The Ford Ecosport gets more tweaks and upgrades to make it more worthy, still wouldn't have one.

• Significantly enhanced Ford EcoSport compact and fuel-efficient SUV is now available to order with prices from £14,245
• EcoSport is available for the first time without a rear-mounted spare wheel. Interior upgrades include partial leather seats, chrome detailing and 4-inch colour display
• Improved convenience and comfort with heated windscreen, mirrors and front seats; thicker sound deadening materials reduce interior noise
• Ride and handling enhanced with optimised suspension configuration; Electronic Stability Control and power steering systems further tuned
• More powerful 1.5-litre TDCi diesel delivers 64.2mpg and 115g/km CO₂; 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol returns 52.3mpg and 125g/km CO₂;* All engines meet Euro Stage VI emissions

The enhanced Ford EcoSport SUV, offering styling upgrades, improved driving dynamics and new equipment is available to order for October delivery.

Customers can now specify the EcoSport compact SUV without a rear-mounted spare wheel. Interior improvements include standard partial leather seats for Titanium models and additional chrome detailing.

Convenience and comfort are also enhanced with a Winter Pack – featuring heated windscreen, heated mirrors and heated front seats. EcoSport driving dynamics have been improved with revisions to the springs, dampers, rear torsion beam, Electronic Stability Programme, and Electronic Power Assisted Steering settings.

Prices for the enhanced EcoSport, available with Ford’s multi-award-winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine, 1.5-litre petrol engine or 1.5-litre TDCi diesel engine, start from £14,245.

“The stylish and practical Ford EcoSport offers customers a flexible and economical SUV and with these enhancements EcoSport looks and feels even sharper,” said Joe Bakaj, vice president, Product Development, Ford of Europe. “EcoSport was developed in some of the most rigorous terrains and climates across the globe to make it an even more compelling option for customers as part of our growing European SUV range. In addition, the team at Lommel Proving Ground in Belgium have further enhanced the driving dynamics to make the new EcoSport even more fun to drive on European roads.”

Ford EcoSport models specified without the rear-mounted spare wheel feature a tyre mobility kit as standard, while the rear swing-gate design for those vehicles also has been revised to allow easier access to the boot space with partial opening.  All models now feature a distinctive EcoSport badge on the rear.

Inside, partial leather seats are offered as standard on Titanium models, privacy glass is available for all EcoSport trim levels, while the Winter Pack also adds rear seat ventilation at floor level to improve comfort for rear passengers in cold weather.

The restyled interior has a charcoal black lower instrument panel, centre console and door boards. The instrument cluster now features a light dimming function and chrome-surround rings to match the electric window switches.

All EcoSport models are equipped with Ford’s SYNC voice-controlled connectivity system feature a 4-inch colour display in the centre console.

Refinement has been enhanced with thicker sound deadening materials in the doors and dashboard, as well as tighter seals around the pedals. Engine and gearbox matching has been revised to offer more low speed torque and better drivability.

Significant improvements to the EcoSport’s driving dynamics are delivered following development work at the Ford Lommel Proving Ground, where 50 miles of test tracks include replicas of European road surfaces.

A stiffer rear torsion beam offers greater control of body roll, and revised spring and shock absorber rates improve damping. A 10mm reduction in ride height lowers the EcoSport’s centre of gravity for improved handling, and Electronic Stability Control and power steering systems also have been specifically tuned for European roads.

The 1.5-litre TDCi also now offers 95PS, a 5PS improvement, and delivers 64.2mpg and 115g/km CO₂. The 125PS 1.0-litre EcoBoost delivers 52.3mpg and 125g/km CO₂, while the 1.5-litre Ti-VCT engine delivers 44.8mpg and 149g/km CO₂.* All engines now meet Euro Stage 6 emissions standards.

Further technology that will be available later this year for EcoSport for the first time includes satellite navigation and Rear View Camera that helps drivers manoeuvre the vehicle when in reverse.

The compact Ford EcoSport is part of Ford’s growing SUV line-up in Europe that also includes the mid-sized Kuga, and will be extended to include the Edge SUV early in 2016.

The orderbooks are now open for the new iconic Peugeot 208 GTi, the rebirth of a legend !

• New more radical PEUGEOT Sport-developed 208 GTi 30^TH
• More power, more torque, better performance and more fun, also with less CO₂
• GTi badge has proudly featured on performance versions of PEUGEOT products since 1984
• New TV commercial launches on 1^st October to celebrate 30^th anniversary of Peugeot GTi

PEUGEOT is reinterpreting the hot hatch with a more radical version of the 208 GTi, 30 years after the original 205 GTi first thrilled car fans.

The 208 GTi 30^th has been designed and engineered by PEUGEOT Sport to deliver a more intense driving sensation. A new Euro6 emissions-compliant 1.6-litre THP petrol engine develops more torque and has had its power output increased to a symbolic 208hp.  A Torsen differential helps drivers exploit the extra power in corners. And matt black trim on the exterior, along with the optional ‘Coupe Franche’ paint finish – where the red at the rear is cleanly divided from the main black body colour – makes it stand out from the regular 208 GTi.

Although the PEUGEOT 208 GTi 30^th will be one of the stars of the Paris Motor Show, ordering for the limited run of 100 cars to be sold in the UK has already opened. It goes on sale in November with prices starting at £21,995.

“As with any project of this type, there was a convergence of ideas and needs. Following on from the RCZ R, PEUGEOT Sport proposed that the Brand make a more radical version of the 208 GTi. At the same time the Brand thought about how best to celebrate 30 years of the PEUGEOT GTi in 2014.” Maxime Picat – PEUGEOT Brand CEO

Incisive on the road

With 10,000 sold after just one year, the regular 208 GTi has already been a sales success. The new GTi 30^thhas been designed to build on that feat by reinforcing the sporting credentials of the regular model. To accomplish this, while also celebrating the 205 GTi that kick-started the Brand’s hot hatch revolution three decades ago, PEUGEOT Sport’s expertise was invaluable.

With a regular 208 GTi as the starting point, a new 1.6-litre THP engine was installed. This increases torque from 275 to 300Nm and power output rises from 200 to 208hp. That means a 0-62mph of 6.5 seconds and a standing kilometre in 26.5 seconds. Mid-range acceleration is also impressive with 50 to 70mph taking 6.0 seconds in fifth gear. In addition, the new engine meets tough Euro6 emissions standards and reduces CO₂from 139g/km to 125g/km, unprecedented in the hot hatch segment.

To enable drivers to really exploit the extra power and driveability there’s a six-speed manual transmission driving the front wheels and the same Torsen differential that has been used to such great effect on the RCZ R. The benefits of this differential are felt in corners by enabling the car to hold a tight line during acceleration.

Compared to the regular 208 GTi, the track has been widened by 22mm at the front and 16mm at the rear. The suspension has been lowered by 10mm, features new damper settings and spring rates, along with different cambers and wheel alignment to the regular 208 GTi. The matt black 18-inch wheels are half an inch wider than the regular car’s and shod with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres.

To take advantage of the Torsen differential, the ESP and traction control have been recalibrated to be less intrusive and the anti-roll has been reduced. Similarly PEUGEOT Sport’s engineers spent a lot of time on track and road calibrating the steering to make the most of the Torsen differential. The result is optimised grip and remarkable road holding, along with informative steering that gives a feeling of precision and agility.

To ensure it stops as well as it goes, the 208 GTi 30^th has an uprated braking system. At the front, meaty 323mm diameter discs that are 28mm thick are gripped with red Brembo fixed four piston callipers featuring PEUGEOT Sport badging. The rear callipers are grey. The spare wheel has been replaced with a tyre inflation kit to save weight.

Reinforcing the extra go with more ‘show’

The regular 208 GTi has a strong visual identity so PEUGEOT’s designers wanted to build on that. Gone is the regular car’s chic bright chrome finish, replaced by matt black on the 208 GTi 30^th. That same matt black treatment is applied to the grille surround, the Cornering Assist fog lamp bezels and door mirror shells. From the side, the lowered stance is accentuated by matt black side skirts and wheel arch extensions. These cover new 18-inch matt black rims. The window trim strip, which finishes with a signature paying homage to the illustrious 205 GTi, is also finished in matt black, while the rear three-quarter panel bears a ‘208 GTi 30^th logo’. Round, twin chrome tail pipes give a sporty look and sound.

There is a choice of three colours for the 208 GTi 30^th. In the UK, 75 of the 100 cars that have been ordered by Dealers feature the ‘Coupe Franche’ finish. Translated literally, this means ‘clean cut’ and refers to the sharp, oblique line created where the two colours meet. The front of the car has a textured black finish while the rear features a new high-gloss red. Coupe Franche is an £800 extra. Of the remaining 25 cars, 20 are in Satin White (£150 option) and five are Rioja Red.

The interior has an equally sporty character. Passengers in the front enjoy bucket seats specially developed by PEUGEOT Sport. As with other contemporary models, the steering wheel is small to enhance driver sensation and there’s satellite navigation as standard. The front seats are trimmed in Alcantara with contrasting red stitching and PEUGEOT Sport branding. There are special interior mats trimmed in red and black door handles with a red line echo the seat belts. A numbered plate marked ‘208 GTi 30^th’ above the courtesy lamp finishes off this limited edition anniversary model.

To commemorate 30-years of the PEUGEOT GTi, a new TV commercial has been produced that incorporates some of the footage used in the original 205 GTi advert from 1984. To see the new commercial, click on this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zTheyLIvRc

All-new Ford EcoSport offers all the practicality and affordability

• All-new Ford EcoSport offers all the practicality and affordability of a small car in a spacious and flexible SUV package
• EcoSport is among the first Ford vehicles in Europe to be equipped with Ford SYNC with AppLink for voice control of smartphone apps including Spotify
• Equipped with the 2014, 2013 and 2012 International Engine of the Year, the EcoSport is the first-ever SUV to be offered with a 1.0-litre engine
• 125PS 1.0-litre EcoSport achieves 53.3mpg and 125g/km CO₂*. EcoSport is also available with 112PS 1.5-litre petrol engine that delivers 44.8mpg and 149g/km CO₂; and a very fuel-efficient 90PS 1.5-litre TDCi diesel that achieves 61.4mpg and 120g/km
• Rugged, practical and agile EcoSport features; wading depth of 550mm; 20 stowage spaces; and boot space that exceeds many medium-sized family cars

Ford’s all-new EcoSport SUV offers the optimum combination of small car agility, affordability and fuel efficiency, with the flexibility and space customers expect from a SUV – in one stylish and connected package.

The stylish and rugged Ford EcoSport is the first SUV in the world to offer a 1.0-litre engine and is among the first Ford vehicles in Europe available with Ford SYNC with AppLink, enabling drivers to voice-control smartphone apps while keeping their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.

“All-new Ford EcoSport delivers a clever and connected small car for our European customers,” said Nick Fitzgerald, EcoSport chief programme engineer. “Ford’s new urban SUV is economical, flexible and stylish, and will line-up alongside the new B-MAX compact multi-activity vehicle, the best-selling Fiesta to complete Ford’s comprehensive small car line-up for the UK.”

EcoSport is the first Ford global model to be developed entirely in South America. First introduced in 2003 the EcoSport created the segment in Brazil and has since sold more than 770,000 in the region. Ford engineers and designers from more than 16 countries worked together to develop the all-new EcoSport that is launched amid increasing demand for SUVs in Europe. Ford projects that between 2013 and 2018, sales of all SUVs in Europe will increase by 22 per cent, and sales of small SUVs – like EcoSport – will increase by 90 per cent.

Ford is leveraging its historic leadership in SUVs in North America and other regions around the world to expand its line-up in Europe.

“It’s in Ford’s DNA to engineer class-leading SUVs,” Fitzgerald said. “EcoSport has already achieved iconic status in South America and now Ford will extend its UK range to introduce this rugged-looking, surprisingly spacious and affordable SUV.” 

Stylish and practical

Ford’s first global SUV, EcoSport, is stylish and practical – with a short bonnet, raked front pillars, and a distinctive five-piece chrome front grille with angular headlamps and signature LED light strips.

The full-sized spare wheel mounted on the tailgate ensures the EcoSport’s load capacity rivals that of many medium-sized family cars with up to 375 litres available when the rear seats are in place, depending on the rake of the seats. The EcoSport also delivers a commanding driving position with the driver’s seat height adjustable and the steering column adjustable for both reach and rake.

There are 20 smart stowage solutions, including room in the door pockets to store a large drinks bottle, a slide-out drawer under the front passenger seat, and a cooled glove box that can store up to six 350ml drink cans. 

Sporty and economical

EcoSport is available with the highly-acclaimed turbocharged 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine – three times winner of International Engine of the Year – to deliver performance to rival a traditional 1.6-litre engine, but with significantly better fuel efficiency and lower CO₂ emissions.

The 125PS 1.0-litre EcoBoost achieves 53.3mpg and 125g/km CO₂*. EcoSport also offers a 112PS 1.5-litre petrol engine that can achieve 44.8mpg and 149g/km CO₂ specified with a five-speed manual gearbox or with a six-speed automatic gearbox. A 90PS 1.5-litre diesel engine achieves 61.4mpg with 120g/km CO₂emissions.

The dynamic and fun-to-drive personality of the all-new EcoSport mirrors that of the acclaimed Fiesta.

“EcoSport’s combination of exciting looks, great performance and advanced technology is made all the more impressive by the fact that it’s all comfortably powered along by a frugal 1.0-litre engine,” Fitzgerald said.

Clever and connected

EcoSport features Hill Start Assist, Cruise Control, automatic wipers and headlights, and rear-parking sensors. The Ford SYNC in-car connectivity system enables voice-activation of phone calls and music selection from devices connected via Bluetooth or USB.

Ford SYNC Emergency Assistance will directly connect the vehicle occupants to local emergency services operators after an accident, and crucially, in the correct language for the region. Ford SYNC with AppLink will enable EcoSport owners to voice-activate apps, including leading music streaming service Spotify.

The urban SUV

In testing, the all-new EcoSport was first subjected to 20,000 virtual test scenarios using software to replicate a multitude of different road conditions from around the world. It was then driven more than one million miles on roads in South America, North America, Asia and Europe, in temperatures ranging from 50deg C to -25deg C, and at altitudes of up to 4,300m.

EcoSport’s agility and ability ensure it can tackle even the most challenging road conditions, whether it’s narrow, twisting, uneven rural roads, or the potholes and high kerbs of an urban environment. The 10.6m turning circle is among the best in its segment, and the EcoSport – which is equipped with front and rear skid plates – also has a 180mm ground clearance, a 22.1deg approach angle, 35deg departure angle and a wading depth of 550mm.

The new Ford EcoSport has been awarded a four-star safety rating from independent vehicle safety organisation Euro NCAP, and is equipped with driver, passenger, curtain and side airbags – as well as a driver’s knee airbag – as standard.

Super-high-strength boron steel has been used in the door frames to provide a high strength safety cell; and further safety systems include: Traction Control, Electronic Stability Program, Anti-Lock Brakes, Electronic Brake-Force Distribution and Emergency Brake Assist; and the EcoSport is also equipped with Tyre Pressure Monitoring System and Passenger Airbag Deactivation Indicator.

Peugeots new 3008 gets better looks, economy and pricing

• Enhanced appearance and equipment continue the appeal of the award-winning 3008 Crossover
• Prices are also enhanced with reductions across the range, making it better value for money than ever
• HYbrid4 version is a top-of-the-range technical tour-de-force with Auto, Sport, ZEV and 4WD modes

The Peugeot 3008 is the Crossover which turns the traditional industry segments on their heads, combining the best elements of an SUV, hatchback and MPV.

The Peugeot 3008 has been comprehensively restyled, with even greater levels of equipment available as standard. In addition, prices across the range have been lowered, making the popular Peugeot 3008 Crossover even better value for money.

After its world debut at the recent Frankfurt Motor Show, this versatile and desirable family car is now available to order, with first deliveries through UK Peugeot dealerships in January.

Since its launch in 2009, the Peugeot 3008 Crossover has attracted more than 500,000 sales worldwide – exceeding original projections by 50%. Over ten per cent of these, some 56,000, are now on UK roads. It has also won considerable critical acclaim from the motoring press, notably winning the prestigious What Car? ‘Car of the Year’ in 2010, and many other accolades since.

The 3008 Crossover’s unique appeal lies in its considerable practicality and flexibility. Combining the space of an MPV, the practicality and high seating position of an SUV and the convenience and driving dynamics of a hatchback, it ticks all the boxes for the modern family motorist.

The Peugeot 3008 is also a pioneer for more environmentally aware motoring, offering owners the world’s first diesel / electric powertrain in a Crossover. This innovative technology – HYbrid4 – has won over many customers, representing 10% of 3008 sales globally.

From January 2014, all versions of 3008 and the accomplished HYbrid4 version will benefit from extensive mid-life updates with a re-styled appearance. The enhanced visual appeal and new features bring the car into line with recent Peugeot models that include the 208, 2008 and New 308.

The distinctive character of the Crossover’s nose has been redesigned with a bold new grille and fog light surrounds, both edged in chrome. The headlights feature a new LED signature and chromed projector components. On higher trim-level models, the 3008 is specified with Xenon headlights with automatic height and directional adjustment.

Overall, it’s a softer, more modern and visually streamlined nose, and the contemporary feel also extends to the rear of the car. New light clusters feature a dark tint, while the three ‘floating claw’ LED lamps have a sharp new design and appear to emerge from the lamp with a 3D effect.

The 3008 range is offered in a choice of nine colours among which is Ruby Red, a new shade. On the 3008 HYbrid4, six colours are available, now including Shark Grey.

Inside, the ‘Head-Up’ display now features full-colour imagery, with separate shades for different information – white for the vehicle’s current speed, orange for the speed limiter, green for the cruise control and red for the Distance Alert. A new reversing camera also makes manoeuvres easier by displaying the area immediately behind the vehicle.

Specification on the Peugeot 3008 Crossover has been boosted by desirable features which are now standard on Peugeot’s familiar three trim levels – Access, Active and Allure. Bluetooth connectivity for smartphone and music players is now included on every 3008, while electric folding door mirrors have been added to Active models. Peugeot Connect Navigation and the new reversing camera are standard on Allure.

Rather than adding to the price, the revised Peugeot 3008 Crossover is now even better value for money. On-the-road pricing has been reduced by £650 on Access, £550 on Active and £150 on Allure.

A wide range of petrol and diesel models is available, including those with Grip Control for enhanced all-season traction. 3008 Crossover prices start from £16,995 for 1.6-litre VTi 120bhp in Access specification. The diesel models start with the 1.6-litre HDi FAP 115bhp, with emissions of 125g/km at £18,795.  3008 HYbrid4s start from £27,245 with CO2 emissions from just 88g/km, yet offer the on-demand ability to select full Auto, Sport (200bhp), ZEV (Zero Emissions Mode) and 4WD modes. For Company Car users, it also has a BIK rating at the lowest 10% - so another attractive fiscal feature.

The 3008 remains one of the most practical new cars on sale today, with owners loving its versatility. The split tailgate creates an easy-load flat boot floor and the lower section can bear a 200kg load when open. The cargo area can fold to suit endless load requirements, with a three-position boot floor and four securing rings for attaching a luggage net.

The Easy Flat rear bench seat can be folded in a single movement using buttons located in the boot or at the top of the seat back. At the front, the passenger seat folds completely flat for transporting even longer loads.

Numerous storage compartments around the cabin give total space of nearly 50 litres. The central armrest conceals a ventilated cubby hole which can accommodate a 1.5-litre bottle, while the rear features two openings integrated into the floor for security.

The HYbrid4 was the world’s first diesel / electric full-hybrid Crossover, combining a 2.0-litre 163bhp HDi FAP diesel engine driving the front wheels with a 37bhp electric motor acting on the rear. Four drive modes – Auto, ZEV, 4WD and Sport – allow the user to prioritise different styles of driving as the terrain and conditions allow. It’s a genuine breakthrough in terms of lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, with impressive performance figures of 69mpg and 88g/km respectively on the Combined Drive Cycle.