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VW Golf GTD finance deal; Nissan Terrano to launch in India; new MD at Volkswagen UK; new Fiat Punto Sporting trim; new diesel for Audi A3

The Nissan Terrano will be launched on 20 August in India. The SUV is based on the Dacia Duster, but features all-new sheet metal to bring it in line with Nissan's latest design language. Both cars will share the same cabin in order to reduce costs

The Volkswagen Golf GTD is available for £199 a month on Volkswagen’s Solutions PCP. The deal is over a three-year period with a deposit of £7,237.55 and an optional final payment of £14,006.70. All vehicles purchased on Solutions are available with a three-year or 30,000-mile service plan for £199.

Paul Willcox has been appointed MD Volkswagen Group UK, taking over from Simon Thomas who now becomes global head of marketing for the Volkswagen Group. Willcox was previously senior vice president, sales and marketing for Europe at Nissan and held roles at Peugeot GB. He will be responsible for Audi, Seat, Skoda and Volkswagen passenger cars and commercial vehicles.

The Fiat Punto range has been revised with a raft of equipment. The range now comprises of Pop, Easy, GBT and a new Sporting variant. Lounge and Twinair models have been deleted, but the Twinair engine remains fitted to Easy and GBT Puntos. Sporting models feature a rear spoiler, side skirts, a gloss black roof and sports suspension. Sporting models are priced from £12,355.

Audi has introduced a 181bhp version of its 2.0-litre TDI engine to its A3 and A3 Sportback models. It is offered in front-wheel drive and Quattro models in Sport and S-line specifications. Audi claims 0-62mph in 7.3sec, 108g/km and 68.9mpg. The engine will be offered in saloon versions later. Other new options include new LED headlights and a black styling package.

Former Volvo CEO Stefan Jacoby has been hired by General Motors to steer its international operations. He replaces Tim Lee who becomes chairman of GM China. Jacoby stepped down from Volvo last year after suffering a mild stroke. He previously held senior positions at Mitsubishi and Volkswagen. His appointment will see him leading GM's operations in more than 100 markets.

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n50pap 3 August 2013

Punto: The Fiat model with a discount!

The Punto seems to be the model that Fiat will discount, unlike the 500 which seems to offer very little off for the average buyer.

The Sporting trim has been brought back regularly.  In 1993, when the original Punto was introduced, the Sporting, or its equivalent, had a 6 speed gearbox.  It's still a good-looking car, but it's spoiled by the fact that, particularly in Scotland, most dealerships are run by one company.  What should be a pleasant ownership experience sometimes isn't.

TegTypeR 2 August 2013

Is the Punto still being sold in the UK?

Yes, I know they still are but to the layman you'd be forgiven if it had dropped completely off your radar.

 

I'd love to know how many they've sold this year.

 

I'm also surprised that it hasn't has another facelift and be re-branded as something like a Fiat 500P!

Marc 2 August 2013

TegTypeR wrote: Yes, I know

TegTypeR wrote:

Yes, I know they still are but to the layman you'd be forgiven if it had dropped completely off your radar.

 

I'd love to know how many they've sold this year.

 

I'm also surprised that it hasn't has another facelift and be re-branded as something like a Fiat 500P!

I think it's still one of the best looking small cars around, interior is showing its age though. A neighbours son has an Abarth version, 180 bhp 1.4 cracking little car.

 

C2_Matt 3 August 2013

TegTypeR wrote: Yes, I know

TegTypeR wrote:

Yes, I know they still are but to the layman you'd be forgiven if it had dropped completely off your radar.

 

I'd love to know how many they've sold this year.

 

I'm also surprised that it hasn't has another facelift and be re-branded as something like a Fiat 500P!

My local Fiat dealer has pre-reg'd Punto Twinair's for under £8500. All have less than 10 mile on the clock.

oaffie 2 August 2013

"Total cost after 3yrs £28300

"Total cost after 3yrs £28300 !!!"

Exactly, that is an unbelievable amount of money for a Golf.  With the discounts available you could get a similar spec Seat Leon for about £10k less.  Not to mention after discounts you could just about put yourself in a BMW 330d for not much more than £28k - OK it wouldn't have all the toys like the Golf would but who cares.