Nismo 370Z launches in Geneva

• Second member of the European Nismo road car range revealed
• Ultimate Z features striking red Nismo cues and aerodynamic design
• 344PS and 371Nm of torque from 3.7-litre V6 engine
• 0-62mph time of only 5.2 seconds

The second member of Europe's new Nissan Nismo range has been revealed - the 370Z Nismo.

Closely following the Juke Nismo, the 370Z Nismo shows what the ultimate Z has to offer and the thrilling coupe has been unveiled ahead of its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

Featuring dramatic styling with red Nismo design signatures it also packs increased power and improved aerodynamics. Available only as a coupe with a six-speed manual gearbox, the 370Z Nismo features extensive engineering and styling enhancements. A version of the 370Z Nismo is already on sale in North America and Japan, but for Europe a unique specification has been developed to suit both road conditions and the tastes of European driving enthusiasts.

Just like the Juke Nismo, every change over the standard 370Z has been carefully considered and based on Nismo's motorsport experience. Design modifications have been driven by aerodynamic improvement.

The front end features a more aggressive design improving airflow under the car, leading to improved stability at higher speeds and through corners. This additional downforce is complemented by an extensively re-engineered suspension and chassis set-up, enhancing stability and handling on both road and track.

Other design enhancements include the distinctive Nismo red pinstripe lines visible at both the front and the rear and on the door mirrors. Unique dark grey Nismo superlight 19-inch forged alloy wheels with sports-derived red brake calipers and wider high performance tyres are also fitted. At the rear a smart new spoiler adds the finishing visual touch while also improving aerodynamic performance.

Inside, the already performance-oriented 370Z design is now more driver-focused than ever. The steering wheel is finished in alcantara and leather with a red race-inspired ‘top dead centre' marker, as seen on the Juke Nismo. The sports seats are fully electric with special Nismo badging and red stitching for a premium and sporty detail. The finishing touch is a numbered Nismo plate adding exclusivity to each 370Z Nismo.

Thanks to Nismo tuning, the Z's 3.7-litre V6 engine delivers 344PS, up from 328PS in the standard car, while torque increases from 363Nm to 371Nm. The result is improved responsiveness across the low and mid rev range, and a 0-62mph time of only 5.2 seconds (a tenth of a second faster than the standard 370Z, subject to homologation).

Already known for its exceptional dynamics and handling characteristics, the rear-wheel drive 370Z delivers an even more thrilling experience in Nismo form. Drivers will experience thrilling acceleration and the reassurance of exceptional high-speed stability.

Enhancing braking feel is also a crucial part of the Z's development, so Nismo engineers have adopted high rigidity brake hoses and high performance brake fluid from the R35 GT-R. An exclusive Nismo dual exhaust system also enhances and amplifies the thrilling sound of the Z's 3.7-litre V6 engine.

ŠKODA used to be a laughing stock, now who is laughing !!!!!

• The celebration car is a new third-generation ŠKODA Octavia
• ŠKODA continues largest model offensive in the company’s history
• In the past twelve months alone, ŠKODA built one million cars
• Growth Strategy 2018 yields results – capacities to be expanded

ŠKODA has produced its 15-millionth car. The celebration vehicle – a silver, third-generation ŠKODA Octavia – rolled off the assembly line at ŠKODA’s main plant in Mladá Boleslav, 5 February. The vehicle will be used as a VIP sedan at the ŠKODA Technology Center in Česana.

The 15 million car threshold underlines the dynamic growth of the brand. In the past six years alone, one third of the total 15 million vehicles rolled off the assembly lines. Just one year ago, at the beginning of 2012, ŠKODA had produced its 14-millionth car.

“The entire ŠKODA team is very proud of the 15 million celebration,” says ŠKODA chairman of the board, Prof. Dr. h.c. Winfried Vahland. “Producing 15 million cars is a symbol for the great development of the ŠKODA brand. We have been building vehicles for 118 years and automobiles since the year 1905. Thus we are among the automobile brands with the richest traditions in the world,” says Vahland. In the coming years, ŠKODA plans to continue to speed up development and sell at least 1.5 million vehicles per year by 2018. By launching the Citigo, Rapid and the new Octavia, the greatest model offensive in company's history has had a successful start. In total ŠKODA will launch eight new or facelifted models in 2013.

A class of its own

In the coming days, the new ŠKODA Octavia will be launched in the Czech Republic and Germany, while other markets will follow in coming weeks. “The ŠKODA Octavia is the brand’s core product and outsells other ŠKODA models by far,” says the ŠKODA CEO. In 2012, the Octavia accounted for about 44 percent of the brand’s worldwide sales. Like no other car, the Octavia symbolises the rapid success story of the brand over the past two decades. Since 1996, about 3.75 million Octavias have been delivered to customers.

ŠKODA UK will launch Octavia in the coming weeks to the UK markets. In 2012, the UK broke through the 50,000 barrier for the first time with more than 53,000 cars and a market share of 2.6%, a record for the UK.

Domestic investments in the future of the ŠKODA brand

For the production of the new Octavia generation, ŠKODA set in motion one of the most comprehensive modernisation and expansion projects in the history of the main plant in Mladá Boleslav. The core of the measures consists of an increase of the capacity of the assembly line for the ŠKODA models Octavia and Rapid in Mladá Boleslav, from 800 to 1,200 vehicles per day.

For this purpose, a new body shop and a fully-automated paint shop for interior car body parts were installed at the plant in Mladá Boleslav, among other projects. This month will see the ground-breaking for a new, even more environmentally-friendly pressing line. Besides the ŠKODA Octavia and the ŠKODA Rapid, the ŠKODA Fabia is produced on another assembly line in Mladá Boleslav.

At the ŠKODA plant in Kvasiny, Czech Republic, the production capacity for the ŠKODA Yeti was recently doubled to 100,000 vehicles per year. Furthermore, ŠKODA modernised the plant in order to manufacture the ŠKODA Roomster, which moved to Kvasiny. Until the end of 2012, the Roomster had been produced in the ŠKODA plant in Vrchlabí. The company invested about 7.2 million EUR in relocating the production.

The relocation of the Roomster production to Kvasiny took place within the framework of the conversion of the ŠKODA plant in Vrchlabí, Czech Republic, into an exclusive component factory. Since October 2012, it has been producing the direct shift transmission DQ200 with dual clutch (DSG) for the Volkswagen Group. Together with the Volkswagen Group, the Czech manufacturer invested about 170 million EUR in the preparation of the plant for DSG production.

The international growth markets

In order to prepare for the planned growth, ŠKODA has also been expanding its capacities in China, Russia and India:

In China, the ŠKODA Yeti has been built in cooperation with Shanghai Volkswagen since the end of 2012. This year will also see the introduction of the Chinese version of the ŠKODA Rapid, followed by the new ŠKODA Octavia.

In Russia, the compact SUV ŠKODA Yeti began to roll off the assembly lines at the Russian GAZ plant in Nizhniy Novgorod a few weeks ago. Beginning in mid-2013, the plant will also manufacture the new ŠKODA Octavia for the Russian market. The manufacture of the new ŠKODA Rapid for the Russian market has been planned to begin in spring 2014.

In India, the compact sedan Rapid has been produced for the local market at the plant in Pune alongside other ŠKODA models since 2011.

TOYOTA GT86 TRD – IT’S OFFICIAL (Not Diesel)

•  New GT86 TRD adds impact to Toyota’s sports coupe
•  First official UK model grade to feature genuine TRD parts
•  Features include forged 18-inch alloys, front and side skirts, rear spoiler, fast-response quad exhaust and TRD-branded details
•  Only 250 available in the UK, on sale from 1 March
•  On-the-road prices £31,495 for GT 86 TRD manual, £32,995 for the automatic

Since its launch last year, the Toyota GT86 has revitalised Toyota’s reputation for building cars that are all about the pure pleasure of driving. Now the hugely acclaimed sports coupe – shortlisted for both European and World Car of the Year awards – gains even more appeal with the introduction of the new GT86 TRD.

Just 250 examples will be available, equipped with genuine design and performance features from TRD (Toyota Racing Development), one of the world’s most accomplished and successful after market engineering businesses.

GT86 is the first UK Toyota for which official TRD parts have been used to create a specific production model grade.

The GT86 TRD , on sale from 1 March, will create a new halo model for the 2+2 coupe range. Both six-speed manual and automatic versions will be available, in a choice of two colours: Pearl White and GT86 Black. On-the-road prices are £31,495 for the manual and £32,995 for the auto.

The focus is on sports styling, but not at the cost of GT86’s essential performance and handling character. The package includes 18-inch cast TF6 alloys, deep front and side skirts, a rear bumper spoiler and a fast-response quad-exhaust system with a rear diffuser to increase stability. The TRD touches also extended to a branded radiator cap and fuel filler cover, while inside the car there is a new TRD gear shift lever.

These items are all in addition to GT86’s established equipment specification, which includes HID headlamps, front fog lamps, limited slip differential, Smart Entry and Start, dual-zone climate control, analogue dials and meters, drilled aluminium pedals, sports seats, scuff plates, cruise control and the Toyota Touch multimedia system.

Acceleration and maximum speed are unchanged at 7.7 seconds for 0-62mph and 140mph for the manual and 8.4 seconds and 130mph for the automatic. There are slight changes in fuel consumption and emissions: 192g/km and 34.9mpg for the manual and 181g/km and 36.2mpg for the automatic (all figures official combined cycle).

BMW hails best ever January in sales.

• Total of 123,276 automobiles sold in first month, an increase of 9.9%
• Robertson: Further growth expected in 2013 in worldwide sales

The BMW Group continued its positive momentum into the new year with sales increasing by 9.9% in January. A total of 123,276 BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brand vehicles were delivered to customers (prev. yr. 112,164).

“We made a successful start to the new year, selling more BMW Group vehicles than ever before in the month of January. We remain true to our strategy of balanced sales across the globe by achieving growth on all continents last month,” said Ian Robertson, Member of the Board of Management, Sales and Marketing BMW. “Looking ahead, we expect the headwinds in Europe to remain, however we are confident of healthy sales growth in other regions, especially Asia and the Americas. With new models arriving this year to enhance our already successful portfolio, we are aiming for further growth in BMW Group worldwide sales in 2013 and are targeting a new all-time high for the third consecutive year,” added Robertson.

BMW reported the strongest January in its history. Sales climbed 11.5% to 107,276 (prev. yr. 96,184) units, the first time that over 100,000 BMW vehicles were delivered worldwide to customers in that month. The growth drivers were the BMW 3 Series with 29,053 vehicles sold (22,708/+27.9%) and the BMW X1, with volumes soaring 57.8% to 11,753 units delivered (prev. yr. 7,446). The BMW X3 also continued to be in high demand with 10,230 vehicles delivered to customers (9,348/+9.4%). The BMW 1 Series reported solid gains with 14,222 units sold (13.073/+8.8%) and the BMW 5 Series continued to perform well with sales climbing 6.4% to 23,049 vehicles (prev. yr. 21,665). BMW 6 Series sales increased by 22.4% to 1,354 units (prev. yr. 1,106).

In January, MINI worldwide sales reached 15,864 vehicles (15,768/+0.6%), a new all-time high for that month. The MINI Countryman recorded 11.3% growth, with a total of 6,261 deliveries (prev. yr. 5.625). In its fourth largest market of China, MINI sales jumped by 20.3% to 1,800 vehicles (prev. yr. 1,496). The introduction of the MINI Paceman is expected to bring further momentum to global sales as of spring.

The BMW Group made gains in volume on all continents in January. In Asia, deliveries climbed 18.4% to 43,114 (prev. yr. 36,422) vehicles. The double-digit growth continued in Mainland China, with a total of 30,397 (prev. yr. 26,505) vehicles delivered last month – an increase of 14.7%. Other Asian markets, such as Japan (3,250/+19.0%) and South Korea (2,790/+32.9%), also reported significant rates of growth.

A total of 25,021 (prev. yr. 24,419) vehicles were delivered to customers in the Americas in January, an increase of 2.5%. In the US, company sales increased by 2.3% to 20,195 units (prev. yr. 19,739) in the month under review.

The BMW Group also achieved growth in Europe last month, where a total of 50,594 deliveries were reported, an increase of 8.0% on the previous year (46,831). In Germany the company could report a 9.9% increase with a total of 18,709 (prev. yr. 17,028) BMW Group vehicle registrations. BMW Group sales in Russia climbed 39.8% in the month under review to 2,311 vehicles (prev. yr. 1,653).

BMW Motorrad deliveries reached a total of 4,818 (5,237/-8.0%) vehicles. Husqvarna Motorcycles supplied a total of 587 vehicles (544/+7.9%) to the Husqvarna dealer network in January.

Happy Birthday 911

• The sports car icon celebrates a special birthday
• The Porsche 911 is the world’s most successful sports car, with over 820,000 built since 1963
• A wide variety of anniversary events will host celebrations in 2013 – including a dedicated exhibition at the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart
• Follow origin.porsche.com to keep up to date with news and events

For five decades, the 911 has been the heart of the Porsche brand. Few other automobiles in the world can look back on such a long tradition and such continuity as the Porsche 911. It has been inspiring car enthusiasts the world over since its debut as the model 901 at the IAA International Automotive Show in September 1963. Today it is considered the quintessential sports car, the benchmark for all others. The 911 is also the central point of reference for all other Porsche series. From the Cayenne to the Panamera, every Porsche is the most sporting automobile in its category, and each one carries a piece of the 911 philosophy.

Over 820,000 Porsche 911s have been built, making it the most successful sports car in the world. For each of its seven generations the engineers in Zuffenhausen and Weissach have reinvented it, time and time again demonstrating to the world the innovative power of the Porsche brand. Like no other vehicle, the 911 reconciles apparent contradictions such as sportiness and everyday practicality, tradition and innovation, exclusivity and social acceptance, design and functionality. It is no wonder that each generation has written its own personal success story. Ferry Porsche best described its unique qualities: “The 911 is the only car you could drive on an African safari or at Le Mans, to the theatre or through New York City traffic.”

In addition to its classic yet unique lines, the Porsche 911 has always been distinguished by its advanced technology. Many of the ideas and technologies that made their debut in the Porsche 911 were conceived on the race track. The 911 was committed to the performance principle from the start, and motor racing is its most important test lab. From the very beginning it has been at home on circuits all over the world, earning a reputation as a versatile and dependable winner. Indeed, a good two thirds of the 30,000 race victories achieved by Porsche to date were notched up by the 911.

How Porsche celebrates the anniversary

For Porsche, the 50th anniversary of this iconic sports car is the central theme of 2013. There will be a wide variety of anniversary events, starting with the ‘Retro Classics’ automobile show in Stuttgart. From 7 to 10 March, the Porsche Museum will ring in the anniversary year with four special exhibits, an early-model 911 Turbo Coupé, a 911 Cabriolet study from 1981, a 1997 road-going ‘street’ version 911 GT1 and the pre-series Type 754 T7. This chassis by Professor Ferdinand Alexander Porsche was a milestone on the way to the 911 design.

The company is also sending an authentic 1967 model 911 on a world tour. Over the course of the year, this classic car will travel to five continents where it will be shown in places like Pebble Beach, California, China, Goodwood in the UK, Paris and Australia. As an ambassador for the Porsche brand, this vintage 911 will be in attendance at many international fairs, historical rallies and motor sport events. Fans and interested individuals can follow the car’s progress at porsche.com/follow-911.

The Porsche Museum is celebrating ‘50 years of the Porsche 911’ from 4 June - 29 September 2013, with a special exhibition featuring the history and development of the 911. In the spring, the Museum’s own publishing house, Edition Porsche-Museum, will publish an anniversary book entitled “911x911”.

The generations

The First 911 (1963) -- Birth of a Legend

As the successor to the Porsche 356, the 911 won the hearts of sports car enthusiasts from the outset. The prototype was first unveiled at the IAA Frankfurt Motor Show in 1963 as the 901, and renamed the 911 for its market launch in 1964. Its air-cooled, six-cylinder ‘boxer’ engine delivered 128 hp (94 kW), giving an impressive top speed of 131 mph.

If you wanted to take things a little slower, starting in 1965 you could also opt for the four-cylinder Porsche 912. In 1966, Porsche presented the 158 hp (116 kW) 911 S, which was the first to feature forged alloy wheels from Fuchs. The 911 Targa, with its distinctive stainless steel roll bar, made its debut in late 1966 as the world's first ever safety cabriolet. The semi-automatic Sportomatic four-speed transmission joined the line-up in 1967. With the 911 T of the same year, and the later E and S variants, Porsche became the first German manufacturer to comply with strict US exhaust emission control regulations.

The Porsche 911 became more and more powerful as displacement increased, initially to 2.2-litres (1969) and later to 2.4 (1971). The 911 Carrera RS 2.7 of 1972 with a 207 hp (152 kW) engine and a weight of less than 1,000 kg remains the epitome of a dream car to this day. Its characteristic ‘ducktail’ was the world's first rear spoiler on a production vehicle.

The G-Series (1973) -- The Second Generation

Ten years after its premiere, the engineers at Porsche gave the 911 its first thorough makeover. The G-Series model was produced from 1973 to 1989, longer than any other 911 generation. It featured prominent impact-absorbing bellows bumpers, an innovation designed to meet the latest crash test standards in the United States. Occupant protection was further enhanced by three-point safety belts as standard equipment, as well as integrated seat headrests.

One of the most important milestones in the 911 saga was the 1974 unveiling of the first Porsche 911 Turbo with a 3.0-litre 256 hp (188 kW) engine and prominent rear spoiler. With its unique blend of luxury and performance, the Turbo became synonymous with the Porsche mystique. The next performance jump came in 1977 with the intercooler-equipped 911 Turbo 3.3. Its power output of 296 hp (218 kW) was the best in its class. In 1983, the naturally-aspirated 911 Carrera superseded the SC; with a 3.2-litre 228 hp engine, it became a favourite collectors’ item. Starting in 1982, fresh air enthusiasts could also order the 911 as a Cabriolet. The 911 Carrera Speedster, launched in 1989, was evocative of the legendary 356 of the Fifties.

The 964 (1988) -- Classic Modern

Just when automotive experts were predicting the imminent end of an era, in 1988 Porsche came out with the 911 Carrera 4 (964). After fifteen years of production the 911 platform was radically renewed with 85 per cent new components, giving Porsche a modern and sustainable vehicle. Its air-cooled 3.6-litre ‘boxer’ engine delivered 247 hp (182 kW). Externally, the 964 differed from its predecessors only slightly, in its aerodynamic polyurethane bumpers and automatically extending rear spoiler, but internally it was almost completely different. The new model was designed to captivate drivers not only with sporty performance but also enhanced comfort. It came with ABS, power steering and airbags, plus the option of Tiptronic automatic transmission, and rode on a completely re-designed chassis with light alloy control arms and coil springs instead of the previous torsion-bar suspension.

A revolutionary member of the new 911 line-up right from the start was the all-wheel drive Carrera 4 model. In addition to Carrera Coupé, Cabriolet and Targa versions, from 1990 customers could also order the 964 Turbo. Initially powered by the proven 3.3-litre flat six engine, in 1992 the Turbo was upgraded to a more powerful 355 hp (261 kW) 3.6-litre power plant. Today, the 964 Carrera RS, 911 Turbo S, and 911 Carrera 2 Speedster are particularly in demand among collectors.

The 993 (1993) -- The Last Air-Cooled Models

The 911 with the internal design number 993 remains the one true love of many a Porsche driver. The remarkably pleasing design has much to do with this. The integrated bumpers underscore the smooth elegance of its styling. The front section is lower-slung than on the earlier models, made possible by a switch from round to poly-ellipsoid headlights. The 993 quickly gained a reputation for exceptional dependability and reliability. It was also agile, as the first 911 with a newly-designed aluminium chassis.

The Turbo version was the first to have a twin-turbo engine, giving it the lowest-emission production automotive powertrain in the world in 1995. The hollow-spoke aluminium wheels, never before used on any car, were yet another innovation of the all-wheel drive Turbo version.

The Porsche 911 GT2 was aimed at the sports car purist who cherished the thrill of high speed. An electric glass roof that slid under the rear window was one of the innovations of the 911 Targa. But the real reason dyed-in-the-wool Porsche enthusiasts still revere the 993 is that this model, produced from 1993 to 1998, was the last 911 with an air-cooled engine.

The 996 (1997) -- Water-Cooled

The 996, which rolled off the assembly line from 1997 to 2005, represented a major turning point in the history of the 911. It retained all the character of its classic heritage, but was an entirely new car. The comprehensively re-designed generation was the first to be driven by a water-cooled version of the ‘boxer’ engine. Thanks to its four-valve cylinder heads, it achieved 296 hp (218 kW) and broke new ground in terms of reduced emissions, noise, and fuel consumption.

Meanwhile, the exterior design was a reinterpretation of the classic lines of the 911, but with a lower drag co-efficient (Cd) of 0.30. The lines of the 996 were also a result of component sharing with the successful Porsche Boxster. Its most obvious exterior feature were the headlights with integrated turn signals, at first controversial but later copied by many other manufacturers. On the inside, drivers experienced an entirely new cockpit. Driving comfort now also played a greater role alongside the typical sports driving characteristics. With the 996, Porsche launched an unprecedented product offensive with a whole series of new variations. The 911 GT3 became one of the highlights of the model range in 1999, keeping the tradition of the Carrera RS alive. The 911 GT2, the first car equipped with ceramic brakes as standard, was marketed as an extreme sports vehicle in the autumn of 2000.

The 997 (2004) -- Classicism and Modernity

In July 2004, Porsche unveiled the new generation 911 Carrera and 911 Carrera S models, referred to internally as the 997. The clear oval headlights with separate indicators in the front apron were a visual return to older 911 models, but the 997 offered more than just style. It was a high-performance vehicle, with a 3.6-litre ‘boxer’ engine that turned out 321 hp (236 kW) while the new 3.8 litre engine of the Carrera S developed an incredible 350 hp (261 kW).

The chassis was also substantially reworked, and the Carrera S came with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) as standard equipment. In 2006, Porsche introduced the 911 Turbo, the first petrol-engined production car to include a turbocharger with variable turbine geometry. A model update in the autumn of 2008 made the 997 even more efficient thanks to DFI direct fuel injection and the Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) dual clutch transmission. Never before had the 911 series made such extensive allowances to suit drivers’ individual preferences, and with Carrera, Targa, Cabriolet, rear or all-wheel drive, Turbo, GTS, special models, and road versions of GT racing cars, the 911 family ultimately comprised 24 model versions.

The 991 (2011) – Refined by Experience

This car, known internally as the 991, represents the greatest technical leap in the evolution of the 911. Already the class benchmark for decades, the new 911 generation raises performance and efficiency to new levels. A totally new chassis with a longer wheelbase, wider track, larger tyres and an ergonomically optimised interior – it all adds up to an even sportier yet more comfortable driving experience. Technically, the 911 is the epitome of Porsche Intelligent Performance -- even lower fuel consumption, even higher performance. This is due in part to the smaller 3.4-litre displacement in the Carrera model (yet developing 5 hp more than the second generation 997 3.6-litre), and also to its hybrid steel/aluminium construction, which significantly reduces kerb weight.

Other innovations include Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) and the world’s first seven-speed manual transmission. The design of the 991 has likewise received much acclaim. With its distinctive silhouette, exciting contours, and precisely designed details, the seventh generation of the Porsche 911 Carrera remains unmistakably a 911 that has once again succeeded in redefining the standard for automobile design. It is the best 911 of all time……until the next generation.

Citroen call this a Concept, No it is not

With the Xsara Picasso, C4 Picasso, Grand C4 Picasso and C3 Picasso, Citroën has built a real success story by asserting itself as one of the leaders in the compact MPV segment. Since 1999, the brand has sold almost 3 million Picassos. Now Citroën is entering a new phase in the sector by revealing the CITROËN TECHNOSPACE concept, which points to the brand’s future compact MPV that will be released from the second half of 2013.

A demonstration of Citroën’s ‘Créative Technologie’, the new concept ushers in a new era with:

A record CO2 emissions level of 98g/km, achieved thanks to the new Efficient Modular Platform 2 (EMP2), which features efficient architecture and minimises weight.
Multiple technologies for enhanced comfort, including a full-touch driving interface with a high-definition 12’’ panoramic screen.

Previously unseen proportions that combine compact size (length: 4.43m/width: 1.83m/height: 1.61m) with standard-setting interior space and class-leading boot capacity (537 Litres VDA).
Strong, expressive design with dynamic lines and high-tech headlamps complemented by 3D-effect tail lights inspired by the latest Citroën concept cars.
The concept will be revealed at the Geneva Motor Show.

Kia Cross GT Concept at Chicago Show

• Cross GT takes Kia design in a bold new direction
• Hints at the future of the brand’s premium aesthetic in a larger segment

Blurring the line between Kia’s gorgeous GT concept and a luxury crossover vehicle, Kia Motors America today unveiled the beautiful Cross GT concept at the 2013 Chicago Auto Show.  The Cross GT with its elegant yet powerful stance confirms, once again, Kia’s now-well-established reputation for world-class design.

The Cross GT seamlessly melds high technology with nature, creating a harmonious partnership between driver and vehicle that also respects our global environment.  Purely conceptual, the Cross GT reveals Kia’s intentions to potentially offer a larger premium SUV than the current Sorento in certain markets.

Commenting on Kia’s latest concept car, Peter Schreyer, Kia Motors Corporation President and Global Chief of Design, said: “The debut of the GT in 2011 heralded a new frontier for Kia, both from a design and a business perspective.  It beautifully illustrated to the world that the brand was ready to explore the possibility of perhaps one day offering a full-size rear-wheel-drive luxury saloon.  The Cross GT, with its raised stance and large cargo area, allows us to envision the GT in the form of a full-size luxury crossover.”

While the GT’s lines were penned in Frankfurt, Germany, the Cross GT hails from Kia Design Center America (KDCA) in Irvine, California, the house that breathed life into the Track’ster, KV7 and Soul’ster concepts, and most recently the all-new production 2014 Forte saloon – Kia’s C-segment model outside of Europe.

Based on the GT chassis, the Cross GT’s proportions are similar to its rear-wheel-drive stable mate with short overhangs, a long wheelbase and an aggressively wide posture.  But the Cross GT offers even greater visibility thanks to its taller stature and features all-wheel drive for improved performance and all-weather capability.

Drawing inspiration from nature, driven by technology and bathed in gorgeous Fusion Copper, the Cross GT is powered by an efficient hybrid powertrain that looks to reduce the vehicle’s carbon footprint while providing the uncompromising performance that’s expected of a large, luxury crossover.

Utilising a state-of-the-art 3.8-litre V6 hybrid, 8-speed automatic and torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive, the Cross GT’s powertrain matches the sophistication of the exterior and interior designs.  Supplementing the V6 is an evolution of Kia’s parallel hybrid system, a pancake-shaped electric motor positioned between the V6 and transmission.

Combined, the V6 and electric motor produce 500 lb/ft of torque and 400 horsepower, with an all-electric range of 20 miles – sufficient to enable exhilarating performance, while delivering superior fuel economy and fuel efficiency.

While strictly a concept powertrain, Kia’s proven hybrid technology, combined with all-wheel drive are thought-provoking ideas that may one day find their way into a production vehicle.

Although clearly a member of the same bloodline as the award-winning Sorento, the Cross GT cuts an even more imposing figure.  At 122.0 inches (3099mm), the Cross GT’s wheelbase is longer than Sorento’s by 15.7 inches (399mm), and its overall length of 192.8 inches (4897mm) is 8.4 inches (213mm) greater than Sorento. The 79.1-inch (2009mm) width is 4.9 inches (124mm) wider than Sorento, but the Cross GT’s overall height of 65.3 inches (1659mm) is actually 1.6 inches (41mm) shorter, giving the concept a lower roofline than most large CUVs.

The Cross GT is designed to easily accommodate four passengers and their cargo in luxurious surroundings, but the large greenhouse, airy cabin and gently sloping bonnet give the Cross GT a nimble feel that’s at home in crowded urban environments.

The Cross GT’s sophisticated image is enhanced by the dual rear-hinged doors, more commonly referred to as “suicide” doors.  This unique configuration allows for easy access to the rear bucket seats and affords generous views of the Cross GT’s premium textures and materials.  The cargo compartment is accessed through a “clam shell” design that incorporates a traditional glass hatch and a tailgate.

Use of advanced LED technology creates a strong and unique lighting identity that dramatically highlights Kia’s signature grille.  Letting light into the cabin is a multi-panelled sky light with hexagonal glass inserts that enhance the Cross GT’s premium design aesthetic.

Back to the Future with the new Beetle GSR, I am liking this.

► Sportiest Beetle boasts a 210 PS turbocharged engine

► Legendary Beetle serves as template for new GSR model

Volkswagen has today unveiled a new Beetle, the GSR, at the Chicago Auto Show, with a unique design and powerful 210 PS turbocharged engine. A ‘real’ limited edition, just 3,500 of these cars will be made worldwide. The GSR has a legendary predecessor, the ‘Yellow/Black Racer’ which was based on the Beetle 1303 S and made its debut 40 years ago. Only 3,500 of this car were produced as well. Orders for the Beetle GSR can be made from May onwards; the cars will be delivered from the autumn. Only 100 are expected to be imported into the UK.

With regard to design, Volkswagen has re-interpreted the concept of the 1970’s GSR for the modern era. Just like the GSR from days gone by, the body of the new version is yellow. The bonnet and the boot lid of the 1973 Beetle were painted in matt black, as were the bumpers. Black trim strips underneath the side windows and black/yellow side stripes above the doorsills rounded off the look. Now, yellow and black are the link between old and new – the bonnet and the boot lid of the new Beetle GSR are black once again, however the roof and the exterior mirror trims are also black on the new model. Black/yellow stripes with “GSR” lettering ensure a unique silhouette above the side sills. Yellow painted bumpers in new R-Line design and a yellow/black rear spoiler complete the GSR look. Unlike the older Beetle – and for those who prefer something a little more subtle, the Beetle GSR can also be ordered in Platinum Grey and Black.

The 15-inch steel wheels (with 175 size tyres) which were commonly used 40 years ago, even for sporty cars, and the “Tornado” 19-inch alloy wheels (painted black) with 235/40 tyres on the Beetle GSR are worlds apart. The black/yellow interior of the GSR from days gone by featured a leather sports steering wheel and sports seats for an extra-dynamic Beetle performance.

Four decades later, it is the ergonomically sophisticated, R-Line racing track sports seats (with fabric covers and contrasting yellow stitching; US version in black leather), a high-grip leather sports steering wheel (again with contrasting yellow stitching) with R-Line logo and a limited edition badge with the special edition number (1 to 3,500) which give the GSR its special character. The car also boasts an R-Line dash pad (designer panel for the dashboard), GSR gear stick, leather handbrake lever and black floor mats with contrasting yellow embroidery.

Forty years ago, the yellow/black Beetle needed precisely 50 PS to turn the world of compact cars on its head. But this world has turned much faster. The new Beetle GSR with its 210 PS engine needs just 7.3 seconds to accelerate to 62 mph. It has a top speed of 142 mph. The torque characteristic of the Beetle GSR is even more impressive than the pure road performance. From as low as 1,700 rpm, the turbocharged engine achieves its maximum torque of 280 Nm; the value remains at this high level up to 5,200 rpm. However, despite this, the car records an average consumption of 7.3 l/100 km (approx. 38.7 mpg) which is low in view of its dynamic performance. As an option, the new Beetle GSR can also be ordered with a six-speed DSG as an alternative to the six-speed manual gearbox.

The combination of performance, design, equipment and the limited number of cars will ensure that the Beetle GSR will quickly become a collector’s item. The same was also true of the Beetle 1303 S: today it is one of the most expensive and sought-after 1970s versions of what was then the most successful car in the world. It will therefore be interesting to see what the Beetle GSR will be valued at in 2053. We’ll let you know...

The new Golf R Cabrio, the fastest Golf Cabrio ever

Meet the new Golf R Cabriolet, the first-ever open-top R model and the fastest-ever production open-top Golf.  At the heart of the new range-topping cabriolet is a four-cylinder 2.0-litre engine producing 265 PS, connected to a standard six-speed DSG gearbox transmitting power to the front wheels.  The new car has an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph, with the benchmark 0-62 mph sprint taking just 6.4 seconds.

Design cues include a bespoke front bumper with gloss-black grille and ‘R’ logo, LED daytime running lights, bi-xenon headlights with black housings, gloss-black door mirror casings and black-painted brake callipers with R logo.  Side sill extensions, a gloss black rear diffuser framed by chrome-tipped exhausts either side and smoked LED tail lights complete the look.

Bespoke ‘R’ suspension lowers the ride by 25 mm in comparison with the standard Golf Cabriolet.  Wheels are 18- or 19-inch ‘Talladega’ alloy wheels in either ‘Sterling Silver’ or optionally ‘High-gloss Black’.

The interior features four individual sports seats in ‘Vienna Cool Leather’ and ‘R’ logos in the head restraints, while the leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, handbrake grip and gear lever all have contrasting grey stitching.  The pedals have brushed aluminium caps, while the doors and dashboard feature ‘Silver Lane’ aluminium decorative inlays.

Standard specification includes RCD 310 DAB radio with MDI (multi-device interface) and Bluetooth telephone connectivity.  As on all Golf Cabriolet models, the fully electric insulated hood is operated by a switch in the centre console, and can be lowered in 9.5 seconds at speeds of up to 18 mph (and raised in 11.0 seconds).

The Golf R Cabriolet will be available to order this spring, priced at £38,770 RRP OTR.  The Golf Cabriolet range costs from £21,040 for the entry-level S 1.2-litre TSI 105 PS, rising to £30,765 for the GTI 2.0-litre TSI 210 PS with DSG gearbox.

Subaru shows new concept and new Forester at Geneva

• Subaru VIZIV concept vehicle to make world premiere at Geneva Motor Show
• European debut of the new Subaru Forester
• Outback Diesel paired for first time with fuel-efficient CVT

Subaru will unveil the Subaru VIZIV concept vehicle at the 83rd Geneva International Motor Show (5 – 6 March), representing Subaru’s future design direction and vision for technological innovation.

The VIZIV is a future-generation crossover concept designed to embody the Subaru brand’s values of ‘Enjoyment and Peace of Mind’. The name VIZIV is inspired by the phrase ‘Vision for Innovation’ and expresses Subaru’s commitment to innovation across its range of All-Wheel Drive models.

Alongside the new concept vehicle, the new Subaru Forester will make its European debut at Geneva. To go on sale in the UK in May, the fourth-generation Forester builds upon the outgoing model’s credentials as a capable, go-anywhere and user-friendly SUV, with improved performance, safety and efficiency along with a larger, higher quality cabin.

Subaru’s unique Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system remains at the heart of the vehicle, which was recently awarded a maximum five-star safety rating by EuroNCAP.

The Subaru Outback will also be on show at Geneva, its 2.0-litre Boxer diesel engine now paired with Lineartronic (CVT) transmission for the first time, to give smoother gear-shifting and improved fuel efficiency. The Outback diesel Lineartronic is due to arrive in the UK this autumn.

NEW AMPLIFIED BLACK OPTION RAISES THE TONE IN THE AUDI TT

• TT Coupé and Roadster Black Edition models now available with exclusive Amplified Black package costing £700 on top of Black Edition price
• Highlights include four striking inclusive paint colours, attractive 19-inch ‘Rotor’ alloy wheels and black exterior design touches including TT RS-style fixed rear spoiler
• Amplified Black prices range from £31,365 OTR to £36,360 OTR

The big noise in the Audi TT range this week is the new Amplified Black specification, which is now available as an optional extra for all TT Coupé and Roadster Black Edition models. Combining an even more sporting look with a choice of four striking paint finishes, including the unashamedly bold Samoa Orange, the new option upgrade adds £700 to the price of the equivalent Black Edition model.  

The already dark and brooding look of the TT Black Edition is made even more purposeful by the Amplified Black package with its black-finished front lip spoiler, black door mirror housings, black TT RS-style fixed rear spoiler and black 19-inch ‘Rotor’ design alloy wheels. At the rear, a black diffuser insert and black exhaust tailpipes continue the theme.  

The four metallic or pearl effect colours Glacier White, Misano Red, Daytona Grey or Samoa Orange are included in the option price, and if the latter is chosen the interior inlays are also finished in this most striking of TT paint options. In all other cases, inlays are in matt brushed aluminium.

Black Edition specification, which is based on the top S line trim level, is already exhaustive. It includes black trimming for the radiator grille surround and number plate holder, tinted rear privacy glass, xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights, black leather and Alcantara upholstery, a premium BOSE surround sound system, iPod and mobile phone connection and rear acoustic parking.

Two engines are available in conjunction with this distinctive new look – the 2.0-litre TFSI petrol with 211PS linked to either front-wheel-drive or quattro all-wheel-drive and the 2.0-litre TDI with 170PS mated to quattro drive only. OTR prices for Black Edition models including the £700 Amplified Black option package start at £31,365 for the 2.0 TFSI Coupé with six-speed manual gearbox and rise to £36,360 for the 2.0 TFSI quattro Roadster with six-speed S tronic transmission.

**BEEP BEEP** UGLY ALERT **BEEP BEEP** UGLY ALERT **BEEP BEEP**

Our friends over at Auto Express, have discovered one of natures unfortunates, after Citroen gave us some great looking cars like the DS range, teh original DS, SM, 2CV even the current C5 is not too bad to look at, the current distinctive C3 Picasso has been refreshed and looks great, but then someone at Citroen has had an attack of the uglies.

Ladies and Gentlemen I give you the first car of the year that will be in the running for UGLY car of the year, the Citroen C4 Picasso

The Citroen C4 Picasso has been spotted with a Juke-inspired new look

This is the all-new Citroen C4 Picasso, spied completely undisguised ahead of its debut in concept form at the geneva Motor Show next month.

Our pictures show the new five-seat C4 Picasso MPV. The new car is expected to feature similar dimensions as the current car, which measures 4,470mm long, 1,830 tall and 1,680 wide. However, better interior packaging should mean more space and a bigger boot capacity than the current car's 500 litres.

However, while it retains similar proportions to the current C4 Picasso, the all-new car does get a bold new nose.

Dominated by Citroen’s latest double chevron grille, the C4 now features two pairs of headlamp clusters,  similar in idea to the Nissan Juke. Slim roof pillars feature all round, and the side glass now has a chunky chrome frame running round its edge.

At the rear, the C4 Picasso’s design is much more sober, with a relatively simple bootlid design and pair of Volkswagen Golf-style LED tail-lights.

The C4 Picasso will be the first production car to use the new PSA EMP2 platform that will help shed 70kg from the current car’s 1,680kg weight. Like the new Peugeot 208, which will also be built on the EMP2 platform, the C4 Picasso will feature up to a 22 per cent improvement in CO2 emissions, thanks to a suite of measures aimed at improving economy. This will take the Airdream model below 100g/km.

Citroen claims that work to reduce friction in the drivetrain will save around 4g/km, with a stop-start-equipped engine line-up accounting for a 4g/km saving, while a new electric power steering system saves 2.5g.km.

The C4 Picasso will also feature the new PSA touchscreen infotainment system that will be used on all cars underpinned by the EMP2 platform.

These pictures were taken in Vigo, Spain, just down the road from where the C4 Picasso and larger seven-seat Grand Picasso MPV are built. The production version of the five-seat C4 Picasso and seven-seat Grand Picasso will arrive in the UK in October.

LINK HERE

NEW 208 GETS PEUGEOT OFF TO A FAST START IN 2013

• 208 enters the ‘Top Ten’ UK best sellers at Number 7
• Sales of Peugeot cars and light commercials up 6% on January 2012
• Re-styled RCZ sees sales jump 35% in January

The new Peugeot 208 helped Peugeot UK get off to a great start in 2013 with sales volumes of cars and light commercials up 6% when compared with January 2012. The new 208, launched in the UK in June last year also entered the ‘Top Ten’ UK best sellers list at number 7 in January. To date some 23,000 orders have been received.

Other models in Peugeot’s extensive range also saw improved sales volumes in January, particularly the re-styled RCZ, the 3008 and 5008 – all of which have changed the brand perception of Peugeot with their new designs, stylish appearance and high quality interiors.

Neil Moscrop, Sales Director at Peugeot UK, said: “2013 has started well, especially with the 208 continuing to build on the demand following launch and we are confident that with a healthy order bank going forward our sales success will continue”.

Peugeot wins award from Louis Vuitton, have they made a handbag ?

• Peugeot Onyx Concept is an award-winning Concept supercar
• A tour-de-force of great style and design that also harnesses a V8 diesel with 600bhp
• Uniquely embraces new technology combining original materials innovatively

During the ceremony of this year’s Louis Vuitton Classic Awards, held in Paris yesterday (5th February), the Peugeot Onyx Concept supercar received yet another accolade, this time the Louis Vuitton Classic Concept ‘Best Prototype of the Year’ award.

Since 2005, just two awards are given each year at the Louis Vuitton Classic Awards by a jury of automotive professionals: the Louis Vuitton Classic Concours Award and the Louis Vuitton Classic Concept Award. The jury award on this occasion was for vehicles and concepts that were inspired by the challenges of innovation and expertise.

Gilles Vidal, Director of Peugeot Design, said: “The Onyx Concept is a supercar that explores future Peugeot design cues.  We combined a premium design with radical, noble materials that included copper, carbon fibre, felt and compressed newspapers, which is an innovative development.  This automobile sculpture hides a 600bhp V8 diesel-electric hybrid powertrain which salutes the brilliance of the Peugeot brand with these engines.”

The Peugeot Onyx Concept supercar, unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in September 2012, has already been voted ‘Favourite Concept Car’ in the World by readers of Auto Plus and listeners of RTL and also seduced the jury of the International Festival and Enthusiasts Automotive Design, winning the prize for the ‘Best Concept Car of the Year’ and last week, the International Automobile Festival (IAF) ‘Best Concept Car Design’.

THROW BACK THURSDAY 006 - Mitsubishi Outlander 3rd Gen has arrived. Time to party !

Mitsubishi Motors in the UK is pleased to announce the arrival of the all-new, third generation Mitsubishi Outlander.

Representing a hugely exciting opportunity for Mitsubishi Motors in the UK, the all-new Outlander will make a dramatic entrance into Mitsubishi showrooms all across the UK from early February. Eagerly awaited, the all-new SUV from Mitsubishi Motors is the greenest, most stylish and most technologically advanced yet.

Be Safe, Not Sorry

Careful development of the outgoing Outlander’s architecture and safety equipment means that the all-new vehicle is not only the most environmentally friendly but also the safest Outlander ever produced. Achieving an impressive 5 star Euro NCAP safety rating, with new features such as City Crash Provision and the improvement of Mitsubishi’s existing safety system “RISE” as standard, the new vehicle also boasts a new range topping GX5 derivative with Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Mitigation and clever Adaptive Cruise Control technology. Throughout each element of the comprehensive NCAP test, the all-new Outlander scored highly, particularly in the “Safety Assist” section, achieving an exceptional 100%!

A Bit of Peace… And Quiet…

The all-new Mitsubishi Outlander offers style and substance. Benefiting from advanced specifications and enhanced safety features, noise and vibration are substantially reduced and along with multi-link suspension means that passengers will enjoy a better ride experience. The ‘peaceful’ Outlander is aided further by new tyres and better positioning of sound proofing materials. And with all-new third row seating, which has been completely reengineered from the outgoing model, it now means that even the rear-most passengers have a more comfortable journey too!

Style and substance are also reflected in the interior of the vehicle. A simple, tasteful design with smooth lines made from high-quality materials gives the Outlander a rich, premium feel.  The dashboard ‘envelopes’ the driver, and there are ergonomic steering wheel controls and high-resolution, easy-to-read instrument displays. Clarity, confidence and quality are the watchwords.

Efficient Aerodynamics

Mitsubishi engineers have reduced the all-new Outlander by 100kg, compared with the out-going model, improving efficiency and performance. With a drag coefficient of 0.33, the new vehicle produces 7% less aerodynamic resistance than the old one too!

Under the Bonnet

The all-new Outlander will be available with a redeveloped version of the established and technologically advanced Mitsubishi 4N14 2.2-litre 16v DOHC diesel engine, which now produces improved low-end torque, superior fuel economy, class leading CO2 emissions of just 138 g/km of CO2  and easily meets the latest Euro 6 emission standards.

Green Thinking

That’s not all, although the clean diesel has the best fuel economy and emissions figures of any of its key competitors in the 7 seat 4x4 segment[1], the all-new Outlander has been designed from the ground up to incorporate Mitsubishi’s advanced plug-in hybrid technology, due to the UK in a few months’ time. As such, the new Outlander is the first mainstream car from a major manufacturer designed to have built-in provisions for either Internal Combustion Engine or Plug-In Hybrid powertrains.

Step It Up A Gear

Two gearboxes are available with the new generation Outlander: A Six-speed manual and a INVECS-II six-speed automatic. The six-speed manual gearbox has been developed with lower emissions in mind, but not at the cost of driving dynamics. A major difference with the outgoing Outlander is the availability of a conventional six-speed automatic gearbox which replaces the previous twin-clutch ‘TC-SST’.

Something For Everyone…

The all-new Outlander is ideal for its customers’ needs thanks to a range of 4 well-equipped trim specifications.

GX2

5 Seats

Automatic lighting

Coming home headlamps

Colour-keyed front & rear bumper

60/40 rear seats

Six speaker stereo with CD, MP3 connectivity and USB

Cruise control

Mono colour LCD display

Single-zone air conditioning

M-ASTC

Air bags – Curtain, dual stage front & drivers knee airbags

Hill start assist

Eco mode

Tonneau cover

Colour coded door mirrors & door handles

16” Steel wheels

GX3 (Specification of GX2 plus)

7 Seats

Third row seats, second row has a sliding function

Dual zone air conditioning

Front fog lamps

Rain sensing wipers

Power folding door mirrors

Door mirror turn lamp

High contrast mono-colour LCD display

Leather steering wheel, gear knob & handbrake

Bluetooth hands-free with USB & steering mounted controls

Privacy glass

Black roof rails

Tonneau cover

Colour coded door mirrors & door handles

18” Alloy wheels

GX4 (Specification of GX3 plus)

2.2 Manual & 2.2 Automatic variant available

Leather upholstery

Heated & electric front seats

Rear parking sensors

Xenon HID headlights

KOS keyless entry system with push-button engine start

Mitsubishi Multi Communication System with Sat-Nav & rear camera

Head lamp washer

Anti-trapping electric sunroof

Chrome belt-line trim

Paddle shift (GX4 auto variants)

GX5 (Specification of GX4 plus)

2.2 Automatic

Adaptive cruise control

Forward collision mitigation system

Lane departure warning

DAB radio

Powered tailgate

Money Talks[2]

We are pleased to announce that the all-new Outlander has been competitively priced as follows:

GX1 4Work    £24,224.00

GX2              £23,699.00

GX3              £26,399.00

GX3 Leather  £27,724.00

GX4              £29,999.00

GX4 Auto      £31,399.00

GX5              £33,999.00

Future Proof

Residual values (RV), based on three years/30,000 miles, range from 38.9% to 42.6% - an average of 41% which is above the average of that of Outlander’s competition.

Colour Me Happy

Keenly anticipated by Mitsubishi’s dealer network, not to mention thousands of loyal Mitsubishi owners across the UK, the all-new Outlander will be available to buy from 1st February and will be available in the following colours:

Copper Metallic (Metallic)

Amethyst Black (Metallic)

Titanium Grey (Metallic)

Polar White (Solid)

Cool Silver (Metallic)

Tanzanite Blue (Pearlescent)

Silky White (Pearlescent)

TLC

The all-new Mitsubishi Outlander has a 3-year / unlimited mileage warranty together with a pan-European roadside assistance package. The service interval for new Outlander is 9,000 miles/12 months (whichever occurs first). Mitsubishi’s extremely competitive service plan (MSP), covering the first three scheduled services can be purchased for just £600 including VAT, with further MSP top-up cover available at the 4th and 5th services for an additional £570 including VAT.

Go Compare

The all-new Outlander has achieved a very competitive insurance group rating that varies between 22E and 23E depending on the derivative. The GX5 is particularly impressive, achieving a group 22E status, which is a full five groups below the equivalent Honda CR-V EX.

The View From The Top

Managing Director of Mitsubishi Motors in the UK, Lance Bradley, said:

"This car is hugely important for Mitsubishi Motors in the UK and we are confident that it will appeal to our existing customers and attract new ones. We are a niche manufacturer and cater for people who want something a little bit different. And of course, we specialise in four-wheel-drive with 70 per cent of the vehicles we sell being 4x4s. That is what we are famous for.

"This all-new Outlander is the first in a number of exciting new vehicles from Mitsubishi Motors this year and we are sure it will do well."

In A Nutshell

The Outlander has always been a popular choice for Mitsubishi Motors customers and this all-new model offers significant advancements on what is already a successful formula. Since 2001 a staggering 950,000 Outlanders have been sold worldwide and that trend looks set to continue, especially with style-conscious families desiring a versatile, premium and spacious vehicle – all of which are available from the all-new Outlander.

The new, assertive Outlander offers a very comforting sense of quiet, protection and safety to its occupants – a quality car of substance designed for long-haul travelling, it’s more economical, dynamic, safe and has outstanding environmental credentials. With this in mind, the new Outlander represents a truly segment-leading SUV.

The arrival of the much anticipated Outlander Plug-In Hybrid later this summer completes what is an exciting, innovative and technologically advanced Outlander range. Whilst the Outlander PHEV official homologation figures will be finalised in a few weeks time, the latest data already confirms the excellent credentials with targeted CO2 emissions (weighted) of 44g/km, fuel consumption of a staggering 147.9 mpg and an electric driving range of 32.5 miles.

And Did You Know…

Tried and tested: Mitsubishi’s new Outlander has excellent road manners too – which is no surprise as it is built on the same platform that has served its Evo X models so well.

Keeping your distance: Mitsubishi’s Adaptive Cruise Control System maintains a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front – even at low speeds. It can detect vehicles up to 200 metres away.

Premium feel: Padded surfaces, soft-touch finishes and gloss black appliques add a touch of luxury to the Outlander experience.

Avoid trouble: Lane Departure Warning System will keep you on course while Forward Collision Mitigation System detects obstacles on the road ahead and applies the brakes.

Space in spades: The cargo capacity with two people on board is 1,022 litres – that’s 1,798 pints!

Not too taxing: The Outlander 2.2 Manual is in VED Band E – the same as a Volkswagen Polo 1.4 petrol.

Kerb appeal: The kerb weight of a manual Outlander is 1,555kg. That’s less than a BMW 1 Series – and less than half as much as an Audi Q7. The low kerb weight helps to achieve best-in-class fuel economy.

A great drag act: The Outlander has the same drag coefficient (0.33) as the Nissan Micra.

Quick getaway: The 0-62mph time is 10.2 seconds, faster than a 1.6 Golf TDI.