CARS

Fast charge for iX3 BMW has taken the wraps off the first fully electric BMW X model, the iX3.

This carbon emissions-free executive SUV offers travel, dynamic handling and performance with the comfort, functionality and spaciousness that customers would expect of a BMW Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) – but with a pure-electric drive system, a plug-in hybrid system or highly efficient petrol and diesel engines.

To launch in 2021, the new BMW iX3 will sprint from 0 to 62 mph in 6.8 seconds, with a range of up to 285 miles (WLTP test cycle).

Plugging the vehicle into a direct current rapid-charging station opens the door to charging outputs of up to 150 kW, meaning the high-voltage battery can be charged from 0 to 80 per cent of its full capacity in 34 minutes.

Drivers can inject the power required to add 62 miles to the car’s driving range (in the WLTP cycle) in just 10 minutes.

Ariya beauty from Nissan

Nissan has made its first entry into the electric coupé crossover sector with the launch of the all-new Ariya.

It will offer, Nissan says, powerful acceleration and smooth, quiet operation, as well as an interior with a welcoming, luxurious lounge-like atmosphere.

At its heart are a host of autonomous driving features, including voice personal assistance and seamless connectivity.

Range will be estimated at up to 310 miles on WLTP combined cycle, making the Ariya the perfect partner for daily commutes and road trips alike.

“The Nissan Ariya is a truly beautiful and remarkable car,” Nissan managing director Ashwani Gupta said. “It enables you to go further, easier and in comfort. The Ariya is designed to impress, and to express what Nissan strives for – making our customers’ lives better.”

Built on an all-new Alliance-developed EV platform, the Ariya is the ultimate expression of Nissan Intelligent Mobility, the company’s strategy to further improve the appeal of its vehicles and achieve the ultimate goal of a future with zero emissions and zero vehicle fatalities.

Westminster birthday gift

Range Rover is helping mark its 50th anniversary with a series of special new editions: the Westminster, Westminster Black Edition and an exclusive SVAutobiography Dynamic Black.

Powered by efficient straight-six Ingenium diesel engines, incorporating 48V Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) technology for reduced fuel consumption and heightened refinement, the new models are available in 300PS (221kW) and 350PS (258kW) outputs.

The new Westminster Edition is based on the Vogue model and available with a choice of both diesel and plug-in hybrid electric power. Unique for the UK, Privacy Glass and Atlas exterior accents, 21-inch Diamond Turned Alloy Wheels set it apart on the outside. The P400e even comes with a powerful 19-speaker Meridian Surround sound system as standard.

The new Westminster Black Edition adds the Black Exterior Pack and customers are able to choose from three wheels ranging from a 21-inch ninespoke design to a distinctive 22-inch Gloss Black nine split-spoke design.

In addition, the new Range Rover SVAutobiography Dynamic Black provides a fresh take on the distinctive SVAutobiography Dynamic, from the specialists at Land Rover SV.

The new special edition models join the limited edition Range Rover Fifty, which was revealed last month.

Clio tops the lot

The all-new Renault Clio has added to its awards collection after taking the top prize in DieselCar & EcoCar Magazine’s annual Top 50 list of the best cars on sale in the UK.

More than 200 new cars were evaluated but the Clio’s breadth of abilities across its comprehensive line-up saw it take the plaudits, with Ian Robertson, Editor and Publisher, saying: “British buyers love superminis, so it’s great to report the Clio has never been better and is our favourite new car of 2020.”

Particular praise was given to the All-New Clio’s advanced interior, described as “a revelation, with an upmarket design and clever infotainment system.” It’s not just the interior that impressed the judges, though. The Clio’s dynamic abilities were praised, courtesy of a chassis that is “incredibly well-sorted” and capable of “serving up grin-inducing grip on back roads,” while the engine range “offers a smooth, quiet drive with a return of up to 67.2mpg.”