The new updated Skoda Octavia to carry the torch into the future and continue high sales too.

• An even more streamlined design, new headlights with LED technology
• Reworked interior, optional colour-controllable LED ambient lighting
• New infotainment systems in a glass design
• ŠKODA Connect: mobile online services for improved assistance and infotainment
• New driver assistance systems for even greater safety and comfort
• Two TSI engines and three TDI engines ranging from 115 PS to 184 PS
• All-wheel drive for the top-of-the-range models, optional Dynamic Chassis Control
• Two vRS models: 2.0 TDI with 184 PS, 2.0 TSI with 230 PS
• The best rally car within its class: ŠKODA presents the WRC2 World Champion FABIA R5

An even more striking design, new equipment and state-of-the-art technology for assistance, infotainment and connectivity – the ŠKODA Octavia presents its new face for the first time. The comprehensive upgrade has been applied to the hatchback as well as the Estate.

It is the heart and soul of ŠKODA, it embodies all of the Czech car manufacturer’s strengths and lays the foundations for its success – the ŠKODA Octavia. 

This compact car offers interior space that is among the most generous in its segment and brings equipment and technology of a mid-size car into the compact class. Its design is striking, its quality is on the highest level, and above all it represents exceptional value for money.

The Octavia is ŠKODA’s top seller: since its market launch in 1996, the Czech car manufacturer has produced more than five million ŠKODA Octavias. 

In 2016, now in its third generation, the large compact car made up more than 40 per cent of ŠKODA’s total sales worldwide with 436,000 vehicles sold. 255,000 cars found buyers in Europe, 4.2 per cent more than in the previous year. In the UK the Octavia enjoyed its best ever year with 23,068 registrations, up 2% on the previous year, with more than 20% of those badged vRS (+18% on 2015). 

The model range has expanded: additions are the all-terrain Octavia Scout and vRS models, which – as with the higher-end variants – are increasingly appealing to our customers’ needs. Comprehensively upgraded, the Octavia hatchback and the Octavia Estate are now starting the second half of their life cycle.

Design

The ŠKODA design team has streamlined the Octavia’s lines even further. 

The new front end with wider radiator grille, which has been expanded by introducing additional headlights with a crystalline look, and the even wider air inlets with honeycomb structure in the redesigned bumper create a masculine and dynamic look – instilling the car with an instantly recognisable face. 

As an option, the headlights are available in full-LED technology with adaptive front headlights (AFS).

The LED tail lights come in a choice of two variants; the C-shaped lights now illuminate in a uniform manner across the surface. The upgraded ŠKODA Octavia has grown by 11mm (hatch) and 8mm (Estate) in length, and the width of its rear track has increased by 20 or 30 mm (depending on engine and rear axle).

The interior comes across as high-quality and functional, the multifunction display and the air-conditioning controls have been retouched slightly. Subtle lighting units in the doors (optional) provide ambient lighting which can be adjusted to one of ten different colours.

Infotainment systems and ŠKODA Connect

The infotainment systems in the ŠKODA Octavia are part of a new generation. Their capacitive displays react to even the lightest touch. All the infotainment systems (optional) feature a glass design, starting with the 8.0-inch Bolero unit. 

The top-of-the-range Columbus navigation system comes with a 9.2-inch display, provides passengers with a Wi-Fi hotspot and has an optional extra LTE module for super fast data transfer. In addition, Phonebox enables inductive smartphone charging.

The connectivity features are also groundbreaking. ŠKODA Connect offers a range of new mobile online services that are divided into two categories, with the Infotainment Online services providing information and entertainment, and the Care Connect services providing assistance and support. 

Other online services, including remote access to the car, operate using the ŠKODA Connect app on your smartphone. The SmartLink+ platform incorporates the Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, MirrorLink™ and SmartGate standards to pair the mobile phone with the car.

Driver assistance systems

The new generation of electronic assistance systems makes driving the upgraded ŠKODA Octavia even safer and more comfortable. 

They surpass the usual level in the compact segment by far – in typical ŠKODA style – and there is a wide range to choose from. Trailer Assist, the Predictive Pedestrian Protection function, Blind Spot Detect and Rear Traffic Alert are new to the portfolio. 

The same applies to Crew Protect Assist; it works together with Front Assist including the City Emergency Braking function. Park Assist comes in a new, enhanced configuration.

Engines and chassis

The range of engines consists of two TSI engines and three TDI engines; they combine strong performance with low consumption. Their power ranges from 115 PS to 184 PS.  

Besides manual gearboxes, DSG transmissions with six speeds are available for almost all of the engines; ŠKODA offers all-wheel drive for the 2.0 TDI. Optional Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) is a highlight for the chassis – with it, the driver can regulate the character of the suspension by selecting the Comfort, Normal or Sport modes. All engines conform to the Euro 6 standard.

Interior space and equipment

When it comes to interior space, the ŠKODA Octavia continues to set benchmarks. The hatchback and the Estate each offer 1,782 mm of interior length and 73 mm of kneeroom in the rear. Their boot capacities measure 590 and 610 litres respectively, with the back seats folded down it’s 1,580/1,740 litres. For the Estate, an electric tailgate is available as an option.

Some new ideas have been added to the many ‘Simply Clever‛ features already offered by the ŠKODA Octavia to date: two USB ports in the rear, folding tray tables on the back of the front seats, bottle holders that make the opening of PET bottles easier, and a removable LED torch in the Estate’s boot. The heated steering wheel and customisable keys in particular ensure extra comfort and convenience.

The vRS models

At the top end of the upgraded Octavia portfolio are two vRS engine variants – the 2.0 TSI petrol and the 2.0 TDI diesel. The hatchback and the Estate combine their high performance with the great strengths of the model range and the new groundbreaking technology for the infotainment, connectivity and assistance systems.

The vRS models also present themselves in the new, streamlined design with the expressive four-eyed face. 

The headlights, fog lights and tail lights feature LED technology; details like the black radiator grille, the distinctive air ducts, the spoiler and the large exhaust pipes hint at the dynamic character. In the interior, there are vRS sports seats with leather/fabric covers (Alcantara® as an option), elegant decorative strips and ambient lighting.

For the ŠKODA Octavia RS 2.0 TSI, the power output has been increased to 230 PS, the top speed is 155 mph. The 184 PS 2.0 TDI wows with its efficiency – 62.8 mpg on the combined cycle (115 grams of CO2/km). The vRS models are available with a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 6-speed DSG transmission.

The sports chassis lowers the body by 15 mm, the rear track is 30 mm wider than before. Wheel dimensions range from 18 to 19 inches. The ESC stability system with XDS+ electronic inter-wheel lock, and Performance Mode Select with the Performance Sound Generator (optional) complete the dynamic character of the upgraded Octavia vRS models.

The ŠKODA FABIA R5 rally car

At the press event for the upgraded Octavia in Vienna, ŠKODA presents yet another highlight – the FABIA R5, the winning rally car in the 2016 FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2).

Having started seven times in the WRC 2 with the ŠKODA FABIA R5, the Finnish works crew Esapekka Lappi / Janne Ferm scooped the world championship drivers’ classification with four victories and two other podium finishes. 

In total, the car won 10 of the 13 world championship rallies. In addition, ŠKODA won the continental championships in South America, Asia-Pacific and in the Middle East as well as ten national titles in the 2016 season. 

“The many national and international titles and victories show that we have created a real winners’ car with the ŠKODA FABIA R5.,” said Christian Strube, ŠKODA Board Member for Technical Development. “The entire ŠKODA team is very proud of the extraordinary successes of our motorsport team.”

The best rally car within its class is powered by a 1.6-litre turbo engine, which produces 205 kW (290 PS) and 420 Nm of torque. A sequential five-speed transmission transfers the power to the 4×4 drive system that uses mechanical differentials on both axles. 

The wheel dimensions are 15 inches on gravel and 18 inches on tarmac. In accordance with regulations, the minimum weight for the rally car, which is just short of four metres long, is 1,230 kg; the price for customer teams is 180,000 euros.

USA - Nissan US Best seller gets Significantly refreshed for the 2016 Model Year.

• Significantly refreshed mid-size sedan is Nissan's top seller
• Altima is third best-selling passenger car in the U.S. in 2015 with five consecutive years of sales growth
• Class-leading standard 39 mpg highway, sportier SR trim level offered
• Expanded Safety Shield technologies available
• Canton, Miss. 2016 Altima production begins Nov. 2

Production begins today in Smyrna for the updated 2016 Nissan Altima, Nissan's top-selling vehicle.

Nissan's Smyrna, Tennessee assembly plant boasts production of two of the best-selling vehicles in the U.S. – the hot selling Rogue compact crossover that was redesigned for 2014, and the Altima that starting today is getting a mid-cycle refresh for the 2016 model year.

"Altima is Nissan's bellwether vehicle in North America, so we take great pride in getting it right and continually improving," said John Martin, senior vice president, Manufacturing, Supply Chain Management and Purchasing, Nissan North America. 

"All of our North American teams are aware of how important the mid-size sedan segment is to this region, and having five straight years of continuous sales growth in such an intensely competitive segment has become a point of pride for us."

The first Altima launched in Smyrna in 1992, and the popular mid-size sedan has been built there ever since. Brisk sales by 2004 prompted Nissan to expand production to Smyrna's sister plant in Canton, Mississippi. To date, over 5.5 million Altimas have rolled off the two U.S. plants' production lines. Canton will launch production of the 2016 Altima in one week.

Just three years after its total redesign for the 2013 model year, the Nissan Altima has been transformed again in one of the most extensive mid-cycle product makeovers in Nissan history. 

Updates include a refreshed exterior following the new Nissan "Energetic Flow" design language introduced initially with the MY15 Murano and followed by the all-new Maxima. 

Design is highlighted by a redesigned front and rear fascia, grille, headlamps, lower and wider taillights, new 17-inch and 18-inch machine-finished aluminum-alloy wheel designs, refined interior design, class-leading* standard fuel economy of 39 miles per gallon highway (2.5-liter engine, except 2.5 SR), addition of a new, sportier Altima SR grade and much more.

Nissan Safety Shield technologies available on the 2016 Altima include Forward Emergency Braking, Intelligent Cruise Control, Blind Spot Warning with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and class exclusive available Predictive Forward Collision Warning.

In 2014 the Smyrna plant became the highest-producing automotive assembly plant in North America, with more than 648,000 vehicles assembled. The operation employs more than 8,400 people and produces the all-electric Nissan LEAF, Pathfinder, Maxima and Infiniti QX60 in addition to the Rogue and Altima.

"I was here when the very first Altima came off the line, and we knew Altima was going to play an important role in Nissan's future in this region,” said Nissan Smyrna's vice president of manufacturing Randy Knight. "I don't know if any of us who were here back then had any idea just how successful or how important Altima would become. It just keeps getting better, and it is a credit to the talents of our North American teams in Engineering, Design and Manufacturing that it continues to appeal to car buyers in North America.”

The new 2016 Altima will go on sale at U.S. Nissan dealerships in November.

NEW 208 GETS PEUGEOT OFF TO A FAST START IN 2013

• 208 enters the ‘Top Ten’ UK best sellers at Number 7
• Sales of Peugeot cars and light commercials up 6% on January 2012
• Re-styled RCZ sees sales jump 35% in January

The new Peugeot 208 helped Peugeot UK get off to a great start in 2013 with sales volumes of cars and light commercials up 6% when compared with January 2012. The new 208, launched in the UK in June last year also entered the ‘Top Ten’ UK best sellers list at number 7 in January. To date some 23,000 orders have been received.

Other models in Peugeot’s extensive range also saw improved sales volumes in January, particularly the re-styled RCZ, the 3008 and 5008 – all of which have changed the brand perception of Peugeot with their new designs, stylish appearance and high quality interiors.

Neil Moscrop, Sales Director at Peugeot UK, said: “2013 has started well, especially with the 208 continuing to build on the demand following launch and we are confident that with a healthy order bank going forward our sales success will continue”.

Ford's Evergreen Fiesta gains top seller in Europe for 2012

• The Ford Fiesta is Europe’s top-selling small car of 2012, and the second most popular car overall,* with one purchased every two minutes on average
• Fiesta has been overall UK best seller every year since 2009
• European sales success confirmed as dealerships across the continent celebrate Fiesta Day to mark the latest model’s arrival
• New Fiesta offers a bolder exterior, a more refined interior, the award-winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine, Ford SYNC and Ford MyKey

Consumers bought a new Ford Fiesta every two minutes on average last year, making it the best-selling small car in Europe, according to automotive data intelligence provider JATO Dynamics.*

Ford last year sold 953,174 cars in the 30 European markets monitored by Jato, including 306,405 Fiestas. Ford recently announced that during 2012 more than 1.4 million Ford vehicles were sold across all of the 51 European markets in which it operates.

In the UK, Ford sold almost 110,000 Fiesta models last year – confirming its position as the nation’s most popular car every year since 2009.

In anticipation of the latest model’s arrival, Ford’s 530 UK dealers set aside January 24th as “Fiesta Day” to help manage unprecedented levels of interest in Ford’s new baby.

In addition to special “Fiesta Day” showroom features and attractions, Ford has also launched a Facebook app which analyses information on profile pages to match users with their ideal Fiesta specification.  The app also encourages the submission of ideas on the perfect 24 hours in a new Fiesta – as already enjoyed by singing star Jessie Ware (www.youtube.com/watch?v=5lAuJqakzYY).

“The Fiesta had a fantastic 2012 in the UK, Europe and across the world,” said Roelant de Waard, vice president, Marketing, Sales and Service, Ford of Europe. “This iconic car has come to define what customers desire from a small car – style, quality, efficiency and great technology.”

Ford has sold more than 15 million Fiestas worldwide since the vehicle first went into production in 1976. The Fiesta now has been the top-selling small car in Europe for three out of the past four years. During that period, more than 1.7 million Fiestas have been sold in Europe and 2.1 million globally.

The U.K. was the most successful European market for Fiesta in 2012, with 109,250 models registered according to Ford figures. Across Europe, Frozen White proved the most popular paint colour among Fiesta customers.

Ford is currently launching the new Fiesta in Europe – which is coming to dealerships now – which is redesigned inside and out and offers the 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine – the 2012 “International Engine of the Year”. An ECOnetic Technology version powered by a 1.6-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engine achieves 87 g/km CO2**.

The new Fiesta also offers MyKey, a Ford-exclusive technology that allows parents to encourage safer driving and limit their teenager’s exposure to risk at the wheel. Ford also has equipped new Fiesta with Ford SYNC, a voice-activated in-car connectivity system, and SYNC Emergency Assistance, which directly connects vehicle occupants to local emergency services operators after an accident.

In addition, Fiesta offers Active City Stop, which can help avoid or mitigate low-speed collisions.

“The new Fiesta has some big shoes to fill in 2013 but is perfectly equipped to do so,” said de Waard. “Being acclaimed as Europe’s best-loved small car in 2012 is a great achievement and we thank all of our customers who continue to put their faith in the Fiesta.”

* JATO Dynamics results are based on information provided by JATO Consult, the company's bespoke consulting service.  Figures are based on 30 European countries. For more information please visit www.jato.com.

** The stated fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions are measured according to the technical requirements and specifications of the European Regulation (EC) 715/2007 as last amended. The results may differ from fuel economy figures in other regions of the world due to the different drive cycles and regulations used in those markets.

Ford's Refreshed Fiesta has a new ST stablemate

• New Ford Fiesta ST goes on sale priced from £16,995 – up to £2,000 less than the segment competitors
• Powered by the 1.6-litre Ford EcoBoost engine delivering 182PS and 290Nm of torque
• Available in three-door bodystyle
• Two trim levels – ST and ST2
• Dealer deliveries from March

Ford has announced prices for a two-series Fiesta ST line-up at £16,995 and £17,995 on the road.  These prices, which are up to £2000 less than segment competitors, make the exciting Fiesta ST the most accessible new hot hatch on the UK market.

News of hot prices for the next fast Ford comes as UK dealers mark the arrival of the full Fiesta range in their showrooms.  Orders for this latest model have already exceeded 15,000. 

Building on this momentum, all of Ford’s 530 UK dealers have set aside January 24^th as “Fiesta Day” to help manage unprecedented levels of interest in Ford’s new baby – the UK’s top selling car since 2009.

In addition to special showroom features and attractions, Ford has also launched a Facebook app which analyses information on profile pages to match users with their ideal Fiesta specification.  The app also encourages the submission of ideas on the perfect 24 hours in a new Fiesta – as already enjoyed by singing star Jessie Ware (www.youtube.com/watch?v=5lAuJqakzYY).

Sports Technologies

The performance star of the Fiesta range is powered by a 1.6-litre Ford EcoBoost, all-aluminium, four cylinder petrol engine which combines high pressure direct injection, low inertia turbocharging and twin independent variable cam timing.  The new Fiesta ST develops 182PS and peak torque of 290Nm.  Sprinting from 0-62mph in 6.9 seconds, the sporty ST remains capable of returning 47.9mpg and CO₂ emissions of just 138g/km.

Unique suspension and steering tuning and enhanced Torque Vectoring Control (eTVC) combines with a 15mm lower ride-height to deliver significant dynamic improvements. 

Available in a three-door bodystyle the Fiesta ST is clearly identifiable with an imposing black honeycomb trapezoidal front grille, large rear spoiler with twin air vents and twin exhaust.  Striking colour choices including Molten Orange and Spirit Blue and an optional style pack adds red brake calipers and grey alloy wheels to enhance the sporty appearance.

Standard UK specification includes 17in alloy wheels, halogen projector headlamps, ST front fog lights, DAB radio, SYNC connectivity, Thatcham CAT 1 alarm, Recaro seats My Key and air conditioning.

The ST2 trim adds partial leather heated Recaro seats, Sony DAB radio, Ford keyless start, privacy glass and LED daytime running lamps.

“The UK’s renowned love affair with fast Fords is about to get another boost,” said Mark Ovenden, Ford Britain managing director.  “We have had fantastic success with the new Focus ST, and the Fiesta ST will deliver similar thrills to a whole new audience and at a uniquely accessible price.”