Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Jaguar XJ

Jaguar XJ

Expected: January 2010

Launched in a blaze of publicity the new Jaguar XJ is looking to build upon the success of the Jaguar XF, with a winning combination of exceptional engines, driver engagement, and refinement.

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The 3.0-litre V6 diesel, 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8 and 5.0-litre supercharged V8 have already proved their breadth of ability in the XF and XK, and they are joined by a 470 horsepower version of the supercharged engine. Fuel economy and emissions have also been thought of, with the diesel-powered XJ returning combined economy figures of 40.1mpg and CO2 emissions of 184g/km.

Jaguar XJ story

Renault Megane Renaultsport 250

Expected: January 2010

Performance hot hatch from the French carmaker with a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine under the bonnet.

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The car is capable of hitting 62mph from a standing start in a swift 6.1 seconds.

Renault Megane Renaultsport story

December 2009

Nissan Cube

Expected: Winter 2009

The third generation Nissan Cube is out at the end of the year, and while its been popular in native Japan it has never had a UK release – until now. Nissan hope that the quirkiness of the design will garner it a niche market all of its own.

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Dubbed a ‘Bulldog in Sunglasses’ the design of the vehicle is one of the most unique yet seen, with a single rear pillar perhaps the most striking element. 1.5-litre diesel and 1.6-litre petrol powertrains will be available as part of its European line-up.

Volkswagen Scirocco ‘R’

Expected: Winter 2009

The VW Scirocco has been a success since its launch, and new to the range will be an exclusive ‘R’ badged version with a powerful 265 PS 2.0 litre engine. Designed and built by Volkswagen Individual the car will be limited in number and will feature sportier looks.

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As standard the Scirocco R will be fitted with a touchscreen CD stereo, 2Zone climate control, six airbags and Electronic Stabilisation Programme.

VW Scirocco R story

November 2009

Peugeot 3008

This new, compact and spacious cross-over represents a new offering from Peugeot. It is aimed at sport-loving couples, modern families, senior citizens and active young people who desire a type of car which does not fall into existing categories, such as hatchbacks and MPVs.

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Launched with a choice of six engines – including top of the range 2.0 litre HDi FAP: 163 bhp with six-speed automatic gearbox.

Peugeot 3008 story

Porsche 911 Turbo

The seventh incarnation of the iconic sports car hits the UK roads at the end of November. The Porsche 911 Turbo features a new 3.8-litre engine, delivering 500 hp, and able to hit a top speed of 194mph, yet the engineers have made an 18% reduction in emissions over the previous model.

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Available in both coupe and cabriolet versions the car also boasts an improvement in fuel economy, while inside the cabin expect a high level of sophistication and the touch-screen Porsche Communication Management system with both Bluetooth mobile telephone and i-Pod connectivity.

Porsche 911 Turbo Story

Vauxhall Astra

The all new Astra, with obvious styling cues from the 2009 European Car of the Year the Insignia is due to hit the UK in Winter 2009.

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Promised for the Astra will be optional, latest generation AFL (Adaptive Forward Lighting), which features bi-xenon lighting that changes its intensity and reach to suit prevailing road conditions – and as seen on the Insignia.

Vauxhall Astra story

Volvo XC60 R-DESIGN

Volvo has been releasing sporty versions of existing models for a while now, and they have finally turned their attention to the Volvo XC60.

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Featuring sporty dynamics and a whole host of visual features to distinguish the car from "normal" versions the Volvo XC60 R-DESIGN goes on sale in the UK at the end of the year.

Volvo XC60 R-DESIGN Story

October 2009

Audi A5 Sportback

As seen on the A3, the Audi A5 Sportback will offer customers a little extra space over the A5 coupe. Sportier looking than the existing A4 Avant the nwe A5 Sportback will have comparable levels of space, including 480 litres of boot room, with the rear seats upright.

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The Sportback will be available as a 2.0 TFSI quattro SE, 3.2 FSI SE, 2.0 TDI SE, and 3.0 TDI SE.

Audi A5 Sportback story

Bentley Continental Supersports

Built for ultimate performance, the car is the most powerful in Bentley’s proud 90 year history. 621bhp, 0-60mph is achieved in only 3.7 seconds in a car which is 110kg lighter than the Bentley Continental GT Speed.

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The Supersports reaffirms Bentley’s environmental commitment with the launch of its first FlexFuel performance car, however the car is purely a two seater, with the rear seats replaced by storage areas.

Bentley Continental Supersports story

BMW X5 M & BMW X6 M

The X5 and X6 are to get new flagship models with the launch of their ‘M’ badged versions; customers can look forward to the most powerful M versions yet seen, with both models sharing a 555hp 4,395cc twin turbocharged V8 engine capable of producing 680 Nm of torque.

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To differentiate both models from standard X5/X6 expect 20-inch light alloy wheels featuring differently sized tyres front to rear, M-badged side gills on the front wing, quad exhaust pipes and discreet badging are all M hallmarks. Compared to the front profile of the original X5 or X6, the bodywork has been reworked to enhance the aerodynamic efficiency needed to provide the extra downforce a 555hp vehicle requires.

BMW X5M & BMW X6M story

BMW X1

The fourth X-model from BMW, the X1 is the baby of the bunch but looks much like its larger X3, X5 and X6 brothers. The car will be available in both rear wheel and all wheel versions, and in total five variants will launch at the end of October.

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Interestingly only diesel power will be available in the UK, with the top of the range xDrive 23d SE providing 204 hp and a top speed of 127mph (electronically limited).

BMW X1 story

BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo

The 5 series has a new body shape, in the form of a Gran Turismo version. Providing similar levels of luxury as a 7-series with space approaching what is found in a 5-series Touring, BMW are looking to capacity customers in an expanding segment.

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Three class-leading engines power the three models available at launch. The new BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo is offered as a 530d, a 535i and a 550i, with the entry level 530d expected to be the biggest seller.

BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo story

Ford Ranger

Making its first appearance in Europe, the new Ford Ranger has been designed in Australia and built in Thailand and comes in two wheel and four wheel drive varieties. With a choice of fuel-efficient 2.5 or 3.0-litre TDCi turbo diesel engines and three body styles – Regular Cab, Super Cab and Double Cab – the Pick-Up will offer a large variety of different specifications to cater for a large number of roles.

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Exterior aesthetics include a large horizontal three-bar grille at the front, large headlamps that wrap around each front corner and bigger door mirrors for better visibility. At the rear the Ranger debuts a new clear tail-lamp design.

Mazda3 i-Stop

The existing Mazda3 range benefits from the addition of a greener version. Incorporating Mazda’s unique take on the start/stop system, basically ‘pausing’ the engine rather than shutting the unit down when stationary the carmaker claims that their system is one of the best out there.

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In combination with the MZR 2.0 DISI (Direct Injection Spark Ignition) engine the Mazda3 achieves approximately 12 percent lower fuel consumption (urban cycle) than a standard Mazda3 model.

Mazda3 MPS

New flagship, high performance Mazda3 which includes the i-stop technology but couples it to a 2.3-litre DISI Turbo engine.

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Beefed up aesthetics complete the hot-hatch look, including larger than life rear spoiler and air intake bonnet.

Mazda CX-7

The CX-7 is Mazda’s SUV model, and while it is only a few years old the Japanese carmaker has decided to revise the current look of the car.

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Now featuring the family face of Mazda, as seen on the Mazda6 and Mazda3, the new SUV also features a revised diesel engine with improved economy and reduced CO2 emissions.

Mazda CX-7 Story

Peugeot 207 Economique

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Coming out in the Autumn is the most frugal car Peugeot has released in the UK. Featuring their award winning HDi 90 diesel engine the car has a number of additional systems to improve fuel economy and reduce CO2 emissions, bring its official CO2 figure under the 100g/km, at 99g/km.

Peugeot 207 Economique story

Porsche 911 GT3

Part road car, part track car, the heart of the new Porsche 911 GT3 is the most sporting naturally aspirated engine that the German sportscarmaker has yet produced. 435hp 3.8-litre engine is capable of 194mph and 0-99mph takes only 8.2 seconds.

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With driving dynamics and performance increasing to an even higher level, following Porsche tradition the braking system has also been enhanced accordingly on the new 911 GT3. The brakes now feature larger friction discs and an aluminium cover to reduce un-sprung weight further still. Brake ventilation has been improved, which guarantees a higher level of consistent stopping power over long periods.

Saab 9-3X

Expected: Autumn 2009

Already available to order the Saab 9-3X is expected to hit Saab dealerships in the Autumn. The 9-3X is available with a choice of two engines: a 1.9TTiD diesel engine and a 2.0-litre petrol turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 210hp.

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The 2.0l petrol version also comes with Saab’s technically advanced Cross Wheel Drive system (XWD).

Saab 9-3X story

September 2009

Porsche Panamera

Expected: 12/09/09

The German manufacturer’s first foray into the Grand Turismo world, the four-door Panamera will go head-to-head with the likes of the Maserati Quattroporte.

Launched with a choice of two suitably powerful engines (either a 400bhp V8 petrol or a twin-turbocharged 500bhp V8 petrol) the car will also be available in either rear wheel or all wheel varieties.

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Every model offers a full leather interior, Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), Bi-Xenon headlights, rear ParkAssist, tyre pressure monitoring, automatic dimming rear view mirrors, Porsche Communication Management with touch-screen satellite navigation and audio controls, and a Bluetooth telephone module – complete with cordless handset for use by rear seat passengers.

Porsche Panamera story

BMW 760Li

Expected: September 2009

The new flagship 7-series lands in September, featuring an all-new 5,972cc twin-turbocharged V12 engine and eight-speed automatic transmission, and scintillating performance. The car also contains elements of the EfficientDynamics programme, including a regenerative brake energy system and on demand air conditioning.

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To identify its top-of-the-range status, the kidney grille features an extra-wide chrome frame and side, whilst the chrome-plated gills boast a V12 model designation. Further signs of distinction are two twin rectangular exhaust tailpipes and chrome rain channels in the roof.

BMW 760Li Story

Infiniti G37

Expected: September 2009

Launching in September is a trio of Infiniti G37’s – a saloon, coupe, and convertible. Still relatively unknown in the UK, the Infiniti brand is Nissan’s luxury brand – think Toyota/Lexus – and has been going in different markets for 20 years.

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Available with a single engine option, a 320Ps 3.7 litre V6, and either as a six-speed manual or seven-speed auto with paddle shift. Active cornering bi-Xenon headlamps, Bluetooth, 18-inch alloys, electrically adjustable front seats, front and rear parking sensors, cruise control, powered steering column with integrated instrument binnacle are all offered as standard specification as the brand looks to make a grand entrance in the premium segment.

Infiniti G37 story

Infiniti FX

Expected: September 2009

All wheel drive and looking similar to the BMW X6, the Infiniti FX is ready to roll in September. Available with a choice of three variants; two come with a 320PS (316bhp) 3.7-litre V6 petrol unit, while the range topping FX50S comes with a powerful 390PS (385bhp) 5.0-litre V8 unit.

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Also promised is a high level of specification across the range, with Continuous Damping Control (CDC), 14-way power driver’s seat, including sport front seats, and 21 inch alloys available in the base model.

Infiniti EX

Expected: September 2009

The third new model from Nissan’s Luxury brand is the Infiniti EX. Part sports coupe, part compact SUV the EX is a true crossover car and comes to the UK with a choice of two variants sharing the one 320PS (316bhp) 3.7-litre V6 petrol engine.

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In what is a common theme running through the whole Infiniti range there is a large amount of kit as standard.

Land Rover Freelander 2 TD4

Expected: Summer 2009

The first Land Rover "e_TERRAIN TECHNOLOGIES" the Freelander 2 comes with a range of fuel economy boosting technologies such as a start/stop system on the engine, reducing CO2 emissions from 194g/km to 179g/km.

Land Rover Freelander 2 story

Land Rover 2010 Range Rover Sport

Expected: 01/09/09

Revised for 2010 the Range Rover Sport has new restyled grilles, revised bumpers and the incorporation of LED lighting. A new 3.0-litre LR-TDV6 diesel engine is available with improved fuel economy figures and increased power output. At the other end of the spectrum Land Rover is also introducing an all new 5.0l V8 twin-vortex supercharger diesel engine, again with improved economy figures.

Land Rover Discovery 4

Expected: 01/09/09

Launched the same day as the 2010 Range Rover Sport, the Discovery 4 will also be available with the new 3.0litre LR-TDV6 diesel engine with improved economy.

Four versions of the Discovery 4 will be available at launch, with one 2.7l diesel variant and three different trim levels available with the 3.0l unit.

Lexus IS 250C

Expected: Summer 2009

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The Lexus IS 250C combines the usual Lexus style and quality along with open top driving. Capable of opening and shutting the aluminium roof in only 20 seconds the car promises to be popular amongst the coupe/cabriolet crowd. Expect good levels of performance from the engine, 9.0 seconds for 0-62mph and a top speed around 130mph.

Lexus IS 250C story

Skoda Yeti

Expected: 17/09/2009

Officially Skoda’s fifth model the brilliantly named Yeti is a SUV-styled, crossover vehicle designed to be as flexible as possible, to appeal to as many customers as possible. Aimed at the Nissan Qashqai market, the Skoda Yeti will be available in both 2 wheel and 4 wheel drive versions.

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The entry level engine is a 2 wheel drive 105bhp 1.2 TSI unit, while top of the range is a 4×4 2.0 TDI diesel unit offering 170bhp.

Skoda Yeti story

Toyota 2009 RAV4

Expected: 01/09/09

The new Toyota RAV4 range can be distinguished by a new front bumper, grille and headlamp design, turn indicator lights incorporated into the door mirrors, integrated front foglamps, restyled rear light clusters and new-design 17-inch alloy wheels.

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For the first time the RAV4 is available with Toyota Optimal Drive technology, improving fuel economy across the range.

Toyota RAV4 story

August 2009

Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG

The new sports saloon packs 525hp and receives a huge slice of performance from the SL 63 AMG roadster. The AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine in the new E 63 AMG now returns 22.4mpg, a 12% increase in the old generation, while 0-62mph is achieved in only 4.5 seconds.

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The newly designed interior of the E 63 AMG promises an exciting blend of high-grade materials and functional sportiness. Features include the dedicated, electrically adjustable AMG sports seats with improved lateral support and the AMG sports steering wheel in a four-spoke design with AMG shift paddles.

Nissan 370Z Roadster

With the exciting Nissan 370Z coupe having been available for several months, the Japanese carmaker has decided that the demand is there for a roadster version of the sporty two seater.

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The soft top takes only 20 seconds to open and close and all the usual refinement from the hard top version is retained in the roadster model. A single engine is available for the 370Z roadster, a meaty 3.7l DOHC V6 with a choice of a six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic gearbox.

Renault Megane Sport Tourer

The new Renault Megane will be available in its Sport Tourer aka estate form from the middle of August, available with a choice of 21 versions – with four trim levels and nine engines, the latest car from the French carmaker is the tenth new model released this year.

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Eight versions of the car will be badged as Fiat’s eco label "eco2" with CO2 emissions of 140g/km or less.

Renault Megane Sport Tourer story

SEAT Exeo ST

Looking remarkably similar to the previous generation Audi A4, the SEAT Exeo hit the UK earlier in the year amidst positive reviews thanks to solid overall package and competitive pricing, the Spanish carmaker is due to launch the estate version in the Summer. Available with a choice of three engines, the SEAT Exeo ST, will be hoping to tempt buyers with the manufacturer’s usual Spanish flair and proven engineering.

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Like its saloon counterpart in the line-up, an extensive array of options will allow Exeo ST buyers to precisely personalise their cars. A DVD-based satellite navigation system, double-glazed side windows, electrically adjustable and heated front seats, and hi-tech solar sunroof all number among the extras available.

Toyota Prius

The third generation of the most famous ‘green car’ in the world hits UK shores during August; featuring a several significant leaps forward in green technology the car will set a new standard in CO2 emissions, with emissions of only 89g/km. Fuel economy figures are equally impressive, with 72.5mpg on the combined cycle.

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While the second generation Prius came with a 1.5l petrol engine coupled to the electric motor, the third generation sees a new 1.8l petrol engine increasing the cars power by 24%.

Toyota Prius story

Vauxhall Insignia VXR

The 2009 European Car of the Year the Vauxhall Insignia has been a welcome return to form for the company, after the somewhat disappointing Vectra. The company looking for that elusive ‘halo effect’ has decided that the world needs a VXR variant of the Insignia, with the results hitting the UK tarmac in the summer.

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The super fast saloon has a 2.8l V6 turbo at its heart providing a 0-60mph time of sub six seconds. Also expect significantly beefed up suspension and handling to cope with the demands.

Vauxhall Insignia VXR story

July 2009

Audi Q7 2010

Audi’s enhanced seven seater enjoys a new cleaner 3.0l diesel engine for 2010, including the additive AdBlue to create a ‘clean diesel’ capable of 31.7mpg (combined cycle). A redesigned front grille, restyled bumpers incorporating new integrated under-body protectors, new door mouldings and new LED rear lights distinguish the Audi Q7 body in its latest incarnation.

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Like the rest of the engine range, including 3.6 FSI V6 and 4.2 FSI V8 direct injection petrol units and meaty 4.2 TDI V8 and 6.0 TDI diesels, the new high-tech 3.0-litre TDI unit is backed up by a new energy recovery system which helps to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 5 g/km.

Audi Q7 Story

Chevrolet Cruze

The new Chevvy is an all new compact family saloon from the General Motors badge, expect value for money and excellent equipment levels across the whole range of Cruzes when they become available at somepoint in July.

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Available with a choice four engine types – 1.6l and 1.8l petrol engines, and two 2.0l diesel units. An automatic gearbox will be available on the petrol engines only.

Latest Chevrolet Cruze Leasing Deals

Land Rover 2010 Range Rover

Revised and updated for its 2010MY the Range Rover has been given a further level of luxury and gloss on an already popular package.

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Featuring a brand new 510ps 5.0l supercharged petrol engine the engineers at Land Rover have managed to increase power yet decrease CO2 emissions and improve fuel economy. New bumper, grille, and headlights differentiate the aesthetics from earlier Range Rovers.

SEAT Leon Cupra

The new SEAT Leon will see its flagship Cupra arrive during July, with new aesthetics including new front bumper and central grille.

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Under the bonnet the engine remains the same with the potent 240ps 2.0l TSI engine sending the car to a top speed of 153mph.

SEAT Leon Cupra story

Toyota iQ (3) 1.33

The popular, tiny 2 door, 4 seat Toyota iQ can expect an addition to the range in July when the iQ3 (iQ cubed) 1.33 hits the streets.

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Powered by a 98bhp 1.33 Dual VVT-i engine the car includes Toyota’s much lauded optimal drive technology, including a Start/Stop system to further improve the cars emissions.