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Toyota FT-Bh teaser

admin — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

These images confirm that the Toyota FT-Bh – which stands for Future Toyota B-segment Hybrid – will be on show at Geneva in a few weeks.

With an emphasis on its efficiency and environmental credentials, the FT-Bh uses existing technology to create a car that is realistically achievable in the short term.

Toyota has focused on five key areas of the car. Weight of the five-door supermini is less than 800kg, which means that the second area under the microscope – the hybrid drivetrain’s efficiency – can be honed.

The third area is thermal energy management, which also benefits from electricity saving (the fourth) and Toyota’s “total vehicle” approach that sees the fifth aspect – aerodynamic efficiency – improve by 30 per cent.

The Toyota FT-Bh will be revealed on 6 March at the Geneva Motor Show.

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Latest Euro NCAP results

admin — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

The Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Audi Q3 and Ford Ranger have all earned five-star ratings in the latest round of Euro NCAP tests.

The Ford Focus – the second-best selling car in Britain in January – earned a score of 92 per cent to secure a five star rating, while the Ford Ranger scored 96 per cent in adult and 86 per cent in child occupant safety, with 81 per cent in pedestrian safety to lock in its five star performance.

The Nissan Leaf has scored a five-star rating after being reassessed, while the Volvo V60 scored 100 per cent in the Safety Assist criteria as part of its five-star rating. The Audi Q3, Honda Civic, BMW X1, BMW 1 Series and Subaru XV all picked up the top rating.

The only poor result came from Jeep. The Jeep Compass underperformed in the side-impact pole test, while it fared even worse by scoring only 23 per cent in the pedestrian safety area. The low scoring meant that, even though it was tested with optional thorax airbags, it could only earn a two-star rating.

The next round of Euro NCAP results are due in late May 2012.

Car	Overall rating	Adult occupant	Child occupant	Pedestrian	Safety assist
Audi Q3	5 stars	94%	85%	52%	86%
BMW 1 Series	5 stars	91%	83%	63%	86%
BMW X1	5 stars	87%	86%	64%	71%
Ford Focus	5 stars	92%	82%	63%	72%
Ford Ranger	5 stars	96%	86%	81%	71%
Honda Civic	5 stars	94%	83%	69%	86%
Jeep Compass	2 stars	61%	76%	23%	43%
Mercedes M-Class	5 stars	96%	75%	60%	86%
Nissan Leaf	5 stars	89%	83%	65%	84%
Subaru XV	5 stars	86%	90%	64%	86%
Volvo V60	5 stars	94%	82%	64%	100%

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Audi A3 pictures leaked

admin — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Images of what’s claimed to be the next-generation Audi A3 have been leaked, weeks ahead of its debut at the Geneva Motor Show.

While we`ve spotted masked versions in testing, these undisguised images show the new A3 in full. The white three-door hatch in these shots gets a sharper look that`s similar to the new Audi A6 and revised A4 and A5 ranges. It`s built on VW`s new MQB platform, and it should have a longer wheelbase to offer more interior space and a better ride.

There’s a bolder, more aggressive grille with detailed LED headlamps. There’s also a silver front splitter and integrated foglamps surrounding Audi’s signature grille. The front image also reveals a cluster of electronics in the windscreen around the rear-view mirror, suggesting new radar-based safety features.

The side profile features a narrow glasshouse with a strong waistline tapering towards the rear, with RS3-style alloy wheels and thick C-pillars. There’s a roof spoiler above the rear windscreen which should smooth out the aerodynamics to imrove economy. The tail-lights appear to be LEDs, while a pair of chrome-tipped exhausts poke out of a grey diffuser.

There are images of the cabin too, which were shown earlier this year at the CES electronics show in Las Vegas. They show a cleaner, smarter dash and more sculptured seats. The smart circular air vents are a familiar Audi touch, and the dashboard display has been updated. The boot includes a 60/40-split rear seat with a ski-hatch.

We`ll be able to bring you more details when the A3 makes it global debut at the Geneva Motor Show on 6 March.

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2 Comments

Just what we needed

…yet another Audi that looks just like the last one, Audi are really onto a winner here. I`m sure it is a great car however but surely the time is coming for something surprising from Audi design wise.

Just seen some leaked pics of the new Volvo V40 and that looks very promising and might give the premium hatch market a decent alternative, especially after the great but same-again 1 series.

By JFalck on 22 February, 2012, 7:22pm

Just what we needed

By JFalck on 22 February, 2012, 8:13pm

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Next Ford Transit

admin — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

The Ford Tourneo Custom Concept previews the look of the next Ford Transit.

It uses Ford’s kinetic design language, following in the footsteps of the Fiesta and Focus, with the same trapezoidal grille on its nose, while the headlamps taper upwards with a distinctive kick in the rear side windows and windscreen. LED lighting and 18-inch alloy wheels give it an upmarket look.

Visibility will still be good, thanks to a large glass area, but a reversing camera covers blind spots at the rear. The tailgate stretches from the floor to the roof, allowing for an almost uninterrupted rear loading area, and sliding side doors also appear. As with the current Transit, both short and long-wheelbase variants will be produced, and an eight-seat version will be offered as Ford chases both commercial and leisure markets.

Ford has confirmed that the Tourneo will be powered by the 2.2-litre Duratorq diesel with 98, 123 and 153bhp power outputs. All will be front-wheel drive and come with a six-speed manual gearbox. Stop-start and regenerative braking will be standard.

Inside, the fully trimmed cabin offers features such as driver and passenger side and curtain airbags, an Emergency Assistance system to locate the vehicle in a major accident, Lane Departure Warning and Driver Alert anti-fatigue systems, as well as voice control for audio and phone connectivity.

The Ford Tourneo will be revealed at the Geneva Motor Show, and is expected on sale in 2013.

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Cortina Mk1 trapezoidal grille makes a comeback

This would have been assembled in the UK in the past, but the Tourneo assembled in Turkey these days.

By IvorBiggen on 22 February, 2012, 5:58pm

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Lamborghini SUV confirmed

admin — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Italian supercar maker Lamborghini has confirmed it will re-enter the 4×4 market with an all-new, three-door SUV, due to be unveiled at the Beijing Motor Show in April. The model is the spiritual successor to the LM002 of the eighties, and will be called the MLC.

The Lamborghini SUV is the firm`s second attempt at a third model line, and it had been desperate to keep details of the SUV under wraps. But leaks from parent company Audi have forced it to admit to the concept car`s existence. Yet Lamborghini insiders also admit that the SUV project has gone beyond being a simple concept car, and is almost certainly bound for production in 2015.

The SUV will be based on a platform that will also be used on the Audi Q7, Porsche Cayenne, VW Touareg and new Bentley SUV. However, Lamborghini has been given free reign to modify the platform to bring the car`s kerbweight down.

To that end, engineers who worked on the carbon-fibre construction of the Aventador have been developing carbon fibre versions of key cabin structures, such as the dash bracing and the full-length transmission tunnel. As a result, Lamborghini has already pulled 400kg out of the car`s total mass already, and it`s keen to keep the final figure below 2,000kg.

Unlike the Aventador and Gallardo, the new SUV will be front engined. Power is likely to come from a 584bhp version of the 5.2-litre V10 from the Gallardo, which will produce more torque from low revs.

Not only will this be Lambo`s first SUV, but it`s also likely to be offered as the firm`s first hybrid model. The layout will be able to accommodate an electric motor and lthium-ion battery pack, which will boost power over 600bhp.

People who have seen sketches of the SUV concept suggest that its nose looks a lot like a high-rise version of the Estoque, the luxury saloon Lamborghini, which was shown at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. The three-door layout further enhances the aggressive look, and the car will have flared rear wheelarches.

Lamborghini will introduce the SUV concept to the developing Chinese market first, and the expectation is that it will join the Aventador and next-generation Gallardo in 2015 or 2016. Lambo is predicting global sales in the region of 1,500 cars a year, most of which will be in the US and China.

With a price tag of around USD200,000, it will clearly sit above current fast SUVs such as the Porsche Cayenne Turbo, BMW X6M and upcoming Maserati Kubang.

While the SUV is a near certainty, there`s still hope for a production version of the Estoque saloon. Sources insist the four-door is still in the product planning mix, and could be fast-tracked into production by using a lower-riding version of the MLC`s platform, in much the same way as Porsche has done with the Cayenne and Panamera models.

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2 Comments

Lamborghini or AE early April fools joke?

What market is Lamborghini going after here?

A American rich hillbilly pick-up truck market driver named Jed who has accidentally struck black gold.

This pick-up looks like it was designed knocked up by a group of 9 year olds on scrap heap challenge.

By IvorBiggen on 22 February, 2012, 5:40pm

Not only April fool

Unlike the Aventador and Gallardo, the new SUV will be front engined.

Its an SUV for christ sake so of course it will be front engined. I mean come on AE your starting to really show your self up now

By fastpep1 on 22 February, 2012, 9:15pm

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Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse

admin — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

This is the Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse – a convertible version of the record-breaking Super Sport and the world`s fastest convertible.

It will make its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March and features the same 8.0-litre W16 engine as the Super Sport, which produces 1,184bhp and 1,500Nm of torque, thanks to enlarged turbochargers and intercoolers.

That should mean the Grand Sport Vitesse has a top speed only slightly lower than the Super Sport, which scored a new world record when it hit 268mph.

In addition Bugatti will make changes to the car`s chassis to handle the extra power. Prices are yet to be announced but the Grand Sport Vitesse is expected to cost around £2m.

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VW Polo: Third report

admin — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Our long-term Volkswagen Polo 1.2 TSI has had it tough since it arrived on the Auto Express test fleet back in July 2011 – we have made big demands of one of the smallest cars in the office car park.

It’s seen service as a city commuter, and been pitched head-to-head with a 1989 Golf GTI MkII to rate its sporting potential. But now it’s facing its sternest test of all: can it really provide practical transport for a fast-growing family of four? I grabbed the keys before Christmas to find out.

‘Downsizing’ is a term you hear a lot these days, but as I had stepped from our Mercedes E-Class Estate to this, a car that’s nearly half the size, it was sure to be an interesting experiment.

First impressions were very positive. Our five-door VW is every bit as versatile a commuter as larger cars. Of course, the compact dimensions mean it’s easier to drive around town – but it’s out on the motorway where it really scores points.

The absorbent suspension and accurate steering mean it feels completely at home in fast-moving traffic, while the responsive 104bhp turbocharged engine is lively and powerful, right up to 70mph.

Our car is a top-spec SEL model, and although the stereo and trip computer look a little old hat, both offer plenty of functionality. Air-conditioning is standard, and quickly clears the windows of winter condensation.

But it hasn’t all been plain sailing. Frankly, there’s no escaping the fact that the cabin is right on the limit of what’s practical – and trying to fit child seats has brought this home.

While the car offers seatbelts for five, there’s little chance of squeezing three child seats across the rear bench. And if your kids still use full-sized safety seats, beware… even though the Polo’s ISOFIX system locks them securely in place, it will also offer the children the perfect position from which to spend an entire journey kicking you in the back.

My two-year-old son discovered this on a 100-mile run to Norfolk. The solution was to leave him sitting behind my wife – which wasn’t exactly a popular move.

At least the 280-litre boot proved more of a success. Although its volume hardly sounds like anything special on paper, its useful shape and easy access make it a really practical space. I easily fitted in an overnight cot, as well as a soft holdall, child’s mattress and bedding. That’s not something I was expecting to be able to do.

Even when fully laden, the VW still proves a relaxed and capable cruiser. But extra weight quickly blunts performance, and you’ll find yourself burying the throttle in the carpet on long motorway climbs. Fuel economy suffers as a result of this, too. On my fully-loaded stint, returns plummeted from the car’s usual 40mpg to 32mpg.

The suspension, which is bouncy at the best of times, will also see the car pitch and heave on anything but billiard-smooth surfaces, so the Polo lags behind the likes of the Ford Fiesta dynamically.

Despite that, it’s a surprisingly capable family car that takes long journeys in its stride. Call me crazy, but I even like the Savannah Yellow colour…

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“I’ve never been a big fan of the little VW, but the 1.2-litre TSI petrol engine transforms it. The car is still no Ford Fiesta to drive, but it’s very capable on motorways.”

Ross Pinnock, Road test editor

“Yes, it’s very nice. Terrific equipment and all that, but is it still a Polo? This car is as big as an old Golf!”

Darrenjs, via autoexpress.co.uk

Other Reports

—2012—

February

REPORT

On fleet since:June 2011

Price when new:£15,925

Running costs:40mpg

Mileage:7,252

Engine / Power:1.2-litre 4cyl turbo/104bhp

Options Fitted:Savannah Yellow paint (£225)*, pas. airbag cut out (£45) – *No longer available

Trade-in Value Now:£11,725

Insurance Group / Quote:13/£429

Costs:None so far

Any Problems?:None so far

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Vauxhall Corsa: Fourth report

admin — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Meet the latest addition to the Fretwell family… No, not our Vauxhall Corsa (we’ve had that since last May), but Evie, the seven-year-old Border Terrier. She was in need of a new home, and since we picked her up shortly after Christmas, she’s been putting the Corsa through a series of tests. How is it coping?

Evie’s first challenge was getting into the boot. Our Vauxhall is no off-roader, but when you’re only 30cm tall, it’s still a bit of a jump to get aboard, especially with the hatch’s chunky rear lip. Still, once I lift her in, there’s space for her bed and for her to wander around. Stray dog hairs are easily hoovered up, too.

But while the dog has been comfortable, those sitting up front haven’t. The six-hour round trip to fetch Evie took its toll on my back. I hadn’t noticed this before, as the Corsa has been largely confined to its natural city habitat.

The 340-mile return journey from my home in Hertfordshire to North Lincolnshire gave H7 VXL a chance to stretch its legs, though, and the 1.3-litre diesel proved great over this distance. I spent most of the trip using the cruise control, and this helped boost overall fuel consumption to a decent 49.5mpg.

My New Year resolution was to get closer to Vauxhall’s claimed 78.5mpg, and in the 700 miles since, I’ve averaged 55.4mpg. This hasn’t taken much effort, although a few winter traffic jams are sure to put a dent in that figure.

The £495 optional green paint is a test-bed for the shampoos, polishes and waxes I review, and it always shines up well. In fact, snapper Pete Gibson reckons the Vauxhall photographs better than any other car on our fleet.

Trouble is, when you look up close, the paint is flaking in places; the soft, eco-friendly finish hasn’t coped well with stone chips. I’ll keep an eye on this in the next few months, as it may soon need attention.

Another thing I’m monitoring is the weather. The Continental winter tyres have provided lots of traction on icy mornings, but haven’t been tested fully yet. I can’t wait to see what difference they make to the Corsa when we eventually get some snow. They should grip as well as Evie’s teeth around her favourite toy.

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“This isn’t the first car we’ve run to suffer heavy stone chips. Our old SEAT Leon FR also had damage-prone soft paint, and it did lots of M-way miles, too.”

Stuart Morton, Chief sub-editor

“I can’t believe anyone would consider paying so much for a Corsa. If you must have a low-emission car, there are cheaper options.”

PennCV3, via www.autoexpress.co.uk

Other Reports

—2012—

February

REPORT

On fleet since:May 2011

Price when new:£15,840

Running costs:49.5mpg

Mileage:12,603

Engine / Power:1.3-litre 4cyl, 94bhp

Options Fitted:Metallic paint (£495), Touch ` Connect Pack (£750), Plus Pack (£515)

Trade-in Value Now:£9,400

Insurance Group / Quote:8/£389

Costs:None so far

Any Problems?:Stone chips on body

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BMW Z4 vs rivals

admin — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Take one roadster. Add a twisty road and stir in some beautiful views. Finish with dry, sunny weather for a truly unforgettable experience. It’s a simple recipe, but any car enthusiast will tell you it’s hard to beat a good roadster for driving thrills. So which should you buy?

BMW’s latest entry-level Z4 is a strong choice. The inefficient straight-six engine has been replaced by a four-cylinder turbo, making the car cleaner, faster and more economical. But can it beat two talented rivals?

First in line to see how the Z4 measures up is the Audi TT Roadster, which has been available with a turbocharger for years. The brilliant 2.0-litre TFSI model sets the class benchmark for the BMW to beat.

If it’s old-fashioned cubic inches you’re after, the final car in our line-up has the answer. The Nissan 370Z Roadster follows a more traditional approach, with a naturally aspirated 3.7-litre V6. So is that old-school character enough to power it to victory in this company?

Nissan 370Z GT

admin — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

If you prefer your roadster thrills in a more traditional form, the Nissan 370Z should be high on your list. With a naturally aspirated 3.7-litre V6 and rear-wheel drive, it fits the bill of classic hairy-chested sports car.

The racy Nissan is brash in this classy company. It has a fabric hood that looks cumbersome when it’s in place and gives the car a hump-backed appearance when folded. Worse, it doesn’t provide any of the benefits typically associated with a soft-top: it takes longer to raise than the complex BMW hard-top and only works when the car is stationary. Plus, while the load space isn’t affected by the position of the hood, the 370Z can accommodate only 140 litres of luggage. That’s 40 litres less than the Z4 with its roof stowed.

What the Nissan lacks in practicality it aims to make up for with kit. In flagship GT trim, the 370Z was the only car to feature cruise control and heated seats as standard.

Sadly, the design of the cabin will come as something of a shock after spending time in the other cars. The quality of the interior is no match for the TT and Z4 and the steering wheel doesn’t have reach adjustment. This makes finding a good driving position tricky, and we found the 370Z uncomfortable on long drives, as the set-up forces you to sit too close to the wheel.

If these compromises give the Nissan a cheap feeling compared to the other cars here, the flimsily constructed fabric hood makes matters worse. With the roof in place, the car is noticeably less refined than its rivals. Drive it after spending time in the Audi, and you’ll think you’ve left one of the windows open. Drop the hood and a fixed glass wind deflector between the seats cuts draughts.

The 370Z’s trump card should be its muscular V6 engine. It’s the biggest and most powerful on test – its 324bhp output is a hefty 115bhp higher than the Audi’s. But the margin of its superiority was smaller than its raw power suggests, as our auto model was only two tenths faster than the TT from 0-60mph, with a time of 5.4 seconds, and it trailed the Audi in the drag from 50-70mph in fifth.

In reality, the 370Z has the performance to back up its sporty intentions, but it makes a disappointing sound. You get a muted growl below 3,000rpm, yet just when you think the V6 is about to erupt into a throaty roar, it instead becomes too harsh and noisy.

Still, the Nissan comes into its own on twisty roads. Changes to the 370Z last year included retuned suspension, and this results in an engaging driving experience. Its front tyres generate more bite than the Z4’s, and you can corner faster than in the BMW, too.

Ride comfort is compromised on bumpy roads, where the Nissan fidgets, but on smooth tarmac it’s the most rewarding, if not the fastest, drive here.

But the auto box is neither as quick nor as smooth as the Audi’s. Plus, mated to the V6 engine, it makes the Nissan a thirsty choice. We managed only 20mpg during our test – so it’s costly to run as well as to buy.

For an alternative review of the latest Nissan 370Z visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk

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