engine upgrade

Estate Car, News

Ford Focus ST gets Mountune boost

Ford Focus ST buyers now have the option of even more adrenalin with a new performance upgrade from engine tuners Mountune.

Mountune's kit increases the power output of the Ford Focus ST's 2.0 EcoBoost engine from 250 to 275PS and, when fitted by a Ford dealer, does not affect the vehicle warranty.

The Mountune upgrade kit comprises a large capacity alloy intercooler, low-loss cast crossover duct with silicone hose, high-flow dual-entry air filter and specially developed performance-map calibration. Its fitment not only produces a 10 per cent increase in maximum power output at 5,500rpm, but also an improvement in torque from 345Nm to 400Nm at 2,750rpm.

Kevin Griffin, Ford of Britain sales director said: "The 2015 Focus ST 275PS upgrade is the latest addition to a wide range of Ford Performance parts and accessories from Ford dealers. It enables Focus ST owners to experience even more impressive performance, while offering the reassurance that the upgrade will not affect warranties."

Mountune's MP275 upgrade kit costs £1,195 including VAT plus fitting, which takes two hours. The Ford Focus ST 5-door with 2.0 EcoBoost engine at £22,495 in ST-1 specification includes 18-inch alloy wheels, ST body styling, Recaro sports front seats with DAB radio and Ford SYNC including Bluetooth and voice control.

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.