Skoda unveils VisionS

Skoda has revealed images of the new VisionS show car.
 
Hinting at a future SUV design language, the VisionS is influenced by Czech Cubism and the tradition of Bohemian crystal art with the contoured surfaces accentuated further by the Island-Green colour.

Based on the Volkswagen Group’s Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB), this is Skoda’s first vehicle to feature six seats across three rows. The concept powered by a plug-in hybrid powertrain with 165 kW (225 hp) and a 0-62mph time of 7.4 seconds.

The internal combustion engine is a 1.4 TSI with 115 kW (156 hp) and 250 Nm of torque. This works alongside an e-motor that provides 40 kW of 40 kW continuous power and 220 Nm peak torque. It is integrated into the six-speed DSG, which directs the power to the front wheels. A second electric motor with up to 85 kW and 270 Nm of torque drives the rear axle. 

The VisionS features large displays for vehicle and infotainment services for all passengers, who can connect to the network several ways from each seat in the vehicle.

The VisionS will be formally unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

New Toyota Aygo x-clusiv flagship

Toyota has added an ‘x-clusiv’ model to its Aygo line-up.

The new 2016 x-clusiv takes its place at the top of the range, while Toyota says the newcomer has ‘the kind of luxury features more commonly found on larger (and more expensive) models’.

On the outside the Electro Grey metallic paintwork contrasts with bright silver customisation features including the front ‘X’ pillar extensions, front bumper trim and rear bumper insert. Rear privacy glass and 15-inch machined alloy wheels with a large silver centre cap add to the x-clusiv’s visual impact. An ‘x-wave’ electrically retractable canvas roof lets the whole cabin enjoy genuine open-top driving.

The cabin includes black leather upholstery, a gloss black centre console and Electro Grey detailing on the air vent, centre cluster and gear shift surrounds. Other features, carried forward from the previous x-clusiv model, include the x-touch multimedia system with DAB radio, rear-view camera and Bluetooth, climate control, carpet mats, and dusk-sensing headlights.

The x-clusiv can be specified in three or five-door body styles, all powered by a 1.0-litre VVT-i engine. Both the five-speed manual and x-shift automated manual versions achieve sub-100g/km CO2 emissions, which means there is no annual road tax (VED) to pay. Combined fuel consumption figures come in at up to 67.3mpg.

Like all Aygo models, the x-clusiv is equipped with ABS with brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution, six airbags, Hill-start Control and a tyre pressure warning system. Customers can also specifying the optional Toyota Safety Sense package, which includes a Pre-Collision Safety system (with Forward Collision Warning, Pre-Crash Brake Assist and Autonomous Emergency Braking) and Lane Departure Alert.

The Aygo x-clusiv is available to order now with on-the-road prices ranging from £12,995 for the 3-door 1.0 VVT-i 5MT (£13,395 for the 5-door) to £14,095 for the 5-door 1.0 VVT-i x-shift

Renault reveals Alpine Vision concept

Alpine, part of the Renault group, has revealed its new Vision show car.

The production car will closely resemble the concept, when it goes on sale in 2017. “Motorsports and sports cars are deeply rooted in the DNA of Groupe Renault,” said Carlos Ghosn, Groupe Renault Chairman and CEO. “Earlier this month we announced our return to Formula One with a Renault team, and today we are announcing Alpine. This is an exciting next step in our strategy to leverage talent and technology between road and track, and we look forward to reaching new customers in the sport premium cars segment.”

The show car Alpine Vision combines ‘sensual design with outstanding agility’, and is inspired by the Alpine A110 Berlinette of the 1960s. The Alpine Vision is powered by a new 4 cylinder turbocharged engine which, combined with the cars low weight offers a 0-62mph time of less than 4.5 seconds - the target for the future production model.

Alpine will be managed by a small team with one sole mission, according to Renault - ‘to meet and exceed the expectations of the demanding sport premium customer’. “All of us at Alpine are proud to have been entrusted with the task of bringing back Alpine to sports car lovers around the world”, said Michael van der Sande, Alpine Managing Director. “Our job is to faithfully re-interpret famous Alpines of the past and project Alpine into the future with a beautifully designed, agile, high-performance sports car. Our Alpine Vision show car is immediately recognizable as an Alpine yet resolutely modern. We look forward to revealing the production model later this year.”

Over the next 12 months, the Alpine team will focus on building ‘an outstanding car, very close to today’s show car in terms of design, weight, handling, agility and attention to detail’. Priorities will also include building out the team and the network, and finally, to pursue racing.

The new Alpine will go on sale in 2017 initially in Europe, followed by other markets worldwide.

BMW M2 Coupe gets M Performance upgrades

Following on from BMW's announcement that the M2 Coupe will be the official MotoGP Safety Car, the German brand has added M Sport Performance Parts for the M2 Coupe.

From next month, the dynamic qualities and the visual appearance of the M2 Coupe can be further enhanced with the newly presented range of BMW M Performance Parts. They comprise components derived from motor racing for the areas of aerodynamics, engine, cockpit and suspension.

Featuring an extensive range of aerodynamic components made of carbon-reinforced plastic (CFRP or carbon fibre) - these include front and side sill attachments, rear diffuser and mirror caps. The front and side sill attachments in combination with the rear spoiler and diffuser optimise the airflow around the vehicle, which in turn impacts positively on handling and driving performance. The M Performance radiator grille enhances the sporty appearance along with the front and side in high-gloss black with integrated BMW M logo in the BMW M colours red, blue and light blue.

The M Performance flap silencer system makes for more intense perception of the engine sound. Its two operating modes Sport and Track can be set by Bluetooth remote control. The Sport mode is intended for use on public roads and indulges the driver with a distinctive sporty sound. Meanwhile the Track setting ‘further intensifies’ the volume and character of the exhaust sound. The M Performance flap exhaust system further enhances the BMW M2 visually, too, with its high-gloss silencer unit including deep-embossed M Performance logo, tailpipes with a diameter of 80 millimetres and perforated inner pipe. As an alternative there are also carbon fibre tailpipe trim elements available.

The M2 Coupe can be fitted with the BMW M Performance coil-spring suspension so as to optimise road holding and handling. BMW M Performance sports brake pads offer increased suitability for the race track as well as enhanced active safety. The interior of the BMW M2 Coupe can also be given a definite touch of sporty style with the addition of M Performance LED door sill cover strips for the driver and passenger side, M Performance floor mats, stainless steel pedal covers and an M Performance Pro steering wheel with grip areas covered in Alcantara. This is particularly marked in its shaping and generally has a harder foam body than the standard steering wheel, resulting in better grip and a more precise steering feel. It also has a light blue central marking at the 12 o’clock position.

In addition, BMW offers the M Performance steering wheel with race display and carbon fibre trim as standard. With an integrated function display in the upper steering wheel rim, the driver always has a perfect view of information such as section and lap times, longitudinal and transverse acceleration. The functions are intuitively controlled by menu buttons integrated in the thumb recesses of the steering wheel. In addition to the race display there is also a gear shift indicator: two bi-colour LED light strips on the right and left that run towards each other.

The BMW Performance range for the interior is rounded off with the M Performance Interior Kit Carbon, featuring trim elements for the twin-clutch transmission gear selector level, centre console and handbrake handle and the M Performance interior trim finishers with their especially attractive blend of Alcantara and carbon fibre.

On sale in April, prices for the BMW M2 Coupe start at £44,070 OTR.

Eagle adds Jaguar Spyder GT to range

Renowned Jaguar E-Type specialists ‘Eagle’ has announced the third in their trilogy of special edition E-Types - the new Eagle Spyder GT.

The British company has conducted complete and compromise free restorations on original Jaguar E-Types for over thirty years - aiming to ‘refine, develop and deliver exceptional engineering for the Jaguar E-Type while remaining true to the spirit of this extraordinary car’.

The Spyder GT combines the style and dynamics of the previous Eagle Speedster with the high performance touring capability of the Eagle Low Drag GT- and incorporates a folding roof for practicality.

The first car from the East Sussex company was the Speedster, which was developed from a client request and then feted around the world. It starred on Top Gear in 2011. The Eagle Low Drag GT - inspired by Malcolm Sayer’s Low Drag Coupe developed for Jaguar in 1961 - followed soon after.

With the ‘poise and performance’ of the Low Drag GT and the styling of the Speedster - the Spyder GT’s raked windscreen and folding roof offer the best of both worlds – whatever the weather.

An all-aluminium E-Type lightweight roadster based around an original 1960s classic, every line and detail is honed to perfection and performance is greatly enhanced says Eagle. Each of the very few produced will have an entirely bespoke specification dependent of the specific desires of each client.

Paul Brace, Design Director at Eagle said: “Development of the Spyder GT began soon after the launch of the Speedster in 2011 and, like everything we produce, we wanted to ensure that we got as close to perfection as humanly possible. We’re renowned for being perfectionists and our clients are too - so we took the time to develop and deliver an E-Type that stands proud alongside the Speedster and the Low Drag GT.”

Henry Pearman, Eagle Founder and MD commented: “Like many, my love of the E-Type set hold at a very young age and has become a lifetime's dedication. The team here at Eagle have taken this love of E-Types to a new dimension by creating the ultimate trilogy of special edition E-Types - complementing the beautiful originals that form the backbone here at Eagle. I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together over the last thirty years - and excited about what we’ll do in the future!”

The first Eagle Spyder GT will be presented to the commissioning customer during the Summer of 2016. Eagle will be exhibiting at the London Classic Car Show 18-21 February, showing ten E-Types.

SsangYong to launch XLV in Geneva

SsangYong will reveal a new extended Tivoli XLV at the Geneva Motor Show.

Providing more carrying capacity and practicality, the Tivoli XLV was shown as the XLV Air concept in Frankfurt last year, and following ‘extremely favourable feedback’ the company has decided put the car into production.

Sharing the same platform as the Tivoli, the XLV features a lengthened body from behind the C pillar, an increase of 235mm over the standard car, expanding the load capacity to 720 cubic litres of space. Meanwhile, the styling cues that distinguish Tivoli are retained. It will be offered with a choice of a Euro 6 compliant 1.6 litre petrol or 1.6 litre diesel engines, mated to the option of a 6-speed manual transmission or 6-speed Aisin automatic, two-wheel drive or four wheel drive. UK specification is yet to be determined.

SsangYong will also showcase a SIV-2 concept (Smart Interface Vehicle) midsize premium SUV at the show. As the next iteration on from the SIV-1 concept which was shown at Geneva in 2013, this takes a step further under the design concept of ‘Dynamic Motion’.

Based on SsangYong’s development theme of ‘Robust, Specialty, Premium’, this new concept pursues the emotional interface between the driver and car, and will evolve to become a key strategic model within the SsangYong range.

The SIV-2 is a mild hybrid, powered by a 1.5 litre direct injection turbocharged petrol engine combined with a 10kW electric motor-generator and a 500Wh lithium ion battery. This creates a 48V mild hybrid system which offers quiet and efficient driving, reduced CO2 emissions and silent running when idling and at slow speeds.

This eco-friendly concept features a lightweight body, a low centre of gravity and a chassis and suspension system that can be further developed to create alternative models with high efficiency powertrains such as HEV, PHEV and EV.

Riversimple tease new hydrogen car

UK car manufacturer Riversimple has released a teaser image of its first hydrogen-powered prototype road car, set to be revealed this Wednesday.

Riversimple have designed what its describes as a ‘radically different hydrogen powered car’. Penned by Chris Reitz, former design chief for the Fiat 500, the car emits a tiny amount of water and returns an estimated mpg equivalent to 250 miles.

Beginning with a hydrogen fuel cell and a blank sheet of paper, every aspect of the hydrogen Mark ll Alpha has been created for ‘simplicity, efficiency, lightness, strength, affordability, safety and sustainability’.

This car is a two seater ‘network electric’ model, powered by a hydrogen fuel cell. The chassis is a carbon fibre monocoque made from very lightweight but extremely stiff carbon fibre composites, with the monocoque chassis weighs less than 40kg. With a target weight of 520 kg the prototype features: Four electric motors, one in each wheel, motors as brakes – recovering over 50 per cent of kinetic energy when braking as well as ‘Super-capacitors’ to store this energy and provide most of the power for acceleration.

The production prototype should has a range of 300 miles with emissions of zero at tailpipe and approx. 40gCO2/km ‘Well-to-Wheel’ even if the hydrogen comes from natural gas. The hydrogen passes through a Proton Exchange Membrane in the fuel cell where it combines with oxygen to form water and electricity. The electricity then flows to the motors in each wheel.

Riversimple says its ‘innovative network’ design means that the car only requires a fuel cell big enough to provide cruising speed power, rather than acceleration, getting more than 50 per cent of the braking energy back, which is used to boost acceleration. 

With further funding, 20 cars will be ready for Beta test with customers next year before it comes to market in 2018.

New BMW M760Li xDrive V12 revealed

BMW has added a new flagship model to its 7 Series range - the M760Li xDrive V12.

Debuting the M Performance TwinPower Turbo V12 engine, headline performance figures of 600hp and 800Nm of torque ensure a 0-62mph time of just 3.9 seconds, on to a limited top speed of 155mph. With Auto Start-Stop the flagship 7 Series has an official combined fuel consumption figure of 22.4mpg and CO2 emissions of 294g/km.

The M aerodynamic package fitted as standard to the M760Li xDrive V12 offers 'greater visual presence'. The new front apron features two large air intakes with highlights in Cerium Grey. The same colour appears along the sides of the car with trim elements on the lower edge of the doors, the air breathers and the door handle trim. Exclusive mirror caps, “V12” badges on the C-pillars and the M logo on the front wings – once more in Cerium Grey – finish the look. At the rear, the sporting design of the rear apron with its black central area highlights the M sports exhaust system’s Cerium Grey twin tailpipe embellishers. An optional M rear spoiler optimises the flow of air.

Inside, ‘carefully selected’ details emphasise the car’s sporting character: door sill plates in Fine Brushed Aluminium with an illuminated V12 logo; an M leather steering wheel featuring an M logo on the centre spoke and gearshift paddles on the reverse; multifunction buttons on the steering wheel spokes and the spoke inlays finished in Pearl Gloss Chrome. The instrument cluster contains a special speedometer that now extends as far as 205mph, though in the UK the car is electronically-limited to 155mph. This combined with other elements such as the M pedals reinforces the driver focus of the interior.

As a flagship, the M760Li x Drive V12 features an extensive list of equipment as standard. In addition to the hardware already detailed, there are BMW Icon adaptive LED headlights with anti-dazzle High-beam assistant, the keyless Comfort Access system and Dynamic safety to optimise occupant protection. Electrically adjustable Comfort seats at the front and rear, BMW Gesture control,  sunblinds for the rear windscreen and rear windows, Exclusive Merino leather trim with extended features, an Alcantara headliner, Fineline black fine wood trim with high-gloss metal effect are also included to name but a few key highlights.

A ‘V12 Excellence Design’ package shifts the focus away from the dynamic appearance of its M Performance sibling to emphasise the cars ‘comfort-related attributes’ says BMW.

Externally, the V12 Excellence Design package trades the M aerodynamic package for visual cues from the Pure Excellence exterior design package. These include 20-inch BMW Individual, high-gloss polished, light-alloy wheels in W-spoke 646 design and brake calipers in high-gloss Black. The front end has a chrome bar extending across the full width of the car in the upper section of the air intake grille, while the kidney grille bars are in Silver with chrome fronts, and their surrounds likewise sport bright chrome. LED fog lamps return to the front apron.

On the car’s flanks, a bright chrome finish adorns the window frames, the air breathers with door trim element and the V12 lettering on the C-pillars. The M logos rearwards of the wheel arches are removed and its two chromed, rectangular tailpipe embellishers are now framed in the rear apron by an additional chrome surround.

The Pure Excellence interior design package shifts the design focus within the cabin. For example, the Alcantara headliner, door sill plates in Fine Brushed Aluminium with illuminated V12 badge, precise decorative stitching in the lower section of the instrument panel, fine wood inlays for the seat belt outlet covers, armrest and rear roof grab handles, plus deep-pile floor mats for the rear compartment all emphasis further the luxurious nature of the car. The leather steering wheel now features wood elements, and when the driver fires up the engine a V12 emblem lights up in the centre of the instrument cluster – whose speedometer extends as far as 160mph.

The BMW M760Li xDrive V12 goes on sale towards the end of 2016 with prices being announced nearer the time.

Lexus to unveil LC 500h in Geneva

Lexus will debut to the LC 500h luxury coupe at the Geneva Motor Show.
 
Powered by Lexus's next generation hybrid powertrain, the ‘Multi Stage Hybrid System’ found in the LC 500h coupe will provide ‘higher performance, more driving pleasure and greater efficiency’.

The LC made its debut at the 2016 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit as one of Lexus’s flagship models. The LC is built on a new Lexus architecture that ‘promises greater dynamic capabilities’ says the Japanese brand. The coupe, inspired by the LF-LC concept that was revealed in 2012, marks the beginning of a new phase for Lexus with a shift in engineering processes and design ideologies.

Lexus will also display the LF-FC concept at Geneva. Making its first European appearance, the concept vehicle offers a glance towards Lexus’s design and technology direction for a future flagship saloon. First seen at last year’s Tokyo motor show, the LF-FC is powered by a high-output fuel cell system and features advanced, touchless controls and automated driving technologies.

The Geneva Motor Show runs from 3-13 March.

White is UK’s most popular new car colour

White has retained its position as the UK’s most popular new car colour for the third year running.

2016 Figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show demand for a white car growing 2.2 per cent to 564,393 units. Of the 2,635,518 new cars registered in 2015, 21.4 per cent were white, compared with less than 1 per cent a decade ago. The preference for white across most of the UK was not mirrored in the South East where more black cars were registered than white.

Blue cars also enjoyed a resurgence in demand, with more than one in six people choosing the colour. Blue used to be the nation’s first choice of car colour in the late 1990s and, after a period of falling popularity at the start of the century, it has now seen three years of continued growth in demand. 

Meanwhile, after eight years at the top between 2000 and 2008, silver continued its decline. It now makes up just over one in 10 new car registrations compared with its peak in 2004 when almost every third new car registered was silver. Overall, neutral tones continued to dominate, with black cars in second place after white and followed by grey, taking 19.4 per cent and 15.6 per cent of the market respectively.

But it wasn’t all black and white, with more buyers opting to stand out on the roads with brighter colours.

The number of people choosing mauve cars rose by approximately a third in 2015 (30 per cent) to 12,414, taking the colour into the top 10 for the first time. Demand for green cars grew by 31.2 per cent to 28,250 units to take its highest market share (1.07 per cent) for five years. Orange and yellow cars, meanwhile, also surged in popularity – up 25.7 per cent and 12.7 per cent respectively – with a total 30,187 people opting for the eye-catching colours. 

Nissan updates X-Trail and Pulsar

Nissan has confirmed a series of updates for its X-Trail and Pulsar range.

Until the end of March buyers of the X-Trail can upgrade from five to seven seats free of charge – a saving of £900. The deal is available to both Private and Business buyers and applies to all grades and engines of X-Trail, including 2WD and 4WD models.

Following the addition of N-Connecta to Juke and Qashqai, Nissan’s Pulsar is the latest model to carry the new trim grade. The N-Connecta grade on Pulsar will be a direct replacement for the existing n-tec model, which will close to ordering once supply runs out.

Nissan has also confirmed a new entry-level price for the Visia DIG-T 115 Manual of £13,995, representing a £2,000 customer saving over the previous price.

Both models are on sale now.

Last true Italian Lamborghini Diablo SV up for auction

A special 1999 Lamborghini Diablo SV is set to go under the hammer this March.

Believed to be the very last Lamborghini to leave the Sant'Agata factory before German brand Volkswagen took full ownership, Diablo SV will be auctioned at Silverstone Auctions’ sale at the Practical Classics Restoration and Classic Car Show.

The car is also thought to be the last Diablo imported into the UK as well as the last Diablo SV off the production line. 'V12 SVR' left the factory on the 21st of December in 1999 immediately before Lamborghini shut down for the Christmas break and their celebrations to mark the end of the Century. For the previous few months the Volkswagen Group had been in financial control of the company but the end of that year marked a turning point. From the beginning of 2000 some feel that German efficiency began to replace the magic of Italy in terms of the bloodline, style and general madness of the Italian supercars.

Speaking ahead of the sale of the car, managing director of Silverstone Auctions, Nick Whale, said: ”It’s a delight to be able to offer this fantastic part of Lamborghini history in the year of the 100th anniversary of the birth of the company’s founder, Ferruccio Lamborghini. The Diablo is a wonderful car that truly represents everything the marque is famous for.”

This right-hand drive example has covered just over 32,000 miles from new and is finished in what Silverstone Auctions believe may be a one-off colour of Pearl Red/Orange combined with a grey/black leather/alcantara interior.

This Diablo is still very much original. The original Lamborghini tool roll with its appropriate tools is present with the original tyre inflator and a very luxurious, custom-made, fleece-lined indoor car cover in red with an embroidered Lamborghini logo.

The condition of the car is described as 'amazing for the year and it drives superbly', particularly after a chassis and suspension restoration in 2013 at a cost of over £10,000. A full geometry set-up was carried out by Grimaldi Engineering in 2013 and in January 2016 the car was serviced and MoT’d.

Nick Whale added: ”Owning a Diablo SV is a dream for most people, however if purchasing one is an option for you, then the appeal of this Lamborghini 'Devil' may be too much to resist.”

The Lamborghini Diablo SV has an estimated at between £150,000 and £170,000 and will be offered in the sale taking place at the NEC, Birmingham on 6th March.

New limited BMW i8 Protonic Red Edition

BMW has revealed a new, limited model - the i8 ‘Protonic Red Edition’.

Available for a limited period only, the paintwork has been created exclusively for this car - Protonic Red with Frozen Grey metallic accents. The colour scheme is complemented by BMW W-spoke 470 light-alloy wheels painted in Orbit Grey metallic with hubs painted in Aluminium matt and mixed-size tyres (front: 215 R20, rear: 245/40).

On the inside of the plug-in-hybrid, the special edition i8 comes with ‘high-class’ red double-stitching and exclusive carbon fibre and ceramic trims.

The lightweight and aerodynamically optimised i8 was the first BMW production model to be powered by a three-cylinder petrol engine. This 1.5-litre engine develops 231hp and drives the rear wheels, while a maximum torque of 320Nm is available from 3,700rpm. The car’s second power source is a 96 kW/131hp hybrid synchronous electric motor which sends its power to the front axle. The motor develops 250Nm torque from a standstill and can also power the vehicle by itself with a range in everyday driving of up to 22 miles and a top speed of 75mph on electric power alone. Top speed is 155mph, 0-62 takes 4.4 seconds while the i8 emitts 59g/km of CO2 and returns 113mpg.

The BMW i8 Protonic Red Edition will be produced from July onwards and will officially be on sale from September, 2016 priced at £112,535 OTR.

Peugeot Traveller set for Geneva debut

Peugeot’s new Traveller MPV is set to make its world debut at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show.

The Traveller’s assertive design exudes strength and elegance, says Peugeot, while introducing features of the brand's SUV and car range to the MPV segment.

Sitting on a new chassis, adapted from the ‘Efficient Modular Platform 2’ (EMP2), the Traveller will also be targeted at the VIP shuttle sector with the promise of quality, efficiency and best-in-class fuel consumption.

Its Euro 6 BlueHDi engines are equipped with an SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) pollution control system upstream of the DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter). These combine driving enjoyment and efficient performance, says Peugeot, offering an output of up to 180hp and peak torque of 400Nm, and average CO2 emission levels across the range of 140g/km.

The Traveller is available in multiple configurations with seating for up to 9 occupants and has already been awarded a top 5-star rating in the Euro NCAP safety tests.

Maxime Picat, Managing Director at Peugeot, said: “The Peugeot Traveller fully applies the brand’s expansion strategy by positioning us on the growth sectors of the MPV and VIP Shuttle. Through its innovative design, the Peugeot Traveller gives a new dimension to Peugeot’s upmarket shift.”

SEAT unveils Ateca SUV

SEAT has revealed its first ever SUV - the Ateca - in Barcelona. 

Deriving its name from a village in the west of Zaragoza, the Ateca is said to combine distinctive design, dynamic driving fun, urban versatility and compelling utility. 

Launching in the UK this September, it will be available with a choice of turbocharged TSI petrol and TDI diesel engines spanning from 115 PS to 190 PS, with either front-wheel or all-wheel-drive, mated to manual or dual-clutch DSG transmissions. 

An array of technology options extends from full-LED headlights through a series of assistance systems, including Traffic Jam Assist and Emergency Assist, right through to a package of high-endinfotainment systems with eight-inch touchscreens and Full Link connectivity. 

At 4.36 metres in length, the Ateca offers seating for five and a boot capacity of 510 litres, or 485- in versions with all-wheel-drive.

“The SEAT Ateca is perfect for an urban lifestyle. It possesses stunning design and dynamics, and boasts compelling quality and utility. But above all, the Ateca exudes unmistakable character,” says Luca de Meo, President of SEAT, S.A. “Our first SUV marks the start of a new era for SEAT. The Ateca is a clear development of the Leon DNA and will drive forward the success of the range. SEAT is a brand on the move.”

Opel to launch compact Ampera-e

Opel is to launch a new compact battery electric car next year - the Ampera-e.

The five-door hatchback is part of a major new model offensive which will see 29 new vehicles launched between 2016 and 2020. 

Opel says the Ampera-e will be affordably priced and have a longer range on a full charge than most electric cars, combining innovative electric-mobility with state-of-the-art connectivity and exciting driving dynamics.

Announcing the Ampera-e at the CAR Symposium in Bochum, Germany, GM Chairman & CEO Mary Barra said: “GM and Opel have always been convinced that electric cars will play a defining role in future mobility. The game-changing technology of the Ampera-e is a significant step toward realising that vision.”

The compact proportions of the Ampera-e are achieved by the flat battery pack mounted underneath the interior floor. This also enables a more spacious interior, says Opel, providing seating for five passengers and competitive boot space.

The Ampera-e will also offer the personal connectivity and service assistant, OnStar as well as infotainment systems that will integrate smartphones and other electronic devices seamlessly.

Scottish Motor Show E-Type restored

The E-Type that turned heads at the 1961 Scottish Motor Show has been brought back to its former glory and will feature at the London Classic Car Show 2016.

Chassis No. 15 was the fifteenth right hand drive fixed head coupe E-Type to leave Jaguar’s production line in 1961 and was used as a press car at the Scottish Motor Show held at the Kelvin Hall, Glasgow, in November that year. The car then moved on to private ownership and went missing for decades until Classic Motor Cars discovered it in a barn in Cernay, France, in late 2013. Since being found, CMC has carried out a full restoration of Chassis No. 15.

Exactly 2,956 hours were spent restoring every nut and bolt of this E-Type at CMC’s workshops in Bridgnorth, saving as much of the original car as possible and bringing back its show-stopping condition. Nick Goldthorp, Managing Director of Classic Motor Cars, said: “We found Chassis No. 15 in Cernay, a French town close to the border with Germany. It had been owned by the same person since 1976, who dismantled it probably some twenty years ago and that is as far as he got. The car was underneath some covers in a garden, very rusty and corroded – there was even a bird’s nest in the rear quarter! We carried out a full nut and bolt restoration, which proved to be quite a challenge due to the sorry state in which it was found.”

Goldthorp added: “No detail was too small and extensive work has been carried out in the paint and trim shops so that the car can now boast its original colour combination of pearl grey exterior and light blue interior, being the only one produced in those colours in 1961. This was one of the six E-Types on display at the 1961 Scottish Motor Show. After restoring it to its former glory, we thought it was only fitting that the car returned to the centre stage 55 years later and what could be better than the London Classic Car Show.”

The London Classic Car Show at the ExCeL exhibition centre runs from February 18-21.

nanoFlowcell QUANTiNO granted road licence

The nanoFlowcell QUANTiNO has become the first low-voltage electric vehicle to be licensed for road use in Europe.

First test drives of the latest model from the QUANT range are planned for later in 2016. The nanoFlowcell power unit enables a range of over 600 miles (precise range figures will be determined during these tests) with zero-emissions.

The QUANTiNO is now the second vehicle with nanoFlowcell technology, alongside the QUANT-E. The 2+2-seater is notable for its low-voltage electrical system, with a rated voltage of just 48 volts it can generate 80 kW/108 hp for a 0 to 62mph time of less than five seconds and the top speed of 124mph.

The low-voltage system forms ‘an exceptionally efficient symbiosis’ that promises a ‘significantly greater potential range’ compared with the systems commonly used in electric vehicles. Furthermore, it eliminates the danger of electric shocks that can be caused by a high-voltage system in the event of an accident or when undertaking repair work.

The nanoFlowcell vehicle runs with absolutely no emissions, while the ‘ionic liquid’ (electrolyte fuel) is harmless to the environment and to health, is described as cost-effective to produce. The ionic liquids are nontoxic and nonflammable with no need for high-level safety protocols.

nanoFlowcell describes the QUANTiNO as ‘remarkably straightforward’ to drive and as easy to control as a conventional electric car or a petrol-driven vehicle. It also comes with plenty of 'electro-dynamic driving fun and a whisper-quiet soundtrack'. Likewise, filling up the QUANTiNO with ionic liquid involves a process similar to that for a petrol-powered vehicle – with a hose and a refuelling nozzle.

nanoFlowcell AG will present further details on the QUANTiNO and other nanoFlowcell technology showcases at this year’s Geneva Motor Show.

Honda to debut Civic Hatchback Prototype in Geneva

Honda is set to unveil the Civic Hatchback Prototype at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show.

The Prototype previews the exterior design of the all-new hatchback Civic model, scheduled for a European launch in early 2017. Produced in the UK , the car will be exported to global markets, including the US.

Honda has also confirmed the Clarity Fuel Cell will make its European debut at Geneva, following its global unveil at Tokyo motor show in October last year. The world’s first production fuel cell saloon to house the entire fuel cell powertrain under the bonnet, features a range of up-to 435 miles.

Honda has also announced first European customer deliveries for the Honda NSX will begin in 2016. The NSX sports car features classic low and wide proportions as well as an ‘aggressive front design, and rear lights that pay homage to the original NSX’. The new hybrid supercar has an all-new mid-mounted DOHC V6 engine with twin turbochargers mated to a specially-developed nine-speed DCT.

Honda will also demonstrate a new design concept - the ’Keenlight’ Jazz. The new concept seeks to highlight the potential for customising Jazz models, using sleek design elements, special decals and a unique colour named ‘Keenlight’.

The Geneva Motor Show runs from 3-13 March 2016.

Datsun GO-cross Concept debuts in Delhi

Nissan’s recently reborn Datsun brand is showcasing the GO-cross Concept in India at the Delhi Auto Expo 2016. 

The crossover concept is the brand’s vision for a potential Datsun GO/GO+ family expansion into high-growth SUV markets.

Datsun Executive Design Director Koji Nagano says: “Although it is a pure show car at the moment, the Datsun GO-cross Concept is designed to meet the needs and preferences of a new generation of drivers. They are young, ambitious, fun-loving people ready to take the next stop in their lives.” 

The brand is also displaying enhanced versions of the Datsun GO and Datsun GO+, equipped with accessories to meet the demands of customers who want a more personalised ride.

Nissan cars were marketed in the UK under the Datsun name until the early 1980s. There are currently no official plans to reintroduce the brand to the UK.