Ultimate Golf’s ready to turn up the heat

VW will add drama to the shape of latest MkVI Golf by fitting LED headlights, deep front spoiler and wide wheelarches, filled by enormous alloys.

The ultimate Golf is here! And this time, the flagship hot hatchback has more power and an all-new badge to boot.

The replacement for the R32 is being referred to within VW as the R-Series Turbo, but it’s likely to be called the R20T, hinting at its engine capacity. And our exclusive pictures show how the most powerful Golf ever will look when it eclipses the GTI at the top of the range.

VW is ditching the R32 name, along with the 3.2-litre V6 that’s powered the previous two cars, Auto Express has learned. In its place will be a tuned version of the GTI’s four-cylinder 2.0-litre turbocharged engine.

A bigger turbo, as well as tweaks to the ECU, will ensure the car has a power output of around 270bhp – that’s more than 20bhp above the outgoing V6. What’s more, as the unit is lighter, the R20T should weigh roughly the same as the GTI.

But with all that extra power on tap, it will deliver scintillating pace, with the 0-60mph sprint arriving in about five seconds. That’s a full second-and-a-half quicker than the MkV R32, and only a few tenths shy of BMW’s V8-engined M3. Top speed will be limited to 155mph.

The same engine will power an R20T version of the Scirocco. This was previewed by the Studie R concept at Italy’s Bologna Motor Show last year.

Although a VW spokesman refused to confirm whether the Golf would be driven by the front or all four wheels, the latter is more likely – as on the heavier and thirstier R32. This will help to put all that power on to the tarmac, as well as provide high levels of grip.

The engine will channel its power through a choice of a six-speed manual gearbox or VW’s DSG dual-clutch set-up. And as the unit is smaller and lighter, the R20T will offer significant improvements in fuel economy and emit less CO2 than the car it replaces.

VW’s designers have taken the understated looks of the R32 to the next level. A deep front spoiler with integrated LED headlights – a styling cue borrowed from sister company Audi – takes inspiration from the Concept BlueSport seen at January’s Detroit exhibition, while flared wheelarches, wider tyres and lowered suspension provide further clues to its potential.

At the rear, in true R-series style, twin pipes exit close to the centre-line of the car. Plus, a ‘sound-optimised’ exhaust system should ensure the R20T delivers noise to match its looks. A roof spoiler and underbody diffuser both help to increase downforce and keep the car planted at high speeds, too.

Reports suggest that the R20T will make its public debut at the Nürburgring 24-hour race in Germany in May, before going on sale in UK showrooms early next year. Prices will start from around £25,000 for the three-door, with the five-door costing £2,000 more – pitching the VW head-to-head with the Ford Focus RS and Subaru Impreza STi.

VW BlueSport at Detroit

VW's stunning two-seater roadster has broken cover ahead of its debut in Detroit.

The Boxster has got a fight on its hands! Ahead of its debut in Detroit this week, these are the first official images of VW’s baby sports car designed to offer a cut-price alternative to Porsche’s finest - and a more upmarket option to the MX-5.

Called the Concept BlueSport, it’s the car that proves sportiness can go hand-in-hand with economy - combining the agility and pace of a mid-engined roadster, with the fuel-consumption and affordability of a more family-orientated model.

Performance fans won’t be left wanting with a 0-60mph time of 6.2 seconds and a top speed of 140mph, while running costs should be uncharacteristically low thanks to a combined fuel economy of 42mpg and supermini CO2 emissions of just 113g/km.

At the heart of the BlueSport are two efficiency-boosting technologies, an automatic stop-start function, similar to the system appearing across the BlueMotion range later this year and regenerative braking, like the KERS technology set to be employed by 2009 F1 cars.

Following in the footsteps of the Audi TT TDI, the world’s first diesel sports car, the BlueSport uses an oil-burner under the bonnet. It’s the familiar 2.0-litre turbocharged unit, producing 178bhp and 350Nm of torque mated to the six-speed version of VW’s slick-shifting DSG ‘box. And with all that torque being channelled through the rear wheels, genuine sports car thrills are guaranteed.

Tipping the scales at a slimline 1,200kg, the BlueSport has been subject to a number of weight-saving measures. Most significant is the manually operated fabric roof, doing away with the need for heavy motors and hydraulics.

Compact dimensions mean it’s shorter, lower but almost as wide as a MKVI Golf, creating a squat, muscular stance, and aiding stability in the bends. Despite short overhangs and a rear-mounted engine dictated by its all-new platform, VW insists the two storage areas, one at the front and one in the back, are roomy enough for a pair of weekend bags.

If the face seems familiar, that’s because it continues the design language first implemented on the new Scirocco, MKVI Golf and UP! concept. The sleek headlights, narrow radiator grille and prominent badge are unmistakably VW.

At the rear, the LED taillights are sculpted to mimic the headlights, giving the car a front-rear symmetry much like the Boxster. A third brake light is integrated into the boot lid, just above the badge, while the blacked-out diffuser with the twin tailpipes located at it’s outer-edges help to emphasise the car’s width.

But it’s in profile that the car really makes its presence felt. Cavernous side vents give away the car’s mid-engine layout, while exaggerated wheel-arches filled with ten-spoke 19-inch alloys, bulge out of the bodywork.

Inside the high-quality cabin an enormous touchscreen interface takes pride of place. There’s also lightweight sports seats clad in VW’s trademark ribbed leather, with integrated roll-hoops behind the headrests and heating controls that glow blue or red depending on the desired temperature.

VW hasn’t confirmed the roadster will make into production yet, but judging by the production-ready appearance, as well as the growing interest in small fuel-efficient sports cars, and it’s not a question of if, but when its available to buy. Expect both TSI and TDI versions to be offered when it makes it to showrooms in 2010, with prices starting from around £22,500.

New Golf MkVI vs rivals

VW’s MkVI hatch takes on the all-new Renault Mégane, facelifted Honda Civic and established Ford Focus in the definitive shoot-out.

What a way to start the new year – with one of the biggest verdicts of 2009! The compact family class is set for a shake-up, with two new models and a facelifted class leader. The car hogging all the limelight is the Volkswagen Golf. It has already been criticised for being an evolutionary step on from the MkV rather than a giant leap.

Will that prevent it triumphing here? Blending in is not what Renault’s Mégane was designed for. It is even more daring than before, with striking lines visible from every angle. Both of these newcomers are here to take on two of the best compact family cars in the business. Honda’s Civic has long been our top choice, and with a mild makeover helping it to stay at the top of its game, it will be the model to beat.

However, let’s not forget the irresistible talents of the Ford Focus. It comes to the challenge without the benefit of a facelift, yet it still offers a blend of practicality and driving dynamics that few rivals can match. With thousands of buyers intending to choose one of our quartet over the next year, this is a ranking you can’t afford to miss!

Volkswagen Golf GT

New VW Golf hits the UK.

Now in its sixth generation, the latest Volkswagen Golf is shorter and lower than its predecessor, but still instantly recognisable. It's stylish body looks modern and overall the design is less fussy than before. But with an unchanged wheelbase, cabin space is similar. The extra width helps rear passenger room but boot capacity is the same.

The dash design is similar to the current model's, but the central console is now angled more towards the driver, while the instrument binnacle features white backlit dials. Quality has taken a step forward too, as a result the Golf’s cabin is once again class leading but it’s the new levels of refinement that’s the most impressive.

Thanks to new sound insulation and a laminated windscreen the Golf’s ability to isolate road and wind noise is excellent, it’s noticeably more refined than its rivals in this segment, while the new common rail 2.0-litre TDI is impressively civilised too. The chassis is very capable as well; high grip levels, a revised stability control system and nicely weighted controls mean its great to drive. The GT model gets 15mm lower sports suspension, which adds a firm edge to the ride but this aside the damping is supple and composed.

And for the first time Volkswagen’s Adaptive Chassis Control active damper system is an option on the Golf, as is the automatic parking ParkAssist technology. With BlueMotion, GTI and more powerful diesel models coming next year, Golf should be big in 2009.

Volkswagen Scirocco R

The hottest-ever Scirocco has just blown in - and it should go down a storm when it comes to the UK in 2010!

Volkswagen wowed visitors to Italy's Bologna Motor Show with this striking concept car, called the Studie R. Auto Express can now reveal that it previews a new performance flagship Scirocco which will rival Ford's Focus RS, and is effectively a roadgoing version of the GT24 racer.

When the model joins the line-up, it's likely to be badged R20T - as Auto Express revealedin Issue 1,041. It will come with a 2.0-litre TFSI turbocharged petrol engine,giving 262bhp.
This powerplant has been shoehorned into the Studie R, andis a development of the current Audi S3's unit. It promises to shave about a second off the Audi's 0-62mph time, giving a figure of around six seconds. The VW Group's dual-clutch DSG box is also likely to feature.

The Studie R's racing genes are much in evidence, with sports suspension, four-pot brake calipers and what VW says is a 'sound-optimised' exhaust system. If this makes it to the production version of the car, your neighbours will certainly hear you coming!
To appeal to showgoers at Bologna, VW added red and green flashes to the sparkling white paint job,making up the Italian tricolour flag.

The Studie R also gets a sporty bodykit, while a deep front splitter incorporates three large air inlet openings to cool the brakes and engine. This is also designed to minimise the aerodynamic lift of the front axle. Further intakes feature in the car's bonnet.

At the back, there's a large integrated rear wing, as well as a diffuser in the lower section of the bumper. These combine to reduce lift at the rear axle and keep the Scirocco firmly planted on the road.
New side skirts and a set of highly polished 19-inch alloy wheels, each with five sets of triple spokes, provide the car with a dramatic profile.Inside, there's softblack Nappa leather onthe steering wheel, front armrest, gearlever trim and floor mat, with white stitching to reflect the exterior colour.
The Recaro racing seats are also upholstered with a carbon-look deep blackhide, finished off with white leather piping. More carbon fibre appears throughout the cabin, while there's a set of special aluminium pedals, too.

Volkswagen is playing its cards close to its chest with regard to pricing, although UK buyers can expect to pay around £25,000 when the car arrives in showrooms.

Volkswagen Passat CC GT

The German company has now added a rakish four-door coupe to its sensible family car line-up.

Sensible, solid and dependable – the Volkswagen Passat has long been a household name. But one thing it has never been is stylish... until now.

Having seen the success of the Mercedes CLS in the class above, VW has created a sleek new body for the Passat to offer a fashion-conscious model that will go on sale alongside the existing saloon and estate variants.

When the firm announced it was going to unveil a model badged the Passat CC at the Detroit Motor Show in January, jaws dropped at the thought of a coupé-cabriolet family car. However, the acronym actually stood for Concept Coupé – a tag that has now morphed into Comfort Coupé. The name doesn’t sound particularly exciting, but see the new car in the metal, and it’s clear that it is a radical move for VW.

Copying the CLS formula, the VW has a coupé shape, but a four-door body. In profile, it looks similar to the Merc, while the front has a bulging shape akin to BMW’s 6-Series.

However, don’t be tricked into thinking this is VW’s attempt at building another Phaeton limousine. Prices are expected to start at £21,000 – that’s around £3,500 more than the equivalent Passat saloon, but substantially below all of its premium German rivals. Climb inside, and the CC has a very similar cabin design to the standard Passat, yet the overall ambience is far more luxurious.

The narrow windows give the CC a glamorous air that the standard model simply can’t match, while the high-quality dashboard has a logical layout and feels robust.

Sitting in the rear is cosy and comfortable, rather than cramped. Passengers over six feet tall will struggle for headroom, but there are no compromises in terms of luggage space. The CC is 36mm wider and 31mm longer than the standard model, while the roofline has been lowered by 50mm. As a result, the boot offers 532 litres of space – that’s 47 litres more than the conventional four-door. Once out on the road, it’s clear that the CC is more of a cruiser than a sports saloon, although it does showcase some of VW’s latest chassis technology.

The flagship GT variant we tried comes with Adaptive Chassis Control. Not to be confused with the Magnetic Ride set-up offered by sister firm Audi, the Passat’s suspension uses valves to vary pressure in the dampers to make them harder or softer.

The driver has a choice of three modes: Comfort, Normal and Sport. In the softest setting the ride isn’t class leading, but the benefits of the stiffest set-up are clear on twisty roads. Not only does the harder suspension limit body roll, but the electric power-steering also weights up to provide a more involving feel. In reality, Normal mode offers the best of both worlds, but the CC can’t match the dynamic abilities of Ford’s Mondeo.

Buyers have the choice of three petrol engines and two diesels. The top seller will be the 2.0-litre TDI driven here. As in the standard Passat it feels underpowered at times, but its relaxed delivery and frugal economy make it the obvious choice.

No matter what engine you choose, VW’s latest driving aids are available. As well as the automatic parking set-up already offered on the Touran MPV, the four-door has a lane keep system, which steers the car automatically if it drifts across the white lines on the road. The technology really works, and when coupled with radar-operated cruise control, takes nearly all the effort out of motorway driving.

But will the CC attract buyers to VW showrooms? The firm aims to shift 5,800 examples, as well as 20,000 standard four-door Passats a year. As long as you aren’t expecting a sports saloon, the CC won’t disappoint.

Volkswagen Passat

Owning:
The airy cabin has excellent fit and finish, with the textured plastics and silver centre console giving a quality feel. The driving position is excellent, with plenty of seat and steering adjustment, and the seats themselves are comfortable and well-bolstered - ideal for long motorway trips. Storage is good, with deep door pockets and a useful central bin. Access to this is made easier by the absence of a traditional handbrake - instead, the Passat has an electric version. Although this can take some getting used to, it gives the VW a sophisticated edge. An 'Auto Hold' option is also available, which automatically applies the handbrake when you come to a stop on a hill and then releases it as you pull away. Variable intervals mean that although the Passat is expensive to service, divers can potentially travel for 30,000 miles or two years between check-ups. Diesel fuel economy is superb, but although the Passat's retained values are OK compared to mainstream rivals, they're still not brilliant. A surprise for a VW, though the estate does perform better than the saloon.

Curvy S60 guns for BMW

Volvo is taking the fight straight to BMW – and judging by these pictures, it’s well prepared. The Swedish firm has redesigned the normally conservative S60 in an attempt to break into the hotly contested four-door coupé market – and this is the stunning, 3-Series-rivalling result.

We gave you a glimpse of the car’s radical looks in Issue 1,041, when Volvo released a teaser shot. Plus, we reported that the S60 concept would debut at next month’s Detroit Motor Show.

But this racy new study is no pipedream. According to design boss Steve Mattin, the final car will remain close to the concept. The imposing grille and flowing shoulder lines hint at a new design direction for Volvo’s range, while 20-inch alloys, bronze-painted brake calipers, integrated twin exhausts and a retractable rear diffuser show off the S60’s sporting intentions.

Inside is an ultra-modern interior, complete with slim bucket seats and a panoramic roof. The LED headlights project an image of Viking longboats!

But most eye-catching are the doors. The front pair open conventionally, while the rears hinge out before sliding back. As the S60 has no B-pillars, access should prove easy.

The S60 will come crammed with a raft of new safety kit, including sensors that can apply the brakes if a pedestrian steps into the car’s path.

Engines comprise a range of Ford and Volvo units, including a 2.0-litre diesel and a 1.6-litre turbo petrol. The new S60 is set to reach the UK early in 2010.

Peugeot Prologue concept

Peugeot aren't telling us much about this concept car spoiler for a new European market compact crossover, but we'd expect it to be called the 3008, be based on the lower-medium 308 platform and slot in below the existing 4007 crossover in the Peugeot range when it reaches production in 2009.

Notably, the concept car will be making its debut in Paris next month has a hybrid diesel electric powertrain with 200bhp and yet produces only 109g/km of carbon dioxide in the combined cycle.

Note the reptilian skin graft at the rear of the car, and the pronounced fender flares.

Renault Ondelios concept

Renault Ondelios concept

Renault will unveil a hybrid-powered luxury crossover concept called the Onedelios at the French carmaker's home show next month. The six-passenger concept, which has individual bucket seats arranged in three rows of two, features interesting details influenced by aviation design.

Measuring 4805mm long, 1998mm wide and 1605mm high, the rakish concept has a low drag coefficient of just 0.29 and a lightweight carbon body. The aerodynamic design features a steeply raked windscreen - which extends down the hood - an aluminum-finish grille flanked by LED headlights and boomerang-shaped tail lamps nestled near air extractors that control air flow from the wheelarches. The polycarbonate roof glazing reduces weight and features a lattice-type design.

Butterfly-type side doors hinged to the roof provide access to the contemporary interior. Once inside, the cabin is reminiscent of the business class section of passenger jets; with six individually adjustable and reclining seats, complete with footrests. With its 2895mm wheelbase, the layout is claimed to have been designed to profit from all the available space.

SsangYong C200 Concept

SsangYong C200 Concept

Korean auto manufacturer SssangYong, best known for its wide range of SUV vehicles sold in Korea, has released a rendering of the C200 crossover expected to debut at the Paris Auto Show next month.

Heralded as a 'futuristic, compact SUV for urban environment', the C200 concept is the first monocoque-body vehicle in the company's portfolio and it will signal an ambitious beginning of the Korean off-road specialists' long term plan to enter the European market. At a glance, C200 is a refined and conservative design - for a concept - with visual weight sitting relatively low for an SUV, and a robust rocker panel surface sitting below the wheel center alluding to its sturdy stance.

Powered by a 2.0-litre 175hp engine mated to a four-wheel-drive drivetrain, the C200 concept satisfies both EURO 5 emissions and CO2 requirements. We should expect the production version to be released within a year.

Mercedes Concept Fascination

Mercedes-Benz has released images of their ConceptFASCINATION study, to be shown at the Paris Motor Show next month.

In developing this design study, Mercedes-Benz has given fresh impetus to the long-established "shooting brake", a vehicle category that appears to be undergoing something of a revival recently in concept cars. The long, frameless, DLO describes a continuous arc from front to rear, uninterrupted by a B-pillar. As a result, the large load space in the rear is integrated in the vehicle body cohesively and harmoniously while also increasing the impression of length and creating a sense of lightness. The front is reminiscent of the current C-Class, although the four rhomboid headlamps hint at the new E-Class, due to be released next year.

The exquisite range of materials is inspired by the world of equestrianism: wood, aluminium and smoked glass give an exclusive look and feel to the trunk, which incorporates a refrigerated compartment and a humidor as well as offering a large load space.

Honda City

Honda has started selling the third generation City in Thailand, a small notchback based on the mechanicals of the new Jazz/Fit hatchback. While the previous City was tall and had awkward proportions, the new model looks much better proportioned.

At the front, the treatment borrows heavily from the Civic and Airwave. The profile of the hood is longer than the Jazz and the A-pillar has been moved rearwards. It has conventional front doors, without the Jazz's triangular quarterlights. This entry-level Honda looks a scaled-down Civic sedan with a line that flows smoothly from the A-pillar and ending crisply in a short, high tail. There is a hint of the Jazz in the rising beltline at the rear of the City's DLO. Compared to the Jazz, it sits 55mm lower and on a 50mm longer wheelbase.

On the inside, the City has a different dashboard than the Jazz, as well as a squarer center console and conventional IP. As with the Jazz, a 118hp 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine sits under the hood. The City was developed and manufactured at Honda Automobile (Thailand) and will be assembled in the Philippines, Malaysia, India, Pakistan, China and Turkey.

Chevrolet Orlando concept

Chevrolet Orlando concept

Chevrolet has released two images of the new Orlando crossover concept, set for its first public unveiling at the upcoming Paris Motor Show. Based on the recently announced Cruze compact sedan, the Orlando is described as a 'seven-seat multi-purpose vehicle with versatility attributes of a sport utility, a family van and a wagon'.

The Orlando continues Chevrolet's distinctive design language, with strong, 'single-bar' front grille and robust, sculpted body surfacing. Its profile stands out in a way that looks to have an extremely wide track, giving it a sturdy stance. A distinctive two-box silhouette distinguishes the Orlando concept in a segment where sleek, one-box profiles have long been the norm.

Inside, the design is somewhat reminiscent of the recently revealed Opel/Vauxhall Insignia sedan, with a flowing two-tone IP, a steeply-raked center stack, and a similar steering wheel. According to GM, the five-door Orlando's adaptable, theater-style seating in three rows can accommodate up to seven occupants, thanks to its 2760mm wheelbase.

The concept is powered by Chevrolet's latest-generation 2.0-liter turbo diesel, developing 150hp and 320Nm of torque, an engine claimed to deliver both power and fuel-efficiency. And though Chevrolet anticipates the Orlando to be sold globally, general consensus is that the vehicle's 'home-field' will most likely be North America.

Renault Mégane

Renault Mégane

These are the first official photos of Renault's new production Mégane, set to make its public debut at the forthcoming Paris Motor Show. Incorporating styling cues suggestive of the world of sport, the new family hatchback measures 4.3m long, has a 2.64m wheelbase and a 1.55m track.

The design is underscored by sharp front-end looks which feature crown lines that sweep across the hood from the A-pillars to converge on the centrally positioned logo. The headlamp forms prolong the fluid lines of the air-intakes, reinforcing the vehicle's dynamic stance. When viewed in profile, the sloping roofline and dynamic proportions of its flanks suggest forward movement, while the steeply-raked screen and two-part light clusters continue the feature line at the rear.

The cabin exudes a sense of driving enjoyment, with an environment that makes use of fluid forms. The dashboard's fully integrated cowl gives the impression of being suspended, an aesthetic aspect enhanced by taut horizontal lines that highlight the curve of the trim. All the controls have been positioned to fall easily to hand, both close to the steering wheel and on the center console.

Mini Crossover Concept

Mini Crossover Concept

Mini will be adding another variant to the range, previewed by this Crossover Concept set to be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show. The concept has four doors, four individual seats and is four meters in length - slightly larger than the current Mini Clubman. It also has a longer wheelbase, four wheel drive and is nearly 1.6 meters high.

The Crossover concept features two conventional doors on the passenger's side and a third for the driver. The fourth door, for the rear passenger on the driver's side, slides back along the outside of the car and swivels to one side to facilitate the loading of long items. To increase practicality, there is no B-pillar. There is also a folding roof cover that extends across the whole length of the roof as well as a transport case for the outside of the rear door.

A new three dimensional display and control console called the 'Centre Globe' adorns the IP and starts the car via a 'Keyball' device. The cabin's four seats are visually linked by a matt-polished aluminum fastening rail which extends from the dashboard through the middle of the car. This system allows for storage units and entertainment consoles to be attached and passed between the front and the rear passengers.

Honda Insight concept

Honda Insight concept

Honda’s new 'affordable’ hybrid has broken cover, in the form of the Insight concept set to debut at the Paris Motor Show next month.

The concept, which shares its styling cues with the Honda FCX Clarity fuel-cell vehicle unveiled at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show, provides an early look at the highly-anticipated five-passenger hybrid vehicle.

Taking its name from the original two-seat gas-electric hybrid introduced in the US in December 1999, the five-passenger Insight concept has a low center of gravity and an aerodynamic design identifying its fuel efficient purpose.

The new vehicle will be produced at an expanded hybrid vehicle production line at the Suzuka factory in Japan and go on sale in the U.S. next spring, furthering the accessibility of hybrid technology to a new generation of buyers.

Following the launch of the new Insight, Honda also plans to introduce another unique sporty hybrid vehicle based on the CR-Z, first shown at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show.

Honda’s new 'affordable’ hybrid has broken cover, in the form of the Insight concept set to debut at the Paris Motor Show next month.

The concept, which shares its styling cues with the Honda FCX Clarity fuel-cell vehicle unveiled at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show, provides an early look at the highly-anticipated five-passenger hybrid vehicle.

Taking its name from the original two-seat gas-electric hybrid introduced in the US in December 1999, the five-passenger Insight concept has a low center of gravity and an aerodynamic design identifying its fuel efficient purpose.

The new vehicle will be produced at an expanded hybrid vehicle production line at the Suzuka factory in Japan and go on sale in the U.S. next spring, furthering the accessibility of hybrid technology to a new generation of buyers.

Following the launch of the new Insight, Honda also plans to introduce another unique sporty hybrid vehicle based on the CR-Z, first shown at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show.

Nissan Pixo

Nissan Pixo

Nissan will be revealing the all-new Pixo at the Paris Auto Show. The five-door four-seater is a compact urban car built in collaboration with Suzuki Motor Corporation in Delhi, India. The car will compete in the fast growing A-segment.

Nissan will be revealing the all-new Pixo at the Paris Auto Show. The five-door four-seater is a compact urban car built in collaboration with Suzuki Motor Corporation in Delhi, India. The car will compete in the fast growing A-segment.

Measuring 3565mm long, 1470mm tall and 1600mm wide, the Pixo has a wheelbase of 2360mm. The no frills design is intended to be sufficiently compact for city driving while offering a roomy interior and generous luggage space thanks to its efficient design and packaging.

Powered by an efficient three-cylinder 1.0-litre engine, lightweight construction will benefit performance and enable very low fuel consumption and emissions. Nissan claims the Pixo will be an accessible city car providing the best 'eco-car' value in the small city car category.

Hyundai i20

The Paris Motor Show will mark the debut of an all-new car from Hyundai called the i20. Designed at Hyundai's European Design Centre in Russelsheim, Germany, the new five-door is more dynamic in appearance and has a longer wheelbase than the existing Getz, allowing for more interior space.

Following from the i10 and i30, the new car features Hyundai's trademark chrome-topped grille and teardrop headlamps at the front, while stacked rear light clusters give the rear end a distinctive look.

"The i20 was designed and engineered to meet European tastes and needs," said Kun Hee Ahn, President for Hyundai Motor Europe. "It was built on an entirely new platform and much of the ride and handling development took place on European roads, which has created a firm and agile drive."

Citroën Hypnos concept

Citroën is always touting a fresh take on vehicles, especially when it comes to those unveiled at the automaker's home show in Paris. True to form, this year the automaker will be unveiling a new concept called the Hypnos.

Citroën Hypnos concept

The crossover concept is claimed to combine the vitality of a coupé with the elegance of a sedan and the space of an SUV. The well balanced exterior design aims to rouse emotions, communicating power through its flowing and expressive lines, while also demonstrating the vehicle's new hybrid technology.

Inside, the initial appeal of the exterior design is confirmed by the cabin, which features original colors and has the ability to transfer a powerful sensory experience onto both the driver and passengers through technology that is said to be 'more human and approachable'.

With a 200bhp engine, Citroën's latest concept is claimed to combine dynamic performance with a low 4.5 l/100km fuel consumption and 120g/km of CO₂ emissions.

The Hypnos will be unveiled on October 2, so check back with us then to read our Highlights and see our unique in-depth photographs of the 2008 Paris Motor Show.

Mazda Kiyora concept

Mazda Kiyora concept

Mazda has released these images of the Kiyora compact urban concept car the automaker will reveal at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. Based on an all-new platform designed to maximize weight reduction, the Kiyora is claimed to represent the harmony between driving pleasure and environmental and safety features.

Meaning 'clean and pure' in Japanese, the concept of 'Kiyora' helped the designers to imagine a city car cutting cleanly through an urban landscape, with water as the design theme. Mazda says the concept also features an interior design and new functions that support a youthful lifestyle.

The Kiyora is powered by a 4-cylinder direct injection engine featuring the company's unique Smart Idle Stop System, claimed to achieve 'excellent fuel economy and low CO2 emissions'. The improved aerodynamic performance of Nagare design also contributes to these factors.

The New Toyota Avensis will debut at the Paris Motor Show

Taking centre stage on the Toyota Avensis has a sleek design that reflects the car’s strong and dynamic character.

New Avensis is the third generation of the model to be built at the Burnaston plant in Derbyshire. Due to go on sale in January 2009 it features engines that are both more powerful and emit less CO2, a crucial factor in today’s new car market, and it retains the high quality, refinement and equipment levels that are an established Avensis hallmark. We will publish full details and pricing later in the year.

Subaru Legacy Review

It’s all about symmetry, smoothness and economy but I’ll start with an explanation of the so-called ‘Boxer’ engine. It is also known as a horizontally opposed cylinder engine, which is a bit of a mouthful but provides something of a clue as to how it works. Whereas, in the more common layout, the pistons move up and down inside upright cylinders, in a boxer engine they are positioned sideways, working off a single crankshaft in between. The name ‘boxer, came about because of the action of each pair of pistons, moving simultaneously, mimic the punching actions of a boxer.

To see it in action is a thing of beauty as the sideways movement and synchronisation of the pistons is much smoother than in a more conventional engine and almost hypnotic. It also means that a balance shaft or counterweight on the crankshaft is not needed to counteract the weight of the reciprocating parts, making it lighter and less complicated.

So, this form of petrol engine is inherently smooth, efficient and relatively quiet but in developing the diesel version, Subaru has taken it a step further. Initially, the boxer diesel will only be used in cars bound for the European market and particularly the UK where 40 per cent of cars sold are diesels. So, it made sense to join in and gain a share in the market.

The result is a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder unit, which is lightweight, compact and strong. Furthermore, the engine and transmission are mounted low, in a line and kept within the wheelbase for more efficient working, a low centre of gravity and better dynamics on the road.

In order to make the most of the new engine, there had to be a few modifications. For instance, the 5-speed manual gearbox has higher ratios to cope with the extra torque and lower engine speeds; the front springs have been tweaked to suit and the power steering is now electric, which helps to increase the fuel economy.

Long gone are the days when diesel-engined cars were slow, lumpy, for want of a better word, and just plain smelly. This common-rail, direct injection unit has a variable nozzle turbocharger, an inter cooler, a particulate filter, catalytic converters and exhaust gas re circulation, which allows it to meet Euro4 emission standards.

The Proton GEN-2 ecoLogic offers a 40% Fuel Saving

Not only is Proton offering a full factory-fitted LPG conversion at no additional cost to the customer, ecoLogic owners will also benefit from 3 year/60,000 miles total vehicle warranty and 3 years RAC cover.

LPG is not a new concept and is used to run over 140,000 vehicles in the UK currently and 11 million worldwide. Humberside Police have been running LPG-converted Proton vehicles for over 10 years, and with just over 300 on their current fleet, have saved up to £300,000 on fuel costs per year. Proton ecoLogic owners won’t miss out later either, with residual values on LPG dual fuel vehicles recently found to be up to 7.4% better than their petrol equivalent (Fleet News).

It’s becoming increasingly easier to fill up on LPG, with over 1,400 refuelling sites around the UK, including motorway service stations and at major supermarkets.

Not only is the Proton ecoLogic GEN-2 more economical to run, but it has been proved to be more eco-friendly than petrol and diesel. Typically, LPG produces less carbon monoxide, particulates and nitrous oxides than other fuel sources, plus a 15-20% reduction in carbon dioxide compared to petrol. Even the production of LPG is environmentally friendly; it’s a by-product of the extraction and refining of crude oil, which also means there’s a plentiful supply in the UK.

There’s nothing complicated about dual fuel operation, the GEN-2 ecoLogic starts on petrol and then switches to LPG when it’s most efficient to do so, usually after about 20 seconds. Any very slight differences in performance will go unnoticed and the only visible addition to the interior is a switch on the centre console that shows the fuel level. There is a second filler cap next to the petrol cap, which is matched to the exact colour of the car. The LPG tank is situated in the spare wheel well, so owners lose only the smallest amount of boot space.

The Proton ecoLogic GEN-2 has a 1.6 litre engine and is available in a sporty hatchback or saloon version, priced at £10,995 and £10,795 respectively. Customers will be impressed with the high specification that comes as standard, such as reverse distance sensors, air conditioning with pollen filter, electric front and rear windows, automatic central locking and alloy wheels. Both models are available with a leather interior, an option at £1,000, but for a limited time customers can benefit from a stylish black leather interior on the GEN-2 ecoLogic hatchback absolutely free.

Cheaper fuel, reliable motoring, eco-friendly and at no additional cost. Available at Proton dealerships from September 2008, the Proton GEN-2 ecoLogic is a practical solution for the UK motorist feeling the pinch. No catch.

Low Insurance ratings for the new Ford Fiesta

With more power, lower emissions and a host of big-car features, Britain’s most stylish newcomer enters the small-car market costing £155 less than the equivalent previous generation entry model. The new typical residual value increase is £1,000. This ranges from £700 for Zetec 1.4-litre TDCi to £1,175 on Titanium 1.6-litre petrol. Savings on insurance could be around £40 with three models having the same insurance group and all others are lower: the 1.6 TDCi Zetec drops from 6E to 4E.

Ford of Britain’s marketing director, Mark Ovenden, said: "All-new Fiesta is set to take Britain by storm. Already, customers are excited about the technology, style and economy they are going to get from this great new car. The package now looks more attractive with this news on residual value and competitive insurance."

See the SEAT Ibiza Cupra and ultra-green Ecomotive in Paris

Never one to rest on its laurels, SEAT will be expanding its recently-launched Ibiza line-up at the forthcoming Paris Motor Show, with the unveiling of the fire-breathing Cupra and ultra-green Ecomotive models.Set to make their Show debuts on 2nd October 2008, the Ibiza Cupra and Ecomotive are highly significant additions to the sharp-looking new Ibiza range – at a stroke, they become respectively the meanest and greenest versions of SEAT’s supermini.

The Cupra is brimming with sophisticated technology. It uses a 180 PS 1.4-litre petrol engine, featuring not only a turbocharger but also a supercharger, an approach beneficial to both power delivery and fuel efficiency. Furthermore, this compact yet potent powerplant is mated to a seven-speed DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) transmission, complete with F1-style steering wheel shift-paddles.

As expected from the Spanish brand whose ethos is ‘auto emoción’, the new Ibiza Cupra has style to match its spirit. Based on the SportCoupé (SC) three-door body shape, the Cupra boasts a bespoke look, with a new front bumper and air intakes surrounding the grille. Eye-catching 17” alloy wheels, a rear diffuser incorporating a centrally-placed trapezoid exhaust pipe, Cupra sports seats and track-inspired aluminium pedals are other visual highlights penned by Luc Donckerwolke, SEAT’s Design Director whose curriculum vitae includes the Lamborghini Gallardo and Murcielago.

The other high performance SEAT Ibiza – though in this context performance is measured in mpg rather than mph – is the next generation Ecomotive which, just like the current model, has an official carbon dioxide emissions figure of just 99 g/km. That is currently the joint lowest figure of any internal combustion engined-car available in the UK today, which means that the Ecomotive will once again qualify for free road fund licence.

Available in both 5dr and SC versions, the Ibiza Ecomotive is equipped with a clean and frugal 80 PS 1.4 TDI engine with DPF diesel particulate filter. Its notably low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are achieved through engine software modifications, as well as enhancements to the gearbox and gear ratios, the fitment of new 175/70 R14 low rolling-resistance tyres and the substitution of the spare wheel for a puncture kit.

Aerodynamic performance has also been analysed, resulting in a new closed front grille and revised rear spoiler which combine to reduce air resistance. Naturally, these changes do not affect the Ibiza’s extrovert appearance, meaning that the Ecomotive is arguably the sportiest-looking small eco-car on the market.

Both prices and specification for the new SEAT Ibiza Cupra and Ibiza Ecomotive will be announced closer to their UK arrival towards the middle of next year. In the meantime, all current Ibiza Ecomotive models are available with 0% finance (over 3 years, with 35% deposit) – a hugely attractive deal for financially and environmentally aware buyers, who will already benefit from the car’s road tax exemption and 74.mpg fuel economy.

2009 Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este report and slideshow

2009 Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este report and slideshow ... This weekend the luxurious Villa d'Este hotel once again hosted the annual Concorso d'Eleganza, celebrating its 80th anniversary. First held in 1929 and not open to the public, the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este is the oldest and most exclusive event of its type. This year's edition featured fifty of the finest classic cars as well as eight of the latest concept cars and prototypes. Among them were three world premieres; the Aston Martin One-77, Bertone Mantide and Morgan Aero SuperSport. The classic cars nevertheless took center stage with an impressive ranging from an early Rolls-Royce Phantom I to the Momo Mirage of 1972. The cars also varied in their condition from carefully preserved like the Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 GTC to extensively restored like the Ferrari 250 GT Europa that had just been completely overhauled at the factory. Further highlights included a Fiat 8V with 170 bhp competition engine, a Ferrari 250 GT Cabriolet Series I that has risen from the ashes like the Phoenix, the SS 90 Prototype, effectively the very first Jaguar sports car and the very wild BMW 2800 Bertone Spicup. Proving that not all of these cars are 'trailer queens' one competitor drove his 8-Litre Bentley well over 1000 km across Europe and through the Swiss Alps. Both the panel of expert judges and the public picked a best of show and for the first time they came to a unanimous decision.
Our photographers made the same 1000 km trip across the continent to visit one of Europe's most beautiful areas and of course cover the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este.