New Vauxhall Combo Goes on Sale in the UK, will Come to North America as a Ram

The latest generation of the Fiat Doblo van has the fairly unique (but not sole) distinction of being offered more or less unchanged by several different auto brands. These include Opel and its sister company in the UK, Vauxhall, and starting from early 2013, the Chrysler Group's Ram Truck division will also offer the van in North America. For the time being though, Vauxhall has launched sales of the New Combo in Britain. The light commercial vehicle is available with a choice of four diesel units ranging from a 1.3-liter CDTi with 89bhp (90PS) to a 2.0-liter CDTi delivering 133bhp (135PS).
Customers can also pick from two different wheelbases, an equal number of heights and two gross vehicle weights (2,000kg/4,409lbs and 2,300kg/5071lbs) plus two separate trim levels.
In the UK, prices start at £14,703.33 on the road (excluding VAT) for the L1H1 2000 1.3CDTi 16v (90PS) model and rise to £18,203.33 for the L1H2 2000 2.0CDTi Sportive.

PHOTO GALLERY

Powerplay: Audi Unleashes New TT RS Plus Coupe and Roadster with 360-Horses

Evidently, every little bit of power matters for Audi, which has just lifted the covers off a new version of the TT RS featuring some subtle mechanical and styling upgrades. The new model is called the TT RS Plus and will be available in both Coupe and Roadster formats. At the heart of the new flagship TT lies a modestly beefed up version of the regular RS' 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine that gains 20PS (20bhp) more power and 15Nm (11.06 lb-ft) more torque lifting output to 360PS (355bhp) and 465Nm (342.97 lb-ft). A new sound flap promises to improve the five-pot's aural beat.
Like the model it is based upon, customers can choose between a six-speed manual gearbox and a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission that comes with a launch control function to optimize acceleration from a standing start. Power is channeled to all four wheels through Audi's quattro permanent all-wheel drive system.
According to Audi, the TT RS Plus Coupe with a manual transmission tips the scales at 1,450 kilograms (3,196.70 lb).
The increase in performance allows the Coupe with the S tronic to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h (62mph) in 4.1 seconds (manual gearbox: 4.3 seconds), and the Roadster in 4.2 seconds (manual gearbox: 4.4 seconds). All four versions of the car have a limited top speed of 280km/h (174mph).
In a less interesting note for your average TT RS Plus buyer, the Coupe with S tronic consumes 8.5lt/100 km (27.7mpg US), while the Roadster makes do with 8.6 liters per 100 km (27.4mpg US).
Stopping power is provide by the same braking system found on the base RS model and which includes four-piston fixed calipers in conjunction with perforated brake disks up front. Audi offers the magnetic ride adaptive damping system as an option.
Visually, the TT RS Plus stands out thanks to the new front grille with matte aluminum-look frame and a diamond-pattern mesh in polished anthracite, new 19-inch wheels with contrasting red rim flanges shod in 255/35 tires all around and the exterior mirror caps that are made out of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer.
A carbon cover for the engine compartment and the new aluminum knob on the gear or S tronic selector lever complete the upgrades.
In Germany, the TT RS Plus Coupe with a manual gearbox costs €60,650 or €62,800 with the seven-speed S tronic, while the TT RS plus Roadster has a list price of €63,500 or €65,650 respectively.
Audi did not say if or when it will offer the TT RS Plus in North America.

PHOTO GALLERY