SLS AMG Roadster

Mercedes-Benz has just released the details about their new SLS AMG Roadster two-seater sports car which combines the thrill of open-top motoring with outstanding driving dynamics, coupled to its lightweight construction. The car is powered by a powerful 6.3-litre V8 petrol engine which produces 571hp, accelerates from 0-62mph in 3.8 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 196 mph (where permitted).

The SLS AMG Roadster’s compact fabric soft top opens and closes in just 11 seconds and can also be operated at speeds of up to 31 mph, plus its new AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension lets you choose your own suspension set-up offering “Comfort”, “Sport” or “Sport plus”. The SLS AMG Roadster will be launched in the UK in November when full pricing and vehicle specifications will be announced.

Kia KV7

Kia has announced that is set to launch a new concept car at the North American International Auto Show 2011 which is being held in Detroit from the 10th to the 23rd January 2011.

Kia’s most recent concept car was the POP, a compact urban electric vehicle, which was unveiled at the 2010 Paris Motor Show, however this new concept debuts a new convention-challenging design that may result in a production model. Kia’s design team has been delivering production vehicles such as the Soul, Sportage and Sorento which did resemble the original concept designs so it will be interesting to see if this trend continues.

MINI Paceman Concept

MINI is showing a new concept car called the Paceman Concept at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) which will be held between the 10th and 23rd January 2011. The MINI Paceman Concept is set to be the first Sports Activity Coupe in the premium small segment of the market and is powered by a powerful MINI John Cooper Works 1.6-litre twin-scroll turbo-charged 211hp engine and comes with ALL4 four-wheel drive.

The car has a sporting, masculine look with large headlights with chrome surrounds extending deep into the front wings, together with a distinctively contoured bonnet. The radiator grille is the same (near enough) as that in the MINI Cooper S Countryman plus it has new deep set fog lights. The MINI Paceman is only a concept car at this stage, but suggests another direction in building the MINI brand. MINI business car leasing is on the site now for all other models in the range.

Chevrolet Orlando

Chevrolet has launched their new Orlando MPV which is being aimed at the fleet and user-chooser market. The new seven-seat Orlando is available with a 1.8-litre petrol engine or two new powerful diesel engines, with three trim derivatives available.

The new Orlando has a six-speed manual gearbox as standard (auto is an option on the diesel models only) and the 2.0-litre VCDi diesel manual models (130PS and 163PS) offer a combined mpg of 47.1 and a CO2 emissions figure of 159g/km. These cars are bound to be the most popular cars in the fleet sector, coming in at just under the 160g/km tax threshold.

Standard equipment is generous with all models (starting with the entry-level LS model) coming with Electronic Stability Control (ESC), air-conditioning, electric windows and mirrors, six airbags, and three 12v power sockets. The LT trim level includes rear parking sensors, climate control and an upgraded stereo, while the range-topping LTZ includes 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights and windscreen wipers and power-folding door mirrors.

If you want to opt for the ultimate luxury you can choose the Exec pack on the LTZ Exec model which adds full leather upholstery with heated front seats, sat-nav and 18-inch alloys. Chevrolet business car leasing on all the new models should be loaded shortly.

New VW Eos

Volkswagen has announced the new details of the updated Volkswagen Eos convertible. The Eos remains the only vehicle of its kind to feature a five piece metal folding hard top with integrated glass sunroof and the new model has been brought into line with the styling direction as seen in the Polo, Golf and Passat.

The front gets a new bumper, a set of new headlights, front bonnet and wings that are similar to those on the Golf and at the rear there are new lights and trims plus the option of a new leather finish. The car is powered by a powerful TSI petrol or TDI diesel engine with power outputs ranging from 122 PS to 210 PS and comes in a six-speed manual or six-speed DSG auto on some selected models. Volkswagen business car leasing for all the new models will be loaded shortly and the new range is detailed below.

New Volkswagen Eos range

Alfa MiTo

The readers of What Car? have voted the sporty Alfa MiTo as Best Supermini with an average rating of 4.6 out of five. The Alfa MiTo not only topped the Best Supermini category but also came third overall in the Best Car segment, out of 167 competitors. In addition in the supermini class, the Fiat Group came second and third for the Fiat 500 and Panda respectively.

The Alfa MiTo was launched in the UK in 2009 and defined a new era for cars in the B segment class with its array of new technologies including its dynamic control system (or DNA as Alfa Romeo calls it), five star Euro NCAP rating,  its award winning MultiAir engine technology plus head turning looks as well.

All of these key attributes were recognised by the readers of What Car? and if you are interested in Alfa Romeo MiTo business car leasing then all models are on the site now, with either maintained or non-maintained prices, on a variety of terms.

Katie Melua

Vauxhall has announced that is partnering with singer songwriter, Katie Melua, and Vauxhall/Opel will now become the headline sponsor for the singer’s European concert tour in the spring of 2011.

Peter Hope, Vauxhall’s Marketing Director, comments: “We are thrilled to be working with Katie. Vauxhall is all about being British, forward thinking and energetic, and we think Katie embodies these values perfectly. In addition, we are passionate about consistent environmental awareness and social responsibility; as a subject very close to Katie’s heart, it only makes the partnership more fitting”.

Katie commented,”I like the way Vauxhall addresses topics like environmental efficiency and sustainability and I feel very comfortable with the partnership; it’s a great fit”. Vauxhall is of course pioneering ahead with their new Ampera electric vehicle, which is due for release in 2012. This electric car offers a range of 50 miles on pure electric battery power plus an extended range feature as well.

The partnership launch can be viewed @ http://www.opel.tv/webcast/

Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet

Nissan is unveiling their new Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet at the Los Angeles Auto Show from the 17th November 2011, where this new concept also makes its world debut.

The Nissan Murano CrossCarbriolet will be the world’s first all-wheel-drive crossover convertible offering the thrill of open-air driving, with the space and practicality of a crossover vehicle. There will be plenty of space for four adults, luggage or golf bags, even with the top down. This new car will also have a premium level interior and is set to go on sale in early 2011. Nissan business car leasing on the current Nissan range of cars and vans is also available now in the meantime.

Volkswagen Caddy

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has officially launched the new Caddy panel van and MPV range with a new advertising campaign called “Brilliant Made Better”. The theme uses a factory production robot placing a cherry on top of the new Caddy.

The new Caddy also gets its own microsite – www.brilliantmadebetter.co.uk where you will find an interactive guide to the vehicle plus an online game. David George, Head of Marketing, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, said,”The Caddy is one of our best-selling model ranges in the UK, and we needed to promote all the ways in which the new Caddy is even better than the last one, while also demonstrating very clearly that at Volkswagen we always strive for excellence. We’re also pleased that the launch campaign uses the Volkswagen style of being clear and concise with a simple but humorous twist”.

Infiniti M30d

The Infiniti M30d luxury, performance diesel saloon car will make its debut at the petrol heads MPH show which is being held at the NEC in Birmingham. MPH The Prestige and Performance Motor Show is being held between the 11th and 14th November and Infiniti will also be showing the G37 convertible, the coupe-crossover Ex30d and their SUV flagship, the FX50.

The M30d on show is actually the GT Premium model which features premium semi-aniline leather, high-gloss wood trim finished with real silver powder. Plus the car has the latest in communications and entertainment connectivity and a host of collision-avoidance technologies. Infiniti business car leasing is also readily available on all models now.