After the 500 got it's update, the 500L Follows suit with a makeover and updated looks.

• Even more 500, even more convenient, even more technology: that sums up the new Fiat 500L
• A unique combination of spaciousness and personality
• 40% of all components are new
• Not just a range, but three separate identities to cover all needs: Urban, Cross and Wagon

Having dominated its segment, across Europe, for five years, here comes the new Fiat 500L. The roomiest 500 of all is now even more full of technology and has even more character and personality. These characteristics combine in the three distinct versions of the car: Urban, Cross and Wagon, offered with a choice of petrol and diesel engines to delight different people and serve their individual needs.

All three share outstanding safety features and a flexible internal configuration, enabling customers to create up to 1,500 internal customisations. The 500 style is even more obvious in this updated version, on which 40% of all components are new. The Fiat 500L combines all the style and excitement of the Fiat 500 with the spaciousness and functionality of an MPV.

Even more 500

The new Fiat 500L is designed to reinforce the family feeling of the model. The exterior style expresses all the distinctive elements which have characterised the model throughout its history, ever since its iconic 1950s forerunner. 

The most obvious visual links are the "moustache and badge" combo set on the trapezoidal nose, the upper headlights with chrome-plated elements and the lower cluster, now with LED daytime running lights, which pick up the graphics of the two "zeros" in 500. These elements ensure that this new car is clearly identifiable as a Fiat 500L, even in the dark.

The revised front bumper with signature trapezoidal trim and the chromed "studded" three-dimensional lower grille mesh give the car an elegant look. At the same time, the chromed strips, which direct the eye to the wheel arches, convey toughness, resulting in the new Fiat 500L looking even more expressive. The chromed inserts at the rear underline the 500 family feeling and horizontal trims reinforce the car's presence on the road. The fog and reversing lights are now in the underside of the bumper, increasing their effectiveness.

The new Fiat 500L is available in ten pastel or metallic colours and with three types of roof: body-coloured, glossy black or white or matt black, giving customers a choice of no less than 36 colour combinations. The colours available are the new Denim Blue, Sicilian Orange and Donatello Bronze, Bossa Nova White, Hip Hop Yellow, Darkwave Black, Minimal Grey, Heavy Metal Grey, Beatbox Green and Pasodoble Red.

A unique combination of spaciousness and personality

The interior of the new Fiat 500L is completely new, starting with an updated dashboard to give a more high-tech and iconic look. The passenger compartment offers comfort, convenience, versatility and is filled with light, while being rich in distinctive 500 touches, such as the bright "500" signature on the dashboard.

The area behind the restyled multifunctional steering wheel, now with added chrome accents, has an updated design with two circular instrument gauges on either side of a 3.5-inch colour graphic display. This combination of new steering wheel and dashboard improves the visibility of the instrument cluster, which is further enhanced by white backlighting. The driver also benefits from an innovative TFT colour digital display, with a full set of useful information.

The new Fiat 500L displays an innovative wraparound glazing concept to improve its now class-leading visibility and ease of parking, thanks to its glazed A-pillar. Available as a fixed panel or electrically opening, the 1.5m2 optional panoramic glass roof of Fiat 500L means that occupants can enjoy a light, bright passenger compartment. 

While the top section of the dashboard conveys a fresh personality, the lower part focuses on convenience with new, larger storage compartments and the introduction of new comfort features, such as the central armrest. The gear lever has also been redesigned and placed higher up for greater driving comfort. 

Internal space is top of its class, thanks to the passenger compartment's generous length. Boot volume with the rear seat in the forward position is 455 litres for the Urban and Cross models. The boot on the Wagon offers up to 493 litres when the two additional seats are folded. With the rear seats folded and tumbled, capacity rises to 1480 litres for Urban and Cross and 1509 for the Wagon.

Three identities: Cross, Urban and Wagon

The new Fiat 500L is available with three distinctive personalities: Urban, Cross and Wagon. The more adventurous character of the Fiat 500L is represented by the Cross version. The new Fiat 500L Cross has a one-of-a-kind crossover look with new bumpers and skid plate, new two-colour diamond-finish 17-inch alloy wheels and a bold grille to give it a sporty appearance. It has crossover substance, as well as looks, with ground clearance raised by 25mm, new Uconnect™ HD Live 7-inch touchscreen and the new Mode Selector; with a choice of Normal, Traction+ and Gravity Control.

Normal is the default function and provides a comfortable, safe ride in ordinary conditions. Traction+, which can be activated at speeds of less than 18mph, helps the car to start on slippery surfaces and provides optimal torque distribution across the front axle, braking the wheel with less grip on the ground and transferring torque to the one with more grip. Gravity Control keeps the speed constant when descending steep slopes, and can be enabled when the Traction+ function is active. The new Fiat 500L Cross is 4.28m long with a wheelbase of 2.61m. It is 1.80m wide and 1.68m high.

The metropolitan soul of the Fiat 500L finds expression in the Urban version, available in Pop Star and Lounge trim levels. In Pop Star trim, also available in the new Denim Blue colour, the new Fiat 500L Urban come complete with ABS, ESP, 6 airbags, air conditioning, cruise control, multifunction Techno-leather steering wheel, electrically adjustable & heated door mirrors, 3.5-inch colour TFT display, 5-inch Uconnect™ radio with Bluetooth, voice control, USB port and Aux-in, rear seat with 60/40 split, LED daytime running lights and 16-inch alloy wheels.

In the more luxurious Lounge trim, it features upgraded seat upholstery, a dashboard fascia finished with technical fabric, dual zone climate control, fixed glass roof, chromed inserts, fog lights, Uconnect™ HD Live 7-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, voice control, DAB radio, 2 USB ports and Aux-in, rain and dusk sensors, rear parking sensors and Cargo Magic Space height-adjustable load platform. The Fiat 500L Urban measures 4.24m in length, has a wheelbase of 2.61m, is 1.78m wide and 1.66m high.

The Wagon, available in a seven seat configuration, is the ideal solution for combining spaciousness and versatility with the distinctive 500 style. Available in Pop Star or Lounge trim, the new Fiat 500L Wagon is the most compact seven-seater on the market at 4.38m long.

Customising the driving experience

Exclusive packs are available across the new Fiat 500L range to enhance the driving experience, comfort and safety. Every version can customise its style, connectivity, comfort and safety features by adding one of these great value packages; City, Comfort, Safety, Style and Style Plus packs.

Autonomous City Brake, available as part of the Safety Pack, consists of a laser sensor located on the top of the windscreen to monitor the position of the cars ahead. When travelling at less than 18mph, the system automatically brakes the new Fiat 500L if a potential collision is imminent.

Other key equipment include the child monitoring mirror to keep an eye on rear seat passengers, LED daylight running lights and parking lights, which in addition to being design features that reassert the 500 style, also ensure excellent visibility. As well as electrical adjustment and heating, the door mirrors can be upgraded to fold electrically and add puddle lights, to illuminate the area around the car when light is poor.

The passenger compartment lighting is also improved, with the Style Plus Pack providing with ambient light in the base of the central console, on the central tunnel and on the doors. The optional rear parking camera, included in the City Pack, has an improved resolution and active grid lines to assist parking.

More connected than ever

New advanced smartphone integration systems are debuting on the new Fiat 500L. Smartphone apps can be accessed directly on the 7-inch high-resolution touchscreen of the Uconnect™ HD Live system integrated in the dashboard. The system is also available with Apple Car Play and Android Auto™.

The next-generation Uconnect™ system features a hands-free Bluetooth interface, audio streaming, text reader and voice recognition, AUX-in and USB ports with iPod integration, controls on the steering wheel. A rear parking camera and the new TomTom 3D built-in navigation system are also optionally available. The Uconnect™ LIVE app offers music streaming with Deezer and TuneIn, news from Reuters and connected navigation with TomTom LIVE, as well as updating Facebook and Twitter. Users can also monitor their driving style with eco:Drive and my:Car.

The Fiat 500L is now available with the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto™. Apple CarPlay perfectly integrates the iPhone with the display and native controls of the car so users can make calls, play their music, send and receive messages, get directions optimised for traffic conditions and much more, while staying focused on the road.

With Android Auto™ drivers can access Google Maps, with voice-guided navigation, real time traffic information and lane guidance and Google Play Music, among other music services. They can also make and receive calls and send messages while keeping their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

The Fiat 500L can be upgraded with the BeatsAudio™ system, which boasts a total power of 520Watt, divided between two 80Watt mid-Woofer speakers (diameter 165mm) positioned in the bottom part of the front door panel, two 40Watt tweeter speakers (diameter 38mm) positioned in the top of the front door panel, two 60Watt full-range speakers (diameter 165mm) positioned in the rear door panel and an 80 + 80Watt subwoofer (diameter 165mm) located in the boot – which ensures dynamic, powerful bass tones, maximising the listening experience. The package is completed by an amplifier with DSP and 8 channels, featuring a built-in advanced equalisation algorithm capable of reproducing the entire spectrum of sound that an artist experiences in the recording studio.

Engines

The engines most suited for the specific needs of customers were picked for the different identities of the model. The petrol engine line-up includes the 1.4-litre 16V, delivering 95hp, and the 1.4-litre 16V T-Jet, delivering 120hp. The offering is completed by two diesel engines: the 95hp 1,300cc 16V MultiJet, also available with Dualogic transmission, and the 120hp 1,600cc 16V MultiJet. All engines comply with the Euro 6 standards and combine optimal performance with impressive fuel economy.

The new Fiat 500L will be priced from £16,195 OTR for a Fiat 500L Urban 1.4 95hp Pop Star, with first deliveries taking place from September.

Ssangyong launches yet another concept and a refresh of its Korando Crossover.

• 87^th Geneva International Motor Show 2017
• XAVL concept takes bold styling cues from the brand’s heritage
• Signposts SsangYong’s future design and product development direction
• Blends the ruggedness of an authentic SUV and the practicality of a seven seat MPV
• New look for the ever-popular 2017 Korando crossover

SsangYong Motor Company, (CEO, Johng-sik Choi) has today presented a new vision for the brand’s SUV of the future at the Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland - concept XAVL.

“As the oldest car brand and only specialist producer of SUV and 4x4 vehicles in Korea, it is incumbent upon us to lead the way in new product development in this sector.  I am delighted to unveil this concept which signposts the future generation of SsangYong cars.

“XAVL is a further iteration of the XAV concept we presented at the Frankfurt motor show in 2015.  This longer bodied car will accommodate seven passengers in comfort, and will be powered by both petrol and new clean-burning diesel engines.

“Of particular note, this concept draws heavily on our heritage, and unashamedly takes its design inspiration from our classic and iconic Korando model of the 1990s,” said Mr. Choi.

The SsangYong XAVL concept - eXciting Authentic Vehicle Long - is based on the product development philosophy of Robust, Specialty and Premium.  

XAVL presents a tough, masculine looking and authentic SUV concept that blends advanced convenience and practicality with a user-friendly interface, and indicates yet another strategic model to drive future growth for the brand.

With seven independent seats and providing wide inner space, XAVL takes on a differentiated role for a mid-size SUV, by combining off-road capability with the versatility and practicality of a multi-purpose MPV.  The three rows of seats are in a two-three-two layout.  

The five seats comprising the second and third rows all fold and slide to maximise comfort and the use of space, while also affording the passenger/load carrying flexibility expected of both an SUV and MPV.

In contrast to the tough, masculine exterior, a comfortable and sensitive ambiance is created for the interior, enhanced by a wide and contemporary space with sophisticated, subtle illumination.  In addition, the smart user interface enables free communication between passengers, the car and home.

The XAVL concept is a mid-size SUV, and takes its inspiration from the second generation classic Korando of the 1990s.  

This contemporary interpretation of the original car is expected to find its way into production as an authentic off-road SUV in the near future.

XAVL offers the choice of a Euro 6d-Temp compliant 1.5 litre petrol or 1.6 litre diesel engine, and matched with the option of a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission, and with a 2WD system.

The 1.6 litre diesel engine achieves CO₂ emissions of 120~150g/km (2WD, MT/AT, with stop/start), while the 1.5 litre petrol engine gives CO₂ emissions of 150~170g/km (2WD, MT/AT, with stop/start).

Safety is of prime concern to SsangYong, and the XAVL features an external airbag to provide increased protection to pedestrians, while passenger safety is further achieved through a central airbag between the driver and front seat passenger, as well as a driver’s knee airbag to enhance driver safety.

For drivers’ convenience and safety, XAVL is equipped with a suite of new electronic safety aids, including Advanced Emergency Braking System, Lane Change Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, High Beam Assistance, Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

The car is also equipped with a Smart Parking Assist System, a 10.25 inch full colour LCD display, and a wi-fi hotspot for the second and third row of seats.  In addition, the car’s navigation, heating, ventilation & air conditioning, and the infotainment system located in the head lining, can all be controlled from a smart phone, while Link to Home IOT (Internet of Things) technology allows occupants to connect with their home and manage CCTV, security, domestic equipment and temperature control.

XAVL is 4,630mm long, 1,866mm wide, 1,640mm high, and has a 2,775mm wheelbase.

FRESH NEW-LOOK KORANDO FOR 2017

• Spacious family accommodation and a great off-road performance
• Distinctive grille and headlight treatment adopt the new SsangYong ‘look’
• Front and rear cameras* for improved safety

The Korando SUV has been greatly enhanced for 2017 with a stylish new design, enhanced equipment and additional safety features.

The car sports a new-look front aspect, which has been redesigned to maximise the car’s robust character with a distinctive new shoulder-wing grille and headlight treatment, while safety has also been improved with the addition of a front view camera* - a first in this class of SUV.

European sales are set to commence from the second quarter of the year.

The new Korando SUV is designed for young families seeking an active lifestyle, and will appeal to those requiring a car that can handle the rough and tumble of family life - plenty of interior space for growing children and generous boot space for all their leisure equipment.

The car features daytime running lights using 11 high-luminescent LED lamps with separate lenses to improve visibility, new 18” diamond-cut wheels and a new ergonomically designed steering wheel.

The new car also gets both front and rear view safety cameras* for greatly enhanced safety, allowing the driver to monitor blind spots around the vehicle when parking or moving at low speed.

There is the choice between a 7” colour display offering a mirroring function to connect between a smart phone or an HDMI cable, and TomTom 7” navigation: both support the video camera displays, Bluetooth hands-free and iPod connectivity.

The new Korando is powered by a choice of a turbo-charged, Euro 6 compliant 2.2 litre diesel or 2.0 litre petrol engine*, and is matched with either a 6-speed manual or optional 6-speed Aisin automatic transmission for smooth, dynamic gear changing, comfortable driving and lively acceleration.  

The car also comes with either front wheel-drive, or a smart, on-demand all-wheel drive system, making it the ultimate leisure vehicle.

* - according to market

Vauxhall Launches the all new Zafira Tourer, with improved Looks, better equipment and more safety systems.

• Infotainment systems with phone integration and Wi-Fi hotspot
• Ergonomic cockpit and versatile lounge seats for up to seven passengers
• Latest generation Adaptive Forward Lighting LED headlamps
• Sculptural chrome logo bar and double wing daytime running lights

These are the first images of Vauxhall’s new Zafira Tourer, which features an enhanced exterior and interior design, cutting-edge connectivity via OnStar, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and innovative Adaptive Forward Lighting LED headlamps.

The new Zafira Tourer, which will be in showrooms in October, also retains the features its predecessor was renowned for including Flex7 seating system, ergonomically-certified AGR front seats, the Flex-Fix bicycle carrier and FlexRide adaptive damping.

The latest generation IntelliLink infotainment systems with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility and OnStar, including 4G/LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, make sure the new Zafira Tourer offers optimum connectivity. Vauxhall is also introducing full LED Adaptive Forward Lighting headlamps to the segment.

DESIGN

The new headlamp design, together with a completely new upper and lower grille, set the tone for the design of the new Zafira Tourer. The front headlights have been enhanced, while the sculptural chrome logo bar blends into the headlights making the car look wider. 

In addition, the typical, precisely chiselled ‘Vauxhall double wing’ daytime running lights characterise the new light cluster design. The wheels are pushed outboard and housed under a muscular wheel arch.

“The front design of the new Zafira Tourer takes the major characteristics of the award-winning new Astra, and anchors it in Vauxhall’s new portfolio,” said Brit Mark Adams, Vice President, Design Europe. 

“Its sharp, precise double-winged daytime running lights convey a new level of sophistication, which is also reflected in the interior by a completely redesigned instrument panel. It is purer, clearer and easier to use.”

On the inside, the new Zafira Tourer comes with a completely new interior and instrument panel, which offers greater forward visibility by utilising a completely new one-piece design. 

The screen of the infotainment system, which previously sat on top of the centre console, has been replaced with a new integrated screen. The lower position allows for many buttons to be eliminated with the switches now integrated into the overall design. 

The new seven-inch up-level touchscreen systems have been executed with quality inspired by top-of-the-range tablets. 

The new, three-dimensionally sculptured steering wheel with the small and efficiently packaged airbag cover is designed to not only look great, but to also put ergonomics at the forefront.

Vauxhall will offer two latest generation IntelliLink infotainment systems for the new Zafira Tourer. R4.0 IntelliLink will bring the world of smartphones to the car, offering both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. 

Vauxhall will also offer Navi 950 IntelliLink for customers looking for an infotainment system with on-board navigation. Vauxhall OnStar is standard in the new Zafira Tourer with Automatic Crash Response and many other features, including Destination Download (with Navi 950) and 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot, which enables up to seven devices to be connected.

COMFORT

Just like in the previous Zafira Tourer, the driver and passenger can enjoy a comfortable drive thanks to the optional six-way adjustable, ergonomically-certified AGR sport seats and the multi-functional FlexRail console system. 

The modular storage system includes a large storage box and cup-holders that slide on aluminium rails to the desired position. This enables flexible use of the generous storage space between the front seats, exactly where it’s most accessible and useful.

Passengers in the second row can enjoy the unique Lounge Seating system. Thanks to a clever folding mechanism, the back of the middle seat in the second row folds down and rotates to offer comfortable armrests for the passengers in the outer seats. 

These also slide to the rear and towards the centre of the vehicle, providing generous leg and shoulder room. The third-row seats can be folded down flush with the floor of the luggage compartment, creating a level load surface.

The feeling of comfort and space in the new Zafira Tourer becomes even more impressive when combined with the panoramic roof. The windscreen stretches from the engine hood up to near the B-pillar. The panoramic sunroof flows directly out of the windscreen and stretches to the rear of the vehicle.

STORAGE

The new Zafira Tourer offers much more than just an extremely comfortable way to travel, the interior can easily double as a small transporter. In a five-seat configuration, the new Zafira Tourer can carry a minimum load volume of 710 litres, increasing to 1,860 litres when the second-row seats are folded down.

The latest generation features more than 30 storage possibilities, including the FlexRail centre console. Additionally, the Flex-Fix rear-end carrier system offers an easy-to-use and practical solution for cycling enthusiasts. 

The integrated system slides out of the rear bumper and can accommodate up to four bicycles. As the loaded bicycle carrier can be tilted, the tailgate can still be opened even when Flex-Fix is fully loaded.

AFL HEADLAMPS

Vauxhall’s engineers have once again followed the strategy of making innovative technology available to a broad group of customers by introducing new Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL) LED headlamps. 

The new AFL LED system automatically adapts the lighting patterns of the headlamps to the driving situation, so that the optimal light performance is given without dazzling other drivers. 

It features nine different functions and lighting patterns, including town or country lighting, tourist mode, a curve and cornering function, manoeuvring light and a stop mode light (eco).

The new generation Front Camera System has a positive impact on all the driver assistance functions it supports, including the High Beam Assist of the AFL LED lighting system and the Traffic Sign Assistant. 

Following Distance Indication (FDI) also utilises the front camera to detect moving vehicles ahead. While Forward Collision Alert provides visible and audible caution alerts when the distance between the car and the vehicle ahead diminishes too quickly. 

Lane Departure Warning is activated automatically at speeds over 37 mph and warns the driver if the lane is left unintentionally with a visual and an audible warning.

Two features available in the new Zafira Tourer that increase comfort and reduce stress for the driver are Adaptive Cruise Control and FlexRide. Enabled by a radar located behind the front grille, the Adaptive Cruise Control helps the driver to maintain the selected speed while keeping a pre-set distance to the vehicle ahead. 

In addition to speed, the desired gap to the vehicle ahead can also be selected by the driver. Elsewhere, the adaptive mechatronic FlexRide chassis continuously adapts vehicle behaviour to the driving situation, style and the individual preferences of the driver.

Beijing see's the wraps come off a new look Lexus IS sedan, mainly new bumpers give this a muscular look.

A daring new styling direction, exciting performance and innovative technology defined the completely new Lexus IS that was introduced in 2013. Since then, sales of the luxury brand’s entry-level sedan have surpassed expectations, outselling the previous-generation model, which was very popular in its own right. 

At the Beijing Auto Show today, Lexus has taken the covers off the new IS, armed with a fresh new look and a number of important changes.

Because the original styling of the current IS has proved so popular, Lexus has kept the essence of car’s exterior appearance intact; however, the entire front fascia of the new model has undergone a transformation, highlighted by new headlamps, large air intakes in the front bumper and an evolution of Lexus’ spindle grille. 

The bumpers, with incorporated air intakes, flow dynamically from the fenders, giving the new front end a high level of aggressiveness. 

The new grille folds back at a higher point, changing its top and bottom proportions that enhance its sporty feel with a visually lower center of gravity, while blending effortlessly into the reshaped hood. The sleeker profile of the IS, together with the enhanced character line that runs down the side of the car, makes the new IS seem as if it’s in constant motion even when sitting still. 

The F SPORT’s grille features an exclusive 3-dimentional F-mesh pattern, with jet-black metallic coating that incorporates functional brake ducts. These brake ducts provide a sense of continuity with the side garnishes that enhance the vehicle’s aerodynamic performance. Adding to the IS’s dynamic flair are standard 10-spoke 17-in. wheels that boast new designs with bright machine finishes. 

Changes to the rear are highlighted by more pronounced “L”-shaped LED light guides that are now triple layered within the taillight housing and new rectangular chrome exhaust tips that accentuate the car’s sporting nature. Also, two new paint schemes—Deep Blue Mica and Graphite Black Glass Flake—have been added to the IS’s exterior color palate.

In keeping with the same theme as the exterior, thoughtful improvements have been incorporated into the new IS’s cabin. The first thing that’s sure to catch your eye is the multimedia display screen that has grown from 7 inches to 10.3 inches. The new high-resolution monitor offers a larger and clearer image of the various functions of Lexus’ innovative multimedia system. 

Also, “Enter” buttons have been added to the sides of the Remote Touch Interface (RTI) on the center console, making the system easier to use. On the center dash the audio and ventilation-control panel has been refined to fit completely within the knee bolsters, with a new hairline-finish surface that provides both a high-quality feel and improved appearance. 

New stitching on top of the meter hood enhances the sporty feel of the IS cockpit, as do the refined speedometer and tachometer. 

For interior colors, Moonstone and Ivory have been replaced by Chateau, a new light shade that blends the elegance of Ivory with a more modern light-gray hue. Other changes to the new IS include new cup holders, a new larger leather-wrapped palm rest with stitching for the RTI and new markings on the in-dash analogue clock.

The new IS model lineup will remain unchanged with three engine offerings. The rear-wheel-drive IS 200t will be powered by the recently-added 2.0-liter twin-scroll turbocharged inline-4 with intercooler, which comes mated to a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission. 

This engine, first introduced on the NX crossover vehicle, features a number of innovative technologies including Variable Valve Timing-intelligent Wide (VVT-iW) that allows the engine to switch between Otto and Atkinson cycles by varying the intake-valve opening angles, and the D-4ST direct injection system. 

It combines a high pressure fuel system for injection directly into the cylinders with a low pressure system for injection into the ports. Power is rated at 180kW at 5,800rpm or torque 350Nm at 1,650 to 4,400rpm.

The new IS’s safety equipment has been upgraded with the Lexus Safety System +. It combines Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with Steering Assist, Automatic High Beam (AHB) and Radar Cruise Control.