Autoesque

Nearly nine years have passed since the current-generation Master was launched, so Renault has decided to give its large van another facelift.

Some styling changes, a refreshed cab and a revised engine line-up identity the updated Renault Trafic medium van.

Launching a small SUV is a great idea, because they’re very fashionable at the moment. However, launching a small SUV when there’s already a small SUV in your range seems like needless duplication.

Although Mini is describing the 2019 Clubman as ‘new’, in reality the changes are rather difficult to spot. The most obvious differences are at the front end, where the grille, bumper and LED headlights have been modified.

Various carbon fibre components, unique Federation Orange paintwork, a sunroof and some bespoke badges identify the Stinger GTS.

Mercedes-Benz is positioning the 2020 GLS as “the S-Class of SUVs”, so it’s aimed at customers who want luxury with plenty of interior space. Here are ten things worth knowing about this all-new model.

Last month, the Jaguar I-Pace was named 2019 European Car of the Year . The pure-electric crossover is clearly very popular with awards jurors, because it has just been declared 2019 World Car of the Year, 2019 World Green Car and 2019 World Car Design of the Year. A single model has never won three World Car Awards categories before.

To commemorate half a century of ‘Z’ sports cars, Nissan has created a special version of the current 370Z. The 50th Anniversary Edition – which has been unveiled ahead of its public début at the New York International Auto Show – gains numerous cosmetic embellishments.

Ford has introduced the 2.3L High Performance Package. As that name suggests, it’s an optional upgrade for the entry-level Mustang EcoBoost coupé and convertible.

Volkswagen Design Center California has produced a one-off adventure vehicle for this month’s New York International Auto Show. Called the Basecamp Concept, it’s based on the Atlas SEL Premium seven-seat SUV.

Nissan’s decision about where the next-generation X-Trail will be built has been in the news recently, but the current model still has to soldier on for a while longer before it’s replaced. Hence some revised powertrains for this compact SUV.

While there’s nothing especially unusual about a battery-electric van, the Transit Smart Energy Concept is interesting because it explores innovative ways to overcome range anxiety.

As expected, Mercedes-AMG has announced a high-performance version of the four-door CLA Coupé.

Following the unveiling of the updated T6.1 Multivan in February, Volkswagen has now revealed the panel van variant.

Sporty looks with insurance-friendly performance is a popular combination. It’s the recipe followed by Hyundai’s N Line trim grade, which is now available for the i30 Fastback.

There were 458,054 new car registrations during the all-important plate-change month of March. That was down 3.4% on 2018’s equivalent figure, with the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders citing “political and economic uncertainty and continuing confusion over diesel” as the primary causes of the decline.

As part of a strategy to include more electrified vehicles in its range, Ford will begin deliveries of the eight-seat Tourneo Custom Plug-In Hybrid towards the end of this year.

Ford has confirmed that sales of its all-new 2020 Explorer are going to begin in Europe later this year. However, the seven-seat SUV will be built in left-hand drive form only, so availability in the UK and Ireland seems unlikely.

As the existing 2019 Toyota Yaris Sedan is essentially a rebadged four-door Mazda 2, using exactly the same strategy for the new 2020 Yaris Hatchback is entirely logical. In fact, apart from the Toyota’s awkward front grille design, the two models look virtually identical.