Audi Q2 debuts in Geneva

Audi has unveiled its new Q2 compact SUV in Geneva.

The German company says it has ‘taken the compact SUV in a bold new styling direction' with the Q2 designed to appeal to a younger audience. It also includes a portfolio of connectivity, infotainment and assistance systems borrowed from larger Audi models.

At the front, the high-mounted Singleframe grille in octagonal design is joined by large air inlets. A low roof descends and merges into the C-pillars with colour offset blades, while the rear body ends with a long roof spoiler and a diffuser that has an 'off-road' look.

The Q2 is launching in the UK with a choice of five engines. Along with a 1.0-litre three-cylinder TFSI, two four-cylinder petrol engines are being offered with 1.4 and 2.0 litres of displacement (2.0-litre TFSI to follow in 2017). In addition, two four-cylinder diesel engines will be available with 1.6 and 2.0 litres of displacement and outputs of 116PS and 150PS. As an alternative to the six-speed manual transmission, Audi also offers the S tronic dual clutch transmission with seven speeds for all engines. In the 2.0 TFSI, a newly developed dual-clutch transmission is used which has a new type of oil supply and reduced friction. The 150PS TDI engine can be combined with quattro permanent all-wheel drive, and the system is standard in conjunction with the 2.0 TFSI engine.

The Q2 has the high entry of an SUV with good visibility and a large luggage compartment (405 to 1,050 litres of capacity), yet Audi says the driver’s seat position is low in relation to the steering wheel as in a saloon. Optional extras include a power tailgate, an LED lighting package and a three-way split rear bench backrest with cargo through-loading, while newly designed 17-inch alloy wheels are fitted as standard, and can be optionally increased to 19 inches upon request.

Expected to open for UK orders in July, first deliveries of the new Audi Q2 are due in November 2016.

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.

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

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.

smart reveals new special edition models

smart has revealed special ‘edition white’ and ‘edition black’ models to its fortwo and forfour range.

Set to hit showrooms in late February, the special models are based on existing prime model line with both new models featuring over £1,500-worth of extra equipment for a premium of £895.

Easily recognisable thanks to new exterior colour schemes, the special smart fortwo coupe (£12,360 OTR) and smart forfour (£12,855 OTR) models include standard ‘prime’ features such as heated leather seats but adds the Urban Style and the Premium packages. These include: three-spoke sports steering wheel with perforated leather; brushed stainless steel sports pedals with rubber studs; 16-inch Y-spoke-alloy wheels in black; exhaust system with chrome-plated tailpipe; wheel-arch extensions with smart lettering; comfort package (consisting of: height adjustable steering wheel; height adjustable driver’s seat; heated and electrically adjustable exterior mirrors); rear parking assistance and smart media system including European satellite navigation. Forfour models also come with privacy glass in the rear.

The fortwo special editions come with over £1,500-worth of extra equipment – for only £895– resulting in a customer saving of over £600. The forfour offers £1,660-worth of features (adding rear privacy glass), giving customers over £760-worth of extra value. The edition white models feature white tridion cells, combined with white body panels and a white grille, making them instantly recognisable as special-edition smarts. As you’d expect, edition black models come with black bodywork, black tridion cells and a black grille – although customers can opt for a white tridion cell (£100).

As with the rest of the smart range, the edition white and edition black models can be ordered with either a 71 hp naturally-aspirated or 90 hp turbo three-cylinder petrol engine, and with a five-speed manual or six-speed twinamic automatic gearbox.

'Eco' model joins Fiat 500 range

Fiat is now offering the most popular engine in the 500 range with an enhanced 'Eco' specification.

 The 1.2-litre 69hp 'Eco' is equipped with additional efficiency technologies including a smart alternator, improved underbody aerodynamics and low rolling resistance 15-inch tyres, as well as Start & Stop which is already standard across the 500 range. 

Despite no drop in performance, says Fiat, compared to the standard 69hp 1.2 (0-62mph in 12.9 seconds and top speed of 99 mph), these modifications result in the official CO2 emissions for the 1.2 'Eco' being reduced from 110 to 99g/km which, in turn, cuts the annual road tax bill from £20 to £0 and reduces company car BIK tax liability from 17% to 14%.

Official fuel economy also improves with 58.9 mpg (urban cycle), 70.6 mpg (extra urban cycle) and 65.7 mpg (combined cycle) compared to the standard car's 51.4-, 65.7- and 60.1 mpg respectively.

Available in Pop Star and Lounge trim levels, prices for the Fiat 500 1.2 'Eco' start at £11,865 OTR for the hatchback and £14,515 OTR for the convertible 500C version.

2016 upgrades for VW Polo, Golf and Passat

Volkswagen has announced trim upgrades across its Polo, Golf and Passat ranges for 2016.

The Polo Match replaces the SE trim. It’s available in three- and five-door bodystyles and with a range of engine and transmission options, adding more than £900-worth of extra equipment.

Among the new standard-fit features are cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, front fog lights with static cornering function, tinted rear windows and new 15-inch Stratford alloy wheels.  

A price rise of £100, means the Polo Match is available to order now from £12,735 on the road (OTR).

The Volkswagen Golf, now in its seventh generation, will get two new versions – the GT Edition and R-Line Edition. 

Priced at £23,915 OTR, the GT Edition costs £300 more than the GT it replaces, but gains an extra £1,795 worth of equipment including 18-inch Durban alloy wheels, and a panoramic sunroof. 

Meanwhile, the new Golf R-Line Edition replaces the R-Line trim and, for an increase of £250 OTR, adds £1,730-worth of equipment including larger 18-inch Serron alloys wheels and a panoramic sunroof.  

The Golf R-Line Edition will be available to order from £24,860 OTR and, as with the new GT Edition, is set to arrive in Volkswagen UK showrooms early in 2016.

An enhanced version of the Passat SE Business trim level is designed to add more style and value to both the saloon and estate variants, with standard features such as Discover Navigation, front fog lights, electric folding door mirrors and tinted rear windows– together amounting to £555 of value – for £100 OTR more than the SE model, which is being removed from the range.

New versions of the Polo, Golf, and Passat Saloon and Estate are available to order from Volkswagen UK Retailers now, with deliveries set to begin early in the New Year.

smart fortwo cabrio pricing announced

smart has confirmed the new fortwo cabrio will be priced from £13,265 OTR when it goes on sale early next year.

The fortwo cabrio is available with one of two engines - 71 hp or 90 hp turbo - mated to a new five-speed manual gearbox (available to order in spring 2016) or twinamic six-speed dual clutch automatic transmission (£995), which brings quick gear shifts and ‘even greater efficiency’ when paired with the 90hp engine.

Like its fortwo and forfour siblings, there are three model lines available: passion, prime and proxy. The passion, 71hp manual model is the entry point to the range at £13,265 OTR (or 13,860 for the 90hp model) and features 15” eight-spoke alloy wheels along with automatic climate control; smart audio system with Bluetooth connectivity; and a choice of either an orange/black or a grey/black interior.

Entry to the prime trim level starts at 13,960 (14,555 OTR 90hp) and adds 15” five-twin-spoke black alloys with high sheen finish; black leather upholstery with grey topstitching; and heated seats. Additional dashboard instrument pods with a cockpit clock and rev counter are a classic smart touch.

The proxy model range starts from 13,960 OTR (14,555 90hp) and is fitted with 16” eight-Y-spoke alloy wheels in black. It also features a blue and white interior with Artico and cloth upholstery, and – as standard – the Sports Package which includes: a sports perforated leather multifunction steering wheel; sports suspension lowered by 10 mm; rubber-studded brushed steel sports pedals and a chrome exhaust finisher.

The fortwo cabrio comes with a black soft top as standard, but customers can also opt for the red option (£115). A compact wind deflector (£59) is also available. Customers can also choose to upgrade with the choice of the Premium and Premium Plus Packages. The Premium Package is available on passion, prime and proxy model lines (£795) and includes rear parking assistance (acoustic parking sensors); smart media system with navigation; and the Comfort package (which includes a height adjustable steering wheel and heated, electrically adjustable door mirrors). 

The Premium Plus Package (which includes all the features of the Premium and Comfort Pack) is available on the prime and proxy model lines only, for £1,295, and includes: ambient lighting; welcome home function; LED headlamps with enhanced LED daytime running lights; cube-like LED tail lights; rain and light sensors; and a rear-view camera.

The new fortwo cabrio arrives in showrooms in early 2016.

Geely GC9 wins Chinese Car of the Year

Geely GC9 wins Chinese Car of the Year

Geely GC9 wins Chinese Car of the Year

Geely GC9 wins Chinese Car of the Year

The Geely GC9 was declared 2016 China Car of the Year (CCOTY) at an awards ceremony during the Guangzhou Auto Show.

Geely, who have owned Swedish car giant Volvo since 2010, revealed the flagship GC9 in 2014 which becomes the first domestic model to win the China Car of the Year title. There were 140 candidates eligible, with the Geely GC9 coming out on top after convincing 22 jurors at the CCOTY Beijing test-drives beginning of November. The evaluation rules allow all jurors test-drives in Beijing, two weeks before the final awards ceremony, before voting starts.

The prize was received by President and CEO of Geely Mr. An Conghui, who said: "Geely is of great honour to be awarded China Car of the Year. The GC9 is just the beginning of a new series of highly competitive models. And as a Chinese domestic brand, we will give everything to improve the reputation of Chinese manufacturers."

The CCOTY jurors noted that the Geely GC9 had "a perfect blend of a new modern Chinese design language with state of the art technology from Volvo. The GC9 is spacious, luxurious with appealing quality and overall highly competitive within the mid-size segment. It's a leap forward compared to former Chinese domestic models."

Jens Meiners, Vice Chairman of the World Car Awards commented: "The China Car Awards have quickly grown into a standard of excellence on the Chinese market, a market with unique demands and preferences. This year's winner demonstrates that the Chinese auto industry is fully capable of creating cars that take the lead in a tough and fair competition. As vice chairman of the World Car Awards, I would like to convey our congratulations to the participants and winners, as well as the distinguished jury of the China Car Awards. We are proud of our inspiring and successful relationship."

Other awards included the 2016 China Design Car of the Year - won by the Mercedes-Benz AMG GT and the 2016 China Performance Car of the Year, which was won by the Ferrari 488 GTB. The 2016 China Green Car of the Year was awarded to the Lexus NX 300h while the Volvo XC90 scooped 2016 China SUV of the Year.

Nissan's European electric taxi tally tops 500

Nissan's European Taxi Tally Tops 500

Nissan's European Taxi Tally Tops 500

Nissan's European Taxi Tally Tops 500

Nissan's European Taxi Tally Tops 500

A deal to supply a Hungarian taxi firm has brought the total number of Nissan electric taxis on European roads to over 550.

Green Lite Taxi Kft., based in Budapest, has purchased 65 Nissan LEAFs in a bid to become Hungary's largest zero emission fleet. 

Ors Levay, CEO of Green Lite Taxi Kft., which has installed seven quick chargers within the city to power the franchise, said: "We are delighted to be the first taxi company in Hungary to go 100 percent electric and the 199 km range means we only need to charge our taxis once during a shift. Along with the large savings on fuel and maintenance, the Nissan LEAF is very smooth to drive and almost silent, which means a more enjoyable journey for my customers and the drivers say typical 10 hour shifts are less tiresome."

Nissan delivered over 100 electric vehicles to taxi companies across Europe in 2015, making it the best-selling manufacturer of pure electric taxis. 

In Estonia, a LEAF owned by taxi company, Elektritakso, is said to have clocked up over 218,000 kilometres (135,459 miles) on its original battery pack, showcasing its durability and reliability.

In total, there are 80 electric taxis in Estonia, whilst in Lithuania, Nissan is set to deliver its first eight electric taxis to the Smart Taxi Company, based in the country's capital, Vilnius, for late 2015.

Nissan electric vehicles - which include the LEAF and the e-NV200, a passenger and light commercial vehicle - are becoming increasingly popular among European taxi businesses, with the Netherlands and the UK topping Nissan's e-taxi league table.

The newly launched 30 kWh LEAF is expected to be popular with taxi firms as it will enable drivers to travel 25 percent further than the standard vehicle.

Gareth Dunsmore, Director of Electric Vehicles for Nissan Europe, said: "We are so proud to be announcing this all-important milestone. Nissan has already delivered 30 percent more e-taxis this year than in 2014 and this figure is constantly increasing, as more taxi companies realise the benefits of becoming 100 percent electric."

Fiat reveals new 124 Spider at Los Angels Auto Show

Fiat reveals new 124 Spider at Los Angels Auto Show

Fiat reveals new 124 Spider at Los Angels Auto Show

Fiat reveals new 124 Spider at Los Angels Auto Show

Fiat reveals new 124 Spider at Los Angels Auto Show

Fiat reveals new 124 Spider at Los Angels Auto Show

Fiat reveals new 124 Spider at Los Angels Auto Show

Fiat reveals new 124 Spider at Los Angels Auto Show

Fiat reveals new 124 Spider at Los Angels Auto Show

Fiat reveals new 124 Spider at Los Angels Auto Show

Fiat has pulled the covers off an all-new roadster - the 124 Spider.

Unveiled almost 50 years since its famous predecessor was launched, the new model pays homage to the 'style and attitude' of the original car. 

The compact, lightweight rear-wheel drive Spider is powered by a MultiAir Turbo engine and features 'sophisticated suspension' and 'steering tuned for driving pleasure, roof up or down'.

Designed at Centro Stile in Turin, Italy, the new Fiat 124 Spider takes its inspiration from the 1966 original, not only in terms of its proportions and stance but also in terms of its detailing. A horizontal line emerges from the front wing, kicking up over the rear haunch and flowing toward the tail lamp, aping the distinctive bodywork of the original car, while the style and position of the LED headlamps, and the hexagonal upper grille, both draw heavily from the details of the classic roadster.

The bonnet of the new sports car also emulates the 'twin power domes' of the second-generation Fiat 124 Spider while the rear view is defined by two main features - the "seagull" wings, the upper surface of which fall inward toward the decklid, and the sharp horizontal tail lamps, which incorporate a new Fiat stylistic sign of body-coloured inserts launched with the new Fiat 500. An integrated rear spoiler enhances the aerodynamic performance of the new Fiat 124 Spider, while twin exhaust outlets underline the performance capability of the engine.

The interior 'mixes Italian style with the classic ingredients of a driver-focussed roadster'. The low-slung seats are comprised of a lightweight net structure with a unique foam shape and are trimmed in premium upholstery, aligning the driver with the sporty steering wheel and ideally-located pedals and gear-shifter. The three-gauge instrument cluster with its central rev-counter 'hints at the excitement awaiting the driver' says Fiat.

The operation of the soft top, with spring-assisted opening and closing eliminates the need for a power assist system - while the windows automatically lower and rise when the header-rail lock levers are operated. The new Spider also uses sound insulation to reduce noise while driving with the top up. The soft top is fitted with a headliner inside the vehicle for improved sound absorption and there's a rear package mat to provide further sound absorption and insulation.

Powered by a 1.4-litre MultiAir Turbo engine producing 140hp and 240Nm of torque, it drives the rear wheels for the first time via a lightweight, quick-shifting six-speed manual transmission, specially optimised for this high torque output.

Key to the dynamic abilities of the 124 Spider is its lightweight body structure, achieved using aluminium and high-tensile steel. The suspension of the Fiat 124 Spider is comprised of a double-wishbone front and multilink rear arrangement, with a rear set-up engineered to increase toe-in under high cornering forces for improved stability.

The standard-fit infotainment unit offers a 'high level' of equipment including a USB/auxiliary input, six speakers and Bluetooth connectivity, while the enhanced version features a seven-inch touchscreen display, DAB digital radio, two USB ports, multimedia control, a reversing camera and a 3D navigation system, with phone calls, music and navigation all voice-controlled.

The Fiat 124 Spider will go on sale in the UK during the second half of 2016 with pricing and final specifications to be announced at a later date.

MG3 refreshed for 2016

MG3 refreshed for 2016

The MG3 hatchback has received updates for 2016.

The latest version of the 5-door city car will be available to buy next week, and offers customers better fuel consumption, lower tax and an updated personalisation range - which includes the launch of new combinations and roof colours.

The supermini, which now benefits from a more economical 124g/km of CO2 and a stop-start EU6 engine, also comes with a new chrome grille 'to complement the MG family face'. The MG3's Red Rose and Hello Yellow paints are now available with selected roof colour combinations of white or black.

Matthew Cheyne, Head of Sales and Marketing for MG, said: "The MG3 has continued its success from the day it launched in 2013 and, with all that it offers, it's easy to see why so many people have fallen for our fun-packed and stylish supermini. Now we're giving customers a little bit more, with the addition of some great features, but still keeping the price low; making it great value for money and setting us apart from our competitors.

The MG3 EU6 is the latest car to be launched from the Longbridge site. Customers can choose from the four models starting with the MG3 3Time which costs £8,399 OTR, the MG3 3Form from £9,599, the MG3 3Form Sport from £9,899, an MG3 3Style model from £10,49 and MG3 3Style Lux - which comes with the addition of leather seats and is priced from £10,999 OTR.

New trim and longer-range motors for Electric Renaults

New trim and longer-range motors for Electric Renaults

New trim and longer-range motors for Electric Renaults

New trim and longer-range motors for Electric Renaults

Renault has updated the trim levels of two of its three electric vehicles on sale in the UK, and added new longer-range electric motors.

The ZOE supermini and urban Twizy have been refreshed to bring them into line with the company's combustion-engined vehicles and create a more uniform grading structure across all the brand's models.

The changes to the ZOE line-up have been timed to coincide with the introduction of a new, in-house-developed, longer-range electric motor. The new line up, with previous models in brackets, consists of Expression Nav (Expression), Dynamique Nav (Dynamique Intens) and Dynamique Nav Rapid Charge (Dynamique Intens). Expression Nav and Dynamique Nav feature the new motor, known as the R240, while Dynamique Nav Rapid Charge retains the original power unit. All three grades of ZOE are available to buy as either battery hire or full purchase 'ZOE i' versions.

The new R240 motor extends the operating range by almost 15 per cent to 149 miles in the New European Driving Cycle. It gives the ZOE a real-world range of 71 to 106 miles, depending on driving style, the use of electrical features like air conditioning, the season and where the car is being driven.

It also features integrated rather than stacked modules, with reduced gaps and no external power cables so that it is more compact. It also has a simplified air-cooling system and a three-in-one junction box incorporating the Chameleon charger and power electronics to form a single unit called the Power Electronic Controller. In the R240 motor this is the only part which is water-cooled.

The result is a 10 per cent reduction in size with no loss of performance, and with reduced energy consumption and faster charge times. This makes it especially suitable for use in smaller cars.

Both motors develop a maximum output of 65kW (88hp) and near-instantaneous maximum torque of 220Nm available in less than one-hundredth of a second. They deliver identical driving performance, with 0-30mph attainable in around four seconds and 0-50mph in 8.6 seconds.

The decision to offer two motors comes about because Renault says it has identified distinct types of use among its EV customers. Many have regular driving patterns, and will therefore appreciate the increased range and reduced charging requirements with the R240 motor. But others are less predictable in the way they use their car. For them, ultimate range is usually not a handicap - but they need the ability to rapid-charge to 80 per cent of battery capacity in the shortest possible time on occasions.

For the Twizy model, 'Expression' replaces the former Urban version and 'Dynamique' takes the place of Technic in the line-up while the Cargo remains unchanged. There have been minor changes to colours, trims and wheels.

The Renault ZOE is priced from £13,445 after the Government's Plug-in Car Grant while the Twizy starts at £6,895 OTR for the Expression.