MINI UK launches a new Clubman Black Pack Special Edition exclusively for the UK.

• MINI launches new MINI Black Pack Clubman exclusive to the UK
• Available as MINI Cooper Black Pack Clubman and MINI Cooper D Black Pack Clubman
• Offers 17-inch Black Net spoke wheels, Black bonnet stripes combined with Piano Black interior for a stylish finish as standard
• Satellite Navigation, DAB, Bluetooth, Cruise Control and MINI Connected all offered as standard
• Available to order from today, priced from £21,430 or £289 per month^* 

MINI UK is today launching the new MINI Cooper Black Pack Clubman and the new MINI Cooper D Black Pack Clubman.

Designed exclusively for the UK, the first MINI Clubman edition offers 17-inch Black Net spoke wheels combined with Black bonnet stripes for a sleek and sporty finish to further enhance the characteristic MINI Clubman styling.

Inside, the design cues continue with a Piano Black interior and multi-function steering wheel. The MINI Black Pack badge which is featured on the rear doors of the vehicle highlights the exclusivity of the new MINI Black Pack Clubman models.

In keeping with the entire MINI Clubman model range, the MINI Black Pack Clubman models also offer exceptionally high levels of standard equipment including MINI Navigation, Bluetooth, Cruise Control and MINI Connected. The MINI Excitement Pack which includes the MINI logo projection is also offered as standard.

Nicolas Griebner, Head of Product, MINI UK said: “The MINI Black Pack Clubman showcases the very best of MINI Clubman – a host of specially selected equipment combined with attractive visual options.”

The new MINI Cooper available to order at MINI Retailers from today, on the road pricing starts at £21,430 for MINI Cooper Black Pack Clubman (£289 per month, with an initial rental of £289*) and £23,735 for MINI Cooper D Black Pack Clubman.

Fleet-focused MINI One D Clubman launched in the UK, CO2 emissions from 99g/km and 74.3 mpg

• Fleet-focused MINI One D Clubman launched in the UK
• CO₂ emissions from 99g/km, 74.3 mpg on the combined cycle
• Exceptionally high standard specification including MINI Navigation, DAB, Bluetooth, Cruise control, MINI Connected and MINI Excitement Pack (including MINI logo projection
• Available April priced from £21,375 OTR, monthly business rental from £179**

Following the successful UK market launch of the MINI Clubman in October 2015, and the recent announcement of the MINI Clubman ALL4, MINI UK is adding a new model to the range – the MINI One D Clubman.

Retaining the high specification offered across the MINI Clubman range, including MINI Navigation, DAB, Bluetooth, Cruise control and MINI Connected on every car, the new MINI One D Clubman will be of particular interest to fleet and business customers, with this latest model emitting 99g/km* CO₂ on the combined cycle. As such, company car drivers will benefit from a low BiK rate of 17% on the MINI One D Clubman in the 2015-16 tax year.

The car’s much-loved signature design feature – its split rear doors – are retained on this model, while accessibility and everyday usability are further enhanced thanks to four full-sized side doors. The resulting car is a powerful fusion of sleek lines, innovative touches and first-rate materials with generous space for five occupants, excellent luggage capacity and classic MINI driving characteristics.

The new MINI One D Clubman is available to order from MINI Retailers nationwide now, priced from £21,375 OTR with the first customer deliveries in April 2016. MINI Financial Services offer a comprehensive range of rental options for corporate and SME customers, with highly competitive rates starting from £179** per month.

Model	HP	Trans	CO2	OTR
MINI One D Clubman	116	Man	99	£21,375
		Auto	104	£22,870

MINI One D Clubman:

3-cylinder diesel engine with MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology (turbocharger with variable turbine geometry, common rail direct injection),

capacity: 1,496 cc, output: 85 kW/116 hp at 4,000 rpm,

max. torque: 270 Nm at 1,750 – 2,250 rpm,

acceleration (0–62 mph): 10.4 seconds (automatic: 10.4 seconds),

top speed: 119 mph (119 mph),

average fuel consumption*: 74.3 mpg (72.4 mpg)

CO₂ emissions*: 99 g/km (104 g/km), exhaust emission standard: EU6.

*EU test cycle figures, fuel consumption dependent on the selected tyre format.

Exterior dimensions:

Length: 4 253 millimetres

Width: 1 800 millimetres

Height: 1 441 millimetres

Wheelbase: 2 670 millimetres

MINI One D Clubman: exceptionally packaged for business customers

Launched in the UK in October 2015, the new MINI Clubman is notable as the brand’s first vehicle in the competitive C-segment. This new model offers customers a premium vehicle featuring the highest level of ride refinement ever seen in a MINI.

Featuring a new mature and sophisticated design, the MINI Clubman’s dimensions are larger than those of the previous generation MINI Clubman. It’s also 270 mm longer and 73 mm wider than the MINI 5-door Hatch, with a wheelbase which is 100 mm larger. The boot has a volume of 360 litres, which can be extended to 1,250 litres by folding the rear seats flat.

With the introduction of MINI One D Clubman, the brand is further strengthening its entry into the C-segment with a vehicle primed for corporate, fleet and company car customers. This new model includes all of the must-have features required by business users combined with CO2 emissions starting from just 99g/km*, reducing the tax liability for company car drivers.

The standard specification on MINI One D Clubman mirrors the high quality packaging offered across the MINI Clubman range with the extensive standard equipment list including:

• MINI Navigation including Visual Boost Radio
• Sport leather steering wheel with multi-function control
• Cruise Control
• 16” alloy wheels
• Alarm and immobiliser
• Floor mats
• Front centre armrest
• Front and rear ISOFIX
• Front fog lights
• Automatic lights and wipers
• Manual Air conditioning
• MINI Excitement pack including MINI logo projection
• MINI Connected
• On-board computer
• Interior lights pack
• White indicators
• DAB
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System

Efficient powertrain featuring MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology

The new MINI One D Clubman is powered by the latest generation three-cylinder MINI TwinPower Turbo diesel engine which meets EU6 exhaust emission standards.

With a peak output of 116hp generating 270NM of torque, the unit provides both excellent pulling power and efficiency. The top speed is 119mph. Fuel consumption averages an exceptional 74.3 mpg on the combined cycle and CO₂ emissions of 99 grams per kilometre (EU test cycle figures, dependent on tyre format selected).

A six-speed manual transmissions is standard on the MINI One D Clubman. This transmission is characterised by low weight, a high level of internal efficiency and outstanding shift comfort optimised with carbon fibre friction linings for the synchroniser rings. An optional six-speed Steptronic transmission is available, providing the driver with a high level of shift comfort.

The brand’s pioneering MINIMALISM technologies are fitted as standard on this new model, with shift point display, brake energy regeneration, active cooling air flaps and needs-oriented control of the fuel and coolant pump as well as other ancillary components.

Spice up your drive: striking extras at an attractive price with Chili Pack

Over 50% of MINI Clubman customers are expected to choose the brand’s famous Chili pack which adds a host of additional extras to the car. These features include cloth/leather upholstery with heated sports seats, MINI’s comfort access system, park distance control, automatic air conditioning, LED headlights and LED fog lights among other features. Chili pack is priced at £2,785 across all MINI Clubman models – a 21% customer saving on MINI One D Clubman compared with selecting the options individually.

Safe by design: A comprehensive set of safety features as standard

In addition to the torsionally stiff, rigid and light-weight body structure, a complete set of standard safety features also contributes to the outstanding occupant protection of the new MINI One D Clubman. This extensive protection comprises of six airbags, 3-point automatic belts on all seats including belt tensioners and adaptive belt force limiters at the front, as well as ISOFIX child seat mountings at the rear. A tyre pressure display for each individual wheel is also included as standard. Meanwhile, impact absorbers and precisely defined deformation zones ensure optimised pedestrian protection.

Business customers: every fleet needs big support

MINI prides itself on providing outstanding service to all customers via its network of 142 retailers across the UK. In 2015 the brand recorded a 44 per cent increase in corporate sales, totalling 8,450 vehicles, with growth driven by strong demand for MINI 5-door Hatch and new MINI Clubman.

With the launch of MINI One D Clubman, the brand continues to invest in ensuring an exemplary experience for business and fleet customers. Dedicated Corporate Sales Managers are located across the MINI Retailer network to assist and support large fleets, whilst a dedicated corporate sales contact centre is available for booking demo vehicles and offering corporate customers a fast turnaround for queries.

Furthermore, a dedicated Corporate Aftersales Charter offers business and fleet customers a full set of commitments throughout the life of their vehicles, ensuring an outstanding ownership experience tailored to the needs of individual fleets. Further information about MINI’s Corporate and Fleet sales can be found athttps://corporate.mini.co.uk.

MINI One D Clubman: pricing and availability

The new MINI One D Clubman is built in the UK at MINI Plant Oxford and is available to order at MINI Retailers now. The first customer deliveries will commence in April 2016.

Pricing for MINI One D Clubman starts at £21,375 on the road, with pricing for the MINI One D Clubman automatic starting from £22,815. MINI UK and MINI Financial Services offer a comprehensive range of rental options for business customers of all sizes, with attractive monthly rates starting from £179**.

AUDI celebrates a double win at the 2015 CarBuyer awards.

A3 range stars claim Carbuyer top spots in 2015 awards 

• A3 Sportback wins Carbuyer Best Small Luxury Car award
• A3 Cabriolet awarded Best Convertible
• Pricing starts from £26,085 OTR for the cabriolet rising to £35,265 OTR, Sportback versions priced from £19,195 OTR to £30,525 OTR
• High performance ‘S’ version of both variants available
• Full-blown RS version of A3 Sportback available from March

Audi has secured yet more 'searched-for‘ success for its advanced A3 range in the latest Carbuyer awards. The Audi A3 Cabriolet and its versatile five-door sibling, the A3 Sportback, have been chosen as Best Small Luxury Car and Best Convertible respectively by the motoring review website, which selects the most popular reviews as its winners.

According to Carbuyer’s Editor, Stuart Milne: "No other drop-top blends so much comfort, performance and style as the A3 Cabriolet. Plus, a clever fabric roof makes it as quiet as the hatchback when you're on the move."

This automatically retracting hood allows Audi A3 Cabriolet drivers to make the most of the sunshine by retracting in just 17 seconds and at speeds of up to 31 mph. For Sport and S line versions, an upgraded sound-insulating acoustic hood ensures even greater levels of interior refinement when on the move.  

Explaining why the five-door Audi A3 also came out on top, Carbuyer cited its ability to  'demonstrate everything that makes an Audi special'  and commends the fact that it features  'a wide selection of engines that range from the very frugal to the very fast.' The motoring portal also heaped praise on the A3 Sportback for being 'practical, affordable to run and hugely desirable.'

Both models feature comprehensive equipment lists in entry-level SE form. Highlights include a retractable 5.8-inch central screen, the Audi Music Interface, Bluetooth, DAB and preparation for SD card navigation. All models also benefit from an extensive set of safety systems, including an active bonnet, adaptive brake lights which flash during an emergency stop, an electronic differential lock and a secondary brake collision assistant.

Company car drivers have the option to upgrade to  'business class' with the latest SE Technik version of the A3 Sportback, which adds SD card-based satellite navigation, a colour driver’s information system, cruise control and an acoustic rear parking system over and above SE specification. In addition, Sport and S line upgrades are available offering even more standard equipment and visual enhancements. 

Advanced TFSI and TDI engines to suit a multitude of driver preferences are available for each model, from a 1.2-litre TFSI which can return a diesel-rivalling 57.6mpg combined to the most powerful 2.0 TDI quattro with 184 PS and 380Nm of torque. The S3 Cabriolet is the fastest, most powerful convertible ever to be produced by Audi, drawing on a 2.0 TFSI engine delivering 300PS and a 0-62mph time of just 5.4 seconds. quattro all-wheel drive is fitted as standard for the ultimate in top-down driving thrills.

At the head of the five-door A3 range is the 367PS RS 3 Sportback. Its evocative powerplant is the most powerful five-cylinder in Audi series production history, endowing the super hatch with a 62mph sprint time of just 3.4 seconds and a derestricted top speed of 174mph. Ordering opens this month ahead of first deliveries in summer.

SEAT upgrades range for even more value for money.

• Spacious Toledo now offers even more equipment for less money
• Range now starts at just £10,000 for the five-seat, big-booted hatchback
• Over £1,000 worth of extra kit now included with SE models
• SEAT revises the majority of its range for added freshness and value
• Leon FR TDI 184 PS now available with DSG automatic

The SEAT Toledo was already a car with unquestionable value for money on its side – but it’s just got even better. That’s because SEAT has added a load of extra equipment to the spacious five-door hatchback for no extra cost.

In fact it costs less, thanks to the decision to chop £2,500 off the price of every Toledo until at least the end of 2013. That means the starting point of the Toledo range is now just £10,000, for a Toledo E 1.2 12V, while a top-of-the-range Toledo SE 1.6 TDI Ecomotive costs just £15,340.

The specification upgrades apply to S and SE models, with the former gaining a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, rear electric windows, rear parking sensors and a centre-rear headrest. This is in addition to the already standard Bluetooth, a six-speaker stereo with USB port, air conditioning, and electric heated door mirrors.

SE cars gain SEAT Media System 2.2, formerly a £700 option, which is a colour touch-screen system including satellite navigation, DAB digital radio and Bluetooth audio streaming. And as well as the rear parking sensors and centre rear headrest offered with S, the SE also gains dark tinted rear windows. In addition, SE comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights, cruise control and automatic climate control.

All told, the added equipment value for S cars is £430, and for SE £1,080.

The SEAT Toledo remains one of the most practical-per-pound cars on the market, with a huge 550-litre boot accessed via a large hatchback tailgate, and seating for five adults. Across the range it’s extremely economical too, with the Ecomotive S version returning 104 g/km CO2 and 72.4 mpg combined, while even the 1.2 TSI 105 PS petrol model is rated at 56.5 mpg.

SEAT model year 2014 improvements

As part of the process of constantly refining the product and increasing value for the customer, SEAT has implemented a number of improvements across its model line-up for the 2014 model year.

Mii

SEAT’s city car will, from the beginning of 2014, sport the new SEAT logo first worn on the new Leon, and will for the first time be available with DAB digital radio and a SEAT Sound premium audio system, which includes a boot-mounted subwoofer. Those options are for the Ecomotive trim level and above. A new colour, Night Blue, comes to the range, while there are various trim and wheel changes to refresh the line-up. Please ask the SEAT Press & PR office for details.

Ibiza

As per the Mii, the Ibiza range will also wear the new SEAT badge from the turn of 2014, and will be available with a DAB digital radio for the first time. The SEAT Portable System Live is improved across the range, with the standard unit now including ‘SEAT Call’, for faster communication with emergency services in the event of an accident. In addition, Cupra models will have a ‘Performance Display’ application added to the system, which shows attributes including turbo boost pressure and G-force.

Leon

A DSG transmission option has been added to the range-topping Leon FR TDI 184 PS, which brings the convenience of an automatic transmission but with no loss of performance. Equipped with DSG, the Leon FR TDI 184 PS retains the manual’s 7.5-second 0-62 mph time, while its CO2 rating is raised only slightly, to 119 g/km for SC and five-door versions and 122 g/km for the ST.

SEAT has introduced Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Front Assist as a Leon option, available with SE and FR versions, and a new ‘Dynamic Multi’ alloy wheel design is available. Tow bar pre-installation is now available across the range.

SEAT sales success

SEAT UK recently celebrated its best ever month for sales, with the 8,498 new car registrations made in September 2013 the most that the company has enjoyed in a 23-year history; SEAT was established in the UK in September 1985. In fact, the September sales tally capped off SEAT’s best quarter ever, which follows its best half-year ever, between January and June 2013. All told, SEAT is on course for a record-breaking year