Citroen revamps C3 Picasso for 2011 (UK)

Citroën has revised its C3 Picasso sub-compact MPV for 2011. Revisions are strictly limited to engines and pricing.

In addition to the new Euro5 engines, Citroen will also launch a special-edition called ‘Blackcherry’.

Based upon the VTR+ model, Blackcherry features cherry red and glossy black exterior and interior updates, 17” cherry red diamond-tipped alloy wheels, air conditioning, cruise control w/speed limiter, Connecting Box (USB socket & Bluetooth), electrically adjustable/heated door mirrors and front electric windows. Under the bonnet lives a 90bhp, 1.6HDi diesel engine that returns 61.4mpg.

On the diesel front, the range-topping 1.6HDi 110bhp now produces 125g/km and better fuel economy of 58.8mpg.

The 1.4 VTi 95bhp petrol has combined cycle fuel economy of 44.1mpg, up from 42.8mpg. Helping to reduce fuel consumption, all C3 Picasso models are now fitted with Michelin Energy Saver tyres. These tyres mean specifying larger 17” alloy wheels on Exclusive models will no longer have an impact on CO2 output.

Sales start 1st November.

Lexus CT200h pricing announced (UK)

The Lexus CT200h compact hybrid car will start from £23,485 when it goes on sale in Spring 2011.

The CT200h is available in three trim-levels; SE-I, SE-L and SE-L Premier.

Entry-level SE-I comes equipped with 16”/17” alloy wheels, 6 speaker audio system w/USB port and Bluetooth, active brake lights, dual-zone climate control, entry & start, LED daytime running lights, rear privacy glass and rain-sensing wipers. Options will include front and rear parking sensors and a satellite navigation system, 10 speaker audio system w/dash 6-CD changer and Remote Touch control.

Mid-spec SE-L cars comes with leather interior w/heated front seats and front & rear parking sensors. Two optional packages are offered with this grade; convenience pack which includes cruise control, auto-dimming rear-view mirror w/reversing camera and full map navigation package, packing in satellite navigation system,10 speaker sound system w/dash 6-CD changer and Remote Touch control. This has a sticker price of £25,200.

Flagship SE-L Premier is equipped with LED headlights, cruise control, auto-dimming rear-view mirror w/reversing camera, Smart Entry system, electrically adjustable front seats, electrically folding, auto-dimming external mirrors, 13 speaker Mark Levinson sound system, HDD satellite navigation system and remote touch control. All these amenities come at a price, £30,635. Pre-crash safety (PCS) system with adaptive cruise control (ACC) and lateral performance damper system will be optional.

The CT200h will be able to return 68.9mpg and emit 94g/km, Lexus claims, making it free from VED and the London Congestion Charge. Order books are open now.

Great Wall to produce cars in Bulgaria (BG)

Chinese car manufacture, Great Wall Motors is going to commence production of its passenger cars in early 2011 at its Lovech factory.

Great Wall is looking to build two sedans, an SUV and a truck for the European community. The plant has a production capacity of 50,000 cars per annum. The first 1,000 cars are expected to be produced in February 2011.

The company anticipates the production will give it wide access to the Euro market. The vehicles are likely to obtain a "Made in the EU" sticker and – without infuriating duties and taxes – will be exported throughout Europe.

The original investment is estimated at $119m and is likely to surpass $420m at a later date. The factory will give work to 1,800 people, of which 400 are highly specialised professionals from Germany, China, Italy, South Korea, and Japan.

Large SUV sales remain strong (U.S)

Despite the White House’s attempt to sway consumers away from large SUV’s, customers seem to be rebelling.
Sales of big SUV’s have risen in recent months, namely the Ford Expedition and Chevrolet Tahoe, and sales are reaching their 1000’s this year. GM’s sales of big utes are up 11%, with Ford reporting a 28% increase.

Chevrolet marketing manager, Mark Clawson said “Unless the country decides to limit people to only having two kids, only having one activity and not having things like snowmobiles, jet skis and boats, then there will be some people who will still want these vehicles”.

GM has established that a refurbish of its SUV line-up is due in 2013/’14.

Ford launches special-edition Transit SportsVan (UK)

Guest post by Ant Bradshaw:

Ford is releasing 100 special edition Transit SportVan models to mark their 45th year as Britain’s best-selling van.

Back in 2006, Ford ousted the ‘white van’ trend when they released the Transit SportVan for the first time.

The SportVan is based on the 260 model and has even stolen its short wheelbase, front wheel drive
system and 138bhp 2.2-litre TDCi diesel engine with a 6 speed transmission. In addition to this, the limited edition hosts a Colorado red exterior with wide bonnet stripes.

Elsewhere on the exterior, there are a number of changes made to the look of the Ford. These changes include twin exhausts, graphite colour alloys, front and rear lower spoilers, side skirts and extended wheel arches.

The interior has also undergone some changes such as new fabrics and trims that fall alongside new equipment and technology. This model also includes the first DAB radio that comes as standard on a medium van.

Standard features include power deadlocks, rain-sensing wipers and safety features such as ABS and
ESP; there is also a good range of optional extras that can be included.

Prices for the standard Ford Transit SportVan range from around £15,000 up to £29,000 and prices for the Special Edition Ford are expected to mirror these figures.

About the Author:

Ant Bradshaw is currently working for SaveOnNewVans.co.uk which can provide you with great information on a range of van manufacturers and model as well all the latest news. SaveOnNewVans can also provide you with completely free, no obligation New Van Quotes.

Photo Gallery: 2011 Hyundai ix20

Hyundai UK has announced prices for the new sub-compact ix20 MPV. The entry-level 1.4 litre petrol Classic will start from £11,595, rising to £15,095 for the 1.6 litre petrol automatic Style range-topper.

Diesel models will typically add £1,400 on top of petrol equivalent. Three trim-levels are offered; Classic, Active and Style, and are unique to the UK and have been carefully created to reflect the demands and high expectations of British buyers.

Base Classic grade features 15” steel wheels, ESP, height adjustable driver’s seat, air conditioning, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, x6 airbags, hill-start assist, alarm, active front head restraints, radio/CD audio system with 6 speakers, MP3, RDS, USB/AUX/iPod input capabilities, black door handles & mirrors, metallic interior door handles and sliding/reclining rear seats with 60/40 spilt folding.

Mid-spec, set to be the most popular grade, Active contains 16” alloy wheels, body-coloured electrically adjustable/heated door mirrors, rear parking sensors, rear electric windows, Bluetooth w/steering wheel mounted audio controls, leather steering wheel and gearknob, eco-pattern front grille, luggage net, front illuminated vanity mirrors and rear centre armrest. This starts at £12,695 for the 1.4 litre petrol and £14,095 for the diesel and the 1.6 litre petrol auto.

Flagship Style trim-level adds electric folding door mirrors, front fog lights, panoramic glass roof and rear privacy glass. Prices start from £13,695 for the 1.4 petrol, to £15,095 for the 1.4 CRDi and 1.6 lire auto petrol.

Metallic paint is optional at £395. More standard equipment and technical specs can be found here.

"The Hyundai ix20 is a modern mini-MPV which has its own personality, offering the right balance of dynamic style and functionality," said Allan Rushforth, Vice President of Hyundai Motor Europe. "With Hyundai ix20 we are giving young European families a vehicle that not only suits their lifestyle, but also appeals to their sense of adventure."

"We are optimistic about the future of our new B-segment MPV and have set an ambitious but achievable sales target of 55,000 units annually for the Hyundai ix20," continued Mr. Rushforth. "The MPV segment has been experiencing a tough time of late, but we are confident that the launch of the Hyundai ix20 will help to increase Hyundai's overall sales volume and market share in Europe. Taking into account the current trend for European motorists to downsize, we expect many C-segment MPV owners will be tempted by the Hyundai ix20."

Sales of the ix20 start from 18th November.

Chevrolet preparing Aveo RS, crossover, and sedan

Chevrolet is working on three forthcoming Aveo supermini variants.

The first is a sporty variant of the Aveo, dubbed Aveo RS. This was shown in concept form at the Detroit motor show and is yet to be confirmed for production. However, there is strong demand for it from America and Europe.

The second model is a sub-compact SUV to rival the Fiat Sedici/Suzuki SX4, Toyota Urban Cruiser and the forthcoming Vauxhall/Opel Corsa SUV. Ford is also planning a similar model using the Fiesta’s mechanicals. Like the Aveo RS model, the small SUV is yet to be signed off.

If green-lighted, it’ll be offered in FWD and AWD and will be a touch longer than the Aveo supermini. It will have a powerful three-tier front grille set into a well-known nose section. The Chevy bow-tie badge is mounted high in a bar dissecting the upper two sections. Both use the new General Motors small-car platform that will also underpin the next Vauxhall/Opel Corsa.

The third model is a saloon that goes on sale next year, after its debut at January’s Detroit motor show. The saloon won’t arrive in the UK anytime soon.

All of them have been shaped in South Korea at the former Daewoo headquarters, now renamed GM Daewoo Auto and Technology.

‘They are not confirmed for production, but they are not far from being finalised,’ says Taewan Kim, GM Daewoo head of design. ‘We know the importance of the SUV segment for the European market.’

Toyota reveals special-edition Prius 10th Anniversary hybrid (UK)

Toyota has launched a special-edition version of the popular Prius hatchback, to celebrate 10 years of sales in the UK.

The Prius 10th Anniversary edition will cost £26,150, an eye-watering £3,190 more than the flagship T-Spirit trim-level on which it’s based upon.

Despite being limited to 1,000 units, the special-edition features front, side and rear skirts, 17” alloys, rear privacy glass and black leather upholstery embossed with the 10th Anniversary logo. Two exterior colours are on offer; White Pearl or Astral black.

Running costs will remain the same, so CO2 emissions are still 92g/km and combined fuel economy still stands at 70.6mpg.

Order books are opened with first customer deliveries starting in Winter.

Photo Gallery: 2011 Citroen C5

Citroen has subtly revised the well-liked C5 mid-sized family car.

Upgrades include reworked front and rear light clusters, improved engines and eTouch Emergency & Assistance System. Up front, LED day-time running-lights sit underneath the headlights and at the rear, the light clusters have been darkened.

All engines are now Euro5 compliant. Citroen has launched a cleaner Euro5 1.6 HDi,1.6 litre THP petrol engine and a 3.0 HDi V6 diesel. Both engines now offer enhanced fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions; fuel economy increases from 39.8mpg to 42.2mpg and 38.2mpg to 39.2mpg respectively, while CO2 emissions drop 14g/km and 6g/km correspondingly.

The Exclusive models now include eTouch Emergency & Assistance System as standard. This service automatically or manually makes emergency calls and allows manual assistance calls, using an integrated SIM card for a rapid response in the event of an accident. The service is free and available 24/7.

Prices start from £19,195 for the entry-level 1.6HDi 110bhp VTR saloon, rising to an immense £29,595 for the range-topping 3.0HDi V6 240bhp Auto Exclusive. The altered C5 is available on 1st November.

Photo Gallery: 2011 Hyundai Equus

When Hyundai’s flagship sedan, the Equus, goes on sale in the U.S in December, it’ll start from as little as $58,900, rising to $64,900.

Prices include a $900 destination fee, free upkeep for 5 years/60,000 miles, complimentary valet service which includes a sales-person picking up and delivering the car for maintenance, and an iPad instead of an owner’s manual.

The Equus undercuts rivals by a substantial amount; the Lexus LS460 w/380bhp starts at $65,380, while the Mercedes S400 Hybrid w/295bhp starts at a hefty $91,000.

The Genesis-based Equus is only available with a 4.6 litre V8 petrol engine that pumps out 385bhp and is mated to a 6 speed automatic transmission. All that power goes to the rear wheels.

Entry-level Signature trim comes standard with a 17 speaker, 608W Lexicon sound system, bi-xenon headlamps w/LED day-time running lights, electric air suspension, heated wood/leather steering wheel, Alcantara suede headlining, front and rear parking sensors w/rear parking camera, ventilated leather front seats w/rear heated seats and drivers massage front seat.

The flagship Ultimate grade is offered with front camera, electric tail-gate, rear seat entertainment system w/ rear refrigerator, reclining and ventilated rear seats w/powered headrests, rear seat massage and leg support, rear seat refrigerator and a rear seat entertainment system.

"When you're spending this much for a new car, you don't want to feel like you've been short-changed on engineering, technology or features," said John Krafcik, Hyundai Motor America president and CEO. "Equus Signature has the technology and content of fully-optioned flagship models from Lexus and BMW, while Equus Ultimate delivers a specification approached only by our competitors' low-volume, special-order models."

Press Release:

"At Your Service" Summary:

•Valet service – The dealership will pickup and deliver the owner's Equus for maintenance, replacement of wear items or warranty work

•Replacement vehicle – If alternative transportation is needed while service is being performed, the dealer will provide a Genesis or Equus at no cost

•Maintenance – Covers all factory maintenance for the first five years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first

•Wear items – Covers brake pads, brakes discs, wiper blades and battery

EQUUS SIGNATURE KEY STANDARD FEATURES:

•4.6L DOHC Tau V8 engine

•Six-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC®

•Electro-Hydraulic Power Steering (EHPS)

•Electronically controlled air suspension with Continuous Damping Control (CDC)

•19-inch chrome alloy wheels with P245/45R19 (front) / P275/40R19 (rear) tires

•Four-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and EBD

•Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with TCS and Brake Assist

•Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) system with pre-collision warning

•Nine airbags: advanced dual front airbags, front and rear seat-mounted side-impact airbags, driver knee airbag, and roof-mounted side-curtain airbags

•Electronic active front head restraints with power controls

•Electronic seatbelt pretensioners

•Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

•Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS)

•Smart Cruise Control

•High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights with LED turn signal indicators

•Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFLS) with auto-leveling

•Fog lights and automatic headlights

•Front and rear parking assistance system with rearview camera

•Dual power-folding heated auto-dimming side mirrors with turn signal indicators and approach lamps

•Dual asymmetrical exhaust tips integrated with rear bumper

•Proximity key entry with push-button start

•Illuminated scuff plates, inside door handles and door armrest

•Premium leather seating surfaces and Alcantara® suede headliner

•12-way power driver seat plus lumbar adjustment and 10-way power front passenger seat

•Driver seat massage system

•Heated and cooled front seats

•Heated, wood-trimmed and leather-wrapped steering wheel

•Power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel

•Integrated Memory System (IMS) for driver-side seat, mirror and steering wheel

•Leather-wrapped dash and real wood interior trim

•Electroluminescent cluster (Supervision) with 3.5-inch TFT LCD screen

•Electronic parking brake with automatic vehicle hold

•Power windows with auto-down/up

•Navigation system with DIS and multimedia controller

•Apple iPad interactive owner's manual

•608-watt Lexicon 7.1 Discrete surround-sound audio system with 17 speakers

•iPod/USB and MP3 auxiliary input jacks and iPod connection cable

•XM® Satellite Radio & NavTraffic® with trial subscription

•Bluetooth® hands-free phone system

•Dual automatic temperature control with air quality system

•Windshield-wiper deicer, rain-sensing wipers and auto-defogging windshield with humidity sensor

•Electrochromic auto-dimming inside rearview mirror with HomeLink® and compass

•Acoustic laminated windshield, front and rear side windows

•Power tilt-and-slide glass sunroof

•60/40 power reclining and heated rear seats

•Power rear sunshade and rear side-window sunshades

•Luggage net

•Premium-grade floor mats

•Premium-grade trunk cargo mat

•First-aid kit (PIO)

EQUUS ULTIMATE ADDS ULTRA-LUXURY FEATURES:

Equus Ultimate adds or replaces:

•50/50 split rear seats (four-passenger seating) with reclining function

•First-class passenger-side rear seat: leg support and massage system

•Cooled rear seats

•Rear-seat entertainment system with eight-inch monitor

•Thermoelectric rear center console refrigerator

•Rear-seat power up/down head restraints with manual tilt

•Rear-seat illuminated vanity mirrors

•Forward-view cornering camera

•Power trunk lid