SEAT launches ‘Ultimate Sub8 Performance Pack’ for LEON, Cheaper, lighter and more fun.

• SEAT launches ‘Ultimate Sub8 Performance Pack’, priced at £4,200
• Comprehensive pack sports 30mm larger brakes with Brembo calipers, Michelin Sport Cup 2 tyres, body coloured side skirts, multi-spoke alloys in black or orange, plus series of weight reduction measures
• Exclusivity assured as each car built to order
• Undercuts closest rival, Mégane Renaultsport 275 Trophy-R, by up to £7,000

SEAT is all set to stir up the hot hatch brigade once again with the launch of a new ‘Ultimate Sub8 Performance Pack’. Mirroring the exact specification of its creation which became the first front-wheel-drive production car to dip under the magic eight-minute Nürburgring Nordschleife lap time, the pack is set to cost £4,200.

Ultimate Sub8 Performance Pack

Other LEON models in the range.

Be under no illusions. A Leon SC CUPRA 280 fitted with the Ultimate Sub8 Performance Pack is no impractical trackday toy. It’s every inch a proper hot hatch, just with an even more focused nature than the multi-award-winning Leon on which it’s based. It’s even got rear seats and a radio, DAB at that. Nevertheless, it’ll still make a simple trundle to the shops, an occasion and not a chore, and garner plenty of attention along the way. Plus, given the fact that each car will be built to order, its exclusivity is assured.

Specifying the Ultimate Sub8 Performance Pack on a Leon SC CUPRA 280, costing £27,210 in manual guise, brings the price to £31,410. A sizeable £5,020 less than its closest direct rival, the two-seater Mégane Renaultsport 275 Trophy-R at £36,430. Or, closer to £7,000 by the time the latter’s Performance Brake pack, electric door mirrors and satellite navigation extras are thrown into the equation.

Courtesy of some weight reduction trickery, the comprehensive pack swaps climate control for a simpler heating system, while even four of the CUPRA’s usual eight speakers have been ditched in the dieting process. The weight loss programme has also seen the Leon CUPRA 280 slimmed down through the loss of the centre console armrest and rear air vents, while even the storage boxes under the front seat have been binned.

The rest of the pack is as per the standard Sub8 Performance Pack, which means lightweight multi-spoke 19-inch alloys in black or orange, 30mm larger brakes with Brembo callipers and body-coloured side skirts. Semi-slick Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres can be included too for £460.

Keeping it extremely simple for customers, there’s the usual choice of six-speed manual or slick-shifting DSG transmission, but, in keeping with its stripped back approach, no options.

As well as a supreme driving experience, it also retains another CUPRA hallmark, its high-end equipment features. Among them are DCC (Dynamic Chassis Control) and CUPRA Drive Profile, providing the choice of Normal, Sport, CUPRA and Individual settings, to adjust the suspension, throttle sensitivity, gearbox and engine note, according to the whim of the driver’s mood. There’s also cruise control, rear parking sensors, touchscreen satellite navigation and tyre pressure monitor.

The Ultimate Sub8 Performance Pack can be specified now with all new Leon SC CUPRA 280 orders.

22.2% of all cars sold in the UK last year were White, the biggest proportion since records began.

• White is now the UK’s favourite new car colour after a surge in popularity in recent years.
• Almost a quarter of new cars registered in 2014 were white, the highest proportion since records began and up from less than 1% a decade ago.

Figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show that white was the most popular colour for new cars registered in the UK in 2014 for the second year running. Of the 2,476,435 new cars registered in 2014, 22.2% were white – representing the highest proportion of white cars registered in any year since records began in 1996.

The colour’s record-breaking popularity follows a strong upturn in the uptake of white cars, over the past decade. In 2010, white cars accounted for just under 10% of new car registrations, making it the sixth most popular car colour, with black and silver cars the best-selling. In 2005, less than 1% of the UK’s new car buyers chose white.

In 2014, black cars took second place followed by grey, taking 19% and 14% of the market respectively. Silver – the second most popular colour in 2010 with almost a quarter of registrations – has now slipped to sixth place, accounting for 13% of the total new car market.

Colour of new cars registered 2014 vs 2010

All white now

White became the UK’s most popular choice in 2013, but for many years it was one of the least-favoured choices of car colour.

Demand for white cars saw exponential growth from 2008 to 2012, with the number of units registered growing from 1.1% in 2007 to 20.9% in 2012.

Best-selling white cars by year

Year	Make	Model	Registrations
1996	Citroën	Xantia	2,489
2000	Vauxhall	Astra	4,775
2005	MINI	MINI	3,827
2010	Fiat	500	13,049
2014	Ford	Fiesta	25,845

BusinessCar Awards Ford's Fiesta & S-Max two awards, Best MPV & Best Supermini 2015.

Two popular Ford models have been honoured in this year’s BusinessCar Awards – for the eighth consecutive year for the S-MAX.

The stylish and sporty Ford S-MAX tightened its grip on the award for Best Multi-Purpose Vehicle – held since 2008.  Ford Fiesta, the UK’s top-selling car, took BusinessCar’s Supermini of the Year prize.

The only awards decided by fleet managers themselves, the BusinessCar honours are highly prized within the industry and underline Ford’s popularity among fleets.

Ford S-MAX – due to be renewed this Summer – has enjoyed a remarkable run of success both in the annual BusinessCar Awards and combined fleet and retail market, reaching over 82,000 UK registrations since its 2006 debut.

Paul Barker, BusinessCar editor, said:  “Ford’s S-MAX has been a class apart since launch, bringing people-carrying practicality without boxy people-carrying looks. Though this generation is soon to be replaced by an even classier new model, it is going out with a bang and still looks great compared to rivals.”

The Ford Fiesta earned its Best Supermini honour because it is “high on quality as well as quantity”.  Paul Barker added:  “Driving enjoyment, efficiency, good running costs and clever technology all combine to make it a popular choice. Our readers – the people choosing these models for their business – have picked the Fiesta as their favourite mainstream supermini, and that’s testament to the car’s all-round ability.”

Incoming new Ford of Britain fleet director Nick Themistocleous, said:  “The seven-seat coupé that is the Ford S-MAX deserves its superb run of success in the BusinessCar Awards and its 2015 replacement will enjoy an equally positive response from readers.  Ford Fiesta adds another significant accolade to its vast collection of honours.”

SEAT announces pricing and specs for Leon ST CUPRA 280, bit pricey, but its a stunning car..

• SEAT’s first high-performance estate Leon ST (Sports Tourer) CUPRA 280 to cost £28,505 (manual) and £29,860 (DSG) OTR
• Hottest estate in its class sports 2.0 turbocharged 280 PS engine, hitting 0-62 mph in six  seconds (6.1 for manual) and limited top speed of 155 mph
• Leon ST CUPRA 280 has no direct lower-medium class performance estate rival, offering more power and equipment for the money than anything else
• UK debut at Daily Telegraph Outdoor & Adventure Show, 12-15 February 2015
• Ordering for UK cars is now open, ahead of showroom launch in March 2015

SEAT has confirmed pricing and specification for the third model in its fire-breathing Leon CUPRA range, the ST CUPRA 280. Priced from £28,505 on-the-road, the new “Q-car” offers quite simply performance and practicality without compromise.

The sporty Spanish brand is now the only manufacturer to offer a flagship performance version in three bodystyles on one of its models. In the Leon’s case, the latest ST CUPRA 280 now joins the fold with its three-door SC and five-door Leon siblings.

The hottest of the current crop of “hot estates”, the Leon ST CUPRA 280’s two-litre turbocharged 280 PS engine can propel it from 0-62 mph in six seconds (6.1 for manual), before going onto a limited top speed of 155 mph. At the same time, whether it’s a tradesman’s trusty workhorse, or school run load-carrier, it’s still an easy car to live with.

With such an impressive amount of power, good looks, solid build quality and high equipment level, SEAT’s latest model can lay claim to having arguably no direct hot estate rival for the money. On paper, its closest mass market competitor is the Ford Focus ST-3. 

However, not only is it outgunned by 30 PS in the performance stakes, the Blue Oval’s challenger also comes with significantly less equipment. Ominously for premium carmakers, with its 280 PS potency, engaging driving experience, high residual value and large load-carrying ability, the new Leon ST CUPRA 280 is also straying into their hallowed territory from the class above.

Inside and out, the ST CUPRA 280 retains all of the Leon ST’s usual style and practicality, including its sizeable 587-litre boot, which rises to 1,470 litres with the rear seats folded at the pull of a single lever. Immediately distinguishable from other Leons, the newcomer boasts 19-inch CUPRA alloy wheels with titanium finish, red brake callipers, rear spoiler and diffuser housing two oval end chrome tailpipes, together with substantial air intakes at the front.

As with the other two halo versions in the range, the ST CUPRA 280 comes highly kitted out. In keeping with its positioning as an everyday sports car, it comes with an enviable list of luxury touches and gadgetry to make life that little bit easier and driving even more enjoyable.

First up is CUPRA Drive Profile, which enables the driver to alter the car’s suspension, steering and throttle set-up as the mood takes them. The performance theme runs through the interior with a CUPRA leather steering wheel and Alcantara sports seats, while auto lights and wipers, SEAT Media System Plus and DAB radio, plus satellite navigation round off its comprehensive equipment tally.

Extensive options list

As the Leon flagship, CUPRA 280s can be upgraded to impressive heights. Whether its the fitment of the ‘Sub8 Performance Pack’, or a CUPRA Colour-Line pack (Black, Orange or White), the car is sure to get more than its fair share of attention wherever it’s seen.

Straight out of the factory, the Leon ST CUPRA 280 is already a hot estate to be reckoned with. However, owners looking to create something even more special can specify the Sub8 Performance Pack. For £2,025 including VAT, it includes even more substantial brakes, specially-designed 19-inch alloy wheels in either black or orange and body-coloured side skirts. Semi-slick Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres, which also featured on SEAT’s fastest production car to date, are available for £460.

The aforementioned Black-, Orange- and White-Line colour packs, at £500 will ensure the ST CUPRA 280 stands out for all the right reasons. Taking the standard car’s looks to another level, it ensures the standard 19-inch CUPRA alloy wheels are picked out in black, orange or white, according to the chosen pack, with co-ordinating door mirrors and tailgate lettering. The front grille surround and door mirrors also come in the same shade, with the mean and moody look completed through painted brake callipers (red for black wheels and black for orange wheels).

In addition to the styling enhancements, ST CUPRA 280 drivers also have a plethora of other individual options and packs to choose from. Among them, are the SEAT Sound system for £255, Driver Assist Pack (which takes in High Beam Assist and Lane Assist) at £300, and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Front Assist for £505. Lastly, for those keen to venture on track with the hottest compact estate, CUPRA bucket seats are likely to prove a boon. For £1,250 they come clad in black Alcantara upholstery with white simil leather bolsters, and feature a one-piece head restraint, CUPRA logo and heating.

Potential UK buyers will be able to catch their first glimpse of the latest addition to SEAT’s iconic CUPRA stable at the Daily Telegraph Outdoor Adventure & Travel Show, held at London’s ExCel, from 12-15 February 2015.

SEAT celebrates a sixth successive year of growth, with more to come.

• 18% sales growth sees SEAT UK achieve sixth UK sales record in a row – posting 53,512 registrations in 2014, up 8,200 units on 2013
• Records smashed across the board for SEAT retail and fleet sales, UK car market share, as well as Ibiza and Leon sales
• Market share up almost two percentage points to 2.16%
• Performance in retail sales up by impressive 24.2% to 29,901 and 11.2% in fleet to 23,611
• Buoyant Leon range sales, plus impressive return from ever-popular Ibiza family drive the sporty Spanish carmarker to best ever UK performance
• SEAT international sales increased by over 10% in same period

For the sixth consecutive year, SEAT has smashed its UK sales record. Selling 53,512 cars in total, the sporty Spanish brand gained 18.1% on 2013. Outpacing the UK car market’s own growth by nearly 100%, the firm narrowly missed out on chasing down both Honda and MINI, with market share up too, from 2% to 2.16%.

Just as crucially, SEAT performed well in the right channels. Its retail sales rocketed upwards by almost a quarter to 29,901, while its fleet team more than held its own, posting 23,611 sales, a substantial increase of 11.2% on the 21,239 in 2013.

Within SEAT’s six–model line-up, the Leon family led the charge, outstripping the iconic Ibiza for the first time. With 23,125 sales, no doubt its sizeable awards haul in 2014, as well as the full year impacts of its SC (Sports Coupé) and ST (Sports Tourer) derivatives aided its 50.8% gain on the year before. Chasing it hard was the three-model Ibiza range, ending the year on 22,500. Again, shattering another SEAT UK record, up 13.8% on 2013.

Commenting on its latest set of impressive sales figures, SEAT UK Director Neil Williamson, said, “To set another sales record in the UK is fantastic and I’d like to take the opportunity to thank the SEAT UK team, as well as our dealer partners, in achieving such a superb result for 2014. There’s a real sense of momentum with our brand at the moment, which we’ll be looking to capitalise on in the months ahead, with unsurprisingly, yet more ambitious growth targets to hit.

“We’ve made great strides in fleet and retail over the last couple of years, so as well as cementing our position in both in 2015, the most pleasing thing for me will be the upgrading of our UK dealer network. It’s a huge undertaking to install our new corporate identity across  130-plus sites, but I’m confident the more modern and upmarket look will allow us to deliver an even greater customer experience, in line with the desirability and high quality of our cars.”

SEAT delivered 390,500 cars internationally in 2014

SEAT ended 2014 having delivered 390,500 internationally, 10% more than in 2013 (355,000), its best achievement since 2007. As a result, SEAT has accumulated 21.7% growth in the last two years alone, having found homes for almost 70,000 vehicles more than in 2012 (321,000). 

The UK cemented its position as the brand’s third largest market, behind Spain and Germany.

SEAT sales have been largely boosted by the Leon family. In 2014, it saw a 50% increase, rising to 154,100 units, 51,300 more than the previous year. 

Since the launch of the new generation in 2012 – the first with three different bodystyles – the Leon has more than doubled its sales, and has posted a 116% increase (2012: 71,200 vehicles). It has also achieved the best sales results since its launch in 1999, and for the first time has replaced the Ibiza as SEAT’s best-selling car.

The ST estate version of the Leon, launched at the end of 2013, accounted for a healthy volume of 47,100 units – 30.5% of the model’s overall figure. The brand’s MPV, the SEAT Alhambra, also achieved double-digit growth in 2014, exceeding 23,000 units (23,100; +15.6%).

SEAT Executive Committee Chairman Jürgen Stackmann, made a satisfactory assessment of these results. “For the second year running SEAT sales have seen double-digit growth. 

The Leon family has been a turning point in our history. It has become the second pillar of the brand and has opened the door to new customers.” Stackmann said of 2015: “Our goal is to consolidate growth. The range is going to grow and be renewed this year, starting with the models we already have, and we are getting ready for the immediate future – the arrival of the compact SUV in 2016.”

Ford enters 2015 knowing it will one of the busiest in its history, lots of new cars and tech to come.

• Ford says 2015 will be one its busiest years ever in terms of new product launches in the UK – broadening the appeal of the Ford brand to more customers
• Ford last year strengthened its UK market lead while recording 38 consecutive years of car sales leadership and 49 years of commercial vehicle leadership on strong demand for its new, all-new and refreshed cars, commercial vehicles and remarkable technologies
• In 2015, all-new Mondeo will be joined by the all-new Ford Galaxy and S-MAX and versatile new C-MAX and Grand C-MAX
• Ford debuts upmarket product and ownership experience this year with the new Ford Vignale Mondeo
• The all-new Ford Mustang will go on in the UK, and with right-hand drive, this year for first time in the iconic vehicle’s 50-year history; new Focus ST and Focus diesel ST also debut
• Ford will extend all-new Mondeo range to include the first Mondeo Hybrid, and models equipped with Intelligent all-wheel drive, and the award-winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost
• Production to start for advanced all-new Ford Edge SUV in late 2015, joins Kuga and EcoSport as Ford continues to leverage global SUV strength

Ford of Britain – which last year strengthened its UK market lead while recording 38 consecutive years of car sales leadership and 49 years of commercial vehicle leadership on strong demand for its new models – said 2015 will be one of the busiest years for new product in the company’s history.

Ford confirmed for the first time that an all-new Ford Galaxy seven-passenger vehicle will go on sale about mid-year. Other new models coming in 2015 include the all-new S-MAX, C‑MAX, Grand C-MAX and Mustang. All-new Edge SUV will go into production in late 2015. 

In addition, Ford will complete the rollout of the all-new Mondeo with variants equipped with Intelligent all-wheel drive, high-powered diesel and petrol engines, and the award-winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost. The new Focus family is also being expanded to include a new Focus ST and Focus diesel ST, followed by refreshed versions of EcoSport and Ranger.

“In 2014, our new passenger cars, commercial vehicles and remarkable technologies helped us outperform the market and increase our market share in Europe,” said Jim Farley, chairman and CEO, Ford of Europe. “In 2015, we’re excited to build on this momentum and reach new customers with everything from larger, more upscale cars and utilities to new performance vehicles to vehicles designed for families of every size. These new vehicles reflect a more emotional and upmarket vision for Ford products in Europe.”

This year Ford expects to launch new or significantly refreshed versions of passenger cars that last year accounted for around 45 per cent of total sales.

Here is a closer look at Ford’s product plans for 2015:

Vignale

Ford will debut its upscale Vignale product and ownership experience in 2015 with the Vignale Mondeo. Vignale will be sold from select FordStores across the UK.

Among bespoke services available to customers who have bought a new Ford Vignale from the FordStores will be collection and delivery for vehicle servicing – from a home address or office location – alongside servicing scheduled to suit the owner. Vignale customers will be able to make all arrangements, and make any Vignale-related enquiries via a single, free telephone number. Vignale vehicles will always be handled with care and, with a premium valet, handed back to owners waxed, cleaned, and vacuumed.

SUVs

Ford’s expansion of its SUV range was led by the introduction of the new Kuga, first revealed in late 2012. Last year, the company introduced the all-new EcoSport compact SUV, combining the practicality and affordability of a small car in a spacious, flexible SUV package.

This year Ford will start production of the all-new Edge, Ford’s most advanced SUV, which will go on sale to European customers for the first time. The company also will introduce enhancements for EcoSport for a fresh, comprehensive range of small, medium and large SUVs.

Ford Performance

A mouth-watering year for performance vehicle enthusiasts includes the arrival of an icon. After more than 50 years, the all-new Ford Mustang will go on sale in the UK for the first time and Fastback and convertible models will be offered equipped with Ford’s new 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine, and the latest generation of Ford’s legendary 5.0-litre V8.

In early 2015, Ford will introduce the new Focus ST. Offered as a five-door model, and estate, the new Focus ST will for the first time offer a powerful diesel option – the most fuel‑efficient and lowest CO₂ Ford performance car ever.*

Only last month, Ford confirmed it will be launching an all-new Focus RS. The 30^th RS model produced by Ford since 1967 will be the first to go on sale globally, and is among more than 12 new performance vehicles that Ford is bringing to customers worldwide through 2020.

Family vehicles

The all-new Ford Galaxy that will join Ford’s family vehicle line-up this year, is the fifth generation of one of Europe’s most popular seven-seat family movers.

For families, Ford will deliver a wide spectrum of new models including, in spring, an all-new version of the trail-blazing S-MAX sports activity vehicle. At the same time, the stylish new C-MAX and Grand C-MAX multi-activity vehicles will enhance a MAX family that also includes the B-MAX multi-activity vehicle to ensure the broadest choice of family vehicles in Europe.

All-new Mondeo

Ford will extend the all-new Mondeo range which includes, for the first time, the Mondeo Hybrid Electric Vehicle. There also will be a first Mondeo 1.0-litre EcoBoost, equipped with the engine that achieved an unprecedented third consecutive victory when it was named 2014 International Engine of the Year. Ford will introduce to the line-up Intelligent all-wheel drive, and a new twin-sequential turbocharged 210PS 2.0-litre TDCi diesel engine.

Remarkable technologies

All-new Mondeo and S-MAX customers will this year be able to specify technologies including:

• Intelligent all-wheel drive, which measures how the car’s tyres are gripping the road surface every 16 milliseconds, and can adjust power delivery to individual wheels in 100 milliseconds
• Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection, which can detect people in the road ahead – or that could cross the vehicle’s path – and automatically apply the brakes if the driver does not respond to warnings
• Active Park Assist with Perpendicular Parking technology, which can detect and reverse the car hands-free into spaces alongside other cars as well as parallel to the road; technology first offered on the new Ford Focus

All-new S-MAX will debut in Europe Ford Adaptive Steering, which continually changes the ratio between the steering and road wheels according to vehicle speed. It also will introduce Front Split View Camera technology to the segment, which makes negotiating junctions or parking spaces with restricted visibility easier through the use of a 180deg camera system installed at the front of the vehicle.

Finally, all of the vehicles being launched in 2015 will feature SYNC 2 – Ford’s connectivity system with advanced voice control and eight-inch colour touchscreen. This enables drivers to operate phone, entertainment, climate and navigation systems using simple conversational language. Drivers can even bring up a list of local restaurants by using the command: “I’m hungry”.

“Our entire product development team around the world, and especially here in Europe, have been working harder than ever to deliver on the product promises that we have made as part of our revitalisation plan,” said Joe Bakaj, vice president, Product Development, Ford of Europe. “From performance cars that deliver outstanding on-road performance to family vehicles that deliver great quality, fuel efficiency, safety and technology, 2015 promises to be one of the most exciting years for Ford of Europe and its customers.”