Subaru UK Confirms Levorg for Autumn 2015 Lauch

Subaru UK has announced two important launches for 2015: the new Outback in March and the all-new Levorg sport wagon in autumn.

Jeep Cherokee Diesel Seen as an Unusual Alternative to the Nissan Qashqai and VW Tiguan

This is one of the first video reviews of the Jeep Cherokee coming from Europe and certainly the first of a diesel-powered model. Auto Express tested a Cherokee fitted with the most powerful diesel engine available, a 2.0-liter unit producing 170PS (168hp) – the Cherokee’s European lineup also includes a 140PS (138hp) 2.0-liter unit.

EVO Says Subaru WRX STI is a Breath of Fresh Air

We have already seen a review of the all-new Subaru WRX STI filmed in the United States and now, it’s time to see what Europeans think of the new flagship performance model from Subaru.

Nissan e-NV200 Electric Van from £13,393 in the UK

Nissan has announced full UK pricing for the e-NV200 battery-powered light commercial vehicle, which starts from £13,393 (€16,462) for the panel van in Acenta trim if the owner also opts for a flexible battery leasing option.

Review Bashes Maserati Ghibli, Says it's Not a Recommendable Car

You usually buy a Mercedes E-Class-sized saloon partly to make sure there’s a lot of space inside for people and their luggage, and partly because you want to be seen in it. Most models in the class do a reasonable job of blending the two, with obvious biases towards one side of the argument, or the other.

Today’s Diesels are Considerably Cleaner and Greener than 10 Years Ago, Notes SMMT Study

The UK’s Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (or SMMT for short) has compiled a report from which the conclusion was drawn that modern diesels are a whopping 21 percent cleaner than in 2003, in terms of tailpipe emissions, while the actual progress in efficiency is even higher: a 27 percent recorded improvement.

Rare Bristol Brigand Type 603 with Chrysler V8 for Sale in Lancashire, UK

The Bristol Brigand (Type 603) has been in production pretty much unchanged since it was introduced in 1976 – it’s the only car in the world whose spare wheel also acts as part of a side crumple zone, in the event of a frontal crash. 

This Reviewer Finds Astra OPC/VXR the Least Boring Opel/Vauxhall

Opel's sister company Vauxhall is not a brand with a very cool image in the UK, quite the contrary, actually, as some qualify it as a maker of boring automobiles.

However, the story is quite different when it comes to high-performance VXR models, especially the V8-powered Holdens imported from Australia and rebadged as Vauxhalls.

But those aren’t the only exciting Vauxhalls, as one can’t ignore the Astra VXR. The folks from XCar believe it is an even more exciting car than its predecessor is and to prove it, they took it for a ride.

Design-wise, it’s hard to find ungraceful angles on the latest Astra VXR, and the car is an improvement over the previous one in terms of performance as well. With 280PS (276hp) and a 5.9-second 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) sprint time, the Astra VXR is quicker than most of its competitors.

To go faster than that, one has to choose the AWD VW Golf R or premium hot-hatches like the BMW M135i or Mercedes A 45 AMG. The problem is that the Vauxhall’s £26,995 base price puts it dangerously close to the RWD BMW M135i that starts from £31,595 in the UK.

Scroll down to watch the review and find out if it’s worth the price.

By Dan Mihalascu

VIDEO

New Honda Civic Tourer from £20,265 in the UK

Honda has confirmed UK pricing and availability for its all-new Civic Tourer, a couple of months after its world premiere at the Frankfurt motor show.

Available to order from the beginning of December and set to hit dealerships in February next year, the UK-built Civic Tourer starts from £20,265 OTR for the entry level 1.8 i-VTEC S model rising to £27,460 for the diesel powered 1.6 i-DTEC EX Plus.

A 140hp (142PS) 1.8-liter petrol unit that delivers a fuel economy of 45.56mpg UK on the combined cycle with 149 g/km of CO2 emissions, and Honda's new 118hp (120PS) 1.6-liter turbodiesel that provides a 0-60mph (96km/h) acceleration time of 10.1 seconds, while achieving 74.3mpg UK on the combined cycle with 99g/km of CO2 emissions, are the only two engines on offer.

There are four trim grades beginning with the base "S" trim that includes features such as Bluetooth Hands Free Telephone (HFT), DAB Radio, USB connectivity and 16 inch allow wheels.

Moving up to the "SE Plus" will get you rear parking sensors and 17 inch alloys, while "SR" customers gain an Adaptive Damper System (ADS), front heated seats, HDD Navi and privacy glass.

Finally, the top level "EX Plus" adds headlight washer, smart entry and start capability, sunglasses holder, interior blue ambient lighting and Bi-HID headlights with auto levelling.

PHOTO GALLERY

Nissan Announces 2014 Qashqai Premier Limited Edition for European

To celebrate the release of the second generation Qashqai in Europe, Nissan has created a special edition version of the compact crossover that will be built in just 2,007 units for the entire continent (290 of which are earmarked for the UK), a reference to the launch year of the original model.

According to the Japanese carmaker, the exclusive initial production run of the Qashqai Premier Limited Edition will be reserved for existing Nissan customers until 31 December 2013.

Based on the range-topping Tekna model, the Premier Limited Edition adds unique equipment features such as special part leather and Alcantara trim, a dark roof liner, custom dark carpets, chrome side door sills, front lip and tailgate lower finisher and special Premier-branded kick plates. Moreover, the stone colored seats are surrounded by contrasting black carpet and black headliner, while each model will come with a personalized numbered badge.

Nissan said it will offer the limited run Qashqai in a choice of four colors, named Pearl White, Night Shade, Metallic Black and Metallic Red, with power coming exclusively from 1.6-liter dCi diesel engine paired to a standard ALL-MODE 4x4-i all-wheel drive system.

PHOTO GALLERY