1 TOYOTA'S Avensis range of saloons and tourer estate cars receives a gentle refresh for 2013. Following the lead of Auris and Verso, it adopts Toyota's new grade structure, with Active Icon, Icon Plus and Excel replacing the previous T2, TR, T4 and T Spirit designations. There are a few specification adjustments and across the while Avensis line-up now features follow-me-home headlights as standard and there is a DAB digital tuner for all models bar the entry-level Active.
2 THE all-new Mercedes-Benz CLA is available to order now, with prices starting from £24,355 on the road. It is capable of carrying five people and even has a large, practical boot. The CLA range in the UK is split into two model lines – Sport and AMG Sport – paired with a choice of an efficient and refined four-cylinder petrol or diesel engine. The CLA 220 CDI is capable of accelerating from rest to 62 mph in 8.2 seconds yet can return 62.9mpg.
3 THE Isuzu D-Max has collected yet another accolade – the prestigious 2013 VansA2Z Pick-Up of the Year Award. Launched last June, the D-Max has quickly established itself as a worthy successor to the highly popular Rodeo and has become a big sales hit, elevating the Japanese brand to second place in the UK pick-up sales rankings.
4 MANUAL versions of the Volvo V40 D2 and V40 D2 R-Design now come with reduced CO2 emissions, down from 94g/km to 88g/km, which translates into a fuel consumption improvement of 4.6mpg, down to 83.1mpg. The corresponding figures (preliminary) for the V40 Cross Country with the D2 engine are 99g/km and 74.3mpg.
5 VOLKSWAGEN is writing a new chapter in mobility by presenting its first fully electric production vehicle, the new e-up! The car has a driving range of 150km (93 miles) as well as excellent everyday practicality. The e-up! offers entry to a new pioneering vehicle concept with an electric drive and four seats. It's a car for daily use in the city and is also ideal for commuters or as an innovative second car. The e-up! can be recharged to as much as 80% of its energy storage capacity within 30 minutes.