Toyota Prius SUV and station wagon rumoured

A Japanese newspaper is reporting that Toyota may be deep in development of a Prius SUV. The SUV could be in addition to the long rumoured Prius wagon since the Toyota Hybrid X Concept was put on display at the 2007 Geneva motorshow.

During that show, the manufacture suggested the possibility of a Prius wagon hitting the market in 2011/2012. Although Toyota does not market a wagon in North America in any shape or form, they do in other parts of the world like Europe. These models could serve as the base for a new hybrid, however, they also suggest the possibility of rebranding the Lexus RX 400h as the Prius SUV.

If released, we would expect that Toyota would include regenerative braking and a solar roof. Plug-in versions could be in the works as well. No word yet if Toyota would use the nickel-hydrogen battery pack seen on the Prius sedan or the Lithium-ion battery used on the plug-in model.

Toyota officials remained tight-lipped on the topic, but the upcoming shows in Los Angeles, Detroit, and Geneva could all be perfect settings for a debut.

2005 Lexus RX400h:

Hyundai Santa Fe pricing announced (UK)

Hyundai has announced prices for its updated Santa Fe range.

The range starts at £21,495, which is cheaper than the outgoing model and it includes a new engine, more equipment and a simpler two-trim range. You pay £25,495 for the 7-seat Premium automatic.

The new Santa Fe features minor styling changes. At the front, the black two bar grille is replaced by chrome-edged three bar version, while revised headlight clusters sit above a reworked bumper that houses new fog lights in a black surround. At the back there's a new bumper and light clusters, and the reworked SUV features a new alloy wheel design.

Inside, carbon black trim replaces the previous wood finishes and the standard single CD/RDS radio now comes with an aux-in/USB connection with full iPod control.

The range has been simplified with a two-model range now comprising the entry-level Style and flagship Premium trims.

Style models get 17” alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, rear fog light, ESP, air conditioning, x4 electric windows, x6 airbags, steering wheel mounted audio controls, USB/AUX sockets, trip computer, gear-shift indicator, height-adjustable driver’s seat, height adjustable steering wheel, electric/heated door mirrors, halogen headlamps w/ day-time running lights and remote central locking with immobiliser.

Premium adds 18” wheels, dual climate control with rear controls on 7 seaters, front electric leather seats w/heat function, auto-dimming rear-view mirror w/ reversing camera, xenon headlamps, leather steering wheel w/ cruise control, front fog lamps, dusk & rain sensors and electric sunroof.

There's seven-seat option available for a £750 extra on both Style and Premium models.

Under the bonnet is a new 2.2-litre direct injection diesel delivering 194bhp and 311lb-ft of torque (322lb-ft when specified with an automatic gearbox) which amounts to improvements of 26% and 27% respectively on the previous engine. CO2 emissions on manual models are now 176g/km, down from 191g/km with combined fuel economy of 41.5mpg, up from 38.7mpg.

The new engine is mated to a 6 speed manual transmission and it can sprint from 0-62mph in 9.8 seconds. An alternator management system that disengages when not required saves fuel and an ECO' Drive Indicator on automatic versions monitors fuel efficiency. Manual versions have an optimum gear shift point indicator built into the trip computer display.

The new engine delivers an increased towing capacity, with a maximum braked towing weight of 2,500kg, up 300kg on the outgoing model.

Sales start in mid-December.

VAT rate confuses people (UK)

Tax doesn't have to be taxing, says the advert, but it's certainly managing to confuse manufacturers, dealers, car buyers and even HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

HMRC had originally said that the only way to avoid paying the increased rate of VAT being introduced on 1st January was to pay for the full balance of a car before the end of the year.

While that remains the case, HMRC has changed its tune slightly and says buyers can also avoid paying the increased rate, without handing over the full balance, if the dealer raises a full VAT invoice before the end of the year and pays the VAT due at their next return.

HMRC has confirmed that the rate will be returning to 17.5% on 1st January.

To take advantage of this invoicing opportunity, the car your order must also cost less than £100,000 and be delivered according to the manufacturer's usual schedules and within six months of order. You can't ask for a delivery to be delayed so you can take advantage, for instance, of the new registration plate in March.

Buyers do not have to clear the balance of the car to benefit from this, but dealers may be reluctant to hand over VAT due on cars that they haven't received the cash on.

The VAT rate due, in short, is calculated either when a full VAT invoice is raised by the dealer, and the tax paid at the next return, or when you clear the balance.

You pay 15% VAT on cars costing less than £100,000:

•When you've ordered, paid for and registered a car before the end of 2009

•When you pay for a car in full before the end of the year but, in the normal course of delivery schedules, it is registered in 2010 but no more than six months from order

•When you order a new car, a dealer raises a full VAT invoice before the end of the year and pays the 15% tax at their next VAT return. You do not have to pay the full balance in this case.

You pay the increased rate of 17.5% VAT:

•If you order a car in 2010

•If you order a car now and pay the balance in 2010

•If you order a car now, a VAT invoice isn't raised by the dealer, or the tax due isn't paid, before the end of the year.

•If you order a car now, a VAT invoice is raised and paid, but you ask for delivery to be purposefully delayed, perhaps in a bid to get the new registration plates in March or September.

•The car you order is delivered six months from order

•The car you order is worth more than £100,000.

What are the 10 best-selling car manufacturers saying? Here's what they said:

Audi: Transactions completed by the end of the year will attract the 15% rate. If a customer placed an order today, the price quoted would automatically include the 17.5% rate because our lead times are such that the transaction would definitely be finalised in 2010.

BMW: Customers need to order and collect the car in 2009 to benefit from the 15% VAT. Some dealers may offer special VAT-busting deals, but this will be on an individual basis.

Ford: It's a psychological barrier to sales rather than an actual barrier. There's so much space between the sticker price and the actual price that we think 2.5% doesn't really matter. Any negotiator worth their salt will ask for that.

Honda: Customers will have to collect the car this year to avoid the VAT increase. We'd suggest customers look for cars that are in stock now, or check lead times to make sure they benefit. We're not doing any special promotions.

Kia: At this stage, we have not announced a VAT-protection offer. We are looking at the situation, particularly with regards to scrappage buyers, but at this stage there is no protection offer.

Nissan: Any cars ordered before December 31 for delivery by the end of March will be charged at 15% VAT and Nissan will pay the remainder, up to 17.5%.

Peugeot: We are seriously considering absorbing the VAT increase for customers that order through December for cars delivered in 2010. We'll know for sure by Monday (November 23).

Toyota: Toyota has no offers in relation to VAT.

Vauxhall: We have no offers going into the New Year at the moment, but order a car before the end of November, and take delivery before the end of December, and you pay 15% VAT.

We also have an entirely VAT-free offer running to the end of November.

Volkswagen: Cars ordered before the beginning of November 2009, but delivered in 2010, up to the end of February, will be reduced in price by 2.5%.

Nissan NV200 pricing announced (UK)

The new Nissan NV200 compact van goes on sale in the UK priced at £13,867.50 for the entry-level E model. Standard features include CD/MP3 audio system, black door mirrors, bumpers and handles, keyless entry, halogen headlamps, twin front cupholders, driver airbag, 1 sliding side door, steering height adjustment, 13 cabin storage areas and an immobiliser.

The SE grade adds electric front windows, electrically adjustable/heated door mirrors, driver’s seat height adjustment and a full steel bulkhead at £14,442.50. Both models are powered by a 4 cylinder 1.5 dCi diesel engine that returns a combined fuel economy of 54mpg with CO2 emissions of 137g/km.

Those who want to personalise their vans can choose from various optional extras such as air conditioning for £575, glazed rear doors for £150 and a safety pack that includes air conditioning, ESP, front passenger, side and curtain airbags for £1,000. Bluetooth, front fog lights and front passenger forward-folding seat should also be available.

Nissan said that a Combi version with the option of seven seats will join the NV200's range later with prices to be announced closer to its launch date in February 2010. Combi models should have body-coloured door mirrors, handles and bumpers, front fog lights, electric door mirrors, cruise control, Bluetooth, air-conditioning and alloy wheels as standard.

Peugeot i0n electric city-car order book opens (UK)

Peugeot has opened the order books on its all-electric iOn ahead the car’s expected on sale date of late 2010.

The car is the firm’s version of the Mitsubishi iMiEV and it was revealed on the eve of the Frankfurt motorshow in September. Citroen launched its own version, the C-Zero, last week.

A Peugeot spokesman said that the exact terms of its availability had yet to be decided, but pre-reservations were now being taken on the iOn.

“We’ve yet to decide whether the car will be available to buy outright or whether you will lease it due to the cost of the batteries,” said the spokesman. “We’ve had significant interest from both private and fleet sectors and we’ll be finalising our plans about how exactly we’ll market it nearer the on-sale date.”

Power comes from a permanent magnetic synchronous motor, which produces 64bhp. It produces 133lb ft of torque between 0 and 2000rpm and power is sent to the rear axle by a single-speed reduction gear. A centre-mounted 330-volt lithium-ion battery pack powers the motor and has been included as it is lighter and more durable than nickel-metal hydride batteries, while offering equivalent performance.

A full recharge of the battery pack takes 6 hours by plugging the car into a conventional 220v socket, while an 80% fast charge takes 30 minutes when using a 400v socket.

It has a claimed range of 80 miles and a top speed of 80mph. Its 0-62mph time is 15secs and it can get from 37-56mph in 6secs. Standard features will include ESP, traction control, ABS, electric windows, air conditioning and 6 airbags.

Toyota Auris hybrid caught on test

Toyota showed off its Auris Hybrid Concept at the 2009 Frankfurt motorshow – and here is the completed product testing in Europe ahead of its launch in 2010.

This will be Toyota's first mainstream hybrid; the Prius has pioneered the petrol-electric technology in a standalone bodystyle but now the Japanese want to roll out the Hybrid Synergy Drive across its entire model range, so the Auris will be the first of many Toyotas to wear the HSD hybrid badge.

The 97bhp, 1.8 litre petrol-electric powertrain of the Auris Hybrid is largely shared with the Prius, giving this five-door hatch sub-80g/km CO2 emissions married to 0-62mph performance in around 10sec. Fuel economy should hover around 80mpg combined.

Like on the Prius, there are numerous tweaks to make the Auris cut the air more efficiently. So there are changes at the front end and the rear bumpers visible in this spy picture are flatter. They make the car look wider but are designed to optimise airflow and reduce turbulence and drag. The car sits 20mm lower, has a new rear spoiler and a drag figure of around 0.28cd.

The Auris Hybrid should be green, compared with conventional Auris models. Because it's a full hybrid, it can run on battery power alone in zero-emissions mode. There will be several driving modes selectable by the driver: Eco for maximum efficiency; Power for more performance; EV mode for full electric running for 2km at up to 31mph.

The Auris Hybrid spied here will be built in Burnaston, UK and go on sale during Summer 2010.

                                  Toyota Auris Hybrid Concept:

Toyota Prius posts very strong sales for October (JP)

In the Toyota Prius vs Honda Insight hybrid battle of sales in Japan, it is the Prius which continues to rule.

In October, the Prius was Japan's number one selling car for the sixth consecutive month. Toyota's third-generation model put 26,918 units on the board, while the Insight was down in ninth place with 7,074 units.

The Insight, the first hybrid to top Japan's sales charts this April, is also now regularly being outsold by the Fit (Jazz) in the country too. The Fit was Japan's second biggest seller in October with 15,444 units. Nonetheless, Honda isn't concerned about the Insight's flagging sales.

First, the sales target for the Insight is set at 5,000 units per month, so Honda's hybrid is still actually well ahead of schedule.

Second, the Fit is still a very competitive all-rounder, especially in terms of mpg, utility and pricing, and is on the market for much less than an Insight. Therefore Honda is happy the Fit is where it is and the Insight is more than living up to expectations.

Lotus Evora pricing announced (U.S)

Lotus has announced official pricing for the Evora. Set to go on sale in Spring 2010, the Evora will be priced at $73,500 ($74,675 including destination).

Options include a premium package ($1,990 for extended leather upholstery and accent lighting), a sport package ($1,275 for sports traction control, revised throttle, sports diffuser, cross-drilled brake discs, and titanium exhaust tips), and a technology package ($2,995 for cruise control, rear parking sensors, and a Alpine 'Mobile Media Station' with GPS navigation and Bluetooth/USB connectivity). Other luxuries include a "sports ratio" 6 speed gearbox ($1,500), premium audio system ($695), reversing camera ($495), and electric folding door mirrors ($450). For the exterior, Lotus offers a variety of alloy wheels ($475 to $2,125) and numerous exterior paint colours ($590 to $3,300).

Standard equipment includes a 6 speed manual gearbox, gear-shift indicator, twin polished exhaust pipes, BOSCH electronic diff lock w/ switchable traction control and electronic stability control, bi-xenon headlamps, stainless-steel fuel tank, 2 stage twin front airbags, ABS + EBD + HBA, , air-conditioning, tyre pressure monitoring system, height and reach adjustable steering wheel, leather seats, Alpine audio system and leather gearknob, handbrake & flat-bottomed leather and magnesium steering wheel.

Featuring a mid-mounted 3.5 litre V6 Toyota engine with 276bhp and 258 lb-ft of torque, the Evora can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds before hitting a top speed of 162 mph. Motorway fuel economy is predicted to be more than 30mpg U.S.

Maserati GranCabrio pricing announced (UK)

The Maserati GranCabrio, the new convertible version of the GranTurismo, will be priced from £95,630 OTR when it reaches UK showrooms in April 2010.

The same 4.7 litre V8 with 434bhp in the GranTurismo, will be used in the drop-top helps the GranCabrio sprints from 0-62mph in just 5.4 seconds with a top-speed of 175 mph via a ZF 6 speed automatic gearbox. Not only are you going to need deep pockets to buy the car, you will also need deep pockets to run the car. With a combined fuel economy of 18.5mpg, you will get a theoretical range of 303 miles from its 16.4 gallon fuel tank. CO2 emissions are rated at 354g/km.

To help you personalise the GranCabrio, Maserati will offer 14 different exterior colours and six different shades for the soft-top. As well as huge range of options to customise the new convertible, the Italian sportscar maker is also offering a bespoke four-piece leather luggage set which fits within the boot.

Mercedes SLS AMG pricing announced (DE)

Mercedes Germany has released pricing on their all-new flagship supercar.

Available for pre-order today, the SLS AMG starts at €149,000 (€177,310 with 19% VAT) in Germany. Options include a ceramic composite high-performance braking system at €9,500, AMG performance suspension at €1,200, light-alloy wheels in a 5-twin-spoke design at €950, and forged wheels in a 10-spoke design at €2,000. Other goodies include a carbon-fibre engine cover (€4,000) and "Alubeam Silver" (€10,000) and "Monza Grey Mango" (€3,250) paint schemes.

Inside, the SLS can be outfitted with an AMG performance steering wheel in leather and Alcantara (€400), sport seats (€3,300), carbon-fibre trim (€3,500), exclusive nappa leather upholstery (€2,500), memory package for the front seats and steering wheel (€1,225), six-disc DVD changer (€660), and a Bang & Olufsen BeoSound audio system at €5,900.

While the car won't be launched until Spring 2010, prospective buyers can configure their SLS at the AMG website (www.mercedes-amg.com) or go to a local Mercedes dealer for more information.

The SLS AMG is powered by a 6.3 litre V8 engine that produces 571bhp and 650Nm of torque. Mated to a 7 speed double-declutch transmission, the SLS accelerates from 0-62 mph in 3.8 seconds before hitting an electronically limited top speed 197 mph.

Combined fuel economy is rated at 13.2 litres/km/21.4mpg UK/17.8mpg U.S. UK sales start in July 2010.

Press Release:

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG can be ordered from 16 November: The Gullwing is in the starting blocks

The new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, the absolute highlight at this year's International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, is now available to order. From Monday, 16 November 2009, company-owned sales and service outlets and sales partners of the Mercedes-Benz brand in Germany will be taking orders for this super car with its characteristic Gullwing doors. The sales price is €177,310 (including 19 % VAT).

"Following a high-profile world premiere at the IAA, we are very excited about the SLS AMG's commercial release on Monday. There is huge interest in our new super sports car and we are convinced that the SLS AMG will captivate our customers," says Volker Mornhinweg, Chairman of the Management Board at Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

As of the commercial release on 16th November 2009, prospective buyers will be able to obtain high-quality informational material which provides details of the paint finishes, leather colours, standard equipment and optional extras available for the SLS AMG. It will also be possible to configure your dream vehicle online at www.mercedes-amg.com and www.mercedes-benz.com. To bridge the time until the market launch in Spring 2010, it is worth watching the web specials at www.mercedes-benz.com/sls-amg.

These offer a comprehensive insight into all the top features of the SLS AMG. Both online magazines cover performance, technology, design and equipment in exciting video material, as well as in words and pictures.

Mercedes-Benz and AMG active on online platforms:

Mercedes-Benz and AMG are exploring new ways of communicating with customers on social media platforms: at www.sls-amg-reporter.com fans of AMG will find short video clips and articles by Matthew K., the SLS AMG reporter. This 36 year old car enthusiast is following the market launch of the SLS AMG and provides information about various events worldwide at which the Gullwing model is presented to the public. Matthew K. is also active at http://twitter.com/sls_amg , reporting live on his travels with the SLS AMG, as well as about his experiences and thoughts on the super sports car. Up-to-date information about the SLS AMG is also available from www.facebook.com/MercedesBenz - fans can communicate with other users and even upload their own photos and videos that express their passion for Mercedes-Benz.

A new legend delivering exceptional performance:

The new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG dazzles with its purist design, intelligent lightweight construction and superior handling dynamics, and is bound to cause a sensation in the super sports car segment. The new SLS AMG is nothing short of a masterpiece by Mercedes-AMG GmbH. As its first completely independently developed vehicle, the super sports car is the highlight in the company's more than 40-year history. It not only takes AMG, the performance brand within Mercedes-Benz Cars, into a new era, but also demonstrates development expertise of the very highest order.

The SLS AMG's unrivalled technology package is an alluring proposition:

Aluminium spaceframe body with Gullwing doors, AMG 6.3 litre V8 front-mid-engine developing 420 kW/571bhp peak output, 650Nm of torque and dry sump lubrication, 7 speed double-declutch transmission in a transaxle configuration, sports suspension with aluminium double wishbones and a kerb weight of 1,620kg based on the DIN standard - this superlative combination guarantees driving dynamics of the highest order. The front/rear weight distribution of 47 to 53 percent and the vehicle's low centre of gravity are testimony to the uncompromising sports car concept. The 'Gullwing' accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds, before going on to a top speed of 317 km/h (electronically limited). Fuel consumption of 13.2 litres per 100 kilometres (combined) makes it one of the best among its competitors.

The SLS AMG sells at €149,000 net and €177,310 gross (including 19% VAT). Thanks to a diverse range of optional extras, the Gullwing model can be enhanced to suit any personal taste.

Some of the main options include:

AMG ceramic composite high-performance braking system: €9,500 net/ €11,305 gross

AMG performance suspension with a stiffer setup for optimum lateral dynamics: €1,200 net/€1,428 gross

AMG light-alloy wheels in a 5-twin-spoke design, size 9.5 x 19 inches (front) and 11.0 x 20 inches (rear), tyre sizes 265/35 R 19 (front) and 295/30 R 20 (rear): €950 net/€1,130.50 gross

AMG forged wheels in a 10-spoke design, size 9.5 x 19 inches (front) and 11.0 x 20 inches (rear), with tyre size 265/35 R 19 (front) and 295/30 R 20 (rear): €2,000 net/€2,380 gross

AMG performance steering wheel in leather/Alcantara: €400 net/€476 gross

AMG sports bucket seats: €3,300 net/€3,927 gross

AMG carbon-fibre engine compartment cover: €4,000 net/€4,760 gross

"AMG alubeam silver" paint finish: €10,000 net/€11,900 gross

"AMG monza grey magno" paint finish: €3,250 net/€3,867.50 gross

AMG carbon-fibre trim (front stowage tray and rear stowage compartment including lid, AMG DRIVE UNIT surround, surrounds for the centre console, shiftgate and rear, trim strips for centre console and door armrests): €3,500 net/€4,165 gross

AMG interior carbon package (carbon-fibre trim, trim on seat backrests and sides, door sill panels): €3,500 net/€4,165 gross

Leather nappa exclusive single-/two-tone: €2,500 net/€2,975 gross

Memory package with electric seat and steering column adjustment, as well as four-way lumbar support: €1,225 net/€1,457.75 gross

6-disc DVD changer: €660 net/€785.40 gross

Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG surround sound system: €5,900 net/ €7,021 gross