Peugeot 2008 facelift
What’s the story?
Peugeot has given its small crossover a mid-life facelift with a new grille, lights and side scuff plates. There’s also revised equipment, including new wheel-arch extensions on the Allure versions upward, and a new GT Line spec car, while Apple Carplay is also now available.
Timescale?
July 2016.
Why is it interesting?
The GT Line version has proved popular on the 208, 308 and 508, and Peugeot expects the 2008 to replicate this trend.
Any other business?
The new front grille is understood to give a hint to how the all-new 3008 crossover, due later this year, will look. The engine line-up remains unchanged, with the most efficient version being the 120hp 1.6-litre diesel with a CO2 figure of 96g/km.
Mitsubishi eX-Concept
What’s the story?
The eX-Concept shows how a Nissan Juke rival could look, and demonstrates an EV powertrain, which Mitsubishi says is its preferred option for smaller vehicles.
Timescale?
The eX is still very much a concept, although a small 4×4 to sit below a new ASX is coming to the UK, but not before 2018.
Why is it interesting?
Following the Outlander plug-in hybrid’s success, moving into the mid-size and small-SUV segments should give the brand much greater presence in the business car arena.
Any other business?
The concept car also features a host of tech that will also find its way into future cars, such as a road condition sensor that can tell if the car drives from asphalt to gravel.
Infiniti QX30
What’s the story?
The QX30 is a higher riding, more rugged version of Infiniti’s recently launched Q30. The new additions form a large part of Infiniti’s plans to double its 2015 sales total this year to approximately 2500 registrations, with fleet and business buyers expected to account for 50% of this total.
Timescale?
Early summer 2016.
Why is it interesting?
The Q30 and QX30 are based on the Mercedes A-class and GLA platform in a bid to position Infiniti as a premium brand, rather than being based on the similarly sized Qashqai from the marque’s parent brand Nissan.
The QX30 gives Infiniti a car in the rapidly growing C-segment crossover market.
Any other business?
Infiniti also unveiled a two-door coupe version of its Q50 called the Q60 that will go head-to-head with the Audi A5, BMW 4-series and Lexus RC.
Toyota Hilux
What’s the story?
Toyota has updated its long-lived Hilux pick-up to cater for both users after a sturdy working machine and those after a boldly styled leisure vehicle.
Timescale?
The Hilux goes on sale in June 2016.
Why is it interesting?
Toyota’s hardy new pick-up will come in single cab, extra cab and double cab forms. To better serve those who need a working pick-up the Hilux boasts a stronger chassis, reinforced deck structure, improved off-road capabilities and increased towing capacity. Leisure users, on the other hand, should be appeased by the greater comfort and extra kit.
Any other business?
The brand-new 2.4-litre diesel engine produces 150hp, while emissions now start at 187g/km for two-wheel drive versions, with four-wheel drive manuals weighing in at 194g/km. The Hilux is also now 75mm longer.
Alfa Romeo Giulia
What’s the story?
Alfa has revealed the full range of its new Giulia upper medium saloon. Pitched as a rival to the likes of the BMW 3-series and Audi A4, it will be powered by a choice of four engines: two petrol and two diesel.
Timescale?
On sale in the UK in September.
Why is it interesting?
The Giulia finally gives Alfa an expanded range and also plugs a large-family-saloon gap in the Fiat Group line-up.
Any other business?
While final UK equipment is yet to be set, the trim levels will be badged Giulia, Super and Quadrifoglio. There will also be two option packs labelled Luxury and Sport. However, the Sport pack will only be available on the Super model.
