This compares to an average 145.14g/km for the UK new car market as a whole.

Already well below the mandatory 130g/km target set by the European Union for 2012, the level achieved by Toyota reflects the impact of both its Hybrid Synergy Drive full hybrid technology, featured in Prius and Auris hybrid, and the application of Toyota Optimal Drive across its petrol and diesel powered models.

Toyota Optimal Drive covers a wide range of improvements to engine and transmission design and engineering that have cut fuel consumption and emissions and reduced mechanical losses with no compromise in performance. The introduction of Dual VVT-i advanced variable valve timing, engine stop-start technology and components that weigh less and are more compact has had a direct impact on CO2 output. Prius adds an extra dimension to the results, its full hybrid powertrain delivering a segment-best 89g/km.

Clean Green Cars’ data are weighted against new vehicle registrations, and thus give a more accurate picture of the environmental impact of each manufacturer’s entire model range. Toyota is confident of even further improvements in its CO2 performance thanks to the launch of its new British-built Auris hybrid, the first full-hybrid family hatchback, with emissions from just 89g/km.

The full Clean Green Cars’ data tables can be seen at   http://www.cleangreencars.co.uk/co2

Hundreds of people flocked to the college grounds in Eastbourne this weekend to see the latest offerings from the areas car dealerships – but I do wonder what the whole point of the event is…

Obviously, the displaying manufacturers are selling cars, but do they really want to do that? I have been to the Eastbourne Motorshow pretty much every year, and it’s certainly a great place if you are in the market for a car and not sure where to start.

This year, I was with a potential car buyer, who was looking to spend around £10,000 of her hard earned money. So, we visited the stands which offered cars at this level and narrowed it down two favourites from Citroen and Toyota.

She was lucky in that I know a lot about cars and managed to give advise on each model – it is a good job really because throughout the two hours we were there, we were not approached by one salesman!! Obviously, at a motorshow, they cannot approach every person that arrives on the stand and its important to seperate serious buyers from the children who just want to sit behind the wheel.

So what part of fifteen minutes of looking around one car did they not understand? On one of the above stands, two salesman stood next us, arms folded, looking cool in their shades. We asked them how the rear seats folded down, so one come over, pushed some buttons, they folded, then he walked away!

For some this is great, because not everyone wants to be hassled when looking around a car, but at a time when sales are low and local dealerships have to be very careful where they spend their money – I would have thought they would be fighting for business.

The show has done very well to sustain its regular exhibitors and they must see a return on their investments to exhibit every year at the show. I have run a trade motorshow in the past and I know exactly how difficult it can be.

This is the way I see it… These shows attract families who want to enjoy a day out – even if they are not buying a new car. Most of these arrive with children who love collecting freebies and looking at extraordinary and novelty cars – these are customers of the future!

Come on dealerships, let’s have some razzamatazz on the stands, some entertainment, branded freebies, concept cars, simulators and most of all, some enthusiasm. After all, people have paid good money to get into the event and they want to be entertained. Give them a good day out and they will return next year!

It is not up to the organisers to make it entertaining – the exhibitors buy the space and it’s up to them to keep customers on their stands. We wanted to be there all afternoon and we weren’t. The arena events are okay, the same every year, but they do the job. Personally, I’m not sure if good money should be spent on a ‘celebrity’ presenter, as I certainly didn’t spot visitors going there to get a look at him!

This year, it was hosted by Jason Dawe. Now, his job on TV is to help one lucky viewer to find their perfect car, let them test drive it and help them decide on their favourite. What a good live event this would have been!

I understand exhibitors do not want their cars shunned, but then if they are going to take offence, then perhaps they should’nt enter cars into the arena.

This year we had the typical non appearance from Mercedes-Benz, BMW and MINI, so guess who will miss out on the hundreds of people there with good money to spend – but I wonder if they actually care.

Let us continue to support the show which is the only regional motorshow in the country and hope that next year a manufacturer will think on its feet and actually compete for some of these important customers, and most importantly give them something to talk about when they leave!

So organisers, now you know how to get hold of me, book me for next year and let me start pushing these exhibitors into putting on a real show and let’s make it a show the visitors cannot miss!

Paul Gibson

Its arrival makes the Auris range a unique proposition in its class, with customers offered a choice of petrol, diesel or full hybrid powertrains.

Auris Hybrid has been designed specifically for the European market and is built exclusively by Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK at its Burnaston factory. The 1.8-litre VVT-i petrol engine that forms part of the powertrain is sourced from TMUK’s plant at Deeside in North Wales.

The benefits of Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain used in the new model go beyond exceptional fuel economy and low CO2 emissions: it is user-friendly and delivers a quiet, comfortable and stress-free drive unlike anything else in the segment.

The system’s 1.8-litre VVT-i petrol engine and electric motor generate a maximum 134bhp, giving nought to 62mph acceleration in 11.4 seconds and a top speed of 112mph, performance that matches any conventional 2.0-litre petrol or diesel hatchback.

When fitted with 15-inch wheels, combined cycle fuel economy is 74.3 mpg and CO2 emissions are 89 g/km; with the 17-inch wheel option the figures remain exceptional at 70.6 mpg and 93 g/km, levels unmatched by any other car in its segment. In addition, NOX emissions are significantly lower than those of diesel cars of comparable performance.  Across the range, the emissions performance exempts Auris Hybrid from UK road tax (VED).

When taking advantage of the full hybrid system’s switchable EV (electric vehicle) mode, CO2 and NOx emissions are cut to zero over distances of up to 1.2 miles at speeds of up to 30 mph, according to the level of battery charge and driving conditions.

Grades and equipment specifications
Auris Hybrid is offered in the UK in two specification grades, T4 and T Spirit. T4 models can be specified with 15 or optional 17-inch wheels, with the larger rims standard on the T Spirit version. The choice of wheel size has a slight effect on CO2 emissions and fuel consumption.

Key features of the standard T4 include: -

* Climate control air conditioning
* Six-speaker audio with CD, radio, MP3 file player
* USB and Aux-in connection
* Front and rear electric windows
* Electric, heated door mirrors
* Front fog lights
* LED running lights
* Colour-matched door handles and mirrors
* Push-button start
* Seven airbags, including driver’s knee airbag
* Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRC)
* Hill-start Assist Control (HAC)

T Spirit grade adds the following items: -

* Leather and Alcantara upholstery
* Cruise control
* Bluetooth
* Dusk-sensing headlamps
* Rain-sensing windscreen wipers
* Smart Entry and Start
* Auto-dimming electrochromatic rear view mirror
* Rear view camera display in rear view mirror

A Navigation Pack is available, providing satellite navigation, rear camera and rear parking sensors. Bluetooth, with steering wheel controls, is also offered as an option for the T4.

Prices

The new Auris Hybrid T4 model costs £18,950 on-the-road and the T Spirit model costs £20,700.

An optional Navigation Pack, providing satellite navigation, rear camera and rear parking sensors, costs £1,200, and Bluetooth can be specified for the T4 version for £285.

AVAILABLE AT:

Yeomans Toyota. http://www.yeomans.co.uk/

Simpsons Uckfield. http://simpsons.toyota.co.uk

According to a study released by the Kelsey Group in Q1 2008, 33% of car dealers surveyed currently take advantage of online video on their own websites. In the same study, 59% of dealers surveyed indicated that they they plan to use video on their own websites within the next 12 months.

Of the dealers surveyed, 46% of dealers indicated that they would likely decrease spending on traditional media in the next 12 months while only 8% indicated the same for online media. In general, auto dealers are shifting more of their media mix online, with 62% of dealers planning to increase their online media spend compared with only 17% for traditional media.

Now, Sussex Press Agency has introduced a unique service to the county’s dealerships which allows them to take advantage of the online buyer with very little investment. Producers from the agency can now be on hand to film stock from the dealerships along with professional voice overs and personalised titles.

This is the first time car dealerships have been offered a low-cost solution to online video which is priced from only £100.00 per vehicle. See our dedicated page for more details and video examples.

Three different graphic sets are available, each with its own unique and distinctive personality and coordinated set of floor mats, which also are unique to each theme.

The ‘Pop’ Tag brings out the Spark’s inner Sparkle, with a shimmering star pattern along the car’s doors and rear quarters. It’s the most discreet of the three themes on offer, and is bound to appeal to motorists who want their Spark to subtly stand out from the crowd.

At the other end of the scale, the ‘Sports’ Tag is certainly not for shrinking violets. With twin racing stripes over the bonnet, roof and tailgate, plus matching side graphics, the look sets off the Spark’s dynamic profile and gives it a much more purposeful appearance than many of its city car rivals.

The ‘Urban’ Tag isn’t quite so dramatic, but will still get you noticed. It includes a smart styling stripe on the car’s rear quarter that emphasises its curvaceous lines, plus a distinctive urban street tag graphic on each front door.

Tags are available on all Spark variants and colours, and cost £199 fitted.

The Spark arrives in Chevrolet showrooms on March 12th, and is available to order now.

Frosts4Cars: http://www.frosts4cars.co.uk/chevrolet

Caffyns Chevrolet: http://www.caffynschevrolet.co.uk/

Steeles of Worthing: http://www.steeles.co.uk/

Business Secretary, Lord Mandelson commented; “With limited orders as we near the close of scrappage there is a risk of disappointment for car buyers. I would urge people who are still keen on taking part to put their orders in as soon as possible as time is running out”.

In exchange for scrapping your old vehicle and buying a new one the Government and Manufactures will contribute a total of £2,000 towards the purchase of a new vehicle.  The scheme started on May 18th 2009 and on September 28th 2009 the scheme was extended to include an extra 100,000 vehicles.

The scheme is open to cars or commercial vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes and to be eligible, the vehicle you scrap must have been first registered on or prior to 29 February 2000 or before, while for vans it will change to 28 February 2002 or before.

To claim the Scrappage Scheme, the owner must be the registered keeper of old vehicle for at least 1 year and the vehicle must have an up to date MOT. It will be available to the first 400,000 eligible claimants or until 31 March 2010, whichever is sooner.

Now, Caffyns Dealers will take care of everything for you, including claiming the incentive on your behalf and arranging scrapping of the vehicle In order to benefit from the cash incentive.

See http://www.caffynscitroen.co.uk for more details.

Restyled exterior
Rather than simple styling tweaks, Toyota has gone back to the sheet metal to give its new Auris 2010 more road presence and driver appeal. The front end has been comprehensively reworked with a new deep bumper with integrated fog lamps (TR and SR models), new swept-back headlamps, a revised bonnet profile with stronger crease lines and a grille that adopts the Toyota family identity established by the latest generation Avensis and Verso.

The New Toyota Auris

New 16-inch and 17-inch alloy wheels have been designed for the TR and SR models and all versions feature turn indicator lights integrated into the door mirrors. At the rear there is a smart flash of chrome across the top of the number plate, revised lamp clusters and a new rear bumper with extended corner sections that create a “catamaran” look. Owners can choose from seven exterior colours, including three new metallic shades.

High quality cabin
A soft-touch material has been introduced across the top of the instrument binnacle and around the glovebox, and the centre console has been revised with changes to the instrument design for smarter appearance and improved clarity. Auris’s distinctive bridged centre console has a new silver finish that matches the doorhandles and the shape of the handbrake has been changed for easier operation and improved tactile quality.

White illumination has been introduced for the Optitron instrument dials, with sportier amber lighting for the analogue instruments featured in the new Auris SR. To complete the fresh look, new cloth upholstery designs have been introduced.

Retuned suspension and steering
Toyota’s engineers have taken UK customer feedback into account in fine-tuning Auris’s suspension to better suit European roads and driver preferences (T2, TR models). The revisions have undergone extensive local testing and the result is stable high-speed driving performance with secure handling and greater ride comfort.

The speed-sensitive Electric Power Steering (EPS) has also been revised and refined to deliver better feedback and improved vehicle agility.

Toyota Optimal Drive powertrains
Auris retains its current range of petrol and diesel engines and six-speed manual and MultiMode transmissions, all of which benefit from Toyota Optimal Drive technologies for reduced weight, higher efficiency and reduced emissions. Performance data is unchanged, but they continue to offer a strong balance of performance, fuel efficiency and low emissions.

The range comprises a 1.33-litre Dual VVT-i petrol engine, with manual transmission, with Toyota Stop & Start technology; 1.6 Valvematic petrol with manual; or MultiMode transmission; and 1.4 D-4D diesel, again with manual gearbox; or Multimode:

Revised grades and improved equipment specifications
The new Auris 2010 moves to a new three-grade line-up, with a new sporty SR grade joining the established T2 and TR models. The TR will remain at the heart of the range and is expected to account for around 80 per cent of the UK sales mix.

Key changes include the provision of a USB port and Aux-in socket to connect portable music players to the car’s audio system, and a leather-trimmed flat bottom steering wheel on all models. Heated door mirrors are introduced on T2 grade, with an additional retracting function on TR and SR versions.

Sportier Auris SR
The new Auris SR, powered exclusively by the 1.6-litre Valvematic petrol engine with six-speed manual transmission, incorporates sporty styling inside and out, with new-design five-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels, dark-tinted rear privacy glass, roof spoiler with integrated stop lamp, darkened headlamp glasses, Tatami sport seat trim and amber-lit analogue dashboard instrumentation. Despite all this additional specification, the SR model costs only £500 more than the TR.

Options
New Kasaba black leather upholstery, with white stitching detail, will be available as an option for TR and SR versions of the new Auris 2010. A Protection Pack is also available, offering rear parking sensors (with a cancellation switch) and a boot liner. Bluetooth connectivity is also available for hands-free use of compatible mobile phones, with voice recognition and a music streaming function.

Toyota in Sussex:
Yeomans, Toyota Chichester, Toll House Group, Simpsons Uckfield:

The innovative C3 Picasso beat off competition from the Kia Soul and Renault Grand Scenic to take home the prestigious accolade. The Citroën compact MPV impressed the judging panel with its design flare, practicality, performance and economy – but it was the overall vehicle quality that ultimately helped it win.

The Scottish MPV of the Year success sits alongside honours from Auto Express, Top Gear, What Diesel and Fleet World, meaning the C3 Picasso has now picked up five awards in just eight months since its launch.

Stephen Park, of the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers said; “The C3 Picasso’s success continues Citroën’s winning formula in this category. After all, the C4 Picasso picked up the same award in 2007. We were particularly impressed by the 1.6HDi engine that provides strong, economical power and good overall performance.”

The C3 Picasso has also been short-listed for European Car of the Year 2010.

Citroen in Sussex can be found by visiting:
Wilmoths: http://www.wilmoths.co.uk/
Tates: http://www.tatescars.co.uk/
Caffyns: http://www.caffynscitroen.co.uk/
Worthing Motors: http://www.worthing.citroen.co.uk/

Fitted with a 2.0-litre TSI four-cylinder engine and a six speed manual gearbox as standard, the Scirocco R develops 265 PS and 258 lbs ft of torque while the Golf R produces 270 PS and 258 lbs ft of torque. A six-speed DSG gearbox is available as an option on both models from £1,300.

For the first time on an ‘R’ model, the Scirocco R channels power though the front wheels and is fitted with the XDS electronic cross-axle traction control system to ensure improved grip in all conditions. The Golf R, available in both three- and five-door bodystyles, uses a pre-charged hydraulic version of Volkswagen’s 4MOTION four wheel drive system. This system can react quicker than previous 4MOTION systems while also limiting torque to maximise traction and minimise wheelspin.

The range-topping Scirocco accelerates from a standstill to 62 mph in 6.0 seconds, falling to 5.8 seconds when equipped with the DSG gearbox, while achieving a combined figure of 34.9 mpg (35.3 for DSG) and 189 g/km of CO2 (187 for DSG).

The Golf R is the fastest accelerating Volkswagen ever produced, with a 0 to 62mph sprint taking just 5.7 seconds. As with the Scirocco, the DSG gearbox shaves a further two tenths of a second from this time. Despite this impressive performance, the Golf R returns 33.2 mpg on the combined cycle (DSG 33.6 mpg) and CO2 emissions of 199 g/km (195g DSG). Both the Scirocco R and Golf R models have a top speed of 155 mph.

To set the ‘R’ models apart from a conventional Scirocco or Golf, both feature unique styling features. New front bumpers complete with LED running lights and a trio of deep airdams, Xenon lights which frame gloss black grille elements, gloss black wing mirrors, sill extensions and 18-inch five-spoke ‘Talladega’ alloy wheels housing gloss black ‘R’ callipers give the new models a purposeful look. Optional 19-inch alloy wheels in the same design are also available and, on the Golf R, these can be specified with a gloss black finish.

At the back, both models feature roof mounted spoilers and are fitted with twin exit exhausts; the Golf R’s positioned in the centre of a gloss black diffuser and the Scirocco R’s mounted on either side. Smoked rear light units, which on the Golf house high-intensity LED bulbs, further differentiate the R models.

Styling changes continue inside the cabins of both new models with new sports seats complete with ’R‘ logos, piano black and silver highlights, a new three-spoke black leather sports steering wheel with contrasting stitching and revised white backlit dials with subtle electric blue needles unique to the ‘R’ range. Vienna leather sports seats are available on both models and Recaro bucket seats can also be specified as an option on both the three- and five-door Golf R models.

Alongside the new addition to the Scirocco range, the power output in the ‘standard’ 2.0-litre TSI Scirocco GT has now been increased to 210 PS. This extra power reduces the sprint to 62 mph to 6.9 seconds for both the manual and DSG gearboxes, and top speed increases to 149 mph (147 DSG). Fitted with revised oil and cooling systems, the 210 PS unit also boasts improved fuel consumption of 38.2 mpg (was 37.2) and emissions of 172 g/km of CO2 (was 179) over the engine it replaces.

The first examples of Volkswagen’s most powerful hatchback and coupe are expected to arrive in showrooms in February 2010. Visit your nearest Sussex dealer for more information:

http://www.caffynsvolkswagen.co.uk/

It has five seats, a generous load capacity of 884 litres and compact dimensions making it ideal for busy urban areas. Also, with its low emissions it benefits from a vehicle excise duty of just £35 and combined fuel consumption of 62.8 mpg with the 1.4 litre HDi 70 bhp diesel engine.

With an overall length of 3.959 metres and a width of 1.684 metres or 1.816 metres with the door mirrors folded, it is clearly designed for urban driving where ease of driving and practicality are a necessity. Its height of 1.72 metres or 1.78 metres with roof bars also ensures trouble-free access to underground car parks.

The load area has a capacity of 356 litres under the rear parcel shelf which can be expanded to 884 litres with the 60 / 40 split rear bench seat folded or 2.5m3 with the rear seat removed. The rear load space is also very easily accessed under all circumstances, thanks to the two sliding side doors or, indeed, the glazed rear tailgate. Even the narrowest of parking places won’t prevent you getting into the car or gaining access to objects stored in the boot.

The Bipper Tepee has been designed with urban driving in mind. To carry out any manoeuvre in complete safety in urban traffic, large door mirrors are provided. They can be adjusted electrically and are heated in conjunction with the heated rear screen de-misting function. To assist in tricky parking manoeuvres an optional rear parking assistance system is available. For passenger convenience, one-touch electric front windows are fitted as standard and manual air-conditioning is available either as standard or as an option.

The Bipper Tepee is fitted as standard with a Radio / CD player with MP3 compatibility. An optional hands-free phone kit allows a Bluetooth® mobile phone to be used inside the vehicle in complete safety.

To ensure the Bipper Tepee is very easy to drive it has an optimised suspension and a turning circle diameter of only 9.95 metres between kerbs. Hydraulic power steering helps the driver to nip in and out of urban traffic and makes it easier to access tight parking spots. ABS is fitted as standard combined with ventilated front disc brakes and rear drum brakes.

The Bipper is fitted as standard with 15” inch steel wheels and 185/65R15 tyres. The spare wheel is located in the rear part of the floor and is a full size spare wheel.

The Bipper Tepee is available with two engine options, a 1.4 litre petrol engine and a 1.4 litre HDi diesel engine. Both engines ensure the vehicle has appropriate performance levels while also reducing fuel consumption and ensuring the lowest possible CO2 emissions.

The 1.4 litre petrol engine is fitted with a 5-speed manual gearbox: the 1.4 litre HDi diesel engine is available with either a conventional 5 speed manual gearbox or electronically controlled 5 speed manual gearbox, perfect for use in busy urban areas. Based on the standard manual gearbox, it uses an electro-hydraulic control system which ensures smooth and flexible gear changes and allows the driver to select either manual mode (gear changes controlled by the driver via the gear lever), or automatic mode (no gear changes carried out by the driver).
The Bipper Tepee is also a safe environment for all its occupants due to the comprehensive range of secondary safety equipment which compliments the specially reinforced structure.

All models are fitted as standard with driver, passenger and side airbags combined with front inertia reel seatbelts at the front (with pre-tensioners and force limiters to control the physical forces to which the occupants are exposed) and three inertia reel seat belt for the rear occupants.  Since it is both necessary and compulsory to wear a seat belt, a warning lamp on the instrument panel reminds occupants to wear their seat belt and an audible warning is activated if the driver’s seat belt is unfastened.

Children, who will often be the first inside the Bipper Tepee, are especially well catered for with both the outer rear seats equipped with Isofix child safety seat mounting points. The passenger air bag can also be de-activated if required, enabling a child safety seat to be fitted to the front passenger seat.

Finally, to complete the safety devices, an “inertia” cut-off safety system detects any sharp deceleration and, in the event of a collision, instantly disconnects the electrical power and fuel supply, thereby eliminating any possible fire risk.

The Bipper Tepee is available in two trim levels S and Outdoor.  The S is available with either a 1.4 litre petrol engine or a 1.4 HDi diesel engine. Standard equipment consists of: driver, passenger and side airbags, ABS, one touch electric front windows, electric heated door mirrors, remote control central locking, radio / CD player with MP3 functionality, power steering, twin glazed sliding side doors, height adjustable driver seat with armrest, rake and reach adjustable steering wheel, 60 / 40 split folding and removable rear bench seat, rear seat head restraints, 15” steel wheels with “Sketch” wheel trims …

The Outdoor builds on this standard specification and is also available with both engine options. It adds the following standard equipment; suspension raised by  15 mm, larger body sill protection mouldings and side mouldings, <0} an under–body engine protection plate, lower front panel trim, roof bars, front fog lights, manual air-conditioning…
The Bipper Tepee range is available in a range of eight exterior body colours and two standard interior trims, Marie Bursa cloth (S) and Trip cloth (Outdoor).

The Bipper Tepee is now available at Becks Peugeot, Eastbourne. http://www.beckspeugeot.co.uk/