Mitsubishi Evolution X

Mitsubishi is launching a new Lancer Evolution X FQ-400 in June 2009 which will be the fastest car they have ever produced. This will be the tenth version of the Lancer Evolution and will be the flagship model, offering peak power of 403bhp @6500 rpm and peak torque of 525Nm@ 3,500 rpm.

This extreme version of the Mitsubishi’s motorsport derived machine powers the car from 0-62 mph in 3.8 seconds (est.) and has a top speed of 155mph (electronically limited), where permitted. The car has an advanced lightweight aluminium 2.0-litre turbocharged MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control) petrol engine. Traction is superb with the sophisticated Super-All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) four wheel drive system giving the FQ-400 sensational cross country performance. Depending on the weather and driving conditions you can also select from three options: Tarmac, Gravel and Snow.

Mitsubishi Evolution X

Lightweight 18-inch, nine spoke alloy wheels fitted with Toyo Proxes R1R tyres enhance the FQ-400′s grip, providing a sharper cornering response and precision cornering. The revised braking system system uses aerospace grade aluminium alloys and floating sealed discs grabbed by high performance pads to keep the power under control. Bilstein shock absorbers and Eibach Springs offer you a sporting suspension capability but also allow the car to be driven quite comfortably around town.

Standard equipment includes Bluetooth hands free telephone connection, CD-tuner with 30 Gig hard drive, DVD satellite navigation and privacy glass.   

If you are looking for a supercar but can’t afford the price of one then perhaps the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X FQ-400 is the one for you? The manufacturer list price is £49,999 and the car is covered by a three year 36,000 mile warranty.

Toyota Prius

Toyota‘s determinination to further reduce emissions and promote sustainability prompted research to develop the world’s first injection moulded material to be derived from plant matter. The new Toyota Prius already offers great fuel economy and clean running, by using the Toyota Drive full hybrid powertrain, so this is yet another “tick in the box” for it’s green credentials.

There are two types of Ecological Plastic: one produced entirely from plant stuffs and another manufactured from a combination of plant and petroleum-based materials. With plant matter making up a percentage of both, Toyota is claiming that CO2 emissions linked to Ecological Plastic throughout its lifecycle, are around 20 per cent less than for conventional plastics. 

Toyota Prius

This is because much of the CO2 created when the material is ultimately disposed of, is offset by the amount of gas that was absorbed through photosynthesis, when the plants used to make it were growing.

The new Ecological Plastic meets heat and shock-resistance requirements for use in vehicle interiors, with different combinations of the raw material being used to create the right quality, strength and durability for different parts. Plant-derived materials include polylactic acid, plant-derived polyester, kenaf fibre and polyol, which is derived from castor oil. 

Ecological Plastic is used for foam and injection moulded parts in the new Prius, including seat cushions, scuff plates and deck trim. Toyota car leasing prices are easily available on all Toyota models off the site.

Which?, the leading independent consumer champion in the the UK, has found that some child car seats are so difficult to install they could be unsafe. Installing a child seat correctly is vital to prevent injuries in a crash, but Which? only knows of just three areas in England where parents can get advice on buying and installing car seats. The three Child Car Seat Centres are at Wigan (Lancashire), Bromley (Kent) and Rayleigh (Essex).

The tests Which? conducted were based on a safety score (60%) and ease of use (40%) assessment and parameters were based on Euro NCAP criteria.

The top rated child car seats according to Which?, offering good protection and having clear instructions for usage, are as follows:

- Britax Baby-Safe Sleeper – 77%  (Group 0 from birth to 9 months).

- Maxi Cosi Cabriofix with Easyfix base- 82% (Group 0 from birth to 12 months).

- Mamas and Papas Primo Viaggio Isofix -75% (Group 0+).

- KiddyInfinity Pro -78% ( 9 months to 4 years)

- Britax KidFix (Isofix)- 77%  (4 years to 12 years)

Richard Headland the Editor of Which? Car said, ” You can buy the safest seat on the market but it must be fitted correctly to protect a child. We’ve found some seats difficult to install and others offered poor crash protection, which simply isn’t acceptable. Until the legal standard improves, children will be at risk”.

All child and car seats sold in the UK must comply with European legal standard (ECE 44/04).

Hot Rods at Beaulieu

On Sunday the 21st June, the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu will see hundreds of stunning Hot Rods and Custom Cars, sunning themselves in the picturesque grounds. Last year over 250 vehicles attended the first event and more are expected this year.  You can expect the usual Hot Rods and Customs but look out for Classic Americans, Chops and Bobbers.

Hot Rods at Beaulieu

There will also be a display of the iconic Airstream caravans, Tot Rods and a Static Wild Bunch Dragster Exhibition, plus trade stands and prizes for the best vehicles.  Admission is from 10.00 a.m. and includes entry to the whole Beaulieu event, including the National Motor Museum with the new Autoglym “Jaguar Jamboree” Exhibition, Palace House, home of the Montagu family since 1538 and 13th century Beaulieu Abbey and gardens, plus rides for all the family.

You will also be able to see the attraction’s newest feature,” World of Top Gear”, with some actual cars from some of the most ambitious challenges Jeremy, Richard and James have undertaken, plus you can hear stories and see clips from some of their best moments over the years. Music for the event is supplied by the strolling players, Mariachi el Mexicano and further details can be found at www.beaulieu.co.uk or call 01590 612345.

Volkswagen and the Chinese carmaker, BYD ” Build Your Dreams” have signed a memorandum of understanding to look at partnership in the area of electric mobility. The Chinese delegation first met with Volkswagen at the Elektrotraktion Technology Centre in Isenbuttel and then at the test tracks at Wolfsburg.

The two parties had technical discussions and test drives with a variety of vehicles such as the Golf twinDrive and the prototype for an electric vehicle. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Member of the Board for Technical Development at Volkswagen said “Volkswagen will consistently expand its successful BlueMotion Technologies. Hybrids and electric vehicles will play an increasingly important role of course. Particularly for the Chinese market, potential partners such as BYD could support us in quickly expanding our activities”.

Audi A3 Sportback

Before you choose your next car or van on contract hire leasing we recommend you check the price of adding full maintenance cover. There are two main reasons why you should consider this option, as follows:

1) Higher disposal price for fully maintained vehicles.

The contract hire leasing Company will prefer you to opt for an “all inclusive” service package, as they want you to maintain your vehicle in line with the manufacturer’s recommended service intervals. If the vehicle goes wrong and needs fixing during the contract, they also want you to ensure it is repaired at a manufacturer approved service agent.

As a result they may take a more favourable view on the future disposal price of a vehicle on a “with maintenance” contract, over one on non-maintenance, which in turn makes the contract hire car or van leasing rental more attractive.

2) Protection from future unexpected maintenance bills.

A major benefit of contract hire is that it provides you with one rental that can cover most costs. All routine servicing and maintenance, replacement tyres, batteries and exhausts can be provided, if you choose this option. (Please note that the leasing Company will not pay for repairs if you damage your vehicle however).

To show you an example of what we mean let’s have a look at the contract hire rates for an Audi A3 Sportback 1.4 TFSI 5 Door which has a manufacturer list price of £16,335.

The least expensive business contract hire rental on the site for this car, on non-maintenance, three years, 10,000 miles per annum, with a payment profile of three rentals in advance followed by 35 subsequent payments, is £251.00 per month, excluding VAT

If you use the contract hire quote engine to change this to “With maintenance” the rentals moves to £254.00 excluding VAT, for the same vehicle.

So for £3 more per month, on the basic rental, you can enjoy full maintenance contract hire. Now, not every Audi car leasing or other manufacturer contract hire maintenance rental will be like this. However all we recommend is that it is worth checking to see if you can find a bargain like this. This same principle will also apply to any customers looking at personal contract hire as well, however don’t forget you pay the VAT inclusive monthly rental shown.

Mazda supports aerobatics

Mazda UK has announced that it will sponsor the British Aerobatics (BAeF) Scholarship Scheme which is set up to coordinate the fundraising that assists talented young pilots in entering the highly skilled sport of aerobatics.

Each year the BAeF selects one pilot from five or six candidates who compete head-to-head in a fly-off consisting of a series of aerobatic manoeuvres. These are flown in two-seater high performance planes such as the Pitts and the Extra. The successful candidate is then rewarded with free aerobatic flying training for a five year programme, under the guidance of the UK’s top aerobatic trainers.

Mark Cameron, Mazda UK’s sales and marketing director said “Supporting the British Aerobatics (BAeF) Scholarship Scheme mirrors Mazda’s brand values: daring, engaging and fun. These attributes can be experienced when driving a Mazda or flying an aerobatic aircraft”.  Driving a Mazda can also be really easy with Mazda car leasing providing any model on contract hire, at an affordable price.

Welcoming the sponsorship is Alan Cassidy, Chairman of the British Aerobatic Association (BAeA), who added: “The British Aerobatic Association is proud to be associated with the Mazda brand and together we will be looking forward to training these budding young pilots for the Mazda National Championships at Conington in July, to battle it out for the National Champion title in their class”.

On Monday the 22nd June, three teams will take part in a cricket tournament at Lord’s The Home of Cricket. Manufacturers, retailers and suppliers will do battle on the nursery pitch to win the coveted trophy and raise money for BEN, the UK’s charity for the automotive and related industries.

Charles Davis, Director of Fundraising and Communications at BEN said; ” This is a wonderful opportunity to play at this iconic ground and raise money for BEN, your industry’s charity. In these trying times BEN needs your support more than ever and this is a fantastic chance to come and have an incredible time and raise money to help our colleagues who are in need”.

For more information on how you can take part or even just watch the games, for the Oil Industry Cricket Tournament, you can contact the BEN events team on 01344 294720 or e-mail kelly.neal@ben.org.uk

BEN is the only occupational charity for those who work or have worked in the automotive and related industries. Founded in 1905 the Charity provides practical help, support, advice and friendship to more than 15,000 men, women and their families every year. They also provide homes to over 350 individuals who reside in one of its four residential centres in the UK and offers day care facilities at its centre in Coventry.

Scirocco GT24

Volkswagen Motorsport has released a unique video clip of part of the world’s most difficult race track also known as the “Green Hell” featuring the Scirocco GT 24. The Nordschleife, which was inaugurated in 1927, meanders up and down through the Eifel landscape, with a maze of twists and turns. The whole ” Green Hell” is shown on a video clip shot by a camera attached to the spoiler lip of the Scirocco GT24, barely 10 centimetres above the racetrack.

The 16:9 video can be viewed at www.volkswagen-motorsport.com/green_hell

Swede, Jimmy Johansson is the driver of the car and also last years’ winner of the 2.0-litre turbo class in the Scirocco GT24 at Nurburgring 24-hours. “This video conveys a lot of the Nordschleife fascination” says Volkswagen Motorsport Director Kris Nissen. ” Viewers receive a clear impression of how tough and long this race track is and the kind of work the drivers have to do lap by lap”.

SEAT Altea

SEAT UK is providing its backing to the inaugural National Family Week which kicks off this Bank Holiday Monday (25th May) with a variety of events nationwide. SEAT UK is the official partner of National Family Week and is the first motor manufacturer to support the initiative.

Several SEAT UK dealers will also be taking part in a record-breaking picnic attempt on Monday, where they will join scores of official venues nationwide, including Regent’s Park in London, trying to set a new Guinness World Record. You can log onto www.nationalfamilyweek.co.uk to find a picnic event near you.

SEAT is also going to give away a brace of SEAT Altea XLs by offering this capacious family five seater in two easy-to-enter competitions, working with ITV 1′s This Morning show and the Daily Mail.

The inaugural National Family Week will run from the 25th until the 31st May and is a new national occasion to support family life. The jam packed schedule of over 2,000 events will be supported by Richard Madeley and Judy Finnegan, Coleen Nolan, Sally Gunnell plus many other well known names.

Steve Robertson, Head of Marketing at SEAT UK, said: ” When we were approached by the organisers of National Family Week we jumped at the opportunity to get involved with such a worthwhile initiative. Offering two Altea XLs as prizes in competitions supporting National Family Week makes sense too, since the car is ideally suited to the needs of families large and small”. The SEAT Altea is an excellent family vehicle for car leasing and SEAT contract hire prices are reasonable too.

To enter the world record flagship picnic event at Regent’s Park is free but in order to qualify and be counted you must follow these instructions.

- Take your own picnic meal, either individually or in a group.

- Have a minimum of two courses (e.g. a sandwich and fruit or cake).

- Eat your picnic in Monday the 25th May.    

- Have your own mat or rug to sit on!