The All-New Fiesta to be built at Cologne has started production with one every 68 seconds.

Production of right-hand drive Fiestas – the UK’s best-selling car – has begun in Cologne, Germany. 

“We have taken this iconic small car’s lovable, fun and sporty-to-drive character to the next level, with a greater choice of models than ever and with advanced technologies and features that small-car customers could only have dreamed of just a few years ago,” said Jim Farley, executive vice president and president, Europe Middle East and Africa, Ford Motor Company. 

The all-new Fiesta highlights Ford’s derivative strategy, with sporty ST-Line version, and sophisticated Vignale and Titanium variants available in the UK in the next few months – plus the Fiesta Active crossover and Fiesta ST coming next year. 

Ford is investing around €293 million in new production processes at its Cologne facility to build the car – already recognised as one of the world’s most efficient vehicle production plants – and where a new Fiesta will roll off the line every 68 seconds. 

The all-new Fiesta will be in dealerships in the UK in July. 

New body kits are available for performance Golfs, making them even more aggressive.

• Oettinger unveils body kits for Performance Golf models
• Includes exhaust and muffler for enhanced engine noise
• Kits are available to order now from £3,995 (RRP)

Volkswagen’s Performance Golf line-up includes the powerful GTD, the iconic GTI and the peerless R.  This trio thrills and entertains drivers worldwide, and springs from Volkswagen’s engineering knowledge and driver-focused research and development.

The striking proportions of the Performance Golfs’ exterior design combines with the precision handling of the models to place this trio at the forefront of the Golf range.  

Now Oettinger is offering the option of adding individual style to the mix via a new body kit, which also comes with a revised silencer.

The stainless steel exhaust system is a quad set-up, which means the GTD gains exhaust tailpipes on the right of the car, while the GTI increases its number of tailpipes from two to four.  The R, meanwhile, receives honed quad tailpipes.  For all models, the exhaust tailpipe is 84 mm in diameter.  In addition, the Oettinger muffler alters the exhaust note to produce an even more sporty sound.  The R goes a step further, with the addition of honed quad tailpipes.

Complementing the quad exhaust system is a purposeful rear diffuser.  This offers enhanced aerodynamic ability, and the styling of the diffuser aligns perfectly with the look of Oettinger’s side skirts.  Above the diffuser is a new rear roof spoiler which incorporates open flaps and, thus, underlines the powerful appearance that the Oettinger body kit brings to the trio of potent Golfs.

At the front, the Oettinger kit adds a new spoiler and bespoke splitter.  These elements guide air under the car effectively, and align perfectly with the carefully tuned aerodynamics of the Performance Golfs.  The Oettinger body kit has been perfected in wind tunnels to make sure it reaches the highest quality levels demanded by Volkswagen.

Oettinger’s experience in working with Volkswagen stretches back more than 70 years, when Gerhard Oettinger took a Beetle into the world of rallying.  Later, he upped the power of his Golf Mk I from 70 PS to 75 PS.  When the Golf GTI Mk I was unveiled in 1976 Oettinger got to work again, this time with a focus on engine tuning.  He continued to develop Volkswagen cars until his death in 1997. From its base in Friedrichsdorf, near Frankfurt, the Oettinger company continues with the same passion and dedication that its founder imparted into his projects.

The Oettinger body kit is available now at Volkswagen Retailers throughout the UK and costs £3,995 (RRP) for the GTD and GTI versions, and £5,225 (RRP) for the Golf R.  This includes VAT, painting and fitting.

4 million sales, three generations and 500,000 UK sales, that will be 20 years of the Audi A3

Stellar four million sales success for the premium compact model since 1996

• Originator of the premium compact segment celebrates its A3 anniversary
• More than four million units delivered worldwide since 1996
• Over 500,000 deliveries in the UK alone over two decades
• From three-door to Cabriolet to the flagship RS 3

The brand with the four rings is celebrating the anniversary of its mainstay, the Audi A3. The successful Audi model debuted 20 years ago at the Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. 

Today the premium compact is available in a choice of four body styles, four drive systems and a broad selection of trim lines.

Audi introduced the Audi A3 at the Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA) in 1996. The car was developed from the ground up on the basis of the Golf IV platform, which followed in 1997. 

From the very first generation, the Audi A3 has boasted innovations and quality features from higher model classes, making it the founder of the premium compact class. 

The A3 initially was available exclusively as a three-door hatchback in three trim lines and with four different petrol and diesel engines. 

In September 1998, Audi brought quattro permanent all-wheel drive to the compact segment for the first time in the A3. A five-door variant joined the model series in March 1999.

And the brand reached a milestone with the first generation of the high-performance Audi S3 in the spring of that same year: the 1.8 litre, inline four-cylinder engine with turbocharging and five valves per cylinder produced 210PS.

The split grille still used in the second-generation Audi A3 was replaced in 2005 by the Singleframe, which went on to become the brand’s defining design element. Audi also expanded the A3 family to include its first open-topped variant: The A3 Cabriolet launched in 2008 with a classic cloth top.

Now in the third generation, the Audi A3 is available for the first time as a saloon. This version of the A3 celebrated its premiere at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. In 2016, each and every variant in the entire model series received a technology update.

The Audi RS 3 Sportback is the spearhead of the model series. The first generation was launched in 2011 with a 340PS, five-cylinder engine. The second edition of the RS 3 Sportback with 367PS followed in 2015.

At this year’s Paris Motor Show, Audi presented the RS 3 Saloon powered by a 2.5 TFSI engine with 400PS,  making it the most powerful five-cylinder engine on the market.

Cockpit: from analogue to digital

The first and second generation of the Audi A3 rolled off the assembly line with an analogue speedometer and tachometer. The current A3 is available with the optional Audi virtual cockpit. The all-digital cockpit depicts the most important driving-relevant information in high resolution on a TFT screen with a 12.3-inch diagonal.

The driver can switch between two views by pressing the “View” button on the multifunction steering wheel. In Classic mode, the instruments are as large as conventional analogue instruments. 

In Infotainment mode, however, a central window dominates. It provides more space for the navigation map or displays easy-to-read lists from the Telephone, Radio and Audio functions. Tachometer and speedometer are displayed here as small round gauges.

Drive system: from conventional to alternative

The A3 is also the forerunner in the Audi model portfolio when it comes to drive system variants. 

Besides eight conventional petrol and diesel engines, the A3 model series has also been available in the UK with two alternative drive systems since the launch of the third generation: a natural gas-powered model available  and a plug-in hybrid.

The Audi A3 e-tron is the premium brand’s first plug-in hybrid, pairing a 1.4 TFSI with an electric motor. 

The combustion engine produces 150PS and delivers 250 Nm (184.4 lb-ft) of torque; these figures for the electric motor are 75 kW and 330 Nm (243.4 lb-ft), resulting in overall system power of 204PS. 

When connected to a 380 volt three-phase outlet, it takes just over two hours to fully recharge the lithium-ion battery (8.8 kWh).

Transmission: first dual-clutch automatic transmission

The racing-inspired electrohydraulic dual-clutch transmission made its debut in an Audi series production model with the second-generation A3. 

It enabled lightning-fast gear changes with no break in propulsive power. Today the S tronic dual-clutch transmission is firmly established and is available in nearly every model family.

Light: from halogen to Matrix LED

The A3 reflects the development of lighting technology over the last 20 years. The first Audi A3 was equipped with halogen lights. Today the premium compact comes standard with xenon headlights. 

Optional Matrix LED headlights illuminate the road with a light very similar to daylight without causing glare for other road users.

15 LEDs in each Matrix LED headlight radiate from three reflectors to produce the high beam. A camera on the interior mirror feeds information to the controller. 

The controller turns individual LEDs on or off as needed, or dims them in 64 steps. The Matrix LED headlights can thus realise several million different light distributions. They specifically illuminate road signs with 30 percent less power to prevent glare caused by reflections.

Assistance systems: on the home stretch to piloted driving

The numerous driver assistance systems in the A3 exemplify the premium brand‘s rapid pace of development in electrical systems and electronics. The current model generation offers such systems as Audi active lane assist or Audi pre sense front including predictive pedestrian protection.

The optional traffic jam assist in the current A3 is groundbreaking. The system maintains distance to the vehicle ahead in traffic. If the customer combines the traffic jam assist and S tronic, the A3 automatically sets off again following brief stops. 

In slow-moving traffic up to 37mph on well-paved roads, the traffic jam assist even takes over the steering – a key step toward piloted driving.

Model of success: more than four million units delivered globally since 1996

The Audi A3 has now become a global player, having conquered the roads of more than 100 sales markets. Audi produces the Audi A3, A3 Sportback, A3 Sportback e-tron and A3 Sportback g-tron* models at its site in Ingolstadt. In 2001, the Audi Group expanded portions of A3 production with a facility in Győr, Hungary. 

Today, the Audi A3 Saloon and A3 Cabriolet come off the assembly line there. Audi produces the A3 Sportback and the A3 Saloon for the Chinese market at its factory in Foshan. Total production volume since the car made its debut 20 years ago is more than four million A3 models.

In addition to other offers, vauxhall now add a £500 offer to certain Corsa and ADAM models.

Vauxhall retailers are offering customers £500* towards the cost of a new ADAM or Corsa model when they book a test drive during August and September. The Test Drive programme will take place at Vauxhall retailers nationwide and applies to selected ADAM or Corsa models purchased and registered between now and 30^th September.

The £500 Test Drive offer is available in addition to Vauxhall’s other great discounts, which include a range of finance offers and Flexible Personal Contract Purchase Plans (PCP). Customers can make their new Corsa or ADAM even more affordable with low monthly payments and all the flexibility that PCP finance allows at the end of the chosen term.

“Vauxhall’s Test Drive Programme is a great opportunity for customers to not only experience the new Corsa or ADAM, but to also walk out knowing they have secured a great deal,” said Leon Caruso, Vauxhall’s Retail Sales Director. “It’s a good opportunity for customers to make a saving on their new car while making the most of a number of great finance offers too.”

T's and C's apply, contact your local Vauxhall dealer for more info.

IRELAND - Ford of Ireland is hoping to uncover Ireland's oldest Fiesta, do you know where one is ?

First introduced in 1976, Ireland and Europe’s favourite small car, the Ford Fiesta is celebrating 40 years. As part of the car’s 40 year celebrations, Ford in Ireland is hoping to uncover Ireland’s oldest Fiesta.

Launched in the same year as Apple Computers and supersonic passenger flights on Concorde, few could have predicted the Fiesta’s phenomenal success story.

“The Fiesta has had such a unique and exceptional heritage in Ireland”, commented Ciarán McMahon, Chairman and Managing Director of Ford in Ireland. 

“It has been part of the family for countless households down through the years and is the car that most of us actually learned to drive in – experiences like that build a unique and strong affinity”.

The Ford Fiesta has sold more than 17 million units around the world since its launch in 1976. In Ireland, some 180,000 Fiestas have been sold giving it a rightful claim to the country’s longest-standing and favourite small car.

“Fiesta succeeded in staying popular by changing with the times and always staying right up to date. The latest version is a testament to that – stylish, great driving dynamics, excellent fuel economy but as technologically advanced as models selling for a multiple of the price of the Fiesta. That is why the latest version of Fiesta has been the top-selling small car in Europe for the last four years and I am sure the next 40 years will be just as successful for Fiesta”.

“When you consider how Fiesta has changed over the years, with each version getting better and better, it is the essence of our recently launched ‘Unlearn Ford’ campaign which invites motorists to forget what they think they know about Ford and look at the company differently. 

Anyone who only knew the earlier versions of Fiesta will be astounded to experience the latest version which is as stylish and technologically advanced as any car on the road today”, concluded McMahon.

Back in 1976, the Fiesta went on sale for the price of £2,365 and as a quick flavour of how times have changed: your 1976 Fiesta came with options including a screw-off aerial. Today’s Fiesta is geared towards the ‘connected’ generation, with excellent connectivity to your smartphone and apps and replete with the latest voice control technologies.

In its search for Ireland’s oldest Fiesta, Ford is hoping that owners of early Fiestas will come forward and contact their local Ford Dealer. 

The owner of Ireland’s oldest Fiesta and their car will be guests of honour at a special celebratory event for 40 years of Fiesta that will take place in late September.

For details of your nearest Ford Dealer go to ford.ie and also keep an eye on the Ford Ireland Facebook page for regular updates on Fiesta 40 activity.

The first 10th Gen model Civic's head to the USA ready for September sale, as the UK becomes the Civic Production Hub.

• Production and export of US Civic hatchback commences
• Honda of the UK Manufacturing (HUM) in Swindon, UK is global production hub for hatchback model
• Production for European Civic hatchback model starts later this year with sales starting early 2017

The first mass-production 10^th generation Civics have now set sail for the US.  Due to arrive in dealers across North America by September, the US version Civic is made by Honda’s UK manufacturing base in Swindon.

The story comes after last year’s announcement that Honda of the UK manufacturing (HUM) is to become the global production hub for the tenth-generation Civic hatchback, and received an investment of over £200 million to prepare for the start of production of this new model.

Civic is Honda’s biggest selling nameplate worldwide and this tenth generation is one of the most comprehensive new model developments ever undertaken by the brand. The four-door sedan version was launched in US in late 2015, and received the coveted North American Car of the Year award.

Philip Webb, head of cars at Honda UK, commented: “Production of the hatchback for the UK market will commence towards the end of 2016, with sales beginning in the first quarter of 2017. Our factory in Swindon will also export the model to other key markets around Europe and the rest of the world.”

Honda of the UK Manufacturing (HUM) is Honda’s flagship production facility in Europe and a key part of Honda’s global manufacturing network. Since 1989, Honda’s total investment in HUM has exceeded £2.2 billion.

Volkswagen temps the buyers with a host of offers to get the cars rolling again after the emissions scandal.

• Drive an award-winning new Volkswagen Golf from just £199¹ per month
• Volkswagen Polo, with one year’s free insurance², now available from only £139¹ per month
• Deposit contributions and other offers apply throughout the Volkswagen range

Volkswagen Retailers across the country are gearing up for a busy summer of sales as the brand unveils a raft of tempting new offers across the range.  Volkswagen is synonymous with dependability, quality and value, and these qualities are typified by the latest deals.

The headline-grabbing offers start with the accomplished, classless, Volkswagen Golf.  The offers apply to the three- and five-door hatchback versions of the versatile family car.  The broad Golf range is peppered with the latest technology and driver assistance, and it of course boasts among its number the world’s favourite hot hatch, the iconic Golf GTI³.

Customers opting for a Golf via Retail Personal Contract Hire can now do so at an ultra-low rate of £199 per month¹.  This competitive offer is available over a contract of up to 48 months.

Customers opting for a Solutions Personal Contract Plan benefit from a deposit contribution of up to £2,000 at 5.4 per cent APR representative for private customers who finance a new Golf via Volkswagen Financial Services (VWFS).  That means the Golf now blends class-leading design with extraordinary affordability.

The all-conquering Volkswagen Polo, recently named Britain’s best supermini once again by Auto Express magazine, is now available for just £139 per month¹ via Retail Personal Contract Hire over 48 months.  For customers who opt for a Solutions Personal Contract Plan, a deposit contribution of up to £1,400 at 6.7 per cent APR representative is available on all new Polos¹. 

The extensive Polo range starts from just £11,525 (RRP OTR) and has recently grown with the addition of the stylish new Polo Beats trim, which brings unique styling, enhanced equipment and a class-leading sound system to the hatchback line-up.  

Among the Polo Beats’ highlights are an exceptional 300-watt seven speaker sound system develop by Californian audio experts Beats Audio, 16-inch alloy wheels and Beats Audio-themed styling details both inside and out.  The Polo Beats starts from £13,910 (RRP OTR). 

The Polo is the car that many younger drivers choose and, with that in mind, Volkswagen’s free insurance offer has proven particularly popular².  

The good news is that this offer has now been extended, and simplified. One year’s free insurance is included for anyone who buys a Polo as long as they’ve held a driving licence for a year, and subject to conditions around driving history.  It’s another example of the value that comes with Volkswagen ownership.

The sporty Scirocco coupé, meanwhile, is now available at Volkswagen Retailers across the UK with a new deposit contribution offer of up to £2,000 at 6.5 per cent APR representative when purchased with Solutions PCP⁴.  

The Scirocco GT costs from £22,890 (RRP OTR) before the offer is applied and packs a punch with 18-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights, 2Zone air conditioning and front and rear parking sensors. 

The Scirocco range has recently been extended to include the powerful new Scirocco GTS, too, and with its 220 PS TSI engine and unique ‘GTS’ styling it is a special car in its own right.  

The high-performance Scirocco R, with a 280 PS power plant, tops the offering and includes lowered suspension and Volkswagen’s Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC), the combination of which offer the driver a thrilling experience behind the wheel.  

The GTS is priced from £28,500 (RRP OTR) and the R is £32,895 (RRP OTR) and both benefit from this deposit contribution offer.

Citroen launches a new sportier C1, The Furio, aimed squarely at the youngsters market, and looks great.

Citroën is extending its C1 city car range with the introduction of a new C1 Furio, offering young drivers an affordable, sporty looking car. Building on Citroën’s sporting credentials, C1 Furio will be on sale in the UK from 1 August.

Bringing a new sporty style and unique features to the Citroën C1 city car range, C1 Furio will go on sale in the UK from 1 August, with prices starting from just £10,855 on the road.

Available as a three door hatchback, the new C1 Furio boasts striking exterior styling to appeal to younger drivers wanting a sporty look, but without them having to pay a premium for a more powerful engine. Two powertrain options are available: VTi 68 manual and PureTech 82 manual.

Based on the existing ‘Feel’ trim level, C1 Furio benefits from the addition of black 15-inch ‘Planet’ alloy wheels, bold exterior graphics, plus Sunrise Red door mirrors and wheel centre caps to provide an eye-catching contrast to the Lipizzan White or Carlinite Grey metallic body colour paint options. A rear diffuser and centred exhaust outlet complete the sporty exterior.

Inside, C1 Furio benefits from the addition of ‘Wave’ grey cloth upholstery and a rev counter.

The new C1 Furio joins Citroën’s long line of motor sport inspired small cars, including the 1990s Saxo Furio, plus cars like the AX Sport and C2 ‘by Loeb’.

Then new Citroën C1 Furio is available to order now and is officially on sale from 1 August 2016.  

Citroën C1 Furio	On the Road MRRP (£)
C1 VTi 68 manual 3-door Furio	10,855.00
C1 PureTech 82 manual 3-door Furio	11,205.00