A Gazette publication
Friday, January 9, 2009
A retro runabout Fiat’s stylish 500 – Page 2
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Friday, January 9, 2009
In brief
Drivers keen to improve on economy MORE than four in five drivers intend to drive more economically this year, despite the recent dip in petrol prices. But only 21 per cent said they were resolved to park legally more often in 2009 and only 35 per cent of young drivers intended to cut down their speeding. A survey, based on responses from 8,110 AA members, showed that 82per cent planned to drive more economically in 2009, with that figure rising to 92 per cent for those aged 65 or over. A total of 52 per cent of those questioned said they would not exceed the speed limit so often this year, with this figure rising to 72 per cent for those aged 65 or over. A total of 52 per cent also said they planned to drive less aggressively although this figure dropped to 39per cent among women motorists, while the figure for 18-24 year olds was only 36 per cent. Only 12per cent of women said they would try to park legally more often in 2009, while the figure for 18-24 year olds was even lower, at 11 per cent. AA president Edmund King said: “This is good news for the environment and road safety. It does appear that the legacy of record pump prices linked to the credit crunch is having a longer term influence on driving style. Many motorists can save 20 per cent of fuel consumption by eco-driving.’’
Motoristsnot readyforcold
DESPITE severe weather warnings from the Met Office, research from Kwik-Fit finds that British motorists are unprepared for the sub-zero conditions which have hit UK roads. Indeed, even though more than one in four British motorists (7.5 million) have been stranded by the roadside in wintry conditions, the Kwik-Fit’s research shows that as many as 21.7 million motorists don’t carry a spare set of winter clothing to keep warm. A warning triangle is overlooked by 65 per cent, alongside other basics such as bottled water (64 per cent) and a warm blanket (53 per cent). Incredibly, 4.3 million motorists (16 per cent) fail to carry any sub-zero survival kit items.
Creditcrunch caravanboom
CARAVAN holiday bookings for 2009 are up by 40per cent on last year, according to the Caravan Club. Some 50,623 bookings were made for 2009 by Caravan Club members in five days alone during December. Nearly 55,000 households joined the club in 2008, which was a record year for UK caravan site bookings. The club, which represents the interests of one million caravanners, motor caravanners and trailer tenters, says caravanning is the most popular paidfor holiday option, with a 19 per cent share of the market - second only to staying with friends and family.
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mitsubishi
Injection of fun THE Mitsubishi Colt is unquestionably the Japanese marque’s best stab at a supermini to date and the importers are hoping that revised styling, an improved specification and a brighter interior will keep it current. The car could use an injection of excitement with even the sporty Ralliart model hardly firing the imagination but otherwise it’s a well built, reliable and spacious choice. The mainstream Mitsubishi Colt supermini models are offered with a 74bhp 1.1-litre three-cylinder petrol engine or a 94bhp four-cylinder 1.3-litre powerplant. The range-topping model is the Ralliart which is powered by a 147bhp turbocharged 1.5-litre unit. Go for the CZC Cabriolet and you get a 107bhp 1.5-litre petrol unit only. There are now no diesels. Five speed manual gearboxes are fitted as standard but a six-speed Allshift automated manual is also available should you want to splash out. This is a fun little car to drive with a grippy front end, accurate steering and a first class gearshift. When you do get your foot down, the engines can become a little raucous but it’s nothing too over the top and the powerplants offer decent refinement so long as you don’t ask too much of them. On a practical level, the Colt cabin feels spacious but it should do in light of exterior dimensions on the 5-door version that are on the large side and a wheelbase of 2,500mm. Passenger accommodation is very good, though boot space isn’t as
COLT
extensive as you might expect. In terms of styling, the Colt always looked rather functional in its latest generation form, so what Mitsubishi call a ‘Jet Fighter’ design facelift has been introduced, aiming to echo the looks of the larger Lancer and Lancer Evolution X models. To be honest, it’s still hardly the bell of the ball, that tall shape bringing utilitarian MPVs to mind rather than racey superminis, but there’s a ompactness to its shape that pleases. The interior displays a certain amount of innovation and seems tough enough but the plastics miss that quality that makes you feel good about the class leading supermini products.
As well as the three and fivedoor bodystyles, there are two main trim levels for Colt buyers to mull over. The range opens with the CZ1 which includes basics like electric windows, central locking, power steering and a CD stereo as well as keyless entry. The CZ2 trim level is the next one up while those looking for something sportier have the option of a Ralliart model. The convertible does without Ralliart trim but offers an even plusher CZ3 level instead. The supermini market has changed considerably since the Colt was launched. The Colt remains competitive, however, largely thanks to its equipment levels and economical engines.
FACTS CAR: Mitsubishi Colt range PRICES:£7,584-£11,450 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUPS: 4-14 CO2 EMISSIONS: 130-157g/km
PERFORMANCE: [1.3] 0-60mph 11.1s / Max Speed 111mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: [1.3] (urban) 38.2mpg / (extra urban) 58.8mpg / (combined) 48.7mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Front airbags, ABS with EBD.
fiat
500 ALTHOUGH the shape may be vaguely reminiscent of the 1957 original, little else about the Fiat 500 sticks to its predecessor’s back to basics appeal. This time round, the 500 is unashamedly chic, offering an upmarket look and feel that will doubtless carve a sizeable chunk into MINI’s bottom line. Fiat has latterly built a reputation for having a wide range of excellent powerplants, especially at the smaller end of the product portfolio. Indeed, the 75bhp 1.3-litre 16v Multijet diesel engine fitted to the 500 is so good that it rather overshadows the otherwise excellent pair of petrol powerplants. These comprise an entry-level 69bhp 1.2 8v and a punchy 100bhp 1.4-litre 16v. Five or six speed manual transmissions are offered and the 500 has been designed to replicate the original car’s nimble feel and ability to put a smile on its driver’s face. At 1.65m wide, 1.49m high and 3.55m long, the 500 doesn’t take up a great deal of space and delicious design details are everywhere. Chrome-ringed vents and a fascia that can be specified in the
Supermini goes upmarket FACTS CAR: Fiat 500 range PRICES: £7,930-
£10,672 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUPS: 2-6
CO2 EMISSIONS: 110-149g/km
PERFORMANCE:
[1.4] 0-62mph 10.5s / Max Speed 113mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: [1.4] (combined) 38.5mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Driver and passenger airbags
same colour as the body, mirroring the painted metal dash of the Nuovo 500, are just some of the interior design features. The 500 seemed destined to succeed from the outset. There’s such a cheekiness and
personality to its design that people would have bought the car even if it was irredeemably awful in every other respect. The fact is that it’s actually rather good thanks to its Panda platform share.
If you’re looking for cheeky, cheap and practical, a Panda is still a slightly better car. If a style statement is more your thing and you have the cash, the 500 gets the vote every time.
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Hi-tech as standard YOU can always rely on a Toyota Avensis and the latest model is unlikely to be any exception. Improvements across the board with a particular focus on safety and the environment should go down well with buyers. The Avensis gets off to a promising start with regard to its driving dynamics. The car rides on MacPherson strut front suspension with a double wishbone arrangement at the rear. Lots of attention has been paid to enhancing the torsional stiffness of the car and boosting its resistance to body roll. Today’s model is instantly a more engaging thing to look at than its predecessor. Toyota has achieved a suitably sleek shape for both saloon and Tourer estate models. This Toyota is 50mm longer than the previous model and is wider by the same amount with a lengthy wheelbase of 2,700mm. This all adds up to a generously proportioned cabin and a good-sized boot tagging along behind. In the Tourer model, cargo rails help to keep unruly loads
in check and the seats have a onetouch folding mechanism. The Avensis is available with a sizable haul of equipment that includes dual-zone air-conditioning, automatic headlamps, rain-sensing wipers and cruise control. Other high tech additions include a touch screen satellite navigation system, keyless entry and start technology and an 11speaker stereo with a 10Gb hard drive. The new Avensis range features Toyota’s ‘Optimal Drive’, which relies on cutting-edge technology. Where some manufacturers have concentrated on ‘dumbing down’ their products to improve efficiency, Toyota has pressed on in the opposite direction by improving its vehicles in numerous small but influential ways. That is the essence of Optimal Drive, advanced technologies that optimise efficiency without having a negative impact on other areas of the vehicle’s performance. The secret is the latest Valvematic engine technology which delivers the most precise control over the
Friday, January 9, 2009
toyota AVENSIS
FACTS combustion process ever seen in a Toyota car. The Valvematic petrol engines adapt to the inputs of the driver, optimising performance when it’s needed and economy when it isn’t. The diesels use the latest generation of Toyota’s tried and tested D-4D technology with exhaust treatment systems and comprise a 130bhp 2.0litre with 310Nm or torque, a 150bhp 2.2-litre with 340Nm and another 2.2-litre with 180bhp and 400Nm. That later engine has some serious firepower behind it and is capable of hitting 60mph in 8.5s. There’s a
manual gearbox as standard or the option for petrol buyers of the Multidrive S CVT gearbox, available with wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The increased focus on the environment and safety in the latest Avensis should pay dividends and Toyota has also introduced a raft of new technologies both in the engine bay and elsewhere on the car. The medium range market is closely fought and highly populated with buying decisions often coming down to the smallest detail. Worryingly for its rivals, this car seems to have got the details right.
CAR: Toyota Avensis Range PRICES: £15,760-£24,570 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUPS: 7-12 PERFORMANCE: [1.8] 0-60mph
9.0s / Max Speed 127mph FUEL CONSUMPTION: [1.8 saloon] (urban) 33.2mpg/ (extra urban) 52.3mpg / (combined) 43.5mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES:
seven airbags, active head rests, ABS, EBD, VSC+, ISOFIX child seat fixings
BUY LOCAL Harry Feeney Toyota Devonshire Road, Blackpool Tel 01253 302741
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Friday, January 9, 2009
peugeot
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Great for the family
Jonathan Crouch gets to grips with a large MPV IS IT OK yet to run a 4x4? If it isn’t, then I’m in trouble as I’ve just taken delivery of a large seven-seater Peugeot 4007 and I’m very happy with it. This, after all, is an SUV for which no apologies are needed. No hulking Range Rover or Porsche Cayenne, this instead is a diesel-powered, reasonably frugal family seven-seater that so far is proving very easy to live with. Mindful of the fact that our car is running on very road-orientated tyres, I must confess to not having been very brave when it comes to testing our 4007 off-tarmac. Still, with the right rubber, you’d expect that the car should prove reasonably competent. Optimised for on-road use, the all-wheel drive system is enough to maximise traction on slippery roads and muddy tracks, although those looking to tackle more arduous terrain would be best served looking for a vehicle with a proper low-range transfer case and a little more in the way of overall ground clearance. Peugeot’s penchant for functionality and innovation is clearly visible in our 4007, with its flexible 5+2 seating configuration and my kids have
enjoyed crawling all over the car. I like the fact that, for ease of use when exiting the third row seats or when reconfiguring the boot layout, the second row seats can be electronically folded forwards using the buttons located internally next to the rear wheel arches. The two occasional use seats in the rear can be simply folded away under the floor, while the second row of seating also slides and reclines for greater comfort. The 4007 also offers plenty of stowage space throughout, with over 20 individual storage compartments. All five rear seats can be folded away easily to provide a flat floor and vast load space of up to 1,686 litres, while the boot capacity is 510 litres when the second row of seats are in use. To help loading items into the huge boot space, there’s a split two-piece tailgate. Folded down, the lower section drops the sill by 64mm allowing heavy goods to be easily loaded, while doubling as a handy bench, capable of supporting up to 200kg. But what about this car’s eco-friendliness? Well, the 2.2-litre HDI engine does an admirable
THE 4007 job of allaying the fears prospective 4007 buyers may harbour concerning their environmental impact. This substantial seven-seat 4x4 is never going to tread as lightly on the earth as a tiny citycar but the 39mpg and 191g/km carbon dioxide emissions figures we’ve achieved mean that at least owners will be able to hold their heads up reasonably high at the Greenpeace AGM. To be honest, the green issues don’t bother me a great deal in this case. The differences to the planet in running this car compared to running the large diesel MPV that would be the obvious alternative are so slight as to be not really worth bothering with. Far more important is the 4007’s suitability as a day-to-day family companion and on that front, so far at least, the signs look good.
FACTS CAR: Peugeot 4007 range PRICES: £22,806-£25,448 - on the road INSURANCE GROUP: 12-13 CO2 EMISSIONS: 191-194g/km PERFORMANCE: Max Speed 129mph / 060mph 9.9s FUEL CONSUMPTION: [16” wheels] (urban) 29.7mpg / (extra urban) 47.8mpg / (combined) 39.2mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front & side airbags, ABS, ESP
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MORE striking to look at than the Vectra but also more spacious and with an improved engine range, the Vauxhall Insignia looks like a winner. The optional four-wheel-drive system should go down well at the top end of the range helping the Insignia to extend its appeal to more private buyers. The people that made the Vauxhall Vectra a success would ultimately have a big part to play in its downfall. The car was popular through all its various versions but popular with the wrong people. Fleet managers loved the dependable style of this low cost family car but private buyers were less enamoured. Too many of them found its prosaic qualities a little, well, boring. The Vectra prospered as the favourite conveyance of world-weary sales execs and carriageway slogging area managers but that wasn't enough for Vauxhall. The Vectra's replacement has arrived and with its new name comes a new focus. Say hello to the Insignia. The Insignia is offered with five engines initially. For petrol buyers, there’s an entry-level 1.8-litre 140PS ECOTEC unit, then a rather large gap to a 220PS 2.0-litre turbocharged unit, sitting below a 2.8-litre V6 260PS range-topper. If you want a CDTi diesel, there are a couple of fresh 2.0-litre ones, developing either 130 or 160PS. The Insignia is offered in two or four-wheel-drive guise with the 4x4 model benefiting from the clever adaptive all-wheel-drive system pioneered by Saab. A clever adjustable damping 'FlexRide' system has been developed for this car, enabling drivers to choose
Friday, January 9, 2009
vauxhall
Clever stylish design FACTS
INSIGNIA
CAR: Vauxhall Insignia range
PRICES: £15,601-£28,867 on the road
INSURANCE GROUPS: 7-15 CO2:154-272g/km PERFORMANCE: [1.8
ECOTEC] 0-60mph 10.9s / Max Speed 128mph FUEL CONSUMPTION: [2.0 CDTi 120] (urban) 37.2mpg / (extra urban) 58.9mpg / (combined) 48.7mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: twin front, side & curtain airbags, ABS, ESP a chassis setup that matches their own particular driving style. Offered as a five-door, a four-door or an estate, this car tries for a dynamic, head-turning appearance. The five-door hatch and four-door saloon versions are nigh-on impossible to distinguish at a glance. Both have the same bowed roofline
which drops dramatically towards the rear and, perhaps the Insignia's signature stylistic device, the "blade" feature that's cutaway behind the front wheelarches. At the front, all Insignia models feature a bold chrome grille with the latest Vauxhall badge at the centre. It sits on a raised centre section which runs down through the
bumper and up to merge with the lines of the Insignia's fluted bonnet. The result is as easy on the air as it is on the eye with Vauxhall claiming the sector's best aerodynamics. Is this car as sharp to drive as its Mondeo rival? Perhaps not, but there's not much in it and the clever FlexRide system gives it an edge.
There's not very much on the down side, unless you count the big gap between the two four cylinder petrol engines' output and their fuel economy. Overall, what's crucial is that the basics seem to work. The Insignia looks a desirable, cleverly designed package that will give rivals something to think about.
BUY LOCAL Moorland Motors, Whitehills Business Park, Lytham St Annes Way, Blackpool Tel 01253 696747
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Sharper features THE launch of the Ford Galaxy and S-MAX twins showed that when it came to family vehicles, the Blue Oval could blend style with practicality. The latest C-MAX (it drops the Focus prénom) continues this trend, now looking a good deal sharper and featuring some sassier detailing as well as a carefully chosen package of extra showroom-friendly features. Though this car still offers only five seats, Ford’s rear seat flexibility system remains an ace in the C-MAX hole. A 40-20-40 “tip and tumble” rear seat sees the centre section flip rearwards into the luggage compartment, leaving the remaining two seats to slide diagonally along a runner towards the centre of the car, giving unprecedented levels of space for four. With 100mm of extra legroom and 60mm of additional shoulder room, even extravagantly dimensioned passengers should be able to find space in the back of the C-MAX. Even in the standard three-abreast bench position there’s plenty of room, offering 946mm of legroom and 582 litres of luggage compartment space. Remove the rear seats altogether and there’s a monstrous 1,692 litres. In terms of design and build, Ford
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ford
C-MAX didn’t need to do too much to the latest C-MAX as it was already a very competent product. Endowing it with a little personality and desirability was the name of the game with this revamp and the results look good. The styling is a good deal less introverted these days with a redesigned front end that includes design elements from the S-MAX – most notably, the lower trapezoid front grille, a redesigned upper grille, headlights and tail lamps. Specify the optional bi-xenon lights and a light strip runs across the top line of the lamp unit. It’s all rather Audi, as are the LED tail lights. As before, six basic engines are offered, the range split between three petrols and three diesels. The 90bhp 1.6-litre diesel unit is a development of the Fiesta’s 1.4TDCi common-rail powerplant, plus there’s a 115bhp 1.8-litre Duratorq TDCi unit. Pick of the range however, has to be the punchy 135bhp 2.0-litre TDCi engine sourced from Peugeot. Backed up by a six-speed gearshift, this has proved to be the engine most able to take
the fight to Citroen, Renault, Volkswagen and Vauxhall. Petrol buyers are catered for with 100bhp 1.6-litre 16v, 125bhp 1.8-litre and 145bhp 2.0-litre options. Plus there’s the option on the diesels of an environmentally-friendly Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF). Thus equipped, the 1.6-litre emits 110bhp while the 2.0-litre remains at a healthy 135bhp. Petrol buyers can also get the 1.8-litre 135bhp engine in environmentally-friendly Flexifuel guise. Ford hasn’t skimped when it comes to equipment with this generation CMAX. What is worth bearing in mind is that a lot of what’s new is reserved
for the options list so make sure you’re comparing eggs with eggs price-wise. Some standard features that are noteworthy include an MP3 connector socket in the centre console, while the Titanium model features blue tinted glass. The range runs from entry level Studio trim through Style, sporty Zetec and the rather techno Titanium. Of the options available, the panorama glass roof is perhaps the most desirable. ‘Desirable’ and ‘Ford C-MAX’ aren’t words that have been often used together so far in the life of this design. If that’s ever going to change, it will be now.
FACTS
CAR: Ford C-MAX range PRICES: £14,145-£21,395 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUPS: 5-11 CO2 EMISSIONS: 119-170g/km PERFORMANCE: [2.0TDCi] Max Speed 125mph / 0-60mph 9.4s FUEL CONSUMPTION: [2.0TDCi] (urban) 37.6mpg (extra urban) 62.7mpg (combined) 50.4mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front, side and curtain airbags, ABS, EBA
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Time to test out this new Laguna Coupé has luxury and performance NEW Year has long been a time of wild promises, so why not make a resolution you can keep - by vowing to test drive the beautiful New Laguna Coupé at Sunwin Blackpool? Launched at the Amy Johnson Way dealership in January, the New Laguna Coupé promises to be one of 2009’s most admired cars, combining elegant styling, sporty performance and touches of luxury to rival all of its competitors. But unlike other coupés currently available, New Laguna is a car for the people, available from just £20,995 with a choice of seven versions across two trim levels (Coupé and Coupé GT). Mark Favell, general manager at Sunwin Blackpool, said: “For what is such a strikingly beautiful and well equipped car, the price tag is incredibly low and it comes with a host of equipment as standard. “New Laguna Coupé mixes luxury with high-performance – it’s definitely a car you will not want to miss out on in 2009.” At the heart of all good coupés is the engine, and at launch the New Laguna Coupé will offer two, 2.0 dCi diesel engines and two petrol engines (2.0 and 3.5 V6) all with
SUNWIN six-speed transmission. The 3.5 V6 petrol powerplant boasts a maximum power of 240hp while a brand new 3.0 V6 dCi (available early 2009) will reach 62mph in a mere 7.3 seconds - stunning performance from a diesel engine. Coupled with the Laguna Coupé’s performance are excellent equipment levels and luxury. Standard features of the Laguna Coupé trim include 18 inch alloy wheels, automatic lights and wipers and rear parking sensors while as ever, driver and passenger safety is a priority with eight airbags. The Laguna Coupé GT trim adds automatic handbrake, cruise control, heated folding door mirrors, leather seats and Renault hands-free Keycard as well as the revolutionary 4Control Chassis - a four-wheel steering system developed with Renaultsport to offer improved manoeuvrability, sharpened dynamic response and unrivalled steering precision. The New Laguna Coupé is available to order now from Sunwin Blackpool on Amy Johnson Way and for more information call 01253 408000.
dealer profile
Friday, January 9, 2009
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BEAUTY: The New Laguna Coupé
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Friday, January 9, 2009
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Friday, January 9, 2009
A Jag for the young THAT Jaguar’s XJ saloon is one of the better luxury saloons to drive is something that owners and industry insiders have known for some time. Unfortunately for the Coventry marque, not enough younger executives shopping in the luxury sector seem to be aware of the fact. Hence the recent styling revisions to the range, aimed at giving it a sportier look. Tinkering with the XJ’s classic lines could have been a recipe for disaster, especially when it appears that the brief also required greater visual emphasis on the car’s sporting qualities. Bolting spoilers and bodykits on to a design that has been lovingly refined and nurtured over more than 40 years, simply wouldn’t do. Jaguar sensibly took a softly, softly approach with this facelifted XJ, evolving the detailing rather than getting too drastic with the famous shape. The water was tested with the Concept Eight showcar in 2004, then the XJR Portfolio model of 2006 so that we now have side gills behind the
jaguar
XJ RANGE front wheel arches, a tri-sectioned under-bumper arrangement with fog lights housed in the outer apertures, lower side sills and an almost apologetic boot lid spoiler. The XJ’s interior has been modernised too. Buyers can still specify the traditional wood finishes but more contemporary options have been added to the range. The controls remain refreshingly simple to use, even if some of them will ring a bell with Ford owners. The heated front seats now feature sculpted backs which increase the already generous legroom for those in the rear. The 2.7-litre diesel XJ that nearly all customers choose is available in two levels of specification, Executive and Sovereign. All models come with satellite navigation as standard as well as front and rear parking aids, Bixenon headlamps with headlamp washers, bright mesh lower grille and
Leading models for the disabled driver THINK that the Motability sheme features limited choice and basic models? It’s time to reconsider. Five out of seven of the shortlisted cars for the European Car of The Year Awards 2009 are available under the Motability scheme. These include the popular Renault Megane, Volkswagen Golf, Citroen C5 (right), Skoda Superb and Ford Fiesta. The Ford Fiesta from the prestigious top-seven is available on the Motability scheme at nil advance payment. That means no additional cost other than the monthly lease payments of the Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance. Customers simply transfer this payment to Motability Operations in exchange for a new car. Look out for the Volkswagen Golf (Small Family Volkswagen Golf V
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1.9TDI S 105 3d HBMP Diesel Manual) at £399 advance payment, and the Renault Megane (Small Family Renault Megane HB Extreme 1.4 16v100MP Petrol Manual) available from £765 advance payment, ensuring that Motability customers enjoy the best award winning cars at the best value. Other finalists, the Citroen C5 (Estate Citroen C5 SX N ew C5 1.6HDi 110hp SXTourerMP Diesel) has an advance payment of £2,049, and Skoda Superb (Family Skoda Superb 1.9TDI PD S 5d MP Diesel Manual) is available from £2,718. Motability, the leading car scheme for disabled people in the UK, offers over 4,000 makes and models from 37 different manufacturers, including the leading models from the finalists of the European Car of the Year awards 2009, at competitive prices.
side vents and Jaguar tread plates. Equipment levels are generous, with the seven-inch touch screen control system being one of the easier installations to get to grips with in this sector. There’s full Bluetooth connectivity on the latest cars and customers who like their own voice can utilise the JaguarVoice voice command system. There’s the now obligatory adaptive cruise control, which automatically maintains a set distance between you and the car in front, while safety kit includes the Adaptive Restraint technology which calculates the best way to deploy the various airbags according to passenger weight and position. At the top of the range is the petrol
Super V8 with its supercharged V8 delivering 400bhp. All the XJ models are offered in standard or stately long wheelbase form. Whether the car looks better as a result of its facelift is open to debate. It certainly looks sportier but there is the risk that in trying to pinch sales from the 7-Series and the A8, the latest XJ’s looks will deter traditional Jag customers. Check the car’s recent sales performance and the answer soon presents itself. Traditional Jaguar customers have been in short supply of late and appealing to younger buyers could be the best way to make the most of a product that still has the verve to worry the competition.
FACTS CAR: Jaguar XJ Series PRICES: £44,599-£57,760 - on the road INSURANCE GROUPS: 16-19 CO2 EMISSIONS: 209-269g/km PERFORMANCE: [2.7D] 0-60mph 7.8s / Max Speed 141mph FUEL CONSUMPTION: [2.7D] (urban) 26.5mpg / (extra urban) 44.9mpg / (combined) 35.7mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front, side and curtain airbags / ABS with EBA / Dynamic Stability Control / Traction Control / ARTS / CATS / ACC
motability
The extensive choice on the Motability scheme is supported by several key enhancements to make the scheme more accessible than ever, like an increased mileage allowance of 60,000 miles on the three years lease. A £25 bonus cash reward is available for customers who recommend the scheme to friends or family. Customers who require additional adaptations to their car can find free advice in the Adaptations Guide from
Motability Operations. To request a copy call 0800 093 1000 or visit www.motability.co.uk The Motability scheme offers disabled people who receive the Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance a brand new car every three years including insurance, personal accident cover, aftersales servicing and maintenance, full breakdown assistance from the RAC, an allowance of 60,000 miles
over a three year period and free tyre and glass replacement. Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles are available on a five year lease with a mileage allowance of 100,000 miles. The European Car of the Year awards were established in 1964 by automobile magazines from different countries in Europe, with the voting jury consisting of motoring journalists. For more, call 0800 093 1000 or see www.motability.co.uk.
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mini
H u g e fun to drive MINI’s second generation Convertible looks sportier, is cheaper to run and is more eco friendly. It offers more space and plenty of hi-tech features. But best of all, it’s still just as much fun to drive as the original. As with the fixed top second generation MINI models, the MK2 convertible ditches the old Isuzu engines that used to be expensively sourced from South America and instead adopts the less characterful but more efficient units that BMW developed in partnership with Peugeot and Citroen. That means we lose the glorious supercharged whine of the old Cooper S version, but its 175bhp 1.6litre twin scroll turbocharged replacement makes up for that with far better fuel economy figures and emissions. Rest to 60mph takes 7.4 seconds on the way to 138mph and there’s
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CONVERTIBLE 240Nm of torque. This engine currently holds the title of International Engine of the Year, in the 1.4-1.8-litre category. Go for the 120bhp 1.6-litre engine you get in the standard Cooper model and 60mph takes 9.8 seconds on the way to 123mph, still quite fast enough for most, even if, with 160Nm of torque, you’ll need to rev it a bit more to properly enjoy that performance. With a raised shoulder line, highlighted by a chrome strip which extends around the body of the car, the MK2 MINI Convertible has a more purposeful and dynamic stance than its predecessor. The Cooper S Convertible sets itself apart visually through the presence of an enhanced ‘powerdome’, which sits
20 millimetres higher than the MINI Cooper’s bonnet and houses a large air scoop. At the rear end, large twin tailpipes, a large diffuser in the rear bumper and a two-piece rear fog lamp mark it out. The automatic canvas roof of this car can be fully retracted or closed using a roof-frame mounted toggle switch in just 15 seconds. In the event of a driver being caught unexpectedly by a sudden downpour, this function will fully operate with the car at speeds of up to 20mph. As an alternative to the complete
BUY LOCAL Derek Woodman Mini
top-down driving experience, the fullwidth of the electric roof can be retracted by approximately 40cm to create the effect of a sunroof. This function can be operated at speeds of up to 75 mph. Unlike its predecessor’s fixed antiroll bars, the MK2 model features a single-piece roll bar situated behind the rear seats, ensuring passenger safety in the event of a crash. The roll bar will extend in milliseconds at the point of impact to protect the car’s occupants should the car overturn. Clever use of space means
the luggage capacity of the MK2 car is considerably improved, at 125 litres roof-up, 170 litres roof-shut and 660 litres roof-up and rear seats folded. You could perhaps complain about the premium pricing but in truth, there’s not really much more than that to put off would-be MINI Cabriolet purchasers. This car has so much more streetcred than obvious rivals and is far-less gender-specific (read female-orientated) which will matter to male buyers nearly as much as the fact it’s huge fun to drive. Expect plenty of them.
Whitehills Business Park, Lytham St Annes Way, Blackpool Tel 01253 607600
12
Friday, January 9, 2009
www.motorstoday.co.uk
used cars The Gazette
Your essential Friday guide to buying second-hand vehicles
A smart operator THE rise of the so-called ‘soft-roader’ has been one of the key motoring trends of the last few years. The Nissan X-Trail was a relative latecomer to the market but benefits from avoiding many of the mistakes earlier cars made. Refined on road and relatively capable off, it blends smart design with MPV-style practicality. If you’re the sort of person who has never been able to see the point in this genre of car, take a drive in an X-Trail. If it can’t convince you, nothing will. For those already converted, the X-Trail makes a bulletproof used proposition.
opt instead for an SE+ or Sport variant. Prices for an X-Trail 2.0-litre Sport start at £3,550 on a 51 plate with an equivalent year SE+ commanding an additional £300. An automatic version of the SE+ was reasonably popular and this tacks an additional £300 on again. The 2.2-litre diesel opens at £3,900 for a 51-plated Sport or £4,100 for an SE+. The 2.5-litre SVE models are still very thin on the ground. Insurance for both 2.0-litre petrol and 2.2-litre diesel X-Trails is Group 9 for Sport trims and Group 10 for SE+ versions. The 2.5litre SVE falls into Group 11.
WHAT YOU PAY
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Given that it was fairly sparsely equipped, the S trim level didn’t find too many buyers, most preferring to
As with any used 4x4, check for signs of heavy off road use. Few XTrails will have done anything harder
NISSAN X-TRAIL than climb a grass verge but you can never be too careful. Get underneath the car and check that over enthusiastic off-roading hasn’t wreaked havoc with the suspensions, the exhaust, the front spoiler or the wheelarch liners. Try to avoid the 2.0-litre petrol car
if you suspect its been subjected to heavy towing duties. All three engines are solid units and no significant faults have emerged, the X-Trail doing well in used car reliability surveys. The interior is also hard wearing, but check the seat trim and kiddie damage.
OVERALL Demand for used X-Trails meansthere aren’t any outrageous bargains floating about, but if you want the best, you’ll need to pay for it. Pick of the range is probably a 2.2-litre Sport but this is one of the few car line-ups without a real duffer. Recommended.
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Friday, January 9, 2009
used cars CARS UNDER 500
CARS UNDER 1000
FORD Mondeo Ghia
Citroen Xsara
Bargain £495
1.4 LX, (S) 5dr hatch, met green, 10 mth MoT, E/W, C/L, PAS, S/R, 80,000 miles, very good cond.
M Reg 1.8, alloys, PAS, C/L, Elec windows, elec Sun roof, cd player, Mot & Tax June 09
Tel: 07903 589614 (T)
£695 ono Tel: 07957 714042
Your essential buying guide
CARS UNDER 1000 Ford Ka 1.3
3 door, S reg'd. Navy Blue 10months MOT 4 months tax PAS, FCL, E/W Only 65k miles RAC inpection welcome Excellent condition Ideal first car Cheap tax First to see will buy
£675 Tel: 07871 985528
Volvo 940 1993 Metallic Silver Auto Saloon MoT June 09' Good Reliable Car, Towbar Full Electrics
£395ono Tel: 01257 278511
Volvo 440 Li (K) MoT Jan 2010, genuine 83,000 miles, good cond for year.
£350 ovno Tel: 01253 311872 or 07941 311289
VW Golf
CITROEN ZX 1.9
Diesel, R Regd, 12 Months MoT, Excellent Condition £750 Tel 07549 675461 (L)
Fiat Brava 80 SX Formula 1300cc 5 door hatch, regd. 2001, long Mot. taxed, electric windows, central locking, CD player, p/a/s, alloys, one owner excellent throughout
£750 ono Tel: 07590 511785
£595
Tel: 07903 589614 (T)
VW GOLF P Reg 1.6
2000 'W', red, 3 door hatch, petrol, regularly serviced, recent clutch and tyres, 11 mths. MoT, 75,000 miles £875ono TEL 07878 791237 (Leyland/Chorley)
1996, 'P', 5 door hatch, manual, petrol, red, 66,000 miles, PAS, e/w, c/l, s/roof, a/bags, alloys, Sony CD, MoT Oct. tax 31 March. Great car but faulty heater
£595 TEL 07725 222564 or 01772 865690
Rover 25 1.4 iL
Rover 416i
Tel 01253 899249 or 07870 906074 (T)
£1995 ono Tel 01253 440034 or 07754 047522
'P' reg. 1997, 5 door hatch, blue, e/w, MoT/tax to March, 90,000 miles, stereo, immobilizer, good condition.
Ford Fiesta 1.25 Zetec 'R' regd. Ghia spec. metallic black, s/roof, e/f/w. 86,000 miles, 2 owners from new, good condition, MoT June 09, £800ono TEL 01772 864630
£850ono TEL 07846 009541
£680 Tel 01772 742588
£1095 Bill Tuke Car Sales Established 50 years Tel: 826550 Alfa 156
Vauxhall Astra Sport 2.0 16V P reg, white, taxed until Feb, Mot until Oct 09, very good condition and reliable £800 ono Tel: 01524 735679 (LP)
1.6, 5 Door Hatch Back In Silver, CD/Radio, Electric Windows, 11 Months Mot, Perfect Upholstery, Excellent Condition Throughout A Bargain At Just
£750 ono Tel: 01524 39780 or 07933 081944
Tax & Tested Until Feb 53,000 Miles Red Good Condition £600 ono Tel: 07795 150056
Ford Fiesta 1.3 LX
5 door hatch, 1996, 'P' new shape, met. green, 67,000 miles, MoT Sept. cheap tax and insurance, very clean car. £595 TEL 07590 261825 (LP)
£1995 Tel: 07595 332235 or 07597 340688
ROVER 45, 1.6 Olympic S X Reg, Taxed and Mot, PAS, E/w, Air Bags, A/c, Low Mileage, 4 New Tyres, FSH, 1 previous owner, absolute mint cond, reduced to only
£1,350 Tel. 07891 323937
VAUXHALL ASTRA 1.4i
Ford Fiesta
1.25 Zetec S Ghia Silver 5 door 12mths mot Alloys e/w p/s c/l Excellent condition £1095 ono Tel : 07590514681 (LP)
T Regd., 1999, silver, five door, nine months MOT, five months tax, electric windows, remote central locking, dual airbags, immobiliser, air con, recent new exhaust, CD player, 95,000 miles, excellent condition.
£1285 ono TEL. 01772 704188
£1000 Tel 07956 443061
0750 689 1055
Jaguar V8 Sovereign
Estate, 2000, 'W' 2.5 TD (6 cylinder BMW engine) Auto. Elite spec. 11 mth MoT, 180k genuine miles. Well maintained. Fantastic vehicle. £1895ono TEL 01257 452933/07958066445
5 door hatchback, 69,000 miles, silver, petrol, manual, climate c/air con. elec. slide/tilt sun roof, radio/6 multi CD with Bose speakers, sat. nav, cruise/c. black leather int. 3x3 point rear s/belts. ABS, alarm, alloys, service history, 1 previous owner, tax and MoT, exc. condition throughout £3800ono TEL 07855 672425
Ford Focus 1.4 LX.02 reg, silver, 40k miles, alloy wheels, taxed and mot'd, cd player, windows, excellent condition.
£3000 Tel: 07821 778632 or 01253 851372.
CARS 5000-5999
RENAULT SCENIC
2007 (07) 1.6 VVT. Only 19,000 miles. Immaculate Condition
£5995 Tel: 07775 614949 Toyota Rav 4
MG ZR 2.0 TDi 51 reg. yellow, FSH, 56,000miles, half leather, 12months MOT, taxed, alloys, 2 previous owners, lady owner, very good condition, economical £2,295ono 07514427476 Preston (LP)
ROVER 45 CLUB
Auto, petrol, 2003, 52,000 miles, metallic green, MOT till Sept. 09, full service history, e/windows and sunroof, air con, CL, ABS, airbags, alloy wheels, seat height adjustment, heated, excellent condition. £3,500 TEL. 07513 017622 mobile or 01772 728172
CARS 3000-3999
CITROEN PICASSO
05 (05) 1.6 manual in Blue,only 38,000 miles IMMACULATE
£3995 Tel: 07775 614949
1.8, 3 door, regd 1/9/02, 48,000 miles, perfect condition, tax and MoT to Feb. £3250ono TEL 01772 451988
CARS 4000-4999
Ford Fusion1.4
05 (55) 5 Door only 20,000 miles Like New
£4995 Tel: 07775 614949
Tel: 01253 349694 or 07721 866466
Mondeo 2.0 TDCi LX Estate
2005 bright red, A/C CD, cruise control 1 owner FSH. Immac £3450
Tel: 01253 349694 or 07721 866466 Taybank Motors
PX finance etc
£4950 TEL 01254 678340
PEUGEOT 207 1.4
Mplay 2007 (57) 5 door,only 10,000 miles, AS NEW
£6995 Tel: 07775 614949 px finance etc
Audi A4 1.9 TDi 130 Sport Auto
2004, 54 plate, 65k miles, 4 door saloon, Dolphin grey metallic, 17" alloys, dual climate/c. tax/MoT Oct. FSH, recent cam belt. £6995 07766 814720 (LP)
AUDI A6 All Road Estate
06 reg, 20,500 miles, black, 5 mth Tax, C/L, A/C, cd player, alloys, exc cond.
03 (53) 2.5 Automatic TDi Diesel,Gunmetal grey,leather woodpack
Bargain £4,300 ono
Tel: 07775 614949
Tel: 07950 410708
CARS 5000-5999
£7995
PX finance etc
CARS 11000 - 11999
Mercedes ML 270 CDi
Mercedes CL 500 Luxury Coupe
£5295 Tel: 07775 614949
£11995 Tel: 07775 614949
2000 (W) in silver.23" Alloys and chrome pack Immaculate
PX Finance etc
T Reg'd, roof rack, taxed and mot'd. Very well maintained
£695 for quick sale
WYREVIEW Van Sales quality used vans 01253 779230 or 07989 303918 www.wyreviewvansales. co.uk
MOTORCYCLES WANTED ALL MOTORCYCLES cash paid & collected also sales & servicing Tel:01253 693310 or 07921 298209 click on www.pbmotorsport.com
SCOOTERS
CARS 7000 - 7999 Peugeot 206 Sport
Ford Transit Diesel Van
CARS 6000-6999
Ford Fiesta 1.4 TDCi Diesel Zetec
2005, 5dr Hatch. Warranted, 23k miles. Blue. e/w. c/lock. Service History. CD Player, Alloys, £35 a year road tax. 60mpg. MoT & Tax. Excellent Condition
COMMERCIAL VEHICLES
Tel: 07810 605697
PX finance etc
PX finance etc
6 speed 2004, silver ,cruise cont,CD, alloys,1 owner FSH, 84 k lovely car any trial £3495
Vauxhall/Opel Omega
Mazda 6 2.3 Sport
£3,400 Tel: 07737 095746
Mondeo 2.0 TDCi 130 Ghia
Ford KA3
£1495:00
Citroen C5 Auto Diesel Estate 2003
Rover 45
£1,295 Tel: 01253 851596 or 07723 331766
1.3 99T, 54k, MOT & TAX to end June, electric windows, CD player. Easy & comfortable to drive, relucatant sale
Bill Tuke Car Sales Est 50 years Tel: 826550
1.8 VVC, Brooklyn Green, red leather, all elec, extremley rare ltd edition, replacement engine, new clutch kit, Tax & MoT. £1195 Tel: 01253 342508 or 07774 995983
£1650 TEL 01524 781098 or 07836 750760
Ford Focus
1.4cl T reg (99) 5door p/s service history elec windows rad/cas h/book new cam belt MOT till may low tax & insur
Rover 200 BRM Bubble
'Y' 2001, 1.4cc, 47,000 miles, a/c, e/w, PAS, 12 mth MoT, taxed till Apr. British Racing Green, excellent condition.
(02) Taxed and MoT March, good clean cond, 1 owner, only 14,000 miles,
£2295 ono
Tel 07702 598688
4 litre, 1999, gold colour with ivory leather, 75k miles, FJSH, stack cd, cruise, Jaguar phone, lambs wool rugs, MoT end Oct, taxed end Aug, exc cond.
2000 (W) 2ltr Tspark, met black, 82,000 miles, full service history, alloys, PAS, E/W, A/C, R/CL, alarm, MoT July, immac cond inside and out.
Fiat Punto Go
CARS 1000 - 1999
1999 T Reg Peugeot 106 1.1 Zest
M reg, Auto, Met silver, one owner, 64k only, FSH, Radio/cassette, S/R, Excellent Cond. £1375. Tel. 01253 720951. (LP)
CARS 3000-3999
5 door 53 Reg,met blue,air con,alloys,50,000 miles.Cheap tax and insurance excellent condition throughout
REDUCED TO £2,850 Mercedes Benz C180 Elegance
The PAINT & BODY Clinic
ROVER 25 TROPHY 1.4
VGC
Vauxhall Corsa auto
1.4ls 5door p/s FSH only 61k MOT July local car nice cond must be seen
CARS 2000-2999
MoT, Tax, 54K Miles.
Bargain £1595
Vauxhall Vectra LS S Reg 98
Tel: 07903 589614 (T)
£950 Tel: 01253 779693
Rare car. Good cond. 63K. Taxed till Feb. Mot July 09, CD player, alloys. alarm, immobiliser, EW & mirrors, CL, ABS. Heated front windscreen, drivers airbag
1.3 GL 1999 V Regd Silver, 73,000 miles, PAS C/L E/W Mot Sept 09, Taxed March 09, low tax band, excellent condition
3 door hatchback 2002 BRG 34,000 miles only F/S history power steering e/w stereo 12 months MoT lovely condition
Ford Escort 1.6i LX
Bargain £595
Compact, 1.6, abs, alloys, cd, c/l, e/m, f/s/h, 12 months mot, 6 months tax, p/a/s, spoiler, f/s/r, move forces sale, excellent condition
Nissan Primera
1996 N Reg'd. red, FSH, 2 owners, MoT end of Feb. 09, tax Aug. 09
dark blue, 5dr, alloys, PAS, Elec Windows x4, RCL, elec mirrors, Elec Sun Roof , 12 mnth MoT good condition
BMW 316i
Mitsubishi
Colt Space Star
1996, 1.8, 5 door hatch, dark metallic blue, e/w, c/l, alloys, s/roof, 130,000 miles, good runner, tax and MoT to July. £575 TEL 01772 731403 (LP)
Toyota Corolla 1.3
Fiat Punto 1.2
5 door hatch,power steering,electric mirrors 2 former keepers 6 months MOT. Ecellent condition
£1695 Bill Tuke Car Sales Established 50 years Tel: 826550
Ford Puma 1.4i 16V. Black, 1999
£1,250
£450. Tel. 07523 288250.
R reg Citroen Xsara 1.4
Hyundai
Accent 1.3, GSI, 02 reg, top of range, PAS, 5dr, all electric49k miles, MoT May, nice car throughout.
CARS 1000 - 1999
Tel. 07837 814691 (T)
1.6, J reg, full service history 2 owners, Mot Nov 09. Ex cond.
CARS UNDER 1000
CARS 1000 - 1999
In association with
13
2002(02) 90,000 miles,every extra included. Immaculate car
PX Finance etc
OLD SCOOTERS wanted for cash free collection call Mark on 07805 424896
14
Friday, January 9, 2009
www.motorstoday.co.uk
www.motorstoday.co.uk
Friday, January 9, 2009
used cars CAR & VEHICLE HIRE ANSDELL Self Drive van & car hire or man & van St.Annes 738088 GMC Self drive cars & estates. Vans from £49 for 24hrs. Tel: 01253 620182
MOT TESTING
TYRES
TYRES ALMOST NEW Top brands, free fitting, cheap prices. Tel. 01253 769769 www.pxwheels.com
DON'T TAKE CHANCES scrap your car at Bpools only DVLA approved treatment facility, destruction certificate issued, prompt collection, best prices paid Inglemere Metals ltd, Tel 763818
FARRERS MoT Testing £40 no re test fee, petrol & diesel Tel 404677
SERVICING & REPAIRS
ALL CARS WANTED any age with or without MOT best prices cash paid within the hour 7 days Belmont Garage Tel:01253 810513 / 07831 859396
MOBILE MECHANIC servicing & mechanical work will come to your home or work Tel: 696278
CARAVANS
CARAVANS WANTED FOR EXPORT
All makes & models of touring caravans from 1990 to present day. We also buy damaged touring caravans and static caravans all makes & models. Immediate cash settlement. If you have a caravan in storage, not in use we will organise collection anywhere in the country. Please call Michael on 01524 426373 or 07908 206628 ALFRESCO CARAVANS & motorhomes park homes & static repairs service & repair centre. Parts & accessories 01253 799199 alfrescocaravans.com CARAVANS bought for cash, top prices paid at Stewart Longton C'vans Tel Bpool 763133.
Abbey Award Dawn Star Luxuary 2 berth, H&C water, shower, full oven, fully equip, outstanding cond, ready to go, storage paid till Oct 09, GENUINE BARGAIN £995 Tel: 01253 317147
STATIC CARAVAN on lovely quiet site in Cumbria with panoramic views over the bay. Close to Cartmell, Grange and The Lakes. Would consider taking touring caravan in part exchange.
£11,500 TEL 01254 209365
VEHICLES WANTED
CHEAPEST tyres, alloys on the fylde all makes, sizes inc. balance& valve.876690 www.tonyblundell.co.uk
MOT CLASS 4 & 7 free re tests full work shop facilities. Naze Lane Garage. Tel 01772 631199
MOBILE MECHANIC servicing & mechanical work will come to your home or work Tel: 696278
Your essential buying guide
CASH Cash Cash Waiting. Cars, Vans, Motorbikes, runabouts, 4x4 we collect with or without MOT, 7 day a week, Tel Gary on 07713 411134 /292223 ADDISONS Used Cars bought, cash payments, 7 days, family business Tel 348621
In association with
The PAINT & BODY Clinic
15
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Friday, January 9, 2009
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