Honda updates its VFR800X for 2015

September 10, 2014, 11:59 am

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Completely revised styling, a retuned engine and several other technical changes mark out the just-revealed 2015 Honda VFR800X Crossrunner.

An aluminium twin-beam frame remains at the sports tourer’s core, but now attached to it are a lighter sub-frame and an aluminium swingarm. Other chassis modifications include new alloy wheels, upgraded brakes and an increase in suspension travel.

Power from the V4 VTEC-equipped engine has been raised slightly to 104 bhp (78 kW / 106 PS) at 10,250 rpm. To complement that extra output, low- and mid-range torque delivery has also been improved.

The bike’s enhanced standard equipment list includes heated grips, a height-adjustable saddle, LED lights and self-cancelling indicators. Also fitted is the S-TCS traction control system which can be set to two sensitivity levels (or turned off entirely).

UK sales of the 2015 Honda VFR800X Crossrunner are due to begin in December, following an appearance at November’s Motorcycle Live event. Pricing has yet to be announced.

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BMW 2 Series Convertible revealed

September 10, 2014, 5:39 pm

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Almost eleven months after its 2 Series Coupé was launched, BMW has finally unveiled the closely-related 2 Series Convertible.

As expected, the new arrival is both slightly larger and arguably less elegant than the 1 Series Convertible which it replaces.

2015 BMW 2 Series Convertible. Scroll down for more images.

Nevertheless, increases in overall length and width of 72 mm (2.8”) and 26 mm (1.0”) respectively do mean more cabin space and an extra 30 litres of boot capacity. The body also manages to be lighter compared to its predecessor, yet torsional rigidity is 20 percent higher.

BMW has elected to retain a fabric roof rather than switch to a more cumbersome folding metal item. Electrically powered, it can be operated at speeds up to around 30 mph (50 km/h) and noise insulation is reckoned to be better.

In the UK four engines are being offered. All turbocharged, they can be mated to either a six-speed manual gearbox or an eight-speed automatic transmission.

2015 BMW 2 Series Convertible - Technical Specs
220i	Manual	Automatic
Engine	2.0 litre four-cylinder petrol
Power	181 bhp (135 kW / 184 PS)
Torque	270 Nm (199 lb/ft)
0-62mph (100 km/h)	7.5 secs	7.6 secs
Top speed	143 mph (231 km/h)	140 mph (226 km/h)
Combined cycle	41.5 mpg (6.8 l/100km)	44.1 mpg (6.4 l/100km)
CO2 emissions	159 g/km	149 g/km
220d	Manual	Automatic
Engine	2.0 litre four-cylinder diesel
Power	187 bhp (140 kW / 190 PS)
Torque	400 Nm (295 lb/ft)
0-62mph (100 km/h)	7.5 secs	7.4 secs
Top speed	140 mph (225 km/h)	140 mph (225 km/h)
Combined cycle	60.1 mpg (4.7 l/100km)	64.2 mpg (4.4 l/100km)
CO2 emissions	124 g/km	116 g/km
228i	Manual	Automatic
Engine	2.0 litre four-cylinder petrol
Power	241 bhp (180 kW / 245 PS)
Torque	350 Nm (258 lb/ft)
0-62mph (100 km/h)	6.1 secs	6.0 secs
Top speed	155 mph (250 km/h)*	155 mph (250 km/h)*
Combined cycle	41.5 mpg (6.8 l/100km)	42.8 mpg (6.6 l/100km)
CO2 emissions	159 g/km	154 g/km
M235i	Manual	Automatic
Engine	3.0 litre six-cylinder petrol
Power	321 bhp (240 kW / 326 PS)
Torque	450 Nm (332 lb/ft)
0-62mph (100 km/h)	5.2 secs	5.0 secs
Top speed	155 mph (250 km/h)*	155 mph (250 km/h)*
Combined cycle	33.2 mpg (8.5 l/100km)	35.8 mpg (7.9 l/100km)
CO2 emissions	199 g/km	184 g/km
* Electronically limited.

Pending the later introduction of SE versions, buyers of the 220i and 220d will initially be restricted to a choice of Sport, Luxury and M Sport trim grades. The 228i is going to be available in M Sport guise only, while the M235i is a standalone model.

Sales of the 2 Series Convertible are due to begin in February 2015. On-the-road prices start at £29,180 for the 220i Sport, rising to £37,710 for the range-topping M235i.

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Vezel renamed HR-V for Europe

September 11, 2014, 7:25 am

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Honda has released the first images of its European-spec HR-V in prototype form.

The new small SUV, which will be appearing at next month’s Paris Motor Show, is essentially a rebadged version of the Japanese-market Vezel.

Specifications are yet to be revealed, but Honda has confirmed that UK deliveries of the HR-V are due to start next summer.

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2015 GMC Sierra Carbon Edition launched

September 12, 2014, 3:41 pm

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GMC is offering three versions of its new Sierra Carbon Edition, all of which are based on the 1500 pick-up.

In standard guise, special features include carbon fibre appearance decals on the bonnet and tailgate. Complementing them are body-coloured door handles and mirror caps plus a black-painted grille. Available only with a double cab, it also comes with remote keyless entry, LED cargo box lighting and a 110-volt power outlet.

The Carbon 20 Edition meanwhile adds a set of 20” alloy wheels to the extra equipment list. Its overall specification is better too, as the double cab SLE variant is used as a starting point.

Completing the trio is the Carbon 22 Edition. This model additionally gets black tubular side steps, front fog lights, dual-zone climate control, a universal home remote system and – as that name suggests – 22” wheels. Again the SLE trim grade serves as a basis, but this time in crew cab as well as double cab form.

Buyers can opt for either rear- or four-wheel drive, and there’s a choice of 4.3 litre V6 or 5.3 litre V8 engines.

In the United States, prices for the 2015 Sierra 1500 Carbon Edition start at $33,075. The Carbon 20 Edition and Carbon 22 Edition cost from $38,275 and $42,270 respectively.

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Image © General Motors.

2015 Formula One calendar announced

September 13, 2014, 10:54 am

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With the addition of Mexico to its schedule, the 2015 Formula One World Championship is set to consist of twenty rounds.

The new event will be run at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. This circuit, which is in Mexico City, last hosted a grand prix in 1992.

The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez circuit in Mexico City.

Squeezing in an extra race means that the season finale in Abu Dhabi has had to be pushed back to the last weekend in November. The rest of the calendar looks almost identical to 2014’s, although the German Grand Prix moves from Hockenheim to the Nürburgring as per the customary alternating arrangement.

As well as deciding the 2015 timetable, the recent meeting of the FIA World Motor Sport Council also agreed that the FIA Administration should review the basis upon which super licences are issued. A proposal is expected before the end of this year, with the intention that any changes are implemented during 2016.

2015 FIA Formula One World Championship - Calendar
Round	Date	Event
1	15 March	Grand Prix of Australia (Melbourne)
2	29 March	Grand Prix of Malaysia (Sepang)
3	05 April	Grand Prix of Bahrain (Sakhir)
4	19 April	Grand Prix of China (Shanghai)
5	10 May	Grand Prix of Spain (Barcelona)
6	24 May	Grand Prix of Monaco (Monte Carlo)
7	07 June	Grand Prix of Canada (Montreal)
8	21 June	Grand Prix of Austria (Spielberg)
9	05 July	Grand Prix of Great Britain (Silverstone)
10	19 July	Grand Prix of Germany (Nürburg)
11	26 July	Grand Prix of Hungary (Budapest)
12	23 August	Grand Prix of Belgium (Spa-Francorchamps)
13	06 September	Grand Prix of Italy (Monza)
14	20 September	Grand Prix of Singapore (Marina Bay)
15	27 September	Grand Prix of Japan (Suzuka)
16	11 October	Grand Prix of Russia (Sochi)
17	25 October	Grand Prix of USA (Austin)
18	01 November	Grand Prix of Mexico (Mexico City)
19	15 November	Grand Prix of Brazil (São Paulo)
20	29 November	Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi (Yas Marina)

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Top 10: UK vehicle tax disc abolition facts

September 14, 2014, 3:30 pm

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Paper vehicle tax discs were first introduced in the UK back in 1921. However, from the beginning of next month, there will no longer be a requirement to display one.

Apart from that being bad news for the disc-holder industry, it also means some new rules. So, ahead of the imminent changeover date, here are ten things to know about the revised system:

1. Vehicle excise duty isn’t being abolished

While the 1st of October 2014 sees the demise of the paper disc, owners will still have to pay vehicle tax.

2. Enforcement continues

Indeed, the DVLA should find the checking process much easier. Instead of relying on people peering at windscreens, it’s going to involve automatic number plate recognition cameras and a big database.

3. Drivers of untaxed vehicles will be fined

If the DVLA or police find an untaxed vehicle on the road, then the driver – not the owner – can expect to receive a non-endorsable fixed penalty.

4. Checking a vehicle’s taxation status is now much easier

Given the driver liability outlined above, it’s perhaps just as well that the DVLA has set up a free checking web site at https://www.gov.uk/check-vehicle-tax. Anybody borrowing or hiring a vehicle (or using one of their employer’s) may want to consider using it.

5. There’s no excuse not to renew

Some people might currently rely on the paper disc to tell them when their tax is about to expire. But they needn’t worry, as the DVLA has committed to continue posting out reminders. Payment can be made online, via phone or at a post office.

6. A direct debit option is being introduced

The launch in November 2014 of a direct debit scheme is set to make vehicle tax renewal extremely simple. Available on an annual, biannual or monthly basis, the last two options are going to attract a 5% surcharge. An important point to note is that if the vehicle’s MOT lapses, then the DVLA says it’ll stop collecting the direct debits. Therefore in that situation no MOT also equals no tax.

7. Vehicle sellers must notify the DVLA

At the moment, when a vehicle is sold any outstanding tax usually gets transferred with it. Not so under the amended regime, which demands that all sellers promptly inform the DVLA. That action effectively cancels the tax and failure to do so could incur a hefty fine of up to £1,000.

8. Refunds are going to be automatic

Once the DVLA is told that a vehicle has been sold, scrapped at an approved facility, exported, swapped to a tax-exempt class or SORN declared, then a refund will be made automatically based on any full months of unused tax already paid for. Those same notifications would end a direct debit arrangement too.

9. Used vehicle buyers must buy tax

Because tax won’t be transferring when ownership switches, buyers of used vehicles will have to immediately purchase it online, via phone or at a post office. This is probably the one innovation that’s likely to cause the most problems, but the DVLA isn’t allowing a grace period.

10. There are some special rules for Northern Ireland

To make matters even more complicated for those in Northern Ireland, they’ll only be able to tax their just-bought used vehicles at a post office. Furthermore, payments via direct debit are only going to be allowed if the vehicle has valid insurance as well as an MOT. Finally, on the subject of MOTs, the Northern Ireland MOT disc isn’t being done away with, therefore the obligation to have one remains. 

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Triumph Thruxton Ace edition unveiled

September 15, 2014, 11:49 am

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Just 100 examples of the new Triumph Thruxton Ace special edition are being offered to UK customers.

Created to celebrate the famous Ace Café in north London, it features a unique white and black colour scheme that’s complemented by an oxblood red seat. The specification also includes a handlebar plaque and a certificate of authenticity.

Mechanically things are unchanged, so power still comes from the familiar 865 cc parallel-twin engine that produces 68 bhp (50 kW / 69 PS) and 69 Nm (50 lb/ft) of peak torque.

The Ace special edition has a price tag of £8,199, which makes it £500 more than a regular Thruxton. Given the lack of extra equipment, it remains to be seen whether or not some potential buyers are put off by such a high premium.

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2015 Bentley Mulsanne Speed launched

September 16, 2014, 4:56 pm

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Were people clamouring for a slightly faster Bentley Mulsanne? Probably not, but the range-topping Speed version has just been unveiled anyway.

Tweaks to its 6.75 litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine have seen power increase to 530 bhp (395 kW / 537 PS) and peak torque rise to a new high of 1,100 Nm (811 lb/ft).

With that output, which is delivered via a recalibrated ZF eight-speed automatic transmission, the Mulsanne Speed will accelerate from rest to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 4.9 seconds before ultimately hitting 190 mph (305 km/h).

To match that enhanced performance, the steering has been modified and an upgraded four-mode adjustable sports suspension set-up is fitted.

Efficiency hasn’t been entirely forgotten either, but don’t expect supermini economy. Thanks partly to a cylinder deactivation system that sees the Mulsanne’s motor running as a V4 under light loads, the provisional combined cycle figure is 19.3 mpg (14.6 l/100 km). CO2 emissions meanwhile are 342 g/km.

Visually the flagship Bentley is distinguished by a set of unique 21” directional wheels, twin rifled exhaust pipes and special badges. Furthermore, an exclusive dark tint stainless steel is used for its grilles and vents.

Customer deliveries are expected to begin shortly after the Mulsanne Speed debuts at next month’s Paris Motor Show. UK prices will start from £252,200.

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2015 Honda Jazz first view

September 16, 2014, 6:27 pm

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Honda has announced that the all-new Jazz will be appearing in prototype form at next month’s Paris Motor Show.

The 2015 Jazz is 15 mm (0.6”) longer overall and its wheelbase has grown by 30 mm (1.2”) compared to the current model. Despite those seemingly small increases, Honda is saying there’s more interior room than before. Photographs of the car’s interior have yet to be released, though.

For now technical details are sparse. However, we do know that the engine line-up is going to include a 1.3 litre i-VTEC Earth Dreams Technology petrol unit. It’s claimed to offer improved efficiency as well as better performance.

Deliveries of the 2015 Honda Jazz are scheduled to begin across Europe next summer.

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Transporter 60 Anniversary Pack introduced

September 17, 2014, 6:54 am

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Volkswagen is certainly making a concerted effort to celebrate 60 years of Transporter sales in the UK. Following the Sportline 60 special edition, which was unveiled in July, a Transporter 60 Anniversary Pack is now being offered too.

Available to T5 owners, it’s basically a collection of aftermarket accessories. Included are some unique bodywork decals, a piano black upper grille and exclusive waterproof front seat covers with embroidered logos. Furthermore the door mirror caps, side indicator surrounds and tail guard cover all gain a chrome finish, plus there are LED daytime running lights for the Trendline and Highline models.

Dealers will begin retailing the Transporter 60 Anniversary Pack next week at prices ranging from £609 to £1,009 (including VAT and fitting). That seems rather steep, even with the incentive of a free Transporter history book for the first 250 customers.

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Louis XIII hotel orders a Rolls-Royce fleet

September 17, 2014, 3:07 pm

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Guests of the Louis XIII hotel in Macau, which is due to open in 2016, will get to ride in a chauffeur-driven Rolls-Royce Phantom. In fact thirty of the cars – all Extended Wheelbase models – have just been ordered by the new Cotai Strip venue.

The standard version obviously wasn’t deemed grand enough, because each one is going to be customised by Rolls-Royce’s Bespoke division. Indeed, two of the fleet have been specified with gold plated accents inside and out, thereby instantly propelling them to the top of the ‘most expensive Phantom ever’ list.

Although the distinctive colour scheme and strange interior treatment might not be to everyone’s taste, a Louis XIII Phantom should certainly beat an ordinary hotel shuttle bus.

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2015 Volvo XC90 R-Design first view

September 18, 2014, 12:34 pm

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Ahead of dealers’ XC90 order books opening in October, Volvo has released some images of the sporty R-Design version.

It projects a more purposeful image for the large SUV thanks to a set of 20” five-spoke alloy wheels, matt silver door mirror caps, restyled bumpers and unique metal window surrounds.

The theme continues inside. In addition to front sports seats, the specification is set to include Nubuck and perforated leather upholstery plus special R-Design floor mats, tread plates and pedals.

For those XC90 buyers who don’t fancy the R-Design model, Volvo will also be offering the entry-level Momentum and luxury-orientated Inscription trim grades.

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2015 Ford S-Max revealed

September 19, 2014, 2:40 pm

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Eight years after the original version was first launched, Ford has unveiled a second-generation S-Max.

The all-new sports activity vehicle, which retains the low-profile roofline of its predecessor, is going to be available in five- and seven-seat configurations.

One aspect that should be of particular interest to prospective buyers is the interior. Despite a prevalence of soft-touch materials to give a more sophisticated feel, anti-stain coatings are used to help ‘family proof’ the cabin. What’s more, thinner seat backs provide more space and rear-seat occupants have their own heating and ventilation controls.

The 2015 S-Max certainly bristles with some innovative technologies. For instance, it sees the introduction to Ford’s European range of Adaptive Steering, which constantly modifies steering response, and Dynamic LED headlights with a glare-free high-beam function.

Plenty of driver assistance devices are being offered too. For those who struggle with parallel parking, Active Park Assist is designed to get the S-Max into a suitable gap, while Park-Out Assist reverses the process. Then there’s Perpendicular Parking that takes care of backing into a space and Cross Traffic Alert for exiting one.

Other gizmos include radar-based adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, a lane-keeping aid, lane-departure warning and front-mounted cameras that provide a 180° view.

Among the engine options are 157 bhp (117 kW / 160 PS) 1.5 litre and 236 bhp (176 kW / 240 PS) 2.0 litre EcoBoost petrol units. Diesel fans meanwhile are catered for by a 2.0 litre TDCi motor that comes in 118 bhp (88 kW / 120 PS), 148 bhp (110 kW / 150 PS) and 177 bhp (132 kW / 180 PS) guises. All-wheel drive will be available for the first time.

Customer deliveries of the 2015 Ford S-Max are due to begin next year.

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Citroën’s new C4 Cactus Airflow 2L concept

September 20, 2014, 11:56 am

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Next month’s Paris Motor Show will see the ultra efficient Citroën C4 Cactus Airflow 2L make its public debut. As the ‘2L’ part of that name suggests, the target was to achieve an average fuel consumption figure of 2.0 l/100km, which equates to 141 mpg.

Although described as a concept, most of the car’s fuel-saving features could easily appear on production models in the near future.

Undoubtedly the most exciting aspect is the innovative Hybrid Air powertrain. This combines a three-cylinder petrol engine with a motor that runs off compressed air rather than the usual electricity.

Other measures include improved aerodynamics. To reduce drag the underside is smoother, the door mirrors are smaller, narrow wheels are fitted and the rear end gains a diffuser as well as a longer spoiler. There are dynamic components too, such as centrifugally-activated wheel shutters, continuously variable front bumper intakes and mobile side deflectors.

Furthermore, the widespread use of aluminium and composites has resulted in a kerb weight of just 865 kg (1,907 lbs). That means the 2L concept is around 100 kg (220 lbs) lighter than a regular C4 Cactus.

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2015 GMC Sierra Elevation Edition unveiled

September 21, 2014, 12:18 pm

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Just a week after the Carbon Edition was announced, GMC has confirmed that another special version of its Sierra 1500 pick-up is due to arrive at dealers soon. This new one is called the Elevation Edition and it features various cosmetic tweaks as well as some extra equipment.

Based on the double-cab model, 20” black-painted alloy wheels and a colour-keyed finish for the bumpers, grille surround, door handles and mirror caps are intended to give a sporty image.

The Elevation Edition’s standard spec also includes LED headlights, remote keyless entry, power mirrors and LED cargo box lighting. What’s more, it comes with Bluetooth connectivity, a 4.2” touchscreen-controlled audio system and OnStar which provides an in-vehicle Wi-Fi hotspot.

There’s a choice of 4.3 litre V6 or 5.3 litre V8 engines and buyers will be able to opt for either rear- or four-wheel drive.

Sales of the Sierra Elevation Edition are going to begin later this year, but pricing has yet to be revealed.

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Images © General Motors.

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Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Concept-S

September 22, 2014, 12:06 pm

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While the Outlander PHEV boasts a clever hybrid powertrain, it sure does look dull. Perhaps finally realising this, Mitsubishi has created the Concept-S which is due to debut at next month’s Paris Motor Show.

The SUV’s front end gains added presence thanks to a successful facelift. The grille is bolder, the bonnet is more sculpted and the headlights are better integrated. It’s a similar story at the rear, where redesigned light clusters stretch across the whole width of the vehicle and striking chrome accents add further visual interest.

On the inside, the Concept-S features burgundy hand-stitched leather which is complemented by black wood trim. The result is certainly more exciting than the current version’s all-black upholstery options.

Whether or not the Concept-S becomes the next production Outlander remains to be seen. It would be puzzling if that didn’t happen, though.

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Tristar concept previews next Transporter

September 23, 2014, 9:13 am

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Beneath its all-terrain styling, extended cab and flatbed body, the Volkswagen Tristar concept offers a glimpse of what the future Transporter T6 could look like.

The Tristar, which has been unveiled at the IAA show in Hanover, features a two-seat interior that incorporates a 20” ‘tablet table’ as well as videoconferencing facilities. A large waterproof drawer housed below the main deck makes for similarly unusual cargo-carrying arrangements.

Off-road ability should be fairly respectable thanks to a 30 mm (1.2”) suspension lift, 4Motion permanent all-wheel drive and a mechanical rear axle differential lock. Powering the concept is a 2.0 litre turbodiesel engine that produces 201 bhp (150 kW / 203 PS) with 450 Nm (332 lb/ft) of peak torque.

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September 23, 2014, 11:37 am

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This year’s Paris Motor Show will see Citroën displaying its new C1 Urban Ride concept.

The idea is simple enough: take a C1 city car and add some SUV-inspired plastic bodywork cladding (which would appear to be a useful defence against everyday knocks and scrapes).

Also fitted is a large fabric sunroof and the Urban Ride sports a special two-tone paintjob. Full details of its specification – and any plans for a production version – have yet to be confirmed, though.

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Nissan creates the e-NV200 VIP Concept

September 23, 2014, 3:37 pm

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An electric-powered van might be an unlikely basis for a luxury limousine, but that hasn’t stopped Nissan from transforming its e-NV200 into the VIP Concept.

The spacious rear contains just two white leather-trimmed seats. Passengers are unlikely to get bored, because there’s a 21.5” monitor in front of them which can display content from their mobile devices. Refreshments meanwhile are taken care of by a drinks fridge in the centre console.

Although Nissan hasn’t confirmed a production version at this stage, the firm has said that some elements of the VIP Concept could be offered as aftermarket conversion packages if sufficient demand is generated.

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2015 Volkswagen Beetle Classic introduced

September 24, 2014, 11:51 am

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Volkswagen has launched the limited edition Beetle Classic in the United States.

The Classic is immediately recognisable by its 17” ‘Heritage’ alloy wheels, which shamelessly mimic the original Beetle’s domed hubcaps. Paintwork choice meanwhile is being restricted to Black Uni, Reflex Silver or Pure White.

Adding to the retro theme is the two-tone brown leatherette and checked cloth upholstery. Among the other more modern interior features are satellite navigation, Sirius XM satellite radio, a multi-function steering wheel and comfort front seats.

Power comes from the familiar 1.8 litre, four-cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine that develops 170 bhp (126 kW / 172 PS). For this particular Beetle there’s no manual gearbox option, so it comes connected to a six-speed automatic transmission.

Available now, an MSRP of $20,195 means the Classic has become the cheapest member of the Beetle range. For those who prefer open-top driving, a convertible version is due early next year that will cost from $25,995.

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