MINI Highgate

After the MINI Baker Street and MINI Bayswater exclusive editions a new model in the trio has just been launched called the MINI Highgate. MINI is continuing the brand’s  policy of taking the names of fashionable areas of London, with Highgate a sophisticated new version of their drop-top Convertible.

This new four-seater convertible offers a raft of unique exterior and interior features and is finished in an all-new metallic ‘Iced Chocolate’ body colour, which works perfectly with the tailored ‘Silvertouched Truffle’ fabric roof. The unique look is enhanced by truffle bonnet stripes with blue edging.

MINI Highgate

Midnight Black metallic or White Silver metallic paintwork can be specified as an option and the door mirror caps are always finished in the same shade as the exterior. The MINI Highgate comes with bespoke 17-inch ‘Double Cross Turned’ light-alloy wheels in a subtle aluminium colour, taking its design inspiration from the Union Jack flag.

Inside the car there are ‘Dark Truffle’ Lounge Leather seats that feature blue piping and contrasting stitching. MINI’s popular Chili Pack; filled with added extras like automatic air conditioning, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, multi-function steering wheel, multi-coloured interior lights, is also standard on the Highgate special edition.

Inside the Highgate

You also get sun-touched Brushed Alloy detailing on the dashboard and the Chrome Line Interior and Exterior packages are also included. Finally for that final touch, exclusive ‘Highgate’ lettering  is detailed on the side indicator surrounds, door sills and seat tags, marking the car out from the crowd.

The MINI Highgate comes in four engine options; the MINI Cooper (90 kW/122 hp), MINI Cooper S (135 kW/184 hp), MINI Cooper D (82 kW/112 hp) and MINI Cooper SD (105 kW/143 hp). All are linked to a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, with a six-speed automatic available as an option and the OTR prices are below. MINI contract hire prices on the new model will be loaded shortly.

Audi A5 Sportback 2.0 TDIe

The new generation midsize Audi coupe and Sportback models are now available with even more cost-effective TDIe versions and new specification making them an even more desirable package. The new 136PS and 163PS 2.0-litre TDIe versions of A5 Sportback are now available priced from £27,320 OTR and £27,825 OTR respectively, with the 163PS TDIe engine also available in A5 Coupe priced from £28,775 OTR.

Performance figures for the TDIe engines is impressive as follows;

• A5 Sportback 2.0 TDIe 136PS six-speed manual – 0-62mph in 9.5 seconds, top speed 132mph, combined MPG 64.2, CO₂117g/km
• A5 Coupe 2.0 TDI 163PS six-speed manual – 0-62mph in 8.4 seconds, top speed 140mph, combined MPG 64.2, CO₂115g/km

There is also a new SE Technik specification available for all four-cylinder TDI models in both body styles that saves up to £1,925, compared with specifying additional options individually.

In both the A5 Sportback and A5 Coupe models, all the four-cylinder TDI engines can be combined with a new, highly cost effective SE Technik specification which was first seen in the A4 Saloon and Avant ranges. The Technik specification adds DVD satellite navigation, Audi Music Interface (AMI) iPod connection, the Audi Parking Plus system with front and rear sensors and cruise control to the familiar SE equipment list.

The SE specification in both models already includes 17-inch alloy wheels, Milano leather upholstery, three-zone climate control, Bluetooth mobile phone preparation and a colour Driver’s Information System (DIS), which is pretty generous. Both TDIe engines are available allied to Standard, SE and S line trim in the A5 Sportback, and Standard and SE in the Coupe and we should have Audi contract hire prices loaded shortly.

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:

Fiat Punto GBT

Fiat has now announced pricing for the Model Year 2012 Fiat Punto with a starting price of just £9,990 OTR for the Pop 1.2 8-valve, the new car, which goes on sale in the UK this month. At the top end of the revised Fiat Punto range, you have the highly specified Lounge 1.3 MultiJet version, which costs £15,600 OTR. This model features automatic dual zone climate control, leather steering wheel, front fog lamps, seven airbags, cruise control, ambient interior lighting and electric sunroof as standard.

The 2012 Fiat Punto will be available initially with a choice of six low emissions Euro 5 engines – and with a TwinAir version coming in April – all fitted with Start&Stop as standard. It also comes in a more simplified line-up of three trim levels, similar to the Fiat 500 and forthcoming new Panda – Pop (base), Easy (mid) and Lounge (high). As an extra addition, Fiat also has a sports version based on the Easy level grade called GBT.

The new Punto adds two new engines to the range – an 85hp version of the MultiJet diesel engine and the acclaimed Engine of the Year 85hp TwinAir. The full list will comprise: 1.2 8-valve petrol (69hp), 1.4 8-valve petrol (77hp), 1.4 16-valve MultiAir petrol (105hp and 135hp), TwinAir 0.9-litre petrol (85hp) and 1.3 16-valve MultiJet diesel (75hp and 85hp).

The external styling changes of the 2012 Fiat Punto incorporate fully colour coded front and rear bumpers, while three new exterior colours are introduced: Brit Pop Blue, Tango Red and Underground Grey. Inside you get new sportier seat fabrics and a refreshed dashboard. Standard vehicle equipment in the entry-level Pop model includes remote central locking, electric front windows, driver and passenger airbags, window airbags, radio/CD/MP3 player, electric power steering and height-adjustable driver seat.

Easy trim level adds such equipment as leather steering wheel, 15-inch alloy wheels, and air conditioning. The GBT level additionally gets sport suspension, rear spoiler and side skirts, while the Lounge model adds climate control, front fog lamps, cruise control, ambient interior lighting and electric sunroof.

On the road pricing for the range is as follows and Fiat contract hire prices will be loaded soon:

up! five-door

Volkswagen’s award-winning up! city car is now easier than ever to get into with the introduction of the new five-door model. The new five-door up! has a 2.42 m long wheelbase that offers you impressive interior space, a large 251-litre boot, an efficient three-cylinder engine, new-to-the-class safety features plus an innovative infotainment system. 

Rear passengers in the five-door up! will benefit from exactly the same space as those in the three-door model, with 947 mm of headroom (versus 993 mm in the front) and 789 mm of legroom.  The rear seat base is also set a little bit higher than that in the front, at 378 mm (versus 306 mm) giving rear passengers a clearer view of the road ahead.

the up! five-foor comes front and side airbags, ABS with Hydraulic Brake Assist, Isofix child seat preparation in the rear and standard ESP (on all but the entry level Take up! model). It can also be ordered with an optional City Emergency Braking system.  The innovative City Braking System uses sensors to scan the space ahead of the vehicle, applying the brakes automatically if it detects that the car is about to hit an object in front. The up! has a five-star Euro NCAP rating and also the Advanced Award from the European New Car Assessment Programme as well.

Thr first UK deliveries of the five-door Volkswagen up! are expected to start in the second half of the year with prices yet to be confirmed. Volkswagen contract hire prices for the three-door up! are on the site now.

New Twingo

The New Twingo city car has just gone on sale in UK, with the Dynamique 1.2 16V 75, priced from just £10,350 on-the-road. The New Twingo has improved styling at the front (with new Renault design DNA identity), plus a revised bumper, tailgate and new rear lights. Yet it is the ‘eyelids’ of the headlights that really contribute to new Twingo’s distinctive looks.

There are also a wide range of cost options on offer, including climate control, electric panoramic sunroof (fabric version available from April), two Option Packs and long list of accessories, for you to really personalise your new car. It is available with new colours called Fuchsia and Bermuda Blue, which are added to the seven existing body colours, plus there are eight different alloy wheel options.

In the UK, the New Twingo will be powered by the 1.2 16V 75 engine, boasting 55.4 mpg in the combined cycle with CO₂ emissions of 119g/km, resulting in nil road fund licence for the first year (and £30 from year two), if you are buying/owning the car. Don’t forget with contract hire, the road fund licence is included in the rental you pay each month. 

The new audio system is improved with Bluetooth functionality, together with audio streaming with USB connectivity as standard (from March). This makes it really easy for you to play digital music and the audio system can also be used as a docking station for the latest-generation iPhone and iPod Touch®.

Inside the car it has separate, independently sliding, 50/50-split rear seats, with the boot capacity extending from 230 to 959 dm³. In addition, there are numerous storage spaces, making this city car ideal for town driving.

Renault is also planning to have a new microsite to demonstrate the customisation programme and this will be available via www.renault.co.uk from February and will be divided into four sections: stickers, door mirror housings, spoilers, alloy wheels. Details for New Twingo Renaultsport 133 will be released closer to launch, in April 2012

2012 Toyota Prius

The Toyota Prius Hybrid is being updated for 2012 with a  new-look front end and higher quality interior. The car also gets higher equipment specifications, including Toyota Touch interface and Touch & Go Plus multimedia and navigation system. Their popular full hybrid powertrain continues to deliver the lowest CO₂ emissions in its class at 89g/km and the updated car improves ride quality, steering feel and overall vehicle dynamics.

Toyota has plans to introduce full hybrid technology across its core model range, and the Prius is still the trend setter for quality, performance and is the world’s best-known and best-selling hybrid vehicle. Not only does the 2012 Prius emit only 89g/km CO₂ emissions (the lowest level in its class), it has a  combined cycle fuel economy of 72.4mpg. The figures for models running on 17-inch wheels remain at 92g/km and 70.6mpg.

Inside the car

The front of the 2012 Prius has been given a new look, which is in line with Toyota’s new design approach, while in the cabin there are new front seats, new upholstery and new soft-touch surfaces that combine to give a higher quality feel.

Equipment levels have also been raised, notably with the introduction as a standard on all grades of the Toyota Touch touchscreen control system. The more advanced Toyota Touch & Go Plus multimedia and navigation system is a standard feature on Prius T Spirit and an option onT₃ & T₄. This technology brings with it Bluetooth, a rear-view camera, USB port and an on-board connectivity feature that allows access to a range of on-line information services sourced through Google Local Search, using a compatible mobile phone.

UK sales of the revised Prius 2012 model range will begin in March, with on-the-road prices from £21,350. And, later in the year, the ultra-efficient Prius Plug-in Hybrid and Prius+, the world’s first seven-seat full hybrid MPV will be added to the range.

Prius 2012 Prices, VED and insurance

Citroen DS3 Ultra Prestige

Citroen has just introduced the new DS3 Ultra Prestige to its UK range. The luxury, DS3 Ultra Prestige combines sophisticated style, a premium specification and the distinctive personality of the DS line range. It is powered by a sporty THP 155 petrol engine or a fuel and CO₂ efficient e-HDi 110 diesel with Stop & Start. The latter offers you 74.4 combined mpg and CO2 emissions of just 99g/km so is ideal as a company car.

The DS3 Ultra Prestige’s front seats are fitted with ‘watchstrap’ design seat upholstery in ‘Club’ leather and also sport a ‘crescendo’ colour effect that is entirely new and unique. Inspired by the world of fashion, the colour of the leather on the front seats gradually changes from white at the top of the seat back to black on the seat base.

Inside the cabin, the dashboard strip is covered in ‘Alpine’ white leather and embossed with the distinctive DS signature. The white colour dials also match the white of the interior detailing, for that extra styling effect. Ultra-thick protective mats are braided with double top-stitching in contrasting colours, plus leather trim is also fitted to the door panels and central armrest.

The vehicle specification is based on DSport trim level and the DS3 Ultra Prestige is available with a choice of two exterior body colours – Polar White and Thorium Grey. The car features a sports spoiler, dark-tinted side and rear windows and 17” charcoal-grey alloy wheels. The‘Ultra Prestige’ graphic (that covers the model’s black roof with the DS insignia) provides a range of colour contrasts, shifting from matt to gloss as the light changes. 

In addition to the DSport’s equipment specification (that already includes automatic digital air conditioning and a Bluetooth^® enabled Hi-Fi system), the DS3 Ultra Prestige gains Citroën’s integrated MyWay colour satellite navigation system, rear parking sensors, automatic headlamps and windscreen wipers, electrically heated and folding door mirrors and an electrochrome rear view mirror. Features which are normally seen on a top-of-the-range executive car. Citroen contract hire leasing prices on the DS3 Ultra Prestige should be loaded soon.

OTR Prices

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 SEAT Ibiza 5-door

SEAT has released the details about the new SEAT Ibiza range, which has been updated for 2012 with a launch date expected in the spring of this year.  The SEAT Ibiza is one of the best-selling models for the sporty Spanish car manufacturer, with more than 500,000 models of the Ibiza sold since its original launch in 2008.

This new model features the new SEAT “face” and the bumpers at the front and rear have been completely re-designed as well. Inside the car has had a complete makeover, with the new instrument binnacle one example and the glove compartment has also been enlarged.

SEAT Ibiza ST

The new Ibiza comes in three bodystyles, three-door SC, five-door hatchback and the Ibiza ST (estate) and all feature a range of fuel efficient, low CO2, petrol and diesel engines. For example, the 1.2-litre TDI Ecomotive with start/stop emits 89g/km of CO2 and uses 3.4 litres of fuel per 62 miles. There are also more powerfuel engines for the top-of-the range sports versions with a 150PS 1.4 TSI petrol engine plus supercharger and turbocharger that propels the car from 0-62mph in just 7.8 seconds.

The model trims are Reference, Style and FR, with the new Cupra coming on board mid-summer and full new Ibiza UK pricing and specifications will be announced closer to the launch date.