5 minute read
New car news
CAR NEWS ROUND-UP
Manufacturers have been refining their models and producing new ones. We look at some of the results...
VOLVO
XC40 and C40 Recharges updated with longer ranges
VOLVO has revised its electric XC40 and C40 Recharge models, making various powertrain tweaks to maximise the range.
An electric version of the popular XC40 was introduced last year, with Volvo following it later in the year with a coupe-styled C40 version. Competition is fierce in this class, however, with the Swedish firm now making a number of changes to the two cars to expand their appeal.
A key change is that Volvo has switched the drivetrain type on single motor versions from front- to rear-wheel drive.
These versions now pack a 7bhp uplift in power, and although its 67kWh usable battery remains the same, the changes have improved the XC40’s range from 263 to 285 miles, while the C40’s improves from 271 miles on a full charge to 294 miles. VAUXHALL has continued its electric car offensive with the introduction of battery-powered versions of its Astra and Astra Sports Tourer.
Set to arrive in the UK next year, both models mean the Astra will now be available with the choice of four powertrains: electric, plug-in hybrid, petrol and diesel.
It also boosts the number of fully electric Vauxhall vehicles currently on sale to six. Both Astra models are powered by a 114kW electric motor and a 54kWh battery which, Vauxhall says, will return up to 258 miles in between charges.
Thanks to 100kW DC charging compatibility, the electric Astra will also be able to manage an 80 per cent charge in as little as 30 minutes.
VAUXHALL
AUDI
Performance models of RS6 and RS7 promise more power
AUDI has introduced Performance versions of its sporty RS6 and RS7, packing more power and a range of exterior changes.
The 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine has been boosted by 30bhp and 50Nm of torque, with the models now producing 621bhp and 850Nm of torque.
The changes have come from fitting larger turbochargers and an increase in boost pressure in the engine, with the RS6 Avant and RS7 Sportback now able to accelerate from 0-60mph in 3.2 seconds – two tenths of a second quicker than before.
HONDA
New Civic Type R to start from £46,995
HONDA has confirmed pricing for its latest Civic Type R.
Available to order now, the latest incarnation of the famous hot hatch will cost from £46,995, with this latestgeneration model boasting a revised gearbox and fresh styling tweaks.
The new Type R uses the same 2.0-litre powertrain but it’s linked to a modified six-speed manual gearbox that brings faster and more responsive shifts. Power has seen a modest increase from 316bhp to 325bhp, too.
ABARTH
500e takes brand into electric realm
ABARTH has revealed its first electric model with the 500e – a hotter version of Fiat’s 500 EV.
To be sold alongside petrol versions of the 595, the 500e signals a new era for the brand – its first new model in more than half a decade.
The 500e ‘performs better than petrol’ thanks to improved weight distribution, better torque and a wider wheelbase. No range has been given, but expect slightly less than the 199 miles claimed for the 500.
FORD
Ranger given Platinum trim
FORD has announced a more luxury-focused Platinum trim level for the brand’s new Ranger pick-up.
Described as the most luxurious Ranger yet, the Platinum sits above the Wildtrak and beneath the flagship adventure-focused Raptor in the pick-up’s line-up.
Styling changes include a new unique grille.
Inside sees perforated and leather upholstery, with the front seats electric, heated and ventilated. There is also ambient lighting.
MERCEDES-AMG
Most powerful S-Class can get to 60mph in 3.1 seconds
MERCEDES has revealed the most powerful S-Class in its history with the AMG-derived S63e.
The first model in the current generation of S-Class to receive the sporty AMG treatment, it uses a mighty plug-in hybrid setup that features a 4.0-litre V8 engine at the front and an electric motor at the rear axle.
These put out 791bhp and a monstrous 1,430Nm of torque, allowing this 2.6-tonne luxury saloon to accelerate from 0-60mph in just 3.1 seconds and reach a top speed of 155mph, although the limiter can be raised to 180mph. A nine-speed automatic ’box is also used, with drive sent to all four wheels.
BMW
Limited-edition 3.0 CSL ends M anniversary celebrations
BMW M is bringing its 50th-anniversary celebrations to a close with a new limited-edition model – the 3.0 CSL.
Restricted to 50 units, the 3.0 CSL harks back to the legendary 3.0 CSL ‘Batmobile’ of the 1970s. The most recent incarnation uses the most powerful straight-six ever in a BMW road car, with the 3.0-litre engine kicking out 552bhp and 550Nm of torque, driven to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission.
It’s underpinned by specially tuned Adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled shock absorbers.
TOYOTA
Concept taster of next C-HR crossover
TOYOTA has given a strong glimpse of what its next-gen C-HR crossover will look like with a new concept car.
The C-HR has been a hugely important model for Toyota, helping to introduce a bolder design direction for the firm at its launch in 2016.
Offering a clear link to the current model as well as to the electric bZ compact SUV concept, the C-HR Prologue gets a striking ‘hammerhead’ front end design. Highlights include a concave grille and thin LED headlights.
SKODA
Pricing for new Enyaq vRS SUV announced
THE new SUV version of Skoda’s Enyaq iV vRS will start from £52,670, says the manufacturer.
Joining a coupe derivative already on sale, this SUV brings greater practicality and interior space than its more glamorous sibling. It’s also cheaper, undercutting the coupe’s £54,370 starting price by £1,700.
The Enyaq iV has two electric motors that put out 295bhp and 460Nm of torque, taking it from 0-60mph in 6.3 seconds and on to a top speed of 111mph. It also has a range of 321 miles.
