|
|
New car lines
publication date: Apr 3, 2010
|
author/source: Robin Roberts
The new Lexus CT 200h will set new standards in the
premium C-segment by offering the highest levels of preventive, active
and passive safety this year.
The full hybrid hatchback will be the first model in its class to
feature Lexus’s Pre-Crash Safety system (PCS) and Adaptive Cruise
Control (ACC), furthering the technical innovation for which the brand
is renowned. |  | Lexus announced the details this week, as the CT 200h
makes its USA debut at the New York Auto Show. The car will be launched
in the UK and Europe in late 2010.
The CT 200h’s Pre-Crash Safety (PCS) system sets a new benchmark for
preventive safety in the compact premium segment. Already established as
a key safety feature of other Lexus models, it uses a millimetre wave
radar sensor to scan the road ahead for potential impact hazards. If the
system determines a risk of impact, it assists the driver to reduce the
chances of a collision.
If there is a high possibility of an accident, PCS will alert the drier
and automatically provide emergency braking assistance when the brakes
are operated, activating the seatbelt pretensioners at the same time.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) works in tandem with the PCS system, using
the same millimetre wave radar to maintain a selected distance from the
vehicle ahead. Once the road ahead is clear, ACC automatically
accelerates the CT 200h to its original cruising speed.
The Electronically Controlled Braking-Regeneration System (ECB-R) on the
CT 200h co-ordinates control of both hydraulic and regenerative braking
to maximise energy regeneration by the Lexus Hybrid Drive’s electric
motor during deceleration and under braking. It has been tuned to
improve pedal feel and performance.
The ECB-R incorporates a full range of active safety systems, including
the latest generation ABS with Brake Assist, Traction Control (TRC) and
Vehicle Stability Control (VSC).
Passive safety provisions include eight airbags, including
first-in-segment driver and front passenger knee airbags. | | | | Kia Motors Corporation is celebrating the world premiere
of its all-new Optima D-segment saloon at the New York International
Auto Show.
Arriving in Kia showrooms across the UK in 2011, the
Optima continues Kia’s design-led transformation, while revealing a
completely new and stunning design language for Kia, highlighted by a
dynamic and streamlined profile that conveys elegance and athletic
confidence from every angle. Kia’s new saloon will be called ‘K5’ in
Korea and ‘Optima‘ in all other markets. | 
| Optima is longer, wider and
lower than the Magentis it
replaces and is based on an all-new midsize platform that allows for
distinctive dimensions and proportions.
Designed at Kia’s studios in Frankfurt, Germany and
Irvine, California, the all-new
Optima will be available with a
choice of 2.0-litre CVVL petrol and 1.7-litre VGT turbo-diesel engines
and transmissions for the new Optima, both manual and automatic, will
have six gears. A hybrid will also be introduced in 2011. | | | |
Download the Wheels Within Wales toolbar for your quickest way to keep in touch with everything that's happening on Welsh roads and in showrooms or use our RSS feed for the headlines you will not want to miss
|
|
|
.gif){kind=small}