Jaguar XF Sportbrake

Jaguar has released the first images of their new XF Sportbrake before its official unveiling at the Geneva Motor Show next week. This is a new model based on the XF platform and offers a maximum load volume of 1,675-litres

However there has only been a small increase in weight and footprint and hence you have a chassis structure that equals the rigidity of the saloon, so that the XF Sportbrakes retains the handling characteristics of the conventional XF saloon.

The strong silver signature line running the length of the car is extended while the C-Pillar is finished in gloss black, a design feature shared with the XJ saloon. Slim rear light units extend into a strong chrome crossmember and the result is a car that blends style and function with the rear seat occupants also benefitting from 48mm of extra rear headroom.

The large tailgate can be specified with power struts, opening to reveal a wide and highly versatile load space for the family. It offers 550-litres with the rear seats up, and 1675-litres with the seats folded.

New Jaguar XF Sportbrake

Standard equipment on the XF Sportbrake includes remote fold levers that are mounted within the boot area to lower the rear seats. In addition, powerful LEDs throw a pool of light onto the ground when the boot is open, while the tailgate itself features a soft close function as well.

The boot floor has a panel that splits into three sections to allow smaller loads to be neatly wedged in and to avoid your precious or fragile cargo being thrown about. It has self-levelling air suspension that offers superb driving dynamics and means the Sportbrake can also serve as an accomplished tow vehicle if required.

The Jaguar XF Sportbrake will be powered by a range of efficient yet powerful diesel engines in 2.2-litre four cylinder and 3.0-litre six-cylinder, both directing drive through the rear wheels via an advanced eight-speed automatic gearbox.

Vehicle prices and specifications will be announced nearer the time of the launch of the XF Sportbrake,  which looks set to take place in the third quarter of 2012.

Jaguar contract hire on the current Jaguar model range is on the site now.

Click for the BMW car lease offer

The brand new BMW 520d BluePerformance EfficientDynamics diesel saloon manual is currently on the site on BMW car lease from only £373.53+VAT per month. This is the latest BMW 2012 model year and is packed with BMW’s low-CO2 technology.

CO2 emissions are 119g/km and combined mpg is 62.8, so this executive saloon is an ideal company car for any business. The offer is based on a four-year contract, 6 rentals in advance, non-maintained lease and 10,000 miles per annum. Other terms are available from our car finance partner, as are quotes with accessories, so fill out a Contact Form today for further details on this great BMW lease offer.

Pinkstone

Pinkstone Cars, based in Stoke-on-Trent in the Midlands, has just become Britain’s newest MG outlet and will open their new MG dealership in a 2,500 sq ft showroom, directly opposite the University Hospital of North Staffordshire, on February 24th.

Simon Pinkstone, Managing Director, said: “We are about to celebrate our Silver Jubilee and winning the MG franchise for the Stoke area is a fantastic present. We are really proud of this and can’t wait to start introducing the new MG6 models to our customers. I’ve driven the car and been to the MG factory in Birmingham and have been deeply impressed. The car offers great value for money coupled with all the hallmarks that have made the MG such an iconic brand.

Both the MG6 GT fastback and MG6 Magnette sports saloons will be available for test drives after this date, plus there are full servicing and workshop facilities on site.  The MG6 recently won the What Car? 2012 Security Award and two racing versions of the MG6 GT will also compete in the 2012 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship.

2012 Exeo saloon

The new 2012 SEAT Exeo is now available, with more style, economy and refinement on offer and the Exeo saloon and Exeo ST estate range boasts a brand new look and some important engineering upgrades.

All 2012 cars come with the “revised face”’, with new bi-xenon headlights and LED daytime running lights (standard equipment on Sport models and optional on SE specification cars). The styling enhancements are boosted by new alloy wheel designs, while upgrades to the interior materials, including improved leather on the steering wheel and revised upholstery, creates that premium feel.

2012 Exeo ST estate

Improvements to the SEAT saloon and estate’s 2.0 TDI common rail engine see emissions cut to as little as 129 g/km and the Exeo saloon is now capable of as much as 58.9 mpg on the EU’s combined cycle. Later in 2012, the Exeo range is set for even more upgrades, with the arrival of an Ecomotive version. 

All of SEAT’s cleanest and greenest cars bear the Ecomotive badge, with the Ibiza Ecomotive, for instance, emitting just 92 g/km of CO2, while the Leon Ecomotive has a London congestion charge-busting CO2 figure of just 99 g/km.

The Exeo Ecomotive will come with many of the same technologies such as Start/Stop, that will help deliver even more fuel efficiency. SEAT is targeting a CO2  figure of less than 120 g/km for the Start/Stop-equipped Exeo.

SEAT UK Managing Director Peter Wyhinny said: ‘The showroom arrival of the freshly upgraded Exeo range comes at a great time for SEAT.  With another record year under our belt in 2011, and sales continuing their upward trend so far this year, our dealers are already busy. The revised Exeo is yet another reason for buyers to visit – and that’s all before the new Ibiza supermini range and brilliant new Mii city car make their UK debuts”.

Click for the Contact Form

The all-new BMW 320d EfficientDynamics 4-door diesel saloon automatic has just been loaded onto the site from only £309.50+VAT per month on BMW car lease (business users only for this deal). This highly efficient BMW has a smooth automatic gearbox yet still offers remarkable CO2 figures at 109g/km, a combined mpg of 68.9 and a 0-62mph time of 8.1 seconds. An ideal company car for any driver or small business operator.

The terms of the BMW car lease offer are based on 4 years, 10,000 miles per annum, non-maintained contract hire, 6 rentals in advance, with other terms available from our car finance partner direct. Fill out a Contact Form today for further details.

New biturbo V6 TDI engine

Audi has just announced that a new biturbo V6 TDI engine will enter production, to power executive class Audi models to 62mph in a fraction over five seconds and returns up to 44.1mpg. The new advanced new biturbo TDI engine heads the diesel line-up in the A6 Saloon, Avant, allroad quattro and A7 Sportback ranges, with OTR prices starting from £43,810.

It is available now in the A6 Saloon and Avant and A7 Sportback (and later in 2012 in A6 allroad), with first deliveries in the spring. The 313ps A6 Saloon 3.0 BiTDI quattro reaches 0-62mph in 5.1 seconds, has a top speed of 155mph, combined MPG of 44.1 and CO2 emissions of 169g/km.

Power is transmitted from the BiTDI engine via an eight-speed tiptronic transmission to the latest generation quattro all-wheel-drive system, which features a self-locking centre differential and torque vectoring for optimum traction control and stability. The car also comes with a sound actuator in the exhaust system that generates a “petrol engined” sports car exhaust note, to match the remarkable performance.

The new BiTDI engine is available in conjunction with SE and S line specification in the A6 Saloon, A6 Avant and A7 Sportback. Highlights that are common to all these models include satellite navigation linked to a 6.5-inch retractable colour monitor, Milano leather upholstery, the Audi drive select adaptive dynamics system controlling throttle response, transmission shift points and steering feel, the Audi parking system plus, light and rain sensors, cruise control and keyless go push-button engine ignition.

BMW ActiveHybrid 5 Saloon

BMW is taking the development of intelligent hybrid drive systems to the next level with the introduction of their new BMW ActiveHybrid 5. This model combines a combustion engine and an electric motor to enhance both efficiency and the brand’s hallmark driving pleasure.

The BMW ActiveHybrid 5 comes with a BMW TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder in-line engine, plus an electric drive system, with an eight-speed automatic gearbox for the first time. This combined package offers an exceptional balance of performance and fuel economy for the premium executive car class.

The combined drive system generates a combined output of 340 hp and the car can be driven on electric power alone with speeds up to 37 mph. The  BMW ActiveHybrid 5 sprints from 0 to 62 mph in 5.9 seconds, yet still offers CO₂ emissions of just 149 – 163 g/km (depending on the model and tyres).

The BMW ActiveHybrid 5 has the sporty, yet elegant body design of the BMW 5 Series Saloon and comes with bespoke touches which highlight the identity of its innovative drive technology. The “ActiveHybrid 5” lettering on the C-pillars, the BMW kidney grille with galvanised slats and the exhaust matt chrome tailpipes set the exterior apart from the other models in the range.

The comfort of driving this car is enhanced by addition – on this model – of stationary climate control which can be activated before your journey begins. The interior climate remains constant even during breaks in the journey and when the car is in coasting mode (with the combustion engine switched off).

BMW ActiveHybrid 5 technical details

Displacement: 2,979 cc, output: 225 kW/306 hp at 5,800 rpm, 
max. torque: 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) at 1,200 – 5,000 rpm.
Synchronous electric motor; output: 40 kW/55 hp, 
max. torque: 210 Nm (155 lb-ft);
Combined output: 250 kW/340 hp, 
max. combined torque: 450 Nm (332 lb-ft).
Acceleration [0 – 100 km/h (62 mph)]: 5.9 seconds,
top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph), 
top speed purely on electric power: 60 km/h (37 mph). 
Average fuel consumption*: 6.4 – 7.0 litres/100 kilometres 
(40 – 44 mpg imp), 
CO₂ emissions*: 149 – 163 g/km, 
exhaust standard: EU5. 

*As per the EU test cycle, figures may vary according to the tyre format specified

Click for Hyundai contract hire

Hyundai contract hire has just loaded their new Q1 2012 pricing and their new Hyundai i40 1.7 CRDi (115) Blue drive Active 4-door diesel saloon is on the site now from only £194.59+VAT per month on business contract hire. Personal car leasing prices are also available.

This special offer is based on a 4-year contract hire arrangement, 6 rentals in advance, 10,000 miles per annum on a non-maintained lease.

The Hyundai i40 saloon is the follow-up model to the popular i40 Tourer and this entry level model offers a combined mpg of 65.7 and CO2 emissions at just 113g/km. Other quote terms and contracts (with your option accessories) are available direct from our car finance partner. So fill out a Contact Form today for more information on this car, or other i40 saloon models

BMW 1 Series M Sport

BMW  has announced some new models for 2012, which include an eagerly awaited BMW 116d EfficientDynamics model. March 2012 will see the introduction of three new engines for the popular BMW 1 Series 5-door Hatch – the 116d EfficientDynamics, 125d and 125i – completing the range’s powertrain line-up.

BMW 116d EfficientDynamics

The BMW 116d EfficientDynamics is powered by a 116hp, four-cylinder 1.6-litre TwinPower Turbo diesel engine which propels the car from zero to 62mph in 10.5 seconds. This super fuel-efficient BMW  emits just 99g/km CO₂ and returns 74.3mpg.  These impressive economy figures are helped by a longer final drive ratio, Optimum Shift Indicators, lower suspension and reduced rolling resistance tyres.

The BMW 116d EfficientDynamics is based on the current SE specification and comes with 16-inch light alloy V-spoke wheels, Bluetooth hands-free with USB audio interface, front foglights, multifunction leather steering wheel and BMW Professional Radio with freestanding 6.5-inch Display and iDrive controller. 

New 125d and 125i engines for BMW 1 Series 5-door hatch

Two new engines will be available on the new BMW 1 Series 5-door Hatch from March 2012.  The 125i and 125d, only available in M Sport guise. Both feature ventilated front and rear brake discs and dual chrome exhaust tailpipes as standard kit.

The BMW 125d features a 2.0-litre BMW TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder diesel engine, with two-stage twin turbo.  This powertrain develops 218hp and it launches the car from 0 to 62mph in just 6.5 seconds.  This power doesn’t hamper the car’s fuel economy, with it returning 57.6mpg on the combined cycle and emitting just 129g/km CO_2.

The BMW 125i introduces BMW’s latest 2.0-litre TwinPower Turbo petrol engine with TwinScroll turbo.  This model accelerates from 0 to 62mph in just 6.5 seconds, produces 218hp, while still managing to return 44.1mpg and emit CO₂ emissions of just 152g/km.

New M Sport for BMW 1 Series

Again from from March 2012, the BMW 1 Series 5-door Hatch will now be available in M Sport.  In addition to the SE specification the BMW 1 Series M Sport will include M aerodynamic bodystyling, 18-inch M Star-spoke light alloy wheels, High-gloss Shadowline exterior trim and kidney grille with extra-wide high-gloss black vertical slats. 

The interior of the new car also gets the M Sport treatment with Sports seats in exclusive Anthracite Hexagon cloth and Alcantara upholstery, Aluminium Hexagon interior trim with Estoril Blue trim finishers, Anthracite headlining, M designation door sill finishers, M Sport multifunction steering wheel and an M Sport short-shift gear lever.  M Sport suspension, lowering the car by 10mm, completes the specification package.

BMW 1 Series Coupé and Convertible Exclusive and Sport Plus Edition

Thre are also two new special editions offering enhanced standard equipment for the BMW 1 Series Coupé and Convertible.

The Sport Plus Edition builds on the M Sport trim and is enhanced by 18-inch M double-spoke light alloy wheels, Chrome kidney grille with black vertical slats, Dark Line rear lights and Black mirror casings.  Inside exclusive Boston upholstery lines the seats while a Bluetooth handsfree facility with USB audio interface are both included as standard.

The BMW 1 Series Exclusive Edition builds on the Coupé and Convertible ES specification. This adds 17-inch Star-spoke light alloy wheels, Chromeline exterior trim, Oxide Silver mirror casings, Chrome kidney grille and Chrome exhaust tailpipes.  The interior adds bespoke Boston leather upholstery, Brushed Aluminium trim, BWM Edition door sill finishers and BMW Professional radio with single CD player, with MP3 playback capability. 

BMW Z4 gets new folding roof

The BMW Z4 Roadster gets a revised folding hard-top and the elegant two-piece folding roof with reinforced hydraulic system can now be raised or lowered at speeds of up to 25mph.  Previously the roof could not be lowered while on the move so this is a great addition if you are driving, it starts raining and there is nowhere to stop. 

BMW 3 Series updates engine line-up

The BMW 3 Series Saloon range gets three new entry-level engines. The new BMW 316d and 318d Saloons feature a BMW TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder diesel engine which combines with a single turbocharger with variable vane technology. Both of these new diesel engines can come with the optional 8-speed automatic transmission if required.

Joining the two new diesel engines is the BMW TwinPower engine with High Precision Direct Injection four-cylinder powerplant for the 320i Saloon.

Details of of new BMW 3 Series engines

*Electronically limited.

BMW Blue Performance in the UK

Finally, for the first time in the UK the BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Saloon, the BMW 120d Hatch, BMW 520d EfficientDynamics Saloon, BMW 520d Saloon and Touring plus the BMW 530d Saloon and Touring will also be available with the option of BluePerformance technology for £995.  This will provide a storage catalytic converter which reduces the nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions of the vehicle. This new addition provides compatibility with the strict EU6 emission standards which are due for introduction in September 2014.

The new EU6 emission standards will reduce the cap on NOx emissions by over 50 per cent, compared with current EU5 regulations, to 80mg/km. Combined emissions of hydrocarbons and nitrous oxides are also capped at 170mg/km. This will continue to drive down the average CO2 emissions of new cars as manufacturers strive to ensure their vehicles are compliant.

Fisker Karma at Harrods

The world’s first luxury electric vehicle, the Fisker Karma, will take pride of place in the prominent Brompton Road window display at Harrods, Knightsbridge, until the 4th of February.

“Harrods is one of the most prestigious retail sites in the world, which is perfect for our car,” said Henrik Fisker, co-founder and CEO of Fisker Automotive.  “The landmark store attracts hundreds of thousands of customers from all over the world during January, and we look forward to introducing them to the Fisker Karma.”

The Karma is one of the most efficient, low-emission vehicles available today and it can travel from 0-60 mph in 6.2 seconds,was recently given an emissions rating of just 51 g/km CO2 and this luxury EV saloon car offers up to 112 mpg. The car also has a range of 50 miles on “electric only” operation with zero emissions. 

If you go to see the car you will be able to take a tour of the vehicle and offered the chance to virtually configure your own model. The 2012 Fisker Karma is already on sale in the United States, priced from $102,000, and will soon be available at dealerships internationally, in the coming weeks.