Ssangyong launches the new look Korando at the London Motor Show, with added kit too.

• Distinctive grille and headlights give Korando the new SsangYong ‘look’
• Spacious family accommodation for five
• 2-tonne towing capacity
• 4x4 available for a great off-road performance
• Four models from just £17,000 on the road
• 5-year limitless mileage warranty

The Korando SUV has been greatly enhanced for 2017 with a stylish and contemporary new front end design and with upgraded equipment.

The car sports a distinctive new grille and headlight treatment, adopting the new SsangYong ‘look’ first seen on the Tivoli and Tivoli XLV, and on the new Rexton announced recently.  This also includes new fog lights, lower valance and bonnet.  It  features daytime running lights using 11 high-luminescent LED lamps with separate lenses to improve visibility, and on the inside a new ergonomically designed steering wheel. 

There are four models in the range: the two-wheel drive SE at £17,000; SE 4x4, £18,500; ELX 4x4, £22,000; and ELX with automatic transmission from £23,500.  The new car goes on sale with immediate effect.

With its 2-tonne towing capacity, the Korando has always been popular with those needing to tow a caravan, horsebox or boat trailer.  With plenty of interior space, considerable legroom for all passengers, an almost completely flat floor and generous boot space - up to 1,312 litres, there’s room for bulky leisure equipment or a couple of large dogs.

All models come with electrically operated and heated door mirrors with puddle lamps, RDS radio and iPod & Bluetooth connectivity, air conditioning, tinted glass and roof rails.  The ELX adds a raft of additional equipment including front & rear parking sensors, a rear-view camera, 7” touchscreen, RDS radio and TomTom sat nav, distinctive new 18” diamond-cut wheels, leather seats, heated steering wheel and heated front & rear seats.

The new Korando is powered by a turbo-charged, Euro 6 compliant 2.2 litre diesel.  Maximum power is 178ps and torque to 400Nm, with maximum torque delivered from a low of 1,400rpm and maintained through a wide range up to 2,800rpm for smooth, progressive driving from the start.  The engine can be matched with either a 6-speed manual or optional 6-speed Aisin automatic transmission for smooth, dynamic gear changing, comfortable driving and lively acceleration, and comes with either front wheel-drive, or an intelligent on-demand all-wheel drive system.

Iveco follows Ford, Vauxhall and Renault with their brand new light Commercial vehicle

A totally redesigned vehicle that satisfies all the needs of light commercial vehicle transport: from a robust chassis cab to a more spacious van with improved manoeuvrability

The third generation of the Iveco Daily, which will soon make its arrival in markets across Europe, will be presented to the international press in June 2014. This entirely new vehicle is the result of the perfect blend between tradition and innovation, making it the preferred working companion for professional transport operators.

The vehicle is manufactured at plants in Suzzara, Italy and Valladolid, Spain, two facilities where Iveco has recently made significant investments in upgrading its production line technology.

The new Daily still retains its classic ladder frame chassis structure, which ensures strength, flexibility, and long-term durability, as well as greater ease of configuration for chassis cab models, but there are also numerous new features that the Daily 2014 offers Iveco customers.

The company’s planning efforts concentrated on both versions, chassis cab and van. On the van in particular, performance from every aspect in terms of handling and carrying capacity has been improved, thanks to optimised load volumes, and ease of use with a more accessible cargo bed.

The van’s capacity has been improved through the reassessment of the relationship between wheelbase, overall length, and the length of the cargo bed. This gives way to the new 18 and 20 m3 models (best in class for volume) and the 11 m3 model (best in class for cargo efficiency - an index that measures the relationship between the length of the loading compartment with the total length of the vehicle).

Thanks to the new design, with elongated wheelbases and a shortened rear overhang, the new Daily guarantees excellent driveability without compromising its well-known agility in tight spaces. All models up to 3.5 tonnes are equipped with new front suspensions, which afford excellent control of the vehicle and allow for an improvement in comfort and for the maximum possible load capacity. A new rear suspension layout has been designed for single wheel drive models that decreases the height of the loading platform by an estimated 55 millimetres, thereby simplifying loading and unloading operations.

The third generation of the Daily is strongly oriented towards businesses, delivering more than a 5% fuel consumption saving compared with the previous model. This is combined with a significant improvement in Total Cost of Ownership for the vehicle, together with best in class performance and a wide choice of engines, transmissions and axle ratios.  

The on-board experience has also been greatly improved with a cabin that offers new levels of comfort and noise insulation, guaranteeing the same driving position and feel that is typical of a high-performing automobile. Interior ergonomics (at the top of the range in their category) accompany greater soundproofing, a more efficient air conditioning system and excellent driver comfort for all load conditions.

Strong by nature, versatile, and easy to drive, and also attractive thanks to its fresh and modern styling, the new Daily is the most concrete illustration of the continuous improvement of a product that has been a key player in the history of light commercial vehicle transport for more than 35 years.

To complete its offering, the new Daily will also be available in a variety of minibus versions to meet the needs of customers who operate in the passenger transportation sector, both in urban areas and for rapid transfers outside of urban networks.

The new Daily will be available through Iveco dealerships across Europe starting in June.

Isuzu retains Pick-Up of the year accolade.

For the second consecutive year the Isuzu D-Max has been named ‘Pick-Up of the Year’ by leading light-commercial-vehicle experts, VansA2Z.com. The accolade underlines the continued rise in reputation and popularity for the class-leading capabilities of the Isuzu D-Max.

Launched in June 2012, the D-Max offers one of the widest model ranges in the segment along with class-leading fuel economy, emissions and towing capability. Sales in 2013 marked a record for the Brand in the UK and confirmed its status as the largest D-Max market in Europe. In 2014, sales are already over 17% up on last year.

Commenting on the virtues of the Isuzu, VansA2Z.com, said: “We can certainly testify to the effectiveness of the D-Max. It’s designed as a workhorse rather than a Chelsea tractor and is just as at home on a farm or a construction site as it is parked outside a west end boutique. It should therefore come as no surprise that it has driven off with our pick-up of the year for the second year in a row”.

The judges’ full citation is at: www.vansa2z.com/Van-of-the-Year-Awards-2014-Pick-Up

William Brown, Isuzu UK General Manager, commented: “Winning the award for a second year in a row is a fantastic accomplishment and is testament to just how well the D-Max has been received. Since its introduction, we have increased its towing capacity to a class-leading 3.5-tonnes, expanded our fleet offering, and introduced new models including the special-edition Blade earlier this month. Watch this space, as there are more developments to come.”

The Isuzu D-Max is available in three body styles – single, extended and double cab – with prices starting from £14,749 (CVOTR) for the entry-level single cab 4x2 rising to £23,649 (CVOTR) for the range-topping Isuzu D-Max Utah Auto.

The Isuzu D-Max is fitted with a super-efficient 2.5-litre twin-turbo diesel engine, producing 163 PS and 400 Nm of torque, is able to tow a class-leading 3.5-tonnes (braked) while still returning fuel economy of 38.2 mpg (combined), and is available with a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission.

Every Isuzu D-Max sold in the UK comes with the company’s pioneering five-year / 125,000-mile warranty, as standard.

USA - Chevy announces new 2015 Tahoe Police Patrol vehicle

Chevrolet today announced a police patrol vehicle, or PPV, version of the all-new 2015 Tahoe. The Tahoe lineup will expand with the addition of an automatic 4WD pursuit vehicle to the existing 2WD pursuit and 4WD special service models. The new Tahoe PPV offers more power, greater efficiency and enhanced features developed for law enforcement.

The 2015 Tahoe PPV features an all-new interior, exterior and EcoTec3 powertrain, while offering the same basic dimensions, sturdy body-on-frame architecture and versatility that made it the best-selling Chevrolet police vehicle for the last several years.

The carryover dimensions allow a seamless transfer of law enforcement equipment used in current Tahoe PPVs. The Tahoe will remain the largest police vehicle on the market designed with driver comfort in mind. It has additional space in the rear seat, which provides more leg room and easier access to individuals and equipment in the back seat.

“The Tahoe PPV’s versatility and low lifecycle cost have made it a leader among police agencies,” said Ed Peper, U.S. vice president, Fleet and Commercial Sales. “The enhancements to the 2015 model have further refined an already great vehicle to give police officers the performance, speed and safety they need to help keep their communities safe.”

The Tahoe PPV is used today by state and local municipalities and federal government officials for patrol, first response, tactical, HAZMAT, Border Patrol and K9.

More power and greater efficiency

The Tahoe PPV’s standard EcoTec3 5.3L V-8 features state-of-the-art technologies, including direct injection, cylinder deactivation, continuously variable valve timing and an advanced combustion system, designed to make the most of power, torque and efficiency across a broad range of operating conditions.

With the EcoTec3 powertrain, the 2015 Tahoe PPV offers more power, 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque and improved acceleration.

The engine is mated to a Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic transmission with a unique police-service calibration that supports pursuit performance.

Designed for law enforcement use

The 2015 Tahoe PPV was developed to deliver a more controlled ride with improved steering and braking responsiveness compared to previous models. A strong, fully boxed, perimeter frame supports payload and trailering capability that body-frame-integral SUVs can’t match. With the addition of electric power steering, the Tahoe has precisely tuned responsiveness needed in pursuit situations. The increased payload allows law enforcement to carry all equipment that they may need for any job.

Still the only body-on-frame full-size SUV designed for the rigors of police work, the Tahoe offers full-pursuit capability. The addition of more high-strength steel, increased body stiffness, suspension improvements and a wider track for increased stability helps the 2015 Tahoe PPV offers improved ride and handling designed for pursuit.

The Tahoe has a standard 730-CCA Auxiliary Battery, which allows officers to power their equipment, including radios, video cameras and laptops, when the vehicle is not running, avoiding drain on the primary vehicle battery. The vehicle also has a 110V power outlet and USB input.

Key components remain that contribute to the Tahoe PPV’s consistent performance at police vehicle testing:

• V-rated, P265/60R17 Goodyear RSA tires, mounted on 17-inch steel wheels
• Heavy-duty four-wheel-disc brakes with ABS, tuned for police driving
• StabiliTrak electronic stability control system with Proactive Roll Avoidance and traction control
• A fully integrated electrical system makes it easier to upfit police-specific equipment

Safe and comfortable

The redesigned interior gives officers 360 degrees of safety with new standard features, including rear park assist, backup camera and optional adjustable pedals, which personalize the vehicle to each driver. An optional Driver Alert Package includes lane departure warning, forward collision alert and Chevrolet’s Safety Alert seat.

Increased use of high-strength steel contributes to a safer, quieter ride. New inlaid doors help make it the quietest Tahoe and Tahoe PPV ever. The quiet environment decreases unnecessary distractions, allows police officers to remain focused on the road and can help reduce fatigue after long shifts.

OnStar, the leading provider of connected safety, security and mobility solutions and advanced information technology, is now standard on the Tahoe PPV, OnStar provides automatic crash notification, stolen vehicle slowdown and recovery. The vehicle also comes standard with Bluetooth, which allows officers to stay connected safely and talk hands-free while on the road.

The security of the Tahoe PPV has enhanced security features, including new door locks, side-milled keys and a steering column lock.

The new Tahoe will be built at GM’s Arlington, Texas assembly plant. The 2WD pursuit and 4WD special service models will be available for order in the first quarter and the 4WD pursuit vehicle in the second quarter of 2014.

FRANKFURT - VW e-load up!

• Van version of the smallest electric Volkswagen is designed for all-drive systems and could be set to supplement the fleet of light commercial vehicles

At this year’s International Motor Show in Frankfurt, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is presenting a further idea on the theme of ‘urban commercial mobility’: an electrically powered city delivery van called the ‘e-load up!’. It has four doors, four wheels and despite very small outer dimensions a whole host of space inside. A cargo management system enables the interior to be configured in many ways.

How big does a van need to be? The answer, of course, is the right size for the job. Too big is inefficient, and so is too small. In the case of an agile city delivery vehicle, which is just as suitable for service technicians as it is for couriers, pizza deliveries or social services, 3.54 metres is fine. The result is the load up! - an economical, highly flexible compact vehicle with a seat for the driver, a fold-up passenger seat and over 1 m3 of space in the back.

The concept. The idea behind the load up! is that a very small van that carries correspondingly small loads is able to operate more efficiently than a larger vehicle if, when larger volumes need transporting, the operator can rely on a fleet of sister vehicles. The key idea here is collective intelligence. The advantages are obvious: small, agile vehicles are ideal for large, congested cities. For reasons of efficiency conventional delivery vehicles are not dispatched from the logistics centre until they are full to capacity. This means that the first 10 parcels have to wait for the next 100 before they can be delivered. That’s not the case with the e-load up!. Its electric motor also makes driving in zero-emission zones possible. The e-load up! is small, inexpensive to maintain, flexible and environmentally friendly. It is a light commercial vehicle in the best sense of the term. It is based on the passenger car version of the Volkswagen e-up!, which is available to order now in certain markets. Given the right level of demand, a commercial vehicle version, such as the e-load up!, could be available soon.

The background. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles presented an electrically powered concept vehicle six months ago at the Geneva Motor Show: the Volkswagen e-Co-Motion. The Hanover-based specialists for light commercial vehicles are confident that commercial customers in particular, as a result of their existing service infrastructures, have a good basis for the efficient utilisation of battery electric vans. However, with a length of 4.55 m the e-Co-Motion is in a different league to the e-load up!: an electrically powered vehicle of its class would, however, perfectly fill the gap in urban delivery services between the load up! and large trucks.

The facts and figures. Compared to the passenger model the cargo capacity of the load up! has increased from 951 to over 1,400 litres. This urban delivery van weighs 1.164 kg and can carry a total load of 306 kg – which certainly ought to be enough for any pizzas or parcels!

It is powered by an almost silent electric motor with maximum power output of 60 kW / 82 PS. Continual output is 40 kW / 55 PS. Its maximum torque of 210 newton metres is available from start-up. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h within 12.4 seconds and reaches a top speed of 130 km/h. The lithium-ion battery integrated into the floor has a storage capacity of 18.7 kWh. Thanks to the low vehicle weight, the e-load up! can travel up to 160 kilometres (NEFC) on a single charge.

As in the e-up! model, the interface for charging the battery in the e-load up! is concealed under the ‘fuel cap’. Available as an option is the CCS combined charging system standardised by Volkswagen and other manufacturers. It supports both direct and alternating current charging, so that the vehicle can be charged at the majority of charging stations, regardless of electricity source or charging speed on offer. In this way the e-load up! can be back to 80 per cent of its battery capacity in just 30 minutes. However, the power train concept of the smallest van in the Volkswagen fold goes one step further. If the customer wants a different form of drive system, that’s no problem either: the Volkswagen load up! can naturally be ordered with any of the passenger car version’s standard power units: from the economical petrol engine to the excellent natural gas one.

Facts at a glance

• Name: e-load up!
• Character: Urban, electrically powered very small delivery van
• World premiere: September 2013, IAA Frankfurt
• L/W/H in mm: 3540/1645/1477;
• Engines / performance: Electric motor 60 kW / 82 PS max. Maximum torque 210 Nm.
• 0 to 100 km/h: 12,4 seconds. Top speed: 130 km/h.
• Battery: Lithium-ion battery, capacity 18.7 kWh. Range: up to 160 kilometres (NEFC).

Toyota on course to launch its first hydrogen fuel cell vehicle in 2015

• Toyota on course to launch its first hydrogen fuel cell vehicle in 2015
• Technology builds on Toyota’s world-leading hybrid powertrain expertise to capture the zero-emissions potential of hydrogen-electric system
• FCV-R concept signposts Toyota’s progress towards developing an affordable four-door saloon model for production, with no compromise in interior space and a cruising range of more than 300 miles
• FCV-R powered by a Toyota fuel cell stack with world-leading power density of 3.0kW per litre

Toyota believes the Fuel Cell Hybrid Vehicle offers the best solution to the challenges of energy sources and emissions, with hydrogen as an ideal, ultra-clean fuel. At the 2013 Frankfurt motor show (from 10 September) it will demonstrate how it has overcome some of the historic barriers to developing a marketable fuel cell vehicle and how it is closing in on its goal of achieving a driving range and performance comparable to conventional petrol and diesel engines, but with no harmful tailpipe emissions.

Toyota applied its successful Hybrid Synergy Drive technology – the power system used by Prius and its other full hybrid production models – in its FCHV development, replacing the petrol engine with a fuel cell and the conventional fuel tank with high-pressure hydrogen tanks. The FCHV uses the same electrical components as a full hybrid powertrain, as well as a 21kW battery to store energy recovered by its regenerative braking system.

Having first unveiled its FCV-R concept at the 2011 Tokyo motor show, Toyota has continued to make progress towards its planned introduction of an affordable FCHV saloon model in Japan, the USA and Europe by 2015. Development of the production model has seen a focus on significant cost reduction, durability, reliability and improvements in well-to-wheel CO2 emissions.

The FCV-R concept is 4,745mm long – 35mm longer than an Avensis saloon – 1,510mm high and 1,790mm wide. Tested by Toyota (in line with official Japanese JC08 criteria) it has achieved a maximum driving range of about 420 miles, producing no CO2, NOx or particulate matter emissions. The only by-product of the hydrogen fuel cell when driving is water vapour.

Creating a car that’s a practical proposition for today’s motorists has required particular attention to the design of the fuel cell and the hydrogen fuel tank. Toyota has succeeded in downsizing the fuel cell stack by achieving the highest fuel cell power density yet – 3.0kW per litre. A marked increase in the fuel cell stack’s energy efficiency has allowed for the size of the vehicle’s fuel tank to be reduced, so that the latest design features two tanks rather than the four originally envisaged. This also allows different materials to be used, which has a positive impact on overall costs.

The twin fuel tanks and the fuel cell stack are located beneath the vehicle floor, which means there is no impact on the cabin and load space.

Toyota expects FCHVs to reach full mass-market commercialisation during the 2020s, by when it aims to be selling tens of thousands of vehicles annually. This market growth will be supported by the wider roll-out of fuel cell vehicle technology; the development of hydrogen refuelling infrastructure that will bring filling stations within easy reach of greater numbers of people; and cost reductions that go hand-in-hand with a maturing technology.

Technical evolution

Toyota’s fuel cell stack technology has consistently enjoyed performance leadership, the company having launched its R&D programme in 1992. Since then it has secured significant improvements in every aspect of FCHV operation.

As mentioned above, the fuel cell to be used in Toyota’s production FCHV currently achieves the world’s highest power output density at 3kW per litre. Compared to the fuel stack Toyota deployed in its 2008 FCHV-adv model, the new unit has twice the power density while being half the weight and half the size.

The progress made in energy efficiency is also revealed in the vehicle’s range, which, according to Toyota test data (in line with the official Japanese 10-15 test cycle), has improved from about 205 miles to more than 350 miles. At the same time, the fuel cell has a greater operating range, with the use of new materials in its construction making cold start possible at temperatures as low as -30°C.

Cost issues have also been tackled, with the current fuel cell system, including the stack and high-pressure hydrogen tank, one-tenth the cost of that used in the FCHV-adv. Toyota aims ultimately to reduce this by a further 50 per cent. Currently a vehicle price tag of less than £70,000 is thought attainable, but Toyota is working to reduce costs even further before bringing its first model to market.

Dacia is getting ready for the '63' plate with frivolity less models

• Dacia’s full UK ‘smart-buy’ range available to order now on new 63-plate
• Introduction of UK’s “most affordable” estate, Logan MCV, brings “shockingly affordable” range up to four models

Europe’s fastest-growing car brand, Dacia, has attracted hordes of savvy car buyers in the UK with more than 11,000 orders already. And that’s mostly for the first two models in its line-up, the Duster SUV and Sandero supermini. The third car, Sandero Stepway, is gaining fast too, so the arrival of the all-new Logan MCV five-seat estate just in time for the new 63-plate on 1st September is the icing on the proverbial cake.

As its catchy TV ad says, Dacia doesn’t do frivolity. With every model being the most affordable in its class, combined with a high level of quality and unrivalled space, the cars almost sell themselves.

Prices in the Dacia range start at just £5,995 for the surprisingly spacious Sandero supermini, which was recently hailed the UK’s least depreciating new car by leading residual value provider, CAP.

Next up is the newly launched crossover, Sandero Stepway, which combines SUV style and increased ground clearance for when the going gets a little tougher, with supermini prices, starting at £7,995.

The five-seat Logan MCV (Maximum Capacity Vehicle), priced from an eye-catching £6,995, is the most affordable new estate in the country by £4,000. Although it’s based on the Sandero supermini, it offers unrivalled bootspace for the cash. In fact, it’s so capacious, with 573 litres with the rear seats in place (or 1,518 with them folded), it offers comparable room to that in well-known antique dealer favourite, the Volvo V70. There’s also ample interior space for five adults and a range of state-of-the-art petrol and diesel engines. Those looking to splash out, can even add leather upholstery or the intuitive seven-inch MediaNav touchscreen multimedia system.

Completing the range is the “shockingly affordable” flagship Duster which has already made a big name for itself after cleaning-up at the carbuyer.co.uk, Top Gear, FHM, Towcar and Scottish Car of the Year awards ceremonies.

Every model in the UK’s “most affordable SUV” range offers impressive value-for-money, with prices starting from only £8,995. The four-wheel-drive versions cost only £2,100 more for all-weather, go-anywhere ability. As Top Gear said, “no car in the world offers more freedom for your quid than the Dacia Duster”.

Dacia, the “smart buy” offshoot of Renault, has made an enemy of the unnecessary and makes a simple range of cleverly designed, high quality vehicles. Its jaw-dropping prices are clear and straightforward,