All-new Mazda3 set for Los Angeles premiere

Mazda Motor Corporation has announced that the all-new Mazda3 will make its world premiere at the Los Angeles Motor Show, open to the public from 30th November to the 9th December. The company says that the all-new Mazda3 “adopts a richer interpretation of Mazda’s KODO design philosophy, which embodies the essence of Japanese aesthetics”.

Volkswagen shows Tarok pick-up concept in São Paulo

Volkswagen has unveiled the Tarok Concept to the world at the São Paulo International Motor Show (6 to 18 November). The all-wheel drive all-rounder “combines the progressive features of the latest generation of digitally networked SUVs with the versatility of a cleverly designed five-metre pick-up”. Its new features include a large variable loading area, which can be extended thanks to the folding rear panel in the spacious four-door double cab. 

Britain’s second-best selling vehicle is a van

The Ford Transit Custom commercial vehicle was Britain’s No.2 top-selling vehicle among all vehicles sold in October, only outsold by the country’s best-selling car, the Ford Fiesta. The Transit Custom range powered Ford’s share of the commercial vehicle market to 33.2 percent, up nearly two percentage points from October last year, and more than double the market share of the nearest rival. Transit Custom (including the Tourneo Custom people carrier) is now the No.3 top-selling vehicle range in Britain for the year to date. 

Order books open for plug-in hybrid Mercedes E-Class

The new E 300 de Saloon and Estate are available to order, with prices starting at £47,700 for the Saloon and £49,700 for the Estate. The E 300 de Saloon and Estate are powered by a 2.0-litre diesel engine which produces 191 bhp and 295 ft lb of torque and a hybrid module with 120 bhp of electric power and 325 ft lb of torque (combined system output is 516 ft lb). It can achieve 166.2 mpg on the combined cycle and emits 41 g/km of CO2 (44 g/km for the Estate). It can travel from 0 to 62 mph in 5.9 seconds (6.0 seconds for the Estate) and has a top speed of 155 mph.

Hyundai and Kia push “solar roof” technology

Kia Motors and Hyundai Motor have today announced plans to introduce ‘solar roof’ charging technology on selected Hyundai Motor Group vehicles. Electricity-generating solar panels will be incorporated into the roof or the hood of vehicles, and will support internal combustion, hybrid and battery electric vehicles with additional electrical power, increasing fuel efficiency and range.