Archive for January, 2010
Ford tops fleet popularity poll with Mondeo
The Ford Mondeo has become ‘Britain’s most popular fleet car’, according to FleetDirectory.co.uk readers. In a poll conducted by industry the website, the Mondeo took 20% of the vote - six percentage points ahead of its nearest rival. FleetDirectory.co.uk cited qualities such as class-leading safety, practicality, low running and [...]
Business fleets focus on fuel costs and emissions
Britain’s business car fleets made ‘impressive progress’ in reducing their carbon emissions last year, according to the latest figures from the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association. The BVRLA’s leasing members, who operate a combined fleet of around 1.6 million cars, saw the average carbon dioxide emissions of vehicles brought [...]
Volkswagen Golf tops ‘safest’ car list
The Volkswagen Golf VI was the ‘safest’ car tested by the European New Car Assessment Programme last year, the crash testing organisation has disclosed. In 2009 Euro NCAP introduced its new rating scheme that awarded an overall score for safety covering four areas of assessment: adult, child, pedestrian and safety assist. During the year, [...]
Saab saved as $400m Spyker deal is finalised
Saab has been saved from closure and is to be bought by Spyker Cars in a $400 million deal, which is conditional on obtaining a €400m loan from the European Investment Bank. General Motors, which has been winding down its Saab subsidiary in recent weeks, announced the binding agreement late last night (Monday, January 26) saying that it was [...]
Geneva debut for Mazda6 facelift
A new facelift version of the Mazda6 will make its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in March. The model will see the debut of the new Mazda ‘family face’, along with new headlamps and rear lights, for a more sporty appearance and a clearer, premium identity. Six power units will be available for the Mazda6 facelift, including a [...]
Revised Toyota Auris takes to the roads
Toyota has launched its new Auris, with a sharper appearance inside and out, higher quality materials throughout the cabin and a suspension system tweaked for extra ride comfort and stability. The range of three and five-door hatchbacks also features a new SR trim model with sports styling, targeting younger customers. The SR joins the [...]
Škoda expands Octavia range with two new models
Two new engines have been added to the Škoda Octavia hatchback and estate range - a downsized 1.2 TSI 105 bhp petrol engine and a 1.6 TDI CR 105 bhp diesel engine with DSG dual-clutch transmission. The 1.2 TSI 105 bhp is now available with both six-speed manual and seven-speed DSG gearboxes, in either hatchback or estate bodystyles and in S [...]
Mercedes cuts prices on new E-Class Estate
The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate has gone on sale in the UK with prices 4% lower than the outgoing model and featuring class-leading load capacity, enhanced practicality, greater fuel efficiency and emissions from 150 g/km. The manufacturer claims that the model sets a ‘new benchmark for the premium estate sector’. New innovations [...]
More than 7,500 arrested during festive drink and drug driving blitz
Police arrested more than 7,500 people in the month-long blitz on drunk drivers over the Christmas period, ACPO lead for roads policing Chief Constable Mick Giannasi has revealed. More drivers than ever before were breath tested over the holiday period - 223,423 - and 3% of those drivers were arrested. While that percentage was down on 2008 [...]
Mitsubishi unveils all-new compact crossover
Mitsubishi will premiere its Nissan Qashqai-rivalling ASX all-new compact crossover on March 2 at the opening days of the 80th Geneva International Motor Show. The ASX is the European-spec version of the Japanese RVR, which is slated to go on sale in Japan next month. Mitsubishi’s new compact crossover will seat five and will be [...]