Hyundai Motor UK has today revealed All-New Tucson’s extremely competitive residual values, ahead of its official on-sale date of 3^rd September.

After 36 months and 30,000 miles, the Tucson 1.7 SE Nav CRDi – the predicted UK best-seller – is set to retain 50% of its original value, helping to make it the most affordable vehicle in its class. Compared to its predecessor, ix35, Tucson buyers benefit from an 11% increase in residual value – the outgoing ix35 SE Nav 1.7 CRDi held 39% of its original cost.

After 36 months and 60,000 miles, Tucson will still carry 42% of its value – another best-in-class figure with the closest competitor holding 40% of its initial price.

In addition to strong residual values, PCP customers will only pay £16 per month to cover the cost of Service, Maintenance and Repairs (SMR) – resulting in the lowest Whole Life Cost in the C-SUV segment.

Tony Whitehorn, President and CEO, Hyundai Motor UK, commented: “All-New Tucson was always destined to be a game-changer in the UK, and this is immediately clear in the significant step up from the outgoing model. Tucson offers both private and fleet buyers low running costs, stylish looks, and value-for-money. Year-to-date ix35 is our second best-seller in the UK, so we’re confident that Tucson will continue to increase Hyundai’s presence in the C-SUV segment.”

Martin Wilson, Fleet Director, Hyundai Motor UK, added: “ix35 was hugely popular among our fleet customers, and now Tucson is set to present them with an even more attractive package. The 1.7 CRDi offers low running costs combined with a very low Whole Life Cost – making it an easy decision for fleet buyers.”

All-New Tucson will be available to buy from all Hyundai dealers from 3 September. To find your nearest Hyundai dealer, visit: http://www.hyundai.co.uk/dealer-locator

The order books for the new FIAT 500X “Opening Edition” are now open! Only 500 examples of the new special series will be available in the UK, offering customers the chance to not only be one of the first to own FIAT’s stylish new crossover, but also to benefit from a host of additional equipment at zero extra cost.

Both flavours of the FIAT 500X are available: 325 examples of the elegant 4X2 “City Look” version and 175 examples of the rugged AWD “Off-Road Look” model will be offered in total. The 4X2 version is based on the Pop Star trim level, which usually comes equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels; body-coloured bumpers; cruise control; front fog lights with cornering illumination; automatic climate control; rear parking sensors; “Drive Mood” selector and the five-inch Uconnect™ infotainment system with Bluetooth as standard. However, in Opening Edition guise it is enhanced with special “Art Grey” pastel paint; 18-inch alloy wheels; the Safety Pack (Lane Assist; Blind Spot Assist; ParkView reversing camera and “Brake Control” collision mitigation system); the Comfort Pack (Keyless Entry & Keyless Go; front armrest and electric lumbar adjustment on the front seats); tinted rear windows and an “Opening Edition” badge – all as standard.

Powered by the 1.4 MultiAir II 140hp, the FIAT 500X 4X2 Opening Edition is priced from £17,595 – the same price as the equivalent Pop Star – but with a substantial £1,725 worth of extra equipment at no extra cost.

The AWD version is powered by the 2.0 MultiJet II 140hp engine with a 9-speed automatic transmission as standard, and is available only in tri-coat “Amore Red”. Like the 4X2 version, it includes a long list of extra equipment including a black leather interior with red inserts; Visibility Pack (rain and light sensors, power folding door mirrors, electro-chromic rear view mirror), steering wheel paddle shifters and, again, an Opening Edition badge. This is in addition to the HID headlamps; adjustable cargo floor; front floor mats; 18-inch alloy wheels; 3.5-inch TFT colour display and 6.5-inch Uconnect™ infotainment system with 3D satellite navigation which are already standard on the top-of-the-range Cross Plus model.

Priced from £25,845, the range-topping FIAT 500X Cross Plus Opening Edition offers an impressive £2,850 worth of additional features at no cost to the customer.

The FIAT 500X Opening Edition is available to order now in participating FIAT dealerships with first models expected to be delivered in May 2015.

For more information please visit www.FIATpress.co.uk or www.FIAT.co.uk.

By jettisoning up to 325kg in weight compared with its predecessor the all-new Audi Q7 is perfectly placed to capitalise on the fuel-saving capabilities of advanced new engines like the 218PS V6 TDI, which has just joined the range. Complementing the 272PS version of this remarkably efficient and refined 3.0-litre unit, which spearheaded the launch of the re-engineered seven-seat luxury SUV, the new lower output option is capable of returning in excess of 49mpg with CO₂ emissions of as little as 148g/km. The new Audi Q7 3.0 TDI quattro 218PS is available in SE and S line specification priced from £47,755 OTR, and is due with its first UK customers in October.

Despite its even more intensive focus on efficiency the new entry point to the Q7 range isn’t short-changed on performance. The EU6-compliant unit’s  218PS peak output, available from 3,250rpm through to 4,750rpm, and the 500Nm torque maximum it delivers between 1,250rpm and 3,000rpm, are slickly converted by the eight-speed tiptronic automatic transmission into a 0-62mph time of just 7.3 seconds and a potential top speed of 134mph.

Yet thanks in part to modifications to the water pump, oil cooler and combustion process, among other things, the SE version with its 19-inch alloy wheels and the S line with its 20-inch upgrade can deliver up to 48.7mpg according to the combined cycle test, equating to CO₂ output of 150g/km. Customers who choose the SE, and who place particular emphasis on economy and efficiency, can specify a smaller 18-inch wheel as an alternative to further reduce consumption and emissions – with their help up to 49.6mpg is possible with emissions of 148g/km.

Another significant contributing factor to these impressive returns is the intensive weight optimisation programme that has shaved precious kilograms from the Q7 in every area from the suspension and drivetrain components to the body panels. The most notable savings were made in the multimaterial body-in-white, which is 71kg lighter than its predecessor, in the all-aluminium doors which strip away 24kg and in the chassis with its sophisticated new five-link suspension, which subtracts 67kg.

Adaptive air suspension now available individually

With the seven-seat configuration which is standard for UK models the Q7 weighs in a total of 240kg lighter than the same set-up in the outgoing model, and the weight discrepancy between old and new five-seat versions (a no-cost option in the UK) is an even more impressive 325kg. This not only gives a freer rein to the V6 TDI units but also reduces unsprung masses to enable the newly developed suspension to deliver the best possible ride comfort.

For the ultimate in unruffled travel an adaptive air suspension system, which itself weighs 10kg less than before, can be added at extra cost to keep the body consistently level and suppress the worst effects of the roughest of surfaces, no matter what the Q7 carries and where it ventures. The system was previously available only as part of the Dynamic Pack but can now also be ordered as a standalone option.

For consummate control in all weathers and on all surfaces quattro all-wheel-drive is fitted as standard. Managed by a self-locking centre differential which apportions 40 per cent of power to the front and 60 per cent to the rear under normal driving conditions, it can shift up to 70 per cent forwards and up to 85 per cent rearwards if either axle becomes overburdened.

All-wheel-steering as a segment first

All-wheel-drive can also be supplemented as an option in the new Q7 by all-wheel-steering – a unique feature in the SUV segment. At low speeds, the front and rear wheels turn in opposite directions, reducing the turning circle by up to one metre for noticeably easier manoeuvrability when parking and turning at low speeds. At higher speeds the rear wheels turn with the front by up to 3.5 degrees to enhance steering response and improve stability.

This ground-breaking technological sophistication is carried over into the interior. As a starting point, the latest MMI navigation plus incorporating an ultra-clear 8.3-inch electrically retractable monitor and large fingertip-reactive MMI Touch pad serves as a portal for a wealth of entertainment and infotainment content in the Q7, and trial access to the internet-based services and in-car web browsing opportunities offered by Audi connect is also included.

SE and S line models also feature the MMI radio plus incorporating a DAB module and linked to the 10-speaker Audi sound system, electrically operated and heated front seats with four-way electric lumbar support, cruise control, light and rain sensors, the Audi parking system plus with front and rear visual and acoustic guidance, hill descent control and keyless go. S line models add front sports seats upholstered in pearl Nappa leather and Alcantara and privacy glass.

The Audi drive select adaptive dynamics system is standard for all versions, and enables the driver to alter the operating characteristics of the engine, transmission and new fuel-saving electromechanical steering across five driving modes – auto, comfort, efficiency, dynamic or individual.

When efficiency mode is selected, the S tronic transmission is disengaged from the driveline whenever the driver eases off the throttle to enable the Q7 to ‘coast’ in the interest of further fuel savings. When the adaptive air suspension system is specified, Audi drive select also enables the driver to select an allroad and lift/offroad function to increase ground clearance by 25mm and 60mm respectively.

The Audi virtual cockpit, which has already set a new benchmark in the TT and R8 sports cars, is available to replace the analogue dials in the binnacle with a 12.3-inch fully digital TFT display capable of presenting a classic view with high-quality rendered dial instruments or an infotainment view with an extended display area for lists and navigation mapping.

The Audi virtual cockpit can be specified individually or as part of a Technology pack which also includes a head-up display for projection of key information onto the windscreen in the driver’s eye line, high beam assist for sensor-controlled alternation between dipped and main beam (standard for S line models), the Audi phone box for wireless connection of mobile phones to the Q7’s aerial, plus inductive charging of Qi-enabled handsets, and a three-year subscription to Audi connect services.

Detachable touch-screen tablets

Two high quality audio systems from Bose and Bang & Olufsen can also be specified to deliver remarkable 3D sound through the use of additional speakers in the A-pillars which provide the spatial dimension of height. Rear seat passengers can also be treated to the Audi Entertainment Mobile, which includes two detachable 10.1-inch high definition touch screens which can be attached to the front seat backs. These can stream content from iPhone or Android smartphones via different sources, including an Audi app, the integrated SD card reader, USB, Miracast WiFi or Bluetooth.

Later this year the Audi smartphone interface will also become available on the options list, integrating many of the functions of iOS and Android mobile phones into the Audi MMI system and replicating the distinctive look of each operating system on the MMI screen using “Apple Car Play” and “Google Android Auto”.

If a compatible iOS or Android cellular phone is connected to the USB port, the respective environment opens in the Audi smartphone interface. Both platforms offer navigation functions, missed call/appointment reminders and messaging functions, as well as a wealth of music playback options. Over time, these will be augmented by numerous third-party applications such as Pandora, Spotify and WhatsApp.

LED daytime running lights are common to both versions, and in the S line, LED headlights also replace the SE version’s standard Xenon plus units. These are also complemented as part of S line specification by a high beam assist function and dynamic rear indicators, which sweep sequentially from the inside out for better visibility when turning.

Optional Matrix LEDs

Both light sources can also be replaced as an option by Matrix LED units comprising banks of LEDs capable of reacting individually to the presence of oncoming and leading cars. When high beam is activated and sensors detect cars in the vicinity they can dip or fully extinguish individual LEDs, directing corridors of light around the traffic to maintain maximum visibility of the road and surrounding environment without causing disruption to other drivers. The Matrix LED option also includes dynamic rear indicators for SE models.

An array of innovative optional driver assistance systems can also act as a second pair of eyes for the driver of the new Q7 during a wide range of everyday manoeuvres such as reversing out of a perpendicular parking space into moving traffic, pulling out of a junction into crossing traffic and exiting the car on a traffic-clogged road. Thanks to an evolution of adaptive cruise control incorporating a traffic jam assistant the Q7 can even take over steering duties on marked roads if traffic is moving at below 37mph.

Cabin space and the archetypal Audi quality of finish have always been Q7 virtues, and both are improved upon in the new model. Across the three rows of seats, upholstered in supple Twin leather in the SE or leather and Alcantara in the S line, headroom has increased for both front and second row passengers, and when the third row is surplus to requirements it can now be more easily stowed to make room for luggage thanks to a new powered folding mechanism which is standard. A total of 770 litres of luggage space is available when seven passengers are on board, or up to 1,955 litres if only the front seats are occupied.

Kia Motors will reveal its all-new Kia Sportage for the first time globally on 15 September, at the 2015 Frankfurt International Motor Show.

Entering its fourth-generation, the all-new Sportage features a bold, progressive design, which exudes power and agility from every angle. The dynamic compact SUV styling creates visual harmony out of the tension between bold, precise feature lines and dramatically-sculptured bodywork.

Inside, the all-new Sportage marries simple, modern style with rich material quality for Kia’s most refined, highest-quality cabin to date.

With the design of the new model led by the brand’s European design centre – located in Frankfurt – the all-new Sportage represents the future face of Kia.

The all-new Nissan NP300 Navara sets a new benchmark in the one-tonne pick-up sector, combining the best of Nissan’s Crossover leadership with over 80 years of experience in designing and manufacturing robust and cleverly engineered pick-ups.

Improving comfort and refinement while maintaining the Navara’s acclaimed off-road ability, durability and loading capacity, was a cornerstone of the new vehicle’s development. The vehicle is all-new, with a robust and tough chassis that introduces a host of new engineering features designed to further improve drivability and practicality. Plus thanks to the Crossover DNA that produced landmark passenger cars, the NP300 Navara brings a new level of refinement, style, comfort and quality, as well as first-in-class technologies to the pick-up market.

The introduction of a five year or 100,000 mile manufacturer warranty with the new NP300 Navara is further testament to the vehicle’s credentials, and provides additional peace of mind for customers.

Technology

In-line with Nissan innovation, the new NP300 Navara introduces an array of new technology.In a sector that has traditionally been slow to adopt the very latest in comfort and safety features, it sets a new benchmark for affordable technology. Around View Monitor and Forward Emergency Braking (FEB) – both highly acclaimed Crossover safety features – are unique to the pick-up market and provide customers with more advanced levels of technology than ever before in a pick-up truck. Further safety and convenience features include Cruise Control, Hill Descent Control (HDC) and Hill Start Assist (HSA), all of which have been developed to meet the specific demands of NP300 Navara owners, as well as keyless entry, rear-view camera and parking sensors.

Ride and Handling

Improving refinement and delivering a Crossover-style driving experience was a key element of the NP300 Navara’s development. To help achieve this without compromising the vehicle’s acclaimed off-road ability, Nissan has designed an all-new five-link rear suspension system for the Double Cab model, providing significantly improved ride comfort and handling, and is 20kg lighter than the previous layout.

The King Cab features a substantially updated version of the leaf spring design fitted to the previous generation model. Not only does the new over slung leaf weigh 7kgs less than the previous under slung design, it also gives the King Cab a 3.1 per cent improvement in rear wheel approach angle and delivers a reduction in road noise.

Interior

Every element of the cabin has been optimised to provide the best possible quality, comfort, space and practicality for drivers and passengers.

The dashboard assembly has been redesigned from the ground up, with a sculpted appearance that creates increased cabin space and a more open feel. Spinal Support front seats offer improved ergonomics, and have been engineered using technology inspired by NASA.

Additional features include dual-zone digital climate control, as well as a new rear cab ventilation and seat design, to provide a more comfortable travelling environment for passengers.

Exterior Design

Designed and engineered for the specific requirements and preferences of the European market, and also manufactured in Europe, the NP300 Navara has been designed to deliver a rugged yet sporty overall style, with a mix of convex and concave surfaces fora dynamic and bold look. Nissan’s signature V-motion grille and boomerang shaped LED daytime running lights provide distinctive Nissan design cues.

Engines and Transmission

The NP300 Navara’s new 2.3-litre dCi engine is up to 24 per cent more efficient than the unit it replaces and is the cleanest and most economical in its sector. Available with two power output options, 118kW (160PS) and 140kW (190PS), the range-topping version introduces twin turbocharging technology to the sector for the first time and delivers exceptionally low running costs and substantially reduced CO₂ emissions.

Great engines need great transmissions, and once again the new NP300 Navara excels. The latest generation model will launch with the choice of two or four-wheel drive and the option of a standard six-speed manual or a seven-speed automatic gearbox.

As customers have come to expect, the new NP300 Navara is as capable off-road as it is on-road. The four-wheel drive system builds on the strengths of the design fitted to the previous generation model, and delivers surefooted traction over rough terrain.

Payload and Towing

Knowing that pick-up owners need their vehicles to earn their keep, the NP300 Navara’s load carrying and towing ability across the range is improved. With payload ratings now in excess of one tonne across the range and an impressive towing capacity of 3,500kg, the new NP300Navara is ready for the toughest and most demanding of jobs or leisure pursuits.

The load bed itself is home to further Nissan innovations in the form of the brand’s acclaimed C-channel load system. With heavy-duty channels on the rear cabin bulkhead and bed sides, owners have complete flexibility when it comes to securing vulnerable loads. Because the clamps slide along the C-shaped channel tracks, even the most unusually shaped load can be secured with ease.

To help owners go further with more, the new Double Cab’s load bed is 67mm longer than the previous model, with a sector-best load bed length of 1,578mm. The King Cab’s load bed measures 1,788mm in length.

Ponz Pandikuthira, Director of Light Commercial Vehicles for Nissan Europe commented, “Since we built our first Pick-Up in 1935, over 14 million customers in 180 countries around the globe have come to depend on Nissan pick-ups to transport their families, colleagues and cargo, sometimes in the toughest of circumstances. Nissan pick-ups have often been the lifeblood of their communities and a trusted work partner to businesses and tradespeople. Now in its 12^th generation, we’ve harnessed this experience and our customer feedback to develop the new Nissan NP300 Navara which sets a new benchmark for performance, refinement, convenience and running costs in the sector.”

The new NP300 Navara, with its impressive array of performance, safety, technology, comfort and convenience features, coupled with efficient running costs, make this vehicle the ideal partner for work and leisure.

The all-new NP300 Navara will make its European debut at the Frankfurt Motorshow on 15 September, when further information will be announced. Final specifications and prices will vary by market and will be announced closer to the launch date.

Land Rover’s celebration of 67 years of Series Land Rover and Defender production will continue with a not-to-be-missed spectacle at this year’s Goodwood Revival taking place from the 11 – 13 September 2015.

The engineering bloodline that links the original Land Rover Series One with the 21^st century Defender will be celebrated in a special presentation and displays at this year’s Goodwood Revival. The Land Rover stand will capture the birth of the legendary vehicle and its progress through the past seven decades as a model that has constantly defined the concept of “go-anywhere” all-wheel drive engineering.

Faithful to the retro spirit of the meeting, Land Rover will be recreating key elements from the development of the original Series I, which made its UK public debut at the 1948 Earls Court Motor Show, including drawing board plans and an early pre-production chassis. A Series I model will be shown tilted at 45 degrees, demonstrating the unprecedented capabilities it brought to the market, and the team manning the display will be dressed in replica engineering smocks worn by the 1940’s production workers.

The culmination of the presentation is the latest Defender Autobiography, a model that brings together the robust qualities of the original with bespoke and contemporary design features.

Land Rover owners will be taking part in a daily parade of more than 50 pre-1966 Series models, including many special conversions body styles and will be on static display on Lavant Bank for the rest of the event. One highlight includes; the bright yellow 1950 Series I Bertam Mills Circus vehicle. This fascinating Land Rover was built by Bertam Mills Circus in the late 1950s. It was designed to give the impression that the circus elephant, named Kam, was driving the car.

In addition, 11 of the owners of pre-production Land Rovers have confirmed that they are to participate in the celebration weekend. The vehicles, which all descend from the famous pre-production vehicle number one, ‘HUE 166’ are believed to be the largest number of pre-production vehicles ever seen in motion.

The sheer breadth of Land Rover vehicles, and conversions will span fire tenders, military conversions, prototypes, recovery vehicles, ambulances, Tickford conversions, mobile welders and even a tracked Cuthbertson 88″ to make for an incredible spectacle.

Jeremy Hicks, Jaguar Land Rover UK Managing Director said: “To see such a brilliant coming together of so many significant Land Rovers in one place at Goodwood Revival is not to be missed. The Parade will demonstrate the sheer enthusiasm for the marque and will provide owners and visitors the perfect opportunity to celebrate this iconic vehicle.”

The Bonhams’ stand at the revival meeting will be showcasing Defender 2,000,000, a unique version that has been specially built as a tribute to the model’s production heritage and its two million production landmark at Solihull. The vehicle will be offered for sale at a charity auction hosted by Bonhams in London on 16 December, with the money raised going to support Land Rover’s humanitarian and conservation partners, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the Born Free Foundation.

Land Rover has previewed The Catch, a dramatic new sculpture to celebrate the 2015 Rugby World Cup. Measuring over 8m tall, it will serve as a meeting point for fans at Twickenham Stadium, London and the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff. Representing the fusion of art, automotive design and sport, it is the second piece in a collaboration between Land Rover’s Design Director and Chief Creative Officer, Gerry McGovern, and the acclaimed Italian artist Nino Mustica, which began with last year’s critically acclaimed Unstoppable Spirit (www.unstoppablespirit.com).

The Catch was inspired by the line out, one of the most iconic moments in rugby that demands a unique combination of power and finesse. Lawrence Dallaglio, a 2003 Rugby World Cup winner, acted as a consultant to the project, visiting Land Rover’s technical centre in Gaydon, England, to discuss with McGovern the unique characteristics of the line out. Throughout his career Dallaglio, who won 85 England caps, was recognised as a leading exponent of the skill, making him the ideal person to advise on a project that interprets the line out in a new way.

Dallaglio says: “With its unique combination of power, precision and control, the line out has always been one of my favourite elements of the game. It was fascinating to spend time in Land Rover’s Virtual Reality Cave, discussing the dynamics of the line out and witnessing first hand the development of The Catch. I’m sure it will become a memorable meeting point for fans at Twickenham and the Millennium Stadium and add to the excitement of the Rugby World Cup.”

“As an Englishman, I’ll never forget the Rugby World Cup Final of 2003,” says McGovern, “and it’s been fascinating to spend time with Lawrence and learn more about the unique challenge of the line out. The combination of power and control is something that’s echoed in everything we do at Land Rover. I’m also delighted to be working with Nino Mustica again, an artist with an extraordinary ability to reinterpret traditional themes in a new and intriguing way. I hope fans from across the world will agree that together we’ve created not just a meeting point, but a fascinating piece of art.”

McGovern, Dallaglio and Mustica will reveal the first sculpture in the Fan Zone at Twickenham, England on September 16^th. The second sculpture will debut at the Millennium Stadium in Wales on September 19^th. Both will be in place for the duration of the Rugby World Cup.