The D-Max from Isuzu gets a much needed overhaul and now becomes a far superior product

The new generation D-Max arrives in the UK this Spring, and customers can now register their interest in the new truck.

D-Max has been extensively overhauled with the biggest changes under the bonnet. A brand new 1.9 litre turbo diesel engine has been fitted, which produces 164 PS and 360Nm of torque. 

The engine builds upon D-Max’s workhorse character and retains the 3.5 tonne towing capacity and 1 tonne payload whilst providing a quieter, more refined and economical driving experience.  

Another key benefit is that the new engine meets Euro 6 standards without the need for addition of AdBlue.

As per previous D-Max models, Shift-On-The-Fly 4x4 is a key feature of the 17MY truck. The rotary dial allows the driver to select four-wheel drive on the move as well as low range gears.

Finally, the D-Max comes with a five-year / 125,000-mile warranty, and was the first pick-up in the UK to be offered with such a comprehensive peace-of-mind package.

 Running costs are kept down by 12,000-mile or 24-month service intervals, five years recovery and European cover, a three-year paint warranty, and a six-year anti-corrosion warranty.

The Dacia Duster, Small Sports utility Vehicle, is another winner at this years annual Green Apple Awards

• Dacia Duster collects Small SUV title at the 2016 Green Apple Awards
• Second consecutive time Duster has won the award
• Praised for its no-frills approach to motoring
• Sixth annual awards from the not-for-profit organisation

The Dacia Duster won the Small SUV title at the sixth annual Green Apple Awards this morning at the Houses of Parliament. The ‘shockingly affordable’ Duster was voted into first place for the second consecutive year thanks to its affordability and ruggedness and running costs.

The automotive-based honours at The Green Apple Awards, organised by the Midlands-based The Green Organisation, are judged by members of the Midland Group of Motoring Writers. Marks were awarded by judges for the way a car drives and behaves in the real world, away from the testing laboratory.

One of the Midland Group of Motoring Writers said: "It’s cheap, it’s cheerful, it’s rugged and does what it says on the tin without any fuss or needless frills. The running costs are great, as is the price to buy or lease.”

Louise O’Sullivan, Head of Dacia UK said: “We’re delighted the Duster has once again been recognised by such a well-respected environmental group as the Green Organisation. The Duster underwent a facelift earlier this year and its popularity amongst the British public has shown no signs of slowing.

“It has been challenging preconceptions since launch thanks to Dacia’s no frills approach to motoring and impressive reliability. The Green Apple judges have proved just how economical the Duster is, too.”

Dacia has been a real success story in the UK since its launch in 2013 finding over 88,000 customers thanks to the brand’s clear value for money and no-nonsense approach. Duster, the tough SUV, has struck a particular chord with Britons having seen 6,905 sales in the first 10 months of the year alone – up 20.4 per cent on the same period last year.

The multiple award-winning Duster has been a part of the Dacia range since the brand’s launch in the UK in January 2013 and is the most affordable SUV on the UK market – priced from £9,495 with the Green Apple Award-winning dCi 110 4x2 starting at £12,495. The dCi 110 4x2 outputs 115g/km of CO2 and offers up to 64.2mpg (NEDC Combined). The Duster is available in a choice of four trim levels, with 1.6-litre naturally aspirated or 1.2-litre turbo charged petrol or 1.5-litre dCi diesel engines and in 4x2 or 4x4 set-ups.

The Green Organisation, based in Northamptonshire, was established in 1994 as an international, independent, non-profit, non-political, non-activist environment group, dedicated to recognising, rewarding and promoting environmental best practice around the world and invites entries from all parts of industry for its annual Green Apple Awards.

The small car master, Suzuki, does it again with the Celerio taking one of the awards at the Green Apple Environmental Awards.

Award for Celerio from The Green Organisation

The Celerio Dualjet has won another accolade at the annual Green Apple Environmental Awards held at the House of Commons on 11^th November. The awards, organised by The Green Organisation cover many different industries and the Automotive category is judged by the Midland Group of Motoring Writers.

Chairman of the Midland Group, Ian Donaldson comments: “This is the sixth year we have saluted the greenest cars you can buy and, crucially, enjoy owning and driving. 

Our prize winners are chosen by our 27 members whose words are read across 400 media outlets both in print and online all over the UK and beyond”.

Launched in the UK in February 2015, the supermini champion for 2016 is the car that was runner-up last year - in the shape of the petrol powered Suzuki Celerio Dualjet.

The Celerio was again up against some strong competition and impressed the judges with one commenting "It is a remarkably driveable and economical city car."    

Priced at £8,649, the Celerio with its 1.0-litre Dualjet petrol engine enables it to attain 78.4mpg on the EC Combined fuel consumption cycle and achieve very low CO₂ emissions of just 84g/km. Dualjet technology positions the fuel injectors very close to the engine inlet valves and allows for a finer fuel atomisation (or mixture) which in turn provides a more effective transfer into the cylinder. 

For customers looking at a low deposit together with a low monthly payment option, Celerio is available with a range of highly competitive Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) offers until the end of 2016. As an example, the SZ2 at £6,999 is available for a deposit of £1,912 followed by 48 monthly payments of just £79 and an optional final payment of £2,322 to own the car. The SZ3 Dualjet model is available for a deposit of £2,168 with 48 monthly payments of £105 and a final optional payment of £2,718.

With its high levels of standard equipment, low cost of ownership and generous interior and luggage space the Celerio is proving very popular with UK customers with over 15,000 sold to date since launch.

The Renault ZOE has taken the top prize at the 2016 Green Apple Awards, judged by members of the Midland Group of Motoring Writers

The all-electric Renault Zoe has taken top honours at the 2016 Green Apple Awards, presented at the House of Commons and singling out cars that are both good to drive and economical in the real world.

The awards, presented on Friday (11 November) are organised by the Midlands-based The Green Organisation and judged by members of the Midland Group of Motoring Writers.

After clinching the category for pure electric and hybrid cars, the Zoe went to take the Green Apple champion title, beating a diesel version of the Audi A6 in second place overall.

One of the judges said of the Zoe: "It is by some measure the most convincing all-electric vehicle I've driven. So good, in fact, than it only takes a few miles to forget what's powering you along so convincingly."

Midland Group chairman Ian Donaldson presented a Renault representative with the top place award at the House of Commons.

MGMW Green Apple Awards in full

SUPERMINIS

The Mazda2 1.5 litre diesel had to be content with second spot this time, after a category win last year.

The supermini champion for 2016 is the car that was runner-up in 2015 - in the shape of the petrol powered Suzuki Celerio Dualjet.

One judge said: "It is a remarkably driveable and economical city car."

SMALLER FAMILY CARS

 Second place went to the Honda Civic 1.6 i-DETC, chosen, as one of the judges said, "because it is stylish, good to drive and refined, and one of the most genuinely economical cars in its class."

The winner is another British-built hatch - the new Vauxhall Astra 1.6 CDTi 110 Ecoflex.

A Midland Group judge commented: "The new Astra shows there's lots of life left in diesels."

LARGER FAMILY CARS

Here, the fight was, perhaps not surprisingly, between a couple of cars from Germany.

In the end second place went to the BMW 320d ED with the winner emerging as the Volkswagen Passat 1.6 TDI Bluemotion.

SMALLER SUVs and 4x4s

A whole year has not been able to shake the judges from their 2015 decisions.

That means in second spot we have the Nissan Qashqai 1.5dCi 110 2WD while the winner - for the second consecutive year - is the Dacia Duster 1.5 dCi 110 4x2.

A judge said of the Dacia: "It’s cheap, it’s cheerful, it’s rugged and does what it says on the tin without any fuss or needless frills. The running costs are great, as is the price to buy or lease."

PURE ELECTRIC AND HYBRID CARS

The Uber driver's favourite Toyota Prius drives quietly into second spot.

The winner this year, though, is the Renault Zoe, the French car maker's entry into affordable purely electric family transport.

EXECUTIVE CARS

In second place is the impressive Jaguar XF E-Performance but it has to give way to this year's winner, for the second year in a row - the Audi A6 2.0 TDI Ultra.

One of our judges said: "The Audi has a build quality that is second to none. Love the handsome looks, the logical switchgear – the fuel tank that keeps on giving – and the effortless mile munching, planted drive."

OVERALL GREEN APPLE CHAMPIONS for 2016  

In second spot was the Audi A6.

A judge said: "It offers performance, practicality prestige, frugality and a fit and finish that justifies the price-tag."

But taking the top step this year is the Renault Zoe.

A judge said: "The Zoe shows Renault's commitment to the future of electric power in an affordable package that looks good, drive well and does its bit to make the planet a little bit greener."

Even Caterham produces a fuel efficient car by taking part in the 2015 MPG Marathon,

• Caterham proves the 160 is the most economical two-seater sportscar on the market*
• Seven 160 finishes eco-driving event with an overall MPG of 59.03, a 2.48% improvement on the car’s official MPG
• Pistonheads’ John Mahoney piloted 160 in the 370-mile competition 

British sportscar maker, Caterham Cars, has taken part in the annual MPG Marathon for the first time with its most economical Seven model; the 160.

The UK’s leading lean driving challenge took place between Tuesday 29^th and Wednesday 30^th September, with the 370-mile route starting and finishing at Heythrop Park, Oxfordshire.

This year saw the 15^th edition of the MPG Marathon take place, with production cars and LCVs, competing in a test of eco driving skills. Prizes were awarded on the basis of the percentage improvement obtained in relation to the official MPG for the combined cycle of the car and outright net fuel consumption in MPG.

Caterham competed with its most frugal Seven ever built and, driven by Pistonheads’ John Mahoney, the 160 competed in the class for passenger cars powered by petrol with CO2 emissions of 101g/km – 190g/km. The Seven 160 achieved an overall MPG of 59.03 during the course of the event - a 2.48% improvement on the 160’s official 57.60mpg.

The MPG Marathon saw the iconic Seven, a car which brings unrivalled levels of efficiency, fun and value for money to the sportscar segment, standing out from the crowd as the only two-seater sportscar, participating.

Powered by a super-compact, turbocharged three-cylinder Suzuki engine, the 160 emits just 114g/km CO2. The 160 produces 80hp from its 660cc engine and generates a top speed of 100mph, reaching 0–62mph in only 6.5 seconds. Priced from £15,995 in component form and £18,995 fully built, the Seven 160 can be taxed for just £30 per year and is the most cost-effective two-seater sportscar on the market*.

Caterham Cars’ Chief Commercial Officer, David Ridley, said: “The 160’s impressive performance in this event proves that the Seven really does deliver everything, proving that fuel economy doesn’t have to come at the expense of a fun drive.”

The all new, from the ground up, the second generation Jaguar XF (does not look that different)

The all-new Jaguar XF: lighter and more efficient, with unrivalled refinement, dynamics and design

• The all-new XF’s aluminium-intensive architecture enables class-leading weight: 80kgs lighter than the competition*
• The lowest CO₂ emissions of any non-hybrid model in the segment: 104g/km
• Class-leading efficiency: over 70mpg*
• Elegant, progressive design combines short overhangs and outstanding proportions with exceptional aerodynamic efficiency: Cd 0.26
• Segment-leading rear seat space
• All-new 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system – InControl Touch Pro
• Bespoke 825W Meridian digital surround sound system with 17 speakers
• Reconfigurable 12.3-inch TFT instrument cluster
• Powertrains from 163PS Ingenium diesel to 380PS V6 supercharged petrol
• Double-wishbone and Integral Link suspension deliver exceptional ride comfort, handling and unrivalled refinement
• Full technical and range specifications released 01 April

The all-new Jaguar XF has been revealed during a dramatic ‘high-wire’ water crossing in the heart of London’s business district.

Expert British stunt man Jim Dowdall, veteran of Hollywood movies including Bond, Bourne and Indiana Jones, drove the all-new Jaguar XF 240 metres across a high-wire to demonstrate the new XF’s lightweight aluminium-intensive construction. The new XF is 80kgs lighter than its closest competitor, resulting in best-in-class efficiency (over 70mpg) and CO₂ (104g/km).

The feat took place high over the Royal Dock in London’s Canary Wharf.  Footage of the drive can be viewed here: jaguar.co.uk/newxf

The all-new XF brings an unrivalled blend of refinement, fuel economy, dynamics and design to the business car segment. It will make its global motor show debut in New York on 1 April.

With segment-leading figures for interior space, the all-new XF’s dynamic, coupé-like design is formed around Jaguar’s aluminium-intensive architecture and combines the outstanding proportions, elegant surfaces and pure lines which define all Jaguar cars, with exceptionally low aerodynamic drag.

The cabin utilises a seamless blend of contemporary luxury materials and finishes, traditional Jaguar craftsmanship and state-of-the art technology. With features such as the new InControl Touch Pro premium infotainment system and 12.3-inch TFT instrument cluster.

“In creating the all-new XF, as a design team we have been driven by discipline, the discipline of simplicity. Every exterior line on the XF has a clear purpose – nothing is superfluous. Achieving that simplicity takes time and requires great determination; it’s all too easy to add lines to a car, but much harder to addcharacter by leaving lines out.

“Inside too, we have been driven by the desire to ensure the XF’s cabin is as comforting as it is comfortable. New technology, including our new 10.2-inch touchscreen, is combined carefully with materials that cosset and reassure. The all-new XF has a clear sense of calm and strength, both outside and inside – and I’m proud of my team for delivering that.”

Ian Callum, Director of Design, Jaguar

The original XF’s sleek exterior and luxurious interior made it a desirable, aspirational vehicle. Combined with benchmark driving dynamics, the XF was like nothing else in the segment and has gone on to become Jaguar’s most-awarded car.

The all-new XF retains its predecessor’s core attributes but uses Jaguar’s advanced aluminium-intensive architecture to elevate them to a completely new level. Featuring 75 per cent aluminium, the architecture enables weight savings of up to 190kg over the outgoing model and an increase in torsional stiffness of up to 28 per cent.

The architecture also delivers dramatic improvements in packaging and the proportions so essential to Jaguar design. Though 7mm shorter and 3mm lower than the car it replaces, the all-new XF’s 2,960mm wheelbase is 51mm longer, enabling class-leading rear seat space with more legroom, kneeroom and headroom.

The efficiency gains inherent in the lightweight aluminium construction are complemented by the all-new XF’s refined, powerful engine range. The 2.0-litre Ingenium diesel engines are available in 163PS/380Nm and 180PS/430Nm ratings and are offered with specially-optimised six-speed manual- and eight-speed automatic transmissions. In 163PS manual form, the all-new XF delivers 104g/km CO₂ and is the lightest, most efficient non-hybrid diesel model in the segment – 80kg lighter than its closest competitor.

All other engines are matched exclusively to eight-speed automatic transmissions. The 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo diesel benefits from a host of advanced technologies which boost efficiency and refinement still further, and raise output to 300PS and a remarkable 700Nm of torque.  Also available is the renowned 3.0-litre V6 supercharged petrol engine with 380PS/450Nm torque.

The light, stiff bodystructure is also fundamental to the all-new XF’s superb vehicle dynamics. The sophisticated double wishbone and Integral Link suspension – combined with near-50:50 weight distribution – delivers the ideal balance between agility, comfort and refinement.

Incorporating all of the learning from F-TYPE and XE, the meticulously-tuned Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) maintains the XF’s benchmark steering feel and response – and contributes to the all-new XF’s outstanding fuel economy.

Advanced passive damper technology delivers exceptional ride comfort as standard, but for even better control the Adaptive Dynamics system determines the optimum damper settings for the driving conditions.

Jaguar Configurable Dynamics, first developed for F-TYPE, provides the ultimate in control and enables the driver to individually tailor settings of the dampers, steering, engine and eight-speed automatic transmission.

As with XE, rear-wheel drive ability is enhanced too. All-Surface Progress Control, developed for low-speed driving in adverse conditions, automatically manages the brakes and the throttle to deliver the best possible traction, enabling the car to pull away smoothly and without drama: the driver only has to steer.

Infotainment and connectivity is the most advanced Jaguar has ever offered. The all-new InControl Touch Pro system features a 10.2-inch touchscreen and Dual View technology which simultaneously allows the driver to see information such as navigation, while the front seat passenger watches TV or a DVD.

To handle the enormous amounts of data, InControl Touch Pro features a solid-state drive and a quad-core processor, and runs on state-of-the-art, ultra-fast Ethernet – a next-generation network offering exceptional data transfer rates. Combined, they deliver incredible graphics, fast response times and truly exceptional performance.

Complementing InControl Touch Pro is a reconfigurable 12.3-inch TFT instrument cluster. Jaguar Land Rover pioneered this technology with the XJ and Range Rover and is now bringing it to the business car segment.

To make every journey safer and even more relaxing, the all-new XF offers a wide range of advanced driver assistance systems, and is also the first Jaguar to offer full-LED headlights.

The all-new aluminium-intensive Jaguar XF will be manufactured at Jaguar Land Rover’s Castle Bromwich Plant alongside the all-aluminium F-TYPE and XJ.

UK COTY - SMALL HATCHBACK - Citroen takes title with multi award winning Cactus.

The New Citroën C4 Cactus has been voted ‘Small Hatchback of the Year’ in the UK Car of the Year Awards 2015. The awards are presented annually by an independent panel of UK journalists who vote for the best new cars on sale in the UK. The winners are announced to coincide with the arrival of the new vehicle registration plate in March.

The Citroën C4 Cactus has been named ‘Small Hatchback of the Year’ in the 2015 UK Car of the Year Awards (UKCOTY). The awards are voted for by an independent judging panel of expert motoring journalists, who are proud to offer impartial advice that is specifically aimed at the British car-buying public.  

The awards are judged across 12 categories, with the winners being selected by professional journalists who are experts in various sectors of the automotive industry. Many of the judges will test drive more than 300 cars per year and reach a combined audience of over 80 million consumers.

The bold and distinctive Citroën C4 Cactus won over the judges in the highly-prized small hatchback category thanks to a variety of attributes, including its “genuine innovation” in this sector. The C4 Cactus is described as “the quirkiest car of the year” with “refreshing looks” and “a sense of fun.”

In addition to this latest accolade from the UKCOTY judging panel, the New C4 Cactus has been presented with a variety of industry awards since its launch in September 2014, including BBC TopGear Magazine ‘Hatchback of the Year’. The New Citroën C4 Cactus is also shortlisted with 6 other finalists for the 2015 European Car of the Year Award.  

QUOTE, UNQUOTE: COMMENTS FROM THE UKCOTY JUDGING PANEL

Tom Ford

“For so long the small hatch has been the place where manufacturers play it safe with styling, afraid to push the boundaries. But no more. The Cactus might be based on humble bones, but the styling and ethos of simplicity are a true breath of fresh air. Making an expensive car appealing is easy – making a cheap car with character is hard.”

Chris Russon

“A great all rounder. Quirky looks, but very functional.”

Alex Goy

“Citroën’s C4 Cactus is a funky French car that doesn't deal in pretention. It deals with the 'eco' issues by being uncomplicated and light, not overly fussy with eco tech as heavier cars would be. The air bumps offer a fun, though aesthetically divisive, solution to the rigors of family life too. Looks the biz and drives nicely.”

Richard Yarrow

“Genuine innovation, great design and honest in its qualities.”

David Ross

“Citroën is back to doing what it does best, making quirky and stylish cars with family appeal.”

Olivia Gauch

“The quirky styling with the Airbump technology makes this car so appealing to buyers. Always refreshing to see something look so different that stands out on the roads. It is also well-priced, comfortable and has a good range of engines available.”

Simon Harris  

“The car is distinctive, attractive, inexpensive to buy and run, and injects a sense of fun into a sector whose products often lack the first and last of those ingredients.”

Matt Joy

“A genuine attempt to reinvent the small car; finally a vehicle that obviously wasn’t honed at the Nurburgring, and is all the better for it.”

Alisdair Suttie

“Quirky, fun and affordable, the C4 Cactus is also practical, safe and all the things a great Citroën – and small hatch – should be.”

Paul Barker
“Exactly the car Citroën should be doing and the kind of thing no other manufacturer is capable of doing. Very efficient, clever and innovative.”

Graeme Lambert
“More innovation from the French. It’s in danger of becoming another ‘journalists’ car, but the Cactus is genuinely different, and like Citroëns of old to drive.”

Guy Bird
“The most original affordable small car launched for years, with a genuinely innovative exterior and a thoughtfully designed interior.”

John Challen – UKCOTY Editor & Managing Director

“Proof that daring to be different when it comes to styling can work. An impressive vehicle to drive and spend time in as well.”