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.

Riversimple tease new hydrogen car

UK car manufacturer Riversimple has released a teaser image of its first hydrogen-powered prototype road car, set to be revealed this Wednesday.

Riversimple have designed what its describes as a ‘radically different hydrogen powered car’. Penned by Chris Reitz, former design chief for the Fiat 500, the car emits a tiny amount of water and returns an estimated mpg equivalent to 250 miles.

Beginning with a hydrogen fuel cell and a blank sheet of paper, every aspect of the hydrogen Mark ll Alpha has been created for ‘simplicity, efficiency, lightness, strength, affordability, safety and sustainability’.

This car is a two seater ‘network electric’ model, powered by a hydrogen fuel cell. The chassis is a carbon fibre monocoque made from very lightweight but extremely stiff carbon fibre composites, with the monocoque chassis weighs less than 40kg. With a target weight of 520 kg the prototype features: Four electric motors, one in each wheel, motors as brakes – recovering over 50 per cent of kinetic energy when braking as well as ‘Super-capacitors’ to store this energy and provide most of the power for acceleration.

The production prototype should has a range of 300 miles with emissions of zero at tailpipe and approx. 40gCO2/km ‘Well-to-Wheel’ even if the hydrogen comes from natural gas. The hydrogen passes through a Proton Exchange Membrane in the fuel cell where it combines with oxygen to form water and electricity. The electricity then flows to the motors in each wheel.

Riversimple says its ‘innovative network’ design means that the car only requires a fuel cell big enough to provide cruising speed power, rather than acceleration, getting more than 50 per cent of the braking energy back, which is used to boost acceleration. 

With further funding, 20 cars will be ready for Beta test with customers next year before it comes to market in 2018.

New BMW M760Li xDrive V12 revealed

BMW has added a new flagship model to its 7 Series range - the M760Li xDrive V12.

Debuting the M Performance TwinPower Turbo V12 engine, headline performance figures of 600hp and 800Nm of torque ensure a 0-62mph time of just 3.9 seconds, on to a limited top speed of 155mph. With Auto Start-Stop the flagship 7 Series has an official combined fuel consumption figure of 22.4mpg and CO2 emissions of 294g/km.

The M aerodynamic package fitted as standard to the M760Li xDrive V12 offers 'greater visual presence'. The new front apron features two large air intakes with highlights in Cerium Grey. The same colour appears along the sides of the car with trim elements on the lower edge of the doors, the air breathers and the door handle trim. Exclusive mirror caps, “V12” badges on the C-pillars and the M logo on the front wings – once more in Cerium Grey – finish the look. At the rear, the sporting design of the rear apron with its black central area highlights the M sports exhaust system’s Cerium Grey twin tailpipe embellishers. An optional M rear spoiler optimises the flow of air.

Inside, ‘carefully selected’ details emphasise the car’s sporting character: door sill plates in Fine Brushed Aluminium with an illuminated V12 logo; an M leather steering wheel featuring an M logo on the centre spoke and gearshift paddles on the reverse; multifunction buttons on the steering wheel spokes and the spoke inlays finished in Pearl Gloss Chrome. The instrument cluster contains a special speedometer that now extends as far as 205mph, though in the UK the car is electronically-limited to 155mph. This combined with other elements such as the M pedals reinforces the driver focus of the interior.

As a flagship, the M760Li x Drive V12 features an extensive list of equipment as standard. In addition to the hardware already detailed, there are BMW Icon adaptive LED headlights with anti-dazzle High-beam assistant, the keyless Comfort Access system and Dynamic safety to optimise occupant protection. Electrically adjustable Comfort seats at the front and rear, BMW Gesture control,  sunblinds for the rear windscreen and rear windows, Exclusive Merino leather trim with extended features, an Alcantara headliner, Fineline black fine wood trim with high-gloss metal effect are also included to name but a few key highlights.

A ‘V12 Excellence Design’ package shifts the focus away from the dynamic appearance of its M Performance sibling to emphasise the cars ‘comfort-related attributes’ says BMW.

Externally, the V12 Excellence Design package trades the M aerodynamic package for visual cues from the Pure Excellence exterior design package. These include 20-inch BMW Individual, high-gloss polished, light-alloy wheels in W-spoke 646 design and brake calipers in high-gloss Black. The front end has a chrome bar extending across the full width of the car in the upper section of the air intake grille, while the kidney grille bars are in Silver with chrome fronts, and their surrounds likewise sport bright chrome. LED fog lamps return to the front apron.

On the car’s flanks, a bright chrome finish adorns the window frames, the air breathers with door trim element and the V12 lettering on the C-pillars. The M logos rearwards of the wheel arches are removed and its two chromed, rectangular tailpipe embellishers are now framed in the rear apron by an additional chrome surround.

The Pure Excellence interior design package shifts the design focus within the cabin. For example, the Alcantara headliner, door sill plates in Fine Brushed Aluminium with illuminated V12 badge, precise decorative stitching in the lower section of the instrument panel, fine wood inlays for the seat belt outlet covers, armrest and rear roof grab handles, plus deep-pile floor mats for the rear compartment all emphasis further the luxurious nature of the car. The leather steering wheel now features wood elements, and when the driver fires up the engine a V12 emblem lights up in the centre of the instrument cluster – whose speedometer extends as far as 160mph.

The BMW M760Li xDrive V12 goes on sale towards the end of 2016 with prices being announced nearer the time.

Lexus to unveil LC 500h in Geneva

Lexus will debut to the LC 500h luxury coupe at the Geneva Motor Show.
 
Powered by Lexus's next generation hybrid powertrain, the ‘Multi Stage Hybrid System’ found in the LC 500h coupe will provide ‘higher performance, more driving pleasure and greater efficiency’.

The LC made its debut at the 2016 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit as one of Lexus’s flagship models. The LC is built on a new Lexus architecture that ‘promises greater dynamic capabilities’ says the Japanese brand. The coupe, inspired by the LF-LC concept that was revealed in 2012, marks the beginning of a new phase for Lexus with a shift in engineering processes and design ideologies.

Lexus will also display the LF-FC concept at Geneva. Making its first European appearance, the concept vehicle offers a glance towards Lexus’s design and technology direction for a future flagship saloon. First seen at last year’s Tokyo motor show, the LF-FC is powered by a high-output fuel cell system and features advanced, touchless controls and automated driving technologies.

The Geneva Motor Show runs from 3-13 March.

White is UK’s most popular new car colour

White has retained its position as the UK’s most popular new car colour for the third year running.

2016 Figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show demand for a white car growing 2.2 per cent to 564,393 units. Of the 2,635,518 new cars registered in 2015, 21.4 per cent were white, compared with less than 1 per cent a decade ago. The preference for white across most of the UK was not mirrored in the South East where more black cars were registered than white.

Blue cars also enjoyed a resurgence in demand, with more than one in six people choosing the colour. Blue used to be the nation’s first choice of car colour in the late 1990s and, after a period of falling popularity at the start of the century, it has now seen three years of continued growth in demand. 

Meanwhile, after eight years at the top between 2000 and 2008, silver continued its decline. It now makes up just over one in 10 new car registrations compared with its peak in 2004 when almost every third new car registered was silver. Overall, neutral tones continued to dominate, with black cars in second place after white and followed by grey, taking 19.4 per cent and 15.6 per cent of the market respectively.

But it wasn’t all black and white, with more buyers opting to stand out on the roads with brighter colours.

The number of people choosing mauve cars rose by approximately a third in 2015 (30 per cent) to 12,414, taking the colour into the top 10 for the first time. Demand for green cars grew by 31.2 per cent to 28,250 units to take its highest market share (1.07 per cent) for five years. Orange and yellow cars, meanwhile, also surged in popularity – up 25.7 per cent and 12.7 per cent respectively – with a total 30,187 people opting for the eye-catching colours. 

Nissan updates X-Trail and Pulsar

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

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

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

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

Both models are on sale now.

Last true Italian Lamborghini Diablo SV up for auction

A special 1999 Lamborghini Diablo SV is set to go under the hammer this March.

Believed to be the very last Lamborghini to leave the Sant'Agata factory before German brand Volkswagen took full ownership, Diablo SV will be auctioned at Silverstone Auctions’ sale at the Practical Classics Restoration and Classic Car Show.

The car is also thought to be the last Diablo imported into the UK as well as the last Diablo SV off the production line. 'V12 SVR' left the factory on the 21st of December in 1999 immediately before Lamborghini shut down for the Christmas break and their celebrations to mark the end of the Century. For the previous few months the Volkswagen Group had been in financial control of the company but the end of that year marked a turning point. From the beginning of 2000 some feel that German efficiency began to replace the magic of Italy in terms of the bloodline, style and general madness of the Italian supercars.

Speaking ahead of the sale of the car, managing director of Silverstone Auctions, Nick Whale, said: ”It’s a delight to be able to offer this fantastic part of Lamborghini history in the year of the 100th anniversary of the birth of the company’s founder, Ferruccio Lamborghini. The Diablo is a wonderful car that truly represents everything the marque is famous for.”

This right-hand drive example has covered just over 32,000 miles from new and is finished in what Silverstone Auctions believe may be a one-off colour of Pearl Red/Orange combined with a grey/black leather/alcantara interior.

This Diablo is still very much original. The original Lamborghini tool roll with its appropriate tools is present with the original tyre inflator and a very luxurious, custom-made, fleece-lined indoor car cover in red with an embroidered Lamborghini logo.

The condition of the car is described as 'amazing for the year and it drives superbly', particularly after a chassis and suspension restoration in 2013 at a cost of over £10,000. A full geometry set-up was carried out by Grimaldi Engineering in 2013 and in January 2016 the car was serviced and MoT’d.

Nick Whale added: ”Owning a Diablo SV is a dream for most people, however if purchasing one is an option for you, then the appeal of this Lamborghini 'Devil' may be too much to resist.”

The Lamborghini Diablo SV has an estimated at between £150,000 and £170,000 and will be offered in the sale taking place at the NEC, Birmingham on 6th March.

New limited BMW i8 Protonic Red Edition

BMW has revealed a new, limited model - the i8 ‘Protonic Red Edition’.

Available for a limited period only, the paintwork has been created exclusively for this car - Protonic Red with Frozen Grey metallic accents. The colour scheme is complemented by BMW W-spoke 470 light-alloy wheels painted in Orbit Grey metallic with hubs painted in Aluminium matt and mixed-size tyres (front: 215 R20, rear: 245/40).

On the inside of the plug-in-hybrid, the special edition i8 comes with ‘high-class’ red double-stitching and exclusive carbon fibre and ceramic trims.

The lightweight and aerodynamically optimised i8 was the first BMW production model to be powered by a three-cylinder petrol engine. This 1.5-litre engine develops 231hp and drives the rear wheels, while a maximum torque of 320Nm is available from 3,700rpm. The car’s second power source is a 96 kW/131hp hybrid synchronous electric motor which sends its power to the front axle. The motor develops 250Nm torque from a standstill and can also power the vehicle by itself with a range in everyday driving of up to 22 miles and a top speed of 75mph on electric power alone. Top speed is 155mph, 0-62 takes 4.4 seconds while the i8 emitts 59g/km of CO2 and returns 113mpg.

The BMW i8 Protonic Red Edition will be produced from July onwards and will officially be on sale from September, 2016 priced at £112,535 OTR.

Peugeot Traveller set for Geneva debut

Peugeot’s new Traveller MPV is set to make its world debut at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show.

The Traveller’s assertive design exudes strength and elegance, says Peugeot, while introducing features of the brand's SUV and car range to the MPV segment.

Sitting on a new chassis, adapted from the ‘Efficient Modular Platform 2’ (EMP2), the Traveller will also be targeted at the VIP shuttle sector with the promise of quality, efficiency and best-in-class fuel consumption.

Its Euro 6 BlueHDi engines are equipped with an SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) pollution control system upstream of the DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter). These combine driving enjoyment and efficient performance, says Peugeot, offering an output of up to 180hp and peak torque of 400Nm, and average CO2 emission levels across the range of 140g/km.

The Traveller is available in multiple configurations with seating for up to 9 occupants and has already been awarded a top 5-star rating in the Euro NCAP safety tests.

Maxime Picat, Managing Director at Peugeot, said: “The Peugeot Traveller fully applies the brand’s expansion strategy by positioning us on the growth sectors of the MPV and VIP Shuttle. Through its innovative design, the Peugeot Traveller gives a new dimension to Peugeot’s upmarket shift.”

SEAT unveils Ateca SUV

SEAT has revealed its first ever SUV - the Ateca - in Barcelona. 

Deriving its name from a village in the west of Zaragoza, the Ateca is said to combine distinctive design, dynamic driving fun, urban versatility and compelling utility. 

Launching in the UK this September, it will be available with a choice of turbocharged TSI petrol and TDI diesel engines spanning from 115 PS to 190 PS, with either front-wheel or all-wheel-drive, mated to manual or dual-clutch DSG transmissions. 

An array of technology options extends from full-LED headlights through a series of assistance systems, including Traffic Jam Assist and Emergency Assist, right through to a package of high-endinfotainment systems with eight-inch touchscreens and Full Link connectivity. 

At 4.36 metres in length, the Ateca offers seating for five and a boot capacity of 510 litres, or 485- in versions with all-wheel-drive.

“The SEAT Ateca is perfect for an urban lifestyle. It possesses stunning design and dynamics, and boasts compelling quality and utility. But above all, the Ateca exudes unmistakable character,” says Luca de Meo, President of SEAT, S.A. “Our first SUV marks the start of a new era for SEAT. The Ateca is a clear development of the Leon DNA and will drive forward the success of the range. SEAT is a brand on the move.”

Opel to launch compact Ampera-e

Opel is to launch a new compact battery electric car next year - the Ampera-e.

The five-door hatchback is part of a major new model offensive which will see 29 new vehicles launched between 2016 and 2020. 

Opel says the Ampera-e will be affordably priced and have a longer range on a full charge than most electric cars, combining innovative electric-mobility with state-of-the-art connectivity and exciting driving dynamics.

Announcing the Ampera-e at the CAR Symposium in Bochum, Germany, GM Chairman & CEO Mary Barra said: “GM and Opel have always been convinced that electric cars will play a defining role in future mobility. The game-changing technology of the Ampera-e is a significant step toward realising that vision.”

The compact proportions of the Ampera-e are achieved by the flat battery pack mounted underneath the interior floor. This also enables a more spacious interior, says Opel, providing seating for five passengers and competitive boot space.

The Ampera-e will also offer the personal connectivity and service assistant, OnStar as well as infotainment systems that will integrate smartphones and other electronic devices seamlessly.

Scottish Motor Show E-Type restored

The E-Type that turned heads at the 1961 Scottish Motor Show has been brought back to its former glory and will feature at the London Classic Car Show 2016.

Chassis No. 15 was the fifteenth right hand drive fixed head coupe E-Type to leave Jaguar’s production line in 1961 and was used as a press car at the Scottish Motor Show held at the Kelvin Hall, Glasgow, in November that year. The car then moved on to private ownership and went missing for decades until Classic Motor Cars discovered it in a barn in Cernay, France, in late 2013. Since being found, CMC has carried out a full restoration of Chassis No. 15.

Exactly 2,956 hours were spent restoring every nut and bolt of this E-Type at CMC’s workshops in Bridgnorth, saving as much of the original car as possible and bringing back its show-stopping condition. Nick Goldthorp, Managing Director of Classic Motor Cars, said: “We found Chassis No. 15 in Cernay, a French town close to the border with Germany. It had been owned by the same person since 1976, who dismantled it probably some twenty years ago and that is as far as he got. The car was underneath some covers in a garden, very rusty and corroded – there was even a bird’s nest in the rear quarter! We carried out a full nut and bolt restoration, which proved to be quite a challenge due to the sorry state in which it was found.”

Goldthorp added: “No detail was too small and extensive work has been carried out in the paint and trim shops so that the car can now boast its original colour combination of pearl grey exterior and light blue interior, being the only one produced in those colours in 1961. This was one of the six E-Types on display at the 1961 Scottish Motor Show. After restoring it to its former glory, we thought it was only fitting that the car returned to the centre stage 55 years later and what could be better than the London Classic Car Show.”

The London Classic Car Show at the ExCeL exhibition centre runs from February 18-21.

nanoFlowcell QUANTiNO granted road licence

The nanoFlowcell QUANTiNO has become the first low-voltage electric vehicle to be licensed for road use in Europe.

First test drives of the latest model from the QUANT range are planned for later in 2016. The nanoFlowcell power unit enables a range of over 600 miles (precise range figures will be determined during these tests) with zero-emissions.

The QUANTiNO is now the second vehicle with nanoFlowcell technology, alongside the QUANT-E. The 2+2-seater is notable for its low-voltage electrical system, with a rated voltage of just 48 volts it can generate 80 kW/108 hp for a 0 to 62mph time of less than five seconds and the top speed of 124mph.

The low-voltage system forms ‘an exceptionally efficient symbiosis’ that promises a ‘significantly greater potential range’ compared with the systems commonly used in electric vehicles. Furthermore, it eliminates the danger of electric shocks that can be caused by a high-voltage system in the event of an accident or when undertaking repair work.

The nanoFlowcell vehicle runs with absolutely no emissions, while the ‘ionic liquid’ (electrolyte fuel) is harmless to the environment and to health, is described as cost-effective to produce. The ionic liquids are nontoxic and nonflammable with no need for high-level safety protocols.

nanoFlowcell describes the QUANTiNO as ‘remarkably straightforward’ to drive and as easy to control as a conventional electric car or a petrol-driven vehicle. It also comes with plenty of 'electro-dynamic driving fun and a whisper-quiet soundtrack'. Likewise, filling up the QUANTiNO with ionic liquid involves a process similar to that for a petrol-powered vehicle – with a hose and a refuelling nozzle.

nanoFlowcell AG will present further details on the QUANTiNO and other nanoFlowcell technology showcases at this year’s Geneva Motor Show.

Honda to debut Civic Hatchback Prototype in Geneva

Honda is set to unveil the Civic Hatchback Prototype at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show.

The Prototype previews the exterior design of the all-new hatchback Civic model, scheduled for a European launch in early 2017. Produced in the UK , the car will be exported to global markets, including the US.

Honda has also confirmed the Clarity Fuel Cell will make its European debut at Geneva, following its global unveil at Tokyo motor show in October last year. The world’s first production fuel cell saloon to house the entire fuel cell powertrain under the bonnet, features a range of up-to 435 miles.

Honda has also announced first European customer deliveries for the Honda NSX will begin in 2016. The NSX sports car features classic low and wide proportions as well as an ‘aggressive front design, and rear lights that pay homage to the original NSX’. The new hybrid supercar has an all-new mid-mounted DOHC V6 engine with twin turbochargers mated to a specially-developed nine-speed DCT.

Honda will also demonstrate a new design concept - the ’Keenlight’ Jazz. The new concept seeks to highlight the potential for customising Jazz models, using sleek design elements, special decals and a unique colour named ‘Keenlight’.

The Geneva Motor Show runs from 3-13 March 2016.

Datsun GO-cross Concept debuts in Delhi

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

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

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

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

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

Abarth to appear at London Classic Car Show

Abarth is turning back the racing clock 50 years for its display at this year’s London Classic Car Show.

The performance car brand’s exhibition stand will feature new and old – with plans to show the recently-launched Abarth biposto Record alongside the classic Monoposto Record Class G racing car from 1965.

The Abarth biposto Record celebrates the 50th anniversary of Karl Abarth’s legacy of 133 international records, and as such, production will be strictly limited to just 133 examples.

Abarth founder Karl Abarth drove an Abarth Monoposto Record, Class G at Monza, winning the acceleration record on 400 metres and 500 metres. Unable to find the right driver, he decided to lose 30 kilograms in weight to slip into the tight cockpit himself.

“It’s an important classic car show and we are delighted to be showing two classics of our own,” says Gerry Southerington, brand manager, Abarth UK. “The Monoposto was a highly successful car and is now steeped in history. As for the biposto Record, I’m sure that it will one day become a classic in its own right.”

The London Classic Car Show – to be held at London’s ExCel exhibition hall from 18-21 February – will also mark the UK launch of the Officine Abarth Classiche, the official Turin-based workshop where classic Abarth cars are repaired, restored and certified for customers.

Last year was Abarth’s best ever in the UK, with total sales of 2743 – a rise of 67 per cent against 2014 (1642) – and a top five finish in terms of fastest-growing car brands in the UK.

Abarth prices start at £14,610 OTR for the 1.4 TJet 140hp Manual rising to £33,055 OTR for the 1.4 TJet biposto 190hp Manual.

Subaru XV Concept teased ahead of Geneva debut

Subaru has released a teaser image of the XV Concept, which is set to make its world debut at the forthcoming Geneva Motor Show.

The shadowy, front-three-quarter detail image depicts a rugged, aggressively-styled, SUV-type vehicle. Bold, five-spoke alloy wheels are finished in black with red detailing around the cut-outs, contrasting with the concept car’s silver-grey two-tone paintwork.

The Subaru XV Concept will be unveiled at the press briefing scheduled for 11:15 AM (Central European Time) on 1 March on the Subaru stand.

The 86th Geneva International Motor Show will be open to the public from 3-13 March 2016.

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.

Ferrari reveals new GTC4Lusso

Ferrari has revealed the GTC4Lusso - a new four-seater Grand Tourer which, for the first time, integrates rear-wheel steering with four-wheel drive.

Ferrari says the GTC4Lusso brings unprecedented versatility to the Prancing Horse brand, building on the work of its predecessor, the FF, which won over a new, younger client base that also makes greater use of its cars, clocking up 30 percent higher mileage than average.

The GTC4Lusso's name references illustrious predecessors, such as the 330 GTC or its 2+2 sister model, the 330 GT - one of Enzo Ferrari's favourites - and the 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso. The number 4 alludes to the car's four-seater configuration.

Power comes from a V12-cylinder engine developing 680 hp at 8,000 rpm, while maximum torque is 697 Nm at 5,750 rpm with 80 percent available from as low as 1,750 rpm. These figures translate into a 0-62mph sprint time of 3.4 seconds and a top speed of well over 200mph!

The GTC4Lusso is equipped with Ferrari's 4RM Evo four-wheel drive system, which is integrated with rear-wheel steering for the first time. The result is the newly-patented 4RM-S (four-wheel drive and steering) system which, now incorporates the electronic differential (E-Diff) and the SCM-E dampers. 

There are new aerodynamic solutions, including a new front grille with integrated air intakes, air vents on the wing that recall those of the 330 GTC, a roof-mounted rear spoiler and a new triple-fence diffuser. These elements combine to deliver a drag coefficient, says Ferrari, that is "substantially lower than on the FF".

The styling, by Ferrari Design, is a refinement of the shooting brake coupe, reinterpreting the concept with a streamlined, tapered shape that gives it an almost fastback-like silhouette.

In the cabin there's a new Infotainment platform featuring a 10.25" HD screen with capacitive touch technology and a new steering wheel that's more compact, thanks to a smaller air bag, with integrated controls that are more ergonomic, making for an even sportier driving experience. 

The official world premiere of the GTC4Lusso will be at the Geneva International Motor Show in March.