The new Micra now with an entry level petrol engine which will take about 20% of sales.

• Highly efficient 71PS entry level petrol model at retailers for demonstration drives
• Will account for approximately 20% of Micra sales
• Launch line-up of three Micra engines now complete
• All-new Micra features expressive design, uplifting interior and confident drive 

The launch range of the all-new Nissan Micra has been completed with the arrival at retailers of the eagerly anticipated 1.0-litre 71PS entry-level model. 

While it’s the last of three launch engines to go on sale, it will play a vital role in the Micra success story. It is expected to account for approximately 20% of sales. 

Offering an excellent balance of performance and running costs, the three-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine is linked to a five-speed manual transmission. This highly efficient powertrain results in official Combined Cycle fuel economy of 4.6 litres/100km and CO2 emissions of 103g/km when running on 15 or 16-inch wheels. 

The new 1.0-litre 71PS engine joins the 0.9-litre 90PS three-cylinder turbo petrol and the 1.5-litre 90PS four-cylinder diesel, which went on sale earlier this year. 

The new Nissan Micra is quite simply a revolution. It is a radical progression from the model it has replaced, and from the trio of highly successful superminis which date back to the Micra’s debut in Europe in 1983. 

Longer, wider and lower than ever before, the all-new Micra has been conceived, designed and engineered with European customers’ requirements at the top of the agenda. 

Key to its appeal is the hatchback’s athletic and expressive exterior design, which moves the Micra name plate in a daring new direction. The contemporary look and premium feel continues inside, with a high-quality cabin that boasts two-tone soft-touch materials as standard across the range. 

The all-new Micra is also a technology leader, with a number of features which are not only new to the Micra but new to the segment. These include Intelligent Lane Intervention, a safety system which gently corrects the Micra back on to the right path should it be required. 

Also unique to Micra is the BOSE Personal audio system, which features speakers built into the driver’s head rest for an immersive 360° sound experience. The new Micra is available with a wide range of personalisation options, allowing owners to modify the exterior and interior with premium components in a variety of stylish and contemporary colours. 

The new Micra is also a fantastic car to drive, with a dynamic performance that is the perfect balance between agility, excitement and the secure feeling that comes with confident and predictable handling. 

USA - The gas powered Toyota RAV4 for 2017 comes in at prices lower than before.

Priced to please.  The wildly popular 2017 Toyota RAV4 Crossover just got better with new value-driven pricing that lowers the base Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) up to 5.0 percent on select gas models. 

The new price savings include the following price reductions:

• $500 on all LE models;
• $925 on all Limited models;
• $1,195 on all SE models;
• $1,330 on all XLE models. 

Base MSRP’s for RAV4 gas Platinum and all hybrid models remain unchanged.

In addition, RAV4’s value has been further enhanced with the launch of several new Value Packages, offering up great equipment at a discount through the end of the 2017 model year.

With more than 20 years under its belt, Toyota’s popular RAV4 continues to set the stage for the compact sport-utility segment, bringing high doses of value, style, and safety to discerning drivers.  

The 2017 RAV4 offers a bevy of standard-issue safety technologies with its Toyota Safety Sense™ P active safety package, and is the only vehicle in its (class/segment) to have a standard pre-collision system with pedestrian detection.

The Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) driver assist system bundles cutting edge active safety technologies including:

• Pre-Collision with Pedestrian Detection function (PCS w/PD) featuring forward collision warning and Automatic Emergency Braking,
• Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist function (LDA w/SA),
• Automatic High Beams (AHB),
• Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC).

The MSRP for the 2017 RAV4 does not include the delivery, processing, and handling (DPH) fee of $960.  The DPH fee for vehicles distributed by Southeast Toyota (SET) and Gulf States Toyota (GST) may vary.

The New priced for the 2017 Toyota RAV4 gas models are effective immediately.

Updated 2017 RAV4 Gas MSRP

Model #	Grade	Drive		Current 17MY MSRP	New 17MY MSRP	MSRP Chg. ($)	MSRP Chg. (%)
4430	LE	FWD		$24,910	$24,410	($500)	-2.0%
4440	XLE	FWD		$26,830	$25,500	($1,330)	-5.0%
4470	SE	FWD		$29,985	$28,790	($1,195)	-4.0%
4450	Limited	FWD		$31,830	$30,905	($925)	-2.9%
4474	Platinum	FWD		$34,750	$34,750	$0	0.0%
4432	LE	AWD		$26,310	$25,810	($500)	-1.9%
4442	XLE	AWD		$28,230	$26,900	($1,330)	-4.7%
4472	SE	AWD		$31,385	$30,190	($1,195)	-3.8%
4452	Limited	AWD		$33,230	$32,305	($925)	-2.8%
4476	Platinum	AWD		$36,150	$36,150	$0	0.0%

The UK see's higher sales in 2016, but will 2017 carry on the growth with so much against it ?

• Highest ever number of new cars demanded by UK customers, with 2,692,786 registered in 2016, up 2.3% on previous year.
• Wide choice of new car models and affordable finance deals drives market to new high with fifth consecutive year of growth.
• December only the second month of negative growth in 2016, as registrations dip -1.1% to 178,022 units.

The UK new car market achieved another record year in 2016, with annual registrations climbing for the fifth year in a row to almost 2.7 million, according to figures published today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). The market has experienced uplifts in 10 out of the last 12 months, albeit finishing with a December down slightly by -1.1% – with 178,022 new cars registered in the month.

Buyers were attracted by a range of new car models and attractive finance deals, pushing registrations up to 2,692,786 in 2016 – up 2.3% on the previous year and broadly in line with expectations. The UK new car market is one of the most diverse in the world, with some 44 brands offering nearly 400 different model types – and 2017 looks set to be another competitive year with almost 70 new launches already planned over the next 12 months. 

Fleets were responsible for most of the growth, with demand growing to a record 1.38 million units. The private market remains at a historically high level, with more than 1.2 million private buyers registering a new car in 2016, although demand did fall over the latter three quarters. The competitive range of affordable finance is a crucial factor driving private demand as consumers are able to take advantage of low interest rates and flexible payment options.

Diesel and petrol cars continued to be by far the most popular fuel types for consumers with market share at 47.7% and 49.0% respectively. However, alternatively fuelled vehicles (AFVs) experienced a strong uplift in demand, up 22.2% across the year. Plug-in hybrids and petrol electric hybrids, in particular, experienced significant growth, with demand up 41.9% and 25.1% respectively. Meanwhile, more than 10,000 motorists chose to go fully electric in 2016 – up 3.3% on 2015.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “Despite 2016’s political and economic uncertainties, the UK’s new car market delivered another record performance as car makers offered an incredible range of innovative and high tech models. 2017 may well be more challenging as sterling depreciation raises the price of imported goods but, with interest rates still at historic lows and a range of new models arriving in 2017, there are still many reasons for consumers to consider a new car in 2017. Looking longer term, the strength of this market will rest on our ability to maintain our current trading relations and, in particular, avoid tariff barriers which could add significantly to the cost of a new car."

August see's more growth in the UK despite all the doom mongers and the withdrawal from Europe.

SMMT NEW CAR REGISTRATIONS

• UK new car registrations increase 3.3% in August to 81,640 units, with YTD performance steady at 1.68m.
• Fleet sector drives market, with demand in the month growing 7.7% as private registrations fall -0.2%.
• Registrations of alternatively fuelled vehicles up almost a third (30.8%).

The UK new car market achieved modest growth in August, as registrations rose 3.3% against the same month last year, according to figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). 81,640 new cars were registered in the month, with year-to-date performance remaining positive, up 2.8% to 1.68 million units.

The fleet sector drove the growth with demand, buoyed by attractive finance deals and discounts, rising 7.7% to 43,267, while private registrations fell slightly by -0.2%. Diesel demand also fell marginally by -0.2%, with petrol registrations edging ahead 5.3% and alternatively fuelled vehicles (AFV) seeing significant growth of 30.8%. Almost 54,000 AFVs have been registered so far in 2016, compared with just over 44,000 last year.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “August is traditionally one of the quietest months as consumers look ahead to the September plate change, so growth, albeit small, is good news. With showrooms full of exciting models featuring the very latest technology and a raft of affordable finance options, it still makes economic sense to consider buying a new car. The key to maintaining this strong market is consumer confidence for which we look to government to deliver the conditions for economic growth.”

Seven-seat Volvo XC90 SUV voted Car Dealer Power Car of the Year 2016

• Seven-seat XC90 voted Car Dealer Power Car of the Year 2016
• Praised by both franchised and independent dealers across the UK
• Available with diesel, petrol and plug-in hybrid powertrains, priced from £46,850

The Volvo XC90 has been named the Car Dealer Power Car of the Year 2016, as voted for by dealers across the UK.

The Car Dealer Power Awards, held each year at a prestigious black-tie event at the top of the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth, are the only awards where franchised and independent dealers get to have their say on what they think of suppliers and their manufacturers.

Car Dealer receives hundreds of responses from dealers throughout the UK, and the awards celebrate those voted best in the country by their customers.

Andy Entwistle, Managing Director of Blackball Media, publishers of Car Dealer, said: “When it was launched, the all-new XC90 shone as a ringing endorsement of the hard work Volvo has put into replacing what was already a very accomplished car, while also launching the brand into a new style direction.

“The Car of the Year category isn’t just about franchised dealers voting for their favourite car from their manufacturer; it also gives independent dealers a chance to say what they think is the best car out there. Car Dealer saw nominations from a variety of independents and franchise holders for the XC90, with one nomination quoting they felt ‘the new XC90 was easily best in its class’,” he added.

Jon Wakefield, Acting Managing Director of Volvo Car UK, said: “We are absolutely thrilled that the XC90 has been recognised by dealers in the UK as their Car of the Year in the Car Dealer Power survey – it’s a testament to the car to have won such a respected industry award. To be voted for by both independent and franchise dealers alike demonstrates the huge popularity the XC90 has brought Volvo since its introduction to dealers in June last year.”

The award comes as Volvo Car UK announces its plans to invest in the UK motor trade industry with the launch of its Sponsored Dealer Programme. This gives talented motor trade professionals the opportunity to set up their own Volvo dealership, with support from Volvo Car UK, and become advocates of the brand.

Upgrade from five to seven seats for free on Nissan X-Trail & N-Connecta grade and lower entry-level price on Pulsar.

• Upgrade from five to seven seats for free on Nissan X-Trail with special customer offer until end of March
• N-Connecta grade and lower entry-level price in latest line-up changes for Nissan Pulsar

NISSAN X-TRAIL 7-SEAT UPGRADE OFFER

Until the end of March (31^st), buyers of Nissan’s adventurous X-Trail crossover can upgrade from five to seven seats free of charge – a saving of £900. The deal is available to both Private and Business buyers and applies to all grades and engines of X-Trail, including 2WD and 4WD models.

Buyers can choose from the powerful yet frugal dCi 130 diesel or the recently added 1.6-litre DIG-T 163 petrol engines – both delivering an optimum balance of fuel economy with excellent refinement at all speeds. Class-leading interior space and equipment levels complete the desirable package.

Priced from £21,995 OTR, the Nissan X-Trail is currently available from just £109 a month with 2 years 0% APR on PCP, minimum 25% deposit, including free servicing.

NISSAN PULSAR LINE-UP CHANGES

Following the addition of N-Connecta to Juke and Qashqai, Nissan’s Pulsar is the latest model to carry the new trim grade.

The N-Connecta grade on Pulsar will be a direct replacement for the existing n-tec model, which will close to ordering once supply runs out.

Making Pulsar ownership even more accessible, a new entry-level price for the Visia DIG-T 115 Manual is now just £13,995, representing a £2,000 customer saving versus the previous price.

Current retail offers on the Nissan Pulsar include the Visia DIG-T 115 Manual from just £99 a month and 0% APR on PCP with minimum 25% deposit.

The Pulsar range is also now available with grade-specific optional extras, which add a greater level of choice and premium personalisation to the Pulsar range. In line with the launch of these option packs, the Pulsar line up has been revised to offer the best value to customers.

UK RECALL - PORSCHE - The brand is recalling petrol engined S and Turbo models for possible fuel leak.

Leaking low-pressure line – affected customers will be contacted directly

Precautionary recall: Porsche is conducting an examination of 58,881 examples of the Macan S and Macan Turbo around the world, of which 1,198 are in Great Britain. The reason for this move is a possible leak in the low-pressure fuel line inside the engine compartment. The line will be replaced in the workshop - this is a purely precautionary measure.

Only gasoline engines are affected. The problem was identified after a precise examination of complaints and then immediately rectified in ongoing production. Owners of the vehicles will be contacted directly by their responsible Porsche dealers. Workshop appointments will be arranged as quickly as possible. The work will take roughly one hour and will be carried out free of charge.

Honda announces that two new VTEC engines will join the range in the best selling, Euro new 10th Generation Civic.

• Two further VTEC TURBO engines to be launched in Europe
• First application of new engines scheduled for 10^th generation 2017 Civic

Honda has announced that two all new downsized turbo petrol engines will be coming to Europe. 1-litre and 1.5-litre VTEC TURBO engines will form part of the powertrain line-up for the 10th generation Civic, set for launch in Europe from early 2017.

The all-new engines will be part of Honda’s growing Earth Dreams Technology range and will deliver a combination of dynamic performance, class-leading output and excellent fuel economy. The first new VTEC TURBO engine, a 2-litre, was launched this year in the current Civic Type R, capable of 310ps and a 0-62 mph time of 5.7 seconds.

Based on a completely new engine structure and utilising its newly developed turbo systems, the new engines feature variable valve motion technology to reduce friction and achieve class-leading output and environmental performance. The new engines use a turbocharger with a low moment of inertia and high responsiveness, and direct injection technology to achieve good balance between high output and torque, above those of conventional naturally-aspirated engines.

The all new Civic is scheduled to arrive in Europe in early 2017 after being announced at Frankfurt Motor Show in September. Five door variants will be exclusively produced at Honda’s UK manufacturing plant (HUM) in Swindon. Honda has confirmed investment of €270m in new production technologies and processes to prepare for the new model. 

Philip Crossman, Managing Director at Honda UK, comments: “With the launch of these two new smaller turbo-charged engines, we are responding to the market demand and the rising trend for increased fuel efficiency without compromising on power.”