New Audi TT Walton

The first generation Audi TT was clearly an indication of what the carmaker from Ingolstadt wants to be in the near future. Credit the Mk1 TT for the new Audi design language that is much revered in the automotive world. The new Audi TT can be yours at the nearest Walton dealer and is a remarkable improvement over the past model.

The design remains to be an attractive sloping shape combined with the stellar qualities of familiar Audi face. Like it or not, the signature Audi grill and LED lamps inside the headlamp housing lend an air of exclusivity and class. Build quality is also one of the best as the paintjob and panel gaps are all designed to meet the exacting standards of Audi. It is hard to fault the brilliant build quality and refinement of modern Audi cars as they remain to be the epitome of understated durability both on the inside and out.

The new Audi TT may look sporty from the outside and the unusual proportions of the wheels in relative to the body might look like it is incapable of providing a silent and comfortable ride but it will definitely surprise the enthusiastic driver. Drive it in the city and the new Audi TT not only feels quiet and refined but it rides properly even on rutted city streets. The suspension has been designed to provide sporty handling along with a composed and quiet ride. The Audi TT is no luxury car but it delivers on the one thing that matters most: it feels composed at any given speed.

The interior is also classic Audi: expensive-looking materials coupled with the best build quality in the business. The TT is a sports coupe but the interior feels like it was lifted from the more luxurious A8. See why the Audi TT is gaining a cult following among automotive enthusiasts by going to Audi Surrey or a dealer near you.

Why buy an Audi?

The Essex Audi Group is a used Audi Chingford dealer that also caters to the needs of those who prefer to drive a brand new car. It doesn't matter what type of Audi you desire as the company will be able to present you with an exciting array of quality used cars that have been pre-inspected and certified before sale. If you previously thought that buying a used Audi is a tedious and harrowing experience then you need not fair as Essex Audi are sure to provide the best value for money when it comes to a used car.

Chingford car buyers can choose from a variety of cars that will suit each and every driving taste, desire and lifestyle. Those who have always wanted to drive an Audi but were put off by the premium price can choose a used Audi in order to save money while still driving a proper German engineered car. Audi cars are considered to be one of the most attractive automotive creations to ever roam the streets and the distinct look of quality and refinement is made evident in every nook and cranny of the car.

The Audi A1 is the newest model in the Audi lineup and brings a new level of class and refinement in the small hatchback category. A brand new A1 is considerably a bit more expensive than other lesser offerings in the market but it provides a beautiful interior with the elegance of the trademark Audi front fascia. If you want a bit more space and driving dynamics then a used Audi A3 is the right car for you. It uses the same platform as that found in the VW Golf and this means that the A3 is roomy, comfortable and inspiring to drive.

Want to find out more? Head on over to a used Audi Chingford dealer and understand why Audi cars are highly regarded in the automotive market.

Golf wins more awards

The Golf was first released by VW in 1974, it was the successor to the very successful VW Beetle – so the Golf had very big boots to fill. The Golf is now into its 6th generation of production, and every single one of those generations has won numerous awards. The ever popular Golf remains one of the best hatchbacks on the market and seems to get better with every new model.

At the 2011 Auto Express Awards the current generation Volkswagen Golf was named “Best Compact Family Car”. The Golf is no stranger to this award; it has won it for the past three years. The awards have helped the Golf become the best selling model for VW with 28 million sales across the world since it was first launched.

Auto Express acting editor Graham Hope said: "The all-conquering Golf has turned winning Auto Express road tests into an art form and the beauty of the handsome hatchback is that there is something in the range for everyone. Whichever model you choose, you’re guaranteed the best cabin quality in the sector, as well as superb refinement and affordable running costs."

The VW Golf GTI, the iconic hot hatch, if there is a hot hatch to base the next best hot hatch on, then the Golf has to be the one. Even when it comes to servicing and maintenance the Golf is not expensive, Volkswagen Golf GTI servicing in High Wycombe is very reasonable and affordable.

For years it has been the best selling small hatchback, it has a cult following with many clubs and forums centred on it. The Volkswagen Golf GTI was also awarded with the title of Best Hot Hatch, also for the third year running.

Behind The Doors Of The VW Caravelle

A lot of cars these days are more focused on their styling than what they were originally intended to do. You find more and more off-road vehicles that look better parked outside a Chelsea boutique than struggling up a hill of mud. The VW Caravelle is one of the few vehicles that seems to have gone in the opposite direction.

So while it may be lacking style the question is does it do what it is designed to do? And what is that exactly?

Well the new VW Caravelle is designed as the big brother to the Sharan, it is a people carrier and it seems that it carries people exceptionally well!

The vehicle is truly vast, similar vehicles can seat seven people which is considered pretty good going but the Caravelle dwarfs them. With so much space there is plenty that Volkswagen has been able to fit into the vehicle and the designers seem to have gone mad. There are concealed storage areas, cubby holes and pockets hidden in every useable space. It is very likely that you will still be finding new ones even having owned the car for a few weeks.

The rear bench seat and the two middle seats are on sliding rails. This clever design allows them to slide the whole length of the vehicle and means that you can effectively put them wherever you want. If you want to get rid of the rear bench completely then this isn’t a problem as it folds completely flat. To show you just how much space is available you will find that the new VW Caravelle comes with a mattress as an optional extra which can be used when the rear bench is flat.

As well as sliding the middle seats, they can turned around to face backwards, a table can be popped up in the middle or you can just get rid of everything and have a huge space. The versatility is incredible and this is one of the biggest strengths of the vehicle.

The performance is also surprisingly pleasant and you will find incredible economy if opting for the diesel engine with more than 40mpg not unusual. This means that you can travel a massive 600 miles without filling up.

The new VW Caravelle disguises its origins as a commercial vehicle exceptionally well and if you are looking for a van that has oodles of space and is a pleasure to drive then you need look no further.

The Volkswagen Up!

Official pictures of the new Volkswagen up!, an entry-level city car, have been released ahead of its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month. VW have priced it from £8,000, it will go on sale next year and combines space, luxury and efficiency.

Effectively replacing the Fox, the Volkswagen Up! rivals the Fiat 500 and promises similar space to the Polo, low CO2 emissions and the kind of luxuries found in a big car, namely automatic braking and music streaming. With a clean"VW look" and bold lines, the car is crips, clean, simple and features a glass tailgate.

New technologies in the Up! include City Emergency Braking, which brakes the car at 18mph or below if it senses a potential crash and there is no response from the driver. There is also a tablet-style Personal Infotainment Device (PID) that incorporates sat-nav and phone functions and plugs into the centre console.

With the up! due to replace it in April, it might be time to think about trading in your used Volkswagen Fox in Epsom for a younger model!

The Volkswagen Touareg

The VW Touareg has been in production since 2002, it is a medium sized luxury crossover type SUV. The Touareg was the result of an internal partnership between the VW Group, which includes Audi, VW and Porsche. Products of the venture were the VW Touareg, the Audi Q7 and the Porsche Cayenne, all three cars are different in style and equipment. All three models are produced at the VW plant in Bratislava.

The second generation of the Touareg came out in 2010; it is available with four engine choices. There are two diesels, a 3.0 litre V6 and a 4.2 litre V8 with 237 and 335bhp respectively. The petrol range is made up of two very efficient v6 engine; there is the 3.6 litre model that combines BlueMotion technology and a hybrid model that uses a 3.0 V6 engine. The BlueMotion model has 276bhp while the hybrid has 328bhp.

The hybrid Touareg is able to out drag many hot hatches at the traffic lights. Using its combination of turbo and supercharging the hybrid can do 0-62 mph in a very impressive 6.5 seconds.

The new Volkswagen Touareg has “glare free high beam” a first in the automotive world, the system continually and gradually adjusts not only the range of the high-beam, but also its pattern. The beam pattern changes its direction continually so that vehicles in front are not being illuminated, while the area surrounding them is being constantly illuminated at high beam intensity.

Standard equipment on the Touareg, across all models include: leather trim, touch-screen satellite navigation with DAB radio, six airbags, burr walnut interior trim, 2Zone climate control and 4MOTION four wheel drive.

The New Kia Rio

Kia introduced the Rio to the European market in 2005; it is available as a hatchback model in the UK. The 2005 model Rio shared its platform with the Hyundai Accent; it also shared the then new 1.6 litre engine with the Accent too.

In February 2011 Kia unveiled the new Rio; once again it is based on the Hyundai Accent and again shares an all new 1.4 litre engine with the Accent. The latest model promises style and quality improvements throughout the model range, as well as better fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions.

There will be four engine choices on the launch of the new Rio, a 1.25 litre and a 1.4 litre make up the petrol range. The diesel range consists of a new 1.1 litre and a 1.4 litre. The 1.1 litre boasts CO2 emissions of just 85g/km and fuel consumption of 88.3 miles to the gallon!

All the Rio models are very fuel efficient; Kia has added new technologies to help improve fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions. All models come as standard with Kia's EcoDynamics fuel saving technologies, such as Intelligent Stop & Go engine technology, low rolling resistance tyres, a drag-reducing front grille, gearshift indicator and rear spoiler.

Kia has not skimped out on kit for the Rio, even the entry level model comes with daytime running lights, body-coloured bumpers, front electric windows, 15-inch steel wheels, a tachometer and trip computer, split folding rear seats, a boot light, a 12-volt power socket and an MP3-compatible RDS radio and CD player with USB and AUX ports.

The Kia Rio may be eligible under the Motability Cars scheme; contact your local supplier for more information.

The Ford Galaxy – Ford’s very own!

Ford unveiled the first generation Galaxy back in 1995; it is large 5 door Multi Purpose Vehicle (MPV). The first generation Galaxy was a product of a joint venture between Ford and VW called AutoEuropa. The products of the joint production were the Ford Galaxy, the VW Sharan and the SEAT Alhambra. The Galaxy even used the VW VR6 engine along with many mechanical VW parts.

The 2006 Mark 3 Galaxy is completely independent of VW, Ford had sold its stake in AutoEurope in 2005. All Galaxy production shifted from the AutoEuropa plant in Portugal to Ford’s plant in Genk, Belgium where the Mondeo is also produced.

The new Ford Galaxy in Scotland comes with five engine choices, two of which are petrol and three diesel. The smallest petrol engine is the 1.6 litre EcoBoost and then there is the 2.0 litre turbocharged engine. The diesel line up has three variants of the same diesel engine available with 113, 138 or 161 bhp. If you are going to drive around a lot with a full house then it is probably best to avoid the small 113bhp model.

The mark 3 Galaxy has started life off very well, Europe’s largest taxi firm Addison Lee has just taken delivery of the first of its 1,200 Galaxy models. Addison Lee fleet manager Rob Daniels said: "We spent three months assessing vehicles and talking to manufacturers; the Ford Galaxy emerged as the best package for us on many levels, not only financially. It is safe, offers low emissions and is economical to run."

Dealers choose SEAT as their choice

The 2011 Car Dealer Power Survey has taken place recently. The survey provides car dealerships in the UK to rate their own brand on elements such as finance, warranty, marketing, branding, bonus structure and return on investment.

This year the award was taken by SEAT, the Spanish car maker, a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group. SEAT scored a staggering 90%, which meant it improved 18 places compared to the survey’s results from last year.

SEAT dealers including SEAT Chelmsford were unanimous in saying that SEAT deserved this accolade because as a brand it listened to dealers’ concerns in 2010 and fixed the problems. In areas which it scored “good” ratings for, SEAT this year improved on these and achieved “excellent”. 

It’s not just dealer confidence that has grown for SEAT, consumer confidence is at its highest and you don’t have to look too deep to see this. There are more and more SEAT cars on the road these days and that’s not a coincidence. Under the guidance of the VW Group, SEAT has been producing sporty, stylish and reliable cars which are fast becoming very desirable.

SEAT UK Managing Director, Peter Wyhinny said: "I'm very pleased to see that our network is so happy at the moment. The dedicated SEAT UK Operations team and, indeed, the whole staff at SEAT UK headquarters work tirelessly to support our dealers, improve processes and generate innovative ideas to help them improve their sales and profitability. I'm very happy to see the dealer network recognise the team’s endeavours.

Ford increases green energy production

Although Ford Direct has cut down its car production at the Dagenham plant in Essex it still produces components, body panels and diesel engines there. With the massive increase in demand for the Ford diesel engine, production at the engine factory has had to be increased. At the moment the factory uses a minimal amount of non re-usable energy, but to continue achieving this while increasing production a new wind turbine had to be installed.

There are already two fully functional wind turbines at the Dagenham Ford plant, powering the workshops and factories. Work on the third turbine begun in June of this year, construction of the 120 metre tower and blades took four days to complete. The main turbine body including the 82m diameter windmill blades and hub were hoisted some 80 metres in to the air by one of the UK's largest cranes, delivered to the site by four articulated lorries, which needed to be assembled itself by a 160 tonne crane.

The third windmill has a diameter of 82 metres and has a capacity of 2.3MW. It can produce a total of 5.58 million units of green energy every year, which equates to a saving of 2,401 tonnes of CO2 from going into the atmosphere.

Dale Vince, founder of Ecotricity, said: "Together with Ford, Ecotricity pioneered the use of wind to power the Dagenham Diesel Centre. We are really pleased to come back and build a third windmill so that the green energy supply keeps pace with the customer demand for Ford's most fuel-efficient diesel engines."

Audi Q5 Gets Project Kahn Treatment

For the project Kahn and Audi fans out there ( or if you're bored of your run of the mill used Audi Q5 East London) , you'll be chuffed to hear that there is a new Audi Q5 designed by Kahn Design available. As excitement for the forthcoming Audi Q3 builds and the brand works tiredlessly on its hybrid Q5, Project Kahn have kept Audi enthusiasts interested in the SUV range by tweaking the middle model and developing it into the Audi Q5 S-Line. Pricing for the Audi Q5 S-Line starts from £44,875.

The new-look Audi Q5 comes complete with a full Kahn body styling conversion and in a Bugatti pearl white paint finish. Along with the 22-inch RSR alloy wheels, there are red brake calipers, lowered sports suspension, privacy glass and a Kahn designed exhaust.

In the cabin, you will find the Project Kahn bespoke touch. The Kahn team is well known for providing customers with the ability to express their individuality through the interiors of their cars, and the Q5 S-Line is no exception. Buyers can have a tailor-made interior complete with their own choice of colour and specifications.

Afzal Kahn says, “As one of the UK’s leading design houses, we recognise the importance of staying true to the original design themes of cutting edge luxury vehicles, while evolving them to achieve a new and dynamic appearance.”

Nissan reacts to Top Gear Criticism

In the latest series of BBC’s Top Gear, Jeremy Clarkson and his co presenter James May took two electric cars on a mini road trip. The two cars were the Nissan Leaf and the Mitsubishi i-MiEV, both new fully electric cars for 2011.

The story on Top Gear boosted the presence of these electric cars, many traditionalist are not aware of alternative fuel vehicles. By being on Top Gear both the electric cars have gained much exposure. As well as positives the TV feature did highlight some negatives; on the road trip both presenters took their respective cars into Lincoln town centre looking for a charging point. They quickly realised that there was none, they both fumed about the lack of charging infrastructure in the UK. This led them to criticise the feasibility of electric cars in the UK without a proper infrastructure for charging in place.

As a result, both presenters had to charge their cars at the University of Lincoln, and have cables dangling out of the building windows. Nissan has reacted to this problem by paying for the installation of two PodPoint charging units in Lincoln, to be installed by the end of August.  It will have two sockets, allowing for the charging of two cars at the same time, free of charge. Once ready for use the presenters will be invited to return to Lincoln and be the first to plug in to the new charger, which will be dedicated to them.

This is a very smart move by Nissan and demonstrates its desire to have charging points around the UK. Of course, it was also part of a damage limitation exercise, which if everything goes to plan may be very successful. The additional publicity is also much welcomed in selling cars at the a new Nissan Banbridge dealership.

Top Gear Executive Producer Andy Wilman said: "This is excellent news for the electric car community of Lincoln. If the charging point had existed when Top Gear were there, James wouldn't now be walking around with Jeremy's name tattooed on his bottom. Still, better late than never."

Ford Fiesta is Britain’s best Supermini again

Ford has been manufacturing the Ford Fiesta since 1976; it is a small supermini model. The Fiesta is available as a 3 door model, a 5 door as well as small van derivatives. The Fiesta has been one of the best selling models in the UK for many years; in 2011 alone it has been in the top 3 for new car sales month on month. Even as a used Ford in Anfield the Fiesta is very popular due to its nimble size, fuel efficiency, reliability and quality components.

The current (6th generation) Fiesta has been with us since 2008; it is based on Ford’s new global B-car platform. The new Fiesta raised a lot of eyebrows when it was unveiled that it would have many features usually found in larger cars, such as Ford's Convers+ menu system and 'Ford Power' starter button.

Other interesting features of the Fiesta include Ford Easyfuel, the capless refuelling system and 'ambient lighting,' casting a soft red glow over the interior. In general the options list for the Fiesta has many interesting choices.

At the 2011 Auto Express New Car Awards the Fiesta was once again named Britain’s Best Supermini, for the 3rd year running!

Anthony Ireson the marketing director for Ford of Britain said: "This is an important award for the Fiesta as it endorses this latest generation for customers looking for great style, driving dynamics and a wide choice of models and engines. The Fiesta line-up has evolved during its short life to include a 95g/km ECOnetic engine which means that five of the available engines today emit less than 130g/km of CO2 and are thereby exempt from vehicle excise duty in their first year."

Bentley and WorldSkills London 2011

Bentley hosted a Seminar on 'Value of Apprenticeships' in Crewe as the presenting sponsors of WorldSkills London 2011. The event focused on the value and contribution apprenticeships can add to companies and the UK economy.

With the current UK job sector still strugling, apprenticeships, industry placements and any form of work experience has become vital. There are graduates with Masters degrees looking tiredlessly for job, many have even given up and started manual non skilled work.

Three of Bentleys' apprentices who took up the opportunity to work for Bentley were also present, Paul Alcock, Maintenance Technician, Marcus Gorvin, Technical Support Craft Apprentice, and Reece Jenks, Tool Room Craft Apprentice, demonstrated their skills by creating a fully functional Mini Moto as well as completing a surprise challenge during the Manufacturing Team Challenge competition.

John Myers from the National Apprenticeship Service and Chris Kirk from City & Guilds also attended the event to give talks.

Thirty attendees were then given a tour of the factory, with Bentley Motor's apprentices giving an insight into their skills and apprenticeships available from Bentley.

Year 6 children from Croft Primary School in Warrington were given the opportunity to undertake a number of tasks which demonstrate the skills required to work in a manufacturing plant as part of Bentley's school outreach activities, including clay modelling and a jigsaw challenge as well as having the chance to experience the new Bentley Mulsanne.

Bentley Motors' Member of the Board for Personnel and key note speaker, Christine Gaskell said: "It is a great pleasure to welcome experts in our facilities on a subject which means a lot to Bentley. For us, good quality apprenticeship schemes are the bedrock on which our future is built. If companies such as Bentley are to remain internationally competitive, we have to attract the best young people and give them a training programme that allows them to flourish."

Audi A1 hit or a miss?

Audi A1 Debut

The Audi A1 was launched with much determination, hope and publicity. It was probably one of the most publicised launches for a Supermini I have seen. As well as traditional press, radio and internet advertising, Audi held special events to help the A1 gain publicity before its launch. Its launch itself was marked by hundreds of celebrities and VIP guests driving Audi A1s out of the London Battersea Power Station. They then went around central London in a parade, with on lookers amazed by the new Audi Supermini.

The A1 is Audi’s first foray into the supermini sector; therefore its success was vital. Has it been a success? Well, in its first 8 months of being on sale it has won no less than 10 awards! The latest is from the Auto Express new Car Awards. Auto Express voted it “Best Supermini”, bring the total number of awards to 10! The Audi A1 in Edinburgh has been a big hit and a massive success story for Audi.

Graham Hope, Acting Editor of Auto Express, commented: "It's top marks for the Audi A1, which scoops this year's premium supermini prize. With its winning blend of style, refinement and top-notch quality, the A1 is a cut above the competition."

Neysan Vahdat, the Audi A1 Product Manager at Audi UK, said: "The A1 is having a stunning first year, and has proved its wide-ranging appeal with this Best Supermini award from Auto Express. We wanted to bring a subcompact hatchback to market that was as uncompromisingly 'Audi' as our customers would expect in every way - from its performance to its styling and build quality - and it seems that customers and journalists are still as excited about it as we are."

Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle

The Toyota Prius is a full electric-petrol hybrid, it is a mid size hatchback. The Prius was first sold in 1997 in Japan; it was later revamped and sold globally in 2001. It was the first electric hybrid to go into mass production and sale.

The latest 2010 Prius model is based on the 2001 model, but has been significantly revamped to improve fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions. The new Prius comes with a 1.8 litre engine rather than a 1.6, it comes with disk brakes at the rear instead of drum brakes and its interior uses a new range of plant-derived ecological bio-plastics.

Mechanical changes were made to help improve the Prius’ handling in corners, ride better over bumps and provide a much more refined cabin area. The ride and handling is comparable to that of a used Toyota Celica.

At the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, Toyota will be unveiling a production version of the Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV). Toyota have introduced a new, more compact lithium-ion battery for the new Toyota Prius Plug-in, developed under rigorous standards for reliability, and providing an extended electric power range and allowing the Toyota Prius PHEV to achieve 128.4mpg and emit only 49g/km of CO2 emissions.

The Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid uses Toyota's latest development of the Synergy Drive (HSD) system. Toyota’s hybrid technology now features in more than two million cars worldwide. The new Toyota Prius Plug-in will become the flagship of the Toyota Prius range. In 2012, it will join Toyota's hybrid range, which includes the Prius, Auris hybrid, new Prius+ seven seater and the new Toyota Yaris hybrid.

Car Finance Loans: Where to Start

When it comes to buying a new or used car, there are many different types of finance available to consumers, however, these can be confusing if you don’t know where to start. Depending on your budget and your particular needs, there will be a loan to suit you.

The first type of car finance loan is the Unsecured Personal Loan, which is based solely on your ability to make the repayments. The monthly repayments and loan length will be fixed, and no assets will be used as security for the loan.

Should you wish to borrow a larger amount, you might consider taking out a Secured Personal Loan. This type of loan usually allows for lower monthly repayments over a longer period, however, if you cannot keep up with the repayments then your assets (e.g. car, house) may be repossessed.

The third type of loan is Personal Contract Purchase, known as PCP, which allows the consumer to pay a deposit and lease the vehicle for a fixed time with lower monthly repayments. The difference is, however, that a final payment, sometimes called a balloon payment, is calculated at the beginning of the loan and is based on the future value of the vehicle. There are usually three options – pay the balloon payment and keep the car, hand the car back and walk away, use the guaranteed value as a deposit for your next car. It’s important to note that you don’t fully own the car until the balloon payment is made.

The final type of loan is Hire Purchase which allows you to buy your car over a set period with fixed monthly payments. An initial deposit may be required, and you only own the car once the last payment has been made.

Before agreeing to any loan, always check the total amount payable over the loan period. Car finance loans can be confusing so make sure to do your research and shop around for the best deal before signing any contract.

Eco Driving: The New Way to Save Money

Eco driving courses are now available for those looking to save money, whilst also contributing to helping the planet.

In the current economic climate and with fuel prices reaching a record high, many people are looking for different ways to save money, and in response to this, the AA have launched a new Drive Smart eco programme. The programme will teach you how to reduce your fuel usage and CO2 emissions through precise driving methods

The cost of the course is £50, which seems reasonable considering the average two-car family is expected to spend an extra £350 on fuel in 2011 compared to 2010. The AA claims graduates of the course can save as much as £500 on fuel bills and approximately one third of a ton of CO2, so it’s definitely money well spent.

When you take the course, you might be surprised at some of the bad habits you’ve picked up over the years. You’ll learn simple tricks such as emptying the boot of unnecessary weight; how to efficiently change gears, as well as braking and acceleration tips. On the course, you’ll be taught how much fuel you can save by reducing your speed; for example, driving at 80mph can use up to 25 per cent more fuel than at 70mph. You’ll also learn about the correct tyre pressures and the importance of regular car servicing. London driving is considered to be the among the least economical in the UK, with traffic jams adding to fuel consumption, so the importance of eco-driving is even more vital in our capital city.

Now while your safety ability may not be under scrutiny during the course, be prepared to adapt your driving style to embrace eco-driving. It may be difficult at first, but with perseverance, eco-driving should become second nature and you’ll soon start to see the economical benefits.

The Oldtimer Grand Prix

The Oldtimer Grand Prix is in its 39th year and this year will run between the 12th and 14th of August. In total there are ten races with 600 drivers from 20 different countries. The show attracts around 60,000 visitors a month and is growing in popularity every year.

As part of its 50th anniversary Jaguar will be participating at the Grand Prix with the Jaguar E Type. Former Jaguar Chief Test Driver Norman Dewis left for the event from the Jaguar Heritage Museum located in Coventry in order to take part in the event. As was as taking part in the races, the E Type will be on display at all the races. The 1961 Jaguar E-Type Geneva show car will be on display at the event.

Also at the show will be one of the very last models ever to be produced, alongside 34 other e-type examples. The e-type models will be taking part in the penultimate round of the E-Type challenge on the Grand Prix circuit with one 20 minute race on Saturday and Sunday.

For those who have a soft spot for used Jaguar in Dorset will be very happy and exciting to see one of the most influential cars of it time. The e-type helped sculpture the fundamentals of a sports car. This year should be even more special, Jaguar as a brand is doing well once again and thriving under new ownerships as well as leadership.

Norman Dewis said: "I raced a D-Type at the Oldtimer Grand Prix in the 1950s. This year is the 15th time I have been with Jaguar and it's a fantastic event. I'll be kept busy this weekend with some presentations to clubs, commentating and maybe a demonstration run. I just hope the renowned Nurburgring fog stays away."

Nissan Micra DIG-S coming soon

Over the past few years car consumer interest has been evolving, long gone are the days when consumers were only interested in BHP numbers and 0-60mph sprint times. The average car consumer has matured into a frugal being, fuel consumption; VED costs and CO2 output have all taken of the top of our desire list.

When it comes to fuel consumption I definitely understand, but VED? It’s a one off annual fee; surely it can’t be that much of a financial burden. CO2 levels, again not something I am overly fussed about when it comes to cars, all cars pollute, and I’m not going to pay extra for one that does slightly less.

Being a scientific person I have been closely watching the development of traditional combustion engines and alternative fuels. In the early 2000s LPG (Low Pressured Gas) came into the scene and really impressed, unfortunately its poor availability and consumption levels could not live up to the Hybrid technologies found in the Toyota Prius and Honda Civic. The latter part of the 2000s was all about the hybrid cars and their petrol-electric engines. Since 2010 though, the focus has shifted to fully electric plug in cars, such as the Mitsubishi i-MiEV.

Electric cars still have their drawbacks, such as the lack of a charging infrastructure in most countries. So while electric cars are and their related infrastructures are sorted we will have to do with cars like Nissan in Northern Ireland, the DIG-S model only emits 95g/km of CO2 and can do almost 70 miles to the gallon.

Biowaste powered Nissan Leaf

I love it when a story like this comes along. In a true juxtaposition of old and new, the owner of a 130 year old Bruichladdich (that is whisky, for those of you not in the know) distillery has just purchased a Nissan Leaf. “Well what’s so special about that?!” I hear you say. Allow me to enlighten you, you'll like this

The distillery has established a Biowaste system that allows it to produce its own electricity from the biogas produced in the distilling process. Owner Mark Reynier has just purchased a new Nissan Leaf with the theory that the system can be used to charge his car.

Running his car self-sufficiently has been an important step for Reynier, who began using the system in his distillery earlier this year. He said, “It was frustrating to be making such strides in being self-sufficient, when my car still needed the most expensive diesel in the UK from the mainland. The arrival of the LEAF has allowed me to be as truly self-sufficient as possible."

So from now on, the biogas will not only power the distillery, but also charge up Mark Reynier’s beloved LEAF. And to top it off, in celebration of the innovation, Nissan dealers have teamed up with Bruichladdich to produce a limited run of bespoke LEAF labelled organic whisky. Now that’s the only way to mix drinking and driving!

Range Rover Sport Salisbury

Fans of comfortable and luxurious touring should approach the nearest Range Rover Sport Salisbury dealer in order to find out why Land Rover is still the best when it comes to true off-road luxury. There is definitely much to be said about current Land Rover vehicles in the market: they look all new and feel so capable of conquering any kind of road. Yet, despite the presence of more modern styling and sharpened reflexes the Range Rover sport still feels like what a proper Land Rover should.

This means that it still brings one of the most harmonious balances between comfort and handling while remaining to be the epitome of classy British motoring. Based on the Land Rover Discovery 3, the Range Rover Sport is no slouch in the performance department either. You can choose the 2.7-litre diesel or the overly powerful 4.4-litre naturally aspirated and 4.2-litre supercharged petrol V8. The latter propels the burly behemoth from 0 to 62mph in an astonishing 7.2 seconds. There are faster super SUV’s that can even hit the 6-second or even 5-second mark but none are as classy and refined as the Range Rover sport.

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VIP treatment for Land Rover owners

The Festival of British Eventing took place this month, between the 5th and 7th of August 2011. This famous event takes place every year at the Gatcombe Park, home of the Princess Royal and her family and incorporates the British Open, Intermediate and Novice Championships.

Land Rover, the British car manufacturer is an associate sponsor and the official vehicle supplier to the Festival of British Eventing. Land Rover’s main show piece was of course an exclusive tour of the Range Rover Evoque. Both the 5 door and 3 door models were at the Land Rover display stand. To ensure maximum visibility the Range Rover Evoque and Evoque Coupe models were also displayed alongside the main scoreboard during the festival.

The association between Land Rover and the Festival of British Eventing goes back 1983. Historically Land Rover has helped by providing a courtesy shuttle service for owners, riders and visitors and a fleet of vehicles which are used by officials, judges, medical and veterinary teams.

There are some very exclusive benefits for Land Rover owners as a result of this association. Land Rover owners were given exclusively acess to park in a dedicated car park close to the show ground’s entrance. Inside, there was a Land Rover lawn providing refreshments for Land Rover owners.

The Folly obstacles on the cross-country course were sponsored by Land Rover. The showpiece of the entire event had to be where competitors passed through an archway display of Range Rover Sports on their way to jumping the fences.



As well as the enw Evoque Land Rover also promoted Land Rover aftersales in Essex and provided information on service care for existing owners.

Result from the UK MINI E Trials

Earlier on this year I talked about the MINI E Trials taking place in the UK. These trials were set up to "real world" test the suitability of an electric MINI in the UK. Two separate 6 month tests were executed to get as much data as possible from different conditions.

The top line result of the tests is that everyday use of the electric MINI does not in fact differ from the typical driving patterns of combustion engine powered cars. In fact the MINI E drivers did more mileage in a day compared to their traditional counterparts. The MINI E typically covered 29.7 miles, whereas the control car drivers did 26.5 miles.

According to a new MINI One Worcester dealer the average distance driven daily for private cars in the UK is less than 25 miles. On-board data monitors reported that the average single trip distance covered by the MINI E was 9.5 miles, compared to the UK average of 7 miles.

Four out of five of the test drivers reported that the MINI E could be used for 80% of their trips. 90% of testers said that with the addition of rear seats and a bigger boot, all trips could be done with the MINI E. One participant, Janet Borgers, said "I regularly did 88 miles in a single journey in the cold weather", whilst another female commuter covered nearly 8,000 miles during a September to March test period.

Unfortunately all the testers said that the lack of a charging infrastructure made their test very difficult. Even the simplest journeys had to be planned to ensure a charging point could be accessed.

Audi Urban Concept

Audi has revealed official drawings of its new city car concept after a spy video was leaked on the internet this week. The model is due to make its public debut at the Frankfurt motor show in September and is an ultra-light two-seater.

According to Audi, the Urban Concept “combines elements of a racing car, a roadster, a fun car and an urban car into one radical new concept.” Access to the cabin is via a large opening over the two seats, meaning driver and passenger have to slide the roof back and climb in over the side. The back seat is set higher than the front to allow both occupants to see out.

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Ford Focus - the techno freak

The Ford Focus was the second most sold car in the UK in June 2011 and that should come as no surprise as the car has long been a firm favourite amongst British car buyers since its initial launch in 1998.

The Ford Focus has always been associated with reliability for a decent price but the new model offers a whole lot more than what the old models did in terms of new technology.

The new Ford Focus comes with the offer of a so-called ‘Driver Assistance Pack’ at an £750 optional extra. In the package you’ll find features such as Traffic Sign Recognition and Low Speed Safety System. The Traffic Sign Recognition is provided by a front-mounted camera which scans the road ahead and when discovering speed- and overtaking signs the system displays this on the dashboard. The Low Speed Safety System is designed to step in to prevent low-speed collisions. A forward facing infra-red laser beam scans the distance to an approaching object and if it senses you’re getting to close it hits the brakes for you.

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Has the A1 been a hit?

The Audi A1 was launched with much determination, hope and publicity. It was probably one of the most publicised launches for a Supermini I have seen. As well as traditional press, radio and internet advertising, Audi held special events to help the A1 gain publicity before its launch. Its launch itself was marked by hundreds of celebrities and VIP guests driving Audi A1s out of the London Battersea Power Station. They then went around central London in a parade, with on lookers amazed by the new Audi Supermini.

The A1 is Audi’s first foray into the supermini sector; therefore its success was vital. Has it been a success? Well, in its first 8 months of being on sale it has won no less than 10 awards! The latest is from the Auto Express new Car Awards. Auto Express voted it “Best Supermini”, bring the total number of awards to 10! The Audi A1 in Edinburgh has been a big hit and a massive success story for Audi.

Graham Hope, Acting Editor of Auto Express, commented: "It's top marks for the Audi A1, which scoops this year's premium supermini prize. With its winning blend of style, refinement and top-notch quality, the A1 is a cut above the competition."

Neysan Vahdat, the Audi A1 Product Manager at Audi UK, said: "The A1 is having a stunning first year, and has proved its wide-ranging appeal with this Best Supermini award from Auto Express. We wanted to bring a subcompact hatchback to market that was as uncompromisingly 'Audi' as our customers would expect in every way - from its performance to its styling and build quality - and it seems that customers and journalists are still as excited about it as we are."

The safe Ford Focus

If you own a used Ford Focus in Croydon you’ll know how safe it is. With multiple airbags, seatbelts and other collision prevention systems the Focus is one of the safest cars out there. The new Ford Focus takes safety to the next level, the list of accident prevention, injury prevention and driver aid technology in the Focus is mind boggling.

At the 2011 Auto Express Awards, a special award was presented to the Ford Focus for its driver assistance features. The new Focus comes with a digital camera system which is used by seven driver assistance systems that increase safety behind the wheel. The camera is mounted next to the rear view mirror; it faces forward and scans the road ahead by an on-board computer. The Driver Assistance Pack is priced at £750, which does not seem like a lot when you think of an accident that it can help you avoid.

Graham Hope, Acting Editor, Auto Express said: "This year's Special Award has been handed to the Ford Focus because it puts the kind of high-tech safety kit you expect to find on expensive executive cars within the reach of the motoring masses. Its innovative Driver Assistance Pack breaks fresh ground in the family sector by including a raft of potentially life-saving features at a surprisingly low price."

Safety features and driver aids have become as important in a car as its looks and design features. The everyday consumer is educated enough on safety and the risks of driving a car to be able to question features and systems in any car.

Skoda scoops four awards in one night

The 2011 Auto Express New Car Awards took place last week. Many car manufacturers were rewarded for their efforts in a struggling UK automotive market. No one left the awards happier than Skoda, who went away with four awards! The awards were taken by the Skoda Yeti, the Superb, the Superb Estate and by Skoda as a brand.

It is the second year in a row that Skoda has won these four awards, in the same four categories. The Brand award was given to Skoda for their remarkable achievement in Driver Power customer satisfaction survey.

Skoda Brand Director Robert Hazelwood commented: "It's fantastic to get such high-profile recognition for our cars and customer service. For the Yeti, Superb and Superb Estate to win for a second straight year is a tremendous achievement. And to be awarded the Driver Power gong for the third year running is a great honour for the brand and our retailers."

The Skoda Yeti won the “Best Crossover” award, it was recognised for its Tonka-toy looks, elegant and practical styling both on the inside and the out. It was heavily praised for the high quality materials used on the inside, with plenty of equipment. It has ample load space, lots of rear cabin space as well as creature comforts.

The Skoda Superb was awarded “Best Family Car”, it own over the judges with its good range of engines, practicality and driving comfort. The Superb Estate won the “Best Estate” category for its load space, driveability, engines and styling.

If you want awarding cars from an award winning brand then head down to your local used Skoda dealer in London.

The Mazda MX5 voted "Best Roadster" – six years running

Mazda introduced the MX5 Roadster in 1989; it is a 2 seater convertible. Since its inception the MX5 has become one of the best selling Roadsters around, as of February 2011 900,000 units had been built and sold globally. Before the latest generation, the MX5 was marketed using different names, it was called the Miata in North America and Eunos Roadster in Japan. But, when the latest model was released in 2006 it was released as the MX5 globally.

The Mazda MX5 is available with either a 1.8 litre or a 2.0litreengine, both petrol powered and have 124 and 158bhp respectively. As standard both models come with a 5 speed manual transmission, the 2.0 litre is available with Mazda’s 6 speed close ratio manual gearbox.

At the 2011 Auto Express New Car Awards the Mazda MX5 was awarded the “Best Roadster” accolade, this is the 6th year running that the MX5 has got this ward. This should be of no surprise as the MX5 has been the best selling roadster for over 20 years! Priced from £16,990 it is an affordable way to get some seriously fun driving.

Auto Express acting editor, Graham Hope, commented: "A short blast behind the wheel is all you'll need to understand why the latest MX-5 is such as smash hit. For smiles-per-mile at an affordable price, nothing else comes close. Lively performance and beautifully balanced, confidence-inspiring handling combine with ageless looks and a simple, well built cabin - all the things which buyers demand in a roadster."

As well as its attractive price tag, the MX5 is also very easy to maintain. Any new Mazda dealer can service and repair all generations of the MX5.

Vauxhall Astra GTC coupe

The much awaited Vauxhall Astra GTC Coupe will soon be hitting Vauxhall showrooms across the country including the new Vauxhall VXR Portadown showroom. It will be priced from £18,495 which puts it in direct competition with class leaders such as the Volkswagen Scirocco and the Renault Megane Coupe.

The Astra GTC is a very exciting model for Vauxhall, like its predecessor it utilises a stand alone platform specifically designed and built for it. is chassis, suspension and layout have been designed to reward the more enthusiastic driver. The GTC is rumoured to offer excellent handling as well as great performance.

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Audi Complete

If you like premium German cars then Audi may be on the top of your list. Recently Audi has been making headway in becoming the better German brand. Beating Mercedes and BMW is no easy task and Audi has been chipping away slowly.

Like all premium German cars, Audi cars are not cheap to buy, you pay extra for the extra premium features. You also pay for the extra customer service and satisfaction. Unfortunately as an Audi owner you’ll also know that these complicated machines are not cheap to maintain. Regular servicing at a franchised dealership tends to cost a little bit more than if carried out an independent garage. For example Audi spares in Ireland cost more than Ford or Vauxhall spares. Audi, BMW and Mercedes cars are so complicated these days it is best to leave it in the hands of the experts!

Audi has realised the cost burden borne by its loyal customers and has launched “Audi Complete”. This new Aftersales package provides five year warranty cover and fixed price servicing and maintenance across the entire Audi rage.

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Why we should all buy a Skoda

As you would have noticed, or should have noticed, Skoda as a brand has evolved over the last decade or so. Our perception and expectations of a Skoda have dramatically changed. Since the ownership change to the VW Group Skoda has made massive strides in gaining consumer confidence, building great cars and erasing our memories of our Skoda perception.

This year Skoda has received its greatest accolade that marks its improvement in consumer perception. Skoda has been voted number one in the Which? customer satisfaction survey, with a rating of 88.4%. This is a great recognition of Skoda’s efforts.

In the Which? Customer satisfaction survey more than 63,000 new and used cars in Basingstoke were rated. This year 52,563 people participated and rated 63,727 vehicles. The survey was carried out between December 2010 and March 2011. The survey asked owners to mark their cars out of 5 on pre selected criteria.

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The Audi A5

Audi initially released the A5 as a sporty Coupe, it is the first compact coupe Audi has produced since the Audi 80 based coupe model.  The cabriolet and 5 door fastback models were later added to the line up. Many industry insiders believe that the A5 is the replacement for the Audi A4 range; Audi has not confirmed these rumours.

There are five engine options in the Audi A5, a 178bhp 2.0-litre petrol, a 208bhp 2.0-litre turbo, a 261bhp 3.2 V6 and a 349bhp 4.2-litre. The RS5 comes with a 4.2 V8 that produces 444 bhp and can do 0-62mph in 4.5 seconds. It has a 7-speed "S tronic" dual clutch semi-automatic transmission as well as the standard 6 speed manual.

In the diesel range there is the ever reliable 168bhp 2.0 litre, a 187 bhp 2.7 litre and a 237bhp 3.0 litre unit. All engines are available with either front wheel or all wheel drive.

Earlier on this month Audi announced the 2012 A5 and S5 models, both will have re-sculpted exteriors and re-engineering with new infotainment features and chassis modifications. The new A5 range has also benefited from modifications to enhance CO2 emissions, Audi claim up to a 22% reduction has been made on CO2 emissions output.

Two new engines have also been added to the line up, replacing two ageing units. A 272PS supercharged unit replaces the naturally aspirated 3.2 litre V6. While the 4.2 litre naturally aspirated engine is replaced by a new 333PS version of the supercharged 3.0 litre V6 engine.

With the new model due later this year, now is a good time to buy a used Audi A5 in Surrey. There will be plenty of deals to be had on old stock as dealers try to clear space for the new model.