LATEST ALL CAR NEWS

Volvo XC90 D5 (2015)

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC-s5EZzXYEl3BYQHcc_Pn0FzFXEJeZuSugwsboTvu-8paPFHyN7cmyquE2lhMMBdrTkG9CdZrqjz99TjGXB3GSi-UuAlZrR6BlqAv4cThXVHGeJPhbjWsuJ1v8wzpGGZPA5KyyhnB2r4/s1600/volvoxc90_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC-s5EZzXYEl3BYQHcc_Pn0FzFXEJeZuSugwsboTvu-8paPFHyN7cmyquE2lhMMBdrTkG9CdZrqjz99TjGXB3GSi-UuAlZrR6BlqAv4cThXVHGeJPhbjWsuJ1v8wzpGGZPA5KyyhnB2r4/s320/volvoxc90_02.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAcfeusmdZU2FWpdj7P8LnOL6fsV8U_DR1SxIkF9XQWflwJdGRveBDV2_Al5qk141hedbGsGGcNMkUz092s7OsIxO6RSq5nhGUjcVitNj1rxO__aqu9kx17XcJvC3xMq9UMucJkiQu_JY/s1600/volvoxc90_04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAcfeusmdZU2FWpdj7P8LnOL6fsV8U_DR1SxIkF9XQWflwJdGRveBDV2_Al5qk141hedbGsGGcNMkUz092s7OsIxO6RSq5nhGUjcVitNj1rxO__aqu9kx17XcJvC3xMq9UMucJkiQu_JY/s320/volvoxc90_04.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0_7HiBbG6Wx7VKDsOxXsfV5nk0QNyxfjJbpYbRysKzEmUlDQLMS1nCdZwSPMWeswftZEV47Ba3rivcQ37YwzMHpA1tr-T9M1z2hnQoeZESuLuRX__Iei2_RA_oW_6HQjvVacTOeajJAY/s1600/volvoxc90_07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0_7HiBbG6Wx7VKDsOxXsfV5nk0QNyxfjJbpYbRysKzEmUlDQLMS1nCdZwSPMWeswftZEV47Ba3rivcQ37YwzMHpA1tr-T9M1z2hnQoeZESuLuRX__Iei2_RA_oW_6HQjvVacTOeajJAY/s320/volvoxc90_07.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<h1>
Volvo XC90 D5 (2015): </h1>
The original Volvo XC90 proved a hugely important car for Volvo, 
selling strongly on its safety features, seven-seat versatility and 
understated good looks. After an admirable 12-year innings, it’s being 
replaced in 2015 by an all-new second-generation car, one of the most 
important in the marque’s history.<br />

Not only does the new XC90
 replace one of Volvo’s most loved models, it also marks the beginning 
of the new post-Ford era, the debut of innovative new chassis 
architecture and the introduction of suitably bold and progressive 
design language. <br />
 very attractive color large seat long life tires <br />

<h2>
So what’s changed on the 2015 Volvo XC90?</h2>
In short, everything. Only the name, a little design inspiration 
(Volvo was keen that this second-gen car remained recognisably XC90) and
 the fact that it’s a seven-seat SUV from Sweden remain the same.<br />

Key to huge strides the new car had made over the old – namely 
strength and stiffness, interior space and driving dynamics – is Volvo’s
 new scalable chassis design. One of the key parts of an $11 billion 
engineering investment, it can be modified in almost all dimensions, 
from wheelbase to rear overhang, allowing all future model lines and 
derivatives to be built on the same basic platform. Indeed while this 
XC90 is new now, in just four years’ time Volvo vows it will be the 
oldest model in its range.<br />

The new chassis has been designed to accommodate conventional and 
hybrid powertrains alike. UK XC90 buyers will be offered the 225bhp D5 
diesel, the 320bhp petrol T6 and the 400bhp hybrid Twin Engine T8. All 
are four-wheel drive, though two-wheel drive versions will follow.<br />

New suspension systems front and rear aim to improve both the driving
 experience and yield more internal space, while an all-new design 
language inside and out aims to take the XC90 upmarket and toe-to-toe 
with premium rivals from BMW, Audi, Mercedes and Range Rover.<br />
app computer is available  this year features power full light brightness.<br />

<h2>
How does the new XC90 drive?</h2>
The optional air suspension system will be a popular fitment for most
 buyers and with it the XC90 is a fantastically refined drive, blending a
 superbly pliant ride with good body control and a steering fluency the 
old car could only dream of. You can tweak the suspension system to your
 taste, switching between drive modes that also re-calibrate myriad 
other parameters, from throttle response to steering weight (always on 
the light side but nicely judged and responsive), but even in Dynamic 
mode the big Volvo hangs onto its ride quality.<br />

There’s a little roll if you’re pushing but generally the handling is
 composed and trustworthy. Besides, to drive the XC90 like this is to 
miss out on its great strength – an incredible refinement born of that 
plush ride, the interior’s calm ambience and a hushed lack of any wind 
or road noise.<br />

The D5’s 222bhp twin-turbo diesel four is fit for purpose. It’s not 
spectacular but it is smooth, quiet at low revs and strong enough to 
make for an engaging drive and the odd opportunistic overtake.<br />

The eight-speed auto gearbox is best left in less racy modes; 
switching to Dynamic does the engine no favours, revving it past its 
best, shifting clumsily between the lower gears and making a bit of a 
racket that’s at odds with the XC90’s otherwise Zen-like sense of 
tranquility.<br />

<h2>
It’s big. Is it clever?</h2>
Much has been made of the vast central, driver-orientated touchscreen
 interface and there’s no doubt it rids the dashboard of ranks of ugly 
buttons. It works very well, requiring only the lightest of taps and 
scrolling through different pages in a very intuitive, very Apple-esque 
manner, allowing you access everything from head-up-display brightness 
to navigation. But for functions you use frequently, like climate, you 
can’t help but feel the touchscreen interface is an inferior solution, 
being slower and impossible to use without taking your eyes off the 
road.<br />

Elsewhere there’s evidence of thousands of hours of clear-headed 
Swedish thinking. Impressively the third row of seats is comfortable for
 adults and blessed with real legroom, a decent view ahead and its own 
air vents. The second- and third-row seats both stow for a completely 
flat load bay floor, while the power-operated boot and lowering function
 (a button in the boot drops the load bay 50mm on the air suspension) 
make loading a doddle.<br />

There’s also a raft of Intellisafe safety aids, from 
collision-avoidance technology to new systems that brace the car and its
 occupants for impact should it detect that you’ve left the road or that
 a car approaching from behind isn’t going to stop in time<br />
<br />
</div>

Volvo XC90 D5 (2015)

Volvo XC90 D5 (2015): The original Volvo XC90 proved a hugely important car for Volvo, selling strongly on its safety features, seven-seat versatility and understated good looks. After an admirabl…

11 May 2015

Aston Martin DB4 2015

The sale was held as part of Bonhams' annual Aston Martin Works Sale 
at the weekend, which set a new record for the British brand, raising 
£10,280,275. very power full speed comfortable seat very large seat and power full tiers.<br />

<h2>
The Peter Ustinov Aston Martin DB4</h2>
This is a rare kind of Aston, and not just with its cinematic 
connections. It is one of only nine DB4 Series IV convertibles ever 
made, making it the second rarest of DB4s after the hyper-pricey Zagato.<br />

Ustinov was the original owner and ordered it in left-hand drive for 
European touring duties. It was delivered to the Montreux Palace Hotel 
in Switzerland on 27 July 1962, just months before CAR magazine was 
born, carrying the somewhat inappropriate registration plate 911 CGT. 
Although delivered with Desert White, the car was respayed Royal Claret 
in September 1979.<br />

<h2>
Aston DB4: a potted history</h2>
The DB4 range was styled by the Touring <em>carrozzeria </em>and was 
in production from 1958 to 1963 with only modest revisions over five 
series. Ustinov's Series IV is marked by a new grille with seven 
vertical bars, a shallower bonnet intake and recessed rear lights. 
Including Vantage and convertible models, around 1100 DB4s were produced
 in total.<br />
very interesting car of this year 2015.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>

Aston Martin DB4 2015

LATEST ALL CAR NEWS LATEST ALL CAR NEWS LATEST ALL CAR NEWS Aston Martin DB4: A collector has snapped up the Aston Martin DB4 Series IV Vantage Convertible formerly owned by actor Sir Peter Ustinov…

11 May 2015

Toyota Avensis 2015 facelift revealed

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfOb_YGXdfJaEuXXrMB1OS2a-Atul4IvR7JodnbjlIJyRLtStM2hS_CTLOi0e5AVike7Tivtr35KE28GhLGtihVMpNbXoNdl6fxxw8dJ1YWj9qflS-1YK48pNMSvdlqTY8hWrtkbf9x0g/s1600/AVENSIS_DAY_01_DPL_2015_3-4_BLACK.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Toyota Avensis 2015 facelift revealed" border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfOb_YGXdfJaEuXXrMB1OS2a-Atul4IvR7JodnbjlIJyRLtStM2hS_CTLOi0e5AVike7Tivtr35KE28GhLGtihVMpNbXoNdl6fxxw8dJ1YWj9qflS-1YK48pNMSvdlqTY8hWrtkbf9x0g/s320/AVENSIS_DAY_01_DPL_2015_3-4_BLACK.jpg" title="Toyota Avensis 2015 facelift revealed" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LATEST ALL CAR NEWS</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUFmAofX18VLe5-rWbz80-yXm1thqt-Fe7QZtPvjq4FJcuCNe80JRfk_PPrL_AckSTHwyBv8iG4dcyhLgdMiRCVIrEDe26v3d9wFsU10ztb53JSrOCgPPMU-RBroQdum7sxFQ0O_9NOZY/s1600/AVENSIS_DETAILS_04_DPL_2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Toyota Avensis 2015 facelift revealed" border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUFmAofX18VLe5-rWbz80-yXm1thqt-Fe7QZtPvjq4FJcuCNe80JRfk_PPrL_AckSTHwyBv8iG4dcyhLgdMiRCVIrEDe26v3d9wFsU10ztb53JSrOCgPPMU-RBroQdum7sxFQ0O_9NOZY/s320/AVENSIS_DETAILS_04_DPL_2015.jpg" title="Toyota Avensis 2015 facelift revealed" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LATEST ALL CAR NEWS</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCtQwtI3k_1C6Pa00I5Xq1ftSQJ7Sl-kilgHCFAtzPXsY6Md-ieW60e8L8NcQGr16EuTKFugooO4qhcl9L80WvLnxoLx6LftVMeF7hcF4GEsvbA7J24H2Z-Rt_5qInCq3xVFXjeKDF1wc/s1600/AVENSIS_NIGHT_22_DPL_2015_PROFIL_BLACK.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Toyota Avensis 2015 facelift revealed" border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCtQwtI3k_1C6Pa00I5Xq1ftSQJ7Sl-kilgHCFAtzPXsY6Md-ieW60e8L8NcQGr16EuTKFugooO4qhcl9L80WvLnxoLx6LftVMeF7hcF4GEsvbA7J24H2Z-Rt_5qInCq3xVFXjeKDF1wc/s320/AVENSIS_NIGHT_22_DPL_2015_PROFIL_BLACK.jpg" title="Toyota Avensis 2015 facelift revealed" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LATEST ALL CAR NEWS</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmKtzMQSrAIryqZ2dxK-FqZGK0T6kF8zajTldOVIt5cbM6g9Z76g7cVvx51ZeR2vja7r9_nMHTzRGu8ckfNfb3DrjBuBjjfopLuhb-_na-vLLJXjU6Kkxk-xvRJjvtqs9AfLG7OEiAfKs/s1600/AVENSIS_STUDIO_02_DPL_2015_FULAR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Toyota Avensis 2015 facelift revealed" border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmKtzMQSrAIryqZ2dxK-FqZGK0T6kF8zajTldOVIt5cbM6g9Z76g7cVvx51ZeR2vja7r9_nMHTzRGu8ckfNfb3DrjBuBjjfopLuhb-_na-vLLJXjU6Kkxk-xvRJjvtqs9AfLG7OEiAfKs/s320/AVENSIS_STUDIO_02_DPL_2015_FULAR.jpg" title="Toyota Avensis 2015 facelift revealed" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LATEST ALL CAR NEWS</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>What is it?</strong><br /><br />Toyota has said that this facelift 
is the biggest in terms of investment that it has ever made, so the 
Avensis will come with a refreshed interior and a reworked chassis, 
along with the changes to the exterior.<br /><br />The front end is brought 
in to line with the rest of the restyled Toyota range, with new LED 
headlights, front bumper and bonnet and a chrome bar running across the 
front. The rear also gets new LED headlights, while the car has been 
stretched overall by 40mm.<br /><br />A spokesman for Toyota has also said 
that there will be changes to the Avensis' chassis, while refinement has
 been improved via more insulation throughout the cabin.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /><br /><strong>What engines does it come with?</strong><br /><br />The Avensis gets two new diesel engines: a new 1.6-litre D-4D and a 2.0-litre D-4D.<br /><br />The
 1.6-litre version replaces a 2.0-litre diesel, and is 20kg lighter than
 the old unit. It gets the Avensis from 0-62mph in 11.4 seconds and has a
 112mph top speed. CO2 emissions are 108g/km, while fuel economy is 
68.9mpg.<br /><br />The 2.0-litre diesel has an average fuel consumption of 62.8mpg and emits 119g/km of CO2.<br /><br />The petrol engines have been tweaked, with reductions in CO2 emissions ranging from 8g/km to 19g/km.<br />
THIS caris very powerfull speed ,lighting is brightness,very peacefull atractive color and afordable price ,this is very comfortable seat ,longlife tires very powerfull<br /><br /><strong>What equipment does it come with?</strong><br /><br />Toyota
 has not yet revealed the full UK specification, but says it will come 
with a 'clearly differentiated grade structure' that will appeal to both
 private and company buyers.<br /><br />If it follows the European spec 
cars, then the entry-level cars with come with equipment such as air 
conditioning cruise control LED daytime running lights, Bluetooth and 
USB as standard. The top level trim will come with full leather 
upholstery and satellite navigation. A premium pack is expected to offer
 kit such as LED headlights, electric front seats and a panoramic glass 
roof.<br /><br /><strong>How much does it cost?</strong><br /><br />Pricing will
 be revealed closer to the Avensis's launch, and the new engines and 
trim levels may result in a slight rise from the current price range of 
£17,700 to £26,595.<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>

Toyota Avensis 2015 facelift revealed

LATEST ALL CAR NEWS LATEST ALL CAR NEWS LATEST ALL CAR NEWS LATEST ALL CAR NEWS What is it?Toyota has said that this facelift is the biggest in terms of investment that it has ever made, so the Ave…

09 May 2015

Skoda Superb 2015

<strong>What is it?</strong><br />The latest Superb is only a little 
bit longer than the outgoing generation, but it gets a much longer 
wheelbase in an attempt to improve the amount of space on offer for 
passengers and their luggage.<br />

The car moves on to the same set of chassis components as the VW Passat,
 but it promises to beat that car on rear accommodation and boot space. 
The luggage compartment (accessed via a conventional hatchback instead 
of the old car's novel saloon/hatch combo) is enormous; 625 litres are 
on offer with the rear seats in place (84 litres more than a Ford 
Mondeo).<br />

<strong>What engines will there be?</strong><br />The big sellers will 
be diesels. There's a 1.6-litre 118bhp unit that will emit 96g/km in 
efficiency-focused GreenLine trim, and not much more than 100g/km with 
both a regular manual gearbox or Skoda's dual-clutch DSG automatic 
transmission.<br />

There are also two 2.0-litre diesels, with 148bhp or 187bhp. Again, 
CO2 emissions shouldn't be higher than 107g/km as manuals; even the 
four-wheel-drive auto is expected to return around 131g/km.<br />

The petrol motors will book-end the range. The entry-level Superb 
will be a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol with 148bhp. It shuts down 
cylinders to save fuel when you're cruising and emits a respectable 
115g/km of CO2.<br />

The top-spec car will be a 276bhp turbocharged petrol, available only
 with a dual-clutch automatic transmission and four-wheel drive.<br />

<strong>Is it really more spacious than the old car?</strong><br />The 
outgoing Superb was known for its spacious cabin, but the new edition 
does manage to feel a bit more comfortable. Rear passengers won't notice
 that much more legroom, for example, but they will appreciate extra 
shoulder room and head room. It should be an extremely comfortable cabin
 for four grown-ups on a long journey.<br />

<strong>How much equipment does it come with?</strong><br />There will 
be four trim levels - S, SE, SE-L and Laurin & Klement - but every 
Superb will get at least dual-zone climate control, a 6.5in colour 
touchscreen in the centre of the dashboard, city emergency braking and 
one of the Superb's novel touches: two pocket umbrellas that slot into 
storage holes in the front doors.<br />

Higher-spec editions will get a larger 8.0in touchscreen, MirrorLink 
integration with a smartphone and built-in satellite navigation – and 
the options list can include 4G onboard wi-fi and a neat holder for 
iPads and other tablet PCs to keep them in place between the rear seats.
 You can also have an electrically operated hatch that can be activated 
by waving your foot under the Superb's rear bumper.<br />

<strong>Will there be a Superb Estate?</strong>Yes. It's due to make its public debut in late spring, and should turn up in showrooms about a month after the hatchback.<br />

<strong>How much will it cost?</strong><br />The entry-level Superb is 
priced from £18,640 for the 1.4-litre engine in S trim, rising to 
£21,440 for the 1.6-litre diesel engine with DSG gearbox, and this 
is roughly in line with the outgoing version which started at £18,690.<br />

SE trim in the new Superb starts at £21,190 for the 1.4-litre petrol 
and goes up to £23,590 for the AWD 148bhp 2.0-litre diesel variant. SE L
 Executive comes in at £24,220 for the 1.4-litre petrol, with the 
2.0-litre petrol with automatic transmission starting at £27,020, and a 
four-wheel-drive higher-powered 187bhp 2.0-litre diesel with DSG gearbox
 costs £30,220.<br />

Range-topping Laurin & Klement trim starts at £30,640 for a 
217bhp 2.0-litre petrol with DSG gearbox, and the most expensive model 
in the range is the 276bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine all-wheel-drive 
variant with DSG gearbox, costing £34,740. Diesels in this trim start 
from £28,740 for the lower-powered 2.0-litre TDI, rising to £33,840 for 
the more potent version of the 2.0-litre in automatic guise with 
all-wheel-drive.<br />
<br />
this is a very power full car . <br />
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
This is the new <a href="http://www.whatcar.com/car-reviews/skoda/superb-hatchback/summary/25794-5/" title="Skoda Superb Review">Skoda Superb</a>, the latest generation of the Czech manufacturer's range-topper and a car that's designed to rival everything from the <a href="http://www.whatcar.com/car-reviews/ford/mondeo-hatchback/summary/25713-5" title="Ford Mondeo review">Ford Mondeo</a> to the <a href="http://www.whatcar.com/car-reviews/bmw/3-series-saloon/summary/26087-2" title="BMW 3 Series review">BMW 3 Series</a>.
 It's been revealed at the 2015 Geneva motor show and Skoda dealers in 
the UK will start taking orders in June before first deliveries in 
September.<br />

The car moves on to the same set of chassis components as the <a href="http://www.whatcar.com/car-reviews/volkswagen/passat-saloon/summary/25981-2" title="Volkswagen Passat">VW Passat</a>,
 but it promises to beat that car on rear accommodation and boot space. 
The luggage compartment (accessed via a conventional hatchback instead 
of the old car's novel saloon/hatch combo) is enormous; 625 litres are 
on offer with the rear seats in place (84 litres more than a Ford 
Mondeo).<br />

The top-spec car will be a 276bhp turbocharged petrol, available only
 with a dual-clutch automatic transmission and four-wheel drive.<br />

<strong>Will there be a Superb Estate?</strong>Yes. It's due to make its public debut in late spring, and should turn up in showrooms about a month after the hatchback.<br />

Range-topping Laurin & Klement trim starts at £30,640 for a 
217bhp 2.0-litre petrol with DSG gearbox, and the most expensive model 
in the range is the 276bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine all-wheel-drive 
variant with DSG gearbox, costing £34,740. Diesels in this trim start 
from £28,740 for the lower-powered 2.0-litre TDI, rising to £33,840 for 
the more potent version of the 2.0-litre in automatic guise with 
all-wheel-drive.<br />
 - See more at: http://www.whatcar.com/car-news/2015-skoda-superb-full-pricing-engines-pictures/1326309#sthash.vsTfPM2n.dpuf</div>
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
This is the new <a href="http://www.whatcar.com/car-reviews/skoda/superb-hatchback/summary/25794-5/" title="Skoda Superb Review">Skoda Superb</a>, the latest generation of the Czech manufacturer's range-topper and a car that's designed to rival everything from the <a href="http://www.whatcar.com/car-reviews/ford/mondeo-hatchback/summary/25713-5" title="Ford Mondeo review">Ford Mondeo</a> to the <a href="http://www.whatcar.com/car-reviews/bmw/3-series-saloon/summary/26087-2" title="BMW 3 Series review">BMW 3 Series</a>.
 It's been revealed at the 2015 Geneva motor show and Skoda dealers in 
the UK will start taking orders in June before first deliveries in 
September.<br />

The top-spec car will be a 276bhp turbocharged petrol, available only
 with a dual-clutch automatic transmission and four-wheel drive.<br />

<strong>Will there be a Superb Estate?</strong>Yes. It's due to make its public debut in late spring, and should turn up in showrooms about a month after the hatchback.<br />

Skoda Superb 2015

LATEST ALL CAR NEWS LATEST ALL CAR NEWS LATEST ALL CAR NEWS LATEST ALL CAR NEWS Skoda Superb 2015 This is the new Skoda Superb, the latest generation of the Czech manufacturer's range-topper and a ca…

09 May 2015

Citroen C4 Grand Picasso (2015)

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsbrGh502pP50JvqeO7bUwKf7GUswVEYzQCbyNkbq7gY2NLWuATOhfZ5yrRBjYEfbbucpZ-m1MtcbmsTxWijxTVAJQDGOBL5h0lGDw7z2yMqRROnHGwYGFCrP2ze253l9BK7ktWA6xOjI/s1600/2014-Citroen-C4-Grand-Picasso-interior-610x375.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Citroen C4 Grand Picasso (2015) " border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsbrGh502pP50JvqeO7bUwKf7GUswVEYzQCbyNkbq7gY2NLWuATOhfZ5yrRBjYEfbbucpZ-m1MtcbmsTxWijxTVAJQDGOBL5h0lGDw7z2yMqRROnHGwYGFCrP2ze253l9BK7ktWA6xOjI/s320/2014-Citroen-C4-Grand-Picasso-interior-610x375.jpg" title="Citroen C4 Grand Picasso (2015) " width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LATEST ALL CAR NEWS</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhygQP2OhzoHMFs1IgJeAZEKdVEQQEMYRv0G0hoVRscTilehILT4Er2bfGdFY-na5zECskr7Bj5uXe2_wPBFgz79pOQ6zhwE1hz5RX6bcU1pp-FI0xD-mYO5WcVZGqWnGmDvg_O3YywHrA/s1600/2014_citroen_c4_grand_picasso_launch_review_03-0227-m+610x450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Citroen C4 Grand Picasso (2015) " border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhygQP2OhzoHMFs1IgJeAZEKdVEQQEMYRv0G0hoVRscTilehILT4Er2bfGdFY-na5zECskr7Bj5uXe2_wPBFgz79pOQ6zhwE1hz5RX6bcU1pp-FI0xD-mYO5WcVZGqWnGmDvg_O3YywHrA/s320/2014_citroen_c4_grand_picasso_launch_review_03-0227-m+610x450.jpg" title="Citroen C4 Grand Picasso (2015) " width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LATEST ALL CAR NEWS</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmDF70FJvHl4lr7TG3yCkFlx9LG_ENqCTkdFZDjy8LtaKRPT0XtTHCIkc472oZBa9tBl6j13YO0YanPbwOnSC4y2HcZurBx0lkNC3d8gKfliTBeMwSO-9YuVQgWdPNZ4c2PIa8Vigkxhg/s1600/2014_citroen_grand_picasso_new_zealand_02-0226-mc+819x819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Citroen C4 Grand Picasso (2015) " border="0" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmDF70FJvHl4lr7TG3yCkFlx9LG_ENqCTkdFZDjy8LtaKRPT0XtTHCIkc472oZBa9tBl6j13YO0YanPbwOnSC4y2HcZurBx0lkNC3d8gKfliTBeMwSO-9YuVQgWdPNZ4c2PIa8Vigkxhg/s320/2014_citroen_grand_picasso_new_zealand_02-0226-mc+819x819.jpg" title="Citroen C4 Grand Picasso (2015) " width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LATEST ALL CAR NEWS</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM-_4fxIPqyPrk-S4CF6zOPSegh-efxmFAERDDkeJe_5Wpp4DtFzcdq7RPOa86iD07tvFrGktOw9lS0HpFmxZTBS9rcSxECIMW2CjNJsdmX0g0HxthSR7BLO1-NKlG_nZJcLrvv2ovBEI/s1600/autorevue-testbericht-citroen-c4-picasso-exclusive-cockpit-innenraum-616x345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Citroen C4 Grand Picasso (2015) " border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM-_4fxIPqyPrk-S4CF6zOPSegh-efxmFAERDDkeJe_5Wpp4DtFzcdq7RPOa86iD07tvFrGktOw9lS0HpFmxZTBS9rcSxECIMW2CjNJsdmX0g0HxthSR7BLO1-NKlG_nZJcLrvv2ovBEI/s320/autorevue-testbericht-citroen-c4-picasso-exclusive-cockpit-innenraum-616x345.jpg" title="Citroen C4 Grand Picasso (2015) " width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LATEST ALL CAR NEWS</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h2>
Citroen C4 Picasso diary notes: distraction control</h2>
That futuristic dashboard is quite a thing to behold when you first 
climb into the Picasso. Those massive cinema multiplex screens, the 
almost total absence of buttons (until you realise they’re all on the 
steering wheel instead), that odd but stylish textured surface, like 
robotic rhino hide…<br />
It’s one thing staring at it goggle-eyed during the car’s original 
launch, as I did, but the acid test is whether it can still look as 
striking against a backdrop of accumulated bric-a-brac from 10 months’ 
worth of long-term duties. And the good news is, it does – even offset 
against crumbs, crisp packets and parking receipts, it still looks like a
 step into the future.<br />
Is it a step in the right direction, though? Fancy as the touchscreen
 looks, it’s a bit of a concentration test to operate. You need a really
 firm prod, and a steady hand, to hit the bit you’re after, and just 
adjusting the air-con temperature was enough to see me wandering over 
white lines while my eyes were off the road. Of course, the more time 
you spend in the car the easier it gets, but anything that could 
increase the demand on a driver’s attention in a car that’s likely to be
 full of passengers seems borderline immoral, however advanced it 
appears in the showroom.<br />
<i><br /></i>

<br />
<h2>
Month 10 running a Citroen C4 Grand Picasso: how did you rate your Picasso experience?</h2>
I’ve been getting so cosy with Robinsons, the Citroën 
dealership in Peterborough, that I’m now on their Christmas card list. 
Following my urea/AdBlue issues last month, the Grand C4 Picasso has 
just had its first service. Not bad for a vehicle just three-quarters of
 a year old. Slight advisory on the front tyres – I must be loading them
 up as I swing this slab-sided pantechnicon into yet another A1 
roundabout – but nothing more worrying than that.<br />
A decade or so ago then that would be that from the dealership 
for another 12 months/20,000 miles. Instead, it’s set in frenzied motion
 the service industry’s modern vogue for accruing customer feedback. 
It’s been conducted with a zeal you could describe at best overly keen, 
at worst rabid. I’ve had countless voicemail messages, phone calls, 
texts and email alerts pleading for me to say something – anything – 
about my experience. It’s a bit like the hovering rookie waiter at the 
Harvester, asking if you’re enjoying your meal… after every mouthful. 
I’ve filled in an online questionnaire now, saying how wonderful the 
experience was. The correspondence has stopped.<br />
Worryingly, I may be back soon as something odd is happening 
when I plug my iPhone USB lead in to power it up. Listening to DAB 
radio, it slows broadcasts down. As a result, James Naughtie on the 
Today programme sounds like he’s had a couple of snifters-worth of 
Bruichladdich before coming on air or Gordon Brown after two packs of 
Gitanes. And I can’t tell you what it does to Sandi Toskvig…<br />
<br />
<h2>
<hr />
Month 9 running a Citroen C4 Grand Picasso: taking the pee out of its AdBlue urea exhaust treatment</h2>
It’s a phrase I never thought I’d be using at my age, but I’ve had 
terrible urea problems lately. It’s so bad that I’ve had to go and see 
someone about it – Robinsons, the Citroën main dealer in Peterborough. <br />
It’s not me suffering, you see, but the C4 Grand Picasso.
 It began with a legend on the display saying that I needed my urea 
topping up. A week later the warning turned red (always a bad sign), 
eventually counting me down to impending carmageddon with a threat that 
the car would not start in 500… 400… 300 miles time. <br />
I got a D at Chemistry so I won’t get all Open University on you 
here, but a urea solution – given the more palatable sobriquet ‘AdBlue’ –
 is added to selected diesel engines in order to lower exhaust 
emissions. It rather outfoxed Robinsons, initially because they didn’t 
have any in stock when I dropped by and secondly because top-ups are 
usually required at 20,000 miles, whereas I’d only reached 16k. 
Apparently, high-milers burn the additive more quickly.<br />
After my second visit inside two days, AdBlue levels are back to 
normal, although I’ll probably be back in six months. Frustratingly, 
AdBlue comes in 10-litre bottles whereas the tank holds 17 litres, so we
 weren’t brimmed.<br />
And there’s me betting Ben Pulman that I wouldn’t use the line ‘Citroën takes the piss’. Looks like I owe him a fiver.<br />
<i> </i><br />
<hr />
<h2>
Month 8 running a Citroen C4 Picasso: don't buy the auto</h2>
Albert, the septuagenarian Liverpudlian who owns the Hotel Migjorn in
 Mallorca where we holidayed this summer, may be a former hippy who once
 ran a bar in Franco-era Palma, but he doesn’t half love his cars. He 
borrowed one of John Lennon’s Rollers for his wedding and showed me a 
pea-green E-type that a fellow ex-pat is having restored nearby.<br />
So, one can only imagine Albert’s disappointment with the hire car 
that I drove through his hotel gates. Still, at least the C4 Picasso 
gave me a week-long opportunity to compare specs with the porkier Grand 
version I drive at home.<br />
The headlines from my fag-packet notes decided that the panoramic 
sunroof (which our hire car lacked) is a must, as is the electric 
tailgate (burdened as I was, daily, with pushchairs, buckets & 
spades, parasols and sundry children) although it was the auto ’box (my 
Grand is manual) that received most of my ire. Its jerky gearchanges had
 me bunny-hopping like a teen on their first driving lesson, while the 
US-style column-mounted controls wound me up at a time when I was trying
 to wind down. Virtually every time I selected reverse, I activated the 
wipers.<br />
As comely as its interior is, the Picasso still has the power to infuriate.<br />
<i><br /></i>

<br />
<hr />
<h2>
Month 7 running a Citroen C4 Grand Picasso: holiday time!</h2>
In a rare display of automotive professionalism, I feel well 
qualified to comment on the merits of today’s people carriers. We 
recently sold our Volvo V70 – bye-bye Blue Blancmange – and having 
scrutinised every MPV on the market, are about to become owners of a 
shiny new Seat Alhambra.<br />
The Seat has a lot going for it, as we know, having run one a while 
back. It’s intelligently configured, spacious, exceptionally well 
equipped and very good value. But for me, the clincher over its rivals 
are its sliding rear doors. Today’s parking bays are so ridiculously 
narrow that conventionally hinged large rear doors are impossible to 
fully open, making entry and egress a difficult, expletive-inducing and 
paint-scraping event. But were it not for its doors, the Citroën would 
have edged out the Seat.<br />
So the chance to swap my Caterham
 – not quite ideal for pan-European family travel – for Stephen Worthy’s
 C4 Grand Picasso for a fortnight was one I grabbed. It would not only 
swallow all we needed for our fortnight on Ile De Re, but would also 
sanity check my Seat-buying decision.<br />
You see, I’ve never been a big Citroën fan. Yes, I know all about the
 Traction Avant, 2CV and DS. But when I started in this game, Citroën 
was churning out dross like the ZX, Xsara and the C3 Pluriel – possible 
the most ill-conceived car I’ve ever driven, BMW X6, Porsche Panamera 
and Dodge Nitro included. Fortunately someone at Saint-Ouen saw sense, 
and the recent crop of chevron-badged cars has certainly swung the 
design pendulum away from dull towards desirable.<br />
And like the Cactus and DS5,
 our C4 certainly is an interesting thing to look at. It’s distinctively
 ‘new’ Citroën, this car – it strikes the perfect balance between 
engaging quirkiness and family-friendly practicality. It’s curvy, 
challenging and unorthodox. The very opposite of the Alhambra, then, 
which looks like a box on wheels from all angles. The cavernous cabin is
 equally innovative – stacked screen, button-free centre console, 
receding hairline windscreen and not a straight line in sight. It’s so 
Frenchly chic, it even has its own perfume…<br />
<br />
<div id="picad_div" style="cursor: pointer; z-index: 10003;">
<div id="picad_overlay_div" style="cursor: pointer;">
<div id="picad_overlay_holder" style="height: 54px;">
<div id="ism_ol_holder_ad" style="height: 54px;">
<div id="ism_ol_txt_holder" style="height: 54px;">
<br />
<dt class="ol_title" style="width: 751px;"><div class="title">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" rel="nofollow">Digsby</a></div>
</dt>
<dt class="ol_content" style="width: 751px;"><div class="content">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" rel="nofollow">IM, Email, and Social Networks in one easy to use application!</a></div>
</dt>
<dt class="ol_url"><div class="url">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" rel="nofollow">http://digsby.com</a></div>
</dt>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
To the C4 we bolted our Thule roofbox and our superb new Thule 
Euroclassic bike rack. Mounted on the car’s towbar, this ingenious bit 
of engineering holds four bicycles in a rock-solid grip and comes with 
its own number plate and lightboard. But its cleverest feature enables 
you to tilt back the entire rack for access to the boot with bikes in 
place.<br />
Our trip got off to the best possible start – a relaxing cruise 
across a millpond Channel on Brittany Ferries’ 27,500 tonne 
Finnish-built ferry Normandie. They may be the briny equivalent of 
budget airliners, but the size and capacity of these ships always 
impresses. With 2000 people and 650 vehicles on board, the Normandie 
slipped us smoothly across to Caen in just over six hours.<br />
Unsurprisingly, the C4 Picasso felt very much at home in France. Its 
languid and laid-back character was perfectly attuned to our 
what’s-the-rush holiday attitude. It wafted us down to the west coast in
 style and comfort, while we enjoyed the panoramic visibility offered by
 the large glasshouse, the chunky iPod-fed sound system, the squidgy 
back-rub chairs and the decent pace of the refined and hushed diesel 
engine.<br />
But things weren’t all parfait from the driver’s seat. Body control 
was very relaxed, making the car feel pretty loose and baggy, while at 
the same time it constantly fidgeted and jittered over road 
imperfections. The steering is very light and devoid of feel, and the 
gearlever feels horribly disconnected from the actual physical process 
of moving and meshing cogs. I found having to repeatedly jab at the 
slow-witted touchscreen to change basic settings for the climate, audio 
and the like pretty frustrating. And I didn’t like the way it binged and
 bonged at me for the slightest driving infraction.<br />
Rather oddly, the C4’s rather impressive overall economy, given its 
Thule-laden status, was significantly better driving back to France than
 it was leaving England – 37.0mpg on the way out versus 43.7mpg on the 
return leg. This despite following roughly the same route at similar 
speeds.<br />
So, were just over 1000 miles enough to convince me that I’d opted 
for the better car? Oui. The big Picasso has plenty of character and is 
extraordinarily good to gaze at, but the flipside is that it’s very 
ordinary to drive.<br />
<hr />
<h2>
Month 6 running a Citroen C4 Picasso: premium or not too premium, that is the question</h2>
‘You don’t know what you’ve got ’til it’s gone,’ sang Joni Mitchell. 
She’s right – I’m missing my big red family conveyance. While Ben 
Whitworth has been off with my C4 Picasso, avec bike rack, recreating 
the Tour de France – hopefully minus blood boosting and broken bones – 
I’ve been sampling a test-car pot pourri.<br />
While the C4’s interior tilts at being premium, it doesn’t beat the real thing. I’ve found that out driving the CLS wagon
 for a couple of nights; the ivory and cream leather makes the C4 feel 
puritan. Conversely, I found that the low-slung Merc’s drive suffers 
from too much lateral agitation. The Citroën is cosseting in comparison.<br />
I’ve also revisited my Lexus IS300h
 from a few months back; it’s reminded me that interior refinement isn’t
 the preserve of the Germans although, like the Citroën, it has an 
infuriating media interface. While the C4 is too minimal, the Lexus is 
ultra finicky.<br />
Our Pic even played support car on a recent Lamborghini shoot for CAR
 magazine (see below). I think it's best we don't compare these three 
cars, though. Chalk and cheese, and that...</div>

Citroen C4 Grand Picasso (2015)

LATEST ALL CAR NEWS LATEST ALL CAR NEWS LATEST ALL CAR NEWS LATEST ALL CAR NEWS Citroen C4 Picasso diary notes: distraction control That futuristic dashboard is quite a thing to behold when you first…

09 May 2015

VW Golf GTI Club Sport (2015)

This is the Volkswagen Golf GTI Club Sport, an upcoming range-topper created especially to celebrate the GTI’s 40<sup>th</sup>
 anniversary. It’ll be displayed at the Worthersee show, an annual 
festival that celebrates all things VW (and GTIs especially), on 14 May.
 And indications are that it’s not just a show car – it’s likely to get a
 production run in 2016.<br />

<h2>
What’s special about the VW Golf GTI Club Sport?</h2>
It’s not the first such anniversary model – remember the <a href="http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-reviews/volkswagen/vw-golf-gti-edition-30-2006-review/">GTI Edition 30</a> of 2006? This is a similar recipe – a mild styling and trim workover, and more power.<br />

Revealed only in sketch form so far, the Club Sport will get an extra
 35bhp shot in the arm compared with the current most powerful Golf GTI,
 the 227bhp <a href="http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-reviews/volkswagen/vw-golf-gti-performance-pack-2013-review/">Performance Pack version</a>.<br />

The Club Sport packs 261bhp, and can temporarily push its output by a
 further 10% with a ‘boost’ function. So that’s about 287bhp by our 
maths, making this the most powerful production Golf GTI yet.<br />

We know the engine can take it – the <a href="http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-reviews/volkswagen/vw-golf-r-estate-2015-review/">Golf R </a>packs nearly 300bhp. No word on torque figures for the Club Sport yet – or whether it’ll keep that name for production.<br />

<h2>
GTI Club Sport: design</h2>
While the car shown at Worthersee may get toned down ever so slightly
 before it reaches production, we should expect angry looking bumpers 
with angular vents, side skirts, a big roof spoiler and rear diffuser.<br />

VW says the latter two aren’t just for show, contributing meaningful 
aerodynamic performance for ‘breath-taking’ cornering speeds.<br />

<h2>
Is this as fast as Golfs are going to get?</h2>
Nope – there’s also the <a href="http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/spy-shots/volkswagen/vw-golf-r420-2015-why-volkswagen-is-readying-a-super-golf-gti/">Golf R420</a> in the pipeline, a 400bhp superhatch that’ll make the Club Sport seem tame.<br />

Alongside the Club Sport at Worthersee, we’re told there will also be
 an altogether wilder pure concept car, and a regular, but heavily 
customised Golf GTI <a href="http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-news/industry-news/volkswagen/vw-plots-another-gti-special-for-wrthersee-2015/">prepped by a team of apprentices</a>.<br />

By the way, if you’re feeling depressed about the Golf GTI being a 
full 40 years old, the celebration’s perhaps a tad premature in the UK 
as right-hand drive models didn’t come along until 1977. So don’t panic 
just yet.<br />
<br /></div>

VW Golf GTI Club Sport (2015)

LATEST ALL CAR NEWS LATEST ALL CAR NEWS LATEST ALL CAR NEWS In 2016 the VW Golf GTI hits the big four-oh, and in true mid-life crisis style it’s pulled on a trendier wardrobe and gone down the gym.…

08 May 2015

Audi TT Clubsport Turbo unveiled for Worthersee

It premieres new electric turbocharging - using electricity from a 
48v electrical system to spin up conventional blowers, overcoming lag, 
before exhaust gasses kick in - and boasts a wild bodykit to accompany 
its heady 600 horsepower output.<br />

<h2>
A 600bhp Audi TT?</h2>
Well, nearly. That’s in metric hp, translating to 592bhp. But, hey, 
who’s counting when a toppy 479lb ft of torque means you can demolish 
the 0-62mph benchmark in just 3.6 seconds and power on to 193mph?<br />

The new engine technology is applied to the 2.5-litre five-cylinder 
TFSI production engine and group development chief Ulrich Hackenberg 
says the technology is ‘close to production readiness.’<br />

‘The electric bi-turbo signifies a new dimension in driving 
enjoyment; it boosts sprinting ability and torque and enables high peak 
power,’ he added. ‘In our TDI engines, we are close to production 
readiness with this technology. We are now presenting it in a TFSI 
[petrol engine] – here too, we are the first automaker in the world to 
do this.’<br />

<h2>
What else is new?</h2>
The car’s spiritual inspiration was the Audi 90 IMSA GTO of the late 
1980s, Ingolstadt says. So there are some suitably lairy details 
applied.<br />

Coilover suspension is fitted, allowing for a slammed ride height, 
and the concept rolls on 20in alloys. Carbonfibre discs are fitted to 
wipe off all that speed and the TT Clubsport is 140mm wider for a 
broad-shouldered, track-car aesthetic.<br />

And that rear wing? Pure street drama. It’s taken from the Sport TT 
Cup racer, and widened by 20cm. Sadly, it’s unlikely to become an option
 for roadgoing British TTs any time soon. Perhaps in a dozen years when 
old TTs are ten-a-penny on Auto TradeR.<br />
<br /></div>

Audi TT Clubsport Turbo unveiled for Worthersee

ALL LATEST CAR NEWS ALL LATEST CAR NEWS ALL LATEST CAR NEWS Think the new 2015 Audi TT is just a tad too debonair to be a proper sports car? Then check out the tuned-up TT Clubsport model, due to m…

08 May 2015

Toyota GT86 Aero (2015) review

<h2>
Is this a long-awaited power upgrade for the Toyota GT86? Looks like it should have 600bhp by the size of that wing…</h2>
’Fraid not. Under the (actually slightly ill-fitting) skirts there 
are no mechanical differences from a regular GT86. Powertrain, 
suspension, brakes – it’s all standard stuff.<br />

The tyres have changed, though. Arguably the best-looking bit on the 
GT86 Aero is a set of dark grey 18-inch OZ alloys (replacing the regular
 car’s 17s), wrapped in 225/40 Yokohamas rather than the relatively 
skinny 215-wide Michelin Primacy tyres (borrowed from the <a href="http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-reviews/toyota/prius/">Toyota Prius</a>) fitted ordinarily.<br />

<h2>
Do those wider tyres mean a more glued-down, sticky kind of GT86?</h2>
Not really – it’s still very, very tail-happy. Colleagues who’ve 
driven the Aero and ordinary 86 in succession suggest the wider tyres 
let go a bit more progressively than the space saver-spec ones, but the 
Aero’s still quick to scribe a wider arc with its rear wheels than the 
fronts, even at the most modest of speeds. Which, of course, is a big 
part of the car’s appeal.<br />

Take care on slippery roads, though. So lively is the chassis that 
the stability control feels really quite necessary sometimes. Shame it’s
 so abrupt when it cuts in, nipping individual brakes to straighten the 
car with a jolt that’s more unnerving than the tyres letting go in the 
first place.<br />

Even without the wing, the GT86 is a car that polarises opinion. Some
 find the engine’s delivery too flat and its note too harsh (and 
admittedly, even with its bigger exhaust outlets the Aero still sounds 
like a phlegmy food blender), the interior too low-rent (a Toyota weak 
spot in general – how do they manage to make a volume control feel 
physically unpleasant to operate?) and the handling too imprecise, among
 various other quibbles.<br />

But I’m going to go on record as an unapologetic GT86 fan. The 
spot-on driving position, suspension with just the right amount of give 
for British roads, power steering with so much feel you’re almost fooled
 into thinking its hydraulic rather than electric, rear seats that 
are just about usable (well, more so than an Audi TT’s at any rate), the
 whole mildly rebellious sports car-y-ness of it all. It’s brilliant. 
Even for me though, the Aero’s bodykit is a bit much.<br />

<h2>
Is there any actual aerodynamic benefit to the Aero’s bodykit?</h2>
Toyota says it’s more about visual attitude than wind tunnel figures.
 It hasn’t released any aerodynamic performance data, and improbably 
quotes the same 140mph top speed as the regular, more modestly spoilered
 GT86.<br />

Design’s a subjective thing, of course, but the everything-up-to-11 
extroverted treatment seems a missed opportunity, where a more subtle 
take on the Tokyo street racer theme (like the <a href="http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-reviews/nissan/nissan-370z-nismo-2013-review/">pre-facelift Nismo 370Z</a>)
 could have injected the GT86 with some real personality, rather than 
just the fibreglass equivalent of a flashing bowtie. Other traffic 
during our test didn’t seem to take to the Aero; not many people were 
keen to let me out of junctions, or into other lanes on dual 
carriageways.<em></em><br />

On the practicality front, the kit at least hasn’t spoiled the GT86’s
 everyday usability. So high is the spoiler that you look straight under
 it through the rear screen (although the repositioned brake light 
surround does obscure your lower rearward vision ever so slightly) and 
you won’t scrape the front apron over speed bumps.<br />

<h2>
Verdict</h2>
The Toyota GT86 Aero has essentially taken a very good car, not 
addressed any of its flaws and made it less likable. You’ll pay around 
£2500 extra for the Aero than a regular GT86 and more than £4000 than a 
basic Primo. That’s a lot of money for a not particularly good bodykit. 
Unless you really love the way the Aero looks, go for an ordinary 
one instead and see if you can get a set of the Aero’s wheels and tyres 
thrown in with some of the change.<br />

<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="specs"></a>
     <h3 class="clearfix">
      <span class="heading">
       <span class="icon fi-widget large"></span>
       Specs
      </span>
     </h3>
<table id="specsTable"><tbody>
<tr>
            <td>Price when new:</td>
            <td>£28,250</td>
        </tr>
<tr class="alt">
            <td>On sale in the UK:</td>
            <td><br /></td>
        </tr>
<tr>
            <td>Engine:</td>
            <td> 1998cc 16v horizontally opposed 4-cyl, 197bhp @ 7000rpm, 151lb ft @ 6400-6600rpm</td>
        </tr>
<tr class="alt">
            <td>Transmission:</td>
            <td>Six-speed manual, rear-wheel drive</td>
        </tr>
<tr>
            <td>Performance:</td>
            <td>7.7sec 0-62mph, 140mph, 36.2mpg, 192g/km CO2</td>
        </tr>
<tr class="alt">
            <td>Weight / material:</td>
            <td>1275kg / steel</td>
        </tr>
<tr>
            <td>Dimensions (length/width/height in mm):</td>
            <td>4240/1775/1285mm</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>

Toyota GT86 Aero (2015) review

ALL LATEST CAR NEWS ALL LATEST CAR NEWS ALL LATEST CAR NEWS Nevertheless, Toyota has confidently answered the question nobody asked with this, the GT86 Aero. It tops the recently rejigged UK range, w…

07 May 2015

Abarth 595C Competizione 160 (2015) review

At £18,990 before options – let alone £20,530 as tested – it is 
wince-inducingly expensive for what is, still, a city car. The wheelbase
 is really too short, the body and seating position too tall and 
upright, to form the basis of a genuinely capable performance machine. 
And while the optional two-tone paint finishes might look wonderfully 
evocative in the sales brochure, the rollback roof means you’ll be able 
to hear the laughter of passers-by with even greater clarity. And there 
will be people laughing. Pointing, too.<br />

But what do they know? Being rational is over-rated.<br />

<h2>
Sounds like you’ve got some persuading to do…</h2>
Okay. Let’s start by re-evaluating the price-to-pleasure ratio. It 
seems unlikely that anyone who actually forks out the cash for this car 
is going to feel like they’ve gotten poor value for money. The 595C 
Competizione might be based on a <a href="http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-reviews/fiat/fiat-500-review-2015/" title="We drive the latest Fiat 500 city car">Fiat 500</a> that starts at just £10,420, but the bits and bobs that comprise the visual transformation are persuasively top quality.<br />

The chunky Abarth and 595 badges on the flanks remind you of this 
every time you go to open the door, an impression immediately reinforced
 by the frankly awesome pair of Sabelt racing seats in the front. If you
 want these in leather and alcantara rather than fabric, that’ll be an 
extra £1050 – a drop in the monthly payment ocean, so indulge. Elsewhere
 inside you’ll find the Competizione’s standard-fit aluminium pedals and
 footrest, delightfully tactile globular aluminium gearknob and an extra
 gauge pod sprouting from the dashboard.<br />

Switch into Sport mode and this gives you a boost read-out; elsewhere
 Sport reconfigures the digital instrument cluster – very mini <a href="http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-reviews/alfa-romeo/alfa-romeo-4c-rhd-comfort-spec-2014-review/">Alfa 4C</a>
 – adds weight to the steering and enhances the throttle response. A 
separate button operates the Torque Transfer Control, which is designed 
to calm down the inevitable torque-steer. Personally, we prefer the full
 hooligan, so usually left this switched off.<br />

<h2>
Hmm. Ok, but how does the Abarth 595C Competizione drive?</h2>
Imagine yourself strapped into a rocket-propelled dining room chair, 
and you’re halfway there. The driving position is very upright and very 
high, and steering wheel adjustment is limited to rake – but the 
gearlever isn’t far away, the seats are comfortable and clamp you tight:
 make do and make tracks. In this version the 1.4-litre turbo under the 
bonnet produces 158bhp, and it does so in such an addictively riotous 
manner, you’ll have lost your conviction to keep a straight face within 
about 200 yards.<br />

That short wheelbase means it tends to climb bumps rather than absorb
 them, but the Competizione’s standard Koni Frequency Selective Damping 
(FSD) tech make this more bearable than it used to be. Certainly, gone 
is the sense that prolonged high-speed shenanigans are going to end with
 you bounced right off of the road. You’ll need strong teeth and a 
finely tuned lower back to deal with this every day, but it could be 
done if you’re committed.<br />

Reason for that commitment will be reaffirmed with every passing 
roundabout. The Abarth bursts forward with an enthusiasm that makes 
every gap in the traffic look like an opportunity, as if the wickedly 
vocal ‘Record Monza’ exhaust system is in fact a quadruple rocket 
thruster array (the upshift pop during the warm-up cycle adding joy to 
every cold morning). And though the front end is keen to tussle, 
upsetting the balance between grip and slide is ultimately your easily 
modulated decision. This is not a razor-guided implement, but you can 
still crack a nut with a hammer.<br />

<h2>
Verdict</h2>
The Abarth 595C Competizione is one of those cars that makes little 
logical sense, but nevertheless brightens the automotive landscape – the
 kind of car that inspires a nod of respect whenever you pass someone 
enamoured enough to have put down the funds. Better yet, there’s a new 
version coming and it now produces 178bhp…<br />

<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="specs"></a>
     <h3 class="clearfix">
      <span class="heading">
       <span class="icon fi-widget large"></span>
       Specs
      </span>
     </h3>
<table id="specsTable"><tbody>
<tr>
            <td>Price when new:</td>
            <td>£18,990</td>
        </tr>
<tr class="alt">
            <td>On sale in the UK:</td>
            <td>Now</td>
        </tr>
<tr>
            <td>Engine:</td>
            <td>1368cc four-cylinder 16v turbo, 158bhp 5500rpm, 170lb ft @ 3000rpm</td>
        </tr>
<tr class="alt">
            <td>Transmission:</td>
            <td>Five-speed manual, front-wheel drive</td>
        </tr>
<tr>
            <td>Performance:</td>
            <td>7.4sec 0-62mph, 130mph, 43.5mpg, 155g/km CO2</td>
        </tr>
<tr class="alt">
            <td>Weight / material:</td>
            <td>1075kg/steel</td>
        </tr>
<tr>
            <td>Dimensions (length/width/height in mm):</td>
            <td>3657/1627/1485</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>

Abarth 595C Competizione 160 (2015) review

ALL LATEST CAR NEWS ALL LATEST CAR NEWS ALL LATEST CAR NEWS ALL LATEST CAR NEWS You have to be realistic about these things. There is simply no rational excuse for praising this car, the convertibl…

07 May 2015

The 2015 honda Avalon.

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfNZbmhfK0EgWlVJWpeWrdiP7cyeVGv76A3pdNhQ_npEfhyphenhyphenhPBFgbi4r2JjpyS3eprKCmjSQ2y71kAjfWBpdMF77pkoTCvJ3O9Zzo0rsJyE93r-XVSc46Qu6KafnZiWJjBbAVxRw4IQMU/s1600/US-AV13-3-A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt=" The 2015 honda Avalon." border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfNZbmhfK0EgWlVJWpeWrdiP7cyeVGv76A3pdNhQ_npEfhyphenhyphenhPBFgbi4r2JjpyS3eprKCmjSQ2y71kAjfWBpdMF77pkoTCvJ3O9Zzo0rsJyE93r-XVSc46Qu6KafnZiWJjBbAVxRw4IQMU/s1600/US-AV13-3-A.jpg" title=" The 2015 honda Avalon." width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ALL LATEST CAR NEWS</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8wzzcfANugosWn2C9cfuT8zf63miHNHxRhMwEkIl1c0w2GjS0FQs-NIAjEbKV5uIHs6ZKG0-704Mo3dgbg633JTJM2rAMiCr2YBYEoQNcpi9WB_ZQ_ymUp8CXVeXPWWJuDerA4YlItJ4/s1600/US-AV14-2-C.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt=" The 2015 honda Avalon." border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8wzzcfANugosWn2C9cfuT8zf63miHNHxRhMwEkIl1c0w2GjS0FQs-NIAjEbKV5uIHs6ZKG0-704Mo3dgbg633JTJM2rAMiCr2YBYEoQNcpi9WB_ZQ_ymUp8CXVeXPWWJuDerA4YlItJ4/s1600/US-AV14-2-C.jpg" title=" The 2015 honda Avalon." width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ALL LATEST CAR NEWS</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihMlWW6PBHt0OuMMMVQZcBZSdy_ZwFVyyUKSqcnaF1BQB4aQnIVSbzKZvdGIAR7MVl0sGnhPpFt0WpclN4O02mLAEZwNB96lnucsOem2GFvCKEXZaGKJeMvK4va2vLsvggB1qwf04XaTI/s1600/US-AV13-7-B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt=" The 2015 honda Avalon." border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihMlWW6PBHt0OuMMMVQZcBZSdy_ZwFVyyUKSqcnaF1BQB4aQnIVSbzKZvdGIAR7MVl0sGnhPpFt0WpclN4O02mLAEZwNB96lnucsOem2GFvCKEXZaGKJeMvK4va2vLsvggB1qwf04XaTI/s1600/US-AV13-7-B.jpg" title=" The 2015 honda Avalon." width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ALL LATEST CAR NEWS</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqQC8aiZI_WOLCTyPpRAFYpVxzW3IFrPW4QhYhccmyxmdO5k6rRLrPAz3IvP1wWIPQiZSA0qspEr1Pqf_91fUE8QeXUwZz8pX5E3nlTPDSZVqHNvL_HhXmFe1DP0P9encYhyphenhyphenSDtNkfAOo/s1600/US-AV13-4-A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="HONDA AVALON 20[5" border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqQC8aiZI_WOLCTyPpRAFYpVxzW3IFrPW4QhYhccmyxmdO5k6rRLrPAz3IvP1wWIPQiZSA0qspEr1Pqf_91fUE8QeXUwZz8pX5E3nlTPDSZVqHNvL_HhXmFe1DP0P9encYhyphenhyphenSDtNkfAOo/s1600/US-AV13-4-A.jpg" title="HONDA AVALON 20[5" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ALL LATEST CAR NEWS</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h3>
The XLE Touring Sport Edition</h3>
The Avalon XLE Touring Sport 
Edition was created for those who seek the thrill of the open road. It’s
 a car with the right mix of performance and luxury, and with its unique
 features, it’s one that attracts the right kind of attention too. 
Available for just a limited time, this is one sport sedan set to make a
 big impression.
                                    <br />
<h3>
A sleek exterior</h3>
Sharp lines, strong edges and 
beauty in the details. The 2015 Avalon represents everything we love 
about driving, and its distinct silhouette conveys power and elegance. 
This is a car that draws you in the moment you see it.<br />
 
      
        <br />
<div class="mlp-feature-nav" data-index="2">
Shaped for performance</div>
<div class="mlp-feature-nav" data-index="3">
A smoother ride</div>
<div class="mlp-feature-image">
         
          
            <source data-query="desktop" media="(min-width: 1025px)"></source><source data-query="tablet" media="(min-width: 768px)"></source><source data-query="phablet" media="(min-width: 601px)"></source><source data-query="phone" media="(max-width: 600px)"></source> 
           
          
          
                                    </div>
<h3>
Low wind resistance</h3>
Avalon has a drag coefficient of 
only .28. This was accomplished not only through design changes to the 
windshield and roofline, but also to many small details that make a big 
difference on the road.<br />
<br />
<div class="mlp-feature-content">
                                    <h3>
Entune<sup>®</sup> App Suite</h3>
Technology that connects. With a compatible smartphone, Avalon’s available Entune<sup>®</sup> App Suite<sup class="is-loaded" data-disclaimer="entune">10</sup> multimedia system gives you access to more information than ever before. Stream music with Pandora<sup>®</sup>,<sup class="is-loaded" data-disclaimer="pandora">11</sup>
 locate restaurants with Bing™ and get movie tickets with 
MovieTickets.com. So much went into this car so you can get even more 
out of it.
                                    <br />

</div>
<br />
<h3>
Ten airbags </h3>
Avalon comes standard with a total of ten airbags,<sup class="is-loaded" data-disclaimer="airbag">24</sup>
 including a driver and front passenger Advanced Airbag System, driver 
and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags, driver and front 
passenger knee airbags, rear seat-mounted side airbags and front and 
rear side curtain airbags<br />
<br /></div>

The 2015 honda Avalon.

ALL LATEST CAR NEWS ALL LATEST CAR NEWS ALL LATEST CAR NEWS ALL LATEST CAR NEWS The XLE Touring Sport Edition The Avalon XLE Touring Sport Edition was created for those who seek the thrill of the op…

06 May 2015

Hyundai Genesis (2015) review

<h2>
What exactly is the Hyundai Genesis?</h2>
A near five metre-long four-door, five-seat luxury saloon. It’s a 
well-established model in the United States – this new car is actually 
the second-generation version. This time it’s been adapted for limited 
sales in Europe, including this right-hand drive UK-spec model.<br />

Being a car developed with the US in mind, there’s no diesel option, 
which rather hobbles the car’s sales potential from the outset on these 
shores. Instead there’s one 3.8-litre petrol V6 engine, and one 
specification level packed with plenty of bells and whistles.<br />

<h2>
Is it suitably luxurious inside, then?</h2>
Yes and no. There’s perforated leather aplenty, wood veneer on the 
dash and aluminium on the centre console, and soft-touch plastics 
everywhere else. It’s all put together nicely too, with top-notch fit, 
finish and overall quality (apart from a passenger seat backrest that 
got a bit wobbly on bumpier sections of road).<br />

Main problem is the switchgear and controls, the majority of which 
are lifted straight from various, more humble Hyundai and Kia products. 
There’s nothing wrong with the way they work or feel, they just look a 
bit low-rent. Same deal with the central multimedia screen, recognisable
 from the likes of the Kia Soul. And in a market that’s all about 
snobbery, that simply won’t do.<br />

That screen can be operated remotely from the rear seats if you fold 
down the hidden console in the centre of the seat backs. Rear passengers
 also get a bank of controls to recline their heated, ventilated seats 
and also tilt and slide the front passenger seat out of the way for 
truly epic legroom. Mind you, a Skoda Superb has that function too. And 
that doesn’t cost £48k.<br />

<h2>
What’s the Hyundai Genesis like to drive?</h2>
An authentically wafty luxobarge. The air suspension has two settings
 – soft and softer – and handling is at the wallowy end of the scale as a
 result. Which is fine – it’s a car built for comfort, after all, and 
ride quality is as pillowy as you’d hope. Other large saloons from the 
likes of Jaguar and the usual premium-brand German suspects manage a 
better ride/handling trade-off, however.<br />

Refinement’s good. There’s very little intrusion from the 3.8-litre 
V6, even when it’s working reasonably hard. With 311bhp and 293lb ft the
 Genesis can move quickly when it has to, but with a kerb weight not far
 off the two-tonne mark it never feels particularly comfortable doing 
so.  The eight-speed automatic transmission is smooth enough, if 
occasionally dozy on downshifts.<br />

<h2>
What’s the business case behind the Hyundai Genesis?</h2>
Hyundai UK has an admirably rational attitude towards what, from the 
outside looking in, can appear a slightly irrational car. In fact, it’s 
probably better to think of the Genesis less as a car and more as a 
statement.<br />

Hyundai freely, and cheerfully, admits hardly anyone in the UK will 
buy one, estimating (perhaps optimistically) sales of around 60 cars 
this year. What it does hope, however, is that the Genesis will broaden 
people’s conceptions of the kind of cars it makes – another side of the 
coin from the value-oriented, scrappage scheme-profiting models the 
brand’s generally associated with.<br />

They would have liked to sold the Genesis with a diesel engine in the
 UK rather than the thirsty, high-CO2 petrol V6 it’s stuck with, but as a
 car designed and engineered for the USA first and Europe second, it 
wasn’t possible. It’s being sold in only seven of Hyundai’s 150 or so 
dealers across the country, too.<br />

The Genesis is also a starting point for equipment to filter further 
down the food chain – a head-up display, electrically-cooled seats, 
all-round camera monitors and the like appear here first, but will 
migrate to lowlier Hyundais before long.<br />

<h2>
Verdict</h2>
Should you consider buying one? Don’t be silly. Leave that to the few
 eccentrics who really must have something different. But think of the 
Genesis as an early step towards a more premium kind of Hyundai.<br />

Or, if you’re on the lookout for a particularly brave second-hand buy
 in a couple of years’ time, you could take advantage of the no-doubt 
near-vertical depreciation curve. It would be a lot of car for the 
money. If you can find one. And afford the crushing CO2 tax costs.<br />

<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="specs"></a>
     <h3 class="clearfix">
      <span class="heading">
       <span class="icon fi-widget large"></span>
       Specs
      </span>
     </h3>
<table id="specsTable"><tbody>
<tr>
            <td><br /></td>
            <td><br /></td>
        </tr>
<tr class="alt">
            <td>On sale in the UK:</td>
            <td><br /></td>
        </tr>
<tr>
            <td>Engine:</td>
            <td>3778cc 24v V6, 311bhp @ 6000rpm, 293lb ft @ 5000rpm</td>
        </tr>
<tr class="alt">
            <td>Transmission:</td>
            <td>Eight-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive</td>
        </tr>
<tr>
            <td>Performance:</td>
            <td>6.5sec 0-62mph, 150mph, 25.2mpg, 261g/km CO2</td>
        </tr>
<tr class="alt">
            <td>Weight / material:</td>
            <td>1890kg</td>
        </tr>
<tr>
            <td>Dimensions (length/width/height in mm):</td>
            <td>4990/1890/1480mm</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>

Hyundai Genesis (2015) review

LATEST ALL CAR NEWS LATEST ALL CAR NEWS LATEST ALL CAR NEWS LATEST ALL CAR NEWS If ever a car was a slightly difficult one to justify, it’s the Hyundai Genesis. It’s a name and model new to Europe …

06 May 2015

Suzuki Vitara (2015) review

Don’t forget Suzuki launched the Jimny in 1970 and the <a href="http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/Drives/Search-Results/First-drives/Suzuki-Grand-Vitara-24-2008-CAR-review/" title="Read our last Suzuki Vitara review from 2008">Vitara</a>
 you see here can trace its lineage all the way back to 1988. It’s gone 
on to sell 3 million worldwide since, so it’s worth revisiting the 
Vitara to see what all the fuss is about. These guys know a thing or two
 about SUVs in no-frills, good-value packages.<br />

We drove the <a href="http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/News/Search-Results/First-Official-Pictures/Suzuki-Vitara-is-back-New-small-SUV-bound-for-Paris-show-2014/" title="New 2015 Suzuki Vitara news and photos">new 2015 Suzuki Vitara</a> in prototype form to find out what you can expect from next year’s new crossover.<br />

<h2>
Suzuki Vitara (2015): the detail</h2>
This new 4x4 is based on the architecture underpinning the S-Cross 
SUV. It’s a similar size to rivals such as the Peugeot 2008, Nissan Juke
 and Skoda Yeti and you can see an attempt at personalisation in the 
dual-tone rooftops and blacked-out window pillars to give a dose of Mini
 chic.<br />

Two engines are offered in the new Vitara: a 1.6-litre petrol and 
diesel, both producing 115bhp. Pick the diesel if you often drive 
four-up with luggage, or tow, since the derv produces a lustier 236lb ft
 at just 1750rpm.<br />

<h2>
What’s the new Vitara like inside?</h2>
You won’t mistake the Vitara for something wearing a premium, German 
badge, on the evidence of the late prototypes we drove. It’s certainly 
roomy enough (if not quite as big as a Yeti in the cabin), and the 
375-litre boot has a handy adjustable floor to let you configure the 
loadbay to carry all sorts of stuff.<br />

Our beef is with the dashboard plastics. You can spec body-coloured 
trim to lift the otherwise dark interior, but many of the materials used
 in here are shiny and resoundingly cheap-looking to the eye and the 
finger. A shame when so many rivals now offer more stylish, peppier 
cabins.<br />

You can spec accessory packages dubbed Urban (chrome trim aka bling) 
and Rugged (faux-by-four look, with skid plates at both ends and plastic
 body cladding for extra bump protection) if you want to personalise 
your Vitara further.<br />

<h2>
How does the 2015 Suzuki Vitara drive?</h2>
We tested both the petrol and diesel models and came away much 
preferring the oil-burner. The diesel can be a little grumbly at times, 
but it’s a far more flexible powerplant. The diesel also comes with a 
six-speed manual, where the 1.6 petrol makes do with just five ratios. 
You can spec the petrol engine with a six-speed auto, however. <br />

The diesel is also a better bet from a running costs perspective: CO2
 emissions from 106g/km in front-wheel drive guise are exceptionally low
 (no mpg figure has been announced yet, but it’ll be frugal), whereas 
the 1.6 petrol has claims of 53.3mpg on the combined cycle and 123g/km 
of CO2.<br />

Suzuki’s AllGrip four-wheel drive system is familiar from cars such 
as the S-Cross and it lets you select Auto, Sport, Snow and Lock modes 
to prepare the 4wd hardware. It works well, traction proving grippy and 
failsafe on our test. Not that performance is electric with the humble 
1.6s available: the 0-62mph times are likely to fall somewhere in the 
11.5sec bracket.<br />

As these are late prototypes, their spring and damper rates are still
 being finalised, says Suzuki, so it’s unfair to get stuck into the 
chassis too much. We found it a sharp-steering, fun drive though; if 
anything, the ride felt slightly too firm for UK roads.<br />

<h2>
Verdict</h2>
Should you consider a Suzuki Vitara when it arrives in UK dealers in 
March 2015? It feels like a strong new entrant in the affordable compact
 crossover segment, especially when you factor in the likely £14,000 
starting price. For a family friendly SUV with the option to have 
Mirrorlink smartphone compatibility, excellent seven-inch touchscreen 
sat-navs and even radar-based safety systems, that’s got to be something
 of a steal. We’ll be testing the finished production cars soon enough 
to make a definitive judgment.<br />

</div>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="specs"></a>
     <h3 class="clearfix">
      <span class="heading">
       <span class="icon fi-widget large"></span>
       Specs
      </span>
     </h3>
<table id="specsTable"><tbody>
<tr>
            <td>Price when new:</td>
            <td><br /></td>
        </tr>
<tr class="alt">
            <td>On sale in the UK:</td>
            <td>March 2015</td>
        </tr>
<tr>
            <td>Engine:</td>
            <td><br /></td>
        </tr>
<tr class="alt">
            <td>Transmission:</td>
            <td><br /></td>
        </tr>
<tr>
            <td>Performance:</td>
            <td><br /></td>
        </tr>
<tr class="alt">
            <td>Weight / material:</td>
            <td><br /></td>
        </tr>
<tr>
            <td>Dimensions (length/width/height in mm):</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h1>
 </h1>
</div>

Suzuki Vitara (2015) review

ALL LATEST CARS NEWS ALL LATEST CARS NEWS ALL LATEST CARS NEWS ALL LATEST CARS NEWS Suzuki Vitara (2015) review: The Suzuki Vitara has been in the vanguard of the blossoming SUV crossover …

04 May 2015

Load more posts

LATEST ALL CAR NEWS

latest all

Volvo XC90 D5 (2015)

Aston Martin DB4 2015

Toyota Avensis 2015 facelift revealed

Skoda Superb 2015

Citroen C4 Grand Picasso (2015)

VW Golf GTI Club Sport (2015)

Audi TT Clubsport Turbo unveiled for Worthersee

Toyota GT86 Aero (2015) review

Abarth 595C Competizione 160 (2015) review

The 2015 honda Avalon.

Hyundai Genesis (2015) review

Suzuki Vitara (2015) review

Popular Posts