New Lexus IS200d

The new Lexus IS range gets some significant changes for the 2011 model year and is set to be unveiled at the forthcoming Paris Motor Show. The IS220d diesel engine is replaced by the more efficient IS200d (with a new 148bhp 2.2-litre diesel engine), returning CO2 emissions at 134g/km, a combined mpg of 55.4 and a 0-62mph time of 10.2 seconds. This model is likely to be the company car driver “fleet favourite”,  as it offers a tax efficient company car option.

Lexus IS 250 C 2011 model year

The exterior changes include headlamp and rear light designs, revised front grille, new exterior colours and alloy wheel designs while all powertrains meet Euro V emissions standards.  The IS 250 is available in automatic only, for the 2011 model year, with fuel consumption improving to 33.6 combined mpg and CO2 emission falling to 194g/km. The improved engine is also in the IS 250C coupe-cabriolet, with a combined mpg of 30.7 and CO2 emissions at 213g/km.

Changes have also been made to the IS F-Sport in both IS 250 and 220d models, with a new deep front spoiler with faired-in fog lights, new grille design and a rear spoiler with integrated stop light. You also get new-design 18-inch alloy wheels with a dark silver finish and black centre Lexus roundel. Inside highlights include F-Sport steering wheel, gear lever and sports pedals plus the front seats are finished in leather and Alcantara. Lexus contract hire on the whole 2011 IS range should be loaded shortly.

2011 IS range prices

Megane Coupe-Cabriolet

Renault has announced the pricing for their new Megane Coupe-Cabriolet which will be in showrooms from the 9th of July 2010. The new Megane Coupe-Cabriolet has a high specification including 17-inch alloys, Bluetooth, panoramic electric glass folding roof, fixed wind deflector, hands free keycard and fully integrated Carminat TomTom satellite navigation.

Megane Coupe-Cabriolet

There are six engine and transmission combinations and two trim levels, Dynamique TomTom and GT, with the new GT versions featuring either a 2.0-litre turbo-charged 180p petrol engine or a 2.0 dCi 160hp diesel. Details of the range are below and Renault contract prices should be available shortly.  

The range:

New Megane Coupe-Cabriolet

Renault is launching a new Renault Megane Coupe-Cabriolet which combines the elegance of a coupe with the thrills of open-top motoring. The car will be officially launched at the forthcoming Geneva Motor Show and will also be displayed at L’Atelier Renault on the Champs-Elysees in Paris.

Megane hard glass roof

The car has  a standard folding glass hard roof (the largest in its segment) to always ensure a brightly lit cabin and to provide a sensation of space. However the fully-automatic, electro-hydraulic, opening mechanism of this two-part roof allows the driver to lower the top in just 21 seconds. There is also a fixed glass wind deflector to ensure all four passengers can enjoy driving with the roof down. The litre boot capacity is 417 litres with the roof up and 211 litres with the roof down.

With lots of standard options the car is also available in six engine derivatives (three petrol and three diesel).

Petrol options

• 1.6-litre 16V 110hp petrol linked to a six-speed manual gearbox.
• The TCe 130 (Turbo Control efficiency) with a six speed manual.
• The 2.0-litre 16V 140hp also available with the new continuously variable (CVT) transmission.

Diesel options

• The dCI 110 DPF linked to six speed manual or brand new EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch) automatic.
• The dCI 130 DPF linked to the six-speed manual.
• The dCI 160 DPF also with a six speed manual.

There are numerous safety features in this new Megane Coupe-Cabriolet, including ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution, emergency brake assist, ESP, tyre pressure monitoring system, front seatbelt warning lights and numerous airbags. Full vehicle specifications and prices will be released later to the car sale date.

F1 CAL

When Ferrari North Europe wanted to put the final touches to their brand new California sports car they turned to the DVLA Personalised Registrations for help. The new Ferrari coupe cabriolet will make its UK debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed on July the 3rd.

DVLA Personalised Registrations opened up their “F series” plates last year and this provided Ferrari with the perfect opportunity to personalise the car with F1 CAL. 

Richard Gordon, Regional Manager for Ferrari North Europe Ltd said “The California is a ground-breaking car for Ferrari. It’s our first coupe cabriolet with a folding metal roof and front-mounted V8 engine takes our brand into a whole new sector”.

Damian Lawson, DVLA Personalised Registrations’ Marketing Manager said “We are delighted that a DVLA Personalised Registration will feature on the first Ferrari California to arrive on our shores. With Ferrari synonymous with Formula One, F1 CAL, for obvious reasons, shone out from the millions we have in our database as the perfect plate for the California”.