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The wagon is the second member of the New Generation i30 family, and joins the five-door hatchback to broaden the appeal of Hyundai’s C-segment range. The stylish wagon shares engines and running gear with the well-received New Generation i30 five-door, but has a longer body to create a significant increase in trunk space without compromising the model’s dynamic styling.

The wagon’s overall length is increased by 185 mm to 4485 mm over its five-door sibling, making it one of the most accommodating vehicles in the European C-segment, and 10 mm longer than the original i30 wagon.

Compared with the five-door, the wagon expands trunk space from 378-litres to a best-in-class 528-litres – and with the rear passenger seats folded down, cargo volume increases more than three-fold, to 1,642-litres.

Like its hatchback sibling, the New Generation i30 wagon was designed and engineered specifically for European customers at Hyundai’s European R&D Centre in Russelsheim, Germany. The wagon was developed alongside the hatchback form from the earliest stages, enabling the stylists to fashion a coherent design that bears a strong family resemblance inspired by Hyundai’s fluidic sculpture form language.

As with the five-door variant, the front is distinguished by Hyundai’s hexagon-shaped grille and jewel-like headlamps, but from the B-pillar backwards the wagon differs significantly. The roofline extends rearwards over the flexible passenger/cargo area, sloping to add dynamism to the car’s stance in keeping with the fluidic sculpture ethos of a stationary car appearing to be in motion.

Further enhancing the wagon’s dynamic appearance, a pronounced swage line runs horizontally along the sides of the body and rises all the way to the rear lights. The rear windscreen wraps around the D-pillars, increasing interior luminosity and benefiting visibility. The deep tailgate gives the car a clean look and opens to bumper-level for easy loading.

The New Generation i30 wagon will be available with the same three gasoline engines and three diesel engines as the five-door, producing 90 to 135 ps.

Buyers of the New Generation i30 wagon will benefit from Five Year Triple Care, comprising a five-year unlimited warranty, five years’ roadside assistance, and five years of vehicle health checks.

Allan Rushforth, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Hyundai Motor Europe, said: “The New Generation i30 has been widely praised for its style, quality, and value. Our new wagon offers all of those attributes plus even greater load-carrying capacity. We expect it to appeal strongly to those looking for stylish and flexible practicality, especially active families.”

The new version of the high-performance Roadster impresses on several counts: systematic lightweight construction, a boost in output and driving dynamics, and 30 percent lower fuel consumption and emissions.

Thanks to an all-aluminium bodyshell, similar to that of the SLS AMG super sports car, the vehicle weight has been reduced by 125 kilograms. With a kerb weight of 1845 kilograms and an output of 537 hp or 564 hp, the new SL63 AMG has the perfect recipe for a superior driving experience.

A further boost in performance comes courtesy of an enhanced AMG sports suspension based on Active Body Control (ABC), new AMG speed-sensitive sports steering, the AMG high-performance compound brake system and the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission.

Ola Kallenius, CEO at Mercedes-AMG GmbH: “The new SL 63 AMG is yet another masterpiece from Mercedes-AMG. Be it driving dynamics, lightweight construction or efficiency – the SL 63 AMG represents a giant leap forward. Following on from the SLS AMG Roadster and the SLK 55 AMG, it now makes our unrivalled roadster family practically complete.”

The SL 63 AMG is available with a choice of two power outputs for the first time. The AMG 5.5-litre V8 ‘biturbo’ (twin-turbocharged) engine delivers 537 hp and 800 Nm of torque. If the AMG Performance package is specified, these figures rise to 564 hp and 900 Nm – more power than any other competitor in this segment.

The result is blistering performance, as underlined by the acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.3 or 4.2 seconds, and to 200 km/h in 12.9 or 12.6 seconds respectively. Top speed is 250 km/h (electronically limited), although this rises to 300 km/h (likewise electronically limited) with the AMG Performance package on board.

NEDC combined consumption comes in at 9.9 litres per 100 kilometres for both power outputs – a full 4.2 litres or 30 percent lower than for the outgoing model.

The eight-cylinder powerplant with the abbreviation M157 features a combination of innovative high-tech components for high power output and delivering low fuel consumption. In addition to spray-guided direct petrol injection, the engine boasts an all-aluminium crankcase, twin turbochargers, four valves per cylinder with camshaft adjustment, air/water intercooling, alternator management and an ECO start/stop function. The weight-optimised AMG sports exhaust system with two chromed twin tailpipes produces a distinctive engine sound.

The key data at a glance:

SL 63 AMG

• Displacement: 5461 cc
• Bore x stroke: 98.0 x 90.5 mm
• Compression ratio: 10.0 : 1
• Output: 395 kW (537 hp) at 5500 rpm; 415 kW (564 hp) at 5500 rpm*
• Max. torque: 800 Nm at 2000-4500 rpm; 900 Nm at 2250-3750 rpm*
• Engine weight (dry): 204 kg
• Vehicle weight acc. to EC: 1845 kg
• Fuel consumption, NEDC combined: 9.9 l/100 km
• CO2 emissions: 231 g/km
• Efficiency class: F
• Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 4.3 s; 4.2 s*
• Top speed: 250 km/h**

*With AMG Performance package **Electronically limited

Intelligent lightweight construction is one of the major factors behind the low fuel consumption figures. The SL 63 AMG is based on a lightweight all-aluminium bodyshell similar to that of the SLS AMG super sports car. Compared to the outgoing model, this design not only delivers a significant weight saving of around 110 kilograms, it also greatly enhances rigidity, safety and comfort. Intelligent lightweight construction also means that the components have been optimised in line with their specific purpose. Various types of processing are used for the aluminium components, for instance, which are produced as permanent mould castings or vacuum die castings before being processed into extruded sections or used as sheet aluminium with varying wall thicknesses. The result is high rigidity, high safety and improved vibration characteristics. For the cover behind the tank, the designers use even lighter magnesium material in some cases. High-strength steel tubes are integrated into the A-pillars for safety reasons.

The boot lid helps to further trim the weight. For the first time on a volume-produced model, the inner support is made from lightweight carbon-fibre composite. The extremely rigid carbon-fibre component is bonded to the plastic outer shell, resulting in a weight saving of five kilograms compared to a conventional boot lid – an innovative solution destined initially for the SL 63 AMG. This raft of innovative lightweight-design measures means that, at an EC kerb weight of 1845 kilograms, the new SL 63 AMG is 125 kilograms lighter than the model it replaces.

The lightweight-design measures are not just limited to the body of the SL 63 AMG, however, as the steering knuckles and spring links on the 4-link front suspension and almost all of the multi-link independent rear suspension components are made of aluminium. The reduction in unsprung masses enhances both agility and the response of the spring and damper components.

Mercedes-AMG is remaining faithful to the ABC active spring and damper system: the new SL 63 AMG is equipped with an enhanced version of the AMG sports suspension based on Active Body Control as standard. During the design, development and testing phases, the focus was firmly on driving dynamics and performance. Exceptionally sporty characteristics with reduced roll angles and firm body damping (“Sport”) or more comfort-oriented settings for a high level of comfort on long journeys (“Comfort”) can be selected at the push of a button. To enable greater agility and faster cornering speeds, the SL 63 AMG has more negative camber all round and fully revised elastokinematics.

Equipped with the new, electro-mechanical AMG speed-sensitive sports steering, the flagship AMG model impresses with its fleet-footed, agile cornering and exceptional feedback at the critical limits. The steering has a constant and more direct ratio, and variable power assistance which adjusts in line with the suspension settings. Further standard equipment includes 3-stage ESP®, a speciality exclusive to AMG with “SPORT Handling” mode for particularly keen drivers, while options available from the AMG Performance Studio include an AMG rear axle differential lock and AMG performance suspension.

Power transmission can likewise be adapted to specific requirements, as the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission has four modes to select from: “C” (Controlled Efficiency), “S” (Sport), “S+” (Sport plus) and “M” (Manual). In “C” mode, the ECO start/stop function is active at all times and switches off the eight-cylinder engine when the vehicle is at a standstill. Plus the transmission characteristics are tangibly soft, with smooth and early gear changes. Second gear is generally used as the starting gear in this mode.

The engine and transmission are far more agile in “S”, “S+” and “M” mode; in addition, the stop/start function is deactivated. Partial suppression of the cylinders proves perfect for a committed driving style: briefly and precisely interrupting ignition and injection under full load leads to even faster gearshifts than before. A welcome side effect of this is the emotive sound impression. An automatic double-declutching function for downshifting and the RACE START function are also included as standard with the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission.

Maximum performance is also a top priority when it comes to braking: the newly developed AMG high-performance compound brake system features 390 x 36 mm compound discs with six-piston fixed callipers at the front and 360 x 26 mm integral discs with single-piston floating callipers at the rear. An electric parking brake is fitted as standard, while options available from the AMG Performance Studio include red-painted callipers to denote the AMG Performance package and the even more high-performance, weight-optimised AMG ceramic high-performance compound brake system as seen on the SLS AMG.

The SL 63 AMG leaves the factory fitted with five-twin-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels painted titanium grey with a high-sheen finish, shod with 255/35 R 19 front and 285/30 R 19 rear tyres. Multi-spoke AMG forged wheels from the AMG Performance Studio with 255/35 R 19 front and 285/30 R 20 rear tyres – also available in matt black including a rim flange with a high-sheen finish – help to reduce the unsprung masses.

SLS AMG Roadster, SLK 55 AMG and SL 63 AMG – as the latest addition to the AMG Roadster family, the flagship V8 model displays the hallmark styling elements of a superior high-performance car from Affalterbach: the dynamically distinctive AMG bodystyling comprises the front apron with large air dams, AMG-specific LED daytime running lamps and a lower cross strut in silver chrome. Among the particularly eye-catching features are the new AMG radiator grille with a double louvre in silver chrome, the side sill panels and the “V8 BITURBO” logos on the vent grilles with fins in silver chrome. At the rear, the AMG spoiler lip, the two chromed twin tailpipes of the AMG sports exhaust system and the diffuser-style rear apron with body-coloured insert draw the design to a fitting conclusion.

The sixth-generation SL retains the space-saving, electrohydraulically retractable vario-roof, enabling the SL to be transformed into a roadster or a coupé, as the mood takes the driver and depending on the weather, in under 20 seconds. In contrast to the outgoing model, there are three versions to choose from for the new SL: painted roof, glass roof or the unique panoramic vario-roof with MAGIC SKY CONTROL. Its transparency can be switched to light or dark at the push of a button.

A crash-optimised aluminium structure, standard-fit PRE-SAFE® system and assistance systems on a par with those of the S-Class make the SL the world’s safest roadster. The rigid aluminium bodyshell forms a robust occupant compartment as well as precisely defined deformation zones at the front and rear. If the vehicle rolls over, A-pillars made from a steel-aluminium material mix and two automatic roll-over bars help to protect the occupants.

The restraint systems, including two-stage driver and passenger airbags, have been further enhanced. A headbag extensively covers the side head-impact area. An additional thorax airbag in the backrest can protect the upper body in the event of a side impact. Further new standard features for the SL include the Mercedes-Benz-developed NECK-PRO crash-responsive head restraints. An active bonnet and a front end with a large, yielding impact area help ensure pedestrian protection.

The powerful SL models from Affalterbach are among the most successful AMG models of all time: almost 5000 SL 63 AMG models with eight-cylinder naturally aspirated engine were sold between 2008 and 2011. Over 21,500 of the SL 55 AMG models with V8 supercharged engine produced between 2001 and 2007 were sold, making it the best-selling AMG model so far. The total number of SL AMG models with eight-cylinder engine sold to date stands at over 26,500.

Designed and produced by Nexus/H, the app recognises the need to fulfil a real role in gathering knowledge and key information as part of the buying process in today’s competitive market and is aimed at a younger more digital savvy audience for Civic.

Martin Moll, Head of Marketing, Honda UK says : “People today want information as part of their journey towards purchase but simple data and stats can be pretty dull. With the new mobile app the challenge was to really engage with the audience whilst at the same time deliver a relevant and involving interaction. In many ways this is the same experience we are trying to reflect in the new Civic when you discover something new and innovative.”

As a key part of creating new touchpoints and connections with a wider customer  audience the new app combines both online and offline channels with the adoption of QR codes within all new Civic printed catalogues for a more dynamic and interactive experience.

Glenn Smith, Creative Director, Nexus/H: “Creatively the app had to be imaginative and unique, technically it had to be challenging and innovative but most importantly the app had to be useable and of real commercial value as part of the customer journey towards purchase.”

The app incorporates a number of key interactive elements enabling the consumer to fully explore some of the key features of the new Civic including:

• An interactive “hot spot” to demonstrate the imaginative Honda “Magic Seats” system with a fun game that shows the variety of items that can be conveniently stored within the flexible interior and luggage area.
• A dynamic 360 degree viewing facility that provides a virtual tour of the interior space and equipment that becomes even more involving with the iPhone version which uses an accelerometer.
• Users can create their own “wind tunnel” experiment through the smartphone mic and discover some of the key aerodynamic and handling characteristics of the new Civic.
• Ability for users to “explore models” and to create their own new Civic, choosing model, engine, grade, colour, etc., with a social media and email facility to post and share their model on Twitter or Facebook.

The mobile app is available for download in over 20 markets throughout Europe from the Apple App Store and the Android Market

These leaked images come courtesy of the Facebook page of Motoryzacyjny – a Polish car magazine and it shows us what appears to be a shapely sports hatch which looks like its taking aim at the market share enjoyed by the likes of the Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series.

Still no official word from Volvo but expect some news soon since these photos have been lobbed online.

Designed to G2 specifications, the new Jazz combine the very best in Australian and European engineering, with specifications found in many World Rally Championship cars. The Mugen-tuned 2 litre engine delivers 183 kilowatts at 8500 RPM and 193 Newton metres of torque.

Honda Australia spokesperson, Lindsay Smalley said the new cars could take Honda from challengers to champions. “We are excited about the next year of rallying. Racing is in Honda’s DNA. These rally cars are modified with the best engineering from Australia and Europe. Fitted with Mugen engines, these may well be the fastest Jazz in the world!

“Honda is proud to continue its support of Australian rallying and we hope this season will be even better than the last. As our founder Mr. Honda said, if Honda does not race, there is no Honda,” Mr. Smalley said.

Scott Pedder, CEO of the Bosch ARC welcomed Honda’s expanded commitment to the Championship and congratulated the company on its initiative. “Honda has to be commended for leading the way and being the first to commit to the new formula.

“The Honda Civic Type R that Eli Evans and Glen Weston campaigned over the past two years has become a crowd favourite at rallies around the country, because of how exciting it looks on the stages and the great sound it makes. These new cars are going to look even better.

Six rounds will comprise the 2012 season, with a ‘Rally Showcase’ at Calder Park in Victoria to mark the start of the season in March.

Rumours suggest that the facelifted Sorento is expected to wear styling that steps in line with the rest of the Kia range, so probably a new front fascia with a revised grille and bumper design.

LED headlights are expected to be part of the new package plus revisons to the rear lights and rear valance. Some reports suggest that Kia have redesigned the appearance of the rear hatch door too.

Apparently this test mule was testing alongside an Audi Q5 as well as a Mercedes GLK, that suggests that these vehicles are the benchmarks that Kia are using in the facelift development.

Toyota published a couple of  teaser images yesterady pertaining to their new B segment prototype, the FT-Bh concept. As well as the teaser photos, Toyota also released a teaser video which can be viewed further below.

In case you are wondering where Toyota got the name from, well it’s an acronym for Future Toyota B-segment hybrid.

The concept is designed to achieve best fuel efficiency in the segment and Toyota are keen to stress that the production of this prototype is based upon viable methods and materials, meaning they can slot production at a facility without too much modification.

Toyota say although the vehicle may look small for a B segment car, the concept actually offers the same space as the average five-door supermini and weighs much less, Toyota aiming to keep kerb weight down to around the 800kg mark. This equates to weighing less than Toyota’s own three dorr Aygo.

To achieve best in class fuel efficiency, Toyota have utilised a mini version of their hybrid powertain. No further details were given by Toyota but do expect more as the Geneva Motor Show draws nearer.

Since the revamp of Euro NCAP’s rating in 2009, the safety organisation has upped the ante in safety by raising its criteria for 5 stars annually.

In 2012, any car awarded 5 stars should achieve an overall score of at least 80 percent, while scoring at least 80 percent of the available points in Adult Protection, 75 percent in Child Protection, 60 percent in Pedestrian Protection and 60 percent in Safety Assist. This translates into significantly safer vehicles for consumers today, in particular on pedestrian protection offered where the average 5 star car barely exceeded the 25 percent limit just a few years back.

The recently refreshed Jeep Compass achieved only two stars against the 2012 criteria, underachieving in most areas of Euro NCAP’s assessment.

The compact SUV was tested with an optional side thorax airbag but its test results showed a poor protection levels, particularly in the side pole test. In pedestrian protection, the Compass scored a disappointing 23 percent. Compact SUVs are the most popular sport-utility segment in Europe, but the Jeep Compass did not demonstrate itself as a strong contender on safety in comparison to other tested competitors in the same category.

Euro NCAP is also publishing the results of the new Honda Civic, awarded the maximum five star rating.

The 9th generation family hatchback achieved high scores in all areas of assessment, putting it on a par with its rivals in this competitive market segment. The car scored well in Safety Assist and is also fitted as an option with Honda’s Collision Mitigation Brake System (CMBS), a radar-based autonomous emergency braking technology rewarded by Euro NCAP Advanced in 2010.

Eight cars assessed last year also meet the more stringent requirements for 5 stars in 2012. Euro NCAP has re-issued the 5 star rating for 2012 for the following vehicles: BMW 1 Series, BMW X1, Ford Focus, Ford Ranger, Mercedes M Class, Nissan LEAF, Subaru XV and Volvo V60.

Michiel van Ratingen, Euro NCAP Secretary General, says: ‘The results published today show clearly that a 5 star these days means a lot more than a 5 star some years ago. Many car makers have moved on and so have we. Cars based on older technology, brushed up and marketed as new are not providing the same levels as safety as the newest models developed against the new targets. Consumers interested in a fair comparison will not be fooled by these results.”

At the unveiling, Alexander Murdzevski, Volvo’s director of motorsport in Sweden, said : “We have had a big pressure on us from many curious Volvo enthusiasts as it is a new championship and a new racing car. That is why we chose to reveal the car now. Our final team colours are going to be shown later, but this is our S60 in TTA racing specification.”

Together with its motorsport partner Polestar, Volvo will be running a total of four race cars through two different teams, Volvo Polestar Racing and Volvo Polestar Performance. Three of four drivers are confirmed, Robert Dahlgren, Fredrik Ekblom and Thed Bjork. The fourth driver has not yet been named.

Volvo is keen to stress that the fairness of the series was one of its main motivations for joining. TTA is going to feature silhouette touring cars with a common 3.5-litre V6 engine and KERS. Peak output is capped at 420 horsepower, with drive strictly going to the rear wheels via a six-speed sequential gearbox with paddle shifters.

The first leg of the 2012 TTA season commences on May 12 at Karlskoga, Sweden. Volvo is signed up for the series until 2015.  You may recall that Citroen also have an entry into the TTA with a C5, which you read about here

The new sports concept features a unique exterior with distinctive design cues and black accents. The result: a Grand Cherokee boasting a distinct, aggressive flair and combining exclusive, sporty appeal with the efficiency of the new 3.0-litre V-6 turbo-diesel engine with Multijet II technology.

The exterior of the Jeep Grand Cherokee production-intent sports concept features a more streamlined appearance, thanks to the introduction of new roof-molding covers that replace the roof rack. The vehicle’s grille surround appears in gloss black with a mesh grille texture in Platinum Chrome. Black headlamp bezels and deep-tint sunscreen glass increase its sporty look. A Platinum Chrome lower fascia applique completes the unique front-end appearance.

The new production-intent sports concept rides on 20-inch tyres that surround one-of-a-kind black-gloss aluminum wheels to add to its aggressive, performance-oriented appearance. A black liftgate light bar and black chrome dual exhaust tips continue the “blacked-out” theme across the vehicle’s exterior.

The interior of the production-intent sports concept is enhanced by a leather-wrapped perforated heated steering wheel and ventilated sports-styled Nappa leather and suede seats. Real carbon-fiber accents are integrated into the instrument panel and door trim panels. Bright, racing-style brake and pedal pads add to the sporty performance look inside the cabin.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee production-intent sports concept is powered by the efficient 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel engine with new-generation, 1,800-bar injectors and Multijet II technology developed and patented by Fiat Powertrain. The 3.0-litre CRD engine produces maximum power of 241 hp at 4,000 rpm and torque of 550 Nm at 1,800-2,800 rpm, and it is paired to the five-speed automatic transmission with Electronic Range Select (ERS).

The 3.0-litre CRD powertrain is also offered in a low-output version, with 190 hp at 4,000 rpm and 440 Nm of torque across 1,600-2,800 rpm.

The new production-intent sports concept is equipped with the sophisticated Quadra-Trac II 4×4 system with two-speed transfer case and Brake Traction Control System (BTCS) on both the front and rear axle to ensure benchmark off-road capability. Quadra-Trac II’s two-speed transfer case uses the inputs coming from a variety of sensors in order to determine tire slip at the earliest possible time and take corrective actions. The system uses Throttle Anticipate to sense quick movement in the throttle from a stop and maximizes traction before slippage occurs. When tyre slippage is detected, 100 percent of the available torque is instantly routed to the axle with the most traction. Ultimate off-road capabilities are accomplished through the assistance of standard Hill Descent Control, for maximum downhill control, and Hill Start Assist, granting a smooth launch on a grade.

The equipment for on-board comfort and infotainment offers the latest technology and aims at transforming every journey into an absolute pleasure.

In addition to the Uconnect multi-media infotainment and navigation system with 6.5-inch touch screen, 30-gigabyte hard disk, USB compatibility, AUX port, DVD video and voice-activated Bluethooth Uconnect Phone, the production-intent sports concept offers a state-of-the-art audio surround-sound system from Harman Kardon. This 825-watt, 19-speaker, one-subwoofer premium audio system offers world-class innovation. It features a 32-volt TPS (Tracking Power Supply) 12-channel amplifier that delivers outstanding acoustics and brings multi-dimensional quality sound for all interior occupants.

The new Jeep Grand Cherokee production-intent sports concept offers a vast array of advanced safety and security features that further highlight that technological innovation belongs within the DNA of the Jeep flagship. In addition to the standard safety equipment including Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Electronic Rollover Mitigation (ERM), anti-lock brakes with off-road calibration, Brake Traction Control System (BTCS) and seven air bags (front seat, side, side-curtain front and rear and seat-mounted), the sports concept adds the following premium safety features:

Adaptive Cruise Control: the system decreases the vehicle’s pre-set cruise-control speed when closing in on another vehicle in the same lane or when another vehicle pulls into the same lane. The system will accelerate to the pre-set speed when the vehicle in front speeds up or moves into another lane

Forward Collision Warning: using forward-facing radar sensors, this system detects when the vehicle may be approaching another vehicle too rapidly and alerts the driver, so the driver can determine what action must be taken in order to prevent a collision

Blind Spot Detection: the system uses dual ultra-wideband radar sensors to aid the driver when changing lanes or if being passed by or passing unseen vehicles. The system notifies the driver of vehicle(s) in their blind spot via illuminated icons on the sideview mirror and with a driver-selected audible chime

Rear Cross-path Detection: in parking-lot situations, this system warns drivers backing out of parking spaces of traffic moving toward their vehicle. It activates any time the vehicle is in Reverse. The driver is notified of vehicle(s) crossing behind the vehicle via illuminated icons on the sideview mirror and with a driver-selected audible chime