GENEVA - Dacia beings special editions and it's first automatic gearbox on the Duster SUV.

• Dacia presents a new series of affordable, smart and comfortable limited-edition versions
• Easy-R – Dacia’s first automated gearbox – is now available with the brand’s dCi 90 diesel engine. This competitively-priced transmission is already available with the TCe 90 petrol powerplant
• Dacia’s online community continues to expand as the number of the brand’s Facebook fans surpasses the threshold of three million
• Record sales in 2015: more than 550,000 vehicles registered worldwide, an increase of almost eight per cent

Dacia has enjoyed another buoyant start to the year. After achieving record sales in 2015, the brand has just seen its number of Facebook fans exceed the three-million mark as members of its fast-growing community continue to share their passion for Dacia both on and offline.

In addition to the announcement of the Easy-R transmission with its dCi 90 diesel engine (6 gear automated transmission), the 2016 Geneva Motor Show sees Dacia take the wraps off a new series of limited-edition versions.

THE DUSTER ESSENTIAL: INTRODUCING A NEW SERIES OF LIMITED-EDITION DACIAS

Dacia’s stand at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show features the Duster Essential which introduces a new series of limited-edition versions of the Duster, Sandero and Logan MCV as well as other models available outside the UK. The name of this series of limited editions will vary depending on market and in certain countries.

These competitively-priced limited-edition versions combine a smart look with enhanced travelling comfort. Exterior features include a new body colour (Chestnut Brown) and new alloy wheels, along with specific badging and body colour bumpers. Inside, passengers benefit from Bluetooth and USB connectivity, electric front windows and central locking.

Like all Dacias, these limited-edition versions come with a three-year/100,000km (60,000 miles) warranty.

The markets where this series of limited-edition Dacias will be available include Austria, Belgium, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Luxemburg, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. 

EASY-R AUTOMATED TRANSMISSION 

Easy-R was launched at the end of 2015 mated to Dacia’s TCe 90 Stop&Start petrol engine. For the same price, Dacia’s first automated transmission can now be specified for dCi 90 diesel versions of the Logan, Sandero, Sandero Stepway and Logan MCV (depending on market). Mated to this diesel engine, Easy-R will feature six forward gears for optimised driving enjoyment and fuel consumption comparable with that of a manual gearbox.

To combine reliability with lower running costs, the all-new design of this automated transmission is founded on electro-mechanical rather than hydraulic technology. To ensure the highest standard of quality, the Easy-R gearbox underwent the equivalent of 750,000km of road testing and all units are carefully inspected after assembly.

Reliable and affordable, Easy-R automated transmission eliminates the need for a clutch pedal and is calibrated to optimise everyday driving enjoyment, especially in congested traffic and urban areas. Gear shifts are smooth and automatic, while its crawl function is ideal for manoeuvring or when inching forward in traffic jams by simply releasing the brake pedal. The system also holds the vehicle at a standstill to facilitate pulling away on slopes.

Easy-R is much more competitively priced than a conventional automatic transmission and benefits from particularly low running costs.

There are no current plans for the Easy-R automated transmission to be available in the UK.  

Dacia’s stand at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show, which starts on Tuesday 1^st March, is in Hall 2.

Smart launches two new Special Editions, The White and Black Editions for the ForTwo and ForFour models.

• New special-edition models appearing in showrooms late February, with prices starting from £12,360 OTR
• Based on existing prime model line, both new editions feature over £1,500-worth of extra equipment for just £895
• edition white and edition black models are easily recognised thanks to striking exterior colour schemes
• Available on smart fortwo coupé and smart forfour

The new smart edition white and edition black are now available to order from just £12,360 OTR for the smart fortwo (£12,855 for the smart forfour). First deliveries will arrive in the UK in late February.

Based on the already well-equipped prime trim line (which includes features such as heated leather seats), the special-edition models add the Urban Style and the Premium packages as standard. 

These include: three-spoke sports steering wheel with perforated leather; brushed stainless steel sports pedals with rubber studs; 16-inch Y-spoke-alloy wheels in black; exhaust system with chrome-plated tailpipe; wheel-arch extensions with smart lettering; comfort package (consisting of: height adjustable steering wheel; height adjustable driver’s seat; heated and electrically adjustable exterior mirrors); rear parking assistance and smart media system including European satellite navigation. Forfour models also come with privacy glass in the rear.

The fortwo special editions come with over £1,500-worth of extra equipment – for only £895– resulting in a customer saving of over £600. The forfour offers £1,660-worth of features (adding rear privacy glass), giving customers over £760-worth of extra value.

The edition white models feature white tridion cells, combined with white body panels and a white grille, making them instantly recognisable as special-edition smarts. As you’d expect, edition black models come with black bodywork, black tridion cells and a black grille – although customers can opt for a white tridion cell (£100).

As with the rest of the smart range, the edition white and edition black models can be ordered with either a 71 hp naturally-aspirated or 90 hp turbo three-cylinder petrol engine, and with a five-speed manual or six-speed twinamic automatic gearbox.

Pricing	g/km - CO2	% - BIK tax rate	£ - P11D value	£ - Price OTR
smart fortwo edition white and edition black
71 hp - manual	93	13	£12,660.00	£12,715.00
71 hp -auto	94	13	£13,655.00	£13,710.00
90 hp – manual	97	14	£13,255.00	£13,310.00
90 hp - auto	96	14	£14,250.00	£14,305.00
smart forfour edition white and edition black
71 hp - manual	97	14	£13,155.00	£13,210.00
71 hp -auto	96	14	£14,150.00	£14,205.00
90 hp – manual	99	14	£13,750.00	£13,805.00
90 hp - auto	98	14	£14,745.00	£14,800.00

Ultra rare Aston Martin DB4 Series V Vantage comes under the hammer at Blenheim Palace Auction.

• Exceptional right-hand-drive Aston Martin DB4 Series V Vantage headlines Silverstone Auctions’ Salon Privé Sale
• Believed to be one of only 50 ever built and one of three originally supplied from the factory with an automatic gearbox
• Recent restoration and upgrades by specialist Aston Martin preparers have maximised and enhanced the driving experience
• Guide price of £675,000 - £775,000 underscores its rarity, provenance and high-quality mechanical restoration
• Held at the majestic location of Blenheim Palace on Friday 4 September, the Salon Privé Sale features a host of high-end classic and modern supercars 

The star of the show at Silverstone Auctions’ Salon Privé Sale held at Blenheim Palace on Friday 4 September will be an outstanding and very rare Aston Martin.

Presented with superb history and in immaculate condition, the 1963 Aston Martin DB4 Series V Vantage will command a guide price of £675,000 - £775,000 and will be the headline lot in an auction of over 60 exceptional, handpicked modern and classic cars.

Finished in its original Goodwood Green paint and red leather interior, the striking Aston Martin is believed to be one of only 50 cars built in this specification, and one of only three Series V Vantages to be built with an automatic ‘Borg Warner’ gearbox.

Aston Martin produced the DB4 from October 1958 to June 1963 and in that time made five ‘Series’ variants of shape and specification. 

The later Series V models were built between September 1962 and June 1963 and had a longer wheelbase (3.5-feet), creating increased legroom and space for luggage, making them superb grand touring machines.  

Delivered new on 24 August 1963, this particularly model, chassis #1197, is believed to be one of the last to leave the factory - the last being #1215L - before building of the later DB5 model commenced. 

The matching numbers Vantage variant has a unique and fully documented history as well as being recently restored to fast-road specification, by specialist Aston Martin race preparers.

During the restoration a four-speed David Brown manual gearbox with overdrive was fitted along with a full handling kit comprising springs, roll bars and Koni dampers. 

The brakes were also upgraded as well as adjustable power steering to further complement the driving experience. A set of custom-made ‘off-set’ Borrani wheels and restored red leather interior finish off the tasteful modifications.

The car comes with a comprehensive history file, including the factory records on the build sheet from 1963 to 1966 and correspondence from Aston Martin to the first two owners. 

It also comes with the original gearbox, allowing any future owner to return the car to original specification. The history then follows from 1973 to 2015 with vast amounts of invoices, receipts, MoT certificates and the now void tax discs, giving a detailed record of this car’s past.

Operations Manager and Classic Car Consignor, Harry Whale said: “We are very excited to offer this DB4 Series V Vantage, which incorporates an intoxicating blend of extraordinary provenance and history, along with an unrivalled driving experience. 

It’s a stunning example of the DB4 Series V Vantage and a car to cherish for years to come. Next month’s sale epitomises what we can do here at Silverstone Auctions - offering a quality, eclectic mix of exciting cars.”

New Auto in the DS3 makes it cleaner, greener and faster.

Since its launch in the spring of 2010, DS 3 has become an icon, the vehicle of choice for more than 320,000 customers worldwide. True to the DS brand strategy of continuous product evolution, DS 3 is now available with a new six-speed, latest generation automatic transmission, for an even more comfortable drive & smoother gear changes. 

The new PureTech 110 S&S EAT6 auto versions also deliver improved CO₂emissions, down by more than 40g/km. 

For DS Automobiles – the premium brand launched by the PSA group in 2014 – sales success and vehicle appeal go hand in hand with continuous improvement. DS 3 exemplifies this, with regular updates introduced to offer new technological innovations and customisation features.

Following on from the DS LED Vision headlamps in September 2014 and the THP 165 S&S engine with six-speed manual gearbox in November 2014, DS 3 is now available with a new six-speed automatic transmission.

The new EAT6 auto gearbox is coupled with a three-cylinder PureTech 110 turbocharged petrol engine, which produces high levels of torque from low engine revs. 

This engine and transmission combination accommodates the most relaxed and the most enthusiastic driving styles. Gear shifts are faster and smoother, providing enhanced drivability, responsiveness and acceleration. 

Meanwhile, the efficiency figures speak for themselves: combined cycle fuel consumption is 60.1mpg for the hatchback models and 57.6mpg for the Cabrio versions, with CO₂ emissions of 108g/km (hatchback), down by 42g/km compared with the previous generation VTi 120 4-speed automatic. CO₂ emissions are 112g/km for the Cabrio.

The four DS 3 models with this new EAT6 transmission are ‘on sale’ now. First deliveries are scheduled for late June 2015.

ABOUT THE EAT6 SIX-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

• Gear shifts are 40% faster than the previous generation 4-speed automatic; thanks to a new engine-transmission synchronised control strategy (Quick Shift) and a more efficient control unit.
• Enhanced drivability; due to a compact torque converter, efficient operation at lower engine speeds and a wider gear-ratio range for improved pick-up, plus lower revs at higher vehicle speeds.
• Improved fuel consumption; through reduced internal friction (optimised transmission, oil pump flow adjusted on the basis of engine load and a redesigned hydraulic distributor – making it possible to use a smaller oil pump).

UK MRR OTR PRICING

DS 3 Hatchback:

PureTech 110 S&S EAT6 DStyle £17,495

PureTech 110 S&S EAT6 DStyle Nav £18,495

DS 3 Cabrio:

PureTech 110 S&S EAT6 DStyle £19,495

PureTech 110 S&S EAT6 DStyle Nav £20,495