The new updated, lighter and faster Elise move Lotus another step forward to being reborn.

• New iteration of handbuilt Lotus sports car launched with Sprint edition
• Sprint adds carbon fibre to cut 41 kg and hit 798 kg dry weight
• New front and rear design, and significant interior upgrades
• Available to order from Lotus dealers now

Evolved, energised and even lighter, a significant update for the legendary Lotus Elise has been unveiled ahead of its arrival in showrooms this spring.

Pride of place in the latest Elise line-up is the new Sprint edition, capturing the spirit of Lotus by offering the latest in efficient engineering to deliver a car that sets the standard at under 800 kg. 

Featuring a host of weight-saving items as standard, as well as the Elise's distinctive new styling, the new Lotus remains true to the company’s founding principles. 

Benefitting the range as a whole, all new Elise editions receive the car’s new look and new interior options, and every single one of the Sprint’s lightweight components can be specified on the standard Elise Sport and the Elise Sport 220 variants.

In the biggest weight cut to the car since the introduction of the first-generation Elise, Lotus has returned to its roots by employing the same intense engineering strategy as used on its most recent models. The Sprint edition of the Lotus Elise has removed 41 kg from the previous model, to reach a benchmark dry weight of just 798 kg.

Focusing on driver involvement, to provide an immersive experience, the new Elise reaffirms the company’s leading position in automotive engineering. A benchmark in purity and balance, the Elise is a favourite amongst drivers and enthusiasts, and to date nearly 33,000 examples have been hand built at Lotus’ famous Hethel factory. Distilled from the very essence of the company’s heritage, the Elise carries Lotus founder Colin Chapman’s vision of efficient engineering into the future and arrives as the company continues its return to form with its strongest ever line-up of vehicles.

Integrating a new front and rear aesthetic with Lotus’ established design language, this latest Elise also receives a wide range of cabin enhancements - including the lightweight open-gate gear select mechanism first introduced on the Lotus Exige Sport 350. The Sprint is available in both the 1.6-litre naturally aspirated and 1.8-litre supercharged versions. Delivering an exciting mid-point in the range, it broadens the car’s appeal by including lightweight and carbon components as standard.

Speaking of the new car Jean-Marc Gales, CEO, Group Lotus plc. said, “Once again, the Elise continues to redefine what is possible in terms of adding lightness to a sports car. Whilst other manufacturers try to keep pace with Lotus’ weight reduction achievements, we’ve raised the bar beyond their reach. An agile, lightweight sports car does not weigh just over a tonne. It should weigh substantially less and, it is a fantastic achievement from Lotus in ensuring that the fully type approved new Elise now dips below the 800 kg barrier.”

Jean-Marc Gales continued, “Enhanced by less weight, the Elise now provides even more driving purity, greater agility and higher all-round performance. As we say at Hethel: less weight equals more Lotus.”

The Sprint and the spirit of Lotus

Ensuring that this latest Elise remains true to the company’s DNA, the return for the Sprint badge - as used on historic models including the Elan - is designed to provide a highly attractive super-lightweight option sitting above the respective Elise Sport models, and below the top of the range Elise Cup 250.

The Sprint’s standard lightweight components include a Lithium-Ion battery, saving 9 kg, Lotus’ beautifully detailed carbon race seats, 6 kg, new lightweight forged alloy wheels, 5 kg, while the carbon access panel, roll hoop cover and engine cover, and polycarbonate rear screen save 6 kg. Collectively they cut an impressive 26 kg, compared to the previous Sport and Sport 220 models, and together with the improvements made to the whole Elise range bring the weight of the new Elise Sprint down to just 798 kg (dry). This includes new, optional two-piece brake discs, saving 4 kg, which will be available from May this year and optional carbon sill covers (-0.8 kg). This reduction in weight translates into quicker acceleration (with 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds and 4.1 seconds for the Elise Sprint and Elise Sprint 220 respectively), harder cornering and a power to weight ratio of up to 168 hp / tonne (Elise Sprint) and 257 hp / tonne (Elise Sprint 220).

Unlike some manufacturers, Lotus understands the importance of engine note, and Hethel’s acoustic engineers have spent time altering the aural appeal of the more powerful Elise Sport 220 and Elise Sprint 220 models. Providing the perfect soundtrack at any speed, the new exhaust makes the 1.8-litre supercharged Elise the best-sounding 4-cylinder car on the market.

External design touches for the Sprint range include a matt black transom panel, black wheels which come with custom contrasting metal spun rims, distinctive yet subtle side stripes on the bodywork and unique side and rear badging.

Other highlights comprise bodywork keyed colour inserts for the sports seats, transmission console and HVAC surround, along with Sprint badge stitching. The Sprint’s detailing continues inside with an array of optional Alcantara® trim panels on the doors, sills, seats and vents surrounds, all with contrasting stitching.

Less mass means more Lotus

As well as a new Elise Sprint edition, the whole of the new Elise line-up benefits from a range of improvements, which includes a 10 kg mass reduction thanks to a number of new components. Changes to the body including a redesigned lightweight front clam panel, with wider radiator apertures and mesh pattern grille provide a more aggressive aspect and 8.7 kg less weight. The new design of rear transom panel now has two rear light clusters, rather than four, with reversing and fog lights now mounted inboard so reducing weight by 0.3 kg and visually enhancing the rear design.

Modifications front and back are more than skin deep and have allowed the careful balancing of aerodynamic downforce across the whole car. Rubber elements mounted on the flat underside and ahead of the front wheel, together with an additional diffuser vane at the rear, help modify airflow under the car reducing drag and increasing stability.

In addition to injecting some visual drama into the new Elise’s cabin, Lotus’ beautifully detailed open-gate manual gearbox also provides a much more positive and direct operation -giving more precise and quicker shifting. Both technically and aesthetically appealing, thanks to the exposed open-gate design, it further reduces weight with a net saving of 1 kg. An evolution of the design first used on the Exige Sport 350, but specifically optimised for the Elise, it perfectly matches the Lotus’ personality.

The cabin also benefits from a new centre console, as seen on the Exige and optional carbon sill covers which reduce weight by 0.8 kg and increase the door aperture by up to 10 mm, aiding ingress and egress. The Elise’s instrument panel has also received attention, with new graphics making it easier to read and a new in-car entertainment system, including iPod® connectivity and Bluetooth® functionality, can also be selected when ordering.

Options for the new car include Alcantara® trimmed steering wheel, vent-surrounds and sills. Further enhancement can be specified, including a new paintwork colour: “Electric Light Blue” joining the Lotus core colour range.

The new Elise Sport and Sprint are available in two engine options: the 1.6-litre or the supercharged 1.8-litre. Offering 134 hp / 160 Nm of torque and 217 hp / 250 Nm of torque respectively, they have been specifically tuned to suit the Elise and both help to deliver a benchmark power-to-weight ratio and class leading efficiency. Being so lightweight, emissions are extremely low with 149 g / km CO₂ and 173 g / km CO₂ for the 1.6 engine and 1.8 engines respectivel

Stopping power is provided by AP Racing twin-piston front calipers and Brembo single-piston rear-calipers - optional lightweight two-piece brake discs are also available. All cars benefit from userselectable ESP driving modes - Drive / Sport / Off.

Retaining the elements that have always kept the Elise ahead of rivals, the car is built around an extruded and bonded aluminium chassis which is both tremendously strong and torsionally stiff - weighing just 68 kg.

The new Elise also carries over the same suspension setup as before, with fully independent double wishbone suspension and a front anti-roll bar, coupled with Bilstein high-performance gas dampers and Eibach coaxial coil springs front and rear. Being lighter than the preceding model, the effective spring rate is marginally increased, retaining the compliant ride for which all Lotus cars are legendary.

Designed to continue the legacy of the Elise as Lotus’ most popular model ever, the new range car can be ordered today with deliveries starting from April 2017.

A new Lotus Elise Cup 250

A new version of the Elise’s most popular model, the Cup 250, will be released in May 2017 with a list price of £47,400. 

Also, incorporating all the Elise range updates, the Elise Cup 250 model is a massive 23 kg lighter than its predecessor, with lightweight options including a Carbon Aero pack, front access panel, roll hoop cover and engine cover to take this to 40 kg, providing even more blistering performance. 

Further press information will be available closer to the car’s release, but customers can order the new Cup 250 today.

Lotus Exclusive

Every new Lotus Elise customer can personalise their vehicle through the Lotus Exclusive programme. Developed by the Lotus Design team, it combines traditional British craftsmanship with the best of modern design. 

Conceived to inspire customers, allowing them to tailor vehicles to their personal taste, it offers a comprehensive array of options and provides an alluring alternative to an off-the-peg sports car.

Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price

Elise Sport                               £32,300

Elise Sprint                              £37,300

Elise Sport 220                        £39,300

Elise Sprint 220                       £44,300

Elise Cup 250                          £47,400

Jeep launches a new Top of the range Cherokee Overland to it's range of capable and functional off road cars.

Plans to expand the popular Jeep Cherokee range of 4x4 vehicles are announced today with details of a luxury new ‘Overland’ version.

The new top-of-the-range model, which made its International debut at this year’s Geneva Motor Show, is a 16MY model, and provides sophisticated style, elegant interiors, premium equipment with, of course, the Jeep brand's legendary off-road prowess.

Packed with a host of standard equipment, the new Jeep Cherokee Overland comes equipped with a 2.2-litre MultiJet II 200 horsepower turbo diesel engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission in either Active Drive I or Active Drive II 4WD.

The potent engine gives the car a 0-62mph time of 8.5 seconds and a top speed of 127mph. The Euro 6 unit has a 149g/km CO₂ figure, due to an improved final drive ratio when compared with the MY15 Cherokee, and a fuel economy of 50.4 mpg.

The stylish new addition features a polished bright front grille, new body-coloured door cladding, front and rear bumpers and wheel arches, new 18-inch polished bright aluminium wheels, standard HID bi-xenon headlamps, and is finished with an Overland badge on the tailgate.

The car comes in a range of colours: Deep Cherry Red, Bright White, Brilliant Black and Billet Silver.

Its refined looks are complemented by a long list of premium enhancements, including powered Nappa leather ventilated and heated driver and front passenger seats with four-way lumbar adjustment, memory driver’s seat and mirrors, a new steering wheel with wood insert, anodized silver bezels and vent surrounds, and Berber floor mats.

The interior is available in Morocco Black Nappa Leather, or in a brand new Pearl coloured Nappa Leather finish. Both interiors have no additional cost and both carry the signature Overland logo in premium stitching on the front seats.

Entertainment comes courtesy of a powerful Alpine Premium sound system, while there’s also a Uconnect radio with 8.4-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth and GPS navigation.

The equipment level on the Cherokee Overland continues with, as standard, a stylish panoramic sunroof, power tailgate and ParkSense front and rear reverse assist system. 

Pricing for the new Jeep Cherokee Overland is as follows:

2.2 MultiJet II 200hp Overland Active Drive I 4WD 9 speed automatic	£38,745
2.2 MultiJet II 200hp Overland Active Drive II 4WD 9 speed automatic	£39,950

The Kia Sorento has been names as The Sunday Times Best Large Crossover in it's Top 100 list.

• Sorento named winner in large crossover category
• Praised for space, practicality, seven seats and competitive price
• EU6 diesel engine and all-wheel drive as standard, priced from £28,795 

The Kia Sorento has been named the winner of the Large Crossover category in The Sunday Times Top 100 Cars. The list was published on January 3 2016 and details the top 100 cars as judged by the editorial team at The Sunday Times Driving.

Praised for its versatility as a seven-seat family car, styling and towing ability, the Sorento beat serious competition to the top spot, such as the Land Rover Discovery Sport, Porsche Macan, Mazda CX-5 and new Renault Kadjar.

Complimenting the Kia Sorento, the editorial team at the Sunday Times commented: “It seats seven, has four-wheel drive and a powerful diesel unit, the prices start on the right side of £30,000. If you’re looking for a family workhorse, the new Sorento has the basics covered, whether it’s providing plenty of space for the children or towing a caravan.”

The new Kia Sorento, which launched in the UK last April, came from a celebrated line of previous generations stretching back to 2002 and has proven popular with a diverse range of customers here in the UK and globally. Now in its third generation, the Sorento is more equipped, refined, stylish and technologically advanced than ever before.

The Sorento is powered by a smooth and refined EU6 2.2 turbodiesel engine that produces as little as 149g/km tailpipe emissions and can deliver 49.6mpg (combined). 

With seven seats as standard across the line-up, the Sorento is practical for families as well as those that occasionally need to carry more people – when the back seats are not in use they fold flat into the floor allowing for greater boot space.

All models have a new, permanent, intelligent all-wheel drive system ready to tackle the rough stuff; manual versions of the Sorento are capable of towing 2,500kg – useful for those that need a vehicle capable of towing a caravan.

The Sorento is on sale at Kia’s 188 dealerships across the UK with prices starting from just £28,795.

Portfolio Executive Cars replaces it's entire fleet of Mercs with jaguars XF and Luxury XJ 2016 Model Year cars.

• Jaguar announces major chauffeur deal with Portfolio Executive amid wider success for Jaguar models in the fleet sector
• Portfolio Executive has ordered 18 all-new Jaguar XF and 2 new Jaguar XJ 2016 Model Year, replacing Portfolio’s fleet of Mercedes-Benz models

Jaguar is pleased to announce that Portfolio Executive will be replacing its entire fleet of chauffeur cars with Jaguar models, underlining Jaguar’s business market success this year and its status as a major player in the luxury private hire sector.

Portfolio Executive has taken delivery of 18 all-new Jaguar XF and 2 new Jaguar XJ 2016 Model Year. With this deal, Portfolio Executive’s entire Mercedes-Benz fleet will have been replaced with Jaguar models.

The all-new Jaguar XF brings an unrivalled blend of design, luxury, connected-technology and efficiency to the chauffeur market, underpinned with supreme levels of ride comfort, refinement and segment-leading rear seat space. Additionally CO₂ emissions from 104g/km, and up to 70.6 mpg (combined) help to deliver best-in-class residual values, insurance costs and total cost of ownership figures.

The new Jaguar XJ 2016 Model Year is perfect for Portfolio Executive’s most discerning customers. It features an uprated 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine, with CO₂ emissions reduced by 6 per cent to 149g/km, compared with the previous XJ. 

It also has a suite of hi-tech features, including 360 Degree Park Distance Control and InControl Remote Premium, allowing owners to access the car through their smartphone for features such as cabin pre-warming.

Portfolio Executive Chairman, Peter Buchanan, said: "Portfolio is delighted to be working with Jaguar, changing our fleet of executive cars to all-new Jaguar XF and XJ LWB models. 

With both cars at the cutting edge in terms of safety, comfort and connected technology, we’re really excited about how they will benefit our clients. Furthermore the cars strike a great balance of understated luxury and style which – combined with our highly professional drivers – will provide Portfolio’s highly valued clients with a service they’ll enjoy. 

As a rapidly growing company we look forward to a long and successful relationship with Jaguar Land Rover as we build our fleet of cars."

Chris Newitt, Sales Director Jaguar Land Rover UK, said: “We’re thrilled that Portfolio Executive has chosen to update their range with the latest Jaguar models. It is testament to Jaguar’s new model line-up – which features cars that have style, luxury and low running costs in equal measure – that we’re ticking every box for our business customers.”

Cleaner, more efficient and more comfortable, they will be the new commercial vehicles from Vauxhall/Opel.

• More performance, less consumption: Euro 6 diesel for Vivaro, Movano and Combo

• Increase safety and comfort: more assistance systems on board

• Immediately available: the 2016 model year versions are already ordered

Modern diesel engines to Euro 6, further assistance systems for enhanced security and other equipment on request here is the main new commercial vehicle Opel model year 2016. Opel Vivaro, Movano and Combo are so perfectly equipped to deal with all the challenges that They await them. 

"The new diesel-edge further increase the efficiency of our commercial vehicles. These engines and more equipment on request make Vivaro, Movano and Combo increasingly attractive to customers, "said Steffen Raschig, Commercial Vehicles Director of Opel / Vauxhall.

Vivaro Combi with the new engine and more equipment on request

The second generation Opel Vivaro commercial vehicle Opel sold more than 50,000 units produced annually, was launched in the fall of 2014. Beginning in model year 2016, Vivaro Combi will be available with the new diesel engines. The 1.6 CDTI with 70 kW / 95 hp with a torque of 260 Nm is the motor input. The combined fuel consumption is 6.2 liters per 100 km, equivalent to CO2 emissions of 164 grams per kilometer, ie the same level as the previous model, but boasted 5 bhp less.

The new 1.6 CDTI BiTurbo will be available with 92 kW / 125 hp and 107 kW / 145 hp - in this case an increase of 5 bhp over the previous model. These engines generate respectively a pair of 320 and 340 Nm - enough power for even the most demanding situations. The consumption remain low: the 125 hp version consumes only 5.7 liters of fuel, equivalent to CO2 emissions of 149 grams per kilometer. The most powerful version consumes 6.4 liters, equivalent to 167 grams of CO2 per kilometer. All three engines come with start / stop technology and manual six-speed. Thanks to SCR BlueInjection Opel, are all in accordance with the Euro 6 emission standards.

Vivaro is available with new features like "Keyless Open-and-start" for added comfort, support for tablet or the IntelliLink infotainment system 50 Ships, further developed. The elegance of the cabin is further emphasized by padding "Connect Black" anthracite.

Driver assistance systems and Euro 6 engine for Movano

Movano Movano Combi and Bus are also available with the new 2.3-liter BiTurbo diesel with two power levels. Thanks to BlueInjection to the treatment system, the engines meet the stringent Euro 6 emissions.

The most powerful engine on Movano Combi output of 125 kW / 170 hp and 380 Nm of torque. This is an increase of 20 Nm and 7 CV compared to the previous Movano Combi. At the same time, its fuel consumption of 0,1l / 100km. BiTurbo The new 2.3-liter, 145 hp for Movano Combi generates a torque of 360 Nm despite recording lower consumption, now at an average of 6,3l / 100km.

Opel has also put two engines BiTurbo high efficiency available Movano Bus. The 2.3-liter BiTurbo with 163 hp will replace the current 150 hp to the top of the range. The new unit will deliver a torque of 380 Nm, an increase of 9%. For the model year 2016 will also be available BiTurbo 107 kW / 145 hp with a torque of 360 Nm. 

All new engines are equipped with Start / Stop technology and an additional selectable ECO mode and are matched to six-speed manual transmission . The package of driver assistance systems now available for Movano offers comfort and security. Highbeam Assist, fog lights, Lane Keep Assist and the onboard computer makes driving more enjoyable and relaxing.

A new diesel Combo with higher performance and lower fuel consumption

Better performance associated with lower consumption and greater ecology are also the hallmarks of the new engines of Opel Combo Tour. The two 1.6-liter CDTI turbo diesel Euro 6 from 70 kW / 95 hp and 88 kW / 120 hp versions will replace the outgoing 66 kW / 90 hp and 77 kW / 105 hp. Version 88 kW / 120 hp is available with or without technology ecoFLEX, which includes the Start / Stop (70 kW / 95 hp only without). 

The engineers were able to increase the power of 5 hp and reduce fuel consumption by 95 hp ecoFLEX version, which goes down on average from 5.0 to 4.7 liters of fuel, equivalent to 124 grams of CO2 per kilometer. 

The engine power above has been increased by as much 15 hp. Consumption fell from 5.2 to 4.7 liters and CO2 emissions have dropped from 138 to 124 grams per kilometer in the ecoFLEX version. Apart from the Start / Stop technology ecoFLEX new engines include a new intelligent alternator with braking energy recovery, adjustable oil pump, low friction oil, tires with low rolling resistance - all of which contribute to the reducing emissions.