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Dramatic new models coming this year for car lovers
publication date: Jan 11, 2012
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author/source: Robin Roberts
Honda unveiled the new NSX Concept, highlighting
the design and technology direction for the next-generation supercar, at the Detroit show.
Badged as an Acura in the US, the new NSX, which is expected to
go on sale in the next three years, will be developed by Honda R&D Americas
and manufactured in Ohio but is developed for true sports driving enthusiasts
throughout the world. |  | | The dynamically-styled NSX Concept gives an indication of the
next great performance vehicle from Honda. Making use of lightweight materials
and a mid-mounted V-6 engine, the NSX Concept employs several new technologies,
including an innovative new Sport Hybrid SH-AWD (Super Handling All Wheel
Drive) hybrid system.
| | | This is the first official picture of Vauxhall's new small SUV, which
will take the company into new market territory when it's unveiled at this
year's Geneva Motor Show in March.
Called the Mokka, the new model will enter the growing sub-compact SUV
B-segment. The Mokka is 4.28metres long, yet despite its neat dimensions can
accommodate five adults in comfort and it will be sold with front wheel drive
or 4WD.
|  | "The Mokka takes its design cues from larger SUVs and integrates them
into a compact, yet modern form," said Duncan Aldred, Vauxhall's Chairman
and Managing Director.
"We are growing a compelling and diverse range of products that appeal
both to retail and fleet customers, and the Mokka will complement this
perfectly."
There will be a choice of diesel and petrol engines and it goes on sale in
Britain towards the end of this year.
| | | In
June, the new Peugeot 208 arrives in the UK and will be available in 3 &
5-door with an extensive range of petrol and diesel engines including an all
new 3 cylinder petrol power unit and the latest generation of Stop & Start
System e-HDi diesel engines.
With
the new 208, Peugeot has not hesitated to rewrite the rulebook with the desire
to reinvent the principles on which the success of icons like the 205, 206 and
207 were built and to ‘re-generate' them.
|  | The new models will be smaller
outside but roomier inside.
By
achieving average CO2 emissions of 34g/km lower than the 207, the
208 takes the lead in its segment. Its latest generation engine technology and
the use of the innovative e-HDi micro-hybrid Stop & Start System on
virtually all versions, add to the vehicle's improvements in terms of weight
reduction and aerodynamics.
With
five models, four of which are equipped with the new generation Stop &
Start System (e-HDi), the diesel range starts at 87g/km of CO2
(delivering fuel economy of 83.1 mpg) and doesn't exceed 99g/km.
The
208 also introduces a new range of normally aspirated 3-cylinder petrol
engines, 1.0- and 1.2-litre VTi, which are particularly efficient, with a range
starting at 99g/km of CO2 (delivering 65.7mpg). | | | Suzuki has enhanced its VAT free offer which now includes three of its small
car models - Alto, Splash and Swift.
Additionally, to assist buyers in the 18-35 category as well as those
looking for a low deposit and low monthly payment option, Suzuki has introduced
further affordability options with low rate Personal Contract Purchase schemes
on Alto, Splash and Swift models. |  | | This means that an Alto SZ2 at £6,666 is
available for a deposit of £1,406 followed by 42 monthly payments of just £99
with the option to pay a final balloon payment of £2,468 at the end of the
agreement to keep the car. | | | A new aluminium-bodied
sixth generation Mercedes-Benz SL sports car has been unveiled at the Detroit
motor show.
The decision to make the new car from aluminium means it is up to 140 kilos
lighter than the outgoing model, which in turn benefits efficiency and agility,
Mercedes says. |  | The fuel consumption and emissions of the 2012 V6 SL350 and V8 SL500 are
said to have been improved by 30%. Mercedes CEO Dr Dieter Zetsche says the new
500 out-performs the old V12 SL while using less fuel than the V6.
It is the third SL with a retractable hard top, and now features the
seat-mounted Airscarf neck-warming system from the smaller SLK, plus its Magic
Sky Control system of adjusting the amount of heat and light entering the cabin
when driving roof-closed on sunny days.
Magic Vision Control is an innovative windscreen wash system that sprays
water through nozzles in the wiper arms and blades so that it goes exactly
where it is needed. It means less water is used, allowing for a smaller,
lighter water reservoir, and even allows the wipers to be operated without risk
of wetting the passengers when driving with the roof down.
And the bass speakers for the hi-fi are mounted in the front footwells,
which act as resonance chambers for the sound and prevent people outside the
car being assaulted with noise when you drive by with the roof down.
The new SL is longer, wider and roomier than its predecessor, and it should
also be safer. It comes with the full gamut of safety technologies that have
been rolled out in other new Mercedes models in recent years. It will go on
sale in the UK in the summer. |  | The first pictures of Yaris Hybrid have been revealed ahead of the public
debut of the car at the Geneva show in March and it goes on sale in
Britain this summer.
Toyota has downsized its Hybrid Synergy Drive for Yaris, combining a new
1.5-litre petrol engine with a more compact electric motor, transaxle, inverter
and battery pack. The result is a system that is 20 per cent lighter than that
used in Auris Hybrid. |
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