SEAT announces pricing & specification for the ALl-New 5th Generation Ibiza Supermini.

• UK order books now open for All-new SEAT Ibiza ahead of showroom arrival on 21 July, priced from only £13,130
• Fifth generation of SEAT’s best-selling supermini makes significant advances in all areas – style, quality, performance, handling, refinement and technology
• All-new Ibiza debuts new Volkswagen Group MQB A0 platform
• New model set to add impetus to SEAT’s record-breaking sales performance, alongside the hugely successful New Leon and Ateca ranges
• Launched exclusively as a five-door model with a choice of five trim levels and four petrol engines, led by new high-efficiency 1.0 three-cylinder units

The countdown has started for the most important event of the year so far for SEAT, with first orders being taken this week for the All-new SEAT Ibiza. The arrival of the hotly anticipated new model this summer promises to add even more impetus to the remarkable sales success the stylish Spanish brand is enjoying nationwide.

“Ibiza is an iconic model for SEAT, a best-seller that’s been at the heart of our line-up for more than 30 years,” said Richard Harrison, Director, SEAT UK. “With that kind of heritage, you can be sure the new model will be a benchmark car, taking SEAT quality, design, engineering and technology to an even higher level.

“The New Leon range and the Ateca, our first SUV, have set the scene perfectly, generating huge customer response and helping raise UK sales to record heights already this year. The All-new Ibiza will complete a powerful trio at the heart of our brand and we cannot wait to introduce it to British buyers.”

Early reports from British media experts who were first to get behind the wheel signal just how good a car the latest Ibiza promises to be. Auto Express magazine declared it “sets the class standard” for superminis, while What Car? reports that it’s “great to look at and to drive – one of the best small cars you can buy”.

In terms of street appeal, the All-new Ibiza – now exclusively a five-door – is every inch a modern SEAT, designed and developed in Barcelona. Sporty, edgy lines combine with sculpted bodywork to give the car striking, eye-catching appeal, with a clear bloodline link to the cool styling cues established with the new Leon and Ateca, and further distinguishing SEAT as a leader in contemporary car design. Hot new exterior colours and a class-leading eight-inch infotainment screen have been added too, to keep Ibiza firmly on-trend with current tastes.

It’s what lies beneath the skin, however, that defines the All-new Ibiza’s quality as a car that is dynamically rewarding to drive and also remarkably spacious within its compact body. It has the distinction of being the first model to be built on a new modular Volkswagen Group vehicle platform, MQB A0.

The new underpinnings are the key to making the latest Ibiza a lithe performer around urban streets and an engaging proposition when out on the open road. 

They also allow for an exceptionally spacious cabin in a car that’s actually shorter than the one it replaces: with width increased by 87mm, 60mm added to the wheelbase and 35mm more rear legroom, comfortable accommodation is guaranteed. And there’s more room in the boot, too, with an extra 63 litres available.

The All-new Ibiza arrives at launch with a choice of four petrol engines, majoring on a new 1.0-litre three-cylinder unit, engineered to deliver a compelling mix of economy and spirited performance. In standard form it will produce a useful 75PS, while turbo versions will offer 95 and 115PS – the latter reserved for the sporty FR model with a six-speed manual or sophisticated dual-clutch automatic transmission. 

Official benchmark figures indicate combined cycle fuel consumption from 60.1 mpg and 106 g/km of CO2 (1.0 TSI 95PS). To add an extra performance dimension to the range, the FR will also be available with a potent 150PS 1.5 EVO engine, while diesels will be added to the line-up later in the year.

The breadth of choice takes in five trim levels and top quality equipment specifications that keep the All-new Ibiza firmly in the frame when it comes to today’s customer preferences on technology, “always-on” connectivity, in-car entertainment, comfort and safety. At entry point, the S version keeps things simple and smart, with features including air conditioning, electric front windows, automatic headlights, Bluetooth and advanced safety features including Front Assist. 

Moving up to SE grade delivers a wealth of extra features: 15-inch alloys, front fog lights with cornering function, rain-sensing wipers, cruise control and multi-coloured ambient cabin lighting are all included, together with SEAT’s Media System Colour multimedia package.

The new SE Technology is the expected top pick for UK buyers, coming equipped with Media System Plus with eight-inch colour touchscreen, navigation with 3D map display, voice recognition, DAB digital radio and two USB ports. 

The FR focuses on sportier looks with 17-inch alloys, dark-tinted rear glass, brilliant black and chrome bodywork details and twin exhausts; likewise, the cabin is fitted with sports front seats and flat-bottom steering wheel and Full Link smartphone integration. 

in sports suspension, rear disc brakes and SEAT Drive Profile with four selectable drive modes and you have a car that adds authentic performance to its arresting looks. 

XCELLENCE, new to Ibiza, tops out the range, with distinguishing features such as 16-inch machined alloy wheels, Atom Grey door mirror housings, Alcantara upholstery, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry-and-go, front and rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera.

A wealth of options extend the possibilities even further, including a Beats audio system – reflecting Ibiza’s status as having the youngest customer age profile of any UK supermini.

The new Ibiza range starts from £13,130 on the road. Orders can be placed now with the first cars in UK showrooms on 21 July.

Audi's new Q2 has been launched but there will be new models to top and tail the range, from 1.0 Litre - 2.0 Litre TDI.

Ready to configure on audi.co.uk now, with first UK examples set to arrive during November

• Q2 available to order now, priced from £22,380 OTR
• Entry-level three-cylinder 1.0 TFSI available later this year, starting at £20,230 OTR
• SE, Sport and S line specification available from launch
• Range-topping Edition #1 model separately available to order from September 2016, priced from £31,170
• Standard equipment highlights include progressive steering, Audi smartphone interface, Audi pre-sense front with pedestrian recognition, 16” alloy wheels and LED lights front and rear (S line models)
• Engines at launch comprise 150PS 1.4 TFSI and 115PS 1.6 TDI, both with manual or S tronic transmissions  
• 2.0 TDI 150PS with the option of quattro AWD due in September
• Suite of class-leading technology also available from Audi virtual cockpit, Audi Phone Box and Audi connect to the head-up display and Audi side assist

The new Audi Q2 is now available to order in the UK, ushering in fresh, functional design and a bold yet familiarly premium take on the compact SUV class. 

Featuring a host of customisation options designed to make every model stand out from the crowd, the Q2 also incorporates a suite of Vorsprung durch Technik innovations from the full-size class with a distinct focus on connectivity and infotainment. 

Prices start from £22,380 OTR, with more engines and an even lower pricing point to follow shortly, including an entry level three-cylinder 1.0 TFSI and a 2.0 TDI with 190PS, the latter introducing the option of quattro all-wheel drive. 

From next month, Audi is also introducing an entirely new and individual specification to the line-up – the Q2 Edition #1.

Its individual and immediately eye-catching road presence is further emphasised by the three specification levels available from launch – SE, Sport and S line. Both SE and Sport models are equipped with contrasting lower bumpers, side skirts and wheel arch trims in matching Manhattan grey, while the signature S line full body colour finish further enhances its distinctive visual appeal.

The full body colour paint finish can also be separately selected as a no-cost option on Sport models, if preferred. Vibrant colour choices include the newly available Coral orange as well as Vegas yellow and Ara blue, all of which accentuate the lines of the polygon design, concave door flanks andcoupé-like roof. 

As the most notable exterior ident, the C-pillar blade is configurable in four different colours, depending on specification. As standard, a Manhattan grey metallic paint finish is appointed to SE (optional on Sport), Ice silver on Sport (optional on S line) and matt Titanium grey to S line. Alternatively, Ibis white C-pillar blades can also be opted for on all three specifications.  

Fully equipped - SE, Sport or S line

Entry-level SE versions benefit from a raft of features as standard. Among them is the Audi smartphone interface, which supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto displayed via the MMI screen once a phone is plugged in via USB. A Bluetooth interface is also standard, as is the MMI radio plus with MMI controller and heated, electrically adjustable exterior mirrors. 

Inlays can be chosen in white or orange as standard and in matt brushed aluminium or illuminated design (part of the LED Interior Pack Advanced) as an option. Progressive steering is also standard in the Audi Q2. Its steering rack is designed so that the steering ratio becomes increasingly direct when turning. 

This affords the new Q2 precise and agile steering with little effort in downtown traffic and on winding country roads. The electro-mechanically driven and thus highly efficient steering adapts its assistance to speed and works together with the optional Audi active lane assist and park assist.

Sport models gain 17-inch alloy wheels (up from 16 inches on SE), Audi drive select with five operational modes, cruise control, light and rain sensors and sport seats upholstered in cloth.

SD-card based MMI navigation is displayed via the seven-inch central screen and includes a three-month trial unlocking the Audi connect portfolio. Red or yellow inlays and optional matt brushed aluminium or illuminated inlays can be selected for the interior.

Stand-out features on S line models include the hallmark front, side and rear styling enhancements, 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlamps with LED rear lights and dynamic sweeping rear indicators, LED interior lighting and front sport seats upholstered in cloth/leather upholstery with S embossing on the backrests.

A multi-function perforated leather steering wheel is also standard, featuring grey contrasting stitching and S line badging. Inlays are finished in brushed aluminium.

Stand-out features – The Q2 Edition #1

A striking newcomer coming to the top of the Audi Q2 range next month is the Edition #1, offering a host of standard equipment over the rest of the range. 

Finished in unique Quantum grey with contrasting lower body sections in Manhattan grey, C-pillar blades exclusively painted in brilliant black and 19-inch rotor alloy wheels in gloss anthracite black with a diamond cut rim, the Edition #1 makes an unmistakable visual impact. 

A black styling pack extending to the front grille, rear diffuser, exterior mirrors and single-frame grille rounds off the unique appearance. Inside, illuminated inlays in format design run across the dashboard and knee insert trim and can be lit in 10 different colours (optionally available on all other specifications). 

Another point of differentiation is the front sports seats which are upholstered in Fine Nappa leather and feature contrasting stitching with the addition of contrast stripes in Amaretto brown. The Amaretto brown theme continues to the design selection floor mats, kneepads and door armrests with their contrasting stitching.  

Broad portfolio of driver assistance systems

Along with the optional Audi virtual cockpit and the head-up display, the driver assistance systems for the Audi Q2 also come from the larger Audi models – including the Audi pre sense front with pedestrian recognition that is standard. 

The system recognises critical situations with other vehicles as well as pedestrians crossing in front of the vehicle, and if necessary it can initiate hard braking – to a standstill at low speeds.

Other systems in the line-up include adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go function, traffic jam assist, the lane-departure warning system Audi side assist, the lane-keeping assistant Audi active lane assist, traffic sign recognition and rear cross-traffic assist.

Connected from the outset

The Q2 is equipped with a standard MMI screen that is positioned high on the instrument panel. The infotainment system can be operated by a rotary/push-button control and two buttons on the centre tunnel. When MMI navigation plus with MMI touch is ordered, the user also gets a touchpad on the central control element. 

In addition, the system can be conveniently controlled by natural language operation and the integrated MMI search. Furthermore, customers can use MMI touch to query the online services of Audi connect thanks to the embedded SIM card that is permanently installed in the car. 

A three-month free trial is activated upon delivery of the vehicle (MMI navigation is required on SE models) and can be extended after this period for three years using a flat rate data plan. 

The SIM card also permits roaming in most European countries. The free Audi MMI connect app enables online media streaming and transfer of a calendar from a smartphone to the MMI. The app for iOS operating systems also has the myAudi destinations function. 

It makes it possible to send the data of a desired navigation destination from any app to the MMI navigation plus system. The system then uses it for navigation.

Highly efficient engine line-up from launch

Initially available to order with a 150PS 1.4 TFSI or 1.6 TDI engine producing 115PS, buyers can opt to equip both with either a six-speed manual or seven-speed S tronic transmission (1.6 TDI S tronic available from September). 

The 1.4 TFSI uses Cylinder on Demand technology to reduce fuel consumption by deactivating the second and third cylinders during partial loads and when coasting. 

 a result, up to 54.3mpg combined is achievable, corresponding to emissions as low as 119g/km. Acceleration to 62mph takes only 8.5 seconds, with a top speed of 131mph.

The 1.6 TDI is even more efficient, returning up to 64.2mpg on a combined cycle in conjunction with 114g/km of CO2. Maximum torque of 250Nm between 1,500 – 3,200rpm contributes to a 0-62mph sprint time of 10.3 seconds and a 122mph top speed. 

A three-cylinder 1.0 TFSI with 115PS and a four-cylinder 2.0 TDI with 150PS will become available later in the year. As an alternative to the six-speed manual transmission, Audi will also offer the S tronic dual clutch transmission with seven speeds for all engines bar the 1.0 TFSI (standard for the 2.0 TDI).

From mid-2017 a 2.0 TFSI petrol engine allied exclusively to quattro all-wheel-drive and S tronic transmission will be introduced, and at that point it will also be possible to combine the 150PS TDI and TFSI engines with quattro drive.

Teams at Française de Mécanique assembled the site's 300,000th Turbo PureTech 3-cylinder engine.

Française de Mécanique produces its 300,000th unit assembled so far of Turbo PureTech three-cylinder petrol engine, "Engine of the Year" in 2015

Teams at Française de Mécanique assembled the site's 300,000th Turbo PureTech three-cylinder petrol engine on 19 March.

The engine is fitted on the Peugeot 208, 308, 2008 and 3008, the Citroën C3, C4, C4 Cactus and C4 Picasso, and the DS 3 and DS 4. It cuts fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions by an average 18% compared with the naturally aspirated EP engine, already the market's top performer. The smaller, lighter Turbo PureTech petrol engine offers a remarkable level of driving pleasure and performance for a model in its cylinder class.

In June 2015, it was named Engine of the Year in the 1l to 1.4l category at the International Engine of the Year Awards. The accolade recognises both the technology and the performance of this market-leading powerplant.

Production of the Turbo PureTech engine began in March 2014 at the Française de Mécanique plant and a total of 6,450 units are now manufactured weekly by four teams.

Commenting, Denis Martin, Operational Director Europe, said: "Our PureTech petrol engine is a key factor in the success of the models it is fitted on. Given current trends in the petrol/diesel model mix, the performance of this excellent three­cylinder engine gives PSA a competitive edge that our front-line teams can leverage to win market share."

FLEET WORLD HONOURS - renaults baby car the Twingo scoops design of the year award.

• Twingo scooped best design prize in 2015 Fleet World Honours
• Another major industry award for Twingo
• Innovative rear-engined city car is priced from £9,495

The Renault Twingo has been awarded the title of ‘Design of the Year’ in the 2015 Fleet World Honours at a ceremony held this afternoon at the Royal Automobile Club in London.

The All-New Twingo was launched in the UK last autumn and has already scooped a number of major industry awards including TopGear Magazine Awards, 2014 City Car of the Year; British GQ Car Awards, 2015 Best answer to the City Car Dilemma and the UK Car of The Year Awards, 2015 City Car of the Year.

Commenting on the decision to award the title of ‘2015 Design of the Year’ to Twingo, Alex Grant, Deputy Editor, Fleet World said: “The new Twingo combines the best bits of Renault’s expertise – small cars and MPVs. 

Its chic styling is a nod to the Renault 5, while the rear-mounted engine enables a large and flexible interior to fit into a small, manoeuvrable body. Clever, customisable and great value, it represents Renault at its very best.”

Ken Ramirez, Managing Director, Renault UK said: “With its bold and playful design, we always knew that our All-New Twingo would be a hit so we’re delighted that the judges from the 2015 Fleet World Honours agree and have decided to add to Twingo’s tally of major industry awards with this ‘Design of the Year’ accolade.”

Now in its third generation, the latest Twingo city car has an innovative rear-engined, rear-wheel-drive layout that allows for a clever use of internal space as well as being very nimble and practical to drive around town with a tiny turning circle of just 8.59 metres and the ability to park in the tightest of spaces.

There are four versions of All-New Twingo – Expression, Play and Dynamique and Dynamique S, powered by a choice of two engines – the new 1.0-litre 70 hp SCe three-cylinder normally aspirated engine and a Dynamique TCe 90 with a 0.9-litre 90 hp three-cylinder turbocharged unit.

CO₂ emissions are as low as 95 g/km and fuel economy as high as 67.3mpg on the combined cycle.  Twingo is priced from £9,495.

Kia Motors Europe will unveil a new Kia cee’d ‘GT Line’ at the geneva Motor Show 2015.

• GT Line model blends the looks of sporty cee’d GT and versatility of the conventional cee’d , inside and out
• Debut for Kia’s all-new three-cylinder 1.0-litre T-GDi engine
• More power and torque and fewer emissions form new seven-speed DCT
• Kia cee’d GT Line available across Europe in Q4 2015

Kia Motors Europe will unveil a new Kia cee’d ‘GT Line’ specification at the 85^th Salon International de l’Automobile in Geneva on 3 March 2015. In addition to a range of visual upgrades, the new cee’d GT Line signifies the arrival of Kia’s all-new downsized 1.0-litre T-GDi (turbo gasoline direct injection) engine and new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission in Europe.

The look of the GT, the versatility of a conventional cee’d

The new GT Line offers buyers the sporty looks of the high performance Kia cee’d GT and pro_cee’d GT and the versatility of the conventional cee’d model family. The GT Line specification is available on all three cee’d body types – five-door cee’d, three-door pro_cee’d and cee’d Sportswagon.

The exterior of the GT Line evolves the design language of the cee’d GT, with ice-cube LED daytime running lights and deeper bumpers surrounding Kia’s hallmark ‘tiger-nose’ grille. At the rear of the car, both the cee’d hatchback and pro_cee’d include the wider GT bumper and twin exhausts, while the Sportswagon is fitted with dual exhausts and a subtle rear diffuser. All GT Line models are fitted as standard with the GT model’s eye-catching side sill mouldings and rear LED light units, and a stylish new 17-inch alloy wheel design.

The interior of the cee’d GT Line has been uprated with a higher quality, sportier ambience, inspired by the cabin of the current turbo-powered GT models. The GT Line boasts a classy, new grey, white and black upholstery with grey stitching; a series of GT Line logos throughout the cabin; and the same piano black and leather steering wheel and aluminium alloy pedals fitted to Kia’s high-performance GT models. 

The dashboard is also equipped with a new aluminium start-stop button, GT-inspired centre fascia design, illumination for the USB and aux-in ports and new chrome trim around the air vents and power window switches.

Debut for Kia’s downsized 1.0-litre T-GDI three-cylinder engine

For the launch of the cee’d GT Line, Kia is introducing its all-new 1.0-litre ‘T-GDi’ engine, a downsized, three-cylinder power unit engineered to improve fuel consumption and emissions while offering strong, willing performance and immediate responses to driver input. This is the first of Kia’s upcoming range of downsized engines to make its debut in Europe.

The 1.0-litre T-GDi engine produces 120 ps and 172 Nm torque, and has been engineered to deliver lower CO₂ emissions than the 1.6-litre GDI engine found in other cee’d models, pending final homologation closer to the GT Line’s launch. The 1.0-litre cee’d GT Line is also equipped with Kia’s fuel-saving ISG system as standard which improves emissions and fuel economy, and is available with a six-speed manual transmission.

Kia’s new turbocharged engine, developed in-house at the company’s Namyang R&D centre in Korea, features a high-pressure direct injection system, advanced engine cooling and an integrated exhaust manifold for cleaner emissions and efficient packaging.

Immediate engine response and highly-efficient combustion were cornerstones of the engine’s development, fulfilling Kia’s sustainable engine downsizing strategy. The all-new 1.0-litre T-GDi engine will be fitted to other vehicles in Kia’s European model line-up in future.

More powerful and efficient diesel engine

The cee’d’s 1.6-litre CRDi diesel engine has also been upgraded for its application in the new GT Line variant, with power increased from 128 to 133 ps and torque from 265 to 285 Nm. With the small increase in performance, the engine’s full torque is now available from lower engine speeds for more effortless acceleration under all road conditions.

Despite the increase in power and performance, however, CO₂ emissions are expected to fall slightly once the homologation process is complete.

All-new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission

The new cee’d GT Line features a second new technology debut for Kia, with the arrival of the brand’s all-new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). Available on GT Line models equipped with the 133 ps 1.6-litre CRDi diesel engine, Kia’s new DCT is capable of handling torque outputs up to 300 Nm – higher than the six-speed torque-converter automatic transmission it replaces.

Like the new 1.0-litre T-GDi power unit, Kia’s new DCT has also been developed in-house and has been engineered with low fuel consumption and a sporty driving feel when in manual mode, and with comfort and smoothness when left in automatic mode.

Drivers specifying the new DCT for their cee’d GT Line will benefit from faster gear changes than a traditional automatic transmission, as well as lower running costs. It is anticipated that the new DCT will offer lower emissions and higher fuel economy compared to the outgoing six-speed automatic gearbox.

Kia’s R&D teams have targeted a three to five per cent improvement in acceleration (0 to 100 kph) and five to seven per cent improvement to fuel efficiency. After the cee’d GT Line, the new seven-speed DCT will be available on a number of Kia models in future, with similar gains expected in fuel efficiency and performance depending on its application in different models.

Kia cee’d GT Line on-sale in Q4 2015

The Kia cee’d GT Line will be available from Kia dealers across Europe in Q4 2015, offering the company’s unique 7-Year, 100,000 mile warranty as standard.

Designed and engineered in Europe, the Kia cee’d family – incorporating the hatchback, wagon and pro_cee’d – continue to be manufactured at Kia’s production facility in Žilina, Slovakia. With 75,960 units sold across Europe in 2014, the cee’d remains one of the brand’s bestselling models across the region.