Auto Italia 3rd June 2012

The grounds of the stately home of Stanford Hall in Leicestershire will be providing the ideal setting for a gleaming display of Ferraris, Maseratis, Lamborghinis, Alfas, Fiats, Abarths, Lancias and other Italian specialist models, as the annual Auto Italia Concours is hosted again.

Some of the best Italian cars in the country will be lining up on the immaculate Leicestershire lawns on Sunday the 3rd June with spacious grassed areas set aside for the various marques and associated owners’ clubs.

The day will also include the national Maserati Club Concours (which last year attracted more than 100 Maseratis) and the popular Fiat and Abarth Concours. Awards will be presented to owners of particularly rare or interesting cars and the day will be topped off with an aerobatic display, as Abarth GB is bringing its spectacular stunt plane.

The quality and variety of cars at the Auto Italia Concours is outstanding and entry costs £12 for adults and £3 for children. You can pay on the day, although if you want to register a concours entry, you’ll need to do so in advance via email to the following;

 autoitalia@virginmedia.com

Stanford Hall is easy to find from the M1, M6 or the A14 and more details on the event and directions can be found at www.stanfordhall.co.uk .

Range Rover Evoque

The Range Rover Evoque has just been crowned World Design Car of the Year 2012 at the 2012 New York International Auto Show and this sees Evoque’s awards tally now reaching more than 100 global accolades.

The Range Rover Evoque was shortlisted from an original list of 46 nominations and beat off stiff competition from the two other finalists, the Citroen DS5 and the Volkswagen Up!

The panel of five highly respected world design experts decided on the shortlist, which was then voted on by each of the 66 World Car Jurors, who are all highly respected, top-level automotive journalists and come from 25 separate countries.

One of the experts on the panel was Silvia Baruffaldi, Managing Editor of Auto & Design magazine, who commented: “True to the concept car it derives from, it is a contemporary automotive design masterpiece. Besides not having equals in the markets, it is able to deliver the Land Rover DNA in a more compact, sporty bodystyle. A premium product without the bad habit of showing off.”

The Range Rover Evoque’s award winning design is matched by its superb class-leading performance with dynamic and agile handling across all terrains, plus numerous innovative Range Rover technologies, including Terrain Response, dual-view touch screen, surround camera system and an array of personalisation options to suit customer needs.

Range Rover Evoque awards to date:

1. China Best Car in Class Award, Motor Trend, China
2. Best Production Design, Autodesign and styling magazine, Czech Republic
3. Best Car 2011 SUV category, Motorpress Portugal and Autohoje magazine, Portugal
4. Most Exciting Car for 2011, What Car? Car of the Year Awards, UK
5. Anticipated SUV of the Year, Top 4×4, China
6. The Most Anticipated Import Car of the Year, Sohu Auto, China
7. SHAS most popular imported car, Dragon TV, China
8. Best Car for Urban Young, Elites International Finance News, China
9. Most fashionable car at Auto Shanghai, Beijing Times, China
10. Car Design of the Year award – best production car unveiled in 2010, Car Design News
11. Stunning Design Award, Orient Car, China
12. Auto Express New Car Honours Best Compact 4×4, UK
13. Auto Express New Car Honours Car of the Year 2011, UK
14. Best SUV, Women on Wheels Women’s Car of the Year Awards 2011, South Africa
15. The Most Anticipated Luxury Car, Chengdu Business Daily, China
16. Car of the Year Design and Performance, Car China
17. Golden Steering Wheel Award for Best SUV, AutoBild, Austria
18. Fashion Style Award, Sina Auto, China
19. Best Compact SUV, Association of Scottish Motoring Writers, UK
20. Scottish Car of the Year, Association of Scottish Motoring Writers, UK
21. Autonis Design Award – Best New Design, Auto Motor und Sport, Germany
22. Best SUV, Autorevue, Austria
23. SUV of the Year Award 2011, Motor Trend, US
24. Urban Truck of the Year, Decisive Magazine, US
25. Star of the Show, 41st Annual South Florida International Auto Show (Miami), US
26. 2012 Automobile Magazine All-Star Award handover at LA motor show, US
27. Continental Irish Executive/Luxury Car of the Year 2012, Irish Car of the Year Awards
28. Best Luxury Compact Utility Vehicle, ALG Residual Value Awards, US
29. Best Luxury Utility Award, Auto123.com, Canada
30. Indian Import SUV of the Year, CNBC TV and Overdrive Awards, India
31. Car of the Year, Stuff magazine, UK
32. Best SUV 2012, Car & Driver magazine, Brazil
33. SUV of the Year Award 2011, BBC Top Gear Magazine, UK
34. Car of the Year, BBC Top Gear Magazine, UK
35. Import SUV over 30,000 Euro, Autozeitung, Germany
36. Best SUV 2012, Car & Driver magazine, Spain
37. Car of the Year, Stuff magazine, India
38. Auto Style Award, Auto Style Award, US
39. Best Luxury SUV of the Year, National Business Daily, China
40. Best Import Car of the Year, Guangzhou Daily, China
41. Best Import SUV of the Year, Top Gear China
42. Best Import SUV of the Year, Sohu.com, China
43. Best Luxury SUV of the Year, China Business News, China
44. Most Fashionable Import SUV of the Year, Southern Metropolis News, China
45. Most Attractive SUV of 2011, Xinhua News, China
46. Design Trophy, l’Automobile Magazine, France
47. 4×4 Car of 2012, Auto Club Bulgaria
48. Crossover Car of the Year, Bloomberg, US
49. 2012 4×4 of the Year, 4×4 Magazine, UK
50. Car of the Year 2012, Czech Republic
51. Best SUV 2012, Auto Press, Brazil
52. Car of the Year, Independent Online, New Zealand
53. Readers’ Choice 2011 – Launch of the year, Carro Online, Brazil
54. Ruedes ESPN Best SUV, US
55. Best Luxury SUV, Middle East Motor Awards
56. 2012 Car of the Year, Hispanic Motor Press Association, US
57. Carro Online Best Car of 2011, Brazil
58. Sunday Times Best Car of 2011, UK
59. Sunday Star Times Best Car of 2011, NZ
60. Drive Car of the Year, Christchurch Press, NZ
61. Import SUV of the Year, NDTV Car & Bike Show, India
62. Car Design of the Year, NDTV Car & Bike Show, India
63. Car of the Year, The Sun, UK
64. SUV of the Year, The Sun, UK
65. Premium 4×4 of the Year, Wheels Magazine, Middle East
66. Best Premium SUV, Evo Middle East
67. Best Cars of 2011, Vroom Girls, US
68. Top Winter Vehicle of the Year, Kelly Blue Book, US
69. Editor’s Choice, SUV of the Year, AOL, US
70. Car of the Year 2012, Readers’ vote, AROnline, UK
71. Small 4×4 of the Year, 2012 BusinessCar Awards, UK
72. Best of Best Truck 2011 Autoweek, US
73. 2012 Luxury SUV of the Year, Autobytel, US
74. 2012 International Truck of the Year, Road & Travel Magazine, US
75. Car of the Year, Stuff Online, NZ
76. 2011 Car of the Year, Straits Times, Singapore
77. 2012 North American Truck of the Year, US
78. Car of the Year, Scotsman Awards, UK
79. MSN Cars’ Readers’ Best New Car of 2011 honour, UK
80. Auto Express 2012 New Car Championship – Compact SUV category, UK
81. Auto Illustrierte magazine Best Cars 2012, Switzerland
82. Most outstanding debut vehicle of the year Golden Klaxon Grand Prix, Russia
83. Best Cars 2012 – Off-Road Import winner, Auto Motor Und Sport, Germany
84. La Novità dell’Anno 2012 Quattroroute readers’ award, Italy
85. The Golden Steering Wheel 2011, Auto Swiat, Poland
86. Playboy Car of the Year 2011, Poland
87. Crossover SUV of the Year, Abto Poky, Ukraine
88. Design Award 2012, Abto Poky, Ukraine
89. Best SUV & Off-roader Award, Auto Motor Und Sport, China
90. Newcomer of the Year, Off Road Magazine, Germany
91. New Car of the Year, AM Awards, UK
92. Best Cars’ in SUV Category, Auto Magazine, Slovenia
93. Off-Road & SUV Category 10^th Internet Auto Award, Germany
94. Best SUV, Volante, Portugal
95. Best Car chosen by the public, Autosport, Portugal
96. Premium SUV of the year, Business Standard Motoring Awards, India
97. Best SUV readers award Auto Motor and Sport, Czech Republic
98. It’s my business and I’ll buy what I want to’ award, Business Car Manager, UK
99. Best Car on the Internet, Coches.net, Spain
100. SUV of the year award 2012, Car of the Year 2012, Luxembourg
101. 2012 World Car Design of the Year, US
102. Parkers Cost of Motoring New Car Awards 2012, UK
103. Luxury SUV of the Year, Top Gear Malayalam, India

MG

There will be thousands of people throughout Britain that now qualify to drive the new MG6 models under the Motability Car Scheme for disabled people, with MG dealers across the country set to offer the award-winning MG6 GT when they join the Motability network from the 3rd of April.

Motability allows people who receive certain disability allowances to lease a new car and nearly 600,000 people currently use the Scheme *

The Motability Scheme allows disabled people who qualify to lease a new car every three years and their package includes insurance, servicing and maintenance cover, full RAC breakdown assistance and the annual car tax.

Andrew Lowerson, MG Motor UK’s Product Manager, commented: “The MG6 is particularly suited to many Motability users because it has an extremely roomy cabin and the boot capacity is class-leading. It’s also a car that’s easy to drive and has a host of extras as standard so the value for money is outstanding. Our dealers who have signed up to the Motability network will be able to guide people through the scheme and show them the MG6 models in great detail.”

* Anyone who receives the Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance or the War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement, can exchange this weekly payment for a new car through Motability.

Mercedes-Benz GL-Class SUV

Mercedes-Benz is renowned for comfort, safety, elegance and efficiency and the new GL-Class from Mercedes-Benz offers market-leading credentials in all that you would want from your luxury SUV.

The new GL-Class is packed with innovations such as the standard-specification Crosswind Assist, the STEER CONTROL steering assistance system while the load recognition and the COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST (CPA) increase active passenger safety.

Other new optional features available are assistance systems such as Active Lane Keeping Assist and Blind Spot Assist, together with a parking package incorporating an automatic function for entering and exiting parking spaces, plus a 360 degrees camera.

This new flagship Mercedes-Benz SUV offers excellent driving dynamics and high levels of ride comfort, both on the road and on difficult terrain and provides its occupants with the first-class comfort of a luxury saloon. Seven passengers can enjoy an excellent amount of space in this powerful SUV.

There are numerous BlueEFFICIENCY measures significantly increasing the energy efficiency: the GL 350 BlueTEC 4 MATIC diesel model, for instance, returns 38 mpg on the combined cycle, which is around a 20 percent improvement over the predecessor whilst also undercutting the future exhaust emission regulations in accordance with EU 6.

While the 408 hp GL 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY petrol model offers fuel consumption that has been improved by about 18 percent.

* Provisional figures for the international model range which may vary from country to country

All-new Santa Fe

Hyundai, South Korea’s largest car manufacturer, has just unveiled their all-new Santa Fe at the 2012 New York International Auto Show,  held at the New York Jacob Javits Convention Center.

The popular D-segment SUV is completely re-styled inside and out, is fitted with enhanced features and new technology, is powered by re-tuned engines with improved fuel and CO2 efficiency and will go on sale in the late summer.

Hyundai is keeping the name, Santa Fe, for this well-established SUV model as it enters its third generation, with  worldwide cumulative sales of almost 2,56 million units, and more than 350.000 in Europe, since its debut in 2000.

All-new Santa Fe

The all-new Hyundai Santa Fe has been influenced by Hyundai’s form language, Fluidic Sculpture but adopts its own design concept called ‘Storm Edge’, which intends to capture the strong and dynamic images created by nature during the formation of a storm.

The New Generation Santa Fe has a more masculine, more aggressive and more characterful SUV appearance than its predecessor and three powertrain options will be available to European buyers, including a new, super-efficient, Euro 6- compliant 2,0-litre ‘R’ VGT diesel engine.  This unit produces 150ps yet emits just 155g/km of CO2. 

The 2.2-litre diesel unit has also been tuned for greater efficiency, making it one of the cleanest offerings in the segment with CO2 emissions of only 145 g/km.

As with all newly-launched Hyundai models in Europe, the New Generation Santa Fe will come with Hyundai’s Five Year Triple Care that comprises a five-year unlimited warranty, five years of roadside assistance, and five years of vehicle health checks.

Senior Vice President and COO of Hyundai Motor Europe, Allan Rushforth, commented, “The original Santa Fe has maintained strong sales year-on-year across Europe, thanks to its combination of quality, practicality and value.  With its fresh exterior styling, more efficient engines, greater comfort and improved quality, New Generation Santa Fe is a truly attractive proposition that will build on the successes of the previous model by broadening its emotional appeal.”

2012 Volkswagen Scirocco

The Volkswagen Scirocco range is being refreshed for the new model year, helping to ensure that this compact coupe stays at the top of customers’ wish-lists. If you are thinking of leasing a new Volkswagen Scirocco then don’t forget to make sure it is the new model, as you may end up being disappointed.

The Scirocco’s award-winning dynamic characteristics remain unchanged however a price drop makes the entry-level model even better value, while the new R Line specification brings a more dramatic look inside and out.

Every model in the Volkswagen Scirocco range now comes with RNS 315 touchscreen satellite navigation, including the entry-level Scirocco, the price of which drops by between £420 and £600, depending on the engine.  Also now standard are a multifunction steering wheel and 17-inch ‘Long Beach’ alloys, while ACC Adaptive Chassis Control is now optional.

If you move up to the GT trim, luxurious Nappa leather upholstery is now standard, along with heated front seats, plus ACC, 2Zone electronic climate control, front fog lights, heat-insulating tinted glass from the B-pillars back and 18-inch ‘Interlagos’ alloy wheels.

The new R Line builds on the GT specification, but adds a dramatic bodykit, with bespoke bumpers and side skirts, 19-inch ‘Lugano’ alloy wheels, while inside you get Nappa leather R Line sports seats, an R Line wheel and chrome pedal covers. The Scirocco R offers the same exciting performance as before, thanks to its 265 PS 2.0-litre TSI engine, while RNS 315 satellite navigation and Nappa leather upholstery are now also standard.

Suzuki Attitude based on the SZ3

Suzuki is launching a special version Attitude model based on SZ3 with a limited production run of only 500 units, split between three and five door hatchbacks. The new car goes on sale on the 2nd April, priced at £10,750 for the three door, £11,220 for five door and is available in Superior White only.

Aimed at younger buyers, the Swift Attitude is based on the 1.2-litre SZ3 model but with a more sporty and aggressive styling. The 1.2-litre Dual VVT 94PS engine is one of the most powerful engines in its class but offers low emissions of just 116g/km and 56.5mpg on the combined cycle.

The Swift Attitude is based on the SZ3 grade and comes with seven airbags, ESP, air conditioning and USB port as standard but offers an increased vehicle specification with front fog lamps and rear privacy glass, plus Carbon fibre effect roof and door mirrors, rear upper spoiler in body colour, Carbon fibre effect ‘Attitude’ badging and 16-inch wheels in black paint finish.

Toyota GT86

Toyota has released the prices and equipment specification for the new Toyota GT86 with two versions available, namely the six-speed manual at £24,995 on-the-road and six-speed automatic at £26,495. The models come with a single high specification that includes limited slip differential, dual-zone climate control, sports seats, bi-xenon headlights and 17-inch alloys with first deliveries from the 1st July.

The new car’s handling and performance has been applauded by the media and shows that Toyota has succeeded in recapturing the essential joy of driving with the car’s great performance. The Toyota T86 has a front-mounted 2.0-litre “boxer” engine and rear wheel drive and the light, low and nimble GT86 has a classic sports car set-up. 

Styling and specification reflect its driver-focused character with exterior features including a rear spoiler, 17-inch light alloy wheels, chrome-finished dual exhaust tailpipes and a signature “T”-mesh grille. The T motif is also repeated in the shape of the rear foglight, set centrally between the tailpipes and a limited slip differential also fitted as standard.

Other features include bi-xenon high intensity discharge headlights, LED daytime running lights, front fog lamps and electric folding door mirrors with housings matched to the car’s body colour. There are seven exterior colours available: Dark Red, Silver metallic, Black metallic, Blue metallic, Dark Red metallic, Orange metallic and Pearl pearlescent.

Toyota GT86 cabin

The 2+2 cabin further has a cockpit designed around the driver, with front sports seats, aluminium pedals and contrasting red stitching around the black leather trimmed steering wheel, gear knob and parking brake. Black cloth upholstery is standard, but you do have the option of black leather and Alcantara, or black leather with red Alcantara and additional red leather styling details on the door grips, steering wheel, gear knob and parking brake.

The car access is easy thanks to the Toyota Smart Entry system, and the cabin environment can be programmed for comfort with dual-zone air conditioning. The high quality extends to an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, cruise control, hill-start assist, scuff plates and the Toyota Touch touchscreen control system for controlling the six-speaker audio system, with Bluetooth for phone connection and music streaming, and a USB port.

Safety equipment includes a switchable VSC stability control system, which can be adjusted through three driving modes to suit your driving preference, and a torque-sensing limited slip differential. Seven airbags are also provided, including a driver’s knee airbag.

Renault Twingo Renaultsport

Following its world debut at last autumn’s Frankfurt Motor Show, the French marque’s new-look Twingo Renaultsport 133 has been launched and the upgraded pocket-rocket bursts onto the scene on 2nd April when ordering opens, priced from £13,565 on-the-road.

The New Twingo Renaultsport 133 has enhanced styling and features new Renault visual identity with prominent logo and black detailing, plus specific black headlight and front foglight surrounds. From the back it sports several model-specific additions including a black rear spoiler, a special rear bumper incorporating a diffuser and aerodynamic extensions on the rear wheel arches.

Inside, the flagship Twingo has Renaultsport yellow stitching on the steering wheel and seats, together with white detailing for the top of the steering wheel, seat backs and cushions, rev-counter surround and air conditioning controls.

Core standard vehicle equipment on the latest revised Renaultsport includes F1-style front blade,  16” alloy wheels, Bluetooth, cruise control, electric Gloss Black door mirrors, ESC (with on/off switch), speed limiter, extra tinted windows and tailgate, Renaultsport exhaust with chrome tailpipe, plus Twingo’s versatile independent sliding and folding rear seats.

CO2 emissions have been reduced to 150g/km and the combined-cycle fuel economy improved by three per cent to 43.5 mpg. Its 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated engine still puts out 133hp at 6,750rpm, with 160Nm of torque available at 4,400rpm and the car has a top speed of 125 mph, with 0-62 mph time at 8.7 seconds.

Research from Kwik Fit, the UK tyre-fitting specialist, reveals that motorists are wasting almost £1 billion a year on excess fuel by driving with under-inflated tyres.  Its nationwide survey shows that over two thirds (69%) of cars in the UK are being driven on tyres that are at least 3psi under the manufacturer’s recommendation. 

The Government has been advising motorists to top up their tanks and even stockpile fuel, however Kwik Fit’s research shows that in warm weather around 9.7 million drivers are unwittingly increasing their fuel consumption by turning off their air conditioning and opening a window instead. 

But this is a false economy as the drag created by an open window can significantly affect a car’s aerodynamics and therefore increase fuel consumption.

Roger Griggs, communications director at Kwik Fit, said: “Rather than panic-buying excess fuel, motorists could consider finding ways to improve their fuel efficiency. But there are several measures motorists can take to make what fuel they’ve got last longer such as checking tyre pressures and using the air conditioning at speeds over 40 mph.  Motorists should also consider using fuel additives such as BG44K, which can improve fuel economy.”

If you want to find out your correct tyre pressure try the link below;

http://www.kwik-fit.com/tyre-pressure-search.asp