WHAT VAN ? - The Nissan Navara takes the best pick up award in this years awards ceremony.

The all-new Nissan Navara has been named Pick-Up of the Year by leading title What Van?

The honour adds to the already impressive haul of awards claimed by the market-leading model, including the coveted International Pick-Up Award 2016.

What Van? judges praised the Navara for setting a new segment benchmark for quality, refinement and technology while still offering the pulling power and payload expected of a pick-up.

James Dallas, Editor of What Van?, said: “With its combination of on-road refinement and off-road capability, the Navara is simply the best pick-up available in an increasingly competitive marketplace.”

Anthony Jones, Navara Product Manager at Nissan Motor (GB), said: “The Navara has completely redefined the pick-up sector since its launch and builds upon Nissan’s 80 year pick-up heritage to set new standards across the board.

“This latest award is another major endorsement of the Navara’s product quality; delivering crossover-inspired comfort and technology both on and off-road, while high powered, economical engines provide an incredible  towing capacity and payload.”

Navara’s leading features include multi-link rear suspension, forward emergency braking and around view monitor. Many safety features are available across the range including Forward Emergency Braking on all double cab models; driver, passenger, side, knee and curtain airbags; electronic Limited Slip Differential (eLSD); Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control (on 4WD models).

Priced from £23,520 RRP, the Nissan Navara can be specified with either a double cab or a king cab and a 190PS twin-turbo or 160PS single turbo version of the 2.3-litre dCi engine. There’s also a choice of two or four-wheel drive and a 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic transmission.

Also benefiting from competitive financing and servicing offers, combined with Nissan’s LCV 5 Year / 100,000 mile warranty, the Navara gives owners the ultimate peace of mind.

CHEVROLET 3 - Chevy launches two new special editions, the Midnight edition is on the Silverado and Colorado.

New Midnight Special Editions available on Silverado 1500 Z71, Colorado Z71

Chevrolet is expanding the popular Midnight Special Edition with new models available on 2016 Silverado 1500 Z71 and 2016 Colorado Z71. They join a growing portfolio of special-edition trucks whose popularity helped Chevrolet truck sales increase 27 percent last year – double the increase for the total truck market.

“We introduced several special-edition trucks in 2015 – each combining equipment and appearance packages designed for specific enthusiasts in mind,” said Sandor Piszar, Chevrolet truck marketing director. “They clearly resonated with buyers, as the special editions sold in one-third the time, and to younger, more affluent buyers than the industry average.

“The Silverado 1500 Midnight was by far the most popular model in 2015,” Piszar continued, “as demand outstripped supply in a matter of months. It only made sense to expand our special-edition offerings for 2016, including new Midnight editions.”

With the addition of the Silverado 2500 HD Z71 which was introduced in September, customers now can select from midsize, light-duty and heavy duty Midnight editions. Each combines off-road equipment and monochromatic details, such as:

• Off-road suspension
• Locking rear differential
• Transfer case shield
• Hill Descent Control
• Aggressive Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac all-terrain tires
• All-black front end with body-colored grille, bumper, headlamp bezels, tow hooks and fog lamps
• Black side moldings and beltline moldings
• Black painted alloy wheels
• Special Z71 badges on the doors
• A spray-in bedliner (black, of course)
• And black Chevrolet bowties for the front and rear

Other special-editions available for 2016 include the Silverado Realtree®, Silverado Special Ops, and Colorado Trail Boss, with additional models to be announced later this year.

“Each special edition is tailor-made to fit a specific customer – whether you are an off-road enthusiast who wants a Colorado or a hunting enthusiast who wants a unique Silverado,” said Piszar. “In addition, each special edition is designed to attract attention at the dealership and in the customer’s driveway.”

Please visit Chevrolet.com for more information on the special editions available for Silverado and Colorado.

The Range Rover Evoque Convertible, as good as its hardtop Sibling, but with open air driving, at last.

• Bold new Range Rover Evoque Convertible is the world’s first luxury compact SUV convertible
• Exclusive film captures final stage of testing at Land Rover’s challenging all-terrain proving ground
• Full suite of advanced on- and off-road technologies showcased
• The Convertible for all Seasons will be revealed in November and on sale Spring 2016

The All-New Range Rover Evoque Convertible will be the most capable convertible in the world when it debuts in November after completing Land Rover’s punishing development and testing programme with flying colours.

Hot on the heels of last week’s London takeover, where six full-scale wireframe sculptures showcased Evoque Convertible’s elegant design at a series of iconic locations, Land Rover has released a film showcasing its all-terrain credentials.

The footage, released today, shows the world’s first luxury compact SUV convertible completing the final phase of testing at Land Rover’s legendary Eastnor Castle estate, in Herefordshire, UK. 

The film demonstrates how Land Rover’s engineers have rigorously tested the four-wheel drive Convertible to ensure it delivers customary all-terrain capability.

Mike Cross, Land Rover Chief Engineer, Vehicle Integrity, said: “Land Rover prides itself on being a class leader when it comes to all-terrain capability and the Evoque Convertible is no different. 

Thanks to a combination of innovative engineering and the application of advanced technologies, Evoque Convertible will deliver a dynamic and assured SUV experience that has been tested around the world. We call it ‘The Convertible for all Seasons’.”

Land Rover confirmed plans to launch a highly desirable convertible derivative of its multi award-winning Range Rover Evoque at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2015. 

The bold addition to the range has just completed its extensive development programme and continues Land Rover’s tradition for creating and leading new market segments.

Launching in November and making its public debut at the Los Angeles International Auto Show, Evoque Convertible will be on sale in the UK from Spring 2016.

Since 1948 Land Rover has been manufacturing authentic 4x4s that represent true 'breadth of capability' across the model range. Defender, Discovery, Discovery Sport, Range Rover Sport, Range Rover and Range Rover Evoque each define the world's 4x4 sectors, with 80% of this model range exported to over 170 countries.

The Government's Regional Growth Fund

The Range Rover Evoque Convertible is supported by the UK Government's Regional Growth Fund (RGF). The Government's RGF has invested nearly £3 billion to help businesses in England to grow; so far generating over 100,000 jobs. 

56 new awards in Round 6 and seven through exceptional RGF support - announced on 12 February 2015, gives £297 million to 63 projects and programmes to create and safeguard thousands more jobs and unlock an additional £1.5 billion private sector investment.

New Active-Drive II 4x4 system installed on new Jeep Cherokee.

The Active-Drive II 4x4 system, Forward Collision warning with low speed stop function and high speed crash mitigation, new shaped integrated dual exhausts, and two special order options are among a raft of updates introduced this week to the Jeep Cherokee range.

Coming into effect from early November, the Model Year changes offer more features and equipment, although pricing across the Cherokee line-up remains unchanged. The range starts at £25,495 OTR for the 2.0 Longitude 140 Manual FWD.

Active-Drive II, which is only available on Limited trim, automatic transmission cars, offers additional off-road performance for the legendary Cherokee 4x4, and can be operated using the enhanced Selec-Terrain dial inside the car.

Launched in time for the winter weather ahead, Active-Drive II adds Hill-Descent control, a 2.92:1 “low range” gear-set for greater control and torque in off-road or extreme situations, and a neutral mode, which disconnects the rear axle to assist, for example, in flat towing.

The Active-Drive II Jeep Cherokee Limited Automatic 170 hp version will cost £37,195 OTR.

The optional ADG Safety technology group, available on Limited automatic versions also gets updated Forward Collision Warning (FCW) with a low-speed stop function (up to 12mph) and high-speed crash mitigation. The system prefills the brakes, presents audible and visual warnings and ‘brake jerk’ to alert the driver, and assists with emergency stopping if the driver is not braking hard enough.

Visually, all automatic versions of Cherokee will feature rectangular integrated exhausts, a development which enhances the car’s appearance from the rear.

Two new special order options are also offered: ‘Cold Weather group’ (Limited trim only) including all-season floor mats and heated steering wheel, and ‘Safety and Security group’ – bi-xenon light sensitive headlamps, headlamp washer, and rain sensitive windscreen wipers. 

These visibility assisting features are already standard on the Limited trim.

“Following on from the successful launch into the UK of new Jeep Cherokee, I am delighted with these further enhancements to the car,” says Damien Dally, head of brand, Jeep UK. “They are another example of how we continually try to enhance our class-defining models, and I am sure customers will be delighted with the changes we have made.”

USA - Nissan announces pricing and specs on 2015 pathfinder SUV

Nissan today announced U.S. pricing for the 2015 Nissan Pathfinder SUV, which is on sale now at U.S. Nissan dealers nationwide.

Totally redesigned just two years ago, the 2015 Pathfinder offers exceptional levels of versatility, fuel efficiency and full-size comfort for seven passengers. Pathfinder is available in 2-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive configurations, with all models powered by a fuel-efficient 260-horsepower 3.5-liter DOHC V6.

A number of enhancements have been added to the popular Pathfinder for the new model year, including:

• Blind Spot Warning (BSW) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) added to SL and Platinum grades
• Enhanced D-Step Shift logic added to the standard Xtronic transmission
• Hill Descent Control added to 4-wheel drive models
• Revised SL Tech Package contents, with Around View® Monitor and tow hitch and harness added
• Revised SL Premium Package contents, with Around View® Monitor and Nissan Navigation system added
• New Family Entertainment Package added, with dual headrest 7.0-inch DVD Family Entertainment System
• SV trim level adds fog lights, auto dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink® Universal Transceiver and heated side rearview mirrors
• SL trim level adds 120V power outlet
• Platinum trim level adds standard Dual Panorama Moonroof
• Six new exterior colors (nine total): Java Metallic, Midnight Jade, Gun Metallic, Magnetic Black, Glacier White and Pearl White

Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices* (MSRP) for the 2015 Nissan Pathfinder:

Pathfinder S 2WD	$29,510 USD
Pathfinder SV 2WD	$32,810 USD
Pathfinder SL 2WD	$36,060 USD
Pathfinder Platinum 2WD	$41,410 USD
Pathfinder S 4WD	$31,200 USD
Pathfinder SV 4WD	$34,500 USD
Pathfinder SL 4WD	$37,750 USD
Pathfinder Platinum 4WD	$43,100 USD

Destination and Handling $885.

Along with all of the enhancements for 2015, what remains unchanged is Pathfinder’s core values of fun, utility and fresh style – along with the most standard towing capability in class* (5,000-lb.), best-in-class passenger volume* and best-in-class mpg** of 27 mpg highway for 2WD models. Pathfinder is also the only vehicle in class* with selectable 2WD, Auto or 4WD Lock modes from the available intuitive ALL-MODE 4x4-i system. Pathfinder comes equipped with 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, with unique 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels offered with the Platinum model.

Inside, Pathfinder’s attractive interior design includes comfortable seating for seven, along with an innovative EZ Flex Seating System™ with LATCH AND GLIDE™, an industry first 2nd row tilt and glide seat that allows easy 3rd row access with a child safety seat still installed. A range of available features is also offered, including Nissan Advanced Drive-Assist™ Display, leather-appointed seating, Around View® Monitor and 13-speaker Bose® Premium Audio system.

An available 8.0-inch touch-screen monitor, mounted in the middle of the instrument panel, provides intuitive interaction and control of the Nissan Navigation System, along with a variety of driver-selectable vehicle systems and settings. A range of available features is also offered, starting with the class-exclusive Around View® Monitor*** and two rows of leather-appointed seating.

Also available are Heated and Cooled front seats, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, programmable Nissan Intelligent Key®, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, Streaming Audio via Bluetooth®, SiriusXM® Satellite Radio, Traffic and NavWeather (SiriusXM® subscription required, sold separately), Tri-Zone Automatic Climate Control, RearView Monitor, Remote Engine Start, Tri-Zone Entertainment System, Dual Panorama Moonroof and Easy Fill Tire Alert.

The 2015 Pathfinder is offered with four option packages: SL Tech Package, SL Premium Package, Family Entertainment Package and Trailer Tow Package.

New FIAT Panda Cross, the best baby 4x4 available.

• Based on the successful and hugely capable FIAT Panda 4X4, the new FIAT Panda Cross offers even more capability, attitude and fun
• 'Torque-on-Demand' all-wheel drive, Electronic Stability Control, Electronic Locking Differential and Hill Descent Control all standard
• New Terrain Control selector offers the driver the choice of three driving modes depending on conditions
• Powered by uprated versions of the 1.3 MultiJet II and 0.9 TwinAir Turbo engines, now with 80hp and 90hp respectively
• TwinAir gets specific 6-speed transmission with ‘crawler’ 1st gear
• Oversized tyres, improved attack angles, increased ground clearance and additional component protection enhance all-terrain ability

Being able to offer something truly unique in the increasingly competitive SUV segment is no small achievement but in the FIAT Panda Cross that’s exactly what you get – a car like no other! In 2006 SUVs accounted for around seven percent of the total car market in Europe whereas today they account for approximately 20 percent, and yet despite the proliferation of models in the past decade the new FIAT Panda Cross remains a truly unique offering by combining the genuine capabilities of a proper off-road vehicle with the efficiency and practicality of a versatile city car.

The technological upgrades of the FIAT Panda Cross make it the most capable vehicle in its class by some margin – more so even than the award-winning FIAT Panda 4X4* on which it is based - yet it is a car that could still be chosen purely for its low running costs, day-to-day practicality and general ease and pleasure of use. The aesthetic enhancements not only provide some visual clues to the all-road potential of the FIAT Panda Cross, they also perform the functional role of protecting its bodywork, lights and mechanical components, both in extreme off road conditions and the rough and tumble of city traffic. No other car can offer such extreme cross functionality, but then FIAT does have more than 30 years of experience in city car innovation: The FIAT Panda was the first to be offered with all-wheel drive in its segment, as well as the first to be powered by diesel, methane and LPG. More recently it pioneered City Brake Control in its segment, a safety feature that is ideally suited to city cars but until that time was reserved for larger luxury vehicles. It’s this reputation for practical innovation that has consistently kept the Panda amongst the best sellers in its class – it currently occupies the second spot in Europe, just behind its stable-mate, the FIAT 500.

The new FIAT Panda Cross builds on the combination of versatility and style which has always been a hallmark of the range-topping Panda 4X4 versions, ranging from the FIAT Panda 4X4 Steyer-Puch special edition of the late 80s to the previous-generation FIAT Panda Cross, which was first launched in 2006. In keeping with the distinctive looks of its predecessor, the front end of the new FIAT Panda Cross is dominated by a chunky new bumper which features scratch- and bump-resistant corner sections and a large, functional skidplate - finished in silver “ultrashine” and enhanced with cooling perforations in the Panda’s signature “squircle” shape. The skidplate is further embellished with a pair of easily-accessed tow hooks, finished in brilliant red, as well as new LED daytime running lights located in protective recesses. The new head-light clusters are framed with matte black surrounds and incorporate pronounced new fog lights, while the bonnet trim is also redesigned for the new FIAT Panda Cross.

In profile, the FIAT Panda Cross features protective wheel arch extensions, thick side mouldings with “ultrashine” inserts, matching roof bars and ‘Cross’ badging in the rear door inserts. The 15-inch alloy wheels feature a five-spoke V design and a burnished metal finish, while the rear end also benefits from some functional revisions, including a new bumper with “ultrashine” under-body protection, distinctive new light clusters and a chrome tail pipe.

The interior reflects the unique character of the FIAT Panda Cross every bit as much as the exterior: The seats are trimmed in bespoke natural fabrics with brown eco-leather bolsters (which match the brown door panels) while the dashboard is finished in a new copper colour to set off the striking new silver “ultrashine” finish of the instrument surround and audio system facia. The same finish is also used for the centre console, where the new Terrain Control drive selector – another segment first - is conveniently located.

Terrain Control offers FIAT Panda Cross drivers the possibility of adjusting the vehicle’s driving characteristics according to how it is being used: There are three modes: Auto, Off-Road and Hill Descent Control.

Auto mode, as the name suggest, automatically distributes the engine torque between the front and rear axles without requiring any input from the driver. On normal roads with good traction, the FIAT Panda Cross is 98 percent front-wheel drive but when a loss of traction is detected the system is capable of automatically reacting by redistributing the engine torque between axles in just a tenth of a second. The level of torque distribution is varied using an electro-hydraulically controlled, multi-plate central differential and is versatile enough to direct the entire torque output of the engine to the rear axle if necessary.

In Off-Road mode, the all-wheel drive function is permanently activated up to 30 mph to ensure the Panda Cross responds immediately and consistently to driver inputs: The Electronic Locking Differential (ELD) is engaged, ASR intervention is disengaged and to improve traction on slippery terrain (e.g. snow, ice, gravel or mud), the ESC system is employed to brake slipping wheels, thus transferring the engine’s torque to those wheels with the most grip.

Hill Descent Control (HDC) activates automatically when the speed drops below 15mph and remains in standby mode up to 30mph. It employs the vehicle’s ESC sensors and ABS brake system to maintain a constant speed and avoid unexpected yaw movements on tricky downhill terrain with unpredictable levels of grip, and requires no input from the driver other than steering actions.

The FIAT Panda Cross also benefits from versatile all-season 185/65R15 Mud & Snow tyres. Larger than those of the standard Panda 4x4, these tyres were specially developed to ensure optimum traction and responsiveness on wet and dry surfaces, as well as snow-covered roads, while also ensuring excellent off-road performance. When combined with specific springs and redesigned bodywork, they help increase the ground clearance to 161 mm for the TwinAir version and 158 mm for the MultiJet model, while the improved attack angles of the FIAT Panda Cross are now close to those enjoyed by pure off-road vehicles: the approach angle is 24 degrees, the departure angle is 34 degrees and the breakover angle is 21 degrees. This allows the FIAT Panda Cross tackle a maximum gradient of 70 percent and lateral gradients of up to 55 percent.

These figures aren’t just for bragging rights: The FIAT Panda Cross backs these numbers up by offering protective, steel, underbody shields to allow drivers to tackle genuinely tough terrain without damaging essential components, and the air intake duct for the engine is raised by 739mm in the diesel version and 711mm in the petrol version to ensure the Panda Cross has no difficulty in fording the occasional river or flooded road.

Even the engines are upgraded for the new FIAT Panda Cross: The 0.9-litre TwinAir Turbo engine sees its maximum power increased to 90hp at 5,500 rpm (up from 85hp) and maximum torque is 145 Nm (107lb. ft.) between 1,900rpm and 3000rpm. In ECO mode, engine output is 77.5hp at 5,500 rpm and 100 Nm (74lb. ft.) at 2,000rpm. In terms of performance, 0-62 mph is dispatched in 12.0 seconds and top speed is 104mph, while on the combined fuel economy cycle it returns 57.6 mpg (4.9 litres/100 km) with CO₂ emissions of 114g/km. This engine is also equipped with a unique six-speed gearbox which has a shortened first gear to enable the vehicle to crawl while the engine is idling, a useful feature when tackling challenging off-road conditions.

The 1.3-litre MultiJet II Turbo-Diesel engine, with DPF as standard, also enjoys a 5hp boost in power to 80hp at 4,000 rpm, while maximum torque is an impressive 190 Nm (140lb. ft.) at just 1,500 rpm. This second generation MultiJet power unit is equipped with a fixed geometry turbocharger and an intercooler, and weighs just 140kg including all its ancillaries. It can propel the FIAT Panda Cross from 0-62mph in 14.3 seconds and on to a top speed of 99mph, and on the combined fuel economy cycle it returns 60.1 mpg (4.7 litres/100 km) with CO₂ emissions of 125g/km.

The FIAT Panda Cross offers a comprehensive list of standard equipment, including automatic climate control; Blue&Me™ Bluetooth connectivity with a USB port and steering wheel controls; a satellite navigation dock; heated electric door mirrors; remote central locking; split rear seat with rear head restraints; height-adjustability for the driver’s seat and steering wheel; front fog lights; a leather steering wheel and gear knob; ESC system complete with ELD and Terrain Control and specific 15-inch alloy wheels with a burnished finish and all-season 185/65R15 M+S tyres. A comprehensive range of optional equipment and accessories is also available, including a Winter Pack (£250 - heated windscreen and heated front seats), rear parking sensors (£250), tinted rear windows (£155) and the innovative City Brake Control system (£250) which received a 'Euro NCAP Advanced’ reward for its contribution to road safety in 2013. This active safety system operates at speeds of up to 19mph and employs a LIDAR laser sensor to detect the presence of vehicles or obstacles in front of the car and, depending on the data it receives from the ESC system, can automatically utilise the vehicle’s Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Brake Prefill and Brake Assist systems if the driver fails to intervene promptly. By deploying these emergency braking systems, the FIAT Panda Cross can then avoid or mitigate the consequences of a collision.

The 2014 FIAT Panda Cross goes on sale in the UK early in Q4 2014 priced from £15,945 for the TwinAir version and £16,945 for the diesel-powered model. For more information please visit www.FIATpress.co.ukand for more information on the FIAT Panda 4X4 or the broader FIAT range visit www.FIAT.co.uk.

2014 FIAT PANDA CROSS TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
Engine	1.3 MultiJet 80hp S&S	0.9 TwinAir 90hp S&S
Displacement	1,248cc	875cc
Compression Ratio	16.8:1	10:1
Maximum Power	80hp @ 4,000rpm	90hp @ 5,500
Maximum Torque	190Nm / 140lb ft @ 1,500rpm	145Nm / 107lb ft @ 1,900 – 3,000rpm
Transmission	4X4 with ELD and ESC 5-speed manual	4X4 with ELD and ESC 6-speed manual with low 1st ratio
Brakes	Front 257 X 22mm vented discs. Rear 240 X 11 solid discs
Suspension	Front independent MacPherson struts, lower wishbones. Rear torsion beam
Dimensions	L 3,705mm X W 1,662mm (1,882 incl. mirrors) X H 1,657mm  WB 2,300mm
Capacities	Boot: 225 m3 (VDA), Fuel 35 litres
Kerb Weight DIN	1,155kg	1,090kg
Max Towing Weight	900kg braked, 400kg non-braked	800kg braked, 400kg non-braked
Performance	0-62mph 14.3s, 99mph	0-62mph 12.0s, 104mph
Fuel Economy	Urban: 56.5 mpg / 5.0l/100km Extra Urban: 61.4mpg / 4.6l/100km Combined: 60.1mpg / 4.7l/100km	Urban: 47.9 mpg / 5.9l/100km Extra Urban: 65.7mph / 4.3l/100km Combined: 57.6mpg / 4.9l/100km
Emissions	125g/km	114g/km
Angles	Approach 24 degrees / Breakover  21 degrees / Departure 34 degrees 70 percent maximum gradient / 55 percent maximum lateral gradient
Ground Clearance	158mm	161mm
Base Price	£16,945 OTR	£15,945 OTR