Months of guess photos are finally coming to an end as Mercedes Benz is unveiling the new A-Class facelift. This lineup will boast a hatchback and saloon body style. This compact prestigious marque plays a game of spot the changes with its mid-cycle revision. With revamped headlights, optional LEDs amid a redesigned grille with tiny diamond stars. At the rear, the Mercedes has installed a new diffuser and standard LED taillights.
Four new rim options have been given which go up to 19 inches, including an AMG Line set with a gloss black multi-spoke design. Mercedes is also offering a variety of individual paint options from the catalogue with frozen and metallic finishes.
For the interior, they have updated the steering wheel in Nappa leather as standard while the centre console gets some minor revisions. The latest infotainment system continues to work with a 7" display that can be upgraded to a 10.25-inch diagonal to match the touchscreen.
Power unit wise, the petrol engines have received a mild-hybrid treatment and work with seven- or eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmissions as standard. The 48V tech provides an extra 13 bhp (10 kilowatts) of power at the start. For the plug-in hybrid, the electric motor now delivers an extra 7 bhp (5 kW) for a grand total of 107 bhp (80 kW). Owners can increase the battery with alternating current at up to 11 kW or with direct current at 22 kW, in which case it takes 25 minutes to charge from 10 to 80 percent.
Mercedes Benz are also unveiling the new AMG versions with the A35 being available in hatchback and saloon models while the A45 S remains a five-door-only option. The AMG A35 gets a mild-hybrid system and transitions to an eight-speed DCT replacing the previously used seven-speed transmission. Output remains unchanged, at a generous 302 bhp (225 kW) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque.
The 2023 AMG A45 S receives a Street Style Edition with an assortment of visual enhancements. The limited-run version is painted in Mountain Grey Magno and gets an aero kit as standard as well as new 19-inch matte black wheels with red brake callipers. With retro-flavoured body decals along with bright orange accents on the inside where there are aluminium trim elements.
The A45 S remains at 416 bhp (310 kW) and 500 Nm (369 lb-ft), but it's no longer the most powerful four-cylinder engine installed in a production car. Mounted longitudinally in the new AMG C63, the very same M139 generates a whopping 470 bhp (350 kW) and 545 Nm (402 lb-ft). The lesser version of the four-pot helps the AMG A45 S hit 62 mph (100 km/h) in 3.9 seconds and max out at 168 mph (270 km/h). It'll be interesting to see whether there are plans to put the more potent motor into the compact car, but we wouldn't get our hopes up too high.
]]>
With much anticipation and rumours, the iconic BMW M3 Touring has arrived!
BMW’s M division has been stamping its mark on the automotive performance world for a staggering 50 years and the M3 has been the most iconic creations in the lineup. For many years, hints of a Touring body style of the BMW 3 Series have been coming out of the M Division. Finally, this staggering machine has been unveiled, the very first BMW M3 Touring, joining the M3 Saloon, and the M4 Coupé and Convertible in the iconic product lineup. Making its debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this year, the interest in this machine was truely breathtaking. Boasting the new large vertical kidney grille, side fender air intakes, and aggressive flared wheel arches. Don't be fooled though! the new BMW M3 Touring model promises both the regular M3’s bark and its bite.
The breathtaking S58 straight-six power unit in the M3 Competition models produces 510 BHP and 479 lb/ft of torque, also featuring an exhaust system with electronically controlled flaps that makes driving the car an exhilarating experience in sound as well as feeling. This new BMW M3 Competition Touring xDrive will take you from 0-60 in less than 3.6 seconds and rushes to a top speed of either 155 or 174 mph with the M Driver’s Package. Upon spec you have the optional carbon-ceramic brakes, staggered 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels and the choice of coloured brake calipers!
The body style of this stunning addition to the M Division lineup makes for a car that’s just as impressive for everyday use as it is for thrills. Equipped with a new standard BMW Curved Display touchscreen, optional head-up display, three full-size back seats, luggage spacew for plenty, and the new featured automatic climate control. The new BMW M3 Touring is the perfect performance car that’s just as prepared for the track as it is for daily life.
Get your pre-orders in from September 2022!
]]>You are a company with an unblemished review rating. 5 stars across the board and you have maintained this for a long time. Now, if you're not a client facing company, it is relatively easy to maintain as you're not having any face to face contact and can simply resolve any customer issues remotely. On the flip side of this, if you're a client facing company then this isn't so easy. No matter what your review rating, there is always a customer out there or a rival whom will be more than happy to knock you down to 4 stars. Is this avoidable?
The answer to this is simply...NO! As a company or an individual, you will never be able to please everyone all of the time. Let me give you some insight in to a possible contact with some customers who buy both online and face to face with us.
A relatively common issue in changing weather conditions after a brand new spoiler is fitted is lift. Depending on the weather when you left the fitting facility there is always a chance that a spoiler can lift. Its a fact! Lets analyse..
Customer 1: Contacts us and reports their spoiler is lifting. We immediately ask the customer to come back to us and we will completely remove and refit the spoiler. No questions asked. Problem solved, customer is happy. If the customer is a distance away and it is difficult to get back to us, we send out a new role of tape and talk them through the removal and refit over video call to ensure all steps are followed for a successful resolution.
Customer 2: Contacts us and reports their spoiler is lifting. We offer exactly the same as we have offered customer number 1, however this just isn't enough. This customer wants money off new products, petrol money, threatens bad reviews and in some cases physically damages the product themselves to obtain a refund.
Customer 1 is the majority of customers, however you will NEVER avoid customer 2! No matter how you offer to resolve issues, you're getting a bad review. Even if you resolve it, you're getting a bad review. These types of customers thrive off tarnishing good, small businesses reputations and for what? We have no idea.
So back to the basis of this blog. Should you panic and stress out over bad reviews? Absolutely not! You cannot go through years of public facing interactions and please everyone, so it's going to happen at some point. It is how you deal with it and how you respond which makes the difference. As long as you can evidence that you have offered every solution to them and prove they have chosen not to accept it, any customer looking at that will be able to see that you have an awkward customer whom just cannot be pleased.
We would like to get all of your opinions on this topic as customer feedback is extremely valued here at KITS UK. Please take some time to respond in the comments below so we can understand everyones differing opinions on this topic!
]]>The Mercedes Benz W177/V177 was launched in April 2018. The Mercedes A-Class hatchback will once again take on another facelift at the end of 2022. The facelift will apply to the AMG A35/45.
New front grille..
The 2022 facelifted edition will have a refreshed and redesigned front end, with the radar camera mounted behind the Mercedes emblem. Mercedes will also review the interior design of the headlights and spoiler which will likely benefit from new air intakes.
Consists of...
- Ultra aggressive 3 piece diffuser
- Spoiler
- Side skirt extensions
- Aggressive 4 piece design splitter
KITS UK have worked with CT Carbon for quite some time now and we can honestly say that their design team have really pulled it out of the bag with this one!! Take a look for yourself!
]]>It's no secret that the BMW 4 Series G2x is certainly no eye candy for everyone, as many of BMW's enthusiasts were extremely displeased with the big statement vertical grille design. NOT TO WORRY, KITS UK now have access to the new MP style kit that, despite not hiding the love or hate grille, actually add an element of charm to the new G2x model.
The Full Package will include...
Although there is nothing available on the aftermarket yet to combat the grille design, the body kit on this model changes it from a head scratching "not sure" to an eye opening "yep thats gonna turn heads"!
Like all body styling, it is essential that you don't make this model a "driveway" project. These models take a lot of time and care in order to reach the desired, seamless look that you require from this very expensive machine.Professional fitting is strictly advised!
Do you have any input you would like to share with us regarding what aftermarket parts you would like to see for the new G2x range? If so, feel free to leave a comment below.
]]>For the first time in BMW history, we have been blessed with a BMW M3 with four-wheel drive!
The all new BMW M3 Competition xDrive saloon has had additional traction added due to the latest generation, delivering 503bhp and 479lb ft torque from its 3.0 litre straight six!. Huge jump from the F8X Competition models! BMW clearly recognise that the rear tyres may need some help from the front under vigerous acceleration.
Figures do suggest that the new xDrive system is seriously effective. The rear wheel drive option in the the M3 can propel you from 0-62mph in 3.9sec. The xDrive option, that drops to just 3.5sec – a decent gain but is it worth the extra?
BMW like to sell the idea that you won’t know the xDrive system is there. Essentially, drive is delivered to the rear wheels courtesy of an eight-speed automatic gearbox, much like it does in the rearwheel drive option. With the new xDrive system, there is a multi plate clutch poised and ready to send power forwards via drive shafts and to an M Division designed front suspension redesigned to accommodate the new half shafts.
The quantity of the power diverted forwards does vary depending on how much spin the rears would usually have but this can be adjusted driver controlled, through three individual modes. Normal 4WD, Sport 4WD or, with the DSC switched of. xDrive can be abandoned altogether and returned to rear wheel drive to increase the renowned fun factor of easy drift!
In xDrive mode, the G80 M3 will ask of your pockets from £78,425 which is a £2765 premium over the rear wheel drive saloon. The system will add weight of 55kg to the car, making the overall weight 1780kg.
You are going to need some serious time in this model to tell the difference between the rear wheel drive option and the xDrive option. Many reviewers have run one as a daily for 2 weeks or more and simply couldn't.
I would suspect that this is BMW's the idea. G8x is G8x which means it’s quite sizeable these days. 4.8 metres long and 1.9 metres wide, and has very premium, classy and solid interior. The user interface for the iDrive system has retained it's independant dial and good selection of buttons. Also boasts a fantastic driving position too.
The brand new M Division engine is strong, with a bit of lag at lower revs but as all M cars, it is very eager to rev out, with the very recognisable M rasp while it does it.
The ride quality is very firm throughout modes. Handling has been given a higher priority than the comfort element.
As in the F8x models you can select how aggressive you want the engine output, how heavy you require the steering and how responsive you want the brake pedal to be.
On poor surfaces the new xDrive system comes into its own. Away from complex junctions and low speed corners where a rear wheel drive option torque would cause trouble for its its rear tyres, the new xDrive is far more planted and capable, with hardly any rear end twitch or dsc light flash. When you do want to go quickly, the G8x xDrive doesn’t half deliver!. This is a very serious performance car which would worry most 4WD performance manufacturers.
Is the new G8x Competition xDrive providing any more fun as a result of being 4WD? I don’t think so, quite the contrary in fact. However, as a daily and having the option to disengage the xDrive option, this is an overall amazing performance car with many upgrade options both from BMW and now the aftermarket companies.
Currently the newest models out on the market have not shown any signs of dropping in price.
Availability for aftermarket products for the above models is still very sparce. After speaking with many aftermarket manufacturers, some are under the impression that BMW will facelift the new 4 series in the coming year. This is a very optimistic view considering BMW took the bold move to launch the look of the new 4 series and place in to mass production. However! We regularly speak to BMW dealerships and all of them are struggling for allocations of the new 4 series. Now is this due to the current market and issues with shipping or is it a lack of end users? We really do not know, so this is something we shall monitor over the coming months.
In the meantime we sincerely hope that many of the F Series owners who are in the market for an upgrade take the leap in to the new G series. The fact there is no middle ground between the 330 and 340 could be an issue but as with the F Series, we are sure new owners will find their feet with them regarding modification!
If anyone would like to ask us anything directly on this BLOG, feel free to message us or email: info@kits.style
]]>For those readers whom are unaware of the reason splitters were designed,
A splitter is designed with aerodynamics in mind. For the most part, BMW or Mercedes will be reluctant to sell you a splitter unless you have a rear diffuser to compliment it. Why? AERODYNAMICS! The powers that be at the manufacturers spend millions on design, testing and implementation of all aerodynamic packages in order to bring out the best in your chosen car.
Now, to contradict this you might ask "so why do some models come with an aerodynamics package and some do not?" Simple answer is affordability. Does this make your 'lower spec' car without this package any less aerodynamic? Of course, however, the manufacturers still ensure streamlined aerodynamics for the base model vehicles in the interests of economy and affordability.
It is the end users decision to attach aftermarket aerodynamic parts to their car, mainly for aesthetics. Now herein is the issue with aerodynamic performance parts failing. Many owners want that "sporty" look. Why?.. To edge towards looking similar to the higher spec performance models, which is absolutely no issue and is the end users prerogative. Unfortunately a great percentage of owners are tempted by the £70 ebay splitters. Pay online and get them delivered ready to throw them on at the weekend on their driveway. Keep this in mind for a moment...
The purpose of a splitter is to redirect airflow between the bottom lip of the bumper and top edge of a splitter thus creating downforce on the splitter. In turn this pushes the front of the car to the road (at speed) increasing handling and grip. Now let's think about this for a moment. You are asking this new aerodynamic part you purchased from ebay to push nearly 2 tons to the road. With this in mind, would you say this item should be fitted by professionals or by someone whom has never performed any type of body styling on a car before?
This brings us onto the actual topic of this blog, what is the real reason splitters fail. FITMENT! Yes, fitment is the real reason why splitters fail. Here at KITS UK we get a great deal of corrective work from body styling parts which are falling off or fallen off. The majority of splitters which have failed are down to lack of knowledge on how these parts behave on the car. Self tapping screws are the most common fixings used by amateurs. Why? Because you can make your car look like that desirable performance model in less than 1 hour. Unfortunately what these types of fitters fail to realise is that they're now asking self tapping screws which have been driven into an extremely thin bumper skin to pull nearly 2 tons to the road. End result? The downforces in the centre of the splitter (the most dense area of airflow) have ripped the self tapping screws through the thin plastic bumper skin pushing the centre piece of the splitter to the road. The centre piece of the bottom lip then catches, breaks and folds underneath the car. In turn, this splits the bumper skin, likely damages the belly pan and highly likely flies off under your wheels and into a poor unsuspecting motorists wind screen, causing a collision and possibly causing injury to the innocent party. Worth it for £70 right?
This is a trend which will never go away due to the attitude of "how hard can it be" and "it's got holes in it so i'll just use those".
Here at KITS UK, our methods of fitting allow us to transfer the downforce created by fitting a splitter back onto the structure of the vehicle, which in this case is the bumper. This takes all of the strain away from the splitter and is dealt with by the bumper.
So now we know why splitters really fail, let's address some of the methods amateurs use to fit them.
The top areas of the splitter which attach to the top of your bumper do require some adhesion. Now just remember that this is still the car you have just spent 20-40k on. By allowing an amateur to fit your splitter, it is highly likely they will lather the tops of your splitter in Tigerseal. We have also seen this done with gorilla glue, kitchen sealer and no more nails. End result? They have just destroyed 20% of the paint on your front bumper and taken your hard earned money to do it. Some owners on social media groups will say "oh well these areas are covered up. You can't see it". This is like saying "I don't mind washing my car in nitro mors". IT MATTERS! We have customers come to us with failed splitters which require removal. Fitted with Tigerseal, there is not only a charge for the new splitter with fitting, there is also labour charges for removing the Tigerseal and getting the bumper to a state whereby it can accept the new splitter correctly. In some cases this requires body shop intervention and repaint. So the £70 splitter now costs nearly £400, if you're lucky. Not to mention any damage done to the underside of the vehicle.
Now we are sure some of you are saying, my splitter didn't fall off, i hit it on a kerb parking up. This may be the case and 9 times out of 10 you will break the splitter by doing this. This still does not change the fact that if your splitter has been fitted by amateurs, it will be fitted using some if not all of the methods above.
It a nutshell, don't skimp on your body styling. Have it done properly by professionals and get a warranty with the parts and fitting. Ask how the parts are to be fitted before they fit them and most importantly do your due diligence!
It was only last week we had an owner come into us for his kit completely removing and refitting which was fitted by an actively advertising company on social media. It took this company 1 hour to fit the entire body kit, which right there is a RED FLAG!
We would love to hear your thoughts on our blog so please do get in touch with us with your views and experiences. It's great to hear and share stories!
KITS UK
Tel/WhatsApp: 01977 704798/07754 267565
Email: info@kits.style
Order Online: www.kits.style
Instagram: @mkitsuk
Here at KITS UK, we were also placed on the back foot with the bold move BMW have made with not only the G8x but the G22 4 series models. So many blogs, posts, articles and interviews flooded the internet regarding how "ugly" those huge front kidney grilles are. As time has gone by and we have not only had the pleasure to have both models on our ramps for a closer look but also drive them in order to experience the difference and compare between the F8x and F3x range.
We must say we are impressed! The G8x is far better in the flesh and the G22 with the M Performance Kit is a breath of fresh air! Enough time has surpassed now allowing the large aftermarket body styling suppliers to work their magic and come up with their own designs for new body styling on these models.
After looking in to a select few, we have settled on the stunning design by CT Carbon. We will be offering this full performance package in Carbon Fibre very soon which will without doubt make your G8x stand out from the crowd!
We would love to hear your thoughts and opinions on the new G8x models. Also how you feel about the new aftermarket products coming to the market. Would you take your car to a "back street" garage run by young nail knockers or would you insist on taking your £90K M3/4 to a clean, professional and reputable company for its new body styling?
]]>