Autoesque

With still no budget range to generate extra sales (who knows if Dacia cars will ever be launched in the UK?), Renault has unveiled a cut price line-up of Bizu special editions. Bizu versions of the Twingo, Clio, Mégane and Scénic will be available, but only until June 2011. All are well-equipped, featuring Bluetooth telephone connectivity, an aux-in socket for MP3 players, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake distribution, brake assist and electric front windows as standard. They also represent significant savings over the other variants from their respective ranges. Take the Twingo, for example. The Bizu costs £6,595 whereas the next trim level up, the Expression, has a price tag of £8,895. Yet both have the same 73 bhp (55 kW / 75 PS) 1.2 litre engine, and seemingly the only spec that the Bizu misses out on is front fog lights and rear headrests. Given that Bluetooth is actually a £285 option on the more expensive Expression, it looks like choosing between the two is a no-b...

The Aston Martin Cygnet will either create a chic new ‘exotic city car’ category, or it’ll be a flop that marks out any owners as total loonies with more money than sense. That’s because the Cygnet - which is based on the £12,515 Toyota iQ 1.33 VVT-i - will have a price tag of £30,995. But if that isn’t expensive enough, up to 100 lucky punters will be able to get their hands on a special Launch Edition that commemorates the start of Cygnet production and costs an astonishing £39,995. Available in two colour schemes, the Cygnet Launch Edition White combines Snow White paint and White Diamond alloy wheels with Pearl White leather and Alcantara seats. Alternatively, the Cygnet Launch Edition Black is finished in Magic Black metallic paint which has a deep sea green effect, while the interior is upholstered in pure black full grain leather, perforated with a diamond pattern. Completing the Launch Edition package is a five-piece luggage set by British luxury bag maker Bill Am...

Tesla has uploaded a video to Vimeo showing the upcoming Model S saloon being put through its paces on Californian roads. Of course, being electric, it’s very quiet with the loudest noise coming from the tyres. The Tesla is also really striking, thanks to styling that’s good enough to rival other sleek saloons such as the Maserati Quattroporte or Jaguar XF. Before series production begins in 2012, the Model S will complete ‘Alpha’ and ‘Beta’ test phases. Shown in the film is one of the ‘Alpha’ cars. Model S Alpha Hits the Road from Tesla Motors on Vimeo . Related post: Tesla Model S due in 2012

Following a debut at 2010’s Cologne Intermot motorcycle show, Kawasaki has now confirmed pricing for its new W800. In the UK it’s £6,649 which includes VAT at the new rate of 20%, but excludes on the road charges. By comparison Triumph’s Bonneville - the obvious main rival - costs £6,149 in standard trim. The higher spec Bonneville SE is slightly more at £6,549, while the very retro Bonneville T100 model with its wire wheels, peashooter exhaust, fork gaiters and lots of chrome is £6,949. However, an important difference to note is that those Triumph prices are all ‘on the road’. Elsewhere, Australian buyers will have to pay $11,999 (plus on the road charges) for a Kawasaki W800, while in Germany the suggested list price is €8,190 plus freight and other costs. Admirers of the W800 in the United States and Canada are going to be disappointed, though, as it seems that for now Kawasaki won’t be importing the bike into those markets. Related posts: Kawasaki W800 revealed Ret...

The BMW S 1000 RR has clinched the International Bike of the Year 2010-2011 award. Fourteen jurors, representing motorcycle publications from around the world, were each asked to allocate a fixed number of points to their three favourite new bikes. The BMW emerged a clear winner ahead of Ducati’s Multistrada 1200 S, the only other candidate that received a significant score. BMW has now won the International Bike of the Year contest three times. Previous victories came in 2004-2005 and 1993-1994 with the R 1200 GS and R 1100 RS respectively. International Bike of the Year 2010-2011 Position Motorcycle Points 1 BMW S 1000 RR 57 2 Ducati Multistrada 1200 S 33 3= Honda VFR1200F DCT 9 3= Yamaha XT1200Z Super Ténéré 9 5 Aprilia RSV4 Factory APRC 8 6= Kawasaki Z1000 SX 4 6= MV Agusta Brutale 1090RR 4 8 Kawasaki 1400GTR 2

Mitsubishi has revealed the first details of the Concept Global Small, which will make its debut at March’s Geneva International Motor Show. Possibly a replacement for the Colt, the five-seat CGS isn’t a bad looking thing. But the big news is its efficiency, with sub-100 g/km CO2 emissions being promised. Such a low level has come about by the use of a relatively small engine of 1.0 to 1.2 litre capacity, regenerative braking, a stop-start system, low rolling resistance tyres, weight minimisation and careful attention to the aerodynamics. The production version of the Mitsubishi Concept Global Small will be built in Thailand, with manufacturing set to start in March 2012.

Honda has unveiled its works team for the 2011 World Superbike championship . The announcement of Castrol as title sponsor means the return to a very familiar colour scheme for the pair of CBR1000RR Fireblade bikes, which will be ridden by Jonathan Rea and Ruben Xaus. As in recent years, Honda has entrusted Dutch concern Ten Kate Racing with running the factory WSB team. First thing on the Castrol Honda agenda is a two day testing session at the Motorland Aragón circuit in Spain later this week. The 2011 WSB season comprises thirteen rounds with Phillip Island, Australia hosting the opening race on 27 February.

A previous attempt by Caterham to expand its range beyond the iconic Seven was not a great success. Only forty-eight examples of the 21, launched in 1994, were ever built. Now it’s having another go with the SP/300.R, a shrunken Le Mans Prototype in the style of cars such as the Westfield XTR and Radical SR series. The project has been developed in collaboration with Lola Cars, which was involved in engineering the aluminium tub chassis and perfecting the aerodynamics. As with the current Seven line-up, power is provided by Ford. In the case of the SP/300.R it’s a two-litre Duratec motor which, thanks to the addition of a supercharger, produces 300 bhp (223 kW / 304 PS). Drive to the rear transaxle is via a Hewland semi-automatic FTR gearbox. With the Caterham-Lola weighing less than 600 kg (1,322 lbs), that set up is enough for a zero to 60 mph (96 km/h) time of about 2.5 seconds. Top speed should be in the region of 170 mph (273 km/h). Keeping the SP/300.R on the tarmac i...

The first Japanese car imported into the UK was the Daihatsu Compagno back in 1966. But now the manufacturer has announced it is to give up selling vehicles in Europe altogether. A notice posted on the Daihatsu UK web site reads: “It was announced on 13th January 2011 that sales of Daihatsu motor cars will cease across Europe on 31st January 2013. This is due to the ongoing strength of the Japanese Yen, which has increased prices beyond competitive levels. There is no stock of new Daihatsu cars in the UK, and we do not expect to import any new cars in this interim period. “However, we wish to reassure Daihatsu owners that all after sales services will continue unaffected. Therefore, the supply of spare parts will continue, and warranty work and servicing will be carried out at our official UK dealer network, which remains in place and whose details can be found on this website. “We thank Daihatsu customers for their past custom and loyalty, and share their disappointment at t...

The 3,000 people across North America and Europe who have already reserved Tesla’s Model S saloon are going to have to wait a little longer for their new car. Tesla has now confirmed that deliveries are set to begin in 2012, with annual production anticipated to be around 20,000 units. That’s not a huge volume, but the Model S will be competing head-on with established premium saloons in concept and cost. After applying the $7,500 Federal Tax Credit, Tesla is aiming for a base price in the US of $49,900 (about £31,370 or €37,550 at today’s rates). That’s directly comparable to the $53,375 Jaguar XF, $50,975 BMW 535i and $50,275 Mercedes-Benz E350, for example. However, $49,900 only gets you a basic battery pack which offers a range of 160 miles (257 km). For those anticipating range anxiety, other packs that promise either 230 miles (370 km) or 300 miles (482 km) between charges will also be available. Both will be cost options, though, and Tesla has yet to say how much extra ...

UK publication What Car? has announced its 2011 Car of the Year winners. During a ceremony held at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London, prizes were awarded across seventeen vehicle categories, with one model going on to be declared overall champion. Supermini Shortlist Best buy less than £9,000: Hyundai i10 1.2 Comfort Best buy £9,000 - £13,000: Ford Fiesta 1.25 82 Zetec 5dr Best buy more than £13,000: Audi A1 1.4 TFSI Sport Winner Audi A1 1.4 TFSI Sport Small family car Shortlist Best buy less than £15,000: Skoda Octavia 1.2 TSI SE Best buy £15,000 - £20,000: Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI 122 Match 5dr Best buy more than £20,000: Toyota Prius 1.8 VVT-i T3 Winner Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI 122 Match 5dr Family car Shortlist Best buy less than £18,000: Skoda Superb 1.4 TSI S Best buy £18,000 - £21,000: Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCi 140 Zetec Best buy more than £21,000: Volkswagen Passat 2.0 TDI 140 SE Winner Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCi 140 Zetec Estate car Shortlist Best b...

Smart has launched a special edition of what’s probably the most eco-friendly internal combustion car on sale. The lightshine is based on the fortwo passion cdi turbodiesel coupé with softip transmission, which produces just 86 g/km of CO2. That means it qualifies for a 100% discount on the London Congestion Charge , as well as £0 road tax. Fuel economy is pretty impressive too, with a combined cycle rating of 85.6 mpg (3.3 l/100km). There’s not too much to differentiate the lightshine, though. Apart from the light green matt body panels, it gets colour coded headlamp bezels, LED daytime running lights, special badging and the double spoke alloys borrowed from the pulse trim level. The interior is spruced up with a new 3-spoke steering wheel, paddleshift gear change and floor mats that feature a lightshine logo. The downside? Smart has priced the lightshine at £11,405, which is £765 more than a passion coupé currently costs. Some might feel that it’s not worth paying such a prem...

Good news for anyone wanting to celebrate the 110th anniversary of Skoda’s involvement in motorsport: the Czech manufacturer has decided to create a special Fabia to mark to occasion. Called the Monte Carlo (because it also commemorates one hundred years of the eponymous rally), its look seems to have been strongly inspired by the performance Fabia, the vRS . Based on the current SE-spec hatchback, the Monte Carlo’s exterior is distinguished by 17” Trinity alloy wheels, black door mirror housings, a black roof, smoked headlights, a black radiator grille top and piano-black body trim which extends over the wheel arches and along the length of the car. The inside features front sports seats, a black headlining, a perforated leather steering wheel, leather handbrake and gearstick gaiters, steel pedals and silver kick plates. Buyers can choose from either black or black and red upholstery. All which adds up to an appealingly sporty package, but without the higher running costs tha...

There’s something very retro-chic about using a classic car as a daily driver, but it’s an activity that comes with the permanent risk that aged mechanicals might expire at any time. Hence the concept of regeneration by substituting ancient components with fresh replacements. Handling, brakes and reliability are all dramatically improved, while the outward appearance remains unmolested. Various models have received this treatment in recent years, including numerous Jaguars and even the Shelby G.T.500CR . Now it’s the turn of the Jensen Interceptor, a car originally built during the late 1960s and early 1970s. Jensen International Automotive , based in Thame, Oxfordshire, has just delivered the first of its Interceptor R models. And, with an annual production figure of 18 cars, it’s a product that will be very exclusive. In a process lasting around five months, each Interceptor R is totally rebuilt from a suitable donor car. The body shell is stripped back to bare metal before it...

Ducati has revealed its new MotoGP contender, which will be ridden by Nicky Hayden and new team-mate Valentino Rossi. Named the GP11, it features an engine that’s an evolution of the one used last year. The main objective for this season has been to get a flatter torque curve. As far as the aerodynamics are concerned, the revised design is meant to increase top speed, reduce fuel consumption and minimise front-end lift. To help with that final item, the GP11 sports a development of the fairing-mounted winglets that were first seen during 2010. Other significant changes from the GP10 include smaller front forks (42 mm, down from 48 mm), while the carbon fibre chassis has more flex for improved feel when the bike is leaned over. The testing schedule for the GP11 commences at Jerez, Spain on January 17, 18 and 19 with riders Franco Battaini and Vito Guareschi on board. The programme then moves to Sepang, Malaysia, where Valentino Rossi and Nicky Hayden are due to put the new bike...

Land Rover has launched the Defender X-Tech Limited Edition. Based on the 90 Hard Top, the bodywork is painted Zermatt Silver with the roof and wheel arches finished in Santorini Black. To complete the look, the Defender X-Tech gets unique gloss black 16” Saw Tooth alloy wheels. The interior comes in Ebony and, for a little bit of luxury, the seats have leather side bolsters. As with all new UK civilian-spec Defenders, power comes from a 2.4 litre, four-cylinder diesel engine. Developing 120 bhp (90 kW / 122 PS), it’s the maximum torque of 360 Nm (265 lb/ft) that really impresses. Consequently performance isn’t too bad, with the Defender 90 hitting 60 mph (96 km/h) from rest in 14.7 seconds. And although it might not be the greenest choice available - CO2 emissions are 266 g/km - fuel economy is surprisingly good given the Defender’s weight and aerodynamics. On the combined cycle, for example, it achieves 28.3 mpg (10.0 l/100km). The Defender X-Tech will be available from Marc...