New BMW X1 compact crossover

The new BMW X1 compact crossover is going on sale in July 2012 and offers you revised styling both inside and out, plus a new, more efficient range of diesel engines, with BMW’s TwinPower Turbo technology.

There are two new models added to the range (Sport and xLine) and every rear-wheel drive X1 now emits less than 130g/km of CO2, making the range even greener. The SE and M Sport specification model ranges also benefit from an increase in standard vehicle equipment and the new X1 pricing starts from £24,660 OTR (on-the-road) for the entry level BMW X1 sDrive18d.

The diesel engine range is based on BMW’s 1,995cc, all-aluminium four-cylinder unit, with power ranges from 143Hp right up to 218Hp for the BMW X1 xDrive25d. CO2 ranges run from 119g/km to 154g/km and combined mpg from 62.8mpg to 47.9mpg.

New BMW X1 compact crossover

The model that it likely to appeal to a company car driver is the BMW X1 sDrive20d EfficientDynamics (rear-wheel drive only) as this model is powerful with 164Hp on offer, has a 0-62mph time of 8.3 seconds, yet still returns 62.8mpg and most importantly, emits 119g/km of CO2 making this the most efficient model in the range.

All new BMW X1 models feature as standard a six-speed manual gearbox however a new eight-speed automatic transmission with Steptronic is now available on every variant, apart from the sDrive EfficientDynamics model. The new X1 also features ECO PRO mode to change the driving style of the car, to suit your requirements.

Safety features standard on the new X1 include Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), ABS, Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Cornering Brake Control (CBC) and Dynamic Brake Control (DBC).

The equipment levels have been improved and the range starts with the SE trim. This features 17-inch alloy wheels, two-zone automatic air conditioning, multifunction sport leather steering wheel, Bluetooth, USB audio interface and black roof rails. BMW contract hire on the models will be available shortly.

Nissan's all-new compact car

Nissan has revealed their hatchback concept previewing the company’s vision for an all-new compact car to be launched in 2013. The car is called INVITATION and was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show by Nissan Executive Vice President, Andy Palmer.

Mr Palmer announced that the production version will be launched and built at Nissan’s Sunderland Plant in the UK next year which is great news for the UK motoring industry, creating around 2,000 new jobs. This includes around 400 new Nissan hires at the Sunderland Plant, increasing its overall workforce to around 6,000, its highest ever

The new model will be built alongside the popular Juke crossover and will compete within the core mainstream B-segment. In addition to the vehicle assembly of the new car, the Sunderland plant will carry out axle production, cylinder head casting, camshaft machining and engine assembly.

The project is supported by a £9.3m investment grant offer from the UK Government’s Regional Growth Fund and Nissan anticipates the new model will have an initial annual volume of around 100,000 units, depending on market demand.

Trevor Mann, Nissan Senior Vice President for Manufacturing in Europe, said: “I’m delighted that Sunderland has secured what will be another very important model for Nissan in Europe. It is a testament to the workforce, the ongoing support from the UK Government and all of our regional partners and suppliers. The additional volume will maintain Sunderland as the country’s largest car plant and we expect and look forward to a very busy future.”

Mitsubishi New Generation Outlander

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) will showcase the third embodiment of the New Generation Outlander concept at the forthcoming Geneva Motor Show. This all-new mid-size crossover is aiming for target emissions below 130 g/km minimum (depending on the models & markets), as well as featuring advanced safety systems (Forward Collision Mitigation system, Lane Departure Warning system, Active Cruise Control, etc…)

It also boasts a dual zone air conditioner, power tail-gate, full 3rd row seating, flat floor cargo area, tilt & telescopic steering column, Super-HiD “Wide Vision” xenon headlamps and in Europe, the New Generation Outlander will offer at launch the choice between two engines (whether in 2WD or 4WD).

These will be a 2.0-litre MIVEC petrol or 2.2-litre MIVEC Clean Diesel. Depending on the market, model, engine and specifications, Auto Stop & Go will be available, as well as an all-new 6-speed automatic gearbox.

The New Generation Outlander will be launched first in Russia this summer, prior to European (late summer), Japanese, Oceania, Chinese and North American debuts. Mitsubishi is also looking at the possibility of adding an EV-based plug-In hybrid powertrain.

SsangYong Limited Edition Korando LE

SsangYong has launched a new limited edtion Korando LE that is distinguished by its special 18 inch alloy wheels, rear spoiler and privacy glass. Inside the car, the Korando LE includes heated front seats, leather covered steering wheel and gear shift, cruise control and rear parking sensors.

The Korando is styled by Italian car designer Giorgetto Giugiaro of Ital Design and this latest addition to the Korando crossover model line-up is also covered by the standard 5 year unlimited mileage warranty available on all SsangYong cars and priced from just £17,995 on the road.

The limited edition Korando LE is available in Grand White as standard, metallic Vitamin Red or Space Black. It is powered by the 173bhp 2.0 litre four cylinder turbo diesel engine producing 360Nm of torque with CO₂ emissions of only 157g/km, with the same mechanical specification as the two wheel drive Korando S.

Steve Gray, marketing and communications director of SsangYong Motor UK, said,“We have tailored this car for today’s tough economic motoring conditions, both out on the road and in the wallet. As a crossover it provides the perfect solution to meet virtually every motoring requirement.  Several cars in one, it’s the family hatchback for the daily school or commuter run; a load lugger for that long distance cross-country dash, and the perfect tow car – thanks to its 2 tonne towing capacity – for hauling the caravan or boat to your summer holiday destination”

SsangYong contract hire prices on this new model will be loaded shortly.

Kia Track'ster concept car

The new Kia Track’ster concept car was created in the California Design Studio and is envisaged with a 250PS Petrol engine. It was launched by Kia at the Chicago auto show and is based on the popular Soul urban crossover. Last year, more than 102,000 Souls were delivered to US customers and Kia sees the US vehicle market as an attractive proposition.

This Kia concept has a powerful, dynamic and aggressive style, yet displays the distinctive design direction that the South Korean manufacturer is taking. The Track’ster is intended to be a sporting representation of Kia’s Soul B- segment SUV, which was originally created in the California Studio.

The California Studio is also the birthplace of the Soul’ster convertible concept that is currently under final assessment for production, however there are no plans for Track’ster to enter production just yet. But this could change if public demand for the concept is strong. If you are also interested in leasing a new Kia Soul we have Kia contract hire on the site now.

Juke Shiro

The new Nissan Juke Shiro has just arrived to top the range and comes with unique white interior features, a new exterior colour and dark grey 17-inch alloys with satin silver mirrors and handles.

The Shiro replaces Kuro (Kuro is the Japanese word for black) limited edition and Shiro moves to the opposite side of the colour spectrum as it means white in Japanese. The Juke Shiro comes with a host of white details to mark it out from lesser models in the range.

Inside the Shiro

The centre console is painted white, as are the door panels and window switch surrounds. The leather wrapped steering wheel, gear gaiter and the edges of the leather seats all feature white stitching, while the seats themselves have a double layer fabric with a white background colour visible through the perforated leather facing.

The interior also gets a leather covered centre armrest complete with white stitching, which also provides additional storage; illuminated chrome-plated sill protectors for the front doors and Juke-branded velour floor mats. The Juke Shiro is available in any of the colours offered on standard Juke models, but it does have one additional unique colour in its palette: Nightshade, a deep aubergine colour.

The Shiro builds on the top-of-the-range Tekna model with prices starting from £17,695. It is available in three engine choices – a 110PS 1.5-litre dCi; 117PS normally aspirated 1.6-litre petrol; and the range-topping turbocharged direct injection petrol 1.6-litre DIG-T with 190PS. A 4×4 version and CVT automatics are also available.

Deliveries are due to commence from 1 March 2012 and like all Nissan Jukes, the Shiro will be produced at Nissan’s manufacturing plant in Sunderland.

Subaru XV

The new Subaru XV is being launched with an eleven vehicle model choice, with prices starting at £21,295. The XV offers a generous equipment level across the whole range and also comes with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and the brand’s famous Boxer engines.

The new XV has the highest Euro NCAP rating in its class and will be available in three trim levels: S, SE and SE Lux Premium. It scores particularly highly for child occupant safety and combines style and functionality with generous levels of standard-fit equipment. 

There are three Euro V Boxer engines on offer in the new XV, with a 1.6 and 2.0-litre petrol and 2.0-litre diesel.  The 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre petrol engines develop 114ps and 150ps respectively, while the 2.0-litre diesel produces 147ps and the XV is available with a choice of either a five and six-speed manual or a six-speed CVT automatic (petrol only). 

Reaching 60mph in 9.3 seconds, the 2.0 diesel XV offers class-leading fuel economy of 50.4mpg on the combined cycle, while emitting just 146g/km of CO2, so this model is likely to be the best seller in the UK..  The entry-level S model features a standard kit list of ABS, traction control, Subaru Vehicle Dynamics Control (SVDC), front, side, curtain and knee airbags, 17-inch alloy wheels, daytime LED running lights and automatic air conditioning as standard. 

The SE model range adds cruise control, rear-view camera, Bluetooth functionality and USB/iPod connectivity, while the SE Lux Premium models also come with a sunroof, Keyless Smart Entry, push-button start, leather seats and satellite navigation.  All 2.0-litre models are fitted with roof rails.

Subaru XV range:

Subaru Forester

The updated Subaru Forester has recently been named as ‘Junior Crossover of the Year’ by the specialist off-roading magazine, Total 4×4. The Forester is now available with a choice of revised petrol and diesel Boxer engines, faced stiff competition from the likes of a Toyota Urban Cruiser, Suzuki SX4 and Skoda Octavia Scout. 

However, thanks to its Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive configuration, car-like driving dynamics and exceptional practicality, the Total 4X4 magazine judges singled-out the Japanese crossover for the highest praise, saying: “Typically of Subaru, the Forester does very good things without making a fuss of it. The combination it offers of quality, value, practical usability and driving talent makes it very hard indeed to beat.

The 2.0-litre Boxer diesel Forester range, which returns an impressive 47.9 combined mpg, starts at £23,070 (on-the-road) for the entry-level 2.0D X, rising to £25,070 for the 2.0D XC, and £29,070 for the range-topping 2.0D XS NavPlus. If you prefer petrol power you have a choice of two models – the Forester 2.0X and 2.0XS, costing £21,370 and £25,370 respectively in manual guise.  Automatic versions are available at a £1,000 premium and Subaru contract hire prices are on the site now.

Skoda Yeti

The Skoda Yeti has picked up double honours by being recognised in two class wins from two specialist 4X4 magazines, at their end-of-year annual award ceremonies.

4X4 magazine voted the Skoda Yeti number one in the Mid-Range class and Editor Nigel Fryatt praised the Yeti by commenting,”When you consider “fit for purpose” and “value for money”, the Yeti is an impressive machine. The version with the full off-road electronic terrain options is more than capable of coping with conditions way in excess of what is likely to be attempted by potential owners- surely the creed of the true off-roader”.

In addition, Total 4X4 magazine voted the Yeti as top in the Crossover category and also as the overall “4X4 Of The Year”. Editor Alan Kidd, Total 4X4 magazine, said,”This year we were ready for it- but it still took our breath away. It’s brilliantly conceived and superbly built, good to drive on the road and it’ll do remarkable things in the rough. What’s not to love? There are very few 4X4s, at any price, that I’d be happier to see on my driveway”.  If you are thinking about getting a new 4X4 then we have the latest Skoda Yeti prices on the site on Skoda contract hire.

Nissan Juke Nismo Concept

Nissan unveiled the Nissan Juke Nismo Concept at the 42nd Tokyo Motor Show and gave an idea of how a premium sports version of their highly popular compact crossover might look. The Nissan Juke Nismo is lower, wider and has a tougher stance than the standard Juke and certainly looks like a performance car.

The car is finished signature Nismo colours of pearl white with red highlights and wears a body kit created by the Nismo aerodynamic specialists, who have already honed their skills on perfecting racecars. New parts on the Juke Nismo include a revised bumper front and rear, wider fenders and sill side skirts.

The grille style has also been changed and the tailgate spoiler has been modified with the addition of side elements to control airflow more efficiently, plus stylish 19-inch alloy wheels finish off the car outside. The chassis has been lowered and stiffened and power comes from a 1.6-litre direct injection petrol engine, which has also been uprated for more power and performance.

Inside the Juke Nismo Concept has special leather-trimmed buck seats, a red dial and needle has been added on the tachometer and all the other components such as the steering wheel, pedals, gear shift knob, gauges and door trims have also been completely re-designed.