Seat Ibiza SportCoupe
Seat have launched a stylish three-door addition to the Ibiza range. Although inspiration is taken from the Bocanegra concept car we saw at Geneva, it's not a real coupe and neither is it particularly sporty, at least as yet.
However, though the three-door Ibiza will be available with only the 1.2, 1.4 and 1.6 petrol engines from launch, next year come the much-anticipated hotted up FR (150bhp-plus) and Cupra (200bhp-plus) versions, both featuring the turbocharged, direct-injection 1.4 TFSI engine. Also on the way are 1.4 TDI and 1.9 TDI diesels, including an Ecomotive version delivering less than 100g/km of carbon dioxide.
Styling has been enhanced to go with the flow of sportiness, with colour-coding evident on the body as well as detailing on the dash, door panels, steering wheel and air vents between the steering wheel and the door. The new model will go on sale in September. Prices start at around £9,000 for the entry-level three-cylinder 69bhp 1.2-litre model.
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July 2008 ^ top of page
Alfa Romeo MiTo - First Supermini
Alfa have revealed their first supermini, packed with technology, style and performance.
Its styling has been influenced by that of the Alfa 8C Competizione, with similar headlights, taillights and frameless side windows. Buyers will be given the option to personalise these details, with the choice of different materials and colours for the light surrounds.
Alfa appears to have taken a forward-looking approach rather than simply trying to recreate the much-loved Alfasud - its last small hatch of this type. While the platform is derived from the Fiat Grande Punto, everything is sportier.
Three trims are available – Turismo, Lusso and Veloce – and even the basic car comes with air-con, 16-inch alloys and an MP3-compatible stereo.
Engines for the range will initially include petrols and diesels spanning 90-155bhp though more powerful versions, including a top-end GTA, will follow.
Alfa Romeo, aware that its past sales have been affected by poor reliability and patchy dealer performance, recently completed a radical overhaul of its own UK importing procedures. The company now has its own inspection centre that actually road tests every car.
Right-hand-drive versions are expected to arrive in the UK in January 2009
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July 2008 ^ top of page
Vauxhall New Signature Car - The Insignia
The new Insignia, Vauxhall's Vectra replacement looks to have thrown off its predecessor's safe but dull image with a flowing, powerful coupé-like roofline. The body's sculpted shape is accented by sweeping front and rear light designs and enhanced by a bold radiator grille with a new-look Vauxhall emblem.
A distinctive 'blade' feature runs from behind the front wheel along the side of the car, further emphasising its taut and rakish lines. The Insignia is available with five engines at launch. All meet the Euro 5 emissions standard and come with either manual or automatic six-speed transmissions. The three petrol engines range from a four-cylinder 140PS unit to a V6 with 260PS. Two new 2.0-litre direct-injection diesels engines will be offered with power outputs of either 130PS or 160PS. The car will be offered with front-wheel and all-wheel drive. The new 'Adaptive 4X4' system's proactive, instantaneous torque distribution not only ensures optimal traction but also enhances dynamic handling performance.
The new five-seater, initially available in hatchback and saloon guise, can be ordered when prices are released on the 10th October with the first deliveries due January 2009.
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July 2008 ^ top of page
New Passat CC Revealed
Volkswagen's new coupe is set to arrive in the UK in July. Based on the successful Passat platform, it will be built in the German manufacturing plant in Emden. The Passat, the CC stands for comfort coupe, has a passing resemblance to the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class, with a curvaceous roof line and elegant body contours. When Passat CCs start arriving here, there will be a choice between two petrol engines and one diesel. The cheapest model, from £21,000, is the CC TSI, front-wheel drive and powered by the smallest petrol engine, a 1.8-litre turbo producing 158bhp. Lively, smooth and quiet, this new engine is remarkably efficient, giving a top speed of 138mph, 0-62mph in 8.6 seconds and returning a very acceptable EC Combined fuel consumption figure of 37.2mpg, with CO2 emissions at 180g/km. Volkswagen has also paid an inordinate amount of attention to the execution of the exterior design, which suggests this will be one of the company's more expensive products. The car maker says these include "small details that have tremendous impact" such as new guide system for the side windows and the frameless coupé doors. Simply put, they produce a flush surface so the wind doesn't swirl as the car cuts through the air while driving, increasing the visual aesthetic while lowering wind noise.
To sum up this will be one of Volkswagen's most luxurious cars.
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May 2008 ^ top of page
New Volvo XC60 Sports Crossover - Safest Volvo Ever
Volvo's sleek, muscular sports crossover has made its public debut at the Geneva motor show. XC60 has been designed to offer enhanced levels of sporty, reassuring handling.
However, the looks and the car-like handling are only a part of the XC60's likely appeal. The title of 'safest Volvo ever' is not something to be claimed lightly given Volvo's already heady reputation for excellence in this area.
As well as all the previous Volvo safety features the XC60 adds a brand new trick all its own. Called City Safety, this is designed to reduce accidents in nose-to-tail urban traffic and tailbacks by monitoring the behaviour of the car in front.
If the XC60's driver fails to react to cars slowing ahead of them, City Safety activates the brakes itself to reduce or avoid impact. The initial range of four-wheel drive 279bhp turbocharged T6 petrol and 161 or 182bhp D5 diesel variants will be followed by a two-wheel drive 161bhp diesel in 2009 - with Euro 5 compliance, and CO2 emissions of around 170g/km.
On sale in the UK in October, Volvo plans to sell 50,000 XC60s globally, per year, judging by the XC90's initial success, demand will be high.
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March 2008 ^ top of page
Renaults New 4x4 Crossover at Geneva
Renault's new Koleos, the product of the Renault-Nissan Alliance, has made its debut at the 2008 Geneva Show. It is based on the same platform and using the same 'All mode 4x4-i' system as the latest Nissan X-Trail.
It is diesel powered, safe, and well equipped although there is only space for five passengers. Alongside its hatchback handling pretensions and SUV dimensions, the Koleos is also offering up some MPV-style action. Renault may have never made a 4x4 before, but it does have a vast amount of experience in the people carrier arena - as such it is no surprise to find the Koleos is absolutely crammed full of useful storage solutions and everyday practicality. Two engines will be available at launch in the UK - both versions of Renault's frugal 2.0-litre dCi diesel unit. Entry-level variants make do with 148bhp and 236lb/ft of torque, those above with 173bhp and 266lb/ft.
Six-speed manual gearboxes are fitted all round, with the 148bhp version enjoying an optional six-speed auto.
Equipment levels will be generous with highlights including dual-zone air conditioning, Bose stereo, and massive panoramic sunroof.
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March 2008 ^ top of page
VW Scirocco Unveiled in Geneva
Volkswagen have launched their Golf-based three door Coupe.The VW roundel has moved from the grille up onto the nose, giving the Scirocco a low, pointed appearance.
The interior is smart with white-lit dials and optional, proper, 1970s-style brown leather. The Scirocco is a strict four-seater, with just two seats in the rear but enough space for a couple of adults. Mechanically, the Scirocco shares a great deal with the Golf GTi. When the Scirocco is released some time in the autumn, it will be available with VW's two-litre TFSI engine, which will send power to the front wheels through a six-speed manual, though the DSG automatic gearbox is available as an option. The Scirocco is expected to cost around £20,500 when it goes on sale later this year, although in 2009 we'll see a few cheaper, smaller-engined variants.
VW insiders say that the Scirocco previews the styling of the next-generation Golf, set to arrive at the end of this year. In other words a awful lot could be riding on how the public views the Scirocco's styling.
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March 2008 ^ top of page
BMW 1 Series Convertible
Essentially a 1-Series Coupe with an electro-hydraulically stowing fabric roof, it will be available in the UK with a choice of four petrol engines and one diesel, all employing technology from BMW''s eco-friendly Efficient Dynamics programme.
The electronic softtop, at the touch of a button, opens and closes in just 22 seconds, even while the car is moving at speeds of up to 40 km/h. When closed, the reinforced, integrated rear window helps to better block out noise. With a weight of 1,260 g/sqm, the strong roof material ensures improved noise insulation and offers the same comparable level of winter comfort as a permanent roof. Delivering outstanding refinement, performance and fuel economy, the straight six-cylinder petrol engine in the BMW 125i combines exceptional power with low weight, thanks to the use of lightweight aluminium and magnesium. In the BMW 135i, the Twin Turbo ensures a smoother power curve, and thanks to High Precision Injection power delivery is not only explosive, but also extremely efficient. An impressive 225 kW (306 bhp) propel the BMW 1 Series Convertible from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.6 seconds Behind BMW EfficientDynamics lies a package of intelligent features which considerably reduce emissions and improve fuel consumption while, at the same time, boosting performance. They ensure that the new BMW 1 Series Convertible sets new standards in terms of the efficiency and economy of its engine: it is one of the first BMWs to offer the new Auto Start Stop function, Brake Energy Regeneration and a host of drivetrain modifications. Together, they solve the "power vs. fuel consumption" dilemma in a way that's never been seen before.
Prices have now been released and delivery should commence in April.
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February 2008 ^ top of page
New Generation Fiesta 
Ford of Europe is reinventing its small car range for a new generation of customers in 2008, starting with a stylish and exciting all-new Fiesta. The car has made its global debut in both three- and five-door hatchback bodystyles at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show.
This new Fiesta it is supposed to be the most spectacular looking small car the firm has ever built. Stylish 'kinetic design' and dynamic flair combines with traditional Ford strengths to deliver a confident, contemporary, fun-to-drive package. The new vehicle range will introduce several Ford firsts for a small car, including – from later in 2008 – another model in the new Ford ECOnetic range promising CO2 emissions of fewer than 100 grams per kilometre.
The new model retains predecessor's compact size, but is lighter and stronger. Its intelligent Protection System includes new driver's knee airbag. Also included is Electric Power Assisted Steering (E-PAS) in the Fiesta for the first time.
E-PAS provides the right balance of low-speed assistance and excellent feel and responsiveness.E-PAS has another key benefit. It is another key facet of new Fiesta's initiatives to reduce fuel consumption.
The electric power steering pump only operates when steering-effort assistance is required, unlike traditional hydraulic PAS pumps that operate constantly when the engine is running. This brings a fuel consumption reduction. New technology highlights include keyless vehicle technology, 'Ford Power' engine start button, Ford Easyfuel capless refuelling, USB connectivity and ambient interior lighting.
Ford expect the new Fiesta to be delivered to UK customers in the Autumn
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January 2008 ^ top of page
The New Audi A3 Cabriolet
A new A3 Cabriolet, the first ever premium compact class ''open top'' from Audi, is expected to arrive here in the spring.
It reveals sporty lines, attractive headlight design and the characteristic single-frame grille. The classic cloth hood reinforces the A3 Cabriolet’s coupé look when up, and blends seamlessly into the overall outline of the car. The Audi A3 Cabriolet is available in the Standard and Sport trim levels. In both cases the equipment specifications are extensive, and the particularly dynamic Sport line includes 17-inch aluminium wheels, sports suspension and sports seats, among other features. It comfortably seats four occupants while the rear seat backs can be folded down for optimum practicality. Four engine versions – two petrol and two TDI – combine ample power with impressive efficiency. All of them are direct injection units with turbo charging. The performance range extends from 105 PS to 200 PS.
The space-saving Z-folding hood means that it does not intrude into the luggage compartment when folded down. Thanks to heated glass in the rear window and excellent thermal insulation, the A3 Cabriolet can be used all year round, regardless of the weather
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January 2008 ^ top of page
BMW X6 Crossover - The First Sports Activity Coupe
The X6 combines the attributes of an SUV (high ground clearance, large wheels and tyres) with those of a coupe (aggressive head-turning style, dramatic low-slung roof).
An oversized double-kidney grille, with titanium slats on the xDrive50i and black slats on the xDrive35i, adorns the front along with large air scoops with foglights. Flaps behind the grille aid aerodynamics by closing when engine cooling isn't required. The closed flaps also help with cold-weather starting.
Considering the sloping roof line, BMW says people and cargo space is plentiful. The latter is indeed cavernous with 25.6 cubic feet. The X6's boot has enough for four sets of golf clubs. The rear seats fold to boost capacity up to 59.7 cubic feet. The driver and front passenger get knee pads on the center console.
The xDrive35i is powered by BMW's award-winning 3.0-litre 300-horsepower inline-six which also sees duty in the 1, 3 and 5 Series cars.
Also standard, and working in concert with xDrive, is BMW's new Dynamic Performance Control, a drivetrain and chassis control system that works to correct over- and understeer by spreading out drive forces to the rear wheels. Torque is split not only between the front and rear wheels but also from side to side for improved agility and added stability.
Available from April, prices will start from £45,000
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December 2007 ^ top of page
New Model Ford Ka in 2008
Due to be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in October, Ford have revealed the all-new Ka, to reach showrooms in January. The current Ka was originally launched in 1996, and is still selling strongly, but it has been outclassed by newer rivals such as the Toyota Aygo and Fiat’s retro-inspired 500.
So, Ford has joined forces with Fiat and this is the result. It looks to the future rather than the past with a totally fresh shape and a thoroughly modern look.
The Ka’s interior will be just as forward thinking with a bold centre console and classy materials.
As the main customer base consists of young drivers, buyers can expect iPod connectivity as standard throughout the range, plus optional Bluetooth hands-free telephone technology.
Thanks to a very slight increase in size, there will be more space inside, with improved sound insulation and ride comfort.
Also, the car will provide the kind of driver appeal you would expect from a Ford, with sharp steering, excellent agility and plenty of involvement. For the first time, the Ka will also be available in diesel form. Its engine line-up will be identical to that of the Fiat 500, so customers will be able to choose a 75bhp 1.3-litre oil-burner, in addition to the 69bhp 1.2 and 100bhp 1.4-litre petrol powerplants.
Most variants should emit less than 120g/km of CO2. That puts them in road tax band B. An even greener 900cc two-cylinder turbo with stop-start technology is also expected.
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November 2007 ^ top of page
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