The revised Mitsubishi ASX crossover made an entrance into Mitsubishi showrooms across the UK on November 1. The design of the Mitsubishi ASX gets a new look courtesy of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation’s new “Dynamic Shield” visual identity, refreshing the vehicle and bringing it in line with other models in the range such as the Mitsubishi Outlander and Outlander PHEV. The “Dynamic Shield” symbolises functionality and reassuring safety with bold chromed streaks sitting either side of the grille, shielding the three diamond mark.

The updated ASX not only welcomes the introduction of MMC’s “Dynamic Shield”, there is also a shark-fin antenna, revised seat cushions, new seat upholstery across the range and a new “Lightning Blue” colour option. Variant names in the new ASX range have also been changed, returning to the straightforward ASX 2, ASX 3, ASX 4 and ASX 5 format, and there have been changes to the trim levels too.

The versatile and efficient engine range is carried over from the outgoing ASX, with a 117hp, 154Nm 1.6-litre MIVEC petrol engine driving the front wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox; a 114hp, 270Nm 1.6-litre DI-D turbo diesel engine with a six-speed manual gearbox (front-wheel drive on ASX 3 / on-demand four-wheel drive on ASX 4) and a 150hp, 260Nm 2.2-litre DI-D turbo diesel combined with on-demand four-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic transmission as standard.

In terms of fuel economy and emissions, the 1.6 turbo diesel with front-wheel drive produces CO₂ emission of just 119g/km and is capable of 61.4 mpg on the official combined fuel economy cycle, while 4WD versions produce 132g/km and return 56.5 mpg. The 1.6-litre petrol engine produces emissions of 135g/km and is capable of 48.7 mpg on the official combined fuel economy cycle, while the 2.2-litre turbo diesel has emissions of 152g/km and returns 48.7 mpg.

The Mitsubishi ASX range is backed by five year, 62,500 mile warranty and comes with three-year pan-European roadside, home and accident assistance as standard. The Mitsubishi Service Plan covers scheduled maintenance for the first three years and is available for £500 for 1.6-litre petrol and turbo diesel versions and £675 for the 2.2-litre turbo diesel.

Kia Motors America has unveiled four all-new customised vehicles at the opening of the 2016 SEMA Show. Envisioning a future when vehicles will not only drive autonomously but be tailor-built to our lifestyles, each concept sparks the imagination of what could be just around the corner.

Also making its SEMA debut is the Telluride full-size hybrid SUV concept that was first unveiled early this year at the North American International Auto Show.

Michael Sprague, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President, KMA said: “Over the course of our 22 years in the U.S. market, we’ve watched with pride as our vehicles have helped people live their active and diverse lifestyles. This year’s SEMA show gives us the opportunity to ponder what the future of living the autonomous life may one day resemble.”

The surge of screens has revolutionised how the interior of a car is developed. Everything now depends on them to the point that “first we design the screen, then everything else” according to Jaume Sala, the head of Interior Design at SEAT, who also states that “we used to design the interior of the car and at the end look for a place to put the screen”. Now, however “everything revolves around it”.

More people at SEAT design screens than car exteriors due to the increasing impact of connectivity in the car industry. By the end of the year there will be 30 people in the company working in UX Design, the area responsible for the screens. Some of them are in charge of the interface, others deal with the apps just like on any other connectivity device, and a third and final group takes care of simulation and animations, and how they are displayed.

Designing the screen for a car is a very time-consuming job that takes a year and a half of work and 1,000 sketches. At SEAT, all the screens have one thing in common – they are placed at eye level and are angled towards the driver. The most recent design, on the new Leon, measures eight inches, about 20 centimetres, similar to a tablet. For this new model 3,000 icons and pictograms were designed.

In the last 15 years the evolution has been “incredible”. According to Sala, we have gone from “a simple radio that was removable to a full-fledged computer installed in the car” that is able to offer the same content as other devices, such as a tablet. And that, precisely, is what customers today are looking for.

Volkswagen is turning up the heat in the SUV sector with the launch of a suite of new offers on two of the most competitive entrants: the fully-connected new Tiguan and luxurious Touareg.

Both models benefit from attractive offers during Volkswagen’s SUV Event, which runs until 13 November.  Among the Event’s limited-time deals is an incentive for customers who finance a Tiguan or a Touareg in which they will receive their first two consecutive vehicle services free of charge.*

As part of the Event, the all-new Tiguan is available with a deposit contribution of £1,000 at 5.1 per cent APR representative for customers taking advantage of a Volkswagen Financial Services’ Solutions Personal Contract Plan*.  Standard equipment on all Tiguans includes Bluetooth telephone connectivity and the Composition Media infotainment system with an eight-inch colour touch-screen.  For buyers of the SEL trim and above, this is upgraded to the Discover Navigation system.  Meanwhile six airbags help to ensure the new Tiguan is rated at a maximum five-stars in the Euro NCAP safety assessment programme.

Also featuring on the SEL trim and above is Volkswagen’s Active Info Display system, which turns the instrument binnacle into a 12.3-inch high resolution TFT screen with customisable menus and information.  Meanwhile, Adaptive Cruise Control takes the strain out of driving in stop/go traffic.

The Tiguan has a wide range of petrol and diesel engines and manual or DSG automatic gearbox options.  Sitting at the top of the range is the storming new 240 PS 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel Tiguan, available in SEL or R-Line trim.

In addition to the free servicing offer, and contribution towards the finance deposit, the Tiguan accessory Protection Pack is also discounted during the SUV Event.  The protection pack comprises front and rear mud flaps as well as front and rear floor mats.  It also includes a handy flexible boot liner.  These accessories are usually priced at £280 RRP but, during the Event, are available for just £235 RRP.

For the Touareg, the accessory Transport Pack has been reduced from £507 RRP to £460 RRP.  Included are roof bars, a 340-litre roof box in matt black, and a storage bag for the roof bars and supporting rods.

During the SUV Event the Touareg is available with a £3,000 deposit contribution for customers opting for a Volkswagen Financial Services’ Solutions Personal Contract Plan* when the 204 PS engine is selected, or with a £5,000 deposit contribution when the 262 PS engine is chosen.  Both offers are available at 5.9 per cent APR representative.¹

The luxurious Volkswagen Touareg ensures a relaxed journey and at the same time benefits from permanent 4MOTION four-wheel drive to put the ‘Utility’ into SUV.  Its driveline includes a limited-slip Torsen torque-sensing differential with an electronic differential lock on all four wheels, thus aiding traction and the Touareg’s off-road ability.

Inside the Touareg, the plethora of standard equipment includes interior lighting, a multitude of useful sockets and storage compartments and ‘Cricket’ leather upholstery.  Cruise control, 2Zone electronic air conditioning and parking sensors ensure it is highly equipped while offering strong value.

The Touareg R-Line boasts 20-inch ‘Tarragona’ alloy wheels and sports suspension, which is approximately 25 mm lower than that on the Touareg SE.  Bi-xenon headlights, tinted glass from the B-pillar back and the R-Line bodykit make this version a particularly sporty drive.

Completing the line-up is the new Volkswagen Touareg R-Line Plus.  Featuring ‘Vienna’ leather upholstery, 21-inch ‘Mallory’ wheels and Area View for an all-round 360-degree perspective of the Touareg, this is the ultimate in SUV technology.

www.volkswagen.co.uk.

*At the end of the agreement there are three options: i) own the vehicle: pay the optional final payment; ii) return the vehicle: subject to fair wear and tear, charges may apply; or iii) replace: part exchange the vehicle.

The new seven-seater SUV for the US market was unveiled on Santa Monica Pier at the end of historic Route 66.

“This is the biggest and boldest Volkswagen we have ever built in the United States, delivering the distinctive design and craftsmanship we’re known for, now with room for seven,” said Hinrich J. Woebcken, Volkswagen CEO of North America Region.

The Volkswagen Atlas opens up an important segment for the brand: midsize SUVs formed a tenth of all new registrations in the USA in 2015. For the first time, Volkswagen’s Atlas now offers a model in this high-volume class in the category between the Tiguan and the Touareg that is fully tailored to American needs.

Classic proportions and clean lines create a sense of timelessness and precision. Up front, standard LED headlights and LED Daytime Running Lights combine for a unique visual signature, with optional LED taillights to completethe look. With a length of 5,037 mm, a width of 1,979 mm and a height of 1,768 mm the Atlas is larger than any other Volkswagen on sale in the USA.

Inside,the Atlas makes maximum use of its dimensions to offer space for seven adults and their luggage.The third row can be easily reached by an innovative folding seat solution. Clear, driver-centric displays enhance the driving experience. In addition, the optional Active Info Display (called the “Volkswagen Digital Cockpit” in the USA) allows drivers extensive options for configuring the display.

Volkswagen Car-Net offers a wide range of online services, including standard App-Connect technology that offers integration with the three major smartphone platforms – Apple CarPlay™, Android Auto™ and MirrorLink®. The new Atlas model also features a Fender® Premium AudioSystem offering a sophisticated sound experience with twelve speakers and a 480 Watt amplifier.

The Atlas offers a selection of premium SUV driver assistance features. Depending on the equipment line, these include: Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC); Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist); Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert; Lane Departure Warning (Lane Assist), and Parking Steering Assistant (Park Assist).

The new Volkswagen Atlas arrives with a choice of two powertrains: a 2.0- liter four-cylinder TSI with gasoline direct injection and turbo charging with 175 kW / 238 PS and the already available 3.6-liter VR6 engine with 206 kW / 280 PS. Both engines route power through an eight-speed transmission.

The Atlas can be configured either as front-wheel-drive or with 4Motion all- wheel-drive in combination with the VR6 engine.The 4Motion system has a Driving Mode Selection feature that allows the driver to select specific parameters based on driving conditions. US Environmental Protection Agency EPA fuel economy estimates will be released ahead of the launch in Spring of 2017.

From the end of 2017 this large SUV will be offered in the Russian and Middle Eastern markets.

On sale in the UK from 1 November, DS 4 Crossback Terre Rouge is a highly specified Limited Edition with a matt Tourmaline Orange body colour, cutting-edge technological features and BlueHDi 180 diesel engine.

DS 4 CROSSBACK TERRE ROUGE: A UNIQUE COMBINATION OF FEATURES

With its driving position elevated by 30mm, wheel arch embellishers, roof bars and panoramic windscreen, this limited edition model’s design is highlighted by the unique and highly resistant matt Tourmaline Orange body colour, exclusive to DS Automobiles, while the adventurous personality is complimented by the 18-inch gloss black alloy wheels and tinted rear windows. DS 4 Crossback Terre Rouge is equipped with front parking sensors, blind spot monitoring system and aluminium sports pedals.

DS 4 CROSSBACK TERRE ROUGE: A HIGH-TECH EXPERIENCE

A DS model to the core, the new Limited Edition features an extensive line-up of technological equipment. With Mirror Screen technology comprising Apple CarPlay™ and MirrorLink®, drivers can access their smartphones through 7-inch colour touchscreen. The headlights incorporate DS LED Vision technology for a clearer view of the road with light beam intensity increased by 51%. The reversing camera, keyless entry and lane departure warning system add ease to the driving experience.

The DS 4 Crossback Terre Rouge Limited Edition is available with the BlueHDi 180 S&S EAT6 auto engine and priced at £30,045 OTR.

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation is celebrating 15 years of its successful Mitsubishi Outlander crossover. Originally launched in the US in 2001, and in Europe in 2003, the Mitsubishi Outlander has accumulated 1.5 million sales over three generations, with each car representing a significant milestone on the automotive landscape.

The 2001 Mitsubishi Outlander was previewed by the “Active Sports Crossover” concept vehicle at the 2000 Detroit Motor Show, which introduced the term “crossover” for the first time to describe the emerging genre of vehicle, while the second generation vehicle employed MMC’s “Project Global” C/D flexible global architecture which underpinned numerous other vehicles in co-operation with other manufacturers.

Today, the third generation is renowned for its highly successful PHEV variant – the best-selling plug-in hybrid vehicle worldwide. The UK is the leading market in Europe for the third generation Outlander, which has seen the introduction of MMC’s new visual identity, dubbed “Dynamic Shield”. The new look combines protection and performance and informs the identity of forthcoming models across the Mitsubishi range.

The award-winning Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has effectively defined the emergence of the UK’s plug-in hybrid sector. In 2013, the year before its arrival, the total plug-in hybrid market across all marques stood at just 989, but Mitsubishi has sold more than 25,000 Outlander PHEVs in the UK since the pioneering 4×4’s launch here in 2014, making it the nation’s favourite plug-in vehicle.

The Outlander is the first of a new product offensive from Mitsubishi which will see SUVs take centre stage with the availability of either plug-in hybrid electric or full electric variants, distinguished by a strong and expressive design language.