Autoesque

Squeezing a record twenty-two events into a season that’ll run from March to the end of November inevitably creates a very busy Formula 1 schedule. Indeed, the provisional 2020 timetable features seven pairs of races which are going to take place on consecutive weekends.

Seat is going to unveil the Tarraco FR PHEV at next month’s IAA Frankfurt International Motor Show. As that name suggests, this new addition to the range combines the FR trim grade with a plug-in hybrid powertrain.

Fifteen examples of the Corsa-e Rally are due to compete in next year’s inaugural ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup. This new car – which will appear in public for the first time at the 2019 IAA Frankfurt International Motor Show – is aimed at customer teams.

Fiat Professional originally launched the second-generation Doblò back in 2010. However, a replacement isn’t due any time soon, despite the current model’s relative old age. Instead, some further tweaks to the line-up are intended to maintain customer appeal throughout 2020.

As with every other member of the current SsangYong range, the all-new Korando has distinctive styling that might divide opinion. However, prospective buyers shouldn’t dismiss this five-seat C-segment SUV based on looks alone, because it could represent decent value for money.

Mercedes-Benz has added three models to its EQ Power portfolio of electrified vehicles. The new A 250 e, A 250 e Saloon and B 250 e all share the same hybrid powertrain.

With production of the first-generation Ghost due to end soon, Rolls-Royce has created a special version named Zenith to commemorate its departure.

Is there really a market for compact convertible SUVs? Volkswagen must be hoping so, because it has just unveiled a two-door drop-top version of the T-Roc.

Thanks to some chassis upgrades, the latest Shelby GT350R should deliver a better driving experience compared to its predecessor.

Advances in battery technology should mean that the upgraded 225xe Active Tourer is more appealing than its predecessor.

A couple of new variants have joined the Mercedes-Benz minibus range. Named Sprinter Transfer 45 and Sprinter City 45, they’re intended for different purposes.

Hyundai is due to unveil its all-new i10 at next month’s Frankfurt Motor Show. Ahead of that event, a single sketch has been released which previews the city car’s styling.

Mercedes-Benz has created a special version of the Marco Polo camper van. Called ArtVenture, it’s due to appear for the first time at this month’s Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf.

Having been originally launched in 2004, the aged Triumph Rocket III was becoming overdue for replacement. Now, at last, its successor is here. The Rocket 3 (note the different suffix) has noticeably more modern styling, but power still comes from the world’s biggest production motorcycle engine.

Ahead of a public début at the Düsseldorf Caravan Salon later this month, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has released the first proper images of its revised California.

Land Rover Classic, which focuses on the brand’s out-of-production models, has launched a selection of components for the 1994 – 2016 Defender.

Prices for long-wheelbase Transit Custom camper vans from Wellhouse Leisure (a Ford Qualified Vehicle Modifier) start at £49,500. However, as one customer in Yorkshire has discovered, that figure can become much higher when ordering a truly unique specification.