ECHO Motors
in association with
The no.1 place to turn to for motors, in print and online – www.motors-merseyside.co.uk
E L P M A X E G N I N I SH ange r e h t p u s t h g li n o lo 8 persa u s 8 A w e n t h ig r b s Audi’
PORSCHE SPICE IS THE REAL THING
12
pages of new & used motors
Why Panamera is a proper Porsche
Mercedes Benz Vito 109 CDi LWB PANEL VAN Own this vehicle for as little as £39.00 per week** Plus deposit and acceptance fee. Monthly terms apply ** FOR BUSINESS USERS ONLY. Based on a used Mercedes - Benz vito 109 CDI LWB in white, 57 plate on Hire Purchase with a deposit of £3200.00 followed by 60 monthly payments of £169.00 APR 11.7% Weekly terms for illustration purpose only, monthly terms apply. Offer is subject to availability, terms and conditions apply. Finance offer ends 30/06/10. Finance provided by Mercedes-Benz CharterWay. Mercedes-Benz CharterWay is a brand of Mercedes-Benz Financial Services UK Limited MK7 8ND
12
USED 1 OPEN DAY THIS SATURDAY 22nd MAY at Derby Road Bootle, LIVERPOOL L20 8DY 9am till 5pm Buy any Van this weekend and receive a 12 month extended warranty plus a mot for life
0151
944
2074
Mercedes-Benz
2 MOTORS
Friday, May 21, 2010
★★★★
MOTORS 3
Friday, May 21, 2010
★★★★
Come down to our relaxing super site and browse our selection of 100’s of vehicles. Make use of our in-house finance team to find you a deal to suit your budget. Here's just a small selection...
57 Fiat Panda Active NOW ONLY
£4,695
06-58 Fiesta Zetec FROM
£4,495
11.9% APR TYPICAL
£5,495
£4,495
£6,295
06-57 Vectra Exclusives FROM
£4,695
08-09 Chrysler Sebring Limited Diesel ONLY
£8,495
ESTATE
07 Vauxhall Meriva Club, Life, Design
£5,995
07-09 Peugeot 207 Sport FROM 06-09 Vauxhall Astra Sri FROM JUST
MPV/4X4
LARGE/SALOON 06-58 Ford Mondeo FROM
ONLY
£5,395
£11,495
£5,995
FROM
56 Chrysler Grand Voyager LX Diesel FROM
07-09 Audi A3 Petrol/Diesel NOW ONLY
£8,995
57-09 Vauxhall Vectra Exclusiv Diesel
07 Nissan X-Trail Aventura DCi FROM
PRESTIGE
56 Ford Focus Edge TDCi ONLY
£9,995
06-08 Lexus IS220D FROM
£7,995
£8,995
06-07 VW Passat Saloon & Estate NOW ONLY
£7,995
07-09 BMW 3 Series Wide Selection FROM UNDER
£10,000
WE’RE OPEN UNTIL 9pm MON-FRI , SAT: 9am-6pm, SUN: 10am-6pm
0151527 3000 1 NORTHWAY
MAGHULL
SOUTHPORT
A5417 Liverpool A5036
A59
SKELMERSDALE
Maghull and Southport re e
£5,295
HOT HATCHES
06-09 Ford Focus Zetec FROM ONLY
nt
07-09 Vauxhall Corsa Club NOW ONLY
Ai
SMALL CARS
M57
M58
M58
LIVERPOOL L31 5LH
www.motorrange.co.uk
WIGAN
M6 M57 ST HELENS M62 LIVERPOOL WIRRAL
M53
WARRINGTON
M56
EASY TO FIND You’ll find us at the end of the M57/M58 at Switch Island on the A59 to Maghull.
4 MOTORS
Friday, May 21, 2010
★★★★
09/59 Vauxhall Astra 1.8 SRi 16v Sport Hatch 3 Dr
now from
£10,488
with exterior pack
save
£9292 on cost new
Save money on motoring and be happy with Arnold Clark 59 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA 1.4 TSi SE 4 DR 122 PS
Air Conditioning, Airbags Cruise Control, Remote Locking ISOFIX, ABS, Metallic Paint Front Fog Lights 16” alloy wheels
09/59 VAUXHALL CORSA 1.2 SXi 16V 3/5DR
£7488
£15,788
SAVE
SAVE
SAVE
7032 ON COST NEW
15” alloy wheels 59 FORD FIESTA 1.25 front fog lights, ABS with EBD ZETEC 5 DR 85 PS ESP, front quickclear front
windscreen, remote locking rear spoiler, metallic paint
4907
£
ALLOY WHEELS
59 FORD FOCUS 1.6 STYLE 5 DR
SAVE
59 FORD C-MAX 1.6 ZETEC
PRICE FROM
ABS with EBD, privacy glass quickclear windscreen, alarm 16” alloy wheels, LED rear lights electric mirrors metallic paint, isofix
ON COST NEW
CD Player Air Conditioning Remote Locking, ABS One Owner Roof Bars FSH
£7988
£
ELECTRIC PACK
4432
PRICE FROM
£6788
7 SEATS
ON COST NEW
ABS, Electric Windows 09/59 ASTRA SXi 16v CD Player, Immobiliser SPORT HATCH 3 DR Lowered Sports Suspension
09 PEUGEOT 308 1.6 HDi SPORT 5 DR
Sports Front Seats, Airbags Front Fog Lights, Remote Locking
Front Fog Lights, ABS with EBFD Air Conditioning, Cruise Control Electric Mirrors and Windows Sports Suspension, 7 Airbags Visibility Pack, Comfort Pack
PRICE FROM
PRICE FROM
PRICE FROM
SAVE
SAVE
SAVE
SAVE
ON COST NEW
alarm, 17” alloy wheels ABS with EBD, electric mirrors remote central locking, isofix cruise control, air conditioning full leather interior, metallic paint
AIR CONDITIONING
59 FORD FOCUS 1.6 ZETEC 5 DR
7427
£
ON COST NEW
quickclear windscreen 16” alloy wheels, ABS with EBD CD player, front fog lights rear spoiler, metallic paint remote locking
PRICE FROM
PRICE FROM
SAVE
£12,988
7428
£
ON COST NEW
ABS with EBD, 16” alloys front fog lights, isofix CD player with aux socket speed sensing auto door locking BALANCE OF 7 YEAR WARRANTY
AIR CONDITIONING
59 KIA CEE’D 1.6 CRDi 2 ECODYNAMICS 5 DR
PRICE FROM
£8788
£
ALLOY WHEELS
59 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF 2.0 GT TDi 140 PS 5 DR
PRICE FROM
SAVE
SAVE
SAVE
7502
£
ON COST NEW
ABS with EBD, 16” alloy wheels speed sensing auto door locking front fog lights, isofix CD with aux socket BALANCE OF 7 YEAR WARRANTY
3622
£
ON COST NEW
remote central locking CD player, front fog lights alloy wheels, electric windows metallic paint
£5788
2809
£
AIR CONDITIONING
AIR CONDITIONING
ON COST NEW
09/59 VAUXHALL radio/CD player with MP3 & AUX rain sensitive wipers, 16” alloys ASTRA 1.6 16v automatic lighting control remote central locking, front fog lights DESIGN
07 RENAULT SCENIC 1.4/1.6 DYNAMIQUE 5 DR
electric windows, metallic paint
SAVE
quickclear front windscreen
heated body coloured mirrors
£17,488
SAVE
08 FORD FUSION 1.6 TDCi ZETEC CLIMATE 5 DR
£
£
HALF LEATHER
08 MITSUBISHI COLT 1.3 CZ2 5 DR
7497
ISOFIX, Choice of Colours ABS, Remote Locking Air Conditioning FSH, One Owner
£5788
Airbags, CD Player 09 TOYOTA AYGO Colour Coded Bumpers PLUS 1.0 VVTi PAS, Tilt Adjustable Steering Wheel 3/5 DR
ABS with EBD, 15” alloy wheels multi functional steering wheel remote central locking electric windows metallic paint
PRICE FROM
£6488 SAVE
SAVE
ON COST NEW
ON COST NEW
PRICE FROM
ALLOY WHEELS
ON COST NEW
PRICE FROM
3132
3392
£8988
£10,888 £
ON COST NEW
£9988
SAVE
AIR CONDITIONING
7917
PRICE FROM
PRICE FROM
ON COST NEW
£
ABS, remote locking 59 CHEVROLET electric front & rear windows AVEO 1.2 LS stereo RDS radio/CD with aux jack metallic paint, electrically adjustable & 5 DR
Metallic Paint Front Fog Lights Electric Heated Mirrors Remote Locking, ISOFIX ESP, ABS, 17” Alloys
£10,788
3622
16” ALLOYS
ON COST NEW
£10,788 £
£9488
7887
PRICE FROM
alarm, auto headlights 59 FORD FIESTA metallic paint , privacy glass 1.4 TITANIUM rear spoiler, auto temperature control electric mirrors, auto wipers 5 DR 96 PS
16” ALLOY WHEELS
5866
£10,488
1607
AIR CONDITIONING
ON COST NEW
07 VAUXHALL ZAFIRA 1.6 LIFE/CLUB 5 DR
£
£6488
£
59 KIA CEE’D 1.6 CRDi 2 5 DR
6157
£
INTELLIGENT AWD SYSTEM
Air Conditioning, Alloys ABS with EBFD Front Fog Lights Remote Locking Radio/CD Player
SAVE
Airbags ABS, PAS Central Locking Height Adjustable Steering Wheel
HEATED LEATHER SEATS
09/59 PEUGEOT 207 1.4 16v SPORT 3/5 DR
£9488
AUTOMATICS AVAILABLE
SAVE
ON COST NEW
SAVE
09/59 VOLKSWAGEN POLO 1.2 E 3/5 DR
09/59 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 2.0 TDi HIGHLINE 4 DR 110 PS
BLUETOOTH
PRICE FROM
ON COST NEW
PRICE FROM
£19,488
6557
£
PRICE FROM
3032
17” alloy, auto headlights ABS with EBD, metallic paint ESP, sony DAB radio/CD player remote locking, isofix, alarm quickclear front windscreen
PRICE FROM
PRICE FROM
£
CD PLAYER/RADIO
ON COST NEW
intelligent protection system ABS with EBD, remote central locking ESP with traction assist & EBA air conditioning, electric mirrors radio CD, metallic paint
£9988
AIR CONDITIONING
air conditioning, isofix electric windows park assist, ABS with EBD ESP, quickclear front screen perimeter alarm, metallic paint
PRICE FROM
£
59 FORD KUGA 2.0 DURATORQ TDCi TITANIUM 136 PS
09 FORD S-MAX 2.0 TDCi ZETEC 140 PS
PRICE FROM
£11,288 DIESELS ALSO AVAILABLE
Airbags, CD Player Electric Front Windows Front Fog Lights Remote Locking Air Conditioning
PRICE FROM
AIR CONDITIONING
£7488
PRICE FROM
AIR CONDITIONING
£5688
ABS WITH EBD
£
1754 ON COST NEW
SEARCH 0VER 15,000 CARS AT www.arnoldclark.com ONLY 2 MINS FROM THE CITY CENTRE
LIVERPOOL SEFTON ST ☎ 0844 844 3963
Franchise Now Open
MON - FRI 9-8pm, SAT 9-6pm, SUN 11-5pm
BT CALLS 5P PER MINUTE, OTHER PROVIDERS MAY VARY. CALLS MAY BE RECORDED FOR QUALITY OR TRAINING PURPOSES. OFFERS SUBJECT TO STATUS, TERMS AND CONDITIONS. MODELS SHOWN FOR ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES ONLY. ALL CARS ADVERTISED ARE AVAILABLE AT BRANCHES LISTED OR FROM GROUP STOCK.
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the m{zd{ range.
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MOTORS 5
Friday, May 21, 2010
★★★★
M{zd{ RX-8 R3
From £20,495 With a customer saving of £5000 Features include: leather trim, 18” alloys, 6 speed gearbox BOSE sound system, bucket front seats, freestyle door system rear spoiler, traction control, xenon headlights
M{zd{ MX-5 1.8 SE
M{zd{ 5 1.8 TAKARA
From £14,995 With a customer saving of £3080
From £14,495* With a customer saving of £2300
APR 0%
On the road price £14,995
36 monthly payments £291.56
Balance to pay £10,496
Customer deposit £4499
Total amount payable £14,995
On the road price £15,495
Customer deposit £849
Mazda deposit £1000
36 monthly payments £239
Balance to pay £13,646
Final payment £6838.25
Total amount payable £17,323.65
5.9%
APR
6000 miles per annum excess mileage charge 14.9p per mile
M{zd{ 3 1.6 TS
M{zd{ 2 1.3 TS 3DR
From £12,495* With a customer saving of £2235
From £8495* With a customer saving of £1325
On the road price £13,495
Customer deposit £1350
Mazda deposit £1000
36 monthly payments £199.07
On the road price £8995
Customer deposit £295
Mazda deposit £500
36 monthly payments £149.11
Balance to pay £11,145
Final payment £5461.25
Total amount payable £14,977.77
APR
Balance to pay £8200
Final payment £3914.25
Total amount ayable £10,077.21
5.9%
6000 miles per annum excess mileage charge 14.9p per mile
5.9%
APR
6000 miles per annum excess mileage charge 14.9p per mile
scheme available
many models with Nil Advance Payment! Liverpool, 55 Sefton Street ☎ 0844 856 3081
The official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km) for the Mazda Range: Urban 18.0 (15.7) – 55.4 (5.1), Extra Urban 31.0 (9.1) – 80.7 (3.5), Combined 24.6 (11.5) – 68.9 (4. 3). CO2 emissions (g/km) 299 – 107. BT CALLS 5P PER MINUTE, OTHER PROVIDERS MAY VARY. Calls may be recorded for quality or training purposes. Retail sales only. Subject to availability at participating dealers only on vehicles registered between 1 April 2010 and 30 June 2010. Finance subject to status. Terms and conditions apply. Applicants must be 18 or over. Guarantees/Indemnities may be required. Mazda Financial Services RH1 1SR. All-new Mazda3 1.6 TS 5dr. OTR price: £12,495. Mazda2 3dr 1.3 TS. OTR price: £8495. Mazda MX-5 1.8 SE. OTR price: £14,995. Mazda 5 1.8 Takara. OTR price: £14,995. Mazda RX-8 R3. OTR price: £20,495. All models shown feature optional metallic/mica paint (£395). On the road prices include 17.5% VAT, number plates, delivery, 12 months’ road fund licence, 1st registration fee, 3 year or 60,000 mile warranty and 3 years’ European Roadside Assistance. Details correct at time of going to print. APR range from 0% to 5.9%. *When financed through Mazda financial services.
OVERALL TYPICAL
5.9% APR
6 MOTORS
Friday, May 21, 2010
★★★★
ANOTHER TOUGH DECISION 207 Verve 1.4 3DR
107 Urban 3DR
NOW from £159* per month
NOW from £109* per month
• USB CONNECTIVITY & BLUETOOTH
• £0 ROAD TAX IN YEAR 1
• ALLOY WHEELS
• GROUP 1 INSURANCE
• 6 AIRBAGS
• UP TO 62.7 MPG • RADIO/CD PLAYER WITH MP3 INPUT
As two of our bestselling cars, the 107 Urban and the 207 Verve are both high on style and great for nipping around the city. The compact, 107 is lower on costs, whereas the 207 comes with the latest technology. So take a test drive today and make up your mind.
ROBINS & DAY LIVERPOOL 77 MILL LANE LIVERPOOL 0844 5671520 www.robinsandday.co.uk/liverpool
The official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km) and CO2 emissions (g/km) for the 107 range are: Urban 51.3 (5.5), Extra Urban 72.4-68.8 (3.9-4.1), Combined 62.7-61.4 (4.5-4.6), CO2 107-106 (g/km) for the 207 range are: Urban 49.5-28.5 (5.7-9.9), Extra Urban 76.3-49.5 (3.7-5.7), Combined 64.2-39.2 (4.4-7.2), CO2 171 - 99 (g/km).
*Offers apply to vehicles registered from 4th January 2010 until such point as they may be withdrawn by Peugeot Motor Company PLC at its discretion. Offers subject to availability and on selected models only. *Over 18s only. A guarantee may be required. Written quotations available on request from Peugeot Financial Services, Quadrant House, Princess Way, Redhill, RH 1 1QA. Passport Personal Lease offers: 207 Verve 1.4 8v 3dr Initial rental £1,452, 46 monthly rentals, Optional final rental £3,701, Agreed mileage 6,000. 107 Urban 1.0 3dr Initial rental £1,652.18, 46 monthly rentals, Optional final rental £2,715, Agreed mileage 6,000. If you choose to pay off the optional final rental at the end of the contract, you can keep the vehicle but you will not own it - you will pay an annual rental equivalent to one of your monthly rentals. If you exceed your agreed annual mileage you may incur excess mileage charges. These offers are available at participating dealers only. (PEUG34739)
USED
FROM £99 PER MONTH FROM
FROM
£99
£99
Per Month
09 Plate Ford Fiesta 1.25 Zetec
58 Plate Ford Focus Style
Peoples Price £8999 Cash Price
Customer Deposit
£8999
£2650
Amount of Credit
Total Amount Payable
£6349
£11247.75
47 Monthly Payments
Total Charge for Credit
Final Payment
Purchase Fee
£99.63 £3715
Per Month
Peoples Price £8999
TYPICAL
£1849.56 £199
11.9% APR
Excess mileage 12k per annum charge 3.3p + vat per mile.
Cash Price
Customer Deposit
£8999
£2950
Amount of Credit
Total Amount Payable
£6049
£11112.39
47 Monthly Payments
£99.69
Final Payment
£3278
Total Charge TYPICAL for Credit
£1715.39 Purchase Fee
Excess mileage 12k per annum charge £0.06 + vat per mile.
ASK ABOUT
Bridge Road, Prescot
Orrell Lane, Bootle
Speke Hall Road, Speke
Monday Friday 9am 8pm
Saturday 9am 6pm
Sunday 11am 5pm
Models shown for illustration purposes only.
Tel:0844 482 8707 (Calls charged at local rate)
£199
11.9% APR
MOTORS 7
Friday, May 21, 2010
★★★★
Motors
It’s the Mu-coloured swap shop . . .
A
NEW approach to motoring is being introduced by Peugeot allowing drivers to swap cars whenever they want. The Mu scheme will be launched next month at two Peugeot dealerships to test the programme in Britain. Mu, a Greek word for mobility, will allow participants to buy credits which can be used to hire any Peugeot car. It will also include Peugeot vans, scooters, bicycles and accessories such as baby seats and roof boxes. The scheme is designed to give motorists a cost effective way of using the type of vehicle they need at any time and will be open to everyone. As an example, Peugeot says that any motorist can use Mu points to hire one of its vans for a weekend to move home or a seven-seater to
by CHRIS RUSSON go on holiday. Although prices of buying Mu points in the UK are still to be announced, Peugeot says they will be competitive with mainstream vehicle hire rates. All Peugeot vehicles will be included in the scheme including its award winning 3008 crossover model, the 5008 MPV, the 308 CC convertible and the recently launched RCZ coupe. Initially only two dealers in London and Bristol will be operating Mu using a pool of demonstrator vehicles, although Peugeot plans to roll it out across its network of UK showrooms. The French company has already started similar schemes in France, Germany and Italy.
FOREIGN EXCHANGE RATE: Peugeot’s 3008 is just one of the cars which could be hired under the French company’s new ‘Mu’ scheme
ORDER YOUR
Ford Ka Edge Peoples Price
£7745
TODAY AT
Ford Fiesta Edge
Ford Focus Zetec 5dr
Peoples Price
Peoples Price
£9415
£11995
RRP £10110 SAVE £2365
RRP £12395 SAVE £2980
RRP £18695 SAVE £6700
£127 Deposit
£159 Deposit
£216 Deposit
Cash Price
£7745
47 Monthly Payments
£127
£127 Per Month Customer Deposit
£127
Purchase Total Charge Total Amount Fee for Credit Payable
£149
£1891
TYPICAL
£9934
Amount of Credit
Cash Price
47 Monthly Payments
Customer Deposit
£159
£7618
£9415
Final Payment
Purchase Total Charge Total Amount Fee for Credit Payable
£3645
10.6% APR
Excess mileage 6k per annum charge £0.06 + vat per mile.
£159
£159 Per Month
£149 £2258.50 TYPICAL
£11971
Amount of Credit
£9256 Final Payment
£4145
10.3% APR
Excess mileage 6k per annum charge £0.06 + vat per mile.
Tel:0844 482 8707 Finance subject to status, Terms & Conditions apply. Models shown are for illustration purposes only.
Cash Price
£11995
47 Monthly Payments
£216
£216 Per Month Customer Deposit
£216
Purchase Total Charge Total Amount Fee for Credit Payable
£149
£2762.91
TYPICAL
£15055
Amount of Credit
£11779 Final Payment
£4527
10.0% APR
Excess mileage 6k per annum charge £0.06 + vat per mile.
(Calls charged at local rate)
8 MOTORS
Friday, May 21, 2010
★★★★
Motors
plugs & points
●
THE new Skoda Fabia vRS will hit showrooms on July 29 with prices from £15,700. It is the fastest production Fabia ever produced and builds on its predecessor’s reputation for high performance, low running costs and value for money. Available as a hatch and estate, the vRS is powered by a 1.4-litre TSI 180bhp engine in tandem with a 7-speed DSG transmission. Prices are £15,700 for the hatch and £16,495 for the estate model.
●
HONDA has launched a revolutionary new technology – dual clutch transmission which it says could revolutionise the future of motorcycling. The new VFR1200F will get both a traditional manual gear change, but by hand rather than foot, and also a full auto box with two different modes. The system has a six-speed manual gear select option via electronic trigger-shift controls.
●
A REPLICA of the Batmobile will be a focus of attention at the inaugural Historics at Brooklands auction in Surrey on June 2. It is one of only
three existing steel-bodied versions and comes with dashboardmounted television, rear parachute pod and Batphone. Unfortunately you’d have to be millionaire playboy Bruce Wayne to afford it.
TAKE THE A ROAD: Audi’s new A8 is a technological tour de force
The light fantastic for Audi’s new A8
A
FRIEND of mine once bought a car purely because he liked the way the dials lit up blue at night. Having just driven one of the first UK-spec models of Audi’s new A8, I think I know where he was coming from. If you take one of these big saloons home, the first things you’ll show off to the neighbours will be the almost endless catalogue of gadgets and gizmos that come out to play after dark, including night vision cameras, pedestrian detection, interior lighting with changeable colour themes, and powerful all-LED headlights. Add to that a sat-nav with handwriting recognition and massage seats, and you have a car that is heaven for techno-geeks but also, more importantly, sufficiently luxurious to impress captains of industry. This is Audi’s new flagship, the car which it believes will say to other luxury carmakers – and their customers – that this upwardly-mobile company has now reached its goal of becoming a serious player in that rarified end of the market. In fact, once the A1 is available, there will be precious few ends of the market in which Audi do not have an interest, from
by BARRIE MILLS economical runabouts to 200mph V10 supercars. But the luxury saloon category in which the A8 exists is an important one for the brand. A few years ago, according to Audi, it would have been “unthinkable” for them to be selling cars at £100,000-plus. Now, with some models of both the R8 and A8, that psychological barrier has been breached. At launch, the A8 comes with a 4.2-litre V8 engine in either petrol or turbodiesel guise, with a range of smaller (3-litre V6) and larger (W12) powerplants to follow over the next few months. The 4.2 TDI is an especially fine motor, producing 350PS and an earth-moving 800Nm of torque which propels it from 0-62mph in a fleet-footed 5.5 seconds. Its petrol sibling, the 4.2 FSI, has marginally more power (372PS) but much less torque (445Nm) which translates to a very slightly slower 0-62mph time of 5.7 seconds. However, in real driving conditions, the difference is more noticeable, with the permanent Quattro four-wheel-drive transmission
helping the diesel exploit that torque to drag itself out of corners and up hills with fearsome ability. It’s no exaggeration that the new A8 is a technological tour de force, and a lot of that technology is aimed at making it a much better drive than the last model and closer to the agility of deadly rival the BMW 7 Series. Highlights include an 8-speed tiptronic transmission that can link up with the sat-nav’s GPS to ensure the gearbox doesn’t change up just before a bend or an incline, for example. There is also adjustable air suspension and ‘Audi drive’ which allows you to select varying degrees of handling stiffness and throttle and gearbox response. A new aluminium space
frame – lighter and stiffer than before – also increase the A8’s ability to provide an involving drive. CO2 emissions are down as well, compared to the outgoing model. It’s an impressive CV for a driver’s car and it’s easy to forget that you’re in such a large vehicle as you hustle it round twisty lanes. This is where the 7 Series has always had the edge over previous models of the A8, and now the gap is even smaller. But, like the impressive night-time light show, it’s the technology on the interior which tends to stand out at first. There’s more kit as standard on this model than before, but there is still a very long and expensive options
BIG SCREEN DEBUT: The A8’s sat-nav and new multimedia entertainment system
list for those who want all the toys. The test cars driven at launch had been specced up from their standard price (£61,975 for the 4.2 FSI and £63,900 for the 4.2 TDI) to nearly £90,000. For that money, you get things like ventilated massaging seats, intelligent cruise control, and night vision cameras with a special pedestrian detection feature. The new multimedia system, which includes sat-nav and entertainment, is outstanding. One of the most innovative features is being able to input addresses or postcodes by drawing with your finger on a touch screen. And later in the year an option will be available to allow Google Earth images to appear on the sat-nav screen. The A8 has laid down a serious challenge to BMW, Mercedes and Jaguar. Audi now leads the way in technology and is ever closer to the BMW and Mercedes benchmarks of handling and comfort. Perhaps the only area where it fails to push the competition all the way is its styling. Compared with the elegant lines of the Jaguar XJ, the Audi seems conservative and the front and rear too similar to its smaller brother the A4.
SCOOP PURCHASE! SAVE £1050 SAME DAY
DELIVE RY
07 07
RENAULT CLIO EXTREME Blue | 14,000 Miles | Alloys CD Player | ABS
COST NEW £5999
OUR PRICE
£4949
08 58 RENAULT TWINGO GT
Silver | 6,000 Miles | Air Con Alloys | Sunroof
COST NEW £7499
SAVE £1024 SAM
DELIVEEDAY RY
OUR PRICE
£6475
HURRY!!! LIMITED NUMBERS BOOK A TEST DRIVE TODAY CLIO - SMALL
06 56 Renault Clio Expression / Black, 23,000 Miles, Air Con, PAS, CD Player ........................................ £4,925 06 56 Renault Clio Privilege / Blue, 32,000 Miles, Alloys, CD Player, Air Con .......................................... £5,525 07 57 Renault Clio 1.2 Rip Curl / Grey, 17,000 Miles, Central Locking, Electric Windows, CD Player........ £5,594 08 08 Renault Clio Expression / Black, 8,000 Miles, PAS, Air Con, CD Player .......................................... £5,900 06 56 Renault Clio 2.0 Dynamique S / Silver, 5,000 Miles, CD Player, Alloys, PAS.................................... £6,800 06 06 Renault Clio 2.0 197 / Black, 35,000 Miles, Alloys, Keyless, Air Con.............................................. £8,050
MODUS - COMPACT
08 58 Renault Grand Modus 1.2 Dynamique / Silver, 12,000 Miles, Alloys, Air Con, PAS.......................... £6,604
MEGANE - MID-SIZE
07 07 Renault Megane 1.6 Extreme / Blue, 18,000 Miles, Alloys, CD Player, PAS .................................... £5,550 07 07 Renault Megane 1.4 Extreme / Red, 16,000 Miles, Alloys, CD Player, PAS .................................... £5,785 08 58 Renault Megane 1.6 Tech Run / Silver, 9,000 Miles, CD Player, PAS, Air Con ................................ £7,749 08 58 Renault New Shape Megane 1.9 dCi Dynamique / Silver, 11,000 Miles, ABS, Air Con, CD Player £11,725 09 59 Renault Megane Coupe 1.6 Expression / Silver, 11,000 Miles, Air Con, PAS, CD Player................ £12,400
LAGUNA - LARGE
08 08 Renault Laguna Sport Tourer 1.5 dCi Expression / Venitian, 32,000 Miles, CD Player, PAS, Alloys .. £8,074 08 58 Renault Laguna 2.0 dCi Dynamique / Blue, 7,000 Miles, PAS, Alloys, Fog Lights ........................ £10,100 09 59 Renault Laguna 1.5 dCi Expression / Black, 9,000 Miles, Alloys, PAS, Air Con ............................ £10,450
GRAND ESPACE - PEOPLE CARRIER
09 09 Renault Grand Espace 2.0 dCi / Eclipse, 14,000 Miles, Alloys, Air Con, 7 Seats .......................... £15,375
KOLEOS - 4X4
09 09 Renault Koleos 2.0 dCi Dynamique / Sandstone, 12,000 Miles, PAS, 4wd, Alloys ........................ £15,950
RENAULT LIVERPOOL 0151 552 8000 Find us at Sefton Street, Liverpool L8 6PZ www.renaultretail.co.uk/liverpool *Pictures for illustration purposes only. Renault Retail Group are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Renault Retail Group reserve the right to cancel or change any offers without prior notice.
★★★★
Friday, May 21, 2010
MOTORS 9
10 MOTORS
Friday, May 21, 2010
ECHO Motoring Vehicles Wanted
Car & Van Hire MALVERN MOTOR CO Car/ Van Hire. will deliver, competitive rates 0151 933 9994/07878 966258
Commercial Vehicles
PEUGEOT BOXER VAN 335 L.W.B. white, Reg 2007, 2200cc diesel, tax, miles 17,500
£12,500 ono 0151 421 1835
Y REG FORD TRANSIT VAN
LWB, high roof, full roof rack and ladder, MoT and tax, very good runner, needs some tidying
£850
0151 526 3962 07870 820 111
M.O.T. BOOK YOUR M.O.T. ONLINE NOW www.liverpoolmot.co.uk or call 0151 486 3456 Collection & Delivery just £10 each way or free if in the Speke area.
Vehicles Wanted LOW MILEAGE CARS 96-08 WANTED TOP PRICES PAID HP Settled
0151-220 9055
GUERNSEY MOTORS GREEN LANE OLD SWAN L13 EST 28 YEARS
www.motors-merseyside.co.uk
DON’T BE FOOLED By being told your car has been scrapped LEGALLY. You need a certificate of destruction from D.V.L. to avoid the FINE. We issue certificates with cash for your car and free collection
I BUY ANY CAR DON’T CON cash paid. 00−08. High or low mileage. Fantastic Prices. 07824 601581
CROSBY RENAULT Specialist service/ repair 0151 932 0381
SCRAP CARS REMOVED Top prices paid. Collection within the hour. Tel 07712 887218
EUROCLUTCH CLUTCHES Best prices. Fully guaranteed 25 Dublin St L3 7DT 0151 236 4079
BRASENOSE MOTOR RECYCLING 0151 933 1994 (Day) or 07801 385006 (Evening)
MOT FAILURES WANTED Cars or Vans £130−£6,000. Collection within 1 hour. 07951 944790
£135 MINIMUM PAID
CARS BOUGHT FOR CASH Best prices paid, all cars considered GEORGESONS Tel 0 1 5 1 2 6 0 9 5 7 5 o r enquiries@georgesonscars.co.uk
For most scrap cars, vans & 4x4’s
07768 153951
Full receipt given with every vehicle removed
£140 UPWARDS FOR MOST CARS,VANS, & UNWANTED VEHICLES PROMPT COLLECTION 0151 922 9585 07968 950342
ALL VEHICLES WANTED £130 − £6000 PAID FOR MOST CARS & VANS CASH WITHIN THE HOUR! Tel 0151 321 0324 (Aintree) 07889 151394
£130 − £5000 Most Cars & vans Anything considered Cash waiting 0151 928 7666 (24 Hours)
WANTED £130 UPWARDS
SCRAP CARS & VANS WANTED Top prices paid, any condition and any time, 7 days per week 07966 074205
Vehicle Security WINDOW TINTING specialist. Car alarms, 07990 630 194
Repairs & Services CAR LOGIX SERVICE & REPAIRS
We specialise in Japanese imports & UK vehicles. If you have a problem or just want a service, we do it all i.e. batteries, services, timing, chains/belts, brakes, air con, re-gas, clutches & lots more Give us a call. Recovery service available free (subject to job) 0151 486 3456
A1 CLUTCH & GEARBOX
Mot’s, Servicing & Repairs Free collection & Warranty 0151 734 2225 07751 459106 (Eve)
For Most Cars, Vans, 4X4’s & MOT failures Certificate of Destruction 1 Hour Collection all areas T: 0151 260 1700
CLUTCHES − M.O.T.’s FREE COLLECTION FULLY GUARANTEED 0151 228 1731 07796 198 648 (evg) 333A PRESCOT RD, L13 (next to Stanley Abattoir)
£135 MINIMUM For Most Scrap Cars & Vans Top Prices Paid 0151 443 0629 or 07570 881 795
CAR WON’T START? Running problems? Timing belt broken? Mobile tune & service, same day. Tel 07802 607029
RENAULT MEGANE COUPE
In great condition, cd, alloys, elec windows, leather interior, 12 months MOT, tax, immaculate
£12,995 ono 0151 227 3030 Full colour 6x1 advert
ONLY
£40 for 3 days
RENAULT MEGANE COUPE
In great condition, cd, alloys, elec windows, leather interior, 12 months MOT, tax, immaculate
£12,995 ono 0151 227 3030 Display 4x1 advert
CLUTCHES/MOT’S £35 FREE COLLECTIONS FREE DIAGNOSTICS Brakes, Servicing, Repairs etc. Same Day 0151 933 8812 SAAB/VOLVO Sales/Service Merseyswede. 0151 525 6545 HEAD GASKETS Cam belts, Service, MOT. 07903 419585
CRYPTON TUNING Fuel injection, engine electronics, engine service ABS/airbag diagnostics, non starters, at home or work Cartune 9am−7pm 6 days. 0151 236 0597 AUTO−ELECTRICIAN 24/7 Mobile. Wiring, Starters, alternators, Radios, Fires, Engine Management, Non−runners etc 7 Days 0151 263 4919
MOBILE CAR SERVICES Friendly & efficient repairs/ servicing.Bill 0151 521 5262
MOBILE REPAIRS Servicing, brakes, diagnostics. Est 30 yrs 07850 742 042 Allen WELDING mobile, gas/arc/mig, body/chassis/mot repairs/wings/ sills/panels. Myers 0151 526 6731/07746 778803 WESTONS WINDSCREENS Side windows & rear screens, all cars, taxi’s & vans, new & secondhand, mobile fitting. Ash Rd, Seaforth, L21 2PY. 0151 928 7770.
Driving Tuition
THE DRIVING ACADEMY SPECIAL OFFER
10 Lessons £149 (new pupils) Male & Female Instructors St. Helens to Speke & Southport to Skelm
GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE We turn up when we say we will
0151-283 2929
Sell your motor fast!
PREMIUM ENHANCED package package
Repairs & Services
BASIC package
RENAULT MEGANE COUPE ,12 months MOT, tax,leather int, immaculate £12,995 ono 0151 227 3030 Lineage advert 5 lines (MAX)
ONLY
£30
for 3 days
ONLY
£35
www.thedrivingacademy.com
COLORS SOM First 10 lessons £135 Tel 0151 475 0467
ASHLEY NEAL SPECIAL OFFER £150 10 hrs Manual only. Male/female instructors. All areas covered. 08452 606 602
AUTOMATIC £18 hourly, Ex BSM. Tel 0151 283 6207 YOU’LL PASS 10 lessons for £160, & 2 lessons free (terms). Call Simon 07786 327471. PASSWAY Driving School 1st 2 lessons £10 each hour beginners only. Special offer 5 lessons £85 Male/Female instructors. All areas. Instructors wanted 0151 430 8333 THE DRIVING ACADEMY Male/Female Instructors. All areas covered. Quality Instructors with quality cars. Tel: 0151 283 2929
U.K. VALETING SOLUTIONS Professional car care to your door. Tel: 0151 424 4555 Freephone: 0800 232 1524 Fully Insured,7 days a week. www.ukvaletingsolutions.co.uk
Spares U S E D C A R S P A R E S All makes 0151 933 1994
£10
Please ask for details.
Your advert will appear in the following titles... LIVERPOOL ECHO LIVERPOOL DAILY POST METRO QUIDS IN PLUS www.buysell.co.uk
To Place an advertisement call on:
0151 227 3030
Alternatively please call into your local office: Liverpool Daily Post and Echo, PO Box 48, Old Hall Street, Liverpool, L69 3EB
In the event of any error, misprint or omission in the printing of an advertisement or part of an advertisement, the publisher will re-insert the advertisement or relevant part. No reinsertion will be made where the error, misprint or omission does not detract from the advertisement or is not the fault of the publisher.
CABANON MISTRAL Excellent condition Cabanon Mistral trailer tent. Sleeps up to 8 people. Has two large 2 berth bedrooms and two under bed tents. Additional sun canopy and one metre extension make this a very spacious tent. Includes kitchen with two burners, grill and stainless steel sink.
£900 01513428425
LLANGOLLEN WILLERBY 35ft x 12ft Mobile home 2 bedrooms, shower, ensuite, as new, on quiet riverside park with trout fishing & river walks. Suit retired couple
01691 718681
SWIFT CHALLENGER 490 1990 gas hob oven hot water fridge full awning
£690.00.ono 0151 512 1078
STATIC CARAVAN
35ft x 12ft, central heating, double glazed, quiet site, North Wales
£9,995 ono
01745 850827 07966 539203 CARAVAN FOR SALE on Presthaven Sands. 8 berth, excellent condition. Only £3,000 deposit. Call Louise 07854 137557
Chrysler / Jeep
JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE Silver, 2006, 3.0 LTD, CRD, 5 door, 4WD auto, 26k miles, FSH, MOT and tax
£14,399 07885 282964
Car Valeting
for 3 days
6 day deals are also available for an extra
Caravans / Motorhomes / Tents
Caravans / Motorhomes / Tents Wanted C A R A V A N S B O U G H T for cash. Good money paid. Any age considered. Tel: 07813 467820
SUBARU IMPREZA SPORT 1999, two−litre non−turbo. Three months’ tax, seven months’ MOT, green, good runner, good condition for year.
£450 ono Tel. 07746 938 465 (Crosby)
Citroen
227 3030 Fiat
S PUNTO 1.2 S 1 Year Mot/Tax, Cd Player, Service History
£995 Tel 0151 521 8700 www.ricelanecars.co.uk
FIAT MAREA Y REG
Estate, Metallic Dark Blue. 65k Miles. 2 owners from new. Still drives & looks like new car. MOT’d and taxed. 6 CD player.
£1,375
07516 282018
Ford
R REG FORD MONDEO ESTATE 1 Year Mot, Taxed, Pas, Central Locking, Electric Windows 2 From £995
Tel 0151 521 8700
www.ricelanecars.co.uk FORD KA 1.3 Power 01 steering, 12 months MOT, reliable car in good condition £1,180 0151 521 3547 (t)
FORD ESCORT 1.4 LX 5dr, 55k, alloy wheels, CD player, met red, 12 mths Mot, 6 mths tax, ex con
£795 ono 07919 804818
55 REG FORD MONDEO 1.8 ZETEC
Black, 12 months mot, 5 door hatchback, manual, alarm, alloys, air con, CD player, 1 owner, full Ford history, high miles hence
£3,100 07773 088582 0151 648 9301
Nissan
M REG NISSAN MICRA 1.0
PICASSO 1.8 SX 2000 W REG
Boston, 3 door hatch, red, MoT Sep, alarmed, 83,000 mls. part service history, economical, very good condition throughout
Average miles for year, serviced, new brake discs, slight damage on tailgate however nice car, Tax till month end, Mot Nov 2010
0151 281 8571 07842 534 962
£475 ono
£895 01744 454449 07788 885979
CITROEN C5 HDi SX 02 DIESEL 2002, long Mot, registered Tax, remote central locking, hydro−pneumatic suspension, very comfortable, 2 keys, silver.
V REG MICRA 1 litre, 16v, 3dr inspiration, 1 owner, 72k miles, full service history, Mot Nov, sunroof, radio cassette, alarmed. Silver with beautiful print seats. 5 speed. Drives superb.
reduced £1,150 07807061989 0151 924 5677
Good condition
£1,250 ono 07887 710872
Renault
MERSEYCITROEN.CO.UK 0151 525 6545
MERSEYRENAULT.CO.UK 0151 525 6545
Friday, May 21, 2010
ECHO Motoring Peugeot
Vauxhall
PEUGEOT 206 GTi180 2004
55 REG ASTRA ESTATE 1.7 CDTi
Undiscovered Provence
MOTORS 11
Madrid, Salamanca & Toledo
blue, 58,000 miles, alloys, electrics, FSH, Mot & Tax Excellent condition
£4,500 ono
MOT July 10 Tax Jan 11 FSH 38,000 Miles PAS Immobiliser Alarm leather sports seats CD changer ABS Alloys C/control
£4295
Tel. 07970 759825
05
206 1.1S 5 dr, red 20,000 mls, 1 owner s/hist, pas cd ac new mot excellent £3,700. 0151 428 8025 (T)
07796 910325.
V REG VECTRA
£595 ono
MERSEYPEUGEOT.CO.UK 0151 525 6545
07939 526565
Rover
VAUXHALL ZAFIRA 1600
ROVER 416 S REG
03 plate, 12 mths Mot, 1 mth tax, 7 seater, green, good con, CD, P.A.S, EW, alarmed,
Full Mot, racing green, alloys, spoiler, electric windows, sunroof, good tyres, new head gasket fitted.
07725 036757.
Good condition
£550 ono 0151 220 4202 ROVER 620 Automatic, P reg, mot September, 99,900 miles, excellent condition, £560. Tel: 07846 691531.
Saab SAAB SAAB SAAB Diesel specialist www.sarbkar.co.uk, service/repair 0151 448 1184 SAAB SAAB SAAB Diesel specialist www.sarbkar.co.uk, service/repair 0151 448 1184
Suzuki
SUZUKI LIANA GL 2003, 45000 miles excellent condition 5door silver 11months mot 5months tax usual refinements only
£1500 Tel. 01513471224
Toyota TOYOTA YARIS 2004
£2,100 ono
VW VOLKSWAGEN POLO 1.2.E
5dr 2002, blue, well maintained, Excellent cond. inside & out. Genuine low mileage 43000. Tax/MOT to Oct. Owner moved abroad prompting sale. All documents and papers held. Reg OY52VSP. Test drive available. Low price hence no bargaining for this very good buy.
TOYOTA COROLLA
05, 1.4 D4−D T3 Diesel, metallic blue, 12 months MoT, taxed, 50,000 miles, lady owner
£5,950
0151 489 6643 0151 281 9563
Vauxhall ASTRA 1.7 CDTi Club Est 07 silver 68K, fsh, new mot, new tyres, 1 owner, excellent £5,600. 0151 428 8025 (T)
7 days from only £599 per person
6 days from only £529 per person
Selected departures up to October 2010
Selected departures up to October 2010
This superb tour visits the highlights of the ancient kingdom of Castille, the medieval university city of Salamanca - the former capital of Toledo, Madrid with its world-class art and the Royal Palace in Aranjuez – together with its fantastic gardens, plus much more.
Fully escorted price includes: • Return flights to Nice from Liverppol & Manchester, other regional airports also available OR standard-class Eurostar from London St. Pancras International • 5 nights bed and breakfast at an excellent quality three-star hotel • Guided walking tour of Aix-en-Provence • Visit to Avignon – home of the Pope’s Palace • Walking tour of Arles • Tour of the Camargue • Tour of the Luberon Hills, visiting idyllic picturesque villages en-route • Accompanied by a French-speaking tour manager
Fully escorted price includes:
flights from Liverpool, other regional airports also available • Return nights bed & breakfast at quality three and four-star hotels • 6Four • Visit todinners Toledo, the former capital of Spain • Sightseeing of Madrid • Walking tourtour of Salamanca, Spain’s university city • Visit to Aranjuez, of the former Royal Palace • The services of anhome experienced Spanish-speaking tour manager •
For further information and a FREE brochure
For further information and a FREE brochure
Call: 0151 227 5987
Call: 0151 227 5987
Holiday organised by Riviera Travel ABTA V4744 & ATOL 3430 protected. Per person prices based on two sharing a twin room. Single rooms & optional insurance is available at a supplement.
Holiday organised by Riviera Travel ABTA V4744 & ATOL 3430 protected. Per person prices based on two sharing a twin room. Single rooms & optional insurance is available at a supplement.
www.livriviera.co.uk
181,000 ECHO readers plan to go on holiday within the next year.
Source: Gfk NOP 2008, TM NW2 10% area
£2440
www.livriviera.co.uk
181,000 ECHO readers plan to go on holiday within the next year.
Source: Gfk NOP 2008, TM NW2 10% area
Tel. 01744754000
VW BORA V5, grey, 1999, EW, air con., full electric pack, 6 months tax, 12 months MoT, full VW service history, 6 CD changer
£2,000 ono 07940 371684
fr
VOLKSWAGON PASSAT 1.8 SE , 20 v, Turbo. 2001 Y, Alloys climate control, CD, 63000 miles, FSH, New MOT, excellent throughout £1995 01704 824241, 07810 800051
Edinburgh Tattoo
Volvo 5 2 Volvo. S40. Diesel. Met blue. AC, Remote locking, alloys, 91k, FSH, any inspection. £2595. 01704 824241. 07810 800051
34,000 miles, 3 Door, Petrol, semi-automatic, 12 months M.O.T, Tax until Sept 2010, new tyres, new battery, excellent condition. £3700 Tel. 07595986683
Fully Bonded & Protected
1.8, silver, low mileage, recent cambelt, long mot, taxed, excellent condition
Fully Bonded & Protected
To advertise your entertainment service in this section call:
0151 472 2294
£199om .95pp for 3 days
Departing 6 August 2010
Summer in the French Alps 6 days from
£379.00, Jun, Jul & Sept 2010
Experience the picturesque French Alpine region and combine the breathtaking, majestic peaks of the Alps with the sophisticated lakeside resort of Annecy. • Return flights from Liverpool John Lennon or Manchester airport to Geneva • Return airport to hotel transfers • Five nights’ bed and breakfast accommodation at the three-star Comfort Hotel Mandallaz in Annecy • A visit to Chamonix • A trip on the historic Montenvers rack railway near Mont Blanc • The services of a Tour Manager
For a brochure call:
0151 227 5987 (All calls charged at local rate)
or to book call:
0845 226 9732 Quoting Code LPE
Book online at: www.newmarket.travel/lpe BROUGHT TO YOU BY: TRINITY MIRROR NORTH WEST AND NORTH WALES IN CONJUNCTION WITH: NEWMARKET PROMOTIONS LTD. ABTA V787X.
This summer, reserve your place in the audience for Edinburgh's unrivalled, unforgettable and truly memorable Royal Military Tattoo, enjoying its 60th birthday this year. The diamond jubilee celebrations make the 2010 Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo a 'must see' event, all set against the backdrop of the majestic and historic Edinburgh Castle! Price includes: • A ticket with a face value of £20 for a 7.30pm Saturday evening performance of the 2010 Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Upgrade to: A ticket with a face value of £31 for a supplement of £15 per person. A ticket with a face value of £50 for a supplement of £35 per person. • 2 nights stay at the 4 star Holiday Inn hotel, Glasgow Airport • Dinner on the Friday evening and full Scottish breakfast on the Saturday and Sunday mornings • Free time in Edinburgh and Glasgow • Return coach travel Liverpool, Southport and Birkenhead For further information and a FREE brochure
Call: 0151 227 5987 To make a booking
Call: 01524 511780
OPENING TIMES: MON-FRI 8.30-19.30 SAT 8.45-15.30 SUN 10.00-15.00
or visit: www.liverpool.reader.travel BROUGHT TO YOU BY: TRINITY MIRROR NORTH WEST AND NORTH WALES IN CONJUNCTION WITH: OMEGA HOLIDAYS. ABTA V4782. SINGLE SUPPLEMENT APPLIES. SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY.
12 MOTORS
Friday, May 21, 2010
★★★★
Motors
roadtest
Porsche Panamera S
Don’t pan the Pan
SLEEK: Some critics have dismissed the Panamera as a marketing exercise, but this is a proper Porsche
F
EW cars have polarised opinion in recent times quite like the Porsche Panamera. I took a former 911 owner out for a spin in a sleek black S model and he took one look at it and scoffed: “Nice car, but it’s not a Porsche.” Why, though, shouldn’t an iconic car maker diversify? When Porsche launched the Cayenne 4x4 a few years ago the model was universally slated, even though it has proved a massive success and saved the German marque’s skin. Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder – and I’ve never been hooked on the Cayenne’s styling – but to me the Panamera has serious character and bags of street cred. It also boasts something you wouldn’t normally associate with a pure-bred performance car. That’s practicality with a capital P, because this is no 2+2 like the Jaguar XK or, to a lesser extent, the Aston Martin Rapide. The rear space and legroom afforded by the Porsche is little short of fantastic, something that
road
TEST
with MIKE TORPEY
applies to the boot as well, a benefit perhaps of the slightly bulbous back end design. Move inside and the cabin is classic Porsche – sumptuous leather trim, hi-tech gadgetry and easily accessible dials, though there’s actually nowhere to stow a few CD cases. And the low seating position and equally low-slung steering wheel impart that feeling of being glued to the road. Fire up the Panamera and you are in for a treat as the V8 engine snarls into life. The engine note is magnificent and those prepared to
shell out an extra £1,736 for the sports exhaust system can push a button with a twin-pipe logo on it and hear the sound become even more menacing. Of course, there’s a savage amount of punch from the 4.8-litre powerplant and its 400bhp of wollop can shift the Porsche from standstill to 62mph in a fleeting 5.4 seconds with the potential to reach 176mph. Transmission is via the seven-speed Doppelkupplungsgetreib – try saying that 10 times quickly – or PDK double clutch gearbox, which is a first in the luxury grand tourer market. Its operation is seamless and there’s the option of using the steering wheel mounted buttons for manual shifts too. The upshot is better fuel economy and amazing speed out of the blocks. In its basic setting the chassis affords a sporty yet comfortable feel, but at the touch of a button on the active PASM – Porsche Active Suspension Management - damper system, it switches to a much
speccheck MAKE: Porsche MODEL Panamera S ENGINE: 4,806cc V8 POWER: 400bhp at 6,500rpm PERFORMANCE: 0-62 in 5.4 secs, top speed 176mph ECONOMY: 17.2mpg Urban, 34.8 Extra Urban, 25.4 Combined. CO2 EMISSIONS: 253g/km BiK RATING: 35% INSURANCE: Group 20
firmer, more thoroughbred suspension. And the tested model also featured the optional Adaptive Air Suspension at £1,300 and a Sport Chrono package (£729) which adds a launch control function and extra torque. As a performance car the Panamera is right out of the top drawer, but it offers far more. Even if the shape isn’t everyone cup of
PRICE: £73,827 on the road WHAT’S HOT: Savage power, interior space WHAT’S NOT: Deceptive width RATINGS (out of five):
LOOKS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . EQUIPMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RIDE AND HANDLING . . . . . . . . PERFORMANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . VALUE FOR MONEY . . . . . . . . . . .
Earl Grey, it’s a car you can use every day and load up with a sizeable amount of clobber. Everything about it is premium quality, even if the options really hike up the price – the tested model had 14 extras on it from 20-inch Panamera Spyder Design alloy wheels at £1,902 to metallic paint at £761, collectively adding £15,027 to the tab.
Millions risk breakdown headaches to save a few pounds
driver deals
MILLIONS of British motorists are running risks with their car maintenance by attempting to reduce their overall motoring costs in the face of rising road tax and fuel costs. That’s the conclusion following a survey of over 2,000 motorists for Ford which revealed that 18
per cent of UK drivers interviewed have no breakdown cover at all, while 15 per cent have skipped or postponed routine servicing of their car to save money. This situation seems worst among younger drivers: 35 per cent of 18 to 24 year olds and 28
per cent of 25 to 34 year olds forego any roadside assistance, with drivers in London most likely (22 per cent) to have faith in their vehicle. This is despite the fact that independent research found that one in six motorists experience a breakdown at least once a year.
4 5 5 5 5
According to Mike Weatherston, group service marketing manager at the Hendy Ford dealership: “It’s a story we hear often but while trying to avoid the cost, many of these drivers could regret skipping basic maintenance and roadside cover.”