The VW Golf Alltrack wins the 2017 Canadian Car Of The Year Award.

The Volkswagen Golf Alltrack won the prestigious 2017 Canadian Car of the Year award from the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) today at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto. Some 60 Canadian automotive journalists vote on the award after a rigorous back-to-back testing program designed to highlight real-world performance.

“We are honored that the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada found the Golf Alltrack so appealing,” said Hinrich J. Woebcken, CEO of the North American Region, Volkswagen, at the reveal of the award in Toronto. 

“The Golf Alltrack was designed to offer an affordable yet upscale alternative to other all-wheel-drive wagons, and we’re heartened by the reception in North America from customers and automotive enthusiasts alike.”

The award adds to the long list of accolades for the Volkswagen Golf Alltrack and Golf family. For example, in November, Car and Driver magazine named the Golf, Golf Alltrack, Golf GTI and Golf R to its 2017 “10Best” list. The Golf was also given AutoPacific’s 2016 Ideal Vehicle Award (IVA), ranking first in the publication’s compact car segment for the third year in a row.

The Golf Alltrack joined the Golf family for 2017 with a starting price of $25,850. Building on the popular Golf SportWagen, Alltrack offers a raised ground clearance, standard 4Motion all-wheel drive and rugged exterior styling combined with the fun-to-drive nature of the Golf family. The Alltrack uses Volkswagen’s powerful yet fuel-efficient 1.8-liter TSI® turbocharged and direct-injected four-cylinder engine, which makes 170 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque, paired with either a six-speed DSG® dual-clutch automatic transmission or a six-speed manual transmission.

GOODWOOD - Abarth to debut the All-New 124 Spider at this years Goodwood Festival of Speed.

The eagerly-awaited Abarth 124 spider will be among the star cars of the show when it makes its UK dynamic debut at this week’s Goodwood Festival of Speed.

The two-seater roadster, which has already attracted critical acclaim from the UK automotive press,  will be joined at Goodwood by the new Abarth 595 Competizione, the top-of-the-range version of the brand’s striking new 595 range, which has just been launched in the UK.

The 170hp 124 spider will be seen ‘on the move’ for the first time in the UK as it makes its way up the famous Goodwood estate’s Hillclimb. The car is one of a classic combination of new and historic vehicles that are being brought by Abarth to this year’s event (23-26 June).

The iconic ‘Scorpion’ brand has also prepared an exhibition stand in the ‘Moving Motor Show’ at the West Sussex festival, on which show-goers will be able to view both the new Abarth 124 rally and the historic Fiat 124 Abarth Rally.

Abarth 124 spider

The new Abarth 124 spider marks the return of the ‘spider’ badge, and is the natural heir of the original model launched in 1972. Equipped with a powerful four-cylinder 1.4-litre MultiAir Turbo engine, the new spider delivers 170 hp and 250 Nm of torque. With a top speed of 143 mph the car can go from 0 to 62mph in 6.8 seconds. The range starts at £29,565 OTR for the 1.4 TJet 170hp Manual.

Abarth 595 range

The new Abarth 595 follows on from the original model launched in 2008, and takes it to the next level, with a new design, greater performance and enhanced equipment. 

Available as a hatchback or convertible, the new Abarth 595 is offered with three trim levels: 595, 595 Turismo and 595 Competizione, and three power levels to satisfy the requirements of Abarth enthusiasts. The range starts at £15,090 OTR for the 1.4 TJet 145hp Manual.

Abarth 124 rally

Presented for the first time in March at the Geneva Motor Show and then at the 100th Targa Florio, the Abarth 124 rally is making its debut in the UK at the Festival of Speed. Under the bonnet is an 1800cc turbocharged direct injection dual overhead camshaft engine which, thanks to the different selectable mappings, can provide up to 300 hp at 6500 rpm.

Fiat 124 Abarth Rally

The Fiat 124 Abarth Rally, part of Abarth’s historical collection, is derived from Fiat’s 124 Sports Spider, but with a more powerful engine, a remarkable structure and mechanical strengthening, and McPherson-type independent suspension and rear axle. 

Developed in Abarth’s racing department, and equipped with a 200 hp 1756cc engine, the Fiat 124 Abarth Rally had a highly successful rallying career in the 1970s.

Abarth is releasing a special video bringing together the Abarth 124 spider and the Fiat 124 Abarth Rally which inspired it. The video is due for launch on the eve of the Festival of Speed (23 June). To see it, enthusiasts should log into Abarth’s Facebook and YouTube channels:

The new BMW i3 94Ah, This new battery delivers an improved range of up to 195 mile in everyday conditions.

• The new battery delivers an improved range of up to 195 mile in everyday driving conditions.
• Improved power consumption at 12.6kWh/100km and reduced CO₂ emissions.
• Unchanged battery dimensions and no structural changes necessary.
• Generates an output of 170hp and from zero to 62mph in just 7.3 seconds.
• DC Rapid Charge now available as standard.
• Prices start at £27,830* and is available from July 2016.

The BMW i3 is the world’s first premium car designed from the ground up to be powered by an electric drive system. The result is a vehicle that embodies BMW’s commitment to driving pleasure without compromise. Since the launch in November 2013 the BMW i3 has gone from strength to strength winning various accolades including UK Car of the year 2014 and Green Car of the Year by WhatCar? 

Now, the success story is set to continue with the introduction of the 94Ah battery on both the BMW i3 and the BMW i3 Range Extender models.

The BMW i3 94Ah replaces the current 60Ah model and has a capacity of 33kWh thanks to the higher storage density of the lithium ion cells. The battery dimensions remain unchanged with more than a 50 per cent range increase in the standard NEDC cycle. 

This equals a range of 195 miles in everyday driving. The motor propels the BMW i3 from zero to 62mph in just 7.3 seconds (BEV) making the BMW i3 both the sportiest and most efficient electric vehicle in its segment

The latest in innovative battery technology.

The high-voltage battery in the BMW i3 consists of eight modules (each with 12 individual cells), and its capacity has increased significantly without any changes in structure or exterior dimensions. By optimising the cell-internal packages with more electrolyte and adapting the active material, BMW has succeeded in increasing cell capacity to 94Ah and overall battery energy to 33kWh.

The range of the new BMW i3 94Ah (BEV) in everyday use, on a full battery charge with the air conditioning or the heating on has been significantly increased to 195 miles. This is achieved with no subjective loss of driving performance and agility. BMW i models strike the ideal balance between efficiency, performance and range. From standstill to country-road speeds, the BMW i3 94Ah is on par with sporty, conventionally combustion engine powered cars.

The lithium-ion cells used in the battery are particularly notable for their high energy density and impressive cycle life: they are designed to perform their energy storage function over the vehicle’s entire lifespan.

The coolant of the air conditioning system is responsible for cooling the high-voltage battery very effectively. An optional heating system can also be used to heat the battery to ensure the optimum operating temperature of 20°C before starting off. The battery has been designed to last for the car’s entire service life. Customers receive an 8-year or 100,000 mile warranty on the battery.

The electric drivetrain: Optimised performance delivery, more efficient drive.

The hybrid synchronous electric motor, developed and produced specially for use in the BMW i3, generates an output of 170hp and provides maximum torque of 250Nm from the moment the car pulls away.

Model	Price OTR	Power Hp	Torque Nm	0 – 62mph Seconds	Top Speed Mph	Range (miles)	CO2 Emissions g/km
BMW i3	£27,830**	170	250	7.3	93	195	0
BMW i3 Range Extender	£30,980**	170	250	8.1	93	276	12

**With £4,500 OLEV Government grant.

Thanks to an average power consumption of 12.6kWh/100m (in the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) for the BMW i3 and 11.3kWh/100km for the BMW i3 Range Extender, the efficiency of the motor plays a key role in optimising the car’s range. The BMW i3 is thus the most economical electrically powered car of its size and output class. With significant benefits available from low charging tariffs, the low cost per mile would equate to running a diesel engine and achieving 470.8mpg.  The emissions of the BMW i3 94Ah with Range Extender amounts to 12g/km, a 1g/km reduction in comparison to the previous model while the exclusively electrically powered BMW i3 produces zero emissions locally.

The power density of the electric motor, weighing around 50kg, sets a new benchmark for electric vehicles. But the new engine is about more than simply numbers: with its smooth running, minimal vibration and low noise levels, it offers a uniquely calm driving experience.

When it comes to the driving attributes of the i3, BMW engineers have achieved a perfect balance of vehicle weight, performance and range. In addition to this, the new model also benefits from improved efficiency and DC Rapid-charge as standard. AC charging is now multi-phase allowing charging of 3.7, 7.4 or 11 kW, this represents a 50 percent increase compared to the previous BMW i3 60Ah. This means the charging time for the BMW i3 (94Ah) is less than three hours, in spite of the significantly larger battery capacity. The new BMW i3 94Ah can also be charged at home using a standard three-pin plug or by specifying a BMW i Wallbox.

Range Extender for even greater range.

The Range Extender delivers a maximum output of 38hp and powers a generator in order to produce electricity. It operates on a needs-based and highly efficient principle. As soon as the charging level of the lithium ion batteries drops to a certain level, the Range Extender kicks in to keep the charging level constant thus extending the range by 81 miles in everyday conditions. Fitting the car with the Range Extender has no influence on the available luggage volume: the nine-litre fuel tank is installed in the front section. The luggage compartment volume remains unchanged at 260 litres and can be extended to 1,100 litres with the rear seats folded down.

New options, greater personalisation.

The BMW i3 94Ah will be instantly recognisable in the colour Protonic Blue with its Frozen Grey metallic highlight, which is available exclusively for this model. Previously, this paintwork was reserved for the BMW i8 hybrid sports car, but is now also available for the BMW i3.

Allowing for greater personalisation for owners, the Interior trims are now available as separate options and are available across all four Interior worlds, this includes Loft, Lodge, Suite and new Atelier interior world which comes as standard on the new BMW i3 94Ah model. The Atelier Interior world features Neutronic cloth in Aragats Grey with BMW i Blue highlights on the front seats and black leather steering wheel.

The new elegant dark oak trim is a standard equipment in the Suite interior design. In all other interior designs the Dark Oak wood trim and the eucalyptus wood trim are available as options. The materials used are a mix of naturally treated leather, wood and wool as well as other renewable raw materials. These make the sustainable premium character of the BMW i3 both visible and tangible.

Production and sustainability beyond the life of the car

The manufacturing procedure and lifespan of the BMW i3 has been carefully considered, with sustainability at the forefront of thinking. Regenerative energy is used at all four BMW i plants across the globe, with 50 per cent less water consumed and 70 per cent less energy than in a conventional automotive facility.

The carbon fibre required is produced at the BMW SGL Moses Lake plant in Washington State, which is completely powered by hydro-generated electricity. Construction of the CFRP architecture at Landshut, general assembly at Leipzig and recycling at Wackersdorf (all in Germany) are all powered by 100 per cent wind turbine energy.

Infiniti has announced the pricing and trim levels for the All-New UK Built QX30 Premium Active Crossover.

Infiniti announces the prices for the line-up of QX30, its new Premium Active Crossover, a few months before the car will be available in showrooms across Europe in early summer this year.

At its market introduction, QX30 will be available in two trim levels, equipped with a 170hp 2.2d diesel engine with an intelligent all-wheel drive system and 7-speed dual clutch transmission. QX30 Premium starts at £29,490, the top version, QX30 Premium Tech, will be available from £33,370.

QX30 has just had its European debut at Geneva Motor Show. It attracts customers seeking a crossover that equally manages urban, winding or rural roads. It offers a series of new intuitive technologies enhancing safety, comfort and convenience, all expressed by a powerful and rugged yet elegant appearance.

USA - Volkswagen launches a new Limited Edition Denim Beetle convertible, based on the 1970's model.

The Convertible Denim is a value-laden, contemporary tribute to the 1970s Beetle Jeans model

• Exclusive limited edition model starts at $25,995
• Equipped with 17-inch Heritage wheels and 1.8-liter TSI® engine
• Original interior design, including jeans-inspired seat pockets and Beetle flags

Volkswagen of America Inc. announced today the pricing of the 2016 Beetle Convertible 1.8T Denim limited edition. Paying homage to the 1970s Jeans Bug, the vehicle offers fans a modern take on this classic model, with a starting Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of just $25,995 plus destination ($820).

The 2016 Beetle Denim is a value model in the Convertible lineup and just 2,000 production units will be offered across the United States. Available with a 1.8-liter turbocharged and direct-injection TSI® engine and a six-speed automatic transmission, the Beetle Denim produces 170 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque.

The 2016 Beetle Denim is offered in two exterior color options—Pure White or Stonewashed Blue. The production run will be split equally between the two colors. The convertible top has been finished in Dark Blue with a brand new textured fabric that resembles denim.

Interior design features include a unique light-blue-and-silver dashpad and jeans-inspired seat pockets with small Beetle flags in red.  The light blue denim-color cloth seating surfaces also feature white piping and dark blue leatherette accents.

As a standard feature the 2016 Beetle Denim includes the Volkswagen MIB II infotainment system, which offers higher resolution, faster processing speeds, and crisper graphics than ever before. A 5.0-inch resistive touchscreen display comes with a host of standard features including AUX-in, SD card slots, and a USB multimedia interface with iPhone® and iPod® device connectivity, rearview camera display, and Bluetooth® technology for compatible devices.

BMW i3 and Mr Porter.com collaborate on s special edition i3 battery powered hatchback.

BMW i has partnered with MR PORTER.COM, the award-winning online destination for men’s style, to design and produce a one-of-a-kind, limited edition BMW i3.

Inspired by timeless style and enriched with contemporary features, the design teams from both BMW i and MR PORTER have combined their expertise to create a sleek and sophisticated car with a very unique aesthetic.

Reminiscent of the classic tuxedo, one of the most stylish garments in menswear, the limited edition BMW i3 comes with an elegant exterior in tuxedo blue specially developed for this version. Distinctive features on each of the numbered editions have been handcrafted to ensure a completely unique finish, much like in made-to-measure tailoring: the individual painting, and the white accent running the length of the chassis – which can be associated with the pinstripe suit – are hand painted by master craftsmen.

Stefan Ponikva, Head of BMW i Brand Management said: “The BMW i3 represents the effortless merging of sustainability and cutting-edge style. Our dedication to technological innovation, superior quality and first class design concepts that go beyond the ordinary, meant this collaboration with MR PORTER captured our imagination instantly.”

“At MR PORTER we give our customers the global best in men’s style across many categories, so this collaboration with BMW, the best in class in the automotive industry, felt like a bold but natural step. We relish the opportunity to be first to market for projects such as this,” said Mr Toby Bateman, Managing Director, MR PORTER. 

Running on electric power and therefore emission-free, the MR PORTER-inspired BMW i3 offers the same award-winning driving experience – sporting driving characteristics and excellent agility, while being near-silent in motion.

The BMW i3 generates an output of 170hp, with peak torque of 250Nm on demand instantly. This allows the BMW i3 to sprint from zero to 37mph in a mere 3.7 seconds and zero to 62mph in just 7.2 seconds, while the lithium-ion battery gives a range of 80 –100 miles in everyday driving. This rises by approximately 15 per cent in ECO PRO mode and by the same again in ECO PRO+ mode.

The car comes complete with a MR PORTER Essentials Travel Kit that consists of a BMW i leather holdall and four items exclusive to MR PORTER: a black and white London undercover umbrella, a special edition Leica camera, Cutler & Gross sunglasses, Lock & Co bowler hat and a bespoke edition of Phaidon City Guide Book.

To celebrate MR PORTER’s fifth anniversary a limited number of BMW i3 cars will be available to purchase in the UK. It will be priced at £43,500 OTR and orders can be placed from 18th February 2016 from the website below.

Motor Village UK is pleased to supply the Italian Ambassador with a brand new Alfa Giulietta.

Every customer who visits Motor Village UK is a VIP, and that was certainly true this week (2 November) when the Italian ambassador arrived to collect his new Alfa Giulietta from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ flagship London dealer.

His Excellency, Ambassador Pasquale Terracciano, was handed the keys to his new Giulietta 1.4 170 TCT Business Edition by Fabio di Prima, managing director, Motor Village UK.

The twin-clutch, semi-automatic car will be used for general Embassy duties, including travelling to official engagements throughout London, and collecting foreign delegates arriving from Italy into Heathrow Airport.

And there is an added bonus to having the Giulietta, according to the Ambassador.

“The official Ambassador’s car is a Maserati, but the Alfa will be ideal for me when I want to move around with a little less visibility,” says Mr Terracciano. “The Giulietta is a stylish car, but more discreet in that respect.

“I am delighted to take delivery also, for sentimental reasons,” he adds. “The first car I can ever remember being in was my father’s Alfa Romeo Giulietta, so it is nice to be back in a more modern version.”

“We were delighted when the Ambassador’s office contacted us about a new car,” says Fabio di Prima. “The Giulietta fits perfectly with the Ambassador’s requirements, and I am sure he will have many years of happiness with it.”

The Alfa Giulietta range starts at £18,450 OTR for the 1.4 TB 120 Progression.

SPAIN - Audi launches the new A4 Avant with an alternative Bi-Fuel Engine system, making this car more efficient.

• Alternative propulsion system for the new Audi A4 Avant
• Bi-fuel engine 2.0 TFSI equipped with an innovative combustion process
• The Audi e-gas provides free mobility of CO2 emissions

Sporty, versatile and with low emissions of CO ₂ . With marketing scheduled for late 2016, the Audi A4 Avant g-tron Audi is another proposal for the sustainable mobility of the future.Following the trail initiated by the Audi A3 Sportback g-tron, it is the second model of the brand that can use natural gas and Audi e-gas production sustainable.

The A4 Avant g-tron is simultaneously sporty, efficient and extremely economical. The engine is based on the new 2.0 TFSI developed by Audi, which offers an advanced and highly efficient combustion process.Turbocharged power unit produces 170 hp (125 kW). 

Its maximum torque of 270 Nm is available at around 1650 rpm. The pistons and valves have been specially modified to run on gas and allow optimum compression ratio. An electronic controller reduces the high pressure of 200 bar gas from the reservoir until a pressure of 5 to 10 bars in the motor. 

This control system pressure is done dynamically and precisely in response to the requirements that the driver requires the engine. The correct pressure is thus always present in the gas pipes and valves injection: low pressure for efficient driving at low speed ranges, and higher for more power and torque pressures.

According to the NEDC measurements, the Audi A4 Avant g-tron consumes less than four kilograms of CNG (compressed natural gas) per 100 kilometers, which results in fuel costs for the client less than four euros (prices in October 2015 ). Emissions of CO ₂  are less than 100 grams per kilometer. 

The fuel tank capacity is 19 kilograms of gas, enough to have a range greater than 500 kilometers. When the content of gas in the reservoir falls below 0.6 kilos -number analogous to a residual pressure of 10 bar-control unit switches to gasoline mode operation. 

The A4 Avant g-tron can then cover an additional distance of 450 kilometers in this mode. The total potential range is comparable to that of a car equipped with an engine TDI.

Mouths filling gas tanks and gas are located next to each other in the same location under the same cover.

After refueling and whenever the temperature is not too cold, the engine begins its start in petrol mode, then changing as fast as possible, to run on natural gas. Two indicators in the scorecard keep the driver abreast of fill levels of both deposits. The driver information system shows fuel consumption in active mode.

Audi four cylindrical tanks installed CNG as a single compact module in the rear of the A4. Each has been specifically sized and adapted to the available space. 

They are protected by a coating of steel sheet and a tensioning straps hold the cylinders and protect them against damage. The full CNG tank module, which includes the fuel tank 25 liters, the body is set during production of A4. 

The usual spare wheel has been removed, the battery and its location varies from the luggage compartment to the engine compartment. The trunk floor even has its edge in the cargo area, which can offer a fully functional space for luggage.

CNG tanks, with an operating pressure of 200 bar at 15 ° C, follow the principle of lightweight construction of Audi. 

Thanks to its innovative design, its weight is 56 percent lower than comparable steel deposits. Its inner layer is a polyamide matrix gastight. The second layer, a compound consisting of polymers reinforced with carbon fiber (CFRP) and polymers reinforced with fiberglass (GFPR), provides maximum strength. 

The third layer is made of GFPR and serves mainly aid for initial visual inspection if necessary, to turn a milky white in case of damage. Before being installed in the car, every tank is tested at 300 bar during the production phase, so that the maximum pressure that support is even higher and far exceeds legal requirements.

Audi e-gas produced in Germany, the A4 Avant g-tron is a vehicle that runs free of CO ₂ . 

The e-synthetic methane gas is obtained from water and CO ₂  with the help of sustainable electricity in plants "power-to-gas". Audi launched the world's first plant of this type for the production of Audi e-gas on an industrial scale in Werlte, but now e-gas produced at other facilities. 

With the "power-to-gas" technology, the brand with the four rings makes it possible to store excess renewable energy, a valuable contribution to the energy transition.

The company and its partners are strongly promoting the development of various known synthetic fuels such as Audi e-fuels, including through new biological production processes.

In Germany, the driver can refueling card using the Audi e-gas refueling as in the case of the Audi A3 Sportback g-tron, which serves as a means of payment and at the same time as a tool to balance emissions.

From the information transferred during payment, Audi supplies the German natural gas network with the amount equivalent to the gas load refueled by the customer. Thus, Audi achieved a completely neutral emission mobility CO ₂

Translated by Google - Apologies for any errors that may have been caused.