Car news round-up

Manufacturers have been busy refining existing models and producing new ones. Here are some of the latest results...

VAUXHALL SKODA

Karoq gets fresher look and improved technology

SKODA has refreshed the popular Karoq SUV four years after its initial launch and more than half a million sales later.

It now has a wider front grille and slimmer headlights that use LED tech, plus new front and back bumpers.

Redesigned alloy wheels help to reduce drag by nine per cent. Also at the rear is a black plastic diffuser plus a spoiler for some trims up high.

The tail-lights have a sharper look with LEDs as standard, while high-spec trims get dynamic indicators.

KIA

Wraps are taken off Astra Estate

VAUXHALL has unveiled the estate version of the Astra, which has the same bold new look as the hatchback and gets a hybrid powertrain.

The Sports Tourer is also Vauxhall’s first estate with the firm’s new design language.

It has the Vizor front end, which sees a single black panel that stretches between the LED headlights and sports the Griffin emblem in the middle.

The all-new rear features sharp creases lower in the tailgate as well as the lower corners of the bumper.

The load area has a useful flat lip, as well as offering 608 litres with all seats in place or 1,634 litres when the rear seats are folded flat.

LEXUS

LC coupe and convertible receive updates to give better experience

LEXUS has announced a series of updates that should enhance the driving experience of its stunning LC coupe and convertible.

On the coupe model, the front and rear suspension settings have been tuned to give the driver a better sense of connection with the road, as well as a more linear steering response and improved feedback through the wheel.

For the coupe and convertible, the drive modes have been modified to make them more distinct from each other. On top of this, body movement has been reduced to give an improved sense of cornering ability.

The gearbox has also been updated with a shift-lock mechanism that can help prevent accidental mis-shifts, while a ‘deep hung’ construction for the cushion and seat backs should make the LC more comfortable.

Pricing for the new Sportage revealed

KIA has revealed the prices for its new Sportage SUV, which arrives next year.

The model features the widest range of powertrains offered by the company, with hybrid, petrol plus diesel versions all available at launch, and a plug-in hybrid later.

Prices start at £26,745 for the petrol version, £27,745 for the diesel, £33,245 for the hybrid and £38,395 for the plug-in hybrid. Order books opened on December 15, with deliveries to begin in the first quarter of 2022.