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The best of Beijing (in brief)

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Author: | Updated: 24 Apr 2014 14:09

The 13th Beijing Motor Show (aka Auto China) opened its doors earlier this week.

Unashamedly and expectedly, the bi-annual event exhibition focuses heavily on the Chinese car market but there are still many reasons UK-based motorists should be interested…

Range Rover Hybrid Long Wheelbase

Range Rover Hybrid Long Wheelbase

What is it?

A hybrid version of the stretched Range Rover which went on sale earlier this year.

It has the same mpg and CO2 emissions as the standard Range Rover Hybrid (44.1mpg, 169g/km) but the extended wheelbase provides 180mm extra rear legroom.

Why is it important?

The 5.2metre long SUV will be the first diesel hybrid to join the Chinese marketplace later this year and the roomier rear will be a surefire hit for the chauffer-driven privileged.

When or if it be available to UK buyers remains to be seen.

Volkswagen Golf R 400

Volkswagen Golf R 400

What is it?

The Golf R but faster. The ‘400’ stand for the 400PS power output, that’s 100 more than the Golf R and shortens the 0-62mph sprint by a full second to 3.9s. It can deliver up to 450 Nm in total, available from 2,400 to 6,000 rpm, 70 Nm more than the Golf R.

Like the Golf R, it sits on 19” wheels, weighs the same at 1420kg, and uses the same 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol, mated to a six speed DSG transmission.

However, it is 20mm wider on each side with the front bumper redesigned to meet greater cooling requirements. The Golf R’s four tailpipes are merged into two in the middle.

Why is it important?

There are currently no plans to put the Golf R 400 into production but the idea of a sub 4-second hatch will have many salivating.

Mini Paceman

Mini Paceman

What is it?

Mini’s dinky Countryman-based SUV gets new headlights and chrome finish, two new exterior colours and some new dials inside, as part of a mid-life refresh.

All engine options for the three-door, four seater Paceman are now EU6 compliant which means reduced CO2 emissions across the five model range.

The 1.6-litre diesel powered Cooper D sees CO2 output snipped from 115g/km to 111g/km, narrowly missing out on the B/£20 tax bracket, while combined fuel economy climbs to 67.3mpg (previously 64.2mpg). A 6bhp boost to the Cooper S - now 190bhp - hastens the 0-62mph time by a tenth of a second (7.5s).

Why is it important?

Mini’s position as a desirable brand is far from threatened but with UK registrations down by 18% for the first three months of 2014, the refreshed Paceman can only help turn that around.

Hyundai ix25

Hyundai ix25

What is it?

Slotting between the i20 and ix35, the scaled-down SUV is scheduled to launch in China during the second half of 2014, with the aim of attracting fresh young blood to Hyundai.

At 4270mm long, 1780mm wide and 1630mm tall with a 2590mm wheelbase, the ix25 concept is 30mm shorter than Hyundai’s C-segment i30, but longer than some of its key rivals: the Kia Soul, Skoda Yeti, and Peugeot 2008.

Why is it important?

As it stands, it isn’t relevant to the UK; there are currently no plans to sell the ix25 outside of China. However, considering the ever-increasing demand for compact SUVs and the popularity of the ix35, we wouldn’t be surprised if Hyundai begins marketing the ix25 in Europe a few months down the line.

Audi TT Offroad

Audi TT Offroad

What is it?

Was there a whiff of disgust in that question? Understandable, Audi’s “rugged interpretation” of what happens when a TT and a Q3 have a baby outlines exactly why inbreeding is illegal.

This four door plug-in petrol hybrid is closer to the aforementioned SUV than the sports car in size, and combines a 292PS 2.0-litre TFSI engine with two electric motors for a total output of 408PS. This means it can hit 62mph in 5.2seconds before going on to a 155mph top speed.

Audi says it can cover 50km on electric power alone, clocking 148mpg combined at 45g/km CO2.

Why is it important?

It could be the second e-tron Audi, after the A3, due late 2014, but more notably, it shows how SUV-crazy Audi could expand the TT family. More details in our full story here.

Lexus NX

Lexus NX300h

What is it?

The next SUV from Lexus, coming to Chinese showrooms in the latter half of 2014.

The premium-driven NX aims to eat into the Range Rover Evoque’s sales but is notably larger, measuring more towards BMW’s X3 and Audi Q5 (at 4630mm in length, 1845mm wide, and 1630mm tall).

It will be available as a petrol or turbo petrol, but also as a hybrid. No CO2 or consumption figures have been revealed yet for the NX 300h but we’d expect the hybrid to at least undercut the cleanest Evoque (eD4 – 133g/km CO2).

Why is it important?

The CT hatchback introduced younger buyers to Lexus and at the right price, the NX could make the brand even more attractive to a more youthful audience.

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