Suzuki, again, brings the ALTO citycar below £6,000

Suzuki, well known as the small car experts, has some good news this winter for customers looking to purchase a new Alto as the popular VAT free campaign has now been extended until the end of the year. All four Alto models are included and the SZ model is again available at £5,999 representing a £1,200 saving on list price.

Alto is an ideal 5-door City car choice for younger buyers too as it offers very low cost of ownership with no annual road tax to pay thanks to CO2 emissions of 99g/km, combined fuel consumption of 65.7mpg and an insurance group rating of 4E. Even the entry level SZ model is equipped with front electric windows, central locking and CD Tuner as standard equipment.

Suzuki is also continuing its flexible PCP (Personal Contract Plan) offers on Alto until the end of the year. Alto SZ is available for a deposit of just £779 followed by 41 monthly payments of £99 with the option to pay a final balloon payment of £2,352 at the end of the agreement to keep the car.

Suzuki is currently the second fastest growing brand in the UK with a strong sales momentum 30 per cent up year on year as at the end of September and the projection to close 2013 at 33,000 units, an increase of 8,000 units over 2012.

Land Rover celebrates second year as "Carmaker of the year" from Motor Trader.

LAND ROVER’S policy of sustained investment and the development of new product has secured it a major award for the second year in a row.

The Solihull-based firm, which has introduced the all-new flagship Range Rover and the new Sport version within the past year, has been named Motor Trader’s Carmaker of the Year, repeating its 2012 success.

Motor Trader’s judging panel said it had been impressed by the strength of the Land Rover brand, its increasingly attractive product range and the investment that has been made to secure a healthy, long-term future for the business. It also took into account Land Rover’s position in the National Franchised Dealers Association’s Dealer Attitude Survey as the British motor trade’s most valued brand in terms of profitability and overall attractiveness.

Jeremy Hicks, Managing Director Jaguar Land Rover UK, said: “This award is of special significance for Land Rover as it recognises the strength and depth of our strategy to secure lasting success for the business.

“Developing great vehicles is an important part of that, but it’s essential, too, that we make our brand one that the motor trade values and trusts. That’s of particular importance in the challenging marketplace we are working in. We have a great network of dealers in the UK and this award serves also as recognition of the faith they have in Land Rover and the great service they are delivering to our customers.”

Curtis Hutchinson, Motor Trader editor, said: “Land Rover is the brand and franchise that dealers want. It has come a long way in recent years and, in terms of profitability, it has to be Land Rover.

“It has delivered a succession of stylish new models, which are lighter and more environmentally friendly, while retaining the 4x4 qualities for which it is renowned. It broke new ground with the launch of the new Evoque, which has been an instant hit in the marketplace and a huge sales success. For Land Rover, it was exactly the right car at the right time.”

The Carmaker of the Year Award is given to the manufacturer which, in the opinion of a panel of judges, has excelled in producing new models, successfully marketing them and building close relationships with its dealer network.

REPORT HERE

BMW to recall over 175,000 vehicles worldwide in latest round of issues effecting many car makers.

BMW Group is recalling about 176,000 of its four-cylinder, gasoline-powered core-brand vehicles from the 2012-2014 model years because of potential problems with the power brakes, the company said.

The vehicles, because of insufficient lubrication to a vacuum pump, can lose the power assistance in braking. The driver can still stop the car in the event of a loss of power braking, but it will take more force on the brake pedal, a BMW U.S. spokesman said.

Models involved in the recall all have turbocharged four-cylinder, 2.0-liter gasoline engines.

The recall covers the 2012-2014 320i, 328i, 320i xDrive and 328i xDrive sedans, as well as the 2014 328i xDrive Sports Wagon; 2012 and 2013 528i and 528i xDrive sedans; 2013-2014 X1 sDrive28i and X1 xDrive28i vehicles; and 2012-2014 X4 sDrive28i roadsters.

BMW said 76,191 of the vehicles are in the United States, about 25,000 in China, 9,376 in Canada, 6,841 in Germany, 2,738 in Mexico and the rest in other countries.

Jaguar SUV will also spawn a new Range Rover

Land Rover may still introduce a new model for its Range Rover lineup based on parent Jaguar Land Rover’s new aluminum platform but has not said yet if it will also build the C-X17 crossover concept.

According to a source familiar with the company’s plans, the new Range Rover would fill a gap between the Evoque and the Range Rover Sport and be based on the its new modular aluminum platform announced in September during the IAA Frankfurt Motor Show.

Jaguar Land Rover is investing 1.5 billion pounds (1.79 billion euros) to develop the new platform and said it would form the basis of a new Jaguar sedan due in 2015 that will challenge the BMW 3-series and 5-series. Although it also showed the Jaguar C-X17 crossover concept that is based on the platform, they declined to say whether it would be built.

The source described the styling of the new Range Rover as “car-like on steroids.” The lightweight platform and JLR’s new four-cylinder Hotfire engines will add to the appeal, according to analyst Max Warburton at Bernstein Research.

“The new Range Rover will be lighter and more efficient than any Land Rover-branded product that has gone before,” he said. He predicted prices would match those of the Discovery large SUV, which starts at 38,850 pounds (45,595 euros) in the UK.

Warburton also predicts that the new Range Rover will be built alongside a production version of the Jaguar crossover concept on the same platform. The Jaguar crossover concept shown at Frankfurt measured 4700mm (185 inches) long, pitching it against the Audi Q5 and BMW X3 in terms of size.

Jaguar F-Type coupe spied yet again, its looking very nice.

Last we reported about the upcoming Jaguar F-Type Coupe was in July this year. After a barren period of almost 3 months, yet another set of spy pics of the upcoming F Type variant has surfaced on the cyber space.

Our guess is that the upcoming Jag would be showcased at the next Detroit Motor Show and could go on sale towards the advent of next fiscal.

The Jaguar F-Type can be safely credited with resurrecting Jaguar’s heartland: that of a two-seater, convertible sports car focused on delivering scintillating performance, class leading handling manners and overall driving pleasure. Don’t get us wrong for we do realize that nothing can be a true successor of the legendary E-Type but the new F-Type is definitely one of the finest motors to have ever come from the British auto maker.

The Jaguar F Type convertible has won many accolades from various publications and auto experts and the coupe should be no different. The F-Type coupe will share its engine options with the convertible. The V6 engine that powers the F-Type displaces 3.0 litres and is forced fed by a supercharger. The engine has a max power output of 380PS. The F-Type V6 S has an electronically limited top whack of 275 kmph. The V8 that powers the new F Type displaces 5.0 litres and gets a supercharger. The engine has a max power of 495PS. Both the engines come mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox that transmits power to the rear wheels.

It is being said that the coupe could be launched with a 2 litre turbocharged petrol engine that will be the entry level engine option. The 4 pot motor will have a max power of 240 Bhp. The F-Type coupe takes design inspiration from the Jaguar C-X16 concept.

Rare and lost E-Type found in barn find, located in Le Mans, France, its now back home in the UK.

A rare and exclusive 1961 E Type Jaguar missing for decades recently went under the auctioneers hammer. Purchased by an anonymous buyer for a sum of £88,000 to add to his private collection, the car in question had been missing for many years and was lying in a forsaken farm in Le Mans, France.

Surfacing last month, the E Type gained international interest and was put up for auction by Ascot based Coys auction house.

Earlier estimates had put the value of the car at £20,000 to £40,000 though auctioneers stated that its knock down price could reach upto £100,000. The buyer is from South of England and purchased the car on Saturday afternoon for a total amount of £88,040.

The 1961 E Type Jaguar was the 40th right hand drive coupe produced from the company plant in Coventry in 1961. It was purchased by the selling vendor in 1969 and taken to France in 1974 where it has been since. The car needs some restoration but according to auctioneers is still in very good condition.

REPORT HERE

USA - Ford Fiesta débuts EcoBoost 1.0 litre engine.

• 2014 Ford Fiesta with new 1.0-liter EcoBoost® engine achieves fuel efficiency rating of 32 mpg city, 45 mpg highway and 37 mpg combined
• Fiesta is only vehicle in subcompact class to return 45 mpg highway and produce 120-plus horsepower
• 1.0-liter EcoBoost makes U.S. debut in 2014 Ford Fiesta

The new Ford Fiesta equipped with the award-winning 1.0-liter EcoBoost® engine will be America’s most fuel-efficient non-hybrid, gasoline-powered car with a certified 45 mpg rating on the highway, topping Honda Fit by 12 mpg and Toyota Yaris by 8 mpg on the highway.  

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has certified the 2014 EcoBoost-powered Ford Fiesta, arriving at dealers later this year, at 45 mpg highway.

The fuel economy rating not only establishes the Fiesta 1.0-liter EcoBoost as best-in-class, but it also outperforms some competitors’ diesels and hybrids on the highway driving cycle. The 2014 Honda Insight achieves 44 mpg highway, while the 2014 Volkswagen Golf diesel with a manual transmission delivers 42 mpg highway.

This also makes the Fiesta the only car in its class that produces more than 120 horsepower and achieves 45 mpg on the highway. Plus, while the 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine is officially SAE-certified at 123 horsepower and 125 lb.-ft. of torque, it features an overboost function that allows it to make more than 145 lb.-ft. for up to 15 seconds.

“With the new Fiesta 1.0-liter EcoBoost we’re pushing into fuel economy numbers only seen on hybrids and diesels,” said Joe Hinrichs, executive vice president and president of the Americas for Ford. “Coupled with the new Fiesta ST, Fiesta covers the performance-efficiency continuum in the subcompact segment better than any other nameplate in the market.”

Fuel economy is often cited as the No. 1 purchase consideration in the subcompact class, according to Ford research.

The EPA rating is for both the four- and five-door five-speed manual-equipped 2014 Ford Fiesta with SE Manual EcoBoost Package, which is also certified at 32 mpg city and 37 mpg combined.

Automotive journalists named the 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine in the 2014 Ford Fiesta International Engine of the Year in 2012 and 2013. The smallest engine in the growing EcoBoost family is increasingly the choice of Ford customers in Europe, where it is now available on five nameplates, accounting for 32 percent of Focus sales and 26 percent of Fiesta sales this year. Robust demand for the 1.0-liter in Europe prompted Ford to double production capacity at its state-of-the-art Cologne, Germany, plant to more than 1,000 engines a day.

EcoBoost technology combines smaller-displacement engines with turbocharging, direct injection, variable valve timing and proprietary Ford software to bring customers outstanding performance and fuel economy. Ford EcoBoost engines deliver up to 20 percent better fuel economy than larger-displacement gasoline engines.

Ford’s global EcoBoost engine family now includes the 1.0-liter three-cylinder; 1.5-liter, 1.6-liter and 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines; and the powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine. EcoBoost technology is available in every region Ford serves worldwide, and will be offered on approximately 80 percent of the company’s global nameplates by the end of this year.

Beyond the efficient new EcoBoost powerplant, Fiesta’s aerodynamic design also helps save fuel. Along with cruise control, the Fiesta SE Manual EcoBoost Package package adds a rear spoiler, side air deflectors, underbody shields, lower grille blockers and low-rolling-resistance tires that, together, decrease the amount of fuel needed to push the car through the air at speed.

In addition to the new leadership claim for highway fuel efficiency, the new Fiesta boasts a best-in-class suite of technologies and features that gives drivers an ideal blend of a connected world and an untethered driving experience.

A new MyFord Touch® system with 6.5-inch touch screen featuring enhanced voice control is now available, providing drivers more options than ever for navigation, communication and entertainment functions. SYNC® AppLink™ capabilities pioneered on the first Fiesta continue to allow access and control of Ford-approved smartphone apps through voice commands and other controls for drivers on the go, helping them keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. Turn-by-turn navigation remains part of SYNC Services.

Ford MyKey® is a new feature for Fiesta. MyKey enables parents in particular to encourage safer driving and limit their teenagers’ exposure to risk at the wheel. The system allows owners to configure maximum speed and audio volume limits. It mutes audio until safety belts are fastened and ensures driver aids, safety systems and more vigorous alerts cannot be deactivated when used.

Tokyo is the place to be to see the new Porsche Panamera turbo S

• Panamera Turbo S model makes debut at Tokyo Motor Show: 22 Nov -1 Dec
• Uprated 570 hp twin-turbocharged V8 engine combines 0-62mph in 3.8 secs with 27.7 mpg NEDC
• All-wheel drive four door, four seater epitomises the Gran Turismo concept
• Features advanced adaptive chassis technology and exclusive styling details
• Priced from £131,049, on sale now with deliveries from January 2014

Combining a power output of 570 hp with an extensive level of dynamic and comfort-oriented features, the four door, four seat Porsche Panamera Turbo S epitomises the Gran Turismo concept. The new 192 mph saloon car will be guaranteed special status at the pinnacle of the range when it celebrates its world premiere at the Tokyo Motor Show (22 November - 1 December).

The sporting and luxurious character of the new Panamera Turbo S is evident not only in its driving performance, but also in its distinctive appearance. For example, the dynamic potential is hinted at by the 20-inch 911 Turbo II wheels, which are not only larger but also significantly wider than the standard wheels on other models. And the metallic exterior paint colour, Palladium, that is available solely for the new model not only brings an air of exclusivity but also enhances the purposeful, elegant contours.

New turbochargers and a higher injection pressure boost power by 50 hp

A 50 hp increase in power compared to the Panamera Turbo engine has been achieved through specific revisions to a number of components. Two new turbochargers with larger compressors are fitted to the Turbo S, which increase the air flow and permit more air to be injected into the combustion chambers at high loads and engine speeds. In addition, the injection pressure has been increased by 20 bar to 140 bar. Together, both of these measures also enable higher component loads, and this in turn has been compensated by pistons made from a new aluminium alloy and specially coated piston rings.

This approach has two further advantages. By preparing the air:fuel mixture in the combustion chambers more effectively, torque increases by 50 Nm to 750 Nm between 2,250 and 5,000 rpm, with the overboost increasing to 800 Nm. The extra torque makes the engine even more responsive, such as when overtaking, for instance. The second enhancement is the fact that the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) fuel consumption figures for the new model are the same as those of the Panamera Turbo at 27.7 mpg; which is an improvement of over 11 per cent versus the prior model.

When fitted with the optional sports exhaust system, the Panamera Turbo S offers drivers the opportunity to further revel in the mellifluous sound of the V8. This unique sound experience is achieved by means of an acoustic channel that can be switched at the push of a button; the channel directs the engine sound straight into the interior.

In addition, individual cylinders are skipped when switching up a gear, allowing the engine speed to fall faster and the clutch to engage quickly.

Sport Chrono package enhances sporty handling characteristics

The new Panamera Turbo S is perfectly equipped to convert its increased power and torque to further emphasise the driving dynamics. At the heart of this is the optimum power transmission, the Porsche Traction Management (PTM) all-wheel drive system. The Sport Chrono package is fitted as standard, and coordinates the drivetrain and chassis configuration at the touch of a button to guarantee consistently sporting responses. Furthermore, the overboost function is activated in ‘Sport’ and ‘Sport Plus’ mode as well as during kickdown in ‘Normal’ mode; the overboost function temporarily increases the turbocharger boost pressure to enable even swifter acceleration and sprinting capability. The ‘Launch Control’ race start function guarantees the best possible acceleration by optimally coordinating the responses of the engine control system and the Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) gearshift programme. Courtesy of a reworked gear shifting strategy, the PDK changes between its seven gears even more rapidly, accelerating the Turbo S from 0 to 62 mph in 3.8 seconds.

Chassis with all Panamera assistance systems

Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) is the centre-piece of the chassis control systems, combining adaptive air suspension and adaptive damper control as standard. The PASM continuously adjusts the damper forces and adapts them to suit road conditions and driving style. Using the PASM chassis button on the centre console, the driver can choose between three performance maps – ‘Comfort’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Sport Plus’. Similarly, the adaptive air suspension offers the ability to activate different spring rates to introduce a greater range of chassis characteristics, giving drivers the choice between a high level of comfort and very sporting driving dynamics.

The combination of the Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) and Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) Plus ensures the Turbo S features the most advanced version of the Panamera chassis as standard. The PDCC restricts the rolling movement of the car on its longitudinal axis by applying a counter torque using active anti-roll bars on the front and rear axles. This system also improves vehicle stability via dynamic roll moment distribution, resulting in excellent agility in every speed range as well as optimum steering performance and balanced load alteration behaviour. Increased responsiveness is achieved because the tyres constantly maintain the ideal position on the road, allowing optimised lateral forces to build up and act upon each tyre. Variable roll moment distribution also directly influences the vehicle's self-steering properties.

The PDCC, PASM and air suspension are always controlled together when one of the three chassis programmes is selected. When the ‘Comfort’ setting is selected, the systems provide a relaxed journey on uneven roads. In ‘Sport’ and ‘Sport Plus’ mode, active intervention by the systems influence steering behaviour, maximum roll support, self-steering properties and traction in order to secure maximum performance and agility.

PTV Plus for even better cornering: Race-tested ceramic brakes

The advantages offered by PDCC in terms of driving dynamics are further enhanced by the Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus system and the electronically-controlled rear limited slip differential with variable locking effect. This in turn optimises steering behaviour and traction when cornering.

The Turbo S is also equipped with Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) as standard. These powerful, race-tested ceramic brakes with distinctive yellow brake calipers offer clear advantages over conventional grey cast iron brake discs. A reduction in mass of approximately 50 per cent contributes towards a faster handling response, and the corrosion resistance of the brake caliper rings guarantee maximum performance.

Interior: Two-tone-leather interior and comfort seats

The synthesis between exclusivity and sporting intent is maintained inside by the standard two-tone leather trim. One highlight is the new interior package in Dark Burl Walnut. The new decor includes a hint of red, providing a slightly cooler effect, and the ambience is completed by the embossed Porsche crests on the front headrests.

The 14-way adjustable powered front seats can be combined with the memory package for excellent travel comfort. The memory package comprises seat surface extension as well as lumbar support and electrical steering column adjustment. Both the front and rear seats feature seat heating as standard. At the rear, two single seats with a folding central arm rest offer generous leg and head room, even for tall passengers.

Panamera Turbo S in the UK

The new Panamera Turbo S is available to order now from Porsche Centres in the UK and Ireland, priced from £131,049.First right-hand drive deliveries will arrive in January 2014.

The Panamera Turbo S offers a compelling mix of sporting and luxurious equipment levels. Standard features include Porsche Traction Management (PTM) all-wheel drive, Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) with adaptive air suspension, Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC), Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) Plus, 20-inch diameter alloy wheels, full leather interior, automatic climate control, Bi-Xenon headlights, Porsche Communication Management (PCM) satellite navigation system, DAB digital radio with Bose Surround Sound, Bluetooth telephone module with cordless handset, front and rear seat heating, rear passenger side airbags, a universal audio interface offering MP3 connectivity,  and a three year warranty.

Fitted to every Panamera Turbo S is a two year Porsche Car Connect contract incorporating the Porsche Vehicle Tracking System (VTS), a sophisticated vehicle security package approved to Thatcham Category 5.

Furthermore, customers are also able to explore the potential of their new car by participating in a complimentary course at the Porsche Experience Centre, Silverstone.

Latest Leon from SEAT to be the most eco friendly ever

• SEAT Leon Ecomotive is the company’s most extreme environmental performer ever
• Order books now open in the UK for the 87 g/km, 85.6 mpg diesel-sipper
• Priced from £19,360 RRP OTR, with first UK deliveries during January 2014
• Big specification includes alloy wheels, air conditioning and a unique Ecomotive aero pack
• Eligible for SEAT’s Q4 free Technology Pack offer and 4.9% APR PCP finance 

SEAT this month opened the order books on the most extreme production Leon ever – extreme in the environmental efficiency sense. The SEAT Leon Ecomotive is, with a CO2 rating of just 87 g/km, the most CO2-averse conventionally-powered car that SEAT has ever produced.

Launched officially at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show alongside the new Leon ST estate, the Leon Ecomotive is available in all three body styles (SC, five-door and ST) and is priced from just £19,360 RRP OTR.

That outlay buys a three-door Leon SC Ecomotive, but all three versions return the same incredible 85.6 mpg combined fuel consumption. The 87 g/km CO2 figure puts the car into VED Band A, so the tax disc costs exactly nothing per year.

The car’s CO2 emissions figure is a full 12 g/km lower than that of the outgoing, second-generation Leon Ecomotive, despite being more powerful. This is accomplished most notably via a 90 kg weight reduction and a 10% improvement in aerodynamic efficiency.

Power comes from a 1.6-litre TDI diesel engine, mated to a six-speed manual gearbox whose ratios are spaced for optimum efficiency; the transmission is a fundamental difference between the Leon Ecomotive and the standard Leon 1.6 TDI, which itself emits a very modest 99 g/km, equipped with a five-speed manual gearbox.

Other changes over the standard Leon 1.6 TDI include a higher engine output, up from 105 PS to 110 PS, and the fitment of low rolling resistance tyres. To improve aerodynamic performance there’s a body package comprising rear and side spoilers, and the suspension is lowered by 15 mm, while the radiator grille is unique to the Ecomotive. These changes help the Leon Ecomotive travel 11.3 miles further per gallon of fuel than the standard Leon 1.6 TDI, according to their respective combined consumption ratings.

As with every other model in the Leon range, the Leon Ecomotive comes with an Energy Recovery System and a Start/Stop System, the former to capture and store brake energy otherwise lost as heat, which can be used to power electrical systems, and the latter to shut down the engine when the car is at a standstill, preserving fuel.

The Leon Ecomotive doesn’t scrimp on equipment like it does on fuel, thankfully, coming as standard with 16-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights with cornering function, cruise control, a leather steering wheel and gear knob, air conditioning, electric windows all around (aside from SC versions), Bluetooth hands-free phone system, SEAT Easy Connect multimedia system, and a front armrest/storage box; the Leon Ecomotive is based on SE specification.

And until at least the end of 2013, the Leon Ecomotive is eligible for SEAT’s free Technology Pack offer, which endows the car with cutting edge full-LED headlights (including their distinctive strip-LED daytime running lights), satellite navigation and a DAB radio – so every medium-wave radio talk show rant can be enjoyed in crystal clear digital quality.

Steve Mirfin, SEAT UK’s Leon Product Manager, says: “This Leon Ecomotive really moves the game forward for us. Not only is it a lot more efficient than the outgoing car, it’s one of the most efficient medium-sized cars on the market and offers outstanding fuel economy.

“We benchmarked the car against the most popular models in the segment to make sure we’re right at the cutting edge on real-world fuel economy, but also on value, performance and quality. And with the Ecomotive available in all three Leon body styles, its appeal extends to a huge customer base – not least the fleet market, where practicality and running costs are paramount.”

First deliveries of the Leon Ecomotive begin January 2014, priced at £19,360 for the SC, £19,660 for the five-door and £20,485 for the ST.

MG launches new advert for MG3 - god its crap

• National TV advert goes live this Friday 01 November
• Exclusive online preview available from today at: http://youtu.be/8lzhpAcyAOU
• MG3 Top model available from only £9,999 OTR
• Configurator featuring over one million personalisation options now live www.mg.co.uk
• A series of short brand films highlighting the personality and key features of the MG3, and Interactive E-Brochure coming soon
• Follow MG on Facebook www.facebook.com/mgmotor or twitter @mgmotor for campaign updates.

The culmination of marketing activity for MG’s latest offering, the MG3, is reached with a national TV advert coming to screens this Friday.

Marketing activity for the historic marque’s supermini includes an interactive E-Brochure which will shortly be available on the manufacturer’s website: www.mg.co.uk. As well as highlighting the trim levels, costs and the many key features of the MG3, the online brochure will feature short films giving brand insight as well as the showroom experience to those taking their first steps towards MG3 ownership.

The MG3 offers over one million personalisation options, all of which are available to view using the online configurator, which allows customers to explore trim levels and colour options as well as personalising their vehicle with a range of wheel options, coloured wing mirrors and roof, body and bonnet decal kits; available from just £29 factory fitted.

The MG3 is available in four trim lines, with the top of the range, 3STYLE priced at only £9,999, moving down to the entry level trim; 3TIME, for just £8,399.

Entry level 3TIME features a CD player with MP3 compatibility, LED daytime running lights, hill hold control and a sporty VTi 106 PS petrol engine as standard. Next is 3FORM, available for £9,299 with 3TIME specification, plus Bluetooth and Audio streaming, DAB radio and Climate control.  For those customers who prefer a sportier look the 3FORM SPORT is available for £9,549 and adds 16” “Carousel” Alloy Wheels and sporty Side skirts to its already impressive kit list. At the top of the range is the 3STYLE which takes things one step further with 16” “Diamond cut” Alloy wheels, reverse parking sensors, cruise control and automatic lights and windscreen wipers for only £9,999.

Also available is a range of warranty and servicing packages created to ensure customers drive away happy. Three year warranty is included as standard but this can be extended to suit customer needs; up to five years and 100,000 miles.  Three years servicing is also available for only an additional £550, including parts, labour and VAT.

MG3 Finance plans are available to suit all budgets as all specifications are available on PCP for just £99 a month or with zero, 10, 20% or more deposits. Customers who do not have a deposit to put down can still benefit from fantastic value for money offers. No retailer in your area? No problem, MG2U brings an MG3 to your door

Subaru to launch new concepts at the Tokyo Motor Show

• Subaru ‘Levorg’ tourer concept makes world premiere
• Cross Sport Design and Crossover 7 concept cars also on show
• Exhibit of new 1.6-litre Boxer engine with direct injection turbo technology

The Subaru Levorg concept will make its world premiere at the 43rd Tokyo Motor Show on Wednesday 20 November.

The Levorg concept hints at a new vehicle currently under development for market launch in Japan in 2014.  The name ‘Levorg’ comes from a combination of the words ‘Legacy’, ‘Revolution’ and ‘Touring’, and the concept will blend the practicality of a tourer and the stylish design and feel of a sports car.

The Levorg will also feature an all-new 1.6-litre horizontally-opposed Boxer engine with direct injection turbo (DIT) technology.  The Subaru-developed engine is designed to offer smooth performance and greater environmental efficiency.  The new engine will also be on show on the Subaru motor show stand as a technology exhibit.

The Levorg sports tourer prototype will be joined on the Subaru show stand by another new concept vehicle called the Crossover 7 concept, a seven-seat SUV designed to combine the rigours of urban family use with true off-road driving capability.

The ultimate Rolls Royce, the one off Chicane Phantom Coupe

With the talents of the world’s finest automotive designers and craftspeople at a customer’s disposal, inspiration for a Bespoke Rolls-Royce can strike anywhere.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Dubai Brand Manager, Mohammed EL-Arishy’s imagination was piqued whilst dining at the Goodwood Hotel, adjacent to the Home of Rolls-Royce. Photographs of motor racing greats negotiating the historic Goodwood motor circuit drew his eye. A consultation with Rolls-Royce’s Bespoke design team followed:

“I wanted to create a motor car that captures the unique atmosphere and history of the Goodwood Motor Circuit. The Home of Rolls-Royce’s connection to such an important centre of British motoring heritage is something that fascinates my customers,” said Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Dubai Brand Manager, Mohammed EL-Arishy. “The experience of working with Rolls-Royce’s world-class designers to create the beautifully executed Chicane Phantom Coupé was exhilarating. The creativity, vision, skill and attention-to-detail employed in the crafting of these one-off motor cars is unsurpassed in the super-luxury world.”

The result, the one-of-a-kind Chicane Phantom Coupé incorporates design cues and materials that evoke Goodwood’s rich motor sport history.

A traditional interior wood-finish makes way for carbon fibre, alluding to the materials used in modern racing machines. This highly contemporary theme extends to the exterior of the car, with the bonnet and windscreen surround finished in a matte black, perfectly complementing the Gunmetal exterior paint.

Coloured wheels matching the main exterior paint finish are also specified, the first time such a feature has adorned a contemporary Rolls-Royce motor car.

Hand-crafted details throughout allude to the car’s historic motor racing theme with chequered flag motif stitching to the seats echoed on the exterior with a matching Bespoke coachline. The elegant homage is completed with a metal plaque expressing the car’s name and Goodwood’s famous track layout located discreetly in the glove compartment.

This is not the first time an unexpected spark of inspiration has taken a Rolls-Royce customer; commissions have included an exterior paint colour perfectly matched to a favourite eye shadow and a wood-veneer sourced from a tree on a customer’s estate.

“Customers often task us with designing cars themed around a particularly passion or interest. The customer leads the creative process, working in collaboration with us to create a highly personal, one-off masterpiece. As Bespoke designers we take great satisfaction in turning these dreams into reality,” said Gavin Hartley, Bespoke Design Manager.

SSangyong opens five more dealers to coincide with refreshed range of cars.

Five new SsangYong sales & service dealerships:  Catterick, Derby, Isle of Wight, Penrith and Stoke-on-Trent

With several new models in the pipeline, the importer of Korean SsangYong cars, SsangYong Motor UK, has added a further five locations to its network of franchised dealers, bringing to 14 the number of new dealers appointed in the last 12 months.

         

SsangYong Korando

SsangYong Turismo MPV

                                            

         

SsangYong Rexton W

Coming soon - project X100

The new appointments are:

• Archway Motors, Findern, Derby
• Ash Bank Garage, Werrington, Stoke-on-Trent
• Catterick Caravans, Richmond, North Yorkshire
• Staddlestones, Ryde, Isle of Wight
• Ullswater Road Garage, Penrith, Cumbria

“We warmly welcome these five new partners to the SsangYong franchise," said Paul Williams, CEO of SsangYong Motor UK.

“The SsangYong value proposition is now widely recognised by the motor industry.  The Korando is the lowest priced 2-litre crossover, and the recently launched Turismo, the most competitively priced MPV available.

“The new Rexton W 4x4 arrives in December, which at £21,995 undercuts its nearest rival by several thousand pounds.  This is followed by the launch of the refreshed 2014 specification Korando and Korando Sports pick-up at the turn of the year, and soon afterwards the international launch of our first B-segment model at the Geneva Motor Show next spring.

“We are gearing-up for a very busy year and looking for the right quality of dealers to represent us in a number of locations,” added Mr Williams.

Open points across England, Scotland and Wales include: Aberdeen, Borders, Cambridge, Chester, Greater Manchester, Leicester, Liverpool, London & South East, Luton, Mid & North Wales, Milton Keynes, Newcastle, Reading, Sheffield, Teesside and Watford.

Ford retains best selling nameplate for the Focus for the first half of 2013

• Ford Focus is the best-selling vehicle nameplate globally according to Polk registration data for the first half of 2013
• Globally Focus is up 20 per cent in the first half of this year compared with the same period last year
• In the UK almost nine per cent more customers chose a new Ford Focus this year when comparing the same six months 

 Ford Focus, the best-selling vehicle nameplate in the world in 2012, retains the title for the first half of 2013.

In addition, Ford Fiesta ranks as the fourth best-selling vehicle – making Ford the only brand to have two nameplates among the global top five best-sellers, according to Polk global vehicle registration data.

Ford Focus grew 20 per cent in the first half of 2013 from the same period last year, to 589,709 vehicle registrations, driven primarily by increasing demand from customers in China and other Asian countries.

In the UK 47,675 new Ford Focus cars were delivered in the first six months of this year, up 8.7 per cent on the 43,853 cars sold in the first half of 2012.  Ford Focus is the second best-selling car in Britain behind Ford Fiesta.

“Fiesta and Focus just keep getting better,” said Jim Farley, Ford executive vice president, global marketing, sales and service.  “This is Ford’s ‘One Ford’ global strategy at its best:  great-looking vehicles with leading fuel economy, leading quality, technology and fun-to-drive personalities.”

Both Ford’s Focus and Fiesta are among the top five global best-sellers.  Combined worldwide registrations of Focus and Fiesta –946,143 cars for the first six months of the year, represent an 8 per cent increase.

Alfa Romeo and MTV gives away 6 special edition Giulietta cars

• Alfa Romeo and MTV present special edition Alfa Giulietta FF6 to Fast & Furious 6 competition winner Lisa Clyma from Hampshire
• Lisa correctly identified the movie scene which featured the Alfa Giulietta
• The prize car is one of only six Alfa Giulietta FF6 models produced
• The Alfa Giulietta FF6 is finished in Competizione Red and features a 1.4 TB 170hp MultiAir engine, sports suspension and 18 inch alloy wheels

Alfa Romeo and MTV are celebrating the release of Fast & Furious 6 on DVD and Blu-ray by giving away one of six special-edition Alfa Giulietta models.

The competition asked movie fans to name the scene which features the Alfa Giulietta in a high-octane race in the film. Lisa Clyma, from Hampshire, answered the question correctly by identifying that the Alfa Giulietta is seen racing on a runway and is now the proud owner of the exclusive special edition. Paul Doick, Sales Manager at TH White Alfa Romeo, presented Lisa with the keys to her brand new Alfa Giulietta FF6 on Tuesday 29th October.

The Alfa Giulietta FF6 is powered by Alfa’s award-winning 1.4 TB 170hp MultiAir engine and boasts an array of exclusive features and equipment. Each of the six models bears a Fast and Furious 6 plaque, as well as a dashboard panel signed by the movie’s star-studded cast, including Vin Diesel & Paul Walker.

Each FF6 model is finished in Alfa Romeo’s exclusive Competizione Red with dark titanium 18-inch alloy wheels and red Brembo brake calipers. Side skirts, a rear spoiler and sports suspension complete the Fast and Furious look and feel. Inside there is full leather upholstery and sports seats as well as aluminium sports pedals and signature Alfa D.N.A. driving mode selector, allowing drivers to turn up the heat for a more dynamic driving experience.

The Alfa Giulietta was the only unmodified car to feature in the latest Fast & Furious film and the commemorative FF6 Special Edition is now on sale priced at just £25,675.

Alternatively, the Alfa Giulietta is also available from just £199 per month with 0% APR representative* on PCP, while the Alfa MiTo supermini is available with 0% APR representative & a 45% deposit^ across the range.

Suzuki to wow crowds with a number of new concepts in Tokyo.

Suzuki Motor Corporation will display several concept exhibits at the 43rd Tokyo Motor Show 2013 (organised by the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association) which will open to the public at Tokyo’s Big Sightbetween November 23 and December 1, 2013.

The theme of the Suzuki booth at this year’s show is: “Let’s Create a Brand New Story”. Suzuki recognises that the daily life of each and every customer is a story, and by adding something to each of those stories, the desire to create different, brand new ideas together with our customers, is put into the theme.

Based on the Suzuki slogan of “Small Cars for a Big Future”, the concept cars exhibited at the show offer cars that are currently in demand, cars that should be available in the near future, and cars for the more distant future. In order to build a Brand New Story that will add excitement and passion to the daily lives of customers around the world, the cars are packed with Suzuki’s attractive products and unique leading-edge technology.

In addition, the design of the Suzuki booth features an S-shaped border that depicts lightness and softness to an open construction that expresses a bright future. A wide panoramic screen measuring 3.6m x 40m is set at the back of the stage. Introduction videos of the concept cars will be streamed across the main stage to show the Brand New Story of Suzuki and its customers in a beautiful image, all of which were produced by movie director Shunji Iwai.

Main Exhibits

Crosshiker: a compact crossover that fuses fresh new styling with a dynamic weight reduction and highly-efficient power train

• The Crosshiker is a compact crossover, which is an alternative offer of the G70, the concept car packed with lightweight and fuel-efficient technologies that was exhibited at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show. It uses the next-generation lightweight platform adopted for the G70.
• It features a size of a compact car while weighing just 810kg, the weight of a minicar. With a newly developed 1-litre 3-cylinder engine, it strikes a good balance between power and environmental performance.
• The Crosshiker inherited the G70 concept “Eco-friendly on the inside while having a design with personality that would evoke passion in users”, while adopting more exciting styling and a design befitting a crossover tailored to adults keeping a playful mind.

X-LANDER: a real 4WD hybrid with a distinctive personality

• Suzuki wants drivers to use this car in the city as well as sometimes go out to play in the field. This concept model is packed with such intentions.
• Based on the Jimny, Suzuki’s world-class compact 4WD vehicle, the X-LANDER is equipped with a 1.3L engine and a newly developed automatically controlled manual transmission.
• It incorporates a compact lightweight hybrid system equipped with a highly-efficient motor built onto a 4WD system, achieving both up-to-date environmental performance and excellent running performance.
• The vehicle design is loaded with full of playful touches so that the vehicle looks like a fusion of off-road power and mechanical precision.

HUSTLER: the challenge to a new genre, a crossover that suits an active lifestyle

• This is a crossover type concept model of a new-genre minicar that suits the active lifestyle of people who love the nature, love the outdoors, and love sports.
• This is a stylish yet practical design with plenty of SUV touches, combining an exterior that looks like it belongs in the outdoors with a roomy, comfortable, and useful interior.

HUSTLER Coupe: the challenge to a new genre of minicar, a crossover coupe with a beautiful silhouette

• This is a concept model that adds further design variation of a coupe silhouette to the reference exhibit HUSTLER.

iV-4: a compact SUV with a powerful design that carries on the Suzuki SUV image

• The iV-4 is a compact SUV concept model newly offered by Suzuki, who has earned much praise for its Jimny, Grand Vitara, and other compact SUVs.
• Its concept “Grab Your Field” has the meaning to let users pursue their own pastimes and lifestyles.
• This model is equipped with Suzuki’s next-generation 4WD system ALLGRIP and will be launched in Europe in 2015.

Ford stops production for third time of poor selling B-max

Ford Motor Co.'s Romanian unit will halt production of the B-Max minivan for 13 days in November, its third straight month of stoppages at the plant in response to weak European demand.

Ford began production of the B-Max in Craiova last year. It now produces roughly 370 cars a day as well as 1,000 engines for several models.

"We will stop car production for 13 days and engine production for eight days in November," said Ford Romania spokeswoman Ana-Maria Timis on Tuesday. "The eight-day stoppage in engine production is caused by low demand for vehicles and overlaps with the period of suspension of car production."

In September and October, Ford had stopped only car output.

Ford Romania employs about 4,000 people, almost all of whom will be affected by the production halt. They will receive 80 percent of their wages during the stoppage.

Ford boosted its full-year global profit forecast last week as the European picture brightened and stronger overseas demand led to better-than-expected quarterly results.

The automaker sold 55,034 B-Max models in the first nine months in Europe, making it the company's No. 4-selling model in the region after the Fiesta, Focus and C-Max, according to data from researcher JATO Dynamics.

Ford recently closed two ancillary plants in England and plans to shut its car assembly factory in Genk, Belgium, at the end of 2014.

REPORT HERE

First spy shot of third generation AUDI TT

Photographers have caught their first glimpses of Audi's third-generation TT coupe, expected to go on sale in Europe in the second half of 2014 and in the United States the next year.

The photos suggest evolutionary styling changes for the model, which will shed weight and get better fuel economy with a move to the MQB architecture and more efficient turbocharged gasoline engines used in the Volkswagen Golf and Audi A3.

REPORT HERE

Is Land Rover about to rename the Freelander 2 a Discovery ?

Land Rover may rebadge its Freelander medium SUV as a Discovery when the model's successor goes on sale in 2015.

Such a move would create a Discovery subbrand for Land Rover, with the new vehicle slotting in below the current Discovery large SUV.

The Freelander's successor will be bigger than the current model and will also have a seven-seat variant, so it's likely that it will get a new name, a person familiar with the plan told Automotive News Europe.

Land Rover already has a similar naming strategy for the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport. The Freelander is sold as the LR2 in the United States and the Discovery is badged as the LR4.

Bernstein Research analyst Max Warburton said renaming the Freelander would be simpler for potential customers.

Currently the Freelander and Discovery are grouped together under "leisure" in Land Rover's "three pillars" design strategy. Range Rover-badged cars come under "luxury" while the Defender is "dual purpose."

Land Rover wouldn't comment on its plans for the new Freelander.

The Freelander replacement will be built on a version of the current Freelander's steel platform and production will remain at Jaguar Land Rover's plant in Halewood, England.

According to Bernstein, the Freelander is the only model in the Land Rover range that isn't profitable once r&d expenditure and other fixed costs have been factored.

REPORT HERE

Double Jaguar XJ220 Photoshoot in Hampshire

With just 275 units produced throughout its two year production run, the Jaguar XJ220 is one of the rarest supercars even constructed. While its rarity is certainly notable, it is nothing compared to the fact that in 1992 it was the world’s fastest production car with a top speed of 213.1 mph.

Additionally, the Jaguar XJ220 held the production car lap record around the Nurburgring with a time of 7:46.36 from 1992 until 2000. As a result, it comes as no surprise that photographing a Jaguar XJ220 is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many. However, Hampshire Photography recently had the chance to photograph not one but two Jaguar XJ220s! If that wasn’t enough, the yellow car pictured is one of six 1993 Jaguar XJ220S Coupe’s ever produced.

Fitted with an uprated 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, the Jaguar XJ220S delivers a potent 700 hp. This power is sent through a five-speed manual transmission. Making this Jaguar XJ220S all the more unique is the fact that it has been painted in a bright shade of yellow making it a truly one-of-a-kind XJ220.

By comparison, the standard Jaguar XJ220 is fitted with the same engine but ‘only’ delivers 540 hp. As a result, it can hit 100 km/h in just 3.6 seconds. However, there’s no telling just how fast the Jaguar XJ220S could be in the right conditions.

The following photoshoot took place at an unused Spitfire hanger in the U.K. with both vehicles being privately owned.

REPORT HERE