Toyota's Auris spawns a new variation

• British-built Auris Touring Sports range includes the first full hybrid estate car in family/compact car segment
• Clever hybrid system packaging means there is no compromise in loadspace size and capacity
• Class-leading CO₂ emissions of 86g/km for hybrid, plus significantly lower NOx and particulate emissions compared to diesel cars with comparable performance
• Class-leading luggage capacity, up to 1,658 litres
• Superb versatility with Easy-Flat one-touch rear seat folding system, double-level loadspace floor and new two-way tonneau cover

The new, British-built Auris Touring Sports introduces a wagon/estate car body style to Toyota’s Auris range for the first time. It’s also the first model in its class to offer the choice of a full hybrid powertrain, marking further diversification of Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive technology.

Auris Touring Sports offers dynamic design, best-in-segment functionality and large, flexible loadspace. As the hybrid battery is located beneath the rear seats, there is no compromise in the size of the loadspace and its luggage capacity. The new model will broaden the appeal of Auris and is expected to help increase the model’s European segment share to more than five per cent by 2014, its first full year of sales.

Auris Touring Sports is built exclusively by Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK (TMUK) at its factory in Burnaston, Derbyshire, alongside the Auris hatchback and Avensis models.

Design and packaging

Auris Touring Sports has the same 2,600mm wheelbase and 10.4m turning circle as its sister hatchback, but is 285mm longer overall – all dedicated to the extended loadspace.

With the rear seats in place the load area is 1,115mm long and 1,452mm wide, giving a capacity of 530 litres. With the rear seats folded the length increases to 2,047mm; with loadspace height up to 890mm, the maximum capacity is a class-leading 1,658 litres.

As well as being more capacious than its rivals, Auris Touring Sports offers better functionality, too. It is unmatched in offering Toyota’s  one-touch Easy-Flat folding rear seat system, a dual-level loadspace floor and a two-way tonneau cover (standard on Icon, Sport and Excel grades), a roller-type luggage net, shopping bag hooks, aluminium roof rails and a 12V power outlet in the boot.

As witnessed in the new Auris hatchback, the strong and distinctive exterior design maximises the aerodynamic benefits that come with the model’s lower overall height and the dynamic improvements offered by its lower centre of gravity.

It shares the same front-end treatment as the hatch, displaying key elements from Toyota’s new design language with focus on emphasising the car’s width and low stance in the shape and arrangement of the lower grille, front bumper and fog lights, together with a keen-edged look created by the narrower upper grille and headlamp units.

In profile it also shares the hatchback’s steeply raked windscreen, which flows into an extended roofline with aluminium roof rails and an integral rear spoiler. Some versions of  Auris Touring Sports will be available with a Skyview panoramic roof; measuring 1,553 by 960mm, it is one of the largest in its class and increases the sense of light and space in the new interior.

The extended three-panel side glazing is emphasised by blacked out pillars, with a piano-black finish to the central B-pillar. The effect is underscored by a chrome trim above the powerful crease along the car’s rising beltline.

At the rear there is new a bumper and tailgate design, with the loadspace sill set 100mm lower than on the hatchback, and a ‘floating’ chrome-finished spoiler. As on the hatchback models, the design of the rear lamp units reinforces the shape of the rear wing, as well as the new D-pillar design and rear screen.

Driving performance

Auris Touring Sports reinforces Toyota’s commitment to improving the dynamic abilities of its vehicles to give customers a more engaging driving experience. To this end, it carries forward all the improvements made in the new Auris hatchback.

These include a more rigid bodyshell, a lower centre of gravity, improved suspension and steering, a better driving position and improved NVH performance.

It will be available in the UK with the same powertrain options as the hatch: 1.33-litre Dual VVT-i and 1.6-litre Valvematic petrol units; the 1.4-litre D-4D diesel; and full hybrid – a first in the family/compact estate car market.

The full hybrid’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system features a 1.8-litre VVT-i petrol engine and an electric motor, giving a maximum power output of 134bhp/100kW. This enables nought to 62mph acceleration in 10.9 seconds and a top speed of 112mph.

Conversely the hybrid’s CO₂ emissions are a class-leading 86g/km; indeed emissions performance across the range is highly competitive with the 1.33 and 1.6 petrol units rated at 127 and 139g/km respectively and the 1.4 D-4D diesel at 109g/km.

KIA ANNOUNCES PRO_CEE’D UK SPECIFICATION AND PRICING

• New pro_cee’d available to order from today
• Two new trim levels exclusive to pro_cee’d – ‘S’ and ‘SE’
• Two engines available – 1.6 GDi petrol and 1.6 CRDi turbodiesel
• CO₂ emissions from 100g/km
• Care-3 servicing package provides 3 years servicing for £329
• Priced from £17,495 on-the-road

Kia is today announcing pricing and specification details for the all-new pro_cee’d that is now available to order from Kia dealerships across the UK.

The new pro_cee’d joins the cee’d hatchback and cee’d Sportswagon as the third instalment in the latest generation cee’d family and will be joined by Kia’s first ever performance-orientated model – the pro_cee’d GT – from the summer.

Kia’s stylish new three-door hatchback is offered with a choice of two trim levels – ‘S’ and ‘SE’ – both of which are new and unique to the pro_cee’d.  The ‘S’ comes with a very comprehensive level of specification whilst the ‘SE’ adds a host of luxury and comfort features usually the preserve of much more expensive machinery.

Two engines are offered in the new pro_cee’d line-up – a 1.6-litre GDi petrol and a 1.6-litre CRDi turbodiesel with Intelligent Stop & Go (ISG) – and both are available in each trim grade.  A six-speed manual transmission is standard across the range and Kia’s six-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) gearbox is also available in 1.6 GDi ‘SE’ guise.

EXTERIOR

Longer and lower than the previous generation version, the new pro_cee’d is Kia’s most emotionally-charged vehicle to date and has been penned to show performance and dynamism from every angle, crease and curve. 

“The all-new Kia pro_cee’d is a true clean sheet design,” says Peter Schreyer, President and Chief Design Officer, Kia Motors Corporation.  “With its distinctive form language and dynamic proportions, muscular stance and athletic lines, this ‘coupe’ follows a very different visual path to the cee’d.  It’s a completely different car on every level.”

With the exception of the front body structure, several major parts of the bodyshell – the roof, body sides, and rear-end – have been redesigned compared to the current cee’d.  Ring-shaped structures on centre pillars and tailgate opening area have been added in to ensure rigidity and collision safety.  New pro_cee’d shares all the same external dimensions as the current cee’d save for its height – new pro_cee’d is 40mm lower than its 5-door sibling.

New pro_cee’d features a unique front design compared to its siblings.  The front fog lights are inset into a new layered design and are sat in a more rakish lower bumper design complete with dark chrome highlights.  The gloss black ‘tiger nose’ grille is slightly narrower and connected to the headlights with dark chrome extensions to lend the car a more aggressive stance that is further enhanced by the striking LED daytime running lights that are standard on all versions. 

The front doors are 270mm longer (at 1,410mm) than those on the cee’d and, aside from improving rear accessibility, they work in harmony with the sloping beltline and narrow glasshouse, the lower roofline and the chrome window surrounds to give the new pro_cee’d a very sleek side profile.

As with the previous generation, the rear of the pro_cee’d is characterised by a steeply-angled rear window and bulbous tail lamps that sit astride broad shoulders.  A black lower bumper strip with a set of integrated combination lamps and reflectors help to lend a hunkered-down feel to the rear.  The LED tail lights create a strong night-time presence to the pro_cee’d thanks to a U-shaped LED pattern that is unique to the vehicle.

INTERIOR

The exterior’s performance-orientated looks are echoed on the inside with a driver-centric layout to the dashboard and modern, premium touches such as the dark cloth trim, black headlining, piano black fascia trim and subtle chrome accents to the door handles, instruments and air vents.

The five-seat interior has been designed to be as ergonomically intuitive as possible with all the on-board and infotainment controls conveniently located for driver and passengers.  Practicality is improved compared to the last generation model too.  Boot storage is up 40 litres to 380 litres – the same as the 5-door cee’d – and up 15 litres to 1,225 litres with the 60:40 split-rear seats folded down and there are storage compartments in the front and rear, centre console and under the boot floor.

SPECIFICATION

To reflect how different the new pro_cee’d is to the rest of the line-up, it uniquely moves away from Kia UK’s customary model nomenclature of ‘1’, ‘2’ and ‘3’ for entry, mid-range and top-of-the-range versions.  The ‘S’ grade offers a high level of specification for an ‘entry-level’ version whilst the ‘SE’ adds the comfort and refinement of many high-end features.

pro_cee’d ‘S’

On the outside, the ‘S’ and ‘SE’ grades share all the same visual cues except for the alloy wheel size and design – they are 16-inch on the ‘S’ and 17-inch on the ‘SE’. 

At the front there is a narrower ‘tiger-nose’ grille with a dark chrome surround and gloss black mesh, projection headlights with dedicated cornering lights, LED daytime running lights and fog lights.  Puddle-lights are built into the colour-coded door mirrors, the door handles are also painted to match, and a chrome surround outlines the side window profile with privacy glass fitted to the side-rear and tailgate windows.

At the rear there’s a high-level spoiler with integrated LED brake light, signature LED rear tail lights and a chrome-tipped oval exhaust.

On the inside there’s a sporting appearance to the cockpit with black cloth upholstery with a contrasting grey ‘mesh’ design and faux leather inserts, black headlining, piano black fascia and door trims, a leather trimmed steering wheel, gear lever and handbrake.

Standard convenience features include automatic lights with welcome and follow-me-home functionality, ‘one touch’ electric windows, electrically-operated, heated and folding door mirrors with integrated LED side repeaters, cruise control with speed limiter and steering wheel mounted controls.  Reversing sensors and a trip computer are also standard.

Air-conditioning keeps the vehicle at comfortable temperatures whilst the six-speaker Radio/CD player with iPod and USB connectivity ensures occupants are always able to enjoy the music of their choice.  Music can also be streamed to the hi-fi by Bluetooth – sharing the same technology as the car’s Bluetooth hands-free phone system which can also be controlled via voice recognition.

First fitted to the cee’d, Kia’s Flex Steer steering system provides the driver with the choice of Normal, Comfort or Sport steering modes allowing them the option, at the touch of a button, of making the steering feel lighter or heavier depending on their preference.

Kia has a democratic approach to safety – all models within a range are given the same active and passive systems and the pro_cee’d is no exception. 

Standard active systems include Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BAS).  Emergency Stop Signalling (ESS) triggers the brake lights to flash under heavy braking and the Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) keeps the car held on a slope whilst the driver pulls away.

Inside the car, passive features include six airbags (front, side and curtain) as well as all-round three-point seatbelts and ISOFIX child seat mountings.  Deadlocks and an alarm and immobiliser help to deter unwanted intruders.

pro_cee’d ‘SE’

Building on the comprehensive specification of the pro_cee’d ‘S’, the ‘SE’ adds a host of additional equipment.  On the outside, 17-inch silver alloy wheels with contrasting anthracite highlights enhance the car’s visual appeal and the exterior door handle illumination provides a practical touch and premium feel.

Moving inside there are stainless steel door sill plates and pedals, power lumbar seat support for both driver and passenger, automatic dual-zone climate control and automatic rain-sensing wipers with a built-in de-icer function. 

The ‘SE’ also boasts a 7-inch touchscreen European-wide satellite navigation system with full UK postcode functionality and TMC – this screen doubles up to display the images from the colour reversing camera when the vehicle is in reverse – and an automatically-dimming rear view mirror and keyless smart entry system with start/stop ignition button.

ENGINES & TRANSMISSIONS

The new pro_cee’d is available with a choice of the 1.6-litre GDi petrol engine or the 1.6-litre CRDi turbodiesel motor.  Both engines are available in ‘S’ and ‘SE’ trim levels and all versions have a six-speed manual transmission with ISG.  Kia’s six-speed DCT automatic gearbox is also available on the 1.6 GDi in ‘SE’ trim.

The 1.6-litre GDi provides 133 bhp at 6,300 rpm and 164 lb/ft at 4,850 rpm.  Top speed is 121 mph across all variants.  In ‘S’ trim, the 0-60 mph dash takes 9.8 seconds (9.5 on the ‘SE’) and returns 62.8mpg on the official combined cycle with CO₂ emissions of 124g/km.

The 1.6-litre CRDi provides 126 bhp at 4,000 rpm and 192 lb/ft in between 1,900 rpm and 2,750 rpm.  Top speed is 122 mph.  In ‘S’ grade guise, the 0-60 mph sprint takes 11.5 seconds (10.5 on the ‘SE’) and returns 78.5 mpg on the official combined cycle.  CO₂ emissions of 100g/km, also in ‘S’ spec, place this stylish hatchback in Vehicle Excise Duty Band ‘A’ meaning free road fund licence and exemption from London’s Congestion Charge.

QOROS AT THE 83RD GENEVA INTERNATIONAL MOTOR SHOW 2013

• Global debut of the Qoros brand
• World premiere of the first production model – the compact Qoros 3 Sedan
• World premieres of two concept studies that preview future models and technology developments
• Unique eight-inch capacitive touchscreen infotainment system to be fitted as standard
• Focus on quality, design, safety and needs of modern metropolitan customers
• Engineered to achieve top scores in Chinese and European crash tests

At its global debut at the 2013 Geneva International Motor Show, new automotive brand, Qoros, presents the world premiere of its first series production vehicle, an elegant compact (C-segment) car with the official international model designation, the Qoros 3 Sedan.

In addition, two concept studies provide a clear indication of the new manufacturer's future model family expansion plans. 

With the brand starting from a clean-sheet, Qoros vehicles are elegantly styled and focus on quality and value, and on meeting the lifestyle needs and expectations of modern, metropolitan, ‘always-connected’ target customers in China and Europe.

The Qoros 3 Sedan, which is entering a pre-production development phase after two summers and two winters of extensive testing at key locations around the world, is due to be launched in China in the second half of 2013, with first European sales following later in the year.  The launch of further Qoros models is then planned at intervals of approximately six months.

To be produced in a new assembly plant in Changshu, China, the new range of Qoros models is being designed and engineered by an international team of experienced specialists and new, young automotive talent, and has been developed with the support of internationally-renowned suppliers such as Magna Steyr, TRW, Continental, Bosch, Getrag, Benteler, Lear, Microsoft, Harman, Neusoft-Alpine and Iconmobile. 

Rapid expansion of the model range will be achieved thanks to an innovative modular vehicle architecture developed in-house at Qoros.  The clean, elegant styling direction – drawing heavily on contemporary European themes – has been developed to give all Qoros models an unmistakable brand identity.

Designed to offer generous space and a high-quality interior finish, Qoros models will also feature an infotainment system which is unique in the automotive field.  Featuring an eight-inch capacitive touchscreen, the system was developed in-house by Qoros with displays designed for minimal driver distraction, replacing the array of switches and buttons that blight many modern car interiors.  The system features an advanced navigation system, extensive social networking connectivity and the ability for drivers to monitor their car’s health and, for example, to book dealer service appointments.

Qoros aims to achieve top scores on both European and Chinese crash tests for all its models.

Founded in 2007, Qoros is an equal joint venture partnership between Chery Automobile, China's biggest independent automotive manufacturer, and Israel Corporation, a global industrial holding company. 

Qoros is headquartered in Changshu, a region of great importance to China's rapidly expanding automotive industry, where construction of its all-new, highly-efficient and environmentally-sustainable production facility is nearing completion.  “The factory has an initial annual production capacity of 150,000 units, with potential for expansion to 450,000 units,” explains Alexander Wortberg, Qoros’ Director of Production (formerly of BMW).

Qoros operates an engineering centre in Shanghai, which is also the base for many commercial and purchasing functions, with further operations in Munich (Germany) and Graz (Austria).

World premiere for the Qoros 3 Sedan: elegant design, class-leading interior space, generous specification, high safety standards

Qoros’ elegant sedan for the compact segment introduces a distinctive brand identity which will be applied across all future models.  The Qoros 3 Sedan has an elegant profile thanks to its long wheelbase, short overhangs, a coupé-like silhouette and a roof line which flows smoothly into the strong rear quarters.  At 4 ,615 mm long and 1,839 mm wide, the sedan is relatively large for the compact segment, and endows it with a powerful overall appearance and unusually generous interior space.

Two efficient four-cylinder 1.6-litre gasoline engines will be available at the launch of the Qoros 3 Sedan in China, both of which feature VVT (variable valve timing).  The naturally-aspirated unit delivers an output of 93 kW (126 bhp) and 155 Nm maximum torque.  The turbocharged version offers 115 kW (156 bhp) and 210 Nm maximum torque.  Both engines are combined with a six-speed manual transmission as standard, with an optional six-speed dual clutch transmission available for both.  A stop-start system will be available from launch.

With the support of AVL, Qoros is also developing a three-cylinder 1.2-litre turbocharged engine and an all-new four-cylinder 1.6-litre turbocharged engine, both with GDI (gasoline direct injection).

The advanced eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system is a standard feature of all Qoros 3 Sedan model variants.

Qoros 3 Cross Hybrid Concept: versatile driving pleasure with innovative hybrid drive technology

Alongside the first production model from Qoros, the 2013 Geneva International Motor Show also sees the unveiling of the Qoros 3 Cross Hybrid Concept, a crossover model that features a compact hatchback body and an advanced hybrid drivetrain. 

It presents the application of signature styling themes introduced on the Qoros 3 Sedan to possible future compact hatchback and crossover models.  Striking new styling features emphasise the robust, versatile character of the crossover’s attributes.

The development of advanced engineering innovations is a core strategic activity for Qoros and the Cross Hybrid concept features an advanced hybrid drive system.   A three-cylinder turbocharged 1.2-litre petrol engine is installed transversely at the front, an electric motor above the rear axle, and a second electric motor – the Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) – is mounted between the petrol engine and the transmission.  The interaction of the two drive units and the ISG creates an innovative all-wheel driving experience. 

Intelligent control software ensures seamless transition between petrol-engine front-wheel drive, electric motor rear-wheel drive, and an all-wheel drive mode, depending on the most efficient mode to respond to the driver’s inputs and the prevailing road conditions.

Qoros 3 Estate Concept: modern functionality with clever details

The Qoros 3 Estate Concept showcases a vision of a future variant with a bodystyle that is especially popular among European motorists and is geared towards the travel needs of modern families, providing generous and highly versatile interior space.

Using the same platform and distinctive clean, elegant styling of the Qoros 3 Sedan, it features a sympathetically elongated roofline and a large tailgate.  The signature horizontal styling themes emphasise the long body profile and the large side windows give the five-door estate body an athletically-pleasing, stretched look. 

The Qoros 3 Estate Concept features an intelligently designed interior that provides an incredibly versatile and adaptable space that allows luggage capacity to be adapted to meet the needs and lifestyles of European consumers.  The rear seats fold to leave a flat load floor, and also incorporate a ski hatch.

A great deal of thought has been given to the development of a wide range of storage compartments and attachment fittings that optimise the functionality of the cabin for both everyday trips and long-distance travel.

The Qoros brand: international, independent committed to quality

With a business model founded on complete operational independence Qoros started from a clean sheet and recruited experts from around the world with experience within and beyond the automotive industry in order to achieve European standards of quality.

Qoros is committed to delivering products with high levels of safety, elegant design and well-connected in-car services tailored to the values and lifestyle of young professional metropolitan customers.

As its name implies, the Qoros brand will stand first and foremost for an uncompromising commitment to product and service quality. This will be delivered by a team working efficiently together like a well-orchestrated chorus.

THROW BACK THURSDAY 004 - Happy Birthday to the Peugeot 205, 30 years old today.

Throw back Thursday is a day late this week, sorry, but nevertheless we have a car here that not only defined a generation of car buyers, it save the brand, and thats not just s statement for shock value, the 5.3 million sold in 16 years outpaced some companies entire product build. It was easily THE car of the 80's and 90's and even today pops up in cartoon form in some of the funniest adult based toon series, Family Guy and American Dad.

So, back on Valentines day 2013, it celebrated its 30th birthday, and only this week it celebrated the 32nd, so Happy Birthday 205, without you, we may well not have some of the most exciting Peugeot models ever made.

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IT’S HAPPY BIRTHDAY 205 AS PEUGEOT CELEBRATES WITH A WORTHY SUCCESSOR - THE NEW PEUGEOT 208

• Happy Birthday 205
• The 205 celebrates its 30^th anniversary on the 15^th February
• 30 years on, Peugeot also celebrates a very successful 208 launch

On the 15^th February 1983 the 205 was born. Although the 201, 202, 203 and 204 came before it, it would be the 205 that really put Peugeot on the world map.

Some 5.3 million models went on to be made before production ended in 1999. Its replacement, the hugely successful 206, has now reached the 8 million production mark making it the best-selling Peugeot model ever in the history of the Company. In the last 30 years, over 17 million 2 series vehicles have been produced by Peugeot in the B car segment.

Today the number may have changed (the new 208 was launched in the UK in June 2012 and succeeded the 207), but the success of Peugeot’s Supermini continues.

In December 2012, just a few months after its launch, the 208 was on top of the European B segment and ended the year with 220,000 sales across Europe.

Produced in France (Poissy) and in Slovakia (Trnava), the 208 was launched in Europe in spring 2012 and reached the UK at the end of June. In a few months, sales will commence in the Russian and South American markets.

The 208 has already recorded a rich mix since launch, with 38% of customers choosing high level versions, the Allure and Feline.

By the end of 2012, 23,000 orders had been received for the new 208 in the UK. This, combined with over 17,000 cars already on the road, makes it one of the fastest selling Peugeots of all time.

The New Year has continued at a pace with 208 orders rising, up 45% in the first six weeks compared to the same period in 2012 for the 207.

The 205 was a ground-breaking product back in 1983 and with the 208, Peugeot returns to form with a car with a wider choice of new engines (3- and 4-cylinder petrol, very low CO₂ diesels from 87g/km and all below 100g/km), and a car that is lighter and smaller on the outside yet bigger on the inside than its predecessor.

In April, one of the most anticipated new cars of 2013 comes to market in the shape of the new 208 GTi. Some 29 years since the launch of that iconic car of the ‘80s; the modern day successor to the 205 GTi will deliver a desirable package of style and image with performance in spades.

An awful lot has changed in the world in 30 years, but Peugeot can still be relied on to deliver a winner.

RENAULT CONFIRMS LATEST DETAILS FOR CLIO RENAULTSPORT 200 TURBO

• All-new direct injection 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine, pushes out 200hp @ 6,000rpm
• 25Nm more torque than predecessor, and plenty of it mid-range. 240Nm from 1,750 to 5,500rpm
• Quicker from 0-62mph - now 6.7 seconds
• Tips scales at 1,204kg - 36 kilos lighter than previous Clio Renaultsport 200
• First Renaultsport Efficient Dual Clutch transmission. Six gears – all selectable via full-sized steering column-mounted paddle shifters. Includes first sub-supercar multi-change down function
• Host of technical upgrades to ensure it remains the ultimate “hot” supermini:
  • first production car with hydraulic compression stops in shock absorbers (usually preserve of rally cars)
  • new steering calibration, MacPherson front axle set-up, plus rear axle with 10% increased anti-roll bar stiffness, bigger brakes – 320mm v 312 before
  • R.S. Drive with three driving modes - alters settings for engine, accelerator pedal, steering and ESC mapping: Normal, Sport and entirely manual Race (shift time ratio of under 150 milliseconds in latter)
  • Launch Control and fully disconnectable ESC and ASR traction control (in Race mode) for the ultimate track car weapon
  • R.S. Diff enhances its cornering grip, standing start performance and understeer removal
• Optional Cup chassis gives 3mm lowered ride height, 15% stiffer chassis and quicker steering rack, Dunlop Sport Maxx tyres shod with gloss black 18” Renaultsport wheels with red brake calipers
• Lower running costs with fuel economy and emissions slashed by almost a quarter. Former up 10.3 mpg to 44.8 mpg (combined) and latter slashed to 144g/km (down 46g/km). VED only £135, £325 lower than before
• Coupé profile with five-door practicality. New look courtesy of 17” or 18” alloys, F1 blade front bumper, Renaultsport rear spoiler and diffuser, twin exhaust, DRLs and side sills
• High level of equipment – Bluetooth, USB connectivity, 4x35W 3D Sound Arkamys audio system, R-Link multimedia system with 7” touchscreen (Carminat TomTom Live navigation and App Store), keyless start and entry, R-Link integrated tablet with navigation, Renaultsport front seats. Standard tyre: Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2
• R.S. Sound Pipe sends engine soundwaves directly into cabin for heightened driving experience
• Evocative red touches for seatbelts, instrument needles, air vent surrounds, gearlever knob and gaiter
• Wide range of options: full leather upholstery, rear view camera, upgraded R.S. Monitor on-board telemetry system (displays real time torque, G-forces, lap times and standing starts among others - data downloadable to USB)
• Five body colours, including exclusive Liquid Yellow
• UK pricing to be confirmed on 28 February. Ordering opens in April with first deliveries in June

On the back of significant acclaim for New Clio, Renault’s now laying down the gauntlet to the “hot” supermini brigade with confirmation of the latest details for the New Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo.

The new model takes things onto a whole new level, both in terms of overall driver appeal and being able to enjoy every day. Under its sleek five-door bodyshell, New Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo packs the new Renaultsport-developed 200hp, 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine, as well as its performance arm’s first EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch) transmission.

Naturally, there is a liberal sprinkling of Renaultsport’s magic, including a few tricks learned from its motor sport success. Combine this with Renault’s very latest thinking when it comes to comfort and versatility, and you have a compelling car which is great to drive and easy to live with. But, when the mood takes them, drivers can also let it off its leash to become a genuine performance car, as well as a potent trackday car.

In addition to its sensuous styling, the new Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo combines class-leading dynamics with impressively reduced fuel consumption and emissions, down by almost a quarter, so that it’s even cheaper to own. Designed and engineered by Renaultsport, the latest in a long line of iconic hot Clios is made in Dieppe, France, and targets those who appreciate beautiful cars and exacting purists alike.

“New Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo joins the Renault Clio line-up at the very top, not only because of its performance potential, but also because of its exclusive appointments and specification. In addition to being ideally suited to everyday motoring, It impresses by the fact that it is so easy to drive, as well as by its unprecedented comfort and low fuel consumption which make it a more versatile machine than any other sporting Clio that has gone before it.”
Ali Kassaï (Programme Vice-President – A/B Range, Renault)

It is obviously tempting to describe New Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo as the ‘flagship’ Clio. Needless to say, our purist customers – who have always been uncompromising when it comes to performance – will discover a car that is not only extremely fast, but also a thrill to drive and packed with unrivalled technical innovations. Indeed, Renault Sport Technologies has succeeded in bringing to life all the know-how it has gained in motor sport during the last decades in the design of New Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo. It is a genuine Renaultsport model.”

At the same time, our more pragmatic customers who are drawn by its look, but who tend to be wary of ‘radical’ cars, also promise to be won over very quickly. The settings of New Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo can be adjusted to deliver exceptional performance when required, or a more rational ride the rest of the time. In this market, where the quest for ‘high-end’ motoring enjoyment goes hand-in-hand with the search for performance, proposing two cars in one is a highly innovative approach.”
Patrice Ratti (CEO, Renault Sport Technologies)

More good news from Jaguar Land Rover

• Profit before tax of £404m and increased revenues of £3.8bn for the quarter
• 88,658 vehicles sold in the quarter (up 14%) 
• Profit before tax of £1.2bn for the 9 months ended 31st December (up 20%)
• Continued investment in new products and technologies 
• Successful new  $500m 10 year bond issue in January 

Jaguar Land Rover Automotive plc has today reported pre-tax profits of £404m for the three months to the end of December 2012. For fiscal year to date, Jaguar Land Rover reported pre-tax profits of £1.2bn, up 20% compared to the same period last year.

The third quarter results reflect a 14% increase in retail sales volumes (88,658 vehicles in total) globally. The company generated revenues of over £3.8bn during the quarter and £10.7bn in the fiscal year to date (an increase of £1.4bn). 

Commenting on the results, Ken Gregor, Jaguar Land Rover Chief Financial Officer said: "Jaguar Land Rover has produced another solid set of results supported by the continued success of the Range Rover Evoque, launch of the all-new Range Rover and further growth in China and other markets.  We continue to invest in new products and technologies to support our aim of profitable volume growth."

LANA DEL REY RELEASES MUSIC VIDEO FOR NEW TRACK ‘BURNING DESIRE’

SONG ALSO SET TO APPEAR AS SOUNDTRACK FOR NEW SHORT FILM BY JAGUAR AND RIDLEY SCOTT ASSOCIATES

Brit and Ivor Novello award winner Lana Del Rey today released the video for ‘Burning Desire’. It was written and composed by the singer songwriter and will feature as the title track to a special film called ‘Desire’ starring Golden Globe winner Damian Lewis, which has been created by Jaguar and the award winning producers Ridley Scott Associates.

The ‘Burning Desire’ music video was filmed on location in South East London at the infamous Rivoli Ballroom, a Grade II listed former cinema that was transformed in the 1950s and is the only remaining intact ballroom from its period in London.

The distinctive venue’s eclectic mix of neo-classical, deco style perfectly complements Lana’s original style. In the video she is seen wearing a vintage Ghost floor length silk dress as she performs the track.

Lana Del Rey said: “Film has always been so precious to me and I’m so proud to be a part of what Jaguar have envisioned for their new car with Damian Lewis. Making art means making tough decisions. I do believe you create your own life path and that you will be rewarded for following your passions – and sticking to it. It’s just good to know now, with people like Jaguar and working with them, that I’m not the only one out there with such strident, creative beliefs.”

Lana Del Rey’s collaboration with the luxury car brand was first announced last September, with the singer performing the song for the first and only time to an exclusive and intimate audience at Paris’s Musée Rodin at the global reveal of the F-TYPE. The F-TYPE is the first two-seater sports car from Jaguar since the iconic E-type was launched 50 years ago.

Ian Armstrong, Global Marketing Communications Director, Jaguar said: “Lana Del Rey is a world-class singer songwriter. In this video, she has used her unique ability to conjure, reflect and then reinterpret an aesthetic from a different era both for herself and for the F-TYPE.”

The film that features the track tells the story of Clark (Damian Lewis), who delivers cars for a living, running into trouble after a chance encounter with a mysterious, young woman (Shannyn Sossamon) in the middle of a lawless desert. Directed by Adam Smith, this is a story of betrayal, retribution, passion and greed. The film will be released in spring 2013.

Brit cars lead the charge for dream cars.

A survey reveals today that British made brands lead the way for dream cars, the poll run by the Future Drive Motor Show asked: “if money was no object, which car brand would you like to see in your garage?”

In the top 10 were 4 British made brands – Aston Martin, Bentley, Jaguar and McLaren, 3 Italian brands – Lamborghini, Ferrari and Maserati and 3 German brands – Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and Audi.

Following its major appearance in Skyfall, James Bond’s favourite brand, Aston Martin was placed top of the desirability list.

Giles Brown, Future Drive Motor Show managing director said: “It’s such great news that cars built here in the UK are so desirable and top of the shopping list if money was no object.  Here’s hoping that the increase in the price of a lottery ticket does not decrease the number of winners who would more than likely buy one of these iconic brands.

“The glamour and desirability of our iconic brands seems to grow, ingrained in our minds are the ‘Bentley Boys’, the ‘James Bond Aston Martins’,  the reputed most desirable car in the world – the ‘Jaguar E-Type’ and the new boy on the block, McLaren, needs no introduction.”

Showing the automotive technology of tomorrow today, the Future Drive motor show, will take place at ExCeL London from May 5^th- 12^th 2013 and will showcase a wide range of new vehicles on display and available for test drives.

The show will also include a host of features including an electric supercar paddock, a garage of the future, a motorbike and scooter test drive area as well as a teenage driving experience* and kiddies driving area.

Tickets are priced from £12 in advance and children under 15 are free

*Subject to certain terms and conditions.

Survey Results

IF MONEY WAS NO OBJECT, WHICH CAR BRAND WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE IN YOUR GARAGE?

Full Survey Results

UK Brands	4	Aston Martin
		McLaren
		Bentley
		Jaguar
Italian	3	Lamborghini
		Ferrari
		Maserati
German	3	Mercedes-Benz
		Porsche
		Audi