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Deliveries start from July 2018!

The next-generation Renault Clio has been spotted clad in its own bodywork for the first time, showing that its design will take influence from the larger Mégane.

Spotted on the continent beneath heavy camouflage, the five-door hatchback has slimmer headlights that appear to feature Renault's C-shaped lighting signature. The car's overall shape is familiar to the current Clio, but the tailgate looks slightly more raked, with a shorter overhang.

Renault Europe chairman Jean-Christophe Kugler said last year that the fifth-generation Clio will feature significantly more technology than the current car.

It's due with the model's first electrified powertrain, possibly in the form of a Hybrid Assist set-up that could be carried over from the Mégane and Scénic. It's also possible that the Clio could be given a plug-in hybrid powertrain. This would make it the first model in the supermini segment to gain such a variant.

Additionally, the Clio will come with Level 2 autonomous technology, meaning the speed and steering of the car can be automatically controlled, although the driver must remain ready to take control at all times. Renault's alliance with Nissan means that much of this hardware and software will likely be shared with the latest Nissan Leaf electric car.

The Clio will also feature cutting-edge connectivity technology inside, likely housed within a portrait-orientated infotainment system, as in the Mégane.

Power for the wider Clio range is expected to come from a familiar selection of low-capacity engines. The brand’s 0.9-litre TCe turbocharged three-cylinder has faced criticism, so it will likely be heavily revised if it isn’t replaced. Diesel engines, including a 1.5-litre dCi shared with Nissan, look set to remain, despite the market’s ongoing shift away from oil-burners.

The next-generation Kia Soul has been spied during cold-weather testing this week, giving us a first look at the boxy crossover.

Like the current version, the new Soul will retain its funky, square aesthetic, but there are some obvious design changes visible through the heavy camouflage this prototype is wearing.

Up front, it appears the Soul will employ a dual-tier headlight design, similar to parent company Hyundai’snew SUV models. That makes this particular test mule look a little sad through its disguise.

The tall roofline and boxy shape remains, though the front windscreen is heavily raked – indicating the new Soul will also chase aerodynamic improvements – likely for better fuel economy and reduced wind noise.

Not much can be discerned at the rear, however, due to the false body panels and heavy use of black sheets. It does look like the upright tail-light design will carryover, though.

Reports suggest the Soul will offer the option of all-wheel drive for the first time – likely to challenge the ever-increasing crop of SUVs stealing its sales – along with a selection of powertrains including plug-in hybrid and all-electric versions.

We’re anticipating the new Soul will make its debut sometime in 2019

Opel engineers are out testing the first model post the brand’s sale to France’s PSA Group. The model is a replacement for the current Mokka X which does duty in the United States as the Buick Encore.

The Mokka X is one of the most popular models in the subcompact crossover SUV segment. It was only introduced in 2012 but Opel is keen to replace it. The new model should arrive on the scene in late 2019.

Why the hurry to replace the strong-selling current model? In its turnaround strategy for Opel announced November 9, PSA Group said it planned to transfer the entire portfolio of Opel cars to PSA Group platforms by 2024.

The rapid shakeup is due to Opel’s sale agreement made between General Motors and PSA Group, which blocks Opel from selling vehicles based on GM platforms in markets where GM brands operate. PSA Group also has to pay GM royalties for use of its platforms.

The platform for the new Mokka X will be PSA Group’s CMP (EMP1) design for subcompact cars. The platform is already found in several PSA Group vehicles, one of which is the DS 3 hatchback.

Judging by our spy shots, the new Mokka X will feature evolutionary styling. After all, PSA Group would be silly to throw away the good standing of the current model. There are some clear differences, though. The vehicle looks longer and lower. The grille on the new Mokka X also sits lower, although it features the same mesh pattern used on the current model.

There’s no word on what power trains will be offered, but you can count on the most potent being a 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-4.

Spy shots below 

The MG3 heavy facelift Spotted with Birmingham reg plates going through the last stages before release

And it’ll come in automatic for the first time

*Spotted* why is ROVER (Roewe in Chinese) back in the uk on Dudley plates ........... what is MG up to 😏

Aston Martin is working on a variety of different models including the Vantage, Vanquish, and Valkyrie but CEO Andy Palmer has just confirmed the company is also working to revive the Lagonda brand. In an interview with Car & Driver, Palmer confirmed the company has plans to offer two new Lagonda models that will target consumers who typically buy vehicles from Bentley and Rolls-Royce. The vehicles are scheduled to be launched by 2023 and will aim to offer a unique combination of luxury, style, and performance. Little is known about the models but Palmer said "I don’t want either of them to be what you’d call a traditional sedan." The executive went on to say he's challenged the company's designers to come up with something special that can still appeal to a "relatively conservative market" which is largely chauffeur-driven. Despite suggesting he wasn't looking for a traditional sedan, Palmer seemingly ruled out the possibility of either of the models being a crossover. Interestingly enough, the cars are slated to ride on the same platform that underpins the Aston Martin DBX and could potentially share powertrain options with the crossover.

Volkswagen's SUV lineup currently includes the Touareg, Tiguan, and T-Roc, and from 2018, it will reportedly welcome a fourth member, the small T-Cross. AutoExpress says that the subcompact vehicle will adopt a rather conservative styling, inspired by the T-Roc up to a point, in addition to an increased ride that will differentiate it from the Polo, which shares the same platform. Looking to throw the ball into Nissan's backyard by challenging the likes of the Juke, among a variety of other vehicles offered in the segment by different automakers, the Volkswagen T-Cross (name unconfirmed) will also share a thing or two with the Seat Arona. Chances are that it will benefit from a range of three- and four-cylinder petrol (and probably diesel) engines, with the range kicking off with the 1.0-liter three-banger that makes 109hp. Lesser models will have to make due with a manual gearbox, while more expensive versions will benefit from dual-clutch automatics. Volkswagen could offer at least one all-wheel drive option to the T-Cross, thus making it more appealing to customers living in colder, snow-ridden climates.

Skoda has put there entry into the USA on HOLD!

Why ????  so they can concentrate on entering the India market with there low cost project 

Skoda’s investigation into whether it should enter the US market has been delayed as a result of it taking the lead for VWGroup’s low-cost car project in India.

Skoda CEO Bernhard Maier had previously said that Skoda was actively assessing the opportunity of launching in the US, potentially taking the lead for sales in the wake of the VW Dieselgate scandal because of its relatively untarnished image in the region. He had indicated that the firm’s investigations would be complete by the end of this year.

However, earlier this year the VW Group entered a co-operation with Tata Motors in order to co-develop a low-cost car for emerging markets. When cost targets weren’t hit, however, the partnership was dissolved, and Skoda’s bosses asked the lead the initiative.

“We will need more time to work on the US plans now,” said Maier. “The Group has asked us to lead development of a platform with a strong focus on India and to investigate building that business sustainably and in a predictable manner.

“That is a huge task, and we must always approach projects one step at a time. There is no hurry to rush into the US and no deadline to even decide if we should be looking to go there. There’s no need to make a decision right away.”

At present, Skoda is said to be assessing whether the VW Group’s MQB A0 platform - as used on cars including the new VW Polo andSeat Ibiza - could form the basis for a low-cost vehicle, although Maier has hinted forging another joint venture is possible if it makes more sense financially. If it chooses to launch on its own platform, VW faces having to set up the entire manufacturing infrastructure in India.

“It’s clear that without radical localisation and the related cost advantages, we will be unable to turn the MQB A0 platform into a competitive tool in India,” he told Reuters.

The task is made harder because new, tougher crash and emissions regulations will come into effect in India from 2020 - the year the country is expected to become the world’s third largest car market, behind China and the USA.

Once established in India, insiders expect the low-cost car to be launched in South America and the Middle East. Concurrently, the VW Group is developing a low-cost car for sale in China with its partners there, which is expected to launch in 2019

And what an improvement!!!

Under the patronage of SAIC, MG Motors has developed an entirely new MG6, which will go on sale in China this year, before being exported to the UK in 2018. Visually, the compact four-door model has a grille that appears to have been inspired by the Mercedes-Benz A-Class Concept, projector headlights with incorporated LED DRLs, and a fastback profile that's reminiscent of its predecessor. Inside, the new MG6 has a minimalistic dashboard design, large turbine-shaped side air vents, the Zebra 2.0 infotainment system, an interactive LCD instrument panel, 3-spoke multi-function steering wheel, push-button start, sport front seats with manual adjustment, leather trim with contrast stitching, and carbon-like inserts. The new MG6 is based on the same architecture as the Roewe i6, which debuted at last year's Guangzhou Auto Show, with two powertrain options: petrol and hybrid. Car News China reports that MG's latest model is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine that delivers 170hp to the wheels through a standard 6-speed manual, or an optional 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. When it goes on sale in China in the coming months, it's expected to be priced from around $18,000. UK prices will be announced closer to the release in the UK 

Look out for the ALL NEW MG6 at the London Motor Show 2018

Under the patronage of SAIC, MG Motors has developed an entirely new MG6, which will go on sale in China this year, before being exported to the UK in 2018. Visually, the compact four-door model has a grille that appears to have been inspired by the Mercedes-Benz A-Class Concept, projector headlights with incorporated LED DRLs, and a fastback profile that's reminiscent of its predecessor. Inside, the new MG6 has a minimalistic dashboard design, large turbine-shaped side air vents, the Zebra 2.0 infotainment system, an interactive LCD instrument panel, 3-spoke multi-function steering wheel, push-button start, sport front seats with manual adjustment, leather trim with contrast stitching, and carbon-like inserts. The new MG6 is based on the same architecture as the Roewe i6, which debuted at last year's Guangzhou Auto Show, with two powertrain options: petrol and hybrid. Car News China reports that MG's latest model is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine that delivers 170hp to the wheels through a standard 6-speed manual, or an optional 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. When it goes on sale locally in the coming months, it's expected to be priced from around $18,000.

MG has announced that its new compact SUV will be called the ZS in the UK, not the XS like recently announced. What’s interesting about this change is that when the SUV was announced earlier this year, it was dubbed the ZS but just a few months later, the decision was made to badge it the XS in an effort to avoid confusion with the ZS sports sedan from last decade. We’re not sure why the automaker has changed its mind but Auto Express reports that it has started distributing new marketing material for the SUV with the ZS name. Confusing names aside, the MG ZS bound for the UK market will be essentially identical to the ZS offered in China. In the UK, it will be available with a 1.0-liter engine delivering 123 hp and 170 Nm of torque and an improved version of the MG3’s 118 hp and 150 Nm engine. Both a six-speed manual and seven-speed dual-clutch will be offered to customers.

Even though MG is now Chinese, MG deserves the chance to have a stand in the UK, YES it doesn't have the dealer network it should but with the new ZS and the new 6 MG have listend and is making the effort with the cars

at the end of the day Volvo is now Chinese and they are doing better than ever. 

Renault is planning to add a second small SUV in its range by 2019, alongside the very successful Captur. The new model will be produced on the same line with the Captur, in the company’s Spanish factory in Valladolid, according to the factory’s director Rafael Vazquez who spoke to Autonews. Vazquez declined to reveal further details on the upcoming small SUV but confirmed that it will compete in the same segment with the Captur. This could mean that Renault is probably working on a longer variant of the Captur, called the Kaptur (which is sold in Russia). Last year the French car maker said that they’ll invest more than 600 million euros in their Spanish factory in order to build a new model there and a new version of their 1.5-liter dCi diesel engine. Vazquez said that some of the investment will go to increasing the size of the assembly line but he expects that the factory’s annual production will remain close to its current annual output of around 250,000 vehicles, meaning that the new model will steal some of Captur’s sales. Adding a second small SUV in its lineup will make Renault the second car-maker that offers two B-SUV models in the European market after Opel with its Mokka X and Crossland X models.

Down below in White is the Russian Renault Kaptur 

Down below in Orange is the European Renault Captur 

Next Renault Clio Is To Come With Electrification And Autonomous Driving?

n production since 2012, the fourth generation Renault Clio will be replaced by an entirely new car, which is expected on the market in two years' time. Citing the brand's Europe Executive VP and Chairman, Jean-Christophe Kugler, Autocar says that the supermini will benefit from electrification, without saying what engine(s) will get an electric motor working in conjunction with the internal combustion unit. Nevertheless, previous reports said that an electrified Clio has a good chance to use the hybrid technology from the new Scenic, but it won't apparently add the full-blown PHEV, as making this step will affect its price furthermore. Additionally, the 2020 Renault Clio will also adopt Level 2 autonomous driving, which will allow it to take care of the brakes, throttle, and steering on its own. Unlike the Level 3 system that equips the new Audi A8, drivers will have to focus on the road the entire time, but still, it should come in quite handy in congested traffic. Besides going 'green' and coming with self-driving tech, the B-segment vehicle will also get some cutting-edge connectivity features, a more premium interior, and a portrait-oriented infotainment system, while on the outside, it's believed to use a Megane-inspired C-shaped lighting signature at the front. Most of the current engine lineup is expected to be maintained, although some will be updated, and one unit that seems certain to live on is the 1.5-liter dCi diesel, shared with Nissan and the entire Dacia family. There's no exact date when the next-gen Renault Clio will debut, but it's likely that it will arrive on the market in 2019 with a Possible unveiling at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show. .

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