The Baltazar Quasar 2020
After just over three years in the market, the current generation Quasar has been awarded numerous prizes, not least Car of the Year for both 2017 and 2018. Since then, new technologies have been developed and the arrival of new rivals meant some of those items had to be incorporated into the car.
The fundamentals were not changed, with the car retaining the C/D platform shared with a wide range of models from both Baltazar and Bonham. The transverse front engine layout, with an advanced multilink suspension and AWD capabilities are still the perfect set up for this class of cars.
Equipment levels have been upgraded, with all models receiving a 11-inch digital drivers display as standard. Base Nitrogen models are equipped with a 7-inch infotainemnt screen, reverse camera and automatic low speed crash avoidance systems. Tellurium models upgrade to a 10-inch infotainment with built-in satnav, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, front and rear parking sensors and heated seats. Top-spec Lithium adds a full length sunroof, part-leather electric seats and a premium Bose sound system.
For the new model year, the engine range was updated and improved. Instead of the old 1.4 engines, the 3-cylinder 1.0 units already used in the rest of the range were brought along, in 100 and 130 hp guises. Two sister engines make up the middle of the range, with a 1.5 option with 150 hp and a 180 hp 1.6 sharing the same basic 4-cylinder design. All engines, but the base, can be optioned with a brand new 7 speed DCT gearbox, with a 6 speed manual as standard.
| Engine | Layout | Power | Gearbox options | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 Turbo | 3 cyl | 100 hp | 6-speed manual | - |
| 1.0 Turbo | 3 cyl | 130 hp | 6-speed manual | 7-speed DCT |
| 1.5 Turbo | 4 cyl | 150 hp | 6-speed manual | 7-speed DCT |
| 1.6 Turbo | 4 cyl | 180 hp | 6-speed manual | 7-speed DCT |