Start of Barrel Brigade
You can buy AutoWeek 31 in the store from Wednesday or expect it in your mailbox this week. This week we kick off with a new season of the Barrelbrigade. We also drive the very strong Kia EV6 GT and we find a classic Alfa Romeo Giulia with a special block in it.
You can already see them above: the barrels of 2022! This year Frank Jacobs, Marco Gorter and Michiel Willebrands will compete with each other, with a Renault Mégane Cabriolet, Jaguar X-Type and Opel Astra respectively. In terms of budget, we’re doing it a little differently with the Barrelbrigade than usual this time. For example, a lot more could be spent on the most expensive barrel, but is that also the best?
Will new stuff be tested? Of course! How about the Kia EV6 GT? With 585 hp, 740 Nm and a 0 to 100 time of 3.5 seconds, the Kia EV6 as a GT in one go into the class of the fastest EVs. However, the top EV6 also clearly distinguishes itself from its lesser brothers in other respects.
We also drive the Nissan Qashqai e-Power. With this, Nissan may come up with the nicest car of the year. At least, technically. It’s a series hybrid – unique in itself – and it has a variable compression combustion engine, which is even more unique. But what’s in it for you in practice?
Until recently, the electric Volvo XC40 always had four-wheel drive and 408 hp. That’s nice, but certainly not necessary in the Netherlands. Now there is a more modest version with front-wheel drive, which saves thousands of euros in price. It fits in this form better than ever with the Audi Q4 in 40 trim. Time for a comparative test.
Years ago, Remco Ockeloen had plans to put a modern JTD block in his classic Alfa Romeo Giulia. Just for fun and because it was possible – dieseling was still very normal. But you know how it goes: you are swallowed up by work, family and lockdowns and suddenly you are a long time further. A time when diesel no longer seems to be allowed, but electricity all the more. Could Remco not have electrified his classic Alfa better? “NO!”
Finally, we don’t have a traditional Clock Round in AutoWeek this week. But do not be sad! We have a special kind of Clock Round in which a Volvo XC60 of a few years old with a ton on the counter is taken apart. Down to the last screw. Time to see what comes up after an endurance test and what the condition of the car is.
AutoWeek 31 will be in stores this week from Wednesday. Would you rather not go out? Order from the comfort of your home the latest number. Then it will be delivered to your doorstep within two working days.
– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl