Skoda announces that it has produced the 1.5 millionth 3rd generation of its Octavia Hatchback and Estate.

• Milestone vehicle rolls off the production line at the main plant in Mladá Boleslav
• More than five million customers have opted for the ‘heart of the brand’ since 1996
• Over 80,000 third-generation Octavia have been chosen by UK customers
• The ŠKODA OCTAVIA is one of the most successful model lines in the automotive world

The ‘heart of ŠKODA’ has reached a special milestone: the car manufacturer’s employees at the main plant in Mladá Boleslav have produced the 1.5-millionth third-generation OCTAVIA. 

The comprehensively upgraded new version of the bestseller has continued the model range’s success story since the beginning of February. It impresses with redesigned front and rear sections as well as state-of-the-art solutions in terms of driver assistance systems, infotainment and connectivity. 

Since the first modern OCTAVIA generation was launched 21 years ago, over five million customers around the world have chosen the compact model from the long-established Czech brand. This makes the OCTAVIA model range one of the most successful in the automotive world.

“With the OCTAVIA, the rapid development of our company really gathered pace from 1996,” said Michael Oeljeklaus, Board Member for Production and Logistics. 

“It has been an important pillar of the ŠKODA portfolio for over two decades. With the third generation of our bestseller, we have seamlessly built on the success story of the first two editions. Much of the credit for the success of the OCTAVIA and the ŠKODA brand goes to our motivated and highly skilled workforce, which now has 1.5 million reasons to be proud of its achievements,” added Oeljeklaus.

With more than five million units sold, the ŠKODA OCTAVIA is the Czech car manufacturer’s bestselling model. The first generation alone, which rolled off the production line from 1996 until the end of November 2010, won over more than 1.4 million buyers. 

The second-generation OCTAVIA continued the success of its predecessor: between 2004 and 2013, ŠKODA sold a total of 2.5 million vehicles. The third generation of the OCTAVIA, which is considered to be the cornerstone of ŠKODA’s model range, has been in production since November 2012; its one millionth vehicle left the production halls in Mladá Boleslav at the end of March 2016. 

In total, almost 1.4 million vehicles from the third generation were produced by the end of 2016. Production of the comprehensively upgraded OCTAVIA commenced at the beginning of February 2017. ŠKODA makes the compact model at its main plant in the Czech Republic as well as in China, India, Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan.

ŠKODA offers the comprehensively upgraded third-generation OCTAVIA as a hatchback and an estate. With its redesigned front and rear sections, streamlined body and wider track, it comes across as even more dynamic than before. 

The new version of the compact model impresses with proven strengths and sets new standards in its segment in terms of the amount of interior space, functionality, technology for safety as well as comfort, and value for money. Customers have a choice of four trim levels: Active, Ambition, Style and L&K. 

Furthermore, they can also choose Scout and RS versions. The engine portfolio comprises state-of-the-art petrol and diesel units with power outputs ranging from 63 kW (86 PS) to 180 kW (245 PS). Depending on the engine version, the ŠKODA OCTAVIA is also available with advanced direct-shift transmission (DSG) and all-wheel drive.

END OF YEAR UK - HYUNDAI - the UK arm celebrates thee 8th year of successive growth.

• Total vehicle sales increase 4.8 percent year on year
• Retail registrations grow by 8.2 percent
• Hyundai Motor UK’s 8^th successive year of growth

Hyundai Motor UK today announced that in 2016, it sold 92,510 vehicles, a year-on-year rise of 4.8 percent and the 8^th consecutive year of growth.

2016 continued to produce growth in both the retail and fleet markets, with figures of 8.2 percent and 1.9 percent respectively. In the fleet and business sector, the IONIQ Electric and Hybrid have proved their position in the range with over 80% of registrations achieved in this section of the market.

In its first full year of sales, Tucson secured the top selling model spot, accounting for nearly 28% of all Hyundai Motor UK sales. The i10 continues to be extremely popular with buyers, with over 25% of sales down to the multi award winning city car. The i20 benefitted from a strong sales campaign in 2016 and as a result achieved over 17% of Hyundai Motor UK’s sales, enough to secure third place in the overall rankings.

Tony Whitehorn, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor UK, commented: “2016 was a very significant year for Hyundai Motor UK, with both retail and fleet areas performing very strongly in a market that has been extremely challenging. This performance demonstrates the continuing appeal of Hyundai Motor vehicles to a broadening customer base and provides a strong basis for what will be an exciting new year with the next phase of our Brand’s development”.

In 2017, Hyundai Motor will launch New i10 and New Generation i30. Both will go on sale in the first quarter of this year. IONIQ Plug-in Hybrid and the eagerly-awaited i30 N along with other significant models will all play a part in next year’s success story.

Peugeot announces pricing and specification for the all new 3008 Sports Utility Vehicle.

THE EAGERLY-AWAITED ALL-NEW PEUGEOT 3008 SUV IS AVAILABLE TO ORDER IN DECEMBER AND FEATURES THE LATEST PEUGEOT i-COCKPIT^® / DIGITAL INSTRUMENTATION ON ALL MODELS

• The all-new Peugeot 3008 SUV is available to order from December 2016
• All versions of the 3008 SUV feature the latest PEUGEOT i-Cockpit®; with compact steering wheel, configurable 12.3" head-up digital instrument panel and 8.0" capacitive touch-screen
• The 3008 SUV is also specified with a high-level of equipment on Active models from £21,795

The eagerly awaited all-new PEUGEOT 3008 is an important arrival in the SUV C segment market, a rapidly growing category of vehicles throughout the world, and is now available to order in December, with first vehicles arriving in Dealership showrooms across the UK timed for 28^th January 2017.

The new PEUGEOT 3008 SUV arrives at a time when customers are ever increasingly expecting differentiation and new experiences, with very strong assets. 

Whether through its revolutionary, latest generation PEUGEOT i-Cockpit®, its remarkably inspired style, or its high-tech equipment, the new PEUGEOT 3008 SUV aims to establish itself immediately as a key player.

The all-new PEUGEOT 3008 SUV is a well-equipped, sophisticated and stylish vehicle that combines efficiency, high-specification, high-level of safety and technological equipment and unique features. 

The UK range starts with a ‘level 2’ specification vehicle (no level 1 in the UK) – so that every model will feature the latest PEUGEOT i-Cockpit®; compact steering wheel, the very latest configurable 12.3" head-up digital instrument panel and an 8.0" capacitive touch-screen.

The range starts from £21,795 with a well-specified ‘Active’ model that has so many standard features, key among which is a host of safety equipment ordinarily only available on top-of-the-range models. These include; AEBS – Automatic Emergency Braking System, adaptive driver and front passenger airbags (includes passenger airbag deactivation function), driver and front passenger side, front and rear curtain airbags, CDS - Dynamic Stability Control and ASR - Electronic Anti-skid System, driver attention alert system, Isofix child seat fittings (x3) in the front passenger and outer rear seats, programmable cruise control and speed limiter, and speed limit recognition and recommendation. As a consequence of these and other safety features, substantially reduced repair costs and a 5-star EuroNCAP safety rating, the all-new 3008 SUV has insurance ratings from just 11E (20A on the previous model).

There is a choice of four trim levels – ‘Active’, ‘Allure’ (expected best-selling version), ‘GT Line’ and the top-of-the-range ‘GT’ and a wide choice of engines is available, with CO₂ emissions from just 103g/km.

Petrol engine versions are 130hp and 165hp, with CO₂ emissions of 117 to 129g/km, with the 1.2-litre PureTech 3-cylinder turbo engine, voted Engine of the Year in its category for the second-year running and the 1.6L THP. The PureTech 130 is available in 6-speed manual or EAT6 automatic transmission while the 165hp is mated to the 6-speed EAT6 automatic.

Four Diesel engines are available, model dependent, with advanced BlueHDi technology that makes it possible to keep the CO₂ emissions low, between 103 and 124g/km, with power ranging between 100, 120,150 and 180hp.

MODEL

HP

CO2

2016/17 %BIK

PRICE

Active trim level

1.2L PureTech 130 S&S 6-speed manual	131	117	20	£21,795.00
1.2L PureTech 130 EAT6 S&S 6-speed EAT6	131	120	21	£23,195.00
1.6L BlueHDi 100 S&S 5-speed manual	99	103	20	£22,845.00
1.6L BlueHDi 120 S&S 6-speed manual	120	104	20	£23,645.00
1.6L BlueHDi 120 EAT6 S&S 6-speed EAT6	120	108	21	£25,045.00

Allure trim level

1.2L PureTech 130 S&S 6-speed manual	131	117	20	£23,595.00
1.2L PureTech 130 EAT6 S&S 6-speed EAT6	131	120	21	£24,995.00
1.6L THP 165 EAT6 S&S 6-speed EAT6	165	129	22	£26,395.00
1.6L BlueHDi 120 S&S 6-speed manual	120	104	20	£25,445.00
1.6L BlueHDi 120 EAT6 S&S 6-speed EAT6	120	108	21	£26,845.00

GT Line trim level

1.2L PureTech 130 S&S 6-speed manual	131	117	20	£25,495.00
1.2L PureTech 130 EAT6 S&S 6-speed EAT6	131	120	21	£26,895.00
1.6L e-THP 165 EAT6 S&S 6-speed EAT6	165	129	22	£28,295.00
1.6L BlueHDi 120 S&S 6-speed manual	120	104	20	£27,345.00
1.6L BlueHDi 120 EAT6 S&S 6-speed EAT6	120	108	21	£28,745.00
2.0L BlueHDi 150 S&S 6-speed manual	150	114	22	£28,545.00

GT trim level

2.0L BlueHDi EAT6 180 S&S 6-speed EAT6

181

124

24

£32,995.00

Combining these four trim levels and powertrain gives customers a seventeen model choice.

Starting with the level 2 ‘Active’ model all 3008 SUV models feature as standard the following equipment: 

Safety and Security

− Emergency Braking Assistance

− Adaptive driver and front passenger airbags (includes passenger airbag deactivation function)

− Driver and front passenger side, front and rear curtain airbags

− Alarm (perimetric and volumetric with lift and tilt sensor on 2.0L BlueHDi versions)

− CDS (Dynamic Stability Control) and ASR (Electronic Anti-skid System)

− DAA1 (Driver attention alert system)

− Isofix child seat fittings (x3) in the front passenger and outer rear seats

− Programmable cruise control and speed limiter

− Speed limit recognition and recommendation

Comfort and Convenience

− Central front armrest with butterfly-wing opening and illuminated chiller compartment

− Electric parking brake (includes Hill Assist)

− Front central console with two illuminated cup-holders

− Front windscreen wiper with ‘Magic Wash’ cleaning system

− New Peugeot i-Cockpit®:

− Configurable 12.3" head-up digital instrument panel

− 8.0" capacitive touch-screen

− Compact multi-function steering wheel

− One-touch electric front and rear windows with pinch protection

− Rear armrest with ski flap and two cup-holders

− Two-position boot floor

− 1/3 – 2/3 folding rear seat (‘Magic Flat’ modularity with controls accessible from the boot).

Exterior Features

− Body-colour rear spoiler with stainless steel edging trim

− Body protectors (bottom of front and rear bumpers + wheel arches + protection at bottom of doors)

− Stainless steel roof arch trim

− Chrome front fog light trim

− 17" 'Chicago' alloy wheels

In Car Entertainment

− DAB radio (Digital Audio Broadcasting)

− Mirrorscreen: Mirrorlink® / Apple CarPlay®

− Bluetooth telephone facility

− USB socket and 12V sockets (x3) (dashboard, rear cabin and load area)

− 6-speaker radio, MP3 compatible 

Exterior Lighting and Visibility

− Halogen fog lamps

− Visibility pack

− Automatic headlamps

− Automatic windscreen wipers

− Electrochrome rear view mirror (auto dimming)

− 'Follow me home' headlamps

− Halogen headlamps

− LED daytime running lights built into the headlamp unit with LED side indicator lights in door mirrors

− Rear LED PEUGEOT signature 'Claw Effect' lights (with daylight function)

Safety and Security

− Lane departure warning system

− Safety pack

− AEBS (Automatic Emergency Braking System)

− Distance alert system

Comfort and Convenience

− Dark tinted rear side and tailgate windows

− Illuminated vanity mirrors

− Parking sensors - front and rear

− Power folding door mirrors with blind spot detection indicator

− 180° colour reversing camera

− Automatic dual zone climate control

− LED interior lighting (roof, storage spaces, load area)

− Rear parking sensors

ALLURE (over the Active model)

Safety and Security

− PEUGEOT Connect SOS and Assistance

− Safety plus pack

− ABSD (Active Blind Spot Detection)

− LKA (Active Lane Keeping Assistance)

− DAA3 (Advanced Driver Attention Alert)

− PEUGEOT Smartbeam Assistance

Interior Features

− Blue ambient lighting to front door panels, storage, footwells and cupholders

− Dashboard, front and rear door panel finish: 'Brumeo' fabric

− Satin chrome front door panel recess trim

− Seating; Driver seat lumbar adjustment and foldable front passenger seat with picnic table

− Mistral 'Piedimonte' leather effect and cloth seat trim

In Car Entertainment

− 3D Connected Navigation

− TomTom® Live updates (3 year subscription)

− Voice recognition (radio, navigation and telephony features)

Exterior Features

− Front bumper scuff plate in Lion Grey

− Front wing trim: black with chrome detail

− Stainless steel door sill scuff plates

− 18" 'Detroit' diamond cut alloy wheels

Exterior Lighting and Visibility

− Door mirror mounted LED courtesy approach lights

GT LINE (over the Allure model) 

Safety and Security

− Self levelling headlamps

Comfort and Convenience

− PEUGEOT i-Cockpit® Amplify (Choice of two configurable interior ambiences). Through the clever adaptation of dynamics, interior lighting and interior fragrances, two distinctive experiences available:  

− 'Boost': for a more dynamic experience

− 'Relax': for a more serene experience

Interior Features

− Aikinite contrast stitching to armrest, gear lever gaiter and dashboard facia

− Flocked front door pocket interior

− Mistral floor mats with Aikinite contrast stitching

− Mistral full grain perforated leather steering wheel with and satin chrome 'GT Line 'emblem

− Roof lining - Tramontane black

− Seating: Mistral 'Imila' leather effect and cloth seat trim with Aikinite' double stitch detail

In Car Entertainment

− Smartphone charging plate

Exterior Lighting and Visibility

− Full LED headlamps

− LED fog lamps (include static cornering function)

− LED sequential scrolling front indicators

− Door mirror mounted LED 'PEUGEOT Lion' approach lights

Exterior Features

− Door mirror shells: Nera black

− 'GT Line' emblems in satin copper (front wings and tailgate)

− Radiator grille: chequered with black 'PEUGEOT' lettering

− Roof: 'Black Diamond'

− Side window trim: chrome

− Sports front bumper design

− Twin exhaust effect trim

− 18" 'Detroit' matt Haria two tone finish diamond cut alloy wheels

Top-of-the-range GT (over the GT Line)

Safety and Security

− ACC Stop (Adaptive Cruise Control with stop function)

Comfort and Convenience

− PEUGEOT Open and Go (keyless entry and push button start)

− Smart electric tailgate (foot operated)

Interior Features

− Dashboard, front and rear door panel finish: grey oak

− Gear lever - automatic in full grain leather and satin steel chrome

− Mistral full grain perforated leather steering wheel and satin chrome 'GT' emblem

− Satin steel chrome 'Scorpion's Tail' and toggle switch trim

Interior Features

− Seating

− Driver seat multi-point massage function

− Driver seat 2 position memory function

− Driver seat 8-way electric adjustment (includes electric lumbar adjustment)

− Driver and front passenger seat heating and seat adjustable cushion nose

− Nappa Mistral full grain leather seat trim with Aikinite double stitch detail

Exterior Features

− Aluminium longitudinal roof bars

− Door mirror shells: chrome

− 'GT' emblems in satin copper (front wings and tailgate)

− Panoramic opening glass roof (with electric interior blind and blue ambient lighting)

− Wheel arch extensions

− 19" 'Boston' matt Haria two tone finish diamond cut alloy wheels