Author: Victor Ivanov

  • 2012 Toyota Yaris Price – £11 170

    Toyota has announced the new 2012 Yaris for the UK. The car will be offered in four grades – T2, TR, SR and T Spirit. Cars are available to order now, with first deliveries to customers from mid-September.

    New Yaris will offer sharper, contemporary styling, a better quality, even greater agility and a breakthrough in affordable multimedia connectivity with Toyota Touch and Go.

    The TR trim level comes with include15” alloy wheels, air conditioning, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Toyota Touch with touchscreen audio controls, Bluetooth and rear parking camera.

    The SR is available exclusively with the 1.33-litre Dual VVT-i petrol engine. It features sporty elements both inside and outside. Equipment highlights include 16” alloy wheels, rear roof spoiler, front fog lamps, part-leather upholstery, rear privacy glass and lowered suspension.

    2012 Toyota Yaris interior
    2012 Toyota Yaris interior

    T Spirit focuses on premium features and is available in five-door format with the 1.33- litre Dual VVT-i petrol engine. The T Spirit grade includes a panoramic glass roof, dual-zone climate control, automatic headlights and windscreen wipers, auto-dimming rear view mirror and smart entry and start.

    The engine range includes : 1.0 and 1.33-litre petrol units and a 1.4-litre D-4D turbodiesel.

    The three-cylinder 1.0-litre VVT-i petrol comes with a 5-speed manual gearbox. It delivers 68BHP at 6000RPM and 93Nm at 3600RPM. Fuel consumption has been improved by four per cent to 58.9mpg and CO2 emissions are down by seven per cent to 111g/km.

    The 1.33-litre Dual VVT-i generates 98BHP at 6000RPM and 125Nm at 4000RPM. When matched to the new Multidrive S transmission, fuel economy is 56.5mpg and CO2 emissions are 118g/km.

    Multidrive S, Toyota’s latest continuously variable transmission (CVT), features a manual override, sequential seven-step mode that the driver can operate using either the gearshift lever or paddle shifts on the steering wheel.

    The 1.4-litre D-4D engine is fitted as standard with a diesel particulate filter (DPF) and is matched to a 6-speed manual transmission. It produces 89BHP at 3800RPM and 205Nm between 1800 and 2800RPM. The fuel consumption is 72.4mpg and CO2 emission of 104g/km.
    Check out the price list, below!

    2012 Toyota Yaris Price
    2012 Toyota Yaris

    2012 Toyota Yaris:

    MODEL ENGINE OTR PRICE
    T2 3dr 1.0 VVT-i 5MT £11,170
    T2 5dr 1.0 VVT-i 5MT £11,670
    TR 3dr 1.0 VVT-i 5MT £12,260
    TR 3dr 1.33 Dual VVT-i 6MT £12,760
    TR 3dr 1.4 D-4D 6MT £14,260
    TR 5dr 1.0 VVT-i 5MT £12,760
    TR 5dr 1.33 Dual VVT-i 6MT £13,260
    TR 5dr 1.33 Dual VVT-i 6MT MDS £14,260
    TR 5dr 1.4 D-4D 6MT £14,760
    SR 3dr 1.33 Dual VVT-i 6MT £13,335
    SR 5dr 1.33 Dual VVT-i 6MT £13,835
    SR 5dr 1.33 Dual VVT-i MDS £14,835
    T Spirit 5dr 1.33 Dual VVT-i 6MT £14,385
    T Spirit 5dr 1.33 Dual VVT-i MDS £15,385

    Source: Toyota

  • speedART forged 23″ CTS for Cayenne II, Q7 and Touareg

    The tuning company speedART has introduced CTS-FOREGED 23″ alloy wheels. The weight of a monobloc wheel is just 16,7 Kg, which practically is the same like an original cast 20″ wheel.

    The multi-spoke design features bi-color paint and the wheels are protected by a clear coat which give the polished spokes a very exclusive touch.

    The dimensions are 11J x 23” and they are made especially for all Porsche Cayenne, Audi Q 7 and VW Touareg – LK 5×130. Of course, the wheels are TUV-homologated and produced in Europe under very strict regulations of quality and safety.

    Definitely, these wheels will give your SAV better looks, especially, when the rims are fitted with extremely low profile tires.

    The prices are not announced, yet.

    speedART forged 23 CTS Porsche Cayenne II
    speedART forged 23 CTS Porsche Cayenne II

    Source: speedART

  • O.CT Audi R8 4.2 V8

    O.CT Tuning has introduced a reworked version of the R8 4.2i V8. The car boasts more power and better styling.

    O.CT Tuning GmbH has installed a compressor kit to the 4.2 liter V8 with 434PS (319 kW) and 430Nm (317 lb-ft). The kit includes: the „Black Compressor“ with CNC mastered aluminum holding system, tension pulley made by Good Year, custom made suction system, inner overflow-overpressure-system, crank case with vent system and a modified set of toothed belts.

    Finally, there is an ECU re-map to make sure that everything is working perfectly and the result is superb – 565PS and 560Nm of torque. 0 to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds and to 250 km/h in 24 seconds. Top speed – over 300 km/h.

    O.CT Audi R8 4.2 V8 also received bigger brakes and carbon fiber hood.

    Price list is not announced, yet.

    OCT Audi R8 4.2 V8
    OCT Audi R8 4.2 V8

    Source: OCT Tuning

  • 2012 Mercedes M-Class Price – 46 200 EUR

    Mercedes-Benz has announced the 2012 M-Class range price list.

    In Europe, the 2012 Mercedes M-Class is available in three versions, and with a choice between three engines – ML250, ML350 Bluetec and ML350 BlueEFFICIENCY.

    2011 Mercedes-Benz ML250 is powered by a 2.1-liter diesel engine with 204PS (150 kW) and a hefty torque of 500Nm (370 lb-ft). The more powerful ML350 Bluetec has a 3.0 liter V6 with 258PS (190 kW) and 619Nm (457 lb-ft). The performance is very good – 0 to 100 km/h for 7.5 seconds and top speed of 224 km/h.

    The petrol variant is ML 350 BueEfficiency with a 3.5 liter V6 with 306PS (225 kW) and 370Nm (273 lb-ft). The top speed is 235 km/h and 0 to 100 km/h takes 7.6 seconds.

    All engines come with a 7G-Tronic automatic gearbox delivering the power to an 4MATIC all-wheel drive system.

    The new M-Class has a selective damping suspension, while the Airmatic self-leveling air suspension and an Active Curve System with dynamic roll stabilization is available as an option.

    The safety includes Night View Assist Plus including pedestrian recognition, Speed Limit Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Active Park Assist and Distronic Plus.
    Check out the price list, below!

    2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
    2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class

    The prices of the new Mercedes-Benz M-Class at a glance*:

    Including 19% sales tax
    ML 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC €46,200 €54,978
    ML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC €49,350 €58,726.50
    ML 350 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY €47,700 €56,763

    *Prices in the German Market

    Source: Mercedes-Benz

  • 2011 Fiat 500 First Edition

    The Fiat 500 “First Edition” made exclusively for the Chinese. It features different graphics and nice equipment. There will be just 100 numbered units available to order  from July 12 to September 15.

    “The start of the pre-order stage is a fundamental stage for the 500 launch in China and will mark an important step forward in the joint project of Fiat and GAC”, said Lorenzo Sistino.

    “The objective of the 500 is to position our brand on this market because it is the model that best expresses the values of Fiat”., he added.

    The First Edition is based on the 500 Lounge and comes with a 1.4 litre MultiAir, the petrol engine – 101 HP (75 kW) at 6500 rpm and a torque of 133 Nm at 4000 rpm.

    The 500 will have many versions and special series, in addition to the 100 “First Edition” models. Next year we will be launching the 500C convertible and the exclusive “500 by Gucci” special series.

    2011 Fiat 500 First Edition
    2011 Fiat 500 First Edition

    Source: Fiat

  • Aston Martin Cygnet – birthday present

    Sir Stirling Moss has made a very nice present to his wife – Lady Moss. The culmination of six months planning and “secret” correspondence between Sir Stirling and Aston Martin to plan a surprise birthday present for Lady Moss.

    “My greatest partner in everything that I do, Susie is an amazing person and frankly the best wife a man could have. Since seeing a pre-production Cygnet in January I knew that it was the perfect car for Susie; a proper little piece of British luxury and perfect for our life in town.”, commented Sir Stirling Moss.

    Aston Martin Cygnet shares much in terms of design and craftsmanship with the company’s sports cars. It is of course hand-crafted at Aston Martin’s headquarters in Gaydon, taking 150 hours to complete. Furthermore, specifications for Lady Moss’s car include Sir Stirling’s choice of Aston Martin Racing Green, harking back to the company’s sports cars that Sir Stirling raced in the 1950s, as the paint colour. This iconic exterior has been complemented by a simple and elegant interior hand crafted in Obsidian Black leather with a contrasting coarse silver stitch, forming a typically understated combination.

    Sir Stirling’s own driving career with Aston Martin saw him drive a number of the company’s racing cars including the famous DB3S and DBR1 models with great success. This culminated in being part of the factory team that in 1959 secured the company the World Sportscar Championship following victories in the DBR1 at such prestigious races as the Le Mans 24-hour.

    Aston Martin Cygnet - birthday present
    Aston Martin Cygnet – birthday present

    Source: Aston Martin

  • Monster MK1 – “Frankenstein” car

    Here is an interesting car – Monster MK1. Practically, it is an experiment to see, which the worst combination of car parts, ever is. As you may suggest, there are part from the whole bunch of premium models currently on the market.

    The ‘body parts’ of the ‘Nightmare MK1’

    Make and Model Car part
    Audi A8 Brakes
    BMW M3 Suspension
    MG TF Engine
    Land Rover Freelander Gearbox
    Mercedes-Benz V-Class Ignition
    Renault Megane Electrics
    SEAT Alhambra Air-conditioning
    SEAT Toledo Heating & Cooling systems
    Volvo C70 Steering system

    The Warranty Direct-inspired horror vehicle would break down every other month and cost an average of £2,050 to fix each year.

    The Reliability Index is a unique tool that measures car reliability by considering average cost of repair, frequency of failure, age and mileage. Overall, the Monster Mk1 claims a Reliability Index figure of over 500 – more than five times that of the average car.

    “The Monster Mk1 represents the worst-performing vehicles in every sector, from suspension to electrics, on our roads today.”, commented Warranty Direct managing director, Duncan McClure Fisher.

    “The wide range of cars included in our special blend highlights how mostly reliable cars can be dragged down by one problem part.”, he added.

    Monster MK1
    Monster MK1
  • 2012 BMW 3-series and 1-series Performance Editions

    BMW has released two special edition models exclusively for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The manufacturer hits the market with two new Performance Edition models based on the popular BMW 1 Series and 3 Series.

    The 2012 BMW 1-Series Performance Edition comes with an M aerodynamic package, dark chrome 18” M light alloy wheels, High-gloss Shadowline exterior trim, dark chrome exhaust tailpipe and dark line rear lights. There are also M Sport Suspension, sport seats with Royal Blue stitching, M Sport multi-function leather steering wheel and gearshift leaver, floor mats with Royal Blue piping and London 2012 exterior badges complete the sporty look.

    The Performance Edition is available on the 116i, 116d and 118d three- and five-door models. Prices start at £19 530 OTR for a BMW 116i Performance Edition three-door.

    The 2012 BMW 3-Series Performance Edition also comes with M aerodynamic body kit, M sport multi-function leather steering wheel, sport seats, floor mats with blue piping, 18-inch light alloy wheel, chrome exhaust finisher and London 2012 exterior badges.

    Prices start at £23 195 OTR for the BMW 318i Performance Edition Saloon.

    The BMW Performance Editions are available in a choice of four colours; Alpine White, Titanium Silver, Bluewater and Black Sapphire, and are on sale now.

    2012 BMW 3-Series Performance Editions
    2012 BMW 3-Series Performance Editions

    Source: BMW

  • 2011 Vauxhall Corsavan EcoFlex Price – £13 048.33

    Vauxhall has price the new Corsavan 1.3 CDTi 16v with 95PS ecoFLEX, which boasts Start/Stop system and achieves sub-100g/km of CO2.

    The result is also thanks to a variable geometry turbocharger, lowered chassis, aerodynamic wheel covers and optimised gear ratios with a shift up indicator. These upgrades help the Corsavan ecoFLEX achieve Euro 5 compliancy as well as an impressive 78.3mpg on the combined cycle and 65.6mpg urban driving. The CO2 figure is just 95 g/km.

    “It’s great news that the Corsavan ecoFLEX is top of its class for CO2 emissions,” commented Steve Bryant, Vauxhall’s Commercial Vehicle Brand Manager.

    “Griffin-badged vans are well known for their low running costs and Vauxhall’s most economical commercial vehicle ever is further proof of this.”, he added.

    The new Coravan ecoFLEX model is priced at £13 048.33 OTR and orders can be placed from 11th July.

    2011 Vauxhall Corsavan EcoFlex
    2011 Vauxhall Corsavan EcoFlex

    Source: Vauxhall

  • 2011 Suzuki Swift SZ2 Price – £8 495

    Suzuki GB PLC has announced nice price tags for the Alto SZ2 and Swift SZ2 until the end of September. The Alto SZ2 is available for just £6 495 and Swift SZ2 three door for £8 495, representing customer savings of £1 325 on Alto; £1 715 on Swift SZ2 three door and £1 775 on SZ2 five door.

    2011 Suzuki Alto SZ2 comes with four airbags, electric front windows and remote central locking as standard. It also returns up to 64.2mpg and emissions of 103g/km meaning they qualify for an Annual VED charge of just £20.

    2011 Suzuki Swift SZ2 starts at just £156 per month, payable over three years. Suzuki’s popular low rate PCP Driveplans are also included in the VAT free campaign. This scheme assists customers preferring a small deposit, with 36 monthly payments from just £149 for Swift SZ2 and a final balloon payment to keep the car at the end of the agreement.

    The manufacturer also offers 2011 Suzuki Splash 1.0-litre SZ3 model for £198 per month over three years. For just £10 per month more, a Splash SZ3 with a new and more powerful 1.2-litre engine is available with low emissions of 119g/km and only £30 in annual VED charges.

    2011 Suzuki Swift SZ2
    2011 Suzuki Swift SZ2

    Source: Suzuki

  • Kelleners Sport BMW 1-Series M Coupe KS1-S

    Kelleners Sport has revealed a stunning tuning package for BMW 1-Series M Coupe. The project name is Kelleners Sport KS1-S and includes both – styling and performance upgrades.

    The high-revving inline six-cylinder engine with twin-turbochargers now produces whopping 410PS (301 kW), instead of the factory’s 340PS (250 kW) and a hefty torque – 550Nm (from 450Nm). The result is a decline in weight to power ratio from 4.4 to 3.8 kg per hp. The results are achieved thanks to a stainless-steel system and probably an ECU re-map.

    Kelleners Sport KS1-S stands on enormous Hamburg or Berlin design wheels in dimensions 9J x 20” at the front and 10J x 20” at the rear fitted with 245/30 R20 and 265/30 R20, respectively.

    The stance as well as the handling is improved with an adjustable coil-over suspension system.

    The exterior boasts decorative strips on the bonnet, roof and side sills. New front spoiler lip and a 3-part MS grill insert made of stainless-steel.

    The interior boasts top-quality perforated leather and velvety Alcantara in contrasting black and white, logos on the headrests and floor mats and a lot of aluminum elements. The sports steering wheel is fitted with Alcantara applications.

    Kelleners Sport BMW 1-Series M Coupe KS1-S
    Kelleners Sport BMW 1-Series M Coupe KS1-S

    Source: Kelleners Sport

  • 2012 Peugeot 508 RXH

    Peugeot has announced the new 508 RXH, which boasts styling elegance, high-level build quality and attention to detail.

    The exterior features LED lights, “floating” grille, interesting fog lights and aggressive front end. Finally, Peugeot let go the “big smile”, which looked ridiculous. Still, the 508 looks rather normal. It doesn’t have the spirit of the previous models.

    Otherwise, the 508 RXH benefits from special features with distinctive colours and luxurious materials, like the premium quality interior and upholstery. The top-of-range model comes with Open & Go  Keyless system, electric front seats, head up display, 18″ wheels, panoramic glass roof, dark-tinted acoustic laminated side windows, latest generation audio and satellite navigation unit as standard.

    The 508 RXH is powered by a 2.0-litre HDi HYbrid4 drive train, which offers 200BHP and 450Nm. The power is put on the road through four-wheel drive. Furthermore, it opens up new perspectives in the segment, offering a 100% electric mode (Zero Emissions), ideal for driving in town and for reducing consumption in the Combined Cycle to 67.2 mpg, with emissions of 109 g/km of CO2

    The 508 RXH will be unveiled as a world premiere at the Frankfurt International Motor Show in September 2011, and will be on sale in Spring 2012.

    If we get used to the new vision of Peugeot, the 508 RXH will be rather good choice for everyday car with its nice qualities. Still, we have to wait and see the price, which according to us won’t be low at all.

    2012 Peugeot 508 RXH
    2012 Peugeot 508 RXH

    Source: Peugeot