• Third model in Suzuki line-up to boast CO2 emissions of 120 g/km or below
• 1.0-litre, three-cylinder 68 bhp petrol engine
• Combined fuel consumption of 56.5 mpg
• Air conditioning, electric front windows, and ESP® as standard
• On sale January 2009, priced at £8,350 on the road

Suzuki Splash

The Splash GLS will feature a 68 bhp 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine producing 120 g/km of CO2, which makes it the third model in the Suzuki range to benefit from emissions of below 121 g/km, and annual road tax of only £35 as of April, 2009.

With a combined fuel consumption of 56.5 mpg, the Splash will provide young couples and families with both an economical and stylish offering which delivers the same fun-to-drive character, with agile, confidence-inspiring handling thanks to the highly acclaimed Swift platform.

The model comes complete with air conditioning, electric front windows and heated adjustable door mirrors as standard. A three-spoke leather covered steering wheel with audio controls and radio CD player with MP3 compatibility are just some of the key features included in the high quality and spacious interior.

Safety remains a core component of the Splash range with standard equipment including six airbags, ABS with EBD, and ESP® across all levels of specification, which is unique in its segment.

The new entry-level Splash GLS will go on sale in January 2009, priced at £8,350 on the road.

Volvo S40

The coupe-inspired lines that gave the original S60 its characteristic stance are more pronounced in this next generation. "The sporty design gives a visual promise of an enthusiastic drive and I can assure you that the all-new S60 will live up to that promise. The driving properties are better than in any previous Volvo," says Stephen Odell.

"The concept car’s exterior gives a clear indication of what customers can expect of the all-new S60. On the inside we’ve been even more daring," says Volvo Cars Design Director Steve Mattin.

Scandinavian inspiration and drama

The front of the S60 Concept sports the enlarged iron mark in the trapezoidal grille. The two lamps that flank the grille emphasise the vertical stance of the front and highlight the bonnet’s V-shape. The angled headlamps flow up into the strongly sculptured bonnet and, combined with the lower air intake’s reverse trapezoidal shape, this gives the concept car a very expressive ‘face’.

Viewed from the side, the concept car’s slim coupe roofline and window graphics are accompanied by an entirely new shoulder line, forming a gentle double wave, stretching from the headlamps all the way to the rear. Both the seven-spoke 20-inch wheels and the tread of the low-profile tyres have been specially designed, while the bronze-painted brake callipers match the ‘Warm Liquid Copper’ livery.

The unique rear parallelogram doors offer a spectacular show when they are opened and closed. Door opening is initiated by pressing a button and the movement starts off in the traditional way. In the next phase, the forward section swings out away from the car’s body and the door glides parallel with the side of the car until it reaches its end position by the rear wheel.

Inspiration from Viking longboats

In each of the headlamps, the lights create a silhouette of two miniature Viking longboats sailing side by side, one for main beam and one for dipped beam. When driving in the dark, the light is reflected from the concealed, upward-facing High Performance LED bulbs, projected ahead by the ships’ filled sails.

Inspiration from the racing track

"In forthcoming models, you will see more and more of our ‘racetrack’ design cues. The car’s lines do not end abruptly but instead forge a continuous flow pattern inspired by the fast sweeps of the racing track. In the concept car, this is particularly visible at the rear," says Steve Mattin.

The tail lamps, which follow the curve of the rear shoulders, are as advanced as the headlamps. When switched off, the lamp panels show no trace of the traditional red or yellow. But when activated, the position marker lights, brake lights and turn indicators come on in their correct colours. The solid glass panel is sectioned into horizontal ’slices’.

At the rear there is also a retractable diffuser that adjusts with vehicle speed to give better aerodynamic properties.

Volvo S60

• First fitment of ‘Nissan Connect’ – featuring touch screen audio, satellite navigation and Bluetooth®
• Exterior changes to bonnet, bumpers and headlights
• New alloy wheel designs
• New interior trims and exterior colour choice
• 1.5dCi engine CO2 level reduced to 119g/km
• All prices reduced - Visia now £9,795

Nissan Note

Note is the first vehicle in the Nissan range to introduce ‘Nissan Connect’ - a 2DIN fully integrated audio and satellite navigation system. It uses a touch screen display for ease of use and a full digital music connectivity package with built in CD/radio, iPod gateway, aux-in (3.5mm jack), USB connection and Bluetooth® using A2DP streaming audio profile. A2DP allows music to be played through your car audio taken from your Bluetooth®-enabled MP3 player or phone without the need for external cables.

The satellite navigation system can display the road map in either 2D or 3D formats and includes both a gyro sensor and speed sensor. These help to quickly identify the direction of travel, which speeds up any re-directions if a turning is missed and adjusts the estimated time of arrival.

Nissan Connect will be fitted as standard on Tekna and as a £400 option on the Acenta but this is not the only change taking place in the interior.

The combi-meter has been redesigned for improved visibility and the interior trims have been changed to give each grade a different feel. The useful flexi-board boot storage system, enabling taller items to be fitted in the boot or allowing items to be stored away out of sight, now has a vertical position to help prevent items moving out of place whilst driving.

Outside the front gets a new nose with a reshaped bonnet, bumper, streamlined headlights and a shiny black finish to the grille. Both 15 and 16 inch alloys are all new designs for the Acenta and Tekna respectively. Move to the rear and the tail lights have been darkened for a more refined look plus the Tekna gets reversing sensors incorporated into the bumper. Completing the new exterior look is an additional colour choice of Safari Gold.

The engine line-up continues with the proven reliability of the 1.4, 1.6 petrol and 1.5dCi power units. However, improvements to the emission levels have enabled the 1.5dCi to emit a CO2 level of just 119g/km and a pump friendly 62.8mpg. The 1.4 petrol unit produces 139g/km of CO2 with a more than respectable 47.9mpg. And by having a CO2 level of below 140g/km means they join an elite group of Nissan vehicles wearing ‘Pure Drive’ badges*. The 1.6 petrol remains available with the choice of both manual and automatic gearboxes.

Revised models with additional equipment normally means a hike in price but not this time, in fact they have been reduced, with the entry level Visia coming in at £450 less than the outgoing model. A 2009 Note can now be yours for as little as £9,795 on the road. It’s not short on equipment either as it comes with CD player, MP3 jack, 15 inch wheels, rear sliding seat, front electric windows, four airbags and three rear headrests. Manual air conditioning is available as a £500 option.

Acenta models starts at £11,345 (OTR) for the 1.6 engine and feature 15 inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, cruise control, leather covered steering wheel, speed limiter, flexi-board storage system, front and rear electric windows, remote audio controls, six airbags, Bluetooth® and electric heated mirrors. Nissan Connect, with all the satellite navigation touch screen features, can be added for an additional £400.

Top of the range Tekna comes in at £13,695 (OTR) for the 1.6 power unit and the extra luxury provides Nissan Connect, rear parking sensors, 16 inch alloy wheels, climate control air conditioning, part leather seats, electric folding door mirrors, ESP, rear privacy glass, rain sensing wipers and interior chrome detailing.

The equipment list does not end there as there are a range of accessories that can be used to personalise your vehicle. These include trunk finisher and mirror caps finished in chrome, bonnet deflector, bumper protection kits and tailor made floor mats.

Running costs, security and safety are always a strong consideration for vehicles in this price bracket and Note does not fall short with low insurance groups starting from 4E, or 10E if using the 50 point set, with E standing for ‘exceeding’ the security standard set by Thatcham. Plus with a 4 star NCAP rating for adult occupancy you are assured of some of the best protection, should it be required.

Caterham R500

The most extreme version of the legendary Seven appeared on the popular BBC show for the first time at the beginning of December, instantly leaving a lasting impression on presenters Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May.

In the hands of Top Gear’s mystery test driver, The Stig, the R500 put in one of the most visually spectacular laps around their benchmark test circuit, Dunsfold. Free of any driver aids, the Seven slipped and slid to a lap time that disgraced cars costing over ten times as much.

Despite incredibly cold conditions, the £37K* Seven was less than a second slower than the absolute record around the ‘Top Gear lap’ and rapid enough to steal the overall fifth fastest time, previously held by the £1million Bugatti Veyron.

Clarkson, who’s wife is a proud Seven owner, awarded the R500 for "achieving something that a car of its value shouldn’t be able to", amidst competition from Nissan’s GT-R, Fiat’s 500 and the new Ford Fiesta.

Unbelievably - and testament to its brilliance - the Seven still uses Colin Chapman’s original chassis design, dating back 51 years. Caterham Cars continue to ‘add lightness’ to modern variants, pushing the performance envelope through the benefits of modern technology and advanced construction methods.

The result is a British car that persistently offers arguably one of the purest driving experiences.

The nimble R500 exploits its featherweight, 506kg chassis to its full potential when combined with a 2.0 Ford Duratec engine, tuned by Caterham Powertrain (CPT) to achieve 263bhp. The resulting 520bhp-per-tonne beats that of the Veyron and is capable of propelling the two-seater from 0-60mph in a staggering 2.88 seconds.

Standard Equipment

• 2.0-litre Caterham Motorsport Ford Duratec
• 6 Speed Caterham Gearbox
• Limited Slip Differential
• Superlight Suspension (wide track front and de Dion rear with Watts linkages)
• Carbon dash, nose cone, rear and front cycle wings
• ACES change-up lights
• Ventilated front brake discs with 4 pot calipers
• 13" Anthracite eight-spoke alloy wheels with Avon CR500 tyres
• Carbon interchangeable wind deflector
• 4 point Road Harnesses
• Quick-release Momo Steering Wheel with integrated indicator switches
• Carbon Kevlar seats

Ford Focus RS

The new Focus RS is the first Ford to wear the famous Rallye Sport badge since the first-generation Focus RS was launched seven years ago, and the 22nd since 1970.

RS denotes a distinctive blend of high performance, road-holding, refinement, safety and value for money, and reflects a proud tradition of successful motor sports involvement that continues to the present day.

Under the bonnet of the Ford Focus RS is a turbocharged 2.5-litre, five-cylinder Duratec petrol engine, with a confirmed 305PS and 440Nm peak torque. Features include unique camshafts and a revised cylinder head and gasket, intake and manifold system.

Front-wheel-driven through a six-speed transmission, the Focus RS accelerates from 0-62mph in under six seconds and has a targeted top speed of over 160mph.

A class-leading balance of traction, sports handling and performance is achieved through the combination of a Quaife Automatic Torque Biasing limited-slip differential and innovative RevoKnuckle front-suspension system.

These features are complemented by a wider track, enhanced drive-shafts and rear anti-roll bar, revised springs and dampers and retuned steering, while a specially developed version of Ford’s Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) with Traction Assist (TA) provides added assurance.

Uprated disc brakes – 336mm ventilated front and 300mm rear – combine with an anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) to supply a reassuringly high degree of stopping power.

Taking its place as the top-of-the-range Focus, the RS will be immediately distinguishable on the road, with its unique bonnet, front bumper and side skirts. Also unique to the model are its 19-inch alloy wheels, shod with 235/35 tyres.

The rear twin-bladed spoiler - the continuation of an RS tradition – and the power/heated door mirrors are also distinctive, with their high-gloss black finish.

Xenon headlights with automatic levelling and jet-wash are provided, with LED lights at the rear. Dual chrome tailpipes add a further sporting dash.

A Quickclear heated windscreen is fitted, and privacy glass for the rear. A Ford Easy Fill fuelling system removes any risk of costly mis-fuelling errors at the pump.

The driver and front passenger benefit from unique Recaro sports seats, with side bolsters trimmed to match the colour of the car – green for Ultimate Green models, blue for those finished in Performance Blue or Frozen White. Rear passengers are comfortably accommodated in a sculpted Recaro-style seat.

A manual air-conditioning system is provided, and in-car entertainment in the form of a Sony radio and six-disc CD player with DAB. A Ford Power button allows for keyless engine ignition, and a Thatcham Category 1 alarm is standard.

A £750 Luxury Pack includes the options of Dual-Zone Electronic Automatic Temperature Control (DEATC) air-conditioning; automatic headlights; rain-sensor wipers; auto-dim rear-view mirror; rear parking-distance sensors; tyre deflation-detection; and a Ford Key-Free system. The £1,500 version of the Luxury Pack adds in a Touchscreen DVD Navigation System, with seven-inch touch-screen.

Other optional extras include partially leather-trimmed seats at £500 and, for £200, Bluetooth® hands-free phone connectivity and USB port. Specifying a metallic version of the Performance Blue paintwork costs £395, while a Tri-Coat Metallic Ultimate Green finish carries a £695 price tag.

The standard price of the flagship Focus RS compares with £20,408 for the ST3, the existing top-of-the-range Focus

• First BMW roadster to feature a Retractable Hard-Top roof
• Three six-cylinder engines offered along with Double Clutch Transmission
• Adaptive M Suspension and Drive Dynamic Control debut on a BMW Z model

The New BMW Z4

The BMW Z4 is the first to come with a two-piece, electro-hydraulically operated Retractable Hard-Top roof that can be raised or lowered in 20 seconds. The new roadster is also the first vehicle to be offered with Adaptive M Suspension. Electronically controlled dampers offer three different configurations and lower the ride height by up to 10mm for a more dynamic drive. By way of comparison, the Sport+ setting of the new car is comparable to the outgoing Z4’s standard ride comfort level.

The standard Drive Dynamic Control function is another first and allows the driver to alter, depending on model specification, the throttle and steering response, level of ride comfort, Dynamic Stability Control response and, on automatic or Double Clutch Transmission cars, gear change times.

Powering the new BMW Z4 is a choice of three six-cylinder powerplants. The range flagship is the current International Engine of the Year-winning 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged engine. Producing 306hp at 5,800rpm, the BMW Z4 sDrive35i powers its way from zero to 62mph in 5.2 seconds (5.1 seconds for a Double Clutch Transmission-equipped car) and on to an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph. The twin-turbocharged 2,979cc engine with high-precision direct injection technology produces 400Nm of torque from just 1,300rpm for effortless in-gear acceleration. The strong performance credentials are matched in terms of economy and emissions. The Z4 sDrive35i records a combined consumption figure of 30.1mpg (31.4mpg) and CO2 emissions of 219g/km (210g/km).

Joining this model in the launch line-up are the Z4 sDrive23i and the Z4 sDrive30i. Both use the same magnesium aluminium alloy engine with Double VANOS and VALVETRONIC technology, but with varying capacities. The 2,497cc entry-level Z4 sDrive23i produces 204hp at 6,400rpm and 250Nm of torque from 2,750rpm. This equates to a zero to 62mph time of 6.6 seconds (7.3 seconds for the Sport Automatic) and a top speed of 151mph (149mph). In contrast the Z4 sDrive23i is capable of 33.2mpg (34.4mpg) on the combined cycle and CO2 emissions of 199g/km (192g/km) respectively.

Prices for the new BMW Z4 will be announced in 2009.

Renault Koleos

Fending off fierce competition from 47 rugged contenders, including perennial favourites such as the Land Rover Discovery and Range Rover, the French marque’s first foray into the 4×4 arena triumphed initially over the Honda CR-V, recently-launched Ford Kuga and VW Tiguan to win the ‘Compact SUV’ title, before going on to win ‘Best Newcomer’ and the overall ‘4×4 of the Year’.

Koleos’ excellent combination of off- and on-road ability, allied to considerable versatility through its split tailgate, removable centre console storage unit and ‘Super-fold’ rear seat system, not to mention high equipment levels, build quality and residual values, led Planet 4×4’s testers to enthuse, “…its breadth of talents is vastly impressive. It’s excellent to drive in all conditions, and its convenience and usability put almost every other SUV in the shade.”

Commenting on the awards, Planet 4×4 Editor, Alan Kidd, said, “Renault has come from nowhere to make the best, most relevant 4×4 on the market. The Koleos does everything well and most things exceptionally; it’s a great all-round vehicle at an honest, value-for-money price. This is a new benchmark for all SUV manufacturers and a vehicle that’s every inch the 4×4 of 2008.”

Aston Martin V8 Vantage

Available immediately through the dealer network, customers will be able to upgrade their existing 4.3 litre V8 engine to an even more potent version of Aston Martin’s already impressive power unit. With the addition of the power upgrade, peak power is raised by 20bhp to 400bhp and torque is increased by 10Nm to 420Nm, increasing top speed to 177mph and delivering a slight improvement in the 0-60mph time.

Developed by the Aston Martin engineering team, the power upgrade is realised through a revised induction system using technology previously introduced on the DBS. The induction system has a pair of switching airbox-valves that open at 5,500rpm allowing additional air into the engine producing more power in a controlled manner. The engine’s control unit has also been re-programmed with new software to optimise ignition timing. In addition the new calibration allows the engine to recognise higher octane fuels, further maximising performance.

Owing to the overwhelmingly positive response of customers towards the new Sports Pack option introduced on the new V8 Vantage earlier this year – now fitted to half of all V8 Vantages produced – 4.3 litre V8 Vantage customers can now alter the handling characteristics of their car, with the same package of dynamic enhancements.

Developed with the enthusiast in mind, the Sports Pack comprises uprated springs and Bilstein dampers contributing to a superior dynamic response. Lightweight forged aluminium 5-spoke wheels help to reduce the unsprung mass further augmenting the precision handling of the V8 Vantage.

Both options are available through Aston Martin’s global dealer network; customers should contact their local dealership for pricing and availability.

The V8 Vantage is manufactured at Aston Martin’s Headquarters at Gaydon, Warwickshire, UK, a facility that combines Aston Martin’s renowned hand-built bespoke attributes with the technology required to manufacture the bonded aluminium VH architecture. Exquisitely designed and detailed with class-leading agility and performance, Vantage is a practical two-seater with a large tailgate providing access to a 300 litre rear luggage compartment.

Chrysler Grand Voyager

The year was 1983. The Internet was created, and the first mobile phones were introduced to the public, U.S. astronauts completed the first space shuttle spacewalk; and Dallas was the most popular programme on TV …… and Chrysler hit a home run with the introduction of the world’s first MPV.

On November 2, 1983, the first MPV rolled down the assembly line in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. The launch of Chrysler’s MPV in 1983 created an all-new vehicle segment and was an instant success.

As the MPV became a cultural icon throughout North America in the 1980s, its introduction to the international markets helped establish and solidify the Chrysler brand worldwide. It was in 1987 that Chrysler’s new MPV began sales in Europe.

Diesel-powered MPVs were introduced in 1993, aimed at further strengthening the presence of Chrysler MPVs in Europe. In 1996, the Company offered right-hand-drive versions, opening up sales opportunities in markets such as the UK, Japan, Australia and South Africa.  Since then more than 53,000 versions have been sold to date in the UK alone.

Chrysler defined the ‘family room on wheels concept’ in 1983.  In 2008, Chrysler has taken this concept to a new level. 

The newest, fifth-generation of Chrysler MPVs – The Grand Voyager, launched in March 2008 – encapsulates more than 65 MPV-first features and more than 25 years of development.  The latest generation offers more than 35 new or improved features over the previous generation including: dual-screen DVD entertainment system that can play different media simultaneously on two screens; ambient halo lighting package with directional LED pinpoint lights; removable and rechargeable LED flashlight; a six-speed automatic transmission; stain repelling seat fabric.  Not forgetting Chrysler’s unique, renowned and innovative Stow ‘n Go® seating and storage system. 

Other new innovations include Chrysler’s Swivel ‘n Go™ seating system which allow the two second row seats to be rotated 180 degrees to face the third row of seats so rear passengers can chat face to face; three-zone climate control for ultimate comfort; power windows for all three rows of passengers; and standard power sliding side doors and tailgate.

Improved active and passive safety features have also been introduced: next generation, multistage front airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and supplemental front seat-mounted side thorax airbags.  Additionally, electronic stability programme (ESP), panic brake assist, all-speed traction control and anti-lock brakes all become standard across the entire range.

Federico Goretti, Managing Director of Chrysler UK Ltd, said: “The Grand Voyager is a firm favourite in the UK and the latest model has all the right ingredients to make it the most successful Chrysler ever.  It has an unrivalled blend of luxury, equipment, comfort, versatility, performance and load-carrying capacity at a very competitive price – offering customers a hassle-free motoring package.”

UK models have a six-speed automatic transmission and either a 2.8-litre diesel engine or a 3.8 V6 petrol engine.  There are three trim levels – LX, Touring and Limited.  Prices start from £25,456.49 OTR.

In the first 25 years, Chrysler has sold more than 12 million MPVs – more than any other manufacturer in the world and have claimed over 260 awards – including 2008 “MPV of the Year” and “International Truck of the Year” by the International Car of the Year organisation – Chrysler MPVs are continuing to make history.

Manheim’s latest monthly Market Analysis reports that, at £5,905, the average wholesale used car selling price was 1.6% (£97) down in November compared with a 4.4% (£278) fall in October. The average selling price was 15.0% (£1,046) lower that in November 2007. Whilst further seasonal reductions in values would be expected at this time of year, it is encouraging to note the increase in values in the Fleet sector and relative stability in the Dealer sector.

In the Fleet sector average month-on-month values actually rose by 3.4% (£161) compared with a fall of 10.0% (£524) in October, while in the Dealer sector average month-on-month values fell by  4.3% (£76) compared with a fall of only 1.4% (£26) in the previous month. The Manufacturer sector saw a month-on-month decrease of 6.3% (£620) compared with a fall of 8.6% (£928) in October.

Examples of the changes in average wholesale used car selling prices in November include Small Hatchbacks in the Manufacturer sector which fell by 2.1% (£146) and Large Family vehicles in the Dealer sector which fell by 9.2% (£130). However, in the Fleet sector both Supermini and Medium Family vehicles rose by 3.7% (£111) and 2.7% (£119) respectively as did Soft Roader and Off Roader vehicles with increases of 2.8% (£152) and 5.7% (£570).

Commenting on the November report, Mike Pilkington, Managing Director, Manheim Auctions & Remarketing said: "Following the fall in average sales values in October and the gloomy economic outlook, the fall in average values of just 1.6% in November was less than expected. Although conversion rates are lower than previously recorded at this time of year, demand from buyers has remained strong and with the continued decline in new vehicle registrations, there is still evidence of dealers concentrating on profit opportunities through used vehicles.”