Author: Lidia Todorova

  • Perodua Myvi Wolfrace Design Limited Edition

    Perodua-Myvi-Wolfrace-Design-Limited-Edition-THUMBPerodua Myvi Wolfrace Design is an exclusive limited edition vehicle made by Perodua. Only ten units of this special model will be built. The source of inspiration for this vehicle to come up to live is the work of collaboration between Perodua and Wolfrace Wheels Limited.

    Both have designed this vehicle, which not only maintains Perodua’s great value for money, but also blends style and appeal of the award winning Wolfrace brand.

    In details, this limited edition Myvi runs on the striking 17” Wolfrace Brooklands alloy wheels. On the both sides of the vehicle can be seen silver and red graphics kit including stripes along with chequered flags. The Wolfrace Design logo can be seen on the rear doors and on the tailgate.

    Exclusive black and silver Wolfrace Design front entry guards will also be included. Thir purpose is to show the individual unit number of the car, and thus will be numbered from one to ten.

    Perodua Myvi Wolfrace Design Limited Edition
    Perodua Myvi Wolfrace Design Limited Edition

    In addition, there is a high standard specification which is featured in the Myvi range: air conditioning, four electric windows, electrically adjustable door mirrors, power steering, integrated radio/CD player and etc.

    The car goes mated to a manual transmission, and will be available in two metallic exterior colours: Ebony Black and Medallion Gray. As an option, customers can choose to include to their Myvi a luxurious sport style leather/alcantara interior

    However, what is so unique here is the price of the car, which is unbelievably low. It will be available for only £7 999.

    Perodua Myvi Wolfrace Design Limited Edition
    Perodua Myvi Wolfrace Design Limited Edition

    Source: Perodua

  • 2012 Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid with ECOcar Awards

    2012-Toyota-Camry-THUMB2012 Toyota Camry and its Hybrid sibling have achieved great success at the ECOcar Awards this year. In particular, the 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid has been awarded the first place as the ECOcar of the year, leaving its petrol brother at second place.

    In fact this is very important success for the model line-up because it is the first major award it achieves. Both cars have bee launched in the last six months of the year.

    In the competition took part 31 vehicles, among which were the both Carmy vehicles. The prices of the cars which were competing ranged from $16 000 to $90 000. The judges assessing the cars were from specialist national magazine ECOcar.

    However, the judging criteria crossed all price groups and looked on fuel efficiency, performance, comfort, refinement and driving enjoyment. And here the two Toyotas were unsurpassed.

    2012 Toyota Camry
    2012 Toyota Camry

    No other car could beat the 2012 Camry Hybrid, which has a combined fuel economy of 5.2L/100km. The second place went for the petrol model for a reason. Its combined fuel economy is 7.8L/100km.

    What is so unique for those cars is that they offer identical refinement and engine choices depending on drivers’ needs. Nevertheless, the judges’ choice was mainly influenced by the operating economy of the cars. And yes, we definitely see a tendency in the automotive world, where people look for more fuel efficient vehicles.

    Source: Toyota

  • 2013 Toyota Venza Crossover with announced price

    2013_Toyota_Venza_THUMB2013 Toyota Venza Crossover has an announced price already and will be seen at dealerships this week. The new Toyota crossover will offer its customers more luxury and spaciousness in terms of interior and added styling to all its features. Furthermore it will add value with the help of several new standard convenience features and updated option packages.

    What is new here is that Venza comes with a new more aerodynamic shape. The latter has been achieved through the modified upper and lower grille, fog lamps and rear taillights. Of course, no update in body style can go without an update in the wheels. This Toyota crossover runs on new 19-inch wheel design.

    In addition, the exterior colors which now are being offered are complemented by three new ones, namely: Attitude Black, Cypress Pearl, and Cosmic Gray Mica. Moreover, there are also included three interior color choices: Ivory, Light Gray, and Black. The latter is absolutely new for the model range. Each color is offered in fabric on LE and leather on XLE and Limited.

    2013 Toyota Venza Crossover
    2013 Toyota Venza Crossover

    The trim levels in which the 2013 Venza is being offered are: LE, XLE and Limited grades. In particular, the LE and XLE models are available with all powertrain combinations: four-cylinder, V6, front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). Both engines are mated to a six-speed sequential-shift electronically controlled automatic transmission with intelligence (ECT-i).

    In contrast the Venza Limited is powered by the V6 engine only, in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configurations. Here as well the engine goes with the six-speed sequential-shift electronically controlled automatic transmission with intelligence (ECT-i).

    Furthermore, the additional features that the new model will include will delight any customer. Some of them for instance are the standard blind-spot mirror and outer mirror turn signals with puddle lamps, which will go as a standard on all trim levels.

    Other key standard features are: dual-zone automatic climate control with air filter and second-row-seat vents; eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar; 3.5-inch LCD multi-information display; a tilt/telescopic adjustable wheel with integrated audio controls; an overhead console with map lights; rear-seat adjustable personal reading lamps and three 12-volt power outlets.

    2013 Venza will now come equipped with unique feature – the new Toyota Entune multimedia system. Entune gives power to the mobile smartphone to provide a richer in-vehicle experience with fully integrated access to navigation, entertainment and information services.

    Additionally, the audio systems that go along with the Entune include conversational voice recognition system which will help the driver to stay focused by eliminating the need to memorize thousands of voice commands.

    The base price for the 2013 Toyota Venza LE will start from $27 700 for the front-wheel-drive (FWD) four-cylinder engine. The detailed pricing of the other trim levels are listed below.

    2013 Toyota Venza Pricing:

    Model Grade Engine Drivetrain Price ($)
    2810 LE L4 FWD $27,700
    2812 LE V6 FWD $29,520
    2820 LE L4 AWD $29,150
    2822 LE V6 AWD $30,970
    2830 XLE L4 FWD $31,360
    2832 XLE V6 FWD $33,180
    2834 XLE L4 AWD $32,810
    2836 XLE V6 AWD $34,630
    2842 Limited V6 FWD $37,420
    2846 Limited V6 AWD $38,870

    Source: Toyota

  • 2012 BMW Zagato Coupe officially unveiled

    2012-BMW-Zagato-Coupe-THUMB2012 BMW Zagato Coupé will make its premiere at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. BMW Zagato Coupé is embodiment of high-quality hand-craftsmanship, sportiness and luxury.

    The body of the new BMW model has been built entirely by hand. Its skin was tailored to fit the car’s mechanical architecture. The hand shaped aluminum sheets of metal were meticulously molded to give the car its unique form.

    The BMW Zagato Coupé is a BMW seen through the eyes of Zagato. This can be seen easily through the design of the car, due to the iconic design cues from both companies.

    The initial aim for the Zagato Coupe was to be road-registered, aerodynamically optimized machine, which is able to achieve high speeds but meet all legal requirements.

    The proportions of the BMW Zagato Coupé include extremely long bonnet, greenhouse set well back and double bubble roof and Kamm Tail. It looks very dynamic, doesn’t it? The roofline is flowing and ends into the compact, muscular rear.

    The car’s dynamic silhouette underlines its sporting characteristics as well. In addition to that the three-dimensionality the car offers combined with the very wide and powerfully contoured front, gives the car an agile sense of purpose.

    2012 BMW Zagato Coupé
    2012 BMW Zagato Coupé

    The front fascia of this vehicle has twin circular headlights, kidney-shaped radiator grille and the extremely low, width-emphasising elements give the front end a sporty appearance.

    Observed from one side, the 2012 BMW Zagato Coupé shows its long, sweeping bonnet. The rear end itself is cut almost vertically in another Zagato cue, which enhances aerodynamics. At the same time the flanks has the classical BMW Roadster lines, imbues them with extra tautness and extends them into the muscular rear end with a compelling swing of the hips.

    The attractive interplay of lines here draws attention to the rear wheels and the car’s rear-wheel-drive configuration. The powerful flourish above the rear wheels is picked up and passed on by the spoiler, injecting the whole area with additional dynamic impetus.

    In fact, the rear end of the car is so distinctive that it provides the clearest evidence of Zagato’s influence in this project. It was formed almost without a single joint and thus appearing as if formed from a single mould. The rear of the BMW Zagato Coupé has a very broad, low-slung appearance, which lends it powerful and solid stance on the road.

    2012 BMW Zagato Coupé
    2012 BMW Zagato Coupé

    Moreover, a matt edging brings the attention to the diffuser, then draws the focus to the wheels and underlines the sporty stance of the BMW Zagato Coupé. The exhaust tailpipes are situated towards the outer edges of the rear and also have matt finish.

    Other highlight is the 19-inch light-alloy wheels on which this beautiful machine runs. They are made in classically sporty five-spoke design. Next, some attention must be put on the paintwork of the car. It features exclusive exterior paint finish named Rosso Vivace. As you can see, this is an expressive shade of red.

    Its secret is that depending on how the light hits the body, the color spectrum ranges from something close to black all the way to a brilliant red. This was possible thanks to sophisticated paint application technology featuring several coats.

    How about the interior of the Zagato? It is structured in customary BMW style and the when you first see it your immediate reaction will be willingness to drive it.

    In the interior were used exclusive colour and materials, which are blended into exceptional details, which at their turn provide luxurious style and sporting flair.

    There are also additional elements in the vehicle, which were fitted by hand. Such are for example the horizontal lines in the instrument panel and doors. The base colours used for the exclusive leather are a light and dark shade of grey.

    In the interior is featured also red decorative stitching in the instrument panel, doors and seats. They all lend the car more sporting presence. The luggage compartment has two shades of grey and the red accents as well.

    2012 BMW Zagato Coupé Interior
    2012 BMW Zagato Coupé Interior

    Source: BMW

  • 2013 BMW 7 Series: harmonious blend of luxury and sporting stance

    2013-BMW-7-Series-THUMB2013 BMW 7 Series is the most innovative sedan in the luxury segment of BMW. The model incorporates its inherent sporting stance, refined powertrain technology and unmatched luxurious comfort.

    The body of the new series includes impressive new LED headlights and subtle new design features. It has dynamic lines and perfectly balanced proportions. As a result, the new BMW now embodies sporting stance and elegant presence.

    Indeed, what catches the eye the most are the new LED headlights with hallmark BMW corona rings and a smart accent strip. A new modification here is the new transformed BMW kidney grille with nine slats. Among the new features included are the indicators integrated into the lower section of the exterior mirrors.

    In terms of interior the new 7 Series include leather seats, optimized noise levels, Rear Seat Entertainment package and sound system with extending centre speaker. Of course, the designers of the coupe have included only high-quality materials. The main aim in the creation of the interior however, was its practical use.

    2013 BMW 7 Series
    2013 BMW 7 Series

    In addition, the driver and the passengers travel in luxury and are largely cocooned from outside noise. As an optional feature, there are also provided individual seats. And the optional Rear Seat Entertainment package comes with 9.2-inch flatscreen monitor. Moreover, the new 1,200-watt Bang & Olufsen High End Surround Sound System will offer the customers unimpeachable sound quality.

    The new BMW 7 Series comes equipped with multifunctional instrument display, which is positioned behind the steering wheel. The instruments are now differentiated thank to different colors and graphics. The color depends on the driving mode selected, and provides specific important information.

    More importantly the new BMW vehicle model has refined power, improved efficiency and enhanced ride comfort. In addition the Series come with revised engines which are extremely economical and low in terms of emissions. They are mated to an intelligent eight-speed automatic transmission. Of course, innovative technologies such as the Auto Start-Stop function, Brake Energy Regeneration and the second-generation Driving Experience Control switch with ECO PRO mode and coasting function are also included in the car.

    In details, the flagship BMW 760i is equipped with 12-cylinder powerplant. The entry-level engine is on the BMW 730i, the six-cylinder in-line engine powers the BMW 740i and the revised V8 petrol engine goes on the BMW 750i. All engines will offer drivers the combination of increased output and lower fuel consumption.

    On the other hand, the new BMW 750d xDrive is the one which makes debut. Under its bonnet can be found the new TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder diesel engine. The latter is the world’s most powerful diesel engine of its kind.

    2013 BMW 7 Series
    2013 BMW 7 Series

    At last, in the range is also included the second-generation BMW ActiveHybrid 7 with a new six-cylinder in-line engine. It contributes for significantly reduced emissions.

    In terms of dynamic and control, the BMW offers unmatched driving pleasure and comfort. This is due to the impressive spread of chassis. The chassis set-up is optimized and has modified rubber bearings and new dampers, self-leveling air suspension for the rear axle on the Electric Power Steering.

    Furthermore, the BMW ConnectedDrive is a new feature, which includes intelligent integration. This one delivers comfort and assurance at the wheel along with unbeatable safety. For instance, on such feature, which optimizes the safety are BMW Night Vision + Dynamic Light Spot with pedestrian recognition technology, the anti-dazzle LED High-Beam Assistant, Driver Assistant Plus with Stop & Go function, Active Protection with automatic fatigue recognition and Speed Limit Info including the No Passing Info display using road sign symbols.

    The central Control Display include entertainment programs, office and online services, Professional navigation system, map graphics and 3D city mode.

    Source: BMW

  • 2013 Ford Focus ST with announced price

    2013-Ford-Focus-ST-THUMB2013 Ford Focus ST has the exciting new 250 horsepower (184 kW). This is on of the most appreciated performance hatchbacks and it will go on sale from 1st of June 2012. The base price is £21 995.

    The Focus ST is propelled by a direct-injection 2.0-litre turbocharged, four-cylinder EcoBoost engine. With it the Ford vehicle is develops 250 horsepower. In addition to that the car is also very fuel efficient maintaining 39.2mpg and emits just 169 g/kg CO2.

    In addition, it comes equipped with unique suspension, non-linear variable-ratio steering and performance brakes. They have all been specifically tuned. Furthermore there can be seen the central exhaust system, trapezoidal front grille, an even the Tangerine Scream paint option.

    2013 Ford Focus ST
    2013 Ford Focus ST

    The Focus ST will be offered in two body-styles – hatchback and estate. They not only provide practicality, but also great performance, high level of comfort, safety and convenience features.

    The standard specification include the following: Ford Power keyless start, Recaro seats, DAB radio, Bluetooth and 18in alloy wheels, with the range-topping ST3 model adding heated, leather seats, Bi-Xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights and keyless entry.

    As an option are available rado-grey alloys wheels, red brake callipers and illuminated scuff plates. Namely, the optional packs are:

    Driver Assistance Pack: Active City Stop, Blind Spot Monitoring, forward camera features (e.g. Lane Keeping Aid, Lane Departure Warning etc.)

    City Pack (Standard on ST-3): Rear Parking Distance Sensors, Power Fold Mirrors;

    ST Style Pack: 18in alloys in rado-grey, red brake callipers, illuminated scuff plates; Sony DAB Navigation with rear view camera

    2013 Ford Focus ST Pricing:

    New Focus ST £21,995 New Focus ST-2  £23,495 New Focus ST-3 £25,495
    18in alloy wheels As ST, plus: As ST-2, plus:
    Recaro Cloth seats Partial Leather trim Leather trim
    Manual A/C DEATC Heated front seats
    Keyless start Sony Radio Bi-Xenon headlamps
    Thatcham alarm Rain sensitive wipers LED DRLs
    DAB radio Auto Headlights Keyless entry
    Bluetooth Self-dimming mirror Power fold mirrors
    USB Quickclear
    ST Floor mats

    Source: Ford

  • Mitsubishi L200 Barbarian Black Special Edition offers style in Black

    Mitsubishi-L200-Barbarian-Black-Special-Edition-THUMBMitsubishi L200 Barbarian Black is the latest limited and special edition model from the brand. It has a striking appearance, powerful on-road stance and stylish features.

    In fact, the added by Mitsubishi stylish accessories come in the form of a black satin roof, sports grille, resin guard, wing mirrors, door handles, fuel filler cap, light bezels, rear bar and side steps. All of these features are the reason for the modification of this amazing special edition vehicle.

    Furthermore, the L200 Barbarian runs on moody black 17” alloy wheels and will surprise its customers with its all new carbon effect leather seats.

    The L200 BLACK is available in the following trim colourd: Starlight Silver (Metallic), Eisen Grey (Pearlescent), Aztec Red (Solid), Sapphire Blue (Metallic), Polar White (Solid), Cosmos Black (Pearlescent), Granite Brown (Metallic).

    Mitsubishi L200 Barbarian Black Special Edition
    Mitsubishi L200 Barbarian Black Special Edition

    This Mitsubishi vehicle can be equipped with both manual and automatic transmission and moreover it includes a wide range of additional equipment to the standard Mitsubishi L200 Barbarian. In particular the Black special edition features: Black 17” alloy wheels, Black wrapped roof, Black front resin guard, Black fog lamp surrounds, Black front sports grille, Black wing mirrors, Black door handles and recess covers, Black side steps, Black fuel filler cap, Black tailgate handle cover, Black rear bar; Stunning new embossed leather design; Outside Temperature/Direction/MPG display panel – a conveniently located complement to the Kenwood system; Barbarian Black side decals.

    Mitsubishi L200 Barbarian Black Special Edition starting price is £23 899.

    Source: Mitsubishi

  • 2013 Peugeot 301 – the new compact four-door saloon

    2013-Peugeot-301-THUMB2013 Peugeot 301 is the new compact four-door saloon from the brand Peugeot, which is made with the aim to conquer the international markets. It has an exciting new design, which undoubtedly will appeal to many people.

    In addition to that the 301 combines both accessibility and improved level of status. In fact, the brand expects for this model to become one of the most successful and best-selling vehicles worldwide.

    2013 Peugeot 301 delivers more luxury and styling due to the new features it includes. In addition to that it incorporates the latest stylistic codes of Peugeot. In other words and as you can see on the pictures below, it offers modern design enhanced with powerful stance.

    2013 Peugeot 301
    2013 Peugeot 301

    The 301 has an overall length of 4.44 metres. This means that it will give its customers optimized and generous structure. Its other basic characteristics are:

    • wheelbase of 2.65 m;

    • volume of 506 dm3;

    • safe handling combined with high levels of comfort;

    • wide range of safety equipment : ESP, ABS, up to four airbags, emergency braking assistance, ISOFIX, etc.

    More importantly the new 301 includes the latest generation petrol and diesel engines, with power values ranging from 71 hp (52 kW) to 115 hp (86 kW). The engines can be equipped with and manual, piloted or automatic gearboxes:

    • 1.2 l VTi 52 kW (71 bhp) (1) with manual or EGC ( electronic gearbox control)

    • 1.6 l HDi 68 kW (92 bhp) with manual gearbox

    • 1.6 l VTi 85 kW (115 bhp) with manual or automatic gearbox

    This Peugeot model will benefit from the new range of 3 cylinder petrol engines (1.2 l VTi) which include advanced technology. Thank to it, they combine driving pleasure and reduced fuel consumption.

    Furthermore, the 301 incorporates modern comfort equipment: electronic air conditioning, MP3 audio system with Bluetooth hands-free kit and USB connection, remote opening of the boot, rear parking assistance, etc.

    The new Peugeot 301 will have its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show in September this year. It will go on sale from 1st of November 2012.

    Source: Peugeot

  • Pricing announced for 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Roadster

    2013-Mercedes-Benz-SL-THUMB2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Roadster is even more exceptional as one can imagine it and is now available with a starting price of £72 495. This is the sixth generation of the world’s most emblematic Roadster and afore mentioned price goes for the SL 350 model. SL 500 will cost the “willing-to-be-driver” £83 445.

    One is most certain, the new 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Roadster is lighter, have sportier stance and more importantly – more efficient. An interesting fact for instance is that the main reason for this is that its body was almost entirely of aluminum. All this combined with its power, which comes from Mercedes-Benz BlueDIRECT direct-injection engine, makes the luxurious car efficient in terms of fuel, yet still not lacking in performance.

    In particular, SL 350 is powered by a BlueDIRECT 3.5-litre V6 engine, which produces 306 horsepower (225 kW) at 6,500 rpm and 370 Nm (273 lb-ft) of torque at 3,500 – 5,250 rpm. The new model will be also responsible for sharper performance. It is able to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in only 5.9 seconds and onto a 155 mph electronically limited top speed. However, its CO2 emissions remain high – 176 g/km. Yet, the fuel economy is more than excellent – 37.7mpg.

    Next, the SL 500 is powered by the 4,663 cc BlueDIRECT V8 engine. This one combines direct injection and twin-turbo technologies. Due tot his fact, it develops 435 hp (320 kW) at 5,250 rpm and an impressive 700 Nm (517 lb-ft) of torque which is available from a low 1,800 rpm to 3,500 rpm. Its sprint from 0 to 100 km/h is even more impressive – it can cover it in just 4.6 seconds. Here as well the speed is electronically limited to 155 mph. Fuel efficiency and CO2 figures are 30.7 mpg on the combined cycle and 214 g/km.

    2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Roadster
    2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Roadster

    Although it is a new 2013 model, the SL-Class retains its classic sports-roadster proportions. It still has a long bonnet and set-back cabin. Nevertheless, the car is now longer, wider and lower than before.

    Something that must be highlighted here as well is that its body construction is mainly made from aluminum. The consequence of this is that it has reduced the weight of the car with circa 140 kg, despite the significant increases in safety and luxury features. Nonetheless, there are parts which are non-aluminum: the magnesium sections of the rear floor and the high-strength steel implants in the front windscreen pillars for peerless open-top safety.

    The body of this Mercedes-Benz vehicle can now be considered stiffer as well. For example, the chassis now includes semi-active adjustable damping or optional Active Body Control, and Direct Steer speed-sensitive power steering. All this results in more nimble and sporty responses with no sacrifice in comfort.

    In terms of safety, the new SL-Class can be considered among the safest roadster in the world. It comes equipped with a comprehensive standard protection features: PRE-SAFE, NECK-PRO, ATTENTION ASSIST and ADAPTIVE BRAKE, pro-active DISTRONIC PLUS AND PRE-SAFE BRAKE (as an option).

    Standard specification includes the following: Pre-safe, Attention Assist and Active Bonnet; Intelligent Light System with bi-Xenon headlamps; Magic Vision Control heated adaptive wiper system; COMAND Online with Media Interface; Sports seats trimmed in leather upholstery; 18” five-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels.

    Source: Mercedes-Benz

  • 2012 Peugeot 208 gains Five Start Euro NCAP Rating

    2012-peugeot-208-THUMB2012 Peugeot 208 is one of the best cars for urban environment due to its smaller dimensions, but spacious cabin. Furthermore, the new Peugeot model now delivers even more comfortability.

    Another advantage that it has is that it now features a new architecture which makes the 208 lighter by 110 kg on average compared to the 207. This leads of course to lower CO2 results and excellent fuel consumption.

    It is also advantageous n terms of safety performance, which is now proven by the Five Star Rating it got by Euro NCAP. In fact, the new 208 is the first car in its segment to get the five stars.

    2012 Peugeot 208
    2012 Peugeot 208

    One of the main reasons for this is not only the improvements of the body architecture made in the 208, but also the standard equipment it now features: ABS, ESP, six airbags, rear Isofix fixings, speed limiter, front seat belt warning, collapsible steering column, and more.

    The structure contributes further to occupant’s protection. It is made of aluminium absorption beam, very high strength steel and ultra-high strength steel panels.

    In fact, the Euro NCAP result is the best proof of the high 208’s level of safety protection in active and passive conditions.

    Source: Peugeot

  • 2013 Mazda CX-5 Receives Five Star Euro NCAP Safety Rating

    2013-Mazda-CX-5-THUMB2013 Mazda CX-5 is surprisingly lightweight, high-rigid, and at the same time safe. The safety performance of the model was recognized by Euro NCAP, which awarded the vehicle after the latest crash tests with five starts!

    The new CX-5 was launched in Europe in February 2012 and in addition to the maximum rating was also proclaimed as “Top Safety Pick 2012” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in the United States.

    The reason for all of these achievements is Mazda‘s new lightweight, highly rigid SKYACTIV-BODY. Thank to it this Mazda model is one of the safest cars in the world.

    2013 Mazda CX-5 with Five Star Euro NCAP Safety Rating
    2013 Mazda CX-5 with Five Star Euro NCAP Safety Rating

    In particular, Euro NCAP rating system awards an overall rating from zero to five stars. The rating is consists of scores in four categories:

    • adult occupant protection(50%);

    • child occupant protection(20%);

    • pedestrian protection(20%);

    • safety assist(10%).

    Next, the ratings in each category are given after the following tests are made: frontal impact at 64km/h, Car-to-car side impact at 50km/h, Pole side impact at 29km/h, Whiplash from rear end impact and pedestrian protection, and evaluation of the Electronic Stability Control (ESC).

    The five starts that the CX-5 just got mean that it has achieved very high scores in all of the four categories. In fact, the 2013 Mazda CX-5 scored amongst the top performers in the small off-road 4×4 category.

    The secret of the success lies in the fact that the CX-5 is the first of Mazda’s new generation of products which employs the lightweight, highly rigid SKYACTIV-BODY.

    Mazda engineers redesigned the body from scratch. They have pondered on all of the fundamental principles of structure, materials, and manufacturing methods and then made the necessary transformation. The aim was to develop the ideal vehicle body, which is now proven to be so by the Euro NCAP rating.

    Source: Mazda

  • 2013 Acura ILX Goes On Sale

    2013-Acura-ILX-THUMB2013 Acura ILX has just been released for sale at Acura dealerships with a starting price of $25 900. The all-new ILX will come to offer more luxury, wide array of premium features and premium appeal.

    The new Acura ILX can offer its customers a choice of three powertrain options. One of them is Acura’s first-ever gasoline-electric hybrid. The latter has spacious interior and deliver sporty driving experience.

    In addition, the ILX will offer a number of new, premium features included as a standard: Keyless Access System with smart entry and pushbutton start, Pandora® internet radio interface and SMS text message function, power moonroof, aluminium wheels and Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®.

    2013 Acura ILX
    2013 Acura ILX

    The entry-level of the model ILX is powered by a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine producing 150 horsepower (110 kW) mated to a Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission.

    For the customers who want dynamic driving experience, the ILX engine range includes the 2.4-liter engine ($29 200, includes the Premium Package). It has an output of 201 horsepower (154 kW) and includes a close-ratio, six-speed manual transmission.

    Next, the ILX Hybrid (with a price starting at $28,900) utilizes 1.5-liter inline engine and an Integrated Motor Assist® electric motor. They are mated to a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). More importantly, the ILX 1.5L Hybrid has an EPA estimated city/highway/combined fuel economy rating of 39/38/38 mpg.

    In details, the Premium Package includes: leather seating surfaces, heated front seats, a power driver’s seat, an upgraded 360 watt stereo system with XM® radio, HID headlights, foglights, 17-inch aluminium wheels, a multi-view rearview camera and an Active Sound Cancellation system to make for a quieter cabin.

    The Technology Package adds further to the Premium one the following: ELS Surround® audio system and a full complement of relevant technologies, including AcuraLink® Satellite Communication System, Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™, AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic with Traffic Rerouting™, AcuraLink Real-Time Weather™ with radar image maps and HomeLink®.

    Source: Honda