As other brands delete the diesel option, Honda introduces one on the new Civic.. !!!

• New Honda Civic diesel will start from £20,120 OTR
• Highly competitive PCP offers from £249 a month
• Manual version available in dealers from February with automatic coming in early summer

Honda UK has today announced pricing for the anticipated new diesel Civic manual hatchback. Set to hit retail forecourts next month and with the automatic available in early summer, the entry-level S model with manual transmission will start from £20,120 OTR rising to £24,925 OTR for an EX trim car with the six speed manual gearbox.

Trim levels will mirror those of the existing 1.0 VTEC Turbo petrol model with S, SE, SR and EX trims available. The EX trim is also available with an optional Tech Pack for £600 which adds LED headlights with washers, LED fog lights, wireless phone charging and heated rear seats.

PCP pricing has also been confirmed for the new car, which is built at Honda’s UK manufacturing plant in Swindon; with monthly payments starting at £249 a month on a three year 5.9% APR contract for a Civic 1.6 i-DTEC SE Manual.

The comprehensively revised 1.6 i-DTEC engine will deliver an outstanding combination of performance and efficiency. It produces 120 PS at 4,000 rpm and 300 Nm of torque at 2,000 rpm.

“The arrival of the diesel variant completes the line-up for the Civic hatchback in the UK,” commented Phil Webb, Head of Car at Honda UK. “This 1.6 i-DTEC is the most technologically advanced diesel unit we have launched to market and will deliver a very competitive offering for both the retail customer and the fleet market.”

Pricing for the automatic Civic diesel will follow in the summer when the car becomes available.

Grade	Transmission	OTR Pricing
S	Manual	£20,120
SE	Manual	£20,220
SR	Manual	£22,065
EX	Manual	£24,925

Ford launches the new Tourneo Custom, a new interior and tweaked exterior makes this the best yet.

• Ford reveals new Tourneo Custom people mover with bold exterior styling and completely new premium interior
• Spacious and luxurious cabin features unique-in-segment rear seating with six individual seats that can be arranged in conference format, with six USB ports and 10-speaker audio system
• Largest Tourneo comprehensively re-engineered to provide superior refinement, quality, and technologies including Intelligent Speed Limiter and SYNC 3 connectivity
• Tourneo features Ford EcoBlue 2.0-litre diesel engine, new six-speed SelectShift auto, rear air suspension option; available in exclusive Titanium X and Sport series
• New Tourneo Custom targets executive shuttle, personal use and lifestyle customers; production scheduled to start later in 2017 for deliveries from early 2018

Ford has revealed first details of the new, versatile Tourneo Custom people mover, which delivers first class travel for up to nine occupants in an all-new premium interior. Targeting executive shuttle, personal use and lifestyle customers, new Tourneo Custom is available to order later this year for delivery in early 2018.

Distinguished by its new front-end design with five-bar chrome grille, new Tourneo Custom offers customers a luxurious cabin with unique-in-segment rear seating in the form of six individual seats that can be arranged in conference format, with the second row facing the rear.

The largest Tourneo people mover has been comprehensively re-engineered to provide superior levels of refinement, including high-quality trim materials, improved comfort and noise levels, and the latest Ford passenger car technologies such as Intelligent Speed Limiter and SYNC 3 connectivity.

“With the new Tourneo Custom, every passenger can enjoy the best seat in the house,” said Pete Reyes, vehicle line director, Ford of Europe. “This versatile people mover has been transformed from top to bottom, with a stylish interior that combines the comfort and quality of a luxury car with outstanding space and practicality.”

The new innovations build on the significant product enhancements introduced to Tourneo Custom in 2016, including the Dagenham-built Ford EcoBlue 2.0-litre diesel engine, a new six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission, and optional rear air suspension.

Tourneo Custom was first introduced in 2013 and is the flagship of Ford’s family of Tourneo people movers, which also includes the five-seat Tourneo Courier and the Tourneo Connect available in five- and seven-seat variants.

Sophisticated design – inside and out

New Tourneo Custom has a bold new front-end appearance that shares the same design DNA as Ford’s latest passenger cars, with a high-mounted trapezoidal grille and dynamic, slim headlamps that flow neatly into the vehicle’s muscular shoulder line.

A range of advanced headlamp technologies is available, with all vehicles featuring distinctive new signature LED daytime running lights and high series models offering powerful HID (High-intensity discharge) Xenon illumination.

Inside, the Tourneo Custom has an all-new instrument panel based on Ford’s new interior design philosophy – pioneered on the all-new Fiesta – which offers an attractive, user-centric layout that is influenced by consumer interactions with smart devices and tablets.

Based around strong horizontal design elements that emphasise the width of the cabin, the new instrument panel has a distinctly upscale appearance, reinforced by soft-touch surfaces and attractive detailing with chrome and gloss black finishes.

All-new displays and control panels have been designed for enhanced ergonomics and ease of use, and high-series models feature a floating, tablet-inspired 8-inch colour touchscreen that can be operated with pinch and swipe gestures.

Every-day practicality has been significantly improved, with two lidded compartments on the upper instrument panel, and a generous stowage bin with twin cupholders in the centre console, featuring a smart roller cover.

Unique-in-segment rear seating for ultimate flexibility and comfort

To provide customers the ultimate flexibility in configuring and using the rear cabin, the new Tourneo Custom is the only vehicle in its segment to offer six individual seats, with the ability to arrange the two rear rows in conference format for outstanding access and enhanced interaction between passengers, or in two rows of three seats facing forward.

Standard on high series models, the six individual seats can each be folded flat, tumbled, stowed in a multiple locations or removed completely to maximise the luggage area or meet their own special business or lifestyle requirements.

Travelling comfort is further enhanced by new seat designs featuring revised foam padding and geometry for optimised support, plus improved refinement resulting from a significantly upgraded sound reduction package in the rear cabin. Rear seat passengers will also appreciate the more effective air conditioning system offering faster cooling or heating, six USB ports, and the 10-speaker audio system tuned for a rich and balanced sound whatever the rear seating layout.

Throughout the vehicle, the interior trim has been completely revised – from the headliner and seats to the side panels and carpets – with a focus on outstanding craftsmanship and appearance. The selection of more upscale materials, such as thick yarn fabrics and fine grain leathers, and the availability of both light and dark interior environments in stylish, contemporary colours, reinforce the impression of quality and attention to detail within the cabin.

Advanced technology and driver assistance features

Ford’s SYNC 3 communications and entertainment system will enable Tourneo Custom drivers to control audio, navigation and connected smartphones using simple, conversational voice commands. Simply by pushing a button and saying “I need a coffee,” “I need fuel,” and “I need to park,” drivers can locate nearby cafés, fuel stations or car parks, and find train stations, airports, and hotels. The system is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto™.

The new Tourneo Custom also introduces a number of advanced driver assistance features, and is the first vehicle in its segment to offer Intelligent Speed Limiter, which enables automatic adjustment of maximum vehicle speed to remain within legal limits, using the Traffic Sign Recognition system to detect speed limit signs.

The new model also offers Blind Spot Information System with Cross Traffic Alert, which warns drivers reversing out of a parking space of vehicles that may soon be crossing behind them.

These new features add to the comprehensive suite of technologies already available for Tourneo Custom, including the Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection emergency braking system, Lane Keeping Alert, Side Wind Stabilisation and Adaptive Cruise Control.

Class-leading Ford EcoBlue engines with auto transmission option

New Tourneo Custom features the state-of-the-art Ford EcoBlue diesel engine, designed, engineered and built at the Dagenham Engine Plant, with a choice of 105 PS, 130 PS and 170 PS power ratings, delivering significant cost of ownership and performance benefits, with fuel-efficiency improved by up to 13 per cent; CO2 emissions from 162 g/km;* and low-end torque enhanced by 20 per cent.

The latest specification also includes the smooth and responsive six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission, a unique-to-segment rear air suspension system that delivers a supple, controlled and level ride across a wide range of load conditions, and a 17-inch alloy wheel option for enhanced handling and braking performance.

Upscale Titanium X and Sport series options for the ultimate Tourneo

New Tourneo Custom will be available with an upscale Titanium X package that includes leather trim, SYNC 3 with satellite navigation and rear view camera, and HID Xenon headlamps as standard.

For customers seeking a more dynamic exterior appearance and a stylish sports interior, the new Sport series is also available. This package combines the 170 PS engine option, a full exterior body kit with twin bonnet stripes and unique 17-inch alloy wheels, alongside partial leather interior trim.

The Tourneo Custom line-up continues to also offer both eight- or nine-seat configurations, with a choice of short wheelbase and long wheelbase versions. The longer model provides additional luggage space behind the third seat row.

Isuzu to launch a new uprated D-Max at this years Commercial Vehicle Show.

Prior to going on sale in the Spring, the new generation Isuzu D-Max will have its Public Reveal at the CV Show held at the NEC, Birmingham, from 25-27 April.

The new generation D-Max will be unveiled at 10:00 AM on 25th April at Isuzu’s stand, Hall 5 stand 5F40.

D-Max has been extensively overhauled; with a brand new 1.9 litre turbo diesel engine, which produces 164 PS and 360Nm of torque. The engine builds upon D-Max’s workhorse character and retains the 3.5 tonne towing capacity and 1 tonne payload whilst providing a quieter, more refined and economical driving experience. 

Inside, a range of new touchscreen entertainment systems are available, equipped with Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ as well as updated ergonomics and trim quality.  

As per previous D-Max models, Shift-On-The-Fly 4x4 is a key feature of the 17MY truck. The rotary dial allows the driver to select four-wheel drive on the move as well as low range gears. New Hill Descent Control and Hill Start Assist are fitted across the range.

Finally, the D-Max comes with a five-year / 125,000-mile warranty, and was the first pick-up in the UK to be offered with such a comprehensive peace-of-mind package.  Running costs are kept down by 12,000-mile or 24-month service intervals, five years’ recovery and European cover, a three-year paint warranty, and a six-year anti-corrosion warranty.

Isuzu has announced pricing and specification for the all new D-Max Pick Up truck.

The new generation D-Max arrives in the UK this Spring and Isuzu are delighted to announce the range line up and pricing for the new truck.

The range line up from the much-loved D-Max is retained; Utility, Eiger, Yukon, Utah and Blade with a range of single, extended and double cab variants available.

The entry-level Utility D-Max, priced from £15,749 (CVOTR) comes equipped with LED daytime running lights, Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control, Bluetooth® connectivity, power windows and air conditioning.

Eiger double cab (from £20,499 CVOTR) adds a reversing camera, 16-inch alloy wheels, body coloured bumpers, audio system with CD player and 6 speakers.

Yukon (from £20,499 CVOTR) adds 18-inch alloy wheels, silver side steps, new 7-inch multi-function touchscreen, LED rear lights, Cruise Control, rear load liner and a leather steering wheel.

Utah (from £24,149 CVOTR) takes comfort up a notch with keyless entry with push button start, Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™, satellite navigation, DAB digital radio, roof bars, leather upholstery with heated front seats, rear parking sensors, automatic air conditioning.

The range-topping Blade (from £26,999 CVOTR) adds tinted windows, 9-inch multi-function touchscreen, remote locking lower tailgate, Blade puddle lamps, front and rear parking sensors, and a colour-coded Aeroklas canopy or sports bar with roller cover. 

D-Max has been extensively overhauled with the biggest changes under the bonnet. A brand new 1.9 litre turbo diesel engine has been fitted, which produces 164 PS and 360Nm of torque. The engine builds upon D-Max’s workhorse character and retains the 3.5 tonne towing capacity and 1 tonne payload whilst providing a quieter, more refined and economical driving experience.  Another key benefit is that the new engine meets Euro 6 standards without the need for addition of AdBlue.

As per previous D-Max models, Shift-On-The-Fly 4x4 is a key feature of the 17MY truck. The rotary dial allows the driver to select four-wheel drive on the move as well as low range gears.

Finally, the D-Max comes with a five-year / 125,000-mile warranty, and was the first pick-up in the UK to be offered with such a comprehensive peace-of-mind package.  Running costs are kept down by 12,000-mile or 24-month service intervals, five years’ recovery and European cover, a three-year paint warranty, and a six-year anti-corrosion warranty.

The new 2.0 litre Diesel engine boosts the Nissan X-Trail with better power and loads of kit as standard.

• New large capacity 177PS engine on sale to meet customer demand
• Xtronic CVT transmission with 4WD available on X-Trail for the first time
• Six-speed manual with 4WD and Xtronic with 2WD also on offer
• Refined and comfortable, ideal for covering longer distances
• The perfect vehicle for adventurous families
• X-Trail sales are up 50% in the year to October 2016
• Models with the new 2.0-litre diesel available from £29,095 MSRP

Nissan has launched a powerful new larger-capacity diesel engine for its flagship X-Trail crossover. The 2.0-litre unit is available to order now, and first deliveries are due to arrive with customers early in the new year.

The new engine has an output of 177PS, with 380Nm of torque providing excellent pulling power throughout the rev range. It’s a significant step up in power from the existing 1.6-litre 130PS diesel, and clearly meets the needs of consumers who require a higher-output powertrain.

New to the range is the choice of Nissan’s Xtronic automatic gearbox, linked to a four-wheel drive transmission. Added to the options of a six-speed manual and two-wheel drive, this will further broaden Nissan’s presence in the large SUV sector, and enhance the appeal of the much-loved X-Trail.

With the new 2.0-litre engine, the X-Trail is the perfect partner for families seeking even bigger adventures. There are five or seven seats, excellent luggage space, clever storage solutions and enough towing capacity to meet customers’ needs.

The X-Trail is a model in demand. Across Europe, sales are up 50% in the year to October 2016 when compared to the previous 12 months. Sales are expected to grow further with the arrival of this new model; industry data reveals high-powered models account for 46% of the medium SUV segment, and by launching the 2.0-litre diesel the X-Trail’s market coverage increases by 41%.

Guillaume Cartier, Senior Vice President for Sales and Marketing, Nissan Europe, commented: “The new flagship Nissan X-Trail is a crossover that’s focused on delivering what consumers need. Offering 4WD linked to an automatic transmission for the first time, it’s a significant enhancement to the already strong X-Trail range. It’s also a compelling upgrade to our already successful 1.6-litre diesel model.”

The highlight of the new 2.0-litre diesel engine is its refined and comfortable driving experience, ideal for covering longer distances. The engine meets Euro 6 emissions standards, and three versions are available:

Model	CO2	Fuel economy (Combined Cycle)
2.0 4WD six-speed manual	149 g/km	50.5 mpg
2.0 2WD Xtronic CVT auto	148 g/km	50.5 mpg
2.0 4WD Xtronic CVT auto	158 g/km	47.1 mpg

The design of the Nissan X-Trail remains unchanged. The sculpted, muscular lines of the exterior make a strong impression from any angle, distinctive yet obviously part of the wider Nissan crossover range thanks to familiar styling cues such as the ‘V-motion’ grille.

The interior offers premium comfort and space to meet the needs of the modern family. Available as a five or seven-seater, its versatile seating system means exceptional room for passengers and their luggage.

The second row splits and folds 60/40 for additional luggage space, reclines for passenger comfort and slides forward for easy access to the optional third row. This splits 50/50 and folds completely flat to create maximum load space.

A powered tailgate is available, operated at the tap of a button on the boot, via the Nissan Intelligent Key or with a switch mounted by the driver. Opening the tailgate reveals Nissan’s innovative Luggage Board System, which allows for shelves and dividers to be adjusted in any of 18 configurations. These include a hidden compartment to keep valuables out of sight.

Boot capacity is 550 litres (445 litres on the seven-seat version, and 135 litres when the third row of seats is upright). Total space with all seats folded is 1,982 litres.

Premium features to add that extra touch of comfort and convenience include a power-opening panoramic roof, double stitched leather upholstery, LED interior lighting and gloss black trim with metallic accents. Quick-heat front seats will help on wintery mornings, while heated/cooled cupholders keep drinks at the preferred temperature. The Nissan X-Trail is available with a 7-inch NissanConnect touch-screen infotainment system, which includes DAB digital radio, Bluetooth connectivity and audio streaming.

A range of genuine Nissan accessories is available, including a rear dog guard, removable tow bar, chrome door mirror caps, door sill guards and external finishers for the front, rear and sides of the car.

At the heart of the X-Trail's position as the ideal car for family expeditions is the optional All-Mode 4x4-i system. When fitted, drivers can select from full-time 2WD for maximum efficiency; Auto Mode, which constantly monitors conditions and adjusts the balance of torque between the front and rear wheels for the best traction; and 4WD Lock Mode for the most challenging conditions. It provides the ultimate peace-of-mind motoring whatever the surface.

All-Mode 4x4-i means that for drivers who require a towing vehicle, the Nissan X-Trail 2.0-litre diesel is a capable performer. Braked towing capacity is 2,000kg on the manual model and 1,650kg on the two Xtronics, making the car suitable for those who need to move caravans, horseboxes, boats and trailers.

As with all Nissan crossovers, the X-Trail 2.0-litre diesel provides a safe and secure on-the-road experience thanks to a comprehensive range of advanced intelligent driving systems. These include Nissan Safety Shield technologies, such as a Intelligent Emergency Braking, Driver Attention Alert, Traffic Sign Recognition, High-Beam Assist, Blind Spot Warning and Lane Departure Warning.

The car is also available with Vehicle Dynamic Control, Brake Assist, Active Ride Control, Active Trace Control, Active Engine Brake, Intelligent Park Assist, Hill Start Assist and Intelligent Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection.

The X-Trail 2.0-litre diesel comes with 17-inch alloy wheels as standard. Performance figures for vehicles fitted with 19-inch alloy wheels, which are standard on selected trim levels and optional on others, are:

Model	CO2	Fuel economy (Combined Cycle)
4WD six-speed manual	153g/km	50.5 mpg
2WD X-Tronic CVT auto	152g/km	50.5 mpg
4WD X-Tronic CVT auto	162g/km	47.1 mpg

TMW - The flagship DS range of cars from the PSA Group is topped off with the DS5, a great car, so why does it not sell better ?

The DS automobiles brand, which has split from Citroen, has a trio of cars for sale in the UK, and the top of that range is the DS5, within that are three distinct models, the Elegance, performance line and Prestige and a hybrid 4x4 on top of that, the model we have today is the DS5 Prestige BlueHDi 150 S&S, six speed manual, in a stunning Whisper Purple, unfortunately the colour looks black unless you look at it with the sun on, or bright light, otherwise you really struggle to tell what colour this is.

On first glance when the car arrives, you are stuck by how large it is, and how stylised it is, with that silver slash from the front to the door and the kink that goes a few inches up the side, the split rear window on the tailgate, an old trait used before on another Citroen.

When you open the door you get a hint of aircraft, with the central stack in the roof with various buttons which activate the HUD, and the three, yes three, covers for the three stage glass roof. Once you get the car into the position that you are happy to be in, by moving the electric seats and the steering wheel, you slide into the seat, which actually is sat quite high, more SUV height, that luxury saloon, and that’s not an issue.

With the roof stack, and the central stack you feel very cosseted and quite claustrophobic, but in this car that’s not a problem, as there are so many other things for you to look at, like the really good sat-nav system, decent infotainment set up, the various settings for MPG, speed and eco mode, which is just a timer for when the car is at a standstill.

Once you start the car, by pressing the button below the art deco style clock, the car fires up to a roar, it is rather noisy, more so than I expected, but once inside, and driving along the noise goes from intrusive to becoming part of the excitement of driving this piece of French Flair.

The car in question is one that tries to compete with the likes of the Mondeo and Passat, to the C-Class, 3-Series and A4, does it work, well, yes and no, in terms of quality, build, equipment levels and price, yes, definitely, where it fails to compete is pure and simple, they have the market well and truly sewn up between them, so getting a car in there, and be successful, along with decent pricing, residuals and cost of ownership, this car is left wanting, and really that is a huge shame.

People do not look at this car, instead they immediately go for the German brands, and as I have said enough times before, these German brands are NOT as good as they pretend to be, we won’t even mention the VW diesel scandal, the Mondeo, took so long to come to the UK, that it lost its way, and became an instant overnight, out of date car, which is where the DS 5 should have jumped on the band wagon, and pushed the car for all its might, and tried to take some market share for the car.

The DS 5 is a brilliant car, there is no other word to describe it, you feel like you are flying a jet fighter, the car shifts, very quickly, and it has equally good brakes to bring the car to a safe and competent stop, without feeling like you are not in control.

This model comes with a host of added equipment:- 

• Cruise Control
• TPMS
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Sat Nav
• Trip Computer
• Reversing camera
• Hill start assist
• ABS
• EBD
• EBA
• ESC
• Auto handbrake
• eTouch emergency assistance system
• Keyless entry and start
• Auto activation of hazard lights
• Front armrest storage
• Leather pack
• 3-Part glass sunroof with sunblind’s
• Front and rear electric windows
• DAB Digital radio
• USB Socket
• Bluetooth
• Mirror Link
• LED Daytime running lights
• DS LED Vision Xenon direction headlights
• Auto lights
• 18" Alloys 

Just a very small amount of the standard kit on the car, so you can see that it is very well specified, and can fight it with the best of them and come out on top.

Our car here today came with very few additions but they were:-

• Metallic Paint £600
• Metal Effect Interior Trim Finishers
• Colour Heads Up Display (HUD)
• Electric Comfort Pack £500
• Grey Leather £0.00 

The car is also quite friendly to the environment, considering its size and weight, the model here runs 113g/km Co2, which is not bad, however the range does start at 103g/km Co2, it can cruise quite happily at over 100mph, and it tops out at 127mph, whilst taking 10.6 seconds to get from standstill to 62mph, quite slow compared to other cars in the class, but then who actually does drive it like the road testers do?

Fuel consumption is claimed from DS Automobiles as really very good 

• Urban Cycle 4.4litre/100km    64.2mpg
• Extra Urban  3.8litre/100km    74.3mpg
• Combined     4.1litre/100km    68.9mpg 

These are claimed figures, and I didn't manage to get to the high numbers, but according to the trip computer I did manage to get high 40's on a run to Malvern, where we had a bespoke tour of Morgan Motor Company, (post to come shortly) and this included motorway, city and country road driving, and getting stuck in a large traffic jam in Malvern.

Personally I would have preferred to have driven an automatic, as most people who would buy this type of car would opt for the EAT6, which is a great auto box once you get used to the way it needs to be driven, one of our own cars is the C4 Cactus with the EAT6, and for the first few days it was like a kangaroo driving, but now you can drive the car very smoothly, and that’s what would be in this car as standard.

Driving the car and you feel like you are in something very well made, ergonomically the car is great, with everything easily to hand, you never have to reach about for anything, I did have issues with the roof toggle switches when I first got the car, but once I got used to where there were and which switch did what, there was no problems.

Pulling away from junctions is not an issue for the car as there are bags of torque to get you moving, and the well to heavily weighted power steering never diverts from where you point it, no torque steer here.

Now the negative points, and there is one that’s just too big to ignore, and that’s depreciation, this car drops like a stone, but then the big Citroen models generally have, which makes the DS5 a brilliant buy second hand, which then begs the question, would I have one, too right I would, the car has all the toys, the build quality and looks that some of the supposed quality brands would dearly love to have, and fail to achieve.

The car runs, stops and performs faultlessly, has loads of boot space, my only issues are the dark interior for the rear seat passengers, but that can be rectified by the triple glass roof, and the double glass tailgate, this can be an issue if you slam it shut with something in the way, and crash that’s the tailgate window broken, but being careful should alleviate that.