2018’s BMW M5 MotoGP Safety Car revealed

March 15, 2018, 1:20 pm

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Since 1999, BMW has supplied the official course vehicles for MotoGP. That tradition continues this year.

Star of the 2018 fleet is an M5 Safety Car. Being based on the latest showroom model, it features a 4.4 litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine that’s mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and – for the first time – an xDrive part-time all-wheel drive system.

Back-up will be provided by an M6 Gran Coupé Safety Car, a pair of M4 Coupé Safety Cars, an M3 Safety Car and an M2 Safety Car. Furthermore, the Medical Car is an X5 M and two S 1000 RR Safety Bikes are going to be on duty too.

The 2018 MotoGP season begins with the Grand Prix of Qatar on the 18th of March.

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570GT MSO Black Collection launched

March 16, 2018, 12:20 pm

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McLaren Special Operations has created the 570GT MSO Black Collection. As that name indicates, this new limited edition follows an all-black theme.

Carbon Black paintwork is complemented by an MSO Defined Black Pack which encompasses the front splitter, air intakes, side skirts and rear diffuser. What’s more, black brake calipers sit behind gloss black diamond-cut forged alloy wheels.

Inside, black semi-aniline leather covers the power-adjustable and heated seats, plus the MSO logo is embroidered onto the head restraints. Black Alcantara is used to trim various other cabin pieces, including the headlining, central tunnel and steering wheel. Sensibly, a tinted glass panoramic roof is fitted as standard to prevent the ambiance becoming too gloomy.

The specification changes aren’t just cosmetic, though. Among the equipment gains are a titanium MSO SuperSports exhaust (with black end-pipes, of course), the handling-enhancing Sport Pack, the GT Upgrade Pack and carbon-ceramic brake discs.

Production of the 570GT MSO Black Collection is being restricted to 100 examples. In the UK, pricing starts at £179,950.

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Toyota’s Mirai enters police service in London

March 18, 2018, 11:56 am

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For the first time, the Metropolitan Police has some hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles on its fleet. Eleven examples of the Toyota Mirai – some fully liveried, some remaining plain – are being used for general purpose and response work.

Naturally, politicians and senior police officers alike are keen to point out the environmental benefits of cars that emit only water from their exhaust pipes. Taxpayers might be more concerned about cost though, because each Mirai has a retail price of around £66k.

So was the total expenditure £726k? ‘No’ is the unequivocal answer to that question, not least because the project received a grant from the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen 2 Joint Undertaking initiative. While the actual amount of funding hasn’t been disclosed, it’s likely to be significant.

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More Volkswagen I.D. R Pikes Peak images

March 19, 2018, 11:07 am

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Volkswagen Motorsport’s new pure-electric all-wheel drive prototype has been named I.D. R Pikes Peak.

It’s a supremely logical choice. ‘I.D.’ is the label being applied to the brand’s electrified vehicles, ‘R’ already denotes high-performance Volkswagen models and the car will compete at this year’s Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in June.

Technical specifications remain secret for now, but a couple of additional renderings have just been released.

As has been previously declared, Volkswagen wants the I.D. R Pikes Peak to break the event’s existing electric-car record. To achieve that goal, the 12.42 miles (19.99 kilometres) course needs to be covered in less than 8 minutes 57.118 seconds.

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2018 Formula 1 Safety Car unveiled

March 20, 2018, 3:17 pm

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For 2018, the FIA Formula 1 World Championship is getting a new Safety Car. The Mercedes-AMG GT R– which replaces a GT S after three seasons – brings some more power and pace to the role.

Indeed, with a 4.0 litre twin-turbo V8 engine producing 577 bhp (430 kW / 585 PS), the GT R can accelerate from rest to 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 3.6 seconds. Its top speed meanwhile is 197 mph (318 km/h).

A roof-mounted light bar, bodywork graphics and a roll-over protection bar are the obvious items of extra equipment. However, apart from the addition of an AMG Track Package and ceramic brakes, the specification has been left fairly standard.

The 2018 F1 season begins this weekend with the Australian Grand Prix. Bernd Mayländer will once again be the Safety Car’s driver.

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Vauxhall / Opel resurrects the Corsa GSi

March 21, 2018, 2:17 pm

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When announcing a new car that has sporty aspirations, the manufacturer usually gives some indication of performance potential. Not so with the Corsa GSi.

Strangely, Vauxhall / Opel hasn’t mentioned an engine at all (but apparently the GSi will have the “efficiency of the regular model”). Seemingly the focus for now is the chassis, because it adopts the set-up currently used on the Corsa VXR and OPC twins.

The GSi is going to be offered in three-door guise only. A honeycomb front grille, 18” alloy wheels, sill extensions and a prominent rear spoiler help to create a suitably purposeful look. The theme continues inside, where features include Recaro front seats, leather upholstery and aluminium pedals.

Sales are due to begin later this year.

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Mitsubishi launches the L200 Barbarian SVP II

March 23, 2018, 4:30 pm

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Last year’s L200 Barbarian SVP limited edition must have been a success, because Mitsubishi has just announced the Barbarian SVP II. Created by the company’s Special Vehicle Projects team, the new model closely follows its predecessor’s formula.

Indeed, a very similar specification includes a bespoke front grille, 17” alloy wheels, BF Goodrich all-terrain tyres, arch extensions, side steps and load-bed illumination. The interior meanwhile benefits from leather and faux suede upholstery, unique floor mats, foot-well mood lighting and the Smartphone Link Display Audio system.

A striking colour scheme is what really differentiates the Barbarian SVP II. Available with either Diamond Black or Atlantic Grey paintwork, both options are complemented by numerous orange highlights (which certainly won’t be to everybody’s taste).

250 examples of the Barbarian SVP II will be built by Mitsubishi and prices start at £29,830 (excluding VAT). As usual, there’s a choice of six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmissions for the L200’s 2.4 litre, four-cylinder, turbocharged diesel engine.

Dealers are accepting orders now, ahead of the first deliveries in May.

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2019 Honda Insight production model revealed

March 26, 2018, 2:12 pm

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Honda has confirmed that the production version of its third-generation Insight hybrid will appear at this month’s New York International Auto Show.

The new arrival, which has a wheelbase of 270.0 centimetres (106.3 inches), is based on the current Civic’s architecture. However, Honda describes the Insight as a “premium compact sedan” that sits between the Civic and Accord in the brand’s North American range.

A 1.5 litre Atkinson-cycle petrol engine, an electric motor / generator and a 60-cell lithium-ion battery pack comprise the Insight’s powertrain. Total system output is rated at 151 bhp (112 kW / 153 PS) with 267 Nm (197 lb/ft) of torque.

There’s a choice of Normal, Econ or Sport driving modes, but the combustion engine runs most of the time regardless. Indeed, pure-electric range is only around one mile (1.6 kilometres). While full performance and efficiency figures have yet to be released, 55 mpg US (66 mpg UK / 4.3 l/100km) in the city should be possible.

LX, EX and Touring trim grades are being offered. Equipment levels are fairly generous, as all variants feature three-setting regenerative braking, LED headlights, heated door mirrors, Bluetooth and a rear-view camera. Also fitted is Honda Sensing, a suite of technologies which includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assistance, Forward Collision Warning and Collision Mitigation Braking.

Deliveries of the 2019 Insight are due to begin during the summer. At the moment, availability in Europe seems unlikely.

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A Bentley Bentayga will tackle Pikes Peak

March 27, 2018, 1:30 pm

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Bentley Motorsport is intending to enter this year’s Pikes Peak International Hill Climb with a Bentayga. Competing in the Production Class, the aim is to set a new SUV record.

To achieve that feat, the twisting 12.42 miles (19.99 kilometres) course must be covered in less than 12 minutes 35.61 seconds. Or, in other words, an average speed exceeding 59.17 mph (95.22 km/h) is required.

The Bentayga PPIHC is fitted with mandatory safety items such as race seats, full harnesses, a roll cage and built-in fire extinguishers. However, all major mechanical components – including the air suspension set-up and the 600 bhp (447 kW / 608 PS) 6.0 litre turbocharged W12 engine – are unmodified. Even the Pirelli tyres are identical to those found on the showroom model.

Rhys Millen, from New Zealand, has been chosen to drive the Bentley. He was the event’s overall winner in 2012 and 2015, so experience certainly won’t be an issue.

The 2018 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb takes place on the 24th of June.

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2018 World Car Awards winners

March 28, 2018, 12:11 pm

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Just a few weeks after the Volvo XC40 won the 2018 European Car of the Year title, the larger XC60 has been named 2018 World Car of the Year at the New York International Auto Show.

Volvo XC60

2018’s World Luxury Car is the Audi A8, while the BMW M5 impressed jurors enough to claim the World Performance Car prize.

BMW M5

The somewhat pointless World Urban Car award (that unimaginatively seems to use size as its prime criterion) has gone to the Volkswagen Polo. Much more relevant is the World Green Car which, unsurprisingly and deservedly, is the Nissan Leaf this year.

Nissan Leaf

Finally, Land Rover’s Range Rover Velar was judged to be the 2018 World Car Design of the Year.

Land Rover Range Rover Velar

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Qashqai can now be ordered with ProPILOT

March 31, 2018, 5:00 pm

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For the first time, Nissan’s ProPILOT driver assistance system is available to buyers of the Qashqai crossover.

The option – which costs £795 – is only being offered on the range-topping Tekna and Tekna+ trim grades, though. Another important caveat to note is that it has to be combined with a dCi 130 diesel engine and the Xtronic automatic transmission.

ProPILOT essentially uses a camera and a radar to automate acceleration, braking and steering when travelling within a single lane. Activated via a steering wheel button, the technology has been calibrated to work in stop-start traffic as well as at higher speeds. Indeed, the absence of a clutch pedal allows ProPILOT to bring the vehicle to a halt in heavy congestion without the risk of stalling.

To mark the introduction of ProPILOT, the Qashqai Pilot One Edition has been created. Based on the Tekna+, equipment includes extra exterior chrome, nappa leather upholstery and sports pedals. Unique door sill guards and a centre console badge are also fitted.

Tekna and Tekna+ customers who prefer a manual gearbox haven’t been entirely forgotten. For them, there’s the £495 Drive Assist Pack that comprises Intelligent Lane Intervention, Intelligent Cruise Control and Lane Keep Assist.

Trim grade	Option	Powertrain	OTR starting price
Tekna	Drive Assist Pack	dCi 130 manual 2WD	£29,525
Tekna	Drive Assist Pack	dCi 130 manual 4WD	£31,225
Tekna	ProPILOT	dCi 130 Xtronic	£31,275
Tekna+	Drive Assist Pack	dCi 130 manual 2WD	£31,325
Tekna+	Drive Assist Pack	dCi 130 manual 4WD	£33,025
Tekna+	ProPILOT	dCi 130 Xtronic	£33,075
Pilot One Edition	N/A	dCi 130 Xtronic	£33,380

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A twin-turbo V8 engine for the Cadillac CT6

April 1, 2018, 3:20 pm

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Since its launch in 2015, the Cadillac CT6 has only been offered with four- and six-cylinder engines. Now, though, the range is gaining an all-new V8 – a move that should appeal to the brand’s traditional customer base.

Displacing 4.2 litres (255 cubic inches), the aluminium unit incorporates a ‘hot V’ layout which places a pair of low-inertia twin-scroll turbochargers in between the two cylinder banks. Cadillac says that this arrangement minimises turbo lag while benefiting packaging.

Two versions are planned. In standard guise, estimated output is 500 bhp (373 kW / 507 PS) with 750 Nm (553 lb/ft) of peak torque. For the high-performance V-Sport variant those figures increase to 550 bhp (410 kW / 557 PS) and 850 Nm (627 lb/ft) respectively.

Both options will be combined with a Hydra-Matic 10L90 ten-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

To help efficiency, the CT6 V8 features Active Fuel Management (to deactivate four of the cylinders under light throttle loads), a stop-start system and direct injection. However, the key miles per gallon stats have yet to be disclosed, so their effects remain unknown.

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Images © General Motors.

Pure-electric MAN eTGE van launched

April 3, 2018, 2:10 pm

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With a growing number of cities imposing access restrictions or levies on diesel vehicles, more urban delivery operators are going to need a zero-emissions alternative. The new MAN eTGE is intended to satisfy that demand.

Initially, this additional variant is being offered in standard-wheelbase panel van guise with a high roof. The eTGE is front-wheel drive but, in order to accommodate a 36 kWh battery pack beneath the load area, the rear-wheel drive TGE’s bodyshell is used because of its slightly higher floor.

A maximum range of around 99 miles (160 kilometres) isn’t particularly impressive. However, MAN reckons that average daily driving distances in built-up areas rarely exceed 62 miles (100 kilometres).

While nine hours are required for a full recharge via a domestic socket, a dedicated AC wallbox is able to accomplish the task in five and a half hours. Alternatively, a 40 kW rapid charger can replenish the batteries to 80 percent capacity in forty-five minutes.

In terms of performance, a 134 bhp (100 kW / 135 PS) synchronous electric motor with 290 Nm (213 lb/ft) of immediately-available torque should provide fairly brisk acceleration. Understandably, top speed is less relevant, hence a 55 mph (90 km/h) restriction.

eTGE prices start at a considerable €69,500 (approximately £60,650 at current exchange rates). As deliveries are limited to Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Norway for the time being, UK customers won’t have to decide whether or not that amount is too much.

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Top 10: UK car sales Q1 2018

April 5, 2018, 7:45 am

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474,069 new cars were registered during March 2018, a drop of 15.7% compared to the same month last year. Such an apparently dramatic reduction needs to be viewed in context, though.

Firstly, March 2017 saw a spike in demand as customers rushed to avoid revised Vehicle Excise Duty rates that were introduced in April 2017. Secondly, as the graph below from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders illustrates, anything between 400,000 and 500,000 units should be considered ‘normal’ for the period.

The fuel type figures reveal that buyers are continuing to eschew diesel. Indeed, its first-quarter market share fell from 44.0% in 2017 to 33.5% in 2018. Significantly, the ‘alternative’ (i.e. hybrid and pure-electric vehicles) category still only accounts for 5.1% of sales, so petrol clearly remains the preferred substitute.

Cumulative UK Car Registrations Q1 2018 - By Fuel Type
Fuel	2018	2017	Change	Change %
Diesel	240,614	360,518	-119,904	-33.3%
Petrol	441,182	426,093	+15,089	+3.5%
Alternative	36,693	33,405	+3,288	+9.8%
Total	718,489	820,016	-101,527	-12.4%

Unsurprisingly, the Ford Fiesta was – by a huge margin – the most popular model.

Top 10: Cumulative UK Car Registrations Q1 2018 - By Model
Position	Model	Registrations	Market Share
1	Ford Fiesta	32,808	4.6%
2	Volkswagen Golf	21,203	3.0%
3	Nissan Qashqai	16,914	2.4%
4	Ford Focus	15,560	2.2%
5	Vauxhall Corsa	15,352	2.1%
6	Ford Kuga	13,096	1.8%
7	Mercedes-Benz A-Class	12,213	1.7%
8	Mini Hatch	11,724	1.6%
9	Vauxhall Mokka X	10,885	1.5%
10	Mercedes-Benz C-Class	10,832	1.5%

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Lotus announces the Exige Cup 430 Type 25

April 6, 2018, 2:53 pm

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Lotus has seemingly become addicted to producing special editions. The latest one is the Exige Cup 430 Type 25, which involves some cosmetic changes and a rather hefty price tag.

As might be guessed from its name, this particular Exige Cup 430 is inspired by the Type 25 Formula One car that achieved numerous successes during the 1960s.

Accordingly, the specification features Lotus Racing Green metallic paintwork with yellow stripes (although if such a scheme doesn’t appeal, then an Old English White finish with green highlights is the alternative). Side-skirt extensions and some unique decals complete the exterior alterations.

Inside the Type 25, a wooden gear knob is fitted, various trim elements are body-coloured and the black Alcantara upholstery gains contrasting stripes and stitching. An enhanced standard equipment list includes carpets, floor mats, air conditioning, cruise control and an audio system.

There are no mechanical upgrades so, like a regular Exige Cup 430, power is provided by a supercharged 3.5 litre V6 engine. Thanks to 430 bhp (320 kW / 436 PS) plus 440 Nm (325 lb/ft) of peak torque, performance is very impressive. The 0-62 mph (100 km/h) sprint takes just 3.3 seconds, for instance.

Fittingly, twenty-five examples of the Type 25 are going to be built. Exclusivity is assured then, but incredibly the outlay required is a six-figure sum – £110,000, to be exact.

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A Track Pack for the McLaren 570S Spider

April 7, 2018, 11:37 am

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With one in ten 570S Coupé customers currently ordering the Track Pack option, McLaren’s decision to begin offering it to 570S Spider buyers as well makes a lot of sense.

The Track Pack’s main components are carbon fibre race seats, ten-spoke forged alloy wheels, Pirelli P-Zero Corsa tyres and a sports exhaust. Together, they contribute to an overall weight saving of 33 kg (72 lbs).

An Alcantara-covered steering wheel, extra carbon fibre cabin trim pieces and the McLaren Track Telemetry system are also included.

In the UK, the Track Pack – which can’t be retrofitted to existing cars – adds £17,160 to the invoice for a new 570S Spider.

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The Audi e-tron Vision Gran Turismo race taxi

April 9, 2018, 11:41 am

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Guests of Audi attending Formula E races in Europe can now experience passenger rides in the e-tron Vision Gran Turismo.

This unique pure-electric car was originally a virtual creation for Vision Gran Turismo, a project that commemorates the PlayStation game’s fifteenth anniversary.

The physical version features three motors (two for the rear axle and one for the front axle), permanent all-wheel drive and variable power distribution. Its total system output of 804 bhp (600 kW / 815 PS) is combined with a surprisingly heavy curb weight of 1,450 kg (3,196 lbs).

Nevertheless, a claimed 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of less than 2.5 seconds indicates that performance will be impressive. Audi hasn’t disclosed battery range or recharge times, though.

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2018 Subaru Outback specifications confirmed

April 11, 2018, 4:50 am

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While the updates might be hard to spot, the post-facelift Outback can be recognised by its redesigned front end. Inside, the changes are equally as subtle, but gloss black trim pieces, silver surrounds and enlarged touchscreens are the telltale signs.

Equipment upgrades for 2018 focus on safety. In particular, Lane Keep Assist – which automatically applies steering corrections to prevent course deviations – has been added to the EyeSight suite of assistance technologies.

Furthermore, extra exterior-view cameras are now fitted to the front grille and the base of the passenger-side door mirror. For enhanced night-time driving on twisty roads, steering-responsive LED headlights come as standard for the first time.

Prices for the SE version start at £29,995 and the SE Premium alternative costs from £33,010. Additional kit on the latter includes leather upholstery, electric adjustment for both front seats, a sunroof, a powered tailgate and bigger 18” alloy wheels.

Significantly, Subaru is no longer offering a diesel-powered Outback, so the only available engine is a 2.5 litre, naturally-aspirated, four-cylinder petrol unit.

At first glance, 172 bhp (128 kW / 175 PS) and 235 Nm (173 lb/ft) of peak torque seem acceptable enough. However, they don’t translate into decent performance or efficiency, primarily because the rest of the powertrain consists of a Lineartronic continuous variable transmission and permanent all-wheel drive.

Such an unusual amalgamation allows the Outback to accelerate from rest to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 10.2 seconds, before going on to a top speed of 123 mph (198 km/h). 38.7 mpg (7.3 l/100km) with CO2 emissions of 166 g/km on the combined cycle are the figures that will deter many prospective customers, though.

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Land Cruiser Utility Commercial launched

April 12, 2018, 3:19 pm

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Toyota has added a two-seat, cargo-carrying model to the Land Cruiser range. Named Utility Commercial, it’s being offered in both short- and long-wheelbase guises.

The load area – which is separated from the cab by a metal bulkhead with a mesh upper section – features full-width non-slip flooring. Body-coloured panels are fitted instead of rear windows for enhanced practicality and security.

With no rear seats, the Utility Commercial SWB can take a payload of up to 593 kg (1,307 lbs) in a space that’s able to accommodate 1,574 litres. The equivalent figures for the LWB version are 756 kg (1,667 lbs) and 2,216 litres. Maximum towing capacity is 3,000 kg (6,614 lbs) gross, provided the trailer is braked.

17” steel wheels and cloth upholstery clearly indicate that this is a working vehicle. However, the specification isn’t entirely lacking, because automatic headlights, tyre pressure warning, smart entry, Bluetooth, cruise control and manual air conditioning all come as standard. Driving aids include Active Traction Control, Vehicle Stability Control and Trailer Sway Control.

Like every other Land Cruiser currently sold in the UK, power is supplied by a 2.8 litre D-4D turbocharged diesel engine.

This four-cylinder unit is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox and a permanent four-wheel drive system. Output is rated at 175 bhp (130 kW/ 176 PS), while the peak torque figures are 420 Nm (309 lb/ft) and 450 Nm (331 lb/ft) for the SWB and LWB respectively.

Land Cruiser Utility Commercial deliveries are due to begin in July. Prices for the SWB start at £27,546 and the LWB costs from £28,509 (both amounts exclude VAT).

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2018 Honda PCX125 scooter revealed

April 13, 2018, 2:56 pm

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A major update has given the Honda PCX125 restyled bodywork, a new tubular steel duplex cradle frame and lighter eight-spoke cast alloy wheels shod with slightly larger tyres.

Power still comes from a single-cylinder, fuel-injected, water-cooled 125 cc engine that’s mated to a V-Matic continuously variable transmission. However, thanks to a bigger airbox, a wider throttle body and a modified exhaust, output has risen by 0.4 bhp (0.3 kW / 0.4 PS) to 12.0 bhp (9.0 kW / 12.2 PS). Peak torque is 11.8 Nm (8.7 lb/ft).

According to the WMTC measure, fuel economy is rated at 134.4 mpg (2.1 l/100km / 47.6 km/litre).

Practicality and comfort remain key PCX125 selling points. For the 2018 model, there’s more legroom, the under-seat storage compartment’s capacity has been increased to 28 litres and repositioned rear dampers (plus the adoption of tri-rate springs) are claimed to improve the ride quality.

Saddle height is now 764 mm (30.1”) and the scooter’s kerb weight is a manageable 130 kg (286 lbs).

Standard equipment includes an LED headlight, a 12V socket, Idling Stop, LCD instruments and an anti-lock system for the front disc brake. Heated handlebar grips, a top box and a windscreen are among the available accessories.

Customers will have a choice of Pearl Nightstar Black, Matt Carbonium Grey Metallic, Pearl Splendor Red or Pearl Cool White paintwork. A UK price for the 2018 PCX125 has yet to be announced.

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