A special edition of the Fiat 500 convertible has been launched to celebrate the original model’s 60th anniversary. Over six million 500s have been sold worldwide since 1957.
Only 250 of the limited-edition convertible will be available in the UK. The first 60 will be individually numbered with a limited edition plate and certificate of authenticity.
The special edition 500 will feature a grey-fabric roof and a two-tone white and ivory paint finish. Chrome mirror covers and 16-inch alloy wheels with a white diamond finish complete the look.
The 500 is badged with vintage Fiat logos and a bespoke icon which incorporates a red ’60’ into the last two figures of the ‘500’ logo to create a ‘500-60th’ logo.
Inside, the same logo appears on the kick plates, while the steering wheel has a vintage Fiat logo. The bordeaux vinyl dashboard is complemented by bordeaux piping on the ivory leather seats. Ivory leather is also used for the gear knob and the 500 has bespoke floor mats.
The special edition Fiat 500 includes a multi-function steering wheel and seven-inch Uconnect touchscreen infotainment system as standard. It also has Bluetooth, satellite navigation, USB and auxiliary ports.
An ivory and burgundy colour scheme is used inside the cabin.
As standard, the Fiat 500 60th anniversary edition comes with rain and dusk sensors, cruise control, automatic climate control, fog lights and rear parking sensors. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto allow access to smartphone applications via the touchscreen.
The 60th anniversary special is available with the same three petrol engines found in regular Fiat 500 models. The 1.3-litre diesel engine is not offered.
Pricing starts from £19,240 for the 1.2-litre 69hp model with a manual gearbox.
The special edition Fiat 500 60th anniversary is now available to order and customers can expect to take delivery from July.
Toyota unveiled a hot hatch version of the Yaris and an autonomous commuter concept vehicle at the Geneva motor show earlier this month.
The two vehicles targeted very different automotive environments, which epitomises the issues facing manufacturers as they look towards the future of motoring. One is a performance model designed to appeal to the driving enthusiast, while the other is a vision of what the future holds for car owners with limited interest in actually driving their vehicles.
The new Toyota Yaris GRMN has been released to coincide with Toyota’s return to the World Rally Championship (WRC) after a 17-year break. The Yaris’ white paint finish with red and black detailing is designed to reflect the livery of the WRC car.
GRMN stands for “Gazoo Racing, Masters of the Nürburgring”. it may not be that catchy, but it signals the brand’s intentions for the hotted-up Yaris.
The Yaris GRMN features a new supercharged 1.8-litre engine producing over 205hp, which is paired with a six-speed manual transmission. That should see it outperform rivals like the Volkswagen Polo GTI or Renault Clio RS, at least in a straight line. And with a title that includes “Masters of the Nürburgring”, it will hopefully go around corners equally effectively.
Toyota’s European team were responsible for developing the new Yaris’ engine and designing the interior, while the chassis and braking system were developed by their Japanese counterparts. The car will be produced in Valenciennes, France.
A reinforced chassis and additional bracing are accompanied by shorter springs, dedicated shock absorbers and upgraded brakes. The Yaris’ suspension was tuned and tested on Nürburgring’s Nordschleife, as you’d expect with that name.
The new Yaris GRMN is offered exclusively as a three-door, unlike the rest of the freshly-updated Yaris range. It comes with 17-inch alloy wheels and a bespoke rear spoiler as standard. Dedicated front and rear bumper designs, a rear diffuser and a centre exhaust give further clues to the car’s sporting intent.
Inside, the front sport seats are joined by a leather-wrapped steering wheel and aluminium sports pedal set.
The new Yaris is the first GRMN model to be marketed in Europe, although they have previously been sold in Japan. The Yaris GRMN will be on sale in the UK from early 2018.
Toyota intends the i-Tril Concept to be a viable alternative to city cars, other all-electric models and motorcycles.
An electric motor housed in the axle unit powers the i-Tril, while it’s four-metre turning circle makes it suited to urban streets.
The i-Tril weighs just 600kg and has a tapered shape – the tracks of the 19-inch front wheels are 1,200mm, while the tracks of the 20-inch back wheels are 600mm.
The i-Tril features Active Lean technology, which Toyota has previously shown on the i-Road concept three years ago. A hinge between the rear axle and the cabin, allows the body and front tyre to lean, while the powered rear wheels remain perpendicular to the road surface. When the i-Tril is in autonomous mode and approaching a corner, a display panel alerts the occupants as to which way the cabin is about to lean.
The front wheels and wings are separate from the main body of the i-Tril. The butterfly-opening doors are hinged on a slope, giving easy access to the driver and passengers. Toyota insists that it is still possible to open the doors within a regular parking space.
As the doors open they remove a section of the floor, creating a smaller footprint. The front seat can swivel 20 degrees for easy access, whilst the front seat headrest is fixed to the roof and pivots down when the vehicle is switched on.
Toyota intends the i-Tril to be capable of operating fully autonomously, and is targeting a range of more than 185 miles between charges.
The i-Tril has no pedals and is instead operated by left and right-hand control nodes that work in a similar manner to a computer joystick or mouse. Steering, acceleration and braking are all controlled electrically via a drive-by-wire system. The multimedia and infotainment systems are voice controlled. The resulting interior layout is very minimalistic in design, with most of the traditional control points eliminated.
The i-Tril has a one-plus-two seating layout, much like a McLaren F1 supercar from the 1990s. The driver is positioned up front in the centre of the car, while the rear of the cabin accommodates a two-seater bench.
Toyota describes the i-Tril concept as “a snapshot of the kind of vehicle we might expect to see on city streets in the 2030s”.
McLaren Automotive has released a second design sketch of its forthcoming ‘Hyper-GT’, currently codenamed the McLaren BP23.
First announced in November 2016, the three-seater car, with a central driving position, will be a successor to the iconic McLaren F1.
Only 106 McLaren F1s were built between 1992 and 1999, and the same number of the new car will be constructed – all have already been sold at a rumoured price of £2m each.
McLaren Automotive describes the BP23 as ‘the most exquisitely crafted and luxurious road-going McLaren to date.’
Range-topper
the BP23 will also have a hybrid powertrain making it the most powerful and most aerodynamic road-going McLaren yet built, taking over from the current P1 at the top of the company’s Ultimate Series.
There are still very few details of the new car available. It is currently under development at McLaren Special Operations (MSO), the bespoke division of McLaren Automotive, and future owners are being consulted on colours and trims to make their cars personal to them.
First deliveries of the BP23 are expected in 2019. Rumours suggest it will debut carbonfibre technology that will expand across the McLaren model range.
Meanwhile hybrid powertrains are expected to feature much more prominently among the 15 new models that the brand plans to launch by 2022 under the ambitious ‘Track 22’ business plan, announced by McLaren Automotive CEO Mike Flewitt at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2016.
Kia unveiled two new additions to its hybrid family at this year’s Geneva motor show; both the Niro and Optima Sportswagon are now available as plug-in hybrids.
Michael Cole, chief operating officer at Kia Motors Europe, said that the “new plug-in hybrid versions of the Niro and Optima Sportswagon will help Kia achieve its 2020 target to improve fuel economy by 25% compared with 2014 levels.”
The Niro Plug-in hybrid combines a 105hp 1.6-litre direct-injection petrol engine with a 60hp electric motor, which is hooked up to an 8.9kWh lithium-polymer battery pack. The electric motor is about 40% more powerful than the unit used in the regular Niro hybrid, while the battery also has substantially more capacity than the 1.56kWh unit in the regular hybrid.
Kia says its engineers are targeting sub-30g/km CO2 emissions and an electric driving range of around 34 miles. Official fuel economy and emissions figures are yet to be announced.
Together the Niro Plug-in’s engine and battery pack produce around 160hp and a maximum torque of 265Nm. The Niro has a 0-62mph time of 10.8 seconds, 0.7 seconds faster than the existing Niro hybrid.
A six-speed double clutch transmission is paired with a transmission-mounted electric device (TMED), which is different from the CVT set-up typically used by hybrid vehicles. Kia claims that this option allows a more efficient transfer of power from the engine and electric motor to the wheels.
The Niro Plug-in hybrid’s powertrain combines a 1.6-litre petrol engine with an 8.9kWh lithium-polymer battery.
The Niro Plug-in uses regenerative braking and a driving assistant system to produce a more efficient drive. The system anticipates topographical changes and offers guidance on efficient driving. The infotainment system also displays the battery charge level and highlights nearby charging stations.
Kia has differentiated the Niro Plug-in Hybrid from the existing Niro hybrid with some minor cosmetic exterior updates. These include a new satin-finish chrome grille surround, chrome brightwork with a metallic-blue finish, LED headlamps and ‘Eco Plug-In’ badging. 16-inch alloy wheels are also available.
The Niro plug-in’s battery pack, located beneath the floor of the 324-litre boot, leaves cabin space unaffected. An optional towing pack facilitates the towing of braked loads up to 1,300 kg.
The Optima Sportswagon is the second of Kia’s two new plug-in hybrids.
Optima Sportswagon Plug-In Hybrid
Kia has built the Optima Sportswagon Plug-in Hybrid exclusively for the European market. The powertrain uses a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a 68hp electric motor and 11.26kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Unlike the Niro Plug-in Hybrid, the Optima makes do with a regular six-speed automatic transmission, with the electric motor replacing the traditional torque converter. The 200hp and maximum torque of 375Nm makes the Optima capable of 0-62mph in 9.7 seconds.
Kia is targeting an electric range of around 38 miles at speeds of up to 75mph and CO2 emissions of 34g/km. However, like the Niro, final range and emissions figures are yet to be confirmed.
To optimise efficiency, the Optima comes with regenerative braking and is offered with an advanced heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system which can be used to target the driver area only.
Inside, the Optima Sportswagon’s instrument display keeps the driver informed of the battery’s charge.
Updates to the Optima’s exterior include new bumpers, side skirts and wheels, chrome brightwork and ‘Eco Plug-In’ badging.
A new instrument display keeps the driver informed about the battery’s charge and driving efficiency. The eight-inch infotainment system, compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, displays current EV range and nearby charging points.
The Niro and Optima Sportswagon Plug-in Hybrids will be sold with Kia’s standard seven-year/100,000-mile warranty, which includes the lithium-ion battery packs.
Both hybrids are set to go on sale in late summer/early autumn 2017.
The Optima Sportswagon Plug-in Hybrid, like the Niro, comes with Kia’s seven-year/100,000-mile warranty as standard.
What is it?
The Suzuki Swift is the third-generation version of the brand’s best-selling supermini.
Key features
Lighter, more powerful and efficient, more technology.
Our view
The new version of the Suzuki Swift takes the model a significant step forward – Suzuki’s confidence in increasing sales should not be misplaced.
The Suzuki Swift is a very important car to the Japanese brand. Since a model name dating back to the 1980s was revived in 2005 on the brand’s first ‘global car’, the supermini has sold 5.4 million across the world. One million of these have been in Europe and 127,000 in the UK – in both continent and country, it is Suzuki’s best seller.
The current, second-generation Swift peaked at 13,300 UK sales as recently as 2015 and was still selling more than 11,000 last year despite the imminent arrival of the new one, so there is no doubt that the third-generation model’s arrival in June is eagerly awaited by Suzuki fans.
Exterior and interior
The latest Swift grabs the attention on first sight, and not just because a newly introduced exterior colour, ‘Burning Red’ is a head-turning, saturated shade. The not unattractive exterior of the previous model has been made bolder – Suzuki dubs the look ‘more emotional’ and it certainly makes a statement with a wide, aggressive grille, muscular arches and a very distinctive shoulder line.
Clever blacking out of the entire windscreen pillar, and similar treatment to a portion of the rear screen pillar (in which the rear doorhandles are placed) make a height reduced by 15mm look even lower, enhancing the purposeful appearance of the car.
To add the final touch, cars available to journalists on the European test launch event in France are to top GLX spec, equivalent to SZ5 in the UK, and so include distinctive LED light signatures on both the front and rear.
As well as that reduced height, the car is 40mm wider than its predecessor (and notably 40mm wider than Japanese-market Swifts), but also 10mm shorter. Suzuki’s latest ‘Heartect’ platform allows a 20mm longer wheelbase, freeing up more interior space including a boot enlarged by 54 litres to 265 litres. It also sees the overall weight of the car cut by some 100kg, good for both handling and efficiency.
On slipping inside both your correspondent and his driving companion immediately comment on the cossetting plushness of the seats – notably this upholstery is standard throughout the range, not just on top models.
The cabin is spacious and well finished, the dash functional with the overriding theme one of circular binnacles, giving a sporty look. A touchscreen infotainment system dominates the centre console, fitted to all bar entry-level models and on this range-topping version including full-colour satellite navigation as well as MirrorLink, Andorid Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration.
The screen is neatly angled gently towards the driver but I admit to still finding it the least user-friendly aspect of Suzuki’s cars, sliding such items as volume controls on the screen is less than precise while the navigation too often fails to keep up with the driver.
There is a second display on the instrument panel between the two main dials, mono on lower models and full colour on our test car, where it acts as a guide to which way power is flowing between the engine and the battery of the mild hybrid assist system fitted to our 1.0-litre Boosterjet model.
Circular theme to new car’s dash.
Display between dials monitors engine-battery power.
Touchscreen least impressive aspect of interior.
Plenty of rear-seat space.
Boot significantly enlarged over previous version.
Powertrains – on the road
The Boosterjet engine, with its 111hp, will be the big seller of the range. Its turbocharged output is 21hp more than the larger capacity 1.2-litre Dualjet unit, making the smaller-engined car faster to 62mph by 1.3 seconds, yet it returns 61.4mpg and 104g/km in standard form, just 3mpg and 6g/km behind the 1.2. Add in the SHVS hybrid assist and the Boosterjet matches the 1.2 on fuel economy and is a shade better on emissions.
More than that, it is a very willing engine – it pulls strongly from low down the rev range like a petrol engine shouldn’t, which proves a boon on a launch event test route that includes a series of hairpin bends climbing and descending the mountainous roads between Nice and Monaco.
Suzuki claims to have carried out extensive testing of their car for Europe on the roads of Europe, or more specifically in the UK and Germany, starting in January 2016. We’ll hold out on a firm view until we get to try a right-hand drive version on the uniquely challenging road surfaces of Britain, but first impressions are good.
The car rides well and smothers the worst bumps, particularly the vicious ramps entering and leaving villages, though extended lengths of uneven surface can make it a little skitty. Its cornering performance is excellent – the Swift turns in exactly where aimed and maintains its poise with good feedback from the wheel, and little body roll.
Equipment levels
UK Swifts will adopt Suzuki’s usual format of SZ3, SZ-T and SZ5 trim levels. The former base market SZ2 grade has gone, as has a three-door body option, because nobody buys three-door small cars these days.
Equipment is impressive – entry-level cars include such niceties as Bluetooth connectivity, air conditioning, DAB, privacy glass, LED daytime running lights and a leather steering wheel.
Suzuki expects as much as half of all Swift sales to be of the mid-range SZ-T version, particularly as you can’t buy a SZ3 with the Boosterjet. Specification add-ons include a rear-view camera, the touchscreen with Smartphone integration, 16-inch alloy wheels and front fog lamps.
Range-topping SZ5 versions, meanwhile include auto air conditioning, a layer of polish on the alloys, satellite navigation, keyless entry and start, electric windows all round, LEDs on front and back, adaptive cruise control and six speakers instead of four.
These cars are also fitted with the top safety specification, the Advanced Forward Detection System. This combines a laser sensor and a camera to provide autonomous emergency braking, lane departure control and an assist function to the high-beam headlamps. Its DSBS – Dual Sensor Brake Support – can run through the options from warning the driver of a collision risk to initialising brake assist to increase braking force if the driver panic brakes, or even full autnomous braking in a final attempt to avoid an impact.
Suzuki tells us an all-wheel-drive variant will also be available on SZ5 grades, though the brand is not revealing yet whether like its predecessors the new Swift will spawn a performance pitched Swift Sport model – we think it quite likely.
The other big unknown is price – these will not be announced until the end of April, just over a month before the car hits UK roads. With there now being no base, three-door option the former £9,000 entry point is likely to be nearer £11,000. But Suzuki is just as likely to maintain the value-based pricing structure which has seen its most recent release, the Ignis, selling at 50 per cent above expectations.
On this basis, the brand’s aspirations towards putting the Swift in the supermini top 10 by swelling annual sales to 20,000 or more may well be realistic. Aside from the less than stellar touchscreen infotainment, the new Suzuki Swift is an impressive package and a definite step forward.
Models Tested:Suzuki Swift 1.0 Boosterjet SHVS GLX (equiv SX5)
On Sale: June 2017
Range price:TBA
Insurance groups: TBA
Engines: Petrol 1.0, 1.2.
Power (hp):90, 111
Torque (Nm): 120, 170 (160*)
0-62mph (sec):11.9, 10.6
Top speed (mph): 111, 121 (118*)
Fuel economy (combined, mpg): 65.7, 61.4 (56.5*, 65.7**)
CO2 emissions (g/km): 98, 104 (114*, 97**)
Key rivals:SEAT Ibiza, Kia Rio, Skoda Fabia.
Test Date: March 2017
* = with auto transmission. ** = with hybrid.
All figures for 2WD models.
What is it?
The latest version of the Renault Zoe electric supermini.
Key features
New battery increases official range to 250 miles. New top trim level, updates across range
Our view
The Renault Zoe is a definite contender amongst its electric rivals, particularly considering its versatile purchase options and now its range.
This writer believes that the Renault Zoe is a much-underrated car. While the Leaf from sister brand Nissan continues to grab all the headlines associated with it being first to the party, the Zoe has built itself a loyal following since the car’s launch in 2012 and was the best-selling electric car in Europe in 2015.
Now for 2017 Renault has introduced a facelift for the Zoe, the major headline of which is a new 41kWh battery. This is almost double the capacity of the original 22kWh battery and pushes the Zoe’s official range to 250 miles.
While Renault claims that this gives the Zoe the longest range of any mainstream electric vehicle, we are also told that the car’s ‘real-world’ range between charges is now between 124 miles in extreme cold and 186 miles in ‘temperate’, in other words typical, conditions. This, of course, makes the Zoe a very practical car indeed – how often does the average motorist clock up more than 186 miles in a day?
A larger-capacity battery does mean longer charging times of course – the 22kWh unit, which is still available in the entry-level Expression model, takes four hours to charge fully using a 7kW home point, or an hour to 80 per cent capacity at a 43kW charge point like one finds at motorway service areas.
The new Z.E. 40 battery ups these charging times to 7hr 25min and 1hr 40min respectively, but one can buy an optional quick charger for on-the-road use which cuts the 80 per cent time back down to an hour and five minutes. That’ll give you well over 200 miles range with one stop, and an hour is just right for lunch…
Other changes to the 2017 Zoe include the addition of a new range-topping trim level, Signature Nav, which among other things includes the quick charger as standard. Also offered on this trim level are leather upholstery, a seven-speaker Bose audio system, rear parking camera, bespoke 16-inch alloy wheels and lumbar adjustment on the driver’s seat.
Across the range the interior and exterior are mildly modified and there are three new exterior colours, Mars Red, Titanium Grey and Ytrium Grey, the last only on Signature Nav cars.
The biggest difference between the Renault Zoe and its great rival the Nissan Leaf, in this writer’s opinion, is in exterior looks. The Leaf, with its squared-off, slanted rear end, looks different enough to be identified as such, an electric car. The Zoe, however, looks just like any other supermini – it could just as easily be a traditional petrol/diesel sister to the Clio and Twingo and is very closely related to the former.
It’s a big car for its market, more than 100mm taller than a Clio, and the batteries under the back seats elevate the cabin producing a quite high, upright, seating position. There is plenty of space, enough to carry five adults within, and while the batteries compromise some of the practicality, the shape of the floor when the rear seats are dropped for example, the boot space of 338 litres is some 38 larger than a Clio’s.
Those that have driven the Clio will find the interior familiar, as the dash is the same, though fitted with a digital display which supplies important information such as how much battery power one has left, and when the battery is being recharged under coasting or braking – be warned, you can end up changing your driving style trying to up your figures!
On the road
Again, the Zoe scores because it is so normal. Having inserted the keycard one puts the auto gearbox into drive and presses the accelerator, and off it goes. The experience is just like driving a typical supermini, but without the noise – the only sound is an artificially generated whine at low speed, basically to warn pedestrians that the car is coming. We understand this can be turned off.
This is not a fast car, its 0-62mph time over 13 seconds, but it feels nippy in its natural environment of urban streets. At speeds under around 40mph the torque of the electric motor is at its most efficient, and the Zoe reaches 30mph in a mere four seconds.
It’s much less fun at high speeds, on a motorway for example, because above 60mph it seriously struggles for pace. Steep gradients cause similar issues, it will get up them, but not in any hurry.
The Zoe rides in adequate fashion, though its cornering performance is staid, lumbering through the bends with a degree of body roll. The braking is a bit harsh too, taking the gloss from the car’s refinement.
Charging easy through bonnet socket.
Buying a Zoe
Electric cars are not cheap and on the surface the Zoe is no different, but there is a way to spread the cost. Renault offers the option of either buying the car and battery outright, or leasing the battery and paying a monthly fee that varies based on one’s expected mileage. This also answers those concerned about the staying power of the battery, though Renault does offer a five-year/60,000-mile warranty that includes the battery retaining at least 75 per cent of its original capacity.
For example if you choose the iDynamique NAV model, the second trim level and first available with the new battery, you’ll pay £23,445 outright, or £17,845 plus battery lease. This ranges over six levels from £59 a month for cars doing an annual mileage of 4,500 miles or less, to £99 for up to 10,500 miles or £110 for unlimited annual mileage.
It’s also worth mentioning one can still buy the Zoe with the original motor, so the very cheapest one can get into the car is £13,995 plus battery lease – these prices all include the Government’s plug-in car grant. And every retail purchase of a ZOE includes supply and installation of a 7kW fast-charger home wall box.
Verdict
The Renault Zoe won’t write headlines for its roadholding and handling but in the urban environment that electric cars are excepted to populate it becomes a leading contender. With its practical purchase options, it should be considered by anyone wanting to go electric.
Model tested:Renault Zoe Z. E. 40
Price: £23,445-£26,245 (With leased battery £17,845-£20,645)*
On sale: Jan 2017.
Engine: Electric motor, 92hp, 220Nm
0-62mph and max speed: 13.5, 84mph
Range and CO2 emissions: 124-186 miles (real-world), 0g/km
Key rivals: Nissan Leaf, Volkswagen e-Up
Test date: Feb 2017
* = Prices factor in Government plug-in car grant
Lotus has done what many would have thought impossible, and reduced the weight of its already tiny Elise sports car to create the Lotus Elise Sprint.
The new diet has brought the featherweight Elise’s weight down by 41kg to just 798kg (dry weight, not kerb weight). Continuing the model’s evolution since first being unveiled more than 20 years ago, the Elise Sprint features more carbon fibre and other weight-saving measures to bring its dry weight below 800kg – which is frankly tiny for a modern car of any description.
Following founder Colin Chapman’s mantra of “adding lightness”, Lotus has replaced the conventional battery with a lithium-ion unit, saving 9kg. New lightweight alloy wheels have saved 5kg, while the rear windscreen is now polycarbonate rather than glass, saving another 6kg. Carbon fibre has been used to good effect, being used for new racing seats, access panel, roll hoop cover and engine cover.
Revisions to the front and rear styling have also contributed 10kg in weight reduction, which will be rolled out across the Elise range and not limited to the Elise Sprint. The same applies to the beautiful open-gate manual gearbox, which saves another kilo. The final claimed weight for the Elise Spring also includes optional, lighter brake discs (a 4kg saving) and carbon sill covers (saving just under a kilo).
Styling tweaks to the Elise Sprint models include a matt black transom panel in front of the windscreen, black-painted alloy wheels, some go-faster stripes and badging. Inside, seat inserts have been colour-coded to the bodywork, as has the transmission console and HVAC panel. Alcantara trim on the doors, sills, seats and vent surrounds is available at extra cost.
Two engines are available across the Elise range, and have not changed for 2017. A 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated unit produces 135hp, while the 1.8-litre supercharged unit produces 220hp. Lotus has spent time improving the “aural appeal” of the 220hp engine option. The company claims that the 1.8-litre supercharged Elise 220 (in Sport or Sprint trims) is “the best-sounding four-cylinder car on the market”.
Lotus Elise Sprint – exterior
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Lotus Elise Sprint
Lotus Elise Sprint
Lotus Elise Sprint
The weight reduction programme is claimed to improve 0-62mph acceleration of the Elise Sprint to just 5.9 seconds.
The whole Elise line-up has been upgraded at the same time as the Sprint model is launched. As mentioned, the revised front and rear assemblies have saved a total 10kg in weight. At the front, a lighter clam panel and wider grille apertures have saved 8.7kg. At the rear, two of the tail lights have been ditched and the rear fog lights have been repositioned, saving 300g and visually boosting the appearance. The open-gate gearbox is now standard across the range, and promises a better shift as well as a gloriously technical look.
In a nod to life in the 21st century, all Elise models can now be ordered with a new stereo featuring iPod and Bluetooth connectivity. Not as standard, obviously, but available. And a new “electric light blue” paint finish has been added to the colour palette.
With the reduced weight and altered weight distribution, Lotus has also worked to balance the Elise’s aerodynamics with vanes and elements underneath the bodywork to reduce drag and increase stability.
Lotus has built about 33,000 Elise models in various configurations since 1994, and the latest versions are on sale now. First deliveries are expected from April.
The all-new Audi RS 5 Coupe made its debut at the Geneva motor show last week, representing the apex of the new A5 range that has rolled out over the last six months.
The second-generation Audi RS 5 has a new 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 engine to replace the old model’s 4.2-litre naturally-aspirated V8 unit. The new engine, which has already been seen in sister brand Porsche’s Panamera, produces the same 450hp as the previous model, but with an increase in torque – now at 60Nm – across a wider range. The new engine is almost certain to be fitted into the new Audi R8 at some stage soon as well.
As well as improved output from the engine, the new RS 5 has been on a diet, weight has reduced by 60kg over the previous model. As a result, Audi claims that the 0-62mph time has reduced to 3.9 seconds, half a second quicker than its predecessor. The lower kerb weight should also result in improved handling, something the original RS 5 was heavily criticised for.
The quattro all-wheel drive system distributes drive to the front and rear axles in a 40:60 ratio, giving the new RS 5 a slight rear-wheel-drive bias. A torque vectoring sports differential will be available at additional cost.
Interestingly, Audi has replaced the old car’s double-clutch automatic gearbox with an old-school torque converter automatic transmission, although it has eight ratios compared to seven previously. This is presumably an attempt to improve emissions and fuel consumption on the official test cycle, rather than a decision to improve the driving experience.
The weight of the RS 5 has been reduced by 60kg. An optional carbon roof and ceramic brakes offer scope to reduce this further at extra cost.
The new Audi RS 5 is allegedly the first car to benefit from Audi Sport’s new design philosophy, though as with any Audi design evolution, it is an extremely subtle shift in direction. Inspiration has been drawn from the Audi 90 quattro IMSA GTO racing car from the 1990s, though you would need to be a bit of an Audi fanatic to spot that.
Audi Sport claims that the koala-nose radiator grille (not an official term…) is wider and flatter than the regular A5, and the front and rear wheel arches have been pumped out in the usual RS style.
The new RS 5 comes with 19-inch alloy wheels as standard, with 20-inch wheels available. Customers can choose from the usual gloss black, carbon and matt aluminium packages, whilst Audi Sport offers an exclusive metallic Sonoma green paint finish.
Inside, the cabin gets the traditional RS treatment, with red highlights and stitching on the steering wheel, selector lever, seats and seat belts. The leather sports seats are available with diamond stitching, and RS logos are splashed across the cabin to remind your passengers that this is not a regular A5 diesel. The virtual cockpit display has been upgraded to provide information on tyre pressure, torque and g-forces.
The interior follows the layout established by the rest of the A5 range, and although UK specification has not yet been announced, it is reasonable to expect that the RS 5 will be equipped with a high level of comfort and safety equipment.
Order books for the Audi RS 5 Coupe are due to open in May, and the first customers can expect to take delivery of their cars in the Summer. If you like the sound of the RS 5 Coupe but would prefer it to be a bit more wobbly and blustery, a Cabriolet version is almost certain to be announced in coming months.
An upgraded Toyota Yaris range has gone on sale in the UK, including a new 1.5-litre petrol engine and improved safety features as standard equipment.
The new Yaris is the first vehicle in the Toyota range to use the company’s new 1.5-litre petrol engine. The Toyota Safety Sense package, which includes a pre-collision system, lane departure alert and adaptive cruise control, will feature as standard on all Yaris models.
The new Toyota Yaris made its debut at this month’s Geneva Motor Show, and the vehicle is now available on the UK market with six trim levels to choose from. The slower-selling three-door body style has been discontinued, so all new models will be five-door hatchbacks.
The new 110hp 1.5-litre engine replaces the former 1.33-litre unit. Toyota claims it is 10 per cent more powerful, and will achieve better fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions. It is available with both manual and automatic transmissions.
Additionally, the Yaris Hybrid model has received some extra attention to improve its refinement. A re-engineered subframe for the hybrid components is paired with new engine mounts, front driveshafts and roll restrictor to reduce noise and vibrations under acceleration.
The Yaris’s £78million overhaul also results in changes to the exterior and interior styling of the vehicle, as well as improved equipment specifications across the board.
The Yaris Hybrid has been redesigned to improve refinement
Entry-level Active trim models include equipment such as rain-sensing windscreen wipers, Bluetooth and a six-speaker audio system. Icon is the next trim level up and offers 15-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, the Toyota Touch 2 multimedia system and a rear-view camera. Icon Tech trim adds front parking sensors and Toyota Touch 2 with Go, which includes satnav and access to online services.
Design and Bi-tone models focus mainly on new cosmetic features, such as 16-inch alloy wheels, LED rear lights, rear privacy glass and a rear spoiler. The Bi-tone option offers a choice of contrasting exterior colour options and matching trims for the dashboard and door panels, and also includes power windows and LED daytime running lights.
Finally, the top-of-the-range Excel grade offers automatic headlights and part-leather and Alcantara seat upholstery.
The new Yaris is yet to be tested by Euro NCAP, but its predecessor achieved a five-star rating and the standard fitment of the Toyota Safety Sense package will certainly help the new model.
The new Toyota Yaris range is now available to order from all Toyota dealers.
Nissan has added a new limited-production Black Edition to the LEAF electric vehicle range.Available from now until August, the LEAF Black Edition pricing starts at £26,890 (including the government’s plug-in vehicle grant).
The Black Edition gets the larger 30kWh battery from the LEAF range, which gives an official range of 155 miles. However, as with any official economy and range figures, in the real world this figure is likely to be significantly less. The LEAF Black Edition package is based on the existing Acenta specification, and adds LED headlights, black-painted alloys, black door mirror caps, black roof spoiler, rear privacy glass and 360-degree camera system. And the floor mats get blue stitching. The model is only available in two colours; white or black.As an additional incentive, the first 200 customers to buy a LEAF Black Edition will receive a free wi-fi hotspot capable of pairing with up to eight devices.All LEAF models are currently available with a 0% PCP finance offer with no minimum deposit and three years’ free servicing. In conjunction with the finance offer, Nissan is also offering a year’s free insurance (terms and conditions apply).
Aston Martin has launched a performance sub-brand called AMR, which will offer higher-performance versions of its core models.
In a similar vein to Mercedes-Benz’s AMG department, or BMW’s M division, AMR will offer motorsport-inspired upgrades to Aston Martin models – and the company hopes that the new programme will become as lucrative as those of its rivals.
Aston Martin showed off the first two examples of its new performance brand at last week’s Geneva motor show; the Rapide AMR and the Vantage AMR Pro. The vehicles demonstrate the two tiers of upgrades planned, although both are still concepts at this stage.
The first tier AMR models will be developed alongside the regular models, much like an “M-Sport” specification BMW or an “S” specification Audi. The more highly-developed AMR Pro models, however, will be developed separately by Q by Aston Martin Advanced Operations, the company’s in-house personalisation and performance department. Q Branch was responsible for developing the mighty track-only Aston Martin Vulcan, as well as the Vantage GT12 and GT8 models.
Marek Reichman, Aston Martin’s chief creative officer, described the positioning of the new factory speed shop: “AMR enables us to take Aston Martin into a new dimension. One where we can turn-up the sporting DNA present in all of our models and make a true statement.
“An AMR model will have an instantly-recognisable design language. One that accentuates and amplifies, together with the latest GT race car technology for the road. They will be special and rare cars that are credible, thrilling to drive and hugely desirable to own.”
The two concept vehicles displayed in Geneva were the Rapide AMR and the Vantage AMR Pro.
Aston Martin Rapide AMR
The Rapide AMR represents what Aston Martin calls “tier one” of the AMR programme. The AMR line is aimed at a level below the Vantage GT8 and GT12 models, offering race-inspired styling and limited performance updates but stopping short of the more extreme models. The company plans an AMR version of every model in the range.
The Rapide AMR’s 6.0-litre V12 engine gets a 40hp boost over that in the regular Rapide S, up to 600hp and channelling its increased output through a new quadruple exhaust system.
Visually, the Rapide AMR is distinguished by a new front bumper/splitter/grille combo, rear bumper/diffuser and integrated rear decklid spoiler, along with a new set of 21-inch wheels. Carbon fibre is splashed across various trim bits and pieces, and the whole thing is topped off with a “vibrant” lime green stripe. Inside there is a special order of alcantara and carbon fibre, again with bright green accents.
Aston Martin describes the Rapide AMR as “a fabulous fusion of race car attitude with a luxurious crafted twist”. It has committed to a production run of 210 cars, which will presumably see the Rapide through to the end of its life cycle.
Aston Martin Rapide AMR
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Aston Martin Vantage AMR Pro
The Vantage AMR Pro is a track-only, more extreme development over the standard production model. Power jumps from 430hp (standard Vantage S) to 507hp in the Vantage AMR Pro, using a development of the engine used by the GT4 racing Vantage.
The factory racing programme has also donated a range of components for the Pro-spec Vantage. Adjustable suspension and competition-spec solid mountings for the engine and transmission are part of the package, as are centre-lock 19-inch racing wheels with semi-slick Michelin Pilot Cup 2 tyres.
The bodywork also gets a helping hand from the championship-winning WEC team, with the bonnet and rear wing coming straight from Aston’s Le Mans challenger. This is matched with a new front bumper/splitter/valance/grille assembly, new front wings, side sills and rear bumper/diffuser. And, of course, the lime green go-fast stripe.
Step inside the Vantage AMR Pro and you will find that Q Branch has installed a bespoke roll cage, as well as lashings of carbon fibre and alcantara (with the obligatory lime green highlights).
Aston Martin has said that it plans to build “no more than seven” of the Vantage AMR Pro models. Pricing was not disclosed, but it’s reasonable to assume that you will pay a handsome sum for the privilege of a Vantage AMR Pro.
The Geneva motor show is always an amazing event, with more new metal than you can possibly get around to seeing unless you spend the show’s whole two-week run poking around every car on every stand.
This year’s event certainly lived up to expectations, with dozens of fantastic new production and concept cars being unveiled and launched. We’ve covered as many as we could in the last week, but there were many more we didn’t have time to include.
So, what were the absolute highlights of a Geneva motor show filled with highlights? Here’s our stab at it, but you may have your own favourites.
New supercars
The Geneva motor show is traditionally the show of choice for supercar manufacturers to launch their latest rocketships into public view, and 2017 was no exception.
The Ferrari 812 Superfast caused the biggest traffic jam at Palexpo, as almost everyone in the building crammed around to see the covers being pulled off Ferrari’s new flagship. With 800hp on tap, the 812 Superfast has some 60hp more than its already-very-fast predecessor, the F12 Berlinetta. So it will be Superfast by name and nature.
The McLaren 720S is the first of a new generation of McLaren Super Series models, and the vital statistics suggest a massive jump in performance over the 650S it replaces. The panda-eyed McLaren also goes head-to-head with Ferrari’s 488 highly-acclaimed GTB, so we all await the inevitable comparisons which will fill car magazines over the next year.
Ferrari 812 Superfast
McLaren 720S
Aston Martin Valkyrie
Lamborghini Huracan Performante
Lamborghini Aventador S
Aston Martin revealed a name and some more information about its upcoming hypercar, designed and developed with legendary F1 designer Adrian Newey. The Aston Martin Valkyrie will cost about £2 million, and the company claims that it has already sold every vehicle in the strictly limited production run.
Lamborghini showed off its new Huracan Performante, a powered-up and stripped down version of the regular Huracan V10 coupé, along with the new flagship V12 model, the Aventador S.
Pagani had a convertible version of its amazing Huayra supercar on show. Only 100 will be built, so if you’ve already missed out on a Valkyrie then you’d better get in quick.
One of the more unexpected supercar launches was the all-new RUF CTR Yellowbird. Yes, it is definitely all new, despite the fact that it looks just a restomodded 1980s Porsche 911. To celebrate the 30-year anniversary of the original CTR, RUF has built a bespoke carbon monocoque and steel frame, which holds a 700hp 3.6-litre flat-six engine (again, all new and allegedly sharing no parts with a regular Porsche 911 flat-six engine).
Next page:SUVs galoreRUF CTR Yellowbird 2017
What is it: The current Honda Jazz is the third generation of the brand’s core supermini. Key features: Completely new look, improved interior space, more tech. Our view: The Honda Jazz scores adequately in all areas, and highly for its equipment. In terms of space rivals cannot compare with it. Review type: Full road test.
Is the Honda Jazz a misunderstood car? Despite concerted marketing efforts by its makers – partiularly at the launch of the third-generation version in 2015 – the Jazz has never quite shaken its reputation as a car bought by the more mature motorist.
There is a perfectly good reason for this, however. With age comes experience, the ability to recognise a good value, practical product. Perhaps the Jazz has an elder following because of all the basic things it does rather well.
The 2015 redesign was no mere cosmetic exercise. It involved a complete ground-up renewal, the car built onto Honda’s latest B-segment platform shared with the HR-V crossover. Combined with an exterior length extended by 95mm, the wheelbase by 30mm, the result was much better use of the interior space and the fitting of Honda’s clever Magic Seats system, more on which shortly.
Lighter weight and an updated chassis were other factors suggesting that this Jazz should be a significant improvement.
Exterior and interior design
The Honda Jazz has never looked like a typical supermini, its profile suggesting more mini MPV. The 2015 update served to add muscle to the profile with bolder lines, a distinct sliced horizontal line and the addition of the family face with its ‘X’ shape on the front end.
It may be different, but it is not a bad direction to go in. Instead of the friendly curviness of typical superminis, the Jazz presents a more purposeful stance.
It is inside, however, where the Jazz really scores, and the MPV analogy mostly holds sway. For a supermini there really is a lot of space, particularly in the rear seats – adults will not be compromised in these.
Then there is the boot – almost 400 litres when most rivals struggle to achieve 300. It’s sensible space too, and the Magic Seats can be adjusted through a range of versatile settings to accommodate just about any awkward shape one might desire to carry.
The dash instruments are practical but the touch-sensitive controls – an app-based ‘pinch, swipe and tap‘ system – do not have a distinct action and in general one feels the Jazz is suffering in a time when supermini interiors are making sudden leaps forward. It is already beginning to feel a little dated.
Same with the fit and finish – it’s all put together competently enough, but others have stepped up their game and you feel the Honda needs to as well.
Powertrain
Just one engine is available for the Jazz. It’s a 1.3-litre petrol unit, naturally aspirated where many rivals have gone turbo. So it does not feel that enthusiastic, and to get the best out of it you have to make serious use of the rev range. It is smooth enough, however, and the six-speed manual gearbox fitted to our test car is a pleasure to use with its slick shifts. There is a CVT option, though it is not a great option.
Similarly the 55.4mpg fuel economy and 120g/km emissions levels are reasonable for a petrol-powered car but there are rivals who do better.
On the road
So the Jazz engine needs working hard to get the best out of it, which makes it a little thrashy. But the car scores very well in its chassis. As part of the design package for the latest version Honda engineers focused on redesigning the front suspension, which had come in for criticism in previous incarnations of the car. And they did a very good job.
The Jazz smothers all but the worst bumps, and grips well when cornered enthusiastically. The steering is a little light for such situations, but in the car’s natural environment of the urban streets, the steering is a boon allowing easy manouvering and ensuring living with a Jazz is an easy process.
Equipment
The safety specification is certainly a plus point on the Jazz. On all but the entry-level model the Honda safety technology package, dubbed the Advanced Driver Assist System, is standard. It includes Intelligent Speed Assist, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, the Traffic Sign Recognition system and High-beam Support System, while the City-Brake Active system is standard on even the base model – all electronic aids aiming to make the driver’s job easier.
Our test car is to top EX Navi spec and so comes with quite a selection of equipment. Keyless entry and start, automatic climate control and a six-speaker audio system are standard, as are 16-inch alloy wheels and front fog lamps. The Honda Connect in-car infotainment system is also supplied, with that pinch, swipe and tap format on a seven-inch touchscreen. And Garmin navigation is included too, along with a rear parking camera.
Summary
The Honda Jazz is a perfectly competent supermini that does everything needed of it adequately enough. It’s just that rivals outscore it in individual areas. If you want a supermini with lots of equipment for the money, it scores highly. And if you want a supermini with lots of space, there is no other choice.
Test Date: January 2017 Model Tested: Honda Jazz 1.3 I VTEC EX Navi Price:£16,755. Insurance group: 13E. Engine: Petrol 4-cylinder 1318cc Power (hp):102 @ 6000rpm Torque (Nm):123 @ 5000rpm 0-62mph (sec):11.5 Top speed (mph): 118 Fuel economy (combined, mpg): 55.4 CO2 emissions (g/km): 120 Key rivals: Volkswagen Polo, Toyota Yaris, Ford Fiesta.
With 2.3 million vehicles sold since 2007, the Nissan Qashqai has been one of the most successful crossover vehicles of the last decade. This week, Nissan unveiled the facelifted Qashqai at the Geneva motor show.
The new model features minor modifications to the suspension, damping and steering systems, as well as an updated design both inside and out and improvements to its driver aid systems.
In a first for the mass-market sector, the new Qashqai will also be available with a semi-autonomous driving mode where the driver will be able to completely let go of the steering wheel in certain circumstances.
Inside, Nissan has introduced the Tekna+ grade offering leather-trimmed seats. Other interior updates include a flat-bottomed steering wheel and four-way controller for the dashboard.
The infotainment system offers DAB radio and satellite navigation with a smart user interface. A BOSE seven-speaker sound system is available as an option.
Nissan claims that improved use of absorption materials, including thicker rear glass, has reduced noise in the Qashqai’s cabin.
The front end of the Qashqai has been redesigned and the rear and front lights revised. Adaptive front lighting improves night-time safety. Two new paint finishes are available: Vivid Blue (as seen in Geneva) and Chestnut Bronze. There is a choice of 17, 18 or 19-inch alloy wheels.
Driver aids are improved and extended in the new model, with the major additions being pedestrian recognition for the AEB system and a rear cross traffic alert which reduces the risk of low-speed impacts when reversing. Other available driver aids include blind spot and lane departure warnings.
Nissan will also be introducing a semi-autonomous capability called ProPilot. The system allows the car to drive itself within its lane on a motorway-syle road with no input required from the driver. ProPilot controls the car’s steering, acceleration and braking, and can be used in traffic or at high-speed. Future updates to the system will allow it to change lanes and deal with junctions, but this will not be available at launch.
Paul Willcox, Chairman of Nissan Europe, hopes that the new Qashqai “will continue to define and set new standards in the crossover segment.”
The new Nissan Qashqai goes on sale in the UK in July 2017.
The name is the big news surrounding the Aston Martin Valkyrie. Making its debut at the Geneva show, the hypercar adopts the ‘V’ naming convention of the Aston Martin brand.
The Valkyrie is being developed in conjunction with Formula One designer Adrian Newey, previously responsible for the World Championship-winning cars of Red Bull Racing.
The Geneva display car effectively only shows the visual appearance of the Valkyrie – its chassis is still under development. Aston Martin describes it as a Formula One car for the road and its mid-engined powertrain combines a 6.5-litre V12 Cosworth unit to a KERS energy-recovery system developed straight from those on F1 cars.
The publicly-stated goal when the collaboration with Red Bull Racing was announced was to produce a car which could match a Formula One car around Silverstone.
The production version of the Aston Martin Valkyrie is expected to launch in 2019, and the price is estimated at £2 million each – and every one of the strictly limited production run has already been sold.
Supercar to follow?
Reports at the show suggest that Aston Martin will use the reputation established by the Valkyrie, along with development elements such as the aerodynamic package, to launch a mid-engined supercar.
Likely appearing in 2021, the new model would rival such cars as the McLaren 720S, which has launched at the Geneva event. This would mark a significant shift from the brand’s current model range of a number of variations on a front-engined coupé theme, all sharing the same platform.
Aston Martin is on a significant expansion and regeneration programme at present – the DBX SUV is also expected in 2019, built in a brand-new plant converted from enormous MOD hangers at St Athan in Wales. A revival of the Lagonda badge is also believed to be in the pipeline.
The Citroën C-Aircross Concept debuts at the Geneva motor show as ‘a new vision’ of the French brand’s future SUV line.
Citroën C-Aircross concept teases new C3 Picasso
In fact it is the likely replacement for the current C3 Picasso, and when the production version is unveiled – possibly at the Frankfurt show in September, it will be pitched against the mass-selling Nissan Juke.
The design takes the latest styling language established with the recent C4 Cactus and particularly C3 models and applies it to a SUV format. Notable touches on the concept include rear-hinged back doors which give the cabin a spacious feel when they are opened.
Technology features heavily in the concept – the car includes a colour head-up display that replaces the traditional instrument panel, a single-spoke steering wheel with controls mounted on it, rear facing cameras instead of mirrors and wireless induction charging for smartphones.
The production model, likely on sale early in 2018, is expected to use the same engine range employed in the C3 and C4 Cactus. It will also follow the current crossover trend in not offering an all-wheel-drive option, though PSA’s impressive Grip-Control traction aid will be available.
More crossovers to come for Citroën
Citroën used the unveiling of the C-Aircross to tease its next concept, the brand’s head Linda Jackson revealing two sketches of the C5 Aircross. This will be unveiled at the Shanghai motor show in April, and evolve into a mid-sized crossover that will adopt the C5 badge when it launches, probably early in 2018.
The latest version of the Subaru XV crossover makes its global debut at Geneva ahead of going on sale in early 2018.
The second-generation XV sits on the brand’s new Global Platform that is also used in the Impreza hatch. The styling is new too, a more muscular look based on Subaru’s latest ‘Dynamic x Solid’ design language. Highlights of the design include a wide and low profile, a hexagonal grille with hawk-eye headlights and matt black cladding on the bumper to emphasise the off-road ability of the XV.
Power comes from Subaru’s 2-litre flat-four 156hp diesel engine, which has been upgraded to improve performance, economy and weight – Subaru says 80 per cent of the parts have been changed. A 2-litre petrol version of the car is also likely to be offered and both will be matched to a seven-speed CVT transmission.
The symmetrical all-wheel-drive fitted to virtually all Subarus is retained, but gains a new electronic aid, dubbed X-Mode. This increases the off-road ability of the XV – integrating control of the engine, transmission and brakes to maintain control when tyres slip and lose traction on a slippery road surface, including when descending hills.
A wide-ranging safety package will include several preventative features, including the EyeSight driver assist technology that includes a pre-collision braking control, adaptive cruise control, and lane keep assist.
Among new technologies, the High Beam Assist function uses a camera to automatically switch from high to low beam as per road conditions, and steering responsive headlights to highlight the road ahead when the car is cornering and improve visibility at night.
New versions of the Honda Civic Type R seem to come around quickly these days and summer 2017 will see the fifth generation of the model on sale.
Built like its predecessor in the UK, at Honda’s Swindon plant, the new Civic Type R is based on the tenth-generation Civic range that arrives in showrooms at the end of March.
Unlike its predecessor the requirements of the new Type R were taken account of when the mainstream Civic was at the design stage, which is the reason for its rapid reveal, even before the stock car has gone on sale.
While it uses the same 2.0-litre VTEC turbo petrol engine of the outgoing model, the new Civic Type R benefits from improvements to the powertrain. Peak power goes up 10hp to 320hp, while the torque figure remains at the same 400Nm. Honda says that work on the ECU settings has improved drivability and throttle response on the car.
Performance and economy settings for the new car are still to be released, though it is expected to be slightly faster to 62mph than the 5.7 seconds that the current Type R takes.
Criticisms levelled at the current Type R have included a view that it is a bit too extreme for a road car, and Honda appears to have made efforts to address this and produce a more versatile hot hatch. Notably the driving modes available now include a ‘Comfort’ setting alongside the traditional ‘Sport’ and ‘+R’ modes – the latter is specifically designed for use when the car is on a circuit.
The new Honda Civic Type R has triple exhausts and a big rear wing – just like a Ferrari F40
The new Civic Type R is described as 38 per cent more torsionally rigid than its predecessor. It is larger in length in width and lower in height than the outgoing Type R, with a centre of gravity reduced by 34mm.
Chassis improvements over the mainstream Civic include new geometry on the Macpherson strut front suspension to minimise torque steer and maximise handling response. At the back more rigid arms are fitted to the newly designed independent multi-link system.
The aerodynamics, always a highly visual element of the Type R, are improved with a smoother underbody, front air curtain, a lightweight rear wing and vortex generators at the trailing edge of the roof line.
According to Honda the bold body styling contributes to a class-leading balance between lift and drag, contributing to greater high-speed stability.
Prices for the new model are still to be confirmed – the current Type R costs from £30,000.
Autonomous electric concept points to future vehicle usage
Also debuting on Honda’s Geneva stand is the NeuV, a battery electric concept that learns about its owner and acts accordingly.
According to its creators the NeuV (pronounced new-vee) takes advantage of the fact that most privately-owned cars spend 96 per cent of their time idle.
When not being used by its owner, the car can function as an autonomous ride-share vehicle ferrying customers. And while not in use it can feed energy back to the Grid in times of high demand, earning its owner money in the process.
The NeuV includes an ‘emotion engine’ called HANA (Honda Automated Network Assistant), which learns from the driver by detecting emotions behind their judgments. It can then apply what it has learnt from the driver’s past decisions to make new choices and recommendations.
It’s not as fast as a Civic Type R, but it might be more relevant to your motoring future
Two people and their luggage can be carried by the NeuV, and it also provides storage space and a charging point for a ‘Kick ’n Go’ electric scooter concept to help passengers get to their final destination.
The Bentley EXP 12 Speed 6e and Jaguar I-Pace may both be concepts but demonstrate how all aspects of the automotive industry, including the premium and luxury sectors, are looking increasingly to an electric future.
With the EXP 12 Speed 6e, unveiled at the Geneva show, Bentley aims to demonstrate that an all-electric version of one of its cars will not compromise the quality, refinement and high performance levels that customers of the luxury brand expect.
“The EXP 12 Speed 6e is a concept to show that Bentley is defining electric motoring in the luxury sector, with the appropriate technology, high quality materials and refinement levels you’d expect from a true Bentley,” company chairman and CEO Wolfgang Dürheimer says.
This version of the concept is aimed mainly at gauging reaction to Bentley’s latest exterior and interior design direction, and no mechanical details of the Speed 6e powertrain have been released.
Long range a priority
Bentley is working towards electric technology that will include high-speed inductive charging and give the car a range sufficient for the ‘grand touring’ requirements of the brand’s customers.
“An electric Bentley would, for example, be able to drive between London and Paris or Milan and Monaco on a single charge and the onboard experience will be enhanced for both driver and passenger thanks to the integration of state-of-the-art technology,” Bentley’s launch release states.
Bentley wants to show that electric cars will offer the same level of bespoke craftsmanship.
The brand is planning for an electric future, with plug-in hybrid variants set to be offered across the Bentley model range starting with the Bentayga SUV in 2018.
“This concept enables us to engage with luxury customers and gather feedback on our approach,” Dürheimer says. “Bentley is committed to offering an electric model in its future portfolio and we are interested to receive feedback on this concept.”
The Jaguar i-Pace is on show in almost production-ready form. Photo: Andrew Charman
Pace quickens at Jaguar
The Jaguar I-Pace concept makes its European debut following its reveal at Geneva in January, and a production version will not be far behind.
Jaguar has been taking registrations from customers wanting to be among the first to own a production I-Pace, and according to reports 350 have already signed up.
While the car is closely related to the recently launched F-Pace, development of the I-Pace required the design teams to ‘tear up the rule book’, according to Jaguar design director Ian Callum. The result, he believes, is a no-compromise smart, five-seat sports car and a performance SUV in one.
“The I-Pace Concept is a radical departure for electric vehicles – it represents the next generation of battery electric vehicle design,” Callum says.
“It’s a dramatic, future-facing design – the product of authentic Jaguar DNA matched with beautiful, premium details and British craftsmanship.”
The production I-Pace will be on the roads in 2018 as Jaguar’s first-ever battery-powered electric vehicle. “(It) opens a new chapter in the history of our legendary brand,” Callum says.
Jaguar I-Pace will be on roads in 2018. Photo: Andrew Charman
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross debuts at the Geneva Motor Show as the Japanese brand makes a determined effort to crack the ultra-competitive mid-sized SUV market.
Read more Mitsubishi news, reviews and features at The Car Expert
Mitsubishi believes that the Eclipse Cross will appeal to style-conscious drivers, focusing on its ‘sharp coupé looks and muscular SUV stance’. Even the name has a sporty connection, last used on a two-door coupe and convertible sold in the US before 2012.
The Eclipse Cross is a compact-looking car, with distinct angles on the nose and a body shoulder line that rises towards the backwards-sloping roof line. The rear screen is particularly sharply angled.
When it goes on sale in the UK early in 2018 the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross will be offered with two powertrains – the 2.2-litre turbodiesel familiar from other Mitsubishi models and a new 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine.
Both units gain new transmissions – a CVT with eight-speed manual override on the petrol engine and an eight-speed auto with the diesel. It’s not clear yet whether a front-wheel-drive version will be in the range, but the car will certainly be offered with Mitsubishi’s electronically-controlled 4WD. The ‘Super All-Wheel Control’ (S-AWC) vehicle control system will be included, this boasting an Active Yaw Control activated by the brakes.
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross will go on sale in the UK in early 2018. Photo: Andrew Charman
With the Eclipse Cross, Mitsubishi will launch a major reworking of its interior design. Horizontal lines dominate the styling with silver framing, while the technology available includes a tablet-style infotainment display and a new Head Up Display.
A Smartphone Link Display Audio system uses a touchscreen to connect to Apple CarPlay, including using the Siri personal assistant built into iPhones. Android Auto devices are also supported including voice control of features such as Google Maps and Google Play.
Read more Mitsubishi news, reviews and features at The Car Expert
Also on Mitsubishi’s stand is the eX concept, a car that previews a potential future compact crossover with an electric drivetrain.
The eX concept car previews a potential future compact crossover. Photo: Andrew Charman
The Kia Picanto debuting at the Geneva show is the third-generation version of the city car with the major attraction being increased interior space.
Read more Kia news, reviews and features at The Car Expert
The car retains the exterior dimensions of its predecessor but a 15mm extension to the wheelbase, combined with cutting the front overhang by 25mm and extending the rear by 10mm. This allows a complete rework of the interior, Kia claiming the 255-litre boot space as best in class.
A reworked dash design includes a ‘floating’ 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, while in-car technologies and connectivity available will include Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and a wireless smartphone charger.
Kia expects Picanto owners to personalise their car and the new model offers 11 exterior paint colours and a range of interior colour packs for buyers to choose from.
The three-door option of its predecessor has gone but the new Kia Picanto gains a sports-pitched trim level, GT-Line. Cars in this specification will include body kits and a high equipment level, and the arrival of the GT-Line trim coincides with the launch of a new turbo petrol engine in the Picanto – with 100hp it is the most powerful unit yet sold with the car.
The new Kia Picanto offers a choice of 11 exterior paint colours. Photo: Andrew Charman
Other powertrain choices comprise the three cylinder 1.0-litre 67hp and four cylinder 1.2-litre units already offered in the current Picanto.
The Kia Picanto goes on UK sale in May and The Car Expert will review it next month.
Read more Kia news, reviews and features at The Car Expert
A star of the stand is the Kia Stinger fastback coupe, making its European debut after its reveal in Detroit in January.
The Stinger is expected to go on UK sale in early 2018. It will be offered with three engine choices: a 2.0-litre turbo petrol unit of 255hp, a 2.2-litre turbodiesel with 200hp and a 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol with 370hp. This will complete the 0-62mph sprint in 5.1 seconds – the fastest-accelerating and most powerful car Kia has ever produced.
Meanwhile, Kia has also demonstrated its commitment to plug-in hybrid powertrains with PHEV versions of the Niro hatch and Optima large saloon both unveiled at the Geneva show.
The Stinger is expected to go on sale in the UK in early 2018. Photo: Andrew Charman
Unveiling the DS 7 Crossback at the Geneva show is a significant moment for PSA Group’s spun-off ‘avant garde’ brand.
When the SUV arrives on UK roads in 2018 it will be the first car designed specifically as a DS – currently the entire range on sale are reworked and rebadged versions of cars offered by parent brand Citroën.
The DS 7 Crossback intends to make a mark in the mushrooming upmarket mid-sized SUV market, and prime rivals will be the Audi Q5 and Jaguar F-Pace.
It is certainly a distinctive car, with the signature DS styling, including the front headlamp ‘wings’ and pencil-thin daytime running lights. Active LED headlamps will be offered on production models, along with a complex tail lamp setup comprising 42 LEDs.
The car is built on the PSA Group modular EMP2 platform. All versions will be front-wheel-drive only apart from the range-topping hybrid, with a choice of six powertrains. Entry-level will be the three-cylinder 1.2-litre petrol unit with 130hp, and there will be 180 and 225hp versions of a 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine.
Diesel options will comprise a new 1.5-litre unit of 130hp and said to produce impressive fuel economy, and a 2-litre with 180hp.
The plug-in hybrid ‘E-Tense’ version, evolved from the E-Tense concept seen at the 2016 Paris show, is the first petrol PHEV model across the entire PSA Group. It will go on sale in 2019, a year after the mainstream range.
A 200hp petrol engine and 109hp electric motor drive the front wheels, and a second 109hp motor powers the rears, creating the only all-wheel-drive option in the DS 7 range. Up to 37 miles will be possible in completely electric mode
And charging will take 4.5 hours in standard mode with a 2.5-hour fast option.
DS is already taking reservations from customers who wish to own the initial ‘Premiere’ versions of the DS7 Crossback – details of the newcomer are on a website launched directly following the unveiling of the car in Geneva.
Premiere models will feature signature styling elements including the distinctive ‘watchstrap’ interior upholstery.
Prices for the DS 7 are yet to be revealed but industry sources suggest they will range from around £30,000 to £40,000, making them a highly competitive option in the premium market.
Once the DS 7 is on sale it will be followed quickly by a raft of new models as DS establishes its own identity. Replacements for the current DS3, 5 and 7 models are expected along with four SUVs.
The Volvo XC60, unveiled in Geneva, is the second generation of the brand’s mid-sized SUV and a vital part of the Swedish brand’s mushrooming fortunes.
Volvo has seen major growth since reinventing its range around the ‘Drive-e’ programme – UK registrations were up eight per cent in 2016, and the second-generation XC60 is expected to boost this progress – in nine years on sale the outgoing model has sold almost a million globally and today accounts for 30 per cent of Volvo’s volume.
When it arrives in UK showrooms in September the XC60 is expected to target buyers of the Jaguar F-Pace and Audi Q5 in what is now a very competitive upmarket mid-sized SUV market.
The new Volvo XC60 is built on the Swedish brand’s latest SPA large car platform – this has already been used on the successful range-topping 90 Series models and will also be the basis for the next generation S60 saloon and V60 estate, which are expected in 2018.
The new XC60 measures up longer by 62mm, with a wheelbase extended by 91mm, and wider than the outgoing car, but looks sleeker due to the 14mm shaved from the height.
The XC60 will be offered with the Drive-e powertrains already familiar, particularly in the 90 Series cars. At launch these will comprise the 190hp D4 and 235hp D5 diesel, the petrol unit of 254hp and the T8 Twin Engine petrol hybrid.
Much praised since launching in the XC90, the T8 unit produces 407hp, resulting in a 5.3-second 0-62mph time. Volvo has not yet released any other figures for the XC60, but the hybrid version of car’s larger sister, the XC90, offers CO2 emissions levels of just 49g/km.
Volvo is heavily promoting the safety package available for the XC60, dubbing the new model one of the safest cars ever made.
The City Safety system now includes a Steer Assist feature. This is employed both by a new safety system called Oncoming Lane Mitigation to guard against head-on collisions, and the Blind Spot Indication System to reduce the risk of lane-changing collisions.
Volvo is a major player in developing autonomous driving technology – available as an option on the XC60 is the Pilot Assist system. This takes care of steering, acceleration and braking on well-marked roads at speeds up to 78mph.
Unveiling the XC60 at the Geneva show, Volvo president and CEO Håkan Samuelsson says that the brand has a strong heritage in designing stylish and dynamic SUVs that offer the latest in technology.
“The new XC60 will be no exception – it’s the perfect car for an active lifestyle, and it represents the next step in our transformation plan,” Samuelsson adds.
The Ferrari 812 Superfast, unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, is the most powerful and fastest front-engined road-going car the iconic Italian brand has ever produced.
Reason for this lies in the new 12-cylinder engine developed for the car, which its creators describe as ‘of unprecedented efficiency and might.’
It is based on the 6.2-litre unit of the previous record-holding F12 Berlinetta, but with its capacity enlarged to 6.5 litres and modifications made to the intake system and combustion rate. The first 350 bar direction injection system used on a spark-ignition engine is fitted, while the variable geometry inlet tracts are evolved from those on the limited-edition F12tdf, and originally developed by Ferrari’s F1 team.
Power goes up 60hp over the F12 Berlinetta, the Superfast pumping out some 800hp at 8500rpm. Torque is 718Nm at 7000rpm, with 80 per cent on tap from only 3500rpm.
Fast but flexible
Ferrari says these figures make the engine a very flexible unit, essential to attract the 812’s very specific customer base; “(They) demand the most powerful and exclusive Ferrari in the range – they want a blisteringly high-performance car, but refuse to compromise on the kind of versatility that will allow them to thoroughly appreciate driving it as a 360-degree experience.”
The engine is combined with a developed version of Ferrari’s F1 dual-clutch transmission – the modifications are to meet the car’s track driving performance targets and cope with a rev counter red line extended to 8,900rpm. Shift times have also been reduced by 30 per cent.
Many Geneva visitors struggled to get a proper look at the Ferrari 812 Superfast, such was the interest. Photo: Andrew Charman
All of this translates to a 0-62mph time of 2.9 seconds, the 812 Superfast taking only another five seconds to double its speed and being capable of 211mph. Combined cycle fuel consumption is 19mpg with CO2 emissions of 340g/km.
Also debuting on the car is Ferrari’s first electric power-steering system, and the ‘Virtual Short Wheelbase 2.0’ that combines the electric assistance to the front steering with rear-wheel steering to make the car more agile in corners. The driver can dial in functions including peak performance and power oversteer.
Brembo brakes originally fitted to the LaFerrari hypercar are used again on the 812 Superfast, which with the performance ABS system cuts braking times from 62mph by almost six per cent when compared to the F12 Berlinetta.
Aero excellence
A major aerodynamics programme sees the Ferrari 812 Superfast significantly more aero-efficient than the F12 Berlinetta, both active aero elements and improvements to the car’s drag values helping to generate 30 per cent more downforce.
Notable elements include a vane on the front bumper to shift air hitting the front of the car out to the flanks, reducing the aero wake and therefore the drag. The underbody diffusers ahead of the front wheels boast mobile elements to cancel out air pressure generated at high speeds.
The car’s styling is said to recall the classic 365 GTB/4 Daytona of 1969, the fastback two-box design including a high but short tail. Creases are distinctive and the wheelarches muscular to add to the car’s presence.
No price has yet been announced for the 812 Superfast.
Renault has chosen the shadow of the Alps for its revival of a renowned sports car line – the long-awaited Alpine A110 debuts at the Geneva Motor Show.
The new Alpine is a mid-engined, two-seater sports coupe which its makers say remains true to the spirit of previous Alpine models and particularly the A110 ‘Berlinette’ last made in 1977.
A riveted, bonded and welded aluminium bodyshell helps the Alpine A110 weigh in at just 1080kg – its power-to-weight ratio bettering the Porsche Cayman which is expected to be a prime rival. The Alpine is a compact car, measuring up at 4178mm long, 1798mm wide and only 1252mm high.
Handling-friendly weight distribution of 44/56% front to back concentrates the most mass between the wheels – the engine sits behind the driver and the fuel tank ahead, behind the front axle.
Turbocharged power
Power comes from a Renault Sport developed four-cylinder turbo unit of 1.8 litres. It offers 252hp with 320Nm of torque and is combined with a seven-speed DCT transmission. Alpine says that the A110 will return a 4.5-second 0-62mph time, long with an electronically limited 155mph top speed.
Three driving modes are on offer, changing the parameters of the engine, transmission, steering and Electronic Stability Control, along with the exhaust note to suit Normal, Sport or Track settings. The cockpit display reflects the mode selected.
The Alpine attracted a lot of attention in Geneva. Photo: Andrew Charman
Aerodynamics include a flat floor and a rear bumper diffuser. Air inlets in the front bumper create a curtain along the front wheel wells, improving air flow around the wheels and cutting drag – The A110’s Cd value of 0.32 is claimed to be among the lowest in its sector.
The Alpine A110 is to be built in a bespoke factory in Dieppe, France and first UK deliveries are expected in 2018. The first 1,955 examples, celebrating the year that original Alpine was launched, will be dubbed ‘Premiere Edition’ models with bespoke styling and equipment and each carrying a numbered plaque. Alpine will then launch further specifications when this run is concluded.
UK prices are yet to be revealed – French prices have been announced at €58,500. This equates to around £50,600 but does not take account of local taxation levels.
Toyota intends the i-Tril Concept to be a viable alternative to city cars, other all-electric models and motorcycles.
An electric motor housed in the axle unit powers the i-Tril, while it’s four-metre turning circle makes it suited to urban streets.
The i-Tril weighs just 600kg and has a tapered shape – the tracks of the 19-inch front wheels are 1,200mm, while the tracks of the 20-inch back wheels are 600mm.
The i-Tril features Active Lean technology, which Toyota has previously shown on the i-Road concept three years ago. A hinge between the rear axle and the cabin, allows the body and front tyre to lean, while the powered rear wheels remain perpendicular to the road surface. When the i-Tril is in autonomous mode and approaching a corner, a display panel alerts the occupants as to which way the cabin is about to lean.
The front wheels and wings are separate from the main body of the i-Tril. The butterfly-opening doors are hinged on a slope, giving easy access to the driver and passengers. Toyota insists that it is still possible to open the doors within a regular parking space.
As the doors open they remove a section of the floor, creating a smaller footprint. The front seat can swivel 20 degrees for easy access, whilst the front seat headrest is fixed to the roof and pivots down when the vehicle is switched on.
Toyota intends the i-Tril to be capable of operating fully autonomously, and is targeting a range of more than 185 miles between charges.
The i-Tril has no pedals and is instead operated by left and right-hand control nodes that work in a similar manner to a computer joystick or mouse. Steering, acceleration and braking are all controlled electrically via a drive-by-wire system. The multimedia and infotainment systems are voice controlled. The resulting interior layout is very minimalistic in design, with most of the traditional control points eliminated.
The i-Tril has a one-plus-two seating layout, much like a McLaren F1 supercar from the 1990s. The driver is positioned up front in the centre of the car, while the rear of the cabin accommodates a two-seater bench.
Toyota describes the i-Tril concept as “a snapshot of the kind of vehicle we might expect to see on city streets in the 2030s”.
First deliveries of the BP23 are expected in 2019. Rumours suggest it will debut carbonfibre technology that will expand across the McLaren model range.
Meanwhile hybrid powertrains are expected to feature much more prominently among the 15 new models that the brand plans to launch by 2022 under the ambitious ‘Track 22’ business plan, announced by McLaren Automotive CEO Mike Flewitt at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2016.
Suzuki Swift – key specifications
Other changes to the 2017 Zoe include the addition of a new range-topping trim level, Signature Nav, which among other things includes the quick charger as standard. Also offered on this trim level are leather upholstery, a seven-speaker Bose audio system, rear parking camera, bespoke 16-inch alloy wheels and lumbar adjustment on the driver’s seat.
Across the range the interior and exterior are mildly modified and there are three new exterior colours, Mars Red, Titanium Grey and Ytrium Grey, the last only on Signature Nav cars.
