Toyota Prius+ seven-seat hybrid MPV

The Toyota Prius+ is Europe’s first full hybrid seven-seat MPV and will be available in two equipment grades of T4 and T Spirit, with on-the-road prices starting from £26,195.

Vehicle specification for the T4 includes electric windows all round, Toyota Touch touchscreen control, Bluetooth, rear-view camera, head-up display, Smart Entry and Start, panoramic roof and automatic air conditioning.

The T Spirit features 17-inch alloys, leather upholstery Toyota Touch and Go Plus with satellite navigation, voice recognition, advanced Bluetooth and on-line connectivity, plus rain-sensing wipers and JBL audio system.

The T4 model is the only sub-100g/km seven-seat model on the UK market offering 96g/km of CO2 and is available to order now, with first customer deliveries expected from the 9th of July. The T Spirit emits 101g/km CO2 and official fuel consumption figures are 68.9mpg for the T4 and 64.2mpg for the T Spirit.

The ground-breaking new model, which combines traditional people carrier practicality with ultra-efficient performance, is also the first mainstream Toyota hybrid to use a lighter and more compact lithium-ion battery pack.

The slim lithium-ion battery fits neatly within the centre console and avoids any intrusion on the space available for rear seat passengers and for load carrying. There are five separate folding rear seats provided and with all of these in place there is 200 litres of luggage space, or with the third row stowed, this figure rises to 505 litres.

SKODA Citigo

SKODA has just released the prices for their all-new Citigo which debuts in the fast-expanding city car segment.

The all-new Citigo promises to deliver nimble road manners, impressive interior space and a new benchmark in technical sophistication, plus it’s all wrapped up in the Citigo’s contemporary design. Safety is a priority for this new model and the car has already earned the maximum five stars from Euro NCAP.

The all-new Citigo is available in either three or five-door body styles, each just 3,563mm long, with spacious seating for four adults, plus there’s still 251 litres of boot behind, rising to a class-leading 951 litres when the rear seats are folded down (959 litres on the five-door model).

It also impresses with a number of ingenious storage solutions and clever features such as a photo and document holder and a bag hook integrated into the glove compartment. It’s also the first SKODA model to sport the brand’s revised ‘winged arrow’ logo.

Power comes from a single 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine with either 60PS or 75PS providing the cleanest and most fuel-efficient drive possible, with CO2 emissions ranging from just 96 to 105g/km, while fuel economy is as high as 68.9mpg. There are three trim levels, S, SE and Elegance.

S

The entry level Citigo S models features standard equipment including Head/Thorax airbags, height adjustable steering wheel, power steering, daytime driving lights, preparation for portable infotainment device (PID), CD player with aux input and 14-inch steel wheels.

Prices for the S trim start at £7,630 for three door and £7,980 for five door.

SE

The Citigo trim line for the SE comes with electric front windows, body coloured door mirrors and handles, ESP, remote central locking and air-conditiong as standard.

Prices for the SE trim start at £8,530 for three door and £8,880 for five door.

Elegance

The Elegance is the Citigo’s flagship trim line and offers electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, 14-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, leather steering wheel and front fog lamps come as standard. It also includes SKODA’s innovative portable infotainment device (PID), which provides you with an onboard computer, navigation system, hands-free Bluetooth connectivity and a multimedia player in a single removable device.

Prices for the Elegance trim start at £9,470 for three door and £9,820 for five door.

The car comes in a range of eight striking exterior colours including Candy White, Tornado Red, Spring Green Metallic and Deep Black Pearlescent and it will launch in the UK on the 1st June 2012 .

2012 Volkswagen Scirocco

The Volkswagen Scirocco range is being refreshed for the new model year, helping to ensure that this compact coupe stays at the top of customers’ wish-lists. If you are thinking of leasing a new Volkswagen Scirocco then don’t forget to make sure it is the new model, as you may end up being disappointed.

The Scirocco’s award-winning dynamic characteristics remain unchanged however a price drop makes the entry-level model even better value, while the new R Line specification brings a more dramatic look inside and out.

Every model in the Volkswagen Scirocco range now comes with RNS 315 touchscreen satellite navigation, including the entry-level Scirocco, the price of which drops by between £420 and £600, depending on the engine.  Also now standard are a multifunction steering wheel and 17-inch ‘Long Beach’ alloys, while ACC Adaptive Chassis Control is now optional.

If you move up to the GT trim, luxurious Nappa leather upholstery is now standard, along with heated front seats, plus ACC, 2Zone electronic climate control, front fog lights, heat-insulating tinted glass from the B-pillars back and 18-inch ‘Interlagos’ alloy wheels.

The new R Line builds on the GT specification, but adds a dramatic bodykit, with bespoke bumpers and side skirts, 19-inch ‘Lugano’ alloy wheels, while inside you get Nappa leather R Line sports seats, an R Line wheel and chrome pedal covers. The Scirocco R offers the same exciting performance as before, thanks to its 265 PS 2.0-litre TSI engine, while RNS 315 satellite navigation and Nappa leather upholstery are now also standard.

2012 Audi A6 allroad quattro

Audi has released the details of their new A6 allroad quattro Avant bringing major efficiency gains and an even more extensive specification to the UK. This new generation version of the all-terrain A6 Avant is available now priced from £43,150 OTR to £49,445 OTR, with first deliveries expected in July.

The 2012 A6 allroad quattro has also been constructed using the latest Audi ultra lightweight construction principles and its body total vehicle weight is reduced by as much as 70 kilograms compared with the previous model. There are four engine options – 3.0 TFSI with 310PS and 440Nm, 3.0 TDI with 204PS and 450Nm, 3.0 TDI with 245PS and 580Nm, 3.0 BiTDI with 313PS and 650Nm, with fuel consumption reduced by as much as 20 per cent. 

The petrol-powered option is the 3.0-litre TFSI is boosted by a mechanically driven supercharger and produces 310PS and powers the A6 allroad quattro from rest to 62mph in 5.9 seconds, on the way to an electronically limited top speed of 155mph. Yet it can still achieve 31.7 mpg according to the combined cycle test.

The TDI range comprises three 3.0-litre V6 units, the first two of which deliver 204PS or 245PS (with the help of a single turbocharger). The 204PS version is the fuel efficiency champion, achieving a combined economy figure of 46.3mpg with CO2 output of 159g/km, yet still offers you a 7.5-second zero to 62mph acceleration. The 245PS models offers 44.8mpg, 165g/km CO2, along with a 6.6-second acceleration.

Or there is the new BiTDI, that uses two turbochargers to inject 313PS and enough punch to power the A6 allroad to 62mph in just 5.6 seconds, on the way to a governed 155mph top speed. It has a sports car-style engine note that comes courtesy of Audi’s innovative sound actuator in an auxiliary channel of the exhaust system, but its economy figures remain diesel-like, with up to 42.2mpg possible and CO2 emissions at 176g/km.

The three single turbocharger engines are paired with Audi’s seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission with its wide ratio spreads and rapid fire shifts while the BiTDI uses the latest eight-speed tiptronic automatic transmission.

The A6 allroad quattro is an all-terrain car and this is reflected in its exterior features such as extended side sills, flared wings and protective front and rear stainless steel underbody guards. The wheel arches, bumpers and sills are also painted in a contrasting colour, but can be body-coloured as an option.

Audi A6 allroad quattro interior

The interior of the car offers plenty of space thanks to the long wheelbase of 2,905 millimetres. Vehicle specification include 18-inch alloy wheels, Milano leather upholstery, satellite navigation, the Multi Media Interface (MMI) linked to a 6.5-inch retractable colour display, Audi parking system plus, cruise control, Bluetooth mobile phone preparation, light and rain sensors and the Audi drive select adaptive dynamics system.

The luggage compartment has a capacity of 565 litres, and the standard split rear seat can be folded down to increase this to 1,680 litres. There are also numerous standard and optional features that underscore its practicality as an estate car, including a rail system into which a load-securing kit for dividing the luggage compartment can be inserted, tensioning straps on the left wall and also a double loading floor.

The list of safety-focused systems is also pretty impressive and includes radar-based adaptive cruise control, Audi active lane assist lane departure warning system,  Audi side assist blind spot detection system and night vision using thermal imaging.

Audi A6 allroad quattro UK OTR Pricing

Suzuki Attitude based on the SZ3

Suzuki is launching a special version Attitude model based on SZ3 with a limited production run of only 500 units, split between three and five door hatchbacks. The new car goes on sale on the 2nd April, priced at £10,750 for the three door, £11,220 for five door and is available in Superior White only.

Aimed at younger buyers, the Swift Attitude is based on the 1.2-litre SZ3 model but with a more sporty and aggressive styling. The 1.2-litre Dual VVT 94PS engine is one of the most powerful engines in its class but offers low emissions of just 116g/km and 56.5mpg on the combined cycle.

The Swift Attitude is based on the SZ3 grade and comes with seven airbags, ESP, air conditioning and USB port as standard but offers an increased vehicle specification with front fog lamps and rear privacy glass, plus Carbon fibre effect roof and door mirrors, rear upper spoiler in body colour, Carbon fibre effect ‘Attitude’ badging and 16-inch wheels in black paint finish.

Renault Twingo Renaultsport

Following its world debut at last autumn’s Frankfurt Motor Show, the French marque’s new-look Twingo Renaultsport 133 has been launched and the upgraded pocket-rocket bursts onto the scene on 2nd April when ordering opens, priced from £13,565 on-the-road.

The New Twingo Renaultsport 133 has enhanced styling and features new Renault visual identity with prominent logo and black detailing, plus specific black headlight and front foglight surrounds. From the back it sports several model-specific additions including a black rear spoiler, a special rear bumper incorporating a diffuser and aerodynamic extensions on the rear wheel arches.

Inside, the flagship Twingo has Renaultsport yellow stitching on the steering wheel and seats, together with white detailing for the top of the steering wheel, seat backs and cushions, rev-counter surround and air conditioning controls.

Core standard vehicle equipment on the latest revised Renaultsport includes F1-style front blade,  16” alloy wheels, Bluetooth, cruise control, electric Gloss Black door mirrors, ESC (with on/off switch), speed limiter, extra tinted windows and tailgate, Renaultsport exhaust with chrome tailpipe, plus Twingo’s versatile independent sliding and folding rear seats.

CO2 emissions have been reduced to 150g/km and the combined-cycle fuel economy improved by three per cent to 43.5 mpg. Its 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated engine still puts out 133hp at 6,750rpm, with 160Nm of torque available at 4,400rpm and the car has a top speed of 125 mph, with 0-62 mph time at 8.7 seconds.

SKODA Yeti Urban

SKODA is launching a limited-edition version of its Yeti compact SUV, called the Yeti Urban. It is based on the already popular SE trim, but adds up to £2,450 worth of extra equipment at no extra cost when compared to the SE vehicle specification. This new model is restricted to just 750 cars and will go on sale in April 2012.

It’s also the first model to be sold in the UK with DAB digital radio as standard and over and above SE trim, the SKODA Yeti Urban includes Amundsen+ satellite navigation, Bluetooth connectivity and a multi-function steering wheel to control the audio system and telephone.

Design features include 17-inch black-and-chrome ‘Matterhorn’ alloys, wheel arch extensions, chrome side strips, silver door mirror caps, silver roof rails and eye-catching roof stripes. While inside, you have the choice of red or black sports seats and sunset glass in the rear.

It will be available in two-wheel-drive with manual transmission only, and comes with a choice of two engines. The petrol option is the 1.2-litre TSI 105PS, which offers fuel economy of 44.1mpg (combined) and CO2 emissions of 149g/km. For diesel fans there’s the 2.0-litre TDI CR 110PS DPF, which offers figures of 52.3mpg (combined) and CO2 emissions of 140g/km.

The car’s exterior can be finished in one of four colours, with no extra charges for metallic paint and the options are Black Magic pearl effect, Candy White, Brilliant Silver metallic and Steel Grey metallic.

All-New Hyundai i20

Hyundai has released the first images of the All New i20, ahead of its world premiere at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show this week.

The new model features refreshed styling, enhanced standard vehicle equipment and the lowest CO2 emissions of any conventional powertrain car on sale today, at 84g/km.

The new 1.1-litre, 3-cylinder ‘U-II’ diesel engine generates 75 ps and when mated to Hyundai’s Blue Drive technologies, this derivative emits just 84 g/km of CO2 - a figure lower than any other car with a conventional powertrain. 

This ground-breaking new engine will also be offered alongside another sub-100 g/km diesel and with Blue Drive technologies, the upgraded 1.4-litre ‘U-II’ 90 ps engine emits 96 g/km.

Hyundai releases first images of All-New i20

The All New i20 sees the introduction of Hyundai’s fluidic sculpture form language to this popular supermini and includes the company’s signature hexagonal grille and new headlamp units.  The All New i20 gets a more contemporary profile for the front and rear bumpers, a new sculpted bonnet and new wheel designs as well.

Allan Rushforth, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Hyundai Motor Europe commented, “The i20 has been very popular with European buyers since it came to market in 2009, thanks to its combination of efficiency, quality, practicality and value.  With an enhanced engine line-up that includes the lowest CO₂ emissions for a conventional powertrain, and sharper styling influenced by fluidic sculpture, the All New i20 will appeal to a broader range of buyers, including younger consumers.  The assurance of our industry-best, comprehensive Five Year Triple Care package makes the All New i20 an even more attractive proposition.”

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.

New RS5

The new generation 450PS V8-powered coupe flagship, the RS 5, is enhanced by styling revisions, LED lighting updates, more efficient electromechanical power steering, more standard (and optional) equipment and is available now, priced at £58,725 OTR, with first UK deliveries beginning in April.

The new RS 5 Coupe certainly has impressive performance credentials with a 0-62mph in 4.5 seconds (previously 4.6), top speed electronically-limited at 155mph, MPG 26.9 (previously 26.2) and CO2 emissions at 246g/km (previously 252g/km)

It has had DVD navigation, Bluetooth phone preparation, cruise control and Audi Music Interface iPod connection added to its standard vehicle specification, with a new optional Sport Package added at £2,250, that includes Dynamic Ride Control, sports exhaust, dynamic steering and 20-inch rotor-design titanium-look alloy wheels

The  exterior styling updates include a slight revision to the grille design, a sharper and more pronounced bonnet, new wraparound LED daytime running lights and LED rear lights, new look front and rear bumpers and a new “10-spoke” design for the 19-inch alloy wheels.

Interior design changes include a new flat-bottomed RS three-spoke steering wheel and detail improvements to the air conditioning, Multi Media Interface, mirror adjustment and electric window switchgear, the gear lever and the instrument stalks. 

Like all RS models, the RS 5 Coupe applies its power to the road with its quattro permanent all-wheel-drive, plus a sport differential is available as an option (the sport differential actively distributes the power between the rear wheels via two stages).

To cope with all that power, large, internally-ventilated wave brake discs with eight-piston callipers and a 365-millimetre diameter at the front, ensure incredible stopping power. Or, for especially committed drivers, carbon fibre-ceramic brake discs are also available at extra cost, as is the Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) system. Audi car leasing prices on the new model will be loaded shortly.