Abarth to appear at London Classic Car Show

Abarth is turning back the racing clock 50 years for its display at this year’s London Classic Car Show.

The performance car brand’s exhibition stand will feature new and old – with plans to show the recently-launched Abarth biposto Record alongside the classic Monoposto Record Class G racing car from 1965.

The Abarth biposto Record celebrates the 50th anniversary of Karl Abarth’s legacy of 133 international records, and as such, production will be strictly limited to just 133 examples.

Abarth founder Karl Abarth drove an Abarth Monoposto Record, Class G at Monza, winning the acceleration record on 400 metres and 500 metres. Unable to find the right driver, he decided to lose 30 kilograms in weight to slip into the tight cockpit himself.

“It’s an important classic car show and we are delighted to be showing two classics of our own,” says Gerry Southerington, brand manager, Abarth UK. “The Monoposto was a highly successful car and is now steeped in history. As for the biposto Record, I’m sure that it will one day become a classic in its own right.”

The London Classic Car Show – to be held at London’s ExCel exhibition hall from 18-21 February – will also mark the UK launch of the Officine Abarth Classiche, the official Turin-based workshop where classic Abarth cars are repaired, restored and certified for customers.

Last year was Abarth’s best ever in the UK, with total sales of 2743 – a rise of 67 per cent against 2014 (1642) – and a top five finish in terms of fastest-growing car brands in the UK.

Abarth prices start at £14,610 OTR for the 1.4 TJet 140hp Manual rising to £33,055 OTR for the 1.4 TJet biposto 190hp Manual.

Subaru XV Concept teased ahead of Geneva debut

Subaru has released a teaser image of the XV Concept, which is set to make its world debut at the forthcoming Geneva Motor Show.

The shadowy, front-three-quarter detail image depicts a rugged, aggressively-styled, SUV-type vehicle. Bold, five-spoke alloy wheels are finished in black with red detailing around the cut-outs, contrasting with the concept car’s silver-grey two-tone paintwork.

The Subaru XV Concept will be unveiled at the press briefing scheduled for 11:15 AM (Central European Time) on 1 March on the Subaru stand.

The 86th Geneva International Motor Show will be open to the public from 3-13 March 2016.

Subaru XV crossover gets a facelift

Subaru has facelifted the XV compact crossover, tweaking its exterior styling whilst also boosting cabin quality and refinement.

Updates to the 2016 model follow changes made last year to the suspension and steering, designed to deliver improvements to the ride and handling. 

The upgraded XV interior features higher quality materials and Subaru's new factory-fit 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment and navigation system. There's new metallic and piano black trim as well as contrast stitching throughout the cabin and the driver's TFT LCD instrument binnacle now emits a soft, blue glow. 

The touchscreen display allows smartphone-style control of the navigation and infotainment features, with a swipe and pinch control function for map displays. It works in conjunction with the standard-fit rear view camera, offering a super-wide 160-degree field of view behind the car when reversing. 

Many functions can now be voice activated, while Apple iPhone users can use Siri Eyes-Free functionality, to enable complete voice control of their mobile when linked with the new infotainment system.

An extra USB port in the front of the cabin allows passengers to listen to music from one device while charging another at the same time.

The upgraded XV continues to offer a choice of two horizontally-opposed, four-cylinder Boxer engines - a 2.0-litre petrol and 2.0-litre diesel - and two transmissions (six-speed manual and six-speed CVT automatic). For 2016, both engines have been tweaked to deliver improved fuel economy.

The 2.0-litre turbodiesel, with a six-speed manual transmission, achieves 52.3 mpg on the combined cycle (a four percent improvement), while CO2 emissions fall from 146 to 141 g/km, placing the car in a lower BIK tax band. 

The 150 PS 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine's fuel efficiency has increased by 2% to a combined average of 43.5 mpg when fitted with the Lineartronic CVT automatic transmission, and emissions fall to 151 g/km. 

Exterior styling changes include an upgraded front end, which now features updated 'hawk-eye' headlights and a redesigned front grille and bumper. At the rear, there's a new boot spoiler and LED combination lamps and the look is completed by new black and silver diamond cut alloy wheel design.

There are also two new colour options available to UK buyers - Hyper Blue and Dark Blue Metallic - and like every Subaru, the XV is offered with a comprehensive five-year, 100,000-mile warranty.

Despite the range of upgrades across the full model line-up, pricing for the Subaru XV remains unchanged for the 2016 model, which goes on sale across the UK next month from £21,995 on the road.

Mourinho keeps his cool as he masters ice driving

José Mourinho has been mastering the art of high speed drifting and ice driving on a 60km frozen lake at Jaguar Land Rover's extreme testing facility in Arjeplog, Sweden.

 The ex-Chelsea football manager was testing a high performance Jaguar F-PACE S prototype as part of an extreme driver training experience just 40 miles from the Arctic Circle.

In temperatures as low as -30 degrees, Mourinho's driving skills were tested to their extreme limit in the Jaguar F-PACE by Finnish professional driver, Tommi Karrinaho. 

Mourinho said: "The flying lap with Tommi sent my adrenaline soaring. It's something I've only ever experienced before when I have walked out in front of 80,000 football fans."

The three-time Premier League-winning manager is experiencing widespread interest about his future right now, but he was philosophical about his next move. 

"I have worked for as long as I can remember as a manager and this is now the second time I have stopped in 16 years. So it's not a drama, but for sure I will be back soon... I don't know where football will take me because in football you never know, but for sure as a family our home will still be in London." 

Customer deliveries for the new F-PACE are set to kick off in late spring 2016, and Mourinho, who already owns an F-TYPE Coupé, is among the first to have placed an order.

Jaguar will be rolling out the Ice Drive Experience to customers from all over the world in 2017.

Ferrari reveals new GTC4Lusso

Ferrari has revealed the GTC4Lusso - a new four-seater Grand Tourer which, for the first time, integrates rear-wheel steering with four-wheel drive.

Ferrari says the GTC4Lusso brings unprecedented versatility to the Prancing Horse brand, building on the work of its predecessor, the FF, which won over a new, younger client base that also makes greater use of its cars, clocking up 30 percent higher mileage than average.

The GTC4Lusso's name references illustrious predecessors, such as the 330 GTC or its 2+2 sister model, the 330 GT - one of Enzo Ferrari's favourites - and the 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso. The number 4 alludes to the car's four-seater configuration.

Power comes from a V12-cylinder engine developing 680 hp at 8,000 rpm, while maximum torque is 697 Nm at 5,750 rpm with 80 percent available from as low as 1,750 rpm. These figures translate into a 0-62mph sprint time of 3.4 seconds and a top speed of well over 200mph!

The GTC4Lusso is equipped with Ferrari's 4RM Evo four-wheel drive system, which is integrated with rear-wheel steering for the first time. The result is the newly-patented 4RM-S (four-wheel drive and steering) system which, now incorporates the electronic differential (E-Diff) and the SCM-E dampers. 

There are new aerodynamic solutions, including a new front grille with integrated air intakes, air vents on the wing that recall those of the 330 GTC, a roof-mounted rear spoiler and a new triple-fence diffuser. These elements combine to deliver a drag coefficient, says Ferrari, that is "substantially lower than on the FF".

The styling, by Ferrari Design, is a refinement of the shooting brake coupe, reinterpreting the concept with a streamlined, tapered shape that gives it an almost fastback-like silhouette.

In the cabin there's a new Infotainment platform featuring a 10.25" HD screen with capacitive touch technology and a new steering wheel that's more compact, thanks to a smaller air bag, with integrated controls that are more ergonomic, making for an even sportier driving experience. 

The official world premiere of the GTC4Lusso will be at the Geneva International Motor Show in March.

Mercedes confirms new SL pricing

Mercedes has announced pricing for the new SL will start at £73,805 for the SL 400 AMG Line.

The SL range comprises of four petrol engines. The entry level SL 400 comes with a 4.0-litre V6 engine (175 g/km of CO2), which produces 367 hp – 34 hp more than its predecessor – has a 0-62 time of 4.9 seconds, and will be limited to just 130 vehicles. The SL 500 costs from £82,850 OTR and features a 4.6-litre V8 motor (205 g/km) with an output of 455 hp – for a 0-62 mph time of 4.3 seconds.

The Mercedes-AMG SL 63 will cost from £114,100 OTR and is powered by a 5.5-litre V8 engine (234 g/km CO2) with 585 hp, meaning it can sprint from 0 to 62 in 4.1 seconds. The SL 65, priced at £173,295 comes with a 6.0-litre V12 engine (279 g/m), which has an output of 630 hp and a 0-62 time of four seconds.

The Mercedes-AMG SL 63 and SL 65 adds extra equipment, including: AMG high performance composite braking system; AMG DYNAMIC SELECT; AMG performance steering wheel in nappa leather; AMG Sports Exhaust System; AMG sports suspension; and ‘V8 BITURBO’ lettering on the front wings (‘V12 BITURBO’ for SL 65).

The entire SL range is optionally available with Night Package (SL 400: £895; SL 500 £495; SL 63 £2,475; SL 65 £795). The Package consists of 19-inch AMG alloy wheels with a seven-twin-spoke design (20-inch alloy wheels with a cross-spoke design available on SL 63 and SL 65); a diffuser trim strip and front splitter in high-gloss black and exterior mirror housings in high-gloss black.

The KEYLESS-GO Comfort Package (£1,605) allows the vehicle to be accessed without the driver having to touch the key. Additionally, the HANDS-FREE ACCESS function includes fully automatic opening and closing of the boot lid with a simple ‘kicking movement’ under the rear bumper.

Inside, the SL 400 and SL 500 come with the new aluminium trim with dark longitudinal grain as standard, while SL 63 and SL 65 come with as standard with the AMG carbon-fibre trim. A light carbon grain trim as also been added as a no-cost option. Brilliant Blue has now also been added to the SL’s colour palette, and, like its other metallic colour options, is available at no extra cost.

For an additional £2,730, customers can add the Luxury Package which includes: Active Body Control including Curve Tilt Function; Harman Kardon Logic 7 surround sound system; Active Multicontour Seat Package; climatised seats including seat heating and ventilation; and power closing for doors and boot lid.

The Mercedes SL is available to order now.

New Renault KWID revealed in India

Renault has unveiled two new KWID show cars at the New Delhi Auto Show.

The KWID is currently enjoying record success in India with 90,000 orders already taken for the model since its launch four months ago. Renault is keen to build on the success with the two new cars - the KWID Climber and KWID Racer. While the former is bred for venturing away from the beaten track, the latter is more at home on the asphalt of race circuits.

The KWID Climber is an off-road variant, with high ground clearance, wide track, short overhangs - built for adventure off the beaten track. The KWID Racer conjures up the world of racing, with 18-inch alloy wheels, low-profile tyres, honed aerodynamics, bucket seats and a roll cage. Finished in a sporty metallic blue, its wide air intakes are suggestive of performance, while the spoilers and diffuser ‘guarantee outstanding handling’. The inside of the car features materials like Alcantara, aluminium and carbon.

Renault also showed a brand new 1.0 litre engine with an optimised design for better performance, that it plans to launch, as well as introducing the ‘Easy-R Gear Box’ - an all-new 5-speed Automated Manual Transmission (AMT). This clutch free driving experience combines the fuel economy and performance of a manual transmission with the convenience of automated gear shifting.

At present there are no plans for the Renault KWID to come to the UK.

New Citroen SpaceTourer to debut in Geneva

Citroen has confirmed its new SpaceTourer is set for a World Premiere at the Geneva Motor Show.

The SpaceTourer combines ‘comfort and practicality’ with dynamic performance and what Citroen calls ‘remarkable fuel efficiency’. Built on a new modular EMP2-based platform, a variant of the one used by the C4 Picasso and Grand C4 Picasso, this provides more cabin space and boot volume.

The front design consists of a short horizontally-styled bonnet with large, high-set headlights. Vertical LED daytime running lights are integrated with the fog lamps. The positioning of the wheels, together with short overhangs, ensures ‘maximisation’ of the vehicle’s proportions and results in its spacious interior. Features such as hands-free sliding side doors and a rear window that opens fully are described as indicative of how practical the vehicle is, while 17-inch ‘Curve’ alloy wheels are also available.

There are new front and rear axles, which means the SpaceTourer is able to carry loads of up to 1,400kg. The platform's modular design allows for two wheelbases (2.92m and 3.27m) as well as two rear overhangs (0.80m and 1.15m). The combination allows for 3 body lengths which offer five, seven or eight seats: XS at 4.60m, with the shorter wheelbase, then the M at 4.95m and XL at 5.30m with the longer wheelbase. The boot space reaches a maximum of 2,932 litres for the XL version with 5 seats. The sliding seats sit on rails for optimal boot volume and added leg room.

The SpaceTourer Business is available in three lengths with five to nine seats. This version has professional passenger transport use in mind (such as hotel shuttles, taxis etc) and can be configured in terms of the number of seats and the equipment to create an entirely bespoke vehicle.

The people carrier features hands-free access, enabling motorists to open and close the side doors contact-free when both their hands are full. With a simple movement of the foot, under the corner of the rear bumper, the vehicle unlocks and the sliding side door on the driver’s side opens automatically. The rear window also opens for optimal boot loading or for easy access when the tailgate cannot be opened due to limited access behind the vehicle. The front of the cabin is also home to a lower glove box with an audio jack, 12V socket and a USB socket, while the upper glove box is lit and refrigerated.

The spacious and uncluttered interior has been designed for long-distance journeys and its multiple windows and large glass roof with blinds can be closed separately in two sections. Passengers in rows two and three benefit from independent, sliding and reclining seats with comfortable head rests and arm rests.

Available with five powertrains, all feature BlueHDi diesel engines, delivering as much as 55.4mpg with CO2 emissions of 133g/km for the XS length BlueHDi 115 S&S 6-speed manual.

Additionally, coinciding with the launch of the SpaceTourer, Citroen is joining forces with French pop group “HYPHEN HYPHEN” to unveil a bright, vibrant 4x4 concept version - the SpaceTourer HYPHEN. Amplifying the character of the production version, the SpaceTourer HYPHEN concept has bright, breezy, ‘go-anywhere looks that inspire thoughts of unlimited travel’.

The concept has a broader front bumper design, wheel arch trims and sill protectors inspired by the Aircross concept. All of these features are finished in a matt Dark Moondust colour that is amplified by red-orange highlights. With a higher ride-height than the production version, the concept runs on 19-inch diamond-cut matt black alloy wheels with red-orange detailing. To emphasise its all-terrain credentials, five elastomer straps are positioned on each tyre.

Onboard, every occupant enjoys ‘VIP treatment’ - each seat is given a unique colour scheme, repeating the shaded tones and graphic choices throughout the cabin.

The Geneva Motor Show runs from 3-13 March.

More power for flagship Audi RS Q3 Performance

Audi has topped off its Q3 range with a new 'RS performance' model pumping out 367PS - an increase of 27PS over the 'standard' RS Q3.

 Joining RS 6 and RS 7 performance variants in the new wave of models positioned above regular RS equivalents, the RS Q3 performance boasts improved acceleration on the way to a 167mph top speed, and features equipment enhancements
which help distinguish it from its namesake.

Power comes from a revised version of the five-cylinder 2.5-litre TFSI petrol engine mated to a seven-speed S tronic transmission. Peak torque of 465 Nm (343.0 lbft) is available between 1,625 and 5,550 rpm, helping the compact SUV reach 62mph from rest in 4.4 seconds (RS Q3 4.8), yet deliver combined consumption of up to 32.8mpg, which corresponds to CO2 emissions of 203 g/km. 

The sports suspension has been lowered by 20mm while quattro permanent all-wheel drive transfers the power to the road via a hydraulically actuated, electronically controlled multi-plate clutch. 

RS design details include restyled bumpers with large air inlets up front, a heavily profiled diffuser insert at the rear and gloss black honeycomb grilles. 

The exterior is also distinguishable from the 'standard' RS Q3 through additional matt titanium-look detailing, 20-inch 'performance exclusive' alloy wheels and the exclusive option of Ascari blue metallic paint. 

Inside the instrumentation features grey faces, white dials and red needles. Sports seats in Alcantara and leather with honeycomb stitching in blue are standard for UK models, and the blue accents are also applied to other elements throughout the cabin. 

UK order books for the new Audi RS Q3 performance are expected to open later this month with prices starting from £49,175 on the road.

Vauxhall Mokka facelift adds X appeal

Vauxhall's facelifted Mokka X will debut at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show next month.

Incorporating cues from Vauxhall's new design philosophy, the new model is the first to introduce the "X" segment identifier for future Vauxhall SUV and crossover vehicles.

The Mokka X's refreshed interior and exterior styling is the work of a design team lead by Brit Mark Adams. A new front treatment includes a wing-shaped horizontal grille and the sharp double-wing design LED daytime running lights. The bumper features new sculpted surfaces, with fewer plastic inserts, while at the rear there's another double wing signature highlighted in the tail lamps, with LED technology an option. 

On the inside, there's a completely new dashboard inspired by the Astra's, with a new instrument panel organised around more horizontally shaped elements. The centre stack has been redeveloped around the seven- and eight-inch touchscreens of the new generation infotainment systems. There are fewer buttons, since more functions are now accessible via the touchscreen.

The engine line-up now includes the 1.4-litre Direct Injection Turbo (152PS) petrol unit which first appeared in the all-new Astra. With a six-speed automatic transmission, adaptive all-wheel drive and start/stop, it delivers 42.8mpg and CO2 emissions of 154g/km. 

The new Mokka X will be available from launch with the personal connectivity and service assistant OnStar and two versions of the new generation IntelliLink infotainment system, while LED Adaptive Forward Lighting headlamps replace the previous BiXenon AFL.

With nearly 100,000 sold in the UK since its launch in 2012, the Mokka SUV has been a big winner for Vauxhall. The new version will reach UK showrooms late this year.

TyreSafe targets mums-to-be to get babies home safely

A study has revealed that more than a quarter of new-born babies are making their first journey home from hospital on illegal or dangerous tyres.

 The shocking statistic comes from a TyreSafe survey of more than 100,000 tyres at the point of replacement conducted in partnership with Highways England.

With this in mind, TyreSafe - the UK's tyre safety organisation - is launching a brand new awareness campaign, 'Home safely on safe tyres', aimed at pregnant women, encouraging them to add CHECK TYRES to their pre-birth checklist in anticipation of the trips to and from hospital, before and after the arrival of their new-born babies.

While heavily-pregnant mums may not be able to carry out the checks themselves, they should ask a partner or local TyreSafe retailer to ensure their tyres' air pressure, condition and tread depth are safe and legal.

25-year old mum-to-be Janine McCarthy, is a vocal supporter of the campaign, having had a miraculous escape after a defective tyre on her car rapidly deflated, causing her to spin out of control and crash into the central reservation on a busy motorway. The car flipped six times before coming to a standstill. 

She said: "I remember the back wheels of the car skidding so I applied the brake gently, but as I did this, the car skidded right round out of control. 

I could see on-coming traffic and I panicked, braking harder. It caused the car to tip and start to roll and smash into the central metal fencing. It was terrifying. Witnesses told me afterwards that the car smashed into the barrier, flew to the opposite barrier, and then rolled down into the middle of a field.

I recall my arms being crossed in front of my face and the airbag going off. I felt dizzy and remember thinking 'this is it, I'm going to die'. 

When the car came to a standstill I laughed out of shock that I was ok. I was petrified that something had happened to my baby; I was nearly three months pregnant at the time and had been waiting for my first scan. I started screaming 'help me' as I noticed blood. The emergency services told me they couldn't believe I had walked away from the crash alive." 

Janine was taken by ambulance to hospital for checks and an emergency scan. Thankfully she escaped the ordeal with just minor cuts and bruises - and her unborn baby was absolutely fine. Janine is now looking forward to the birth, expected in March.

She explained: "TyreSafe's campaign is so important and I want everyone to listen and act on the message 'Home safely on safe tyres'. I was lucky, but defective and illegal tyres can ruin lives. As new mums-to-be, we pack our hospital bags with everything we need and check our baby car seats - but we need to add CHECK TYRES to our pre-baby checklist. There is nothing more important than getting our new-born babies home safely."

For further information on the 'Home safely on safe tyres' campaign visit the TyreSafe website at www.tyresafe.org.

Pininfarina teases Geneva-bound concept car

Pininfarina has released a teaser image of a concept car set to make its world debut at the forthcoming Geneva Motor Show.

 The Turin-based automotive design house, recently acquired by Indian automaker Mahindra, describes the concept car as an 'innovative stylistic and technological jewel' but there are no other details beyond what we see in the image.

The detail shot appears to depict a sharp, sleek front-end, reminiscent of a contemporary supercar, with aero blade elements sweeping in towards the centre, which is topped off with the classic upright Pininfarina badge.

All will be revealed when the concept is unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show on March 1 at on the Pininfarina stand.

Kia confirms pricing for new Sportage

Kia has announced pricing and specification for the fourth-generation of its new Sportage crossover.

There are 18 variants on offer priced from £17,995 on the road and for the first time, GT-Line versions are added to the range, starting at £24,350. The flagship of the range is a luxurious First Edition model, priced at £31,645.

The new Sportage brings advances in fuel efficiency, comfort, connectivity, convenience and safety. The styling has been subtly modernised and Kia says that every model benefits from "a more premium look and feel to the interior".

There are now four engines and three transmissions with the introduction of a 1.6-litre T-GDi (turbocharged gasoline direct injection) unit and a 7DCT (seven-speed dual-clutch automatic) gearbox, both of which are reserved exclusively for GT-Line. They join re-engineered 1.6-litre GDi petrol and 1.7- and 2.0-litre turbodiesel power units with improved fuel economy and CO2 reductions of up to 29g/km, which means lower company car tax for business users.

The six trim lines are badged 1, 2, 3, 4, GT-Line and First Edition. All versions powered by the 1.6-litre GDi and 1.7-litre CRDi engines are front-wheel drive, while those powered by the 1.6-litre T-GDi unit and the two 2.0-litre CRDi diesels have all-wheel drive. Four-wheel-drive versions are distinguished by the 'KX' prefix in the model designation - except for GT-Line and First Edition versions

Kia's latest offering slots into the compact SUV/crossover sector of the market, which is expected to grow from 9.4 per cent of the total in Europe in 2015 to 10.2 per cent by 2018, with total sales for the sector predicted at 1.6 million. 

The outgoing Sportage was the best-selling Kia in the UK, claiming close to 29 per cent of the company's sales.

The new car comes with a seven-year or 100,000-mile warranty, subject to certain wear and tear conditions. It is also available with Kia's Care-3 and Care-3 Plus servicing packages, offering retail customers fixed-cost servicing for three or five years.

The new Kia Sportage is on sale from February 5, 2016.

Fiat 500X strikes a pose in Zoolander 2

Fiat’s 500X has starred alongside supermodel Derek Zoolander in the eagerly-anticipated “Zoolander 2” sequel.

At a fan screening of the new film in Rome, Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles was present as a main partner on the red carpet, with a Fiat 500X finished in its special Tri-Coat Yellow livery. Produced by Paramount Pictures and shot predominantly in Rome, the film brings the Fiat 500X together for the first time with one of the most famous film and fashion characters.

The collaboration between Fiat and Paramount has also produced a new Fiat 500X advertisement called "Selfie” in which Zoolander fools around with a rather special camera.. a safety camera. Driving his yellow Fiat 500X, he poses for photos by the safety camera as though he were on a fashion shoot, showing off his best expressions, especially his mythical ‘Blue Steel’ pose. It’s an unconventional fashion shoot which Zoolander thinks shows him at his dazzling best but which is ultimately interrupted by the police.

Zoolander 2 is set for a UK release on February 12, 2016. The Fiat 500X range starts at £14,595 OTR.

Suzuki Special Edition Swift SZ-L

Suzuki has revived the Swift 'SZ-L' special edition.

Previously limited to just 500 units, the special edition is available as either three or five door with manual transmission and is based on the SZ3 trim. This comes equipped as standard with seven airbags, ESP, air conditioning, USB port, Bluetooth and LED daytime running lights. This latest special edition adds a unique exterior design with Gloss Black 16” Alloy wheels, rear upper spoiler and SZ-L badging.

Further standard equipment features for SZ-L include satellite navigation, DAB Radio, cruise control, Sport type steering wheel with silver stitching plus further silver stitching to the seats and gear lever boot. Available in seven colours, a new Horizon Orange metallic is also available for the first time on the Swift, a cost option of £430.

The 1.2-litre Dual VVT 94PS engine is described by Suzuki as one of the most powerful in its class, with low emissions of 116g/km CO2 while returning 56.5mpg on the combined cycle.

On sale now, the Suzuki Swift SZ-L is priced at £10,999 for the three door model and £11,499 for the five door.

Skoda previews new VisionS ahead of Geneva debut

Skoda has released teaser images of a new SUV concept - the VisionS.

Hinting at how a future Skoda SUV could look, the new concept is set to be revealed at the 2016 Geneva International Motor Show. Over recent years Skoda has completely renewed its model range and says the next phase will involve broadening the range of models in the SUV segment.

Skoda’s new design language was unveiled in 2014 with the VisionC design study, and this now extends to the SUV segment with the VisionS (‘S’ stands for SUV) showing how how an SUV with three rows of seats, larger than the Yeti model, could look. On the inside a large interior offers ‘generous space’ for six occupants thanks to a total length of 4.70 metres.

The VisionS features design lines and edges described as ‘clear, precise and sharp’. At the front the bonnet has contours flowing towards the brands logo. The wide grille and four tapered, high-set LED headlights characterise the face of the show car, emphasising the vehicle’s SUV character. ‘Crystalline’ elements in the vertical struts in the grille and on the logo are Skoda’s tribute to the Czech art of crystal-glass design.

The side view features a ‘sharp tornado line’ spanning the entire length of the car. Angular wheel arches emphasise the off-road character and the upper-shoulder contour forms a deep groove over the sills. The quickly sloping roofline with the long spoiler and tapered rear ‘visually accelerate’ the show car further.

At the rear, a strong diffuser insert bordering the large exhaust pipes gives the SUV a powerful stance. The Skoda logo and shallow rear lights with dynamically cut crystalline housings sit just beneath the low rear window, while Skoda’s characteristic C-arm, beginning at the rear lights, runs into the flat reflectors in the bumper.

The Geneva Motor Show runs from 3-13 March.

Kia scoops two iF Design Awards

Two of Kia's newest models have both won an iF Design Award.

The Kia Sportage and Optima were honoured in the ‘Automobiles/Vehicles/Bikes’ category, where the product as well as overall design quality, are considered by the independent jury, evaluating the cars on their finish, innovation, environmental impact and safety.

Since it was launched in 1953, the annual iF Design Award has become an important prize in design. The award has its origins in the ‘Formgerechte Industrieerzeugnisse’ (Good Industrial Design) product shows initiated by Germany’s Hannover Messe, and is now described as one of the world’s largest and most prestigious design competitions.

Paul Philpott, President and CEO of Kia Motors UK commented: “We are delighted to accept these awards for the all-new Kia Sportage and Optima as proof of our design teams’ consistent efforts to develop prize-winning designs. The new Sportage features a distinctive new face, and the elegant Optima saloon highlights other, different facets of Kia’s design. These are important flagship models for us, clearly demonstrating the design-led transformation of the Kia model range in recent years.”

With the latest generation of the Sportage, Kia has redesigned its compact SUV adding a ‘high quality interior’ combining ‘modern elegance with high-quality materials and practical features’. The all-new Kia Optima saloon features ‘modern surface details, sharp styling lines, and a long, lean silhouette’ giving the car an even bolder on-road presence than its predecessors.

The official presentation ceremony for the 2016 iF Design Awards will take place on 26 February 2016 at the Munich Creative Business Week.

Jeep reveals Renegade ‘Night Eagle’ edition

Jeep has added a new limited edition Renegade ‘Night Eagle’ model, which goes on sale today.

Following the larger Cherokee Night Eagle edition, which was launched in the UK last November, the new Renegade version is also based on the ‘Longitude’ mid-range level, but adds unique 17-inch black alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, satin grey Jeep badges and unique Night Eagle badge, coloured roof bars and side mirrors, and satin grey grille rings on a black front grille.

The new Night Eagle is limited to just 350 examples for the UK, and of these, only 160 will be available in the unique Volcano Sand matt paint finish, which complements the two other available colours: Carbon Black and Alpine White.

On the inside, the special edition features exclusive seats in bark brown fabric with electric lumbar support for the driver, leather wrapped steering wheel, dual zone climate control, DAB UConnect radio with 5-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth and satnav, and cruise control. A limited number of options are also available to further enhance the Night Eagle including electric panoramic sunroof, heated front seats and steering wheel, and regular size spare tyre.

Power comes from a choice of MultiJet II diesel engines, both combined with Jeep’s six-speed manual transmission: the 1.6-litre 120hp with two-wheel drive, or the 2.0-litre 140hp unit, driving all four wheels. This gives the car a top speed of 111 mph (113 mph 2.0-litre 4WD) and 0-62 mph acceleration in 10.2 seconds (9.5 seconds) while returning up to 64.2 mpg (55.4 mpg) fuel economy on the combined cycle.

"Full of style, loaded with equipment and designed to enhance Renegade’s already strong appeal, the new Night Eagle version is an attractive proposition for buyers," says Damien Dally, head of brand, Jeep UK. "Sporting and agile on-road and rugged and capable off it, this limited edition newcomer fits perfectly into Renegade’s highly successful family.”

The Jeep Renegade Night Eagle costs £21,595 OTR for the 1.6 MultiJet II 120hp 2WD, and £24,095 OTR for the 2.0 MultiJet II 140hp 4WD.

Driverless car technology receives £20 million Gov funding

The Department for Transport has committed £20 million of funding to help develop the next generation of autonomous vehicles.

Eight new projects have been awarded £20 million in funding to research and develop enhanced communication between vehicles and roadside infrastructure or urban information systems, including new ‘talking car technologies’. This is described as a ‘landmark moment’ and will allow Britain to lead the way in the testing of connected and autonomous vehicles.

The projects are the first to be funded from the government’s £100 million Intelligent Mobility Fund which ranges from developing autonomous shuttles to carry visually-impaired passengers using advanced sensors and control systems, to new simulation trials for autonomous pods to increase uptake and improve real-world trials.

Trials to test driverless cars on the streets are currently being worked on in Bristol, Coventry and Milton Keynes, and Greenwich. With a rich fabric of scientists and engineers who have established the UK as pioneers in the research and development of connected and autonomous vehicles, today’s funding will help strengthen the UK as a global centre for the fast-growing intelligent mobility market, estimated to be worth £900 billion per year globally by 2025.

Business Secretary Sajid Javid said: “Our cars of the future will be equipped with the technologies that will make getting from A to B safer, faster, and cleaner. They will alert drivers of accidents ahead and be able to receive information from their surroundings about hazards, increasing the safety of drivers, passengers and pedestrians.”

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: “These projects will help profoundly change the way we travel within years, transforming our roads by making travel a simpler experience for drivers, reducing accidents and helping traffic flow more smoothly. They will also bring great benefits to our society and the wider economy by opening up new routes for global investment.”

Chris Reeves, Commercial Manager, Future Transport Technologies and Intelligent Mobility at HORIBA MIRA, added: “This project will pave the way for the development and deployment of connected autonomous vehicles in the UK and help the industry address global challenges relating to safety, efficiency and convenience. It will help establish the UK as a global centre of excellence and drive forward the commercialisation of connected vehicles, and deliver a major wealth creation and inward investment opportunity for the UK.”

“Britain is uniquely placed to become a global leader in connected and autonomous vehicle development, technology that has the potential to generate around £51 billion for the UK economy, save 2,500 lives and generate 320,000 jobs. Today’s (1 February 2016) first allocation of the government’s funding pledge, which will be matched by industry, is an important first step on the road to realising that opportunity” surmised Mike Hawes, Chief Executive Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders (SMMT).

All the projects have received financial backing from industry in addition to government funding, and are backed by leading automotive businesses, engineering firms, IT specialists, universities and local authorities. The UK Connected Intelligent Transport Environment (UKCITE) project, which the Business Secretary will visit today, includes HORIBA MIRA, Jaguar Land Rover, Siemens, and Vodafone Group amongst others. He will also see demonstrations and simulations of the Flourish and Move UK projects.

In addition to the 8 collaborative R&D projects, the Business Secretary also announced 14 feasibility studies to identify where additional data could help the UK CAV market develop further.

Nissan develops X-Trail bobsleigh

Nissan has drawn on the design and technology of its X-Trail SUV to transform a bobsleigh into a sleek seven-seater.

The inaugural run of the world’s first seven-seater bobsleigh was held at the historic Olympic track in Innsbruck, Austria - piloted by British Olympic medallist Sean Olsson.

Nissan worked with bobsleigh experts to transform a traditional four-man sled into the seven-seater, capable of reaching speeds of over 60mph pulling a G-force of 4.5G. The bobsleigh mimics the Nissan X-Trail’s design, with a ‘distinctive front aspect, headlamps and seven-seater option’. It gives passengers a 360-degree, bird’s-eye view to capture all of the action - identical to the X-Trail’s Around View Monitor system.

Darryl Scriven, Design Manager Nissan Design Europe (NDE), teamed up with expert bobsled manufacturer Diego Menardi and sport expert Ian Richardson to morph car design with Olympic aerodynamics. Scriven said: “We wanted to give the opportunity to experience first-hand the adventurous nature of our crossover segment through the thrill and excitement of Olympic bobsleighing.

Nissan Design Europe took inspiration from the shape and character of our X-Trail to create the X-Trail Bobsleigh, which was handcrafted by Diego Menardi at his workshop in Cortina. The outcome mimics the fresh ideas and technologies from the brand's ground-breaking crossover models.”

The seven-seater was developed using sketches and computer-aided design (CAD). The detail on the bobsleigh nose was crafted to express the X-Trail’s V-motion grille and capture the sculpture of the hood character lines. This work was complemented by Diego Menardi’s structural lengthening of the cabin to accommodate seven passengers.