Renault has revealed UK-specific pricing and specification detail for the new, second-generation Captur ahead of orders opening later this month. The Clio-based crossover, first shown to the public at September’s Frankfurt motor show, is priced from £17,595. That gets you a Play spec model with the base 1.0-litre three cylinder TCe 100 motor, which puts out 99bhp and 118lb ft of torque. Standard equipment for the entry-level model includes full LED headlights, climate control, cruise control, a seven-inch touchscreen with DAB, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration and keyless entry. Also included is safety kit such as lane departure warning, lane keep assist and active emergency braking. Stepping up to the TCe 130, which uses a 1.3-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, adds £2,800 – although in Play spec it’s auto-only, which explains the big price jump. Other engines include dCi 95 and dCi 115 diesel engines, (From £19,395 and 21,695 respectively) plus a range-topping TCe 155 petrol (from £22,895). Just three specification grades will be offered at launch, with Iconic (from £19,095) and S Edition (from £29,595) specs rounding the range off. The French maker claims to have sold more of the outgoing Captur last year than when it first launched in 2013. To continue that success, the new Seat Arona rival adopts an evolutionary approach to the exterior design that Renault describes as “more modern, more muscular and more expressive, with more SUV design cues”. The new crossover is significantly larger than its predecessor, with 100mm added to its length – with a 33mm longer wheelbase – and a 19mm increase in width. The result is claimed class-leading rear seat space, aided by a sliding bench that can be adjusted by up to 16cm, and a 536-litre boot that is 81 litres larger than the outgoing car. The Mk2 Captur sits on the same CMF-B platform first used for the latest Clio. It’s said to weigh “about the same” as the old car despite its increase in size and equipment levels, thanks to details such as an aluminium bonnet and plastic tailgate. The interior of the new car, like the Clio, has had a more substantial overhaul than the exterior. Renault claims it offers “a new dimension of quality and comfort rivalling models from the class above” with extensive use of higher-grade materials and newly designed seats. There’s also a new floating centre console, freeing up additional storage and space for wireless phone charging. The infotainment is a big upgrade, with an optional 9.3in central screen – larger than in the bigger Kadjar – combining with standard customisable 7in digital instruments (a 10in display is available on higher grades). A greater range of standard safety assist kit is offered, too. Renault is also going big on customisation: there’s a total of 90 exterior colour combinations and 18 interior configurations. From launch, the Captur will be offered with three turbocharged petrol engines and two diesels, all new to the car. The base 1.0-litre three-cylinder TCe unit puts out 99bhp and 118lb ft of torque, while a 1.3-litre four-cylinder makes 128bhp and 177lb ft in ‘130’ form, and 153bhp and 199lb ft in ‘155’ form. A 1.5-litre diesel comes in 94bhp and 113bhp form. Depending on the engine, five- or six-speed manual and seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearboxes are offered. The Captur will gain a plug-in hybrid E-Tech model in the first quarter of 2020. The system, for which Renault has filed over 150 patents, blends a 1.6-litre petrol engine with a 9.8kWh battery and two electric motors, linked to a new ‘multimode’ continuously variable transmission, claimed to feel like a dual-clutch set-up. Renault says it can run for 28 miles on battery power alone at up to 83mph, while a braking system taken from the firm’s EV range allows strong brake regeneration for a ‘one pedal’ driving technique. Performance and efficiency figures have not yet been released, but engineers tell us it puts out around 150bhp and “substantially” more torque than the regular petrol
Origin: New Renault Captur: UK prices and specs announced for 2020 crossover
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New Mazda 2: prices and specs revealed for redesigned supermini
The Mazda 2 is being updated for 2020 to bring it into line with newer rivals, and it’s available to order now with the first examples landing in dealers. The entry level SE-L model will cost £15,795, and includes rear parking sensors, 15in alloy wheels and climate control. As well a more powerful engine, SE-L Nav models and above gain the Mazda Connect navigation system, which is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and driver assistance features including brake assist and lane-keeping assist. SE-L Nav models start from £16,610. For £17,310, Sport Nav models add 16in alloy wheels, a gloss black grille, rear privacy glass, chrome exhausts and keyless entry. The top-rung GT Sport Nav models feature a reversing camera, leather seats, a head-up display, and heated front seats and steering wheel. Such models start from £18,110 for manual models, and £19,370 with an automatic gearbox. The Japanese firm’s Ford Fiesta and Hyundai i20 rival will retain the 1.5-litre Skyactiv-G petrol engine, but is now boosted by a belt-integrated starter/generator on all manual models. It will be offered in two stages of tune, with a 74bhp version on entry level SE-L models, and a 89bhp powertrain for SE-L Nav, Sport Nav and GT Sport Nav trims. The manual versions produce 94-95g/km of CO2, depending on trim level, with a WLTP-certified combined fuel economy of 53.4mpg. Mazda cites a number of tweaks to improve the handling of its supermini, including a new urethane top mount in the rear dampers, revised power steering and the introduction of a G-Vectoring Control Plus system, which subtly uses the brakes to aid cornering stability and smoothen your chosen line. The design changes include a revised grille with a new design closer to the Mazda 3, a wider wing, new bumper and revised LED headlights. Inside, the dashboard trim, air vents and other features have been tweaked, with new-shape seats designed to offer more comfort. Mazda also claims the use of new damping materials and the reduction in the gap around the B-pillar reduce noise and improve refinement for those
Origin: New Mazda 2: prices and specs revealed for redesigned supermini
CUSMA trade deal could keep auto jobs in Canada, but car prices could rise
Workers are seen at the FCA Windsor Assembly Plant on Oct. 5, 2018 in Windsor.JEFF KOWALSKY / AFP/Getty Images A new trade deal between Canada, Mexico and the United States has taken a major step toward implementation, and it looks like it could be good news for the auto industry.The agreement which the Canadian government calls CUSMA (Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement) but which the U.S., unsurprisingly, refers to as the USMCA will replace NAFTA (the North American Free Trade Agreement), which has been around since 1994.All three countries had tentatively agreed on the deal in 2018 but wanted several amendments, including on automotive rules of origin.The two American political parties have finally agreed on the terms, while Chrystia Freeland, Canadas Deputy Prime Minister, signed on to the amendments yesterday. Mexico has also stated it is satisfied with the new agreement.The CUSMA deal now has to be ratified by all three countries, which could potentially happen as early as the end of 2019. In the U.S., General Motors and Ford issued statements approving the deal, as did the president of Canadas Unifor auto workers union, who told Automotive News Canada that it could level the playing field between Canada and Mexico.Among the agreements rules are a requirement that 70 per cent of the aluminum used in North American-built cars be of North American origin. The amount of domestic steel is also mandated, and the amendment tightens up the definition of exactly what constitutes North American steel.Under NAFTA, 62.5 per cent of a cars components had to be made in North America in order to move duty-free between the three countries. Under the new agreement, that will rise to 75 per cent by 2023. The deal also prevents the U.S. from imposing future tariffs on specified numbers of Canadian- and Mexican-built auto parts.At least 30 per cent of a vehicle must be made by workers who earn more than US$16 per hour, and Mexican workers will have the right to demand fair pay and freely form unions. An inter-agency committee will be put in place to inspect factories suspected of having poor working conditions an amendment to the original deals provision for U.S. officials to enter and inspect Mexican facilities, which Mexico opposed.Its expected this agreement will keep more auto jobs in Canada and the U.S., rather than seeing them moved to Mexico. However, some experts say this could cause car prices to rise and to reduce the number of smaller vehicles available to buyers, since many of these are currently made in
Origin: CUSMA trade deal could keep auto jobs in Canada, but car prices could rise
BMW prices up new plug-in hybrid models in UK
BMW has revealed UK pricing and spec details for a range of new plug-in hybrids, alongside announcing updates for existing models. The latest editions to the German maker’s PHEV line-up are the X3 xDrive30e and X5 xDrive45e, available to order from £47,565 and £63,165 respectively. The smaller of the two, the X3, is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine with an electric motor for a total output of 248bhp. It’s also equipped with ‘XtraBoost’, an on-demand system that adds 41bhp from the EV system at the touch of a button. It promises an all-electric range of up to 34 miles, economy of up to 128mpg and CO2 emissions of 49g/km, alongside a 0-62mph time of 6.1sec. Production of the X3 xDrive30e will begin in December, with SE, xLine and M Sport trims offered. The plug-in X5 makes use of a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine mated to a 113bhp electric motor, combining for a peak 389bhp and 442lb ft. A significantly larger 24kWh battery allows a quoted all-electric range of 54 miles – three times that of the old model. Economy is quoted at up to 235mpg, with 39g/km of CO2, while it manages 0-62mph in 5.6sec and a 146mph top speed. The BMW 330e, which we drove earlier this year, is also now on pricing lists in the UK. It comes in four trim levels, promising 0-62mph in 6.0sec and up to 201mpg, and is priced from £37,875. Two other BMW PHEVs, the 530e saloon and 225xe Active Tourer, see new lithium batteries fitted to improve range. The packs have the same dimensions as the ones they replace but the energy content has increased from 9.2kWh to 12kWh, boosting EV range to up to 35 miles on the 530e and 31 miles on the 225xe. The former promises up to 156mpg and CO2 emissions as low as 36g/km, although this worsens significantly with the addition of xDrive all-wheel drive. The 225xe is claimed to offer up to
Origin: BMW prices up new plug-in hybrid models in UK
Ford Focus prices increased as entry variant dropped
Ford has revised the Focus lineup in the UK, with the removal of the entry-level Style model, a new trim grade added and small price increases on certain models. The dropping of Style trim, a model often ignored by buyers in favour of better equipped trims, means that the Focus now starts from £20,645 for the Zetec grade – £2,100 more than before. That brings it to a similar pricing point as the new Puma, which is available to order in higher trim grades for the time being. A series of small price rises have also been implemented elsewhere in the range, according to the firm’s latest pricing lists which are in the process of being incorporated into the online configurator. All Zetec, Active and ST-Line grades see a bump up of £250, while estates rise by £100 and petrols rise by £500. Two new variants are now available to order, too. Joining the current two-strong lineup of ruggedly-styled Active models is a flagship Active Vignale, available from £27,045, which brings the extensive kit tally from the standard Vignale model onto the higher-riding car. The tweaks follow a more minor revision of the Focus which regards to one model, quietly implemented earlier this year. The 1.5-litre petrol engine has been switched from the multi-link rear suspension to a cheaper, simpler torsion beam setup, leaving only the 2.0-litre diesel models with the multi-link
Origin: Ford Focus prices increased as entry variant dropped
New Renault Zoe: UK prices and specs announced
Renault has revealed UK pricing and spec details of the new Zoe, ahead of orders commencing in mid-September and first deliveries in January. The new Vauxhall Corsa-e rival is, like the old car, available with two purchasing options. It can be bought outright from £25,670, or £18,670 under Renault’s battery leasing scheme. The firm hasn’t quoted monthly battery lease costs yet, however. The base Play model comes with a 106bhp electric motor, alongside kit such as LED headlamps, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, DAB, auto lights and wipers and a 7kWh fast charging wallbox, including installation. Step up to Iconic from £27,170 (or £20,170 under battery leasing) and you’ll also get sat-nav, climate control, wireless phone charging and a driver assistance package, among other features. Iconic also brings the option of the more powerful 132bhp motor, allowing 0-62mph in 9.5sec and a limited top speed of 87mph, for an extra £500. That’s standard on GT Line trim, which gets a larger 9.3in touchscreen, a rear-view camera, synthetic leather and recycled cloth upholstery and blind spot warning. Options include 50kW DC rapid charging with a CCS connector, costing £750. Designed for those who intend to do frequent long journeys, it can deliver 90 miles of range in around 30 minutes. Effectively a heavy redesign of the outgoing model, the new Zoe will go on sale in a dramatically different market from the one its predecessor entered in 2012, with a range of competitors including the new Peugeot e-208, Vauxhall Corsa-e, Honda e and Volkswagen ID 3. Sharing the same overall dimensions as the outgoing Zoe, the car’s design is updated with new grilles and bumpers, plus new, standard-fit LED headlights and tail-lights. There is a fresh colour palette inside and out, as well as new wheel designs. The intention has been to modernise the supermini’s looks. The interior is more heavily revamped, with a new dashboard design introducing a 10.0in customisable digital instrument display as standard across the range. Top-spec cars also receive a new curved 9.3in touchscreen infotainment display, similar to that found in the latest Clio, using the firm’s Easy Link connected technology. As well as being able to locate suitable charging points, it can tell if one isn’t functioning properly. A new smartphone app can also remotely pre-heat or cool the car. Higher-quality materials and new upholstery, including one made using 100% recycled fabric, aim to give the Zoe a more upmarket air. New details, such as an electronic gearlever and parking brake, free up extra storage space in the cabin, while wireless smartphone charging and an acoustic windscreen have been added. The Zoe’s biggest developments are in the powertrain department. The previous generation, which was upgraded throughout its life, made use of a 40kWh battery in its highest spec, but now an increase to 52kWh allows Renault to claim a WLTP-certified range of up to 245 miles. Renault has also adapted the car’s charging system to optionally allow a 50kW DC charge using a CCS plug, joining existing Type 2 and AC connections behind the enlarged front badge flap. An optional 7kW wallbox enables owners to charge the battery from empty to full in nine hours. The new Zoe is now available with a choice of two motors. A base 106bhp unit – carried over from the old car – is joined by a higher-spec 132bhp version. Renault claims this power unit, which makes 181lb ft of torque, allows the Zoe to achieve the 0-62mph sprint in less than 10 seconds and go from 50mph to 75mph in 7.1sec. Its top speed rises from 81mph to 87mph. Chassis changes are limited, but Renault claims the spring and damper rates have been tweaked and all-round disc brakes appear for the first time. QA Emmanuel Bouvier, director of sales and marketing and EVs, Renault This is effectively a heavy facelift of an older design. Why not an all-new platform? “We are in the unusual situation where we have a seven-year-old vehicle whose sales are growing significantly year on year. We are confident that this Zoe has plenty of life left in it, but we are considering using a common (Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi) Alliance platform in future.” You claim the new Zoe is part of a wider assault on the EV market. What is next? “Our objective is to cover A-, B- and C-segments, with multiple shapes of vehicles (ie standard cars and crossovers/SUVs). These will be focused on being passenger cars. I cannot tell you more at this stage.” Does the recently launched City K-ZE fit into these plans in Europe, or is it just for China? “We are currently investigating if the City K-ZE has international sales potential. No decision has been made
Origin: New Renault Zoe: UK prices and specs announced
New engine raises Dacia Duster prices by £1000
Dacia has raised the pricing of its Duster SUV following the addition of a new entry-level petrol engine. The new engine is available on Dusters equipped with Access, Essential and Comfort trim, with prices ranging from £10,995 to £13,995. This marks a £1000 increase over the Duster’s previous £9995 entry price. The turbocharged three-cylinder TCe 100 unit replaces the 1.6-litre SCe 115 engine with less power, at 99bhp, but improved emissions. CO2 output is down 18% at 126g/km and fuel efficiency has been improved from 40.9-43.5mpg to 48.7-49.5mpg. Torque output is improved as well, with the TCe 100 producing 192lb ft, 66% more than the SCe unit’s 115lb ft. Acceleration and top speed are slightly reduced, though, with the TCe capable of 0-62mph in 12.5sec and a top speed of 104mph. Dacia claims the TCe 100, also found in the new Renault Clio, is lighter and more compact than the engine it replaces. Mechanical improvements include an electronically controlled turbocharger wastegate, a redesigned exhaust manifold, twin variable valve timing and bore spray coating. Dacia has sold nearly 10,000 Dusters so far this year, an 89% increase compared with the same period in 2018. Even with the newly increased prices, the Duster remains the UK’s cheapest mainstream SUV, with MG’s rival ZS available from
Origin: New engine raises Dacia Duster prices by £1000
All-new Renault Clio: UK prices for advanced supermini revealed
The new fifth-generation Clio is Renault’s most advanced supermini to date, and is now available to order in the UK from £14,295. The Vauxhall Corsa rival is available in four trim levels, the cheapest of which, Play, comes equipped with air-conditioning, DAB radio, intelligent speed limiting software, 16in alloy wheels and advanced driver assistance systems as standard. Iconic trim starts at £15,295, and adds a 7in infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as keyless entry, rear parking sensors and tinted rear windows. The Clio S Edition receives electric rear windows, larger alloy wheels, climate control and automatic windscreen wipers and headlights, and is expected to cost from around £16,200, though prices are yet to be officially confirmed. Heading up the Clio range is RS Line trim, which takes styling influence from Renaultsport performance models like the Mégane R.S. 280. RS Line Clios gain a wider, more aggressive front grille and a faux diffuser for the rear bumper. They also receive a larger exhaust and bespoke alloy wheels, while much of the chrome-effect exterior trim panels will be replaced with Renaultsport-specific gunmetal grey versions. Standard fitment at this level are a rear-view camera, front parking sensors and 17in alloy wheels, while optional Luxury and Techno packages add features including heated leather seats, wireless phone charging and a 360deg camera. RS Line cars also receive black and red interior trim accents throughout the cabin, including on the rear seats. First customer deliveries are expected to take place at the end of October. The Clio, which was announced earlier this year and made its debut at the Geneva motor show, is smaller outside yet roomier inside, with a lighter body built on the CMF-B platform – Renault’s first car to do so. At 4048mm long, it is 14mm shorter than before, with a 6mm-shorter wheelbase and a roof that’s up to 30mm lower. The body-in-white is 22kg lighter, with higher-strength steel for improved passive safety, and an all-new electrical architecture for additional assistance systems. The Clio can be equipped with a 75bhp 1.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, as well as the 1.0-litre turbo already seen on the new Nissan Micra with which it shares a platform. The turbo is available in 99bhp form with either a manual or CVT automatic gearbox, or as a 129bhp version available solely with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. A 1.5-litre diesel will follow with a choice of 84bhp or 114bhp. In 2020, though, it will become the first Renault to use a hybrid powertrain. The system, known as E-tech, will use an 89bhp petrol engine mated to a 40bhp electric motor and 1.2kWh battery. The brand claims it will drive “like an EV” and be 70% electrically powered in town, with three driving modes and regenerative braking. The same drivetrain but with a 9.8kWh battery will make the Captur SUV the first B-segment plug-in hybrid, with an electric-only range of 25 to 30 miles. As to whether a full-bore Clio RS was on the way, Renault’s spokesperson would only confirm that the turbocharged 1.8-litre engine seen in the Megané RS would ‘physically fit’ inside the new CMF-B platform – although the presence of Renaultsport programme director Michael Grosjean at the pre-launch preview gives a good indication of Renault’s future plans. Renault says the new Clio has been developed along three lines: evolutionary exterior design, revolutionary interior design and innovative technology. Across its four previous generations, the Clio has become Renault’s best-selling model. Unusually, the Clio 4 increased its sales every year from 2012 to 2018 to become the second-best selling car in Europe, largely thanks, Renault thinks, to its design. “The top reason buyers give for choosing Clio is always design,” said Vincent Dubroca, the Clio’s product manager. “Way more than in other market segments, but also against its direct competitors.” Senior vice president of design Laurens van den Acker, whose first Renault was the fourth-generation Clio, said: “When I arrived at Renault, it (the Clio) was looking for its soul. This time, we have so much to build on it would be a shame to throw it away.” From a design perspective, then, the fifth-generation Clio seems to pick up from where the old car left off, even though it’s actually entirely new. The interior is where the bigger changes take place. Van den Acker accepts Renault “dramatically needed to improve perceived quality” and reckons 70% of the time he spent with the new Clio was on its interior. Of the Clio 4, he said: “The hard plastic was in your face. Now what’s soft is close and what’s hard is far away. We’ve benchmarked against our competitors, but we’re reaching towards premium-segment cars”. The dashboard is now finished in soft-touch material and is more driver-oriented, with the raised centre console bringing the gearstick closer to the driver. A new airbag
Origin: All-new Renault Clio: UK prices for advanced supermini revealed
New Renault Megane RS Trophy-R: UK prices revealed
Renault has revealed pricing and specs for the limited-run Mégane RS Trophy-R. Just 32 examples are destined for the UK, starting at £51,140. That price includes special Öhlins shock absorbers and an Akrapovic exhaust, alongside Brembo brakes, while a carbon bonnet and diffuser are part of a comprehensive weight reduction programme to offer increased performance. It’s far from the most expensive Trophy-R on offer, however. A £63,140 ‘Carbon wheel pack’ variant is offered, which receives for Carbon Revolution alloy wheels, reducing unsprung weight by 2kg a corner. That’s not all, however. The most extreme version offered is the Nürburgring Record Pack, priced at £72,140. For that you get a car claimed to be the same spec as the car that set the hot hatch lap record at the fearsome German circuit. That includes sector-first carbon ceramic brakes, with large 390mm discs and golf finished callipers. A straight-feed dynamic air intake is also included. The new range-topper features the same highly tuned 1.8-litre turbo engine as the Mégane RS 300 Trophy, which produces 296bhp and 295lb ft of torque. The 0-62mph time drops 0.3 sec from the standard car to 5.4sec, while the top speed increases by 2mph to 163mph. Renault says that the Trophy-R is 130kg lighter, due to a weight saving programme led by Renault Sport, which developed the new model with the same approach taken on a racing car. The Trophy-R is claimed to feature improved aerodynamics and a reworked chassis drive axles to boost performance. That maintains the ethos of previous generations of Trophy-R, which have been focused on extracting performance through handling and dynamics, rather than purely relying on power. The model has also benefitted from development work undertaken by Renault Sport’s partners; it features Brembo brakes, an Akrapovic exhaust, track-focused Bridgestone tyres, lightweight Sabelt bucket seats and Öhlins shock absorbers. Renault claims to have set a new front-wheel-drive production car lap record at the Nürburgring Nordschleife with a high-specced Trophy-R. According to Renault, the car lapped the 12.80-mile Nordschleife in 7min 40.10sec on 5 April, and also posted a time of 7min 45.39secs on the full 12.94-mile layout. It has previously been spied in action on the German race track. The front-wheel-drive production car record at the Nürburgring was previously held by the current Honda Civic Type R, which lapped the track in 7min
Origin: New Renault Megane RS Trophy-R: UK prices revealed
Porsche reveals base 911 Carrera prices and specs
Porsche has released details of the most affordable 992-generation 911 you can buy: the Carrera, now available to order. Priced from £82,793 in hardtop form and £92,438 as a Cabriolet, the Carrera is more than £10,000 cheaper than the S model. It sees power from the 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder unit dropped from the 444bhp of the Carrera S to 380bhp. That’s 15bhp more than the old, 991-generation Carrera, although Porsche hasn’t yet quoted a torque output for the new car. 0-62mph is dispatched in 4.2sec for the coupe: half a second slower than the Carrera S and 0.6 seconds quicker than a manual version of the old 991 Carrera. The time is quoted with the eight-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission, as currently a manual version isn’t available to order. The Cabriolet is expected to be around 0.2sec slower. An optional Sport Chrono package can drop the Carrera coupe’s sprint down to four seconds dead, however. The top speed for the coupe is 182mph, while WLTP-certified economy figures range from 26.2mpg to 28.5mpg, depending on spec. Porsche hasn’t changed a significant amount in terms of the chassis from the Carrera S; it still gets features such as the new Wet Mode as standard, too. However, slightly smaller brakes do feature, down to 330mm on both axles with black painted callipers. To mark it out externally, smaller wheels (down to 19in at the front and 20in at the rear) feature alongside different tailpipe covers. Inside, Porsche claims the interior is unchanged from the Carrera S, with the same 10.9in touchscreen display and range of connectivity
Origin: Porsche reveals base 911 Carrera prices and specs
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