Vauxhall has revealed prices and specification details for its revised Astra line-up, which will be available to order from £18,885 on 1 August. Launched in 2015, the Astra is one of the older models in Vauxhall’s line-up, meaning it was designed and engineered under GM ownership before the brand was taken over by PSA. It’s not possible to install the French firm’s engines in the Astra platform, so separate units bespoke to the Astra have been brought in. The overhauled range kicks off with a three-cylinder 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine in 108bhp, 128bhp and 143bhp forms. The former variant makes 143lb ft of torque, while the latter two put out 166lb ft. All are mated to a six-speed manual and manage between 51.4mpg and 54.3mpg on the WLTP test cycle. Emissions levels range from 94g/km for the 1.5-litre diesel Sports Tourer to 120g/km for a 1.5-litre hatchback with an automatic gearbox. Also available – and not from the usual PSA stable – is a 1.4-litre three-cylinder also putting out 143bhp, but with torque up to 174lb ft, mated exclusively to a seven-step CVT transmission. Diesels are all 1.5-litre units making from 103bhp to 119bhp, mated to a six-speed manual gearbox or a new nine-speed automatic. Vauxhall claims up to 64.2mpg combined for the most frugal variant. The range opens at £18,885 for SE trim, with a choice of all three engines and transmissions. SE prices rise to £21,985 for a car equipped with a 1.5-litre diesel unit mated to the nine-speed automatic gearbox. The Astra hatchback can be specified in six further trim packages, with prices ranging from £19,585 for Business Edition Nav to £29,310 for range-topping Ultimate Nav trim with the 1.5-litre diesel unit and automatic gearbox. The Astra Sports Tourer estate is available from £20,355 for SE trim with the 1.2-litre unit, rising to £26,920 for a 1.5-litre diesel-equipped car in SRi Nav trim. Entry-level trim comes equipped as standard with 16in alloy wheels, a 7in colour touchscreen, Bluetooth, air conditioning, cruise control and tinted windows as standard. Business Edition Nav trim adds an adjustable armrest, while SRi gains a front camera system and 17in wheels. On top-spec models, the standard equipment list is much longer, with sports front seats, LED headlamps and an alarm system fitted from mid-range SRi Nav upwards. Top-spec Ultimate Nav gains leather seats, a Bose sound system, heated windscreen, wireless charging and a parking assist package. Across the range, there are mild exterior upgrades aimed at improving aerodynamic performance, including a new engine cover, grille with automatic shutters and “underbody optimisation”. The interior upgrades are focused on improving available kit rather than visual changes. Three new infotainment options, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, are said to be smarter, faster and more intuitive to operate. Safety kit has improved, too, with a new digital front camera allowing greater recognition of hazards and pedestrian detection for the autonomous braking system, while the traffic sign recognition system is enhanced. Deliveries of the new Ford Focus rival are set to begin in
Origin: New Vauxhall Astra: UK prices and specifications revealed
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New Mazda 3: UK prices for Skyactiv-X variants announced
Mazda has confirmed UK pricing and specifications for Skyactiv-X-powered variants of the new 3. The 2.0-litre four-cylinder powertrain, which uses the brand’s newly developed spark plug-controlled compression ignition technology, can be equipped from £23,555. This starting price applies to both the hatchback variant and the saloon, which will arrive in the UK in October. The unit will be offered with a manual or automatic gearbox, and is available on four trim lines: entry-level Sport, Sport Lux, GT Sport and range-topping GT Sport Tech, which tops the line-up at a starting price of £29,775 for the hatch and £27,575 for the saloon. Sport trim comes equipped as standard with rear privacy glass, chrome detailing and a frameless rear view mirror, while Sport Lux adds keyless entry, a reversing camera and heated front seats. Higher up the range, GT Sport is offered with electrically adjustable leather seats, a heated steering wheel and Bose sound system, and top-spec models receive a 360deg camera and additional driver safety aids. All Skyactiv-X models feature a 7in digital instrument display and Mazda’s new 8.8in infotainment central display, but 18 in alloy wheels, black badges and a wider exhaust tailpipe are added beyond Sport trim. The firm says the new engine combines the performance of a petrol engine with the fuel economy of a diesel. The unit has been confirmed to deliver 178bhp and 165lb ft of torque, while producing a fuel economy of up to 52.3mpg on the WLTP cycle, with CO2 emissions from 96g/km. The economy and CO2 figures depend on model, wheel size and choice of gearbox. The powertrain will also include Mazda’s M Hybrid system, a 24V mild-hybrid unit that can regain energy under braking. The new Skyactiv-X engine is the most marked feature of the new 3, given that it has the potential to breathe new life into petrol power amid stricter emissions and efficiency targets. It also promises “superior initial response, powerful torque, faithful linear response and free-revving performance”, says Mazda. Powertrain boss Ichiro Hirose confirmed to Autocar that the powertrain is scalable for petrol engines with more or less displacement. The Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus rival, unveiled at the Los Angeles motor show, features the Japanese car maker’s new design language seen on the Vision Coupé concept of 2018. The Skyactiv-X unit is the third to become available on the 3: the car was initially launched with a 120bhp 2.0-litre Skyactiv-G petrol featuring a 24V mild-hybrid system (starting from £20,595) and a 114bhp 1.8-litre Skyactiv-D diesel (starting at £22,395). The new Mazda 3 introduces the firm’s new Skyactiv Vehicle Architecture, an umbrella term for a number of new structures including seats that maintain the natural curve of the spine and a ring-structure bodyshell that increases rigidity, reduces transmission lag and improves noise, vibration and harshness levels. All of these features form part of Mazda Premium, a goal by the firm to position itself more in line with traditional premium car brands. The latest version of Mazda’s i-Activ AWD system, an option exclusively on hatchbacks in GT Sport Tech trim, works with the car’s torque vectoring to control torque distribution between the front and rear wheels. This makes the car respond better to driver input than previously, according to Mazda. It is the first four-wheel drive family hatch the company has offered since the 323 AWD. Inside the new 3, Mazda said it has focused on ergonomics and ensuring a good driving position and visibility. The infotainment system has been redesigned to be more intuitive to use, while speakers have been positioned, following research, to ensure excellent sound quality. Safety systems include a driver monitoring system that uses an infrared camera and LED to observe the driver and sounds an alert if the system considers the situation is
Origin: New Mazda 3: UK prices for Skyactiv-X variants announced
New Kia Xceed crossover: UK prices and specs announced
Kia has released UK pricing and spec details for its new Xceed crossover, revealed last month. The model, which is the fourth in the latest Ceed range, is available to order now priced from £20,795 – around £2000 more than the equivalent Ceed five-door hatchback. That gets you the 118bhp 1.0-litre turbo petrol T-GDi in 2 trim, which comes with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, LED headlights, keyless entry, cruise control, an 8.0in infotainment touchscreen and a rear-view camera. Also available are 1.4-litre turbo petrol and 1.6-litre diesel engines, while 3 and First Edition increase the amount of standard kit significantly. The priciest model is the 1.4 T-GDi First Edition with an automatic gearbox. First deliveries of the Xceed are expected in December. The front-wheel-drive Xceed is said to marry hatchback-style driving dynamics with the practicality of a small SUV, wrapped up in a sportily styled body with a bespoke design. The similarly conceived Ford Focus Active is lined up as its closest competitor. The technical base for the Xceed is the five-door hatchback, and it shares that car’s 2650mm wheelbase. Kia says only the front doors are carried over and rest of the body is new, including the windscreen and sloping roofline. The new body is 85mm longer and 26mm wider than the hatchback’s, thanks to extended front and rear overhangs that increase the length of the Xceed to 4395mm. Kia hopes these dimensions will put the Xceed in a different class from big-selling small SUVs such as the Nissan Juke and its larger sibling, the Qashqai. Kia, of course, has to position the Xceed between its £15k Stonic small SUV and the £19k Sportage family SUV. “There is growing desire for cars that offer more emotion and dynamism than an SUV, yet these customers don’t want to lose the practicality offered by a larger car,” said Kia Motors Europe chief operating officer Emilio Herrera. To give the Xceed a little more rough ground-covering ability and raise the driving position to improve visibility and in/out access for the driver, the ride height is pushed up by 42mm to create 174mm of ground clearance. This also raises the Xceed’s roofline to 1490mm – just a few millimetres lower than successful small SUVs such as the Fiat 500X and Audi Q2. With the higher ride height and the dynamic handling target, Kia has re-engineered the suspension using some unique components and a bespoke set-up. Kia said the target was to deliver “a mature ride and engaging handling character in all conditions”. The front axle features new hydraulic rebound stoppers, the front springs are softened by 7% and the rear springs by 4%. The steering is carried over from the hatchback, but it’s retuned to give quicker initial response and a slightly lighter feel. Kia claims the retuned steering, together with the chassis changes, endow the high-riding Xceed with similar handling dynamics and roll control as the Ceed hatchback. Refinement, meanwhile, is said to have been improved by a new dynamic damper for the rear crossmember. Kia says that the interior “carries over the cabin architecture of its Ceed stablemates” with an optional upgrade to a fully digital 12.3in instrument cluster – a first for Kia. Five engines will be on offer – three petrols and two diesels, all taken from the rest of the Ceed range. The range starts with a three-cylinder turbo 119bhp 1.0 petrol and moves up to a four-cylinder turbo 138bhp 1.4. A 201bhp 1.6 from the Ceed GT is available in other markets but Autocar understands this isn’t destined for the UK for the time being. The diesels are both 1.6 capacity in outputs of either 114bhp or 134bhp. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic optional on all engines except the 1.0. Plug-in hybrid and 48V mild hybrid versions will be launched in early
Origin: New Kia Xceed crossover: UK prices and specs announced
Mercedes-AMG GT R Roadster: UK prices and specs revealed
The flagship version of Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster, the hardcore, limited-run R model, is now on sale priced from £178,675. Representing a £34,400 price increase over the AMG GT C Roadster and a £30,000 increase over the hard-top GT R, it’s available to order now with first deliveries expected in the autumn. Revealed back at the Geneva motor show and limited to just 750 units, the Mercedes-AMG GT R Roadster will share its twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine with the GT R coupé, producing 577bhp and 516lb ft sent via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. The firm now quotes a WLTP combined figure of 22.6mpg, while the car emits 284g/km of CO2. It can hit 62mph from rest in just 3.6sec and reach a top speed of 197mph. That 0-62mph time matches that of the GT R coupé, and the top speed is just 1mph shy of its fixed-roof sibling. The aggressive styling of the coupé also translates to the Roadster, including the large fixed rear wing, while the likes of the coil-over suspension and adjustable dampers, tuneable through several different driving modes, and rear-wheel active steering, also feature, giving the GT R Roadster a very similar dynamic spec to that of the coupé. The aerodynamic package also carries over, including the front lip spoiler, active aero front grille and large rear double diffuser that houses the exhausts. The wider track over the GT C Roadster on which the car is based allow for fitment of the larger lightweight 19in front/20in rear alloys, shod in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres and sized 273/35 front and 325/30 rear, while also improving stability. The three-layered fabric roof from the rest of the GT Roadster range carries over unchanged to the GT R Roadster. The model weighs 1710kg, an increase of 80kg over the GT R coupé. Rigidity improvements to mitigate the loss of strength in the GT’s conversion from coupé to Roadster include thicker sill elements, an additional dashboard support and an aluminium cross-member integrated into the rear bulkhead that supports the fixed roll-over bars. Lightweight options include composite brakes and a two-stage carbonfibre pack for various trim elements. Each of the 750 models sold will have a bespoke badge on the centre console depicting that car’s number in the production run. The Porsche 911-rivalling GT range now runs to 16 versions including hard and soft-top road cars, and racing
Origin: Mercedes-AMG GT R Roadster: UK prices and specs revealed
Your Corner Wrench: Don’t be overwhelmed by tire choices and prices
2018 Dodge Challenger HellcatNick Tragianis / Driving When shopping for a new (or new-to-you) ride, we know the last things to grab your attention are those black rubber rounds on which it sits. It’s understandable. Compared to the rest of the package, with all its modern styling, shiny paint, and loads of high-tech gizmos, tires are just dull and boring. But missing a few points on a vehicle’s boots can cost you dearly down the road. No matter how well you take care of a car, and no matter how carefully you drive, you will have to replace tires every 50,000 to 75,000 kilometres, on average. It’s inevitable, but whether or not this becomes a wallet-busting nightmare or an easy routine depends on your shopping skills. Years ago, automakers learned dressing up tires can greatly increase their desirability. Execs demand a lot from tire manufacturers in terms of performance specs on tires, but unfortunately, at the bottom of the list was tread longevity, purchase price, and sometimes even availability. After all, automakers want tires to run quiet, smooth, and provide acceptable grip — not last forever. The move that ends up costing us the most is low-profile tires. But before we go any further, this is a good time for a brief refresher on tire sizing. On every tire’s sidewall is size depicted in letter and numbers — for example, P225/65R17. P stands for passenger vehicle (as opposed to LT, which means light truck). The number 225 is the tire’s tread width in millimeters, and 65 indicates that the tire’s side wall height is 65 per cent of the tread’s width. Finally, 17 refers to the wheel size in inches, just because tire sizing shouldn’t make complete sense. When it comes to pricing, once you go past the 17-inch wheel size and/or below the 65-series sidewall height — also referred to as the aspect ratio — costs go up dramatically. Grab a ride with 50-series fitted on 20-inch wheels, and you can be entering the stratosphere of rubber prices. Take Canada’s most popular car, for example — the Honda Civic. The entrly-level Civic DX comes with P215/55R6 tires, which run about $145 before installation and taxes, for a set of Goodyear Assurance tires. But if you step up the Sport Touring level, those P235/40R18 boots will set you back $215 on average for the same tire. That’s a whopping 48 per cent increase. Some driving enthusiasts will tell you it’s money well spent, as those wider tires have better grip during aggressive cornering, and their shorter stance combined with lightweight alloy wheels provide better steering and suspension response. In reality, you’ve got to be pushing it past legal limits to appreciate the difference. So, how can you protect your wallet? First, consider models with a more affordable tire size from the start. If the particular vehicle on the dealer lot you’re considering is shod with platinum-level shoes, ask if a downsize is possible. If a retailer can simply swap a set of wheels and tires between another lesser-trim model already in stock, they’ll usually be more than happy to be stuck’ with the more expensive set, while you drive off on something you (and your wallet) can live
Origin: Your Corner Wrench: Don’t be overwhelmed by tire choices and prices
Kia details UK prices and specifications for updated Niro
Revised versions of the Kia Niro hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) are now on sale in the UK, priced from £24,590. Four trim levels are available, each powered by the firm’s 1.6-litre GDi petrol engine. Hybrid models receive a 1.56 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack, with plug-in variants using a larger 8.9 kWh unit. Prices range from less than £25,000 for entry-level ‘1’ trim, to £31,945 for top-spec plug-in hybrid versions. Revealed at the Geneva motor show, the compact SUV’s facelift adds greater connectivity and a tweaked exterior design. Both the hybrid and plug-in hybrid Niro receive new front and rear bumpers inspired by the electric e-Niro, with new LED daytime running lights as standard and Kia’s ‘ice-cube’-styled projection headlights. LED headlights and foglights will be available as options. New paint colours and alloy wheel designs have also been added to the range. Bigger changes can be found inside, where Kia has upgraded the dashboard with soft-touch materials and added red-orange and plum colour trim packs. The manual handbrake has been replaced by an electronic parking brake and the steering wheel gains paddle shifters to take manual control of the six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. The 8.0in touchscreen infotainment system can now be upgraded to a 10.25in widescreen and the 4.2in instrument cluster can be exchanged for a 7.0in Supervision display. Kia’s UVO Connect telematics system has also been added to the range, providing always-connected functionality such as live traffic information, fuel prices and charging station information through an integrated SIM card. The updated Niro is now available with optional stop and go cruise control and active lane keep assist functionality for the first time. “The Niro has become a key growth driver for Kia in Europe and is a cornerstone of our electrified product strategy,” Emilio Herrera, Kia Europe CEO, said. “New enhancements to quality and design and the adoption of our ‘connected’ UVO system will make the Niro family an even more compelling proposition.” The Niro is now one of Kia’s best-selling European models, with over 14,000 hybrid and PHEV models sold in the UK alone since its introduction in
Origin: Kia details UK prices and specifications for updated Niro
Could Alberta drive B.C. gas prices up even further?
A tanker tractor-trailer semi truck driving down a rainy road.Fotolia Drivers in Canada’s westernmost province have historically paid more at the pumps for gasoline than their Alberta neighbours. A combination of demand and taxation, amongst other reasons, conspire to hose British Columbia’s drivers with fuel prices generally much higher than the rest of the country. It doesn’t help the Lower Mainland used to have four refineries but shuttered three of them over twenty years ago, but that is a topic for another day. With a new premier in the Alberta driver’s seat, the energy-rich province has sparked a war of words with its west coast neighbour. By enacting Bill 12 into law, premier Kenney has thrown down the gasoline gauntlet. If you have been living under an especially virulent rock, know that Bill 12 gives Alberta the ability to restrict the export of crude oil, natural gas and refined fuels, if necessary. It was actually passed by the previous NDP government, who intended to hang onto it and only enact it into law if needed. A bit of background on how fuel makes its way into British Columbia might be helpful. With a dearth of refineries, the province relies on a series of import systems to quench its thirst for the almighty go-juice. It is estimated Alberta supplies well over two-thirds of the gasoline and diesel used in B.C., liquid gold that is sent west via trucks and a pipeline. With the latter full to capacity, B.C. needs to ship in more gas via trucks and barges, both of which are eye-wateringly expensive ways to move fuel. It’s clear, then, why some think the threat of tightening the taps in Alberta should scare the bejeebers out of folks in British Columbia. With gas prices rapidly approaching $2.00/litre, they may have a point. But there’s a problem. Lawmakers in B.C. have filed a constitutional challenge to Bill 12, arguing it contravenes the Constitution Act, 1867, which allows for the free flow of goods throughout the provinces. The new bill would give the provincial government authority to require companies to obtain a licence before exporting energy products from Alberta via pipeline, rail or truck. Those export licences would be required for every company if the energy minister determines it’s in the public interest to ensure adequate pipeline capacity is available to maximize the return on resources and supply is maintained for Alberta’s needs, now and into the future. It’s likely that latter stipulation that has rankled the crew in B.C. We won’t have long to wait: an initial hearing on the issue is set for May 7 in
Origin: Could Alberta drive B.C. gas prices up even further?
Tesla Model 3 UK prices revealed
Tesla Model 3 UK prices revealed Right hand driver versions are due in June The Tesla Model 3 has gone on sale in the UK, with prices starting at £38,900 for the company’s most compact model in Standard Range Plus specification. The entry level model has a range of 258 miles, which is an estimated WLTP figure, and is rear-wheel drive, with a 0-62mph time of 5.3 seconds. Above Standard Range Plus are Long Range and Performance specifications, starting at £47,900 and £56,900 respectively. The Long Range Model 3 will cover 348 miles on a charge with a sprint time of 4.5 seconds 0-62mph, while the Performance version drops that to just 3.2 seconds, and has a range of 329 miles. Both are all-wheel drive. All cars get the large landscape touchscreen system that controls and displays just about everything. Standard Range Plus models have electric and heated front seats, standard maps and navigation, premium seat material and trim, and upgraded audio. The next two trim levels add heated rear seats, a premium audio system, satellite view maps with live traffic and navigation, and in-car internet. All models get a tinted glass sunroof. Tesla fits its Autopilot hardware to all vehicles, meaning that the cars can be upgraded to be autonomous once the laws allow, and be updated via over-the-air downloads. Autopilot currently allows for adaptive cruise control with lane keep assist. Deliveries are set to start in June for those first customers that put their deposits down.
Origin: Tesla Model 3 UK prices revealed
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