Car news round-up

Manufacturers have been refining their models and producing new ones. We look at some of the results...

MG HONDA KIA

XCeed gets updated look and 201bhp engine

KIA has revealed an updated version of its XCeed crossover, bringing an updated design and new range-topping petrol engine.

Introduced in 2019 as the first Ceed-based crossover, it’s now been updated it to keep it competitive in this popular class. Many of the changes focus on the XCeed’s design, with the model getting new LED headlights and a revised front grille, bumper and air intakes, which also bring aerodynamic improvements.

Another key addition is a GT-Line trim level. Bringing a sportier look to the rest of the line-up, it’s offered with a 201bhp 1.6-litre petrol engine that can reach 60mph in 7.3 seconds.

GENESIS

New MG 5 goes on sale priced from £30,995

THE MG 5 has gone on sale with the latest incarnation of the firm’s electric estate car bringing a variety of upgrades to the exterior and interior.

Available to order now, it’s priced from £30,995 and features a range of up to 249 miles from a single charge. It’s also equipped with vehicle-toload tech, which means the car can power other devices with its battery. Two specifications are offered – SE and Trophy.

The former has a number of standard features including adaptive cruise control and a rear parking camera. Trophy – from £33,495 – gains a full leather interior and 360-degree parking camera among other extras.

Sixth-gen Civic Type R revealed

HONDA’S latest Civic Type R has been revealed following several months of being teased.

The sixth-generation Type R is due to arrive in Europe early next year and has already proved its capability by setting a new record lap time for front-wheel-drive cars at Suzuka Circuit in Japan.

Said to be lighter and more responsive than before, the new Type R takes the body of the recently introduced standard Civic e:HEV and adds a lower, more aggressive stance on the road.

It sits on lightweight 19-inch matt-black alloy wheels, too, wearing Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres.

Electrified GV70 to cost from £64,405

GENESIS says its third electric car to be launched in the UK – the Electrified GV70 – will be priced from £64,405.

Powered by dual electric motors linked to a 77.4kWh battery, the Electrified GV70 is said to return up to 283 miles from a single charge, while 423bhp allows it to go from 0-60mph in four seconds. The ability to charge at speeds of up to 350kW also means it can be charged from 10 to 80 per cent in 18 minutes via a rapid charger, too.

PEUGEOT

Extra equipment now found on 208

PEUGEOT has introduced changes to its 208, with more standard equipment.

Active Premium+ and Allure Premium+ trim levels now replace the existing Active Premium and Allure Premium.

They gain more equipment at no extra cost, but models with new Euro 6.4 emissionscompliant engines incur a £110 premium. Among the add-ons, Active models now have automatic windscreen wipers and air conditioning, while Allure gains a new seven-inch touchscreen with navigation.

JEEP

Grand Cherokee 4xe hits the UK market

THE new Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe plug-in hybrid has gone on sale in the UK, with prices starting from £69,900.

Due to arrive early next year, it’ll be available in Limited, Trailhawk, Overland and Summit Reserve specifications, with the powertrain said to be able to deliver up to 31 miles of electric-only range alongside a 0-60mph time of just over six seconds. It’s centred around a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, which together with two electric motors provides 375bhp and 637Nm of torque.

HONDA

HONDA has unveiled its new ZR-V – a hybrid SUV that expands the brand’s growing electrified line-up.

Revealed in Japan, where the ZR-V will go on sale first, the new model will sit between the HR-V and CR-V in Honda’s SUV line-up.

Showcasing a smart and elegant design, the ZR-V aims to be the sportiest model in the firm’s SUV range, with a large grille and imposing horizontal bars helping it to stand out from the crowd.

Wide LED headlights also feature, while the body-coloured wheel arches and lower areas help give it a sportier design than other models in its segment. Inside is not too dissimilar from that of the latest Civic.

RENAULT

Arkana hybrid crossover is given style tweaks for 2022 ZR-V previewed in Japan ahead of 2023 launch for hybrid SUV

RENAULT has updated its Arkana hybrid crossover for 2022, with the model getting revised trim levels and slight styling tweaks.

The coupe-crossover gains updated trim level names in line with updates made recently to Renault’s other cars. Previously offered in S Edition and Iconic trim levels, these are now Evolution and Techno grades.

Prices for the Evolution start from £26,695, with standard equipment including two seven-inch screens and a reversing camera.

The Techno is available from £28,695 and includes a larger 10-inch digital instrument cluster and 9.3-inch touchscreen, plus tinted rear windows.

ASTON MARTIN Aston Martin kicks off ‘new era’ with redesigned logo

ASTON Martin has unveiled a new version of its famous wings logo to signify the launch of a ‘bold new creative brand strategy’.

Designed together with British art director and graphic designer Peter Saville, each new hand-crafted badge will grace Aston Martin’s next generation of sports cars. It’s the first major update to the logo since 2003 and only the eighth time it’s been changed in the firm’s 109-year history.

Click to watch the new Aston Martin badge being made

CITROEN

C3 range expanded with ‘Shine’ version

CITROEN has announced a new ‘Shine’ specification for its C3.

Available exclusively via the Citroen Online Store, the new grade sits above the value-based ‘You’ trim level and beneath the C-Series.

Available in four colours, it also comes with 16-inch alloy wheels and a black roof plus black colour pack, which brings black inserts to the bumpers, lower door panels and dashboard. It has a 108bhp 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine, mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox.