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Do you realise that the UK, from 1st April will change the taxation rates again, in favour of high polluting cars.

January 23, 2017, 12:34 am
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  • New VED system will net government an additional £1.4 billion over next 4 years
  • 2017 road tax rules will add more than £500 to the long-term running costs of Britain’s most-popular and eco-friendly cars
  • Buyers of the most-polluting vehicles could save up to £245
The majority of new car buyers will lose out when new road tax rules come into force on 1 April, according to latest research from HonestJohn.co.uk.
The leading consumer motoring site’s figures show that new tax rules will add more than £500 to the add more than £500 of Britain’s most-popular and eco-friendly vehicles, while providing significant benefits for some of the most-polluting cars.

This means the UK’s best-selling car - the Ford Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost 100PS - will cost £540 more to tax over four years, while buyers of the V8 Mustang stand to save £245 over the same period of time. This is despite the fact that the American muscle car emits three times more CO2 than the efficient Fiesta.
Until now, the government has offered zero VED to entice car buyers into eco-friendly vehicles; however, with 74 per cent of new cars emitting less than 130g/km of CO2, the government has made a U-turn on its policy and introduced rules to force buyers of new, efficient cars to pay more.
Under the current tax rules, vehicles that emit sub-99g/km qualify for zero VED for the first year and pay nothing for every year after; however, from 1 April 2017 the government will replace the current 13 band tax system with three new bands - zero, standard, premium – plus a surcharge for electric cars with a list price above £40,000.
This means all new cars bought after 1 April with sub-99g/km CO2 emissions will pay for road tax; a move that will add up to £540 to the long-term running costs of some of Britain’s cleanest and most efficient cars. Even hybrids won’t escape, with buyers of the Toyota Prius paying an extra £405 over four years, while Tesla S buyers will have to pay an additional £930.
However, while buyers of new cars over £40,000 will be forced to pay an extra £310 a year for five years, HonestJohn.co.uk has found a gap in the tax law that allows some of the UK’s most-polluting cars under the £40,000 price limit to benefit.
Buyers of the Mitsubishi Shogun 3.2 DI-DC automatic, for example, will save £265 over four years, regardless of the fact that the SUV produces a whopping 245g/km of CO2. It’s a similar story for the Subaru WRX and Nissan 370Z too, with both emitting over 240g/km and saving hundreds under the new system.  
Honest John’s Managing Editor, Daniel Powell, said: “Many motorists are unaware of the changes that are coming for VED, but the fact of the matter is this – the system is changing, and low emissions cars won’t be as tax efficient as they were before. It’s a bit of a mixed message to increase tax on fuel efficient cars while reducing it on less eco-friendly models when the government is trying to increase the uptake of low and zero-emissions cars.”
What’s more, with buyers now rushing to secure a zero-VED car, HonestJohn.co.uk has found that buyers are being given lead times of four to five months for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Volvo XC90. Buyers of the popular Fiesta face a three month wait, while Focus orders with the EcoBoost engine stipulate a wait of 3.5 months, making it increasingly difficult to get a tax-free car before the new rules come into force.
Five popular cars hit hard by 2017 VED changes over four years of ownership
1) Ford Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost 100PS Zetec                
Current VED cost over four years: £0
New VED cost over four years: £540

2) Vauxhall Corsa 1.3 CDTi 95PS ecoFlex Design
Current VED cost over four years: £0
New VED cost over four years: £540

3) Ford Focus 1.5 TDCi 120PS Zetec
Current VED cost over four years: £0
New VED cost over four years: £540

4) Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion 1.6 TDI 110PS
Current VED cost over four years: £0
New VED cost over four years: £520

5) Nissan Qashqai 1.5 dCi 110PS Visia
Current VED cost over four years: £0
New VED cost over four years: £540
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More comfortable, agile, efficient, protective & better connected - thats the all-new Audi Q5

January 23, 2017, 12:37 am
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Latest SUV offering an exceptional specification including the new option of air suspension can now be ordered in readiness for deliveries from April
  • All-new version of the best-selling Audi SUV worldwide
  • Increased interior space, headroom and rear kneeroom with class-leading interior acoustics, plus a luggage capacity increase of 10 litres
  • 2.0 TFSI quattro 252PS and 2.0 TDI quattro 190PS available at launch
  • V6 TDI quattro with 286PS will follow at a later date
  • SE, Sport and S line specification  
  • Newly developed five-link suspension and optional adaptive air suspension
  • Audi drive select fitted as standard, featuring lift/offroad and allroad modes
  • Quattro with ultra technology fitted as standard to four-cylinder engines
  • Key optional equipment includes Matrix LED lights, MMI Navigation Plus with MMI Touch, Bang & Olufsen sound system, virtual cockpit, head-up display
  • Assistance systems range from adaptive cruise control with stop&go, predictive efficiency assistant, collision avoidance assistant and turn assist  
  • Residual values set the benchmark in the premium mid-size SUV class
  • Pricing starts from £37,170 OTR, with first deliveries anticipated in April
More comfortable, more agile, more efficient, more protective and better connected - the all-new Audi Q5 is about to build on the consistent sales success of its predecessor with an even stronger skill set, firmly securing it once more as a cornerstone of the Q range and a standard bearer for the brand’s uncompromising pursuit of progress.  
Orders can now be placed in the UK ahead of first deliveries during April for Q5 models in either SE, Sport or S line specification, and pricing starts from £37,170 OTR for the 2.0 TDI quattro 190PS, rising to £41,040 OTR for the 2.0 TFSI quattro S line.

Standard equipment is now even more comprehensive than before, with features  such as the Audi Smartphone Interface, the Audi parking system plus and powered tailgate operation present right from the SE entry point. Other notable standard features include Audi drive select, heated front seats, an acoustic windscreen, deluxe three-zone electronic climate control and pre-sense city collision prevention assistance.
Strong specification is just one of the factors contributing to a residual value that is not only the highest in its segment, but of any Audi model ever at launch – over three years/30,000 miles, the Q5 2.0 TDI quattro S line S tronic with 190PS is predicted to retain an exceptional 58.3* per cent of its original value, while every other Q5 model in the range achieves an RV over the same term of at least 55 per cent. Independent automotive valuation experts, CAP Monitor also rate the RV of the Q5 2.0 TDI quattro S line S tronic at an impressive 57 per cent over the same three year/30,000-mile term.
Typically Audi: quattro design language
The new SUV from Audi has a defined and taut stance. A sculpturally flared Singleframe grille with a solid frame dominates its aerodynamically flat front end. It is fitted with Xenon headlights as standard on SE and Sport models and all-weather LED headlights with a signature Q design on S line. High-resolution Matrix LED lamps with dynamic indicators can be chosen as an option regardless of model.

A distinctively curved and strongly undercut shoulder line gives structure to the side view. The strongly emphasised wheel arches are a reference to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system, and the low greenhouse tapers back down early. Just as at the front, horizontal lines at the rear convey an image of width and presence. The tail lights are also available with optional dynamic indicators. The tailgate wraps around the C-pillars – a typical feature of the Q models from Audi. A diffuser insert integrates the exhaust tailpipes.
Weight saved: up to 90 kg lighter than the previous model
4.66 metres long, 1.89 metres wide and 1.66 metres tall with a 2.82-metre wheelbase – compared to the previous model, the new Q5 has grown in nearly all of its dimensions. Consequently, the unladen weight was reduced – depending on the engine – by up to 90 kg. Steels with maximum tensile strength and aluminium form an intelligent material mix in the body.

The new Q5 also stands at the top of its class in its aerodynamics. The four-cylinder versions attain a cd figure of 0.30 with the aerodynamically optimised roof. Wind noises are exceptionally low, and vibration comfort is high – the new SUV from Audi indulges the driver and passengers with the best interior acoustics in its class.
Spacious and wide: the interior
The workmanship quality in the new Q5 is uncompromising. The interior offers a lot of space for five people, and it surpasses the previous model and its competitors in key dimensions. Its horizontally oriented lines underscore the impression of width and comfort, and a three-dimensional trim strip runs across the entire width of the instrument panel. The new equipment lines concept offers customers a broad selection of colours and materials.

A three-spoke multifunction steering wheel is standard. When it is dark, the optional ambient lighting creates an attractive atmosphere in 30 different colours.
The rear seat back of the new Audi Q5 is split into three segments. Longitudinal and seat back angle adjustment are optional. Depending on the rear seat position, the basic volume of the luggage compartment ranges from 550 to 610 litres, 10 litres more than in the previous model. When the rear bench is folded down, this volume grows to 1,550 litres. Cargo loading is simplified by a power-operated tailgate fitted as standard, an optional variably folding mat, optional hands-free control of the power tailgate and manual lowering of the body via the optional air suspension.
Simply coherent: controls and displays
Operation of the new Audi SUV is intuitive and is marked by three great new features. The optional Audi virtual cockpit presents brilliant graphics on its high-resolution 12.3-inch screen. The driver can choose from two views – a classic view with large round instruments and a mode in which the navigation map or lists dominate.

The MMI terminal in the centre console acts as the main control element. In the top infotainment system, the optional MMI navigation plus features an 8.3-inch display and MMI all-in-touch incorporating a touchpad built into the rotary controller which recognises haptic feedback. The interactive system is able to comprehend handwritten entries as well as gestures familiar from consumer electronics such as zooming gestures.
The MMI operating logic is based on the flat hierarchies used in today’s smartphones, and it offers such features as intelligent free-text search. The new natural-language voice control function also recognizes inputs from everyday speech.
Audi can deliver a newly developed head-up display as an option. It projects relevant information onto the windshield – including from driver assistance systems – as symbols and numbers that can be perceived quickly.
Audi navigation: “Personal route assist”
The new Audi Q5, like the Q7 and the A4, has a self-learning “personal route assist” function. After activating this function, the navigation system learns the routes and destinations that the customer regularly selects, and it associates this information to the parked position and time of day.

For as long as it is active, the system therefore learns from the customer’s behaviour and uses this information to suggest optimised route planning for the next trip – even while navigation is inactive. The navigation system incorporates the three most likely destinations into the calculation, taking into consideration both the arrival time and current traffic levels. For instance, the system can suggest that the customer activate navigation to find out about potential alternative routes. The driver decides whether or not to activate the function. He also has the option of deleting saved destinations. If the function is deactivated, the system does not store the destinations and does not consider deleted destinations or the routes driven.
Online via LTE: MMI navigation plus
Sport and S line models take advantage of an SD-card based MMI Navigation system, supplemented by a three-month free trial of the Audi connect suite of services. As an alternative, MMI navigation plus with the intelligent handwriting recognition technology of MMI Touch unlocks a full 36-month subscription to Audi connect via an embedded SIM with no data charge.

The free Audi MMI connect app produces a close interconnection between the car and smartphone or a smartwatch and offers other services. They include remote checking of important vehicle states, online media streaming and transmission of a calendar from a smartphone to the MMI.
High-end option: the infotainment modules
The Audi phone box connects smartphones to the vehicle’s antenna for optimal reception quality; it also charges smartphones inductively according to the Qi standard. The Bang & Olufsen Sound System with innovative 3D sound introduces the spatial dimension of height. The Audi smartphone interface also brings Apple CarPlay and Android Auto into the new Q5.

Driver assistance and safety systems
In its driver assistance systems, the new Audi Q5 also tops its segment with a broad range of high-tech options. In their intelligent interplay, the systems represent a next step towards piloted driving.

The predictive efficiency assistant helps the driver save fuel by specific information on the car’s surroundings. Adaptive cruise control (ACC) can also ease strain in slow-moving traffic, while Audi active lane assist makes it easier to stay in lane. Distance warning alerts the driver when the distance to a vehicle drops below a safe distance.
Cross traffic assist rear, the exit warning system, collision avoidance assist and turn assist are other new features that perform excellently in pursuit of safety. The same applies to the pre sense systems – Audi pre sense city is a standard feature which warns of pedestrians and vehicles and may initiate automatic emergency braking within system limits. Park assist, the camera-based recognition of traffic signs and hill descent assist round out the features.
Powerful and efficient: TDI and TFSI engines
The new Audi Q5 is launching in the UK with a powerful 2.0 TDI engine producing 190PS and a 2.0 TFSI engine with an output of 252PS. This petrol unit is capable of returning up to 40.9mpg combined, which equates to 157 grams CO2 per km. The efficiency champion is the 2.0 TDI 190PS: up to 56.5mpg combined is achievable in conjunction with a low of 132g/km, depending on wheel size.  The also intensively revised 3.0 TDI, coming at a later date, increases output to 286PS with 620Nm (457.3 lb ft) of torque.

Versatile and efficient: drivetrain
The drivetrain of the mid-size SUV has been redeveloped from the ground up. Automatic transmissions integrate a fuel-saving freewheel function. The driver controls it by a selection lever or by shift paddles on the steering wheel; in both cases, the control signals are transmitted electronically.

The new quattro drivetrain with ultra technology is standard equipment for the 2.0 TDI with 190PS, and for the 2.0 TFSI with 252PS. quattro with ultra technology always disengages the rear-axle drive whenever it is not needed, and if necessary it can proactively re-engage it. The new concept boosts efficiency without reducing traction or driving dynamics.
For the V6 diesel, Audi can deliver an optional sport differential at the rear axle which distributes torque between the wheels as necessary and thereby provides a maximum of driving dynamics – this is another new feature in this model series and in the competitive field.
Torque vectoring gives handling a refined touch. The intelligent software solution always delivers a dynamic, precise and controllable driving experience.
Resolving contradictions: the chassis
The new Audi Q5 enables handling that combines very different strengths – it is sporty while being extremely comfortable. Creating the basis for this are the newly developed five-link suspensions and also the new electromechanical power steering system. Dynamic steering is available as an option; it varies its gear ratio according to the driving speed and steering angle.

Customers can choose from two extension stages of springs and damping. The chassis with damper control offers a very wide spread between comfort and dynamics, which the driver can select via Audi drive select. In addition to adjusting damper control, the new adaptive air suspension can be used to vary the ride height of the car body over five stages.
In the standard system, Audi drive select, which accesses various technical modules, the driver can select one of as many as seven driving modes. The offroad mode emphasises the broad repertoire of talents the Q5 has when going beyond the beaten track.
The new Audi SUV comes from the factory with 18-inch alloy wheels (SE and Sport), and the S line package with 19-inch wheels. Wheels up to 20 inches in diameter are available as options.
The new Audi Q5 is manufactured at a newly constructed plant in Mexico. It will arrive at Audi Centres in the UK in the spring of 2017.

EnginePowerTransmissionSpecificationRecommended OTR
Q5 2.0 TDI quattro190PSS tronicSE£37,170
Q5 2.0 TFSI quattro252PSS tronicSE£37,990
Q5 2.0 TDI quattro190PSS tronicSport£38,270
Q5 2.0 TFSI quattro252PSS tronicSport£39,090
Q5 2.0 TDI quattro190PSS tronicS line£40,220
Q5 2.0 TFSI quattro252PSS tronicS line£41,040
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Team BMR can today confirm that the team has parted company with Colin Turkington

January 23, 2017, 12:40 am
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Team BMR can today confirm that the team has parted company with Colin Turkington after mutually agreeing to end the contract.
Colin has had two successful seasons with Team BMR in the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship and in 2015, his maiden year with the team, he played a huge part in putting BMR on the map with his massive contribution in assisting us in claiming our first ever Team's Championship title along with his fifth Independents Championship crown.
2016 saw BMR bringing Subaru to the championship as a new manufacturer outfit and Colin’s commitment along with his input to the team was a huge asset in aiding us to develop our newly built Subaru Levorg’s.  Colin also made history by bringing the first Subaru BTCC Pole Position backed up by a maiden win for the Subaru Levorg.  His success continued throughout the season claiming further pole positions, race wins and podiums establishing himself in the final three for the overall championship title at Brands Hatch back in October.  He ended the season 4th overall in a battle that nearly saw the Ulsterman claiming his third BTCC title.
Speaking of Colin’s time at Team  BMR owner/driver Warren Scott commented; “Colin has been an absolute pleasure to work with over the past two seasons and has brought a tremendous amount of knowledge to the team which has aided BMR in it’s growth and development as a front running BTCC team.
"I wish Colin good luck for the forth coming season and would like to thank him for all his efforts and great achievements that he has brought to BMR.”
Speaking of his time with us here at BMR Colin Turkington stated; “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Team BMR and will savour the success we shared together over the past two seasons; however, the time has come to part company and apply the focus to each of our own individual goals and needs.
I sincerely value the journey we have shared together securing the Teams Championship in 2015, winning my fifth Indy title and of course the thrilling year we have just had with the Subaru Levorg.  I have been fortunate to work with some of the best in the business at BMR and it has been a valuable experience and certainly helped me grow and improve.
The BTCC is surely one of the toughest Championships in the world to win and to finish last season with a realistic shot at winning the title in a new car was a tremendous achievement.
I wish Team BMR every success going forward and I hope they are just as proud of our two seasons together as I am.”
All of us at BMR Racing would like to thank Colin for his tremendous input to the team and we wish him continued success in his future career.
Team BMR will announce their confirmed 2017 plans in the coming weeks and we look forward to seeing everyone at Autosport International over the next few days.
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WHAT CAR AWARDS - Peugeot's innovative i-Cockpit® wins Technology accolade & 3008 commended too.

January 23, 2017, 12:42 am
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  • Latest generation of PEUGEOT’s unique i-Cockpit® driving environment wins Technology accolade
  • New PEUGEOT i-Cockpit® made its debut in the all-new 3008 SUV and features include new configurable 12.3" head-up digital instrument panel, enhanced ergonomics and safety
  • New PEUGEOT 3008 SUV also commended in the Thatcham-sponsored Safety Award category
The unique PEUGEOT i-Cockpit® driving environment of the all-new 3008 SUV has received a prestigious motoring accolade, winning the Technology Award at the What Car? Car of the Year Awards 2017.
This second generation of PEUGEOT’s i-Cockpit®, which is standard across all models of the new 3008 SUV range, won praise for its ability to put the latest technology safely at the fingertips of the driver, while creating an optimal driving position for an engaging and focused drive.
The latest evolution of the PEUGEOT i-Cockpit® includes an all-new infotainment system on an 8.0”  capacitive high-resolution touch screen, as well as an elevated configurable 12.3" head-up digital instrument panel positioned above a compact multi-function steering wheel, designed to give an added sense of agility. 
These three key components come together to provide a truly exceptional driver-focussed environment perfectly aligned with PEUGEOT’s brand values of uncompromising quality and that of an instinctive driving experience.
Offering such an advanced technological package and a premium feel on a competitively priced vehicle sealed the win for the PEUGEOT i-Cockpit® interior on the new 3008 SUV, while the car’s excellent overall safety credentials led to further success, as the 3008 SUV was also commended in the Safety Award category, endorsed by Thatcham Research.
On collecting the award Mark Pickles, Marketing Director at PEUGEOT UK commented: “Achieving the prestigious What Car? Technology Award for the PEUGEOT i-Cockpit® affirms our ambition to make brilliant in-car technology accessible to all drivers with no compromise on safety or driver appeal.
“The fact the 3008 SUV has also achieved significant recognition in the Safety category reflects the appeal of the car as an all-round package. It is a truly stylish car, designed to meet the needs of the user to exceed their expectations of safety, space and luxury.
“It is safe to say it has done that, but also raised the bar as a benchmark for vehicle interior design.”
Steve Huntingford, editor at What Car? said: “The fantastic thing about the PEUGEOT i-Cockpit®dashboard is that it takes desirable tech that was previously found only on high-end models and options lists, and gives it to buyers of everyday cars. That desirability is partly down to the sophisticated look it gives the 3008’s interior.
“It also makes the car easy and appealing to interact with and brings genuine safety benefits. On their own, any of these strengths would have made the PEUGEOT i-Cockpit® worthy of consideration, but when combined they seal its victory. We expect to see other brands following PEUGEOT’s lead when they launch new models, but for now the French brand has stolen a march.”
Now in its second year, the What Car? Technology Award is co-judged with AutoTech, a new car technology brand.
The all-new 3008 SUV with its stunning PEUGEOT i-Cockpit® is available to order now with first deliveries due at the end of January 2017
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WHAT CAR AWARDS - The Fiesta takes best hot hatch as the Galaxy wins best MPV over £26,000.

January 23, 2017, 2:18 am
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The acclaimed Ford Fiesta ST was crowned the UK’s best hot hatch for the fourth consecutive year at the 2017 What Car? Awards.
Enjoyed by over 25,000 owners, Ford Fiesta ST remains a UK favourite since its launch in 2013.
To mark the 40th anniversary last year of the Ford Fiesta – Britain’s best-selling car every year since 2008 – the ST200 was added to the range, adding a further 18PS to the 182PS available from the existing 1.6-litre Fiesta ST.  Also new last year was a five-door Fiesta ST to complement the original three-door bodystyle.
Steve Huntingford, What Car? editor, said: “The Ford Fiesta ST is impossible to dislike. It leaves rivals trailing on a challenging road because it dives into corners like a terrier chasing a bouncing ball and the steering is full of feel. In normal use, it doesn’t disappoint. Like all Fiestas, the ST has a decent boot and plenty of cubbyholes and is small enough to feel wieldy around town.
“Fiesta ST is the best all-round hot hatch. It strikes the perfect balance between performance and affordability. It lets you attack B-roads without worrying about the width of the car or how powerful it is. In fact, it’s sharper than the BMW M140i, which costs almost £15,000 more. To add to its appeal, the ST combines all of this with the reliability, practicality and dealer coverage that has made the Fiesta top seller.”
The consumer magazine and website, attracting over 1.95 million monthly users, chose the well-equipped Fiesta ST-2, priced at £18,895, as their recommended model complete with heated Recaro front sports seats and Ford Power push button start.
On receiving the award, Lisa Brankin, Ford of Britain marketing director, said: “Performance vehicles, and the thrill they bring to driving, are renowned Ford strengths.  Our new ST-Line range, sitting under ST, to RS and Mustang above it, offer a performance car for everyone.  Thank you What Car? for recognising Fiesta ST - the biggest seller in this exciting 2017 line-up.”   
It is also the fifth successive year that Ford has triumphed in the hot hatch category – prior to Fiesta ST’s four-year run of success, the 250PS Focus ST took the title in 2013.
Ford Galaxy – best MPV (£26,000+)

The new Ford Galaxy is also best Multi-Purpose Vehicle for its price, according to What Car?
What Car? named the Ford Galaxy Zetec with 2.0-litre TDCi 150PS diesel engine as its pick of the range.
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WHAT CAR AWARDS - The Suzuki Celerio City car gets a Best Buy nod at this years awards ceremony.

January 23, 2017, 2:20 am
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First launched in the UK two years ago, the Suzuki Celerio has been awarded a ‘Best Buy’ accolade at the 2017 What Car? Awards held in London. At £6,999, the SZ2 model was comprehensively judged by the editorial team and announced as the best overall model in its price bracket of less than £8,000.
Readers of What Car? regularly ask the team to assist with advice on their next new car and in the case of needing something small, cheap to buy and run and also easy to drive, Celerio is very high on the list.
Commenting at the awards, Steve Huntingford, Editor of What Car? said “Nothing else in this class offers so much for so little, just £7000 is enough to land you our lowest price point winner. 

At that price you’d expect an empty box on wheels, right? Wrong. This entry level SZ2 trim isn’t the plushest, but how about this lot: a height-adjustable driver’s seat and steering wheel, split-folding rear seats, electric front windows, a DAB radio and six airbags? Best of all, you get a sprightly three-cylinder petrol engine that’ll easily whizz you around town, with enough in reserve for 70mph cruising on the motorway.  And it emits just 99g/km of CO2, so is exempt from road tax.
Drivers can easily get comfy thanks to lots of seat adjustment, and it’s dead easy to see all the car’s corners when parking. There’s a surprising amount of space for all four passengers, and the boot is bigger than most city cars”.
Celerio is proving to be very popular in the UK with more than 16,500 sold since launch and the SZ2 is available from just £79 per month with a PCP (Personal Contract Purchase) agreement from Suzuki Financial Services. The term is 48 months at 5.9 per cent APR and requires a deposit of £1,855 with an optional final payment of £2,228 to keep the car.
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WHAT CAR AWARDS - Suzuki takes another best buy nod, this one is for the Vitara SUV.

January 23, 2017, 2:23 am
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Suzuki celebrated good news at the What Car? awards again last night with Vitara awarded a ‘Best Buy’ accolade for the second year in the small SUV class. The 1.6-litre SZ4 model was comprehensively judged by the editorial team and announced as the best overall model in its price bracket of less than £15,000.
Steve Huntingford, Editor of What Car? comments: “Despite a strong challenge from another Suzuki small SUV, the new IGNIS, the Vitara’s combination of generous space, a long equipment list, keen pricing and low running costs help it win this entry price point for the second year in a row. 

There’s no need to be any more frivolous than the entry-level 1.6-litre petrol engine. Not only is it sensibly priced, it’s easily strong enough to haul a family and luggage, and proved to be remarkably fuel efficient in our real-world economy test.
"The Vitara is good to drive, too. Its body is tightly controlled in corners, the steering is reasonably precise and the suspension smooths out the worst our broken roads can throw at it.  It’s an impressively roomy car inside – four adults will sit comfortably, with plenty of leg room. The boot is practical and generously sized, too, with a wide opening and a low lip. Entry-level SZ4 trim is very well equipped: 16in alloy wheels, Bluetooth, a DAB radio, a USB port, steering wheel-mounted controls, cruise control and seven airbags all come as standard.”
Vitara is proving to be very popular with customers in the UK with 11,500 sold in 2016. Suzuki’s ALLGRIP four wheel drive technology is available as an option on SZ5 models and is standard equipment on the 1.4-litre Boosterjet S model.
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WHAT CAR AWARDS - The Renault ZOE named overall Best Electric car this year.

January 23, 2017, 2:25 am
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  • Renault ZOE named overall ‘Best Electric Car’
  • Renault ZOE named ‘Best Electric Car under £20,000’ for fourth consecutive year
  • ZOE also a finalist for the Technology Award 
  • ZOE now provides range of up to 250 miles (NEDC) – the longest of any mainstream electric vehicle
  • ZOE available from £13,995 (after Plug-in Car Grant)
The Renault ZOE has been recognised for the fourth consecutive year by What Car?  judges, being named ‘Best Electric Car’, as well as ‘Best Electric Car for less than £20,000’, with its all-electric ZOE Q90 Z.E.40 Dynamique Nav, at an awards ceremony in London this evening.
The Renault ZOE, fitted with the new Z.E.40 battery, has been recognised by the What Car? Car of the Year Awards 2017 and was also a finalist in the Technology Award. The new Z.E. 40 battery provides almost double the previous storage capacity, delivering a 250-mile range (NEDC) whilst retaining fast charging times at an accessible price.
Commenting on the decision to award the ZOE for a fourth consecutive year, Steve Huntingford, Editor, What Car? said: “Given the rate of progress in this class during the past 12 months, this win shows just how much this recent update has improved the ZOE. Realistically, it’s now possible to drive for 174 miles between each charge, up from the 106 miles of the previous battery. And Renault has kept everything that was already great about the ZOE: its practicality, tidy handling and standard kit. Plus, while range is up dramatically, price isn’t. And to include many of the latest comfort and infotainment features as well as fast charging at this price makes the ZOE a truly brilliant all-rounder.”
“Having already won our Electric Car of the Year award, the latest Renault ZOE also impressed our Technology Award judges, because it represents a significant step towards overcoming ‘range anxiety’. The only other electric cars in the UK that are capable of travelling up to 250 miles between charges come from Tesla. But while the trendy Californian firm’s Model S costs from £64,000, our favoured ZOE can be yours for £18,595.”
“Dynamique Nav trim is your best bet. It gets 16-inch alloys, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, auto lights and wipers and a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen with Bluetooth, sat-nav and a DAB radio. Our favoured Quick Charge (Q90) car can be charged to 80% in just 65 minutes on a 43kW fast charge,” added Huntingford.
Paul Flanagan, Managing Director, Renault UK, said of the result: “The new 2017 model year Renault ZOE now delivers the best range of any mainstream electric vehicle which, along with interior and exterior upgrades, continues to prove that zero emissions vehicles can be stylish, practical and comfortable. We’re delighted that What Car? has recognised the ZOE’s talents for the fourth year in a row by naming it their best electric car of the year.”
The ZOE is an all-electric, five-door supermini available in a choice of three trim levels and with two battery options. Despite its affordability, the entry level Expression Nav comes with a high level of standard specification including items such as climate control and the 7-inch touch screen R-Link 2 infotainment system with sat nav. In What Car?’s favoured trim level, Dynamique Nav, the features include hands free keycard, automatic lights and wipers and rear parking sensors. The all-new top-of-the-range Signature Nav trim provides buyers with features including supple leather upholstery, a seven speaker BOSE® audio system, heated front seats and a rear parking camera. 
With the new R90 Z.E.40 battery, ZOE’s range is 250 miles (NEDC) – Renault estimates that in real-world driving conditions that this equates to around 186 miles in summer and 124 miles in cold winter conditions. ZOE can charge from zero to 80 per cent full in as little as 60 minutes thanks to its patented Chameleon Charger™ that allows it to make the most of the widest range of power supplies and also keep charging times to a minimum. Renault’s Range OptimiZer technology ensures ZOE is highly efficient with its heat pump, a bi-modal braking system and Michelin ENERGY E-V tyres. 
Two new apps to make ZOE ownership an even easier experience, Z.E. Trip and Z.E. Pass, will be rolled out in the UK during 2017. Z.E. Trip makes long-distance driving a breeze in the ZOE by allowing drivers to locate all public charging points in many European countries and indicates their real-time availability.
The Z.E. Pass app makes charging easier at many public charging points across Europe regardless of network . The driver can pay using the specific smartphone app or with an RFID card. They can also locate available charging points and compare prices at different points nearby using their smartphone or tablet without having to be a registered member of each network.
ZOE is available to purchase in two ways. Firstly, under a battery hire scheme, where ZOE pricing starts at £13,995 (OTR) after the Government Plug-in Car Grant with battery leasing from £49 per month. New for 2017 is the ‘Unlimited’ option with no mileage cap, priced at £110 per month.
You can also buy the ZOE outright. ZOE i ‘full purchase’ models start from £18,995 (OTR) after the Government Plug-in Car Grant, giving the buyer full ownership of the car and battery and no monthly battery lease payment.
The What Car? award builds on ZOE’s other recent achievements that include a Which? ‘Best Buy’ 2016, ‘Best Electric Car’ CarBuyer, ‘Best Supermini’ Next Green Car Awards, ‘Overall Champion Winner 2016’ Green Apple Auto Awards and being named ‘Best Supermini’ and finishing second overall out of 183 vehicles in the Auto Express Driver Power Awards 2016 results.
ZOE is the best-selling electric vehicle in Europe and more than 4500 ZOE have been sold since launching in the UK in 2013. ZOE is one of three models in Renault’s diverse electric vehicle range which also includes the Twizy quadricycle and the Kangoo Van Z.E.
Technical Information
ZOE versionBattery
Charge Time
(0-80%, 43kW chargepoint)
Charge Time
(0-100%, 7kW at home)
Range
(miles)(Winter)
Range
(miles)(Summer)
Range
(miles)(NEDC)
Expression Nav R90 22kW22kWh1h004h0071106149
Dynamique Nav R90 Z.E.4041kWh1h407h25124186250
Dynamique Nav Q90 Z.E.4041kWh1h 058h25112174230
Signature Nav R90 Z.E.4041kWh1h 407h25124186250
Signature Nav Q90 Z.E.4041kWh1h 058h25112174230
Ownership Information & Pricing
ZOE version
BIK
(band %)
Range
(NEDC miles)
VED
(band)
Ins. group
Price
(after PiCG)*
Expression Nav R90 22kW7%149ATBC£13,995
Dynamique Nav R90 Z.E.407%250ATBC£17,845
Dynamique Nav Q90 Z.E.407%230ATBC£18,595
Signature Nav R90 Z.E.407%250ATBC£19,895
Signature Nav Q90 Z.E.407%230ATBC£20,645
*= plus monthly battery lease
Ownership Information & Pricing – Full Purchase
ZOE version
BIK
(band %)
Range
(NEDC miles)
VED
(band)
Ins. group
Price
(after PiCG)
iExpression Nav R90 22kW7%149ATBC£18,995
iDynamique Nav R90 Z.E.407%250ATBC£23,445
iDynamique Nav Q90 Z.E.407%230ATBC£24,195
iSignature Nav R90 Z.E.407%250ATBC£25,495
iSignature Nav Q90 Z.E.407%230ATBC£26,245
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WHAT CAR AWARDS - Suzuki makes it three with a price point win for the 6th time for the Swift Sport.

January 24, 2017, 2:39 am
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  • Three-door Swift Sport wins ‘Best Buy’ hot hatch for less than £15,000 for the sixth consecutive year.
  • Achieves 45.2mpg in ‘True MPG’ fuel economy test – more economical than official EC combined figure.
Suzuki celebrated again at the 2017 What Car? Magazine awards in London last night with the Swift Sport awarded a price point win for the sixth year in a row. The performance flagship of the Swift range was comprehensively judged by the editorial team and the final vote resulted in the three door model yet again receiving the ‘Best Buy Hot hatch for less than £15,000’.
First introduced in January 2012 and with more than 6,000 sold in the UK, the Swift Sport has a high standard specification that includes satellite navigation, DAB radio, USB connection and auto air conditioning.

Steve Huntingford, Editor of What Car? comments: “The Suzuki Swift Sport is a reminder of the way hot hatches used to be – and it’s none the worse for that. Whereas all of its rivals now have turbocharged engines that pull strongly from low revs, the Sport uses a naturally aspirated 1.6 that’s most rewarding when you thrash it. True, it’s ultimately not that fast, but this just means you can use every ounce of the car’s performance without having to fear for your driving licence.
"The Sport also feels light on its feet and, thanks to its diminutive size, you can push it hard even on narrow country roads without feeling like you have to breathe in when something comes the other way. Then there’s the car’s sensible side. Suzuki was runner-up in our most recent reliability survey, so the Swift Sport should prove dependable, and it returned a very respectable 45.2mpg in its real-world True MPG fuel economy test. Although we’d opt for the cheaper three-door model to keep the price as low as possible, a five-door version is available if you decide you need better access to the rear seats.”
Swift Sport is available in a choice of four standard metallic paint finishes and is also  equipped with seven airbags, cruise control, High Intensity Discharge headlamps, rear privacy glass and 17-inch alloy wheels. In addition to satellite navigation and DAB radio, the Sport also has voice recognition, Bluetooth and music streaming compatibility.
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WHAT CAR AWARDS - The Dacia Sandero takes the best small car for the fifth year running.

January 24, 2017, 2:41 am
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  • New Dacia Sandero wins ‘Best Small Car under £12,000’
  • Fifth consecutive win for Dacia supermini at What Car? Awards
  • New Sandero now on sale with specification and design upgrades and a new SCe 75 1.0-litre engine
  • New Sandero available from £5,995 on-the-road
  • More than 90,000 Dacias sold in the UK since launching in 2013
The Dacia Sandero has been awarded ‘Best Small Car for less than £12,000’ for the fifth consecutive year by What Car? at an awards ceremony in London this evening.
The Sandero first picked up the award in 2013, following Dacia’s entrance into the UK car market, and again in 2014, 2015 and 2016. 
Having undergone a series of recent updates for the 2017 Model Year, the supermini has taken the honours once more, underlining its ability to provide a class leading mix of practicality, comfort and low running costs. 
Its shockingly affordable £5,995 price tag is just half the amount of the category it competes in.
Commenting on the decision to give the award to the Sandero for the fifth time, Steve Huntingford, Editor, What Car?, said: “You won’t find this much space for so little in any other new car. 
A recent facelift brought an updated, higher quality interior. The Sandero also feels better to drive: the handling is tidy enough and the ride is surprisingly comfy for such a cheap car. You can buy a Sandero for less than £6,000, but we recommend spending a little more to get mid-range Ambiance trim. 
This adds niceties such as air-conditioning, central locking, electric front windows, a DAB radio and Bluetooth. It also replaces the standard black plastic bumpers with body-coloured ones that look a lot smarter. At this price point, only the Ford Ka+ comes close, and although that’s better to drive, the Sandero is more practical and a fair bit cheaper.”
Commenting on the result, Louise O’Sullivan, Head of Dacia UK said: “We’re delighted that the Sandero has been recognised by the judges at What Car? for a fifth consecutive year. The New Sandero offers customers even more value for money with upgrades to the interior and exterior as well as enhanced level of equipment while remaining the most affordable new car in the UK.”
The Dacia Sandero is a five-door hatchback, available in three trim levels with a choice of two petrol engines and one diesel engine. Pricing starts from £5,995, making it the lowest priced new car on sale in the UK today. The new interior and exterior upgrades for 2017 provide a more elegant and contemporary finish whilst providing the customer additional value and practicality.
The specific Ambiance version chosen by What Car? now comes with more features as standard such as air conditioning and DAB radio – it is the most affordable car on sale in the UK with air conditioning as standard. This is in addition to Bluetooth connectivity, electric windows and remote central locking. The new SCe 75 1.0-litre engine produces the same power as the outgoing 1.2-litre but delivers up to 10 per cent more efficiency.
The Dacia brand continues to go from strength to strength with 26,499 new Dacia vehicles sold during 2016, it’s best-ever year of sales in the UK.
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WHAT CAR AWARDS - The VW Touran wins best MPV and the Tiguan a best buy recommendation.

January 24, 2017, 2:44 am
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  • Touran is once again named Best MPV by What Car?
  • New Tiguan SUV secures a ‘best buy’ recommendation
  • Tiguan also features among finalists in Safety Award
Volkswagen is celebrating an award-winning start to 2017 with the brand’s popular and flexible Touran people carrier maintaining its pole position as Best MPV in the renowned What Car? Awards.
Meanwhile, the recently-launched Tiguan takes a price point title in the awards’ Small SUV category, with the Tiguan 2.0 TDI 150 SE Navigation named ‘Best Buy, more than £25,000’ at the annual celebration of motoring excellence. 
And the Tiguan shows its breadth of capability by also being named a finalist in the What Car? Safety Award.
Scoring a second consecutive win in the hotly-contested MPV class What Car? judges said of the seven-seat Touran – winner of the ‘Best Buy £20,000-£26,000’ section in 1.6 TDI 115 SE form as well as overall victor in the MPV category: “For class-leading space and practicality, look no further than the Volkswagen Touran. This seven-seat MPV has an impressively roomy interior, with masses of space in the front and back, as well as a third row of seats that can be easily folded away to increase boot capacity.
“The interior is well built and all the materials used feel classy, and it’s roomier than rivals such as the Ford S-Max and Citroën Grand C4 Picasso. As well as being incredibly practical, the Touran is also great to drive. The Touran is big, but isn’t at all cumbersome or heavy to manoeuvre. The 1.6-litre diesel engine offers gutsy performance and will easily haul around seven people and a full load of luggage.
“It’s efficient too: the Touran achieved 50.9mpg in our real-world True MPG fuel economy test. SE trim gets all the kit you’ll need, including an intuitive infotainment touchscreen, a DAB radio and automatic lights and wipers. It’s good news on the finance front, too, with some great PCP deals available.”
Turning to small SUV price point victor the new Tiguan, which launched in the UK in the summer of 2016 and is already building on the sales success of its predecessor, What Car? Editor Steve Huntingford said: “Inside, its slick switches, piano black plastics and soft surfaces make it feel worth its premium. But it doesn’t just look the part because the Tiguan has a massive amount of interior space, while its rear seats can be slid back and forth for increased practicality. It’s rounded off with a spacious boot.
“We think the 2.0-litre diesel engine makes a great companion, and it has enough low-rev pull to ensure hauling a fully loaded car is no issue. Couple that with competitive CO2 emissions and fuel economy, and it’s a mighty fine package.”
Commenting on the Tiguan’s finalist position in the What Car? Safety Award Steve said: “The Tiguan has the highest adult occupant protection score of any car here, and because that’s the score most buyers will look towards first when choosing a car, we’ve given it extra credit.
“The Tiguan also scores very well when it comes to keeping children and pedestrians safe, and it’s those consistently high scores which impressed our panel.”
Discussing the early year silverware Alison Jones, Director of Volkswagen UK, said: “The Touran’s second successive What Car? award underlines this practical Volkswagen’s brilliance. Safe, flexible, efficient and stylish, the Touran is the family MPV that ticks every box.
“Meanwhile, for the new Tiguan to have been recommended above all others in the £25,000-plus price point underscores the brilliance of this exceptional new SUV. That the Tiguan was also in the running for What Car?’s Safety Award should also reassure families that, in selecting this as their next new car, they’re buying into one of the most impressive new SUVs on the road today.”
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Renault announces an entire raft of new offers to boost sales after a brilliant 2016.

January 24, 2017, 2:47 am
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  • Brand-new two-year 0% APR Selections PCP finance packages introduced across selected models in the Renault range
  • Three-year 3.99% APR Selections PCP finance packages enhanced with increased manufacturer contributions for selected models
  • Up to £2,410 off the award-winning Renault Twingo – now available from only £7,995
  • 250-mile range (NEDC Combined), all-electric Renault ZOE available with £5,000 manufacturer contribution
  • Latest offers follow Renault new car sales in the UK reaching a five-year high
  • Limited-time offers avoid impending increases in Vehicle Excise Duty on 1 April 2017
Encompassing the vast majority of vehicles in the extensive Renault range – the youngest model line-up of any manufacturer in Europe – Renault is today announcing a selection of offers that make owning a car from the French manufacturer even more of a tempting proposition.
With a strong focus on convenience and affordability, Renault UK has introduced brand-new two-year 0% APR PCP Selections packages. 

Available on New Clio, Captur, All-New Mégane and All-New Mégane Sport Tourer, Kadjar, All-New Scénic and All-New Grand Scénic, these deals offer the lowest monthly payments of any of Groupe Renault UK’s Selections PCP packages and, as with the brand’s other PCP offers, come with the added benefit of no minimum customer deposit.
As an example, the ever-popular New Clio with its recently refreshed styling and enhanced interior and equipment can be driven from only £129 per month on a two-year 0% APR PCP Selections package1. The deal on the Play 1.2 16V 75 version also includes a manufacturer deposit contribution of £850 and a customer deposit of £3,588.
Additionally, Renault UK’s popular three-year 3.99% APR Selections PCP packages are more affordable than ever. The deposit contributions are now the same as those for similar deals over a four-year duration, with the additional manufacturer support working to lower the total amount payable and the cost of interest.
Available alongside a variety of 0% APR HP offers, the new and revised Selections PCP packages ensure that drivers enjoy even greater choice when it comes to financing their new Renault.
Cash buyers also benefit from the limited time offers. Notably, there are sizeable savings across the innovative, rear-engined, rear-wheel drive Renault Twingo range with prices starting from only £7,995 for the Expression SCe 70 – representing a saving of £1,500 on the normal list price up to savings of £2,410 on the Dynamique S TCe 90 Auto which is now available from £11,395.
Multiple cash offers are available for anyone considering joining the ever-increasing number of drivers choosing an electric vehicle with the multiple award-winning Renault ZOE in Expression Nav guise available from £11,995 (inc PiCG) – representing a £2,000 customer saving. With the longest range of any mainstream electric vehicle – up to 250 miles (NEDC Combined) or an estimated 186 miles in real world conditions – the New ZOE Dynamique R90 Z.E 40 is now available for £15,845 (inc PiCG), representing a customer saving of £2,000.
Alternatively, the New ZOE Dynamique R90 Z.E 40 can be driven away available on a five year 0% APR HP package with nil customer deposit and a £2,500 manufacturer deposit contribution. In addition to all retail purchases, customers will receive a free** 7kW Wall-Box home charger, making their ownership experience of the four-time winner of the What Car? ‘Best Electric Car for up to £20,000’ and their 2017 ‘Electric Car of the Year’ even more convenient.
With the offers available on vehicles registered by the end of March, customers will save further by avoiding the changes in Vehicle Excise Duty that are applicable from 1 April 2017. By ordering and registering their new Renault before this date they can potentially enjoy three-figure savings.
Customers will also benefit from the Renault 4+ warranty and Renault Assistance vehicle recovery scheme, which comes as standard with every Renault and provides the ultimate peace of mind for four years or 100,000 miles.
Renault car sales in the UK reached a five year high in 2016 with 85,102 vehicles sold. 
1. New Clio Play 1.2 16V 75 – representative example:
Monthly payments over terms of agreement £129
Customer deposit£3,588
Cash price £13,415
Dealer deposit contribution £850
Total amount of credit £8,977
Finance facility fee£99
Optional final payment£5,881
Option to purchase fee£149
Total amount payable£13,415
Duration 25 months
Fixed interest rate p.a.0%
0% APR representative  
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The Seat Leon has become the brands biggest seller, after 18 years & 3 generations.

January 24, 2017, 2:51 am
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  • Fast approaching its 18th anniversary, the SEAT Leon has established itself as one of the Spanish brand's pillars
  • Sales of the third generation Leon have already surpassed the first
  • The German market is the biggest for the Leon, followed by Spain and the United Kingdom
SEAT has just launched a reworked version of its SEAT Leon, a model which has sold nearly two million units since it came onto the market in the late 90s. Keep reading to discover nine facts about this model.
  • Created in Barcelona. All three generations of the Leon have been designed, developed and produced in the SEAT facilities in Martorell (Barcelona). Giorgetto Giugiaro designed the first generation, Walter da Silva the second, and Alejandro Mesonero-Romanos is the author of the third.
  • Nearly two million sold. Since its launch in 1999, 1.8 million units have been sold. 534,797 cars were marketed of the first generation (1999-2005). The second generation (2005–2015) saw an increase of 140,000 units sold compared to the previous one. This upward trend was intensified with the current generation, as in only four years (2012-2016), 566,931 units were sold, which is more than the entire first generation.
  • 2016, best year for the Leon. The model brought last year to a close with the highest sales figure in its history, adding 3% compared to the previous year to reach 165,000 units. This was the best sales result of the model since its launch in 1999. 
  • An international model. SEAT exports 80% of production of the Leon. The figures also show the increasing internationalisation of the brand as well as the model. Sales of the third generation are following the Spanish company’s trend that Germany remains its main market, where 136,674 units have been sold. 
  • Major pillar of the company. Sales of the SEAT Leon exceeded the figures for the Ibiza for the first time in 2014, pointing to the fact that the Leon is the company’s second pillar and has enabled it to explore new segments. A case in point is that the brand’s first SUV, the SEAT Ateca, made its appearance in 2016.
  • A world champion vehicle. The SEAT Leon won the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) in 2008 and 2009, making it the first car equipped with a Diesel engine to win this competition.
  • Record-setter on the Nürburgring. A SEAT Leon CUPRA driven by Jordi Gené in 2014 became the fastest front-wheel drive production car on the Nürburgring with a lap time of 7:58 minutes. One year later, the Leon ST CUPRA also became the fastest estate car on the famous Nordschleife track with a time of 7:58:12.
  • Little-known facts. The third generation SEAT Leon weighs 90 kilos less than the second. In addition, this generation enabled the model to the be first vehicle in its segment to feature Full LED headlights.
  • New version of the third generation SEAT Leon. SEAT has just presented the reworked version of the SEAT Leon, with evolved exterior design and an advance in the technology featured on the car: “You might even say that we’ve tucked the Ateca inside the Leon”, said SEAT Vice-president for R&D Matthias Rabe.
SEAT is the only company that designs, develops, manufactures and markets cars in Spain. A member of the Volkswagen Group, the multinational has its headquarters in Martorell (Barcelona), exporting more than 80% of its vehicles, and is present in over 75 countries. In 2015, SEAT’s turnover amounted to over 8.3 billion euros, the highest in its history, and the company achieved worldwide sales of more than 400,000 units for the first time since 2007.
SEAT Group employs more than 14,000 professionals at its three production centres – Barcelona, El Prat de Llobregat and Martorell, where it manufactures the highly successful Ibiza and Leon. Additionally, the company produces the Ateca and the Toledo in the Czech Republic, the Alhambra in Portugal and the Mii in Slovakia. 
The multinational has a Technical Centre, which operates as a knowledge hub that brings together 1,000 engineers who are focussed on developing innovation for Spain’s largest industrial investor in R&D. SEAT already features the latest connectivity technology in its vehicle range and is currently engaged in the company’s global digitisation process to promote the mobility of the future.
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MG Motors UK announces the winners of its awards for sales and service.

January 24, 2017, 2:53 am
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MG Motor UK has announced the winners of its 2017 Annual Dealer Awards. The event, which took place on 12 January as part of the company’s national conference, celebrated outstanding achievement from across the network.
Nathaniel MG took home the prestigious Dealer of the Year accolade, alongside being named Top MG3 Selling Dealer. Part of the network since 2015, the Bridgend-based business was recognised for delivering exceptional service for customers across South Wales. 

Sponsor of the Welsh Premier League’s Nathaniel MG Cup, the dealership is renowned nationwide for new and used car sales. The company’s motto is simple – hard work, enthusiasm and respect offers a winning formula!
Elsewhere, the Top MG6 Selling Dealer Award was presented to Cornwall’s Falmouth Garage, while Maidstone MG took home both the Aftersales Accessories Dealer of the Year Award and Top MG GS Selling Dealer accolade. 
The event’s final two awards recognised the achievements of Dudley-based Summit Garage, which was named Parts and Accessories Aftersales Dealer of the Year and Aftersales Parts Dealer of the Year. Set to celebrate 72 years in business later in 2017, the dealership is hugely prominent in the West Midlands.
Matthew Cheyne, Head of Sales and Marketing for MG Motor UK, commented: “2016 has been a historic year for MG. Sales have grown by 33% year-on-year, making us one of the UK’s fastest-growing vehicle manufacturers. Our dedicated dealer network has played an instrumental role in this achievement and we can’t thank them enough for such passion and commitment to the MG brand. 2017 is set to be another exciting year, with more new product coming to the market.
“It’s great to see dealers from across the network identified and recognised for their individual successes, which is why our Annual Dealer Awards is such an important date in the calendar.
“We would like to thank each and every dealer in the MG network for their hard work in 2016 and wish them all the success for the year to come.”
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Brtitish Dealership H.R. Owen becomes the #1 Lamborghini dealership in the world for sales.

January 24, 2017, 2:56 am
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  • Leading luxury dealer group H.R. Owen Lamborghini celebrates a monumental Lamborghini double in 2016 
  • The highly acclaimed Lamborghini London dealership in South Kensington further enhanced its reputation by selling the most Lamborghinis worldwide over the course of the year – retaining its No. 1 individual site status 
  • As a combined dealer group with sites in London, Berkshire and Manchester, H.R. Owen itself also enjoyed global success, topping the sales charts to become the No. 1 dealer group in the world for Lamborghini 
Luxury dealer group H.R. Owen is continuing to celebrate a hugely successful 2016, topping two lots of Lamborghini sales rankings for the year.
The highly acclaimed Lamborghini London showroom in South Kensington was responsible for the most global car sales in 2016, making it the No. 1 Lamborghini dealership in the world.
Lamborghini London has become the go-to destination for car enthusiasts from all around the world, who journey to this iconic London showroom to peer through the windows at the stunning cars within.
And thanks to its sterling reputation, it’s also able to give fans around the capital glimpses of ultra-rare models.
In December, Lamborghini London welcomed the ultra-exclusive Lamborghini Veneno Coupe to South Kensington – one of only four examples manufactured worldwide – boasting a 750 HP V12 engine, carbon fibre monocoque and body, capable of over 220 mph. The Veneno’s presence at Lamborghini London hit headlines around the globe.
It was the very first Veneno to be featured in a main dealership in the UK, having only previously been on public display at the Lamborghini Museum inSant'Agata Bolognese, Italy, and at high-profile motor shows around the world.
As well as the famous London showroom, H.R. Owen has two more Lamborghini dealerships – Lamborghini Pangbourne (Berkshire) and Lamborghini Manchester – and their combined success added to London’s results to put H.R. Owen on top of the global dealer group charts for Lamborghini.
This means H.R. Owen boasts the No. 1 individual Lamborghini dealer worldwide and is the No. 1 dealer group overall.
Rupesh Jethwa, H.R. Owen Lamborghini Brand Director, said: “It’s been an outstanding year for H.R. Owen Lamborghini. Our results have been fantastic, which is testament to the amazing cars we sell, the hard work of the team and their exceptional understanding of the customer. We’re very much looking forward to even more success in 2017, with the launch of the Aventador S sure to keep us busy throughout the year.”
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Ducati celebrates the full year with sales climbing over and above 2015 in there 90th year.

January 24, 2017, 2:58 am
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  • 55,451 Ducati motorcycles delivered to customers
  • Claudio Domenicali, CEO of Ducati Motor Holding: “The pattern of constant company growth seen these last seven years continues”
  • Andrea Buzzoni, Global Sales and Marketing Director Ducati: “Results on the Italian market were outstanding, with 20% growth”
Ducati Motor Holding enjoyed further growth in 2016, delivering 55,451 motorcycles to customers all over the world: that's an increase of 1.2% compared to 2015 (54,809 bikes).
“Ending the year of our 90th anniversary with yet another record is a source of immense pride and satisfaction”, commented Claudio Domenicali, CEO of Ducati Motor Holding. “2016 was the seventh consecutive growth year for Ducati, clearly confirming the soundness of the Bologna-based group's strategy and skills.”
This highly encouraging result also stemmed from the addition of new motorcycles to the 2016 Ducati  range: for example, sales of bikes in the Multistrada family were up by 16% compared to 2015.






The renewed Hypermotard family enjoyed double-digit growth (+15%), while the new Ducati XDiavel received an equally warm welcome on the market, with sales topping 5,200.
Moreover, during its second year on international markets, the Ducati Scrambler brand extended its worldwide success: over 15,500 bikes were delivered, a result achieved thanks also to the introduction of the new Scrambler Sixty2.
“In addition to a new sales record, 2016 saw consolidation of the considerable increase in volumes achieved in 2015, thanks also to the introduction of the Scrambler brand. This growth demonstrates the strength of both range and brand and, above all, the solid performance of the global sales network”, comments Andrea Buzzoni, Global Sales and Marketing Director of Ducati Motor Holding. “Results on the Italian market have been significant. Thanks to 20% growth in 2016 - and an excellent 84% over the two-year period 2015/2016 - Italy is again the second most important market, after the USA and ahead of Germany.”
The USA retained its position as Ducati's biggest market, with customers receiving a total of 8,787 new bikes. On European markets, Ducati repeated the excellent progress of the previous year, with Italy (+20%) , Spain (+38%) and Germany (+8%) doing especially well.
Beyond Europe, outstanding brand performance was also achieved in China, where Ducati more than doubled its year-on-year sales (+120%). In Brazil, bike deliveries increased by 36%, and in Argentina by a staggering 219%.
And, as 2016 comes to such a satisfying end, the seven new models presented for 2017 allow Ducati to look to the future with even greater confidence and optimism.
With the motto “More than Red – Evolution never stops”, the 2017 range is packed with all-new developments. “Red” for passion, performance and racing. "More" for an ever-expanding product range that includes more accessible, differentiated motorcycles and an unprecedented range of services.
For 2017 the Monster family is being refreshed and extended with the arrival of the 1200 and the all-new 797. What's more, already-presented bikes include the new Multistrada 950, Ducati SuperSport and the exclusive 1299 Superleggera.
Ducati Scrambler has launched two new bikes to extend the range of the new Ducati brand: the Café Racer and the Desert Sled.
At this time, Ducati has 1,594 employees, a network of 783 sales and assistance centres and is present in 90 countries.
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Nissan celebrates the 10th Anniversary of the Qashqai with a list of facts and figures.

January 24, 2017, 3:01 am
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  • Nissan Qashqai – the world’s first crossover – turns 10
  • Customer and media events taking place across Europe to celebrate
  • Nissan previews anniversary celebrations with new ’10 years of success’ video.
It is exactly 10 years since the Nissan Qashqai crossover first went on sale, and the brand is planning to celebrate in style.
Customer events and media activities will be taking place across Europe to mark the occasion.

Nissan is the first brand to reach the 10-year milestone for one simple reason – the Qashqai is the model which pioneered the crossover segment as the automotive industry and car-buying consumers know it today.
Ahead of the official start of the anniversary celebrations, Nissan has released a short video which traces the car’s decade in the spotlight
About Nissan in the UK
  • Nissan Sunderland Plant produces the Nissan Qashqai, Note and Juke and the 100% electric Nissan LEAF
  • Production of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles began in 2012
  • Total plant volume since 1986 stands at more than eight million units with 80 per cent of production exported to 100 markets worldwide
  • Total investment made and announced since then is over £3.6 billion
  • 476,589 units were produced at Sunderland plant in 2015
  • In 2015, one in three cars built in the UK was a Nissan.
  • Sunderland Plant currently employs more than 6,700 people
  • Nissan's European Design Centre is located in Paddington, London and employs around 65 people
  • Nissan's European Technical Centre is based in Cranfield, Bedfordshire and employs around 1,000 people
  • Nissan’s sales and marketing headquarters in Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire employs around 220 people
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Volkswagen celebrates it's commercial vehicle devision topping 50,000 registrations in the year.

January 24, 2017, 3:03 am
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  • Record UK registrations for the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles brand
  • Over 50,000* vehicles registered by the brand for the first time
  • Market share up to over 12 per cent; brand retains number two position
  • Substantial increase in Transporter and Caddy volumes
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles produced a fifth consecutive new UK sales record in 2016, registering over 45,000 new vans. 
The latest generation Transporter and Caddy model ranges saw significant sales increases, while the brand’s passenger carriers and campervan registrations took Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ total 2016 registrations to 50,068*, up nearly five per cent on 2015 (47,739). 
This result means the brand has more than doubled its volume since 2009.
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles also not only maintained but strengthened its number two position in the light commercial vehicles sector, recording a market share of 12.1 per cent.
The multi-award winning Transporter accounted for 22,872 registrations, up over 11 per cent on 2015 (50,533). 8,156 Caddys were registered, down 757 compared to 2016, though Caddy Maxi sales were up over 35 per cent to 6,377, giving total Caddy registrations of 14,533.
Both the Amarok and Crafter models saw small declines in sales as the brand prepares to relaunch the refreshed pick-up and all-new Crafter this year. (3,586 Amarok down from 3,908 in 2015; 7,137 Crafter down from 8,009 in 2015.)
Commenting on the brand’s performance, Director of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, Carl zu Dohna, said: ‘2016 was a really successful year for the brand, with the Transporter and Caddy consolidating their positions in the market after being launched in September 2015. I’m really proud of my team and the Van Centre network for achieving this result.’
He added: ‘I’m delighted that customers are getting to know our latest products and appreciating not only their inherent strengths, but also the after sales support and complete mobility packages which we have put around them. The support we give to our customers to help them choose the right vans and minimise in-life downtime, as well as adding value to our range of products remains extremely important to us.’
*SMMT data. Includes passenger carrying models registered as ‘cars’:
  • Passenger carriers include: Caravelle, Transporter Shuttle, Caddy Life, Caddy Maxi Life and Caddy Maxi Camper.
  • Transporter registrations include California.
  • Registrations include LCV/HCV market up to 6.0T.
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Renault releases statement on the possible cheat devices within their products.

January 25, 2017, 1:29 am
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Pursuant to a joint release dated 9 November 2016, the Ministers of the Economy and Industry had announced that the DGCCRF had ended its investigations on Renault engines and sent its conclusions to the Public Prosecutor in Nanterre. The latter has since sent the file to the Public Prosecutor in Paris, who has interregional jurisdiction in consumer affairs.
Groupe Renault acknowledges, without having been able to obtain official confirmation thereof at this stage, the opening of judicial investigations on the ground of ‎"deceit on essential qualities and inspections conducted, these facts having led to the products being dangerous for the health of humans or animals."
The pictures below are for illustrative purposes only - if and when any further details emerge, Renault will deal with it at that point, as of today there are no further details, so until further communications from Renault occur, take it a read that there are NO problems, if you have any queries in the interim, contact your local dealership in the first instance.
This new development in the procedure would suggest that the Public Prosecutor wishes to continue the investigations.
In this respect, Groupe Renault, which intends to protect its rights, reminds its constant position.
  1. Renault complies with French and European regulations.
  2. Renault vehicles are all and have always been homologated in accordance with the laws and regulations. They are compliant with the applicable standards.
  3. Renault vehicles are not equipped with cheating software affecting anti-pollution systems.
  4. The States, European Commission, Regulation Authorities and automotive manufacturers all share the opinion that the requirements of the applicable regulations need to be strengthened. This is the purpose of the future Euro6d Regulation.
Groupe Renault reminds that in March 2016 it submitted to the panel of the independent technical commission a complete nitrogen oxide (NOx) emission reduction plan for its Euro6b diesel vehicles in customer use, which has been deemed transparent, satisfactory and credible.
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caterham has its best year since 1996 with over 600 units being sold, and 45% to export.

January 25, 2017, 1:32 am
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Caterham has posted record sales figures for 2016, with over 600 Caterham Sevens sold in the last 12 months.
That figure is the highest 12-month sales result for Caterham since 1996. More than half (55%) of cars were sold to UK customers, with 45% exported overseas.
The increase in sales has been supported by further growth in Caterham’s UK dealer network, adding representatives in the Northwest, Southwest and centrally in the Midlands with the launch of a bespoke Caterham dealership, while expansion of the iconic manufacturer’s model range has also had a positive impact.

In 2016, the new Seven 310 and Seven Sprint models were unveiled. The retro-soaked Sprint in particular proved hugely popular, with all 60 examples – representing 10% of the year’s total sales – being sold within one week of the car being launched at the Goodwood Revival in September.
Despite the UK’s decision to leave the EU in June, Caterham’s export sales remained consistently strong, with over 100 Sevens hitting French roads alone and over 60 Sevens unleashed in Japan.
CEO Graham MacDonald said: “Despite the political change last year, as we forecasted, Brexit’s impact on our business has been negligible. Export customers may have benefited in the short-term due to the weaker pound but, when you look at the markets, the UK and other territories have not faltered in 2016.”
Caterham Chief Commercial Officer, David Ridley, said: “This milestone shows exactly what we’ve achieved thanks to our unique partnerships and growing number of dealers.
“Over the last 12 months, we’ve worked hard to expand our UK dealer network, had the 620R immortalised in LEGO and seen the 310 model become an instant favourite. We’re keen to continue this momentum in 2017 as we celebrate 60 years of the Seven.”
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