Renault has revealed its all-new C-segment crossover - the Kadjar. Characterised by a new LED lighting signature, it will be powered by a choice of petrol and diesel engines with either two- or four-wheel-drive. Its high ground clearance, coupled with front and rear skid plates and up to19-inch rims, hint at the Kadjar’s off-road capabilities. Further details are set to be released at next month’s Geneva Motor Show, with a provisional UK showroom arrival set for the Autumn.
The leading Formula 1 title challengers have revealed their 2014 cars ahead of winter testing in Spain. Mercedes unveiled the F1W05 - the first all-new Silver Arrow to hit the track since 1954. Meanwhile McLaren pulled the covers off the MP4-29 with the team admitting they have responded to the disappointment of last year. Ferrari introduced the F14 T, its sixtieth car built specifically for a Formula 1 World Championship and finally Infiniti Red Bull Racing revealed the RB10. Powered by the Renault Energy F1-2014 engine, the team hopes it's good enough to deliver a fourth straight championship. Racing gets underway on March 16 in Australia.
Concept, Motor Show, Sports car
Toyota has unveiled the strikingly-styled FT-1 concept at the Detroit motor show. The new coupe is the work of Calty design, Toyota's Californian studio, which set out to create the ultimate sports car. The exterior features racecar cues with pronounced front wings, large air intakes, hefty exhaust ports and a retractable rear wing. The wraparound windscreen and set back A-pillars which increase visibility when cornering, are a nod to the 2000GT of the 1960s, while a contemporary F1-style steering wheel and head-up display, bring the concept bang up to date.
The Porsche Macan is making its UK debut in a specially constructed window display at the exclusive Harrods department store in London's Knightsbridge. Porsche's first ever compact SUV is appearing alongside the new 911 Turbo S and the Panamera S E-Hybrid until the 5th February, treating passers-by to the only opportunity to view the car until it reaches UK showrooms in April. Available to order now, prices for the V6-engined Macan range from £43,300 to £59,300.
Coupe, Concept, Sports car, Hot Hatch
Mercedes has previewed a high-performance version of its new compact SUV, the Concept GLA 45 AMG. Powered by a 360bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, it can accelerate from rest to 62mph in under five seconds. The concept features all-wheel-drive, as well as a 7-speed sports transmission while a large front splitter, rear diffuser, twin-tailpipes and 'discreet' number 45 stickers underline its AMG performance credentials.
The covers have finally come off the all-new MINI. Although very similar in appearance, the new hatch is longer, wider and taller than its predecessor. Inside, it features new equipment including a head-up display and a steering column-mounted instrument cluster. There are three engine options: two petrol units in the Cooper and Cooper S and a frugal diesel in the Cooper D which returns more than 80mpg. The new MINI will be made in Britain and launched in the UK next Spring, with prices starting from £15,300 on the road.
