Renault offers a new sporty look to the Clio, with the GT line look Pack.

• GT Line Look Pack now available for £400
• New wheels, exhaust, bumpers and trim details
• GT Line Look pack available on Dynamique MediaNav and Dynamique S MediaNav
• £250 parking camera option added to Clio GT Line
• Interior trim changes applied to all Clio models

Dynamique by name, dynamic-looking by nature – that’s the Renault Clio when fitted with the optional new GT Line Look Pack, which is now available on Dynamique MediaNav and Dynamique S MediaNav versions for a cost of £400.

The GT Line Look Pack adds an even sportier edge through GT Anthracite alloy wheels (16-inch on Dynamique MediaNav and 17-inch on Dynamique S MediaNav), GT front and rear bumpers topped with LED daytime running lights and a single chromed exhaust tailpipe.

There are also Anthracite door mirror casings and protective inserts on the doors, Renaultsport sill kick plates and GT Line badging included in the pack, which is available with the Glacier White, Diamond Black, Flame Red and Mercury paint choices.

The GT Line Look Pack is available on Dynamique MediaNav and Dynamique S MediaNav with the 90 hp 0.9-litre TCe and 90 hp 1.5 dCi engines.

Some interior trim details have also been changed on Dynamique MediaNav and Dynamique S MediaNav models, with or without the GT Line look pack. The interior lighting is now a more modern white rather than amber, grey replaces gloss black for the door armrests and handles, and MediaNav or R-Link inserts and air conditioning controls now have a matt chrome rather than a shiny chrome finish.

On Dynamique S MediaNav, GT Line and Renaultsport models the air vent surrounds are also in matt chrome, which has been applied to the air vent handle and gear knob of all Clios. The gear gaiter surround is now grey on Expression and Expression+ versions and gloss black on Dynamique MediaNav and Dynamique S MediaNav models, matt chrome dashboard rings become standard across the range and there is a matt chrome handbrake button and interior door handles, plus the steering wheel on models with a leather wheel rim.

A rear parking camera also becomes available on the GT Line model for £250.

All changes are applicable to cars in production now.  

USA - Buick boss wants next gen Vauxhall/Opel ADAM to wear a Buick badge in the US

Buick's top U.S. executive wants to bolster the brand's U.S. lineup with a rebadged Opel/Vauxhall Adam, which would compete in the market against the Fiat 500 and BMW's Mini brand. But the prospect is likely several years off.

"I've looked at the possibility of fast-tracking that into the Buick range sooner than later," Duncan Aldred, U.S. vice president of Buick and GMC and former boss of Vauxhall, said in a recent interview. "I think it would make a great Buick."

The problem, Aldred said, is that General Motors didn't plan for the U.S. when it engineered the car. It would be "cost prohibitive" to revamp the current-generation Adam for the U.S., though Aldred hinted that any future redesign would be tailored for the states.

The Adam was launched in Europe in early 2013. The next generation would arrive between 2018 and 2020 under a normal product cycle.

With a starting price about $15,500, the Adam is "probably the most premium model in the Opel and Vauxhall range as far as content and materials," Aldred said.

"In terms of changing expectations of the brand, that would be another absolutely jaw-dropping moment for Buick," he said.

In 2013, former GM CEO Dan Akerson lamented that the Adam and the Opel/Vauxhall Cascada convertible had not been engineered with the U.S. in mind. GM is making the investment to gear the Cascada for the U.S., though, with plans for an early 2016 launch.

You can reach Mike Colias

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.”

Andrew Jordan visits Longbridge ahead of BTCC season opener, and collects his new MG3

• New MG ace Andrew Jordan sets sights on 2015 BTCC crown
• Visit to MG’s Birmingham operation marks countdown to season
• Collects new MG3 – and tunes in!

MG’s new race star, Andrew Jordan, laid down the gauntlet when he visited the iconic Longbridge factory to mark the three month countdown to the start of the new season.

Looking lean and mean, the ultra-quick driver who became the youngest ever champion in the history of the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship when he captured the winner’s crown in 2013, said he was determined to re-claim the championship again in 2015.

Last year MG and Triple Eight Racing took the BTCC Manufacturer/Constructor title and Andrew visited the MG factory to get an insight into MG, the fastest growing car brand in the UK. 

Accompanied by his father Mike, an ever-present guide in Andrew’s hugely impressive career, Andrew (25) had a peek behind the scenes into some of the operations at MG’s Birmingham headquarters.

Representatives from Pirtek UK, one of MG’s new partners supporting the Triple Eight Racing prepared MG6’s and Andrew’s longest running sponsor under the ‘Pirtek Racing’ banner, were also shown around the iconic Longbridge site.

Andrew and his fellow guests were able to gain an insight into the MG business both in the UK and abroad and he was introduced to a variety of people involved in designing, engineering and building the fast-selling MG3 and multi-award winning MG6.

With his Triple Eight race engineered MG6 GT now ready to start its pre-season testing programme, Andrew said he was just itching to get behind the wheel for the first time.

Meanwhile he collected his new MG3 from the MG Sales Centre, based at the factory site and the sales team enjoyed showing their newest celebrity customer the wide range of features and benefits that his new car has to offer.

Andrew said: “I just can’t wait to get started. I love the MG3, it’s a really funky little machine. I love the detail in everything down to the seats and even the red trim on the mats. I’m looking forward to giving it a good run out when we go testing in February and March.

“I think we’re going to have a really competitive season and there’s a few things that we’re looking to try out that I’m confident will help us bring even more out of the MG6, which has proven to be a really competitive package. Make no mistake about it, I’m here to win.” 

MG’s Head of Marketing, Matthew Cheyne, said: “It was a real pleasure to welcome Andrew, Mike and the team from Pirtek UK to Longbridge. We’re confident that with Andrew and Triple Eight Racing in tandem, we are going to have a great year on the track. But we’re also very excited at the prospects off track too as we develop relationships with our new team partners Pirtek Racing.

“Andrew looks great in his MG3 and we know he will help bring this car to a wider audience, just as his racing will continue to do with the MG6.

“It was a bit of an eye-opener when he asked the MG Sales Centre team to pre-set Radio 1 on the DAB radio in the MG3, but then you have to remember that despite already being an experienced racer and champion, he’s still a very young driver and that’s doubly exciting for the future.”

The first race of the 2015 season will be at the world-famous Brand’s Hatch circuit on the weekend of April 4/5.

New Mazda2 goes on nationwide dealer tour, in advance of first orders being taken.

• Exclusive customer event set to give first look at stylish new supermini
• All-new Mazda2 will visit 119 dealerships across the UK
• New model combines elegant design, with efficient engines
• Oculus Rift technology promises to enhance customer experience

From the 17^th January two pre-production models of the all-new Mazda2 will visit 119 Mazda dealers across the country, covering more than 6,000 miles in a total of six weeks.

The fourth generation supermini has already been revered in the press for its good looks, sharp handling and fuel efficient engines, and now prospective customers will be among the first in the country to experience the car for themselves.

As well as getting up close and personal with the all-new Mazda2, the exclusive invite-only events will also give attendees the opportunity to try Oculus Rift virtual reality technology, allowing them to experience the all-new Mazda2 in the virtual world. 

“This convention-defying dealer tour is a fantastic opportunity for new and existing customers to really get a feel for the all-new Mazda2 and take advantage of the Oculus Rift headsets to virtually experience what the car would look like in different colours and trims,” commented Jeremy Thomson, UK Managing Director of Mazda.

“The Mazda2 is our best-selling model in the UK and its successor marks an important milestone for the brand. It has already won the coverted Japanese Car of the Year title, which goes to prove we’ve taken the right direction with our focus on design, driving fun and our innovative SKYACTIV technology.”

As well as featuring the striking ‘KODO – Soul of Motion’ body styling, the brand has also optimised its range of ultra-efficient SKYACTIV powertrains for the all-new Mazda2. Including a new 1.5 litre SKYACTIV-G petrol available in three power outputs and with new five and six-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearboxes, there’s also a new 1.5 litre SKYACTIV-D diesel with a six-speed manual gearbox, which returns incredible fuel economy and CO₂ emissions of 83.1mpg and 89g/km – putting it among the cleanest cars in its class.

Building on the strengths of its current B-segment model as well as its highly successful new-generation model line-up, the all-new Mazda2 raises the bar in design, performance, handling, equipment, comfort and safety.

Mazda has recently announced pricing and specification of the all-new Mazda2 ahead of it going on sale on the 20^th March. With prices starting from £11,995 up to £17,395, the 16-strong model range will be available in five generous trim levels – SE, SE-L, SE-L Nav, Sport and Sport Nav. Packed with high levels of standard equipment, the stylish supermini provides the perfect compromise of premium quality, efficiency and good looks.

Thanks to innovative technology, Oculus Rift, customers will be able to experience a 360^o view of the interior.

Determined to offer its customers unbeatable deals, from 1 January Mazda will offer its all-new city car with a combination of zero deposit and 5.9% APR when purchased with a Mazda PCP finance package, or 0% APR Conditional Sale with a minimum 50% deposit. Buyers of the Sport Launch Edition can also benefit from a £750 Mazda deposit contribution, whilst all other derivations will be offered £500.

Ford of Europe to expand production of all its best sellers as sales start to grow.

• Ford increases production at its German assembly plants in Saarlouis and Cologne, to meet growing customer demand
• Ford Fiesta production in Cologne to increase in February by 300 units a day to 1,850 vehicles; additional weekend shifts planned
• Ford Focus, C-MAX and Grand C-MAX production in Saarlouis to increase by 240 units per day to 1,770 vehicles
• In 2014, Ford’s European market share rose by 0.2 percentage points to 8.0 per cent in 2014, the highest level since 2011

Ford is increasing production at its assembly plants in Saarlouis and Cologne, Germany, to meet growing demand for several top-selling vehicles. 

From next week, Ford is increasing production of the Focus, C-MAX and Grand C-MAX at the Saarlouis plant by 240 units per day to 1,770 vehicles. The Ford Focus and C-MAX are Ford’s second and third best-selling vehicles in Europe.

In February, Ford’s plant in Cologne will increase production of the Ford Fiesta by 300 units a day to 1,850 vehicles and six additional weekend shifts have been scheduled in January and February. The Fiesta is Ford’s No.1 best-selling vehicle in Europe, and is on-track to become Europe’s No.1 best-selling small car for 2014 for the third successive year.

“We are ramping up production of some of our top-selling models to meet growing demand from Ford customers as well as the normal industry sales increase in the first half of the year,” said Jeff Wood, vice president, Manufacturing, Ford of Europe.

Ford last week reported its 2014 sales* increased by 7.3 per cent compared to 2013, outpacing total industry growth. Ford’s total vehicle market share rose 0.2 percentage points to 8.0 per cent – its highest level since 2011. Ford remained Europe’s No.2 top-selling vehicle brand.

This year will be one of the busiest years ever for Ford of Europe in terms of new vehicle introductions. In addition to the full roll out of the new Focus and all-new Mondeo, Ford will launch the new versions of the Galaxy, S-MAX, C‑MAX, Grand C-MAX, C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid, Focus ST and Focus ST diesel, Mustang fastback and convertible, and refreshed versions of EcoSport, Ranger, Transit Connect and Tourneo Connect. The all-new Edge SUV will go into production in late 2015. 

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