The Suzuki DR 800 S Big is the sort of bike no one would design today. It was the thumper to rule all thumpers, with a whopping 779 cc single-cylinder motor, long-travel suspension, a big front wheel and rally styling. That meant it was a little ridiculous, but sort of cool at the same time.
Depending on your perspective, the DR Big’s late 80s to early 90s styling is either retro-fabulous, or hasn’t dated well. And while it has something of a cult following, it’s not considered as untouchable as, say, a mint condition BMW R80G/S Paris Dakar.
So when this 1991 model Suzuki DR Big was dropped off at Unik Edition’s workshop in Moscavide, near Lisbon, shop founders Tiago Gonçalves and Luis Gonçalves (not related) weren’t too precious about cutting into it.
“A customer had this original but rusty DR 800, and said that he wanted something ‘cool’,” explains Tiago. “So I said why not do something more ‘artistic’?”
Tiago referenced a Land Rover built by local Landie workshop CoolNVintage as inspiration. It was most notable for its chassis, which was adorned with offbeat artwork by multi-disciplinary artist Vasco Costa.
Tiago, Luis and their team decided to shed the DR Big’s shell, ‘scrambler‘ it, and get the very same artist to finish it off.
In place of the rally-esque beak and contoured tank is a whole new set of pick-‘n’-mix bodywork. Unik modified and fitted the fuel tank from an older Suzuki GN model, and paired it with a custom leather seat. The subframe below has been shortened and looped, and the sides are finished off with a set of hand-made side covers.
The Suzuki wears abbreviated fenders at both ends too. The rear’s particularly tidy, and is kitted out with an enduro taillight, and a custom license plate bracket that also holds the turn signals.
The crew left the DR’s suspension and brakes alone, but rebuilt the 21F/17R wheels. The rims have been powder coated black and laced up with stainless steel spokes, and now wear new rubber: a Metzeler Karoo up front, and a Mitas E-09 at the back.
One major change is the DR Big’s new exhaust system. Unik TIG-welded a new one-into-two header, and fitted a pair of Arrow mufflers. They’re actually designed for the Yamaha XT1200Z Super Ténéré, but here they’ve been cut, shortened and put back together.
Up front, Unik imported a classic Marchal headlight from Japan and retrofitted it to a Honda housing, mounted on off-the-shelf brackets.
Further back, Renthal handlebars and grips are mated to Brembo brake and Domino clutch controls. The switches are stock Suzuki, but the traditional long-stem mirrors are actually LSL parts. And the speedo’s a Daytona unit, encased in a custom enclosure.
There’s little in the way of ‘paint,’ other than a white base for Vasco Costa’s artwork. It adds an eclectic touch, with illustrations adorning the tank, frame, sump guard, and even the rear suspension linkages.
The overall effect is quirky and playful… and also a little deceptive, when you consider the size of the piston that’s lurking inside the motor.
We caught a glimpse of the 2022 Kia EV6 all-electric vehicle a few weeks ago, and it immediately became clear: Kia’s not fooling around with its first-ever dedicated EV. Built on top of parent company Hyundai’s E-GMP platform – essentially the same underpinnings for the Hyundai Ioniq 5 EV – the 2022 EV6 is spearheading Kia’s arrival in the hotly contested EV sector.
Kia & Battery Electric Vehicles
Over the next decade, Kia has ambitious plans to extend its portfolio of what it calls “battery electric vehicles” or BEVs for short. By 2030, Kia wants BEVs, plug-in hybrids, and hybrid electric vehicles to comprise 40 percent of its total sales. If all goes according to plan, Kia will introduce 11 new BEV models by 2026, seven of which will be built on the E-GMP architecture. The first one to roll out, however, is the 2022 Kia EV6.
“EV6, as the first dedicated Kia EV, is a showcase of human-centred, progressive design and electrified power. We strongly believe EV6 is a compelling and relevant model for the new EV era,” explained Karim Habib, Senior Vice President and Head of Kia Global Design Center. “With EV6 we aimed to create a distinctive, impactful design by using a combination of sophisticated, high-tech features on pure and rich volumes while providing a dedicated EV aiming to define our future.”
Photo: Kia Motors America.
Looking Good, Feeling Good
I admit, the Kia EV6 and its “Opposites United” styling theme blew me away the first time I saw it, and it seems Kia is upstaging (again) Hyundai in the styling department. Personally, I’ll take the Kia Telluride over the Hyundai Palisade in a heartbeat. And while the new Hyundai Sonata is offering a fresh perspective, I think the all-new Kia K5 looks better sorted than the former.
It’s the same banana with Hyundai’s Ioniq 5, formerly known as the 45 Concept, with its bevy of 45-degree body lines (get it?). Please don’t get me wrong, since I find the Ioniq’s distinctive styling a welcome respite from the homologated shapes of today’s gasoline crossovers and CUVs. Still, the Kia EV6 has a charm of its own, and it has a host of exciting design cues that make my heart skip a beat.
“EV6 is the embodiment of the new Kia,” said Ho Sung Song, President and CEO of Kia. “It is born to inspire every journey through bold design, progressive engineering, innovative technologies, and exciting electric performance.”
It’s hard to miss those bulging hood lines, gently curving roofline, wing-type roof spoiler, and elegant rear hatch with fancy wraparound taillights. At the front, Kia’s “digital tiger nose” grille is almost non-existent, as if you’re looking at a different brand other than a Kia. Meanwhile, the headlights and DRLs with sequential dynamic patterns scream high-tech.
2022 Kia EV6 GT-Line. Photo: Kia Motors America.
2022 Kia EV6: Powertrain, Battery & Range
Like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, the 2022 Kia EV6 GT-Line is available as a standard or long-range model with either a single electric motor (RWD) or dual-motor configuration (AWD).
Standard & Long Range Comparison
The standard 58.0 kWh battery with a single 124 kW electric motor is good for 168 horsepower and a zero to 60 mph time of 6.2 seconds, not bad for a base EV.
On the other hand, the 77.4 kWh long-range battery pack has a more potent 168 kW electric motor, pumping out 225 horsepower and over 316 miles of range.
Meanwhile, the 2022 EV6 with a standard 58.0 kWh battery and AWD includes a pair of 173 kW motors producing 232 horsepower and a maximum of 446 lb-ft. of torque, while the long-range battery with AWD has 321 horsepower.
EV6 GT Specs
However, the top-dog Kia EV6 GT is only available with a 77.4 kWh long-range battery and AWD, with the two motors eking out 577 horsepower and 546 lb-ft. of torque. The 2022 EV6 GT caught me by surprise as Hyundai is not offering a high-performance version of the Ioniq 5, at least not yet. Additionally, the EV6 GT will have an electronic limited-slip differential, further heightening its fun-to-drive factor. All told, the EV6 GT can sprint to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds and has a 161 mph top speed.
“The GT version of EV6 demonstrates our technological leadership through its combination of outstanding high-speed charging and acceleration performance like a super sports car,” said Albert Biermann, President and Head of R&D Division for Hyundai Motor Group. “With our dedicated EV platform, there is no need for compromise between inspiring spaciousness and performance.”
As long as the battery is above 35 percent, the Kia EV6 can tow up to 3,500 lbs. Photo: Kia Motors America.
2022 Kia EV6 Charging Times
The 2022 Kia EV6 is compatible with both 400V and 800V charging architectures. According to Kia, the EV6 2WD with a 77.4 kWh battery can recharge from 10 to 80 percent in 18 minutes using a 350 kW DC fast charger, or roughly 62 miles per five minutes of high-speed charging.
Helping extend the driving range is Kia’s smart regenerative braking system, operated via nifty paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. You can choose from six regen modes (why so many, Kia?) to recuperate kinetic energy from braking and drip-charge the batteries.
The Kia EV6 also comes with a new Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function first seen in the Hyundai Ioniq 5. This unique feature can supply up to 3.6 kW of power for things like TVs, laptops, and even a portable air conditioner. It can even charge another EV, according to Kia.
Modern Appertunances & Safety Features
As expected from Kia’s first dedicated electric vehicle, the EV6 is brimming with modern technical highlights. It has dual 12-inch screens for the instrument display and infotainment system. It also has an augmented reality heads-up display similar to what you’ll find in the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Driving music is courtesy of a Meridian audio system with 14 active sound design (ASD) speakers.
Safety is also at the heart of Kia’s EV6. It has a safe exit assist function that monitors the surroundings when opening the doors. It also has lane following assist, highway driving assist, and remote parking assist, the latter allowing you to park or exit a parking spot from outside the vehicle.
2022 Kia EV6 interior layout. Photo: Kia Motors America.
Roomy to a Fault
The benefits of using a dedicated EV platform over an existing ICE architecture are aplenty, but the main talking point is the freedom to execute a roomy, spacious cabin. “People are first attracted by the exterior of cars, but they eventually fall in love with the interior – where they spend most of their time,” said Jochen Paesen, Vice President for Interior Design at Kia. “So, designing an inspiring space for the EV6 was the most important thing for us.”
The 2022 Kia EV6 has folding second-row seats to increase cargo space by up to 46 cubic feet (1,300 liters). But with the rear seats up, you still get 18.2 cubic feet (520 liters) of storage space, about the same as Kia Telluride, a seven-seat behemoth.
And since there’s no stinky and oily gasoline engine under the hood, the 2022 Kia EV6 has a large frunk offering up to 52 liters (2WD) and 20 liters (4WD) of storage room, respectively.
Photo: Kia Motors America.
2022 Kia EV6: Pricing & Availability
The 2022 Kia EV6 will go on sale in the second half of 2021, while the pre-order books are now open in South Korea, Europe, and North America. Pricing is still forthcoming, but we’re expecting base prices to start from $40,000 to $45,000.
Alvin Reyes is an Automoblog feature columnist and an expert in sports and performance cars. He studied civil aviation, aeronautics, and accountancy in his younger years and is still very much smitten to his former Lancer GSR and Galant SS. He also likes fried chicken, music, and herbal medicine.
Affiliate disclosure: Automoblog and its partners may be compensated when you purchase the products below.
Continental Warranty Review
In Our Opinion:
Continental warranties are backed by a long-standing company history. We like how many contracts customers can choose from, but our praise ends there. Considering how many customer complaints Continental has received, we think there are better options available.
Industry Standing:
Coverage:
Customer Service:
Pros:
Long company history
Multiple contracts available
Cons:
Plans come with few benefits
Only sold through dealerships
Customers complain about unclear contracts
2.5
Customers purchasing an extended car warranty through their dealership may be offered a vehicle service contract from a company called Continental Warranty. Is a Continental Warranty plan worth the price of coverage?
This review will break down Continental Warranty’s customer reviews, contract details, industry reputation, and more. See how this provider measures up against the best extended car warranty companies, and decide where you can get the right coverage for your vehicle and your budget.
To start comparing cost options from our top recommended providers, click below.
Top Extended Warranty Companies
We reviewed the best extended auto warranty providers, and here are our top picks.
Continental Extended Warranty: What You Need to Know
Based in Delaware, Continental Warranty has over 35 years of experience selling vehicle service contracts through dealerships across the U.S.
Continental Extended Warranty Coverage
Continental Warranty offers five levels of coverage. The company does not provide many details about its contracts online or over the phone. For specific details, you will have to request a sample contract at a participating dealership.
Continental Warranty has five coverage levels:
Ultra Care Exclusionary Coverage: Exclusionary bumper-to-bumper coverage and 24/7 roadside assistance
Ultra Care Vehicle Service Contract: Comprehensive coverage including items like seals, gaskets, electrical components, sensors, and modules
Continental Gold: Includes everything in the lower-tier Continental Plus plan, as well as electrical components, air conditioning, front suspension, fuel components, steering components, braking components, module, and sensor components
Continental Plus: Covers powertrain components along with additional unspecified parts
Depending on your plan, you may be able to add on coverage for parts like the turbocharger/supercharger, four-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, and GPS.
Aside from the Ultra Care Exclusionary Coverage and Continental Powertrain plans, Continental Warranty coverage does not come with added benefits. However, depending on the contract you choose, you may be able to pay a surcharge for perks like roadside assistance and lockout coverage, towing coverage, and rental car reimbursement.
Continental Extended Warranty Cost
Continental Warranty plans are sold exclusively through dealerships, and the company does not provide quotes online or over the phone. We were able to find a customer review in which a driver reported spending $3,000 for a four-year Ultra Care Exclusionary Coverage plan. This price is on the high side of the industry average.
However, your own prices from Continental Warranty will differ. Typically, the price of an extended car warranty depends on:
Location
Deductible
Vehicle make and model
Vehicle age and mileage
Coverage level and contract length
Continental Warranty offers multiple deductibles to choose from but does not disclose the options on its website.
Continental Warranty Reviews
Continental Warranty is accredited and holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The company has fielded just over 20 complaints through the BBB in the last three years, which is about average for a small extended warranty company.
Customers who complained were upset by unclear or bare-bones contracts and claims denials. Some felt that contracts were confusing or inadequately explained by salespeople.
One reviewer was upset that coverage was denied because she did not change her vehicle’s oil in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule. However, complying with the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule is a common stipulation included in virtually every extended car warranty contract.
Positive Continental Warranty customer reviews detail favorable experiences with customer service representatives and quick claims servicing.
How Do Continental Warranties Work?
To get a Continental Warranty quote, you’ll need to find a participating dealership. Contracts are transferable if you decide to sell your vehicle while it’s still under warranty.
If you’re a Continental Warranty customer and you experience a mechanical problem, call the phone number listed on your contract. Customers can have repairs done at any dealership or certified repair facility in the U.S. or Canada. Continental Warranty will pay the repair facility directly after a repair is approved, and you’ll only be responsible for paying your deductible.
Final Thoughts: Continental Extended Warranty
Continental Warranty does not have much contract information available online, and because plans are only sold through dealerships, they can be a bit harder to purchase. Continental Warranty reviews indicate that some customers feel coverage is not very comprehensive.
Our Top Picks for Extended Warranty Coverage
While Continental Warranty coverage is average, there are plenty of other companies that offer clear, extensive contracts. Our review team has examined every major auto warranty company, evaluating plan details, pricing, industry reputation, and more. Based on this research, two of our top recommended providers are Endurance and CarShield.
Endurance: Best Overall
Endurance offers some of the highest-quality warranty coverage and most comprehensive benefits in the industry. There are six levels of Endurance warranty coverage:
Supreme: This exclusionary bumper-to-bumper warranty includes coverage for most mechanical and electrical parts, minus a short list of non-covered items.
Superior: This comprehensive named-component plan covers hundreds of listed parts, including everything in the lower-tier Secure Plus warranty, plus the engine cooling system, suspension, and fuel system.
Secure Plus: This mid-level plan provides more coverage than the lower-tier Secure warranty, covering the powertrain, air conditioning, brake components, and steering.
Secure: This basic powertrain plan covers parts of the engine, transmission, and drivetrain.
Select Premier: Designed especially for high-mileage vehicles, this plan covers mostly powertrain components.
EnduranceAdvantageTM: This plan combines prepaid routine maintenance with repair coverage.
All Endurance contracts include the following additional benefits for at least the first year of coverage:
Identity theft services
Key fob replacements
24/7 roadside assistance
Trip interruption coverage
Rental car reimbursement
$250 entertainment voucher
Access to a personal concierge service
Read our complete Endurance warranty review to learn more about the company, and reach out for your own quote by clicking below.
Industry veteran that handles your plan directly, from quote to claim
CarShield: Best Prices
CarShield offers comprehensive, low-cost warranties. The warranty company has five levels of coverage for cars, as well as a protection plan for motorcycles and ATVs. CarShield’s auto coverage plans are as follows:
Diamond: CarShield’s highest level of coverage, the New Car Diamond plan is an exclusionary bumper-to-bumper warranty.
Platinum: The Platinum plan offers comprehensive named-component coverage that includes most mechanical and electrical parts.
Gold: This expanded powertrain warranty covers everything in the lower-tier Silver plan, plus the alternator, starter, air conditioning, and power windows.
Silver: This powertrain plan includes all lubricated engine parts, plus the transmission, drive axles, and water pump.
Aluminum: This specialty coverage plan offers protection for many electrical and computer-related parts, such as the engine control module, starter, alternator, and GPS.
CarShield contracts also include benefits such as roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, and trip interruption coverage.
Read our full CarShield review for more information, and reach out for your own quote by clicking below.
