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2015 Hyundai i20 first view

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Hyundai is claiming that its all-new i20 hatchback has class-leading boot space and legroom. And those things are important, because most target customers will just require it to transport five people and their luggage without any fuss.

Measuring 4,035 mm (13’ 3”) from bumper to bumper, the 2015 i20 is 40 mm (1.6”) longer than the current model. The styling, which is the responsibility of Hyundai’s German studio, is inoffensive yet forgettable.

Hyundai i20 (2015) Front Side

Hyundai i20 (2015) Rear Side

Although the gloss black C-pillars and large front grille add a modicum of visual interest, the i20 remains fairly nondescript. However, it’s worth remembering that aesthetics are usually a low priority for buyers when a car is simply going to become another household appliance.

No technical details have been released, but Hyundai has confirmed that the 2015 i20 is due to make its public debut at the Paris Motor Show in October.

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2015 Cadillac Escalade Platinum Collection

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Cadillac is taking its Escalade SUV more upmarket with the launch of a new Platinum Collection trim grade.

It gains 22” wheels, a unique front grille design and some extra chrome, but the most notable improvements are inside the cabin. Full leather upholstery features, together with a suede-effect microfibre headlining and plenty of wood. Bespoke floor mats and doorsill kick plates further add to the ambience.

Cadillac Escalade Platinum Collection (2015) Interior 1

Those sitting in the rear two rows should be kept entertained, as there’s a ceiling-mounted 9” LCD screen plus a pair of 7” LCD screens that are set into the front head restraints. The driver hasn’t been forgotten either, as their seat has heating, cooling and a massage facility.

Available from the fourth quarter of this year, prices for the Escalade Platinum Collection in the United States start at $90,270 (including a $995 destination charge).

Cadillac Escalade Platinum Collection (2015) Front SideCadillac Escalade Platinum Collection (2015) Interior 2

The arrival of the Platinum Collection coincides with some upgrades for the entire Escalade line-up. These comprise the introduction of an eight-speed automatic transmission, a bird’s eye Surround View camera, a hands-free tailgate closing function and 4G LTE connectivity with Wi-Fi hotspot capability.

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Images © General Motors.

2015 Kia Sorento first view

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Although the all-new 2015 Kia Sorento might not look any more modern than the current model, its stance and proportions have clearly changed.

The SUV has grown in length from 4,685 mm (15’ 4”) to 4,780 mm (15’ 8”), while overall height is down by 15 mm (0.6”) to 1,685 mm (5’ 6”). Furthermore, the wheelbase has been stretched by 80 mm (3.1”) which should make access to the second and third rows of seats slightly easier.

Kia Sorento (2015) Side

To go with those revised dimensions the beltline has been raised and there’s a much larger (but less elegant) front grille. Carried over styling cues include a long bonnet, thick D-pillars and scalloping along the doors.

Specification details have yet to be released, but Kia has announced that the 2015 Sorento is going to make its public debut in Korea later this month. An appearance at the Paris Motor Show will then follow in October.

UK deliveries are expected to begin during the spring of 2015.

Kia Sorento (2015) Front SideKia Sorento (2015) Rear Side

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Caterham adds to its Seven range in the US

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Two additional versions of the Caterham Seven have been launched in the United States. Called the 360 and 480, they join the 280 and 620R models which have been available there since January.

The 360 uses a normally-aspirated 2.0 litre Ford Duratec engine that’s connected to a five-speed manual gearbox. 180 bhp (134 kW / 182 PS), 193 Nm (143 lb/ft) of torque and a weight of just 535 kg (1,179 lbs) mean this Seven will accelerate from rest to 62 mph (100 km/h) in only 4.9 seconds before hitting a top speed of 130 mph (209 km/h).

Caterham Seven 360 (2014) Front

Naturally there aren’t many luxuries, although the specification does include weather protection with a full windscreen, 13” alloy wheels, a limited-slip differential, race dampers and a wide-track front suspension set-up.

Even more performance is promised by the Seven 480 because its 2.0 litre Ford motor has been tuned to produce 237 bhp (176 kW / 240 PS) with a peak torque figure of 206 Nm (152 lb/ft). That output, which is delivered via a six-speed gearbox, slashes the 0-62 mph time to 3.4 seconds. Top speed is 140 mph (225 km/h).

Ventilated front brake discs, 15” wheels and adjustable dampers are fitted as standard to complement the 480’s extra power. The interior meanwhile gains leather-covered seats, four-point harnesses and a carbon fibre dashboard.

Available via Caterham’s US importer Superformance, the Seven 360 and 480 can be bought either in component form for self-assembly or as a factory-built rolling chassis. In both cases the powertrain is supplied separately.

Caterham Seven 360 - United States pricing
360 unassembled kit $42,505
360 factory-built rolling chassis $44,900
360 powertrain $10,500
360 powertrain (with optional six-speed transmission) $11,750
Caterham Seven 480 - United States pricing
480 unassembled kit $50,505
480 factory-built rolling chassis $52,900
480 powertrain $12,950

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Range Rover Sport SVR vs. its rivals

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Jaguar Land Rover’s recently-created Special Vehicle Operations division has unveiled the Range Rover Sport SVR, its first production model.

With a 5.0 litre supercharged V8 engine, a two-stage active exhaust and upgraded height-adjustable air suspension, the new arrival has been engineered with high performance as a key objective. An impressively quick Nürburgring Nordschleife lap time of 8 minutes 14 seconds is evidence that that aim seems to have been achieved.

Land Rover Range Rover Sport SVR (2015) Side
2015 Land Rover Range Rover Sport SVR.
Scroll down for more images.

However, off-road ability hasn’t been sacrificed in the process. The Range Rover Sport SVR retains permanent four-wheel drive, a locking centre differential and Land Rover’s Terrain Response system. Furthermore, it has a maximum wade depth of 850 mm (33.5”), wheel travel is claimed to be class-leading and a locking rear axle diff is on the options list.

Such a blend of talents is going to be important, because there are plenty of fast luxury SUVs already available including the BMW X5 xDrive50i M Sport, Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT, Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG and Porsche Cayenne Turbo.

Comparing the main stats for those four rivals against the Range Rover Sport SVR shows that all are fairly evenly matched, but their prices do vary considerably:

Model Price
Land Rover £93,450 (US: $111,400 including destination)
BMW £64,270
Jeep £60,720
Mercedes-Benz £86,995
Porsche £92,628
Powertrain Engine Transmission
Land Rover 5.0 litre V8 supercharged petrol 8-speed automatic
BMW 4.4 litre V8 twin-turbo petrol 8-speed automatic
Jeep 6.4 litre V8 petrol 8-speed automatic
Mercedes-Benz 5.5 litre V8 twin-turbo petrol 7-speed automatic
Porsche 4.8 litre V8 twin-turbo petrol 8-speed automatic
Output Power Torque
Land Rover 542 bhp (405 kW / 550 PS) 680 Nm (502 lb/ft)
BMW 443 bhp (330 kW / 450 PS) 650 Nm (479 lb/ft)
Jeep 461 bhp (344 kW / 467 PS) 624 Nm (460 lb/ft)
Mercedes-Benz 517 bhp (386 kW / 525 PS) 700 Nm (516 lb/ft)
Porsche 512 bhp (382 kW / 520 PS) 750 Nm (553 lb/ft)
Performance 0-62 mph (100 km/h) Top speed
Land Rover 4.7 secs 162 mph (260 km/h)
BMW 4.9 secs 155 mph (250 km/h)
Jeep 5.0 secs 160 mph (257 km/h)
Mercedes-Benz 4.8 secs 155 mph (250 km/h)
Porsche 4.5 secs 173 mph (279 km/h)
Efficiency Combined fuel consumption CO2
Land Rover 22.1 mpg (12.8 l/100km) 298 g/km
BMW 29.4 mpg (9.6 l/100km) 226 g/km
Jeep 20.2 mpg (13.6 l/100km) 327 g/km
Mercedes-Benz 23.9 mpg (11.8 l/100km) 276 g/km
Porsche 24.6 mpg (11.5 l/100km) 267 g/km

In the UK, dealers will be accepting orders for the Range Rover Sport SVR from October onwards. Customer deliveries are then due to begin during the first quarter of 2015.

Land Rover Range Rover Sport SVR (2015) Front SideLand Rover Range Rover Sport SVR (2015) Interior 1

Land Rover Range Rover Sport SVR (2015) Interior 2Land Rover Range Rover Sport SVR (2015) Rear Side

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2015 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat unveiled

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As expected, Dodge has taken the 6.2 litre supercharged Hemi V8 which powers the Challenger SRT Hellcat and slotted it into the four-door Charger.

With 707 bhp (527 kW / 716 PS) and 881 Nm (650 lb/ft) of torque performance is remarkable. Delivered via a TorqueFlite 8HP90 eight-speed automatic transmission, that output will propel the Charger SRT Hellcat from rest to 100 mph (160 km/h) and then back to a standstill in under 13 seconds. Top speed meanwhile is 204 mph (328 km/h).

Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat (2015) Front Side

To help cope with such pace various chassis components have been upgraded. For instance, the front-wheel braking system comprises huge 15.4” Brembo discs with six-piston calipers that sit behind 20” seven-spoke forged alloy rims. Adaptive dampers are also fitted and various drive modes can be selected.

One of the Charger SRT Hellcat’s most distinguishing features is its unique aluminium bonnet that incorporates a cold air inlet plus vents to extract heat from the engine bay. The bumpers, front splitter and rear boot-mounted spoiler are also particular to this model.

As with the Challenger SRT Hellcat, buyers of the Charger version will be issued with one black and one red key fob. The former restricts available power, but the latter gives access to the motor’s full potential. Sensibly, there’s also a PIN-activated Valet Mode which severely limits the car’s capabilities.

Production of the 2015 Charger SRT Hellcat is due to begin during the first quarter of next year. Pricing has yet to be announced.

Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat (2015) InteriorDodge Charger SRT Hellcat (2015) Side

Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat (2015) Rear SideDodge Charger SRT Hellcat (2015) Dashboard

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More options for the Seat Leon Cupra 280

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Seat has announced the arrival of some performance-orientated options for its Leon Cupra 280.

The first is the £2,025 Sub8 Performance Pack, a name that signifies that a Leon Cupra 280 was the first front-wheel drive car to set a lap time of less than eight minutes around the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Included are larger brake discs with four-piston Brembo calipers, body-colour side skirts and unique 19” alloy wheels that come in either black or a fetching orange shade.

Seat Leon SC Cupra 280 With Sub8 Performance Pack (2014) Front Side

For an extra £460, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres can be specified. Because they’re semi-slicks, Seat reckons track day enthusiasts will be particularly tempted by them. That same audience might appreciate a set of more supportive Cupra bucket seats. Replacing the standard front seats, they feature integrated head restraints, built-in heating and Alcantara upholstery. The cost is £1,250.

Finally there are the £500 Black-Line and White-Line exterior colour packs. These give either a black or white finish to the door mirror caps, front grille surround, ‘Cupra’ tailgate lettering and wheels.

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McLaren P1 GTR design concept revealed

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Purchasing a P1 GTR won’t simply be a case of handing over some cash and getting a set of keys in return. The cars, which are intended purely for track use, are going to be run and maintained by McLaren’s Special Operations department. Perhaps just as importantly, owners will receive aftersales care too via a bespoke driver training programme.

Numerous aerodynamic appendages mean the GTR is unlikely to be mistaken for a regular P1. At the front there’s a much larger splitter and modified inlets, while additional blades behind the wheel arches help to channel air along the flanks.

McLaren P1 GTR Design Concept (2014) Rear Side

Undoubtedly the most dramatic changes are at the rear, though. Instead of the usual retractable wing the GTR version features a fixed twin-element item. Sitting atop a pair of prominent carbon fibre struts, it even incorporates a drag reduction system to aid acceleration. Extra downforce comes courtesy of a substantial carbon fibre diffuser.

To fully exploit the bodywork upgrades the P1’s hybrid powertrain has also been tweaked. As a result, combined output from the 3.8 litre V8 twin-turbo engine and electric motor is up from 903 bhp (673 kW / 916 PS) to 986 bhp (735 kW / 1,000 PS). Furthermore, the GTR gains a ‘push-to-pass’ energy recovery device.

Completing the enhancements are a fixed ride height suspension set-up, some 19” lightweight alloy wheels shod with Pirelli slick tyres and a specially-created inconel and titanium alloy exhaust.

With development of the P1 GTR continuing, McLaren has said that deliveries should begin in around a year’s time.

McLaren P1 GTR Design Concept (2014) SideMcLaren P1 GTR Design Concept (2014) Front Side

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Confederate X132 Hellcat Speedster revealed

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With production being limited to just 65 units, the new X132 Hellcat Speedster from Confederate Motorcycles is certainly going to be a rare sight.

It’s built around a steel backbone frame and there’s a complete absence of bodywork apart from a handmade carbon fibre fuel tank. Although some of the brand’s other bikes have saddles that look like they’d be agony after only a few miles, this particular model features a much more inviting leather-covered solo seat.

Confederate Motorcycles X132 Hellcat Speedster (2014) Front Side

Power comes from a fuel-injected 2,163 cc (132 cu. in.) V-twin engine producing 121 bhp (90 kW / 122 PS) with 190 Nm (140 lb/ft) of torque. That output is delivered via a five-speed transmission.

Suspension components include a WP front fork and a centrally-mounted Race Tech spring and damper unit at the rear. The Hellcat Speedster rides on 18” BlackStone Tek carbon fibre wheels, while the dual front and single rear brake discs are paired with four-piston Beringer radial calipers.

But exclusivity won’t be cheap. In the United States the X132 Hellcat Speedster has a price tag of $65,000, which is around £38,900 or €48,500 at current exchange rates.

Confederate Motorcycles X132 Hellcat Speedster (2014) SideConfederate Motorcycles X132 Hellcat Speedster (2014) Rear Side

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Right-hand drive Mustang first view

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When global sales of the new Ford Mustang begin in 2015, a right-hand drive version will be available straight from the factory for the first time.

That means that customers in the UK, Australia and around 25 other markets won’t suffer the inconvenience of having the steering wheel on the ‘wrong’ side of their cars. Ford has just completed assembly of its first right-hand drive prototype, which is going to be used for further development work.

Ford Mustang Convertible Right-Hand Drive Prototype (2015) Rear Side

In the United States, deliveries of the 2015 Mustang are due to commence this autumn. There, the engine range will consist of a 300 bhp (223 kW / 304 PS) 3.7 litre V6, a 310 bhp (231 kW / 314 PS) turbocharged 2.3 litre EcoBoost four-cylinder and a 435 bhp (324 kW / 441 PS) 5.0 litre V8. Europe is getting just two options though, as there are no plans to offer the V6 motor here.

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Crescent Suzuki GSX-R1000 WSB replica

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Suzuki has unveiled a limited edition World Superbike race replica. Based on the GSX-R1000, just 25 examples are going to be produced.

The specification includes a full Voltcom Crescent team livery, GB Racing engine covers and a Yoshimura R77 exhaust. Furthermore, there’s a pillion seat cowl which will be signed by WSB riders Alex Lowes and Eugene Laverty.

Suzuki GSX-R1000 Voltcom Crescent World Superbike Replica (2014) Side

At £12,134 on the road, it’s £1,000 more expensive than a standard GSX-R1000. Usefully though, both models are currently eligible for Suzuki’s £1,000 price reduction campaign.

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2015 Škoda Fabia first view

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Following some earlier teaser shots, Škoda has released the first proper images of its all-new Fabia.

The styling bears many of the traits already seen on other recently-launched Škoda models such as the Rapid and Octavia. A broader stance and taut surface detailing, which have also been influenced by the VisionC concept, certainly give the design a smart and sophisticated look.

Skoda Fabia (2015) Front Side

In Europe the engine line-up is going to comprise four petrol and three diesel options matched with either manual or dual-clutch DSG transmissions. Thanks partly to the standard fitment of stop-start and brake energy recuperation systems – plus a weight reduction of up to 65 kg (143 lbs) – this Fabia is claimed to be as much as 17% more fuel efficient than its predecessor.

Most economical will be the Greenline variant. Powered by a three-cylinder, turbocharged 1.4 litre diesel unit developing 73 bhp (55 kW / 75 PS), it achieves an impressive 91.1 mpg (3.1 l/100km) on the combined cycle while emitting 82 g/km of carbon dioxide.

Skoda Fabia (2015) Rear Side

The first public appearance of the 2015 Škoda Fabia is scheduled to take place at the Paris Motor Show in October.

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2015 Renault Twingo UK specs and prices

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UK prices for the third-generation Twingo are going to start from less than £9,500 when sales begin this September. How that compares to the new Smart forfour is still unknown, but it's an important benchmark because both models share the same underpinnings and they'll be built at the same factory in Slovenia.

The entry-level trim grade is the Expression. Standard specification includes Bluetooth connectivity, LED daytime running lights, electric front windows, four airbags and electronic stability control. Also fitted is the 'R&Go' system which is smartphone-controlled and allows access to navigation and other multimedia functions.

Renault Twingo (2015) Front Side

Slightly better equipped is the Play variant, as it also features air conditioning and height adjustment for the steering wheel and driver's seat. Topping the range is the Dynamique which gains a few extra luxuries such as cruise control, lane departure warning, heated door mirrors and a set of 15” alloy wheels.

As is virtually compulsory for city cars nowadays, Renault is planning to offer numerous personalisation options. These tend to focus on exterior and interior colours, but several packs and an electric panoramic fabric sunroof are also going to be available.

Buyers are set to have a choice of two rear-mounted three-cylinder engines. A normally-aspirated 1.0 litre unit produces 69 bhp (51 kW / 70 PS), while the turbocharged 0.9 litre alternative boasts 88 bhp (66 kW / 90 PS) despite having a smaller displacement.

Renault Twingo (2015) TopRenault Twingo (2015) Rear Side

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Seat i-TECH special editions unveiled

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Seat is adding a special i-TECH trim grade to its Mii, Ibiza, Toledo, Altea and Alhambra ranges. The recipe is a familiar one: offer a useful specification upgrade which, when compared to ordering each item separately, represents a saving for customers.

For the Mii i-TECH, the extra kit includes black upholstery, a gloss grey dashboard panel, 14” alloy wheels and the Portable System Live device which features Bluetooth connectivity, navigation and audio streaming. Powered by a 1.0 litre 59 bhp (44 kW / 60 PS) engine, prices are £9,995 and £10,345 for the three-door and five-door versions respectively.

Seat Mii i-TECH 3-Door (2014) Front Side

The Ibiza i-TECH meanwhile costs from £13,790 and this model is available in a choice of SC three-door, five-door hatchback and ST estate guises. It comes with 16” titanium-finish alloy wheels, dark blue cloth and faux leather upholstery, floor mats and special doorsill kick plates. A 1.2 litre petrol unit producing 103 bhp (77 kW / 105 PS) is the only available engine, though.

Based on the existing SE variant, the Toledo i-TECH gains two-tone Alcantara and faux leather upholstery, metallic dashboard inlays, unique badges and a set of 16” alloys. Prices start at £17,015.

Replacing the now defunct Copa editions are the Altea and Altea XL i-TECH. Their additional equipment consists of a touchscreen-controlled multimedia system with satellite navigation, a central roof-mounted TFT screen for the benefit of rear-seat passengers, some 16” alloy wheels and automatic lights and wipers. Costs range from £19,345 to £20,865.

Seat Altea XL i-TECH (2014) Front Side

Finally, the Alhambra i-TECH also receives the same multimedia set-up as the Altea. But that's not all, as sports front seats, chrome and black brushed interior accents, keyless entry and 17” wheels are fitted too. The sole engine option is a 2.0 turbodiesel and with a manual gearbox the required outlay is £28,630. Alternatively, order an automatic transmission instead and that figure rises to £29,915.

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Saab 9-3 Electric Vehicle prototypes exist

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Last week National Electric Vehicle Sweden, the current owner of Saab, released a statement denying that the company is insolvent. The move was obviously a response to an earlier bankruptcy petition against NEVS by a supplier, which has since been withdrawn.

This week the news is slightly more encouraging, as Saab has just confirmed the existence of some 9-3 Electric Vehicle prototypes. In fact, the cars were built back in May, so perhaps the timing of the announcement was deliberately intended to restore some confidence in the brand's future?

Saab 9-3 Electric Vehicle Prototype (2014) Side

Looking identical to the petrol-powered Aero model, they feature a 138 bhp (102 kW / 140 PS) electric motor that can propel the 9-3 from rest to 62 mph (100 km/h) in ten seconds. Top speed meanwhile is a modest 75 mph (120 km/h).

A lithium-ion battery pack, housed beneath the floor so that neither passenger nor luggage space is affected, offers a range of around 125 miles (200 kilometres).

The prototypes are now going to be used for further technical development work and to help establish a manufacturing process. Saab has yet to reveal a production start date, though.

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Infiniti Q50L to be launched in China

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Taking a lead from some of its premium rivals, Infiniti has created a long-wheelbase version of the Q50 sports saloon especially for China. The Q50L, which will be both built and marketed only in that country, gains a 48 mm (1.9”) wheelbase stretch for the benefit of rear seat passengers.

When sales begin in November customers are going to have a choice of Comfort, Elegant, Sports, Luxury or Luxury Sports trim grades. A rear window sunshade, cabin mood lighting and a 14-speaker Bose audio system have already been confirmed for the available equipment list.

Infiniti Q50L (2015) Side

Infiniti intends to offer just one powertrain option, though. It's a 208 bhp (155 kW / 211 PS) 2.0 litre, four-cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission.

The Q50L is due to make its public debut later this month at the Chengdu Motor Show.

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2015 Seat Leon X-Perience specs and prices

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UK prices for the rugged-looking Leon X-Perience estate are going to range from £24,385 to £28,870 when deliveries begin in December.

Buyers will have a choice of either SE or SE Technology versions, both of which are equipped with protective body cladding, unique bumpers, roof rails and a higher ride height. Furthermore, to ensure the Seat has some rough terrain ability, a Haldex permanent all-wheel drive system is fitted along with an electronic differential lock for each axle.

Seat Leon X-Perience (2015) Front Side

The SE's standard specification includes dual-zone climate control, cloth and faux leather upholstery, front sports seats, rear parking sensors and a set of 17” twin-spoke alloy wheels.

Alternatively, the SE Technology adds an 18” wheel upgrade, automatically-activated LED headlights and power folding door mirrors. Its interior meanwhile features part-Alcantara trim and a touchscreen-controlled navigation system.

Powering the Leon X-Perience is a 2.0 litre turbo diesel engine that's being offered in 148 bhp (110 kW / 150 PS) and 181 bhp (135 kW / 184 PS) guises. They're matched with a six-speed manual gearbox and a six-speed dual-clutch transmission respectively.

Seat Leon X-Perience (2015) InteriorSeat Leon X-Perience (2015) Rear Side

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2015 Ram 2500 and 3500 unveiled

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Ram is claiming a best-in-class payload capability for its updated range of Heavy Duty pick-ups, as the 3500 model can now carry up to 3,352 kg (7,390 lbs).

Towing capacity beats the opposition, too. According to the SAE J2807 standard, the 2500 and 3500 have maximum ratings of 8,151 kg (17,970 lbs) and 13,607 kg (30,000 lbs) respectively.

Ram 3500 Crew Cab (2015) Front Side

Still powering the 2500 and single-rear-wheel 3500 variants is a 5.7 litre Hemi V8 that produces 383 bhp (286 kW / 388 PS) and 542 Nm (400 lb/ft) of torque. It's paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.

If that output isn't sufficient, Ram also offers a 6.4 litre Hemi with 410 bhp (306 kW / 415 PS) and 582 Nm (429 lb/ft).

However, for those users wanting even more torque (and better economy) a 6.7 litre Cummins turbodiesel remains available. This six-cylinder unit comes in three different states of tune, starting with a 350 bhp (261 kW / 354 PS) option that delivers its 895 Nm (660 lb/ft) via a six-speed manual gearbox.

Next up is a version developing 370 bhp (275 kW / 375 PS) with a peak torque figure of 1,085 Nm (800 lb/ft). Finally, the newly-uprated High Output alternative boasts 385 bhp (287 kW / 390 PS) plus a segment-leading 1,172 Nm (865 lb/ft). Both of these engines come connected to six-speed automatic transmissions.

Production of the 2015 Ram 2500 and 3500 begins this month in Coahuila, Mexico.

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2015 Škoda Fabia interior first view

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Last week's official reveal of the 2015 Škoda Fabia didn't include any interior shots. However, that situation has now been partly resolved with the publication of a single dashboard image.

It's a neat – if not a particularly daring – piece of design. One aspect that potentially could be open to criticism is the central infotainment screen, which seems rather small. That's perhaps surprising as one available item will be MirrorLink, a device intended to replicate smartphone apps on the car's display.

Skoda Fabia (2015) Dashboard

Further details about the Fabia's specification have also been confirmed. Although the 2015 model is 8 mm (0.3”) shorter than its predecessor, Škoda is saying that cabin space is marginally better. Boot capacity meanwhile is up by 15 litres to 330 litres, making it class-leading.

As expected, Škoda is also focussing on the newcomer's 'Simply Clever' features. Meant to be practical rather than exciting, these include a dedicated high-vis vest pocket in the driver's door, a rubbish bin and seven bottle holders.

The 2015 Škoda Fabia is due to make its public debut at the Paris Motor Show in October.

Skoda Fabia (2015) Front SideSkoda Fabia (2015) Rear Side

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Nissan updates the 370Z Nismo for 2015

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Numerous cosmetic and technical changes mark out a refreshed Nissan 370Z Nismo.

The facelift is centred on restyled bumpers and a smaller rear spoiler. They aren't just there to spruce up the looks though, as Nissan is claiming that one side effect is increased aerodynamic downforce.

Nissan 370Z Nismo (2015) Front Side

Also distinguishing the 2015 370Z Nismo are a set of black and silver Rays 19” alloy wheels, revised door mirrors, LED daytime running lights and black headlight bezels.

Inside, the highlight is a new pair of Recaro front seats that are reckoned to offer better comfort and support while being lighter. What's more, greater cabin refinement is promised thanks to the introduction of carpeting with enhanced sound-deadening qualities.

The 339 bhp (253 kW / 344 PS) 3.7 litre V6 engine and six-speed manual transmission are unaltered, but some of the suspension components have received attention. In particular, recalibrated rear springs and dampers are now fitted which are intended to improve the car's ride quality.

Pricing has yet to be announced, but Nissan is planning to launch the 2015 370Z Nismo across Europe later this year.

Nissan 370Z Nismo (2015) InteriorNissan 370Z Nismo (2015) Side

Nissan 370Z Nismo (2015) Rear SideNissan 370Z Nismo (2015) Dashboard

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