Jaguar XJ revealed

The waiting is finally over… Jaguar has finally pulled the wraps from its all-new XJ.

These first official pictures reveal the luxury saloon in all its detail –from its distinctive nose, to that incredible tail…

Sleek, sporting and sophisticated, Jaguar promises that the XJ brings a daring new spirit to its line up - with a seductive mix of striking design, breathtaking performance and advanced engineering.

Available to order now, prices for the all aluminium machine start at £52,500 - for the standard wheelbase 3.0-litre V6 diesel luxury.

Building on the success of the new XK and XF models, the introduction of the all-new XJ represents a key moment for the Coventry firm.

Positioned as the company's four-door flagship, it marks a mid-way point in the historic firm's reinvention – paving the way for new growth and new competition.

Representing a huge step forward over all that the XJ has offered before, detailing includes a panoramic glass roof as well as dramatic rear lights that arch up and over the boot lid.

Standard- and long-wheelbase models are available from launch, while inside the cabin promises to set new standards for elegant, contemporary design with the comfort, luxury and unmistakable sporting style of a Jaguar. Chrome and piano black detailing provide an eye-catching contrast to the beautifully-crafted leather and veneer surfaces.

Three specification levels are to be offered, including Luxury, Premium Luxury and Portfolio – to allow the customer to tailor the car to suit their tastes.

Beyond this are the Supercharged and the top-of-the-range Supersport, the latter providing the ultimate expression of performance and luxury, with a specification that includes a leather roof-lining, leather seats and special veneers.

All of Jaguar's acclaimed new petrol and diesel engines will be available in the XJ.

Entry level cars will offer a 3.0-litre V6 diesel, and there are two petrol power plants to choose between, including a 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8 and 5.0-litre supercharged V8. Flagship models offer a 470 horsepower version of the supercharged engine.

Fuel economy and emissions are also outstanding, with the diesel-powered XJ returning combined economy figures of 40.1mpg and CO2 emissions of 184g/km.

Proven Jaguar dynamic technologies are taken to new levels in the all-new XJ. Features such as air suspension, Adaptive Dynamics (continuously variable damping), Active Differential Control and quick-ratio power steering deliver the blend of responsive, dynamic handling and refined, supple ride expected from a Jaguar.

Inside the car, advanced new technologies have allowed Jaguar's designers to create an environment more akin to a state-of-the-art living space than a simple car cabin. Stunning, 12.3-inch high-definition Virtual Instruments complement an innovative, Dual-View technology 8-inch Touch-screen that can project DVD movies or television programmes to the passenger while the driver views vehicle functions or follows satellite navigation.

Premium surround sound options include the top-of-the-range 1200W Bowers & Wilkins system, which is comparable in audio quality to the best in-home entertainment. Advanced infotainment features also include hard drive-based audio and navigation systems, and comprehensive connectivity for portable audio and video devices via the powerful Media Hub.

Aston Martin Cygnet

From supercars to a supermini! These are the amazing pictures that will have car fans shaking their heads in disbelief. But it really is true...

Aston Martin is building a model that's even smaller than a Ford Fiesta!

Based on the Toyota iQ, the Cygnet is the result of a joint venture with the Japanese giant. Details are scarce at the moment, but the tiniest Aston Martin ever is expected to share the same three-cylinder petrol engine as the iQ, along with its innovative three- plus-one seating arrangement.

It will also boast a Euro NCAP five-star crash safety rating. And with a low-emission, highly economical engine, the Cygnet will help Aston to meet increasingly stringent environmental targets too.
As you can see, the firm has managed to distill all of the design cues from its supercar range into a package measuring only three metres long.

Inside, expect the same attention to detail as you'd get on the DBS, with a leather-clad cabin featuring the very best materials, along with an ECU (Emotion Control Unit) that plugs into the centre console, replacing a traditional key.

However, not just anyone will be able to buy a Cygnet. In order to snap up one of the must-have urban machines, you have to already own an Aston Martin, as the firm is only making them available to existing customers. The company has identified that around 30 per cent of owners have small cars such as the MINI or Smart ForTwo in their garages, using them for short journeys to and from city-based offices. Now Aston is giving them the chance to buy their very own 'luxury commuter'.

Dr Ulrich Bez, Aston Martin chief executive, explained more about the Cygnet: "Now is the right time for Aston Martin to take this bold step to embark on this special project – made possible with the support of an organisation of Toyota's stature and capability and the intelligent design and perfect city car package of the iQ.

Peugeot unwraps its Audi TT ‘teaser’

Here's proof that Audi's TT has some serious competition! Following our spy shots in Issue 972, these are the first official pictures of Peugeot's new coupé – the 308 RC Z. 

While the company has kept some details under wraps until the global unveiling at September's Frankfurt Motor Show, it's still clear from the teaser shots that the production car is virtually identical to the concept that debuted at the German expo two years ago. The twin roof bubbles, integrated into the rear window, and head-turning proportions remain intact. So does the aluminium-effect A-pillar, which runs over the doors and down to the rear deck. 

The striking waistline, which steps up at the edge of the doors, is carried over, too. At the back, the look is finished off with neatly detailed tail-lights. In fact, the only big changes are smaller wing mirrors and the addition of a pair of washer jets for the bold headlamps. 

Power for the flagship version will come from the MINI Cooper JCW's 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol unit. Producing 218bhp, it should propel the car from 0-60mph in less than seven seconds and hit a top speed of around 145mph. However, there will be plenty of other engine choices, including a 150bhp 1.6 petrol turbo and a new, powerful 163bhp 2.0-litre HDi, shared with the revised 407 Coupé. 

Inside, the two-seater cabin is set to be very similar to that of the 308 CC. However, there will be more leather and piano-black trim, plus chrome highlights and unique instruments.

The 308 RC Z is due to reach showrooms in spring 2010, with prices starting at less than £20,000

MINI Cooper MkI (2001)

Few brands, if any, command the loyalty and enthusiasm that the Mini generates in its followers, so relaunching the classic model was a massive undertaking. The job of coming up with a Mini for the 21st century wasn't taken
lightly, and new owner BMW considered a host of designs for its long-awaited comeback – from clever space-saving models in the spirit of the original to retro reworkings of the existing vehicle.

Take one look at the end product and it's clear which approach the firm preferred – and the resulting sales hit shows it got things right. With cute looks, a unique cabin, sharp dynamics and a premium price tag, the MINI was a car without a rival – and an instant success.

The savvy marketing campaign provided a huge list of cosmetic extras which were inspired by classic Mini features. This gave buyers the chance to make a real individual statement by choosing everything from Union Flag roof decals to bigger wheels and upgraded interior trim, just to give their car a personal touch. This approach has been copied by rival firms ever since, but the MINI got there first.

With its zippy engines, powerful Cooper and supercharged Cooper S models, as well as an economical diesel variant, there was a MINI for every occasion – but the newcomer wasn't without compromise. Not only did it look like its famous predecessor, it shared the cosy rear seats and tiny boot.

Innovative aftermarket add-ons such as a clever and affordable all-inclusive servicing package set the MINI apart from its peers and helped to establish the brand's now market-leading residual values.

That explains why even the cheapest, earliest examples will still set you back £3,500 today.

The rebirth wasn't universally popular with diehard Mini fans, but without the incredible showroom success of the 2001 car, models such as the later JCW, Clubman and Cabriolet wouldn't even exist. The Oxford-built hatchback was also responsible for introducing a whole new generation of buyers to the Mini legend, which explains why this machine is the highest-ranked modern car in our rundown.

The greatest ever MINI?

It's 50 not out for Mini! The famous British brand celebrates its golden anniversary this year, and what better way to commemorate the occasion than with a slice of Mini mayhem?

To mark the firm's big year, we've gathered a glittering collection of cars from the past and present. From the incredible rally cars of the Sixties to the latest Clubman and John Cooper Works World Championship 50, they're all here, but which of these golden wonders is our favourite?

Our countdown from 12 to one, reveals all…

 

Jaguar XJ revealed;

The waiting is finally over… Jaguar has finally pulled the wraps from its all-new XJ.

These first official pictures reveal the luxury saloon in all its detail –from its distinctive nose, to that incredible tail…

Sleek, sporting and sophisticated, Jaguar promises that the XJ brings a daring new spirit to its line up - with a seductive mix of striking design, breathtaking performance and advanced engineering.

Available to order now, prices for the all aluminium machine start at £52,500 - for the standard wheelbase 3.0-litre V6 diesel luxury.

Building on the success of the new XK and XF models, the introduction of the all-new XJ represents a key moment for the Coventry firm.

Positioned as the company's four-door flagship, it marks a mid-way point in the historic firm's reinvention – paving the way for new growth and new competition.

Representing a huge step forward over all that the XJ has offered before, detailing includes a panoramic glass roof as well as dramatic rear lights that arch up and over the boot lid.

Standard- and long-wheelbase models are available from launch, while inside the cabin promises to set new standards for elegant, contemporary design with the comfort, luxury and unmistakable sporting style of a Jaguar. Chrome and piano black detailing provide an eye-catching contrast to the beautifully-crafted leather and veneer surfaces.

Three specification levels are to be offered, including Luxury, Premium Luxury and Portfolio – to allow the customer to tailor the car to suit their tastes.

Beyond this are the Supercharged and the top-of-the-range Supersport, the latter providing the ultimate expression of performance and luxury, with a specification that includes a leather roof-lining, leather seats and special veneers.

All of Jaguar's acclaimed new petrol and diesel engines will be available in the XJ.

Entry level cars will offer a 3.0-litre V6 diesel, and there are two petrol power plants to choose between, including a 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8 and 5.0-litre supercharged V8. Flagship models offer a 470 horsepower version of the supercharged engine.

Fuel economy and emissions are also outstanding, with the diesel-powered XJ returning combined economy figures of 40.1mpg and CO2 emissions of 184g/km.

Proven Jaguar dynamic technologies are taken to new levels in the all-new XJ. Features such as air suspension, Adaptive Dynamics (continuously variable damping), Active Differential Control and quick-ratio power steering deliver the blend of responsive, dynamic handling and refined, supple ride expected from a Jaguar.

Inside the car, advanced new technologies have allowed Jaguar's designers to create an environment more akin to a state-of-the-art living space than a simple car cabin. Stunning, 12.3-inch high-definition Virtual Instruments complement an innovative, Dual-View technology 8-inch Touch-screen that can project DVD movies or television programmes to the passenger while the driver views vehicle functions or follows satellite navigation.

Premium surround sound options include the top-of-the-range 1200W Bowers & Wilkins system, which is comparable in audio quality to the best in-home entertainment. Advanced infotainment features also include hard drive-based audio and navigation systems, and comprehensive connectivity for portable audio and video devices via the powerful Media Hub.

Aston Martin One-77

The covers have finally been pulled away from the Aston Martin One-77! The £1.2m supercar made its world debut at the Concorso d'Eleganza on the shores of Lake Como, Italy, in final complete form, with a full interior and running gear.

Just like the prototype that appeared at the Geneva Motor Show, the final car evolves the classic Aston design themes of a long bonnet, short tail and trademark grille and adds dramatic slashes in the front bumper along with a racing-style diffuser at the rear.

Inside, the cabin also draws on the current range of models, but is curvier and features lots of leather mixed with exposed parts of the chassis – just check out the carbonfibre on the inside of the doors. Under the bonnet lies a 7.3-litre V12 engine, which produces 700hp and weighs 25 per cent less than the 6.0-litre unit. With the whole car weighing in at around 1,500kg, the One-77 is predicted to have a top speed in excess of 200mph, with a 0-60mph time of 3.5 seconds. All 77 models have already been sold. 

Incidentially, the stunning machine scooped the top prize at the Concorso d'Eleganza event, winning the Design Award for Concept Cars and Prototypes. Aston Martin chief executive, Dr Ulrich Bez said: "Embodying everything Aston Martin stands for; the One-77 has proven itself as the most desirable automotive art form at its premiere today. We have achieved a new level of design and craftsmanship which has been clearly recognised by the public here in the homeland of design at Villa d'Este."

Jaguar XKR Convertible

Styling/image
Sleek, gorgeous, unmistakable… the XKR is arguably the best-looking model in its class. And as a supercharged convertible, it's surely unbeatable as a summertime long-distance cruiser.

Interior/practicality
Fling your handbag or briefcase on the back seat, because you're unlikely to find a person that fits into the tiny space. That aside, the cabin is virtually faultless. The materials are superb, the seating position comfortable on long journeys and Jaguar reckons there's even room for two sets of golf clubs in the boot.

Engine/performance
With 503bhp of 5.0-litre supercharged V8 under the bonnet, you have to keep an eye on the speedo, as the XKR is deceptively quiet and devastatingly quick. It covers 0-60mph in 4.6 seconds and goes on to an electronically limited 155mph. Torque is a mighty 625Nm, while a six-speed electroinc auto transmission with Jaguar Sequential Shift and JaguarDrive gear selector are standard.

Driving experience
The engine sounds amazing whether the roof is up or down, due to all the work that has gone on under the skin to make sure occupants can enjoy the exhaust note in all weathers. The forgiving suspension is better than ever, and every drive is a pleasure. Acceleration can take you by surprise as responses are immediate, while the transmission shifts are instant and smooth.

Ownership costs
Well, you can't have everything. As with most supercars, fuel returns are pretty dismal at 23mpg on the combined cycle, falling to less than 15mpg in town.  The screen price is £78,400 – nearly £10k more than a 180mph Porsche 911 3.6 Cabrio. On the other hand, a Mercedes SLR Stirling Moss is £591,000…

Safety/environment
Pedestrian Contact Sensing automatically deploys the bonnet to minimise injury. There's also a rollover protection system, adaptive restraint technology, emergency brake assist, plus sensors and alarms all over the place. Dynamic stability control, electronic brakeforce distributon and active differential control are also included. With emissions of 202g/km, the XKR is eligible for band M, which is £405 a year.

Bentley Continental GT Speed

'Proles drive in Rolls,' goes the adage, 'and gents drive in Bents.' When you want the world to know you've made it, few cars say it more definitively than this. What's more, the 6.0-litre, 600bhp Continental GT Speed variant is the more powerful production model Bentley's ever made.
 
Interior/practicality
As one would expect from a vehicle carrying a £141,300 price tag,  the cabin is the automotive equivalent of a six-star hotel. It's the byword for luxury although there are a few jarring elements such as the air vents and clock. However, these are arguably traditional features which add to the character.  Massive, supremely comfortable front seats and a 370-litre boot capacity add to the appeal.
 
Engine/performance
It seems a pity that the massive potential of the W12 powerplant is unlikely to be exploited to its full potential in the UK. However as the name suggests this is a car bred for long-distance Continental touring, and the urge to let rip on the German autobahn, which has no upper speed limit, is irresistible.  Max speed is 202mph and 0-60mph for the 2,800kg GT takes an astonishing 4.3 seconds.
 
Ownership costs
Maintaining such a vehicle isn't going to come cheap, and depreciation for such luxurious cars is usually dire. However, the GT holds on to a healthy 58 per cent of its new value after three years, so the range-topping Speed is likely to follow suit.  There's no escaping the running costs, however – the best you can expect is 24.3mpg on the extra-urban cycle and only 11.2mpg in town. Just as well there's a 90-litre tank.
 
Safety/environment
The GT Speed has not been tested by Euro NCAP. There are, however, plenty of airbags on board as well as every driver aid you might think of. Emissions are 396g/km… welcome to Band M and a £405 VED bill. The Crewe firm is keen to improve its green record though and, at the Geneva show in March, it announced the biofuel W12-powered Continental Supersports, capable of 0-60mph in 3.7 seconds. It's due later this year.

Nissan's MX-5 beater starts to take shape

Watch out MX-5 – Nissan is getting ready to give the 370Z a baby brother! Auto Express has learned that the Japanese manufacturer is planning a new small sports car to rival the popular Mazda roadster.

The open-top, rear-wheel-drive two-seater would mix stunning looks with storming straight-line performance. It would also take the fight to other forthcoming compact sports cars, such as the Honda CR-Z hybrid and Toyota's next MR2 (which we revealed in Issue 1,055).

Styling cues are set to be taken from the 370Z and Nissan's Urge concept, which was seen at the Detroit Motor Show back in 2006. And there is certainly a gap in the range for the new model. The brand hasn't had a presence in this sector of the market since production of the legendary 200SX ceased in 1998.

The sports car would get a turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol engine delivering in the region of 200bhp. That would propel it from 0-60mph in 6.5 seconds and on to a maximum speed of 140mph, while promising low emissions and impressive fuel economy of around 35mpg.

According to our sources, the car has been held back because of the global financial slump. But as experts predict a recovery by the end of this year, the roadster could be in showrooms by 2011.

Alfa Romeo MiTo 1.6 JTDm

The Alfa MiTo is a hit with a petrol engine – so now it's time to see what the diesels can do. This week, we've driven the flagship 1.6-litre oil-burner.

It produces 120bhp and 320Nm, which is 10bhp and 80Nm more than the MINI Cooper D. Although the unit is noisy, it offers a satisfying burst of acceleration – even from low speeds. And there's good news at the pumps, too, with a claimed 58.9mpg.

Standard kit includes the firm's three-stage DNA system, which allows you to choose between Dynamic, Normal and All-weather modes. The last of these adjusts the traction control to deal with slippery surfaces – something we had the chancy to try out on our snowy test route – and it proved extremely effective.

Normal is for urban driving, while Dynamic mode gives the steering more weight, prevents the traction control from cutting in too early and sharpens

throttle response – making it feel much quicker than 0-60mph in 9.9 seconds would suggest. But it's the price that really sets it apart. The range starts at £10,745, undercutting the cheapest MINI by more than £1,500, and even base-spec Turismo models have alloys, air-con and an MP3 stereo.

Rival: BMW 1-Series
THE entry-level BMW offers rear-wheel-drive thrills, and EfficientDynamics maximises economy. But it's not as desirable and much more expensive.

Aston takes covers off new Rapide

 

Here it is – the supercoupé that's set to take on Bentley in the Battle of Britain! This first official picture shows Aston Martin's new four-door model, the Rapide.

With its familiar sleek Aston silhouette, strong shoulder lines and 'swan wing' doors that rise upwards and outwards, the Rapide will be one of the
most striking entrants into the emerging four-door supercoupé market, where it will take on Bentley's Flying Spur and Porsche's Panamera.

Our spy shots (here) revealed that a full-length glass roof will also be offered. And the car is set to have performance to match its looks. Powered by the 470bhp 6.0-litre V12 engine from the DB9, the Rapide will use a super-responsive Touchtronic gearbox to drive the rear wheels, helping it to complete the 0-60mph sprint in under five seconds.

Made in a new purpose-built Magna Steyr factory in Austria, the car will use an extended version of the DB9's chassis and promises to boast class-leading driving dynamics. We previously brought you spy shots of the car testing undisguised in December 2008 here.

The hotly anticipated four-seater is set to make its debut later this year, before deliveries begin in 2010, with list prices starting at more than £100,000.

Alfa Romeo MiTo

There's been a surge of models into this class recently, such as the BMW 1-Series, although the Fiat Grande Punto and Renault Clio are closer on price.  However, the Alfa is cool, offering curvy lines and a funky profile. The Italian brand's appeal remains strong, too – but as strong as the MINI's? We'll have to wait and see.
 
Interior/practicality
After shaping the outside like a condensed 8C Competizione, the designers haven't quite let rip in the cabin. It's a little sombre and the back is decidedly short on space. But buyers aren't looking for a practical car -  they want a sporty little head-turner, and that's what Alfa has delivered.
 
Engine/performance
Under the platform, shared with the Grande Punto, the MiTo has less bodyroll and an improved ride due to its sharper suspension. And with this car, Alfa has launched the DNA system which enables drivers to switch between modes – Dynamic, Normal and All weather – to suit conditions.  And with the 120bhp 1.6-litre diesel engine on board, the MiTo is slightly more powerful and torquey than its petrol counterpart, while returning 58.9mpg on the combined cycle. Most importantly, it's excellent fun.
 
Ownership costs
Residual values are not quite as strong as the MINI's. The MiTo can't compete with the British-built car's service fees, either. Yet in its favour, the oil-burner costs £14,995 which is keen compared with rivals, and those fuel returns beat its arch-rival's 52mpg combined figure. Insurance is in group six, and VED is Band D.
 
Safety/environment
A five-star adult protection Euro NCAP rating can't be sniffed at. Driver, passenger and front side airbags are all standard. Pushing out 126g/km of CO2, the MiTo doesn't do as well as the MINI's 104g/km on emissions, though.
 
Model variants and specifications
Alfa MiTo 1.6 JTDm Lusso £14,045
Alfa MiTo 1.6 JTDm Veloce £14,995

Aston Martin Cygnet

From supercars to a supermini! These are the amazing pictures that will have car fans shaking their heads in disbelief. But it really is true...

Aston Martin is building a model that's even smaller than a Ford Fiesta!

Based on the Toyota iQ, the Cygnet is the result of a joint venture with the Japanese giant. Details are scarce at the moment, but the tiniest Aston Martin ever is expected to share the same three-cylinder petrol engine as the iQ, along with its innovative three- plus-one seating arrangement.

It will also boast a Euro NCAP five-star crash safety rating. And with a low-emission, highly economical engine, the Cygnet will help Aston to meet increasingly stringent environmental targets too.
As you can see, the firm has managed to distill all of the design cues from its supercar range into a package measuring only three metres long.

Inside, expect the same attention to detail as you'd get on the DBS, with a leather-clad cabin featuring the very best materials, along with an ECU (Emotion Control Unit) that plugs into the centre console, replacing a traditional key.

However, not just anyone will be able to buy a Cygnet. In order to snap up one of the must-have urban machines, you have to already own an Aston Martin, as the firm is only making them available to existing customers. The company has identified that around 30 per cent of owners have small cars such as the MINI or Smart ForTwo in their garages, using them for short journeys to and from city-based offices. Now Aston is giving them the chance to buy their very own 'luxury commuter'.

Dr Ulrich Bez, Aston Martin chief executive, explained more about the Cygnet: "Now is the right time for Aston Martin to take this bold step to embark on this special project – made possible with the support of an organisation of Toyota's stature and capability and the intelligent design and perfect city car package of the iQ.