Archive for the ‘Diesel Owners Club’ Category

NEW 500 MULTIJET: MORE POWER AND PERFORMANCE; LOWER FUEL CONSUMPTION AND EMISSIONS

The Fiat 500 has been the forerunner of many new technologies and features such as Start&Stop, along with eco:Drive, Blue&Me, and Euro 5 engines. Now, Fiat’s popular range of city cars is to be further enhanced with the introduction of a powerful new 1.3-litre 16-valve MultiJet diesel engine.

The range’s out-going 75bhp MultiJet unit is being replaced with a more potent but also more environmentally-friendly 95bhp ‘MultiJet II’ version, which not only boasts improved mpg and CO2 emissions figures, but also incorporates Fiat’s acclaimed Start&Stop technology to further reduce fuel consumption when driving around town. The engine will become the most powerful diesel unit available in the A segment.

The new unit introduces an innovative variable geometry turbocharger that enables it to deliver 95bhp at 4000rpm and 200Nm of torque at only 1500rpm. This output significantly improves the car’s performance, taking its top speed to 112mph (from 103mph) and reducing the 0-62mph acceleration time from 12.5 to just 10.7 seconds.

Fuel consumption is improved from 67.3mpg to 72.4mpg in the combined cycle, while emissions drop to 104g/km of CO2 (from 110g/km). Together with Start&Stop, the engine also includes a DPF particulate filter for improved emissions efficiency and effectiveness from a cold start.

“This remarkable new diesel engine will add even greater excitement to the fantastic 500 range, but without adding to the cost of ownership,” says Andrew Humberstone, managing director, Fiat Group Automobiles UK Ltd. “In fact, with greater fuel economy and lower emissions, everyone will benefit from this new variant.”


The new BMW X5

BMW’s class-leading Sports Activity Vehicle, the BMW X5, will receive an array of design and engine changes offering even greater performance and lower emissions, whilst also updating its look. The new BMW X5 will be on sale from 5 June.
Three new engines will be launched for the xDrive30d, xDrive40d – replacing the xDrive35d – and the xDrive50i – replacing the xDrive48i. All of the new powerplants now meet EU5 standards.
The entry level xDrive30d has been upgraded to provide increased performance, making this the first conventionally-powered luxury SAV to record a sub 200g/km CO2 reading. The engine consumes just 38.2mpg on the combined cycle and emits only 195g/km of CO2 – a 10 per cent improvement – yet produces 245hp, up 10hp on the previous xDrive30d. Acceleration to 62mph now takes only 7.6 seconds – a six per cent improvement over the previous model.
The replacement of the twin-turbocharged xDrive35d with the new xDrive40d sees an improvement in emissions of 10 per cent, emitting only 198g/km CO2 whilst delivering 37.7mpg on the combined cycle. In true EfficientDynamics style the performance of the car has also increased. The zero to 62mph time is now just 6.6 seconds, down from 7.0 seconds, courtesy of a 306hp output, 20hp more than the outgoing engine.
Powered by the world’s first twin-turbocharged V8 engine with the catalytic converter located in the vee, the xDrive50i has an extra 53hp compared to the model it replaces, taking the total to 408hp. This leads to a lower zero to 62mph time of 5.5 seconds, an improvement of 1.0 second over the outgoing powertrain.
The BMW X5 will be mated to a standard eight-speed automatic transmission. This transmission helps to lower the X5’s CO2 output and allows smoother shifting and greater driving dynamics.
The new BMW X5 includes a number of exterior changes, enhancing the athletic appearance of BMW’s original 4×4. Revised front bumpers with enlarged vents, to increase the air supply to the engine and brakes, and matt aluminium-look lower scuff plates and vent fins, now feature to underscore its performance credentials.
New xenon headlights, with bright white LED corona rings, modernise the face of the car whilst the more centralised front fog lights complete the new front end. At the rear is a revised red light cluster, enhancing the lines of the car with horizontal LED light bars. Enlarged tail pipes, within a redesigned rear bumper, finish off the look.
Enhanced standard specification
Completing the updates is a raft of additions to the standard equipment list. As well as the new eight-speed automatic transmission, for the first time leather upholstery comes as standard across the entire X5 range. Xenon headlights will light the way for the entire range whilst Servotronic steering now comes as standard.
A wider range of high-tech options are available, including Lane Departure Warning, Active Cruise Control with ‘Stop and Go’ function, speed limit display and side-view cameras. Aesthetically, a new colour pallet is available.
Prices for the new BMW X5 will start at £43,980 OTR.


New driver trio for the Audi R15 TDI

Audi extends driver line-up for the 24 Hours of Le Mans
Marcel Fässler, André Lotterer and Benoît Treluyer new to the team
Joint test run in the 1000-kilometer race at Spa
Ingolstadt, January 28, 2010 – Audi Sport leaves nothing to chance in its endeavour to bring the prestigious Le Mans trophy back to Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm. Not only the technology of the Audi R15 TDI is being subjected to further development. The drivers’ line-up for the 24 Hours of Le Mans (France) has been extended as well.

For the world’s most famous endurance race, Audi has signed three new drivers, the Swiss Marcel Fässler (33), German André Lotterer (28) and Frenchman Benoît Treluyer (33), who will be sharing the cockpit of one of three Audi R15 TDI cars on June 12/13, 2010.

“In view of our strong competitors, we want to – and have to – be perfectly positioned in terms of drivers too,” explained Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. “Therefore, we decided to extend our driver line-up. Marcel, André and Benoît attracted our attention during the past two years in a particularly positive way. They are used to handling fast prototypes and know each other extremely well. The three of them, and we too, are convinced that they are a very good combination for Le Mans.”

The new Audi drivers already have experience at the wheel of diesel racing sports cars. Marcel Fässler successfully contested two races in the American Le Mans Series for Audi in 2008. André Lotterer impressed at Le Mans last year at the wheel of an Audi R10 TDI of the private Audi customer team Kolles. Benoît Treluyer competed in the 24-hour classic in a Peugeot in 2009.

Marcel Fässler, André Lotterer and Benoît Treluyer have already visited Audi Sport in Ingolstadt for seat-fittings and will soon be testing the Audi R15 TDI. The first racing commitment for the new Audi driver trio is planned for May 9, in the 1000-kilometer race at Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium), which will serve as a dress rehearsal for the 24 Hours of Le Mans for Audi Sport Team Joest.

“For the time being, plans for Marcel, André and Benoît are fully focused on Le Mans 2010,” says Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. “But all three of them are still relatively young, and therefore, may also become part of our sports car project over the long term.”

Audi has been contesting the 24 Hours of Le Mans since 1999 and having made 11 starts, has won the race as many as eight times. In addition to speed, reliability and efficiency are the key factors of success in the world’s most famous endurance race.

Furthermore, the LMP1 class is unrivalled by any other motorsport category in terms of offering the opportunity to test technical innovations in racing conditions. Thanks to its technology leadership, Audi has repeatedly set milestones in this regard. The Audi R8, for instance, successfully introduced TFSI gasoline direct injection technology in 2001, while in 2006 the Audi R10 TDI was the first diesel-powered vehicle to clinch victory in the history of the race.


VOLVO XC60 DRIVe DRIVES DOWN RUNNING COSTS FOR COMPANY CAR DRIVERS

Volvo XC60 DRIVe

Improved residual values
Volvo XC60 DRIVe falls below the all-important 160g/km Writing Down Allowance threshold and offers up to 47.1 mpg
Standard City Safety technology helps drivers to avoid low-speed collisions – keeping repair bills to a minimum
The Volvo XC60 DRIVe is ideal for company car drivers who want all the benefits of a comfortable, raised driving position, but like the idea of lower tax and fuel consumption benefits of two-wheel-drive.

CAP recently upgraded its residual value predictions now that it has spent some time behind the wheel of the Volvo XC60 DRIVe estimating the trade price of a 2.4D DRIVe SE at 40% (£10,525) of its cost-new price after three years and 60,000 miles. Add roughly 15% to the trade value and you have a retail value which would be an estimated £14,597.

With the DRIVe model fitting in neatly below the crucial 160g/km tax band at 159g/km, its Benefit in Kind and Vehicle Excise Duty credentials are strong. A 20% tax payer will pay less than £100 per month (£97.83) and a 40% tax payer £195.75 per month. Annual road tax is £150.

The Volvo XC60 joined the DRIVe range in summer 2009 to become the first premium Crossover to fall below the all-important 160g/km Writing Down Allowance threshold for company cars. The introduction of front-wheel drive and the new 2.4D engine to the XC60 saw CO2 figures tumble to 159 g/km and fuel economy improve to 47.1 mpg.

“When we first discussed the concept of what has become XC60 DRIVe with the residual value guides and larger fleets 18 months ago, about 40% weren’t convinced there was a market for a front-wheel-drive premium Crossover. Since then, you could say the world has changed, and most have changed their minds. Residual value predictions have increased which has led to lower monthly contract hire rentals and more fleets adding it to their company car choice lists,” explained John Wallace, National Corporate Strategy & Development Manager at Volvo Car UK.

“No other car offers this combination of equipment, dynamic looks, safety and environmental prowess, at the same time offering great fuel economy and lower CO2 figures. The awareness of DRIVe across all models in the Volvo range has increased enormously and in a recent Fleet News survey regarding familiarity of green car brands, DRIVe jumped up into fourth position – up from eleventh place in 2008,” he added.

All XC60 models, including DRIVe, come as standard with Volvo’s award-winning City Safety system, which helps drivers to avoid low-speed collisions, reducing the risk of injuries such as whiplash and keeping bodywork repair bills to a minimum.


New Mazda CX-7 ‘Sports Crossover’ hits showrooms

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New Mazda CX-7 ‘Sports Crossover’, available in showrooms now at £25,785 OTR
Improved handling and sport-car styling
New turbocharged 2.2-litre diesel engine delivers high power and torque
Upgraded safety technologies enhance ‘active’ safety
Electronically controlled Active Torque 4-wheel drive system
Available in one highly equipped model – the Mazda CX-7 Sport Tech Diesel
The New Mazda CX-7 ‘Sports Crossover’ will be available in showrooms in the UK from 1 November. This exciting new Mazda is a single, highly specified model, priced at £25,785 on-the-road in a choice of five colours. Featuring a new turbo-charged 2.2-litre diesel engine which generates 173ps and 400Nm of torque, this new model offers both low fuel consumption and low emissions.

One of the world’s first SUV’s to combine sporty design and driving experience with SUV practicality and roominess. The new model refines the attributes of its predecessor and preserves its sporty nature. Updated design, improved ride comfort and handling stability means the new Mazda CX-7 will appeal to a whole new sector in the growing diesel market.

Appropriate to the more sophisticated and emotionally appealing look, the new Mazda CX-7 has a more dynamic ‘face’ with a larger five-point grille and chrome detailing. It also has numerous features as standard, including leather seats, climate control air-conditioning, cruise control, electric driver’s and front passenger’s heated seats, a bespoke BOSE® premium surround sound audio system, integrated satellite navigation and Bluetooth® technology.

A choice of five body colours is available, including Brilliant Black and Aluminium Silver Metallic, which contains aluminium particles that diffuse light and cause diverse kinds of reflections and shadow, plus Copper Red, Galaxy Grey and Stormy Blue Mica.

Thanks to upgraded safety technologies including a new Emergency Stop Signalling (ESS) system which activates the hazard warning lights whenever the driver brakes abruptly and heavily and the new Rear Vehicle Monitoring (RVM) system aiding safe lane-changing, the new Mazda CX-7 helps drivers to cope with everyday hazards of motoring.


NEW AUDI A3 AUTOMATICS PIONEER START-STOP

A3 S Line

Audi compact hatchback is first in premium sector to combine automatic transmission with economy focused start-stop function.

Fuel saving start-stop function which was previously reserved for four-cylinder manual gearbox models becomes available in conjunction with S tronic automatic transmission (£1,420 in A3 models)
Recuperation system to harness kinetic energy generated during braking also boosts economy
A3 1.4 TFSI and 1.6 TDI models with much praised S tronic twin-clutch automatic transmission are first to benefit – prices from £18,300 OTR and £18,905 OTR – available to order now for first deliveries in December
A3 1.4 TFSI S tronic with start-stop – 0-62mph in 9.3 seconds, top speed 126mph, combined mpg 53.3, CO2 124g/km
A3 1.6 TDI S tronic with start-stop – 0-62mph in 11.7 seconds, top speed 121mph, combined mpg 67.3, CO2 109g/km
Automatic versions of the latest economy focused Audi A3 models are the first in the premium sector to benefit from the latest engine start-stop technology, which has already helped to cut emissions in manual transmission TDI versions to a sector-leading 109g/km. The new highly efficient 1.4 TFSI petrol and 1.6 TDI versions of the A3 equipped with the acclaimed S tronic twin-clutch automatic transmission will spearhead the new technology, which also goes hand-in-hand with a recuperation system to harness braking energy.

In its newly developed form for automatic applications, the start-stop system cuts engine power when the car comes to a standstill at traffic lights or in queueing traffic – the engine then remains dormant as long as the brake pedal is depressed and then restarts in just two-tenths of a second only when it is released in readiness for take-off. With the system’s help, economy is boosted and CO2 is reduced by approximately 5g/km, but if required it can be deactivated at the touch of a button.

The start-stop system is also supplemented in these models by recuperation technology, which provides further fuel and CO2 savings by recycling a proportion of the wasted kinetic energy generated under normal braking and normally dissipated as heat, and storing this temporarily in the vehicle battery to reduce the engine load when the car subsequently accelerates again. With its help, fuel usage is reduced by as much as three per cent in the A3.

Ingenious S tronic
Advanced electro-hydraulic controls and the alternate use of two clutches enable the S tronic gearbox to deliver lightning fast automatic or manual shifts via the gear lever or steering wheel-mounted paddle controls with no interruption of the engine’s power delivery across seven ratios.

The first of the two clutches serves the odd-numbered gears and reverse, and the second the even-numbered gears, so when the A3 is travelling in third gear, for instance, fourth is already pre-selected in anticipation. As soon as the shift command is given, the first clutch is disengaged and the second engaged in just a few hundredths of a second, virtually seamlessly.

Despite this transmission’s distinctly sporting slant, it can actually improve economy and reduce CO2 output while at the same time quickening acceleration. This is true of the A3 1.4 TFSI S tronic with start-stop, which reaches 62mph from rest 0.1 seconds more quickly than its manual counterpart at 9.3 seconds, and has a 3.7 mpg advantage over the manual option in the combined cycle economy test, recording 53.3mpg to its 49.6mpg. CO2 is consequently also down at 124g/km, versus the manual version’s 132g/km. With or without the S tronic option, the A3 1.6 TDI remains the most economical and efficient model in the Audi range, with a combined economy figure of 67.3mpg (manual 68.9) and CO2 output of just 109g/km.


PEUGEOT INTRODUCES THE NEW BIPPER TEPEE

Bipper Tepee

On sale now from £9,995 on-the-road
Available in two trim levels
Comprehensive standard safety equipment on all models
Easy to drive, compact and economical
V.E.D just £35.00 on HDi 70 versions
The Bipper Tepee is the latest addition to Peugeot’s growing multi-space range of family vehicles. Practical, easy to drive, compact and economical, it offers unrivalled versatility. Its innovative, friendly and dynamic style will appeal to young families in search of a car that has multiple uses and is a little non-conformist, clever and frugal.

It has five seats, a generous load capacity of 884 litres and compact dimensions making it ideal for busy urban areas. Also, with its low emissions it benefits from a vehicle excise duty of just £35 and combined fuel consumption of 62.8 mpg with the 1.4 litre HDi 70 bhp diesel engine.

With an overall length of 3.959 metres and a width of 1.684 metres or 1.816 metres with the door mirrors folded, it is clearly designed for urban driving where ease of driving and practicality are a necessity. Its height of 1.72 metres or 1.78 metres with roof bars also ensures trouble-free access to underground car parks.

The load area has a capacity of 356 litres under the rear parcel shelf which can be expanded to 884 litres with the 60 / 40 split rear bench seat folded or 2.5m3 with the rear seat removed. The rear load space is also very easily accessed under all circumstances, thanks to the two sliding side doors or, indeed, the glazed rear tailgate. Even the narrowest of parking places won’t prevent you getting into the car or gaining access to objects stored in the boot.

The Bipper Tepee has been designed with urban driving in mind. To carry out any manoeuvre in complete safety in urban traffic, large door mirrors are provided. They can be adjusted electrically and are heated in conjunction with the heated rear screen de-misting function. To assist in tricky parking manoeuvres an optional rear parking assistance system is available. For passenger convenience, one-touch electric front windows are fitted as standard and manual air-conditioning is available either as standard or as an option.

The Bipper Tepee is fitted as standard with a Radio / CD player with MP3 compatibility. An optional hands-free phone kit allows a Bluetooth® mobile phone to be used inside the vehicle in complete safety.

To ensure the Bipper Tepee is very easy to drive it has an optimised suspension and a turning circle diameter of only 9.95 metres between kerbs. Hydraulic power steering helps the driver to nip in and out of urban traffic and makes it easier to access tight parking spots. ABS is fitted as standard combined with ventilated front disc brakes and rear drum brakes.

The Bipper is fitted as standard with 15” inch steel wheels and 185/65R15 tyres. The spare wheel is located in the rear part of the floor and is a full size spare wheel.

The Bipper Tepee is available with two engine options, a 1.4 litre petrol engine and a 1.4 litre HDi diesel engine. Both engines ensure the vehicle has appropriate performance levels while also reducing fuel consumption and ensuring the lowest possible CO2 emissions.

The 1.4 litre petrol engine is fitted with a 5-speed manual gearbox: the 1.4 litre HDi diesel engine is available with either a conventional 5 speed manual gearbox or electronically controlled 5 speed manual gearbox, perfect for use in busy urban areas. Based on the standard manual gearbox, it uses an electro-hydraulic control system which ensures smooth and flexible gear changes and allows the driver to select either manual mode (gear changes controlled by the driver via the gear lever), or automatic mode (no gear changes carried out by the driver).

The Bipper Tepee is also a safe environment for all its occupants due to the comprehensive range of secondary safety equipment which compliments the specially reinforced structure.

All models are fitted as standard with driver, passenger and side airbags combined with front inertia reel seatbelts at the front (with pre-tensioners and force limiters to control the physical forces to which the occupants are exposed) and three inertia reel seat belt for the rear occupants. Since it is both necessary and compulsory to wear a seat belt, a warning lamp on the instrument panel reminds occupants to wear their seat belt and an audible warning is activated if the driver’s seat belt is unfastened.

Children, who will often be the first inside the Bipper Tepee, are especially well catered for with both the outer rear seats equipped with Isofix child safety seat mounting points. The passenger air bag can also be de-activated if required, enabling a child safety seat to be fitted to the front passenger seat.

Finally, to complete the safety devices, an “inertia” cut-off safety system detects any sharp deceleration and, in the event of a collision, instantly disconnects the electrical power and fuel supply, thereby eliminating any possible fire risk.

The Bipper Tepee is available in two trim levels S and Outdoor. The S is available with either a 1.4 litre petrol engine or a 1.4 HDi diesel engine. Standard equipment consists of: driver, passenger and side airbags, ABS, one touch electric front windows, electric heated door mirrors, remote control central locking, radio / CD player with MP3 functionality, power steering, twin glazed sliding side doors, height adjustable driver seat with armrest, rake and reach adjustable steering wheel, 60 / 40 split folding and removable rear bench seat, rear seat head restraints, 15” steel wheels with “Sketch” wheel trims …

The Outdoor builds on this standard specification and is also available with both engine options. It adds the following standard equipment; suspension raised by 15 mm, larger body sill protection mouldings and side mouldings, <0} an under–body engine protection plate, lower front panel trim, roof bars, front fog lights, manual air-conditioning…


New Mazda CX-7 ‘Sports Crossover’ on sale 1 November

CX-7 Diesel

New Mazda CX-7 ‘Sports Crossover’ on sale 1 November priced at £25,785 (OTR)
New turbocharged 2.2-litre diesel generates 173ps and 400Nm of torque
Active Torque 4-wheel drive system and Zoom-Zoom sportscar handling
Available in one highly equipped model – the Mazda CX-7 Sport Tech Diesel
The New Mazda CX-7 Sports Crossover delivers a truly unique driving experience by combining drive characteristics more attune to a sports car, with an imposing road-presence and good everyday practicality. With a powerful and refined 173ps turbo-diesel powertrain, the new CX-7 will take Mazda into a whole new sector of the UK marketplace when it goes on sale in November.

“In the best Mazda tradition, our new Mazda CX-7 enables us to offer a distinctive Sports Crossover that is different from the huge line-up of SUV-type vehicles currently available. With its sporty appearance, new CX-7 is more heavily orientated towards a sportscar in its styling and driving dynamics, while offering an SUV-style commanding driving position and a strong road presence that portrays Mazda’s ‘dare to be different’ brand identity,” comments Mazda UK’s Sales & Marketing Director Mark Cameron.

“The Mazda CX-7’s new turbo diesel engine generates maximum torque of 400Nm from only 2000rpm, with smooth power delivery and real punch from just 1,600rpm, for strong linear acceleration. Together with a five percent stiffer bodyshell, re-tuned suspension, revised gear ratios and lower cabin noise, new CX-7 is a remarkably refined and sporty driving experience,” adds Cameron.

The new Mazda CX-7 is being marketed in the UK as a single, highly specified model, priced at £25,785 (on the road), in a choice of five colours.

Inside, the new CX-7 has generous space for five occupants to travel in comfort, while the sports utility-style rear seat functionality and generous boot space (455 litres with the rear seats upright), makes this Mazda an ideal vehicle for multi-activity lifestyles.

The split rear seats can be folded 60/40 using Mazda’s unique Karakuri system with a one‑touch rear seat back release located in the boot trim side panel. With the back seats folded, load space becomes 774 litres.

“I am convinced that there is still plenty of life in the UK’s SUV segment and with the Mazda CX-7 delivering sporty handling and a rewarding driving experience the new model sets us apart from our rivals.

“The new Mazda CX-7 is not a huge vehicle designed for the country that will be brought into town – it is a Sports Crossover with plenty of attitude, plenty of versatile ability and great dynamics that out-perform the class. It is the ultimate expression of ‘Zoom-Zoom’ driving excitement in a sophisticated 4-wheel drive sports crossover vehicle,” concludes Cameron.

New adaptations for the UK Market
Manufactured in Japan, the original CX-7 was hugely popular in the USA. For the European and UK markets the car incorporated several significant changes to meet the specific demands and tastes of local consumers.

The biggest changes were to the power and drive trains. The 244ps engine marketed in the USA was replaced by the highly efficient 260ps turbocharged four-cylinder petrol powerunit also featured in the Mazda3 MPS super-hatch model. The CX-7’s fully-independent suspension set-up was also retuned for European roads to deliver handling agility that was unmatched in this class.

Now, for new Mazda CX-7, the focus switches to providing a diesel engine model suitable to the changing needs of the European market in this growing SUV segment. Every new CX-7 sold in the UK features a 173ps, 2.2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder MZR-CD diesel engine producing up to 400Nm of torque from just 2000rpm, a six-speed manual transmission with an ‘overdrive’ top gear (0.711:1), and Mazda’s unique Active Torque 4-wheel drive system, which distributes up to 50 percent of engine torque to the rear wheels to maintain traction.

This new Mazda combines sensationally spirited performance, thanks to excellent levels of torque, to deliver strong acceleration and a responsive drive, combined with genuine everyday practicality and remarkable refinement. Meanwhile, combined fuel economy returns 37.7mpg while CO2 emissions are 199g/km.

Generous Equipment, Spacious and Versatile Interior
New Mazda CX-7 has a more dynamic ‘face’ with a larger five-point grille and chrome detailing, a chrome garnish along the bottom of the doors, a larger rear spoiler, new design larger 19-inch alloy wheels and Xenon headlights.

Inside the CX-7 Sport Tech, there are numerous standard premium features including: leather seats, climate control air-conditioning, cruise control, electric front and rear windows, electric driver’s and front passenger’s heated seats, a bespoke BOSE® premium surround sound audio system with 6-CD autochanger and nine speakers, plus integrated satellite navigation and Bluetooth® technology (that enables wireless operation of both mobile phones and playing MP3 devices through the car’s audio system).

Upgraded safety technologies
Naturally, safety is of paramount concern when Mazda designs and engineers its cars and new CX-7 introduces several new items of ‘active’ safety equipment to help drivers cope with the everyday hazards of motoring.

A new Emergency Stop Signalling (ESS) system automatically activates the hazard warning lights whenever the driver brakes abruptly and heavily.

Additional safety is provided by the new Rear Vehicle Monitoring system (RVM), previously available only on Mazda6 and new Mazda 3 MPS. This aid to safe lane-changing uses wide-angle radar units to monitor traffic behind the CX-7 and warns the driver of an approaching vehicle before he/she has a chance to move across into a busy lane by mistake. The system, which is effective in all weathers, also detects vehicles driving in the ‘blind spot’ area and does not monitor or detect cars following behind in the same lane.

Exploiting the computerised electronics of the four-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) system, CX-7 also offers a Traction Control System (TCS), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA).

Like the majority of Mazda models, the CX-7 is equipped with front, side and curtain airbags, front seatbelt pre-tensioners and load-limiters.


PEUGEOT ANNOUNCES PRICE AND SPECIFICATION OF NEW 5008 COMPACT MPV

Peugeot 5008

Range starts at £16,895 with three trim levels
High quality, versatile interior with innovative features new to the sector
On sale January 2010
The new 5008 Compact MPV 7-seater brings new levels of quality, versatility and innovation to the sector, and goes on sale in January 2010 with prices starting from £16,895.

There are three trim levels for 5008 – Active, Sport and Exclusive – that all feature the characteristic Multiflex interior with seven seats, the second row of which folds flat and the third row can be hidden below the floor. This clever folding seat configuration makes it possible to hold up to 578 litres capacity in the boot space that can be extended to 2,104 when the seats are folded. ESP (Electronic Stability Programme), automatic electric parking brake with Hill Assist, Energy Saver tyres and air conditioning are all standard features on 5008.

5008 Sport models are equipped with 17” alloy wheels, the Aluminium pack (trim for front grille, front fog lights and chrome detailing), cruise control with speed limiter, lighting pack with removable torch, Storage pack (under seat and footwell storage), colour coded exterior and front fog lights.

The top-of-the-range 5008 Exclusive model features as standard the Cielo panoramic glass roof, 17” alloy wheels, the Visibility pack (automatic headlamps and wipers), Rear Vision pack (electric folding mirrors, electrochrome interior mirror), Head Up display, Distance Alert, rear parking aid, USB and Bluetooth handsfree equipment and climate control air conditioning.


NEW POLO RANGE EXPANDS AS THREE-DOOR MODEL ORDERING BEGINS

VW Polo

Shortly before the first new Polo models are delivered to customers, the three-door version has become available to order. This not only provides more choice but also increases the possibility of Polo ownership to a wider audience as the entry-level price is now reduced to £9,435 (OTR RRP). The same five-door Polo costs £10,035. If an order is placed now for a three-door Polo, it will be scheduled to arrive in January.

Engine and trim level availability is the same for three-door and five-door models. This means the starting point for the range is the 1.2-litre 60 PS engine in S trim. An S A/C model is offered as an option adding Climatic air conditioning. Moving up the range takes buyers to SE and Moda, and then to SEL with the highest level of specification. Three petrol engines (1.2-litre 60 and 70 PS and 1.4-litre 85 PS) and two diesels (1.6-litre 75 and 90 PS) are currently available.