Distractions with mobile phones and even the multimedia screen increase the risk of accidents, according to the German road safety entity
Alerts come from Dekkra, a century-old German company specializing in vehicle safety and inspection. The country’s roads are the best and safest in the world, vehicles have become more responsive and predictable, with the number of fatal accidents decreasing as a result. Still, certain types of disasters continue to pose a fairly high risk.
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Collisions with trees, for example, are still among the most serious on rural roads. A brief moment of distraction, wet or dirty roads and speed above the allowed, even slightly, are enough for a vehicle to skid — and trees are not forgiving. Lane departure alerts, additional camera-detectable road markings and new sensors could intervene before the vehicle starts to spin out of control. However, existing trees should be protected by appropriate barriers and new ones should be planted at a safe distance from the road.
Users of the road on two wheels or on foot have always been the most vulnerable. More pedestrian-friendly vehicle design, reduced speed limits in cities and towns, better headlights, and awareness campaigns have led to a decrease in the number of pedestrian deaths. However, results have been stagnant for several years or even increased again in some countries.
Although emergency braking assistant with pedestrian detection is becoming more widespread, this negative trend can only be reversed in conjunction with other actions. For example, in the infrastructure, with accessible crossings or visually clear traffic guidance, but also in the behavior of the road users themselves.
Very dangerous is the collision between a truck in conversion and a cyclist or pedestrian. Blind spots cannot be completely eliminated even with additional mirrors or cameras. Even the best sensors can’t detect all hazards – for example, when cyclists are hidden by parked vehicles. The number of serious accidents of this type in urban centers remains almost constant.
Emergency braking assistants detect obstacles and slow or stationary vehicles and, if necessary, apply the brakes. Adaptive cruise control ensures that a safe distance is maintained from the vehicle ahead. However, the warning still remains: one second of inattention can be fatal. Despite technological advances, distractions caused by cell phones, touch screens, tiredness, sleep, and time pressure continue to be recurring causes of serious collisions.
In a single R-Line version, the Tiguan medium-large SUV received a complete redesign, the largest since its debut in Brazil in 2009. The front is highlighted by the new LED light signature, headlights with IQ technology. Light Matrix and enlarged air intakes in the redesigned grille. At the rear, the illuminated horizontal strip reinforces the visual identity and expands the perception of width. It received new 19 in. and panoramic sunroof.
2-liter turbo engine delivers 272 hp of power and 35,7 kgfm, the most powerful ever offered in Brazil. Automatic transmission, eight gears and all-wheel drive that automatically distributes power between the axles according to grip conditions. There are six driving modes: Eco, Normal, Sport, Individual, Snow and Off-road. In the latter, it adds specific information in the multimedia center.
The interior highlights the 10.25-inch instrument panel. and a new 15-inch multimedia center. which offers wireless integration with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Another novelty is the so-called experience selector: it replaces the traditional gear lever on the center console and brings together commands for driving modes and ambient lighting. Front seats include power adjustments, memory, heating, ventilation and massage function.
There are 12 assistance features, including Level 2 semi-autonomous driving, automatic emergency braking and the system that can safely stop the vehicle in the event of driver incapacity.
Price: R$ 299.990 (from May).
Signs between progress and a certain accommodation — not to say lower-than-expected sales — of 100% electric vehicles in the European market have some exceptions. One of these is the BMW iX3, a medium SUV whose dimensions are very close to the X3 with a combustion engine (mm): length, 4.782; width, 1,895; height, 1,635 and wheelbase, 2,897. Trunk, 520 L (plus 58 L under the hood). 20 to 22 in. Demand right from the start led the German brand to decide to increase production at the recently opened factory in Debrecen, built to increase the electric strategy (hybrids and combustion-only models in other locations).
By adopting an 800 V architecture (the most expensive in existence), it can add about 300 km of range in 10 minutes on powerful chargers. However, the same limitations as always remain: in order to preserve the service life of the conventional 108.7 kWh lithium-ion battery, it is clarified that it should preferably be charged to 80% of the full charge. And the time to rise from 80% to 100% comes close to half an hour, depending on the ambient temperature. Estimated average range of up to 800 km by the European WLTP cycle admittedly optimistic, but not as much as the Chinese CLTC cycle; in the American EPA cycle, 640 km (close to that of Inmetro).
All-wheel drive and two engines totaling 463 hp and 65.8 kgfm ensure acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 s. Inside, the 43.3-inch panoramic screen stands out. which extends across the width at the base of the windshield, in addition to the 17.9-inch touchscreen multimedia screen. and data projector on the windshield in 3D.
Sales are expected to start in Brazil in the third quarter of this year, after the second round begins in Debrecen.
With an estimated investment of US$ 1.3 billion (R$ 6.8 billion) by 2030, GAC will consolidate an industrial operation in the country, after an agreement with HPE. This Brazilian group has had a manufacturing unit in Catalão (GO) since 1998, from where more than 600,000 units of Mitsubishi and more recently Suzuki have come out. After negotiations with the Chinese brand, the start of local production is scheduled for 2027 and possibly with a flex engine.
GS3, the first future model in Goiás, is a medium-compact SUV with a clear focus on performance and urban use. Its style is exaggeratedly elaborate with headlights almost hidden because they are so small. LED daytime running lights and signal lights have a prominent position. At the rear, the taillights are also “provocative”, there is a deflector on the roof and the trunk lid is too close to the bumper. On the sides even more creases, but the wheels impress well.
A 1.5 L turbocharged gasoline engine with 177 hp and 25.5 kgfm of torque ensures quick responses and good retakes, even something above average among direct competitors such as Compass and Corolla Cross. This good impression is reinforced in Sport mode. Seven-speed dual-clutch transmission takes time to change gears when most demanded. Steering has the correct degree of softness. Suspensions, with a firmer set, do not please on uneven floors with noticeable noises inside.
Prices: R$ 139.990 to R$ 159.990.
