TMW ROAD TEST - The New Infiniti Q30, a car that deserves to succeed in an ever growing premium sector.

The All-New, or is it, Infiniti Q30, gives the impression that the car you are driving is a totally new car from Infiniti, The luxury arm of Nissan, but don't be fooled, the Q30 is heavily based on the Mercedes A-Class, and that's not a problem for this car, as they have moved the goal posts, and made a good car, from Mercedes, into a great car from Infiniti.

And it does not stop there, they have not taken the easy route and allowed Mercedes-Benz to produce this car, as they could well have done, but they have invested a significant amount of money and expanded the Sunderland plant that makes a number of Nissan cars, for the UK and export, and have a purpose built expansion to build the Q30 and upcoming QX30 Active Compact.

The sector that this new car enters is a very hotly contested one, you have the entry level cars from BMW (1-Series), Mercedes (A-Class), Audi (A1), Lexus (CT), and others like the Volvo V40 and the likes of the Mini Cooper, so the Q30 has to offer something more, to tempt the buyers to the brand, a brand that currently lacks the sales numbers of it's competitors, but is doing all it can to rectify that.

On first glance you see a car that definitely looks far superior in the metal than it does on any paper, brochure or picture, the fluid lines that start on the front grill and work there way back to that, now, familiar brand identifier, kink by the rear doors, the lines then continue to make the rear of the car so different, not just a standard hatchback, but a piece of art, everything works, and flows seamlessly.

The interior of the car does not fail to impress either, using high grade, quality leathers, Alcantara, soft touch plastics and a nice sized steering wheel, that has a feel to it that gives you confidence, I know that sounds odd, but you get into some cars and their steering wheels are thin and nasty, or too big and bulky, this one is just spot on, well, for me anyway.

The seats in this Q30 are without doubt some of the most comfortable, supportive and tactile in the sector, our car here, had some electric movement, but strangely a lower down model had full electric seating, where as this one, which cost significantly more, did not, the steering wheel has a decent amount of reach and rake so between that and the seats, getting a decent position is very easy, I also noted that head room for a car in this class was very good.

The car tested here had the 360° all round view camera facility, and it works extremely well, as we found out, it is very strange to see the roof of your car, with the cars around you, but this set up has been successfully used for some time on a number of Nissan models, and on this, assists in parking, and keeping an eye on how close cars are to you in traffic, when you come to a halt.

The steering is not as light as some cars, but it is weighted about right, so you can direct the car and know that's where it is going, the suspension and damper set up is firm, but not spine ripping, this car grips like a banker with his bonus cheque, when pushed you never feel like the car is struggling around bends, and the pull away is just superb.

The 2.2 litre diesel engine fitted here with a seven speed automatic is faultless, you put your foot on the go peddle and it does, quite quickly, and the gear change is sublime, so smooth and quick, we did notice on both cars we tested, (the other road test report will come shortly), there was some road and wind noise, at speed it can be a little off putting, but the road surfaces we took our cars around were not the best, and you will always get some wind noise around the wing mirrors, it's just something you accept no matter what car you drive.

Combine this engine and gearbox to the All Wheel Drive system and the car really is something special, it is very difficult to take it past it's "safe" level of drive ability, no matter what you do, it just grips and continues to grip and go round corners faultlessly, not that we recommend you do anything that could result in an incident, after-all, you must behave on the UK roads, most of the time.

We also noted that when pushed there was a distinct engine note, which we immediately thought sounded just like the Impreza, that Boxer Engine growl, again, this is something that was a positive, as it also gave the car an air of sportiness to it, and did at times "encourage" you to be a little heavy footed, but we had to behave, well, mostly.

The rear seats and passenger area was also a positive, plenty of room, two six footers sat in the back, with room to spare, and we never moved the front seats forward either, as with most cars, the rear seats do not have as much support as the front's, this is to allow for baby seats and three passengers, they were comfortable and very tactile, the boot space is very generous too, with a flat loading floor, there is not having to lug your shopping over a huge lip here.

Our drive took the car around a number of roads, from high speed dual carriage ways, to tight and twisting B-Roads and town driving, the car managed to return 28.8mpg over this distance, although, it has to be noted the mpg was still rising once we finished our, all too brief drive, the figures officially given are

• 47.7mpg Urban
• 65.7mpg Extra Urban
• 57.6mpg Combined

The EU6 engine is rated at 129g/km, slightly high, especially when you can get powerful diesel engines under the 100g/km mark, push the car and you might get near the claimed 134mph top speed, and give it some real beans and it will do the 0-60 in around 8.5 seconds, this sounds quite high in today's high torque engines, but then who actually does this.

At £33,890 this car is not the cheapest on the market, but you do get a lot of kit included, for that price, the 360° camera is a great addition, The key less entry, moving object detection, Voice recognition system, Drive mode selector, Automatic Park Assist, are just a tiny selection of what you can expect to find on this model.

The Q30 S is also not the lightest car in the car park, with a gross weight of 2075kg, is higher than the Lexus CT at 1790kg, The A-Class starts at 1960kg and the BMW 1-Series 5 door at 1395kg (Unladen), but the powerful engine does make up for this.

CONCLUSION

The Q30, for a first attempt at a premium compact, is a brilliant start, it hits all the targets, and surpasses most of them, whether you like the cars looks or not, you can not fail to be impressed that they have a range of superior products from this to luxury executive saloons and a range of very capable Crossovers.

It should also be noted that the Infiniti has been about for a while, so it begs teh questions why are they not better sellers, they have the pedigree, they have the quality, they have the range and they have the technology, and in some cases, they were first with a number of technical achievements which they have chosen NOT to "blow their trumpet" about. 

Why not, you have spent the money and put in all the effort and know how, so why not showcase it, if you don't, no one else will, and others, as has been noted recently, will take the plaudits for all your hard work. 

The Q30 deserves to succeed, in a sector lorded over by the German's, it is about time that they get a bit of a kicking and get shown how to do it, and do it with style, the UK has shown it can build class leading products, and the continued input from foreign investors, backs this up, this new car will be exported the world over, with an estimated 65,000 units per annum, should this be exceeded, then who knows, either UK expansion or a second plant elsewhere within the Nissan business.

New Mitsubishi ASX launched to build on the huge success of the previous generation.

Exterior design changes see two-tone 18” alloy wheels and more dynamic looking wheel arches added to the mid and high specification ASX models which give the exterior a fresh new look. Widespread updates to the interior, including a new ergonomically enhanced three-spoke steering wheel, improve refinement across the range.

The Mitsubishi ASX is now available with a new Euro 6 compliant 1.6 turbo diesel engine. This frugal yet punchy unit produces 112bhp and just 119g/km CO_2, meaning zero VED in the first year of ownership.

The new range has also undergone a name change, with the new line-up consisting of the entry level ASX ZC, the mid-level ASX ZC-M, and the range topping ASX ZC-H.

With over 700,000 units sold around the world since its launch, the ASX is a global success.

Mitsubishi’s clever and capable crossover has always stood out from the crowd – and with the revised model just arriving in dealerships, it will soon be attracting more attention than ever. The crossover marketplace has grown rapidly in recent years and Mitsubishi Motors has been a key player in this important segment. The ASX is a stylish, well-priced, practical contender that has won many admirers and delivers genuine driving pleasure.

Under the Bonnet

The ASX has the choice of three Euro 6 compliant engines: A 1.6 petrol with 115bhp. The new 1.6 Di-D turbo-diesel with 112bhp which produces just 119g/km CO₂, and the existing 2.2 DOHC 16V engine found in Outlander. 

Stylish and Practical

Based on the same platform as the Outlander, Lancer and Lancer Evolution X, the ASX bridges the gap between Mitsubishi’s conventional passenger cars and its rugged off-roaders. Practicality and versatility are key to the appeal of the ASX. With a wheelbase to match the Outlander, passenger space is generous, with the flexible seating inside making the ASX just the right size for customers looking for a practical, enjoyable family car. 

Green Thinking and Economical

Helping the ASX achieve its impressive economy and emissions figures are low rolling resistance tyres and intelligent power management, to allow the ASX to return its impressive consumption figures. Indeed, every aspect of the ASX has been engineered with its environmental performance in mind, to help create not just an enjoyable, versatile family vehicle, but a responsible one too. 

Something for Everyone

The ASX has a choice of petrol or diesel two-wheel-drive versions. For those requiring the security of four-wheel-drive, ASX also offers off-road capability based on the proven capabilities of the bigger Outlander off-roader.

All models include a spacious, family-friendly interior and offer a comfortable, refined ride.

Like other models in the Mitsubishi range, ASX is temptingly priced but that doesn’t mean it’s lacking key standard equipment. All models have alloy wheels, air conditioning, electric windows and keyless entry. Other desirable features such as Bluetooth, leather upholstery, satellite navigation, seat heaters and a reversing camera are available. 

Be Safe, Not Sorry

The ASX isn’t just environmentally aware, it’s a safe choice too. The ASX incorporates Mitsubishi’s RISE safety technology which dissipates energy from an impact away from the passenger compartment. The ASX also has ABS anti-lock braking, Active Stability Control, Traction Control, Electronic Brake Distribution, Brake Assist and Emergency Stop Signal System, Hill Start Assist, ISOFIX child seat anchorage and seven airbags as standard. The result is a reduced likelihood of an accident, but should a collision be unavoidable, the ASX not only provides outstanding levels of occupant protection – with a 5 Star Euro NCAP rating – but also excellent impact protection.

The Range

ASX ZC: The Mitsubishi ASX ZC is the entry-level ASX but even this model comes fully-loaded with equipment – such as alloy wheels; air conditioning; Active Stability and Traction Control; remote keyless entry and seven airbags. In addition, there is a new leather and gloss black steering wheel with thumb grips and audio controls; leather gear knob; plus front fog lights with bulb-type daytime running lights and chrome bezels. Also included are the following great features: a USB port; chrome grille and beltline moulding; privacy glass; chrome exhaust finisher; a cup holder in the rear arm rest and a high-contrast LCD display.

ASX ZC-M: The Mitsubishi ASX ZC-M moves the game on. It adds two-tone 18-inch alloys plus black wheel-arch garnishes; climate control; push-start button; parking sensors; privacy glass; front fog lamps; cruise control and six speakers. KOS (Keyless Operation System) is a primary feature and the car also benefits from auto light and rain sensors. There are Xenon super-wide HID headlamps with auto levelling and headlamp washers along with LED DRLs. Heated front seats and a leather steering wheel add touches of luxury. Leather upholstery is an option too – and let’s not forget the DAB radio and auto-dimming rear view mirror.

ASX ZC-H: This is the most accomplished ASX of the lot. On top of an already strong list of standard equipment, the ASX ZC-H adds leather upholstery, 4WD and optional automatic transmission. This range topping model also includes a panoramic glass roof which, with its LED mood lighting, sets the tone for endless evening drive possibilities. This car features a factory-fitted Mitsubishi Multi Communication System (MMCS). This has the following features: a seven-inch HD touch-screen display; satellite navigation; DAB and FM/AM/LW radio; CD player; SD card compatibility and reversing camera. And it’s worth noting that ASX ZC-H 2.2 4WD Auto has best-in-class CO2 emissions and fuel economy.  

Powertrains

The new ASX range has a choice of transmissions. Mated to the 1.5 petrol engine is a 5-speed manual gearbox, whilst the 1.6 diesel engine has a six-speed manual box on both its 2WD and 4WD models. A six-speed auto is the exclusive choice for the 2.2 diesel, a package that comes complete with steering column mounted paddle shifters. 

Colour Range

Keenly anticipated by Mitsubishi’s dealer network in the UK, the new ASX range will be available in the following colours:

• Cool Silver (Metallic)
• Orient Red (Metallic)
• Amethyst Black (Metallic)
• Frost White (Solid)
• Granite Brown (Metallic)
• Atlantic Grey (Metallic)
• White Pearl (Pearlescent) 

Aftercare

The ASX comes with five year warranty, 12 year anti-corrosion perforation warranty, three year pan-European roadside, home and accident assistance. Servicing on the ASX range is 12,500 miles or 12 months, whichever occurs first. The Mitsubishi Service Plan (MSP) is also available for the additional cost of £450 on the 1.6 petrol and 1.6 diesel variants and £675 on the 2.2 diesel variant. 

Insurance and Residual Value

The re-aligned ASX range has achieved a competitive insurance group rating of between 15E to 23E depending on the variant. Residual values range from 40% to 46.5% of list price at 3 years/30,000 miles

Range Pricing

Mitsubishi Motors UK offers very competitive pricing across the line-up:

ASX ZC 1.6 Petrol	Manual	£15,249
ASX ZC-M 1.6 Petrol	Manual	£17,499
ASX ZC-M 1.6 Diesel	Manual	£19,499
ASX ZC-H 1.6 Diesel 4WD	Manual	£23,499
ASX ZC-H 2.2 Diesel 4WD	Automatic	£24,899

Uber rare, Unregistered, 31 miles only, & for sale, that will be the 1992 Lancia Delta Intergrale

One of the most iconic cars of the last 30 years, a 1992 Lancia Delta Integrale with just 31 miles from new, is to be auctioned by Silverstone Auctions at its Race Retro Sale in Warwickshire on 21^st and 22^nd February.

Estimated at between £90,000 - £110,000, this ‘brand new’ car is being offered at auction for the first time ever. Amazingly the car has only ever been driven on the road once on its journey from the supplying dealer to the current owner, where it has remained in perfect storage conditions for the last 22 years.

“As a limited edition special, produced to celebrate the Integrale’s success in the World Rally Championship, these cars are incredibly rare indeed,” comments Guy Lees-Milne, General Manager, Silverstone Auctions. “So, to find such a perfect example with just a few miles on the clock really is an exceptional feat. What’s more, there are few surroundings more appropriate than Race Retro to offer the car for sale.”

Finished in desirable white with the iconic Martini drinks company livery, the car is one of a limited run of just 400 that were produced to celebrate the Integrale’s fifth consecutive World Rally manufacturers’ championship for Lancia.

In order to improve the car’s handling, the ‘Evoluzione’ homologation specials featured a wider track at both the front and rear than earlier Deltas. In order to fit the track into the bodywork, the wide wheel arches were extended even further. 

To compensate for a slight increase in weight and larger frontal area, the 16V turbo engine was remapped to deliver an impressive 210bhp which meant the car could travel 5 percent quicker on both asphalt and gravel rally stages.

Production number 124, this vehicle is currently unregistered and comes complete with its original service book, manual, sales invoice and tool kit.

The new FIAT 500, Including new Cult & Twinair 1005HP versions, now on UK sale.

• New TwinAir 105hp engine powers the 2014 FIAT 500
• New range-topping FIAT 500 Cult model also joins the range
• Innovative TFT digital instruments represent a segment first
• Stylish new colours, upholsteries and wheels for 2014
• On sale in the UK now in hatchback and convertible body-styles

The new FIAT 500 has gone on sale in the UK with important new style, comfort and technological enhancements for 2014. A key new feature is the segment-first seven-inch TFT digital instrument display, developed in collaboration with Magneti Marelli, which seamlessly combines cutting-edge technology without disrupting the trademark aesthetics of the cabin. Standard on 500S and Cult models (and optional on Lounge versions), the layout and execution of the speedometer, rev counter and trip computer will be familiar to anyone who has driven the current FIAT 500, but the centre of the display – which contains a digital image of the car – can be configured to show various trip computer readouts, such as distance travelled, instant fuel consumption, range, etc.

The new TFT instrument cluster also allows for a more prominent Gear Shift Indicator; highly visible warning messages and more detailed media player, telephone and navigation information readouts, including junction graphics and real-time traffic updates when equipped with a portable TomTom 2 Live satellite navigation system*. As a final touch, the TFT screen reconfigures when the Sport button is activated on models equipped with 105hp 0.9 TwinAir Turbo engine. The ‘eco’ gauge, which measures how efficiently the driver is performing in real time, transforms into a turbo-boost gauge, emphasising the dual-personality of the new, fun-but-frugal TwinAir 105hp engine.

This new TwinAir engine is, of course, another major development for the 2014 FIAT 500. The new 105hp 0.9 TwinAir Turbo, the newest member of the award-winning TwinAir engine family, employs a high-efficiency turbocharger; an exhaust manifold integrated into the cylinder head; a Start&Stop fuel-saving system and the new MultiAir II intake valve control system to provide an even more enticing combination of power and efficiency.

Combined with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, the new 0.9 TwinAir engine delivers 105hp at 5,500rpm and 107lb ft (145Nm) of torque at 2,000rpm in Sport mode (98hp and 89lb ft (120Nm) in ‘eco’ mode) which translates into 0 to 62mph time of just 10 seconds and a top speed of 117mph. Despite its lively performance, it is still capable of 67.3 mpg on the official combined fuel economy cycle and its CO2 emissions are just 99g/km. FIAT 500 models fitted with the TwinAir 105hp engine are also equipped with rear disc brakes as standard.

The popular entry-level engine in the 2014 FIAT 500 remains the 69hp 1.2-litre petrol (113g/km) while the TwinAir 85hp Turbo Petrol (92g/km) and 1.3 16v MultiJet 95hp turbo diesel (97g/km) comprise the rest of the engine range. A Dualogic automatic transmission is available on the 1.2 69hp and TwinAir 85hp engines.

As is the case with all FIAT 500 models, a high level of safety equipment comes as standard including ABS with EBD, seven airbags (including a driver’s knee bag), ISOFIX attachments and daytime running lights (DRL). ESP, complete with ASR/MSR and Hill Holder, is also available on all versions as an extremely affordable option. And, of course, with the 500 remaining a popular choice amongst the fashionable and chic, the colour palate has also been revised for 2014 with the addition of a brilliant new Urban white tri-coat (Pop, Lounge, Cult Convertible and S), trendy Smooth Mint (Pop, Lounge and Cult) and a vibrant Electronica blue (500S only).

Pricing for the new FIAT 500 starts at £10,160 OTR for the 1.2 69hp Pop which, as with the rest of the FIAT 500 range, benefits from new upholsteries and new colour options for 2014. Standard equipment includes Start&Stop; seven airbags; electric windows and mirrors; remote central locking; a height-adjustable driver's seat; a height-adjustable steering wheel and electric power steering. Amongst the available options, customers can choose air conditioning for £530; ESP for £320 and rear parking sensors for just £270. Prices for the FIAT 500C Pop start at £13,160 OTR including a fully electric convertible roof and air conditioning as standard.

The FIAT 500 Colour Therapy adds air conditioning, special paint and white detailing (wheel covers, pool-ball design gear knob, aerial and mirror caps) to the Pop’s specification with pricing from £10,960 OTR for the hatchback and £13,510 OTR for the 500C. Available options include Dualogic transmission for £750 (1.2 69hp and 0.9 TwinAir 85hp), an electric sunroof for £580 and Blue&Me™ connectivity for just £270.

The FIAT 500 Lounge also builds on the Pop specification by adding air conditioning (automatic climate control on TwinAir models), 15-inch alloy wheels, Blue&Me™ connectivity (including Bluetooth, voice recognition, steering wheel remote controls and a USB port), a leather-trimmed steering wheel, heated door mirrors, chrome detailing and a fixed glass sunroof as standard. The Lounge trim level is available with every engine in the range – 1.2 69hp, TwinAir 85hp, TwinAir 105hp and the 1.3 16v MultiJet 95hp – with OTR pricing from £11,560.

Key options for the Lounge include the seven-inch TFT instruments for £250 and an upgrade from manual air conditioning to climate control for £270. The FIAT 500C Lounge differs slightly from its hardtop counterpart by adding automatic climate control across all engine options, as well as rear parking sensors, front fog lamps and ESP as standard, with OTR pricing from £14,560.

The FIAT 500S puts a sporty slant on the 2014 FIAT 500 compared to the luxurious Lounge model. In lieu of the fixed glass sunroof the 500S benefits from unique front and rear bumpers, side skirts, dark tinted glass and 15-inch sports alloy wheels. Satin detailing takes the place of the Lounge’s chrome detailing and inside there is a leather-trimmed, flat-bottom Abarth sports steering wheel; new sports upholstery with the “500S” logo embroidered into the seatback; a sports gear knob and FIAT’s new seven-inch TFT instrument cluster all as standard. The full engine range is also offered in the 500S range with OTR pricing from £11,710 OTR. Suitable options include bi-xenon headlamps with washer jets for £610; a 16-inch alloy wheel upgrade for just £180 and an Interscope® hi-fi system, with a subwoofer, for £270.

Convertible FIAT 500S prices start at £14,710 OTR with additional features such as automatic climate control, front fog lamps, rear parking sensors and 16-inch sports alloy wheels all standard.

The new top-of-the-range Cult trim level is based on the Lounge version but features automatic climate control; new 16-inch alloy wheels; rear parking sensors; a black roof panel with a fixed glass sunroof and new Poltrona Frau® leather upholstery, as well as the seven-inch TFT instrument panel, all as standard. The FIAT 500 Cult range is priced from £13,060 OTR while the convertible 500C Cult is priced from £15,560 OTR, including an electric convertible roof in lieu of the black roof panel and front fog lamps as standard. Possible options for the Cult model include a chrome bonnet trim for £90; chrome mirror covers for £75; decorative decal kits from £110 and an electro-chromatic rear-view mirror for £110.

The 2014 FIAT 500 is on sale in the UK now and is available to test drive in FIAT dealerships. For more information please visit www.fiatpress.co.uk and www.fiat.co.uk

- ENDS -

* Available as FIAT dealer accessory. Blue&Me™ and optional satnav dock required.

FIAT 500 Model	Hatchback 500 OTR Price	Convertible 500C OTR Price
Pop 1.2 69hp	£10,160	£13,160
Pop 1.3 16v MultiJet 95hp	£12,560	£15,560
Colour Therapy 1.2 69hp	£10,960	£13,510
Colour Therapy 0.9 TwinAir 85hp	£12,160	£14,710
Lounge 1.2 69hp	£11,560	£14,560
Lounge 0.9 TwinAir 85hp	£12,960	£15,760
Lounge 0.9 TwinAir 105hp	£13,560	£16,360
Lounge 1.3 16v MultiJet 95hp	£13,960	£16,960,
500S 1.2 69hp	£11,710	£14,710
500S 0.9 TwinAir 85hp	£13,110	£15,910
500S 0.9 TwinAir 105hp	£13,710	£16,510
500S 1.3 16v MultiJet 95hp	£14,110	£17,110
Cult 1.2 8v 69hp	£13,060	£15,560
Cult 0.9 TwinAir 85hp	£14,460	£16,760
Cult 0.9 TwinAir 105hp	£15,060	£17,360
Cult 1.3 16v MultiJet 95hp	£15,460	£17,960