2012 US-spec Nissan Leaf

Nissan has decided to enhance the standard specification of its electric Leaf.



All 2012 model year cars sold in the United States will come with a battery warmer, heated steering wheel and heated seats - features that should make ownership a more attractive proposition in cooler climates, although their use is also sure to drain the battery faster.



To help get around that issue, SL variants are going to get the DC Fast Charge capability as standard. This allows recharging at 480 volts, which means fully depleted batteries can be 80% charged in under thirty minutes.

The move coincides with Nissan’s plans to make the Leaf more widely available. From 25th July, customers living in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and Washington DC who already have a reservation will be able to place an order.



Then, in the autumn, orders will be accepted from residents of Connecticut, Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York. Delaware, Indiana, Louisiana, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island will follow by the end of 2011.



The MSRP for the 2012 Nissan Leaf has been set at $35,200 for the SV, while the SL is $37,250. Leasing plans will start from $369 per month.



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Perodua Myvi editions

There are probably lots of people who wouldn’t have a clue what a Perodua is. So it’s unsurprising that the Malaysian manufacturer’s sole UK model, the Myvi, is a rare thing despite being one of the cheapest cars on the market.



Perhaps to give it a little more profile, Perodua has announced two limited editions, the Myvi Jet and Myvi Sport Silver.



Changes from the standard specification versions are mostly cosmetic. The Jet gets 14” alloy wheels, remote central locking, side mouldings and chrome door handles. As its name suggests, it’s only available in black and costs £7,499 with manual transmission.



On the other hand, the Sport Silver is based on the existing Sport model and, yes, it’s painted silver. Priced at £7,999, it comes with 15” 10-spoke alloys, body kit, chrome door handles, side mouldings and carbon fibre trim for the interior.

Whether it’s worth paying the extra for the special editions is debateable, especially as the entry-level Sxi costs £6,999 after Perodua’s current £1,000 retail incentive has been applied.



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V12 Zagato production run

Aston Martin has confirmed that ‘a strictly limited number’ of its new V12 Zagato will be built.



The decision comes after the car’s successful debut at the Villa D'Este Concours in May, where it won the design award for concepts and prototypes. This was then followed by an entry into the challenging Nürburgring 24 Hour race that took place at the end of June.

Production is expected to begin during the summer of 2012, with the first deliveries due shortly afterwards. Aston Martin isn’t saying exactly how many examples will be made, but the order book is open now with cars being allocated on a first come, first served basis.



The UK price has been set at £330,000, excluding taxes.

Dr. Ulrich Bez, Aston Martin Chief Executive, said of the V12 Zagato: “Such style, exclusivity and fastidious craftsmanship ensures it will be one of the most highly coveted models in Aston Martin’s 98-year history. A fabulous celebration of the iconic DB4GT Zagato, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, the V12 Zagato is the perfect inspiration for the next 50 years of Aston Martin.”



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Abarth Punto Evo Esseesse

Just ten months after it was first announced at last year’s Paris Motor Show, the Esseesse upgrade for the Abarth Punto Evo has gone on sale in the UK.



The kit raises power from 162 bhp (121 kW / 165 PS) to 177 bhp (132 kW / 180 PS), although the effect of that extra horsepower doesn’t seem to be particularly dramatic. Compared to the standard Abarth Punto Evo, the 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time falls from 7.9 to 7.5 seconds, while top speed increases by just 2 mph (3 km/h) to 134 mph (216 km/h).

Available as a dealer-fit option on new or used Abarth Punto Evos (up to twelve months old with no more than 12,500 miles on the odometer), the Esseesse upgrade will cost around £3,000 (depending on labour rates).



Although it certainly makes for an appealing hot hatch alternative, that’s still a lot to add to the £16,852 price tag of a regular Abarth Punto Evo, and it faces stiff competition.



The Renault Clio Renaultsport 200, for example, is £17,930 and it’s quicker too: 0-62 mph (100 km/h) takes 6.9 seconds, while its top speed is 140 mph (225 km/h).



However, at 34.4 mpg (8.2 l/100km) the Clio’s fuel consumption is poor, and its CO2 emissions are a high 190 g/km. The Abarth Punto Evo Esseesse, by contrast, manages a much more respectable 47.1 mpg (5.9 l/100km) and 142 g/km.



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520d EfficientDynamics

The current BMW 520d Saloon is already very frugal, achieving an average fuel consumption of 57.6 mpg (4.9 l/100km) while emitting 129 g/km of CO2.



Those figures come courtesy of various fuel-saving technologies including a stop-start system, brake energy regeneration and electric power steering. But the competition has been catching up, and the latest Audi A6 Saloon 2.0 TDI for example exactly matches the 520d on economy and emissions.



So, to get ahead of its rivals once more, BMW has announced the 520d EfficientDynamics Edition which will be available alongside the regular 520d when sales start this autumn.

Outputs from its 1,995 cc engine are unchanged at 181 bhp (135 kW / 184 PS) and 380 Nm (280 lb/ft) of torque, however fuel economy increases to 62.8 mpg (4.5 l/100km) and CO2 levels fall to 119 g/km.



Those improvements are thanks to the fitment of a longer final drive ratio and special ‘Streamline’ alloy wheels and, as might be expected given the technical changes, performance has also been effected.



Acceleration is slightly worse, with the 0-62 mph (100 km/h) sprint now taking 8.2 instead of 8.1 seconds. Similarly, the important 50-75 mph (80-120 km/h) increment takes 7.5 seconds in the EfficientDynamics Edition, compared to 6.9 seconds for a standard 520d. Top speed actually increases though, rising to 144 mph (231 km/h) from 141 mph (226 km/h).

Company car drivers in the UK are bound to be excited by the coming of the 520d EfficientDynamics Edition, because its rate for benefit in kind tax purposes will be just 13%. Their fleet managers might be a bit less impressed though, as BMW has decided to price the new arrival at £30,345, which is £915 more than a regular 520d SE.



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Renaultsport Silverstone GP

Following the launch last month of the Mégane Renaultsport 265 Trophy, it’s now the turn of Renault’s smaller models to get the limited edition treatment.



The Twingo and Clio Renaultsport Silverstone GP, which are available to order now, have been created specially for the UK market.

Both cars feature silver metallic paint, while the roof, mirror caps and 17” alloy wheels are all finished in black. They also get the Cup chassis, dark-tinted rear windows, black Renaultsport carpet mats, a pair of badges for the B-pillars and the Renaultsport Monitor which logs various performance parameters.



Additionally, the Twingo’s specification includes a ‘Deep Black’ rear spoiler and fog light surrounds, plus a stainless steel Renaultsport exhaust system. Exclusive to the Clio version are Renaultsport Recaro front seats, the TunePoint portable music player system and Bluetooth.

Only fifty examples of each are to be produced, with the build number commemorated on a dashboard plaque. Fittingly, every buyer will also be offered a free Renaultsport Experience day at the Silverstone track.



The on the road price for the Twingo Renaultsport 133 Silverstone GP is £14,995, while the Clio Renaultsport 200 Silverstone GP costs £19,995.

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Fiat 500 TwinAir models

Fiat has decided to make the 500 TwinAir a model in its own right. The eponymous award winning two-cylinder engine continues to be available in other versions of the 500, but this latest move should help to raise the profile of this technologically advanced powertrain.



Although the TwinAir motor only has a capacity of 875 cc, MultiAir valve gear plus a turbocharger result in a power output of 83 bhp (62 kW / 85 PS). That’s good enough for a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of 11 seconds and a top speed of 108 mph (173 km/h).



Very respectable performance, but the TwinAir’s real forte is efficiency. Combined fuel consumption is an impressive 68.9 mpg (4.1 l/100km), while CO2 emissions are just 95 g/km.

The new 500 TwinAir model is distinguished by matt black 15” alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, sports seats, a chrome exhaust and a burnished metal finish for the dashboard. Its price in the UK has been confirmed at £11,600 on the road.



Alternatively, for an extra £1,100, Fiat is offering the TwinAir Plus. Its additional specification comprises an increase in wheel size to 16”, the Blue&Me system (which includes Bluetooth, USB connectivity and an aux-in socket), body-coloured door mirror housings, automatic climate control, dark tinted windows and a leather-covered gear knob and sports steering wheel.



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Audi R8 V8 Limited Edition

To celebrate its recent victory at the Le Mans 24 Hours race, Audi has created the R8 V8 Limited Edition.



Based on the Coupé, just 100 will be produced and all are coming to the UK. Prices start at £93,935 for the manual transmission version, which is exactly £6,000 more than the standard model.

So, is the Limited Edition worth the extra? Well, it gets a lot of extra kit as standard, but the answer is still a ‘maybe’.



That additional specification includes 19” titanium finish alloy wheels, Bluetooth telephone preparation with seat-belt microphones, a premium Bang and Olufsen audio system, the Audi Music Interface, satellite navigation, an interior light package and the Audi Magnetic Ride adaptive suspension system.



Plus, buyers will be able to choose from any of the normally optional metallic or pearl effect paint colours at no extra charge. Alternatively, they could go for a Titanium Metallic finish which is unique to the Limited Edition, although somewhat bizarrely it will cost more. The interior is upholstered in Black Fine Nappa Leather, with crimson red panels and red stitching.



Put all of that lot on a normal R8 V8 and the options bill would add up to at least £8,500. That makes the Limited Edition seem like good value - but only if all of its extra equipment was actually wanted in the first place.



Orders for the R8 V8 Limited Edition can be placed from July, and it will be available with either manual or R tronic automated manual transmissions. Deliveries are then expected to begin in October.



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Toyota launches Etios Liva

Toyota has unveiled the Etios Liva, its first ever hatchback for the Indian market.



Aimed at younger buyers, the new arrival will be offered in four trim levels with prices ranging from Rs 3,99,000 to Rs 5,99,000 (ex-showroom in Delhi).

Although based on the existing Etios Saloon, the hatchback’s 1,197 cc four-cylinder engine is smaller and marginally less powerful, producing 78 bhp (59 kW / 80 PS) and 104 Nm (76 lb/ft) of torque. Average fuel economy is better though, at 51.7 mpg (18.3 km/l / 5.5 l/100km).



Visually the two cars are very similar, apart from their unique rear ends. Its body style means that the Etios Liva is less practical for luggage carrying, and boot space is down from the saloon’s 595 litres to 251 litres for the hatchback. Ground clearance is 170 mm, and there’s chip resistant paint on vulnerable underside areas.

To appeal more to its target audience, the range-topping VX version gets a subtle aero kit made up of a roof spoiler, side skirts and bumper skirts. All models apart from the entry-level J specification feature keyless entry, central locking, electric windows and electric power steering with tilt adjustment for the steering column.



The Toyota Etios Liva is available now.



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99 g/km Astra ecoFLEX

The Vauxhall Astra is already one of the neatest looking cars in its class, and now it’s among the most economical and environmentally friendly, too.



With a revised 1.7 CDTi diesel engine, the latest Astra ecoFLEX joins a growing list of C-segment models that produce under 100 g/km of CO2.

But while competitors from Volvo and the Volkswagen Group match the Astra on emissions, the Vauxhall boasts lower fuel consumption and a higher power output. On those last two measures, it even eclipses the Toyota Prius and Auris hybrids:

Manufacturer	Model	Fuel Type	CO2 Emissions	Fuel Consumption	Power
Vauxhall	Astra 1.7 CDTi ecoFLEX	Diesel	99 g/km	76.3 mpg (3.7 l/100km)	128 bhp (95 kW / 130 PS)
Audi	A3 1.6 TDIe	Diesel	99 g/km	74.3 mpg (3.8 l/100km)	103 bhp (77 kW / 105 PS)
Seat	Leon 1.6 CR TDI Ecomotive	Diesel	99 g/km	74.3 mpg (3.8 l/100km)	103 bhp (77 kW / 105 PS)
Skoda	Octavia 1.6 TDI Greenline	Diesel	99 g/km	74.3 mpg (3.8 l/100km)	103 bhp (77 kW / 105 PS)
Toyota	Auris Hybrid	Petrol Hybrid	89 g/km	74.3 mpg (3.8 l/100km)	97 bhp (73 kW / 99 PS)
Toyota	Prius	Petrol Hybrid	89 g/km	72.4 mpg (3.9 l/100km)	97 bhp (73 kW / 99 PS)
Volkswagen	Golf 1.6 TDI BlueMotion	Diesel	99 g/km	74.3 mpg (3.8 l/100km)	103 bhp (77 kW / 105 PS)
Volvo	S40 DRIVe	Diesel	99 g/km	74.3 mpg (3.8 l/100km)	113 bhp (84 kW / 115 PS)

Various measures have been employed to help the Astra attain its mix of power and economy.



The engine has been comprehensively reworked, and it now features a new fuel injection system, variable geometry turbocharger and engine management system that lets it operate at a lower compression ratio. A lot of the internals are now low friction, and there’s even an oil cooler bypass that lets the engine get up to its optimum operating temperature more quickly.



Drive is via a specially adapted six-speed manual transmission. Again, attention has been paid to reducing mechanical friction, and it comes equipped with a shift indicator to encourage more efficient driving.



Apart from the drivetrain enhancements, the Astra ecoFLEX comes with brake energy regeneration and stop-start systems, both of which are now virtually obligatory for any eco-car.



The aerodynamics have also been tweaked to further reduce fuel burn. Ride height has been lowered by 12 mm, while the grille has an active shutter which closes when less throttle load is required. Completing the package are low rolling resistance tyres.



Achieving 99 g/km brings several benefits to UK drivers. These include zero-rated Vehicle Excise Duty, a full discount on the London Congestion Charge, and qualification for the lowest Benefit In Kind tax band for company car users.



So, whatever your views on global warming, there are definite financial advantages to be gained from running a low CO2 car. The only potential downside is that more people are going to change their buying habits accordingly, meaning that the tax authorities will eventually realise that they’re missing out on a huge chunk of revenue.



Consequently, the chances of those ‘free’ thresholds falling from 100 g/km to something much lower in the future have to be high.



Prices for the Astra ecoFLEX have yet to be announced, but it will be available in Exclusiv, SE and SRi specifications. Deliveries are expected to begin later this year.



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2012 Transformers Camaro

Casting a Camaro as the Autobot ‘Bumblebee’ in the Transformers movies has undoubtedly helped to raise the car’s profile. And now it’s back in ‘Transformers: Dark of the Moon’, the third film from the franchise.



To mark the reappearance (or to cash in on it, maybe?), Chevrolet has announced the 2012 Transformers Special Edition Camaro Coupe.

Essentially a $3,000 package for the Camaro Coupe 2LT and 2SS, content comprises the RS appearance pack (includes 20” alloy wheels, HID headlights and unique taillights), Autobot Shield logos, black stripes and a high-wing rear spoiler.



Naturally, the only body colour available is Rally Yellow, while the wheels are painted black. On the inside, there’s black leather upholstery with contrast yellow stitching, as well as more Autobot logos.



If all of that isn’t enough, buyers can upgrade to 21” wheels and the dealer-fit Ground Effects Package with its front splitter, side skirts and rear diffuser.



In the US and Canada, orders for the Transformers Special Edition Camaro Coupe can be placed from next month. The first deliveries are then expected to follow in September.



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BMW M3 CRT Saloon

BMW has revealed the M3 CRT Saloon, which is essentially a four-door version of last year’s M3 GTS.

The ‘CRT’ part of its name stands for Carbon Racing Technology, reflecting that carbon fibre reinforced plastic has been used for the bonnet, roof, front seats and rear spoiler. As a result, weight is down by about 45 kg (99 lbs) compared to the standard version, and the M3 CRT tips the scales at 1,580 kg (3,483 lbs).



Power comes from the same 4.4 V8 that saw service in the GTS, coupled to the seven-speed M DCT double-clutch transmission. Thanks to 444 bhp (331 kW / 450 PS), 440 Nm (324 lb/ft) of torque and less mass to haul about, the M3 CRT will accelerate to 62 mph (100 km/h) from rest in 4.4 seconds, 0.3 seconds quicker than a normal M3 Saloon equipped with the same gearbox. Top speed is 180 mph (290 km/h).



Other distinguishing features include a titanium exhaust, two individual rear seats and 19” alloy wheels that come shod in 245/35 tyres up front and 265/30 section rubber for the rears.



Just 67 examples of the BMW M3 CRT are going to be produced, with prices in Germany starting at €130,000 including VAT (around £115,500 / US$184,500 at today’s exchange rates). The disappointing news for potential UK customers, however, is that it won’t be coming here.

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Aston ‘Cygnet and Colette’

Well that didn’t take long. Aston Martin has just announced the first special edition model based on its Cygnet city car which, in turn, is of course based on the Toyota iQ.



Called the ‘Cygnet and Colette’, the name recognises that Aston Martin has teamed up with Parisian fashion emporium Colette to create this exclusive version. Just fourteen examples are going to be built, which may seem a rather random quantity, but that’s the number of years Colette has been in business.

The work has been entrusted to Aston Martin Works Tailored, which is usually responsible for personalising customer cars. Judging by the specification though, its talents have hardly been stretched.



Externally, the only things that differentiate the ‘Cygnet and Colette’ from the standard version are the Lightening Silver paintwork with contrasting blue elements and some special badges.

On the inside, there are Bitter Chocolate quilted leather door and seat inserts, plus quilted Alcantara sun visors. The back seats also get a couple of blue leather cushions, although arguably they’re a bit pointless given the cramped rear accommodation of the Cygnet.



The ‘Cygnet and Colette’ can be ordered now via the Colette store in Paris, and it costs €48,995 (around £43,600 at today’s exchange rates).

Anyone who misses out on this particular limited edition needn’t be too concerned, because Aston Martin has promised that it’s just the first in a series of ‘Cygnet and …’ collaborations.



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99 g/km diesel Audi A1

Audi has reduced the CO2 emissions from its A1 1.6 TDI to 99 g/km, thanks to the fitment of stop-start and energy regeneration systems.



That’s an improvement of 6 g/km, which might not sound a lot but it’s significant for UK buyers. It means the A1 will now qualify for zero-rated Band A Vehicle Excise Duty, and makes it eligible for a 100% discount on the London Congestion Charge.



Economy has been similarly improved too, with the combined cycle figure rising from 70.6 mpg (4.0 l/100km) to 74.3 mpg (3.8 l/100km). So, probably quite deliberately, the Audi now exactly matches the Mini Cooper D for fuel consumption and emissions.



It remains slightly slower though, with a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) acceleration time of 10.5 seconds and a top speed of 118 mph (189 km/h). By comparison, the Mini gets from rest to 62 mph in 9.7 seconds and can reach 122 mph (196 km/h).

UK on the road prices for the A1 1.6 TDI have been confirmed at £14,480 for the SE, £16,320 for the Sport and £17,865 for the S line.



And yes, they’re very much in the same ballpark as the Mini Cooper D, which costs £16,060.



However, one potential sales casualty of the revamped A1 could be the Polo BlueMotion 1.2 TDI from sister brand Volkswagen.



With only 73 bhp (55 kW / 75PS) compared to the Audi’s 103 bhp (77 kW / 105 PS), the Polo achieves a marginally better 80.7 mpg (3.5 l/100km) and produces 91 g/km of CO2. It’s a slower car though and, in three-door form, a price tag of £14,860 makes it actually more expensive than the SE spec A1.



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Mini Coupé undisguised

Technical specs for the forthcoming Mini Coupé were released earlier this month, along with some images of a still-camouflaged car.



But now the disguise has been lifted, plus a launch date and prices have been set.

Mini John Cooper Works Coupé. Scroll down for more images.

Sales are due to start on 1st October 2011 and, as expected, the less practical Coupé models are going to be more expensive than their Hatch equivalents:

UK Prices - Mini Coupé vs. Hatch
Version	Hatch	Coupé	Difference
Cooper	£14,780	£16,640	£1,860
Cooper S	£18,105	£19,775	£1,670
Cooper SD	£18,750	£20,510	£1,760
John Cooper Works	£22,330	£23,795	£1,465

All variants will come as standard with park distance control, DAB digital radio and air conditioning, as well as a rear spoiler that rises automatically at 50 mph (80 km/h) and then retracts at 37 mph (60 km/h).

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Corolla Altis gets a facelift

Toyota has launched a revised Corolla Altis saloon for the Indian market.

Although the exterior alterations are subtle - they comprise a new grille, headlights, rear bumper and LED rear lights - the big change is a new petrol engine.



Known as the 2ZR Dual VVT-i, it has a capacity of 1,798 cc and produces 138 bhp (103 kW / 140 PS). Peak torque meanwhile is up to 173 Nm (127 lb/ft), which is available at 4,000 rpm. The transmissions have been upgraded too, with the previous four-speed automatic and five-speed manual gearboxes being swapped for a seven-speed Super CVT-i automatic and a six-speed manual respectively.

The 1,364 cc D-4D turbo diesel alternative continues unaltered with outputs of 86 bhp (65 kW / 88 PS) and 205 Nm (151 lb/ft) of torque. Connected to a six-speed manual gearbox, fuel economy is 60.5 mpg (4.7 l/100km / 21.45 km/l).



Available in four specifications, all but the most basic ‘J’ models come as standard with driver and passenger airbags, keyless entry, an immobiliser and alarm, alloy wheels, a chrome grille, DVD player with touch screen and Bluetooth, USB and aux-in connectivity, automatic air conditioning and a reverse sensor.

Prices (ex-showroom in Delhi) for the 2012 Toyota Corolla Altis range from Rs. 11,46,500 to Rs. 14,55,000 for the diesel version, and Rs. 10,53,300 to Rs. 14,77,400 for the petrol.



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