Mercedes adds a new cabrio and All-Terrain to the upcoming new E-Class range.

• Rugged new E-Class All-Terrain priced from £58,880
• Luxurious E-Class Cabriolet starts at £44,675
• E 220 d 4MATIC and E 350 d 4MATIC models added to E-Class Coupé line-up
• E 350 d 4MATIC now available in Saloon and Estate

The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet and E-Class All-Terrain are now available to order, along with new versions of the E-Class Coupé, Saloon and Estate. The cabriolet is priced from £44,675 for the E 220 d AMG Line Cabriolet. The All-Terrain is available in one special launch edition: All-Terrain Edition, from £58,880.

E-Class All-Terrain Edition

The E-Class All-Terrain Estate comes with standard 4MATIC all-wheel-drive, a nine-speed automatic gearbox and one efficient diesel engine, badged E 350 d. This 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 generates 258 hp and 620 Nm and emits

179 g/km, while delivering combined fuel economy of up to 41.5 mpg. It has a top speed of 155 mph, and accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in just 6.2 seconds.

The All-Terrain Edition comes generously equipped as standard, with a Burmester surround sound system; Air Body Control air suspension; panoramic electric sunroof; Comand Online with a 12.3-inch infotainment display and 12.3-inch cockpit display – creating a widescreen effect; memory package, including electrically operated front seats; LED Intelligent Light System; Keyless-Go Comfort package; privacy glass; split folding rear seats; 20-inch twin-spoke alloy wheels; and an electrically folding tow bar with a 13-pin adapter. It has a towing capacity of up to 2,100 kg.

Dynamic Select – which allows the driver to tailor steering, suspension and accelerator settings - is also standard and features a specific All-Terrain mode, raising the vehicle by 20 mm.

The E-Class All-Terrain is 39 millimetres higher than the E 350d AMG Line Estate. The highest suspension setting gives ground clearance of up to 156 mm. The 4MATIC permanent four-wheel-drive distributes power between the front and rear axles with a split of 31:69.

E-Class Cabriolet

The E-Class Cabriolet is a full four-seater, with a multi-layer acoustic fabric roof that can be operated at speeds up to 31 mph and opened or closed in just 20 seconds. The roof can be specified in one of three no-cost option colours: black; dark blue and dark brown.

There are four engines available from launch: E 220 d; E 350 d 4MATIC;  E 300; and E 400 4MATIC.

The E 220 d features a 2.0-litre diesel engine producing 194 hp, and 400 Nm of torque. It emits 126 g/km of CO2 and delivers up to 57.7 mpg on the combined cycle, while 0 to 62 mph takes 7.7 seconds. The E 350 d 4MATIC’s 3.0-litre V6 unit has an output of 258 hp and 620 Nm. Combined fuel economy is 41.5 mpg, and CO2 emissions 179 g/km, and 0 to 62 mph takes 6.1 seconds.

The E 300 uses a 2.0-litre petrol engine producing 245 hp and 370 Nm and can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 6.6 seconds. It has a CO2 output of 167 g/km and can deliver up to 39.2 combined mpg. The range-topping E 400 4MATIC has a 3.0-litre biturbo V6 engine generating 333 hp and 480 Nm. It emits 194 g/km of CO2 and delivers 32.8 mpg combined. It can sprint from 0 to 62 mph in 5.5 seconds, and has an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.

Standard specification for the E-Class Cabriolet is based on that of the E-Class Coupé, with the addition of the Airscarf neck-level heating system and Aircap, which helps to redirect the air flow over the cabin for a more relaxing driving experience. Other standard equipment includes: Agility Control suspension; Magic Vision Control wiper system; LED high performance headlights; reversing camera; heated front seats; and ambient lighting with a choice of 64 colours. Air Body Control air suspension and Comand Online - including the 12.3-inch infotainment screen - are optionally available for £1,495, or standard on the E 400 4MATIC. A second 12.3-inch screen is £495.

A Premium package is optionally available for £1,795 and adds Memory package (including electrically operated front seats) and Keyless-Go Comfort package (keyless entry and start, plus hands-free boot access). The £2,895 Premium Plus package adds to the Premium package with a Burmester Surround Sound system and Multibeam LED Intelligent Light System. Exclusive to the E-Class Cabriolet is the new Rubellite Red metallic paint, which costs £645.

The optional Driving Assistance Plus Package (£1,695) includes Drive Pilot, which combines Distance Pilot Distronic; Speed Limit Pilot; Active Lane-Change Assistant; Active Brake Assist cross-traffic function; Evasive Steering Assist; and Pre-Safe Impulse Side.

Additional changes to the E-Class range

Two new all-wheel drive models have been added to the E-Class Coupé line-up: the E 220 d 4MATIC and E 350 d 4MATIC. The £41,820 E 220 d 4MATIC generates 194 hp and 400 Nm, emits 137 g/km, delivers 53.3 mpg and can sprint from 0 to 62 mph in 7.6 seconds. The £51,415 E 350 d 4MATIC packs 258 hp and 620 Nm, emits 174 g/km and delivers up to 42.8 mpg. It can accelerate from standstill to 62 mph in six seconds.

The E 350 d 4MATIC model has also been added to the E-Class Saloon and Estate range. In the Saloon it emits 167 g/km and delivers up to 44.8 combined mpg. The E 350 d 4MATIC Estate emits 174 g/km and can achieve 42.8 mpg.

USA - Kia Motors America has announced pricing and specification for the All-New Niro Crossover.

• All-New Niro Crossover Offers Value, Utility and Exceptional Fuel Economy
• Five different trim levels offer a Niro for every buyer
• Crossover utility and hybrid efficiency at an affordable price

Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced pricing for the all-new 2017 Niro crossover hybrid.  When the Niro arrives in dealerships early in 2017 it will be offered in five trim levels – FE, LX, EX, Touring and a limited-production, Launch Edition. 

MSRP¹ for the FE is just $22,890¹ and the top-of-the-line Touring with its many luxury, infotainment and convenience features is $29,650.  Destination charges of $895 are not included in the MSRP.

“At Kia, we’re always striving to offer exciting new products that redefine their segments in all areas, including price,” said Orth Hedrick, vice president of product planning, KMA. 

 “The new Niro checks all the boxes – it provides crossover utility, good looks, outstanding fuel economy, it’s fun to drive and it’s affordable.”

The Niro FE, with a starting MSRP of $22,890 and 50-MPG (combined)², is equipped with a long list of standard features, including: 16-inch wheels; 6-way front seats; power windows; keyless entry; cruise control; 7-inch touchscreen display with rearview camera; UVO3 with Apple CarPlay^TM3, Android Auto^TM4 and a six-speaker audio system with steering-wheel-mounted controls.

Moving up to the $23,200 LX trim adds Smart Key with push button start, roof rails and LED rear combination lamps.  

Among the extras added to EX $25,700 are heated combination cloth and leather seating, leather-wrapped steering wheel, LED daytime running lights, heated power folding mirrors, front fog lamps, and Blind Spot Detection (BSD) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) and Lane Change Assist (LCA) driver assistance features⁵.

The Launch Edition is available in Snow White Pearl or Aurora Black Pearl exterior colors and offers an exclusive look via the unique Hyper Gray 18-inch alloy wheels with Michelin tires, unique metallic color grille, 10-way driver’s seat, 8-inch touchscreen navigation system, 8-speaker Harman Kardon^®6 premium audio and is $28,000.

Touring trim $29,650 is equipped with an amazing array of additional features – power tilt/slide sunroof, front and rear park assist, heated and ventilated seats, heated steering wheel, 10-way power driver’s seat with memory and 8-speaker Harman Kardon^® premium audio,

Three option packages are available.  Advanced Technology Package is offered on the LX at $1,450 and includes Forward Collision Warning, Autonomous Emergency Braking, and Lane Departure Warning System⁵.  Sunroof and Advanced Technology Package is offered on EX at $2,300 and includes power tilt/slide sunroof, Smart Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning, Autonomous Emergency Braking, and Lane Departure Warning System⁵. The Advanced Technology Package $1,900 offered on Touring includes HID headlights, wireless phone charger and 110V inverter, Smart Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning, Autonomous Emergency Braking, and Lane Departure Warning System⁵. 

* The Sorento and Optima GDI (EX, SX & Limited and certain LX Trims only) are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts

1 MSRP excludes destination and handling, taxes, title, license fees, options and retailer charges.  Actual prices set by retailer and may vary. $900 destination charges not included.

2 Based on EPA estimates. Actual mileage will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and your vehicle’s condition. Niro EPA estimated MPG city/highway/combined FE 52/49/50, LX 51/46/49, EX 51/46/49, Touring Launch 46/40/43, Touring 46/40/43.

3 Apple^®  and Apple CarPlay ™  are registered trademarks of Apple Inc.

4 Android™ and Android Auto^TM are trademarks of Google, Inc.

5 These features are not substitutes for safe driving, and may not detect all objects surrounding vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.

6 Harman Kardon is a registered trademark of Harman International Industries, Incorporated

USA - Mazda today announced that it has sold out of the 1,000-car allocation for the 2017 MX-5 Miata RF Launch Edition.

Two-Thirds of Customers Select Manual Transmission, Deliveries to Begin Early 2017

Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today announced that it has sold out of the 1,000-car allocation for the 2017 MX-5 Miata RF Launch Edition.

In the first week of ordering, which started September 26, more than 500 loyal Mazda customers put down deposits to buy a Retractable Fastback MX-5 Miata. When ordering opened to the general public on October 3, the remaining cars sold out in just 13 hours. In all, 67 percent of customers opted for manual transmissions.

Each U.S.-bound MX-5 RF Launch Edition will be painted Machine Gray Metallic and come with Auburn Nappa leather seating appointments, a hand-painted black roof and special badging—the latter three exclusive to the MX-5 RF Launch Edition for 2017. Customers also will receive a serialized Tourneau 42mm MX-5 RF Launch Edition watch.

“The 2017 MX-5 RF Launch Edition preorder program was created to reward loyal Mazda customers with exclusive access to some of the first MX-5 RF models to be sold in the U.S., as well as to ramp up anticipation for what was arguably the star of the 2016 New York International Auto Show,” said Robert Davis, senior VP, U.S. Operations. “By every measure, this program was a success, and we’re excited to be that much closer to getting these cars into the garages of customers from all over the U.S.”

Production of MX-5 RF started last week, and orders have been submitted this week for the U.S. MX-5 RF Launch Edition, with deliveries to customers beginning early 2017.

With the MX-5 RF Launch Edition having sold out, focus now shifts to the standard-production MX-5 Club and Grand Touring models.

The hardtop sibling of the 2016 World Car of the Year and World Car Design of the Year will come in tech-laden MX-5 RF Grand Touring and harder-edge MX-5 RF Club trim levels and will be available with a SKYACTIV-DRIVE six-speed manual transmission or six-speed automatic in either trim level.

While most features of the MX-5 RF are carryover from soft top models, there are a few additions for 2017 that will separate the Retractable Fastback from its cloth-covered sibling, including a 4.6-inch full-color TFT gauge and the availability of Machine Gray Metallic paint in substitution of Meteor Gray Mica that is available on the soft top. For 2017, all MX-5 Club models will come standard with Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, regardless of their roof option. Previously, these features were available only on MX-5 Grand Touring models.

All MX-5 RF models come with a seven-inch MAZDA CONNECT^TM touchscreen infotainment system that integrates audio, SiriusXM and HD Radio, phone and diagnostic functions that can also be used via Commander control knob or voice commands as well as a nine-speaker BOSE^® audio system with integrated headrest-mounted speakers, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter knob and LED headlights and tail lights. MX-5 Club models come with premium cloth seats with red stitching, a Bilstein suspension, front and rear black functional aerodynamic body extensions and a limited-slip differential in models equipped with the six-speed manual transmission.

MX-5 RF Club models equipped with the six-speed manual transmission can be further optioned with the Brembo/BBS Package that includes a front shock-tower brace; side sill body extensions; forged, lightweight BBS 17-inch wheels; and Brembo front brakes with wider brake pads for greater heat dissipation during spirited driving. The package also includes red-painted brake calipers.

MX-5 RF Grand Touring models feature heated leather seating surfaces, Adaptive Front-lighting System, High Beam Control and Lane Departure Warning.

MSRP[1] for MX-5 RF Club and Grand Touring models:

MX-5 RF Club 6MT	$31,555
MX-5 RF Club 6AT	$32,285
• Brembo/BBS Package (6MT only)	$3,400
MX-5 RF Grand Touring 6MT	$32,620
MX-5 RF Grand Touring 6AT	$33,825
• Advanced Keyless Entry (Standard on 6AT models)	$130

Premium paint options:

Soul Red Metallic	$300
Machine Gray Metallic	$300
Crystal White Pearl Mica (GT models only)	$200

The new Mazda MX-5 RF is joining the UK MX-5 range with pricing and specification listed.

• The all-new Mazda MX-5 RF Retractable Fastback on sale from the 4^th March 2017.
• Priced from £22,195 to £28,995 the all-new Mazda MX-5 RF joins the award-winning MX-5 range.
• Limited to just 500 cars, the £28,995 Launch Edition features unique styling and equipment.

With production having started at Mazda’s Ujina Plant in Hiroshima Japan, the all-new Mazda MX-5 RF Retractable Fastback will go on sale in the UK on the 4^th March 2017. 

With the first cars produced heading to Europe and North America, UK drivers will be able to get behind the wheel of Mazda’s exciting new MX-5 Retractable Fastback early next year.

With a limited run of just 500 cars, the six model range will be heralded by the flagship Launch Edition. 

Powered by a 160ps 2.0-litre SKYACTIV-G engine, the Launch Edition is marked out by its unique twin-tone roof, BBS wheels, black door mirrors and black rear spoiler. Available with a choice of free-of-charge Soul Red or Machine Grey metallic paint, it also comes with a Safety Pack as standard, while the exclusive feel continues inside with Alcantara trim and Recaro seats.

Designed to offer a new dimension of open-top driving fun, while at the same time staying true to the underlying principle of the previous generation MX-5 retractable hardtop, the all-new Mazda MX-5 RF’s ‘fastback’ styling gives it a unique appearance roof up or down, broadening the appeal of the world’s best-selling two-seater sports car.

As with the established Mazda MX-5 convertible, all models powered by the 2.0-litre 160ps engine feature a limited slip differential and 17-inch wheels; while Sport Nav models (and the Launch Edition) feature Bilstein dampers and strut brace to further enhance their dynamic set up. Plus, with the introduction of the £27,095 Sport Nav Auto, the current generation of MX-5 is offered with an automatic gearbox for the first time in the UK. Offered in both SE-L Nav and Sport Nav trim, RF’s powered by the 1.5-litre 131ps engine will arrive in dealerships in May.

Developed to deliver enhanced cabin comfort and a refined ride, while at the same time maintaining the agility, performance and driver engagement of the MX-5 convertible, the suspension and electric power steering parameters of the all-new Mazda MX-5 RF have been specifically tuned for the Retractable Fastback. In addition, a sound-absorbing headliner used in the front and middle roof panels combines with sound insulation around the rear wheel housings to deliver a significantly quieter cabin when the roof is closed.

“With the all-new Mazda MX-5 RF we freed ourselves from traditional ways of thinking and took on fresh challenges in order to create something new. Our aim was a convertible sports car with gorgeous fastback lines when the roof is closed and an exhilarating open-air feeling when open,” commented Nobuhiro Yamamoto, Mazda MX-5 Programme Manager.

The MX-5 RF’s retractable hardtop consists of front, middle and rear roof sections, and a rear screen. When the top is lowered the front and middle portions are stowed together, while the rear glass sits behind the seats, leaving the rear roof section in place to create a unique open-topped look, and a cabin feeling that combines a sense of open air freedom with the impression of being securely ensconced within the car.

On the Launch Edition the front and middle roof sections feature a piano black finish that contrasts with the Soul Red or Machine Grey metallic paint, which both use Mazda’s unique “TAKUMINURI” paint process to deliver glossy depth and nuanced shading that intensifies the contrasts between light and shadow with its high-density finish, giving the impression that the body was sculpted from a solid block of steel. 

Building on the all-new Mazda MX-5’s award-winning design, the RF’s roof up style will set it apart when it arrives on UK roads early next year. A 5mm increase in roof height aside, the RF retains the same overall length, width and wheelbase as the MX-5 convertible, but thanks to gently downward slopping buttresses that tuck in at the sides to create a teardrop shape, the RF’s elegant fastback silhouette accentuates the MX-5’s dynamic and contemporary sports car proportions in a completely unique way.

“If we consider the convertible model to represent the purist of lightweight sports car appeal, the new Retractable Fastback epitomises a new type of MX-5 that aims to be a compact sports car with a natural charm that everyone will find beautiful,” commented Masashi Nakayama, Mazda MX-5 Chief Designer.  

With pre-order now open, the all-new Mazda MX-5 RF will arrive in dealerships on the 4^th March 2017 and promises to add another chapter in the MX-5 success story.  Jeremy Thomson, Managing Director of Mazda Motors UK said, “We’re very excited about the arrival of the all-new Mazda MX-5 RF. It will add a unique and stylish model to our range, one that stands distinct from the MX-5 Convertible, yet retains all the award-winning driver appeal our sports car is famed for."   

Adding, “With over 120,000 sales since its launch in 1990, the UK has played a huge part in the MX-5 success story. The last generation of retractable hardtop accounted for a large percentage of MX-5 sales and we expect the all-new RF to continue that trend.”

All-new Mazda MX-5 RF pricing

Mazda MX-5 RF 1.5 131ps SE-L Nav	£22,195
Mazda MX-5 RF 1.5 131ps Sport Nav	£24,795
Mazda MX-5 RF 2.0 160ps SE-L Nav	£23,095
Mazda MX-5 RF 2.0 160ps Sport Nav	£25,695
Mazda MX-5 RF 2.0 160ps Sport Nav Auto	£27,095
Mazda MX-5 RF 2.0 160ps Launch Edition	£28,995
Options		Basic Price	VAT	MSRP
Mica/Metallic/Pearlescent Paint		£458.33	£91.67	£550
Soul Red or Machine Grey Metallic Paint		£558.33	£111.67	£670
Nappa leather trim*		£166.67	£33.33	£400
Safety Pack (High Beam Control and Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert)**		£333.33	£66.67	£400
*Optional on Sport Nav models only.

**Optional on 160ps Sport Nav models only.

All-new Mazda MX-5 RF Specification

SE-L Nav 1.5 131ps

Black cloth seat trim

LED headlights

Climate control air-conditioning

7” Colour touch-screen display

Multimedia Commander

Cruise Control

Integrated navigation system

DAB radio

Integrated Bluetooth^®

16” Alloy wheels

Body colour door mirrors

Additional on 2.0-litre 160ps engine

Limited Slip Differential

17” Gunmetal alloy wheels

Piano Black door mirrors

Sport Nav 1.5 -131ps (as above plus)

Heated black leather seat trim

Dusk-sensing lights

Rain-sensing wipers

Auto dimming rear-view mirror

Lane Departure Warning System

Adaptive Front lighting System

Smart keyless entry

Rear parking sensor

Premium Bose^® sound system

16” Gunmetal alloy wheels

Piano black door mirrors

Additional on 2.0-litre 160ps engine

Bilstein Sport suspension

Strut brace

17“ Bright alloy wheels

Body colour door mirrors

Additional on Launch Edition

Recaro seats

BBS wheels

Twin tone roof

Alcantara pack including dashboard panel, gearshift boots, handbrake boots and door cards

Limited Edition numbering

Piano Black door mirrors

Piano Black rear spoiler

Safety Pack

Free-of-charge Soul Red / Machine Grey Metallic paint