CAR TALK
ORDER NOW: VW’S NEW BEETLE
The order books have opened for VW’s new Beetle. Two engines will be available at launch: a 1.2-litre TSI 105 PS (47.9mpg, 137g/km CO2) and a 1.4-litre 160 PS TSI (42.8mpg, 153g/km CO2). Three others – a 1.6-litre diesel, 2.0-litre diesel and 2.0-litre petrol – will join later in 2012. Prices start from £16,490.
VETTEL’S INFINITI GOES TO PRODUCTION
The Infiniti FX Vettel supercar SUV – which has been designed and engineered with the help of F1 World Champion Sebastian Vettel – is to make production. The Vettel edition is based on a standard FX50 S but adds carbon fibre to reduce weight and has an upgraded 5.0-litre V8 capable of 414bhp and 186mph. Prices TBD.
WINTER TYRE SERVICES LAUNCHED
After two bad winters, Citroën, Peugeot and Skoda have each announced a winter tyre service. Winter tyres provide greater grip in rain, slush, ice and snow and can reduce stopping distance in such conditions by 20 per cent. A “swap and store” service means your summer tyres will be looked after too in the cold months.