A brace of new trim levels are added to the MiTo Alfa range.

• Two new models added to the Alfa Romeo MiTo range in 2015
• Progression is the new entry-level specification, featuring air conditioning, alloy wheels and Uconnect™ touchscreen infotainment system as standard
• EU6-compliant 78hp 1.4-litre petrol engine reintroduced with Start&Stop
• New Junior model evokes spirit of the widely-revered 1966 original and is available either with a 0.9-litre TwinAir 105hp turbo petrol engine or a 1.3-litre JTDM-2 85hp turbo-diesel
• Both models are on sale now, with prices starting at £12,760 OTR for the Alfa Romeo MiTo Progression 1.4 78hp and £14,870 OTR for the Alfa Romeo Junior TwinAir 0.9 105hp

Building on the comprehensive revisions made to the Alfa Romeo MiTo in 2014, when it received a revamped interior with a standard five-inch touchscreen infotainment system (plus TomTom satellite navigation on certain models), subtle exterior upgrades, more engine options and a higher level of standard equipment. 

The 2015 range has been further enhanced with two new trim levels: the new MiTo “Progression” makes the dream of owning a new Alfa Romeo more attainable than ever thanks to its low on-the-road price of £12,670, while the sporty new “Junior” recalls the legacy of the 1966 Alfa Romeo GT 1300 Junior – an illustrious predecessor which made Alfa Romeo’s legendary style and driving pleasure available to a younger audience by offering big performance from a small-capacity engine.

Alfa Romeo MiTo Progression

It may be the new entry point into the Alfa Romeo range, but the MiTo Progression comes equipped with the high levels of features expected of a premium hatchback including air conditioning; a leather steering wheel and gear shifter and Alfa Romeo’s Uconnect™ five-inch colour touch screen infotainment system with Bluetooth®; voice recognition; USB / auxiliary inputs and steering wheel remote controls. In terms of safety. 

The MiTo Progression is equipped with Vehicle Dynamic Control (stability, braking and traction control with hill-holder), TPMS (tyre pressure monitoring) and seven airbags, while its undeniable visual appeal is further enhanced with 15-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler and titanium grey headlight and rear light surrounds.

The Alfa Romeo MiTo Progression is offered with a choice of engines including the insurance-friendly 78hp 1.4-litre engine, which is reintroduced with Start&Stop and EU6 certification resulting in an official combined fuel economy figure of 50.4 MPG and CO₂ emissions of 130g/km. The official 0-60 MPH for the 1.4 78hp engine is 13.0 seconds and its top speed is 103 MPH. 

The award-winning 0.9-litre TwinAir 105hp turbo petrol engine (67.3 MPG / 99g/km) and 1.3-litre JTDM-2 85hp turbo-diesel (80.7 MPG / 90g/km) engines are also available with the Progression trim level, priced from £13,770 OTR and £14,315 OTR respectively.

Alfa Romeo MiTo Junior

The new Alfa Romeo MiTo Junior aims to broaden the appeal of the MiTo range still further by offering stylish but attention-grabbing looks within an affordable and insurable package. It builds on the high specification of the MiTo Progression but adds 17-inch alloy wheels with a brilliant white finish as well as matching door mirror caps and distinctive new “Junior” boot decal, also finished in white. 

Other enhancements include front fog lights; a sports rear bumper and satin-effect door handles with matching headlamp and tail-lamp surrounds, while the interior benefits from special Junior upholstery, Junior floor mats and a flat-bottom sports steering wheel with contrasting stitching.

Under the bonnet, the Alfa Romeo MiTo Junior is powered by the 0.9-litre TwinAir 105hp turbo petrol engine (0-60MPH in 11.4 seconds / 114 MPH) and 1.3-litre JTDM-2 85hp turbo-diesel (0-60MPH in 12.9 seconds / 108 MPH) and is priced from £14,870 OTR and £15,415 OTR respectively.

The Alfa Romeo MiTo Junior was inspired by the stunning Alfa Romeo GT 1300 Junior from 1966 which combined the gorgeous looks of the Giugiaro-styled 105/115 Series coupe with a small-capacity version of the legendary all-alloy Alfa Romeo Twin-Cam engine. 

Developed with Italian taxation in mind (which penalised larger engines), the Junior GT 1300 amassed 91,000 sales (accounting for 69 percent of all 105/115 Series built) and has become very collectable in its own right thanks to its purity and character, as well as the larger number of enthusiasts whose earliest Alfa Romeo memories are of that very car.

This year is the centenary of when A.L.F.A. (Anonima Lombarda Fabbrica Automobili) came under the direction of entrepreneur Nicola Romeo who, following the end of World War 1, eventually changed the name of the company to Alfa Romeo and ushered in an era of extraordinary technological advances and competition successes for the brand which remain an integral part of its identity to this day.

The new Ferrari 488 GTB V8 debuts at Geneva: track-level performance and responsiveness for the road.

Ferrari 488 GTB: extreme power for extreme driving thrills

Forty years on from the unveiling of its first ever mid-rear-engined V8 model, the 308 GTB, the Prancing Horse opens a new chapter in its 8-cylinder history. The Ferrari 488 GTB provides track-level performance that can be enjoyed to the full even by non-professional drivers in everyday use. Its response times, nimbleness and on-the-limit driving guarantee a unique sense of exhilaration and unparalleled driving pleasure.

The new berlinetta brilliantly encapsulates Ferrari’s experience in both F1 and the WEC, where the 458 GT holds the World Championship title and has won its category in the last two editions of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. 

The new model also exploits to the full the know-how gleaned by Ferrari technicians over the last decade through the XX programme which makes extreme track-only cars available to gentleman test-drivers. The data yielded has made a significant contribution to the refinement of the electronic and vehicle control systems so that drivers can make the most of the incredible performance of this new car.

The Ferrari 488 GTB’s new 3902 cc V8 turbo is at the top of its class for power output, torque and response times, making it the new benchmark for this kind of architecture. The engine unleashes 670 cv at 8,000 rpm along with 760 Nm of maximum torque in seventh gear and a response time to the accelerator of just 0.8 seconds at 2,000 rpm. 

These figures are sufficient to allow the Ferrari 488 GTB to accelerate from 0-200 km/h in an astonishing 8.3 seconds and, when combined with the radical innovations introduced on all aspects of the car’s performance, lap the Fiorano track in just 1’23”.

The gearbox features Variable Torque Management which unleashes the engine’s massive torque smoothly and powerfully right across the rev range, while specific gear ratios deliver incredibly progressive acceleration when the driver floors the throttle. As is always the case, Ferrari’s engineers have dedicated great attention to perfecting the 488 GTB’s sound, creating a new soundtrack that is full, clear and totally distinctive, as expected from any Prancing Horse engine.

The car’s aerodynamics also made a pivotal contribution to performance: its 1.67 efficiency figure is a new record for a production Ferrari, and is the fruit of 50 per cent more downforce than the previous model and reduced drag. The greatest challenge was achieving these two goals simultaneously. Several innovative elements were specifically developed to do so, not least a double front spoiler, base bleed side intakes and, at the rear, active aerodynamics coupled with a blown spoiler. 

The aerodynamic underbody, which incorporates vortex generators, is highly sophisticated, too.

The Ferrari 488 GTB’s subsystems and electronic controls make its power and performance instantly available and controllable. It is, in fact, the most responsive production model there is, with razor-sharp response times comparable to those of a track car.

The evolved version of Ferrari’s side slip angle control system (Side Slip Control 2 - SSC2) is more precise and less invasive, providing greater longitudinal acceleration out of corners. Aside from integrating with the car’s F1-Trac and E-Diff, the SSC2 now also controls the active dampers which renders the car’s dynamic behaviour during complex manoeuvres even flatter and more stable.

Designed by the Ferrari Styling Centre, the new car features very sculptural flanks which are the key to its character. Its large signature air intake scallop is a nod to the original 308 GTB and is divided into two sections by a splitter. The wide front spoiler features a double profile to improve the thermal efficiency of the radiators positioned at the sides. At the centre two pylons are combined with a deflector which channels air towards the flat underbody. 

The broad, low tail is also dominated by aerodynamic solutions, including an innovative blown spoiler which generates downforce without increasing drag. This works in conjunction with an aggressive ramp angle for the diffuser which features active flaps. The greater height required for the diffuser was achieved by repositioning the exhaust tailpipes. The circular LED tail lights have also been redesigned. 

In the cabin, the seamless integration of the new satellite control clusters, angled air vents and instrument panel heightens the sense that the cockpit is completely tailored around the driver. Usability was the key word in the design, leading to an extremely sporty ambience that in no way compromises on comfort. 

There are plenty of classic Ferrari styling elements too, such as the clear separation between the dashboard and tunnel, the multifunctional steering wheel, the control switch bridge and wraparound seats. The graphics and interface of the infotainment screen have also been completely redesigned while the design of the car’s new key takes its inspiration from the car’s cylinder banks and allows keyless starts.

The Ferrari 488 GTB will make its world debut at the International Geneva Motor Show in March, but from today can be seen at www.ferrari.com.

New Generation i20 receives ‘iF Design Award 2015’ in the product category.

• New Generation i20 receives ‘iF Design Award 2015’ in the product category
• Recognises distinctive, sophisticated design of Hyundai’s new B-segment car
• Further validation of Hyundai Motor’s design and quality

Hyundai Motor has once again received international recognition for its vehicle design from the prestigious iF Design Awards jury. The New Generation i20 has won the iF Design Award 2015 in the “Product” discipline, under the “Automobiles / Vehicles / Bikes” category.

The award recognises the refined design of the newest addition to Hyundai Motor’s car line-up. 

The distinctive appearance of the All - New Generation i20 hatchback was influenced by the latest interpretation of the company's Fluidic Sculpture design philosophy, characterised by the car's clean and elegant lines and the prominent hexagonal grille that marks it out as a Hyundai.

The team from Hyundai Motor’s Design Centre Europe in Rüsselsheim, Germany paid particular attention to achieving balanced proportions. The front-end design and long hood create a powerful stance, and the gloss-black C-pillar delivers a unique floating-roof motif. Inside, the driver-oriented cockpit features extensive use of soft-touch materials, as well as subtle piano black inserts and chrome detailing, to create a modern and sophisticated interior package.

Peter Schreyer, President and Chief Design Officer of Hyundai Motor Group, said: "It's an honour for Hyundai to be once again internationally recognised in the iF Design Awards, with New Generation i20 following the success of All-New Genesis last year. Design plays a core role in shaping our brand and driving consumer purchases of Hyundai cars, so we're delighted to receive such a prestigious accolade from a respected authority on design."

For more than 60 years, the iF Design Awards have been recognised across the world as a symbol of design excellence. Organised by iF International Forum Design GmbH, the awards recognise outstanding design across various disciplines and categories. The jury awarded the sought-after prize to Hyundai’s New Generation i20 following a rigorous judging process, involving almost 5,000 entries from 53 countries.

The iF Design Award night will take place on 27 February 2015.

Designed, engineered and manufactured in Europe, the New Generation i20 is on sale now throughout the region.

Hyundai UK plans big investment to make the company a top five sales brand.

• Hyundai Motor UK outlines vision for future growth
• New products to spearhead growth in 2015 and beyond
• Investment in dealer network and brand engagement to attract new customers

Hyundai Motor UK today has set out its vision for continued growth in 2015 and beyond.

After another record year in 2014, during which the company sold over 80,000 cars in the UK for the first time, Hyundai has outlined its short, medium and long-term plans for future growth.

In the short-term, Hyundai Motor UK is targeting 100,000 annual registrations, with a medium-term goal of 5% market share. In the long-term, the company aims to secure a Top 5 sales position among all car brands in the UK.

New product launches, continued investment in the dealer network and increased public engagement via key cultural and sport partnerships will help the company achieve its goals, according to Tony Whitehorn, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor UK.

Presenting the company’s vision, Whitehorn said: “Hyundai has undergone something of a transformation in recent years - and we’ve tripled sales in the UK since 2008. But that’s not enough - we want Hyundai to grow into something more, and we do that by offering more cars that people want to buy.”

Hyundai plans to launch several new models in 2015. The supermini New Generation i20, which went on sale a week ago, will be joined later in the year by the new i20 Coupe, New i30 and i30 Turbo and New i40, amongst others. Diversifying the split of core model sales is key to the company’s growth strategy as it moves towards 100,000 UK sales – 20,000 each of i10, i20, i30 and ix35 with the final 20,000 models made up by the rest of the range.

All new models will feature the latest technology and features developed by Hyundai engineers in Germany and Korea. The company announced a £48 billion investment (80.7 trillion KRW) in new facilities (49.1 trillion KRW) and R&D (31.6 trillion KRW) earlier this month, while a recent study by Thomson Reuters IP & Science found that Hyundai had posted the biggest increase in the number of patent filings among global carmakers over the last five years.

As well as attracting new customers with new models and technologies, Hyundai is going through the process of revamping its UK dealer network with a new showroom identity - designed to offer visitors an excellence experience that matches the quality of the brand’s new models. 

This approach extends to an understanding of how today’s consumer operates - the digital store Rockar was opened towards the end of 2014 and offers motorists a completely new way to buy a car.

Hyundai will also engage consumers through a series of sporting and cultural initiatives this year and beyond. As well as the long-term agreement with Tate, Hyundai has been a sponsor of FIFA football tournaments for more than 15 years, and will remain an official partner until at least 2022. After a hugely successful inaugural year in the World Rally Championship, Hyundai is hoping to build on its successes on the road and with motorsport fans in 2015.

“We’re a young company and have the freedom to do things a little differently,” added Whitehorn. “We need to take this as an opportunity to reach out to more people and build advocacy for the Hyundai brand.”

The carmaker is one year into an unprecedented 11-year partnership with Tate, one of the world’s top art institutions. The collaboration - which is founded upon Hyundai’s and Tate’s commitment to worldwide innovation - is the longest of its kind in Tate’s history.

USA - Porsche to increase availability of the Macan to teh US to meet huge demand.

Porsche is working to increase supplies of the new Macan midsize crossover to U.S. dealers in 2015.

“We’re certainly pushing because it’s been a big success,” Joe Lawrence, chief operating officer of Porsche Cars North America, said after the Porsche officials met with U.S. dealers here on Sunday. “We’re having some issues with customers having to wait longer than we would like, and we don’t want to lose those customers.”

Wait times for Macan buyers have been six months or more since it went on sale last May. U.S. dealers are looking forward to getting more Macans this year and getting them into the hands of buyers more quickly. A diesel-powered Macan is also expected near the end of the year.

“We’re going to expand that Macan number,” said Mike Sullivan, owner of Pacific Porsche in Torrance, California, and a member of the Porsche Dealer Board of Regents in the U.S. “It’s pretty exciting. We were so limited.”

Lawrence declined to estimate the number of Macans that will be allocated to the U.S. market in 2015. Porsche sold 7,241 Macans during the seven months it was on sale last year.

Though Porsche’s U.S. executives are pushing for higher allocation of the Macan, it’s not confirmed, Lawrence said.

“We would be happy to get more,” he said. “But the factory [in Leipzig, Germany] is constrained, and the worldwide demand is so strong on that car.”

Still, a full year of Macan sales is expected to put Porsche over its goal of selling 50,000 vehicles in the U.S., three years earlier than the 2018 deadline originally set by the automaker. Porsche sold 47,007 vehicles in the U.S. in 2014, an 11 percent annual increase. The overall U.S. market rose 6 percent.

“Our target clearly is to exceed 50,000 this year,” Lawrence said. “We believe we’ll have the production and the right mix to be able to do that. A full year of Macan obviously helps that situation and makes it possible.”

REPORT HERE

Amy Wilson

New i30 from Hyundai, now comes with Turbo power along with a host of upgrades.

• Production commences at Hyundai Motor’s manufacturing facility in Nošovice
• Refreshed design and new Turbo model boost appeal to European customers
• Improved fuel efficiency starting as low as 3.6 l/100 km and 94 g/km CO₂

Hyundai Motor this month has begun production of the latest version of its European top-seller, the New i30, at its European production facility, Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Czech (HMMC), in Nošovice, Czech Republic.

New i30 follows the company’s strategy to create cars that are tailored to the needs of European customers. The second-generation i30, on sale since 2012, has accounted for a fifth of Hyundai’s overall European sales in recent years. The upgraded model is expected to further enhance i30’s position in the competitive European C-segment.

The New i30 range is enhanced with new engines, transmissions, safety and comfort features and refreshed exterior design. The line-up boasts improved engine efficiency across the new car’s three bodystyles – three-door, five-door and wagon – with fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions as low as 3.6 l/100 km and 94 g/km respectively. The updated car enhances driver choice with a new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, and expands the model’s appeal with a Nürburgring-tuned 186 PS i30 Turbo model.

New i30 Turbo

Powered by a 186 PS, 1.6-litre turbocharged engine, the New i30 Turbo has been developed with a focus on sporty driving dynamics and everyday usability. Acceleration to 100 km/h is achieved in 8.0 seconds and top speed is 219 km/h. Unique exterior and interior design features set the New i30 Turbo apart from the rest of the New i30 line-up. These include a new radiator grille, front and rear bumpers with red detailing, new front LED lamp design, twin exhausts and 18-inch alloy wheels.