Fiat announces UK pricing and specification for (500)RED family

Motoring

• (500)^RED range unveiled with prices starting from £16,435 on-the-road (OTR)
• Mild Hybrid (500)^RED from £16,435 OTR, all-electric New (500)^RED from £22,995 OTR (inclusive of PiCG), and (500X) ^RED from £24,125 OTR all available as part of partnership with (RED)
• World first (RED) car partnership, a charity co-founded by U2’s Bono to fight AIDS and COVID-19
• Fiat, Jeep and RAM will donate $4 million to the cause over the next three years

Fiat UK has announced pricing for its (500)^RED family. The range in partnership with (RED) starts from £16,435 OTR and orders open today.

The price announcement comes after the recent unveiling of the (500)^RED range which took place at La Pista 500, Europe’s largest hanging garden based at the Lingotto test track in Turin.

The unveil marked the first time a car manufacturer has partnered with (RED), a charity co-founded by U2’s Bono created to fight against AIDS and COVID-19. As part of the partnership Fiat, Jeep and RAM will donate more than $4 million over the next three years to help fight the global pandemics.

The special series is available across the entire 500 family: Mild Hybrid (500)^RED, New (500)^RED and (500X)^RED. Vehicle prices start from £16,435 OTR, £22,995 OTR (inclusive of PiCG) and £24,125 OTR respectively. 

All of the products will adopt the colour red as a hallmark externally on the bodywork, logos, mirror caps and design cues on the alloy wheels.

The theme is continued through the interior on the dashboard fascia, design cues on the floor mats and      exclusive seats made using Seaqual® yarn, derived from plastics recovered from the oceans. The seats carry      the Fiat signature and (500)^RED logo on the backrest. Red will not be the only colour in the (RED) special series; the palette of body colours includes other specific shades for each model.

Each car in the (500)^RED family comes with a welcome kit, including a hand sanitiser dispenser and a specific key cover for a final touch of customisation. New (500)^RED customers will also receive an email signed by Olivier François and Bono, welcoming them to the (RED) community.

(500) ^Red family
The all-electric New (500)^RED includes hallmarks that make it immediately recognisable starting with the 500 logo on the front and the Fiat logo on the tailgate, now red for the first time as a tribute to the partnership. The dedicated badge at the base of the rear window and the 500 logo in the middle of the steering wheel with soft touch upholstery, serve as further reminders of the partnership.

As well as the new and exclusive red exterior paint by (RED), this model also comes in Mineral Grey, Ice White and Onyx Black. Unusually for an interior, the driver’s seat is one colour – red – with the other three passenger seats in black. For those who prefer uniformity of colour, the model is also available with all the seats in black with a contrasting (500)^RED logo, or all in red with a black logo. Another unique (RED) touch includes the accelerator pedal in red anodised aluminium, available in combination with black passenger seats and the red driver’s seat.

The New (500)^RED comes in two body variants: hatchback and convertible with black soft top, and with two battery options: a 70kW (95hp) e-motor with a range of up to 118 miles (WLTP cycle); the other, 87kW (118hp) with a range of up to 199 miles (WLTP cycle). The New (500)^RED is priced from £25,495 OTR before PiCG.

The (500)^RED mild hybrid is based on the Dolcevita version and, together with the features shared by the entire (500)^RED family, has the (500)^RED logo on both door pillars. The (500)^RED mild hybrid is available in Electroclash Grey, Bossa Nova White  and Crossover Black , as well as Pasodoble Red. (500)^RED mild hybrid is priced from £16,435 OTR.

This version is also embellished with chrome-plated design cues on the front grille, and door handles, while in terms of infotainment, it comes with a 7-inch touchscreen radio with Apple CarPlay™, Android Auto™, and 15-inch or 16-inch alloy wheels.

Available in a hatchback version with panoramic glass roof or as a convertible with black soft top, it is equipped with a 70hp 1.0-litre mild hybrid engine.

The (500X)^RED is based on the Cross version and is available both as a hatchback and in an open-air version with black Dolcevita soft top. The (500)^RED logo appears on the front door pillars, to complement the design cues shared across the (RED) special series. As well as Passione Red, the colour palette includes Fashion Grey, Ice White and Cinema Black, all with red design cues. The (500X)^RED is priced from £24,125 OTR.

About (RED)  
(RED) was founded in 2006 to bring together companies and people in the fight to end AIDS. Today, (RED) is combating two pandemics, AIDS and COVID-19, and has generated nearly $700 million for the Global Fund. The money has helped more than 220 million people, and the money committed by Fiat, Jeep and Rams will fund more life-saving programs where they are most needed.

Prices in detail

Ducati Scrambler reveals the new models for 2022 to its fans

Motoring

• New 2022 models of the “Land of Joy” presented in the second episode of the Ducati World Première: Ducati Scrambler 1100 Tribute PRO and Ducati Scrambler Urban Motard
• The Ducati Scrambler 1100 Tribute PRO was created to pay homage to the history of the air-cooled twin-cylinder engine, fifty years after it was first introduced on a Ducati
• The new Ducati Scrambler Urban Motard is a model with a contemporary look, designed for younger fans of the “Land of Joy” and for all those looking for an easy, fun and sporty bike

Ducati Scrambler was the protagonist of the second episode of the Ducati World Première 2022, which saw two new models – 

Ducati Scrambler 1100 Tribute PRO and Ducati Scrambler Urban Motard, that enrich the “Land of Joy” range for 2022 – presented to enthusiasts from all over the world.

The Ducati Scrambler 1100 Tribute PRO has been created to pay homage to the history of the air-cooled twin-cylinder engine, fifty years after it was first introduced on a Ducati, which was in 1971.

Created by Ducati Scrambler with modern-classic bike lovers and motorcycle history enthusiasts in mind, the Ducati Scrambler 1100 Tribute PRO pays tribute to the history and achievements of the Borgo Panigale motorcycle company. For this bike, the Centro Stile Ducati was inspired by iconic Ducati elements of the 1970s, such as the special “Giallo Ocra” livery, the Ducati logo of the time designed by Giugiaro and the spoked wheels, which are black and integrate perfectly with the tones of the celebratory livery. Further distinctive stylistic details are represented by the circular rear-view mirrors and the brown seat with dedicated stitching.

From a technical point of view, the bike has the characteristics of the Ducati Scrambler 1100 PRO family. It has an iconic and at the same time original design, an agile chassis and a 1,079 cc engine that delivers 86 hp of power at 7,500 rpm and a torque value of 9.2 kgm at 4,750 rpm, characterized by generous torque right from low revs.

The Ducati Scrambler 1100 Tribute PRO comes standard with three Riding Modes, each associated with different Power Modes and various levels of Ducati Traction Control (DTC). Furthermore, thanks to the front headlight with LED light guide, the bike is always visible and recognizable even during the day.

Another new model for 2022 is the Ducati Scrambler Urban Motard: a motorcycle created to experience the city environment by making itself noticed through a combination of style, sportiness and fun.

The name chosen for this latest version immediately evokes the characteristic atmosphere of large cities and is aimed at all those who live the city with energy and enthusiasm. The Centro Stile Ducati has interpreted these concepts through the proposal of a new livery that combines in an unprecedented way colours Star White Silk and Ducati GP ’19 Red in energetic graphics, inspired by the world of street art and metropolitan graffiti.

The Ducati Scrambler Urban Motard is powered by the 803 cc L-twin engine with desmodromic distribution, which delivers 73 hp of power at 8,250 rpm and 6.7 kgm of torque at 5,750 rpm, offering brilliant performance that never becomes intimidating for the rider, guaranteeing great agility in city traffic and fun on itineraries full of curves.

The reference to the Motard world of this version is clear in the choice of elements such as the 17” spoked wheels, the high front mudguard, the flat seat and the side number plates, which are perfectly integrated into the Ducati Scrambler design.

The Urban Motard is also equipped as standard with a headlight with LED DRL, a hallmark of all Ducati Scrambler models, which is combined with the rear light with full LED diffusion technology.

Confirming Ducati’s attention and commitment to active safety for its enthusiasts, the Borgo Panigale motorbike manufacturer has chosen to equip all Ducati and Scrambler Ducati models with Cornering ABS, which guarantees high levels of safety even when braking with the bike at an angle.

The models are also designed for the Ducati Multimedia System (DMS), which enables a smartphone to be connected to the bike via Bluetooth, while the USB socket positioned under the seat is standard.

The new Ducati Scrambler Urban Motard joins the “Land of Joy” 800 range, alongside the Ducati Scrambler Icon, Ducati Scrambler Icon Dark, Ducati Scrambler Nightshift and Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled models. The Ducati Scrambler 1100 Tribute PRO is part of the range of best performing bikes in the Ducati Scrambler family, together with the Ducati Scrambler 1100 Dark PRO and Ducati Scrambler 1100 Sport PRO models.

Both new models of the Ducati Scrambler range will be available at dealerships in the Ducati network from November 2021. All Ducati Scrambler models are also available in a 35-kW version for A2 license holders.

To give fans of the “Land of Joy”, the universe that truly represents self-expression in Ducati, an opportunity to express their attitude to customization in the best way, Ducati Scrambler offers a wide choice in terms of clothing and accessories. The clothing line includes helmets, technical gear and lifestyle products (which can be purchased in dealerships or through the online shop), while the accessories collection includes a range of items, such as seats, tank panels and approved exhausts, all viewable through the online configurator.

The presentation videos of the new Ducati Scrambler models, 1100 Tribute PRO and Urban Motard, and all the original content produced in the “Land of Joy” can be viewed on the Ducati YouTube channel and in the dedicated “Scrambler Media Box” section (link here) on the scramblerducati.com website.

Land Rover UK introduces New Discovery Metropolitan Edition and 23MY updates to Defender

Motoring

• Flagship Discovery: New Metropolitan Edition brings a unique combination of design and technology features to the Land Rover Discovery range
• Versatile interior: Full-sized family SUV offers generous space for up to seven adults with flexible load area and practical seating configurations
• Efficient power: Straight-six Ingenium petrol and diesel powertrains with advanced 48V MHEV technology provide enhanced performance and efficiency 
• Advanced air filtration: Cabin Air Purification with PM2.5 air filtration¹ monitors air quality inside and filters harmful particulates for improved wellbeing
• Towing king: Best-in-class 3,500kg towing capacity², with optional Advanced Tow Assist to take the stress out of difficult reversing manoeuvres
• Commercial choice: Discovery Commercial available in R-Dynamic specification for the first time, underlining its unique combination of premium quality and utility
• On sale now: The Land Rover Discovery is priced from £55,100 OTR in the UK with the new Metropolitan Edition available to order now from £73,250 OTR.
• Successful Defender 90 D200 Hard Top now joined by Defender 90 D250 Hard Top and D250 SE Hard Top derivatives
• All Defenders now feature full size 11.4” PIVI Pro touchscreen as standard 

Land Rover has strengthened the appeal of the Discovery with the introduction of a new special edition.

The Metropolitan Edition features a suite of technologies to enhance the comfort and convenience provided by Land Rover’s seven-seat family SUV. For 23MY, the Defender family features an enhanced engine line-up and standard and optional equipment.

Sitting at the top of the Discovery line-up, the new Metropolitan Edition provides a host of exterior upgrades and a generous standard specification. It is available with a choice of electrified powertrains, with the efficient RDE2-certified, Euro 6d-Final-compliant D300 Ingenium diesel or the powerful P360 Ingenium petrol both featuring 48V Mild-Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) technology.

Alongside the arrival of the Metropolitan Edition, the Discovery Commercial is also now available in purposeful R-Dynamic specification for the first time, enhancing the appeal of Land Rover’s premium utility vehicle.

Finbar McFall, Land Rover Brand Director, said: “The introduction of the Metropolitan Edition brings a new level of premium appeal to the Land Rover Discovery. The special edition model represents the flagship of the line-up and builds on the appeal of the R-Dynamic specification with exterior design enhancements and a suite of convenience-boosting technologies.”

LAND ROVER DISCOVERY

New Metropolitan Edition
The new Metropolitan Edition represents the pinnacle of the Discovery family and builds on the purposeful R-Dynamic HSE specification with Bright Atlas detailing for the grille and Discovery lettering. This is complemented by Hakuba Silver lower bumper inserts, 22-inch Diamond Turned alloy wheels with Gloss Grey detailing, Black Land Rover brake calipers, Privacy Glass and a Sliding Panoramic Roof.

Standard features inside include a Head-up Display and heated steering wheel, wireless phone charging, a front cooler compartment and four-zone climate control. The cabin is enhanced with Titanium Mesh trim detailing.

Elsewhere in the line-up, the R-Dynamic model now features a Gloss Black Contrast Roof as standard. The Discovery remains the most capable and versatile full-sized SUV, with best-in-class 3,500kg towing capacity² and optional Advanced Tow Assist technology, which takes the stress out of difficult reversing manoeuvres.

The Discovery family is also available with Land Rover’s advanced Cabin Air Purification with PM2.5 air filtration^1, which monitors air quality inside and filters out harmful particulates for a healthier interior environment.

New Discovery Commercial R-Dynamic
The Land Rover Discovery Commercial brings premium quality to the utility vehicle market, with an expanded range. It is now available in R-Dynamic specification for the first time.

Powered by the powerful and efficient D300 MHEV engine, the Discovery Commercial combines performance and comfort with versatile load carrying. The R-Dynamic design enhancements give the Discovery Commercial a lower, wider stance, with Gloss Black exterior detailing to the front grille trim and Discovery lettering complemented by smoked rear lights and R-Dynamic badging.

The visual harmony of the rear and choice of 20 to 22-inch alloy wheels elevate the exterior, providing the perfect combination of practicality, all-terrain capability and visual appeal.

Inside, Ebony seats with contrast stitching and piping combine with the Ebony Morzine headlining for a dynamic driving environment, with metal sports pedals, bright steering wheel paddles and Shadow Aluminium Trim completing the R-Dynamic look.

Practicality is paramount for Discovery Commercial, with its versatile load area featuring a flat heavy-duty rubber loadspace floor and fixed partition, two underfloor stowage areas, six load securing loops, high-sided cabin mats and useful hooks for added convenience. The 2,024 litre³ loadspace is illuminated by additional headliner lights and can accommodate a maximum load length of 1,638mm.

LAND ROVER DEFENDER 23MY
The 23MY Defender builds on Defender’s success in the market place with more choice and features.

Defender 90 Hard Top is now additionally available with Land Rover’s efficient Ingenium D250 straight-six diesel engine which is RDE2-certified, Euro 6d-Final-compliant and features 48V Mild-Hybrid technology

Defender 90 D250 Hard Top available in both standard and SE specifications. The SE specification adds significant additional equipment as standard including:

• Premium LED headlights with signature DRL and Front fog lights
• 20″ Style 5094, 5 spoke, Gloss Sparkle Silver wheels
• 12-way heated, electric memory front seats with 2-way manual headrests
• Centre console with armrest
• Meridian™ Sound System
• Keyless Entry
• Blind Spot Assist
• In addition, a new ‘Resist’ seating material is introduced replacing grained leather (which continues to be available as a no cost option). Resist is animal free and offers a similar grain and feel to Windsor Leather. 

Changes to the Defender core range include the introduction of the larger 11.4” infotainment touch screen. X-Dynamic now features a black contrast roof as standard while customers can enjoy more choice with the additional ‘Lantau Bronze’ metallic exterior colour option. Secure Tracker Pro is now fitted as standard to to P400e, P400, X and V8 derivatives which is Thatcham S5 compliant. All Defenders continue to feature UWB (Ultra Wideband) security technology preventing relay theft. 

Customers purchasing the new Defender V8 now have the option of Ebony or Ebony / Vintage Tan Windsor leather seats. 

Pricing for the Defender Hard Top range starts from £45,675 OTR (90 D200) with 90 D250 standard at £48,390 OTR (£38,117 exc VAT) and 90 D250 SE at £55,830 OTR (£40,380 exc VAT)

Nissan launches one-stop shop combined retail finance offer for EV motoring: car, home charger and installation from your dealership

Motoring

• Reduce complexity in electric vehicle buying process with new one-stop combined finance offer from Nissan
• Monthly payment includes cost of vehicle, 7kW home charger and standard installation
• Offer available at 0% APR with LEAF 40kWh Acenta

Electric car buyers can now get their vehicle, home charger and standard home installation from our dealerships nationwide in a new finance offer with a single monthly payment.

Designed for ultimate customer convenience, it is being offered by Nissan dealers as part of a typical three or four year HP (Hire Purchase) or PCP (Personal Contract Purchase) car finance agreement on Nissan LEAF and e-NV200 models.

The offer is the result of Nissan working separately with two leading EV chargepoint providers, Pod Point and E.ON.

Frank Oldfield, Energy Services Manager at Nissan GB, said: “Wherever possible, we want to try and reduce the complexity for customers new to electric motoring and make their transition to zero emissions motoring as easy as possible.

“With this Nissan finance package, you can secure a fantastic electric car, choose from a range of 7kW chargers, and have it efficiently installed at home, all for one single monthly payment.”

HOME CHARGER:
Nissan is working separately with two of the UK’s leading charging point suppliers, Pod Point and E.ON, to enable customers to choose a dedicated home charger, and have it installed, as part of their electric vehicle finance agreement.

A home charger uses dedicated EV charging technology to reduce charging times (compared to charging via a regular 3-pin domestic energy supply socket), and can also manage when and for how long your electric vehicle is charged. This can be more cost efficient, by ensuring the vehicle is charged at the optimum time for you or when electricity costs are lower, overnight, for example.

Erik Fairbairn, CEO and founder, Pod Point commented: “We are delighted to be working with Nissan and our continued partnership is testament to the reliability and ease of use of Pod Point’s smart charging points as well as our dedication to outstanding customer service.”

David Butters, Head of E.ON’s EV charging solutions division known as E.ON Drive, said: “As electric vehicles become the new normal in our transition to a zero-carbon future, we need to ensure drivers can recharge their batteries in the way most convenient to them. We’re already working to provide our customers with personalised and sustainable energy solutions that meet their needs, and we’re now delighted to be able to offer Nissan drivers a home EV charger to keep them on the road to cleaner air and a more sustainable future.”

NISSAN LEAF ELECTRIC VEHICLE
Over half a million examples of the award-winning Nissan LEAF have been sold globally since its launch 10 years ago. And more than 90 per cent of European LEAF drivers say they would recommend driving an electric vehicle to family and friends.

Two battery sizes are available on LEAF – a 40kWh version, which can travel up to 168 miles on a single charge (WLTP combined), and the longer range 62kWh model, capable of driving up to 239 miles (WLTP combined).

The 40kWh LEAF is priced from £25,995, with the longer range LEAF e+ 62kWh model from £30,445 (including Plug-in Car Grant incentive).
*Standard installation included. Terms and conditions apply.

Battista wins coveted Design Award at Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2021

Motoring

• New pure-electric Battista added to its growing list of awards by winning the prestigious Design Award at the exclusive Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in Lake Como, Italy
• Automobili Pininfarina’s new hyper GT made its European public debut in production-ready form at the prestigious event, between 1-3 October
• The Villa d’Este Battista was made to a unique specification – like every example of the pure-electric hyper GT – and finished in exquisite Verde Paradiso exterior paintwork with a luxurious tan leather interior

The production-ready Automobili Pininfarina Battista made an award-winning European debut at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2021, after taking home the event’s coveted Design Award.

The pure-electric hyper GT appeared in a previously unseen specification, following a successful world premiere at Monterey Car Week, in August, where a unique model with Black Exposed Signature Carbon bodywork was joined by the Battista Anniversario to mark the introduction of the vehicle to the US.

On the shores of Lake Como, just a few hours’ drive from Automobili Pininfarina’s Cambiano production facility, the Battista won the Design Award at Villa d’Este as a bespoke specification of the pure electric hyper GT made its first public outing between 1-3 October.

Luca Borgogno, Automobili Pininfarina Chief Design Officer said: “We took a unique Battista to Villa d’Este to showcase the diverse colour and material choices that our discerning clients can choose from when personalising their vehicle. To win the Design Award is a fantastic way for us to begin the countdown to making our first customer deliveries later this year. It’s always exciting for us to show new bespoke combinations of the Battista in different parts of the world, but especially so in our home country alongside other legendary classic Pininfarina-designed masterpieces.”

The pure-electric masterpiece added the prestigious Design Award at Villa d’Este – voted for by event guests –  to its Electric Hypercar of the Year award, from GQ, and the Electric Dream award, from Electrifying.com, after taking its place in the Concept Cars & Prototypes category.

EXQUISITE SPECIFICATION
At Villa d’Este, Automobili Pininfarina took the wraps off a distinctive and sophisticated interpretation of a traditional colour combination that elevates the Battista’s beautiful proportions and elegant design.

The hand-finished exterior features striking Verde Paradiso metallic paint, with a coordinating front nose and rear wing complemented by the Carbon Accent Pack for the lower body and rear diffuser. Its Black Exposed Signature Carbon elements combine with a Nero finish for the trademark ‘Goccia roof’ while the Exterior Jewellery Pack features brushed anodised aluminium accents.

The exterior colour scheme is complemented by precision-polished forged aluminium Impulso Gloss Black alloy wheels with brushed anodised aluminium centre-lock rings and brake calipers painted in understated silver.

The interior combines exclusive sustainable Tan leather upholstery, with quilting providing an even more luxurious experience. The GT seats are complemented by matching Tan seatbelts and contrasting Black Exposed Signature Carbon detailing. The Interior Jewellery Pack provides brushed anodised aluminium detailing with the steering wheel and floor mats finished in black.  

DEVELOPMENT REACHES FINAL STAGE
The production-ready Battista’s European debut follows a successful world premiere in the US as part of Monterey Car Week in California.

It was the first opportunity for US clients to experience the production-specification Battista on the road, and see it in person alongside the exclusive Battista Anniversario – of which there are just five units of the limited run of no more than 150 total Battistas.

With production of pre-series Battista vehicles now complete, first clients of the pure-electric Hyper GT are planned to take delivery from the end of this year.

No Time to D(r)i(v)e – searches for Aston Martins soar as latest Bond film released

Motoring

• Advert views for Aston Martins were up 75% on Auto Trader this Saturday, compared with the Saturday before, following the release of latest James Bond film 
• Unique James Bond memorabilia vehicles are currently up for grabs on Auto Trader
• 6 of the 10 most popular classic car ads in the last 7 days were Aston Martins

Searches for Aston Martins on Auto Trader, the UK’s largest digital marketplace for new and used cars, spiked with an increase of 75% following the release of No Time to Die over the weekend.

Cinemagoers looking to fuel their Bond fantasy caused a surge in views for classic Aston Martins, with the top three most viewed classic cars over the past week being two DB5s and a DB6. Searches for Jaguars and Land Rovers also soared, with a rise of 13% alongside the airing of the film.  

If you’re an action lover who’s into classic cars, you’re in luck, as a limited-edition Aston Martin Vantage 007 is now up for sale on Auto Trader. It is one of just 100 of its type worldwide, purposefully produced to commemorate the new Bond film. Advertised at a cool £200,000, you may as well treat yourself, You Only Live Twice, after all.  

For Your Eyes Only, Auto Trader also currently has two of the seven limited edition Land Rover Defender SVX Concept models on site. More commonly known as the ‘Spectre Defenders’, these sturdy spy machines were made uniquely for use in Spectre, the 24th James Bond film. For any avid Bond fans, you will Never Say Never Again as these cars come fully equipped with a file of movements, movie scripts and calendar shoots from the film – what a piece of double oh heaven! 

Daniel Craig’s final outing as 007 has smashed box office records, becoming the biggest movie of the year after only four days in cinemas.

Auto Trader’s Rory Reid says: “It’s clear there’s a lot of aspiring Bonds out there searching for their next spy vehicle. There is a wide range of Aston Martins onsite that are in stock and available now – you could be driving like a secret agent!”