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 unveils GLC Coupe

Mercedes has revealed its new GLC Coupe SUV.

A year after making its debut in concept form in Shanghai, the production version appears largely unchanged, fusing the stylistic elements of a sporting coupe with Mercedes’ modern SUV design language.

“The GLC Coupé reflects our iconic Mercedes-Benz coupé design while symbolising the bipolarity of our brand – it is ‘hot and cool’,” said Gorden Wagener, Head of Design at Daimler AG. “With its design idiom of sensual purity, it perfectly embodies our styling philosophy while at the same time representing contemporary luxury.”

Standard sports suspension is combined with sports steering, permanent all-wheel drive and a nine-speed automatic transmission for a blend of ‘superior’ ride comfort and ‘decidedly sporty’ agility, says Mercedes. 

Two suspension variants with continuously adjustable damping are optionally available: the new DYNAMIC BODY CONTROL with steel springing as well as the already familiar AIR BODY CONTROL multi-chamber air suspension – both promising further enhanced driving dynamics and comfort.

Measuring 4.73 metres in length, 1.60 metres in height and with a wheelbase of 2.87 metres, the GLC Coupe is almost eight centimetres longer and some four centimetres lower than the ‘regular’ GLC, with which it shares its basic architecture.

The GLC Coupe is distinguished by a single-louvred diamond radiator grille and a restyled, sloping roofline. The A-pillar is less steeply raked, while the continuation of the roof outline is lower, flowing to a muscular rear end. The rear window dispenses with a wiper, as the airflow does not break away until after the spoiler lip, which, according to Mercedes, means that water is unable to strike the rear window.

The new GLC Coupe is available in a total of eight model variants, with four diesel and four petrol engines, including a plug-in hybrid as well as a powerful Mercedes-AMG model.

The entry-level models are the four-cylinder diesel-engined 220 d and 250 d 4MATIC Coupe with outputs ranging from 170hp to 204hp as well as the four-cylinder petrol-engined 250 4MATIC Coupe rated at 211hp.

Mercedes also offers a plug-in hybrid (350 e 4MATIC Coupe) that combines agile all-wheel drive with low fuel consumption and exhaust emissions. With a total system output of 320hp, it delivers a top speed of 146mph with acceleration from rest to 62mph in 5.9 seconds, courtesy of a boost function.

CO2 emissions are between 59‑64g/km in normal use but it can cover as much as 18.6 miles in zero-emission all-electric mode.

The range-topping Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC Coupe, powered by a 367hp V6 biturbo engine, can cover the 0 to 62mph sprint in less than 5 seconds.

Market launch will be in the autumn with these engine line-ups. Further models will follow at the end of 2016.

Nissan celebrates 20 years of the curry hook

Nissan has been successfully delivering curry to its customers for 20 years.

Returning safely from the take-away without spilling a drop of Tikka Masala sauce on the seat, this month marks 20 years since the debut of one of its most simple of features – the ‘curry hook’.

The dashboard hook first appeared on the Nissan Almera compact family hatchback in March 1996, as a way of keeping hand bags or shopping bags upright. It was quickly dubbed the ‘curry hook’ by media who recognised it was the perfect way to stop takeaway food from spilling into the car’s foot well. Today, it remains a feature of the crossovers such as the Qashqai and X-Trail. All that’s changed is the location of the hook; it has moved from the dashboard to the boot.

Another simple solution Nissan has installed is the ‘Karakuri’ boot board – also known as the Flexi-Board – which is available on the Qashqai, Juke and Note. It allows owners to divide the cargo space according to their needs, and can be arranged in various configurations to support and protect items in transit. When not in use, it stores out of the way in the boot floor.

Interestingly, in September 1986 when the first Nissan Bluebird rolled off the new production line in Sunderland it had two analogue trip meters built into the instrument cluster behind the steering wheel - to allow business users to separately log their professional and private mileage. A unique feature at the time, this is now standard on the digital read-outs of almost every volume car brand.

David Moss, Vice President, Vehicle Design & Development, commented: “Whether its trip meters, power sockets, boot boards or the famous curry hook, Nissan engineers never forget that it’s often these clever ideas – which make life easier for drivers – that will keep our customers coming back time and time again.”

Audi Q2 debuts in Geneva

Audi has unveiled its new Q2 compact SUV in Geneva.

The German company says it has ‘taken the compact SUV in a bold new styling direction' with the Q2 designed to appeal to a younger audience. It also includes a portfolio of connectivity, infotainment and assistance systems borrowed from larger Audi models.

At the front, the high-mounted Singleframe grille in octagonal design is joined by large air inlets. A low roof descends and merges into the C-pillars with colour offset blades, while the rear body ends with a long roof spoiler and a diffuser that has an 'off-road' look.

The Q2 is launching in the UK with a choice of five engines. Along with a 1.0-litre three-cylinder TFSI, two four-cylinder petrol engines are being offered with 1.4 and 2.0 litres of displacement (2.0-litre TFSI to follow in 2017). In addition, two four-cylinder diesel engines will be available with 1.6 and 2.0 litres of displacement and outputs of 116PS and 150PS. As an alternative to the six-speed manual transmission, Audi also offers the S tronic dual clutch transmission with seven speeds for all engines. In the 2.0 TFSI, a newly developed dual-clutch transmission is used which has a new type of oil supply and reduced friction. The 150PS TDI engine can be combined with quattro permanent all-wheel drive, and the system is standard in conjunction with the 2.0 TFSI engine.

The Q2 has the high entry of an SUV with good visibility and a large luggage compartment (405 to 1,050 litres of capacity), yet Audi says the driver’s seat position is low in relation to the steering wheel as in a saloon. Optional extras include a power tailgate, an LED lighting package and a three-way split rear bench backrest with cargo through-loading, while newly designed 17-inch alloy wheels are fitted as standard, and can be optionally increased to 19 inches upon request.

Expected to open for UK orders in July, first deliveries of the new Audi Q2 are due in November 2016.

Citroen C4 Cactus range gets Rip Curl Special Edition

Born from a collaboration between Citroen and surfing brand Rip Curl, the special edition C4 Cactus introduces Grip Control for improved traction, along with some new styling elements to emphasise its outdoor character.

Aside from being the only version of the Cactus to come with Grip Control, the Rip Curl also features special Mud and Snow tyres to help keep it moving on difficult surfaces (Goodyear 205/50 R17 89V – Vector 4Seasons tyres).

The Grip Control system provides the benefit of intelligent traction in ‘off-road’ mode. It uses an advanced anti-skid function built into the ESP computer, which manages the traction from the driven front wheels, and has various other modes for different types of terrain. The Grip Control selector, set in the centre of the dashboard, provides access to five operating modes.

Standard, Sand, Off-Road, Snow and ESP off. Each of the last 4 modes is operational up to a pre-set speed limit and then automatically reverts to ‘Standard’ mode.

Citroen says the new car’s increased traction promises a unique driving experience for both drivers and passengers alike, irrespective of the season or destination. 

On the style front, the Rip Curl's specific look includes: white door mirrors, white roof-bars and a white vertical strip on the wings blending geometric patterns and the Rip Curl logo. The rear quarter-lights feature the same pattern, applied horizontally, with the Rip Curl signature in white lettering. 

Front and rear aluminium-coloured protection plates are designed to reinforce its ‘adventurer’ identity alongside the standard Airbump panels along its flanks which protects the bodywork. 

Five body colours will be available to order at launch and Citroen plans to offer a new and unique blue body colour to further enhance the Rip Curl’s special edition status.

The cabin features orange detailing throughout: on the safety belts, the stitching on the floor mats and on the stereo’s loudspeakers.

Based on the C4 Cactus Flair trim, the Rip Curl’s standard equipment includes: rear parking sensors and camera, automatic climate control, automatic headlamps and front wipers, navigation system, 6-speaker MP3 audio system, cruise control/speed limiter, tinted windows and a panoramic glass roof, complete with thermal protection.

On sale in the first half of 2016, the C4 Cactus Rip Curl will be on display on the Citroen stand at the Geneva Motor Show from March 1, 2016.

New Kia Niro set for European debut in Geneva

The all-new Kia Niro will make its European debut at the 2016 Geneva International Motor Show.

The low-emissions hybrid crossover marks the development of Kia’s first dedicated eco-car platform. The Niro will offer the practicality of a spacious crossover, together with the high fuel efficiency of an advanced hybrid powertrain. Engineered from the ground up as a dedicated hybrid vehicle, the car’s all-new platform has been engineered in isolation from existing Kia models, and is designed to accommodate a specific set of environmentally-conscious technologies and next-generation powertrains.

While the Niro’s hybrid powertrain – made up of a 1.6-litre GDI petrol engine, lithium-ion polymer battery pack, 32 kW electric motor and six-speed double-clutch transmission – is under development, Kia says its engineers are targeting CO2 emissions of 89 g/km.

Michael Cole, Chief Operating Officer, Kia Motors Europe, commented, “The Kia Niro will offer buyers a compelling blend of crossover practicality with the cool, modern styling for which Kia is famous, and an efficient new hybrid powertrain to keep running costs down. The Niro fills a gap in the market for a crossover with typically low hybrid emissions, and will appeal to a broad range of European buyers.”

With its aerodynamic, crossover-inspired silhouette, subtly sculptured surfaces and 'sharp, modern lines,' the Niro is still recognisable as a Kia. The new model bears the latest evolution of Kia’s signature ‘tiger-nose’ grille, as well as the brand’s wide C-pillar and a series of other signature design cues.

With a relatively long bonnet, short overhangs, elevated headlamps and rising shoulder line, the Niro’s athletic crossover stance represents a shift away from other hybrid cars on the market today, says Kia. The SUV’s silhouette tapers slightly towards the rear of the vehicle, ending in a ‘subtle’ rear roof spoiler, elevated tail-lamps and a wide, squared-off rear bumper.

Designed principally for efficient aerodynamic performance, the car's body allows for a low drag coefficient of 0.29 Cd – making it more aerodynamic than many other hybrid rivals says Kia. Its relatively long wheelbase (2,700 mm) and short front and rear overhangs (870 and 785 mm, respectively) also ensure occupants enjoy ‘generous’ interior space.

The Niro occupies a new space within the brand’s model line-up in terms of its size - smaller overall than the all-new Kia Sportage, though occupying a larger footprint than the cee’d hatchback. Available with a choice of seven colours, and buyers can choose from a selection of 16- or 18-inch alloy wheel designs when it goes on sale during Q3 2016.

Prices have yet to be announced.

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.

Subaru XV crossover gets a facelift

Subaru has facelifted the XV compact crossover, tweaking its exterior styling whilst also boosting cabin quality and refinement.

Updates to the 2016 model follow changes made last year to the suspension and steering, designed to deliver improvements to the ride and handling. 

The upgraded XV interior features higher quality materials and Subaru's new factory-fit 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment and navigation system. There's new metallic and piano black trim as well as contrast stitching throughout the cabin and the driver's TFT LCD instrument binnacle now emits a soft, blue glow. 

The touchscreen display allows smartphone-style control of the navigation and infotainment features, with a swipe and pinch control function for map displays. It works in conjunction with the standard-fit rear view camera, offering a super-wide 160-degree field of view behind the car when reversing. 

Many functions can now be voice activated, while Apple iPhone users can use Siri Eyes-Free functionality, to enable complete voice control of their mobile when linked with the new infotainment system.

An extra USB port in the front of the cabin allows passengers to listen to music from one device while charging another at the same time.

The upgraded XV continues to offer a choice of two horizontally-opposed, four-cylinder Boxer engines - a 2.0-litre petrol and 2.0-litre diesel - and two transmissions (six-speed manual and six-speed CVT automatic). For 2016, both engines have been tweaked to deliver improved fuel economy.

The 2.0-litre turbodiesel, with a six-speed manual transmission, achieves 52.3 mpg on the combined cycle (a four percent improvement), while CO2 emissions fall from 146 to 141 g/km, placing the car in a lower BIK tax band. 

The 150 PS 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine's fuel efficiency has increased by 2% to a combined average of 43.5 mpg when fitted with the Lineartronic CVT automatic transmission, and emissions fall to 151 g/km. 

Exterior styling changes include an upgraded front end, which now features updated 'hawk-eye' headlights and a redesigned front grille and bumper. At the rear, there's a new boot spoiler and LED combination lamps and the look is completed by new black and silver diamond cut alloy wheel design.

There are also two new colour options available to UK buyers - Hyper Blue and Dark Blue Metallic - and like every Subaru, the XV is offered with a comprehensive five-year, 100,000-mile warranty.

Despite the range of upgrades across the full model line-up, pricing for the Subaru XV remains unchanged for the 2016 model, which goes on sale across the UK next month from £21,995 on the road.

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.

All-new Kia Sportage

Kia has confirmed its new Kia Sportage compact SUV is set to go on sale during Q1 2016.

The five-door, five-seater compact crossover features a choice of diesel and petrol four-cylinder engines driving either the front or front and rear wheels, via six-speed manual, six-speed automatic or seven-speed double-clutch transmission – depending on model. For the first time, a new ‘GT Line’ specification is available to Sportage customers offering ‘greater visual and dynamic appeal’.

The new Sportage’s front end features the biggest change to the car’s design over the outgoing car, with Kia’s ‘tiger-nose’ grille and the car’s headlamps separated for the new model. The headlamps are now positioned higher, sweeping back along the outer edges of a ‘sharply-detailed bonnet’. A lower, wider grille – enlarged to support greater engine cooling – adds more volume to the lower half of the Sportage’s face. GT Line models develop the exterior look further with ‘ice-cube’ LED fog lamps, inspired by those found on the high-powered cee’d GT, and aluminium-effect skid plates.

At the rear, the new Sportage features more horizontal forms and features lines, with smooth bodywork on the tailgate. Inspired by the 2013 Kia Provo concept, slim combination lamps running along a horizontal parallel are joined together by a strip that runs the width of the rear, while the turn signals and reversing lights are separate, located lower down. The GT Line adds dual exhaust pipes and metal-effect rear underbody diffuser for a sportier appearance.

Available with a choice of 16-, 17- or 19-inch alloy wheel designs, the GT Line specification comes with a unique 19-inch wheel option as standard.

The fourth-generation model carries over many of the engines found in the current vehicle, with most benefitting from a ‘broad range of modifications’ to improve fuel efficiency, NVH and power delivery. A new 1.6-litre T-GDI (turbo gasoline direct injection) is also available for the first time on the Sportage, exclusively for GT Line buyers, offering a combination of 'lively performance and high fuel economy'.

The ‘Gamma’ 1.6-litre T-GDI engine is based on the same unit powering the Kia cee’d GT and pro_cee’d GT, producing 177 ps – and peak 265 Nm torque. The brand’s latest 1.6-litre T-GDI engine, producing 132 ps and 160.8 Nm torque, is carried over directly from the third-generation Sportage.

The new model will continue to offer the 115 ps 1.7-litre CRDi diesel engine, and a ‘significantly’ upgraded 2.0-litre ‘R’ power unit. This 2.0-litre turbodiesel is available with two power outputs – 136 ps with 373 Nm torque, and 185 ps with 400 Nm. Both high- and lower-powered versions of the 2.0-litre ‘R’ diesel are available both on the standard Sportage and with the GT Line specification. An all-new seven-speed double-clutch transmission (DCT) also features, recently launched in the enhanced Kia cee’d and available exclusively on models equipped with the new 177 ps 1.6-litre T-GDI engine. The DCT is capable of handling the higher torque outputs of the turbocharged engine. The range also continues to be offered with a choice of six-speed manual and automatic transmissions.

On the inside, Kia says an all-new interior represents ‘one of the most significant improvements’ over the third-generation Sportage. A wide, driver-oriented dashboard with a simple modern design blends metalwork with soft-touch materials. The fourth-generation model has an increased exterior and interior dimensions - with the most significant change to the Sportage’s dimensions is a 30 mm growth in its wheelbase. Passenger space has increased, with headroom rising for front and rear passengers respectively, while maximum legroom has expanded by 19 mm. Boot space has expanded from 465 litres to 503 litres, made more practical by a dual-height luggage floor, allowing taller items to fit into the boot and still remain hidden by the tonneau cover.

The 2016 Sportage is fitted as standard with a large number of airbags, further improving passive safety for occupants, with airbags for driver and front passenger, first row side airbags, and first and second row curtain airbags. The SUV scored a maximum possible five-star safety rating in the Euro NCAP crash performance tests.

The new model can be specified with up-to-date active hazard-avoidance technologies. Available systems will include: Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) and High Beam Assist (HBA) to name a few. Buyers can choose between 7.0- or 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment and satellite navigation systems, each supporting the addition of DAB digital radio as well as a new wireless charger for mobile devices, the first for any car in the C-SUV segment according to Kia.

Depending on market, other new available features will include: a rear-view parking camera with dynamic parking lines, a Smart Power Tailgate, which opens the tailgate automatically when the key is ‘sensed’ in close proximity to the tailgate; Dynamic Bending Headlamps, which sweep the road ahead in line with the steering wheel for greater visibility and improved safety at night; and a new Smart Welcome function, which turns on interior and door handle lamps and unfolds the door mirrors once the smart key fob is located within 1.3-1.7 metres of the door handle.

The new Kia Sportage will go on sale across Europe in Q1 of 2016 with prices yet to be confirmed.

Audi’s growth plans include all-new Q2 model

Audi bosses have announced growth plans for the brand in 2016, including the launch of a Q5 replacement as well as a new Q2 model.

The carmaker intends to invest more than 3 billion EURO over the coming financial year with half the expenditure earmarked for the German sites in Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm.

“We are continuing with our high levels of investment in future technologies to enhance the strong position of our brand,” said Audi CEO Rupert Stadler. 

The introduction of the Q2 will see Audi enter a new market segment. The ‘Q’ naming convention is reserved for SUVs but the use of the even number ‘2’ could suggest something slightly different to a straightforward compact crossover. 

In addition, Audi will present the successor to the Q5 SUV in 2016, followed in 2018 by the launch of the its first large‑series battery‑electric vehicle, based on the Audi e-tron Quattro concept. 

“A significant proportion of our investment is naturally in the field of alternative drive systems,” stated Stadler. 

Audi is continuing to push forward in the field of ‘digitalisation’, following its acquisition in December of a one‑third interest in HERE, a leading provider of digital maps and location-based services, at a cost of 0.85 billion EURO. 

In order to maintain its reputation for “Vorsprung durch Technik”, Audi plans strengthen its workforce in 2016 with specialists in alternative drive systems and lightweight construction, as well as IT specialists.

By 2020, Audi plans to expand its model range to include 60 different vehicles.

New Toyota RAV4 arrives in UK

The new Toyota RAV4 has arrived in UK.

The first hybrid RAV4 joins Petrol and diesel-powered versions from mid-January, with Toyota’s compact SUV debuting a new 2.0-litre D-4D diesel engine and an improved 2.0-litre petrol unit.

The new four-cylinder diesel unit, matched to a six-speed manual gearbox, produces 141bhp and 320Nm of torque, giving the front-wheel drive RAV4 combined cycle fuel economy from 60.1mpg with carbon emissions from 123g/km.

The 149bhp 2.0-litre Valvematic petrol engine comes with CVT automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Its benchmark performance figures have been improved to 152g/km and 43.5mpg for combined cycle CO2 output and fuel economy.

The new model includes detailed changes to its front and rear styling, new headlight and rear lamp clusters and new 17- and 18-inch alloy wheel designs.

In the cabin, Toyota says it has responded to customer feedback, improving the ‘sensory quality’, improving the ambient lighting design, adding new storage points and tidying up the layout of the area around the gear shift. There is now clearer presentation of information to the driver using a new 4.2-inch colour multi-information display, together with the seven-inch touchscreen that gives access to the Toyota Touch 2 multimedia system.

On-the-road prices start at £23,695 for Active 2.0 D-4D front-wheel drive.

Suzuki adds Vitara ’S’ model

Suzuki adds Vitara ’S’ model

Suzuki adds Vitara ’S’ model

Suzuki adds Vitara ’S’ model

Suzuki has confirmed it is adding a more sporting and dynamic model to the Vitara line up.

The Vitara 'S' model is equipped with 17-inch Gloss black alloy wheels, a unique grille design, satin silver door mirrors, LED Headlamps with red projector covers, rear upper spoiler and black side body mouldings. On the inside the sporting theme continues with red interior stitching, red accents for air conditioning vent and instruments and aluminium alloy pedals.

The Vitara S is available in Bright Red (solid colour), Cool White Pearl metallic, Galactic Grey metallic, Cosmic Black metallic and is the first Suzuki to be powered by the new 'BOOSTERJET technology' engine which, in the Vitara, is a 140PS 1.4-litre Direct Injection turbocharged unit (DITC).

The newly developed BOOSTERJET engine features improved fuel efficiency using a small displacement, high torque turbocharger. By controlling the wastegate valve, the system reduces pumping loss, thus achieving high levels of both power and fuel-efficiency - combined fuel consumption comes in at 52.3mpg for the manual transmission model. With a 0-62mph time of 10.2 seconds for both manual and automatic transmissions, the maximum speed where permitted is 124mph.

A six-speed manual transmission is fitted as standard with optimised gear ratios to help provide a good combination of performance and fuel economy. Additional measures include a shift lever counterweight to 'help provide a smooth, positive shift action'. A six-speed automatic transmission is available optionally.

CO2 emissions for the new S model with its standard ALLGRIP system and manual transmission is 127g/km and one gram higher for the optional automatic transmission. The ALLGRIP system is fitted as standard on the new S model and has four driver-selectable modes - Auto, Sport, Snow and Lock.

The new Suzuki Vitara S model goes on sale in the UK from January 2016, priced at £20,899 for manual and £22,249 for the automatic version.

Volvo adds XC90 performance upgrades

Volvo adds XC90 performance upgrades

Volvo adds XC90 performance upgrades

Volvo adds XC90 performance upgrades

Volvo adds XC90 performance upgrades

Volvo is enhancing the performance of the XC90 with a series of Polestar-developed upgrades.

This is the first time that Polestar, Volvo's performance brand, has focused its attention on the new seven-seat SUV. Known as ''Polestar Performance Optimisation', the upgrades improve the power and torque figures of both the D5 diesel and T6 petrol Drive-E engines, particularly at medium revs where it's most effective.

They also make the accelerator responses even quicker, according to Volvo, and alter the settings of the automatic gearbox to provide faster gear changes and prevent gearshifts during rapid cornering, which could unsettle the car. These quicker and more precise responses to driver commands not only make the driving experience more dynamic, they ensure the car responds predictably during high-speed driving.

The maximum output of the D5 Drive-E engine is increased to 233 hp and 500 Nm of torque (up from 225 hp and 470 Nm), while the T6 Drive-E is boosted to 334 hp and 440 Nm (from 320 hp and 400 Nm).

With the Polestar Performance Optimisation, the D4 Drive-E offers 200 hp and 440 Nm (up from 190 hp and 400 Nm), while the output of the T5 Drive-E is raised to 253 hp and 400 Nm (from 245 hp and 350 Nm).

The D4 Drive-E upgrades are available in the S60, V40, V40 Cross Country, V60 and XC60, and the T5 Drive-E enhancements are offered in the V40 and V40 Cross Country.

The price of the D4, D5 (release timing and availability may vary), T5 and T6 Polestar upgrades is £835, including VAT and fitting. The work can be carried out now at any authorised Volvo dealer, and should take about 30 minutes to complete.

Nick Connor, Managing Director of Volvo Car UK, said: "These new Polestar Performance Optimisations make our cars and Drive-E engines even more dynamic and desirable. The combination of increased power and torque - especially at medium revs - and the changes to make the entire drivetrain more responsive ensure that owners will really feel the difference these optimisations make."

Finally, until the end of December 2015, all model-year 2005 to model-year 2015 all-wheel-drive Volvos can be upgraded with the Polestar Performance Optimisation at the discounted price of £620, saving £215.

The Polestar upgrades do not affect the certified emissions and fuel consumption figures, service intervals or Volvo warranty cover.

Full-scale Origami Nissan Juke

Full-scale Origami Nissan Juke

Full-scale Origami Nissan Juke

Full-scale Origami Nissan Juke

Full-scale Origami Nissan Juke

Full-scale Origami Nissan Juke

Full-scale Origami Nissan Juke

Full-scale Origami Nissan Juke

Full-scale Origami Nissan Juke

Nissan has revealed a full size Origami Juke, celebrating 5 years of the model.

British paper artist Owen Gildersleeve collaborated with Nissan on the unique project in a nod to Nissan's Japanese heritage. Gildersleeve hand built the intricate replica model from paper to the exact dimensions of the current Juke, taking over 200 hours and folding more than 2,000 pieces of paper to create the detailed sculpture.

The Origami Juke features the same design cues - such as the wheel arches, lights and grille - that give the real-life model its distinctive character.

Artist Owen Gildersleeve said: "This was a great project to work on - hard work but very rewarding. As a celebration piece it draws on so many influences, such as the origami focus inspired by Nissan's Japanese roots. Using so many individual pieces of paper to create the overall structure also represents the thousands of people who helped bring the Nissan Juke into reality and the thousands who continue to do so right here in the UK."

The Juke, which is built in Nissan's plant in Sunderland, reaches its fifth birthday this year. Since first deliveries began in October 2010, more than 150,000 Juke models have been sold in the UK, with over 700,000 total sales across Europe.

Darryl Scriven, Design Manager at Nissan's Design Centre for Europe, said: "The first step of any car design involves putting pencil to paper. From that simple start, it's a complex journey to production involving hundreds of skilled people, thousands of man-hours and millions in investment. So we think it's very apt that on its fifth birthday, we celebrate the Nissan Juke with a tribute that harks back to that simple, but bold, first step, all carried out with Nissan's signature innovation and excitement of course."

The Origami Juke is revealed as 'World Origami Days' are celebrated across the world between 24th October and 11th November.

Precautionary recall for Porsche Macan S and Turbo

Precautionary recall for Porsche Macan S and Turbo

Porsche is conducting an examination of 1,198 UK models of the Macan S and Macan Turbo.

The precautionary recall, some 58,881 models worldwide, comes as a possible leak in the low-pressure fuel line inside the engine compartment were discovered. The line will be replaced in the workshop - a purely as a precautionary measure. Only petrol engines are affected.

The problem was identified after a precise examination of complaints and then 'immediately rectified' in ongoing production, says Porsche. Owners of the vehicles will be contacted directly by their local dealership with workshop appointments to be arranged as quickly as possible.

The work will take roughly one hour and will be carried out free of charge.