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Vauxhall's new Astra Sports Tourer tested to extremes

News Editor ·

Vauxhall's all-new Brit-built Astra Sports Tourer has undergone extreme climate testing to enable it to cope with the coldest of winters or the warmest of summers.

A stock production model was subjected to conditions comparable to the Sahara desert at Vauxhall/Opel's International Technical Development Centre (ITDC) in Russelsheim, Germany. In the middle of winter, the mercury was at 60 degrees Celsius and the sweat was pouring. 

One day later, same place, same time: the Astra Sports Tourer was wrapped up in a white outfit covered with a thin layer of ice. The vehicle's interior was not visible from the outside, as the windows were completely frozen over as the temperature dropped to -40 degrees. 

"We want to see how the materials in the Sports Tourer react to extreme conditions. We also check if its appearance changes and if extreme heat or cold have an effect on, for example, gap width," explains Otto Hemmelmann, Lead Engineer Test Methods, "After all, our customers around the world drive the Astra in all different climate zones."

The heat and cold test bench, also called thermal cycling testing, is part of the compulsory program in Vauxhall vehicle development, just like the acoustic and electronic lab tests. 

During the two-week phase, temperatures changed daily. "Sealing, bonding, plastic parts and materials, rubber, all this has to work properly, meaning constant elastic constricting and stretching like a rubber band, without bearing any traces of it," explains the Chief Engineer.

Even direct sunlight can be simulated in the climatic chamber. "If the Sports Tourer is parked outside in the summer, interior temperatures can reach 90 degrees," says Hemmelmann. With the help of the sun simulation, the team tests the interior materials' stress tolerance. "But we also test how long the air conditioner has to be on until the temperature is bearable again." In addition, the so-called four-post test bench moves the Sports Tourer up and down under its wheels to test whether comfort in the car is compromised under extreme conditions and to ensure the interior materials don't squeak or rattle during driving despite high strain and stress. 

After the hot/cold treatment, Vauxhall engineers look at the Sports Tourer through the customer's eyes and analyse any differences. "We look at what impression the car makes on us and take measurements to determine if anything has become distorted or misaligned," says Hemmelmann.

Only once all components, body and add-on parts are tested and cleared is the Astra Sports Tourer deemed to be fit for purpose and ready for sale.

Estate Car, News, Hatchback, Technology

UK plug-in car grant extended until 2018

News Editor ·

The government has announced a long-term extension to the UK’s plug-in car grant.

Backed by a £400 million package to treble the number of ultra low emission vehicles on Britain’s roads, the grant will continue beyond the latest guarantee of February 2016 until at least the end of March 2018, and will mean more than 100,000 people will benefit over the coming years — double the number who have already claimed the grant since 2011. From next March, buyers of the greenest cars can save up to £4,500 off the overall purchase price.

Transport Minister Andrew Jones said: “The UK is a world leader in the uptake of low emission vehicles and the plug-in car grant has been key to that success. Extending the grant in a sustainable way ensures more than 100,000 people will benefit from financial support when purchasing these cheap-to-run and green cars. We are determined to keep Britain at the forefront of the technology, increasing our support for plug-in vehicles to £600 million over the next 5 years to cut emissions, create jobs and support our cutting-edge industries.”

The grant was created in 2011 to encourage sales of ultra-low emission vehicles (ULEVs) and has been instrumental in the UK becoming the biggest ULEV market in the EU, and the fourth largest in the world with some 50,000 people already benefitting.

From 1 March 2016, 2 grant rates will be available to ensure the funding is sustainable and focus financial support on the greenest vehicles. ‘Category 1’ vehicles with a zero emission range of over 70 miles will benefit from a grant of £4500. ‘Category 2 and 3’ vehicles with a shorter zero emission range — such as plug-in hybrid vehicles with a petrol or diesel engine — will receive £2500.

The new grant levels reflect strong growth in the sector with sales of ULEVs doubling over the past year. Motorists also have a wider choice of 29 ULEVs on the market — 5 times as many as when the plug-in car grant was launched. The UK is also at the forefront of the roll-out of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, which are also eligible for the £4500 grant thanks to their zero tailpipe emissions.

The government has also today announced it will continue to provide a grant to help ULEV owners have a dedicated charge point installed at their home. From 1 March 2016, the electric vehicle homecharge scheme (EVHS) will offer £500 per installation, which on average will cover around half of the cost of getting a charge point.

The plug-in car grant is just one element of a £600 million package of measures from the Office for Low Emission Vehicles over the course of this parliament which also includes funding for chargepoints, grants encouraging low emission buses and taxis and R&D funding for innovative technology such as lighter vehicles and longer-lasting car batteries.

To encourage zero emission vehicles and maximise the number of everyday motorists who can benefit from government support, a price cap will also be introduced from 1 March 2016. Category 2 and 3 models with a list price of over £60,000 will not be eligible for the grant, but all category 1 vehicles with a zero emission range of over 70 miles will be eligible for the full £4,500 grant.

The government has committed to make nearly all cars and vans in the UK zero emission by 2050, and announced in the Spending Review to increase funding to £600 million between 2015 and 2020 to support the development, manufacture and uptake of ULEVs.

This commitment was reinforced when the UK was one of 14 international members of the Zero Emission Vehicle Alliance to sign a pledge promoting the uptake of electric cars at the recent Paris climate conference.

Diesel, Estate Car, News

Audi adds Sport trim to A6 allroad

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Audi has added a Sport trim to its A6 allroad quattro.

The Sport specification adds full LED headlights, replacing the bi-xenon units of standard A6 allroad models to further enhance visibility. A high beam assist function is also added as standard to automatically dip the beam when oncoming traffic is approaching. At the rear in Sport models, dynamic LED turn signals that operate in a sweeping motion have also been added.

New 10-spoke design, 19-inch alloy wheels with a matt titanium finish, privacy glass and heated and folding mirrors round out the exterior enhancements, while inside sports seats in upgraded Valcona leather with full electric adjustment are complemented by 'luxurious' Alcantara door inserts.

Adaptive air suspension is fitted to every A6 allroad, helping in all-terrains while a dynamic or comfort mode can be selected using the Audi drive select system.

A choice of three EU6-compliant six-cylinder TDI engines power the new A6 allroad quattro in standard and Sport specification. The 218 PS and 272 PS engines are mated to a seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission, while the 320 PS and 650Nm output of the BiTDI is fed to the wheels via an eight-speed tiptronic transmission.

The latter delivers a 0-62mph time of 5.5 seconds and a 155 mph limited top speed. Up to 43.5 mpg is achievable, linked to CO2 output of 172 g/km. Combined fuel efficiency increases to a possible 50.4 mpg for the 218 PS and 51.4 mpg for the 272 PS, while CO2 drops to 149 and 145 g/km respectively.

Available to order now, pricing starts from £49,455 OTR for the A6 allroad Sport V6 TDI 218 PS to £55,825 OTR for the V6 BiTDI 320 PS model.

Hatchback, Estate Car, News

Audi unveils new RS 6 and RS 7 performance variants

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Audi has confirmed new RS 6 Avant and RS 7 Sportback 'performance' models have joined its range.

Adding more power, up power to 605PS and torque to up to 750Nm over their already formidable counterparts the new RS performance models retain the same 'best-in-class' fuel economy and efficiency figures as their 'standard' equivalents.

That's despite translating their 45PS and 50Nm output advantages into what Audi calls a supercar-challenging sprint time to 62mph of just 3.7 seconds, and on to a top speed of 189mph if the dynamic package plus is specified.

Available to order in the UK from November, and scheduled for first deliveries next February, the RS 6 Avant performance will be priced at £86,000 OTR and the RS 7 Sportback performance at £91,600 OTR.

The 4.0-litre TFSI engine's 605PS output and 700Nm of peak torque can be temporarily increased by the driver to 750Nm by way of an overboost function. The standard eight-speed tiptronic transmission has been designed to 'maximise the potential' of the more extreme engine in both the new RS 6 Avant performance and the new RS 7 Sportback performance. The driver can choose between the modes D and S or change gears manually either by tapping the selector lever or by using the shift paddles on the RS multifunction sport leather steering wheel. In manual mode, a shift indicator in the driver information system or optional head-up display indicates the rev limit.

The quattro permanent all-wheel drive system delivers the power to the road and flexibly distributes torque as needed via the centre differential. With its dynamic set-up, the standard RS adaptive air suspension lowers the body of the RS 6 Avant performance and RS 7 Sportback performance by 20 millimetres. The driver can modulate the function of key components using Audi drive select, including the steering, engine and sound management, the tiptronic transmission and the sport differential. The RS performance models, like the all-new R8 sports car, make the Audi drive select configuration process even quicker and easier by enabling the driver to switch between the auto, comfort, dynamic and individual modes without taking eyes off the road using a button on the RS multifunction sport leather steering wheel.

Both RS performance models run on 21-inch cast aluminium wheels with 285/30 tyres in the RS 6 Avant performance and 275/30 tyres in the RS 7 Sportback performance. The four internally ventilated brake discs have a weight-saving wave design, and can be replaced by carbon fibre-ceramic discs as an option.

RS performance features include accentuated bumpers with large air inlets up front and the heavily profiled diffuser insert at the rear, as well as the gloss black honeycomb grille typical of the RS models and the flared side sills. RS super sports seats with pronounced side bolsters and integrated head restraints are standard, and are upholstered in a black and blue Alcantara and leather combination with a honeycomb pattern and matching stitching on the armrests.

Family Car, Estate Car, News

Vauxhall confirms pricing for new Astra Sports Tourer

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Vauxhall's all-new Astra Sports Tourer will be in showrooms in March priced from £16,585 on-the-road.

The new Sports Tourer, built at Vauxhall's manufacturing plant in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, follows the five-door model and is up to £1,870 less expensive than the outgoing ST with a simplified range. The new line-up includes Design, Tech Line, SRi and Elite, with Nav versions of the SRi and Elite trims also available.

Range highlights include the 1.0-litre three-cylinder Turbo Start/Stop ecoFLEX model priced from £17,285 OTR. With an Easytronic five-speed automatic transmission, the same model achieves a 'class-leading' 96g/km CO2 emissions.

The range-topping 1.6-litre (200PS) is available in SRi trim priced from £21,710 OTR.

The diesel offering includes the 1.6-litre 'Whisper Diesel' (110PS) Start/Stop ecoFLEX model (prices start at £18,785 OTR) that achieves 85.6mpg and CO2 emissions of 86g/km.

Estate Car, News

Ford Focus ST gets Mountune boost

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Ford Focus ST buyers now have the option of even more adrenalin with a new performance upgrade from engine tuners Mountune.

Mountune's kit increases the power output of the Ford Focus ST's 2.0 EcoBoost engine from 250 to 275PS and, when fitted by a Ford dealer, does not affect the vehicle warranty.

The Mountune upgrade kit comprises a large capacity alloy intercooler, low-loss cast crossover duct with silicone hose, high-flow dual-entry air filter and specially developed performance-map calibration. Its fitment not only produces a 10 per cent increase in maximum power output at 5,500rpm, but also an improvement in torque from 345Nm to 400Nm at 2,750rpm.

Kevin Griffin, Ford of Britain sales director said: "The 2015 Focus ST 275PS upgrade is the latest addition to a wide range of Ford Performance parts and accessories from Ford dealers. It enables Focus ST owners to experience even more impressive performance, while offering the reassurance that the upgrade will not affect warranties."

Mountune's MP275 upgrade kit costs £1,195 including VAT plus fitting, which takes two hours. The Ford Focus ST 5-door with 2.0 EcoBoost engine at £22,495 in ST-1 specification includes 18-inch alloy wheels, ST body styling, Recaro sports front seats with DAB radio and Ford SYNC including Bluetooth and voice control.

4x4, Diesel, Hatchback, Estate Car, News

Skoda Octavia vRS adds 4x4 option

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Skoda is giving its sporting flagship Octavia vRS line-up a specification boost with a new 4x4 transmission option.

Offered with the 2.0 TDI 184PS diesel engine and mated to a six-speed direct-shift gearbox (DSG) as standard, the vRS' four-wheel drive system constantly monitors traction at each wheel, directing power to whichever axle requires it.


The vRS 4x4 models can sprint from zero to 62mph in 7.6 seconds and deliver peak torque of 380Nm between 1,750-3,250 rpm.


From 1 November, prices for the Octavia vRS range start from £24,230 OTR for the Hatch and £25,430 OTR for the Estate, an increase of £400, however, buyers will get the Amundsen satellite navigation system as standard (previously £755), offering a customer saving of £355.


With a capacitive touchscreen display and SD card slot, the Amundsen unit joins a specification list that includes 18-inch Gemini anthracite alloy wheels, bi-xenon headlights, sports suspension and dual-zone climate control with humidity sensor.


Engineering highlights include multi-link suspension and electronic differential lock XDS+ for dynamic cornering, progressive steering and numerous assistance systems for enhanced safety and comfort. The vRS also features a bespoke design package that includes unique bumpers, spoiler and interior.


The updated Octavia vRS 4x4 range hits showrooms later this year, priced from £27,315 OTR for the Hatch and £28,515 OTR for the Estate.

Estate Car, News

Renault reveals new Talisman Estate

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Renault has taken the wraps off the Talisman Estate following the unveiling of its Saloon sibling.

The new large estate car delivers the same technological features as the saloon, along with extra load-carrying ability. Renault says it features the same 'assertive styling' with a sleek silhouette and dynamic proportions.

The French manufactures also claim the Talisman Estate has an 'unprecedented level of driving enjoyment' thanks to the combination of the 4Control chassis and active damping. Powering the estate will be a choice of two petrol engines and three diesel units. The interior includes comfort features such as integrated ventilation in the front seats, while load space comes in at almost 1,700 litres.

The Renault Talisman Estate will make its first public appearance at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show and will go on sale in Europe during the first half of 2016, however there are no current plans for the car to be produced in Right Hand Drive or sold in the UK.

Hatchback, Estate Car, News

Skoda adds frugal Superb GreenLine model

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Skoda has added new Superb Hatch and Estate models to its GreenLine range.

The Superb GreenLine takes fuel economy and emissions 'to a new level' with a predicted combined consumption figure of 76.4mpg and CO2 emissions of 96g/km for the Hatch and 97g/km for the Estate. Skoda says these provide the new Superb GreenLine with a potential range of more than 1,100 miles on just one tank of fuel - enough to drive from Milton Keynes to Barcelona.

The most fuel-efficient and cleanest Superb to date is powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder diesel engine that develops 120PS and incorporates a host of advanced fuel-saving technologies and engineering features. As with all other Superb models, the GreenLine is equipped with start-stop ignition and brake energy recovery as standard. In addition, both Superb GreenLine models feature longer gear ratios, SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) and 16-inch reduced rolling resistance tyres.

To meet European emission standards, the new model utilises two exhaust gas treatment units: an oxidation catalytic converter and a diesel particulate filter. Nitrogen oxide emissions are reduced through the Superb GreenLine's SCR system, using the reducing agent AdBlue. This synthetically manufactured solution, 32.5 per cent high-purity urea in demineralised water, treats the diesel exhaust gases, reducing nitrogen oxide and saving fuel.

To further improve efficiency the chassis sits 15mm lower than the standard Superb, while both the Hatchback and Estate models incorporate tailgate and roof spoilers to efficiently channel air around the rear of the car. As a result of these subtle additions and revisions, both models have lower drag coefficients than the standard models (0.263 Hatch, 0.275 Estate).

The new Superb GreenLine will be unveiled to the public at next month's Frankfurt Motor Show with further details, including UK specification and prices, to be announced closer to the launch date later this year.

Diesel, News, Saloon, Estate Car

All-new Jaguar XF on sale

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The all-new Jaguar XF is available to order now.

Sitting in a class above the recently launched XE saloon, the new XF's low-drag body design is formed around a lightweight architecture and combines the new Jaguar family styling with a longer wheelbase, creating more interior space, yet it's lower and shorter than the car it replaces.

The cabin offers a blend of contemporary luxury materials and finishes, Jaguar craftsmanship and state-of-the art technology, with features such as a reconfigurable 12.3-inch TFT instrument cluster, laser head-up display and the InControl Touch Pro premium infotainment system.

The all-new XF uses Jaguar's aluminium-intensive architecture to enable weight savings of up to 190kg - making the 163PS diesel model 80kg lighter than its nearest competitor, says Jaguar - plus an increase in torsional stiffness of up to 28 per cent.

Jaguar says the light, stiff body is also fundamental to the all-new XF's vehicle dynamics along with double wishbone front suspension and Integral Link rear suspension - combined with near-50:50 weight distribution.

Infotainment and connectivity is the most advanced Jaguar has ever offered. The all-new InControl Touch Pro system offers a 10.2-inch touchscreen and Dual View technology which simultaneously allows the driver to see information such as navigation, while the front seat passenger watches TV or a DVD.

Other features include stereo camera technology, which enables autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning and lane-keep assist systems. 

There's also Adaptive Cruise Control with Queue Assist, traffic sign recognition, a high-contrast colour laser head-up display and adaptive full-LED headlights. If the high-beam assist function is specified, the stereo camera will detect other vehicles in the distance, and dip the headlights automatically to avoid dazzling other drivers.

The all-new XF range will consist of: XF Prestige, XF R-Sport, XF Portfolio, XF S.

The powertrains will consist of: 163PS and 180PS 2.0-litre diesel manual and automatic; RWD 300PS 3.0 V6 diesel automatic; RWD 380PS 3.0-litre V6 petrol automatic.

Jaguar claims the 163PS diesel delivers the lowest CO2 emissions of any non-hybrid model in the segment with 104g/km and combined fuel economy of 70.6mpg.

The all-new XF joins the Jaguar saloon car range between the XE and XJ model lines, priced from £32,300 on the road.

Estate Car, News

Volvo completes Polestar takeover

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Volvo has acquired 100 per cent of Polestar, the Swedish high performance car company, including the Polestar brand.

Having worked together for many years, Polestar will now be used as the model name for special high performance Volvos. Polestar will also, in future, utilise Volvo's twin engine electrification technology to develop next generation performance cars. Volvo and Polestar have been working together in motor sport since 1996 and in recent years signed a cooperation agreement to jointly develop Polestar versions of Volvo cars that combine a comfortable Volvo driving experience with a very high level of power and handling.

The acquisition of Polestar Performance AB comprises of performance activities including performance-related software and aftermarket tuning hardware, as well as Polestar Holding AB, which is the owner of the Polestar trademarks. It has not acquired the racing division of Polestar.

The Volvo S60 and V60 Polestar feature a 350 horse power T6 engine, for a 0-62 mph time of 4.9 seconds, as well as featuring an 'extensively developed chassis', increased mid-range engine performance in combination with supporting changes for the gearbox and throttle response.

"Driving a Volvo Polestar is a special experience. We have decided to bring this experience to more Volvo drivers, placing the full resources of Volvo behind the development of Polestar as the model name for our high performance cars," said Hakan Samuelsson, president and chief executive of Volvo Cars.

In 2015, Volvo says it expects to sell 750 Polestar versions of the V60 wagon and S60 sedan globally. Polestar sales are forecast to increase to between 1,000 and 1,500 cars a year in the medium term under Volvo's ownership.

The Polestar racing team will remain under the control of Christian Dahl, the former owner of Polestar, and will be renamed. The Polestar brand will continue to work alongside Christian Dahl.

"We are extremely satisfied with the way the performance business with Volvo has developed. But we are a racing team first and foremost. This is an opportunity to return our full attention to our core business - to develop and race Volvo cars," said Christian Dahl.

Electric, Hybrid, News, Saloon, Estate Car

Volkswagen reveals new Passat GTE plug-in hybrid

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Volkswagen has launched the new Passat GTE plug-in hybrid.

Following the Golf GTE, the new hybrid Passat is available in Saloon and Estate variants. Adding zero-emission to a long-distance touring car, VW describes the Passat GTE as a car with 'superb system output of 160 kW / 218 PS' as well as frugal NEDC fuel consumption of 147mpg and 12.2 kWh/100 km (Estate: 12.4 kWh). The Passat GTE also features an all-electric range of up to 31 miles.

Under normal operating conditions the new Passat GTE begins its journey in all-electric and thus emission-free mode. This E-Mode can also be activated at the push of a button, for example towards the end of a journey as you enter a city. In cities like London, drivers are therefore exempt from the usual congestion charge.

Volkswagen says the Passat GTE is an independent trim line. The high-tech model's 'extensive standard features' include LED headlights (for main and dipped beam), Driver Alert System, Automatic Post-Collision Braking, the Front Assist ambient traffic monitoring system including City Emergency Braking function, a rain sensor, ParkPilot for front and rear, chrome trim on the side windows and comfort seats (in the front).

In addition, there are elements of individualisation that have been conceived solely for the Passat GTE. These include at the front a specific chrome radiator grille unit with an integrated blue stripe (the colour of Volkswagen electric motoring) a completely redesigned bumper with a C-shaped LED daytime running light signature and 17-inch Montpellier alloy wheels.

On the inside, the interior has also been 'conceptually aligned to the new drive system'. The Media infotainment system features a dedicated menu matrix to the functions and displays specific to the plug-in hybrid's drive system while standard details such as the blue ambient lighting, the multi-function leather steering wheel with blue decorative stitching, a GTE-specific gear knob with blue stitching and the seats, likewise with a matching blue basic structure.

The Passat GTE and Passat GTE Estate will arrive on the European market this autumn, prices have yet to be announced.

News, Estate Car

Honda sets Guinness World Record for fuel efficiency

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Honda has set a new Guinness World Record title for 'Lowest fuel consumption - all 24 contiguous EU countries (all cars)'.

Averaging 100.31 miles per gallon in a 8,387 mile drive, the record was set in a Honda Civic Tourer 1.6 i-DTEC. Behind the wheel for the entire journey were two members of Honda's European Research & Development (R&D) team, Fergal McGrath and Julian Warren, who took on the challenge to further demonstrate the real-world fuel economy of the Tourer.

The distance travelled is similar to the team driving to Australia from their home in the UK, stopping just nine times to refuel. The Civic Tourer achieved an average 932 miles on each tank of fuel, at a total fuel cost for the whole journey of just £459 (calculated on average UK diesel price during June 2015).

The team set out on their epic road trip from Aalst, Belgium, navigating the continent in a clockwise direction. They returned to their start point 25 days later, setting the fuel economy figures which exceed the Tourer's quoted efficiency of 74.3mpg by more than 25 per cent.

Fergal McGrath comments: "It was tough, but we really enjoyed it, and setting this new Guinness World Record title has made all of the hard work worthwhile. This was a huge team effort so I'd like to thank everyone involved for all of their commitment and support. After spending so much time behind the wheel Julian and I are just happy to be back behind our desks for a while!"

The official Guinness World Record title is 'Lowest Fuel Consumption - all 24 contiguous EU countries' measured in litres per 100km and miles per gallon calculated over the entire journey.

Under the rules the same two drivers must be in the car for the whole journey, giving Fergal and Warren the challenge of driving an average of approximately 380 miles, taking around 7.5 hours, each day.

Based on strict guidelines, the Guinness World Record title attempt required the car to enter each of the 24 countries specified, collecting a range of evidence including a fuel/mileage logbook, GPS readings, video and photographs and independent witness signatures to prove that it has done so. To ensure accurate monitoring of the route, journey time and distance driven, the record car was fitted with a tracking device, provided by fleet telematics and stolen vehicle recovery expert, TRACKER (part of the Tantalum Corporation).

Under the rules of the record title attempt the car must be a standard model in every respect, with no modifications to create an advantage, to replicate 'real world' conditions. This was judged by independent witnesses at the beginning and end of the attempt. Fuelling was carried out at regular filling stations, with the tank filled to the maximum at each stop to ensure no weight advantage. Additionally, tyres were inflated to the recommended pressures and the wheel alignment set to factory specification to represent the experience of the regular customer.

The team, both amateur drivers, were also keen to show that through adopting some simple but very effective driving techniques, anybody could achieve the record breaking fuel economy. They simply used some very logical methods including careful and sensible route planning, driving smoothly and consistently without harsh acceleration or braking, anticipating the road conditions ahead, carrying no unnecessary weight, and ensuring that the car was correctly maintained at all times. Driving speed was always within the law and keeping up with traffic conditions.

Leon Brannan, Head of Cars for Honda (UK) comments: "This is an incredible achievement and the team should all be very proud of the efforts that they have put in to set this new Guinness World Record. Driving the equivalent distance from their home in the UK to Australia in just 25 days is a huge challenge very few would take on. The fuel economy figures are remarkable - particularly when you consider that this is not a small car, but an estate with class-leading load space and vast practicality."

News, Estate Car, Family Car

Citroen revamps C5 range

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Citroen has refreshed its C5 saloon and C5 Tourer with new engines, styling and technology.

New, clean and efficient BlueHDi 150 S&S manual 6-speed and BlueHDi 180 S&S EAT 6-speed Euro6-compliant engines have been added while Citroen says the style and technology of both tourers has also been improved. The family saloons now offer better performance than ever before.

The Citroen C5 and C5 Tourer feature 'best-in-class' roadholding according to the French company, thanks in particular to the Hydractive III+ system - which permanently adapts to the road and to the driver's commands.

The two models have been improved further with the new BlueHDi 150 S&S manual 6-speed and the BlueHDi 180 S&S EAT 6-speed engines. Available in all finishes, these powerplants 'set new standards' for fuel consumption and CO2 emissions in their segment, offering customers 'pleasure at the wheel and efficiency'. A new 6-speed automatic EAT6 gearbox joins the range also.

A new 7-inch touch-sensitive tablet has been added to the C5 line-up. As well as making the dash look less cluttered, this new tablet also includes a touch-sensitive navigation system with 3D views, a multimedia player over USB or in audio streaming, the telephone with a hands-free function, the onboard computer and the vehicle settings. As an integral part of a refined cab with bold styling, the touch-sensitive screen makes the driver's life easier.

Fresh external styling features includes a new selection of wheels for the two C5 models. The Confort finish features new 17-inch wheels, while the Hydractive Exclusive finish is equipped with 18-inch alloys. The selection of bodywork colours has also been extended with a "Moka Brown" finish.

Prices for the Citroen C5 saloon start at £24,150 OTR and £25,260 OTR for the C5 Tourer.

Estate Car, Saloon, News

Renault reveals new Talisman saloon

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Renault has unveiled its new D-segment saloon - the Talisman.

The French brand says the Talisman features a combination of 'assertive styling with sleek, elegant lines' as well as a spacious cabin with 'ample room' for all occupants while also featuring an 'impressively big boot'.

The Talisman, together with the Estate version - which features the same qualities as the saloon - is set to play an active role in the renewal and upgrading of Renault's high-end range. Renault says the Talisman is the only D-segment saloon car to combine 4Control, four-wheel steering with active damping, allowing it to deliver unique road manners, plus safe, dynamic, agile handling and 'outstanding' ride comfort. A shortcut button allows the driver to switch instantly between Sport and Comfort modes.

With full-LED front lights, a new C-shape lighting signature and permanently-lit rear lights, a configurable digital instrument panel features a colour head-up display, which joins ambience lighting co-ordinated by the selected Multi-Sense setting.

Power comes from a choice of three diesel engines (Energy dCi 110, 130 and dCi 160 (EDC) mated to a six-speed transmission, or the latter with the choice of a seven-speed EDC - with CO2 emissions as low as 95g/km. Two petrol engines (the Energy TCe 150, Energy TCe 200) are mated to the seven-speed EDC transmission and offer 'unrivalled comfort, stability and agility' says the French brand.

Renault has confirmed the Talisman - along with the Estate version - will be revealed at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show, which opens its gates to the public on 17th September. While available for sale in Europe at the end of the year there are currently no plans for the Talisman to be sold in the UK or Ireland.