As we come to the end of another week we look at some of the motoring news which you may have missed starting with the new Caterham Seven 170.
The first new model since Caterham’s acquisition by Japan-headquartered automotive group, VT Holdings, the Seven 170 follows in the footsteps of its predecessor, the Seven 160, by complying with Japan’s world-famous Kei car regulations. The 170 not only represents the brand’s lightest Seven produced to date, but measuring 1470mm in width, it’s 105mm narrower than anything else within its current range, making it the smallest Seven as well.
Holding true to the mantra that spawned the original Seven, to ‘simplify and add lightness’, Caterham’s Seven 170 weighs a little over 440kg1, which in part, is thanks to its 660cc turbo-charged Suzuki engine, which produce 84bhp and 116nm of torque, resulting in a power-to-weight ratio in excess of 170bhp-per-tonne1.
Complementing the 170’s favourable power-to-weight ratio is its marrying of a 155-section tyre and live rear axle suspension, which enables drivers of all capabilities to extract the full potential from the latest Seven’s configuration.
An added bonus of the 170’s pared back design lies in its reduced emissions. Though the 0-62mph sprint can be achieved in just 6.9 seconds and top speeds can exceed 100mph, the 170 is one of Caterham’s most environmentally friendly cars to date. Both ULEZ and Euro 6 compliant, the new model boasts Caterham’s lowest emission Seven. With a CO2 figure of 109g/km it is even greener than some hybrid vehicles, including the Toyota Yaris 1.5.
Designed to offer an array of choices to the potential new Seven owner, the Seven 170 is available as either a complete kit or factory built.
There are several features that appear on the Seven 170 that haven’t been on previous production models. These include new alloy wheels, rear LED lights and a new stripe design.
Car buyers can pick from two packs, the road-ready 170S or stripped back, more track-focused 170R.
The 170S, for the more laid-back driver, comes with a five-speed gearbox, road suspension pack, 14” Silver Juno alloy wheels, full windscreen and weather gear including a hood and side screen, black leather seats, a Momo steering wheel and in a choice of four paint colours.
While the 170R, an additional variant not previously available on the Seven 160, comes with a five-speed gearbox, sport suspension pack, 14” Black Juno alloy wheels, composite race seats, a four-point race harness, limited-slip differential, Momo steering wheel, carbon-fibre dashboard and four paint options.
Having the S and R packs means there’s a product to appeal to advocates new to the Caterham brand as well as the more familiar Seven driver.
Available from just £22,990 in kit form and with competitive finance from as little as £199.99 with a cash deposit of £ 6,312.30, the Seven 170 offers not only the opportunity for drivers to experience the paired back nature of the two-seater sports car, but the self-actualisation of building one too.
Caterham CEO, Graham Macdonald, said: “The Seven 170 really distils the brand’s reputation for offering accessible, simple, light-weight sports cars.
“Given the popularity of the 160, we’re really excited by the potential the Seven 170 offers customers.
“We’ve taken what was great about the 160, its performance and competitive price, and built on it by adding even more choice for our customers. We’re confident the inclusion of the 170R, not previously available on the 160, will prove a hugely popular specification for both new and old customers.”
ŠKODA Enyaq iV Founders Edition: only 50 exclusive models set to land in the UK
ŠKODA has added a new model to its Enyaq iV range in the form of the exclusive Founders Edition. Built to celebrate the start of ŠKODA’s new era of electrification, the special edition car pays homage to Václav Laurin and Václav Klement, who founded the brand in 1895. To mark the occasion, just 1,895 examples will be built at ŠKODA’s main production facility in Mladá Boleslav and 50 right-hand drive versions will be built for the UK market, making the Founders Edition an instant collectors’ item.
Priced from £46,725 OTR, the Founders Edition comes with 21-inch Aquarius alloys and can be ordered in Black Magic and Arctic Silver metallic finishes. Models specified in Black Magic feature black alloys with copper accents while Arctic Silver models receive black alloys with silver accents. All models features a Crystal Face grille that incorporates more than 130 LEDs arranged into 18 vertical strips along with sports front and rear aprons as standard.
The frame of the grille, window frames and roof rails are all rendered in gloss black, as is the rear diffuser and rear apron. The lettering on the tailgate is black for the Arctic Silver version and copper for the Black Magic version. In addition, the front wings feature special Founders Edition badge.
Inside, each Founders Edition model has a unique plaque on the steering wheel featuring the number of the car. All models come with ŠKODA’s premium Suite Design Selection with decorative strips finished in sleek piano black. The seats are trimmed in black leather and have cognac brown piping while the textile floor mats also feature cognac brown piping around the edges. A black headlining, three-spoke leather heated multifunction steering with paddles for recuperation level selection, aluminium pedals and privacy rear glass and acoustic side windows complete the interior design and specification package.
The Enyaq iV Founders Edition features an 82kWh battery (77kWh net) and is equipped with 125kW rapid DC charging capability as standard. When connected to a high power DS rapid charger, the Enyaq iV Founders Edition can be charged to 80% in 38 minutes. A full charge via a domestic or public AC wallbox (7kW 32A) will take around 13 hours.
To further enhance the Enyaq driving experience, Drive mode select is fitted as standard, along with progressive steering.
In terms of equipment, the Founders Edition builds on the generous specification of the Enyaq 80 model and adds Keyless Advanced locking and starting system, wireless charging for mobile devices and driver alert.
Fiat 500X Dolcevita soft top to enter UK market
The Fiat 500X Dolcevita makes its debut, providing customers with the option of combining open air driving with everyday versatility and practicality. Priced from £23,975 (OTR), customers can order the soft top crossover from today, with first deliveries expected later this year.
The 500X Dolcevita’s canvas soft top opens at the touch of a button in 15 seconds, even while driving at up to 62mph, and has been engineered to have an unchanged load capacity compared to the hard top 500X. It also ensures good visibility and an open-air experience, even for passengers in the back. The canvas is available in black, grey and red, to match the ten body colours available.
In early 2021, Fiat completely refreshed the 500 family, including the 500X, with an updated range structure. Its line-up now consists of three trim levels, each one with its own specific aesthetic features and content-packed equipment.
The Connect trim level is directed at customers who want to stay connected at all times. It comes as standard with the 7-inch Uconnect infotainment system with DAB radio, Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™. New features include black seats, techno-leather steering wheel and 17” alloy wheels. The specs also feature blacked-out windows, fog lights, and LED DRLs.
In its Cross trim level, the 500X marries dynamism and its character as an Italian crossover, designed to get away from city traffic and to experience exciting out-of-town adventures. This version debuts new seats with a camouflage-patterned center panel, vinyl inserts, 19” alloy wheels, automatic air conditioning and parking sensors as standard.
The top of the range is the Sport trim level, marked out by its exclusive, unmistakable look, with burnished black 19” alloy wheels, side skirts, rear spoiler, new black fabric sports seats with red piping and 500 logo, automatic air conditioning, new matte titanium dashboard and 3.5″ colour TFT.
The engine range consists of two petrol powertrains – 120hp 1.0-litre and 150hp 1.3-litre Firefly models and both are available from launch.
Lotus confirms full specification and price of all-new Emira V6 First Edition
Lotus has confirmed the price and full specification of the all-new Emira V6 First Edition. The car, fully loaded with a host of desirable technology, infotainment and comfort features plus unique badging, costs £75,995.
The price in major European markets has also been released, including in Germany where the car is €95,995. Prices in other international markets, including USA and China, will be released in the coming weeks. Production of the Emira V6 First Edition will start in the spring, with the ‘i4’ four-cylinder First Edition arriving in the autumn.
Matt Windle, Managing Director, Lotus Cars, commented: “The Emira is the most accomplished Lotus we’ve ever made, and to celebrate and reward our keenest early customers, we want to make the first cars extra special to own. The features have been carefully selected by our design team to make for a truly special and distinct First Edition.”
The Emira is an all-new mid-engine premium sports car that perfectly embodies the ongoing transformation of the Lotus business and brand. It features all the hallmarks that the automotive world has come to expect from a Lotus – striking design, thrilling dynamic performance delivering best-in-class ride and handling, outstanding aerodynamics and an unrivalled experience ‘For The Drivers’.
Building on the legacy of the Elise, Exige and Evora, the Emira represents a quantum leap forward for Lotus. Those instantly recognisable brand signatures and core values have been combined with a paradigm shift in levels of practicality, comfort, functionality and technology. The Emira has been developed on a new lightweight bonded aluminium chassis – technology pioneered by Lotus and which remains an intrinsic part of the company’s sports car DNA.
Powering the V6 First Edition is the much-loved and Lotus-honed 3.5-litre supercharged V6 engine, mid-mounted behind the two seats. Developing 400hp, it’s mated to a six-speed manual gearbox with a visible gearchange mechanism and hydraulic power-assisted steering.
The car rides on 20-inch ultra-lightweight V-spoke forged alloy wheels. They’re diamond cut to create a premium two-tone finish, though silver or gloss black versions are available as a no-cost option. Two-piece brake discs with branded calipers are part of the First Edition spec, plus a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
The First Edition comes in one of six vibrant paint colours: Seneca Blue – which was seen at the car’s launch in July – plus Magma Red, Hethel Yellow, Dark Verdant, Shadow Grey and Nimbus Grey. More colours will be available during 2022.
Exterior details include LED lights all round, a titanium exhaust finisher, heated power-fold door mirrors and rear parking sensors. The Lower Black Pack is fitted as standard, which means the front bumper air blades, front splitter, side sills and rear diffuser are all in finished in gloss black.
There are seven interior colour choices, all available at no extra cost. They are red, black, grey and tan Nappa leather, as well as black Alcantara with either red, yellow or grey stitching. Satin chrome trim finishers, white interior mood lighting and Lotus-branded sill kick plates complete the premium look.
The heated seats feature 12-way adjustability and two memory presets linked to the door mirrors (driver’s seat only). Climate control, cruise control, keyless start and selectable drive modes are all included.
Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and satellite navigation (in selected markets) are integrated into the Emira V6 First Edition, supported by Bluetooth and USB/12v sockets. The 10-channel/340W premium audio system has been developed in partnership with respected British brand KEF and includes DAB digital radio. All functions are accessed through a 10.25-inch centrally mounted touch-screen, with driver feedback through a 12.3-inch TFT instrument cluster ahead of the multi-function steering wheel.
Three more option packs are fitted as standard to the car, making four in total. The Drivers Pack gives customer the choice of Tour or Sport suspension with Goodyear Eagle F1 Supersport tyres, or Sport suspension with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres.
The Design Pack adds privacy glass, sports pedals, a black Alcantara headliner, and the choice of black, red, yellow or silver painted brake callipers. Lotus-branded footwell mats are also included. The Convenience Pack adds front parking sensors, rear reversing camera, rain-sensing wipers with aero blades, auto-dimming mirrors and a rear luggage storage net.
Options available at extra cost include a six-speed automatic gearbox with paddle shift (£1,800 / €2,600 in Germany); and the Black Pack, which colours the roof, cantrails, mirror backs, rear Lotus badge and exhaust finisher (£1,200 / €1,370 in Germany).
Production of the Lotus Emira V6 First Edition will start in the spring, with the ‘i4’ four-cylinder First Edition arriving later in the autumn. An entry level Emira – priced from £59,995 – will be available during 2023.
Citroën AMI gets green light for UK sales in 2022
Since making its debut in 2020, Citroën AMI has been turning heads around the world – not least here in the UK. Much to the delight of a large and growing number of UK customers, the Citroën brand is now able to announce that the zero-emissions AMI will officially launch here in the spring of 2022.
From the 22/09/21, the first 12,000 customers who have already registered their interest online are invited to join the queue to secure their AMI with a £250 refundable reservation fee. From Monday 27 September the reservation system will be open to everyone.
All customers are reminded that AMI will be adapted for the UK market, but will remain left-hand drive. One significant benefit of AMIs left-hand drive configuration when being driven in the UK, is that it will allow for a kerbside exit from the vehicle for the driver when parking at the roadside in a city centre. For anyone driving AMI in the UK, a full UK driving licence is required as with a traditional passenger car.
A true breakthrough from Citroën, AMI is a daring response to the challenges faced in today’s cities and urban environments. As a 100% electric vehicle, AMI emits zero-emissions in use and has a 5.5kWh battery that recharges in just three hours. With a range of 46 miles and a top speed of 28mph, AMI is a modern solution that delivers on Citroën’s promise to provide affordable and clean mobility solutions for all.
Since it was first revealed in February 2020, Citroën AMI has received significant interest from UK buyers and national media alike. The vehicle continues to receive widespread acclaim from industry experts, taking home the ‘Microcar of the Year’ title in the GQ Car Awards 2021 and the ‘Technology Award’ in the Auto Express New Car Awards 2021.
AMI’s zero-emission credentials ensure it is exempt from Congestion and Ultra-low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) charges. With London’s ULEZ due to be extended in October 2021, and other cities looking to introduce similar measures, AMI is a ‘future-proof’ solution to mobility concerns in many UK cities.
With a length of only 2.41m and an incredibly tight turning circle, Citroën AMI is compact and agile, providing an easy solution for navigating busy streets and fitting into narrow parking spaces. The undeniably quirky Citroën AMI has space for the driver, a passenger and one small item if luggage, with the heated interior bathed in light thanks to the model’s panoramic glass sunroof. In a nostalgic nod the iconic Citroën 2CV, the manual side windows of AMI can be opened by flipping the glass upwards into a fixed raised position. Buyers have access to a wide range of personalisation options, thanks to colourful accessory packs and additions that allow each owner to make their Citroën AMI truly unique.
Eurig Druce, Managing Director of Citroën UK, said: “I am absolutely delighted to announce that Citroën AMI is launching in the UK. With cities and urban areas introducing stricter limits for vehicles, and people demanding new mobility solutions, AMI shows once again how Citroën is adapting to meet the demands of the times. Citroën AMI is a new all-electric mobility solution for the UK that’s totally unique – fun, exciting and accessible to all.
“After thousands of UK buyers have already registered their interest in Citroën AMI, we are very excited to confirm that the AMI will arrive in the country in spring 2022.”
Citroën AMI is the latest vehicle available to UK drivers within Citroën’s ever-growing electrified vehicle range. Models already in UK showrooms include the all-electric New ë-C4 hatchback and ë-SpaceTourer MPV, plus C5 Aircross SUV Hybrid. By 2025, Citroën will offer an electrified variant across its entire model line-up.
UK pricing and supply arrangements will be communicated in due course.
Maserati MC20 wins “Product Design of the Year” at the European Product Design Award 2021
The MC20 has received the award for “Product Design of the Year” 2021 from the European Product Design Award. The new Maserati super sports car was also honoured with “Top Design Winner” in Transportation/Auto/Truck/Mobile Home and “Winner” in Transportation/Other Transportation Design categories.
The European Product Design Award is a design competition created to recognize the efforts of talented international product designers. Thousands of design projects from every corner of the globe are vetted and evaluated by the jury panel to select the most aesthetically exciting, functional, and innovative products.
Klaus Busse, Maserati Head of Design, said:” Our mission was to design a car that would be remembered in the future as the model that launched the Maserati New Era. And I think we’ve achieved our goal with MC20. We are honoured to receive this coveted accolade, which recognises the work of an entire team, who have made a whole-hearted commitment to this unique project. “
MC20, designed by the Centro Stile Maserati in Turin, is a mix of elegance and sporting prowess. The super sports car is a genuine masterpiece of style, the first of its kind, and the halo car with which the Brand inaugurated its new Era.
Maserati MC20 is innovative by nature, and every design detail is functional: the butterfly doors, for example, are not only stunningly beautiful, but they also improve the car’s ergonomics and enable optimal access to and from the cabin.
The new super sports car represents the pure form of speed, in true Maserati-style: a work of sculptural engineering previewing the direction of the Brand’s aesthetic future. In fact, the focus on performance led to the conception of a car with a distinct personality, refined aerodynamics and unmistakable lines that render it unique.
A car whose superb looks conceal an uncompromisingly sporty soul, with the new 630 hp V6 Nettuno engine that delivers 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in 2.88 seconds and a top speed over 326 km an hour. The patented engine was conceived, developed, designed and built entirely by Maserati, and uses a pre-chamber combustion technology derived from Formula 1 engines.
Maserati MC20 super sports car is genuinely a 100% made in Italy car, developed by the Maserati Innovation Lab and built at the historic Modena plant.
Heat and sandstorms: Morocco test for the Audi RS Q e-tron
On the way to its debut in the famous Dakar Rally in January 2022, Audi Sport has tested the Audi RS Q e-tron for almost two weeks in Morocco under the most extreme conditions.
After testing in Germany and Spain, the team headed for the desert and the dunes for the first time in the heat of Morocco. Once again, all three driver crews were involved. Dakar record winner Stéphane Peterhansel, Carlos Sainz and Mattias Ekström took turns at the wheel of the highly complex prototype.
Of course, their co-drivers Edouard Boulanger, Lucas Cruz and Emil Bergkvist were always with them. Driver and co-driver form an important unit in the Dakar Rally and they have to feel comfortable in the cockpit. “This was one of many topics we had on our to-do list after the test in Zaragoza,” says Andreas Roos, responsible for factory motorsport projects at Audi Sport. “For the test in Morocco, we made modifications so that the driver and co-driver have more space in the tight cockpit and can also communicate better with each other. The feedback was positive.”
Some of the conditions the test team encountered in Morocco were extreme. “The thermometer climbed to well over 40 degrees Celsius at times,” says Sven Quandt, team principal of Q Motorsport. “Sandstorms also hampered the testing. In addition, as expected, some new problems arose in the high temperatures, which repeatedly caused interruptions to the testing and needed to be solved before the next test.”
“We expect much lower temperatures at the Dakar Rally,” says Andreas Roos. “Nevertheless, we deliberately went to Morocco to test our concept under the most extreme conditions. Components such as the MGU, for example, were basically not developed for use in such high ambient temperatures, but the drivetrain and other components were also pushed to their limits or even beyond by the heat. The insights we gained in Morocco are invaluable, but they also show us that we still have a lot to do before the Dakar Rally and there is not much time left.”
The high-voltage battery, which was developed specifically for the Dakar Rally, is also a major topic. “It’s all about optimum temperature management and being able to call up the battery’s maximum performance,” says Roos. “This is where we are learning with every test. And that’s exactly why we are going to the desert with an electrified drivetrain: We are gaining an incredible amount of experience that we are sharing with our colleagues from road car development.”
ŠKODA enters test phase with next generation Rally2 model based on the all-new Fabia
ŠKODA Motorsport is busy developing a rally version of the all-new ŠKODA Fabia, with a first prototype of the future model in Rally2 specification testing on tarmac and gravel roads across Europe.
Following the launch of the all-new fourth-generation ŠKODA Fabia, comes the latest version of the rally model. ŠKODA Motorsport has already started testing the future Rally2 version of the ŠKODA Fabia with the first prototype already in action on gravel and tarmac stages in the Czech Republic, France and Spain recently.
“The all-new ŠKODA Fabia for the Rally2 category has entered the development and testing stage. Fortunately, our technicians can build on comprehensive know-how and expertise of the ongoing ŠKODA Fabia Rally2 evo project, which still is very successful worldwide,” comments Michal Hrabánek, Head of ŠKODA Motorsport.
Since April 2015, the ŠKODA Fabia has amassed more rally trophies than any other car in its category. Starting with the so-called R5 version, which has later been renamed Rally2, it has gone on to take nine titles in support categories to the FIA World Rally Championship, numerous regional and national championships, nearly 1,400 overall and class victories as well as close to 3,300 podium positions worldwide. ŠKODA Motorsport has already sold more than 400 units of the R5, Rally2 and Rally2 evo variants.
According to the Rally2 regulations of the FIA, the next generation Rally2 version of the ŠKODA Fabia is again powered by a 1.6 litre turbo petrol engine connected to a five-speed sequential gearbox and four-wheel drive with mechanical differentials.
