Audi A6 Avant allroad quattro

The Audi A6 all-terrain Avant promises to build on its predecessors’ go-anywhere appeal and is the third generation model. The A6 Avant allroad quattro is expected to open for UK orders in February, with first deliveries in the spring. Three engines will be available initially – 3.0 TFSI with 310PS, 3.0 TDI with 204PS and a 3.0 TDI with 245PS. The advanced third generation A6 allroad quattro also has four-level adaptive air suspension making its world debut and prices will start from £43,145 OTR.

The new car is 4.94 metres long, 1.90 metres wide and 1.47 metres tall and sits six centimetres higher than the standard Avant.  Total vehicle weight has been reduced by as much as 70 kilograms compared with the previous model, making the car much more fuel efficient.

The new A6 allroad quattro features extended side sills, more widely flared wings and vertical slats within the single-frame grille. Stainless steel guards protect the underbody of the car at the front and rear and the exhaust system ends in two large, flattened tailpipes, with roof rails mounted on double bars. Java Brown exterior colour is available exclusively for the new A6 allroad quattro.

Audi A6 allroad quattro

The luggage compartment has a capacity of 565 litres, with easy-folding rear seats which increase luggage capacity to 1,680 litres, and Audi will offer a wide choice of cost options for the new A6 allroad quattro.

The 3.0 TFSI engine is boosted by a supercharger and produces 310PS, which powers the A6 allroad quattro from 0 to 62mph in just 5.9 seconds, on the way to a limited top speed of 155mph. The combined economy figure is 31.7mpg.

The two diesel variants of the 3.0 TDI engine produce 204PS and 245PS respectively. The entry-level 204PS version returns a combined economy figure of 46.3mpg with 159 g CO₂/km emissions. All three engines are paired with the seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission.

The iconic quattro permanent four-wheel drive system ensures safe driving in all-terrain conditions and with the Audi drive select system, the driver can vary the function of the steering, the air suspension, the throttle pedal, the automatic transmission, the sport differential, the automatic air conditioning, the lighting and the adaptive cruise control.

The adaptive air suspension, which combines air suspension with controlled damping, comes as standard. It lowers the car body by 15 millimetres at high speed and raises it again by 35 millimetres at the push of a button.

This allroad mode is therefore suitable for use on rough terrain and you can also select a lift mode at low speeds. This additional ten millimetres enables the new Audi A6 allroad quattro to also handle irregularities in the road surface (road humps). There is also the hill descent assist function for steep downhill passages included as standard and this function limits the speed of the car to between 6mph and 12mph, depending on the surface. Audi A6 Avant allroad quattro contract hire prices should be loaded shortly.

New Porsche Boxster

The new 2012 Porsche Boxster arrives in the UK this spring and sets the benchmark for the ultimate roadster. This new model is lighter, more efficient, more agile (revised chassis) has new flat-six engines and promises improved performance, as well as reducing fuel consumption by 15%.

The styling has shorter front and rear overhangs, forward shifted windscreen and a flatter silhouette, while inside the design offers the driver and passenger more space, with a new centre console (originating from the Carrera GT) taking centre stage.

Porsche Boxster S

The new power unit in the new Boxster delivers 265hp from the 2.7-litre engine (10hp more than the larger predecessor engine) and the 3.4-litre engine in the Boxster S now delivers 315hp (5hp more), with both models featuring a manual six-speed gearbox as standard. The seven-speed dual clutch Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) is available as an option.

The Boxster sprints from 0-62 in 5.7 seconds and the Boxster S in just 5.0 seconds and if you want to enhance the driving dynamics even further then opt for the Sports Chrono Package option, which is offered on the Boxster. Both models achieve their best fuel consumption with PDK, with the Boxster returning 36.7mpg and the Boxster S, 35.3mpg.

The Boxster comes with Alcantara interior, 18-inch alloy wheels, Auto stop/start, and Sports mode, remote control hood operation, audio CD with 7-inch colour touch screen control and an audio interface with MP3 connectivity. The Boxster S adds 19-inch wheels, partial leather interior and Bi-Xenon headlights and the new models will go on sale in the UK from April the 28th. Porsche contract hire on the new models will be loaded in due course.

Toyota Yaris Hybrid

Toyota has released the first pictures of Yaris Hybrid ahead of its public debut at the Geneva motor show in March 2012. The new model brings together the packaging and agile handling of the Yaris, with Toyota’s innovative Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain.

Yaris is Toyota’s best-selling car in Europe and the Yaris Hybrid follows the launch of Auris Hybrid in 2010 as the second core Toyota model to feature full hybrid technology. The intention is to now introduce the powertrain to the largest volume segment in the European market. As the new flagship car of the Toyota Yaris range, it shares the same new-design “face” of Toyota but places greater priority on aerodynamic efficiency.

New Toyota Yaris Hybrid

Toyota has downsized its Hybrid Synergy Drive for Yaris, combining a new 1.5-litre petrol engine with a more compact electric motor, transaxle, inverter and battery pack and the result is a system that is 20 per cent lighter than that used in the Auris Hybrid.

The location of the fuel tank and hybrid battery is under the rear seat and the Yaris Hybrid offers the same occupant space and 286-litre luggage capacity as conventional petrol and diesel Yaris models. Automatic air conditioning and e-CVT automatic transmission are fitted as standard on the car, signalling that customers do not have to compromise on comfort in order to achieve low CO2 emissions performance.

New Ford Mondeo

Ford has revealed their new all-new Ford Fusion, in North America, which will be the new Ford Mondeo when launched in the Europe, in the first quarter of 2013. This important fleet company car will be the first saloon to offer petrol, hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains when launched, and will offer top fuel economy.

The new Mondeo features a sleek silhouette and fresh face and will include numerous Ford technologies including a Lane Keeping System, adapative cruise control, active park assist, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) and SYNC^® communications and entertainment system, which enables voice-activated communication through a driver’s mobile phone and interaction with the car’s audio system.

In addition the car features the latest version of MyFord Touch^®, allowing a driver to interact with other vehicle systems through voice control, a touch screen tap or a conventional button.

New Ford Mondeo

Derrick Kuzak, group vice president of Global Product Development, said,”We brought our global teams together around a blank slate with the charge to develop a midsize car with ground-breaking design and jaw-dropping fuel economy-one that featured technologies to help our customers safer and better drivers. This car is the result”.

Donkervoort GTO

After two and a half years of development in close collaboration with Audi Quattro GmbH, Donkervoort has released details of their eagerly awaited new Donkervoort GTO open sports car.

The Donkervoort GTO has a beautiful shape, with a capacity of 340 to 400 HP from its 2.5-litre TFSI Audi engine and is larger than its predecessors, the closed GT and D8 270RS. The new Donkervoort GTO Audi engine is also lighter by 30kg and this lighter weight is reflected by its extra performance, being one of the fastest cars on the European market.

Donkervoort GTO

It has a special race module switch, which can instantly increase the capacity of the car from 340 to 400 HP at once and also has traction control on board if required. The car clearly takes many of its design themes from the aviation and rocket industry and production should start in 2012, with first models being delivered next summer. The first “regular” versions should be on European roads by 2013 however you will need deep pockets, as the car is priced between 100K and 150K Euros excluding taxes.

Audi A4

Audi has released pricing and specifications for the eight-generation A4 and S4 ranges which are now ready for ordering with first customer deliveries expected in March 2012. The new Audi A4 has had extensive exterior and interior design revisions, new colour schemes, various equipment updates and an updated range of more fuel efficient petrol and diesel engines.

Inside the A4

The A4 has engine start/stop and recuperation as standard across the range and the most economical Audi is the A4 2.0 TDIe (136PS) which offers 65.7mpg and CO2 emissions of 112g/km. The options list now includes online services bringing Google earth mapping and in-car internet access. The range starts from £24,000 on-the-road and we should have the new Audi car leasing pricing loaded shortly.

Vauxhall Astra VXR

Vauxhall has released the first pictures of its stunning new 155mph Astra VXR which is the most powerful production Vauxhall ever built. This 280PS coupe is based on the Astra GTC platform and is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged direct injection engine.

It has a had a raft of bespoke chassis modifications and a specially developed mechanical limited slip differential, which works on the front wheels. Working with the High Performance Strut system, the VXR offers exceptional grip and traction through bends. The car also has specially adapted Bembo brakes, Vauxhall’s adaptive FlexRide system featuring not only a Sport button, but a VXR button too.

Astra VXR - rear view

Outside the VXR gets a specially sculpted front and rear bumper, side skirts, roof spoiler and two exhaust tail pipes in a trapeze shape. Inside the VXR the bespoke performance seats have embossed logos in the backs, a flat bottomed VXR steering wheel and upgraded instruments. The UK is likely to be the biggest market for the VXR in Europe and more details will be released next year.

Volkswagen CC

Volkswagen has released the first images of their new CC, before it makes its official unveiling at the Los Angeles Auto Show on November the 18th. The CC is the replacement for the Passat CC and offers four-door practicality with sleek coupe-like styling.

In the UK the engine range will comprise of a 1.8-litre TSI 160 PS or 2.0-litre TSI 210 PS petrol models plus a 2.0-litre diesel engine with either 140 PS or 170 PS on offer. Any model with 170 PS or more also gets XDS differential (electronic cross-axle traction control) as standard.

The front of the car has a new radiator grille with strong horizontal lines that demonstrates Volkswagen’s new design DNA and is flanked by new bi-xenon headlights and finished off with a reprofiled bumper. The frameless doors are carried over from the previous model but with more sculpted sills.

Volkswagen CC rear

At the rear the bumper has had a complete redesign with new LED tail lights and as usual, the Volkswagen logo doubles as the handle for the boot. The CC has a comprehensive standard equipment list and now includes new features such as the standard driver alert system and will go on sale in early 2012, with first deliveries expected for the new 12 plate in March.

New BMW 3 Series saloon

BMW has released the first pictures and details of their new 3 Series, the sixth generation of the world’s best selling premium saloon car. The new BMW 3 Series goes on sale in February 2012 with four engines at launch (see below), with more to follow.

The new 3 Series offers more space, comfort and luxury and is slightly longer than the outgoing model and there will also be more trim levels available. The new BMW 3 Series comes in ES, SE, Sport and, in 2012, M Sport versions of the saloon, but there will be trim levels, namely Sport , Modern and Luxury, all offering their own unique DNA.  At launch the popular ES and SE will be available, with the other trims following on later next year and BMW also has plans for a four-wheel drive and hybrid version too.

An eight-speed automatic gearbox (instead of six-speed) is now available right across the range and all versions also feature Drive Performance Control as standard. This allows you to switch between four driving modes – ECO PRO, Comfort, Sport and Sport + (Sport + is only included on Sport models or with some selected optional equipment). All engines will also feature BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and VALVETRONIC variable valve opening technology.

New BMW 3 Series saloon

All models have 17-inch light alloy wheels with run-flat tyres linked to a Tyre Puncture Warning System as standard, apart from the 320d EfficientDynamics, which has 16-inch aerodynamic alloys and non-Run-flat tyres. 

The range at launch:

New Jensen Interceptor

Healey Sports Cars Switzerland (HSCS) has appointed CPP Group Holdings to engineer, develop and build the all-new Jensen Interceptor. CPP will manufacture the Jensen Interceptor at a new production facility on Browns Lane in Coventry, from 2014.

The new Jensen Interceptor is based on an all-aluminium chassis and handcrafted aluminium body and should be ready for unveiling to the public in 2012, with deliveries to customers by the beginning of 2014, if all goes to plan.

All-new Jensen Interceptor

Liam Cardiff, director of Healey Sports Cars Switzerland, said,”CPP is the perfect partner to revive the Jensen Interceptor. With the Jensen design team integrated into an organisation with much greater resources and broader expertise, our dream of seeing the Jensen and Interceptor badges once again adorning the bonnets of beautiful, modern, British-built GT cars has come closer to reality”.