GENEVA - After the Abarth 124, FIAT Launches the standard version, and it too is gorgeous.

• New FIAT 124 Spider debuts in Europe, powered by a 1.4-litre MultiAir Turbo Petrol engine producing 140hp and 240Nm
• Acceleration from 0 to 62mph takes just 7.5 seconds and top speed is 134mph
• High standard specification on all UK FIAT 124 Spiders includes air conditioning, a leather steering wheel, cruise control, alloy wheels, Bluetooth connectivity and keyless start
• Just 124 examples of a special Anniversary Edition will be available in the UK, priced £23,295 with extremely high specification
• UK range details to be announced closer to its Q3 launch with pricing expected to start at less than £20,000 OTR

The new FIAT 124 Spider is unveiled for the first time to European audiences at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show, reviving a storied nameplate and bringing classic Italian styling and an authentic roadster driving experience to a whole new generation of enthusiasts.

Designed in the FIAT Style Centre, the front-end of the 124 Spider encapsulates the essence of its classic predecessor in a modern and bold package - broad and muscular but not too aggressive. 

The profile view is pure classic roadster too, with a long wheelbase, a cockpit hunkered low near the driven rear axle and a long bonnet complete with twin power domes – another nod to the bigger-engined versions of the original 124 Spider.

The look of the rear is defined by bold “floating” tail lamps shaped to hark back to later versions of the original roadster, while other classic cues include the rear wings that cascade inwards across the boot lid and the FIAT badge mounted on top of rear spoiler rather than facing rearwards as on all other FIAT products.

To minimise weight, improve longevity and encourage spur-of-the-moment open air driving experiences, the multi-layer hood is a manual unit that can be operated in seconds using minimal force and without the driver having to leave their seat.

Under the 124 Spider’s distinctive bonnet lives FIAT’s proven 1.4-litre, MultiAir, turbo-charged four-cylinder engine, which delivers 140hp and 240Nm of torque. Mated to a six-speed manual transmission, the FIAT 124 Spider is capable of accelerating to 62mph/100km/h in just 7.5 seconds and has a top speed of 134mph/215 km/h.

The 124 Spider's suspension uses a double-wishbone layout in front and a multilink in the rear, specifically tuned for greater stability while braking and turning, while the electric power steering system has been specifically tuned to give the Spider a responsive Italian feel. Combined with the lightweight architecture and balanced weight distribution, the turbo-charged FIAT 124 Spider offers a dynamic and exciting driving experience without compromising comfort and refinement, thanks to the adoption of an acoustic front windscreen and additional insulation treatments.

Trim levels are still being finalised for the UK ahead of its launch in the third quarter of 2016, but standard equipment on all versions is expected to include four airbags, air conditioning, a leather steering wheel, cruise control, 16-inch alloy wheels, USB, AUX and Bluetooth connectivity and keyless start.  A seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system, satellite navigation, 17-inch alloy wheels, full LED adaptive front lights, leather upholstery, a BOSE sound system (including stereo headrest speakers), front fog lamps, climate control and different surface finishes are expected on other versions.

To mark the launch and celebrate 50 years of the unveiling of the original FIAT 124 Spider in Turin in 1966, a limited Anniversary Edition has been created. Enquiries are invited for this exclusive special edition, of which only 124 numbered examples will be available for the UK market.

Priced at £23,295 OTR, the Anniversary Edition’s unique equipment specification includes full LED adaptive headlights; seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system with multimedia control knob; satellite navigation with 3D mapping; DAB radio; two USB ports; Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity; nine-speaker BOSE audio system; automatic lights and wipers; 17-inch alloy wheels; a premium silver finish on the door mirrors, windscreen frame and roll bars; "Anniversary Edition" numbered plaque and the 124 Spider badge on the front grille.

Prices and specifications for the FIAT 124 Spider will be announced closer to the car’s UK launch, with an entry level point below £20,000. For more images and to keep up to date with latest news on the new FIAT 124 Spider, as well as other models in the FIAT range, 

Volkswagen is bringing more than a dash of sports style to the MPV class with the new Touran R-Line.

Volkswagen is bringing more than a dash of sports style to the MPV class with the announcement of the new Touran R-Line.

The brand’s latest award-winning seven-seater – most recently named ‘Best MPV’ by respected automotive publishing brand What Car? – is now available to order in stylish R-Line guise for the first time.

The R-Line trim level is Volkswagen’s most overtly sporty mainstream equipment grade and provides a raft of exterior and interior styling enhancements, all carefully calculated to dial up kerb appeal, cabin style and on-road attitude. 

The range-topping new Touran R-Line is available with a selection of potent yet frugal turbocharged petrol or diesel engines ranging in capacity from 1.4-litre TSI to 2.0-litre TDI, and with outputs of between 150 PS and 190 PS.  These are mated to a similarly broad selection of transmissions which, depending on engine choice, comprise either six-speed manual or six- or seven-speed DSG.

Of course all the new Touran R-Line models also feature a selection of Volkswagen’s BlueMotion technologies such as Start/Stop, brake energy recuperation and low rolling resistance tyres, meaning economy is maximised.  Combined fuel consumption* ranges from 49.6 mpg for the 1.4-litre TSI 150 PS six-speed manual, to 62.8 mpg for the 2.0-litre TDI 150 PS six-speed manual.

Outstanding R-Line is styled to stand out   

Instantly recognisable outside, the new Touran R-Line benefits from a selection of exterior design enhancements including unique front and rear bumpers, radiator grille, and side skirts; plus chrome mouldings for the rear bumper, and 18-inch ‘Marseille’ alloy wheels.  Unique R-Line badging completes the external additions.

Inside, the sporty new Touran adds ‘Black Lead Grey’ decorative inserts in the dash, centre console and front doors; a black roof lining and grey stitching on the leather-trimmed three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, which also includes aluminium inserts and R-Line logo.

The seating, meanwhile, includes contrasting microfibre side bolsters and front seats with R-Line logo on the rear backrests.  Completing the stylish upgrades are stainless steel pedals, and unique R-Line sill protectors.

Practicality that’s highly-praised

Praising the new Touran in its recent awards issue, What Car? said: “This new Volkswagen is great to drive, classy-feeling inside and has better safety credentials than most of its rivals.”

The judges added: “There are cheaper and bigger MPVs, but none that so brilliantly balances all of the things that matter to big families.  Crucially, Volkswagen’s latest seven-seater is more practical than all of its similarly priced rivals.”

Now, with the addition of this stylish new range-topping trim level, the Touran offers this renowned practicality in its most eye-catching form. 

The new Touran R-Line is available to order from Volkswagen Retailers now, with prices starting at £27,740 RRP for the Touran R-Line 1.4-litre TSI six-speed manual.

Volkswagen Touran R-Line
Engine	Gearbox	Power	CO2 (g/km)	RRP
1.4 TSI BMT	Six-speed manual	150 PS	133*	£27,740.00
1.4 TSI BMT	Seven-speed auto DSG	150 PS	127*	£28,910.00
2.0 TDI SCR BMT	Six-speed manual	150 PS	117*	£29,210.00
2.0 TDI SCR BMT	Six-speed auto DSG	150 PS	126*	£30,510.00
2.0 TDI SCR BMT	Six-speed auto DSG	190 PS	123*	£31,505.00

Volkswagen adds two new special editions to the Scirocco range, and both are available now to order

The ‘kerb appeal’ of Volkswagen’s exhilarating Scirocco sports coupé has never been in doubt: the distinctive silhouette and wide, low stance of this third generation model – revealed just last year – continue to turn heads.

Now Volkswagen is boosting the Scirocco’s desirability yet further with the UK launch of two special edition versions – both available to order in dealers now – that add not only extra style but also enhance the four-seat coupé’s already-strong value proposition.

The debut of two new Scirocco Black Edition models: the Scirocco GT Black Edition and Scirocco R-Line Black Edition, sees the addition as standard of black painted alloy wheels, a black painted contrast roof, door mirrors and rear spoiler, and 90% tinted rear windows. Together, they significantly enrich the visual appeal of this already dynamic-looking coupé.

The Scirocco GT Black Edition boasts 18-inch Black Lisbon alloy wheels, while the R-Line Black Edition benefits from arch-filling 19-inch Black Lugano alloy wheels. 

Priced from £23,135 (RRP OTR) for the GT Scirocco Black Edition 1.4-litre TSI BlueMotion Technology – a premium of £550 over the equivalent GT and R-Line trims – the new models offer great value for money, too. 

As an example, the 18-inch Lisbon alloy wheels alone would otherwise be a £610 option on the GT trim, while the cars’ 90% tinted windows are a £70 option.

The third generation Scirocco made its global public debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2014 – 40 years after the original debuted – and comes with a range of advanced engines that offer up to 280 PS yet also promise both impressive performance and fuel efficiency.

Styling highlights include eye-catching headlight and LED tail light designs, a front bumper featuring aerodynamic ‘blades’ in the outer section and, inside, a dashboard containing an auxiliary instrument cluster above the centre console consisting of chronometer, charge pressure and oil temperature gauges.

Under the Scirocco’s purposeful bonnet lies one of six turbocharged direct-injection petrol or diesel engines, all of which meet EU6 emissions standards and return between 67.3 and 35.3 mpg.  Every model in the range except the R feature BlueMotion Technology additions, meaning they come as standard with Stop/Start and brake energy recuperation systems.

In new GT Black Edition and R-Line Black Edition guise the petrol range comprises a 1.4-litre 125 PS or a 2.0-litre 180 PS unit while two diesel engines, both 2.0-litre, offer either 150 PS or 184 PS.  

The 1.4-litre TSI comes with a six-speed manual gearbox, while all other engines are fitted with a standard six-speed manual gearbox or the option of a six-speed DSG gearbox

Dynamo joins forces with FIAT and the 500 X to tour the country.

• FIAT has partnered with famous magician Dynamo to star in the build up to the launch of the FIAT 500X in the UK in April
• The artist and the new crossover feature in an extraordinary 360-degree VR test-drive experience using special 3D headsets
• The tour visits six UK city-centre locations in February and March, starting today in London’s Covent Garden
• The VR experience is a collaboration between FIAT, Dynamo and Framestore, the British Oscar-winning SFX studio
• More information on the "The Power of X” initiative is available at the dedicated site:thepowerofXtour.co.uk

The "The Power of X” tour, featuring the FIAT 500X and world-famous magician Dynamo, kicks off in the UK. Having already visited 68 European cities, the UK leg of the tour brings the FIAT 500X and Dynamo’s immersive VR experience to London’s Covent Garden on February 13 and 14, before moving on to Cardiff (Queen Street, February 15), Birmingham (Victoria Square, February 21), Manchester (Piccadilly Gardens, February 22) and Newcastle (Grainger Square, February 28), before making its final stop in Glasgow (Silverburn, March 1).

Participants in the #ThePowerOfX tour are taken on a double journey to discover the new FIAT 500X: not only are they able to get up close and personal with the new crossover they can also take part in an immersive digital experience thanks to a special Virtual Reality headset, which reproduces a 360-degree environment in ultra-high resolution 3D. Users will be part of the first ever virtual reality magic experience, produced in collaboration with FIAT, Dynamo and Framestore - the two-time Oscar®-winning, British special effects studio.

Everyone is welcome to drop in and explore the “The Power of X” tour events but by registering online at thepowerofxtour.co.uk visitors will be given priority access at their chosen location, allowing them to skip the queues. Once there, they will be given a wristband with a unique chip which will not only allow them to gain access to the facilities, it will also enable the cameras installed at the event to recognise each individual and compile a unique and personalised video of their experience.

At the same time, dealers throughout the UK will host special preview weekends where people can enjoy the same VR test drive experience with Dynamo and see the FIAT 500X in the metal for the first time. The beginning of the tour also coincides with the official opening of the FIAT 500X order books, enabling the 82,000 “hand raisers” who have so far expressed an interest in the new crossover to create their perfect FIAT 500X using the online configurator and place their order for one of the most hotly-anticipated new cars of the year.

Visitors to both FIAT dealerships and city-centre tour locations will also be able to recreate Dynamo’s incredible virtual experience at home using a cardboard toolkit that will be given as a gift to all participants. Comprising a piece of carefully folded cardboard containing a pair of lenses and used in conjunction with a designated smartphone app, the headset becomes a virtual reality headset in its own right, allowing people to experience “The Power of X” in their own homes.

The arrival of “The Power of X” tour in the UK was marked by an exclusive event at the Copperbox Arena in London where Dynamo performed a one-off, never-to-be repeated illusion, making a FIAT 500X appear on stage in front of more than 1,000 astonished guests. 

Video of the illusion is available to view here:www.youtube.com/FiatUK

The FIAT 500X range at launch kicks off with the 140hp 1.4-litre MultiAir Popstar, priced from £17,595 OTR, when the first right hand-drive models arrive in showrooms nationwide on April 17. An entry-level 1.6 Pop joins the range shortly thereafter priced from £14,595 OTR. For more information visit 500x.FIAT500.com or search for #ThePowerOfX