Peugeot 107 City Car Also Receives Minor Updates for 2012

Being that the Citroën C1, Peugeot 107 and Toyota Aygo are not only one and the same (minus some subtle styling differences here and there), but also built at the same plant in the Czech Republic, it is to be expected that when one model receives a facelift, the other two will follow suit.

And true enough, after the announcement on the 2012 Citroën C1, Peugeot also revealed an updated version of its 107 sibling.

The changes are more or less in line with the 2012 version of the C1 with the 107 gaining a new face with a deeper lower front panel featuring a housing for the front fog lights, LED daytime running lights and a redesigned front bumper.

The French brand also brought the 107's trim levels in line with the naming strategy of other Peugeot range models offering three trim levels: Access, Active and Allure.

Moreover, Peugeot improved the 107's equipment across the range with air conditioning now being standard on Active level versions, while alloy wheels and rev counter, Peugeot Connect Bluetooth and USB are standard on the Allure level versions.

The 107 features the same tweaked version of the 68HP 1.0-liter three-cylinder petrol engine found on the 2012MY C1, which promises improved fuel economy and CO2 emissions of 99 g/km.

European sales of the revamped 107 will start in February with UK pricing starting from £7,995.

PHOTO GALLERY

Read More

2012 MY Volvo XC90 Receives Mild Updates in Europe

Despite being launched way back in 2002, the XC90 is still holding on in the sales front –even recording its best-ever year in the UK in 2010 with 7,000 units, and global sales of 37,000 cars. Now Volvo has decided to introduce some mild updates for the 2012MY.

Exterior modifications of the 2012 XC90, which will be available in October, include new LED day running lights in the lower front bumper, LED rear brake lights, a redesigned bumper bar, new six-spoke 18-inch alloys and, finally, the addition of roof rails to the standard specification of all trim models.

The interior sports a new three-spoke steering wheel, different aluminum décor and white lighting for the instrument dials, while the tailgate comes with a color-coordinated leather handle.

The updated XC90 offers the option of Bluetooth connectivity in its On Call system, which has been upgraded with music streaming capability and a new mobile application for iPhone and Android cellphones that enables the owner to view the SUV's location on a smartphone and acquire information about things like fuel level and average speed and consumption.

Furthermore, the driver can perform a “car health check” displaying on the smartphone’s screen info about the engine oil level and pressure or the coolant level.

Volvo is also introducing the Executive version that boasts a number of standard features like leather seats that come with ventilation and massage operation. The XC90 is also available in the R-Design specification, which has a sports chassis as standard and new upholstery, door panels and 19-inch alloy wheels.

 

PHOTO GALLERY

Read More

Infiniti Announces Sportier 2013 IPL G Convertible

Nissan's luxury arm is doubling its Infiniti Performance Line [IPL for short] lineup with the addition of the new 2013 IPL G Convertiblethat we first saw in concept form at last year's Paris Motor Show.

IPL is Infiniti's answer to the in-house tuning divisions of its German competitors such as Audi's S brand, BMW's M department and Mercedes-Benz's AMG branch.

Scheduled to reach the market in spring of 2012, the convertible model follows the IPL G Coupe that went on sale in the States in December of 2010.

Infiniti has not yet announced final details, but the Japanese company said the production model will sport the same "level of equipment and performance modifications" as the concept car.

This means that like its coupe counterpart, the IPL G Convertible will feature a more powerful version of Infiniti's 3.7-liter V6, most likely delivering the same output at 348 horsepower, an increase of 18 horsepower over the engine.

The concept also sported a bespoke aero kit along with a custom exhaust and suspension, 19-inch alloy wheels and unique red leather-appointed interior set against a Malbec Black exterior.

“The IPL G Convertible will deliver the goods, just like the current IPL G Coupe does. Plus, the new IPL G Convertible offers the added pleasure of open-air motoring," said Infiniti Americas Vice President Ben Poore at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance where the IPL G Convertible Concept was on display this past weekend.

“Like every Infiniti, the new IPL G Convertible will take a different path from its established competitors,” added Poore. “It’s a terrific addition to the Infiniti Performance Line, taking the dramatic Infiniti G Convertible to an even higher level.”

 

PHOTO GALLERY

Read More