Citroen has provided its first hint at the interior styling of the all-new DS3 by unveiling a new iteration of the DS Inside concept model.
At its launch in early 2010, the DS3 will present owners with an unprecedented range of touches to express their personality, and the haute-couture cabin of the latest DS Inside goes some way to previewing the level of detail and individuality that will be available. (more…)
A new model, new engines and new engine technologies are the key additions to the Volvo range for the 2010 model year, all of which offer enhanced drivability, lower CO2 emissions and improved fuel consumption.
Volvo C30, S40 and V50
The Volvo C30 SportsCoupe, S40 saloon and V50 Sportswagon DRIVe models now all feature the intelligent new Start/Stop function which brings CO2 emissions down to 104 g/km and improves fuel consumption up to 72.4 mpg. The sports-inspired R-DESIGN specification and body styling has also been introduced to the DRIVe range offering CO2 emissions of up to 119 g/km and 62.8 mpg in all three models1.
Prices for the C30 range start at £14,995 OTR for the entry level 1.6 S. The 1.6D DRIVe with Start/Stop variants start at £15,745. The S40 and V50 ranges start at £14,745 and £16,495 OTR for the 1.6 S models with the DRIVe with Start/Stop range commencing at £17,495 for the S40 and £18,845 for the V50.
Volvo XC60
A new front-wheel-drive variant of the Volvo XC60 is now available with the upgraded 2.4D 175 PS engine. This combination with a manual transmission reduces CO2 emissions to 159 g/km and is badged DRIVe. In addition to the lower CO2 emissions, fuel economy is also dramatically improved; from 37.7 mpg (combined) to 47.1 mpg, a 25% improvement. The new D5 engine is also now available in the XC60 offering up to an 11% increase in performance and an 8% reduction in CO2 emissions to 183 g/km.
Prices for the XC60 range start at £24,995 for the 2.4D DRIVe S model, with the new D5 engine joining the range at £26,745.
The Volvo XC70 benefits from the two new diesel engines – 2.4D and D5 – which join the range in SE specification and cost £27,995 and £31,495 OTR respectively. The 2.4D engine will only be available with front-wheel-drive and models with manual transmission feature CO2 emissions of just 159 g/km and will be badged DRIVe. It will also benefit from improved fuel consumption of up to 47.1 mpg.
Other changes to the XC70 range include a new front grille displaying the large iron mark and new steering wheel chrome highlights and chrome trim around the ignition area. Cars with the D5 and T6 AWD engines will also have visible twin rear exhaust pipes as standard.
As announced on 26 February 2009, the Volvo S80 has benefitted from a full re-fresh this model year, both externally and internally.2
The driving dynamics and ride of the new Volvo S80 have also been updated and improved by the introduction of two new chassis – the Lowered Dynamic Chassis and the Comfort Chassis. The Lowered Dynamic Chassis has been developed to offer drivers enhanced sporting driving characteristics and more responsive handling, while the Comfort Chassis offers a compliant and un-interrupted smooth ride. The introduction of these new chassis’ gives customers the opportunity to tailor their S80 to suit their driving style – for inspired, enthusiastic driving or relaxed comfort.
The Lowered Dynamic Chassis will be offered as standard on the SE and SE Lux models. The Comfort Chassis will be the only chassis available on the Executive trim level.
A new R-DESIGN Interior Pack has been introduced which includes Dynamic Sports leather faced front seats, R-DESIGN leather sports steering wheel and gearknob, instrument dials, aluminium pedals and sports floor mats. The pack is available on SE Premium and SE Lux premium models and is priced at £500.
Prices for the new Volvo S80 range start at £21,745 for the new low-CO2 emitting DRIVe SE model. The new 2.4D starts at £25,845 in SE specification, while the D5 joins the range at £27,745.
Volvo V70
The Volvo V70 gains the two new diesel engines with prices for the 2.4D starting at £26,845 OTR and £28,745 for the D5 both in SE trim. Changes to the V70 range also include a new front grille displaying the large iron mark and new steering wheel chrome highlights in SE and SE Lux and chrome trim around the ignition area. Cars with the D5 and T6 AWD engines now have visible twin rear exhaust pipes as standard.
The 2.5T engine has been updated to offer a performance boost to 231 PS and 340 Nm of torque. Despite this 13% increase in power the CO2 emissions have been reduced to 209 g/km and fuel consumption improved to 32.1 mpg with the manual transmission.
Prices for the Volvo V70 range start at £22,745 for the new low-CO2 emitting DRIVe model.
The 2.0D engine in the C70 has been updated to offer CO2 emissions of 158 g/km to enable the car to fall below the 160 g/km threshold for the Capital Write Down Allowance. The Volvo C70 range starts at £24,995 OTR for the 2.0D S model.
Volvo’s seven-seat XC90 receives a new, lighter chassis and new dampers designed to improve drivability. In spite of this new chassis there are no price rises for the XC90. The range starting price remains static at £29,995 OTR for the D5 Active model, while prices for the flagship Executive variant have been reduced for the 2010 Model Year. The Executive now starts at £42,985 OTR for the 3.2-litre petrol model, a decrease of over £4,000 with minimal specification changes.
The Volvo S80, V70, XC70 and XC60 all benefit from the new and improved D5 and 2.4D diesel engines which were announced earlier this year3. The new D5 engine with its twin sequential turbo charging offers a 20 PS performance boost to provide 205 PS and 420 NM of torque. Despite this power increase, CO2 emissions have been cut to 169 g/km in the XC70 and V70, 183 g/km in the XC60, while the S80 offers 164 g/km.
The 2.4D has also been upgraded and the new engine offers a 12 percent improvement in performance to 175 PS and 420 Nm of torque whilst bringing down CO2 levels to 155 g/km in the S80 and 159 g/km in the V70. In the XC60 and XC70 the 2.4D coincides with the introduction of front-wheel-drive and together, they reduce emissions to just 159 g/km. Crucially, this figure enables these two models to fall below the 160 g/km threshold for the Capital Write Down Allowance.
New Premium Pack and updated Satellite Navigation system
Volvo is offering the ultimate upgrade with an additional Premium Pack specification on all trim levels and engines in XC60, V70, XC70, S80, XC90 models for an extra £2,000. The Premium Pack includes the addition of Leather-faced Upholstery and Satellite Navigation System (RTI) in the XC60, V70 and XC70. On the XC90 the Premium model adds Satellite Navigation System (RTI), Dual Band Integrated GSM Telephone and Volvo On Call. Meanwhile the C70 also gets a Premium Pack for an extra £1,800 and features Satellite Navigation System (RTI), Bluetooth Handsfree System and Keyless Drive. The Premium Packs are designed to complement the existing high levels of specification on whichever engine or trim level chosen.
An updated Satellite Navigation system (RTI) has also been introduced in the XC60, V70, XC70, S80 and XC90 to bring them in line with the smaller cars in the Volvo range. A new driver interface, new colours and an improved premium feel to the menu and symbols are the key features and the unit costs £1,950 (including VAT).
All new MY’10 models are available to order now with first customer cars expected in July.
Continuing its inexorable product offensive, Renault has now released UK pricing for the new Laguna 2010 range, ranging from £16,795 to £25,650.
Featuring a new ‘GT’ sport look for the core-selling versions in the Hatch and Sport Tourer ranges, Laguna 2010 also introduces several new equipment features and ten eco² versions. Emphasising the increasing growth of Renault’s eco² programme, all eligible versions of Laguna 2010 will feature its badging, as well as the label as part of their full model name. (more…)
When it comes to environmental performance, new Prius’s achievements are not just about the fuel economy and clean running offered by its Toyota Hybrid Drive full hybrid powertrain. Toyota’s determination to reduce emissions and promote sustainability prompted it to research and develop the world’s first injection moulded material to be derived from plant matter. (more…)
The British team behind ‘Inspiration’ – the vehicle that will next month make an assault on the world land speed record for a steam-powered car – recently called on the skills of car care experts Autoglym as part of final preparations before the car is shipped to the USA for its record attempt. The Autoglym team was tasked with reducing surface drag and enhancing the appearance of the already stunning-looking car with a coat of its super-durable High Definition Wax. (more…)
The Jaguar XF has won the award for Best Executive Car at the 2009 Fleet World Honours, proving the growing popularity of Jaguar’s new sports saloon amongst the business community. The trophy was presented at a special ceremony held at the Royal Automobile Club, Pall Mall on Wednesday 20 May.
The awards are judged by a panel of experts representing the leasing industry, fleet managers, motoring journalists, residual value guides and Fleet World’s own editorial team. The judging panel, chaired by industry professional, George Emmerson, who has managed fleets at IBM, NHBC and Black Horse Agencies, considered residual values, maintenance costs, reliability, driver appeal and manufacturer back-up. (more…)
With 10,000 kilometres of gruelling validation at the world’s most fearsome and demanding test track now under their belt, the Vauxhall Insignia VXR hatch and saloon are set to raise the bar in their sector with a heady mix of high performance, practicality and sophisticated dynamics.
And now, adding even greater versatility to the range, Vauxhall can confirm that the Insignia VXR Sports Tourer will be the third body style to join the line up and will be available in UK dealerships this autumn, after enduring the same rigorous testing at the notorious Nürburgring Circuit. (more…)
Fifteen years ago the original RAV4 created a new market segment for compact, fun-to-drive SUVs. Now it is ready to raise the bar higher with improved performance, lower emissions and even better fuel economy. Thanks to new and revised powertrains with Toyota Optimal Drive technology, the 2009 RAV4 becomes an even stronger proposition for owners looking for quality, driving pleasure and keen cost-of-ownership performance. (more…)
The new Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S sets another milestone in the high performance luxury saloon segment. Conceived and developed as “a real driving machine in the guise of a luxury saloon”, the Quattroporte Sport GT S is the ultimate expression of Maserati’s sportiness in the Quattroporte range. (more…)
Each year Wörthersee plays host to the now legendary GTI meet, at which auto enthusiasts and of course Audi fans from throughout Europe come together. AUDI AG once again has its own stand at this extraordinary event. The brand’s appearance at the 28th Wörthersee Tour (from May 20-23) in Reifnitz, Kärnten (Austria), is dedicated to the centennial celebration “100 years of Audi.” In addition to historic models from various decades, the Ingolstadt carmaker is featuring showcase vehicles such as the Audi TT RS, the Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro and the Audi A1 Sportback. As a special highlight for the event at Wörthersee, Audi has prepared a customized Audi Q5 with 21-inch wheels, wider track, lowered ride height, a special paint finish and a power-enhanced 3.0 TFSI engine: the Audi Q5 custom concept. (more…)
The Cinema Against AIDS Gala in favour of AmFAR (the American Foundation for AIDS Research), the association in charge of fund-raising for the fight against AIDS, is to be held on 21st May 2009, during the 62nd edition of the Cannes Film Festival. The charity auction, now in its seventeenth edition, will be taking place at Hotel du Cap in Antibes this year. (more…)
RM Auctions, in association with Sotheby’s made history in Maranello as a 1957 Ferrari 250 TR, chassis no. 0714TR sold for €9,020,000 at the third annual Ferrari Leggenda e Passione event to set a new world record for the most expensive motor car ever to be sold at auction.
Returning to its Maranello birthplace for its auction debut, the €9,020,000 sale price represents €1,980,000 more than the previous auction world record which was set at the same sale last year. (more…)