Best Performance Award Winner

Readers of Auto Express have crowned the Nissan 350Z as their favourite performance car in the 2006 Driver Power Survey. It beat 100 other vehicles to take the honour as it was voted overall winner in the ‘Best Performance’ category.

Auto Express commented: ‘Impressive is the fact that the 350Z has finished higher up the chart than several more costly rivals.’ The 350Z scored 97.78% which is over 5% ahead of the Porsche Boxster (92.77%) and 7.69% ahead of the Audi TT (90.09%). Prices for the new 2006 model year 350Z start at £25,300.

With more than 46,000 readers giving their votes, the survey is one of the biggest of its kind in the UK and the results are published in the March 22nd edition of the magazine as well as on its website.

Auto Express also commented: ‘Owners can’t get enough of the V6 powered models’ 276 bhp 3.5 litre engine, which pulls hard in every one of its six gears. Throttle response is razor-sharp and the rear wheel drive chassis means there is ample traction when accelerating.’

The revised 350Z for 2006 should satisfy owners even further with the engine power up by 20bhp to give a total of 296bhp (300PS). This not only reduces the 0-62mph time for the coupe to 5.8 seconds but also allows the engine to rev higher at 6400rpm, while maintaining a flatter torque curve.

These are not the only changes made to the latest Z. LED rear lights, Bi-xenon headlamps, standard RAYS alloys, a revised interior and the availability of the latest generation DVD satellite navigation system add to the overall impression. And, it’s available to order now.

Nissan Paints The Yard Pink

Nissan is appealing to the growing number of metrosexual tradesmen with the launch of a special pink version of Bobby the Builder’s favourite workhorse, the Cabstar forward control truck. In addition, anyone test-driving a Cabstar before the end of June will receive a voucher for a free back wax.

The Cabstar Pink follows the recent launch of the Micra C+C Pink. The colours, though, are subtly different with the Cabstar’s hue modelled on the flesh tone which builders are historically famed for displaying to passers by. Nissan’s stylists have christened the shade "pink cheek".

Based on the medium wheelbase Cabstar BD30Ti Dropside, just 23 Pink editions will be made to reflect the number of the chromosome that differentiates lad from lass. It’s priced at £17,577 ex VAT and comes with a cute, matching leather-effect tool-belt with nail-file slot and an extra large, pink hard hat. The latter is so the sculptured hair-style below remains unspoilt while on the job. Thus the metrosexual builder can go straight from site to wine bar without pausing to apply more hair product.

Nissan is one of the first light commercial vehicle manufacturers to recognise the trend towards a softer builder. On driveways and building sites nationwide, but particularly Brighton, more builders can be seen rejecting the stereotypical pasty in favour of a hummus wrap. During a job, they will pause to moisturise rather than to down another brew. And instead of whistling at passing women, they engage them in conversation. As Nissan’s LCV Brand Manager, Isabelle Kerdat explained: "Only recently I had a builder over and he was more interested in my clothing than my cornicing."

The Cabstar Pink is available to order now. As numbers are limited, interested customers will be required to produce proof of a pedicure.

Volvo V70 Is Best For Comfort - And Your back

The Volvo V70 estate has come top for Best Comfort and back support in two surveys – the Driver Power 2006 survey¹ in this week’s Auto Express magazine, and a recent report in The Sunday Times.

The results of these reports make essential reading for the increasing proportion² of people suffering from back pain, especially when driving. Volvo actually obtained the top two positions in the Auto Express Driver Power Survey for Best Comfort, with the V70 achieving the top score of 94.82 per cent closely followed by its S60 saloon in second place with 93.97 per cent.

"If you don’t understand what makes Volvo’s V70 (and S60) more comfortable than any other car, you should try one. If every car was as comfortable as Volvo’s estate, chiropractors across the country would be going out of business!" says Auto Express magazine.

"The cabin is an ergonomic masterpiece. The contours of the seats support your back in all the right places, and there’s enough adjustment on the chair and steering column to suit drivers of all shapes and sizes," it continued.

Similarly, the Volvo V70 received top marks for cabin layout, quality of seating and adjustability of controls in research for The Sunday Times supplement on Driver Health, making it top of the list for the car least likely to put strain on the human body.

"Driving long distances is one of the worst things you can do to your body," commented the osteopath behind the research for The Sunday Times, Bryan McIlwraith. He added: "There’s a tendency for you to be forced into a slumped position, so your back is bent putting pressure on the hips, lower back and intervertebral discs."

"For any driver spending long hours driving, a well-positioned, comfortable seat is a necessity to avoid back or neck pain, or undue tiredness," said Ingrid Skogsmo from the Volvo Safety Centre. "Volvo seats are designed using a combination of technology and ergonomics to give drivers optimum comfort, positioning and safety," she continued.

Sitting comfortably

Choosing the right vehicle is clearly the first step to sitting comfortably when driving. You should be able to reach the pedals and controls without stretching. Volvo’s ergonomics experts have ensured seats and steering wheels are fully adjustable with lumbar supports and have fixed headrests to ensure they always offer maximum protection to prevent your head being thrown back in an accident.

Volvo’s front seats aren’t just ergonomically designed for maximum comfort, but offer the best safety protection, too. They all feature Volvo’s Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS), where the entire backrest moves to help protect the occupant’s neck by absorbing the forces experienced in a rear impact.

Volvo was one of only two manufacturers to have all its seats rated in the best class by The International Insurance Whiplash Prevention Group in its ‘2005 Dynamic Seat Assessments’, and in addition, Volvo Cars’ own real life Accident Research Team shows that WHIPS has halved the risk of long-term neck injuries in rear-end impacts.

‘New-Generation’ front seats were introduced for most Volvo models last year with improved seat adjustability, while new lighter and slimmer controls make it quicker and easier for drivers to position the seat for their personal comfort.

Caterham Extends Export Market To Italy

British Sportcar manufacturer, Caterham Cars has announced a deal with Italian importer, Automobil Trivellato, in Este to sell its brand new Euro IV compliant Caterham Seven CSR200 from March 2006.

Capable of slingshotting a driver to 60mph in 3.7 seconds and onto a top speed of 140mph, the new, lightweight and agile Cosworth powered Caterham Seven CSR200 will see the legendary car manufacturer extend the number of countries selling its models to 20 including Dubai, France, Germany, Spain, USA and Australia.

The family run business in Este, near Venice, has a 40-year history of selling performance cars and a first class reputation for outstanding customer service.

Managing director at Caterham Cars, Ansar Ali, said: "Automobil Trivellato’s intimate knowledge of high performance cars and its unerring commitment to customer service will see our drivers receive the special Caterham experience 800 miles from the home."

In addition, Automobil Trivellato can also provide potential customers with a perfect demonstration of why the awesome Caterham Seven is the most raced sports car in the world at the nearby circuit of Adria.

Run by Mirco Trivellato, the facility is based on two floors and employs a team of seven covering sales, aftersales, service and repairs. The second floor of the showroom also features a private automotive collection.

Renault Launches New Clio Bio-Fuel Car

• New Clio Hi-Flex bio-fuel launched
• Renault sold 25% of all vehicles emitting less than 120g/km CO2 in Europe in 2005
• Target to sell 1 million cars annually emitting less than 140g/km CO2 by 2008
  

Following its recent international debut at the 2006 Paris International Agricultural Show, Renault has launched a new bio-fuel car, the Hi-Flex Clio available with either a 1.0 or 1.6-litre 16v engine. Based on the Clio II, the new range has been developed for the Brazilian market and features Renault-developed ‘Flex Fuel’ technology, with a highly versatile engine that can run on petrol and ethanol in any proportion (0-100% of either).

Available in three and five-door hatchback or Clio Sedan form, the new Flex Fuel models replace all of the previous petrol versions and cost an average of just 1% more, with prices starting at 26,570 R$ (Brazilian Real), or £7,165 sterling equivalent.

In Europe, biofuel is one of the most promising solutions for bringing down CO2 emission levels. Under Renault Commitment 2009, Renault has made several commitments to environment issues, including engine adaptation to biofuels. By 2009, 50% of petrol-engined Renaults offered for sale in Europe will be able to run on fuels containing up to 85% of ethanol and all Renault diesel cars will run on fuel containing up to 30% of diester.

Renault leads in Europe for low emissions cars

The Renault range is already one of the best in the world for fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. For example, in 2005, 25% of all vehicles sold in Europe that emitted less than 120g/km CO2 were Renaults, compared to the company’s market share of 9.7%, providing greater environmental benefit in total than a small number of expensive hybrids. This lead is planned to continue with the aim of selling a million cars a year with CO2 emissions under 140 grams per kilometre by 2008, with a third of these emitting less than 120 grams.

Going Greener With Goingreen

GoinGreen, the pioneering retailer of the Reva G-Wiz electric car is building on its successful launch of the G-Wiz in London by expanding the range of products it sells to include other environmentally friendly vehicles. Customers will now be able to go to GoinGreen for the smart LPG fortwo and forfour, the Toyota Plug-in Prius, the Mega range of compact electric vans and trucks and LPG and electric scooters.

The G-Wiz was launched in May 2004 and with over 400 already on London’s roads, with more on order, the company is on target to achieve sales of 500 in London by the end of April, making the G-Wiz the best-selling electric car to date.

Keith Johnston, managing director of GoinGreen says: ‘The G-Wiz is a great city runaround, with fantastic benefits, both environmentally and financially. Our aim is to provide green transport solutions to a range of private, business and fleet buyers, and for GoinGreen to become Europe’s premier zero and low emission vehicle retailer ’.

Exclusive to GoinGreen is the Toyota Plug-in Prius, an award-winning conversion of the standard hybrid car developed by an Anglo-American collaborative, which launches in April. It offers up to 130mpg, more than two-and-a-half times that of the hybrid Prius, up to 30 miles in electric, emission-free mode (30 times more than the standard Prius), does close to 1,000 miles on a single tank of fuel and has a top speed of 115 mph. Simply plugging it into a standard electric socket charges the car and if the car isn’t charged, it reverts to standard hybrid mode. GoinGreen will be running an early-adopter programme from April, where a limited number of hand-built conversions will be available to private individuals in return for access to the road data the car generates. The commercially produced conversions will be available from September 2006.

The ultra compact range of Mega electric commercial vehicles are perfect for small businesses, especially in London, where they benefit from the same concessions as the G-Wiz such as exemption from the London Congestion Charge and free parking in Westminster and the City. Available as a van, truck or pick-up, the Mega has the lowest total cost of ownership and has an eight-hour duty cycle capable of working a shift without recharging.

Also new to GoinGreen is the smart LPG range, an ideal car for city and inter-city driving. The conversion offers dual fuel capability - LPG (Liquid Petroleum Gas) is less than half the price of petrol and particulate emissions are 90% lower and CO2 emissions are approximately 20% to 40% lower than for other similar size cars. GoinGreen sells new and second hand smart LPG fortwo (2 seater, 84mph, 60mpg combined cycle) and forfour (4 seater, 103mph, 60mpg combined cycle) in the pulse, pure and passion models and also offers the LPG conversion of customers’ existing smart fortwo and forfour cars to dual-fuel. The cost of the conversion is quickly recovered from savings on the cheaper fuel and, if driven in London, exemption from the £8 Congestion Charge.

Electric scooters are emission-free and deliver the equivalent of 1,000 mpg and GoinGreen will have a selection to choose from. For a little more power and range, there is the new Vialli LPG scooter, which is a very cost-effective mode of transport that also cuts down on particulate and C02 emissions. Both offer exceptional value for money and clean, low carbon transport.

GoinGreen sells direct to the customer via its website www.goingreen.co.uk. There are no dealers, no showrooms, no advertising and no brochures and the savings are passed on to the customer. Test drives are bookable on-line and the company provides a full after-sales service via their team of mobile engineers. All CO2 produced by GoinGreen in its operations is off-set and a small ‘climate levy’ is added to every vehicle sold.

Volvo Will Start Production Of The Volvo S40 In China

Volvo Car Corporation has announced it will start producing the Volvo S40 saloon in China.

"This is an important step towards a stronger presence and a brighter future in the Chinese car market," says Fredrik Arp, President and CEO of Volvo Car Corporation at a press conference in Beijing, China. "We are convinced that the launch of a Volvo S40 produced in China will be successful, both from an industrial point of view as well as from a commercial angle," he continued.

Volvo expects to build 10,000 cars per annum at Volvo Cars partner Changan Ford’s plant in Chongqing. Volvo will be selecting local suppliers for a number of parts to meet the Chinese government’s strict requirements for local production.

Competitive Chinese market

"Local production is the key to remaining competitive in China," says Fredrik Arp. "We are facing a scenario where the import duty is significant and our main competitors are already producing models locally," he continued.

Volvo Cars has been studying Chinese production possibilities for quite some time – but the demands on assuring the required quality made high demands on any potential production partners.

"A Volvo must be a Volvo car in all aspects, no matter where it is produced. After working with Changan Ford for over a year, we have ensured that its factory, co-operating with our own experts, will meet Volvo's high demands for quality," says Fredrik Arp.

Sales Growth in China

Volvo Car has been represented in Beijing since 1994 and the dealer network has been continuously developing through independent companies. The Volvo network of showrooms as well as service facilities now covers 45 cities in China.

"This expansion helped our sales figures in China grow by 84 per cent last year. Local production will make our position even stronger as we can offer our main model at a very competitive price," says Fredrik Arp.

New models

Volvo Cars has a busy period ahead for new model launches, with seven new car models to be introduced between 2006 and 2009.

Volvo revealed the all-new C70 convertible at the Frankfurt motor show last year, which will be launched in China in the next 12 months.

So far this year, Volvo has unveiled its C30 Design Concept at the Detroit show in January, paving the way for the real Volvo C30 premiere in Paris in September, and the completely new generation of the luxurious flagship Volvo S80 saloon made its world debut at the recent Geneva motor show.

"The all-new S80 is pure Scandinavian Luxury and we are convinced that it will also be very successful in the Chinese market," says Fredrik Arp.

Green Biofuel Ford Focus Joins Avon & Somerset Police

Police patrol cars turned green in Somerset when the county's constabulary became Ford's first customers of its bioethanol-powered Focus Flexi Fuel Vehicle.

Avon and Somerset police have ordered 15 Ford Focus Flexi Fuel Vehicles (FFVs) to help reduce CO2 emissions – the main contributor to global climate change. The first cars, in full police livery, were handed over to Assistant Chief Constable Steve Mortimore at Somerset's "From Field To Wheel" bioethanol conference, which signalled a successful first phase of introducing the biofuel to the county.

The sustainable fuel powering the country's first bioethanol police cars can be made from UK-grown crops such as wheat or sugar beet, which absorb CO2 prior to harvest for bioethanol production. Plans are in place to produce bioethanol from Somerset wheat. By factoring in this CO2 absorption, the fuel reduces overall carbon emissions by around 70 per cent compared with petrol – making the Focus Focus FFV one of the most CO2 friendly vehicles available.

A further 25 Ford Focus FFVs are destined for other members of the Somerset Biofuel Project. Ford, potential FFV customers, the bioethanol supplier and the fuel retailer worked together in the county to create the UK's first biofuel infrastructure.

Andy Taylor, Ford's European sustainability director, said: "Somerset has been ahead of the game in spotting the huge environmental and economic potential biofuels can offer. Vehicle fleets in the county are running on a renewable fuel which can be produced in Britain. Bioethanol is priced less than fossil fuels and the biofuel industry is creating new British jobs."

Ford is also in talks with other regional biofuel groups in Cornwall, East Anglia, Wales, the Midlands and Scotland. The Ford Focus FFV can run on bioethanol or petrol in any mix in the same fuel tank. The car is priced at £14,095, delivers 125PS and fulfils Euro 4 emission standards.

Nick Rogers, head of transport services for Avon and Somerset police, said: "We are delighted to be a Somerset Biofuel Project partner and introduce FFVs onto our fleet. This is a significant step towards reducing global climate change and one which we hope that others will follow. The availability of bioethanol in our area makes this a real alternative to using vehicles which can operate only on conventional fossil fuels."

Avon and Somerset's Ford Focus FFVs were converted to police emergency response vehicles at Ford's Special Vehicle Preparations base in Essex. They were equipped with specialist equipment including emergency lights and sirens.

Ford has received other inquiries for Ford Focus FFV patrol cars from forces in West Yorkshire, Humberside and the Metropolitan Police.

Aston Martin Racing Second & Third In Sebring Thriller

Tonight in Florida the Aston Martin Racing team finished the 12 Hours of Sebring endurance race in second and third place after a thrilling finale in the GT1 competition.

The team’s two Aston Martin DBR9s ran faultlessly throughout the race. Between them, the classic green cars, numbered 007 and 009, completed 661 laps of the 3.7 mile Sebring international raceway, covering a total of 2,445 miles at speeds of up to 168mph. Team driver Tomas Enge set the fastest GT1 lap of the race (1min 56.573.sec) in car 007.

The driving team of Pedro Lamy, Stéphane Sarrazin and Jason Bright brought Aston Martin number 009 home in second place, with a total of 337 laps, after a long battle with the class winning number four Corvette. After 12 hours of racing, the gap between the pair was 1min 28sec. The team’s sister car, number 007, driven by Tomas Enge, Darren Turner and Nicolas Kiesa, was involved in another transatlantic tussle with the second American Corvette entry that culminated in a nail biting battle to the chequered flag. Tomas Enge drove a double stint to finish the race third and keep the hard chasing Corvette behind.

The opening round of the 2006 American Le Mans Series (ALMS) started at 1045hrs in dry and sunny conditions. By midday the temperature of the 17-turn concrete circuit had reached 36°C. The Aston Martin Racing cars had qualified in first and second place but the early hot and slippery conditions proved tricky for both cars. With limited experience of their new Pirelli tyres, the team had to work hard and learn fast to keep up with the competition.

Darren Turner drove the first stint in the 007 car and held the GT1 lead for the first 20 laps. “I was happy with the start, we got away well and kept a nice pace for the first ten laps but by about lap 14 we really started to suffer with the rear of the car over-steering and by lap 20 I was more concerned with keeping it on track than keeping the opposition behind me.”

At the half way point, car number 009 led the team’s charge. After making adjustments to the set up of their DBR9, the driving crew of Lamy, Sarrazin and Bright reported improved balance and less of the oversteer that had caused problems earlier. Having completed 165 laps of the 3.7mile circuit, the 009 Aston Martin held third place in GT1, but slipped one lap behind the leader after being caught behind the safety car. DBR9 number 007 was fourth in GT1, but thirteen laps behind the leader after an incident on lap 121 forced a 20 minute repair stop. The car returned to the garage when the bonnet and part of the front wings, previously damaged in a spin, flew off as it negotiated a high speed section of the circuit.

Nine hours in, with 250 laps completed and headlamps blazing in the darkness, the team was second and third in GT1. A reliable and consistent performance from the number 009 DBR9, together with some mechanical problems for the Corvette ahead, helped move the red-nosed Aston Martin of Lamy, Sarrazin and Bright to second in class. After gaining a position in their own Corvette battle, the number 007 car of Enge, Turner and Kiesa was third.

In the closing stages of the race, the drivers of Aston Martin number 009 consolidated their second place, while in the 007 car Tomas Enge was locked in the battle with the number three Corvette. For the last ten laps the pair was separated by less than a second.

Team quotes:

Team Principal, George Howard-Chappell: “A good race, particularly later on. I think the whole team worked really well. Things weren’t going well at the beginning but we kept our cool and the guys did fantastic jobs. We worked on the car a fair bit during the race, learned more about the tyres and I’m pleased with the final result.”

Prodrive Chairman, David Richards: “What can I say? Tomas’ final stint was just impeccable. Twenty minutes behind the wheel in those situations - he defied all logic staying out there in front and did a superb job, he really proved his talent. The car hasn’t missed a single beat. The pit stops have been stunning at every turn and the drivers have done a great, great job. We’ve still got a lot more development to do to get the maximum out of this car and these tyres but overall it’s a very positive result.”

Pirelli Motorsport Director, Paul Hembery: “We had two days preparation for this event. I think that to qualify on pole position and set the fastest lap of the race is a great result for Pirelli and the team and is a good building block for future races.”

Jason Bright: “A very big couple of days. It’s been a busy time learning the track and getting used to the car. But a great result to finish second after a pretty intense battle. It’s been an absolute pleasure to work with these guys and I really hope I get to do a bit more of it.”

Tomas Enge: “It was pretty hard, a long day with a few problems, especially during the day when it was so hot. We started a bit slower than the others but then, in the night, suddenly we were doing the same times, the end of the race was on our side and we were able to fight for third position. It was great battle. I’m just happy for all the guys; they put so much hard work into it. I’m happy for Pirelli and especially Aston Martin Racing.”

Nicolas Kiesa: “Quite a lot of ups and down today! Things improved as soon as it got dark and I saw a chance for us to finish third. But as I have only two laps of night driving under my belt I said to Darren and Thomas that they’d better do it if we’re going to have any chance and they have both done an unbelievable job! It’s been a very steep learning curve for me this weekend. It’s the first time ever for me in a racing car with a roof and I think I’ve learned as much here as you’re supposed to in six months. But it’s a very good experience and to top it off we finished on the podium.”

Pedro Lamy: “Of course, I’m happy. We knew the Corvettes were a bit faster here, we wanted to win but we made no mistakes and just drove without any problems. It was a good result for the whole team. Everybody did a great job.”

Stéphane Sarrazin: “I’m very happy we’re on the podium. We didn’t win but we know there are more improvements to come with the new tyres and we did a good job. The team was very strong; we made no mistakes and finished with a very positive result. At the beginning it was difficult and we had to change the set-up a bit to get a better balance. I’m very pleased with the way the car felt at the end, I think there’s more performance to come.”

Darren Turner: “What a finish! Thomas did a fantastic final two stints and to withstand that pressure for the last half hour was incredible. It was really close and he managed to get us back on the podium. It’s just unfortunate we had a few problems early on in the race. If we hadn’t, then who knows what we could have done. Maybe we could have repeated last year and had a win. But it was good close racing, we ran strongly all the way through, especially when the temperature dropped and the podium is a great way to finish off the day.”

Mazda Produces One Millionth Mazda 6

Mazda Motor Corporation has announced that total global production of the Mazda6 (known as Atenza in Japan) reached the one million-unit mark in late February 2006. It took four years and one month to reach this important milestone since the first Mazda 6 came off the line at the Hofu No. 2 Plant in February 2002. This is the fastest a single Mazda vehicle model has ever reached one million units of production.

In October 2002, Mazda started U.S. production of the Mazda6 at its AutoAlliance International (AAI) facility, a joint venture plant in Michigan shared with the Ford Motor Company. Production also continues at Mazda’s Hofu No. 2 Plant in western Japan. In addition, FAW Car Co. Ltd. (FCC) commenced production of the Mazda6 in Jilin Province, China, in January 2006, which further established its stature as a core model in Mazda’s global production system.

The Mazda6/Atenza was the first new-generation model reflecting the Zoom-Zoom brand ethos that has been infused in successive Mazda models. Global sales of the Mazda6 began in 2002. Available in three body styles—sedan, hatchback, and sport wagon—the Mazda6 boasts bold, sporty styling; excellent handling and a high level of ride comfort for occupants. The vehicle’s clever packaging, roomy interior and quality craftsmanship have proved popular with customers, earning high praise and numerous awards since its debut.

In fact, Mazda6 has won over 110 global automotive awards, including Japan’s prestigious RJC Car of the Year Award in 2003. It has gone on to receive accolades from both media and customers the world over and still posts strong sales results to date.

“We are absolutely delighted that production of the Mazda 6 has reached one million units in such a short time amid the very competitive global environment,” said Hisakazu Imaki, President and CEO of Mazda. “The one millionth Mazda 6 milestone is positive proof that our customers like the way we make cars. And Mazda intends to keep building Zoom-Zoom products that will excite and delight our customers, and exceed their expectations.”

The Hiroshima-based company added even more depth to its product line-up with the June 2005 unveiling of a freshened Mazda 6/Atenza. This was followed recently by a high performance version, the Mazda 6 MPS (called Mazdaspeed Atenza in Japan and Mazdaspeed6 in North America). The addition of these models continues to thrill sporty-minded drivers on roads all over the globe.

'Feel' TV Ad For New Volvo C70 Coupe/Convertible

An impactful, new TV advertising campaign for the all new Volvo C70 coupé/convertible themed ‘FEEL’ started this week ahead of the car’s official public launch and arrival in dealer showrooms from Saturday 18 March.

The advertisement, filmed in Hawaii, is a key part of the marketing campaign for the launch of the all new Volvo C70 and will be seen at cinemas, in an interactive TV ad, in magazine and national press advertisements, as well as online at Volvo Cars

The ‘FEEL’ theme to the launch campaign is designed to inspire people to reawaken their senses, see life in a new light and open their minds to the pure pleasure the new Volvo C70 coupé/convertible brings.

Retracting the new C70’s unique three-piece folding hardtop conveniently turns it from a stylish and secure coupé to a sensual convertible in 30 seconds, which makes you FEEL more connected with the world around you and makes your senses FEEL life in a more intense way.

The TV ad¹ features three friends driving a new C70 in bad weather with the roof up, but as their route takes them above the low clouds, the sun comes out, the roof goes down, an awesome 910W Dynaudio® Premium Sound System² gives them an ear-popping experience – and their senses FEEL the difference, the exciting environment around them – and life!

"Coupés and especially convertibles are all about emotion and sensory experience," explained Paul Walder, Volvo Car UK Limited’s UK Marcomms Manager. "We believe that the all new C70 invites you to FEEL this experience, with the added bonus of an elegant conversion from coupé to convertible in 30 seconds. The new ‘FEEL’ campaign perfectly encapsulates this," he continued.

Renault Espace Wins 'Best Large MPV' Category At Fleet News Awards

For the second consecutive year, Renault’s flagship MPV Espace has proven it is still the car to beat for fleet drivers by winning the ‘Best Large MPV’ category at the Fleet News Awards 2006.

In a glittering ceremony in London, the elite of the fleet industry’s key decision makers saw Espace beat stiff competition from all MPVs on the market including the short-listed Chrysler Grand Voyager and Mitsubishi Grandis, showing it’s still the MPV of choice for fleet drivers.

Espace was awarded the coveted ‘Best Large MPV’ award by the judging panel which included Fleet News Editor, Martyn Moore, who said; "The Espace continues to lead its class."

"Its style and equipment level make it a desirable premium product. The range of engines, spaciousness and five-star Euro NCAP rating make it a practical and safe choice. Well done Renault. The Espace is a worthy winner of our award."

The strict criteria laid out by the judges decreed that the ‘Best Large MPV’ should have a combination of essential elements such as strong residual values, ample space and cost effectiveness. For the second year running Espace could not be matched, offering luxurious comfort and the added reassurance of five-star Euro NCAP safety that make it an excellent family vehicle too.

Keith Hawes, Director, Fleet & Commercial Vehicle Sales, Renault UK, who collected the award at the ceremony from newsreader Huw Edwards, commented; “For the second year running, Espace has taken the glory in one of the most competitive categories within the fleet market, proving it is the ultimate in luxury MPVs at an affordable price.

“The face-lifted New Espace 2006 has just gone on sale and I am sure its modern and stylish new look will once again prove a hit with fleet drivers especially as duty of care is becoming such a hot issue in the industry. With Espace, user choosers can be assured they are travelling in comfort and safety whether on or off duty with their families too. I am thrilled to accept this award from Fleet News”.

Caterham High Flyers Find New Homes

A legendary Caterham R400 that was once dubbed ‘too fast to race’ by the authorities has a new home following a down-to-the-wire online auction of Caterham Sevens last month. The ‘Caterham Legends’ auction attracted huge interest from around the world and some legendary examples of the marque now have new owners.

Famously photographed ‘airborne’ whilst competing in the Nurburgring 24-hrs Race in 2002, the R400 racecar is destined for the track again, this time piloted by new owner Paul Crankshaw.

Former Caterham employee, Paul, said: "The car’s history and engineering appeals to me greatly. This is an awesome car that deserves to be raced. I can’t wait to enter it into this year’s 750MC series."

Among the other highest bidders, was speed demon, Stephen Clarke, who is now the proud owner of the World Record Setting 0-100-0mph Caterham R500.

Back in 2002, the R500 completed the sprint to 100mph and back to a standstill in just 11.44 seconds outgunning every other production car on the planet.

Also among the winners was Caterham Seven fan and gravity sport enthusiast, Daniel Preston. He is the happy new owner of a unique Caterham Seven soapbox that competed in the Red Bull Soapbox Challenge in 2003. "I’ve always wanted a Seven," says Mr. Preston, "but now I can combine that with my desire to compete in Gravity Racing in 2006!"

Volvo Group To Become Leader In Hybrids

There is a growing interest in the market to reduce the dependency on oil. "With our solutions, we see the opportunity to become the leader in hybrid heavy vehicles," says Volvo Group CEO Leif Johansson.

The most concrete reason for the growing interest in a reduced dependency on oil is the fact that the world’s oil production is reaching its peak. In addition, there is political uncertainty about the availability of oil and a constant environmental debate about climate changes. Even legislation is urging the development. Within the EU they are, for example, discussing a proposal for 25% of state-owned and communal heavy vehicles to be so-called environmental vehicles.

Accordingly, many customers are seriously reviewing how they can contribute to reduce the dependency on oil. This is not purely to comply with environmental legislation and reduce fuel costs, but in many cases also because they wish to offer their clients environmentally sound transport solutions.

On the 10th March, the Volvo Group presented their hybrid technology at a news conference in Stockholm, Sweden. The amount of interest from the media and the authorities was extensive and the launch received a great deal of attention. There have already been enquiries from a number of large transport companies.


"With our solutions, we see the opportunity to become the leader in hybrid heavy vehicles and construction equipment. We have the necessary experience and competency within diesel engines, electronics, electronic controls, transmissions, etc.," says Volvo Group CEO Leif Johansson.

Impressive List Of Honours For Volkswagen At Fleet Oscars

Volkswagen has scooped the prestigious Fleet News Fleet Manufacturer of the Year award for a record fifth time. The new Passat and Transporter van also claimed a number of top trophies at the Fleet News Awards 2006 ceremony.

In presenting the manufacturer’s award, the judges said: ‘Having relinquished the crown of Fleet Manufacturer of the Year following three straight wins, Head of Fleet Services Vince Kinner vowed Volkswagen would come roaring back for the 2006 awards. Kinner was true to his word. Volkswagen polled nearly a third more votes from the readers of Fleet News … than the second-placed Vauxhall.’

The judges praised the company’s Passat launch, a strong model line-up, as well as a number of innovations including its Fundamentally Fleet programme which is designed to drive up retailer standards and hence improve fleet customer service.

The new Passat won the Upper Medium and Company Car of the Year Awards. Fleet News said: ‘Volkswagen’s brilliant new Passat has proved that the family saloon is alive and kicking. .. the new Passat oozes class and sophistication. It is well built, looks solid and comes well-specced, even in the entry-level S model. And Volkswagen has bucked its reputation for expensive launch models with a full range that starts at a price point below many of its competitors, illustrating its commitment to get the new car on to as many fleet choice lists as possible. Add in a strong Retailer network, low servicing costs and strong predicted residual values, it’s easy to see why the Passat made it to the top.’

Similar reasons were cited by Fleet News readers for naming the Passat the fleet managers’ choice. Voting was neck and neck for a while with the BMW 3-Series,
but in the end, the Passat pulled away by a clear distance.

In the Light Commercial Vehicle category, Volkswagen also had success, with the Transporter winning the 2.2-2.8 tonnes van award. In this sector, a wide range of operational issues were compared by the judges, which included running costs, driver comfort, safety and the range on offer to fleet operators. The Transporter fought off stiff competition from the Vauxhall Vivaro and Mercedes-Benz Vito. The judges said: ‘The Volkswagen Transporter came out on top in the end. With its legendary reliability and resultant improving residual values, the Transporter is making a lot of new fleet friends at present.’

The manufacturer’s trophy was presented to Volkswagen’s Head of Fleet Services, Vince Kinner, at a ceremony in London. Kinner said: ‘We vowed we would regain our title and we’ve achieved it. As for next year, all I can say is that we’ll be trying harder still to keep our customers happy and doing everything we can to give them the service that they need and deserve.’

Shell & Ferrari Ready For Round Two In Malaysia

ENGINE LUBRICANT

• Sepang will be a true test for the new V8 engines of the Formula One World Championship. Extremely tough engine operating conditions are expected in Malaysia after the dusty Bahrain opener. Scuderia Ferrari will be counting on the support of Shell to conserve engine life with its proven lubricant package.
• Heat and humidity at this race are notorious. Engines will develop higher temperatures than normal, making cooling vital. This is where the lubricant Shell Helix SL-0932 will come into its own to protect the Ferrari V8 engine under these strenuous conditions.
• The fast-flowing nature of the circuit and quick straights ensure that the car’s radiators are well served with air, assisting engine cooling. The humidity, however, should not be as harsh as the arid, sandy desert conditions in Bahrain.
  

FUEL

• Shell will continue to provide Ferrari with the successful Shell V-Power ULG 59L/9. This formulation was used by Ferrari to power Michael Schumacher and Felipe Massa to an all-red front row for last weekend’s Bahrain Grand Prix.
• Although vastly different geographies, the first three Formula One races of 2006 have similar demands from a fuel perspective. Shell is providing Ferrari with the same blend of Shell V-Power for all three races. To simplify logistics for the team, it is efficient to send just one shipment of these products to the first three races.
• Under the new qualifying format, the fuel level chosen for the Top 10 Shootout is crucial to team strategy this year because the top 10 cars must start the race on the same level. Lisa Lilley, Shell Formula One Project Manager explains:
  

‘What’s the optimal level of fuel in the battle for pole position? That’s one question, but how does that level fit with our refueling strategy for the race? That can be another question entirely. Finding the right balance will be the challenge in addressing these two different but interlinked objectives. Shell is supporting Ferrari in the quest for the right fuel strategy in 2006.’

SHELL FACT

• Shell’s V-Power Formula One fuel contains 99 per cent the same types of compounds as V-Power for the road, but the Shell Helix is a very specific blend of engine oil, designed especially to protect against the demanding rigours of Formula One.

2005 PIT STOP SUMMARY

Driver - Pit Stops - Grid/Finish

M. Schumacher - Laps 24, 44 - 13th/7th

R. Barrichello - Laps 25, 35 - 12th/Retired

Green Ford Focus Fills Up At First Bioethanol Fuel Pumps

When bioethanol first went on public sale this morning, the Ford Focus Flexible Fuel Vehicle was front of the queue to be refuelled.

The Ford Focus Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) is Britain's first biofuel car and can run on bioethanol or petrol in any mix in the same fuel tank. Bioethanol is a renewable fuel, on sale this month at 10 Morrisons supermarkets and priced cheaper than unleaded petrol from 84.9p a litre.

Five of the forecourts selling bioethanol are in Somerset, where Ford has sold the most Focus FFVs. The remainder are in East Anglia – three in Norfolk and two in Suffolk. Somerset and Norfolk are two of the counties where Ford is working with regional biofuel groups to establish FFV sales and bioethanol filling stations.

Andy Taylor, Ford's European sustainability director, said: "This is an important breakthrough for the Ford Focus FFV and the biofuel industry. Ford has been working with partners such as Morrisons for a year to make bioethanol publicly available. Together we have taken a vital next step towards encouraging more customers to consider buying Ford's biofuel cars."

The 1.8-litre Ford Focus FFV costs from £14,095 – in between the petrol-only 1.6 and 2.0-litre Focus models. CO2 emissions from bioethanol are almost cancelled out by the CO2 absorbed by the crops such as wheat and sugar beet used to make the sustainable fuel.

New Ford Rally Academy At Silverstone

"The Ford RST Rally Academy at Silverstone will be key to recognising and developing Britain’s rally stars of the future. This unique training programme allows kids as young as 10 to learn the art of rally driving in a perfectly safe and controlled environment. Today’s young stars have all driven cars on a computer screen. Now at Silverstone they can experience what it really feels like to kick up the gravel and power drift a rally car - no computer in the world can match that sensation." Jost Capito, Director Ford TeamRS

Ford Motor Company today launched the Ford RST Rally Academy in conjunction with BR Racing. Based at Silverstone, the home of British motorsport, the scheme aims to pave the way for young hopefuls to learn the basic skills of rallying, even before they are legally allowed to drive.

The Ford RST Rally Academy will replicate the role that karting plays in the early development of racing drivers, and provides a springboard into the world of rallying.

Richard Phillips, Managing Director of Silverstone Circuits Limited, said: "Our Silverstone Motorsport Academy is renowned for the incredibly high standards of training and tuition it offers, and we are always looking at ways to support motorsport at grass roots levels. The Ford RST Rally Academy is a perfect example of this. Working with Ford, Silverstone offers the very best instruction and training to develop British rally champions of the future."


Ford Rally Sport Trainer (RST)

At the heart of the Ford RST Rally Academy is the purpose-built Ford Rally Sport Trainer (RST) a rugged two-seater rally car based on a specially designed tubular steel spaceframe, strong enough to withstand rollover and side impacts. To deliver high levels of occupant safety the structure was built following guidelines from UK's motorsport governing body the MSA. The Ford RST is the only dedicated training vehicle ever to be awarded MSA certification.

Every vehicle is left hand drive and based on standard, fully tested Ford components. The Ford 1300cc power unit sits behind the driver for ideal weight distribution. The gearbox has a conventional H pattern gearshift and drives the rear wheels. This configuration delivers a high degree of real feel to the driver. This chassis feedback, coupled with the motorsport handling setup, reassures the driver and encourages driving on the limit. Students are quickly able to experience the sheer exhilaration and satisfaction of being able to drive in the spectacular rally style by sliding the car easily through corners, kicking up gravel and power-drifting from one direction to another.

The Ford RST Rally Academy

BR Racing was created by Ex-Ford Motorsport rally engineer Peter Beattie, who runs the Academy. "The Ford RST Rally Academy is all about learning new skills" said director Peter Beattie. "We will be taking teenagers and teaching them not only driving techniques but everything else there is to know about rallying, from signing-on, scrutineering, basic maintenance and navigation pace-notes. The student skill levels are always mixed so we make sure every one of our students learns at their own pace and most importantly has a good time doing so."

Mercedes-Benz Scores High On Safety

The Mercedes-Benz B-Class was rated "safest small family car" in a recent car safety report carried out by Which?

The report, published in Which?, March 2006 issue, highlights cars which offer driver and passengers the best protection in the event of an accident. It recommends new car buyers should ensure their choice of vehicle is equipped with stability control technology and highlights ESP® as potential life-saving technology.

The B-Class is the new all-rounder from Mercedes-Benz. It combines practicality, spaciousness with style and performance and has a wide range of safety features as standard, to give drivers and passengers peace of mind. These include Steering Assist, Acceleration Skid Control, (ASR) Anti-lock braking system (ABS), Brake Assist (BAS) and Electronic Stability Program (ESP®).

All of this active safety technology is standard across the Mercedes-Benz range.

Dermot Kelly, Managing Director, Mercedes Car Group, said: "We take the safety and security of our customers extremely seriously and are delighted that the newcomer to the Mercedes-Benz range has received independent recognition of its high safety standards."

Lexus The All Round Winner

Class-leading residuals for new IS and top brand rating in latest national dealer survey

The excellence of Lexus in all dimensions of its operations is demonstrated in two industry-leading results this week. The new IS executive sports saloon has achieved formidable residual value ratings for March, while across the country Lexus has again attained the highest ratings in the National Franchised Dealers Association survey.

TOP RETAINED VALUE FOR NEW IS

Lexus’s entry into the premium diesel market with the new generation IS is commanding great respect in the motor industry, as well as finding firm favour with motorists. The latest market analysis from CAP calculates the IS 220d will retain 54 per cent of its value after three years and 60,000 miles.

It is a segment-beating result, with CAP figures for its key rivals, the BMW 320d ES and Mercedes-Benz C-Class C220 CDI SE, at 47 and 40 per cent respectively. It’s a similar picture where the Lexus IS 250 is concerned, given a 50 per cent residual value rating, compared to 45 per cent for the BMW 325i SE and 42 per cent for the Audi A4 2.0 FSI SE.

LEXUS NUMBER ONE IN NFDA SURVEY

Lexus remains the nation’s best-respected brand in the latest Dealer Attitude Survey, conducted by the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA). Its research for winter 2005/6 shows Lexus achieving the highest ratings in the industry in key areas including customer care, dealer support and development, training, product pricing and vehicle and parts supply.

Crucially, Lexus commands the highest score – 9.4 out of 10 – for the all-round value of its franchise, compared to all others.

Steve Settle, Lexus Director, said: "Lexus’s continued success in the independent NFDA survey demonstrates the effectiveness of our strategy to foster strong and responsive relationships with our centres across the country. We have established a way of working that is the envy of all our competitors and which we have every confidence will continue to provide a benchmark for the industry as a whole."

Whatcar? Goes Green

What Car? has today announced that it is the first car magazine to go climate neutral. The UK’s leading provider of car buying information has teamed up with Climate Care to offset all the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions it produces while assessing cars, by its office energy needs and even by its travel around the world attending global car launches.

Tom Morton, Managing Director, Climate Care said. ‘We are delighted to work with What Car? and help make their activities climate neutral. The automotive industry is central to our attempts to tackle climate change and for such key opinion shapers to take a leading role is a clear sign that the industry is starting to rise to the challenge."

The CO2 produced in putting What Car? together every month is now being countered by Climate Care’s programme, which includes fitting energy-efficient bulbs in Kazakhstan, providing efficient cooking stoves in Bangladesh and replanting forests in Uganda.

Steve Fowler, What Car? group editor, said: ‘What Car? has always promoted the responsible use of cars and we’re leading the way by offsetting our own carbon output – we’ll be encouraging our readers to follow suit. It doesn’t have to cost the earth, either – the owner of an average Ford Focus covering around 12,000 miles a year need only make an annual contribution of around £21 to offset the CO2 they produce when driving."

A recent What Car? survey revealed that 41% of motorists are prepared to pay a premium for cleaner cars.

Coinciding with What Car?’s partnership with Climate Care, it has produced the definitive Driver’s Guide to Going Green – a 64-page magazine free with the May 2006 issue of What Car?, offering thoroughly researched advice and information for car buyers and users on going green and saving cash.

New Ford Ranger Goes on Sale

• Ford Ranger Tipper available now at £16,800 on-the-road
• 4x4 Tipper with multi-stage under floor tipping gear based on the new Ranger Chassis Cab
• The new pick up truck is the ideal 4x4 solution to moving raw materials on or off road
  

Ford's new Ranger Tipper is now available to order and is ideal workmate for every kind of business from farming to roundabout maintenance. The new model is a 4x4 Ranger with a TUV approved rear tipping body with a useful under-body stowage box. The high quality powder coated body is manufactured from corrosion resistant Zinc plated Steel with double skinned Aluminium side and tail-boards.

Gary Whittam, commercial vehicles director, Ford of Britain said: "We are delighted with the way this new model looks and operates. Conversions can often be ungainly but we believe this model is in good proportion.

"Builders, agricultural and forestry workers, playing field and roundabout maintenance teams will all welcome the tipping action and the ability to tow extra equipment such as lawn mowers and trailers. Out in muddy forests and fields the fundamental ability of the Ranger will be a bonus," he added.

The Ranger Tipper is an extension to the market leading Transit "One-Stop" range of ready-for-work conversions. It can uniquely meet operator machinery directive requirements, providing buyers with peace of mind in this increasingly complex legislative environment.

SV-R Supercar Ex-Race Rally & Concept Cars Star in 25 March MG Sports & Racing Auction

It’s not every day you can buy a MG Prototype SV supercar, a 765 bhp, 225mph MG Rover 75 estate or an ex-Gwyndaf Evans works MG Super 1600 rally car.

But now it’s all possible at the sale of MG Sport and Racing Ltd (MG S & R) in administration, the motor sport arm of MG Rover.

One of the final chapters in the British car maker’s history is being auctioned by Wyles Hardy & Co on the 25 March at Groveley Lane, Birmingham B31 4PT, (the site next to the Longbridge factory) on behalf of administrators. If you can’t attend on the day Wyles Hardy has set up a live webcast, allowing you to bid online for any of the hundreds of lots up for sale.

Wyles Hardy has an enviable reputation in the sale of ex-racing and classic car collections being responsible for auctioning off the Simtek F1 team and the assets of the TWR Group, including the legendary Silk Cut Jaguars.

If you are interested in buying the ex-Gwyndaf Evans rally car, expect to pay between £32-38,000 for it, while the heavily modified 765bhp Rover 75 ZT-T, which competed in the Bonneville Salt Flats Speed trials is likely to fetch around £20,000

Also in the sale is the MGTF ‘500’, a unique Cosworth engined track car (guide price £20-25000), plus a one-off ZT V8 480bhp Belcup Endurance Race Car, the last race car to be built by the Sports and Racing Division (£30-40,000)

Proof of other projects MG S & R was involved in prior to the appointment of the administrators, include a concept V8 MG ZT destined for the DTM German touring car series (£10-14,000) and the XPOWER SV series coupe, two examples of which are in the sale (£ 40-£65000). The SV was the last road going sports car to have been built by MG S & R.

Many other MG Rover rally and track cars are also going under the hammer, most of which are capable of getting a motor sport enthusiast up and running to rally or race for an outlay of just a few thousand pounds.

Anyone who wants a piece of MG Rover motorsport history should think about attending the auction. Hundreds of lots, from motor show concept cars to memorabilia are being auctioned - you can even buy engine, suspension and bodywork components to modify your road going MG Rover.

"This auction provides a historic opportunity for motoring enthusiasts to buy some very unique cars," said Matt Hardy, managing director of Wyles Hardy.

"The lots will make anything from a few pounds to tens of thousands, giving everybody from the MG Rover enthusiast to a serious car collector something to bid for," he added.

Morrisons Opens UK's First Bioethanol E85 Fuel Pump

SAAB GB Launches Its 9-5 Biopower For Consumers Who Care

Morrisons supermarket will today open the UK’s first BioEthanol E85 filling pump, tying in with the first deliveries of the Saab 9-5 BioPower flex-fuel car. The fuel will be branded as Harvest BioEthanol E85, with the environmentally-friendly pumps featuring a new butterfly logo and a blue filling hose.

Morrisons, which is the UK’s fourth largest supermarket chain (with 274 petrol forecourts across the UK), will locate the UK’s first BioEthanol E85 pump on the forecourt of its Albion Way, Norwich site to be immediately followed by supplies of Harvest BioEthanol E85 at another four of its sites in the East of England – those of East Dereham, Lowestoft, Diss and Ipswich – plus at five sites in Somerset, in the South West of England. Furthermore, Morrisons has already earmarked several other sites across the UK, where Harvest BioEthanol E85 could soon be sold, according to consumer demand for it.

Phil Maud, Petrol Director at Morrisons, commented on today’s news: "Morrisons is proud to be the country’s first petrol retailer to open a BioEthanol E85 refuelling pump, reinforcing our position as the UK’s largest forecourt retailer of alternative fuels. We believe that by encouraging the use of BioEthanol E85 we can contribute to a reduction in the harmful effects to the environment caused by the burning of fossil fuels." Mr Maud went on to comment: "Furthermore, creating demand for this product will, in the medium to long term, present major opportunities for UK farmers, who have always had strong support from Morrisons, to supply their excess cereals capacity to supply BioEthanol manufacturers."

Harvest BioEthanol E85 will retail for 2 pence per litre less than petrol. In Norwich, this means that, at the time of launch, it will sell for 84.9 pence per litre compared to 86.9 pence per litre for unleaded petrol. Morrisons has chosen East Anglia for the launch because of the region’s role in spearheading the fast-emerging UK biofuels industry.

The availability of BioEthanol E85 on the first UK forecourts has been timed to coincide with the first customer deliveries of the Saab 9-5 BioPower, which was officially launched in the UK in November 2005. Saab is leading the premium sector in being the first manufacturer to offer this innovative solution. Saab BioPower technology enables its cars to run on either the potent yet environmentally-friendly fuel BioEthanol E85, which is a blend of 85% BioEthanol and 15% petrol, or on pure petrol, without any adjustment required by the driver. When running on BioEthanol E85, the fossil CO2 emissions of the Saab 9-5 BioPower are typically between 50-70% cleaner than when running on petrol. Furthermore, as its name suggests, the Saab 9-5 BioPower not only offers purer power, but more of it. Because Saab’s turbocharging technology and engine management systems make it possible to take advantage of bioethanol’s higher octane rating, an impressive 20 per cent gain in brake horse power and 16 per cent growth in torque can be enjoyed when the car runs on BioEthanol E85 compared to when running on regular unleaded petrol.

Jonathan Nash, Managing Director of Saab Great Britain, said: "Biofuels can play a crucial role in reducing CO2 emissions from passenger cars, and as the Government itself said when it announced plans for a Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) in November, a 5% use of biofuels today would be equivalent to taking one million cars off the road. Although I welcome the positive steps that the British Government has taken so far in its introduction of a 5% RTFO and the 20 pence-per-litre tax rebate on biofuels, our experience in other markets shows that the Government needs to take a more strategic approach. Government should show genuine joined-up thinking, by introducing an integrated package of long-term incentives to give consumers the confidence to make the switch to greener fuels, including BioEthanol E85."

Mr Nash went on to point out that: "In Sweden, central and local government financial incentives to encourage BioEthanol-fuelled cars – including a reduction in company car tax, exemption from Stockholm’s congestion charges and free city parking – have resulted in over five and a half thousand Saab 9-5 BioPower cars already being delivered to Swedish drivers since last summer. Here in the UK, Morrisons has demonstrated its commitment to the fuel – now let's see the Government do the same."

Futura Petroleum will supply Morrisons with the Harvest BioEthanol E85 in an initiative supported by the Energy Saving Trust and Renewables East.

Simon Davis, Head of Sales at Futura Petroleum, the supplier of Harvest BioEthanol E85 to Morrisons, commented: "We are delighted to be working with Morrisons and Saab to provide Harvest BioEthanol, the first E85 available to the UK public. This launch reinforces Futura’s position as the leading supplier of renewable motor fuels to British motorists."

Also commenting on the arrival of BioEthanol E85, Tim Curtis, Director of Operations at the Energy Saving Trust, which is a not for profit organisation funded by the Department for Transport, Scottish Executive and the Welsh Assembly Government, added: "Today’s opening sends an important message to both businesses and consumers that retailers and manufacturers are taking the carbon challenge seriously and finding real solutions to reduce increasing CO2 emissions from road transport. What’s more, the Energy Saving Trust is pleased to announce that projects of this type can receive grant support via its infrastructure programme, providing further incentives for industry to develop alternative refuelling options to deliver a more sustainable transport future."

James Beal, Managing Director of Renewables East, the public-funded renewable energy agency for the East of England which is pioneering the development of biofuels and other forms of renewable energy in East of England, said: "I congratulate Morrisons for its proactive action in launching Harvest BioEthanol E85. Developing this market has the opportunity to create and secure up to 10,000 jobs in agriculture and fuel production in the UK, thereby providing an important market opportunity for the East of England given its position as the cereal-growing capital of the UK.

BioEthanol E85

BioEthanol is produced from a wide variety of agricultural produce, including forest residue, sugar cane, sugar beet and grain, making it a totally renewable and sustainable fuel source. When mixed in high volumes with low volumes of petrol, a potent yet environmentally friendly fuel, known as BioEthanol E85 is created.

Unlike traditional fossil fuels such as petrol and diesel, the consumption of BioEthanol E85 does not significantly raise atmospheric levels of Carbon Dioxide (CO2), which is the greenhouse gas that, according to some scientific research, contributes to global warming. This is because the emissions that are released during driving have already been cancelled out by the amount of CO2 that was removed from the atmosphere, through nature's photosynthesis process, when the crops for conversion to BioEthanol were grown.

Nissan Shows Pink Chic

Pink is the new black – according to Nissan. Following the success of the recent C+C TLC Tour in support of Breakthrough Breast Cancer when Nissan covered its latest model in the charity’s colours, the company is launching a limited edition Micra C+C in, yes, you’ve guessed it PINK.

During the tour which visited 13 cities between November 2005 and January 2006, Nissan was inundated with requests from fun loving motorists wanting to add a bit of colour to their drives. Please make a pink C+C … for real, they said. So Nissan has. On sale now and priced at £14,495, just 100 will be available making it rarer than a Chloe Paddington handbag. And arguably more useful.

Based on the 1.6 Sport, the C+C Pink features 16" graphite coloured alloys, manual air conditioning and alloy look interior trim in addition to Nissan’s unique-in-class C-VIEW® electrically folding glass roof. The Karmann designed two-piece roof, christened Auto-Open Roof™, takes just 22 seconds to fold neatly away in the boot leaving you to enjoy the sunshine. Try asking that trick of a handbag. The icing on the cake is of course the oh-so-fashionable pink paint. A colour that’s so exclusive you’ll never have to worry about arriving in the car park to find someone wearing the same car.

Mazda Release Upgrade Mazda 2 Information

Press Release

• Nine-strong model range with five-door hatchback body style
• Choice of three petrol and one diesel engine – all Euro Stage 4 compliant
• Exterior changes – new front and rear lights, new exterior paint colours and black C-pillar
• Interior with two new trim levels retains award-winning functionality
• Three equipment levels – S, Antares and Capella, priced from £8,700 (on-the-road)

The bold and sophisticated exterior design of the Mazda 2 model range is now enhanced for 2006 with new interior and exterior colours, new front, rear and fog lights, new design alloy wheels and black body trim updates. On the inside, Mazda 2 has two new trim levels, and a new audio system with CD player. Mechanically the Mazda 2 for 2006 is unchanged.

On sale now in the UK, the upgraded Mazda 2 offers customers a nine-strong model line-up. Prices start at £8,700 (on-the-road) and rise to £10,630, with a choice of four powertrains (all Euro Stage 4 compliant) and three equipment levels. Three new body colours are available – Sea Grey Mica, Breeze Green Metallic and Neptune Green Mica – in the range of 10 exterior colours and the Capella now has stylish five-spoke 16-inch alloy wheels as standard. The 1.4 diesel with the five-speed ASM semi-automatic transmission is no longer available.

Exterior – sophistication enhanced

The 2006 Mazda 2 retains its athletic and sophisticated exterior with the unmistakable Zoom-Zoom front end, strong shoulder lines and broad stance for its fun to drive appearance.

Overall length (3,925mm) and width (1,680mm, excluding door mirrors) remain as before. Enhancing this sportiness are newly designed headlights (now with round-shaped combination lamps for even more elegance), new clear-glass rear combination lamps (to emphasise the youthful look) and new ‘all black’ rear pillar design (which visually lowers the rear of the car).

Standard wheels and tyres on S and Antares models are 14-inch steel with plastic trim covers and 175/65 R14 tyres, while new five-spoke 16-inch alloy wheels with 195/45 R16 low-profile tyres are standard on the Capella.

Interior – improved quality feel

The interior design of Mazda 2 has always combined stylishness and high levels of craftsmanship, with sporty touches and premium fabrics and textures for a high quality feel interior. For 2006 the Mazda 2 introduces two new trim levels along with new fabrics for the seats and door trim to enhance these attributes even further. For the S model interior, the former Black is replaced by a new Khaki colour. An enhanced Black interior colour is introduced for the Antares and Capella models. Higher quality new seat and door trim materials were chosen to visually coordinate with the titanium-look centre console for a more unified interior atmosphere.

Award-winning accessibility

On the inside, the 2006 Mazda 2 retains the same award-winning interior with easy access, a spacious cabin, exceptional functionality and generous equipment. With room for five adults to travel in comfort and style, Mazda 2’s dimensions provide roominess that is unique for a car in this class. Versatility is enhanced by rear seatbacks which split 60/40 and can be folded to create a nearly flat load floor and a front passenger seatback which folds forwards (on all but the S models) to allow long loads to be accommodated.

The high opening hatch and low load sill (513mm from the ground) make it easy to convert the car into a small two-seat transporter for larger items. Mazda 2 was voted the overall winner of the What Car? magazine ‘Comfort Test’ in 2003 and 2004.

Powertrains boosted by improved Diesel

The 2006 Mazda 2’s powertrain line up retains its three spirited, 16-valve DOHC petrol engines with a choice of 75ps, 80ps and 100ps power outputs. Each engine is frugal and Euro Stage 4 compliant. The petrol engines are matched to a precise shifting five-speed manual transmission that makes driving the Mazda 2 sporty and fun.

The 1.4-litre can also be ordered with a five-speed Auto Shift Manual (ASM) transmission, which allows fully-automatic or clutchless driver-selected gear changes, and makes this version of the Mazda 2 especially easy to drive.

The smooth operating and lively MZ-CD 1.4-litre common-rail turbo diesel engine is now Euro Stage 4 compliant without a diesel particulate filter system. The engine features an updated powertrain control module (PCM) and a new high pressure injection system with improved injection nozzles that deliver good fuel atomisation.

The engine’s exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system has also been improved to reduce NOx emissions with an electric EGR valve (replacing the former vacuum actuated EGR valve) a new EGR cooler, a new throttle valve that increases EGR flow and a boost temperature sensor. Although it now has cleaner emissions, the 1.4 diesel produces 68ps of power and 160Nm of torque at just 2,000rpm – as its predecessor, with a fuel-sipping consumption of 60.1mpg (Combined Cycle) and a CO2 rating of 124g/km.

Generous equipment

Mazda 2’s standard equipment for 2006 includes retractable ‘jack knife’ key with remote central locking, power steering, tilt-adjustable steering wheel, height and slide adjustable driver’s seat, a stereo radio/single CD payer with two speakers and a perimeter alarm.

The Antares model gains air conditioning, electric front windows, folding front passenger seat, body colour door mirrors and door handles, two additional audio speakers and black trim. Capella model customers benefit from electric rear windows, electric and heated door mirrors, two additional audio speakers and 16-inch alloy wheels.

Enhanced Safety

Mazda 2 retains the same chassis systems for 2006 that made the original model such a fun car to drive with precise steering, front MacPherson struts and a twist beam axle at the rear for predictable handling and a supple ride. The braking system features robust 258mm ventilated front discs and 203 mm rear drums working in conjunction with three electronic safety aids as standard – ABS, EBD and EBA – to stop the Mazda 2 in just over 38 metres from 62mph.

Standard passive safety features include driver and passenger airbags, three-point seatbelts for all five occupants (with pretensioners and load-limiters in the front), along with impact absorbing materials in the B-pillars and roof lining.

European Sales

Since launch, more than 105,000 Mazda 2 s have been sold in Europe where customers have taken advantage of this Mazda’s combination of fun driving attributes with low fuel consumption and the brand’s renowned reliability and durability. The 1.25-litre and 1.4-litre petrol models accounted for 33.5 per cent sales in 2005, with 27 per cent of customers buying the 1.4-litre diesel and 6 per cent the range-topping 1.6-litre petrol last year. Globally, Mazda2 attracted over 370,000 customers in the three years from January 2003.

CHANGES AT A GLANCE

Upgraded Mazda2 – 2006

Exterior

• New front and rear lights
• New ‘all-black’ rear pillar trim
• Newly-designed 16-inch alloy wheels (available on Capella)
• Three new exterior colours
• Retractable key, standard all models
  

Interior

• New seat and door trim fabrics
• Improved steering wheel audio controls
• New audio/CD player
• Two new interior colours, Khaki or Black
  

Powertrain

• Improved 1.4-litre common-rail turbo diesel is Euro Stage 4 compliant
• ASM (auto shift manual) transmission available with 1.4-litre petrol engine
  

Chassis and Safety

• ABS, electronic brake force distribution (EBD) and brake assist (EBA) standard

Caparo Creates Advanced Vehicle Technology Group

Caparo - a $1.25-billion multinational with business interests in aluminium and steel processing and vehicle structural components - is to create an advanced automotive technology and engineering design company to be called Caparo Vehicle Technologies. The new company will provide advanced technology development, materials engineering and design services to mainstream automotive, motorsport and aerospace markets. Coupled with its global manufacturing resource and capability Caparo aims to accelerate the use of lightweight materials in vehicle structures.

To launch the company Caparo has acquired the automotive consultancy recently established by Ben Scott-Geddes and Graham Halstead. Both engineers were part of the team that developed the iconic McLaren F1. Their automotive engineering skills have already spawned the impressive Freestream T1 currently in prototype build, which will now be launched as the Caparo Freestream. This ultra high performance road and track car is designed for low volume production to demonstrate the company’s technical know-how and competence in whole vehicle design.

Ben Scott-Geddes becomes design director of the new company, while Graham Halstead becomes engineering director. In addition to their skills in vehicle design and engineering the two engineers have particular expertise in materials technology having been responsible for the Mercedes SLR McLaren sports car; the first advanced composite all carbon body structure to undergo Euro NCAP testing during its development. This unique capability and understanding of materials performance, including how materials as dissimilar as aluminium, advanced composites, engineering plastics and high strength steel can be joined - and which is the best material for a particular part of the car - is important to manufacturers needing to reduce the weight of vehicles to make them more fuel efficient without compromising vital active and passive safety.

Caparo has recruited ex-Ricardo head of computer-aided engineering Mark Findlay as managing director, whose first task is to recruit an elite team of around 30 professional engineers with the skills necessary for handling sophisticated engineering design contracts from carmakers and first tier suppliers. Emphasis will be placed on rapid turnaround of projects so that concepts can be developed for production as quickly as possible in order for clients to gain advantage from being first to market.

Caparo group chief executive Angad Paul will take the position of chairman while fellow main board director Richard Butler will also take a seat on the Caparo Vehicle Technologies’ board. Sean Butcher who identified the commercial opportunity and brought the two parties together becomes commercial director.

"This is an exciting and logical development for Caparo," said Angad Paul. Asked to comment on the group’s move into advanced vehicle technology he added: "I warmly welcome this opportunity for the group to move up the value chain with this high added value proposition. We will use our vehicle technology company to add new materials know-how to our existing aluminium and steel structural capabilities. To me, advanced composites represents an important development in delivering to our customers better vehicle efficiency with less environmental impact and without having to compromise the enjoyment of motoring. The optimum combination of these different materials in the next generation of vehicles - be they cars, trucks, boats or planes - will be a unique selling proposition for our customers."

As well as helping to solve fundamental vehicle engineering issues facing the car industry, the huge interest and publicity already surrounding the Caparo Freestream car plus the added-value once it has completed its test programme, will allow customers of the group’s advanced automotive technology company to gain additional marketing advantage by citing Caparo’s technical involvement in their vehicles.

The compact, lightweight, highly developed powertrain for the Caparo Freestream car will feature a bespoke 2.4-litre V8 engine; branded the Caparo T1. The supercharged engine delivers 480bhp at 10,500rpm. Combined with a small motorsport transmission the complete powertrain weighs approximately 130kg; a comparatively featherweight figure which was crucial to achieving a total vehicle mass of 465kg. This has enabled the company to be the first in the world to produce a road and track car able to exceed 1,000bhp-per-tonne – a significant breakthrough in terms of pure automotive engineering.

The car is also highly developed aerodynamically and is designed to offer a unique racecar performance experience that is simply not achieved by the current generation of sports cars. The driver and passenger of the Caparo Freestream will experience extremely rapid acceleration as well as 3g cornering and braking performance comparable to that of a Le Mans prototype when on the track; yet with its 15 gallon (70-litre) fuel tank is expected to travel safely for 400-500 miles (600-800km) on public highways without refuelling.

Megane Renaultsport 225 Special Editions Hit The Showrooms

Life is sometimes all about perfect timing and Renault has it spot on with the arrival of its New Mégane Renaultsport 225 Renault F1 Team special edition in UK showrooms this week, perfectly coinciding with victory in Bahrain for the Renault F1 Team in the opening round of the FIA Formula One World Championship.

The 2005 World Champion Renault F1 Team and Fernando Alonso got the 2006 F1 Championship season and their title defences off to a fantastic start, with Alonso winning a hard fought battle with Michael Schumacher to win the Bahrain Grand Prix 2006.

Now customers can get their hands on their own version of the Renault F1 Team car for the bargain price of just £19,500 with the arrival of the special edition Mégane Renaultsport 225 ‘Renault F1 Team’ in UK showrooms this week

Created in honour of Renault F1 Team’s double 2005 FIA World Championship wins, which saw Renault claim the World and Drivers’ Championships last year, the Mégane Renaultsport 225 ‘Renault F1 Team’ provides the thrill of driving on the road that the R26 race car does on the track.

It comes in the eye-catching Renault F1 Team decals and detailing featuring the F1 Team logo and metallic blue paint. Each car has its own numbered plaque and includes amongst its standard features the sporty Cup chassis, large black gloss 18" alloy wheels that are 1.5kg lighter than Mégane Renaultsport 225 and 8" wide Vs 7.5" and Recaro seats in blue/ black cloth to echo the exterior styling.

Just as the race-winning R26 Renault F1 Team car benefits from the latest technological advances, so does the Mégane Renaultsport 225 ‘Renault F1 Team’ special edition.

Re-tuned front and rear damper settings, uprated front and rear spring rates (25% front and 77% rear), de-connectable ESP for track days, revised stiffened electrically assisted power steering and Brembo front brake callipers and increased brake master cylinder diameter all come as standard on the Mégane Renaultsport 225 ‘Renault F1 Team’ special edition. Keeping your cool is also assured with climate control.

Renault F1 Team is hoping to repeat its success in next weekend’s Malaysian Grand Prix 2006, and now you can get your hands on one of the hottest hatches, the Mégane Renaultsport 225 ‘Renault F1 Team’ special edition, available in UK showrooms now at £19,500.

Subaru Launches Spring Accessories

Leisure-seeking motorists preparing for the spring holiday season are being targeted by Subaru which has just has launched a high-value accessory campaign focussing on towbars and electrics plus roof bars and attachments.

For example, Subaru Forester customers buying a detachable or fixed swan-neck tow-bar will receive a free-of-charge ‘plug and play’ 12N wiring kit worth £49.95.

This avoids fiddly connectors, clips and soldering and drastically reduces installation time for the towcar electrics.

Meanwhile, owners planning outdoor pursuits such as mountain-bikers, skiers and campers will all benefit from Subaru’s new ‘Raise The Quality Bar’ campaign.

Anyone buying a load carrier and attachment such as a cycle carrier, ski carrier or transport box will receive a 10 per cent discount on both items.

The ‘Raise The Quality Bar’ campaign on genuine Subaru accessories is available from all participating dealers with all items enjoying a full and comprehensive three-year warranty.

Audi A6 Quattro Ready For UK orders

S quattro Series expands again with new 10-cylinder, 435PS A6 range flagship

• New S6 quattro Saloon and Avant models opened for UK order on March 9. First UK deliveries scheduled for July
• 5.2-litre V10 FSI petrol engine developed using Lamborghini Gallardo’s 5.0-litre unit as its technical basis, linked to six-speed tiptronic automatic transmission
• 435PS at 6,800rpm, max torque of 540Nm from 3,000-4,000rpm, 0-62mph in 5.2 seconds (Avant 5.3), electronically limited 155mph top speed, 21.0mpg
• Modified sports suspension with latest generation quattro drive incorporating 40/60 rear biased torque split
• All-up weight of 1,910kg, giving impressive power-to-weight ratio of 220PS per ton (S6 quattro Saloon)
• Exclusive styling incorporating unique single frame grille design, flared front wheel arches, separate daytime running light strips
  

The latest addition to the acclaimed Audi S quattro Series - the formidable 435PS, V10 FSI S6 quattro - is released for UK ordering this week at an OTR price of £55,330 in Saloon form or £56,600 as an Avant. The first examples will reach UK customers in July.

Developed with technical input from Lamborghini, the quattro four-wheel-driven Audi super saloon and its even more accommodating Avant estate counterpart (pictured belo) combine a lavish specification with the capacity for pure exhilaration courtesy of the FSI directly injected 5.2-litre V10 petrol engine and its 435PS charge.

With its family ties to the 5.0-litre V10 powering the Lamborghini Gallardo evident in its sonorous engine note, the ten-cylinder Audi FSI unit delivers slingshot acceleration through a bespoke six-speed tiptronic automatic transmission whose rapid fire changes help to maximise its potential. The sprint to 62mph is possible in 5.2 seconds (Avant 5.3 seconds) on the way to a top speed limited electronically to 155mph, yet this doesn’t rule out a respectable 21.0mpg economy figure (combined cycle), thanks in part to the efficiency of the Audi FSI direct fuel injection system.

As befits an Audi S quattro model, extensively modified lightweight sports suspension incorporating a high proportion of aluminium strikes the best possible balance between ride comfort and handling balance. The reassurance of scrabble-free acceleration and outstanding grip in all conditions comes courtesy of the latest generation quattro permanent four-wheel-drive system with a standard 40:60 (front / rear) torque split.

Visually, the new S6 quattro is marked out by a unique front end design incorporating a restyled single frame grille and an additional central air intake flanked by larger side intakes containing distinctive LED daytime running strip lights. Front wheel arches flared by 14mm, aluminium look door mirrors and larger body-coloured side rubbing strips enhance the profile in conjunction with 19-inch 5-arm Wing design alloy wheels. At the rear, an integrated boot or tailgate spoiler, a built-in diffuser in a contrasting colour and four ellipsoidal exhaust tailpipes subtly complete the look.

Inside, S quattro distinguishing features include new electrically adjustable Alcantara and leather-upholstered sports seats with integral head restraints and pronounced lateral supports, an ‘S quattro’ three-spoke leather-trimmed sports steering wheel with contrasting double seam stitching and aluminium look tiptronic gear shift paddles, plus an exclusive S quattro design for the gear knob and dials.

Also included in the UK S6 quattro specification is DVD satellite navigation built into the much praised Multi Media Interface (MMI High), a 6 CD autochanger and an upgraded Driver’s Information System (DIS) with a built-in digital speedometer.

Picture caption

Pricing confirmed for new Audi S6 quattro models - The potent new V10 FSI, 435PS Audi S6 quattro has just been released for UK ordering at an OTR price of £55,330 for the Saloon and £56,600 for the Avant. First deliveries to UK customers will begin in July.

Revised Fiat Idea On Sale In The UK

A revised Fiat Idea range has just gone on sale in the UK. It features detailed styling changes, new interior trim and upholstery, comprehensive standard equipment specification upgrades, and significant performance enhancements achieved through an expanded engine and transmission range.

An attractive contender in the mini-MPV market, the versatile, practical Idea reflects Fiat Auto’s unrivalled expertise in the field of small cars. Its design provides an elevated driving position, impressive interior space, seating flexibility and class-leading storage facilities, despite exterior dimensions only marginally bigger than those of the average supermini.

Five versions of the 2006 Idea, priced from £10,295 – £13,195 on-the-road, are available, embracing three trim levels – Active, Dynamic and Eleganza – and a choice of three engines: a further refined version of the spirited FIRE 1.4 litre 16 valve 95 bhp petrol unit, and both 70 bhp and 90 bhp versions of Fiat Auto’s widely acclaimed 1.3 litre 16 valve MultiJet diesel engine – the smallest and most advanced second generation common rail direct injection turbodiesel in the world.

Dynamic and Eleganza 1.4 litre petrol versions of the latest Idea are now mated to a new 6-speed transmission, whilst both 70 bhp and 90 bhp versions of the 1.3 litre MultiJet powerplant as well as the Active 1.4 litre petrol version incorporate a 5-speed manual gearbox. Dualogic transmission, a sophisticated, clutchless, 5-speed sequential manual shift with a selectable, fully automatic mode is available as an option throughout the range.

The 2006 Fiat Idea’s improved equipment specification has been carefully considered to simplify and enhance life on board, with a stereo radio/CD player, remote central locking, driver and front passenger airbags, electric front windows, three rear headrests, Dualdrive power steering, Follow Me Home headlamps, ABS anti-lock braking and body coloured bumpers now fitted as standard across the range.

Numerous options more usually reserved for vehicles in a higher segment include parking sensors, curtain airbags (fitted as standard with Dynamic and Eleganza trim levels), ESP (including ASR, MSR and Hill Holder), a CD sound system that can play MP3 music files and a SkyDome glass sunroof occupying nearly 70% of the new Idea’s roof area (also fitted as standard to Eleganza models).

At the heart of the new Fiat Idea’s outstanding interior flexibility is a unique rear seat – set 5 mm higher than the front seats at 70 mm off the ground – combining a 40:20:40 split/folding and 60 degree reclining backrest with a 60:40 split/folding, and sliding, seat base. In conjunction with front and centre rear seats which fold forwards to form flat table tops, the system offers no less than 32 different seating configurations allied to a luggage capacity of between 320 to 1420 litres. Moreover, extensive cabin storage features no less than 27 different storage points.

Fiat Auto has equipped the 2006 Idea with class-leading levels of both passive and active safety. Allied to a chassis designed to provide exceptional torsional stiffness yet absorb impact with maximum efficiency, the Idea may be fitted with up to four airbags, whilst height adjustable front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters, three-point rear seat belts, anti-submarining front and rear seats, and Fiat’s FPS Fire Prevention System are all fitted as standard.

The 2006 Fiat Idea also offers the full range of braking, traction control and stability systems available today: ABS anti-lock brakes complete with electronic brakeforce distribution, ASR to limit wheelspin during acceleration, MSR to modulate engine torque whilst changing down, and a sophisticated ESP to control stability through bends. Vehicles fitted with ESP also benefit from hydraulic brake assistance and a unique Hill Holder function to facilitate smooth hill starts.

Incorporating true Multi Purpose Vehicle space efficiency and flexibility practicality, the 2006 Fiat Idea offers enhanced performance, improved specification levels and exceptional comfort, combined with unrivalled safety and outstanding value for money.

New exterior and interior

Subtle yet distinctive revisions to all areas of the Idea’s compact, monobox design instantly identify it. At the front, indicator lamps are now incorporated within headlamp clusters which are, themselves, flush fitting within the nose section. A new grille is finished in chrome, rather than black, and the front bumper inserts are body coloured.

Either side, door handles and mouldings are body coloured on Dynamic and Eleganza versions, whilst the body coloured rubbing strips are highlighted by elegant chrome accents. Door pillars are finished in black to reinforce the Idea’s generous 3.6 square metres of glazing and emphasise the clean homogeny of the design. At the rear, tall, upright tail-lights flanking a practical, top hinged tailgate now feature distinctive chrome inserts.

On board, a new, lower contrast, two-tone dashboard is complemented by a high-gloss instrument binnacle and chrome highlighting to the gear lever, air vent handles and storage compartment handles.

Improved upholstery is available in a range of new fabrics and colours; Red or Grey Iris fabric in Active versions, Inox Black/Bronze or Inox Black/Azure fabric in Dynamic models, and Inox Black/Azure fabric and leather or Inox Black/Steel fabric and leather in the Eleganza.

The 2006 Fiat Idea is available in a choice of 10 paint finishes, including four new colours; New Orleans Blue, Minimal grey, Digital Grey and Chorus Blue.

Revised model range

In a 2006 model range rationalised and restructured to provide enhanced equipment specifications and competitive pricing, five versions of the new Fiat Idea are available as follows:

• 1.4 16v Active 95 bhp - £10,295
• 1.3 16v MultiJet Active 70 bhp - £11,095
• 1.4 16v Dynamic 95 bhp 6-speed - £11,745
• 1.3 16v MultiJet Dynamic 90 bhp - £12,995
• 1.4 16v Eleganza 95 bhp 6-speed - £13,195
  

Improved standard equipment

The revised and upgraded standard specifications now include the following:

Active

• Stereo radio/CD player with six speakers
• ABS with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)
• Electric front windows with driver’s ‘One Touch’ facility
• Remote central locking
• Driver and passenger front airbags
• Dualdrive electric power steering
• Height and reach adjustable steering wheel
• Height adjustable driver’s seat
• Heated rear window with intelligent wash/wipe
• ‘Follow Me Home’ headlights
• Body coloured bumpers
• Fiat Code II engine immobiliser
• Locking fuel cap
• 3 rear head restraints
• Trip computer
  

Dynamic

In addition to the Active specification, Dynamic adds:

• Air conditioning with pollen filter
• Full length curtain airbags
• Heated, electrically adjustable door mirrors
• Rear parking sensor
• Sliding, multi-configurable rear seat
• Foglights
• Driver and passenger seat lumbar adjustment
• Driver and passenger seat armrests
• Body coloured wing mirrors, door handles and rubbing strips
  

Eleganza

In addition to the Dynamic specification, Eleganza adds:

• Automatic dual-zone, dual-flow climate control with pollen filter
• Outside temperature sensor
• Electric rear windows
• SkyDome sunroof
• 15" alloy wheels
• Leather and fabric upholstery
• Steering wheel mounted audio controls
• Leather trimmed steering wheel and gear lever
• Overhead oddments compartments with child surveillance mirror
  

Extended powertrain range

1.3 16v 70bhp MultiJet

• 1248 cc
• 4-cylinders, 16 valves
• Power: 70 bhp @ 4000 rpm
• Torque: 133 lb.ft @ 1750 rpm
• Top Speed: 99 mph
• Acceleration 0-62 mph: 15.4 seconds
• Fuel Consumption: in town: 45.6 mpg, out of town: 62.8 mpg, combined: 55.4 mpg
• CO2: 135 g/km
  

1.3 16v 90bhp MultiJet

• 1248 cc
• 4-cylinders, 16 valves
• Power: 90 bhp @ 4000 rpm
• Torque: 147 lb.ft @ 1750 rpm
• Top Speed: 108 mph
• Acceleration 0-62 mph: 12.5 seconds
• Fuel Consumption: in town: 44.8 mpg, out of town: 68.9 mpg, combined: 57.7 mpg
• CO2: 130 g/km
  

Weighing just 130 kg, the 1.3 litre 16v MultiJet – a 1248 cc, 4-cylinder in-line unit with a bore of 69.6 mm and a stroke of 82 mm – is the smallest and most advanced second generation Common Rail direct injection turbodiesel in the world.

The new engine offers two innovative features; extremely compact dimensions (460 mm long, 500 mm wide and 650 mm high) that enable it to be installed in B-segment and A-segment city cars, and the sophisticated MultiJet technology of second generation JTDs. The latter being the fruition of groundbreaking development work at the Fiat Research Centre, itself responsible for the introduction of the world's first UniJet Common Rail engine in 1997.

Mated to 5-speed manual gearboxes, both 70bhp and 90bhp variants feature twin overhead camshafts, a chain driven timing system, hydraulic tappets, a cast iron crankcase with an aluminium base, steel crankshaft and an aluminium cylinder head. The cylinder head is equipped with highly efficient directional intake ports to ensure an optimum fuel mix despite the small bore.

The 1.3 MultiJet engine is boosted by a turbocharger with wastegate and intercooler, and possesses an electronically controlled Exhaust Gas Recirculation system and exhaust gas cooling. The 90 bhp unit boasts a variable geometry turbocharger, boosting maximum power output by 20 bhp at 4000 rpm, and peak torque by 14 lb.ft from 133 to 147 lb.ft at just 1750 rpm.

Not only do these attributes combine to make the 90 bhp MultiJet the smallest and most powerful diesel in its class, it also makes the new Fiat Idea a particularly environmentally friendly car, with important company car tax implications. At present in the UK, all non-Euro 4 diesel cars are subject to a 3% company car tax loading. The new Fiat Idea’s 1.3 16v MultiJet units will be exempt from this, thus further enhancing its appeal amongst company car drivers/user choosers.

1.4 16v FIRE Engine (6-speed transmission)

• 1368 cc
• 4-cylinders, 16 valves
• Power: 95 bhp @ 5800 rpm
• Torque: 94 lb/ft @ 4500 rpm
• Top Speed: 109 mph
• Acceleration 0-62 mph: 11.5 seconds
• Fuel Consumption: in town: 33.2 (32.5) mpg, out of town: 51.4 (52.3) mpg, combined: 42.8 (42.8) mpg
• CO2: 157 g/km
  

Further refinements to the proven 95bhp, 1.4 16v FIRE unit include a revised barycentric engine mounting system of increased rigidity to minimise the transfer of vibrations, and an optimised piston skirt profile with a new, molybendum bisulphate coating to minimise piston/liner clearances and thus reduce noise.

In Active specification, the 1.4 16v Idea is mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox, whilst in Dynamic and Eleganza trim levels, the revised 95 bhp powerplant is fitted, as standard, with a smooth, precise, 6-speed manual transmission. Optimising engine efficiency, the new gearbox not only improves high-speed cruising fuel economy, but also boosts acceleration by some 8% from 40 to 60 mph in fourth gear, and by 10% from 50 to 70 mph in fifth gear.

Dualogic

Available as an option throughout the 2006 Fiat Idea range, Dualogic transmission is a sophisticated, clutchless, 5-speed sequential manual shift with a selectable, fully automatic mode. This innovative transmission system features a servo automated clutch and gear lever, whilst retaining all the attributes of a dry clutch and manual gearbox; low weight, strength, reliability and fuel economy.

Three operating modes are selectable; semi-automatic, automatic and automatic eco. In the absence of a clutch pedal, fast, accurate gear changing in semi-automatic mode simply requires the movement of the lever forward to change up and back to change down.

In fully automatic mode, Dualogic offers two options; Normal and Economy. The Normal option offers outstanding driving comfort through the smoothest gear changes under all conditions. Pressing the Economy button on the gear control panel offers reduced fuel consumption whilst maintaining first class driving comfort.

Ford And Its Winning Focus Stay Out In Front

The Ford Focus – Britain's top-selling car – has outsold its nearest rival by over 50 per cent. Buoyed by the launch of the acclaimed turbocharged 2.5-litre Ford Focus ST, the model topped 17,500 sales this year so far. The second-placed car was more than 6,000 sales behind.

Ford took a car market share of 16.7 per cent, both last month and year-to-date according to latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). This was 1.5 percentage points up on February 2005 and the corresponding volume – 12,660 Ford cars sold last month – was eight per cent higher than the previous year.

Other Ford highlights include:

• Ford Fiesta secures 22 per cent of the year's small car sales
• Twice as many Ford Kas registered as closest segment competitor
• Ford Focus also diesel best seller
• Ford Mondeo remains favourite large car
• Ford Galaxy is number one large Multi Purpose Vehicle (MPV)
• Volumes of market leading Ford Transit are up eight per cent
  

From March the first Ford Focus Flexi Fuel Vehicles (FFVs) delivered to customers will feature among Ford registrations. The Ford Focus FFV is the country's first biofuel car and Avon and Somerset police will be driving on bioethanol from later this month. The FFV runs on bioethanol or petrol in any mix in the same fuel tank. A 1.8-litre Ford Focus FFV costs £14,095 with no premium charged for its flexi fuel technology.

Roelant de Waard (pictured), Ford of Britain chairman and managing director, said: "Ford Focus – the nation's favourite – and Ford Fiesta are leading the charge and helping to maintain our position as top car and commercial vehicle brand. Customers are the only true judges of our success, so I was particularly delighted that Fiesta and Focus were first and second respectively in the retail top 10 – reflecting private buyers' car purchases so far in 2006."

More Power To Your EVO

• Mitsubishi Evo Big Power Kit Launched – up to 511 bhp

Oxfordshire based Owen Developments are renowned for their innovative development of turbocharger and high performance engine technologies. Since the mid-eighties part of their expertise has been to rebuild and blueprint turbochargers for both fast road and motorsport competition cars.

They are also the Garrett Performance Centre for European, African and the Middle East providing the latest range of Garrett Ball Bearing Turbocharger combinations.

They have also recently been appointed by Garrett Motorsport Engineering USA as their Garrett WRC Turbo Centre.

In addition Owen Developments were responsible for providing for Mitsubishi Motors in the UK the development, engineering and supply of their Lancer Evolution FQ kits with power outputs of up to 400 bhp.

Now Owen Developments are launching their Mitsubishi Evo Big Power Kit suitable for all Evos ranging from series 4 to 9 which have already had the FQ400 engine modifications.

The latest power boost kit, gives up to 511 bhp at 7,100 rpm and 426 lb ft of torque at 5,219 rpm.

By designing a new inlet manifold Owen Developments can now use the latest remote wastegated GT30 range of Garrett high performance ball bearing turbochargers. Having a remote wastegate allows for a more efficient turbine housing which in turn provides more boost and less ‘turbo-lag’.

The new Big Power Kits can provide between 405 and 511 bhp depending on the customer’s requirements.

Brian Owen, managing director, said, "Customers wanting our new Big Power Kit must make sure their Lancer Evo engine has already been significantly modified to FQ400 specification. At this stage we cannot talk about what price these new kits will be because that will depend upon the specification and condition of the engine. In every case we need customers to talk to us directly so we can discuss with them what specification their Evo engine is and what specification Evo Big Power Kit we need to supply."

Used Prestige SUVs More Affordable

According to EurotaxGlass’s, the price of the average one-year-old prestige brand Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) is 7 per cent lower than at the same point 12-months ago, equivalent to a significant £2,500 fall in the typical asking price. Used prestige SUVs are becoming increasingly affordable due to wider availability, growing competition in the segment, and falling waiting lists for most new models.

"Residual values for prestige SUVs are finally falling from the high levels that have prevailed for the last 36 months," comments Richard Crosthwaite, Prestige Car Editor at EurotaxGlass’s. "The good news for existing owners is that we now expect to see rates of depreciation for these cars level out, and they will still outperform most other prestige car segments."

The EurotaxGlass’s analysis indicates that a 12-month-old BMW X5 3.0d Sport SE (auto) currently has a trade value of £36,625, approximately nine per cent or £3,550 down on what an identical X5 of the same age would have achieved in March 2005. Similarly, a Volvo XC90 D5 SE (auto) now has a value of £28,650, some £3,450 or 11 per cent lower than at the same point last year. The Porsche Cayenne has also suffered, with a Cayenne S (auto) now worth £40,600 compared to £42,825 in March 2005 – a fall of 5 per cent or £2,225. Meanwhile, a Mercedes-Benz ML270 CDI (auto) has a trade value of £25,000 this month, around £1,150 lower than the £26,150 that would be paid for the same age of ML270 CDI in March 2005.

"Without exception, the vehicles that perform best in this segment are the diesel variants, and they will continue to do so," adds Crosthwaite. "Re-sale prospects are also aided by a good metallic colour – metallic black being the best, automatic transmission and satellite navigation." Crosthwaite says failure by buyers of new prestige SUVs to adhere to these basic rules can result in resale values that are several thousand pounds lower. "The absence of sat nav alone can take at least £2,000 off the trade price of a 12-month-old prestige SUV, with a similar sum deducted for a manual gearbox," he explains.

Looking forward, the launch of new models such as the Audi Q7 will add some further used supply into the segment, but the resulting increases will be modest for at least the next 18-months. "It is therefore my opinion that supply issues will not adversely effect values to any significant extent," says Crosthwaite. "However, it must be remembered that patterns of demand in the prestige market are very much driven by popular tastes, so significant new arrivals will accelerate rates of depreciation for models that are at a more advanced stage in their product lifecycle."

Land Rover Revels In Carnival Atmosphere

Press Release

Land Rover has become the title partner of the Zee Carnival 2006 taking place this weekend at London’s Olympia.

The three-day (10-12 March) celebration of Asian culture is hosted by the Zee TV Network – the number one South Asian TV broadcaster in Europe – and is the biggest highlight of its 2006 Calendar.

Commenting on the sponsorship, Land Rover UK marketing director, Andy Griffiths said: "The Zee Carnival promises to be a vibrant celebration that will have something to appeal to everyone. With appearances from Bollywood celebrities, live music and the chance to meet stars including the Range Rover Sport, carnival visitors are assured the ultimate family day out."

With over 300 exhibitors – spanning the worlds of health, beauty, travel, finance and fashion – the carnival is expected to attract 30,000 visitors from around the UK with interactive displays that bring the many facets of Asian culture together under one roof.

Land Rover’s title partnership of the carnival builds upon the brand’s support of the Birmingham Mela at the NEC last year and its current partnership of the Asian Jewel Awards.

All-New Ford Ranger Has More Power, Durability And Style

Ford Press Release

• Tough and modern exterior design
• Completely redesigned interior
• Increased loading and towing capacity
• More durability and more comfort
• More power with all-new 2.5-litre 143PS common-rail diesel engine.
• Improved driving quality
• On sale in Britain September 2006, pricing announced summer 2006.
  

The all-new Ford Ranger pick-up will deliver more power, more style and more durability when it arrives on Britain's roads, quarries and farms this Autumn. The all-new Ranger is a true off-roader which is both rugged and capable in the harshest of environments and yet stylish and comfortable for the driver who needs it to fit their lifestyle as well as their job.

Gary Whittam, commercial vehicles director, Ford of Britain, said: "New Ranger is a very stylish yet durable vehicle. It really deserves its 'tough truck' label, and now offers higher levels of comfort and practicality.

"Sales of Ranger have more than doubled over the last five years and we are confident that the all-new Ranger will attract even more new customers who will certainly feel the difference!"

New Tough Exterior

Immediately noticeable is the imposing new bonnet and wide grille opening which dominate the front, while prominent wheel arches emphasise the Ranger's tough image.

The split front bumper and integrated fog lamps are designed to be protected during off-road driving, while the clean look of the front is emphasized by new clear lens reflector headlamps.

The purposeful profile of the new Ranger is enhanced by attractive new 16-inch alloy wheels with 245/70R16 tyres (15-inch on some models). The new wheel/tyre combinations also provide better grip in all road conditions.

New Engine

The new Ford Ranger is equipped with an all-new 2.5-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engine that features a new common-rail fuel injection system. The engine provides increased power from the previous 109PS to 143PS and increased torque from 226Nm at 2000rpm to 330Nm at 1,800 rpm.

The higher levels of refinement of the new TDCi engine deliver a significantly quieter cabin. A Variable Geometry Turbo (VGT) is employed to provide an earlier and more broad torque delivery as well as reduced turbo lag.

The transmission is the proven Durashift five-speed manual transmission.

Reduced Noise, Vibration and Harshness

A key area of improvement is noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) which has been achieved in a number of ways. The engine is quieter due to a new cooling system and very precise fuel injection patterns which are controlled by the advanced computer-managed high pressure common-rail system.

Idle vibration is reduced thanks to stiffer engine and body mounts and a stronger chassis frame. A new door seal system, carpet and panel insulations also help reduce engine and road noise.

New Stylish Interior

The interior of the new Ranger has been completely redesigned. The seats boast a new sculpted seatback, wider shoulders, improved bolster and larger headrest. The angular centre console is finished in silver and chrome detailing continues on the instrument cluster, ventilator grilles, gearshift, window switches and inner door handles.

There are numerous stowage areas in the new Ranger, including five cupholders and an industry-first instrument panel pull-out tray to keep stationery in place. Additionally, a two-bin centre console has the capacity for storing up to 10 CDs, mobile phones and small personal items such as gloves and sunglasses.

All new Rangers feature an integrated radio with an in-dash CD player and MP3 compatibility: an in-dash six-CD player and additional speakers are also available.

Increased Load Area and Towing Capacity

For new Ranger, the pick-up box side wall height has been increased by 60mm to provide class leading load box capacity. In addition, cargo tie-downs have been moved to a lower position to give greater load security and an innovative new shelving facility has been built into the load area. Ranger is capable of carrying a one tonne payload and an increased, substantial three tonne towing capacity – enough to comfortably tow a double horse box, small boat or motorcycle.

Improved Ride and Handling

True to Ford's passion for driving quality, the new Ranger has significantly improved driveability. To deliver improved ride quality, Ranger gets larger suspension upper control arms and spring bushing, larger wheels and all-terrain tyres, larger diameter shock absorbers, and increased leaf spring length to optimise ride quality. There is also a new rear stabiliser, and an improved hydraulic braking system. The new Ranger provides safe and precise handling both laden and unladen thanks to its clever use of progressive damping and carefully tuned spring rates.

Vehicle approach and departure angles have been optimised to tackle the steepest of climbs, while electronic 'shift on-the-fly' allows easy and quick 4x4 engagement whilst driving.

Safety

As more and more customers use their Ranger for day-to-day and family transportation, Ford's no-compromise approach to safety ensures that all occupants are equally protected. The new Ranger is equipped with standard front airbags for driver and passenger, plus optional side impacts airbags for the front seats. Seatbelts are equipped with pre-tensioners to ensure maximum passenger protection in an accident. Child seat anchors are also available.

Four wheel ABS anti-lock braking is standard across the Ranger model range, helping to avoid a collision even when towing at full gross train weight.

Extensive Tough Testing

The new Ranger has undergone one of the toughest testing regimes ever undertaken for a vehicle of this type. Proving grounds in Arizona, Japan, Australia, and South Africa were used, in temperatures ranging from -25 to 57 degC. Early production vehicles were subjected to some of the most extreme terrain on Earth including the mountain ranges of Northern Thailand and Laos, the Himalayas in Nepal, the jungles of Borneo, the Australian Outback, Kruger National Park in South Africa and the searing deserts of the United Arab Emirates.

For those customers looking for the ultimate Ranger, the popular 'Thunder' package is available for the new model, with a bright tubular sports bar, chrome side sill bar and rear chrome underbar which complement the Ranger's sporty and tough look. Moving inside, buyers of the Thunder package can enjoy the comfort of leather seats, scuff plates, off-road gauges, six- CD player, air conditioning.

Mazda’s New One-Ton Pickup Planned for 2006 Bangkok International Motor Show

Mazda Press Release

Mazda Motor Corporation has announced the name of its new one-ton pickup range, which will make its world debut at the 2006 Bangkok International Motor Show, to be held from Wednesday 22 March through Monday 3 April 2006.

“In line with Mazda’s global alphanumeric nomenclature strategy, we have named this new truck range “BT-50”, a global name that will be used in all markets,” says Malcolm Gough, Executive Officer and General Manager of Mazda’s Overseas Sales Division.

“BT-50 recognizes the new range's B-Series Truck heritage (BT) and the number ‘50’ reflects that this one-ton vehicle is optimally positioned between smaller payload trucks (e.g. half-ton) and much larger trucks.

“The Bangkok global premiere of the new Mazda BT-50 pickup range will provide existing and prospective owners with the chance to be amongst the first to see the world's Zoom-Zoom truck.

“BT-50 builds on a tradition of Mazda heritage and values,” states Gough. “Its aggressive presence, command of the road and powerful new turbo diesel engines will provide leadership in this competitive truck segment.”

Mazda’s new pickup delivers an exciting blend of sophisticated design, refinement, responsive handling and dynamic performance Owners will benefit from its outstanding versatility, comfort and convenience whether they use it much like a passenger car or in circumstances requiring tough, reliable commercial truck performance.

With this new truck, Mazda has deepened its commitment to Thailand and Asia, which is an important centre of truck and automotive manufacturing for Asia and the world.

Joining this new range on the Mazda stand will also be Mazda MX-5, Mazda3 and Mazda RX-8 models.

Mazda will hold its press conference at the Mazda stand from 13:20 to 13:35 on Wednesday, March 22, 2006.

Greater London Hire Showcase The Toyota Prius

It was comments from passengers that encouraged London’s longest-established private hire and courier service to start using Toyota Prius cars – and by this summer Greater London Hire should have 32 of the petrol-electric hybrids on its fleet.

The latest batch of 12 Prius with green flashes recently joined the 17 cars already on the fleet, a third of which GLH aims to have "greened" in the near future. The passenger car service that GLH started nearly 40 years ago was one of the first in central London. Today, the Finchley-based company operates a fleet of 300 saloon, estate, MPV and executive cars, light vans and motorcycles around the clock, with 20-minute central pick-up and UK-wide parcel delivery among the services it offers.

GLH’s cars and motorbikes are exempt from congestion-charging, so this, for once, was not an incentive for a London fleet to switch to Prius. Instead the move was prompted by a customer survey that indicated a desire for a car that was different, and environmentally sound. With the current-generation Toyota Prius relatively new on the market, GLH took on five cars for a six-week evaluation period – and its staff were as impressed as their customers. "The comments were on the whole very positive," says GLH’s Operations Manager Dan Gurney. As a result the company ordered 12 more of the hybrids, the first Toyotas to join the GLH fleet and also its first alternative-fuelled vehicles. They replaced mainly Rover 75s and VW Passats.

The company now has a separate tariff for its Prius fleet, along with special "E for Eco" call-signs for each driver. "The drivers love the cars," says Mr Gurney. "Using the Prius saves them on average £30 or £40 a week on fuel – they’re self-employed contractors and sign a lease agreement under which we look after the maintenance. They also find driving the cars less stressful.

"The passenger space is superb in the Prius, and most of the comments from passengers refer to how comfortable they find the car. With its slightly raised roof it’s like a mini-Tardis inside, so

it’s suitable even for tall people." The cars are leased from Fulton Leasing and are expected to cover 80,000 miles in their two-year tours of duty with GLH. "We replace our cars after that time because we like to keep the fleet fresh," says Dan Gurney.

The original Prius are due to be replaced this October, and they are expected to be in good shape. "We did some hefty cost analysis on repairs, servicing, brakes and tyres after they had done 30,000 miles, with one having done 53,000 miles at that point, and they hadn’t even needed a set of brake pads – incredible," says Mr Gurney. "If you drive the car sensibly, you can simply take your foot off the pedal to slow down, rather than always having to use the brakes as with a conventional petrol or diesel car."

"A lot is said about the environmental and economical advantages of the Toyota Prius, but it’s good to see that the vehicle is also being widely appreciated for its comfort by paying passengers," says Toyota Fleet’s General Manager Jon Pollock. "Greater London Hire’s experience underlines the extent to which the perception of hybrid vehicles has been transformed."

Ford Back Welsh Paralympian

BRIDGEND, Mid-Glamorgan, 8 March, 2006 – Ford's Bridgend plant hopes that it has helped Welsh Paralympian Nathan on his way to winning gold.

Nathan Stephens, aged 17, from Pyle, has been given a Ford Focus estate to help with his training for this year’s Paralympic Games and the Commonwealth Games, as well as other European and British championships.

His father, Barrie, has been an electrician at the Bridgend engine plant for 16 years. When plant manager Bob Murphy became aware how Nathan was struggling to get to training and competitions, Ford Bridgend was keen to help.

Bob said: "Nathan is an outstanding Olympian – an inspiration to everyone who meets him and I don’t think we could have found a more deserving person to support."

Nathan, who lost his right leg and part of his left in a train accident when he was nine, competes in summer and winter sports at the highest level, covering about 500 miles a week. He is part of Britain's Paralympic Games sledge hockey team competing in Turin, Italy, from Friday. The determined teenager has also swum for Wales, been a British javelin, discus and shot champion and won wheelchair race medals.

He has passed his driving test but most of the journeys are done with his father and mother, who are British team officials. The Ford Bridgend plant has used its engineering resources to maintain team equipment with further voluntary help from employees in the tool room.

Nathan said: "With all the travelling we have to do a reliable and roomy car is a necessity and I am so grateful that Ford Bridgend has come to our help. Having the Ford Focus estate on loan and the support of the plant removes some worries and lets us concentrate on training and going for gold."

Ford's Bridgend plant employs around 1,600 people who produce over 600,000 petrol engines a year for Ford, Jaguar and Land Rover – all Ford Motor Company brands.

The New Citroen C5 VTX +

Citroën is launching two new C5 VTX+ models, equipped with a fuel efficient 110hp 1.6HDi engine, aimed directly at user-chooser fleet drivers looking to combine comfort, space and a high specification with low taxation.

The Citroën C5 VTX+ is based on the current VTR model, but adds a high-tech NaviDrive satellite navigation and telematics system and metallic paint as standard, all for a low recommended retail price that starts at just £15,095. Company car drivers can also benefit from a major Benefit-In-Kind tax saving of £700*.

Competitor comparisons are instantly favourable. The C5 VTX+ oozes value, with list price savings of between £3,000 and £4,000 compared to similarly specified key rivals.

The advanced, colour-screen NaviDrive system features voice-activation of the telephone/radio/satellite navigation, a function for reading back SMS text messages, ‘TA’ traffic information and a 6-CD auto-changer. The integrated, hands-free nature of this system, provides the user with added safety and cost benefits.

Brimming with equipment, VTX+ versions of the 5 star Euro NCAP rated C5 offer drivers the benefits ofCitroën’s ultra-comfortable, self-levelling hydractive suspension, ESP with traction control, ABS with EBD and EBA, automatic digital air conditioning, cruise control with speed limiter, alloy wheels, seven airbags and an alarm.

The C5 VTX+ Hatchback is available at a RRP of £15,095 and the C5 VTX+ Estate for £16,195. Both models are fitted with the refined and torquey 110hp 1.6HDi diesel engine, capable of returning over 50 miles per gallon. Thanks to the incredibly keen pricing neither model will be available with any additional customer offers.

*Compared to a standard VTR model equipped with metallic paint and NaviDrive Pack, based on 40% taxation over 36 months.

Honda Dominates Car Sales Charts In February

Jazz, Civic (petrol), Accord petrol (both saloon and Tourer) and CR-V (both diesel and petrol) topped their sector and Honda outsold both BMW and Toyota.

"It's a tough market at the moment and this is hugely encouraging," commented Ewan Ramsay, Honda (UK) General Manager of Cars. "The retail market always gives you the best indicator of which brands are performing well because these purchases are made with individuals’ money rather than through a company scheme. When it comes to company cars our intention is for Honda to become a key consideration for user choosers and that means desirability. I can see Honda continuing to take share from the German brands that have historically dominated this segment."

The success also implies that residual values are vital in private car buying behaviour.

According to recent figures from Glass's* Honda dominates the residual vales for almost all of its models.

New Punto Tops European Sales Charts

For the first time in almost 10 years, an Italian car has topped the overall sales charts in western Europe.

Last month, (January 2006), Punto (including Grande Punto) was not only the leading seller in B-segment, (Punto 37,977; Clio 36,016; Fiesta 31,470); but also in the European car market outright.

In the same month, Fiat Auto recorded over 100,000 vehicle sales in Europe, which represents a 17.9% growth over January 2005. This excellent result was achieved in a market that grew by 2.6% compared with January last year. Fiat Auto’s European market share stands at 8.4%, which represents a 1.1% increase over the same month a year ago.

Grande Punto, meanwhile, has won another media award – Auto Lider (Number One) 2005, voted by the Polish readers of Motor and Auto Moto magazines.

Record Sales For Kia In February

Kia Press Release

European Kia dealers delivered a total of 18,552 vehicles in February, as sales set a new all-time high record for the month, climbing 4.5% higher than the 17,752 sales the brand achieved for that period in 2005.

For the second month of 2006, Kia's top selling models were the Picanto small car (with 5,428 sales), heading the award-winning Sorento SUV (3,260 sales), the compact 4x4 Sportage (2,806 sales) and the New Rio B-segment hatchback (pictured), performing strongly.

"Sales results for the first two months of 2006, more than 37,000 units, are in line with our objectives and confirm that more new 'conquest' customers are switching to the Kia brand. I'm delighted to observe that this conversion process is accelerating with each new model we introduce," commented Jean-Charles Lievens, Senior Vice President Kia Motors Europe. "In this landmark year for Kia, New Magentis reaches showrooms this month, New Carnival and new generation Sorento were both highly praised on their debuts at the Geneva Show last week and we have two more major model introductions during the autumn before we become a European car manufacturer when production in Slovakia starts during December. So 2006 is already shaping up to be a great year for Kia in Europe."

Export sales for Kia Motors rise 4.3% in February

Kia Motors Corporation recorded overseas sales of 59,640 units during February, a 4.3% rise over the year-ago month. Worldwide, the top seller for Kia over the first two months of 2006 was the award-winning Sorento SUV (17,766 sales), ahead of the compact Sportage 4x4 (16,566 sales), the Picanto A-segment model (16,029 sales) and the B-segment New Rio, in fourth place with 15,622 sales.

"This year promises to be another period of solid growth for the Kia brand in all markets around the world," commented Mr Jung-Moon Park, Senior Executive Vice-President and COO of Kia Motors Corporation. "Having recently received an enthusiastic reception in Europe for the New Carnival MPV, with a short wheelbase, and the new generation Sorento SUV, which were both unveiled at the Geneva Show, Kia is targeting to sell more than 1,225,000 vehicles globally in 2006."

Amica Encore!

Hyundai Press Release

• Hyundai reintroduces the restyled Amica city car to the UK
• New 1.1-litre petrol engine gives lively performance and good fuel economy
• Combined Cycle fuel consumption of up to 52.3 mpg
• New-look styling and improved equipment specifications
• Available in two trim levels – GSI and CDX
• On sale at Hyundai main dealers from 1 March 2006
• On-the-road prices from only £5,995
• Insurance Groups: GSI 3A and CDX 4A
• CDX just £500 more than base GSI with higher specification

Now looking better and offering more quality and value than ever before, the Hyundai Amica is set for a comeback. It’s a return that promises to delight old fans and find new devotees alike.

From 1 March 2006, the restyled and revised Amica will resume its place as the entry-point to Hyundai’s exceptional model range – the widest currently offered by any manufacturer in the UK.

In terms of price, running costs and specifications, Amica is a formidable contender, while the seal of quality offered by Hyundai’s five year, unlimited mileage, fully transferable warranty is one that none of its competitors can match.

Amica and the UK Market
The Amica makes a timely return to UK showrooms, as it was Hyundai's fourth best selling car in Europe in 2005 and has been absent from the model line-up since 2002. The new car market’s A segment for minis and city cars is enjoying a surge in consumer interest and sales, with new contenders from a number of manufacturers.

Managing Director, Tony Whitehorn said: "Hyundai is confident the Amica has a competitive role to play – it was our third best selling car in Europe in 2005. As well as having a direct appeal to former Hyundai Amica and Atoz owners, many of whom have requested its return, Amica has the potential to win valuable new customers, too.

"It will have particular appeal to those for whom reliability and ease of use are key considerations. The quality and durability offered by Amica, in common with all Hyundai’s current model range, is exemplified by Hyundai’s unique and industry leading five year, unlimited mileage, fully transferable warranty. It is a package no other manufacturer can match and provides peace of mind for the owner."

Two Trim Levels
Amica returns to the UK showrooms in two well equipped trim levels. The entry level GSI specification provides power steering, a split-folding (50:50) rear seat, driver’s airbag, tinted glass, boot light, ABS, front electric windows and a stereo RDS sound system with CD player.

For just £500 more, the CDX matches the base GSI trim and adds: keyless entry, remote central locking, front fog lamps, alloy wheels, air-conditioning and leather trim for the steering wheel and gear knob, body-coloured door mirrors and handles and rear spoiler.

Across the range, the on-the-road prices are lower than they were at the time of the original Amica launch in the UK, in 2000, in spite of the introduction of a new and more powerful engine and the improvement in equipment specifications.

Model Range and Prices

• Three models from launch
• Prices from £5,995

The Amica model range comprises three versions: 1.1 GSI, 1.1 CDX and 1.1 CDX auto in a range of fresh, modern colours:

• Amica 1.1 GSI - £5995
• Amica 1.1 CDX - £6495
• Amica 1.1 CDX Automatic - £7345

Mica or metallic paint finishes are extra-cost options, priced £295.

Styling

• Exceptional interior space
• Class-leading boot space
  

Amica combines a spacious interior with a new look, designed to appeal to a wide range of buyers. The roofline is lower to enhance the car’s aerodynamics and improve balance and proportions. Front and rear overhangs are kept to a minimum to accentuate the Amica’s compact feel and easy manoeuvrability, and maximise interior space.

The simple interior offers plenty of headroom and high levels of functionality and standard equipment. A split folding rear seat is also available for greater convenience.

Significantly, for an about-town car, at 342 cubic feet, the Amica boasts class-leading boot space with plenty of room for the weekly shop.

New 1.1 litre engine

• Fuel efficient and low emissions
• 52.3 mpg Combined Cycle fuel consumption
  

All models Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) Band C / Road Fund Licence (RFL) £105 per annum.
The re-launch of the Amica is not simply a cosmetic exercise. While its appealing looks have been freshened up, there is also a new engine under the bonnet to deliver more refined performance, while meeting Euro IV emissions standards.

The new 1.1 litre four-cylinder 12 valve unit delivers 62 bhp (compared to 55 bhp of the previous model), enabling nought to 62 mph acceleration in 15.2 seconds and a top speed in excess of 90 mph.

Crucial to the Amica’s role as a nimble and budget-friendly machine is its superb fuel economy. In Combined Cycle driving, the 1.1 CDX model with five speed manual transmission can return 52.3 mpg. Even in its natural habitat, travelling around town, the frugal Amica can achieve a very respectable 42.2 mpg (urban).

As well as being fuel-efficient, the 1.1-litre engine also boasts low emissions. Manual and automatic models come within band C for Vehicle Excise Duty, adding to Amica’s low running cost appeal.

Choice of Transmissions

• Five speed manual gearbox as standard
• Optional four speed automatic for 1.1 CDX model

A five-speed manual transmission is standard on the new Amica, but the CDX is offered with the option of a four-speed automatic gearbox. Ideal for easy city and town driving, the auto option does not deprive the Amica of its value-for-money performance, returning 46.3 mpg (Combined Cycle).

Kia Reveals Three New Models At Geneva

• World premieres for all-new Carnival MPV and ‘cee’d’ concept hatchback
• First European appearance for upgraded 2006 Kia Sorento SUV
  

Kia Motors Corporation unveils three exciting new vehicles at the 76th Salon de l’Automobiles, which opens to the public today (Thursday) in Geneva, Switzerland. One of Europe’s most prestigious motor shows, Geneva is a fitting venue for the world premiere of the all-new Kia Carnival MPV (short body version) and the all-new cee’d concept five-door C-segment hatchback, plus the first appearance in Europe of the upgraded 2006 Kia Sorento SUV.

All-new Carnival ‘made for Europe’
Taller, wider but shorter than the previous model, the new short-wheelbase version of the all-new Kia Carnival (‘Sedona’ in some markets) has been redesigned from the ground up and created especially with European consumers in mind.

New Carnival will bring customers new benefits in the key areas of cabin space, seating comfort, interior build quality, versatility and overall packaging, so important to MPV buyers. Seven individual seats are mounted in a new 2+3+2 layout and all five middle and back row seats can be individually moved, reclined, folded or removed. Powered twin sliding rear doors and a powered tailgate will be available for Kia’s 4.8-metre long MPV which goes on sale in Europe this Spring.

With a thoroughly modern appearance outside and inside the vehicle, improved performance and enhanced fuel economy are assured with a choice of two new 189 ps V6 gasoline and 185 ps VGT diesel engines. To make city driving even easier, Carnival now has a reduced turning radius of just 5.5 metres, and to enhanced country driving the all-new rear suspension system is fully independent.

Concept car points to Kia’s future design trend
The stunningly attractive, precisely styled show car, named cee’d (pronounced ‘seed’), is based on the forthcoming all-new C-segment model which Kia will begin building at its first-ever European assembly plant in Slovakia from December 2006.

With its tough appearance, combining strongly solid forms with sensitively flowing lines, jewel-like detailing and a broad stance, cee’d points towards the future elements of Kia’s evolving design language.

cee’d features flowing lines carried through strong forms. The major flow-line runs from low on the nose spoiler, around the grill, over the bonnet, up the A-pillar, along the roof rail to the tailgate spoiler, down the C-pillar and around the rear bumper – enveloping the whole car.

cee’d is finished in ‘English Pewter’ bespoke exterior paint, blended to give the external surfaces a unique warm luster that is echoed by the interior. The extended, flared wheel arches envelop bespoke 19-inch diameter polished aluminum wheels sporting 265/30 R19 low-profile tires.

The Geneva Show concept car is named cee’d for two reasons. ‘CEE’ to symbolize that both the concept and the forthcoming production model are ‘made in Europe’ with European consumers in mind. And to represent the ‘seed’ for future growth in Kia sales, which the new model will undoubtedly ensure.

Upgraded 2006 Kia Sorento
Kia has given its popular 4x4 Sorento SUV a healthy power boost for both the diesel and gasoline engines, plus the addition of several significant comfort, quality and safety features and a refreshed appearance, with a soft evolution of its fine original good looks and a touch more elegance.

In Europe, the 2006 Sorento offers consumers a choice of two high-power engines -- a 170 ps diesel with 21% more power and an advanced variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) or a new, fuel-efficient 3.3-litre V6 gasoline unit that punches out more than 235 ps.

Inside, the centre stack and centre floor console are revised with a neater layout and higher quality materials. In the rear, legroom is increased by reshaping the backs of the front seats, and the rear seats are now more easily adjustable.

The bold exterior has always given the Sorento a formidable on-road presence and for 2006, Kia’s creative team has given the SUV a more contemporary image that is both elegant and confident. One of Kia’s biggest success stories, the Sorento was one of Kia’s best sellers globally with nearly 144,000 units sold in 2005.