New Astra ecoFLEX

Vauxhall’s new Astra ecoFLEX 1.7 CDTi 130PS produces 20g/km of CO2 less than the Astra 1.7 CDTi 125PS and achieves its 99g/km CO2 figure using an all-new engine management system, a new variable geometry turbocharger, friction reduction to the piston rings and a friction-reduced six-speed gearbox.

All this new technology makes the new car a desirable fleet vehicle, offering 76.3 combined mpg yet still providing strong performance from the powerful diesel engine. CO2 reducing technology also includes Start/Stop, energy recuperation from the braking system, a clutch that activates the air-conditioning compressor only when needed, low rolling resistance tyres and standard LED daytime running lights (reducing energy consumption).

The ecoFLEX Astra should be in dealer showrooms later this year and full pricing and vehicle technical specifications should be released shortly. The car will be available in three trims: Exclusive, SE and SRi and we will load Vauxhall car leasing prices once the pricing has been announced.

New Mercedes-Benz M-Class SUV

Mercedes-Benz has released some initial details about their third-generation M-Class which sets a new benchmark in the SUV market. Average fuel consumption across the range has been improved by an average of 25 per cent and CO2 emission figures are equally as impressive as well.

At launch there will be three models available with the likely popular company car favourite being the ML 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC (diesel) which offers 47.0 combined mpg, CO2 emissions of 158g/km, 204bhp,  a 0-62mph time of 9.0 seconds and a top speed of 130mph.

There is also a new ML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC  (V6 diesel) offering you 41.5 combined mpg, CO2 emissions of 179g/km, 258bhp,  a 0-62mph time of 7.4 seconds and a top speed of 139mph. Finally the petrol engine model is the ML350 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY offering 33.2 combined mpg, CO2 emissions of 199g/km, 306bhp, a  0-62mph time of 7.6 seconds and a top speed of 146mph.

All cars have the permanent 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system improving performance in both on and off-road and a high standard specification is also promised too. Full UK pricing and vehicle specifications are yet to be announced and the new cars will go on sale in the spring of 2012.

New Hyundai i40 saloon

Hyundai is unveiling its new “fluidic design” creation, the Hyundai i40 saloon, at the forthcoming Barcelona Motor Show on the 12th May. This is the latest model to follow the new design language after the Hyundai i40 estate, ix35 and ix20.

The new i40 saloon has an attractive sculptured styling, high levels of interior comfort, has a wheelbase of 2.77 metres, best-in-class for front head (1025mm), shoulder( 1455mm), leg room (1170mm) and full vehicle specifications will be announced after launch.

Chevrolet Captiva SUV

Chevrolet has updated their Captiva SUV with a bold new styling, interior upgrades and enhanced equipment levels across the new range, which goes on sale in May of this year. All the new models come with premium features as standard such as Electronic Stability Control, Bluetooth, power-folding mirrors and speed sensitive steering.

There will be two engine choices for the UK market, both of which are variations on an all-new 2.2-litre diesel engine, either producing 163PS or 184PS. The 163PS model comes in six-speed manual transmission while the 184PS is available in manual or automatic (six-speed as well).

All LT and LTZ models, which are likely to be the favourite cars in the range, come with on-demand All-Wheel-Drive and seven seats as standard, making them ideal family cars, especially if you need some sure footed road capability as well. The 163PS models emits 170g/km of CO2 and 44.1 combined mpg while the 184PS manual emits 174g/km and offers you 42.8 combined mpg.

The new Captiva entry level model is the LS and even the front-wheel drive model comes with six-speaker CD system with MP3 compatibility, eight-way adjustable driver’s seat, two-piece glass flip tailgate, rain-sensor rear wiper,Thatcham 1 alarm, 17-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, electric windows and trailer provision. We hope to load Chevrolet contract hire leasing prices for the new models once the full pricing and vehicle specification has been confirmed.

All-new Kia Rio

Kia has released the first official photos of the all-new Kia Rio which will debut at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show next month. The new Kia Rio will go on sale in the UK from September as a five-door version with the three-door available from early 2012.

Rear side view

The new Rio has a new twist on the Kia family look giving it much more dynamic stance. It is also longer with the wheelbase being extended by 70mm and Kia promises better passenger space and comfort with the cargo space increased to 292 litres for the hatchback.

The inside promises a high of level of quality associated with larger models and the Rio also gets an exclusive range of super efficient and low CO2 petrol and diesel engines.

This will include a 1.1-litre diesel unit generating 70 ps with CO2 emissions from as low as 85g/km. There will also be a new high-performance 1.2-litre Turbo Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engine but this is not out until 2012. Full vehicle specifications and prices on the new Kia Rio will be launched nearer the on-sale date.

All-new Ford Ranger

Ford’s innovative all-new Ford Ranger has now made its debut at the Australian International Motor Show and boasts a list of new technologies, bold styling and a range of new engines. The Ranger introduces a 2.2-litre Ford Duratorq TDCi 14 diesel engine and a highly responsive 3.2-litre Ford Duratorq TDCi 15 diesel engine.

Ford Ranger

The new Ford Ranger promises exceptional towing capabilities and a volume capacity of 1.21 cubic metres and is bigger than its predecessor with six-speed automatic and manual transmissions on offer. The range of new features includes Voice Control, Trailer Sway Control and Adaptive Load Control and also will be the first pick-up to offer a rearview camera system for easy reversing and parking.

This new Ford pick-up will be available in three different cab body styles, 4×2 and 4×4 drivetrains and for example the Ford Ranger Double Cab offers ample knee clearance and better foot clearance for the three passengers in the rear. It certainly looks a winner and further details on the vehicle specification and pricing will follow in due course.

New VW Eos

The new Volkswagen Eos convertible coupe will make its public debut at the Los Angeles Motor Show on the 17th November, however Volkswagen has released some pictures of the new car now.

The car still features a five piece folding roof with an integrated tilt glass sunroof, which opens in just 25 seconds. The main design modification is the changes to the front grille that bring it in line with the new Passat, Polo and Sharan. The new grille has chrome highlights, plus a set of new headlights with optional LED daytime running lights.

Highlights inside include a leather multi-function steering wheel, air conditioning and a powerful eight-speaker CD stereo system and sports seats. The engines include the 1.4-litre TSI petrol developing 122PS, a 2.0-litre TSI petrol unit (210PS) and well as a 2.0-litre TDI developing 140PS. The diesel unit, in BlueMotion Technology specification with Stop/Start and battery regeneration systems, offers a combined mpg of 58.8. Prices and full vehicle specifications will be released closer to the launch date in November this year.

All-new VW Sharan

Volkswagen has launched their all-new Sharan people carrier making its debut at the Geneva Motor Show. The new vehicle is based on a completely new platform and now features twin sliding doors and a seven seat configuration. It is also 220mm longer than the old model and is also wider and lower, yet the weight has only increased by 30kg.

The access to the rear seats is via a large pair of sliding doors, which can be specified with electric motors to operate automatically if required. The centre row also has three individual seats that can be easily moved back and forth or just folded to create a flat loadspace.

All-new Volkswagen Sharan

The all-new Sharan is powered by a range of four petrol TSI and TDI diesel units linked to a six-speed manual or DSG (auto) gearboxes.

The entry level petrol model is the 1.4-litre TSI developing 150PS which returns 38.1 mpg and has a CO2 emissions of 172g/km. The 2.0-litre petrol model (mated to the DSG gearbox) develops 200PS and returns 32.8 mpg and has a CO2 figure of 201g/km.

The diesel range will probably be the popular option with company car drivers, with the 2.0-litre TDI 140PS returning 52.3 mpg while emitting only 143g/km. The 170PS 2.0-litre diesel returns 49.5 mpg and emits 152g/km of CO2. All models, except the 200PS model, come with Stop-Start and regenerative braking technology as standard.

The new Sharan will also offer for the first time, Adaptive Chassis Control offering you three driving experiences; normal, comfort and sport and in addition will also have Park Assist as an option. It will go on sale later in 2010 when full prices and all vehicle specifications will be announced.

2010 Nissan Navara & Pathfinder

The Nissan Navara pick-up and Nissan Pathfinder SUV have both been updated for 2010 with revised styling, more performance, improved emissions and better fuel economy and both models will be officially launched at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

New Nissan Pathfinder

The changes include a new 3.0-litre V6 flagship diesel engine plus improvements to the popular 2.5 dCi diesel. Additional equipment available includes a Nissan Connect Premium touch-screen satellite navigation system system, Bose sound system, rear view camera plus various interior and exterior design changes to update both models for 2010 and maintain their leading position in the all-wheel drive segment of the market. Full vehicle specifications should be loaded shortly.

New VW Touraeg

Volkswagen has unveiled their all-new Touraeg, promising 20 per cent more fuel efficiency than the model it replaces. The new vehicle also retains all the same attributes as before, with its excellent space, comfort, refinement and off road/towing capabilities.

New VW Touraeg

The all-new Touraeg has undergone exterior styling changes to follow the direction set by the Golf Mark VI and the new Polo. In addition standard models will feature eight-speed transmission, plus on the majority of new models, Start/Stop technology, touchscreen satellite navigation and leather upholstery are also on offer. Available in four trim levels, SE, Altitude, Hybrid and Escape, the new Touraeg will be powered by three engines as follows.

• 3.0-litre V6 diesel ( SE, Altitude and Escape) offering 38.1 combined mpg and CO2 emissions of 195g/km.
• 3.3-litre suprecharged V6 Hybrid offering you 34.4 combined mpg, 193g/km and 0-62mph in 6.5 seconds.
• 4.2-litre V8 (in Altitude trim) offering  31.0 combined mpg and 239g/km

Production for the model will start in June with deliveries commencing in August, however full pricing and vehicle specifications have yet to be announced.