special edition

SUV, Family Car, Diesel, News

MINI launches limited edition Countryman

MINI is launching a new Countryman Special Edition for the UK.

Developed by the MINI's Special Order programme, the Countryman Special Edition features exclusive Space Grey Metallic roof and mirror caps, teamed with 18" 5-Star Double Spoke alloy wheels in black and Absolute Black Metallic body paint.

Only 250 Countryman Special Edition models will be available for customers in the UK. The latest edition to the range comes with standard equipment including MINI Navigation System, Voice Control, MINI Connected, Enhanced Bluetooth with USB audio and multi-function steering wheel. Front Seat Heating, Automatic Air Conditioning and Xenon Headlights are also included as standard.

Inside, the Special Edition has been styled to match the exterior, with interior surfaces in Piano Black and leather upholstery in Gravity-Carbon Black.

Customers can choose between two model variants - the Cooper S ALL4 Countryman or the Cooper SD ALL4 Countryman in either manual or automatic transmissions. Both model options are paired with MINI's ALL4 all-wheel drive system which provides 'excellent traction and quickly reacts to changes in road conditions'.

The MINI Countryman Special Edition is available to order now.

Sports Car, Coupe, News

Volkswagen Scirocco gets special Black Edition models

Volkswagen has added a GT Black Edition and R-Line Black Edition to its Scirocco range.

The special editions get black painted alloy wheels, a black painted contrast roof, door mirrors and rear spoiler, and 90 per cent tinted rear windows as standard.

The Scirocco GT Black Edition includes 18-inch Black Lisbon alloy wheels, while the R-Line Black Edition receives arch-filling 19-inch Black Lugano alloy wheels. Priced from £23,135 OTR for the GT Scirocco Black Edition 1.4-litre TSI BlueMotion Technology - a premium of £550 over the equivalent GT and R-Line trims - the new models 'offer great value for money' says VW. As an example, the 18-inch Lisbon alloy wheels alone would otherwise be a £610 option on the GT trim, while the cars' 90 per cent tinted windows are a £70 option.

In new GT Black Edition and R-Line Black Edition guise the petrol range comprises a 1.4-litre 125 PS or a 2.0-litre 180 PS unit while two diesel engines, both 2.0-litre, offer either 150 PS or 184 PS. The 1.4-litre TSI comes with a six-speed manual gearbox, while all other engines are fitted with a standard six-speed manual gearbox or the option of a six-speed DSG gearbox.

Performance over the 0-62 mph sprint ranges from 9.3 seconds to 5.5 seconds, depending on engine and transmission choice, while top speeds range from 126 mph to 155 mph (limited).

The Scirocco GT includes, in addition to the standard features, a Composition Media system, dynamic navigation based on TMC+, preloaded European navigation data and Fast, Short and Eco route options as well as 2Zone climate control; front and rear parking sensors; the 'chequered flag' dash inserts and aluminium-look pedals and cloth and part Alcantara-trimmed upholstery.

The R-Line model comes with R-Line-specific bumpers and side skirts; R-Line scuff plates; an R-Line-specific steering wheel, handbrake and gear lever; 'carbon-look' dash inserts; and heated, electrically adjustable 'Vienna' leather sports seats.

Top-of-the-range Scirocco R models adds Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC); lowered 'R' sports suspension; Bi-xenon headlights with dynamic curve lighting, static cornering function; black brake calipers with 'R' logo; LED daytime running lights set into the front bumper; a bespoke 'R' styling pack; leather trimmed three-spoke multifunction steering wheel Vienna leather upholstery and front sports seats with embossed 'R' logo.

The Volkswagen Scirocco GT Black Edition and R-Line Black Edition models are available to order now, with first deliveries due in January 2016.

Hatchback, News

Renault reveals 'Iconic' Special Edition models

Renault has added 'Iconic' Special Edition models to its Captur Clio and Twingo range.

The new trim level is available across different engine options - including the recently announced Efficient Dual Clutch (EDC) automatic transmission for Twingo TCe90.

The Twingo Iconic is based on the Dynamique version of Renault's city car and includes cruise control, speed limiter, DAB radio, Bluetooth, R&GO smartphone-based navigation, electric front windows and electric heated mirrors and front fog lights. Ultraviolet Iconic side decals and 16-inch Ultraviolet Emblem alloy wheels complement the range of four colours available - including two new and unique metallic paints: Ultraviolet and Lunar Grey. Black alloy wheels are available as a no cost option. Extra tinted rear windows and gloss black door mirrors complete the exterior enhancements.

On the interior there is black part-leather upholstery with white and ultraviolet piping, 'Renault' door sill plates, floor mats with an ultraviolet Twingo motif and a matt ultraviolet touch pack. The latter can be substituted with gloss black as a no cost option. The Twingo Iconic also gets climate control as well as automatic lights and wipers.

Available to order with two engine choices - the SCe 70 and the TCe90, the turbocharged TCe90 being available with both manual and the all-new EDC dual-clutch automatic transmissions. The Twingo's engine range offers CO2 emissions as low as 95g/km and returns up to 67.3mpg on the official combined cycle (NEDC).

The Clio Iconic 25 Nav supermini is available with TCe90 Stop & Start, dCi90 Stop & Start and dCi90 EDC engines. Based on the top-of-the-range Dynamique S specification, the special edition receives 17-inch 'Desire' alloy wheels with black inserts, chrome window sills, extra-tinted rear windows and tailgate, and cross-hatch-style wing mirror decals as standard. The decals complement the range of four 'stylish' exterior colours on offer - Ivory, Diamond Black, Oyster Grey and Mercury. To add to the uniqueness of this special edition, customers can choose to complement the exterior colour with the optional black and white cross-hatch-style roof decal, to match the wing mirrors.

On the inside, GT part leather upholstery with front heated seats joins a leather armrest and leather handbrake, matched with an aluminium gear lever. The black and white cross-hatch design seen on the exterior can also be found inside, with touches to the air vent surrounds and door armrest. Automatic climate control with one touch quick demist function, rear electric windows and electrically adjustable, folding and heated door mirrors is also standard. The Clio's engine range offers emissions as low as 82g/km CO2 and returns up to 88.3mpg on the combined NEDC cycle.

The Captur Iconic Nav Special Edition is available for the same price as the Captur Signature Nav. Like the Signature Nav, the Captur Iconic Nav sits on the trim level above Dynamique S Nav. The model receives two-tone exterior colour as standard, with six different body colour options and either a Black, Ivory or 'Cappuccino' roof. 17-inch 'Explore' alloys with Cappuccino inserts are standard on the special edition.

The interior gets Cappuccino part-leather upholstery with front heated seats as well as a bronze-tinted chrome interior pack on touch points around the cabin. Driver aids and Renault's Techno Pack which includes R-Link Evolution, rear parking camera and European Mapping, as well as an electrochrome rear-view mirror are fitted as standard. The Captur's range of four engines offer emissions as low as 95g/km and returns up to 78.5mpg on the combined NEDC cycle.

Prices start at £11,845 OTR for the Twingo Iconic SCe 70 S&S, £16,775 for the Clio Iconic 25 Nav Tce 90 and £18,395 for the Captur Iconic Nav TCe 90, with The special editions available to order from 1st December.

Hatchback, News

Mazda2 Sport Black special edition revealed

Mazda's supermini range has been boosted with the launch of the all-new Mazda2 Sport Black special edition.

With higher levels of standard specification, sporty styling enhancements and the opportunity to personalise your car, the Sport Black is based on the 90ps SE-L Nav model, but with 'subtle styling enhancements'. 'Brilliant Black' front and side skirts contrast with both the free-of-charge Soul Red Metallic and Snowflake White Pearlescent paint choices, while the Sport Black is further distinguished by its Brilliant Black roof spoiler and chrome exhaust trim.

Further customisation options includes exterior graphic designs and contrasting door mirror covers. Sweeping from the headlights to the taillights a 'KODO' - Mazda's 'Soul of Motion' design theme - graphic follows the lines of the side profile as they intersect at the centre of the car, while the Race graphic adds sporty stripes low down behind the front wheel. Customers can choose to add either or both of these decals to their Sport Black.

In addition to the standard equipment of the SE-L Nav, the Sport Black comes with 16" Gunmetal alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, auto lights, rain-sensing wipers and rear parking sensors.

"Thanks to its combination of fun-to-drive handling, stylish looks and generous equipment, the all-new Mazda2 is already winning over UK supermini buyers and our latest special edition model offers even greater value to our customers. With extra standard equipment, plus striking styling enhancements the all-new Mazda2 Sport Black is sure to be a very popular addition" said Peter Allibon, Sales Director of Mazda Motors UK.

Arriving in dealerships from the 1st September, the Mazda2 Sport Black special edition is priced at £15,395 OTR.

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.

Crossover, News

Peugeot reveals new 2008 Urban Cross edition

Peugeot has added a new special edition to its 2008 Crossover line-up - the 2008 Urban Cross.

Based on the Active badge level, but benefitting from an enhanced specification, the Urban Cross is available in either the 1.2-litre PureTech 110hp S&S with 108g/km of CO2 or 1.6-litre BlueHDi 100hp S&S with 95g/km of CO2 emissions.

The main features on the special edition are the exterior and interior styling; noticeably a new and 'exclusive' metallic Emerald paint colour. The Urban Cross also features 17" alloy wheels and Grip Control as standard, along with rear Parking Aid and electric, heated and black, folding door mirrors. The premium trim, with emerald stitching, is complemented by the leather steering wheel and gearknob, with emerald contrast stitching.

The Peugeot 2008 Urban Cross is available to order now, priced from £16,495 OTR.