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ALL-NEW MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER ENTERS THE ARENA

ALL-NEW MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER15 December 2006

  • On sale in the UK 1st March 2007
  • Distinctively styled five-door crossover vehicle combining estate car versatility, rugged off-road styling, safety-oriented all-wheel drive ability and athletic dynamics
  • Priced from £19,449 to £24,749
  • Powered initially by a new 138bhp 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine, with a 154bhp 2.2 turbo diesel and all-new 168bhp 2.4-litre petrol engine arriving at the end of the year
  • One-step fold-and-tumble second row seats
  • Innovative ‘Hide and Seat’ third row of seats for occasional 5+2 seating
  • Familiar Equippe, Warrior and Elegance line-up that combine high specification with wallet-friendly pricing
  • Anticipated 5,600 sales in first 12 months

When Mitsubishi’s all-new Outlander arrives in showrooms on 1st March it will enter the UK’s fiercely competitive mid-sized SUV sector armed with fresh new styling, all-new chassis architecture, Euro IV-compliant turbo diesel power, electronically controlled all-wheel drive, seven-seat versatility, generous levels of standard safety and luxury specification and a low £19,449 start-off price. With styling clearly inspired by the 2002 Pajero Evo 2+2 concept, the new Outlander is instantly identifiable as a member of Mitsubishi Motors’ rejuvenated line-up of new models. Key design points are its bold grille flanked by a set of piercing headlamps, that create a strong visual link with the new Shogun and L200 pick-up, the distinctively slashed back third side window, boldly flared wheel arches and split tailgate.

The Outlander sits on a new platform frame, Mitsubishi’s first-ever global platform, developed in conjunction with DaimlerChrysler. Light and stiff, the chassis along with the MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension and rack and pinion steering, has been tuned to deliver an engaging and sure-footed driving experience. For example, the Outlander’s roof is made of lightweight aluminium to lower the car’s centre of gravity, and in turn reduce roll and boost cornering agility.

Key to this driver-orientation is Mitsubishi Motors’ rally-inspired AWC All Wheel Control four-wheel drivetrain. With a simple twist of a dial mounted on the cabin’s centre console, the Outlander driver can electronically select three driving modes: 2WD front-wheel drive for economy-biased every day driving, 4WD Auto which instantly and effectively transfers torque to the wheels with the most grip up to a 70:30 split, and 4WD Lock which splits torque up to a 50:50 split between front and rear axle as and when required when driving in more difficult conditions. The AWC system has been designed with enhanced on-road stability and safety in mind, as well as allowing the Outlander to tackle wet, snowy or muddy tracks and undertake towing duties.

Like the Grandis, the Outlander is powered by a Volkswagen-sourced 1968cc intercooled turbo diesel four-cylinder engine. Featuring an advanced common rail injection system and a variable geometry turbo charger, it produces 138bhp at 4000rpm and a healthy 310Nm of torque at 1750rpm. Naturally, it meets demanding Euro IV emission regulations. Hooked up to a six-speed manual transmission with ratios developed to tap into the engine’s deep torque reservoir, the Outlander sprints to 62mph in 10.8seconds and has a maximum speed of 116mph. It’s fitted with 294mm ventilated disc brakes up front and 302mm disc brakes at the rear, backed up by ABS anti-lock and EBD electronic brakeforce distribution systems.

In the Equippe model, the engine returns 42.8mpg on the combined cycle (40.9mpg in the Warrior and Elegance models) and posts a tax-effective CO2 figure of 174g/km (183g/km for the Warrior and Elegance models). Towards the end of the year, the powertrain line-up will be bolstered by the arrival of a more powerful 154bhp 2.2 turbo diesel four-cylinder engine as well as the first iteration of Mitsubishi’s ‘World Engine’, an all-new 168bhp 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine developed in collaboration with DaimlerChrysler and Hyundai Motor Company. It will come with a six-speed CVT constantly variable transmission as standard.

The Outlander’s cabin design reflects its sporting aspirations, with a number of motorcycle motifs like its deeply cowled instruments and the arching centre console that’s reminiscent of a motorbike’s fuel tank. Particular attention has been paid to the quality of the plastics, leathers and fabrics used, and their fit and finish.

Outlander will offer an outstanding degree of packaging flexibility. At 4640mm long, 1800mm wide and 1680mm high (1720mm with roof rails) Outlander casts a smaller shadow than many traditional family estates, while still offering a spacious and well proportioned five-seater cabin with generous head, leg and shoulder room. A split tailgate, capable of supporting 200kg, provides easy access to the large and regularly shaped 541-litre boot, which can be extended to a vast 1691-litres with the second row of seats folded away.

Outlander owners won’t have to follow any complicated routines to fold down the seats – by holding down a small button secreted in the side of the boot for three seconds, the second row seats electrically flip forward to create a flat load bay for accommodating larger objects. This feature is standard on all derivatives. This versatility is further boosted on Warrior and Elegance models by Mitsubishi’s innovative ‘Hide&Seat’ third row of seats, which lies beneath the floor of the boot. When two further seats are needed, they simply fold out from the boot floor to create a third row of seats, complete with integrated head rests, turning the five-seater Outlander into an occasional seven-seater as and when needed.

As with all Mitsubishi vehicles, the new Outlander will combine generous levels of standard luxury and safety specifications with an aggressive pricing policy. The model line-up starts with the £19,449 Equippe, which comes with twin front airbags, air conditioning, keyless entry, six-speaker CD/MP3 player, ASTC Active Stability and Traction Control safety system, electric windows and mirrors, and rear spoiler as standard.

To this, the £21,999 Warrior adds, among other features, 18inch alloy wheels, ‘Hide&Seat’ folding third row seats, side and curtain airbags, a striking body kit, cruise control, Bluetooth handsfree telephone kit and a leather-covered steering wheel and gearlever. The flagship Elegance model adds heated leather seats, sunroof, satellite navigation complete with its own 30GB music server and hard disc drive for high speed data access, DVD player and a nine-speaker 650W Rockford FosgateTM Premium Sound System, as well as numerous other standard features.

Mitsubishi expects to sell around 5,600 Outlanders in the UK within the first 12 months of sales – some 10% of the annual UK mid-sized SUV market. At 60%, the Warrior range will account for the bulk of sales, with the Elegance model appealing to 30% of buyers and the remainder opting for the budget-conscious Equippe.

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FOURTH GENERATION MITSUBISHI SHOGUN REVEALED

MITSUBISHI SHOGUN15 December 2006
Arrives in the UK 1st March 2007 - Evolutionary fourth generation Shogun retains its authentic terrain-busting characteristics for drivers wanting reliable and cost-effective go-anywhere ability - Carry-over pricing despite significant upgrades in luxury features and safety - Prices range from £22,949 to £34,999 - Powered by revised version of Mitsubishi’s 3.2-litre turbo diesel engine with common rail technology, and a choice of five-speed automatic or manual transmission - Seven-seater comfort available in the long-wheelbase Shogun with its innovative ‘Hide&Seat’ third row of seats - Familiar Equippe, Warrior and Elegance line-up topped by luxury new Diamond flagship model - 6000 sales anticipated in first 12 months.

Mitsubishi Motors fourth generation Shogun off-roader, which arrives on 1st March 2007, is a progressive evolution that combines authentic four-wheel-drive go-anywhere ability with bold and muscular new styling, complemented by Euro IV-compliant turbo diesel power and the choice of either a three-door short or five-door long-wheelbase chassis.

Despite minimal carry over of parts, a mere 26%, the new Shogun is immediately distinguished by its bold new grille, short front overhang, upright windscreen, strong high flanks, flared wheelarches and rear-mounted spare wheel – all key Shogun style cues that underline its tough, authentic, off-road ability.

As well as option of three or five doors, Shogun buyers will have the choice of a four model line-up – the familiar Equippe, Warrior and Elegance models as well as the new luxury Diamond range topper. As always, the Shogun comes packed with an array of standard safety and luxury equipment. All models come with ASTC active stability and traction control, alarm and keyless entry, climate control, twin front, side and curtain airbags, ABS anti-lock brakes backed up by EBD electronic brakeforce distribution and 17inch alloy wheels fitted as standard.

The list of standard features may be much longer but pricing for the new Shogun remains unchanged, emphasising Mitsubishi Motors value-for-money policy. Prices range from £22,949 for the three-door Equippe model through to £34,999 for the five-door Diamond model.

The new Mitsubishi Shogun draws on 70 years of off-road heritage that includes an unbeaten 11 Paris-Dakar rally wins. Its monocoque chassis with built-in ladder frame offers both peerless off-road ability and responsive on-road driving dynamics. Using a higher number of key spot-welds, additional structural adhesives and a greater use of high-tensile steel has significantly stiffened the chassis, while the level of anti-corrosive zinc plating is significantly higher than before. The result is a quieter, safer and more dynamic basis for the double wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension, now fitted with uprated springs and dampers.

Key to the Shogun’s off-road ability is its AWC all-wheel control system, complemented by Mitsubishi’s Super Select 4 II transfer case. Using a centre differential lock, that splits torque 33:67 front to rear, Super Select 4 II offers four driving modes – 2H rear-wheel drive, 4H full time four-wheel drive, 4HLc which locks up the centre differential, and 4LLC for extreme low ratio off-road work.

Beneath the Shogun’s bonnet sits a heavily revised version of Mitsubishi’s acclaimed 3.2-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel engine. Now featuring an advanced high-pressure common rail fuel injection system, the 3200cc unit produces 168bhp at 3800rpm and a hefty 373Nm of torque at 2000rpm when hooked up to Mitsubishi Motors INVECS-II automatic gearbox with sequential ‘Sports Mode’. In models fitted with the Shogun’s revised five-speed manual transmission, outputs are 158bhp at 3800rpm and 381Nm at 2000rpm. As well as being more powerful and more economical, the engine is also significantly quieter and more refined, with noise levels reduced by an average of four decibels across the rev-range.

The lighter short-wheelbase Shogun comes with 290mm front and 300mm rear disc brakes gripped by two-pot calipers, while the heavier long-wheelbase gets larger 332mm discs at the front and rear, with four-pot caliper up front and two-pot at the rear. This braking system is enhanced by ASTC active stability and traction control that uses variable torque distribution and individual wheel braking to enhance traction, stability and safety.

The Shogun’s interior – from its A-pillar grab-handles to its lofty driving position – reflects its rugged authentic all-season ability. The all-new cabin architecture features a contemporary integrated centre console that houses a Multi-Information Center Display for the climate and audio controls. Particular attention has been paid to creating a robust feeling within the cabin, with an intuitive layout and easily understood graphics and instruments.

At 4385mm long, 1875mm wide and 1880mm high, the short-wheelbase three-door Shogun combines dynamic, athletic styling with a spacious and comfortable cabin. The long-wheelbase version (4900mm long, 1875mm wide and 1990mm high) features Mitsubishi Motors innovative ‘Hide&Seat’ system that quickly and easily converts the Shogun from a five to a seven-seater. When additional seating is required, two seats quickly and easily fold out from the boot floor to create a third row of seats, complete with integrated head rests.

Since its debut in 1982, Mitsubishi has produced 2.5million Shogun models, with 92,954 sold in the UK. The Mitsubishi Shogun is a car that inspires exceptional brand loyalty, with seven in ten customers retaining a Shogun. In its first full year of sales, Mitsubishi Motors expects to sell 6000 Shogun models, with the long-wheelbase version accounting for over tow thirds of sales. Some 65% of total sales will be the high-end specification Elegance and Diamond models.

Model Towing capacity (braked) 0-62 Top Speed mph Power bhp/rpm Torque Nm / rpm Kerb Weight kg Combined mpg CO2 g/km
SWB Auto 2800 12.2 110 168 / 3800 373 / 2000 2075 26.9 278
SWB Man 2800 11.7 110 158 / 3800 381 / 2000 2085 30.7 244
LWB Auto 3300 12.9 110 168 / 3800 373 / 2000 2255 26.7 280
LWB Man 3300 12.5 110 158 / 3800 381 / 2000 2265 30.4 246

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ALL-NEW FREELANDER 2 NAMED ‘SUV OF THE YEAR’ BY TOP GEAR MAGAZINE

Gaydon, Warwickshire, 13 December 2006
Land Rover’s Freelander 2 has been crowned ‘SUV of the Year’ by BBC Top Gear at the magazine’s annual awards celebration hosted by Jeremy Clarkson.

First unveiled at the British International Motor Show in London earlier this year, the Freelander 2 is on sale this month, and already, 1,500 of the new models have been sold. With 14 editions of Top Gear magazine now being published in 14 countries around the world – editions were launched in India, China, Greece and across central Europe over the last 12 months – this award marks the Freelander 2’s first international accolade.

Top Gear magazine editor, Michael Harvey, said: “We took the Freelander 2 to India for our awards photo shoot, and it was driven from Mumbai to Goa and back again in four days. It performed faultlessly, carrying the Top Gear team and a pile of photographic equipment through 2,000km of the busiest, roughest and most dangerous roads on Earth.” He added: “If you need to go on a road trip with a load of baggage and people, and want to do it comfortably, safely and in style, then in the compact SUV sector, the Freelander 2 is the only choice.”

Land Rover’s managing director, Phil Popham, said: “The Top Gear team is arguably the most influential group of motoring journalists in the world, and their global reach is growing all the time, so to win their award in the most competitive of SUV sectors is an outstanding accolade and a great start for the Freelander 2.”

The Freelander 2 is on-sale now at Land Rover dealerships throughout the UK, priced from £20,935 to £33,990, including a Climate Care contribution to off-set carbon emissions for 45,000 miles.

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Raleigh International needs volunteer 4x4 drivers

You could be driving in these conditions whist aiding a charity8 December 2006
Raleigh International is a leading international youth development charity committed to the personal development of young people. Through its programmes in the UK and overseas the charity works with young people from all backgrounds and nationalities to enable them to make a positive contribution and achieve personal and social development.

Imagine this: Accepting the role as a designated driver working for this international charity in a remote part of the world; on arrival in-country, being handed the keys to a fully equipped Land Rover Discovery and responsibility for delivering and dropping of well needed supplies such as fresh water and equipment to development projects and groups of adventurers.

Raleigh International is currently looking for people aged 25+ interested in a 13 week staff driver position. Full 4x4 driver-training will be provided here in the UK and all expenses taken care of in-country. What we ask for is a set donation of £1995 to the charity. That you support the youth development objectives of the charity and you purchase your own flight.

For further information please visit the Raleigh International website www.raleighinternational.org and/or contact;
Carl Challenger
Raleigh International
carlc@raleigh.org.uk
020 7371 8585

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4x4 of 2006: The Results

2006 4x4 Awards7 December 2006
Planet 4x4 magazine has announced the results of its 2006 4x4 Awards. Land Rover sweeps the board in overall scores. The January 2007 issue, on sale 8 December, contains the full story of a landmark triumph for British manufacturing, with Land Rover taking the top three places – and being named 4x4 Manufacturer of 2006.

Full 4x4 of 2006 results:

Overall
1st: Range Rover TdV8 Vogue
2nd: Land Rover Discovery 2.7 TdV6 HSE
3rd: Range Rover Sport Supercharged HSE

Class Awards
Sub-Compact SUV: Fiat Sedici 1.9 MultiJet
Crossover: Audi Allroad 2.7 TDI
Compact SUV: Toyota RAV4 2.2 D-4D XT5
Medium Off-Roader: Nissan Pathfinder 2.5 dCi Aventura
Medium SUV: Lexus RX350 SE-L
Large Off-Roader: Land Rover Discovery 2.7 TdV6 HSE
Large SUV: Range Rover Sport Supercharged HSE
Luxury 4x4: Range Rover 3.6 TdV8 Vogue

Special Awards
Best Off-Roader: Range Rover 3.6 TdV8 Vogue
Best Value: Kia Sportage 2.0 CRDi XS
Best Engine: BMW 3.0sd (X3)
Best Newcomer: Audi Allroad 2.7 TDI
Most Improved: Range Rover Diesel (TdV8)
Manufacturer of 2006: Land Rover

Commenting on the awards, Alan Kidd, editor of Planet 4x4, said: ‘This is the most credible verdict ever handed down to the British 4x4 market. We recruited some of the country’s most respected vehicle testers and they examined each vehicle in real depth – these are results you can really believe in. ‘We’ve never been slow to criticise Land Rover and its products in the past. So it’s only fair to recognise the extent to which the Range Rover, Discovery and Range Rover Sport impressed the most experienced team of testers ever put together by a British 4x4 magazine.’

Testers were Alan Kidd (Editor); Bobby Cowling (Deputy Editor); Andy Pringle (former Deputy Editor of What Car?); Al Suttie (former Road Test Editor of What Car?). Testing was conducted over a week at Kirton Off Road Centre, near Scunthorpe, a former quarry recognised as one of Britain’s best 4x4 sites. Vehicles were assessed for 17 different criteria by each tester. These marks were weighted to take account of the importance placed on each by typical buyers; the single criterion attracting the highest score was value for money.

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WITH COOPER TYRES YOU CAN GET EVERYWHERE!

COOPER TYRES6 December 2006
Using Cooper tyres on your 4x4 will mean you’re well-equipped to get pretty much anywhere on land. But Cooper has to admit that making your car float is beyond even its capabilities, although visitors to the Lake District could be forgiven for thinking otherwise.

To celebrate its first year of using Cooper’s acclaimed Discoverer STT rubber on its fleet of 4x4 vehicles, offroad driving centre Kankku has launched an innovative advertising ploy. The extreme driving experience venue, based in the scenic national park, has hung one of its branded 4x4 cars from a crane just outside Windermere so that the town’s many visitors can’t miss the adrenalin-fuelled activities on offer.

Cooper’s rugged Discoverer STT has been designed with the outdoor pursuits of rock-climbing, mud-eating and terrain-taming in mind, making it perfect for Kankku’s rocky trails and tough landscape. The tyres might not have helped the vehicle get into this precarious position, but Kankku boss Nick Fieldhouse has nothing but praise for the STT, which boasts an aggressive tread pattern that offers outstanding traction, enhanced durability and increased puncture resistance. “These STTs are given a hard life,” he said. “We have a seven-day a week operation taking novice to experienced 4x4 clients off-road in some of the most demanding conditions in the UK. They’re wonderful.”

For more information about Cooper Tire, log on to www.coopertire.com or to see more about the Kankku centre, visit www.kankku.co.uk.

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THE ALL-NEW FREELANDER 2 IS HERE

ALL-NEW FREELANDER 2Gaydon, Warwickshire, 1 December 2006
The all-new Freelander 2 goes on-sale in the UK next week, and is now available with a range of accessories for customers wanting to personalise their vehicle. Land Rover has introduced an Audio Connectivity Module for music lovers, to integrate an iPod Nano, iPod 30 +60GB and iPod Photo (version 4), using the steering wheel controls for track selection and volume, with a neat cradle for the iPod positioned to the left of the dashboard controls. The auxiliary connection, fitted as standard, also allows analogue input from other personal music player devices. To enhance this feature, a Rear Screen Entertainment system with wireless headsets can be added. Comprising of two 5.6 inch LCD screens in the rear headrests, it will allow most portable audio video devices to be connected, including portable DVD players and iPods.

Also announced this week, the following insurance groups have been announced, which show the Freelander 2 to be notably competitive against key rivals such as the BMW X3:
Model

Insurance Group

Price (including CO2 off-set for first 45,000)
TD4 S

11E

£20,935

TD4 GS

12E

£20,435

TD4 XS

12E

£25,485

TD4 SE

13E

£28,485

TD4 HSE

13E

£30,935

I6 GS

13E

£26,490

I6 XS

13E

£28,540

I6 SE

14E

£31,540

I6 HSE

14E

£33,990

The Freelander 2 will be in showrooms across the country from 7 December 2006, and comes with either a 2.2 litre turbocharged diesel or 3.2 litre straight-six petrol engine from £20,935 – including CO2 off-set for the first 45,000 miles. To book a test drive, contact your local Land Rover dealer or visit www.landrover.co.uk

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NEW VW 4x4 CONCEPT CAR MAKES WORLD DEBUT AT LOS ANGELES AUTO SHOW

NEW VW 4x429 November 2006
Volkswagen has unveiled its compact 4x4, the Concept Tiguan, at the Los Angeles Auto Show, and has announced that the first examples of the SUV will be delivered to customers by the end of next year.

The first news of the Tiguan’s development came with the debut of Concept A in Berlin earlier this year. This was followed by the naming of the model in July, the result of a poll of more than 350,000 readers of magazines of the AutoBild group. This latest development in Los Angeles takes the Tiguan one step closer to production and hints strongly at how the final version could look.

Maintaining the ‘baby Touareg’ appearance of the Concept A, Concept Tiguan makes a bold styling statement. At 4.4 metres long, 1.85 m wide and 1.69 m high, it is very similar in size to the Touran compact MPV (4.4 m, 1.8 m, 1.6 m). Klaus Bischoff, who was responsible for the exterior design of the car said: ‘It was very important for us to have the car appear powerful and muscular. For us that was a higher priority than anything else. An off-roader needs a long hood and an upright position. That lends the vehicle self-assuredness and power.’

The Concept Tiguan’s ‘face’ and side profile are immediately recognisable as those of a Volkswagen, and yet they are different from all existing models in the range. The dark-anodised metallic tone of the front grille contrasts with the body colour, while a grid pattern and two dominant cross fins to the left and right of the Volkswagen roundel complete the look.

Another feature is the Concept Tiguan’s tyre design. These 19-inch prototypes, developed by Continental, have an orange radial stripe beneath the tyre profile which matches the car’s paint colour. This colour is not simply painted on: it penetrates the rubber layer as a ‘baked in’ component of the tyre’s casing. The eye-catching anthracite-coloured alloy rims are likely to feature in the production vehicle.

At the rear, the lights are integrated into the shoulder section similar to those on the Eos and Passat, while the steeply sloping tailgate extends right down to the bumpers, giving the Tiguan an unmistakably SUV design.

Inside the Concept Tiguan, the black, silver and orange colour theme continues. The vintage style black leather seats are trimmed with an orange pattern which mirrors that of the tyre tread. A panoramic sunroof adds light to the spacious interior which can seat up to five occupants, while to add versatility, the rear bench seat can slide fore and aft and be folded down to increase loadspace.

Under the bonnet, the concept car features a completely new type of diesel engine, called BLUETEC. Developed in partnership with Audi and Mercedes-Benz and presented for the first time at the LA show, BLUETEC employs a modular concept of different systems to reduce emissions significantly. One of these systems is the NOx storage catalytic converter which cuts nitrogen oxides by up to 90 per cent over current diesel units. This ‘Clean TDI’ will comply with the strictest emissions standards in the world and is one of the first components of the BLUETEC offensive.

More details on the Tiguan will be revealed in the first quarter of 2007. The car will go on sale in the UK early in 2008.

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VOLVO XC90 ACHIEVES HIGHEST SAFETY AWARD

VOLVO XC90 ACHIEVES HIGHEST SAFETY AWARD28 November 2006
The Volvo XC90 achieved the highest ‘Top Safety Pick’ rating in the 2007 safety awards from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in the USA. This award recognises vehicles offering the best protection in front, side, and rear crashes based on ratings in extensive crash tests by the IIHS.

“Our crash tests cover the most common kinds of real-world collisions,” says IIHS president, Adrian Lund. “Designating ‘Top Safety Pick’ winners based on our tests makes it easier for consumers to identify vehicles that afford the best overall protection without sifting through multiple sets of comparative test results,” he continued.

For its 2007 awards the IIHS has added a new requirement that winning vehicles must have electronic stability control fitted which it says significantly reduces the risk of a crash by helping drivers maintain control of their vehicles during emergency manoeuvres. It is notable that the Volvo XC90’s Roll Stability Control (RSC) was an industry first and it also has DSTC (Dynamic Stability and Traction Control) as standard.

“Integrated safety technology is part of the Volvo DNA to focus on real-world safety,” says Ingrid Skogsmo, director of the Volvo safety centre. “An award like this validates Volvo’s commitment to safety and explains why the XC90 is the best-selling European SUV in the United States.”

The IIHS rates vehicles as good, acceptable, marginal, or poor based on their performance in high-speed front and side crash tests plus evaluations of seat/head restraints for protection against neck injuries in rear impacts. To achieve a ‘Top Safety Pick’ rating a car must earn good ratings in all three IIHS tests.

Notes
The IIHS criteria for selecting winners included: frontal crashworthiness evaluations based on results of frontal offset crash tests at 40 mph. Each vehicle’s overall evaluation is based on measurements of intrusion into the occupant compartment, injury measures from a Hybrid III dummy in the driver seat, and analysis of slow-motion film to assess how well the restraint system controlled dummy movement during the test. Each vehicle’s overall side evaluation is based on performance in a crash test in which the side of the vehicle is struck by a barrier moving at 31 mph that represents the front end of a pickup or SUV. Ratings reflect injury measures recorded on two instrument-equipped dummies, assessment of head protection countermeasures, and the vehicle’s structural performance during the impact. Injury measures obtained from the two dummies, one in the driver seat and the other in the back seat behind the driver, are used to determine the likelihood that a driver and/or passenger in a real-world crash would have sustained serious injury. The movements and contacts of the dummies’ heads during the crash also are evaluated. Structural performance is based on measurements indicating the amount of B-pillar intrusion into the occupant compartment. Rear crash protection is rated according to a two-step procedure. Starting points for the ratings are measurements of head restraint geometry – the height of a restraint and its horizontal distance behind the back of the head of an average-size man. Seats with good or acceptable restraint geometry are tested dynamically using a dummy that measures forces on the neck. This test simulates a collision in which a stationary vehicle is struck in the rear at 20 mph. Seats without good or acceptable geometry are rated poor overall because they can't be positioned to protect many people.

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THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE LAND ROVER BOOK EVER PUBLISHED GOES ON SALE

The first Wilkes Centre-Steer Prototype under construction, Lode Lane, Solihull, 1947.Gaydon, Warwickshire, 27 November 2006
The Land Rover File, by Eric Dymock has been released by Dove Publishing and is available now to buy online and through selected retailers, priced at £25.00. The book includes, in one volume, everything there is to know about Land Rovers and Range Rovers, from the first prototypes of 1947, right up to the all-new Freelander 2 which goes on sale in December. There are hundreds of books available on Land Rover, but none to date have the wealth of readily accessible, accurate and up-to-date information of the Land Rover File.

All of the company’s five model lines are described model by model, each one with a descriptive entry and specification, and there is a history of Land Rover’s evolution as a company from stop-gap transport solution during wartime Britain to its position now as a company exporting vehicles to more than 140 countries around the world and with four best-sellers in its product range. Also covered in detail by the Land Rover File is the significant array of military Land Rovers, ‘knock-down’ assembled models from overseas, fire engines, ambulances, emergency vehicles, cross-country off-roaders and safari adventurers manufactured by the company over the years.

The Land Rover File is an Eric Dymock Motor Book, the seventh in the ‘File’ series, with additional research by Land Rover experts James Taylor, Roger Crathorne, Graham Robson and Mike Gould. It includes hitherto unacknowledged and even secret prototypes (complete with colour photography where available), known only to Land Rover insiders, and is a good read as well as a comprehensive reference book.

Buy now from 4x4books.co.uk. Only £16.50 plus carriage as at 28 Nov

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New Extra Cab model and more powerful engines for Toyota’s mighty pick-up

Hilux12 October 2006

  • Extra Cab model added to new Hilux range
  • Equipped with more powerful, Euro IV-compliant 2.5-litre D-4D 120 engine
  • n sale from 1 November, basic price £14,195
  • Revised 2.5-litre D-4D 120 (Single and Double Cab) and new 3.0-litre D-4D 170 (Double Cab) engines available from 16 January 2007
  • Prices announced for 2007 model year

These days the onset of autumn is defined as much by the start of another season of The X Factor on television as by the prevalence of any mists or feelings of mellow fruitfulness. This year Toyota is following the popular trend by presenting a new star model of its own for the nation to enjoy, but without the chore of having to phone in any votes.

The new arrival is the Extra Cab, which completes the line-up of Toyota’s new generation Hilux pick-up range alongside the Single and Double Cab models. Extra Cab, offered exclusively with four-wheel drive, becomes the first Hilux to adopt Toyota’s new 2.5-litre D-4D 120 engine. This unit gives more power and torque and is cleaner than the previous Hilux engine and will be available, together with a new, high-power 3.0-litre D-4D 170, in high grade Double Cab versions in the New Year.

EXTRA CAB, EXTRA APPEAL
The Extra Cab focuses firmly on practicality and is aimed principally at the business user who needs the flexibility of additional passenger space with maximum load area. It’s a two-door model, but features two occasional rear seats, equipped with three point seatbelts. These are incorporated into the design allowing a rear deck length of 1805mm compared to a Double Cab with 1520mm. It benefits from the same bold and stylish design of its Single and Double Cab stablemates and adopts the new-look bonnet with intercooler bulge that forms part of the Hilux range enhancements for the 2007 model year.

A single version is offered, in HL2 specification with four-wheel drive. Standard features include air conditioning, electric windows, remote central locking ABS and driver and passenger front airbags, demonstrating Toyota’s commitment to offering both tough performance for work and high levels of comfort, convenience and safety.

The new generation Hilux achieves significant improvements in noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) performance and better handling thanks to its new double wishbone front suspension, improved aerodynamics and ladder frame construction that is 45 per cent stiffer.

On sale date for the new Extra Cab is 1 November, with a basic price of £14,195 (full range prices and Extra Cab technical specifications are given below).

NEW D-4D ENGINES
The new 2.5-litre D-4D 120 engine which makes its debut in the new Hilux Extra Cab will also be available in Single and Double Cab models from 16 January next year. At the same time, a new 3.0-litre D-4D 170 engine will be available in the higher grade Double Cabs.

The D-4D 120 delivers all-round improvements, with eight per cent more power and 25 per cent more torque than the engine it replaces: maximum power is 118bhp (120 DIN hp) and maximum torque is 325Nm. The D-4D 170 will increase Hilux’s appeal across both work and leisure markets, offering high power (169bhp/171 DIN hp) and high torque (between 1400-3400 rpm) ensuring responsive and refined acceleration in all gears whatever the cargo. There are two transmission options of five-speed manual or four-speed automatic, the auto versions coming with cruise control as standard. Emissions from both new engines comply with Euro IV standards.

TOYOTA HILUX PRICES

MODEL

TYPE

ENGINE

BASIC PRICE

CVOTR PRICE*

HL2 4x2

Single Cab

D-4D 120

£11,495

£12,170

HL2 4x4

Single Cab

D-4D 120

£13,595

£14,270

HL2 4x4

Extra Cab

D-4D 120

£14,195

£14,870

HL2 4x4

Double Cab

D-4D 120

£14,895

£15,570

HL3 4x4

Double Cab

D-4D 120

£15,595

£16,270

HL3 4x4

Double Cab

D-4D 170

£16,195

£16,870

Invincible 4x4

Double Cab

D-4D 170

£18,195

£18,870

* CVOTR – commercial vehicle on-the-road, including delivery charge, 12 months’ road fund licence of £170, number plates and first registration fee, but excluding VAT.

Automatic transmission with cruise control is optional on D-4D 170 models, at £1,100 excluding VAT.

TOYOTA HILUX EXTRA CAB TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

ENGINE

 

Engine code

2KD-FTV

Type

4 cylinders in-line

Capacity (cc)

2,494

Valve mechanism

DOHC 16-valve

Bore x stroke (mm)

92.0 x 93.8

Compression ratio

17.4:1

Fuel type

48 cetane diesel

Max. power (bhp/DIN hp @ rpm)

118/120 @ 3,600

Max. torque (Nm @ rpm)

325 @ 2,000

TRANSMISSION

 

Type

4x4

Clutch type

Dry, single plate

Gearbox type

5-speed manual

 

 

Gear ratios

1st

4.313

2nd

2.330

3rd

1.436

4th

1.000

5th

0.838

Reverse

4.220

Differential gear ratio (front/rear)

3.909/3.909

BRAKES

 

Front (diameter/width mm)

Ventilated discs 255 x 25

Rear (diameter mm)

Drums 295

Additional features

ABS, Load Sensing Proportioning and Bypass Valve (LSP&BV)

STEERING

 

Type

Rack and pinion

Ratio

19.4:1

Turns lock-to-lock

3.72

Min. turning radius – tyre (m)

6.2

Additional features

Hydraulic power steering

DIMENSIONS

 

Overall length (mm)

5,255

Overall width (mm)

1,760

Overall height (mm)

1,795

Wheelbase (mm)

3,085

Front tread (mm)

1,540

Rear tread (mm)

1,540

Front overhang (mm)

885

Rear overhang (mm)

1,285

Interior length (mm)

1,840

Interior width (mm)

1,475

Interior height (mm)

1,190

Rear load height (mm)

855

Deck height (mm)

450

Deck length (mm)

1,805

Deck width (mm)

1,515

Deck volume (m3)

1.178

WEIGHTS

 

Kerb weight (kg)

1,830

Gross vehicle weight (kg)

2,875

Towing capacity – braked (kg)

2,250

Towing capacity – unbraked (kg)

750

Maximum payload (kg)

1,045

PERFORMANCE

 

Max speed (mph)

96

Acceleration 0-62mph (sec)

15.0

Fuel consumption – combined (mpg)

34.0

CO2

219

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MITSUBISHI EXTENDS CHOICE AND VERSATILITY OF AWARD-WINNING L200 PICK-UP RANGE

L20010 October 2006

  • New Club Cab model introduced
  • Versatile tipper added to range
  • 4x4 Commercial Vehicle Week to take place at all UK dealerships 4-12 November

This month (October) sees Mitsubishi’s award-winning and market-leading range of L200 pick-ups extended to include two important new variants in the shape of the Club Cab and the Single Cab Tipper. With four body-styles launched and a wide range of specifications available to suit all business needs, Mitsubishi now boasts the most comprehensive range of pick-ups on the market.

To promote this fact, every Mitsubishi dealership in the UK will take part in a dedicated 4x4 commercial vehicle week between the dates of 4-12 November. During this week dealers will display a range of commercial vehicles on their forecourts and will have a whole host of contract hire and finance deals on offer to customers.

L200 Club Cab
The Club Cab is the latest addition to Mitsubishi’s already extensive line-up of L200 pick-ups. Initially launched in March 2006, the new L200 featured single and double cab versions and, with the introduction of the Club Cab, the options and versatility of the L200 range increases yet again.

The Club Cab’s two-door with rear bench seat configuration provides the flexibility of either being able to carry four adults or providing additional space for secure stowage of tools and equipment. It also boasts a load bed 1.8 m long – 48 cm longer than that of the double cab. These features, combined with the L200’s car-like ride, handling and manoeuvrability, make it a perfect choice as a day-to-day working partner.

Available in 4Work, 4Life and Warrior variations, all Club Cabs feature a 2.5-litre turbo-diesel engine and come with easy-select four-wheel-drive plus rear diff-lock across the range, ensuring they’re competent performers, whatever the road surface.

Whilst the 4Work Club Cab includes EBS with EBD, driver and passenger airbags and even a CD player with MP3 player facility, the 4Life sees the addition of air-conditioning, electric front windows and central locking.

In keeping with other Mitsubishis that carry the Warrior identity, the top of the range Club Cab features everything the 4Life offers, as well as leather seats, 16” alloy wheels, front fog lamps and rear stainless steel bar with step. It’s also fitted with a host of external styling additions, which means it looks as purposeful as it performs.

Prices start at £12,797 CVOTR (£15,010.58 OTR) for the 4Work, £14,179 CVOTR (£16,655.58 OTR) for the 4Life and rise to £16,249 CVOTR (£19,066.68 OTR) for the Warrior.

L200 Tipper
A major addition to Mitsubishi’s already extensive range of L200 pick-ups is the brand new tipper-bodied model. Available from this month it’s destined to be a hit with the business and fleet markets, with over 70 orders already placed – even before it’s officially launched.

L200The L200 Tipper has been created in conjunction with one of the UK’s most respected conversion companies, Southampton-based VFS. Using a standard L200 Single Cab as their starting point, VFS’s expert engineers remove the flatbed and replace it with their own high quality version

The combination of the L200’s driver-friendly cockpit together with the practicality of a flat-bed tipper at the rear creates a vehicle which is as competent on the road as it is on a construction site. Added to this is the real benefit of its easy-select four-wheel-drive system, enabling access and driving safety when the going gets tough. This outstanding on/off road performance coupled with its 903 kg payload carrying and off-loading capabilities make the new L200 tipper a consummate work-horse, with attributes that suit a host of industrial applications.

The powder-coated steel tipper deck is powered by a chrome-plated, electro-hydraulic under-floor ram, which is activated by hand-held controls connected by a ‘wander’ lead. The flat 2405 x 1650 cm tipper bed is supported by a powder-coated sub-frame and surrounded by aluminium side and tail boards with six load-lashing points. The conversion also includes thermoplastic mudguards and a tubular rear-cab protector with infill panels and ladder stops, plus locking toolboxes located either side of the sub-frame.

Initially offered in two versions, 4Work and 4Life, both are fitted with the 2.5 litre 134bhp turbo-charged engine which powers other models in the L200 range. A drop-side version is also being considered for a later launch.

The 4Work tipper goes on sale at £17,147 CVOTR, with the 4Life priced at £18,397 CVOTR and features the addition of air conditioning, electric windows, central locking and a number of other trim modifications. Both models are available in three colours: black (pearlescent), white (solid) and silver (metallic).

L200 Elegance gets the ‘bling’ treatment. Due to the L200’s status as the ultimate business/leisure crossover vehicle, demand for the high-specification models continues to increase. Underlining this, feedback has shown that customers purchasing the top-of-the-range Elegance models have requested more of the external accessories, as can be found on the Warrior and Animal variants.

The Elegance was originally created to appeal to more traditional SUV purchasers who require an equipment-packed interior but prefer a more low-key exterior style. However, customer demand has shown that there are a growing number of people who want to drive away in the ‘ultimate’ L200 i.e. with maximum interior and exterior equipment and accessories. To cater for this, Mitsubishi has now introduced an upgrade pack for the Elegance which includes a front guard, lower sports grille, rear stainless steel bar with step and chrome accessories – door handles, fuel filler cap, headlamp bezels and rear lamp guards. Also included is the Rallitronic power upgrade, which increases engine output from x134 to 165 bhp @ 3800 rpm and torque from 231 to 348 lb.ft @ 2000 rpm. The complete upgrade pack is available for £2,000 - fully fitted.

The L200 is still king of the pick-up segment taking 37% overall market share and a massive 52% of the retail sector. Sales so far this year (September YTD) total 11,983 units a 22% increase on 2005 within a growing sector which has increased by 17% over last year.

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THE RANGE ROVER 2007: WORLD-FIRST SYSTEM PREVENTS MIS-FUELLING

Gaydon, Warwickshire, 9 October 2006
The world's most complete luxury 4x4 just got smarter, with the 2007 model year Range Rover TDV8, on sale this week, pioneering an innovative world-first technical solution – the petrol fuel guard system. The petrol fuel guard system helps prevent drivers filling their diesel vehicle with petrol – an increasingly common error in this age of the ultra-refined diesel engine. Land Rover's innovative new system is incorporated into the vehicle's diesel filler head and automatically activates the intervention of a mechanical shutter if a petrol nozzle is inserted, preventing petrol being dispensed into the diesel tank. The system distinguishes between petrol and diesel nozzles because thinner unleaded petrol dispensers go deeper down the neck of the vehicle's fuel tank, activating the shutter.

Chief programme engineer for the 2007 model year Range Rover, Paul Walker, says: "The new TDV8 engine in the Range Rover is so powerful and refined we feel that there is a danger, more so with this vehicle than with any we have sold in the past, of the driver mistaking the vehicle for a petrol-powered derivative – especially if the driver isn't the vehicle's regular user. Mis-fuelling is an expensive and complex problem to fix, and we are delighted to be first to the market with this innovative solution." The AA reports that in 2005, over 100,000 cases of mis-fuelling were reported, with diesel vehicles being filled with petrol in error. The associated costs are significant, often amounting to several thousand pounds if the incorrect fuel enters the engine upon starting the vehicle.

The Range Rover for 2007 comes with a host of other significant enhancements, on both the TDV8 diesel and V8 petrol derivatives, including the all-new V8 diesel engine, revised cabin design and new technologies including Terrain Response and the fuel protection system as standard. It is on sale now with prices ranging from £53,995 to £74,795.

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RANGE ROVER SPORT 2007 MODEL YEAR PRICES AND SPECIFICATIONS ANNOUNCED

Gaydon, Warwickshire, 3 October 2006
The 2007 model year Range Rover Sport will start from £35,665 for the entry-level, 2.7-litre TDV6 S, and will be available from 1 November at Land Rover dealerships throughout the UK. Following its world debut at the Paris Motor Show last month, the 2007 model year sees the introduction of a powerful, state-of-the-art TDV8 diesel fourth engine to the Range Rover Sport, with prices for this derivative starting at £53,120 for the HSE specification when it goes on sale in January 2007.

The TDV8 Range Rover Sport offers power and torque over 40% greater than the TDV6 turbocharged diesel engine, and achieves 25.5mpg (combined cycle) while class-leading refinement helps emphasise the V8 acoustics. Prices rise to £63,225 for the petrol V8 Supercharged Range Rover Sport HST.

The complete Range Rover Sport 2007 model year prices and specifications are as follows:

TRIM LEVEL HEADLINE EQUIPMENT AS STANDARD PRICE
TDV6 S Electronic Air Suspension with Terrain Response, Automatic Climate Control, Cruise Control, Halogen Headlamps, Puddle and Footwell lamps, Fabric interior, Illuminated vanity mirrors, Perimetric and Volumetric Alarm Systems, Speed Adaptive Automatic Gearbox, 17" Alloy Wheels and Goodyear Tyres £35,665
TDV6 SE As TDV6 S plus: Rear Park Control, Bi-Xenon Headlights, Leather interior, Powerfold Exterior Mirrors, 18" 10 Spoke Alloy Wheels and Pirelli Tyres £40,665

TDV6 HSE As TDV6 SE plus: Dynamic Respose, Brembo Front Brakes, Lower Centre Console Cooler Box, Front and Rear Parking Distance Control, Premium Navigation System, Personal Telephone Integration System,  Premium Leather, 18" Alloy Wheels and Metallic Paint £47,265
TDV8 HSE As TDV6 HSE plus: Adaptive Cruise Control with Forward Alert, Premium Navigation System, Personal Telephone Integration System, Voice recognition and Driver Microphone, Electronic Front Seats, Illuminated vanity mirrors, Powerfold Exterior Mirrors, Perimetric and Volumetric Alarm Systems, Speed Adaptive Automatic Gearbox, up to 19" alloy wheels and metallic paint  £53,120
TDV8 HST As above plus: Electric Sunroof, Hand-polished Lined Oak Interior, Sports Leather, Active Rear E Differential transmission, 20" 'Stormer' Alloy Wheels £59,020
Petrol V8 HSE As TDV8 HSE plus: Bi-Xenon Headlights, Pirelli tyres (with 18" & 19" Alloy Wheels and full sized spare wheel) £54,500
Petrol V8 Supercharged HSE As TDV8 HSE plus: Sports Leather £57,325
V8 Supercharged HST As TDV8 HST

£63,225

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