NEWS

NEW Ford Ranger MS-RT

Ford has introduced an exclusive new model of the award-winning Ranger pick-up, developed in partnership with vehicle design specialists MS-RT.

The Ranger MS-RT is derived from the Ranger Wildtrak, sharing its generous equipment list and one tonne payload. Its unique exterior includes a handbuilt front fascia featuring a honeycomb carbon fibreeffect grille and integrated fog lights. The striking side profile adds to the sporty character while 20-inch OZ Racing alloy wheels, extended wheel arches and sculpted side skirts create a purposeful stance.

Frozen White, Sea Grey or Agate Black paints emphasise the imposing styling, embellished by carbon fibre-effect mirror caps, an aerodynamic load bar and MS-RT badges.

Inside, the cabin features premium leather trim with contrast orange stitching. Ambient lighting and heated front seats create a comfortable environment, while MS-RT detailing for floor mats and scuff plates adds a bespoke feel. Ford’s SYNC 3 connectivity and navigation system with 8-inch touchscreen simplifies access to communication and entertainment features, and the rear-view camera 2 helps when parking or hitching to a trailer.

Brendan Lyne, director, Commercial Vehicles, Ford of Europe. said “Ranger MS-RT is designed for customers who value Ranger’s hard-working capability but want the racing pedigree and handfinished exclusivity of our MS-RT series..... combining immense kerb appeal with the hard-working ability that our customers love.”

Ford’s range-topping Bi-turbo 213PS 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine delivers outstanding performance and pulling power while also offering car-like refinement and optimised fuel efficiency.

Fitted with the advanced 10-speed automatic transmission shared with the Ford Mustang, the powertrain delivers 213PS and 500Nm of torque to move payloads of up to 1,098kg and a towing weight of 3,500kg. Ranger’s selectable four-wheel drive system is retained for optimum traction offroad, while a Maxhaust app-controlled soundbox is available as a dealer-fit option for customers desiring a sporty soundtrack.

The Ranger MS-RT will be available at Ford dealers from summer 2021.

News Dacia announces future plans along with all-new concept

No bells and whistles, no chrome trim or imitation-aluminium, the Bigster concept is a genuine vehicle made with genuine principles, shown in the use of raw recycled plastics for all protective exterior panels.

As the possible future figurehead of the Dacia range, both alternative-energy and hybrid engines are possible, reinforcing that the brand is always perfectly in sync with changing regulation and customers’ expectations. Dacia has unveiled its fiveyear plan as part of Groupe Renault’s Renaulution strategy. The company will boost its efficiency and become even more competitive with the creation of the new Dacia-Lada business, broadening into new areas of the new car market. In addition, the unveiling of the Bigster Concept car paves the way for Dacia in the C-segment.

For the past 15 years, Dacia has consistently rolled out contemporary, simple, and appealing vehicles. Relying on unrivalled know-how, Dacia leverages the best proven technical solutions available from Groupe Renault and the Renault Nissan Mitsubishi Alliance.

In true Dacia style, the Bigster concept is roomy, robust, and meant for open air and dusty roads while exploring new horizons. A 4.6-metre-long SUV with no more or no less than the essential, the Bigster is the Dacia way of making the C-segment accessible, delivering a larger, more capable vehicle at the cost buyers would expect from the segment below.

Generous exterior dimensions promise a very spacious interior. The Y-shaped lighting signature is now larger, highlighting the SUV's bold and assertive style, while the dark green paint underpins the adventurous nature of the vehicle and the owner.

D-MAX - First Pick-Up to achieve 5 stars in Euro NCAP

Arriving in showrooms March 2021, the All-New Isuzu D-Max is the first pick-up to achieve a maximum five-star safety rating award in the tough new Euro NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme) test.

The All-New Isuzu D-Max combines smart new styling and impressive safety technology with improved off-road performance. Safer than ever, the robust All-New Isuzu D-Max is fitted with a wide range of safety features, including a comprehensive ADAS (Advanced Driver Assist Systems) package.

It’s also equipped with forward-facing stereo cameras and, as a result, every model comes with Forward Collision Warning, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Traffic Sign Recognition, Intelligent Speed Limiter and Lane Departure Warning & Prevention System.

As the only UK pick-up to feature a rear radar as standard on all double cabs, these models include Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Emergency Lane Keeping (a sector debut for this safety technology) as standard.

Increasing occupant safety further, a new driver’s knee airbag is standard on all models. Double cabs are now equipped with eight airbags as they are also fitted with a new centre airbag which offers additional protection to front seat occupants in the event of a side-on collision.

There is also a new E-Call system which dials the emergency services in the event of an accident. This is a mandatory requirement for the Euro NCAP 5-star rating as it automatically activates when the airbags are deployed. In the event of a less serious collision or to report an emergency incident, the driver can simply press the E-Call button on the overhead console.

Beneath the surface, an extra crossmember has been added to the durable ladder chassis which has been strengthened even further with certain sections up to 34% wider

A revised suspension design increases stability and road holding while larger brakes have been fitted at the front and rear to reduce stopping distances, increase the service life and reduce brake fade.

The All-New D-Max scored maximum points for rescue and extraction and in the child occupant test for front and lateral collisions, where the stronger chassis, airbags and Isofix child seat anchors offered maximum protection to child occupants, based on 6 and 10-year-old children. A passenger airbag deactivation switch is now standard on every truck to enable the fitment of a rear facing child seat.

Every variant of the All-New Isuzu D-Max weighs under 2,040kg and is therefore subject to normal passenger car speed limits. Many double cab pick-up trucks exceed this weight limit so must comply with goods vehicle speed limits which are 10mph lower on single and dual carriageways.

The efficient diesel engine, which produces up to 164PS and 360Nm of torque, complies with the latest Euro 6D emission standard, while the new model retains Isuzu’s unmistakable workhorse credentials with a 3.5t towing capacity and a maximum payload of over one tonne.

Customers have a wide range of models to choose from including 4x2 or 4x4, manual or automatic transmissions, three different cab types (single, extended and double cab) and four brand new trim levels. Each new model comes with 125,000 mile / 5 Year warranty and 5 years UK and European roadside assistance.

The All-New Isuzu D-Max arrives into UK showrooms in March 2021 and customers are encouraged to register their interest now.

ARES reveals Land Rover Defender Spec. 1.2

Luxury Italian coachbuilder ARES Design has released details of its new bespoke Land Rover Defender Spec. 1.2, creating a modern-day tribute to the timeless off-road icon.

Designed by the company’s Centro Stile, the exterior sports a carbon fibre bonnet, widened wings and is devoid of all visible body bolts. While the frontend LED-powered lamps are housed in a new one-piece carbon fibre front end, the rear has new style circle LED tail lights.

Rounding off the customised exterior are larger tinted windows, including a high-grade panoramic roof and 18” ARES designed rims giving the vehicle a commanding modern appearance. Inside, the bespoke interior is finished with the finest leather and carbon fibre trim that extends to every part of the cabin, from the instrument panel through to the rear bench seats giving a sensation of luxury and quality throughout. Additionally, its new infotainment system, revised and upgraded air conditioning unit and four electrically operated windows assure interior comfort and luxury. Once behind the wheel the driver will begin his journey with a simple start/stop button, and with modern-era levers controlling lights and wipers at their finger tips the journey will be uncomplicated and fun. For colder weather the vehicle has adjustable and heated side mirrors with an incorporated indicator ensuring the swiftest of departures on the coldest of days.

Underneath the newly defined exterior ARES’ extensive engineering work has been undertaken. The coachbuilder has replaced the original 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine

with a 4750cc V8 engine capable of delivering 280hp and a torque of 440Nm all supported by a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Additional strengthening on transmission and axle shafts and CV joints supports the higher speed and power delivery while the braking system sports larger performance discs and 6-piston callipers. Ensuring the smoothest of drives the ARES for Land Rover Defender Spec 1.2 has an electronically adjustable suspension with a soft and sport setting.

Dany Bahar, ARES Design CEO, explained: “We created our first Defender Ultra V8 in 2018 so we have a great knowledge of the vehicle and that has led us to create a second edition with an even more distinctive style and refined finish. Powered by the same V8 engine, the ARES for Land Rover Defender Spec 1.2 retains the characteristics of the new Defender design but beautifully reimagined to express modernity and luxury.”

Facelifted Subaru XV available from March

From March, buyers will be able to stroll into their local Subaru dealership (lockdown dependant) and buy a facelifted version of their world class crossover, the XV.

Two trim levels will be available - SE or SE Premium. Standard equipment on both trims include Permanent Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Subaru’s bespoke EyeSight driver assistance safety technology, automatic LED headlights equipped with high beam assist, 18” alloy wheels, heated front seats, an intuitive 8” multifunction colour touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus Keyless Entry & Push Button Start System.

The good news is that prices will start from £31,665 (the same price as the current model, and you can upgrade to the SE Premium for £33,665 which includes all the aforementioned equipment, along with leather seats, 8 way power adjustable driver seat, satellite navigation and sunroof.

The Subaru XV is always up for a challenge, so it now has Subaru’s enhanced X-MODE and SI-Drive functions, and they have also improved the comfort and handling by developing new Coil Springs and Dampers which reduces the amount of body movement for a much smoother ride.

X-MODE now features a dual function button to select SNOW/ DIRT mode for slippery surfaces covered with snow, dirt, or gravel, or D.SNOW/MUD mode for especially treacherous road conditions where vehicles can become easily stuck, such as deep snow or dirt. Exclusive to e-BOXER models is the improved SUBARU Intelligent Drive (SI-Drive) which allows the driver to select engine and transmission characteristics according to their driving style. Select Sport Mode for immediate throttle response or Intelligent Mode for more fuel-efficient power delivery.

The new look includes a redesigned front bumper and front grill, plus a subtly reshaped front fog lamp bezel which surrounds the LED fog lights. The redesign focuses on giving the XV a more sporty and rugged look including newly designed 18-inch alloy wheels. There is also the option of two new vibrant and unique colours to choose from: Plasma Yellow and Horizon Blue.

Safety wise you get a new Front View Monitor which monitors a 180° area in front of the vehicle that would normally be in the driver’s blind spot. The door mirrors are now connected to the gears so when engaged in reverse the mirrors tilt down for better visibility when reverse parking. When the vehicle is locked the door mirrors will now automatically fold in. XV now also benefits from Driver’s Seat Memory Function which is linked to the position of the door mirrors for improved comfort and convenience.

With permanent Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive you can expect superior road-holding and handling, on and off road, and in any conditions, and, with its maximum 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating, you will be offered the very best protection for you and your family wherever you go. more at » www.subaru.co.uk