The Jaguar XE named ‘Most Beautiful Car of 2014’ at Festival Automobile International in Paris

• The Jaguar XE has been named ‘Most Beautiful Car of 2014’ at Festival Automobile International in Paris
• Jaguar Director of Design Ian Callum was presented the award at a ceremony held on January 27 at the Hotel des Invalides, in front of 600 VIPs and more than 60 media
• The XE will be on show at the ‘Concept Car Exposition’ of Festival Automobile International from January 28 until February 1 alongside 18 concept cars, including Jaguar Project 7
• The Jaguar XE was first revealed at the Paris Motor Show in October 2014 and is available to order in the UK now, from £26,995 on the road

At the 30^th edition of the Festival Automobile International in Paris, the Jaguar XE was awarded ‘Most Beautiful Car of 2014’. Jaguar Director of Design Ian Callum collected the award in front of a crowd of 600 VIPs and more than 60 media.

The award is decided by a public vote, with more than 100,000 votes cast across 59 countries. Beating competition from the Mazda MX-5, Mercedes C-Class Estate and Fiat 500X, the Jaguar XE took victory with 28% of the votes.

From the morning of 28 January, the Festival Automobile International continues in Paris with a four-day exhibition at the Hotel des Invalides, where the Jaguar XE will be showcased alongside 18 concept cars, including Jaguar Project 7. More than 40,000 visitors are expected to attend.

This is the XE’s second French award since the Paris Motor Show in October 2014, where it was crowned ‘Best Production Car’ by Auto Plus magazine and the listeners of French radio station, RTL.

From London to Berlin in a jaguar XE with Idris Elba, I couldn't imagine anything worse.. LOL..

Golden Globe Award winning actor and renowned car fan Idris Elba aims to prove the Jaguar XE’s acclaimed fuel economy, technology and drivability credentials in a real world test

• Actor, producer, musician, film maker and car fan, Idris Elba is driving the new Jaguar XE from London to Berlin, covering four countries in three days
• Departing from London, Idris will cover 750 miles to deliver the XE to its German launch and DJ at a special launch event in Berlin
• Jaguar is capturing this journey by creating a series of short films, which will be released online from 10^thFebruary 2015.
• To follow Idris live on his XE experience, follow @Jaguar on Twitter
• Idris is driving the new Jaguar XE 2.0-litre 163PS four-cylinder diesel, which offers best-in-class 75mpg fuel economy with 99g/km CO₂ emissions
• The Jaguar XE benefits from lightweight aluminium construction, exceptional aerodynamics and state-of-the-art technology – it is the most fuel efficient Jaguar ever

World-renowned actor and aspiring film maker Idris Elba has embarked on an epic 750 mile road trip in the new Jaguar XE, the most fuel efficient Jaguar ever produced.

Driving from London to Berlin in winter conditions, whilst documenting his journey through film, Idris will test the class-leading fuel economy credentials of Jaguar’s new sports saloon, while enjoying innovative in-car technology, cutting-edge driver aids and entertainment systems to help navigate his way across four countries.

Speaking about his XE road trip, Idris Elba commented: “My work takes me around the world, but I rarely have the time or luxury of getting behind the wheel for myself. I wanted to do this trip and record the experience through a series of short films. I have long been a fan of Jaguar’s incredible sporting heritage and have been truly impressed with how the brand has evolved over the past few years.  It’s a real privilege to drive the new XE on this road trip across Europe.”

Jaguar Land Rover PR Director Fiona Pargeter said: “As a keen driver with a passion for cars, technology and music, Idris is sure to enjoy his exclusive test of the new Jaguar XE. We look forward to seeing how he achieves an economical drive despite challenging winter conditions.

“The XE is packed with innovative technology and as one of the first people in the world to drive the car; Idris will be sharing his experience of these through a series of short films that fans can view online and on social channels.”

The XE is powered by a range of four-and six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines offering a blend of performance, refinement and efficiency from 99g/km CO₂ to 250km/h.

From smartphone apps and Wi-Fi to premium audio systems developed with world-renowned experts Meridian – the new XE offers a suite of technologies designed to keep driver and passenger informed and entertained, making every journey an enjoyable experience.

The short documentary film will be shared in late February, with some teaser footage of the trip available from the 10^th February across Jaguar social media channels.

Suzuki Ugrades, offers lower emissions and better value for the new Swift Supermini.

UPGRADES, LOWER CO₂ EMISSIONS AND EVEN BETTER VALUE FOR SUZUKI’S COMPACT SUPERMINI

• Even better value for 2015 with model price repositioning across the range (except Sport model)
• SZ3 three and five door models (2 wheel drive) now include free satellite navigation upgrade and 0% APR PCP finance with nil deposit.
• New SZ4 5 door with Dualjet technology available at £12,699 offers emissions of just 99g/km and Zero VED charge.
• Special Edition SZ-L with exclusive two-tone paintwork available for £11,099 for three door model.

Following a record year for Swift in the UK with sales of more than 11,000 units, Suzuki is now offering even better value for its compact supermini with repositioned prices from £8,999 for the SZ2 three door model, free satellite navigation upgrade for SZ3 three and five door models and the introduction of the new Dualjet SZ4 five door model offering just 99g/km CO₂ emissions and Zero VED.

The Swift is one of Suzuki’s world strategic models and makes strong statements in styling, impact safety, driving performance, handling as well as offering low fuel consumption and low CO₂ emissions.

The new 1.2-litre Dualjet engine incorporates Suzuki’s latest technology that utilises twin fuel injectors for improved fuel economy with 65.7mpg on the EC Combined fuel consumption cycle, representing an impressive 9.2mpg or 16 per cent improvement over the current petrol engine.

Another benefit of Dualjet technology is reduced CO₂ emissions of from 116g/km to 99g/km, meaning that this model is exempt from VED charges (Vehicle Excise Duty). Even fewer trips to the fuel pumps equate to a saving of around £150 per year.

*Based on a petrol price of £1.09 per litre and an average mileage of 12,000.

Utilising Dualjet technology that positions the fuel injectors very close to the engine inlet valves allows for a finer fuel atomisation (or mixture) which in turn provides a more effective transfer into the engine. Internal modifications include the use of a new type of inlet port and combustion chamber with other mechanical parts also modified to reduce frictional losses and facilitate smoother running.

The maximum power output is 90PS versus 94PS for the current petrol engine with a slightly increased torque figure of 120Nm at 4,400rpm versus 118Nm at 4,800rpm. Other modifications include slight alterations to gear ratios for greater flexibility on the road, and the addition of Engine Auto Stop Start (EASS). 

Suzuki Financial Services are offering a new PCP (Personal Contract Purchase) deal on Swift models for Quarter 1 of this year which includes a nil deposit scheme with zero per cent APR for SZ3 models. Taking the three door model as an example, payments are just £169 per month over a 43 month agreement at 0% APR and a final instalment of £3,501 to keep the car. Monthly payments are only £9 per month extra for the SZ3 five door model too.

For customers looking to place a deposit of £2,940 for an SZ3 three door, payments are just £99 per month over the same 43 month period at zero per cent APR, again with a final balloon payment of £3,501 required at the end of the agreement.

Swift is available in five clearly defined specification grades, SZ2, SZ3, SZ-L, SZ4 and Sport with 1.6-litre engine. All models offer seven airbags and ESP as standard, front passenger airbag deactivation facility, electric front windows, remote central door locking with deadlocks, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, MP3 / WMA compatible CD tuner with USB port and steering wheel mounted audio controls.

SZ3 adds satellite navigation as a free upgrade for Q1, air conditioning, 16-inch alloy wheels, front fog lamps and bluetooth connectivity with music streaming facility.

Pricing for the 2015 Swift range is as follows:

Model	OTR Price
3-door 1.2 SZ2 manual	£8,999
3-door 1.2 SZ3 manual	£10,599
3-door 1.2 SZ-L manual	£11,099
3-door 1.2 SZ4 manual 5-door 1.2 SZ2 manual	£11,699 £9,499
5-door 1.2 SZ3 manual 5-door 1.2 SZ-L manual	£11,099 £11,599
5-door 1.2 SZ4 manual	£12,199
5-door 1.2 SZ4  auto	£13,099
5-door 1.2 SZ4 Dualjet	£12,699
5-door 1.2 SZ3  manual 4x4	£12,099
5-door 1.2 SZ4 manual 4x4 3-door 1.6-litre Sport 5-door 1.6-litre Sport	£13,699 £13,999 £14,499

WHAT CAR AWARDS - Double delight for Ford with All New Mondeo Estate and Fiesta ST

The all-new Ford Mondeo was crowned the UK’s best estate car at the 2015 What Car? Awards. The UK’s leading car buyer’s guide announced the accolade in the all-new Ford Mondeo’s first full month on sale. 

A further Ford award from the expert What Car? magazine and website team celebrated Fiesta ST as best hot hatch for the second year running.

Ford’s success at the 2015 What Car? Awards came on the same day as industry figures confirmed the Blue Oval had sold the most cars in the UK for 38 consecutive years and been top commercial vehicle brand for 49 years.

The all-new Ford Mondeo combined a thrilling drive with practicality and fuel efficiency, declared What Car?

Editor Jim Holder said:  “It’s hard to find an estate car that excels in every single area, yet Ford has managed to get it spot on with the new Mondeo.  Just like the old car, it’s fantastic to drive, with a refined engine and a smooth ride.  The boot is the perfect shape for carrying a wide range of everyday items, from a huge weekly shop to a full complement of suitcases.  It’s cracking value and will be cheaper to run than most of its rivals, thanks to CO₂ emissions of just 99g/km.”

What Car? singled out the Ford Mondeo 1.6 TDCi Zetec estate, which is capable of over 74mpg and, priced at £23,045, comes with SYNC 2 connectivity and eight-inch touchscreen as standard, as well as cruise control, DAB radio and useful rear seat ski hatch.

The dynamic yet practical Fiesta ST has exceeded sales expectations thanks to its combination of high-performance and value – it is available from only £17,395.  Delivering over 180PS and 0-62mph in under seven seconds, the ST has amassed over 7,500 sales in the UK last year.

Jim Holder, What Car? editor, said:  “The Fiesta ST is brilliant to drive, whether you’re out for a back-road strop or on the daily commute. It’s also great to live with, with decent real-world economy, plenty of standard kit and reasonable running costs.  The Fiesta makes you want to simply get in and go for a drive.  There are few cars these days that can do that.”

Mark Ovenden, Ford Britain managing director, said:  “Ford’s flying start to 2015 is celebrated by these What Car? wins.  New Mondeo is now arriving in dealerships - hard on the heels of the new Focus.  With new C-MAX and S-MAX models also in the pipeline and the legendary Mustang, 2015 will bring plenty of further fresh products to Ford dealerships.”