The latest round of testing for the Euro NCAP has taken place with results at either end of the star system.

Euro NCAP releases the test results of two new cars. The BMW 5 Series gets a top five-star safety rating and FIAT’s made-over Doblò gets three stars.

Launched late last year, the seventh-generation BMW 5 Series continues its successful track record in Euro NCAP’s Executive Car segment. 

The car showed good all-round performance in crash protection and avoidance tests thanks to its new platform, body and updated safety features. 

Track tests demonstrated that the autonomous braking system can effectively assist the driver in avoiding or mitigating critical rear-end crashes with other cars and pedestrians. 

With an 81 percent score, the 5-series particularly impressed in pedestrian safety through its standard-fit “Person Warning” system and active bonnet.

Thirteen years after the tests on the original FIAT Doblò, Euro NCAP has taken another look at the versatile small MPV. The latest generation Doblò was already introduced in 2010 and is also sold by Opel and Vauxhall brands as Combo. 

The version tested by Euro NCAP is the 2015 Doblò facelift that includes, apart from small safety updates, cosmetic upgrades aimed at extending the lifecycle of the car. 

The three-star Euro NCAP safety rating, however, reveals the car’s true age and highlights the lack of ambition to compete on safety with other, more modern competitors in the segment. 

The Opel/Vauxhall Combo has not received a similar facelift, so would be expected to end up with even fewer stars, but Opel have their eyes fixed on the future.

WHAT CAR AWARDS - Citroen takes a best buy at this years awards ceremony with the C3 Picasso.

The family-friendly practicality and low running costs of the Citroën C3 Picasso PureTech 110 manual Edition was recognised at the 2016 What Car? Car of the Year Awards earlier this evening, when it was named ‘MPV Best Buy for less than £16,000’.

Speaking on behalf of the What Car? judging panel, Haymarket Automotive’s Editorial Director, Jim Holder, commented; “The C3 Picasso might be small, but it’s an eminently practical car. 

You sit quite high up, the visibility is excellent all-round, the boot is big and square-shaped, and the interior feels airy and spacious; the rear seats are split 60/40 and slide forwards and backwards for added interior versatility.” Jim continued; “[The] doors open wide and have broad apertures, so access is great if you’ve got child seats to reach in for.”

In addition to the C3 Picasso’s design and versatility, the judges were impressed with the choice of engines. They singled out the 1.2 litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol as their top choice. 

Jim Holder concluded; “It does a fine job in the C3 Picasso, delivering nippy responses around town, and coping well on the motorway. It achieved nearly 50mpg in our real-world economy tests, too. Ultimately, the C3 Picasso may be all the MPV smaller families could ever need.”

Chris Cheetham, Citroën’s Marketing Director in the UK, said; “It is always an honour to receive such prestigious recognition for one of our cars, but it is especially gratifying when that award recognises the car for exactly what it was designed to be. 

The C3 Picasso is made with family life and family journeys in mind, so to win this accolade and hear those comments from the expert judges is very pleasing indeed.”

The Citroën C3 Picasso PureTech 110 manual Edition is available from just £15,805 MRRP OTR.

Two of Honda's new model's, the HR-V and Jazz are both up for "Britain's Safest Car" Award.

Honda’s all-new HR-V and Jazz models are in contention to be crowned ‘Britain’s Safest Car’ after reaching the final 14 in an annual award judged by leading safety authority Thatcham Research, as part of the What Car? Awards 2016.

Cars qualifying for the ‘Safety Award’ must have been launched in 2015, on sale in the UK from 13^th January 2016, achieve five Euro NCAP stars and feature Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB). 

Those reaching the final 14 are also assessed against several other stringent safety factors, with new safety innovations also taken into account, all under the watchful eyes of Thatcham Research and an independent panel of safety experts. The top three, as judged by the panel, will be announced at the What Car? Car of the Year Awards on Wednesday 13^th January 2016.

Among a host of advanced safety features both the all-new Jazz and HR-V offer Honda’s City-Brake Active system (CTBA) as standard, using laser technology to scan the road ahead and automatically apply the brakes if a low speed collision is likely. 

Both models were awarded the maximum five-star Euro NCAP rating in November, with the Jazz becoming only the second supermini to achieve such a feat this year. 

All current Honda models on sale in Europe have now received the maximum five-star Euro NCAP rating.

Matthew Avery, Director of Research at Thatcham Research comments: “Improved protection for drivers and passengers has helped lower the UK’s road death toll significantly over the past 20 years. 

This year’s long list of contenders shows that active safety systems like AEB, which are proven to reduce accident claims by 38 per cent, are increasingly being fitted as standard. Which is good news for consumers. And means it makes judging more difficult this year.”

Jim Holder, Editorial Director of What Car? comments: “Safety is one of the key concerns for new car buyers, particularly if the vehicle in question is to be used as the main mode of family transport. What Car? believes it important that such a key consideration is reflected in our Car of the Year Awards. 

Not only does the Safety Award highlight the incredible, yet often unsung, work manufacturers do, it also allows us to both commend and encourage it.”

Phil Webb, Head of Cars for Honda (UK) comments: “Driver, passenger and pedestrian safety is absolutely paramount for Honda and we remain committed to bringing some of the most advanced technologies to the market and making them accessible to the widest customer base possible. 

With every model in our current range now carrying the maximum five-star Euro NCAP rating Honda owners can have complete peace-of-mind that they are driving one of the safest cars on the market.”

Honda to increase the cost of its model range by, an average of 2.3%, one of the largest increases of recent times.

Honda UK has today announced a price rise for its car range.  Coming into effect from 1^st December for the HR-V and from 4^th January 2016 for the Civic hatchback, Civic Tourer, CR-V and Jazz, prices are set to rise 2.3% on average across the line up.

With pricing for the Japanese automakers products remaining largely unchanged since January 2014, Honda was keen to stress the market has moved substantially since then with one competitor increasing prices 3% in the last 12 months alone.

Philip Crossman, Managing Director of Honda UK, commented: “In the wider context we must ensure industry price competitiveness.  To achieve this we have undertaken a comprehensive review of our product pricing over the last three years to understand where Honda sits in comparison to our main competitors and have determined that we need to raise prices accordingly.”

At launch the new Jazz had a slight price decrease, with prices not rising since January ’14.  Prices for the SE and EX Jazz will rise by 2.3% on average while the entry model remains the same at £13,495.  

The CR-V had a slight price increase at the start of this year when the mid-life model change occurred; from January 2016, prices will rise by 1.9% starting at £22,770 for the 2.0 S i-VTEC 2WD.

The Civic Hatchback and Civic Tourer will see a price rise of 2.3% having not seen a rise since January ’14.  Indeed the mid-life model change saw a price decrease of up to £1,500 across the range.  The 1.4 S i-VTEC entry model will now start at £16,470.

Pricing for the HR-V, which launched in September this year, will rise by 4.4% on average with the 1.5 i-VTEC S starting at £18,495 to be more in line with competitive prices.

SPAIN - The Citroen C3 Picasso gets updates and upgrades, along with new trim level designations.

Translated By Google - Apologies for an issues caused.

• The C3 Picasso opens trim levels: Live Edition, Feel, Feel Edition and Exclusive.
• The MPV Citroën also presents two new colors to its range, the Blue Bay and the Red Aden.
• C3 Picasso PureTech 110 Live Edition, from 14,020 euros


The Citroen C3 Picasso launches new range, with two new body colors: Blue and Red Aden Bay. It also changes the names of its finishes, which are now called Live Edition, Feel, Feel Edition and Exclusive.



Starting this month, the C3 Picasso range is structured around two engines, one petrol and one diesel: the PureTech 110, which can be enjoyed in the finished Live Edition, and Feel Feel BlueHDi Edition and 100, available, in addition to the Exclusive finish. 
The Citroën MPV also offers alternative equipment. Thus, Feel and Live Edition versions offer now Curitibia upholstery fabric Blue Bay and Grey Liberia, respectively. For his part, finishing Feel Edition incorporates rear power windows, electric child lock and surveillance mirror for them. Exclusive finishing in contact moldings on bumpers become painted in glossy black.
Customization options include the C3 Picasso possibility of incorporating sunroof, eMyWay browser and rearview camera, among other equipment, or the ability to have two-tone colored roof shades Black Pearl in Pearl Pearly White, Aluminium Grey and Ruby Red .
The Citroen C3 Picasso is much more than a minivan. With its innovative design full of personality, quality materials and its refined appearance, he noted for their safety and comfort. 
This, together with an excellent relationship between its external action and ability, making it a model with great interior roominess and a trunk large, whose capacity can reach 500 liters tray configuration under 5 places. 
Thanks to its excellent modularity, we can slow down the rear seats to make more legroom for passengers and, still, the trunk volume remains at 385 liters excellent. This model, adaptable to any situation, offers a new driving experience with quality seal.
Citroen C3 Picasso PureTech 110 available from 14,020 euros and its BlueHDi 100 version from 14,960 euros.

GENEVA - The ix20 from Hyundai gets a full makeover to build on predecessors huge success.

• All-round upgrade for Hyundai Motor’s most popular compact MPV
• New front and rear lamps, front grille and wheel design provide visual update
• New comfort features include heated steering wheel and latest audio system
• Generous dimensions yield one of the most spacious compact MPVs in Europe
• Great interior flexibility makes it a true multi-purpose vehicle
• More powerful petrol and higher torque diesel engines
• New six-speed automatic transmission  unit boosts fuel economy
• Comprehensive list of active and passive safety technologies
• Designed, engineered and manufactured in Europe for European customers

Hyundai Motor’s New ix20 celebrates its world premiere at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show and builds on all the qualities of the original model, with an enhanced engine line-up, new technologies and design refreshments to widen its appeal.

Since its initial launch in 2010, Hyundai has sold almost 200.000 units of ix20 – capturing a 9% share in the European multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) market.

Raf van Nuffel, Head of Product Management at Hyundai Motor Europe, commented: “New ix20 retains the versatility and roominess of the original model, while refreshing its design and adding technological enhancements, increasing appeal to a wider range of buyers in Europe.”

Refreshed design and additional features

New ix20’s design stands out with newly-designed bi-function projector headlamps and LED rear combination lamps, a new hexagonal front grille – Hyundai’s brand signature. There are two versions on offer – a mesh- or bars-type with chrome finishing. To further enhance its dynamic exterior, there is a new 15-inch wheel cover design and new 16- and 17-inch alloy wheel options.

Inside, New ix20 delivers the same space and versatility as before, with outstanding front seat room (head, shoulder and legroom). The 4115 mm long car’s unusually long wheelbase for its class (2615 mm) plus 1600 mm high roofline allows a spacious and practical interior, more typical of larger C-segment vehicles – an impression which can be enhanced by an optional tilt/slide dual-panel panoramic glass sunroof.

Apart from an impressive class-leading 440-litre boot (seats up) outstanding versatility comes from sliding ‘dive and fold’ rear seats allowing up to1486 litres’ luggage capacity. A heated steering wheel and a new generation audio system with iPod connectivity and integrated My Music (1GB storage) as well as Bluetooth connectivity and a USB and AUX connection further increases the comfort and pleasure in New ix20. Customers also benefit six airbags, ESP, ABS and EBD all fitted as standard.

Two interior colours (Black and Two-Tone Beige) with cloth upholstery will be offered. Nine exterior colours are available: One solid colour (Polar White), six metallic colours (Platinum Silver, Micron Grey, Ultimate Red, Ash Blue, Ara Blue, Ruby Wine) and two pearl colours (Phantom Black and Thunder Grey).

New six-speed automatic transmission and engine upgrades

To uphold New ix20’s class competitiveness, a new six-speed automatic transmission, as well as power and torque upgrades to the overall Euro6 emissions-compliant engine line-up brings even better drivability, with lower fuel consumption and emissions.

The two diesel engines have been enhanced to provide more torque – 240 Nm (1.4-litre) and 260 Nm (1.6-litre) – from just 1,500 rpm.

The Continuous Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) 1.4- and 1.6-litre petrol Hyundai ‘Gamma’ family units have both had efficiency boosted, with the 1.6-litre now available with a six-speed automatic transmission, replacing the previous four-speed unit and delivering improved real-world fuel economy.

All engines have been enhanced to offer improved driveability and fuel efficiency, as well as meeting Euro6 emission standards.

Engine line-up

Fuel	Engine	Power (PS)	Torque (Nm)	Transmission
Gasoline	Gamma 1.4	90 @ 6000 rpm	137 @ 5000 rpm	5-speed manual
	Gamma 1.6	125 @ 6300 rpm	156 @ 4200 rpm	6-speed manual
				6-speed automatic
Diesel	U-II 1.4	77 @ 4000 rpm	240 @ 1500~2000 rpm	6-speed manual
		90 @ 4000 rpm	240 @ 1500~2500 rpm
	U-II 1.6	115 @ 4000 rpm	260 @ 1500~2750 rpm	6-speed manual
		128 @ 4000 rpm	260  @ 1500~3000 rpm

Fuel Saving Technologies

To optimise its environmental performance, New ix20 Blue Drive features Integrated Stop & Go (ISG), low rolling-resistance tyres, an alternator management system (AMS) and a drag-reducing ‘active air flap’ in the front grille.

The ix20 has not only attracted almost 200,000 customers in Europe but also won numerous awards during its first five years on sale, including the prestigious ‘Family Car of the Year‘ award in Belgium and ‘Best Supermini MPV‘ at the UK’s Auto Express awards. Like all new Hyundai models, the New ix20 is backed by Hyundai’s unique Five Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty package. Production of the New ix20 begins in May 2015 at Hyundai’s European plant in Nošovice, Czech Republic.

Technical specifications

Engines

Petrol

1.4-litre 90 PS
Type	‘Gamma’ DOHC, four-cylinder in line, with CVVT
Capacity	1396 cc
Bore x stroke	77 mm x 74.99 mm
Compression ratio	10.5:1
Power	90 PS (66 kW) @ 6000 rpm
Torque	137 Nm @ 5000 rpm

1.6-litre 125 PS
Type	‘Gamma’ DOHC, four-cylinder in line, with CVVT
Capacity	1591 cc
Bore x stroke	77 mm x 85.44 mm
Compression ratio	10.5:1
Power	125 PS (92 kW) @ 6300 rpm
Torque	156 Nm @ 4200 rpm

Diesel

1.4-litre 77 PS
Type	‘U-II’, DOHC, in-line four-cylinder, 16-valve with WGT
Capacity	1396 cc
Bore x stroke	75 mm x 79 mm
Compression ratio	16:1
Power	77 PS (57 kW) @ 4000 rpm
Torque	240 Nm @ 1500~2000 rpm

1.4-litre 90 PS
Type	‘U-II’, DOHC, in-line four-cylinder, 16-valve with WGT
Capacity	1396 cc
Bore x stroke	75 mm x 79 mm
Compression ratio	16:1
Power	90 PS (66 kW) @ 4000 rpm
Torque	240 Nm @ 1500~2500 rpm

1.6-litre 115 PS
Type	‘U-II’, DOHC, in-line four-cylinder, 16-valve
Capacity	1582 cc
Bore x stroke	77.2 mm x 84.5 mm
Compression ratio	16:1
Power	115 PS (81 kW) @ 4000 rpm
Torque	260 Nm @ 1500~2750 rpm

1.6-litre 128 PS
Type	‘U-II’, DOHC, in-line four-cylinder, 16-valve
Capacity	1582 cc
Bore x stroke	77.2 mm x 84.5 mm
Compression ratio	16:1
Power	128 PS (94 kW) @ 4000 rpm
Torque	260 Nm @ 1500~3000 rpm

Transmissions

Diesel	1.4-litre (77 / 90)	1.6-litre (115 / 128)
Manual	6	6
Automatic	-	-
Petrol	1.4-litre (90)	1.6-litre (125)
Manual	5	6
Automatic	-	6

Gear ratios

	Diesel		Petrol
	1.4 MT (77 / 90)	1.6 MT (115 / 128)	1.4 MT (90)	1.6 MT (125)	1.6 AT (125)
1st	3.769	3.636	3.769	3.615	4.400
2nd	2.040	1.962	2.045	1.955	2.726
3rd	1.294	1.189	1.370	1.370	1.834
4th	0.905	0.844	1.036	1.036	1.392
5th	0.702	0.660	0.839	0.893	1.000
6th	0.596	0.569	-	0.744	0.774
Reverse	3.583	3.583	3.545	3.700	3.440
Final Gear Ratio	3.941	3.941	4.267	4.267	3.612

Suspension and damping

Front	Fully independent subframe-mounted MacPherson struts, with coil springs and gas-filled shock absorbers. Anti-roll stabilizer bar
Rear	Coupled torsion beam axle combining good road holding with high rigidity “CTBA Type”

Steering

Type	Motor-driven electric power-assisted rack and pinion
Turning circle	5,21
Lock-to-lock	2,77

Brakes

Front	280 mm ventilated discs
Rear	258 mm solid discs

Wheels and tyres

Wheel type	Tyres
15-inch steel	195/65 R15
16-inch alloy	205/55 R16
17-inch alloy	205/50 R17

Dimensions (mm)

Exterior

Overall length	4115
Overall width	1765 (excluding door mirrors)
Overall height	1600
Wheelbase	2615
Front overhang	820
Rear overhang	680

Interior

	Front	Rear
Head room	1020	980
Leg room	1080	901
Shoulder room	1396	1370
Hip room	1360	1326

Capacities (all models, litres)

Fuel tank	50
Luggage (VDA 211/2014)	440 (seats up)
	1486 (seats down)

Curb weights (kg)

Diesel	1.4-litre (77 / 90)	1.6-litre (115 / 128)
Manual	1270 - 1371	1281 -1380
Petrol	1.4-litre (90)	1.6-litre (125)
Manual	1178 - 1268	1180 - 1280
Automatic	-	1222 - 1335

Performance

Diesel

Engine	1.4-litre		1.6-litre
Transmission	77 PS MT	90 PS MT	115 PS MT	128 PS MT
Max Speed (km/h)	160	167	183	186
0-100 km/h (sec)	15.2	14.2	11.4	11.1

Gasoline

Engine	1.4-litre	1.6-litre
Transmission	90 PS MT	125 PS MT	125 PS AT
Max Speed (km/h)	168	185	180
0-100 km/h (sec)	12.8	10.8	11.5