ukcarsnews

Citroen Xsara

2008-09-12T03:56:00.000-07:00

Citroen Xsara is the most popular MPV on the UK's roads, thanks to a combination of practicality and affordability.

But countless MPVs have surfaced since the Xsara Picasso was launched back in 2000, so can it still cut the mustard against better equipped, but more expensive opposition?

Richard Hammond Exclusive

2008-09-09T07:10:00.000-07:00

The legend Richard Hammond speaks to Autotrader in a exclusive interview about Top Gear, Life and his hair apparently!

Buy Car parts and accessories with Auto Trader Motoring Shop

2008-09-08T04:09:00.000-07:00

Hiya guys.... my mate's car broke down the other day and needed a new exhaust. So he checked out Autotrader where you can Buy Car parts and accessories I wasn't aware of this until my mates car broke down. Besides that they are a well trusted resource for buying cars as well as car parts, plus a great way to avoid dodgy car people trying to sell you car parts. Autotrader puts you at ease with no hassle to finding your car parts- so if do breakdown you know who to call better still check these guys online at www.autotrader.co.uk

What a Mighty but also Powerful Audi Q7

2008-08-28T08:16:00.000-07:00

Audi has taken the wraps off its Audi Q7 Coastline Concept, the most powerful AUDI Q7 so far and the world’s most powerful diesel production car.

B9 Tribeca

2008-08-28T02:40:00.000-07:00

Subaru Tribeca – a more powerful take on the Japanese car maker’s SUV which will come to the UK next year and will also replace the B9 Tribeca 4x4.

Mercedes CLS car

2008-08-27T04:20:00.000-07:00

The Mercedes CLS luxury coupe arrived four years ago with many hailing its bold new design.

Now the German manufacturer has given the Mercedes CLS a facelift as part of an update of its model range.

Mercedes CLC

2008-08-27T02:39:00.000-07:00

The first official details of the new Mercedes CLC sports coupe have been announced, ahead of its summer launch.

The Mercedes CLC replaces the C-Class Sports Coupe, and will still use the outgoing model’s same chassis, but feature more than 1,100 new components.

Used Mercedes Car

2008-08-26T09:11:00.000-07:00

Short and sweet. Are you looking for a used Mercedes car classic? Why don't you check out this fruitful list of used Mercedes Cars for sale by Autotrader.co.uk.

Mercedes SLK car review

2008-08-26T08:06:00.000-07:00

Mercedes has improved its looks, inside and out.

Mercedes SLK Open is now on sale, 12 years after the car was first launched in the UK, with its innovative and much-copied metal, folding roof – and it is a fantastic addition to our roads.

Most of that power is delivered between 2,800 and 5,000rpm making slotting through its excellent six speed manual gearbox a pleasure, however, most buyers are expected to specify the automatic ‘box.

2008 Seat Ibiza car review

2008-08-26T07:20:00.000-07:00

our first view of the Seat Ibiza was not bathed in brilliant Baleriac sunshine but against a backdrop of gloomy skies and a sprinkling of persistent, light rain.

Each feature of the SEAT Ibiza a good specification level with standard features including ESP, hill hold control, six speaker CD/radio and height and reach adjustable steering wheel.

Stylance upgrades the trim significantly to add body-coloured door handles, foglamps, air-conditioning, cruise control, leather steering wheel and gearknob, and trip computer.

Mercedes C-Class Estate

2008-08-26T06:28:00.000-07:00

Mercedes has pulled the wraps off the new C-Class Estate, It is even claimed the Mercedes C-Class Estate was sent on ‘virtual shopping trips’ before it was built – as part of its development its computer model was filled with thousands of simulated shopping goods.

A8 Saloon

2008-08-21T08:12:00.000-07:00

Audi's A8 Saloon luxury car gets a new look this spring as well as upgraded equipment levels, a new Sport option pack, and increased prices.

The car adopts the same bolder grille that has already been seen on the A3 small family car, face-lifted A4 and new A6.

AUDI A2

2008-08-21T07:09:00.000-07:00

Audi has added a more powerful, super-frugal turbodiesel engine to its Audi A2 line-up.
The new model hits 60mph in 10.9sec, 1.4sec faster than the 75bhp 1.4, while top speed is extended by 10mph to 117mph.

Kylie minogue and her Audi A8 extras..... I should be so lucky!

2008-08-20T06:10:00.000-07:00

Kylie Minogue has had special mirrors fitted to the Audi A8 along with a top-end sound system with TV screens in the front seat headrests, according to the Sunday Mirror.

Other features Kylie may have opted for on the £100,000 saloon include 20-inch alloys which cost £1,500 while massaging and ventilating front and rear seats would set the songstress back £3,700.

I'm gonna take a seat in the Audi Q7 4X4, or the Q7 4X4?

2008-08-19T06:54:00.000-07:00

Interesting title I know.. but so is the Q7 4X4 better known as the Audi Q7 4X4.

It's in a world of its own, the Q7 4X4 Power is harnessed by a six-speed semi-automatic gearbox and Audi’s Quattro four-wheel-drive system. Racing developed brakes which are made from ceramic instead of steel and should provide huge stopping power.

Outside, the Audi is finished in a ‘pearl effect’ white hue which Audi claims has more depth than normal paint and is reminiscent of ice.

The huge Audi front grille and smaller side intake slots are finished in ‘high gloss’ steel and the wheelarches are wider than those fitted to the regular Audi Q7.

Inside, the changes are more drastic and yacht themed. Every surface has been finished in bright white, including the carpet, roof lining, pillar trim, leather seat upholstery, steering wheel, door trim, seatbelts and even the dashboard and switches

Take a seat in the SEAT Ibiza

2008-08-18T07:55:00.000-07:00

There's a lot to get excited about with the new Seat Ibiza. It's been designed by an ex-Lamborghini man and features the Volkswagen Group's all-new supermini chassis, which Seat has dubbed Active Chassis.

The front has also undergone a substantial redesign which has resulted in a more contemporary, serious look, but after a day’s driving and viewing Seat’s promotional videos it is the rear which impressed most and perfectly complements a substantial change for Seat’s biggest selling car.

The other most significant development has been the introduction of a new chassis due to be introduced across the VW Group.

And while the exterior design lends the car a smarter, more modern appearance it is the “agile” chassis, combined with increased body stiffness (though the car is now about 50g lighter) which contributes significantly to the Seat Ibiza’s more grown-up feel with improved handling giving greater confidence in corners.

Seat has created a more driver-focussed dash which is also fairly minimalist with large amounts of neatly-fitting decent-quality plastics dominating the view from the passenger side.

Is the Seat Leon Ecomotive ultra-efficient?

2008-08-13T08:45:00.000-07:00

That's a good question ...... and the last time I check I found that the SEAT Leon Ecomotive is ultra efficient.

Seat launched its first production Green car, the Seat Ibiza last year, and has applied the same technology to its five-door family hatchback to create the Seat Leon Ecomotive.

Electricity, bioethanol and hydrogen are just three of the alternative fuel sources manufacturers are developing as an alternative to the big two energy sources – diesel and petrol.

But some car makers believe there is life in the old combustion engine yet and that increasing efficiencies in conjunction with other measures, can form the basis for pleasurable, economical and environmentally-friendly motoring.

Last year the Volkswagen Polo Bluemotion was launched amid a fanfare of publicity heralding its impressively frugal fuel consumption – quickly followed by a Golf model, and we can also expect to see the Ford Focus Econetic advance environmentally-friendly motoring for Britain’s best-selling car.

Is the Seat Alhambra MPV a good family car?

2008-08-12T06:50:00.000-07:00

I've been talking to a lot people looking for a good family car.... and they seem to keep asking me whether the Seat Alhambra MPV is a good family car....... and I'll say yes it is!

If you're looking for glamour... or you are a bachelor or a single lady looking to attract the opposite sex or partner if you may :) then I wouldn't recommend this car to you as its not gonna give you what you're looking for. But if you're looking for a car that has loads of space, reliable, reasonable running costs, ride and handling and you have a family then the Alhambra MPV would make a good choice!

Mazda RX-8 R3 car review

2008-07-11T01:53:00.000-07:00

The Mazda RX-8 won over the public when it was launched in 2003 thanks to its funky rear-opening doors, concept car looks and unique rotary engine.

Now, five years after its launch, the Mazda RX-8 has been re-styled and tweaked in a bid to keep this eccentric sports car on top of its game.

BMW launches electric car field trial

2008-07-11T01:46:00.000-07:00

MUNICH, Germany — With gasoline prices skyrocketing, the automotive industry gets going with electrically-driven vehicles. Now car maker BMW launches a field trial with hundreds of 'E-Minis'.

Within the next months, the Bavarian luxury car manufacturer who also owns the British Mini heritage brand will launch several field trials to test alternative drives. The trials will focus on electric drives, the company said. In this context, the company currently prepares several hundreds of its Mini sub-compact car. The vehicles, built in BMW's Mini factory in Oxford (England), will be equipped with electric motors and prepared for the test operation in Munich.

eetimes

2010 BMW M5 saloon

2008-06-02T06:40:00.000-07:00

Next year will see the launch of two critical models for German labels BMW and Mercedes-Benz, with both the next-generation 5-series and E-Class sedans plus their different variants expected to be released over the next 12 months. Mercedes-Benz will be first to the table with the launch of its new E-Class and subsequent E63 due at next year’s Geneva Motor Show, however later that same year BMW will unveil its next-generation 5-series.

The car will likely debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in the second half of the year and could be joined by the high-performance M5 as well. This latest rendering gives us an early look at a possible design for the new car, revealing that will likely adopt influences from the current M3 but will also feature a pronounced grille and a smoother overall shape than the current model.

Motor Authority

BMW suppliers to absorb raw material price rises

2008-06-02T05:05:00.000-07:00

BMW will require suppliers to absorb more of the cost of raw material price rises in the future.

Purchasing chief Herber Diess told Automobilwoche that, since 2004, raw materials price rises have added an additional EUR800m in costs, of which EUR700m have landed on BMW's books. This has had a big impact on the company's financial results.

"We have partners that have managed to pass on to us 100% of raw material prices rises, and a few have even managed to pass on 110%," said Diess. In the future Diess said he wants price rise penalties to be shared three ways - between the second tier supplier, the first tier supplier and BMW.

just-auto.com

BMW launches the 1 Series hatchback in China

2008-06-02T03:14:00.000-07:00

BEIJING (XFN-ASIA) - Bayerische Motoren Werke said it has officially launched its BMW 1 Series in China.

The German automaker will sell three five-door variants of the rear-wheel drive hatchback in China.

Forbes.com

Sanyo and Volkswagen to team up to create hybrid batteries

2008-05-30T07:35:00.000-07:00

As the price of oil continues to rise car manufacturers are looking to hybrid solutions to help keep motoring costs down and you and I buying new vehicles. The latest car manufacturer to join the hybrid race is Volkswagen (VW) in a deal that sees it working with Sanyo to develop a new range of rechargeable batteries.

Prof Martin Winterkorn, CEO of the Volkswagen Group commented:

Our focus in future, will be directed more strongly at making electrically powered automobiles alongside ones driven by more efficient combustion engines. Drivetrain electrification is the way forward if we wish to secure mobility in tomorrow’s world. This will involve energy recovery. The whole idea will be to no avail, however, as long as we do not have powerful energy storage systems at our disposal and as long as vehicle operations are not in tune with customer demands. This cooperation is an important step for us.

VW and Sanyo have been working together to produce metal hydride batteries since 2006, but they are suited to gas-electric hybrids. Now Sanyo is going to invest US$769 million over the course of the next 7 years to produce lithium-ion batteries for use in VW cars. The batteries will be in production from next year with initial output no more than 20,000 units a year. VW hopes to be putting the batteries in its cars by 2010.

Geek.com

India to launch the new HYHUNDAI small car by 2011

2008-05-30T06:02:00.000-07:00

NEW DELHI, May 30 (Reuters) - South Korea's top automaker, Hyundai Motor Co (005380.KS: Quote, Profile, Research), hopes to launch its small car in India by 2011 or 2012, the managing director of its India unit said on Friday.

The company has said it is developing a car priced at around $3,500 to attract customers in China and India, where competition is set to hot up when Tata Motors (TAMO.BO: Quote, Profile, Research) starts selling its $2,500 Nano, possibly the world's cheapest, later this year.

Motorcycle maker Bajaj Auto (BAJA.BO: Quote, Profile, Research ) owns 50 percent in a venture with Renault and partner Nissan Motor (7201.T: Quote, Profile, Research) to make a similarly priced car from 2011.

"We don't have any immediate plan to fight against the Nano," Hyundai's H.S. Lheem told reporters on the sidelines of a traffic event.

Reuters