New Cars

Summer 2012

ot on the heels of the recently launched GTC, these are the first official pics of the new Astra VXR, which goes on sale next year and is set to become one of the most powerful cars in its class and the fastest production Astra in Vauxhall’s history.
 

Summer 2012

Developed from an original concept of “compact outside, spacious inside,” new Yaris shows Toyota further improving the clever packaging that was a hallmark of its predecessors.

Moreover, it will mark a breakthrough in its segment for affordable multimedia connectivity with the introduction of Toyota Touch & Go.

Summer 2012

The CX-5 will be the first production vehicle to incorporate Mazda’s ‘KODO – Soul of Motion’ design theme that premiered on the Mazda SHINARI concept car last year. When it appears in Mazda showrooms around the world next year, the compact SUV will feature a full range of Mazda’s breakthrough SKYACTIV technologies, including new-generation engines, transmissions, bodyshell design and chassis engineering.

Summer 2012

Fluence Z.E. will be launched in the UK in mid-2012. It is aimed at private customers and fleet operators looking for a four-door saloon which is both economical and more respectful of the environment.

Plug-in hybrid - Summer 2012

The new Prius Plug-in Hybrid features a new, more compact lithium-ion battery which has been developed to meet Toyota’s rigorous standards for reliability. The new battery offers extended EV (electric power only) range, enabling the Prius PHEV to achieve the remarkable fuel efficiency of 128.4mpg* and to lower CO2 emissions to 49 g/km, almost half the standard Prius.

Summer 2012

Skoda is continuing its growth offensive by introducing its sixth production model. Citigo is the name of Skoda's exciting new city car. The brand's new model will make will be launched in three-door and five-door versions.

Summer 2012

Hyundai expects the new-generation i30 to build on the remarkable success of the original model – the company’s first car to be launched with the ‘i’ prefix, introducing a new nomenclature and heralding a new era for Hyundai in Europe.

The original i30 was also the first model to be designed and engineered in Europe, the first to be produced at the company’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in the Czech Republic, and the first Hyundai car to receive five stars from Euro NCAP.

Summer 2012

Lexus has confirmed that a full hybrid model, the GS 450h, will be sold in the UK along with an F-Sport version.

The engineering team set out to ensure the car offered a more engaging driving experience. The new model has a ‘wider stance and stiffer structure, a transmission with quicker changes and distinctive engine sound and exhaust note’, along with a new suspension system ‘designed to guide the GS through corners with precision’.

April 2012

It has sharp, slightly futuristic looks, and the ‘boomerang’ features at the front of the car below the headlamps are expected to become a feature of forthcoming Vauxhalls.

The Ampera is a four-seater as the battery cells take up space in the transmission tunnel, but for the most part it feels like an expensive car inside. There is climate control, satellite navigation, electric windows, steering wheel-mounted controls and some sophisticated displays.

Spring 2012

In the spring of 2012, Peugeot will launch its new model in the ‘B’ (Supermini) segment. The new car will be available in two distinct body styles; 3- and 5-door.

From the outset, the Project adopted the most ambitious specification overhaul ever undertaken by the Marque to create a vehicle that represents a true generation leap.

Spring 2012

The Up is an entirely new design, offering maximum space on a minimal footprint (3.54 x 1.64 m), making it ideal for driving in the world’s cities. It will be launched in Europe in December. There are three versions for different budgets and needs: take Up is the entry-level car, move Up the comfort-oriented model and high Up the top version.

Spring 2012

Vauxhall has confirmed that the Zafira Tourer concept, previewed at this year’s Geneva Motor Show, will become a production reality, with first cars in UK showrooms by early 2012.

Called the Zafira Tourer, the new model will sit above the current Zafira model in Vauxhall’s line-up and is set to raise the bar for design, luxury, flexibility and innovation in the MPV sector.

Spring 2012

The new Swift Sport is a refined sport compact resulting from the first full model change since the launch of the original Swift Sport in 2006. It has a more aggressive and dignified exterior look thanks to a low-slung form that gives a sense of stability and tension, and a big front grille that evokes a sporty performance feel.

Spring 2012

DS5 is the first production Citroën to feature full-hybrid diesel technology, combining strong performance with extremely low CO2 emissions from just 99g/km.

Spring 2012

Now in its third generation, new Panda has taken another major step forward in terms of comfort, technology and safety equipment, making its first public appearance with a modern and harmonious new style, but without relinquishing the essential family feeling that has so characterised the marque over the years.

Spring 2012 - Facelift

The revised 5-door hatchback will have lower CO2 emissions of 96g/km, achieved through enhanced aerodynamics and powertrain efficiency. Reduced engine friction, changes to the CVT transmission and improved air conditioning all contribute to lower fuel consumption.

Spring 2012

Seat is unveiling the Mii city car – the perfect vehicle for today’s urban lifestyle.

The new SEAT will be offered with all-new 1.0-litre petrol engines of 60 PS and 75 PS outputs. Combined with the vehicle’s low weight of 854 kg these guarantee nimble agility and exemplary efficiency. The Mii Ecomotive has a CO2 figure of 97 g/km.

March 2012

Renault’s  electric two-seat Twizy is launching in the UK in March 2012, priced from £6,690 and monthly battery hire from £40.

The latest version of the French marque’s trailblazing urban compact two-seater was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show amidst a plethora of single and two-seat electric vehicles from rival manufacturers.

February 2012

BMW has unveiled its new 3 Series range which will arrive in the UK in 2012 and will most likely continue as one of the most desirable cars on fleet choice lists.

Larger and more spacious than the model it replaces, but also lighter, and more fuel-efficient, with a range of new technology and safety features.

Spring 2012 - Facelift

Across the board, equipment specifications have been raised for the new, British-built Toyota Avensis. Foremost among the improvements is the provision of Toyota’s innovative and affordable Touch and Go integrated multimedia and navigation system as a standard feature on all models bar the entry level T2 grade.

Spring 2012

Volkswagen has unveiled the latest generation Beetle marking a new era in this iconic car’s history. The latest generation moves away from design of the New Beetle of 1998 and instead draws on cues from the original and Beetle Ragster concept shown in Detroit in 2005. As such it’s longer, wider and lower, giving a more masculine and dynamic appearance.

January 2012

Subaru plans to introduce the new XV to the European market as its strategic model to provide customers with “Enjoyment and Peace of Mind” through Subaru’s new “Confidence in Motion” brand statement.

The fundamental product concept that Subaru adopted for the XV is “Urban Adventure.” In specific terms, a vehicle that would be perfectly suited to exciting, lively, yet stress-free use in the city.

• New compact Yaris-sized hybrid concept
• Styled in Europe
• Commitment to launch eight new hybrid models*

January 2012

Honda has revealed prices for the new 2012 Civic will range from £16,495 OTR for the entry-level 1.4-litre 100PS i-VTEC SE and from £26,595 OTR for the top of the range Civic 2.2 i-DTEC EX GT. The car will also be available in the familiar SE, ES, EX and EX GT trim levels offering customers generous equipment as standard.

January 2012

Prices will start from £17,395 on the road with insurance from Group 12E; and as with the i40 Tourer, will offer customers a high level of standard specification coupled with competitive cost of ownership. Also, with the lowest ‘Benefit in Kind’(BIK) cost in class for key diesel derivatives, the Hyundai i40 range will become an attractive alternative for company car drivers.

January 2012

Kia Optima is an all-new car from the ground up. Longer, lower, wider and with a longer wheelbase than any previous D-segment offering from Kia, it embodies what Kia’s Chief Design Officer Peter Schreyer calls “a bold, athletic and visual sporting energy”.