TMW - The best coupe on the market, the Subaru BRZ, had to beat, easy to love !

The Subaru BRZ is unashamedly a Toyota with new badging, but is it, well, the answer to that question is no, the beating heart of the car is Subaru through and through, the Boxer engine moves the car so far away from Toyota that you might be forgiven for thinking that this is an all new car.

The BRZ is a 2+2, you most definitely not get adults in the back, not unless they have no legs, because once you get the front seats into a decent position there is no leg room at all, the front seats are extremely well made, once you are in place, there is no way you're going anywhere, they cosset you like not many other seats around.

The interior is well made, with decent soft touch plastics and leather trimmed parts, all the buttons and switchgear are placed perfectly for your hands, and you never have to stretch or look away for too long to do, whatever you need too.

The Sat Nav is good, however it can be a little slow at times, but only when you have lots of turns and junctions in quick succession, the steering is really precise and the car goes exactly where you point it, there are loads of toys and info that you can utilise, the display system can be utilised to give you many different pieces of info from mpg, to distance travelled to power output.

The short shift gearbox is great, it changes gear swiftly and precisely, and the power that this brings is also brilliant, the BRZ can pull away like a car with far more power, thats how great the Boxer engine is.

The boxer engine might be powerful, and at 180g/km comes somewhere higher up the scale, it also offers not too bad fuel consumption.

• Urban Cycle - 27.2mpg
• Extra Urban Cycle - 44.8mpg
• Combined - 36.2mpg

The combined figure is nearly achievable, during our time with the car, we came away with an average of about 32mpg, which is a great result for the car, however, we did complete a few long distance motorway journey's, and after these runs, we didn't feel tired or too uncomfortable, a nice touch is the windows dropping slightly on opening and closing so that it makes it less prone to breakage.

The outside of the car, like the inside, gives you an air of sportiness, with the large spoiler, and deep front bumper, the growl of the engine too makes you feel ike you are about to drive something special, and over all you get a lot of kit and technology.

• Automatic Headlights
• LED Headlights
• Satellite Navigation
• Power Folding Door Mirrors
• Rear Diffuser
• Rear Spoiler
• 17" Alloy Wheels
• Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel-Gearshift-Handbrake Lever
• Power Windows
• Remote Control Central Locking
• Dual Zone Air Conditioning
• Subaru Starlink
• 6.2" Touchscreen

And these are just a small amount of the bits and pieces you get, they all go together to make a great sports car, one thats hard to eat.

CONCLUSION

The Subaru BRZ is a great car, there really is no getting away from it, it does everything you ask of it, and far more, however, it is compromised, its only a two seater, you just can not get anyone else in the back, it is very cramped with no leg room at all.

It has enough boot space, plenty of cubby holes and lot of toys and tech, goes like stink and performs really well, however, this is a weekend car really, and a car for a "couple" rather than a family, or a wealthy family that wants a second car. The Boxer engine performs like only a Boxer engine can, it's am amazing power-plant, and the car is great, who cares if it is based upon a Toyota, for this is a SUBARU plain and simple.

Our time with the Subaru BRZ is up, but as we say goodbye to the sporty coupé, we can also welcome back one of the brand’s most famous nameplates to the UK: the WRX STi.

Favourable exchange rates and strong customer demand have meant that the latest STi, which wasn’t previously destined for our shores, has now gone on sale. At £28,995, it’s £5,000 more than the BRZ, but aside from the paint, are there any similarities between the two?

Both cars have boxer engines, but it’s a 2.0-litre four-cylinder in the BRZ and a 2.5-litre turbo in the STi. Power delivery is surprisingly similar – both seem a bit lacking in torque low down in the revs, doing their best work near the red line.

Special edition Mazda2 Sport Black to be in UK dealerships Now, a great car with a great kit package.

• All-new Mazda2 Sport Black offers sporty styling enhancements and extra equipment.
• Available in two free-of-charge paint colours – Soul Red Metallic and Snowflake White Pearlescent.
• Powered by 1.5-litre normally-aspirated 90ps SKYACTIV-G petrol engine.   
• £15,395 on-the-road (OTR) with attractive 0% APR* Mazda Personal Contract Purchase (PCP).
• Optional exterior graphics and contrasting colour door mirrors allow for new levels of personalisation.

Mazda’s stylish and sophisticated supermini range has been boosted with the launch of the all-new Mazda2 Sport Black special edition. With high levels of standard specification, sporty styling enhancements and the opportunity to personalise your car, the all-new Mazda2 Sport Black arrives in dealerships now. 

Based on the popular 90ps SE-L Nav, the Sport Black features subtle styling enhancements that complement the stylish KODO: Soul of Motion lines of the all-new Mazda2. 

Brilliant Black front and side skirts contrast with both the free-of-charge Soul Red Metallic and Snowflake White Pearlescent paint choices, while the Sport Black is further distinguished by its Brilliant Black roof spoiler and chrome exhaust trim.

There’s also the opportunity for buyers to customise the car even more with two optional exterior graphic designs and contrasting door mirror covers. Sweeping from the headlights to the taillights, the KODO graphic follows the lines of the side profile as they intersect at the centre of the car, while the Race graphic adds sporty stripes low down behind the front wheel. 

Customers can choose to add either or both of these decals to their Sport Black. In addition Soul Red door mirrors on Snowflake White Pearlescent cars and Brilliant Black mirrors on Soul Red Metallic cars provide the prospect of even greater personalisation.

The advantages of the all-new Mazda2 Sport Black special edition extend beyond the Brilliant Black styling enhancements from which it takes its name. In addition to the generous standard equipment of the SE-L Nav, the Sport Black comes with 16” Gunmetal alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, auto lights, rain-sensing wipers and rear parking sensors.

“Thanks to its combination of fun-to-drive handling, stylish looks and generous equipment, the all-new Mazda2 is already winning over UK supermini buyers and our latest special edition model offers even greater value to our customers. 

With extra standard equipment, plus striking styling enhancements the all-new Mazda2 Sport Black is sure to be a very popular addition. 

And thanks to the attractive finance deals available across the range, even more customers can enjoy the refinement, comfort, first-class connectivity and quality of the all-new Mazda2,” comments Peter Allibon, Sales Director of Mazda Motors UK.

Volkswagen announces pricing and specifications for the All New Caddy Commercial vehicle.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has announced pricing for its new Caddy panel van range, ahead of Van Centres taking orders later this month and first UK customer deliveries in September.  Prices start at £13,500 (excl. VAT and OTR charges) for the C20 Startline short wheelbase model with a 2.0-litre TDI 75 PS engine.

The Caddy is the second best-selling model in Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ range after the Transporter, and new state-of-the-art technology, a raft of comfort, convenience and safety innovations as well as new engines will ensure the fourth generation continues the success of previous iterations.

The new Caddy is available in three trim levels – Startline, Trendline and Highline – and with short or Maxi wheelbases.  The Maxi version adds 469 mm to the short wheelbase’s already generous 1,781 mm and a load capacity of 4.2m³ (SWB 3.2m³ ).

Even the entry-level Startline model comes with an impressive array of standard equipment, including electric windows and heated and electrically adjustable wing mirrors, a five-inch touchscreen Composition Colour radio system with DAB+ and Bluetooth capability, a lockable glovebox, plus safety features such as driver and front passenger front, side and curtain airbags, a new post-collision braking system and a seatbelt reminder. 

Moving up the range, Trendline, with prices starting from £15,670 adds (in addition to Startline) full wheel covers, body coloured bumpers, handles and wing mirrors, rear parking sensors, cruise control, multi-function display, driver’s lumbar support, under-seat storage and sun visors with vanity mirrors.

At the top of the range, Highline, from £16,650, gains (in addition to Trendline) alloy wheels, front fog lights and daytime running lights, Climatic air conditioning, heated front windscreen, automatic dimming rear-view mirror, Thatcham category 1 alarm and windscreen wipers with intermittent control and rain sensor.

At launch the Caddy is offered with a range of three 2.0-litre EU5 engines, ranging in power output from 75 through 102 to 150 PS.  An EU6 compliant 2.0-litre unit with 102 PS is also available from launch.  

All models are available in combination with a five- or six-speed manual gearbox, with customers of the higher powered versions can also opt for a DSG automatic gearbox option (with six- or seven-speeds depending on engine power output). 

All Caddy models can be specified as ‘BMT’, meaning BlueMotion Technology modifications (start/stop system and battery regeneration) are fitted to reduce fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions.  

A standalone BlueMotion variant also joins the range: with a 2.0-litre EU6 102 PS engine and five-speed manual gearbox it can return 65.7 mpg and CO₂ emissions of 114 g/km.

The Caddy sets a new benchmark in the class for its array of safety and convenience systems.  It is offered with Park Assist and a rear-view reversing camera, as well as High Beam Assist and Driver Alert systems, all of which help to enhance safety and reduce damage to vehicles.

Customers will also be able to specify Adaptive Cruise Control with Front Assist and City Emergency Braking.  This system monitors the space to the vehicle ahead and maintains a specified speed and distance to ensure safe stopping.  

This technology has been used in Volkswagen Passenger Cars and is proven to reduce third party injury claims by 45 per cent. 

In the cabin, the Caddy feels comfortable yet robust, and boasts new upholstery and switchgear, as well as enhanced stereo and infotainment systems.  The standard five-inch touchscreen Colour Composition radio can be upgraded to Composition Media, or the Discover Navigation system.

Naturally Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles will boost the Caddy range in July with the addition of passenger-carrying models.  Pricing and details for these will be announced in July ahead of deliveries in September.

Business Edition grade introduced to the RAV4 range for 2015

• Business Edition grade introduced to the RAV4 range for 2015
• Standard features include Toyota Touch 2 with Go multimedia and navigation package, cruise control, climate control, automatic headlights and wipers, auto-dimming rear-view mirror and rear-view camera
• Powered by 2.0-litre D-4D engine with front-wheel drive
• On sale now, on-the-road price £23,995
• Equipment specification upgrades for 2015 RAV4 Active and Invincible

Toyota has added a new RAV4 to its famous SUV range, the Business Edition. While the name makes the model’s target market clear, the wealth of equipment features and RAV4’s proven quality and reliability make the newcomer an appealing prospect for a much wider group of customers.

The standard specification is led by Toyota Touch 2 with Go, the latest development of Toyota’s touchscreen-controlled multimedia, connectivity and navigation system. This includes DAB digital radio, Bluetooth, a rear-view camera and access to on-line information and entertainment services, via Toyota’s customer portal.

A comfortable, relaxing drive is supported by cruise control and dual-zone climate control. Automatic headlights and windscreen wipers are provided, together with an auto-dimming rear-view mirror. Chrome trim on the front bumper adds a dash of style quality, while inside the cabin the seats are upholstered in smart black Beaumont fabric.

The features are all in addition to the Active grade specification, including 17-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, front fog lamps, power-adjustable door mirrors and a four-speaker audio system with USB and Aux-in connections.

A single version is available, powered by the flexible and efficient 2.0-litre D-4D diesel engine, with six-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive. Running costs are kept down with official combined cycle fuel consumption at 57.6mpg and 127g/km CO₂ emissions. The Business Edition also secures the lowest insurance group rating in the RAV4 line-up at 25E.

The RAV4 Business Edition is on sale now, price £23,995 on the road – an increment of just £1,500 on the entry level Active model.

Elsewhere in the range, enhancements for 2015 include a fresh chrome finish for the RAV4 Active’s five-spoke 17-inch alloys and the addition of silver front and rear under-runs for the Invincible (these are finished in Pearl White where Pearl White body colour is specified).

New RAV4 owners also now have access to additional equipment options, including heated, leather front seats (Active, Business Edition and Invincible) and Toyota Touch 2 with Go Plus, which adds extra functionality, voice command recognition and thee years of free map updates. The colour choices include a new Deep Titanium metallic.

Nissan announces pricing and Specs fro new Juke, still not pretty through.

• New Juke priced from £13,420
• Four trim grades: Visia, Acenta, Acenta Premium and Tekna
• Unrivalled personalisation with Nissan Design Studio
• New engine line-up
• Introducing new technology including Nissan Safety Shield
• Improved luggage capacity by 40% with enhanced versatility
• In showrooms June 2014

Nissan has announced pricing and specifications for the new Juke – the fresh-faced and fantastically funky model that will help the brand reinvent the compact crossover.

Retaining the intrinsic individuality and effortless flair that made its predecessor an instant design icon and propelled it past 500,000 global sales, the refreshed model will reinforce the brand’s dominance of the crossover market, alongside the all-new Qashqai and soon-to-be-launched X-Trail.

Arriving in dealerships in June, new Juke will introduce a wealth of exciting and innovative new technology and styling features, a new engine line-up and almost limitless personalisation options that allow buyers to build on the spec’ of the now familiar Visia, Acenta, Acenta Premium and Tekna grades.

But despite the updated styling, raft of new equipment and myriad other enhancements including a 40% increase in luggage capacity on 2WD version , Nissan has kept pricing competitive, giving themodel an additional advantage. Prices now start at just £13,420 for the entry level 1.6 94PS in Visia guise.

This low introductory price point makes the new Juke Visia as affordable as it is desirable and belies an extensive list of standard spec’. Sitting proudly on striking 16” alloys, Juke Visia includes air conditioning, a CD system with an AUX-IN connection for MP3 players, front and rear electric windows, an ingenious tyre pressure monitoring system and daytime running lights.

Those opting for Acenta trim, which starts at £15,320, get added kerb appeal with 17” Sport alloys, and extras including Bluetooth and USB connectivity, climate control, steering wheel-mounted audio controls and rear privacy glass.

Meanwhile, the Acenta Premium, priced from £16,470, adds the next generation NissanConnect system – incorporating satellite navigation, smartphone connectivity and access to online apps – a colour reversing camera, enhanced interior styling with ‘Premium’ seat fabric and a black headliner. Buyers also receive a Nissan Design Studio Personalised Interior package, allowing them to dial the style up further with a choice of colourful trims and finishes, free of charge.

Additionally, buyers choosing an Acenta Premium with the DIG-T 190PS powertrain, which is priced from £18,020, will find their model upgraded further, with imposing 18” alloys, Nissan’s intelligent i-Key system, push-button ignition and electric folding and heated door mirrors.

Topping the range is the Juke Tekna, available from £17,670. It offers all the luxury one would expect from a top-of-the-line model, with heated ‘Premium’ leather seats and the added convenience of an array of features such as automatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers. Crucially, the Tekna also introduces the state-of-the-art Nissan safety Shield to the Juke line-up. Representing a leap forward in accident avoidance, the Safety Shield assists drivers by providing lane departure and blind spot warnings and advanced moving object detection.

Equipment summary

Visia:

16” alloy wheels
CD system with AUX-IN
Air conditioning
Front and rear electric windows
Driver’s seat height adjustment
ABS, EBD and Brake Assist
ESP
Six airbags
Daytime running lights
Gear shift indicator
Tyre pressure monitoring system
‘Casual’ seat fabric
Grey centre console

Acenta (additional equipment over Visia):

17” Sport alloys
Bluetooth and USB connectivity
Climate control
NissanDynamic Control System
Front fog lights
Cruise control
Speed limiter
Leather steering wheel with audio controls
Rear privacy glass
Body coloured door handles and mirrors

Acenta Premium (additional equipment over Acenta):

NissanConnect Navigation
Colour reversing camera
Armrest
Six speakers
‘Premium’ seat fabric
Black headliner
NissanDesign Studio Personalised Interior package

Additionally, DIG-T 190PS models in Acenta Preimum trim, feature:

18” alloy wheels
intelligent i-Key
Engine start button
Electric folding and heated door mirrors

Acenta Premium optional extras:

Open-air sunroof £750
NissanSafety Shield £400
NissanDesign Studio Personalised Exterior Package £170
NissanDesign Studio Personalised Exterior+ Package £520

Tekna (additional equipment over Acenta Premium):

17” ‘Urban’ alloys
NissanSafety Shield
‘Premium’ leather seats
Heated front seats
Intelligent i-Key
Engine start button
Automatic lights
Rain-sensing wipers
Electric folding mirrors

Tekna optional extras:

Open-air sunroof £750
Xenon headlights £500
NissanDesign Studio Personalised Exterior Package £170
NissanDesign Studio Personalised Exterior+ Package £520

New Juke price range  

Engine	Grade	Body	Transmission	Options	OTR* (£)
1.6 petrol	Visia	5 door	2WD Man		13,420
dCi 110	Visia	5 door	2WD Man + Stop/Start System		15,320
DIG-T 115	Acenta	5 door	2WD Man + Stop/Start System		15,320
1.6 petrol	Acenta	5 door	2WD CVT		16,320
dCi 110	Acenta	5 door	2WD Man + Stop/Start System		16,715
DIG-T 115	Acenta Premium	5 door	2WD Man + Stop/Start System		16,470
DIG-T 115	Acenta Premium	5 door	2WD Man + Stop/Start System	Open-air roof	17,220
DIG-T 115	Acenta Premium	5 door	2WD Man + Stop/Start System	Safety Shield	16,870
DIG-T 115	Acenta Premium	5 door	2WD Man + Stop/Start System	Open-air roof & Safety shield	17,620
1.6 petrol	Acenta Premium	5 door	2WD CVT		17,470
1.6 petrol	Acenta Premium	5 door	2WD CVT	Open-air roof	18,220
1.6 petrol	Acenta Premium	5 door	2WD CVT	Safety Shield	17,870
1.6 petrol	Acenta Premium	5 door	2WD CVT	Open-air roof & Safety shield	18,620
dCi 110	Acenta Premium	5 door	2WD Man + Stop/Start System		17,865
dCi 110	Acenta Premium	5 door	2WD Man + Stop/Start System	Open-air roof	18,615
dCi 110	Acenta Premium	5 door	2WD Man + Stop/Start System	Safety Shield	18,265
dCi 110	Acenta Premium	5 door	2WD Man + Stop/Start System	Open-air roof & Safety shield	19,015
DIG-T 190	Acenta Premium	5 door	2WD Man + Stop/Start System		18,020
DIG-T 190	Acenta Premium	5 door	2WD Man + Stop/Start System	Open-air roof	18,770
DIG-T 190	Acenta Premium	5 door	2WD Man + Stop/Start System	Safety Shield	18,420
DIG-T 190	Acenta Premium	5 door	2WD Man + Stop/Start System	Open-air roof & Safety shield	19,170
DIG-T 190	Acenta Premium	5 door	4WD X-tronic		20,220
DIG-T 190	Acenta Premium	5 door	4WD X-tronic	Open-air roof	20,970
DIG-T 190	Acenta Premium	5 door	4WD X-tronic	Safety Shield	20,620
DIG-T 190	Acenta Premium	5 door	4WD X-tronic	Open-air roof & Safety shield	21,370
DIG-T 115	Tekna	5 door	2WD Man + Stop/Start System		17,670
DIG-T 115	Tekna	5 door	2WD Man + Stop/Start System	Open-air roof	18,420
DIG-T 115	Tekna	5 door	2WD Man + Stop/Start System	Xenons	18,170
DIG-T 115	Tekna	5 door	2WD Man + Stop/Start System	Open-air roof & Xenons	18,920
1.6 petrol	Tekna	5 door	2WD CVT		18,670
1.6 petrol	Tekna	5 door	2WD CVT	Open-air roof	19,420
1.6 petrol	Tekna	5 door	2WD CVT	Xenons	19,170
1.6 petrol	Tekna	5 door	2WD CVT	Open-air roof & Xenons	19,920
dCi 110	Tekna	5 door	2WD Man + Stop/Start System		19,065
dCi 110	Tekna	5 door	2WD Man + Stop/Start System	Open-air roof	19,815
dCi 110	Tekna	5 door	2WD Man + Stop/Start System	Xenons	19,565
dCi 110	Tekna	5 door	2WD Man + Stop/Start System	Open-air roof & Xenons	20,315
DIG-T 190	Tekna	5 door	2WD Man		19,220
DIG-T 190	Tekna	5 door	2WD Man	Open-air roof	19,970
DIG-T 190	Tekna	5 door	2WD Man	Xenons	19,720
DIG-T 190	Tekna	5 door	2WD Man	Open-air roof & Xenons	20,470
DIG-T 190	Tekna	5 door	4WD CVT		21,420
DIG-T 190	Tekna	5 door	4WD CVT	Open-air roof	22,170
DIG-T 190	Tekna	5 door	4WD CVT	Xenons	21,920
DIG-T 190	Tekna	5 door	4WD CVT	Open-air roof & Xenons	22,670