New flagship model for the performance German Coupe gets a 4.0-litre V8 with a hybrid powertrain.
Mercedes has revealed the GT 63 S Coupe which will be the fastest accelerating AMG series model yet.
Under the bonnet is a 4.0-litre biturbo engine mated to an electric motor that will produce 804bhp and 1,420Nm of torque, enabling a 0-60mph time of 2.6 seconds and a top speed of 198mph.
The electric motor is positioned at the rear axle, and produces the equivalent of 201bhp alone, while it has an electrically switched two-speed transmission.
The GT 63 comes as standard with a limited-slip differential and Mercedes’ 4Matic+ four-wheel-drive system to give the best traction.
The 6.1kWh battery pack on-board enables a claimed electric driving range of up to 8 miles.
There are eight different AMG driving programmes including ‘Electric’, ‘Battery Hold’, ‘Comfort’, ‘Slippery’, ‘Sport’, ‘Sport+’, ‘Race’ and ‘Individual’.
The GT 63 S E Performance is also equipped with active rear-axle steering as standard. Depending on the speed, the rear wheels can steer in the opposite direction to the fronts when travelling up to 62mph or in the same direction at speeds over 62mph. It helps to make the car more agile at slower speeds but still controlled at higher ones.
High-performance ceramic brake discs with six-piston fixed calipers at the front and one-piston calipers at the rear all help the GT 63 improve stopping power.
On the exterior, there are grooved twinned trapezoidal tailpipes, 21-inch alloy wheels and an integrated charging flap.
Inside, there are AMG sports seats available in a variety of patterns and trim designs including one and two-tone Nappa leather or leather with diamond quilting.
Mercedes hasn’t revealed prices for the GT 63 S E Performance yet but the standard GT63’s starting price of £165,000 means that the E Performance could creep closer towards the £200,000 mark.
One in two drivers think that the rise in fuel costs is one of the biggest challenges over the next 12 months.
Rising car insurance and hikes in the cost of fuel have topped a list of motorist concerns, a new study has found.
A total of 2,000 drivers were included in a survey conducted by Close Brothers Motor Finance which found that 53 per cent think rising fuel prices are the most challenging issue, while 52 per cent cited insurance hikes instead – an increase of 34 per cent compared to last year.
Insurance costs are the second biggest concern with 52 per cent of motorists surveyed agreeing. (Credit: PA Alamy)
The research also found that one in ten drivers are having to ask people to contribute towards petrol when giving them a lift and 39 per cent have had to cut back on how often they drive their car – which is a 27 per cent increase compared to last year.
Lisa Watson, Director of Sales at Close Brothers Motor Finance said: “The ongoing hike at the pumps will add further pressure to drivers who already feel they’re faced with increased costs from all lanes, making car ownership difficult to afford.
She then added: “Consumers all over the country are looking at ways to tackle rising costs. With day to day living costs soaring, high interest rates, and the increasing prices at petrol pumps – many are now having to explore other measures to stretch their finances further – including charging loved ones for fuel when giving them a lift.”
Other cost issues found that 37 per cent of drivers were concerned about the price increase in servicing and MOTs, 30 per cent at the cost of purchasing a new car and another 30 per cent at the inflation in road tax.
Aston Martin remains committed to physical controls in its cars following customer feedback, one of the firm’s development bosses has stated.
Neil Hughes, head of product management at Aston Martin, told the PA news agency that it was ‘hard to put craftsmanship on a touchscreen’ and that he thought the car industry had reached ‘peak touchscreen’.
“I think we’re off the peak of that, and some lessons have been learned across the industry that customers want a choice of both, and you can go too far with one.
“It’s very hard to put craftsmanship on a touchscreen, whereas a luxury brand like us, we want to show detailing.”
Hughes was speaking at a preview event for the new DBX707. Acting as Aston Martin’s flagship performance SUV, the DBX707 has been upgraded with a new touchscreen and driver display but, crucially, a large number of physical controls for some of the car’s features.
It shuns a trend which has seen many car manufacturers adopt a screen-centric approach with many firms housing all of a car’s key settings and controls within the main touchscreen.
The DBX707 retains key ‘hard controls’ for systems such as the driving modes, suspension, exhaust and heating and ventilation adjustment.
“You can familiarise yourself with it, you can have the muscle memory, you know where they are”, added Hughes.
“You’re not fumbling around looking for touch buttons for those items. You want ready access on a day-to-day basis without having to figure out through sub-menus on the main display.”
Both SUV and Coupe models will get revised styling, suspension, engine and gearbox.
Porsche has revealed an updated version of the Cayenne GTS and Coupe with revised suspension, engines and styling.
Under the bonnet, both cars get a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 with increased power and torque figures of 493bhp and 660Nm. Porsche claims 0-60mph in 4.2 seconds, too, alongside a top speed of 171mph.
The transmission has also been revised and comes as standard with an eight-speed Tiptronic S automatic gearbox.
On the exterior, there are now bigger cooling air intakes at the front, black GTS badging on the rear and sides of the car, dark-tinted headlights and taillights and red brake callipers.
There are standard 21-inch alloy wheels that are finished in anthracite grey, as well as side skirts, front inlays, wheel arch extensions while the tailpipes now have a bronze finish.
Head inside and you’re greeted with a heated sports steering wheel, eight-way adjustable sport front seats and there is suede with fabric headliner, armrest and door panels.
There are new sports seats and a new curved digital instrument cluster. (Credit: Porsche Newsroom)
The new GTS also boasts Porsche’s new curved digital instrument cluster and has the option of a passenger display, too.
The Coupe version also benefits from a glass panoramic sunroof fitted as standard and has an adaptive extending rear spoiler.
Both models of the Cayenne GTS and Coupe are available to order now with expected deliveries for the UK and mainland Europe in summer 2024.
The old C-Class and CLK Cabriolets were a byword for comfort, hi-tech and luxury open-top cruising – can the new topless CLE keep up that reputation?
What is it?
The CLE replaces the old C-Class Coupe and Cabriolet models. (Credit: Mercedes-Benz Media)
The CLE replaces the C-Class coupe and now Mercedes has decided to chop the roof off it to make it attractive to those who want the wind in the hair experience. Essentially a successor to the old C-Class Cabriolet, the CLE Cabriolet is directly competing with the convertible versions of the BMW 4-Series and Audi A5.
Designed to offer four-seater luxury with the ability to travel longer distances, the CLE Cabriolet has been created by Mercedes to be refined, comfortable and above all, engaging to drive. That’s the intention, anyway, which is why we’ve headed to sunny Tenerife to see what it’s all about.
What’s new?
The AirCap system has been redesigned to allow air to flow higher over the car to reduce wind noise. (Credit: Mercedes-Benz Media)
The Cabriolet version of the CLE, like the coupe model, has a new exterior design with a more curved and swooping body compared with the C-Class models it replaces, while a longer wheelbase – with an extra 164mm over its predecessor – aims to make the interior more spacious for everyone aboard.
The fabric hood has been designed to stand up to the very harshest of weather. This is down to an insulated multi-layered soft top, which can be operated at speeds of up to 37mph and takes 20 seconds to be lowered and raised. Plus, a new and improved ‘AirCap’ system located in the top frame of the windscreen allows the air to flow over the car at greater height to reduce drag and wind noise.
What’s under the bonnet?
We drove the predicted best-seller being the CLE300. (Credit: Mercedes-Benz Media)
A range of engines are on offer for the CLE Cabriolet including two 2.0-litre in-line four cylinders in the CLE200 and CLE300. A 2.0-litre diesel, meanwhile, is found on the CLE220 D and the top-of-the-line CLE450 comes with a 3.0-litre in-line six petrol.
Mild-hybrid technology comes as standard on all versions to help improve efficiency, economy and CO2 emissions.
Our test car was the CLE300 which came with a 2.0-litre in-line four-cylinder that produces 261bhp and 400Nm of torque – with emissions and fuel economy figures of 167g/km of CO2 and 38.2mpg. Mercedes quotes a 0-60mph time of 4.5 seconds, too.
What’s it like to drive?
Got back from my first new car launch in Tenerife yesterday with the Mercedes CLE Cabriolet. The perfect weather to test a convertible I’d say ☀️🕶️ pic.twitter.com/nFjTH99Gtd
We drove the predicted best-seller, which was the CLE300 and although the power is plentiful, it’s let down by a hesitant automatic gearbox and steering that lacks feel. That said, standard-fit four-wheel-drive helped inspire confidence in the bends and will certainly be a welcome attribute back in the wet and wild UK.
However, there is no denying that the CLE is a heavy car – weighing in at 1,985kg. So on a twisty road, it feels a little bit out of its comfort zone, with the car wallowing when exiting a corner. Thankfully, the CLE fits the role of the comfortable cruiser well with the suspension doing a great job of absorbing any lumps and bumps in the road. Combine that with an engine which is quiet and sedate at speed and you have a drop-top which feels well-suited to sweeping bends in the sun.
How does it look?
The design is more curvaceous than before. (Credit: Mercedes-Benz Media)
To our eyes at least, the CLE Cabriolet is a very elegant and svelte-looking car with lots of free-flowing lines. Although similar to the coupe version, the CLE will definitely go down well for those who want to pose on the city streets.
The design of the CLE is nothing out of the ordinary with other Mercedes aesthetics and that’s no bad thing as it keeps the firm’s traditional image of class and luxury all rolled into one.
The new design makes the new car more modern and the rear tail lights that merge into the rear hatch area are a nice touch. It’s just a shame that Mercedes still designs fake-looking exhaust tailpipe exits at the rear which makes the car look cheap.
What’s it like inside?
The CLE has a very upmarket feel, with lots of soft touch materials. (Credit: Mercedes-Benz Media)
Inside the CLE there are plenty of good points, with soft plastics used throughout and the infotainment screen was clear and easy to use. It can even be angled towards the driver further when in direct sunlight.
The space in the back was good with an ample amount of legroom and headroom wasn’t too bad with the roof up while boot space was also impressive at 385 litres – which is the same as the BMW 4-Series and five litres more than the Audi A5.
One good point to make is the climate control settings are always present on the infotainment display. They may not have the mechanical feel of direct buttons, but it’s an improvement instead of burying them into the infotainment display and ensures that you can quickly and easily adjust the temperature inside the car. Furthermore, other standard features of the new CLE feature Mercedes’ AirScarf allowing warm air to blow onto the necks of the passengers to keep them warm in colder months.
What’s the spec like?
The AirScarf system comes as standard. (Credit: Mercedes-Benz Media)
The CLE Cabriolet is available in four different flavours for British buyers with the entry-level AMG Line starting at £53,030 and rising to £61,280 for the Premier Edition.
The car we drove was the equivalent of the UK specced AMG Line Premium which starts at £58,780.
As standard it features ambient lighting, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, keyless entry and start, heated and ventilated front seats, 20-inch alloy wheels, a sports steering wheel with Nappa leather and blind spot monitoring.
Verdict
The CLE Cabriolet is still a great all-rounder for those looking for a comfortable four seat convertible. (Credit: Mercedes-Benz Media)
The CLE Cabriolet was not designed to be a B road basher or a track day toy for the driving enthusiast. Instead, it’s been set up to be a relaxing cruiser for those sunny road trips down to the south of France. It also has usable back seats and a bigger boot than the Audi A5 cabriolet making it practical and a genuine four-seater.
Also, thanks to standard mild-hybrid technology, the CLE Cabriolet will be a lot cheaper to run than the old C-Class Cabriolet.
Although it’s not revolutionary, the drop-top version of the CLE is still a great choice for those wanting a usable yet premium four-seater cabriolet with that three-pointed star pedigree.
New limited edition version of the Subaru Outback will be available to order soon.
Subaru has revealed a limited run of its rugged and dependable estate with the Outback Touring X.
The Subaru Outback has gained a reputation over the years for being the go-to choice for those who want an off-roader that isn’t an SUV.
With its symmetrical all-wheel-drive system and its go-anywhere capability, the Outback can deliver great usability over rough ground and, as standard, it comes with a CVT automatic transmission alongside a towing capacity of up to two tonnes.
It will be priced from £43,635 (Credit: Subaru Media UK)
The Outback Touring X will be limited to just 100 examples here in the UK and will come with a whole load of extras.
On the exterior, the Touring X will come with Geyser blue metallic paint with black contrasting accents, dark metallic 18-inch alloy wheels, black door mirrors and roof rails while the lower surrounds on the front and rear bumpers are also finished off in gloss black.
Jump inside and the Outback Touring X gets Nappa leather, heated front and rear seats, a leather steering wheel, a sunroof and a reversing camera. There is an 11.6-inch touchscreen display which comes with sat-nav, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and there is an 11-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.
The Outback Touring X will be available from May 1 and priced from £43,635.
There’s been an increased demand for retro-inspired bikes of late. It’s something that can be seen across the motorcycling world, with more manufacturers dipping their toes into the world of yesteryear designs but with modern-day touches. Honda is no different, too, and while it may be well known for its cutting-edge street and adventure bikes, this model – the CL500 – is designed for people who want to make a more stylish entrance.
Lightweight and angled towards urban driving but with dynamics which could allow it to head off-road when required, the CL500 could be a motorcycle to match all occasions. We’ve been aboard to see what it’s like.
What’s new?
While the exterior does take inspiration from Honda’s CL models from the 1960s, the underneath of the CL500 is firmly rooted in the present. You get 19-inch front and 17-inch rear tyres for nippy, eager handling while the block-pattern tyres suggest it could handle a little bit of light off-roading. There’s LED lighting across the board, too, ensuring that this compact bike stays visible while Emergency Stop Signal technology automatically activates the rear indicators as hazard lights under heavy braking.
There are loads of neat touches dotted across the bike, too, from the tank pads and the upswept handlebars which maintain that feeling of retro cool. A 790mm seat height means that it’s not too tricky to get on board either, meaning that this could be a good option for newer riders as well.
What’s it powered by?
You’ll find a 471cc liquid-cooled four-stroke two-cylinder engine powering the CL500, which develops 46bhp and 43.4Nm of torque. It’s linked to a six-speed manual gearbox, too, and when you combine a 12-litre fuel tank with a claimed fuel consumption figure of just over 65mpg, it means that the CL500 could deliver 186 miles from a full top-up.
There are 41mm telescopic forks while a twin, spring preload adjustable rear shock takes care of the rest of the suspension. In terms of braking, there’s a two-piston front brake caliper with a 310mm disc alongside a single-piston rear caliper on a 240mm disc. Honda says that the CL500’s ABS system has been optimised to be used on dirt tracks as well as tarmac, too.
What’s it like to ride?
Climb onto the CL500 and you’re met by a very user-friendly cockpit setup. It isn’t overly adorned with features or buttons, just everything you need in a clear, precise layout. Even the LCD screen is minimal in design, though it does have all of the information you’d want. Quite oddly the CL500 has its ignition on the side of the bike – which does tie into the old-school feel – with the steering lock key barrel on the same side.
Up and running there’s a wonderful characterful burble from the high-exit exhaust and while no one would see this bike as overly powerful, it’s got enough power to keep things interesting. The gearshift is light and simple to get along with, too, though the clutch is relatively sharp and does take some getting used to. At speed, there’s a fair amount of wind blast from the unprotected front end and though the smaller wheels do promote agility around town, when you’re on the motorway they do make the CL500 feel a touch nervous.
How does it look?
There’s no hiding the CL500’s retro roots, but it’s far from a case of style over substance. Everything appears well-finished and well put together, with pleasant materials. All bikes come in one of four colour choices – orange, green, blue or black – and these go alongside a black frame which helps to make this bike stand out. ‘Our’ test bike came in the particularly striking ‘Candy Energy Orange’ which felt like it tied in with the retro theme nicely.
Customisation is a big part of the CL500 experience, too. That’s why this model is available with a wide range of accessories to tailor it to your requirements, ranging from heated grips to a 38-litre top box for extra storage. Our test bike came with a front fender and knuckle guards – both in contrast white – which gave the CL500 more of an adventure-ready appearance.
What’s the spec like?
Prices for the CL500 start from £6,149, making this a well-priced bike – particularly considering it has a relatively large engine. All four colours are available for no extra cost, too, while all versions get the aforementioned LCD dash and an under seat helmet holder. It’s certainly not pushing into the upper echelons of motorbike pricing and makes this good-looking bike more accessible to more riders. The CL500 can also be made to suit A2 licence holders for those who aren’t yet holding their full motorcycle licence.
It’s good to have such a variety of accessories available for this bike, too, as it means that you’re better able to tailor it to a variety of needs and riding styles.
Verdict
The CL500 brings its retro style without forsaking usability. While it’s not the fastest bike there, its lightness and agility makes a whole lot of fun to ride and just as exciting to pilot out on twisty lanes as it is around town.
It isn’t the most suited to long-distance motorway journeys or outright adventure riding, but for everything else in between the CL500 makes a great deal of sense and all at a very attractive price point.
Citroen has revealed the first images of the next generation C3 Aircross.
Citroen has taken the covers off its new C3 Aircross and this time will be rivalling cars like the seven seat Dacia Jogger.
A choice of petrol, hybrid and electric powertrains will be on offer with further details to be revealed nearer the car’s launch date which is set to be later this year.
Externally, the new C3 Aircross has grown in size measuring at 4.39 metres long.
It also shares similar design cues to the new C3 with a vertical front end that houses the Citroen logo and both petrol and electric versions will sit on the same platform.
Say hello to the all-new Citroën C3 Aircross👀
A Compact SUV with a lounge-like interior. With up to 7 seats, New C3 Aircross offers plenty of space on-board.
Customers will also be able to customise the look of their Aircross with a two-tone paint option and colour clips located on the bumper and rear quarters can be interchanged for different colours, too.
This new model is now an SUV rather than a crossover and Citroen promises that the larger exterior dimensions will help increase the cabin space with more leg and headroom for second row passengers and sufficient space for third row passengers.
The C3 Aircross will be available with a choice of petrol, hybrid and electric powertrains. (Credit: Stellantis media)
Not only has the C3 Aircross grown in size and length, it also sits higher off the ground over the outgoing model allowing for more ground clearance and allows passengers and the driver to sit higher up giving better visibility when driving.
The next generation C3 Aircross will be fully revealed in the summer of this year with further details on pricing, specifications and engines to follow nearer the car’s release date – while order books will open once the car’s launch.
Range-topping SUV will start at £46,775 when it goes on sale later this year
Hyundai’s flagship SUV, the Santa Fe, will go on sale later this year priced from £46,775.
The fifth-generation Santa Fe will come with seven seats as standard in the UK, with a six-seat option also available, and will be offered in three trim levels.
The engine range is simple with just two units available – a 1.6-litre hybrid with 212bhp and a 1.6-litre plug-in hybrid with 249bhp, with both using a six-speed automatic gearbox. The former comes in two- or four-wheel drive, while the latter comes only with four-wheel drive, but the pure-electric figure is yet to be confirmed.
The Santa Fe will go on sale later this year priced from £46,775. (Credit: Hyundai Press UK)
Three trims are on offer with entry-level Premium getting 20-inch alloy wheels, privacy glass, power folding door mirrors, a powered tailgate, LED front and rear lights and a 12.3-inch dual curved infotainment screen.
Ultimate starts from £50,275 and features a Bose sound system, dual glass sunroof, electrically adjustable steering column, heated and ventilated front seats and heated rear seats.
The top-of-the-range Calligraphy is priced from £52,775 and adds 20-inch black alloy wheels and Nappa leather seats. There is a choice of ten different exterior colours for the new Santa Fe, too.
The new Santa Fe will go on sale later this year with a starting price of £46,775 for the entry-level Premium hybrid and will rise to £57,635 for the Calligraphy plug-in hybrid.
The CX-80 will be Mazda’s flagship SUV and is being hailed as a challenger to established premium brands.
Mazda has revealed the new CX-80 SUV, which will be available with diesel or plug-in hybrid power.
It’s due to arrive in the UK later this year and will come with the same engine options as the smaller CX-60.
The plug-in hybrid will have a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine mated to a 173bhp electric motor, with a 17.8kWh battery pack. Mazda is also offering a 250bhp 3.3-litre e-Skyactiv diesel version that is an in-line six-cylinder.
Both models will be all-wheel-drive and have automatic gearboxes as standard.
There will be a choice of five different trim levels. (Credit: Mazda Press UK)
The CX-80 is bigger than the CX-60, with a 250mm longer wheelbase measuring at 4,995mm allowing it to carry a third row of seats. It’s also 26mm taller at 1,710mm, which allows for extra headroom as well.
The UK market will get five trim levels – the Exclusive-Line, Homura, Takumi, Homura Plus and Takumi Plus.
A choice of three middle-row seat configurations will be on offer, comprising three individual seats, a walk-through space instead of a centre console, or a fixed centre console with no walk-through.
Drivers can also choose from nine exterior body colours, while the CX-80 will feature equipment such as Alexa in-car voice control of music and air conditioning as standard, too.
Discover the all-new #Mazda#CX80, a perfect representation of 100 years of Mazda DNA.
Jeremy Thomson, the managing director of Mazda Motors UK, said: ‘The all-new Mazda CX-80 is our new flagship SUV – a car that sits at the very top of our range in the UK and will offer a unique blend of space, practicality, luxury and stand-out design.
‘It combines progressive design anchored in Japanese aesthetics with outstanding on-board accommodation that delivers quality, style, flexibility and superior technology, all combined with the signature driving performance delivered by every Mazda.’
He added: ‘The all-new Mazda CX-80 is a car that will allow us to challenge the established premium brands in the UK market with a luxury SUV that is the most spacious car in Mazda’s European line-up.’
Its full pricing and specifications are yet to be revealed, but prices will start at £48,920 when the car goes on sale in the autumn.
