All-new Subaru Impreza revealed in New York

Subaru debuted its all new Impreza at the New York International Auto Show.

As before, every model is equipped as standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD), for maximised driving agility, stability and traction on all surfaces, says Subaru.

Power comes from four-cylinder horizontally-opposed ‘Boxer’ engines, while a new Subaru Global Platform is set to form the basis of all future Subaru models. The 'highly-adaptable' platform is suitable for a range of different body styles and powertrains, including Subaru’s all-terrain crossover and SUV models.

A new design language sees the brand’s signature hexagonal grille and ‘hawk-eye’ headlights fitted to a more ‘sculptural body’, with the new car’s its athletic stance accentuated by prominent wheel arches and flowing lines. Overall length is up 41 mm and width has been increases by 38 mm. The larger dimensions create a roomier cabin, while a 10 mm lower height aids aerodynamics with a lower coefficient of drag.

The Impreza’s new platform incorporates several types of high-strength steel to ‘significantly’ enhance straight-line stability, agility and ride comfort, while suppressing noise, vibration and harshness. Subaru claims the new platform increases rigidity of the unitised body structure by over 70 percent compared to the current Impreza model. The double-wishbone independent rear suspension mounts its rear stabiliser bar directly to the body, reducing body roll by 50 percent.

The new model provides higher levels of safety than the outgoing car, by accommodating the EyeSight collision avoidance technology for the first time, as well as crash energy absorption figures improved by 40 percent over the old Impreza. The EyeSight system acts as a ‘second pair of eyes’ for drivers by employing stereo colour camera technology to monitor the road and traffic ahead of potential hazards. This includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Pre-Collision Braking and Lane Departure and Sway Warning, plus a Lane Keep Assist function. Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross Traffic Alert are also available.

Also new are Steering Responsive Headlights, which can illuminate curves as the vehicle steers into them, and High Beam Assist, which automatically activates and deactivates the high-beam headlamps based on driving conditions. All models include as standard equipment front seat side impact airbags, side curtain airbags and a driver’s knee airbag. New driver-assist technologies, include Reverse Automatic Braking and the display of steering lines for the standard rear-vision camera. Reverse Automatic Braking can apply the vehicle’s brakes if an obstacle is detected while reversing.

High connectivity comes via the Subaru STARLINK touchscreen infotainment. Controlled by a large touchscreen and using Subaru’s latest-generation voice control system, the display screen also provides the display for the standard rear vision camera and navigation.

Subaru says the new Impreza 5-door hatchback is currently under consideration for the European market.

New Jeep flagship London showroom

Jeep has launched a new flagship showroom in central London.

Executives, business leaders and sports stars were among the 100 guests hosted by Motor Village UK to celebrate the arrival of Jeep into Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ Wigmore Street location.

Just around the corner from London’s famous Oxford Street, Motor Village UK will display Jeep vehicles in its shiny new showroom for the first time this spring. The flagship has previously only sold Fiat, Alfa Romeo and Abarth vehicles, making it the first time the iconic 4x4 car brand comes to the city. The Jeep Wrangler, Renegade, Cherokee and Grand Cherokee models will all be displayed.

The opening of the only Jeep dealership in central London coincides with Jeep’s 75th Anniversary celebrations for 2016. Born in 1941, Jeep has a rich heritage and history, and some of the marque's most famous models were on display at the gala launch opening including a 1946 Willys and a 1970s CJ-7.

Steve Zanlunghi, Head of Jeep Brand, EMEA and Managing Director, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles UK, and Fabio Di Prima, Head of Fiat Chrysler Motor Village UK, officially announced the opening of the site to an audience of selected guests. “London is clearly an important area for Jeep to be visible in, and what better way to do that than through the Motor Village site” said Di Prima. “From the iconic Wrangler, right through to our big Jeep Grand Cherokee, the whole range of award winning SUVs will be available for customers to see and discover more about. This is a wonderful opportunity for Jeep and its customers.”

A separate display, celebrating Jeep’s partnership with the blockbuster movie 'Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice' was also shown, featuring the Jeep Renegade SUV, which appears in the film. As part of the celebrations, a special test drive experience has been organised until 31 March, in which customers can drive any of the current line-up of Jeep vehicles, with a Jeep specialist alongside for guidance.

Mercedes-AMG reveals GLC 43 4MATIC

Mercedes-AMG has added a sporty GLC 43 4MATIC to its mid-size SUV range.

Offering an AMG model in the mid-size SUV segment for the first time, the 367hp, 3.0-litre V6 biturbo engine is mated to an automatic transmission 9G-TRONIC with shortened shift times for 0-62 mph time of 4.9 seconds and an electronically governed top speed of 155 mph. The 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission is especially matched to the demands of the GLC 43 4MATIC with model-specific software to reduce the shift times. The multiple downshift allows even faster short bursts of speed, while the double-declutching function in the “Sport” and “Sport Plus” transmission modes makes for an even more emotive driving experience.

The ‘precise’ AMG speed-sensitive sports steering and the 4MATIC rear-biased torque distribution of 31 percent at the front axle to 69 percent at the rear, offer ’substantial contribution’ to the agile driving experience. The AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension with adaptive damping adjustment is available in three levels, with the mode selectable via a button.

The design has been enhanced with silver chrome coloured and high-gloss black features. It builds on the AMG Exterior line with a diamond radiator grille featuring chrome-plated pins, a louvre in high-gloss black with inserts in high-gloss chrome and the AMG lettering. The sportily air intakes in the AMG front apron feature fins in silver chrome. Down below, the silver chrome front splitter ensures an optimal flow of air to the cooling modules.

High-gloss black-painted, high-sheen 19-inch AMG 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels dominate the side view. There are also high-gloss black door mirror caps and the silver-coloured “BITURBO 4MATIC” lettering on the front wings. At the rear, two four-pipe chromed tailpipe trims and AMG-specific rear apron sports trim in silver chrome have been added.

The interior includes numerous specially designed details while the multifunction sports steering wheel in black leather features a flattened bottom section and red contrasting topstitching. The driver and front passenger find a secure position in the sports seats even when driving at speed, thanks to the improved lateral support. The upholstery in black ARTICO man-made leather/DINAMICA microfibre boasts its own seat upholstery layout plus red topstitching.

With two large round dials and central colour multifunction 5.5-inch display, the AMG instrument cluster places all the important information in the driver’s field of vision. The ECO display supports a fuel-saving driving style. Dials in a chequered-flag look and the distinctive typography lend the large displays an especially sporty touch.

The new Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC will be revealed at the New York International Auto Show, and goes on sale 4 April.

Mazda CX-4 crossover to debut at Beijing Motor Show

Mazda will debut the all-new CX-4 crossover SUV at the Beijing Motor Show.

The CX-4 is the latest addition to Mazda's new-generation range featuring SKYACTIV Technology and KODO-Soul of Motion design. The CX-4 is described as featuring a ‘striking presence that sets it apart from other SUVs, the functionality modern users expect' and Mazda’s ‘Jinba-ittai driving’. The term is a Japanese four-character compound describing the unity of horse and rider - and was used to describe the connection between a horse and his rider that helped give the MX-5 sports car ‘the perfect driving experience’.

The Japanese automaker's stand at the show will feature twelve vehicles, including new-generation models such as the Mazda3, Mazda CX-5, Mazda6, and race cars prepared for the Mazda-sponsored MZ Ruisi Racing Team competing in the China Touring Car Championship (CTCC).
 
The Beijing Motor Show runs from April 25 2016 to May 4, 2016.

Suzuki launches Jimny Adventure Special Edition

Suzuki has added an Adventure Special Edition to its Jimny range for 2016.

With a very limited production run of just 200 units for the UK, the Jimny Adventure is based on the ‘high spec’ SZ4 model which includes Dark Silver 15-inch alloy wheels, synthetic leather seats, air conditioning and rear privacy glass as standard. Unique added features includes full screen satellite navigation with Bluetooth connectivity, a hard spare wheel cover with ‘Adventure’ logo as well as individual Pearl White Metallic/Quasar Grey 2-Tone paint finish.

The Jimny is equipped with an all-alloy 16 valve 1.3-litre engine with Variable Valve Timing (VVT) for a ‘lively performance and strong fuel economy’ from its light kerb weight of just 1,090 kg. The Adventure model is available with manual transmission that returns an official 39.8mpg combined cycle driving and CO2 emissions of 162g/km.

The new Suzuki Jimny Adventure Special Edition is on sale now, priced at £14,949 OTR including metallic paint.

Audi reveals SQ7

Audi has unveiled the first S model to join its Q range with the 435PS SQ7 TDI.

Described by Audi as the world’s first series production car combining turbocharging with an electrically powered compressor, the new model ‘consigning turbo lag to history’. 

The SQ7 TDI also features electromechanical active roll stabilisation for ‘significantly’ reduced body roll. Powered by a redesigned V8 BiTDI engine that now develops 435 PS and 900 Nm (663.8 lb-ft) of torque, the electrically powered compressor (EPC) is placed in the air path downstream of the intercooler, close to the engine. Because the EPC does not require any exhaust-gas energy to develop boost, it can be used at any time, thus making it the solution for the traditional weaknesses of the classic exhaust-gas turbocharger, dispensing with any sign of turbo lag. The 0-62 sprint takes just 4.8 seconds while top speed is limited to 155mph. In the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC), the SQ7 TDI returns up to 38.2 mpg combined. This corresponds to CO2 emissions of 194 g/km. 

"Following the launch of the successful SQ5, we are now also applying the concept of a diesel-engined S model to the Q7 model line. So equipped, the SQ7 TDI with a V8 TDI engine achieves the consumption figures of a six-cylinder. The new technology solution of the electric powered compressor in the SQ7 TDI is a world first in the competitive environment, with which Audi once again underscores its claim Vorsprung durch Technik,” said Dr. Stefan Knirsch, Member of the Board of Management of AUDI AG for Technical Development.

The 4.0 TDI in the Audi SQ7 TDI in mated to a redesigned eight-speed tiptronic which changes gears quickly and efficiently, and at high speeds allows coasting at idle. A self-locking centre differential is the heart of the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system. It is described as compact, lightweight and interacts ‘very precisely’ with the suspension control system.

Electromechanical power steering, the Audi drive select driving dynamics system, Audi pre sense city, powered tailgate and adaptive air suspension with S-specific tuning are standard. Lightweight carbon fibre-ceramic discs will also become optionally available shortly after the market launch. Audi offers the SUV with 20-inch wheels on 285/45 tyres, with options up to 22 inches from quattro GmbH available soon after UK ordering opens.

Design wise, Audi DNA is clear with the sculpted Singleframe radiator grille, distinctively highlighted wheels and flared quattro-style blisters. The SQ7 TDI has a new radiator grille with an S-specific design at the bumpers and plenty of S body styling. Other distinguishing features are the side air inlets, the mirror housings and door inlays in standard aluminium. The exhaust system terminates in four rectangular tailpipes.

Passengers in the SQ7 TDI experience the largest interior in the segment, according to Audi. The second row has a three-section backrest with segments that can be folded down separately, while the final third row folds up and down electrically.

With its 12.3-inch display, the Audi virtual cockpit presents logically structured information in brilliant graphics. Driver ergonomics are excellent, and operation is intuitive. The driver chooses the display mode via the multifunction steering wheel. A head-up display is also available as an option.

The standard MMI navigation plus with MMI all-in-touch includes a large glass surface on the center tunnel console that provides the finger with haptic feedback after each click. The MMI logic allows for intuitive system operation and also understands terms from everyday speech.

Pricing has yet to be announced.

Volvo adds Polestar performance range

Volvo’s performance division Polestar has launched a range of performance upgrades.

Polestar Performance Parts are available for the Volvo S60, V40, V60 and XC60 models to begin with, including chassis parts, wheels, exhaust, interior and exterior details, and more.

"We have received strong feedback over a long period of time from customers all over the world regarding Polestar Performance Parts. We are delighted to be able to meet the demand, starting from today. This is a product improving on the already strong base of Volvo cars in terms of performance, handling and driving pleasure," said Niels Möller, Chief Operating Officer of Polestar.

"What we learned on the racing circuits with our colleagues at Cyan Racing is that championships are not won in a single lap. The secret of our success on the tracks is in creating balanced and precise cars that are predictable for the driver to control in all situations. Lessons learned on the tracks are transferred directly into the development of our road cars and performance products. The new range of Polestar Performance Parts is no exception – they are designed and developed with the very same philosophy," said Henrik Fries, R&D Director of Polestar.

Available as a complete package, including chassis parts, wheels and tyres, intake and exhaust, as well as exterior and interior parts, all of these components will together ‘create a more compelling driving experience’, especially in combination with the Polestar Performance Optimisation, and can be bought in separate packages as well.

All performance parts are developed and tested together with Volvo Cars to the same high standards as all other products with no impact on the Volvo factory warranty.

Available from participating Volvo dealers in April, prices have yet to be announced.

Ford reveals facelifted Kuga sport

Ford has revamped its Kuga SUV. 

Featuring a more ‘advanced, refined and sportier redesign’, the new Kuga will offer technologies and updates to make driving simpler, safer, more enjoyable and more affordable, say Ford. These include the new SYNC 3 communications and entertainment system, innovative driver assistance technologies, an ergonomic and comfortable interior and a new 120PS 1.5-litre TDCi diesel engine.

Ford’s Perpendicular Parking technology - that helps drivers park hands-free in spaces alongside other cars - joins an enhanced version of the Active City Stop collision avoidance system and Ford’s Adaptive Front Lighting System for optimised visibility in low light. Further technologies include Hands-Free Tailgate and Ford Intelligent All Wheel Drive.

Ford’s new SYNC 3 connectivity system delivers faster performance, simplified commands, and supports five additional languages. Simply by pushing a button and saying “I need a coffee,” “I need petrol,” and “I need to park,” drivers can locate nearby cafes, petrol stations or car parks, and find train stations, airports, and hotels. A new interface features larger, easier to operate buttons and enables pinch and swipe gestures for the first time.

The new Kuga features Ford’s latest design language for a bold and sporty look that is shared with the EcoSport compact SUV and all-new Edge large SUV. A large upper trapezoidal grille and a smaller lower grille are flanked by sleek new headlamps incorporating LED Daytime Running Lights, complemented by fog lamps.

Restyled taillights complete the sporty look, while a new range of 17- 18- and 19-inch alloy wheel designs also will be available in variety of finishes including Luster Nickel. One new colour, the vibrant shade Copper Pulse, will be offered throughout the range. A power-operated retractable tow bar automatically stores itself out of sight below the rear bumper when not in use, to retain the new Kuga’s sporty looks.

On the inside, Ford says the interior has been refined to offer a ‘more ergonomic, stylish and comfortable experience for occupants’. The steering wheel and air-conditioning controls are even more intuitive, and feature fewer and more easily distinguishable buttons and switches, ‘making the controls easier to recognise and navigate’. The steering wheel is also offered with heated leather to improve comfort in cold weather, while all automatic new Kuga models will feature paddle-shift controls that enable drivers to manually select gears while keeping their hands on the wheel.

A new 120PS 1.5-litre TDCi diesel engine is introduced, offered with front-wheel drive, Ford says it is targeting a fuel efficiency improvement for the new engine of about 5 per cent to 64.2mpg and 115g/km CO2 while producing the same power.

Also available will be a 2.0-litre TDCi diesel engine with 150PS in front-wheel drive and Ford Intelligent All Wheel Drive versions that achieve from 60.1mpg and 122g/km CO2; and a 180PS Intelligent All Wheel Drive version that delivers from 54.3mpg and 135g/km CO2.

Ford’s 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol engine in 120PS or 150PS front-wheel drive form achieves 45.6mpg and 143g/km CO2; and a 182PS Intelligent All Wheel Drive version delivers from 38.2mpg and 171g/km CO2.

Ford is launching the new Kuga and the larger Edge SUV this year, after introducing an updated EcoSport last year.

Skoda unveils VisionS

Skoda has revealed images of the new VisionS show car.
 
Hinting at a future SUV design language, the VisionS is influenced by Czech Cubism and the tradition of Bohemian crystal art with the contoured surfaces accentuated further by the Island-Green colour.

Based on the Volkswagen Group’s Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB), this is Skoda’s first vehicle to feature six seats across three rows. The concept powered by a plug-in hybrid powertrain with 165 kW (225 hp) and a 0-62mph time of 7.4 seconds.

The internal combustion engine is a 1.4 TSI with 115 kW (156 hp) and 250 Nm of torque. This works alongside an e-motor that provides 40 kW of 40 kW continuous power and 220 Nm peak torque. It is integrated into the six-speed DSG, which directs the power to the front wheels. A second electric motor with up to 85 kW and 270 Nm of torque drives the rear axle. 

The VisionS features large displays for vehicle and infotainment services for all passengers, who can connect to the network several ways from each seat in the vehicle.

The VisionS will be formally unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

SsangYong to launch XLV in Geneva

SsangYong will reveal a new extended Tivoli XLV at the Geneva Motor Show.

Providing more carrying capacity and practicality, the Tivoli XLV was shown as the XLV Air concept in Frankfurt last year, and following ‘extremely favourable feedback’ the company has decided put the car into production.

Sharing the same platform as the Tivoli, the XLV features a lengthened body from behind the C pillar, an increase of 235mm over the standard car, expanding the load capacity to 720 cubic litres of space. Meanwhile, the styling cues that distinguish Tivoli are retained. It will be offered with a choice of a Euro 6 compliant 1.6 litre petrol or 1.6 litre diesel engines, mated to the option of a 6-speed manual transmission or 6-speed Aisin automatic, two-wheel drive or four wheel drive. UK specification is yet to be determined.

SsangYong will also showcase a SIV-2 concept (Smart Interface Vehicle) midsize premium SUV at the show. As the next iteration on from the SIV-1 concept which was shown at Geneva in 2013, this takes a step further under the design concept of ‘Dynamic Motion’.

Based on SsangYong’s development theme of ‘Robust, Specialty, Premium’, this new concept pursues the emotional interface between the driver and car, and will evolve to become a key strategic model within the SsangYong range.

The SIV-2 is a mild hybrid, powered by a 1.5 litre direct injection turbocharged petrol engine combined with a 10kW electric motor-generator and a 500Wh lithium ion battery. This creates a 48V mild hybrid system which offers quiet and efficient driving, reduced CO2 emissions and silent running when idling and at slow speeds.

This eco-friendly concept features a lightweight body, a low centre of gravity and a chassis and suspension system that can be further developed to create alternative models with high efficiency powertrains such as HEV, PHEV and EV.

Nissan updates X-Trail and Pulsar

Nissan has confirmed a series of updates for its X-Trail and Pulsar range.

Until the end of March buyers of the X-Trail can upgrade from five to seven seats free of charge – a saving of £900. The deal is available to both Private and Business buyers and applies to all grades and engines of X-Trail, including 2WD and 4WD models.

Following the addition of N-Connecta to Juke and Qashqai, Nissan’s Pulsar is the latest model to carry the new trim grade. The N-Connecta grade on Pulsar will be a direct replacement for the existing n-tec model, which will close to ordering once supply runs out.

Nissan has also confirmed a new entry-level price for the Visia DIG-T 115 Manual of £13,995, representing a £2,000 customer saving over the previous price.

Both models are on sale now.

Datsun GO-cross Concept debuts in Delhi

Nissan’s recently reborn Datsun brand is showcasing the GO-cross Concept in India at the Delhi Auto Expo 2016. 

The crossover concept is the brand’s vision for a potential Datsun GO/GO+ family expansion into high-growth SUV markets.

Datsun Executive Design Director Koji Nagano says: “Although it is a pure show car at the moment, the Datsun GO-cross Concept is designed to meet the needs and preferences of a new generation of drivers. They are young, ambitious, fun-loving people ready to take the next stop in their lives.” 

The brand is also displaying enhanced versions of the Datsun GO and Datsun GO+, equipped with accessories to meet the demands of customers who want a more personalised ride.

Nissan cars were marketed in the UK under the Datsun name until the early 1980s. There are currently no official plans to reintroduce the brand to the UK.

Mourinho keeps his cool as he masters ice driving

José Mourinho has been mastering the art of high speed drifting and ice driving on a 60km frozen lake at Jaguar Land Rover's extreme testing facility in Arjeplog, Sweden.

 The ex-Chelsea football manager was testing a high performance Jaguar F-PACE S prototype as part of an extreme driver training experience just 40 miles from the Arctic Circle.

In temperatures as low as -30 degrees, Mourinho's driving skills were tested to their extreme limit in the Jaguar F-PACE by Finnish professional driver, Tommi Karrinaho. 

Mourinho said: "The flying lap with Tommi sent my adrenaline soaring. It's something I've only ever experienced before when I have walked out in front of 80,000 football fans."

The three-time Premier League-winning manager is experiencing widespread interest about his future right now, but he was philosophical about his next move. 

"I have worked for as long as I can remember as a manager and this is now the second time I have stopped in 16 years. So it's not a drama, but for sure I will be back soon... I don't know where football will take me because in football you never know, but for sure as a family our home will still be in London." 

Customer deliveries for the new F-PACE are set to kick off in late spring 2016, and Mourinho, who already owns an F-TYPE Coupé, is among the first to have placed an order.

Jaguar will be rolling out the Ice Drive Experience to customers from all over the world in 2017.

Vauxhall Mokka facelift adds X appeal

Vauxhall's facelifted Mokka X will debut at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show next month.

Incorporating cues from Vauxhall's new design philosophy, the new model is the first to introduce the "X" segment identifier for future Vauxhall SUV and crossover vehicles.

The Mokka X's refreshed interior and exterior styling is the work of a design team lead by Brit Mark Adams. A new front treatment includes a wing-shaped horizontal grille and the sharp double-wing design LED daytime running lights. The bumper features new sculpted surfaces, with fewer plastic inserts, while at the rear there's another double wing signature highlighted in the tail lamps, with LED technology an option. 

On the inside, there's a completely new dashboard inspired by the Astra's, with a new instrument panel organised around more horizontally shaped elements. The centre stack has been redeveloped around the seven- and eight-inch touchscreens of the new generation infotainment systems. There are fewer buttons, since more functions are now accessible via the touchscreen.

The engine line-up now includes the 1.4-litre Direct Injection Turbo (152PS) petrol unit which first appeared in the all-new Astra. With a six-speed automatic transmission, adaptive all-wheel drive and start/stop, it delivers 42.8mpg and CO2 emissions of 154g/km. 

The new Mokka X will be available from launch with the personal connectivity and service assistant OnStar and two versions of the new generation IntelliLink infotainment system, while LED Adaptive Forward Lighting headlamps replace the previous BiXenon AFL.

With nearly 100,000 sold in the UK since its launch in 2012, the Mokka SUV has been a big winner for Vauxhall. The new version will reach UK showrooms late this year.

Kia confirms pricing for new Sportage

Kia has announced pricing and specification for the fourth-generation of its new Sportage crossover.

There are 18 variants on offer priced from £17,995 on the road and for the first time, GT-Line versions are added to the range, starting at £24,350. The flagship of the range is a luxurious First Edition model, priced at £31,645.

The new Sportage brings advances in fuel efficiency, comfort, connectivity, convenience and safety. The styling has been subtly modernised and Kia says that every model benefits from "a more premium look and feel to the interior".

There are now four engines and three transmissions with the introduction of a 1.6-litre T-GDi (turbocharged gasoline direct injection) unit and a 7DCT (seven-speed dual-clutch automatic) gearbox, both of which are reserved exclusively for GT-Line. They join re-engineered 1.6-litre GDi petrol and 1.7- and 2.0-litre turbodiesel power units with improved fuel economy and CO2 reductions of up to 29g/km, which means lower company car tax for business users.

The six trim lines are badged 1, 2, 3, 4, GT-Line and First Edition. All versions powered by the 1.6-litre GDi and 1.7-litre CRDi engines are front-wheel drive, while those powered by the 1.6-litre T-GDi unit and the two 2.0-litre CRDi diesels have all-wheel drive. Four-wheel-drive versions are distinguished by the 'KX' prefix in the model designation - except for GT-Line and First Edition versions

Kia's latest offering slots into the compact SUV/crossover sector of the market, which is expected to grow from 9.4 per cent of the total in Europe in 2015 to 10.2 per cent by 2018, with total sales for the sector predicted at 1.6 million. 

The outgoing Sportage was the best-selling Kia in the UK, claiming close to 29 per cent of the company's sales.

The new car comes with a seven-year or 100,000-mile warranty, subject to certain wear and tear conditions. It is also available with Kia's Care-3 and Care-3 Plus servicing packages, offering retail customers fixed-cost servicing for three or five years.

The new Kia Sportage is on sale from February 5, 2016.

Kia scoops two iF Design Awards

Two of Kia's newest models have both won an iF Design Award.

The Kia Sportage and Optima were honoured in the ‘Automobiles/Vehicles/Bikes’ category, where the product as well as overall design quality, are considered by the independent jury, evaluating the cars on their finish, innovation, environmental impact and safety.

Since it was launched in 1953, the annual iF Design Award has become an important prize in design. The award has its origins in the ‘Formgerechte Industrieerzeugnisse’ (Good Industrial Design) product shows initiated by Germany’s Hannover Messe, and is now described as one of the world’s largest and most prestigious design competitions.

Paul Philpott, President and CEO of Kia Motors UK commented: “We are delighted to accept these awards for the all-new Kia Sportage and Optima as proof of our design teams’ consistent efforts to develop prize-winning designs. The new Sportage features a distinctive new face, and the elegant Optima saloon highlights other, different facets of Kia’s design. These are important flagship models for us, clearly demonstrating the design-led transformation of the Kia model range in recent years.”

With the latest generation of the Sportage, Kia has redesigned its compact SUV adding a ‘high quality interior’ combining ‘modern elegance with high-quality materials and practical features’. The all-new Kia Optima saloon features ‘modern surface details, sharp styling lines, and a long, lean silhouette’ giving the car an even bolder on-road presence than its predecessors.

The official presentation ceremony for the 2016 iF Design Awards will take place on 26 February 2016 at the Munich Creative Business Week.