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.

Peugeot adds it's more powerful & cleaner BlueHDi engine range to the Boxer commercial Vehicle range of vans.

• Latest BlueHDi 2.0-litre engine range will now power the Peugeot Boxer
• The new version of the 2.0-litre engine provides increases of power and torque over previous unit
• It is also more economical with lower CO₂ output and meets the more stringent Euro6 regulations

PEUGEOT is completing the roll-out of its range of Euro 6 engines with the large van segment. The PEUGEOT Boxer will now be available with a new range of 2.0-litre BlueHDi Diesel engines, designed and produced by the PSA Group. 

BlueHDi technology has been tried and tested in PEUGEOT saloons and SUVs since 2013, treating up to 90% of NOx and 99.9% of even the finest particulates. 

Not only is it considered the most effective technology on the market for treating emissions; it has the added advantage of optimising fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions. 

At the same time, PEUGEOT has extended the Boxer’s range of new, modern and efficient features, to make life easier for professionals and motorhome customers.

Lower fuel consumption; higher performance

The new range of PEUGEOT Boxer 2.0-litre BlueHDi engines offers three power levels:

• 110hp and 300Nm, an increase of 50Nm compared to the previous engine
• 130hp and 340Nm, an increase of 20Nm compared to the previous engine
• 160hp and 350Nm, an increase of 10hp compared to the previous engine

The engines are paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox and Stop & Start technology is available across all of the versions.

The BlueHDi engines fitted to the latest PEUGEOT Boxer means it now has:

• record consumption levels for the large van segment, starting from 47.0mpg, with 154g/km of CO₂, a reduction of 30g/km CO₂ for the 130hp mid-range version
• The same payload and maximum speed as previous Euro 5 versions
• Acceleration and in-gear acceleration improved by up to 4.0 seconds for 0-62 mph and 8.0 seconds for 50 to 80mph for the 110hp version, respectively.

The BlueHDi technology incorporates SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) upstream of the additivate cleansing DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter). The engine options therefore meet the Euro6 standard with what is considered the most effective pollution control technology on the market.

The 15-litre AdBlue tank provides a range of approximately 6,200 miles. It’s easy to fill up with AdBlue, due to the external filler flap which is located above the fuel filler and is also compatible with existing heavy goods vehicle AdBlue pumps at service stations.

The PEUGEOT Boxer offers competitive whole life costs, due mainly to its best-in-class fuel consumption and maintenance costs which rank amongst the lowest in the segment.

Design focused on quality and strength

The New PEUGEOT Boxer that was introduced in 2014 was the first step in the brand’s ongoing process of improving its large vans. With design constantly focused on robustness and quality that stands up to use, they are now being fitted with new Euro6 BlueHDi engines which have been designed and produced entirely by the PSA Group.

The new engines have been made at the Tremery plant in France, which has allowed them to benefit from the proven expertise of a plant that has already made more than 12 million engines. They are based on the latest generation of 2.0-litre DW Diesel engines from the PSA Group, incorporating the Euro 6 BlueHDi technology that has already sold in excess of 1 million units.

The 2.0-litre BlueHDi has been proving its worth since the end of 2013, particularly in the PEUGEOT 508 and 308. The 2.0-litre BlueHDi versions for the PEUGEOT Boxer have been subjected to over 10,000 hours of validation on test benches and 1.3 million specific driving tests representing different types of heavy commercial vehicle use.

These include:

• Specific tests to boost the endurance and durability of the turbo and the exhaust manifold;
• Tests with a 50% greater load than for private vehicles;
• Tests in climatic chambers at -30°C and 6,000 extra cycles of thermal shocks compared to private vehicles, equivalent to 15 years of heavy use;
• Specific ground clearance and endurance tests of the exhaust pipe, with post-treatment spraying with water and mud.

New modern, effective equipment

The connectivity of the PEUGEOT Boxer has been enhanced, making it even easier for professionals to make their vehicles an extension of their offices: a holder for a digital tablet or smartphone, a USB connection and a 12V socket on the instrument panel to power them are now available as standard for the Professional version.

To make life easier at the wheel, the central glove compartment has now been replaced with a double cup-holder, a storage compartment and a compartment for a smartphone with a USB and auxiliary connection, as a standard or optional feature, depending on the level of finish.

For motorhome customers, the PEUGEOT Boxer features a shut-off function to preserve the battery life when the vehicle is parked for long periods, as well as new ‘captain chair’ seats, which are even more comfortable.

Finally, the PEUGEOT Boxer now comes with a new ESP system which is specific to back-to-back cabs with an AL-KO chassis. Its calibrations suit a wide range of wheelbases, creating additional options for converting the PEUGEOT Boxer. These applications are available for motorhome or professional variants, up to the heavy versions with 2 or 3 axles.

Range summary

• Two body styles: Panel and Window van
• Panel and Window van can be specified in four lengths (L1, L2, L3 and L4) and three heights for the Panel van and two in the Window van
• The range basic price (not including VAT) starts from £20,970, with Professional models from £21,970 and Window vans from £23,070.
• Standard Panel van: Loadspace between 8m³ and 17m³, Payload between 1115kg and 1900kg
• All models now feature: Bluetooth® with USB input, full steel buckhead, ESP, deadlocks
• Professional Panel van features add: Air Conditioning, alarm, cruise control and speed limiter, rear parking aid, touchscreen with integrated navigation

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 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 van and passenger vehicle) – one of the UK’s best-selling LCVs

Subaru reaches 15 million vehicles that utilise their all wheel drive system, but it has taken 44 years.

• Milestone achieved in the 44th year of production

Subaru of America, Inc. announced today that total production of Subaru All-Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicles from their parent company, Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), reached 15 million units. This milestone was achieved in the 44th year of production of AWD vehicles with the introduction of the Subaru Leone 4WD Estate Van in September 1972.

Since then, Subaru has continuously enhanced its AWD technology and the basic functions of its cars, with the consistent strong aim to make driving safer and more enjoyable.

In 2015, AWD models accounted for 98 percent of Subaru’s global sales. Fitted with the horizontally-opposed SUBARU BOXER® engine, all of these models featured Subaru’s distinctive symmetrical AWD system.

Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive offers a combination of superior stability and traction intrinsic to AWD and balanced distribution of weight provided by the symmetrically-laid-out drivetrain with a longitudinally-mounted BOXER engine positioned in line with it. The synergy delivers excellent performance such as stability at high speeds and brisk cornering. The symmetrical AWD system is one of the core technologies that underpins Subaru’s commitment to safety and driving pleasure.

Under the “Confidence in Motion” brand statement, Subaru will continue to enhance its engineering excellence and distinctive appeal to offer an “Enjoyment and Peace of Mind” driving experience to customers worldwide.

USA SALES AUGUST - BMW GROUP - BMW, MINI and Bikes all up for the German brand.

• BMW brand up 2.0 percent
• MINI brand sales up 2.1 percent
• BMW Motorcycle sales increase 21.5 percent

Sales of BMW brand vehicles increased 2.0 percent in August for a total of 27,755 - a new August record - compared to 27,213 vehicles sold in August, 2014. Year-to-date, BMW brand sales are 223,348 vehicles, a 5.9 percent increase from the same period last year.

“Even without Labor Day weekend as part of the month, the solid August results for both BMW and MINI continue to prove the strength of consumer demand and underscore the momentum BMW Group has shown throughout this year,” said Ludwig Willisch, President and CEO, BMW of North America. 

“With the launch of the all-new BMW 7 Series getting underway and the new BMW X1 also on the horizon, I’m expecting a strong finish in the remaining four months of 2015.”

In August, notable vehicle sales included the BMW 2 Series which increased 55.9 percent to 1,024 vehicles, the BMW X3 which increased 5.1 percent to 2,127 vehicles and the BMW X4 which increased 31.3 percent to 453 vehicles.

BMW Group Sales

In total, the BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported August sales of 32,864 vehicles, an increase of 2.0 percent from the 32,219 vehicles sold in the same month a year ago. Year-to-date, BMW Group sales are 263,908 vehicles, a 7.3 percent increase from the same period last year.

MINI Brand Sales

For August, MINI USA reports 5,109 automobiles sold, an increase of 2.1 percent from the 5,006 sold in the same month a year ago. Year-to-date, MINI USA sales are 40,560 vehicles, a 16.0 percent increase from the same period last year.

BMW Pre-Owned Vehicles

In August, BMW Certified Pre-Owned sold 10,027 vehicles, down 7.1 percent from August 2014, with a year-to-date gain of 16.5 percent to 78,068 vehicles sold over the same period in 2014. Total BMW Pre-Owned sales continue to be challenged by low availability with 15,763 vehicles sold in August 2015, an 18.4 percent decrease from August 2014. The Total BMW Pre-Owned cars sold for the first eight months were 124,151 a 7.4 percent decrease from the same period in 2014.

MINI Pre-Owned Vehicles

In August, sales of MINI NEXT (certified pre-owned) were 1,134 vehicles, up 3.5 percent over August 2014, with a year-to-date gain of 25.6 percent to 7,925 cars over the same period in 2014. Total MINI Pre-Owned sales were 2,696 cars, an increase of 5.3 percent from August 2014. Total MINI Pre-Owned sales for the first eight months were 18,205, a 7.0 percent increase from the same period in 2014.

New Vehicle Sales BMW of North America, LLC, August 2015

	Aug. 2015	Aug. 2014	%	YTD Aug. 2015	YTD Aug. 2014	%
BMW brand	27,755	27,213	2.0	223,348	211,004	5.9
BMW passenger cars	21,929	21,321	2.9	158,833	153,350	3.6
BMW light trucks	5,826	5,892	-1.1	64,515	57,654	11.9
MINI brand	5,109	5,006	2.1	40,560	34,969	16.0
TOTAL Group	32,864	32,219	2.0	263,908	245,973	7.3

BMW Motorrad Sales

With 1,338 retails BMW motorcycles posted their second best August ever. This figure was also 21.5 percent above the 1,101 motorcycles sold in August 2014.

The S 1000 RR was the best selling model in August with 192 units (+43%), and in combination with the recently introduced S 1000 XR Adventure Sport, helped grow S-Series model retails by 45% to 336 units compared to 231 in August of 2014.

Boxer model sales, boosted by the arrival of the R 1200 RS, grew 74% with sales of 685 units compared to 394 this time last year.

Motorcycle Sales BMW of North America, LLC, August 2015

	Aug. 2015	Aug. 2014	%	YTD Aug. 2015	YTD Aug. 2014	%
BMW Motorcycles	1,338	1,101	21.5	12,037	10,750	12.0