Car News

Mercedes have revealed they will be renewing their SL-Class. An all-new SL 400 Sport will become the entry level SL-Class - replacing the SL 350 - and the SL 63 AMG will be given further power. OTR prices will start from £72,500 and deliveries will start in July.

The new entry level - SL 400 Sport

The SL 400’s new six-cylinder engine is equipped with two turbochargers and boasts 333bhp and 480Nm worth of torque.

The new 0-62mph time is 5.2 seconds and its top speed is 155mph. On a combined cycle, the SL 400 returns 36.7 miles per gallon.

As well as offering customers style, power and performance, the engine meets EU6 emission standards; the SL 400 has CO2 emission readings of 178g/km.

The SL 400 Sport’s exterior will be fitted with AMG front and rear aprons and side skirts, a boot lid spoiler in body colour, 19” AMG 5-spoke alloy wheels and sports suspension.

The interior also has a number of new additions which include a flat-bottomed sports steering wheel with silver gear shift paddles and perforated leather in the grip areas, an instrument cluster with a chequered flag design and AMG floor mats.

Standard equipment includes Frontbass and Magic Vision Control, and both the SL 400 and SL 500 will feature DAB and Tyre Pressure Monitoring as standard.

A Refined SL 63 AMG

The SL 63 AMG has also been revised with 585bhp and 900Nm torque; this represents an extra 48bhp and 100Nm respectively compared to the outgoing model. However, it is said that this increase in power makes no compromise to CO2 emissions or fuel efficiency.

An AMG rear axle limited slip differential comes as standard, with a locking effect of up to 40 per cent, which guarantees better traction and greater lateral dynamics.

For individuals who want to customise their AMG, options include dressing their engine in an AMG carbon-fibre engine cover for £1,580.

We take a look at BMWs replacement for the iconic M3 Convertible prior to September 2014 launch

  It hasn’t been an awfully long time since the M3 Saloon and the M4 Coupe were revealed at Detroit earlier this year. Rather excitingly, BMW have wasted little time in getting the M4 Convertible ready for launch 6th September. This car will be the fifth generation M Sport cabriolet in BMW’s history.          

The M4 Convertible boasts a three part metal roof which is up to 2 decibels quieter than the M3 Convertible; in addition, BMW say that it offers improved levels of “warmth and comfort”. Coupe-styling remains in place when the roof is up - in just 20 seconds, the roof will come down when you want to make the most of the sunshine.

M4 Convertible Performance

The stats – as you would expect – are pretty impressive. New, lightweight engineering means that this baby will get to 62mph in 4.6 seconds and it also has a top speed of 155mph. The 431hp Twin Turbo six-cylinder engine is available in six speed manual or 7 speed automatic M Double Clutch transmission. 

M4 Convertible Exterior

As you can see from the stunning pictures, the M4 Convertible has followed the classic M styling lines, making it easily distinguishable as being a true sports car. The sporting, sleek lines are similar to the M3 Convertible - it has maintained the distinctive short overhangs, long bonnet and set-back glasshouse that we are so familiar with. However, the M4 Convertible is bigger than its predecessor.

The M design is embedded in the bonnet and three air intakes feature within the front apron to complement the famous kidney shaped grille. All M4 Convertibles will come with 19 inch alloy wheels as standard and the M Sport styling, which includes M side gills, four shiny exhaust pipes and flared forward wheel arches.

M4 Convertible Interior

Inside the M4 Convertible, you will find a very sporty cabin with abundant M highlights. You will find the M logo on the seats, seatbelts, front head restraints and the M steering wheel. The chrome trim and tri-colour stitching is also a theme that features throughout.

M4 Convertible Standard Equipment

The M4 Convertible will come with BMW Professional Media Package, the upgraded Bluetooth and USB pack, front and rear parking assist, folding mirrors and heated seat.

M4 Convertible Practicality

It is good to know that the convertible hood can be raised at speeds of up to 8 miles per hour, just in case of the odd (or not, as the case may be in England) shower! The rear features two individual rear seats making the M4 Convertible a comfortable 2 + 2.

More practicality includes a new load-assist feature that raises the folded-down roof enabling access to the contents of the boot in 6 seconds. In addition, the boot space is better than the M3 Convertible – it is now 370 litres when the roof is up and 220 litres when the roof is down.

M4 Convertible Pricing

The new M4 Convertible will start from £60,730 OTR – online contract hire, leasing, personal contract and finance quotations will be live on www.allvehiclecontracts.co.uk website very soon (we will keep you updated!) 

Summary

We can’t wait until launch; we can assure you this is one that we will certainly be attending. We will keep you up to date in terms of pricing and pre-order status but one thing we are sure you will agree with is that you could never beat a good M3 Cab, so it’s highly unlikely the M4 Convertible will let us down..

The new Mercedes GLA-Class 4MATIC made its UK debut below ground in Cheshire’s Winsford Rock Salt Mine. The GLA is designed to present a perfect balance between the demands of every-day on-road and off-road driving. 

This unusual debut was designed to show-off the grip and control that the GLA-Class has to offer. To do this, four standard GLA-class models were lowered in to the mine, where more than 130 miles of tunnels – with deteriorated terrain - lay beneath the Cheshire ground. 

The Winsford Rock Salt Mine is the UK’s largest and oldest working mine, with 23 million cubic metres of space stretching 5km from east to west and 3km north to south. 

The SUV was able to demonstrate all it had to offer within the difficult conditions of the mine. The broken ground of salt road tunnels proved to be no obstacle for the GLA, as a combination of the suspension and the 4MATIC traction system handled the challenge with little effort. 

Likewise, lighting was not a problem with the Intelligent Light System (ILS) which lit up the eight metre tall tunnels. 

The SUVs that Mercedes offer are flourishing and the new GLA-Class lines up alongside the M-Class, G-Class and CL-Class in their SUV range. Its rivals include the Audi Q3 and BMX X1, with prices for the GLA-Class starting from £25,850 OTR.

We love the Geneva Motor Show and we love covering it each year. We like to find what the standard manufacturers have to offer, check out their new models and of course, their concept cars. But most of all, we love the Supercars. We can't help it - but we know we are not alone. Let's take a look at some of this year's cars specially designed with the uber-rich in mind.  This year was the start of something good; manufacturers are now starting to show display their top-performance cars more so than in previous years. Let's take a look. Lamborghini

Lamborghini showed off their exciting new Huracan; this will be replacing the $182k legendary Gallardo. Replacing what was VW AG's best seller of all-time was always going to be a tough call, but the Huracan did not disappoint. On ANY level.  Lamborghini took 1,000 orders for their new model prior to the Geneva premiere and they expect global sales to exceed 1800 next year. McLaren 

Our favourite British supercar maker, McLaren, bought their new gullwing-door coupe and convertible 650s to the party; apparently this is designed to give the owner the supercar feel but without the "roughness" that one would usually associated with an out-and-out sports car. In other words, it's going to be comfortable as well as fast. The 650bhp model allows the driver to choose between suspension settings for optimum comfort and performance and prices start at around the £195k mark for the coupe version. Ferrari 

Ferrari have been pulling out all the stops lately; as their Chairman Luca Cordero Di Montezemolo boasted, "In the last three years, we introduced three key innovations: four-wheel drive, the first hybrid and now a new turbo engine" in the California T. The Ferrari California T was shown off in all its sophisticated glory this year at Geneva; this baby can get to 62 miles per hour in just 3.6 seconds and emits a whopping 560 bhp. Interestingly, Ferrari have made it greener and reduced the CO2 emissions by 20% compared to the old model.  Bugatti

This year, the 2.18 million euro Bugatti Rembrandt -inspired by the sculptor brother of Bugatti's founder - was shown off by the supercar automaker. This model has some interesting design touches that include a platinum logo and bronze dancing elephant model, designed by the sculptor himself.  This car is not one that you will see often (in fact, if ever) as it is the fourth special "legend" edition where there are actually only three cars available per variant.  Jaguar Land Rover 

OK, so it's not standard Supercar fayre but we just can't leave out our very own Land Rover. They bought their new super-powered Land Rover Range Rover Evoque 285bhp to Geneva not to be left out (and let's not forget this is the company that produce the fabulous XKR-S).  Koenigsegg

Sweden's elite manufacturer, Koenigsegg, bought their "One: 1," to Geneva Motor Show 2014 with claims that it is the "fastest car in the world". It's all about the light weight and the exceptional 1400 bhp; imagine getting to 400 kph in 20 seconds. Now, that's fast.  Zenvo 

We are certainly looking forward to seeing more from Zenvo, who are a new start up Danish manufacturer - the rise in demand has inspired them to join in and try and get a slice if the market; their first model, the 1,104-horsepower ST1, was showed off at Geneva 2014, which can get to 100kpm in an amazing 2.6 seconds. Summary  We have reported a lot of positive car stories this year and last, and the fact that the supercar manufacturers are happily showing off their wares for the super-rich this year is a good sign. After all, their presence has definitely not been as strong in recent shows.  According to research by IHS Automotive, this year will see the biggest rise of supercar sales since 2010 - the manufacturers are certainly aware of the rise in demand due to the recovering market conditions and are all vying to outsell their competitors. That just about wraps up this special feature - for now, we have only one left thing to say on the subject. Welcome back, guys; we've missed you.

I am a massive fan of Toyota and in particular, I am a massive fan of their sports cars.  In recent years, we have had a rather sad lack of performance cars coming out of the Toyota camp. This was broken with the long-awaited (and much loved) Toyota GT86 last year and joyously, it seems that the reception it received has whet their appetite for the fast and the furious once again. 

Toyota FT-1 Performance Sports Concept Car at Detroit Auto Show NAI Take a peek at the rear wheel drive, front engine supercar-to-be that was recently shown off at the NIA. Rather delightfully, the design pays tribute to some of their most iconic sports cars like the Supra, 2000GT and the Celica.  If you are a sports car enthusiast, you will already know that there has been some long-term speculation as to whether a restyled Supra was making its way to a dealership near you very soon. When the Toyota US Senior Vice President was questioned about it, he said he would "love" to have a "halo sports car" in the Toyota range but he denied that this was a new Supra prototype. When questioned on the matter, he simply said "This is the FT-1 concept".

Watch this space! Happy days - Toyota do performance cars really, really well. Don't get mixing up their bread and butter cars with their capabilities of producing a really thrilling sports car. Think back to the days of the Supra (if you are old enough, of course) for evidence. More information to follow as soon as we receive it!

Meet the bigger, lighter, more economical and totally redesigned C-Class...

It’s the one that many of us have been waiting for: the new model Mercedes C-Class.

It must have been a task for Mercedes to make changes to their biggest-selling model, but changes they have made. On the face of it, the new C-Class looks to be setting new standards in the mid-range executive car sector.

We take a look at the new C-Class and check out how Mercedes have reinvented their ever-popular model to take it to new levels.

New model C-Class Exterior

As with most new models, the new C-Class has grown – it is 95mm longer than before and it is also 40mm wider; there is an 80mm increase in the size of the wheelbase. 

Mercedes have worked hard to create a more sensuous, minimalist feel than was present on its predecessor; they have taken their inspiration from nature itself. 

You can see from the pictures that the new design for the C-Class is quite a departure from the outgoing model; it is quite striking and dynamic in form with sculpted yet fluid lines that emphasise the muscular look of the vehicle. 

Exterior styling equipment includes new H7 halogen headlights and rear taillight LEDs; the new model C-Class will be instantly recognisable in dark conditions.

New model C-Class Interior

Inside the new C-Class there is an emphasis on luxury, with premium quality, crafted materials and soft-touch switchgear playing a big part in the new interior. 

In keeping with their new “nature-inspired” design ethos, Mercedes have changed their design to provide a sporty yet sensuous interior that provides a cocoon-like environment for all occupants. 

There is a free-standing central display screen dominates the console. There is also a touchpad situated in the hand-rest over the controller in the centre tunnel which allows for easy operation of many of the functions in the same way as one uses a smartphone. 

New to the C-Class is head-up display, which projects information to the driver directly in their field of vision on the windscreen ahead. This will offer less distraction when checking on speed, navigation and DISTRONIC PLUS messages. 

There is more room than the outgoing model and increased head-height, especially for rear passengers. Boot space is also generous; the new model C-Class boasts 480 litres of space. 

New Lightweight C-Class Technology

The aluminium hybrid body means that the weight of the new C-Class has been reduced by about 100 kilograms; it is now the class leader in lightweight terms. This new, lighter C-Class provides an excellent level of crash safety, reduced noise and vibration along with improved handling. 

One of the pluses of the reduced weight is the effect on fuel economy; the new model C-Class is up to 20% more fuel efficient than the outgoing model yet there is no loss of performance.

New Model C-Class CO2 emissions, Performance and Fuel Economy

All of the new C-Class models come with ECO start/stop function and at launch, there will be three engines. See below for official hot-off-the-press Mercedes statistics:

New Model C-Class C 220 BlueTEC official figures              

Engine Size: 2143       

BHP: 170

0-62 mph: 8.1 seconds

MPG (combined): 70.6

CO2 Emissions: 103g/km

Efficiency Rating: A+

New Model C-Class C 180 official figures   

Engine Size: 1595       

BHP: 156

0-62 mph: 8.2 seconds

MPG (combined): 56.5

CO2 Emissions: 116g/km

Efficiency Rating: A

New Model C-Class C 200 official figures   

Engine Size: 1919       

BHP: 184

0-62 mph: 7.5 seconds

MPG (combined): 53.3

CO2 Emissions: 123g/km

Efficiency Rating: B

Mercedes-Benz New Model C-Class Summary

There are many, many more features and added extras that Mercedes have bought to the table with their new model C-Class, which we will be covering in the not-too-distant future.

Watch this space for more details and don’t forget to follow Motor Mistress on Twitter for all of the latest car news and blogs!

In a motoring world dominated by men, it’s incredibly rare to hear of a woman making waves in the upper echelons of the industry. So rare, in fact, that GM have just made history by appointing Mary Barra as successor to Dan Akerson as CEO of the company. 

Nobody could accuse Mary Barra of being unqualified for the job – she holds a prestigious Stanford MBA and a degree in electrical engineering, and has been working for the company since she was a student, when she was appointed as an executive assistant to then CEO Jack Smith. 

Barra worked her way up the ranks of the company from her position as assistant, being entrusted with increasingly important responsibilities. She moved roles as plant manager, vice-president of manufacturing engineering, vice president of human resources and product development chief before her most recent promotion. 

Barra’s ascension is also significant as it signals GM’s return to a CEO from engineering background, as opposed to financial. The hope from car enthusiasts is that the companies focus can finally shift away from a money making perspective, back to a car making perspective. 

Her talents are evident – the Chevy Impala that came out under her watch was the only US car in 20 years picked by Consumer reports as the best on the market. As well as this, since the recession, Mary Barra has made a significant effort to increase profit for the company, to a noted success – she built a wider variety of vehicles which use the same parts, eliminated levels of management and simplified the manufacturing process. 

However, though General Motors is back in the black, reporting a $27m profit over the last 15 quarters, Mary Barra still has her work cut out to ensure that the company can return to it’s old glory and prove to be a legitimate rival to automotive giants such as Toyota and Volkswagen AG.

Already listed as number 35 in Forbes Most Powerful Women, Mary Barra joins the likes of Ginni Rometty (International Business Machines Corp) Indra Nooyi (The PepsiCo Inc.) Marissa Mayer (Yahoo! Inc) and more as a female CEO, set to change the face of business as we know it.

Toyota steal the show for the fourth year running with 15 models earning Top 10 reliability ranking

We all associate Toyota with reliability and quality of build;  many of their main dealers also fly the customer service satisfaction flag rather exceptionally here in the UK.

Once again, Toyota have proved that their reputation is well deserved; in the annual TÜV Report – published in conjunction with Auto Bild Magazine -  15 models out of their line-up scored a maximum Top 10 rating.

What is interesting is that the report includes used models as well as new, proving that Toyota vehicles are built to last past the initial warranty period.

This is the fourth year that Toyota have achieved success in the well-respected TÜV Reliability Report; this in itself proves the consistency of the marque after year.

Used Toyota Performance

The Toyota Prius was the leading vehicle when it came to reports for older vehicles, taking the number one spot as far as 4-5 and 6-7 year old vehicles were concerned. In addition, the Auris was rated as 8th in the 4-5 year old vehicle category and in the 6-7 year old category, the Verso was 6th, the RAV4 was 7th and the Yaris was 9th.

In the 2-3 year old vehicle category, the Toyota iQ took third place with the Avensis coming in at number 9.

Even further down the line with 8-9 year old cars, Toyota still came up trumps with the Verso 2nd, RAV4 3rd, Avensis 5th and the Corolla taking the number 8 spot. For 10-11 year old cars, the RAV4 was 2nd, the Corolla was 3rd and the Yaris was 4th.

If you are looking for a quality vehicle – whether you are leasing or buying – it is always good to know that you will have trouble-free motoring.

Summary

Toyota have proved, once again, that this is not a myth as far as their cars are concerned – the report results really do speak for themselves.

  Source: Toyota Press Office UK.

Compact SUVs are getting smaller as our appetites get bigger for the Mini Sports Utility Vehicle

In recent years, we have seen the car market change; some would say that it has changed almost past the point of recognition (see our previous blog on The Changing Car Buying patterns of us Brits)

Traditional D-Sector cars are now a rare mode of transport for most families - who are buying a car from new, at least - and this category is now largely associated with the company car driver. Even C-Sector cars (medium size family hatchbacks) seem to get bigger with every incarnation in a bid to keep up with the Joneses. 

Every aspirational family car is now highly practical and ideally, fashionable. The Compact SUV ticks both of these boxes, whereas the Compact MPV only really ticks one.

Prestige Marque Compact SUV Wars

Audi have been one of the frontrunners in the executive Compact SUV market bringing us the Audi Q3 and also the Audi Q5. Both dinky and dinkier versions of the ginormous Q7. BMW have also bought us the X1 and the X3 that are the mini-me versions of the full size BMW X5 SUV.

With Mercedes only recently announcing their arrival to the party with the pending Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class (but this Compact SUV is based on the A-Class rather than resembling a smaller ML-Class) and BMW seemingly closing the doors to their range (with the X1 being the lowest number possible), we thought that was it. But we were wrong. 

Audi Q1 

Audi have just announced plans for the Audi Q1, which will start production in 2016. It is not an idea; it is a definite model and it is coming our way soon. Audi have said that the Q1 is the last in their SUV series - for now, anyway. 

Audi CEO Rupert Stadler said "the Q1 is a key component of our growth strategy" and he's not wrong. Audi are fully intending to stay ahead of the game.  So Mercedes better get back in the race and fast. 

We take a look at some of the car superstars of this years’ Los Angeles Motor Show

It is something of a mystery to us as to why the LA Motor Show happens to clash with the Tokyo Motor Show but this is exactly what it does.

This year, there have been a few cars of worldwide interest – most notably the Nissan GT-R and Nismo GT-R. The LA Motor Show just has to give us some good car fodder to compete with such heavyweights.

Luckily for all of us motoring buffs, there are plenty of highlights to keep us all interested from some of our favourite manufacturers. Let’s take a look at - what we think is - the best of the best.

Porsche Macan

Everyone loves the Porsche Cayenne. And now there is a mini-me version; and we can’t wait. The new Macan (previously called the Cajun) will be the most powerful compact premium SUV in its sector and will also be aggressively priced to compete squarely with the Range Rover Evoque.

Porsche has unveiled the sixth model in its range, the new Macan SUV, at the Los Angeles Motorshow. The new car is aimed squarely at rivals like the Range Rover Evoque and, in Turbo form, will be the most powerful vehicle in the compact SUV segment.

We have been told that order books open in the UK from November 2013 ; expect to see the Macan appear in a Porsche showroom near you from April next year.

Mercedes GLA45 AMG

So, just when Porsche thought they had cornered the market, enter the 335bhp Mercedes GLA45 AMG. This new compact SUV will also be a rival to the Audi Q3 RS.

Looking at it logically, it was only a matter of time before the A-Class based GLA-Class gained an AMG variant; after all, the A-Class has the AMG and the CLA has the formidable CLA45 AMG. Enough said.

Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet

Talking fast and again, talking Porsche, the 2013 Porsche 911 Turbo cabriolet (along with a Turbo S model).

The innovative roof system has certainly got everyone talking and it will certainly please the purists – the new “bow top” system has been designed to blend in with the line of the car and replicate the coupe styling. The magnesium frame operation also improves aerodynamics.

Jaguar F-type Coupe

This one’s a biggie for anyone who has been waiting since 2011 when the C-X16 was first unveiled to the world. OK, there were no surprises with the model shown off at the LA Motor Show but oh, what a car (and a fairly reasonable pricetag with prices kicking off at around the £51k mark).

So yes, it’s a looker. And it’s available in coupe and convertible (roadster) variants; interestingly, Jaguar have stated that the coupe is the most “performance focused” model of all time and it can also pack in two sets of golf clubs! What a boon (where do we sign, then?)

Summary

There are, of course, some more cars of interest at the LA Motor Show that we will be bringing you a report on. In the meantime, watch this space and bid a fond goodbye to the Mercedes SLS AMG; this motor show also brings us the Final Edition model as the SLS prepares to make way for new, 911- challenging Mercedes blood.

We take a look at the changes that the new model GT-R brings...

Let’s take a look at the changes Nissan have made to bring us the revised 2014 GT-R - it certainly looks the part, as you can see from the pictures.

Outside

An external overhaul has bought the Nissan GT-R bang up to date. Sleek new lines now compliment the muscular design; be in no doubt, the GT-R still looks like it means business. 

There are now more colour choices for anyone lucky enough to be ordering one from new (in particular, the new body colour called Gold Flake Red Pearl is particularly distinctive – see pics – there are gold glass flakes embedded into the paintwork which help to intensify the colour even further)

The 2014 Nissan GT-R is complimented by high-intensity multi-LED AFS headlights

Once again, we are seeing a tail-light redesign – the GT-R “distinctive four-ring tail light signature now forms coherent circles of illumination” 

Inside

The interior of the 2014 GT-R has also had a fair bit of tweaking. In particular, there is now a wider interior colour choice (including a new pale ivory option), a leather trimmed steering wheel and part-aniline leather seats that feature contrast stitching. 

Body

Nissan have “Recalibrated suspension for more sophisticated ride and better road-holding”

Nissan have enhanced the body contruction of the 2014 GT-R by selecting specialist materials (steel, carbon fibre and die-cast aluminium) – this will aid stiffness and keep the car as light as possible.

Excellent suspension precision results in “exceptional cabin refinement even at high speeds and under hard cornering”

There is no attempt to lose the roar of the engine; even at high speeds, Nissan have made sure that you will still be able to hear the exhilarating sound

You can now opt for a carbon rear wing that is secured to a carbon boot lid if you want to save even more weight (in fact, it weighs half the amount that the standard boot lid) 

Mechanical Updates

Nissan have further fine-tuned the suspension to reduce load fluctuation between wheels (resulting in better stability and grip)

Nissan have also optimized the electronic control of the shock-absorber valves, modified the front stabiliser spring rates and updated bush link. “The tuning of these parts, which makes best use of the suspension strokes and enhances road-holding capability, gives a poised, confident ride and outstanding traction on rough roads”

Nissan have reduced road noise and also straight-line stability, “with fewer small steering corrections needed to maintain the correct trajectory during highway driving”

Nissan have also retuned the brake system; the 2014 GT-R brakes quickly and smoothly at everyday speeds an in particular, wet conditions

The 2014 GT-R has also been made a little easier to drive around town with a steering fine-tune

Nissan say that “The combination of retuned suspension and exceptional steering feel give outstanding confidence at high speed” 

The new model 2014 Nissan GT-R is going on sale from December 2nd in Japan, with worldwide Nissan dealers shortly following suit.

Note: one thing that may be a little surprising (we were surprised, for sure) is that there is little to suggest at this stage that the car is any faster than its predecessor – if this turns out to not be the case (when we have completed our investigations) then we will, of course, update you.

All you need to know about the new BMW MINI including design, spec, economy, launch details & model range

We don’t know about you, but the BMW MINI was starting to feel a bit old hat. This, of course, is not surprising given the fact that it has been around for some 12 years.

We’ve had a whole range of innovate MINIs including the MINI Clubman, the MINI Countryman, the MINI Coupe, the MINI Clubvan, the MINI Paceman and even the MINI Roadster. But the poor old MINI Hatchback has remained quite the same.

It is safe to say that the MINI has needed a revamp for quite some time but this has not been an easy thing for BMW to do. And this is the reason that it has taken them so long.

Reworking an Icon

Reworking an instantly recognisable model - that to many, represents chic city driving at its best - is a risk. But BMW managed it with the original Mini, so this should be a breeze, right?

Well, no, not really.

Overdo changes and you can alienate an audience. You can also bomb out residual values for the outgoing model and in turn, devalue the brand.

New MINI Launch Date 18th November 2013 at Cowley

So, first things first, BMW cleverly dubbed the latest incarnation of the MINI “the new original”.

The eagerly awaited launch at Cowley also coincided with the 107th anniversary of the birth of Sir Alec Issigonis (who was the original “original” designer).

There’s the history out of the way, anyway. Good start.

Now to changing the MINI so that it is still recognisable as a MINI but maintaining a balance with the changes made so that it is obviously a completely new generation… here’s how they’ve done it:

New BMW MINI: The Basics

The shape – as you can see from the pictures – is different. Different enough for us to know it’s a MINI but also for others to recognise that it is a new model

The new MINI features an interesting LED daylight driving circular formation and the rear lights are also LED

The New MINI is bigger; the standard MINI is nearly 10cm longer, 4.4cm wider and 0.7cm higher than the outgoing model;

There is more room inside the cabin

The boot is much bigger, too (by nearly 1/3)

There are many customisation options for the New MINI including new colours and the addition of roof rails as a cost option. Like the outgoing model, it will still be possible to personalise your MINI with mirror caps, roof contrasts and bonnet decals.

The Interior has received a quality overhaul and includes a new interior LED display model; there is an all-new interior dash-display 

New MINI Fuel Economy and Performance

Here is the most important part – as far as we’re concerned, anyway.

Even if the car cuts the mustard design-wise it just has to be economical and it has to be low emission. If it’s not, it’s going nowhere in the long-run; the market is just too fierce (one of the reasons used MINIs don’t achieve the sort of prices that they used to is down to economy - they are just too costly to run).

There are only three models to compare in the new MINI range at present (as yet, there are no MINI One D details). Here you go:

Mini Cooper D

The new MINI Cooper D 1.5-litre turbo diesel returns an astonishing 80.7mpg combined and boasts CO2 emissions of just 92g/km

Mini Cooper

The new MINI Cooper 1.5-litre (Twin Power Turbo three-cylinder model ) will get you to 62mph in 7.9 seconds and it has a top speed of  130mph. But this model will return 62.8mpg combined and emits a very low 105g/km CO2 Emissions.

Mini Cooper S

The new MINI Cooper S 189hp 2.0-litre turbo, is super quick - it will go from 0-62mph in just 6.8 seconds – but it will return 49.6mpg.

Will the new BMW MINI sell?

Love it or loathe it, that’s just a silly question. Of course it will. Expect to see them - in quite some numbers – next year.

Oh, and if you’re in the market for a new Supermini then place your bets on this one; forward ordering a new MINI should secure some great resale values.

Check out what concept cars and debuts Toyota will be bringing to this year’s party...

It’s that time again; on November 20th, the Tokyo Motor Show will open its doors for manufacturers to show off what’s new and what’s hot in their automotive camps.

Toyota have some pretty interesting premieres planned for us this year: let’s take a look to see what’s in store.

FV2 Concept

This undeniably futuristic vehicle could have come straight from the set of Tron (for those who remember it!). The FV2 is still a “work in progress” but in summary, it is a one seater city vehicle that has a major surprise up its sleeve.

The FV2 will change colour based on mood (yes, really), depending on the driver’s facial countenance. This technology is based upon in-progress research that Toyota are making (and have made) into humanoid robots, utilising face and voice recognition.

Interestingly, there is no steering wheel. The car is operated by the driver’s movements (left, right, forward, back etc.) and advanced ITS technology will interact with other vehicles in the area to warn of potential blind spots and other safety data.

Amazing – this is one we certainly can’t wait to see.

FCV Concept

We all know that Toyota are one of the main pioneers as far as hybrid engine technology goes, but the FCV takes their innovativeness one huge step further. The FCV Concept is a hydrogen fuel-cell powered vehicle.

Toyota are planning to launch the FCV some time in 2015 and in doing so, they will be the pioneer in hydrogen technology vehicles. Impressively, the FCV Concept has a minimum range of 500km and it will take the same time to fuel as a standard car (approximately three minutes). Watch this space!

JPN Taxi Concept

The taxi will never be the same again; Toyota have developed a spacious and comfortable taxi package that benefits from electric doors and a new, frugal liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) hybrid system that has been optimised for “taxi driving patterns”.

There is a heavy emphasis on comfort and safety to make the JPN Taxi Concept a taxi that everyone will want to flag down.

Voxy and Noah Concepts

The Voxy and Noah Concept Cars are seven seat multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs) that take practicality, economy, safety and fun to new levels.

There will be a 2.0 petrol variant and also a 1.8 litre hybrid for each vehicle and there is little compromise inside the hybrid version due to clever placing of the battery that is needed to power the vehicle.

Both vehicles are a result of Toyota’s “Emotional Space” design concept and there are also Wheelchair adapted variants available with a custom seat and integrated ramp (“Welcab”). At the moment, we know that both vehicles are due for launch in Japan in the early part of 2014.

So, just why are Toyota outselling everyone else?  

I’m going to tell you something that you may not know. You may not know this because it is certainly not startlingly obvious when you look at the roads of Great Britain.

Toyota are the world’s biggest car manufacturer. Bar none.

This is a company that back in 2009 (just four years ago) reported huge losses.

In typical Toyota maverick style, they have not only turned the situation around, but turned the tables entirely.

Record Profits

Toyota have just announced to the world that their net profit for July-September 2013 rose by a whopping 70% to 438.4 billion yen. Let’s get this into context: this is the same as £2,765,427,200.00.

Toyota’s main Japanese rivals, Nissan and Honda, aren’t currently anywhere close.

Toyota are wiping the floor with everyone (including General Motors and the whole of the Volkswagen group) and this trend is set to continue for the foreseeable future and beyond.

So - aside from the weak yen (but that is the same for all of the Japanese marques) – why are Toyota so successful?

Well for one, the Americans love Toyota. And that is one market that certainly bears some bountiful fruit when exploited to its full potential.

Toyota have also been frugal with their pennies and have also not invested hugely in new building expansion of late.

The latter is not the reason that Toyota are miles ahead of the competition; one of the reasons that Toyota are so successful is their ability to not only keep up with the times but to set trends.

Going Forward…

Time and time again, I have said about Toyota that if it’s worth doing, they do it well. When they put their mind to something, there isn’t much that they can’t achieve.

Don’t be fooled by the recent lack of investment: Toyota are not fools. They have announced that they will be spending a good whack in the not-too-distant future investing in technology.

Losing out to the competition by not keeping on top of the very technology that has been so instrumental in their recent triumph is something that Toyota will not want to lose.