Irish Rugy ace opens latest MG Dealership as the new MG3 spyshots and MG GS facelift are available.

Irish rugby legend, Rory Best, officially opened the all-new MG showroom at Greg Mitchell Motors in Strabane on Friday, 26May 2017. A further expansion to the site, the new development will be used exclusively for retailing MG’s latest model line-up.

With special offers, test drive bookings and the chance to touch shoulders with one of Ireland’s rugby heroes, the Greg Mitchell Motors launch evening was a fantastic experience for sport fanatics and savvy motorists alike. Alongside a ribbon cutting ceremony, Rory organised rugby activities for local children, as well as talking about his championship-winning career and the Lions tour to New Zealand.

Greg Mitchell, owner of Greg Mitchell Motors, commented: “Expanding and joining the MG dealer network is a big step forward for the business. The honour of having Rory Best officially opening our new showroom was the icing on the cake. With an award-winning range of stylish cars, fitted with the latest vehicle technologies, MG has the perfect model for every driver. Fun, practical and affordable, you can get behind the wheel of a new MG without breaking the bank!”

Alongside highlighting the stylish MG3 Supermini and family-friendly MG GS SUV, the launch evening saw the Ulster and Ireland hooker showcase the all-new MG XS Compact SUV. Revealed to the public at The London Motor Show earlier this month (4 May), the state-of-the-art model will be available to test drive later this year.

Featuring the latest in driver technology, in-car infotainment and next-generation vehicle design, the MG XS offers a glimpse of the future for MG’s iconic model range. Available in two engine derivatives and either automatic or manual transmission, the MG XS has been specifically-developed to suit market demand for a competitively-priced, family-friendly Compact SUV.

Matthew Cheyne, Head of Sales and Marketing at MG Motor UK, added: “The launch of the new Greg Mitchell Motors MG showroom was a fantastic opportunity for MG to engage with motorists across Northern Ireland, as well as introduce our latest models.

“We continue to grow our network, with almost 80 dealers across the UK and Ireland. We’re confident that Greg Mitchell Motors will be a fantastic addition to the MG network.”

UK MG Dealer wins the a prestigious award from SAIC Motor Global MG Dealer Awards.

Nathaniel Cars, a leading MG dealership based in South Wales, is celebrating after taking home the highly-prestigious Four Star Award for Excellence at the SAIC Motor Global MG Dealer Awards. The ceremony, which took place at the Shanghai International Motor Show last month (21st April), recognises outstanding performance from across the manufacturer’s global dealer network. 

Commended for outstanding passion, commitment to the brand and dedication to delivering customer service excellence, Nathaniel Cars was the only UK dealer to receive an award. 

The silverware adds to a growing list of accolades for the Bridgend-based business, which include being named MG UK Dealer of The Year 2016 and featuring within the top 5% of all British dealerships in the Auto Express Driver Power Best Car Dealers report 2017. 

Nathan Griffiths, sales manager at Nathaniel Cars, commented: “Providing outstanding service and delighting customers are two of our key priorities. To be awarded – not just on a national level, but across the world – for our continued successes and performance is a significant accolade and one that the entire team is humbled to have received. 

“With a growing range of stylish, family-friendly vehicles that offer fun, functionality and practical performance at a highly affordable price point, MG continues to drive forward as one of the fastest-growing automotive manufacturers. We’re proud to be part of such an exciting global network and see huge potential for future growth.” 

Matthew Cheyne, Head of Sales and Marketing at MG Motor UK, added: “As a top performer in the MG dealer network, Nathaniel Cars is renowned for delivering outstanding service for motorists. We’d like to offer our congratulations to Nathan and the team for taking home the Four Star Award – a true reflection of the team’s drive, determination, commitment and outstanding performance.”

Based in Bridgend, South Wales, Nathaniel Cars is one of the UK’s leading MG dealerships. Retailing both the stylish MG3 Supermini (available from £8,695) and family-friendly SUV, the MG GS (starting at just £15,095), motorists are promised a warm welcome, in-depth product knowledge and affordable prices.

SWEDEN - The Swedish police force will be taking delivery of their new V90 Volvo's

The Swedish police will take delivery of its first V90 police cars early next year, after the car recently achieved the highest rating ever in the Swedish police’s highly demanding driving test.

The demands on emergency vehicles are higher than on normal road cars. On top of that, unlike in many other countries, in Sweden the police car is judged as a workplace. This means any car has to meet strict demands in areas such as performance, comfort, quality and ergonomics in order to qualify as a police car.

The Swedish police car test focuses on five areas: a brake test, an obstacle course, evasive action tests with and without braking, and high-speed emergency driving.

The overall score for the V90 was 9.2 out of 10, the highest rating ever achieved by any car in this demanding test.

The final test protocol on the V90 prepared by Swedish police test drivers concludes that “overall, it is difficult to find any faults at all. Chassis, steering, suspension, traction control and powertrain all show exemplary performance. Quick lane changes at high speeds feel almost deceptively easy, the car does what it is told to do and shakes off lateral forces without any protest.”

While the Swedish police will be the first to start using the V90, Volvo Cars sells its police cars in other countries as well. Other police forces that in recent years have used Volvos include Norway, Italy, the UK and the Netherlands. The V90, too, will be made available to any interested police forces around the globe.

With the V90 police car, Volvo takes the highly refined driving experience of the award-winning standard V90 to the next level. To transform the premium estate into a suitable emergency vehicle, the Volvo Car Special Products department further develops the car to meet the specific demands of police forces.

For instance, the chassis is made stronger and more dynamic, the brakes and suspension are improved, and the car is fully equipped with all necessary tools and communication equipment. It takes about a week to transform a standard V90 into a police car at Volvo Cars’ special manufacturing facility in Torslanda, Sweden.

Volvo Cars has a long history in providing police cars: as far back as 1929, Swedish police fought crime from behind the wheel of a Volvo. In the decades that followed, classic Volvos such as the Amazon and the 144 also served in police uniform. More recently, the XC70 and V70 estates have been used by police forces. The XC70, too, was the best police car ever tested by Swedish police at the time of its introduction.

USA - The 2016 GMC Canyon has been named the Best Midsize Pickup Truck of 2016.

• Experts Test Trucks in Segment Challenge, Applaud Canyon’s Interior, Ability and Performance

The 2016 GMC Canyon has been named the Best Midsize Pickup Truck of 2016. Cars.com put the current lineup of midsize pickup trucks to the test in its Midsize Pickup Truck Challenge to determine the overall best option for buyers.

Canyon, the segment’s only premium midsize truck, was also named the top pick by the editors of Cars.com in a 2015 midsize pickup comparison test.

“Establishing a benchmark for a premium midsize pickup was our goal with the Canyon, and PickupTruck.com’s insights affirm our instincts,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of GMC Sales and Marketing. 

“The Canyon’s quiet cabin, premium design and materials make it a maneuverable solution for customers who want the capability of a pickup with the modern amenities customers expect from GMC.”

Testing included head-to-head comparisons in 18 objective categories and included the following vehicles:  2016 GMC Canyon, 2016 Chevrolet Colorado, 2017 Honda Ridgeline, 2016 Toyota Tacoma and 2016 Nissan Frontier.

“The Canyon is an all-around great truck,” said Patrick Olsen, Cars.com editor-in-chief. “It is well-balanced and confident both on paved streets and off-road. It’s a well-appointed truck on the interior and has some serious ability when it comes to payload and towing as well as overall engine performance.”

USA - Three Nissan models have scored favorably in their respective segments in the just released J.D. Power Study.

• All-new Nissan Titan XD named most appealing Large Light Duty pickup
• Redesigned Maxima takes top spot in Large Car segment
• Refreshed Nissan Altima finishes in top 3 among Midsize Car competitors
• Nissan safety, convenience and connectivity technologies rate well with customers

Three Nissan models have scored favorably in their respective segments in the just released J.D. Power 2015 U.S. Automotive, Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) ^SM Study – with the all-new 2016 Nissan Titan XD taking honors in the Large Light Duty Pickup segment, the new Maxima topping the Large Car segment and the refreshed Altima ranked number two among Midsize Car competitors.

The Titan scored 867 points to dominate its class, while the Maxima tallied 857 points. The 2016 Altima, Nissan's best-selling vehicle, with 824 points, was up seven points from last year. Overall, the industry average score was up three points to 801 in 2016. Murano and Sentra scored well at 831 and 814 points, respectively, but lacked sample size in this year’s survey to qualify in their segments from J.D. Power.

"It is gratifying to see three vehicles that are either all-new or redesigned receive such high marks from customers," said Christian Meunier, senior vice president, Sales & Marketing and Operations, U.S.A., Nissan North America, Inc. “And along with our best-selling sedans and crossovers, Nissan is providing more options as we launch the ‘Year of the Truck’ with our all-new TITAN and TITAN XD trucks.”

The annual APEAL Study, now in its 21^st year, surveys purchasers and lessees of new vehicles, giving owners a platform to evaluate their cars, trucks and SUVs across 77 specific attributes. The results are combined into an overall APEAL score measured on a 1,000-point scale. The study found that some features, such as blind spot warning and parking assist systems, substantially improved owners' sense of security – and satisfaction – with their vehicles. Nissan continues to offer a range of ‘Safety Shield’ technologies, as well as convenience and connectivity system technologies across a wide application of vehicles and trim levels including:

• Predictive Forward Collision Warning
• Forward Emergency Braking
• Blind Spot Warning
• Driver Attention Alert*
• Around View® Monitor with Moving Object Detection
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
• NissanConnect
• Advanced Drive-Assist™ Display

USA - The first deliveries of the All-New Ford Focus RS have taken place in the USA.

• The Focus RS is now arriving at dealerships across the U.S. at a starting price of $36,605, including destination and delivery
• Specially-designed 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine produces 350 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque, plus a maximum speed of 165 miles per hour
• The Focus RS comes packed with four different drive modes – including the first-ever Drift mode – as well as the ability to restart a stalled engine without manual operation

The wait is finally over. The highly coveted, all-new Ford Focus RS is now arriving at dealerships across the U.S. and for Jackson Gilmore – the first customer to take delivery of his RS – news of the car’s arrival was so big he ditched work to get behind the wheel. “Learning that [my Focus RS] was going to be on one of the first boats to the West Coast, it became real,” he said. 

“Out of the blue my dealership called me and they said ‘Hey, your RS is here, so I sent an email to my boss that said, ‘Hey, I ordered this car eight months ago, I’m taking a half day today,’ and I just kind of walked out of work. I just bounced right then.”

Gilmore might have been the first in the U.S. to slide into the driver’s seat as the owner of the new high-performance hatchback, but the Focus RS was no impulse buy. As soon as Focus RS rumors began swirling, Gilmore held off on purchasing a new car.

“Then they said they were going to make it, it’s going to be all-wheel drive, 300-plus horsepower, they’re going to bring it to the States – and I told my girlfriend, you know, that’s the car,” he said. “I’m going to buy that.”

He has good reason to be excited. Powered by a specially engineered version of Ford’s new 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine, the new hot hatch pumps out a monstrous 350 horsepower, 350 pound-feet of torqueachieved with 93-octane fuel and features a bevy of tricks up its sleeves in order to offer a premium driving experience, including four different drive modes.

It’s also the fastest production Focus currently available in the world, dashing from 0-62 miles per hour in just 4.7 seconds and topping out at a maximum speed of 165 mph.

The impressive engine output comes courtesy of an all-new, low-inertia twin-scroll turbocharger with a larger compressor wheel that delivers more airflow and power throughout the rev range. Despite the engine’s high output of 152 horsepower per liter, RS engineers tuned this EcoBoost to deliver right off idle all the way on up to a free-spinning 6,800 rpm.

“You start it up, it’s got a little bit of a growl to it, it rumbles,” Gilmore said. “You kind of know you’re in something serious.”

Designed by a small team of Ford Performance engineers in Europe and the United States, the manual-only Focus RS comes packed with innovation such as Ford Performance all-wheel drive with Dynamic Torque Vectoring for a new level of handling, grip and cornering speed.

“It’s definitely quick. It’s got power, but the biggest thing I noticed is the handling,” Gilmore said. “I think it’s glued to the road; it’s super tight … so as soon as you move the wheel it just points in and hugs the turn. It’s awesome, honestly.”

For the first time, the RS model gets four selectable drive modes: Normal, Sport, Track and the industry-first Drift mode that allows drivers to perform controlled oversteer drifts. Each mode configures the hatchback’s all-wheel-drive system, damper controls, electronic stability controls, steering and engine responses in order to deliver optimal performance based on what drivers need.

That performance extends to brutal winder conditions, too. The Focus RS is the first car in North America tooffer a winter tire and wheel option as a factory accessory, featuring Michelin Pilot Alpin PA4 tires, pressure monitoring sensors and fully mounted center caps, all of which were tested in the extreme cold and snow of Northern Michigan and Sweden.

Even in the event of an engine stall, the Focus RS comes prepared with a handy trick called stall recovery. There will be no need for drivers to manually restart the engine or move the gear selector to neutral, as the innovative technology allows the driver to simply push the clutch back in after a stall and the engine will restart.

Like its siblings, the Focus RS also comes equipped with plenty of cargo space, making it perfectly capable of adapting to the needs of most any driver.

“I actually play ice hockey and, you know, I drive it every day and I can throw my hockey gear in there, the hockey sticks, and throw everyone in – I live right next to the beach,” Gilmore said. “Having that performance with all the room” is great, he added, “but I also like the way it looks.”

The Focus RS starts at $36,605 in the U.S., including destination and delivery.

The third-generation Focus RS follows on the heels of the much-loved models launched in 2002 and 2009. The 2016 Focus RS is the 30th car globally to wear the vaunted RS badge, joining such legendary models as the 1970 Escort RS1600, the 1984 mid-engine RS200 Group B rally car, 1985 Sierra RS Cosworth and 1992 Escort RS Cosworth.

Mercedes-Benz takes the Fleet Van of the Year award for the ninth year running with the Sprinter Van.

The superb Sprinter has scooped the highly-prized ‘Fleet Van of the Year’ accolade at the Motor Transport Awards for the ninth year – smashing its own record in the number of times this honour has been claimed by Mercedes-Benz Vans.

The Sprinter emerged victorious with its latest makeover giving the van a fresh new look, improved driving capability and a host of new safety features. The Motor Transport jury of fleet van operators felt the all-round package from Mercedes-Benz – reliability, performance and operational efficiency – gave it the edge over its rivals.

“We have a very demanding operation, which puts the focus on reliability and durability,” one judge commented. “The Sprinters we run make a significant contribution to our operation. When something does go wrong, which isn’t very often, the Mercedes network is quick to react and get us back on the road.”

“That three-pointed star on the grille counts for a lot,” another judge commented. “We know what we’re going to get, a reliable, consistent performer.”

Motor Trader Editor Steve Hobson added: “The Sprinter is a worthy winner of the title Fleet Van of the Year. It continues to set new standards for driver safety and comfort as well as being a reliable, economical and hard-working vehicle.”

The prestigious Motor Transport Awards took place last night at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane in London, with Kevin Ferris, Head of Strategic Planning at Mercedes-Benz Vans collecting the accolade.

Steve Bridge, Managing Director, Mercedes-Benz Vans, said of the win: “We set the record in the 2013 Motor Transport Awards by winning the title for an eight time, so to win again this year, is an astonishing feat. To say we are honoured to receive the Fleet Van of the Year title for an unprecedented ninth time is therefore a huge understatement!

“We knew that the Sprinter was an unbeatable van, so to have the industry recognise it as one is a true testament to its deserved appeal.”

Since the ‘Fleet Van of the Year’ category was introduced at the Motor Transport Awards 14 years ago, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has lifted the trophy in 2013, 2012, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2004 and 2003.

The new Sprinter was the world’s first van to meet the future Euro VI emissions standard, and also introduced standard-fit Crosswind Assist to the industry. 

The large van is available in a choice of three wheelbases, four lengths, and three loading space heights, as well as a 4x4 variant, offering a payload to 2,532 kg and volume to 17 m³.The first version of Sprinter was presented almost 21 years ago and since 2000, a driver airbag has been standard, with Adaptive ESP^® new in 2006.

AUTO EXPRESS AWARDS - The SEAT Ateca takes best crossover title along with four other SEAT Models taking awards.

• SEAT’s first SUV nets Best Crossover honour on its first appearance in the Auto Express New Car Awards and two months before it even hits UK showrooms
• Ateca leads SEAT’s strength-in-depth showing, with four other models in its range receiving Commended titles
• Judges acclaim the Ateca for its styling, performance, practicality and value-for-money
• Auto Express also delivers a five-star verdict in its first Ateca UK road test

The new SEAT Ateca has opened its honours account in style, claiming the Best Crossover title on its first appearance in the Auto Express New Car Awards.

SEAT’s first SUV signalled its quality by seeing off competition that included some of the best sellers in what has become a pivotal part of the market, including the Hyundai Tucson, Nissan Qashqai and  Renault Kadjar. 

The result puts down a valuable marker for the Ateca’s all-round appeal, as the model progresses towards its hotly anticipated arrival in UK showrooms in September.

Its success was part of a formidable across-the-board performance by SEAT in this year’s awards, with four other models posting Commended results too: Leon (previously a three-time winner) in the Compact Family Car class, Leon ST in Estate, Leon CUPRA 290 (another returning title-holder) for Hot Hatch and the new Alhambra for MPV.

Commenting on the Ateca’s success, Auto Express Editor Graham Hope said: “The Ateca has made a dramatic entry into the crossover class and is a particularly impressive first effort from SEAT. It offers everything that is great about the Leon in a superb-looking new package, and blends excellent performance with decent practicality and strong value for money. It’s a compelling new crossover option for buyers.”

The judges’ opinions follow hot on the heels of a top five-star rating for the Ateca in the first UK road test in the latest issue of the same magazine. In its detailed scrutiny of the 2.0 TDI 150 XCELLENCE 4Drive model, the magazine declared it “follows in the footsteps of the Leon and goes straight to the top of the class.”

Richard Harrison, SEAT UK Director, said: “This is a fantastic result for Ateca and adds to the great momentum that it’s developing as it nears showroom launch, including the 13,000 members of the British public who have already stated their interest in buying one. The award is testament to what an enticing all-round package Ateca is, as a desirable, high-tech, stylish and well-built SUV it is, in this ever burgeoning part of the market.”

USA - Cadillac adds a new Carbon Black Sport package to the CTS and ATS Sedan and Coupe models.

PGRADES REFLECT AND COMPLEMENT CADILLAC’S PRODUCT EXPANSION

Cadillac’s ATS and CTS product lines receive key refinements for 2017, including new, more streamlined trim levels that further emphasize the cars’ class-leading driving dynamics.

Renamed for consistency across the Cadillac showroom, the new trim levels for Cadillac ATS sedans and coupes – ATS, Luxury, Premium Luxury and Premium Performance – and Cadillac CTS sedans – CTS, Luxury, Premium Luxury, V-Sport and V-Sport Premium – move ATS and CTS more in line with two recently launched Cadillac entries, the first-ever Cadillac CT6 prestige sedan and first-ever Cadillac XT5 luxury crossover.

2017 Cadillac ATS and CTS models receive a Carbon Black sport package, two new exterior colors and new wheels that complement the bold, unmistakably Cadillac signature exterior and interior designs. 

Additional upgrades and enhancements for the Cadillac CUE infotainment system include new standard technologies like the myCadillac Mobile App, Teen Driver and Cadillac Collection.

The 2017 Cadillac ATS Turbo Sedan, the fastest, most powerful turbo-four luxury sedan in its class, becomes the entry point to the Cadillac ATS Sedan and Coupe family. Cadillac CUE – the centerpiece of the ATS’ comprehensive collection of technologies, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto advanced smartphone integration and available 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot – is now standard for 2017 ATS Sedans and Coupe models, making the ATS one of the most connected cars in the segment.

The 2017 Cadillac CTS features a new grille design in the front fascia and an all-new rear fascia with vertical exhaust orientation and valence panel changes. 

The front fascia in the CTS V-Sport and CTS-V remains unchanged. Rear Camera Mirror, the industry’s first application of full-display rearview mirror technology that debuted in the 2016 Cadillac CT6 prestige sedan, is available in Cadillac CTS models in 2017.

The Cadillac ATS product line is Cadillac’s most compact and sporty entry, setting into motion the current era of Cadillac driver’s cars offering exhilarating performance. Originally introduced as a 2013 model, ATS won both the North American Car of the Year and Esquire Car of the Year award that year. 

Built on an ultra-rigid, rear-wheel-drive chassis that also underpins the larger Cadillac CTS, the ATS line added a dynamic Coupe model in 2015.  The high-performance ATS-V Sedan and Coupe — the smallest and lightest V-Series models ever — were added in 2016.

The Cadillac CTS Sedan, which began its third generation in 2014, has been named a Car and Driver “10 Best” for three years in a row and received Motor Trend’s 2014 Car of the Year award. 

Built on the same ultra-rigid, rear-wheel-drive chassis that underpins the smaller Cadillac ATS Sedan and Coupe models, the CTS lineup included a performance CTS V-Sport model for the first time in 2014 and added the much-anticipated third generation, high-performance CTS-V super sedan in 2016.

The 2017 Cadillac product refinements follow and complement Cadillac’s product expansion, which debuted with the all-new Cadillac CT6 prestige sedan and the all-new Cadillac XT5 luxury crossover.