FORD – Has announced the introduction of the 2.2 TDCi diesel engine that produces 175ps on the S-Max and Galaxy models. There is also a power boost of 10ps on the 2.0 litre diesel engine from 130ps to 140ps. The entry level S-Max and Galaxy have been re-named Edge, replacing LX in line with other Ford products.
KIA – Ceed production has topped the 200,000 mark eighteen months after the first car rolled off the production line at the all new Zilina Plant in Slovakia. The plant’s record number of cars produced in one day was 915.
MINI – Has announced prices for the Mini John Cooper Works Hatchback which is powered by a 1598cc petrol engine that produces 211hp and goes from 0–62mph in 6.5 seconds. The Hatchback goes on sale in July with a Clubman version expected in early 2009. The price of the Hatchback is £20,995.
NISSAN – Plan to introduce a small car in India by 2010. The small car will either be produced as one of the existing models or a brand new one, with plans for it to be built at a new factory which is currently being constructed near the southern city of Chennai.
SEAT – Has confirmed that the new Ibiza which goes on sale from mid July will be called the S and SE. These will replace the Reference and Stylance models. Prices start from £8,995.
VOLKSWAGEN – Are to introduce two more new Bluemotion models, the Touran Bluemotion and the Sharan Bluemotion. The Touran Bluemotion will be available in S and SE trim levels and will have the 1.9 TDI 105ps engine with a Co2 output of 144 g/km. Pricing will be £16,700 on the road for the Touran S Bluemotion and £18,775 on the road for the Touran SE Bluemotion. The Sharan will only be available in S and will have the 2.0 TDI 140ps engine with a Co2 output of 159 g/km. Pricing will be £21,265 on the road for the Sharan S Bluemotion.
