SUV

Crossover, News, SUV

Nissan X-Trail gets new frugal engine

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Crossover, Electric, SUV, News

Ford EcoSport gets new upgrades

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SUV, News

MINI launch Countryman Business model

MINI has added a new Countryman Cooper D ALL4 Business model to its range, developed specifically for the fleet market.

The launch of the new business edition Countryman means corporate customers will now have the option of a model which includes the brand's all-wheel drive system, MINI ALL4, for the first time.

MINI Navigation System is fitted as standard along with the Multifunction 3-spoke sport leather steering wheel which includes cruise control. Parking sensors, automatic headlights and wipers are also included to make driving long distances easier.

The additional standard equipment has been specifically chosen for fleet customers and represents a saving over the cost of standalone options while driving up the model's strong residual values. These also include 17-inch 5-Star Triangle Spoke alloy wheels, Automatic air conditioning, on-board computer and interior lights pack.

The MINI Countryman Cooper D is also an economical choice for fleet customers, with some of the best emission figures for a diesel all-wheel drive car at 123g/km.

Chris Brownridge, Director, MINI UK, said: "The new ALL4 Business model has been specifically developed to cater for the needs of businesses with high residual values and low emissions, while also offering something fun and exciting for drivers. MINI has grown in popularity within the UK fleet market since the launch of the 5-door hatch last year, which has opened the brand up to new customers."

The MINI Cooper D ALL4 Countryman is available for fleet customers now with an on-the-road price of £22,455. Monthly payments start from £199 which includes the Chilli Pack.

Coupe, Crossover, SUV, News

Honda confirms new HR-V pricing and spec

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SUV, Sports Car, News

New Jaguar F-Pace breaks cover

The new Jaguar F-PACE appeared in public for the first time on Saturday 4 July as it supported Team Sky on Stage One of the Tour de France in Utrecht.

The F-Pace shed its hard camouflage for the first time - in front of an estimated live audience of one million people, with over two billion more estimated to have watched on television or online around the world - instead sporting a specially created wrap, hinting at the final design of the vehicle, which will be fully unveiled later this year.

Five Team Sky riders - Ian Stannard, Luke Rowe, Peter Kennaugh, Leopold Konig and Chris Froome - were supported by the F-Pace during the Grand Depart, providing a real world test of Jaguar's first performance crossover.

A special bike rack, designed with an innovative telescopic clamp by Jaguar Land Rover's Special Vehicle Operations, was developed specifically for the stage and carried two Team Sky Pinarello Bolide Time Trial bikes.

Team Sky Head of Technical Operations & Commercial, Carsten Jeppesen, said: "The atmosphere in Utrecht was incredible. The Netherlands has a huge passion for cycling and right from the moment we arrived at the start line, you could feel the excitement. The appearance of Jaguar's F-Pace prototype definitely added to the hype today - you could see it made a big impact with the crowds."

Jaguar has produced a short film capturing all the F-Pace (#FPACE) action as the gruelling Tour began in the Netherlands: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nC3woUBN6Dg

The world premiere of the Jaguar F-PACE will be at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September and will go on sale from 2016.

SUV, News

Kia Sportage Axis Limited Edition

Kia has released a Sportage Axis Edition - a limited-run model of only 1,200 units.

The special edition SUV has been styled and equipped 'to provide retail and fleet customers with many of the features of a high-grade Sportage for a mid-range price'.

Available with a choice of two powertrains - a 1.6-litre GDi direct-injection petrol unit develops 133bhp and 165Nm of torque, and when mated to the ISG has a combined fuel economy of 44.1mpg and CO2 emissions of 149g/km. The 1.7-litre common-rail turbodiesel which develops 114bhp and 260Nm or torque features a 0-60mph time of 11.9 seconds, while combined fuel economy is 54.4mpg and CO2 emissions are 135g/km. Both are front-wheel-drive models featuring a six-speed manual transmission linked to Kia's Intelligent Stop & Go (ISG) engine stop-start system to save fuel and eliminate emissions when idling in traffic.

The standard colour is solid Arctic White, but buyers are able to opt for one of three metallic finishes - Phantom Black, Fusion White or Dark Gun Metal - for an extra £525. The Axis Edition sit between trim grades '2' and '3' in the range, but includes many of the features found higher in the line-up, says Kia. The black gloss arrow mesh radiator grille with chrome surround, LED daytime running lamps and rear LED combination lamps and the roof-mounted 'shark's fin' antenna deliver a 'premium look' while automatic headlight control are included in the lighting package, as well as electric folding door mirrors with LED indicators. The Axis Edition is also fitted with the same 17-inch light alloy wheels and 225/60 R17 tyres found on Sportage '2' and 'KX-2' grades.

The interior is upholstered in unique black leather with contrasting grey Dinamica microfiber inserts. This is complemented by the light grey door inserts unique to the Axis Edition. Kia says the 'premium look' of the interior is enhanced by black headlining, black B and C pillar coverings and black sun visors, grab handles and map light switches. Privacy glass and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror are other luxury flourishes fitted as standard. 'Axis Edition' logos are applied to the outer C pillars.

The limited edition Sportage's specification features a seven-speaker Infinity high-end sound system incorporating a subwoofer and external amp. This includes an AM/FM radio, CD player, USB and AUX sockets and iPod connectivity. Bluetooth music streaming and hands-free phone operation are also supported, with voice control in any of ten languages. The Axis Edition models also come with a seven-inch touchscreen satellite navigation system including full UK postcode recognition and European mapping for 44 countries. The system includes TMC traffic messaging with a detour function, motorway junction views, lane guidance and a speed limit alert. It allows the driver to input quick, short and economy routes. A reversing camera with views displayed in the touchscreen is an additional useful feature built into the system.

Prices for the Kia Sportage Axis Edition start at £20,995 for the 1.6 GDi ISG and £22,395 for the 1.7 CRDi ISG.