AUDI Ultra benefits now available in A4 and A5 as well as A6

New Saloon, Avant and Coupe variants employ latest Audi ultra efficiency technology to boost economy and trim CO₂ to as little as 109g/km  

• New ultra versions of A4, A4 Avant and A5 Coupe now available to order priced from £28,320 OTR, £29,620 OTR and £31,120 OTR respectively – first UK deliveries in late April
• New ultra engine linked exclusively to six-speed manual gearbox delivers more torque, EU6 compliance, up to 56.5mpg and CO₂ of as little as 109g/km
• Significant BIK benefits for business users, reduced VED rates
• A5 available exclusively in SE form, A4 and A4 Avant also offered with cost-effective SE Technik specification
• A5 Sportback ultra models to follow during 2014

At the pinnacle in terms of efficiency, the range of Audi ultra models which launched in the UK with the A6 last month is quickly expanding to include A4 Saloon and Avant and A5 Coupe variants. With CO₂ outputs of as little as 109g/km the three new A4 and A5 TDI ultra models undercut the already impressively low emissions figures achieved by the familiar TDIe versions in each range. They are available to order now priced from £28,320 OTR and will reach their first UK customers in late April.

Although it shares its 163PS output with the more powerful of the two TDIe engines, which until now was reserved for the A5 Coupé, the unit powering the latest ultra models is a completely new development engineered for even leaner burning with no impact on performance. It works with a highly efficient Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system that removes nitrogen oxides from the exhaust and ensures that the new models meet the stringent new Euro 6 emission standards.

Peak power arrives 1,200rpm earlier at 3,000rpm in the new ultra engine, and maximum torque increases from 380Nm to 400Nm and is available over a wider spread from 1,750rpm to 2,750rpm. Acceleration from rest to 62mph in the exclusively six-speed manual-equipped A5 TDI ultra is very slightly improved at 8.3 seconds (previously 8.4), and top speed holds firm at 140mph.

The same performance data also applies to the new A4 2.0 TDI ultra, and both also share identical, and exceptional, economy and emissions figures, with up to 56.5mpg possible according to the combined cycle test, delivered with CO₂ emissions of just 109g/km. The A4 Avant is only just behind, with a 0-62mph time of 8.6 seconds, a top speed of 134mph, the potential for up to 55.4mpg and CO₂ output of 114g/km.

BIK and VED benefits

The outstanding emissions performance delivered by the three new models has a bearing on their CO₂-related Vehicle Excise Duty categorisation, which in the A4 Saloon and A5 Coupe is band B (A5 Coupe TDIe previously band C), and in the A4 Avant is band C. Ultra technology also facilitates exceptionally competitive running costs for business users, with benefit-in-kind liabilities of 16 per cent, 17 per cent and 16 per cent for the A4, A4 Avant and A5 Coupe respectively. If the A5 Coupé 2.0 TDI ultra SE is compared with the outgoing A5 Coupe 2.0 TDIe 163PS SE, the annual liability for a 40 per cent tax payer falls from £2,236 to £1,988.

Ultra badging at the rear discreetly marks out these extraordinarily focused models, which in all other respects closely resemble SE versions of the A4 and A5. A5 ultra Coupe models are available exclusively in SE form, while A4 and A4 Avant versions can also be upgraded to SE Technik specification.

A4 SE equipment includes 17-inch alloy wheels, an Audi Concert CD audio system incorporating DAB digital radio and linked to a 6.5-inch colour monitor, light and rain sensors, rear parking sensors and electronic climate control. A5 SE models also feature Milano leather upholstery.

SE Technik specification for the A4 adds Milano leather upholstery, along with additional features such as hard disk-based MMI Navigation plus, Audi Music Interface (AMI) iPod connection and the Audi Parking System Plus with front and rear sensors.

All A4 and A5 ultra models are equipped as standard with lowered sports suspension to reduce drag and maximise economy, and for the same reason the 18-inch alloy wheels normally included as part of the SE Technik upgrade for A4 models are omitted.

During this year ultra specification will become available for more models in the Audi range, starting with the five-door A5 Sportback.

Audi ultra signifies the pinnacle of efficiency – Recently introduced, intensively economy-focused Audi A6 ultra models are to be followed by A4, A4 Avant and A5 Coupe equivalents offering up to 56.5mpg with CO₂outputs from just 109g/km. First examples of all three will begin to arrive with UK customers in late April.

 

Note to Editors

Lexus offers two Hybrids in the GS range

• Lexus extends the reach of its full hybrid technology with new GS 300h, the first time it has offered two different hybrid powertrains in a single body style
• New GS 300h SE promises best-in-class benefit-in-kind rates for company car drivers, potentially saving customers up to more than £2,000 on their annual tax bill
• 2.5-litre Lexus Hybrid Drive powertrain delivers CO2 emissions from 109g/km* and combined cycle fuel consumption of up to 60.1mpg*
• Four equipment grades – SE, Luxury, F Sport and Premier – with on-the-road prices from £31,495
• Available to order now, first customer deliveries from January 2014

Lexus is strengthening the appeal of its GS range for company/business car users with the introduction of the new GS 300h. It will join the established GS 450h in the range early next year, promising class-leading benefit-in-kind tax rates of 13 per cent, thanks to segment leading CO2 emissions of 109g/km from its 2.5-litre full hybrid powertrain.

Compared to its key premium market diesel and hybrid competitors, the GS 300h SE delivers compelling annual tax figures that can save customers up to more than £2,000 a year.

Here’s how the figures stack up, with pricing including leather upholstery and satellite navigation options added to the GS 300h SE specification to bring it in line with the competition: -

The significant tax savings enjoyed by company car drivers apart, all GS 300h SE customers will also be saving money on fuel and road tax. Combined cycle consumption of 60.1mpg is expected for the SE model, with 57.6mpg for the Luxury and Premier versions and 56.5mpg for the F Sport. The SE’s 109g/km CO2 emissions place it in band B for annual Vehicle Excise Duty (road tax), while the Luxury and Premier at 113g/km and F Sport at 115g/km, all fall within band C (all figures provisional prior to official homologation).

Model range

The exterior and interior styling for the new GS 300h mirror those of the more powerful GS 450h. The grade structure adds a new entry level SE trim to the established Luxury, F Sport and Premier designations.

Full equipment specifications will be released later in the year, but the new GS 300h SE will come with a raft of luxury features, including 17-inch alloys, 10 airbags, electric steering wheel adjustment, 12-speaker sounds system with DAB radio and DVD player, cruise control, push button start, parking sensors HID (xenon) headlamps, and electrically adjustable, heated front seats. Leading options will be Lexus Premium Navigation, with a 12.3-inch display, and leather upholstery (including heating/ventilation front seat functions).

Extra items in the Luxury trim include leather upholstery, navigation, 18-inch alloys and a Blind Spot Monitor pack with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, while the F Sport adds features such as exterior and interior styling elements, perforated leather sports seats, 10-spoke 19-inch wheels and Adaptive Variable Sports Suspension.

At the top of the range, the GS 300h Premier takes in a Mark Levinson 17-speaker hifi, system, 18-way electric front seat adjustment with memory, a new colour head-up display, AVS and LED fog lamps.

At the same time as Lexus adds the GS 300h to the range it also makes a new design shift lever and the colour head-up display available for the GS 450h.

The GS range’s comprehensive array of active, passive and preventive safety features is being further extended, with addition of a Rear Cross Traffic Alert, which uses the same radar technology as the Blind Spot Monitor to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from either side when reversing out of a parking space

MG LEASE OPENS FOR BUSINESS FROM JUST £210 A MONTH

MG has launched into the business sector with an amazing value proposition with it’s new DTi-TECH diesel that offers a high-spec performance driving experience with the lowest overall running costs in the sector, from just £210 a month +VAT.

The distinctive designs of the MG6 GT five door fastback and Magnette four door sports saloon stand out from the crowd in the car park and on paper. With BIK from just £59 a month, insurance groups of just 14E and 15E, high standard specification and low servicing and parts costs, they offer the lowest running costs in the sector.

Low BIK does not mean low standard specification with MG. S model entry specification includes 17” sports alloy wheels, sports seats, power folding mirrors, dual climate control and an electronic hill hold function. 

SE models add standard built-in satellite navigation with Trafficmaster, reversing sensors and multi-function steering wheel controls. 

Move up to the range topping MG6 GT TSE and it offers all the toys a business user could want with the addition of heated, electric front seats, leather upholstery and a reversing camera. With an electric glass sunroof and front parking sensors added as standard, the Magnette sports saloon has a German options list as standard!

The all-new 1.9 litre DTi-TECH diesel powertrain was designed specifically for the MG6. The latest stop-start, smart charging and variable-rate turbocharging technology is standard on all models to give MG performance with economy. With 350Nm of torque the MG6 diesels have the highest pulling power per pound of any saloon and hatchback in the UK market.

The MG driving experience is completed with the MG6 chassis that was designed by engineers in Britain to make the most of British roads. 

MG’s scheme is operated in partnership with ALD Automotive which recently acquired Lombard Vehicle Contracts. 

Nigel Fletcher, Deputy Managing Director of ALD Automotive UK, said: “We are delighted with this scheme and I think that it will be extremely popular with business users, especially when you look at the excellent value-for-money package offered on MG cars.”

Prices start from as little as £210-a-month on an MG6 GT DTi-TECH model is S-level trim up to £240-a-month for the top-of-the-range MG6 Magnette DTi-TECH.

The prices are valid until the end of the second quarter of 2013 and are based on 35 monthly rental payments on a 30,000 mile contract. The one-off first payment on an S-trim MG6 GT DTi-TECH is £630 and £720 for the range-topping Magnette. All prices are exclusive of VAT.

Richard Bourton, MG’s Business & Used Car Sales Manager, said: “The diesel MG6 offers business users an exciting new option from the iconic MG brand. Compared to the competition, we offer high specification, low BIK and list prices, class leading insurance and low repair and maintenance costs making us great value for money as well as great fun to drive!”

Mercedes mid range Saloon, cuts in variants, increase in price

• Most significant model revision ever undertaken by Mercedes-Benz
• Simplified UK model line-up comprises SE and AMG Sport – COMAND Online with Media Interface and DAB radio fitted as standard
• Enhanced visual appeal and more standard equipment including Sport grille with central Mercedes-Benz star, replacing the bonnet mounted star on both model lines
• E 220 CDI SE model now below 130 g/km of CO₂, reducing first year road fund licence to zero and improves BIK taxation by 1 per cent
• New Saloon from £32,400 to £73,720 OTR and Estate from £34,310 to £75,510 OTR

Ahead of its UK introduction in April 2013, the new E-Class Saloon and Estate pricing and specifications have been released, with enhanced standard equipment and increased value for customers.

The new E-Class model line-up consists of SE and AMG Sport, replacing the SE, Avantgarde and Sport models from the previous generation E-Class.

With more than £4,000 of additional standard equipment in the new SE model,  for a £2,280 increase over the previous SE, and almost £3,000 of added standard features in the new AMG Sport for £575 over the previous Sport, the new E-Class provides better value to the customer, combined with attractive finance offerings.

SE overview

The new E-Class SE model, priced at £2,280 over the outgoing model, offers significantly enhanced standard equipment with more than £4,000 of additional equipment as standard, over the previous SE.

The line up for the SE features three diesel engines – E 220 CDI, E 250 CDI and E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID, and two petrol engines – E 200 (Saloon only) and E 250.

The AMG Sport model offers the same engines as the SE, with the addition of the 350 BlueTEC and is priced at £2,495 above the SE, starting from £34,895 OTR.

Engines and transmissions

The E 220 CDI is the only engine with manual transmission in the new E-Class range, and the new four-cylinder petrol engines, as well as the E 350 BlueTEC engine, are all EU6 compliant.

There are also significant CO₂ improvements across the new E-Class range, with reductions of up to 20 g/km in emissions. The E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID Saloon CO₂ figure remains at 109 g/km, but is now achieved with 17” wheels (previously 16”).

Design

The new E-Class features a new contemporary front-end design, as well as new proportions for a sporty appearance. The front has been completely revised with new headlamps, which comprise all functional elements with a single headlamp lens, replacing the previous ‘twin headlight’ design. At the rear, the lights and bumper have also been revised to emphasise the width and feature a characteristic night design. The new rear bumper has a distinctive lip and a black insert with chrome trim.

Technology

New technology on the E-Class includes Active Park Assist with Parktronic as standard, which measures potential spaces to the left and right of the direction of travel from 0-20 mph. If a suitable space is detected, and reverse gear is engaged, the vehicle will be automatically steered into the parking space, with the automatic braking function active throughout. There is also an automatic exiting function to leave the space if Active Park Assist was previously used to park.

Finance and option pricing

Optionally available is the all-new 360° camera (£715), which is close-range and equipped with four surround view cameras that provide assistance during parking, manoeuvring and exiting parking spaces.

Other key optional equipment includes the LED Intelligent Light System with Active Light System, cornering light function and Adaptive High Beam Assist (£1,280), nappa leather (£1,935) and  AirMATIC semi-active air suspension with self-levelling and Adaptive Damping System (£1,455).

The new E-Class E 220 CDI SE Saloon manual is available for £319 per month from Mercedes-Benz Finance ‘Agility PCP’ with a £5,407 customer deposit, and a Contract Hire price of £319 per month too. The E 220 CDI SE Estate is £10 per month more.

The new E 63 AMG is also available via Mercedes-Benz Finance from £699 per month with a £7,995 customer deposit. The model now features increased power and torque to 557 hp and 720 Nm; 19” AMG wheels; dual louvre grille with central Mercedes-Benz star; panoramic sunroof; nappa leather upholstery; Keyless Go; AMG Performance steering wheel; and Intelligent Light System as standard.

£2.5k reduction on LEAF, not as much as the £4k discount in the US, but a drop nevertheless

• Price reduction of £2,500 makes it easier to join the electric vehicle revolution
• Drive a LEAF for just £239 per month
• Offer available at all 180 Nissan LEAF dealers in UK

Nissan is making zero-emission mobility more affordable by reducing the price of the all-electric Nissan LEAF by £2,500.

The change comes as part of a global effort to make the LEAF more affordable in the pioneering electric vehicle’s three main markets of Japan, Europe and the United States.

In addition to the reduction in the retail price, UK customers can also benefit from offers including low rate finance*. The new price is effective immediately, ahead of the arrival of an updated version of the LEAF.

This is on top of the incentive offered by the government and means a customer can drive away in a brand new LEAF for  £23,490, or just £239 per month.

In addition to the new price LEAF buyers will also benefit from extremely low running costs, with a battery recharge costing a fraction of the cost of a tank of fuel. Being fully electric, the LEAF also benefits from zero road tax and is currently exempt for company car ‘benefit-in-kind’ tax.

An ever-growing number of public charging points also offer quick and convenient opportunities to top up the battery, including a network of rapid chargers. These allow LEAF drivers to charge from zero to 80% capacity in less than 30 minutes.

Winner of the World, European and Japan Car of the Year Awards when it was launched in 2011, about 50,000 Nissan LEAF electric vehicles have been sold world-wide. The LEAF demonstrates that battery-powered cars are ready to make a significant contribution to a world-wide reduction in vehicle emissions.

The Nissan LEAF comes with very high levels of standard equipment. Its standard satellite navigation system incorporates Carwings, Nissan’s unique telematics system which allows an owner to control the heating and air conditioning settings and to monitor the charging process remotely via a smart phone.

Other standard equipment includes a rear-view parking camera, rapid charge capability, Intelligent Key, LED headlamps and Bluetooth connectivity. Nissan LEAF has been granted a top 5 star rating in Euro NCAP crash tests.

“There is no doubt that Nissan LEAF is a revolution and existing customers are passionate in their belief that zero-emission mobility is not the future, but is here now,” said Paul Willcox, senior vice president, Nissan Europe.

“Nissan’s objective for LEAF has always been to bring zero-emission mobility within reach of the mass-market. Our price reduction underlines that commitment and with no price premium even more motorists will become believers.”

Production of the updated model is due to start at Nissan European plant in Sunderland, UK, in Spring 2013.

* Low rate (6.9%) finance available for PCP and HP purchases