Volvo Cars launches its new three-cylinder Drive-E powertrain in the XC40 and it’s the first triple-cylinder engine in the company's 91-year history. The all-new 156hp 1.5-litre, three-cylinder, direct-injection petrol engine was developed in-house using the same modular design as Volvo's four-cylinder Drive-E engines and the T3 initially comes with six-speed manual transmission but versions of … [Read more...]
Newcomers: Cars
Family values challenged by Mitsubishi’s newcomer
Thousands of mums and dads in Britain have welcomed the Nissan Qashqai into their family, but that could be about to change with the arrival of the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, says Beth Keenan. As a long-time Qashqai driver I associate SUVs with safe, sensible and slow cars perfect for doing the school run and driving long distances; they are practical, comfortable and affordable which is why … [Read more...]
Tradelines 14 February
Peugeot GT Line Premium trim introduces affordable luxury to 3008 and 5008 SUV line-up. Enhanced trim level incorporates the ‘GT Line’ specification with the best of the range-topping ‘GT’ level with five engine options, starting from £28,590 for the 3008 and £30,565 for the all-new 5008 and the enhanced specification includes keyless entry, an opening panoramic glass roof and driver seat … [Read more...]
Newslines 13 February
Pickup buyers looking to put Volkswagen’s award-winning Amarok on their driveways, worksites or grounds can now do so for less. The introduction of the new Trendline V6 3.0 TDI 163PS model to the range means that Amarok ownership now starts at just £24,510, excluding VAT and OTR, and following the introduction of a manual gearbox option in November last year, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: New Audi A8 ahead of its time
The new fourth generation Audi A8 is really ahead of its time. It is the first car in the world to be built for the forthcoming age of autonomous vehicles which don’t require driver interaction in traffic at up to close to 40mph, the so-called Level 3 or “eyes off” category. As legislation changes to allow the Level 3 to be ‘turned-on’, beginning in America but gradually being rolled out … [Read more...]
Eclipse foreshadows new age for Mitsubishi in UK
The new Mitsubishi Eclipse is going to become a memorable model. Now in their 101st year of vehicle manufacturing, Mitsubishi Motors is part of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance and last year this consortium became the World’s largest manufacturer of cars and light commercial vehicles. Together they and their sub brands, which include Dacia and Infiniti, sold over 10.6-million new … [Read more...]
Kia GT-Line joins UK line up this year
Kia has revealed the first images of the new Rio GT-Line, ahead of its public debut at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show. The Rio is the latest model to be available in GT-Line specification, following the recent introduction of Sportage, Picanto and Sorento GT-Line models. After announcing the limited edition Land Rover Discovery 150, there will now be a 999-edition Range Rover SV Coupe, … [Read more...]
Newcomers 17 January
Honda UK has announced prices for the new diesel Civic manual hatchback. Set to hit retail forecourts next month and with the automatic available in early summer, the entry-level S model with manual transmission will start from £20,120 rising to £24,925 for an EX trim car with the six speed manual gearbox. Mercedes-AMG is extending its product range with the addition of three new … [Read more...]
Newslines 15 January
A new 542bhp 4.0V8 petrol engine has been fitted in the luxurious Bentley Bentayga SUV. It gives the premium model a 0-60mph time of 4.4 sec and max 180mph and it can be ordered with the world’s largest carbon-ceramic brakes, has standard dynamic programmes with optional electric ride control, high quality interior including polished carbon inserts from £136,200. A German court has ordered … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: VW Tiguan Allspace
Defying the downward UK car sales trend through 2017 and rising to become the second best selling brand in the country, Volkswagen is out to make a bigger impression this year as it plugs gaps in its range. One of the spaces falls between the Tiguan SUV and the Touareg 4x4 and its about to be filled by the Tiguan Allspace. Derived from the Tiguan SUV but using the VW modular platform it has … [Read more...]