VIP’s attend Ferrari 488 Spider London launch

Ferrari launched its new 488 Spider at a star-studded even in London last night.

VIP's including Jamie Campbell Bower, Lucy Watson, Becky Tong and Oliver Proudlock witnessed the unveiling of the 488 Spider during an exclusive event on London's Regent Street. The car was unveiled by Marc Gene, Scuderia Ferrari F1 test driver and the event was hosted by BBC F1’s Correspondent Tom Clarkson.

The 488 Spider is the latest chapter in open-top Ferrari V8 sports cars. Starting with the RHT (Retractable Hard Top), around which the entire car was developed, every area of the 488 Spider has been designed to set ‘new technological benchmarks for the sector’. The result, says Ferrari, is the most powerful and innovative Spider ever built.

In attendance at the launch were guests from the fashion, arts and creative communities as well as those with a passion for the Italian brand and Ferrari clients. Upon entering the venue, guests were able to get up close and personal with the 488 Spider, positioned centre stage on the ground floor.

As they made their way up the glass staircase at the Watches of Switzerland venue, guests were able to experience the Ferrari ‘Tailor-Made’ service as well as look down on the convertible fezza from up high.

Prices for the Ferrari 488 Spider have yet to be announced.

Lotus Evora Sport 410 unveiled

Lotus has revealed a new, lighter Evora Sport 410.

With weight of the Evora 400 cut by 70kg and featuring a host of high-performance carbon fibre components as standard, the Evora Sport 410 clocks 0-60 in 3.9 seconds on its way to a top speed of 186mph.

Powered by the same 410 hp supercharged engine as the track-bred 3-Eleven, the new, range-topping Evora has been thoroughly re-evaluated says Lotus, with every component assessed, optimised and reengineered as required. This covers every aspect of the car, including a simplified carbon fibre tailgate (combining five separate elements into one), new lighter-weight door trim panels and the ‘liberal addition’ of carbon fibre across the entire car.

The drop in mass, and a power boost, means the Evora Sport 410 is capable of lapping the company’s Hethel test track in 1 minute 28 seconds - 3 seconds faster than the Evora 400. Kerb weight now stands at 1,325 kg, the car provides a 309 hp/tonne while the reduction in mass has allowed sharper, more agile and intuitive handling - with even greater accuracy and feel, according to Lotus.

The high-performance, carbon fibre components have played the single biggest role in the Evora’s weight loss. These include front splitter, roof panel, tailgate, and rear diffuser as well as race-derived sports seats and a revised front access panel. The one-piece carbon tailgate incorporates a louvered section, inspired by some of Lotus’ most-famous heritage models, and together with carbon rear quarter-light panels help provide the car with a sleeker, fastback-style trailing roofline. These changes have also improved the car’s aerodynamic downforce by 15 per cent with no increase in drag.

As standard, the Evora Sport 410 comes with carbon fibre sports seats trimmed with Alcantara, along with the steering wheel and centre console. The cabin has received attention as part of its development with weight saving measures including a one-piece door trim panels finished in Alcantara, with contrast stitching, the deletion of door arm rests and stowage pockets, the relocation of tailgate and fuel filler release buttons and the removal of speakers - if an entertainment system is not specified.

The Lotus Evora Sport 410 will be limited to a global production run of one-hundred and fifty vehicles per year and will go on sale from June 2016.

Mercedes-AMG reveals C 43 4MATIC Coupe

Mercedes-AMG has added a new new C 43 4MATIC Coupe to its C-Class family.

The 367hp, 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo engine is mated to a new 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission that, together with the AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive and the model-specific chassis technology, provides ‘high agility and exhilarating lateral dynamics’. The 0-62mph time takes 4.7 seconds, while top speed is electronically limited to 155mph.

With model-specific software application, AMG says it has managed to ‘substantially’ reduce the shift times of the 9-speed transmission. Multiple downshift allows even faster short bursts of speed, while the double-declutching function in the "Sport" and "Sport Plus" transmission modes makes for ‘an even more emotive driving experience’. The gear changes are based on the selected transmission mode, and the driver can now change gear using the paddles on the steering wheel.

"The extension of the C-Class family to include the new C 43 4MATIC Coupe is another component in our growth strategy. It not only enriches the wide line-up of the C-Class family, but also starts the introduction of a whole series of new ‘43’ models this year," says Mercedes-AMG GmbH chairman Tobias Moers. "The ‘43’ models boast the characteristic AMG genes, which are also included in our GT and ‘63’ vehicles, and thus consistently interpret our brand essence of 'Driving Performance' in their segment."

In order to increase efficiency, the ECO start/stop function and the 'sailing' function reduce fuel consumption in "Eco" mode: when the driver releases the accelerator the clutch is disengaged and the engine is decoupled from the powertrain. The electronics reduce the engine speed to idle level, and the driving resistance is reduced by the compression and frictional forces of the engine in overrun mode.

Characteristic sporty features includes distinctive AMG styling such as the front apron with sporty distinctive air intakes, diamond meshes, silver chrome trim, as well as the rear apron with matt iridium silver diffuser insert. The diamond radiator grille features chrome-plated pins, a louvre in high-gloss black and the AMG lettering. Down below, the silver chrome front splitter ensures an optimal flow of air to the cooling modules.

Additional highlights include the black exterior mirror housings, the high-gloss black waistline trim strip and window frame, as well as the two chrome-plated tailpipes with centre divider. AMG 5-spoke light-alloy wheels painted in high-gloss black with a high-sheen finish round off the design visually.

Inside, the driver finds a secure position in the sports seat even driving at speed thanks to 'improved lateral support', while the AMG instrument cluster delivers all relevant information in a clearly arranged layout optimised for a dynamic driving style. An authentic sports car look and feel is provided by two tube-shaped round dials, 11.4 cm (4.5-inch) multifunction colour display, RACETIMER and 280 km/h scale in chequered-flag design.

McLaren 570GT to be debut in Geneva

McLaren will debut the new 570GT at this year’s Geneva Motor Show.

The McLaren 570GT joins the 570S Coupe and 540C Coupe as the third model in the recently announced Sports Series family. Described as practical enough for everyday use, the two-seat, mid-engined sportscar is the most refined and road-biased McLaren yet, designed with a focus on day-to-day usability and long distance comfort. It offers ‘increased levels’ of practicality and comfort, while remaining a true McLaren.

A standard fixed glass Panoramic Roof provides a bright, open cabin running through to the large rear opening glass hatch. With the increased glass area of the 570GT, cabin temperatures is regulated and maintained by an enhanced dual-zone air conditioning system as well as an 18 percent transmission glass tint.

Targeted towards longer journeys and weekends away, the ‘spacious and ergonomically-optimised cabin’ features a pair of eight-way electrically adjustable sports seats, upholstered in leather as standard. The control interfaces for the air conditioning, telephony, navigation and audio systems are managed through the centrally-mounted touchscreen, while vehicle setup is configurable via the TFT LCD digital instrument cluster.

The front luggage area remains unchanged from the Coupe, providing 150 litres of stowage, while a further 220 litres of space is available behind the seats on the leather-lined Touring Deck. This additional space is accessed via the side opening Glass Hatch bringing the total storage space for the 570GT to 370 litres. The Glass Hatch opens on the kerbside whether left- or right-hand drive and is framed by carbon fibre providing significant torsional rigidity.

Power comes from the McLaren-developed 3.8-litre twin turbo V8 engine which debuted in the 570S Coupe. With 562bhp and 600 Nm, power is delivered to the rear wheels via a seven-speed seamless-shift transmission with adjustment through Normal, Sport and Track settings. The settings include bespoke gearchange calibrations with comfort (Normal), Cylinder Cut (Sport) and Inertia Push (Track) technologies all available.

Sharing the newly developed suspension system with the other models in the Sports Series, the 570GT emphasises long distance comfort through further fine tuning to the system which includes a reduction in spring rate stiffness of 15 percent at the front and 10 percent at the rear. Independent adaptive dampers can be dynamically adjusted through Normal, Sport and Track settings, and are coupled to front and rear anti-roll bars.

The 570GT uses a carbon fibre chassis, weighing in at 75kg, contributing to a dry weight of 1,350kg (2,976lb), which equates to 422PS per tonne - for a 0-62 mph time of in 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 204 mph. The 570GT returns 26.6 mpg (10.7 l/100 km) on the EU combined cycle and emissions of 249 g/km.

The 570GT is priced from £154,000 in the UK, with first deliveries due to commence late in 2016.

Facelifted Alfa Romeo Giulietta unveiled

Alfa Romeo has revealed the restyled Giulietta.

The new Giulietta features a revised front-end that includes a new honeycomb grille, piano black bumper inserts (with red highlights on sporty models) and revised headlamp and fog lamp surrounds.

The refreshed Giulietta takes design cues from the Alfa Romeo Giulia sports saloon, and is complemented by new badge designs (both the “Alfa Romeo” and “Giulietta” logos) new alloy wheel designs, revised tail pipes, new colours (Alfa White and Lipari Grey) and a new engine and transmission combination.

On the inside there are revised seat upholsteries, dashboard and door panel finishes, a Uconnect infotainment system now with smartphone-enabled LIVE services (music streaming with Deezer and TuneIn, news with Reuters, Facebook Check-In and Twitter, plus eco:Drive and my:Car services and traffic updates for navigation-equipped models).

Also debuting on the new Giulietta is ‘Alfa Performance’ - a new service specifically created to enhance the driving experience. Using digital gauges and instruments, drivers can control the main parameters of the car, measure their performance using special timers and see driving statistics on their smartphone, in addition to receiving real-time driving tips. The service is available on Uconnect 6.5” Radio Nav LIVE.

Under the bonnet there’s now the option of combining the 120hp 1.6-litre JTDM-2 turbo diesel engine with the Alfa TCT twin dry-clutch transmission. This engine produces 120hp at 3,750rpm and 320Nm of torque from 1,7450rpm and when paired with Alfa Romeo’s quick-shifting and TCT transmission, it can be used as a full automatic (with its responsiveness and shift patterns adjusted via the three-mode Alfa DNA drive selector) or as a full manual, either by slotting the gear selector into its sequential gate or by using the steering wheel paddle shifters.

This engine and transmission combination has a top speed of 121mph and can accelerate from 0 to 62mph in 10.2 seconds, while its official combined cycle fuel-economy and emissions figures matches those of the manual version, returning 74.3 MPG and producing 99g/km of CO2.

The new Giulietta’s model range comes in five trim levels: Giulietta, Giulietta Super, Giulietta Tecnica, Giulietta Speciale and Giulietta Veloce. The entry-level model now benefits from burnished headlamp surrounds, satin-finish door handles and new oblique tailpipes, while inside there are new grey and black fabric seats with Alfa Romeo logo on the head restraints, new matte black dashboard insert and luxury floor mats.

The refreshed style elements are accompanied by a ‘comprehensive standard equipment list’ which includes a leather steering wheel with audio remote controls, air conditioning, five-inch Uconnect LIVE with Bluetooth connectivity, the Alfa DNA selector, six airbags, 16-inch ‘Turbine’ alloy wheels, one-touch electric windows all round and steering-wheel paddle shifters on TCT-equipped models.

The Giulietta Super trim level adds dual-zone automatic climate control, cruise control, a front armrest, new 16-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights and upgraded seat upholstery. A new Lusso pack can be added to the Super model to enhance the look of the car and includes leather upholstery, front and rear armrests (with third rear headrest), aluminium kick plates and the 6.5-inch Uconnect LIVE system with voice-operated satellite navigation and 3D mapping.

Giulietta Tecnica replaces the Business Edition and includes the 6.5-inch Uconnect infotainment system with navigation, automatic lights and wipers, electro-chromatic rear view mirror, front and rear parking sensors, new 16-inch wheels, side skirts and rear privacy glass.

The Giulietta Speciale offers customers the option of combining the sporty look and feel of the high performance Veloce version with a broad selection of engines. Standard equipment includes a sports suspension, sports bumpers with red Alfa profile, classic five-hole 18-inch alloy wheels, Brembo brakes with red four-piston callipers, tinted windows, new carbon-look headlamp surrounds, an anthracite finish on the mirror caps, door handles, grille and fog light surrounds and the 6.5-inch Uconnect LIVE system with navigation.

Leather and Alcantara seats, aluminium pedals, a flat-bottom sports steering wheel with red stitching and the carbon-look dashboard surrounds and door panels complete the Speciale package.

Finally, the new Giulietta Veloce tops the revised line-up and in terms of equipment is similar to the Speciale but with new 18-inch alloy rims, specific sports suspension tuning, oversized tailpipes and the most powerful engine in the Giulietta range – the 240hp 1750 turbo petrol engine combined with a specially calibrated TCT transmission.

The new Alfa Romeo Giulietta goes on sale on April 1 with prices starting from just £18,450 OTR. Full pricing details will be announced closer to the car’s UK launch.

V40 gets new Volvo face

The V40 has been given a refresh with Volvo’s new corporate face and trim updates across the range.

Central to the exterior updates are new LED ‘Thor’s Hammer’ headlights, in line with the new XC90, S90 and V90. In the UK, these all-LED lights mark the V40 and V40 Cross Country out as the first models in the segment to get LED headlights as standard across the range. Also new are grille meshes featuring the updated Volvo Iron Mark.

“The V40 is the best-selling Volvo model in the UK, making it a vital car for the company. With the updates for Model Year 2017, we’re making this already very successful model even more attractive to customers,” said Nick Connor, Managing Director of Volvo Car UK.

The exterior update includes the addition of eight new wheels and five new colours to the V40 range, including the completely new Amazon Blue and Denim Blue, as well as three others already used by other Volvo models: Bursting Blue, Mussel Blue and Luminous Sand.

In addition to the cosmetic changes, CO2 emissions on the D2 manual powertrain have been cut to 89 g/km in all trim level and wheel options.

The V40's trim structure has also been changed in line with that of the new XC90. Customers can now choose from Momentum, Inscription, R-Design and Cross Country.  

The Volvo On Call smartphone app has also been updated.  It now enables voice-control for certain features when using Windows 10-based smartphones and can even send calendar appointment destinations directly to your navigation on request. 

For 2016, Volvo On Call will be expanded to provide support for up to 10 vehicles, giving access to all the usual functions across a fleet of cars, while the introduction of Flic button compatibility will allow you to program a single physical ‘smart button’ to perform several tasks, such as locking your car.

Volvo now also offers support for Windows 10 with a new version of the app that can be used on regular PCs and tablets.

Citroen C4 Cactus range gets Rip Curl Special Edition

Born from a collaboration between Citroen and surfing brand Rip Curl, the special edition C4 Cactus introduces Grip Control for improved traction, along with some new styling elements to emphasise its outdoor character.

Aside from being the only version of the Cactus to come with Grip Control, the Rip Curl also features special Mud and Snow tyres to help keep it moving on difficult surfaces (Goodyear 205/50 R17 89V – Vector 4Seasons tyres).

The Grip Control system provides the benefit of intelligent traction in ‘off-road’ mode. It uses an advanced anti-skid function built into the ESP computer, which manages the traction from the driven front wheels, and has various other modes for different types of terrain. The Grip Control selector, set in the centre of the dashboard, provides access to five operating modes.

Standard, Sand, Off-Road, Snow and ESP off. Each of the last 4 modes is operational up to a pre-set speed limit and then automatically reverts to ‘Standard’ mode.

Citroen says the new car’s increased traction promises a unique driving experience for both drivers and passengers alike, irrespective of the season or destination. 

On the style front, the Rip Curl's specific look includes: white door mirrors, white roof-bars and a white vertical strip on the wings blending geometric patterns and the Rip Curl logo. The rear quarter-lights feature the same pattern, applied horizontally, with the Rip Curl signature in white lettering. 

Front and rear aluminium-coloured protection plates are designed to reinforce its ‘adventurer’ identity alongside the standard Airbump panels along its flanks which protects the bodywork. 

Five body colours will be available to order at launch and Citroen plans to offer a new and unique blue body colour to further enhance the Rip Curl’s special edition status.

The cabin features orange detailing throughout: on the safety belts, the stitching on the floor mats and on the stereo’s loudspeakers.

Based on the C4 Cactus Flair trim, the Rip Curl’s standard equipment includes: rear parking sensors and camera, automatic climate control, automatic headlamps and front wipers, navigation system, 6-speaker MP3 audio system, cruise control/speed limiter, tinted windows and a panoramic glass roof, complete with thermal protection.

On sale in the first half of 2016, the C4 Cactus Rip Curl will be on display on the Citroen stand at the Geneva Motor Show from March 1, 2016.

Minder Terry’s Capri to go under the hammer

Two famous motors from the classic TV series Minder, are set to go under the hammer.

H&H Classics will offer Arthur Daley’s Daimler in a forthcoming sale at the Imperial War Museum in Duxford alongside Terry McCann’s Ford Capri – the very same one that featured in the opening titles.

The Daimler (often mistaken for a Jaguar) has recently been re-finished in its original livery as part of a recent bodywork restoration and benefited from £5,000 worth of mechanical fettling at the hands of a marque specialist. Its odometer displays just 43,990 miles. In the mid-1980s actor George Cole, who played Daley, wanted to buy the car himself, and came close to doing so before it was given away in a TV Times competition. It is estimated to sell for £35,000 to £45,000.

Alongside the Daimler will be its automotive partner, a two-litre white Ford Capri driven by Terry McCann played by Dennis Waterman. The famous Ford was not only driven by Terry in the opening sequence but also at various times during the series. The Capri is believed to have come close to being crushed, but escaped and now rejuvenated, shows 88,700 miles on the clock. 

Its estimate of £65,000 to £85,000 could set a new world record for a two-litre model, highlighting the power of celebrity and provenance.

The original Minder show ran for ten series between 29 October 1979 and 10 March 1994, and starred Dennis Waterman as Terry McCann, an honest and likeable bodyguard (or minder) and George Cole as Arthur Daley, a dodgy used-car salesman and trader of pretty much anything on which a pound was to be made. 

The H&H Classics sale at the Imperial War Museum in Duxford will take place on Wednesday 20 April.

Volkswagen set to unveil concept SUV at Geneva

Volkswagen has confirmed it will reveal a ‘fascinating concept car’ at the Geneva Motor Show.

VW says the new concept ‘brings mobility to a whole new level’ which will ‘enliven the compact car class as a trendy, affordable SUV’.

The concept can be seen as the beginning of a broad SUV offensive according to the German brand. VW describes it as depicting a new automotive attitude to life whilst remaining perfectly suited for everyday use. 

The concept is said to give a realistic perspective on a completely new model series and, at the same time, on the future production model.

Not much has been given away to date, but Volkswagen has confirmed the new concept include hardly any switches, creating a conceptual bridge to the BUDD-e, which was revealed at the CES in Las Vegas last month.

Renault reveals new Scenic MPV

Renault has unveiled the its new Scenic MPV.

After three generations of the Scenic, the new model ‘redefines MPV thinking’ says Renault. Set for a Geneva Motor Show debut, the idea behind the fourth-generation Scenic according to the French company was to provide a completely fresh take on the compact MPV.

For the first time, like the new Espace, the model includes a three-part windscreen that provides a panoramic view and enhanced visibility. A number of styling features give the new Scenic a dynamic edge when compared with the Scenic 3 - its ground clearance has been raised and the rear overhang has been shortened, while a wider track at both the front and rear provide the vehicle with a particularly solid stance.

The new model comes with a distinctive lighting signature in the form of C-shaped head lights that benefit from LED Pure Vision technology like higher-end models.

Renault will pull the covers off the new MPV at midday on March 1 with Renault’s Chairman and CEO Carlos Ghosn and SVP Corporate Design Laurens van den Acker.

The Geneva Motor Show runs from 3-13 March.

New Volkswagen up! to debut in Geneva

Volkswagen has revealed its revamped ‘up!’ city car.

Set to be presented in Geneva, the latest edition of Volkswagen smallest car features newly designed body panels, colours and wheels, as well as new individualisation options, a completely redesigned interior, a new infotainment system and a 300 W BeatsAudio sound system as standard.

Every version of the up! will come with new headlights (with LED daytime running lights as standard), new bumpers, a prominent rear diffuser, newly designed tail lights, restyled exterior mirror housings with integrated indicator lights, fresh colours and decors for the dashpad (dashboard styling panel) as well as new seat designs.

A 1.0 TSI engine joins the range and delivers a 66 kW/90 PS, with maximum torque of 160 Nm available from 1,500 rpm. The three-cylinder engine is the first turbo for the up! and the most powerful motor available in the model to date, offering a top speed of 115mph, and a 0-62mph time of 10 seconds. CO2 emissions come in at 102 g/km CO2 (forecast value) meaning that the up! 1.0 TSI has the potential to cover nearly 500 miles on a single tank of fuel.

The engine line-up also includes two three-cylinder units with multi-point injection (MPI) that deliver 44 kW/60 PS or 55 kW/75 PS as well as a zero-emission e-up! and a natural gas model - the eco up! (50 kW/68 PS).

Volkswagen says it is putting the focus on the individuality of each model - with the new up! coming in a choice of 13 body colours, 9 exterior decals, ten new dashpad designs, three roof colours, three design packs, two colour packs and two basic colours for the interior trim (“Titanium Black” and “Ceramique”). Coloured alloy wheels and individualised-colour ambient light are also available for the top-of-the-range models.

A total of seven trim levels are available: take up!, move up!, high up! and eco up! (all of which are available as two- and four-door versions) as well as the load up!, cross up! (all-terrain version) and e-up! (each available as a four-door version) and move up!

Range-topping models features ambient lighting system, a customised dashpad (with a choice of three versions of the “Pixels” design), heated front seats, a multifunction steering wheel, six loudspeakers, fog lamps with integrated static cornering lights and the new 15-inch “Radial” alloy wheels.

The 2016 Volkswagen up! will be launched in Europe this summer, prices have yet to be announced.

Ford reveals facelifted Kuga sport

Ford has revamped its Kuga SUV. 

Featuring a more ‘advanced, refined and sportier redesign’, the new Kuga will offer technologies and updates to make driving simpler, safer, more enjoyable and more affordable, say Ford. These include the new SYNC 3 communications and entertainment system, innovative driver assistance technologies, an ergonomic and comfortable interior and a new 120PS 1.5-litre TDCi diesel engine.

Ford’s Perpendicular Parking technology - that helps drivers park hands-free in spaces alongside other cars - joins an enhanced version of the Active City Stop collision avoidance system and Ford’s Adaptive Front Lighting System for optimised visibility in low light. Further technologies include Hands-Free Tailgate and Ford Intelligent All Wheel Drive.

Ford’s new SYNC 3 connectivity system delivers faster performance, simplified commands, and supports five additional languages. Simply by pushing a button and saying “I need a coffee,” “I need petrol,” and “I need to park,” drivers can locate nearby cafes, petrol stations or car parks, and find train stations, airports, and hotels. A new interface features larger, easier to operate buttons and enables pinch and swipe gestures for the first time.

The new Kuga features Ford’s latest design language for a bold and sporty look that is shared with the EcoSport compact SUV and all-new Edge large SUV. A large upper trapezoidal grille and a smaller lower grille are flanked by sleek new headlamps incorporating LED Daytime Running Lights, complemented by fog lamps.

Restyled taillights complete the sporty look, while a new range of 17- 18- and 19-inch alloy wheel designs also will be available in variety of finishes including Luster Nickel. One new colour, the vibrant shade Copper Pulse, will be offered throughout the range. A power-operated retractable tow bar automatically stores itself out of sight below the rear bumper when not in use, to retain the new Kuga’s sporty looks.

On the inside, Ford says the interior has been refined to offer a ‘more ergonomic, stylish and comfortable experience for occupants’. The steering wheel and air-conditioning controls are even more intuitive, and feature fewer and more easily distinguishable buttons and switches, ‘making the controls easier to recognise and navigate’. The steering wheel is also offered with heated leather to improve comfort in cold weather, while all automatic new Kuga models will feature paddle-shift controls that enable drivers to manually select gears while keeping their hands on the wheel.

A new 120PS 1.5-litre TDCi diesel engine is introduced, offered with front-wheel drive, Ford says it is targeting a fuel efficiency improvement for the new engine of about 5 per cent to 64.2mpg and 115g/km CO2 while producing the same power.

Also available will be a 2.0-litre TDCi diesel engine with 150PS in front-wheel drive and Ford Intelligent All Wheel Drive versions that achieve from 60.1mpg and 122g/km CO2; and a 180PS Intelligent All Wheel Drive version that delivers from 54.3mpg and 135g/km CO2.

Ford’s 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol engine in 120PS or 150PS front-wheel drive form achieves 45.6mpg and 143g/km CO2; and a 182PS Intelligent All Wheel Drive version delivers from 38.2mpg and 171g/km CO2.

Ford is launching the new Kuga and the larger Edge SUV this year, after introducing an updated EcoSport last year.

New Renault Megane Sport Tourer to debut in Geneva

Renault will pull the covers off its new Megane Sport Tourer – in the form of the Megane Sport Tourer GT – at the 2016 Geneva International Motor Show.

Based on the new Megane, this all-new Sport Tourer features an ‘intuitive, modular interior’ including 4CONTROL technology. Specifically tailored to the new Megane Sport Tourer, 4CONTROL endows the car with precise, dynamic handling on twisty roads and ‘generates genuine driving pleasure’. The car also has a choice of boot arrangements, as well as the segment’s longest maximum load length, says Renault.

The design of the new Megane Sport Tourer ‘blends dynamism and style’, and is enhanced by a chrome trim around the side windows and C-pillar. The roof line is enhanced by matte-finish anodised aluminium roof bars (Dark Metal Colour on GT version). The car’s low stance and wide track increase the feeling of solidity on the road according to Renault.

The French company says Renault Sport DNA is evident with the front bumper underlining the model’s sporting credentials, while the honeycomb mesh of the radiator grilles is specific to the car and the wide lower air inlet is flanked by two air-scoops. At the rear, the new Megane Sport Tourer GT is fitted with a chromed exhaust tail pipe and a sculpted diffuser to reinforce its dynamic look.

The car will be revealed on Tuesday, March 1.

Maserati reveals Levante SUV

Maserati has unveiled its first ever SUV - the Levante - ahead of a Geneva Motor Show debut.

Completing the existing range of saloon and sports cars, the Levante’s ‘aggressive front’ introduces new tapered headlights separated into two elements, with the upper headlight unit connected to the radiator grille. Maserati's design signature is visible on the sides with the three iconic air vents on the front wings, the trapezoidal C-pillar with the “Saetta” logo and the large, frameless door windows. The rear is dominated by the tapered back window and streamlined shape, both typical of a high-performance sports car, says Maserati.

The chassis is designed to combine ‘outstanding on-road performance’ even on very low-grip surfaces with ‘an excellent off-road performance and ride’. All versions feature sophisticated electronic suspension with controlled damping and air springs, which can be set on several levels, “Q4” intelligent all-wheel drive and 8-speed automatic transmission, specially calibrated for the brand's new SUV. The Levante will be powered by both petrol and diesel engines that are all Euro6-compliant.

Built at the Mirafiori plant in Turin; the first cars have already come off the assembly line with the launch planned for this spring in Europe, to be followed by the rest of the world later this year.

Volvo to launch cars without keys

Volvo has revealed plans to become the world’s first automotive manufacturer to offer cars without keys.

From 2017 Volvo customers will be offered a smartphone app to replace the physical key with a digital key. The Bluetooth-enabled digital key technology will offer more flexibility, and will enable owners to benefit from entirely new way to use and share cars.

The new Volvo app enables the digital key on the customer’s mobile phone to do everything a physical key currently does, such as locking or unlocking the doors or the boot and allowing the engine to be started. This new technology will also offer customers the possibility to receive more than one digital key on their app, allowing them to access different Volvo cars in different locations – ‘according to their changing mobility needs’. Owners will be able to send their digital key to other people via their mobile phones so they can also use the car. This may be to family members, friends or co-workers in a company.

Using the app, people could potentially book and pay for a rental car anywhere in the world and have the digital car key delivered to their phone immediately. On arrival, a customer could simply locate the rental car via GPS, unlock it and drive away, avoiding the queues at car rental desks.

Volvo will pilot this technology in spring 2016 via its car-sharing firm Sunfleet, stationed at Gothenburg airport, Sweden. A limited number of commercially available cars will be equipped with the new digital key technology in 2017, while the Swedish brand is also keen to stress physical keys will continue to be offered for people who want them.

The keyless car technology will be shown for the first time at the Mobile World Congress 2016 (22-25 February) in Barcelona.

Audi A4 Avant pricing to start from 27K

Audi has confirmed the new A4 Avant will cost from £27,300 OTR.

On sale form today the new A4 Avant is built on an all-new platform which results in a ‘class-leading’ 505 litres of luggage capacity – extending to 1,510 litres with the seats folded – into an interior that now affords more head and shoulder room for front seat occupants and increased overall rear leg room compared to its predecessor.

Prices ranging from the aforementioned £27,300 OTR for the A4 Avant 1.4 TFSI up to £40,350 OTR for the range-topping A4 Avant 3.0 V6 TDI quattro.

The Avant engine line-up will initially include a choice of 2.0 litre and 3.0-litre TDI engines with outputs starting from 150PS and rising to 272PS, mated to redeveloped six-speed manual, seven-speed S tronic and eight-speed tiptronic transmissions.

Standard equipment highlights include 17-inch alloy wheels, Xenon or LED headlights with LED DRLs, Audi smartphone interface, Audi drive select, three-zone climate control and 7-inch colour MMI monitor.

As in the Saloon, two versions of the 2.0-litre TDI engine with 150PS and 190PS power a total of 12 front-wheel-driven ‘ultra’ variants offering up to 70.6mpg with CO2 output of as low as 104g/km. The V6 TDI contingent starts with the 218PS version returns up to 64.2mpg with a 114g/km CO2 output when combined with Sport specification and front-wheel-drive.

The agility of the five-link fully independent front and rear suspension can be ‘amplified further’ by adding a more intelligent and faster-reacting evolution of quattro all-wheel-drive as an option for 2.0 TDI 190 and 3.0 TDI 218 engines. The purely mechanical system with its self-locking centre differential is also a standard feature of the 2.0 TFSI 252PS and 3.0 TDI 272PS versions.

The Audi A4 Avant is on sale now.

James Bond’s Aston Martin sells for £2.4million

An incredibly rare Aston Martin DB10 made for the latest James Bond film Spectre, sold under the hammer for an amazing £2,434,500.

The auction at Christie’s will provide funds to the Medecins Sans Frontieres charity. The bidding was described as ‘tense and exciting’ before a final bid of an whopping £2,434,500.

The buyer now owns a true piece of automotive history; the only Aston Martin DB10 to be made available for public sale. Celebrating the British brand’s half century with Bond, which started with the iconic DB5, the DB10 gives a glimpse of the future design direction for the next generation of Aston Martins. Production of the DB10 was strictly limited to 10 models of the bespoke sports car which was developed and hand-built by the designers, engineers and artisan craftspeople at Aston Martin’s Gaydon headquarters in the UK for the latest Bond film, Spectre.

Eight of the DB10’s were modified for filming, but two of those produced were kept back as show cars for display purposes only and the DB10 auctioned is one of them.

The money raised by the auction will benefit Medecins Sans Frontieres. MSF - or ‘Doctors without Borders’ – is a global humanitarian aid organisation that provides medical care and support to victims of armed conflict, epidemics and other disasters.

Aston Martin CEO Dr Andy Palmer said: “The DB10 is one of the rarest cars ever created. Only 10 will ever be made and this is the only one that will be made available for sale. It’s great to see this DB10 raising vital funds for Medecins Sans Frontieres, it is a fantastic charity that we are delighted to support”.

‘James Bond Spectre – The Live Auction’, was a unique collection of 10 lots which raised a total of £2,785,500 on the night. A further 14 lots are available in the online sale, which continues until 23 February, celebrating the release of the 24th Bond film on Digital HD, Blu-ray and DVD.

Peugeot facelifts 2008 SUV

Peugeot has facelifted its 2008 SUV.

Launched in 2013, the new frontal appearance now takes on an even more ‘assertive, powerful and appealing SUV design’ according to the French company. Its wheel arch extensions (from Allure level), new vertical front grille and scuff plates (from Allure level) ‘confirm its robustness’. The new vertical multi-faceted front grille features the Peugeot lion at the centre which Peugeot says gives a dynamic and attractive appearance. This style approach continues from the grille over the bonnet and onto the roof with roof bars and spoiler completing the new profile. Black and chrome headlamps and 3D LED rear lights with 3-claw design 'illustrate the embedded technology from the outside'.

The new Ultimate Red colour further ‘epitomises the power and desirability’ of the new 2008. The Access, Active and Allure levels are complemented by the new ‘GT Line’ model. This trim level is already popular on other Peugeot models (208, 308 and 508), and adds a sporty theme with a red/black coloured interior theme and is consistent with the brand's move up market strategy.

The Peugeot i-Cockpit is unique to Peugeot and ‘embodies the driving characteristics of the Peugeot 2008’ - being ‘agile, intuitive and safe’. The compact sports steering wheel offers precise steering and improved manoeuvrability while the 7” multifunction colour touch screen puts all the functionality at your fingertips. In addition, the head-up instrument panel allows driver information to be accessed without taking the eyes off the road.

Grip Control - an adapted traction system - gives the 2008 its versatility on all types of terrain. It is combined with Mud & Snow (all-Season) certified winter tyres. Peugeot 2008 is equipped with MirrorScreen, based on MirrorLink and Apple Carplay, along with the reversing camera, Active City Brake and Park Assist - a rarity in this segment.

The petrol range of the new 2008 includes a choice of five engines while the Diesel line-up includes three engines, all of them with CO2 emissions at less than 100g/km.

Pricing has yet to be confirmed for the faceifted model, with the revamped 2008 set to go on sale this summer.

New Kia Niro set for European debut in Geneva

The all-new Kia Niro will make its European debut at the 2016 Geneva International Motor Show.

The low-emissions hybrid crossover marks the development of Kia’s first dedicated eco-car platform. The Niro will offer the practicality of a spacious crossover, together with the high fuel efficiency of an advanced hybrid powertrain. Engineered from the ground up as a dedicated hybrid vehicle, the car’s all-new platform has been engineered in isolation from existing Kia models, and is designed to accommodate a specific set of environmentally-conscious technologies and next-generation powertrains.

While the Niro’s hybrid powertrain – made up of a 1.6-litre GDI petrol engine, lithium-ion polymer battery pack, 32 kW electric motor and six-speed double-clutch transmission – is under development, Kia says its engineers are targeting CO2 emissions of 89 g/km.

Michael Cole, Chief Operating Officer, Kia Motors Europe, commented, “The Kia Niro will offer buyers a compelling blend of crossover practicality with the cool, modern styling for which Kia is famous, and an efficient new hybrid powertrain to keep running costs down. The Niro fills a gap in the market for a crossover with typically low hybrid emissions, and will appeal to a broad range of European buyers.”

With its aerodynamic, crossover-inspired silhouette, subtly sculptured surfaces and 'sharp, modern lines,' the Niro is still recognisable as a Kia. The new model bears the latest evolution of Kia’s signature ‘tiger-nose’ grille, as well as the brand’s wide C-pillar and a series of other signature design cues.

With a relatively long bonnet, short overhangs, elevated headlamps and rising shoulder line, the Niro’s athletic crossover stance represents a shift away from other hybrid cars on the market today, says Kia. The SUV’s silhouette tapers slightly towards the rear of the vehicle, ending in a ‘subtle’ rear roof spoiler, elevated tail-lamps and a wide, squared-off rear bumper.

Designed principally for efficient aerodynamic performance, the car's body allows for a low drag coefficient of 0.29 Cd – making it more aerodynamic than many other hybrid rivals says Kia. Its relatively long wheelbase (2,700 mm) and short front and rear overhangs (870 and 785 mm, respectively) also ensure occupants enjoy ‘generous’ interior space.

The Niro occupies a new space within the brand’s model line-up in terms of its size - smaller overall than the all-new Kia Sportage, though occupying a larger footprint than the cee’d hatchback. Available with a choice of seven colours, and buyers can choose from a selection of 16- or 18-inch alloy wheel designs when it goes on sale during Q3 2016.

Prices have yet to be announced.

Volvo reveals new V90

Volvo has unveiled its new V90.

Launched in Stockholm, the estate car is the latest in Volvo’s top-of-the-line 90 series, sitting alongside the XC90 SUV and the recently launched S90 premium saloon.

Building on Volvo Cars’ heritage in the estate segment, which began more than 60 years ago with the Volvo Duett, the new V90 ‘takes the premium estate a clear step forward’ in terms of aesthetics, materials and finish, says the Swedish brand.

“We have a very strong position in the estate segment,” said Hakan Samuelsson, President and Chief Executive of Volvo Cars. “In many people’s minds we are known as the definitive estate brand. While the Volvo brand today stands for more than estates, we are proud to carry forward this rich heritage with the V90.”

“The modern premium estate is all about the intriguing combination of a luxurious experience with the functional origins of the estate silhouette. The sophisticated ambience of our new Volvo interiors is combined with a great cargo space, providing the right kind of functionality – whether through connectivity or cargo and storage solutions,” said Thomas Ingenlath, Senior Vice President for Design at Volvo Cars.

The new V90 features Pilot Assist semi-autonomous drive technology, the ‘most advanced’ standard safety package on the market, including Large Animal Detection and Run-off Road Mitigation, as well as 'class-leading' connectivity, including smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay.

Volvo also says it has also worked on driving dynamics for the new model, to deliver a totally new and refined driving experience ‘characterised by a sense of engaging control and predictability’.

“We have a very strong offer in the V90. Our PowerPulse technology is designed to deliver a distinct performance boost to our diesel engine, while the T8 Twin Engine petrol plug-in hybrid will deliver around 410 hp and a pure electric range of around 31 miles,” said Dr Peter Mertens, Senior Vice President of Research & Development at Volvo Cars.