V40 R-Design and Volvo V40 Cross Country

Volvo Car UK recently announced the doe you have to pay if you're eyeing on the all-new Volvo V40 R-Design and Volvo V40 Cross Country. It's starts with  £22,295 and £22,595 respectively.

Volvo made way to offer both a more sports inspired and a more rugged looking take on the V40.

The V40 R-Design, taken cues from its R-Design stablemates in the rest of the range, with a re-profiled front bumper and rear diffuser, five-spoke 17" Ixion wheels, silver matt door mirrors, unique R-Design embossed nubuck upholstery, sports floor mats, sports steering wheel and pedals.

In addition to this, as standard, the V40 R-Design benefits from a TFT crystal display screen with unique blue colouring, illuminated gear-knob, unique R-Design aluminium trim and vertical LED day-running lights.

Those wanting the ultimate in sports luxury can upgrade to the R-Design Lux, complementing the standard specification with active bending xenon headlights with cleaning system, rain sensor, leather-faced R-Design embossed seats, cruise control, keyless start and rear theatre lighting.

The V40 R-Design is available in the striking launch colour, Rebel Blue, unique to R-Design, along with six other colours.

Prices start from £22,295 for the D2 R-Design, still benefiting from class leading CO₂ emissions of 94g/km, up to the T5 Geartronic R-Design Lux Nav, available from £31,390.

The V40 Cross Country is Volvo's answer to those customers that want a small 5-door hatchback but with a more 'off-road' and rugged look.  

As standard, the Cross Country SE is offered with autofolding door mirrors with ground lights and black mirror covers, 16" alloy wheels, rain sensor, textile/T-Tec upholstery, tread plates and silver roof rails.

The Cross Country can be further enhanced by specifying the Cross Country Lux version.  This includes the ample specification of the SE, plus leather-faced upholstery, active bending xenon headlights, 17" alloy wheels, LED day-running lights, rear reading and theatre lighting.

The V40 Cross Country is available from £22,595 for the D2 Cross Country SE, up to the T5 Geartronic Cross Country Lux Nav with All-Wheel Drive, from £33,875.

Both models are available to order now and first customer deliveries will start to take place in January 2013. So save up if you're planing get one. 

smart FESTIVAL BOASTS BIGGEST-EVER ATTENDANCE

smart proved it can celebrate with the best after a record-breaking 5,212 enthusiasts went wild for the smart festival 2012.

Fun-loving fans poured into Mercedes-Benz World at Weybridge, Surrey last Saturday to grab a massive slice of everything smart and engage with the brand like never before.

A breathtaking fusion of attractions guaranteed fun ‘forall’ and spanned street-themed activities, such as slacklining and urban basketball, live music and the hottest smarts around. Standouts in the awesome gathering of 1,500 smarts included a 10^th anniversary celebration of the radical crossblade, the official reveal of the striking iceshine special edition and Europe’s most stunning examples battling it out to be voted the best of the best.

Compere, comedian Danny Hornigold ensured everyone literally had a good laugh, and pro freestyle skateboarders Kilian Martin and Alfredo Urbon – the stars of the smash hit ‘skate fortwo’ online film viewable at youtube.co.uk/smartfortwouk – wowed the crowds riding the world’s first-ever tandem skateboard. Artists ‘Threepenny Bit” and beatboxer Jack Hobbs AKA “Hobbit” added a slick soundtrack to keep the party atmosphere thumping.

Over 600 show-goers jumped at the chance to test drive the latest smarts, including the new 3^rd generation smart fortwo electric drive and smart electric bike. 

Plenty also had a go at ‘smart sweep’ – a new attraction where participants experienced the amazing agility and spaciousness of smart by going against the clock to collect a list of goodies from a fantasy High Street.

smart EBALL was all-new too, the game paying homage to the classic ‘80s video game Pong and featuring radio-controlled, full-size electric drive smarts in the gameplay. Add established favourites, such as smart racing demonstrations, kidszone and funfair, and it’s no surprise that this year’s smart festival was an absolute smash.

David George, Marketing Director Passenger Cars, Mercedes-Benz UK, said: “You can always rely on smart to put on a spectacular show and this year’s festival was on another level.

“The record-breaking numbers underline the sheer and ever-increasing appeal of smart and festival-goers were thrilled to get in on the action, relishing the opportunity to try innovative activities that epitomise the gutsy and non-conformist nature of smart.”

smart information is available at: www.smartfortwopress.co.uk and www.smart.com

AXEON TECHNOLOGY POWERS LUXURY AND LIGHT COMMERCIAL VEHICLES IN THE FUTURE CAR CHALLENGE

Axeon’s advanced battery technology will power two vehicles in this year’s RAC Future Car Challenge on – the Jaguar's XJ_e plug-in hybrid advanced research project and Emerald Automotive’s t-001 range-extended electric van.

The Jaguar XJ_e and Emerald Automotive t-001 will take on the 60-mile energy-saving driving challenge fromMadeira Drive in Brighton to Regent’s Street on Saturday 3^rd November 2012.

Jaguar’s XJ_e plug-in hybrid advanced research project uses a 12.3kWh battery pack from Axeon that provides an electric range of up to 25 miles and helps achieve CO₂ emissions of less than 75g/km. 

The battery powers a 69kW motor, which sits alongside a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the car’s drivetrain. The battery uses the latest lithium iron phosphate pouch cells in liquid-cooled/heated self-contained modules for optimum battery management and safety.

For the Emerald Automotive’s t-001 range-extended electric van, Axeon designed and manufactured two custom 25kWh battery packs. 

The t-001 has an electric range of 66 miles and CO₂ emissions as low as 22g/km. The batteries use Axeon’s proprietary Battery Management System and flexible pouch cell module design technology.

Axeon CEO, Lawrence Berns commented: “We are delighted to be involved in both of these pioneering low carbon vehicle projects and will be excited to see them in action in this year’s Future Car Challenge. 

Together, the vehicles demonstrate Axeon’s ability to provide battery solutions for a wide range of vehicles – from luxury cars to light vans.”

NEW KORANDO SPORTS PICK-UP

SSANGYONG ANNOUNCES PRICES & SPECIFICATION FOR NEW KORANDO SPORTS PICK-UP

Korando Sports brings a new level of refinement to the market place, blending the suspension, engine and cabin finesse of a passenger car, the silhouette, space and seating for five that’s typical of a double cab, and the rugged workmanlike ability of a commercial pick-up.

This new Korando Sports will appeal to those who need a working vehicle, the practicality of 4 wheel drive, the towing capability to haul up to 2.3 tonnes yet also the appointments of a family car.  Whether towing a work trailer or horsebox, ferrying the crew to site or the children to school, Korando Sports will meet a range of different demands.

“As you would expect from SsangYong, the new Korando Sports is both keenly priced and comprehensively equipped,” said Paul Williams, CEO of SsangYong Motor UK. “From just £18,295 (incl VAT) you not only get a lot of vehicle for the money, but also a 5 year limitless mileage warranty. SsangYong is the only manufacturer to have that much confidence in its pick-up, which will give customers complete peace of mind.

“SsangYong has a growing reputation for building extremely competent off-road vehicles, and the new Korando Sports builds on this pedigree.  It’s an honest, reliable and highly capable vehicle, and pound for pound will outclass many more expensive rivals.”

Two models - SX & EX

There are two models from launch. The SX is extremely well appointed and comes equipped with 16” alloy wheels, tinted glass, air conditioning, leather covered steering wheel, remote central locking, Kenwood MP3 CD & RDS radio with a USB & auxiliary port and Bluetooth connectivity.

The EX features the luxury touch of leather upholstery with heated front seats, powered driver’s seat, heated, electrically adjustable and power folding door mirrors and rear parking sensors.  A 6 speed automatic transmission with cruise control is also available as an option.

Korando Sports pricing

Prices including VAT
Korando Sports		SX	EX	EX auto
Basic price		£14,621	£16,037	£17,079
Delivery		£400	£400	£400
Net retail price		£15,021	£16,437	£17,479
VAT @ 20%		£3,004	£3,288	£3,496
Retail price		£18,025	£19,725	£20,975
First registration fee		£55	£55	£55
Road fund licence		£215	£215	£215
		£18,295	£19,995	£21,245

Prices excluding VAT
Korando Sports		SX	EX	EX auto
Basic price		£14,621	£16,037	£17,080
Delivery		£400	£400	£400
First registration fee		£55	£55	£55
Road fund licence		£215	£215	£215
		£15,291	£16,707	£17,750

Power

Delivering both performance and economy - up to 37.7 mpg on the Combined Cycle, Korando Sports is powered by SsangYong’s latest e-XDi diesel engine.  This new Euro 5, 2 litre engine provides maximum power of 155PS and peak torque of 360Nm delivered between 1,500rpm and 2,800rpm providing ample performance both on and off road, whatever the task.

Multi-link rear suspension

Unlike other pick-ups where the word ‘truck’ belies their more dated mechanical origins by utilising leaf springs, the SsangYong Korando Sports features a live rear axle supported by sophisticated five link suspension with coil springs to give a comfortable, car like ride.

Style

The fresh exterior design has been styled to reflect SsangYong’s modern and efficient new look.  From the front, it communicates a dynamic yet sophisticated appearance, featuring a mesh grille, trapezoidal bumper and stylish black headlight bezels to provide a premium touch.  In profile, the sharp belt line runs to the rear bumper emphasising a sleek, sporty stance, while from the rear the wide glass area affords excellent rearward visibility.

Creature comforts

Inside the spacious cabin there’s a light and airy environment thanks to the large front, side and rear windows, while the careful blending of black and metallic finishes along with an LED illuminated instrument cluster has created a smart and refined interior.

With spacious accommodation for five adults - the rear passenger seat features a folding armrest and can be reclined by up to 29 degrees, and there’s also air conditioning and Bluetooth connectivity to ensure comfort and convenience on the move.

Practicality

As with every SsangYong, practicality is at the core of the new pick-up’s appeal.  A large, flat rear deck provides a 2.04m² load area to take a Euro pallet, and comes complete with load deck liner and anchor points.  An optional rigid hard top is available to provide weather protection and security to the load area, and features a hinged rear window that closes behind the tailgate so that the central locking secures and protects the contents.  Styled and colour matched to complement the rest of the vehicle, the result is a neat design that ensures form and function, and not the ‘tacked on’ afterthought of many retro-fit hard tops.  There is also a full range of other accessories available from launch including two further load space covers.

Safe, secure, sure footed

Constructed on a separate frame chassis - the mark of a serious off-roader, the new Korando Sports offers a very rigid structure to help protect occupants in the event of a collision.  Accident avoidance and a sure footed performance off road are also enhanced by the electronic stability programme (ESP) - a rare feature on most pick-ups but standard on Korando Sports, active roll-over protection (ARP) and hill start assist (HSA).

5 year limitless mileage warranty

As with all models in the SsangYong range, the new Korando Sports is covered by a best in class 5 year limitless mileage warranty.

Designed to be totally transparent and give customers complete peace of mind, ‘limitless’ means just that: not a maximum mileage condition that some brands impose in their small print.

All the major mechanical components are covered including wheel bearings, suspension joints and bushes, steering joints, shock absorbers and even the audio system.  Wearable components such as clutch discs and brake friction materials which could have their life reduced by poor driving are covered for one year or 12,000 miles, and the battery and paintwork for three years.

SsangYong

SsangYong cars are manufactured in South Korea by SsangYong Motor Company, which is 70 per cent owned by the Indian engineering conglomerate Mahindra & Mahindra, and imported into the UK by SsangYong Motor UK.

There are currently 52 SsangYong dealers covering England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, with new locations soon to be announced.

Range

• Korando - crossover line up with 2 or 4 wheel drive, from £16,995
• Rexton - rugged 4x4 with ground breaking towing and off-road abilities, from £19,995
• Rodius - spacious seven-seat MPV available in front or all-wheel-drive form, from £15,995
• Rexton CV - commercial version of the Rexton 4x4, from £16,665 (excluding VAT)

Further information is available from: www.ssangyonggb.co.uk

EQUIPMENT - all models

Mechanical

̵        Euro 5 155PS 2.0-litre active diesel engine with CDPF

̵        Selectable 4x4 with low ratio

̵        6 speed manual transmission

̵        Double wishbone front suspension, Macpherson struts with coil springs

̵        5 link rear suspension, live axle with coil springs

̵        Power assisted rack and pinion steering

Seats

̵        Woven cloth upholstery

̵        Reclining 2^nd row seats with folding centre armrest

̵        Front tilt headrest

̵        Height adjustable driver’s seat

Climate control

̵        Manual air conditioning

̵        Rear heating duct

Appearance

̵        16” alloy wheels with 225/75 R16 tyres

̵        Full size spare tyre

̵        Chrome and black grille

̵        Black bezel headlight surround

̵        Tinted glass all round

̵        Body colour exterior door handles

̵        Waist line moulding with stainless steel insert

̵        Roof mounted aerial

Convenience

̵        Leather gear knob

̵        Leather covered steering wheel

̵        Remote central locking

̵        Kenwood MP3 CD & RDS Radio

̵        USB & aux. port

̵        4 speakers

̵        Bluetooth hands-free

̵        Steering wheel mounted audio controls

̵        Heated and electrically adjustable door mirrors

̵        Windscreen de-icer

̵        Headlamp levelling

̵        Trip computer

̵        Load deck liner

̵        Shopping bag hook

̵        Heated rear screen with timer

̵        Overhead console

̵        Digital clock

̵        Handy centre storage console and front cup holder

Safety

̵        Ultra-rigid frame for greater strength, less vibration and noise

̵        Door impact beams for optimal protection from side collisions

̵        Airbags for driver and front passenger

̵        Seatbelt load limiters and pre-tensioners

̵        4-channel anti-lock braking system

̵        Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Active Roll-over Protection (ARP) and Hill Start Assist (HSA)

̵        Disc brakes on all 4 wheels

̵        Front ventilated disc brakes

̵        Door courtesy lamps

̵        Front and rear fog lamps

̵        Alarm and immobiliser system - Thatcham category 1

̵        Childproof safety locks

̵        Speed sensitive door locks

̵        Collapsible steering column & rake adjustable

̵        ISOFIX and tether anchorage for baby car seat

̵        Seatbelt reminder for driver

̵        Safety power window on driver's side

̵        Visual VIN plate

EQUIPMENT - additional on EX

̵        Leather upholstery

̵        8-way power driver’s seat

̵        Heated front seats

̵        Automatic power folding door mirrors

̵        18” alloy wheels with 255/60 R18 tyres

̵        Rear parking sensors

̵        6 speed automatic transmission - option

̵        Electronic cruise control - included with the above option

TECHNICAL DATA

Engine				e-XDi diesel engine - Euro 5
Driven Wheels				Selectable 4x4 with low range
Transmission				6MT	6AT
Dimensions	Overall length		mm	4,990
	Overall width		mm	1,910
	Overall height		mm	1,790
	Wheelbase		mm	3,060
	Overhang	Front	mm	860
		Rear	mm	1,070
	Approach angle		degree	25.0
	Departure angle		degree	25.0
	Ramp angle		degree	20.0
	Min.clearance	Front	mm	188
		Rear	mm	212
	Min. turning radius		m	6.2
	Load deck		m	2.042	2.042
Weight	Gross vehicle weight		Kg	2,740
	Kerb weight		Kg	2097	2110
	Payload		Kg	643	630
	Gross trailer weight	Braked	Kg	2,300
		Unbraked	Kg	750
	Tow ball - max		Kg	92	92
Engine	Fuel		-	Diesel
	Capacity		cc	1,998
	Bore x stroke		mm	86.2 x 85.6
	Compression ratio		-	16.5 : 1
	Number of cylinders		-	4 - in-line
Performance	Max. power		PS/rpm	155 / 4,000
	Max. torque		Nm/rpm	360 / 1,500 ~ 2,800
	Max. speed		mph (Km/h)	107 (171.6)	106 (170.4)
Fuel Consumption	CO2 (combined)		g/km	199	212
	Combined		mpg (l/100km)	37.7 (7.5)	35.3 (8.0)
	Urban mpg		mpg (l/100km)	29.4 (9.6)	27.7 (10.2)
	Extra urban mpg		mpg (l/100km)	44.1 (6.4)	41.5 (6.8)
	Fuel tank		Litre	75	75