Kia Ceed Increases Kia Sales In UK

What a turnaround from the difficult start of the year when Kia's all new Ceed hatchback didn't have the impact on sales in the way the Korean car maker would have liked.

But that's all changed with Kia achieving a 1.7% retail share in July, up 60% vs 2006. The big difference has been the Kia Ceed momentum which continues to grow, achieving over 3% retail segment share for the second consecutive month.

So it would appear the three day test drives, special editions and a realignment of Ceed prices have finally filtered their way into the consumer ethos, slowly breaking down resistance to the brand and to what is without doubt a really good motor car. Not to mention the 'diesel for the price of petrol' campaign and a plethora of motoring awards picked up along the way.

And it's not going to stop there, as September see's the launch of the new Kia Ceed SW (short for station wagon) and eventually a sporty 3-door version known as the Kia Pro Ceed. We may even see a cabriolet version later in the year if Kia's new designer Peter Schreyer has anything to do with it.

From 13th August Kia will again be on TV, with the Ceed ‘Quality Commitment’ (oh well) advertisement that increased awareness and knowledge of the Ceed and the 7 year warranty. The campaign will continue until 16th September and will be supported by national press communications, focussing on the Ceed ‘diesel for petrol offer’.

All New Mazda 6 Press Shot

It has been a long time in coming, but Mazda finally released a press image of their forthcoming all new Mazda 6.

Although only a shot of the front end, first impressions are stunning showing slight overtones of their Mazda RX8 Coupe, well at least around the light clusters anyway. Were still going to have to wait until Tuesday 11th September to get the real low down when Mazda will unveil the new 6 at Frankfurt's 62nd Motor Show.

The new Mazda 6 is all new in design, although early indications are the MZR engines used in the current 6 will remain, we expect the new car to be lighter whilst taking a step forward in quality, strength, safety and be more environmental.

Despite using the same engines in the current Mazda 6, expect performance to be improved as the Mazda wizards incorporate the same weight saving techniques used on the all new Mazda 2. This strategy known as 'Drive Light' uses high and ultra-high tensile steels for less weight, with greater rigidity and better crash resistance, but also improves fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, whilst still delivering agile handling and safety attributes.

Roll on Frankfurt.

New Grande Punto Jets In

On the back of a so far successful year, Fiat are keeping up the sales momentum by adding a new engine to it's 25 car Grande Punto line up.

The all new Fiat Grande Punto 1.4 T-Jet 120 Sporting utilises the same engine found in their Fiat Bravo range.

Working on the theory that smaller turbo-charged engines produce a higher fuel return with less emissions, the Grande Punto T-Jet 120 Sporting's performance figures are impressive, with a 0-62mph time of just 8.9 seconds and a top speed of 121mph. Whilst at the same time a misery 155g/km CO2 is emitted from the engine with a 42.8mpg fuel return on the combined cycle.

The 1368cc petrol powerplant is one of a new family of turbocharged T-Jet engines that made their debut this year in Fiat’s new Bravo range. Producing 120bhp and
152 lb ft of torque.

Specification is generous including such goodies like:

• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Air conditioning
• Sports seats
• Leather steering wheel
• Chrome tailpipe
• Spoiler and sideskirts
• ESP
• Six airbags

It also features Blue & Me™, Fiat’s innovative voice-activated music and communications system, developed in conjunction with Microsoft

Prices start from £11,995 fro the three-door and £12,595 for the five-door.