London Taxi Company (LTC) is set to celebrate the life of its iconic diesel taxi at the London Motor Show.

• London Taxi Company (LTC) is set to celebrate the life of its iconic diesel taxi at The Confused.com London Motor Show 2017 before bidding it farewell
• The revolutionary new range extended electric taxi will replace the diesel cab at the end of the year, and LTC will be pulling out all the stops to honour its legendary existing model
• Over 130 brand new cars will be showcased from a range of manufacturers at Battersea Evolution from 4-7 May

London Taxi Company (LTC) is preparing to give its iconic diesel black cab the ultimate send-off at The Confused.com London Motor Show. 

The current cab has spent 10 years as the world’s No. 1 taxi of choice and has been exported to over 40 countries around the globe, including Australia, China, France, Germany, Italy and New Zealand. 

But London is the cab’s spiritual home, and it will be returning to its roots at Battersea Park from 4-7 May for one final hurrah. As this cab is being replaced by a new range extended electric taxi at the end of 2017, LTC is inviting show-goers to say goodbye to the legend by sharing their taxi stories. 

A giant “leaving card” will be displayed at the LTC stand, which guests can sign with their favourite taxi tales and best memories of their time spent with the car. 

The model on show will be a Limited Edition TX4, which is one of the last 300 ever diesel cabs to roll off the production line. Like all new diesel taxis, it will come with a Euro 6 engine which delivers an 83% reduction in nitrogen oxides when compared with older models. 

The TX4 is also estimated to have appeared in over 5,000 movies and TV shows, including the likes of James Bond films, Doctor Who and Sherlock Holmes, and many of its impressive feats will be honoured at The Confused.com London Motor Show. 

The Limited Edition TX4 will join a long list of exhibits in Battersea Park, where over 130 brand new cars will go on display to the tens of thousands of spectators passing through the gates. 

Alec Mumford, Chairman of The Confused.com London Motor Show, said: “Welcoming a true London icon to our show in the capital is incredibly fitting and we’re very excited to play a big part in paying tribute to a legend. We all have memories of being in one of the current cabs and it’ll be very interesting to see what our guests write in the LTC leaving card. London automotive stalwarts don’t come much bigger than The Confused.com London Motor Show and the London Black Cab, and the union is sure to be very special.” 

FLEET WORLD - The Citroen Dispatch takes the honours as best medium van in this years ceremony.

New Citroën Dispatch has continued its award-winning ways by taking the Best Medium Van prize in the 2017 Van Fleet World Honours.

The New Citroën Dispatch has been named Medium Van of the Year in the 2017 Van Fleet World Honours. The award was won jointly with the Peugeot Expert and Toyota Proace at a prestigious ceremony earlier today at the RAC Club in Pall Mall.

This latest award in the New Citroën Dispatch trophy cabinet joins the What Van? Light Commercial Vehicle of the Year 2017 and Medium Van of the Year 2017 awards, which were presented at the end of last year. 

Van Fleet World Editor, Dan Gilkes, said; “The New Dispatch is quite simply a great mid-weight van that has taken a huge step forwards from its predecessor. 

The van is not simply a like-for-like replacement, as the addition of a third compact model broadens the line-up, opening up new opportunities and providing customers with increased choice to suit specific operating requirements.

“There’s a good choice of 1.6 and 2.0-litre engines delivering a good mix of economy and low emissions, with power and refinement. The vans can also be supplied with a very high specification, including industry first head-up display and hands-free side door opening.

“Citroën has managed to deliver strong load volume and payload capacities, while providing a comfortable, car-like driving environment in a van with perfect dimensions for urban use.”

The Van Fleet World Awards are chosen by a panel of expert journalists at the publication, who have considerable experience of the van market.

Commenting on the award, Jeremy Smith, Citroën UK’s Head of Commercial Vehicles & Business Sector Operations, said; “We thought we were on to a winner with the New Dispatch range.

The awards from What Van?, and now Van Fleet World, show that others with experience in the van sector think so too. We are delighted that the experts at Van Fleet World have recognised the strengths of the New Dispatch with this latest award.”

Renault Pro+ is to presen.t the all-electric New Kangoo Z.E. on 13 January at the 2017 European Motor Show

• Renault Pro+ is to present the all-electric New Kangoo Z.E. on 13 January at the 2017 European Motor Show in Brussels, Belgium.
• Renault Pro+ will equip the latest Kangoo Z.E. with a new motor and battery package that will increase the model’s driving range by more than 50 per cent, from 106 miles (170km) to 168 miles (270km) NEDC. That is equivalent to 124 miles (200km) in real world driving conditions.
• The New Kangoo Z.E. will offer the longest available driving range in the small van market. 

The Kangoo Van Z.E. is a completely practical solution for environmentally-conscious business customers who have praised the driving enjoyment it delivers, as well as its carrying capacity and competitive operating costs.

This announcement to increase the range on Kangoo Z.E. follows on from Renault recently launching at the 2016 Paris Motor Show the New Renault ZOE available with a new Z.E.40 battery that increases its NEDC driving range to 250 miles (186 miles in real world driving conditions) – the longest of any mainstream electric car.

Renault is Europe’s leading manufacturer of both all-electric LCVs and passenger cars.

More information about the New Kangoo Z.E. will be provided on 13 January 2017.

Ford launches new colour editions of the ever popular Transit Customer LCV.

• Ford launches exclusive new Transit Custom models for customers that want to combine eye-catching looks with impressive capability
• New Transit Custom Colour Edition brings vibrant contrasts to the one-tonne van market, in four striking colour schemes with contrasting roof, mirrors and skid plate
• Sport series with signature twin stripes now available in eight bodystyles; responds to rising customer demand, with sales up 52 per cent in first 10 months of 2016
• Latest Tourneo Custom people mover also enhances appeal with Sport package, plus new 6-speed automatic, rear air suspension and alloy wheel options

Ford has revealed exclusive new variants of the Transit Custom one-tonne commercial vehicle that provide stylish and functional transportation for independent businesses and artisans who want to stand out from the crowd.

The new Transit Custom Colour Edition van offers four eye-catching colour schemes that feature contrasting roof, mirror caps, skid plate and side stripes, along with unique black 17‑inch alloy wheels.

The Transit Custom Sport series van with its signature twin bonnet stripes is also now available in a much wider choice of bodystyles. 

 Sport series customers can now select van and double-cab-in-van models in both short and long wheelbase versions; in addition, the latest Tourneo Custom people mover can be specified with the same Sport package.

“Many of our retail customers are no longer satisfied with a standard white van, and these stunning new vehicles provide the perfect solution,” said Hans Schep, general manager, Commercial Vehicles, Ford of Europe. “The new Transit Custom makes a really positive statement about their business, and looks great on the driveway at the weekend.”

The demand for sporting and distinctive Transit models has continued to build since the original Sport Van was introduced by Ford in 2007. During the first 10 months of 2016, sales of the current Transit Custom Sport are up by 52 per cent in the UK compared to the same period the previous year.

New Colour Edition – bold contrasts, sports style

Available for delivery in spring 2017, the Transit Custom Colour Edition provides van customers with an exclusive new appearance option with just 400 units available in the UK.

Inspired by the bold contrasting colours of Ford’s successful passenger cars like the Fiesta and Focus Red and Black Editions, the new model can be specified in Race Red, Deep Impact Blue and Frozen White with Jet Black contrasts, and Shadow Black with Race Red contrasts.

All Transit Custom Colour Edition vehicles have a short-wheelbase, standard roof van bodystyle, and are based on the 290 Trend series model featuring the powerful all-new 170PS 2.0-litre Ford EcoBlue diesel engine with 6-speed manual transmission, with the enhanced chassis settings from the Sport series van.

Transit Custom Sport series with expanded appeal

Responding to customer demand for a wider choice of body and seating options, the Transit Custom Sport series is now available in six different variants – a significant expansion from the single short-wheelbase van version offered previously.

As before, the range-topping Sport series features a muscular body kit and a fully colour-coded exterior, with body-colour bumpers, side mirrors and door handles, along with body-side mouldings and wheelarch extensions that have been redesigned for the latest model. The bold appearance is finished off with new 17-inch alloy wheels in a two-tone silver and black design – with optional silver 18-inch alloy wheels – and twin bonnet stripes in a contrasting colour.

The sporting style also features partial leather interior trim combining Pewter seat fabric with charcoal black leather bolsters, including second or third seat rows where fitted, and the latest interior technologies such as the Ford SYNC connectivity package.

The standard powertrain combines the 170PS Ford EcoBlue diesel engine with a 6-speed manual, but customers can also specify the new 6-speed SelectShift automatic transmission option on three of the Sport series variants.

All Sport models are based on the 290 series Transit Custom, with driving dynamics further optimised with a unique chassis specification delivering enhanced steering, handling and ride, and a more responsive and agile feel.

Compared to a standard vehicle, roll control is improved by a thicker front anti-roll bar and the addition of a rear anti-roll bar. On the van model, this is combined with softer rear springs for increased comfort when lightly laden, along with unique damper tuning, with firmer settings on the rear, for enhanced ride and steering control. Double-cab-in-van models have different spring and damper settings optimised for both handling and rear passenger comfort.

The expanded Transit Custom Sport series is available to order at the end of the year for customer delivery in spring 2017.

Tourneo Custom people mover – with Sport, Auto and Rear Air Suspension options

For the first time, Ford’s spacious and versatile Tourneo Custom people mover is now available with a Sport series option, providing both private buyers and business purchasers with a more dynamic exterior appearance and a stylish sports interior.

The Sport variant is based on the Tourneo Custom Titanium model, and can be specified as an 8-seat vehicle in either short or long wheelbase form with the 170PS Ford EcoBlue diesel engine. The exterior and interior enhancements are shared with the equivalent Transit Custom.

The latest Tourneo Custom is also now offered with significant new features and technologies including the smooth and responsive new 6-speed SelectShift automatic transmission, a unique-to-segment rear air suspension system that delivers a supple, controlled and level ride across a wide range of load conditions, and an attractive new 17-inch alloy wheel option for enhanced handling and braking performance.

Transit Custom and Tourneo Custom showcase all-new Ford EcoBlue diesel

Ford earlier this year introduced the state-of-the-art Ford EcoBlue diesel engine to Transit Custom and Tourneo Custom vehicles, delivering significant cost of ownership and performance benefits, with fuel efficiency improved by up to 13 per cent and low-end torque by 20 per cent.

Sophisticated new driver assistance technologies for both models include:

• Pre-Collision Assist emergency braking system – the first in the segment to feature Pedestrian Detection technology – that reduces the severity of some frontal collisions involving vehicles and pedestrians, or helps drivers avoid some impacts altogether
• An upgraded Electronic Stability Control system that provides an enhanced suite of functions to improve vehicle stability in extreme driving situations including Side Wind Stabilisation – a new system that applies the brakes on one side of the vehicle to reduce the effect of a sudden side wind gust on the vehicle’s path

USA - Ford to display more than 50 builder concepts at SEMA, including a host of winning race cars and a vast collection of Ford Performance Parts

• New Ford Performance smartphone app bringing track-based data-logging, advanced analysis, sharing capability and video capture to the most popular platforms
• Race-prepped Mustang GT4 to provide customers around the world access to turn-key Mustang eligible for competition in several motorsports series
• Ford to display more than 50 builder concepts at SEMA, including a host of winning race cars and a vast collection of Ford Performance Parts

Ford Performance debuts an all-new data-logging app and a global turnkey Mustang GT4 race car today at the 2016 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show. Ford is also showcasing more than 50 builder concepts based on its vehicles and winning race cars, including the Le Mans-conquering Ford GT and a vast collection of Ford Performance Parts. 

The all-new Ford Performance App^® brings track-based data-logging, advanced analysis, sharing capability and video capture to a user’s smartphone. It leverages the latest capability of Ford SYNC^® 3 and provides intuitive controls allowing users to record and share their track accomplishments. The app will be available for the most popular smartphone platforms in 2017.

“Ford Performance wants to provide our customers a simple, shareable way to capture their track exploits,” says Dave Pericak, global director, Ford Performance. “The ability to take their track sessions with them everywhere they go and easily share their footage and data with friends is a huge benefit of our new app.”

The Ford Performance App is based around the user’s smartphone, giving them easy access and portability to their data. Using a smartphone’s built-in camera offers mounting flexibility, letting users decide which perspective best captures the action.

The Ford Performance App features multiple recording modes and provides a host of vehicle performance data. The latest SYNC 3 technology communicates with the app – integrating performance data with course overlays, timing statistics, and on-screen virtual gauges to be shared via a user’s smartphone.

Data and video can be shared over social networks or exported easily for analysis on a personal computer. The new app launches in 2017 on the all-new Ford GT, and will migrate to other Ford products.

All-new Global Mustang GT4 racecar

The all-new Mustang GT4 turnkey race car builds on the legendary nameplate’s global reach. Mustang is one of the most prominent automobiles in the history of North American motorsports, including the SCCA Shelby GT350R of the 1960s, Trans-Am Boss 302 of the 1970s, the more recent FR500, Boss 302R and 2016 championship-winning Shelby GT350R-C. The all-new Mustang GT4 expands the pony’s stable to a global audience.

The car is based on the Shelby GT350R-C, which won its class this year in the IMSA Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge – its first full season of competition. Featuring a 5.2-liter V8 and six-speed Holinger paddle-shift transmission, the Mustang GT4 is ready to enter any GT4 series in the world. The car can run in the Grand Sport class of IMSA Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge, Pirelli World Challenge GTS and European GT4, to name a few.

The all-new Mustang GT4 features chassis mods from Multimatic Motorsports, including dampers, lower rear control arms and stabilizer bars. Forgeline 18- by 11-inch wheels with racing slicks put the power to the pavement. Aerodynamic aids are applied to improve downforce, including a rear wing, aggressive splitter, additional hood venting and new rear diffuser.

The interior includes a full FIA-compliant roll cage, and features motorsports engine control and an antilock-braking controller, along with a Motec dash logger.

“The new Mustang is a global vehicle,” says Mark Rushbrook, motorsports engineering manager, Ford Performance. “Now, its growing fan base has a GT4 competition model to race and support around the globe.” 

The updated LEON family gets sharper looks, better tech, new engines and is an allround better car.

• New SEAT Leon receives subtly updated design with greater elegance and dynamism
• Raft of new additions across the range, including new engines, state-of-the-art technology such as Connectivity Box, and an array of assistance systems, including Blind Spot Detection
• New engines including 1.0 115PS for first time in UK, as well as 1.6 TDI 115PS
• Luxury XCELLENCE trim level also joins the fold
• New Leon CUPRA family with “its own surprises” debuts in early 2017
• New Leon launches in UK showrooms in February 2017. Full range pricing and specification to be released closer to launch

SEAT is continuing its relentless product offensive with the unveiling of the New Leon, ahead of its launch in early 2017. The latest incarnation of the Barcelona-based brand’s best-selling model already has a multi-award-winning recipe , blending key ingredients of comfort, technology and quality, with emotional design and driving pleasure. The successful “Leon formula” Is now having a drop of extra technology and design added to the mix.

“With the New SEAT Leon, we want to continue the success story of one of SEAT’s most emblematic models, including further technologies in terms of driving assistance systems, safety systems and, of course, connectivity” added the Vice-President for R&D, Dr. Matthias Rabe.

A sharper, even more harmonious design

Without a doubt, one of the main reasons for the current Leon’s success has been its striking and high quality design, so, for 2017, some subtle changes have been added. SEAT Design Director, Alejandro Mesonero Romanos, affirmed, “The Leon is a very attractive model and it isn’t necessary to change its image, only reinforce it, refresh it. The objective is to harmonise all parts of it, in particular the front and the rear, with the sides of the car.”

For that reason, the front and rear have sharper, more assertive lines than the current model, with incisive lateral lines that are less distinct at the front and rear. The intention has been to emphasise this sharp image, achieving it with a more coherent look. It is noticeable especially in the new bumper design. Another goal was to increase the perceived size of the car, stretching the grille an extra 40mm in a richer chrome, like that more traditionally found on more expensive, larger cars. The character has also been reinforced as much inside as outside in terms of quality. It is worth noting too, that the new Leon is also even quieter than before. Inside the car, the ambient lighting LEDs’ intensity can be regulated as the driver wishes from the newly designed eight-inch screen, which eliminates the need for many of the buttons and dials on the current model.

The new, improved exterior lights are particularly noteworthy thanks to new rear lights and headlights complete with Full-LED technology. LED technology has also been used in the indicators and fog lights.

The latest in driver assistance and connectivity technology

Following the launch of the Ateca with such a vast range of driver assistance systems, it’s now the Leon’s turn to take onboard the latest technological developments. For example, Traffic Jam Assist, a function that offers great comfort in traffic with frequent and intermittent stops. Thanks to the combination of Lane Assist and ACC, in traffic jams the car manoeuvres, accelerates and brakes automatically within the limits of the system. Up to 37 mph, the system provides assistance with speed while keeping the car in the correct lane. Another added feature is the Pedestrian Protection System which recognises vehicles, as well as pedestrians, ensuring that safety is paramount both in the city and on the motorway.

Further new systems include Traffic Sign Recognition, Blind Spot Detection, and the most advanced parking assist technology with both bay and parallel parking, Emergency Assist and High Beam Assist. The camera and navigation systems have been improved too, to now recognise a higher number of traffic signs. The New SEAT Leon also includes a new centre console with an Electric Parking Brake.

The New SEAT Leon offers the very highest level of connectivity. Its myriad systems include the latest generation of Easy Connect infotainment systems, SEAT Full Link and the exclusive SEAT ConnectApp that comes with voice recognition and gesture control technology, allowing functions to be activated with just a finger swipe on the touchscreen. The Media System Plus, with its eight-inch screen, is the highlight of the former. The New SEAT Leon has, for the very first time, a Connectivity Box in the central console that enables wireless smartphone charging. Not forgetting SEAT Full Link, which opens up the world of connectivity for users of virtually all smartphones. Alongside MirrorLink, Full Link also incorporates the functions of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. For areas with low satellite reception, the system also comes equipped with a GSM signal booster.

New engines and the new XCELLENCE trim

The new SEAT Leon will be offered with five trim levels at UK launch: S, SE Dynamic, SE Technology, FR and the new XCELLENCE. The new highlight is the latter with its distinctive upmarket feel, including luxurious upholstery (Alcantara and leather as an optional), extensive trim elements and multi-colour ambient interior lighting. On the outside, it gleams with a chrome design front grille, new front and rear bumpers, and also comes with rear LED indicators. On the inside, it benefits from an aluminium XCELLENCE kickplate, LED interior illumination pack and KESSY (Keyless Enter and Go).

The New SEAT Leon’s range of Euro 6 compliant engines satisfies a wide range of needs. The TDI engine range begins with a 1.6 90 PS and goes up to the 2.0 184 PS, plus, it includes a new 1.6 115 PS powertrain. In terms of petrol power, the New Leon’s options range from 110 to 180 PS, with a new 1.0 litre TSI three-cylinder 115 PS for the UK being the latest addition.

When it comes to gearboxes, the range includes five- or six-speed manual units, all well as double-clutch DSG with six- or seven-speeds.

The New SEAT Leon will be available in the three existing body types; five-door, SC (Sports Coupé) and ST (Sports Tourer).

In summary, the New Leon boasts an updated design, an even broader range of efficient engines, plus, a raft of advanced technology, to keep it at the top of the class.

A new Leon CUPRA will be available in the near future, complete with its own surprises. But that’s a story for another day.

Jeep celebrates it's 75th anniversary with a range of Wrangler limited Edition models coming to the UK.

• Enhancements to Jeep Wrangler including new Euro 6 diesel engine
• New 75th Anniversary limited edition details announced

Major enhancements to the popular and successful Jeep Wrangler range of SUV vehicles have been announced, with details of a new engine and a raft of enhancements to the current model for 2016.

In addition, and to celebrate the iconic 4x4 brand’s 75th birthday, Jeep has also revealed details of a 75th Anniversary limited edition Wrangler for the UK. The car was first revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

Jeep Wrangler’s existing 2.8-litre diesel engine has been updated to meet Euro 6 emission standards while the car has been given a series of important and valuable updates. These include:

(Sahara version)

• Front side airbags
• Deep-tint sunscreen glass
• 18-inch polished satin alloy wheels
• 3.73 rear axle ratio

(Overland version)

• Front side airbags
• 3.73 rear axle ratio

(Rubicon version)

• Front side airbags
• Deep-tint sunscreen glass
• 18-inch Rubicon satin alloy wheels
• Mopar slush mats
• Black, heated leather seats

The new Jeep Wrangler now starts at £31,840 OTR for the 2-dr Sahara 2.8 CRD auto rising to £34,910 for the 4-dr Rubicon 3.6 V6 auto.

Wrangler 75th Anniversary

It is a Jeep tradition to celebrate key anniversaries, or the conquering of inaccessible places, with special editions. And to celebrate its 75 years of history, the legendary brand has introduced a 75th Anniversary special edition offered on all models of the line-up including Wrangler, of which only 85 are destined for the UK.

The limited edition Jeep Wrangler 75th Anniversary is based on the Overland model, but with several key differences, including unique exterior styling and part-leather interiors.

The exterior features a bronze-finished front grille and 18-inch alloy wheels, body-coloured dual top, Mopar slush mats, unique bronze and orange Jeep badging, and a dedicated 75^th Anniversary badge. The car comes in Bright White, Solid Black or Sarge Green colours.

Inside, the Wrangler 75^th Anniversary gets ‘1941’ embossed leather heated seats in black or saddle brown and tangerine (leather with fabric inserts), bronze accents on air vents and grab handles, satnav with an Alpine premium sound system and deep tinted sunscreen glass.

The Jeep Wrangler 75th Anniversary costs starts at £34,765 OTR for the 2-dr 75^th Anniversary 2.8 CRD auto rising to £36,435 OTR for the 4dr 75^th Anniversary 3.6 V6 auto.