The new Micra now with an entry level petrol engine which will take about 20% of sales.

• Highly efficient 71PS entry level petrol model at retailers for demonstration drives
• Will account for approximately 20% of Micra sales
• Launch line-up of three Micra engines now complete
• All-new Micra features expressive design, uplifting interior and confident drive 

The launch range of the all-new Nissan Micra has been completed with the arrival at retailers of the eagerly anticipated 1.0-litre 71PS entry-level model. 

While it’s the last of three launch engines to go on sale, it will play a vital role in the Micra success story. It is expected to account for approximately 20% of sales. 

Offering an excellent balance of performance and running costs, the three-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine is linked to a five-speed manual transmission. This highly efficient powertrain results in official Combined Cycle fuel economy of 4.6 litres/100km and CO2 emissions of 103g/km when running on 15 or 16-inch wheels. 

The new 1.0-litre 71PS engine joins the 0.9-litre 90PS three-cylinder turbo petrol and the 1.5-litre 90PS four-cylinder diesel, which went on sale earlier this year. 

The new Nissan Micra is quite simply a revolution. It is a radical progression from the model it has replaced, and from the trio of highly successful superminis which date back to the Micra’s debut in Europe in 1983. 

Longer, wider and lower than ever before, the all-new Micra has been conceived, designed and engineered with European customers’ requirements at the top of the agenda. 

Key to its appeal is the hatchback’s athletic and expressive exterior design, which moves the Micra name plate in a daring new direction. The contemporary look and premium feel continues inside, with a high-quality cabin that boasts two-tone soft-touch materials as standard across the range. 

The all-new Micra is also a technology leader, with a number of features which are not only new to the Micra but new to the segment. These include Intelligent Lane Intervention, a safety system which gently corrects the Micra back on to the right path should it be required. 

Also unique to Micra is the BOSE Personal audio system, which features speakers built into the driver’s head rest for an immersive 360° sound experience. The new Micra is available with a wide range of personalisation options, allowing owners to modify the exterior and interior with premium components in a variety of stylish and contemporary colours. 

The new Micra is also a fantastic car to drive, with a dynamic performance that is the perfect balance between agility, excitement and the secure feeling that comes with confident and predictable handling. 

30 years after the police tested the Ford RS200 rally car for motorway driving, they now trial the Focus RS.

The world’s most exclusive ‘police-car’ – based on the multi-award-winning Ford Focus RS – has been on test with police forces across the UK. The £31,250, four-wheel-drive, front-engined hyper hatch reaches 60mph from a standing start in under five seconds.

This special version of the Focus RS – on trial exactly 30 years after a Ford RS200 police car was put to the test - could be voted a ‘stunning hit’ by expert traffic policemen lucky enough to get behind the wheel, and is sure to intimidate would-be speeders.

Powered by a 2.3-litre turbocharged, 16-valve, four-cylinder Ford EcoBoost engine, the Focus RS develops 345bhp in standard road-going form – meaning that even the fastest Ford RS models of 30 years ago are no match for the Ford RS police cars of today.

The body was designed by Ford of Europe Design’s Ernesto Rupar, while the mechanical design and development was the responsibility of Ford Performance’s chief engineer, Tyrone Johnson. The Focus RS has won a host of awards since its launch, including Top Gear Magazine’s Car of the Year 2016.

Law-breakers would be relieved to learn that, due to limited production numbers, Ford does not expect many police forces to offer a patrol car capable of catching anything on the road. “But until they have tried it we won’t know whether it meets any specialist need”, said Terry Adams, Ford’s police sales manager.

Most forces will continue to rely on the standard Ford Focus and Ford’s biggest-selling police vehicle, the Transit Custom, for patrol duties. Ford supplies more than 1,500 vehicles to Britain’s police forces across the country, including the Ford Kuga and Ford Ranger in rural areas.

Unlike the RS200, the Focus RS includes most practicalities expected of a police patrol car, including rear doors for suspected criminal accommodation and a boot large enough for traffic cones.

USA - Former Major League Baseball All-Star CJ Wilson has taken on the BAC Dealership in Arizona and North Texas.

Former Major League Baseball All-Star CJ Wilson has announced a multi-level dealership agreement with British car manufacturer Briggs Automotive Company (BAC) and CJ Wilson Racing.

The partnership will see CJ Wilson Racing and Entertainment become the exclusive dealership and service facility for BAC’s Mono supercar in the Arizona and North Texas markets. 

Wilson has been a long-time fan of the 2.5-litre, four-cylinder British single-seater supercar and is delighted to promote this highly acclaimed design in the USA.

“Having spent a significant amount of time with the BAC Mono over the last couple of years, I have really fallen in love with the brand. 

Whether a specialist car for the serious track-day enthusiast, or the ultimate road car, it really creates a feeling unrivalled by any other vehicle, regardless of price,” explained Wilson.

The CJ Wilson Racing founder added that he’s looking forward to building the brand further in the USA: “It’s awesome for CJWR to be able to partner with BAC; the agreement means we can distribute and maintain these amazing cars over two markets in Austin, Texas and Scottsdale, Arizona. Having service locations in each of these markets will allow Mono customers to get together and do what all enthusiasts want to do, namely share their experiences with people of a similar mindset.

“Being able to do group track days, group drives and group events is what we are all about as we begin to foster a 'Mono Culture' in the United States. We are looking forward to developing tours, extended drives, and track day events for our customers and those who want to learn more about the marque.” 

Mark Rayner, BAC USA President said: "We're delighted to enter into this dealership agreement with CJ and CJ Wilson Racing. This partnership provides a solid base from which to deliver the BAC Mono to the North American market. The teams in Scottsdale and Austin are dynamic, brand aware and the right fit for BAC.

“CJ Wilson and his team will work with BAC to elevate a BAC Mono owners' package that creates a one-of-a-kind experience. As we grow our dealership network, this partnership will define our strategy for providing a best-in-class customer service and ownership experience."

Neill Briggs, BAC Co-Founder and Director of Product Development, added: “The BAC Mono is a supercar designed by enthusiasts for enthusiasts, and it’s of vital importance for BAC to partner with dealers who fully understand the ethos of the Mono. CJ Wilson shares our passion for cars, and with his attention to detail and emphasis on exceptional customer care, we can be confident the BAC brand and Mono supercar will be accurately demonstrated to potential clients. We are delighted to announce this partnership and I look forward to a successful future”.

TMW - The Suzuki Vitara S, the off roader that thinks its a sports car and more !

The current generation of the Suzuki Vitara is the fourth version of the worldwide hit that's been around since 1988, so nearly three decades, quality has been improved over and above many other cars, technology that is normally only found on more expensive cars has found it's way onto this car and others within the Suzuki family.

The Vitara S model tested here, is one of two S variants, the other being the automatic version, however, within the entire Vitara range, price wise it sits roughly in the middle, and that's about where the car needs to be, it has everything you need from this type of car, with a few toys, decent economy, comfy well appointed seats and more.

Firstly we will start of with the looks, the all new model is less square than the third generation, personally i liked that model, however, this new generation Vitara is a "tour De force", starting with the Boosterjet 1.4 litre engine, this is a really surprising power-plant, for such a heavy car, 1730kg gross weight, the little engine just oozes power, and it just keeps on giving. 

The torque on this car tops out at 220 ft lb, and with a wide banding between 1500 - 4000rpm, you get a large power band and that's great, it means you have good pull away speed and decent motorway cruising, so the best of all worlds, Suzuki have gotten this model spot on.

inside the car is brilliant, you have so much room, no matter whether, Driver, passenger or rear seat inhabitant, the high roof line gives you loads of glass area to see all around you, the drivers seat has a myriad of positions, along with  the steering wheel means you have every opportunity to get comfortable and you do, very, whether a short or long journey, you never leave the car uncomfortable or have any discomfort.

The same in the back, albeit with fixed seating, the rear passengers have very comfortable seating with plenty of head room and leg room, three biggish people in the back might be a little bit of a squeeze, but two will be adequately looked after, and as a family car, this suits 99% of all needs.

The boot space is cavernous and will take all the luggage a normal family would have, and can eat a big weekly shop, with room to spare.

Driving the car is very easy, with the lightest steering to the make driving easy, the gear change too is very easy with a light clutch, but not too soft, the display on the dash keeps you in the right gear at all times with an up and down arrow telling you where you should be, and if you keep the car in the right gear, and with that the manufacturers claimed fuel consumption is

• Urban 44.8mpg
• Extra Urban 56.5mpg
• Combined 52.3mpg

So not bad at all, although i never managed to get to these numbers, i was not that far away from them, but abuse the speed, which at the top end is 124mph and that will be significantly lower, again giving the car beans at a junction you can get from 0-62mph in a tad over 10 seconds, not supercar speeds, but for a 1.4 litre in an off roader and you will see that its not bad at all.

Driving on the road, and you get a different aspect to the car, its brilliant, that's all i can say, the car goes well, and stops equally as well, and driving along it is reasonably quiet too, you can have a conversation without the need to shout at each other, which in other cars you have to do.

The Vitara grips the road really well too, taking corners at a speed in this car is easy and uncomplicated it is like a train on tracks, the car just goes where you point it, the car is really good in all aspects, i have driven far more expensive cars and had a far worse experience, at £22,749 inclusive of the optional paint at £430, its not badly priced either.

but it does not end there, this car has a massive list of standard equipment, some of which are :-

• ALLGrip 4WD System
• ABS with EBD and Brake Assist
• HillHold Control and Hill Descent Control
• A suite of seven airbags
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
• Radar Brake Support
• Immobiliser and Alarm
• Central Looking
• Engine Auto Stop/Start
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Front and Rear parking Sensors
• Rear Parking Camera
• Information Display
• Keyless Entry and Start
• Auto Air Conditioning
• Auto headlights
• Folding and heated Door Mirrors
• Satellite Navigation
• Bluetooth
• Rear Privacy Glass

And more, far far more, in fact there is an entire sheet of spec for this car, which makes this one of the best specified off roaders for the price you can buy, my personal favourite is the Adaptive Cruise Control, where the car will slow down without you doing a thing, when it "See's" another car getting close in front and then pulling away again to your set speed, i love that, i first encountered it on a very expensive Volvo, then again on the Suzuki Baleno we tested here a few months back, and now again, so it goes to show, you do not need a mega expensive car to have this type of technology.

OVERALL

The Vitara is a number of cars rolled into one, it's a family car, its an off roader, where you can choose between Snow/Mud mode, and Sport mode, which will be the general road driving style, it has loads of room everywhere, comes with a huge amount of kit, four wheel drive, decent fuel economy, comfortable cheap to run and so much more.

This should be seriously considered the next time you are ready to change you car, even if you're not after an off roader, this offers all round car characteristics, so much so that you can be forgiven for not realising you are in a 4x4.

Infiniti today revealed the full lineup of new advanced engines for its Infiniti Q50 sports sedan at Chicago.

Infiniti today revealed the full lineup of new advanced engines for its Infiniti Q50 sports sedan at the 2016 Chicago Auto Show, including 300-horsepower and 400-horsepower versions of the advanced 3.0-liter V6 twin turbo engines and a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbo engine. 

The three new engine-equipped Q50 models – designated the Q50 2.0t, Q50 3.0t and Q50 Red Sport 400 – are on display at the country's oldest and best-attended auto show, along with the 2016 QX60 crossover and the all-new QX30 premium active crossover. It is the first time all of these new models have appeared together.

"We are completely transforming the Infiniti model lineup this year with all-new models like the QX30 and Q60 sports coupe, major makeovers such as the QX60, and cutting-edge powerplants like the Q50's three all-new turbocharged engines," said Tony Gardina, regional vice president, Infiniti North, Infiniti USA. 

"We can't think of a better venue to showcase our full-scale product renaissance than the Chicago Auto Show, which attracts more than one million visitors annually."

Public days for the 2016 Chicago Auto Show, held at McCormick Place, run from Saturday, February 13 through Sunday, February 21.

The new compact, lightweight 3.0-liter V6 twin-turbo engine is the most advanced V6 engine that Infiniti has ever offered, striking an ideal balance between drivability, efficiency, and performance. The new VR-series engine will be first available in the Q50 Red Sport 400 beginning in early spring, followed by the 300-horsepower Q50 3.0t in late spring.

The third new Q50 powerplant is a 2.0-liter turbo inline 4-cylinder, producing 208 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque. Offered in conjunction with Daimler and assembled at Infiniti's engine plant in Decherd, Tennessee, this engine is available in the Q50 2.0t model in both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive and goes on sale later this winter. 

It will be joined by a fourth Q50 powertrain choice, the Q50 Hybrid with Infiniti's proven 3.5-liter gasoline-electric hybrid system with a net 360 horsepower.

Along with the new Q50, other new Infiniti models expected to draw consumer interest at the Chicago Auto include the redesigned QX60 luxury crossover, which adds to its already strong suite of advanced safety technology with Forward Emergency Braking (FEB) with pedestrian detection – a first for Infiniti and the brand's exclusive Predictive Forward Collision Warning (PFCW) system. 

The new 2016 QX60 arrives in Infiniti showrooms next month. Also on display is the all-new 2017 Infiniti QX30 premium active crossover. The QX30 line is offered in three unique versions – QX30, QX30S and QX30 AWD – in the U.S. and Canada. It is scheduled to go on sale in mid-2016.

WHAT CAR AWARDS - Mercedes S-Class takes Luxury Car Of The Year Award.

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has been named Luxury Car of the Year at the What Car? Awards.

Announced first as the winner of the ‘under £70,000’ category, the S-Class went on to win the outright Luxury Car of the Year Award against strong – and more expensive – competition. It marks the ninth time the S-Class has won the category. 

Jim Holder, Editor of What Car? Magazine, said: “Even in a class full of serious heavyweights, the Mercedes S-Class manages to stand out as a proper puncher. The S 350 offers an astounding level of quality, terrific refinement from its diesel engine and even appealing running costs; none of its rivals can match the comfort and technology available here. Even cars like these can appeal on value, and at less than £70,000, the S-Class looks astonishing against its peers. It’s more than worthy, again, of the Luxury Car of the Year title.”

Accepting the Award was Adam Chamberlain, Sales Director, Mercedes-Benz UK: “The current S-Class arrived a little over a year ago and has already had a terrific start – it’s now been What Car? Luxury Car of the Year twice and remains the UK’s Number One luxury car. It doesn’t stop there, as 2015 promises to be an exciting year for the S-Class with the most luxurious and the most efficient versions yet, set to debut.”

Since its launch, the S-Class has set new benchmarks in safety, comfort and refinement – and in its choice of powertrains. Four-, six-, eight- or 12-cylinder engines make up the line-up, three of which are Hybrids as well as two mighty AMG models that combine immense performance with the ability to cover huge distances in complete comfort.

The line-up is soon to expand further. This year the S 500 Plug-in Hybrid, emitting just 65 g/km of CO₂ on the combined cycle, and the luxurious and even more spacious Mercedes-Maybach S-Class will debut in the UK – promising to be the quietest production saloon car in the world.

USA - Volkswagen announces pricing and specs for new Golf R at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

• Well-equipped Golf R starts at $36,595 with DSG® dual-clutch automatic transmission
• Technology-rich Golf R with DCC and Nav starts at $39,090 with DSG transmission
• With 292 horsepower, the Golf is the most powerful Golf ever to be sold in the U.S. market
• New Golf R has 36 horsepower and 37 pound-feet of torque more than previous generation model
• First 500 Golf R models can be pre-ordered
• Standard Bi-Xenon headlights with LED turn signals and U-shaped LED DRLs

Volkswagen of America, Inc., has announced pricing for its 2015 Golf R, the fastest and most powerful Golf ever to be sold in the U.S. market . Joining Volkswagen’s extensive Golf family of versatile, sporty hatchbacks, the Golf R starts at $36,595 (plus $820 destination) when equipped with the DSG® six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

With 292 horsepower from its turbocharged and direct-injection EA888 TSI® engine, the allnew Golf R has 36 horsepower and 37 pound-feet torque more than the previous model. 

Despite the additional power and torque, the new R model is considerably more fuel-efficient than its predecessor, with an EPA estimated highway fuel economy rating of 30 mpg with the six-speed DSG transmission, up from 27 mpg for the previous, manual -transmission model. 

The six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission offers a launch control feature, enabling the car to complete the 0 to 60 mph sprint in just 4.9 seconds. The top track speed is 155 mph.

Like all previous Golf R models, the new model transfers its power to the road via a permanent all-wheel-drive system; in this case, the latest version of the 4MOTION® system with a fifth-generation Haldex® coupling. To help ensure great chassis dynamics, there’s a new sport suspension, progressive variable-ratio steering, and a stability control system ("ESC Sport") which can be deactivated for track driving. Other highlights include the optional DCC® adaptive damping system.

The all-new Golf R is equipped with an extensive package of exclusive features. Along with specially designed bumpers, side skirts, and the option of 18- or 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, the Golf R can also be visually distinguished from the GTI by details such as standard Bi-Xenon headlights with newly designed LED daytime running lights (in a dual-U design) and a two-branch exhaust system that has four chrome tips. Inside, the Golf R underlines its position as the flagship of the model range with sport seats with leather seating surfaces, a leather-wrapped three-spoke sport steering wheel, ambient lighting, and R-specific instrumentation.

The Golf R will be launched in the U.S. in the first quarter of 2015 in four -door form only, initially with the DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission. There will be two models: the wellequipped Golf R and the technology-rich Golf R with DCC and Nav, with prices starting from $36,595 and $39,090 for DSG models.

The Golf R is comprehensively equipped. The base Golf R includes Driving Mode Selection, 5.8-inch touchscreen radio with SiriusXM® Satellite radio, heatable front seats, LED reading lights, ambient lighting, a Media Device Interface (MDI) with iPhone® connectivity, Bluetooth® connectivity, VW Car-Net® connected services, Keyless access with push-button start, a rearview camera, 12-way power driver’s seat, and Climatronic® dual-zone automatic air conditioning. 

The Golf R with DCC and Nav adds: the DCC adaptive damping system; 19- inch wheels; a navigation system; the Fender® Premium Audio System; and front and rear Park Distance Control.

Potential Golf R customers can pre-order their vehicle via the vw.com website. The first 500 Golf R models—all top-trim vehicles—will be available with an exclusive numbered R Accessories Kit.

VW launches new R Golf Estate at Los Angeles Auto Show 2014.

Volkswagen has today unveiled one of the sportiest all-rounders in the compact class: the Golf R Estate. This new car combines the high performance, driveability and comfort of the Golf R hatchback, which was launched in March this year, with the spacious boot of the Golf Estate; this is the first time that the Golf R has been developed in an estate bodystyle.

Like its hatchback sibling, the Golf R Estate is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged TSI petrol engine which develops 300 PS from 5,500 to 6,200 rpm.  Maximum torque of 380 Nm is available from just 1,800 rpm right up to 5,500 rpm and is channelled via a standard six-speed dual-clutch gearbox (DSG) to the permanent 4MOTION all-wheel drive.  Distribution of the power across all four wheels guarantees maximum traction, performance and active safety. 

Ensuring dynamic performance are sport suspension (lowered by 20 mm), Volkswagen’s innovative progressive steering system and ‘ESC Sport’ mode which can be deactivated for use on a race track if desired.  Optional highlights include the newest generation of the DCC adaptive chassis control system with a driving profile selector that features a Race mode.

The Golf R Estate’s engine combines with these features to ensure safe but swift performance: standstill to 50 mph takes just 3.8* seconds, and to 62 mph 5.1* seconds, while top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph.  Yet on the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC), the Golf R Estate consumes just 7.0* l/100 km – or 40.4* mpg – equating to CO₂ emissions of 163* g/km.

Despite its performance, the Golf R Estate does not compromise on space.  With a luggage capacity of 605 litres (up to the back seat backrest), this Volkswagen offers an impressively large boot even with five people on board.  With the seats flat and loaded up to the backs of the front sports seats, capacity grows to 1,620 litres.

The Golf R Estate’s design follows that of the Golf hatchback up to the B-pillars.  It is then distinguished and stands apart from the rest of the Estate range thanks to a new R design bumper, a high-gloss black diffuser, four chrome-plated tailpipe trims, so-called ‘aero flaps’ on the D-pillars, cherry-red taillights and LED number plate illumination.  At the front, the Golf R Estate has an R specific bumper with particularly large air inlets, a distinctive radiator grille (with R logo) as well as bi-xenon headlights with integrated daytime running lights.  The LED daytime running lights form a distinctive dual ‘U’ design beneath the dual headlights, projecting a particularly striking light pattern during the day and at night.  

R-style body-coloured side sill panels distinguish the Golf Estate range-topper, along with R logos on the front bumpers and matt chrome door mirror caps.  Distinctive 18-inch ‘Cadiz’ alloy wheels are unique to R models, while black-painted brake callipers with R logo complete the look.  Optional 19-inch ‘Pretoria’ flow-formed wheels (exceptionally lightweight and sturdy) in motorsport design are also available.

Inside the cabin, the Golf R Estate retains the styling cues of its hatchback counterpart, with Alcantara upholstery, R logos on the seats and steering wheel, a high level of standard equipment and blue highlights, for example in the ambient lighting and dash dials.

The Golf R Estate makes its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show today and will be on display from 18-30 November.  UK Retailers are due to start taking orders for the new car in spring 2015, with first deliveries in the summer.

(*forecast values)