New Mazda MX5 Prices

The eagerly-awaited all-new Mazda MX-5 – on sale in the UK from November – will be priced from £15,600 up to £18,900 on-the-road, Mazda Motors UK announced today ( Friday 29 July 2005 ), and is available to pre- order from www.mx5liveit.co.uk from Monday ( 1 August 2005 ).

The third‑generation Mazda MX-5 continues the tradition of affordable open-top motoring with the entry-level 1.8-litre 126ps model priced at just a £100 premium over the current second‑generation 1.8i model. The 2.0-litre 160ps model starts at £16,600 on-the-road, while the 2.0-Sport is priced at £18,900 – just £900 more than the current Sport model which is powered by a 1.8-litre 146ps engine.

The 2.0-litre Special Edition Launch Model, in striking Velocity Red with red leather seats, premium BOSE audio system and chrome detailing and priced at £19,995 on-the-road, was available exclusively to Mazda MX-5 Owners Club members from 4 July on the pre-order website, while a limited number are still available for all MX-5 enthusiasts to order from Monday, (1 August 2005).

Meanwhile, the current second-generation Mazda MX-5 continues to fly out of the showrooms with sales in June exceeding expectations for the Zoom-Zoom manufacturer. A restricted number of the current model are still available – including the Mazda MX-5 Icon Limited Edition model priced from £16,600 featuring unique black and orange leather interior – although stocks are likely to run out by the end of August.

Mazda Goes Eco-Friendly

Mazda Press Release

A new painting process is now incorporated onto Mazda's production line, following close collaboration with Nippon Paint Company.

The two companies have developed a new electrodeposition basecoat, known as e-coating that substantially reduces both volatile organic compounds (VOC) and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Raising Mazda's painting process to a new world standard, e-coating efficiently adheres paint to metal surfaces and raises the rust protection quality of Mazda vehicles.

The launch of this new painting technology began in May 2005 at the Ujina No.2 Plant at Mazda's global headquarters in Hiroshima , and will be extended to all of its main production facilities in Japan by the end of 2005.

Mazda has already completed the introduction of its world-first "Three Layer Wet Paint System" to all of its plants in Japan . The Mazda Three Layer method combines the primer, base and clear coats into one painting process, significantly reducing the burden on the environment. Mazda is aiming to be greener in its manufacturing policies and also improve the rust protection quality of its vehicles with the Three Layer painting system and the new e-coating process. By employing these two technologies, Mazda's painting process has advanced to a new level of eco-friendliness.

The introduction of this e-coating technology results in several advantages:

• Lowers VOC emissions that occur during basecoat painting at Mazda's plants in Japan by 32 tons per year, a reduction of 50 per cent.
• Reduces CO2 emissions during paint manufacture by 8.8 tons per year.
• Reduces by 10 per cent the volume of basecoat materials that are necessary compared to previously utilised painting methods.
• Improves rust protection through a more uniform thickness of paint film on the vehicle inner bodies.

The electrodeposition painting process involves vehicle bodies being immersed in a paint tank, with an electrical current passing through the steel parts causing the paint to adhere to the metal surfaces.

Using an electrical charge facilitates an excellent paint-to-metal bond, and is generally used to help prevent corrosion on all body surfaces. However, with conventional paints, discrepancies in paint film thickness can result between the inside and outside body surfaces because it is difficult for electrical currents to reach all interior parts and form an even paint film on interior surfaces.

The newly developed e-coating has modified paint characteristics that raise the paint's electrical resistance, enabling the electrical current to reach inner surfaces more easily and reducing the amount of electricity used during painting. This provides sufficient paint thickness on inside surfaces and increases rust protection.

Optimal paint thickness is usually achieved on vehicle body outer surfaces because the electrical current flows more easily to exteriors than to internal areas. Prior to the introduction of the new e-coating system, excess paint accumulated on outer surfaces during conventional painting. With e-coating, the thickness is better regulated, allowing for a reduction in the total amount of paint necessary.

Fact Or Fiction

Hot European countries sell more convertibles than the UK?

Fiction: The UK sells roughly three times more topless cars than either France or Italy. Only Germany, by far the largest European market for new cars sells more convertibles each year but their 45.7 per cent growth in the market since 1999 is still dwarfed by the UK's hike of 154 per cent.

Kia Picanto Glamour Night

Kia Motors UK have teamed up with Glamour Magazine. The agreement will involve an editorial in the September edition of Glamour (published 4th August) and the rights to name the special edition Picanto and The Dealer Glamour Nights after the Magazine.

The Kia Picanto Glamour Night will be a high profile, nationally supported promotion, combining the popularity of Glamour Magazine with the brand values of Kia Motors and of course the special edition “Picanto Glamour”.

The September edition of Glamour will include a special 8-page supplement on smart value shopping and the Picanto Glamour features on every page along with the Kia website address. A reader competition to win a Picanto Glamour is included. Over 600K copies of Glamour are printed and the September issue will be on sale on 4th August.

MG Rover Deal Under Threat

Just as I suspected, reports are coming out that Shanghai Automotive are suspicious about the recent buyout of MG Rover, by its fellow countrymen Nanjing Automotive. According to a report by the BBC, SAIC is unhappy with the "discriminatory" decision and may take legal action.

In the report, PwC administrator Tony Lomas said the deal with Nanjing, China's oldest carmaker, was rock solid. He said: "Nanjing has paid a non-refundable deposit and there will be a letter-of-credit payment in respect of the rest of the money," he told the BBC. "It is an unconditional contract."

Industry insiders claim Nanjing Automotive, which specializes in the building of trucks, lacks the financial clout to produce new MG Rovers in the UK and keep the company out of trouble. So far I have not read anything coming out of the Chinese firm to counter these claims and so one wonders if these rumors hold any water.

Watch this space.

Mazda RX8 Prodrive & Free Servicing

As if buying a Mazda RX8 was not exciting enough, there's also an added incentive with 2 years free servicing/25,000 miles, whichever comes sooner, from participating dealers until the 30th September 2005.

And there's more! Every customer who buys a brand new RX8 before Sept 30th, will also recieve a free complimentary Performance Driving Course valued at £375. Conducted by motorsport specialists, Prodrive, this is a fantastic opportunity to gain an exhilarating insight into the true capabilities and potential of this car.

Apparently all you have to do is once you pick up your new car, book your place and take the course no later than 6 months from the date of your cars 1st registration.

Last year the Mazda RX-8 won the Auto Express Best Coupé Award and the What Car? Coupé of the Year. This year again it has scooped Coupé of the Year 2005 to add to its title as the winner in the What Car? Best for Value category.

Diesel Market Hits All Time High

Despite the rise in diesel fuel at the pumps, the diesel car market took 36.8 market share, the highest YTD.

This is the 56th successive monthly rise and the 12.1 per cent growth in May was the best rise this year. Diesel volumes have risen by 5.8 per cent over the year-to-date, pushing their market share from 30.9 to 34.8 per cent.

The forecast for the diesel market is 35.6 per cent by the end of 2005 and 38.2 per cent by the end of 2006.

The Ford Mondeo beat the Golf to be the best selling diesel model in May, but the Golf remained top over the year-to-date.

New Mazda MX-5 Specification

I managed to pick up the preliminary specification, although its still subject to homologation, for the UK version of the forth coming Mazda MX-5.

I have seen some specification for the US version but this naturally differs from what we get here in the UK.

I have it on good authority that the final model line up will be as follows:

1.8i MZR
2.0i MZR
2.0i MZR Sport

1.8i MZR will have 126ps, 167 Nm of torque @ 450o rpm, a 5-speed manual gearbox & CO2 emissions of 171 g/km.

2.0i MZR will have 160 ps, 188 Nm of torque @ 5000 rpm, a 5-speed manual gearbox & C02 emmisions of 193 g/km.

2.0i MZR Sport has identical power unit but is aligned with a 6-speed manual gearbox.

Standard equipment for the 1.8i MZR will be as follows:

• 4 speaker audio system
• Dual front airbags
• Power heated outer mirrors
• Remote central locking
• CD Player

The 2.0i MZR will get the following equipment over and above the 1.8i MZR:

• Side airbags
• Limited slip differential
• Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with Traction Control System (TCS)

The 2.0i MZR Sport will get the following equipment over and above the 1.8i & 2.0i MZR:

• Alloy pedals
• 17" alloy wheels
• Front fog lamps
• Heated leather seats
  

Optional equipment for all models will include 16" alloy wheels and be offered with a host of accessories such as:

• Rear luggage carrier in chrome
• Exterior trim kit in chrome or aluminium look
• Interior trim kit in piano black or brushed aluminium
• Style bar and mesh wind blocker

Due in the UK showrooms around November, the new Mazda MX-5 looks set to be a winner and continue its track record as one of the worlds best selling roadsters.

The current model has seized production in the UK, but they are still some unregistered models and some fantastic deals in the showrooms, although these are in limited numbers now. In fact as part of the sizzling summer campaign by Mazda, sports car fans snapped up almost 800 of the two-seater favourite Mazda MX5 in June, ahead of the new model launching this winter.

Dont you just want one.

Peugeot 1007 returns online

A recent story I came across in a magazine about the new Peugeot 1007's UK launch caught my attention. Not because its a new car, I mean new car launches seem an everyday occurance these days, but in the way it was to be launched.

The story talks about how Colin Bernard, the new media manager at Peugeot, has been challenged with the task of launching the 1007 (pronounced one thousand and seven as to not upset James Bond), as part of a £2 million advertising campaign across TV, web and mobiles. Part of that budget is going on a dedicated microsite which Peugeot hope to attract a retail audience that "dont spend hours traipsing around showrooms or researching their next car."

What I find astonishing and highly amusing is that why Peugeot should think that launching a microsite for a car is a challenge is beyond me. Unless the board of executives at Peugeot have been living on Mars for the last 10 years, don't they realise that this the norm these days? In the minds of these people, the internet must still be for geeks. Don't they realise that the internet is where a lot of people go to anyway before making a trip to the showroom. Informed choices have always been the way customers buy cars, whether it be from a newspaper, TV or radio.

Why does the motor industry always seem slow to catch up with new media, and when they do, its as if they have set the standard. Microsites or mini-sites have been around for a lot of years now and should not be hailed as something new, just the norm.

Now if Peugeot really want to set a challenge to their new media mogul, then I suggest they work out a way to get this all this information off the site and on to hand held devices and mobiles.

And if Peugeot are reading this, welcome to our world!

Nanjing Saves MG Rover

Well I kind of guessed MG Rover would be saved but what was suprising was who actually saved it. It looked like Shanghai Automotive were going to buy the remaining asssets but a bid by late rival Nanjing Automotive stole the day.

I must admit it all whiffs a bit as this could have been sorted long before MG Rover went into administration. This is why I say at the top of this article that I had a hunch it was all going to be resolved.

Now its a case of wait and see what happens. Already artist impressions of what the next generation MG Rovers will look like are going around the net and assurances by Nanjing about how they will do their level best to help some of the people who sweated blood for the ailing car group for many years.

I suppose the good news for the consumer and current MG Rover owners is that they can now sleep soundly knowing that the bargain MG Rover deals on offer from dealers have proved to be a sound investment. It will only be a matter of time before the prices creep back up as confidence builds in the product. There was never any risk in buying one in my opinion as this buyout was always going happen.

Mazda RX8 Takes New Car Honours

In the latest edition of Auto Express, the Mazda RX8 took best coupe award in the Auto Express New Car Honours for the second consecutive year. So far this year the rotary powered sports car has took no less than 39 accolades internationally, and won at least ten awards in the UK, outlining this unique coupe's global success.

Auto Express praised the coupe for its individuality and uniqueness: "What’s this, a four door winning the coupé award? Of course the Mazda RX-8 doesn’t exactly pay attention to convention. Picking up this award for the second time, the mould-breaking Japanese coupé has proved it’s not just a flash in the pan."

There are two engines to choose from and both are powered by a newly developed rotary engine, RENESIS that combines high levels of performance potential, with acceptable fuel consumption and low emissions. Top of the range is the 230 which produces 231ps at 8,200rpm achieving 211Nm of maximum torque at 5,500rpm and can reach 0-62 mph in 6.4 secs, and a top speed of 146 mph.

At just £20,500 for the entry model 192, the Mazda RX8 is a sports car which suits most budgets, and as well as appealing to true sports car enthusiasts, also proves popular with families thanks to its pillarless freestyle door system allowing easy access for children and adults, unlike conventional coupés.

Handling is good too which led Auto Express to say: "In fact the RX-8 is a joy to drive. With great turn‑in and a fun-loving nature, it’s a hugely entertaining car.

Auto Express concluded: "The whole package looks even better when you consider the equipment and value for money. No wonder it remains our top rated coupé."

The unfaltering demand for Mazda RX-8 has been further boosted by the endurance racing in the S1 Production Series with five race wins this season demonstrating that Mazda RX‑8’s unique rotary engine not only provides exhilarating performance, but is durable and reliable even under the most extreme driving conditions. The true speed and reliability of the Mazda RX‑8 will be further put to the test with races taking place at Oulton Park on 6 August and a 24-hour endurance race at Silverstone on 11-12 September.

Kia Picanto Voted Germany's Most Economical Car

The ADAC, a highly respectable automobile club in Germany, has revealed that the Kia Picanto is Germany's "most economical car" in the A-segment.

Using the ADAC's database of 5,500 new cars, the data of the survey confirms the conclusion that the total annual ownership costs for a Kia Picanto 1.1 LX five-door hatchback was 4,537 Euros or just 30.2 cents per kilometre - making it the economic champion of Germany in its class.

For the survey, published in April 2005, the total annual ownership costs were calculated over a four year period, covering 15,000 kilometres each year, and include purchase price, depreciation, residual value, scheduled servicing and maintenance, fuel, tyres, brakes, insurance, taxes and VAT.

"The ADAC's confirmation that the Picanto really is an incredibly economical small car to own, is great news for Kia," commented Jean-Charles Lievens, Senior Vice President Kia Europe. "Picanto was created with European consumers in mind. It was designed to appeal to their hearts and emotions as well as their sense of style, while delivering a lively drive with a spacious cabin and high levels of safety. Picanto is also one of the cleanest, least-polluting cars in Europe with a C02 rating of just 118 g/km.

"Now, we have independent confirmation that those numerous appealing attributes are also backed up by long-term low ownership costs. Picanto sales in Europe so far this year have reached more than 45,000 units and this latest endorsement from the ADAC will encourage further rises in demand for what is already our most popular model," concluded Mr Lievens.

As well as beating the 10 closest rivals (shown in the table below) the Kia Picanto 1.1 LX performed better in Germany than well established models from several major European manufacturers including Renault (Twingo 1.2, 32.0 cents), Ford (Ka 1.3, 32.1), Opel (Agila 1.0, 32.4), Volkswagen (Lupo 3L TDI, 33.6) and Smart (Roadster 0.7, 38.8).

Hyundai Getz a Facelift

Recent pictures have been doing the rounds of a new facelift version of the popular Hyundai Getz. Sources say the car will make its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show later this year.

There have been changes to both interior and exterior, most notably the front grille, headlamps and bumper which have taken on a more aggressive look reminiscent of the 206. New interior trim and styling as well as new body colours, have been designed to appeal to the younger generation with an aluminium look to the central dash area.

Challenging heavyweight contenders like the Volkswagen Polo, Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa, this B-segment car has been a huge success for Hyundai since its launch in the UK in 2002, with a string of awards such as Whatcar? Budget Car Of The Year and Scottish Car of the Year in 2004.

Hyundai have recently reduced the cost of a Getz to only £5995 with aggressive TV and internet campaigns, as well as throw in free insurance and free servicing packages to compliment the already class leading specification.

The new facelift Getz should be in the UK showroom towards the end of the year and is expected to be in production for at least another two years before being replaced.

National Trends From Britains Second Hand Car Buyers

Analysis of the most popular makes and models searched for on the Auto Trader website reveals a great deal about customers buying habits. The fact that the ever popular trio of the Volkswagen Golf, the BMW 3-series and the Renault Clio reign supreme in the national search figures, shows that these three stalwarts have as much a hold on the second-hand car market as ever. In comparison with the same period in 2004, the Golf itself has risen one place to the number one spot. Its popularity inevitably has a great deal to do with its status as a universal 'car for everyone'.

The Ford Focus once again has a strong showing in the most searched for makes and models, climbing four places from the same period of 2004 to number six nationally, climbing three, four and two places in the South London, South West and Yorkshire regions respectively.

The keywords used by visitors to autotrader.co.uk also reveal seasonal trends - as the summer months approach, more and more users are searching for convertables like the Mazda MX5, a trend backed up by their appearance at number five in the list of most searched for keywords.


According to the SMMT, more than a quarter of the 356,555 convertable models sold throughout Western Europe last year were sold in the UK. SMMT chief executive Christopher Macgowan commented: "In southern Europe the sun is just too oppressive for anything other than the roof-up with a blast of the air conditioning. "A sunny day in Scunthorpe on the other hand is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the best of top-down motoring. With so many models now available in all segments, there's also more choice for everyone."

Recent research, shows buyers looking to buy a car with a value of up to £5,000 are willing to travel the least distance, and represent the highest percentage of those buyers travelling up to 20 miles. At the other end of the spectrum the highest percentage of those buyers travelling nationally are looking to buy vehicles with a value of over £30,000.

Top 10 Covertables Jan - Apr 2005 (Registrations)

1. Mini Convertable - 3,885
2. Renault Megane Coupe-Covertable - 2,664
3. Mercedes SLK - 2,580
4. Audi A4 Cabriolet - 2,412
5. Peugeot 206 cc - 2,391
6. Peugeot 307 cc - 2.209
7. Vauxhall Tigra - 2,119
8. MG TF - 2,441
9. BMW 3-Series Convertable - 2,066
10. Mazda MX-5 - 1,840

Source: SMMT

The top 10 most searched for models on autotrader.co.uk during April 2005

1. Volkswagen Golf - 1,350,883
2. BMW 3-Series - 1,348,226
3. Renault Clio - 656,138
4. Vauxhall Corsa - 646,031
5. Ford Fiesta - 622,718
6. Ford Focus - 606,244
7. Vauxhall Astra - 595,862
8. Honda Civic - 526,094
9. Peugeot 206 - 493,579
10. Peugeot 306 - 465,368
    

Mazda Introducing Special Edition Mazda 3 Sakata

Mazda is introducing a special edition of its popular Mazda 3, to mark the start of the family holiday season and celebrate the sizzling summer. Based on the Mazda 3 1.6 S five-door hatchback, the new Mazda 3 Sakata boasts external and interior enhancements at a compelling price of £11,995 on-the-road.

Air conditioning will be standard where it is normally optional and there will also be 15" alloy wheels and a rear roof spoiler thrown in for good measure. Each Mazda 3 Sakata comes finished in unique sparkling Strato Blue metallic paint (not available on standard Mazda3 vehicles).

There will also be some special finance deals to boost sales with a £700 deposit allowance when financed through Mazda MultiOption with a typical 9.9% APR.

An exciting new entry-level model at an extremely attractive price, Mazda 3 Sakata costs just £245 more than a standard 1.6 S model, but adds more than £1,100 of additional equipment compared to the standard model ordered with similar option extras and accessories.

The decision to release the special edition comes on the back of the highly successful Mazda 6 Sakata limited edition launched earlier this year. Jeremy Thomson, Marketing Director for Mazda Motors UK, explained the thinking behind the Mazda 3 Sakata’s introduction. “The reaction to the Mazda 6 Sakata last year was quite amazing and it proved so popular with retail customers that we decided to produce a second limited run in the autumn.

If you want one of these hot models you better hurry, Mazda are only releasing 750 of them in the UK.

22nd July Official Mazda 5 Launch

Mazda UK have announced the new Mazda 5 will be officially launched on 22nd July throughout its franchised dealer network. Prices start from £14,300 to £17,950 for the petrol versions, with diesel models following later this year, starting from £15,900.

Known as a C-MAV (C-segment Multi-Activity Vehicle), the new Mazda 5 will offer customers an eight-strong model range with a choice of four powertrains and four equipment levels. All eight models will feature a regular six-seat layout – with the flexibility of a stowable seventh seat - which focuses on the interior’s central space to promote good communication between all occupants.

The central space can easily be re-arranged for a seventh passenger thanks to Mazda's innovative Karakuri seating system.

Prices start at £14,300 on-the-road for the entry-level Mazda5 1.8-litre TS petrol version, which produces 115ps at 5,300rpm and 165Nm of torque at 4,000rpm, while the TS2 model is priced at £15,100 on-the-road. The more powerful MZR 2.0-litre petrol engine produces 145ps at 6,000rpm and 185Nm of torque at 4,500rpm and is priced at £16,300 for the petrol Sport model and £17,950 for the Sport Nav model.

BCA Supercentre on course

BCA's 25-acre 'Supercentre' in Beford is on course to be opened in early September. The 12m auction facility will have a 100 strong staff, led by centre manager Sturart Pearson, and is the company's largest development in the UK for a decade.

Located just off J13 of the M1, it will feature two auction halls and a dedicated commercial vehicle auction, a vehicle preparation zone, undercover viewing area for 420 cars and a display park for 120 HGV's.

Mazda 3 Production Added To Mazda's Ujina No.2 Plant

Mazda 3's steady sales in overseas markets - including the UK - have prompted Mazda Motor Corporation to begin production of its award-winning C-Segment family car Mazda 3 at the Ujina Plant No.2 (U2).

The additional Mazda 3 assembly at the U2 plant, located near Mazda's global headquarters, is projected to be two thousand units per month, and intended for the European, North American and Australian markets, where demand for the sporty compact is brisk. The Mazda 3 is already being produced at Mazda's Hofu No.1 (H1) and No.2 (H2) plants in western Japan, where total production was 337,377 units in fiscal 2004.

Since its launch in October 2003, the Mazda 3 has received accolades from consumers and media alike, winning over 50 awards worldwide. Strong sales continue in key markets: 76,079 Mazda 3's sold in the U.S. in 2004, and from January through April 2005, U.S. Mazda3 sales were 31,722 units, up 32 per cent over year-ago levels.

Here in the UK, it is eighteen months since Mazda 3 was launched and almost 16,000 owners have ensured this vehicle continues to inject that much-needed zoom-zoom to the crowded C-segment.

The U2 plant resumed operations in May 2004 on the strength of Mazda's business recovery. Its world-class flexible production line can manufacture compact cars through to minivans, and with the introduction of the eco-friendly Three Layer Wet Paint System, the U2 plant plays a prominent role as one of Mazda's most advanced production sites.

Masaharu Yamaki, Mazda's managing executive officer in charge of production and business logistics said, "One of the best characteristics of Mazda's flexible manufacturing system is that it can respond quickly to production increases such as with the Mazda 3.

"The additional Mazda 3 production at the U2 plant, in addition to the existing volume at Hofu No.1 and No.2 plants, not only showcases Mazda's sophisticated production system, it also goes a long way to making sure that our customers around the world get the vehicle they want, when they want it."

Mazda 3 continues to set a new class standard in this all-important family car sector in the UK thanks to its stylish design, high specification levels and an array of safety features fitted as standard.

Mazda Motors UK marketing director Jeremy Thomson commented on the success of Mazda 3 in its first eighteen months: "The Mazda 3 represents a fresh alternative in what is essentially a very crowded and competitive segment dominated by the volume manufacturers.

"It is a segment where customers want more than the standard car; they want an involving drive, quality and durability. Mazda 3 adds these attributes in abundance injecting a little bit of zoom-zoom to the sector."

Mazda sales on track

Mazda have published the latest sales figures to the UK dealer network and by all accounts they are booming. When Mazda Europe first took over UK operations in 2001, sales for that year totalled 15,000 units. This wasn't all bad considering the product line up like the boring looking 323, Premacy, ageing 626 and pointless MPV, although the superb MX-5 propped up most of these sales.

Now with new products like the Mazda RX8, MX-5 , 2, 3, & 6 and the newly launched Mazda 5, sales for June were 3,800 bringing the year to date figure to 25,000 units. This will ensure that the target figure of 50,000 units is well on track.

The MX-5, due to be replaced this winter, took an impressive 800 units as customers took advantage of the near give away deals to be had. The 6 and 3 also proved popular with 1,300 and 970 sold respectively. The Mazda 2 also took a generous 400 units as it appealed to Motability customers and city drivers.

With the all new Mazda MX-5, Mazda 6 MPS coming this year and the 3 MPS later next year, things are certainly looking up for Mazda and the future looks very rosy indeed.

Mazda RX8 wins at Snetterton

In the production S1 series at Snetterton race track, the Mazda RX-8 took its fifth win of the season.

The Mazda RX-8 which was driven by Mark Ticehurst and Natasha Firman, has now taken five wins out of seven races in the Endurance Race Series, which takes virtually a production car having only had the suspension changed to account for the slick tyres and safety equipment fitted to conform to RACMSA race rules, the engine and gearbox are standard and the same as found on the road-going version.

The next race for the Mazda team is at Oulton Park in Cheshire on Saturday 6th August.

Welcome to Auto Community

This is my first posting on my new blog which is centered entirely around the Automotive Industry.

If you have any information or breaking news please feel free to comment or let me know.

Its my first attempt at a blog so please bear with me.

Tom

New Kia Rio : Road Test

BEHIND THE WHEEL: For its a new Rio supermini, Kia started from scratch. The result is a car that is far superior to the model it replaces.

The Rio feels like a modern supermini, and with a shorter wheelbase it's plenty of fun to drive, feeling agile on twisting roads while still being able to hold its own on the motorway.

The pick of the engines is the 110bhp 1.5-litre diesel unit, which is quiet and smooth but still powerful enough to make overtaking simple. It pulls well from low revs but doesn't feel thrashy at higher speeds.

The 1.5 CRDi test car was a pre-production Euro-spec model and although the ride was soft, Kia assured this will be firmed up in time for the UK launch. Unfortunately, no mention was made of the vague and sloppy five speed gearbox. which seems to be a common flaw in Korean hatches (optional on the petrol engine is an automatic box).

In an otherwise very good car, this was by far the biggest disappointment.

Strengths: Value for money, improved RV's
Weaknesses: Badge snobs may avoid
Opportunity: To take a chunk of the growing B-sector
Threats: Established competitors
USP: A Kia designed for Europe

Overview:
Price: £8,000-£9,500
Engines: 1.4-litre petrol, 96bhp; 1.5-litre CRDi, 108bhp
Performance: Petrol 0-62mph: 12.3 sec; top speed: 110mph. Diesel 0-62mph: 11.5 sec; top speed: 110mph
Transmission: 5speed manual, 4speed automatic
Efficiency: Petrol 44.8mpg, CO2 150g/km; Diesel 60.1mpg CO2 121g/km
Rivals: Chevrolet Kalos, Daihatsu Sirion, Hyundai Getz, Suzuki Swift, Citroen C2