2012 Geneva motor show

2012 Geneva motor show

Geneva Motor Show 2012

So what's new for the Geneva motor show 2012.
 First of all we have a new car of the year - the Opel Ampera /Chevrolet Volt won the 2012 Car of the year prize. The other finalist in the competition were Citroën DS 5, Ford Focus, Fiat Panda, Volkswagen Up, Range Rover Evoque and the new Toyota Yaris.

Opel Ampera - Car of the year 2012

The 82nd international motor show in Geneve will be the place for a debut for many new models.
Ferrari is expected to reveal the F12 Berlinetta (a.k.a F620 GT).
Audi will present the successor of the A3. The new model has all the typical Audi looks and amazing built quality.
Jaguar is expected to present their new Sportbrake version of the XF model. That's the first Jaguar wagon car after the X-type which was not a success at all.

Jaguar XF Sportbrake

And if you want something not so traditional you should definitely check the new all electric Tesla Model X.
Geneva Motor Show 2012 will keep its doors open for visitors from 8 till 18 March so don't hesitate to visit it, there will be plenty of new and interesting automotive stuff. Tickets are available on site (50 % discount on all entry tickets sold on site after 4 p.m) and online as well .

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Peugeot 508 test drive

Peugeot 508 test drive and review

Today we are going to take a look at Peugeot's brand new sedan 508. It replaces two of the brand outgoing models (the 407 and the 607) combining it into one new model that is bigger and more upmarket than the 407 but not as luxurious as the 607 limousine.

 

The new 508 has a nice elegant exterior with dynamic profile which suits perfect to the car. The front is typical Peugeot with massive grill and aggressive headlights. The rear of the 508 is muscular and gives the car more settled look.

The interior of the 508 is very roomy and will fit five adults in comfort. The built quality and the materials of the instruments feel solid. All switches are easy to use and the board computer/navigation unit is easy to operate thanks to the many preset buttons on the dash.

Peugeot 508 has one of the nicest interiors in its class

Peugeot 508 is very well equipped and even the entry levels include all electric assists, climate control some others that usually cost extra in this price segment.
The 508 comes with the choice of four petrol and four diesel engines starting from 112hp with the smallest diesel up to 204hp for the 2.2HDI. PSA will offer Peugeot with a hybrid engine as well - the newly developed HYbrid4 diesel-electric hybrid system.
Gearbox choices include 5 and 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic.
Fuel consumption of most Peugeot 508 models is very good and covers the Euro5 standards.
The 508 will be offered in an estate version (508 SW) and a crossover RXH model.

Peugeot 508 SW

In conclusion we should say that the new Peugeot 508 is very well made car, offering good comfort and interior space as well as very good list of engine choices. The price of the new 508 is very competitive too and does not push the limits of the customers in this price segment.

Peugeot 508 test drive - video

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Citroen DS4 consumer report

Citroen DS4 consumer report - test drive and review Citroen DS4

   

 It has been quite some time since Citroen launched their luxury new DS-series and for some this was a step forward even though the brand was using some tricks from the 1960's.
Citroen DS4 is based on the mid-sized hatchback C4 with some stylish and functional upgrades to make it stand out form the crowd.
The car is elegant and sporty but looks a bit too big and massive and doesn't have the distinctive sporty looks it should probably have.

Citroen DS4 interior is very stylish 

The interior of the car is very roomy and offers plenty of space for both front and rear seats. The space for luggage is big enough and you will not lack space for your big suitcases.
Interior space is very functional too, most instruments have a nice touch and are easy to reach. The DS4 is equipped with all possible gadget you may possibly need including many electronic assists, satellite navigation and plenty of others.
Citroen DS4 comes with a choice two diesel and three petrol engines in the DS4 (from 112 PS up to 200 PS)

Citroen DS4 test drive and review - video

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Audi A1 test drive and review

Audi A1 test drive and review

Audi A1 has a modern cool profile

Audi A1 is one of the newest members in Audi's model family. It is a compact vechicle which will compete against other stylish small cars like the Mini, Fiat 500 and Alfa Romeo MiTo.
Audi A1 has the distinctive looks of most Audi cars but there are new design features that make it a bit different from what we've seen so far. The car has a profile similar to the one of a Fiat 500 but the A1 looks more muscular and settled than the Italian.
Audi A1 has very ellegant and functional interior with some typical for Audi design elements like the air vents and some other elements on the dash.
Audi A1 is offered with plenty of engine choices - four petrol and three diesel. The 1.2 TFSI is the smallest of all and the biggest and most powerful are the 2.0 TFSI and the 2.0 TDI.

  

These engines ar coupled with either a 5-speed manual or 6 and 7-speed autoamtic gearboxes.
All engines will feature the eco friendly start-stop system and energy recuperation system.
The price of the A1 is a bit too high considering its size but it is not any small car, it's a modern and funcional part to your lifestyle. Depending on the model the A1 reaches prices of more than 20,000 Euro.

Audi A1 test drive and review - video

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Mercedes C-Class Coupe test drive

Mercedes C-Class Coupe test drive and review

     

Mercedes C-class is one of the most popular mid-sized sedans in the world. Together with the BMW 3-series and Audi A4 the C-class dominates the business class car segment.
Last year the latest generation C-class received a major facelift for its whole model range and now it has more dynamic exterior and much more luxurious and well laid out interior.
Mercedes decided to add a sport coupe to the model line as well. The new C-class coupe will best suit young Mercedes customers who like the sporty look of the coupe.
Today we are going to show you a short test drive and review of the new Mercedes C-class Coupe which has a very powerful and sporty AMG version as well (5.5 bi-turbo engine producing 451bhp).

Mercedes C-Class Coupe test drive - video

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Test drive Kia Optima Turbo

Test drive 2011 Kia Optima Turbo

  

In today's test drive we are going to show you the third generation Kia midsize sedan Optima in its SX Turbo version. For 2011 Kia has made significant changes to the Optima and now it has very sleek and modern design. The car profile is elegant and sporty at the same time.
The interior suits very well to the dynamic appeal of the car and offers great comfort and plenty of tech features.
The 2011 Optima Turbo has a 2.0 liter petrol engine offering plenty of power with 274 hp (204 kW) at 6000 rpm.
There is a hybrid model in Optima's model range as well.
In US the Optima is offered at a very good price. The base optima Turbo starts at around $26,000 and fully equipped is around $30,000.

Test drive and review 2011 Kia Optima Turbo - video

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Test drive VW Touareg 2011

Test drive VW Touareg 2011 - test drive and video review of 2011 VW Touareg

VW Touareg 2011

VW Touareg is one of the greatest successes of VW Group model line in last few years. This SUV came out almost 10 years ago and it has been a real best seller since.
The latest VW Touareg offers much more dynamic design compared to its predecessor. The interior is improved as well. Now the Touareg feels much more settled inside and out with more technological innovations and improved fuel economy (which was kind of a problem in the previous generation).
The downsizing engine volume trend has reached big SUVs like the Touareg as well and now it offers smaller engines with better turbos and better dynamics. There is a hybrid model in the Touareg model range as well.
Gasoline engines include VW Touareg 3.6 V6 BlueMotion with 280 PS (206 kW; 276 hp) at 6,200 rpm and 360 Nm (266 lb·ft) at 3,200 rpm; 3.0 Supercharged Hybrid with 333 PS (245 kW; 328 hp - 440 Nm); 4.2 FSI V8 360 PS (265 kW; 355 hp).
There are two diesel engines in the model line - 3-liter V6 TDI BlueMotion 240 PS (177 kW; 237 hp) and a V8 TDI 340 PS (250 kW; 335 hp).

2011 VW Touareg test drive and review - video

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Hyundai Veloster 2012 test drive and review

Hyundai Veloster 2012 test drive and review

Hyundai Veloster

Today we are going to show you one very special car. It comes form Asia and has a very strange design. Hyundai Veloster is one of the most interesting vehicles on sale today.
In the next test drive and review of the 2012 Hyundai Veloster you will see what this car is all about and decide if you like it or not. As the lady from the video says this is something you are going to love or you are going to hate.

Hyundai Veloster 2012 test drive and review - video


And don't forget to check out the rest of our car test drives and reviews.

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Test drive Mercedes E-Class, Audi A6, BMW 5-series

Test drive Mercedes E-Class, Audi A6, BMW 5-series

Today we are going to take a look at three of the best selling luxury sedans in the world. Mercedes E-Class, Audi A6, BMW 5 Series are dominating this class for years but there are new competitors coming out every year. One of them is the all new 2012 Lexus GS which has improved handling matching the one in a 5-series and improved interior design and quality which can compete even with the best interior in this class of an Audi A6.

2012 Lexus GS

The 2012 editions of the Mercedes E-Class, Audi A6 and BMW 5-series may be in the same price segment but they are pretty different cars. The BMW has the best handling of the three, while the Audi impresses with stylish interior and overall built quality. The E-Class is probably the least impressive of all three cars but it is very refined vehicle which makes it one of the most popular cars in the business class.
Take a look in the video comparison of the Mercedes E-Class, Audi A6, BMW 5-series and decide if you like any of these or the Germans are too boring for, especially next to cars like the Lexus or Infinity.

Test drive Mercedes E-Class, Audi A6, BMW 5-series - video

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Mercedes-Benz S-Class test drive and review

Mercedes-Benz S-Class test drive and review

Mercedes S-Class 2011

Mercedes-Benz S-Class is probably one of the most popular cars in automotive history. This car has set the benchmark for all car manufacturers in the luxury segment. The S-class is many times stated as the best car in the world.
There is probably a very good reason for the S-class to be so popular around the world. It is very often when this car takes key roles in popular movies or music clips. Celebrities often use the S-Class as a way to show their economic status. Appearing with an S-Class Mercedes has always been a privilege for the rich and famous people in the society.
Many car specialists claim that the Mercedes has lost the battle in the luxury segment against BMW and Audi and lets not forget Lexus whose popularity is getting bigger every day. New S-class rivals are coming up every day as a serious competition together with the best selling 7-series and A8.

But the S-class is still preferred by many despite its recent quality problems and customers' dissatisfaction.
The AMG versions (S65 and S63) are the ultimate Mercedes cars that money can buy.
Today we are going to show you a test drive and review of the latest Mercedes-Benz S-Class. This outgoing model is soon going to be replaced by a new one which is expected by the beginning of next year.

Mercedes S-Class test drive and review - video

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2011 Lexus RX 350 test drive and review

2011 Lexus RX 350 test drive and review

2011 Lexus RX 

The redesigned RX 350 features a revised 3.5-liter 2GR-FE V6 engine producing 275 horsepower (205 kW) with a wider power curve, it remains ULEV-II certified and now uses a six-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift. A double wishbone rear suspension setup replaces the previous MacPherson strut design for improved handling and greater cargo space, while an optional Sports Package adds a performance-tuned suspension. Both non-hybrid and hybrid models continue in either front or all-wheel drive configurations, with the all-wheel drive system gaining Active Torque Control for greater efficiency, and all models are built off the new midsize flexible K-platform. American RX 350 sales began in February 2009 as a 2010 model.

   

In keeping with L-finesse design language, the new exterior styling includes a rear spoiler which hides the rear window wiper and radio antenna creating a less cluttered appearance. The drag coefficient on the latest RX 350 has been reduced to 0.33 Cd. Exterior dimensions are increased, with cargo room increased by five percent. Standard features range from SmartAccess, a keyless entry and start system, to an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) instrument display. Options include the Remote Touch controller, similar in function to a computer mouse, a heads-up display (HUD), XM Satellite Radio, a 15-speaker 330-watt Mark Levinson Surround Sound audio system and a dual-screen Rear Seat Entertainment System (RSES). Safety features range from ten airbags to Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Hill Assist Control (HAC), Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM), Pre-Collision System (PCS), and backup camera plus Wide-View Side Monitor.

2011 Lexus  RX 350 test drive and review - video

The 2011 Lexus RX is a class leading midsize luxury SUV. Roadfly reviews and road tests Lexus' small SUV which was redesigned last year. New for 2011 is the brake override system as well as a number of new exterior color options.
The Lexus RX 350 seamlessly blends luxury and utility and is available in All-Wheel Drive and Front Wheel Drive models. The 3.5L V6 Produces 275 Horsepower.
The Lexus RX 350 teams a 3.5-liter V6 engine with a six-speed Multi-Mode Automatic Transmission for an output of 275 horsepower at 6,200 rpm. Intake and exhaust manifolds have been tuned for enhanced performance and fuel economy. Lexus maximized the torque output to better meet the needs of luxury crossover drivers. Ninety percent or more of the 256 lb.-ft. of peak torque is available from 2,300 to 6,100 rpm, an optimal range where torque is most utilized.
Other SUVs the RX compares to include the BMW X3, the Acura MDX, and the Volvo XC90.   
Text: RoadFly; Wikipedia

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Citroen DS3 video review

Citroen DS3 test drive and video review

Citroen DS3

Today at For consumers we are going to take a look at Citroen's new little car with futuristic design and plenty of style. On first look Citroen DS3 looks just amazing
The Citroën DS3 is a supermini, produced by French manufacturer Citroën from 2009. This is the first car in the new DS range from Citroën. It was first hinted by the concept car Citroën DS Inside. This range of vehicle shares no common feature with, and is in no way the successor to, the Citroën DS. The DS3 is a compact car which competes against the Mini, Alfa Romeo MiTo and Audi A1.

Citroen DS3 review - video


The DS3 is Citroen's entry into the premium supermini segment and offers buyers a stylish alternative to the MINI hatchback and Alfa Romeo MiTo. It's based on the Citroen C3 but offers a more upmarket cabin and a more exciting driving experience. Engines range from an efficient 89bhp diesel, which is free from road-tax thanks to its low CO2 emissions, to a turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol engine with 148bhp which offers hot-hatch thrills. There's also a range-topping DS3 Racing model, but only 200 examples were sold in the UK. All variants get a spacious, stylish and luxurious cabin making the DS3 a fantastic all-rounder.


Citroen DS4 test drive

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2012 VW Passat test drive

2012 VW Passat test drive and review

VW Passat 2012 

Today at For consumers blog we are going to take a closer look at one of the best selling sedans in the world.    VW Passat is well known for its good qualities and now there is a new generation of the Passat (Passat B7). Whether it is going to match customers expectations or it is going to disappoint VW customers, we'll find out in the next test drive and review of VW Passat 2012.

2012 VW Passat test drive -  video

North American models of the new Passat will be built at its Chattanooga Assembly Plant

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2012 Mercedes CLS 63 AMG test drive

2012 Mercedes CLS 63 AMG test drive

 2012 CLS 63 AMG 

Today at For consumers blog we are going to take a look at one of the most powerful 4-door coupes on the market.  Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG is a high performance version of Mercedes CLS-class (W218). You can see its main engine specifications as well a full test drive and video review.
The CLS 63 AMG version was launched at the start of 2011 and featured a new 5.5 L biturbo engine.



CLS 63 AMG specifications:

CLS 63 AMG

2011/2012 year model

5,461 cc (5.461 L; 333.3 cu in) V8

525 PS (386 kW; 518 hp)@5250-5750

700 N·m (520 lb·ft)@1750-5000

4.4 sec

9.7 L/100 km (24 mpg-US)

CLS 63 AMG (with Performance Package) specifications:

CLS 63 AMG with Performance Package

2011-

5,461 cc (5.461 L; 333.3 cu in) V8

549 PS (404 kW; 541 hp)@5250-5750

800 N·m (590 lb·ft)@1750-5000

4.3 sec

9.7 L/100 km (24 mpg-US)

2012 Mercedes CLS 63 AMG test drive - video


A special "Launch Edition" of the CLS 63 AMG in matte grey paint and a mix of carbon fiber and piano black interior trim is available as well.
2012 Mercedes ML test drive

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2012 BMW 328i test drive and review

2012 BMW 328i test drive and review

BMW 328i

Today at For consumers blog we are going to take a closer look at the brand new 3-series sedan. This vehicle was officially presented few months ago and it really draws all the attention in automotive world since.
The new 3-series design is very similar to the outgoing model but there are some significant changes in the look, especially in front where the headlights and the grill are completely different from what we've seen in BMW models so far.
The new BMW 3-series is 93mm longer than before, with a 50mm stretch to the wheelbase that creates more interior room, particularly in the rear. The wheel tracks are wider too, again boosting interior space but also aiding handling.

The new 3-series is offered in three design themes (lines) - Luxury, Modern and Sport.

         

The 2012 BMW 3-series is powered by a new family of aluminum four-cylinder petrol engines ranging from 135 to 245 horsepower. These will include new technologies such as variable intake and exhaust-valve timing, sequential turbochargers, and direct fuel injection. The 245 hp (183 kW; 248 PS) four-cylinder may be included in US-bound models (the last four-cylinder 3 series was the 1999 318ti with a 138 hp (103 kW; 140 PS) engine). The N52 3.0L naturally aspirated I6 was replaced by the N20 with almost equivalent output and improved fuel economy. The other petrol engines will be four-cylinder turbocharged units displacing either 1.6 or 2.0 litres. High-performance diesels will also feature 2.0-litre twin turbo versions with a 204 hp (152 kW; 207 PS) 323d, a 245 hp (183 kW; 248 PS) 325d and a 306 hp (228 kW; 310 PS) 335d 3.0-litre, inline 6 version. The BMW 3 F30 will have a hybrid model in it's range as well.

2012 BMW 328i test drive and review


The 3-series wagon, coupe and convertible body styles are expected for test drive and review soon.

BMW 3-series F30 pics

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Audi Q3 test drive and review

Audi Q3 test drive and review

2012 Audi Q3

Today at For consumers we are going to take a look at the newest SUV by Audi - the all new Q3. It is the smallest in Audi's SUV model line and it best fits in urban environment. Actually Audi Q3 is much more of a crossover than an off-roader. The Q3 is build on VW Golf/ Tiguan platform in Martorell, Spain.
In terms of looks Audi Q3 design language is not much different from the bigger Q5 and Q7 but there are some interesting styling features that can be found in the new A6 and the new A1 as well.

Audi Q3 will be powered by two diesel and two petrol engines producing from 170 up to 210 hp.
The new Audi crossover will be offered in in both front-wheel drive, and a quattro version.
Transmission options will include 6-speed manual and a 7-speed S tronic (dual-clutch DSG).

Audi Q3 test drive - video


Audi Q3 price - base models will start from £25,000 but top of the line models will reach well over £30,000

Here is the official price list for Audi Q3 (provided by Audi UK)

Audi Q3 price list

2012 Audi A6 test drive

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2012 Mercedes ML test drive and review

2012 Mercedes ML test drive and review

Mercedes-Benz M-Class is one of the most popular and best selling SUVs in the world. Now there is brand new edition of the ML for 2012 and it is not just a facelift but a complete new vehicle.

2012 Mercedes ML

   

The all new M-Class was introduced in the middle of last year at it is already offered in most Mercedes dealerships.
The W166 platform is taking styling cues from the new generation Mercedes E-Class and now feels much more upmarket and luxurious.
The 2012 Mercedes M-class has grown in almost any dimension and it feels bigger and roomier especially in the back seats.
The new ML will be equipped with 7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic transmission which is optimized for both performance and fuel economy.

2012 Mercedes ML test drive and review - video


2012 Mercedes ML price
Its price is not really what you can call cheap but it is not sky high as well. The 2012 Mercedes M-class prices start at $50,000 in the US. According to extras the price tag can easily reach $70,000. In Europe prices are even a bit higher.
2012 Mercedes CLS 63 AMG test drive

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2012 Audi A7 test drive and review

2012 Audi A7 test drive and review

2012 Audi A7 is an exceptionally good looking car

A closer look at the Audi A7 shows what an exceptional car really it is. Amazing exterior lines, classy and yet modern interior and a great level of practicality all combined in a luxury package that is hard to resist. As the guys from Roadfly say the 2012 Audi A7 may very well be the best-looking car Audi has ever built.
And it is not only the looks that make A7 a great car. Performance is equally exceptional - the 2012 A7 uses a 310-hp version of the S4's supercharged 3.0L V6. It goes from 0-60mph in around 5.5 seconds.

2012 Audi A7 test drive and review - video

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Citroen DS4 test drive

Citroen DS4 test drive and review

Today at For consumers blog we are going to take a closer look at one of the most avantgarde models on the car market today. The DS stands for Citroen's most luxury and prestige models and the car itself is based on the new C4 platform.

        

The petrol engines that power the DS4 are a product of the partnership between PSA and BMW. They are 1,598 cc four-cylinder, 16-valve units. The base VTi  is normally aspirated and puts out 120 PS (88 kW). As its name shows it comes with variable valve timing. The next engine up is the THP 155, essentially a turbo-charged version of the VTi. It puts out 156 PS (115 kW) thanks to a twin-scroll turbocharger and dual overhead cams. It is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. The most powerful gas engine available in the DS4 is the THP 200. It's a variation of the THP 155 previously mentioned but pushed to 200 PS (147 kW).
Citroen offers two diesel engines in the DS4 - the HDi 110, a 1,560 cc four-cylinder that puts out 112 PS (82 kW). The second is the four-cylinder HDi 160 also found in the Citroën C5 sedan. It has a displacement of 1,997 cc and puts out 163 PS (120 kW).

DS4 was elected “Most Beautiful Car of the Year” at the International Automobile Festival

The DS4 is available with Start&Stop technology and Citroën says that the battery has been optimized to withstand up to 600,000 starting cycles. The trunk are 385 L and 1021 L with the back seat folded down on all models.

Citroen DS4 test drive - video


Citroen DS4 price - this car costs around EUR 30,000 brand new (for the top of the line mode; base models DS4 start at around EUR 22,000)

Citroen DS3 test drive
BMW 3-series F30 review

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Hyundai i40 Tourer test drive and review

Hyundai i40 tourer test drive and review

Check out the all new Hyundai i40 estate car. Today we are going to test this weird looking family car which offers some interesting features and long factory warranty.
The big Hyundai i40 tourer is a sharp looking family car, with a bold grille, creases along the sides and a neat tailgate.

The i40 is described as featuring Hyundai's 'fluidic sculpture' design language, and was launched in Europe initially as an estate (marketed as the i40 Tourer) and later as a saloon. The boot space is 553-litres, increasing to 1,719-litres with the rear seats folded down.
Family buyers will be impressed by the practicality on offer. Its boot has a 533-litre carrying capacity with the seats up, and a decent 1,719 litres with them down. The car also gets underfloor cubbies and a retractable luggage screen. As ever, the big draw for many buyers is the value for money on offer, and there's a wealth of standard kit included -- the i40 puts more expensive rivals to shame. The engine line-up comprises two petrols, a 135bhp 1.6-litre and more powerful 2.0-litre unit, and a 1.7-litre diesel with 114bhp or 134bhp. The diesel unit offers plenty of power and will be better suited to those who rack up high mileages. Entry version delivers class-leading emissions of 113g/km and can return 65mpg. The i40 looks set to attract family and company buyers in equal measure.

Hyundai i40 Tourer test drive and review - video

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