The SEAT name a car has finished its first phase as the nominations get whittled down further.

• SEAT received a total of 133,332 proposals from 106 countries
• Brand enthusiasts can vote for their favourite candidate in September
• The name of SEAT’s new SUV will be announced by 15 October 2017

The project #SEATseekingName, where the Barcelona-based brand asked members of the public to name its third SUV, has succeeded in attracting huge participation from 133,332 members of the public in 106 countries. The first stage, which opened on 1st June, finished yesterday after receiving a total of 10,130 different Spanish place names, which was the criteria set out by the company for its 2018 SUV, submitted through seat.com/seekingname and seat.es/buscanombre.

Since SEAT announced in March that it was going to launch its new SUV, the brand had already received more than 500 proposals of different place names from all over Spain for its new vehicle with capacity for up to seven passengers. 

The expectations and social impact achieved prompted the company to redefine its habitual naming process, opening it up to brand followers in Spain and around the world, for them to propose their favourite name and then vote for the winner.

SEAT President Luca de Meo expressed his satisfaction with the massive response to this project: “The results obtained have overwhelmingly exceeded all expectations. Not only has this collaborative initiative sparked great interest among our brand followers, but thousands of other people have also contributed by proposing a name for our new SUV. We’re counting on them to vote for their favourite candidate in September”.

With the first stage now finished, it is time for the pre-selection phase of the proposals, involving brand experts and an external naming agency, as well as customers from different countries who will be participating in the focus groups organised by SEAT. In addition, testing will be carried out in the markets to select at least three names which will be voted on. In this stage certain criteria will be observed, such as that the names are in line with the brand values and product characteristics and that they are easy to pronounce in several languages.

SEAT will announce the names of the finalists at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Anybody wishing to cast a vote for their favourite candidate will have the chance from 12 to 25 September, and the name with the most votes will be the winner, which SEAT will announce by 15 October.

In this fashion, the company’s third SUV will join the list of 13 models that have been named after a place name from Spanish geography. It started in 1982 with the Ronda up to the most recent Arona (Tenerife), the compact crossover which will be unveiled on 26 June in Barcelona. In addition, it will be the first time in the history of the brand that a model carries a name selected by popular vote.

IRELAND - Citroen announces procing and specs for the new C4 Picasso and Grand Picasso MPV's.

New Citroën C4 Picasso and New Grand C4 Picasso are on sale now, bringing even more style and comfort to the MPV segment leader and Ireland’s top selling 7-seater.

• New C4 Picasso range boasts a distinctively Citroën front end, new lighting surrounds and 3D effect rear lights
• The class-leading interior space offers greater personalisation possibilities, with four interior ambiances and three new trim levels: Touch Edition, Feel and Flair
• Latest generation connectivity with upgraded touch screen and new intuitive technologies including a Hands-Free Tailgate
• Efficient new powertrain, with introduction of PureTech 130 S&S manual
• Priced from €26,695 for 5-seat New C4 Picasso and €28,995 for the 7-seat New Grand C4 Picasso

New C4 Picasso and New Grand C4 Picasso is on sale now in Ireland, with prices starting from €26,695 and €28,995 respectively.

The latest generation 5-seat Citroën C4 Picasso and the larger 7-seat Grand C4 Picasso look to build on the success associated with this class leading MPV model.

Available in three trim levels; Touch Edition, Feel and Flair, New C4 Picasso and Grand C4 Picasso both feature restyled exterior faces, a host of new interior trims, award winning engines and driver assistance technology.

Exterior

New C4 Picasso and New Grand C4 Picasso share a more dynamic front end, keeping the three-tiered light signature at the front, which is synonymous with Citroën’s contemporary design language. The daytime running lights are intensified with a chrome trim, whilst the wider, lower front bumper and gloss black central moulding gives both cars a stylish, yet more purposeful look.

New 3D-effect rear lights come as standard across the range whilst new rear chevrons, finished in gloss black with chrome surround, give a more modern look. Two new body paint colours are available to refresh the colour palette; Lazuli Blue and Soft Sand. A new bi-tone option with a black roof is now available on the C4 Picasso offering more customisation to customers.

Other changes on the New C4 Picasso include the Mamba 17-inch diamond-finish alloy wheels standard on the Feel trim level, whilst New Grand C4 Picasso features new integrated roof bars and Aluminium side profile on the Flair trim level.

Driver Assistance Packs

Two new optional driver assistance packages are available, which introduce Citroën first active safety systems such as Active Lane Departure Warning and Active Blind Spot Monitoring.

Driver Assistance Pack One contains: active lane departure warning system, active blind spot monitoring system, speed limit recognition, intelligent beam headlights and driver attention alert. Driver Assistance Pack Two includes all of the above as well as active radar guided cruise control.

Owners will also benefit from hands-free tailgate technology on New C4 Picasso and New Grand C4 Picasso Flair, allowing the boot to open by simply waving a foot under the rear bumper.

PRICING

New Citroën C4 Picasso

Edition	Engine	CO2 (g/km)	RRP
Touch Edition	BlueHDi 100 S&S manual	99	€26,695
Feel	Blue HDi 120 S&S 6 speed Manual	100	€30,145
	Blue HDi 120 S&S EAT6 Auto	101	€31,745
Flair	Blue HDi 150 S&S 6-speed Manual	107	€35,545

New Citroën Grand C4 Picasso

Edition	Engine	CO2 (g/km)	RRP
Touch Edition	PureTech 130 S&S 6-speed manual	115	€28,995
	BlueHDi 120 S&S 6-speed manual	105	€29,995
	BlueHDi 120 S&S EAT6 Auto	103	€31,595
Feel	Blue HDi 120 S&S 6-speed manual	106	€32,445
	BlueHDi 120 S&S EAT6 Auto	105	€34,045
Flair	BlueHDi 150 S&S 6-speed manual	111	€37,845

One of Land Rover’s best-known customers completes unique remote test of New Discovery.

• One of Land Rover’s best-known customers completes unique remote test of New Discovery
• World-renowned British adventurer Bear Grylls experiences Land Rover’s world-first seat folding technology
• Intelligent Seat Fold system allows owners to reconfigure their vehicle seating remotely with a smartphone from anywhere in the world – even in mid-air
• Unique test sees Bear change the seating layout during a 125mph skydiving descent; 
• Seven full-size seats accommodate Bear and 6 fellow skydivers in comfort
• New Discovery world premiere: 28 September 2016 ahead of Paris Motor Show

Land Rover has reached new heights in its new vehicle technology testing.

World-renowned British adventurer and well-known Land Rover owner Bear Grylls took to the skies to put the New Discovery’s Intelligent Seat Fold technology to the ultimate test. 

The system allows Discovery owners to configure their vehicle seating through the InControl Remote app on their smartphone from anywhere in the world - even in mid-air.

Having jumped from a plane with six members of the Royal Navy Parachute Display Team and freefalling at 125mph, Bear was able to change the vehicle’s seating layout at the touch of a button on his smartphone before he had to deploy his parachute.

Once on the ground all the skydivers were able to jump into a camouflaged prototype of the New Discovery, which comfortably seats seven full-sized adults.

The world-first Intelligent Seat Fold technology allows the two rear rows of seats to be fully reconfigured in as little as 14 seconds via the InControl Remote app downloaded on any iOS or Androidoperating system.

Bear Grylls said: “Land Rover is proving why the New Discovery is the ultimate family SUV. The fact that they have created this world-first Intelligent Seat Fold technology is impressive in itself and for the remote function to work while we are freefalling from a plane is pretty cool!

“I’m not sure many people will be using it in such a manner but the technology to operate the car remotely in this way will undoubtedly be a real winner for busy families who want to be prepared.”

Alex Heslop, Land Rover’s Chief Engineer for Discovery, said: “This unique feature sets the New Discovery apart from any other vehicle. The fact that owners can change the seating while doing things like queuing with their shopping is a true milestone in convenience delivered through technological innovation.”

The Intelligent Seat Fold technology can be activated in four different ways, including the remote function tried and tested by Bear Grylls. Closer to the ground, switches within the luggage area and on the C-pillar allow the seats to be moved or folded while standing beside the vehicle. Row two and three seats can also be raised and lowered using the main touchscreen display on the dashboard.

Land Rover’s InControl Remote app allows customers using both iOS and Android smartphones to connect with New Discovery from anywhere in the world, making it possible to perform a variety of functions. From confirming all the windows are closed or checking the fuel level to setting the air conditioning or monitoring its location, the advanced technology brings new levels of customer convenience and connectivity to the premium SUV market.

Over time the Ssangyong Turismo has grown into a better looking, more capable large Seven Seat MPV.

• New 2.2 litre diesel Euro 6 engine delivers major enhancements
• Power and economy up, CO₂ emissions down
• New 7-speed Mercedes-Benz automatic transmission
• Three models from just £18,995 - SE, EX, ELX
• Executive travel for seven adults with their luggage
• ELX 4x4 - safe and practical for towing and winter driving
• Great value and class leading 5 year limitless mileage warranty

Offering family and business users a car to transport seven adults in comfort together with their luggage, the SsangYong Turismo is almost without rival.

At over 5 metres long and with a 3 metre wheelbase, the car is larger than a standard sized MPV people carrier, and is now further enhanced for 2016 with the addition of an upgraded 2.2 litre Euro 6 diesel engine.  

The Turismo also now offers the choice of a 6-speed manual transmission or new Mercedes-Benz 7-speed automatic.

Diesel power

The newly developed e-XDi220 diesel engine meets the demand for a more powerful performance and lower CO₂ emissions at the same time.  Maximum power is increased to 178ps and torque to 400Nm - up by 15% and 11% respectively over the previous Euro 5 diesel 2.0 litre engine.  

Maximum torque is delivered from a low of 1,400rpm and maintained through a wide range up to 2,800rpm for smooth, progressive driving from the start.

Big strides have also been made with CO₂ emissions which have been reduced to 189g/km, down from 199g/km on the previous 4x2 manual transmission model, while fuel economy is also improved and now up to 39.2 mpg (Combined cycle) compared with 37.2mpg over the model it replaces.

“Sales of Turismo are already 46% up this year compared with the whole of 2014,” says Paul Williams, CEO of SsangYong Motor UK, “which clearly demonstrates that even more people are recognising the amazing value this car offers.  

With the power upgrade and new 7-speed Mercedes-Benz gearbox for 2016, Turismo delivers even greater levels of refinement and value.”

Interior space

Designed to appeal as family, leisure and business transportation, the new car blends multi-role flexibility with great ride comfort and the appointments and equipment levels of a luxury saloon.

Thanks to its 3,000mm wheelbase, the car provides a huge interior space where seven adults can travel in supreme comfort with their luggage loaded in the back, without having to compromise on passenger accommodation.  

There are three rows of seats as well as a large load space which can be further increased by removing the third row completely. 

This gives a massive load carrying capability of between 875 litres with seven adults seated, through to two adults and 3,146 litres of load space.

Turismo ELX with 4x4

While rear wheel drive features on the SE and EX, the top of the range ELX includes selectable 4x4 with low ratio as standard.  

This makes the Turismo ELX a car you can rely on, no matter what the winter throws at you, and is especially safe and practical whether towing a caravan, horsebox or boat trailer, or when driving on snow and ice.  As with other Turismo models the ELX has an impressive 2 tonne towing capability.

Ride & handling

The new Turismo utilises double wishbone front suspension and rear independent multi-link suspension for executive saloon style ride quality.  This set-up offers a quiet and comfortable driving environment with firm body control, a flat ride and optimum stability regardless of the road conditions.

The new 2016 Turismo 2.2 is now available through SsangYong dealers.

Model range	£
2.2 SE	£18,995
2.2 EX	£20,995
2.2 EX automatic	£22,495
2.2 ELX 4x4 automatic	£24,995

5 year limitless mileage warranty

All models in the SsangYong range are covered by a best-in-class 5 year limitless mileage warranty.  

Designed to be totally transparent and give customers complete peace of mind, ‘limitless’ means just that: not a maximum mileage condition that some brands impose in their small print.  

All the major mechanical components are covered including the engine and drivetrain,wheel bearings, suspension joints and bushes, steering joints, shock absorbers and even the audio system.  

Wearable components such as clutch friction plates and brake pads which could have their life reduced by poor driving are covered for one year or 12,500 miles, and the battery and paintwork for three years.

Made in Korea

SsangYong cars are manufactured in South Korea by SsangYong Motor, which is 73 per cent owned by the Indian engineering conglomerate Mahindra & Mahindra, and imported into the UK by SsangYong Motor UK.  

Established in 1954 it is Korea's oldest vehicle manufacturer and only 4x4 and SUV specialist producer.  There are some 60 SsangYong dealers covering England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, with new locations being added to the network all the time.