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.

The new Ford Kuga delivers an even more technologically advanced, refined and affordable SUV, making driving simpler, safer and more enjoyable for growing numbers of SUV customers in the UK.

The new Kuga offers Ford’s SYNC 3 communications and entertainment system, driver assistance technologies, an ergonomic and comfortable interior, and powerful and efficient engines including Ford’s 120PS 1.5-litre TDCi diesel that returns 64.2 mpg and 115g/km CO₂.

The new Kuga also features Ford’s Perpendicular Parking technology that helps drivers park hands‑free in spaces alongside other cars; an enhanced version of the Active City Stop collision avoidance system; and Ford’s Adaptive Front Lighting System for optimised visibility in low light. Further advanced technologies include Hands-Free Liftgate and Ford Intelligent All Wheel Drive (AWD).

The new Ford Kuga follows the introduction of the larger Edge SUV earlier this year, and an updated compact EcoSport SUV last year. Ford is bolstering its SUV line-up just as it has been predicted by industry sales analyst IHS that sales in the SUV segment are poised to increase to 27 percent of all vehicles sold in Europe by 2020.

New Kuga and the Edge are among five all-new or redesigned Ford vehicles that will compete in the SUV and crossover space in the next three years.

Kuga spearheaded the company’s SUV expansion in the UK after first going on sale in 2008, and sales increased to 32,926 in 2015 – up by over 35 per cent compared with 2014 (24,353). Kuga sales in September 2016 grew by 815 units (16 per cent) year-on-year to 5,906, with 29,217 year to date sales, making it the best 10 months and September since launch.

Ford sold 43,129 SUVs in the first three-quarters of 2016 – more than a 30 per cent improvement on the same period last year.

“SUVs have grown from a tiny niche in Europe to one of the most significant automotive trends of the past decade,” said Roelant de Waard, vice president, Marketing, Sales & Service, Ford of Europe. “Every time someone predicts SUV sales will cool down, they are proven wrong. That’s because SUVs have widespread appeal with men and woman, young and older people.”

Women are increasingly entering the classic car market and becoming savvier investors in the process, according to new research by classic car insurance broker Footman James.

The research, which polled over 2,000 adults, revealed 1 in 4 women would now consider buying a classic car – clearly showing the classic car club is no longer reserved for the stereotypical middle-aged man.

Footman James’ data has also revealed that over the past two years, the number of female classic car owners has risen by 40%, with female customers expected to account for 11% by the end of 2016.  The average age of a female owner has fallen consistently over the last few years, now standing at 52 years old.

Footman James’ records showed that the top classic car makes owned by women were Morris, Volkswagen, MG, Mazda and Land Rover. Birmingham was found to the city with the highest number of female owners.

Top 5 towns/cities with female owners 

Proving that women really do have an eye for detail, when asked to select models that have risen most in value in the past year, female drivers correctly identified two of the top five classic cars that have seen the biggest increases – while men were only able to identify one. Women successfully picked iconic sports car Lamborghini Miura and outdoor favourite Land Rover Defender – which saw increases in value of 62% and 43% respectively over the past twelve months.

The remainder of the top five classics was made up of the Peugeot 205, the VW Golf MK1 GTI and the Fiat Dino, with the 1966 classic surging in value by 113% in the last year alone.

Rising classic car values in past year:

Footman James’ research also found that on average men spend more each year maintaining their classic spending £1,700 compared to the £1,500 forked out by female buyers.

The findings also showed that motivations for entering the classic car market seem to differ between women. More than one in five (21%) said that nostalgia would influence their decision to buy a classic model, while just under a fifth (17%) would be attracted by the investment returns on offer or encouraged by recommendation from a family or friend (19%).

Visitors to the free Regent Street Motor Show will be offered test drives in the latest low emission electric vehicles

As well as marvelling at machines from the dawn of motoring, visitors to the free-to-view Regent Street Motor Show (5 November) will be able to sample cars from motoring’s future.

For as well as scores of veteran cars – all at least 110 years old and preparing for the annual Bonhams Veteran Car Run supported by Hiscox on the following day – London’s premier shopping street will be packed with the latest pure electric and plug-in hybrid cars, vehicles that are the key to personal mobility in a future when conventional petrol and diesel cars will be museum exhibits.

Go Ultra Low, a joint Government and car industry backed campaign to encourage more drivers to switch to electric vehicles, will take a major role in the event by showcasing a range of electric vehicles from leading manufacturers including Audi, BMW, Kia, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Renault, Toyota and Volkswagen.

With the entire length of Regent Street from Piccadilly Circus to Oxford Circus closed to traffic for the day, visitors can wander freely amongst the exhibits and talk to experts from Go Ultra Low about an electric future.

Even better, they can have a short test drive in one of the cars on some of the roads around Regent Street.

Poppy Welch, Head of Go Ultra Low, said: “We’re delighted to be part of the Regent Street Motor Show again this year. Last year’s event demonstrated how far motoring has come over the last hundred years, showcasing both the old and the new. This year visitors will have the chance to get up close and personal with some of the latest electric vehicles on the market, and even take some for a test drive.

“Electric vehicles offer drivers many benefits such as running costs from as little as 2p per mile, no road tax and exemption from the London Congestion Charge. No wonder over 70,000 motorists across the country have made the switch. There are now more than 30 vehicles to choose from, so whether you’re looking for a small city run around, a family saloon or something a bit sportier, there’s an electric car for you.”

Transport for London (TfL) will again be present at the show to encourage the take up of ultra low emission vehicles.

Staff will be on hand to showcase the latest technology deployed in TfL vehicles and highlight the benefits of making the switch from diesel or petrol to ultra low emission vehicles, including saving people money and contributing to cleaner air for future generations.

As well as the cars, the Low Emission Motoring Zone at the Regent Street Motor Show will allow visitors to explore a selection of the Capital’s public transport that span decades of illustrious heritage.

Lilli Matson, TfL’s Head of Strategy and Outcome Planning said, “Events like Regent Street Motor Show are a fantastic way for us to engage with people about the benefits of ultra low emission vehicles. The Mayor has made it clear that radical action needs to be taken to improve air quality. The pioneers purchasing ultra low emission vehicles are at the vanguard of an essential environmental revolution.”

First held in 2005, the Regent Street Motor Show has gone from strength to strength. Last year, the event welcomed a record 450,000 visitors and even more are expected this year.

As ever, among the biggest draws will be the 100 or so veterans ready to make the 60 mile trip from Hyde Park to Brighton’s Madeira Drive as dawn breaks on Sunday 6^th November.

Intriguingly, among those cars will be many powered by petrol, some by steam… and even a couple powered by batteries. We might think electric vehicles are the latest thing, but they’ve been around for well over a century.

As well as the cars of yesterday and the cars of tomorrow, visitors will be able to gaze at dozens of classic cars, supercars, historic racing cars and bikes. There’s entertainment from the Steve Colley Stunt Bike display team, the Top Gear simulator – you can find out what it’s like to drive Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes F1 car – and regular street theatre performances from the West End Kids.

And, of course, there’s plenty of opportunity to get a little early Christmas shopping done, too.

Nissan has completed its acquisition of a 34% equity stake in Mitsubishi Motors and became its largest shareholder.

MMC will also become part of the global Alliance with Nissan and Renault. With the addition of MMC, the Alliance will be in the world’s top three automotive groups by global volumes, with sales of 10 million units in fiscal year 2016.

Nissan Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Carlos Ghosn announced that Nissan and MMC would collaborate on joint purchasing, deeper localization, joint plant utilization, common vehicle platforms, technology-sharing and an expansion of the companies’ combined presence in both developed and emerging markets.

“The combination of Nissan, Mitsubishi Motors and Renault will create a new force in global car-making,” said Ghosn. “It will be one of the world’s three largest automotive groups, with the economies of scale, breakthrough technologies and manufacturing capabilities to produce vehicles to serve customer demand in every market segment and in every geographic market around the world.”

Nissan offered its assistance at the request of Osamu Masuko, president and chief executive officer of MMC, following the company’s fuel economy crisis. The two companies have cooperated on kei-cars for the Japanese market over the past five years.

“We are committed to assisting Mitsubishi Motors as it rebuilds customer trust,” said Ghosn. “This is a priority as we pursue the synergies and growth potential of our enlarged relationship.”

As part of this strategy, Nissan has nominated four representatives to the Board of MMC, including Ghosn as chairman-elect.

Terry Hogan, co-founder of Motoring.co.uk

Research undertaken by Motoring.co.uk found that the vote to leave the EU has not impacted buying decisions that come when purchasing a car.

More than 70 per cent of consumers surveyed by the website said that Britain’s decision had not affected the type of car they would purchase and a further 73 per cent said that the result had not changed when they planned to purchase.

However, the survey found that 22 per cent of consumers believe that the referendum has impacted how much they would be willing to pay for a car. Despite this, 76 per cent claimed that the result has not affected how the plan to finance a car.

Terry Hogan, co-founder of Motoring.co.uk, says: “Since the vote to leave the EU in June, speculation about how the UK’s economy will be affected has plagued the headlines and automotive is no exception.”

He continued: “Despite some car manufactures stating they will increase prices, the majority of vehicles now being purchased via attractive finance package coupled with lower interest rates means any incremental increase in car prices won’t be felt as much over three or four years.”

He added: “The survey results clearly show that UK car buyers are looking for value for money and are ready to purchase, if they consider it a good deal for them. We are delighted to see that the majority of our users are undeterred by the Brexit vote and is great news for our manufacturer and agency partners.”

Imagine if you could take the kids to school, commute to work or drive across town to do some shopping without ever hitting a single red traffic light.

Technology is currently being trialled with Ford cars to make “riding the green wave” a day-to-day reality. Green Light Optimal Speed Advisory uses information on traffic light timings from a roadside unit to display to the driver the best speed to travel at to get a green light.

Ford is trialling the technology as it helps to demonstrate the benefits of connected cars for UK Autodrive – the nation’s largest self-driving and connected car trial. The 16-member, publicly funded £20 million project is developing and trialling vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle‑to‑infrastructure technologies that could make driving less stressful and time-consuming, and improve fuel efficiency.

“There’s not much worse after a long day than to hit one red light after another on the drive home, and be forced to stop and start again at every junction,” said Christian Ress, supervisor, Driver Assist Technologies, Ford Research and Advanced Engineering. “Enabling drivers to ‘ride the green wave’ also means a smoother, continuous journey that helps to improve the flow of traffic and provide significant reductions in carbon dioxide emissions and fuel consumption.”

Daily drivers in the UK alone spend two days each year waiting at red lights, and similar technologies already enable cyclists in Copenhagen and Amsterdam to avoid red lights. If drivers find hitting a red light unavoidable the system displays how long until the light turns green.

The Mondeo Hybrid cars provided by Ford are also trialling Emergency Electronic Brake Lights, which warn when a vehicle up ahead suddenly brakes hard – even if the incident occurs out-of-sight – up to a distance of 500 metres.

Technologies that will be trialled next year also warn drivers when another vehicle is blocking the junction ahead; when an ambulance, police car or fire truck is approaching; and prioritises vehicles arriving at intersections without traffic signs or traffic lights.

Trials are taking place on both public roads and closed circuits in Milton Keynes and Coventry during the next two years.