Automobiles Review

Author: Victor Ivanov

  • 2011 Vauxhall Meriva with full diesel range

    2011 Vauxhall Meriva now has full diesel engine line up with the addition of two ultra-efficient power units. So the engine range of Meriva now features three petrol and four diesel power plants.

    The first new engine is 1.3 CDTi with 95PS, which will power all Meriva ecoFLEX models. The power unit features a variable geometry turbocharger and is mated to a gearbox with taller ratios. The result is 62.8 mpg and only 119g/km of CO2.

    The more sportier engine is 1.7CDTi with 130PS and 300Nm of torque available from 2000-2500rpm. The sprint from 0 to 100km/h is covered in 9.9 seconds and the top speed is 121mph. (more…)

  • Abarth Punto Evo – True hot hatchback

    Abarth Punto Evo is powered by award-winning MultiAir 1.4 litre turbo engine featuring cutting edge technologies. The power unit combines performance and eco-friendliness. The numbers are astonishing – 0 to 62 mph in 7.9 seconds and still the car returns 47.1mpg on the combined cycle. And by employing Start&Stop and an in-cockpit Gear Shift Indicator (GSI) this Abarth both conforms to Euro 5 emissions regulations and emits a very un-performance car-like 142g/km of CO2.

    The sports package includes 17″ alloys, body coloured rear spoiler and side skirts, specially tuned race suspension and satin finish twin tailpipes. (more…)

  • 2011 BMW X3 – The leader in the premium sports activity market

    The new small SAV from BMW is ready to raise the bar in the premium sports activity market this year when the model goes on sale in the UK. X3 will be the lowest-emission four-wheel drive model in its segment. Furthermore, it is the first to have start-stop with auto transmission, unparalleled agility, significantly upgraded cabin and a raft of sector-first technology.

    Some of the features of 2011 BMW X3 are a class-leading diesel engine, numerous chassis configurations courtesy of Variable Damper Control, as well as UK specific equipment packages and innovations such as Head-up Display and online connectivity, thanks to ConnectedDrive. (more…)

  • Vauxhall Corsa now costs less than £8000

    The Big Summer Vauxhall Countdown is going to be available between 17th and 31st July. Customers will benefit from low prices whenever they visit their local Vauxhall Retailer during the promotion.

    For 2 weeks, Vauxhall Retailers will be offering some extraordinary deals, including the Corsa S 1.0-litre 3dr for £7995 when combined with its Swappage Support scheme. This means that the buyers will save a bit over 3 thousand pounds from the list price of £11 030. (more…)

  • Volkswagen Golf VI Bluemotion awarded Green Car of the Year

    VW Golf VI Bluemotion is trully amazing car capable of doing 74.3 mpg and also freed from road tax. The vehicle is named Green Car of the Year at the What Car? Green Awards, held in association with Warranty Direct.

    “Volkswagen has built a hugely desirable car that’s big on ability, but small on running costs. The Golf BlueMotion does an enviable 74.3mpg and emits just 99g/km of CO2, which means it is exempt from road tax, while company car tax will be based on just 13% of its £18,685 list price. It’s a package that’s hard to beat. VW dealers are going to be busy.”, commentedWhat Car? editor-in-chief Steve Fowler. (more…)

  • Ferrari 458 CHALLENGE makes its debut at Maranello

    Ferrari 458 Challenge has made its official debut in Maranello during the Annual Dealer Meeting. The traditional event brings together the representatives of Ferrari’s international sales network.

    Just a few month after the 458 Italia, which was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the 458 Challenge boasts a lot of significant upgrades, which will help the car to adapt for competition use. (more…)

  • Toyota Prius benefits from Safety Pack option

    Toyota Prius is undoubtedly the most famous hybrid car in the world. It is already one of the most technologically advanced cars offered on the market and the third generation Prius now offers even more sophisticated features with the introduction of a new Safety Pack option.

    Toyota’s Pre-Crash Safety system (PCS) and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), which use radar-based controls to help the driver avoid road accidents happening. Both systems are joined by a list of other style, luxury and comfort features. (more…)

  • Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid – reasonable performance

    2010 Porsche Cayenne was put on sale on May 29, and in just four weeks since over 16 000 orders have been received worldwide. The SUV proven its qualities and become the best selling Porsche in the company’s history. The new Cayenne features a driver-oriented chassis that has been designed to combine sports car handling on the road with the added versatility of being able to cover ground quickly and safely, regardless of the terrain.

    Visitors to the Goodwood Festival of Speed held on July 1 to 4 experienced the outstanding agility of the Cayenne first-hand by enjoying high-speed passenger rides around a specially-designed dynamics course. (more…)

  • 2010 Mercedes Benz Viano – space, comfort and BlueEFFICIENCY

    2010 Mercedes-Benz Viano raises the benchmark for comfort, material quality and efficiency in large-capacity vehicles to a whole new level. The VAN comes with improved interior of both cockpit and passenger compartment sets new standards, as does an efficient new drive system.

    The vehicle also adopts BlueEFFICIENCY technology, which comes as standard, ensuring maximum fuel economy and minimum environmental impact.

    Inside, Viano offers comfort and operating convenience better than ever. There are new interior trim materials, which improve the look of the vehicle significantly. A key feature of a new lighting concept for the passenger compartment is the impressive ambient lighting system. (more…)

  • SSC Ultimate Aero will try to become world fastest production car for second time

    Recently, Bugatti Veyron Super Sports was clocked at 431.072 km/h – average speed of two runs. This is the most powerful and the fastest production car in the world – the W16 quad-turbo engine develops whopping 1200hp and 1500Nm of torque.

    The SSC Ultimate Aero will try to beat the record. SSC is powered by 6.2 liter twin-turbo V8 engine delivering 1 183hp at 6950 rpm and 1483Nm torque at 6150 rpm. The super sports car weighs just 1 292 kg, so it have power-to-weight ratio almost 1:1.  The 6-speed transmission is readjusted to increase the theoretical top speed to 437 kilometres per hour (272 mph) at 7200 rpm.

    Shelby said: “When the Ultimate Aero broke the record in 2007, we knew it was just a matter of time until it was broken by someone else.” (more…)

  • Citroen Survolt at the Le Mans Circuit

    Citroen Survolt Concept raced for the first time at the legendary Le Mans Circuit last weekend, at the Le Mans Classic.

    The car is 100% battery-powered – which is very rare in the world of racing. Citroen Survolt charged around the course, followed closely by the stunning GTbyCITROËN concept and a parade of stylish DS3 models.

    The concept was driven by racing driver, Vanina Ickx, who said: “I am very proud to have participated in this unique project.  On the track it felt really good.  It’s a real race car, with a very promising potential for the future.” (more…)

  • 2011 MINI Countryman combines versatility, comfort and exclusiveness

    2011 MINI Countryman takes the driving pleasure into a new dimension. This is the first MINI with four doors and big tailgate while the a versatile interior offers space for up to five people. The body length is more than 4 metres so there is plenty of inside space. Furthermore, the seating position is raised and the ride comfort is optimised.

    There are three petrol and two diesel engines in the range. The puniest petrol variant is in MINI One Countryman developing 98hp. The next is MINI Cooper Countryman with 122 hp and the top-of-range 184 hp MINI Cooper S Countryman, whose 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine is the most efficient unit in its displacement class. (more…)