Vauxhall launches a new top of the rnage trim level to the Grandland X - The Ultimate !

• New top-of-the-range Ultimate trim level for Grandland X
• Highly specified with leading-edge technology as standard
• New 2.0-litre Turbo Diesel (177PS) engine debuts
• Available to order now, priced from £33,995 on-the-road

Following the successful launch of the all-new Grandland X SUV at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show, Vauxhall has introduced a new top-of-the-range variant to the line-up. The new Ultimate trim level, which is also available on the popular Mokka X and Crossland X models, has a high level of equipment as standard and debuts the new 2.0-litre Turbo Diesel (177PS) engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The Grandland X already offers a selection of ultra-modern assistance and comfort features regardless of trim. OnStar, Dual Zone Climate Control, Lane Departure Warning and Rear Parking Sensors are just some highlights available across the range.

Sitting on 19-inch BiColour alloys, the new Ultimate Grandland X adds to this impressive list of features with kit including Automatic Cruise Control and a Denon premium sound system. Also standard are black roof and door mirrors, alloy sports pedals, heated steering wheel, heated rear outer seats, 360-degree Panoramic Camera and Premium LED Adaptive Forward Lighting Pack with projector headlights. Few SUVs in this class are as well-equipped.

New 2.0-litre Turbo Diesel (177PS) Engine

The Grandland X Ultimate also introduces Vauxhall’s new top-of-the-range 2.0-litre diesel engine, allied with an eight-speed automatic gearbox. The new diesel engine is refined and powerful, delivering 177PS at 3,750rpm and 400Nm of torque at 2,000rpm to give effortless acceleration. This helps it achieve 0-60mph in 8.6 seconds and a top speed of 133mph.

With performance comes also economy, the Grandland X 2.0-litre Turbo Diesel (177PS) Blue Injection engine offers official CO2 emissions of 128g/km and 57.6mpg combined.

A rarity in this class, the Grandland X Ultimate also sees the range debut of an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Similar to that seen in Vauxhall’s flagship Insignia range, it has been engineered with a smooth linear shift pattern.

Available to order now, the new Grandland X Ultimate is priced from £33,995 on-the-road.

Citroën to unveil a new concept at the Geneva Motor Show The SpaceTourer 4X4 Ë Concept

Citroën will unveil a new concept vehicle at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show – SpaceTourer 4X4 Ë Concept. The new design is inspired by the brand’s own “Ë” lifestyle product range, which was presented at last year's Paris Motor Show. 

The SpaceTourer 4X4 Ë Concept embodies Citroën’s unique spirit and features a 4x4 drivetrain, enhanced body protection and new external graphics. 

Its unique interior is true to the Citroën Advanced Comfort® programme and promotes well-being. SpaceTourer 4X4 Ë Concept is a stylish, practical and contemporary mode of transport for the modern day adventurer.

With only a few weeks to go until the Geneva Motor Show, Citroën has revealed the SpaceTourer 4X4 Ë Concept, a contemporary vehicle with an uncompromising combination of off-road ability, versatility and comfort. 

The new concept is an up-to-date take on the SpaceTourer, uniquely inspired by Citroën’s "Ë" collection of limited edition lifestyle products.

Enhancing the existing strengths of the production model, the SpaceTourer 4X4 Ë Concept offers elegant styling and a unique design, with class-leading technologies for all types of terrain – including an all-wheel-drive transmission developed by Automobiles Dangel.

Citroën SpaceTourer 4x4 Ë Concept is designed for well-being, with adventurous styling that evokes vitality, making it ideal for families or groups of friends looking to enjoy leisure activities in style.

AN ENERGETIC DESIGN WITH NEW GRAPHICS

Exterior look

Aesthetically, the Citroën SpaceTourer 4X4 Ë Concept introduces a dynamic combination of colours and materials, both inside and out, with a striking graphic design for an energetic new look.

Boasting all the best features of large MPVs and SUVs, the design emphasises the concept car's all-terrain abilities. The SpaceTourer 4X4 Ë Concept is equipped with special front and rear protective skid plates and roof bars with a satin aluminium finish.

Recognisable with its "4X4" logo under the door mirrors and on the tailgate, the 4x4 concept also features tyres with snow chains.

To visually boost its personality, the SpaceTourer 4X4 Ë Concept is cloaked in a special white paint and a striking grey camouflage design with red decals. Touches of the same red colour can also be seen on the snow chains.

Available in several body sizes (XS, M and XL) to meet the needs of families and professionals alike, the SpaceTourer 4X4 Ë Concept is presented as a compact XS version, designed for top-level functionality and versatility. With its short wheelbase, the XS model is a first in its segment with a body length of just 4.60m and a height of 1.90m. 

Despite its raised body, the 4x4 version remains under 2m tall, ensuring access to most height-restricted car parks.

The "Ë" signature is inseparable from the name and history of the Citroën brand, and is positioned proudly on the dark-tinted rear quarter lights.

Interior feel

The SpaceTourer 4X4 Ë Concept’s sliding side doors open to reveal an impressively spacious interior, upholstered in soft and warm materials, with large windows providing plenty of natural light. 

The broad glass sunroof has two separate and coverable sections. The level of personalisation inside is most evident on the dashboard and upholstery. The red, white and blue colours are inspired by the "Ë" lifestyle product range and subtly celebrate the brands French heritage to forge a new interior aesthetic. 

Inspired by the Citroën Advanced Comfort® programme, the seats in the SpaceTourer 4X4 Ë Concept are remarkably comfortable. The generous cabin can accommodate up to nine people, although in this five-seat configuration the concept has two individual front seats fitted with armrests.

With an uncompromising combination of comfort, practicality and aesthetics, this concept car has a unique interior look with a top-quality two-tone treatment. White leather graces the upper part of the seat backs and headrests. On the lower two-thirds of each seat, mottled grey Alcantara and leather combine to create a stunning visual contrast.

The headrests on the front seats feature an embossed “Ë” logo and there are white leather straps on the front doors for use as door handles. 

This type of design was first seen on the C4 Cactus and is inspired by the world of travel and leather goods. As with the seatbelts, these door straps feature the same red and blue detailing as the brand’s "Ë" lifestyle product collection. 

Other references to the “Ë” collection can be seen on the dashboard, which is decorated in a mottled grey, soft-to-the-touch fabric. This is similar to the iPad cover in the "Ë" collection. The aluminium-coloured trim in the cabin is a reference to the “Ë” branded jackets within the collection.

ENGINEERED FOR LEISURE AND ADVENTURE

The SpaceTourer 4X4 Ë Concept's adventurous spirit and raised ground clearance (60mm higher than the production model), make it the ideal companion for outdoor pursuits.

Designed for most driving conditions, and powered by the BlueHDi 150 S&S diesel engine with a 6-speed manual gearbox, the SpaceTourer 4X4 Ë Concept boasts top-level all-terrain abilities and ride comfort, whatever the weather. 

The concept is equipped with a selectable 4x4 transmission from Automobiles Dangel, a well-known French all-terrain specialist. Offering even greater motoring freedom, the drivetrain offers 4x4 traction, with Auto 4WD and R. Lock settings via a control wheel on the dashboard. 

The Citroën SpaceTourer 4X4 Ë Concept has a high-set driving position and boot access is enhanced by the opening rear window in the tailgate. Cabin access is via two foot operated hands-free sliding side doors. 

Occupants are treated to 74-litres of storage space located around the cabin, including the glove box and door bins. There is also sufficient space in the back to house a snowboard, leisure accessories or other items from the "Ë" collection. 

The concept car has a load volume of up to two cubic metres in this five-seat layout.

COMFORT AND MODERN TECHNOLOGIES

Created with all of Citroën's expertise in ride comfort and practicality, the SpaceTourer 4X4 Ë Concept is also fitted with a new-generation telematics system, including;

• Citroën Connect Nav: a new 3D navigation system that can be controlled with the voice recognition function or via the 7-inch touchscreen.
• Mirror Screen: replicating smartphone apps on the same 7-inch screen.

For even more peace-of-mind at the wheel, the Citroën SpaceTourer 4X4 Ë Concept places the following features conveniently in the driver's line of sight:

• Head-up Display: the driver can keep their eyes on the road, while checking essential driving information.
• Top Rear Vision: the rear camera sends an image to the 7-inch touchscreen, covering the area behind the vehicle with a 180° ‘seen-from-above’ field of view.
• Blind-spot Monitoring System: informs the driver when a vehicle is in their blind spot.

For added comfort and safety, the Citroën SpaceTourer 4X4 Ë Concept is also equipped with;

• Speed Limiter, plus Road Sign Recognition and Recommendation: the driver is informed of the speed limit and can use this information to set the vehicle’s speed limiter.
• Automatic Beam Function: switches between high and low beam settings, depending on oncoming traffic.
• Lane Departure Warning System: alerts the driver if the vehicle crosses into another lane without the driver indicating.

Further technologies for safety include;

• Active Safety Brake: to help avoid collisions or reduce the speed of impact.
• Collision Risk Alert: warns the driver of a risk of imminent collision.
• Adaptive Cruise Control: the vehicle automatically adapts its speed to the car in front.

A bold expression of the brand's “Be Different, Feel Good” promise, the Citroën SpaceTourer 4X4 Ë Concept will make its debut appearance on the Citroën stand at this year’s Geneva International Motor Show (Press days: Tuesday 7 and Wednesday 8 March, 2017).

RENAULT - WHY is this car in both saloon and Estate NOT coming to the UK, please change your mind.

Renault has taken the wraps off the Talisman Estate which will stand alongside the model’s saloon version that was revealed on 6 July.  This new large estate car delivers the same technological features as the saloon, along with extra load-carrying ability:

• Assertive styling with a sleek silhouette and dynamic proportions in keeping with the segment’s status-enhancing cues,
• An unprecedented level of driving enjoyment thanks to the combination of the 4Control chassis and active damping, while Multi-Sense technology provides a truly personalised experience,
• Generous interior space and unrivalled comfort, with front seats that benefit from integrated ventilation,
• Almost 1,700dm³ of load space (VDA),
• Plus the R-Link2 multimedia tablet, BOSE® Surround Sound and a comprehensive range of driving aids and equipment designed to enhance travelling comfort.

The Renault Talisman Estate will go on sale in Europe during the first half of 2016.  There are no current plans for the car to be produced in Right Hand Drive or sold in the UK. 

1.The Talisman Estate: Renault’s new large estate

Following the unveil of the saloon version of the Talisman on 6 July, Renault has today taken the wraps off the new Talisman Estate.

The D segment (saloons and estates combined) amounts to more than one million vehicle sales in Europe each year, with estates accounting for 54% of that figure.

The new Renault Talisman Estate carries over all the benefits of the saloon version, while adding the stylish lines and practicality of an estate.

1.1 Racy styling

The Talisman Estate features exactly the same dimensions as the saloon (length: 4.86 metres / width: 1.87 metres / height: 1.46 metres / wheelbase: 2.81 metres), along with the same dynamic proportions, sleek profile and high waistline.

The polished aluminium roof bars accentuate the sweeping roofline that is extended by a long lip spoiler. The C-pillar and chrome-bordered side windows contribute to the impression of finesse and sleekness. The slope of the rear window adds a dynamic touch without detracting from boot space.

1.2 Easy to load

Thanks to the powered tailgate – which is activated simply by waving your foot underneath the rear bumper – the boot boasts hands-free opening and closing to facilitate loading.

The Talisman Estate offers 572dm³ (VDA) of load space up to the parcel shelf and a maximum load length of 1,116mm. With the rear seats in the folded position, that figure increases to 2,010mm, equating to a volume of almost 1,700dm³ (VDA).

1.3  The secret to well-being: a spacious, cabin and welcoming, comfortable seats

Designed with the well-being of the driver and passengers in mind, the Renault Talisman Estate – just like the saloon version – is a class leader in terms of interior space. The Estate version additionally benefits from 30mm extra headroom at the rear, extending it to 886mm.

• Front headroom: 902mm,
• Rear headroom: 886mm,
• Front elbow room: 1,512mm,
• Rear knee room: 262mm,
• More than 25 litres of cabin stowage.

The accommodating front seats combine the very best characteristics in the class:

• Up to 10 possible settings (eight of which are electrically adjustable) and a seat cushion length that can be adjusted fore/aft by up to 60mm (Initiale Paris equipment level only),
• Four-way electric lumbar adjustment (height/depth),
• A massage function that can be adjusted in type and intensity (two programmes / five sequences),
• Aviation-style six-way adjustable head rests,
• Heated seat cushions and backs,
• Memory settings for up to six individual profiles.

Plus two important new features:

• Integrated ventilation for greater comfort in hot weather.
• New ‘Cover Carving Technology’: strong, semi-rigid, lightweight shells incorporated into the front seat backs, freeing up extra space, including more than three centimetres of extra knee room for rear passengers.

The Talisman Estate is also available in Initiale Paris trim, offering even greater refinement and comfort, plus an exclusive Amethyst exterior paint finish, special full-grain Nappa® leather upholstery and improved soundproofing, thanks notably to laminated side windows.

2. The Talisman Estate incorporates technologies designed to enhance driving enjoyment and traveling comfort

2.1  Multi-Sense technology combines four-wheel steering with active damping

For the first time in its segment, the Renault Talisman Estate – just like its saloon sibling – mates the 4Control system to active damping. Around town, the 4Control chassis endows the Talisman Estate with extraordinary agility. Its cornering stability and dexterity when evasive action is required position the new Renault in a class of its own when it comes to confidence and driving comfort.

Renault’s Multi-Sense technology allows the driving experience to be personalised, with four pre-programmed settings (‘Comfort’, ‘Sport’, ‘Neutral’ and ‘Eco’), plus a fully configurable ‘Perso’ mode.

The Talisman Estate is capable of changing its personality in the blink of an eye thanks to a ‘shortcut’ button that enables the driver to switch from the ‘Comfort’ to ‘Sport’ mode, and vice-versa, for example, in just two clicks. 

Meanwhile, the Talisman’s architecture – which features a lowered centre of gravity and a driving position close to the road – means the Multi-Sense system’s benefits can be enjoyed even more fully,especially when the particularly dynamic ‘Sport’ mode is selected. 

It is almost as though drivers are able to choose from several cars rolled into one. Whether they are in the mood for a spirited, responsive ride or a smooth, comfortable and refined journey, the choice is theirs – and immediate.

At the same time, the in-car ambiance is adjusted to match by adapting the colour of the interior lighting (blue, red, sepia, green or purple), the presentation and colour of the dashboard information display and the engine sound.

2.2.       R-Link 2: the connected control centre

The Renault Talisman Estate offers Renault’s R-Link 2 connected multimedia tablet, available in either a 7-inch landscape format or an 8.7-inch portrait format. R-Link 2 oversees the vehicle’s driving aids as well as all of the standard duties such as the navigation, audio and climate control functions. 

In addition to the touch-screen display’s features are shortcut buttons, a multi-function rotary control on the centre console and additional steering wheel-mounted controls.

The home pages are now configurable, enabling the driver to directly access the most frequently employed functions or to personalise the interface.

2.3. Tailor-engineered BOSE® sound

The Talisman Estate benefits from tailor-engineered BOSE® Surround Sound, produced by 12 high-performance loudspeakers and a subwoofer. Centerpoint® Technology converts the signal from stereo sources into a multi-channel signal to create Surround Sound, while the digital processing of the BOSE® signal incorporates the Talisman’s own acoustic properties to generate bespoke equalisation.

2.4 . A comprehensive range of driving aids (ADAS)

• To reassure: Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC); Active Emergency Braking System (AEBS).
• To alert: Lane Departure Warning (LDW); Safe Distance Warning (SDW); Traffic Sign Recognition with Over Speed Prevention (TSR / OSP); Blind Spot Warning (BSW).
• To assist: reversing camera; automatic dipped and main beam headlights (AHL); electronic handbrake; front, rear and side parking sensors; and hands-free parking assist.

The retractable, colour head-up display communicates useful information to ensure a relaxed driving experience: current speed, navigational guidance, driving aids (ADAS).

2.5  Driving pleasure courtesy of efficient powertrains

The Renault Talisman Estate offers the same range of engines as the choice that is available for the saloon version.

Two petrol engines:

• The Energy TCe150 and the Energy TCe 200, combined with seven-speed dual clutch EDC automatic transmission.

Three diesels:

• The Energy dCi 110, mated to either a six-speed manual gearbox or six-speed dual clutch EDC automatic transmission.
• The Energy dCi 130, similarly available with the six-speed manual gearbox or six-speed dual clutch EDC transmission.
• The twin turbo Energy dCi 160 which drives exclusively through six-speed dual clutch EDC transmission.

The Renault Talisman Estate will be available with a choice of four different equipment levels and will additionally be offered in the range-topping Initiale Paris trim.

It will make its first public appearance at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show and will go on sale in Europe during the first half of 2016.  There are no current plans for the car to be produced in Right Hand Drive or sold in the UK.