2009 Kia Soul

Local dealership Loughborough Kia recently hosted a visit from a very rare guest – a unique Kia Soul designed exclusively by Jeff Banks for fashion retailer Matalan. The one-of-a-kind car was styled by the celebrated designer for an in-store competition that Matalan will be launching to its customers in the winter.

The ‘Unwrap a car for Christmas’ promotion will run from November 16th to 24th December within all 200+ Matalan stores around the country. The promotion with Kia is exclusively available to Matalan Reward Card holders who swipe their card when they purchase in store or online. Reward Cards are free and available in all stores so you can pick one up next time you visit your local Matalan.

Remodelled from the stylish Kia Soul Samba - already a head-turning vision in bright Tornado Red – international designer Jeff Banks was inspired by its bold personality and wanted to adapt the model one step further. He added red alloy wheels, racing seats and an in-car cinema system, complementing its existing sound system with red LED mood lighting. Jeff Banks’ crest features on the roof of the car, plus his autograph on the tailgate.

“The car looks absolutely amazing – very inspiring,” commented Cliff Johnson, Dealer Principal, Loughborough Kia. “One of Soul’s main benefits is the fact that it can be customised to suit its owner. There are many packages available from Kia with all sorts of design options so that anyone can customise their Soul to reflect their personality.”

Starting at only £10,775, Soul’s appeal is more than just its looks. And, with a host of options and accessory packs available, customers can tailor their Soul exactly as they wish. Individual options vary from interior and exterior items, including leather seats, body styling kits, a selection of decals and carpet mats.

A number of personalisation packs are available from Loughborough Kia. For further information about the Kia Soul, head to Loughborough Kia at 177 Leicester Road, Moutsorrel, Leicester LE12 70B or call the team on 0116 230 3055.

2010 Nissan Fuga

Redefining the traditional luxury car, Nissan's first generation Fuga luxury sedan, delivered outstanding performance, comfort and interior quality. Inheriting that flagship DNA package, the all-new Nissan Fuga arrives in Japanese showrooms this autumn.

Class-leading performance, handling and engineering
At the heart of the new Nissan Fuga are new technological advances that combine seemingly conflicting attributes such as nimble handling and comfortable ride, plus powerful acceleration and silent, eco-friendly performance. Customers may choose from either the VQ37VHR 3.7-liter V6 or the VQ25HR 2.5-liter V6.

Amongst the innovation, fitted to the Fuga are newly developed `Double Piston Shock Absorbers' (frequency responsive) that employ a double piston construction to improves handling and ride quality by increasing oil flow inside the shock absorber to reduce vibration from road undulations and absorb minor road imperfections.
Incorporating some significant advanced technologies such as LDP (Lane Departure Prevention system) and Intelligent Cruise Control, this sedan promotes safe, comfortable driving.

Based on sat-nav map information indicating a curve approaching, the system assists deceleration by deploying a movable accelerator pedal and activating the brakes in a system called `Intelligent Pedal (Navigation-Cooperative).' `Cornering Stability Assist' applies the VDC System to control vehicle movement for safe and smooth cornering. Both the `Intelligent Pedal' and the `Cornering Stability Assist' are world-first technologies to be featured on the new Fuga. Along with advanced active four-wheel steering, these technologies support the driver to ensure a comfortable driving.

Supporting Eco-drive and Safety-drive
The new Fuga is the world-first model to feature a driving safety support system, which utilizes the ITS (Intelligent Transport Systems) in its navigation system. The system supports safe driving by providing information to alert the driver at blind intersections for example, based on information on nearby vehicles and traffic environment, which is transmitted to the Fuga from optical beacons installed all across the country.

Fitted as equipment that supports eco-driving, the Fuga employs a world-first `ECO-pedal'. When the eco-pedal system is on, each time the driver steps on the accelerator, a counter push-back control mechanism is activated if the system detects overly zealous throttle work, helping to inform the driver that they could be using more fuel than required. An eco-driving indicator integrated into the instrument panel feeds the driver with real-time fuel consumption levels to help improve their driving behavior.

A first for Nissan, the newly engineered "Drive Mode Selector" is fitted as standard equipment and adjusts engine response, transmission shift schedule and 4-wheel active steering, giving the Fuga a sportier, more comfortable on-road feel. In addition to normal drive mode, the 4-door sedan features a newly fitted sports mode and eco-mode. By selecting a mode using a dial located under the gear shifter, drivers can choose modes ranging from sharper, more responsive handling to economical, easy cruising settings to suit any mood or road conditions.

Dynamic design appeals to senses
The new Fuga's powerful combination of long hood, short overhangs and deeply sculpted fenders with large diameter 20-inch wheels*, give a visual appeal as only authentic rear-wheel drive sports sedan proportions can. By moving the front pillar back, lowering the car's height and adding to its width, interior comfort has been enhanced while achieving a low, powerful stance.

The Nissan Fuga's large, low-slung, grille and bold headlight design inspired by traditional Japanese Kabuki eye make-up combine to establish a strong presence, while its sculptured body takes on varied personalities depending on the angle viewed and the light reflected on its surface.

Spacious, bright and comfortable interior
The premium quality interior in the new Fuga takes the first generation's highly rated cabin design to the next level. Designers have further improved interior quality by enhancing trim and details.

For example, seats in the luxurious interior employ `premium semi-aniline leather.' A special kneading process creates a softer, more supple surface that has been finished in a strong yet soft protective coating. This process results in a luxury sofa-like leather seat that is soft to the touch yet firm in its cushion support.

In addition, soft and smooth textured trim (Sofiless) has been used to cover the armrests and other spots where the skin touches, and the dashboard has been covered with a material that has the high-quality finish and comfortable softness of a leather furniture.

Employing a traditional hand-application method, craftsmen have painstakingly applied pure silver powder to the premium interior woodgrain panels giving them an immaculate mirror finish. The silver powder woodgrain paneling and semi-aniline leather are exclusive to premium interiors.

Utilizing materials suitable to each specific location in the car, occupants sense they are cocooned in a tailor-made cabin, surrounded by surfaces that are soft to the touch and switches that are all newly designed and boast a more luxurious, tactile and high-quality feel.

Significant luxurious appointments further elevate the Nissan Fuga's status as a leading luxury sedan. These include a world-first climate control system called ` Forest AC' that manages air temperature and fan strength, as well as humidity, odor detection and suppression to create the clean interior environment. Occupants can also enjoy the relaxing effect of special aromas and natural outdoor-like breezes through air vents, while a newly developed plasma-cluster ion unit purifies cabin air. In addition, the overwhelming sound from the BoseR Surround Sound System, which drives 16 speakers with a 14-channel digital amplifier, will ensure premium sound quality.


SPECIFICATIONS
Overall Length (mm) 4,945
Overall Width (mm) 1,845
Overall Height (mm) 1,500
Wheelbase (mm) 2,900
Seating Capacity 5


Fuga Hybrid
On the Nissan stand at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, a hybrid version of the new Fuga will also be displayed. Employing a 3.5-liter V6, high-power Li-ion batteries and a highly efficient one-motor-two-clutch parallel hybrid system solely developed by Nissan, this model generates the fuel consumption of a compact C-segment car. This model will be launched in the Japanese market from 2010 autumn.

2010 Citroen DS3

The new Citroen DS3 will be available in Spring 2010. The expectations for this model are very big, because of innovate vehicle design and the new more powerful and fuel efficient engines. The 3 petrol engines are co-developed with BMW, which is a proof of excellence.

The two HDi diesels – a 90bhp and an 110bhp – are fitted with Citroën’s lauded DPFS (Diesel Particulate Filter System) and the three petrol engines – VTi 95, VTi 120 and THP 150 – are fitted with either 5 or 6 speed manual gearboxes.

The electronic systems will take care about your safety – ABS, ESP, EBD and EBA come in standard with every Citroen DS3.

At first glance it doesn’t look like Citroen C3, sport lines, aggressive front and back, big rims, sharp style. The DS3 will be more than little city car, it has its own style.

Citroën DS3 will be shown on September 15 at Frankfurt Motor Show for the first time.

The DS3 will be the first model from Citroën’s brand new DS line, a product range consisting of three distinctively styled, attention-grabbing models that highlight the very best of Citroën’s ‘créative technologie.’

With razor sharp styling and a visually-arresting design, DS3 is a radical take on the compact urban vehicle and a contemporary breath of fresh air for the class.

Designed to meet the requirements of even the most demanding connoisseur, DS3 offers an extensive array of style, personalisation and quality materials for a bespoke and refined driving experience, whilst at the same time embodying the very latest Citroën technology including fuel-efficient, environmentally-considerate engines.

STUDIO STYLING

Citroën’s creative talent for innovative vehicle design manifests itself on every feature of the DS3.

From all angles, the car’s undeniable on-road presence and refreshing style is evident with stand-out elements such as the colour-contrasted ‘floating roof’, ‘shark fin’ B-pillar and sleek design of the front LED lights – a desirable feature usually seen on premium models.

Inside, the atmosphere in the cabin is one of class and contemporary elegance with an exceptional attention to detail and an extensive use of luxury materials such as leather and chrome. The upper part of the flowing dashboard echoes the floating roof. Thermo-coated components are used throughout – an organic, soft grain material, which contrasts perfectly with the smooth, lacquered effect of the strip runs the full width of the dash from driver to passenger side.

“MY DS3!”

Offering freedom of expression, the innovative DS3 provides extensive levels of personalisation – both inside and out.

In addition to a range of body shades, the DS3’s distinctive ‘floating’ roof is available in a choice of four colours – Black, White, Blue and Red – to contrast with the main body of the car. The wing mirrors and rubbing strips can also be personalised in colours or smart chrome finish and the wheels and wheel centres are available in a wide spectrum of colours.

Inside, DS3 can offer further personalisation with the dashboard strip – which encompasses the air vents, instrument cluster, multi-function screens and even a scented air-fresher – in a choice of six finishes.

The modern seat upholstery design is available in a variety of coloured fabrics and leather; even the gear knob can be tailored in five different trims, combining satin-finish chrome with an array of colours and leather. The smart chrome touches which adorn the DS3’s cabin will also be available in a satin-textured finish. You can even carry a bit of your DS3 with you thanks to each distinctly styled DS3 key fob featuring a disc coloured to match your choice of body paint.

ENERGY AND ELEGANCE

Proving that environmentally-considerate motoring doesn’t mean having to compromise on style or performance, the DS3 will be available with a choice of five CO2-efficient Euro V power plants consisting of two HDi diesel units and three BMW co-developed petrol engines, combining refined performance with strong fuel economy.

The two HDi diesels – a 90bhp and an 110bhp – are fitted with Citroën’s lauded DPFS (Diesel Particulate Filter System) and the three petrol engines – VTi 95, VTi 120 and THP 150 – are fitted with either 5 or 6 speed manual gearboxes.

Fully in line with Citroën’s commitment to producing cleaner, more environmentally considerate vehicles, the two HDi DPFS engines will deliver ultra low CO2 emissions of just 99g/km and 115/g km, whilst the petrol units will emit between 136g/km and 160g/km.

LOST IN SPACE

Both enjoyable and easy to live with, the DS3 combines high-end style with practical versatility, creating an exceptionally spacious cabin out of its compact external dimensions – a Citroën speciality.

One of the smallest vehicles in its class – 3.95m long, 1.71m wide and 1.46m high – the DS3’s interior belies its neat frame, setting a new class standard for spaciousness. The result of extensive work on the architecture of the car’s interior design, occupants can enjoy levels of roominess normally associated with models in the segment above.

A ‘raised’ dashboard design creates increased amounts of front leg room whilst the slender front seats and intelligent rear design increases space for rear occupants with all passengers able to enjoy five full-sized seats and ample arm, leg and headroom.

The DS3 also boasts the largest boot in its class at 285-litres, and for additional load capacity the 60:40 split-fold rear bench can be tumbled forward in a single, effortless movement.

FUN AT THE WHEEL

A cockpit-inspired driving position puts the driver firmly in control with a sports-styled instrument cluster featuring three conical dials, small-diameter wheel and low-slung, body-hugging seats. DS3 delivers a nimble driving experience with a turning circle of around 10.3m also making it a surefooted companion for manoeuvring around cramped urban environments.

Building upon Citroën’s extensive experience in producing smooth running-gear, DS3 delivers impressive ride comfort together with responsive road-handling and dynamic poise. Drivers also benefit from excellent body roll control, responsive and confident cornering thus providing a secure and fulfilling drive.

I.C.E. COOL

DS3 is available with Citroën’s latest in-car technology such as the integrated MyWay satellite navigation unit which incorporates a sophisticated audio and multimedia system, wide format colour screen, MP3 and WMA compatible CD player and Bluetooth® hands free kit. Providing exceptional acoustic clarity, the audio system benefits from a third speaker in the middle of the upper dashboard as well as an amplified subwoofer mounted in the boot for a broader frequency response and immersive audio experience.

A convenient range of driving aids will also be available including cruise control with speed limiter, and an intelligent indicator which recommends the optimal moment for gear changes allowing drivers to improve their fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions.

PLAY IT SAFE

The DS3 is designed with an emphasis on robustness, strength and optimum safety to ensure protection for all occupants. For reassuring control in any driving situation DS3 models will feature as standard ESP, ABS with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) and EBA (Emergency Brake Assist) as well as six airbags and Isofix anchor points on the rear side seats.

The DS3 will arrive in the UK in Spring 2010. ‘On Sale’ date, prices and further details on this exciting new Citroën model will be announced in the forthcoming months. The DS3 will join Citroën’s latest vehicle range as the Company continues its 90th birthday celebrations at the Frankfurt Motor Show which runs from 15th to the 27th of September.

2009 Opel Insignia OPC Sports Tourer

With 10,000 kilometres of gruelling validation at the world’s most fearsome and demanding test track now under their belt, the Vauxhall Insignia VXR hatch and saloon are set to raise the bar in their sector with a heady mix of high performance, practicality and sophisticated dynamics.

-Fastest ever Vauxhall estate with 6-second 0-60 time
-1530-litre load capability combined with Adaptive 4x4 chassis and 325 horsepower
-Third and final body style to be offered in Insignia VXR spec

And now, adding even greater versatility to the range, Vauxhall can confirm that the Insignia VXR Sports Tourer will be the third body style to join the line up and will be available in UK dealerships this autumn, after enduring the same rigorous testing at the notorious Nürburgring Circuit.

Combining all the technical highlights of the VXR hatch and saloon with best in class-matching luggage capacity (rear seats up), the VXR Sports Tourer is not only the fastest estate car Vauxhall has ever produced, but also the first to incorporate Adaptive 4x4 and an electronic limited slip differential (eLSD).

Like its saloon and hatch siblings, the VXR Sports Tourer sits 10 millimetres lower than the regular Sports Tourer, and features the unique HiPerStrut system, which reduces torque-steer and maintains negative camber during cornering, thereby improving wet and dry grip levels.

Complementing these features are standard 19-inch alloy wheels (20-inch lightweight forged alloys are a cost option) with bespoke tyres, revised bushing and damper settings on both axles, and Brembo brakes with colour-keyed callipers and vented/cross-drilled discs.

And with 325PS, the Brembos are a must. Using a modified version of the 2.8-litre turbocharged V6 engine that’s standard in the Insignia Elite model, the Sports Tourer VXR will hit 60mph from zero in 6.0 seconds and a limited top speed of 155mph.

Inside, the Sports Tourer’s performance credentials are laid bare, with its front Recaro seats, VXR steering wheel and gearknob, as well as different instrument graphics, VXR sill plates and black headlining.

But where the VXR Sports Tourer really scores is in its versatility. With 540-litres of load space with the 40:60 split rear seats up, the SportsTourer matches the best in class. Drop the 40:60 split rear seats and you have a maximum load volume of 1530-litres.

Accessing this area has never been easier, thanks to the Sports Tourer VXR’s standard electronic tailgate, which can be operated off the driver’s key fob, or via a rotary knob on the inside of the driver’s door. Using these functions, not only can the opening height of the tailgate be restricted, but it can also be pre-set at a lower level if you frequently park in a garage with a low ceiling.

Deeper bumpers, front mesh grilles and dual matt chrome exhausts are among the Sports Tourer VXR’s visual armoury, complemented by a colour palette comprising Arden Blue, Power Red, Carbon Flash Black (pictured), Silver Lake, Olympic White and Technical Grey.

‘The Insignia VXR Sports Tourer will be a compelling alternative for buyers in the premium sector who may currently be considering an Audi S4 Avant or BMW 335i M Sport Touring,’ said Andy Gilson, Vauxhall’s Marketing Director. ‘We’ve already seen a swing to the Insignia from premium buyers who’d never before ticked the Vauxhall box on their wish list, and we expect to see the same buying pattern emerge with all versions of the Insignia VXR.’

Prices for the Insignia VXR range will be announced early summer.

2010 Lexmaul Opel Astra

The new Opel Astra has just celebrated its debut at the IAA in Frankfurt, and already the Opel tuner Lexmaul has brought out its first tuning package for the new vehicle from Rüsselsheim. However only elements for improving the visual look are initially on offer.

Lexmaul has improved the face of the new Opel Astra with a new radiator grill. Instead of the Opel logo this bears a grill in the colour of the vehicle. As an optional extra it can also be supplied in real carbon.

The Astra's headlights have been given an almost traditional covering for the „evil eye“. The standard front spoiler is improved with the addition of spoiler corners. And the side skirts have also been both optically and aerodynamically improved by adding extra corners in front of the rear wheels.

The rear view of the new Opel Astra has received a spoiler on the rear roof and a diffuser on the standard skirt. The Astra can also be upgraded by installing various exhaust systems – the highlight here is the four pipe version with two pipes each on the left and right hand side – along with the appropriate rear valance. The Astra's splendid new appearance is highlighted by Lexmaul's own light alloy rims which are available in sizes 18, 19 and 20 inch.

The PPC tuning will be available from the beginning of 2010. Then the new Astra will be able to increase its performance by up to 20% with the press of a button.

2010 Ford Fiesta Titanium Official Revealed

To celebrate the huge success of Fiesta, Ford will launch special edition of the model called Titanium Individual. The new Fiesta Titanium Individual offers extraordinary high level of equipment, which can be rarely found in small cars. Besides that you save £100 over a similarly equipped Titanium model.

Fiesta Titanium Individual is available with six colours with a special red interior. The car is also equipped with 16 inch seven-spoke alloy wheels, built-in Bluetooth with USB and unique premium leather seats in red and silver.

Marketing Director, Ford of Britain, Mark Simpson said: “We have sold more than 100,000 Fiestas in its first year and we know our customers like to personalise their Fiestas. The new line up with the fabulous Individual special edition will help them achieve this.”

The fiesta range now includes: Studio, Edge, ECOnetic, Zetec, Titanium, Titanium Individual and Zetec S , which can be combined with 1.25 petrol, 1.4 litre petrol or diesel and 1.6 petrol or diesel engines.

Subaru Releases Pricing On The New 2010 Tribeca

Subaru has announced the pricing on their new 2010 Tribeca. The Tribeca is the largest in the company’s line up and it will boast a load of chances and enhancements for the 2010 year. There will be three different trim levels on the new model, starting with the 3.6R Premium, 3.6R Limited and the 3.6R Touring.

The Premium will start at $30,495 and it will have a five speed automatic gearbox with Sportshit and the Subaru all wheel drive layout. There will be fog lights, 18″ alloy wheels and a new 8-way power seat. Other equipment includes climate control, air-con heated seats and a load of safety features.

Subaru’s Tribeca Limited will start at $32,495 and it will have a 10-speaker, 6-CD audio system, XM Satellite Radio and a Bluetooth connection for a hands-free phone system. Expect leather seats, a 2-position memory driver’s seat and a Homelink. The Power Moonroof package starts at $1,500, while the Moonroof and Navigation system will go for $3,700.

The range topping 3.6R Touring will start at $35,795 and it comes with all of the above features, as well as a new paint jot, 18-inch alloys, a silver underguard and roof rails. Expect HID low-beam headlights, a power moon roof and a 3.5″ backup camera display.

Mazda Will Unveil New Engines & The Kiyora City Car

Next month’s Tokyo Motor Show will see Mazda unveil a load of new cool things, including their next generation engine and automatic transmission units. The new SKY-G petrol engine is designed to reduce mechanical friction, as well as achieve an optimal air-fuel mixture. There will be a new direct-injection system on the SKY-G petrol engine, and it is expected to have an improvement of around 15 percent in the torque department.

Displacement on the engine will be 2.0-litres, and this means that it is usable in most of the new cars.

The SKY-D engine will be a diesel engine with reduced fuel economy, and low exhaust emissions. There will be a new engine block for reduced friction, similar to that of a normal petrol engine. This motor will have piezo injection, a two-stage turbocharger and other technologies to achieve a 20 percent increase in fuel consumption.

The last thing that the company will reveal is the new SKY-Drive automatic gearbox that will improve fuel economy by around 5 percent when compared to the current gearboxes.

New Aero Kit For The Prius

Japanese car tuner, Tommy Kaira has come up with a new body kit for the Toyota Prius. The new kit really changes the overall look of the Prius, and we’d say people that aren’t familiar with the car might think that it’s something more crazy than a little hybrid.

The company is currently working on several new kits for the Prius, where the only thing currently available is the exhaust system.

These kits all include new spoilers, side skirts, a new grille and a new diffuser.

2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon AWD P{rice Best Deals

2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon AWD Sticker price: $45,430
2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon AWD Market price: N/A
The new 2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon AWD, Cadillac's first-ever straight-from-the-factory station wagon, has barely touched its tires to the ground and already there are discounts, according to analysts at TrueCar.com.

Already buyers of the high end all-wheel-dive Performance version are getting average dealer discounts of about $2,200, according to TrueCar. This is based on sales of a relative handful of cars, though, which is why no firm market price is available. (Market price figures displayed here are calculated by Vincentric.)

None of this indicates that the CTS Sport Wagon is a bad car. The sedan version is an excellent value, ranking among the very best mid-sized luxury cars you can buy while providing more interior space for the dollar than BMW or Mercedes-Benz.

The Sport Wagon just changes the body lines, giving you the cargo-carrying flexibility of an SUV but with much more driving enjoyment.

This is a car that was designed primarily with the European market in mind. These discounts probably just reflect Americans' typical irrational hesitancy regarding any car without a trunk.

Chrysler Grand Voyager 25th Anniversary

Chrysler Grand Voyager 25th Anniversary is a special edition car that has been launched by Chrysler to celebrate 12 million vehicles sold worldwide.

Chrysler Grand Voyager 25th Anniversary comes with interesting exterior package that includes a special paint, a chrome mesh grille, Xenon headlamps, LED daytime running lights, and also revised lower front fascia.

While on its interior, Chrysler Grand Voyager 25th Anniversary features leather upholstery, uconnect GPS satellite navigation (including uconnect phone with voice recognition), and also a dual screen rear DVD entertainment system.

Chrysler Grand Voyager 25th Anniversary will be sold in 100 units only and it will be priced at 32,600 pounds.

Press Release
Chrysler UK Ltd is pleased to introduce a special edition model to its successful Grand Voyager range.

Celebrating 25 years as the world’s best selling MPV, and with over 12 million vehicles sold worldwide, the Grand Voyager special edition comes with significant amounts of extra interior and exterior equipment that help makes the award winning vehicle even better value for money.

The interior equipment includes leather trimmed upholstery, dual screen rear DVD entertainment system and uconnect GPS satellite navigation including uconnect phone with voice recognition. The exterior equipment features Xenon headlamps, chrome mesh grille, LED daytime running lights, revised lower front fascia, special paint and badging and an engraved commemorative keyring, all included in the price.

On sale from the 1st May and with only 100 models available, the 25th Anniversary Grand Voyager is priced at £32,600 on-the-road.

Nigel Land, marketing director of Chrysler UK Ltd, said: “These new models will appeal to motorists wanting a versatile seven-seat vehicle that comes with class-leading reputation that the Grand Voyager has built up since its arrival 25 years ago.

“It has an unrivalled blend of luxury, equipment, comfort, versatility, performance and load-carrying capacity at a very competitive price.”

The Grand Voyager also features the easy to use Stow ‘n Go seating system, which allows the second and third row of seats to fold flat into the floor.

Powered by a 2.8 diesel engine, it provides acceleration from 0-62.5 mph in 12.8 seconds plus a top speed of 115mph, and with an extra urban fuel consumption figure of 38.7 mpg and a combined figure of 30.4 mpg it gives customers the fuel economy they expect.

As with all models in the Chrysler range, the special edition Grand Voyager is backed by a peace-of-mind owner’s package and comes with three year/60,000-mile mechanical warranty, seven-year anti-corrosion warranty and one year European roadside assistance.

MINI Cooper Graphite special edition

MINI Cooper Graphite is a new special edition model that has been launched on the UK market by MINI.

MINI Cooper Graphite is equipped with 15-inch Rotator Spoke alloy wheels, and it comes with a Dark Silver metallic paint, a piano black interior, white indicator lenses, and also black bonnet stripes.

MINI Cooper Graphite is available in One, Cooper and Cooper D guise. For the One version, it offers a choice between black or white bonnet stripes and will be equipped with 16-inch Bridge Spoke alloy wheels.

MINI Cooper Graphite for the British market will be priced at 14,590 pounds for the petrol version. While for the D model, the price will goes up at 15,660 pounds.

Press Release
MINI is increasing its model range with the value-packed, special edition MINI Graphite. Offering enhanced standard equipment levels over existing Hatch models, the MINI Graphite edition will be available in MINI One, Cooper and Cooper D guise; each offering an unbeatable combination of low ownership costs – from just £210 per month – as well as exclusivity.

An impressive standard feature of every MINI Graphite edition is the inclusion of Dark Silver metallic paint, which is normally reserved for MINI Cooper S and John Cooper Works models. An array of similarly attractive options completes the MINI Graphite line-up:

MINI One Graphite (£13,075 OTR)

Dark Silver metallic paint
Black Bonnet Stripes
White Indicator Lenses
Piano Black Interior
Graphite badge on B-pillars
15-inch Rotator Spoke alloy wheels

MINI Cooper Graphite (£14,590 OTR) and MINI Cooper D Graphite (£15,660 OTR)

As MINI One Graphite, but with 16-inch Bridge Spoke alloy wheels
Choice of Black or White Bonnet Stripes
Should a customer wish to specify these options on a standard MINI Hatch, the total cost of the extra kit (were Dark Silver metallic paint normally available on MINI One, Cooper and Cooper D models) would be £225-£280 over that of a standard MINI Graphite edition.

Orders for the MINI Graphite models are being taken now by UK dealers. The MINI One Graphite is available from £210 per month with a 36 month MINI Select finance agreement and £2,000 deposit.

Special edition models have been hugely successful since the launch of the new MINI in July 2001. In recent years, editions carrying the monikers Checkmate, Park Lane and MINI One Se7en have set MINI owners apart from the pack and are highly sought after in the used car market. These editions have been instrumental in maintaining high MINI residual values and industry expert Glass’s has confirmed that the MINI One Graphite will command a three per cent higher residual value than the standard MINI One.