What's The Alternatives?

[dave.m]

Quote, " New entry level SUV from Mercedes" reckon you would still need pockets like pillow cases.

http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/mercedes-gla-scooped-testing

[anchorman]

.............oh the tension. Got to be some proper RAV pics soon!

[dave.m]

Polo SUV

Volkwagen Polo SUV plotted

Supermini-based Nissan Juke rival could be here in 2014; Up-based mini-SUV also set to be unveiled

Polo-based SUV will rival Nissan's Juke

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by Mark Tisshaw

15 October 2012 10:43am

Volkswagen is poised to enter the booming compact-SUV segment with a new model based on the next-generation Polo.

The Polo SUV will be the first compact Volkswagen to be spun off the VW Group’s versatile new MQB platform, underpinnings that will be used across an expanded next-generation Polo range.

The rival for the Mini Countryman and Nissan Juke is expected to be closely related in size to the Audi Q2, a model that was previewed as the Crosslane Coupé at last month’s Paris motor show.

VW R&D chief Ulrich Hackenberg confirmed to Autocar at the Paris show that an SUV in the ‘A0 segment’ — VW’s code for supermini-sized models — was at the top of the firm’s priority list for new model development.

“We have to increase our SUV offerings,” he said. “It’s important we get in the A0 SUV segment, and we’re working on it.” Hackenberg didn’t confirm an exact launch date for the new model, but hinted at 2014.

Styling inspiration for the new Polo SUV, previewed here in our artist’s impression, will come from the VW Cross Coupé concept seen at the 2011 Tokyo motor show.

At the time, design chief Klaus Bischoff said the concept previewed “the future face of all VW SUVs”.

Hackenberg said the Polo SUV would be adapted for different markets. A more basic version is likely to offered in emerging markets, while European versions will be more technically sophisticated and premium in both look and feel.

Both two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive will be offered, but the bulk of sales will come from front-drive models. VW sources have hinted that two more SUVs are set to be previewed as concepts over the next three months.

A new Up-based entry-level SUV is tipped to be unveiled at the Sao Paulo motor show at the end of the month, while at the Detroit show in January, VW is set to show an SUV based on the US-market Passat, although this model is unlikely to make it to Europe

http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/volkwagen-polo-suv-plotted

[Manxrav]

And the VW/Audi Group portfolio gets bigger and bigger

Regards Clare

[dave.m]

Renault Clio CUV.

So now everybody and their granny is making a compact SUV/CUV.

BUT TOYOTA IS DROPPING THE URBAN CRUISER, WHY???????????????

Clio SUV on sale next year

Captur concept-inspired compact crossover with Clio 4 underpinnings for Geneva show reveal

Renault have rfused to give away design details, but Autocar image shows what it may look like

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by Mark Tisshaw

19 October 2012

A new Renault Clio-based compact SUV is to go into production next year. Renault officials are now speaking openly about a production version of the model that was first previewed as the Captur concept at the 2011 Geneva show, and it could return to that show next March in production guise.The as-yet unnamed Clio SUV will be based on the Renault-Nissan Alliance’s B platform, also found beneath the new Clio and the Nissan Micra and Juke. It is likely to share its platform dimensions with the new Juke, meaning it will be around 4.1m long.

The styling will borrow more from the Clio 4 than the Captur concept,

http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/clio-suv-sale-next-year

[dave.m]

And yet another VW, Toyota have really blown it dropping the Urban Cruiser.

Sao Paulo motor show: VW Taigun Concept revealed

VW has revealed its Taigun Concept car at the Brazilian motor show

New Taigun is based on a stretched Up platform

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Volkswagen formerly intends to join the burgeoning junior SUV ranks after unveiling a concept that hints towards a future production model at the Sao Paulo motor show in Brazil.

Called the Taigun, the compact four-seater previews the look set to be adopted on a planned new Mini Countryman and Nissan Juke rival to be positioned and priced below the Tiguan when launched towards the middle of the decade.

The production model will provide the basis for a whole new family of similar sized offerings from Audi, Seat and Skoda. Ulrich Hackenberg, VW’s R&D chief, told Autocar that the compact SUV would be sold in each of VW’s global markets, including the UK.

The Taigun is based around a stretched version of the VW Up’s NSF (New Small Family) platform. At 3859mm in length, 1728mm in width and 1570mm in height, the Taigun is 566mm shorter, 82mm narrower and 130mm lower than the Tiguan. The concept is not four-wheel drive, as the NSF platform currently only supports front-wheel drive.

VW design chief Klaus Bischoff describes the new SUV’s appearance as “confident, logical and clean”. It is more rugged and technical in style than the Tiguan, and previews the new face of VW’s future SUVs.

The interior of the Taigun has, according to Bischoff, been inspired by the latest smart phones, with a clean and reduced look that aims to provide the sort of visual clarity and simplicity of operation associated with early workhorse off-roaders, albeit with modern day levels of quality and finish.

Power for the concept comes from the same 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine with 108bhp and 129lb ft as the upcoming Up GT. Drive is channeled through a six-speed manual gearbox.

The 985kg Taigun can crack 0-62mph in 9.2sec and reach a top speed of 116mph. Combined economy is rated at 60.1mpg and CO2 emissions are 110g/km.

Greg Kable/Mark Tisshaw

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[silly sausage]

CRV update -

http://www.autocar.c...a-cr-v-unveiled

I had a drive of a new diesel CRV today, I have to say it was very refined and extremely quiet on the road, the build quality was also very good which is no real surprise, the showroom was heaving with interested parties yet the dealer doesn't have an official launch until next week.

Might I buy one ? Err No, the 'real time' four wheel drive is the same as the previous model with no diff lock, the rear floor loading area has an awkward lip on the bumper edge, and, much as I think the front profile is very appealing the back isn't, finally an 'EX' spec with leather, glass roof and nav is a hefty 32k plus any styling packs, protection packs etc!

I'm sure the next generation Rav will still have the upper hand and be more durable, the Honka is all a bit too fussy for me.

[dave.m]

http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/16-new-land-rovers-revealed

16 new Land Rovers revealed

Land Rover's line-up is set to expand to 16 models by 2020 - and we've got the details of them all, including a 4m baby three-door, and BMW X5 rival and a five-car Defender family

DC100 will be one of five 'dual purpose' Land Rover models

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by Hilton Holloway

7 November 2012

Land Rover has embarked on a massive new model blitz that could more than double its annual sales by 2020. It is almost certainly the biggest investment that the UK car industry has ever seen. Land Rover’s future model line-up will fully cover the three main areas of the booming global SUV market — luxury, leisure and utility.

According to Land Rover’s design director Gerry McGovern, the brand is set to expand all three of its model families. The plans include additional models for the Range Rover line-up, a new Defender family and a radical expansion of the Freelander range that will create four new ‘leisure’ SUVs during the next seven years.

Land Rover sources refuse to estimate the potential size of the car-maker once the seven-year plan has been introduced. However, market data suggests the global SUV market will reach 22 million units by 2020. If, by radically expanding its line-up, Land Rover captured around three per cent of that market, it would be close to producing 600,000 vehicles annually.

Hilton Holloway: What is Land Rover chasing?

According to what McGovern describes as a “holistic approach” to its future range, Land Rover plans to extend the Range Rover line-up to six models, including an ‘Evoque XL’, which slots into the hole that currently exists between the Evoque and the new Range Rover Sport and a convertible Evoque. A baby three-door Range Rover just 4m long is also being considered.

The new Land-Rover-badged ‘leisure’ line-up will have at least five new models, kicking off with an entry-level Freelander similar in size to today’s Evoque. The Freelander itself will be reinvented in five-seat and seven-seat forms. The range will be topped by a new Discovery, which could switch to an aluminium platform, and be offered as a flagship to rival the successful BMW X5.

In the ‘dual purpose’ or ‘utility’ segment, Land Rover’s plan indicates that a production version of the Evoque-based DC100 is heading for the showroom, as well as the long-discussed replacement for the Defender.

McGovern’s plan shows outline drawings for five-seat and seven-seat new Defenders as well as a crew-cab pick-up.

This dramatic expansion will put a huge strain on the investment and engineering capabilities of Jaguar Land Rover. JLR boss Ralf Speth has already spoken about 40 new JLR product launches in the next five years. He has pledged £2bn a year to underpin this, with the £10bn investment funding at least one new platform, plus increased capacity in the UK.

However, not all of this investment is expected to be focused on the UK. JLR is wisely spreading its production footprint around the world to take advantage of booming global markets.

Reports from China in early October said that the JLR joint venture with Chinese car maker Chery gained approval in record time from the Chinese National Development and Reform Commission.

About £1.8 billion will be invested in a new Chinese plant that will, in the first stages, have the capacity to build 130,000 vehicles per year, about 60 per cent of which will be Land Rover models.

Reports say that Land Rover sales in China hit 47,975 units in the first eight months of the year, 85 per cent up on the same period in 2011. Its 96 Chinese dealer outlets will also soon be expanded by a further 47 showrooms.

China is now JLR’s second biggest market, just behind the UK, and Chinese tastes are increasingly turning away from conventional luxury saloon cars towards SUVs.

Buyers of premium vehicles in China and Russia are also pushing for the opportunity to buy more limited-edition vehicles and customised styling packs, an opportunity JLR’s design teams are eager to capitalise on.

Back in the UK, JLR has put the finishing touches to its new aluminium press shop at Solihull and has just completed a new quality inspection building for the new Range Rover and its future sister vehicles.

Work is also underway on the new JLR engine factory to be built in the West Midlands/Staffordshire area, while much of the research work into a new generation of super-frugal four-cylinder ‘Hotfire’ engines is being carried out by UK universities, including Warwick and Loughborough.

[Manxrav]

To follow up on your post Dave regarding the VW, you are absolutly correct about Toyota,I think their decision is too premature.

Regards Clare

[dave.m]

To follow up on your post Dave regarding the VW, you are absolutly correct about Toyota,I think their decision is too premature.

Regards Clare

Could not agree more Clare, especially when you read this...............yes yet another manufacturer doing a small SUV

WTF is going on at Toyota ?????? At this rate they will be the only ones without an UC size model.

Honda confirms Juke rival

Jazz-based compact crossover to provide a smaller option to the CR-V 4x4

Honda CEO Takanobu Ito today confirmed the company's development of a new compact crossover

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by Hilton Holloway

12 November 2012 3:02pm

Honda will be building a compact SUV based on the next-generation Jazz supermini, company CEO Takanobu Ito has said. Speaking to Autocar earlier today at Honda’s Tochigi R&D centre, he confirmed that the new Jazz — due in 2014 — will include SUV and saloon versions as the model becomes a true global car. Ito would not expand on the likely form of the Jazz SUV but described it as a ‘younger brother to the new CR-V’.

Ito said that the Jazz was ‘strategically’ very important for Honda over the ‘next five to ten years’ as it seeks to increase sales from this year’s 4 million units to 7 million units by 2017. Honda also had no plans to sell the new budget Brio supermini outside its target market of South East Asia and India. Ito said that Honda was not interested in introducing a ‘low cost brand’ into Europe and would, instead, concentrate on ‘increasing the attractiveness’ of the Civic.

He also ruled out an ‘affordable sport car’ rival to the Toyota GT86, saying that Honda would address that market niche with the new Civic Type- R, which will arrive in 2015.

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[firemac]

"Land Rover's line-up is set to expand to 16 models by 2020" - no doubt the AA & RAC folks will be rubbing their hands in glee!

[Manxrav]

Dave, have found out the real reason for the abrupt end of our beloved U/C,it was because it was under-pinned with the previous generation Yaris, and they have decided that rather than keeping it in production, it was easier to cease production ( if you get my drift). So perhaps one day in the not too distant future there may well be another small SUV from Toyota, on the New Yaris under-pinnings.

Another little snipet I heard was that the "New" Rav 4 is also going the basis of a new Lexus baby SUV!!!!!

Amazing what you hear at your local Toyota Main Dealer.

Regards Ear to the Ground Clare

[anchorman]

This is the nearest to what the RAV might look like I've seen. It looks right in the side and rear view.

[Plutus]

I test drove new CRV yesterday. We are looking to replace the coupe (will be keeping the 4.2)

I agree with Denshaw, it's a very good car, smooth, comfortable I can see it appealing to a lot of people.

They have copied the Rav starting off always in 4wd. But no diff. lock button.

The rear sill seemed fairly low and lip not too bad, mind you i was looking at the SPARE WHEEL.

I'm interested in the diesel auto.

It has a large achilles heel, the engine. In auto mode it is just not powerful enough. mpg and Co2 are behind its competitors.

I think they have dropped a clanger by not upgrading the engine. At these prices it is close to Audi & BMW territory.

Can get new CRV's for delivery by end Nov. Choice of colours.

[Manxrav]

Judging by the amount of CRV,s that where in a Compound in Southampton the other week, Honda must think they are onto a winner.Personally seeing it in the flesh, it doesn,t float my boat.Front end not bad, rear end looks like it,s been grafted on- not what you would call a "style icon"

Regards Clare

[DjRav]

Judging by the amount of CRV,s that where in a Compound in Southampton the other week, Honda must think they are onto a winner.Personally seeing it in the flesh, it doesn,t float my boat.Front end not bad, rear end looks like it,s been grafted on- not what you would call a "style icon"

Regards Clare

Clare,

Drive past those Hondas regularly! There's always (literally) thousands of them passing through Soton Docks. Mind you they built a special multi storey to store all the LR's as there's thousands of them too.

Dave

[Manxrav]

Dave, are both those multistorey Carparks JLR?

Love it best when the Tokyo City car transporter is in, it dwarfs anything around it!!!!! Makes the P&O Ventura look like a sailing boat.

Regards Clare

[DjRav]

Dave, are both those multistorey Carparks JLR?

Love it best when the Tokyo City car transporter is in, it dwarfs anything around it!!!!! Makes the P&O Ventura look like a sailing boat.

Regards Clare

There's four multis altogether but I think they belong to ABP. LR and Honda seem to dominate though.

Apparently (thanks Google) they handle 650,000 vehicles a year?!

Dave

[DjRav]

New Landrover DC100 Sport. Good one for the 3 door Rav'rs!

Dave

[Davrav]

New Landrover DC100 Sport. Good one for the 3 door Rav'rs!

Dave

Sure I had one of those as a kid - in my Hotwheels set..................................

[Mike JD]

<p>

New Landrover DC100 Sport. Good one for the 3 door Rav'rs!

Dave

Yew CANNOT BE SERIOUS! (And I did not slurp my orange juice)

[firemac]

New Landrover DC100 Sport. Good one for the 3 door Rav'rs!

Dave

I'd rather chew my own foot off than have another pile of JLR excrement!

[silly sausage]

Another new face for 2013, the four wheel drive version of this is likely to be a strong Rav competitor. These Toyota, Honda, Nissan and Kia front profiles are starting to look very similar.....

New Qashqai

[rambler]

Another new face for 2013, the four wheel drive version of this is likely to be a strong Rav competitor. These Toyota, Honda, Nissan and Kia front profiles are starting to look very similar.....

New Qashqai

Looks to me like a hint of Mitsubishi L200 on the front ?

[Plutus]

Ford Kuga prices

http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/News/Search-Results/First-Official-Pictures/Ford-Kuga-2012-full-details-on-the-new-soft-roader/

IRC, the titanium X comes with xenons. So if the top auto has the 163 bhp engine looks lke its a better buy than the RAV. That's before the discounts.