Ford launches new colour editions of the ever popular Transit Customer LCV.

• Ford launches exclusive new Transit Custom models for customers that want to combine eye-catching looks with impressive capability
• New Transit Custom Colour Edition brings vibrant contrasts to the one-tonne van market, in four striking colour schemes with contrasting roof, mirrors and skid plate
• Sport series with signature twin stripes now available in eight bodystyles; responds to rising customer demand, with sales up 52 per cent in first 10 months of 2016
• Latest Tourneo Custom people mover also enhances appeal with Sport package, plus new 6-speed automatic, rear air suspension and alloy wheel options

Ford has revealed exclusive new variants of the Transit Custom one-tonne commercial vehicle that provide stylish and functional transportation for independent businesses and artisans who want to stand out from the crowd.

The new Transit Custom Colour Edition van offers four eye-catching colour schemes that feature contrasting roof, mirror caps, skid plate and side stripes, along with unique black 17‑inch alloy wheels.

The Transit Custom Sport series van with its signature twin bonnet stripes is also now available in a much wider choice of bodystyles. 

 Sport series customers can now select van and double-cab-in-van models in both short and long wheelbase versions; in addition, the latest Tourneo Custom people mover can be specified with the same Sport package.

“Many of our retail customers are no longer satisfied with a standard white van, and these stunning new vehicles provide the perfect solution,” said Hans Schep, general manager, Commercial Vehicles, Ford of Europe. “The new Transit Custom makes a really positive statement about their business, and looks great on the driveway at the weekend.”

The demand for sporting and distinctive Transit models has continued to build since the original Sport Van was introduced by Ford in 2007. During the first 10 months of 2016, sales of the current Transit Custom Sport are up by 52 per cent in the UK compared to the same period the previous year.

New Colour Edition – bold contrasts, sports style

Available for delivery in spring 2017, the Transit Custom Colour Edition provides van customers with an exclusive new appearance option with just 400 units available in the UK.

Inspired by the bold contrasting colours of Ford’s successful passenger cars like the Fiesta and Focus Red and Black Editions, the new model can be specified in Race Red, Deep Impact Blue and Frozen White with Jet Black contrasts, and Shadow Black with Race Red contrasts.

All Transit Custom Colour Edition vehicles have a short-wheelbase, standard roof van bodystyle, and are based on the 290 Trend series model featuring the powerful all-new 170PS 2.0-litre Ford EcoBlue diesel engine with 6-speed manual transmission, with the enhanced chassis settings from the Sport series van.

Transit Custom Sport series with expanded appeal

Responding to customer demand for a wider choice of body and seating options, the Transit Custom Sport series is now available in six different variants – a significant expansion from the single short-wheelbase van version offered previously.

As before, the range-topping Sport series features a muscular body kit and a fully colour-coded exterior, with body-colour bumpers, side mirrors and door handles, along with body-side mouldings and wheelarch extensions that have been redesigned for the latest model. The bold appearance is finished off with new 17-inch alloy wheels in a two-tone silver and black design – with optional silver 18-inch alloy wheels – and twin bonnet stripes in a contrasting colour.

The sporting style also features partial leather interior trim combining Pewter seat fabric with charcoal black leather bolsters, including second or third seat rows where fitted, and the latest interior technologies such as the Ford SYNC connectivity package.

The standard powertrain combines the 170PS Ford EcoBlue diesel engine with a 6-speed manual, but customers can also specify the new 6-speed SelectShift automatic transmission option on three of the Sport series variants.

All Sport models are based on the 290 series Transit Custom, with driving dynamics further optimised with a unique chassis specification delivering enhanced steering, handling and ride, and a more responsive and agile feel.

Compared to a standard vehicle, roll control is improved by a thicker front anti-roll bar and the addition of a rear anti-roll bar. On the van model, this is combined with softer rear springs for increased comfort when lightly laden, along with unique damper tuning, with firmer settings on the rear, for enhanced ride and steering control. Double-cab-in-van models have different spring and damper settings optimised for both handling and rear passenger comfort.

The expanded Transit Custom Sport series is available to order at the end of the year for customer delivery in spring 2017.

Tourneo Custom people mover – with Sport, Auto and Rear Air Suspension options

For the first time, Ford’s spacious and versatile Tourneo Custom people mover is now available with a Sport series option, providing both private buyers and business purchasers with a more dynamic exterior appearance and a stylish sports interior.

The Sport variant is based on the Tourneo Custom Titanium model, and can be specified as an 8-seat vehicle in either short or long wheelbase form with the 170PS Ford EcoBlue diesel engine. The exterior and interior enhancements are shared with the equivalent Transit Custom.

The latest Tourneo Custom is also now offered with significant new features and technologies including the smooth and responsive new 6-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 an attractive new 17-inch alloy wheel option for enhanced handling and braking performance.

Transit Custom and Tourneo Custom showcase all-new Ford EcoBlue diesel

Ford earlier this year introduced the state-of-the-art Ford EcoBlue diesel engine to Transit Custom and Tourneo Custom vehicles, delivering significant cost of ownership and performance benefits, with fuel efficiency improved by up to 13 per cent and low-end torque by 20 per cent.

Sophisticated new driver assistance technologies for both models include:

• Pre-Collision Assist emergency braking system – the first in the segment to feature Pedestrian Detection technology – that reduces the severity of some frontal collisions involving vehicles and pedestrians, or helps drivers avoid some impacts altogether
• An upgraded Electronic Stability Control system that provides an enhanced suite of functions to improve vehicle stability in extreme driving situations including Side Wind Stabilisation – a new system that applies the brakes on one side of the vehicle to reduce the effect of a sudden side wind gust on the vehicle’s path

USA - New for 2017 the Audi A3 Sportback e-tron gets enhancements across the board, from drive to interior.

• Updated e-tron model for 2017 continues to provide efficiency without sacrificing performance, offering an all-electric driving option when it’s wanted, and the freedom to drive further when it’s needed
• Product enhancements include improved technology offerings such as the available Audi virtual cockpit and standard driver assistance systems including Audi pre sense® front
• Unique body styling and available e-tron Sport package further differentiate the plug-in hybrid from the rest of the A3 model line

Audi of America’s refreshed A3 Sportback e-tron is poised to continue to bring new owners to the electric plug-in hybrid family. The compact vehicle in the A3 model-line combines performance with impressive efficiency, and now offers even more technology, for a premium driving experience that is truly Audi.

The A3 Sportback e-tron continues to be a success for Audi, with nearly 13 percent of all A3 sales being comprised of e-tron sales. As the brand’s first step towards providing an electrified future in the U.S., the e-tron offers a versatile choice for the full array of daily commuting challenges, some of which can be handled on battery power alone.

2017 A3 Sportback e-tron

Combining the benefits of a hybrid with all-electric range, the A3 Sportback e-tron continues to feature a 1.4-liter TFSI® engine and a permanent magnet-driven electric motor to produce 204 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. With impressive off-the-line acceleration, the e-tron sprints from 0-60 mph in just 7.6 seconds.

As the only Audi available in a Sportback model and with more than 43.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the rear seats folded down, the A3 e-tron offers customers a premium driving experience with every day utility. 

New for 2017, the e-tron comes equipped with even more standard features including panoramic sunroof, rearview camera, LED daytime running lights with available e-tron signature LED headlights (Premium Plus and Prestige only) and standard driver assistance systems such as Audi pre sense basic and Audi pre sense front.

Expanded technology offerings include the available Audi virtual cockpit, Audi smartphone interface with Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto integration for compatible devices, Audi connect PRIME and PLUS services (6-month trial subscription) and MMI® Navigation plus with MMI touch, further raising the bar as to drivers can expect from electric vehicles. 

Specially designed for e-tron, the Audi virtual cockpit includes unique displays such as a power meter screen which shows the range and consumption figures for both the electricity and gasoline, placed in the driver’s line of vision.

Also exclusive to the A3 Sportback e-tron is the available Sport package which adds a 3-spoke, flat-bottom, multifunction steering wheel with shift paddles, 18” 15-spoke Turbine-design wheels with all-season tires, front sport seats, and an S line roof spoiler, further differentiating the e-tron from the rest of the A3 model line.

Four unique drive modes within the Audi drive select system continue to allow e-tron drivers to dictate how to use the vehicle’s electric range to best suit their needs. 

From hybrid mode, which automatically chooses the most efficient power source based on speed and performance demand, to Sport mode, which uses all available power from both the combustion engine and the electric motor to deliver all-out performance, the e-tron is a versatile choice for a variety of daily driving needs.

The e-tron will be priced from $38,900 at the Premium trim level to $47,550 at the Prestige trim. In California, the vehicle’s largest market, purchasing customers who are residents of the state may also qualify for additional state and federal incentives and tax credits.

Tax credits and incentives are subject to eligibility requirements and availability, and customers should consult their tax professionals and IRS.gov for more information about tax credits and incentives.

Pricing Detail:

MODEL	PREMIUM	PREMIUM      PLUS	PRESTIGE
A3 Sportback e-tron	$38,900	$42,000	$47,550

Prices above exclude destination charge ($950), taxes, title, options, and dealer charges. Dealer sets actual price.

Federal tax credits are only available to qualifying taxpayers that purchase a new Audi A3 e-tron vehicle, and are not available to lease customers. Qualifications for state incentives will vary. All tax credits and incentives are subject to change. Please consult a tax professional for advices. This content does not constitute tax advice.

USA - New BRABUS Sport Package now available on smart fortwo coupe and cabrio.

New BRABUS Sport Package now available on smart fortwo coupe and cabrio

BRABUS is returning to the smart lineup in the U.S. market, featuring a sport package on fortwo coupe and cabrio models.  Available as a $1,900 option, the BRABUS Sport Package allows customers to further customize their smart fortwo with unique styling and a sportier driving experience.

The introduction of the all-new BRABUS Sport Package expands the customization options on smart fortwo coupe and cabrio models.  Exclusively available on the smart lineup, the BRABUS Sport Package is available for both manual and twinamic transmissions on passion, prime and proxy trim levels.

For a sportier driving experience, the BRABUS Sport Suspension lowers the vehicle by 0.4 in (10 mm) compared to the standard smart fortwo.  Additional suspension upgrades, including a stiffer anti-roll bar and new BRABUS-tuned damping system, ensures a sporty ride and improves handling and driving dynamics. 

The BRABUS Sport Package gives the car a more aggressive look with staggered fitment Monoblock IX wheels finished in matte grey paint (Front: 16" / Rear: 17").  These performance wheels are fitted with Yokohama summer performance tires (Front: 185/50 R16 / Rear: 205/40 R17).

The BRABUS Sport Package offers unique interior and exterior styling options., including BRABUS wheel center caps, a matte grey rear diffusor and both a BRABUS front spoiler and rear apron finished in the vehicle's body color.

The interior features grey stitching on the BRABUS 3-spoke multifunction sport steering wheel and BRABUS logos on the gear knob and handbrake lever. The upholstery parallels the trim level—passion, prime or proxy—of the smart fortwo. The interior is further refined by brushed stainless steel sport pedals with rubber studs. Models equipped with the twinamic transmission also add steering wheel mounted paddle shifters.

The BRABUS Sport Package will be available on 2017 smart fortwo coupes and cabrios starting this fall.

Arrival of new 2014 Ford F-150 STX SuperCrew® gives customers full range of cab options

• Arrival of new 2014 Ford F-150 STX SuperCrew® gives customers full range of cab options on value-oriented pickup; stylish new STX Sport Package now available as well
• Ford F-150 STX comes standard with 3.7-liter V6 engine, delivering an EPA-estimated 17 mpg city and 23 mpg highway; Ford F-150 also offers the half-ton segment’s only available compressed natural gas prep package
• SuperCrew offers customers more cabin space and four doors to accommodate crews on a work site or a family night out

Ford, America’s truck leader, adds the 2014 Ford F-150 STX SuperCrew® and STX Sport Package to its lineup, offering entry-level and value-oriented truck customers capable, roomy and stylish new options.

“With the rapidly expanding full-size pickup market continuing to benefit from economic growth and replacement demand, price-conscious buyers are returning looking for an affordable truck with space, capability and style,” said Doug Scott, Ford truck group marketing manager. “Adding the Ford F-150 STX SuperCrew and the new STX Sport Package to our 2014 lineup gives these truck shoppers more value-oriented F-150 models to consider.”

The F-150 STX SuperCrew meets the needs of first-time and returning value-conscious pickup truck customers, especially those who need to transport a crew to a job site or take the family on a trip.

Positioned between the work-ready XL and popular XLT models, STX offers upgraded exterior and interior features beyond what’s usually available for entry-level crew cab pickups:

• Body-color front bumper fascia, grille surrounds, and front and rear step bumpers
• Power Equipment Group, which includes power door locks, integrated keyhead transmitter remotes, power one-touch up/down windows and sideview mirrors, Illuminated Entry System and perimeter alarm
• 17-inch machined aluminum wheels
• Audio input jack
• Cruise control
• Customer information display
• MyKey® , a programmable feature that allows fleet owners and parents to limit top speed and audio volume, and set speed-alert chimes to encourage safer driving
• Outside temperature display
• Front-row 40/20/40 premium cloth bench seat
• Driver manual lumbar adjust
• Air conditioning
• AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™
• Tilt steering wheel
• AM/FM stereo with single CD player

Ford F-150 STX comes standard with a 302-horsepower, 278-lb.-ft.-of-torque 3.7-liter V6 engine, delivering an EPA-estimated 17 mpg city and 23 mpg highway. Ford F-150 also offers the half-ton segment’s only available compressed natural gas prep package.

A 5.0-liter V8 rated at 360 horsepower and 380 lb.-ft. of torque is also available, enabling STX SuperCrew to tow up to 9,500 pounds when properly equipped.

For buyers looking for extra style and personalization, the new STX Sport Package, available in all cab configurations, strengthens vehicle appearance with custom-inspired details.

The new STX Sport Package adds:

• 20-inch machined aluminum painted wheels with P275/55R20 tires
• Black billet grille with body-color surround
• Black tubular running boards
• Black and Gray Piston cloth front seats (40/console/40 on SuperCab and SuperCrew, 40/20/40 on Regular Cab)
• Color-coordinated carpet
• Unique box decals

Ford is offering this new configuration at a time when truck sales continue to be a bright spot in the economy. Sales of full-size pickups through July are up 23 percent, compared to an industry that is up 8 percent, making it the fastest growth segment this year. Through July, 427,935 Ford F-Series pickups have been sold. Ford F-Series is America’s best-selling vehicle for 31 consecutive years and best-selling truck for 36 consecutive years.

The 2014 Ford F-150 STX model lineup starts under $30,000. Manufacturer’s suggested retail price for STX SuperCrew starts at $33,145 for the 4x2 version with 3.7-liter V6 and $37,570 for the 4x4 with 5.0-liter V8. Current available discounts reduce the final price of the STX Sport Package, and F-150 Equipment Group 201A featuring the Trailer Tow Package, SYNC® voice-activated controls and SiriusXM Satellite Radio, to $980. Destination charges are $1,095.

New Luxus IS, available to order from today.

KEY POINTS

• New Lexus IS to deliver bold new styling and enhanced driving performance in all new package
• Pricing starts from £26,495 for IS 250 SE models,
• IS 300h SE models available from £29,495
• 2.5-litre full hybrid system available for the first time in IS range, with CO₂ emissions from 99g/km
• Lexus dealers available to take orders from today, with deliveries from mid July

Lexus today revealed the pricing and specification details of its all-new IS range, which will be launched in the UK this summer. The line-up, unveiled at the North American International Motor Show in Detroit includes the first full-hybrid IS, the IS 300h, together with the 2.5-litre petrol-powered IS 250. Both versions feature rear-wheel drive and will be available with a further evolution of Lexus’s F Sport package.

Lexus dealers are open for orders from today, with customer deliveries from mid July, the third generation IS benefits from Lexus’ new focus on a rewarding driving experience and bold design, featuring the signature spindle grille.

The entry point to the new range is the SE, priced from £26,495 for the 2.5-litre IS 250, and £29,495 for the 2.5-litre full hybrid IS 300h. This model is generously specified, and includes the following specifications:

• 16” alloy wheels
• Drive mode select (Normal, Eco & Sport – additional EV mode on IS 300h)
• Cruise Control
• Smart entry and start system
• Dual-zone climate control air conditioning
• Power-fold heated mirrors
• HID headlamps with dusk sensing function
• 8 airbags
• 60/40 split rear seats (IS 250 only)
• Lexus display audio with DAB and Bluetooth connectivity
• Temporary spare wheel (Tyrerepair kit on IS 300h)

The feature model of the new IS range is the Luxury, priced from £27,995 for IS 250, and £30,995 for IS 300h. This model adds the following to the SE model:

• 17” alloy wheels
• Lexus Park Assist
• Rain-sensing wipers
• 60/40 split rear seats (both IS 250 & IS 300h)

F Sport is priced from £30,495 for IS 250, and £33,495 for IS 300h, and adds further sport cues to the interior and exterior design, including:

• 18” 10 spoke F Sport alloy wheels
• Sport suspension with lateral damping system
• F Sport mesh grille
• LFA-style instrument meters
• F Sport aluminium sports pedals
• F Sport leather trim on steering wheel and gear lever

Premier models are priced from £35,495 for IS 250 and £38,495 for IS 300h, and offers the highest standard specifications available, including:

• 18” 5 spoke alloy wheels
• Automatically folding wing mirrors
• 8-way power-assisted leather seats including heating and ventilation functions
• Electrically operated steering column
• 7-inchHDDfull map satellite navigation system with dynamic route guidance, rear view camera and connected services
• Mark Levinson sound system with 15 speakers and 5.1 channel surround sound

Accessories

A range of options are available for New IS, giving owners a cost-effective way of adding items of specification that are important to them.

Black leather upholstery is available on Luxury and F Sport models. Pricing starts from £1,400 for 6 way adjustable leather seats with heater function (available on Luxury models only). F Sport customers can also specify 8 way adjustable leather seats with heater and ventilation functions for £2,300, in either black or dark rose leather.

7-inch HDD full map satellite navigation system featured as standard on Premier models is available as an option on the rest of the range for £1,995.

Premier models can be equipped with a sunroof for £1,000

Metallic or mica paint can be specified on all models for £610

Colour range

SE, Luxury and Premier models are available in an 8 colour range: Velvet Black, Arctic Pearl, Satin Silver, Sonic Titanium, Mercury Grey, Mesa Red, Atlantic Blue and Celestial Black.  F Sport models are available in F Sport White and Ultra Blue, colours that are unique to this model.

Prices

MODEL	POWERTRAIN	OTR PRICE	TRANSMISSION
IS 250 SE	2.5-litre V6 petrol	£26,495	6AT
IS 300h SE	2.5-litre full hybrid	£29,495	E-CVT
IS 250 Luxury	2.5-litre V6 petrol	£27,995	6AT
IS 300h Luxury	2.5-litre full hybrid	£30,995	E-CVT
IS 250 F Sport	2.5-litre V6 petrol	£30,495	6AT
IS 300h F Sport	2.5-litre full hybrid	£33,495	E-CVT
IS 250 Premier	2.5-litre V6 petrol	£35,495	6AT
IS 300h Premier	2.5-litre full hybrid	£38,495	E-CVT