TarMag February by TarMag

Free track and road magazine

And: Peugeot 307 CC Dihatsu Terios MG TF

Peugeot:

WRC Team Autosport International 2009 Review

JAGUAR XF oUR fIRST EVER jAG!

4.2 V8

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FEB 09 #6

>>>>

In this months issue NEW S 7 - 11 - A l l t h e l a t e s t n e ws f rom t he moto r i n g w o r l d !

MG TF 33-41

Spo tted 13-1 5

Pe u g e o t 2 0 7 CC 4 5 - 5 3

Aut ospor t I n t e r n a t i o n a l 1 7 - 23 - Fu ll S how r e v i e w Jaguar X F 2 5 - 3 1

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- We ch e ck o u t th e n e w MG TF Da ih a t s u Te rio s 5 5 - 6 1 - Sm a ll b u t g r e a t 4 x4

THE TARMAG TEAM Managing Editor: Mark M a r k @ t a r m a g. c o. u k Te l : 0 8 7 0 - 3 1 2 - 1 8 2 7

e : fEBUARY Team P eugeo t 6 3 - 6 7 - We c hec k ou t Te a m P e u g e o t fo r 2 0 0 9 Ph ot ogr aphy 6 9 - 7 3 - S i m o n C o o ke F ord Focus R S 7 5 - 8 3 - S n e a k y Pe a k

Assistant Editor: Max M a x @ t a r m a g. c o. u k Te l : 0 8 7 0 - 3 1 2 - 1 8 2 7 Ad ve r t i s i n g & M a r ke t i n g : David D a v i d @ t a r m a g. c o. u k Te l : 0 7 0 1 - 7 4 0 - 0 8 2 7 Co n t r i b u t i n g E d i t o r s : Mark, Max, David General Enquiries: Te l : 0 8 7 0 - 3 1 2 - 1 8 2 7 Fa x : 0 8 7 0 - 3 1 5 - 6 8 2 7 i n f o @ t a r m a g. c o. u k Subscription and back issues contact s u b @ t a r m a g. c o. u k Ta r M a g - E n q u i r i e s 199A Borough Road Middlesbrough TS4 2BN

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Email or call David david@tarmag.co.uk or 07017400827

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wELCOME

This is the first time I’ve actually spent a full day in the office, we have been that busy with cars, features, and well having fun!

We received our first ever Jaguar, and boy was it fun, writing this now it’s just left us 2 hours ago and the snow is slowly filling its space in the car park. For some reason we have had 2 convertibles this month, the Peugeot 207 cc and the MG TF which is a well designed car and rather under estimated. This month we start of the show season, last month we attended Autosport International down in Birmingham’s NEC which was a great show we have the full review in this month’s issue. This month we will be attending some events/meets/cruises for magazine features and of course to promote TarMag. Don’t forget we don’t bite so feel free to say hello if you see us!

So here it goes, this is our 6 month issue of TarMag and i would like to thank everyone so far for all their hard work and effort and trust in TarMag. .

Mark

Managing Editor

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THIS MONTHS NEWS... Free track and road magazine

WE FIXED IT FOR JIM! Jimmy Savile. ‘I’m a wanderThe latest celebrity to buy a Volkswagen campervan is none other than the British entertainment legend Sir Jimmy Savile. He bought his new Volkswagen California from the Volkswagen Van Centre (West Yorkshire) at Cleckheaton near Leeds, who fixed it for Jim to take delivery of his new pride and joy just before Christmas. ‘I’ve had two other Volkswagen campers over the years, but this California is the allsinging, all-dancing dream vehicle for me,’ said Sir

er, and always have been, so I love motorhomes and especially sleeping in them. Sometimes I get home, check my post, shower and still sleep in the campervan outside!’ he continued. The Volkswagen California is the latest in a long line of campervans based on the Volkswagen Transporter. The latest model is unique as it’s now produced by Volkswagen to ensure the highest quality and is sold with a full three-year warranty.

It quickly converts to a real home from home complete with an electric pop-up roof, two double beds, fridge, cooker and sink, with an outdoor table and chairs neatly tucked away in the side door and tailgate. Both front seats swivel to create a sociable indoor lounge area with an adjustable freestanding table; plus there are fresh onboard water and waste tanks and an AC converter to enable the brief use of 230V electrical equipment, when it’s not possible to connect to an external 230V electrical hook-up.

Do you remember what you were doing in 1994? Subaru does

15 YEARS OF IMPREZA TURBO: THIS YEAR’S CARS AT 1994 PRICES To celebrate 15 years of turbo Imprezas they’re rolling back the years to introduce one of its strongest sales incentives ever. At £17,998 the Impreza WRX is set to become a recession-busting time machine, as prices for the punchy 2.5-litre WRX Turbo are astonishingly rolled back to exactly the same price as the first car in 1994. That’s a massive £2,100 saving on the list price.

UK: “Providing exhilarating performance, four-wheel drive and superb handling, yet demonstrating total flexibility and practicality for everyday use.” And, on the surface of things, nothing much has changed – these are still core Subaru brand values.

And still offering great piece of mind and security, is Subaru’s dealer-backed three-year, 60,000-mile warranty – as it was in 1994. Only now it is even better; with a 12-year anti-corThis great offer is the last chance for UK rosion cover and three-year paintwork warcustomers to buy into the legendary turbo- ranty as standard. charged WRX brand – with its flexible, 230 PS, 236 lb ft (320 Nm) torque ‘EJ25’ flat-four And like this incredible £17,998 price tag, unchanged since 1994, the Impreza WRX Turbo ‘Boxer’ engine, married to Subaru’s trusty still remains a 100% focused, 100% practical, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive – as no more WRX Turbos will be built for sale in the UK. 100% addictive ‘drivers’ car’… attracting a loyal cult following of dedicated enthusiasts. In 1994, the Impreza was launched in the

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Great products at a budget price from Proton

Renault Trucks Adventure sets off on 1 March 2009

Everybody is slashing their prices at the moment, but what exactly do you get for your money? Value for money brands are back – and a new Proton could be exactly what you’re looking for with 3 year/60,000 mile warranty and 3 years FREE RAC cover as standard, plus FREE metallic paint until 31st March 2009.

The second Renault Trucks Adventure is moving ahead at great pace. The expedition, known at the Cape to Cape, is set to depart North Cape (Norway) on 1 March and arrive in Cape Town (South Africa) on 1 July 2009. For the 16 weeks of the expedition, six Kerax and six Sherpa units will brave extreme conditions across three continents.

Take the Savvy for example, a 5-door city car, small on the outside but big on the inside, with enough safety features and practical touches to make even the shortest trip to the supermarket enjoyable. Looking every bit the stylish city car, the contemporary headlights, low front skirt, body-coloured rear bumper and chunky 15” alloy wheels suggest that this car is a great performer and the 1.2 litre engine doesn’t disappoint. Reverse distance sensors are fitted as standard so you can tackle the smallest of parking spaces with total confidence and there’s also an automated transmission option, which even has exactly the same fuel consumption and low CO2 as the manual. Whichever way you look at it, the Savvy is great value for money at just £7,295. For more information and to find your nearest dealer, visit www.proton.co.uk

The Renault Trucks Cape to Cape adventure will travel from North Cape (Nordkapp) in Norway to the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa. Six Kerax and six Sherpa units will travel more than 30,000 kilometres between the extreme north and the extreme south and endure harsh weather conditions from bitter cold to intense heat and pass through some of the world’s most arid deserts. The expedition will get underway with a European segment, crossing Russia en route to Istanbul. Next, a Middle-East stage will follow and the adventure will continue with an African segment, notably through Egypt, Kenya and Tanzania. The adventure ends in the Cape. Photos and reports from the reconnaissance missions, plus more information on the event, can be viewed online at: www. renault-trucks.com/capetocape/

BUY A PERODUA MYVI EZI & RECEIVE £250 ABSOLUTELY FREE!

advantage of this special offer, the voucher must be presented at the time of purchasing a new In addition to the gener- Myvi EZI. Perodua will ous £1,000 cash back, for then send the customer a limited period Perodua a cheque for £250 – it are offering every custom- couldn’t be easier! er who purchases a new With air conditioning, Myvi EZI through its UK power steering, four elecdealer network £250 absolutely free! Available for tric windows, electric just £7,299* the Myvi EZI mirrors, central locking, fully integrated radio/CD offers today’s motorists an inexpensive automatic player, dual airbags and car without compromising ABS/EBD all as standard, the Myvi EZI has all the on specification. important features you This fantastic £250 prowould expect from a new motion runs until 31st car with the added bonus March 2009** and all of such an appealing price customers need to do is tag. Inside, the Myvi is excomplete a voucher which tremely spacious and you can be obtained from can comfortably seat five Perodua UK via phone on adults, as there is plenty 01491 415230, email per- of leg and head room. odua@henleymotorhold- Externally, the Myvi EZI ings.co.uk or by visiting has body coloured bumPerodua’s website www. pers, door handles and perodua-uk.com. To take mirrors with integral in-

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dicators and is available in a choice of free metallic paint and high gloss finishes. The Myvi EZI has a smooth four speed fully automatic transmission with switchable overdrive and will deliver a lively per formance wherever you travel. In addition, the Myvi EZI presents low running costs with an impressive fuel consumption of 54.3mpg on the extra urban cycle. This offer, in conjunction with the continued £1,000 cash back, means that the Perodua Myvi EZI now represents even better value for money at a time when consumers are continually looking to reduce their costs and move to a more economic and compact motoring solution.

09 AYGO: GREENER â&#x20AC;&#x201C; AND BLACK AND BLUE, TOO Aygo is a success stor y in miniature. Since launch in 2005 this small but per fec tly formed Toyota has amassed more than 100,000 sales a year across Europe, its combination of low cost of ownership, contemporar y styling and fun-to - drive charac ter mak ing it a top per former in the expanding A-segment. Now the fac tors that have made Aygo a winner have been fur ther sharpened to make it an even stronger proposition. The result is the new 2009 Aygo, on sale now. The revised Aygo range includes two new feature models, Aygo Blue and Aygo Black , with exclusive equip ment specifications, plus the established Aygo and Aygo+, in three and five - door body styles. All are powered by the Engine of the Year classwinning 1.0-litre V V T-i petrol unit, with five -speed manual or MultiMode transmission. In addition to the regular three and five-door Aygo and Aygo+, Toyota has introduced two new feature models for 2009. Aygo Blue puts the emphasis on comfort and convenience, with air conditioning and Bluetooth connectivity provided as standard, plus an exclusive Cayman Blue metallic paint finish. Aygo Black ups the style factor with 14-inch alloy wheels, Alcantara and leather upholstery and leather trim for the steering wheel and gear knob, together with a black metallic exterior. This specification is available exclusively with manual transmission; further Aygo Black models with air conditioning added to the specification are available with a choice of both manual and MultiMode transmission.

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Radek goes spotting

SPOTTED

Spotted ? Our good friend Radek goes Spotting for us, each month he travels somewhare different.

Photographs by Radek

Article by David

Each Month our fab photographer travels somewhere different, but he always has his camera ready to snap a picture or two of some awesome rides! This month he has visited London and came across some lovely cars from an awesome G-class Mercedes t o s o m e n i c e B e n t l e y â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s . Next month Radek has left UK soil to travel somewhere special.. So check out the pictures next month. Think Radek should visit your town? well drop us an email, pics@tarmag.co.uk

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Autosport International

2009 Review

Photographâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s From Simon Cooke

Article by Mark

Autosport International 2009 is a big event in our 2009 diary so we d e c i d e d t o a t t e n d i t , i t ’s t h e b i g g e s t a n d m o s t w e l l a t t e n d e d m o torsport show in the UK but also gathers interest from performance a n d m o d i f i e d c a r e n t h u s i a s t . We a t t e n d e d A u t o s p o r t I n t e r n a t i o n a l on the trade/media days which really was to give us a chance to get a r o u n d t h e s t a n d s a n d a c t u a l l y t a k e g o o d p h o t o ’s w i t h o u t l o a d s o f p e o p l e i n t h e b a c k g r o u n d . We h a d a n i c e d r i v e d o w n t o t h e N E C i n Birmingham, the only downside to the whole day was the £8 parking charge, everything else was great! T h e w h o l e s h o w i s s p r e a d a c r o s s s e v e r a l h a l l ’s a n d w h e n y o u f i r s t arrive you are confused as where to start from, so we started working our way around the edges and inwards. Because of the sheer s i z e o f t h e N E C i t ’s h a r d f o r t h e m t o o r g a n i z e g r e a t l i g h t i n g , s o when it comes to pictures things look slightly different in colour but our photographer did an excellent job! Spit into sections the s h o w h a s s e v e r a l d i f f e r e n t m i n i s h o w ’s ; T h e A f t e r m a r k e t s h o w, T h e Pi s t o n h e a d s S h o w, a n d w e l l e v e r y t h i n g e l s e .

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Speaking to stand owners, if we had a pound for every time the “ Credit Crunch “ was mentioned, well there wouldn’t be a credit crunch. Of course its affecting lots of business and some stands w e r e r e d u c e d i n s i z e f r o m w h a t w e w e r e t o l d f r o m l a s t y e a r ’s s h o w. But this just meant there was more room for us and everyone else to walk around. T h e s h o w ’s r a t h e r c o n f u s i n g l a y o u t m e a n t i t ’s h a r d t o r e m e m b e r e v e r y t h i n g t h a t w a s t h e r e , 1 0 0 ’s o f t h e w o r l d s n i c e s t c a r s w e r e o n d i s p l a y f r o m t h e N i s s a n G T R S k y l i n e t o Pe u g e o t ’s R a l l y c a r. T h e w h o l e s h o w i s a f u n p a c k e d d a y f o r a l l o f t h e f a m i l y. Vo d a f o n e M c L a r e n M e r c e d e s Te a m Pr i n c i p a l Ro n D e n n i s a t t e n d e d A u t o s p o r t I n t e r n a t i o n a l , t a k i n g t o t h e s h o w ’s C e n t r a l S t a g e f o r a d e d i c a t e d i n t e r v i e w a n d g u e s t s p e a k i n g a t t h e a n n u a l Wa t k i n s L e c t u r e . Addressing the large crowd of show visitors from the Autosport S t a g e , Ro n D e n n i s s p o k e f i r s t o f L e w i s H a m i l t o n ’s F o r m u l a O n e

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Wo r l d C h a m p i o n s h i p v i c t o r y. “ We w e r e m o r e i n c o n t r o l o f t h e last few minutes in Brazil that most people think,” he explained. “ We p l a n n e d m o s t e v e n t u a l i t i e s , a l t h o u g h p e r h a p s n o t q u i t e for someone choosing to stay out on dry tyres in heavy rain. In the end though, we got a British Champion for McLaren, essentially a British team.” M o v i n g o n t o p l a n s f o r 2 0 0 9 , t h e M c L a r e n M e r c e d e s Te a m Pr i n c i p a l a n n o u n c e d t h a t t h e f i r s t c a r w i l l b e u n v e i l e d n e x t Friday 16 January 2009, whilst the team is currently busy b u i l d i n g t h e i r t h i r d c a r. When asked whether Formula One is doing enough to add r e s s i t s c o s t - e f f i c i e n c y, D e n n i s s t a t e d t h a t “ We h a v e s o m e extremely competent people behind the commercial future of grand prix racing and they are all focused on the global financial situation. Although teams are fiercely competit i v e , f o r t h e f i r s t t i m e i n t h e s p o r t ’s h i s t o r y w e a r e p u t t i n g aside our differences for the sake of our businesses and the sport.”

Another part of the show that stood out to us was the Mercedes Benz Driving experience. The Mercedes-Benz driving experience included passenger rides in C63 AMG Mercedes with professional drivers. “Mercedes-Benz Wo r l d p u t s v i s i t o r s into some of the most powerful cars in the Mercedes-Benz range, to experience how vehicles react in extreme conditions and the actions required to keep them under control,” s a i d Pe t e r O ’ H a l l o r a n , Managing Director of M e r c e d e s - B e n z Wo r l d . “Given the worrying statistics regarding accident rates of young drivers, we are extremely pleased that Mercedes-Benz is returning to Autosport International with their Kids Driving Expe rience,” said Haymarket Exhibitions Show Director Ian France. “The experience alw a y s p r o v e s p o p u l a r, but more importantly provides a precious first lesson in car cont r o l a n d s a f e t y. ” We h o p e t o m a y b e s e e you next year at Autosport International 2010

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JAGUAR XF 4.2 v8

jaguar xf Photography supplied by MNM PHOTOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S

Article by Mark

20” Alloys, DAB Digital radio, TV with builti n - f r e e v i e w, e l e c t r o n i c and air conditioned front seats, and automatic well pretty much everything from lights, wipers, etc. The All new Jaguar XF is the u l t i m a t e c a r, t h i s i s our first car from Jagu a r, a n d t h e f i r s t J a g uar I’ve ever driven in my whole life, and I’m speechless as what to write about it. The Aw e s o m e r o a r i n g 4 . 2

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V8 petrol engine is amazing, its responsive, fast, and sounds fantastic but yet keeping some fairly good economy figures of around 25mpg at both long journeys and short trips. The car handles the road as if it was on a soft bed mattress, b u t i t ’s n o t t o o s o f t but not too hard, I’m sure you understand what i mean. I can see

why Jaguar have won so many awards with t h e X F, i t s a b e a u t i ful mean looking car that well... performs! Everything in this car has been thought about and not just thrown together last minute or just stuck on, all the buttons are touch sensitive and in the perfect location, the gear change is both smooth in normal drive more but also in sport mode. T h e Pa d d l e s h i f t g e a r s

work in a similar mano r. T h e Pr a c t i c a l i t i e s of this car are endless, its big, 4 doors, 5 seats with a nice very large and easily accessible boot. The entertainment sound system in the car is one of the best we have heard, i t ’s l i k e b e i n g i n a cinema when watchi n g t h e t v, i t ’s a l m o s t as comfy as sitting at h o m e w a t c h i n g t h e t v. All it needs is a pop corn maker and you are

sorted! Yo u c a n p h y s i c a l l y s e e p e o p l e ’s f a c e s l i g h t up when they see this c a r, o r y o u c a n l i p r e a d p e o p l e s m o u t h ’s “ i t s the Jaguar XF “ when they drive or walk past. The XF isn’t a car you see every day but it should be, the only thing the car doesn’t have is a pop corn m a k e r, m i c r o w a v e , fridge, a shower and a toilet, if it had these, i would move into

one! I wouldn’t need a house or an office, i w o u l d j u s t u s e m y X F. Driving this car more than exceeds your expectations with the striking appearance of t h e c a r, b u t w i t h t h e relaxed and confident d r i v e . Yo u k n o w y o u r money has been spent well when your car has interior mood lighting, or when your air vents rotate to the open position when the car is started.

Getting to the more technical side of the c a r, t h e e n d l e s s l i s t of electronic gadgets is unreal! From the B l i n d s p o t m o n i t o r, rear parking camera aid, adaptive cruise control. I want to talk about the adaptive cruise control a s i t ’s t h e f i r s t t i m e I’ve come across it. After watching several other cars on certain TV programmes end up crashing into other cars, i was worried at first about using it, but the beauty is, its automatic and I didn’t even notice it had worked until i realised what happened. Sitting at 60mph with a car in front of me at the same speed, I set cruise control on for 60mph. I noticed the 30mph was up ahead, and then I totally forgot about it, it wasn’t until i went through the 30mph area and was speeding back up to 60mph keeping up with the car in front that I realised that the adaptive cruise control slowed the car down to the speed of the car in front for the 30mph limit. I also thought that the gap the car would leave would be minimal, i.e. almost touching the car in front, but it was a

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good 3+ car distances in the gap which felt very safe. One last feature q u i c k l y, t h e B l i n d s p o t monitor is an amazi n g p i e c e o f g a d g e t r y, when sitting on the m o t o r w a y, y o u w i s h t o overtake, if there is a vehicle about to pass you whilst you are not looking, an orange picture of a car shows up o n t h e w i n g m i r r o r. A n d making this even bett e r, i t w o r k s i n t h e o p p o s i t e w a y, i f y o u a r e over taking it shows up on the left hand mirr o r, a n d i t d i s a p p e a r s o n c e i t ’s s a f e t o p u l l back in. The XF only came to play for a short weekend, but it was well w o r t h i t ! We h o p e t o bring you more Jaguar features in future issues. What are your thoughts on the car? Any previous experiences? Get in touch, cars@tarmag.co.uk

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MG TF vs ZR

new mg Photography supplied by Mark

Article by Mark

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T h e N e w M G T F. I s i t new? Is it the old car j u s t r e - s t u c k t o g e t h e r. I n a simple answer this car is majorly underestimate d . We l l w h e n t h e c a r a r rived, I was surprised at how nice it was. But the best part was once you were in the driving seat a c t u a l l y d r i v i n g t h e c a r. I t ’s h a r d t o t e l l y o u w h a t this car is like to drive unless you physically d r i v e o n e b u t i t ’s a f a n t a s t i c c a r t o d r i v e . Po w ered by a 1.8 16v with the engine being in the m i d d l e o f t h e c a r, i t a l s o produces 135bhp but still manages to get around 30+mpg.

rear parking sensors, fog lights, 16” alloys, good mp3 CD player/sound system and much more.

I t ’s t h e f i r s t r e a r w h e e l drive car I’ve actually driven for more than a few hours, so the whole experience was a huge learning curve, and I can’t think of a better car I would of rather done it in! Again with i t b e i n g w i n t e r, i t ’s n o t the best of times to have a soft top convertible, and as I used to think soft top convertibles had leaking roof, with generally colder in-car temperatures, we had absolute no issues with the roof. Because it was soft top it looked complicated to take off and put back on, but it was a case of two clips, and its off. The whole MG TF comes well specked with

On the road the car is excellent, with it being mid engine, rear-wheel d r i v e , i t ’s t o t a l l y d i f f e r ent to drive than normal front wheel drive cars. It can be tail happy if you d r i v e i t t a i l h a p p y, d r i v e sensibly and it will drive s e n s i b l y. I t ’s a f u n c a r t o drive to work, take out on a Sunday for a drive, o r f o r a d a y t o d a y c a r. The other great thing is the two seats, no more h a s s l e o f w h o ’s c o m i n g out for a drive, or who needs a lift home. The luggage space in the car isn’t bad for a convertible, it has a large boot, and also allot of interior storage space with a few compartments.

100% Exhilaration is what y o u g e t f r o m t h e M G T F, unlike some cars, cars tend to give you a slight boost in power you hit a certain rpm, but the MG just doesn’t stop its just f u l l p o w e r a l l t h e w a y, its lightweight and very responsive engine gives y o u s m o o t h p o w e r t h a t ’s always available at just a tap of the drivers right foot. 0-60mph can be reached in 8.4 seconds and a good top speed of 127mph.

When we had the MG T F, w e m e t u p w i t h Danny who had a MG ZR, he was a 1.6. The MG ZR was one of Brita i n ’s m o s t p o p u l a r selling sports hatchback throughout its production. Danny is a b i g f a n o f M G ’s a n d his ZR is in mint condition and looks and s o u n d s l o v e l y, i t s s t a n dard throughout. Danny came for a drive in the TF as he was interested to see how much t h e y h a d c h a n g e d , “ I t ’s a great car the TF but so is the ZR, the TF doesn’t look or seem much different, but i t ’ s s t i l l a g r e a t c a r. “ The cars have similar finished to them, some same parts, etc. B u t i t ’s t o b e e x p e c t ed, however the MG ZR was a great selling c a r, s o w h y c a n ’ t t h e TF be? The MG TF is all about drivers satisfaction which I can agree with, the classic layout, it even has allyear-round practicality but keeping its smart Heritage. The MG TF was originally launched in 1995 k n o w n a s t h e M G F, i t was the first mid-engine rear wheel drive c a r f r o m M G . A n d i t ’s come along way since being launched, the TF and ZR both were

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known to have Head gasket problems. Although today the TF bears the same engine from year 2000 it now has the safety features to notify you low coolant levels, so if your h e a d - g a s k e t g o e s , i t ’s your own fault basic a l l y. If you are looking for a two seated, mid-engine rear wheel drive, all i can say is check out M G ’s w e b s i t e , h t t p : / / w w w. m g m o t o r. c o . u k / and arrange a test drive. MG are a great company to deal with, they don’t have pushy sales people which can be a bit of a pain sometimes. The TF is a very under estimated car in the media/press with so much controversy about it, howe v e r, i t s g o o d v a l u e f o r m o n e y, c h e a p t o run, and is a great car to drive on the road, I would love to see one d a y w h a t i t ’s l i k e o n a track as its handling, and rear-wheel drive should make it an interesting drive. So for more details or to arrange a test drive please check out : w w w. m g m o t o r. c o . u k

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pEUGEOT 207CC

CONVERTABLE IN WINTER?

Photograph’s by David

Article by Mark

We a r e a b i t m a d w h e n w e a s k e d f o r Pe u g e o t 207 CC especially over the winter period, well why not! I always thought that convertibles were cold, would leak, and be a pain in the butt to operate. We l l h e r e ’s w h e r e t h e Pe u g e o t 2 0 7 C C c o m e s i n t o p l a y. A s w i t h a l l t h e Pe u g e o t ’s w e h a v e had, they are excellent b u i l d q u a l i t y, e n g i n e s a r e n i c e , e a s y, a n d fuel efficient. I didn’t know what to expect f r o m t h i s c a r, b u t a l l i t did was perform both with the hood up and down. Its electronic folding roof is one of the best I’ve seen and operated, simple flick of a button and i t ’s d o n e w i t h i n s e c onds. Even with the roof down, with -4 deg r e e ’s t e m p e r a t u r e s , put the windows up, t u r n t h e h e a t h a l f w a y, and strangely you are warm!

s i n g l e C D p l a y e r, m a n ual air conditioning, three-button remote control key plip and an in-car trip compute r. T h e s e a t i n g p o s i tion in the car is comfy for both long and short trips, the car is classed as being a 2+2, however you can fit 4 a d u l t s i n , b u t i t ’s a squeeze upfront if you are tall! Boot space is also very good with either the roof up, o r d o w n . I t ’s e n o u g h to take shopping, or slightly larger goods when the roof is up! Its an ideal car if its just the two of you!

The New 207 CC takes its shape from the 207 Hatch back, we had the sport model which we found great. I t l a c k e d s a t n a v, b u t this is available on the G T m o d e l ’s , t h i s s p o r t model model is particularly attractive and offers electric mirrors, sports seats, radio/

Handling in the 207 is exceptional in its class! It can tackle corners with good speed, but not throw you about the car! Its surprisingly fast for a convertible with its 1.6 120bph engine, the car is available in two other engine options, t h e 1 . 6 Pe t r o l t u r b o

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In terms of safety and driving aids, it offers five air bags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution (EBFD), emergency brake assist (EBA), automatic illumination of the hazard warning lights, so its well specked up for safety!

producing 150bhp and t h e 1 . 6 Tu r b o D i e s e l p r o d u c i n g 1 1 0 b h p . We decided to get the 1.6 petrol non turbo, as we hadn’t had a petrol b e f o r e f r o m Pe u g e o t , the mpg was excellent reaching an average mpg of around 40. The Majority of the Pe u g e o t 2 0 7 C C b u y e r s are woman, and I can s e e w h y, t h e c a r i t self is modern, stylish, easy to use, and yet competitively priced. I t ’s g o t t h e n i c e s o u n d system so when let the roof down, and the wind blow in your hair you will be enjoying yourself! It was in t h e 1 9 3 0 s t h a t Pe u geot started the innovative concept of the Coupé Cabriolet, with the 601, 401 and 402 ‘Eclipse’. This concept was to become one of Pe u g e o t ’s t r a d e m a r k f e a t u r e s a n d t o d a y ’s cars, the 206 and 307 CC, have made the Pe u g e o t m a r q u e t h e No1 seller of Coupé C a b r i o l e t s . To d a y t h e r e have been world wide sales of more than 500,000 vehicles since the launch of the 206 CC in December 2000. N o w t h e Pe u g e o t 2 0 7 CC takes over from the l e g e n d a r y Pe u g e o t 2 0 6

CC. With its striking and strong personali t y, t h e 2 0 7 C C e n t e r s the competitive arena of the small coupĂŠ cabriolet market segment. It replaces the 206 CC, and, like the 207 hatchback from which it has been developed it retains m a n y o f t h i s c a r â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s strengths and innovations. The GT version is more the top of the Range version when

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it comes to the CC range, this version is distinguished by an aluminium-finish to the front air intake grille, a tinted rear screen, 17â&#x20AC;? alloy wheels, aluminium doorsill kick panels and pedals. In terms of safety and driving aids it also off e r s E S P, s t a t i c d i r e c tional headlights, and automatic windscreen and headlight illumination. With respect to driv-

ing comfort, this version offers automatic dual-zone air conditioning, electrically folding rear view mirrors, electro-chrome interior rear-view m i r r o r, l e a t h e r s t e e r ing wheel, five whitefaced instrument dials, RD4 MP3-compatible radio/CD playe r, r e a r p a r k i n g a i d , Thatcham class one alarm, carpet mats and athermic windscreen.

As standard the seats are trimmed in the same Xavier black or grey cloth as the Sport model but, as an option can be trimmed i n l e a t h e r. F o u r l e a t h er trim options are available. The electric folding roof fitted to the 207 CC is the result of P e u g e o t ’s e x p e r t i s e i n the manufacturing of coupé-cabriolets. It has been designed to-

tally in-house according to a rigorous specification in terms of quality and operating strength and durab i l i t y. I t s s t r a n g e h o w quick the roof operates, and how if the weather conditions were to change quickly you wouldn’t be waiting 5 minutes for it to go back down!

definitely consider the Pe u g e o t 2 0 7 C C , i t s definitely worth going to try one out at your local dealer as you will be surprised as to how good it actually is, we were impressed and it takes allot to impress us!

If i was in the market place looking for a convertible i would

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dihatsu terios

dihatsu Terios review

Photographâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s by David

Article by Mark

I was surprised at first how nice looki n g t h e D i h a t s u Te r i o s looks, its modern, b i g , c h u n k y, a n d a l most has that “ don’t mess with me “ road appearance. The new Te r i o s i s a n e w d i r e c tion for the Japanese compact car Specialist, and making even more appeal for the car with prices from £12995 on the road and an amazing insurance group 7D for the 1.5 S model, and a 8D for the SX and SE models, this definitely adds to its appeal in the Compact 4X4 market. T h e D a i h a t s u Te r i o s i s a r o o m y, f o u r d o o r, but with a spacious five seats to fit the

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w h o l e f a m i l y, a n d with a good boot size makes it compact but yet practical. Based o n t h e S i r i o n ’s 1 . 3 litre DOHC 16-valve petrol engine, the new Te r i o s h a s a l a r g e r 1 . 5 l i t r e c a p a c i t y, p r o d u c ing 105 PS at 6,000 rpm and a flexible 103 lb. ft of torque at 4 , 4 0 0 r p m . To p s p e e d for manual models is almost 100 mph and over 93 mph for the automatic, while the 0-60 mph times are 12 s e c o n d s f o r t h e Te r i o s 1.5 S, 12.2 seconds for the 1.5 SX and 13.6 seconds for the automatic 1.5 SE. All models pretty much manage mid 30mpg which is good for a small compact 4x4.

E v e r y n e w Te r i o s model has an outstanding equipment tally with the entryl e v e l Te r i o s 1 . 5 S f e a turing air-conditioning, power-steering, ABS with EBD, fulltime four-wheel drive with centre diff-lock, d r i v e r, p a s s e n g e r a n d side airbags, three rear-seat three-point seat-belts, radio/CD p l a y e r, f o u r e l e c t r i c windows and reverse parking sensors. The best-seller in the r a n g e , t h e Te r i o s 1.5 SX adds, for example, alloy wheels with 235/60R tyres, two-tone wheelarch extensions and sideskirts, roof rails, multi-information d i s p l a y, f r o n t f o g -

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lamps, smoked ‘privacy glass’ for the rear side doors and r e a r w i n d o w, l e a t h e r steering wheel, electric windscreen deicer and door mirrors and various AC sockets and load-restraint ties. While some major motor manufacturers are 50% down on business, Daihatsu are bucking the trend, with a tiny 3.9% ’07-’08 downturn in sales – one of the top 10 results even in this tough economic climate – proving the dynamic Daihatsu blend of great value f o r m o n e y, e x c e l l e n t f u e l e c o n o m y, low emissions, small road fund licences and proven reliabil-

ity make a popular c h o i c e . P a u l Tu n n i c liffe, Managing Direct o r, D a i h a t s u V e h i c l e Distributors, said: “Global environmental issues, social changes, and shifts in consumer values are all combining to put compact cars in the spotlight. Since Daihatsu Motor Company was established in 1907, we have been focused on compact cars. This is an age with many issues. Big is not better anym o r e . R a t h e r, s m a l l is smart. Our cars are friendly to the environment as well as b e i n g p e o p l e f r i e n d l y. As a company we are practical, innovative and imaginative and

we aim to become the w o r l d ’s l e a d i n g c o m p a c t c a r m a k e r. ” T h e Te r i o s i s a i m e d at young families who need the practicality of a 4x4 vehicle but at a smaller cost, i t ’s a l s o a i m e d a t t h e o l d e r g e n e r a t i o n ’s , and i can clearly see t h i s . T h e Te r i o s d o n ’ t get me wrong is a g o o d c a r, i t d r i v e s well, handles well, and is a general all r o u n d p e r f o r m e r, m y self I am the younger generation, and I can a g r e e i t ’s a s m a l l good looking compact 4 x 4 , b u t i t ’s n o t m y cup of tea. If it was f a s t e r, a n d t h e i n - c a r entertainment was b e t t e r, t h e n t h i s c a r could appeal more

to the younger market segment. Allot of people like the looks o f t h e c a r, t h e a c t u a l s i z e o f t h e c a r, b o t h outside and inside. It does have that exterior look of “ don’t mess with me “, as its a chunky small 4x4, you compare it to a Suzuki Jimny and is a Huge car! This car to be honest is highly under estimated, all i can suggest is you take a trip to your local dealer and go drive one, we all have our personal preferences, but if you are after a small 4x4 that looks good, and is a general all r o u n d p e r f o r m e r, t h e n go for it!

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TEAM PEUGEOT

PEUGEOT s2000

Photograph’s by Peugeot

Article by David

In March 2006 at the G e n e v a M o t o r S h o w, Pe u g e o t r e v e a l e d t h e e x c i t i n g Pe u g e o t 2 0 7 R C U P C o n c e p t C a r, which gave clues to a future 207 Motor S p o r t c a r, t h e 2 0 7 S u per 2000. The project started on the 16 May 2006, when the 207 Super 2000 fired into life for the first time under the watchful eyes of Bruno Famin, Te c h n i c a l D i r e c t o r o f Pe u g e o t S p o r t a n d B e r t r a n d Va l l a t , P r o j ect Manager for the 207 Super 2000, at Pe u g e o t S p o r t ’s b a s e

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at Vélizy on the outs k i r t s o f Pa r i s .

g e o t ’s t r a d i t i o n i n rallying following on from the 205 T16, 306 T h e Pe u g e o t 2 0 7 S u Maxi, 206 WRC and per 2000 then comthe 307 WRC. It is menced a comprea rally car designed hensive development to compete on both programme on two loose and tarmac surtypes of surface: faces, and to meet loose surface and tar- the “Super 2000” FIA mac. As part of the regulations Several drivers were Pe u g e o t S p o r t h a s involved in the 207 used all its experiSuper 2000 developence gained in WRC ment programme: with regards to the B r y a n B o u f f i e r, G i l l e s b e h a v i o u r o f d i f f e r e n t Pa n i z z i , Ph i l i p p e materials, brakes, Aragneau and Sebasd a m p e r t e c h n o l o g y, tian Lindohlm.The vehicle set up and, Pe u g e o t 2 0 7 S u p e r l a s t l y, d u r a b i l i t y t o 2 0 0 0 c o n t i n u e s Pe u develop the 207 Super 2000.

Engine The engine is a 2.0 litre normally aspirated petrol engine positioned transversally at the front; it is based on the EW10J4S engine from t h e Pe u g e o t 2 0 6 G Ti 180, with a capacity of 1998 cc. It develops a maximum power of 280 bhp at 8500 rpm (Maximum regulated speed set by the FIA).

ing on the surface over which the car is to be driven.

W h y d i d Pe u g e o t choose to build a Super 2000 car? The Super 2000 regulations appeared to be very good, with a good comparison between price and perf o r m a n c e . We a l s o had a product we could easily adapt to this new regulation: the 207. It is similar Tr a n s m i s s i o n to projects we underThe 207 Super 2000 is took for the 205 and four-wheel drive and then the 206, which has a controlled sewe launch simultanequential 6-speed “dog ously as a standard clutch” gearbox as car and a rally verrequired by the regu- sion (206 WRC). lations. It also has three “disc” autoHow much does it locking differentials cost? The price is fixed by Loose surface or tar- the FIA: 168.000€ pre mac tax for the asphalt The technical specifi- version. cation varies depend-

How is it sold – in kit form or ready assembled? The 207 Super 2000 is available both in kit form and readyassembled. How many cars are expected to be built? It is expected that 20 will be built in the first year and 50 over the lifetime of the project. Next months issue s e e ’s a n i n s i g h t i n t o t h e l i f e o f Te a m P e u g e o t ’s d r i v e r s , K r i s M e e k e a n d Pa u l N a g l e . We w i l l b e p u t ting your questions to them, so please email into : David@tarmag. co.uk

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Email or call David david@tarmag.co.uk or 07017400827

photographer

Simon cooke

Simon Cooke - We showcase some of his work, Simon has done work with us before and here is some more info about him.

Photographâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s by Simon Cooke

Article by David

When did you get into photography? I started taking photos in the motoring business before digital cameras were even invented. My first proper digital shoot was in 2003 and that feature made the front cover of several magazines. Now 50 per cent of my income comes from photography, the rest from writing the features and reports which go with the photos. My main cameras are a Nikon D2XS, and a Nikon D300, with a huge range of Nikon lenses, flashes, remotes, tripods, stick-on rigs, memory cards, filters and other equipment. In total I think my kit adds up to around £15,000.

How did you know you wanted to be a professional photographer? I don’t think I’ve actually made a decision to be a professional photographer, it’s just something I’ve been doing and more over the years, alongside my writing, until today when photography and writing are what pay my bills.

What made you choose automotive photography compared to landscapes or weddings? I’ve been in the very lucky situation that I’ve been involved in mortorsport/motoring since before I even left school! I’m glad to say I’ve never had a ‘proper’ job and my first job involved working for race teams, sponsors and race circuits across Europe. It’s all about being in the right place at the right time and knowing the right people. Mind you, I have also been known to shoot the odd wedding here and there. And concerts, a few marathons and even parrots!

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Simon Cooke w w w. s i m o n c o o k e. c o. u k

Is there anyone you look up to for inspiration for your photography? Over the past 20 years I’ve been in a position to hire (when I was an Editor) and work with some of the best motoring and motorsport photographers from around the world. In would be unfair, and dangerous, for me to mention just one single person. Flick through any motoring magazine in the shops and I’ve probably worked with whoever shot the front cover! Has anyone helped you on your way? Although I’m basically self-taught I’m sure that the skills of 72 TARMAG

people that I’ve been working with have all rubbed off on me in some shape or form. What is the oddest car you have photographed? Define oddest? To some people a 1000 bhp car, or one which hits 200 mph is odd, to others, including me, it’s normal. What cars have you photographed? I’ve lost count of the number of cars which I’ve photographed from the Arctic Circle to the deserts of the Middle East and everywhere inbetween; classic cars, standard cars, old cars, new cars, modified cars and race cars.

What car would you love to photograph? I’d really like to shoot some serious Off Road 4x4s - the type that go tearing through rivers and mud up to the windows - I think that would be really spectacular, and it’s something I’ve never had the chance to shoot. Where can people see your work? I’m a regular contributor to Tarmag, so you can usually see some of my photos in each issue, numerous motoring magazines, on sale in all good newsagents, or even on my websites: www.simoncooke.co.uk

FORD FOCUS RS

Preview

The all new Ford Focus RS We take a look into the new Ford Focus RS, with some indepth info.

Photographâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s by FORD

Article by David

In the 40-year story of Ford RS, the marque has been applied sparingly, merited by only the most high-performance Ford machines of the time. Six years have passed since the last Ford RS â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the Mk1 Focus RS â&#x20AC;&#x201C; finished its strictly limited production run. Now the famous badge has returned for its league of devoted fans and a new generation of performance car enthusiasts. This new Focus RS is the product of Ford Team RS, headed by Jost Capito, a committed car enthusiast and racer. Alongside Capito is a small team of dedicated performance car and motorsport engineering

specialists, led by Chief Programme Engineer, John Wheeler, whose own expertise stretches over 20 years of Ford performance and motorsport vehicles. Team RS works hand-inhand with Ford of Europe experts from across the engineering spectrum to create Ford’s performance road car range. More than 100 engineers have been involved in Focus RS and every one understood the weight of expectation that greets a new Ford RS model. States Capito: “A new Ford RS is a significant event; the badge is not applied to a new car very often and when it is, it has to be a

great car. I know this Focus RS will be thoroughly deserving of the name.” From early in its development programme, the team set a target to create a car with the poise, power, performance and precision to trade lap times with far more exotic vehicles and be a benchmark for performance and value for money. Their result is a car capable of lapping the legendary 20.8km (12.3 mile) Nuerburgring Nordschleife repeatedly at speed and equally adept at cruising home afterwards; blending Ford Focus practicality with bespoke engineering, dynamics and a turbo-

charged, 305PS (300 bhp) 2.5-litre Duratec engine. To illustrate the fundamental differences of approach between an ST and an RS, the Team RS engineers created the analogy of ‘Dolphin and Shark’. Capito explains: “ST and RS should be different animals, as are a dolphin and a shark. Both are highly developed for their roles but have unique characteristics ST is a balance of performance and refinement, but would not fit the attributes we set for RS and vice versa. It’s surprising how much we used this analogy.”

Those attributes for Focus RS were developed from a definition of “the ultimate production Focus.” In keeping with its heritage, RS is an even more performance-oriented vehicle than ST, developed in every detail with on-track performance of equal importance to on-road behaviour. An exhaustive set of individual criteria was created for every aspect of the car’s performance, dynamics and durability, a process similar in scope to that required for a whole new carline. However, for all the differences, there is one area of common ground between Focus ST and RS. Both are front-wheeldrive, one of the first decisions taken in the development of RS and explained by Team RS Chief Engineer, Dirk Densing:

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In being both a genuine Ford RS and a full member of the Focus family, the new Focus RS represents a significant moment in the legacy of both brands. The year 2008 marked 10 years since the Ford Focus was first revealed to the world at the Geneva Motor Show in 1998, paving the way for a range of Ford vehicles whose exciting design was matched by classleading driving quality. Since this time, more than 5.5 million Ford Focus models have been built in Europe, including Russia, with the car also built and sold in North America, Asia and South Africa. Now, the latest generation Focus also wears the famous Ford RS badge with pride, continuing a distinguished heritage that can trace

its roots bac compasses a models. Production o straightforw being assemb rope’s princi tion line in S The front su voKnuckle is a sub-assemb sembly, ensu modification accommodat track.

We hope to b you a full re car is availab much look fo this new mac

ck 40 years and ena wide range of Ford

of Focus RS is also ward, with the car bled on Ford of Euipal Focus producSaarlouis, Germany. uspension and Res accommodated in bly before final asuring the only line ns required were to te Focus RSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; wider

be able to bring eview once the ble to us, we very orward to driving chine!

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Next months issue : March 2009

TARMAG MARCH ISSUE OUT MONDAY 2ND MARCH 2009

Knockhill Skidpan We attend Scotlands Knockhill Racing Circuit to attend their Skid Pan for a skid Control experience

Modball Update More Updates from Modball and a full insight into Team TarMag.

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