The Toyota Corolla was the winner of the 37th edition of the Essilor Car of the Year / Crystal Wheel Trophy. Initially the contest entered 28 models for the prize organized by Expresso and SIC Notícias. The list of six finalists also included the BMW 1 Series, Kia XCeed, Mazda3, Opel Corsa, Peugeot 208 and Skoda Scala. In addition to the final decision was ecology and new forms of mobility, central themes in this year's edition of Essilor Car of the Year / Crystal Wheel Trophy. It is precisely in hybrid cars that Toyota already has 20 years of experience, having registered 52% of its sales in electrified cars in 2019. This is the second time that Toyota has collected this award. He achieved it in 1993 with the Toyota Carina E, a model aimed at Europe and announced under the banner “Excellence for Europe”. The Toyota Corolla succeeds the Peugeot 508 as the car of the year in Portugal.
In 2020, the judges of the car of the year in Portugal also valued the offer of the model in three types of bodies: Sedan, Hatchback and Touring, in addition to the technological component and dynamic solutions. In this year's units, the Toyota Corolla even has Apple Carplay and Android auto connectivity. In addition to the absolute winner, some models were highlighted in several categories. This was the case with the Peugeot 208 GT Line1.2 Puretech 130 EAT8, which after being recognized by the Car of the Year jury as Car of the Year, received the distinction of City of the Year.
The BMW 840d xDrive Cabrio was recognized as a Sport of the Year, the Skoda Scala 1.0 TSi 116cv Style DSG was highlighted as Family of the Year and the SEAT Tarraco 2.0 TDi 150cv Xcellence won in the Big SUV of the Year category. The Kia XCeed 1.4 T-GDi Tech was awarded the compact SUV of the Year In electrics and hybrids, the Hyundai Ioniq EV was highlighted as the Electric of the Year and again the Toyota Corolla Hatchback 1.8 Hybrid Exclusive as the Hybrid of the Year. In 2020, the winner of the “Technology and Innovation” component was the new SKYACTIV-X engine from Mazda with SPCCI technology. As a Personality of the Year, José Ramos, President and CEO of Toyota Caetano Portugal, was presented. The dedication and commitment over the years, since 1968, have been highlighted. José Ramos is also the acting president of ACAP.
Renault Mégane renewed with plug-in hybrid version. Months after the presentations of the new Clio, Captur and ZOE, the Gallic brand renews the also successful Renault Mégane. 25 years after its first appearance to the world, it remains one of the best-selling models of the French brand, with seven million units sold. Renault thus presents the fifth generation of the Renault Mégane that brings a complete renovation in all versions. . In addition, a new plug-in hybrid engine. All available from summer 2020. Like the Clio, Captur and ZOE models, the new Mégane integrates the 10.2 "digital instrument panel, as well as the 9.3" EASY LINK multimedia system arranged vertically in the center of the dashboard. It also receives road and highway assistance, a level 2 autonomous driving technology, already available in the new Clio and Captur.
Along with these two models, the exterior of the new Renault Mégane also adopts an even more elegant and dynamic silhouette with the introduction of the new “Pure Vision” LED projectors. The biggest novelty of the new Mégane is the new 160 hp plug-in hybrid engine, with energy recovery technology inspired by Renault's knowledge of Formula 1. The new Renault Mégane E-TECH Plug-in comes equipped with a 4-speed engine 1.6 l cylinders of new generation, accompanied by two electric motors and a multimode gearbox, without clutch. The battery is 9.8 kWh (400V) and allows 100% electric circulation, up to a speed of 135 km / h. It is also possible to travel up to 50 km in mixed cycle and up to 65 km in urban cycle (both under WLTP regulation). Furthermore, and regardless of the battery charge level, the new Renault Mégane E-TECH Plug-in always uses the engine start-up, reducing consumption. This engine will be available with the launch of the new Mégane Sport Tourer and, later, in the saloon.
Like the Clio, the GT Line version changes its name to R.S. Line and brings with it a sportier image, both outside and inside. In the sportier versions, the Mégane R.S. and the Mégane R.S.Trophy stand out, which are presented in even more “spicy” versions. Under the hood of the Mégane R.S. there is a 1.8 l turbo engine with direct injection, with 300 hp (220 kW), as in the current version of the “Trophy”. The Renault Mégane R.S.Trophy, on the other hand, was designed for the tracks and is differentiated by the exclusive “Cup” chassis for this version, adopting a Torsen® mechanical differential with autoblocante. The shock absorbers and suspension springs increased the stiffness by 25 and 30%, respectively, and the stabilizer bar has a tariff increased by 10%. Renault has not yet released prices for the new Renault Mégane, however it will be available for sale now. summer of 2020.
this looks very beautiful