AUDI – Has released the first official photographs and pricing for the latest addition to the A5 family, the A5 Sportback. The Sportback joins the current Coupe and Cabriolet body styles within the range and prices will start from £25,440 and go up to £36,220. It will be available in three trim levels: Standard, SE and S line. Four engines will be available at launch: 2.0 TFSI 211ps petrol, 3.2 FSI 265ps petrol, 2.0 TDI 170ps diesel and 3.0 TDI 240ps diesel. First customer deliveries are due in October.
Audi has confirmed that the new 1.6 TDI engine that is to be fitted to the A3 and A3 Sportback, will have CO2 emissions of 109g/km. The Cabriolet version will have a CO2 figure of 114g/km.
FORD – Over half a million Ford Ka models have been sold in the UK since its introduction in 1996. Over 11,000 of these have been the new model which was launched in January this year.
LOTUS – Chief executive Mike Kimberley has announced he is stepping down from the role due to on going back problems. Proton Holdings Bhd will assume day to day control of the business until a successor is appointed.
MAZDA – Has now officially confirmed pricing for the new Mazda 3 Sport with i-Stop (stop/start) technology. Prices start from £18,025. The Sport has a 2.0 litre direct injection petrol engine that produces 151ps, goes from 0-62mph in 10.4 seconds and has CO2 emissions of 159g/km.
PEUGEOT – Will launch the 207 Economique and Economique + models in October. Both will have CO2 emissions of 99g/km and will be powered by a 1.6 litre HDI diesel engine that produces 90bhp. Prices will start from £12,995 on the road for the Economique 3 door and £13,895 for the Economique + 3 door which has addition specification including air conditioning and a trip computer. All models have a lowered ride height of 5mm, very low rolling resistance tyres and aerodynamic wheel trims.
ROLLS-ROYCE – Has confirmed performance figures for the new Ghost model, which will be unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show in September. The Ghost will be powered by a 6.6 litre turbo charged V12 engine with a power output of 563 bhp. It will have a 0-60 mph time of 4.7 seconds and a limited top speed of 155 mph. The Ghost is expected to be due on sale in the UK in late 2009, with prices starting from £165,000.
SKODA – Has announced pricing and specification for the new Yeti which goes on sale on 17th September. Prices start at £13,750 for the E model, £14,250 for the S, £15,650 for the SE and £17,600 for the top of the range Elegance. The engines available, depending on the model are: 1.2 TSI 105bhp petrol, 1.8 TSI 160bhp petrol and 2.0 TDI CR diesel with 110, 140 and 170bhp. Some models are available with four wheel drive.
TOYOTA – Has announced plans to manufacture a full hybrid version of the Auris at its UK based facility in Burnistone, Derbyshire. The Auris hybrid is due on sale by mid 2010.
