Green cars

The market for green cars is steadily growing in the UK but being a green driver doesn’t necessarily mean driving an electrical or a hybrid car. There are several models of cars out there which can be described as being green, some even being petrol cars. The reason these would be classified as being green would be their low emissions.

If we divide green cars available in the UK by fuel type we have hybrid cars, electrical cars, alternative fuel cars, diesel cars, petrol cars and others. In addition to these categories coming up are fuel cell vehicles or hydrogen cars.

Amongst the hybrid cars some of the best known are those manufactured by Toyota, such as the Prius and the Auris. But there are also offerings from Honda, Lexus and Infiniti. Amongst electrical cars the more well-known one is the Smart car but we also have the Nissan LEAF, the Chevrolet Volt and the Vauxhall Ampera among others.
Alternative fuel cars are those who run on LPG Auto gas and include vehicles from Saab, Volvo, Ford and Cadillac with more being available soon from manufactures such as Mercedes-Benz and BMW.

Low emission diesel cars are offered by most well known car manufacturers including Volkswagen, Citroen and Audi. The same goes for low emission petrol cars.
The soon to arrive hydrogen fuel cell cars are probably the most exciting things happening in the green car market and the UK market will see cars from both BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Honda, Mazda and Nissan.

If you’d like to try out a fuel efficient car such as a new Mercedes-Benz, Crawley is one area where you will find a dealership which might be able to help.

Green city cars

Getting a low emission and more environmentally friendly car doesn’t have to mean you have to go out and by and electric car or a hybrid. There are plenty of diesel and petrol engine vehicles available on the market with low enough CO2 emissions to qualify for the label ‘green’.

Many of these cars are smaller sized cars such as the Toyota Aygo, the Peugeot 107 and the Hyundai i10 to mention a few. It’s their size and low weight which contribute to their low emission figures and the vehicles are probably more suitable for city and town driving than long trips on the motorways.

The Toyota Aygo for instance is available as either a three or five door 1, 0 –litre engine with a power output of 67 bhp. Top speed is 98 mph with overall fuel consumption at 61.4 mpg and a CO2 emission of 109 g/km.
The Peugeot 107 comes in a 1, 0-litre, 3 cylinder engine capable of reaching 100 mph. It also has a low CO2 emission of 109g/km which places it in insurance group 1.

The Hyundai i10 is Hyundai’s first sub 100g/km model emitting only 99 g/km CO2. It has a 1, 0-litre engine delivering 67.3 mpg. It’s priced under £10,000 and is also exempt from the London Congestion Charge and would be a good value choice for anyone living in London.

If you fancy a slighter bigger car for you journeys there is also the Hyundai i30 hatchback which delivers around 60 mpg from its 1, 6-litre engine. To visit a Hyundai i30 dealer, Motherwell is one area you can try.

New SEAT Leon Copa

SEAT has added two new models to its Leon range, the SEAT Leon S Copa and SE Copa. Both models are based on existing models but with more equipment added on. The SEAT Leon Copa is available with either a new 1.2-litre TSI 105 PS turbocharged petrol or 1.6-litre TDI common rail 105 PS turbo diesel.

The SEAT Leon S Copa is based on the entry-level S trim level, with the addition of:

•    Dual-zone climate control
•    Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity
•    Front seat height and lumbar adjustment
•    Cruise control
•    Bespoke Copa upholstery

The Seat Leon SE already features a lot of equipment including dual zone climate control, eight-speaker MP3-compatible radio/CD with AUX-in and USB connectivity, steering wheel-mounted audio controls and XDS electronic differential lock. The SE Copa has the additional:

•    SEAT Media System
•    Rear parking sensors
•    Light and rain sensors
•    Auto-dimming rear view mirror
•    Bespoke Copa upholstery

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Lamborghini's Aventador Launch Movie

A friend sent this video to me, its a wicked piece of videography and the car looks good too.



Hopefully this means the Gallardo will drop in price :)

VW Jetta comes to the UK

I saw the new VW Passat today on the way to work which triggered me to go online and look at what other Volkswagen model is coming out. The new Jetta is due to come to the UK in the next few months; this new model is very exciting as it is the first stand alone Jetta model that VW has produced. It no longer shares any body panels with other VW models; historically the Jetta was a VW Golf with a boot lid added. The new VW Jetta in Taunton still share the same platform as the Golf, as do many other models in the Volkswagen Group but, the new Jetta is much more unique looking.

The new Jetta is closely based on the NCC coupe concept that was revealed at the Detroit motor show at the beginning of 2010. It fits perfectly between the Golf and the Passat, when you want a little more space but don’t want to have the penalty of driving a big car the Jetta is ideal. The new Jetta is 121mm shorter than the Passat but is 70mm taller and 90mm longer than its predecessor. There is plenty of space in the cabin with decent amount of legroom, the boot is large enough to fit luggage for a family of four.

It is rumoured that six engines choices will be available in the new Jetta, the petrol units are a 104bhp 1.2 TSI, 1.4 TSI with 121 or 158bhp and a 197bhp 2.0 TSI. The diesels on offer will be a 104bhp 1.6 TDI and 138bhp 2.0 TDI. It is rumoured that a more powerful diesel might be added to the range later in the year.

British weather

It’s mid March and the sun has come out, I've been waiting for this summer more than ever before. I finally get to take my new Audi A5 convertible out for a drive with the top down, blast the music and enjoy the beautiful sunny days that have come early this year.

As I was getting ready though I noticed a dark cloud but decided to ignore it and continued to get dressed. As I sat in my car with the top down, I felt really chuffed with myself and headed out to visit my family and friends to show the car off.

I only got to the end of my road when I felt a drop of rain hit my face, at first I thought I imagined it but then I felt a few more drops and to my disappointment, it started pouring with rain. I somehow managed to put the top back up without the inside getting too wet, and then I just sat in my car staring out the window, watching people running around looking for shelter.

Great British weather!!! let's hope the sun comes out to play soon!

Bentley - Reader’s Choice Award

A few weeks ago, while searching on-line for a new car, I came across the Bentley website, which had everything on it, from information about cars to finding your local Bentley dealer. Before I started looking at the car, I got interested in an article written about ‘Reader’s Choice Awards’ by Centurion Magazine.

The readers from across Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific chose their favourites in various travel and lifestyle categories, with the top three highest-ranking companies in each category announced in the current issue of Centurion magazine.

I wasn’t surprised when I read that the Bentley Mulsanne had received a Centurion readers' award, the readers chose it as the top car in the Best Limousine/Saloon Car category. This was the first Readers' Choice survey to be done by the editorial team of Centurion Magazine and the first worldwide survey on this scale to be conducted by any lifestyle magazine.

Thomas Midulla, International Editorial Director Centurion magazine, Europe, Middle East, Asia & Pacific said: "The inaugural Readers' Choice survey has taken our relationship with our readers to a whole new level. For the first time, we have been given an insight into the personal favourites of precisely the people Centurion magazine is created for. "

Wolfgang Duerheimer, Bentley's Chairman and Chief Executive commented: "The Centurion readers' award for the new Mulsanne, which has been designed and engineered at Crewe from the ground-up, is a significant honour for Bentley. We are delighted that our efforts to create a new Bentley flagship combining performance with very high levels of luxury and refinement have been recognised in this way."

The Audi A3 e-tron Concept

At the Shanghai Auto Show this week Audi will be taking the wraps of the Audi A3 e-tron concept car. The A3 concept is a four-seat notchback saloon which features new technologies such as the MMI infotainment system, driver aid systems and plug-in hybrid engine technology.

The A3 e-tron is powered by two power sources, a 211PS 1.4 TFSI four-cylinder engine with turbo charging and petrol direct injection and an electric motor with an output of 27PS. Combined it has a power output of 238 PS and can do 0-62mph in just 6.8 seconds.

Audi has fitted lithium-ion batteries behind the rear seats in the A3 e-tron; the batteries have a charge capacity of 12 kWh enabling the concept to do 34 miles on electric power alone. Like most plug in hybrids the A3 e-tron can be fully charge via a domestic 3 pin plug socket, adding great flexibility of city driving.

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Fast Five - a different kinda race

 

If some of you found Fast and Furious Five a little boring then check out this Nissan 370Z race a CHICKEN!!!!

British Summertime!!!

It’s mid March and the sun has come out, which is a great opportunity for me to take my new Audi convertible out for a drive. I finally get to put the top down, blast the music and enjoy the beautiful sunny day that has come early this year.

As I was getting ready, I noticed a gray cloud but didn’t think much of it and continued to get dressed. As I sat in my car with the top down, I felt really happy, so I decided to visit my family and friends to show the car off.
I only got to the end of my road when I felt a drop of rain on my face, at first I thought I imagined it but then I felt a few more drops and to my disappointment, it started pouring with rain. I somehow managed to put the top back up without the inside getting too wet, and then I just sat in my car staring out the window, watching people running around looking for shelter.

I couldn’t believe my luck, not only did the rain stop me enjoying my convertible but also stopped me from going to visit my family and friends.  I drove back home, got into my dry clothes, made a hot mug of tea and sat in front of the TV.

I plan to sit on my sofa until it stops raining, and then I’ll probably drive my car to my parent’s house but with the top up.

Ford’s Jurgen Putzschler Named “Dynamicist of The Year” 2011

Vehicle Dynamics International magazine have awarded Ford’s Jurgen Putzschler the accolade of “Dynamicist of The Year” 2011. Jurgen has been recognised for his work and influence on the new Ford Focus in Kent and C-Max range; he is currently Ford’s supervisor of medium car vehicle dynamics.

Putzschler and his vehicle dynamics team are responsible for Ford's vehicle dynamics, which is how the car behaves on the road and affects how customers perceive a car. Factors include body stiffness as well as ride and handling, ultimately the goal is to achieve vehicle that is fun to drive.

Jurgen Putzschler was honoured to receive this award and said, "This is truly a great honour and I am very pleased to receive this award on behalf of the entire Ford vehicle dynamics team.” He then added, "Most car manufacturers concentrate on either vehicle dynamics performance or on quality and refinement. The perfect combination of both attributes may be the key reason for the award. We could have decided to significantly increase refinement, quality impression and maturity and trade vehicle dynamics against it, but we decided to improve on both."

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Jaguar XF named as Top Luxury Car

In the annual Auto Express Driver Power Survey, the Jaguar XF has been named the top luxury car and it also came third in the Driver Power Top 100 cars. The Jaguar XF has become popular amongst owners for its reliability, performance and refinement as well as being backed up by efficient dealer support.

The jaguar XF range has been developed since its launch with the introduction of a pair of new 3.0-litre V6 diesel engines, alongside the Jaguar XFR, which is powered by a 5.0-litre V8 engine developing 510 PS.
There is a new 2.2-litre diesel engine that delivers 50 mpg and a range in excess of 800-miles, which aims to deliver the refinement and performance expected of a Jaguar. The new engine will be available at all Jaguar dealers very soon.

Geoff Cousins, Managing Director, Jaguar UK, said: “This survey, contributed to by our customers, is a tremendous demonstration of the engineering integrity and reliability of the XF as well as the levels of satisfaction felt in the overall ownership experience and our dealers. I'm very proud that the XF continues to perform so strongly against tough competition.”

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BMW premiers at Auto Shanghai

The Asian car market is outgrowing Europe and USA which is why most motor manufacturers are determined to penetrate the Indian and Chinese market. We have recently learnt that Aston Martin has opened the first dealership in India, now BMW has reported that it will be unveiling some new models and concepts at Auto Shanghai 2011.

The world premier of the new BMW M5 will be help at Auto Shanghai which demonstrates the importance BMW has put in the Asian car market. Models like the M5 typically are launched in Germany or in Europe as that has historically been its main market. Like its predecessor the new M5 is a business class saloon with racing-inspired features. With the new model now being debuted the old M5 may be available on some very good used BMW deals.

The BMW M5 will be joined by the new BMW 6 series with its world premier also happening at Auto Shanghai 2011. The new 6 series has adaptive LED headlights, the latest generation of the BMW Head-Up Display and the Bang & Olufsen High End Surround Sound System all features in the BMW 6 Series Coupe.

BMW vision ConnectedDrive concept will also be unveiled at the show, BMW say it shows the future of intelligent networking between driver, vehicle and environment. The two-seater roadster prototype epitomises the focus on driving pleasure.

The BMW ActiveE will also be at the show, showcasing BMW’s consistent development work in the field of electric mobility within the framework of project i. The BMW ActiveE is powered by a 125 kW/170 bhp electric motor. The ActiveEis based on the BMW 1 Series Coupe, offering four seats, a 200-litre luggage compartment, rear-wheel drive and a range of around 200 kilometres in everyday driving conditions.

Ford's allergy friendly interiors

With spring now here and the high allergy season arriving with it many people will be suffering with hay fever. There are people out there who suffer from allergies throughout the year; Ford is the only car manufacturer to have allergy friendly interiors.

Ford is the only manufacture with vehicles which have been certified by TUV. The company has also been awarded the Quality Certificate by the Berlin-based European Centre for Allergy Research Foundation.
Ford has gone to extreme lengths to make their vehicles allergy friendly, the new Ford C-MAX and Ford Grand C-MAX have been granted the "Allergy Tested Interior" seal of Approval by Germany's TUV Rheinland testing authority. The two new models join the already TUV approved Ford models, Ford Fiesta, the outgoing Focus, S-MAX, Galaxy, Mondeo and Kuga. Ford estimate that over 4.5 millions Ford cars on the road are already TUV certified.

All new Ford Sussex models have pollen filters fitted as standard, the TUV approved models have over 100 materials and components tested for allergy related issues. All components that have direct and prolonged skin contact - such as the steering wheel and seat covers - are dermatologically-tested.

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A two minute film to introduce the Jazz Hybrid

Honda Motor Europe has commissioned London based film and digital agency – Gaucho Productions to produce the launch film for the new hybrid Honda Jazz. The two minute introductory film was 1st screened at the international press launch of the Honda Jazz Hybrid, and will be used for marketing purposes across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The new Jazz is due to become another Honda for sale in Kent very shortly.

The film was set on location in Barcelona over two days; the creative director chose to use a handheld filming style to reflect the female character’s energy and personality. The female character is called Elena who works by day and parties by night. The same creative director created the Honda CR-Z and the 2008 Honda Jazz launch films.

Gaucho creative director, Ben Hume-Paton said, "We wanted to show the urban appeal of the Jazz Hybrid and to reveal its green credentials in a way that didn't seem preachy or contrived. The spirit of the car is reflected in a fun loving, successful young woman. And although the film is set in Barcelona, it's relevant to any European metropolis."

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Qashqai in Top Ten Best Sellers list

The Nissan Qashqai is quickly heading towards securing a spot in the top ten best sellers list. Not only is the UK designed, engineered and built car a success in the UK but also worldwide. It has just passed the 1,000,000 units sold mark, after just four years in production.

The car that is a cross between a traditional hatchback and elevated SUV captured the car-buying public's imagination. The new Nissan which was updated in March 2010 with a refreshed design, improved fuel economy and CO2 emissions has been a mainstay of Nissan's European line-up for four consecutive years.

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Another award for Renault in 2011

It’s been a good month for Renault, earlier on in the Scenic won yet another award and now the new Renault Twingo has been awarded “Best City Car” by Parker’s at its New Car Awards 2011. The Twingo Bizu limited edition has only been on sale since January 2011 but has already attracted plenty of attention with its low price tag and fun driving experience.

The Parker’s New Car Awards are different from the other industry awards in that the Parkers' New Car Awards use the tried and tested formula of its own cost of motoring tool to single out the best value cars to own and run.

The Renault Twingo Bizu’s standard features include; 4x20W RDS radio single CD MP3 player with aux input, Bluetooth, electric windows, ISOFIX two point mounting on left rear seat, remote central locking and front bumper sports styling. As well as being a firm favourite with city and urban drivers the Twingo has also become popular with Renault dealer Hampshire drivers as it is well suited for motorway driving too.

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Ford Fiesta Video Review

A video review of the Ford Fiesta with decent commentary.

Ford Fiesta gets top crash test ratings

After just 28 months of the stylish small car going on sale in Ford dealerships, the latest-generation Ford Fiesta have reached one million sales in Europe. Since launch, UK drivers have bought almost a quarter of the new Ford Fiesta models with sales totalling 239,742.

The award-winning Ford Fiesta championed a new era in small car design, performance and functionality since it drove out of Ford dealer showrooms in October 2008. The Ford Fiesta is available in three-door and five-door bodystyles and a range of fuel-efficient powertrains which become the best-selling car in the UK in January 2009, regularly challenging Ford Focus for the top UK leadership position.

The Ford Fiesta which is produced in Europe in Ford's state-of-the-art assembly plants in Cologne, Germany and Spain is the most successful European-made small car sold in Europe, with cumulative sales totalling 14 million since the car was first launched in 1976.

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Motability Scheme

I've been writing some content and testimonials for the motability Scheme so now I know everything about the scheme and what a local Motability specialist can offer you, in terms of, say, Ford Motability cars, adaptations and advice.

In a nut shell:

"The Motability Scheme is available to anyone receiving the Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance or the War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement."

To find out how to get a Motability car, contact your local Motability dealer today."

There are some really inspiring people out there who have dealt with massive obstacles in order to be able to walk, let alone drive again. Over half a million people nationwide use the scheme, some of whom have given testimonies for a DVD that explains how Motability can help those with a disability.