Autoesque

Citroën is giving its C3 Picasso small MPV a mild facelift for 2013. The external tweaks are concentrated at the front, and they include a redesigned bumper, new headlight units and LED daytime running lights. Also present is the latest version of the Citroën ‘chevrons’ motif, which now stretches across the width of the bonnet. On the inside, the changes are limited to some updated upholstery choices, an electro-chromatic rear-view mirror, a roof console for the front of the cabin and the option of a rear reversing camera. Sales are due to begin in early 2013, but prices have yet to be confirmed. Related posts: 2013 Citroën DS3 Cabrio New Citroën C1 Connexion Top 10: Chic cars for £20k

Lexus has confirmed that its LF-CC concept will be appearing for the first time at the upcoming Paris Motor Show. Although it’s a coupé, the car previews what the next-generation IS compact executive model family might look like. The styling follows Lexus’s latest ‘L-finesse’ design language, and it’s characterised by taut surfacing and a rather daring interpretation of the firm’s ‘spindle’ front grille. Driving the LF-CC’s rear wheels is a hybrid system comprising a 2.5 litre four-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor. Although no output or performance figures have been released, Lexus is hoping for sub-100 g/km carbon dioxide emissions. Related posts: Lexus LS refreshed Lexus LF-LC concept

Ford has announced the availability of a third engine option for its Taurus-based Police Interceptor . Since it was first introduced in 2010, users have had the choice of either a normally-aspirated 3.5 litre V6 motor that develops 263 bhp (196 kW / 266 PS), or an EcoBoost turbocharged version with 365 bhp (272 kW / 370 PS). Now the powertrain line-up is being augmented with a 3.7 litre Ti-VCT engine that features twin camshafts and variable valve timing. With 305 bhp (227 kW / 309 PS), 378 Nm (279 lb/ft) of peak torque and all-wheel drive, it’s EPA-rated at 25 mpg US (30.0 mpg UK / 9.4 l/100km) on the highway and 18 mpg US (21.6 mpg UK / 13.1 l/100km) in the city. Those figures could make the new engine a popular choice, for the reasons that Bill Gubing, chief engineer for Police Interceptor, explained: “This combination of great performance and top-notch fuel economy means law enforcement agencies won’t have to compromise power or fuel efficiency while getting the job do...

Nissan is going to be unveiling a zero emissions SUV concept at the Paris Motor Show. Named the TeRRA, it features a hydrogen fuel cell, three electric motors and all-wheel drive. Some of the technology is borrowed from the Leaf electric car, and it has been combined with a hydrogen fuel cell that sits under the bonnet. Nissan says that the drivetrain is virtually production ready, but the lack of a hydrogen fuel infrastructure means it’s unlikely that the TeRRA will spawn a showroom model anytime soon. The exterior styling bears a passing resemblance to the Juke, but the interior is unique. A diagonal pattern has been used for the four seats, with the driver sitting towards the centre. Inside the cabin, a mix of beech wood, acrylic and metal trims have been used, and in place of a traditional instrument binnacle is a removable tablet display that also functions as an intelligent key. Commenting on the TeRRA, Francois Bancon, Nissan's general manager of product strategy ...

Vauxhall has taken a leaf out of BMW’s book by commissioning artists to use its new Adam as a blank canvas. Fred Butler, Louise Gray and James Small unleashed their talents on three of the city cars, which are currently on display outside the Freemasons’ Hall in London, venue for the Vauxhall Fashion Scout event. Each is very individual and, while the end results were never intended to end up as production models, the camouflage-meets-paisley wrap created by James Small could make for an interesting future special edition. The Vauxhall / Opel Adam makes its motor show debut in Paris at the end of this month. UK sales are due to begin in early 2013. Related posts: Vauxhall Adam first view BMW Art Cars in London Opel Adam, not Junior Images © General Motors.

Volvo has launched an R-Design styling pack for the V40 hatchback. The exterior features 17” five-spoke alloy wheels (which can be upgraded to 18” items), a redesigned front bumper, a rear diffuser, twin exhaust pipes and silk-metal trim. On the inside, the specification includes special leather / T-Tec upholstery, a sports steering wheel and pedals, aluminium inlays, a black headlining and a TFT LCD instrument display. If that’s not luxurious enough, buyers can go for the R-Design Lux, which adds full leather upholstery, keyless start, cruise control, a rain sensor and xenon headlights. To go with the looks, a Sport chassis set-up appears on the options list. It comprises firmer springs and dampers, thicker anti-roll bars and upgraded front MacPherson struts. As a result, the car sits lower to the ground, and it’s claimed that the handling is more responsive. Available with all engines from the current V40 range, deliveries of the R-Design models are due to start next J...

The arrival of the Paceman takes the number of different Mini models up to eight, including the recently-announced Clubvan. Dubbed a ‘sports activity coupé’, the three-door, four-seat newcomer is based on the not-so-mini Countryman, and shares its wheelbase and front-end styling. From the A-pillars back, though, the design is unique. It’s characterised by a lower roof that slopes downwards towards the rear, creating a tapered profile that finishes with an integrated roof spoiler. At the rear, the traditional Mini vertical light clusters have been abandoned in favour of horizontally-placed items, and sitting between them is a huge Mini badge plus the model name in large letters across the width of the tailgate. It might not be the prettiest of cars, but at least the Paceman’s looks could never be described as bland. As expected, the interior is typically Mini, with familiar elements such as the large centre speedometer present. There’s also the ‘Centre Rail’ storage system...

With the Z800 replacing the Z750 and the Ninja 300 supplanting the Ninja 200, larger engines seem to be a common theme for Kawasaki’s 2013 bike range. And it’s a similar story with the updated Ninja ZX-6R, which is going to see an increase in displacement from 599 cc to 636 cc. On the face of it, the effect on output isn’t that great, as power rises by just 3 bhp (5 kW / 3 PS) to 129 bhp (96 kW / 131 PS), or 135 bhp (101 kW / 137 PS) with ram air. Likewise, peak torque goes up from 66 Nm (48 lb/ft) to 71 Nm (52 lb/ft). However, Kawasaki is saying that the extra 37 cc isn’t about enhancing top-end performance. Rather, it’s there to help provide more low- and mid-range torque to boost acceleration and deliver a better everyday ride. The 2013 Ninja ZX-6R also sees the debut of several new technologies for this model. First among these are anti-lock brakes. Nothing particularly unusual in that, but the Kawasaki set-up (dubbed KIBS, which stands for Kawasaki Intelligent anti-...

Porsche has bolstered its SUV line-up with the arrival of the Cayenne S Diesel. Unlike the regular Cayenne Diesel, which uses a 3.0 litre, six-cylinder engine with a single turbocharger, the new ‘S’ version features a 4.2 litre biturbo V8. The increased displacement and extra cylinders mean dramatically boosted outputs and, as a result, performance is on a par with the petrol-powered Cayenne S. Efficiency is significantly better though, as would be expected. Model Cayenne Diesel Cayenne S Diesel Cayenne S Engine 2,967 cc V6 turbo diesel 4,134 cc V8 turbo diesel 4,806 cc V8 petrol Power 241 bhp (180 kW / 245 PS) 376 bhp (281 kW / 382 PS) 394 bhp (294 kW / 300 PS) Torque 550 Nm (405 lb/ft) 850 Nm (626 lb/ft) 500 Nm (368 lb/ft) 0-62 mph (100 km/h) 7.6 secs. 5.7 secs. 5.9 secs. 50-75 mph (80-120 km/h) 5.3 secs. 3.8 secs. 4.0 secs. Top speed 137 mph (220 km/h) 156 mph (252 km/h) 160 mph (258 km/h) Fuel consumption* 39.2 mpg (7.2 l/100...

Following on from the recent launch of the 208 hatchback, Peugeot looks set to expand its B-segment product line-up with the addition of a crossover. The new model is being previewed at this month’s Paris Motor Show, in the form of the 2008 Concept. Surprisingly, given Peugeot’s recent form and the fact that the designers from the firm’s Paris, Shanghai and Sao Paulo studios all had an input, the end result manages to be both distinctive and fairly attractive. Few details have been released, although it is known that the 2008 Concept measures 4.14 m (13’ 7”) from bumper to bumper and 1.74 m (5’ 8”) across the body. That makes it about the same width as the 208 hatchback, and just 0.18 m (7”) longer. Although market launch dates have yet to be confirmed, it’s intended that production of the 2008 will begin in Mulhouse, France. Extra capacity is then going to be added at a later date courtesy of the Wuhan, China and Porto Real, Brazil facilities. Related posts: Peugeot...

Next year will see the inaugural running of a new single-seater racing series in the UK. Called the BRDC Formula 4 Championship, it has been developed by Jonathan Palmer’s MotorSport Vision company in collaboration with the British Racing Drivers’ Club. The target participants are those seeking a cost effective introduction to single-seat racing, and organisers envisage that private family-run teams as well as more professional outfits will be attracted to it. To make sure that the results reflect driving talent rather than budget size, all competitors are going to be using identical cars. Built by RFR, the design - known as the MSV F4-013 - is based around a spaceframe chassis with both front and rear wings. Power is provided by Ford’s all-aluminium 2.0 litre Duratec engine. With engine management and gearbox control systems from Cosworth, it produces 175 bhp (130 kW / 177 PS) and comes connected to a six-speed sequential Sadev gearbox. BRDC President Derek Warwick explaine...

Following last month’s announcement that an all-new Auris hatchback is going to be unveiled at the upcoming Paris Motor Show, Toyota has now confirmed that it will be joined by the Auris Tourer estate. Few details have been released, and there’s just one partially-obscured image for now, but the line-up will include a full hybrid option as well as the usual petrol and diesel engines. Although a Tourer version of the Auris is a new departure for Toyota, the move makes sense because estates account for around a quarter of all compact car sales in Europe. Related post: New Toyota Auris revealed

The European Rowing Championship takes place on Lake Varese in northwest Italy later this month and, to mark the occasion, local firm MV Agusta has unveiled a special version of its Brutale 675. Wearing the colours of the Italian Rowing Federation, the unique Varese 2012 edition sports a blue and white paintjob with matching wheels. Completing the look are a blue seat, a four oars motif for the tank sides and a ‘Varese 2012’ inscription on the side panels. Mechanically everything remains standard, which means that power comes from a three-cylinder engine producing 108 bhp (81 kW / 110 PS) and 65 Nm (48 lb/ft) of peak torque. It seems that the Brutale 675 Varese 2012 won’t become a showroom model though, which is a shame given its attractive livery. Related posts: MV Agusta Brutale 675 MV Agusta Brutale R 1090 MV Agusta F3 Serie Oro

Peugeot has announced plans to launch an electric version of the Partner van. Called, unsurprisingly, the Partner Electric, its drivetrain has been developed in co-operation with Mitsubishi. Power comes from a 65 bhp (49 kW / 67 PS) electric motor that develops 200 Nm (147 lb/ft) of instantly-available torque. Current is provided by a pair of 22.5 kWh lithium-ion battery packs, which are expected to provide a range of 105 miles (170 km) according to the NEDC test method. The batteries, which are housed beneath the body to leave cargo space unaffected, take between six and nine hours to fully recharge. Alternatively, 80 per cent capacity can be achieved in just half an hour using the quick-charge mode. Top-ups are also available on the move, thanks to a kinetic energy recovery system that works when the vehicle is decelerating or braking. Sales of the Peugeot Partner Electric are due to begin during the second quarter of 2013. Offered in a choice of 4.38 m (14’ 4”) or 4.63 m ...

Yamaha has updated its naked XJ6, semi-faired Diversion and fully-faired Diversion F for 2013. The changes are purely cosmetic, and all three middleweights get clear indicators, revised instruments with LED backlighting, a different seat cover, redesigned pillion grab rails, black accents on the fuel tank cap and an internal position indicator for the chain adjuster. Additionally the XJ6, which is now available with either Competition White or Midnight Black paintwork, features restyled side panels and a more compact headlight cowl. Colour choice for the 2013 Diversion and Diversion F is nonexistent though, as both are offered in Competition White only. Related posts: Yamaha FZ series updated New Yamaha Fazer

The Paris Motor Show, which opens later this month, will see the debut of the world’s first plug-in hybrid SUV. Based on the all-new Mitsubishi Outlander, the Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) version borrows much of its technology from the all-electric i-MiEV and combines it with a 2.0 litre, four-cylinder petrol engine that uses the MIVEC variable valve timing system. Retaining its all-wheel drive configuration, the Outlander PHEV features a 300 V, 12 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that’s connected to two electric motors. Powering an axle each, they are both rated at 80 bhp (60 kW / 81 PS), although the front one produces 137 Nm (101 lb/ft) of torque compared to the rear’s 195 Nm (143 lb/ft). Fully recharging the batteries from flat is estimated to take around 4.5 hours using a domestic 200 V supply, while a quick charge facility would replenish them to 80% capacity in half an hour. Running in all-electric EV Drive Mode, the range is expected to be just 34 miles (...

Ford has confirmed that its small EcoSport SUV will be launched in Europe within the next 18 months. Developed in South America and based on Ford’s global B-segment platform, the chunky-looking EcoSport has been designed to combine practicality with fuel efficiency. The exact engine line-up is yet to be confirmed, though, but expect it to include the 1.0 litre, three-cylinder EcoBoost petrol motor. Nick Collins, Ford of Europe’s B-car vehicle line director, commented: “EcoSport will deliver great value, quality and fuel economy. It will also present customers with a fantastic small car choice that will also include the B-MAX compact multi-activity vehicle as well as new Fiesta.” The EcoSport is to form part of an enlarged Ford SUV range, along with an all-new Kuga and a European version of the larger Edge that’s already on sale in North America. Related posts: European Fiesta updated Ford B-Max first view

Following its unveiling back in June, Triumph has now revealed what the new 2013 Trophy tourer is going to cost. In the UK, the standard version carries a price tag of £12,949 on the road, while the SE model - which adds an iPod compatible audio system with Bluetooth connectivity plus electronically-adjustable suspension to the specification - is £14,299. For the German market, those amounts are €16,990 and €18,670 respectively (plus a delivery charge of €370). Across the Atlantic, only the Trophy SE is being offered. The United States MSRP has been set at $18,999 (excluding various charges such as destination, handling, pre-delivery, title and license), and in Canada the figure is $19,999. But how do those prices compare with the BMW R 1200 RT, Honda ST1300 Pan European and Yamaha FJR1300A, three bikes that are likely to be among the Triumph’s main rivals? The answer is very favourably, at least in the UK. And judging by some other key measures as well, the Trophy should...

Europe won’t be getting the updated Kawasaki Ninja 250R that was announced last month. Or rather, we will, but an increase in engine capacity from 249 cc to 296 cc (thanks to a longer stroke) means that the version sold here will be known as the Ninja 300. That motor remains a parallel twin, with four valves per cylinder, fuel injection and dual throttle valves. Producing 38 bhp (29 kW / 39 PS) and 27 Nm (20 lb/ft) of peak torque, it comes connected to a six-speed transmission. However, apart from the engine and a slightly wider 140 mm section rear tyre, the Ninja 300 is virtually identical to the 250R. The new, more rigid steel frame is shared between the two bikes, as is the sharply-styled bodywork which has been designed to dissipate heat away from the rider. Braking is taken care of by petal discs front and rear and, for the first time, an anti-lock system will be available. Developed by Nissin, it’s claimed to feature the world’s smallest motorcycle ABS unit. Certainly, ...