Mazda RX-8 R3
There are less than 100 examples of the Mazda RX-8 R3 coupe left in stock in the UK as Mazda phases out this four-seater, four-door sports coupe.
The rotary-engined 231ps Mazda RX-8 offers great performance and is still a head turner so if you want to join the 26,000 other UK motorists who have enjoyed the thrills of this sports classic you need to act fast.
APS Sportec upgrade
There is a new performance upgrade available for the Audi S5 quattro coupe model offered by APS of Brackley, called the “Stage One” upgrade. This consists of a free flowing filter element and ECU remap which increases the power of the car from 328bhp at 6,000 rpm, to 425bhp at 6,640 rpm.
This reduces the 0-62mph time to 4.6 seconds (a reduction of 0.5 seconds) and the car is also limited to a top speed of 155mph. The upgrade is suitable for all coupe and cabriolet models of the 3.0-litre TFSI supercharged Audi S5 and costs £1,950 fitted including VAT. Please note that if you lease your car, you cannot make any modifications to your vehicle without checking with the leasing company first.
All-new Suzuki Swift
The all-new Suzuki Swift has been rated as one of the UK’s safest cars having been awarded a maximum 5-star rating from EuroNCAP. The EuroNCAP (New Car Assessment Programme) rating scheme focuses on a weighted average series of safety ratings based on four areas, adult (50%), child (20%), pedestrian (20%) protection assessment results with the availability of safety assistance devices (10%).
The Suzuki Swift was awarded a score of 94% for adult, 82% for child, 62% for pedestrian and 71% for the safety assistance, to achieve a total score over 75%, which qualifies for the EuroNCAP 5 star rating. The all-new Suzuki Swift has been developed with a new, stronger and lighter impact absorbing bodyshell and includes seven airbags as standard, as well as whiplash mitigating front seats. Active safety equipment includes ESP (Electronic Stability Programme which is also fitted as standard equipment across the range.
Experience an off-road drive with Isuzu at Sandringham Game and Country Fair
If you visit the Sandringham Game and Country Fair (11th-12th September),you will be able to enjoy a thrilling off-road driving experience, courtesy of Isuzu. There is a purpose built course which will test the off-road driving skills of the participant, as well showing off the capabilities of the newly-launched Isuzu Rodeo pick-up. All drivers will also be supervised by professional instructors.
Show-goers will also have the opportunity of getting behind the wheel of the top-of-the range Denver 2.5-litre Denver and 3.0-litre LE model on the Isuzu stand. The Norfolk based show will also have an impressive medley of clay pigeon shooting, carving logs with chainsaws, an indoor falconry display and for more information visit the Living Heritage Country Show website.
Volkswagen Calilfornia
One lucky GMTV viewer entered a competition to win a Volkswagen California in conjunction with the Camping and Caravanning Club. Paula Harris is now the proud owner of this great campervan and is already planning her trips around the UK, with Cornwall and South Wales on the agenda. The prize vehicle is fitted with a roll-out side awning, a tailgate bike rack for up to four bikes and optional alloy wheels.
The Volkswagen California is designed to be compact on the road, yet transforms into a real home with its own fridge, cooker, sink, two double beds and an electrically operated pop-up roof. As part of the prize, Paula also wins an annual membership to the Camping and Caravanning Club, giving her access to 110 sites across the UK.
Simon Elliott, Director, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, said,”Paula must be the luckiest camper in the world to win such an exciting prize from her first competition entry. We know she will thoroughly enjoy the California’s high quality, and great design, and get a friendly welcome from the huge community of Volkswagen campers”.
Chevrolet Orlando
Chevrolet is launching a new seater MPV at the forthcoming Paris Motor Show as its first entrant into the European MPV segment. The Chevrolet Orlando will be on sale at the start of 2011 and is based on the award-winning Chevrolet Cruze saloon. There will be a choice of three fuel efficient engines, with one 1.8-litre petrol (141 hp) and two 2.0-litre diesel units, offering 131 or 163 hp.
New Orlando
The low swept roofline is also complimented by muscular, protruding wheel arches with either 16-inch, 17-inch or 18-inch wheel options. Inside the car the takes its cues from the Corvette, with its dual cockpit and ambient blue backlighting to the centre console. There are three rows of seats, loads of storage solutions and a generous load area and Chevrolet is confident this new model should be appeal to family motorists. Standard equipment on all models includes electronic stability control, six airbags, air conditioning and electrically heated and adjustable door mirrors.
Wayne Brannon, president and managing director for Chevrolet Europe said,”The new Orlando MPV kicks off an ambitious seven-product launch program over the next 15 months. We’re confident the Orlando not only brings great value for money to the MPV class but also something fresh – function with attitude if you like – and the opportunity for us to continue building our volume across Europe”.
Citroen DS3 Racing
Citroen has announced full details about the eagerly anticipated DS3 Racing, with customer orders being taken from the 1st September 2010. The DS3 Racing has an impeccable sporting pedigree having been developed by Citroen Racing, the winning team behind five WRC Manufacturer’s titles.
Citroen DS3 in Polar White
Powered by a specially tuned 1.6-litre THP engine, it produces 207hp, has a top speed of 146mph, a 0-62mph of just 6.5 seconds and takes 26.5 seconds to the 1,000 metre mark, from a standing start. Standard equipment includes automatic digital air conditioning, Bluetooth with USB connectivity and an eight-speaker hi-fi system. Citroen has also added some new features to the DS3 Racing like S.ESP (Switchable Electronic Stability Programme) and Citroen eTouch Assistance System.
There are two colour options available namely Obsidian Black pearlescent body (and Sport Orange roof) or Polar White body with a Carbon Grey roof which can all be matched to the alloy wheels, door mirrors, chevrons, grille surround, tailgate spoiler and dashboard fascia. Citroen business car leasing prices will be loaded shortly.
New Mercedes-Benz CLS
The dynamic new Mercedes-Benz CLS four-door coupe is being launched at the Paris Motor show between the 2nd and 17th October 2010. The proportions of this great looking car remain as spectacular as ever since its original launch in 2003, with its long bonnet and dynamic roof sweeping back at an angle towards the rear.
New CLS from the rear
What you immediately notice about the model is the innovative front design that takes its cue from the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG and new features include full LED headlamps, divided into three layers. The interior options offer a choice of five interior colours and five trim designs with three different leather qualities. Your three interior wood choices are, high-gloss brown burr walnut, high-gloss black ash and satin-finish light-brown poplar. More details on the car will be released closer to the show.
Skoda engine
Skoda is warning all Skoda drivers how important it is to get your cambelt changed at regular intervals, as many motorists are unaware of how much damage a failure can cause and also cost. Damage cost can be as high as £5,000, so replacing a cambelt is a small investment in comparison to an engine replacement.
John Bower, Head of Aftersales at Skoda said; Although a cambelt is a routine maintenance item, with time and mileage parameters, it doesn’t form part of a scheduled service. Skoda customers who use their Skoda retailer for vehicle maintenance will be advised at the correct time or mileage that their cambelt needs replacing. If, however, a customer is maintaining their car outside the Skoda network they may not be getting this advice”.
Cambelts are made from rubber and help keep the moving parts of an engine sychronised. They are subject to wear and tear as any other motoring part and this can vary according to your driving style and also environmental conditions. Skoda is recommending they are changed every four years if the mileage hasn’t been reached. If you drive a Skoda and you are unsure, then popping into your local Skoda dealer would seem a wise move.
Jaguar Land Rover
Jaguar Land Rover has announced their official sponsorship of Coventry Rugby Football Club for the 2011/2011 season. This agreement will see Jaguar Land Rover further extend strong community ties with the city, where it employs 2000 people and has a dedicated Education Partnership Centre, which annually supports over 7,000 children.
Les Ratcliffe, Jaguar Land Rover Community Relations Manager said,”Today Jaguar Land Rover, two of the world’s most iconic automotive brands, work side by side in the development of strong and lasting community partnerships which positively impact upon the local communities in which we operate. Jaguar has a very rich and well documented link to Coventry and has produced some of its most beautiful sports cars in the City.This new and exciting partnership with Coventry Rugby Club will provide a platform for us to further extend the work we are doing with local schools, sports and community groups”.