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Brabus B63 - 620 Widestar launched

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The latest conversion from Brabus is based on the Mercedes-Benz GL 63 AMG seven-seat SUV. Called the B63 - 620 Widestar, that name gives a couple of clues about the changes that have been applied.

Firstly, the ‘620’ denotes that the 5,461 cc bi-turbo V8 engine’s power output is up from the usual 550 bhp (410 kW / 557 PS) to 611 bhp (456 kW / 620 PS). The 11% increase comes courtesy of a sports exhaust system, together with a PowerXtra ‘plug-and-play’ module that revises the injection and ignition mapping and gives a slightly higher boost pressure.

Mercedes-Benz GL 63 AMG (Brabus B63 - 620 Widestar) (2013) Front Side

As a result, acceleration from rest to 62 mph (100 km/h) takes 4.7 seconds, which actually doesn’t seem much quicker than the regular model’s time of 4.9 seconds. Altering the electronic limiter has raised the top speed from 155 mph (250 km/h) to 174 mph (280 km/h), though.

The ‘Widestar’ designation meanwhile signifies that the B63 features extended wheel arches that add 8 cm (3.1”) to the vehicle’s width. They’re complemented by a redesigned front apron that reduces front-end aerodynamic lift and provides better cooling via its larger air intakes. At the rear are a bespoke bumper and a roof-mounted spoiler.

Mercedes-Benz GL 63 AMG (Brabus B63 - 620 Widestar) (2013) Rear Side

Completing the package is a range of alloy wheels that are available in 21”, 22” or 23” diameters. Buyers can also go for an upgraded braking set-up and a selection of interior customisation options.

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Holden Colorado Thunder edition

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Holden has introduced a range of Colorado Thunder special editions.

Basically a package of accessories, the LX 4x4 crew cab chassis, LX 4x4 crew cab pick-up, LT 4x4 crew cab pick-up and LTZ 4x4 crew cab pick-up models can all be specified in Thunder guise.

Holden Colorado LTZ 4x4 Crew Cab Thunder (2013) Front Side

The extra equipment includes floor mats front and rear, a bonnet protector, slimline weather shields, the towing package, a front nudge bar and some Thunder badges. LX and LT pick-up versions also gain a soft tonneau cover, an item that’s already standard equipment on the LTZ.

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Image © General Motors.

2014 Toyota Corolla revealed

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In 2012 the Toyota Corolla was the fifth best-selling car in the United States, with over 290,000 examples finding buyers. So the all-new 2014 model, which has just been unveiled, certainly has a reputation to maintain.

With styling influenced by the Furia Concept that appeared at January’s North American International Auto Show, the latest Corolla has grown by 9.9 centimetres (3.9 inches). All of that extra length is between the wheels for increased cabin space, particularly in the rear.

As well as being roomier, the interior should also have a more refined ambiance. Toyota is saying it has used premium materials, there are lots of soft-touch surfaces and the sound-deadening is more generous.

Toyota Corolla S (2014 North American Spec) Front Side

Four trim grades - L, LE, LE Eco and S - will be available, with all featuring Bluetooth connectivity, eight airbags and LED low-beam headlights as standard.

As its name implies, the LE Eco is focussed on efficiency. Its EPA Highway fuel economy rating is expected to be at least 40 mpg US (48.0 mpg imperial / 5.9 l/100km), thanks to the use of low rolling resistance tyres, enhanced aerodynamics, a specially-developed 140 bhp (104 kW / 142 PS) 1.8 litre four-cylinder engine with Valvematic variable valve timing and the new CVTi-S continuously variable transmission.

The other variants are also powered by a 1.8 litre engine, albeit one with a slightly lower output of 132 bhp (98 kW / 133 PS). On L models, it’s connected to either a six-speed manual gearbox or a traditional four-speed automatic transmission. LE versions come with CVTi-S, while the sporty S can be specified with either the manual ’box or CVTi-S.

Prices and final specifications for the 2014 Toyota Corolla will be announced nearer to its launch date.

Toyota Corolla LE Eco (2014 North American Spec) DashboardToyota Corolla LE Eco (2014 North American Spec) Rear Side

Toyota Corolla LE Eco (2014 North American Spec) SideToyota Corolla S (2014 North American Spec) Rear Seats

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SLS AMG ED sets Nordschleife record

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A Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive has become the first electric-powered production car to complete a lap of the Nürburgring Nordschleife in less than eight minutes.

The actual time logged around the 12.9 mile (20.8 kilometre) circuit was an impressive 7' 56.234". However, one stat that AMG hasn’t revealed is how much battery range remained after the attempt.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive (2013) Front Side 1

Sales of the SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive, which features four electric motors and a permanent all-wheel drive system, are due to begin later this month. A UK price has still to be confirmed, but in Germany it’ll cost €416,500 (including VAT).

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2014 Chevrolet Camaro UK prices

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Chevrolet has announced UK pricing for its facelifted 2014 Camaro.

In coupé guise it’ll cost from £35,320 with a six-speed manual transmission, while the convertible is an extra £5,000. Given the Chevrolet comes equipped with a 6.2 litre V8 engine developing 426 bhp (318 kW / 432 PS), that’s a lot of horsepower per £.

Chevrolet Camaro SS (2014) Front Side

Of course, some UK buyers will be put off because the Camaro is left-hand drive only, but perhaps that factor just helps to make it even more unique? Indeed, there aren’t really any direct competitors.

A similar outlay could buy a selection of coupés of course, including the £35,445 Mercedes-Benz C 250 Coupé AMG Sport Plus with its 201 bhp (150 kW / 204 PS), the £35,905 Audi TTS Coupé that boasts 268 bhp (200 kW / 272 PS) and the £36,995 Nissan 370Z Nismo which has an output of 339 bhp (253 kW / 344 PS). However, all three have a very different flavour compared to their American rival.

Chevrolet Camaro SS (2014) Rear Side

The 2014 Camaro was unveiled at the New York International Auto Show earlier this year. Styling changes include a shallower front grille, a wider lower air intake, new horizontal rear light clusters and a restyled rear bumper that now incorporates a diffuser. The result is improved cooling, better high speed stability and a wider, more purposeful stance.

Deliveries of the 2014 Chevrolet Camaro are due to begin this November.

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Renault Clio GT-Line pricing

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The Renault Clio GT-Line TCe 120 EDC will cost £17,395 in the UK when deliveries begin this September.

Powered by a 1.2 litre turbocharged petrol engine, the new arrival is being touted as a ‘Renaultsport-lite’ model. Accordingly, its look has been inspired by the Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo so 17” alloys, a rear spoiler, unique bumpers and front sports seats are all present.

Renault Clio GT-Line TCe 120 EDC (2013) Front Side

But with a comparatively modest 118 bhp (88 kW / 120 PS) and a six-speed Efficient Dual Clutch semi-automatic gearbox (the only transmission option), performance is best described as brisk. The Clio GT-Line can accelerate from zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 9.9 seconds before going on to a top speed of 121 mph (195 km/h).

On the other hand, it achieves an impressive 54.3 mpg (5.2 l/100km) on the combined cycle with carbon dioxide emissions of 120 g/km.

Renault Clio GT-Line TCe 120 EDC (2013) Rear Side

Included in the specification are keyless entry, touchscreen-controlled satellite navigation, Bluetooth connectivity and a stiffer chassis set-up. Also fitted is the R.S. Drive system that offers a Sport mode for quicker gearshifts, a sharper throttle response and more steering feel.

Decent economy, five-door practicality and plenty of standard kit should all help make the Clio GT-Line an appealing package. However, those wanting more pace for a similar outlay will probably be more interested in the £16,995 Ford Fiesta ST or the £17,150 Škoda Fabia vRS.

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Jaguar XF 2.2 gets more efficient

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The most frugal Jaguar XF Saloon and Sportbrake models are receiving a range of technical upgrades for 2014 that promise to make them even more economical.

Their 160 bhp (120 kW / 163 PS), 2.2 litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel Eco2 engine has had its cooling system modified and the exhaust gas recirculation valves are larger. But perhaps the most significant change is the fitment of an intelligent stop-start system, which uses an innovative twin solenoid starter and a dedicated second battery to ensure rapid restarts.

Jaguar XF 2.2 Diesel (2014) Front

As a result, carbon dioxide emissions have fallen to 129 g/km while the Saloon now manages up to 57.7 mpg (4.9 l/100km) on the combined cycle. Performance is unchanged though, with the 0-60 mph (96 km/h) sprint taking 9.8 seconds and a top speed of 130 mph (209 km/h).

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2014 Yamaha MT-09 unveiled

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Yamaha has revealed the naked MT-09, which it describes as ‘a whole new concept in sport bike design’.

Built around an aluminium die-cast frame, the MT-09 is powered by an 847 cc three-cylinder engine that delivers 113 bhp (85 kW / 115 PS) with 88 Nm (65 lb/ft) of peak torque available at 8,500 rpm. Those outputs are combined with a wet weight of 188 kg (414 lbs) that includes full oil and fuel tanks.

Yamaha MT-09 (2014) Side 1Yamaha MT-09 (2014) Front Side 1

Yamaha MT-09 (2014) Front Side 2Yamaha MT-09 (2014) Side 2

With its wide handlebars, upright riding position and lack of bodywork, the styling is very much motard-inspired. Offered in a choice of four colours (including a Race Blu scheme), the look is completed by a short 3-into-1 exhaust and 10-spoke alloy wheels.

In the UK, the 2014 Yamaha MT-09 has been priced at £6,932 including all on the road costs.

So that means it costs about the same as the £6,999 Triumph Street Triple, another three-cylinder, unfaired roadster. However, the British bike uses a smaller-capacity 675 cc motor that produces 105 bhp (78 kW / 106 PS), but then it is slightly lighter than the Yamaha.

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Nissan Juke diesel improved

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Nissan has announced a series of enhancements for the 1.5 litre dCi diesel engine that’s fitted to around one third of all Juke crossovers sold in the UK.

The changes are extensive and include a new low-inertia turbocharger, modified fuel injection nozzles, a revised oil pump, the use of low-friction coatings and the introduction of an exhaust gas recycling system.

As a result, the diesel Juke becomes Euro6 compliant and carbon dioxide emissions have fallen from 124 g/km to 109 g/km. That moves it into band B for UK vehicle tax purposes, meaning an annual charge of £20 instead of the £105 that applied to the old model.

Running costs should be further reduced by the Juke’s improved fuel economy, illustrated by the official combined cycle figure which has risen from 58.9 mpg (4.8 l/100km) to 67.3 mpg (4.2 l/100km).

Nissan Juke 1.5 dCi n-tec (2014) Front Side

While the engine’s power output is unchanged at 108 bhp (81 kW / 110 PS), peak torque is usefully up from 240 Nm (177 lb/ft) to 260 Nm (192 lb/ft) with 80 per cent available from just 1,500 rpm.

The driving experience should be better too, as the 1st and 2nd gear ratios have been made slightly shorter for a sharper low-speed response. The Juke’s 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of 11.2 seconds and its 109 mph (175 km/h) top speed are the same as before, though.

The new 2014 Nissan Juke diesel range is available now.

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Volkswagen Amarok limited edition

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Volkswagen has unveiled a special version of its Amarok pick-up for the UK market. Called simply the Amarok Edition, clearly the marketing department couldn’t be bothered coming up a more imaginative name.

Based on the existing Trendline trim grade, it’s distinguished by some unique decals, a set of 18” ‘Durban’ alloy wheels, rear privacy glass and black load area styling bars. The specification also includes a touchscreen-controlled navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity, parking sensors front and rear, floor mats and a choice of Deep Black or Reflex Silver paintwork.

Volkswagen Amarok Edition (2013) Front Side

The only engine option being offered is the 2.0 litre BiTDI bi-turbo diesel that produces 177 bhp (132 kW / 180 PS). It comes connected to either a six-speed manual gearbox with selectable 4Motion all-wheel drive or an eight-speed automatic transmission with permanent 4Motion.

Sales of the Amarok Edition begin next month, but just 300 examples are going to be available. The manual variant is priced at £22,495 (excluding VAT), while the automatic model costs an extra £1,730.

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Peugeot RCZ R to debut at Goodwood

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Peugeot has confirmed that the new RCZ R is to make its first public appearance at next month’s Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Powered by a 1.6 litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 260 bhp (194 kW / 263 PS), the RCZ R will become the marque’s most powerful production model ever. Such an admission from Peugeot is perhaps surprising, but not even the 3.0 litre motors used in the defunct 407 could match that figure.

Peugeot RCZ R Concept (2013) Front Side
Peugeot RCZ R Concept
Peugeot RCZ R Concept (2013) Rear Side

Performance data has yet to be released, but we do know the car’s specification will include a Torsen limited-slip differential and unique suspension calibration to help cope with the high output.

Sales of the Peugeot RCZ R are due to begin at the end of this year.

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2014 Insignia revealed

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Vauxhall has unveiled its updated Insignia range, which is available to order now ahead of the first deliveries in October.

The Insignia has always been quite a handsome car, so understandably the exterior changes are fairly subtle. At the front there’s a broader grille, restyled headlights and a new bumper, while the rear end now sports LED light clusters and a wider, lower-set chrome trim bar. The spoilers and tailgates on the Hatch and Saloon have also been redesigned to better differentiate the two models.

Vauxhall Insignia Hatch (2014) Front Side

On the inside, the centre console layout has been simplified and the instruments have received a new look. Vauxhall has cut the number of trim grades on offer from fourteen to eight, but all come as standard with cruise control, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, a digital radio, six airbags and electric lumber and height adjustment on the driver’s seat.

Diesel power is likely to remain a popular choice, so modifications to the 2.0 litre CDTi engine now see it producing 118 bhp (88 kW / 120 PS), 138 bhp (103 kW / 140 PS) or 160 bhp (120 kW / 163 PS). What’s more, those first two options in the Hatch and Saloon both achieve up to 76.3 mpg (3.7 l/100km) on the combined cycle with carbon dioxide emissions of just 99 g/km.

Petrol fans haven’t been forgotten though, as for the first time the selection includes the new 1.6 and 2.0 litre SIDI motors. Featuring direct-injection and turbochargers, their outputs are 167 bhp (125 kW / 170 PS) and 246 bhp (184 kW / 250 PS) respectively.

Completing the improvements are recalibrated anti-roll bar and damper settings that promise superior ride and handling. The electronic power steering system has also been tweaked for more feel.

To help attract fleet and retail buyers, prices for the 2014 Insignia start from £16,279. Significantly, that’s almost £2,000 cheaper than the previous version’s entry point.

Vauxhall Insignia Hatch (2014) DashboardVauxhall Insignia Hatch (2014) Rear

Vauxhall Insignia Hatch (2014) Rear SideVauxhall Insignia Hatch (2014) Interior

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Images © General Motors.

A 45 AMG vs. its rivals

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Mercedes-Benz has announced that the UK price tag for its new A 45 AMG is £37,845.

But with a five-door hatchback body, all-wheel drive and a turbocharged 2.0 litre engine, direct competitors for the A 45 AMG are scarce. Conceptually, the closest match would probably have been the Subaru WRX STI, had that model not recently disappeared from the UK.

Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG (2013) Front Side

So that leaves the BMW M 135i and Audi S3 Sportback as potential rivals, even though both are notably cheaper than the Mercedes, neither can quite match its performance and one is rear-wheel drive:

Model A 45 AMG M 135i 5-Door S3 Sportback
UK OTR price £37,845 £31,085 £31,260
Engine 1,991 cc four-cylinder 2,979 cc six-cylinder 1,984 cc four-cylinder
Power 355 bhp (265 kW / 360 PS) 315 bhp (235 kW / 320 PS) 295 bhp (220 kW / 300 PS)
Torque 450 Nm (332 lb/ft) 450 Nm (332 lb/ft) 380 Nm (280 lb/ft)
Transmission 7-speed dual clutch 6-speed manual 6-speed manual
Driven wheels All Rear All
0-62 mph (100 km/h) 4.6 secs 5.1 secs 5.5 secs
Top speed 155 mph (250 km/h) 155 mph (250 km/h) 155 mph (250 km/h)
Combined cycle 40.9 mpg (6.9 l/100km) 35.3 mpg (8.0 l/100km) 40.4 mpg (7.0 l/100km)
CO2 emissions 161 g/km 188 g/km 162 g/km

The Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG is available to order now, with the first deliveries to customers expected to take place in August.

Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG (2013) InteriorMercedes-Benz A 45 AMG (2013) Rear Side

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Holden Malibu sales begin

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Almost a year after it was first revealed in pre-production form, the new Holden Malibu mid-size saloon is about to go on sale in Australia.

Outwardly it closely resembles the Chevrolet model on which it’s based, but Holden has changed the suspension settings and engine mapping to suit local tastes.

Holden Malibu CDX (2013) Front Side

The range is being kept simple, with a choice of only two trim grades. Standard equipment is fairly generous though, as all models come with a reversing camera, cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity and the MyLink infotainment system that’s controlled via a 7” colour touchscreen.

Similarly, the engine line-up comprises just a 165 bhp (123 kW / 167 PS) 2.4 litre four-cylinder petrol and a 156 bhp (117 kW / 159 PS) 2.0 litre four-cylinder common-rail turbodiesel. Both are partnered with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Retail prices (excluding dealer delivery and government charges) for the South Korean-built Holden Malibu start from A$28,490:

Malibu CD Petrol A$28,490
Malibu CD Diesel A$32,490
Malibu CDX Petrol A$31,990
Malibu CDX Diesel A$35,990


Holden Malibu CD (2013) RearHolden Malibu CDX (2013) Dashboard

Holden Malibu CD (2013) SideHolden Malibu CDX (2013) Front

Holden Malibu CDX (2013) Rear SideHolden Malibu CD (2013) Front Side

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Images © General Motors.

Track-focussed GT86 at Goodwood

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Toyota has confirmed the GT86 TRD Griffon Project will make its first UK appearance at next month’s Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Originally seen at the Tokyo Auto Salon earlier this year, the one-off GT86 features a range of motorsport-inspired modifications.

Toyota GT86 TRD Griffon Project 2013 Front Side

To save weight, the windows are polycarbonate while the front wings, rear diffuser and bumpers are made from carbon fibre reinforced plastic. The use of carbon fibre for all of the other body panels completes the diet.

Technical upgrades include the fitment of reinforced coilover suspension, TRD brake calipers with racing pads, 18” TWS alloy wheels and a mechanical limited-slip differential.

Surprisingly though the 2.0 litre engine remains standard, but it does gain an oil cooler and the final gear ratio has been shortened.

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BMW 4 Series Coupé revealed

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BMW has unveiled the new 4 Series Coupé ahead of its public debut at the IAA Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

Looking almost identical to the concept that was first seen at the end of last year, the design of the 4 Series is characterised by long, low and broad proportions. It’s also noticeably larger than its 3 Series Coupé predecessor, a move that handily creates a little extra space in the range for the forthcoming 2 Series.

BMW 4 Series Coupé M Sport (2014) Front Side
2014 BMW 4 Series Coupé. Scroll down for more images.

For the UK, the line-up is going to comprise five trim grades: SE, Sport, Modern, Luxury and M Sport. From launch, 428i, 435i and 420d variants will be offered, all of which feature turbocharged, direct-injection, Euro6-compliant engines. Shortly afterwards, they are due to be joined by the 420i, 430d and 435d:

2014 BMW 4 Series Coupé - Technical Specifications
Petrol Models
Model 420i 420i xDrive 428i 435i
Engine 2.0 litre four-cylinder 2.0 litre four-cylinder 3.0 litre six-cylinder
Power 181 bhp (135 kW / 184 PS) 241 bhp (180 kW / 245 PS) 301 bhp (225 kW / 306 PS)
Torque 270 Nm (199 lb/ft) 350 Nm (258 lb/ft) 400 Nm (295 lb/ft)
Transmission Six-speed manual*
Driven wheels Rear All Rear Rear
0-62 mph (100 km/h) TBC TBC 5.9 secs 5.4 secs
Top speed TBC TBC 155 mph (250 km/h) 155 mph (250 km/h)
Combined cycle TBC TBC 42.8 mpg (6.6 l/100km) 35.8 mpg (7.9 l/100km)
CO2 emissions TBC TBC 154 g/km 185 g/km
Diesel Models
Model 420d 420d xDrive 430d 435d xDrive
Engine 2.0 litre four-cylinder 3.0 litre six-cylinder 3.0 litre six-cylinder
Power 181 bhp (135 kW / 184 PS) 254 bhp (190 kW / 258 PS) 308 bhp (230 kW / 313 PS)
Torque 380 Nm (280 lb/ft) 560 Nm (413 lb/ft) 630 Nm (464 lb/ft)
Transmission Six-speed manual* Eight-speed automatic
Driven wheels Rear All Rear All
0-62 mph (100 km/h) 7.5 secs TBC TBC TBC
Top speed 149 mph (240 km/h) TBC TBC TBC
Combined cycle 60.1 mpg (4.7 l/100km) TBC TBC TBC
CO2 emissions 124 g/km TBC TBC TBC
* Eight-speed automatic optional.

Standard equipment levels are - perhaps surprisingly - set to be fairly generous. All versions will come as standard with xenon headlights, automatic lights and wipers activation, cruise control, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, a digital radio, heated front seats, leather upholstery and the Drive Performance Control driving mode selector.

UK sales of the BMW 4 Series Coupé begin in October, with prices starting from £31,575.

BMW 4 Series Coupé Sport (2014) SideBMW 4 Series Coupé Luxury (2014) Interior

BMW 4 Series Coupé Sport (2014) DashboardBMW 4 Series Coupé M Sport (2014) Rear Side

BMW 4 Series Coupé Luxury (2014) Front SideBMW 4 Series Coupé Modern (2014) Interior

BMW 4 Series Coupé Sport (2014) Rear SeatsBMW 4 Series Coupé Sport (2014) Front

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2013 Chevrolet Captiva UK prices

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Following its recent debut at the Geneva Motor Show, Chevrolet has now announced UK prices for the 2013 Captiva SUV.

Lead-in model for the range is the £21,295 front-wheel drive LS, which is powered by a 160 bhp (120 kW / 163 PS) 2.2 litre, four-cylinder diesel engine. Equipment levels are fairly basic but alloy wheels, a digital radio, electric windows all-round and remote control central locking are all fitted as standard.

However, anybody considering that particular variant might want to visit a Vauxhall dealer first. That’s because the virtually identical Antara in Exclusiv guise costs £20,915. What’s more, the Vauxhall’s specification additionally includes electrically-heated front seats, Bluetooth connectivity and self-levelling rear suspension.

Chevrolet Captiva (2013) Rear Side

In the middle of the Captiva line-up sits the LT. It features all-wheel drive and a more powerful 181 bhp (135 kW / 184 PS) version of the 2.2 litre engine, as well as self-levelling suspension, cruise control, dual-zone climate control, part-leather upholstery and rear parking sensors.

The third and final trim grade is the LTZ, which is priced from £29,995 with a manual transmission. It comes with heated front seats, power adjustment for the driver’s seat, full leather upholstery, keyless entry and start, an eight-speaker audio system, satellite navigation, a rear parking camera, front parking sensors, larger 19” alloy wheels and privacy glass.

A generous kit list then, but again the equivalent Vauxhall appears to offer better value. The similarly-specified Antara SE Nav carries a price tag of £27,325, a significant saving versus the Captiva.

2013 Chevrolet Captiva - UK Prices
2.2 VCDi LS £21,295
2.2 VCDi LT £26,995
2.2 VCDi LT Auto £28,430
2.2 VCDi LTZ £29,995
2.2 VCDi LTZ Auto £31,430

Compared to its predecessor, the changes made to the Captiva for 2013 are purely cosmetic. Up front, they consist of a lower bumper, revised fog lights and a new grille mesh design, while the rear gets LED light clusters and a re-profiled bumper.

The 2013 Chevrolet Captiva is available to order now.

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Image © General Motors.

2014 Alfa Romeo MiTo revealed

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Alfa Romeo’s MiTo supermini is receiving a mild facelift for the 2014 model year.

The exterior changes might be tricky to spot though, as they merely consist of a revised grille design and the adoption of a burnished finish for the front light cluster surrounds.

Alfa Romeo MiTo (2014) Front Side

On the inside, the updates are just as subtle. There are some different seat fabrics and dashboard colours, but the highlight is the debut in the MiTo of the Uconnect infotainment system that controls the audio, Bluetooth and optional navigation functions via a 5” touchscreen.

Alfa Romeo MiTo (2014) Dashboard

Perhaps the most significant development is the introduction of a more powerful version of the 0.9 litre TwinAir engine. Producing 103 bhp (77 kW / 105 PS) with 145 Nm (103 lb/ft) of peak torque, it comes connected to a six-speed manual gearbox.

With a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of 11.4 seconds and a top speed of 114 mph (184 km/h), performance isn’t especially brisk. But it achieves 67.2 mpg (4.2 l/100km) on the combined cycle while emitting 99 g/km of carbon dioxide so, on paper at least, the new TwinAir motor impresses with its efficiency.

UK prices and specifications have yet to be announced, but in Italy the 2014 MiTo will cost from €14,800.

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2014 Yamaha YZ250F and YZ450F

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Yamaha has unveiled the YZ250F and YZ450F, a pair of motocross bikes that have both been developed with a focus on achieving more performance with less weight.

Powering the YZ250F is a single-cylinder, four-stroke, liquid-cooled 250 cc engine. Featuring fuel injection, it comes with a forward-position air intake, ‘snaking’ exhaust system and a revamped gearshift mechanism for the five-speed transmission.

Yamaha YZ250F (2014) Front SideYamaha YZ250F (2014) Side

For better mass centralisation, the motor is mounted with a rearwards slant in an all-new frame. Built from aluminium, it helps keep the wet weight (including full oil and petrol tanks) down to a respectable 105 kg (231 lbs).

If the YZ450F looks similar to the YZ250F, that’s because it’s essentially identical, even sharing the smaller-capacity machine’s frame. Of course one major difference is the engine, which is carried over from the 2013 model albeit with a tweaked electronic control unit. The gear ratios have been changed to help improve rideability, too.

Yamaha YZ450F (2014) SideYamaha YZ450F (2014) Front Side

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Suzuki confirms its MotoGP return

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Suzuki has announced that it’ll be returning to MotoGP in 2015 - a year later than expected.

Development of the bike has already begun, with Randy de Puniet assuming test-rider duties. Specification details are sparse, but it uses an inline four-cylinder 1,000 cc engine rather than the rumoured V4.

Suzuki MotoGP Prototype 2015 Front Side

So why the delay? Basically, Suzuki saying more time is needed for the project, especially given the introduction next season of a standardised electronic control unit and more restrictive fuel consumption rules.

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