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TOYOTA LAUNCH AURIS HYBRID VIEW HERE ...
 

TOYOTA  AURIS HYBRID AHEAD ON VALUE
Ownership costs outperform key market rivals

KEY POINTS

• Total economy profile of new Auris Hybrid stronger than its market rivals
• Sub-100g/km CO₂ emissions attract zero annual road tax (Vehicle Excise Duty)  
• Combined cycle 74.3mpg outperforms competitor diesels, with added benefit of lower CO₂ and NOx emissions
• 10 per cent benefit-in-kind company car tax rating
• Superior equipment specifications
• Designed and engineered for low service, maintenance and repair costs

Proving that advanced, low emissions technology need not cost the earth, the new, British-built Toyota Auris Hybrid has the measure of its main market rivals on value for money.

Europe’s first full hybrid C-segment model, it combines family-friendly five-door practicality with the proven low emissions, high efficiency, quality and reliability of Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive.  In performance terms, the 134bhp Auris Hybrid matches conventional 2.0-litre diesels, but with significantly lower emissions and better fuel economy. All versions of the car achieve sub-100g/km performance (89g/km with 15-inch wheels, 93g/km with 17-inch wheels), which means owners pay no annual road tax (Vehicle Excise Duty). Insurance is also competitive, with a 13E group rating.

The profile is even more attractive for company car drivers, who enjoy for a car tax benefit-in-kind rating of just 10 per cent. The model also qualifies for a 100 per cent Corporation Tax write-down in the first year.

Thanks to combined cycle fuel consumption of 74.3mpg (70.6mpg with 17-inch wheels), Auris Hybrid drivers will be paying out a lot less at the pumps, too.

The table below details a straight cost comparison between Auris Hybrid and leading segment competitors from Volkswagen, Ford and Vauxhall. This demonstrates not only the cumulative savings on tax and fuel, but also the greater value delivered by Auris Hybrid’s superior equipment specification.

	Toyota Auris Hybrid T4	Volkswagen Golf Match 2.0 TDI	Ford Focus Zetec 2.0 TDCi	Vauxhall Astra SRi 1.7 CDTi
OTR price1	£18,950	£20,310	£20,945	£20,890
Power (bhp)	134	138	134	124
CO2 emissions (g/km)	89	126	144	119
Combined fuel consumption (mpg)	74.3	58.9	51.3	60.1
3-year VED/fuel savings2 vs. competitor	-	£904	£1,600	£716
Company car tax BiK band	10%	18%	20%	13%
Annual company car tax (20%/40%)	£378/£756	£729/£1,458	£831/£1,661	£542/£1,083
Insurance group	13	TBA	18	15
Auto transmission	Std	£1,405	£1,500	N/A
Climate control	Std	Std	Manual	Manual
Electric folding door mirrors	Std	N/A	N/A	N/A
Rear electric windows	Std	Std	N/A	N/A
Driver’s knee airbag	Std	Std	N/A	N/A
Specification adjusted price	-	+£825	+£2,975	+£2,310

¹ Toyota, Ford and Vauxhall OTR prices correct at 1 April 2010. ² Fuel saving calculated at 12,000 miles per annum at an average price per litre of £1.21 (petrol) and £1.22 (diesel).

The great reliability of Hybrid Synergy Drive has been proven by its successful installation in Prius, which has achieved the lowest warranty cost per unit of any Toyota model. Emphasising quality, reliability and peace-of-mind ownership, Auris Hybrid, like all new Toyota cars, is covered by a five-year/100000-mile manufacturer warranty.

Residual values are also expected to compare well with the best in the C-segment, calculated by Toyota Financial Services (TFS) to be 38 per cent after three years/60,000 miles.

Parts and servicing
Auris Hybrid’s 10,000-mile service intervals maximise the benefit of the car’s component lifetime efficiency. The Hybrid Synergy Drive system itself has been designed for low maintenance requirements and durability, and has no need for a conventional starter motor or alternator. The 1.8-litre VVT-i petrol engine has a maintenance-free timing chain, an element-type oil filter, miniaturised spark plugs and no drive belts, features which deliver worthwhile cost savings.

Thanks to the efficiency of the Electronically Controlled Braking System, the front and rear brake pads are good for 40,000 and 70,000 miles respectively. High tyre pressures (2.4 or 2.3bar) reduce wear significantly, with typical durability of more than 30,000 miles. The standard 15 and 17-inch tyres also cost less than purpose-made alternatives.

The exhaust system is expected to last for more than five years, thanks to its high stainless steel content and the LED lamp bulbs have a 20-year lifespan.

NISSAN NEWS

NISSAN Juke on the way for September !

Nissan’s position as the pioneer of Crossovers is further strengthened by the arrival of Juke. Part SUV, part sports car, Juke breathes new life into the traditionally conservative B-segment of the market, providing buyers with a funky alternative to the conventional urban hatchback.

Designed to bring a breath of fresh air to the B-segment, Juke is a distinctive combination of SUV toughness and sporting style. Conceived to inject some masculinity and dynamism into the small car market, Juke combines a number of seeming contradictions beneath its highly individual lines.

Juke was created at Nissan Design Europe (NDE) in the heart of London, and refined at Nissan’s Design Centre (NDC) in Japan. Principle engineering took place in Japan with significant European input and Juke will be built in Nissan’s factory in Sunderland in the north-east of England.

From a design standpoint, the lower portion of Juke is pure SUV, with chunky wheels, wide tyres, extended ground clearance and a robust stance. But the top portion is unadulterated sports car, with a high waistline, slim visor-like side glass graphics and a coupé-style falling roofline. The coupé effect is further underlined by the rear doors which have their handles hidden in the frame of the door.

Inside, the sports car theme continues with a driver-focused cabin dominated by a centre console design inspired by a motorcycle fuel tank. Finished in a distinctive high gloss colour, the ‘bike’ console adds a sense of fun to the car. Practicality is assured by the rear-opening hatch and versatile luggage area with hidden storage opportunities.

The design team drew inspiration for Juke’s design from a number of unusual sources. They looked back at a number of vehicles synonymous with an active and sporting life – and that list included rally cars and motorbikes. It’s clear to see where those ideas have influenced the design.

The result combines a number of different themes, but with Nissan DNA threaded through. It has a tough solid body to reflect the SUV element, yet is a very sensual car, too, with complex curves and a coupé profile accentuated by the narrow side glass and hidden rear door handles which help give the impression of two rather than four doors.

But there is also clear Nissan family DNA in the design – the boomerang rear lights, for example, from the 370Z ­ – but none of the elements are slavishly copied so while retaining Nissan DNA, Juke stands alone as a unique, almost maverick, design.

In total, a nine colour palette of exterior colours is planned, including two whites, a solid and a pearl, and three shades unique to Juke – Force Red, Haptic Blue and Machine Brown, though the total availability will depend on region.

Reflecting the exterior’s blending of SUV and sports car attributes, the interior provides the commanding driving position but with all the attributes expected of a sports car. The gear shift sits on the top of the ‘motorbiketank’ to guarantee slick changes while the tank itself is no mere styling statement but also provides a bracing point for the driver’s knee during spirited cornering.

Similarly, the central stack – which incorporates the new Nissan Dynamic Control System – is ergonomically designed to ensure the driver has instant access to the information and drive mode controls.

Attention to detail is evident everywhere. Chrome fittings and high quality materials are used throughout while the interior colours – red or gun metal grey for the central console are available, depending on the grade; black, silver or red accents to the leather or honeycomb ‘sports’ fabrics – underscore the car’s sporting attitude. Even the door arm rests, shaped like flippers used by scuba divers, reflect an active outlook.

Despite its overall compact dimensions, the roomy interior offers competitive levels of space inside: front head room and rear knee room will be sufficient for most occupants. Unlike the Qazana show car, Juke is a full five seater.

The practical luggage area is large enough to take a nine inch golf bag or a maximum size suitcase and it also includes an underfloor storage area (4wd versions excepted) which takes its potential capacity to 251 litres (VDA). In addition, the rear seats split 60:40, and also fold in one simple movement to provide a totally flat loading floor.

To hide luggage away from prying eyes, the trunk area has an integral tonneau cover which differs from the conventional by being attached to the tailgate and rises with the door when the trunk is opened.

Engine Power Fuel Drive Transmission

1.5 dCi 81kW Diesel 2wd 6-speed manual

1.6i 86kW Petrol 2wd 5-speed manual

1.6i 86kW Petrol 2wd Updated XTRONIC CVT

1.6i Turbo 140kW Petrol 2wd 6-speed manual

1.6i Turbo 140kW Petrol 4wd XTRONIC CVT M6

Equipment and model lines

Just about the only conventional aspect to Juke is the model line-up, which follows Nissan’s established Visia, Acenta and Tekna lines. Lists of standard and optional equipment will be released nearer the on sale date, but expected items such as climate control, leather upholstery, rear view camera and Intelligent Key will all be available to Juke customers along with some more unusual features.

View our showroom Juke here...

 

NISSAN LEAF AVAILABLE TO ORDER

UK car buyers can now take their place in motoring history by becoming the first in the country to secure an order for the world' s first affordable, mass-produced, 100% electric vehicle, as the Nissan LEAF order bank opens today. Customers can only reserve a LEAF via the www.nissan.co.uk/leafreservation website and put down a refundable £257 deposit. This is the first step in securing a place on the list to receive one of the first Japanese-built LEAFs, deliveries of which will start in March. 

Later this year, when the Nissan Electric Vehicle (EV) network is confirmed, they will be given the opportunity to test-drive their prospective purchase. After the test-drive they will need to formally confirm their order. 

The LEAF will be priced at £23,990, taking into account the £5,000 Government incentive for electric vehicle buyers and the recently announced 20% VAT rate, both to be introduced from January.   

The LEAFS advanced technology means it will be considerably cheaper to run than a conventional compact family hatchback. Depending on an individuals electricity tariff and time of charging, it will be possible to run the LEAF for less than two pence per mile.  

 

MAZDA NEWS

• Takuya special edition models available in Mazda2, Mazda3 and Mazda6 ranges
• New highly specified versions on sale from 1 July from £11,915 (OTR)
• Sports styling kit, enhanced interior specification, unique colours and ‘special edition’ exclusivity

Mazda has introduced a new sporty Takuya special edition range for the Summer featuring evocative styling and high-levels of standard equipment representing excellent value for money to customers.  The latest special edition range follows on from the successes of the Mazda2, Mazda3 and Mazda6 Tamura special editions earlier this year. 

The name ‘Takuya’ – pronounced ‘tah-koy-yah’ – is taken from the Japanese for forerunner or pioneer.  Available in Mazda showrooms across the UK from 1 July 2010 the new variants are available in the Mazda2, Mazda3 and Mazda6 model line-ups and offer added value to customers. 

The generously equipped new Takuya models incorporate features normally only available with top-of-the-range derivatives, including exterior sports styling, larger alloy wheels, a Bluetooth^® system and a sports interior.

Mazda2 Takuya – compact and sporty

Priced from £11,915 (OTR), the 1.3-litre Mazda2 five-door Takuya is the entry point into the special edition range. The Takuya boasts 16-inch alloy wheels, a sports styling kit (incorporating spoiler, sports bumpers and side skirts) and front fog lights. The interior benefits from black sports trim, trip computer, leather steering wheel and gear knob, steering wheel remote audio controls and a Parrot Bluetooth^® hands-free kit.

The 1.3 Mazda2 (86ps) is a remarkably frugal yet feisty model.  The hatchback produces just 125g/km CO₂ and returns 54.3mpg, yet is one of the finest handling and fun to drive superminis on sale in the UK.

Mazda3 Takuya – added appeal for popular hatch

Moving up through the Mazda range, buyers will find the 1.6-litre Mazda3 five-door Takuya.  This model boasts a very impressive specification including a leather steering wheel and shift knob, automatic dual-zone climate control air conditioning, black sports interior trim, sports seats, an integrated Bluetooth^® system, LED lights, a six-disc CD changer and rain-sensing wipers. 

Priced from just £15,780 the incredibly well appointed Mazda3 Takuya represents excellent value for money.  Boasting a combined fuel economy figure of 44.8mpg and a low-for-class 149g/km CO₂ emissions, the 105ps 1.6-litre hatchback will follow the Mazda2 Takuya’s lead and offer unrivalled fun behind the wheel.

Mazda6 Takuya – frugal family fun

Mazda6 buyers will find Takuya special edition models in three different guises: 2.0-litre five-door (£19,845), 2.2D 163ps five-door (£20,945) and 2.2D 163ps Estate (£21,595).  All three variants benefit from the fitment of 18-inch alloy wheels, a sports grille and dusk-sensing headlights on the exterior, while the interior benefits from an alloy pedal set, half-leather heated seats, auto-dimming rear view mirror, dual-zone automatic climate control air conditioning, leather steering wheel and shift knob and a choice of paint colours.

Vehicles fitted with the 2.0-litre petrol powerplant are capable of accelerating from 0-62mph in 10.3 seconds en route to a 134mph maximum speed.  Combined fuel economy of 40.9mpg is achievable and CO₂ emissions of 159g/km put the petrol Mazda6 in road tax band G.  Meanwhile, the 2.2D 163ps models return an impressive 52.3mpg combined and produce 142g/km CO₂ (five-door; estate produces 143g/km CO₂).  Both versions hit 62mph in just 9.2 seconds.

“The new Mazda Takuya range offers buyers genuine exclusivity, evocative sports styling and represents fantastic value for money,” comments Mark Cameron, sales director, Mazda UK.

“Previous Special Edition Mazda models have proved hugely popular, fast selling and boast impressive residual values.  The Takuya range offers yet another reason for value-seeking consumers that want something different to the mainstream to head down to their local Mazda dealership this summer.”

HYUNDAI NEWS - HYUNDAI VOTED TOP FOR QUALITY IN GERMANY.

When the Germans think of a quality car, there’s only one brand that now springs to mind – Hyundai. Leading German motoring magazine AutoBild, has awarded Hyundai the honour of first-place in its annual AutoBild Quality Report for 2010.

Hyundai edged out local manufacturers BMW and Audi to take the prestigious award based on a comprehensive analysis of reliability, long-term quality and customer satisfaction.

AutoBild's annual list evaluates seven key criteria, each weighted equally, including feedback received from 9278 owners, manufacturer warranty provisioning, recall information, and data from Germany's Technische Uberwachung Verein report (TÜV) based on no less than 7.5 million vehicle inspections. 

Considered to be one of the most respected industry quality surveys and endorsed by a fastidious German audience, the award further demonstrates the gains Hyundai has made in consistently improving the quality of its products, service and support available to its owners.

It’s not just in Germany that Hyundai’s quality has been applauded. Here in Britain, the i30 recently took first place in the Driver Power Top 100 survey, a customer satisfaction survey conducted by AutoBild’s sister magazine, Auto Express. This confirmed the findings of Which? consumer guide whose subscribers revealed i30 to be Britain’s most reliable medium-sized car.

 TOYOTA PRAISED FOR VALUE !

Prius and Verso praised for all-round quality and value

There is no need to take our word for it, the Toyota Prius and Verso are “best buys”. That’s the verdict of Which?, Europe’s largest consumer organisation.

The full hybrid Prius earned the accolade among Large Cars and Verso is a top choice among MPVs in the detailed new car survey for the autumn issue of Which? Car. Both have gained the prestigious Which? “Best Buy” recommendation that signifies they are considered trustworthy, offer great value for money and high quality, having met the standards demanded by Which?’s rigorous test programme.

Gaining a 90 per cent satisfaction rating from owners surveyed by Which?, Prius is acclaimed as an “era-defining” model with “impressive” CO₂ output from 89 to 92g/km.

Assessing the seven-seat Verso, Which? declares: “Verso ticks all the right boxes, with a versatile interior and good comfort.”

The reports follow hot on the heels of more good news for Toyota in Which? Car’s 2010 reliability survey. The iQ being ranked sixth overall with a reliability score of 96 per cent and Prius in seventh with a 95.4 per cent rating.

The study is the largest of its kind in the UK, researching owners’ experiences with more than 26,000 cars up to three years old.