Hatchback

Hatchback, News

Mazda2 Sport Black special edition revealed

·

Mazda's supermini range has been boosted with the launch of the all-new Mazda2 Sport Black special edition.

With higher levels of standard specification, sporty styling enhancements and the opportunity to personalise your car, the Sport Black is based on the 90ps SE-L Nav model, but with 'subtle styling enhancements'. 'Brilliant Black' front and side skirts contrast with both the free-of-charge Soul Red Metallic and Snowflake White Pearlescent paint choices, while the Sport Black is further distinguished by its Brilliant Black roof spoiler and chrome exhaust trim.

Further customisation options includes exterior graphic designs and contrasting door mirror covers. Sweeping from the headlights to the taillights a 'KODO' - Mazda's 'Soul of Motion' design theme - graphic follows the lines of the side profile as they intersect at the centre of the car, while the Race graphic adds sporty stripes low down behind the front wheel. Customers can choose to add either or both of these decals to their Sport Black.

In addition to the standard equipment of the SE-L Nav, the Sport Black comes with 16" Gunmetal alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, auto lights, rain-sensing wipers and rear parking sensors.

"Thanks to its combination of fun-to-drive handling, stylish looks and generous equipment, the all-new Mazda2 is already winning over UK supermini buyers and our latest special edition model offers even greater value to our customers. With extra standard equipment, plus striking styling enhancements the all-new Mazda2 Sport Black is sure to be a very popular addition" said Peter Allibon, Sales Director of Mazda Motors UK.

Arriving in dealerships from the 1st September, the Mazda2 Sport Black special edition is priced at £15,395 OTR.

Electric, SUV, Hatchback, News

Kia Soul EV tests wireless charging

·

The Kia Soul electric vehicle is being used to test a new wireless system capable of transferring high power.

The wireless charging systems, which don't need precise alignment between the charger and the vehicle, are currently under development for electric vehicles in America. The test is being developed between HATCI and Mojo Mobility - a wireless power technology company, after being awarded a funding grant from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE).

The scheme has the potential to significantly enhance the convenience of electric vehicles - and so increase the appeal and acceptance among consumers - while possibly enabling smaller battery pack sizes and reduced vehicle weight.

"HATCI is honoured to be selected as a partner with the DOE" said Dr. Sung Hwan Cho, President, HATCI. "Innovative technologies such as this align well with one of our core goals, which is to create a vehicle experience that is intuitive and easy for the consumer."

Having already gone through several stages of development, this final phase will use five Soul EV's to test how wireless technology works in real-world performance, including durability, safety, and performance.

KMA and Mojo Mobility have not yet announced when the system will be available for purchase.

Hatchback, Estate Car, News

Skoda adds frugal Superb GreenLine model

·

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.

Sports Car, News, Hatchback

Ricky Wilson is the voice of Civic Type R

·

Kaiser Chiefs' front man Ricky Wilson has picked up his new Civic Type R, as part of his role as ambassador for the hot-hatch.

Fresh from putting the Civic Type R through its paces on the famous hillclimb at the Goodwood Festival of Speed at the end of June, Ricky is now the owner of a Brilliant Sporty Blue model complete with the all-new +R mode button which increases the response of chassis and engine for enhanced driving skills.

The all-new 2.0 litre VTEC TURBO engine puts 310PS through the front wheels at 6,500rpm and 400Nm of torque at 2,500rpm, both higher than any previous Honda Type R model.

Speaking after taking his first spin, Ricky exclaimed; "What an amazing feeling. This is the first time I've ever had a new car and it's also the first time I've had a car that's a boy. My other two cars were girls! I got in the car and instinctively I knew where everything was, I feel at home in it already.. and I'll get home even quicker!"

Ricky was also treated to a tour of the Swindon factory adding; "It was like a movie - I could hear the Terminator theme music in my head as I walked around. The technology and scale of the operation is out of this world." 

Since joining Honda as an ambassador for the Civic Type R at the beginning of summer, Ricky has not only raced the famous Goodwood hillclimb but also secured his National B race licence at Knockhill circuit in Scotland, under the expert guidance of Honda Yuasa Racing BTCC star driver, Gordon "Flash" Shedden.

The Honda Civic Type R is on sale now, from £29,995 OTR.

Hatchback, News

Forza Focus RS heads to Gamescom

·

A unique Ford Focus RS, featuring an exterior designed by players of Forza Motorsport for Xbox has been revealed.

Unveiled at a special Microsoft event ahead of the international 2015 Gamescom - Europe's largest interactive games trade fair event in Cologne - the special Forza Focus RS will feature in the new Forza Motorsport 6 game for the Microsoft Xbox One console.

The one-off Focus RS livery was the winning design from a competition for players of the Forza Horizon 2 open-world racing game, organised by global gaming website IGN. Ford also has teamed up with Microsoft to also feature the all-new Ford GT ultra-high-performance supercar in Forza Motorsport 6, the latest title in the racing simulation franchise for Xbox.

Forza Motorsport 6 makes its European debut at Gamescom before going on sale later this year, and visitors to the event will be able to view the all-new Ford GT - the game's cover star.

The all-new Focus RS is the third generation of Focus RS cars, following models launched in 2002 and 2009. Developed by a global Ford Performance team, the RS features a specially-engineered 350PS 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine, Ford Performance All-Wheel-Drive system and is the first RS to offer selectable Drive Modes - including industry-first Drift Mode - and Launch Control.

The pinnacle of the Ford Performance line-up, the all-new Ford GT uses an aerodynamic carbon fibre body and twin-turbocharged V6 EcoBoost engine to deliver one of the best power-to-weight ratios of any production car. The 'state-of-the-art' Ford GT chassis features an active racing-style torsion bar and pushrod suspension, with adjustable ride height, and carbon-ceramic brake discs.

"In Forza Motorsport 6, racing and gaming enthusiasts all over the world will be the first to experience Ford's new ultra-high-performance supercar, the Ford GT," said Dan Greenawalt, creative director at Turn 10 Studios in Redmond, Washington, U.S. "In Cologne we're excited to showcase the real all-new Focus RS clad in a special paint scheme created by the Forza community. During Gamescom, gamers will also get to see the Forza Motorsport 6 cover-car Ford GT in person."

Gamescom takes place August 5-9.

Hybrid, Hatchback, News

Toyota Yaris Hybrid gets Active and Sport models

·

Toyota has added Active and Sport models to its Hybrid Yaris range.

The Yaris Active becomes the new entry point to Toyota's hybrid technology. The five-door hatch comes equipped with dual-zone climate control, trip computer, power front windows and a split-folding rear seats. With 75g/km CO2 emissions and an official combined cycle fuel economy of 85.6mpg the low emissions mean no annual road tax (VED) to pay and, for London drivers, exemption from the congestion charge.

The Yaris Sport features rear privacy glass, 16-inch alloy wheels, rear spoiler and a rear pillar treatment that creates a floating roof effect. Other key features include climate control, power windows all round and the Toyota Touch 2 multimedia system with DAB radio, Bluetooth, touchscreen control and rear view camera. An optional Skyview panoramic roof can also be specified (£550). Using the larger alloy wheel brings a 'modest change' in the benchmark figures to 82g/km and 78.5mpg but Yaris Hybrid Sport retains the benefit of zero road tax.

The new Yaris Hybrid Active is launched with an on-the-road price tag of £14,995, including a special £300 introductory customer saving. The Yaris Hybrid Sport is priced at £16,695 OTR.

Electric, Hatchback, News

Renault ZOE now includes free domestic charging-box

·

Customers buying a new Renault ZOE will receive a 7kW (30A) wall-box charger fully installed at their home for free.

The free wall-box is part of a partnership between Renault and the British telematics company Chargemaster. Commenting on the partnership, David Martell, Chargemaster CEO, said: "We are delighted to be Renault's official charging partner in the UK. As government figures show, plug-in car sales are increasing as more and more motorists choose to reduce their emissions and their running costs."

The wall-box allows a full charge from zero to 100 per cent full in three to four hours, and is weatherproof so can be installed indoors or outside, with a choice of tethered or socketed cables. The wall-box provides sufficient range for a ZOE to travel up to 149 miles on the official NEDC cycle - comfortably more than most electric vehicle owners' daily mileage. The charger is protected by key controlled access and is covered by a four-year warranty - matching the vehicle manufacturer cover.

Once installed, owners are eligible to apply for a POLAR Network Card which grants access to UK's largest public charging infrastructure with over 3,000 charging points. The wall-box offer is available to retail customers who have access to off-street parking and an electricity supply.

Ben Fletcher, Electric Vehicle Product Manager, Renault UK commented: "We're delighted to be continuing our unique wall-box included offer, which allows us to ensure ZOE customers have the simplest and most convenient electric vehicle ownership experience. Chargemaster offer market leading technology and is dedicated to delivering great customer service so they're the perfect partner to help us deliver the offer."

Prices for the Renault ZOE start at £13,445 OTR after the Government's Plug-in Car Grant.

Hatchback, News

Honda reveals all-new Jazz

·

Honda has pulled the covers off its all-new Jazz supermini.

With a new platform increasing overall length by 95 mm, the latest Jazz is proportionally bigger on the inside than the previous generation model. Honda says specifications are 'generous across the range', with base-grade S models fitted as standard with features such as air conditioning, cruise control with speed limiter and dusk sensing auto lights. Every grade comes with Honda's City-Brake Active to help avoid low-speed accidents.

The Jazz will be available with a new 1.3 litre i-VTEC petrol engine, from Honda's Earth Dreams Technology series, delivering 102 PS at 6,000 rpm. Honda says the power unit delivers the 'sprightly driving performance' of the previous Jazz's 1.4 litre engine, together with fuel economy equivalent to its 1.2 litre.

Combined with either a six-speed manual gearbox or a newly developed CVT, emissions are as low as 106 g/km of CO2. The CVT's driveability is given a more natural 'multi-gear' feel through the use of new control software which simulates seven speeds and provides optimised gear change mapping.

The mid-grade SE model, priced from £14,595, gets front and rear parking sensors, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors and 15" alloy wheels. Honda's Driver Assistance Safety Pack is also included, giving owners the extra reassurance of five advanced active safety aids.

Those opting for the top-grade EX model (from £15,715) gain smart entry and start, automatic climate control and six-speaker audio upgrade. Styling is enhanced with 16-inch alloy wheels and front fog lamps.

Customers opting for the SE or EX models will also benefit from 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.

Boot space comes in at 354 litres with the rear seats up and 897 litres with the rear seats down thanks to Honda's Magic Seat system, which allows for numerous cargo configurations.

Leon Brannan, Head of Cars at Honda UK, commented: "The all-new Jazz signals the fourth of five new and refreshed models for Honda in Europe in 2015, an exciting year in which we're boldly re-energising the brand. The Jazz is a world car that has now sold over 5 million units since it was introduced in 2001. The greatest strength of Jazz is its broad appeal to different customer segments, and we're confident this latest generation will only broaden that appeal."

The all-new Honda Jazz will go on sale in the UK in September with on-the-road prices starting at £13,495 for the S manual to £16,815 for the EX with CVT.

Hatchback, News

Production-ready Infiniti Q30 revealed

·

The Infiniti Q30 has been revealed in its final production form ahead of its world debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

The all-new Q30 is a compact 5-door hatchback developed, says Infiniti, for customers seeking urban individuality.

The public premiere of the car comes exactly two years after its precursor, the Q30 Concept, was introduced at the 2013 Frankfurt show and the distinctive design of that concept has been tweaked only slightly for production. 

"Design is a key pillar of the Infiniti brand - and the new Q30 Active Compact perfectly embodies this approach," said Infiniti President Roland Krueger. "The Q30 Active Compact delivers the distinctive design, the driving dynamics and the individuality that our customers expect of an Infiniti vehicle. With our first ever entry in the compact car segment, we continue the product offensive and provide additional options for our discerning customers."

The Q30 underwent final testing and development in Europe. It will be built in Sunderland in the UK which will then become the fourth country on three continents to build Infiniti vehicles.

Press days for the Frankfurt Motor Show are on September 15-16 and the doors open to the public from September 17-27.

Coupe, Hatchback, News

Kelly Brook stars in Hyundai i20 short comedy

·

Hyundai has revealed a short comedy promoting its new i20, starring Kelly Brook and actor/comedian Tom Stourton.

Showcasing the new i20 hatchback and the i20 Coupe, the film is the fifth installment of the 'Honest Series'. The latest episode features hapless Hyundai car salesman, George who, as ever, has to deal with some difficult customers: this time a feuding couple (Brook & Stourton) who can't agree over anything, let alone whether they want the i20 or the i20 Coupe. The series of films have been designed to deliver engaging content 'with inherent social media currency' - as well as showing off Hyundai's model range, whilst upping the ante of the comedy.

Writer and director, Ollie Parsons explained: "We treated this series like a sitcom - not an ad - writing and producing it as you would any other TV comedy. This isn't only about making the audience laugh; it is also about quickly engaging them with the story and establishing the characters."

Adam Nickson, Head of Brand Strategy and Communications, says: "We wanted to push the boundaries with this new film and to entertain our audience. The latest episode, featuring arguing couple Kelly Brook and Tom Stourton, plays out a situation that many consumers may be able to relate to - we just took things that one step further!

"Laughter has long been known for its benefits to health and happiness but it's also a great way of building positive social relationships and that's precisely what we hope to achieve with this series."

To view the latest video, visit the Hyundai UK YouTube channel here https://youtu.be/sb07y7n6KkU

Hatchback, News

Warranty Direct names top ten eco cars

·

The Ford Fiesta ECOnetic has the best mix of fuel economy and reliability.

That's according to research carried out by Warranty Direct, after devising a top ten list of the most reliable used 'eco' cars aged three years or older. Those that offer the best combination of reliability and economy, we rated using Warranty Direct's Reliability Index which analysed its 50,000 live policies, measuring overall reliability by combining rate of failure, average mileage, age and repair cost.

With manufacturers continually developing new technology to delivers better fuel consumption and lower emissions, some more complex machines are still prone to going wrong, forcing owners to foot expensive repair bills.

The results revealed that the Ford Fiesta ECOnetic, 1.6 TDCi (95bhp) Edge ECOnetic II, with an impressive combined MPG figure of 85.6 had the best mix of fuel economy and reliability. The Smart Fortwo (CDI Pure 2d Auto) was able to match the Fiesta's MPG figure and is unlikely to let its owners down, though it suffered marginally more mechanical faults than the Ford.

The SEAT Ibiza (1.4 TDi Ecomotive), Volkswagen Polo (1.4 BlueMotion TDI (80ps) and Skoda Fabia (1.2 TDI CR Greenline II) put in a strong showing for the Volkswagen Group with closely matched scores, though the Skoda nudged ahead of its stablemates owing to an MPG return of 83.1. However, the frugal SEAT is statistically more reliable. Rounding out the top ten was the Nissan Note (1.5 dCi Visia).

David Gerrans, Managing Director at Warranty Direct commented: "the 'eco' derivatives of a used vehicle are often desirable, promising economical motoring for the cost-conscious buyer. However, savings on fuel and road tax can soon be countered with astronomical bills for mechanical or electrical failure. It is important to take these factors into account when selecting a car based on green credentials."

Hatchback, Diesel, News

Vauxhall Insignia adds 1.6 Whisper Diesel

·

The Insignia is the latest Vauxhall to receive the new 1.6-litre 'Whisper Diesel' engine.

The new version of the mid-size turbo engine replaces the current 2.0-litre units and was developed. says Vauxhall, to deliver "exemplary responsiveness and low consumption with exceptional running smoothness".

The 1.6 CDTi (136PS) ecoFLEX version achieves a top speed of 130mph and 0-60mph in 10.9 seconds. When specified with 17-inch alloy wheels and ultra-low rolling resistance tyres (Design, SE, Tech Line and SRi models only) it emits 99g/km of CO2 and returns up to 74.3mpg on the combined cycle.

Also new to the Insignia range is the OnStar system which delivers a Wi-Fi hotspot for up to seven devices, emergency response notification if the airbag deploys and stolen vehicle recovery technology. Connecting drivers directly with a call centre advisor, it provides owners with a personal assistant 24/7. For example, with Destination Download, you can call your OnStar advisor in-car and they'll pinpoint your desired destination and send the address to your vehicle's navigation system. OnStar is available as standard on Elite, Limited Edition and VXR trims and as a £395 option on other models. 

In addition, the second generation Navi 900 IntelliLink that utilises Apple CarPlay, offers fast access to many entertainment apps for music and news, via the eight-inch colour touchscreen interface.

IntelliLink reads out incoming text messages and enables audio streaming, voice control and the watching of films and videos - when the car is stationary, of course. The navigation system features maps of more than 30 European countries and can be displayed two or three-dimensionally and controlled by voice command.

The Vauxhall Insignia powered by the 1.6 CDTi engine is priced from £19,534 to £26,114 on-the-road.

Hatchback, News, Convertible

New Fiat 500 revealed

·

Fiat has unveiled the New Fiat 500 at the old Lingotto factory in Turin.

Although the bodywork remains largely the same, there are subtle revisions to the front including new lamps, grilles, chrome brightwork and LED daytime running lights, while at the rear, new 'empty' light clusters distinguish the new model from its predecessor.

Under the skin, there are also enhanced power units for improved efficiency and upgraded interiors with fully integrated infotainment systems.

Available, as before, in hatchback and convertible body styles, the New Fiat 500 will come in a choice of three trim levels: Pop, Pop Star and Lounge. 

All models come with LED daytime running lights, seven airbags and a Uconnect infotainment system with six speakers, AUX-IN/USB ports and steering wheel remote controls as standard equipment. The Pop Star version adds air conditioning, body-colour mirror caps with defrosting function and 15-inch alloy wheels, while the Lounge version adds a panoramic glass sunroof, rear parking sensors, a chrome front grille, front fog lights, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and a Uconnect LIVE touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone integration and numerous built-in apps.

New 15- and 16-inch alloy wheel designs are available in a variety of finishes and the colour palette now totals 13 hues (seven pastel, one solid and five metallic) including two new colours: Glam Coral and Avantgarde Bordeaux. Two black-yellow and black-red variants are also available as part of the new 'Second Skin' customisation initiative, enabling owners to tailor their cars to their precise requirements.

There are two types of second skins, the first features a fashionable, geometric pattern along the belt line only, while the larger skin options cover the pillars and roof - and in some cases the bonnet and tailgate as well. Five patterns are offered: Ethnic (geometric pattern); Lord (classic tartan); Comics (pop decoration) in combination with the new two-colour body paintwork; Navy (nautical patterns) and Camouflage (fashionably military).

The engine line-up at launch includes a 0.9-litre TwinAir engine (85hp or 105hp) and a 1.2-litre 69hp unit. The two-cylinder engines emit 90g/km and 99g/km of CO2 respectively, while a new 'Eco' configuration of the 1.2 litre 69hp (available after the launch) will reduce emissions to 99 grams of CO2 per kilometre, but UK availability of both engines is yet to be confirmed.

A full range of Mopar accessories will be available from launch, including vintage-style wheel trims; a variety of alloy wheel designs, colours and finishes; mirror caps either in chrome-effect or painted in a variety of colours; distinctive side badges; chrome roof mouldings; a rear spoiler and a range of decals for sides and the roof. A tailgate rack is also available with two systems for transporting winter sports equipment, like skis and snowboards.

New customisation kits with original roof wraps and mirror caps will also be available. Five colours are available: microcarbon black, matt silver, matt titanium, military green and jeans. The microcarbon black and military green variants also extend to the dashboard to pick up the special exterior inside the car.

The new Fiat 500 will go on sale in the UK in early September with prices starting at £10,890 on-the-road.

Hatchback, News

Kia adds 'Chilli' Picanto models

·

Kia has added two sporty 'Chilli' models to its Picanto range.

The Chilli variants are part of the Picanto Originals series, which Kia describes as a 'rolling programme of high-specification, value-priced models' changed at frequent intervals to offer buyers something out of the ordinary.

Sitting above the SR7 grade in the range, the Chilli models are available with either a five-speed manual gearbox or a four-speed automatic. Both are three-door cars powered by a EU6-compliant 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine developing 84bhp and 120Nm (89lb ft) of torque, with economy and emissions figures of 61.4mpg and 106g/km with the five-speed manual gearbox, or 50.4mpg and 130g/km with the four-speed automatic.

Offering a high specification for a mid-range price, they have been enhanced with new front and rear bumpers and a twin exhaust tailpipe. There are also additional side sill mouldings painted to match the body colour. The Chilli models are finished in red, black or white paintwork and run on sporty five-barrel 15-inch alloy wheels shod with 175/50 tyres.

An equally sporty interior features seats in black faux leather with 'striking' red and grey cloth cushions and backrests to match the inserts on the doors. There are aluminium pedals with non-slip rubber pads, while the centre fascia, steering wheel bezel and gearshifter top are finished in Gloss Black.

The Chilli versions are the first Picantos to be fitted with satellite navigation including European mapping, similar to the system found in Kia's Rio and Venga ranges. This is linked to a seven-inch touchscreen and includes a reversing camera while a six-speaker audio system is also standard.

On sale now, pricing for the Picanto Chilli start at £11,495 OTR for the 1.2, 5-speed manual and £12,095 OTR for the 1.2, 4-speed auto.

Hatchback, News

smart 'forrail' debuts on track

·

smart has revealed a special 'forrail' in a one-off experiment.

The smart forfour is described by the Mercedes-owned brand as the 'ultimate commuting machine' yet as it is reliant on roads, smart admits the train has an obvious advantage in that it can get from point-to-point through a more direct route. With this in mind, engineers set up a light-hearted, one-off experiment to redressed the balance and see if the two could be combined.

Nicknamed the forrail, it might appear like a lightly modified forfour but it is, in fact, a fully certified mini-train, says smart. The car's tridion safety cell underpins the forrail and to avoid any steering movement, aluminium supports were welded between the axles meaning the wheels are locked in position.

Following six months of engineering work and sophisticated CAD modelling, the smart forrail comes equipped with unique, solid steel wheels each measuring 22-inches in diameter and weighing 80 kg, allowing it the traction it needs on rails. Designed by Interfleet, a specialised British train engineering business based in Derby, the team - who usually work on 16-litre, 70-tonne diesel locomotives - had to employ a new approach to the challenge presented by a 999 cc, one-tonne smart.

Under close supervision, the smart forrail tentatively took to the tracks on the privately operated Bluebell Railway. Tackling the 10-mile stretch of railway cutting through Sussex the experimental 'train' successfully completed its test, much to the surprise of some local trainspotters.

Electric, Hatchback, News

Nissan adds Acenta+ to LEAF range

·

Nissan has added a new Acenta+ model to its all-electric LEAF line-up.

With the LEAF range expanding to four trim grades, the new model slots in between the Acenta and range-topping Tekna and features a 'significant specification boost' over the standard model. The new model is equipped with a 6.6kW on-board charger as standard - which was previously available only as an option - as well as a Mode-3 32amp (EVSE) cable. The 6.6kW charger enables a 0-100 per cent charge in just four hours. Acenta+ models also include new 17-inch Autech wheels which are finished with distinctive blue accents on the offset spokes.

Commenting on the addition of the new Acenta+ to the UK LEAF range, James Wright, Managing Director, Nissan Motor GB said: "We're delighted to add a new member to the LEAF family in the UK. More than 9,500 LEAFs have already been sold here and Nissan is the undisputed leader in the EV market. This new model delivers exceptional value and showcases the LEAF's incredible technology and engineering."

On sale from today, prices for the Nissan LEAF Acenta+ with the additional equipment start at £29,740 (£1,150 more than the standard Acenta). With the Government's Plug-in Car Grant applied, the price falls to £24,740.