The French Ambassador to the UK has taken delivery of a top of the range Peugeot 508 RXH Hybrid.

• Ambassador of France to the United Kingdom has taken delivery of a new PEUGEOT 508 RXH
• French Embassy car is for all official duties with the Ambassador of France to the United Kingdom
• The PEUGEOT 508 RXH is a range-topping, diesel-electric hybrid vehicle

Her Excellency, Sylvie Bermann, the Ambassador of France to the United Kingdom and Stéphane Le Guével, Director General for Peugeot Citroёn Automobiles UK were re-acquainted today on the occasion of the arrival of the new official French Embassy car – a PEUGEOT 508 RXH. Both had met before when they had similar responsibilities working in China a couple of years ago.

The French Embassy car is a top-of-the-range 508 model, chosen from an extensive PEUGEOT line-up, and was selected to represent the Ambassador of France on official duties for its presence, comfort, versatility and efficiency, notably being a low emissions hybrid vehicle. 

Powered by HYbrid4 technology it has four-wheel drive capability, combined 200hp output and selectable drive modes; for zero emissions, sport, 4WD and fully Auto. The CO₂ output however, is just 109g/km despite it being a large-proportioned 5-seater estate car with all the versatile capabilities.

Features that make the 508 RXH a perfect official car include; versatile drivetrain – powerful or silent on demand, Full LED headlamps for a clear view ahead, integrated Satellite Navigation to find the next appointment, Panoramic glass roof to see the wider picture from the comfortable rear seats and a host of highly-specified standard equipment features. 

Distinguished externally by its up-market PEUGEOT grille and forward-facing badging, the distinctive exterior style includes wheel arch and sill extensions, aluminium front and rear bumper scuff plates and a raised suspension setting – ideal for getting in and out of the car with grace and composure.

The 508 was launched to embody quality, purity, efficiency and be the marque’s expression in the segment of grand touring cars, providing occupants with comfort over long-distance, and the efficiency to go ever further. Other models in the range are available with CO₂ from just 101g/km, in Saloon and SW (estate) body styles with the choice of petrol, diesel or HYbrid4 powertrains. 

PEUGEOT anniversaries in 2016

• 120 years since PEUGEOT Automobiles business was established and produced its own engines
• 115 years since the first PEUGEOT Bebé was launched – it became a ‘style leader’
• 100 years since PEUGEOT won the Indianapolis Grand Prix for the second time (wins 1913/1916/1919)
• 80 years since the launch of the 402 (produced as a Limousine, Coupé, Cabriolet and Coach)
• 75 years since the VLV - the first production electric car
• 60 years since the launch of the 403 Cabriolet – made famous as the car of ‘Columbo’ on TV
• 50 years since PEUGEOT won the East African Safari rally for the second time (wins 1963/1966/1967)
• 50 years since the launch of the 204 Coupé, Cabriolet and Fourgonnette (van)
• 40 years since the 504 won the Morocco Rally and the 504 V6 Coupé won the Bandama Rally
• 35 years since PEUGEOT Sport was formed, combining all the skills in one Competitions Department
• 30 years since the 205 T16 won the World Rally Championship for the second time (wins in 1985/1986)
• 25 years since the launch of the compact 106
• 20 years of the Partner (commercial and passenger vehicle) – one of the UK’s best-selling LCVs

Mazda launches a new Range Topping limited edition to the MX-5 sports car range, The Sport Recaro.

• Limited Edition range-topping model joins the all-new Mazda MX-5 line up.
• All-new Mazda MX-5 Sport Recaro offers sporty styling enhancements and extra equipment.
• Available in two free-of-charge paint colours – Soul Red Metallic and Ceramic Metallic.
• Powered by 2.0-litre 160ps SKYACTIV-G petrol engine.   
• £24,295 on-the-road (OTR) and available to order now.
• Unique look courtesy of Sports Aero Kit and Diamond cut alloy wheels. 

The Limited Edition all-new Mazda MX-5 Sport Recaro has joined Mazda’s award-winning sports car line up. Based on the 2.0-litre 160ps Sport Nav, the Sport Recaro retains the finely balanced performance and handling of the standard car, but limited to just 600 cars, it benefits from added exclusivity and sporty styling enhancements inside and out.

The lightest MX-5 since the iconic original, the all-new Mazda MX-5 is shorter, lower and wider than the outgoing car, with the smallest overhangs and lowest centre of gravity yet. These dynamic proportions combined with Mazda’s KODO: Soul of Motion design philosophy ensure that the all-new Mazda MX-5’s styling reflects its focus on driving pleasure in an unmistakably contemporary and dynamic way. 

Created with the discerning sports car fan in mind, the Sport Recaro builds on these sharp looks with a Brilliant Black Sports Aero kit that includes a rear spoiler, plus front, side and rear skirts. Piano Black door mirrors and 17-inch Diamond Cut alloy wheels with an engraved MX-5 logo complete the stand out exterior appearance.

Inside, the classy MX-5 cabin gains an Alcantara dashboard panel, alloy pedals and unique floor mats. Complementing the premium feel of the cabin, the standard Recaro seats feature Alcantara upholstery on the seat cushion and seat back, while red seat piping compliments the red stitching found on the dash, handbrake and gear lever. 

Designed to deliver outstanding lumbar and lateral support, the heated Recaro seats are perfectly aligned with the Jinba Ittai concept of car and driver as one that defines the Mazda MX-5. Complementing the Mazda MX-5’s driver-focused cabin and communicative controls, the supportive Recaro seats match the fun-to-drive ethos that has made the Mazda MX-5 the best-selling two-seater sports car of all time.

Based on the generous specification of the 2.0-litre Sport Nav, the all-new Mazda MX-5 Sport Recaro features LED headlights, a leather steering wheel, climate control air-conditioning, DAB radio, Integrated Bluetooth^®, integrated navigation system with 3-years free European map updates, rain sensing wipers, rear parking sensors, smart keyless entry, a premium Bose^®sound system and cruise control, plus Mazda’s MZD-Connect connectivity and infotainment system with 7-inch Colour touch-screen display and Multimedia Commander.

In line with the 2.0-litre Sport Nav, the Sport Recaro benefits from a dynamic set-up that includes Sports suspension featuring Bilstein dampers, a limited slip differential and strut tower bar. Across the range, the all-new Mazda MX-5 was conceived and developed under the concept of “innovate in order to preserve”. This engineering philosophy has allowed Mazda to maintain the agility, fun and engagement that has always defined the MX-5 while at the same time meeting ever-increasing safety and efficiency requirements, alongside improved refinement. 

Continuing Mazda’s long tradition of special edition MX-5s, the all-new Mazda MX-5 Sport Recaro is the first Limited Edition version of the all-new fourth-generation MX-5 offered in the UK, and its exclusivity is marked out by an individually numbered badge located on the centre storage box lid. With its stand out styling, sporty cabin enhancements and Recaro seats, the all-new Mazda MX-5 Sport Recaro is available to order now.

Ssangyong launches new range topping Rexton W model to replace the old EX version.

• Significant enhancements inside and out
• Luxurious beige/grey leather seating and interior
• Multi-function steering wheel and updated instrumentation
• Multi-link rear suspension
• Great value at £27,995

SsangYong has announced a new range-topping model to its Rexton W line-up - the ELX. The five-seat Rexton W ELX gets a number of significant enhancements over the EX model, including a luxurious new beige/grey leather interior - seats, door trims and matching carpets, a new multi-function leather covered steering wheel and updated instrumentation.  

There are also distinctive 18” Diamond cut alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights within the headlamp units, front parking sensors, auto-dipping rear view mirror, heated rear seats and Sat Nav to set the car apart, which is also now available in a smart new Dandy blue metallic finish.

“We are continually looking for ways to reinforce the SsangYong value proposition,” says Paul Williams, CEO of SsangYong Motor UK, “and this new Rexton W ELX adds a number of significant enhancements at very little extra money.  This highly competent 4x4 just got even better!”

Rexton W

Built on a steel ladder chassis and with a 3 tonne towing capacity, the SsangYong Rexton W is a serious off-roader and tow-car.  

Powered by SsangYong’s own 2.0 litre turbo charged e-XDi200 diesel engine, it delivers maximum power of 155ps/4,000rpm and maximum torque of 360Nm/1,500-3,000rpm, and is designed to provide low end torque whatever the conditions.  There is a choice of 6-speed manual transmission or 5-speed Mercedes-Benz T-Tronic automatic.

Noted for being an extremely competent off-roader, Rexton W uses a body on frame construction for maximum strength, and the car also features a sophisticated multi-link rear suspension system to ensure a comfortable ride both on and off-road.

The new Rexton W has an almost unrivalled position in the 4x4 sector.  Prices start from only £21,995, with the new the ELX at just £27,995