The PSA Group 1.2 litre Puretech takes Engine Of The Year for the third year running.

During the 18th International Engine of the Year Awards held in Stuttgart, an international jury of journalists awarded the prize of ‘2017 Engine of the Year’ to the PureTech 1.2L 3-cylinder turbo petrol engine in the 1L to 1.4L category.

An industrial and commercial success

For the third year in the row, the ‘2017 Engine of the Year’ prize confirms the commercial success of this accomplished petrol engine, which is available in 110 and 130hp (PureTech 110 S&S and PureTech 130 S&S). 

The facts:

• With over 850,000 units already produced in the industrial facilities of the Française de Mécanique manufacturing site in Douvrin (France) and in Xiang Yang (China) since its launch in 2014, this engine will also be manufactured at the Trémery plant (France) at the end of 2017 in order to meet the increase of the demand and double the production capacity for this engine in France. Annual production will exceed 1 million units by 2019.
• The PureTech 1.2-litre engine, in 110 and 130hp versions is fully deployed on over 90 vehicles applications in 70 countries. In 2017, it contributed to the commercial success of PSA group’s new products that included the all-new Peugeot 3008 SUV – European Car of the Year 2017 and the new Citroën C3.
• On the European market, the PureTech 1.2L 3-cylinder modular family represents a third of PSA Group’s total petrol and Diesel engines.

A greater performance and environmentally-friendly power unit

Recognised for its all-round driving performance, even at the lowest rpm, the PureTech 1.2L 3-cylinder turbo continues to evolve and will benefit from significant improvements before the end of 2017, with enhancements in efficiency, performance and fuel consumption (up to 4%):

• introduction of a petrol particulate filter to reduce emissions particles by more than 75% in anticipation of future 2020 regulation standards in Europe and China;
• optimisation of efficiency, due to the combustion cycle evolution and a 250bar fuel injection pressure;
• reduction in mechanical friction and introduction of a new turbocharger;
• making the engine more compact to optimise body aerodynamics (SCx gains).

Commenting on the award, Christian Chapelle, Vice-President, Powertrain and Chassis Engineering, PSA Group, said: "Receiving this award confirms the exceptional quality and performance of our petrol engines. We are continuing to optimise our internal combustion engines to make them more efficient and ever more environmentally friendly, thereby better addressing the challenges of energy transition."

Peugeot adds it's more powerful & cleaner BlueHDi engine range to the Boxer commercial Vehicle range of vans.

• Latest BlueHDi 2.0-litre engine range will now power the Peugeot Boxer
• The new version of the 2.0-litre engine provides increases of power and torque over previous unit
• It is also more economical with lower CO₂ output and meets the more stringent Euro6 regulations

PEUGEOT is completing the roll-out of its range of Euro 6 engines with the large van segment. The PEUGEOT Boxer will now be available with a new range of 2.0-litre BlueHDi Diesel engines, designed and produced by the PSA Group. 

BlueHDi technology has been tried and tested in PEUGEOT saloons and SUVs since 2013, treating up to 90% of NOx and 99.9% of even the finest particulates. 

Not only is it considered the most effective technology on the market for treating emissions; it has the added advantage of optimising fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions. 

At the same time, PEUGEOT has extended the Boxer’s range of new, modern and efficient features, to make life easier for professionals and motorhome customers.

Lower fuel consumption; higher performance

The new range of PEUGEOT Boxer 2.0-litre BlueHDi engines offers three power levels:

• 110hp and 300Nm, an increase of 50Nm compared to the previous engine
• 130hp and 340Nm, an increase of 20Nm compared to the previous engine
• 160hp and 350Nm, an increase of 10hp compared to the previous engine

The engines are paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox and Stop & Start technology is available across all of the versions.

The BlueHDi engines fitted to the latest PEUGEOT Boxer means it now has:

• record consumption levels for the large van segment, starting from 47.0mpg, with 154g/km of CO₂, a reduction of 30g/km CO₂ for the 130hp mid-range version
• The same payload and maximum speed as previous Euro 5 versions
• Acceleration and in-gear acceleration improved by up to 4.0 seconds for 0-62 mph and 8.0 seconds for 50 to 80mph for the 110hp version, respectively.

The BlueHDi technology incorporates SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) upstream of the additivate cleansing DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter). The engine options therefore meet the Euro6 standard with what is considered the most effective pollution control technology on the market.

The 15-litre AdBlue tank provides a range of approximately 6,200 miles. It’s easy to fill up with AdBlue, due to the external filler flap which is located above the fuel filler and is also compatible with existing heavy goods vehicle AdBlue pumps at service stations.

The PEUGEOT Boxer offers competitive whole life costs, due mainly to its best-in-class fuel consumption and maintenance costs which rank amongst the lowest in the segment.

Design focused on quality and strength

The New PEUGEOT Boxer that was introduced in 2014 was the first step in the brand’s ongoing process of improving its large vans. With design constantly focused on robustness and quality that stands up to use, they are now being fitted with new Euro6 BlueHDi engines which have been designed and produced entirely by the PSA Group.

The new engines have been made at the Tremery plant in France, which has allowed them to benefit from the proven expertise of a plant that has already made more than 12 million engines. They are based on the latest generation of 2.0-litre DW Diesel engines from the PSA Group, incorporating the Euro 6 BlueHDi technology that has already sold in excess of 1 million units.

The 2.0-litre BlueHDi has been proving its worth since the end of 2013, particularly in the PEUGEOT 508 and 308. The 2.0-litre BlueHDi versions for the PEUGEOT Boxer have been subjected to over 10,000 hours of validation on test benches and 1.3 million specific driving tests representing different types of heavy commercial vehicle use.

These include:

• Specific tests to boost the endurance and durability of the turbo and the exhaust manifold;
• Tests with a 50% greater load than for private vehicles;
• Tests in climatic chambers at -30°C and 6,000 extra cycles of thermal shocks compared to private vehicles, equivalent to 15 years of heavy use;
• Specific ground clearance and endurance tests of the exhaust pipe, with post-treatment spraying with water and mud.

New modern, effective equipment

The connectivity of the PEUGEOT Boxer has been enhanced, making it even easier for professionals to make their vehicles an extension of their offices: a holder for a digital tablet or smartphone, a USB connection and a 12V socket on the instrument panel to power them are now available as standard for the Professional version.

To make life easier at the wheel, the central glove compartment has now been replaced with a double cup-holder, a storage compartment and a compartment for a smartphone with a USB and auxiliary connection, as a standard or optional feature, depending on the level of finish.

For motorhome customers, the PEUGEOT Boxer features a shut-off function to preserve the battery life when the vehicle is parked for long periods, as well as new ‘captain chair’ seats, which are even more comfortable.

Finally, the PEUGEOT Boxer now comes with a new ESP system which is specific to back-to-back cabs with an AL-KO chassis. Its calibrations suit a wide range of wheelbases, creating additional options for converting the PEUGEOT Boxer. These applications are available for motorhome or professional variants, up to the heavy versions with 2 or 3 axles.

Range summary

• Two body styles: Panel and Window van
• Panel and Window van can be specified in four lengths (L1, L2, L3 and L4) and three heights for the Panel van and two in the Window van
• The range basic price (not including VAT) starts from £20,970, with Professional models from £21,970 and Window vans from £23,070.
• Standard Panel van: Loadspace between 8m³ and 17m³, Payload between 1115kg and 1900kg
• All models now feature: Bluetooth® with USB input, full steel buckhead, ESP, deadlocks
• Professional Panel van features add: Air Conditioning, alarm, cruise control and speed limiter, rear parking aid, touchscreen with integrated navigation

PEUGEOT anniversaries in 2016

• 120 years since PEUGEOT Automobiles business was established and produced its own engines
• 115 years since the first PEUGEOT Bebé was launched – it became a ‘style leader’
• 100 years since PEUGEOT won the Indianapolis Grand Prix for the second time (wins 1913/1916/1919)
• 80 years since the launch of the 402 (produced as a Limousine, Coupé, Cabriolet and Coach)
• 75 years since the VLV - the first production electric car
• 60 years since the launch of the 403 Cabriolet – made famous as the car of ‘Columbo’ on TV
• 50 years since the launch of the 204 Coupé, Cabriolet and Fourgonnette (van)
• 40 years since the 504 won the Morocco Rally and the 504 V6 Coupé won the Bandama Rally
• 35 years since PEUGEOT Sport was formed, combining all the skills in one Competitions Department
• 30 years since the 205 T16 won the World Rally Championship for the second time (wins in 1985/1986)
• 25 years since the launch of the compact 106
• 20 years of the Partner (commercial van and passenger vehicle) – one of the UK’s best-selling LCVs

Citroen Dongfeng launches new C4 Saloon at the Chengdu Motor Show to enhance the already refreshed range.

Dongfeng Citroën will present its New C4 saloon to the Chinese public at the Chengdu Motor Show, which takes place from 4 to 13 September 2015. Set for launch at the end of this year, the new C4 model will replace the C-Quatre in the core ‘three-box’ C-segment. 

The locally-produced car is a further asset in Dongfeng Citroën’s sales offensive following the successful launch of the C3-XR SUV and first place in the 2015 JD Power CSI rankings for the quality of its sales network.

Dongfeng Citroën will unveil its New C4 saloon to the Chinese public on 4 September at the Chengdu Motor Show. Produced locally at Wuhan, the new model has been specifically developed for the Chinese market. 

The New C4 is a C-segment saloon that will replace the C-Quatre at the end of the year. An important model for Dongfeng Citroën, the C-Quatre accounted for nearly 30% of Dongfeng Citroën’s sales in 2014.

At 4.55m long, the New C4 is positioned in the core three-box saloon C-segment (known locally as the C-middle segment), positioned between the C-Elysée (C-entry) and the C4 L (C-upper). 

The launch of this new model will ensure optimal coverage in the Chinese marketplace and is a significant development in a country where C-middle segment saloon models accounted for 60% of passenger car sales in 2014 and where the C-segment as a whole represents more than one out of every two passenger cars sold.

Elegant, spacious and comfortable, the New C4 saloon moves up-market in terms of perceived quality and features latest-generation technologies. New equipment includes a 130hp 3-cylinder petrol engine available with a manual or automatic gearbox, a touchscreen fitted as standard, hands-free access and start and a blind spot monitoring system.

This renewed and modern offering will add to the strength of Dongfeng Citroën’s sales offensive in China where the C3-XR SUV has already sold over 30,000 units since its launch in December 2014. In addition, Dongfeng Citroën’s sales network recently achieved first place in the 2015 JD Power CSI rankings in the full-line carmaker category.

BMW Group launches new models, new engines and re-enters BTCC, just some of the news this week.

New entry-level engines and model variants for the BMW 2 Series Coupé

New entry-level engines, a further four-wheel-drive model and additional equipment options will increase the diversity of features available for the BMW 2 Series Coupé.

With the market launch of the new BMW 218i Coupé, a three-cylinder petrol engine from the BMW Group’s latest engine family will be featured for the first time in the brand’s sporty and elegant compact model. State-of-the-art BMW TwinPower Turbo technology featured on the new power unit provides a maximum power output of 130hp and a maximum torque of 220Nm. 

The new BMW 218i Coupé accelerates from zero to 62mph in 8.8 seconds. Prices start from £22,355 OTR.

Furthermore, xDrive, BMW’s intelligent four-wheel drive system, will also be available for the BMW 220d Coupé. In the new BMW 220d xDrive Coupé the advanced system ensures not only optimised traction and vehicle stability in all road and weather conditions, but also increased dynamics when taking bends at higher speeds and optimal acceleration.

Model	Power Hp	Torque Nm	0-62 mph seconds	Top Speed mph	Combined mpg	CO2 Emissions g/km	Price OTR
BMW 218i Coupé	136	220	8.8 (8.9)	130	52.3	125	£22,355
BMW 220d xDrive Coupé	190	400	(6.9)	139	62.8	119	£30,065

The 2 Series Coupé is also now available in Luxury guise for an even more premium feel. Luxury specification is recognisable by the Chrome Line exterior trim and the outer air intake surrounds in the same detail. Also included are 18-inch light alloy wheels. 

Inside, fineline stream high-grade wood interior trims including an Oxide Silver accent strip, leather-wrapped sports steering wheel and Dakota leather trim in a range of colours all feature. Luxury is available for £2,000 over the equivalent SE.

BMW’s Ultimate Driving Experience expands

BMW is launching a nationwide tour of the Ultimate Driving Experience throughout the U.S, kicking off in Atlanta at the Atlanta Motor Speedway. The Ultimate Driving Experiences feature more than 90 BMW vehicles and consists over a variety of driving experiences including: Dynamic Drive Experience, 

Street Driver experience, Autocross and a Car Control Clinic. The tour will consist of 10-nine day events including New Jersey (April 11-19), Miami (May 9 -17), Washington (Jun 6-14), Seattle (July 25-August 02), Los Angeles (August 15-23), Pheonix (September 12-20), Dallas (October 03-11), Chicago (October 24- November 01) and New York (November 14-22). 

More information on the BMW 

Enthusiasts in the UK are not to be left out though, with MotorSport Vision (MSV) offering the opportunity to drive BMW's high-performance 'M' cars at some of the UK's best motor racing circuits including Brands Hatch, in Kent and Oulton Park in Cheshire. Products from the MINI brand can also be enjoyed on track.

New music channel for BMW and MINI retailers

BMW and MINI retailers will be selling to a different beat thanks to a new partnership. Immedia Group Plc, a premier supplier of digital music, entertainment and commerce channels will become the official provider of the music media service for BMW and MINI. After recognising the impact of music upon customer’s experiences, the company will create and supply ‘Sound of BMW’ and the ‘Sound of MINI’ music channels retailers across Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

New BMW M Performance Accessories available for the BMW X6

BMW X6 customers can now enhance both the look and the performance of their vehicles thanks to a wide selection of new BMW M Performance Accessories. 

Additions to the exterior which are now available include: a carbon fibre front splitter, rear diffuser and rear spoiler, as well as rear fins and rear side flaps in a high-gloss black, creating an instantly more sporting and masculine appearance. 

Also on offer are hand-built carbon BMW M Performance exterior mirror caps, a high-gloss black kidney grille and high-gloss black rear fins. Other exterior options include 21-inch bi-colour light-alloy wheels with run-flat tyres, which are 1.5kgs lighter than comparable standard light alloy wheels, as well as chrome exhaust tailpipe finishers. 

The interior can also take advantage of the attractive and sporting products on offer, from the LED door sills with illuminated BMW M Performance lettering to the Steptronic Sport transmission’s carbon gearshift lever with BMW M logo. 

Another highlight in the new range of Accessories for the interior of the BMW X6 is the BMW M Performance steering wheel in Alcantara with attractive carbon trim.

In keeping with the overtly sporty design of the BMW X6, the new range of BMW M Performance Accessories also includes a performance-boosting power kit for the BMW X6 xDrive30d, which ramps up the car’s output and torque from 258hp/560Nm to 277hp/585Nm. 

Remarkably, this power enhancement gives the BMW X6 the same low fuel consumption and emissions in the ECE driving cycle as on the standard-spec version.

Another available feature is the BMW M Performance Drive Analyser, allowing owners to examine their driving style with accurate precision. When pursuing lap times on the race track, this new tool records driving dynamic data with professional efficiency.  These accessories are on sale now, prices start at £79.00 for BMW Performance aluminium pedals.

Pure Impulse card offered as standard for i8 customers

All i8 customers will now receive the BMW i Pure Impulse Card as standard, previously listed at £12,200. The unique ownership proposition allows access to the Pure Impulse website to browse special VIP events selected for BMW i8 owners and BMW i Pure Impulse Cardholders, plus information on a host of international hotels, restaurants and lifestyle offers. The new OTR price for the BMW i8 is £104,540.

Three times winner Andy Priaulx returns to BTCC

The three-time World Touring Car Champion Andy Priaulx will return to the British Touring Car Championship this season in a West Surrey Racing BMW. 

The long-time BMW driver has previously won the European Touring Car Championship and World Touring Car Championship for BMW and will now be looking to add a BTCC crown to his long list of achievements. 

Andy Priaulx said: "In the BTCC the BMW 125i M Sport has already proved to be the car to beat in this ultra competitive series and, after 13 years racing with the brand, I am confident about what to expect in a championship that I consider unfinished business.”

BMW cleans up across a number of awards

For the fourth time in six years, BMW has again secured the title of Green Car Guide Greenest Manufacturer of the Year Award. The ‘i’ brand especially was commended for the innovation of the BMW i3 and i8 and for taking the leap in making electric cars desirable within the industry.Paul Clarke, from Green Car Guide, said: “The i8 doesn’t just look like something from the future, it also drives like something from the future. 

A high speed day from London to Bath and back, via Salisbury Plain, showed that the i8 was great fun to drive, and extremely capable. But thanks to its all-electric driving ability from its plug-in hybrid powertrain, it also expelled zero emissions in London, and averaged 53.7mpg overall in real-life driving. No other sports or supercar in existence can compete with that.”

In addition to this, BMW was also awarded three of the ten hot spots in the Green Car Guide Cars of the Year 2014, with accolades going to the BMW i8, BMW 330d xDrive Touring and BMW 2 Series.

Meanwhile the BMW i3 has won the award for the Best Hybrid/Electric Vehicle from renowned industry bible Carbuyer. Each car was scored depending on running costs, comfort, practicality, reliability and safety as well as performance, engines, price, extras and value for money.

The i3 was applauded for raising the bar for the future of motoring as well as redefining a better image for electric and hybrid cars. Also commended were the sustainable production methods that have helped reduce emissions from the manufacturing process. The BMW 3 Series won the second award for the Best Diesel car.

BMW UK has also scooped five awards from one of the country’s leading fleet publications. BusinessCar magazine honoured BMW with the headline accolade of ‘Manufacturer of the Year’, for the fifth year in a row, in recognition of BMW’s extended product range.

The title of ‘Green Model of the Year’ has been awarded to the new BMW i3 for the second time, in honour of its lightweight design and environmentally conscious production process. 

The BMW X5 took the title of ‘Large 4x4’, thanks to its class leading emissions and car-like handling. And for the first time since 2012, the ‘Executive’ title was awarded to the BMW 5 Series in recognition of its efficiency and first-class technology within the executive class.