TomTom has announced the introduction of an On-Street Parking service for drivers on the hunt for that hard to find parking spot. The service will be initially available as a data feed* for 25 cities** in Europe, with additional geo-expansion to follow.

The TomTom On-Street Parking will complement the existing Off-Street Parking (parking garage) information service already available to TomTom customers and licensing customers.

TomTom uses its vast supply of GPS data to determine where drivers are looking for parking places and at what times of the day. With this information, the TomTom On-Street Parking service provides drivers with the probability of finding a parking spot on a street level, as well as the average search-time for a spot.  To further enhance the parking experience, TomTom will also publish pricing and restriction information where available.

The new On-Street Parking service represents another step for TomTom towards the future of driving, where the service could be used by autonomous vehicles to seamlessly find a parking spot and park themselves.

“TomTom On-Street Parking offers drivers peace of mind and a less stressful parking experience, in addition to helping them save time and money,” says Ralf-Peter Schäfer, Head of Traffic and Travel Information at TomTom. “The service also helps reduce congestion in cities and thus lower CO₂ emissions, and enables cities to better understand and manage street parking inventory to improve urban mobility”.

* Data feed will be available for the 25 launch cities before the end of 2016.  TPEG-PKI service for direct delivery of the information to end-user devices will be available at a later date.

** Brussels, Copenhagen, Marseille, Paris, Berlin, Cologne, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Munich, Stuttgart, Milan, Rome, Turin, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Oslo, Moscow, Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, Gothenburg, Stockholm, Birmingham, London

The new Ignis is a compact crossover designed to offer a stylish exterior along with versatile functionality that is convenient and easy to use.

In addition to its simple and iconic styling, this compact SUV offers the functionality and performance to provide confident driving in a wide variety of conditions. Sales are scheduled to begin in Europe in January 2017, after which the model will also be introduced in other markets.

Support for various smartphone connectivity systems allows the driver to connect a smartphone and access compatible apps on the touch screen display. Inserting SD cards that contain map data also enables the use of the navigation function.

Land Rover has revealed the New Discovery seven-seat SUV by breaking a Guinness World Record for the largest LEGO structure ever built.

The reveal set was made from 5,805,846 individual LEGO bricks, breaking the previous Guinness World Record by 470,646 pieces. Laid end to end, the bricks would stretch for almost 200 miles, or from Tower Bridge in London to Paris.

Long-term Land Rover Discovery owners Bear Grylls, Sir Ben Ainslie and Zara Phillips took part in the dynamic live reveal of Land Rover’s most versatile model around a 13-metre high LEGO version of London’s Tower Bridge.

Gerry McGovern, Land Rover’s Chief Design Officer, said: “New Discovery redefines the large SUV. Land Rover’s design and engineering teams have revolutionised the Discovery DNA to create a highly desirable, extremely versatile and hugely capable premium SUV.”

Everyday ingenuity has been at the heart of the Discovery for the last 27 years, with more than 1.2 million customers to date. The new Discovery is for the digital age.  Technology keeps your family safe, connected and confident on all surfaces, all terrains and in all weathers to ensure your destination is reached.

The fifth-generation model benefits from Land Rover’s strong, safe and light full-size SUV architecture, delivering comfort and adaptability like no other.

Led by the UK’s only LEGO Certified Professional, Duncan Titmarsh, it took five months for expert LEGO Master Builders in the UK to construct the incredible Tower Bridge structure. It was erected in the grounds of Packington Hall, Warwickshire, UK – close to Land Rover’s Solihull plant, where New Discovery will be produced.

As part of the dramatic reveal sequence, British adventurer Bear Grylls appeared in typically exciting fashion by abseiling from the top of the huge Tower Bridge installation, through the open drawbridge and onto the stage beside the New Discovery.

The finale was Land Rover BAR Team Principal Sir Ben Ainslie driving his sailing team through 900mm-deep water under the bridge – demonstrating the unrivalled capability and versatility of Land Rover’s new SUV. Sir Ben towed a LEGO replica of the Land Rover BAR boat, a 186,500-brick meticulous model of the boat that will challenge for next year’s America’s Cup.

The model of Tower Bridge was flanked by two LEGO ‘Discovery Zones’ celebrating 27 years of Land Rover Discovery heritage. An Equestrian Zone, hosted by accomplished rider Zara Phillips, featured a typically British picnic scene made entirely from LEGO bricks. The Bear Grylls Adventure Zone included a LEGO fire and boulders to represent a scene from a typical mountain exploration.

SsangYong Motor Company has unveiled the company’s next all new model at this year’s Paris Motor Show – the LIV-2 large premium SUV concept.

CEO, Johng-sik Choi said: “An all-new large SUV which will be launched next year.  The LIV-2 shown here today is the final concept of our Y400 model, and already at an advanced stage of testing.

“The LIV-2 showcases our luxurious approach to the extremely popular SUV concept, while also applying advanced technologies and high levels of safety.”

The SsangYong LIV-2 – Limitless Interface Vehicle – is a large premium SUV concept, and is the next iteration from the LIV-1 concept exhibited at the Seoul Motor Show in 2013.  It advances the car’s design language and helps communicate the concept of ‘Dignified Motion.’

The car is equipped with advanced safety equipment such as an Autonomous Emergency Braking System (AEBS) which warns the driver when an obstacle such as a car or pedestrian is detected by using radar and laser scanning, as well as a camera sensor positioned at the top of the windscreen.  It also features Traffic Safety Assist (TSA) and High Beam Assistance (HBA), a Lane Departure Warning System, Blind Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist and a Traffic Alert System to help protect the rear of the car when reversing out of a parking bay.

Court cases and investigations of part worn dealers by Trading Standards,supported by the National Tyre Distributors Association (NTDA) and expertise from TyreSafe, have revealed the wilful neglect of motorists’ safety as unscrupulous retailers continue to sell dangerous used tyres despite previous convictions and guidance.

Stefan Hay, Chief Executive of the NTDA, said: “In an ideal world the NTDA and its members would still like to see a total ban on the sale of part worn tyres because of the appalling ongoing levels of non-compliance and the dangerous condition of many of the  tyres we are uncovering in these investigations. The repeat offences highlighted are not only completely unacceptable, but demonstrate a complete lack of respect by these retailers for both customers and their safety. It can come, therefore, as no surprise that more and more NTDA members are now deliberately damaging beyond repair the sidewalls of tyres they are removing from customers vehicles to ensure they do not end up in the part worn market.”

Stuart Jackson, Chairman, TyreSafe, said: “These recent investigations of outlets, which have already received guidance and in some cases convictions, highlights an apparently wilful disregard for the safety of motorists by part worn tyre retailers. It’s shocking and unscrupulous but having been involved in innumerable investigations, some of which are still on-going, TyreSafe is regrettably well aware this attitude is shared by a significant proportion of part worn dealers across the country.”

“TyreSafe urges motorists to reconsider ever buying a part worn as new tyres are available at similar prices which won’t put them at serious risk and will last longer – making them not only safer but also better value in the long run. If vehicle owners are still tempted to buy used tyres, alarm bells should ring loud and clear if they don’t see PART WORN stamped on the tyres they are considering as they are unlikely to have been checked and the retailer is already breaking the law.”

For more information, visit www.partworn-tyres.co.uk or www.tyresafe.org

The Audi Q5 is to be replaced by an all-new successor that made its world debut at the Paris Motor Show.

“The first Audi Q5 was for many years the world’s best-selling SUV in its class. It was no easy task to design its successor, but that is precisely why it is so very exciting,” says Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management at AUDI AG. “With the new Q5 we are setting the bar a notch higher. Among the great innovations are the quattro drive system with ultra technology, highly efficient engines, the air suspension with damper control and a comprehensive line-up of infotainment and assistance systems.”

The new SUV from Audi takes a defined and taut stance. A sculpturally flared Singleframe grille with a solid frame dominates its aerodynamically flat front end. It is available with Xenon headlights as standard and either LED or high-resolution Matrix LED with dynamic indicators as options.

4.66 metres long, 1.89 metres wide and 1.66 metres tall with a 2.82-metre wheelbase – compared to the previous model, the new Q5 has grown in nearly all of its dimensions.

he new Audi Q5, like the Q7 and the A4, has a self-learning “personal route assist” function. After activating this function, the navigation system learns the routes and destinations that the customer regularly selects, and it associates this information to the parked position and time of day.

For as long as it is active, the system therefore learns from the customer’s behaviour and uses this information to suggest optimised route planning for the next trip – even while navigation is inactive. The navigation system incorporates the three most likely destinations into the calculation, taking into consideration both the arrival time and current traffic levels. For instance, the system can suggest that the customer activate navigation to find out about potential alternative routes. The driver decides whether or not to activate the function. He also has the option of deleting saved destinations. If the function is deactivated, the system does not store the destinations and does not consider deleted destinations or the routes driven.

The new Audi Q5 is launching in the UK with a powerful 2.0 TDI engine producing 190PS. Fuel consumption for this model has been significantly reduced. Soon after the launch a 2.0 TFSI engine will also be available. The further developed 2.0 TFSI has an output of 252PS, yet it returns up to 41.5mpg combined, which equates to 154 grams CO₂ per km. The also intensively revised 3.0 TDI, coming at a later date, increases output to 286PS with 620Nm (457.3 lb ft) of torque.

It will arrive at Audi Centres in the UK in the spring of 2017.

Dacia has refreshed the design of its three signature models: the Sandero, Sandero Stepway, Logan MCV and, in certain European markets, Logan. A wide range of engine options (including the new SCe 75) is also available, along with a choice of transmissions and new affordable equipment options. Meanwhile, the Duster can be equipped for the first time with EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch) automatic transmission.

Dacia has refreshed the exterior and interior design of its three signature models, namely the Logan MCV, the Sandero and the Sandero Stepway.

The new Logan MCV, new Sandero and new Sandero Stepway feature new driver aids designed to make driving even easier and more practical. A reversing camera (depending on version) and Hill Start Assist simplify manoeuvring and, in response to customer feedback, Dacia has relocated the front and rear electric window switches to the door panels. For the driver, the window switch has a handy one-touch function, while comfort is further enhanced by a retractable armrest incorporated into the driver’s seat (depending on version).

ŠKODA UK is searching the length and breadth of the UK for the most ‘extreme’ school run.

Having already completed over a million miles of testing in some of the most extreme climates around the world, ŠKODA engineers are planning to put the new Kodiaq through its toughest test yet: an extreme UK school run.  

Any family who faces a daily battle with steep hills, fields, streams, rivers or any other tough and tricky terrain, will be considered.  The winning family, selected by a ŠKODA UK panel, will experience something that no one else in the country has: the ŠKODA Kodiaq on British roads.

Anyone interested in entering the ‘UK’s most extreme school run’ competition can do so by emailing details of their daily school commute, including photos of their toughest obstacles, to [email protected]  or via the ŠKODA Facebook page (Facebook.com/SKODAUK). Entrants are asked to include their names and contact details, and must be available in mid-October.

Jeep Cherokee Night Eagle II

Over the last 75 years, Jeep_® vehicles have defined the authentic 4×4 driving experience, setting the benchmark for off-road capability and freedom since the first vehicle rolled off the production line in 1941.

This year, the Jeep brand is celebrating its 75th anniversary, an important milestone enhanced by the significant sale success achieved in the EMEA region where the brand recorded its 34^th consecutive month of year-over-year sales growth in August. To honor this landmark year, the brand returns to Paris International Motor Show to stage the introduction in the region of the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Jeep flagship model and the most awarded SUV in history.

Revealed to the public at the New York Auto Show in March earlier this year, the new 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee has been enhanced in terms of styling, standard premium content and trims.

Further expanding the range of the most awarded SUV ever, the new Trailhawk model strengthens the off-road capability of Grand Cherokee by adding specific off-road features, including the Quadra drive II 4×4 system with rear Electronic Limited Slip Differential, a unique version of the Quadra lift air suspension, for improved articulation and total suspension travel, as well as Selec-Speed Control with Hill Ascent Control.

2017 Grand Cherokee Summit

The 2017 Grand Cherokee lineup also features an even more exclusive and premium top-of-the-range Summit model characterised by a more upscale, hand crafted optional leather-wrapped interior, a new exterior look and additional standard premium safety features.

Also displayed for the first time in Paris is the 2017 model year of the high-performance Grand Cherokee SRT model, sporting exterior upgrades on the front fascia, fog lamps and grille.

Two exclusive special edition models are displayed in preview for the European public: the Jeep Renegade Desert Hawk and Jeep Cherokee Night Eagle II.

At this year’s Paris Motor Show, the Jeep brand will also broaden the powertrain offer available on Jeep Renegade with the introduction of the dual-dry clutch transmission (DDCT) in combination with the efficient 1.6-litre Multijet II diesel engine and front wheel drive. 

Two ‘Moparized’ vehicles, the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon and the Renegade Longitude, both upgraded with MoparONE pack will be displayed to introduce the all-new special, off-road customisation package offered by Mopar and including specific off-road accessories and lift kit. These packages feature homologated accessories and will be soon available for sale at the Jeep dealerships across the EMEA region.

The S-Cross first went on sale in October 2013 as Suzuki’s first ‘C’ segment crossover model and now, three years later, the major facelifted model is introduced with more distinctive and upright front end styling offering  a stronger and bolder road presence.

Ground clearance is now slightly higher at 180mm versus 165mm and new design headlamps help provide both higher efficiency and a sharper look. At the rear, newly designed LED rear combination lamps are used to provide a cleaner and more contemporary style.

The distinctive new interior design utilises an updated soft-touch dashboard pad, framing highlights for the centre panel and newly designed seat fabric for SZ4 and SZ-T models. S-Cross offers ample room for five occupants with their luggage and the double sliding panoramic glass sunroof fitted as standard on the SZ5 model has one of the largest opening areas in its category (560mm).

Suzuki’s Boosterjet petrol engine technology was first utilised in Vitara as a 1.4-litre unit earlier in 2016 and the 1.0-litre version followed several months later in Baleno.  After the debut of the three cylinder Boosterjet 1.0-litre unit this engine technology now continues for the Facelift S-Cross. Offering the same level of power and torque of a much larger capacity normally aspirated engine (1.8-litre), it delivers an effortless drive and genuine driving pleasure.

The facelift S-Cross goes on sale on 17^th October.