The new SLK 250 CDI : Sports car performance with the fuel economy of a sub-compact

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK 250 CDI

STUTTGART : August 17, 2011 : For the first time, Mercedes-Benz is offering the sporty SLK Roadster with a diesel engine. The 150 kW (204 hp) four-cylinder power unit puts the two-seater at the top of its class in numerous respects. With a fuel consumption of 4.9 litres per 100 kilometres, it is the most economical roadster in its segment. Thanks to its enormous torque of 500 newton metres it accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds, and delivers a top figure for acceleration from 80 to 120 km/h. The result is superior driving enjoyment both on winding country roads and on long motorway stretches. Like the other models in the latest SLK family, which was presented in January this year, it combines lively sportiness with high-quality appointments and excellent comfort.

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The fast and the furious : Chevrolet Miray and Colorado Rally Concepts

Chevrolet Colorado Rally Concept

• Two exciting concepts to celebrate European premiere in Frankfurt
• Colorado Rally Concept builds on Chevrolet's strong truck heritage
• Colorado's interior includes high-performance steering wheel and fire-fighting system
• Small and open, light and purposeful appearance characterises Miray concept car
• Information displayed via back projection onto the Miray's instrument panel

Over the course of its 100-year history, Chevrolet has created and refined an array of startlingly beautiful car designs. Some of these have moved on to become true road legends, such as the Belair, the Suburban, the Corvette, or the Camaro. Though Chevrolet cars are very diverse in their appearance, reflecting the different uses they have, there is a common design and brand DNA and a set of exterior and interior features that distinguishes them from a multitude of competitors.

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The new Hyundai i20 Blue emits a tiny 98g/km of CO2

2012 Hyundai i20 Blue

• i20 Blue emits just 98 g/km CO₂ – making it the lowest in the Hyundai range
• Exempt from the London Congestion Charge
• VED Band A, meaning £0 first year rate and £0 standard rate
• Priced at £13,195 and on-sale now

Following on from the successful i10 Blue launched at the beginning of the year, Hyundai has now added another sub-100g/km CO₂ model to its range – the i20 Blue. With emissions of just 98g/km CO₂, it is the lowest emitting vehicle in Hyundai UK’s product line-up.

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Even more sportiness and individuality for the BMW X5 and BMW X6

2011 BMW X5 xDrive30d

MUNICH : August 16, 2011 - Additional equipment options, new exterior colours and an expanded choice of light alloy wheels will add even more sportiness to the exclusive look and sheer driving pleasure of the BMW X5 and BMW X6 in the autumn of 2011. Appealing refinements in the exterior and interior design of both models will be possible due to the enhanced range of options offered by the BMW Individual programme. In addition, both the Sports Activity Vehicle and the Sports Activity Coupe will be available as Exclusive Edition models, offering customers an exclusive choice of unique options and materials enabling them to configure their BMW with an unmistakable personal touch. In the autumn of 2011, the BMW X5 xDrive30d will also be available with BMW BluePerformance technology and will fully meet all of the requirements of the EU6 exhaust emissions standard.

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The new smart fortwo electric drive - Zero-emission driving pleasure for everyone

2012 smart fortwo electric drive

STUTTGART : August 16, 2011 - Zero-emission motoring with even more driving fun – the third generation smart fortwo electric drive will be available from the spring of 2012. In total a five-figure number of vehicles will roll off the production line in Hambach, France. Following the huge success of the second generation, electric mobility will then become accessible to anyone interested in more than 30 markets worldwide. In the development of the new generation smart benefited from extensive experience and customer feedback gathered worldwide over the past years. Driven by a battery supplied by Deutsche Accumotive for the first time the 55 kW electric motor passes the 120 km/h mark. From 0 to 100 km/h in less than 13 seconds - even driving on urban motorways becomes enjoyable. The 17.6 kWh battery enables the lively city car to travel around 140 kilometres in city traffic without producing any local emissions.

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Kia Picanto 3-Door joins the range for the first time

2012 KIA Picanto 3-Door

• Kia’s new city car available in 3-door form for the first time
• Four trim levels available – including two new high specification versions
• CO2 emissions from 99g/km – VED and Congestion Charge exempt
• On sale 1st September 2011
• 3-door range priced from £7,795 OTR

Following on from the recent launch of the all-new Picanto city car Kia is introducing a three-door version to the line-up for the first time since the model appeared in 2004. The distinctively styled three-door version, with a new range of trim levels, will go on sale in the UK from 1st September.

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Bentley to build 4x4 SUV in 2014

2014 Bentley SUV - Rendered

Bentley is preparing to build a 4x4 SUV, the new CEO Wolfgang Durheimer confirmed tonight. Speaking at a select dinner in Crewe, the Bentley boss said the luxury car maker would build a crossover SUV as a priority.

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The new ABT Q3 - Kempten commitment to maximum urban sportiness

2012 ABT Q3

“The Q3 is an extremely athletic yet very elegant vehicle. It combines the powerful aesthetics of a robust car with the shape of a cool coupe”, explains Hans-Jürgen Abt. For the CEO of ABT Sportsline, the world’s largest tuner of vehicles from the VW Group, the latest offspring of the SUV family represents an absolute highlight in the product range: “In its class the Q3 is something special. For our designers it provides the perfect working basis, as it is both classy and dynamic”, states Hans-Jürgen Abt. For example the Abts were able to further accentuate the unique tornado curves of the Q3 with side sills. In connection with the striking ABT front grill and the front spoiler the inherently compact car seems more powerful and to have more presence. The rear wing, rear apron and exhaust pipe covers ensure that from the rear of the SUV you can see that the car has a good figure.

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Opel adds new engines and premium features to Insignia model year 2012

2012 Opel Insignia

• Best-in-class: New 1.4 turbo ecoFLEX thriftiest gasoline engine in mid-size class
• Powerful: New 2.0 turbo with 185 kW/250 hp delivers 400 Nm of torque
• Clever: Start/Stop system available for many engine variants
• Added value: Navigation system, front camera, high-class leather interior

RÜSSELSHEIM : August 10, 2011 - Since making its debut, the Opel Insignia has won more than 50 national and international awards, including the especially prestigious title “Car of the Year”. Customers have affirmed this critical success with great demand – over 400,000 units of the brand flagship have been sold to date. With new gasoline engines and state-of-the-art technologies, the Insignia is set to continue its successful run in model year 2012. Prices start at 23,330 euro (RRP incl. VAT).

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Hyundai reveals first rendering of the all-new i30

Hyundai i30 - Rendered

• ‘Fluidic sculpture’ uses flowing lines to showcase a dynamic appearance
• All-new-generation of i30 designed and engineered in Europe
• New model set for world premiere at Frankfurt Motor Show next month

HIGH WYCOMBE : August 10, 2011 – Hyundai has released the first rendering of the next-generation i30, revealing an exciting new look for the company’s bestselling C-segment hatchback. It will be unveiled at the 2011 Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA) in September.

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