Car News
Jaguar XK collects first award of 2006
The Jaguar XJ has already collected its first award of 2006, topping the Luxury Car category at the Fleet Excellence Awards, voted for by readers of Fleet Week and Fleet Management magazines.
Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster – a new generation
Four years on from its launch, the successful Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Roadster has undergone a number of enhancements, the most significant being in the areas of technology, design and interior appointments. The engines, powertrain and chassis have been optimised to deliver a sportier response so that the unique Roadster now offers an even more enjoyable dynamic driving experience while perpetuating the "SL legend" which has existed for over 50 years. New V6 and V8 engines, as well as an uprated V12 powerplant, deliver assured driving pleasure. Second-generation Active Body Control and the more direct steering make for noticeably sportier handling without compromising the high level of comfort which is one of the hallmarks of the SL-Class. The redesigned front section, new rear light units and new light-alloy wheels reflect the more dynamic character of the revised SL-Class even when it is stationary. New interior appointments as well as painstaking attention to the details of the new materials and colour schemes give the interior an even more luxurious look and feel. Shift paddles on the steering wheel – which form part of the optional 7G-TRONIC Sport package – underline the dynamic character of the enhanced SL-Class.
Motorists cover-up to avoid car vandals
Government statistics claim 457,451 motorists have had their vehicles damaged by vandals in the last year of recorded crimes in England and Wales - the true figure is likely to be more than three times this, according to new research.
Chevrolet’s new Captiva SUV debuts at Geneva Motor Show
Chevrolet has issued the first photographs of its all-new compact SUV, Captiva, which makes its global debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March. With Captiva, the first diesel powered Chevrolet SUV specifically designed for Europe, the company takes its product offensive to a new level.
BMW and MINI navigate a path to Garmin
BMW and MINI in the UK have launched a new range of portable navigation devices in co-operation with Garmin (Europe) Ltd. Available through the BMW and MINI dealer network, the Garmin StreetPilot c310, c320, c330 and nüvi 350 models are now offered from as little as £299.
Peugeot 307 HDi is the best all-rounder
Customers today have plenty of choice in their selection for a new car, but not all fit the many attributes required. Peugeot however are probably best placed with their all-encompassing 307 range, now specified with the latest lightweight 1.6-litre HDi 90 engine. It combines perfectly a full choice of body styles, lively performance and great drivability, and is fundamentally fun-to-drive. Importantly for most though, it has excellent fuel economy, low emissions, a good specification and is great value.
Volvo’s Euro 3 D13A delivers 4% fuel savings in first UK comparative trial
Results from realistic UK comparative fuel trials conducted by Volvo Trucks - between a EURO 3 FM fitted with the outgoing D12 - 420 engine and a EURO 3 new FM equipped with the latest D13A - 440 powerplant - have been announced with the latest 13 litre artic achieving a 4% improvement in overall fuel consumption over the 12 litre.
Values of three-year-old cars improve, but the outlook remains less positive
There was a modest revival in the residual values of three-year-old cars during the last three months of 2005, with rates of depreciation slowing for the second successive quarter after an extended period of weakness. The latest Glass’s Used Car Market Index indicates that the average three-year-old car (2002 ’52-plate with a typical 36,000 miles) was worth £6,625 by the end of 2005, reflecting a fall in value of 1.7 per cent, or £150, over the final quarter of the year.
Peugeot achieves record LCV sales in 2005
Unlike the commercial vehicle market which declined 1.6% compared to 2004, Peugeot achieved a growth in its commercial vehicle sales of 8.5%, and for the first time sold more than 17,000 light commercial vehicles in a single year.
Kia Motors and Australian Open, a great set and match for 2006
As the Australian Open springs into action, Kia Motors Corporation enters its fifth year as a major sponsor of the grand slam tennis tournament. The Australian Open has been an excellent match and a successful partner to Kia Motors which has seen both parties mirroring each other’s successes and growing popularity.
Loughborough's Henry Ford college becomes Lego workshop
Ford engineers will swap car panels for LEGO bricks when the car market leader hosts this year's FIRST LEGO League final at the Henry Ford College in Loughborough.
Five-star safety rating for Alfa Romeo 159
The all-new Alfa 159, which goes on sale in the UK on Saturday 18 February, has been awarded the prestigious five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP, which puts it ahead of the field for its segment with regard to crash safety performance.
Ford Connects with Dyson's technical aces
Household appliance manufacturer Dyson has chosen the Transit Connect for its UK service engineer team.
Half of all Brits face a brush with the law when driving abroad
As more people are opting for independent travel to Europe’s ski resorts, Saga Breakdown Assistance is warning people to learn the rules of the road before they travel.
From Digital Highway to Driveway with Lex FreeChoice
Hailed as “Best PCP Scheme Provider 2006” by the Institute of Transport Management, Lex FreeChoice, the Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) scheme from Lex Vehicle Leasing, is now more accessible than ever following the launch of its newly improved interactive website.