Opel Mokka Moscow Edition concept

August 28, 2014, 12:26 pm

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Fittingly, the Moscow International Motor Show was the event chosen by Opel for the unveiling of its Mokka Moscow Edition. Although billed as a concept, the city-themed sub-compact SUV is really just a cosmetic exercise.

A bright orange paintjob, two-tone five-spoke wheels and a dark blue finish for the body cladding distinguish the Moscow Edition from a regular production Mokka. Completing the look is a large ‘city map’ graphic that runs the length of the car.

Inside, the map motif is repeated on the Alcantara headlining and orange trim pieces. Unique part-leather upholstery with baseball-style stitching is also part of the specification.

The Mokka Moscow Edition could potentially become a very niche showroom model for the Russian market, but Opel has yet to confirm whether or not this will happen.

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Images © General Motors.

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Renaultsport R.S. 01 racer revealed

August 29, 2014, 12:42 pm

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Renault has unveiled the Renaultsport R.S. 01 racing car at the Moscow Motor Show. Based on a carbon fibre monocoque chassis built by Dallara, it'll be used in next year's inaugural Renaultsport Trophy championship.

Power comes from a 3.8 litre V6 borrowed from the Nissan GT-R. This Nismo-tuned engine, which features twin turbochargers and dry-sump lubrication, develops in excess of 500 horsepower (around 370 kW) and 600 Nm (442 lb/ft) of torque.

Combined with a Sadev seven-speed sequential transmission and a weight of less than 1,100 kg (2,425 lbs), the result is a top speed of over 186 mph (300 km/h). Outright pace wasn't the only key objective for the R.S. 01, though.

Just as important to the Renaultsport engineers was aerodynamic efficiency. In order to achieve that aim, the front end has a large splitter, a flat bottom and extractor vents on the bonnet that produce negative lift. At the rear, there's a large adjustable wing which is complemented by a downforce-generating diffuser.

To help exploit the high grip levels an adjustable suspension set-up comprises pushrods and double wishbones. Braking is taken care of by carbon discs, six-piston calipers and a Bosch anti-lock system.

Renault is hoping to attract twenty pro-am teams to the 2015 Renaultsport Trophy. While a race calendar has yet to be published, the one-make series is going to offer a mix of sprint and endurance events.

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2015 Datsun mi-DO hatchback first view

August 29, 2014, 3:21 pm

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As well as the recently revealed on-DO saloon, Datsun's Russian product range is also going to include the closely related mi-DO hatchback.

Both models share the same 2,476 mm (8' 1”) wheelbase, however the new five-door version – ambitiously described by Datsun as sporty, bold and cool – is 387 mm (1' 3”) shorter overall.

Similarly, the mi-DO's 1.6 litre 8-valve engine is carried over from the on-DO. Developing a reasonable 85 bhp (64 kW / 87 PS), it comes with a five-speed manual gearbox but a four-speed automatic is on the options list.

Standard equipment is set to include heated seats, anti-lock brakes and a couple of airbags. Deliveries of the mi-DO will begin early next year.

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2015 Suzuki Vitara to be unveiled in Paris

August 30, 2014, 11:08 am

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Suzuki has announced that the all-new Vitara will have its public debut at October’s Paris Motor Show.

The small five-door SUV, which was previewed by last year’s iV-4 concept, is going to compete in an increasingly crowded segment. Potential rivals include the Dacia Duster, Nissan Juke, Peugeot 2008 and Vauxhall / Opel Mokka.

Specifications have yet to be confirmed, but the Vitara will be available with all-wheel drive as well as a choice of petrol and diesel engines. UK sales are due to begin next spring.

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2015 Harley-Davidson Freewheeler trike

August 31, 2014, 4:20 pm

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While Harley-Davidson’s existing Tri Glide Ultra trike is very much touring-orientated, the new Freewheeler is aimed at those riders who want a three-wheel cruiser.

A stripped-back look is achieved by bobtail rear fenders, ape-hanger handlebars and the absence of any fairing. Behind the unique one-piece dual seat there’s a top-loading luggage compartment that’s large enough to accommodate two full-face helmets.

Power comes from a 1,690 cc, air-cooled, fuel-injected High Output Twin Cam 103 motor. Producing 142 Nm (104 lb/ft) of torque, it’s mated to a six-speed transmission and cruise control is a standard feature. Also fitted is an electric reverse device to aid manoeuvrability.

In the United States, the 2015 Freewheeler is available in a choice of Vivid Black, Amber Whiskey or Superior Blue paintwork and prices start at $24,999. That makes it a considerably cheaper alternative to the $32,999 Tri Glide Ultra.

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Chevrolet Niva concept unveiled

August 31, 2014, 5:11 pm

≫ Next: All-new 2015 Volvo XC90 revealed

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To preview the next-generation Russian-market Niva, Chevrolet and local partner AvtoVAZ have revealed a purposeful-looking concept at the Moscow Motor Show.

The compact SUV’s design is defined by chunky proportions and a high waistline that rises dramatically towards the rear. For its debut Chevrolet decided to augment the styling with numerous off-road accessories including a front winch, extra underbody protection, a snorkel, a roof rack and 16” wheels shod with BF Goodrich all-terrain tyres.

Beneath the bonnet is a 1.8 litre petrol engine that’s connected to a five-speed transmission. An all-wheel drive system and differential locks are also fitted.

The new Niva is due to arrive at Chevrolet dealers in Russia sometime during 2016.

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Images © General Motors.

All-new 2015 Volvo XC90 revealed

September 1, 2014, 11:48 am

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Twelve years after it first went on sale, the original Volvo XC90 is finally being replaced. The new model – which arrives in May 2015 – offers seven seats, some innovative powertrains and numerous safety features.

To go with the technical changes, the styling has received a major revamp too. This is most obvious at the front end where there’s a larger, more prominent grille. It’s flanked by slimmer headlights that incorporate distinctive T-shaped daytime running lights.

Along the flanks, the shoulder line is less bulbous than before and the surfacing is generally tauter. Moving to the rear, the XC90 is defined by elongated light clusters that stretch up into the D-pillars.

On the inside, the themes adopted are luxury and simplicity. Leather upholsteries and wood trims create the right ambience, while more space is promised for those travelling in the second and third rows of seats. Dominating the dashboard is a central touchscreen control panel that has significantly reduced button clutter.

Although full specifications have yet to be published, the highlights of the engine line-up are likely to be the 2.0 litre four-cylinder petrol units. Boasting both a supercharger and a turbocharger, they also come paired with an electric motor for enhanced economy and reduced emissions.

In the UK, orders for the 2015 XC90 can be placed from October onwards. Prices will start from around £45,000.

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2015 Buick Envision launched

September 2, 2014, 11:58 am

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For the time being Buick is intending to offer its new Envision only in China. Measuring 4,667 mm (15’ 4”) long and 1,839 mm (6’ 0”) wide, it’ll fill a gap in the brand’s SUV range that currently exists between the subcompact Encore and full-size Enclave.

Buyers are going to get a choice of AWD Elite, AWD Luxury, AWD Versatile Flagship and AWD Versatile Sporty Flagship trim grades.

Standard equipment includes a panoramic sunroof, electronic stability control, forward collision alert, adaptive cruise control, a sliding rear seat bench, 19” alloy wheels and a noise-cancelling device for the cabin. If that’s not sufficient, then the Envision’s specification can be upgraded with various cost options such as an automatic parking system and hill descent control.

Just one engine will be available, though. It’s a 2.0 litre turbocharged direct-injection petrol engine producing 256 bhp (191 kW / 260 PS) with 353 Nm (260 lb/ft) of peak torque.

That output, which is delivered via a six-speed automatic transmission to an intelligent all-wheel drive system, is enough for a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of 8.4 seconds. Combined fuel economy meanwhile is 32.1 mpg (8.8 l/100km).

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Images © General Motors.

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2014 Volkswagen Caddy Black Edition

September 2, 2014, 3:36 pm

≫ Next: Updated Infiniti Q70 coming to Europe

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It appears that the irresistible urge among car manufacturers to create special editions with ‘black’ in their names has spread to the commercial vehicle market: Volkswagen’s latest offering is the Caddy Black Edition, which will come in short-wheelbase panel van guise only.

Based on the existing well-equipped Highline trim grade, the new arrival is distinguished by Deep Black Pearlescent paintwork and matching 17” ‘Budapest’ alloy wheels. There is some visual contrast though, as the grille surround and roof rails gain a silver finish.

Along with the usual Bluetooth, air conditioning, cruise control and trip computer, the interior specification has been improved too. Additional items fitted to the Black Edition include leather and Alcantara upholstery, a multi-function steering wheel and heated door mirrors. Completing the upgrades are a full-height solid bulkhead and the Dynamic Suspension package which reduces the ride height and improves handling.

The sole available engine is a 100 bhp (75 kW / 102 PS) 1.6 litre diesel. Paired with a five-speed manual gearbox, it achieves 55.4 mpg (5.1 l/100km) on the combined cycle while emitting 134 g/km of carbon dioxide.

At dealers from the beginning of October to the end of December only, the Caddy Black Edition is priced at £17,860 on the road (excluding VAT).

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Updated Infiniti Q70 coming to Europe

September 3, 2014, 2:48 pm

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Following its launch in North America, Infiniti has confirmed that the revised Q70 saloon will arrive in European dealers this December.

One of the most obvious changes is a subtle facelift which brings the executive four-door’s looks more in line with those of the smaller Q50. Essentially, it comprises restyled bumpers, a more cinched grille and the adoption of LEDs for both the front and rear lights.

Attention has also been paid to the car’s refinement. Recalibrated dampers are intended to improve ride comfort, while better noise insulation should make the cabin quieter.

In a significant move, the engine line-up is being augmented by a four-cylinder, 2.2 litre turbodiesel option. Developing 164 bhp (122 kW / 167 PS) with 400 Nm (295 lb/ft) of torque, it could play a key role in making the rare Q70 a slightly more common sight on UK roads. Full performance and economy specs have yet to be released, though.

Infiniti is planning to unveil the 2015 European-spec Q70 at next month’s Paris Motor Show.

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Honda Gold Wing 40th Anniversary edition

September 4, 2014, 1:07 pm

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2015 marks a special birthday for the Gold Wing tourer, which first appeared during 1975 in GL1000 guise. So, to celebrate, Honda has created a 40th Anniversary edition based on the latest GL1800 model.

It’s being offered in a choice of Digital Silver Metallic, Pearl Glare White, Graphite Black or Candy Prominence Red and Graphite Black two-tone paintwork. As a special measure, those last two options come with black chassis components instead of the usual silver. Finishing touches are provided by some unique badges and an embossed pillion-seat backrest.

The rest of the Gold Wing’s specification remains unchanged, including the 1,832 cc six-cylinder engine which delivers 116 bhp (87 kW / 118 PS) with 167 Nm (123 lb/ft) of torque.

A price for the 40th Anniversary edition has yet to be confirmed.

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Celebratory Abarth 500 Custom launched

September 5, 2014, 12:00 pm

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To commemorate the Abarth marque’s 65th birthday, 65 special 500 Custom models are being offered in the UK.

Finished in metallic Record Grey, their extra equipment comprises a set of 17” ten-spoke alloy wheels, yellow brake calipers and rear privacy glass.

The technical specification is unchanged though, so power is still provided by a 1.4 litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 133 bhp (99 kW / 135 PS). That output is sufficient to accelerate the 500 from standstill to 62 mph (100 km/h) in a respectably quick 7.9 seconds.

With an on-the-road price of £14,990, the Abarth 500 Custom is £430 more than the regular version.

However, such a premium is actually very reasonable, as specifying the additional items separately would cost £1,105. Furthermore, the package includes the Abarth Track Experience which is run at a number of circuits around the country.

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Subaru’s BRZ now has a lower starting price

September 5, 2014, 3:21 pm

≫ Next: Street-legal Lotus Elise S Cup confirmed

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In an effort to help its BRZ coupé appeal to a broader range of customers, Subaru has decided to reintroduce an SE entry-level trim grade.

The move, which follows a £2,500 cost reduction for the SE Lux version back in May, means that prices now start from £22,495.

Although the SE variants are £1,500 less than their SE Lux equivalents, their specifications aren’t actually very different. Indeed, apart from the loss of seat heating and the use of fabric upholstery instead of leather and Alcantara, they’re identical.

Both the SE and SE Lux come with 17” alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, xenon headlights, dual-zone air conditioning, cruise control and a six-speaker audio system. They also share the same 197 bhp (147 kW / 200 PS) 2.0 litre, four-cylinder, normally aspirated boxer engine.

The enlarged BRZ line-up is available in the UK now.

Subaru BRZ - UK Prices (September 2014)
SE manual	£22,495
SE automatic	£23,995
SE Lux manual	£23,995
SE Lux automatic	£25,495

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Street-legal Lotus Elise S Cup confirmed

September 6, 2014, 12:18 pm

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Track-day regulars are the target market for the new Lotus Elise S Cup, which is essentially a road-going version of the Elise S Cup R circuit racer.

Its specification includes a full aero package that comprises a rear wing, a diffuser, barge boards and a front splitter. Lotus says the result is a useful 66 kg (145 lbs) of downforce at 100 mph (160 km/h), or 125 kg (275 lbs) at the car’s top speed of 140 mph (225 km/h).

Also on the standard equipment list are a rollover bar, a fixed roof panel and lightweight six-spoke alloy wheels shod with Yokohama Advan Neova tyres. Furthermore, a specially-modified wiring harness will make retrofitting an electrics kill switch and a fire extinguisher system relatively easy.

Power comes from a supercharged 1.8 litre engine developing 217 bhp (162 kW / 220 PS). Combined with an unladen weight of just 932 kg (2,054 lbs), that output delivers a 0-60 mph (96 km/h) time of 4.2 seconds.

The Elise S Cup won’t be cheap, though. In the UK, it’s going to be priced at around £43,500 excluding on-the-road costs.

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Land Rover Discovery Sport unveiled

September 7, 2014, 1:00 pm

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In many ways, the Discovery Sport is a very different vehicle to the Freelander that it replaces.

The most significant change concerns accommodation. Whereas its predecessor only had space for five people, the newcomer can carry two more passengers courtesy of a 2+3+2 seating configuration. Squeezing in a third row of seats has been possible due to a slight increase in body length from 4,500 mm (14’ 9”) to 4,599 mm (15’ 1”), as well as the use of an innovative space-saving multi-link rear axle.

2015 Land Rover Discovery Sport.

Scroll down for more images.

Styling is another aspect that has clearly evolved. The Discovery Sport has a noticeably less upright stance compared to the Freelander, plus its profile is much sleeker too. Overall, it’s a design which works very well and, thankfully, the fussy details that have marred some recent Land Rover models are absent.

Good looks alone are bound to attract some customers, but decent off-road ability is still needed to safeguard the Land Rover brand’s reputation. So, to ensure that particular facet lives up to expectations, long-travel suspension is fitted along with the Terrain Response driving mode selector. Maximum wade depth is 600 mm (23.6”), while the approach and departure angles are 25° and 31° respectively.

At launch, the only available engine in the UK will be a 2.2 litre, four-cylinder turbo diesel producing 187 bhp (140 kW / 190 PS) with 420 Nm (310 lb/ft) of torque. Mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, it delivers a 0-60 mph (96 km/h) time of 9.8 seconds, a 117 mph (188 km/h) top speed, 46.3 mpg (6.1 l/100km) on the combined cycle and carbon dioxide emissions of 162 g/km.

Opt for a nine-speed automatic transmission instead and the acceleration benchmark is achieved in 8.4 seconds. There’s a small penalty to pay for quicker performance though, as the key efficiency figures worsen to 44.8 mpg (6.3 l/100km) and 166 g/km.

For other markets – including North America – an all-alloy 2.0 litre four-cylinder petrol unit is going to be offered. Also turbocharged, it develops 240 bhp (179 kW / 243 PS) and 340 Nm (250 lb/ft) of peak torque.

The Discovery Sport line-up starts with the SE trim grade, which comes as standard with Bluetooth, an 8” colour touchscreen, part-leather upholstery, cruise control, climate control and a heated windscreen. The SE Tech variants build on that specification with the addition of automatic lights and wipers, satellite navigation, a powered tailgate and front parking sensors.

HSE versions furthermore gain keyless entry, full leather, power-adjustable front seats, a panoramic sunroof, xenon headlights and an upgrade from 18” to 19” wheels. Among the extra features on the range-topping HSE Luxury are heating for the seats and steering wheel, a park assist system and configurable cabin mood lighting.

However, there is some bad news: prices are going up quite considerably. The Freelander is currently listed at between £27,765 and £35,995, but the cheapest Discovery Sport will cost over £32,000.

2015 Land Rover Discovery Sport - UK OTR Prices
SE Diesel Manual	£32,395
SE Diesel Automatic	£34,195
SE Tech Diesel Manual	£33,895
SE Tech Diesel Automatic	£35,695
HSE Diesel Manual	£37,595
HSE Diesel Automatic	£39,395
HSE Luxury Diesel Manual	£41,195
HSE Luxury Diesel Automatic	£42,995

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University of Texas Longhorns Silverado

September 7, 2014, 1:58 pm

≫ Next: Citroën reveals the Divine DS concept

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As part of its University of Texas sponsorship activities, Chevrolet has launched a Silverado Longhorns special edition.

Based on a choice of LT Double Cab, LTZ Double Cab or LTZ Crew Cab models, it comes with metallic Sunset Orange paintwork and unique graphics. Also fitted are chrome side steps and Texas Edition badges.

What’s more, LT versions feature 20” polished wheels, while the LTZ specification gains a chrome finish for the wheels, door handles and mirror caps.

The Longhorns package adds $795 to the price of a Silverado.

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Citroën reveals the Divine DS concept

September 7, 2014, 3:32 pm

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Described as ‘a vision of the future for the DS brand’, Citroën’s Divine DS concept is about the same size as the current production DS4.

Probably its most striking exterior feature is the unique roof design that incorporates matt, satin, opaque and transparent panels. Other notable styling cues include a high waist plus bold chrome-capped swage lines that hide the door handles and flow into LED rear light clusters. The front end has a similarly confident look thanks to a large new-style DS ‘Wings’ grille which is flanked by laser headlights.

The interior meanwhile features a dramatically sculptured dashboard housing a holographic display and a large 10.4” touchscreen. It also debuts the ‘Hyper-typage’ personalisation ethos that would see buyers being offered a broad range of distinctive, interchangeable cabin finishes.

Although it’s a concept, the Divine DS is powered by a 266 bhp (199 kW / 270 PS) 1.6 litre turbocharged petrol engine. An appearance is planned for next month’s Paris Motor Show.

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New Mazda MX-5 has controversial looks

September 8, 2014, 7:29 am

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At first glance, the styling of the just-revealed fourth-generation Mazda MX-5 jars. The headlights seem too small, the bonnet profile has a weirdly pronounced kink and bulbous flanks appear to overwhelm the rear wheels.

Perhaps that’s surprising, as the new roadster follows the ‘Kodo - Soul of Motion’ design language which has recently been applied successfully to other Mazda models such as the 3 and 2.

But maybe static photographs simply don’t do the 2016 MX-5 justice? Even viewing it in a video considerably lessens the initial shock, so this is definitely one of those cars that have to be seen in the metal before any final judgment can be made.

There’s still no denying that in visual terms Mazda hasn’t settled for a gentle evolution. The overall proportions remain spot-on, though.

At 3,915 mm (12’ 10”) long, the 2016 MX-5 is actually 105 mm (4.1”) shorter than the previous model, plus it’s both wider and lower by 10 mm (0.4”). Furthermore, the cabin is positioned further back.

To help handling balance a 50:50 front-rear weight distribution has been maintained. Impressively, this MX-5 is claimed to be 100 kg (220 lbs) lighter compared to its predecessor, thanks to the use of aluminium components and a revised soft-top assembly.

However, the effect of that diet on performance is unknown for now, because Mazda has yet to publish any detailed technical specs.

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Volkswagen Amarok Dark Label launched

September 8, 2014, 12:23 pm

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Just 300 examples of Volkswagen’s new Amarok Dark Label will be available in the UK when sales begin later this month.

The limited edition pick-up, which is powered by a 177 bhp (132 kW / 180 PS) 2.0 litre BiTDI turbo diesel engine, features an under-bumper skid plate at the front, extended wheel arches and a UV-resistant anthracite-coloured load area coating. Also fitted are darkened taillight clusters and rear privacy glass.

Buyers can choose from Deep Black, Natural Grey or Reflex Silver paintwork. It’s a fairly restricted selection, but all of those shades should complement the black finish that has been applied to the 18” ‘Durban’ alloy wheels, side bars and rear bumper.

Cabin ambience is enhanced thanks to Alcantara upholstery, heated seats, unique velour floor mats and extra dust seals around the doors. What’s more, equipment levels seem generous because the standard specification includes Bluetooth connectivity, touchscreen-controlled satellite navigation, a multi-function steering wheel and heated door mirrors.

With a six-speed manual gearbox, Amarok Dark Label pricing starts at £26,125 on-the-road (excluding VAT). However, only 50 units are being built with that transmission. The remainder are going to have an eight-speed automatic and they cost from £27,855.

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2015 Jaguar XE first view

September 10, 2014, 7:08 am

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≪ Previous: Volkswagen Amarok Dark Label launched

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Without a doubt the all-new XE is an immensely important model for Jaguar. It has the potential to be the brand’s biggest seller and revenue-earner, but the compact executive segment is a tough market. Indeed, established rivals such as the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Cadillac ATS and Mercedes-Benz C-Class mean the British contender has to be much better than the defunct X-Type which it effectively replaces.

One aspect that Jaguar has certainly got right is the styling. Looking like a shrunken XF with tauter surfacing, the rear-wheel drive XE manages to appear strikingly modern while retaining classic saloon proportions. Furthermore the body, which is largely made from lightweight aluminium, boasts a drag coefficient of just 0.26.

On the inside, a deep centre console and a dashboard that flows neatly into the door casings are among the notable design features. Available technologies are going to include a laser head-up display unit and a voice-controlled infotainment system which is based around an 8” touchscreen.

Full technical specifications are due to be announced at next month’s Paris Motor Show. However, Jaguar has already confirmed that the XE S variant will be powered by an all-alloy supercharged 3.0 litre V6 engine taken from the F-Type.

Connected to a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission, it develops 335 bhp (250 kW / 340 PS) with 450 Nm (332 lb/ft) of torque. That output delivers a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of 5.1 seconds and an electronically-limited 155 mph (250 km/h) top speed. The XE S can only manage 33.9 mpg (8.3 l/100km) on the combined cycle while producing 194 g/km of carbon dioxide though, so efficiency isn’t that great.

Prospective owners seeking better economy are much more likely to be interested in the 2.0 litre ‘Ingenium’ diesel options. These four-cylinder units can achieve up to 75.0 mpg (3.8 l/100km) and a tax-friendly emissions figure of 99 g/km.

Although UK prices for the 2015 XE have yet to be published, Jaguar has indicated that they’ll start from around £27,000.

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