2016 upgrades for VW Polo, Golf and Passat

Volkswagen has announced trim upgrades across its Polo, Golf and Passat ranges for 2016.

The Polo Match replaces the SE trim. It’s available in three- and five-door bodystyles and with a range of engine and transmission options, adding more than £900-worth of extra equipment.

Among the new standard-fit features are cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, front fog lights with static cornering function, tinted rear windows and new 15-inch Stratford alloy wheels.  

A price rise of £100, means the Polo Match is available to order now from £12,735 on the road (OTR).

The Volkswagen Golf, now in its seventh generation, will get two new versions – the GT Edition and R-Line Edition. 

Priced at £23,915 OTR, the GT Edition costs £300 more than the GT it replaces, but gains an extra £1,795 worth of equipment including 18-inch Durban alloy wheels, and a panoramic sunroof. 

Meanwhile, the new Golf R-Line Edition replaces the R-Line trim and, for an increase of £250 OTR, adds £1,730-worth of equipment including larger 18-inch Serron alloys wheels and a panoramic sunroof.  

The Golf R-Line Edition will be available to order from £24,860 OTR and, as with the new GT Edition, is set to arrive in Volkswagen UK showrooms early in 2016.

An enhanced version of the Passat SE Business trim level is designed to add more style and value to both the saloon and estate variants, with standard features such as Discover Navigation, front fog lights, electric folding door mirrors and tinted rear windows– together amounting to £555 of value – for £100 OTR more than the SE model, which is being removed from the range.

New versions of the Polo, Golf, and Passat Saloon and Estate are available to order from Volkswagen UK Retailers now, with deliveries set to begin early in the New Year.

Top Gear’s Reasonably Priced Car up for auction

Bidding has opened for a piece of motoring history – the Vauxhall Astra used by Top Gear as their ‘Reasonably Priced Car’.

With proceeds of the sale going to automotive industry charity, BEN, the five-door Power Red 1.6-litre (115bhp) Vauxhall Astra Tech Line has been added to eBay. Currently at £10,301.00, bids can placed at www.ebay.co.uk/itm/-/231786726259, with all proceeds being donated to BEN.

The mileage on the Astra stands at 2,908, and comes with front Corbeau Sprint Racing seats, 5 point safety belt harness and full roll-cage. Bidders should be aware that the airbags have all been disabled to make room for the roll-cage. To re-instate the airbags would involve removing the roll-cage and seating. So, in its current state, the car is not type-approved and should not be driven on the road. The Vauxhall Technical Team will work with the successful bidder at handover to fully explain how the vehicle has been adapted, advising that converting the vehicle back into use on the public highway would incur a ‘significant cost’.

Other features, aside from the car’s celebrity status include 17-inch, 10-spoke alloy wheels, Sat-nav system with seven-inch colour monitor, and three-spoke leather-covered sports steering wheel.

With an estimated 350 million views in 170 different countries per week, the Vauxhall Astra was initiated with a star-studded barbeque, featuring celebrities including comedians Jimmy Carr and Warwick Davis, and singers Brian Johnson and Joss Stone. Celebrities such as Olly Murs, who topped the leader board, Margot Robbie, Ron Howard and James Blunt all thrashed it around the Top Gear Test Track at Dunsfold Park, Surrey.

“David Main, BEN Chief Executive commented on the auction, saying: “We are reliant on the generosity of our supporters to enable us to continue our work helping people who work within the UK automotive industry, so we are very grateful to Vauxhall Motors for this kind donation of a piece of history for a great cause.”

BEN’s goal is to make positive differences to people’s lives in the automotive industry, supporting them in times of difficulty through a wide range of free, confidential information, advice and support services.

Subaru beats official CO2 ratings in real world driving test

Subaru has beat its official CO2 ratings in real world driving.

Amid the recent controversy surrounding manufacturer claims on official mpg figures,  Subaru has been named one of the top car manufacturers for ‘real world’ fuel efficiency following independent testing. Subaru ranked second best among all brands for honest fuel economy claims in the tests carried out to establish how efficient cars are under normal driving compared to their official fuel consumption figures.

The programme, which took place over two years and saw around 600 cars independently tested, was conducted by German car magazine Auto Motor und Sport. The magazine sought to establish how models from all major car manufacturers performed against their official fuel economy and emissions ratings, established under lab conditions as part of the New European Drive Cycle (NEDC) fuel efficiency tests that every new car must undergo.

Subaru ranked second place in the test, and was one of only five manufacturers to beat its official NEDC CO2 emissions rating, with testers recording a 6 per cent average improvement over the official emissions ratings for cars across the Subaru range.

The majority of other car manufacturers fell short of their official fuel economy figures, with shortfalls of up to 14.4 per cent in some instances.

The tests were conducted by Auto Motor und Sport on a set 171-mile (275km) test course, which incorporated country roads, motorways and congested city traffic.

New Toyota RAV4 arrives in UK

The new Toyota RAV4 has arrived in UK.

The first hybrid RAV4 joins Petrol and diesel-powered versions from mid-January, with Toyota’s compact SUV debuting a new 2.0-litre D-4D diesel engine and an improved 2.0-litre petrol unit.

The new four-cylinder diesel unit, matched to a six-speed manual gearbox, produces 141bhp and 320Nm of torque, giving the front-wheel drive RAV4 combined cycle fuel economy from 60.1mpg with carbon emissions from 123g/km.

The 149bhp 2.0-litre Valvematic petrol engine comes with CVT automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Its benchmark performance figures have been improved to 152g/km and 43.5mpg for combined cycle CO2 output and fuel economy.

The new model includes detailed changes to its front and rear styling, new headlight and rear lamp clusters and new 17- and 18-inch alloy wheel designs.

In the cabin, Toyota says it has responded to customer feedback, improving the ‘sensory quality’, improving the ambient lighting design, adding new storage points and tidying up the layout of the area around the gear shift. There is now clearer presentation of information to the driver using a new 4.2-inch colour multi-information display, together with the seven-inch touchscreen that gives access to the Toyota Touch 2 multimedia system.

On-the-road prices start at £23,695 for Active 2.0 D-4D front-wheel drive.

MINI launches limited edition Countryman

MINI launches limited edition Countryman

MINI is launching a new Countryman Special Edition for the UK.

Developed by the MINI's Special Order programme, the Countryman Special Edition features exclusive Space Grey Metallic roof and mirror caps, teamed with 18" 5-Star Double Spoke alloy wheels in black and Absolute Black Metallic body paint.

Only 250 Countryman Special Edition models will be available for customers in the UK. The latest edition to the range comes with standard equipment including MINI Navigation System, Voice Control, MINI Connected, Enhanced Bluetooth with USB audio and multi-function steering wheel. Front Seat Heating, Automatic Air Conditioning and Xenon Headlights are also included as standard.

Inside, the Special Edition has been styled to match the exterior, with interior surfaces in Piano Black and leather upholstery in Gravity-Carbon Black.

Customers can choose between two model variants - the Cooper S ALL4 Countryman or the Cooper SD ALL4 Countryman in either manual or automatic transmissions. Both model options are paired with MINI's ALL4 all-wheel drive system which provides 'excellent traction and quickly reacts to changes in road conditions'.

The MINI Countryman Special Edition is available to order now.

Kia confirms all-new Optima pricing and spec

Kia confirms all-new Optima pricing and spec

Kia confirms all-new Optima pricing and spec

Kia confirms all-new Optima pricing and spec

Kia has revealed its all-new Optima will cost from £21,495 OTR.

On sale from today there are four versions available, all powered by an upgraded EU6 version of Kia's 1.7-litre CRDi turbodiesel engine, now paired with either a six-speed manual or a new seven-speed (7DCT) dual-clutch auto transmission.

The 1.7-litre CRDi turbodiesel engine develops an improved 139bhp and increased torque of 340Nm. This represents increases of 5bhp and 15Nm over the previous version. With the Idle Stop & Go (ISG) engine stop/start system as standard, CO2 emissions of manual models are 14 per cent lower at 110g/km, while fuel economy improves to 67.3mpg. An even bigger improvement, says Kia, is the new 7DCT dual-clutch auto gearbox, which replaces the previous six-speed torque converter unit. Emissions drop by 25 per cent, to 116g/km, while fuel economy is now 64.2mpg.

As a result, benefit-in-kind taxation in manuals falls by three tax bands, while for the 7DCT the reduction is 42g/km and eight tax bands. With fuel consumption improved by almost 10mpg for manual models and more than 17mpg for the 7DCT automatics, fleet running costs will be 'dramatically lower'.

A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) Optima, offering a commuter-friendly all-electric drive range with even lower emissions and greater taxation advantages, will be added later in 2016.

The first car in its class with a wireless charger for mobile devices, located in the base of the centre console, the Optima is also available with a 360-degree Around View Monitor for a bird's-eye view when manoeuvring, while a Smart Park Assist System automatically steers the car in and out of parallel or perpendicular parking slots.

There are initially three trim levels - badged 2, 3 and 4 - with GT-Line and GT versions to be added later in 2016. All versions are 'extensively equipped'. ISG - Kia's fuel-saving, emissions-reducing engine stop/start system, is standard.

Prices range from £21,495 OTR for the 1.7 CRDi 6-speed manual ISG 2 to £28,895 for the 1.7 CRDi 7-speed DCT ISG 4.

Geely GC9 wins Chinese Car of the Year

Geely GC9 wins Chinese Car of the Year

Geely GC9 wins Chinese Car of the Year

Geely GC9 wins Chinese Car of the Year

The Geely GC9 was declared 2016 China Car of the Year (CCOTY) at an awards ceremony during the Guangzhou Auto Show.

Geely, who have owned Swedish car giant Volvo since 2010, revealed the flagship GC9 in 2014 which becomes the first domestic model to win the China Car of the Year title. There were 140 candidates eligible, with the Geely GC9 coming out on top after convincing 22 jurors at the CCOTY Beijing test-drives beginning of November. The evaluation rules allow all jurors test-drives in Beijing, two weeks before the final awards ceremony, before voting starts.

The prize was received by President and CEO of Geely Mr. An Conghui, who said: "Geely is of great honour to be awarded China Car of the Year. The GC9 is just the beginning of a new series of highly competitive models. And as a Chinese domestic brand, we will give everything to improve the reputation of Chinese manufacturers."

The CCOTY jurors noted that the Geely GC9 had "a perfect blend of a new modern Chinese design language with state of the art technology from Volvo. The GC9 is spacious, luxurious with appealing quality and overall highly competitive within the mid-size segment. It's a leap forward compared to former Chinese domestic models."

Jens Meiners, Vice Chairman of the World Car Awards commented: "The China Car Awards have quickly grown into a standard of excellence on the Chinese market, a market with unique demands and preferences. This year's winner demonstrates that the Chinese auto industry is fully capable of creating cars that take the lead in a tough and fair competition. As vice chairman of the World Car Awards, I would like to convey our congratulations to the participants and winners, as well as the distinguished jury of the China Car Awards. We are proud of our inspiring and successful relationship."

Other awards included the 2016 China Design Car of the Year - won by the Mercedes-Benz AMG GT and the 2016 China Performance Car of the Year, which was won by the Ferrari 488 GTB. The 2016 China Green Car of the Year was awarded to the Lexus NX 300h while the Volvo XC90 scooped 2016 China SUV of the Year.

MG3 refreshed for 2016

MG3 refreshed for 2016

The MG3 hatchback has received updates for 2016.

The latest version of the 5-door city car will be available to buy next week, and offers customers better fuel consumption, lower tax and an updated personalisation range - which includes the launch of new combinations and roof colours.

The supermini, which now benefits from a more economical 124g/km of CO2 and a stop-start EU6 engine, also comes with a new chrome grille 'to complement the MG family face'. The MG3's Red Rose and Hello Yellow paints are now available with selected roof colour combinations of white or black.

Matthew Cheyne, Head of Sales and Marketing for MG, said: "The MG3 has continued its success from the day it launched in 2013 and, with all that it offers, it's easy to see why so many people have fallen for our fun-packed and stylish supermini. Now we're giving customers a little bit more, with the addition of some great features, but still keeping the price low; making it great value for money and setting us apart from our competitors.

The MG3 EU6 is the latest car to be launched from the Longbridge site. Customers can choose from the four models starting with the MG3 3Time which costs £8,399 OTR, the MG3 3Form from £9,599, the MG3 3Form Sport from £9,899, an MG3 3Style model from £10,49 and MG3 3Style Lux - which comes with the addition of leather seats and is priced from £10,999 OTR.

Volkswagen reveals upgraded Match Edition

Volkswagen reveals upgraded Match Edition

Volkswagen has unveiled a new Golf Match and Match BlueMotion Editions.

The new Match Edition models add high-end equipment as standard including Discover Navigation with Car-Net Guide and Inform, and Winter Pack. The new cars arrive with an 'even higher' level of specification than the Golf Match they replace - with the additions offering more than £1,100 in value if specified separately, but at a cost of £100.

A 1.0 115PS TSI six-speed manual three-door Golf Match BlueMotion Edition therefore costs from £19,840 OTR. The Golf Match Edition, meanwhile, is available from £20,400 OTR in 1.4-litre TSI 125 PS BlueMotion Technology five-speed manual three-door model form.

Standard features include front and rear parking sensors, front fog lights and a mirror pack - which consists of automatically-folding door mirrors with puddle lights and reverse-activated dipping on the nearside, while the new models add 16-inch 'Dover' alloys and the Discover Navigation system. This includes a 6.5-inch colour touch-screen control system for navigation, CD and radio functions. Preloaded with European navigation data, two map view options, three calculated routes (Fast, Short, Eco), dynamic navigation based on TMC live traffic updates, branded points of interest and Traffic Sign display it also features Car-Net Guide and Inform online services.

The Golf Match BlueMotion Edition is offered with a 1.0-litre TSI 115 PS engine in six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG form, both returning 65.7 mpg combined. The Golf Match Edition with a 1.4-litre TSI 125 PS engine mated to a six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG gearboxes returns 54.3 to 56.5 mpg combined.

Available to order now, first deliveries are expected in January 2016.

Toyota confirms new Prius pricing

Toyota confirms new Prius pricing

Toyota confirms new Prius pricing

Toyota confirms new Prius pricing

Toyota confirms new Prius pricing

The new fourth generation Toyota Prius is available to order now with prices starting at £23,295.

That's for the Prius Active, which is the entry level model in a new grade line-up. Strengthening its appeal for business car drivers, new Business Edition and Business Edition Plus versions have been added.

All Prius models feature LED headlights with Automatic High Beam, electric driver's seat adjustment, Smart Entry with push-button start and the Toyota Touch 2 multimedia system with touchscreen control and DAB radio reception. A new dual-zone air conditioning system is also standard, equipped with a function that detects whether the front passenger seat is occupied and automatically adjusts air vent opening and air flow accordingly, for more efficient and energy-saving operation.

Higher grade models gain more advanced features, such as a colour head-up display, wireless phone charger, blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert, heated front seats and an auto-dimming rear view mirror.

The new Prius also includes the first European appearance of SIPA, Toyota's new Simple Intelligent Park Assist system. As well as providing automatic steering into a parallel or series parking space, the system can also help the driver exit a tight space. An automatic braking system provides a safeguard against colliding with parked vehicles or obstacles.

Key features of Active grade models includes 15-inch alloy wheels, Dual 4.2-inch colour TFT multi-information displays and DAB radio. Prius Business Edition, which costs from £24,195 OTR, features extras including a soft-touch cabin trim, heated front seats and Smart Entry (all doors and boot) while the Business Edition Plus (£25,995 OTR) adds 17-inch alloy wheels, Toyota Touch 2 with Go (satellite navigation and connectivity functions), simple Intelligent Park Assist and front and rear parking sensors.

The range topping new Prius Excel starts at £27,450 OTR and is additionally equipped with leather upholstery, JBL premium audio system, rain-sensing wipers and Toyota 2 with Go Plus (satellite navigation and connectivity with added functions).

Toyota Safety Sense provides an integrated package of safety warning and assistance systems on all versions of new Prius as standard. The new model is available in seven exterior colours, including Hypersonic Red, a new pearlescent shade that offers extra depth and reflective qualities. The interior is available in Cool Grey or Black, with matching trim and cloth upholstery. Leather seats (Excel grade) are in Cool Grey with black shoulder sections, or Black with contrast blue stitching.

The new Toyota Prius is available to order now, with first customer deliveries from 1 March 2016.

Vauxhall confirms pricing for new Astra Sports Tourer

Vauxhall confirms pricing for new Astra Sports Tourer

Vauxhall confirms pricing for new Astra Sports Tourer

Vauxhall confirms pricing for new Astra Sports Tourer

Vauxhall's all-new Astra Sports Tourer will be in showrooms in March priced from £16,585 on-the-road.

The new Sports Tourer, built at Vauxhall's manufacturing plant in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, follows the five-door model and is up to £1,870 less expensive than the outgoing ST with a simplified range. The new line-up includes Design, Tech Line, SRi and Elite, with Nav versions of the SRi and Elite trims also available.

Range highlights include the 1.0-litre three-cylinder Turbo Start/Stop ecoFLEX model priced from £17,285 OTR. With an Easytronic five-speed automatic transmission, the same model achieves a 'class-leading' 96g/km CO2 emissions.

The range-topping 1.6-litre (200PS) is available in SRi trim priced from £21,710 OTR.

The diesel offering includes the 1.6-litre 'Whisper Diesel' (110PS) Start/Stop ecoFLEX model (prices start at £18,785 OTR) that achieves 85.6mpg and CO2 emissions of 86g/km.

Peugeot reveals 308 GTi pricing and spec

Peugeot reveals 308 GTi pricing and spec

Peugeot reveals 308 GTi pricing and spec

Peugeot reveals 308 GTi pricing and spec

Peugeot reveals 308 GTi pricing and spec

Peugeot's GTi badge is returning to the medium car segment for the first time since the 1990s.

The high-end performance 308 GTi is designed with the 'enthusiastic driver' in mind, and will cost from £26,555 OTR.

Extensively developed by Peugeot SPORT - the brand's in-house tuning team - the hot hatch offers a new interpretation of the 308's exterior design, 'enhanced sports-oriented interior detailing and an unparalleled driving experience', according to the French manufacturer.

Driven by 'the most-powerful engine of its size', the 1.6-litre THP petrol engine with Stop&Start (S&S) technology is available in two power outputs - 250hp and 270hp. With a limited top speed of 155mph, the engines can return CO2 emissions of 139g/km and Combined Cycle fuel economy of 47.0mpg.

Both models weigh in at 1205kg, enabling the 308 GTi 250 to sprint to 62mph in 6.2 seconds, with a power-to-weight ratio of 4.82kg/hp. The 308 GTi 270 reaches 62mph in 6.0 seconds flat.

Key to the appeal of the 270 GTi, says Peugeot, is the Torsen limited-slip differential, fitted as standard. Designed to improve cornering by channeling the torque to the wheel with the greatest traction, it also makes it possible to drive faster around corners and enhance grip and handling.

The 270 GTi is also equipped with 2.3kg lighter 19" 'Carbone' lightweight alloy wheels shod with the latest Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres. The design showcases the highly-capable 380mm ventilated front brake discs with solid red four-piston Peugeot SPORT signature calipers.

The new model includes 'purposeful new styling' sitting 11mm lower to the ground than its siblings, an aggressive new front and rear design and six distinctive exterior colours. For the most eye-catching look a 'Coupe Franche' two-tone design is exclusive to the 308 GTi 270, contrasting Ultimate Red with Nera Black.

The interior has been designed to complement the GTi's exterior, emphasising its sporting credentials. The door sill carries the Peugeot SPORT and GTi signature, while the foot pedals, foot rest and gear knob are finished in aluminum. Red stitching features on the upholstery, door panels, gear lever and floor mats. The GTi 270 features Peugeot SPORT race-inspired seats, upholstered in leather effect and Alcantara, which provide enhanced lateral support.

The compact steering wheel provides natural grip and 'precise direction'. It features full-grain leather with a GTi logo at the base and a red centring mark at the top. The head-up display instrument panel read-outs has a chequered backdrop, and a GTi greets the driver on start-up. A 9.7" centrally mounted touch-screen forms part of the instrument panel, with its Redline theme adding a final touch of flair to the interior.

Standard equipment includes a Driver Sport Pack, which allows owners to 'ramp up the high-octane feel'. Pressing the Sport button on the centre console switches the display colour from white to red, and shows additional information on the central read-out. It also enhances engine noise growl and changes the accelerator pedal mapping.

Also standard is red 'Peugeot' lettering on the grille, sports side skirts, new twin exhaust system with black diffuser, GTi badging, full LED headlamps, front LED sequential indicators, reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors, Peugeot Open & Go (keyless entry & push button start), satellite navigation and DAB digital radio. The GTi 250 has 18-inch 'Diamant' alloy wheels while the GTi 270 the larger 19" 'Carbone' lightweight alloy wheels.

The Peugeot 308 GTi 250 is priced at £26,555 on the road, while the Peugeot 308 GTi 270 (which has more power, the Torsen differential, 19" wheels, larger front brakes and sports seats) is priced at £28,155. The Coupe Franche with Ultimate Red / Nera Black paint finish (exclusive to the GTi 270 model only) is £1,300.