ŠKODA is top auto brand in latest Institute of Customer Satisfaction report

• ŠKODA is top auto brand in latest Institute of Customer Satisfaction report
• High customer satisfaction maintained along with 14 per cent increase in sales
• Over 10,000 customers quizzed in nationwide survey

ŠKODA UK is celebrating this week after the brand topped the automotive table in the latest UK Customer Satisfaction Index Summary (UKCSI) produced by the Institute of Customer Service. ŠKODA was in the top 10 per cent of all organisations across all industry sectors.

ŠKODA achieved an index of 82.7 to scoop the top spot in the automotive sector, putting the brand 4.1 points ahead of the average for the automotive industry (78.6). 

Overall this places ŠKODA 18^th of all the 197 organisations which featured in the UKCSI’s findings, among other major consumer brands such as John Lewis, Marks & Spencer and Amazon.

David Allen, Head of Customer Quality and Network Development for ŠKODA UK, commented: “Customer service is at the heart of what we do. We appreciate feedback from organisations such as the Institute of Customer Service to validate the steps that we take to ensure that each and every ŠKODA customer has a positive experience.

“This month’s findings are a testament to the hard work of each of the brand’s 134 retailers. I’d like to extend my thanks to them in helping us to bring our second-to-none service and award-winning range to customers across the UK.”

The UKCSI is the national measure of customer service, rating 180 leading organisations across 13 sectors. Launched in January 2008, it includes responses from over 10,000 individual consumers.

The Institute of Customer Service is an independent professional membership body for customer service. The Institute’s purpose stands to improve customer experience and drive business performance by delivering tangible benefits to its organisational and individual members. The Institute boasts a membership body of over 400 organisations from across the private, public and third sectors; and over 5,000 individual members.

Jo Causon, Chief Executive of the Institute of Customer Service, commented: “Many organisations are struggling to keep pace with a business environment that has undergone rapid change in recent months... [but] some brands are improving customer satisfaction by operating in an agile and innovative way...”

Uber rare, Unregistered, 31 miles only, & for sale, that will be the 1992 Lancia Delta Intergrale

One of the most iconic cars of the last 30 years, a 1992 Lancia Delta Integrale with just 31 miles from new, is to be auctioned by Silverstone Auctions at its Race Retro Sale in Warwickshire on 21^st and 22^nd February.

Estimated at between £90,000 - £110,000, this ‘brand new’ car is being offered at auction for the first time ever. Amazingly the car has only ever been driven on the road once on its journey from the supplying dealer to the current owner, where it has remained in perfect storage conditions for the last 22 years.

“As a limited edition special, produced to celebrate the Integrale’s success in the World Rally Championship, these cars are incredibly rare indeed,” comments Guy Lees-Milne, General Manager, Silverstone Auctions. “So, to find such a perfect example with just a few miles on the clock really is an exceptional feat. What’s more, there are few surroundings more appropriate than Race Retro to offer the car for sale.”

Finished in desirable white with the iconic Martini drinks company livery, the car is one of a limited run of just 400 that were produced to celebrate the Integrale’s fifth consecutive World Rally manufacturers’ championship for Lancia.

In order to improve the car’s handling, the ‘Evoluzione’ homologation specials featured a wider track at both the front and rear than earlier Deltas. In order to fit the track into the bodywork, the wide wheel arches were extended even further. 

To compensate for a slight increase in weight and larger frontal area, the 16V turbo engine was remapped to deliver an impressive 210bhp which meant the car could travel 5 percent quicker on both asphalt and gravel rally stages.

Production number 124, this vehicle is currently unregistered and comes complete with its original service book, manual, sales invoice and tool kit.

Abarth to sponsor Movistar Yamaha Racing Moto GP race team for 2015.

Abarth will be Official Sponsor and Official Car Supplier for the Yamaha Factory Racing team taking part in the FIM MotoGP World Championship. The two-year agreement will see the Scorpion logo on the front cowling of the official Yamaha YZR-M1 machines being ridden by the legendary Valentino Rossi and multiple World Champion, Jorge Lorenzo.

The official announcement of the two-year partnership was made today (28 January) in Madrid, at the headquarters of the Telefónica Group, where the new livery of the YZR-M1 to be used by Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo in the 2015 World MotoGP Championship was revealed.

The Scorpion logo, synonymous with “racing” and symbol of a heritage of victories and passion which gave rise to the birth of one of the great sensations in the cult of modern motor racing, is placed on the nose of the two M1s. To seal the partnership, the Abarth logo will also be visible in the Team’s official communications and interview backdrops, as well as on all key team assets.

Abarth will also provide Movistar Yamaha MotoGP with a number of FCA Italy vehicles all over the world. The assault on the world title will begin in Qatar on 29 March and will deliver the World Champion in Valencia on 8 November.

“The agreement comes from several shared values between the two brands,” says Marco Magnanini, Head of Abarth Brand for the EMEA Region. “Innovation, love for performance and passion for racing: these are the pillars that allowed our two brands to build this prestigious partnership.”

The flagship product of the sponsorship to Movistar Yamaha MotoGP is the 695 Biposto, the modern icon of the brand, which represents the ideal fusion of road and race cars, the “transfer” of racing thrills to a legally compliant car for everyday use. 

The Abarth 695 Biposto is the result of this exciting research: a 190 HP 4 T-jet engine (the most powerful ever installed on an Abarth road car), weighing just 997 kg, a weight-to-power ratio of only 5.2 kg/HP (the best in its category) and an acceleration of 0-62mph in just 5.9 seconds, and record agility thanks to its increased wheel track and compact body. Furthermore, it is the first road car in its category in the world at present to be equipped with a dog-ring gearbox.

With special bodywork bearing the colours and the blue and white squares in honour of the Movistar Yamaha MotoGP Team, an example of the “smallest of the supercars” was the star of a photo shoot, taken at Gerno Di Lesmo a few days ago in the presence of the riders Rossi and Lorenzo.

With a victory record of six World Champion titles won since 2004, Movistar Yamaha MotoGP is one of the most successful teams in the world. Similarly, Abarth has established itself as the automobile brand best able to convey the spirit felt within the circuits, and to share the innate sports values and desire to excel which are part and parcel of the Scorpion’s DNA and of the star two-wheel riders.

For Abarth, this marks a return in style on a Yamaha bike. In 2007, the official Yamaha YZR-M1 of Valentino Rossi and Colin Edwards appeared on the starting grid of the Australian GP in Phillip Island sporting a special Scorpion. The activity celebrated Abarth’s return to the world of two wheels where it had begun: it was, in fact, 1928, when a very young Carlo Abarth achieved his first sports successes in the saddle of a motorbike. The following year, he built his first personalised motorbike with the Scorpion logo.

JEEP® introduces the New 'Trail-Rated' Cherokee Trailhawk to the UK.

Jeep is enhancing the popular Cherokee range with the introduction to the UK of the first ‘Trail Rated’ version, the Trailhawk.

The most capable Jeep Cherokee model available, and the most accomplished mid-size SUV in the segment, the 2015 Cherokee Trailhawk comes with a 3.2-litre V6 petrol engine and a nine-speed automatic gearbox. Fully off-road capable, the Trailhawk is fitted with a low-range transmission including Jeep’s Selec-Terrain with Rock mode.

The 2015 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk with the standard off-road package is Trail Rated. Its ‘Trail Rated’ badge indicates that the vehicle is designed to perform in a variety of challenging off-road conditions identified by five key consumer-oriented performance categories: traction, ground clearance, manoeuvrability, articulation and water fording.

Venturing off the beaten track is no problem for the Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk. Its Active Drive Lock 4x4 system features a rear lock which keeps both wheels spinning at the same speed for enhanced traction on any surface, and is particularly useful when rock crawling. The car also features Selec-Speed control, which allows it to drive up or down demanding hills at controlled, steady speeds in complete confidence and safety.

Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk exemplifies all this 4x4 capability with a distinctive, no-nonsense look, backed up by Jeep Trail Rated equipment. It includes, as standard equipment, aggressive approach and departure angles with unique front and rear fascias, a one-inch factory lift, fuel tank, front suspension and transmission skid plates and signature red tow hooks. The car has an approach angle of 29.8 degrees, a departure angle of 32.1 degrees and break-over angle of 22.9 degrees. Running ground clearance is 22.1cm (8.7 in).

Other excellent features to make owning the Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk a pleasure include deep tinted sunscreen glass, a unique black bonnet sticker (from March), coloured grille surrounds and roof rails, off-road wheel flares and 17-inch aluminium wheels.

Inside the standard equipment continues with Nappa Leather trim, red interior stitching accents, all-season floor mats, a cargo net, Uconnect™ media centre with 8.4-inch touch screen display and USB remote port.

Powered by a 3239cc, 24-valve V6 petrol engine delivering 268bhp and 315Nm of torque at 4300rpm, the 2015 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk costs £34,245 (OTR) – available on Jeep’s special order programme. A host of options includes special paints, Uconnect™-Navigation, wireless charging pad for mobile phone, Park Assist and full sunroof (powered front, fixed rear).

“It’s the ultimate Jeep Cherokee in terms of off-road capability,” says Damien Dally, head of brand, Jeep UK. 

“And coupled with that powerful V6 engine, nine-speed auto box, a huge list of standard equipment and style touches, and all the versatility of a full-size family car, the 2015 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk offers outstanding value for money – and a great drive too.”

The new Lotus Exige S Automatic gives the pure, extreme, high performance Lotus driving experience

The new Lotus Exige S Automatic gives the pure, extreme, high performance Lotus driving experience with both automatic and paddle shift manual options.

• 0-60mph in 3.8 seconds (0-100kph in 3.9 seconds) - 0.1 seconds quicker than the manual Exige S
• As fast around the Lotus Hethel test track as the manual Exige S
• 240 milliseconds gearshift speed
• Weighs just 1182 kg (unladen)
• Significant CO2 reduction from 235g/km (Exige S manual) to 222g/km ( Exige S Automatic)
• Available in both coupé and roadster versions

The much-loved Lotus Exige, with its ground-breaking, extruding aluminium and bonded chassis, lightweight composite body and race-bred double wishbone suspension now features an automatic transmission option that continues its uncompromised sporting profile.

With an exceptional power-to-weight ratio of 292 hp/tonne and stunning performance, an even more focused driving experience is made possible by including the 6-speed automatic gearbox option. 

The automatic control panel is integrated neatly into the centre console of the cockpit, with buttons for Park, Reverse, Neutral and Drive with beautifully crafted, forged aluminium, manual-shift paddles located behind the steering wheel cross-spokes, upshifts take just 240 milliseconds, with rapid downshifts accompanied by a throttle-blip (when in Sport mode).

In both automatic and manual gearshift modes, the Exige S provides the driver with a very rapid driving experience. In Sport mode, throttle response is sharpened and the Lotus Dynamic Performance Management (DPM) increases the traction slip thresholds allowing the driver even more vehicle control before an intervention is required. The system also opens the engine exhaust bypass valve at mid-to-high engine speeds. The Optional Race Pack includes Race mode, which reduces the intervention of the DPM further and incorporates a Launch Control system.

Jean-Marc Gales, CEO Group Lotus plc, stated: “Expanding the Exige range, with a new automatic gearbox, opens up a new market for those who prefer using a paddle shift with the alternative of an automatic gearshift. We expect that the Exige S Automatic will account for over a third of the total global sales for the Exige S range as many drivers will appreciate the involvement of a manual paddle-shift and the convenience of an automatic.”

Aided by the 345bhp, 3.5-litre, supercharged V6 engine, the Lotus Exige S Automatic reaches 60 mph in 3.8 seconds and 100 km/h in only 3.9 seconds. 100 mph (160 km/h) comes up in just over 9 seconds before reaching a top speed of 162 mph (261 km/h); 145 mph (233 km/h) for the Exige S Roadster. Its CO₂emissions rating of 222g/km is low enough to warrant a tax reduction in some markets compared to the Exige S with the manual.

The automatic transmission is available on both Exige S and Exige S Roadster models. The RRP, excluding tax, is £1,667 (UK) and €2,185. Orders can be placed immediately.

USA - Performance figures:

0-60mph                                             3.8 s

0-100kph                                            3.9 s

0-100mph (0-160kph)                      9.2 s

Max speed                                         162mph; 261kph

Power                                                 345bhp; 350PS; 258 kW

Power to Weight                               292 hp/tonne (296 PS/tonne; 218 kW/tonne)

Torque                                                            295 lbft; 400 Nm

Kerbweight                                        1182 kg

USA - Consumption and emissions:

Urban                                                  20.9mpg (13.6 litres / 100km)

Extra Urban                                        39.2mpg (7.2 litres / 100 km

Combined: (official combined)        29.4mpg (9.6 litres / 100 km)

CO₂                                                     222g/km (manual Exige S – 235 g/km)

The all New BMW 2-Series Convertible, Better all round to build on it's predecessor.

Extension of the new BMW 2 Series range; maximum dynamics in the premium compact segment now also available in Convertible form; the BMW 2 Series Convertible is the successor to the world’s most popular open-top premium model in this vehicle class (more than 130,000 units sold); systematic development of hallmark strengths of the BMW 1 Series Convertible in terms of driving dynamics, efficiency, agility, athletic elegance, emotion, comfort, functionality and intelligent networking; open-top driving experience of unmatched intensity thanks to typical BMW seat position and wide-opening top; rear-wheel drive – unique in the segment – ensures outstanding dynamics; market launch from February 2015 including BMW M Performance Automobile BMW M235i Convertible.

Independent exterior design, developed in parallel with BMW 2 Series Coupe, sporting hallmark BMW Convertible features and clear visual differentiation from the compact models of the BMW 1 Series; elegantly stretched lines; flat silhouette with pronounced swage line; powerfully sculpted rear wheel arches pointing up rear-wheel-drive configuration; targeted personalisation through model variants Advantage, Luxury Line, Sport Line and M Sport, each with specific exterior and interior design as well as equipment features.

Typical BMW proportions with short overhangs, long bonnet, set-back passenger cell, broad wheelbase and wide track; significantly enhanced dimensions compared with its forerunner model, the BMW 1 Series Convertible; length increased by 72 millimetres to 4,432 millimetres, width by 26 millimetres to 1,774 millimetres, wheelbase by 30 to 2,690 millimetres, front track by 41 to 1,521 millimetres and rear track by 43 to 1,556 millimetres. 

Extended interior specification including e.g. optimised entry and exit comfort for rear passengers; luggage compartment volume increased by 30 litres to 335 litres with the top closed or by 20 litres to 280 litres with the top open, as well as a 35‑millimetre-wider rear hatch compared to the predecessor model; rear seat backrest can be folded using a lever in the luggage compartment; through-loading aperture width increased by 150 millimetres to 450 millimetres and height of 246 (+28) millimetres.

Newly developed, electrically powered fabric top with additional insulation and optimised acoustic comfort; opens and closes in 20 seconds at the push of a button, even while driving at speeds of up to 50 km/h (30 mph) if required; choice of three roof colours: Black (standard), Anthracite with silver effect and Brown with silver effect (optional).

Interior with signature BMW Convertible “boat deck” look thanks to harmoniously flowing shoulderline and soft-top compartment, along with rollover bar concealed behind rear head restraints when stationary; driver-focused cockpit; high-quality materials and finish with model-specific accents: centre console with high-gloss black surfaces around radio and climate controls, chrome surrounds for air vents and newly designed climate control display.

BMW 2 Series Convertible (average fuel consumption: 8.5–4.2 l/100 km [33.2–67.3 mpg imp]; average CO2 emissions: 199–111 g/km) with supreme dynamics and maximum efficiency for its segment; four-cylinder petrol engines with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology in the BMW 228i Convertible (180 kW/245 hp) and BMW 220i Convertible (135 kW/184 hp); BMW 218i Convertible (100 kW/136 hp) with three-cylinder petrol engine, BMW 220d Convertible (140 kW/190 hp) with four-cylinder diesel – both units are from the BMW Group’s new engine family and feature TwinPower Turbo technology; eight-speed Steptronic transmission available as an option.

BMW M235i Convertible as a new benchmark for agility, precision and emotionality in the segment; 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line engine with M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology and 240 kW/326 hp, M‑specific tuning for chassis components, aerodynamically optimised body features, individual cockpit design and eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission as an option.

First application of BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive in a compact Convertible from the brand; BMW M235i xDrive Convertible (scheduled launch July 2015) with standard eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission and further enhanced dynamic performance (0 – 100 km/h / 62 mph in 4.9 seconds); BMW 218d Convertible (110 kW/150 hp) and BMW 225d Convertible (165 kW/224 hp) added to the range.

Extensive BMW EfficientDynamics technology as standard: Air Curtains as well as Auto Start Stop function in conjunction with both manual and automatic gearbox; ECO PRO mode activated via standard-fitted Driving Experience Control switch, including coasting function in conjunction with automatic transmission and including Proactive Driving Assistant if Navigation system Professional is specified.

Outstanding agility and impressive ride comfort thanks to rear-wheel drive, longitudinally mounted engines, balanced axle load distribution and sophisticated chassis technology; double-joint spring strut front axle and five-link rear axle with model-specific tuning; Electric Power Steering and high-performance brake system as standard; variable sport steering, M Sport brakes and Adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers optional; all models come as standard with the DSC stability control system including DTC and the Active Differential Brake (ADB-Sport) at the rear axle; M Performance mechanical limited-slip differential available for the BMW M235i Convertible from the Original BMW Accessories range.

Torsional rigidity of the body increased by around 20 per cent compared with predecessor model; best aerodynamic properties among the competition; optimised weight thanks to intelligent lightweight design; body structure with precisely defined load paths and generous deformation zones, based on the BMW 1 Series that was awarded a five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating; extensive occupant protection through safety equipment including front and side/head airbags as well as integrated rollover protection system; pedestrian protection optimised by active bonnet and defined deformation zones at the front of the car.

High-quality standard equipment includes electrically powered and acoustically insulated roof, rain sensor, hands-free telephone facility, USB audio interface, BMW Professional radio including iDrive operating system with Control Display in flatscreen design, automatic climate control with convertible mode; optional leather trim with SunReflective technology to reduce surface heating in direct sunshine; optional latest-generation Navigation system Professional including Touch Controller; first BMW model with the option of over-the-air navigation updates via the vehicle’s built-in SIM card.

Significantly extended range of driver assistance systems and mobility services from BMW ConnectedDrive: anti-dazzle High Beam Assistant, Adaptive Headlights, Parking Assistant, rear view camera, Driving Assistant, Speed Limit Info with No Passing Info display, cruise control system with braking function, extended integration of smartphones and music players, Real Time Traffic Information, Online Entertainment, extended functionality provided by apps for internet-based services such as Facebook and Twitter.

Model variants: 

BMW M235i Convertible: 

Six-cylinder in-line petrol engine with M Performance TwinPowerTurbo technology (Twin-Scroll turbochargers, High Precision Injection, VALVETRONIC variable valve timing, Double-Vanos). 

Capacity: 2,979 cc, output: 240 kW/326 hp at 5,800 – 6,000 rpm, max. torque: 450 Nm / 332 lb-ft at 1,300 – 4,500 rpm.

Acceleration [0 – 100 km/h / 62 mph]: 5.2 seconds (automatic: 5.0 seconds),

top speed: 250 km/h / 155 mph. 

Average fuel consumption: 8.5 (7.9) litres per 100 kilometres / 33.2 (35.8) mpg imp, 

CO2 emissions: 199 (184) g/km, exhaust standard: EU6. 

BMW M235i xDrive Convertible: 

Six-cylinder in-line petrol engine with M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology (Twin-Scroll turbocharging, High Precision Injection, VALVETRONIC variable valve timing, Double-VANOS).

Capacity: 2,979 cc, output: 240 kW/326 hp at 5,800 – 6,000 rpm, max. torque: 450 Nm / 332 lb-ft at 1,300 – 4,500 rpm. 

Acceleration [0 – 100 km/h / 62 mph]: 4.9 seconds,

top speed: 250 km/h / 155 mph.

Average fuel consumption: 8.3 litres per 100 kilometres / 34.0 mpg imp, 

CO2 emissions*: 193g/km, exhaust standard: EU6. 

BMW 228i Convertible: 

Four-cylinder in-line petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology (Twin-Scroll turbochargers, High Precision Injection, VALVETRONIC variable valve timing, Double-Vanos). 

Capacity: 1,997 cc, output: 180 kW/245 hp at 5,000 – 6,500 rpm, 

 torque: 350 Nm / 258 lb-ft at 1,250 – 4,800 rpm.

Acceleration [0 – 100 km/h / 62 mph]: 6.1 seconds (automatic: 6.0 seconds),

top speed: 250 km/h / 155 mph. 

Average fuel consumption: 7.0 – 6.8 (6.7 – 6.6) litres per 100 kilometres / 40.4 – 41.5 (42.2 – 42.8) mpg imp,

CO2 emissions: 163 – 159 (157 – 154) g/km, exhaust standard: EU6.

BMW 220i Convertible: 

Four-cylinder in-line petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology (Twin-Scroll turbochargers, High Precision Injection, VALVETRONIC variable valve timing, Double-Vanos). 

Capacity: 1,997 cc, output: 135 kW/184 hp at 5,000 – 6,250 rpm, 

max. torque: 270 Nm / 199 lb-ft at 1,250 – 4,500 rpm.

Acceleration [0 – 100 km/h / 62 mph]: 7.5 seconds (automatic: 7.6 seconds), 

top speed: 231 km/h / 143 mph (226 km/h / 140 mph).

Average fuel consumption*: 6.9 – 6.5 (6.5 – 6.2) litres per 100 kilometres / 40.9 – 43.5 (43.5 – 45.6) mpg imp,

CO2 emissions*: 161 – 152 (152 – 144) g/km, exhaust standard: EU6.

BMW 218i Convertible: 

Three-cylinder petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology (turbocharging, High Precision Injection, VALVETRONIC variable valve timing, Double-VANOS), 

Capacity: 1,499 cc, output: 100 kW/136 hp at 4,500 – 6,000 rpm, 

max. torque: 220 Nm / 162 lb-ft at 1,250 rpm.

Acceleration [0 – 100 km/h / 62 mph]: 9.4 seconds (automatic: 9.6 seconds),

top speed: 207 km/h / 129 mph (205 km/h / 127 mph). 

Average fuel consumption*: 6.0 – 5.5 (5.8 – 5.3) litres per 100 kilometres / 47.1 – 51.4 (48.7 – 53.3) mpg imp,

CO2 emissions*: 139 – 129 (134 – 124) g/km, exhaust standard: EU6. 

BMW 225d Convertible: 

Four-cylinder in-line diesel engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology (multi-stage high-pressure turbocharging with variable inlet geometry, common rail direct injection with solenoid valve injectors, max. injection pressure: 2,500 bar).

Capacity: 1,995 cc, output: 165 kW/224 hp at 4,400 rpm, 

max. torque: 450 Nm / 332 lb-ft at 1,500 – 3,000 rpm. 

Acceleration [0 – 100 km/h / 62 mph]: 6.4 seconds,

top speed: 240 km/h / 149 mph. 

Average fuel consumption*: 4.5 litres per 100 kilometres (62.8 mpg imp),

CO2 emissions*: 118 g/km, exhaust standard: EU6.

BMW 220d Convertible: 

Four-cylinder in-line diesel engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology (turbochargers with variable inlet geometry, common rail direct injection with solenoid valve injectors, max. injection pressure: 2,000 bar).

Capacity: 1,995 cc, output: 140 kW/190 hp at 4,000 rpm, 

torque: 400 Nm / 199 lb-ft at 1,750 – 2,500 rpm.

Acceleration [0 – 100 km/h / 62 mph]: 7.5 seconds (automatic: 7.4 seconds),

top speed: 225 km/h / 140 mph (225 km/h / 140 mph).

Average fuel consumption*: 4.7 – 4.4 (4.4 – 4.1) litres per 100 kilometres / 60.1– 64.2 (64.2–68.9 ) mpg imp,

CO2 emissions*: 124–116 (117 – 108) g/km, exhaust standard: EU6.

BMW 218d Convertible: 

Four-cylinder in-line diesel engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology (turbocharger with variable inlet geometry, common rail direct injection with solenoid valve injectors, max. injection pressure: 2,000 bar).

Capacity: 1,995 cc, output: 110 kW/150 hp at 4,000 rpm, 

max. torque: 320 Nm / 236 lb-ft at 1,500 – 3,000 rpm. 

Acceleration [0 – 100 km/h / 62 mph]: 8.8 seconds (automatic: 8.6 seconds),

top speed: 208 km/h / 129 mph (208 km/h / 129 mph). 

Average fuel consumption*: 4.2 (4.1) litres per 100 kilometres / 67.3 (68.9) mpg imp,

CO2 emissions*: 111 (108) g/km, exhaust standard: EU6.

BMW celebrates two awards, one for the ever green 5-Series and one for the hybrid sports i8 supercar.

The BMW 5 Series clinched victory in the readers' vote “BEST CARS 2015” of the trade magazine “auto motor und sport” in the upper midrange segment and confirmed its achievements of the previous year. 

Five times in succession since 2011, the 5 Series was voted best business car by the readers. In addition, the “International Paul Pietsch Award” honouring particularly innovative technological developments again went to BMW. This year the prize was bestowed on the BMW i8, following the success of the BMW i3 last year. The award ceremony was held in Stuttgart.

The BMW 5 Series has been the most popular car for business purposes for many years. 

Having received 23.9 percent of all votes, the BMW 5 Series achieved first place in the readers' vote for “BEST CARS 2015” in the upper midrange segment held by “auto motor und sport”. The readers of the trade magazine have confirmed the worldwide success of the BMW 5 Series. With 373,053 units sold in 2014, the BMW 5 Series was worldwide the most successful model of its class – following its success as the most popular business car in the world in 2013. 

A comprehensive portfolio of efficient and dynamic engines, hallmark BMW driving dynamics, xDrive intelligent four-wheel drive, innovative mobility services and exclusive BMW ConnectedDrive applications as well as three different body variants all helped to make the BMW 5 Series a bestseller.

The BMW i8 receives the “International Paul Pietsch Award” due to its status as an “all-new sports car”. 

Once again, the “International Paul Pietsch Award” went to BMW. The BMW i8 was honoured for the most innovative technological concept, thereby following in the footsteps of the BMW i3, the winner of the previous year. 

The jury consisted of 28 chief editors of international trade magazines from 21 nations. With 50 percent of the overall votes, the BMW i8 emerged as the clear winner. The reasons were as follows: “The plug-in hybrid BMW, which was launched in the middle of 2014, embodies the accomplished vision of a modern and sustainable sports car for decades to come. Moreover, this model with its spectacular scissor doors and bold emotional lines opens up new paths in terms of design and aerodynamics. 

The BMW i8 is effectively driven by a downsized three-cylinder turbo petrol engine in conjunction with a powerful electric drive featuring a lithium-ion battery pack. Thanks to its carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) passenger cell, the architecture provides the best possible basis for lightweight design. As a sports car of a new generation, the BMW i8 brings together in an unusual and impressing way a multitude of state-of-the art technologies and perfectly combines fuel efficiency and dynamics”.

The “BEST CARS” readers' vote held annually by the trade magazine “auto motor und sport” is one of the most important automotive awards in Germany and highly coveted amongst manufacturers. It was the 39th time the best cars were picked in 2015. On this occasion, 386 models in eleven categories were nominated. In all, 112,471 readers cast their ballot by mail or online.