TMW - Subaru pushes out the boat for the Outback - the best car they produce.

Subaru is most definitely on the come back trail, they have a brilliant range of cars from the Levorg to this, the Outback, and many others in between from other off roaders and sports cars, and the car that gave them the reputation that they so well deserve, the WRX/STi, this and the BRZ are two models that we will be testing over the coming months, and i can not wait.

But, back to the car we have here today, the 2.0D SE Outback, this really is a stunning car to drive, is one of the most comfortablest, easy to drive, easy on the eye and a general all round brilliant car, from the outside the estate looks a big car, and it is, there is no getting away from this, yet it is very easy to drive, the steering is light and precise and you never feel like it is vague and unresponsive.

Once you get the seats and steering wheel into your ideal driving position you never need to move them again, and from there everything is so ideally placed, from the switches to the touch-screen Infotainment system, to the buttons that work the heating seats, which on a cold day are a welcome addition.

Driving the car is so easy, and when driving at a steady speed you hardly notice that you are in a diesel, it is that quiet, and smooth, the four wheel drive, which Subaru is famous for, is a great addition and keeps the car on the straight and narrow, put the cruise control on and you can just let the car "get on with it", it will even slow down and pull away on it's own, as well as let you know when you start to "drift" across onto another lane, or off to the side of the road.

The seven speed auto is very smooth and moves up and down the gears without any fuss or judder, if you're driving perfectly you only know the gears are changing by the rev counter moving up and down, thats how smooth and quiet it is.

The seats are some of the most comfortable i have sat in whilst driving, they are like armchairs, they cosset and keep you in position, which in turn makes for a great driving experience.

The fuel consumption stated by Subaru is

• Urban Cycle           37.7mpg
• Extra Urban Cycle  53.3mpg
• Combined Cycle     46.3mpg

If you manage to get the 53.3mpg, combined with teh fuel tank size, you should get over 700 miles out of the car, the Subaru also has a CO2 level of 159g/km which for a car this size is really good and helps with the BIK should you utilise the car for business usage, Top Speed is a decent 119mph, not that you will be doing that in the UK, well, you shouldn't, Should you 😀

The Outback is a great car, and if all you got was a standard spec model you would be more than happy with it, yet, it does not stop there, this model comes complete with a host of kit as standard.

• LED Headlights and Tail Lights
• Pop Up Headlamp Washes
• Power Fold Heated Door Mirrors
• Automatic Raise and Close Tailgate
• Flappy Paddles
• Seat Heaters
• All Round Power Windows
• Cruise Control
• Vehicle Dynamics Control
• Subaru Starlink Connectivity
• Hill Start Assist
• Active Torque Vectoring
• Centre Differential
• Whiplash Reducing Seats

And this is just a small amount of the standard kit, there is far far more to be added to the list.

Rear space is at a premium, with more than enough for three well set adults on the back seats, added to this there is a acres of space in the boot for loads of luggage, shopping or, with the seats down, some larger pieces of furniture.

Subaru is definitely on the rise, there is the updated BRZ, XV and Levorg all imminent, along with the second year of BTCC, and the continued use of the WRX/STi in privateer hands around the globe in numerous rallying events.

The Outback is a brilliant, car, and one that can accommodate everything you throw at it, it is a brilliant family car, as well as a car that can be utilised as a business car, either way, you could find few cars that fulfil all your requirements.

Nissan Navara gets enhanced 2.3-litre dCi diesel engine with improved performance & Best-in-class CO2.

• Nissan Navara gets enhanced 2.3-litre dCi diesel engine with improved performance
• Best-in-class CO₂ emissions, plus reduced NOx thanks to AdBlue SCR system
• Higher fuel economy and numerous other improvements to the Navara range
• Tough and packed with technology, Nissan Navara is holder of the International Pick-Up Award 2016
• 5 Year / 100,000 mile warranty as standard

Pick-Up drivers have yet another great reason to choose the Nissan Navara. Already the holder of the International Pick-up Award 2016, and renowned for its tough attitude and robust performance, the entire range has now switched to a more advanced and eco-friendly Euro 6 engine.

The upgrade covers both the 190PS twin-turbo and 160PS single turbo versions of the Navara’s 2.3-litre dCi diesel engine. It has made a significant difference to the pick-up’s environmental performance – a vital consideration for buyers because it affects running costs. CO₂ emissions now start from as low as 159 g/km, a reduction of 8g/km on the predecessor Euro 5 engine. 

It’s an enhancement which makes the Nissan Navara the best in its class. Fuel consumption on the Official Combined Cycle has improved to 46.3mpg, up by 1.4mpg.

The Nissan Navara Euro 6 benefits from a reduction in oxides of nitrogen (NOx) thanks to the addition of a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system. 

An AdBlue tank has been fitted to the Navara, with a filler flap on the opposite side of the vehicle to the diesel tank to avoid confusion. The tank can be filled from bottles or pumps, for maximum flexibility for the user. It will hold 17 litres of liquid, allowing up to 7,150 miles between refills. 

Driver assistance messages relating to the AdBlue system have been integrated into the Navara’s colour LCD combimeter, the central information screen set between the two main dials.

A number of other enhancements have been made to the Nissan Navara’s specification:

• Idle-Stop System (ISS) for reduced fuel consumption is now standard on all Navara manual models
• All Navara models now come with a colour combimeter, cruise control with speed limiter, Bluetooth hands-free audio and multi-function controls on the steering wheel
• The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) has increased 25-35 kg, while kerb weight has increased 5-38 kg (both depending on model)
• One-tonne payload and 3.5-tonne towing capacity remain unchanged

Available in Double Cab and King Cab body styles, the award-winning Nissan Navara is a heavy duty one-tonne pick-up that’s built to be the perfect partner for today’s commercial driver. 

Marking the Navara out from its rivals is the Double Cab’s five-link coil-spring rear suspension system, which provides enhanced dynamic performance and comfort over all terrains. Navara also features Nissan’s standard 5 year / 100,000 mile warranty, fully transferable to future owners.

The improvements to the Navara clearly demonstrate Nissan’s desire to bring advanced technologies to every sector of the market, to make driving more convenient and safer for owners. 

The Navara is available with Nissan’s pioneering Around View Monitor (AVM) camera system, and with Forward Emergency Braking (FEB) – systems which have proved popular on Nissan’s best-selling range of crossovers, the Juke, Qashqai and X-Trail.

The new MINI Clubman can now be specified with a new All Wheel Drive System.

• Newly developed all-wheel drive system for the latest MINI generation introduced for MINI Cooper S Clubman and MINI Cooper SD Clubman
• Premiere of new generation of ALL4 all-wheel drive system with electrohydraulic regulation, optimised weight and increased efficiency
• First ALL4 model to be built at MINI Plant Oxford
• Available April priced from £24,305 OTR

MINI has this last week launched the all new MINI Clubman ALL4 – the brand’s first all-wheel drive model in the C-segment. This launch marks the MINI brand’s further advance into the premium compact segment and represents the first ALL4 model to be built at MINI Plant Oxford.

MINI’s ALL4 all-wheel drive system, which has previously only been offered on MINI Countryman models, has been specially redeveloped to ensure sportier handling and improved versatility to further enhance the everyday practicality of the new MINI Clubman.

MINI Clubman was launched in October 2015 and is notable as MINI’s first vehicle in the competitive C-segment. Now, the brand is offering something new to the market in the form of Clubman ALL4. Available with two of the latest MINI engines, the MINI Cooper S Clubman ALL4 and the MINI Cooper SD Clubman ALL4.

The 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine with MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology is the latest example of MINI’s engine technology. Offering 192 hp, the new MINI Cooper S Clubman ALL4 is combined with a 6-speed manual transmission as standard, and optionally with an 8-speed Steptronic transmission. It achieves fuel consumption of 40.9 mpg with the manual transmission (44.8mpg for automatic transmission) and has CO₂emissions of 159g/km (146g/km).

The new MINI Cooper SD Clubman ALL4 features a 190 hp diesel engine with 400 NM of torque which is paired with the brand’s capable 8-speed Steptronic transmission as standard. Fuel consumption on the combined cycle is 58.9mpg with CO₂ emissions of 126g/km.

The new MINI Clubman ALL4 includes an exceptionally high specification, with the brand’s highly acclaimed Navigation System standard on all models. Furthermore, every MINI Clubman ALL4 also benefits from the MINI Excitement Package as standard, which features a projection of the brand logo on to the ground beneath the driver’s side door mirror when the car is opened and closed, as well as extended interior lighting.

Production of MINI Clubman ALL4 has started at MINI Plant Oxford, with first deliveries at MINI retailers nationwide in April.

Model	HP	Trans	CO2	OTR
MINI Cooper S Clubman ALL4	192	Man	159	£24,305
		Auto	146	£25,985
MINI Cooper SD Clubman ALL4	190	Auto	126	£27,410

• MINI Cooper S Clubman ALL4: 4-cylinder petrol engine with MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology (turbo charging, direct injection, fully variable valve control, variable camshaft control), capacity: 1998 cc, output: 141 kW/192 hp at 5 000 rpm, torque: 280 Nm at 1 250 rpm (300 Nm with overboost), acceleration (0–62mph): 7.0 seconds (automatic: 6.9 seconds), top speed: 142mph (142mph), 
  average fuel consumption*: 40.9mpg (44.8mpg), CO2 emissions*: 159 g/km (146 g/km), exhaust emission standard: EU6.
• MINI Cooper SD Clubman ALL4: 4-cylinder diesel engine with MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology (turbocharger with variable turbine geometry, common rail direct injection), capacity: 1 995 cc, output: 140 kW/190 hp at 4 000 rpm, max. torque: 400 Nm at 1 750 – 2 500 rpm, acceleration (0–62mph): 7.2 seconds, top speed: 138mph, average fuel consumption*: 58.9mpg, 
  CO2 emissions*: 126 g/km, exhaust emission standard: EU6.
  
  
  * EU test cycle figures, fuel consumption dependent on the selected tyre format.

Exterior dimensions:

Length: 4 253 millimetres

Width: 1 800 millimetres

Height: 1 441 millimetres

Wheelbase: 2 670 millimetres

The new all-wheel drive system ALL4: fast and precise, compact and efficient.

The electronically controlled all-wheel drive system distributes drive torque between the front and rear axles depending on specific road conditions. This enables faster acceleration and increases agility when taking bends at speed. ALL4 also ensures utmost traction and optimised driving stability in all weather and road conditions.

The latest version of the ALL4 all-wheel drive system has been designed to be compact and light-weight, therefore increasing efficiency. This means there is only a slight increase in fuel consumption and exhaust emissions compared to the respective front-wheel drive models.

The drive power delivered by the engine via the manual or Steptronic transmission in the form of engine speed and torque is fed to the front axle differential. An integrated single-stage power take-off bevel gear diverts the power and relays it to a propeller shaft leading to the rear axle. Power transmission to the rear axle differential is continuously managed via a hang-on clutch.

If necessary, the hang-on clutch can relay torque to the rear wheels within a fraction of a second by means of an electrohydraulic pump. Fast and precise reactive changes to road conditions are possible because the all-wheel drive system is connected to the Driving Dynamics System (DSC) which continuously calculates the ideal power distribution between the front and rear wheels.

Not only are the wheel rotation speeds and the current longitudinal and lateral acceleration figures taken into account, but so is the road speed, accelerator position, engine torque and steering angle as well as the Driving Dynamics System (DSC) settings and the optional MINI Driving Modes. Based on this data, MINI Clubman ALL4 calculates the risk of wheel slip and can then anticipate and counteract any loss of traction, oversteer or understeer of the vehicle.

Taking the form of an electronic locking function for the front axle differential, the standard Electronic Differential Lock Control (EDLC) improves traction when accelerating out of bends by means of selective braking. In DSC Off mode, this prevents spinning of the front wheel on the inside of the bend and transmits drive power to the outer front wheel instead. The Performance Control function is another standard feature that helps enhance agility in the MINI Cooper S Clubman ALL4 and the MINI Cooper SD Clubman ALL4 and works regardless of the DSC mode selected.

Other functions of the driving dynamics system DSC include the anti-lock brake system (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Cornering Brake Control (CBD), the braking and drive-off assistant, the brake dry function and Fading Brake Support. DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) can also be activated when the vehicle is setting off in loose sand or deep snow.

Petrol and diesel engines with MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology: a lot of power efficiently distributed over four wheels  

The latest generation 4-cylinder engines featuring MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology are responsible for distributing the power between the front and rear axle.

Featuring a peak output of 192 hp, the 2.0-litre petrol engine in the new MINI Cooper S Clubman ALL4 is the most powerful engine in the range.

With the standard 6-speed manual transmission, the new MINI Cooper S Clubman ALL4 accelerates in 7.0 seconds from standing to 62mph, while in conjunction with the optional 8-speed Steptronic transmission the standard spurt takes just 6.9 seconds. The top speed is 142mph in each case. These figures are combined with an average fuel consumption of 40.9mpg (automatic: 44.8mpg) and CO₂ emissions of 159 (146) grams per kilometre (EU test cycle figures, dependent on tyre format selected).

A turbocharging system with variable turbine geometry and common rail direct injection operates at a pressure of up to 2,000 bar inside the 2.0-litre diesel MINI Cooper SD Clubman ALL4 engine. The new MINI Cooper SD Clubman ALL4 combines the most powerful diesel engine ever installed in a MINI with the brand’s 8-speed Steptronic transmission as standard, achieving superb pulling power as well as exemplary fuel consumption figures and emissions.

This enables the MINI Cooper SD Clubman ALL4 to sprint from standing to 62mph in just 7.2 seconds. The top speed is 138mph. These figures are combined with an average fuel consumption of 58.9mpg and CO₂emissions of 126 grams per kilometre (EU test cycle figures, dependent on tyre format selected).

Innovative transmissions for performance and efficiency.

The standard 6-speed manual transmission is characterised by low effort and short shift distances. A ‘rev matching’ function built into the manual transmission ensures jerk-free clutch engagement, thereby enhancing comfort when shifting down a gear.

The optional 6-speed Steptronic sport transmission combines excellent efficiency with smooth yet fast gear changes. In manual mode it’s possible to change gear using shift paddles at the steering wheel. Furthermore, in conjunction with the MINI Navigation System the transmission is able to take account of the route profile in automatically controlling gearshifts.

A complete set of safety features, innovative driver assistance systems, intelligent connectivity.  

In addition to the torsionally stiff, rigid and light-weight body structure, a complete set of standard safety features also contributes to the outstanding occupant protection of the new MINI Clubman ALL4. This extensive protection comprises of six airbags, 3-point automatic belts on all seats including belt tensioners and adaptive belt force limiters at the front, as well as ISOFIX child seat mountings at the rear. A tyre pressure display for each individual wheel is also included as standard. Meanwhile, impact absorbers and precisely defined deformation zones ensure optimised pedestrian protection.

Optional driver assistance systems offered on the new MINI Clubman ALL4 serve to increase both safety and comfort. The MINI Head-Up Display which extends from above the steering column enables the driver to focus their concentration on the road. In addition to the cruise control with brake function, the Driving Assistant system is also available, featuring camera-based active cruise control and collision and pedestrian warning with brake function, high beam headlight assistant and road sign detection. Additional options include the Parking Assistant and rear view camera.

Make Clubman Yours: High standard specification and options for every taste including atmospheric lighting, electrically adjustable seats and much more.

With the MINI Yours Interior Styles option, the door trim design is highlighted via illuminated decorative strips. These can combined with interior trim finishers of various types and colours of the customers choosing. The MINI Excitement Pack features LED interior and ambient lighting which illuminates the cabin with a choice of selectable colours as well as an external light display activated when unlocking and locking the car using the remote key. The MINI logo is projected onto the ground for 20 seconds from a light source housed in the exterior mirror on the driver’s side.

Over 50% of MINI Clubman customers are expected to choose the Chili pack which adds a host of additional extras to the car. These features include cloth/leather upholstery with heated sports seats, MINI’s comfort access system, park distance control, automatic air conditioning, LED headlights and LED fog lights among other features. Chili pack is priced at £2,785 across all models – a 30% customer saving on MINI Cooper Clubman compared with selecting the options individually.

IRELAND - The All-New Ford Focus ST is now available to order, and its the best ST ever.

• New Focus ST global performance model features improved dynamics, innovative technology and for the first time a choice of petrol and diesel power
• New chassis control technologies include industry-first Enhanced Transitional Stability system; combined with re-tuned suspension and steering to help deliver a driving experience that is even more responsive, balanced and refined
• Ford introduces 185 PS diesel Focus ST that offers 110 g/km CO₂ alongside 250 PS EcoBoost petrol model; Auto-Start-Stop technology available as standard on both powertrains

Just arrived in Ireland, the new Ford Focus ST is the most advanced version of Ford’s celebrated performance car.  New Focus ST offers an even more responsive, balanced and refined driving experience with new chassis control technologies, tuned suspension and steering, and bespoke tyre specification. And for the first time, it will be offered with the choice of two powerful engines – one petrol and one diesel.

The first diesel Focus ST takes day-to-day usability and sportiness to a new level by delivering the most fuel-efficient and lowest CO₂ Ford performance car ever; 185 PS 2.0-litre TDCi achieves 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 8.1 seconds, 4.2 L /100 km (67.3 mpg), and 110 g/km CO₂ – the same fuel efficiency as a standard Focus 1.6 litre TDCi 95 PS model.*

For customers who prefer petrol, the 250 PS 2.0-litre EcoBoost delivers 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 6.5 seconds, fuel consumption of 6.8 L /100 km (41.5 mpg), and 159 g/km CO₂. Both models offer Auto-Start-Stop for the first time that improves the EcoBoost version’s fuel economy by 6 per cent and help make it the most fuel-efficient petrol Focus ST ever.

“Whether for the enthusiast or novice, the Focus ST possesses all the great,fun-to-drive qualities that customers want,” said Ciaran McMahon, Chairman and Managing Director, Ford Ireland. “And with the choice of diesel power for the first time, the new version is even more enjoyable and rewarding to drive - the new Focus ST is in a class of its own.

“We are also delighted to offer the new Focus ST wagon – the diesel version of which we can see appealing to family drivers who need the space, flexibility and great fuel efficiency but who do not want to compromise on driving dynamics – they will have it all in the sporty new Focus ST wagon… And with a price differential of just €1,250, it really is an attractive option.”

Enhanced driving dynamics

The Focus ST’s award-winning development team, part of the global Ford Performance organisation, made improving the entire driving experience the number one objective for the new Focus ST.

The strengthened body structure of the new Focus provided the foundation for the improvements. The enhanced front-end body stiffness – achieved by increasing the thickness of two structural brackets within the engine bay and using a stronger metal arc welding technique – delivers reduced body flex during cornering, resulting in sharper responses and greater agility.

The sports suspension features all-new front springs and sportier new shock absorber tuning front and rear, with stiffer suspension bushes on the front lower control arm and rear spring links. In combination with the model-specific anti-roll bars and rear springs from the previous generation ST, these enhancements deliver an even sharper dynamic performance.

The calibration of the Electronic Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) and electronic vehicle control systems also has been revised to meet the specific sporting requirements of the new Focus ST.

Key innovations include the industry-first Enhanced Transitional Stability (ETS) system as part of the vehicle’s advanced Electronic Stability Control (ESC). ETS senses vehicle stability and driver inputs, predicts when a skid or loss of control might occur, and intervenes as required using individual wheel braking to maintain optimal precision and control during rapid changes of direction at speed – for example in a lane-change situation.

Power of choice

The new 185 PS 2.0-litre diesel engine that debuts in the new Focus ST has been optimised to deliver ST performance and character alongside fuel efficiency and everyday practicality.

The 185 PS diesel is based on Ford’s new fuel-efficient 2.0-litre TDCi design. The engine features the latest generation common rail direct injection system operating at 2000 bar pressure (29,000 psi), variable geometry turbocharging, a new cylinder head and revised engine block. A range of technologies enhance efficiency and reduce emissions, including an active thermal management system, variable oil pump, low-friction Diamond Like Coating on selected bearing surfaces and Ford’s lean NO_x trap exhaust after-treatment system.

The increased power output for the Focus ST – a 23 per cent gain over the 150 PS 2.0-litre engine in the new Focus range – is achieved using a unique calibration, a revised air intake system and a new sports-tuned exhaust.

Ford’s 2.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine uses turbocharging, Twin-independent Variable Cam Timing technology, and high-pressure direct-injection to deliver uncompromising performance. The 250 PS high-output derivative was developed exclusively for the Focus ST with unique engine calibration, intake, and exhaust systems. Peak power is available at 5,500 rpm, 360 Nm of torque is available from 2,000-4,500 rpm, and maximum speed is 248 km/h (154 mph). 

Both engines use a six-speed manual transmission with a performance-oriented, short-throw shift. The gear ratios – exclusive to ST and matched individually to each engine – deliver rapid acceleration in lower gears and comfortable cruising at speed.

Both the diesel and EcoBoost petrol versions will be offered to customers In Ireland.  Standard spec on both versions includes: 18” alloys; unique ST body: spoiler, front and rear bumper, rocker panels and front grille; Auto-Start-Stop; ST scuff plates; heated front Recaro seats; auto lights and wipers; special ST suspension; keyless start; and Thatcham alarm. 

Series	Engine	PS	CO2	Combined cycle	Priced from
Ford Focus ST2 5D hatchback	2.0 EcoBoost	250	159g/km	6.8 L / 100km	€39,100
Ford Focus ST2 5D hatchback	2.0 TDCi	180	110g/km	4.2 L / 100km	€39,800
Ford Focus ST2 Wagon	2.0 TDCi	180	110g/km	4.2 L / 100km	€41,050