The New E-Class adds 4Matic to the 220d in both saloon and Wagon variants.

• 4MATIC now available on E 220 d Saloon and Estate
• Prices start from £38,175 for the E 220 d 4MATIC Saloon
• Available to order now, with first UK deliveries in April

The Mercedes-Benz E 220 d is now available with 4MATIC all-wheel-drive in both saloon and estate bodystyles. Prices for the E 220 d 4MATIC saloon start at £38,175, while the estate version costs £40,175.

The E 220 d 4MATIC uses the same all-new four-cylinder 2.0-litre bi-turbo engine as the standard rear-wheel-drive E 220 d. It produces 194 hp and 400 Nm and, as with all new E-Class models, comes with a nine-speed 9G-Tronic automatic gearbox. 

As well as helping to create seamlessly smooth shifts, the 9G-Tronic gearbox also contributes to the E 220 d 4MATIC saloon’s low 117 g/km CO₂ rating and high 62.8 mpg economy (126 g/km and 57.7 mpg for the estate).

With a torque split of 45:55 (front:rear), the 4MATIC system offers greater traction, driving dynamics and driving stability in all road conditions. This is the first time a diesel E-Class has been offered with all-wheel-drive in the UK.

The system improves traction on slippery surfaces and increases stability during changes of direction, using sensor data on the wheel speeds, the steering wheel angle and yaw and lateral acceleration.

Standard specification matches that on the rear-wheel drive E-Class, which on SE models includes: Garmin Map Pilot navigation system with 8.4-inch display; Parktronic parking sensors with reversing camera and Park Pilot self-parking system; Collision Prevention Assist Plus autonomous emergency braking system; Pre-Safe anticipatory safety system (including Pre-Safe Sound, which helps prevent damage to hearing); 64-colour selectable LED interior lighting; two-zone automatic climate control; three-spoke multifunction steering wheel with dual touchpads; leather upholstery with heated front seats; LED headlights and taillights; electrically folding mirrors and 17-inch wheels.

AMG Line models add to this with AMG exterior styling including unique bumpers and side skirts; 19-inch alloy wheels; perforated front brake discs; three-spoke AMG steering wheel; and Artico leather and Dinamica microfibre upholstery with seat comfort package.

Next-generation driver assistance systems include a Lane Tracking Package (£595) that includes Passive Blind Spot Assist and Active Lane Assist, and the more comprehensive Driving Assistance Plus Package (£1,695).

The Driving Assistance Plus Package includes Drive Pilot, which combines Distance Pilot Distronic – which can maintain the vehicle at a set distance behind other vehicles – with functionality that allows it to follow the vehicle in front. In combination with Comand Online navigation, the system also has Speed Limit Pilot, which can automatically adjust the vehicle’s speed to camera-detected limits or those logged in the navigation, and Active Lane-Change Assistant. 

Active Lane-Change Assistant allows the vehicle to change lanes on a motorway or dual-carriageway with minimal input from the driver. The driver simply indicates and the car will make the lane-change providing it doesn’t detect any vehicles in its path. 

Also included are: Active Brake Assist with cross-traffic function; Evasive Steering Assist; and Pre-Safe Impulse Side. If a lateral impact has been detected, this last system inflates a chamber in the side of the backrest to move the driver or front passenger further from the danger zone.

Audi takes its successful Black Edition and puts it on its first Crossover, the Q3 Black Edition,along with other range changes.

Popular Black Edition specification reaches Audi compact SUV as part of a package of range-wide styling and equipment enhancements

• Revised Q3 range priced from £26,600 OTR to £36,945 OTR available to order from October 11, 2016 and due in the UK by the end of the year
• New specification line-up replaces SE, S line Navigation and S line Plus with Sport, S line Edition and Black Edition
• Exterior enhancements and equipment upgrades across the board
• Four TDI and TFSI engines offering up to 62.8mpg with CO₂ of as little as 117g/km

The dark and brooding good looks of the Black Edition models that have been mainstays of the Audi A4, A5, A6 and A7 Sportback ranges have inspired a new Q3 Black Edition that spearheads a wholesale update of the perennially popular compact SUV line-up. 

The new top flight Q3 and the sharper, even better equipped versions that sit below it will become available later this month priced from £26,600 OTR, and will reach their first customers towards the end of the year.

As part of the programme of revisions the current Q3 specification structure, starting with SE, moving to S line Navigation and then on to S line plus, has shifted further upwards. 

At entry level, SE becomes Sport through the addition of SD navigation as standard and through styling enhancements that lend an even more purposeful air, including larger front air vents and a body-coloured front diffuser.

S line Navigation models become S line Edition by gaining standard interior features such as cruise control and the Audi Parking System Plus, and by adopting a new look for the front end, which now incorporates a distinctive horizontal strut spanning its full width, above which are air inlets with more pronounced surrounds and a new diamond-pattern mesh design. They flank a more eye catching Single Frame grille with a new high gloss finish which is also shared by the air vents.

The main attraction in the range is now the Q3 Black Edition, which stays true to the concept introduced so successfully elsewhere in the Audi range. Replacing the S line plus model, it builds on that version's already extensive specification with features such as standard metallic paint, privacy glass from the B pillar rearwards and a Bose sound system upgrade, but its key point of differentiation is of course the distinctive black treatment for many of its parts. These start in the cabin with piano black inlays, and continue outside to take in everything from the 19-inch alloy wheels, wheel arch cappings and Single Frame grille surround to the roof rails, rear spoiler and tailpipes, all of which are finished in gloss black.

Extensive specification

Aside from the now range-wide satellite navigation, standard equipment for all Q3 models is plentiful, and includes Audi Music and Bluetooth interfaces, sensor control for parking (rear only in the Sport, front and rear in the S line Edition and Black Edition), for lighting and for wiper function, dual-zone climate control and a Concert audio system with DAB radio linked to a 6.5-inch manually retractable colour monitor. Xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights and LED tail lights feature as standard in Sport versions, while S line Edition and Black Edition specification levels upgrade to all-weather LED headlights and dynamic ‘scrolling’ rear indicators which illuminate sequentially within two-tenths of a second from the inside out in the direction the driver intends to turn.

Under the skin, two TDI diesel and two TFSI petrol engines are available, depending on the chosen specification. The 1.4-litre TFSI with Cylinder-on-Demand technology brings 150PS and the option of either manual or S tronic twin-clutch automatic transmission. It gives the exclusively front-wheel-driven Q3 1.4 TFSI a 0-62mph sprint time of as little as 8.9 seconds (S tronic), but also 51.4mpg capability (manual) based on the combined cycle test. Above it in the petrol line-up is a 2.0-litre TFSI unit with 180PS, which can be linked to either manual or S tronic transmission and works with quattro all-wheel-drive without exception.

Forming the diesel contingent are two four-cylinder, 2.0-litre TDIs with outputs of 150PS and 184PS. When linked to manual transmission and Sport specification with its 17-inch wheels, the 150PS version has the potential to return up to 62.8mpg with CO₂ output of just 117g/km.

The 2.0-litre 150PS TDI engine can work with either manual or S tronic transmission and can channel its output through either the front wheels only or through all four with the help of the quattro system. The 184PS version also offers two transmission options, but deploys its heightened power and torque solely via quattro drive.

Audi drive select as standard

The composed agility of the Q3 chassis imparts a nimble feel that belies its SUV dimensions, and the Audi drive select adaptive dynamics system - a standard feature of all Q3 models – enables drivers to make the most of it by adjusting throttle response, automatic transmission shift points and operating characteristics of other optional components such as the damper control system to suit personal preferences.

Up to five adults can enjoy the ride in comfort and with space to spare, and their luggage can be equally comfortably accommodated in the 420-litre load compartment, which in S line Edition and Black Edition versions is accessible at the touch of a button thanks to powered tailgate operation. When the back seat is free, its split backrest can be folded to liberate a total of 1,325 litres of cargo capacity

The New Volkswagen DUNE is now available to order, in both Coupe and Convertible styles.

• The Volkswagen Beetle Dune is available to order from 5 April
• Stylish new Dune combines classic Beetle style with off-road ruggedness
• Prices start at £21,300 (RRP OTR), with petrol and diesel engines available

The Volkswagen Beetle is renowned as an automotive style icon with, perhaps, the most well-known silhouette of any modern car. Original Beetles have been modified in small numbers over the years to suit specialist drivers’ requirements and among the most famous of these are the ‘Baja Bugs’ vividly associated with west coast America.

Now the spirit of those original conversions is rekindled in the modern Beetle range with the UK showroom debut of the exciting new Beetle Dune.  Engineered and styled to pay tribute to those off-road heroes, and with a ride height raised 10 mm compared with the standard car, the Beetle Dune is designed to offer a vibrant new dimension to the existing Beetle line-up.

Available to order from 5 April through the Volkswagen UK Retailer network, the Beetle Dune’s rugged looks are enhanced via 18-inch ‘Mythos’ alloy wheels, front and rear wheelarch extensions and bold new bumper designs.

Beetle Dune customers have a choice of Coupe or Cabriolet versions and deliveries of both will begin in June, while a selection of five body colours complement the car’s eye-catching styling.  The Sandstorm Yellow metallic and Dark Bronze metallic, in particular, have been developed exclusively for the Beetle Dune.  Other colour options include Deep Black pearlescent, Black (non-metallic) and Pure White (non-metallic).  Parts of the dash and door panels also share the exterior body colour.

Indeed, styling inside and out helps the new car stand out from the crowd.  Its adventurous character is emphasised by a large silver-framed central air inlet and a black honeycomb grille.  In profile, the black wheel well and body extensions contrast with the eye-catching paint colours.  In addition, black side trim strips – stylised ‘Beetle running boards’ – and ‘Dune’ badging underscore the dynamic image of the latest Beetle.  At the rear, a large spoiler and new LED lights create a futuristic look.

Inside, extensive use of contrast ‘Turmeric’ stitching on the sport seats, leather-trimmed steering wheel and parking brake grip help define the new Dune while contrasting areas of the seat system, door trim panels, roof pillars and headlining are finished in black.

The generously equipped new Beetle Dune is based on the existing Beetle’s Design trim level which means a comprehensive selection of technology and creature comforts as standard.  Among the highlights is the Composition Media system which includes 6.5-inch touch-screen with Bluetooth telephone connection, DAB digital radio receiver, dash-mounted single CD player, MDI (Multi Device Interface) via USB connection, SMS messaging functionality and eight speakers.  Standard-fit technology also includes a Light and Sight pack comprising auto dimming rear-view mirror, automatic headlights and rain sensing wipers, while convenience is enhanced by ultrasonic parking sensors front and rear.

A multifunction leather steering wheel with decorative 'Dune' insert and contrast 'Tumeric' stitching, leather-clad handbrake with contrast stitching and carpet mats front and rear with 'Tumeric' contrast stitching continue the Dune’s bespoke look.   ‘Climatic’ semi-automatic air conditioning keeps things comfortably cool inside.

Safety is enhanced via ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) fitted as standard and the Beetle Dune Cabriolet has rollover protection.  In addition, all Beetles have Isofix child seat preparation for two rear child seats, tyre pressure loss indicator and a comprehensive suite of airbags.

The Beetle Dune is powered by a choice of two engines.  The 1.2-litre petrol TSI engine develops 105 PS and is available with either a six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG gearbox.  With both options, the hatch model accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 11.3 seconds.  The 2.0-litre TDI develops 150 PS and comes with a choice of six-speed manual or six-speed auto DSG gearboxes and, in the hatch version, reaches 62 mph in 9.2 seconds.  Top speeds, where legal, vary from 110 mph for the petrol manual to 124 mph for the diesel manual.

Fuel economy ranges from 51.4 mpg (combined) for the 1.2 TSI manual to 62.8 mpg (combined) for the 2.0 TDI manual while CO₂ emissions range from 117 g/km to 127 g/km depending on engine and gearbox choice. 

Today’s production Beetle Dune was presented to the world as a concept car at the Detroit Motor Show in 2014.  The concept’s off-road interpretation of the classic Beetle design attracted global interest, and was itself a highly successful development of an earlier concept car revealed in Los Angeles in 2000.

The petrol-engined new Beetle Dune costs from £21,300 (RRP OTR), and the diesel version is offered from £23,805 (RRP OTR).  

Volkswagen Beetle Dune Coupe
Engine	Gearbox	Power	CO2 (g/km)	RRP
1.2 TSI BMT	Six-speed manual	105 PS	126*	£21,300.00
1.2 TSI BMT	Seven-speed auto DSG	105 PS	122*	£22,760.00
2.0 TDI BMT	Six-speed manual	150 PS	118*	£23,805.00
2.0 TDI BMT	Six-speed auto DSG	150 PS	125*	£25,410.00

Volkswagen Beetle Dune Cabriolet
Engine	Gearbox	Power	CO2 (g/km)	RRP
1.2 TSI BMT	Six-speed manual	105 PS	129*	£24,255.00
1.2 TSI BMT	Seven-speed auto DSG	105 PS	126*	£25,700.00
2.0 TDI BMT	Six-speed manual	150 PS	122*	£26,875.00
2.0 TDI BMT	Six-speed auto DSG	150 PS	126*	£28,235.00

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