turbocharged

Concept Car, News

Suzuki Baleno set for Frankfurt debut

The all-new Suzuki Baleno is to make its world premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

The debut of the full production version follows on from the iK-2 Concept seen at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year. 

The Baleno is to feature the first application of a newly developed 1.0-litre BOOSTERJET direct injection turbocharged petrol engine. 

Suzuki says the Baleno's layout has been optimised and various technologies used to reduce weight in order to meet the rigorous size and weight requirements specific to compact cars. 

Further details will be revealed at the Suzuki press conference at the Frankfurt Motor show on Tuesday 15 September.

The new Baleno is scheduled to go on sale in the UK early next Summer.

Hatchback, News

Renault reveals 'Iconic' Special Edition models

Renault has added 'Iconic' Special Edition models to its Captur Clio and Twingo range.

The new trim level is available across different engine options - including the recently announced Efficient Dual Clutch (EDC) automatic transmission for Twingo TCe90.

The Twingo Iconic is based on the Dynamique version of Renault's city car and includes cruise control, speed limiter, DAB radio, Bluetooth, R&GO smartphone-based navigation, electric front windows and electric heated mirrors and front fog lights. Ultraviolet Iconic side decals and 16-inch Ultraviolet Emblem alloy wheels complement the range of four colours available - including two new and unique metallic paints: Ultraviolet and Lunar Grey. Black alloy wheels are available as a no cost option. Extra tinted rear windows and gloss black door mirrors complete the exterior enhancements.

On the interior there is black part-leather upholstery with white and ultraviolet piping, 'Renault' door sill plates, floor mats with an ultraviolet Twingo motif and a matt ultraviolet touch pack. The latter can be substituted with gloss black as a no cost option. The Twingo Iconic also gets climate control as well as automatic lights and wipers.

Available to order with two engine choices - the SCe 70 and the TCe90, the turbocharged TCe90 being available with both manual and the all-new EDC dual-clutch automatic transmissions. The Twingo's engine range offers CO2 emissions as low as 95g/km and returns up to 67.3mpg on the official combined cycle (NEDC).

The Clio Iconic 25 Nav supermini is available with TCe90 Stop & Start, dCi90 Stop & Start and dCi90 EDC engines. Based on the top-of-the-range Dynamique S specification, the special edition receives 17-inch 'Desire' alloy wheels with black inserts, chrome window sills, extra-tinted rear windows and tailgate, and cross-hatch-style wing mirror decals as standard. The decals complement the range of four 'stylish' exterior colours on offer - Ivory, Diamond Black, Oyster Grey and Mercury. To add to the uniqueness of this special edition, customers can choose to complement the exterior colour with the optional black and white cross-hatch-style roof decal, to match the wing mirrors.

On the inside, GT part leather upholstery with front heated seats joins a leather armrest and leather handbrake, matched with an aluminium gear lever. The black and white cross-hatch design seen on the exterior can also be found inside, with touches to the air vent surrounds and door armrest. Automatic climate control with one touch quick demist function, rear electric windows and electrically adjustable, folding and heated door mirrors is also standard. The Clio's engine range offers emissions as low as 82g/km CO2 and returns up to 88.3mpg on the combined NEDC cycle.

The Captur Iconic Nav Special Edition is available for the same price as the Captur Signature Nav. Like the Signature Nav, the Captur Iconic Nav sits on the trim level above Dynamique S Nav. The model receives two-tone exterior colour as standard, with six different body colour options and either a Black, Ivory or 'Cappuccino' roof. 17-inch 'Explore' alloys with Cappuccino inserts are standard on the special edition.

The interior gets Cappuccino part-leather upholstery with front heated seats as well as a bronze-tinted chrome interior pack on touch points around the cabin. Driver aids and Renault's Techno Pack which includes R-Link Evolution, rear parking camera and European Mapping, as well as an electrochrome rear-view mirror are fitted as standard. The Captur's range of four engines offer emissions as low as 95g/km and returns up to 78.5mpg on the combined NEDC cycle.

Prices start at £11,845 OTR for the Twingo Iconic SCe 70 S&S, £16,775 for the Clio Iconic 25 Nav Tce 90 and £18,395 for the Captur Iconic Nav TCe 90, with The special editions available to order from 1st December.

Sports Car, News

Porsche Macan GTS revealed

Porsche has added a new Macan GTS to its range.

Featuring a re-engineered chassis, 20 hp more power and uprated brakes, the dynamic GTS includes attributes 'keen drivers' will appreciate, says Porsche. The 360 hp petrol engine with 500 Nm of pulling power places the GTS between the Macan S and the Macan Turbo in the range line-up. The technical basis for this is the 3.0-litre, twin-turbocharged V6 of the Macan S, mated to the Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) seven-speed transmission and Porsche Traction Management (PTM) with variable power distribution to all four wheels. A sports exhaust system gives an 'aural clue' to the tuned engine under the bonnet.

A more sporty set-up has been applied to the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), which also offers a 15mm lowered ride height. The 20-inch diameter RS Spyder design alloy wheels finished in matt black paint complete the dynamic focus of the GTS. The wider tyres on the rear axle are a unique feature of the Macan chassis, and also provide a 'purposeful stance' to the new model. Acceleration from 0-62 mph takes 5.2 secs - or 5.0 secs with the optional Sport Chrono package - while top speed is 160 mph. This is balanced by fuel economy of up to 31.4 mpg Combined and CO2 emissions of 212 g/km.

The GTS Macan can also be recognised at first glance by exterior accents in black - in high gloss above the waistline and in a lustrous matt finish in the lower areas of the body. This is further enhanced by a special version of the Sport Design styling package in GTS-specific colouring.

On the inside, 'GTS' sport seats with Alcantara centre panels is joined by the new Porsche Communication Management with a touch-screen monitor, extended functionality and increased operating comfort, first seen in the next generation 911.

Prices for the new Porsche Macan GTS start at £55,188 OTR, and goes on sale 28 October, 2015.