MOTORING
MOTORING NEWS The latest news on all things motoring. By Nick Fletcher
NEW AUDI A6 AVANT
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Available for order this summer,the new Audi A6 Avant, which has sharper and more muscular styling. Prices have not yet been announced. There are four and sixcylinder TDI and TFSI engines supported by Audi mild hybrid technology based around a belt alternator starter which recovers energy during braking that is harvested by a separate lithium-ion battery and also enables engineoff coasting at speeds of between 34mph and 99mph to conserve fuel. An enhanced start-stop function that is active from just over 13mph is also standard. All versions will be equipped with either sevenspeed S tronic twin-clutch or eight-speed tiptronic automatic transmissions, and quattro all-wheel-drive will be a standard or optional feature depending on model. The sport differential that actively distributes power between the rear wheels when cornering at speed will also be available. Despite the even more rakish lines, the new A6 Avant matches the outgoing car for luggage capacity. It offers a loading width of 1,050 millimetres and a capacity of 565 litres in five-seat mode, increasing to 1,680 litres with the standard 40:20:40 backrests folded down. The tailgate and the luggage compartment cover open electrically as standard, and an optional sensor is available for the tailgate which enables it to be opened using a simple movement of the foot.
ROAD TEST: SEAT IBIZA XCELLENCE SEAT’s Ibiza supermini has attracted a loyal following in recent years and the latest version, lower, wider and with a longer wheelbase and sharper styling, is certain to boost sales of this increasingly cool and sporty marque, writes NICK FLETCHER. Running on a new lightweight platform also shared with some of its VW-Audi stablemates, Ibiza now has more of a grown-up feel, is more spacious, better equipped and with charismatic styling which makes rivals look rather dull. Ibiza prices start at £13,665 and there are several trim levels including a tasty and more sporty FR version. Available only in 5-door form, Ibiza comes with petrol and diesel options, with the 1.0 litre 3-cylinder 94 hp petrol unit a popular choice. This engine - the one fitted in my Xcellence flagship test model has a 0-60 mph time of 10.6 seconds, top speed of 113 mph and remarkably good fuel economy of 60.1 mpg combined. Emissions are low at 106 g/km. The Xcellence model, priced at £17,310, has plenty of kit including keyless entry and start, four different driving
modes, cruise control, parking sensors and rear view camera, touchscreen infotainment, sat-nav with voice recognition, DAB radio and connectivity including Mirror Link, Apple Car Play and Android Auto, plus a wireless phone-charger. On the move, Ibiza handles exceptionally well, with minimal body roll and lots of grip. Ride quality is slightly firm but still comfortable. The 1.0 litre turbo-petrol engine is responsive and at speed, pleasingly quiet for a 3-cylinder unit. Occupant space in the Ibiza is very good, accommodating four adults with ease and five at a squeeze. The box-shaped boot holds a substantial 355 litres, boosted by folding rear seats which sadly do not fold flat, leaving an awkward step – my only negative comment on this attractive family hatchback. This is the fifth generation of the Ibiza, with 5.4 million sold in over 30 years and sales currently at record levels in the UK and across Europe. That upward trend is set to continue as the latest Ibiza has outstanding credentials in a hotly-contested supermini sector.
ALL-NEW FORD FOCUS Ford has unveiled its all-new Focus, on sale for September delivery, starting with Style (at £17,930), the range progresses through Zetec (£19,300), ST-Line (£21,570), ST-Line X (£24,050), Titanium (£21,550), Titanium X (£22,820) and Vignale (£25,450). Focus Style comes as standard with 16in alloy wheels, air conditioning, DAB digital radio with Bluetooth and Emergency Assist, electronic parking brake, autonomous emergency braking, tyre pressure monitoring, Hill Start Assist and LaneKeeping Aid. Zetec models add highlights such as Ford’s acclaimed SYNC3 DAB Radio with a 6.5in touchscreen and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto functionality, cruise control with speed limiter, and QuickClear heated windscreen. Titanium models bring additional features including front and rear parking sensors, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry and start, a larger eight-inch colour touchscreen, satellite navigation and FordPass Connect wireless connectivity. The Titanium X boosts the luxury further with partial leather trim, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, privacy glass and 17in alloy wheels.
For sporty drivers, the ST-Line offers unique body styling, including unique upper and lower grille, rear spoiler and polished twin tailpipes. Inside are a flat-bottomed steering wheel, aluminium gearknob, alloy finish pedals and red stitching. The ST-Line X adds 18in alloy wheels, red brake calipers and many of the luxury features found on the Titanium X model. At the top of the all-new Focus range sits the luxurious Focus Vignale, featuring a unique front grille and body styling with 18in wheels, leather upholstery, head-up display, rear view camera, heated steering wheel and the 675-watt 10-speaker B&O Play Premium Audio System.