2010 Vauxhall Astra officially launched (UK)

Opel’s UK division, Vauxhall is celebrating the retail launch of the all-new 2010 Astra yesterday as the first customers who placed their orders soon after the model went on sale in September received the keys to their cars.

In the UK, the new Astra hatchback is available with five petrol engines ranging from an 87PS 1.4 litre to a 1.6 litre turbocharged petrol unit producing 180 PS, while diesels span from 110 to 160 PS in either a 1.7 CDTi or 2.0 CDTi engine.

Prices start from £15,675 for the entry-level S model. ESP, 6 airbags, DRL’s (daytime running lights), 16” steel wheels, air conditioning, driver’s seat height adjustment, 60/40 split folding rear seats, electric front windows, electrically/heated door mirrors and high and reach adjustable steering wheel all come as standard.

Exclusiv trim adds cruise control, steering wheel mounted audio controls and ambient lighting which comes in at £16,450, adding £775 over the S model.

Sports orientated SRi trim-level adds Exclusiv equipment, plus electric parking brake, front fog lights, sports front seats, lowered sports suspension, 3 spoke leather steering wheel, darkened headlamps, trip computer and ambient interior lighting. Starting at £17,565, it adds an £1,115 premium.

SE – set to be the biggest seller is priced at £18,850. The £2,400 premium over the Exclusiv trim adds 17” 10 spoke alloy wheels, 3 spoke sports leather steering wheel, electric rear windows, electric parking brake, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, front fog lights, automatic windscreen wipers & front headlamps, trip computer, alarm, chrome window surrounds, front armrest, illuminated vanity mirrors and Flex floor luggage compartment.

Elite is the plushest Astra trim-level. Starting at £19,830 (£980 over the SE), Elite features perforated leather seats w/ heat function & part-electric driver’s seat, climate control w/ humidity control, rear armrest and electric folding door mirrors.

Options include xenon headlamps w/ LED DRL’s (AFL – adaptive forward lighting), metallic & pearlescent paints, alloy wheels, parking sensors, climate control, DAB radio, satellite navigation system, Bluetooth, FlexRide, electric folding door mirrors, Infinity premium sound system and tyre pressure monitoring system.

The company said that initially, Vauxhall's Ellesmere Port plant will build the new Astra for all European markets. The UK will take the biggest market with around 25% of all production headed to British buyers.

If you’re in Australia and you want one of these, think again. The Delta II based Chevrolet Cruze will be available instead, as a Holden.

Toyota Hilux pricing announced (UK)

Toyota has upgraded its Toyota Hilux pickup to offer better performance, lower carbon emissions and more equipment.

Its 2.5 litre D-4D diesel engine gets a 20% increase in power and extra torque. Maximum output has been increased from 118 to 142bhp and peak torque – at 2,000rpm, is now 252lb-ft - up by 13lb-ft. Toyota has introduced a high-output turbocharger and new fuel injectors to improving throttle response and performance. To cope with the extra power, the pistons have been upgraded to a new high-strength material.

The new Hilux is due to go on sale in Spring 2010. The Hilux accelerates from 0- 62mph in 12.5 seconds - an improvement of 2.5 seconds - and emissions are now at 217g/km. Increases in Hilux's gross vehicle weights have yielded improvements in payload performance, notably for Double Cab models where capacity has increased by 35kg on the HL2 Double Cab and 25kg on the HL3 Double Cab. The high-power 3.0 litre D-4D diesel engine is now available exclusively in the Invincible Double Cab. This has carbon emissions of 219g/km.

Leather upholstery and satellite navigation with Bluetooth are now options on the Invincible, and two grey upholstery cloths have been introduced. There is also a new two-tone leather option for the Invincible.

Satellite navigation with Bluetooth is offered as an option on the HL3 Double Cab. A Sport Deck and an Urban Pack (front guard, scuff plates and front and rear parking sensors) are available for both the HL3 and Invincible Double Cabs.

Prices start at £17,380.75 for the base HL2 Single Cab, rising to £23,590.75 for the flagship Invincible model with the 3.0 litre D4-D engine.

Click here for more information.

Lamborghini RatÛn Sport Concept Car by Niels Steinhoff

Lamborghini RatÛn Sport Concept Car by Niels Steinhoff

The Lamborghini RatÛn designed by Niels Steinhoff is an aggressively styled concept for a flagship supercar designed to compete against the Bugatti Veyron.

In cooperation with the Munich University of Applied Sciences, Lamborghini sponsored the 'Raw Material' project tasking students from the German institution to create a series of design concepts for a future supercar.

Lamborghini RatÛn Sport Concept Car by Niels Steinhoff

Like the Reventon, Steinhoff's project is inspired by modern stealth fighters such as the F22 Raptor. This gives the design a more dynamic feeling and takes the aircraft-inspired design, which began with the Lamborghini Reventon, to the next level.

The car is formed out of one central, jet-like body and added wings, which form the fenders. Fitting the extreme over-the-edge style of the car are some humoristic features like the machine-gun inspired headlights and the wheels, which have the form of an atomic warning symbol.

The Lamborghini RatÛn was displayed at the Munich University's annual college degree show.

Lamborghini RatÛn Sport Concept Car by Niels Steinhoff

Citroen C3 pricing announced (UK)

Citroen UK has revealed prices on the all-new C3 supermini. Bigger, quirkier and more refined than before, the new C3 supermini will start from £10,790 for the entry-level VT model.

All model have a 5 speed manual except the 1.6 HDi 110bhp. The 1.6 VTi 120bhp can be specified with a 4 speed automatic. With co-efficient drag of Cd 0.30, fuel economy of 74mpg can be achieved. At 3.94m long, the new C3 is 5cm shorter than the Clio.

Your £10,790 will buy you a 1.1i 61bhp in VT trim. VT trim adds ABS with EBD and EBA, MP3 compatible radio/CD player w/ audio controls and 6 speakers, 60:40 split folding rear seats, twin front airbags, electrically adjustable door mirrors, front electric windows and multi-function trip computer. This engine pumps out 134g/km of CO2 with combined fuel economy of 48.7mpg. From 2011, even more efficient powertrains - as well as Citroën's second generation Stop & Start system will be presented. Two diesel engines will emit CO2 at just 90g/km and 95g/km, whilst models fitted with Citroën's new generation 3 pot petrol engines will emit less than 100g/km – replacing the 61bhp 1.1i.

Set to be the most popular trim level, VTR+ starts at £12,690. This gets you a 1.4 VTi petrol engine that produces 95bhp. Standard equipment includes VT plus a 1.35m panoramic Zenith windscreen w/ sunblind and sun visors, air conditioning, 15" alloy wheels, Gear Efficiency Indicator (GEI), front fog lights, ambient interior lighting, x6 airbags, ISOFIX mountings, heated door mirrors, leather steering wheel and cruise control w/ speed limiter. The 1.4 HDi 70bhp starts at £13,790.

Flagship Exclusive is priced at £15,670. The 1.6 HDi 110bhp 6 speed manual starts at £16,140. All diesels (Euro V – 1.4 HDi 70bhp, 1.6 HDi 90bhp and 110bhp) have emissions of 115g/km or less. The 1.6 litre VTi 120bhp petrol engine pollutes 158g/km with combined fuel economy of mpg. Exclusive trim adds VTR+ plus digital air-conditioning, front and rear 'one-touch' electric windows, electrically folding door mirrors, part-Alcantara upholstery, 16" alloy wheels and dark tinted rear windows.

Special edition Airdream+ adds VTR+ specification and rear parking sensors and Bluetooth® w/ USB box. Powering this eco-model is a specially tuned 1.6 HDi 90bhp diesel engine with DPFS (Diesel Particulate Filter System), that returns 74.3mpg combined with CO2 emissions of 99g/km, thus making it tax-free.

Options include ESP, 10 exterior colours, 16” & 17” black diamond dripped alloy wheels – the latter offering a so-so ride on UK roads, MyWay colour satellite navigation system w/Bluetooth® and USB connectivity, 8 speaker Hi-Fi system, Visibility Pack (automatic headlights and wipers and auto-dimming rear-view mirror) and leather interior.

The large 300 litre boot outperforms the likes of the Ford Fiesta, Hyundai i20 & Accent, Kia Rio, Chevrolet Aveo, Vauxhall/Opel Corsa, Skoda Fabia, Seat Ibiza, Volkswagen Polo, Toyota Yaris, Peugeot 207, Fiat Grande Punto/Punto Evo, Renault Clio, Mazda2, Nissan Micra, Daihatsu Sirion/Subaru Justy/Perodua Myvi and Dacia Sandero. The Honda Jazz still outshines rivals with its 399 litre boot.

Gary Savage, Citroën UK's Managing Director, said, "The stylish, grown-up, yet fun Citroën C3 is impossible to confuse with any other car. Retaining the exuberant charm and friendly personality of its predecessor, the new C3 represents a bold, contemporary, dynamically rewarding and fresh approach to the compact family vehicle, and provides a unique offering with that sensational panoramic Zenith windscreen.

In these exciting times for Citroën, new models such as C3 clearly show the confidence of the brand. This new car illustrates our determination to exceed expectations, to do away with convention and to provide practical benefits through the use of Créative Technologie."

Orders are being taken now with first deliveries on the 15th January 2010.

Aston Martin Rapide pricing announced (UK/U.S)

Aston Martin's Rapide will be launched early next year, with prices starting from £139,950. A 470bhp with 600Nm version of Aston Martin's 6.0 litre V12 engine should allow it to blend supercar performance with its limousine credentials. Top speed is 188mph.

Standard UK equipment includes standard specification including: Bang & Olufsen sound system tailored specifically for Rapide, heated memory seats, dual cast brakes and Adaptive Damping System.

As Aston Martin's first production four-door sports car, the Rapide has been designed to blend extra practicality with the company's trademark sports-car dynamics.

The cars are being built at Aston Martin's Rapide factory in Graz, Austria. Each car will take around 220 hours to create. Orders are being taken now, for deliveries from April.

Across the pond however, the Rapide will start at $199,950 in the United States. The Rapide will take on the Porsche Panamera, although the Turbo variant starts at $132,600.

New Car: 2010 BMW 5 Series

BMW has unveiled pictures, prices and specifications for its all-new sixth-generation 5 Series saloon.

Some 37 years on since the first 5 Series first went on sale, the new car is set to be heralded as a technological tour de force when it launches in Europe on the 20th March. Right hand drive BMW 5 Series’ will arrive a few weeks later. BMW UK is stressing the vitally of the new model since the new E-Class is outselling the current 5 Series.

Top of the technological highlights is stop/start technology on all models and the new 8 speed automatic – a first for BMW. The 5 Series will also boast the highest level of standard specification ever while carrying over some of the key features like double wishbone suspension and a 50:50 weight distribution.

A wide range of engines will be offered with the new model, with four petrols ranging from the 201bhp 523i to the mighty 401bhp 550i. On the diesel side, initially, there will be just three models to choose from: the 182bhp 520d, the 204bhp 525d and the 242bhp 530d.

The biggest seller in the UK is expected to remain the 520d that majors in efficiency. Despite boasting a healthy 182bhp and being able to sprint to 62mph in 8.1 seconds before topping out at 141mph the 2.0 litre diesel can return 56.5mpg while emitting 132g/km of CO2. However, a eco variant of the 2.0 litre diesel engine is expected to bow at the forthcoming Geneva motorshow.

The mid-ranged 525d boasts 204bhp with a 0-62mph time of 7.2 seconds. Top speed is 147mph with combined fuel economy rated at 45.6mpg and CO2 emissions of 162g/km.

Flagship 242bhp 530d is capable of delivering 44.8mpg while emitting 166g/km of CO2. Fitted with either the new 8 speed auto or 6 speed manual, it hits the 62mph benchmark in just 6.3 seconds before topping out at a limited 155mph.

On the petrol front, there's the choice of three V6 engines. The entry-level 201bhp 523i, is the least powerful but can still sprint to 62mph in just 7.9 seconds before topping out at 148mph. At the pumps, the 523i averages 37.2mpg while emitting 177g/km of carbon dioxide.

Until the flagship M5 arrives, the 401bhp 550i petrol will be the fastest 5 Series money can buy. Thanks to its twin-turbo V8, the BMW hits 62mph 5.0 seconds before being electrically limited at 155mph. Despite its performance, the quickest 5-Series can average 27.2mpg while emitting 243g/km of CO2. To put it into context, the Mercedes E500 sedan has 387bhp mated to a 7 speed automatic gearbox. The E500 averages 26.2mpg with a CO2 rating of 265g/km.

For the first time, BMW 5 Series drivers are offered the option of Drive Dynamic Control that allows the option of four differing settings for the levels of steering assistance, throttle response, automatic gear changing ferocity and ESP intervention. All models come standard with leather upholstery and Bluetooth hands-free.

BMW also claims the new 5 Series has the longest wheelbase in its class, with a distance of 2,970mm between the front and rear wheels – which should mean good rear legroom.

New options include Park Assist that steers the BMW automatically into a car park space with the driver operating only the accelerator and brake pedals. Four-wheel Integral Active Steering can also be specified which reduces the car's turning circle by 0.5 metres. Meanwhile, the Surround View system uses cameras in the side mirrors and the front wheel arches in conjunction with Park Distance Control and the optional Reversing Assist camera to provide a 360 degree view on the iDrive display for perfect parking.

The BMW 5 Series is offered with a wealth of optional equipment to enhance safety, style and convenience.

An eight-speed automatic gearbox or an eight-speed Sport automatic transmission with Formula One-style steering wheel-mounted paddles, Variable Damper Control (VDC), adaptive drive package – Drive Dynamic Control (DDC) chassis configurator (allows for fine tuning of the chassis with the choice of Normal, Comfort, Sport and Sport+). Each mode changes the levels of steering assistance, throttle response, gear change characteristics, degree of Dynamic Stability Control interaction and, courtesy of adjustable dampers, the ride and handling characteristics, USB audio interface, ambient lighting, park assist, four-wheel Integral active steering, surround view system, park distance control, reversing assist camera, head-up display, night vision with pedestrian recognition, lane departure warning, lane change warning, speed limit info, two rear entertainment packages, BMW navigation, BMW ConnectedDrive, 19” alloy wheels, sport seats, anthracite headlining, sport leather steering wheel, high-gloss exterior trim, adaptive headlights, xenon headlights, high-beam assist and headlight wash are all optional.

Standard equipment includes auto start/stop, optimum gearshift indicator, brake energy regeneration, low rolling resistance tyres, electric power steering with Servotronic assistance for enhanced driving dynamics and comfort, leather upholstery, BMW Professional radio, Bluetooth telephone preparation and air-conditioning.

Prices for the cheapest 520d SE kicks off at £28,165 - £625 more than the outgoing car. Before you start questioning the price tag, BMW has put in £2k worth of kit that would otherwise be optional on the ’09 5 Series saloon. Prices stretch to £50,520 for the 550i, however, the E500 sedan undercuts the Beemer by £5,010 at £45,510.

Mercedes-Benz-Hughes Telematics announced MBRACE TELEMATICS SYSTEM

2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

Mercedes-Benz, together with Hughes Telematics, announced a new infotainment system for its cars; the mbrace Telematics system, that will allow users to access 18 different services via a nifty telematics system.

Similar to Ford’s Sync system and GM’s OnStar, mbrace also enables pairing of smart phones like iPhones and BlackBerrys to the car’s electronic interface. Drivers can then use their phones to lock or unlock their cars remotely.

Other services include automatic emergency service notification in case the car is stolen or in an accident, a vehicle health check function that goes live to the nearest dealership, real-time weather and traffic reports, and even a concierge service that gets you 24/7 access to a customer-service rep who will help you make dinner reservations, book a hotel or order a flight.

The system will be available as standard in most Mercedes Benz cars, while others (GLK, C-Class, SLK and the new E-Class Coupe) will have it as an option. This fully upgradable system will come with a free subscription for six months, and will ultimately cost $280 a year. The optional concierge services will add $20 a month to that bill.

What makes mbrace really stand out is that it is fully upgradable, with new applications easily installed as they are developed. Furthermore, most vehicle owners using the current Tele Aid telematics service can also upgrade to mbrace by visiting a Mercedes-Benz dealer.