Saloon

News, Saloon

VIDEO: Vauxhall confirms pricing for all-new Insignia Grand Sport

Vauxhall has confirmed prices for its Insignia Grand Sport will start at just over £17k OTR. Based on a completely new vehicle architecture, the 2017 model is 175kg lighter than the previous generation and features new technology such as the Head-up-Display and IntelliLux LED matrix headlights. A choice of six petrol and diesel engines are available with an all-new 1.5-litre petrol unit pumping out 250PS, while the 1.6-litre diesel returns up to 70.6mpg. Order books for the all-new Insignia Grand Sport are open now, with first deliveries beginning in May.

News, Saloon, Family car

VIDEO: Porsche adds versatile Sport Turismo to Panamera range

Porsche has added a new bodystyle to its Panamera range - revealing the more spacious Sport Turismo. The new model is based on the sports saloon, yet is more versatile with an increased luggage compartment of up to 570 litres - thanks to a raised roof line and larger tailgate. The new model will be available with five engines borrowed from the sports saloon, offering up to 550 bhp. The new Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo is set for market launch in October.

Saloon, News, Motorshow

VIDEO: Volkswagen reveals new Arteon in Geneva

The new Volkswagen Arteon has made its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show. Replacing the CC, the five-door GT becomes the top model in the VW range - and combines sports car elements with the space of a fastback. The Arteon will be available in three trim levels: standard, elegance and R-line - seen here - and comes with a choice of six turbocharged petrol and diesel engines. Top of the range models get the dual clutch DSG transmission and 4MOTION all-wheel drive as standard. Prices for the new Arteon are expected to start from around £30k.

News, Sports car, Saloon

VIDEO: BMW reveals new M Performance 7 Series flagship

A new range-topping BMW M Performance 7 Series has been revealed. The flagship M760Li xDrive is powered by a 6.6-litre engine, pumping out 610 bhp for a 0-62mph time of 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 189mph, with the optional M Driver’s Package. The standard-fit eight-speed Sport transmission has been specially adapted for sportier gear changes, while an M aerodynamic package with larger air intakes at the front is joined by exclusive 20-inch light-alloy wheels and M sports exhaust system with flap control, for a ‘rich V12 soundtrack’.

Motorshow, News, Sports car, Saloon

VIDEO: New Stinger is fastest ever production Kia

Following on from its World debut in Detroit, Kia’s new high-performance sports saloon – the Stinger - has been revealed in European spec. The fastest production Kia to date features a long bonnet, short overhangs and a fastback roofline. The rear-wheel-drive five-seater is powered by a choice of two petrol engines or a diesel - all turbocharged - mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Kia says it’s targeting a 0-62 mph time of 5.1 seconds and a top speed of 167 mph. The new Stinger is set to arrive in Europe later this year.

Estate, News, Saloon

VIDEO: Skoda refreshes Octavia saloon and estate

Skoda has facelifted its Octavia saloon and estate, with crisp lines, a new grille and new LED dual headlights. The rear has also been tweaked, while on the inside new features includes updated driver assistance technology and a choice of three new touch screen infotainment systems. Two petrol and two diesel engines will be available from launch when the revamped Skoda Octavia hits showrooms early next year.

Hot Hatch, Hatchback, Motor Show, News, Sports car, Saloon

VIDEO: Coming to a showroom near you

It isn't all Concepts and performance cars in Paris as many forthcoming production models were also on show. Kia revealed its all new fourth-generation Rio. With a ‘progressive’ new design and a longer wheelbase, Kia promises class-leading practicality and safety. Nissan’s all-new 5th generation Micra is aimed at the European market as opposed to the global design of its predecessor. It will come with a 0.9-litre petrol engine or a 1.5-litre diesel unit when it launches in March 2017. The new Audi RS 3 made its debut in saloon form. The RS 3’s transversely-mounted 2.5-litre TFSI engine delivers a 0-62 mph time of 4.1 seconds, and a top speed of 174mph. Hyundai pulled the covers off it all-new i30. Designed in Europe the i30 features a newly developed Cascading front grille, while power comes from a downsized engine line-up including an all-new 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine.

Hybrid, News, Saloon, Electric car

VIDEO: Hyundai subjects Massimo Pini to the Driving Emotion Test

Hyundai challenged NEWCARNET’s very own Massimo Pini to take a driving test – with a difference…

His wrists, fingers and ear were hooked up to a series of sensors designed to monitor his emotional state behind the wheel for a special Driving Emotion Test.

Our driver was monitored during a 45-minute trip through busy London streets using clever facial coding technology developed by Hyundai, working with expert behavioural psychologists.

Taking his seat as one of the very first people in the UK to sample the brand new IONIQ Hybrid model, our Editor-in-Chief was subjected to something of an assault on the senses: 

• A variety of drinks and snacks were fed to him 

• He was blasted with loud music as well as the sound of car horns and irate drivers

• A range of scents and smells - some pleasant, some less so - were introduced to the interior

Despite the heating also being cranked up a number of times with the windows closed to get him all ‘hot and bothered’, Massimo seemed to come through the Driving Emotion Test relatively unscathed.

But the proof of the pudding will be in the final results, when his score will be benchmarked against 1,000 respondents from a nationwide study.

Estate, News, Saloon

VIDEO: Mazda6 Saloon and Estate range refreshed

Mazda has refreshed its Saloon and Estate Mazda6 models. Highlights include technology updates, interior improvements and the introduction of G-Vectoring Control - which varies engine torque to each individual wheel, improving handling. As before, there are two petrol and two diesel engines on offer, although the 2.2 diesel unit now has reduced turbo lag and more torque. Prices are set to remain unchanged when the revamped Mazda6 goes on sale later this year.

Luxury, Saloon, News

VIDEO: New Porsche Panamera unveiled

Porsche has revealed its second generation Panamera. The luxury four-door Gran Tourer has a more sporty appearance which includes a new, lower sloping roof line - inspired by the Porsche 911. On the inside, a tablet style interactive control replaces traditional hard keys while four individual sports seats are wrapped in fine leather. Introducing a new diesel engine to the range, there’s still room for a 550 bhp V8 petrol unit, which can propel the Panamera Turbo to 62 in 3.6 seconds and on to a top speed of 190 mph.

News, Saloon, Sports car

VIDEO: Alfa Romeo confirms Giulia Quadrifoglio pricing

Alfa Romeo has confirmed pricing for the all-new Giulia Quadrifoglio will start at £59,000 OTR. Powered by a new 510bhp V6 petrol engine,  mated to an eight-speed paddle shift automatic transmission, the Giulia Quadrifoglio has a 0-62mph time of 3.9 seconds and a top speed of over 190mph. Standard spec includes 19-inch alloy wheels, plenty of carbon fibre and an Alfa Active Aero front splitter. The Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio will be available to this summer.

Concept car, News, Luxury, Saloon

VIDEO: Rolls-Royce reveals ultra luxurious concept

Rolls-Royce has revealed its ultra luxurious ‘Vision Next 100’ concept. As parent company BMW celebrates its centenary, the special Rolls-Royce explores what luxury mobility might look like over the next 100 years. The concept runs on an advanced suspension that allows the vehicle to almost skim across the road surface while on the luxurious inside, the ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’ emblem has been reimagined as Eleanor - a virtual assistant and chauffeur. The crowning feature has to its the concept’s glass canopy which lifts to allow the occupant to stand as they exit onto the projected red carpet.

Events, Sports car, Quirky, Saloon, Coupe, Classic car

VIDEO: Falken tests its Tyres to the extreme

 

Falken Tyres enlisted the help of a drift school to put its products through an extreme test. Among the souped-up Japanese imports, one 18-year-old car enthusiast brought along his heavily modified Morris Marina shod with Falken Sincera tyres. Underneath the fading Green paint of the 900kg car lies a Ford Mondeo Zetec engine, Sierra gearbox and uprated suspension. Drift champion and Falken team driver James Deane enjoyed a slide in the old Marina but may just stick with his 750 horsepower Nissan.

Concept car, Coupe, Hydrogen car, Motor Show, Supercar, Sports car, Saloon

VIDEO: London Motor Show opens its doors

The first London Motor Show in 8 years has been officially opened by His Royal Highness Prince Michael of Kent, at Battersea Park. With all the major carmakers under one roof, UK debuts included the new MG GS - the British brand’s first SUV - as well as the McLaren 570GT and the Infiniti Q60 coupe. TVR wheeled out the great Gordon Murray to disappoint the assembled press by seemingly lining up a world debut for its new sportscar, only to reveal, well - nothing. Order books opened for the sexy new Mexican-built supercar, the VUHL 05 with prices starting from £59,000 OTR while Riversimple presented its Hydrogen car concept, the RASA, capable of travelling 300 miles with only water vapour for emissions.

Luxury, Saloon, Motorshow, Technology, Events

VIDEO: British-built cars line-up for Frankfurt send-off

Senior UK car industry executives teamed up with Business Secretary Sajid Javid to give British-built cars a unique send-off to the Frankfurt Motor Show. The event coincided with news that total investment in the UK's automotive sector this year, has topped £2 billion, with more than 4,500 new jobs created. Among the 10 cars flying the British flag, the brand new Rolls-Royce Dawn was seen in public for the first time ahead of its Frankfurt world premiere.

Saloon, Sports car

VIDEO: All-new Alfa Romeo Giulia unveiled

Alfa Romeo has revealed its all-new Giulia. The new rear-wheel drive sports saloon features plenty of Carbon fibre with a 50/50 weight distribution, short overhangs and a long bonnet – under which lies a range of new engines - including a bespoke unit for the flagship model. Tuned by engineers from a 'Ferrari background' the lightweight aluminium V6 turbo engine delivers 510bhp, propelling the Giulia Quadrifoglio from 0 to 62 in just 3.9 seconds. Pricing has yet to be confirmed.

Luxury, Saloon

VIDEO: All-new BMW 7 Series unveiled

BMW has launched its all-new 7 Series. A new generation of power units includes a plug-in hybrid system and a petrol V8, mated to an eight-speed Steptronic transmission. The new BMW flagship weighs 130kgs less than the outgoing model thanks to a carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic body structure combined with steel and aluminium. Luxuriously appointed, rear seat passengers enjoy an ‘Executive Lounge’ with massage chairs and a panoramic glass roof. Prices for the new BMW 7 Series have yet to be announced.

Saloon, Estate

VIDEO: BMW 3 Series facelifted for 2015

BMW has facelifted its new 3 Series Saloon and Touring models. Revised headlights now include optional LED units while under the bonnet the majority of engines are completely new. The 340i saloon features a new 3.0 litre six-cylinder engine producing 320 horsepower and 450 Nm of torque, while the new 330d Touring has a 0-62mph time of 5.6 seconds and returns 55mpg on the combined cycle. The new BMW 3 Series goes on sale in July with prices yet to be announced.

 

Saloon, Family car

VIDEO: New BMW 7 Series prototype tested

BMW has released further details of its next generation 7 Series. The new Saloon features extensive use of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic borrowed from BMW's i division, increasing rigidity and strength while weighing in 130kg lighter than the outgoing model. New engines and a new eight-speed Steptronic gearbox also feature on the new range-topping 7 Series which also debuts a new remote control parking option and an infotainment system controlled by hand gestures. Pricing and further specification have yet to be announced.