It's the most powerful SEAT ever produced, but is this hot hatch the best?
You’re looking at the most powerful SEAT in history! This is the 261bhp SEAT Leon Cupra R and it’s going straight to the top of the Spanish brand’s hot hatch hierarchy.
Taking the Leon Cupra’s turbocharged 2.0-litre unit as its base, engineers have re-tuned the engine ECU and raised turbo pressure to 1.9bar (from 1.8) to increase power output from 236bhp to 261bhp and generate a whopping 350Nm of torque. It also gets stiffer suspension, new ventilated disc brakes, a revised six-speed manual gearbox and a bigger exhaust.
The Leon Cupra R has been given styling tweaks and a scattering of ‘R’ logos from ex-Lamborghini designer Luc Donckerwolke. But Kiwi Green paint aside, we reckon the cosmetic enhancements over a Leon Cupra are barely noticeable. The front gets a larger trapezoidal grille and ‘exclusive’ honeycomb mesh, while the door mirrors are now finished in black gloss and the bespoke 19-inch alloy rims can be ordered in white.
Apart from the white dials and an excellent pair of figure-hugging race chairs, the interior feels eerily conservative for an R model too. It’s very well built and there’s an excellent fit and finish.
Despite the extra turbo boost, firmer suspension and lower ride height, the Leon Cupra doesn’t behave like a feisty young latin relative of the VW group. It feels much more mature than that, though still possessing a 0-62mph sprint time of 6.1secs – that’s just 0.2secs slower than Ford’s Focus RS and is an identical time to the new Mazda 3 MPS. SEAT is also keen to point out that this car has a combined fuel consumption figure of 35mpg, and with CO2 emissions of just 190g/km, it’s the cleanest hot hatch too.
More interesting is how the Cupra R goes round corners with the use of SEAT’s XDS system. This works like an electronic differential, constantly improving traction by using the ESP to slow any wheel that loses grip.
This may be the most powerful SEAT in history, but the headline figures don’t really tell the full story. The new SEAT Leon Cupra R has been engineered with a much broader performance sweetspot that should make it easier to live with on an everyday basis. It may not offer the visceral thrills of other models, but there’s certainly enough performance, practicality and excitement here to unsettle the new upcoming breed of hyper-hatches.
Kent BMW are pleased to share with you the newly released details of the 2010 BMW 5-Series saloon.
Perfectly balanced proportions, an aesthetic and dynamic appearance, a spacious, harmonic interior, ergonomically arranged cockpit, finest materials in combination with the latest EfficientDynamics technologies and excellent aerodynamic performance. The new BMW 5 Series Saloon.
For more details or to register your interest please contact our BMW dealerships:
Broad Oak Ashford BMW
01233 500555
Twitter: AshfordBMW
Broad Oak Canterbury BMW
01227 828888
Twitter: CanterburyBMW
BMW announced as automotive partner of London Olympic and Paralympic Games.
BMW becomes a Tier One Partner and exclusive automotive sponsor of the 2012 Games 4000 low-carbon vehicles to be provided
London. Lord Sebastian Coe, chairman of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) has announced that BMW has become the Automotive Partner of London 2012. BMW will provide the 4000 or so vehicles which are required at the Games to transport athletes, technical officials, media, LOCOG operational teams, national Olympic Committees, International Sports Federations, the IOC and marketing partners.
In addition, BMW becomes a Sustainability Partner supporting London 2012’s commitment to deliver its ‘low carbon’ and ‘healthy living’ Games.
Ian Robertson, member of the board of management of BMW AG, responsible for sales and marketing said: “Sustainability is a central pillar of our business and guides all aspects of our operations. This has lead to our being named by the Dow Jones Sustainability Index as the most sustainable automotive company, for the fifth year in a row. Therefore we have a natural affinity with London 2012 and its commitment to low carbon and healthy living.”
He continued, “We see our partnership as a major opportunity, over the next three years and beyond, to focus attention on our range of the most fuel efficient premium cars – and also to shine a light on the future of individual mobility. This partnership will be an inspiration for our customers, employees, dealers and suppliers.”
LOCOG set challenging targets with respect to CO2 and European emission standards for the car fleet. BMW will provide a fleet of cars which not only meet the Euro 6 emissions standard but also beat the maximum average of 120g CO2 / km established by LOCOG. BMW leads the automotive industry in emission-lowering technology through its Efficient Dynamics programme.
The company will also showcase electric vehicles as part of its activation in 2012.
LOCOG Chairman Sebastian Coe commented, “Operationally, an automotive deal is vital for any organising committee and so I’m thrilled BMW is on board. They share our vision to stage a sustainable Games in 2012 and will be a valued partner. We welcome BMW on board and look forward to working with them over the next three years.”
During the Games, BMW bicycles will be available for use by athletes in the Athletes Village and by London 2012 staff. BMW motorcycles will also be used in certain Olympic and Paralympic events.
A proportion of the fleet will be wheelchair-accessible and BMW will convert a number of vehicles for use by disabled drivers and passengers.
BMW has invested over £1bn in the UK since 2000 and employs over 8,000 people in manufacturing, distribution and financial services in Britain. The company has created over 50,000 further jobs through support services, suppliers and dealer distribution networks. BMW will also activate the deal across the iconic Mini brand between now and 2012.
LOCOG and BMW have many shared values which are an important foundation to this partnership agreement. A commitment to fair play, sporting competition and intercultural exchange have always been fundamentals of BMW’s value system – in addition to the central theme of sustainability.
Teenage Formula One driving sensation Jaime Alguersuari is SEAT’s new brand ambassador – so when he’s not driving his Scuderia Toro Rosso STR4 on track, he’ll be getting around in his stunning new Leon Cupra R.
Alguersuari took delivery of his Cupra R from SEAT’s Chairman of the Board of Directors Dr Francisco Javier García Sanz and SEAT S. A. President James Muir at a special event at the Martorell factory earlier this month.
The deal is part of SEAT’s plan to support the successes of sportspeople such as Alguersuari in motorsport and other fields. Dr García Sanz explained: “SEAT is a young, sport-oriented brand, and its car designs mirror that spirit.
“That’s why we’re delighted that Jaime, personifying the talent of the new generation of Spanish sportspeople and the youngest ever driver to debut in Formula One, will be able to enjoy driving his new Leon Cupra R – SEAT’s most powerful car ever.”
“I always had an idea that being a Formula One driver meant new challenges and a few perks,” said Alguersuari. “SEAT has asked me to be an ambassador for the brand, and this new eye-catching Leon Cupra R is going to be my personal car. It’s a real honour and privilege."
The tin snail is back! Citroen is planning to evoke memories of its legendary 2CV with an all-new model. And thanks to our French sister magazine, Auto Plus, we have details and exclusive images of the car. Dubbed the DS2, the compact hatch will be the entry point to the firm’s new DS range when it arrives in 2012.
Its styling is based on that of the Revolte concept seen at the Frankfurt Motor Show back in September, but toned down for the showroom. This means it gets a more conventional double-chevron grille, larger headlights and a narrower track. But the rear-hinged doors remain – they open like the MINI Clubman’s driver’s side passenger door.
The bonnet creases, arching roofline and flat back end take cues from the 2CV – the original people’s car. The focus of the new DS family is to provide more luxurious, image-conscious alternatives to the established models in each class.
But in order for the DS2 to succeed, it will need to offer affordable indulgence. So, to keep development costs low, its platform and engine range will be borrowed from the new C3 – on sale in February.
There will be a range of fuel-efficient three-cylinder petrol motors, which will debut on the C3 when it gets a mid-life update in 2011. The only diesel option will be the existing 70bhp 1.4 HDi.
Other DS models include the MINI-rivalling DS3, due out next year, and the C4 and C5-based DS4 and DS5. These are slated to arrive in 2011.
20 YEARS OF LAND ROVER DISCOVERY AT BARRETTS LAND ROVER.
20 YEARS OF LAND ROVER DISCOVERY - Adaptable, capable, indefatigable, unmistakable
Workhorse, tow car, law enforcer, status symbol, people carrier, mud plugger; few cars can claim to fulfil any of these duties with genuine conviction. Yet since 16 November 1989 – 20 years ago today – one car has consistently met all those challenges and more, earning itself iconic status as the ultimate all-purpose vehicle. That car is the Land Rover Discovery.
Designed originally to plug the gap between the utilitarian attributes of the iconic Land Rover Defender and the more luxurious characteristics of the flagship Range Rover, Discovery soon became the perfect niche vehicle for the growing demands of the family 4x4 market.
"The Discovery legend has been built on innovative design and advanced technology. From the introduction of high-efficiency direct-injection diesel technology into the 4x4 market in 1989, to pioneering occupant safety with the adoption of twin airbags in 1998, Discovery has led the way." says Phil Popham, Managing Director. "It is truly the best loved SUV the world over. Today, we sell the Discovery in 91 countries and sales to date have hit over and above 900,000,"
he adds.
Having revolutionised the mid-sized 4x4 sector in 1989, it’s no surprise that the Discovery evolved to reflect the needs and tastes of its increasingly urbane and discerning buyers. By 1994 range-topping Discovery models featured leather upholstery and wood veneer trim, and when the Series II Discovery was introduced in 1998 it added a sophisticated new heating, air-conditioning and ventilation system for increased comfort in all climates. Today’s Discovery 4 continues that ethos of evolution to winning effect: Its strikingly architectural interior design, clear-yet-stylish dashboard, user-friendly features and luxurious interior creating an attractive, well-appointed and practical environment for driver and passengers alike.
The Discovery will be forever renowned for its legendary exterior shape which to this day still continues the stepped roof and asymmetric rear glass theme, giving all occupants a clear view of the journey ahead. To provide a contemporary edge to the interior design, Land Rover turned to the Conran Design Studio who for many years have been held in high regard for influencing 'modern day living'.
"Discovery has evolved its own clear design heritage over four generations.
Today, Discovery 4 stays true to its clean, geometric, architecturally-inspired predecessors. Its new front bumper, lights and face, smoother lines and subtle curves, combine to enhance the overall impression of premium quality," says Gerry McGovern, Design Director.
Versatile and Practical
While go-anywhere ability is synonymous with any Land Rover product, the Discovery’s enduring success comes from a combination of all-terrain capability and all-important practicality for the demands of family life. Like its predecessors, Discovery 4 comes with seven seats – the rearmost pair now offering legroom for full-sized adults, providing a versatile space for family and friends.
Increased style and comfort have never come at the expense of the Discovery’s dynamic ability. Indeed generations of horse riders, caravaners, boat owners and car racers can all testify to the Discovery’s towing prowess. It’s a tradition Discovery 4 proudly upholds with Tow Assist, which helps the driver perform otherwise tricky towing manoeuvres, and Trailer Stability Assist, which reduces engine torque and uses programmed braking applications to regain control over a snaking trailer. Two honours at the recent Caravan Club Towcar of the Year Awards 2010 are fitting recognition of Discovery 4’s utilitarian qualities and on-going commitment to safety.
The evolutionary Discovery 4 looks set to follow on from the enormous success of its predecessor. Since its launch back in 2004, the Discovery 3 has achieved global acclaim winning a staggering 111 awards worldwide, including the honour of SUV of the year from countries as diverse as Mexico, Russia and Greece.
In 2004, the Discovery 3 introduced another significant first: Terrain ResponseTM. This patented system allows the driver to actively tune the car’s systems (including engine, suspension and traction control settings) to optimise their vehicle for virtually any driving situation, from urban jungle to gnarly wilderness. Terrain Response has since been recognised in the Queen's Awards For Enterprise for Innovation. Land Rover previously received this prestigious award for its patented Hill Descent Control and an enhanced version of this technology remains key to the dynamic capabilities of the new
Discovery 4 with the addition of Gradient Release Control.
In 2006, Land Rover launched a pioneering CO2 offset programme with Climate Care which is now the biggest scheme of its kind in the world. The emissions from the first 45,000 miles of all new Land Rovers sold in an increasing number of markets is offset to help fund environmental projects on a global scale. Improvements introduced with the launch of Discovery 4 earlier this year, now help deliver substantially lower emissions with the highly fuel efficient LR-TDV6 3.0 sequential turbodiesel, delivering over 30mpg on the combined EU cycle.
Adaptable, capable, indefatigable, unmistakable; the Discovery legend is wholly deserved. Here’s to the next 20 years
For more information on the latest Land Rover Discovery please contact a member of our sales team:
Take a look at Citroen's first plug-in baby. This is the C-ZERO – a fully fledged zero emission electric car that will reach Citroen showrooms next year.
If it looks familiar that's because it's essentially identical to Mitsubishi's i-MIEV and the Citroen version gets the same drivetrain, with a 64bhp electric motor powered by a lithium-ion battery.
Owners can charge the C-ZERO by plugging it directly into a household socket, and a full charge takes six hours. An 80 per cent charge is possible in just 30 minutes using a 400V supply. Citroen says the C-Zero can do 0-62mph in 15 seconds, accelerate from 37-56mph (50-70km/h) in six seconds and hit a maximum of 80mph. It also has a range of 80 miles.
Standard features include power steering, ABS, traction control, ESP, electric windows, six airbags and air conditioning. Sales of the C-ZERO start at the end of 2010 and although no prices have been confirmed expect to pay around £10,000 for the zero emission machine.
Kent BMW announce - BMW 730Ld Chauffeur Car of the Year
The BMW 730Ld has been named the 2009 Chauffeur Car of the Year, with the judges highlighting its ‘exceptional’ fuel economy, running costs and luxury as the new benchmarks in its class.
With CO2 emissions of just 180g/km and an combined consumption figure of 40.9mpg, the BMW 730Ld allows professional drivers and chauffeur companies to offer clients considerable luxury, as well as reduced environmental impact.
In winning over the competition, which included the Lexus LS600h and Mercedes-Benz S-class, Mark Bursa, Editor of Professional Driver Magazine and chairman of the jurors, said: “In the end, the new BMW 730Ld triumphed because its exemplary combination of style, finish and operating economics changes the game in its sector. It’s beautifully finished, with a superb, modern interior. BMW has brought its technological might to bear on the ride and handling.”
Stephen Chater, BMW Group Corporate Operations Manager, said: “We are delighted to win this award because the criteria for winning represents everything that BMW is about: building cars of the very highest premium quality that, thanks to EfficientDynamics, are often the most efficient in their sector in terms of emissions, fuel economy and therefore cost.”
The new BMW 730Ld is the integral model in the new BMW Chauffeur Programme that was recently launched to capitalize on the 7 Series’ dominant position in the professional driver’s market. The programme offers competitive contract hire rates, £699 per month based on three years or 60,000 miles including servicing*, enhanced specification packages and predictable running costs.
The KeeResources’ KwikCarCost calculator considers the latest Mercedes-Benz S-Class S350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY L as 7.51 pence per mile (or 6.3 per cent) more expensive to run than the BMW 730Ld SE over three years or 60,000 miles.
To make this a vehicle for the driver as well as the driven, tailored benefits include BMW Service Inclusive, complimentary on the BMW 730Ld, which lasts for 5 years or 60,000 miles and covers all of the vehicle's basic servicing requirements. As part of the programme, professional drivers are also covered in the event of an immobilisation which cannot be repaired at the roadside. Should this occur and replacement vehicle which is PCO licensed for London, can be provided, giving operators peace of mind that clients will always be catered for to the highest standards.*
BMW also offers complimentary ConnectedDrive telematics and online services for the first three years, which are fully integrated with the vehicle’s navigation and Bluetooth telephone system, for those taking delivery of a Seven through the programme.
Customers can enhance the specification of their car further by opting for the Executive and Executive Plus packages. Giving passengers the luxurious equipment they demand at a competitive cost for the operator, the Executive package features 19-inch light alloy wheels, TV function, Sun protection glass, rear electrically-powered sunblinds, a windscreen with a grey shaded band and front and rear seat heating. The Executive Plus package adds Soft-close doors and driver and front passenger lumbar support to this list.
Kent BMW are pleased to announce that for the second year in a row the BMW Group has cut its average CO2 emissions per car by more than any other automotive manufacturer. According to an independent report published by the European Federation for Transport and Environment, the average reduction across the industry was 3.3 per cent, while BMW Group achieved 10.2 per cent.
BMW Group’s success in reducing CO2 is thanks to its EfficientDynamics programme which incorporates a wide variety of fuel-saving and emissions-reducing measures across the whole vehicle range as standard. Many of its competitors sell fuel efficiency packages as options.
EfficientDynamics technology includes Auto Start-Stop, Brake Energy Regeneration and Active Aerodynamics, amongst a wide range of other features. This technology gives BMW and MINI owners outstanding fuel economy and low emissions without forsaking driving enjoyment. The result is the reduction of BMW Group’s average vehicle emissions in 2008 to 154g/km, down 10.2 per cent from 172g/km in 2007. With the introduction of further efficient BMWs in 2009 this figure is expected to drop again.
GreenFleet Awards success for BMW
As further recognition of the class-leading position BMW Group vehicles command courtesy of EfficientDynamics technologies, the marque has scooped two more prestigious awards. The UK fleet industry presented the BMW Group with Fleet Car Manufacturer of the Year and the Industry Innovation Award.
The former award was bestowed in recognition of the car manufacturer that had shown the greatest improvement in CO2 emissions, had expanded its range of low emission vehicles or offered alternative fuel vehicles. It is the second year in a row that the BMW Group has been award top honours in this category. The Industry Innovation Award was presented to the BMW Group because it had introduced new technologies that had such a significant impact on fuel consumption and emissions.
Most sustainable car company in the world
BMW has also been named the “Most sustainable car company in the world” in the latest Dow Jones Sustainability Index for the fifth year in a row. Since its inception in 1999 BMW is the only automotive organisation to have featured every year on the index.
This is the latest accolade in a string of environmental awards, most recently including Green Sports car and Executive car of the year awards at the What Car? Green Awards, Green Initiative and Manufacturer of the year at the BusinessCar Awards 2009 and the Special Editor’s Award for EfficientDynamics technologies at the Auto Express New Car Honours.
Barretts Honda are pleased to announce the prices and specification for the new 2010 Honda CR-V.
The 2010 CR-V will be available with petrol and diesel engines, as well as manual or automatic transmission on all model grades.
Like the previous model, the new 2010 CR-V continues to offer unrivalled levels of specification at a competitive price.
Briefly:
SE MODEL now comes standard with newly designed 17-inch alloy wheels in addition to air conditioning, Aux socket and power heated door mirrors.
ES GRADE gets 18-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels, half-leather and Alcantara heated seats, unique interior inlay trims, auto dimming mirror and USB connector for iPod.
EX GRADES benefit from body-coloured bumpers, DVD voice activated navigation with premium audio, full leather heated seats, panoramic roof and reverse tilt mirror.
For prices and more details please contact Barretts Honda in Vauxhall Road, Canterbury, Kent on 01227 866266 or follow this link to send an enquiry.
The event takes place on Sunday 31st January 2010 at 11am from the Chaucer Technology School in Canterbury.
If you would like more details please follow this link to the Invicta East Kent Athletic Club website where you can download the entry form and view the Canterbury 10 course map.
Honda & BMW models in top 5 of most reliable cars list.
Manufacturer brands represented by the Barretts Motor Group feature in the top 5 of the biggest relaibility survey in the country by Fleet News. Fleet News 5th November 2009
The survey, which quizzed the country’s largest fleet operators who between them run more than a million vehicles, saw the Civic take top position from its nearest rival the BMW 3 Series.
Honda and BMW were the only two carmakers on the leaderboard, which revealed that Honda made three of the top five most reliable cars and BMW the remaining two.
The UK’s 50 largest fleet companies were asked to rate their most reliable vehicles and manufacturers among their combined fleet of 840,000 cars and 183,000 light commercials.
While Honda dominated the most reliable vehicle category, it was BMW who took the other highly-coveted title in this year’s FN50 reliability survey, after it was crowned most reliable car manufacturer for the second year in a row following a photo finish with Honda.
The two marques finished with equal ratings from Britain’s biggest leasing companies, but more companies nominated BMW as one of their most reliable brands, thus securing the manufacturer’s top place.
LOWER CO2, IMPROVED MPG AND MORE CONNECTIVITY FOR CITROËN’S C3 PICASSO
The biggest small car on the road, Citroën’s award-winning C3 Picasso, is now even more functional and economical with the availability of a new optional Bluetooth® upgrade and a recent engine improvement that sees the funky MPV deliver sub-120g/km CO2 emissions for just £35 a year road tax.
Further improving C3 Picasso’s already impressive environmental credentials, the 1.6HDi 16V 90hp diesel engine has been re-homologated and, in VTR+ & Exclusive trim, now emits just 119g/km of CO2 (down from 125g). Consequently, both of these C3 Picasso models are now classified in VED band C - meaning an annual road tax reduction from £120 to just £35. Even more significantly, these models now deliver an extra 2.7mpg on the combined cycle, bringing the new figure to 62.8mpg.
Also on VTR+ and Exclusive - as part of a new option pack - an integrated Bluetooth® hands-free system has been introduced, so drivers can safely and easily keep in touch when they are on the move. This new option also includes a built-in USB Box and socket, which allows users to connect a portable MP3 player directly to the car’s audio system. Menu navigation and music selection is managed via the steering-mounted and dashboard radio controls, with song titles displayed on the radio screen.
For further information please contact Barretts Citroen: 01227 864444
Finding innovative ways to use less while delivering more performance and fun has always been MINI's priority and is the philosophy behind MINIMALISM. As part of our commitment to this goal, we are excited to be starting official UK Research trials of the 100% electric MINI E prototype.
With lightning acceleration, a silent motor and a range of 156 miles* on a single charge in optimal conditions, it's 100% MINI but with 0% emissions.
Supported by funding from the Technology Strategy Board, a consortium led by BMW Group** will enable the MINI E to be tested on British roads where MINI E's performance, the psychological and social impact of electro-mobility and the development of the infrastructure required to support it, will be evaluated.
*Under ideal driving conditions. Vehicles were tested according to Californian Test Procedures for 2005 and subsequent Zero-Emission Vehicles, amended 19 December 2003.
Why homemade? Well the Jazz is now being made here at home at the manufacturing plant in Swindon.
This is a pretty big deal because its keeping 3,400 skilled workers busy.
And it's not just Honda staff hard at work. It's everyone else around them. Uniforms are being laundered, lunches cooked and hundreds of cups of Mr Tetley's finest brew made.
Keeping everybody happy. Some people call it the Honda Effect.
So to celebrate our newest homemade Honda we're throwing a party. And we'd really like you to come.
Join us to welcome the Jazz at the Barretts Honda homemade event on 6th - 9th November 2009 at our showrooms in Vauxhall Road, Canterbury or call 01227 866266 to find out more.
