Updated Mazda3

Mazda has updated the popular Mazda3 with a new front end design including a new sculpted front bumper, new front face, new round front fog lamps, revised rear bumper design, new 16- and 17-inch alloy wheels, plus a choice of seven exterior colours.

Inside the updated Mazda3 comes with a black finish for the lower centre console with chrome rings on key dials and controls, white graphics for Multi-Information Display, continuously-lit white graphics on the instrument cluster, gear shift-indicator (manual models with the exception of the 2.3-litre MPS) and a new pattern cloth for the upholstery.

In the diesel models, fuel consumption is improved by 3.8% and CO2 emissions have reduced by up to 3.5 % (1.7% and 1.3% in the petrol models respectively). All new Mazda3 models get a leather trimmed hand brake and a new Brake Override System as standard plus improved driving dynamics all-round.

New Mitsubishi Shogun (12MY)

The new Mitsubishi Shogun 12MY arrives in the UK and comes with a Euro V compliant turbo diesel engine and offers a choice of either three door short-wheel base or five door long wheel-base versions. This classic off-roader combines its  four-wheel drive “go anywhere” capability with a new muscular styling, including a new front grille.

Flared wheel arches, strong flanks, upright windscreen, rear-mounted spare wheel and new 18-inch alloy wheels complete the look and the new Shogun is packed with an array of standard safety and luxury equipment.

The new 12MY (model year) line-up is made up of four trim levels – SG2, SG3, SG4 and the familiar Warrior. Mitsubishi is dropping the Equippe, Elegance and Diamond names for the 12MY (2012 model year). All models get the new chrome grille with slotted bars on either sides, colour-keyed front bumper, black front skid plate, 12-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels, black roof rails and the Euro V compliant engine.

Inside there is a new brushed silver finish, new instrument illumination and updated materials for the cloth and leather upholstery. The SG3 and SG4 models get auto lights, auto wipers and privacy glass, and the SG4 also adds a colour coded spare wheel as standard, plus the Brake override system. Colour options are Diamond Black (Pearlescent), Frost White (Solid), Graphite Brown (Metallic), Orient Red (Metallic) and Cool Silver (Metallic).

Kangoo Van Z.E.

Renault has just won the first bids from some of the leading public authority companies in France, that will now see around 15,000 orders placed over a four-year period for their electric van, the Kangoo Van Z.E. Nineteen of France’s largest companies took part in the bid process which was initiated around 18 month ago.

In total, 15,637 Kangoo Van Z.E orders have been placed with 10,000 going to La Poste, 1,500 for EDRF, 1,200 to UGAP, 510 for Veolia Environment, 450 for GDF-Suez and 330 for Spie. The Renault Kangoo Van Z.E. is the world’s first affordable 100% electric van and this milestone confirms that electric vehicles are a reality for both private and professional customers alike.

Nissan commercial vehicles (LCVs)

Nissan is exhibiting five commercial vehicle models from its Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV) model line-up at the Tokyo Truck Show, which is being held at the Tokyo Big Sight International Exhibition Centre. They are also focussing on applying their electric vehicle technology into their commercial van range using components from the Nissan LEAF. The first LCV to receive the “EV treatment” was the NV200 which began its proving tests in July 2011.

Nissan is exhibiting trucks equipped with LEAF technology at the show, including the e-NT400 Cabstar Concept, the Cabstar Refrigerator Van with Li-ion Battery and the Cabstar Power Supply Truck.

Nissan Corporate Vice President Hideto Murakami, who is responsible for the Global LCV Business Unit, commented,”In addition to passenger EVs such as the Nissan LEAF, Nissan will focus efforts on developing and disseminating commercial EVs with the aim of becoming a leader in the field of zero-emissions. We are currently making preparations to release a new EV based on the LCV NV200″. If you thinking of contract hiring a new Nissan light commercial vehicle we have the current Nissan commercial model line-up on the site now.

Sibal iQ RX

Toyota is taking some customised versions of their Toyota iQ to the SEMA show in Las Vegas as part of the Tuner Challenge. The three customised cars will be joined by American-market models that have also been given the ultimate makeover, plus a fourth iQ model that displays a radical chop look as well. 

The three tuners who have worked their magic on the iQ are Michael Chang, Jon Sibal and Tatsu. The Sibal iQ RX for example, has a full body kit finished in a subtle matte metallic grey and bronze pearl paint finish. The engine has a Nitrous Express injection kit for that extra kick, Air Runner suspension and 18-inch three piece forged HRE trims.

Scion iQ by Tatsu

Or the Scion iQ by Tatsu-MR takes an even more radical approach, moving the engine mid-ships to drive the rear wheels. This car is ktted out by Speciality Cars and has 16-inch Sakura wheels. 

The SEMA show will start on the 1st November at the Las Vegas Convention Centre.

Flat Tyre

Michelin has revealed that UK drivers are wasting around £337 million on fuel every year by driving around with under-inflated tyres. The research was conducted following the Michelin 2011 Fill Up With Air campaign  roadshow which has been touring the UK since May 2011.

Michelin calculated that drivers are using around 244 million litres of extra fuel per year while emitting more than 600,000 extra tonnes of CO2. In addition to the extra costs and impact on the atmosphere, under-inflated tyres result in an increase in braking distances, poor handling and faster wear of your tyres. The figures are based on a parc of 30 million cars driving 8,000 miles p.a. at 35 mpg, with fuel costing £1.38 per litre.

Michelin’s research also found that 5 per cent were running around on punctured tyres and 39 per cent of motorists were driving on dangerous or very dangerously under-inflated tyres, with the classifications below.

Tyre pressure classifications

• Acceptable: up to 4psi under-inflated
• Temporarily acceptable: between 5 – 7 psi under-inflated
• Dangerous between: 8 – 14psi under-inflated
• Very dangerous: more than14psi under-inflated

Further information on choosing the right tyre for your car or van can be found at the Michelin website and if you want to check what the tyre pressure should be on your vehicle try this link to the Kwik-Fit website as well @  http://www.kwik-fit.com/tyre-pressure-search.asp

New Audi A4 Saloon

Audi has released some initial details and images of the new eighth-generation Audi A4 series, which includes the Audi A4 Saloon, the A4 Avant, the A4 allroad quattro and the flagship S4. Since its launch, 39 years ago, the Audi A4 series has sold over ten million models and the A4 is well known for its elegance, sportiness and driving experience.

The Saloon and Avant will both offer the S line exterior package, while the Avant also gets a rear spoiler, plus the interior in the new A4 series has been refined, offering a selection of new steering wheels with chrome high-gloss inlays, for example.

All interior colours, with the exception of black, have been re-coordinated and the upholstery range has also been updated with Fine Nappa leather replacing Valcona leather. Luggage capacity in the saloon is the same at 480-litres (962 litres with rear seats folded) while the A4 Avant and A4 allroad quattro have a capacity of 490-litres and 1,430-litres respectively.

New Audi A4 Avant

In the UK, Audi will offer a choice of five diesel models and four petrol engines for both the Saloon and the Avant. All engines will offer you supercharged direct-injection systems, the start-stop system and the recuperation system as standard, throughout the model range. Six-speed manual transmission is standard on the Saloon and the Avant with front wheel drive, while most variants will offer continuously variable multitronic as an option.

The most economical model is the Audi A4 2.0 TDI with 136 PS which returns 67.3 combined mpg and CO2 emissions of just 112g/km. There is also a A4 2.0 TDI 163 PS engine that returns 64.2 combined mpg and CO2 emissions of 115g/km and these two (available in the Saloon and Avant) are likely to be the favourite models with most company car drivers.

The exact model line-up, full vehicle specifications and prices are yet to be announced, however early indications are that the prices are expected to be similar to the current A4 range.

Hyundai Veloster

The Hyundai Veloster 1+2 sports coupe has been awarded the maximum five stars in the Euro NCAP safety rating and scored exceptionally well in the adult occupant tests scoring 96%. The Veloster also did well in the child occupant tests scoring 89% and this is now the sixth consecutive Hyundai model to achieve the maximum five star safety rating.

The scores in the “adult occupant” and “child occupant” categories now puts the Veloster ahead of other models like the Volkswagen Scirocco, Vauxhall Astra GTC and Citroen DS4.

Allan Rushforth, Senior Vice President and COO of Hyundai Motor Europe, commented,”The five-star rating for Veloster further demonstrates our commitment to the highest levels of safety for Hyundai customers. Veloster is attracting a new audience to the Hyundai brand, combining practicality and “fluidic” design in a 1+2 door package”.

All Hyundai models come with Hyundai’s Five Year Triple Care package which offers  a five-year unlimited warranty, five years’ roadside assistance and five years’ vehicle health checks.

New Honda Civic

CAP, the UK’s leading vehicle information provider, has given the new Honda Civic strong second-hand resale values (residual values) due to its reputation for high quality products and reliability.

The residual value predictions from CAP indicate that the Civic 150PS 2.2 i-DTEC ES and new entry level 100 PS 1.4 i-VTEC will achieve a trade value of 38 per cent of their original “cost new” price after three years and 60,000 miles. This works out as £8,050 and £6,175 respectively.

The new Civic has also secured insurance ratings at four to five times lower than the outgoing model which will help drive costs down even further. Dave Hodgetts, Managing Director, Honda (UK), said,”These excellent residual value predictions and insurance group ratings combined with lower CO2 emissions and improved fuel consumption make the Civic a very competitive proposition for both private and corporate customers”. Honda car leasing for all new Civic models is on the site now.

All-new Ford Ranger

The all-new Ford Ranger has just been awarded five stars from Euro NCAP and is the first pick-up to receive this impressive safety rating. Euro NCAP is the largest and most respected independent authority on crash testing in Europe.

The new Ford Ranger pick-up scored 89 per cent overall, which is a pretty high score for any type of vehicle, and moreover the Ranger also scored the hughest rating ever, for any vehicle in the pedestrian protection category  scoring 81 per cent. The assessors at EuroNCAP described the Ranger’s results as “remarkable” with “impressive” scores in all areas.

The all-new Ford Ranger has a reinforced passenger cell that utilises high-strength steel throughout and this structure combined with the all-ladder frame, was optmised to manage the crash energy in a variety of simulated crashes and impacts. Side curtain airbags are standard on all Ranger cab styles and is designed to protect both rows of passengers in Double Cab or Super Cab models.

Other innovative safety features on the all-new Ford Ranger include Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), Trailer Sway Control System, Hill Descent Control and Hill Launch Assist. The Ranger’s ESP system also includes “off-road” logic to recognise when the pick-up is being driven on rough roads, to ensure the best stability.