Westlife, the chart topping pop sensations have kicked off their Gravity Tour in the UK, the first concert was at the Cardiff International Arena. The multi-platinum selling group of Nicky Byrne, Kian Egan, Mark Feehily and Shane Filan, are embarking on the 20-date tour, visiting most of the UK's largest arenas.
Westlife have chosen to use Volkswagen vehicles to help them with transportation to and from as well in between venues during their UK tour. The group of four will be using a VW Phaeton, the super luxury saloon and a VW Caravelle the ideal touring camper van!
The Phaeton was chosen because the recently revised model is one of the most advanced and thoroughly engineered cars on the road. The new model was released last year and is available with either a diesel 3.0-litre V6 TDI 240 PS or a more powerful 6.0-litre W12 450 PS petrol engine.
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- Kaled
- A straight talking petrol head or "car enthusiast" as I like to refer to myself as. I can be contacted at kaled00@gmail.com
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Friday, 25 March 2011
Wednesday, 23 March 2011
Corsa for young drivers
With ever increasing fuel prices, owning and driving a car is a challenge for the most of us. Insurance premiums have also been increasing due to the number of claims being made; motoring for new and young drivers is even harder. Young driver insurance premiums have always been high; premiums have been known to be four times more than the value of the car!
Over the years some car manufacturers have provided free insurance with some of their small cars to entice new and young drivers to buy into the brand. I remember when I passed my driving test the Citroen Saxo was being offered on one of these free insurance deals, it quickly became a very popular hatchback.
Over the years some car manufacturers have provided free insurance with some of their small cars to entice new and young drivers to buy into the brand. I remember when I passed my driving test the Citroen Saxo was being offered on one of these free insurance deals, it quickly became a very popular hatchback.
MPV – the family car of choice?
MPVs are popular family cars because they provide both space and flexibility for families who have to transport anything from baby seats to sports equipment, bikes and suitcases. Ever since the Renault Scenic entered the market as the first compact MPV in 1996 this type of car has risen in popularity throughout Britain.
Currently the most popular used MPV is the Vaxhall Zafira where the cabin offers clever foldaway rear seats and with good visibility for the driver and a decent ride. There are several engine sizes to choose from but as there are so many of the mid-range 1.6-litre petrol engine on the market you would be foolish not to try out one of them as you might get a bargain. This model also has low insurance costs. The Zafira doesn’t hold its value as well as a VW Touran or a Toyota Corolla Verso but as the overall service costs are respectably low, it still qualifies as a good buy.
If you live in Northern Ireland and want to test drive a used Vauxhall, Portadown has a dealership which should be able to help you.
Currently the most popular used MPV is the Vaxhall Zafira where the cabin offers clever foldaway rear seats and with good visibility for the driver and a decent ride. There are several engine sizes to choose from but as there are so many of the mid-range 1.6-litre petrol engine on the market you would be foolish not to try out one of them as you might get a bargain. This model also has low insurance costs. The Zafira doesn’t hold its value as well as a VW Touran or a Toyota Corolla Verso but as the overall service costs are respectably low, it still qualifies as a good buy.
If you live in Northern Ireland and want to test drive a used Vauxhall, Portadown has a dealership which should be able to help you.
Tuesday, 22 March 2011
Tips for buying a new car
Buying yourself a new car is always exciting but for some it might also be a bit nerve-wracking and scary especially if you feel you don’t really know much about cars and you’re afraid you might get ripped off by the dealer.
The main thing to remember when buying a new car is to do your research in advance and make sure you stick to the criteria you have defined as important to you. It’s easy to get carried away during a test drive or a sales talk so make sure you’ve done proper research beforehand.
The main things to consider when buying a car is how much you’re willing to spend, how many people you need the car to be suitable for (family vs. single), whether it’s mainly for city or rural use and how eco friendly the car is.
The main thing to remember when buying a new car is to do your research in advance and make sure you stick to the criteria you have defined as important to you. It’s easy to get carried away during a test drive or a sales talk so make sure you’ve done proper research beforehand.
The main things to consider when buying a car is how much you’re willing to spend, how many people you need the car to be suitable for (family vs. single), whether it’s mainly for city or rural use and how eco friendly the car is.
How to drive more economically.
Learning how to drive more economically is becoming increasingly important for car owners given the current economic and political climate. Fuel prices have risen to an all time high but bar opting to drive less, there are a few things you can do to make sure you get the most out of your fuel miles.
The first thing to do is to make sure you fill up where the fuel is cheapest. Check local garages or look at comparison sites online. Some supermarket chains give out vouchers with your grocery shopping. Make sure you use them. Then while at the station fuelling up also check you tyre pressure. Under- inflated tyres create more rolling resistance so use more fuel. Then look into what you have inside your car and try and lose some weight as extra weight means extra fuel consumption. Get rid of all unnecessary stuff in the trunk or unused roof racks. Roof racks also create wind resistance which again increases fuel consumption.
Then once you’re off drive as smoothly as possible as unnecessary breaking or acceleration burns fuel. Also make sure to change gears without labouring the engine too much. The advice is to change up at around 2000 rpm in a diesel car and 2500 rpm in a petrol car. In addition turn of the air-con as this uses fuel too – on a warm day just roll down the window instead. Also turn off any electrical equipment like your heated rear windows or seats. Finally stick to the speed limits and follow the flow of the traffic. Cruising at 80 mph apparently burns 25 % more fuel than cruising at 70 mph.
Combine all these tips with making sure you’re car is in sound mechanical working order and you should be able to reduce your overall fuel bill. And this is true whether the car you own is brand new Volvo or a used Dodge.
The first thing to do is to make sure you fill up where the fuel is cheapest. Check local garages or look at comparison sites online. Some supermarket chains give out vouchers with your grocery shopping. Make sure you use them. Then while at the station fuelling up also check you tyre pressure. Under- inflated tyres create more rolling resistance so use more fuel. Then look into what you have inside your car and try and lose some weight as extra weight means extra fuel consumption. Get rid of all unnecessary stuff in the trunk or unused roof racks. Roof racks also create wind resistance which again increases fuel consumption.
Then once you’re off drive as smoothly as possible as unnecessary breaking or acceleration burns fuel. Also make sure to change gears without labouring the engine too much. The advice is to change up at around 2000 rpm in a diesel car and 2500 rpm in a petrol car. In addition turn of the air-con as this uses fuel too – on a warm day just roll down the window instead. Also turn off any electrical equipment like your heated rear windows or seats. Finally stick to the speed limits and follow the flow of the traffic. Cruising at 80 mph apparently burns 25 % more fuel than cruising at 70 mph.
Combine all these tips with making sure you’re car is in sound mechanical working order and you should be able to reduce your overall fuel bill. And this is true whether the car you own is brand new Volvo or a used Dodge.
Monday, 21 March 2011
Information and Communication Technology System
At the GSMA Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Nissan, AT&T, NTT DOCOMO and Telenor Connexion announced that the Nissan LEAF system marketed as Nissan Connect powered by CARWINGS has been awarded the Global Mobile Awards 2011 prize for the "Best Mobile Innovation for Automotive and Transport".
The Information and Communication Technology system (ICT) for electric vehicles won the award that honours excellence and innovation in mobile communications, The GSMA's Global Mobile Awards offer organisations across the global mobile ecosystem the opportunity to showcase the latest and best mobile products, services and initiatives to the world.
The telematics service which is installed in the cheap Nissan LEAF in Bournemouth was launched in Japan and the United States in December 2010 and will go on sale in Europe at the beginning of 2011. ICT provides real-world data that is important to realising a low-carbon society in the future, as well as deliver greater convenience, comfort and security for Nissan LEAF owners.
The Information and Communication Technology system (ICT) for electric vehicles won the award that honours excellence and innovation in mobile communications, The GSMA's Global Mobile Awards offer organisations across the global mobile ecosystem the opportunity to showcase the latest and best mobile products, services and initiatives to the world.
The telematics service which is installed in the cheap Nissan LEAF in Bournemouth was launched in Japan and the United States in December 2010 and will go on sale in Europe at the beginning of 2011. ICT provides real-world data that is important to realising a low-carbon society in the future, as well as deliver greater convenience, comfort and security for Nissan LEAF owners.
Best of two worlds
Nissan Qashqai has been a massive success in the UK, the British designed, engineered and built car has secured a spot in the top ten best sellers list and it has just passed the 1,000,000 sold mark worldwide after just four years in production.
The car which is styled between a traditional hatchback and elevated SUV, the Nissan Qashqai has captured the car-buying public's imagination with by merging the best of two worlds. The Nissan Qashqai was updated with refreshed design and improved fuel economy and CO2 emissions in March 2010; it has been a strong model of the Nissan’s European line-up for four consecutive years.
The Nissan Leaf in Salisbury and the Nissan Qashqai is currently produced in the Sunderland factory in the UK, the Kyushu factory in Japan, and in Dongfeng Nissan's Huadu Plant and Zhengzhou Nissan's No. 2 Plant in China. The UK is the biggest producer of the Nissan Qashqai, with more than 800,000 of the 1,000,000 being made in Sunderland.
Guillaume Masurel, Nissan's Global Chief Marketing Manager for Nissan Qashqai, said: "Qashqai is clearly the pioneer when it comes to 'Compact Crossovers', setting the trend that others in the industry follow. Its balance of key SUV attributes like robust design, roomy interior and higher driving position combined with the benefits of a hatchback such as great fuel economy, compactness and driving dynamics, resonates well with customers around the world. Combining the innovative concept with customer-oriented technology features, the Qashqai clearly demonstrates Nissan's unique approach to meet customers' changing expectations of their cars."
The car which is styled between a traditional hatchback and elevated SUV, the Nissan Qashqai has captured the car-buying public's imagination with by merging the best of two worlds. The Nissan Qashqai was updated with refreshed design and improved fuel economy and CO2 emissions in March 2010; it has been a strong model of the Nissan’s European line-up for four consecutive years.
The Nissan Leaf in Salisbury and the Nissan Qashqai is currently produced in the Sunderland factory in the UK, the Kyushu factory in Japan, and in Dongfeng Nissan's Huadu Plant and Zhengzhou Nissan's No. 2 Plant in China. The UK is the biggest producer of the Nissan Qashqai, with more than 800,000 of the 1,000,000 being made in Sunderland.
Guillaume Masurel, Nissan's Global Chief Marketing Manager for Nissan Qashqai, said: "Qashqai is clearly the pioneer when it comes to 'Compact Crossovers', setting the trend that others in the industry follow. Its balance of key SUV attributes like robust design, roomy interior and higher driving position combined with the benefits of a hatchback such as great fuel economy, compactness and driving dynamics, resonates well with customers around the world. Combining the innovative concept with customer-oriented technology features, the Qashqai clearly demonstrates Nissan's unique approach to meet customers' changing expectations of their cars."
Blend of Performance and Economy
The all-new turbo charged version of Kia's popular 'Kappa' petrol engine which promises an appealing blend of performance and economy will be making its debut on Kia's Geneva Motor Show stand alongside the new Kia Rio and Kia Picanto models.
The new 998cc engine is Kia's first three-cylinder unit to be fitted with a turbocharger to deliver impressive performance of 110ps for its capacity, while keeping key fuel economy benefits of a small displacement engine.
Kia's engineers have carefully tuned the new unit so it delivers maximum torque of 137 Nm from just 1,500 rpm up to 4,500 rpm, for excellent 'real-world' driveability, the design has also been optimised to ensure smooth and responsive operation at all engine speeds. The new is expected to be fitted to Kia production vehicles from June 2012.
The new 998cc engine is Kia's first three-cylinder unit to be fitted with a turbocharger to deliver impressive performance of 110ps for its capacity, while keeping key fuel economy benefits of a small displacement engine.
Kia's engineers have carefully tuned the new unit so it delivers maximum torque of 137 Nm from just 1,500 rpm up to 4,500 rpm, for excellent 'real-world' driveability, the design has also been optimised to ensure smooth and responsive operation at all engine speeds. The new is expected to be fitted to Kia production vehicles from June 2012.
Ford Dealers Prepare for Focus Launch
Across the UK, Ford dealers are preparing for the launch of the new Ford Focus. After a huge social media buzz, which began last year, the model is now being brought to showrooms all over the country ready for the March sales launch.
As expected, the Focus is already in high demand. Auto Trader recently revealed that the original and second-generation versions are the most talked-about cars in the UK, so it’s no surprise that excitement is building for the 2011 model. The first production run of the new Ford Focus consists solely of five door models and will arrive in time for the March registration plate change.
As expected, the Focus is already in high demand. Auto Trader recently revealed that the original and second-generation versions are the most talked-about cars in the UK, so it’s no surprise that excitement is building for the 2011 model. The first production run of the new Ford Focus consists solely of five door models and will arrive in time for the March registration plate change.
Surprised by the Mazda 3
Growing up I never thought I would like a Mazda; they were for people like my dad – conservative, dull but reliable and economical. My mum once wanted to buy a Mazda 323 but for whatever reason the sale didn’t go through, that probably only made me dislike them even more.
Recently though I saw a really nice looking Mazda that caught my eye, not only because I’m older but because it was genuinely a nice car. I came home and “Googled” Mazda to identify what model of Mazda it was, it was the Mazda 3 MPS, the 3 door version of the family hatchback. The one I saw was in white, it looked very clean and well looked after.
The Mazda 3 MPS comes as a 5 door as well as the 3 door model; it has a very aggressive front end with a massive bonnet scoop providing air to the engine and turbo charger. The engine in the MPS is a 2.3 litre petrol with a turbo charger bolted on for good measure, it produces 256bhp and can do 0-62mph in 6.1 seconds while still returning nearly 30 miles to the gallon.
Recently though I saw a really nice looking Mazda that caught my eye, not only because I’m older but because it was genuinely a nice car. I came home and “Googled” Mazda to identify what model of Mazda it was, it was the Mazda 3 MPS, the 3 door version of the family hatchback. The one I saw was in white, it looked very clean and well looked after.
The Mazda 3 MPS comes as a 5 door as well as the 3 door model; it has a very aggressive front end with a massive bonnet scoop providing air to the engine and turbo charger. The engine in the MPS is a 2.3 litre petrol with a turbo charger bolted on for good measure, it produces 256bhp and can do 0-62mph in 6.1 seconds while still returning nearly 30 miles to the gallon.
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