Further details of the new Mercedes E-Class All-Terrain model have been revealed. With flared arches, large wheels, and 4MATIC all-wheel drive as standard - the latest E-Class also features a model-specific ‘All-Terrain’ mode which includes settings for off-road driving, and raises the car by an extra 20mm. Only the E 350 d model is expected to go on sale in the UK next year - with pricing to be set around the £50k mark.
Coupe, Sports car, Motor Sports
VIDEO: Subaru BRZ updated for 2017
Featuring a wider, lower stance with improved handling and ride, the Subaru BRZ coupe has been updated for 2017. The new car comes with full-LED headlights up front, an aerodynamic spoiler at the rear and runs on new 10-spoke alloy wheels. Subaru’s Boxer engine is described as more responsive, with improved fuel efficiency, while a new TRACK mode enhances the stability of the car and allows for more refined accelerator inputs when driving on race circuits. The new Subaru BRZ goes on sale in Spring next year.
Motor Sports, News, Sports car
VIDEO: Ferrari reveals new 488 Challenge
The Ferrari World Finals, in Daytona, saw the covers come off the new 488 Challenge. The latests Ferrari is the first ever turbo-charged model to join the international Challenge racing series and also the most powerful - with 660 brake horse power from its 3.9-litre V8 engine. The most noticeable changes compared to the road car are aerodynamic - including a completely redesigned front bumper, new rear flanks that take cooling air to the rear brakes, optimising downforce and a monster rear wing to increase stability at high speeds.
4x4, News, Safety, Crossover, SUV
VIDEO: Suzuki IGNIS scores maximum 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating
Suzuki’s new IGNIS has achieved a five star safety rating in the latest round of Euro NCAP crash tests. The range-topping SZ5, fitted with the forward facing Dual Camera Brake Support system, received two stars more than the entry-level model. It’s the first supermini to be evaluated under Euro NCAP’s new two tier system, which allows the model with the highest level of safety equipment to be tested separately. The new Suzuki IGNIS will hit showrooms in January 2017, with pricing yet to be announced.
VIDEO: Nissan confirms new Micra pricing
Nissan has confirmed its all-new Micra will start from £11,995 OTR. From launch, the 5th generation hatchback will be available with a 0.9-litre turbocharged petrol engine or a 1.5-litre diesel, both delivering 90bhp. There will be five trim levels, and plenty of customisation options including personalisation packs, contrasting colours, 17” alloys and body decals. The range will top out at £17,295 for the Tekna model when sales kick off in 2017.
VIDEO: New Mazda CX-5 production underway
Production of Mazda’s new CX-5 compact SUV has commenced in Japan. Set to go on sale in company’s homeland in February 2017 - then globally shortly after - Mazda says it has refined virtually every aspect of the new car. First unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show, it's powered by a choice of two petrol engines as well as a 2.2-litre diesel unit. Featuring G-Vectoring Control for improved dynamic handling the interior has a strong focus on ‘human sensibilities’ with a first in class windscreen head-up display.
VIDEO: Revamped Volkswagen Amarok on sale now
Order books have opened for the new Volkswagen Amarok Pick-up. Available in three trim levels - a 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine replaces the outgoing 2.0-litre unit and, in the range-topping Highline model, can deliver up to 240 PS for a 0 to 62 mph time of 8.0 seconds. The revamped Amarok can be ordered with permanent four-wheel drive and a mechanical differential lock for when the going gets really tough. Prices start at £32 and a half OTR for the Trendline, with a new Startline entry-level model set to join the range in 2017.
VIDEO: New Maserati Levante put through its paces
Motoring journalists have had their first taste of Maserati’s new Levante on UK roads. As well as trying it on the tarmac they also got the chance to test the SUV’s off-road capabilities. Aided by standard-fit active air suspension, which offers five varying ride heights, the Levante also features a mechanical limited-slip differential and all-wheel drive with torque vectoring. Power comes from a 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine, delivering a 0-62mph time of 6.9 seconds and combined fuel economy of up to 42.8 mpg. On sale now, the Maserati Levante is priced from £54,335 OTR.
Electric car, Hypercar, News, Sports car, Supercar
VIDEO: NIO EP9 breaks Nürburgring lap record
Formula E race team NextEV has launched a new brand - NIO - with its EP9 road car. Powered by four high-performance inboard motors with four individual gearboxes, it pumps out the equivalent of 1,360 PS for a 0-124mph time of 7.1 seconds and a top speed of 194mph. The electric supercar has also set a new lap record at the Nürburgring - completing the 20.8km ‘Green Hell’ in 7min 5secs - making it the fastest electric car in the world. With an interchangeable battery system, the EP9 is designed to be charged in 45 minutes and has a range of 265 miles.
4x4, Motor Show, News, SUV
VIDEO: New Jeep Compass unveiled in LA
Jeep has pulled the covers its all-new Compass SUV at the LA Auto Show. Described as having best-in-class 4x4 off-road capability, the new SUV is available in four trim levels and with a choice of five engines – two diesel and three petrol. All models come with Jeep Active Drive, which can send 100% of the total torque to any wheel, as well as a Jeep Selec-Terrain system for up to five off-road modes. UK spec has yet to be announced, although a spokesman has confirmed that the Compass will be coming to our shores.
4x4, Motor Show, News, SUV
VIDEO: Alfa Romeo reveals new Stelvio SUV
Alfa Romeo has revealed its first ever SUV - the Stelvio. Available in three trim levels, the range-topping Stelvio Quadrifoglio - unveiled in Los Angeles - has a 2.9-litre V6, delivering 505 bhp, for a 0-60 time of just 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 177 mph. All-wheel-drive is standard across the range along with a carbon fibre driveshaft, dual exhaust, alloy wheels and an F1-inspired flat-bottomed steering wheel with push button start. Alfa Romeo has yet to confirm when the Stelvio will arrive in the UK.
VIDEO: Toyota C-HR revealed to motoring press
The new Toyota C-HR, or ‘coupé, high-rider’ has been given the once over by a select group of motoring journalists, in Spain. Models tested included the 1.8 hybrid - which returns 74.3 mpg - and the 1.2 turbo petrol model which can hit 62mph in 10.9 seconds. Available in three trim levels, all come with Toyota's Safety Sense, alloy wheels and a touchscreen infotainment system. Available to order now, first customer deliveries are expected in January 2017, with prices starting at just under £21k OTR.
Electric car, News, Motorshow, SUV
VIDEO: Jaguar reveals electric I-PACE Concept
Jaguar has revealed its first-ever electric vehicle - the I-PACE Concept - in Los Angeles. The I-PACE combines five-seater SUV versatility with an F-Type inspired, lower driving position. 0-60 is dispatched in under 5 seconds thanks to 400PS and 700Nm of instant torque from the front and rear electric motors. The battery pack sits flat between the axles, offering a predicted range of over 310 miles, and can be 80% recharged in 90 minutes. A production-ready I-PACE will be revealed in late 2017 going on sale in 2018.
Hot Hatch, Hatchback, Family car, Estate, News
VIDEO: Volkswagen reveals revamped ‘digitalised’ Golf
The Volkswagen Golf has been updated with a focus on digital technology, becoming the first compact car to feature gesture control. Exterior changes are subtle with redesigned bumpers and restyled headlights with LED daytime running lights, while on the inside there’s a completely new generation of infotainment systems. Powertrain revisions include a new 150 PS, 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine plus a power boost for the GTI model up to 245 PS, while a new 7-speed DSG transmission which will gradually replace the old 6-speed box. UK pricing and specification for the new VW Golf has yet to be announced.
VIDEO: Audi reveals Q2 SUV pricing
Audi’s new Q2 compact SUV is on sale now, priced from £22,380 on-the-road. Available in three trim levels and with a choice of either a 1.4-litre petrol or two diesel engines - an entry-level 1.0 TFSI petrol unit will join the range later this year, bringing the Q2’s entry price down to £20,230 OTR. Standard features include a range of alloy wheels, 6-speed transmissions and LED headlights on the S line trim. A special Edition #1 model tops the range at £35,730 OTR, in 4WD 2.0 TDI guise.
VIDEO: Skoda refreshes Octavia saloon and estate
Skoda has facelifted its Octavia saloon and estate, with crisp lines, a new grille and new LED dual headlights. The rear has also been tweaked, while on the inside new features includes updated driver assistance technology and a choice of three new touch screen infotainment systems. Two petrol and two diesel engines will be available from launch when the revamped Skoda Octavia hits showrooms early next year.
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.
4x4, News, SUV, Family car
VIDEO: Revamped Ford Kuga revealed
Ford has facelifted its Kuga SUV for 2017. Featuring a new grille and restyled headlights with new LED daytime running lights, a performance-inspired ST-Line model will also be available for the first time. Power will come from TDCi diesel and EcoBoost petrol engines - with the 1.5-litre diesel returning 64.2 mpg - while the most powerful petrol unit - a 1.5-litre EcoBoost produces 182PS, sent to all four wheels. New technology features include Ford’s SYNC 3 communications and entertainment system, as well as driver assistance technologies such as Perpendicular Parking and Active City Stop.
VIDEO: Toyota RAV4 : Car Review
Massimo Pini reports on the latest petrol-electric hybrid RAV4.
Classic car, Motor Show, Motor Sports, Celebrity, News, Sports car
VIDEO: ‘Engine! The Car at the Movies’ Paris Motor show exhibit
A special exhibition was held at the Paris Motor Show, celebrating the role of the car on the silver screen. ‘Engine! The Car at the Movies’ displayed historic film cars ranging from a 1977 ‘Transformers’ Chevrolet Camaro - albeit a replica - to the actual Porsche 908 driven by Steve McQueen in the 1971 ‘Le Mans’ film. A replica of the Ford Mustang from the 1968 film Bullitt - also starring McQueen - was on show alongside a Dukes of Hazard 1969 Dodge Charger, aka The General Lee.
Modern day film cars included James Bond’s new Aston Martin DB10 from the film ‘Spectre’ as well as the DBS which was heavily crashed in ‘Quantum of Solace’. No movie car collection would be complete without a ‘Back To The Future’ De Lorean - flux capacitor and all - which was joined by a fellow 80s icon - a recreation of the Ghostbusters converted Cadillac ambulance, also known of course as the Ectomobile.