MOTORING BRIEFS

MAZDA’S all-new Mazda CX-5 compact crossover SUV, arriving this spring, comes equipped with a range of breakthrough technologies.

Designed to appeal to the corporate sector, the technology includes the debut of safety features such as Smart City Brake Support, state-of-the-art passive safety structures, such as the lightweight yet highly-rigid SKYACTIV-Body and various impact-absorbing structural innovations. The CX-5 is the first Mazda as well as the first compact SUV with Mazda’s new advanced safety technology which helps a driver to avoid or minimise the impact of a frontal collision when driving at low speeds - under 20mph - in the city or in slow moving traffic.

Isuzu prices for new D-Max pick-up

Isuzu UK has announced prices and specifications for the all-new Isuzu D-Max pick-up, ahead of its UK premiere at the Commercial Vehicle Show in Birmingham. On sale from June 2012, the tough new Isuzu D-Max will be available with four specification levels and, for the first time for Isuzu in the UK, with an extended cab body configuration - featuring rear-opening side-access panels - joining the single and double cab variants.

Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG

Mercedes-AMG is embarking on the 2012 roadster season in inimitably dynamic style: following on from the recent launch of the SL 63 AMG, the top eight-cylinder model, there now comes the presentation of the new Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG, the V12 roadster in the line-up from the Stuttgart-based manufacturer. The AMG 6.0-litre V12 “biturbo” (twin-turbocharged) engine develops a maximum output of 630 hp and maximum torque of 1000 newton metres. As with the SLS AMG super sports car, the use of an all-aluminium bodyshell results in a reduction in weight.

The new SL 65 AMG is some 170 kilograms lighter than before.

Volkswagen Passat Alltrack available to order

With its raised ride height, 4MOTION four-wheel drive and rugged body enhancements, the new Passat Alltrack has everything you need to venture off the beaten track; but customers need venture no further than their local Volkswagen Retailer to order one, ahead of the first cars arriving in showrooms in the UK at the end of May. Based on the popular and versatile Passat Estate, the Passat Alltrack’s 4MOTION four-wheel drive and raised ride height give it greater agility off-road, while body enhancements provide some protection from scrapes when covering rough terrain.

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