USA - 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe line-Upfeatures new value focused trim and enhanced specification.

• New Santa Fe Sport Value Package offers Exceptional Appeal

The award-winning Hyundai Santa Fe lineup continues to improve for the 2018 model year. Building upon major 2017 enhancements such as fresh exterior design and LED lighting signatures to additional infotainment, safety features and new Drive Mode selection, an all-new Value package on the Santa Fe Sport delivers popular features at an exceptional value. The 2018 Santa Fe Sport is arriving at dealers now and the 2018 Santa Fe models will be arriving early summer.

2018 Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport Highlights

Packaging

• New Santa Fe Sport model Value Package:
  • Heated dual power side mirrors with turn signal indicators
  • Power windows with front auto-up/down
  • Proximity key with push-button start
    • (includes Remote Start via Blue Link app)
• Seven-inch display audio with Android Auto™, Apple CarPlay™ & SiriusXM
• Dual automatic temperature control with Clean Air ionizer
• Hyundai Blue Link® Connected Car System
• Power driver seat with lumbar support
• Heated front seats
• LED daytime running lights (DRL)
• Front fog lights
• Roof side rails

Interior

• Premium wood finish trim now standard on leather-equipped Santa Fe/Santa Fe Sports
• Blue Link-equipped Santa Fe Sports and Santa Fes now include all services standard for a full three years (see detailed standard services list in Blue Link section) 

POWERTRAINS

The 2018 Santa Fe line-up continues to offer front- or all-wheel drive and seating options for five, six or seven passengers. The Santa Fe Sport is powered by an efficient 2.4-liter four-cylinder direct-injected engine with 185 horsepower or the more powerful, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 240 horsepower. 

2018 Santa Fe (three-row) uses the 3.3-liter Lambda II V6 engine, with 290 horsepower. All Santa Fe engines utilize high-pressure direct injection and Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (D-CVVT). A six-speed automatic transmission is standard on all models. Active Cornering Control and a windshield wiper de-icer is also standard on AWD Santa Fe models.

GENEROUS FEATURE CONTENT

Santa Fe offers a comprehensive list of standard features, including a rearview camera, automatic on/off headlights, remote keyless entry with alarm, bodycolor power side mirrors with driver’s blind spot mirror, LED headlight accents, daytime running lights, steering-wheel-mounted audio and cruise control and Bluetooth hands-free smartphone system. Premium features such as HID Xenon headlights, panoramic sunroof, navigation and an updated 12-speaker Infinity Logic7® audio system which features QuantumLogic® Surround and Clari-Fi™ Music Restoration Technology are available. Also available is Hyundai’s innovative power Hands-Free Smart Liftgate with Auto Open, which makes it even easier for owners to gain access to the cargo area whenever their hands are full. This system makes it easy for the driver to keep both feet comfortably on the ground by simply standing within a few feet of the rear bumper with the key fob in a purse or pocket for a few seconds.

BLUE LINK® STANDARD SERVICES

For 2018, Hyundai is making a variety of services standard on all Blue Link-equipped Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport models. Blue Link Connected Care, Remote and Guidance packages are now free for three years. Some of these Blue Link services are now also accessible via smartphone, smartwatch and virtual assistant devices like Amazon Alexa and Google Home, such as Remote door lock, Remote Start with Climate Control, Destination Search by Google® and the Monthly Vehicle Health Report.

Hyundai is going above and beyond the competition by making all Blue Link safety and security features like Automatic Collision Notification, SOS Emergency Assistance and Stolen Vehicle Recovery standard to subscribers as well. These important features include immediate access to the Blue Link Emergency Response Center in the event of an accident, faster connection to emergency services and 24/7, 365 days/year access to emergency assistance via the dedicated SOS button. Blue Link can also assist the police in locating and recovering a stolen vehicle.

In addition to making the current features standard, Hyundai will tackle the inconvenience of outdated map software by offering free downloads to maintain up-to-date navigation programming on the system’s SD card via the MyHyundai website. These complimentary updates also will be available for three years as part of the Guidance Package.

Blue Link standard features include:

Connected Care Package

• Automatic Collision Notification
• SOS Emergency Assistance
• Enhanced Roadside Assistance
• Monthly Vehicle Health Report
• Automatic Diagnostic Trouble Code Notification
• Service Link
• Maintenance Reminder
• Driving Information
• On-Demand Diagnostics

Remote Package

(Most features can be activated via Amazon Alexa skill, smartphone app or smartwatch)

• Remote Start with Climate Control (Requires push-button start)
• Remote Door Lock / Unlock
• Remote Horn and Lights
• Car Finder
• Stolen Vehicle Recovery
• Stolen Vehicle Slowdown
• Stolen Vehicle Immobilization
• Alarm Notification
• Curfew Alert
• Geo-Fence
• Speed Alert
• Valet Alert

Guidance Package (Requires Onboard Navigation)

• Destination Search Powered by Google
• Destination Send-to-Car by Google
• Multimedia and Navigation Updates (provides complimentary map updates)

ANDROID AUTO™ AND APPLE CARPLAY™ SUPPORT

Both Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport are compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for seamless and intuitive operation of the most commonly-used smartphone functions, including navigation, streaming audio, voice-controlled search capabilities, making phone calls and sending messages along with more than 40 approved smartphone apps. Android Auto is compatible with Android phones running Android 5.0, Lollipop or higher. Apple CarPlay is compatible with iPhone 5 and later models running IOS 7 and above.

SAFETY

Standard safety equipment on the 2018 Santa Fe lineup includes Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Traction Control System, seven airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag, four-wheel disc brakes and ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist, Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) with Downhill Brake Control (DBC) and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

2018 SANTA FE SPORT PRICING

MODEL	FWD/AWD	MSRP
SANTA FE SPORT 2.4	FWD	$24,950
SANTA FE SPORT 2.4	AWD	$26,500
SANTA FE SPORT 2.4 VALUE	FWD	$26,850
SANTA FE SPORT 2.4 VALUE	AWD	$28,400
SANTA FE SPORT 2.0T	FWD	$31,350
SANTA FE SPORT 2.0T	AWD	$32,900
SANTA FE SPORT 2.0T ULTIMATE	FWD	$35,650
SANTA FE SPORT 2.0T ULTIMATE	AWD	$37,200

*Destination charges $895

Santa Fe Sport pricing will be released in early summer.

Business Car Manager - vauxhall takes Six Best Small Trades awards in the recent ceremony.

Vauxhall has scooped a total of six top honours at the Business Car Manager Awards, across car and van categories, which were presented today in London.

Beating off stiff competition, the Astra was the big winner at the ceremony, picking up the headline award of “Business Car Manager SME Company Car of the Year 2017”, while the Astra 1.6-litre CDTi Design (110PS) Start/Stop ecoFLEX variant was named as the “Best Value SME Company Car” too. 

Vauxhall was also recognised in the “Best Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (SME) Company Car Programme” category, again taking away the top prize.

The success didn’t stop there for Vauxhall though, as its van range won a hat-trick of accolades in the Business Van of the Year 2017 awards. The Corsavan picked up the “Best Small Delivery Van” award, while the accolade of “Best Small Trades Van” was given to the Combo. The Movano rounded off the success, being named as the winner in the “Best Heavy Van” category.

“The independent judges placed the Astra ahead of highly competitive opposition – but it’s not hard to see why,” said Ralph Morton, Editorial Director at Business Car Manager. “From the fantastically low operating costs to really competitive benefit-in-kind company car taxation, the Astra has it all – and that’s before we get to the brilliantly competitive specification.

“Each year Vauxhall has been refining its company car programme for SMEs, and each year it has got better and better to the point that is has knocked BMW/MINI Partnership programme off its perch as the best in the business.”

Consisting of a group of independent experts in the SME field, the judges used criteria such as company car tax and whole life costs to judge and rank each entry.

“We’re delighted Vauxhall has been recognised by Business Car Manager and Business Vans,” said James Taylor, Vauxhall’s Fleet Sales Director. “The company car market is an important sector for the Astra. It’s great to see how well-received it has been so far, and we are also pleased to be recognised for our company car programme, and that Corsavan, Combo and Movano remain firm favourites.”

USA - Fiat 124 Spider also named finalist for “Best of 2017” Cars.com award.

• Fiat 124 Spider also named finalist for “Best of 2017” Cars.com award
• Experts from Cars.com determine the “Best of 2017” finalists by looking at quality, innovation and value in each nominee
• The all-new Spider delivers the ultimate Italian roadster experience with driving excitement, technology and safety combined with iconic Italian design

Experts at Cars.com consider the all-new 2017 Fiat 124 Spider best in its segment, naming it the “Best New Convertible” of 2017. With the honor, the Spider is nominated for the “Best of 2017” Cars.com award.

The 2017 Best of Awards is the annual show Cars.com hosts in Detroit during the North American International Auto Show. This year’s categories include Best of 2017, Best Pickup Truck of 2017, Eco-Friendly Car of the Year, Family Car of the Year, Luxury Car of the Year and Play Car of the Year. 

Each car represented on the list excels in three key criteria; quality, innovation and value. All vehicles are 2017 models and Best of 2017 nominees must be all-new or fully redesigned.

According to Cars.com, “Look at this thing: It’s pretty. Next, drop the top, rev the engine, listen to the sweet 1.4-liter engine, find a twisty road and see if your cares disappear with the wind. We’re betting they will, and that’s why the Fiat 124 Spider is our Best New Convertible of 2017.”

The all-new 2017 Fiat 124 Spider brings classic Italian styling and proven performance to a new generation of buyers. Paying homage to the original 124 Spider, the all-new Spider delivers the ultimate Italian roadster experience with driving excitement, technology and safety combined with iconic design.

The roadster comes standard with the proven 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo four-cylinder engine, the engine’s first application in a rear-wheel-drive vehicle. The engine delivers 160 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque on Classica and Lusso, 164 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque on Abarth, and is available with a six-speed manual transmission (26 mpg city/35 mpg highway) or a six-speed automatic transmission (25 mpg city/36 mpg highway).

The Fiat 124 Spider has a double-wishbone front suspension and rear multi-link suspension with stabilizer bars, and tuned electric-power steering system for enhanced handling and fuel efficiency. Available safety features include Blind-spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Path detection and ParkView rear backup camera. Available technology and convenience features include passive entry with keyless go, Bluetooth connectivity, heated seats, and FIAT Connect with access to Pandora, Stitcher and Aha apps.

USA - Popular Mechanics has included the 2016 Ram line up in their annual Automotive Excellence Awards

Popular Mechanics has included the 2016 Ram line up in their annual Automotive Excellence Awards in the May issue, on newsstands today. Compared to all other full-size pickups, the Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 offerings had the best combination of technology, performance and value.

"The objective for Ram is to build the best trucks in the market, and earning a spot in Popular Mechanics’ Automotive Excellence Awards is recognition of rapid innovation and exclusive features across Ram’s entire pickup line," said Mike Manley – Head of Ram Truck Brand, FCA Global. 

"The pickup truck segments are brutally competitive and Ram is committed to leadership with best-in-class titles, including America’s most fuel-efficient full-size pickup at 29 mpg, most towing capacity at 31,210 pounds and the most torque at 900 lb.-ft."

Ram is the winner in the “Best Truck” category and, according to the article: “Top to bottom, this is the model to beat.” The editors go on to say, “The Ram is the only pickup with a ZF-designed eight-speed automatic transmission, a device so manifestly excellent that Rolls-Royce and Range Rover put the same in their cars, too. 

That transmission can be bolted to a satisfying 305-hp V-6, a beastly HEMI® V-8, or a 3.0-liter diesel, the only small diesel you can get in a full-size truck.”

In the introduction to the article, the editors of Popular Mechanics describe the process of choosing this year’s winners: “We’ve reflected on and debated the things we’ve seen and expect to see as we cover this industry. 

We’ve visited factories, interviewed engineers and driven everything at least once, mostly without incident. Now, we anoint the standouts: the vehicles – and a few of the options, add-ons and standard features – that remind us why we love the automobile.”

The 2016 Popular Mechanics Automotive Excellence Awards also name the Car of the Year, Best SUV, Best Sports Car, Best Electric and several other categories.

USA - Americas current Generation Z prefer to have cars, over trucks, with For leading the charge.

• Ford is the No. 1 brand of vehicle that Generation Z, those ages 16-21, most seriously consider – according to MaritzCX
• Fuel economy tops the reasons for purchase for this group, followed by vehicle design and value
• Car segment offerings make up the overwhelming majority of vehicles considered by Gen Z buyers

The youngest people in the market for new vehicles are most interested in shopping for Ford products, fuel economy and in car segments, according to MaritzCX, a customer experience software and research company.

Of the 1,061 members of Generation Z in the MaritzCX study – the group defined as ages 21 and younger – Ford tops the list of vehicles most seriously considered, at 8.2 percent, ahead of Toyota with 7.2 percent and Chevrolet with 6.4 percent.

Fuel economy top purchase consideration

Fuel economy is the most important reason for buying a new vehicle for this group, with 34 percent of respondents citing that attribute. 

The second and third most noted reasons for buying a new vehicle among this group of shoppers include their previous vehicle getting too old and repairs to their older vehicle becoming too costly.

“Making decisions based on fuel economy and value explains why these buyers tend to shop brands like Ford, which builds vehicles that prioritize these attributes,” said Chris Travell, vice president for strategic consulting at Salt Lake City-based MaritzCX.

Cars trump trucks, utilities

While much has been made in recent months about rising utility vehicle sales, Gen Z buyers in the MaritzCX study showed an overwhelming preference for shopping small and midsize cars. Four of the top five vehicle segments for Gen Z buyers are cars rather than utility vehicles or trucks.

Gen Z buyers opt for compact cars at 41.1 percent, such as Ford Focus; 14.7 percent shop midsize sedans, like Ford Fusion; and 11.6 percent shop subcompact cars, like Ford Fiesta.

Among all vehicles sold in the United States last year, car segment purchases accounted for 32 percent, with the remainder distributed among utility vehicles and pickup trucks.

“The youngest new vehicle buyers tend to have less money than older folks, so it’s no surprise they overwhelmingly shop cars rather than more expensive utilities or trucks,” said Travell. “Gen Z shoppers are driven largely by financial constraints, and car segment offerings tend to be most affordable.”

In comparing vehicle shopping preferences of Gen Z to millennial buyers, the data indicates age cohorts and buying preferences do not neatly align.

“Younger millennial buyers, ages 22 to 25 or so, tend to behave like their younger Gen Z counterparts, whereas older millennials, roughly 26 to 35 years old, act more like Generation X when it comes to vehicle shopping behaviors,” said Erich Merkle, Ford sales analyst.

The Importance of Gen Z

People in this age group were born between 1993 and 2001; while they make up a small percentage of new car buyers today, globally, they represent 2 billion people, making them the largest single age cohort in the world. Gen Z represents 21 percent of the world’s total population and 25 percent of the U.S. population.  By 2020, their purchasing power will be equal to GDP of over $3.2 trillion.

Dacia residuals prove to be far better than competition

• Sandero Access, “UK’s most affordable new car” forecast to lose only £3,615 over three years/60,000 miles
• Low depreciation on top-of-the-range Sandero Laureate over three years/60,000 miles means owners could be nearly £4,000 better off than running pricier rivals like Skoda Fabia and Suzuki Swift
• New figures shatter any illusion that the UK’s “most affordable” new supermini range might not stack up financially in the future

But, a “shockingly affordable” price tag is one thing, the question on many people's’ lips recently has been how much one’ll be worth in a few years time. Well, now we have the answer.

In yet another blow to its rivals, but a boost to those who've already taken the Dacia supermini ownership plunge, leading residual value provider, CAP, has confirmed that over a three year period and 60,000 miles the Access 1.2 16V will only lose £3,615 of its smart-buy retail price of £5,995. Even the top-sec Laureate with the same engine only loses a further £1,400, making it thousands of pounds less than its rivals to boot.

The new figures make the idea of owning one even more appealing than it was already. And they shatter any illusion that one of the newest superminis on the block might not stack up financially after the shine of its alluring showroom price tag has faded.

Smart-buy choice over rivals

Sandero prides itself on big car features and technology, with small car prices. Its attractive design does not detract from its practical personality, with ample space for five adults and plenty of boot space. It’s also the UK’s most affordable new diesel car.

The 1.2 Laureate, is forecast to be worth an impressive 36% after three years - a stonking 6% more than Skoda’s Fabia 1.2 12V SE , and a whopping 8% more than a Suzuki Swift SZ3 1.2.

Put it another way, the Swift has a P11D value of £12,444, but is forecast to lose £8,919 over three years/60,000 miles. If you bought the Dacia Sandero 1.2 Laureate instead, you'd be better off to the tune of almost £4,000 after three years. That’s easily enough cash left over to treat the loved ones to a sun-drenched fortnight in Spain. Including Dacia car hire while you're out there. Or, a healthy chunk of cash to put towards a new Sandero. Who knows, owners might be so impressed with their Dacia supermini that they'll want to add another model from the range to their household.

Glass’s Guide is even more bullish. They believe it'll hold onto a jaw-dropping 57% of its value over the same period. In real money, it'll still be worth £4,470. A drop of only £2,370, less than plenty of all-inclusive family holidays to the Med.

The latest good news for Europe’s fastest-growing car brand comes only weeks after it launched its latest two models, Sandero Stepway and the five-seat estate, Logan MCV across the UK. Duster has already received a glowing endorsement from CAP and, with over 4,000 orders already this year, is taking the nation by storm too. The rest of the range now looks set to follow.

Commenting on the latest “good news”, Dacia UK Marketing Director, Phil York, said: “It’s only a few months since the Dacia Duster SUV got a glowing endorsement from the people who forecast future used car values, yet already we’re celebrating the same for the second car in the range.

“We always knew that a cracking entry price of only £5,995 would get Brits through the showroom door in their droves. This latest news now makes the deal for arguably one of the best value superminis even sweeter. If we carry on like this, we might have to call the factory to up the production for the UK.”

Testament to the quality

British popularity of Dacia, a subsidiary of the French carmaker Renault, is continuing to grow impressively, with the brand recently hitting 11,000 orders overall. It’s made an enemy of the unnecessary and makes a simple range of cleverly designed, high quality vehicles which unashamedly favour function over frivolity. Its jaw-dropping prices are clear and straightforward, whether you buy online at the Dacia Store on www.dacia.co.uk or through its nationwide retailer network.

Dacia only launched officially in the UK in January 2013, but has already cleaned up nine major awards, including a hat-trick of trophies at the carbuyer.co.uk 2013 awards, including Car of Year and 4x4 of the Year, plus Scottish Car of the Year for Duster, and Best Supermini under £12,000 for Sandero with What Car?.