Alpina's version of the 6-Series Gran Coupe itself debuted in 2014, powered by a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 producing 600 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque with a one-piece titanium exhaust system by Akrapovic providing the soundtrack. The BMW Alpina B6 xDrive Gran Coupe serves up nothing short of supercar performance with those power stats, offering blasts from 0-60 mph in just 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 198 mph, which is little too fast even for the autobahn on most commutes.
Even though the second-generation Mazda CX-9 is still fresh, it’s already getting some tech-savvy updates. For the 2018 model year, Mazda tacks on Smart City Brake Support -- Mazda’s name for autonomous braking -- as standard equipment. That means even the entry-level CX-9 Sport will have some autonomous features. Also joining the standard safety features list is blind-spot monitoring and a rear cross-traffic alert system.
If the cloth seats in the Mazda CX-9 Sport don’t do it for ya, you can step up to leather coverings by jumping to the Touring trim. Touring also tacks on an auto-dimming rearview mirror, power liftgate keyless entry and a bigger media display. The top-of-the-line CX-9 Signature adds rosewood trim to the car’s cabin, LED interior lighting and even nicer leather.
The bold new Range Rover Sport HST is identified by its unique exterior design and interior enhancements, which give the high performance luxury SUV a distinctive and dynamic appearance.
A striking black theme is the hallmark of the exterior design. The HST is fitted with Stealth Pack lamps front and rear, which feature non-reflective surrounds and combine with a Santorini Black contrast roof and a new spoiler to give the luxury SUV a purposeful profile.
The HST's distinctive 21-inch alloy wheels feature an exclusive dark satin grey finish helping to highlight the uprated brakes, which are identified by red brake calipers. Larger 22-inch Stealth alloy wheels are available as optional equipment.
The bonnet and front wing vents, grille and fog lamp bezels all feature a Gloss Black finish, echoed by the 'Range Rover' lettering on the leading edge of the bonnet and rear tailgate. Sculpted body-coloured lower door panels and additional vent detailing on the bumpers are also fitted.
In common with other Dynamic Range Rover Sport variants, the HST wears a red Sport badge at the rear, complemented by unique HST badging on the front wing vents.
Power comes from Land Rover's 380PS 3.0-litre V6 supercharged petrol engine, enhanced to provide an extra 40PS.
Unique chassis settings deliver an even more focused driving experience and sharper responses, without compromising the vehicle's trademark comfort and refinement. Detail changes to the suspension reduce body roll and deliver enhanced agility, while the uprated brakes feature 20-inch discs to deliver even more confidence-inspiring performance.
The HST is available with a single-range transmission, reflecting its high performance capabilities, and Land Rover's engineers have devised a unique Terrain Response set-up for the vehicle. It features a Dynamic Mode, which optimises the suspension, Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) and other electronic systems to suit on-road driving. This feature provides more controlled electronic damping and a more responsive throttle pedal, while enhancing gearshifts and steering response to match the change in vehicle character.
Inside the HST comes with eye-catching duo tone seats trimmed in luxurious Oxford Leather. In combination with a contrast fascia, all-Ebony door trims and centre console and standard Ebony headlining, they create a unique environment. The high quality leather upholstery is available in four Ebony/colour combinations, along with an all-Ebony option.
Bespoke HST badging on the dashboard, carpet mats and the TFT instrument panel highlight the luxury model's high performance focus. The sporty cues extend to Noble-plated paddle shift gear levers on the steering wheel and distinctive bright 'Sports' pedals, while the aluminium interior trim features a textured 'Sports' finish.
Volvo Cars stepped up to meet the demands of its core customers with the unveiling of the exciting Volvo S60 Cross Country at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show.
The Volvo S60 Cross Country has an increased ride height of 65 mm and comes with capable All Wheel Drive underpinnings, making it the only truly capable and stylish all-road sedan crossover on the market. The S60 Cross Country will also be delivered with front-wheel drive in Europe and selected markets.
DESIGN
Delivering an involved and focused driving experience with rugged substance, this dynamic design brings a sporty, unconventional and adventurous edge to the sedan concept.
The exterior features a unique cross country honey comb grille, glossy black green house, glossy black mirror caps and a Cross Country emblem embossed in the rear skid plate.
Reflecting Volvo's love of nature and Scandinavian heritage, the Volvo S60 Cross Country offers both 18" and 19" wheels with high profile tyres that add both comfort and all-road aesthetics, reduce road noise, and add increased wheel protection when needed.
The S60 Cross Country is available in five exterior colours: Onyx Black, Osmium Grey, Crystal White, Bright Silver and Rich Java.
Refined interior
Scandinavian design is exemplified by beautiful, simple shapes and surfaces with any unnecessary clutter removed. This is evident in the interior and exterior. Inside, the attention to detail, the authentic materials - such as wood and leather - and the easy-to-use controls contribute to the in-command driving experience. The interior detailing includes a Piano Black deco option, rotary jewel-like knobs in the centre stack and a frameless inner rear-view mirror.
The Alfa Romeo Giulia, the top-of-the-range model sporting the legendary Quadrifoglio badge, was introduced to the international press at the Alfa Romeo Museum in Arese, near Milan.
It was a special event and a celebration of Alfa Romeo's over one century of history: in fact, today the brand celebrates its 105th year of auto making, a goal which it shares with a very select club of manufacturers, which is even smaller when considering the brand's worldwide sales successes and its racing victories.
A.L.F.A. (standing for 'Anonima Lombarda Fabbrica Automobili', which translates as 'Lombard Automobile Factory, Public Company' in English) was established on June 24, 1910. Today, on June 24, 2015, a new page of the brand which never ceases to surprise is being written by introducing a new model, a genuine manifesto which concentrates past, present and future and is one of the most brilliant examples of automobile excellence.
There could be no better venue for this splendid event within the event than the new Alfa Romeo Museum in Arese. The brand's 'home' will be opening its doors to the general public again on June 30. The renovated facility hosts Alfa Romeo's most famous and innovative creations. These cars have written some of the most important pages in automotive history and are, still today, sources of inspiration for young Alfa Romeo designers.
These include an elite team of engineers, designers and stylists known within FCA as the 'Skunks', a sobriquet used in industries in the USA to identify the best squads to whom the most delicate and technologically innovative missions are entrusted. Sharing a common love for Alfa Romeo and its unique concept of cars as 'mechanical creations' which transcend the realm of necessity to verge on that of the most authentic emotions and not just 'useful means of transport', the 'Skunks' have one goal: to create the Alfa Romeo of the future respecting the heritage resulting from the work and pride of thousands of people - engineers, factory workers and managers - who have taken turns in the factories, offices and on the race tracks.
The new Alfa Romeo logo
Alfa Romeo Giulia perfectly embodies the brand's new paradigm remaining loyal to its century-long tradition: not by chance, only who has a great past can face the challenges of the future. The respect for the brand's proud history is demonstrated also by the original badge - designed by Robilant Associati - that the new model will show to the world for the first time: the emblem has been renewed and modernised on the outside while, the distinctive shape and style elements which have made it an admired symbol the World over remain untouched.
'La meccanica delle emozioni'
Five are the elements which made Alfa Romeo one of the world's most desirable automotive brands: distinctive Italian design, state-of-the-art, innovative engines, perfect 50/50 weight distribution, unique technical solutions and the best weight-to-power ratio. These are the indispensable ingredients for creating an Alfa Romeo.
Just sitting in the new Alfa Romeo is like entering a new dimension which centers around the driver, firing emotions and the promise of exhilarating driving experiences. Merit goes to the sensitive steering, the responsive acceleration and the prompt shifting and braking. Additionally, rear or four-wheel drive is more than just a tribute to the most authentic roots of the Alfa Romeo legend: it is also a technical solution which offers high performance and astounding enjoyment.
In Alfa Romeo, this is all summed up by the words 'la meccanica delle emozioni'. This bold, distinctive pay-off will be publicised worldwide in Italian only to pay homage to the homeland where the legend was born over one century ago. Still today, the brand carries Italian-made pride on everyday roads, on the most famous race tracks and in the hearts of millions of enthusiasts in the four corners of the Earth.
Distinctive Italian design
An Alfa Romeo springs from the perfect balance of heritage, speed and beauty which makes it the highest expression of Italian style in the automotive world. The new Giulia is no exception because it encapsulates three particularities of Italian design: sense of proportions, simplicity and care for surface quality. This is the 'skin' that Alfa Romeo stylists have modelled with painstaking care on the mechanical parts.
In particular, the proportions are based on the technical architecture of the entire car: for Alfa Romeo the key elements were the 50/50 weight balance and rear wheel drive. In order to balance the weights perfectly, the engine and the mechanical parts are arranged between the two axles. This is why the Giulia has very short overhangs, a long bonnet and front wings, a retracted passenger compartment 'settled' on the drive wheels and muscular rear wings which visually mark the point where power is unleashed onto the road. All this translates into a very generous wheelbase - the longest in its category - but contained in one of the most compact bodies. These proportions draw the dynamic shape of an ellipsis in plan view. Furthermore, the rounded angles and the enveloping pillars convey momentum to the car creating a 'teardrop-shaped' profile which is reminiscent of the Giulietta Sprint, one of the most beautiful cars ever made.
A second aspect of the Italian style is 'simplicity' which enshrouds what is in fact the most complex creative processes in industry: designing a car. It is up to style to conceal the long, complex work behind a simple, natural line which enhances elegant shapes and sophisticated Italian taste. This approach permeates the entire history of Alfa Romeo expressed by means of clean, taut lines. For this reason, the new Alfa Romeo boasts a strong identity drawn in few simple strokes: a line gouged along the sides which marks the doors and envelops the handles and, naturally, the legendary trefoil nose, possibly the most famous and recognisable style element in automotive history.
Finally, Italian style is characterised by a high quality surface finish which means creating rich, harmonious reflections across the volumes. The end result is the new Giulia, a sculptured shape reminiscent of a big cat just about to pounce. The same inspiration is found inside the car. Everything is clean, essential and centers around the driver, such as the controls grouped on the small steering wheel designed to adapt to all driving styles. And more. The driver's position was 'cut' as a fabric with a diagonal tunnel, a slightly undulated dashboard and cleverly oriented instruments which convey the impression of a tailor-made suit with hand-crafted care and premium materials: carbon fibre, wood and fabrics are chosen for their visual and tactile pleasantness and assembled in such a way to make the human touch visible.
State-of-the-art, innovative engines
State-of-the-art, innovative engines are another characterising element of a genuine Alfa Romeo. For this reason, a unique engine in terms of technology and performance, destined to become the new benchmark of the brand, has been created for the Quadrifoglio version.
The six-cylinder turbo petrol tuned by engineers with Ferrari background delivers 510 HP and exhilarating performance: for instance, it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in only 3.9 seconds. Incidentally, despite the sensational power and torque output, the new engine is surprisingly fuel efficient and implements an electronically controlled cylinder deactivation system. Obviously, as all next-generation petrol and diesel engines, this six-cylinder is made entirely of aluminium to reduce weight particularly on the front axle of the car and make that genuinely Alfa Romeo sound.
Perfect weight distribution
A peculiarity of the new Giulia is the astute management of weights and materials to obtain a perfect 50/50 distribution across the two axles. This is fundamental to secure the typical Alfa Romeo driving satisfaction and reached by tweaking the layout and arranging the heavier elements in the most central position possible.
The suspensions are as essential for optimal ride as weight distribution. In particular, a multilink solution ensuring top performance, driving pleasure and comfort has been chosen for the rear axle. On the front, instead, a new double wishbone suspension with semi-virtual steering axis was developed to optimise the filtering effect and guarantee rapid, accurate steering. This Alfa Romeo exclusive keeps the constant caster trail on corners and can tackle high lateral accelerations as a result of the always perfect footprint.In any situation and at all speeds, driving Alfa Romeo Giulia with the most direct steering ratio available is natural and instinctive.
Innovative, exclusive technical solutions
As a further expression of the Alfa Romeo engineering culture, the design, the build and the choice of materials of the chassis and the suspensions is always perfect. As a consequence, it was decided that electronics should only be used to make the driving experience guaranteed by excellent basic mechanicals even more exhilarating.
This is demonstrated by the exclusive technical solutions present on the new car, like Torque Vectoring with a double clutch to allow the rear differential to control the torque delivery to each wheel separately. In this manner, power transmission to the road is improved also in low grip conditions. So, the driving is safe and fun without ever having to run up against an invasive stability control system. The Integrated Brake System - an innovative electromechanical system which combines stability control and a traditional servo brake for instantaneous brake response and consequent record-breaking stopping distances in addition to the all-important weight optimisation - is being introduced on the new Alfa Romeo.
Together with an excellent Cx, a perfect balance of forces on corners and downforce behaviour, the new model has Active Aero Splitter, a front system which actively manages downforce for higher performance and better grip even at high speed. These state-of-the-art systems are all governed by Chassis Domain Control, the 'brains' of the on-board electronics which assigns the specific task of optimising performance and driving pleasure to each one.
The new Alfa Romeo Giulia also features a renewed Alfa DNA which modifies the car's dynamic behaviour according to the driver's selection: Dynamic, Natural, Advanced Efficient (energy efficiency mode implemented for the first time on an Alfa Romeo) and naturally Racing (on high performance versions).
The passenger compartment of the new car offers the best in terms of quality, safety, equipment and comfort with a specific, profoundly Alfa Romeo style element: the centrality of the driver.
Not by chance, all the main controls are incorporated in the steering wheel as on a Formula 1 car, while the human-machine interface consists of two simple, user-friendly knobs for adjusting the Alfa DNA selector and the infotainment system.
The best weight-to-power ratio
To obtain an excellent weight-to-power ratio (remarkably lower than 3kg/hp), Alfa Romeo Giulia combines extraordinary engine performance and the ample use of ultralight materials throughout. For example, carbon fibre was chosen for the propeller shaft, the bonnet and the roof and aluminium was picked for the engine, brakes, suspension (including front domes and front and rear frames), in addition to many other body components, such as the doors and the wings. Furthermore, the rear crossmember is made of aluminium composite and plastic.
In order to decrease the total weight, the braking system was tweaked using aluminium elements and carbon ceramic discs and the seats have a carbon fibre structural frame. Despite all this weight optimisation, the car boasts the best torsional rigidity in its class to guarantee quality over time, acoustic comfort and handling even in conditions of extreme stress.
A global model for a global brand: Fiat presents its new Compact Sedan, designed in Italy at the FCA Style Centre, developed in Turkey together with Tofaş R&D and manufactured in the Bursa plant to be sold in over 40 countries of the EMEA area. Hence the name of the project - Fiat Ægea - which pays tribute to Turkey which has always played a strategic role for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and represents a symbolic bridge between East and West.
For its début, the brand has chosen the 2015 Istanbul Motor Show, thus reiterating the importance the Turkish market holds within FCA strategies and sealing the equal share joint venture first begun in 1968 between what was then the Fiat Group and Koç Holding.
It stands to reason that FCA should assign a primary role to this model with which it aims to increase its presence in the EMEA region, as well as reinforcing its unrivalled leadership in the Compact Sedan segment in Turkey, thanks to its excellent interior roominess and load capacity, a very complete range and a style that allows no compromises.
The new Fiat model comes into the world as a unique combination of comfort, efficiency and technology. With the added touch of the exclusive Italian design that delivers a quality project with the proportions of a pure and powerful sedan.
The car will be produced in Turkey in the Tofaş plant in Bursa - one of the best industrial automotive sites in the world as proven by the awarding of the Gold Medal according to the assessment of World Class Manufacturing - and sold at first in Turkey, from next November, and then gradually in the other countries of the EMEA region.
Italian style
Designed in Italy at the FCA Style Centre and developed together with Tofaş R&D, one of FCA's largest research and development centres, the Fiat Ægea project was conceived from the outset as a completely new three volume sedan, created by a team of over 2000 people, who worked on the project during its three year development period.
Often Sedan vehicles are a spin off of the hatchback with a third volume added, which can lead to overall shapes that are not always coherent. The new Fiat car, on the other hand, was "Born to be a Sedan" and therefore features a design project that integrates the various sections by means of natural flowing lines which create a real, uncompromised, vigorous compact sedan.
Seen from the side, a distinctive line runs from the headlights to the rear light clusters and the glazing creates a dynamic appearance conferring an idea of airiness and ample access spaces for driver and passengers. Exclusive Italian style is finely expressed in the rear where the harmoniously proportioned third box hosts bright light cluster surrounds. The front end is characterised by a captivatingly shapely bonnet with central ribbing stretching up to the roof to create a continuous line. Similarly, the grille is a single element with the light clusters. Intercalated chrome-effect accents which form an original, unmistakable graphic pattern on which the Fiat logo is proudly sported.
Top in class liveability and load capacity
A perfect marriage of beauty and function, the new Fiat Ægea project knowingly brings together great load capacity and compact dimensions of a sedan 4 and half metres long, 178 centimetres wide and 148 cm high with a wheelbase of 264 cm that heightens its excellent interior space. All this is confirmed by the very appreciable size of the passenger compartment, large enough to seat 5 well built passengers comfortably with a load capacity of over 510 litres.
Reliable and fuel-efficient engines
The new Fiat car offers a wide range of power units, all reliable, high performing and economical in terms of fuel consumption and emissions - two Multijet II turbodiesel engines and two petrol ones, with manual or automatic transmission - with power ratings of between 95 and 120 HP. It is also worth noting that the diesel engines are particularly fuel-efficient: less than 4 litres of diesel fuel for 100 km, comparable to that of a city car like Fiat Panda.
Uconnect TM: state-of-the-art technology
In the true Fiat style, the new sedan is provided with a number of ingenious solutions that improve the life of both the driver and the passengers. The proof of this lies in the many standard features and the availability of the Uconnect TM system equipped with a 5" colour touch screen, a hands-free Bluetooth system, audio streaming, text reader and voice recognition, AUX and USB ports with iPod integration, steering wheel controls and, on request, a rear parking camera and TomTom sat nav.
We've already had the chance to try both the diesel and petrol versions of the CX-3 abroad. Now comes the time to try petrol power at home in the UK. We're covering the entry-level 118bhp version of Mazda's 2.0 Skyactiv-G unit for you here.
Okay, so the clean, frugal diesel has running costs on its side, but this lower-powered two-wheel-drive-only petrol model is the cheapest way into a CX-3 and is the predicted best seller. So in a class whose order is determined largely by cost, there's still plenty to get excited about.
The list of rivals is long, including everything from Citroën's C4 Cactus to Nissan's Juke, via the Renault Captur and Suzuki's new Vitara. Honda also has its HR-V on the way, which will be of interest.
What's it like?:
Mazda's decision to keep capacity high and go in search of cleanliness and frugality elsewhere has paid dividends again. Its Skyactiv engine suits the CX-3 extremely well; an entry-level option this petrol engine may be, but it certainly doesn't feel it.
You'll find yourself changing down a gear on particularly steep hills or when executing a countryside overtake, but most of the time the 2.0-litre unit is willing to pull from low revs. It has to be coaxed if you want a real turn of speed, but that's no hardship considering it remains so smooth. It's not particularly noisy near the redline, either.
The gearshifts is typically sweet for a Mazda, so when you do need to work the manual gearbox, there's no issue. It has a lovely throw and the precision with which it finds each gear is something rivals such as the Captur and Cactus could learn from.
With less weight over its front wheels than the diesel, this petrol feels slightly more agile at the front axle. You'll want to exploit that, too; the steering is a little vague off centre but weights up nicely by a quarter turn, and once settled the body stays upright and there's a good amount of grip to explore.
More of a problem is the ride. Our Sport Nav test car wore 18in alloy wheels, which picked up on sharp-edged imperfections too readily, and our experience of 16in wheels on the same route tells us they're the more comfortable option. Vertical body movements over harsh bumps and undulations is noticeable no matter which CX-3 you buy.
With its 18in alloy wheels, our car also kicked up quite a bit of tyre roar, particularly over the coarser roads of our route. The engine settles down at a cruise, though, and there's very little wind noise to report.
Inside there's a decent amount of room, and steering wheel and seat adjustment for the driver is generous, although tall rear passengers will find the top and side of their head resting on the ceiling and their knees against the front seatbacks.
The boot is a useful 350 litres in size (reduced to 287 for Sport Nav models thanks to a Bose subwoofer) and all cars come with an adjustable boot floor. With the rear seats split 60/40 and folded, you get a flat load bay front to back. However, the relatively small opening means access to the boot isn't class-leading.
Cabin quality isn't game-changing, but the classy trim inserts, soft, dense plastics and leather details certainly help the CX-3 surpass much of the current small SUV competition. Its standard 7.0in touchscreen system, which can also be operated using rotary dial and shortcut buttons between the front seats, is also one of the best on the market.
Standard equipment on SE includes 16in alloy wheels, air-con, electric front and rear windows electric mirrors, cruise control, Bluetooth, two USB ports and DAB radio. SE-L adds rear privacy glass, rear parking sensors and automatic headlights and wipers. Both these trims can have sat-nav added as an option to become SE Nav and SE-L Nav.
Range-topping Sport Nav gets navigation as standard as well as further luxuries such as larger 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and a reversing camera.
Inside, upgrades such as the all-new dashboard, redesigned seats and slickly presented driver's display prove successful in uplifting the cabin. It's far more modern-looking, and very comfortable, although a little more range to the steering column adjustment wouldn't go amiss.
Some seemingly obvious details let it down, though, like harsh and grease-attracting plastics being used for the door grab handles. There's also quite a lot of bluster from the windscreen pillars at speed, which takes the edge off the otherwise impressive high-speed refinement.
The Avensis Touring Sports is still as practical as ever, with seating for five, lots of head and leg room and a vast boot, which offers up almost as much storage space as the Ford Mondeo. A space-saver spare is standard throughout the range, which is further indicative of this car's potential real-world usefulness.
Crucially, it’s also significantly better to drive than it was previously. It retains the MacPherson front struts and double-wishbone rear suspension of the pre-facelift Avensis, as well as the electric power steering system. Every element has been fettled, however, and the shell stiffened, to improve its road manners.
These efforts haven’t been in vain; it feels far more poised and composed, with a keen front end and plenty of grip, although it still falls short of the dynamism and engagement of the Ford Mondeo - although that will hardly be a huge concern, if any at all, for many a buyer. Turn in is precise, with the steering weighting up in a linear and satisfying fashion, and body movements are well controlled.
On the smooth roads of our Swiss test route the Toyota rode in a more relaxed fashion than the Ford, although there was some nervousness on more broken surfaces. The braking response was a little vague, too, requiring a fair amount of pedal effort and lacking bite, but there was adequate stopping power on hand.
The new powertrain initially appears competitive. The 110bhp common-rail 16-valve diesel is smooth and quiet, even when revved hard or loaded up in higher gears. A six-speed manual gearbox does a dutiful job of transferring the power to the front wheels and there’s no shortage of traction.
The engine is unlikely to trouble the front wheels, however, because despite a variable geometry turbocharger it produces its peak torque of 199lb ft between just 1750 and 2250rpm. That’s a 500rpm window, and pulling power falls away rapidly either side of this. As a result, making progress in the Avensis requires frequent gear changes, particularly if you’re ascending hills or on a twisting road - and that's with just two adults onboard.
Its rivals are far better in this respect. The Skoda Octavia’s 1.6-litre diesel, which emits a VED-exempt 99g/km of CO2, produces its 184lb ft across a wider 1500rpm range, helping it sprint from 0-62mph in a quicker 10.8sec and delivering more eager in-gear acceleration. Then you've the bigger 2.2-litre diesel in the Mazda 6, which is equally economical and produces an additional 38bhp and 81lb ft, all across a broader spread. No contest here, then.
During our five-hour test route, which took in a mixture of motorway and cross-country driving, the Toyota returned an indicated 46mpg. That places it on a par with the real-world consumption of its more powerful rivals, making it difficult to recommend. Either way, the 13-gallon fuel tank means a range in excess of 600 miles, which is plenty for those long family trips.
Kit levels are good, though, with this £25k example coming as standard with cruise control, dual-zone climate, a media and navigation system with an 8.0in touchscreen, DAB digital radio, USB and Bluetooth connectivity, part leather seat trim and electric, heated folding mirrors. It also packs an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and automatic lights and wipers, cutting the driver's workload, and myriad safety systems including traffic sign recognition.
A small tank for the Adblue has been mounted under the car’s existing fuel tank, and the addition of the system means the engine now has Euro 6 emissions approval.
Maserati didn’t emphasise it in the MY16 literature, but the Ghibli has also been treated to a new sound-proofing package, which is said to be more effective at quietening the cabin without adding weight.
The door seals have also been improved (important for refinement because the Ghibli has frameless windows), while the door latches have been changed so the sound of a closing door is ‘improved’.
Maserati says it is most excited by the option of a new type of silk inlay fabric for both the Ghibli's and the Quattroporte's interiors. Produced by Italian fabric manufacturer and fashion house Zegna, the new material has been developed to meet the onerous automotive requirements for wear resistance and longevity.
The Ghibli is now offered with the option of a Blind Spot Alert system, which uses radar sensors mounted in the rear bumper, to alert the driver when a car is approaching from behind, while a new ‘Rear Cross Path’ function is designed to alert the driver to potential collisions when reversing out of a parking space. Additionally, the boot lid can now be opened by moving your foot under the rear bumper.
A new 900W and 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system is now a standard feature, incorporating a ’12-channel amplifier’ and a subwoofer.
The optional Bowers and Wilkins Premium audio system now features a ‘Clar-Fi’ function, which is designed to improve the sound of compressed music files.
It’s no slouch either, feeling much quicker than the claimed 0-62mph time of 10.8sec would suggest - although you do need to put up with its off/on bottom-end power delivery.
Being a turbo you expect it to feel a little boosty, but if the engine is spinning at less than 1500rpm when your foot goes down, you wait and wait for the revs to climb and then wham (in a manner of speaking), you’re off. Past this point things improve dramatically, and despite its small capacity the engine is gutsy and capable, even at motorway speeds.
There’s no automatic version, just a six-speed manual gearbox, but the ratios are spaced well in order to keep the engine in its torque curve. Top gear works much like an overdrive to make the C4 Picasso a cruiser - a credential that's reinfocred by there being barely any tyre noise. If only Citroën could dial out the constant flutter of wind noise, the C4 Picasso it would have the serenity of a temple.
A new Ford C-Max will be on sale shortly, and on current form we’d be surprised if that car isn’t still a better steer. But that’s not to say the C4 Picasso is without dynamic merit. Predictable, well-weighted steering makes it decent to drive down winding country lanes, but equally it requires pleasingly little effort to steer in town.
If you want to risk making the kids sick and corner with a little verve it will respond with a degree of body lean but not to the point of feeling loose. There’s little doubt though that Citroën has aimed for supple rather than sporty, and as a result the Picasso's suspension takes the sting out of most bumps. That said, it will shake you up if you hit a deep pothole or sharp ridge, and the soft damper settings allow some body-float over crests.
The C4 Picasso's biggest draw is its style, both on the outside where it sports a sharp nose and LED jewellery and inside where there’s plenty of panache thanks to multi-textured surfaces made from soft-touch materials. There’s substance there, too, because it feels well made and ready to take a pounding in family use.
It'll also seat four in reasonable comfort – although a Volkswagen Golf SV offers better rear leg room – and there’s cabin flexibility courtesy of the individually tilting and sliding rear seats. With the rear seats slid forward the boot's volume is a colossal 630 litres.
