Purpose

I will try my best to provide detailed info on various cars and what is like to live with them, I have already produced a few for Jaguar-car-forums, I will do my best to be unbiased, but it will be hard for some cars. I will re-produce press releases and copy from other motoring news.
Showing posts with label urban. Show all posts
Showing posts with label urban. Show all posts

Monday, 4 December 2017

The new Fiat 500L, 40% all new from the previous market leader, now comes with better tech, and look.

  • Even more 500, even more convenient, even more technology: that sums up the new Fiat 500L
  • A unique combination of spaciousness and personality
  • 40% of all components are new
  • Not just a range, but three separate identities to cover all needs: Urban, Cross and Wagon
Having dominated its segment, across Europe, for five years, here comes the new Fiat 500L. The roomiest 500 of all is now even more full of technology and has even more character and personality. These characteristics combine in the three distinct versions of the car: Urban, Cross and Wagon, offered with a choice of petrol and diesel engines to delight different people and serve their individual needs.
All three share outstanding safety features and a flexible internal configuration, enabling customers to create up to 1,500 internal customisations. The 500 style is even more obvious in this updated version, on which 40% of all components are new. The Fiat 500L combines all the style and excitement of the Fiat 500 with the spaciousness and functionality of an MPV.
Design: Even more 500
The new Fiat 500L is designed to reinforce the family feeling of the model. The exterior style expresses all the distinctive elements which have characterised the model throughout its history, ever since its iconic 1950s forerunner. The most obvious visual links are the "moustache and badge" combo set on the trapezoidal nose, the upper headlights with chrome-plated elements and the lower cluster, now with LED daytime running lights, which pick up the graphics of the two "zeros" in 500. These elements ensure that this new car is clearly identifiable as a Fiat 500L, even in the dark.

The revised front bumper with signature trapezoidal trim and the chromed "studded" three-dimensional lower grille mesh give the car an elegant look. At the same time, the chromed strips, which direct the eye to the wheel arches, convey toughness, resulting in the new Fiat 500L looking even more expressive. The chromed inserts at the rear underline the 500 family feeling and horizontal trims reinforce the car's presence on the road. The fog and reversing lights are now in the underside of the bumper, increasing their effectiveness.
The new Fiat 500L is available in ten pastel or metallic colours and with three types of roof: body-coloured, glossy black or white or matt black, giving customers a choice of no less than 36 colour combinations. The colours available are the new Bellagio Blue, Sicilian Orange and Donatello Bronze, Bossa Nova White, Hip Hop Yellow, Darkwave Black, Minimal Grey, Heavy Metal Grey, Beatbox Green and Pasodoble Red.
A unique combination of spaciousness and personality
The interior of the new Fiat 500L is completely new, starting with an updated dashboard to give a more high-tech and iconic look. The passenger compartment offers comfort, convenience, versatility and is filled with light, while being rich in distinctive 500 touches, such as the bright "500" signature on the dashboard.


The area behind the restyled multifunctional steering wheel, now with added chrome accents, has an updated design with two circular instrument gauges on either side of a 3.5-inch colour graphic display. This combination of new steering wheel and dashboard improves the visibility of the instrument cluster, which is further enhanced by white backlighting. The driver also benefits from an innovative TFT colour digital display, with a full set of useful information.
The new Fiat 500L displays an innovative wraparound glazing concept to improve its now class-leading visibility and ease of parking, thanks to its glazed A-pillar. Available as a fixed panel or electrically opening, the 1.5m2 optional panoramic glass roof of Fiat 500L means that occupants can enjoy a light, bright passenger compartment. 
While the top section of the dashboard conveys a fresh personality, the lower part focuses on convenience with new, larger storage compartments and the introduction of new comfort features, such as the central armrest. The gear lever has also been redesigned and placed higher up for greater driving comfort. 
Internal space is top of its class, thanks to the passenger compartment's generous length. Boot volume with the rear seat in the forward position is 455 litres for the Urban and Cross models. The boot on the Wagon offers up to 493 litres when the two additional seats are folded. With the rear seats folded and tumbled, capacity rises to 1480 litres for Urban and Cross and 1509 litres for the Wagon.
Specification: Three identities: Cross, Urban and Wagon
The new Fiat 500L is available with three distinctive personalities: Urban, Cross and Wagon. The more adventurous character of the Fiat 500L is represented by the Cross version. The new Fiat 500L Cross has a one-of-a-kind crossover look with new bumpers and skid plate, new two-colour diamond-finish 17-inch alloy wheels and a bold grille to give it a sporty appearance. It has crossover substance, as well as looks, with ground clearance raised by 25mm, new Uconnect™ HD Live 7-inch touchscreen and the new Mode Selector; with a choice of Normal, Traction+ and Gravity Control.

Normal is the default function and provides a comfortable, safe ride in ordinary conditions. Traction+, which can be activated at speeds of less than 18mph, helps the car to start on slippery surfaces and provides optimal torque distribution across the front axle, braking the wheel with less grip on the ground and transferring torque to the one with more grip. Gravity Control keeps the speed constant when descending steep slopes, and can be enabled when the Traction+ function is active. The new Fiat 500L Cross is 4.28m long with a wheelbase of 2.61m. It is 1.80m wide and 1.68m high.
The metropolitan soul of the Fiat 500L finds expression in the Urban version, available in Pop Star and Lounge trim levels. In Pop Star trim, also available in the new Bellagio Blue colour, the new Fiat 500L Urban come complete with ABS, ESP, 6 airbags, air conditioning, cruise control, multifunction Techno-leather steering wheel, electrically adjustable & heated door mirrors, 3.5-inch colour TFT display, 5-inch Uconnect™ radio with Bluetooth, voice control, USB port and Aux-in, rear seat with 60/40 split, LED daytime running lights and 16-inch alloy wheels.
In the more luxurious Lounge trim, it features upgraded seat upholstery, a dashboard fascia finished with technical fabric, dual zone climate control, fixed glass roof, chromed inserts, fog lights, Uconnect™ HD Live 7-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, voice control, DAB radio, 2 USB ports and Aux-in, rain and dusk sensors, rear parking sensors and Cargo Magic Space height-adjustable load platform. The Fiat 500L Urban measures 4.24m in length, has a wheelbase of 2.61m, is 1.78m wide and 1.66m high.
The Wagon, available in a seven seat configuration, is the ideal solution for combining spaciousness and versatility with the distinctive 500 style. Available in Pop Star or Lounge trim, the new Fiat 500L Wagon is the most compact seven-seater on the market at 4.38m long.
Customising the driving experience
Exclusive packs are available across the new Fiat 500L range to enhance the driving experience, comfort and safety. Every version can customise its style, connectivity, comfort and safety features by adding one of these great value packages; City, Comfort, Safety, Style and Style Plus packs.

Autonomous City Brake, available as part of the Safety Pack, consists of a laser sensor located on the top of the windscreen to monitor the position of the cars ahead. When travelling at less than 18mph, the system automatically brakes the new Fiat 500L if a potential collision is imminent.
Other key equipment include the child monitoring mirror to keep an eye on rear seat passengers, LED daylight running lights and parking lights, which in addition to being design features that reassert the 500 style, also ensure excellent visibility. As well as electrical adjustment and heating, the door mirrors can be upgraded to fold electrically and add puddle lights, to illuminate the area around the car when light is poor.
The passenger compartment lighting is also improved, with the Style Plus Pack providing with ambient light in the base of the central console, on the central tunnel and on the doors. The optional rear parking camera, included in the City Pack, has an improved resolution and active grid lines to assist parking.
Technology: More connected than ever
New advanced smartphone integration systems are debuting on the new Fiat 500L. Smartphone apps can be accessed directly on the 7-inch high-resolution touchscreen of the Uconnect™ HD Live system integrated in the dashboard. The system is also available with Apple Car Play and Android Auto™.

The next-generation Uconnect™ system features a hands-free Bluetooth interface, audio streaming, text reader and voice recognition, AUX-in and USB ports with iPod integration, controls on the steering wheel. A rear parking camera and the new TomTom 3D built-in navigation system are also optionally available. The Uconnect™ LIVE app offers music streaming with Deezer and TuneIn, news from Reuters and connected navigation with TomTom LIVE, as well as updating Facebook and Twitter. Users can also monitor their driving style with eco:Drive and my:Car.
The Fiat 500L is now available with the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto™. Apple CarPlay perfectly integrates the iPhone with the display and native controls of the car so users can make calls, play their music, send and receive messages, get directions optimised for traffic conditions and much more, while staying focused on the road.
With Android Auto™ drivers can access Google Maps, with voice-guided navigation, real time traffic information and lane guidance and Google Play Music, among other music services. They can also make and receive calls and send messages while keeping their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.
The Fiat 500L can be upgraded with the BeatsAudio™ system, which boasts a total power of 520Watt, divided between two 80Watt mid-Woofer speakers (diameter 165mm) positioned in the bottom part of the front door panel, two 40Watt tweeter speakers (diameter 38mm) positioned in the top of the front door panel, two 60Watt full-range speakers (diameter 165mm) positioned in the rear door panel and an 80 + 80Watt subwoofer (diameter 165mm) located in the boot – which ensures dynamic, powerful bass tones, maximising the listening experience. The package is completed by an amplifier with DSP and 8 channels, featuring a built-in advanced equalisation algorithm capable of reproducing the entire spectrum of sound that an artist experiences in the recording studio.
Engines and pricing
The engines most suited for the specific needs of customers were picked for the different identities of the model. The petrol engine line-up includes the 1.4-litre 16V, delivering 95hp, and the 1.4-litre 16V T-Jet, delivering 120hp. The offering is completed by two diesel engines: the 95hp 1,300cc 16V MultiJet, also available with Dualogic transmission, and the 120hp 1,600cc 16V MultiJet. All engines comply with the Euro 6 standards and combine optimal performance with impressive fuel economy.

The new Fiat 500L will be priced from £16,195 OTR for a Fiat 500L 1.4 95hp Pop Star.
Fiat 500L pricing:
Fiat 500L Wagon pricing:
Mopar for the new 500L
Mopar offers a collection of ninety-two accessories created to enhance the versatility of the car, optimise its functional and loading capabilities, further enhances the safety and protection of families with children and provide solutions for customising the looks and details of the new 500L.

A variety of solutions are available for the boot including protectors, nets and cargo organizers, to increas transport capabilities. Mopar has also created surf board racks, ski racks and boxes, which can be easily installed on the roof racks to carry everything you need for your hobbies. Practical and convenient coat hooks and tables can be anchored to the head restraints while seat back protectors, front seat organiser with multiple pockets and a tablet holder offer additional versatility.
Finally, with Mopar, Fiat 500L becomes the ideal choice for pet-loving families with a range of essential accessories for travelling with your four-legged friends safely and comfortably. These include the handy, removable and washable boot protective tray, the rear bumper luggage protector, the rigid partition net, the rear window sun shades and the convenient rear seat housing.
Mopar Vehicle Protection ensures that servicing is performed by highly qualified, specialised technicians at authorised FCA service centres, using specialist equipment and tools and genuine spare parts. The Mopar product portfolio contains a wide and flexible range of extended warranties and service plans. Each plan offers different options in terms of duration and mileage and is designed to meet the different driving requirements of individual customers, ensuring that the car works as efficiently as possible in the long run. A MAXIMUM CARE warranty extension and the EASY CARE prepaid service package are both available on the Fiat 500L.

Saturday, 2 April 2016

New Kia Soul ‘Urban’ joins the United Kingdom line-up from only £15,500

  • New Kia Soul ‘Urban’  joins the line-up from only £15,500
  • New model on sale from 1 April 2016 in three variants
  • New trim level combines desirable equipment levels, attractive styling and excellent value
Kia Motors (UK) Ltd. is pleased to announce the launch of the new Soul ‘Urban’, a special edition model joining the funky and stylish Soul line-up. The new addition joins the range to offer desirable equipment levels, attractive styling and excellent value.
Launched to UK customers today, the new Soul ‘Urban’ is offered with one trim level and three engine and gearbox options. Starting with two 6-speed manual gearbox versions, one with the 1.6 GDi petrol and the other Kia’s popular 1.6 CRDi diesel engine. An automatic version of the diesel version is also available when twinned with Kia’s new 7-speed auto DCT gearbox.








The Soul ‘Urban’ fits in the range between the ‘Connect’ and ‘Connect Plus’ models, offering desirable features which aligns it closer to more premium trim levels such as the Mixx and range topping Maxx.
The exterior styling of the ‘Urban’ features a striking ‘SUV pack’ alongside black high gloss bumpers and rear and side sills, teamed with chrome inserts which adds to the vehicle’s dynamic and premium character. Also added to this trim are electric folding door mirrors with integrated LED indicators, LED rear combination and high level brake lights alongside front daytime running lights and privacy glass. Adding to the convenience of the vehicle, rear parking sensors come as standard on the ‘Urban’ range.
The Soul ‘Urban’ is available in a choice of one solid and three metallic paint exterior colours. Clear White (solid), Caribbean Blue, Inferno Red and Quartz Black. All models ride on the 17” alloy wheels seen on the Connect and Connect Plus models. In addition the Soul ‘Urban’ can be noticed by its unique ‘Urban’ badging neatly positioned on the usual boot literature, in chromed letters.
On the inside the Soul ‘Urban’ features attractive black woven seats with yellow trim alongside generous use of soft touch materials and black high gloss trim giving a contemporary feel. Also included is an AM/FM radio with DAB radio, Bluetooth, USB port and auxiliary socket.
Soul ‘Urban’ customers will receive the same great service as other Kia customers, including a 7 year, 100,000 mile warranty and low running costs with CO2 levels starting at 128 g/km and an insurance group of only 9.
Technical Specifications:
EnginesGearsDrive‘Start’‘Connect’‘Urban’‘Connect Plus’‘Mixx’‘Maxx’
1.6 GDi6-speed man2WD✓✓✓✓
1.6 CRDi6-speed man2WD✓✓✓✓✓
1.6 CRDi7-speed DCT2WD✓✓✓✓✓
VariantsCO2OTR Price
1.6 GDi 130bhp 6-speed manual153£15,500
1.6 CRDi 134bhp 6-speed manual128£17,095
1.6 CRDi 134bhp 7-speed DCT135£18,595

Thursday, 3 March 2016

ECOTY - Smart Forfour takes the crown of City car of the year at this years awards.

  • smart forfour wins thanks to its driveability and ‘intelligent packaging’
  • UK Car of the Year voted for by jury of the country’s most influential motoring journalists
  • Award comes after smart’s most successful year to date
The smart forfour has been announced as City Car of the Year in the 2016 UK Car of the Year Awards. The forfour was recognised for being “full of character” and “young-at-heart” by the jury, which consists of 27 of the country’s most influential motoring journalists. 

Krishan Bodhani, Head of smart UK, commented: “The smart brand is growing faster than ever – last year sales increased by 95% and we outperformed the brand’s previous nine years. Winning the ‘City Car’ title is proof that the smart forfour is as popular with the motoring media as it is with our customers.”
The judges agreed that the smart forfour offered “great packaging and a great drive” while also commenting that the supermini is “small but surprisingly practical, and affordable to own.” The UK Car of the Year jury concluded that “smart is one of those brands that’s easy to describe: urban, young-at-heart, intelligently packaged, eco-minded and well, smart.”

Thursday, 24 September 2015

ITALY - FIAT launches new 500L, the Urban special edition, to help keep it the segment leader for months to come.

Translated by Google - Please accept our apologies for any errors caused.
She arrives in Italy the new special series model of the leader of the category that is characterized by a wealth of standard and specific aesthetics. The price list starts at 20,050 Euros for the 1.4 95 bhp petrol engine.
From now open orders of the new series Urban Special Edition that extends the range of the model leaders in the segment: in August, in fact, for the 35th consecutive month Fiat 500L has confirmed the best-selling car in its class in Italy.
To enhance further its role as a real "town" - as demonstrated by the compact exterior dimensions, the spacious interior, the distinctive style and a wealth of equipment - the new version Urban Edition comes with an even more refined and a budget of series that is beyond compare. All with a unique value: the personality of the 500, the icon Fiat that evolves constantly with new and unique customizations. 

Marked by a badge "Urban Edition" on the upright, the special series can "dress up" two two-tone liveries - Cinema Black / Grey and White Fashion Ice Cream / Red Passion - combined with wheels and hubcaps mirror housings painted ingiallo first livery and red for the second. In addition, the side moldings, chrome on both, provide a molding Grey fashion version Cinema Black / Grey Fashion and black for the bodywork White Ice Cream / Red Passion. Complete the aesthetics of the new 500L Urban Edition the alloy diamond black - standard 16 ", optional 17" - also matched to the color of the shell mirrors.
The high impact aesthetics is evident inside the stands chromatic treatment of dashboard fascia that incorporates the two-tone livery of the car. Similarly, the color of the mirror caps back on both inserts of the seats, covered in fabric mats and leather, both in the stitching of the leather steering wheel, the gear lever gaiter and mats front and rear.
The special series 500L Urban Edition provides a list of standard equipment that includes Uconnect 5 "Nav Radio DAB (touchscreen, CD / MP3, Bluetooth, radio streaming), manual air conditioning with pollen filter, fog lights with cornering function, cloth seats Natte / faux leather , cruise control, electric rear windows, driver and passenger seat with electric lumbar adjustment, front armrest and leather steering wheel with controls and yellow or red stitching also on headphones changes.
Finally, the customer of the 500L Urban Edition can choose between different engines, all respectful of the Euro 6: 1.4 95 bhp, 1.3 MultiJet 95 bhp, also with Dualogic gearbox, 1.6 MultiJet 120 bhp 1.4 T-Jet 120 hp and LPG 0.9 TwinAir Natural Power 80 hp.

Wednesday, 1 April 2015

30,000th Captur sold in the UK goes to a couple in Kent.

  • Renault Captur hits 30,000 UK sales landmark
  • Milestone underlines Renault’s growing presence in crossover segment
  • Eagerly-awaited Kadjar will join Renault crossover family this autumn
A couple from Kent has taken delivery of the 30,000th Renault Captur urban crossover to be sold in the UK. Richard and Norma Watters, of West Malling, collected the keys to their range-topping Captur Signature from local dealer RRG Renault Orpington.

The excited couple chose the model – a Captur Signature TCe 120 Auto EDC – after falling for its elevated ride height and comfort.


But it was the added ‘va va voom’ of a striking Flame Red metallic finish with contrasting Diamond Black roof and door mirrors and chrome interior detailing that sealed the deal.

To commemorate the special occasion the couple were presented with a voucher for £300 from Renault UK towards the cost of Renault accessories as well as a bouquet of flowers and a bottle of wine. 

Collecting the car, a delighted Mrs Watters, said: “When I saw the Captur I really loved the look of it and then, after a quick test drive I knew it was the car for me.

“It’s exciting enough just to be collecting the car but knowing it’s the 30,000th sold in the UK and a bit of a landmark car makes it all the more special.”

Paul Davis, General Sales Manager at RRG Renault Orpington, said: “In a short space of time the Captur has become one of our most popular and in-demand models and the Captur Signature is something really special.

“I know Mr and Mrs Watters are going to love their new Captur and will have a great time discovering its many on board features.”

He added: “We’re absolutely delighted to be playing a role in the Captur success story and can’t wait until its big brother, the Kadjar, arrives in our showroom this autumn.”

On sale since July 2013, the Captur has rapidly become one of Renault’s most popular models and is now the brand’s second biggest seller in the UK. 

Its success has given Renault a growing presence in the important crossover segment. This position will be strengthened in the autumn with the eagerly anticipated launch of the Captur’s bigger brother, the Kadjar.

Priced from £14,995 RRP for the entry level Expression+, the Captur brings Renault’s sense of style to the crossover scene and a fun and sporty spirit to compliment its all-round practicality and quality.  

Standard equipment includes air conditioning, cruise control with speed limiter, Bluetooth connectivity automatic headlights and wipers and a handsfree keycard.

The Captur Signature is priced from £17,495 RRP and offers a long list of upgrades including 17-inch ‘Explore’ alloy wheels, a leather interior, rear parking camera, climate control, the Renault R-Link Multimedia system including 7-inch touchscreen and TomTom® LIVE Satellite Navigation.
Like all Renaults it comes with a four year/100,000-mile warranty and four years roadside assistance.