A BlueMotion version of the 6th-gen Transporter panel van is available to order adding impressive economy to the award winner.

A BlueMotion version of the sixth-generation Transporter panel van is now available to order from Volkswagen Van Centres, adding impressive economy to the multi-award-winning van’s already long list of credentials.

The most frugal edition of the T6 short wheelbase panel van has at its heart the proven 2.0-litre TDI 102 PS Euro 6 common rail diesel engine. 

Even in standard Startline form with five-speed manual gearbox, this van returned impressive economy and CO₂ figures: 47.9 mpg and 153 g/km. The BlueMotion model is capable of returning 51.4 mpg on the combined cycle (a seven per cent improvement) and CO₂ emissions reduced to 145 g/km.

In order to achieve these improvements, the new BlueMotion Transporter adds aerodynamically improved wheel spoilers and lowered suspension, modified gear ratios, low friction tyres, cruise control and a speed limiter (to 62 mph) to the standard BlueMotion Technology modifications which come as standard on all T6 models. These include Stop/Start and battery regeneration systems.

The new Transporter BlueMotion has a gross vehicle weight of 2.7 tonnes, and a payload of 839 kg, which is up to 121 kg more than that of the short wheelbase T26 2.0-litre TDI 102 PS five-speed manual.

Costing £19,670 (basic price ex VAT), the Transporter BlueMotion is available to order now at all Volkswagen Van Centres. 

Basic price exc VAT	VAT	RRP inc VAT	OTR package	OTR exc VAT	OTR inc VAT
£19,670.00	£3,934.00	£23,604.00	£987.00	£20,540.00	£24,591.00

Fuel economy			CO2 emissions
Urban mpg	Extra-urban mpg	Combined mpg	145g/km
40.9	58.9	51.4

Performance
Power (PS@rpm)	Torque (Nm@rpm)	Top speed (mph)
102PS @ 3000-3750	250 @ 1,500-2,750	62

Audi launches the new A6 Allroad Avant, leaner, meaner and greener, all in one stunning package.

Recently introduced Sport trim enriches the already broad appeal of the Audi A6 allroad quattro

• Sport specification can now be ordered on all new A6 allroad quattro models
• Standard specification additions include new 19-inch alloy wheels, all-LED headlights, dynamic rear LED turn signals, electrically adjustable front sport seats and privacy glass
• Range of three V6 TDI powerplants available with outputs of 218 PS, 272 PS or 320PS
• Sport pricing starts from £49,455 OTR – available to order now

The sure-footed Audi A6 allroad, the quattro all-wheel-driven and air suspended Avant that is already notable as one of the most effective insulators against difficult winter driving conditions, is now available with an enhanced specification that makes it an even more protective and pampering means of weathering the storms.

Recently introduced Sport versions of the A6 allroad can be ordered now in time for delivery during the fast-approaching winter months, when the adhesive qualities of the quattro system and the raised ride height afforded by the standard four-level air suspension come into their own. 

To these, and the many other equipment items included in the standard model, Sport specification adds full LED headlights that replace the bi-xenon units of ‘standard’ A6 allroad models to further enhance visibility in the darkest conditions. 

A high beam assist function is also added as standard to automatically dip the beam when oncoming traffic is approaching. At the rear in Sport models, dynamic LED turn signals that operate in a sweeping motion increase safety and awareness for other road users.  

New 10-spoke design 19-inch alloy wheels with a matt titanium finish, privacy glass and heated and folding mirrors round out the exterior enhancements, while inside sports seats in upgraded Valcona leather with full electric adjustment are complemented by luxurious Alcantara door inserts. 

These add to an already extensive equipment list that includes features such as SD card navigation, the Audi Music Interface, powered tailgate operation, the Audi parking system plus and deluxe four-zone air conditioning.

Rugged ability in any weather

Adaptive air suspension is fitted to every A6 allroad, endowing it with accomplished all-terrain ability but also a cossetting ride quality that absorbs even the harshest of road imperfections.

A dynamic or comfort mode can be selected using the Audi drive select system, and the suspension automatically adjusts to reduce aerodynamic drag at speeds above 74 mph by lowering the body by 15 mm. When more ground clearance is required, a lift mode can be engaged at the push of a button, raising ride height by 10 mm.

When negotiating more substantial off-road trails, the driver can easily monitor the impressive 20° slope angle and 17° ramp angle capability using the tilt angle display, which can be called up via the central MMI screen. Hill hold assist and hill descent control, which maintains a constant vehicle speed between five and 18 mph, are also standard.

Assistance and safety enhancements

Matrix LED headlights can be fitted as an option to dramatically increase the overall range and spread of illumination. A total of 64 separate projectors maintain a constant high beam function without dazzling other road users by electronically dimming segments when oncoming traffic or light sources are detected. The advanced units adapt to shift the light position in corners, while information from the navigation system automatically adjusts the full beam when entering or leaving built-up areas.

A head-up display can furnish the driver with essential information directly in the line of vision to reduce distraction, including speed and route navigation data. Also available is the innovative night vision assistant, which is capable of alerting the driver to people and large animals well in advance by using thermal imaging.

The more practical side of the allroad quattro can be further exploited by fitting a mechanically operated tow bar and a convenience pack, offering further storage and practicality solutions such as hard-wearing floor mats, a through-load facility and a luggage fixing kit.

V6 TDI engine range

A choice of three EU6-compliant six-cylinder TDI engines power the new A6 allroad quattro in standard and Sport specification. The 218 PS and 272 PS engines are mated to a seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission, while the 320 PS and 650Nm output of the BiTDI is fed to the wheels via an eight-speed tiptronic transmission.

The latter ensures brisk performance of only 5.5 seconds to 62 mph and a 155 mph limited top speed. Up to 43.5 mpg is achievable, linked to CO₂ output of 172 g/km. Combined fuel efficiency increases to a possible 50.4 mpg for the 218 PS and 51.4 mpg for the 272 PS, while CO₂ drops to 149 and 145 g/km respectively.

Model	Engine	Pricing (OTR)
A6 allroad Sport	V6 TDI 218 PS	£49,455
A6 allroad Sport	V6 TDI 272 PS	£51,015
A6 allroad Sport	V6 BiTDI 320 PS	£55,825
A6 allroad	V6 TDI 218 PS	£45,755
A6 allroad	V6 TDI 272 PS	£47,315
A6 allroad	V6 BiTDI 320 PS	£52,125

New engine available throughout teh new X-Trail range, better economy, cheaper price and better CO2.

• New 1.6 litre DIG-T 163PS engine now available to order
• Prices from £21,995 – the most affordable new X-Trail model to date
• Advanced turbocharged engine combines performance with efficiency
• Available across all X-Trail grades – first deliveries in August

Buyers of the all-new X-Trail are set to receive a double dose of good news with the arrival of a new DIG-T 163 engine option. Not only will new owners benefit from one of the most advanced and fuel-efficient petrol engines on the market, they will also find that X-Trail ownership is now even more affordable.

The introduction of the new DIG-T 163 engine reduces the award-winning X-Trail’s entry price to £21,995 – that’s £1,460 lower than the current dCi 130 entry grade model.

Available to order now, with the first deliveries expected next month, the X-Trail’s new 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol unit combines sharp performance with low CO₂ output and exceptional fuel economy. Fuel consumption for Visia and Acenta models is an impressive 45.6mpg (44.1mpg for n-tec and Tekna), while CO₂ emissions are just 145g/km  (149g/km for n-tec and Tekna). In terms of performance, the new X-Trail DIG-T 163 can sprint from 0-62mph in 9.7 seconds and has a top speed of 124mph.

Already a popular choice in the Qashqai range, the new DIG-T 163 engine is the most powerful engine in the new X-Trail range, and sits alongside the existing dCi 130PS unit.

Featuring advanced turbocharging technology and a host of features designed to maximise performance and economy, the new unit develops 163PS of power at 5,600rpm and 240Nm of torque between 2,000 and 4,000rpm. It is offered in two-wheel drive form only and a six-speed manual transmission is fitted as standard. These impressive figures highlight Nissan's downsizing philosophy and prove that you don't need a large capacity to deliver strong acceleration and in-gear flexibility.

To help drivers go further for less, the new DIG-T 163 is equipped with Start/Stop ignition system and delivers the kind of smooth, responsive and high quality driving experience that Nissan customers have come to expect.

The new DIG-T 163 engine is available across all standard X-Trail grades, with Acenta, n-tec and Tekna offering seven seater options.

FHM Mgazine awards the Peugeot RCZ named B-Road Thriller of the Year.

• PEUGEOT’s flagship coupé, the stunning RCZ R, honoured by FHM Magazine in its annual Car of the Year Awards
• The distinctive 2+2 has been named ‘B-Road Thriller of the Year’ for 2014.

Conor McNicholas, FHM Motors Editor, commented: “This new R is not just a hotter RCZ, it’s a rebalanced, re-engineered car that takes its extra power and does things with it that makes your neck hair stand up.”

Priced from £32,000, the RCZ R was launched early in 2014 to near-universal acclaim. It is the most powerful road-going car in PEUGEOT’s history and with 270bhp on tap it features the world’s most powerful 1.6-litre petrol engine.

Suspension is lowered by 10mm compared to standard versions of the RCZ, while aerodynamic downforce has been increased thanks to a new fixed rear boot spoiler. Technical upgrades developed by PEUGEOT Sport include a new turbocharger, larger intercooler, redesigned exhaust, modified pistons, reinforced engine block plus a new clutch and gearbox.

Let loose, it can sprint to 62mph (100kph) in 5.9 seconds and go on to an electronically limited top speed of 155mph. But such impressive performance doesn’t come at the expense of the environment; the RCZ R will still return 44.8mpg on the Combined cycle, with CO₂ emissions of only 145g/km.

Conor McNicholas added: “PEUGEOT has channelled all its petrolhead know-how into its pet roadster and the RCZ R has the thrills to go with its looks.”

The FHM Car of the Year Awards are featured in the January issue of the magazine, which is on sale from today.

Lexus RX 450h has new "Advance" model, more luxury and style.

When it comes to the RX 450h, Lexus has gone beyond “Luxury” to add a new Advance model to its prestige full hybrid SUV range.

Advance takes the established Luxury grade features and adds a full complement of styling features that introduce an extra dimension to the RX’s impactful contemporary appearance. A new, deep front bumper increases the sense of the car being firmly planted on the road, with LED headlight units amplifying the effect and reinforcing Lexus’s reputation for harnessing innovative technology features. The lights further benefit from Lexus’s I-AFS auto-adaptive system, moving in line with the steering to give better illumination at junctions and through bends.

The specification also includes new seven-spoke 19-inch alloy wheels and the choice of either a fixed panoramic roof or an electric sunroof.

In other respects the new model delivers the same high quality, innovation and supremely refined and efficient performance that define the RX. The standard equipment list presents an impressive array of features, including Smart Entry and Start; dual-zone climate control; leather upholstery; heated, eight-way adjustable front seats; heated, auto-diming and folding door mirrors, automatic windscreen wipers; and rear privacy glass.

On-board connectivity and infotainment are fully covered by the Lexus Premium Navigation system, 12-speaker audio pack, DVD player (single disc) and DAB tuner. The system also provides a rear-view camera and Bluetooth for hands-free calls and audio streaming, and is operated using Lexus’s intuitive computer mouse-like Remote Touch Interface.

The essential functionality of a family-size SUV is addressed in details such as the 40:20:40 individual sliding and folding rear seats and a power-operated rear door.

The RX 450h’s full hybrid powertrain delivers a strong combination of performance and efficiency: deploying a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine and a powerful electric motor, it produces a maximum 295bhp, enabling nought to 62mph acceleration in less than eight seconds. Thanks to a second electric motor on the rear axle, the system can automatically deliver all-wheel drive performance when conditions require extra grip.

Lexus’s continuous improvement of its hybrid technology has secured impressive fuel economy and low emissions: official combined cycle figures are 44.8mpg and 145g/km.

In perfect time to prepare for the rigours of winter driving, a Protection Pack can be specified for the Advance, adding a boot liner, bumper protection plate, cargo net and rubber floor mats.

The RX 450h Advance is available now, priced £48,495; the Protection Pack adds £445 to the price tag. Lexus offers a choice of six exterior colours: Velvet Black, Arctic Pearl, Mercury Grey, Satin Silver, Celestial Black and Burgundy Red. These can be matched with ivory, light grey, black and saddle tan perforated leather in the cabin, all matched with a dark grey gloss inlay.