The Wörthersee VW Show gets to premiere the new UP! GTi amongst other premieres.

• Near-production prototype of the new up! GTI1 celebrates world premiere at Wörthersee as new member of the GTI family
• First Golf GTI wins special award as most influential car of all time in Great Britain
• Golf GTE Performance Concept2 with 272 PS plug-in hybrid drive system

The start of this year's GTI meet at Lake Wörthersee (24 to 27 May). Around 200,000 fans will again make the pilgrimage to Kärnten for the unique festival. Volkswagen will be there with several automotive surprises. For example, with the world premiere of the near-production prototype of the 85 kW / 115 PS up! GTI – a car that pays homage to the 110 PS original GTI from 1976. 

Just ahead of the start of the GTI meet, the latter has yesterday evening scooped a remarkable prize: as part of the publication's annual awards, readers of English motoring magazine Autocar crowned the first Golf GTI the most influential car of all time! 

Another world premiere at Wörthersee: the Golf GTE Performance Concept. Instead of 150 kW / 204 PS, the plug-in hybrid drive system of this concept car develops a system output of 200 kW / 272 PS. System torque rises from 350 to 450 Nm.

The new up! GTI – externally and internally similar in size to the original GTI – will extend Volkswagen's product range from the start of 2018, carrying on the doctrine of the lightweight, uncomplicated sports car in compact format. 

It is powered by a turbo engine (TSI) delivering a potent 200 Nm of torque. The benchmarking and performance figures read like those of a Golf GTI I catapulted into the modern era. Weight: 997 kg. Top speed: 197 km/h.

0-100 km/h: 8.8 seconds. Colours: again classic and typical for the GTI – the single colours of tornado red and pure white, plus the metallic colours of dark silver, black pearl and – as a new GTI shade – costa azul (blue). 

This most powerful up! can be identified by the typical GTI insignia. At the front, for instance, it is the red lateral stripe in the honeycomb-patterned radiator grille. 

Incorporated above it: the GTI logo. On the sides it is the black double lateral stripes over the wide side sill shrouds, where the new up! draws directly on the original GTI. The 17-inch alloy wheels have also been redesigned. They look particularly snappy within the wheel arches, as the up! GTI has a sports running gear set 15 mm lower. 

GTI features characterise the rear as well: here these include once again a red stripe and a larger roof spoiler that provides greater downforce on the rear axle and thus optimised handling characteristics. In the interior the typical features include the leather sports steering wheel, a GTI gear lever knob and the legendary 'Clark' seat cover pattern.

With regards to the details of the Golf GTE Performance Concept, one thing is clear: GTE3 has always stood for sustainability and dynamic handling. That is reflected too in the new Wörthersee concept car. 

While the classic GTI and the semi-electric GTE are based on a similar concept, the drive systems differ and on the GTE all the red GTI insignia are blue. With the new prototype of the Golf GTE Performance Concept, Volkswagen is now presenting an idea of how the Golf GTE, which can drive up to 50 kilometres in all-electric mode, could be further developed.

Externally the Golf GTE Performance Concept painted in Electric White Mother of Pearl Effect draws admiring looks with a black roof, blue elements in silhouette, black wing mirrors, air deflector elements in the front bumper painted in gloss black, side sills in the same gloss colour and blue-and-black 19-inch Pretoria wheels.

To accompany the increased power, Volkswagen provides large 17-inch brakes (discs perforated, callipers in 'GTE blue'), sports running gear and wheel spacers. 

At the rear features such as the exhaust tailpipes and diffuser of the Golf GTI and the roof edge spoiler of the legendary Golf GTI Clubsport mark out the GTE Performance version. On the inside it is details such as exclusive leather sports seats and a multifunction steering wheel in 'alcantara' with blue '12 o'clock marking', with which the powerful concept car will be appearing at the GTI festival in the Austrian village of Reifnitz.

1 + 2 up! GTI and Golf GTE Performance Concept: these vehicles have not yet gone on sale and therefore Directive 1999/94 EC does not apply.

3 Golf GTE – fuel consumption combined 1.6 l/100 km; CO2 emissions combined 36 g/km; electricity consumption combined 11.4 kWh/100 km; efficiency class: A+.

Three new variants added to popular Yeti Monte Carlo range giving the buyer an ever better choice of models.

• Three new variants added to popular Yeti Monte Carlo range
• 1.2 TSI 110PS petrol and 2.0 TDI 110PS diesel now available
• Seven-speed DSG option with 1.2 TSI 110PS engine
• Prices start from £19,700 for 1.2 TSI 110PS manual model
• Specification includes 17-inch alloy wheels and Bi-Xenon headlamps

ŠKODA is expanding its in-demand Yeti Monte Carlo range with the addition of two new engines. Following its introduction to the Yeti line-up last year, the sporty Monte Carlo variant has proved extremely popular with buyers – prompting ŠKODA to offer an even broader and more affordable range for 2016.

Originally available with a 2.0 TDI 150PS diesel, the Yeti Monte Carlo range now features a 1.2 TSI 110PS petrol and 2.0 TDI 110PS diesel – with the former offered with an optional seven-speed DSG gearbox.

The arrival of the two new engine options has the added advantage of making the Yeti Monte Carlo an even more affordable proposition, with the 1.2 TSI 110PS model starting at just £19,700 OTR. Adding the DSG automatic gearbox increases the price to £20,800 OTR while the new 2.0 TDI 110PS diesel is priced at £21,045 OTR.

All three new models are front-wheel drive and come with generous specification lists and a striking design package. This consists of 17-inch Origami alloy wheels finished in gloss black, Bi-Xenon headlamps with cornering function and dynamic angle control, black roof and door mirrors and black spoilers at the front and rear. In addition, all versions feature a black front grille, Monte Carlo badging and LED rear lights.

Inside, standard equipment includes a three-spoke Supersport leather multifunction steering wheel, sports seats with Monte Carlo upholstery and Monte Carlo floor mats, instrument cluster and door sill trims.

The new models are available to order now, and join an already established line-up of Monte Carlo models that are available on the Citigo and Fabia ranges. Inspired by ŠKODA’s rich sporting history, the badge first appeared in 1937 on the Popular Sport Monte Carlo Coupe – a special edition model built to celebrate the brand’s success in the 1936 Monte Carlo Rally. The badge was re-introduced to the range in 2011 on the Fabia Monte Carlo.

Honda has today announced a new addition to the popular British-built Civic range. The 1.4 i-VTEC Civic Sport.

• New 1.4-litre petrol engine joins Civic Sport line up from May
• Available from £199 a month on PCP
• Similar aggressive styling to race car for the road Civic Type R

Honda has today announced a new addition to the popular British-built Civic range.  The 1.4 i-VTEC Civic Sport will become the entry level product in the Civic family when it hits showrooms next month.

Priced at £18,360 OTR or £199 a month on a three year PCP deal with 5.9% APR and a deposit of £3,415, the new 1.4-litre petrol engine variant, available in manual transmission, joins the 1.6-litre, 120 PS diesel engine and the 1.8-litre, 142 PS petrol engine in the Civic Sport line up.

Specifically styled as a more sporty and aggressive version of the family hatchback , the Civic Sport features a unique colour-coded rear spoiler and 17-inch alloy wheels and shares some of the striking design characteristics of the Civic Type R, with a lower grille mesh and a black roof lining for the cabin.

The advanced 1.4-litre i-VTEC single overhead camshaft (SOHC) engine has been fine-tuned to boost both its dynamic performance and its environmental credentials.  CO₂ emissions are at 131 g/km while the engine delivers a maximum power output of 100 PS and a torque figure of 127 Nm. 

With the next generation Civic concept unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show and due in showrooms at the start of 2017, Honda UK is revising the current Civic family line up in line with customer demand.  The Sport will become the entry level with the SE and SR grades completing the line up.

Philip Crossman, Managing Director at Honda UK, commented: “The addition of the 1.4-litre petrol engine version of the Sport strengthens our Civic family line up and makes the more aggressively styled version of our popular family hatchback more accessible. 

“The smaller engine makes the Civic Sport more economical and more efficient and therefore a much more attractive proposition.”

The new 1.4 i-VTEC Civic Sport will be available in Honda showrooms from May onwards.

SEAT celebrates the Alhambra's 20th Anniversary with a special edition.

• Attractive special edition for the anniversary of the successful MPV
• Unique design features, premium equipment
• Innovative technology package for comfort, safety, connectivity 

The most spacious and versatile vehicle in the SEAT line-up celebrates its anniversary with a special edition. The first-generation SEAT Alhambra was presented 20 years ago – and quickly developed to become a successful model for family, hobbies and leisure, as well as for business and fleet customers. 

Nowadays, the dynamic MPV for active people counts among its strengths maximum variability, state-of-the-art technologies and assistance systems, powerful and efficient drives and universal connectivity. Added to that – in true SEAT fashion – is exceptionally high quality and perfection combined with excellent value-for-money.

The new SEAT Alhambra 20th anniversary special edition unites unique design features with an extensive package of technologies. The edition is immediately recognisable by its 17-inch alloy wheels in high-gloss black, which are complemented perfectly by the xenon headlamps, the tinted side and rear windows and the large panorama glass sliding roof. 

The interior is defined by distinctive, dark Alcantara upholstery with stitching in light corn silk. Those seated in the first row of the Alhambra 20th anniversary edition benefit from sports seats with massage function.

The technology package is equally extensive. Keyless entry opens the door to one of the most innovative vehicles in this segment – and even the tailgate can be operated hands-free by foot gesture. 

Like the tailgate, the two sliding doors also open and close electrically. 

The comprehensive package of safety and assistance systems includes the Lane Assist lane-departure warning system, Blind Spot Detection, traffic sign recognition and the light assistant. Likewise on board is the SEAT navigation system with the optional Full Link smartphone connection for perfect connectivity.

SEAT is the only company that designs, develops, manufactures and markets cars in Spain. A member of the Volkswagen Group, the multinational has its headquarters in Martorell (Barcelona), exporting more than 80% of its vehicles, and is present in over 75 countries. In 2015 SEAT achieved worldwide sales of 400,000 units, the highest figure since 2007.

SEAT Group employs more than 14,000 professionals at its three production centres – Barcelona, El Prat de Llobregat and Martorell, where it manufactures the highly successful Ibiza and Leon. Additionally, the company produces the Alhambra in Portugal, the Mii in Slovakia and the Toledo in the Czech Republic. 

The multinational has a Technical Centre, which operates as a knowledge hub that brings together 1,000 engineers who are the driving force behind innovation for Spain’s largest industrial investor in R&D. In line with its declared commitment to environmental protection, SEAT undertakes and bases its activity on sustainability, namely the reduction of CO₂ emissions and energy efficiency.

Kia Motors America announces pricing and specification for the 2017 Sportage CUV.

• Starting MSRP of $22,990¹ makes the all-new Sportage a compelling offer
• 2017 Sportage remains a strong value in the compact CUV segment, combining more standard features with a low starting price
• Cutting-edge design, engaging driving experience, and intelligent packaging stand out in a staid segment

Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced pricing for the all-new 2017 Sportage CUV.  Offered in three trim levels – LX, EX, and SX Turbo, the all-new Sportage is priced aggressively with a starting MSRP of just $22,990¹ for the FWD LX.  

The fourth-generation Sportage, Kia’s longest running nameplate, comes to market with a starting price that is lower than any competitor equipped with a powertrain comparable to Sportage’s updated 2.4-liter engine and six-speed automatic. 

“In 2015, the final year of production for the outgoing Sportage model, sales were up 25 percent, which speaks to the appeal and staying power of that vehicle, and with our aggressive pricing strategy for the all-new 2017 model, we’re looking to continue that momentum,” said Michael Sprague, chief operating officer and EVP, KMA.  

“In a segment that’s primarily known for utility, we see the Sportage as a very compelling offer to those looking for stand-out design, intelligent packaging and engaging driving dynamics.”

The $22,990¹ FWD 2017 Sportage LX comes standard with a host of design, technology, and convenience features including LED Daytime Running Lights, 17-inch alloy wheels, rear spoiler, chrome window surround, rear privacy glass, 5-inch touchscreen with Rear Camera Display², Bluetooth^®3, 3.5-inch LCD cluster, keyless entry system, auto-on/off dual projector headlights, and Drive Mode Select (DMS), which allows the driver to choose among Normal, Eco, and Sport.  

Also standard is a robust 181-hp GDI four cylinder engine combined with a six-speed automatic transmission. 

The available $1,100 LX Popular Package adds heated front seats and heated outside mirrors, a 10-way power driver seat with power lumbar support, upgraded tricot cloth seats with YES Essentials™⁴ fabric technology and roof rails.  

A $900 LX Cool and Connected Package adds dual-zone auto climate control with auto defog and an all-new UVO 7-inch touchscreen featuring Android⁵ Auto and Apple CarPlay^®6 when powered by a compatible smartphone.

The FWD Sportage EX, starting at $25,500¹, builds upon the LX Cool & Connected Package by adding leather seat trim along with Push Button Start and Smart Key, 18-inch wheels, fog lights and gloss black exterior trim.  

Opting for the $1,900¹ EX Premium Package adds a heated steering wheel and power-folding mirrors as well as panoramic sunroof, Blind Spot Detection (BSD) with Lane Change Assist (LCA) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)², auto-dimming rearview mirror w/Homelink^®, mirror-integrated LED turn signals, and LED interior lighting.

A $2,700 Technology Package adds a UVO 8-inch touchscreen with navigation⁷, 320-watt Harman Kardon^®premium audio system with Clari-Fi™⁸ technology, Front & Rear Parking Assist System, Smart Power Liftgate™, Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), High Beam Assist (HBA), Front Collision Warning System (FCWS), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with Pedestrian Detection², ventilated front seats, and an 8-way power passenger seat.

As the performance flagship, the fully-loaded $32,500¹ Sportage SX Turbo refrains from option packages and comes standard with a 240-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged engine.  Adding to the EX Technology Package, the SX Turbo also includes larger front brakes, and sport-tuned suspension, 19-inch wheels, satin exterior trim, dual exhaust pipes, front and rear metal-look skid plates, unique grille design, bi-Xenon HID headlights with Dynamic Bending Light (DBL), “ice cube” LED fog lights, LED tail lights, 4.2-inch color LCD instrument cluster, gloss black interior trim, metal pedals, D-shaped steering wheel, paddle shifters, metal scuff plates, authentic dashboard stitching, and a choice of five expressive interior colors.

A Magna Dynamax™ intelligent AWD system is available on any trim for $1,500 and features a 50/50 locking center differential and torque vectoring.  Every AWD model features a front fascia with steeper approach angle for enhanced capability.

All New, Inside and Out

   

Designed under the direction of Kia’s president and chief design officer, Peter Schreyer, the 2017 Sportage’s exterior juxtaposes smooth curves with sharp creases.  

A lower, wider front clip – enlarged to provide greater engine cooling – adds visual volume to the lower half of the Sportage’s face, resulting in a planted and aggressive stance, though it keeps the same overall width, 73.0 inches, as its predecessor. The wheelbase has been stretched 1.2 inches (now 105.1 inches), while overall length has increased 1.6 inches to 176.4 inches.

Inside, the new Sportage’s driver-oriented cockpit features a simple and modern design with clean horizontal lines emphasizing a more spacious interior. 

The lateral design of the dashboard divides it into two clear zones. The upper “display” zone delivers information to occupants via the instrument panel and new color touchscreen, which is canted 7.2 degrees toward the driver. 

The lower half, or the “control” zone, features easily identifiable switchgear to operate the available dual-zone climate system, audio and secondary controls. Similar to the touchscreen, the center console has been angled to face the driver.

Thanks to an innovative dual-level cargo floor and a widened luggage area, cargo capacity behind the second row has grown substantially from 26.1 cu.-ft. to 30.7 cu.-ft. (SAE). By relocating the license plate from the bumper to the tailgate, the lift-over height has been lowered for easier loading and unloading. 

A Smart Power Liftgate™, which automatically opens when the key fob is within three feet of the vehicle, is also available.

The completely redesigned fully independent front suspension achieves a leap forward in ride quality. A four-point bushing setup delivers greater stability and a more natural response to changing road surfaces, while stiffer wheel bearings and bushings result in more precise handling.

The fully-independent rear suspension now adopts a dual-member shock absorber housing, while both AWD and FWD models now benefit from a dual lower-arm multi-link setup. The SX Turbo has been uniquely tuned with firmer shock absorbers to deliver sharper handling befitting its athletic personality.

---

* The Sorento and Optima GDI (EX, SX & Limited and certain LX Trims only) are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts

1 MSRP excludes destination and handling, taxes, title, license fees, options and retailer charges.  Actual prices set by retailer and may vary.

2 These features are not substitutes for safe driving, and may not detect all objects surrounding vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.

3 The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Kia is under license. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners. A compatible Bluetooth® enabled cell phone is required to use Bluetooth® wireless technology.

4 YES Essentials is a registered trademark of Sage Automotive Interiors.

5 Android™ is a trademark of Google, Inc.

6 Apple® is a registered trademark of Apple Inc.

7 Distracted driving can result in a loss of vehicle control. Never use a handheld device or vehicle system that takes your focus away from safe vehicle operation. Navigation is for information purposes only, and Kia does not make any warranties about the accuracy of the information. App uses your smartphone data service. Normal cellular service rates will apply.

8 Harman Kardon and Clari-Fi are trademarks of Harman International Industries, Incorporated.

** K900 available in select trims and in select markets with limited availability. 

*** Soul EV in select markets with limited availability.