Victor Ivanov – Page 184 – Automobiles Review

2011 Ford Fiesta Zetec 1.4 TDCi

Ford Fiesta Zetec 1.4 TDCi is the best small car winner of Diesel Car magazine’s Used Car of the Year Awards 2012.

It is powered by a 1.4 liter turbo-diesel with 67BHP (49 kW) at 4000RPM and 160Nm (118 lb-ft) of torque at 1750RPM. IT is mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox.

0-100 km/h in 14.9 seconds and a top speed of 162 km/h (101 mph). It returns 67.2 mpg on combined cycle and emits just 110 g/km CO2. The overall weight of the vehicle is 1152 kg.

The new Fiesta is quite spacious inside, despite its small size – 3950 mm in length, 1722 mm in width and 1481 mm in height.

Actually, the small car is very good in every aspect. It rides good and handles well and the wind noise is not very loud. The vehicle is very well isolated, so you can go on long trips without any concerns of inconvenience.

The 1.4 TDCi Fieste Zetec is priced from £13 745 for the 3-door variant and goes up to £14 345 for the 5-door variant.

Source: Ford

March 15, 2012

Seat Leon FR+ Supercopa

Seat has announced their super-hot hatchback Leon FR+ Supercopa. It comes with a powerful engine, FR+ looks and some other very nice upgrades.

The exterior features Supercopa badges, re-worked front and rear bumpers, smart side skirts, a more pronounced tailgate spoiler, bespoke BBS 18-inch alloy wheels and unique chrome-tipped, twin exhausts.

It is available in three special colours – Nevada White, Emoción Red and Speed Blue.

The engine range includes a 2.0 liter TSI with 211PS or 2.0 liter TDI CR with 170PS.

The FR+ trim level includes 18” alloy wheels; the SEAT Media System 2.2 which includes satellite-navigation with five-inch colour touchscreen and dynamic route guidance, DAB radio, Bluetooth audio streaming and SD card slot; Bluetooth phone connection; bi-xenon headlights with AFS (Adaptive Front-lighting System) and rear parking sensors.

The prices for 2012 Seat Leon FR+ Supercopa start at £22 530 OTR for the 2.0 TDI with 6-speed manual gearbox.

“This stunning car represents many of the very best elements of SEAT. Gorgeous styling, superb levels of standard equipment and unrivalled value for money are the hallmarks of our cars, and they come together to exceptional effect in the Leon FR+ Supercopa.”, commented SEAT UK Head of Marketing, Chris Stevens.

“I’m sure this special edition model will, quite rightly, quickly become one of our most highly sought-after vehicles.”, Mr. Stevens finished.

Source: Seat

March 15, 2012

2013 Kia Sorento

Kia has released full details about their all new 2013 Sorento CUV (crossover utility vehicle). For 2013, Sorento’s utility and functionality are boosted further by adjusting content to suit consumer needs more than ever before.

Among the upgrades, the 2013 model now features leather upholstery as standard for the EX trim level and standard third-row seat for the LX V6 trim. Furthermore, the entry-level LX now offers the optional UVO powered by Microsoft®4 voice-activated infotainment system based on the Windows®4 Embedded Automotive platform. The LX Convenience Plus Package includes an 8-way power driver’s seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and a First Aid Kit for family-minded consumers.

The exterior of 2013 Sorento is also changed. It has a new front fascia, some body color accents and 17” alloy wheels fitted with 235/65R17 tires. If the customer opts for the top-of-range SX model, he or she can also enjoy to LED taillights, a set of nice ten-spoke 18” alloy wheels with 235/60R18 tires and a chrome exhaust tip.

The Sorento CUV is available in four trim levels – LX, EX and SX. The engine range includes three different engines – a 2.4 liter MPI four-cylinder petrol with 177PS (131 kW) and 229Nm (169 lb-ft) of torque, a 2.4 liter GDI four-cylinder petrol with 194PS (142 kW) and 245Nm (181 lb-ft) and a mighty 3.5 liter V6 with 280PS (206 kW) and 336Nm (248 lb-ft). All are mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission as the FWD is standard and AWD is available as an option.

The safety is at very high level. The 2013 Sorento comes with driver and passenger advanced front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, first and second row side curtain airbags and front active headrests, four-wheel Antilock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD). Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) and Downhill Brake Control (DBC).

2013 Kia Sorento is covered by comprehensive warranty program11, which offers consumer protection at an exceptional value.

Included in this program are a 10-year/100 000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a five-year/60 000-mile limited basic warranty and a five-year/100 000-mile anti-perforation warranty. A five-year/60 000-mile roadside assistance plan also is part of the comprehensive vehicle coverage.

Source: Kia

March 14, 2012

Hartge BMW 1-Series M Coupe

Hartge has announced their tuning program for the astonishing BMW 1-Series M Coupe – E82 model. The sports car comes with stayling and performance package.

The 3.0 liter twin-turbocharged inline-six cylinder petrol engine is boosted to 401PS (295 kW) and 530Nm (391 lb-ft), which is an increase of 61PS and 30Nm of torque. These results are thanks to an ECU re-map and new stainless steel sport exhaust system. 0-100 km/h is not mentioned, but 0 to 200 km/h is in 11.34 seconds, which is ful 2.18 seconds faster than the normal version of 1-Series M.

The exterior upgrades include a new black paint, a set of lowering sport springs, which drop the ride with 30 mm closer to the ground improving not only stance, but the handling of the car. There is also a nice boot lip spoiler, a roof-mounted spoiler and enormous Hartge wheels fitted with low-profile performance tires. The interior boasts a set of aluminium pedals and HARTGE floor mats in black velour.

Source: Hartge

March 14, 2012

2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

The new 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is ready to hit the market. The vehicle is put on tough, practical testing, which focuses on the key customer requirements of safety, economy and comfort.

Some of the innovations include a 7-speed torque-converter automatic transmission. So, the new Sprinter is the first van in the world to be available with it. The fuel consumption is reduced even further by the BlueEFFICIENCY package and a higher axle ratio. Other very important technology is the standard fitted ESP – stability control program.

Like all new components of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, these new features have to demonstrate their ability to withstand extreme testing in unforgiving conditions near the Arctic Circle.
The testing program includes starting and running at minus 30 degrees Celsius and even lower. Everything is tested, from the cold-start of the engine equipped with the BlueEFFICIENCY package through the new 7-speed automatic gearbox and other control systems. Their sensors have to be tuned with absolute precision to ensure that the systems are always ready to intervene with corrective measures – regardless of how hostile the operating conditions may be.

The fuel consumption is one of the most important features for the working vehicles. So the new Sprinter can be equipped with BlueEFFICIENCY package, which cuts it with 0.5 liters per 100 km. It comprises of the ECO start/stop function, tyres with reduced rolling resistance, the ECO power steering pump, alternator management and an electrically controlled fuel pump. The result is excellent – 7.4 liters per 100 km.

Stay tuned for full specs and prices.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

March 14, 2012

2012 Dacia Lodgy – Price €9900

Dacia Lodgy is priced from just €9 900 in France. The family MPV can be equipped with up to seven seats and combines a high standard of comfort with a roomy cabin and a spacious boot.

The engine range includes: a 1.6 liter MPI with 85PS, a 1.5 liter dCi with 90PS and with 110PS. The new 1.2 liter TCe will be available later this year. It will develop 115PS and return very good mileage.

The impression of quality exuded by Dacia Lodgy’s occupant-friendly cabin is optimised by a long list of features:

a new dashboard design incorporating a new centre fascia-mounted radio and multimedia MEDIA NAV system with seven-inch (18cm) wide-screen display,

new status-enhancing upholsteries,

chrome trim details: air vent surrounds (depending on version), centre console surround, door handles, gear lever knob insert, logo surround, plus gloss black details for centre fascia and steering wheel (depending on version),

driver-friendly controls: door-mounted front/rear electric window controls, door mirror adjustment control on the left-hand side of the dashboard and heater/climate controls towards the top of the centre console,

a practical, safe and driver-friendly high-up driving position.

Check out the specs and prices below.

Dimensions
Length	4,498mm
Overall height (without roof bars):	1,682mm (five seats) / 1,679mm (seven seats)
Width	1,751mm
Wheelbase	2,810mm
Front/rear overhang	822mm / 866mm
Front/rear track	1,492mm / 1,478mm
Front/second row/third row elbow room	1,408mm / 1,466mm / 1,370mm
Second row/third row knee room	177mm / 144mm
Boot volume with seven seats/five seats/two seats in place	207dm3 / 827dm3 / 2 617dm3
Load sill height	605mm
Maximum load length	1,230mm to 1,500mm
Prices	Lodgy	Ambiance	Lauréate	Prestige
1.6 MPI 85	€9 900	€10 900
1.5 dCi 90		€13 900	€14 900	€15 900
1.5 dCi 110		€14 500	€15 500	€16 500

Options list:

• Seven seats: €490
• Metallic paint: €460
• ESC: €300
• Spare wheel: €120
• MEDIA NAV (standard for Prestige versions): €430
• Rear parking sensors (standard for Prestige versions): €200
• Dacia Plug & Radio (Ambiance and Lauréate versions): €200
• Manual climate control (Ambiance version): €900
• Electric rear windows (Lauréate version): €150

Source: Dacia

March 14, 2012

2012 Alfa Romeo Giulietta 1.6 JTDm – 48 x £299

Alfa Romeo has launched a superb offer for the new 2012 Giulietta 1.6 JTDm Lusso. It is available until 31 March and includes a £1500 deposit contribution from Alfa Romeo UK, and 3 years complimentary servicing, with just £299 deposit and 47 x £299 monthly repayments.

At the end of the contract, the customer have a choice of either part exchanging, handing the car back, or if they wish to own the vehicle, an optional final payment would be required.

The buyer also benefit from an exclusive after-sales support package:

3 years complimentary servicing**
3 years unlimited mileage warranty
3 years AA roadside assistance
3 years paintwork warranty
8 year anti-perforation warranty

The standard equipment of Alfa Giulietta Lusso includes D.N.A selectable drive mode system, rear parking sensors, visibility pack, cruise control, dual zone automatic climate control, and exclusive Blue&Me™ hands free technology including USB & Aux –in.

The highly efficient 1.6 liter JTDm diesel returns an impressive 64.2 mpg on combined cycle and produces just 114 g/km CO2. It develops 105PS (77 kW) and 320Nm (236 lb-ft) of torque.

So, if you like Alfa Rome be hurry and arrange a test drive of the Giulietta 1.6 JTDm 105 bhp Lusso. The offer is available throughout March.

Source: Alfa Romeo

March 14, 2012

2012 Geneva Motor Show: Chevrolet Cruze Station Wagon

Chevrolet has introduced the new Cruze Station Wagon at the 82nd International Geneva Motor Show. It was exhibited alongside two youth concept cars – the Code 130R and Tru 140S. The manufacturer also displayed their latest on-board infotainment – Chevrolet MyLink.

The new Cruze Station Wagon will be offered with a five power units – a 1.6 liter and a 1.8 liter petrol engines and a new 1.4 liter turbocharged petrol. The diesel range includes an improved 2.0 liter, which is currently available for the saloon version and a new 1.7 liter VCDi featuring start-stop technology – 132PS (97 kW) and CO2 emission of 119 g/km.

The exterior features new front fascia, modified headlights and some new sets of alloy wheels. The interior boasts different center console and a better choice of seat fabrics and colors.

The vehicle has another great advantage – an incredible load space of almost 1500 liters with rear seats fold down.

Option list include keyless entry and start, a rearview camera and Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system.

Chevrolet Cruze Station Wagon Geneva 2012

Source: Chevrolet

March 13, 2012

Nissan DeltaWing experimental racecar

Nissan has revealed an interesting concept vehicle. It is called DeltaWing and it will showcase the pioneering technology that will show one potential direction for the future of motorsport and will feed into the research and development of future technologies, that filter down to Nissan’s road car product range.

It is powered by a race-prepared 1.6-litre four-cylinder direct injected turbocharged petrol engine. It is badged DIG-T (Direct Injection Gasoline – Turbocharged) and is expected to produce around 300HP, sufficient to give Nissan DeltaWing lap times between LMP1 and LMP2 machines at Le Mans, despite having only half the power of those conventional prototypes.

“As motor racing rulebooks have become tighter over time, racing cars look more and more similar and the technology used has had less and less relevance to road car development. Nissan DeltaWing aims to change that and we were an obvious choice to become part of the project,” said Andy Palmer, Executive Vice President, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

“But this is just the start of our involvement. Nissan DeltaWing embodies a vast number of highly-innovative ideas that we can learn from. At the same time, our engineering resources and commitment to fuel efficiency leadership via our PureDrive strategy will help develop DeltaWing into a testbed of innovation for Nissan. This announcement gives Nissan the opportunity to become part of a ground-breaking motorsport project and one which could shape the future of the sport,” he added.

Nissan DeltaWing is extremely different than everything else on track. The driver sits well back in the car, almost over the rear axle and looks ahead down a long, narrow fuselage to narrow twin front tyres, specially created for the car by tyre partner Michelin.

The engine is rear-mounted and the car has a strong rearward weight bias, which makes it highly manoeuvrable, while its light weight and slippery shape make it far more efficient.

Stay tuned for more information about the Wing!

Source: Nissan

March 13, 2012

Renault Clio RS Red Bull Racing RB7

Renault has announced their special edition Clio RS Red Bull Racing RB7. Actually, the model capitalises on the basic model’s acclaimed strengths, something which is sure not to escape sporting car and motorsport enthusiasts.

“Clio R.S. Red Bull Racing RB7 is a hot hatch combining stunning looks with the very latest features to have been developed by the wizards at Renault Sport Technologies,” commented Jean-Maxime Boulanger, Clio Renault Sport Product Manager.

“Clio R.S. Red Bull Racing RB7 is a dynamic car which will definitely turn heads. It is a tribute to the very close ties that exist between Renault Sport Technologies and Renault Sport F1!”, he added.

The Clio RS RB7 boasts a nice Profond Black exterior with some yellow accents, checkered decal and of course Red Bull badges. The exterior is completed by a set of nice 18” alloy wheels fitted with performance tires – Bridgestone RE050A.

It is powered by a 2.0 liter four-cylinder petrol engine with 203PS (149 kW) and 215Nm (159 lb-ft). 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds and a top speed of 225 km/h (140 mph).

The price for this toy is not low – €27 900. It will be available in France, Spain, Switzerland, Belgium and Austria.

Clio R.S. Red Bull Racing RB7 badge is the first limited edition in a series which go on to include Twingo R.S. and Megane R.S.

Source: Renault

March 13, 2012

Chevrolet COPO Camaro Concept

Chevrolet will put in production the Copo Camaro, which was the brand’s first purpose-built Camaro drag-racing specialty car designed to compete with the quickest in NHRA’s Stock Eliminator and Super Stock classes.

“The COPO Camaro is going to shake up the sportsman drag racing ranks this summer and give Chevy fans a great new reason to cheer on the Bowtie,” said Jim Campbell, GM U.S. vice president of Performance Vehicles & Motorsports.

“COPO builds off the strengths that have made the Camaro the best-selling sports car in America. And while it was developed strictly for the drag strip, the COPO Camaro is infused with the same performance pedigree that every Camaro shares.”, he added.

The engine range includes three superb power units: An LS7-based naturally aspirated 427 (7.0L) V-8, a supercharged, LSX-based 327 (5.3L) V-8 featuring a 2.9L supercharger and a supercharged, LSX-based 327 (5.3L) V-8 featuring a 4.0L supercharger.

There will be five colors available: Flat Black, Summit White, Victory Red, Silver Ice Metallic and Ashen Gray Metallic.

The COPO Camaro is designed to NHRA racing specifications including a solid axle and a full chrome moly roll cage. Inside, most of the standard sound deadening and power accessories have been deleted in order to optimize weight for NHRA racing. Also included is a pair of racing bucket seats (no rear seat), a safety harness for the driver, a competition floor shifter and Chevrolet Performance gauges.

Pricing starts at $89 000 and only 69 units will be built for this year.

Source: Chevrolet

March 12, 2012

2012 Geneva Motor Show: Jaguar XF Sportbrake

Jaguar has announced the new XF Sportbrake at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. Practically, it is a Touring version of the XF series, but with sportier and more sleek appearance.

“There is a faily high roofline by necessity, but because of the rising waistline, it still gives the impression of this tapering side window so the car still looks low and lean.”, commented Jaguar Studio Director Wayne Burgess.

“This is precisely why Jaguar chose to include the word “sport” in the vehicle’s name.”, he added.

The XF Sportbrake boasts an impressive cargo area of 1 675 liters. It is also not much heavier than the saloon – just under 70kg.

The engine range includes two diesel units – the super-efficient 2.2 liter four cylinder and the mighty 3.0 liter V6. Both are coupled with an 8-speed automatic gearbox, which sends all torque to the rear wheels.

Stay tuned for more details!

Source: Jaguar

March 12, 2012

Author: Victor Ivanov