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.
Both models will be available with both petrol or electric power with deliveries expected in June.
Vauxhall is now taking orders for its new Corsa Yes Edition and Mokka Griffin with both models available with either petrol or electric powertrains.
The Corsa Yes Edition arrives in a choice of four different exterior paint finishes with ‘Record Red’ standing out with a contrasting black roof and door mirrors at a no-cost option.
Petrol models of the Corsa Yes Edition also feature new black alloy wheels designs, too.
The Corsa Yes Edition will be offered with petrol or electric powertrains. (Credit: Stellantis media)
Inside, there are sports-style front seats with red accents, Yes Edition badging located on the dashboard and a 10-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as wireless smartphone changing. Petrol models also feature a seven-inch instrument cluster.
Engines in the Corsa start with the 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol which produces 98bhp and is paired to a six-speed manual transmission.
The electric version comes with a 134bhp electric motor and a 50kWh battery pack that gives a claimed range of 221 miles and can go from zero to 80 per cent charge in 30 minutes.
The Mokka Griffin comes with a contrasting black roof and tinted windows alongside 17-inch alloy wheels.
The new Mokka Griffin deliveries are expected in June of this year. (Credit: Stellantis media)
Inside, there is a flat-bottom steering wheel, rearview camera and rear parking sensors. There is also a seven-inch touchscreen that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a seven-inch digital instrument cluster.
The Griffin also gets heated front seats and steering wheel, automatic climate control and keyless start.
Engines for the Mokka Griffin consist of a 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with three different power outputs – 98bhp, 128bhp or 134bhp.
The 98bhp and 134bhp come with six-speed manual gearboxes whereas the 128bhp comes with the option of an eight-speed automatic.
The electric version comes with a 50kWh lithium-ion battery pack that gives a claimed range of 209 miles with an electric motor producing 134bhp. Fast charging will enable the Mokka to go from zero to 80 per cent charge in 30 minutes.
Prices for the Corsa Yes Edition start at £18,505 for the 1.2-litre petrol and rise to £26,895 for the electric version.
The Mokka Griffin prices start at £21,555 for the 1.2-litre petrol with 98bhp and rise to £29,495 for the 134bhp electric model.
Both Corsa Yes Edition and Mokka Griffin deliveries are expected in June this year.
The previous generation Land Cruiser has been around since 2009 – so it’s about time Toyota brought a new version to the market.
The Toyota Land Cruiser is one of the toughest and most hard-working vehicles the world has ever seen.
Ever since the Land Cruiser first came to the market back in the early 1950s, there have been many iterations in a wide variety of body styles – including three-door and five-door and there have even been convertible versions, too.
The previous generation Land Cruiser went on sale in 2009 and although several facelifts along the way helped it plod along – they weren’t enough to disguise the fact that the Land Cruiser had had its day.
So, Toyota decided to go back to the drawing board and create a completely new generation of their legendary off-roader.
Here are all the things that you need to know about the new Toyota Land Cruiser.
It has a disconnecting anti-roll bar system
At the touch of a button on the centre console allows the anti-roll bars to become detached to allow for greater manoeuvrability. (Credit: Toyota Media UK)
At first, that might sound a bit disconcerting. However, Toyota has developed a system they’re calling a Stabiliser Disconnect Mechanism which helps improve off-road performance while maintaining a comfortable ride on the road.
At the touch of a button on the centre console, the driver can unlock the front anti-roll bar suspension to increase wheel travel.
This enables the vehicle to be easier to manoeuvre over rocky and rough road surfaces while keeping all four wheels on the ground.
It also improves roll rigidity and gives a smoother ride quality for all passengers when driving on rough surfaces – and when the vehicle’s speed increases the anti-roll bar automatically re-locks.
A new body-on-frame chassis has been developed
The chassis on frame platform is called GA-F. (Credit: Toyota Media UK)
The new Land Cruiser has a new body on frame chassis called the GA-F platform. The new structure is there to improve body strength and rigidity by having an extra 84 weld points while the side rails and cross member have also been stiffened to help improve rigidity – tailor-welded blanks (which use a lighter steel) help reduce weight, too.
Overall the Land Cruiser’s torsional rigidity is 50 per cent stiffer than it was before and the frame and body combined is 30 per cent better as well.
It’s the first Land Cruiser with electric power steering
Previous Land Cruiser generations used hydraulic power steering. (Credit: Toyota Media UK)
Land Cruiser’s of the past used to have hydraulic power steering, however, this new model uses an electrical steering system for the first time.
Electric power steering can reduce the amount of kickback you get from the wheel when driving over rough terrain like rocks and mounds.
Its purpose is to improve the overall feeling of the steering and it benefits by being smoother, more direct and improving the manoeuvrability at all speeds.
A mild hybrid version will be arriving in 2025
The mild-hybrid system will work alongside the Land Cruiser’s standard 2.8-litre diesel engine. (Credit: Toyota Media UK)
Next year will see the launch of the mild-hybrid version of the new Land Cruiser which will combine the standard 2.8-litre diesel engine with a 48V electric-motor generator, a 48V lithium-ion battery and a stop-start system.
The mild-hybrid system will give a smoother, quieter and more efficient choice among buyers for the Land Cruiser.
There is a Panoramic View Monitor and Multi-Terrain Monitor
The Multi-Terrain Monitor gives a view of the underside to measure tyre positions and ground-clearance. (Credit: Toyota Media UK)
The Panoramic View Monitor or PVM can be used at speeds of up to 7.5mph and can be activated using voice control. The PVM can provide a view to the driver of the surrounding area that the vehicle is in to help reduce any bumps and scrapes from occurring at slow speeds.
The Multi-Terrain Monitor or MTM gives a view of the underside to prevent the driver from damaging the vehicle over bumpy terrains, while also giving guidelines on the monitor of the vehicle and tyre positions.
It has a new suspension setup
There is a new double wishbone suspension setup. (Credit: Toyota Media UK)
The suspension features a new independent double wishbone setup. It’s constructed from high-strength, lightweight components for durable, long-lasting and reliable performance.
The rear anti-roll bar is made from new materials that are lighter and more rigid than before and even more weight is saved by the axle-cross section which is thinner but has a thicker bracket to help with rigidity and strength.
To stop the rear wheels lifting during off-road manoeuvres the Land Cruiser has an increased anti-lift angle and maintains all the wheels on the ground at the same time.
There is a new braking system
The new Land Cruiser features electronically controlled braking. (Credit: Toyota Media UK)
The Land Cruiser now features an electronically controlled braking system that enables it to help improve the feel and performance of how the driver responds to braking.
An on-demand pressure system by the vehicle stability control operates in addition to conventional braking systems – which enhances the braking feel.
The popular family hatchback has received an update to keep it in line with its rivals.
Nissan has revealed the facelifted version of its current-generation Qashqai, bringing a sharper look and more interior features to the popular crossover.
On the exterior, there is a new front grille painted in gloss black, a fresh set of headlights and triangular-shaped bumper slates.
The inserts of the bumpers are colour-coded and the rear bumper has been redesigned with the tail lights now featuring clear lenses to give a better performance when illuminated at night.
New infotainment features include Google built-in. (Credit: Nissan news UK)
There are also new alloy wheel designs and three new exterior paint finishes including Pearl white, Pearl black and Deep ocean.
A new trim level has been added called ’N-Design’, which includes body-coloured wheel arches and a new set of 20-inch alloy wheels.
Inside, higher spec trim levels like the N-Design and Tekna+ get Alcantara on the dashboard, door inserts and door armrests. The seats on the N-Design model get black leather with quilting and embossed Qashqai badging just below the headrests.
There is an improved version of Nissan’s Around View Monitor, too, which is the company’s own 360-degree parking camera aimed at making low-speed driving easier.
The new Qashqai will be available with mild-hybrid and Nissan’s e-Power hybrid unit. (Credit: Nissan news UK)
The new system features a 3D function allowing the driver to select a choice of eight different camera angles to reduce the chance of any bumps or scrapes when manoeuvring the vehicle.
A new Parking Spot Memory Function has also been added, allowing the driver to save exact parking locations – and then the car will remember the space for the next time around.
The Qashqai will also come with Google built-in. When signed into their Google account, the system will allow drivers to quickly access their favourite locations via the Maps app, as well as other services.
The powertrains on the new Qashqai remain the same as before, however, with Nissan’s e-Power hybrid system bringing a turbocharged three-cylinder engine which is mated to a 187bhp electric motor and a 1.8kWh battery pack. A mild-hybrid version is also available.
The new Qashqai will be available to order later this year with prices being announced nearer the time, too.
A bus once used by Sir Paul McCartney during the 1972 Wings Over Europe tour is heading under the hammer at auction.
The eye-catching double-decker bus was used by Sir Paul and Linda McCartney – as well as the rest of the Wings band – to travel over 7,500 miles across nine countries and 25 cities during the summer of 1972 with its psychedelic colour scheme ensuring nobody missed it wherever it went.
Completely and faithfully restored to its original heyday condition, the bus features wooden bunk beds, bright yellow colours and a bespoke cover for the upper deck which features ‘1972 Wings Tour Bus’ graphics. The top deck itself has been engineered as a performance space – now referred to as ‘The McCartney Stage’.
Sold by Car and Classic via online auction, the bus could fetch up to £200,000 by the time the hammer falls. The auction is set to run from April 22 until April 29, too.
The bus is accompanied by artefacts and memorabilia donated by founding Wings member Danny Seiwell, while an official license permits the use of artwork, logos and the names of both Paul and Linda McCartney.
Dale Vinten, Car & Classic head of editorial, said: “Just as [John] Lennon’s Rolls-Royce and the notable cars of other [The] Beatles members carry the weight of history, tour buses tell a different story, and bear witness to the behind-the-scenes magic that fuels the onstage brilliance.
“This essence is perfectly encapsulated in the Wings tour bus, still adorned in its psychedelic colours, and restored to how it would’ve been when the McCartneys and the rest of the band toured Europe over the summer of ’72. “
The new Focus ST Edition comes with adjustable front suspension and Brembo brake discs.
Ford has revealed a more hardcore version of its Focus ST hot hatchback with a new Edition model.
The Focus ST has been the only hot hatch on offer from the blue oval since the demise of the Focus RS back in 2018.
The new Focus ST Edition comes with adjustable front coil springs which allow the driver to tune the car to their personal preference.
The new ST Edition has fully tuneable suspension (Credit: Ford media)
The two-way adjustable suspension can be lowered by 10mm front to rear – compared to the standard ST setup – with a further 20mm adjustment available, too.
Extra stopping power has been brought in thanks to standard Brembo front brake discs, enabling the car to stop quicker and harder under fast track driving.
Under the bonnet is a 276bhp 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine allowing the ST Edition to do 0-60mph in 5.5 seconds, reach a top speed of 155mph and produce 420Nm of torque.
The interior features large bucket seats (Credit: Ford media)
On the exterior, the ST Edition comes with an Azura blue paint finish, gloss black door mirrors, roof, rear and diffuser as well as lightweight 19-inch alloy wheels while inside, there are sports seats and blue stitching on the steering wheel, gear lever, floor mats and centre console knee pads. There is also a choice of a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed automatic.
The Focus ST Edition is available to order now priced from £42,905, with deliveries expected later this year.
