Sunday, 30 June 2013

The Ferrari LaFerrari (2013)


It might be a little odd of Ferrari to call their new model LaFerrari but as Ferrari’s President, Luca di Montezemolo explained, “it is the maximum expression of what defines our company – excellence”. To be honest I don’t really understand it either.
The LaFerrari is hybrid and like all of Ferrari’s ultra-cars it will be limited to 499 models and will have an expected price of around £1 million. With a lap time at Fiorano circuit of less than 1’20”, it is 5 seconds faster than the Enzo and over 3 seconds faster than the F12berlinetta. LaFerrari is thus the fastest road carin Maranello’s has ever produced.
 
The Ferrari LaFerrari is a hybrid that is powered by a petrol 6.3 litre V12 engine that outputs 789bhp working in tandem a 161bhp electric motorto give a total output of 950 bhp. This will launch the LaFerrari from 0-62 mph in under 3 seconds, 0-124 mph takes under 7 seconds with a maximum speed of over 217 mph.
On the CO2 front the LaFerrari emits 330 g/km, which whilst can hardly be called green it is a significant improvement over cars of the past, such as the Enzo.
The electric motor can provide high levels of torque low down whilst the petrol engine can be optimised to provide a punch in the higher rev band, thus providing a constant supply of power throughout the rev range. The LaFerrari features a seven-speed F1 dual-clutch gearbox and it can run exclusively on electric power for a few miles.
The car’s extreme performance potential has called for a different tyre set-up, with 265/30 R 19 Pirelli P-Zeros on the front and 345/30 R 20s on the rear.

The Ferrari F12berlinetta Wins The Coverted 2012 Goldenes Lenkrad Award



The new Ferrari F12berlinetta has won theCoupes/Cabrios category in the prestigious 2012 Goldenes Lenkrad (Golden Steering Wheel) awards organised by German car magazine Auto Bild in conjunction with the Bild am Sonntag newspaper. This is the first time a Ferrari has taken this coveted award since the Golden Steering Wheel was instituted 37 years ago.
Attending the ceremony in Berlin was Ferrari’s CEO, Amedeo Felisa, who commented, “This is a significant achievement for Ferrari and is a testament to the importance of the brand in Germany which has always been a key market for us, the biggest in Europe. Here there are some of our most passionate collectors and clients and I am particularly proud of this award which underlines how widely our constant and uncompromising approach to innovation in the sports cars field is appreciated.”
The fastest, most powerful Ferrari of all time, the F12berlinetta strikes a perfect balance between maximum aerodynamic efficency and the elegant proportions typical of Ferrari’s front-engined V12 cars. Since its launch, the car has been the object of universal acclaim from the press and public alike and this is, in fact, the second time the F12berlinetta has taken an award from Auto Bild after its readers across Europe voted the F12berlinetta as Europe’s best looking car in the Auto Bild Design Award in August 2012.
The Ferrari F12berlinetta is powered by a V12 6262cc petrol engine producing f730 bhp @ 8250 rpm / 690 Nm of torque from 2,500 rpm. Which equates to a 0-62 mph time of 3.1 seconds and a top speed of 211+ mph.

Audi A8 Hybrid Review (2012)

The Hybrid will cost less than the rest of the A8 range in running costs and on company car taxation

29 May 2012SB
Electric cars are all the rage, but until someone invents a new kind of battery that will last for longer than commuter distance before running out, a hybrid is a better green option. So hybrids are becoming ever more numerous on the car scene, and they are not just practical family models. Hybrid technology has been moving further up-scale in the car market and here is a luxury model with two power sources: a petrol engine and an electric motor with a lithium ion battery pack. Audi’s A8 limousine has gone hybrid.
The kind of engine normally associated with a big luxury car like an A8 is at least a three-litre V6. So it seems a bit surprising to find a more modest two-litre, four-cylinder engine under this particular A8’s long, wide bonnet. But it is supplemented by an electric motor that boosts the overall power output by a quarter. So the combined result of this dual power arrangement is a greener A8 with very reasonable performance.
The A8 Hybrid was launched in some mainland European countries this spring, priced at around 77,000 Euros. It is not on sale in the UK until early in 2013, at a price yet to be fixed. Don’t expect it to be any less than an equivalent £62,000 though. That will put it about mid-range in Audi A8 pricing, which starts from around £53,000 and rises to over £77,000.
The main advantage of this version of the A8 is economic. The Hybrid will cost less than the rest of the A8 range in running costs and on company car taxation. There is also the satisfaction of driving a more environmentally friendly model than other flagship Audis, although it is still a very a big vehicle for these green-minded times. The A8 Hybrid will be offered in both standard and long-wheelbase versions.
 
Performance
The 1,984 cc turbocharged petrol engine that is the A8 Hybrid’s primary power source produces 208 bhp, sustained from 4,300 to 6,000 rpm. Added to that is another 53 bhp coming from the secondary power source, the electric motor. They combine to give the car its overall power output of 241 bhp.
Maximum engine torque is 258 lb ft at 1,500 to 4,200 rpm, plus another 155 lb ft from the electric motor, resulting in a combined 354 lb ft of torque. That makes this a powerful car, as the performance figures testify.
An acceleration time from 0-62 mph of 7.7 seconds, and a top speed of 146 mph, confirm that this version of the A8 is up there with the rest of the pack. It is not quite as rapid as an A8 three-litre TDI though, which is around one and a half seconds quicker off the mark. Nor is the Hybrid quite as smooth on the accelerator as a standard petrol or diesel A8.
 
When you switch on and the car pulls away in electric mode it is remarkably smooth and quiet. Dashboard displays show how much charge remains in the battery and the amount of energy being put back into the system from regenerative braking. While driving in electric mode, intended for only a short distance – just under two miles - the car’s top speed is limited to 62 mph. After its brief run on electric power, the car’s petrol engine cuts in automatically.

Anyone who has driven a standard A8 should feel pretty much at home in this one. The handling is very similar. The battery pack has been located above the rear axle, and it is not immensely heavy: it adds about 37 kg to the car’s overall weight. This is a car with a total weight of close to two tons - at 1,870 kg - so a small additional weight does not affect the feel of the car.
Ride quality is generally good, serene and smooth on a fast road, and only a little more reactive to surface changes on a less even rural route. There is just a touch of lean into corners on a twisty lane, but this is a car with tremendous equilibrium and not much fazes it.
Don’t expect the Hybrid to be more fun that a conventional A8, though. It’s the opposite. It feels less engaging and a bit more bland. Also, powertrain transition between petrol and electric modes is sometimes a bit jerky. A diesel A8 is more agreeable to drive and this one is a bit disappointing in comparison.

Ease of Use
The size of this car, with its long body and big doors, means that access is easy all round. It is over five metres long at 5,137 mm, and more than two metres wide at 2,111 mm between the mirror edges.
The hybrid system occupies some of the boot space though, so you lose a chunk of luggage room. As a result, the car’s carrying capacity is not that generous, for a car of this size, at only 335 litres. That’s quite a bit less than a Kia cee’d, with 380 litres.

Comfort and Refinement
An Audi A8 is a limousine with a high level of refinement and a hushed interior. This one is no exception, but the sound it makes is a bit different from other versions of Audi’s flagship model. It is a luxury limo that doesn’t sound quite as up-market as it looks. Three-litre V6 diesel versions of the A8 have a muted rich baritone sound as discreet aural wallpaper. This one sounds rather puny but also a bit coarse.
Not too much noise permeates the cabin, though. Audi’s engineers have equipped it with active noise cancellation that works like those special headphones seasoned travellers wear on long-haul flights to cut out the engine drone. The A8 Hybrid has four microphones hidden in the ceiling to deliver a sanitising sound that counteracts less agreeable noise frequencies.
This is a big, well-cushioned car with acres of space inside its high-tech, mostly aluminium space-frame body, and ample room to stretch out in all the seats. The A8 Hybrid has an opulent feel inside, with a high level of comfort and seats clad in high quality leather.

The Audi A3 'CoD' Range (2013)




Audi has introduced the A3 1.4 TFSI Cylinder-on-Demand (CoD) range priced from £20,055 for the 1.4 TFSI 140PS SE (manual).
Like the Cylinder-on-Demand A1 models, the Audi A3 CoD models seamless switch between two cylinder and four cylinders in order to minimise fuel consumption; with up to 60.1 mpg (3-door model) on the combined cycle for the 1.4 140PS petrol Engine. The 140PS unit is capable of 0-62 mph in 8.3 seconds with a top speed of 132 mph when coupled to the manual gear box in the 3-door guise, the 5-door Sportback takes 8.4 seconds and returns 58.9 mpg.
 
Initially all versions of the A3 and A3 Sportback will come with a six-speed manual Gearbox with the seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch option being available later in the year.
The Cylinder-on-Demand technology works using information from the throttle pedal sensors, it determines how the driver is driving and if it detects an irregular pattern, for instance over a series of roundabouts or on a twisting A-road, it inhibits cylinder deactivation because here it would generally only be of short duration and wouldn't save any fuel. Two-cylinder operation is also disengaged if the driver brakes, enabling all four cylinders to support braking when coasting, and if the car is travelling downhill.
A3 1.4 TFSI 140PS CoD UK Prices
1.4 TFSI 140PS SE (manual) £20,055 OTR
1.4 TFSI 140PS Sport (manual) £21,280 OTR
1.4 TFSI 140PS S line (manual) £23,430 OTR
A3 Sportback 1.4 TFSI 140PS CoD Prices
1.4 TFSI 140PS SE (manual) £20,675 OTR
1.4 TFSI 140PS Sport (manual) £21,900 OTR
1.4 TFSI 140PS S line (manual) £24,050 OTR

Aston Martin Vanquish Volante Specifications (2013)


Body
  • Two-door Volante style with 2+2 seating
  • New generation bonded aluminium and carbon fibre VH structure
  • Aluminium, magnesium alloy and carbon-fibre composite body
  • Extruded aluminium door side-impact beams
  • Single bi-xenon headlamps with LED sidelights
  • LED light blade rear lamps and LED side repeaters
Aston Martin Vanquish Volante Engine
  • All-alloy, independent quad variable camshaft timing, 48-valve, 5,935 cc V12
  • Compression ratio 11.0:1
  • Front-mid mounted engine, rear-wheel drive
  • Fully catalysed stainless steel exhaust system with active bypass valves
  • Six three-way catalytic convertors
  • Max power: 573 PS (565 bhp) at 6,750 rpm
  • Max torque: 620 Nm (457 lb ft) at 5,500 rpm
  • Acceleration: 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 4.1 seconds (estimated)
  • Max speed: 295 km/h (183 mph)
Transmission
  • Rear-mid mounted, six-speed Touchtronic 2 automatic/sequential manual gearbox
  • Alloy torque tube with carbon fibre propeller shaft
  • Limited-slip differential
Wheels and Tyres
  • Front: 9J x 20’’ Pirelli P Zero 255/35 ZR20
  • Rear: 11.5J x 20’’ Pirelli P Zero 305/30 ZR20
Steering
  • Speed-dependent electronically controlled rack and pinion , 2.6 turns lock-to-lock.Power assisted steering Column tilt and reach adjustment
Suspension
  • Lightweight aluminium front subframe with hollow castings
  • Front: Independent double wishbone incorporating anti-dive geometry, coil springs, anti-roll bar and monotube adaptive dampers
  • Rear: Independent double wishbones with anti-squat and anti-lift geometry, coil springs, anti-roll bar and monotube adaptive dampers
  • Three-stage adjustable Adaptive Damping System (ADS) with Normal, Sport and Track modes
Brakes
  • Front: Ventilated carbon ceramic discs, 398mm diameter with six-piston calipers
  • Rear: Ventilated carbon ceramic discs, 360mm diameter with four-piston calipers
  • Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with Track mode
  •  Anti lock brakes (ABS)
  • Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
  • Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)
  • Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA)
  • Positive Torque Control (PTC)
  • Traction Control
  • Launch Control
Aston Martin Vanquish Volante Dimensions
Length:4728mm (inc. front number plate plinth)Wheelbase:2740mm
Width:2067mm (inc. mirrors)Fuel tank capacity:78 litres (17.2 Imp.galls, 20.5 US galls)
Height:1294mmWeight:1844 kg
Standard specification
  • Full-grain Luxmil leather interior
  • Alcantara headlining
  • Electrically operated front seats with side airbags
  • Memory front seats and exterior mirrors (three memory positions)
  • 2+2 seating configuration with flexible rear environment storage
  • Powerfold exterior heated mirrors
  • Front and rear parking sensors
  • Cruise control
  • Tyre pressure monitoring
  • Alarm and immobiliser
  • Remote-control central door locking and boot release
  • Automatic temperature control
  • Heated front seats
  • Curtain side head airbags
  • Dual Stage Driver and Passenger Front Airbags
  • Pelvis and thorax seat-mounted airbags
  • Seat belt dual-pretensioners and digressive load limiters
  • Trip computer
  • Tracking device (UK only)
  • Laminated windscreen with clear noise-insulation layer
  • Glass key
  • Heated rear glass screen
  • Bright aluminium front grille
  • Chrome side strakes and tailpipe trim
In-car entertainment
  • Infotainment system with capacitive switching
  • 1000W Bang & Olufsen BeoSound 15-speaker audio system
  • Garmin satellite navigation system*+
  • 6.5” LCD Screen
  • iPod® and iPhone® Integration and USB playback
  • Satellite radio system (USA only)
  • DAB/AM/FM radio1
  • A2DP Bluetooth® audio and phone streaming
  • Wi-Fi Hub5
Aston Martin Vanquish Volante Options
  • 10-spoke Alloy wheels in a Graphite finish
  • 20-spoke alloy wheel in a Liquid Silver, Silver finish with diamond-turning, Graphite finish with diamond-turning, Gloss Black with diamond turning and Satin Black with diamond-turning finish.
  • Black vaned grille
  • Magnum Silver or Black mesh finish
  • Black textured tailpipe
  • Black, blue, yellow and red brake calipers
  • Exposed carbon fibre side strakes
  • Exposed carbon fibre door handles
  • Protective film
  • Colour-keyed Luxmil leather steering wheel
  • Colour-keyed One-77 leather steering wheel with Obsidian Black leather inserts
  • Centre-stack facia in carbon fibre 2x2 twill & Piano Black (Herringbone Carbon Fibre, Piano Red and Piano Ice Mocha).
  • Headrest embroidery – AM Wings
  • Black hardware pack
  • Full carbon fibre gearshift paddles
  • Shadow bronze jewellery pack
  • Personalised sill plaques
  • RearParking assist camera
  • Auto-dimming mirror with garage door opener
  • Heated and ventilated seats
  • Perforated leather door inserts
  • Smokers’ pack
  • Second glass key
  • Aston Martin tracking by Cobra 13
  • Alarm upgrade (Volumetric and tilt sensors)
  • Toolkit
  • 6CD auto-changer
  • First-aid kit
The 2012 Aston Martin V12 Vantage Roadster


Powered by Aston Martin’s V12 6.0-litre engine via a six-speed manual gearbox it outputs 517 PS at 6,500 rpm and produces 570 Nm of torque at 5,750 rpm. This is will propel the V12 Vantage Roadster from 0-62 mph in 4.5 seconds and then on to a top speed of 190 mph.
Based on the V12 Vantage Coupe the Roadster features a number of unique chassis revisions. These include a modified rear damper set-up, front and rear damper valve tuning and a new rear spring design. The boot lid features a more pronounced ‘flip’ to reduce rear lift and improve stability at high speeds. The V12’s diffuser houses a large, centre-mounted oil cooler and two large tail-pipe finishers.
On the inside to distinguish the V12 Vantage Roadster from its siblings there are a number of subtle design touches including the use of glass switches in the lower centre stack.
Unique to the V12 Vantage range, both Coupe and Roadster is the “Sport” mode button, which enables the driver to select between two different powertrain modes.
Normal mode is the default from start-up and provides not only a more relaxed throttle response but also a quieter, more refined exhaust note. This creates a more progressive throttle response, suited to ‘everyday’ situations such as when driving in heavy traffic.
Sport mode, meanwhile, is designed for use in more dynamic driving situations where sharper responses are required. It has a number of tangible effects on the powertrain including a sharper throttle response, with the engine delivering more torque during the early stages of throttle pedal travel. Exhaust system bypass valves are also kept open for longer to create enhance the exhaust note.
As you would expect the order book is already filling – you may place your order via your local Aston Martin dealer now.

Saturday, 29 June 2013

SKODA OCTAVIA ESTATE 2013
 
 
 
Whether it's new or used, hatch or estate, the Skoda Octavia is a perennial favourite among readers of this site.
We saw a flurry of interest for the hatchback at the start of the year and now the popular carry-all estate is starting to appear in showrooms.
The Octavia estate first appeared in 2006, with the second generation model and quickly picked up a following with big families looking for something large enough to cope with the demands of buggies and bags, while the cavernous load area and fold-flat seats meant many professionals could run an Octavia estate instead of a small van.
And Skoda isn't done here, the wraps come off the sporty vRS versions at this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed, while a jacked-up Scout model will be added to the range by the end of the year.
But for now the focus is on this new smart-looking estate, which is a refinement of the formula that has served it so well for the past seven years. Like the Octavia hatchback, it's much sharply-styled than before, with more of a Volkswagon or Audi look to it and distinctive C-shaped rear lights.
First up, though, is that load area, which for this type of car it's really impressive. There's 1740 litres of space with the seats down, 610 litres with the seats up and plenty of cubbyholes throughout the car. This time round Skoda has turned the practicality up a notch and thought about those small touches that make a difference to everyday life. That means that the sill sits lower for easier access, there's a foldable front passenger seat to allow loading of long items (up to 2920mm in length), an underfloor boot compartment and a one-touch seat-fold lever in the boot that eliminates the need for clambering over the seats to fold them down. Talking of seats, there's plenty of space in the back for two fully grown adults and getting in and out of the car is easy thanks to big doors and the car sitting lower to the ground than before.
Inside, the car's dash is identical to the Octavia hatchback, which is very good news. It's stylish with an upmarket look and feel and represents a real step-change to the cabin of the old car. Of particular note are the materials that have been used. Whereas in the old car it felt very workmanlike, there's more of a flair to the new Octavia, with a more interesting mix of colours and textures and a new steering wheel. There's better refinement on the move, too, thanks to better insulation from wind, road and engine noise.
The much-improved refinement comes as no surprise as it's something we've seen from all Volkswagen Group cars that have been spun-off the new MQB platform, including the new Audi A3 and SEAT Leon. That new platform also translates into a better driving experience and area where the old Octavia felt a bit stodgy. It may not as pleasing to drive as the Volkswagen Golf, Audi A3 or SEAT Leon, but it is geared more towards comfort, which means a good ride and the ability to munch up motorway miles without any fuss. As many Octavia Estates are pressed into mega-mile motorway work, that added comfort and refinement will be very welcome indeed.
Twisty backroads aren't really Octavia's thing. While the steering is reasonably well weighted and there's good body control in bends, it always feels as though the car is much happier to be travelling at a more stately pace. It's telling that Octavia misses out on the XDS system, that you'll find on Golf and Leon (this allows the wheels to turn at different speeds and can slightly brake an inside wheel in a corner while sending more power to the outside wheel), but we so expect it to put in an appearance on the VRS.
There are no surprises with the engine line-up – all have featured in a wide range of cars throughout the Volkswagen Group, including the Octavia hatchback. The entry-level 1.2 TSI comes in at 105ps and 175Nm of torque. Whereas this engine is fine for the hatch, it's touch-and-go whether it's too small for the estate. On the motorway and at cruising speeds, it isn't too much of an issue, but when it comes to hillier terrain, it can really be left wanting and regular gearchanges are needed. A full load in the back will only make matters worse.
A better bet is the 1.4 TSI with 140PS, which is available in higher specs. It gets a six-speed manual gearbox as standard and offers a far peppier drive.
Most buyers will opt for one of the two diesels. The 105 1.6-litre TDI grabs the headlines for being 99g/km as a manual and therefore exempt from road tax. With 250Nm of torque available from just 1500rpm, it pulls sweetly and has plenty in reserve for overtaking – much more so that the 1.2-litre TSI petrol with the same power output. It is rather on the noisy side, though, especially at start-up and we'd be surprised if you could get close to the Combined consumption figure of 74.3 mpg that's being quoted.
The 2.0-litre TDI with 150PS is perceptibly more quiet and refined and at 1600kg offers the best towing weight of any Octavia Estate. Both the 1.6-litre diesel and 2.0-litre can be specified with four-wheel drive, which combined with winter tyres make them a good choice if you live in a more remote area.
When it comes to suspension set-ups, petrol-engined cars with more than 140PS and TDI models with more than 150PS get a more sophisticated multi-link rear suspension rather than the torsion beam on lower powered cars. This means better handling in corners and a firmer ride but it's still supple.
Octavia stopped being 'cheap' some time ago now, but that doesn't mean that it isn't good value for money. Prices start at £16,790 for the 1.2-litre S and kick-on to £22,390 for the 2.0 TDI 150PS DSG 4x4. Prices have crept up, but the payoff is a much higher quality product and a greater level of standard equipment. Top models have up to £5300 worth of equipment than before.
Standard on all cars are alloy wheels, Bluetooth, DAB radio, a leather steering wheel, daytime running lights, hill hold, a touchscreen stereo system plus a USB port for connecting iPods. On the safety side there's ESC on all models and seven airbags.
It's on sale from 21 June 2013 and won't be short of buyers looking for a practical fuss-free estate that's been improved in almost every respect.

HYUNDAI i30


10-08-11: Hyundai released the first rendering of the next-generation i30, revealing a new look for the company’s bestselling C-segment hatchback. It was unveiled at the 2011 Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA) in September 2011.
Length: 4,300mm, Width: 1,780mm (excluding mirrors), Height: 1,470mm.

The all-new i30 was designed and engineered at the Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre in Rüsselsheim, Germany, and represents the next evolution of the unique form language, ‘fluidic sculpture’ – the company’s distinctive design DNA.
The ‘fluidic sculpture’ ethos utilises flowing lines inspired by nature and modern architecture to give a constant three-dimensional presence to Hyundai vehicles, and was introduced as the Hyundai ix-onic concept at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show. Since this debut, ‘fluidic sculpture’ has become the design language behind all new Hyundai models launched in Europe.
23-01-12: Hyundai announced full pricing and specification for its New Generation five-door i30 hatchback, for launch in the UK on 12 March 2012.
Prices for i30 start at £14,495 on-the-road for the entry level Classic model, which comes with insurance ratings from Group 7E, making it one of the most cost effective C-segment cars to own and run.
Hyundai’s newcomer builds on the success of its predecessor. First launched in 2007, the outgoing i30 was the first ‘i’ product in Hyundai’s range and introduced new standards of quality and driveability to the Hyundai product line-up. The new generation i30 will build on the achievements of the cars it replaces – bringing with it a new level of style, interior quality and technology – adding emotional as well as rational appeal.
The new generation Hyundai i30 is available in four main trim levels including Classic, Active, Style and Style Nav, while customers will also have the choice of either petrol or diesel engines – including Hyundai’s latest ultra-efficient 1.6-litre diesel unit that emits less than 100g/km CO2 – there will be five engine outputs on offer with a choice of manual or automatic transmissions.
Hyundai’s clean and efficient Blue Drive technologies come on all 1.6 CRDi manual models as standard and feature Intelligent Stop & Go Technology. The powerful, yet efficient unit is available in outputs of 110PS and 128PS; the former boasting the lowest CO2emissions figure for a DIESEL CAR in its segment with 97g/km. The 128PS unit meanwhile is the perfect example of true efficiency where customers get a more powerful engine without the associated drawbacks of high fuel consumption and emissions.
New standard features on the i30 include voice-activated Bluetooth, LED daytime running lights, multi-function steering wheel, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors and one-touch indicators. Safety systems added as standard across the range include VEHICLE STABILITY Management, Emergency Stop Signal and Hill-start Assist Control. Active trim level, adds 15” alloys, cruise control, rear parking sensors and Hyundai’s new dynamic Flex Steer system, which gives the driver the option of three settings namely: Comfort, Normal and Sport.
All ‘Style’ models benefit from 16” ALLOY WHEELS, dual zone climate control, front parking sensors, rain sensing wipers, cornering lights, automatic headlights, automatic de-fog system for front windscreen and electrically folding door mirrors with LED indicators. Topping the trim will be Style Nav, which brings a fully integrated touchscreen satellite navigation system and rear view parking camera.
New Generation i30 - 5 Door Hatchback
ModelFuel
Type
CO2
Emissions

g/km
Insurance
Group
(1-50)
VED Band 2011-12Recommended
On The Road
Price
£
Classic
1.4 100PSP1397EE14,495.00
1.4 CRDi 90PSD1097EB16,145.00
1.6 CRDi 110PS Blue DriveD9712EA16,895.00
Active
1.4 100PSP1398EE15,595.00
1.6 120PS autoP15910EG16,995.00
1.4 CRDi 90PSD1097EB17,245.00
1.6 CRDi 110PS Blue DriveD9712EA17,995.00
1.6 CRDi 110PS autoD14511EF18,795.00
Style
1.4 100PSP1438EF16,595.00
1.6 CRDi 110PS Blue DriveD10012EA18,995.00
1.6 CRDi 110PS autoD14511EF19,795.00
1.6 CRDi 128PS Blue DriveD10014EA19,295.00
Style Nav
1.4 100PSP1438EF17,595.00
1.6 CRDi 110PS Blue DriveD10013EA19,995.00
1.6 CRDi 110PS autoD14512EF20,795.00
1.6 CRDi 128PS Blue DriveD10014EA20,295.00
09-03-11: In the future may get a new turbocharged 1.2 T-GDI Kappa engine. This unit is not yet confirmed for application in a production vehicle, but would be well suited to a B / C segment car. Key facts: Displacement 1.248cc 4-cylinder, T-GDI, DOHC 16v Direct injection CO2 emissions less than 110 g/km.
25-05-12: Euro NCAP 5 Star Crash Safety Rating: 90% Adult Occupant; 90% Child Occupant; 67% Pedestrian; 86% Safety Assist.
14-06-12: Judged to be 'best value hatchback' in 2012 Towcar Awards.
14-09-12: The third member of the New Generation i30 family, the three-door joins the five-door hatchback and the Tourer to extend the broad appeal of Hyundai’s ‘made for Europe’ C-segment range to an even wider audience.
Central to the appeal of the three-door is its distinctive,  sporty styling Incorporating Hyundai’s ‘fluidic sculpture’ form language, the new model’s sharply-raked beltline, more angular glasshouse silhouette and longer front doors provide it with a more dynamic profile, and the effect is enhanced by changes to front and rear styling.
A new, black-finished mesh insert and central bar accentuate Hyundai’s hexagonal grille, which is flanked by new, sportier fog lamp clusters consisting of round spots connected to LED daytime running light strips. The mesh treatment is continued in the clusters, and the front-end design is completed by a newly-profiled lower bumper.
At the rear, the remodelled lower bumper area includes new horizontal, sculpted fog lamps that contrast with the upright units of the five-door. These lights and a new black insert at the bottom of the bumper create the impression of a wider, sportier rear design. Exclusive 16-inch alloy wheels complete the exterior transformation.
New Generation i30 three-door retains the positive characteristics of the five-door, providing high standards of quality, equipment and comfort. Drivers will experience Europe-tuned ride and handling, and can alter the settings of the FLEX STEER system to change steering assistance depending on their preference and prevailing conditions.
The New Generation i30 is offered with a choice of four engines and five power outputs, together with six-speed manual and automatic transmissions. The highlight of the powertrain range is the ‘U-II’ 1.6-litre Diesel engine generating 128PS yet emitting only 97g/km of CO2. Together, these figures deliver the best power-to-efficiency ratio in the segment.
15-10-12: Hyundai has added a new range-topping Premium trim to the existing New Generation i30 line-up. Available on both the Hatchback and Tourer models, the Premium trim boasts a number of new standard features offering customers the complete package while still representing excellent value for money.
Premium trim now includes all the equipment contained previously within the Convenience and Individual packs as standard along with several additional features.
Starting on the outside, the Premium models will benefit from a new 17-inch alloy wheel design, chrome door handles with illumination and automatically folding door mirrors, which also incorporate puddle lamps.
Moving inside, the Premium features a number of additional standard features over Style Nav such as leather upholstery, automatically dimming rear view mirror, electric driver’s seat with lumbar support, heated front seats, keyless entry with engine start/stop button plus supervision cluster with LCD colour display. A height adjustable passenger seat is also now available.
The Premium will be available with two engine options including a 120PS 1.6-litre petrol with manual transmission on the hatchback and a 1.6-litre CRDi 128PS diesel on both Hatchback and Tourer with a choice of either a manual or automatic gearbox.
The Convenience and Individual packs, costing £750 and £1,000 respectively on Style and Style Nav models, will no longer be available. A tilt and slide Panoramic sunroof is available as an optional extra for £950 on Premium models only.
Further changes to the range include the addition of the 1.6-litre CRDi 128PS diesel in conjunction with automatic transmission on Style and Style Nav models for Hatchback and Tourer, replacing the existing 110PS automatic. The 1.6 CRDi 110PS Blue Drive models will now only be available on Classic and Active trim with the higher-powered 1.6 CRDi 128PS variant reserved as the sole diesel option on the top three trims only.
Across the i30 range, Hyundai has extended the colour palette to include three new eye-catching colours namely: Cool Red (solid), Ice Blue (metallic) and Blueberry Blue (metallic). These colours complement the existing six-colour palette, which is Creamy White (solid) plus metallic finishes including, Aqua Blue, Sleek Silver and Steel Grey and pearl finishes including Cashmere and Phantom Black. Metallic and pearl finishes cost £445.