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 Honda Jazz EX style grade.
Honda has added a new ‘Style’ grade to its Jazz e:HEV line-up, bringing new levels of design sophistication and individuality to the award-winning compact city car. Available on top-grade EX models, Style specification stands out with a range of black-themed styling enhancements and a bespoke new alloy wheel design.
On sale from £24,845 on the road* and available to customers from £259 per month*, the EX Style version is easily identifiable through its black body-side mouldings, mirror caps, rear spoiler and a painted two-tone roof. These are complimented by model-specific 16” alloys in black with a machined finish.
Style models retain Honda’s intuitive infotainment technology with seamless in-car connectivity provided by Android Auto and Apply CarPlay, accessed via the 9-inch touchscreen. As with the rest of the Jazz line-up, the Style grade also incorporates Honda’s innovative Magic Seats, which fold completely flat or flip up to offer unrivalled levels of usability.
Completing Honda’s connectivity offering, the Jazz EX Style also benefits from integrated satellite navigation, a parking camera, and Blind Spot Information, in addition to the comprehensive suite of Honda SENSING safety technologies that is included as standard on all models.
Part of Honda’s e:TECHNOLOGY line-up of efficient hybrid and electric vehicles, all versions of the Jazz are available exclusively with the brand’s advanced e:HEV two-motor hybrid powertrain technology. The all-new Jazz has been engineered to deliver an exceptional blend of strong performance and impressive efficiency, to complement its class-leading interior comfort and usability.
The new Style grade is being introduced a year on from the launch of the latest generation Jazz e:HEV, in which time it has received multiple awards from around the world, including the prestigious Red Dot Award for product design.
Prices for the new Jazz EX Style edition start from £24,845* on the road* and available to customers from £259 per month*.
All-new DS 4 open for orders in the UK
DS AUTOMOBILES has opened the order books for its new model, the DS 4. With prices starting from £25,350 OTR, the all-new DS 4 line-up features three variants: DS 4, Performance Line and Cross derivatives. Deliveries to UK customers will begin early in the new year.
Available to order online or in store, the all-new DS 4 is available with a highly efficient E-TENSE 225 plug-in hybrid powertrain with CO2 emissions as low as 34g/km (WLTP), offering an all-electric drive of up to 30 miles from a single charge. The DS 4 will also be offered with a choice of three advanced PureTech petrol engines, a PureTech130, PureTech180 and PureTech225, and a BlueHDi 130 diesel. All powertrains are sold exclusively with DS’ smooth shifting eight-speed automatic gearbox.
The all-new DS 4 features a striking new design, whilst embodying the brand’s savoir-faire positioning in the automotive industry. Whilst the exterior of the DS 4 features a distinctive design including a new light signature and slim projector headlights, complemented by Daytime Running Lights, the interior features refined materials including Alcantara®, forged carbon and wood, all incorporated via new upholstery techniques, with watchstrap leather, pearl stitching and hidden seams.
The DS 4 introduces new premium technology to the segment, including the DS IRIS SYSTEM – an all-new, full HD touchscreen infotainment system supported by over-the-air updates and featuring the IRIS personal assistant with natural voice recognition. To make the system even more intuitive, DS SMART TOUCH provides a small, additional touchscreen below the centre console with customisable shortcuts and handwriting recognition.
Enhancing the safety and convenience of the DS 4, DS EXTENDED HEAD-UP DISPLAY projects key information onto the windscreen, helping drivers keep their eyes on the road at all times. Further improving safety, DS NIGHT VISION helps detect hazards in low or poor visibility through the use of infrared camera technology, with objects projected onto the driver’s display.
Volkswagen offers a sackful of seasonal gift solutions for fans of the brand this Christmas
Volkswagen is pleased to present its 2021 list of Christmas gift ideas – the definitive run-down of must-haves for brand fans across the UK. This year’s suggestions comprise appealing GTI and ID.-themed items, with both children and adults considered in the eclectic mix. All are sleigh and stocking-friendly, and cover a wide variety of interests, so are sure to satisfy even the hardest to please recipients on Santa’s Nice List this year.
First on the gift list is a 1:43-scale model ID.3, in eye-catching Makena Turquoise. With extraordinary attention to detail, this particular model features tiny imitations of the attractive Andoya alloy wheels; IQ.Light headlights; and silver bi-colour exterior styling. Just like the full-size ID.3, this £33 (RRP) miniature version has zero tailpipe emissions but, unlike its larger lookalike, relies upon push power to get around. Either way, it is sustainable mobility at its tiniest.
If your 1:43-scale model desires are a little more family-sized, then a miniature ID.4 (£31 RRP) model will suit. Also with zero tailpipe emissions, this high-specification model is finished in Honey Yellow metallic paint, with Narvik alloy wheels; a panoramic sunroof; IQ.Light headlights and 3D LED rear light clusters; the bi-colour style pack with its black roof and silver trim following the windows up to the C-pillar. Perfect for the collector’s display cabinet.
Next on the list is something for the younger driver, and it’s a fast one – the GTI children’s balance bike. This is a way into GTI ownership for any budding fan of those hallowed three letters – the only limit on top speed of this compact yet sturdy model is how fast a toddler’s legs can move. Available in sleek black, with a red seat, GTI logos and highlights, and the Volkswagen roundel on the front, the balance bike (£80 RRP OTGP– that’s On The Garden Path), is the sweet-handling, entry-level GTI that doesn’t require a driver’s licence. Or petrol.
For the Volkswagen fan who’s always running late, the GTI watch (£31 RRP) is designed for hardcore fans with a love of fine detailing. Printed on the strap are the coordinates of the location where the engine meets the body for the Golf GTI, at the Volkswagen factory in Wolfsburg. The numbers on the dial mimic the rev counter of the Golf GTI, going up to 5 in white, and 6, 7 and 8 in red. The 42 mm diameter watch face is finished in the familiar honeycomb design from GTI models’ front grilles, while the GTI emblem sits proudly beneath the 12 marker. The watch is waterproof up to three atmospheres.
The second item of apparel on the festive list is for warmer climes, or more casual settings – a pair of GTI sliders, to demonstrate commitment to the GTI brand when poolside on holiday, taking it easy at home, or even just taking out the bins. These £27 (RRP) sliders are available in three sizes – fitting up to UK size 11.5.
Of course, if your intended recipient will be lounging by the pool in their GTI footwear, they will need a matching suitcase to fly away with. Which is where the GTI Luggage Trolley (£150 RRP) comes in – with a hard-shell, lightweight case emblazoned with the GTI logo, black finish with red flourishes, and a honeycomb grille, this is unmistakably the luggage of a bona-fide Volkswagen fan. And its practicality is useful at Christmas too – other GTI-branded gifts can be stored inside, for a double surprise.
The GTI wireless charger is a tech-friendly way of bringing a little GTI magic into your home. Featuring a charging pad finished in the iconic grey and red check cloth from the GTI models, the charger (£25.50 RRP) allows a compatible smartphone to be charged simply by placing it on top of the pad – a feature it shares with the latest range of Volkswagn models . Easy to use, and with a modern twist, the GTI wireless charger is just like the hot hatch icon. Just don’t try and drive it.
Finally, the other tech treat on the 2021 Volkswagen Christmas Gift List is a set of GTI Bluetooth Ear Buds (£34.50 RRP). Sleekly designed and wire-free, the earphones sit snugly in their own charging case. When in use, red and blue lights indicate their status, in contrast to the black finish of the earphones, while a high-quality microphone allows the buds to pick up calls when in use. The case and each ear bud is emblazoned with the GTI logo, with the former also featuring those hallowed Wolfsburg coordinates where GTI engines meet their bodies.
Bentley launch new winter wheel packages
Bentley is launching new winter wheel packages for the upcoming colder season. Customers who are interested in a fresh new look for their Bentley can choose to prepare their car for winter, with an elegant 21″ alloy wheel – bringing new visual appeal to match the enhanced winter performance offered by Bentley’s Pirelli winter tyres.
There are four 21” winter wheel packages now available – one for Continental GT, GT Convertible and Flying Spur, one for Continental GT Speed and two for Bentayga. Through specially developed winter tyres, owners of all models will have the confidence to enjoy the performance of their vehicles during the wintery conditions. Continental GT and GT Convertible owners are now able to select the beautiful twin-10-spoke alloy wheel with a dark grey painted and bright-machined finish for the first time this winter.
The wheel packages provide the simplest method for swapping between summer and winter tyres and helps to prolong tyre wear whilst used in their optimum conditions.
Winter tyres are far more effective than summers tyres in low temperatures (below 7°C / 45°F) and ensure maximum available traction and performance on cold tarmac, snow and ice. Three particular design features of winter tyres make this possible:
Demand for used plug-in models surges despite used car market falling -6.2% in Q3
Demand for used battery electric (BEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) vehicles continued to grow in Q3, according to the latest figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Reflecting recent trends in both the new and used markets, transactions rose by 56.4% and 43.3% to 14,182 and 14,990 respectively. Indeed, the number of used BEVs that changed hands during the period was the highest recorded in any quarter. Hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) transactions also increased by 20.3% to 40,157.
Thanks to an ever-growing choice of new zero emission models coming on sale, for both new and used car buyers, the market share for all used plug-in vehicles increased to 1.4%, up from 0.9% the previous year. Petrol and diesel powertrains continued to dominate, however, comprising 96.4% of all transactions equivalent to 1,959,955 units, although demand for both declined, by -6.9% and -7.6% respectively.
This strong plug-in performance comes despite the UK’s used car market falling -6.2% in the third quarter of 2021. 2,034,342 vehicles changed hands, 134,257 less than in Q3 2020 when the re-opening of showrooms and easing of lockdown measures saw the market bounce back strongly.
Used car transactions declined in every month across the quarter, with July, August and September all falling, by -4.9%, -5.9% and -7.9% respectively.1 Overall, the period is down -2.0% on 2019 pre-pandemic, making it the weakest quarter three since 2015.2
Volkswagen’s newest SUV opens for order with style, versatility and big-car-tech
The Volkswagen Taigo is now open for order to UK customers, offering the latest safety and driver assistance systems, connectivity and infotainment, versatility and desirability, wrapped up in a stylish SUV-coupé body, and fitted with an array of efficient and flexible petrol engines. The model starts at £21,960 OTR for the model in Life specification, allied to a 1.0-litre, 95 PS TSI engine and 5-speed manual gearbox.
At 150 mm longer than the entry-level SUV in the Volkswagen range – the compact T-Cross – and shorter and lower than the stylish T-Roc, the Taigo complements neatly the brand’s SUV line-up, which also comprises the Tiguan, ID.4, Tiguan Allspace and Touareg.
The newcomer features the higher seating position and ground clearance of an SUV, while also offering comfort and style. Personalisation is provided via a wide and vibrant range of paint colours, while further customisation is available optionally across various aspects of the interior. Customer demand for high levels of technology and connectivity are met, with wireless App-Connect and wireless smartphone charging, as well as streaming and internet services, all included from Life trim upwards.
The Taigo is equipped as standard with LED headlights; an 8.0-inch Digital Cockpit; a multifunction steering wheel; wireless smartphone charging; Park Assist; a fatigue detection system; and curtain airbags in the front, with a central airbag adding to the numerous safety features of the charismatic new SUV, across every trim level. Big-car technology such as Travel Assist is also included, while the brand’s innovative IQ.Light LED matrix headlights are fitted as standard on the Taigo Style.
The entry-level Taigo Life is generously equipped as standard, with a suite of driver assistance systems providing safety and assurance. These include Lane Change Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Park Assist with front and rear parking sensors, and more. From the outside, the Taigo Life’s 16-inch ‘Everett’ Black alloy wheels, front fog lights, LED headlights and black-finished roof rails complement its sharp styling. Comfort and convenience features include logo projection lighting from the car’s door mirrors; a multifunction camera; lumbar support for the comfortable front seats; electrically-folding door mirrors with electric heating and adjustment; and a multifunction steering wheel.
Standard equipment for the Taigo R-Line builds upon that of the Life, offering a sportily-styled alternative with 17-inch ‘Valencia’ alloy wheels and R-Line exterior styling with bespoke bumpers. On the inside, more R-Line styling cues are present, with a black roof-lining, R-Line badging on the floor mats and an R-Line specific multifunction steering wheel; while luxuries such as ambient lighting; 2-zone Climatronic climate control; an upgraded, 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro dashboard display; and an 8.0-inch Discover Navigation infotainment system, are all fitted. The driver can also select between profiles to change the characteristics of the car’s drive, to suit sportier or more relaxed driving styles. Rear privacy glass adds to the dynamic look of the Taigo, and is also standard on the Taigo Style.
