The first prototype of the production Ampera today received its initial charge of electricity from the newly installed recharging station at Opel/Vauxhall’s European headquarters.
The Ampera extended-range electric vehicle will use the energy stored in its 16kWh lithium-ion battery to drive the first stage of the 370-mile journey from Rüsselsheim, Germany, to the Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland, without emitting CO2. (more…)
The Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid, so-named because this latest environmentally-focused technology demonstrator from Lotus Engineering produces 414 PS (306 kW) of power, promises breathtaking performance from a highly efficient propulsion system. The concept showcases new developments in plug-in, range-extended electric propulsion, new electronic technologies to enhance driver involvement, the adaptability of the Lotus Versatile Vehicle Architecture (VVA) that underpins the Evora 414E Hybrid and a dramatic new roof system and interior concept from Lotus Design. Through all of these aspects it ultimately demonstrates the exceptional ability of Lotus Engineering to integrate and develop advanced technologies for exciting, efficient, high performance niche vehicles. (more…)
Škoda Auto is unveiling the new-look Fabia and Roomster at this year’s Geneva Motorshow. Škoda’s compact cars have been given an exciting exterior redesign, plus a fresh range of engines, packed with new technology.
The new design accentuates the cars’ width, with a totally redesigned face that gives both cars a more dynamic look, increasing their road presence. Scout models have also been redesigned, with a new Fabia hatch version making its debut in Geneva. (more…)
Hyundai’s ix35 will cost from just £16,495 when it goes on sale on March 25th, making the stylish crossover a real alternative for buyers considering a conventional hatchback.
In fact, a combination of the low purchase price, economical running costs and high residuals mean that the ix35 is likely to cost less to run than mainstream family cars and MPVs with comparable engines.
Despite the price, the ix35 range has equipment levels that no rival can even dream of matching. This makes it attractive not just to private buyers, but also means company car drivers can choose an ix35 and actually pay less tax than on a mainstream hatchback or MPV. (more…)
Mercedes-Benz’ F 800 Style research vehicle is showing the future of premium automobiles from a new perspective, as the five-seat upper-range sedan combines highly efficient drive technologies with unparalleled safety and convenience features and an emotive design idiom, which interprets current Mercedes-Benz styling in line with the brand’s hallmark attribute of cultivated sportiness. The
F 800 Style has a spacious interior full of intelligent seating, operating, and display concepts. (more…)
The new Polo BlueMotion is available to order from Volkswagen Retailers today, with prices starting at £14,445 RRP on the road for the three-door, and £15,045 for the five-door model.
The new Polo BlueMotion adopts an all-new highly advanced 1.2-litre TDI three-cylinder common rail diesel engine developing 75 PS, and 133 lbs ft (180 Nm) of torque available from just 2,000 rpm. This new engine, combined with longer gearing through the five-speed manual gearbox, regenerative braking and an automatic Start/Stop system, help the new Polo BlueMotion emit just 91 g/km of CO2 while returning an impressive 80.7 mpg on the combined cycle. This grants the new Polo BlueMotion a theoretical range of over 800 miles on one tank of diesel.
These technological enhancements are accompanied by several cosmetic changes designed to maximise efficiency. Comprising bespoke bumpers, side skirts and an extended roof spoiler along with 15-inch ‘Greenland’ alloy wheels fitted with low rolling resistance tyres, they contribute towards making the new Polo BlueMotion among the most efficient vehicles currently available in the UK.
The Polo BlueMotion accelerates from a standstill to 62 mph in 13.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 107 mph.
Comfort levels remain high with manual air conditioning, cruise control and leather steering wheel fitted as standard. As with all models in the Polo range, a number of safety features are also fitted, including four airbags, ABS and ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme).
Hybrid Technology Development and Enhanced Product Appeal are the leading themes for Toyota’s presentation at the Geneva motor show, represented by a range of concept and production models that will be making their first appearance in Europe.
The occasion will mark the world-first appearance of the showroom-ready Auris HSD (Hybrid Synergy Drive), a model which marks a major milestone in Toyota’s programme to introduce its full hybrid powertrain technology across its entire model range by the early 2020s. (more…)
An enhanced interior offering more of what Infiniti does best – distinctiveness, craftsmanship, functionality – is the main change for the luxury brand’s sporting two-door cars, the G Coupé and G Convertible, for Model Year 2010. The move brings the V6-powered performance cars into line with the third G Line member, the saloon, which, it has already been confirmed, benefits from the same package of interior revisions for 2010 as well as exterior enhancements. In addition, Infiniti has introduced a new all-inclusive specification called Premium for the G and G Coupé in response to customer demand.
The new interior look centres on a redesigned console, based on that of the EX and FX crossovers. The revised console builds on Infiniti’s individual interior character, with its emphasis on natural materials and Japanese craftsmanship, while retaining all the ergonomic excellence of before. (more…)
Citroen has released first details of a striking new concept design that will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show. DS HIGH RIDER is the second concept associated with Citroen’s innovative and distinctively styled DS line.
Without denying the appeal of conventional coupés, DS HIGH RIDER represents a bold and radical vision of the future, combining compact dimensions with generous internal volumes, dynamic performance, sophisticated style and consummate quality.
Unlike traditional 4-seater coupés, with their long, low design, the DS HIGH RIDER is compact and muscular. (more…)
Opel will excite Geneva Motor Show goers March 4 when it unveils the Meriva – a fresh, innovative, flexible champion for the monocab segment. Opel also will exhibit the company’s push to be a leader of environmentally responsible motoring with the debut of its futuristic concept car, the Opel Ampera extended-range electric vehicle and new Corsa, a fuel miser with up to 13 percent saving in fuel consumption.
“Opel is driving innovation and environmentally responsible propulsion in Europe and wrapping it in stylish, expressive design. All of that will be on display in Geneva,” says Alain Visser, Vice President, Sales, Marketing & Aftersales of Opel/Vauxhall. (more…)
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the world’s best-selling two-seater roadster going on sale in the UK, Mazda is introducing a special version of the legendary Mazda MX-5 sportscar called, appropriately, the ‘Mazda MX-5 20th Anniversary Limited Edition’.
“British motorists have enjoyed a long-term love affair with the Mazda MX-5 which shows every sign of continuing to flourish through the next decade,” comments Mark Cameron, sales and marketing director for Mazda UK. (more…)
The Fiat 500 has been the forerunner of many new technologies and features such as Start&Stop, along with eco:Drive, Blue&Me, and Euro 5 engines. Now, Fiat’s popular range of city cars is to be further enhanced with the introduction of a powerful new 1.3-litre 16-valve MultiJet diesel engine.
The range’s out-going 75bhp MultiJet unit is being replaced with a more potent but also more environmentally-friendly 95bhp ‘MultiJet II’ version, which not only boasts improved mpg and CO2 emissions figures, but also incorporates Fiat’s acclaimed Start&Stop technology to further reduce fuel consumption when driving around town. The engine will become the most powerful diesel unit available in the A segment. (more…)