustainability and repairability. The Aria is an innovative concept that emphasizes user-friendly maintenance, allowing owners to perform minor repairs themselves with clear manuals and standardised components.The Aria features a modular design, which includes detachable battery modules weighing twelve kilograms each. This allows for easy replacement of faulty parts without requiring specialized tools or technical expertise. The 13-kWh battery pack comprises six such modules, making it accessible to anyone familiar with basic automotive maintenance techniques.One of the standout features of Aria is its bodywork design, which facilitates quick a...

Winter Driving Tips for Electric and Hybrid Vehicles: A Comprehensive Guide

26Nov

By AGN EditorNo Comments

EV & Electric Cars, Guides & Maintenance, News

Winter Driving Tips for Electric and Hybrid Vehicles: A Comprehensive Guide

Winter driving presents unique challenges to various vehicle types, including electric vehicles (EVs), plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), conventional hybrids (HEVs), fuel cell vehicles (FCEVs), extended-range EVs (E-REVs), and traditional gas and diesel cars. This guide offers specific advice for each type of powertrain, emphasizing the importance of battery management in cold weather conditions.Electric Vehicles (BEVs) face significant challenges due to their reliance on batteries that are less efficient in low temperatures. Cold weather can reduce an EV's range by up to 40%, making it crucial for drivers to precondition their vehicles and plan trips carefully, especially when fast charging is required. Preconditioning allows the battery to reach optimal temperature before driving, enhancing perfo...