09 Motor Guide

THE ULSTER STAR, JANUARY 16, 2009—29

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“CRASH sorted it all out.”

Had a motor accident? Not sure of your rights?

Call us first

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30—THE ULSTER STAR, JANUARY 16, 2009

MOTORING ‘09

Accidents happen - let Crash deal with the hassle

CRASH has a simple philosophy. The accident management company, established in Newry in 1996, employs 45 people who all w o r k t ow a rd s a s i n g l e g o a l : He l p i n g Northern Ireland motorists through the traumatic aftermath of a road accident.

Tony McKeown, Sales & Marketing Director at Crash, who is originally from Lurgan said: “One in ten motorists are involved in accidents every year – yet when it comes to dealing with the scene of the accident and managing the claims process many drivers are unaware of how to handle the situation.”

Tony continued: “Our message is simple, we are not an insurance company – we work on behalf of local motorists involved in road accidents and manage the claim on their behalf. We are on their side. This ethos is the secret to our business.”

Crash offers a host of useful services such as supplying replacement vehicles, arranging repairs, liaising with the insurance compa-

nies involved and ensuring customers get their full entitlement - whatever the circumstances.

They also offer a unique mobile accident investigation service if this is any dispute regarding the liability of an accident.

Experienced investigators are dispatched to the scene of the accident and use their expertise to dispel any confusion around liability.

Tony concluded: “In Northern Ireland alone Crash has helped over 20,000 motorists recoup over £60 million in losses. We currently deal with over 150 accidents every week. Our customers tell us they are delighted to have someone on their side – we support them through the process and make sure each and every one gets what they are entitled too. The claims process can be an unpleasant experience. We take the hassle away – letting our customers get on with their lives.”

Megane Sport

Straightforward pro_ceed’dure THE concept of a stylish Kia car is one that the British public are starting to get comfortable with. Andy Enright runs the rule over the handsome pro_cee’d.

Designed to draw new customers to the Kia brand, it’s hard to see the pro_cee’d failing.

It’s well built, aggressively priced, handsome and comes with probably the industry’s best warranty arrangement (7yr/100,000 mile).

Yes, there will be some who still baulk at the badge but for those with a modicum of self assurance, the pro_cee’d makes a smart choice.

The third model from the cee’d platform after the cee’d five-door hatch and the cee’d SW estate, the three-door pro_cee’d aims at a tougher market sector; those who want a family hatch that’s stylish as well as practical.

With rivals like the Vauxhall Astra Sport Hatch and the Citroën C4 coupe to contend with, it’ll need to bring its A-game.

With the five-door cee’d already doing good business, transplanting the engines into the pro_cee’d has been fairly painless and as such, the three-door car comes to market with a big choice of powerplants.

Choose petrol and there’s a 104bhp 1.4-litre or a 124bhp 1.6-litre.

This bigger engine does need a bit of right boot to access all of its available performance though, with peak power arriving at a rather raucous 6,200rpm and peak torque of 154Nm not making itself felt until the tacho needle hits 4,200rpm.

Alternatively, there are gutsier diesel engines available, with a 1.6-litre CRDi available in either 89 or 113bhp guises and the 138bhp 2.0-litre CRDi version marking the top of the range.

Buyers get a choice of manual or automatic gearboxes.

The mechanicals are shared with the cee’d which means steering that lacks a little of the polish of some of the very best contenders, although we’re talking about tiny percentage differences.

There’s certainly very little in it when it comes to ride quality, the Kia adopting much the same MacPherson strut front suspension as the best of its rivals and a clever independent set-up at the rear that is , in effect, a torsion beam that’s articulated in the middle.

The pro_cee’d corners well with well-suppressed lateral roll and even when provoked, steadfastly refuses to do anything unexpected.

The long wheelbase helps ride quality with only lumpy B-roads showing up any flaws in deportment.

French sense with the Renault Megane

R E N AU LT ’ S t h i r d g e n e r a t i o n Megane family hatchback aims to take on premium rivals on their own terms.

Smarter, sharper and offering far better quality, Renault’s third generation Megane family hatchback is the car its predecessor should have been. It’s now one of the sector’s class-leaders, good enough to make other brands look to their laurels.

There wasn’t much wrong with R e n a u l t ’s s e c o n d g e n e r a t i o n Megane. It was European Car of the Year in 2003 and still amongst Western Europe’s top five best sellers in 2007, its last full year of production. Still, it was never what you’d call a ‘premium’ product. You wouldn’t buy one if you’d been used to running a Volkswagen Golf for example. Nor did it look like the kind of car you could park at the golf club, comfortably elegant amongst the gas guzzlers, its owner wearing the smug smile of the sanctimonious downsizer doing his or her bit for the environment.

The third generation car looks a different prospect. There’s no longer an airfix kit look to the styling or to the cabin, wafer-thin panel gaps, classy materials and solid nuggety cuteness making this a car that Volkswagen’s disappointingly conservative MK6 Golf should really fear. Peugeot’s 308, Ford’s Focus, Fiat’s Bravo, Toyota’s Auris and Vauxhall’s Astra are all also clearly within its sights.

The MK2 Megane may have had its faults but lack of driving appeal wasn’t one of them. Renault’s challenge was to retain this whilst building in a higher quality ‘big car’ feel. Has it succeeded? The signs look encoura g i n g . T h e r e ’s a n e w f r o n t suspension/subframe arrangement to improve directional precision and a redeveloped power steering system to more swiftly respond to driver input. The rear suspension meanwhile, has been tuned to produce a more responsive, agile ride, as well as offer improved cornering without detracting from comfort. Plus, there are bigger brakes, able to pull you up to rest from 62mph in a class-leading 37 metres.

Even more crucial is the way that the design has retained its top afety credentials. If, for some reason, a tyre pressure monitoring system, plus auto headlamps and wipers don’t keep you out of the bushes, then standard ABS, EBD and Emergency Brake Assist should do, while plusher models also get ESP

stability control and CSV understeer control.

On the passive safety front, Renault say that their SRP3 set-up (System for Restraint and Protection) guarantees a uniquely high level of protection, taking into account both impact force and the build of occupants. There’s the usual bouncy castle collection of airbags but real safety is about more than just gluing inflatable bags around the interior.

So it is that the seatbelts have double pre-tensioners, load limiters and are designed to prevent you from sliding underneath them. The headrests are designed to cushion you better in rear impacts, while double impact sensors in the doors enable the side airbags to offer three times more cushioning to your body during a side impact.

The MK3 Megane has a sporty, dynamic stance, thanks particularly to its short front and rear overhangs, a long 2.64m wheelbase, a steeplyraked roofline and a wide track. It certainly exudes a feeling of much higher quality than its predecessor, with thin cut lines between the different body panels. Great care (at last) has also gone into the quality and fit and finish of the materials used and there are nice touches like the soft-touch finish on the dashboard cowling that’s resistant to daily use and the ageing effects of sunlight. Or the way that the windscreen wipers are aesthetically concealed beneath the bonnet line.

Climb in and the first thing you notice at the wheel is the innovative dashboard which features an analogue rev-counter alongside a digital speedometer which also incorporates the cr uise control/speed limiter display. When this function is activated, the speed selected by the driver is displayed at the top of the speedometer which is itself ringed by a sequence of lights that take the form of an arc around the central display. In speed limiter mode, the red segment lights up as the speed increases, while the selected speed begins to flash if exceeded. Space in the cabin is unexceptional but the boot volume of 372 litres (assuming a spare wheel) figures amongst the best in the segment.

To begin with, only the five-door hatchback bodystyle is on offer but we can soon expect to see the full complement of Megane bodyshapes, including a three-door, an estate, a coupe-cabriolet and a new version of the Scenic mini-MPV based on this car. There are three

trim levels: Expression, Dynamique and Privilege.

The engine line-up is a mixture of f a m i l i a r c a r r y- ov e r s a n d n e w arrivals, with biofuel-compatible engines also on the agenda. Most important will be the dCi diesels, sales of which will be focused on the dCi 86 and the particulate filterequipped dCi 106 units. Both of these engines emit 120g or less of CO2/km, while even the powerful dCi 130 (with pulling power now more readily available earlier in the rev range) manages 135g/km. If that’s not enough, your dealer can tell you about a dCi 160 unit (which you’ll need to order in dCi 150 form if you want automatic transmission).

Petrol buyers also get the latest Laguna units, in this case the 1.6 16V 100 and 110bhp powerplants, plus you can talk to your dealer about an all-new turbocharged TCe 130 unit.

This new, fuel-efficient 1,397cc block packs the power of a 1.8-litre engine (130bhp) and the torque of a 2.0 (190Nm), yet its CO2 emissions are less than those of a 1.6, making it particularly respectful of the environment. The flagship engine, the TCe 180, uses similar technology.

Despite being bigger and roomier, this Mégane is an average 8kg lighter than its predecessor. The combination of lower weight and optimised aerodynamics has led to significantly lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions across the board. Almost 70% of all Meganes sold will feature CO2 emissions of less than 140g/km or be biofuel-compatible. This car also claims to be one of the most socially responsible in its class, being 95 per cent end-of-life recoverable by weight, while almost 12 per cent of the plastics it contains are sourced from recycling, equivalent to an average of 22kg per car.

Renault had to step up its game with the third generation Megane and it has. Bigger and roomier, this car ought to suit down-sizers, feeling much like a larger model to drive.

There are plenty of green credentials and the apparently exemplary build quality that we first saw in the larger Laguna. Overall, unless you have a particular aversion to the Renault badge, it’s hard to see any significant failings. The result is a car that has gone from being a family hatchback also-ran to being one of the two or three models in the segment that buyers really must consider.

THE ULSTER STAR, JANUARY 16, 2009—31

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charleshurst.toyota.co.uk **Offers available at participating Centres only. Models shown Yaris T2 1.0 5 door manual manufacturer’s list price £9,730, with £1,735 customer saving now £7,995, Auris TR 1.4 Diesel 5 door manual manufacturer’s list price £14,480, with £1,730 customer saving now £12,750, Verso T2 2.2 Diesel manufacturer’s list price £16,770, with £2,775 customer saving now £13,995, Avensis T2 2.0 Diesel 5 door manual, manufacturer's list price £16,833, with £5,083 customer saving now £11,750. *Advertised finance offer available on all new Auris and Verso range excluding T180, when ordered, registered and financed through Toyota Financial Services, on 3 year Hire Purchase with minimum customer deposit of 50%, between 01.12.08 and 31.01.09, at participating Centres only. Terms and conditions apply. Other finance and non finance offers are available but cannot be used in conjunction with this offer. Indemnities may be required. Finance subject to status to over 18s only. Toyota Financial Services, Great Burgh, Burgh Heath, Epsom, Surrey, KT18 5UZ. Prices correct at time of going to press and include VAT, delivery charge, number plates, one years road fund license and £55 first registration fee. Subject to availability. ^Metallic Paint £345 extra.

Official Fuel Consumption Figures in mpg (l/100km): Yaris T2 1.0 Urban 44.1 (6.4), Extra Urban 57.6 (4.9), Combined 52.3 (5.4), CO2 Emissions 127 g/km. Auris TR 1.4 Diesel Manual, Urban 48.7 (5.8), Extra Urban 62.8 (4.5), Combined 56.5 (5.0), CO2 Emissions 132 g/km. Verso T2 2.2 Diesel, Urban 35.8 (7.9), Extra Urban 53.3 (5.3), Combined 45.6 (6.2), CO2 Emissions 164 g/km. Avensis 2.0 Diesel Manual, Urban 39.8 (7.1), Extra Urban 61.4 (4.6), Combined 51.4 (5.5). CO2 Emissions 146 g/km.

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32—THE ULSTER STAR, JANUARY 16, 2009

MOTORING ‘09

Style and efficiency with Vauxhall’s Insignia THE UK’s mid-size sector has traditionally been the preserve of conservative and predictable designs. But now Vauxhall is launching the Insignia, which is set to break from convention by offering buyers in this class a compelling mix of breathtaking design and leading technology.

“In the same way that the Astra and Corsa have freshened up their respective sectors, the new Vauxhall Insignia has been designed to breathe fresh air into what is normally a very staid area of the market,” says Andy Gilson, Vauxhall’s Marketing Director. “Our customers will be able to enjoy premium styling, advanced technology and exceptional dynamics, but at an affordable price.”

The Insignia’s elegant styling combines sculptured artistry with technical precision, illustrated by wing and blade themes which integrate with the car’s rakish, but graceful silhouette. The body’s sculpted shape is punctuated by sweeping front and rear light designs and fronted by a bold radiator grille, which displays the refreshed Griffin logo in a new, circular surround carrying Vauxhall’s name.

Another benefit brought by the Insignia’s flowing lines is a spectacularly low Cd of just 0.27, bringing with it benefits in fuel consumption, cabin refinement and performance. All body variants have an identical wheelbase of 2737mm, while the Sport Tourer adds around 80mm to the 4830mm length of the saloon and hatch models.

Insignia’s saloon and hatch models will hit UK dealerships at the end of 2008 with a broad range of two diesel and three petrol engines. The Sports Tourer – due in 2009 – will bring with it two further powertrains, a 1.6-litre, 180PS petrol and a new 2.0 CDTi BiTurbo with a maximum output of 190PS. An ecoFLEX version with lower C02 emissions, but with no performance compromise, will join the line-up later next year.

All powertrains will come with either a sixspeed manual or six-speed auto

transmission.

A range of new or improved features on the Insignia enhance everything from dynamics to comfort and safety. The FlexRide system, available on selected models, allows drivers to personalise their suspension set up at the press of a button, or if left alone will automatically adapt to different driving styles.

Complementing FlexRide is Adaptive 4X4, which improves handling and stability in all c o n d i t i o n s. St a n d a rd w i t h b o t h t u r bocharged petrol powertrains, the system uses electronically controlled hydraulic disc clutch plates to distribute torque from 0-100 per cent between the front and rear axles.

On SRi models, an electronic limited slip differential which balances rear wheel torque left to right is also standard.

Vauxhall’s Front Camera System will appear as an option on Insignia soon after launch.

This leading technology uses a small camera, positioned inside the car’s windscreen to read and memorise both speed warning and no-overtaking signs, the details of which are relayed back to the driver from the instrument panel. The system also incorporates a lane departure warning, alerting drivers if they unintentionally leave their lane.

The Insignia is also the first Vauxhall to use the latest generation Adaptive Forward Lighting. This clever system now uses nine lighting functions which automatically adapt to information relating to road profile, driving status and general visibility. Models fitted with Intelligent AFL are also equipped with LED daytime running lamps.

Vauxhall rejuvenated the coupe segment in 1989 with the Calibra and co-founded the compact MPV category ten years later with the Zafira. Now, with the launch of the new Insignia, Vauxhall is bringing much-needed panache to a market segment that is being revitalised as people search for vehicle with greater fuel efficiency.

The Insignia’s innovative design has the potential not only to excite mid-size car buy-

ers again, but also to recapture customers leaving the large SUV segments because of high fuel costs. Mid-size cars currently account for around 10 per cent of the European market, but it is expected that this figure will increase again.

“This is the right car being introduced at the right time as people are moving from large sports utility vehicles.

The Insignia is expressive looking, uses fuel efficiently and has five full seats and plenty of luggage capacity – all important features for families, “ says Alain Visser, GME’s Chief Marketing Officer.

Charles Hurst 028 9266 5270

70 Belfast Road Lisburn

www.charleshurstgroup.co.uk/vauxhall

Developed by General Motors Europe, with a significant contribution coming from Vauxhall’s Engineering Centre at Millbrook in Bedfordshire, UK, the Insignia will be built at GME’s plant in Rüsselsheim.

All Insignias come with high levels of equipment as standard, including ESP, passenger airbag deactivation, automatic headlights, electric driver’s seat height adjuster and electrically adjustable four way lumbar support. Cruise control is also standard across the range, along with front, side and curtain airbags, Isofix on all 3 rear seats, and ABS.

Mon-Fri 9:00 - 17:00 Sat 9:00 - 1.00 Sun Closed Late night Mon - Thu to 8.30pm

Official Government Test Environmental Data - Fuel Consumption Figures mpg (litres/100km): Insignia hatchback and saloon range: urban 15.8 (17.9) - 37.2 (7.6), extraurban 35.8 (7.9) - 58.9 (4.8), combined 24.4 (11.6) - 48.7 (5.8), CO2 Emissions 154 - 272 g/km.

Vauxhall Insignia from £15,600.74 OTR, Model Shown Insignia Elite from £20, 543.29 plus metallic paint at £367.02 and 19" alloys at £391.49. (Vaux62770)

THE ULSTER STAR, JANUARY 16, 2009—33

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For a full range of cars on offer visit: www.charleshurstgroup.co.uk/vauxhall

OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT FUEL CONSUMPTION FIGURES MPG (LITRES/100KM) AND CO2 EMISSIONS (G/KM) FOR RANGE SHOWN: URBAN28.5 (9.9) - 38.7 (7.3) EXTRA URBAN 48.7(5.8) - 61.4 (4.6) COMBINED 38.7(7.3) - 50.4 (5.6) CO2 134 - 175 G/KM. MODELS SHOWN FOR ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES ONLY. FINANCE SUBJECT TO STATUS, TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY. OFFER SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY.

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34—THE ULSTER STAR, JANUARY 16, 2009

MOTORING ‘09

The Citroen C4 Picasso – Better by design WE hit the outskirts of Par is and it became clear something was amiss. Back on home tur f, the Citroen C4 Picasso’s satellite navigation system might have been expected to display some local knowledge and pull-out an ingenious short-cut or two.

Instead, it was guiding us directly into the teeth of the perfect storm that is the French capital’s notorious rush hour.

Some scrolling around and zooming in on the dash-mounted display screen revealed the true horror of a demented route that appeared to take in the Champs Elyse and pass directly beneath the Eiffel tower.

Amazing This was going to scupper our schedule something rotten. It was time to break out the road atlas, disable the computer and take evasive action.

It’s amazing how some journeys look perfectly manageable on a map.

Journeys like the brief squirt from the Calais ferry terminal to the farmhouse we’d rented in the Pyrenean foothills south of Toulouse.

In reality, a missed ferry (kindly arranged by P&O Ferries; www.poferries.com) and the small

matter of gay Paris being inconveniently located slap bang in our path were complicating matters and the trip was beginning to seem like every one of its 650+ miles.

The map book was studied, the worst of the Paris traffic was avoided and before too long the C4 Picasso was ploughing down the sparsely populated autoroutes in the desired southerly direction.

With the satellite navigation switched off and in disgrace following its attempted Parisian sightseeing tour, the car settled into its native habitat perfectly.

Glided In the UK the C4 Picasso can feel bouncy over our appalling road surfaces but it glided over the well-tended French tarmac with the 1.6-litre HDI diesel engine murmuring away in the background. With the roomy leather seats of our Exclusive model to sit in and a handy armrest to prop a weary elbow on, the Citroen was revealing itself as an outstanding motorway car.

The 110bhp 1.6-litre diesel engine will sit on its cruise control at 85mph ver y happily on French autoroutes, returning nearly 45mpg even at that velocity. If you’re not a fan of cruise control, and many aren’t, there’s also a handy manual speed limiter function that will prevent you inadvertently creeping over the posted limit.

With a maximum speed of 125mph, the C4 Picasso had plenty left to give, so when driving it without the cruise or the limiter switched on, it was easy to accidentally creep up towards the three figure mark on

empty, featureless autoroute sections.

The positive opinion of the Picasso was shared by all four occupants as legroom in the rear of our five-seater model was very generous.

There’s plenty of storage space in the car as well and our Exclusive model seemed to have had every conceivable option levered into it.

As well as the sat nav, there was the optional hi-fi pack, metallic paint, big alloy wheels, leather heated seats and front parking sensors.

Most of these options are unabashed luxuries but if you’re shopping for a C4 Picasso, I’d strongly recommend the parking sensors.

The front of the car disappears from view beyond the steeply raked windscreen and even the tallest drivers won’t be able to see the extremities while manoeuvring in tight spots.

The journey south was completed without any more undue drama and the C4 Picasso was presented with the slightly different test of a week o n t h e m o u n t a i n ro a d s o f t h e Pyrenees.

The ESG automatic gearbox works fine when driven in a relaxed fashion in automatic mode but try to press on a bit up the steep inclines and tight bends that characterise the roads in the area and it can get confused.

To avoid the auto ‘box changing down at inopportune moments, the manual paddle shifters can be selected and these give far more control.

The other aspect of the C4 that takes a little getting used to is the brakes which are very much all or nothing.

Trying to reduce speed and stop smoothly in the Citroen is quite an

art, especially at low speeds where the merest tickle of the substantial brake peddle brings everything to an abrupt halt.

The C4 Picasso was not the most engaging car to hurry along a mountain road with its soft ride and tendency to lean in corners but the memory of how it had excelled on the long straights of the journey down meant that most indiscretions could be easily forgiven.

The column mounted gear selector is sometimes awkward to use when manoeuvring at low speeds and the central display isn’t ideally located for checking your speed but there were plenty of other aspects of the car

that worked beautifully.

We even managed to use the boot light that doubles as a detachable torch on one particularly dark night - a feature that I had previously written–off as a useless gimmick.

On the return leg, the Citroen C4 Picasso took to the motorways with the same composure it has shown on the way down and rounded off a trip that had shown the car in an extremely favourable light.

As an all-round family vehicle, the Picasso is a real winner and for long motorway journeys, there’s very little that’s better at this price.

NOT your run of the mill family hatchback, the Citroen C4 piles on the technology and includes some unorthodox styling features but it all hangs together rather well. The car now gets the larger C5 model’s more distinct i v e n o s e , p l u s t h e r e’s a c o u p l e o f higher-tech BMW-developed petrol engines borrowed from its Peugeot 308 PSA Group stablemate. The upgraded interior is now closer in quality to most some rivals and makes up for any remaining lack with its sheer wow factor. Excellent diesel engines and lots of equipment also help to tempt buyers.

Citroen confounded most people’s expectations with their C4. To the outside observer, the French manufacturer seemed to have turned away from roots steeped in the creation of quirkily innovative cars and settled into a cosy niche, selling models that were competent and extremely tightly priced but rarely dynamic or challenging. Then the C4 family hatch arrived and made the kind of impact that you’d more readily associate with its plastic explosive namesake. The C4 felt fresh and distinctive and it still does but is that enough in a market where excellence is the minimum standard for big sales?

With over 900,000 examples sold, Citroen have taken the opportunity to do a spot of refettling, installing a more distinctive front end and the 1.6-litre VTi (Variable Valve Lift & Ti m i n g ) a n d 1 . 6 T H P ( Tu r b o Hi g h Pressure) petrol engines that weren’t available when this car was first launched. As before, the mainstream C4 range is split between Coupe and Hatchback models.

‘Coupe’ is Citroen-speak for 3-door, the family-orientated 5-door derivatives being called simply ‘Hatchback’.

The initial impression when driving the C4 is that its makers may have overdone it on the innovation front. Digital read-outs shine back at you wherever you look and the centre of the steering wheel is fixed in position.

Remarkably, however, once you get over the initial strangeness, everything works very well. You only need to divert your eyes from the road slightly to pick up the wealth of information on the main dash-top display, which now incorporates a rev counter that, if you really get your foot down, flashes red at the limit, prompting you to change up. Rear visibility is hindered somewhat by the unorthodox rear window on the Coupe but parking isn’t a problem as the bottom section of the split screen gives decent view of objects immediately behind the car.

The C4 rides with impressive smoothness and composure but it doesn’t quite offer the level of feedback you sometimes want from a sporty hatchback. The variable assistance power steering has an accurate feel and the car is nicely balanced through corners. The VTS version has stiffened suspension to enhance its sporting pedigree and offers a sharper driving experience generally.

If you’re familiar with the original C4, then the changes to the facelifted version won’t come as too much of a shock. There’s a redesigned, curvier bonnet to make it look more like the large C5, whilst the grille benefits from restyled integrated chevrons. The front bumper has also been revamped and the number plate repositioned for what Citroen hope is ‘a stronger, sportier, more dynamic look’. The rear lights of the C4 Coupe are now finished in transparent crystal, there are fresh wheel designs and paint colours, plus in the pursuit of ‘added elegance’, chrome inserts are featured on some models.

Inside the cabin, the rev counter has been relocated to the innovative translucent central display unit. A plush grain is now featured on the dashboard and doors which, along with the smarter décor, makes for a more upmarket feel, while the integrated scented air freshener deals with unwanted odours. The interior is spacious and the Coupe provides similar amounts of rear legroom and boot space to the Hatchback.

The boot opening is narrower, however, and the levers that fold the front seats forward allowing access to the rear have a habit of sticking up to catch the shins of passengers climbing in.

The engine range opens with Citroen’s older 90 and 110bhp 1.4 and 1.6-litre 16-valve petrol units. Best however, if you’re a petrol buyer, to try and stretch either for a diesel or for one of the two more modern engines.

Many will choose the 120bhp 1.6-litre VTi option with its 120mph performance and 42mpg combined fuel economy.

The unashamedly high-tech approach favoured by the C4 will alienate some people while inspiring others but it makes the car quite unlike any of its rivals. Reasonable build quality and a decent drive are matched to excellent equipment levels, a smarter feel, a better range of petrol engines and some of the best diesels in the business. With Citroen’s tight pricing and aggressive marketing promotions placed into the mix, the C4 delivers on a lot of levels.

The innovative C4 family hatchback

THE ULSTER STAR, JANUARY 16, 2009—35

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36—THE ULSTER STAR, JANUARY 16, 2009

MOTORING ‘09

Peugeot 207 range is movin’ on up

THE Peugeot 207 offers style with impressive quality and equipment.

To follow one phenomenal success story with another takes some doing, but to do it a third time has given Peugeot a huge challenge. Their 205 supermini started it all off in 1983 and things got even better fifteen years later with the 206, a car that was to sell over five million units worldwide. Now the onus has fallen upon the model we look at here, the latest 207.

Despite its sales success, criticism has always persisted over the rather low rent interior finish of the 206, something Peugeot were keen to address with the more up-market 207 supermini.

Of course, better quality tends to mean bigger prices and Peugeot worked hard to keep the 207 at affordable levels.

Priced from £9,295, Peugeot are taking care that the 207 is positioned closely to key competitors like Renault’s Clio and Fiat’s Grande Punto. That’s despite the fact that they claim their latest model sets new class standards in terms of trim quality and equipment levels. The design of this car follows the corporate image seen on other models in the range like the 307 and 407 with the large ‘smiling’ grille and sharky front light clusters. The neat styling has shades of 206 about it, yet the car is completely different, based on the company’s ‘Platform 1’ floor pan which it shares with the 1007. The striking and rather sporty look, which was designed in-house by Peugeot’s own stylists, should ensure a strong customer following.

The car is offered in both 3-door and 5-door hatchback form or as a CC folding hardtop coupe. If you need estate versatility, there are also SW derivatives on offer.

Peugeot is building the 207 at three sites in France, Spain and Slovakia, ensuring that they’ll have sufficient capacity to meet demand.

Peugeot are offering a choice of six petrol and three diesel engines. The petrol models offered are a 1.4-litre 8-valve unit producing 75bhp, a 1.4-litre 16-valve unit producing 90bhp, a 1.4-litre VTi with 95bhp, a 1.6litre VTi giving out 120bhp, plus 150 and 175bhp 1.6-litre turbo options. The diesel offerings are all second generation commonrail high-pressure direct injection powerplants and start with a 1.4-litre HDi producing 70bhp. This is followed by a 1.6litre HDi 16-valve delivering 90bhp and a range topping version of the same engine with a variable geometry turbocharger producing 110bhp. All these units are a result of the joint venture between PSA Peugeot Citroën and BMW Group, the 207 being the first Peugeot model to use them.

Sitting inside the 207, you can immediately sense that this car is far removed from the 206 in terms of its quality and elegance.

Plus the 207, even in its most basic trim level, is head and shoulders above its equivalent 206 model in refinement. The elegant centre panel houses all the usual heating, ventilating and audio switches and the binnacle behind the steering wheel features three circular dials, mirroring those usually seen on a

motorcycle. The overall effect is ver y pleasing and gives the impression of a very up-market product. The front seats are very comfortable and appear to give good support. In the rear, as with most vehicles in this sector, the available space is rather limited to the size of the passenger and driver seated in the front.

With the front seats fully extended backwards, the space in the back can be a bit restricted.

Equipment levels? Well, air-conditioning is available in two specifications, dual zone manual or automatic. In addition, each vehicle is equipped with a fragrance diffuser which is discreetly incorporated into the fascia panel and dispenses one of seven selectable fragrances to keep the interior of your 207 smelling sweetly. Each fragrance has been specially developed by a leading French perfume supplier. Useful features include automatic activation of the dipped beam, automatic front windscreen wipers, electric front windows with one-touch automatic reverse control and a remote control for the radio situated under the steering wheel.

Safety has been designed into the 207 and has already earned a five star rating from the EuroNCAP tests. The 207’s front end contains two impact absorption structures borrowed from the 407 that distribute impact energy more efficiently in the event of a collision. Sill reinforcements and tubular bars in the doors aid structural rigidit y. N u m e r o u s a i r b a g s a r e installed in the 207 and the front two ‘adaptive’ airbags have a dual-generator function that can

vary their pressures according to the severity of the impact. Side airbags and curtain airbags also feature as standard or as an option, depending on the model level. All 207s are fitted with two 3-point Isofix mountings in the rear outer seats, each of which can accommodate a child’s Isofix car safety seat.

Peugeot seems to have cracked it again. The 207 looks the part, is well put together and is defi-

nitely a class above its 206 prede c e s s o r. I f y o u s t i l l n e e d convincing, just shut one of the doors. They close with a very reassuring ‘thunk’. The same as you would experience with a Mercedes-Benz or BMW. The Peugeot supermini success story looks set to continue.

As a capable supermini allrounder covering all the important bases, the Peugeot

207 looks good but with the smaller-engined cars, you do find yourself wishing for a bit more power to make the most of what is a highly accomplished chassis. The sloppy gearbox, ‘distinctive’ frontal styling and some questionable interior plastics notwithstanding, the Peugeot is hard to fault and it makes a great choice for buyers seeking a safe, well-equipped and affordable supermini.

THE ULSTER STAR, JANUARY 16, 2009—37

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38—THE ULSTER STAR, JANUARY 16, 2009

MOTORING ‘09

Audi A4 Avant Range - go placidly ESTATE cars aren’t meant to look as good as Audi’s latest A4 Avant. Andy Enright searches in vain for the right-angles The latest Audi A4 has rapidly established itself as the go-to car in its sector if you want space and driving enjoyment. Should you need a little more space, the current Avant model can serve that up too with 490 litres of fresh air behind the back seats

and a hefty 1,430 with the back bench folded.

Every now and then, the car industry seizes upon a concept and rival manufacturers will indulge in a feeding frenzy to saturate the market. With hindsight, some of these concepts aren’t at all clever. In the late Eighties, virtually every manufacturer rushed a four-wheel drive saloon car, hatchback or coupe to

market. The Nineties saw a sudden spike in sales of small SUVs that fell over when pointed at a corner, while in the early Noughties, premium manufacturers fell over themselves to launch estate versions of their compact executive models that actually held less luggage than the saloon cars they were based on.

Every one of them an evolutionary dead end. The latest Audi A4 Avant

demonstrates that in the battle between fashion and functionality, there’s only ever one long term victor.

Audi makes great play of the fact that its latest generation A4 Avant features a sportier chassis with a repositioned front axle, all new steering and (on 3.0 TDI and 3.2 FSI variants) a latest generation quattro system with 40:60 torque split. If you’ve money to spend on the options list, you can also benefit from ‘Audi Drive Select’, enabling tailoring of throttle, steering and suspension characteristics to suit driver preferences. So has the Audi A4 become a driver’s car to rival the BMW 3 Series? Not quite, although the differences are so small as to be virtually irrelevant. It’s a very capable handler.

The company talks of a range of "new or extensively revised engines", including two directly injected FSI petrol units and three common rail directly injected TDI diesels.

Pe t ro l b u ye r s c h o o s e e i t h e r t h e t u r bocharged 1.8 TFSI with either 120PS as a manual or 160PS as a Multitronic automatic.

The other four cylinder petrol option is a 211PS 2.0TFSI turbocharged unit.

Otherwise, it’s the normally aspirated but silky-smooth V6 3.2 FSI with 265PS. Most customers however, will want a diesel, so there’s the familiar choice of 2.0 TDI (120, 143 or 170PS), 2.7 TDI (190PS) and 3.0 TDI (240PS).

If you want automatic transmission on your A4 diesel, you’ll need to go for the 2.7 which gets Audi’s efficient multitronic continuously variable (CVT) ‘box. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself with a six-speed manual. If you want quattro 4WD, you’ll need one of the bigger engines.

Styling is a subjective matter, and it’s probably not my place to tell you what looks good but let’s just say the A4 Avant dodged the ugly stick by quite some margin. The stylists have been very clever in that they have retained a fairly high roofline at the back for load volume purposes but have artfully used chrome finishing to draw the eye to the sleek window lines instead. Couple that with an aggressive swage line that arcs up from the

front wheel back to the middle of the rear arch and it’s a shape that embodies a lot of dynamic tension. Space in the back is rated at 490 litres with the rear seats in place and 1,430 with the rear bench folded.

This makes it the most accommodating in its class and the practical features don’t stop there. One tempting option is the powered tailgate and loads can be secured using tiedown straps and a luggage net. Another option that’s sure to be popular is the telescoping bar and securing belt system that proved such a success on the previous A4 Avant. Build quality is typically excellent; the depth of engineering that has gone into the design of the cabin being simply staggering.

With approximate premiums of around £1,200 over its saloon counterpart, the A4 Avant is competitively priced against its premium rivals when trim levels and power outputs are taken into account. Gone are the days when you could buy a Volkswagen or a SEAT and there wasn’t a great deal of difference in perceived quality between them and the Audi model that was based on the same platform. Nowadays, you can see where the money has been spent or, in the case of SEAT, the materials quality has been deliberately downgraded.

Depending on which engine you choose, there’s the option of either a conventional six-speed manual transmission, a revised tiptronic automatic or a smoother version of the six-speed multitronic continuously variable transmission (CVT). Which means no room for the twin-clutch S tronic then.

No car is perfect though and the A4 Avant does raise a few questions. Somewhat curiously, it’s not possible to buy one with the best gearbox (the twin clutch S tronic) at Audi’s disposal.

Putting the power tailgate and telescopic load bar on the options list also looks a little mean.

Other than that, it’s hard to see this one going anywhere other than straight to the top of the sales charts among the best compact executive load luggers.

Isaac Agnew Audi Portadown and Belfast

MASSIVE PRICE REDUCTIONS 2008 A3 Sportback 2.0TDi 170q S/Line, Avus Sliver, 9400 Miles . . . . Was £20,995. . . . . Now £18,995

2008 A4 New Model 3.0TDi SE Saloon, manual, Silver, 10000 miles . Was £33,995 . . . . . Now £29,995

2006 A3 Sportback 2.0TDi Stronic Sport Brilliant Black, 29800 Miles . Was £13,995 . . . . . Now £12,995

2008 A4 1.9TDi S/Line Avant Manual. Brilliant Red, 3000 miles . . . . . Was £19,995 . . . . . Now £17,995

2008 A3 Sportback 2.0TDi 170 S/Line, Ibis White, 8300 Miles, . . . . . . Was £19,995 . . . . . Now £18,995

2008 A6 2.0TDi SE Saloon, manual, Akoya silver, 9880 miles . . . . . . was £ 21,995 . . . . . Now £20,995

2008 A3 Cabriolet 1.8T Sport, Meteor Grey, 6100 Miles, . . . . . . . . . . . Was £23,995 . . . . . Now £20,995 2008 A3 2.0TDi S/Line 3Dr, Ice Silver, 9200 Miles, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Was £19,995 . . . . . Now £17,495 2006 A3 2.0TDi Sport 3Dr, Phantom Black, 28500 Miles, . . . . . . . . . . Was £13,995 . . . . . Now £11,995 2008 A4 3.0TDi SE, Ice Silver, 9300 Miles, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Was £34,995 . . . . . Now £29,995 2008 A4 Avant 2.0TDi S/Line, Ice Silver, 3000 Miles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Was £22,995 . . . . . Now £19,995

2008 A6 2.0 TDi SE Saloon, Manual, aurora blue, 7117 miles . . . . . . . was£21,995 . . . . . Now £20,995 2008 Allroad 2.7 TDi Quattro, tip, 11300 miles. phantom Black, . . . . . . was £29,995 . . . . . Now £26,995 2008 Allroad 2.7 TDi Quattro tip, 10500 miles silver, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Was £30,995 . . . . . Now £26,995 2008 Q7 3.0TDi Quattro S/Line 8300 miles, Condor grey . . . . . . . . . . Was £38,995 . . . . . Now £34,995

2008 A4 Avant 2.0 TDi S/Line, Phantom Black, 6650 miles . . . . . . . . . Was £22,995 . . . . . Now £19,995

2008 R8 4.2 Quattro, Man 3100 miles, Daytona grey, full specification, Was £72,995 . . . . . Now £69,995

2006 A4 Avant 3.0 TDi Quattro Tip, dolphin Grey,40650 miles . . . . . . . was £18,995 . . . . . Now £17,995

2004 TTC 225, Man, Glacier blue, 32600 miles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Was £13,995 . . . . . Now £12,495

2008 A4 Saloon 2.0 TDi 170 S/Line, mauritius blue 9000 miles . . . . . Was £21,995 . . . . . Now £20,995

2007 TTC 2.0 TFSI Man Silver, 8890 miles, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Was £22,995 . . . . . Now £20,995

2008 A4 New Model 2.0TDi SE Avant, Brilliant Red, 6500 miles . . . . . Was £21,995 . . . . . Now £20,995

2007 TTC 2.0 TFSI Man Brilliant Red, 22300 Miles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Was £21,995 . . . . . Now £20,995

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Finance example is based on a 36 month Audi Business User Contract Hire Campaign (exclusive for business users only)with an annual mileage of 10,000 miles (excess mileage charged at 6 pence per mile)* Subject to availability. On the road cash price is based on the manufacturer's recommended retail price and includes 3 year warranty. Further charges may be payable if vehicle is returned. Indemnities may be required. Subject to status. Available to over 18's for vehicles ordered before 31st March 2009.

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Belfast Audi, Boucher Way Tel: 028 9038 / 028 9038 0038

THE ULSTER STAR, JANUARY 16, 2009—39

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MOTORING ‘09

The Ford Ka may be small but it is perfectly formed

THE second generation Ford Ka takes a less controversial route than the original version. For all that, it may prove to be just as successful. Jonathan Crouch reports.

Bigger but not too big, faster but not too fast, plusher but not too plush, Ford’s Ka citycar treads a fine line in second generation guise. Fortunately, it has a huge bank of customers loyal from the first generation version to fall back on if all else fails. There’s a more efficient petrol engine on offer, plus a diesel for the first time.

The Ka was a car that Ford was very hesitant to replace – and you can see why. This citycar has the highest loyalty levels of any product thanks to a 12 year production run for the first generation model and an iconic shape that if you loved, you really loved. Nearly one and a half million examples have been sold, half a million of those in the UK, where the car has been the citycar segment leader since 2000. The MK2 model doesn’t really have its predecessor’s loveit-or-hate-it Marmite appeal, but it’s unquestionable a better car.

Ford have developed it as a joint venture with Fiat, so this model rolls off the same production lines in Tychy, Poland as the more daringly-styled Fiat 500, sharing its engines and the same platform design.

The original Ka was renowned for its go-kart like handling and its replacement has been designed to be just as fun and rewarding to drive, with what Ford claim are the most exciting driving dynamics of any small car. The company’s chassis engineering experts have tuned the suspension, steering, and chassis with their usual meticulous attention to detail and final testing was conducted using a combination of public roads, proving grounds and race tracks – including the legendary Nürburgring in Germany.

During the engineering process, information was exchanged with the team developing the larger Fiesta, and certain components, such as the tyres, were jointly developed for both models. The 1.2-litre 69PS Duratec petrol engine is a huge improvement on the wheezy old petrol 1.3 used in the old Ka, while the 75PS 1.3-litre Duratorq TDCi turbodiesel is a good option for those likely to cover larger mileages.

You might mistake this Ka as a shrunken version of the Fiesta supermini from the outside but

inside, it’s very much its own car – and much more avant garde, with what Ford like to call a ‘kinetic’ design philosophy. Bold contrasts and expressive colours have been deliberately chosen to reflect the more adventurous tastes of the typical Ka customer.

These are combined with some imaginative design details to give the interior a fashionable and fun personality which, Fiat 500 apart, is pretty unique in the citycar segment.

One thing that the old Ka wasn’t was roomy and practical. The second generation car isn’t huge of course (there’s only so much you can do with a bodyshell this small) but it is a huge improvem e n t . T h e r e’s s u r p r i s i n g l y generous interior space and comfortable accommodation for four adults and their belongings, though acceptable rear seat legroom will depend on the front seat passengers not resembling basketball players. The high seating position, carefully placed controls and excellent visibility should make this Ka easy to drive for owners of all ages.

And safety? Well, at the heart of the vehicle is a tough bodyshell, which has been developed to provide a strong, stable crash structure to protect passengers in case of an accident. This has been combined with an Intelligent Protection System (IPS), which integrates airbags, restraint systems and seating technologies to provide what Ford claims is a highly effective occupant safety system.

Buyers choose between four different trim levels - Studio, Style, Style + and Zetec, plus there are various option packs to consider.

Specify the Bluetooth-enabled Connectivity Kit, and the Ka comes equipped with Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity, a USB port to play music files through the sound system and steering wheel controls.

Combine this with the six-speaker CD sound systems on offer and owners should have all the necessary equipment to keep passengers connected and entertained.

A citycar like this has to be both cheap to run and kind to the environment and of course, Ford loudly proclaims this Ka to be both. Of the two economical, low emission engines on offer, the vast majority of sales will be of the 1.2-litre 69PS Duratec petrol unit, which has cut fuel consumption by 21 per cent compared to the previous 1.3litre Ka.

Official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km): Ford Car range: urban 51.3 – 20.5 (5.5 – 13.8), extra urban 78.3 – 37.6 (3.6 – 7.5), combined 65.6 – 28.8 (4.3 – 9.8). Official CO2 emission 114-235g/km. Retail only. Dealer Price quoted is an example of the discounted price the customer may pay and the

transaction price may vary subject to any further flexibility with participating dealers. Subject to availability at participating Northern Ireland Ford Dealers for new vehicles, contracted and registered between 01/01/2009 and 31/01/2009. Vehicles shown for illustration purposes only. Metallic paint extra cost. Finance available from Ford Credit supporting dealers. Finance subject to status. Guarantees/indemnities may be required. *Payable with GMFV(Guaranteed Minimum Future value) if you wish to own the vehicle at the end of the agreement. Further charges may be made subject to the condition of the vehicle, if the vehicle is returned at the end of the finance agreement.

Freepost Ford Credit. This supersedes all previously advertised manufacturer’s promotions. Details correct at time of going to print.

New Ka Style 1.25 3dr

£8,350 Typical 7.9% APR • Electric Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS) • Body colour bumpers • Electric heated door mirrors • Electrically-operated front windows • Remote central/double locking

36 monthly payments .........................

Customer Deposit .............................

Amount of Credit ..............................

Total Charge for Credit (inc £10 purchase fee*).......................

GMFV (Optional payment) ...................

Total Amount Payable by Customer ........

£149.00 £1,162.26 £7,187.74 £1,217.26 £3,031.00 £9,587.26

See it. Drive it. Buy it.

New Fiesta Zetec

1.25 3dr

FREE Bluetooth

£9,995 Typical 7.9% APR • 15” 8-spoke alloy wheels • Smart Quickclear heated windscreen • Air conditioning • Front fog lights with chrome surround • Trip computer • CD Player with remote audio controls • Music connection sockets • Electric Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS) • Ford EasyFuel System 36 monthly payments .........................

Customer Deposit .............................

Amount of Credit ..............................

Total Charge for Credit (inc £10 purchase fee*).......................

GMFV (Optional payment) ...................

Total Amount Payable by Customer ........

£169.00 £1,365.21 £8,629.79 £1,504.21 £4,040.00 £11,499.21

www.ford-dealersni.co.uk Lindsay Ford 20 Market Place, Lisburn 028 9267 3121

NORTHERN IRELAND DEALERS

40—THE ULSTER STAR, JANUARY 16, 2009

www.lisburntoday.co.uk

THE ULSTER STAR, JANUARY 16, 2009—41

www.lisburntoday.co.uk

The Friendly staff at our new Flagship Showroom The sales team in Lisburn have a wealth of experience in selling both new and used cars. They will be happy to demonstrate the car of your choice and arrange a test drive at your convenience.

The new site is much more customer friendly having been designed with the customer in mind. The new facilities provide improved access, extensive customer parking and a larger

display area for both new and used cars as well as vans.

Everyone is looking forward to welcoming customers, both old and new, to these excellent new premises.

Branch Manager, Gregory Whan said, “We now have a modern showroom

in which to welcome all our customers.

These bright new facilities allow us to provide the level of service our customers expect. The redevelopment of this Lisburn site has been discussed for many years and it has been well worth the wait when we !)) /$) ,(#!$)* ")!-./!+ % $'&) that many customers, old and new, will visit us over the next few months.”

.83% 1<*# Gregory Whan, Branch Manager; Linda Craig, Motability Specialist; Robert Johnston, Sales; David Stewart, Sales. )9<=4 1<*# Jonny Christie, Sales; David Wallace, Sales; Nick Wylie, Finance; Kathy Muphy, Sales; Gary Bridge, Sales.

The Iconic

New Fiesta, now availble at

Lindsay Ford

Explore the New Ford Models at Lindsay Ford Lisburn Buying a new car is an exciting experience and Lindsay Ford’s new showroom facilities in Lisburn will now ensure that it is also a rewarding and satisfying one.

This new dealership is an excellent

New Ka is just launched and is sure to be a winner with customers looking for something in the small car segment. The original Ka caused quite a stir when it 031/ -44'-3') !" 3!-)1 & -") new Ka is no exception. Funky,

friendly and fantastic to drive, the new Ka sets a new standard for small cars.

The New Fiesta, launched in $*/!,'3+ %1 43!.%"( /! ,' - 03# favourite with customers. The

place to view and test drive the latest models from Ford.

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now availble at

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Lindsay Ford Lisburn 20 Market Place, Tel: 028 9267 3121

new model has a high level of equipment and styling which is appealing to customers young and old.

Why not call into Lindsay Ford’s new site and take a look at

the great selection of cars and services they have to offer? &<2 38= +=0 4(/> 84 :89%/4 6$83/ '= "'7529= <9! -<9 -294(/9 '=-<9>84'<=! 4/$/;(<=/ 4(/> <=

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www.lisburntoday.co.uk

42—THE ULSTER STAR, JANUARY 16, 2009

MOTORING ‘09

Commentators ‘abuzz with excitement’ about the new Suzuki Swift

THE Suzuki Swift now deserves a bigger claim on your attention. Andy Enright explains why Suzuki’s key problem when it came to sales of their original Swift supermini was that the car was so easy to overlook. For the same price as Suzuki wanted for the Swift, there were all manner of rivals that were quicker, more practical, boasted a better badge or were promoted far more effectively. Try to define the brand values of the Swift. Tough, isn’t it? Needing to act decisively if they were to stop haemorrhaging a huge opportunity cost in the lucrative supermini sector, the Japanese company unleashed a completely new Swift that, for the first time in a very long time indeed, had commentators abuzz with excitement about a new Suzuki tot.

The tactics used in developing this model are not new. Honda and Toyota had shown in the past that plenty could be lost in the translation when small cars were exported from Japan to Europe and had embarked on design and manufacturing ventures in Europe to offer this huge block of customers a little more of what they fancied. First shown at the 2004 Paris Motor Show, the Suzuki Swift benefits from a determined ‘Europeanisation’ insofar as a dedicated team of designers and engineers have collaborated closely with European automotive

professionals and enthusiasts, The first job for Suzuki was to develop a European centre of operations where rival cars could be benchmarked and analysed. Six months spent understanding what makes Western superminis so different from Oriental ones resulted in clear changes to the handling, packaging and design of the initial proposal.

"The Swift is a car that European buyers will no longer overlook quite so easily"

Succeed The first good thing to say about the Swift, priced from just over £8,000, is that it’s no bad looker. For years we’ve received a stream of small Suzukis that, while being reasonably good to drive, just looked a little too alien to succeed as a mainstream proposition. Anybody who has driven a Wagon R+ will know that it’s enormous fun to drive but few ever got past the setsquare looks. The Swift is refreshingly different, offering what Suzuki calls a "1.5 box" design. Rather than being an amorp h o u s b l o b, t h e Sw i f t h a s a pronounced bonnet line and a very shapely contour along its shoulders.

A wide airdam and big headlamps give the car a distinctive ‘face’ and the big wheels at each corner of the car give the impression that it’s solidly planted to the road. The

black pillars produce a floating glasshouse effect and the wraparound glazing helps to promote better all round visibility. The rear of the car is even more expressive, with thickset haunches and a roof that melds into an integrated spoiler.

The interior is also very different from what we’ve come to expect from Suzuki. Again a wraparound theme dominates, with smoothly curved surfaces and a number of bright ideas. The illuminated ring around the speedometer is a welcome change from the usual chrome rings and the three-spoke steering wheel looks agreeably sporty. Taking its cue from Suzuki’s sports bike expertise, the tachometer dial features a zero mark at the six o’clock position. A centrally mounted information display takes care of the time, fuel consumption and outside temperature functions. Suzuki have listened to customers who are tired of manipulating tiny, fiddly audio and climate buttons and have instead opted for big, easy to reach dial-type controls. The audio system can also be operated from a set of optional wheel-mounted switches.

One of the difficulties inherent in bringing a new model to market is finding the manufacturing capacity to offer a decent range of engines.

All too often we see new cars arrive with only one powerplant offered, thus hobbling their chances while

they’re still breathing the heady oxygen of publicity. Fortunately, Suzuki benefited from long term planning with this car and offer three petrol engines and a diesel unit. The entry-level option is a 91bhp 1.3-litre petrol unit that will probably be the biggest seller.

Next up is a 100bhp 1.5-litre petrol powerplant and then comes the 64bhp 1.3-litre DDiS diesel. This diesel unit is particularly interesting, featuring common rail architecture allied to a turbocharger and intercooler.

The result is a surprisingly flat torque curve that offers strong responses at a wide range of engine speeds. The final option is the 1.6litre 125bhp engine found exclusively in the Swift Sport.

The 1.3-litre petrol engine is capable of hitting 60mph from standstill in 11 seconds on the way to its 109mph top speed. The 1.5litre option cuts a second from that time and has a top speed of 115mph, although those figures are dulled slightly if you substitute the standard manual transmission for the automatic gearbox. The Swift Sport can do the 0-60mph sprint in 8.9s and comes up trumps with an enjoyably pure and engaging driving experience. Fuel economy is key in a

car like the Swift and averages of 45.6mpg and 43.5mpg for the 1.5 and 1.5-litre petrol engines respectively is a good showing.

Better still is the diesel’s 61.4mpg. Also worth mentioning is the diesel’s 119g/km emissions showing which now places it in affordable tax band B. One of the key factors in the Swift’s handling and packaging is the fact that the chassis offers the class widest track (1470mm wide at the front and 1480 at the back), which in turn translates into the greatest overall width of any car in the supermini class (1,690mm). Coupled with a long wheelbase and compact engines, this frees up plenty of room in the cabin and allows for a 213-litre luggage area. The Sport model gets stiffened suspension for a livelier feel at the wheel.

Suzuki has worked hard to Europeanise the car and to offer the sort of safety and security features that will attract family buyers.

With plenty of space and distinctive styling – especially in sporty three door guise – the Swift looks better equipped than any previous Suzuki to shift serious numbers in the supermini sector.

Mondeo risks pay off for Ford FORD had to take a few risks with the latest Mondeo to keep at the front of the medium, range marketplace. They have and it’s paid off, as Andy Enright reports It’s probably fair to say that Ford don’t have quite as much as they would have liked riding on this current Mondeo.

Had the market sector where the Mondeo campaigns been in the rudest of health, Ford probably wouldn’t need to be hawking parts of its business around to the highest bidders but the Blue Oval is dealing with some tough trading conditions the best way it knows how – through bold and innovative product development. Certainly, the latest Mondeo clearly demonstrates that Ford hasn’t bottled it when it comes to putting its money where its mouth is.

The third generation Mondeo was on sale for six years and although it did extremely well for Ford, its marketplace has in recent times been drying up quite severely. Back in 2000 when this car first appeared, sales for this segment were a healthy 339,000 cars per year. By 2005, it had shrunk to 270,000 models and projections for the next few years show the curve bottoming out but nevertheless still heading downhill. Small 4x4s and compact MPVs as well as premium small cars and compact executive models have all tempted drivers out of the traditional middleweight and Ford have had to think long and hard about how to woo these customers back.

When I first saw this Mondeo, I was struck with an intense feeling of déjà vu. The reason was quite simple. I’d driven to work that day in a Ford S-MAX MPV and the Mondeo’s interior, its detailing, its exterior proportioning and most of its mechanicals are shared with that vehicle. Anybody who’s driven an S-MAX will attest to the fact that this is no bad thing.

"Ford took some risks with this car. It’s paid off…."

Getting down to Mondeo specifics, prices

start at around £16,000 for the entry-level Edge 1.6-litre 110PS five-door and rise to £27,045 for the 2.5T 220PS Titanium X Sport estate. On average the latest Mondeo is priced £300 below the outgoing equivalent models. That’s despite the fact that it benefits from £700 worth of added equipment across the range including things like Ford’s Electronic Stability Program (ESP), a Thatcham Category 1 Alarm, ISOFIX childseat fixings, steering wheel controls for the key vehicles technologies, a driver's knee airbag, 'follow me home' lighting and a feat u re u n i q u e t o Fo rd – E a s y f u e l . T h i s prevents drivers putting petrol into a diesel powered car or vice-versa. It is estimated this accidental mis-fueling affects over 150,000 UK drivers every year.

Features As you’d expect, all the usual features are in place. Even the basic Edge variant gets airconditioning, cruise control, a leather steering wheel, a CD stereo with an MP3 connection socket, seven air-bags, ABS with Electronic Brake Assist (EBA), power front windows, remote central locking, a quick clear heated front windscreen, plus power and heated door mirrors.

Zetec trim is what most buyers will opt for, recognizable by 16-inch alloys and front foglights. Prices range from £17,395 for the 1.6-litre 125PS saloon and hatchback variants to £20,795 for the 2.0-litre TDCi 130PS estate. The most popular derivative is expected to be a Zetec five-door 140PS TDCi diesel which is priced at £19,545. Next up are Ghia and Titanium trims, both priced from £19,145 for the 2.0-litre 145PS saloon to £22,895 for the 2.5 220PS estate. With the Ghia, you get larger alloys, automatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers, power fold door mirrors, a Sony stereo with six CD indash auto-changer. The Titanium gives you a more luxurious feel with brushed metal interior trim, a different wheel design and sports front seats. At the top of the range, the Titanium X series aims to emphasise modern technology with a ‘contemporary’ interior further and costs from £21,645 for the 2.0i five-door to £25,545 for the 2.2

TDCi estate. At the top of the range, there’s the Titanium X Sport models (priced from £26,895) offer everything but the kitchen sink in terms of equipment.

There’s a big degree of carry-over of engines with the entry-level powerplant being the 1.6-litre petrol Duratec engine and the range-topper being the 2.5-litre turbocharged 222bhp unit that’s seen in vehicles like the S-MAX and the Focus ST. Diesel engine provision is decent as well, with the 1.8-litre Duratorq TDCi unit marking the first point of entry, an engine which also comes in the eco-friendly ECOnetic variant of this car, a model which puts out emissions of just 139g/km. This 1.8 TDCi engine and the wellproven 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi unit mop up a big percentage of

Mondeo sales. A 2.2-litre TDCi unit sits at the top of the range.

Take a seat inside the car and you’ll notice high quality surfaces, mater ials and finishes. As with the outside, dynamic lines and styling curves are again evident, plus the low profile instrument panel provides very generous cabin space for front seat occupants. The flowthrough centre console allows the gear shifter to be located high and within easy ergonomic reach of the driver.

Design The design team has also paid great attention to interior detailing, and examples of this include new generation infotainment systems, plus t h e n e x t g e n e r a t i o n o f Fo rd ' s

Human Machine Interface (HMI).

This easy to use system features the same steering-wheel toggle switches seen on new Galaxy and S-MAX, but introduces the availability of a large central LCD screen with full colour graphics situated between the main analogue instruments in front of the driver. Rear seat headroom and legroom have also come in for scrutiny by the Mondeo development team and these have been maximized for occupant comfort and safety.

The Mondeo has a very tough target to aim at, with all manner of different vehicles now nipping in to grab a mouthful of the medium range pie. As a result, Ford had to step out and take some risks with the design of this car. They have – and it’s paid off.

THE ULSTER STAR, JANUARY 16, 2009—43

www.lisburntoday.co.uk

MOTORING ‘09

Honda Civic is now even better HONDA’S Civic has been mildly improved. It still makes much of the chasing pack feel very old indeed.

Has any car ever changed quite as much as Honda’s Civic? Once an old person’s runabout, it is these days something of a technological showcase, this transformation achieved in just a couple of generations. This current model features a higher-tech 1.4-litre i-VTEC petrol engine to join the 1.8 and 2.0litre i-VTEC units already included in a range that also incorporates a great 2.2-litre diesel engine. Great design, sharp driving manners and excellent dealer backup all come as standard whichever model you choose.

It’s not too often a car is launched that, at a stroke, manages to make all of its rivals look way behind the curve. This however, is what Honda has managed with their current eighth generation Civic, a car that marked out a new generation of family hatches. This car, more than any other, has been responsible for driving down the average age of Honda ownership. The Civic name still stands for impeccable practicality, space and reliability but these days, there’s a bit of spice to it too.

Recent changes see improvements to the entry-level 1.4litre petrol unit and a wider transmission choice.

Four engines are offered at present. The entry level powerplant is now a 100bhp 1.4-litre i-VTEC petrol unit, quicker, cleaner and quieter than the old 82bhp i-DSi engine. Emissions are down from 139g/km to 134g/km of CO2 and if you want to get that down still further, there’s the option of Honda’s next-generation 6-speed iSHIFT automated manual transmission which returns 132g/km. Here, the driver can choose between either Auto Mode for a more relaxed driving style, or Manual Mode for a more involving drive, using the sequential gearshift or steering wheel mounted paddles – the left paddle controlling down-shifts and the right paddle for up-shifts.

If you want a bit more punch, there’s a 139bhp 1.8-litre petrol engine (now with the option of a conventional 5speed auto ‘box), with a 2.0-litre version of this unit offered on the flagship Type-R. The most popular engine in the range is the 139bhp 2.2-litre diesel unit. All units are mated with a six-speed manual gearbox, making the Civic one of the only cars in the family hatch sector to be equipped with six-speed gearboxes across all of its range.

The torquey 2.2-litre diesel unit remains the real star and the slick, wristy six-speed manual gearbox will have you punching up and down the ratios just for the sheer fun of it. When this Civic hatch was first launched, many thought it was a case of style over substance, as the complex and expensive multilink rear suspension of the previous model was replaced by a more rudimentary torsion beam arrangement. While the torsion beam isn’t quite as adept at the very limit as a decent multilink, it’s very very good and 99% of the Civic’s clientele will appreciate the space benefits it brings.

You’d have to be a real Honda anorak to notice the changes that have been made to this car. Uprated exterior plastics and a restyled rear combination light cluster have been used to make the car’s overall appearance more premium, while changes to the grille have been made to aid cooling and accommodate the new auto ’box for 1.8-litre models. Inside, uprated plastics and better quality trim materials have been used, including a brushed metal effect trim and matt finish, as seen in the Type R. Smarter seat fabrics have also been intro-

duced.

Although the MK8 Civic is significantly smaller than the previous generation version on the outside, the company claims that room inside is just as generous as before.

Instead of trying to understand how Honda has warped the time-space continuum, it’s easier to spot the simple engineering solutions they’ve employed. Like the Jazz, the Civic features a fuel tank that’s centrally-mounted along the cross member below the front seats. This means that the seats in the rear can fold flat and there’s no intrusion into the cargo bay floor. Just because you opt for a three-door model doesn’t bring any penalty in luggage carrying ability, the 485 litres of loading space identical to the more family-friendly five-door car.

All versions of this Honda are generously specified, with the top models featuring equipment usually only found on far bigger cars. Standard across the range are features like climate control air-conditioning, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), trip computer, front, side and curtain airbags, rake and reach adjustable steering column and rear ‘Magic’ seats. High grade models feature innovations such as automatic lights and wiper functions, high intensity discharge headlamps, Dual Zone Climate Control and retractable door mirrors, in addition to options such as alloy wheels, DVD satellite navigation and leather trim. The popular Type-S variant is fitted as standard with silver-stitched black alcantara seats and a leather trimmed steering wheel. Peer into the footwell and you’ll spot a natty aluminium pedal set too.

Previous Civics have built a reputation for Honda as being amongst the safest cars in their class and this car continues the theme. With a stronger body structure and subframes, recessed pedals, double pretensioners on the front seatbelts and side curtain airbags, this car has achieved a Euro NCAP five star result for front and side impact safety, three stars for pedestrian safety and four stars for child protection safety.

The Civic’s 138bhp diesel engine is one of the best of its ilk and it’s cost effective too, weighing in at either Group 10 or Group 11 insurance, dependent on trim level. With an average fuel consumption figure of 54.3mpg it’s certainly not going to cost the earth in terms of ongoing running costs. All Civics perform well in terms of fuel consumption. Even the racy 2.0-litre Type R is good for 31mpg and unlike many of its rivals, it’s quite easy to replicate this figure as long as you’re not revving the engine hard.

Prices aren’t cheap, pitched well above those of mainstream rivals, so it’s just as well that depreciation is another area where the Civic excels, a base 1.4i model clinging onto 50% of its value after three years and the Type R GT a massive 57%, compared to 45% for an entry-level Ford Focus ST. Some of that margin will be lost due to higher servicing costs for the Honda but Civics remain cars that, once you’ve swallowed the stiff purchase price, are then not exorbitant to keep on the road.

Some have never bonded with the Civic’s styling while others claim that it will date very rapidly but these are subjective points. What’s beyond debate is that in the eighth generation Civic, Honda has brought to market a bold, groundbreaking vehicle that caught the rest of the market on the hop. The range of engines offered might not be the broadest but each is extremely good and these days, even the entry level 1.4 i-VTEC powerplant is now worth seeking out. The interiors will also split opinion but you can’t fault Honda for going out on a limb.

Sales to date have been strong despite stiff competition from the likes of Ford, Vauxhall and Renault. In reducing the average age of Civic buyers, Honda hopes that brand loyalty will stem from this cadre of Civic owners. Given the take up so far, it’s a strategy that may well have some legs.

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Fuel consumption figures for CR-V 2.2 i-CTDi SE+ diesel in mpg ( l/100km ) : Urban 34.9 ( 8.1) , Extra Urban 49.6 ( 5.7 ) , Combined 43.5 ( 6.5 ) , CO2 173g/km.

Terms and Conditions: Offer valid on ’08 model CR-V 2.2 i-CTDi SE+ diesel only. Offers valid from 1st January until 30th March 2009. Minimum deposit 35%, maximum term 24 months. Offers applicable at participating dealers and is at the promoters’ absolute discretion. Subject to model and colour availability. Indemnities may be required in certain circumstances. Finance is only available to persons aged 18 or over subject to status. All figures are correct at time of publication but may be subject to change. Credit provided

by Honda Finance Europe Plc. 470 London Rd, Slough, Berkshire SL3 8QY.

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44—THE ULSTER STAR, JANUARY 16, 2009

NEWS

A matter of Corsa

IF you associate t h e Va u x h a l l Corsa with middle of the road mediocrity, you may need a sit down after checking out the latest version.

S i m i l a r l y, i f you’re a dyed-inthe-wool Corsa buyer, the latest model will be a rude awakening.

The reason why is t h a t Va u x h a l l were one of the very first manufacturers to really buy into spreading so-called ‘utility’ models right across their range. The introduction of the super practical Zafira and Meriva models means that those who want to do the flipping and folding thing with the seats have cars specifically designed for the task, freeing up models like the Astra, and now the Corsa, to get on with the business of looking rather good.

No longer just a shopping trolley, the Corsa now has real impact. The front end features a deep Vauxhall V-grille with aggressive air intakes under the bumper and a pair of headlamps that smear back along the wings.

Bigger than the model it replaces, the Corsa shares a platform with Fiat’s Grande Punto, the benefit of a rather complicated relationship between Fiat and General Motors that’s too convoluted to go into here. Suffice to say, you may be reminded of the pretty Fiat when you spot the window by the A-pillar and the rather unconventional door outlines.

Climb inside and, if you’re used to the Astra, you’ll feel immediately at home here. The quality of materials used is leagues ahead of the old Corsa and like the Astra there’s the bulletproof feeling of build quality that’s as good as anything in the sector. Just about the only criticism of the Astra’s interior was that, although well built, it didn’t offer a

whole lot of slick design to catch the eye.

The Corsa changes that particular script with translucent ambient lighting on the centre console switchgear, one of those ‘surp r i s e a n d delight’ features that adds the all-impor tant showroom wow-factor. The round air vents and big satellite navigation screen (available on high spec cars only) give the Corsa’s dash a far more modern, integrated look than the somewhat piecemeal integration of technology of the old car.

Four petrol engines and two diesels are on offer. First up on the petrol menu are the 1.2-litre and 1.4-litre units. Also available is a 189bhp 1.6-litre VXR variant that will certainly give the Clio Renaultsport 197 and the Honda Civic Type-R something to think about.

Able to hit 60mph in around 7 seconds and with a 140mph top speed, this should be the first Corsa to really appeal to hardcore car enthusiasts rather than pimply teens. There’s also a 150PS version of the same engine in a slightly more affordable SRi version. No modern supermini can get by without a decent diesel engine and Vauxhall fortunately have two at their disposal. The 123bhp 1.7-litre diesel spearheads the line up, with a budget 1.3-litre CDTi acting as the entry level option.

Despite its strong sales figures, Vauxhall needed to give the Corsa a good whack up the backside and the latest model shows the benefits of this corporal approach. Smarter, prettier and a whole lot more sophisticated, HYUNDAI’S Getz 1.4 has what it the Corsa could well dominate sales charts takes to carve a place for itself in the ultra competitive supermini for quite some time. sector.

Ask most people about Hyundai and they’ll associate the company with small cars. Although the Korean marque has diversified into 4x4s, executive saloons and coupes, it’s still best known for economical hatches. All of which makes it hard to believe that the Hyundai Getz represents their first foray into the supermini sector.

Yes, we’ve had tiny Citycars like the Atoz and the Amica and we’ve had larger mid-range hatches like the Accent and its dim, distant and aptly named predecessor the Pony but the lucrative supermini sector was o n e t h a t Hy u n d a i c h o s e t o ignore. Why? Part of the answer may have been the heat of the competition. The other was that no existing Hyundai chassis platform was the right size for the job. A whole new car would have to be expensively developed.

Therefore it was no good embarking upon this course of action until they were confident of producing a genuinely competitive product.

A step up the Korea ladder with the Hyundai Getz

SAVE £1,640

The Getz represents just that product. Examined here with the modern 1.4-litre petrol engine and GSi trim, it’s a car that appeals on many levels. The £8,117 sticker price will attract what many perceive to be Hyundai’s core market – bargain conscious mature buyers. Those are the easy sales. What marks this car out as such a landmark small Hyundai is the fact that it will cross boundaries and appeal to car buyers who’d never even considered a Hyundai. The neat good looks are pert enough to attract younger buyers looking for a cute urban runabout and the current facelifted look with the wraparound headlamps raises the car’s visual game further.

The 1.4-litre engine is available in GSi or CDX trim and it’s unlikely that customers will feel short changed. The engine uses a modern four-valve per cylinder configuration and continuous variable valve timing (CVVT) for improved efficiency and responsiveness. Performance from the 81bhp unit is fairly brisk, hitting 60mph in a blink over 11 seconds on the way to a top speed of 106mph. Fuel consumption is predictably good, the Getz man-

New HYUNDAI Getz GSi

NOW £5,995

• Air Conditioning • Engine Immobiliser • Front Electric Windows • Power Assisted Steering • CD Player • 5 Year Warranty METALLIC PAINT EXTRA Fuel consumption figures in mpg (L/100km): Urban 40.9 (6.9), Extra Urban 60.1 (4.7), Combined 51.4 (5.5).

CO2 emissions 130 (g/km).

OPEN: MON–THURS 9AM-8.30PM, FRI 9AM-5PM, SAT 9AM-4PM

CHARLES HURST DUNDONALD

788 Upper Newtownards Road. Tel: 028 9048 4850

www.charleshurstgroup.co.uk

aging a combined economy figure of some 47mpg. Of course, fuel economy is only a part of the total running cost of any car with other factors such as depreciation and service costs also contributing but the Getz fairs well on these scores too.

Designed with the European market in mind, the Getz was first unveiled at the 2002 Geneva Motor Show. The styling is Euro-look clean without being boring, devoid of the fussiness that mars many small cars.

Hyundai has done its homework, realising that around 80% of worldwide appetite for sophisticated superminis is accounted for by Europe. Derived from the Clix sports car concept, the chassis and suspension of the Getz has been designed from the outset to provide a fun drive. Another advantage of that wheelat-each-corner design is that internal space is optimised. The high roofline and tapering waistline of the car give a pleasantly airy feel.

Versatility is a big feature of the Getz. The rear seat is a case in point. As well as sliding to allow for more legroom or more boot space, the bench seat can recline and split in a conventional 60/40 fashion. Unlike many rivals who only offer a split rear backrest, the Getz offers additional utility by splitting the cushion too, allowing for all sorts of novel configurations. One of the downsides of such a system is often a compromise on safety, but Hyundai’s designers have ensured that all three rear seats are fitted with proper three point belts. Up front the seat belts are fitted with pretensioners and are adjustable for height. Twin front airbags are a welcome feature and it’s worth bearing in mind that there are plenty of cars that cost twice the Getz’s asking price that don’t offer such a provision.

Electronic brakeforce distribution and antilock brakes are also standard on every model.

At 3800mm long, the Getz is simplicity itself to park and the 1660mm width makes it easy to slot through gaps in city traffic. Despite these compact dimensions, it’s realistic transport for five, as long as the five in question aren’t rugby league players. As well as being spacious, the Getz is also easy on your conscience. Around 89% of the car is said to be recyclable, which may well be a record in this class. Equipment levels are relatively good with the 1.4-litre GSi being fitted with air-conditioning, a CD player, central locking and electric windows as standard.

The Hyundai Getz 1.4 GSi isn’t the most technologically advanced supermini you can buy and nor is it even the cheapest. What it does represent is a thoroughly modern and well engineered car at a very competitive price. The fact that here is a small Hyundai where the sticker price is not the key attribute marks something of a watershed for the Korean company. No longer can we damn with faint praise the fact that it’s good for a Hyundai. The Getz 1.4 GSi is good full stop.

THE ULSTER STAR, JANUARY 16, 2009—45

www.lisburntoday.co.uk

Looking for a Great Deal ?

Don’t buy before you try...

62 Boucher Road, BELFAST. OPEN: Mon-Thurs 9am-8.30pm; Fri 9am-5pm; EVERY SATURDAY IN JANUARY 9AM UNTIL 4PM.

C1 VTR 1.0i 12V

68hp

The Crunch

LIMITED STOCKS

New 308 1.4 Verve NOW ONLY

The Credit Finance Example

• CD Player • Electric Front Windows • Remote Central Locking

Final Optional Payment..................£3,576.00 Total Credit Charge ..........................£909.56 Total Amount Payable ....................£8,833.56

• Bespoke Mats and Decals • Air Conditioning • ABS Brakes

• Power Steering • Surround Airbags • ABS Brakes MODELS SHOWN FOR ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES ONLY.

CUSTOMER DEPOSIT 36 MONTHLY PAYMENTS OF ON THE ROAD PRICE FINAL OPTIONAL PAYMENT

5.9% APR TYPICAL

Charles Hurst Citroën 62 Boucher Road, BELFAST.

• Alloy Wheels • Front Fog Lights • Euro Ncap 5 Star Rating

New 207 Urban 1.4 8v Typical 2.9% APR

• 3dr • Airbags • Front Electric Windows • CD Player • PAS • 68 mpg • Group 1 Insurance • Central Locking

On the road price ..........................£7,924.00 Customer Deposit ............................£499.00 Citroën UK Cashback (as deposit) ....£800.00 36 Monthly Payments of ..................£109.96

£12,495

£399.00 £169.95 £9,295.00 £3,320.00

TOTAL CHARGE FOR CREDIT £542.20 TOTAL AMOUNT PAYABLE £9,837.20 ANNUAL CONTRACTED MILEAGE 6,000 EXCESS MILEAGE CHARGE PER MILE 4.6p

2.9% APR

In January Charles Hurst have crunched the price of the limited edition 308 Verve and are now offering superb credit on the 207 Urban at only 2.9% APR. Limited deals not to be missed.

Tel: 028 9038 3512

OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT FUEL CONSUMPTION FIGURES: Urban cycle, Extra urban, Combined (Litres per 100km/mpg) & CO2 Emissions (g/km); C1 1.0i 12V (68hp) 5.5/51.4, 3.9/72.4, 4.5/62.8, 106. *ON THE ROAD RECOMMENDED PRICES AND OFFERS APPLY TO QUALIFYING NEW CITROËN VEHICLES ORDERED 05-31/01/09 AND REGISTERED BY 31/03/09 AND INCLUDE VAT, DELIVERY TO DEALER AND NUMBER PLATES, GOVERNMENT FIRST REGISTRATION FEE, AND 12 MONTHS’ GRADUATED VEHICLE EXCISE DUTY. BLACK/METALLIC PAINT OPTIONAL AT EXTRA COST. **FINANCE SUBJECT TO STATUS FROM CITROËN FINANCIAL SERVICES. WRITTEN QUOTATIONS AVAILABLE ON REQUEST FROM CITROËN FINANCIAL SERVICES, QUADRANT HOUSE, PRINCESS WAY, REDHILL, SURREY RH1 1QA, UK. OVER 18S ONLY. A GUARANTEE MAY BE REQUIRED. ††2 YEARS’ UNLIMITED MILEAGE WARRANTY, NO-FEE CUSTOMER OPTION OF 3RD YEAR DEALER PROVIDED EXTENDED WARRANTY, UP TO A 3 YEAR TOTAL OF 60,000 MILES, ONLY ON NEW CARS SOURCED FROM CITROËN UK LTD. OFFERS, PRICES AND SPECIFICATION CORRECT AT TIME OF GOING TO PRESS FROM PARTICIPATING DEALERS FOR PRIVATE INDIVIDUALS AND QUALIFYING BUSINESS USERS. COMPANIES WITH A CENTRALLY NEGOTIATED AGREEMENT WITH CITROËN UK LTD, NATIONAL FLEETS, MOTABILITY AND CONTRACT HIRE ARE EXCLUDED FROM THESE OFFERS. TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY. PLEASE ASK US FOR DETAILS.

Charles Hurst Peugeot

62 Boucher Road, Belfast Tel: 028 9038 3444

www.charleshurstpeugeot.co.uk

OFFICIAL FUEL CONSUMPTION FIGURES IN MPG (L/100KM) FOR RANGE SHOWN: URBAN 10.3-8.4 (27.4-33.6), EXTRA URBAN 5.7-5.0 (49.5-56.4), COMBINED 7.3-6.3 (38.7-44.8). CO2 EMISSIONS (G/KM) 174-150.

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&1(-!#. )1/+0 &#3"/,* &$'% 42) &$12-(4 3- #4* 6(* RANGE FUEL CONSUMPTION FIGURES IN MPG: DODGE RANGE: URBAN 16.1-35.8, EXTRA URBAN 31.4-58.9, COMBINED 23.3-47.1.CO2 EMISSIONS ING/KM 160-288. CHRYSLER RANGE: URBAN 13.5-34.4, EXTRA URBAN 28.5-55.4, COMBINED 20.2-47.2, CO2 EMISSIONS IN G/KM 170-330. JEEP RANGE: URBAN 13.0-34.0, EXTRA URBAN 22.2-53.2, COMBINED 17.5-43.5, CO2 EMISSIONS IN G/KM 177-381. IMAGES FOR ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES ONLY

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46—THE ULSTER STAR, JANUARY 16, 2009

MOTORING ‘09

Free insurance now available on the Mazda 2 - World Car of the Year in 2008 CENTRAL Garages Crossgar is now offering customers a host of special offers on the Mazda2, World Car of the Year 2008, including free insurance.

08 Vauxhall Zafira Petrol, 7-seater, Black, 3k, one owner, as new 05 Vauxhall Zafira Petrol, 7-seater, Blue, 35k, one owner, very clean 05 Toyota Corolla Verso Petrol, 7-seater, Silver, very clean 99 Toyota Corolla Diesel Hatch, 5-door, long MOT

JM MOTORS Tel: 028 4377 8382

Central Garages Crossgar / Rathfriland Ring in the New Year with a New Mazda from Central Garages Look at these AMAZING DEALS on the Mazda Range NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW

Mazda2 1.3 Range from only Mazda3 1.4/1.6 Range from only Mazda5 1.8/2.0 Range from only Mazda6 1.8/2.0 Range from only Mazda MX-5 1.8/2.0 Range from only Mazda CX-7 2.3 DISI 4x4 Range only Mazda BT-50 2.5 Double Cab Pickup from

£7930 £10995 £14995 £13995 £13995 £18495 £13995 ex VAT

3 YEARS / 37500 MILES FREE SERVICING AVAILABLE ON SELECTED MODELS AND LOW COST FINANCE ON SELECTED MODELS. WRITTEN DETAILS ON REQUEST.

Buyers (aged between 21 t o 7 0 ye a r s ) c a n t a k e advantage of 12 months free insurance on cars registered between 1st January and 31st March 2009.

“The new Mazda2 is one of the very best cars available in the supermini market,” commented Des Orr dealer pr incipal at Central Garages.

“It boasts distinctive styling, a spacious cabin and excellent driving dynamics as well as low running costs and low CO2 emissions.

“We encourage everyone to

come and take the supermini for a test-drive and experience for themselves why it was voted World Car of the Year 2008.”

The Mazda2 5dr, which was introduced in September 2007, broke the industry trend for increasing weight and size with each successive replacement model.

Thanks to Mazda’s weightreducing ‘gram strategy’, the new Mazda2 is 100kg lighter, leading to excellent fuel consumption –– up to 65.7mpg.

Recognition It also gives the range a CO2 emissions rating starting at 114g/km, equating to an annual road tax rate of just £35.

Occupant safety levels are still amongst the best in class and whilst the three-door model is yet to be tested by Euro NCAP, a best possible five star rating is expected to match the Mazda2 five-door performance.

Largely in recognition of Mazda's 'dare to be different

approach', the new Mazda2 was named ‘World Car of the Year 2008’ beating a list of 39 other contenders, including the shortlisted Ford Mondeo and Mercedes C-Class. Previous winn e r s o f t h i s c ov e t e d a w a rd include the Lexus LS460, BMW 3-Series and Audi A6.

Both the three-door and fivedoor versions of new Mazda2 share common exterior and interior dimensions.

The differences between the two body styles are the rear seat shoulder room, which is 25mm larger in the five-door model as well as the three-door’s front door being 220mm longer than the five-door.

The exceptionally generous standard equipment on the new three-door model of the Mazda2

parallels the five-door’s specification closely with only a few differences.

The three-door model features ‘tilt-and-slide’ front seats to allow access to the rear seats, unique side sills in the Sports Styling Kit and the exclusive availability of Crystal White Pearlescent exterior paint on all models.

With a starting price of just £7,930 on-the-road the Mazda2 TS 3dr (1.3-litre, 75ps petrol) is one of the most price-competitive small cars in the UK. To find out more about the 14strong Mazda2 range or to arrange a test-drive, please call Central Garages Crossgar on 028 44830306.

This Months 5* Offer

2 for 1 offer unique to Central Garages Crossgar

Purchase a New RX-8 40th Anniversary Limited Edition for only £23,995 and.....

Drive Away a New Mazda2 1.3TS 3dr.

(Only one vehicle available. Excludes all other offers) 08 Mazda3 1.6 TS T/Diesel 5dr, PAS, alloys, a/con, cd player etc £11950 08 Mazda6 2.0 TS T/Diesel 5dr, PAS, alloys, a/con, cd player etc £14500 08 Mazda RX-8 190 4seater Sports Coupe Leather, alloys, a/con, etc £16500 07 Mazda3 1.6TS 5dr, PAS, alloys, a/con, cdplayer, choice from £8450 06 (Dec) Mazda6 2.0 TS T/Diesel 5dr, PAS, alloys, air con, one owner £7950 05 Mazda3 1.6 TS T/Diesel 5dr, PAS, alloys, a/con, only one owner £6950 05 Mazda6 2.0 TS 5dr PAS, alloys, a/con, cd player, one owner etc £6450 04 Mazda6 2.0 TS T/Diesel, 5dr, PAS, alloys, air con, cd player etc £5250 03 Mazda6 2.0 TS T/Diesel, 5dr, PAS, alloys, a/con, cd player etc £4750 03 Mazda MX-5 1.6 Hard-Top, alloys, low mileage, one owner etc £6450 02 Mazda 626 2.0 GSi 5dr, Automatic, Sunroof, MOT’d £2450 02 Mazda 121 1.25 Zetec, 5dr, PAS, alloys, MOT’d etc £1750 ALL MAKES ALL MODELS EXPORT ENQUIRIES WELCOME 08 Citreon C4 1.6 SX HDi 5dr, PAS, alloys, air con, low mileage £9450 07 Ford Focus 1.8 Zetec TDCi 5dr, PAS, alloys, a/con etc £9450 07 VW Touran 1.9 TDi 7Seater, a/con, low mileage, cd player etc £10950 07 Ford Focus 1.6 Sport 5dr, PAS, alloys, a/con, cd player, alarm £7950 06 Ford Fiesta 1.4S 5dr, PAS, a/con, low mileage etc £6250 06 Vauxhall Corsa 1.2 Design 5dr, PAS, a/con etc £5950 06 Fiat Punto 1.2 Active 5dr, PAS, low mileage, only £5650 06 Vauxhall Meriva 1.4 Design 5dr, PAS, a/con, cd player etc £5950 06 VW Golf 1.9TDi 5dr, PAS, a/con, alloys, cd player, low mileage £9450 06 VW Jetta 1.9TDi, 4dr, PAS, alloys, a/con, low mileage £9500 06 VW Passatt 2.0 TDI SE 4dr, PAS, alloys, air con, cd player etc £9950 06 Toyota Avensis T3X 2.2 D4D 5dr, PAS, alloys, air conditioning etc £9950 06 Audi A3 2.0TDi Sport 140bhp, 5dr, alloys, a/con, cd player etc £12950 06 Vauxhall Zafira 2.0 DTi T/Diesel, 7seater, a/con, alloys, only £9500 06 Honda CRV 2.2 CDTi, Sport, 7seater, alloys, air con, alloys etc £11550 05 Toyota Avensis T3 2.0D4D 5dr PAS, alloys, cd player etc £5750 05 Citreon Picasso 2.0HDi Desire 5dr, PAS, alloys, air con etc £5500 05 Ford C-Max 1.6 Zetec 5dr, PAS, alloys, a/con, cd player etc £5750 05 Renault Scenic 1.5 DCi Dynamique, 5dr, alloys, a/con etc £4750 05 Suzuki Vitara 2.0DTi 5dr, PAS, a/con, one owner etc £6550 04 Vauxhall Astra 1.4 Club 5dr, PAS, a/con, MOT’d etc £4450 03 VW Sharan 1.9TDi 7seater, a/con, low mileage, MOT’d etc £6950 03 Nissan Primera 2.2 TDi SE 5dr PAS, alloys, a/con, MOT’d, h/m £2750

Motability Accredited - Selected Mazda2, 3 and MX-5 Models Available on NIL DEPOSIT - Contact Eric for details Buying or Selling? Contact our Sales Team for a deal to suit you

We Service and Repair all makes and models of vehicle

From only

PRICES SMASHED!! SAVE £££’S 08 08 08 07 07 06 04 07 06 06 06 05 05 05 05 05 03 03 07 06 06 05

*

£9,995

• £35 Road tax • 46.3 mpg • 7 year warranty

Charles Hurst Kia

62 Boucher Road Belfast 028 9038 3466

*INCLUDES £1000 DEPOSIT CONTRIBUTION, ONLY AVAILABLE WHEN PURCHASED THROUGH OUR KIA FINANCE PLAN. ALL PRO_CEE’D MODELS COME WITH 7 YEAR/100,000 MILE WARRANTY* AND 10 YEAR ANTI-PERFORATION WARRANTY AS STANDARD. THE OFFICIAL FUEL CONSUMPTION FIGURES IN MPG (1/100 KM) FOR THE KIA PRO_CEE’D RANGE ARE: URBAN: 52.3 (5.4) 31.4 (9.0). EXTRA URBAN: 68.9 (4.1) - 48.7 (5.8). COMBINED: 62.8 (4.5) - 40.4 (7.0). OFFICIAL CO2 EMISSIONS ARE 119-166/KM

11.9%

TYPICAL

21 Killyleagh Street, Crossgar Tel: 028 44830306 5/7 Newry Street, Rathfriland Tel: 028 40630259

PRO-CEE’D ZR7

APR

Hyundai Santa Fe CDX Top of Range, 12k ..................£17,995 Hyundai Santa Fe CDX Delivery mileage ....................£18,995 Hyundai Sonata 2.0 CRTD, 5dr, Leather, 10k ................£9,995 Hyundai Coupe S111 2.0 New Model, 4k .................. £10,995 Hyundai Accent 1.4 Atlantic 11k ..................................£6,795 Hyundai Trajet Diesel, 7 seater, 47k ..............................£6,995 Hyundai Getz 1.6 Sport Silver, 36k ................................£2,995 Ford Fusion 1.4 Style 13k ............................................£6,695 Audi A3 1.6 Special Edition Black, 28k ........................£9,995 VW Golf 2.0 SDi 5dr, 23k ..............................................£7,995 Peugeot 107 1.0 Urban £35 Tax, 24k ............................£4,995 Land Rover Freelander TD4 Se, Blue, Diesel, 35k ........£7,995 Skoda Suberb 2.0 Immaculate, 50k ............................ £5,495 Renault Mégane 1.6 Dynamique 5dr 51k ....................£4,995 Citroën Xsara Picasso 1.6 Desire 41k ..........................£4,995 Renault Mégane 1.4 Oasis 5dr, 39k ..............................£4,995 Citroën C3 1.4 Desire 40k ............................................£3,995 BMW 318i ES 4dr, Black, 49k ........................................£5,995 Mitsubishi Colt 1.3 5dr, Auto, 9k ..................................£6,995 Toyota Avensis 1.8 T3-X 5dr, Silver, 27k ......................£7,995 Toyota MR2 VVT-i Blue, Immaculate, 10k ......................£9,995 Nissan Micra 1.2S 5dr, 18k ..........................................£4,995

CHARLES HURST HYUNDAI Quarry Corner, DUNDONALD

Tel: 028 9048 0007

OPEN: Mon–Thurs 9am-8.30pm, Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-4pm

www.lisburntoday.co.uk

THE ULSTER STAR, JANUARY 16, 2009—47

MOTORING ‘09

Chrysler’s 300C executive saloon is a ‘big bruiser’ of a car. June Neary found taking it for a drive an enjoyable experience

Torque is cheap

A Woman's View - Will It Suit Me?

Rarely have I come across a car that so obviously wasn’t designed for female consumption. A Mafia boss maybe. Me and the family, no. For that, I rather liked the Chrysler 300C. To be frank, I’m rather sick of cars that, in pandering to the needs of families end up rather patronising them. This one is its own hunk of very macho metal – and the more I looked at it, the more I liked it.

The Practicalities The 300C is not an especially easy car to manoeuvre about and I was grateful for the rear parking sensors when I needed to reverse it into a parking bay. The high rear shelf limits rearward visibility and you’re left with a vague approximation of the 300C’s extremities.

Behind the Wheel Even with that amount of torque, 1,928kg of car takes some shifting but the engine never sounds strained or harsh. The direct injection unit is very linear in its power delivery and the turbocharger gets going from very low engine speeds.

This means that even while trickling about town, letting the engine and

gearbox do all the work for you, you’ll still return reasonable fuel consumption figures.

Like every American car I’ve tried, the handling isn’t quite up to the standard of its key European rivals. I thought the steering to be somewhat vague and the slow-witted handling does make the 300C feel a little stodgy, an impression backed up by the nautical levels of body roll the car displays if the driver gets a little enthusiastic at the tiller. Despite this relaxed attitude to cornering, the ride quality is surprisingly garrulous.

If you drive this car in a straight line it will feel sporty which is doubtless enough for the US domestic market.

Value for money Chrysler claim an average of nearly 35mpg for this car in CRD guise but possibly an even bigger attraction is the asking price. This looks like a £35-£40,000 piece of hardware and parked next to a BMW or Audi that costs this much, the Chrysler will draw more admiring glances. The real kicker is that the sticker price is just £27,495 on the road for the saloon and only £1,000 more for the Touring estate. That’s about the same as a decently specified BMW 320d. I know what I’d rather have.

Standard features on the Chrysler 300C include Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and an all-speed Traction Control System, front and rear side-curtain airbags, xenon High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps, rain-sensing windscreen wipers and a rear park assist system.

In the UK, the car is covered by Chrysler’s three-year, 60,000 mile warranty.

Stretch out in that generously proportioned cabin and crank up the excellent Boston Acoustics stereo while ticking off the standard satellite navigation, air conditioning, heated seats, full leather trim, adjustable pedal set and so on. You’d need to tack a good £5,000 onto the cost of its German rivals to get anywhere near this. Suddenly the deal looks a whole lot more tempting.

Could I Live With One? I hadn’t realised before I checked out this car just how sick to the teeth I am with sensible, practical family designs. If I was in the market for an Executive saloon and didn’t mind making a statement, then yes, I’d consider a 300C. Cars designed for women and families? Who needs ‘em.

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www.lisburntoday.co.uk

48—THE ULSTER STAR, JANUARY 16, 2009

MOTORING ‘09

Once in a blue moon Toyota offers

CALL into your local branch of Charles Hurst Toyota and you’ll find the kind of new car deals that only occur once in a blue moon up until January 31.

We start with the Toyota Auris TR 1.4 TR D4D. You can save an astonishing £1,730 off manufacturer list price as this model is now available at Charles Hurst Toyota for £12,750. Why not take advantage of the 0% APR typical finance offer over three years*?

The Auris’ ride, handling and road-holding are all above class average, and as you’d expect from Toyota, standard equipment levels are excellent. A 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating bodes well for your safety in the event of the unthinkable happening, too.

The TR looks an especially good buy as it gets 16-inch alloy wheels, Dual Zone climate controlled air conditioning, nine airbags, a leather trimmed steering wheel and gear knob, wheel-mounted audio controls, a six speaker stereo with MP3 player as well as scuff plates on the door sills and extra chrome detailing at the back of the car.

Next we turn our attention to Toyota’s New Verso 2.2 T2 D-4D diesel MPV which is now available for only £13,995 which saves you an incredible £2,775 off the Toyota list price!

And you can take advantage of 0% APR typical finance over three years*. It’s well built

too, in typical Toyota fashion, neatly packaged, has a versatile seating system and is offered with a particularly strong 2.2-litre diesel which offers low emissions and 45.6mpg (combined). Factor in Toyota’s reputation for reliability and the Verso’s case to compact MPV buyers is a compelling one.

This particular Verso comes packed with standard features. Air conditioning, stereo radio/CD player, electric windows and central locking are all included in the package. It also holds a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating which is certainly reassuring when you’re driving the family around.

Now we look at the Toyota Avensis 2-0litre T2 D-D where you can save an outstanding £5,083 off the manufacturer list price by paying only £11,750!

Included in Avensis package is air conditioning, an eight-speaker stereo system with adjustable steering wheel audio controls, front electric windows, central locking and metallic paint. To save more than £5,000 off Toyota’s list price visit Charles Hurst Toyota before Saturday January 31.

Finally we look at Toyota’s New Yaris 1.0l i t re T 2 ( p e t ro l ) f i ve - d o o r s u p e r m i n i hatchback where you can currently save £1,735 off list price, so it’s now only £7,995.

Reliability, safety, space, low running costs.

If this looks like the list of must have criteria for your next supermini, Toyota has the ideal candidate in its Yaris.

Fold the EasyFlat rear seats down and you’re treated to the largest stowage area of any supermini. This system allows the rear bench to be split 60:40 and both sections to slide independently. Therefore it’s possible to transport long, bulky items without impinging on a rear passenger’s legroom allowance.

All Yaris models come with ABS and EBD, remote central locking,

power steering, the clever sliding rear seats, a CD stereo and electric front windows. Generous T2 specification brings metallic paint and colour-coded bumpers to the package. What’s more, with combined fuel consumption of 52.3mpg, low exhaust emissions of 127g/km and £120 annual road fund license you’ll gain affordable motoring.

All these ‘Once In A Blue Moon’ Toyota offers end at close of business on Saturday January 31, so make sure that you visit your local Charles Hurst Toyota retailer and

talk to the friendly sales teams before you miss out on a ‘Once In A Blue Moon’ deal!

Due to phenomenal demand and success, Charles Hurst Toyota is open until 4pm on Saturdays during January.Charles Hurst Complex, 62 Boucher Road, Belfast. Tel: 028 9038 1000 www.charleshurst.toyota.co.uk. * Through Toyota finance. 0% APR typical finance offer on Auris 1.4TR D-4D and New Verso 2.2 T2 D-4D available with a minimum 50 % deposit. Metallic paint extra on Auris and Verso.

As the credit crunch Toyota iQ works smarter bites its not all bad news CLUB4 is a free service initiative exclusive to Charles Hurst Renault and Nissan franchises.

The Club4 concept is a genuine and cost effective way of servicing and repairing vehicles that are more than three years old.

“Older vehicles are often perceived as expensive to maintain, however a frequently maintained car is in fact cheaper to run and regularly servicing a car will enhance its value, reduce its risk of breakdown and protect the owners’ assets,” said Colin McNab Franchise Director at Charles Hurst.

Cost This servicing initiative is extremely cost effective; because it has the support of Northern Ireland’s largest franchised dealer and because Charles Hurst buy genuine

parts and tyres in bulk they are able to secure discounts which they guarantee to pass onto their members.

Club4 also offers complete peace of mind as it provides all members with the facility of dedicated, manufacturer trained technicians using the latest technology and diagnostic equipment to repair and service their vehicles more rapidly and therefore also more cost effectively. All work is fully guaranteed.

Club4 offers numerous benefits. These currently include their Free brake pads and shoes for life offer, their £99 MOT Guarantee and servicing from only £49.99 . A full list of the benefits can be found on their website www.club4.co.uk.

Club4 Servicing is available at 5 Charles Hurst ser vice centres throughout the province.

For further details visit www.club4.co.uk or telephone 08450 202 836.

MOST city cars are built down to a price.TheToyota iQ is different, catering to the more affluent buyer who wants a hi-tech small car but doesn’t want to skimponquality.JonathanCrouchreports Less than three metres long but packed with intriguing design features, the Toyota iQ is an unashamedly upmarket city car that will appeal to those who find a Smart too twee. Designed to seat three adults and one child, the interior finish and exterior detailing are several notches above the city carnorm.

Toyota isn’t the first company to build and market a city car specifically to a more upmarket clientele. It was exactly this business model that Smart profited so handsomely from and Toyota has followed suit with its Prius hybrid vehicle, not strictly a city car in the strictest definition, but most certainly a car targeted at wealthy urbanites. Given that the company already has the cheap and competent Aygo on its books, backed up with the bigger and plusher Yaris, a third tot would seem like overkill but the iQ is a very different proposition. If it wore a Lexus badge, thepropositionwouldbeawholelotclearer.

This is a market sector that looks set for big expansion given the rapidly increasing costs of using a car in many metropolitan areas. Many car buyers are looking to downsize without sacrificing comfort and style and it’s no secret that several premium manufacturers are looking to service exactly this demand.

TheycouldlearnathingortwofromToyota.

The engine on offer is the well regarded 67bhp 1.0litre 3-cylinder petrol unit used in the Aygo citycar.

This powerplant is billed as the world’s lightest production engine. Like the Aygo, the iQ is urban transport first and foremost, reflected in a sprint to 60mph that takes around 15 seconds. If going fast isn’t too much of a priority, there’s also the option of a CVTMultidriveautomaticgearbox.

At lower speeds the steering’s electric assistance should make manoeuvring the car simplicity itself and the minimal front and rear overhangs will mean that it’s easy to edge into even the tiniest parking places. The tight 3.9m turning circle means that even if you spot a parking place on the other side of the road, you may be able to throw a quick U-turn to snaffleit.

In order to appeal to an image conscious clientele, the iQ had to look the part and with what Toyota dubs its foursquare ‘super stance’, it looks like something that’s just driven straight from a motor show stand. There’s a touch of the toy car about the way the big 16-inch alloy wheels sit at each corner of such a tiny vehicle. The wraparound rear glass, the smoked headlamp units and the door mirrors with inbuilt indicators all indicate that this is no budget

city scoot but the real surprise and delightfeaturescomeinside.

The innovative asymmetric dashboard was designed to open up the whole cabin area. It ensures ample leg room for the front passenger, even when the seat is in its furthest forward position. The all-round space and seating layout means there is ample room for three adults plus either a child passenger or luggage behind the driver. The rear seats fold flat and there’s a storage tray that slides from belowtherearseat.

The iQ is available in two grades, iQ and iQ2, both of which feature no fewer than nine airbags including the world’s first rear window curtain shield airbag. All models come with the kind of standard specification that you’d expect in a much larger car. The entry-level iQ rides on 15-inch alloy wheels and projects a clean, contemporary appearance with colour-keyed door mirrors and bumpers and heated electrically adjustable door mirrors withintegratedindicatorlamps.

Air conditioning keeps things cool inside, while the six-speaker sound system provides a radio, CD player and MP3/WMA file playing from disc. There is also an auxiliary socket for connection to personal MP3 players. Electric windows, remote central locking, dark tinted privacy glass in the rear window and leather trim for the steering wheel and gear knob are

also all included, together with a tonneau cover for the rear luggage space.

First the basics. You’ll pay about the same for an iQ as a comparably specified 1.0-litre Yaris and about £1,200 more than the plushest 1.0-litre Aygo.

Bear in mind though that both these alternatives can seat at least four adults. Perhaps a more pertinent comparison however, is with the twoseater smart fortwo, which in its plushest form is only a few hundred pounds shy of an iQ for something much less versatile.

Toyota has committed to a low carbon dioxide figure for the iQ, with a figure of 99g/km achievable in the manual models. Fuel economy is even more impressive than the Aygo, (which already manages over 60mpg on the combined cycle) as that same engine achieves over 65mpg in the iQ. The result is what the brand sees as a ‘landmark solution’. It’s certainly one that will have a long term influence on Toyota’s future vehicle development.Their marketing people call the iQ ‘the ultimate expression of refined, yet environmentally efficient urban mobility’. If you’re tempted to dismiss that as advertising hyperbole, then this car is worth checking out. Not only does it have the power to surprise but the power to shock. If you thought that all small cars were the same, then think again.

THE ULSTER STAR, JANUARY 16, 2009—49

www.lisburntoday.co.uk

08 Captiva 2.0 LT Diesel (7 Seats available)

Typical example: Cost New. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £20,113.51 SERE Reduction of. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £4,118.51 SERE Price . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £15,995

Deposit Paid by SERE. . . . . . £1,000

*DRIVE AWAY TODAY FOR NOTHING!*

Balance to Finance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £14,995 60 Monthly Payments of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £299.90 Total Amount Payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £18,994.00 Typical APR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.0%

Matiz 1.0 SE Was £6,733 Saving £1,038 Now From £5,695

Aveo 1.2 S 3dr Was £7,535 Saving £1,540 Now From £5,995

Kalos 1.4 SX 5dr Was £9,225 Saving £2,230 Now From £6,995

Lacetti 1.4 SE (Estate & 1.6 SX 5dr Available) Was £9,786 Saving £2,791 Now From £6,995

Tacuma 1.6 SX Was £11,451 Saving £3,456 Now From £7,995

Lacetti 1.6 SX SW Manual & Auto Was £11,666 Saving £2,671 Now From £8,995

CHEVROLET MOTABILITY

Matiz Range

Aveo Range

Lacetti Saloon/Estate

Advanced Payment

Advanced Payment

Advanced Payment

Nil

Nil

The Chevrolet range is designed for the real world At even more realistic prices. Now standard on all models: Power steering • Dual Airbags • ABS brakes • Central Locking Tinted Windows • CD Player • Immobilser Part Exchange Welcome: Sale Ends 18th January

SERE Ltd 7-9 Boucher Road Belfast BT12 6HR

T: 028 90 205100

Captiva Range

£99.00

From

£1949

Advanced Payment

GET REAL. OPENING HOURS: MONDAY-THURSDAY 9AM-8PM FRIDAY 9AM-5PM SATURDAY 9AM-4PM & SUNDAY 12.30-5PM THROUGHOUT JAN 09

8.0%

APR TYPICAL

Vehicles Pre Registered 2008. Vehicles shown feature metallic paint available at extra cost (Matiz £325, Kalos, Aveo & Lacetti £350). 3 years/30,000 miles full service package at an optional cost of £199, Captiva service £300. Prices correct at time of press.

Offical Government Environmental Data. Fuel consumption figures mpg (litres/100km). Matiz 1.0 SE - Urban 39.2 (7.2.) Extra Urban - 60.1 (4.7) Combined - 50.4 (5.6) CO2 emissions (g/KM) 137. Kalos 1.4 SX 5dr: Urban - 31.7 (8.9) Extra Urban - 52.3 (5.4) Combined - 42.1 (6.7) CO2 emissions (g/KM) 165 Lacetti 1.4 SE 5dr: Urban - 28.8 (9.8), Extra Urban - 49.5 (5.7) Combined - 39.2 (7.2) CO2 emissions (g/KM) 165, Tacuma 1.6 SX Urban - 26.1 (10.8), Extra Urban - 44.8 (6.3), Combined - 35.3 (8.0) CO2 emissions (g/KM) 191 Captiva 2.0 VCDI LT 5 Seats: Urban - 32.1 (8.8), Extra Urban - 41.5(6.8), Combined - 37.1 (7.6) CO2 emissions (g/KM) 197 Aveo 1.2 S 3dr: Urban - 39.2 (7.2), Extra Urban - 61.4 (4.6), Combined - 51.4 (5.5), CO2 emissions (g/KM) 132 Lacetti 1.6 SX Stationwagon: Urban - 27.9 (10.1), Extra Urban - 44.1 (6.4) Comined - 36.2 (7.8) C02 emissions (g/KM) 181

www.lisburntoday.co.uk

50—THE ULSTER STAR, JANUARY 16, 2009

WE HAVE OVER

600 CARS

IN GROUP STOCK

08 VAUXHALL NEW MODEL RAN 08 VECTRA 1.8 LIFE 5DR A/C HATCH & EST

08 VECTRA 1.8 5DR A/C SRI & DESIGN

RRP £17,159

RRP £18,236

FROM £5,995

FROM £7,395

SAVE £11,164

06 Hyundai Getz 1.4 GSi 5dr Auto 16k miles............................£4,995.......L 08 Hyundai Getz 1.5 CRTD GSI Diesel....................................£5,995 ......B 04 Hyundai Santa FE 2.7 V6 CDX Auto Black Diesel...............£4,695.......L 07 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT 8 5dr Auto .................................£16,995 .......L 05/06 Land Rover Discovery 2.7 TDV6 Diesel from .................£14,995 ......B 06 Lexus IS 2.2 D Sport Diesel...............................................£14,995 ......B 03 Mazda 2 1.2 S 5dr ................................................................£3,995 ......B 05 Mazda 6 2.0 TS 4dr Black 38k miles ....................................£5,995.......L 06/07 Mazda MX-5 1.8i 2dr choice from....................................£8,995 ...B/L 04/05 Mazda RX-8 4dr choice from ............................................£7,695....B/L 02 Mini Cooper S Red ...............................................................£6,995 ......B 07 Mini Cooper S Convertible, Met Grey.................................£13,995 ......B 08 Mini Cooper 1.6 3dr, Green, 4k miles.................................£12,695.......L 06/07 Mini Cooper S JCW 1.6 3dr choice from .......................£13,995 ......B 04 Mitsubishi Shogun 3.2 Di-D Warrior 3dr Auto.......................£8,995.......L 07 Mitsubishi Shogun 3.2 DI-DC Diamond Auto .....................£18,995.......L 03 Nissan 350 Z 2dr Coupe Gold............................................£10,995 ......B 07 Nissan 350 Z 2dr Coupe Silver...........................................£15,995 ......B 07 Nissan 350 Z 3.5 2dr 17k miles Bronze..............................£15,695.......L 05 Nissan Almera Tino 1.8 5dr choice from...............................£3,995 ...B/L 05/06 Nissan Micra 1.2 choice from ..........................................£4,695 ...B/L 06 Nissan Micra 1.6 Sport SR 3dr 10k miles Black...................£6,695.......L 07 Nissan Note 1.4 Acenta 5dr 16k miles Grey.........................£6,995.......L 08 Nissan Note 1.6 Tekna 5dr Auto 4k miles.............................£8,995 ......B 04 Nissan Primera 1.8 SX 5dr, Silver, 39k miles .......................£4,695.......L 05 Nissan Primera 1.8i S 5dr choice from.................................£3,995.......L 04 Peugeot 206 1.6 Allure 2dr Coupe Silver .............................£6,995 ......B 07 Peugeot 207 1.4 SE 5dr, 10k miles ......................................£6,995 ......B 07 Peugeot 207 1.6 GT 3dr, convertible Silver........................£11,995 ......B 08 Peugeot 308 1.4 S 5dr 7k miles Silver..................................£8,995.......L 06 Peugeot 307 2.0 CC Sport 2dr .............................................£8,995 ......B 04 Peugeot 407 1.6 HDi 4dr Met Blue Diesel ...........................£5,995 ......B 05 Peugeot 407 2.0 HDi SW SE Estate Diesel from.................£5,995.......L 06 Peugeot 407 2.0 HDi Executive Est Grey Diesel .................£7,995.......L 06 Peugeot 407 2.0 HDi Diesel choice from .............................£7,695.......L 06 Peugeot 407 2.2 SE 2dr Coupe, Silver.................................£7,995.......L 06 Range Rover 2.7 TD Sport Diesel......................................£22,995 ......B 05 Range Rover 4.2 V8 Supercharged....................................£24,995 ......B 08 Renault Clio 1.2 Expression 5dr Black .................................£6,995.......L 05 Renault Clio 1.2 16v Dynamique, from.................................£4,995 ...B/L 06 Renault Clio 1.2 Extreme 3dr 26k Silver...............................£6,395.......L 06/07 Renault Clio 1.4 Dynamique, choice from .......................£5,995.......L 05/06 Renault Grand Scenic 1.6 choice from............................£5,695 ...B/L 05 Renault Laguna 1.9 DCi Estate, Diesel ...............................£5,695 ......B 06 Renault Megane 1.4 Extreme 3dr, choice from ....................£5,695 ...B/L

06 Alfa Romeo 156 2.4 JTD Lusso 4dr Diesel..........................£7,995 ......B 05 Aston Martin DB9 V12 Tiptronic 19k miles .........................£49,995 ......B 05 Audi A3 2.0 TDi SE 5dr, Blue, 30k miles Diesel.................£10,995.......L 07 Audi A4 2.0 TDi Sports Convertible Black Diesel .................£16,995.......L 07 Audi A4 1.8T 2dr Convertible Auto, Met Black....................£15,995 ......B 05/06 Audi A4 1.9 TDi SE Estate, Diesel from........................£10,995.......L 04 Audi A4 1.9 TDi SE 4dr Silver Diesel ...................................£8,995.......L 04 Audi A4 2.0 SE 4dr Multitronic, Blue.....................................£6,995.......L 05 Audi A6 3.0 TDi Quattro SE 4dr, Black Diesel ...................£14,995.......L 06 Audi All Road 2.5 TDi Quattro, Silver Diesel......................£13,995.......L 06 Audi TT 1.8 Convertible, Met Black ....................................£13,995 ......B 05 BMW 318 Ci SE 2dr Coupe, Black, 16k miles ...................£11,695.......L 07 BMW 318 D ES 4dr Diesel, 12k miles ...............................£13,995 ......B 04 BMW 320 D ES Diesel.........................................................£8,995 ......B 05 BMW 320 D SE 4dr, Silver, Full Leather Diesel.................£12,995.......L 08 BMW 320 D SE 2dr Coupe Black Diesel ...........................£20,995 ......B 06 BMW 3 Series 2dr Coupe Petrol/ Diesel from....................£10,995 ......B 05/06 BMW 320 D SE 4dr Diesel choice from..........................£9,995 ......B 06 BMW 320 D Touring M Sport 5dr Diesel............................£14,995 ......B 07 BMW 325 i SE 2dr Coupe, Met Grey..................................£17,995 ......B 05 BMW X3 2.0 D SE 5dr, Grey Diesel...................................£11,695.......L 04 BMW X3 2.5 Sport, Met Grey...............................................£9,995 ......B 07 Chevrolet Captiva 2.0 LT Diesel, Red, 10k miles................£12,995.......L 05/06 Chevrolet Kalos 1.2 SE 5dr, Choice from........................£3,695 ......B 05 Chevrolet Lacetti 1.6 SX Blue 38k miles ..............................£3,995.......L 06 Chevrolet 1.6 SX 5dr, Black..................................................£3,995 ......B 06 Chevrolet Matiz 1.0 SE 5dr, Yellow .......................................£3,995 ......B 06 Chevrolet Tacuma 1.6 SX choice from .................................£4,695 ...B/L 05 Chevrolet Tacuma 2.0 CDX Auto..........................................£3,995 ......B 07 Chrysler 300 C 3.0 V6 CRD Auto Diesel............................£16,995 ......B 04 Citroen C3 1.4 HDi Pluriel CC Silver Diesel.........................£5,395.......L 07 Citroen Picasso 1.6 HDi Exclusive 14k miles Diesel ...........£7,695.......L 04 Daewoo Lacetti 1.6 SX 5dr, Blue, 22k miles.........................£3,395.......L 06 Fiat Panda 1.1 Active 5dr, from ............................................£3,995.......L 05 Ford Fiesta 1.4 TDCi Zetec 3dr, Black Diesel......................£5,695.......L 07 Ford Focus 1.6 LX Estate 10k miles, Blue............................£8,395.......L 07 Ford Focus 2.5 ST 3dr, Met Silver, 10k miles.....................£11,995 ......B 07 Ford Focus C-Max 2.0 Zetec Auto........................................£8,995 ......B 04/05 Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCi LX Diesel from...........................£4,995 ...B/L 06 Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCi LX Diesel from................................£5,995.......L 07 Honda Civic 1.4 DSi Met Red only 6k Diesel.......................£9,995.......L 05 Honda CRV 2.0 VTec SE 5dr, Black, 19k .............................£7,995.......L 05 Honda Jazz 1.4 SE 5dr, 31k miles........................................£6,695.......L 07 Hyundai Coupe 1.6 S111 Met Black.....................................£9,995 ......B 05 Hyundai Coupe 2.0 SE 2dr Coupe .......................................£4,995 ......B

04-07 AUDI A4 1.9/2.0 TDI ESTATE/SALOON

11 FROM £10995 CHOICEOF

SAVE £10,841

04-08 BMW 3 SERIES SPORTS/SALOON PETROL/DIESEL

05/06 CITROEN XSARA PICASSO PETROL/DIESEL ESTATE

21 FROM £7995

6 FROM £4995

CHOICEOF

>BULK PURCHASE! 08 SEAT LEON*

CHOICEOF

>DELIVERY MILES ONLY!

From £10,995

RRP £12,972

SAVE

£1,977

08 ZAFIRA 1.6 EXCLUSIVE 7 SEATER

08 MERIVA 1.6 I LIFE ONLY 4K MILES

08 ASTRA 1.8 16V DESIGN & SRI 5DR

RRP £14,742

RRP £11,957

RRP £16,714

FROM £7,995 SAVE £6,747

FROM £7,995 FROM £7,995 SAVE £3,962

SAVE £8,719

• REMAINDER OF MANUFACTURERS WARRANTY ONLY

SAVE SITE

06 Alfa Romeo Brera 2.2 VTS Coupe, choice from . . . . £14,995. . . £2,000 . . . B 06/07 Alfa Romeo Brera 2.4 Diesel choice from . . . . . . £15,995. . . £2,000. . B/L 04/05 Audi A3 2.0 FSI SE 3dr choice from. . . . . . . . . . . . £8,995. . . £2,000 . . . B 04 Audi A3 2.0 TDi SE 3dr Auto, Met Blue, Diesel. . . . . £11,995. . . £1,000 . . . B 07 Audi A4 2.0 TDi Convertible 2dr, Black, Diesel . . . . . £19,995. . . £1,000 . . . B 07 Audi A4 2.0 TDi 170 S-Line Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £18,995. . . £1,000 . . . B 07 Audi TT 3.2 V6 Quattro Auto Convertible. . . . . . . . . . £23,995. . . £2,000 . . . B 05 BMW 118d Sport 5dr, Blue, Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £10,995. . . £2,000 . . . L 07 BMW 320i SE 2dr, Coupe, 7k miles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . £18,995. . . £2,000 . . . B 03 BMW 530 D SE Auto 4dr Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £11,995. . . £3,000 . . . B

ONLY SAVE SITE

05 Fiat Multipla 1.9 JTD Dynamic Diesel, Blue . . . . . . . . £5,995. . . £1,600 . . . B 06 Ford Fiesta 1.4 Ghia 5dr, Blue, 33k miles . . . . . . . . . . £5,995 . . . . £300 . . . L 05/06 Ford Focus 1.6 Zetec, choice from . . . . . . . . . . . . . £5,995 . . . £1300. . B/L 05 Ford Focus 1.6 Titanium 4dr Silver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £5,995 . . . . £600 . . . L 06 Ford Focus 2.0 TDCi Zetec Climate 5dr Diesel. . . . . . £7,995. . . £2,000 . . . L 06 Ford Focus 2.0 TDi Titanium 5dr, Diesel. . . . . . . . . . . £8,995 . . . £1000 . . . B 05 Ford Focus C-Max 1.6 TDCi LX, Black, Diesel . . . . . . £5,995. . . £1,000 . . . L 07 Ford Focus C-Max 1.6 Style 5dr, Silver, 6k . . . . . . . . . £7,995. . . £1,600 . . . L 05 Ford Fusion 1.4 2 5dr, Silver, 15k miles. . . . . . . . . . . . £4,995. . . £1,300 . . . L 07 Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCi, Diesel Choice from . . . . . . . £7,695. . . £1,000. . B/L

• LOW RATE FINANCE AVAILABLE! 04 BMW 530i SE Auto 4dr Gold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £11,995. . . £3,000 . . . B 07 BMW 650i Sport Coupe Auto, Black, 16k . . . . . . . . . £31,995. . . £2,000 . . . B 07 BMW X3 2.0 D M Sport Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £17,995. . . £3,000 . . . B 03 BMW X5 3.0d Sport 5dr Auto, Blue, Diesel. . . . . . . . £13,995. . . £4,000 . . . L 06 BMW X5 3.0d Sport 5dr Auto, Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . £19,995. . . £4,000 . . . B 07 Chevrolet Captiva 2.0 CDTi LTX Diesel . . . . . . . . . . £15,995. . . £2,000 . . . B 05 Chevrolet Matiz 1.0 SE choice from . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £2,995 . . . . £400 . . . B 05 Chevrolet Tacuma 1.6 SX 5dr, choice from . . . . . . . . . £3,695 . . . . £300 . . . B 05 Citroen C3 1.1 i Desire 5dr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £4,695 . . . . £300 . . . B 05 Citroen C3 1.6i 16V Exclusive, Blue, 11k miles. . . . . . £4,995. . . £1,300 . . . L 07 Citroen C4 1.6 HDi SX 5dr, Grey, 16k miles . . . . . . . . £7,995 . . . . £600 . . . L 07 Citroen C4 1.6 HDi VTR Plus 3k Red Diesel . . . . . . £10,995. . . £1,000 . . . L 06 Citroen Picasso 1.6 HDi, Grey, Diesel. . . . . . . . . . . . . £6,995 . . . . £600 . . . B 06 Citroen Picasso 1.6 Exclusive 2k miles Red . . . . . . . . £5,995. . . £1,000 . . . L 05 Citroen Picasso 2.0 HDi, Blue, 17k miles . . . . . . . . . . £6,695. . . £1,000 . . . L 05 Daewoo Lacetti 1.4 SE 5dr Black . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £3,995 . . . . £700 . . . B

05-07 FORD FOCUS 1.6 ZETEC 5DR MANUAL/AUTO

6 FROM £5695 CHOICEOF

04-06 RENAULT MEGANE SCENIC PETROL/DIESEL ESTATE

7 FR OM £4995 CHOICEOF

04-07 FORD MONDEO 2.0 TDCI 5DR DIESEL

11 FROM £4995 CHOICEOF

06 SEAT ALTEA 2.0 TDI SPORT/STYLANCE PETROL/DIESEL

4 FROM £8995 CHOICEOF

05 Ford Ranger XLT Double Cab Pick-Up, Diesel . . . . . . £7,995 . . . . £300 . . . L 07 Honda Accord 2.2 i-CTDi EX Estate, Diesel . . . . . . . £12,995. . . £1,000 . . . B 04 Honda Accord 2.2 i-CTDi Sport, Grey, Diesel. . . . . . . £6,995. . . £1,000 . . . L 05 Honda CR-V 2.0 i-VTEC Executive, Silver . . . . . . . . . £8,695. . . £2,000 . . . L 07 Honda CR-V 2.0 i-VTEC Executive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £13,695. . . £2,000 . . . B 05 Jaguar X-type 2.0d Classic Estate, Diesel . . . . . . . . . £9,995. . . £1,000. . B/L 06 Jaguar X-type 2.5 V6 Sport Estate, Met Gold . . . . . . £10,995. . . £1,000 . . . B 06 Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.0 CRD, Diesel from . . . . . . £12,995. . . £2,000 . . . B 05 Kia Sportage 2.7 V6 XS 5dr Auto, Silver, 10k miles . . £9,995. . . £2,000 . . . L 04 Land Rover Discovery 2.5 ES Premium, from. . . . . . £11,995. . . £3,000 . . . L 06 Land Rover Discovery 3 2.7 TDi Auto, Diesel . . . . . . £16,995. . . £6,000 . . . L 03 Mazda 2 1.2 S 5dr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £3,995 . . . . £300 . . . B 05 Mazda 3 2.0 Sport 5dr, Black, 18k miles . . . . . . . . . . . £6,995 . . . . £600 . . . L 08 Mazda MX-5 2.0 Sport Convertible 2k miles . . . . . . . £12,995. . . £1,600 . . . B 05 Mercedes-Benz A180 CDI Classic Diesel. . . . . . . . . . £7,995 . . . . £300 . . . B 04 Mercedes-Benz C180K Avantgarde, Silver . . . . . . . . . £8,995 . . . . £300 . . . B

04-07 HONDA ACCORD 2.2 I-CDTI DIESEL

4 FROM £6995 CHOICEOF

05-07 SEAT IBIZA 3/5DR HATCH LOW MILES

8 FROM £4995 CHOICEOF

05-07 HONDA CRV 2.0 I-VTEC EXECUTIVE ESTATE

5 FROM £7995 CHOICEOF

04-06 TOYOTA RAV 4 2.0 XT3 5DR ESTATE

4 FROM £8995 CHOICEOF

028 90 205100

Finance subject to status. Terms and conditions apply, rates may vary. Pictures for illustration purposes only. Choice and prices may vary and apply across the SERE group stock.

Boucher Road Belfast & Moira Road Lisburn

THE ULSTER STAR, JANUARY 16, 2009—51

www.lisburntoday.co.uk

BOTH SITES

SAT 9AM-4PM & SUN 12.30-5PM

NGE HUGE SAVINGS...

08 ASTRA SPORT SRI/SXI HATCH DIESEL

FROM £9,695 RRP £18,802

SAVE £9,107 08 ZAFIRA 1.8 DESIGN & SRI 7 SEATER

08 ASTRA 1.9 CDTI DIESEL SXI & SRI 5DR

08 VECTRA 1.9 CDTI SRI/DESIGN

RRP £18,891

RRP £19,703

RRP £20,192

FROM £8,695 SAVE £10,196

FROM £8,995 FROM £8,995 SAVE £10,708

SAVE £11,197

• PART EXCHANGE WELCOME • CHOICE OF COLOURS ONLY

SAVE SITE

04 Mercedes-Benz C320 Elegance SE Auto, Blue. . . . . £10,995. . . £2,000 . . . L 06 Mercedes-Benz R350 SE Estate Avantgarde . . . . . . £21,995. . . £3,000 . . . B 05 Mercedes-Benz SL350 Convertible, Black . . . . . . . . £29,995. . . £4,000 . . . B 07 Mitsubishi Shogun 2.5 Sport Trojan Diesel . . . . . . . . . £8,995. . . £1,000 . . . B 04 Mitsubishi Shogun 3.2 Elegance Auto Diesel . . . . . . £12,995 . . . . £300 . . . L 05 Nissan Micra 1.2 S 3dr, Blue, 10k miles . . . . . . . . . . . £4,695 . . . . £700 . . . L 05 Nissan Navara 2.5 DCi SE, Black 12k Diesel . . . . . . . £9,995. . . £3,000 . . . L 03 Peugeot 307 1.6 SW S Blue 29k miles . . . . . . . . . . . . £4,995 . . . . £300 . . . L 06 Peugeot 307 1.6 S Estate, Black . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £5,995 . . . . £700 . . . L 07 Peugeot 307 Coupe Cabriolet 2.0 Semi-Auto . . . . . . £10,995 . . . . £300 . . . L

ONLY SAVE SITE

04 Seat Alhambra 1.9 TDi Diesel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £7,995. . . £1,000 . . . B 06 Seat Altea 2.0 TDi Stylance 5dr, Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . £9,995. . . £1,300 . . . L 07 Seat Leon 1.9 TDI Stylance 5dr, Diesel choice . . . . £10,395. . . £1,000. . B/L 07 Skoda Octavia 1.6 FSI 4k miles Auto Estate . . . . . . £10,995. . . £1,000 . . . B 05 Subaru Impreza 2.0 WRX Turbo 4dr Blue 28k. . . . . . . £9,995. . . £1,000 . . . L 04 Toyota Rav4 2.0 XT3 5dr, Silver, 31k. . . . . . . . . . . . . . £7,995. . . £2,000 . . . L 05 Toyota Rav4 2.0 D-4D XT-R 5dr, Silver Diesel . . . . . . £8,995. . . £2,600 . . . L 06 Vauxhall Astra 1.7 CDTi 16V SX, Silver, Diesel . . . . . £7,995 . . . . £600 . . . L 08 Vauxhall Astra 2.0 VRX Coupe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £13,995. . . £1,000 . . . B 04 Vauxhall Meriva 1.8 Enjoy 8V 5dr Blue 40k. . . . . . . . . £3,995. . . £1,000 . . . L

• LOW RATE FINANCE AVAILABLE! 08 Peugeot 308 1.6 Sport 120 5dr, Blue, 589 miles . . . . £10,995. . . £2,000 . . . B 05 Peugeot 407 1.6 HDi SE 4dr, Red. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £5,995 . . . . £600 . . . L 07 Peugeot 807 2.0 SE Auto, Blue, 10k miles . . . . . . . . . £9,995. . . £1,000 . . . L 05 Renault Clio 1.2 16V Dynamique 25k, Silver. . . . . . . . £4,695 . . . . £600 . . . L 05 Renault Clio 1.5 dCi 100 Dynamique, Diesel . . . . . . . £5,995 . . . . £300 . . . L 03 Renault Espace 1.9 dCi Authentique, Diesel . . . . . . . £5,995. . . £1,000 . . . B 03 Renault Espace 2.0T Expression Auto, Grey, 45k. . . . £5,995 . . . . £300 . . . L 04 Renault Espace 2.2 dCi Expression Auto, Diesel . . . . £5,695. . . £1,000 . . . L 04 Renault Laguna 1.9 dCi Expression, Diesel . . . . . . . . £4,995. . . £1,000 . . . B 05 Renault Megane 1.6 Oasis 3dr Auto 31k miles . . . . . . £5,995 . . . . £600 . . . L 07 Renault Megane 1.6 VVT Dynamique from. . . . . . . . . £6,695. . . £1,000. . B/L 05 Renault Megane 1.6 VVT Expression Auto . . . . . . . . . £5,995 . . . . £300 . . . L 04 Renault Megane 1.9 DCi 120 Privledge, Diesel . . . . . £5,995. . . £1,000 . . . B 06 Renault Megane Sports Tourer 1.9 Privilege, 16k . . . . £6,995. . . £2,000 . . . L 05 Renault Megane Scenic 1.5 DCi Dynamique . . . . . . . £4,995 . . . . £600 . . . L 04 Renault Modus 1.5 dCi 65 Expression, Diesel . . . . . . £4,695. . . £1,000 . . . L

05 JAGUAR X-TYPE 2.0 D CLASSIC DIESEL ESTATE

4 FROM £9995 CHOICEOF

04-07 VAUXHALL ASTRA PETROL/DIESEL ALL MODELS

15 FROM £4995 CHOICEOF

05 Volkswagen Golf 2.0 GT FSI 5dr, 32k miles. . . . . . . . . £9,995. . . £1,000 . . . L 06 Volkswagen Passat 1.9 SE TDI Estate, Diesel 21k. . £10,995. . . £2,000 . . . L 06 Volkswagen Passat 2.0 Sport TDi 4dr Diesel . . . . . . £10,695 . . . . £300 . . . B 07 Volkswagen Passat 2.0 S TDI 5dr, Auto Estate . . . . . £11,995. . . £1,000 . . . B 05 Volkswagen Passat 2.0 SE FSI 4dr Auto 11k miles. . . £9,995. . . £1,000 . . . L 04 Volkswagen Phaeton 3.2 V6 4dr, Silver . . . . . . . . . . . £12,995. . . £1,000 . . . B 07 Volvo C70 D5 Sport Geartronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £17,995. . . £1,000 . . . B 07 Volvo S40 1.6 D S 4dr Diesel only 11k miles . . . . . . £10,995. . . £1,000 . . . B 06 Volvo S60 2.0 T SE 4dr Auto, Silver. . . . . . . . . . . . . . £10,995. . . £2,000 . . . L 07 Volvo S60 2.5 T S 4dr, Black, 14k miles . . . . . . . . . . £10,995. . . £1,000 . . . B 07 Volvo S80 2.4 D5 SE 4dr Auto, Diesel. . . . . . . . . . . . £13,995. . . £4,000 . . . B 08 Volvo V50 1.8 S 16V 5dr, Grey, 2000 miles . . . . . . . . £12,995. . . £1,000 . . . L 05 Volvo V70 2.4 D5 S Auto, Black Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . £9,995. . . £1,300 . . . L 05/06 Volvo V70 2.4 D5 S 5dr, Diesel choice from . . . . £10,995 . . . . £300 . B/L 03 Volvo XC90 2.4 D5 SE Auto, Silver Diesel . . . . . . . . £12,995 . . . . £700 . . . B

06 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE 3.0 CRD LTD AUTO DIESEL

3 FROM £13995 CHOICEOF

04-07 VAUXHALL CORSA 3/5DR CHOICE OF MODELS

8 FROM £3995 CHOICEOF

05/06 LANDROVER FREELANDER 2.0 TD4 DIESEL

3 FROM £6995 CHOICEOF

04-08 VAUXHALL MERIVA 5DR ESTATE PETROL/DIESEL

6 FROM £3995 CHOICEOF

05 Renault Megane 1.5 DCi Dynamique Diesel from.................£4,995.......L 06 Renault Megane 1.5 DCi Dynamique CC from.....................£7,995.......L 07 Renault Megane 1.5 DCi Extreme 5dr Diesel 7k .................£7,995.......L 05/06 Renault Megane Dynamique c/from................................£5,695.......L 04 Renault Megane 1.6 Expression Estate 30k ........................£4,395.......L 07/08 Renault Megane 1.6 VVTi Dynamique from ....................£7,695 ...B/L 07 Renault Megane 1.6 VVT Extreme 3dr.................................£6,995 ......B 05 Renault Megane 2.0 Dynamique Cabriolet ..........................£6,995.......L 07 Renault Megane 2.0 DCi 2dr Convertible Diesel .................£8,995 ......B 05 Renault Scenic 1.4 Dynamique, 27k miles...........................£4,995.......L 05 Reanult Scenic 1.5 DCi Dynamique Diesel..........................£6,395.......L 07 Renault Scenic 1.5 DCi Diesel Dynamique..........................£8,995.......L 04 Renault Scenic 1.6 Expression Automatic............................£4,695.......L 05/06 Renault Scenic 1.6 Dynamique choice from....................£4,995.......L 04 Renault Scenic 1.9 DCi Dynamique, Diesel.........................£5,695.......L 05 Saab 9-3 1.9 TiD Linear Sport 4dr Diesel............................£7,995 ......B 06 Saab 9-3 1.9 Vector Sport Estate, Silver ..............................£8,995 ......B 04 Saab 9-3 2.0 T Aero Auto, Grey ...........................................£6,695 ......B 05 Saab 9-3 2.0T Aero 2dr Convertible, Yellow .......................£10,995 ......B 07 Seat Altea 2.0 TFSi FR, Silver, 9k miles...............................£9,995.......L 05 Seat Ibiza SX 3/5dr, choice from ..........................................£4,995.......L 05 Seat Ibiza 1.2 SX 3dr, Black.................................................£4,395 ......B 06 Seat Ibiza 1.2 Reference 3dr, Red .......................................£4,995.......L 07 Seat Ibiza 1.2 Reference Sport 3dr from..............................£5,995.......L 06 Seat Ibiza 1.4 Reference 3dr, Silver, 18k..............................£6,395.......L 07 Seat Ibiza 1.4 Sport 3dr, Black, 12k miles............................£6,995.......L 05 Seat Ibiza 1.9 TDi SE 5dr Diesel..........................................£6,695 ......B 07 Seat Leon 2.0 TFSi Cupra Black 22k miles........................£13,995.......L 05 Seat Toledo 1.9 TDi Stylance, 34k miles, Diesel..................£6,995.......L 07 Skoda Fabia 1.2 12V Ambiente Estate 5dr...........................£5,995 ......B 03 Skoda Fabia 1.4 Silverline 5dr 34k miles..............................£3,995.......L 06/07 Skoda Octavia 1.9 TDi choice from Diesel.................... £7,995 ...B/L 07 Skoda Octavia 1.9 TDi Diesel Estate, Silver ........................£8,995 ......B 05 Skoda Octavia 2.0 TDi Laurin & Klement Diesel .................£7,995.......L 06 Ssangyong Rodius 270SX 5dr Tiptronic, 19k.......................£8,995.......L 07 Ssangyong Rodius 270S, 7 seater Diesel ...........................£9,995 ......B 06/07 Ssangyong Kyron 2.0 S Grey Diesel from ......................£7,995.......L 06 Ssangyong Kyron 2.0 SE Tip/Auto, Silver.............................£8,395.......L 04 Subaru Impreza 1.6 GL 4dr, 28k miles.................................£5,995.......L 05 Suzuki Grand Vitara 1.6 16V SE 3dr, Red, 34k....................£4,395.......L 07 Suzuki Grand Vitara 1.6 VVT 3dr, Red, 7k ...........................£8,995.......L 06 Suzuki Grand Vitara 1.9 DDiS, Host of Extras......................£8,995.......L 05 Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.0 TD SE 3dr Diesel ..........................£5,695.......L 04 Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.7 XL V6 7 seater Black .....................£6,395.......L 06 Suzuki Swift 1.5 GLX 3dr Grey.............................................£6,395 ......B

04-06 MERCEDES BENZ C-CLASS SPORTS/SALOON

6 FR OM £8995 CHOICEOF

03-05 VAUXHALL VECTRA 1.8I LIFE 5DR

4 FROM £3995 CHOICEOF

05/06 NISSAN MICRA 3/5DR MANUAL /AUTO

5 FROM £4395 CHOICEOF

08 Toyota Auris 1.6 VVTi TR 3dr only 2000 miles!...................£10,995 ......B 05 Toyota Corolla 1.4 VVTi T3 5dr, Silver ..................................£6,995.......L 05 Toyota Prius 1.5 VVTi T4 Hybrid 5dr Auto ............................£9,995.......L 06/07 Vauxhall Astra 1.3 CDTi Diesel choice from ...................£6,695.......L 05/06 Vauxhall Astra 1.7 CDTi SXi Diesel from ........................£6,395.......L 06 Vauxhall Astra 1.7 CDTi Life Estate, 11k miles.....................£6,995.......L 06 Vauxhall Astra 1.7 CDTi Club 5dr, Silver Diesel...................£7,395.......L 05 Vauxhall Astra 1.8 Life 5dr Auto 17k Silver...........................£5,995.......L 08 Vauxhall Astra 1.8 Life 5dr Auto 11k Silver...........................£7,995.......L 07 Vauxhall Astra 2.0 T 16V VXR 3dr, Red..............................£10,995.......L 06 Vauxhall Corsa 1.8i SXi 3/5dr, choice from...........................£4,995 ...B/L 04/06 Vauxhall Meriva 1.7 CDTi 5dr Diesel from ......................£4,395 ...B/L 04/06 Vauxhall Meriva Life/Enjoy choice from ...........................£3,995 ...B/L 06 Vauxhall Signum 3.0 V6 CDTi Elite Diesel...........................£8,995.......L 05 Vauxhall Tigra 1.4i Twinport 2dr, Choice from.......................£6,995 ......B 05 Vauxhall Vectra 1.8 choice of models from...........................£4,995 ...B/L 05 Vauxhall Vectra 1.9 CDTi Club, Choice from ........................£5,695 ......B 05 Vauxhall Vectra 1.9 CDTi Elite Auto Diesel ..........................£6,995.......L 05 Vauxhall Vectra 1.9 CDTi Design Diesel from......................£5,995.......L 07 Vauxhall Vectra 1.9 CDTi SRi, 150BHP Diesel ....................£7,995.......L 06 Vauxhall Vectra 2.8 T V6 VXR Estate....................................£8,995.......L 05 Vauxhall Zafira 1.6 Life 5dr MPV, 31k miles..........................£4,995.......L 07 Vauxhall Zafira 1.6 Club 7 seats from...................................£6,995 ...B/L 05 Vauxhall Zafira 1.6 Life New Model from ..............................£5,695 ...B/L 08 Vauxhall Zafira 1.8 SRi choice from......................................£8,695 ...B/L 06/07 Vauxhall Zafira 1.9 CDTi Life Diesel from .......................£7,995.......L 05 Vauxhall Zafira 2.2 Club 5dr Auto 20k miles.........................£7,695.......L 05 Volkswagen Beetle 1.9 TDi Convertible Diesel ..................£10,995 ......B 06 Volkswagen Golf 2.0 Sport GT TDi, Black Diesel.................£9,995 ......B 06 Volkswagen Passat 1.9 TDi S, Silver, 10k miles ...................£9,995.......L 05 Volkswagen Passat 2.0 TDi SE, Diesel from........................£9,995.......L 07 Volkswagen Passat 2.0 Sport TDi Estate Diesel................£11,995.......L 06 Volkswagen Passat 2.0 FSi 30k miles, Blue .........................£9,995.......L 04 Volkswagen Polo 1.2 Twist 5dr, 16k miles.............................£5,695.......L 04 Volkswagen Polo 1.9 Diesel Twist ........................................£5,695 ......B 06/07 Volkswagen Touareg Diesel choice from.......................£13,995 ...B/L 04 Volkswagen Touran 1.9 TDi SE, 7 seater Diesel ..................£6,995 ......B 06 Volkswagen Touran 1.9 TDi SE Silver Diesel .......................£8,995.......L 05 Volkswagen Touran 2.0 TDi SE Auto Diesel.........................£7,995 ......B 07 Volvo C70 D5 2dr Auto Convertible Diesel.........................£17,995 ......B 07 Volvo S40 1.6 D S 4dr Diesel only 9k miles.......................£10,995.......L

05/06 PEUGEOT 307 1.6 PETROL/DIESEL HATCH/ESTATE

05/07 PEUGEOT 407 1.6/2.0 PETROL/DIESEL/SALOON

7 FROM £5995

5 FROM £5995

CHOICEOF

CHOICEOF

>07 FIAT PUNTO ACTIVE 5DR LOW MILES!

• Remainder of manufacturers warranty • Remainder of • Low mileage manufacturers warranty • Remainder of roadside • Insurance group 2 • Remainder assistance coverof roadsideFROM ONLY assistance cover • Choice of colours • Choicegroup of colours • Insurance 2

www.seremotors.com

BOTH SITES LATE NIGHT OPEN MONDAY-THURSDAY 9AM-8PM, FRIDAY 9AM-5PM BOTH SITES OPEN SATURDAY 9AM-4PM & SUNDAY 12.30-5PM THROUGHOUT JANUARY

£5,695

www.lisburntoday.co.uk

52—THE ULSTER STAR, JANUARY 16, 2009

<Insert name> Des dealership Eastwood

Welcometo to Desdealership Eastwood Motors Welcome <insert name>

<Full dealership address>

Motors Ltd

Your local friendly Daihatsu Garage X ROAD D TA TAX RO X ROA Only TAX ROAD TAX ROAD AX ROA TAX ROAD T D TAX ROAD X RO D TAX ROAD T A AD T OAD TAX ROAD AX ROA TAX ROAD TA T DT OAD A T TAX OAD ROA AX R D TAX ROAD X ROAD X DT OA AX ROA TAX ROAD TA ROA AX R ROADTAX T DT D TAX ROAD AX ROAD TAX ROA TAX ROAD T X AD D ROA TAX RO D TAX ROAD AX ROAD TAX T D TAX ROA A A TAX ROAD X ROAD T OAD TAX ROAD AX ROA TAX ROAD TA AD TAX ROAD T X RO D TAX ROAD T A TA D TAX ROAD AX ROAD TAX ROA T D D T X ROA TAX ROAD AX R OAD TAX ROAD TA D

£35 Sirion 1.0 models

5 YEARS

5 YEARS

FREE FREE WARRANTY

AWARD WINNING RELIABILITY

Call Insert salesman name now on

000 000 0000 197 Moira Rd, Lisburn Tel 02892 621293

CALL IN

orwww.eastwoodmotors.com visit www.daihatsu.co.uk for more details.

FOR A CHAT

ROAD SIDE

ASSISTANCE

2008 Honda Civic 2.0 Type R

From only £8,320

2008 Subaru Forester 2.0 X Estate,

4 Door Saloon, White, 2,500 Miles, 245 BHp,

£20,990 2007 Seat Ibiza 1.4 Sport

2008 Subaru Legacy 2.0TD R Estate,

2007 Peugeot 207 1.4 SE 5DR

Blue, 1,500 Miles, High MPG,

Black, 14,000 Miles

Hatchback, Grey, 500 Miles, 1 Owner,

£16,990

£16,990

£7,990

2006 BMW 320i SE

2006 Ford Mondeo 2.0TDCi Zetec

2006 Renault Clio 1.2 Expression

3 Door, Red, 11,000 Miles,

4 Door Saloon, Blue, 12,000 Miles

5Dr Hatchback 115PS, Silver,

5 Door, Silver, 17,000 Miles

£6,990

£15,990

£5,990

£5,990

2006 Vauxhall Agila 1.0

2006 Daihatsu Terios 1.3

2005 Subaru Impreza 2.0

2005 Subaru Outback 2.5SE

Sport Jeep, 31,000 Miles, Blue/Silver

Expression, 17,000 Miles, Blue,

Turbo WRX 4 Dr Saloon, 30,000 Miles, 1 Owner, FSSH, WRC Blue,

Auto Estate, 42,000 Miles, FSSH, Green/Grey,

£5,990

£3,990

£10,990

£9,990

2005 Hyundai Tucson 2.0 CRTD CDX Jeep,

2005 Kia Sedona 2.9 CRTD L

2005 Toyota Yaris 1.3 Blue

2005 Ford Focus 1.6 Edge

31,000 Miles, One Owner, Silver,

6 Seater, 9,000 Miles, One Owner, Black,

3Dr Hatchback, 31,000 Miles, Grey,

3Dr Hatchback, 50,000 Miles, Black,

£8,990

£7,995

£5,790

£5,490

2005 Vauxhall Corsa 1.2 Breeze

2004 Hyundai Getz 1.5CRTD GSi

2004 Hyundai Getz 1.1 GSi

2003 BMW 318TiSE Compact

3Dr Hatchback, 25,000 Miles, Grey,

5Dr Hatchback, Silver,

5Dr Hatchback, 25,000 Miles, Blue,

3Dr Hatchback, 25,000 Miles, Blue,

£4,499

£4,290

£3,990

£6,990

2003 Mazda MX5 1.8i

2003 Nissan Terrano II 3.0Di Sport

2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.0TD

2003 Seat Ibiza 1.4SE 5DR

7 Seat, 70,000 Miles, Blue, Half Leather Trim,

Nevada Convertible, 36,000 Miles, Silver,

Auto LWB, Blue/Silver,

Hatchback, 50,000 Miles, Blue,

£6,990

£6,990

£3,490

£3,590

197 Moira Rd, Lisburn |

Tel: 02892 621293 | www.eastwoodmotors.com