VIDEO: Citroen reveals C5 Aircross SUV

Citroen is unveiling its new C5 Aircross SUV at the 2017 Shanghai Auto Show. Initially powered by the latest-generation petrol engines, the C5 Aircross will also feature plug-in hybrid technology and - with a total system output of 300 bhp - will become the most powerful Citroen production car ever. The SUV also debuts a new suspension system with Progressive Hydraulic Cushions which deliver, says Citroen, a 'uniquely smooth and comfortable ride'. The C5 Aircross will go on sale in Europe in the second half of 2018.

VIDEO: Toyota reveals new Prius Plug-in

Toyota has revealed its second generation Prius Plug-in. The new car can now achieve a higher maximum EV speed of 84mph, and can also cover twice the distance of its predecessor, more than 30 miles. The Prius Plug-in also debuts a world first range-extending solar roof delivering a 'pumping charge' to the main hybrid battery which, in itself has doubled in capacity. On-the-road prices start at £29,195 after the UK Government’s plug-in car grant.

VIDEO: Lexus reveals new LC coupe

Lexus has revealed its new flagship LC coupe. The luxury 2+2 is available in either LC 500h hybrid guise - the first model to feature Lexus’s Multi Stage Hybrid System with ‘much improved’ performance - while the LC 500 is powered by a 477 PS, 5.0-litre V8 engine. Both power units are mated to a segment-first Direct Shift 10-speed automatic transmission. With a sporty, sweeping roofline, the LC also features sports suspension and 20-inch alloys as standard. Further specifications, and equipment details will be announced in 2017.

VIDEO: New MINI Countryman launches with first ever hybrid

The all-new Countryman is the biggest ever MINI. It features an extended wheelbase which creates more interior room and an extra 220 litres of boot space compared to the outgoing model. Power comes from a choice of two petrol and two diesel engines, while the hybrid model - MINI’s first ever - has a total system output of 224 bhp, a zero emissions range of up to 25 miles and purely electric top speed of 78mph. Prices have yet to be announced.

VIDEO: Toyota RAV4 : Car Review

Massimo Pini reports on the latest petrol-electric hybrid RAV4. 

VIDEO: GT cars at the 2016 Paris Motor Show

Paris saw the unveiling of some new super-sexy Grand Touring cars. Ferrari pulled the covers off its new GTC4Lusso T. Replacing its predecessor’s V12 engine with a turbo-charged 3.9-litre V8, the new model is aimed at buyers seeking a sportscar that is drivable on a daily basis, says Ferrari. Switching from four-wheel-drive to rear-wheel-drive has reduced weight, making it only a tenth of a second slower from 0-62mph than the V12. Porsche revealed the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid which was making its world debut at the Paris Show. The all-wheel drive super-coupé’s electric motor combines with a 2.9-litre V6 petrol engine to deliver a total system torque of 700 Nm – enough for a 0-62mph time of 4.6 seconds, or a 31 mile range in pure electric mode. And finally, there was a show debut for the Mercedes AMG GT R. Joining the new Roadster model, the hard-top GT R - finished in a Nurburgring-inspired ‘Green Hell’ paintwork- is powered by a 4.0-litre V8 with 585bhp for a 0-62 time of 3.6 seconds, and a top speed of 198mph.

VIDEO: French Concept cars from Paris 2016

With the Paris Motor Show in full swing we take a look at some of the homegrown concept cars that are making the headlines. Renault revealed its super sexy all-electric Trezor concept. Featuring a power unit borrowed from the Renault Formula E team, it boasts 350 brake horse power and can accelerate from 0 to 62mph in under four seconds. Not to be outdone, Peugeot brought along its Fractal concept which has an electric motor on each axle delivering a combined total output of just over 200bhp. Described as an urban coupé, it comes with a removable roof to turn it into a stylish cabriolet. Citroën meanwhile, debuted its new CXPERIENCE petrol-electric plug-in hybrid concept. At just 1.37m tall, the low slung prototype features rear-hinged doors and a concave rear window for improved aerodynamics.

VIDEO: Hyundai subjects Massimo Pini to the Driving Emotion Test

Hyundai challenged NEWCARNET’s very own Massimo Pini to take a driving test – with a difference…

His wrists, fingers and ear were hooked up to a series of sensors designed to monitor his emotional state behind the wheel for a special Driving Emotion Test.

Our driver was monitored during a 45-minute trip through busy London streets using clever facial coding technology developed by Hyundai, working with expert behavioural psychologists.

Taking his seat as one of the very first people in the UK to sample the brand new IONIQ Hybrid model, our Editor-in-Chief was subjected to something of an assault on the senses: 

• A variety of drinks and snacks were fed to him 

• He was blasted with loud music as well as the sound of car horns and irate drivers

• A range of scents and smells - some pleasant, some less so - were introduced to the interior

Despite the heating also being cranked up a number of times with the windows closed to get him all ‘hot and bothered’, Massimo seemed to come through the Driving Emotion Test relatively unscathed.

But the proof of the pudding will be in the final results, when his score will be benchmarked against 1,000 respondents from a nationwide study.

VIDEO: Hyundai IONIQ - First Drive

One week ago this Hyundai was in Seoul, South Korea. Currently it is the only hybrid Hyundai IONIQ in the UK and NEWCARNET Editor-in-Chief Massimo Pini was among the first to get behind the wheel for an exclusive drive on the streets of London.

Driving impressions are still under embargo until October 3, but you can get a closer look at the car on the move.

The IONIQ is the world's first vehicle to be built on a platform that can accommodate a choice of three electrified powertrains - Hybrid, Electric and Plug-in.

VIDEO: Citroën to debut CXPERIENCE concept in Paris

Citroën has revealed a new CXPERIENCE concept ahead of its Paris Motor Show debut next month. The plug-in hybrid features a new body style and is powered by a petrol engine combined with an 80 kW electric motor, for a total power output of 300bhp. The low slung concept is only 1.37m tall and features an elegant ‘living room’ inspired interior accessed via rear-hinged doors. The concept’s front end includes an original light signature with a new take on the Citroën's layered headlight identity, while at the rear, a concave window improves aerodynamics.

VIDEO: Kia launches plug-in hybrid Optima PHEV

Kia has revealed its first plug-in hybrid model for the UK - the Optima PHEV. With an all-electric range of up to 33 miles the new model combines a 2.0-litre petrol engine with a 50kW electric motor for a total power output of 202bhp. Model specific aerodynamic, styling and technology contributes towards the hybrid Optima’s low CO2 emissions of 37g/km and potential fuel economy of up to 176mpg. The Kia Optima PHEV is priced at £31,495 after applying the Government's £2,500 plug-in car grant.

VIDEO: Volvo reveals new 40.1 and 40.2 Concepts

Volvo has unveiled two new small concept cars - the 40.1 and 40.2 - both built on a new compact platform. The SUV and hatchback mark the official launch of Volvo’s new small car strategy. The Swedish company plans to expand into the market for premium small cars, aiming to compete with its global competitors in the next four years. The concepts feature a bold exterior and interior design as well as ‘industry-leading’ connectivity and autonomous drive technologies, while the new range will also include electric and plug-in hybrid models.

VIDEO: New Citroen Aircross concept set for Shanghai

Citroen has confirmed its new Aircross concept will debut at the 2015 Shanghai Motor Show. The C4 Cactus-based concept features ‘Alloy Bumps’ on its 22-inch wheels protecting the car from side impact, while new chrome ‘Air Signs’ surround the rear window for improved aerodynamics. The hybrid Aircross is powered by an electric motor with 200Nm of torque and a 1.6-litre petrol engine, for a combined power output of 313bhp. Returning 166mpg, 0 to 62 takes just 4.5 seconds.

VIDEO: Toyota unveils first RAV4 Hybrid

Toyota pulled the covers off the first ever Hybrid version of the RAV4, at the 2015 New York Auto Show. The Hybrid's powertrain combines a 2.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor, plus an additional motor powering the rear axle to deliver electronic all-wheel drive. The unveiling of the hybrid coincides with a revamp of the entire RAV4 range, which includes exterior styling tweaks, an improved cabin and additional technology and safety features. The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is set to arrive in the UK early next year.

VIDEO: All-new Lexus RX makes world debut

Lexus has unveiled its all-new RX at the 2015 New York Auto Show. The SUV's new front end features a spindle grille design with a chrome-finished border, LED headlamps and redesigned fog lights. Blacked-out C-pillars create a floating roof effect, while new 20-inch alloy wheels can be customised. The hybrid powertrain features an a total system output around 300bhp while a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine version will also be available when the new RX goes on sale in later 2015.

VIDEO: The complete A-Z of the 2015 Geneva Motor Show

 We run you through our A-Z of the 2015 Geneva Motor Show - from Aston Martin to Zero Emission vehicles, its all here!

VIDEO: Mercedes facelifts GLE and adds new hybrid model

Mercedes has facelifted its GLE for 2015 and added a plug-in hybrid model. New headlamps with daytime driving lights form the brand's 'hallmark eyebrows' while at the rear, new LED lamps join redesigned tailpipes. The new GLE 500 e 4MATIC plug-in hybrid is powered by a 333bhp V6 petrol engine and a 116 horse power electric motor – resulting in a total system output of 650 Nm of torque. Mercedes's first ever plug-in hybrid SUV produces 78g/km of CO2 emissions and returns 85.6 mpg. Pricing and specification have yet to be announced.

VIDEO: Mercedes adds Plug-In Hybrid drive to C-Class

Mercedes has added hybrid technology to the C-Class range. The C350 Plug-In Hybrid, unveiled in Detroit, is powered by a four-cylinder petrol engine in conjunction with an electric motor, for a total system output of 279 bhp and 600 Nm of torque. With a 0-62 mph time of 5.9 seconds, Mercedes says the new C-Class Hybrid delivers sportscar-like performance, despite returning fuel consumption of 134mpg and CO2 emissions as low as 48 g/km. It can also cover a distance of 19 miles in emission-free, electric-only mode.