Not Since the Vetra "C" has there been a GSi model, but today Vauxhall announces the return of this famous nameplate.

• Precise performance thanks to FlexRide chassis, Brembo brakes and AWD
• New design cues reinforce performance with comfort
• Eight-speed automatic gearbox delivers efficiency across four driving modes
• Vauxhall brings back familiar GSi trim last seen on the Vectra C

With its debut set for the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, Vauxhall has released first pics of the all-new Insignia GSi, which will deliver high levels of performance through all-wheel drive, a new chassis and Brembo brakes, and will be powered by a refined 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine.

The performance variant of Vauxhall’s latest flagship model has an eight-speed automatic gearbox, which can be operated via a paddle-shift on the steering wheel to provide a more active and responsive driving experience. Staying true to the latest-generation Insignia range, the GSi combines lightweight design and a low centre of gravity with turbocharged power. These factors result in excellent balance and a favourable power-to-weight ratio.

Exterior design updates include chrome air intakes at the front and a rear spoiler for the required levels of downforce, while on the inside the full-leather sports seats, a leather sports steering wheel and aluminium pedals add the finishing touches.

The GSi’s chassis has been fine-tuned to create the most poised and composed yet, taking the already fine dynamics of the regular Insignia Grand Sport to another level. The benefits of these chassis developments are not just in the improved driving experience though, with the GSi proving to be faster than its predecessor on the track too. Having undertaken parts of its development on the iconic Nürburgring circuit, the GSi is 160kg lighter than the comparable Insignia, which, when combined with the low centre of gravity, creates more traction and leads to faster times on the race track.

Performance & Handling

Vauxhall has developed an all-new chassis for the GSi, supported by shorter springs that lower the model by 10mm, while specially developed sports shock absorbers reduce body movement significantly. Powerful Brembo four-pot calliper front brakes have been incorporated to work in conjunction with the Insignia GSi’s mechatronic FlexRide chassis, which adapts the suspension and steering instantly. The chassis control unit also changes the calibration of the accelerator pedal and the shift points of the eight-speed transmission to refine the steering and throttle response to suit the situation.

Drivers can choose from three key driving modes, Standard, Tour and Sport, while Vauxhall has also developed a fourth setting exclusively for the Insignia GSi, ‘Competition’. With a double press of the ESP button, the GSi switches the traction control off and allows more yaw, giving skilled drivers the chance to realise the car’s full potential.

Excellent handling is guaranteed thanks to the sports chassis, Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tyres and 18-inch wheels (20-inch wheels available), delivering exceptional levels of grip to make the GSi more responsive. That is supported by all-wheel drive with torque vectoring, which replaces the conventional differential on the rear axle with two clutches to accelerate each rear wheel individually as required by the driving situation. This ultimately prevents understeer.

The Insignia GSi is powered by a 2.0 litre turbo petrol engine, producing 260PS and generating 400Nm of torque (NEDC fuel consumption: 25.2mpg urban, 39.7mpg extra-urban, 32.8mpg combined, and 197g/km CO2). The four-cylinder unit is mated to an all-new eight-speed automatic transmission, and the driver can manually determine the shift points of the system in Standard and Sport modes to suit their personal driving style.

Design

The sporty performance of the Insignia GSi is matched by new design features, technology highlights and exclusive accessories inside and out. On the inside, new AGR-certified sports seats developed by Vauxhall provide increased lateral support and long-distance comfort. Similar to those found in the Insignia Grand Sport, the premium seats offer ventilation, heating, massage and adjustable side bolsters. Customers can specify the seats in one of two leather combinations, each featuring the prominent GSi emblem.

The interior strikes the perfect balance between comfort and performance, featuring a leather steering wheel with a flattened lower, aluminium pedals and a stylish black headlining.

The GSi logo can also be seen at the rear of the car, which carries a spoiler to deliver additional levels of downforce to the rear axle. The rear also features two chrome-edged exhaust pipes, and chrome air intakes can be found near the front wheels to assist the vehicle’s performance further.

Frankfurt to host the debut of the All-New Vauxhall Insignia Country Tourer model.

• Sporty top-of-the-range Insignia with rugged looks and premium qualities
• All-wheel drive with torque vectoring and more ground clearance

The latest addition to the all-new Insignia range, Vauxhall’s all-wheel drive Insignia Country Tourer will debut at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show (September 14^th to 24^th).

The Country Tourer is more spacious and considerably lighter than its predecessor, thanks to an all-new architecture, and comes with a wide range of innovative technologies. With all-round black protective cladding and silver front and rear skid plates, the newcomer has a tough and rugged off-road appearance. 

Powertrain and Chassis

The New Vauxhall Insignia Country Tourer comes with a broad powertrain portfolio, including a brand new top-of-the-range diesel engine. In addition, the newcomer will also be available with the new eight-speed automatic transmission and ground-breaking all-wheel drive technology. 

Additional ground clearance of 20mm, plus the innovative all-wheel drive with torque vectoring and new five-link rear suspension cater for those who want to leave the city and explore the countryside. Instead of a traditional rear differential, the Vauxhall Insignia Country Tourer boasts two electrically controlled multi-plate clutches that enable a more individual and precise transmission of power to each wheel. 

To stabilise the vehicle and counteract understeer on tight corners taken at higher speeds, the system can send more torque to the outside rear wheel without further driver intervention. 

The improved FlexRide chassis provides the basis for changing road conditions and driving behaviour. It adapts the dampers, steering, throttle response and shift points (on automatic models) independently or based on the ‘Standard’, ‘Sport’ or ‘Tour’ modes, which can be selected by the driver. 

The new central ‘Drive Mode Control’ software is the heart and soul of the adaptive chassis, and continuously analyses the information provided by the sensors and settings, recognising the individual driving style. 

“The Country Tourer takes the Insignia story a step further. With its all-wheel-drive capability, raised ground clearance and rugged appearance, it adds another important dimension to the New Insignia range,” said Rory Harvey, Vauxhall’s Chairman and Managing Director. 

Design

From the very start of the development process, the designers – led by Brit Mark Adams – and team of engineers worked on a third distinct Insignia variant, meaning the Country Tourer perfectly complements the Grand Sport and Sports Tourer models. 

The prominent landscape grille and slim headlamps give the new Insignia Country Tourer a wide horizontal impression, while the skid plate helps to give the car a solid stance. 

Moulded black protective cladding in the lower fascia, wheel arches and along the lower body side emphasise the rugged appearance. The adventurous design cues continue at the rear too, with the silver-coloured skid plate and dual exhaust bezels reinforcing the lower, wider impression. 

“We wanted our new Insignia Country Tourer to be robust in every respect, while simultaneously displaying the typical elegant Vauxhall philosophy of sculptural artistry and technical precision,” said Mark Adams, Vice President Design. “It has the presence of a true flagship, combining a sophisticated athletic shape enhanced by rugged off road detailing.” 

The new Insignia Country Tourer, is above all, extremely practical. To make loading as easy as possible, the tailgate can be opened without touching the car. 

In combination with Keyless Open & Start, a simple kicking motion under the rear bumper is enough to open the tailgate (a vehicle silhouette projected onto the ground shows the correct area), with another kicking motion required to close it. 

To increase loading space to 1,665 litres, 135 litres more than the outgoing version, the new Insignia Country Tourer comes with optional 40/20/40 foldable rear seats, enabling even more flexible loading space configurations. The standard roof railing not only emphasises the adventurous look, but allows the Insignia Country Tourer to carry roof loads of up to 100kg. 

The wheelbase has been increased by 92mm, enabling a more spacious cabin. The new Insignia Country Tourer comes with AGR-certified premium ergonomic front seats and the heated outer rear seats, heated windscreen and the heated steering wheel like its Grand Sport and Sports Tourer siblings. 

Connectivity

As with its Grand Sport and Sports Tourer siblings, the Insignia Country Tourer comes with numerous technologies and assistance systems that enable a new level of safety and comfort. One of the highlights is the second generation of Vauxhall’s innovative and award-winning adaptive IntelliLux LED matrix light. 

The Vauxhall LED^® matrix light now has 16 LED segments integrated into each of the very slim headlamps, and comes with an innovative active curve lighting function and dedicated LED spotlight with a range of up to 400 metres. Further additions include the head up display, adaptive cruise control (ACC) with automatic emergency braking, Lane Keep Assist with automated steering correction and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

The latest Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible IntelliLink systems ensure outstanding entertainment and connectivity, while smartphones can be charged wirelessly and seamlessly integrated with the infotainment system. 

The ground-breaking personal connectivity and service assistant, Vauxhall OnStar, is also on board and offers an extensive service portfolio ranging from automatic crash response to stolen vehicle assistance. 

Two updates to the OnStar portfolio are the booking service, and parking search, both of which can request OnStar advisors to book hotel rooms and/or search for suitable carparks.

FIAT Doblò Cargo named Best Small Van at the 2016 Van Fleet World Honours.

• FIAT Doblò Cargo named Best Small Van at the 2016 Van Fleet World Honours  
• Van Fleet World judges were impressed by FIAT Doblò Cargo's wide range of engines, payload and load volumes, practicality, technology and breadth of range
• Priced from £13,245*, the FIAT Doblò Cargo is available in four bodystyles and four specification levels, with five powertrain options

FIAT Professional’s highly successful Doblò Cargo continues to impress the experts, this time securing the prestigious Best Small Van award at the 2016 Van Fleet World Honours announced today at a special ceremony in London.

Winning the Best Small Van award in the Van Fleet World Honours is no stranger to FIAT Professional as Doblò Cargo won the award previously in 2013 and has also won the Best Light Van Award in both 2010 & 2011.

Commenting on the FIAT Doblò Cargo's success, the Van Fleet World judges remarked: “Despite increasingly impressive competition, FIAT Professional’s Doblò Cargo remains the UK’s Best Small Van. Its unrivalled combination of engine choice, payload and load volumes, with no less than four body sizes available and a dropside pick-up, will appeal to the widest possible audience.”

“The face-lifted Doblò Cargo remains a pleasure to drive, with a wide choice of engine outputs and a cab that is bursting with useful technology,” said Van Fleet World editor Dan Gilkes. “However it is the van’s practicality that swung the judges’ decision, as the broad choice of body styles and load capacities deliver an unbeatable choice for fleets.”

Ricky McFarland, Country Manager FIAT Professional UK commented: “We are delighted to receive this prestigious award from the Van Fleet World Judges.”

“This is a very competitive segment and this latest accolade provides further recognition of what is clearly a class-leading van. The FIAT Doblò Cargo's value for money, versatility, practicality and economy has been appreciated by so many of our customers and we’re glad that the judging experts are in agreement too!" 

The Van Fleet World Honours awards are open to all motor manufacturers and the judging process combines the expert opinion of the Van Fleet World editorial team with data provided by a number of leading leasing companies and fleet advisors.

They are presented annually to those motor manufacturers, service companies and individuals who have, in the opinion of the judges, achieved the highest possible level of excellence in their sector.

About the FIAT Doblò:

The fourth-generation FIAT Doblò received a fresh exterior design, improved engine performance and a new "EcoJet" version when it was launched in early 2015. It was also first vehicle to wear the full "FIAT Professional" logo on its tailgate. It is produced in the Tofaşplant in Bursa, Turkey, a World Class Manufacturing Gold Medal winner.

Prices for the FIAT Doblò start at £13,245* and it is available in four bodystyles (Standard, Maxi, XL and Work Up) and four specification levels (Standard, SX, EcoJet and Tecnico) with five powertrain options (1.4 petrol 95hp, 1.3 MultiJet II 90hp, 1.6 MultiJet II 90hp Comfort-Matic, 1.6 MultiJet II 105hp and 2.0 MultiJet 135hp).

The Fiat Doblo wins What Van? Light Van Of The Year Award 2016, and it's a worthy winner too.

• New FIAT Doblò Cargo is named Light Van of the Year at the 2016 What Van? Awards 
• What Van? judges were impressed by new FIAT Doblò Cargo's excellent driving dynamics, robust durability and expansive range
• Priced from £13,245*, the new FIAT Doblò Cargo is available in four bodystyles and four specification levels, with five powertrain options

FIAT Professional’s widely-acclaimed Doblò Cargo has secured yet another prestigious award after being named Light Van of the Year in the 2016 What Van? Awards announced today at a special ceremony in London.

The What Van? judging panel were impressed by the new FIAT Doblò Cargo’s class-leading attributes such as its excellent dynamics and comfort - courtesy of its sophisticated bi-link suspension - its segment-leading load and volume capacities as well as its solidity, robustness and breadth of range.

With a payload of up to one tonne and a load volume of up to 5.0m³, the Doblò Cargo has impressive carrying capacity both in terms of weight and size, which makes it ideal for commercial use. Its engine range provides low running costs and emissions, while a large number of variants are offered, making an excellent range of choice for any business looking to either expand or make changes to their fleet.

“The FIAT Doblò Cargo’s revamp has propelled it back to the top of the class,” said What Van? Editor Paul Barker. “The combination of excellent driving dynamics, robust durability and broad range make for a champion light van worthy of recommendation.”

Ricky McFarland, Country Manager FIAT Professional UK, commented: "We are delighted to receive this honour from the What Van? team and glad that they have recognised the host of improvements made to the new Doblò Cargo. Having won this accolade four times previously with the last generation Doblò Cargo, it’s great that this new model is following in its footsteps.  This year’s award provides further testimony of its enduring success and the all-round qualities of this class-leading vehicle.”

What Van? is the UK’s premier title offering Light Commercial Vehicle buying and owning advice, and the awards are decided by its expert editorial panel comprising decades of experience in the industry.

About the FIAT Doblò Cargo:

The 2015 FIAT Doblò Cargo was launched to the UK media on 16 February, 2015, at a special event staged in the Midlands. The new fourth-generation FIAT Doblò Cargo features a fresh exterior design, improved engine performance for key models and a new “EcoJet” version engineered to lower fuel consumption and reduce running costs even further. The new Doblò Cargo is also the first vehicle to wear the full “FIAT Professional” logo on its tailgate, a signature which will appear on all new FIAT Professional commercial vehicles from now on.

Since it was first launched in 2000, the FIAT Doblò Cargo has amassed more than 1.4 million sales in more than 80 different countries, including North America where it retails as the RAM Promaster City. It is produced in the Tofas plant in Bursa, Turkey, a World Class Manufacturing Gold Medal winner. 

Prices for the new FIAT Doblò Cargo start at £13,245* and it is available in four body styles (Standard, Maxi, XL and Work Up) and four specification levels (Standard, SX, EcoJet and Tecnico) with five powertrain options (1.4 petrol 95hp, 1.3 MultiJet II 90hp, 1.6 MultiJet II 90hp Comfort-Matic, 1.6 MultiJet II 105hp and 2.0 MultiJet 135hp).

Further information on the new FIAT Doblò Cargo, as well as the other models in FIAT Professional's award-winning range of commercial vehicles, is available at www.FIATprofessional.co.uk.

All New event for the UK's most popular brand, The New Ford Fest at Santa Pod this September.

• Brand new event for fans of Fords, classic and modern
• Takes place at iconic venue of Santa Pod on Sunday, September 13
• Thousands of cars on display, retail area and drag strip action

A brand new event for lovers of the UK’s most popular car brand is set to take place on Sunday September 13 at the iconic Santa Pod Raceway in Podington, Northants.

Ford Fest is a celebration of Fords of all ages, classic or new, standard or modified, and will feature cars from all corners of the Ford Scene, with club displays and private entries welcome in the show and shine competition.

Some of the star cars from two of the UK’s biggest magazines dedicated to the Blue Oval, Fast Ford and Classic Ford, will be among the exhibits, from immaculately restored classics through to the fastest and most extremely modified examples.

A festival atmosphere is promised, with a substantial retail village in the paddock, plus kids’ entertainment and a funfair creating a family friendly environment.

The world-famous drag strip will be operational throughout the day, with visitors encouraged to enter their favourite Fords into a ‘Run What Ya Brung’ competition. For just £20, showgoers will be able to compete against each other, with four runs on the famous US-style quarter–mile drag strip.

It won't just be Fords on the strip either, with Santa Pod wheeling out its ‘Fireforce 3’ Jet Car on the day. 

The famous dragster has a Pratt and Whitney engine from a Sikorsky CH-54A Skycrane Helicopter, developing approximately 10,000bhp, as it guzzles its way through around 120 litres of aviation fuel per appearance on track, which lasts around only 6 seconds. It uses its 5,500lb/ft of torque to fire itself down the quarter-mile, so blink and you'll miss it.

Tickets for the show are now on sale, with a substantial 20 percent discount for those booking in advance. They're available from the show’s website at www.fordfestshow.co.uk, priced at £12 for adults or £5 for children.

Those wishing to make a weekend of it will be able to camp onsite, adding to the festival atmosphere. The camping area will have all the required facilities, and costs just £7 per person if booked in advance.

Audi celebrates 21 years of the A8 with an ultra luxury edition, but on 121 are coming to the UK.

A8 Edition 21 announced with exclusive limited production run and opulent specification

• Available to order now, Audi A8 Edition 21 pricing starts from £72,525 OTR
• First customer deliveries expected in November 2015
• Just 121 cars will be built for UK customers
• Audi exclusive interior highlights reserved specifically for the Edition 21

A little over two decades have passed since the groundbreaking Audi A8 was first introduced, and Audi UK is celebrating the enduring appeal of its luxury saloon with a bespoke model – the Edition 21. 

Incorporating a choice blend of the latest developments in design, technology and luxury from the recently revised A8 range, many of which are fitted as standard exclusively to this version, the A8 Edition 21 will be available in standard and Long Wheelbase formats priced at £72,525 OTR and £76,490 OTR. 

A limited run of just 121 cars is now available to order, and customers can expect first deliveries to begin in November.

A tailored selection of interior and exterior styling enhancements sets this special model apart, starting with the recently introduced Sport styling package.

Creating a look that references the flagship S8 model, it comprises redesigned front and rear bumpers as well as pronounced side sills, and is normally reserved for standard wheelbase A8 models. 

Adaptive Audi Matrix LED headlights – which debuted as an option for the new generation A8 and were the first ever fully digital LED headlights on a series production car – are also fitted as standard in conjunction with LED rear lights and dynamic indicators fore and aft.

Also unique to this model are 20-inch double spoke alloy wheels with a titanium-look finish that complement the four exterior colour options, which include the Daytona grey pearl effect shade that is only normally available for the 520 PS S8.  Privacy glass from the B-pillar rearwards is also standard.

Sumptuous surroundings

Building on the already extensive SE Executive specification which was recently further enhanced for A8 models, the Edition 21 creates an even more rarefied atmosphere through a special interior design package from the Audi exclusive selection. 

Uniquely fitted as standard to this version, the package is available in two striking colour combinations; cognac brown with black contrasting stitching or black leather with red contrasting stitching. 

Comfort front sports seats with memory function, 22-way adjustability and integrated pneumatic lumbar and side bolster support are fitted as standard. 

A black cloth headlining and three-spoke multi-function steering wheel complete the interior enhancements. Illuminated door sill plates bearing the ‘Edition 21’ emblem add another degree of exclusivity.

In terms of infotainment and assistance systems, all Edition 21 models also gain access to the Audi connect portfolio of telephone and internet-based services to complement their HDD-based satellite navigation, plus a BOSE surround sound system in addition to the standard items fitted to SE Executive models. 

These include the Audi parking system advanced with reversing camera, a power-operated boot lid with hands-free opening and powered door closure.

Propelling the A8 Edition 21 is an EU6-compliant 3.0-litre V6 TDI engine which produces 262PS and 580Nm of torque between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm. 

Power is channelled to the road via an 8-speed tiptronic transmission linked to quattro permanent all-wheel drive, and acceleration to 62 mph takes a mere 5.9 seconds. For long-wheelbase models, this increases slightly to 6.1 seconds, and both are capable of reaching an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. 

Combined fuel consumption and emissions stand at up to 47.9mpg and CO₂ emissions of 155 g/km in the standard wheelbase, rising to 159g/km and 47.1mpg for long wheelbase models.

Over 20 years of trailblazing technology

The Audi A8 has consistently been at the forefront of the brand’s technological progression since its introduction, and was the platform for the revolutionary Audi Space Frame, making it the world’s first series production car with a unitary aluminium body. The same principle is employed to this day. 

Thanks to its ASF architecture and an intelligent blend of aluminium and high-strength steel, the latest Audi A8 body weighs just 231 kilograms. The same body made entirely from steel would be around 40 per cent heavier.

Another highlight in the A8’s 21-year lineage was the 6.0-litre W12 model of 2001, which at the time was the world’s most powerful production saloon and the first ever saloon to feature a 12-cylinder engine in combination with all-wheel drive. 

A new 6.3-litre version of this engine featuring Cylinder-on-Demand technology continues to deliver 500PS with sublime refinement in the current A8 range.

More recently, the all-LED Matrix headlights fitted to every A8 Edition 21 and Sport model are the latest in a long line of trailblazing lighting innovations introduced in the A8. 

They include adaptive ‘swivelling’ xenon lamps, which debuted in the 2003 model, LED daytime running lights in 2004 and headlights capable of reacting to data received by the navigation system, which arrived in 2010.