A round up of the week’s new car launches in bite-sized chunks.

News this week from from BMW, Chevrolet, Ferrari, Hyundai, Jaguar, Lexus, MINI, Subaru, Volkswagen and Volvo.27 February 2012

Subaru updates the Legacy Tourer for 2012

Subaru's Legacy Tourer upgraded for 2012

  • Subaru’s range of Legacy Tourer estates has been improved for 2012.
  • Modifications to the 2.0-litre Boxer diesel engine see emissions drop to 149g/km CO2 and fuel consumption average up to 49.6mpg. The 2.5-litre petrol remains unchanged.
  • Improvements have been made to the six-speed manual gearbox and the suspensions, including new bushes to improve ride quality and lighter components.
  • The Legacy Tourer is priced from £26,680 for the 2.0D S up to £31,150 for the 2.0D SE NavPlus.

28 February 2012

Volvo unveils striking all-new V40 range

Volvo's all-new V40 premium hatchback

  • Volvo has resurrected the V40 badge for a bold new range of 5-door hatchbacks.
  • Volvo claims the new V40 not only represents a premium, high quality choice in this market but also one which will deliver genuine driving pleasure.
  • A wide range of engines will be on offer from a 94g/km diesel to a 254bhp T5 variant.
  • Volvo hopes to sell 90,000 examples a year of its new Belgian-built model.
  • UK line up and prices will be revealed later in 2012.

29 February 2012

Jaguar shows of its new estate – the XF Sportbrake

Jaguar's new estate - the XF Sportbrake

  • Only slightly longer and heavier than the saloon but with the same torsional rigidity, Jaguar has unveiled the estate version of the XF, called Sportbrake.
  • The new rear end features unique rear doors and panels behind it, with a blacked-out D-pillar, as used on the larger XJ range.
  • The capacious cargo bay can stretch from 550l with the seats up to a useful 1675l when folded.
  • Self-levelling rear suspension helps keep the rear end in check both with heavy loads and when towing.
  • Powered by the 2.2-litre four-cylinder and 3.0-litre V6 diesel engines, XF Sportbrake prices will be confirmed in the third quarter of 2012.

Volkswagen unleashes the Golf GTI Cabriolet

Two decades since its last appearance: the return of the Volkswagen Golf GTI Cabriolet

  • Becoming the new flagship of the Golf Cabriolet range is the new GTI model.
  • Sharing traditional GTI styling cues with its hatchback siblings, the new Cabriolet is also powered by the same 210PS turbocharged 2.o-litre engine.
  • Fitted with a manual or DSG gearbox, the Golf GTI Cabriolet can reach 147mph (146mph for the DSG) and reach 60mph in 7.3 seconds.
  • UK prices will be confirmed in the second half of 2012.

MINI reveals the John Cooper Works Countryman

High performance MINI crossover - the John Cooper Works Countryman

  • MINI will reveal its sixth John Cooper Works model at the Geneva motor show, this time using the all-wheel drive Countryman as the basis.
  • Powered by a twin scroll turbocharged 1.6-litre engine, the JCW Countryman benefits from 218bhp and can be specified with both manual and automatic transmissions.
  • In manual guise the John Cooper Works Countryman will reach 140mph, sprint to 60mph in 7.0 seconds, as well as achieving 39.2mpg and 167g/km CO2.
  • The JCW Countryman features a special body kit, 18″ alloy wheels, sports suspension, sports seats and a chunkier steering wheel.

Ferrari announces its fastest-ever model: the F12berlinetta

The latest car to be referred to as the 'fastest ever Ferrari' - the F12berlinetta

  • Ferrari’s new performance flagship, the awkwardly named F12berlinetta, will make its world debut at the Geneva motor show.
  • Replacing the 599 GTB, the F12berlinetta is powered by a 6.3-litre V12 producing a thundering 740PS.
  • Top speed is ominously ‘over 211mph’ with the sprint to 60mph taking just 3.1 seconds.
  • Fuel consumption has been improved by 30% over the outgoing 599, whilst CO2 emissions have been slashed to 350g/km.
  • UK prices and specifications will be confirmed later in 2012.

Chevrolet confirms UK pricing for the Volt

UK price confirmed for the Chevrolet Volt hybrid

  • Chevrolet has confirmed that its hybrid petrol-electric saloon, the Volt, will cost £29,995 in the UK.
  • Only one model will be on offer, with a comprehensive standard specification including heated leather seats, Bluetooth, keyless start, 17″ alloys, DAB radio, touch sensitive switchgear and rear parking camera.

1 March 2012

BMW announces the M3 Limited Edition 500

The special BMW M3 Limited Edition 500 coupé

  • Available in the UK from March, are coupé and convertible versions of the M3 in Limited Edition 500 from.
  • Mechanically as the regular M3, these 500 specials come in either red, white or blue and feature Novillo leather, piano black trim and £4000 worth of other equipment for a £1000 premium.
  • The BMW M3 Limited Edition 500 costs from £55,690 for the coupé.

2 March 2012

Lexus to debut the facelifted RX 450h at Geneva

The new corporate face of the Lexus RX 450h

  • Lexus has given a sneak preview of the facelifted RX 450h range of hybrid SUVs, which will formally debut at the Geneva motor show.
  • Featuring the new trademark ‘spindle’ grille design, the new nose gives the RX a more aggressive face.
  • Also new to the RX range is an F Sport version of the 450h, featuring similar modifications to those seen on the CT, IS and GS ranges.
  • UK prices will be confirmed nearer the RX’s on sale date.

Hyundai’s Veloster Turbo to debut at Geneva

  • Hyundai have confirmed a 186PS turbocharged version of its Veloster coupé will debut at the Geneva motor show.
  • The Korean marque’s 1.6-litre GDI engine is equipped with a twin scroll turbo producing lots of low-end torque.
  • Manual versions will accelerate to 60mph in 8.4 seconds.
  • Price