BMW – Has announced prices for the X3 xDrive 18d SE and M Sport. These two new additions to the X3 range are powered by a 2.0 litre diesel engine that produces 143hp, goes from 0-62mph in 10.3 seconds, has a combined fuel consumption figure of 45.6mpg and Co2 emissions of 165g/km. Prices are £27,865 on the road for the SE and £30,030 on the road for the M Sport. Production of these models is expected to start on 1st June.
DAIHATSU – Has reduced the price of the Terios S mini SUV 4x4 by £1,000 to £11,725 until 30th June.
FERRARI – Unveiled the new California model on the Asian market at the Shanghai international motor show on the 20th April. The first California models were delivered to Europe at the start of 2009 and it is expected that deliveries will commence to countries outside of Europe in June.
JAGUAR – Has released teaser photographs of the XJ replacement which goes on sale at the end of 2009. First customer deliveries are due at the beginning of next year. The new XJ will make its public debut in London on 9th July.
PEUGEOT – Has confirmed the Hybrid4, which is based on the 3008, will be on sale from early 2011. It will have a 2.0 litre HDI diesel engine to power the front wheels and a 37hp electric motor to power the rear wheels. Combined, the two will produce 200bhp and it is expected to have a Co2 emissions figure of 109g/km.
Peugeot has also confirmed that there will be a new 5/7 seater model going on sale next autumn.
SEAT – The new Leon Cupra and Ibiza FR will make their world debut’s at this years Barcelona motor show on 9th May. UK sales will start in July for the Leon and September for the Ibiza. Prices will be announced nearer to the on sale dates.
TOYOTA – The Auris range is to be fitted with Toyota Optimal Drive which includes a new 1.6 litre valvematic petrol engine which has 9% better fuel consumption. There is also a revised grade structure with four trim levels: T2, TR, T Spirit and SR180. It is on sale now with prices starting from £12,900.
VAUXHALL – Has announced that VX Racing will not return to the British touring car championship in 2010. It says the absence of other manufacturer backed teams and financial prudence in the current global economic downturn influenced the company’s decision.
Details of the Insignia VXR have been released. It goes on sale in early summer and is powered by a 2.8 litre V6 petrol engine that produces 325hp and has a 0-60mph time of 5.8 seconds. It will have an adaptive 4x4 system and a front suspension system which is unique to the Insignia range, for optimised grip and traction. Prices will be announced soon.
