BusinessCar magazine and website readers vote Hyundai's ix35 as 'Best Crossover'

• BusinessCar magazine and website readers vote Hyundai's ix35 as 'Best Crossover' in the title's 2015 awards
• Voters praise its all-round appeal including value and versatility, specifications and style, and low running costs plus tax efficiency
• Hyundai's industry-leading five-year/unlimited mileage warranty gets yet another awards namecheck –crucial in the highly competitive fleet sector

Hyundai's stylish and versatile ix35 has what it takes to bear heavy usage, high mileages and the close scrutiny of company accountants, according to readers of the BusinessCar magazine and website - who voted the car 'Best Crossover' in the prestigious 2015 BusinessCar Awards.

“ix35 illustrates the great leaps Hyundai has made in terms of product appeal, quality, value and design, and shows that the brand is now a mainstream choice,” said BusinessCar Editor Paul Barker. “These awards are selected by the readers of BusinessCar, and they obviously appreciate the talents of a company that is on the up and can match the more established business car players for efficiency, satisfaction and operating costs.”

BusinessCar readers praised the ix35’s value and generous specification levels, good powertrains and refinement. Voters considered the choice of front-wheel drive or 4x4 an important differentiator, while overall levels of interior and exterior quality played on the style-conscious user-chooser market.

Crucially for the fleet market, the ix35’s low running costs and tax efficiencies made the car affordable under company car tax rules. While operational cost efficiencies - impressive residuals, durability and Hyundai’s reassuring five-year/unlimited warranty – keeping finance-focused fleet managers happy.

A delighted Martin Wilson, Fleet Director, Hyundai Motor UK said: "The ix35 has been a multiple award-winning star car for us, and has proved to be a vital part of our modern, capable range that has revolutionisedour fleet customer perception in the UK.

"This latest award is all the more valuable to us as it comes direct from people who know which cars can cope with being pushed to their limits, and yet still be attractive financially to companies and the end user."

Business Edition grade introduced to the RAV4 range for 2015

• Business Edition grade introduced to the RAV4 range for 2015
• Standard features include Toyota Touch 2 with Go multimedia and navigation package, cruise control, climate control, automatic headlights and wipers, auto-dimming rear-view mirror and rear-view camera
• Powered by 2.0-litre D-4D engine with front-wheel drive
• On sale now, on-the-road price £23,995
• Equipment specification upgrades for 2015 RAV4 Active and Invincible

Toyota has added a new RAV4 to its famous SUV range, the Business Edition. While the name makes the model’s target market clear, the wealth of equipment features and RAV4’s proven quality and reliability make the newcomer an appealing prospect for a much wider group of customers.

The standard specification is led by Toyota Touch 2 with Go, the latest development of Toyota’s touchscreen-controlled multimedia, connectivity and navigation system. This includes DAB digital radio, Bluetooth, a rear-view camera and access to on-line information and entertainment services, via Toyota’s customer portal.

A comfortable, relaxing drive is supported by cruise control and dual-zone climate control. Automatic headlights and windscreen wipers are provided, together with an auto-dimming rear-view mirror. Chrome trim on the front bumper adds a dash of style quality, while inside the cabin the seats are upholstered in smart black Beaumont fabric.

The features are all in addition to the Active grade specification, including 17-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, front fog lamps, power-adjustable door mirrors and a four-speaker audio system with USB and Aux-in connections.

A single version is available, powered by the flexible and efficient 2.0-litre D-4D diesel engine, with six-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive. Running costs are kept down with official combined cycle fuel consumption at 57.6mpg and 127g/km CO₂ emissions. The Business Edition also secures the lowest insurance group rating in the RAV4 line-up at 25E.

The RAV4 Business Edition is on sale now, price £23,995 on the road – an increment of just £1,500 on the entry level Active model.

Elsewhere in the range, enhancements for 2015 include a fresh chrome finish for the RAV4 Active’s five-spoke 17-inch alloys and the addition of silver front and rear under-runs for the Invincible (these are finished in Pearl White where Pearl White body colour is specified).

New RAV4 owners also now have access to additional equipment options, including heated, leather front seats (Active, Business Edition and Invincible) and Toyota Touch 2 with Go Plus, which adds extra functionality, voice command recognition and thee years of free map updates. The colour choices include a new Deep Titanium metallic.

Volvo takes Cross Country range into the saloon car range, does it work ? not sure !

• Volvo Cars points to the future with the exciting S60 Cross Country
• A segment first from Volvo Cars
• Builds on a strong heritage of lifestyle-oriented products

Volvo Cars is stepping up to meet the demands of its core customers with the unveiling of the exciting S60 Cross Country at the Detroit Auto Show.

Back in 1997, when Volvo was the first premium brand to introduce an all-road capable variant of its successful estates, no one could predict the future success of the crossover concept. Today, the crossover is ubiquitous and has helped to define a whole new category of lifestyle vehicle. Volvo is once again taking a bold step forward – this time in the sedan segment – with the unveiling of the S60 Cross Country – the first premium saloon with the same level of capability and rugged design cues of the renowned Cross Country estates.

“We want to further explore the market with our Cross Country brand. We did this back in 1997 with the V70 Cross Country and it led to the birth of a whole new segment. We have included all the capability-driven benefits of the Cross Country brand in this new model, while offering a completely unique expression of adventure and all-road readiness in a distinctly sporty and stylish package,” says Lex Kerssemakers, Senior Vice President Product Strategy and Vehicle Line Management at Volvo Cars.

Capable stance

Like the recently announced V60 Cross Country, the S60 Cross Country shares an increased ride height of 65mm (2.5 inches) and comes with the same capable All-Wheel Drive underpinnings of its sibling, making it the only truly capable and stylish all-road saloon crossover on the market. The S60 Cross Country will also be available with front-wheel drive in the UK and selected markets.

“The S60 Cross Country is the sole contender in the crossover saloon segment. We have identified a clear niche in the market for a more capable saloon with rugged styling cues and a higher stance. The S60 Cross Country will appeal to people that are searching for an exciting and capable saloon, whilst enjoying the clear benefits that a crossover offers,” says Alain Visser, Senior Vice President Sales, Marketing and Customer Service.

Reflecting Volvo’s love of nature and Scandinavian heritage, the S60 Cross Country offers both 18” and 19” wheels with high profile tyres that add both comfort and all-road aesthetics, reduce road noise, and add increased wheel protection when needed.

Delivering an involved and focused driving experience with rugged substance, this dynamic design brings a sporty, unconventional and adventurous edge to the saloon concept.

Pricing is expected to be announced and order books will open during Qtr 2. Deliveries are expected to commence from July.

Powertrain

The S60 Cross Country will launch with the Front-Wheel Drive 190 hp diesel D4, based on Volvo’s class-leading Drive-E powertrain architecture, offering a no-compromise blend of efficiency and performance in European markets. A diesel All-Wheel Drive D4 will also be launched based on the proven 2.5L 5-cylinder diesel engine. The S60 Cross Country is expected to be available to order by early summer.