Auto News archives

Yaris Shows OFF New Hands-Free

A new Toyota Genuine BluetoothTM* hands-free system makes the newly updated Toyota Yaris even more appealing and convenient to drive. The small, unobtrusive BluetoothTM device operates via the vehicle's audio system and connects wirelessly with BluetoothTM enabled mobile phones*. Matthew Callachor, divisional manager for Toyota's customer service division, says the hands-free device delivers simple-to-use technology that makes a real, positive difference to driving convenience. "A vo

The SEAT Altea freetrack becomes king of the mountain

953 kilometres and 29 mountain passes in Italy, Austria and Switzerland in only 22 hours is the magnificent feat achieved by the SEAT Altea freetrack on the gruelling mountain tour carried out last weekend by Tyrolean Gerhard Plattner and Austrian Franz Doppler. During the challenge, SEAT’s all-roader demonstrated its

All-new 2009 Dodge Ram Named "Full-Size Pickup Truck of Texas"

Voting after their annual Truck Rodeo, members of the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) named the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 “Full-Size Pickup Truck of Texas,” giving Dodge honors over competitors from Ford, Chevrolet, GMC, Nissan, Honda and Toyota. “This is quite an honor,” said Mike Accavitti, Director, Dodge Marketing. “In a head-to-head competition, our game-changing all-new 2009 Dodge Ram un-seated the new Ford F-150, long considered

Renault announces new Laguna Coupe pricing

Following its world show debut in Paris earlier this month, Renault has now confirmed pricing for its eagerly-awaited New Laguna Coupé, ranging from £20,995 to £27,995. The new Laguna flagship has more than just the sector-leading BMW 3-Series Coupé in its sights. With a raft of high-performance engines, impressive equipment levels and 4Control chassis in its Coupé GT guise, the svelte four-seater has a formidable arsenal. In keeping with its elegant and muscular lines, the Coupé naturally receives the finest

Feeling the Need For Speed? new Renault Megane Coupe races into a (virtual) world of its own

On 21 November 2008, several weeks ahead of its official launch, video game fans will be the very first to get behind the wheel of Renault’s striking New Mégane Coupé. Albeit only on screen, gamers will be able to enjoy the sight and sound of the French marque’s rakish three-door from the comfort, and relative safety, of their own living room as it takes to the streets in the latest edition of the phenomenally successful Need for Speed franchise,

First Mercedes-Benz GLK Handed Over to Customer

Magdalena Dietz, 29, entrepreneur and PR consultant, today received the key to her new Mercedes-Benz GLK from Bremen plant manager Peter Schabert. Ms. Dietz is the first customer to take delivery of a vehicle of the entirely new GLK-Class following its market launch. The handover - of a GLK 320 CDI 4MATIC in metallic tenorite gray with numerous optional equipment features - took place in the Customer Center of the Bremen plant. “The GLK is our most important new model this year,” said plant manager Peter Schaber

Roomster is packed with family goodies

Škoda has just made its family friendly MPV even better by adding a whole host of goodies to the Roomster 2, completely free of charge. With value for money, low running costs and high fuel efficiency topping the wish list of more and more car buyers, families opting for the Roomster 2 are now getting £1,500 worth of additional equipment in a fun and economical car. The Family Pack is designed to offer even more comfort to a family on the move thanks to features such as panoramic sunroof,

Vitaphone Racing and Maserati MC12 are Champions for the Fourth Time

A very exciting day here in Zolder, Belgium, where the ninth round of the FIA GT has just taken place. After hard work during the night to recondition MC12 no. 1, which went out of the track at the "Lucien Bianchi" curve, today the Andrea Bertolini - Michael Bartels duo won by a 7" margin over their rivals Hezemans-Gollin. Thanks to this result, the Vitaphone Racing Team and Maserati MC12 are mathematically the Team's 2008 Champions in the FIA

SEAT joins Al Gore Project against Climate Change

The SEAT Alhambra Ecomotive has been chosen as official car for the meeting entitled “Climate Change, Awareness and Action”, organised by the Biosphere Foundation and the Spanish delegation of the grass-roots movement The Climate Project, created and lead by Al Gore, former Vice-President of the United States and 2007 Nobel Peace prize-winner. The meeting, to be held tomorrow in Seville, will bring together more than 200 personalities from the spheres of politics, society and culture. Fully in line with its sens

GM India Launches New Chevrolet Aveo U-VA

General Motors India today launched the new Chevrolet Aveo U-VA at a press conference attended by its brand ambassador and movie star Saif Ali Khan. Launched as part of General Motors' centenary year celebrations, the new Chevrolet U-VA is a testament of the company's continued commitment to sharing its joy with valued customers. The New U-VA comes with a number of additional interior and exterior features including: * Driver airbag and ABS system for enhanced occupant safety * Keyless entry with burglar alar

a new experience - driving pleasure without emissions: the mini e

A New Experience - Driving Pleasure Without Emissions: The MINI E

The BMW Group will be the world’s first manufacturer of premium automobiles to deploy a fleet of some 500 all-electric vehicles for private use in daily traffic. The MINI E will be powered by a 150 kW (204 hp) electric motor fed by a high-performance rechargeable lithium-ion battery, transferring its power to the front wheels via a single-stage helical gearbox nearly without a sound and entirely free of emissions. Specially engineered for automob

Fabia sport gets sportier

Škoda has raised the stakes against its competitors by lowering the Fabia Sport by 15mm and giving it a sportier poise. The modification will see a marginal price increase of no more than £290 per vehicle with the following new prices applicable to orders placed from 1 October: 1.2 12V 70 bhp - £10,880 OTR 1.6 16V 105 bhp - £12,035 OTR 1.4 TDI PD 80 bhp - £12,340 OTR 1.9 TDI PD 105 bhp - £13,025 OTR The Fabia Sport is well equipped for a sporty hatch an