What Car? News

Geneva 2012: Citroen DS4 Racing Concept

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 13:00:00 GMT

This is the Citroen DS4 Racing Concept, which will make its debut at the Geneva Motor Show 2012.

As with 2010’s DS3 Racing, the DS4 Racing production car is expected to be a limited-edition flagship model, although exact production numbers are yet to be confirmed.

Like the DS3 Racing, the DS4 Racing Concept has a muscular makeover, with bulging wheelarches, deep bumpers and bespoke 19-inch alloy wheels. There’s also carbonfibre trim for the front bumper splitter, grille and air diffuser, a two-tone roof and ‘textured-effect’ matte grey paint, which Citroen says is a first for the automotive industry.

Citroen has tweaked its 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine to produce a remarkable 256bhp, with CO2 emissions of just 155g/km. The suspension has been lowered by 35mm and the track widened by 55mm at the front and 75mm at the rear, compared with the current range-topping 200bhp DSport edition.

Ctiroen says performance is further enhanced through a redeveloped running gear, while the braking system gains fixed four-piston callipers and 380mm diameter discs.

The production version of the DS4 Racing Concept will be a rival for high-end hot hatches such as the new Ford Focus ST, the Renault Megane Renaultsport and the Vauxhall Astra VXR.

Prices for the Citroen DS4 Racing are likely to start from around £28,000.

Dan Alcock

Fiat Panda range set to grow

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 08:30:00 GMT

The new Fiat Panda range will continue to expand throughout 2012, with new engines, new models and a four-wheel-drive version.

The new Panda has just gone on sale with three trims and three engines, but a non-turbo version of the Twinair petrol unit will join the range in the middle of the year. Whereas the turbocharged version gives up to 68.9mpg and emits less than 100g/km CO2, the (£700 cheaper) naturally aspirated version averages about 64mpg and is expected to emit about 104g/km.

Also due around October this year is a four-wheel-drive version of the Panda, which will come with a choice of two engines: the turbocharged Twinair unit or the 1.3 diesel. The diesel will come with a five-speed manual gearbox, while the petrol car has a six-speed unit, with a lower first gear to give it better traction in low-grip conditions.

Four-wheel-drive versions will look different to the regular Pandas, thanks to their raised suspension (which gives better ground clearance) and their extra body cladding.

At the same time, the company is also working on a similar-looking model which it says will give greater accessibility. This will sit on raised suspension, making it easier for less physically able passengers to slide into and out of the car. However, although it will look a little like a 4x4 model as a result, it will be only two-wheel drive.

Fiat is also working on a successor to the ‘warm’ 100HP model, but has not yet decided which engine to use. An insider told us that they could use the 1.4-litre unit that powered the previous model, but that it was more likely that they would use a more powerful version of the existing turbocharged Twinair engine, and which will be seen first in the 500.

As yet, however, there is no word on when either this or the more accessible 4x4-like model will go on sale.

Geneva motor show 2012: Honda CR-V

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 07:00:00 GMT

This is the new Honda CR-V, which will make its public debut at the Geneva motor show 2012.

Honda unveiled the new CR-Vas a US-spec model at the LA Auto Show in 2011. The new European model shares most of the same bodywork, but has different engines, transmissions and interior and exterior trim. The European CR-V is also likely to have different chassis settings.

European versions of the CR-V will be built at Honda’s Swindon factory, which produces the new Civic. The CR-V is likely to use some of the same technology, including the CR-V’s 2.2-litre diesel engine. An updated 2.0-litre petrol is also likely.

Technical details are yet to be confirmed, but we’d expect the next CR-V to use a development of the current car’s four-wheel-drive system, which only sends power only to the rear wheels if they start to slip.

The new CR-V has a similar side window profile to the current car, but there’s a bolder look at the front and rear. The new CR-V has also grown slightly, so it should be more practical; rumours of a seven-seat version have yet to be confirmed.

The new CR-V will go on sale in autumn 2012, at roughly the same time as the new Ford Kuga, which is also likely to be revealed in European form at
the Geneva motor show next month.

Leo Wilkinson

Preview the Lexus GS 450h F Sport hybrid

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 11:32:00 GMT

Get up close and personal with the new Lexus GS 450h F Sport hybrid saloon, by joining us at our exclusive preview of the BMW 5 Series rival.

The GS is the first Lexus to adopt the company's new styling, featuring the trademark spindle grille, along with a host of standard kit, including heated leather seats, 12-speaker sound system, DAB radio, tyre pressure monitoring and Xenon headlights as standard.

Our exclusive preview will take place in Edgware, London at 4:30pm on March 15, where the lucky readers will get the chance to see Lexus’s new executive car – and tell us exactly what they think.

Be part of this exclusive event
Just send us the following information

•What car you currently drive
•Your occupation
•Your mobile phone number
•Where you'll be driving from on the day
•Why you’re interested in reviewing the Lexus GS

For your chance to join the Lexus GS Reader Test Team, send your details to:
readertestteam@haynet.com

Emma Butcher

Geneva 2012: Bentley Mulsanne Mulliner

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 10:20:00 GMT

This is the Bentley Mulsanne Mulliner Driving Specification, which will make its debut at the Geneva motor show next month.

The Mulliner Driving Specification is a new version of the Mulsanne – Bentley’s flagship saloon model. It adds a number of cosmetic upgrades, including:

• Unique 21-inch alloys
• Special polished stainless steel wing vents
• Diamond-quilted leather upholstery
• Drilled alloy pedals
• Cross-stitched leather gearlever trim
• Mulliner treadplate plaques
• Bespoke interior finishes

The Mulsanne’s 6.75-litre V8 petrol engine is unchanged, but the Mulliner Driving Specification gets a new ‘Sport’ setting for its Drive Dynamics Control system, which adjusts the steering and suspension settings on the move.

New options are now available for all Mulsanne models; a tilt-opening tinted glass sunroof and a combined bottle cooler and rear cabin storage area that has space for two Champagne bottles.

More details of the Mulsanne Mulliner Driving Specification are expected to be revealed at the Geneva motor show.

Leo Wilkinson

2012 VW Passat Alltrack review

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 08:10:00 GMT

The VW Passat Alltrack is a rugged four-wheel-drive version of Volkswagen's popular family estate.

It's designed for buyers who need decent off-road ability and a big boot, but don't want a traditional high-sided SUV. Its closest rivals are the Audi A4 Allroad and the Subaru Outback.

The Alltrack isn't simply a Passat with four-wheel drive, though. The higher ride height gives it more ground clearance, while smaller bumpers allow it to tackle steeper approaches. It also has some clever electronic aids to help it claw its way out of sticky situations.

What's it like to drive? The Alltrack will be available with two 2.0-litre diesel engines (one with 138bhp, the other with 168bhp).

The 138bhp unit provides adequate performance, but is available only with a six-speed manual gearbox. That will tempt some buyers (especially those who need to tow) to go for the 168bhp version, which gets VW's superb DSG semi-automatic gearbox as standard.

To help out in the rough stuff, the Alltrack has a special 'off-road' mode, activated by pressing a button on the centre console. This switches on a descent control system, which automatically brakes the car when descending a steep incline. It also optimises the brakes and differential locks for slippery surfaces.

The result is impressive: the Alltrack hauls itself through boggy fields and up snowy slopes far more capably than you might expect. Don't expect Land Rover levels of toehold, but the Alltrack will embarrass plenty of other SUVs.

Thankfully the added all-terrain ability hasn't compromised the Passat's excellent on-road manners. It's still a comfortable and refined cruiser on the motorway, and undemanding to drive everywhere else, with light steering and supple suspension.

Don't expect much in the way of fun, but the Alltrack has more grip and tighter body control than most conventional high-sided SUVs.

What's it like inside? No different from any other Passat, which means the Alltrack is one of the most spacious and comfortable estate cars around.

There's little excitement to be had from looking at your surroundings, but it's easy to get comfortable behind the wheel and most of the materials are suitably plush – apart from a disappointingly cheap slab of plastic on the face of the dashboard.

Like the regular Passat estate, the Alltrack has a huge 603-litre boot – bigger than the Audi A4 Allroad's or a Subaru Outback's. It's a bit of a faff to fold down the rear seats if you need even more space, though; you have to remove the headrests, flip up the bases, then lower the seatbacks, to get a totally flat load area.

To go some way towards making up for the high price, the Alltrack has plenty of standard kit, including Alcantara seats, a touch-screen navigation system, climate and cruise controls, Bluetooth and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Should I buy one? If a front-wheel-drive Passat won't get you where you need to go, the new Alltrack isn't a bad option. It's surprisingly capable off the beaten track and is bigger, better to drive and cheaper than either an Audi A4 Allroad or a Subaru Outback.

That said, it's pricey for a Passat. Unless you really can't bear the thought of a lofty SUV on your driveway, we'd recommend looking at an Audi Q5 or a BMW X3. They're almost as spacious and will be worth more when you come to sell.

Rivals
Audi A4 Allroad
Subaru Outback.

What Car? says…

Will Nightingale

Geneva 2012: Hyundai i30 Tourer

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 07:00:00 GMT

This is the Hyundai i30 Tourer, which makes its public debut at the Geneva motor show 2012, and goes on sale in July.

The i30 Tourer is the estate version of the all-new i30. It’s 185mm longer than the hatchback, and 10mm longer than the current i30 Estate.

Load space – with the seats in place and up to the load cover – is 528 litres; a 140-litre increase over the hatchback's. This makes the Tourer's boot bigger than those of its key rivals - the Ford Focus Estate offers 476 litres and the Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer has 500 litres.

With the rear seats folded, the i30 Tourer has a maximum load capacity of 1642 litres. That compares with a maximum of 1502 litres for the Focus and 1550 litres for the Astra.

The i30 Tourer will be available with the same engine range as the hatchback, with three petrols and three diesels and power outputs of between 94bhp and 133bhp.

Prices are yet to be confirmed, but we’d expect a premium of around £1000 over the hatchback, so a starting point of around £15,500 is likely.

Leo Wilkinson

Geneva motor show 2012: Mercedes A-Class

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 23:00:00 GMT

These are the first pictures of the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class, which will be unveiled at the Geneva motor show in March.

The interior shots were released today as Mercedes announced its new iPhone-integrated media system.

Mercedes hopes the technology, which involves hardware called Digital Kit Plus and a Digital DriveStyle App, will appeal to a younger generation of drivers. Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series buyers are being targeted.

The new system has social media at its heart, providing virtually complete connectivity with the user's iPhone, including access to Facebook and Twitter accounts, contacts, SMS, email and music library.

It also has personalised internet radio, which works in a similar way to Apple's Genius tool, allowing you to choose music by genre or artist, and listen to recommended playlists based on personal taste.

Navigation is catered for by Garmin mapping and internet-streamed traffic updates.

Further functionality comes in the form of Siri-style speech-recognition, a feature of the iPhone 4GS, which allows users to use converstional language to make calls, arrange appointments, and check the weather, news or even stock prices.

The digital media system will be available on the new A-Class as an option, and is expected to cost around £150. It will be offered as an addition to Mercedes' standard Audio 20 system and as an enhancement of the optional Comand online multimedia system.

Given that Comand costs £1995, however, most buyers, providing they have an iPhone, are expected to opt for the much cheaper DriveStyle.

Ralf Lamberti, director of infotainment and telematics at Daimler, and the man responsible for developing the system, said compatibility with Android and Windows smartphones will follow, but no date for this has yet been set.

DriveStyle will make its debut in the new A-Class, before being rolled out to the B-Class, C-Class and E-Class ranges starting later this year.

2012 Seat Exeo ST review

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 18:03:00 GMT

The Seat Exeo ST has been updated for 2012.

Changes include new optional bi-xenon headlights and LED daytime running lights for SE and Sport trims, while there's improved economy and reduced CO2 emissions across the range.

There are also upgraded cabin materials and new alloys to choose from.

Three 2.0-litre TDI diesel engines are on offer, with outputs of 118bhp, 138bhp and 168bhp. CO2 emissions start at 132g/km, rising to 146g/km. A single 208bhp TSI petrol engine is available, too, with emissions of 159g/km.

Economy for both the 118bhp and manual 138bhp engines improves by 3.2mpg while CO2 is cut by 4g/km. The 168bhp engine improves economy by 2.7mpg and lowers emissions by 6g/km.

We tested the 138bhp diesel, which is available with all trims and is the only engine that can be paired with the optional Multitronic automatic gearbox.

What’s it like to drive? The Exeo ST compares well alongside tough competition from family estate cars such as the Ford Mondeo and Volkswagen Passat

Some rough surfaces can be felt through the steering wheel, but larger bumps and uneven surfaces are soaked up confidently and the car feels well balanced and precise at speed.

Around town, the Exeo is easy to drive, thanks to nicely weighted controls. It also feels compact compared with hefty counterparts such the Ford Mondeo.

The motorway is where the ST really excels, though. The strong, flexible diesel engine ensures few gearchanges are needed, while road- and wind noise is well suppressed.

What’s it like inside? The Exeo’s cabin is based on that of the previous-generation Audi A4, which was launched in 2001. It shows its age in some dated switchgear, but it’s impressively classy and well built.

Headroom is good in the front and rear seats, but rear legroom is disappointing, while the 442-litres (with the rear seats in place) of the boot space isn’t exactly huge.

A wide opening and square-sided shape make it useful enough, however, and with the seats folded flat there’s enough load-lugging capacity to satisfy most needs.

Entry-level S trim gets climate and cruise controls, Bluetooth and USB connection, while SE trim adds auto wipers and lights, and rear parking sensors.

The ‘Tech’ package adds a 10-speaker BOSE sound system, leather seats and sat-nav for £900.

Should I buy one? Our pick of the range is the TDI 140 S. It's £745 cheaper than an equivalent Ford Mondeo Zetec model, but that’s before you get a big discount on the Ford, which is roomier and better to drive.

Rivals
Ford Mondeo Estate
Volkswagen Passat Estate

What Car? says

Rory White

Geneva motor show 2012: New Audi A3

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 16:54:00 GMT
Images of the new Audi A3 appear to have been leaked on the internet – two weeks ahead of it planned debut at the Geneva motor show.

Russian websites revealed studio images of the car earlier today. They show a neat evolution of the current A3’s exterior styling, with a sharper, more focused front end – incorporating LED daytime running lights - and the retention of the A3’s characteristic thick rear pillar. The white studio car has five-spoke alloys and a subtle integrated roof spoiler.

The sites also posted cabin images, confirming rumours that the next A3 makes a bigger step inside than out. The new fascia appears smaller than before, freeing up cabin space, and the sat-nav screen looks as though it emerges from a slot in the top of the dashboard. After it is deployed, the screen will ‘float’ above the fascia in a manner that's similar to systems in more expensive Audis such as the A7.

Other features include a further development of the A1-esque circular air vents, and cupholders sited in front of the gearlever, almost underneath the dashboard. There’s also one notable absentee – a handbrake lever – suggesting that the A3 is switching to a button-operated electric brake.

Audi has not issued any technical details about the vehicle – and it’s unlikely to do so ahead of the A3's official debut on the eve of the Geneva show on March 5.

The A3 will go head-to-head with the latest BMW 1 Series and new Mercedes A-Class. Another key rival will be the new Volvo V40, images of which have also been leaked ahead of its Geneva debut.

John McIlroy