Kia adds two new trim levels to the ever popular Sportage SUV model.

• Introduction of a ‘GT Line S’ and ‘KX-5’ model.
• 1.7 CRDi engine with a 7-speed auto DCT on ‘2’ and ‘3’ grades.
• Upgrades to paint options and the multimedia system including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

December brings new changes to the all-new Sportage. The model, launched in February 2016, has had a huge 35,000 sold since then.

As well as the introduction of a ‘GT-line S’ model, a ‘KX-5’ version and a 1.7 DCT powertrain are now available. An updated multimedia system and new paint options have been added to the line-up. 

This means 2017 is set to be an exciting year for Sportage customers and the Korean car manufacturer hopes they will continue the Sportage’s popularity well into 2017.

‘GT-Line’ on Sportage has proved to be a big success in its first year, and now the range sees an even higher specification, the ‘GT-Line S’. 

This will provide the looks and styling of the GT-Line with a number of high level specification items to add further appeal to the line-up. The ‘GT-Line S’ will be paired with the high powered 2.0 CRDi 6-speed auto and the 1.6 T-GDi 7-speed auto DCT powertrains. 

Additions also include a heated steering wheel, headlamp washers, bi-xenon headlamps, smart park assist system plus much more.

Replacing the ‘First Edition’ is the KX-5. This is a range-topping high end, highly specified model that showcases the full extent of technology that the Sportage range has to offer, available with a 2.0 CRDi engine and 6-speed automatic transmission.  It features two-tone leather upholstery, electronic parking brake, wireless phone charging plus much more over the KX-4.

On ‘2’ and ‘3’ grades, the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) paired with the 1.7 CRDi engine will be available. This improves the MPG and lowers the CO₂ when compared to traditional automatics. MY17 Sportage also has an upgraded multimedia system from the ‘2’ grade and above offering a number of key improvements such as 3D Mapping, SD map updates, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

As for the updated paint strategy, customers can choose whether to have Standard at no additional cost or Optional and Premium paint colours, for which the price will vary accordingly.

Three new variants added to popular Yeti Monte Carlo range giving the buyer an ever better choice of models.

• Three new variants added to popular Yeti Monte Carlo range
• 1.2 TSI 110PS petrol and 2.0 TDI 110PS diesel now available
• Seven-speed DSG option with 1.2 TSI 110PS engine
• Prices start from £19,700 for 1.2 TSI 110PS manual model
• Specification includes 17-inch alloy wheels and Bi-Xenon headlamps

ŠKODA is expanding its in-demand Yeti Monte Carlo range with the addition of two new engines. Following its introduction to the Yeti line-up last year, the sporty Monte Carlo variant has proved extremely popular with buyers – prompting ŠKODA to offer an even broader and more affordable range for 2016.

Originally available with a 2.0 TDI 150PS diesel, the Yeti Monte Carlo range now features a 1.2 TSI 110PS petrol and 2.0 TDI 110PS diesel – with the former offered with an optional seven-speed DSG gearbox.

The arrival of the two new engine options has the added advantage of making the Yeti Monte Carlo an even more affordable proposition, with the 1.2 TSI 110PS model starting at just £19,700 OTR. Adding the DSG automatic gearbox increases the price to £20,800 OTR while the new 2.0 TDI 110PS diesel is priced at £21,045 OTR.

All three new models are front-wheel drive and come with generous specification lists and a striking design package. This consists of 17-inch Origami alloy wheels finished in gloss black, Bi-Xenon headlamps with cornering function and dynamic angle control, black roof and door mirrors and black spoilers at the front and rear. In addition, all versions feature a black front grille, Monte Carlo badging and LED rear lights.

Inside, standard equipment includes a three-spoke Supersport leather multifunction steering wheel, sports seats with Monte Carlo upholstery and Monte Carlo floor mats, instrument cluster and door sill trims.

The new models are available to order now, and join an already established line-up of Monte Carlo models that are available on the Citigo and Fabia ranges. Inspired by ŠKODA’s rich sporting history, the badge first appeared in 1937 on the Popular Sport Monte Carlo Coupe – a special edition model built to celebrate the brand’s success in the 1936 Monte Carlo Rally. The badge was re-introduced to the range in 2011 on the Fabia Monte Carlo.

The new Skoda Octavia VRs now with 4x4 option available now, this is one capable car.

• New Octavia vRS 4x4 available in hatch and estate forms
• Prices from £27,315 (hatch) and £28,515 (Estate)
• Exceptional performance, traction and economy - perfect for the British winter
• On sale and available at ŠKODA retailers across the country
• High equipment levels with satellite navigation and bi-xenon headlights as standard

Mother nature might be doing her best to make life as difficult as possible for British drivers, but ŠKODA is fighting back with the arrival of a new four-wheel drive version of the acclaimed Octavia vRS. Designed to conquer road conditions that blight UK roads through the dark winter months, the new Octavia vRS 4x4 has officially landed in retailers across the country.

The Octavia vRS 4x4 marks a further expansion of the vRS range, and follows hot in the wheel-tracks of the vRS 230 model unveiled last year. Available in both hatch and estate form, the new vRS 4x4 is priced from £27,315 (£28,515 Estate) and brings all-wheel-drive capability to the vRS range for the first time.

Powered by a 2.0 TDI 184PS diesel engine and equipped with a six-speed DSG gearbox as standard, the vRS 4x4 combines a high torque output (380Nm between 1,750-3,250rpm) with surefooted traction delivered by its four-wheel-drive system. Designed to maximise grip in all conditions, the four-wheel-drive system constantly monitors traction at each wheel and directs power to whichever axle requires it.

Like its vRS siblings, the new 4x4 model also features a host of engineering features that allow drivers to fully and safely exploit the car’s performance potential. These include multi-link sports suspension and electronic differential lock XDS+ for dynamic cornering, progressive steering and numerous assistance systems for enhanced safety and comfort. The vRS also features a striking design package that includes unique vRS bumpers, spoiler and interior. 

In terms of performance, Octavia vRS 4x4 hatch models can sprint from zero to 62mph in just 7.6 seconds (Estate 7.7 seconds) – some 0.3 seconds quicker than the two-wheel-drive model). Yet despite this sharper performance, the vRS 4x4 still enjoys remarkable fuel economy, returning 57.7mpg on the combined cycle (56.5mpg Estate). CO₂ output figures are 129g/km for the hatch and 131g/km for the estate.

Prices for the Octavia vRS 4x4 range start from £27,315 OTR for the Hatch and £28,515 OTR for the Estate, a premium of £1,450 over the two-wheel-drive model. And, as customers have come to expect from ŠKODA, the vRS 4x4 comes packed with standard equipment, including  Amundsen touchscreen satellite navigation system, 18-inch Gemini anthracite alloy wheels, bi-xenon headlights, sports suspension and dual-zone climate control with humidity sensor.

More than 30,000 Octavia vRS models have been sold in the UK since its introduction in 2001. Its unique combination of performance, value and unrivalled levels of space has made it a popular choice with UK buyers.

The third-generation ŠKODA Octavia vRS was launched in 2013 at the Goodwood Festival of Speed and has enjoyed strong demand across all markets with more than 58,000 units produced to date. The UK remains one the strongest markets for the vRS, with more than 30,000 Octavia vRS models sold since the brand was introduced in 2001. In total, more than 165,000 Octavia vRS models have been built.

Ford has already seen pre-orders race towards 1,500 for the All-New Ford Focus RS Performance hatchback.

Ford’s all-new Focus RS has raced up to 1,500 orders from UK buyers without a single test drive being taken. In the month before prices and specifications were announced at September’s Frankfurt Show, 500 Focus RS fans had already paid deposits to secure the first cars.

Since then Ford dealers have logged a stream of 1,000 further prospective buyers keen to be among the first to take delivery from Spring.

Since the wraps first came off the 165mph Focus – the fastest-accelerating model ever to carry the famous RS badge – Ford dealers have been deluged by prospective purchasers keen to be among the first to take delivery.

Though the all-new Focus RS features an extensive list of standard equipment, not least a specially engineered version of Ford’s new 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine delivering a maximum power output of 350PS, there is a comprehensive array of optional extras available.

“These enthusiasts are taking great care in building their optimum specification,” said Andy Barratt, Ford of Britain chairman and managing director.

“We expected those first in the queue, many of whom are owners of previous RS models, to be exacting about their requirements, and so it has proved, with many opting for motorsport-style Recaro shell front seats, 19in black forged alloy wheels, luxury pack, electric tilt/side sunroof and Ford SYNC2 navigation and sound system.”

There is a choice of five different colour finishes, including Metallic and Mica options.

The all-new Focus RS, which has a recommended on the road price of £28,940, is a technological powerhouse featuring Ford Performance All-Wheel Drive with Dynamic Torque Vectoring and Launch Control technology which delivers 0-62mph acceleration in just 4.7sec.

While the new all-aluminium 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine shares its fundamental structure with the four-cylinder engine in the all-new Ford Mustang, it has been upgraded for the Focus RS to deliver 10 per cent more power. The engine features a new low-inertia twin-scroll turbocharger with larger compressor, enhanced air intake design, and a large-bore high performance exhaust system.

Standard equipment includes 19in multispoke alloy wheels, 350mm ventilated front disc brakes, RS performance rear spoiler, twin high-performance exhaust, Bi-Xenon headlamps, Recaro front seats, dual-zone electronic temperature control, heated windscreen and washer jets and a Thatcham Category 1 alarm system.