Crossover

Crossover, News

Suzuki unveils Mighty Deck in Tokyo

Suzuki has debuted a new concept - the Mighty Deck - at the 44th Tokyo Motor Show.

The Mighty Deck, which does seem to resemble a mighty duck, offers 'new kinds' of fun in the minicar segment according to the Japanese manufacturer.

The theme for the Suzuki's stand is "SUZUKI NEXT 100" as the brand will be celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2020. The exhibits represent proposals for products and technologies that give a sense of the company's preparations for ongoing success in the next 100 years, with a range of concept models will show how Suzuki can deliver 'wonder and enjoyment to drivers and riders'.

The Mighty Deck is described as a fun-oriented minicar with a canvas top for an open load deck that can be repositioned for diverse purposes, adding extra utility. The deck opens and closes automatically.

Suzuki says the "urban/outdoor" concept is embodied by features that 'free people to move between contrasting situations and mind sets: city and nature; home and away; work and leisure or relaxed and playful'.

Crossover, News

Vauxhall to investigate Zafira fires

Vauxhall has confirmed it will take further action following reports of a fire onboard some Vauxhall Zafiras.

The company says it has carried out an investigation following the reports of fire in the area of the heating and ventilation system in a number of Vauxhall Zafira B models launched in 2005, not the current Zafira Tourer.

Vauxhall is keen to point out the number of incidents is 'very low' in proportion to the number of vehicles on the road, but that it takes this issue very seriously saying; "The safety of our customers is the number one priority. Our investigations have found that a number of incidents have occurred due to previous repairs being performed improperly or using certain non-genuine parts."

For the time being, Vauxhall provides the following advice to Zafira B owners: If you are concerned about operating your vehicle or if you notice any unusual characteristics with the heating and ventilation system (for example a squeaking noise from the dashboard) you should contact your Vauxhall dealer and arrange for your vehicle to be inspected. This will be done at no cost.

Vauxhall also says it will consider further actions as appropriate.

SUV, News, Crossover, 4x4

All-new Kia Sportage set for Frankfurt debut

Kia has confirmed its all-new Sportage will be unveiled at 2015 Frankfurt International Motor Show.

Featuring new, 'dynamic styling' Kia also describes the interior of the 2015 Sportage as its most refined high-quality cabin yet.

The fourth-generation Sportage features a bold, progressive design which 'exudes power and agility from every angle' says the South Korean manufacturer, adding that the compact SUV's styling 'creates visual harmony out of the tension between bold, precise feature lines and dramatically-sculptured bodywork'.

Inside, the SUV combines simple, modern style and rich material quality with the styling led by the brand's European design centre - located in Frankfurt.

Kia will pull the covers off the new Sportage on 15 September.

Crossover, Diesel, News

All-new Honda HR-V lands in the UK

The first shipment of Honda's all-new HR-V crossover has arrived in the UK at Bristol docks.

Due into dealerships at the end of the month, Honda says the new HR-V has already generated almost 350 orders despite customers not having driven, let alone even seen the car in the metal.

It is available at launch with a choice of 120 PS 1.6 litre i-DTEC diesel or 130 PS 1.5 litre i-VTEC petrol engines, both part of Honda's Earth Dreams Technology series.

Philip Crossman, Managing Director at Honda UK, commented: "The HR-V is back.  These are some fantastic pictures of the new HR-V
being driven off the boat having arrived from Mexico and it is only a matter of weeks before we start seeing the car out on the road."

With pricing starting at £17,995 for the entry-level S grade petrol model, the new HR-V tops out at £24,945 for the flagship EX diesel.

Crossover, Concept Car, SUV, News

Mazda to unveil new crossover concept in Frankfurt

The Mazda Koeru crossover SUV concept is set to make its debut at the 2015 Frankfurt International Motor Show.

Koeru - Japanese for 'exceed' or 'go beyond' - was the name chosen for Mazda's latest entry into the growing crossover SUV market, which features the company's trademark KODO - Soul of Motion design - expressing "the power and vitality of a predator along with a unique level of refined dignity", according to Mazda.

Mazda will also display its new-generation model line-up in Frankfurt with highlights including an all-new MX-5 complete with accessories as well as several SKYACTIV powertrains. 

Mazda's Frankfurt Motor Show press conference takes place on 15 September and the doors open to the public from 17-27 September.

Crossover, News

Fiat 500X gets new Mopar accessories

Fiat's accessory brand Mopar has unveiled a range of extras for the new Fiat 500X crossover.

Over 100 accessories have been designed specifically for the 500X crossover to enhance its functionality and allow customers to adapt the look of their vehicle to their particular personalities. Unique Mopar 18-inch alloy wheels are offered in a range of colours and aesthetic treatments, including machined silver with white recesses, red wheels with black recesses and all-black wheels, priced at £816 for a set of four.

Door mirror fairings are offered in nine colour options for £61 a pair, while door moulding inserts are available in five finishes from £214 a set and there are also a range of original decals for the roof, bonnet and upper and lower body sides in a variety of colours designed to coordinate with other accessories in the same colour.

There are six "Xtra Pack" kits available which combine a selection of options in single, great-value bundles. The kits - offered in white, red, bronze and beige - feature matching bonnet/roof stripes, mirror fairings and door moulding inserts and are priced at just £305. For those who prefer the classic look, the Chrome Xtra Pack (Pop, Pop Star and Lounge only) includes chrome-effect mirror fairings, door moulding inserts, fog light trims and a chrome bonnet moulding, while the Black Xtra Pack includes black bonnet and roof decals and black mirror caps but excludes door moulding inserts as the mouldings are already black.

Functionality is enhanced by a range of roof systems, from the 360-litre Freebox (£259) to sports equipment systems (from £112). The Winter Xtra Pack, for example, combines custom-fit roof bars with an adaptor capable of securely and safely carrying four skis or two snowboards as well as a moulded cargo bay protector for snow-covered boots and clothing. The Summer Xtra Pack consists of the same roof bars combined with a bike carrier and moulded cargo area tray and is currently available for £235, a saving of £78 compared to the price of buying the roof bars (£137), boot protector (£40) and bike carrier (£136) separately.

A detachable tow bar (£360) with wiring systems (from £168) and a towbar-mounted two-bike carrier system (£613) are also available, while a variety of key covers (£43 per twin pack) and carbon-look mirror fairings (in white or black from £120) round out the options currently available for the 500X.

The Mopar 500X accessory range is available to order at Fiat dealership throughout the UK.

The Fiat 500X range starts at £14,595 OTR for the entry-level 1.4 Pop.

Concept Car, Crossover, News

Subaru XV gets new upgrades and tech

Subaru has confirmed a series of modifications and upgrades to the interior and chassis of its XV compact crossover.

Featuring what Subaru describes as 'the lowest centre of gravity in the compact crossover class - and the highest ground clearance', changes to the car's suspension have been designed to result in a smoother, more compliant ride but without sacrificing stability.

Among the changes to the upgraded and revised interior includes improved materials a well as an all-new touchscreen infotainment and navigation system. Subaru describes the interior as featuring a 'higher-quality' look and feel with the adoption of an all new instrument binnacle and new metallic and piano black accents throughout the cabin for the central console, dashboard and steering wheel switchgear. The new 7.0-inch touchscreen display allows smartphone-style control over the advanced navigation and infotainment features, with a swipe and pinch control function for map displays.

The driver's LCD instrument binnacle has been completely redesigned and features more upmarket, contemporary blue dials with new graphics. The infotainment display echoes the new blue glow of the driver's instrument binnacle and also now houses a standard-fit rear view camera, offering a wide 160-degree field of view behind the car when reversing.

Passengers can also now engage with the car's dashboard-top Multi-Function Display (MFD), which provides a range of information including the status of its permanent All-Wheel Drive system, as well as fuel economy and trip information.

The XV comes as standard with a Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive powertrain and Vehicles Dynamics Control system. For the upgraded model, Subaru says the engineers' key focus was to improve the car's ride quality and reduce the intrusion of noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) into the cabin. For both front and rear suspension, the dampers have had their pitch rate lowered, resulting in a 'smoother and more comfortable ride than earlier models', while reducing roll slightly.

The rear suspension features new spring rate settings to further improve stability under cornering by ensuring greater tyre contact with the road, while allowing for greater flexibility in ride over broken road surfaces.

Noise from inside the cabin has been reduced thanks to the more widespread application of sound-absorbent material throughout the car, further cutting the intrusion of vibrations and engine, wind and road noise into the cabin. This has been managed with the adoption of new under-bonnet insulators, extra sound-deadening material throughout the floor of the car, and sealing and sound-absorbing materials around the front and rear quarter lights and door lips.

In spite of the changes, the upgraded Subaru XV retains its existing on-the-road (OTR) price, with the range starting from £21,995 for the XV 2.0i SE to £25,995 OTR for the range-topping XV 2.0D SE Premium, and goes on sale this month.

Crossover, News, SUV

Nissan X-Trail gets new frugal engine

Nissan's new X-Trail has received a double boost with a new DIG-T 163 engine option, along with a price drop.

The introduction of the new DIG-T 163 engine simultaneously reduces the X-Trail's entry price to £21,995 - £1,460 lower than the current dCi 130 entry grade model.

Available to order now, with the first deliveries expected next month, the X-Trail's new 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol unit combines 'sharp performance with low CO2 output and exceptional fuel economy' says to Nissan.

Fuel consumption for Visia and Acenta models come in at 45.6mpg (44.1mpg for n-tec and Tekna), while CO2 emissions are 145g/km (149g/km for n-tec and Tekna). In terms of performance, the new X-Trail DIG-T 163 can sprint from 0-62mph in 9.7 seconds and has a top speed of 124mph.

Already a popular choice in the Qashqai range, the new DIG-T 163 engine is the most powerful engine in the new X-Trail range, and sits alongside the existing dCi 130PS unit.

With advanced turbocharging technology and features designed to maximise performance and economy, the new unit develops 163PS of power at 5,600rpm and 240Nm of torque between 2,000 and 4,000rpm. It is offered in two-wheel drive form only and a six-speed manual transmission is fitted as standard. To help drivers go further for less, the new DIG-T 163 is also equipped with Start/Stop ignition system .

The new DIG-T 163 engine is available across all standard X-Trail grades, with Acenta, n-tec and Tekna offering seven seater options.

Crossover, Electric, SUV, News

Ford EcoSport gets new upgrades

The Ford EcoSport has received new styling upgrades, improved driving dynamics and new equipment for 2015.

Customers can now specify the compact SUV without the rear-mounted spare wheel, while interior improvements include standard partial leather seats for Titanium models and additional chrome detailing. Driving dynamics have been improved with revisions to the springs, dampers, rear torsion beam, Electronic Stability Programme, and Electronic Power Assisted Steering settings.

Convenience and comfort are also enhanced with a Winter Pack - featuring heated windscreen, heated mirrors and heated front seats. Models specified without the rear-mounted spare wheel feature a tyre mobility kit as standard, while the rear swing-gate design for those vehicles also has been revised to allow easier access to the bootspace with partial opening.

Inside, privacy glass is available for all EcoSport trim levels, while the Winter Pack also adds rear seat ventilation at floor level to improve comfort for rear passengers in cold weather. The restyled interior has a charcoal black lower instrument panel, centre console and door boards. The instrument cluster now features a light dimming function and chrome-surround rings to match the electric window switches.

Refinement has been enhanced with thicker sound deadening materials in the doors and dashboard, as well as tighter seals around the pedals. Engine and gearbox matching has been revised to offer more low speed torque and better drivability.

'Significant' improvements to the EcoSport's driving dynamics follow development work at the Ford Lommel Proving Ground, where 50 miles of test tracks include replicas of European road surfaces. This resulted in a stiffer rear torsion beam being added, offering 'greater control of body roll', and revised spring and shock absorber rates improve damping.

A 10mm reduction in ride height lowers the car's centre of gravity for improved handling, and Electronic Stability Control and power steering systems also have been specifically tuned for European roads.

The 1.5-litre TDCi also now offers 95PS, a 5PS improvement, and delivers 64.2mpg and 115g/km CO2. The 125PS 1.0-litre EcoBoost delivers 52.3mpg and 125g/km CO2, while the 1.5-litre Ti-VCT engine delivers 44.8mpg and 149g/km CO2. All engines now meet Euro Stage 6 emissions standards.

Further technology that will be available later this year for EcoSport, for the first time including satellite navigation and Rear View Camera to help drivers manoeuvre the vehicle when in reverse.

Prices for the revamped Ford EcoSport start from £14,245 OTR and is available to order now, for an October delivery.

Coupe, Crossover, SUV, News

Honda confirms new HR-V pricing and spec

Honda has confirmed its new HR-V compact crossover will be priced from £17,995 OTR.

That's for the entry-level S grade petrol model, rising to £24,945 for the flagship EX diesel. The all-new HR-V blends coupe looks with the 'tough, solid stance' of a robust SUV says Honda. Inside, 'class-leading' boot space comes in at 453 litres with the rear seats up and 1,026 litres with the rear seats down.

The entry-level S model includes features such as climate control, cruise control and dusk-sensing automatic headlamps as standard. The mid-grade SE model, priced from £19,745, adds a range of premium features, including rain sensing wipers, front and rear parking sensors and a six-speaker audio upgrade. A 'Smart Touch' interior includes touch panel controls for the upgraded dual-zone climate control.

Customers choosing the top-grade EX model (from £23,195) will get a full leather interior, smart entry and start, and a rear-view camera. A sense of spaciousness comes via a tilt-and-slide opening panoramic glass sunroof, while external styling is enhanced with 17-inch alloy wheels.

Customers opting for the SE or EX models will also gain the Honda Connect in-car infotainment system as standard. This Android-based system features an app-based 'pinch, swipe and tap' interface accessed on a seven-inch touchscreen in the centre of the dash.

Honda Connect comes with pre-installed apps, with others available for download from the Honda App Centre. These give rapid access to internet-based services such as web browsing, real-time traffic information, news and weather, social media, and internet music stations. Integrated Garmin navigation is standard on EX and is available as an option on SE models.

Designed and engineered to achieve a five-star Euro NCAP rating, every new HR-V sold in Europe will be equipped with Honda's City-Brake Active System as standard. SE or EX models will feature Honda's Advanced Driver Assist System, which uses radar sensors, plus forward- and rear-facing cameras. This suite of active safety technologies includes Forward Collision Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition, Intelligent Speed Limiter, Lane Departure Warning and High-beam Support System.

The HR-V comes with a choice of either the all-new 130 PS 1.5 litre i-VTEC petrol or the 120 PS, 1.6 litre i-DTEC diesel engines. Combined with either a six-speed manual gearbox or a newly developed CVT (for petrol models only), emissions are as low as 104 g/km of CO2. The CVT's driveability is given a more natural 'multi-gear' feel through the use of new control software exclusive to Europe which simulates seven speeds and provides optimised gear change mapping.

Leon Brannan, Head of Cars at Honda UK, commented: "Sixteen years after the original HR-V, Honda is returning to the crossover segment it pioneered with the exceptionally spacious, versatile and technologically advanced HR-V. And with highly competitive list prices, we are expecting huge demand for the all-new HR-V. We've boldly identified that 2015 is 'the year of Honda' and HR-V signals the third of five new and refreshed models for the brand this year. Following the arrival of the extensively upgraded CR-V - the HR-V's bigger sibling - and the recent launch of the thrilling all-new Civic Type R, we're confident the HR-V will further broaden the appeal of the Honda brand amongst a wide range of car buyers."

Full pricing of the entire range will be announced in the next few weeks, with the Honda HR-V set to arrive in showrooms in late August.

Crossover, News

Peugeot reveals new 2008 Urban Cross edition

Peugeot has added a new special edition to its 2008 Crossover line-up - the 2008 Urban Cross.

Based on the Active badge level, but benefitting from an enhanced specification, the Urban Cross is available in either the 1.2-litre PureTech 110hp S&S with 108g/km of CO2 or 1.6-litre BlueHDi 100hp S&S with 95g/km of CO2 emissions.

The main features on the special edition are the exterior and interior styling; noticeably a new and 'exclusive' metallic Emerald paint colour. The Urban Cross also features 17" alloy wheels and Grip Control as standard, along with rear Parking Aid and electric, heated and black, folding door mirrors. The premium trim, with emerald stitching, is complemented by the leather steering wheel and gearknob, with emerald contrast stitching.

The Peugeot 2008 Urban Cross is available to order now, priced from £16,495 OTR.