All-new Subaru Impreza revealed in New York

Subaru debuted its all new Impreza at the New York International Auto Show.

As before, every model is equipped as standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD), for maximised driving agility, stability and traction on all surfaces, says Subaru.

Power comes from four-cylinder horizontally-opposed ‘Boxer’ engines, while a new Subaru Global Platform is set to form the basis of all future Subaru models. The 'highly-adaptable' platform is suitable for a range of different body styles and powertrains, including Subaru’s all-terrain crossover and SUV models.

A new design language sees the brand’s signature hexagonal grille and ‘hawk-eye’ headlights fitted to a more ‘sculptural body’, with the new car’s its athletic stance accentuated by prominent wheel arches and flowing lines. Overall length is up 41 mm and width has been increases by 38 mm. The larger dimensions create a roomier cabin, while a 10 mm lower height aids aerodynamics with a lower coefficient of drag.

The Impreza’s new platform incorporates several types of high-strength steel to ‘significantly’ enhance straight-line stability, agility and ride comfort, while suppressing noise, vibration and harshness. Subaru claims the new platform increases rigidity of the unitised body structure by over 70 percent compared to the current Impreza model. The double-wishbone independent rear suspension mounts its rear stabiliser bar directly to the body, reducing body roll by 50 percent.

The new model provides higher levels of safety than the outgoing car, by accommodating the EyeSight collision avoidance technology for the first time, as well as crash energy absorption figures improved by 40 percent over the old Impreza. The EyeSight system acts as a ‘second pair of eyes’ for drivers by employing stereo colour camera technology to monitor the road and traffic ahead of potential hazards. This includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Pre-Collision Braking and Lane Departure and Sway Warning, plus a Lane Keep Assist function. Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross Traffic Alert are also available.

Also new are Steering Responsive Headlights, which can illuminate curves as the vehicle steers into them, and High Beam Assist, which automatically activates and deactivates the high-beam headlamps based on driving conditions. All models include as standard equipment front seat side impact airbags, side curtain airbags and a driver’s knee airbag. New driver-assist technologies, include Reverse Automatic Braking and the display of steering lines for the standard rear-vision camera. Reverse Automatic Braking can apply the vehicle’s brakes if an obstacle is detected while reversing.

High connectivity comes via the Subaru STARLINK touchscreen infotainment. Controlled by a large touchscreen and using Subaru’s latest-generation voice control system, the display screen also provides the display for the standard rear vision camera and navigation.

Subaru says the new Impreza 5-door hatchback is currently under consideration for the European market.

New Toyota Prius PHEV debuts in NY

The second generation of the Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid has debuted at the 2016 New York International Auto Show.

Offering improvements in its EV performance, in terms of driving range, power and maximum speed, the new model builds on the strengths of the latest generation Prius, introduced earlier this year.

The new Prius Plug-in’s Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain features a larger, 8.8kW/h lithium-ion battery pack, increasing its driving range in EV mode as well as the potential driving range from a tank of fuel. Fuel consumption shows a marked improvement compared to its predecessor, with an estimated average figure of 202mpg, the best rating for any current plug-in hybrid on the market, says Toyota, producing a CO2 figure of just 32g/km.

Even when not running in EV mode, the Prius Plug-in will automatically favour its all-electric drive capability in situations where this can deliver higher efficiency than the petrol engine, most notably when driving around town and on shorter journeys.

The new plug-in hybrid system further minimises use of the petrol engine, even when accelerating quickly or using the cabin heater, with the adoption of a new battery-powered heating system that improves efficiency in cold weather, and the world’s first heat pump air conditioning system with gas injection.

As a result of these advanced technologies, the new car can be driven at speeds up to 84mph while still in EV mode. The potential EV driving range is more than 30 miles, around twice that of its predecessor, and charging the battery should take around two hours and 20 minutes.

The hybrid system’s 1.8-litre Atkinson cycle VVT-i engine also plays an important role in its overall efficiency. Its large-volume exhaust gas recirculation system, improved combustion efficiency and innovative measures to manage heat and reduce friction have improved its thermal efficiency to 40 per cent, a world-best figure for a mass-produced petrol engine.

The Prius styling presents a ‘chiselled profile and edgy character lines’ according to Toyota, and has a more ‘road-hugging’ look and a lower centre of gravity. Compared to the current model, it is 165mm longer, 15mm wider and sits 20mm lower to ground.

The car’s 0.24 drag coefficient (Cd) is expected to be among the lowest of any production saloon, achieved with a number of advanced design features such as the “double bubble” tailgate glass and a grille shutter which automatically closes when airflow is not needed to cool the radiator.

Weight has been kept to a minimum through extensive use of high-tensile steel in the bodyshell, aluminium for the bonnet and, in a first for a mass-produced car, a carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) tailgate. Its status as an individual model within the Prius range is confirmed by a unique lighting signature, created with four-lamp LED projector headlights and LED tail lamps.

The interior features a four-seat layout, built around a full-length centre console. The instrument cluster has dual 4.2-inch full colour TFT screens while the centre cluster has a floating design and an eight-inch touchscreen for easy operation of audio and navigation functions, including flick actions to scroll through the different displays.

A sound-insulating laminated windscreen and front door glazing creates, says Toyota, an ‘exceptionally quiet’ cabin environment, aided and abetted by a quieter S-Flow automatic air conditioning system which has been made smaller and lighter and uses less power.

The Prius Plug-in will be offered with Toyota Safety Sense, equipping it with integrated active safety and driver assistance functions including a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection and Autonomous Emergency Braking; Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist; Full-Speed Adaptive Cruise Control with full stop technology; and Automatic High Beam headlight operation. A Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert will also be available.

The new Prius Plug-in will be available in UK showrooms from the end of this year.

Dog parallel parks Vauxhall Corsa

It seems you really can teach an old dog new tricks, as Gerty the Boxer successfully parked a new Corsa.

Vauxhall put its all-new Corsa in the paws of a capable canine to test its latest Advanced Park Assist technology. The star of Vauxhall’s new #ParallelBarking video, which features the daring dog execute a parallel park, with no human assistance, left passers-by on Wimbledon High Street baffled.

Sitting in the driver’s seat of the red Vauxhall Corsa SE, Gerty shows off the advanced technology of the new easy parking feature – from how it detects a parking space to automatically computing the perfect manoeuvre into the slot – demonstrating that parallel parking can be a walk in the park.

Advanced Park Assist is now available as an optional extra in the new Corsa, available from £8,995 OTR. Watch Gerty in action here:

SEAT confirms new Ibiza Cupra pricing

SEAT has confirmed prices for the new Ibiza Cupra will start from 18k.

Two major changes for SEAT's hot hatch includes a new 1.8 TSI engine in place of the former 1.4, plus the reintroduction of a six-speed manual gearbox replacing the DSG.

The new engine, with more power and torque is joined by a new two-tier line-up, plus a ‘raft of technical enhancements’, larger front brakes, plus Cupra Drive Profile with adjustable damping and steering - offering two modes; Comfort and Sport. Exclusively available in the ‘Sports Coupe’ bodystyle, the new line-up will be available in two versions. The standard Cupra, is priced at £18,100, (£880 less than the previous model with DSG transmission), while the Cupra Black costs from £18,900.

The 1.8 TSI adds an additional 12 PS and 70Nm additional torque, up to 320Nm across a much broader rev range of 1,450 to 4,250 rpm. 0-62 mph is dispatched in 6.7 seconds, before heading on to a top speed of 146 mph. At the same time, fuel economy is 45.6 mpg on the combined cycle.

The new Ibiza Cupra has a 'powerful and edgy stance', with the three-door featuring 'sharply executed' lines and edges. The accentuated rear shoulders and 17-inch alloy wheels also underline its performance. The high-gloss black door mirrors and front grille frame contrast with the Cupra’s paintwork, while at the rear its broad bumper frames a matt-black diffuser which incorporates the race-honed central exhaust tailpipe. EmociOn Red is the standard paint choice.

The upgrades continue on the inside with styling cues from the SEAT Leon. The higher quality interior, with more premium and tactile touches includes a new steering wheel, air vents, instrument panel and infotainment systems. A five-inch Media System with colour touchscreen and DAB digital radio, is joined by a Bluetooth audio streaming and hands-free system and multi-function steering Wheel. Hill Hold Control and Tiredness Recognition System have also been added to its list of core equipment.

Both versions include standard-fit Cupra 17-inch ‘Barcino’ alloy wheels, auto lights and wipers, XDS electronic differential lock, Cupra front sports SEATs, electrically adjustable, heated and folding door mirrors, plus climate control and cruise control. On the outside, bi-xenon headlamps with cornering lights and LED daytime running lights join LED rear lights, plus tinted glass on the side and rear windows.

Moving up to the range-topping, the Cupra Black brings styling and technology additions including black alloy wheels with red brake calipers, a Navigation System with 6.5-inch colour touchscreen, 3D map display, voice recognition and two SD card slots.

The new Ibiza Cupra is on sale now.

Volkswagen reveals Golf GTI TCR

Volkswagen has unveiled its Golf GTI TCR (Touring Car Championship) competition car.

Riding on 18-inch racing rims and with a chassis that is roughly 40 centimetres wider than the production Golf, the huge rear wing also guarantees ‘optimal handling’. An aerodynamic front splitter and carbon rear wing are among the modifications for the racetrack, while features that ensure maximum safety for the driver are a racing seat with head protectors, racing safety cage, and an FIA-approved safety tank.

The new Golf GTI TCR includes a powerful straight four-cylinder engine, a sequential gearbox with shift paddles located on the steering wheel, and a ‘consistently developed racing chassis’. Volkswagen Motorsport developed the car in cooperation with the sport department at SEAT, using experience gained with the SEAT Leon Cup Racer. The 2-litre turbo engine with direct fuel injection is the same one used in the top sporting model, the Golf R. The racing version generates 243 kW (330 PS) and produces 410 Nm of torque.

The racetrack is not the only place the Golf GTI is celebrating its 40th birthday. To mark the anniversary, Volkswagen is launching the most powerful production GTI ever: the Golf GTI Clubsport. VW presented sketches of the new car at the GTI meeting at the Worthersee in May 2015, before unveiling a production model at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. The 2-litre TFSI engine generates 265 PS – that is 35 PS more than the previous most powerful Golf GTI. Another feature of the turbocharged direct- injection engine is a boost function, which allows the driver to briefly increase the engine power by ten per cent to 290 PS.

Quotes on the customer sports project with the Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR Jost Capito, Volkswagen Motorsport Director said: “The Golf GTI TCR allows customer sports teams to partake in reasonably-priced motorsport with a Volkswagen. Furthermore, the teams can expand their motorsport commitments innumerous TCR championships, both at national and international level. "

Eduard Weidl, Head of Customer Sports added: “The use of the Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR in customer sports is a great opportunity, the likes of which we have not seen before on the motorsport scene at Volkswagen. When developing the technology, our main focus was on keeping the running costs at races as low as possible.”

20 Golf GTI TCRs will be built, although all have already been snapped up by private racing teams. The 2016 TCR International Series gets underway 1 April in Bahrain.

New Honda Civic Hatchback Prototype breaks cover

Honda has revealed a new prototype Civic hatchback in Geneva.

Making its global premiere during press day at 2016 Geneva Motor Show, the 10th generation model is described as the sportiest Civic ever. With an assertive stance and ‘provocative’ new design the prototype features low, wide proportions and a long wheelbase - promise engaging driving dynamics while maximising interior space, says Honda.

Running on new larger and wider wheels and tyres, at the front of the car, a short overhang with large air intakes is joined by LED headlights and daytime running lights which flow from beneath the boldly sculpted bonnet into accentuated wheel arches. At the rear, the bumper incorporates angular creases and vents, designed to echo the aggressively styled nature of the rest of the car which are joined by distinctive C-shaped LED rear light.

Daisuke Tsutamori, Project Leader for the styling of the Prototype said: “We knew that we needed to create a striking and stand-out exterior design that challenged conventional European compact styling while staying true to the original Civic’s core values. The result is a marriage of distinctive and sporty design, rewarding driving dynamics and versatile practicality.”

It will become the first European vehicle to be available with Honda’s all-new 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre VTEC TURBO petrol engines while further improvements have also been made to the existing 1.6-litre i-DTEC engine. A highly responsive turbocharger together with direct injection technology seek to achieve an optimum balance between high output and torque, above those of conventional naturally-aspirated engines.

The new Honda Civic hatchback will be available in Europe early in 2017 and will be built in the UK.

Ford to unveil Fiesta ST200 at Geneva

Ahead of its motor show debut in Geneva this week, Ford has revealed a new Fiesta ST200 model that delivers 10 per cent more power and 20 per cent more torque, with 200PS and 290Nm from its modified 1.6-litre EcoBoost petrol engine.

The most powerful production Fiesta ever (0-62mph in 6.7sec) will feature an exclusive specification including a Storm Grey exterior and machined 17-inch matt black alloy wheels with red painted brake calipers.

An enhanced interior includes partial leather Charcoal Recaro front seats with contrasting silver stitching, alongside illuminated scuff plates and seatbelts with silver detailing. 

The ST200’s 1.6-litre EcoBoost engine can deliver an additional 15PS and 30Nm of torque for up to 15 seconds using transient overboost. A shorter final drive than that in the regular ST is said to further enhance in-gear acceleration for improved drivability and an even more fun to drive experience. Top speed is 143mph.

Since launching the Fiesta ST in 2013, Ford has sold some 30,000 examples in Europe, and almost two-thirds of these (19,200) were delivered to UK customers. 

“The Fiesta ST is truly beloved by owners and critics. The ST200 takes this special drivers’ car to a new level of power and performance,” said Joe Bakaj, vice president, Product Development, Ford of Europe. “I think it’s a future classic in the making.” 

Production of the new Fiesta ST200 starts from June with customer deliveries this summer.

Facelifted Alfa Romeo Giulietta unveiled

Alfa Romeo has revealed the restyled Giulietta.

The new Giulietta features a revised front-end that includes a new honeycomb grille, piano black bumper inserts (with red highlights on sporty models) and revised headlamp and fog lamp surrounds.

The refreshed Giulietta takes design cues from the Alfa Romeo Giulia sports saloon, and is complemented by new badge designs (both the “Alfa Romeo” and “Giulietta” logos) new alloy wheel designs, revised tail pipes, new colours (Alfa White and Lipari Grey) and a new engine and transmission combination.

On the inside there are revised seat upholsteries, dashboard and door panel finishes, a Uconnect infotainment system now with smartphone-enabled LIVE services (music streaming with Deezer and TuneIn, news with Reuters, Facebook Check-In and Twitter, plus eco:Drive and my:Car services and traffic updates for navigation-equipped models).

Also debuting on the new Giulietta is ‘Alfa Performance’ - a new service specifically created to enhance the driving experience. Using digital gauges and instruments, drivers can control the main parameters of the car, measure their performance using special timers and see driving statistics on their smartphone, in addition to receiving real-time driving tips. The service is available on Uconnect 6.5” Radio Nav LIVE.

Under the bonnet there’s now the option of combining the 120hp 1.6-litre JTDM-2 turbo diesel engine with the Alfa TCT twin dry-clutch transmission. This engine produces 120hp at 3,750rpm and 320Nm of torque from 1,7450rpm and when paired with Alfa Romeo’s quick-shifting and TCT transmission, it can be used as a full automatic (with its responsiveness and shift patterns adjusted via the three-mode Alfa DNA drive selector) or as a full manual, either by slotting the gear selector into its sequential gate or by using the steering wheel paddle shifters.

This engine and transmission combination has a top speed of 121mph and can accelerate from 0 to 62mph in 10.2 seconds, while its official combined cycle fuel-economy and emissions figures matches those of the manual version, returning 74.3 MPG and producing 99g/km of CO2.

The new Giulietta’s model range comes in five trim levels: Giulietta, Giulietta Super, Giulietta Tecnica, Giulietta Speciale and Giulietta Veloce. The entry-level model now benefits from burnished headlamp surrounds, satin-finish door handles and new oblique tailpipes, while inside there are new grey and black fabric seats with Alfa Romeo logo on the head restraints, new matte black dashboard insert and luxury floor mats.

The refreshed style elements are accompanied by a ‘comprehensive standard equipment list’ which includes a leather steering wheel with audio remote controls, air conditioning, five-inch Uconnect LIVE with Bluetooth connectivity, the Alfa DNA selector, six airbags, 16-inch ‘Turbine’ alloy wheels, one-touch electric windows all round and steering-wheel paddle shifters on TCT-equipped models.

The Giulietta Super trim level adds dual-zone automatic climate control, cruise control, a front armrest, new 16-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights and upgraded seat upholstery. A new Lusso pack can be added to the Super model to enhance the look of the car and includes leather upholstery, front and rear armrests (with third rear headrest), aluminium kick plates and the 6.5-inch Uconnect LIVE system with voice-operated satellite navigation and 3D mapping.

Giulietta Tecnica replaces the Business Edition and includes the 6.5-inch Uconnect infotainment system with navigation, automatic lights and wipers, electro-chromatic rear view mirror, front and rear parking sensors, new 16-inch wheels, side skirts and rear privacy glass.

The Giulietta Speciale offers customers the option of combining the sporty look and feel of the high performance Veloce version with a broad selection of engines. Standard equipment includes a sports suspension, sports bumpers with red Alfa profile, classic five-hole 18-inch alloy wheels, Brembo brakes with red four-piston callipers, tinted windows, new carbon-look headlamp surrounds, an anthracite finish on the mirror caps, door handles, grille and fog light surrounds and the 6.5-inch Uconnect LIVE system with navigation.

Leather and Alcantara seats, aluminium pedals, a flat-bottom sports steering wheel with red stitching and the carbon-look dashboard surrounds and door panels complete the Speciale package.

Finally, the new Giulietta Veloce tops the revised line-up and in terms of equipment is similar to the Speciale but with new 18-inch alloy rims, specific sports suspension tuning, oversized tailpipes and the most powerful engine in the Giulietta range – the 240hp 1750 turbo petrol engine combined with a specially calibrated TCT transmission.

The new Alfa Romeo Giulietta goes on sale on April 1 with prices starting from just £18,450 OTR. Full pricing details will be announced closer to the car’s UK launch.

V40 gets new Volvo face

The V40 has been given a refresh with Volvo’s new corporate face and trim updates across the range.

Central to the exterior updates are new LED ‘Thor’s Hammer’ headlights, in line with the new XC90, S90 and V90. In the UK, these all-LED lights mark the V40 and V40 Cross Country out as the first models in the segment to get LED headlights as standard across the range. Also new are grille meshes featuring the updated Volvo Iron Mark.

“The V40 is the best-selling Volvo model in the UK, making it a vital car for the company. With the updates for Model Year 2017, we’re making this already very successful model even more attractive to customers,” said Nick Connor, Managing Director of Volvo Car UK.

The exterior update includes the addition of eight new wheels and five new colours to the V40 range, including the completely new Amazon Blue and Denim Blue, as well as three others already used by other Volvo models: Bursting Blue, Mussel Blue and Luminous Sand.

In addition to the cosmetic changes, CO2 emissions on the D2 manual powertrain have been cut to 89 g/km in all trim level and wheel options.

The V40's trim structure has also been changed in line with that of the new XC90. Customers can now choose from Momentum, Inscription, R-Design and Cross Country.  

The Volvo On Call smartphone app has also been updated.  It now enables voice-control for certain features when using Windows 10-based smartphones and can even send calendar appointment destinations directly to your navigation on request. 

For 2016, Volvo On Call will be expanded to provide support for up to 10 vehicles, giving access to all the usual functions across a fleet of cars, while the introduction of Flic button compatibility will allow you to program a single physical ‘smart button’ to perform several tasks, such as locking your car.

Volvo now also offers support for Windows 10 with a new version of the app that can be used on regular PCs and tablets.

New Volkswagen up! to debut in Geneva

Volkswagen has revealed its revamped ‘up!’ city car.

Set to be presented in Geneva, the latest edition of Volkswagen smallest car features newly designed body panels, colours and wheels, as well as new individualisation options, a completely redesigned interior, a new infotainment system and a 300 W BeatsAudio sound system as standard.

Every version of the up! will come with new headlights (with LED daytime running lights as standard), new bumpers, a prominent rear diffuser, newly designed tail lights, restyled exterior mirror housings with integrated indicator lights, fresh colours and decors for the dashpad (dashboard styling panel) as well as new seat designs.

A 1.0 TSI engine joins the range and delivers a 66 kW/90 PS, with maximum torque of 160 Nm available from 1,500 rpm. The three-cylinder engine is the first turbo for the up! and the most powerful motor available in the model to date, offering a top speed of 115mph, and a 0-62mph time of 10 seconds. CO2 emissions come in at 102 g/km CO2 (forecast value) meaning that the up! 1.0 TSI has the potential to cover nearly 500 miles on a single tank of fuel.

The engine line-up also includes two three-cylinder units with multi-point injection (MPI) that deliver 44 kW/60 PS or 55 kW/75 PS as well as a zero-emission e-up! and a natural gas model - the eco up! (50 kW/68 PS).

Volkswagen says it is putting the focus on the individuality of each model - with the new up! coming in a choice of 13 body colours, 9 exterior decals, ten new dashpad designs, three roof colours, three design packs, two colour packs and two basic colours for the interior trim (“Titanium Black” and “Ceramique”). Coloured alloy wheels and individualised-colour ambient light are also available for the top-of-the-range models.

A total of seven trim levels are available: take up!, move up!, high up! and eco up! (all of which are available as two- and four-door versions) as well as the load up!, cross up! (all-terrain version) and e-up! (each available as a four-door version) and move up!

Range-topping models features ambient lighting system, a customised dashpad (with a choice of three versions of the “Pixels” design), heated front seats, a multifunction steering wheel, six loudspeakers, fog lamps with integrated static cornering lights and the new 15-inch “Radial” alloy wheels.

The 2016 Volkswagen up! will be launched in Europe this summer, prices have yet to be announced.

Nissan updates X-Trail and Pulsar

Nissan has confirmed a series of updates for its X-Trail and Pulsar range.

Until the end of March buyers of the X-Trail can upgrade from five to seven seats free of charge – a saving of £900. The deal is available to both Private and Business buyers and applies to all grades and engines of X-Trail, including 2WD and 4WD models.

Following the addition of N-Connecta to Juke and Qashqai, Nissan’s Pulsar is the latest model to carry the new trim grade. The N-Connecta grade on Pulsar will be a direct replacement for the existing n-tec model, which will close to ordering once supply runs out.

Nissan has also confirmed a new entry-level price for the Visia DIG-T 115 Manual of £13,995, representing a £2,000 customer saving over the previous price.

Both models are on sale now.

Honda to debut Civic Hatchback Prototype in Geneva

Honda is set to unveil the Civic Hatchback Prototype at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show.

The Prototype previews the exterior design of the all-new hatchback Civic model, scheduled for a European launch in early 2017. Produced in the UK , the car will be exported to global markets, including the US.

Honda has also confirmed the Clarity Fuel Cell will make its European debut at Geneva, following its global unveil at Tokyo motor show in October last year. The world’s first production fuel cell saloon to house the entire fuel cell powertrain under the bonnet, features a range of up-to 435 miles.

Honda has also announced first European customer deliveries for the Honda NSX will begin in 2016. The NSX sports car features classic low and wide proportions as well as an ‘aggressive front design, and rear lights that pay homage to the original NSX’. The new hybrid supercar has an all-new mid-mounted DOHC V6 engine with twin turbochargers mated to a specially-developed nine-speed DCT.

Honda will also demonstrate a new design concept - the ’Keenlight’ Jazz. The new concept seeks to highlight the potential for customising Jazz models, using sleek design elements, special decals and a unique colour named ‘Keenlight’.

The Geneva Motor Show runs from 3-13 March 2016.