New 3-cylinder addition to A1 & A1 Sportback takes entry price of Audi ownership to £14,315

New three-cylinder petrol engine joins updated A1 range polished by styling revisions, equipment upgrades and efficiency gains

• New three-cylinder addition to acclaimed A1 and A1 Sportback ranges takes entry price of Audi ownership to £14,315 OTR
• Available to order now in conjunction with SE or Sport specification – first UK deliveries in summer 2015
• A1 1.0 TFSI five-speed manual – 0-62mph in 10.9 seconds, top speed 116mph, combined MPG 67.3, CO₂ 97g/km
• A1 and A1 Sportback ranges recently enhanced by styling revisions inside and out, new or improved engines, more equipment and improved option packs

Weighing up the pros and cons of petrol and diesel power becomes a little harder for Audi A1 customers from today as a new super-frugal, 97g/km TFSI version of the three or five-door subcompact becomes available in the UK. 

Equipped with a characterful new three-cylinder engine – the first petrol unit with this configuration ever to be installed in an Audi model – the latest A1 variant promises to bring 67mpg-plus economy, peppy performance and the premium hallmarks that distinguish every Audi within even easier reach with an OTR price starting from £14,315.

The 95PS turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine effectively replaces the 89PS 1.2-litre four-cylinder engine available in the A1 since launch. It can call on a healthy 160Nm of torque to propel the A1 1.0 TFSI with standard five-speed manual gearbox to 62mph from rest in 10.9 seconds, regardless of whether it is powering the three-door or five-door Sportback body style.

A seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission is also available, and with this installed the acceleration time is also unchanged in both versions. Top speed is 116mph in every case.

Equally importantly, the new engine can return up to 67.3mpg in the A1 when linked to the standard manual gearbox, or 64.2mpg in conjunction with the S tronic transmission, equating to CO₂ figures of 97g/km and 102g/km respectively. Again, these figures apply regardless of the body style chosen.

For comparison, the 1.6-litre TDI which retains its position as the most frugal option in the updated range now benefits from an economy boost from 74.3mpg to 80.7mpg according to the combined cycle test, and a CO₂ reduction from 99g/km to 92g/km in both body styles.

SE or Sport specification options

The new three-cylinder petrol engine is available in conjunction with either SE or Sport specification, both options including alloy wheels, remote central locking, air conditioning, electric front windows and mirrors and a six-speaker single CD audio system with auxiliary iPod connection linked to a 6.5-inch retractable display. 

A secondary collision brake assist system, which can initiate automatic braking to reduce the risks of skidding and additional collisions during an accident, also now forms part of the standard equipment list.

Key upgrades which are new to the latest 2015 Sport specification include the Audi Music Interface and preparation for SD card-based navigation. They join existing features such as larger 16-inch wheels, sports suspension, sports seats, Bluetooth mobile phone preparation and a Driver’s Information System

The firmer sports suspension configuration which is a standard feature of Sport models has been revised to increase its absorbency, but customers can now choose to replace it at no extra cost with the more supple set-up of the SE versions.  

As always with the A1 and A1 Sportback, prospective owners of the new 1.0 TFSI version will be able to choose from a wealth of options to personalise their car and enhance it with features more commonly associated with models from the classes above.

The roof line in three-door models and the entire roof section in Sportback versions can be painted in a range of contrasting colours, creating an imposing and individual look that can be accentuated further by features such as privacy glass and a high gloss black styling package taking in the grille and side air inlets.

 Distinctive accents can also be added in the high quality cabin, where elements such as the rear view mirror surround, air vent sleeves, door pulls and the edges of the centre console can be finished in vibrant colours including Misano red, Macao yellow and Glacier white.

Owners looking to maximise the A1’s big car condensed appeal also have a wide selection of cost effective bundled option packages to choose from which add everything from an open sky panoramic sunroof, acoustic parking control and LED interior lighting to satellite navigation, Audi Phone Box mobile connectivity and in-car internet services via Audi connect.

Three into Audi A1 does go –   A new three-cylinder TFSI engine joins the recently updated Audi A1 range today combining lively performance and 67mpg potential with an accessible starting price of £14,315 OTR.

The new Audi A1 1.0 TFSI – UK OTR pricing

1.0 TFSI three-door five-speed manual

SE	£14,315
Sport	£16,290

1.0 TFSI Sportback five-speed manual

SE	£14,935
Sport	£16,910

Premium for S tronic transmission - £1,540

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.

Callum Jaguar #2 now being built by Classic Motor cars in Bridgnorth.

The build of the second Mark 2 by Callum is already underway at the headquarters of leading restorers Classic Motor Cars of Bridgnorth (CMC).

The first car, a Mark 2 redesigned by Jaguar’s Design Director Ian Callum and reengineered by CMC for his own personal use, was unveiled at the opening of the company’s new headquarters in August 2014, boasting a huge number of aesthetic and technical modifications.

This will be the second of a limited run of twelve cars and is expected to visit the US next year.

Nick Goldthorp, Managing Director of CMC, said: “The second Mark 2 by Callum is in production, it is going to be a left hand drive car and the body is nearing completion. We should finish the vehicle by the end of this year.”

Each vehicle will be tailored to an individual buyer, who will spend time with Ian Callum to finalise the specification.

Nick Goldthorp said: “No two cars will be the same, which makes them more unique. It is all in the small details that can be tailored, including the gearbox, exterior and interior colours. Each Mark 2 can be built as a right or left hand drive car with automatic or manual transmission and can be additionally fitted with power steering, air conditioning, electric windows and different types of wood veneer.”

FIAT wins Best City Van, at recent awards ceremony.

• FIAT Fiorino Cargo 1.3 MultiJet 75 Tecnico Start&Stop named Best City Van in the 2015 Business Vans Van of the Year Awards
• Judges highlighted its manoeuvrability, practicality, high specification, payload and low running costs
• Award presentation made at a special Business Vans award event in London today, January 22, 2015

FIAT Professional is celebrating another awards success following the announcement that its versatile FIAT Fiorino Cargo has been named Best City Van in the Business Van of the Year Awards 2015. Business Vans is an online publication dedicated to the SME sector, providing expert advice for small businesses and owner-operators to choose the right van for their trade or company.

The independent judges, all experts in the commercial vehicle world with senior positions in commercial, leasing and editorial firms, are led by chairman Keith Hawes, MD of Magma Automotive Service, who also chaired the judges last year.

The judges were impressed by the FIAT Fiorino Cargo’s compact dimensions, practicality, high specification, payload and load volume (660kg and a load volume of up to 2.8 cubic metres) as well as its low running costs. Thanks to its advanced MultiJet II turbo-diesel engines the FIAT Fiorino returns up to 65.7 MPG on the combined cycle while also offering its users low maintenance and repair costs.

The Business Van of the Year Best City Van award was specifically bestowed upon the FIAT Fiorino Cargo 1.3 MultiJet II 75hp Tecnico Start&Stop which represents great value for money at £8,995* and features air conditioning; Blue&Me™ connectivity with a TomTom satnav dock; front fog lights and rear parking sensors all as standard.

The recently-launched Sportivo version of the FIAT Fiorino builds on the high specification of the Tecnico model by adding alloy wheels, Sportivo side-stripes and an engine power upgrade to 95hp with no fuel economy or emissions penalties.

Commenting on the success of the FIAT Fiorino, Business Vans editorial director Ralph Morton said: “FIAT’s baby Fiorino has built a reputation as being a perky little van that’s fun to drive. Despite its compact dimensions, it’ll swallow a Euro pallet making the economical Fiorino perfect for city deliveries and the extra spec of the Tecnico version makes it perfect as a business van.”

Sebastiano Fedrigo, director FIAT Professional UK, commented: "We are delighted and proud to receive this prestigious award from the Business Vans team of expert judges. The FIAT Fiorino has firmly established itself as a class-leading product in its respective segment and is widely-regarded throughout the industry. This latest award provides further endorsement of the quality and strength of the award-winning FIAT Professional range."

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