SMALL VOLKSWAGEN up! REMAINS BIG WINNER FOR WHAT CAR? MAGAZINE

Volkswagen’s compact city car, the up!, has retained its small car crown at the What Car? awards. The accolade was presented last night at a prestigious event held at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.

The up! was launched last March and has proved a big hit with customers and the media alike since then.  Commenting on the award, Chas Hallett, What Car? editor-in-chief, said: ‘The Volkswagen up! was last year’s Car of the Year because it offers class-leading ride and refinement and is great to drive. Low running costs and strong residuals make it sensational to own.’  Since it arrived on the market the up! has had to face stiff competition from a number of rivals, however, according to What Car? ‘none could match the up!’s sheer talent’.

As well as high quality, high levels of equipment and class-leading ride and refinement, the up! also offers excellent value for money.  Prices start at £8,095 (RRP OTR) for the entry-level Take up!.  What Car?’s chosen model, the High up! 1.0-litre 75 PS three-door, costs £10,665.  Standard equipment on this car includes ABS, four airbags, ESP (with the option to add the award-winning City Emergency Braking system for just £225), alloy wheels, air-conditioning, a variable boot floor, front fog lights, heated front seats and the innovative ‘Maps & More’ mobile Personal Infotainment Device which can be used to manage the car’s navigation, telephone, information and entertainment systems.

All up! models have a refined and economical three-cylinder 1.0-litre engine which produces 60 or 75 PS.  A BlueMotion Technology variant is also offered in combination with both power outputs, giving a combined consumption figure of 68.9 mpg (67.3 mpg with 75 PS) and CO₂ emissions of 95 g/km (98 g/km for 75 PS).  An automatic gearbox option is also available. 

ALFA 4C WINS READER AWARD FOR ‘MOST EXCITING CAR OF 2013’ AT WHAT CAR? CAR OF THE YEAR 2013 AWARDS

Alfa Romeo is proud to announce that the eagerly awaited Alfa 4C has been voted the most exciting car for 2013 by What Car?’s readership. The beautiful mid-engined sportscar beat the competition to pick up the What Car? Reader Award last night at the publication’s prestigious Car of the Year Awards 2013.

Visitors to whatcar.com, a site that receives upwards of three million views a month, were asked to vote on what car they believed would be the most exciting launch of 2013. Rival nominees included the BMW i3, McLaren P1 and Mercedes-Benz CLA. The voting closed on 8 January.

Commenting on the result, What Car? said: “The readers of whatcar.com have gone for glamour when nominating the car they’re most excited by in 2013. The Alfa Romeo 4C has the potential to not only look beautiful, but be great to drive too.”

Damien Dally, Head of Brand, Alfa Romeo UK, remarked: “This is a very special award for Alfa Romeo to receive as it’s voted for entirely by members of the public and shows the high level of excitement and anticipation for this stunning future Alfa. We are very much looking forward to the launch of the 4C later this year and we are confident it will live up to the huge interest it is generating.”

The award was accepted last night by Louis-Carl Vignon, Head of Brand, Alfa Romeo SpA.

ALL-NEW RANGE ROVER HAILED AS LUXURY CAR OF THE YEAR BY WHAT CAR?

• All-New Range Rover honoured as top luxury model by What Car? Magazine
• Fourth generation model acclaimed for “combining all the merits of a 4x4 with those of the finest luxury limos”
• Range Rover delivers highest luxury standards with no compromise in its legendary off-road capabilities

Land Rover opens the New Year in the same winning style as it closed 2012, with a major award for the all-new Range Rover. The fourth generation model has been named Luxury Car of the Year by What Car?

Announcing the award at a presentation dinner in London, the magazine’s Editor-in-Chief Chas Hallett said: “The Range Rover combines all the merits of a 4x4 with those of the finest luxury limos in the world.

The vast expanse of glass and armchair-like driving position make this a great place to travel. The sense of security brought to the mix by the high-tech four-wheel-drive system helps to make this about the most relaxing way, bar none, to cover the miles.”

Accepting the award, John Edwards, Land Rover Global Brand Director, said: “This award rewards everyone at Land Rover who has helped make the fourth generation Range Rover a landmark vehicle. At the same time as we have succeeded in delivering the highest standards of luxury, we have remained true to Land Rover’s core engineering heritage to ensure there is no compromise in Range Rover’s exceptional 4x4 capabilities.”

The all-new Range Rover displays its luxury character in its clean, modern design, use of high quality materials and exceptional equipment features. The cool and contemporary interior makes excellent use of high technology to create a relaxing cabin environment, however, demanding the conditions outside. Key elements include a four-zone climate control system, seats with integrated massage functions, seamless connectivity for mobile devices and sophisticated LED ambient lighting.

Range Rover’s advanced chassis and driver assistance technologies not only ensure supreme handling performance and safety, they also deliver exceptional comfort for everyone on board, too. The new model makes advances in this area with its new two-channel Dynamic Response active lean control, and Adaptive Dynamics with continuously variable damping.

In addition to its What Car? honour, Range Rover has also been named Top Gear magazine’s Luxury Car of the Year and the best 4x4 in the Sunday Times Driving supplement’s Top 100 Cars

AUDI A3 SPORTBACK IS 2013 WHAT CAR? CAR OF THE YEAR

All-new Audi compact hatchback wins category and overall awards and TT is voted Best Coupe for a seventh successive year in the industry 'Oscars'

• Audi A3 Sportback is named What Car? Car of the Year 2013
• 1.4 TFSI 122 SE model also takes home the award for best small family car
• TT Coupe honoured with its seventh consecutive victory in the Coupe category

The considered yet complete transformation of the Audi A3 Sportback has been enough to earn it one of the most coveted accolades in the motor industry – the What Car? Magazine Car of the Year Award for 2013. The all-new five-door premium compact hatchback took the top honour, along with the Best Small Family Car award,  at the magazine’s annual high profile presentation event, staged last night in London. The TT Coupe also emphasised its enduring appeal by being voted Best Coupe for the seventh consecutive year.

In the What Car? Magazine awards issue its road test team is full of praise for the ground-up redesign that has taken place under the subtly but comprehensively remodelled skin of the new A3 Sportback, describing the end result as “an incredible package” that sets  “the new benchmark”.

Referring to the specific version that impressed them most – the 1.4 TFSI 122PS SE – they commend the “smooth and punchy” engine, the “top drawer” refinement and the suspension, which they say “strikes an exceptional balance between fun and comfort.”

The cabin also wins plaudits for offering “the sort of quality usually reserved for luxury saloons”, as does the purchase and ownership proposition – the newcomer is described as being “aggressively priced”, and offering “low running costs and strong resale values.”

Chas Hallett, Editor-in-Chief at What Car? Magazine, summed up by saying: “The Audi A3 Sportback, our 2013 Car of the Year, brings new levels of brilliance in a host of areas. It mixes excellent refinement and an accomplished driving experience with easily the finest cabin quality ever seen in a small family hatchback; you’d have to look at full-size executive saloons to find anything that can match it.”

UK deliveries of the all-new A3 Sportback will begin in March. It launches with a choice of three advanced turbo charged and directly injected engines – two petrol and one diesel initially. Further engines, including the acclaimed 1.6 TDI offering 74.3mpg and 99g/km capability and the 1.4 TFSI with Cylinder on Demand technology delivering in excess of 60mpg, will be available later in 2013, as will quattro all-wheel-drive-equipped variants. Like its three-door counterpart the Sportback will be offered in SE, Sport and S line specification with prices ranging from £19,825 OTR to £25,500 OTR.

TT Coupe has an “unbeatable edge”

For the seventh year in a row, the TT Coupe has also collected some silverware – it retained its crown as the Best Coupe in its respective category, owing to a combination of “firecracker performance, beautiful steering, a well-judged ride and tenacious handling.”

Prices start at £24,355 for the TT Coupe 1.8 TFSI (160PS) Sport model and rise to £33,680 for the 2.0 TFSI (211PS) quattro Black Edition model.

Commenting on this exceptional start for the new A3, and on the run of success for the TT, Director of Audi UK Martin Sander said: “The A3 has never before faced such formidable competition, so the category win for this all-new car is in itself an achievement to be incredibly proud of. To win the overall Car of the Year award is something else entirely though – this great honour marks the car out as something truly special in the eyes of UK car buyers, and is of course also highly prized by all of us at Audi.”

“We shouldn’t let this great result overshadow what our TT has also achieved – it too is facing much tougher challenges from competitors, so the fact that none have managed to topple it for a seventh year really is nothing short of remarkable.” 

ROLLS-ROYCE ANNOUNCES RECORD SALES IN COMPANY’S 108‑YEAR HISTORY

• 3,575 cars delivered to customers in 2012, the highest annual sales in the 108-year history of the marque and the third consecutive record year.
• Sales growth reported across many regions worldwide.
• Bespoke content at highest-ever levels.
• Expansion into new markets – Rolls-Royce motor cars are now sold in more than 40 countries worldwide.
• United States overtakes China to regain number one regional position.
• Rolls-Royce reaffirms position at pinnacle of British luxury goods manufacturing.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars today revealed record sales results for 2012. 3,575 cars were sold globally during the year, which represents the third consecutive record and the best sales result in the marque’s 108-year history.

The record results were achieved despite a number of challenges in 2012. These included global business uncertainty and political unrest, preparations for the start of production of Phantom Series II and expansion works at the Home of Rolls-Royce in West Sussex to help the company satisfy increasing customer demand for Bespoke personalisation across the model range. Against this backdrop, Rolls‑Royce has successfully retained its position at the very pinnacle of the ultra luxury market, maintaining segment leadership for motor cars selling above Euros 200,000.  No other luxury brand sells as many cars in this segment as Rolls-Royce.

Strong sales growth was reported in many regions, with notable results seen in the Middle East (up 26%), Mainland Europe (up 21%) and Asia Pacific (up 18%). The United States and China remained the most significant individual markets for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. A number of markets reported record sales, including Saudi Arabia (up 63%) and Germany (up 15%).

As part of the company’s focus on long-term sustainable growth, there was significant dealer development during the year. Thirty new or refurbished dealerships opened across the world, taking the total to over 100 for the first time in the company’s history. Rolls-Royce also expanded into new markets, including Latin America, and sold motor cars in more than 40 countries worldwide.

“My aim at the outset of 2012 was another record. I am delighted to announce our sales for 2012 and to celebrate our 10^th anniversary with an historic record result”, said Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. “We had an outstanding year in spite of the challenges we faced, and Rolls-Royce now leads the ultra luxury market by some considerable margin. I applaud the Rolls-Royce workforce for their passion and commitment to this Great British brand and we can look forward to future success.”

The company’s portfolio includes the pinnacle Phantom family products – Phantom, Phantom Extended Wheelbase, Phantom Drophead Coupé and Phantom Coupé – and the Ghost family – Ghost and Ghost Extended Wheelbase. Demand for all variants was strong. Phantom Series II was unveiled in March at the Geneva Motor Show to worldwide acclaim and production has been increased at the company’s Goodwood manufacturing plant to meet customer demand.

2012 also marked another record for the Rolls-Royce Bespoke personalisation programme, a service with Rolls-Royce’s legendary hand-craftsmanship and attention to detail at its core. Nearly every Phantom family model (95%) and three out of every four Ghosts (73%) left the Home of Rolls-Royce with some element of bespoke personalisation. Sales were also enhanced by several exceptional bespoke collections in 2012, including Phantom Coupé Aviator, Art Deco, and Ghost One Thousand and One Nights.

The company celebrates its 10^th anniversary at Goodwood in 2013. The first Phantom was presented to its owner at one minute past midnight on 1 January 2003. During the anniversary year, a major new extension to the Goodwood manufacturing plant will be opened to help the company meet increasing global demand for highly personalised Ghost and Phantom models

All-New Range Rover honoured as top luxury model by What Car? Magazine

• All-New Range Rover honoured as top luxury model by What Car? Magazine
• Fourth generation model acclaimed for “combining all the merits of a 4x4 with those of the finest luxury limos”
• Range Rover delivers highest luxury standards with no compromise in its legendary off-road capabilities

Land Rover opens the New Year in the same winning style as it closed 2012, with a major award for the all-new Range Rover. The fourth generation model has been named Luxury Car of the Year by What Car?

Announcing the award at a presentation dinner in London, the magazine’s Editor-in-Chief Chas Hallett said: “The Range Rover combines all the merits of a 4x4 with those of the finest luxury limos in the world.

The vast expanse of glass and armchair-like driving position make this a great place to travel. The sense of security brought to the mix by the high-tech four-wheel-drive system helps to make this about the most relaxing way, bar none, to cover the miles.”

Accepting the award, John Edwards, Land Rover Global Brand Director, said: “This award rewards everyone at Land Rover who has helped make the fourth generation Range Rover a landmark vehicle. At the same time as we have succeeded in delivering the highest standards of luxury, we have remained true to Land Rover’s core engineering heritage to ensure there is no compromise in Range Rover’s exceptional 4x4 capabilities.”

The all-new Range Rover displays its luxury character in its clean, modern design, use of high quality materials and exceptional equipment features. The cool and contemporary interior makes excellent use of high technology to create a relaxing cabin environment, however, demanding the conditions outside. Key elements include a four-zone climate control system, seats with integrated massage functions, seamless connectivity for mobile devices and sophisticated LED ambient lighting.

Range Rover’s advanced chassis and driver assistance technologies not only ensure supreme handling performance and safety, they also deliver exceptional comfort for everyone on board, too. The new model makes advances in this area with its new two-channel Dynamic Response active lean control, and Adaptive Dynamics with continuously variable damping.

In addition to its What Car? honour, Range Rover has also been named Top Gear magazine’s Luxury Car of the Year and the best 4x4 in the Sunday Times Driving supplement’s Top 100 Cars.

Peugeot 2012 results released

• 1,700,000 vehicles sold in 2012
• Growth in sales in China up 24% in a market up 7%
• Sales outside Europe accounted for 44% of total sales
• 221,000 worldwide sales of the new 208
• Successful launch of the 301 in emerging markets
• Move up-market with success of the diesel hybrid HYbrid4 range - 19,000 orders

OVERVIEW

In a generally depressed European market and overseas markets with contrasting fortunes, Automobiles Peugeot recorded 1,700,000 sales worldwide of assembled and CKD vehicles in 2012.

However, three quarters of the drop (-19.6% compared to 2011) was accounted for by the interruption during the first half of the year of deliveries of CKD kits to Iran Kodhro (amounting to 313,000 units), a consequence of the strengthening of international sanctions against Iran.

On the other hand, the sales of assembled vehicles, at 1,555,000 units, fell back only 6.1% compared to 2011.

Successful launches: 208, HYbrid4 range and 301

Automobiles Peugeot maintained a rapid pace of product launches in 2012, with five major launches and several models launched on international markets.

Produced in France and in Slovakia, the 208 was launched in all European markets in the spring of 2012; it continued its international deployment during the second half, to be completed in early 2013 with sales in Russia and its industrial and commercial launch in Brazil.

In December 2012, the 208 took first place on the French passenger car market; in Europe (in November, the latest figures available), it was already at the head of the B segment in Holland and Portugal, and was on the podium in its segment in Belgium, Spain, Ireland, Luxembourg, Norway and Slovenia.

At the end of 2012, the Peugeot 208 won several Awards (in UK, Spain, Ireland, Italy), is a finalist for the title of ‘European Car of the Year 2013’ and has already registered 221,000 sales since launch.

The diesel hybrid technology, HYbrid4, launched as a world first in 2012 on the 3008 HYbrid4, then on the 508 RXH and the 508 Saloon HYbrid4, attracted 19,000 customer orders cumulatively by the end of 2012. As a result, in December 2012, the HYbrid4 versions represented 14% of orders for 3008 and 20% of orders for 508 in Europe.

The 301, an affordable and enhancing saloon, 4.44 metres in length and built in Vigo (Spain), was conceived to meet the expectations of customers in growing markets that are probably buying a new car for the first time. It has already achieved excellent initial sales in the markets where it was launched during the autumn (Turkey, Central and Eastern Europe, Algeria).

Sales will start during 2013 in Russia and the Ukraine, the Middle East and in certain markets in Africa and Latin America followed by its industrial and commercial launch in China at the end of 2013. The objective for 301 will be 150,000 sales in a full year. Note, this car will not be sold in Western Europe.

Move up-market: one Peugeot vehicle in five is a ‘Premium’ model

In 2012, with 279,000 units, the sales worldwide of the Marque’s “Premium” models represented a fifth of sales of assembled vehicles.

Sales of the 508, including its HYbrid4 derivatives were 121,000 units, particularly in Europe and in China and the 3008 / 3008 HYbrid4 Crossover attracted 109,000 customers.

Peugeot in Europe (EEC + EFTA + Croatia):

With a volume of 955,000 units (passenger cars and light commercial vehicles), down by 12.6 % compared to 2011 in a very depressed European market ( down 8.6 %), Peugeot recorded a market share of 6.8% (7.1% in 2011) in this area and retains its position of 4th place held since 2010.

However, Peugeot’s lower market share in Europe compared to 2011 is attributable particularly to the first half (-0.6 point); on the other hand, penetration was stable (6.7%) during the second half.

For passenger cars (797,000 registrations, -13%), with the successful launch of the 208, growth of 508 and the satisfying results for 3008, compensated only partially for the expected drop for the 206+, the 207 and the 308; Peugeot ended 2012 with a market share of 6.3% (6.7% in 2011).

In the LCV market, with volumes of 158,000 registrations (a reduction less than the market), Peugeot increased its market share to 10.7% (10.4% in 2011) and reached 4^th place (6^th in 2011) among the other marques in Europe.

Western Europe (18 countries)

In a West European market for passenger cars and LCVs that was 8.7% lower, Peugeot registrations reached 906,000 units, corresponding to a market share of 6.9% (7.2% in 2011).

Peugeot’s high exposure to the French and southern European markets (Spain, Greece, Italy, Portugal), affected by severe austerity measures weighed down the Marque’s performance.

In France, in a total car and LCV market down by 13.3% compared to 2011, Peugeot sold 369,136 vehicles with a market share of 16.2%.

A full complement of petrol engines from July, allowed Peugeot to further improve 208’s good momentum during the second half. The trio of 206+, 207+ and 208 achieved 6.9% of the total market and positioned Peugeot as leader of the B segment in 2012.

In the compact MPV and family saloon (C and D) segments, Peugeot confirmed good sales momentum for its models. The 3008 and the 5008 were the leaders of their respective segments with 3.5% market share cumulatively. Finally, the 508, with its range supplemented by the launch of the two hybrid models, stayed at the top of its segment with 1.4% market share and more than 25,950 units sold.

In the UK, the only large European market showing growth, Peugeot progressed both in volume (121,000) and in market share (5.3% against 5.2% in 2011), due in particular to the success of the 107, the 208, 508 and light commercial vehicles.

In Italy, a market that dropped by 21%, Peugeot (79,000 registrations) increased its market share to 5.2% against 4.8% the previous year and moves up two places among the other marques (5^th versus 7th in 2011), thanks to the successful launch of the 208 and good results for 508.

Peugeot moved up to 2nd place (3rd in 2011) in Spain, with 68,000 registrations and a stable market share of 8.7%.  In Germany, Peugeot recorded 82,000 registrations (-13%) with a market share of 2.5%.

Peugeot confirmed its position in the top three for registrations of passenger cars and LCVs in several other West European markets, such as Belgium & Luxembourg, Holland, Portugal and Denmark.

Central and Eastern Europe

In the central and Eastern European markets, down 7.7% overall, Peugeot recorded 49,000 registrations in 2012, with a market share of 5.4% (5.5 % in 2011); it should be noted that market penetration has increased in several countries, including Slovenia (10%), Croatia (9.3%), and in Poland (5.2%), the main market in the area.

Internationalisation: strong growth in China, Argentina and Algeria

In 2013, with major launches aimed at Peugeot’s continued internationalisation – increasing importance of the 208, first full year for the 301 and the launch of 2008 with very international ambitions - 2012 was characterised by several remarkable successes for the Marque in growing markets.

In China, the largest vehicle market in the world, Peugeot’s sales saw growth of 24.4%, nearly four times greater than for the market: to 216,000 units, corresponding to a market share of 1.7%, against 1.4% in 2011 – new records for the Marque, both in volume and in penetration.

This performance, the fruit of the success of Peugeot’s entire offering in China and in particular the three new models launched industrially and commercially during the last three years (408, 508, 308 Saloon), placed Peugeot in the top three for the highest level of growth in the Chinese market.

In Latin America, with 174,000 sales in 2012, Peugeot achieved contrasting results: growth in Argentina and Chile, a slight drop in Mexico and a year of transition in Brazil before the start of production of the 208 at the Porto Real plant and its on sale date from spring 2013.

In particular, Peugeot’s performance in Argentina should be underlined: with 81,000 registrations a growth of 8.5% in a market that was slightly down, market share is established at 10% (+0.9 point).

In Africa, Peugeot has improved performances in the Maghreb region, with sales growth of 5.5% in Morocco (Peugeot is the leader within the imported marques) and 1.8% in Tunisia (market leader). But it is Algeria that stands out in this overall picture: in the second largest market in Africa with sustained growth during 2012 (+45%), Peugeot’s sales jumped by 95%, to reach 65,000 units and a market share of 14.5% (+3.5 points on 2011) placing it in second position in the market.

In 2012, with 39% of the sales of ‘assembled vehicles’ achieved outside Europe (608,000) against 33% the year before (550,000); Peugeot has continued its internationalisation strategy.

2014 Mini could spawn 23 Different models

The all-new, Mk3 BMW Mini is just 12 months away from the showroom, and it promises a dramatic leap forward in handling, performance and quality. Insiders say that because the new  Mini family — which could extend to as many as 11 new models — is part of BMW’s UKL1 front-wheel drive platform project, factory costs can be reduced and quality increased. 

BMW sources have already admitted that as many as 23 different models could eventually be given the green light. Indeed, estimates by industry analysts suggest that, by 2020, BMW will be selling about 980,000 front-drive cars under both the BMW and Mini brands.  

All of today’s Mini models will be replaced and there will be at least three new models. These will include the new Traveller, which is a kind of sporty mini-MPV similar in layout to the BMW Concept Active Tourer. Also on the drawing board is a luxuriously trimmed baby saloon aimed at east Asia. The styling of the Mk3 range is said to have been strongly influenced by the Mini Rocketman concept. 

The biggest-selling Mini newcomer, however, will be the unusual five-door hatchback, which has foreshortened rear doors primarily intended to allow children quicker access to the rear seats. The Mk3 Mini family could also introduce some significant conceptual makeovers for existing models.  

The UKL1 platform brings greater dimensional flexibility because it comes in at least two lengths and two seat heights. BMW’s plans for an MX-5 sized roadster mean that today’s Mini Coupe and Roadster models could become proper sporting cars, rather than modified versions of the cabrio.  

The Countryman is also expected to become a bespoke SUV, unlike today’s model, which is closer to a five-door supermini with a raised ride height. The Clubman will grow longer and wider and is expected to become more of a sports estate. The controversial ‘club door’ layout seems likely to be dropped. 

Apart from the highest-performance models, all of the new Minis will be powered by BMW’s all-new three-cylinder, 1.5-litre engine in both petrol and diesel forms.

As well as six-speed manual transmissions, the new Mini will come with the option of a super-efficient eight-speed automatic gearbox.

Four-wheel drive will be offered on more Mini models in the future. Manufacturers are finding that demand is rising noticeably for the option of four-wheel drive on road cars of all sizes.

With the promise of at least one sub-90g/km CO2 model in the new-generation diesel Mini line-up, there’s no news yet on a hybrid Mini. It would undoubtedly be popular in the US market, but complexity and expense might rule it out. 

To help with this massive expansion, which should enable Mini to add at least 150,000 annual sales to its current volumes of about 300,000, a new production line is being built at Mini’s Oxford plant. BMW is also in negotiations to use the old Mitsubishi Nedcar factory in the Netherlands as a satellite plant from mid-2014.

by Hilton Holloway  AUTOCAR

2013 New Cars - Part 2

Part one was yesterday, now it is time for part two, more luxury, more sporty, more fun, 2013 looks a good year for the buying public.

CADILLAC 

The US brand Cadillac tried again in the UK with this the new ATS, 2.0 turbo petrol, and later a diesel makes this the best chance yet that uncle Sam will make a small dent in the UK market, will it succeed, lets wait and see.


CHEVROLET
The Chevy Aveo RS is an new addition to the range at £13k-£14k this 5 door 1.4 turbo should add some kudos to the lower end of the range, changes to the bumpers and larger wheels plus leather trim makes it a nice budget car, due around now, also a revamped

Spark is available now from £8.5k new bumpers and rear lights, a new center console inside an updated colours give the park a refresh to keep it going for a few more years yet, not my favourite, but ideal for those that like small cars, if like me you need a higher easier access car, the new trax @£16k and due in the spring might be the answer, based on the Vauxhall Mokka, 3 engines and cheaper than the Mokka, this is one to add to the ever growing list of SUV's in this market, is it one I would choose, I doubt it, it's looks, like the majority of US cars are really not as good as they could be, and residuals might not be as good as Euro SUV's,but it is definitely worth a try.

CITROEN

Citroen is having a quiet year this year, only upgrading existing or adding new editions to existing ranges, this the C3 Picasso get uprated bumpers, lots of flashy chrome, additional electronic

gadgets inside and a couple of extra colour choices, the poverty spec starts @ £13.5k, but I would avoid this at all costs, it looks cheap and nasty,  go for a higher model and the looks get better, but you pay for it, next to be released this year is the DS3 Cabrio,

Citroen got a big hit on there hands with the DS range and especially the DS3, both these citroens are due in the early part of this year and at £14k (est) its not a bad package, I would have this over the standard C3 any day. In 2014 the DS range gets an electric car, double the power of teh ZOE from Renault, but with only a 75 mile range it limits your days out, however you can get an 80% quick charge in 30 minutes which is one of the best around, £15k seems cheap so 
expect it to rise before launch. Another DS, the 4, gets a sporty racing version towards the end of the year, sub 6 seconds to 62 from the 1.6 turbo running 160bhp, not  as good looking as the DS3 in my opinion, but not a cheap buy @ £30k (est), too much for a mid range Citroen I am afraid.


DACIA

 

A brand new budget brand enters the UK with the emphasis on cheap, the Duster, well known in many other countries starts @ £9k, basic is not the word, go for the next one up, and dont bother haggling, the price is set, thats it, nut to be honest thats not a bad thing,, next is the weirdly named Lodgy, there version of an MPV, as other manufactures go from MPV's to SUV's maybe this will fill the gap, @ £8.2k huge car for small price, available mid year, next in
the list for new product is the available now Sandaro supermini, the cheapest new car in the UK @ £6k, not a bad looker, based on the last gen Clio, this will be the best seller in the new Dacia range, and well deserved too, if you want a Streetwise version, for those who remember the Rover 25 Streetwise, this Sandaro Stepway is a normal car slight raised with chunkier external trim and available from April with a starting price of £8k, Good luck to Dacia in the UK, we like to haggle but you wont let us, this is not new as Deawoo did the same way back in the day, it worked then, I hope it works now.

Thats it for part 2, look for part three soon, and please let others know about this site, see you all soon.

BRAND NEW RELEASE - Lexus IS in the metal

• First official images of the new-generation Lexus IS, released ahead of the car’s world debut at the Detroit motor show
• Powerful and elegant exterior references Lexus’s LF-CC concept car
• Clean cabin design with sportier driving position
• Increased wheelbase and width make for more cabin space and greater luggage capacity
• IS F Sport models display individual exterior styling and adopt more supportive seats
• Further press information to be released to coincide with IS’s public unveiling on 15 January

The first official pictures of the all-new Lexus IS have been released, revealing powerful and elegant exterior styling and a cabin that is more spacious and driver-focused. Even at first glance it is clear to see how faithful Lexus has remained to the acclaimed LF-CC concept car that trailed its design thinking at last year’s Paris motor show.

The images precede the new model’s world debut at the Detroit motor show in 15 January and its introduction in the UK later this year.

Exterior design

The new IS is inspired by Lexus’s LF-CC concept and displays its own interpretation of the spindle front grille arrangement that has become a hallmark of all new Lexus models. Overall the impression is of power, elegance and a stronger brand identity.

Viewed in profile, the new IS shows the mass of the cabin concentrated towards the rear, with a rising line flowing from the blower body into the rear lamp clusters, adding further elegance and dynamism.

There is also a new, powerfully articulated headlamp cluster design, with Lexus’s signature L-shaped daytime running lights presented independently below.

The cabin design is clean and elegant, with an ergonomically ideal environment created for the driver.

The new IS’s increased width and longer wheelbase allow for significantly more comfort for rear seat passengers and greater luggage capacity, too. The combination of the extended wheelbase and a thinner front seat design delivers best-in-class knee-room and access in the rear. The new rear seats also have a 60:40 split-folding function.

The new-design driver’s seat is more comfortable and provides better lateral support. The seat hip point and the angle of the new steering wheel – inspired by the LFA – are both lower, and the steering wheel’s reach adjustment has been increased, giving a more sporting driving position.

The refinement of the cabin materials, trims and finishes is complimented by advances in HMI technology and the introduction of a high-quality analogue clock. The centre console controls feature a Lexus first: electrostatic switches that need just a finger touch to adjust the air conditioning temperature.

Exclusive F Sport design features

The new IS F Sport models can be instantly recognised thanks to their special grille and front bumper design. The “waistline” of the spindle-shaped grille is set higher than on the standard models, creating a larger lower grille that can draw in the greater volume of cooling air needed for sportier driving.

The IS F Sport also has an exclusive seat design that provides extra support. The seats are made using an integrated foaming method that ensures there are no gaps between the upholstery and the filling, giving both excellent comfort and great lateral holding.

In another direct reference to the LFA supercar, the IS F Sport features a driver’s meter with a moving centre ring.

2013 new cars part 1

2013 should continue in the same way as 2012, increased volume, better deals and lots of new metal, this is part one of the releases, it will be alphabetical order and I apologise if I miss any out, just let me know and I will add them in later, so here we go..... the new cars of 2013

ABARTH

£40,000 for a Fiat 500, wow, but then this is no ordianry 500, this is the 180bhp from 1.4 turbo comes as you like, this is the customisation program at its best, as they say anything you want, you got it, no other new product from Fiat this year, just minor exterior and interior updates on the rest of the range.

ASTON MARTIN

At £132,000 this is no cheap car, but when you buy an Aston you buy into the history and style, leather everywhere, wood if you choose, alcantara or carbon fibre, this 183mph rocket is a true Grand Tourer, this is not the only car that Aston has for 2013,the  
Vanquish has also been given a refresh, out this month the £190k car has more road presence than the DB9, interior changes include vibrating buttons and a great use of carbon fibre, this is one lovely car, but my favourite is the V12 Roadster, the bonnet vents make this £150k, 190mph car look aggresive and ready for a fight, this model will give many a bloody nose when it is pushed, or you can cruise to the French Riviera in style and grace, its your choice.


AUDI

Audi has a number of new cars this year starting with its big seller the A3 Sportback, slightly bigger than the 3 door and £620 dearer than its equivilant 3 door version, this Audi should help keep its sales figures high for another year, The sportier brother of the 

A3 is the S3, the two door 4WD goes from 0-62 in 5.1 seconds and onto a limited 155mph, it looks little different from the standard three door but look carefully and you will see the differences, the next Audi to join the range is the amazing Audi R8 V10 plus, this 

leviathan is lighter and has more power than the standard R8, however, this £127k car, can just about hit 200 with a back wind, however mpg is very poor and dont think the CO2 is any better, it isn't at 299g/km, so your 
road tax is going to be sky high as well,

another new Audi is the RS5 Cabrio, due in the summer, just before the R8, it hits the road at just the right time, or not is our summer is as bad as usual, estimated at £70k, not cheap but, especially as its looks are the same throughout the entire range.

BENTLEY

The new Continental Flying Spur is due in the summer, at £170k it echoes the Mulsanne but has differing grill, headlights and rear end, twin turboV8 and W12 engines will be able to pull this huge car along nicely, not as 
nicely as the GT Speed, this can hit 205mph 
and 0-62 in 4.2 seconds, luxury and speed in one car, looks are like marmite but you cant disguise the fact that Bentley is progressing with new and great products, one of which is a variation on the massive Mulsanne, they have took away two doors and cut away the roof to make a convertible, this car at an estimated £250k will be available sometime in the summer, I cant wait to see it.



BMW

BMW are having a quietish year for the main ranges, however this car due in 2014, I know this is supposed to be about 2013 cars, but, this is a FWD BMW, based on the next gen MINI and due to be called 1 Series GT, whereas BMW's main area this year is for the"i" ranges, the i3 (left) is due at the end of the year like the i8, bot these cars are powered by motors on the wheels, with aluminium and carbon fibre used liberally throughout both models, the weight will be 

kept to a minimum with prices estimated at £35k (i3) and £150k (i8) a range extending petrol is an option on the i3, and a 1.5 litre powers the rear wheels while battery powers the front, a new future awaits BMW with these and future models. The iconic M3 badge is back, but only on a saloon, there will be no coupe version, that will be called the M4, estimated to be £55k and a 4 second 0-62 BMW continues to push the boundaries with the M brand.

BUGATTI
BUGATTI

Have you got a spare £2 mil, well if so you can get this the Veyron type 37A, this special is £300k dearer than the standard model, on sale now, and ideal for the lottery winner, superstar or just rich gits.

2013 Kicks of a good year for Vauxhall

2012 was another exceptional year for the Vauxhall brand with sales setting records for the company and many products leading their market segments.  Having introduced an unprecedented six all-new models in 2012 - Ampera, Zafira Tourer, Mokka, ADAM, Astra VXR, Combo Van and a significant facelift on Astra five-door and Sports Tourer models - the company showed its rivals a clean pair of wheels on the roads and in the showroom.

Vauxhall’s flagship Insignia achieved number one in its segment and outsold two of its major rivals by 50% at both retail and fleet.  The Astra GTC three-door sports coupe, following its highly acclaimed launch late in 2011, is also at number one in its class, beating its major German rival by 3:1 at retail and 2:1 at fleet. Zafira achieved number one in its segment, reinforcing its position as the leading 7-seat MPV in the UK and following its significant facelift in 2011, Antara, Vauxhall’s mid-size SUV, has grown by an extraordinary 700% year-on-year to 7000 sales. 

In 2011, Vauxhall took a strategic decision to rebalance its sales mix in fleet and retail with the result that Vauxhall became the fastest growing automotive brand at retail in 2012.

And if you think that you’re seeing more Vauxhall Police cars on the roads these days, you would be right – Vauxhall is the number one supplier to Police fleets with a 70% market share of competitive segments.

Commercial vehicles continue to be a major force in the company’s product armoury with Vauxhall placed at number one for retail sales in the UK CV market in 2012. Vauxhall’s retail share of the commercial vehicle market has now grown to over 16%. 

2013 is Vauxhall’s 110th anniversary year, the company has been manufacturing and selling motor vehicles in the UK without interruption since 1903.  In 2012, its plant at Ellesmere Port in Cheshire was awarded the accolade of lead European manufacturing plant for the next generation Astra, due to start production in 2015.  Likewise the Luton van plant will build the next generation Vivaro from 2014 – both new products securing their respective plant’s production life into the next decade.

In 2012 Vauxhall was on the top step of the podium for many awards including Investors in People, Britain’s Top Employer, British Standard 25999 for Business Continuity Planning (the first automotive company in the UK to achieve this accolade), and multiple automotive awards led by Ampera, with European Car of the Year 2012.

Vauxhall’s Chairman and Managing Director Duncan Aldred, said: ‘The UK was the shining light in a gloomy European automotive market in 2012 and Vauxhall was right at the forefront in sales and innovation. Launching six all-new models in one year was a huge challenge but was fundamental to the continued growth of this great British brand. Add our highly successful UK Home Nations Football sponsorship programme, Lifetime Warranty and the technical masterpiece that is the Ampera electric range-extender, even more new vehicle launches in 2013 and we see Vauxhall entering its 110th year as the force to be reckoned with in the heartland of UK motoring.'

Peugeot 208 launches Special Edition already

• Park Assist, Satellite Navigation and Cielo roof
• Powered by a choice of one petrol and two HDi diesel engines
• HDi models have CO2 emissions of just 98 g/km – Zero V.E.D.
• Priced from £14,245 on-the-road

Peugeot’s popular 208 range will expand this month with the introduction of a Special Edition, the Peugeot 208 Intuitive.

Available with a choice of petrol and HDi diesel engines, the 208 Intuitive is available in both 3 and 5 door variants and priced from £14,245. It is packed with even more equipment and showcases new technology in the form of Park Assist - the automatic parallel parking feature which is available for the first time on a Peugeot.

Peugeot’s new Park Assist system provides active assistance with parking, detecting a parking space then controlling the steering to park in the space. It controls the steering while the driver manages the accelerator, brakes, gears and clutch. During the parking phases, the system provides visual and audible information to the driver in order to make the manoeuvre safe.

All Intuitive models are based on the current 208 Allure versions but benefit from a range of extra standard equipment consisting of: Park Assist, 16” alloy wheels, Satellite Navigation, Cielo Roof with ambient lighting, Directional front fog lights, Automatic Dual Zone Air conditioning and LED surround on the instrument dials.


As well as the extra standard equipment, all Intuitive models also benefit from: ABS, Electronic Brake As well as the extra standard equipment, all Intuitive models also benefit from: ABS, Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBFD), Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), power steering, six airbags, remote control central locking with deadlocks, three rear three-point seat belts, 2/3–1/3 split folding rear seats, steering column adjustable for reach and rake, radio / single CD player, trip computer, Cruise Control with speed limiter, electrically operated / heated door mirrors and air-conditioning.

The strong pricing and specification of Intuitive makes all versions an extremely compelling retail proposition via Peugeot Passport and Peugeot’s unique ‘Just Add FuelTM’. The ‘Just Add FuelTM’ package provides drivers with a cost effective way to get behind the wheel of a new car. A single monthly payment covers all the major motoring costs: comprehensive motor insurance, road fund licence, vehicle servicing, roadside assistance and warranty all in a three-year finance package with a fixed-price single monthly payment.

The 208 Intuitive range will be launched in the UK in January priced from £14,245 on-the-road for the 1.2 VTi 82bhp petrol version.

The award-winning new Peugeot 208 Supermini, which went on sale late June 2012, has now secured over 20,000 orders since order books opened. For 2013 the growth will continue, helped by range expansion: excitement, style and desire with the new 208 GTi, 208 XY and 2008 – due throughout the year.