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What Car? Magazine Online is the UK's best source of expert, impartial advice on all aspects of buying, owning and selling cars.

New car sales rise in January
New car sales stabilised in January, with an increase of 0.03% compared with the same period in 2011.

A rise in private sales – up by 2.7% on January 2011 – helped to boost the market, while further growth in the fleet sector also buoyed sales.

Figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) also revealed that demand for diesel cars continues to drive the market. Diesel power increased its market share to 53.7% in January, compared with 50.5% a year ago.

Registrations of alternatively fuelled vehicles were also on the up – recording a 17.6% increase. Such cars now account for 1.6% of the market.

Once again, the best-selling car was the Ford Fiesta, while four of the top 10 cars were superminis.

The SMMT cut its full-year forecast for 2012 to 1.92 million new registrations, a 1.1% fall on the 1.94 million total achieved in 2011. However, the organisation believes new, more-efficient products will help the market recover to sales of 1.98 million in 2013.

SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt said: '2012 is set to be an exciting year with record numbers of new models coming to market filled with innovative technology that will save the motorist fuel, enhance comfort and further increase levels of safety and security.’

Top 10 sellers: source SMMT



Pete Barden
02/06/2012 04:12 PM

Kia Track'ster concept car unveiled
This is the Kia Track'ster concept car, which will be unveiled at the Chicago motor show next week.

The Track'ster is the latest concept car to be based on the Soul.

Kia describes the Track'ster concept car as the 'ultimate sporting representation' of the Soul. The three-door Track'ster could eventually be added to a Soul range alongside the five-door model and a convertible version that's currently under evaluation.

Kia says there are no plans to put the Track'ster into production, but a US launch would make sense, with more than 100,000 Souls sold there in 2011.

New teaser shot released
Ahead of its debut at this week’s 2012 Chicago motor show, Kia has released the first image of its Track’ster concept car.


Pete Barden
02/06/2012 03:30 PM

Nissan Invitation concept revealed
This is the Nissan Invitation, a Geneva motor show concept car designed to preview a new small model from the Japanese manufacturer. The concept is a high-roofed, five-door model.

The company says it will be launched in the UK sometime in 2013, and that it will be sold alongside the Nissan Juke and Nissan Micra – in effect, making the Invitation a preview of the next-generation Nissan Note.

As such, the Invitation’s stance looks familiar – although its more pronounced surfacing on its flanks and the stronger shoulder line make it look more dramatic than the simple Note.

Nissan claims the production version of the car will use a lightweight platform, helping to improve its fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions. It claims the greenest variant will dip beneath the 100g/km barrier, taking it into the tax-exempt Band A.

The company also says the concept features an Around View Monitor, the first time it has been seen on a vehicle of this size. It uses cameras to show the driver the full surroundings and is designed to make reversing and parking easier and safer.

The cabin images reveal extensive use of digital displays, including a central infotainment system and a sophisticated-looking ventilation control. These elements are likely to be toned down for the Note – traditionally one of the more keenly priced models in Nissan’s range – although the concept’s simple, uncluttered dashboard layout looks production-ready.

John McIlroy
02/06/2012 02:11 PM

Honda reveals 'Earth Dream' engine
Honda will reveal an ultra-efficient 1.6-litre turbodiesel engine at the Geneva motor show next month.

As part of the car maker's 'Earth Dreams' technology programme, the engine is the first of a new generation of powerplants that will first appear in the Honda Civic.

Honda says the 118bhp 1.6-litre engine is the lightest in its class, and will have sub-100g/km CO2 emissions, along with class-leading performance and economy.

Alongside the 'Earth Dreams' engine, Honda will also display a prototype European version of the its CR-V replacement. The new, more aggressive-looking car will succeed the current car in the autumn.

The car maker's NSX Concept will also be at the Geneva show, where it will make its European debut. It will also mark the first time that it gets NSX badging – it appeared at last month's Detroit motor show with Acura livery. It is expected to go on sale by 2015.

Two new Jazz derivatives will be on display, too: the Jazz Si – with sporty suspension and tweaked styling – and the Jazz 1.2 Idle Stop, which cuts CO2 by 3g/km compared with the standard 1.2 car.

Pete Barden
02/06/2012 12:16 PM

Land Rover reveals Range Rover specials
Land Rover has marked 10 years of the current-generation Range Rover by revealing three new special editions of the luxury 4x4.

The Range Rover Westminster takes the place of the previous TDV8 Vogue and Vogue SE models. It will cost from £69,995 and will go on sale in March.

Upgrades include a special 'Noble' finish to the front grille and front side vents, a 'Titan' silver splitter bar and foglamp surrounds. It also gets new 20-inch alloys with unique Westminster badging.

There are special carpets and Grand Black trim, while an upgraded audio system, and heated and cooled seats are also included as standard.

The Westminster comes in a choice of seven exterior, and five interior, colours.

The 4.4 TDV8 Autobiography and 5.0 V8 Supercharged Autobiography special editions come with the Range Rover Design Pack, which comprises new front and rear bumpers, ‘Titan’ silver front grille and side vent and foglamp surrounds, along with integrated stainless steel tailpipes and sideskirts. The cars also get 20-inch alloys in Shadow Chrome.

Inside, the Autobiography cars get the Range Rover Seat Style Pack as standard. This brings rear seats with recline and lumbar adjustment, heating and cooling, and multi-adjustable aircraft-style headrests with wings for added support. The front passenger seat can also be pushed forward using the ‘front seat away’ function to improve rear legroom.

Autobiography models go on sale in March. Prices for the TDV8 version start from £84,295, with the Supercharged model at £86,895.

Pete Barden
02/06/2012 11:10 AM

Seat Mii 5dr revealed
This is the Seat Mii 5dr – a more versatile version of the city car that's closely related to the Skoda Citigo and VW Up.

The three-door version of the Seat Mii goes on sale in May, while this five-door variant arrives in the winter.

Viewed from the side, the Seat Mii 5dr is almost identical to the VW Up 5dr and Skoda Citigo 5dr. It has the same front- and rear styling as the three-door Mii, and the same dimensions.

Volkswagen will charge a £375 premium for the Up 5dr, compared with the three-door model, so we’d expect a similar increase for the Mii 5dr. This means prices should start at around £7900.

Leo Wilkinson
02/06/2012 09:00 AM

Our latest reviews: 06/02/12
Read all of our latest car reviews here on whatcar.com. From all-new cars to the smallest tweak to an existing model, our road test team will evaluate and report.

This is where you can find all the whatcar.com test drives we've published over the past week.

You'll also be able to read all of our new nine-point reviews, too, along with any that have received major updates. Make this your one-stop guide to the latest model news.

If that's not enough, use the dropdown menu at the foot of this page to read the top 10 reviews in each category of car.

Latest reviews

Alfa Giulietta TCT
The Giulietta is available with a new TCT twin-clutch semi-automatic gearbox.
Alfa Giulietta TCT review

BMW Active Hybrid 5
The Hybrid 5 is based on the 5 Series saloon, and is the first BMW hybrid in right-hand-drive form.
BMW Active Hybrid 5 review

Mercedes B-Class
We take a test drive in Merc's new B-Class - a premium-priced rival to the Ford Focus and VW Golf.
Mercedes B-Class review

Mercedes SLK 250 CDI
The SLK 250 CDI shrugs off its comfortable tourer role to offer a credible rival for Audi's TT TDI.
Mercedes SLK 250 CDI review
Mini Roadster
Find out what we think of the Mini Roadster - a new soft-top version of the new Mini Coupe.
Mini Roadster review

New VW Golf prototypes
We drive prototypes of a Golf plug-in hybrid and the all-electric Golf Blue e-motion.
VW Golf prototype review

VW Polo ACT
We test the VW Polo ACT, which uses shut-off technology to help improve economy and cut CO2.
VW Polo ACT review



Latest nine-point web reviews

Chevrolet Aveo
A very respectable supermini, but can it trouble the best cars in this ultra-competitive class? Read all about it here.
Chevrolet Aveo review

Vauxhall Zafira Tourer
The Vauxhall Zafira Tourer is a decent MPV, but is it as practical, refined and easy to live with as its best rivals?
Vauxhall Zafira Tourer review


Our most-searched reviews
Use the dropdown menu, below, to view our most popular reviews in each category of car.

Pete Barden
02/05/2012 08:17 PM

Our cars tested: weekly updates
We put the What Car? fleet through the ultimate test - every day life.

We’re a varied bunch of people, and drive each other's cars regularly, so we find out what the cars on test are like from a wide range of perspectives.

Each week we update our reports, giving you the insider track on what these cars are like to own.

Simply click on the links below to get the latest on our cars.

Alfa Romeo Giulietta
Run by Tom Webster, Staff Writer
Alfa Romeo Giulietta on test

Audi A1
Run by Rosie McMahon, data editor
Audi A1 on test

BMW 5 Series Touring
Run by John McIlroy, magazine editor
BMW 5 Series Touring on test

Ford Focus
Run by Adele Donaghie, managing editor
Ford Focus

Honda CR-Z
Run By Steve Huntingford, new cars editor
Honda CR-Z on test

Hyundai i40 Tourer
Run by Stephen Hopkins, art editor
Hyundai i40 on test

Jaguar XF
Run by Euan Doig, group production editor
Jaguar XF on test

Lexus CT200h
Run by Iain Reid, web producer
Lexus CT200h on test

Kia Picanto
Run by Will Nightingale, road tester
Kia Picanto on test

Mercedes-Benz CLS
Run by Chas Hallett, editor-in-chief
Mercedes CLS on test

Mini Countryman
Run by Alex Newby, deputy editor
Mini Countryman on test

Mini Coupe
Run by Ivan Aistrop, content editor
Mini Coupe on test

Nissan Leaf
Nissan's electric Leaf is tested by What Car? staffers
Nissan Leaf on test

Peugeot 508 SW
What Car? publishing director, Andrew Golby, takes on the Peugeot 508 SW.
Peugeot 508 SW on test

Seat Alhambra
Run by John Bradshaw, chief photographer
Seat Alhambra on test

Vauxhall Astra GTC
Run by Emma Butcher, consumer editor
Vauxhall Astra on test

Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer
Run by Neil Williams, photographer
Vauxhall Astra Sport Tourer on test

Volkswagen Passat Estate
Run by Barnaby Jones, deputy production editor
Volkswagen Passat Estate on test

Used
Nissan Qashqai
Run by Rory White, used car editor
Nissan Qashqai on test

Our cars: previous reports

BMW Alpina D3

Audi A2 on test

Citroen DS3

Ford S-Max

Hyundai ix35

Infiniti M30d

Jaguar XJ

Mazda CX-7

Nissan Juke on test

Peugeot 3008

Range Rover on test

Renault Megane Renaultsport

Skoda Yeti

Volkswagen Golf

Volvo S60
02/03/2012 05:20 PM

Toyota GT 86 prices revealed
The Toyota GT 86 coupe will cost from £24,995.

The GT 86 is an eagerly anticipated two-door coupe – co-developed with Subaru – which will go on sale in the UK next summer. The Subaru version is called the BRZ.

The car is a traditional front-engined, rear-wheel-drive sportscar, powered by a new 2.0-litre flat-four boxer engine.

The GT 86 (pronounced eight six) develops 197bhp, which can blast it to a top speed of 145mph, with 60mph reached in around 7 seconds.

Full specification and pricing will be revealed closer to the car's on-sale. Deliveries start from June.

Iain Reid
02/03/2012 09:10 AM

Mini Convertible Highgate unveiled
The Mini Convertible Highgate – the car maker's latest London-themed special edition – has been unveiled.

The Mini Convertible Highgate comes with a ‘Chocolate’ paint scheme and a brown cloth roof as standard. A black or white metallic finish can be specified as an option, while black or brown bonnet stripes with blue edging finish the look.

The Mini Highgate also gets 17-inch alloys that are inspired by the Union Jack.

‘Highgate’ badging can be found on the side indicator surrounds, doorsills and the seat tags, while the interior gets leather seats in ‘Dark Truffle’ brown with light blue piping. Stainless steel pedals, alloy details and bespoke floor mats complete the upgrades.

The Highgate special edition is available with four engines: 120bhp Cooper and 181bhp Cooper S petrol models, and 110bhp Cooper D and 141bhp Cooper SD diesels.

Prices range from £21,080 for the Cooper to £25,830 for the automatic Cooper SD.

The Mini Convertible Highgate is available to order now.

Tom Webster
02/02/2012 11:00 PM
Total records: 8

 

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