IRELAND - SEAT add's a new model to the popular Toledo range, with more kit and a great price.

• New SE Advanced model is the flagship of the Toledo range
• Upgrade from SE to SE Advanced for only €1,250
• Prices from €21,220 including Alcantara seats, keyless entry/start system, 17” alloys and more

SEAT has today revealed details of a new addition to the SEAT Toledo range. The new model, the Toledo SE Advanced, is a flagship model in Ireland and represents an upgrade from the SE model for just an additional €1,250 and offers a host of extra features.

The Toledo SE Advanced is equipped with all the same features as the SEAT Toledo SE including climatic air conditioning, cruise control, cornering front lights, a media system colour (with USB, Aux-In, SD Card, and Bluetooth which controls both phone and media), front and rear electric windows, a leather multi-function steering wheel and gear knob and ambient lighting in the foot well.

With features such as Alcantara seats, keyless entry/start system, front and rear parking sensors, rear LED lights and 17” ‘Dynamic’ alloy wheels, the SE Advanced model goes one step further than the Toledo SE. Normally all of these additional features would amount to €2,200 but cost just €1,250 when upgrading from the Toledo SE resulting in savings of €950 or 45% customer saving.

Available to order now, the Toledo SE Advanced is available in the same engine line-up as the SE, namely 1.2-litre 90bhp TSI petrol, 1.4-litre 90bhp TDI diesel, or the 1.6-litre 115bhp TDI diesel. 

The Toledo SE Advanced is now available to test drive across SEAT’s 22 strong dealer network. The Toledo range can be purchased from as little as €209 per month with PCP through Volkswagen Bank.

Neil Dalton, Head of Marketing and Product at SEAT Ireland commented; “We are delighted to announce details of the SEAT Toledo SE Advanced, yet another addition to SEAT’s growing product range. The Toledo SE Advanced, a flagship model within the Toledo range boasts a number  of top class features and offers excellent value for money which is very important to us at SEAT.”

For more information log-on to www.seat.ie

* Finance on SEAT TOLEDO 1.2TSI 90HP SE Advanced, rate is based from the SEAT Finance calculator using 31% deposit and 36 month term.

Prices:

SEAT Toledo SE Advanced 1.2-litre 90bhp TSI petrol €21,220.00

SEAT Toledo SE Advanced 1.4-litre 90bhp TDI diesel €22,925.00

SEAT Toledo SE Advanced 1.4-litre 90bhp TDI diesel DSG €24,675.00

SEAT Toledo SE Advanced 1.6-litre 115bhp TDI diesel €23,625.00

The Mercedes-Benz GLA Crossover, gets added kit, better mpg and new infotainment systems.

With its progressive design, comfortable everyday driving, off-road capability and versatility, the Mercedes-Benz GLA is a decidedly progressive interpretation of the compact SUV. All-new for model year 2015, the GLA for 2016 delivers new infotainment features and user technology and additional standard amenities.

The GLA is part of an extensive Mercedes-Benz SUV portfolio that includes the new midsize GLC, the GLE (formerly ML-Class), GL and G and gives the company the widest SUV range of any European premium manufacturer.

The first Mercedes-Benz in the fast-growing compact SUV segment, the GLA is highly maneuverable around town, lively on country roads and athletic and efficient on the highway. The GLA’s flexible interior offers a generous luggage compartment that can be loaded easily thanks to the standard power tailgate, wide cargo opening and low loading sill.

Turbocharged Performance, Dual-Clutch Automatic

The GLA250’s turbocharged 2.0-liter gasoline engine uses direct fuel injection and uses an ECO start/stop function to conserve fuel. This high-spirited powerplant generates 208 hp and 258 lb.-ft. of torque and is exclusively teamed to a 7-speed dual clutch automatic transmission. The combination allows the GLA250 to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in under an estimated 7.1 seconds, yet also returns 35-MPG EPA-estimated highway fuel economy.

The GLA250 comes standard with front-wheel drive and available with a new generation of 4MATIC all-wheel drive. So equipped, the GLA can tackle rough terrain in and away from the urban landscape, including the beach, loose ground and unpaved roads.

The high-performance AMG GLA45, which comes standard with AMG 4MATIC, is exclusively equipped with a hand-built AMG 2.0-liter engine producing 355 hp and 332 lb.-ft. The AMG GLA45 can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds.

Upgrades for Second Season

For 2016, the Mercedes GLA debuts a new infotainment system with upgraded standard features, anchored by a larger 7.0-in. display (vs. 5.8-in. before) and including a media interface and pre-wiring for Garmin® Map Pilot navigation. Voices will sound clearer thanks to new HD Voice for compatible mobile devices.

Underscoring its premium positioning, the GLA250 gains several standard amenities for 2016, including KEYLESS START, dual-zone climate control and seat cushion length adjustment. DYNAMIC SELECT replaces AGILITY SELECT and allows the driver to choose from four performance modes, “Comfort”, “ECO”, “Sport” and “Sport+.”

Mercedes reconfigured GLA option packages for 2016, as well. KEYLESS-GO becomes part of the Premium Package and also remains available as a stand-alone option. The available Rear View Camera now provides 180-degree view functionality. The power passenger seat is now available as a stand-alone option.

New for 2016, multi-color Ambient Lighting is included with the Interior Package and can also be added as a standalone option. The optional Night Package, available in conjunction with the Sport Package, adds a custom look with gloss black exterior trim and black wheels. A dramatic design deserves a dramatic color option; for the GLA, Kryptonite Green metallic replaces Universe Blue for 2016. Inside, available two-tone beige/black leather interior replaces gray leather.

The Look of SUVs to Come

The GLA design conveys a youthful, sporty persona through a muscular stance and classic Mercedes-Benz cues. The low greenhouse, raised ride height and large wheel arches give the GLA an athletic stance. The prominent, confident, upright front end with a central star in the grille lends a muscular appeal and also shows a kinship with the brand’s coupes and sports cars. Powerdomes on the hood, for example, recall a similar feature on the classic Mercedes 300SL Gullwing.

Optional Bi-Xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights use tri-functional fiber optics to give the lights their characteristic nighttime signature. The standard fog lamps are integrated into the front bumper. A simulated skid plate and contrasting dark-gray sill panels emphasize the vehicle’s rugged attitude. The panels begin low at the front bumper and provide protection against stone impacts.

The profile view likewise conveys the GLA’s performance, capability and premium quality. The line of the beltline trim gradually rises from the rear door to the C-pillar. Impressions in the side panel are reminiscent of an excavator’s teeth to accentuate the SUV character. The GLA features standard 18-inch wheels, with 19-inch wheels optionally available. Chrome roof rails are standard.

Muscular rear haunches and the inward taper of the C-pillars give the GLA a wide, “planted” stance, an impression reinforced by curved rear window, roof spoiler, chrome garnish and silver-metallic skid plate.

Interior: Pure Mercedes Luxury, Youthful Appeal

The GLA’s muscular exterior theme continues into the cabin, which is highlighted by a contoured design and high-quality materials. Silver-shadow trim surfaces create a metallic finish with a “cool-touch” effect.

The dashboard features an upper and lower section, each with a different look and feel. Matte and glossy surface graining creates a 3D effect. The aluminum or wood dashboard trim dividing the sections is punctuated by five round air vents, each with a butterfly-shaped insert to vary the airflow. The available matte satin finish wood trim is especially elegant and also pleasing to touch.

The large, freestanding central display – a Mercedes-Benz signature technology feature— has a high-gloss piano-black facing and a flush-fitting surround in silver-shadow. A 3-spoke steering wheel with 12 function switches and a silver spoke design is standard equipment.

The choice of standard MB-Tex or optional leather upholstery, in numerous color combinations, allows plenty of scope for individualization. Sports seats with integrated head restraints are available as part of the optional Interior Package. The seat design is highlighted by an opening in the lower section of the head restraint. On the rear of the seats, the opening is framed by silver-shadow trim and illuminated by standard ambient lighting.

The much-imitated Mercedes-Benz power seat controls for the driver are set into a metallic-look trim panel on the door. The door panels themselves, featuring soft, matte surfaces and a chrome trim strip, exude a premium feel usually not seen in compact SUVs.

Aerodynamics: Say Goodbye to the Box

The Mercedes GLA’s sleek shape owes much to the wind tunnel, where optimization touched every surface, including the mirrors, as well as unseen features, such as seals in the front bumper in the radiator area and around the headlights. Extensive underbody paneling, and even an aerodynamically optimized muffler and diffuser, improve the airflow.

The excellent aerodynamics also contribute to cabin quietness, which is further ensured in the GLA by multi-level door seals, additional sealing of the gap between the tailgate and the roof and side seals on the tailgate. Especially rigid window frames prevent the airflow from pulling on the doors at higher speeds, and also reduce vibrations. Wind noise has also been minimized by the low-angle A-pillar and exterior mirrors mounted to the doors rather than the window corners.

Sporty Chassis for Sporty Moves

An especially rigid body structure provides the foundation for agile handling and a commendably smooth ride in the Mercedes GLA. There are additional reinforcements to the B-pillars, front damper domes, side members and underbody.

The GLA features a MacPherson front suspension, and its independent multilink rear suspension uses three control arms and one trailing arm per wheel. This arrangement separates longitudinal and lateral dynamics. The wheel carriers and control arms are aluminum to reduce unsprung weight. When equipped with 4MATIC, the rear axle subframe is isolated with rubber bushings to enhance ride comfort.

Electromechanical power steering provides excellent feedback to the driver and also plays a role in reducing fuel consumption, since assistance only requires energy when the vehicle is steered. The system also enables various steering assistance functions that are initiated by the ESP® control unit. These include countersteering when the vehicle oversteers, steering corrections when braking on surfaces with different levels of grip, reducing the effects of front-wheel drive on the steering and compensation of cross-winds and road camber.

All-Weather Friend: New-Generation 4MATIC All-Wheel Drive

The GLA’s new generation 4MATIC all-wheel drive system features fully variable torque distribution. The system can instantly send up to 50 percent of the engine’s torque to the rear wheels in response to changing driving conditions. 4MATIC enhances traction in slippery situations, of course, but also provides even more grip for outstanding agility on all roads and in all weather.

The 7-speed dual clutch automatic transmission integrates a power take-off to the rear differential, which uses an integrated, electro-hydraulically controlled multi-disc clutch. The system is lighter than some competitive vehicles’ systems and also more energy-efficient.

Off-Road Action

The GLA250 4MATIC integrates the Off-Road Package, a suite of features designed to enhance performance on rough roads or rugged terrain. Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR) can automatically maintain a preset crawl speed. The touch of a button engages a mode that adapts the shift points, accelerator feedback, ESP® and ABS for off-road driving conditions. A display on the central in-dash screen can show steering angle, tilt angle, torque split, grade percentage and more.

Smart Safety: Advanced Assistance Systems

Standard features include ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection and radar-based COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS with adaptive Brake Assist. ATTENTION ASSIST can warn the driver of inattentiveness and drowsiness.

COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS is a radar-based assistance system with autonomous braking that helps to protect against collisions from speeds of 5-65 mph when following a moving vehicle, and from 5-31 mph when behind a standing vehicle.

The optional Driver Assistance package also offers DISTRONIC Plus, as well as Blind Spot Assist and Lane Keeping Assist. PARKTRONIC with Advance Parking Assist, available as a standalone option, enables autonomous parking in parallel and perpendicular spaces.

mbrace2 Connectivity Standard

Mercedes-Benz, which pioneered automotive telematics 15 years ago, has upgraded its mbrace2 Connected Car Services for 2016, making the new mbrace2 Connect package standard for all models, along with five years of complimentary service.

The mbrace2 Connect package includes Mobile App, Web Services, Roadside Connection, MB Apps (non-streaming), Vehicle Homepage (for electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids), Diagnostics Data and Remote Update for five years. The GLA is one of several 2016 Mercedes models that include a Remote Start function as part of mbrace2 Connect. In addition, customers can choose from three mbrace2 subscription upgrade packages: “Secure,” “Concierge” and “Entertain.”

Citroen C1, the start of a new future for the French brand.

• Citroën launches New C1 in the UK
• On sale from 1 July 2014, priced from £8,245 to £11,935 (MRRP OTR)
• New Airscape versions feature a retractable roof for an open-top driving experience
• Latest-generation petrol powerplants deliver up to 74.3mpg & just 88g/km CO₂
• First Citroën to offer Mirror Screen technology for advanced smartphone connectivity

The New Citroën C1 is the latest generation of the popular city car that has sold more than 780,000 examples worldwide since launch in 2005.

With a cheerful personality, attractive styling and impressive efficiency, the New Citroën C1 delivers an upbeat response to today’s urban mobility requirements and reflects the bold renewal of the Citroën brand. The New C1 is available as both three and five-door versions as a hatchback and as a new open-top body style, named Airscape.

Highlights include;

• More design with dynamic lines and a cheerful front-end gaze characterised by the eye-catching headlights.
• Airscape models can be finished in bi-tone colour schemes and brightly coloured interiors underline the car’s playful character.
• Greater comfort for everyday driving. Agile and nippy, the New C1 marries compact exterior dimensions (just 3.46m long, 1.62m wide, 1.46m tall) for easy handling and a turning circle radius of 4.80m, with a spacious cabin for up to four adults and a 196-litre boot.
• Ride comfort and handling are improved compared to its predecessor.
• More useful technology, including a 7-inch Touch Drive interface and Mirror Screen technology that allows the driver to run selected smartphone apps from the touch screen.
• Keyless entry and start, and a reversing camera are available.
• Hill Start Assist is standard specification.
• Optimised running costs, thanks to a lightweight design and efficient new-generation petrol engines, placing New C1 among the best-in-class for fuel economy.

The New Citroën C1 is on sale now in the UK with prices starting at £8,245.

Three trim levels are offered – Touch, Feel and Flair.

Airscape models are available in Feel and Flair trim.

BUYER PROFILE

The New Citroën C1 is positioned in the A segment (city cars). Buyers in this sector span all generations, with the highest representation amongst younger buyers. Customers are motivated by a combination of affordability, efficiency, attractive styling and driving pleasure.

Two main customer demographics are anticipated for the New Citroën C1;

The first will be young drivers, typically under 30, the majority being female. They are looking for a stylish and affordable city car that is economical to run and fun to drive.

The second group are older couples looking to downsize both economically and practically.

For all buyers, the New Citroën C1 will represent both the ‘smart’ choice, combining comfort, economy and functionality and the ‘fun’ choice, with customisable style, the latest technology and an enjoyable driving experience.

http://www.newspress.co.uk/downloads/mediumQuality/332608/5770.jpg

IRRESISTIBLE STYLING

The New Citroën C1 combines a dynamic, lively design with a spacious, colourful interior and compact exterior dimensions. The styling is underlined by the seemingly continuous glass area from the windscreen into the side windows, with black windscreen pillars and depending on the trim level, chrome-finished weather strips and dark tinted rear windows.

The front features all the key characteristics of the brand’s newest models, with a new two-part headlamp signature and integrated LED daytime running lights creating a smiling front-end gaze in addition to emphasising the car’s cheerful design and strong character.

The lighting effects continue at the rear, with a glass tailgate and the newly designed square light clusters demonstrating a striking 3D effect.

The New Citroën C1 is available in eight exterior colours (including four metallic shades) – Smalt Blue (M), Caldera Black (M), Gallium Grey (M), Carlinite Grey (M), Tapenade Grey, Lipizzan White, Scarlet Red and Sunrise Red, which can be personalised with a choice of chrome door mirrors and door handles on the Flair trim level.

For a touch of urban chic, 14 or 15-inch wheels and covers, and 15-inch diamond-tipped alloys are available.

The interior of the New Citroën C1 is bright and airy with a colourful ambience. With clean, structured lines, the dashboard can feature bright colours on the multimedia panel, air vents and gear lever base. A leather-trimmed steering wheel is also fitted as standard on Flair versions.

AIRSCAPE

The Airscape open-top body style is a new alternative for this popular model and is available with both three and five-door models for an even more enjoyable driving experience and a greater sense of fun.

The exceptionally large canvas soft-top (800mm x 760mm) runs practically the entire length of the roof, is fully opening and electrically controlled as standard. The switch is located in the ceiling panel and the roof can be opened or closed when the car is at a standstill or driving at legal motorway speeds.

An aero-acoustic deflector deploys when the roof is opened to maintain acoustic comfort by limiting in-cabin turbulence. With the roof closed, acoustic comfort is the same as the hatchback version.

Airscape versions can be finished with a bi-tone look. To contrast with the body colour, the roof is available in a choice of three colours – Sunrise Red, Black or Grey.

EASY LIVING

Despite being one of the most compact city cars on the market, the New Citroën C1 is both versatile and practical, carrying up to four adults in comfort, with a spacious front and rear.

The three and five-door versions maintain nimble dimensions with a tight turning circle radius of 4.80m and electric power steering for easy handling – ideal for city parking and manoeuvring.

The New Citroën C1 also combines dynamic, vibrant styling with everyday useful features and an ergonomic design.

The seats have been completely redesigned to improve comfort compared to the previous generation. The new seats boast ergonomic, body-hugging shapes and enhanced side support with new levels of adjustment.

There are storage compartments throughout the cabin, cup-holders and a glovebox with a lid for greater peace-of-mind.

The functional 196-litre boot is easy to access, with the parcel shelf folding away with the tailgate when it is opened. Folding the rear seats increases load capacity to an impressive 780-litres.

The New Citroën C1 offers a range of comfort features, such as automatic air conditioning – a first on the C1 range – and, on 3-door versions, memory settings for the front seats.

USEFUL TECHNOLOGIES

The New Citroën C1 features intuitive, easy-to-use technologies.

It is available with a 7-inch Touch Drive interface that groups together all of the car’s media functions (radio, telephone, on-board computer).

The New C1 is Citroën’s first model to feature Mirror Screen technology, which offers an advanced connectivity solution. This function allows the motorist to copy their smartphone content onto the 7-inch Touch Drive interface for easy display and control.

Users install an app enabling them to connect to and share data via the car’s USB port, they can then access their smartphone’s various functions using the touchscreen. Mirror Screen draws on two technologies – AppinCar developed by Pioneer for iPhone users, and MirrorLink technology, developed by Car Connectivity Consortium for other smartphone brands (Samsung etc.).

Once installed, the motorist can take full advantage of a range of smartphone apps from the 7-inch Touch Drive interface – navigation, telephone, address book, music, web radio and any other useful driving-compatible functions.

A range of on-board technology is also available to make driving easier.

A reversing camera, which projects images onto the 7-inch screen, simplifies manoeuvres such as parking in tight spaces.

Keyless entry and start enables the driver to access and start the car without taking out the electronic key – convenient technology typically seen on more premium models.

Hill-start assist is standard specification across the range. This feature holds the car stationary for two seconds for an easy re-start on slopes with a gradient of over 3%.

A speed limiter and steering mounted controls are also available.

ON-ROAD COMFORT

The New Citroën C1 sets high standards for road handling and ride comfort.

The rear axle is 4kg lighter compared to the previous-generation model, there are new suspension springs, new shock absorbers and a new large-diameter anti-roll bar. These changes improve both suspension comfort and road holding.

A new electric power steering system delivers a precise and enjoyable drive with smooth, satisfying and well controlled steering both in the city and on the open road.

At the same time, new tyres with very low rolling resistance and compact dimensions (14 and 15-inches) contribute to the car’s effective braking performance and its low fuel consumption.

ABS, EBA, ESC, Cornering Stability Control, six airbag and two rear Isofix mounting points are standard equipment and finish a specification that ensures an enjoyable, safe and relaxed driving experience for everyone on board.

OPTIMISED RUNNING COSTS

The New Citroën C1 combines competitive price positioning with optimised running costs.

With a lightweight design (855 – 865kg), very low rolling resistance tyres and Citroën’s latest-generation petrol engines, it is exceptionally efficient and delivers low servicing costs. Sub-100g/km CO₂ across the range also exempts all models from VED.

With the VTi 68 engine with Stop & Start technology mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox, the New Citroën C1 is amongst the best-in-class for fuel economy, with up to 74.3mpg on a combined cycle and just 88g/km of CO₂.

The VTi 68 engine (non-Stop & Start) can be specified with a manual 5-speed gearbox and with the option of an automated manual 5-speed ETG (Efficient Tronic Gearbox). The ETG system features a creep function and optimised pedal mapping, adjusting power effectively for smoother gear changes.

A new choice of power from the PureTech engine family is also offered. This 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder, 82hp petrol engine uses innovative technologies to achieve fuel economy of 65.7mpg (combined cycle) and just 99g/km CO₂. This is combined with rewarding performance, including torque of 116 Nm at 2,750rpm and a 0-62mph acceleration time of 11 seconds.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The New C1 sales split is forecast to be approximately 63% retail and 37% fleet/business.

A New C1 Special Edition is available immediately from launch priced at £10,945 OTR. The C1 Airscape Feel Edition is based on a C1 Airscape Feel VTi 68 5-door, but with additional features;

• 15-inch 'Planet' alloy wheels
• Sunrise Red 'Zebra' B-pillar stickers
• Wheels centre caps matching the roof colour
• Black lower dashboard & air vent trim
• Sunrise Red gear lever base surround & centre console
• Sunrise Red 'Zebra' front carpet mats
• Sunrise Red ‘Zebra’ cloth upholstery
• Rev counter

The New C1 Airscape Feel Edition is available in five body colours – Lipizzan White, Caldera Black, Sunrise Red, Gallium Grey, Scarlet Red – and two fabric roof shades – Black and Sunrise Red.