Citroen takes two awards at the DieselCar Top 50 ceremony, the same as last year.

For the second year in succession, Citroën has been honoured in DieselCar Magazine’s ‘Top 50’ – with C4 Cactus winning the prestigious ‘Best Compact Crossover’ prize, while the C4 Picasso and Grand C4 Picasso were jointly awarded the ‘Best Medium MPV’ title.

DieselCar Magazine’s ‘Top 50’ is a list of the best 50 diesel cars currently on sale in the UK.

Once again, Citroën has been awarded with two top accolades in DieselCar Magazine’s list of the ‘Top 50’ cars on sale in the UK. 

The eye-catching Citroën C4 Cactus has been named ‘Best Compact Crossover’ and was complimented by the judges for its unique design and excellent BlueHDi 1.6-litre engine. Citroën C4 Picasso and Grand C4 Picasso were named joint winners in the ‘Best Medium MPV’ category, with praise for their outstanding comfort and useful storage.

This means that C4 Cactus and C4 Picasso both retain the awards won for the first time in 2016.

Ian Robertson, Editor and Publisher of DieselCar Magazine, said; “The C4 Cactus began a styling revolution at Citroën, and we love its quirky looks and practical features. Citroën wants to put people’s well-being centre stage, and ‘Airbumps’ which repel frustrating dings and scrapes are a great example of that. It’s fun to drive too, with the light steering making light work of city driving.”

Robertson continued; “Citroën has created a masterpiece with the C4 Picasso. Not only does it look far more stylish than any other people carrier on sale, it is forward-looking too, with advanced digital instruments and advanced engines. In fact, no stone has been left unturned, with useful cubbies and a large boot, to name just a few of the neat design attributes.”

Chris Cheetham, Citroën’s Marketing Director in the UK, commented; “It’s such an honour to be recognised with two awards in DieselCar Magazine’s ‘Top 50’ again this year. Citroën as a brand is all about being different and designing practical cars with the customer front-of-mind. We pride ourselves on our innovative and distinctive vehicles, so being known for creating the ‘Best Medium MPV’ and ‘Best Compact Crossover’ in the marketplace is a great achievement for us.”

Kia takes a couple of spots in this years DieselCar Top 50 with the NIRO, cee'd and Sportage all taking awards.

• All-new Kia Niro tops the hybrid category in the joint Diesel Car and Eco Car 2017 awards
• Sportage claims third position out of the top 50 highly rated vehicles available in the UK
• cee’d is rated at number 40
• Kia models impressed judges with their practicality, style, economy and value for money 

Kia has received yet more recognition and won a tightly contested award in this years’ Diesel Car and Eco Car Awards, with the all-new Kia Niro hybrid crossover winning best hybrid vehicle and the Kia cee’d and Sportage models coming well within the top 50 cars available in the UK, concluded by the panel of judges of Diesel Car and Eco Car.

The all-new Niro was launched in August 2016 and presents customers with the high efficiency and low running costs of a petrol-electric car with the style, practicality and desirability of a compact crossover. The judges awarded the model with an overall place of 38 and were impressed by the vehicle’s efficiency and customer-friendly styling and practicality.

Ian Robertson, Editor and Publisher of Diesel Car and Eco Car commented, “Some hybrids have often come under fire for being awkwardly styled, but not so the Kia Niro, which embraces the booming crossover trend, but still offers wallet-friendly running costs. 

Looking just as stylish as the Sportage SUV, the Niro can return over 70mpg and offer all the space a family should need. It might be high-tech, but its comprehensive seven-year warranty will reassure owners that this family-sized Kia is built to last.”

Last years’ car of the year for Diesel Car, the Kia Sportage, came in at a very respectable number three overall in the 2017 awards. The vehicle has created huge success for the Kia brand in the UK in the past year and a half, with 2016 sales exceeding 40,000 alone.

“Last year’s winner can hold its head high, smashing sales targets for Kia and still being one of the best medium SUVs money can buy. The latest Sportage is the biggest yet, with plenty of space for five people and their luggage. 

On the road, the 1.7- and 2.0-litre diesel engines are refined, easy to drive and free from body roll in the corners, making it a relaxing place for passengers. That awesome seven-year warranty and an impressive list of standard kit makes the Sportage an even more compelling buy.” Said Ian Robertson, Editor and Publisher of Diesel Car and Eco Car.

Finally, it was the cee’d which also received highly positive recognition from the judges, the model which is now five years old in its current version, came well into the top 50 taking the 40 spot. It impressed judges with its sharp and handsome looks, generous equipment levels, good road manners, economy and that it’s managed to stay competitive even in 2017.

This award win and recognition for Kia in the UK comes at a very successful time for the brand and further bolsters that success. Every month of 2017 has been a new sales record for the business and with an increasing product line upcoming later this year, Kia’s new and existing customers are going to be well catered for.

Skoda celebrates with four awards at the recently announced DieselCar Top 50 cars

• ŠKODA models scoop four category titles in the 2017 DieselCar Top 50
• Kodiaq named Best Large SUV, while Superb named Best Large Car and Best Large Estate 
• Recently facelifted Octavia also awarded Best Medium Estate title
• Judges praise ŠKODA’s value, practicality and high quality

ŠKODA has emerged with one of its biggest haul of industry accolades in DieselCar Magazine’s annual Top 50 awards. The respected automotive title named the Kodiaq, Superb and Octavia as the best in their respective categories in its 2017 list of the best diesel cars currently on sale.

The highest placed model in the DieselCar Top 50 was the Kodiaq, which finished fifth overall and took the Best Large SUV title. Commenting on the Kodiaq’s award, DieselCar editor and publisher Ian Robertson said: “The Kodiaq is mighty close to being the perfect car. 

This five- and seven-seater is practical, comfortable and tough enough to revel in family life. That’s the basics covered, but get behind the wheel and you’ll also find the best interior in any ŠKODA so far, and a surprisingly rewarding driving experience. 

To top it all off, the Kodiaq offers great value for money, and ŠKODA owners rate the brand highly for customer satisfaction.”

The Superb also wowed the judging panel with its value, practicality and quality – finishing in eighth overall and easily winning both the Best Large Car and Best Large Estate titles. 

“The Superb has long been known for the incredible interior space it offers, but you can now add true desirability to its list of attributes,” said Ian Robertson. “With a sharp design both inside and out, the Superb is winning fans both in hatchback and estate guises. 

Buyers are bowled over by its value for money, impressive engines and lengthy specification list, along with the accomplished way the Superb drives. New SportLine editions add an extra dose of visual drama and desirability.”

The recently facelifted Octavia completed ŠKODA’s haul of titles, finishing in 14th overall and taking the Best Medium Estate honour. 

The judging panel praised the new model’s high equipment levels and the broad range of models available. 

Ian Robertson added: “The Octavia Estate has a boot bigger than most models from the next class up. It’s good to drive and the hot vRS model offers all the performance most of us will ever need.”

Rounding off an exceptional performance by the brand, the Yeti also made the Top 50 list - finishing in 33rd overall. The judging panel highlighted the SUV’s agile driving experience, practicality and robust residual values.

This latest round of honours adds to an impressive list of industry titles already won by ŠKODA models in 2017. These include three 2017 WhatCar? Awards, a Fleet World Award for the Superb and DieselCar Used Car title, also for the Superb.

The Peugeot 3008 takes the main Car of the year title at the DieselCar Top 50 awards.

• ‘Car of the Year’ 2017 awarded to PEUGEOT’s dynamic new SUV
• All-New PEUGEOT 3008 SUV also awarded ‘Best Medium SUV’ by Diesel Car
• UK awards follow the 2017 ‘European Car of the Year’ recognition and add to growing honours

The celebrations that have surrounded the arrival of the All-New PEUGEOT 3008 SUV continued at this year’s Diesel Car Top 50 Awards, with two major honours bestowed upon the ground-breaking new model.

The All-New PEUGEOT 3008 SUV was acclaimed as the overall ‘Car of the Year’ in the Diesel Car Top 50, with a second award being earned in its class as the ‘Best Medium SUV’.

On behalf of the judging panel at Diesel Car, Editor Ian Robertson commented: “PEUGEOT has transformed the 3008 into a fully-fledged SUV and created a real winner in the process… its engines are refined and economical, while its suspension is ideally set up to smooth out British roads. It’s a winner in every respect and we are proud to declare it number one in this year’s Top 50 awards.”

PEUGEOT UK Managing Director, David Peel, added: “PEUGEOT has long been synonymous with diesel engines that set the bar for efficiency and sophistication. The 3008 SUV remains true to this reputation with a range of powertrains that offer the blend of performance, economy and driving enjoyment that today’s motorist demands.

“The car’s many other refinements – notably its class-leading interior quality and technology - combine to make it a highly competitive package. The acclaim that has been bestowed upon the All-New 3008 SUV is a fantastic achievement in what is a new segment for us, and we are genuinely thrilled to receive this recognition from the industry experts.”

The All-New PEUGEOT 3008 SUV can be configured and ordered online from start to finish using PEUGEOT’s Order Online facility.

MINI's first plug in hybrid will get its debut at this years Goodwood Festival of Speed.

MINI’s first plug-in hybrid model to receive UK debut at Goodwood Festival of Speed 2017, 29th June – 2nd July. Available to order now priced from £31,585 OTR and eligible for additional £2,500 OLEV government grant

• MINI’s first plug-in hybrid model to receive UK debut at Goodwood Festival of Speed 2017, 29th June – 2nd July
• Priced from £31,585 OTR and eligible for additional £2,500 OLEV government grant
• 3-cylinder petrol engine and electric motor combine to produce a total system output of 224 hp
• 0-62 mph in 6.8 seconds, CO2 emissions of 49 g/km and average fuel consumption of 134.5 mpg
• Electric driving at speeds of up to 78 mph with a range of up to 25 miles
• MINI Satellite Navigation System, Bluetooth, Cruise Control, Emergency E-call, Active Guard and 6-speed Steptronic automatic transmission all as standard

The MINI brand’s first plug-in hybrid model will receive its UK debut at Goodwood Festival of Speed on 29th June to 2nd July. The new all-rounder for town and country now offers the option of purely electric driving with zero tailpipe emissions.

Available to order now, the new MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 will launch in MINI Retailers on 24th June 2017 and is priced from £31,585 OTR. The vehicle is also eligible for an additional £2,500 OLEV government grant.

The first plug-in hybrid model in the MINI product range offers sporty agility on the road as well as competency beyond the asphalt thanks to its intelligent all-wheel drive system. The MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 hybrid system is made up of a 3-cylinder petrol engine with MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology and a synchronous electric motor. Together they generate a system output of 165 kW/224 hp enabling the car to sprint from standing to 62mph in 6.8 seconds.

The power of the combustion engine is transmitted to the front wheels via a 6-speed Steptronic transmission, while the electric motor powers the rear wheels. The intelligently controlled interaction between the two power units creates an all-wheel drive system that optimises agility and stability on the road as well as providing supreme traction over snow and unsurfaced terrain.

In everyday traffic the intelligent drive control of the MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 makes for an intense hybrid driving experience. When setting off, only the electric motor is initially active meaning a virtually noiseless start. As is typical of electric motors, the entire torque is available from standing. Once a driving speed of 50mph is reached, the combustion engine is gently activated. The eDRIVE toggle switch enables the driver to continue to drive with only the electric engine beyond this point if preferred: in MAX eDRIVE mode the MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 runs at up to 78mph free of local emissions. The electric range of the first MINI plug-in hybrid model is 25 miles.

The energy required for this is stored in a high-voltage lithium-ion battery. It can be charged at a conventional household socket or, for increased power input and reduced waiting times, at a wallbox or public charging station. Charging takes between 2:15 and 3:15 hours.

The efficiency and pulling power of the electric motor, its cleverly controlled interaction with the combustion engine and the premium quality and reliability of all components of the hybrid system is the result of the BMW Group’s eDrive technology. The high-voltage battery comes with a warranty which lasts for six years or 60,000 miles.

The MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 combines its progressive drive system with the versatile space concept and hallmark brand style of the latest MINI model range. The battery is housed underneath the rear seat and flat load boot floor, minimising drawbacks to boot space and leg room. The luggage compartment volume of the hybrid model is 405 litres, which can be extended to as much as 1,275 litres with the rear backrests folded down.

The new MINI Cooper SE Countryman ALL4 comes with a range of high quality standard equipment. This includes the MINI’s acclaimed Satellite Navigation System, Bluetooth, Cruise Control, Emergency E-call and Active Guard among other features. 6-speed Steptronic automatic transmission, the MINI Driving Modes and three spoke sports steering wheel are also offered as standard.

In addition to model-specific design elements such as the “E” emblem on the radiator grille and side scuttles as well as door sill finishers with a yellow “S” logo, the 17-inch light alloy wheels in Light Spoke design are another distinguishing feature exclusive to the model. Inside, hybrid-specific displays and the eDRIVE toggle switch indicate the distinctive character of the MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4.

BAC and it's supercar the Mono, are taking over the Isle of Man for the next Customer Experience time.

• Briggs Automotive Company (BAC) is gearing up to bring Mono Mania to the Isle of Man from Thursday 11th – Sunday 14th May
• An army of 12 Monos will hit the island as part of a special customer experience weekend, comprising road and track driving with the full support of the Isle of Man Government
• The Isle of Man prides itself on offering the perfect setting for extreme sports, driving and cycling, and BAC will use its playground to full effect to allow customers to extract the best of both the setting and the car
• BAC enjoyed remarkable success with its inaugural Mono Experience trip in February, as customers took to the frozen lakes of Sweden 

Briggs Automotive Company (BAC) is preparing to host an extra-special experience weekend on the Isle of Man with an army of its One-of-a-Kind Mono supercars and valued customers. 

Fresh off the back of a hugely successful inaugural experience weekend on the frozen lakes of Sweden in March, BAC is taking over its Isle of Man playground and teaming up with the local Government to give its customers exclusive access to some of the best roads on the planet. 

The Isle of Man is one of the world’s most ideal locations for driving thanks to its all-weather terrain and remote mountain areas, and the Government has given full support to BAC by de-restricting and closing roads purely for customer enjoyment. 

As many as 12 of the road-legal, single-seater supercars and 20 clients – representing 10 countries around the world – will head to the island on Thursday 11 May for four unforgettable days of no holds barred Mono fun. 

Guests will be staying in the finest hotels on the island with the very best hospitality from BAC members of staff – including Co-Founders Neill and Ian Briggs – but the real appeal of the experience is sampling all the Mono has to offer on road and track. 

After settling in on the opening day, Friday 11 May will see BAC’s guests head to the Jurby Circuit, where they’ll receive expert guidance from the BAC team before letting loose on the tarmac. 

On Saturday, the Monos will descend to the picturesque south west coast of the island to enjoy fully marshalled driving on specially de-restricted and closed roads. The cars will then line up at Castletown ahead of a private lunch, before the team hit the iconic TT Course to enjoy the Mono in perfect Isle of Man surroundings. 

Only BAC could offer such a remarkable experience to its loyal and valued customers, as it takes pride in being more connected with its clients than any other supercar manufacturer. 

It’s forever giving back to those who gave the brand its phenomenal stature around the globe, and taking to the Isle of Man is one of many ways BAC is repaying its nearest and dearest. 

BAC Co-Founder and Director of Product Development, Neill Briggs, said: “When Ian and I first set about creating the Mono, we did so with the vision of sharing it with friends – giving them access to the purest driving experience in the world. 

Our trip to Sweden in March saw that dream become a reality, and we’re once again relishing being able to showcase our creation to those who share our vision. We work closely with the Isle of Man and are very excited to show everyone what this wonderful place has to offer; we’d also like to extend our thanks to the Government for making part of the trip possibly and allowing us to sample idyllic roads in the best car possible.” 

For full information on Isle of Man road closures, please see below 

Isle of Man Road Closure Information

Friday 12th May 

Jurby Raceway from 09:00 – 16:00 approx. 

Saturday 13th May 

A36 Sloc and Shoulder Road from a point just West of the entrance to the Scard Farm to the Round Table Crossroads - from 09:00 - 1400 

Castletown Market Square will be closed from 12:00 – 15:00 approx. to accommodate a vehicle display

The Nissan X-Trail top models can come with an added option of a GPS enhanced Drone.

• Special version pack X-Trail crossover with advanced Parrot Bebop 2 drone as standard
• ‘Follow me’ tracking option ensures owners can create lasting memories of family adventures
• First Person View (FPV) functionality means unique footage of days out
• Backpack storage for ultimate portability
• Available on all N-Vision and Tekna grades as a £500 option

The Nissan X-Trail is the perfect crossover for family adventures, and a new special version pack boosts that to a thrilling new level. An unusual extra feature has been added to the car’s specification, allowing customers to create lasting memories of their exploits.

On sale now, the Nissan X-Trail X-Scape comes with a compact and lightweight drone as standard. It’s equipped with advanced ‘follow me’ GPS and visual tracking technology*, so users on the move can capture amazing photos and video footage of their days out with their drone following them autonomously.

That could be in their Nissan X-Trail, or on foot, bicycle, canoe, skateboard and any other suitable mode of transport.

The drone – a Parrot Bebop 2 weighing just 500g – features Nissan branding and comes with a Parrot Skycontroller 2 remote control and Parrot Cockpitglasses headset. These allow First Person View (FPV) functionality via a live feed from the 14 megapixel camera, for a truly immersive experience and unique bird’s eye views of adventure locations.

The drone’s exceptional manoeuvrability and digitally stabilised camera create a fantastic filming platform, for great results over a flight time of up to 25 minutes. For ultimate portability, the drone and supporting equipment come with a bespoke backpack-style padded storage case.

The X-Trail X-Scape Special Version pack is available across the X-Trail range on all N-Vision and Tekna versions as a £500 option, which can be specified when ordering via Nissan retailers.

X-Trail X-Scape special version packs also feature NissanConnect infotainment system with satellite navigation for hassle-free journeys to adventurous destinations. The panoramic sunroof with one-touch electric sunshade means the views should be spectacular, and roof rails allow bikes and canoes to be carried with ease.

Both five and seven-seat interiors of the Nissan X-Trail can be specified and premium X-Trail floor mats are also included. Planned production of the X-Trail X-Scape special version is approximately 1,200 units across Europe, with 200 units allocated for the UK.

WORLDWIDE SALES APRIL - VW - The brand takes a worldwide decrease in sales for the month.

• Worldwide deliveries fall slightly by 1.8 percent to 468,000 vehicles
• Upward trend in China continues, Teramont launched successfully
• Positive impetus from Russia
• Golf model replacement affects Western Europe

In April 2017, the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand delivered 468,000 vehicles throughout the world, corresponding to a slight fall of 1.8 percent compared with the corresponding month of the previous year. Jürgen Stackmann, Volkswagen Brand Board Member for Sales, commented: "Volkswagen brand deliveries in April were slightly below the figure for the previous year, as were overall market delivery figures for Europe and the USA. 

The main reason was the loss of two working days in April this year as a result of the later date of Easter compared with 2016. Another reason was the scheduled model replacement of the Golf family in Western Europe. 

On the other hand, we continued our upward trend in China and successfully launched the Teramont, our new large SUV. The Tiguan also continues to be very successful. Since its market launch, it has already been ordered by more than 355,000 customers."

The main trends in April were as follows:

• In Europe, 139,800 vehicles were handed over to customers, corresponding to a fall of 7.0 percent compared with April 2016. In certain key markets in Western Europe, deliveries were, as expected, affected by the scheduled model replacement of the Golf family.

• In the home market of Germany, 45,800 vehicles were delivered, 13.0 percent fewer than in April 2016. Apart from the replacement of the Golf, this figure was affected by the loss of two working days over Easter.

• Growth in the region of Central and Eastern Europe was continued. Deliveries rose by 12.9 percent to 21,400 vehicles. Russia made a key contribution with significant growth of 21.4 percent and has therefore achieved a turnaround. Especially the new Tiguan is benefiting from strong demand in Russia.

• In the USA, in a slightly contracting overall market, 27,600 vehicles were handed over to customers, corresponding to growth of 1.6 percent. Especially the Golf Estate (SportWagen) and the Golf Alltrack benefited from increased popularity with customers.

• In the region of South America, deliveries were at about the previous year's level, at 31,900 vehicles (-0.2 percent).

• The Volkswagen brand continued its upward trend in its largest market, China, in April. 226,000 vehicles were handed over to customers, corresponding to growth of 4.3 percent. This development was especially driven by SUV models. Deliveries of the Tiguan family with the new Tiguan L rose by 42.5% to 25,900 vehicles. The Teramont, the new large SUV model, was successfully launched and handed over to 4,200 customers in the first full month of deliveries.

• The new Ameo, which has been available since mid-2016, generated further growth in India. Deliveries rose by 13.1 percent to 3,300 vehicles.

Overview of deliveries by the Volkswagen brand

Deliveries to customers by markets	April 2016	April 2017	Change (%)	Jan.-Apr. 2016	Jan.-Apr. 2017	Change (%)
Europe	150,300	139,800	-7.0	579,600	568,000	-2.0
Western Europe	131,400	118,400	-9.9	511,000	488,000	-4.5
Germany	52,600	45,800	-13.0	191,300	175,000	-8.5
Central and Eastern Europe	18,900	21,400	+12.9	68,600	80,000	+16.7
Russia	6,000	7,300	+21.4	21,800	25,200	+15.2
North America	50,700	46,300	-8.7	178,300	178,700	+0.2
USA	27,100	27,600	+1.6	96,400	103,800	+7.7
South America	31,900	31,900	-0.2	120,300	131,500	+9.4
Brazil	21,400	19,400	-9.2	80,900	78,600	-2.8
Asia-Pacific	229,200	236,800	+3.3	999,900	976,500	-2.3
China	216,700	226,000	+4.3	939,400	921,600	-1.9
Worldwide	476,700	468,000	-1.8	1,936,200	1,908,900	-1.4