The all-new Nissan Micra now comes with the full five star Euro NCAP, gained with ease.

• All-new Micra gets highest star-rating in the UK under latest dual-test system
• Standard-fit Intelligent Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Recognition and Intelligent Lane Intervention helped secure the five star rating
• All-new Micra on sale now across Europe and available for test drives 

The all-new Nissan Micra has been awarded a five-star safety rating in the UK from Euro NCAP, thanks to the standard fitment of intelligent driving technologies in the Safety Assist category of testing. 

The Micra was tested under Euro NCAP’s newest protocols. The UK range of Micra achieves the maximum possible five stars thanks to an extensive set of safety features standard across all grades. 

Every Micra is fitted with Intelligent Emergency Braking (IEB), an intelligent driving technology which can detect a slowing or stopping vehicle ahead and automatically apply the brakes. Depending on the relative speeds, this can avoid an impact or reduce the severity. 

Also standard across the range is Pedestrian Recognition technology, which is linked to IEB, and Intelligent Lane Intervention (ILI), a first for the B-hatchback segment. 

When ILI is activated – for example, by crossing a line in the centre of the road – the steering wheel gently vibrates. The car’s brakes are automatically applied, individually depending on the direction of travel required, to guide the driver smoothly back into the correct lane. 

When taken into account by Euro NCAP, this extensive set of features earned the new Micra a high Safety Assist score, contributing to an overall rating of five stars. 

Every new Micra comes with six airbags as standard, plus seat belt warnings and seat belt height adjustment in the front. The Isofix car child seat fitting system can be used with the new Micra, including in the front passenger seat, for the best possible child protection. 

Additional safety features on every Micra include Electronic Stability Program, anti-lock brakes and Hill Start Assist. A speed limiter, automatic headlight sensor, automatic hazard lights and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System are also fitted. 

FLEET WORLD - The Nissan Navara takes Best Pick Up for the second year running.

The Nissan Navara has been crowned Best Pick-Up at the prestigious Fleet World Honours for the second year running.

Judges from the influential industry title put all models in the increasingly crowded segment through their paces before choosing the market-leading model as their outright winner.

They were impressed by the Navara’s range of powerful yet efficient engines, superior comfort, towing ability and wide range of trim levels.

The comprehensive five-year/100,000 miles warranty – offered across Nissan’s LCV range – was also singled out for special mention.

Dan Gilkes, Editor of Van Fleet World, said: “With so many new and improved trucks coming to the market last year, the big Nissan was certainly not short of competition.

“Yet despite some very strong new models, Navara remains the truck that we would buy if it was our fleet budget.”

He added: “A 3.5-tonne towing ability, powerful yet relatively frugal driveline and a wide range of trim levels from hard working Visia to luxurious Tekna, show that there is a Navara to suit most applications.”

Priced from £23,920 RRP, the Nissan Navara can be specified with either a double cab or a king cab and a 190PS twin-turbo or 160PS single turbo version of the new 2.3-litre dCi engine.

Many of the model’s advanced safety features – including a number of first-in-class technologies such as Forward Emergency Braking, Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control (on 4WD models) – come as standard.

Receiving the latest award, Darren Payne, Sales Director at Nissan Motor (GB) said: “We are thrilled the Navara has won this prestigious award for a second successive year.

“Despite a number of high profile competitors coming to market in the past year, Navara continues to set the benchmark in the pick-up sector.”

TMW - Subaru pushes out the boat for the Outback - the best car they produce.

Subaru is most definitely on the come back trail, they have a brilliant range of cars from the Levorg to this, the Outback, and many others in between from other off roaders and sports cars, and the car that gave them the reputation that they so well deserve, the WRX/STi, this and the BRZ are two models that we will be testing over the coming months, and i can not wait.

But, back to the car we have here today, the 2.0D SE Outback, this really is a stunning car to drive, is one of the most comfortablest, easy to drive, easy on the eye and a general all round brilliant car, from the outside the estate looks a big car, and it is, there is no getting away from this, yet it is very easy to drive, the steering is light and precise and you never feel like it is vague and unresponsive.

Once you get the seats and steering wheel into your ideal driving position you never need to move them again, and from there everything is so ideally placed, from the switches to the touch-screen Infotainment system, to the buttons that work the heating seats, which on a cold day are a welcome addition.

Driving the car is so easy, and when driving at a steady speed you hardly notice that you are in a diesel, it is that quiet, and smooth, the four wheel drive, which Subaru is famous for, is a great addition and keeps the car on the straight and narrow, put the cruise control on and you can just let the car "get on with it", it will even slow down and pull away on it's own, as well as let you know when you start to "drift" across onto another lane, or off to the side of the road.

The seven speed auto is very smooth and moves up and down the gears without any fuss or judder, if you're driving perfectly you only know the gears are changing by the rev counter moving up and down, thats how smooth and quiet it is.

The seats are some of the most comfortable i have sat in whilst driving, they are like armchairs, they cosset and keep you in position, which in turn makes for a great driving experience.

The fuel consumption stated by Subaru is

• Urban Cycle           37.7mpg
• Extra Urban Cycle  53.3mpg
• Combined Cycle     46.3mpg

If you manage to get the 53.3mpg, combined with teh fuel tank size, you should get over 700 miles out of the car, the Subaru also has a CO2 level of 159g/km which for a car this size is really good and helps with the BIK should you utilise the car for business usage, Top Speed is a decent 119mph, not that you will be doing that in the UK, well, you shouldn't, Should you 😀

The Outback is a great car, and if all you got was a standard spec model you would be more than happy with it, yet, it does not stop there, this model comes complete with a host of kit as standard.

• LED Headlights and Tail Lights
• Pop Up Headlamp Washes
• Power Fold Heated Door Mirrors
• Automatic Raise and Close Tailgate
• Flappy Paddles
• Seat Heaters
• All Round Power Windows
• Cruise Control
• Vehicle Dynamics Control
• Subaru Starlink Connectivity
• Hill Start Assist
• Active Torque Vectoring
• Centre Differential
• Whiplash Reducing Seats

And this is just a small amount of the standard kit, there is far far more to be added to the list.

Rear space is at a premium, with more than enough for three well set adults on the back seats, added to this there is a acres of space in the boot for loads of luggage, shopping or, with the seats down, some larger pieces of furniture.

Subaru is definitely on the rise, there is the updated BRZ, XV and Levorg all imminent, along with the second year of BTCC, and the continued use of the WRX/STi in privateer hands around the globe in numerous rallying events.

The Outback is a brilliant, car, and one that can accommodate everything you throw at it, it is a brilliant family car, as well as a car that can be utilised as a business car, either way, you could find few cars that fulfil all your requirements.

USA - All-New 2015 Honda Fit achieves highest overall vehicle score from the NHTSA.

• Subcompact Fit achieves both an NCAP 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score and an IIHS TOP SAFETY PICKrating
• Fit is the fifth Honda vehicle for 2015 to achieve top crash safety ratings from both from IIHS and NHTSA

The spacious, fuel-efficient and versatile 2015 Honda Fit (http://automobiles.honda.com/fit/), has received a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score, the top score available in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). The Fit, completely redesigned in 2014, earns both a TOP SAFETY PICK rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and a NCAP 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score from NHTSA for 2015, making it even more of a standout choice in its segment.

"The Fit shows that owning a smaller car doesn't mean you need to skimp on space, comfort or crashworthiness," said Art St. Cyr, vice president of auto operations at American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "Honda's commitment to the safety of our customers and other road users is second to none, and the Fit demonstrates this commitment in a powerful way."

Already the benchmark subcompact in terms of passenger and cargo space and innovative features, occupant safety features for the 2015 Honda Fit are further enhanced through the next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure. The ACE™ body structure improves frontal crash energy management through a wider range of offset and oblique collision modes. In addition, other body reinforcements work in tandem with the strengthened body structure to better maintain the occupant compartment volume during frontal collisions by providing additional crash energy pathways to help mitigate the forces transmitted to the passenger compartment.

Key Safety and Driver-Assistive Features:

In addition to the next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body-structure, the 2015 Fit features a host of standard active and passive safety features and offers many standard and available driver-assistive technologies:

• Driver and Front Passenger SmartVent™ Side Airbags
• Side Curtain Airbags with Rollover Sensor
• Motion-Adaptive Electric Power Steering (EPS) – a feature of VSA
• Hill Start Assist
• Expanded View Driver's Mirror
• Honda LaneWatchTM
• Multi-Angle Rearview Camera with Guidelines

Standard safety equipment on all 2015 Honda models includes the next-generation of Honda's ACE™ body structure, Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with traction control; an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS); side curtain airbags (some vehicles equipped with a rollover sensor as well); dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags; and front side airbags.

First pictures af the all-new Vauxhall Viva, the return of the iconic name.

• First official pictures of VIVA ahead of Spring 2015 launch
• Specially-developed 1.0-litre ECOTEC (75PS) powertrain
• Comfortable and practical with room for up to five people
• IntelliLink connectivity for seamless smartphone integration 

These are the first pictures of the VIVA, Vauxhall’s all-new five-door entry-level model. Arriving in Spring 2015, the VIVA will be the latest addition to Vauxhall’s small car range joining the fashionable ADAM and the popular Corsa supermini.

Design

With a name that pays homage to Vauxhall’s original Viva made from 1963 to 1979, the all-new VIVA shares the original’s philosophy of clean lines, durability and practicality.  It is designed for modern, everyday life and at 3.68 metres long is practical and spacious providing more than enough room for up to five people.

VIVA is the latest model in the range to display Vauxhall’s sculptured, precise design philosophy. Three strong feature lines swoop down the sides with the signature ‘blade’, seen previously on Insignia and GTC amongst others, slicing through the doors. The two others run through the front and rear door handles. The VIVA’s front end features a distinctive winged chrome bar that presents the Griffin badge.

Large headlights and taillights add to the vibrant appearance, creating an overall design that shows exceptional attention to detail for a vehicle in this class.

VIVA will be available in ten exterior paint colours with a variety of 14- to 16-inch wheels.

Powertrain and Chassis

After first appearing in the ADAM ROCKS AIR and subsequently the New Corsa, VIVA is the latest Vauxhall to feature its new 1.0-litre three-cylinder ECOTEC engine.  Specially-developed for VIVA, this 75PS powertrain is smooth, punchy and efficient, and is mated to a slick five-speed transmission.

VIVA’s chassis and steering have been developed to provide exceptional safety and class-leading comfort.

Equipment and Practicality

Like its stablemates ADAM and Corsa, VIVA is fully-connected thanks to the IntelliLink infotainment system, which allows seamless integration of Apple iOS and Android devices.

It’s also equipped with ESP featuring traction control, ABS with Electronic Brake-Force Distribution and Hill Start Assist, which prevents the car from rolling back when starting on a slope.  Further safety options can be selected including Lane Departure Warning.

Another feature that VIVA shares with ADAM and Corsa is City mode which reduces steering effort at the push of a button. Park Assist alerts the driver to obstacles whilst parking plus there’s optional cruise control, sunroof, fog lights, heated front seats and heated steering wheel.

“Short, crisp and full of character, Vauxhall’s new entry-level model is a ‘proper’ small car and will hold great appeal in this rapidly growing sector,” said Tim Tozer, Vauxhall’s Chairman and Managing Director. “On sale next year at an extremely attractive price point, VIVA joins new Corsa and ADAM in a compelling small car portfolio, giving Vauxhall an unrivalled position in the small car market.”

New Ssangyong Korando Light Commercial Vehicle gives decent looks & at a really cheap price.

• Light commercial Korando from just £12,995 on the road ex VAT
• Torque on demand 4-wheel drive available (CSX)
• 2 tonne towing capability
• 1,312 cubic litre load volume
• 433 kg payload
• Powerful 2.0 litre turbo diesel engine producing 360Nm of torque
• The only 4x4 van with a 5 year limitless mileage warranty

SsangYong is adding two new low priced light commercial models to its Korando range - the 2-wheel drive CS and 4-wheel drive CSX.

SsangYong Korando CSX 4x4 Commercial

Ideal as a small delivery van, go-anywhere vehicle for service engineers or simply a light commercial to ensure you reach your destination whatever the weather or terrain, the Korando Commercial makes the perfect business partner.

And with prices from just £12,995 (ex VAT) for the two wheel drive CS model and a 5 year limitless mileage warranty, it is also a sound business decision.

SsangYong Korando CSX commercial

The Giugiaro designed Korando is already noted for its great value, high level of equipment, interior space and 2 tonne towing capability - the Korando SE won The Caravan Club Towcar of the Year Award 2014 for vehicles under £16,000 - and now its commercial derivative, the Commercial van, has also been given a makeover inside and out, as well as enhanced driving refinement.

Externally, the front receives an all-new treatment that includes a slimmed down, black mesh radiator grille, contemporary projection headlights and LED daytime running lights, while the interior has also been given a significant re-design that includes a completely new dashboard.  Great advances in reducing NVH (noise, vibration & harshness) have also been made.

The new Korando Commercial is powered by a modern yet well-proven 2.0-litre Euro 5 turbo diesel engine.  

There is a choice of two wheel drive or 4x4, with prices from just £12,995 (ex VAT) for the two wheel drive CS and £14,295 (ex VAT) for the four wheel drive CSX.

The completely flat load area is accessed via a high lifting tailgate or two side doors, and packs a useful 1,312 cubic litre load volume.  There’s a load deck length of 152.5cm, and 96.5cm between the wheel arches.  The car also carries a very practical 433 kg payload, and willingly pulls a 2 tonne trailer.

Under the bonnet, the Korando CS is powered by a new lower CO₂ version of the Korando power unit.  Developing 149ps@4,000rpm, this advanced 2.0 litre four cylinder turbo diesel engine produces 360Nm of torque with CO₂ emissions reduced to 147g/km (CS) and 157g/km (CSX).

And for when the weather turns nasty and the going gets tough, the new CSX features an impressive Torque on Demand 4x4 system and is equipped with ESP with Hill Start Assist, and mud & snow tyres as standard.

The low price doesn’t mean basic though, and drivers will enjoy the luxury touches of electric windows and tinted glass as well as a leather covered steering wheel and gear shift, cruise control and an MP3 CD & RDS radio with iPod & Bluetooth connectivity, remote audio controls and six speakers. 

“The new Korando is the third light commercial vehicle (LCV) to join the SsangYong line-up, and offers a highly practical and affordable vehicle for those with specific business needs,” said Paul Williams, CEO of SsangYong Motor UK.  “Highly competitively priced, extremely well equipped and backed by a 5 year limitless mileage warranty, SsangYong is the only manufacturer to have that much confidence in its commercial vehicles to give its customers this level of reassurance.

“SsangYong has a growing reputation for producing extremely competent off-road vehicles, and the new Korando Commercial builds on this pedigree.  It’s an honest, reliable and highly capable LCV, and pound for pound will outclass many more expensive rivals.”

Torque on Demand 4x4

The Korando CSX features a Torque on Demand four wheel drive system which constantly monitors the level of grip available and distributes power to the wheels that need it most.  Under normal driving conditions the engine’s torque is directed to the front wheels so the car runs with the efficiency of a family hatchback.  

However, if the front tyres begin to lose traction, power is automatically fed to the rear wheels to ensure safe, stable and dependable progress is maintained with grip from all four wheels.  An all-wheel drive lock mode is also provided to ensure a 50/50 spread of torque between the front and rear wheels at speeds up to 25mph, essential for when low speed traction and control is needed such as when driving up a slippery track or off a muddy building site towing a work trailer.

Korando CS & CSX specification

The CS is based on the passenger carrying Korando SE, and the CSX on the SE4.  For full details of the Korando equipment list click here: http://www.ssangyonggb.co.uk/Korando-Equipment and for technical specifications click here: http://www.ssangyonggb.co.uk/Korando-Technical

5 year limitless mileage warranty

All models in the SsangYong range are covered by a best-in-class 5 year limitless mileage warranty.  Designed to be totally transparent and give customers complete peace of mind, ‘limitless’ means just that: not a maximum mileage condition that some brands impose in their small print.  

All the major mechanical components are covered including wheel bearings, suspension joints and bushes, steering joints, shock absorbers and even the audio system.  Wearable components such as clutch discs and brake friction materials which could have their life reduced by poor driving are covered for one year or 12,000 miles, and the battery and paintwork for three years.

SsangYong

SsangYong cars are manufactured in South Korea by SsangYong Motor, which is 73 per cent owned by the Indian engineering conglomerate Mahindra & Mahindra, and imported into the UK by SsangYong Motor UK.  Established in 1954 it is Korea's oldest vehicle manufacturer and only 4x4 and SUV specialist producer.

There are currently some 60 SsangYong dealers covering England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, with new locations being added to the network all the time.

LCV range

• Korando CS & CSX - 2 & 4 wheel drive, from £12,995 ex VAT
• Korando Sports pick up - 4 wheel drive, from £15,042 ex VAT
• Rexton W CSX - 4 wheel drive, from £18,495 ex VAT