UK - Skoda launches two limited edition Rapid models - To help boost poor sales of the Skoda Rapid ?

ŠKODA has unveiled two limited edition versions of the Rapid hatchback, each with unique features and extra equipment worth thousands of pounds.

The first of the pair is the brilliant Rapid SE Connect. It’s based on the Rapid 1.2-litre TSI 86PS SE, but with the addition of extra value worth an astonishing £3,665.

The enhanced specification includes one of two metallic paint choices, either Brilliant Silver or Denim Blue, as well as 16-inch ‘Antia’ alloy wheels, rear parking sensors and an Amundsen satellite navigation with DAB digital radio.

The Rapid SE Connect is priced at just £12,990 on the road, and is restricted to just 800 vehicles.

The second limited edition ŠKODA is the striking Rapid Sport. It’s based on the 1.2-litre TSI 105PS SE model but includes extra equipment worth £1,250. Additional features include 17-inch ‘Ray’ black alloy wheels, sunset glass, front fog lights, sports seats, steel pedals, black door mirrors and a rear spoiler.

The Rapid Sport is only available in a single exterior finish – Candy White – and is priced at £15,630 on the road. Only 200 units will be available to UK customers, ensuring exclusivity.

Happy 20th Birthday to the Renault Twingo fun city car.

The original Twingo – “The car that didn’t exist”* – is celebrating its 20^th anniversary this year. At the time of its launch, the model took the world by storm thanks to its bold design, innovative concept and playful demeanour, and ultimately racked up more than two million sales.

An ambitious project

In 1989, Renault asked project director Yves Dubreil to come up with a small car that was compact, practical, economical and comfortable – but not a direct rival to its big sister, Clio. Twingo’s conception was dictated by the ‘design to cost’ philosophy and the team’s mission was to propose a compact car, with pioneering, attractive styling at a reasonable price. To achieve that, the only solution was to take a completely different approach with the aim of making life easier... Strip out the superfluous and replace it with unique innovations such as the sliding rear seat.

A simple range

Unlike the diverse model ranges marketed many of its competitors, Twingo was unique inasmuch as it was available in a single version, with just one 1.2-litre, 55hp engine and one interior trim level which featured electric windows and apple green control stalks. Twingo was presented with four different body colour choices at its launch: Outremer Blue, Corail Red, Coriandre Green and Indien Yellow. Only two options could be specified: a folding canvas roof and climate control.

Small on the outside, spacious and versatile within

Twingo featured a monobox architecture which permitted a better distribution of space between the engine compartment and cabin. The wheels were pushed right out to the four corners of the vehicle and there was just one wheel size and a single engine. These attributes enabled the interior space to be optimised. At the time of its launch, Twingo topped its class in the small city car segment in terms of height, width and knee room – most notably thanks to its innovative sliding rear seat. All four seats could in fact be folded flat to create an impromptu double bed – a unique offering in its field that immediately underscored Twingo’s smart design and versatility.

“It'sup to you to invent a lifestyle that goes with Twingo!”

This advertising slogan accompanied the launch of Twingo, dubbed by some as the ‘Frog from Billancourt’. The moniker Twingo – a blend of ‘Twist’, ‘Swing’ and ‘Tango’ – was emblematic of the unusual, dynamic and aesthetically-pleasing design of this vehicle which exuded optimism and joie de vivre. Twingo saw Renault take a totally fresh stance on the automobile. The deliberate polar opposite of a status-enhancing vehicle, it inspired a new type of consumption: people bought a Twingo for themselves, not to impress others. People appropriated Twingo for their own desires and invented a lifestyle that went with it.

A unique, engaging personality

Twingo was not a downsized version of Renault Espace. It boasted its own distinct personality, with a curvy, rounded exterior design that expressed strength and beauty with an almost human face. The design of the dashboard guaranteed perfect visibility and married simplicity, functionality (with the centre console) and a touch of humour with its hazard warning lights switch shaped like a clown’s nose.

Landmark dates

March 1993: Commercial launch of Twingo, following a preview several months earlier at the Paris Motorshow.

1994: A Frenchman covered 240,000km in a Twingo across the harsh Australian outback, demonstrating the reliability of this car whose talents were not restricted merely to city motoring. At the end of the journey, the car was painted by an Aboriginal artist.

1994: Launch of Twingo Easy equipped with a manual gearbox but no clutch pedal.

1996: Launch of the limited-edition Twingo ‘Benetton’ and Twingo’Matic versions, fitted with an automatic three-speed gearbox. Moreover, the engine was boosted by 5hp to reach 60hp.

1998: First major restyling of Twingo with upgrades to the chassis, seats, dashboard, lights and front bumper. Introduction of the limited-edition ‘Elite’ version.

1999: Launch of the top-of-the-range ‘Initiale Paris’ version.

2000: Launch of the 16V, 75hp powerplant and Quickshift sequential gearbox.

2005: Appearance of the ‘Kiss Cool’ limited-edition.

June 28, 2007:Production of the last Twingo 1 in Europe following some 2,075,300 sales over a career that lasted 14 years – an exceptional lifespan by car industry standards.

2012: Twingo continued to be manufactured in Colombia until 2012. Between 1995 and 2012, Twingo achieved tremendous success in the Colombian market, notching up sales in excess of 100,000. Twingo Tatoo was Twingo 1’s final limited-edition version.

* According to Christophe MIDLER, Research Director at CNRS – the French National Centre for Scientific Research– and author of ‘The car that didn’t exist’, published in 1994.

Sadly, the original Twingo never made its way officially to UK shores in right-hand-drive form, however, the second-generation did, arriving over here in September 2007. Today, following a relatively recent facelift to bring it in line with Renault’s new brand identity, it continues to be sold in Dynamique form, the pocket-rocket Renaultsport 133 having now ceased production in anticipation of the third-generation model.

All new Nissan Qashqai, prices and spec

• All-new Nissan Qashqai priced from £17,595
• Premium quality interior, materials and specification
• Four trim grades: Visia, Acenta, Acenta Premium and Tekna
• Suite of technologies brings maximum convenience, comfort and driver engagement to the crossover segment
• Outstanding efficiency with CO₂ emissions from only 99g/km-132g/km
• On sale from January 2014

Prices and specifications have been announced for the new Nissan Qashqai – the car that redefines the crossover sector. Combining innovation and exciting technology with intelligent design, the new Qashqai will build on the success of its two-million selling predecessor.

Yet despite setting new standards for technology, comfort and practicality, the Qashqai remains accessible to buyers considering a conventional hatchback or crossover. With prices starting from just £17,595, buyers can benefit from premium quality and some of the most advanced features on the market.

Nissan’s philosophy of bringing premium features to the family car market is tried and tested. The exceptional success of the original model proves that buyers now expect Nissan to deliver sector-first innovations and fresh thinking in every key area.

Four grades – all packed with standard equipment

The new Qashqai, which goes on sale in January 2014, is available in four familiar grades: Visia, Acenta, Acenta Premium and Tekna.

Visia models, priced from £17,595, come with a range of new features including automatic air conditioning, Hill Start Assist, a five-inch colour HD infotainment screen, Chassis Control, TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System) and Speed Limiter/Cruise control all fitted as standard.

Acenta models continue the generous theme with a further list of premium features fitted as standard. Priced from £19,145, these include dual-zone automatic air conditioning, premium leather steering wheel and gear knob, 17-inch alloy wheels and a Luggage Board System. Safety equipment includes front fog lamps, auto headlamps and rain-sensing wipers.

Both the Visia and Acenta models come with the option of a Smart Vision Pack (£450) that adds Nissan’s advanced Safety Shield system among other driver aids. Designed to enhance the safety of occupants, the pack incorporates Front Collision Avoidance, Driver Attention Support and Traffic Sign Recognition.

Acenta Premium models start from £20,995 and feature a raft of comfort and safety technologies. These include new-generation NissanConnect infotainment system with DAB radio. A rear view camera is also fitted as standard, along with i-key Start Push Button, parking sensors and a panoramic glass roof. Safety features include Front Collision Avoidance, High Beam Assist and Lane Departure Warning.

Range-topping Tekna models – which start from £23,145 – feature an array of new-to-sector technologies that further highlight Nissan’s lead in the crossover market. For safety, Tekna models benefit from Bi-LED headlamps, Safety Shield with Traffic Signal Recognition and High Beam Assist. 

Tekna models also excel when it comes to design and technology features. All models are equipped with 19-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, part-leather seats, a large glass roof, heated seats, front and rear parking sensors and Intelligent key with engine start button. The latest-generation NissanConnect system is also standard, including a seven-inch touchscreen display, DAB digital radio, Around View Monitor and smartphone connectivity.

A range of supremely efficient and refined petrol and diesel engines allows the new Qashqai to exceed the expectations of drivers no matter which powertrain is chosen.

The line-up consists of four engines: two petrol and two diesel, with the option of two- or four-wheel-drive. Customers can also choose between manual and all-new Xtronic automatic transmissions.

Petrol

Driving through a six-speed manual transmission, the entry-level 1.2 DIG-T delivers 115PS and generates 190Nm of torque. Despite its modest size, the 1.2-litre engine packs a real punch, offering sharper acceleration and greater flexibility than the outgoing 1.6-litre naturally aspirated engine.

Its lower weight and more fuel-efficient operation also mean it is considerably cleaner and more economical than the model it replaces. The 1.2 DIG-T engine emits 129g/km of CO₂ (15g/km less than the outgoing 1.6-litre petrol unit), and has a fuel consumption figure of 50.4mpg.

Like all engines in the new Qashqai range, the 1.2 DIG-T is equipped with Start/Stop ignition as standard.

Set to join the Qashqai range in Autumn 2014, the most powerful petrol engine will be the 1.6 DIG-T engine with 150PS.

With 240Nm of torque on offer, the 1.6 DIG-T delivers impressive low and mid-range pull, with excellent in-gear flexibility. Yet despite its strong performance, the range-topping petrol option retains impressive efficiency. Fuel consumption is 50.4mpg on the EU combined cycle, while CO₂emissions are 132g/km.

Diesel

The latest evolution of the award-winning 1.5 dCi 110PSdirect injection diesel engine is the cleanest and most fuel-efficient engine ever offered in a Qashqai with CO₂emissions of just 99g/km and an EU combined fuel consumption figure of just 74.3mpg. The sixth-generation 1.5-litre dCi unit is smoother, more efficient and more refined than the outgoing engine. Thanks to a substantial re-engineering programme, the 1.5-litre dCi engine offers greater in-gear flexibility thanks to a 20Nm increase in torque.

Positioned at the top of the Qashqai’s diesel range, the 1.6 dCi 130PSis offered with the option of two- and four-wheel-drive. This unit is one of the most advanced diesel powerplants in its sector, with a number of technical innovations designed to maximise fuel consumption and reduce CO₂ emissions.

In two-wheel-drive manual form, the 1.6 dCi has CO₂ emissions of 115g/km and an EU combined fuel consumption figure of 64.2mpg. The Xtronic automatic version emits 119g/km and returns 61.4mpg, while the four-wheel-drive manual version has figures of 129g/km and 57.6mpg.

New Qashqai – reinventing the crossover

Redesigned from the ground up, the new Qashqai has been created to meet the demands and expectations of next-generation crossover buyers. Using feedback and ideas generated by the two million owners of the first-generation model, Nissan has created a car that perfectly matches form with function.

Every element, from the new cabin that offers more space, higher quality materials, greater practicality, to the new, all-turbocharged engine range that is wider and more efficient than ever, has been rethought, re-engineered and re-imagined.

Designed and engineered in Europe, for Europe, the new Qashqai has been created by Nissan’s experts at Nissan Design Europe (London, UK) and Nissan Technical Centre Europe (Cranfield, UK and Barcelona, Spain), and it will be built in Sunderland, UK. 

Note to editors:

• For the full new Nissan Qashqai story, please visit www.nissan-live.com/newqashqai
• See the development of the new Nissan Qashqai brought to life in the first of three innovative Nissan films. “The New Nissan Qashqai by the people who created it – part one” will be released tomorrow, 14/11/2013 at 10am CET.

Equipment summary

Visia:
ABS + EBD
ESP
4 speakers
Audio w/ CD & USB
Bluetooth
Heated body-coloured mirrors incl. directional indicator
Chrome glass surround
16-inch steel wheel
Hill Start Assist
Cruise Control
Speed Limiter
Remote Central Locking
Thatcham Alarm
5-inch Colour TFT Combimeter
LED Signature Daytime Running Lights
Front, Side, Curtain Airbags
Rear folding bench 60/40
Manual Air Conditioning
Stop Start System (ISS)
Tyre repair kit

Visia Smart Vision Pack (+£450 over Visia trim)
Auto anti-dazzling rear view mirror
Traffic Signal Recognition
High Beam Assist
Lane Departure Warning
Front Collision Avoidance
Front and Rear Parking Sensors

Acenta (additional equipment over Visa):
Dual Auto Air Conditioning
Rain sensing wipers
Auto headlights
6 Speakers
17-inch alloy wheel in Silver
Luggage Board System
Front fog lamps w/ chrome ring
Interior Ambient Lighting
Higher grade seat fabric
Rear armrest w/ cupholder
Leather steering wheel & gear knob

Acenta Smart Vision Pack (+£450 over Acenta):
Auto anti-dazzling rear view mirror
Traffic Signal Recognition
High Beam Assist
Lane Departure Warning
Front Collision Avoidance
Front and Rear Parking Sensors

Acenta Premium (additional equipment over Acenta):
New Nissan Connect (with DAB radio and 7-inch colour screen)
Rear View Camera
Panoramic Glass Roof
Privacy glass
i-key
Start Push Button
Front Collision Avoidance
Auto anti-dazzling rear view mirror
Traffic Signal Recognition
High Beam Assist
Lane Departure Warning
Front and Rear Parking sensors

Tekna (additional equipment over Acenta Premium):
Roof rails
19-inch Alloy wheels
Bi-LED headlamps
Automatic headlamp leveling
Full Leather seats
Power seats & manual lumbar adjustments
Heated Front Seats
ThermaClear Heated Windscreen
Intelligent Parking Assist
Safety Shield including:
•      Around View Monitor
•      Blind Spot Warning
•      Moving Object Detection
•      Driver Support Assist

New Qashqai price range

OTR includes VAT, first registration fee of £55 and first year VED.

Latest Hyundai i10, the best yet and at no price rise too.

Pricing and specification announced

• Hyundai’s New Generation i10 available in the UK from 30 January 2014
• Price-entry point remains the same as the outgoing model at £8,345
• B-segment value in an A-segment package
• Modern and expressive styling both inside and out
• Even greater levels of refinement, quality and safety

New standard and optional equipment introduced across the model range enhances overall value offering
The latest version of Hyundai’s best-selling model, the i10 city car, will go on sale in the UK on 30 January 2014, with prices starting at £8,345.

Appearing over five years after its predecessor went on sale, the New Generation i10 represents significant progress for the brand in the A-segment. Hyundai has already sold over 110,000 units of the Original i10 in the UK alone since launch in April 2008 accounting for one third of European sales.

The New Generation i10 features a more expressive design both inside and out, while generous levels of comfort, quality and safety equipment enhance the car’s appeal even further.

It is equipped with a host of standard and optional equipment typically found on cars from segments above. Automatic climate control, heated leather steering wheel and cruise control provide additional comfort, while safety features include the standard-fitment of Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and six airbags.

The New Generation i10 will be available with two refined and efficient petrol engines.  The 1.0-litre, three-cylinder powertrain has an output of 66PS.  Maximum power is produced at 5,500rpm, 700rpm earlier than in Original i10, while peak torque of 94Nm is available from 3,500rpm.  In manual form, it can travel from standstill to 62mph in 14.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 96mph.

Expected to take approximately 40% of total sales, the four-cylinder 1.2-litre engine delivers 87PS at 6,000rpm. Maximum torque of 120Nm is available from 4,000rpm.

When mated to manual transmission, it can accelerate from standstill to 62mph in 12.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 106mph.

High-tensile steel forms 29.2 per cent of the body structure of New Generation i10 – a huge increase over the nine per cent utilised in Original i10.  The firm underpinnings not only improve the car’s impact-resistance, but yield significant improvements in noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).

Other NVH counter-measures include larger hydraulic mountings for the engine, a triple-layer dashboard bulkhead with sound-deadening panel, dual door sealing strips, and two measures to reduce wind noise –careful refinement of the shape of the door mirror mounts and moving the radio antenna towards the rear of the roof.  The results of the measures are impressive, with noise levels as low as 38dB at idle and 65dB on rough surfaces –noticeably below those of key rivals.

Longer (+80mm), wider (+65mm) and lower (-50mm) than its predecessor, the New Generation i10 also delivers best-in-class* legroom and luggage capacity for an A-segment car. Front and rear passengers benefit from a combined 1,890mm of legroom while luggage capacity is increased by 10 per cent to 252 litres with the seats up.

It will be available with up to seven exterior colours and 4 interior colour trims depending on model.

The New Generation i10 aligns with Hyundai’s new trim strategy first seen on the New ix35. The range begins with the new S trim, which starts at £8,345 OTR – the same entry price as the outgoing model.

As standard, the S trim comes specified with the 1.0-litre powertrain, cloth interior trim in black with beige inserts, 14 inch steel wheels, central locking, electric front windows, CD tuner + USB, Daytime Running Lights, ISOfix and tilt adjust steering wheel as standard.  The S Air with the addition of air-conditioning will be available from £8,995.00.

Moving up to the mid-trim SE, customers will benefit from remote central locking, electric rear windows, electric heated door mirrors, body colour door handles and mirrors, driver’s seat height adjustment and black B pillar.  The SE is available in 1.0-litre manual, 1.0-litre Blue Drive with ISG (4 seat), 1.2-litre manual and the 1.2-litre automatic variants. Blue accent cloth interior trim is standard with vibrant orange accent cloth trim available as a no-cost option. Prices begin at £9,295.

The range-topping Premium trim sets new standards for equipment in the A- segment. 14 inch alloys, Bluetooth connectivity with voice recognition, steering wheel controls, LED daytime running lights, front fog lamps, rear speakers, drivers safety window, door mirror indicators, Emergency Stop Signal are all available as standard, ensuring customers receive the very best value for money for Hyundai’s popular city car. The interior and exterior design and perceived quality is further enhanced with the addition of side body mouldings, leather steering wheel and gear stick and chrome effect interior door handle and parking brake. The Blue accent cloth interior comes as standard. Vibrant orange interior is available as a no-cost option and the woven pattered cloth interior in red with black leather-like side panels comes as a cost-option on the 1.2-litre Premium.  Prices start from £9,995 OTR.

All models come standard with 5-seats, apart from the SE Blue Drive derivative which is available with 4-seats.

Customers looking for additional comfort and individuality can specify optional equipment, which includes metallic paint, 14 and 15 inch alloys, space saver emergency spare wheel, the Connectivity Pack (which includes Bluetooth with voice recognition, rear speakers and steering wheel controls), the Winter Pack (heated leather steering wheel and heated front seats) and the Driver Assist pack (rear parking sensors and cruise control with speed limiter).

The New Generation i10 is produced at Hyundai’s manufacturing plant in Izmit, Turkey, which recently received a £420 million upgrade to accommodate the increased production.

Tony Whitehorn, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor UK, said: “The i10 has proved to be a hugely popular model in Hyundai’s range and it has successfully maintained annual sales above 20,000 units since 2009. The New Generation i10 builds on this success with a more expressive and stylish car that majors on refinement, quality, safety, generous specification and also value. With this in mind, Hyundai expects that the new model will still appeal to both existing i10 owners as well as those customers who may not have considered Hyundai in the past.”

As with all Hyundai’s passenger cars, the New Generation i10 is backed by the brand’s industry leading 5 Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty, which offers amongst the best warranty cover in the industry as judged by Auto Express magazine. This includes five years unlimited mileage warranty, five years free roadside assistance and five years of annual vehicle health checks, which give customers ultimate peace of mind.

Prices for the New Generation i10 range are as follows:

Datsun to produce a new model for Indionesia

• Datsun continues to unveil models developed for its key launch markets and introduces a second all-new car, developed for Indonesia - Datsun GO+
• Datsun confirms the introduction of another new model - Datsun GO to Indonesia in 2014
• Both distinctive and practical Datsun GO+ and agile Datsun GO will be priced below 100 Million Indonesian rupiah
• Datsun GO+ will create an all-new segment in Indonesia, being the only model with three rows of seats in this price range
• Both cars will be produced at Nissan Motor plant in Purwakarta, Indonesia

The Datsun brand is expanding its global footprint rapidly with today's world premiere of the all-new Datsun GO+ in Jakarta. Datsun also confirmed that the Datsun GO hatchback will become the second product in the brand's Indonesian range from 2014, with specific tailoring for the needs of Indonesian customers. Today's world premiere represents the Datsun model line-up debut in Indonesia.

"With the return of the Datsun brand, we are changing mobility. And we're ensuring greater access to the pride, independence and opportunities that car ownership provides. It's exciting to know that, for many Indonesians, the first new car they buy will be a Datsun," said Carlos Ghosn, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. President and CEO, unveiling the cars.

The Datsun GO+ is a 5+2 MPV developed as a move-able cozy family lounge able to accommodate all family members in one car for the journey.

It is a modern distinctive car with sleek, dynamic silhouette and strong shoulder line. The clean and robust body styling will undoubtedly make it stand-out from the crowd. With its compact dimensions, the car is versatile and practical five-door three-row MPV with smart front-seating configuration. Depending on the family-customers' needs, the new Datsun GO+ will offer extra two seats in the back or an additional cargo space.

The car will be offered with Datsun Mobile Docking Station - the practical solution of smart-phones integration into the car.

The light-weight Datsun GO+ is equipped with a 1.2L engine and 5-speed manual transmission, tuned for fuel efficiency and good acceleration, whilst delivering agility on congested roads. And, its suitability for demanding city conditions is reinforced by its compact dimensions, with an overall length of 3,995 mm, width of 1,635 mm and a height of 1,485 mm. Its wheelbase is 2,450 mm, the key to its spacious interior.

The name of the car - Datsun GO+ - clearly highlights its membership of the new Datsun family, but at the same time refers to its extended capabilities.

Central to Datsun's philosophy is the principle that the cars' development and refinement is to be carried out by the engineers in the region following a careful study of the needs, lifestyle and driving patterns of local customers. The entire development process has been undertaken using the same processes and best practices to meet Nissan Motor's global technical standards.

By offering two models Datsun not only opens the door to personal mobility to a wide number of the up-&-coming families who will now be able to realize the dream of owning a new and modern car, but moreover creates a choice of practical 5+2 MPV or agile five-door hatchback without sacrificing any important features & qualities.

With launch of these two cars onto Indonesian market, the Datsun brand aims to account for up to 50% of the total Nissan Motor sales in 2016 in Indonesia and contribute to Indonesia's continued motorization and the governmental initiative aimed for boosting of domestic vehicles and components' production and introduction of accessible and eco-friendly cars in Indonesia.

Both cars will be priced below 100 Million Indonesian rupiah - a price point where very limited propositions exist at the moment.

As in all other markets where Datsun will be launched, the customers in Indonesia will get a worry-free ownership experience at competitive total cost, as well as accessible and transparent services.

Both Datsun GO and Datsun GO+ for the Indonesian market will be locally produced at the Nissan Motor plant in Purwakarta, 80 km east of Jakarta, Indonesia and will go on sale during 2014.