Automobile News Blog

SEAT Exeo Prices Confirmed - Prices Revealed

2009-01-03T13:57:00.007-08:00

SEAT has announced pricing and specification details for its new Exeo saloon.
Available in April, the car will cost from £17,740 - and will be offered in S, SE, Sport and range-topping SE Lux trim levels.

Drivers will be offered a choice of three engines, all of which will meet Euro V emissions standards.

Most popular will be the common rail turbodiesels producing 141 or 168 bhp, while flagship models will get a potent 198bhp turbocharged petrol. All three cars get a six-speed manual gearbox.

At launch, the new SEAT saloon’s 0 to 62 mph times range from 9.2 seconds (for the 141bhp TDI) through 8.4 seconds (168bhp TDI) to a spirited 7.3 seconds for the 198bhp petrol turbo. Maximum speeds are 133 mph, 142 mph and 149 mph respectively.

Meanwhile, the Exeo is capable of up to 51.4 mpg (on the combined cycle) with an official CO2 emissions figure of as little as 143 g/km.

Among the equipment highlights are USB connectivity (allowing iPOD style music players to be used in-car); cruise control; steering wheel-mounted audio controls; dual zone climate control and stylish alloy wheels.

Drivers Face Negative Equity - Investigation

2009-01-03T13:57:00.005-08:00

NOSE-diving car prices mean thousands of UK motorists are being plunged into negative equity on their vehicle loans, Auto Express has discovered.

And the shortfall adds up to a huge £272million!

The problem affects buyers who opted for PCP finance – which totalled £2.13billion in 2006. These deals typically involve making a series of monthly instalments, then one final balloon payment after two years, to secure ownership of the car.

This is known as the Minimum Guaranteed Future Value (MGFV) – which is
predicted in advance, and based on what the vehicle will be worth at the end of the deal.

But the slump in the market means these estimates are now way off the mark – as our table (below) reveals.

As a result, motorists who took out PCP finance deals two years ago are left with final payments which are much bigger than their vehicle’s actual value.

The Finance and Leasing Association described PCP as “a lottery”, and admitted most buyers were now forced to simply hand back their keys.

AA president Edmund King said: “This is shocking news. Many people will suffer.”
He added that the negative equity would have a knock-on effect for new buyers. “Those who’ve had their fingers burned won’t have any incentive to buy another for a new car,” he said.

Energy Prices Set To Soar Again... - Fuel Prices

2009-01-03T13:57:00.003-08:00

PETROL prices may be about to get pumped back up. After a slump in oil prices gave drivers a break from rocketing fuel bills, the OPEC cartel of oil-producing nations agreed a huge production cut to try to force crude values back up.

Output was slashed by 2.2 million barrels per day in a bid to push prices up from the current per barrel to around . When petrol reached an average level of 119.5p per litre in July, that figure was 7. But some analysts say plummeting demand brought about by the global economic crisis will prevent a price hike.

News review - October

2009-01-03T13:57:00.001-08:00

October saw Singapore host Formula One’s first night race.

It was a thrilling spectacle as the world’s greatest drivers battled it out under 10,000 street lights. While the result did little to establish who would be the 2008 F1 champion, our road test team had already decided on Auto Express’s Performance Car of the Year – the mind-blowing Nissan GT-R. Watch videos of all the cars here.

As in previous years, we took 20 of the most entertaining and desirable cars on the market to the Anglesey racing circuit in Wales, where we did some serious testing. For 2008, our shortlist was more spectacular than ever, featuring cars worthy of filling any petrolhead’s dream garage, such as KTM’s radical new X-Bow and Lamborghini’s scintillating Gallardo LP560-4.

At the other end of the price scale – but with an equal chance of victory – we had the MINI Cooper JCW and Abarth Grande Punto. Despite strong challenges, the GT-R led the field, which is good news for those collecting the keys to one in March.

Japanese supercar blasts in (Issue 1,035)
The Nissan GT-R is taking an agonisingly long time to hit UK shores – customer models don’t arrive here until spring. All the same, it has already made quite an impact on the performance car hierarchy. We were blown away by our first test of the super-coup in June when it beat the Porsche 911 and Audi R8. And when it lined up against 19 other hot-shoes at the Anglesey racing circuit in Wales, it scored an even more impressive victory.

Prices drop from record highs (Issue 1,035)
Amid the doom and gloom of the economy came some good news for Britain’s financially battered motorists. Due to plummeting global oil prices, and after peaking at an average £1.20 per litre in June, many forecourts were charging 99.9p for unleaded. Supermarket chain Asda was the first to dip below the £1 a litre mark (below), and rivals soon followed. At the time, we reported that a Volkswagen Golf driver would save around £10 a fill-up, or nearly £250 over 10,000 miles.

Italians feel the pinch (Issue 1,033)
Supercar fans were in for a shock when Lamborghini revealed its four-door Estoque saloon concept at the Paris Motor Show, as the production version would have a diesel option. True followers of the famous brand, however, regarded it as old news. After all, long before his firm made supercars, Ferruccio Lamborghini was Italy’s leading tractor manufacturer.

Compact hatch’s debut (Issue 1,033)
ALSO at the French expo, Audi unveiled its new premium supermini. Wisely having dropped ‘Metro’ from its badge, the A1 Sportback show car looked nearly production ready with a traditional five-door bodyshell. Our story revealed the firm was planning a 2010 launch, and bosses were gunning for the likes of the MINI and Alfa’s MiTo.

Grand plan for SSC (Issue 1,036)
The British obsession with the World Land Speed Record continued with news of a fresh attempt. Project Bloodhound SSC – led by Richard Noble and Andy Green, who helped crack the sound barrier 12 years ago – would use rocket, jet and piston power to sail through the current 763mph record.

Supercar prototype caught on test (Issue 1,035)
The Mac is back. Or at least it will be when McLaren unleashes its successor to the mighty F1 in 2010. In October, our spies spotted a prototype undergoing road tests, and the resulting pictures we developed showed the newcomer is likely to be every bit as spectacular as its predecessor. We reported that the car is being worked on solely by McLaren, following the end of the deal with Mercedes that spawned the SLR.

Leading the charge (Issue 1,035)
BMW created a spark of interest in its alternative fuel projects this month when it officially unveiled its MINI E project. We revealed the newcomer – which went on to make its public debut at the Los Angeles Motor Show in the US the following month – would be fitted with a powerful electric motor capable of producing 204bhp. However, Britons hoping to get their hands on an electrically powered MINI were disappointed when BMW announced it would trial only 50 of the vehicles – and all of them would go to customers in the US.

Road police cutbacks (Issue 1,036)
An investigation by Auto Express revealed some UK police forces were planning to cut the number of traffic cops by up to 84 per cent. The shock statistic was contained in a survey carried out by the Department for Transport. The report also revealed that Britain today has nearly 20 per cent fewer road police than a decade ago, despite the rising number of vehicles on the road. Commenting on these findings, Edmund King of the AA told us: “We must reverse this trend in order to make our roads safer.”

Firm folds as belts tighten (Issue 1,035)
ONE of the UK’s leading prestige car rental firms – the Segrave Club – proved City money was drying up rather quickly. The outfit, based in Knightsbridge, London, specialised in supercars and went into administration, blaming a sudden fall in demand from its wealthiest customers. A spokesman said: “Our target market is City bankers, and our funding is based there too. Both sources have dried up in recent weeks.”

VW's New Polo GTI unleashed - Exclusive

2009-01-03T05:52:00.001-08:00

Hot hatch fans rejoice – the Golf GTI is getting a little brother!
VW has an all-new Polo on the way in 2009, and is readying the wildest, fastest and sportiest version ever to top the range.

Following in the footsteps of the MkV Golf GTI – which showed VW could still produce amazing performance cars when it launched in 2004 – the Polo GTI looks set to be a sales smash hit.

As you can see, the flagship won’t be short of visual aggression. All the classic GTI design cues are there, from the piano black grille highlighted in red to the GTI badging and deep air intakes.

Neat touches include muscular flared arches, filled by gorgeous alloys. The look is finished off by a subtle roof spoiler and bodykit – and the result is by far the most
distinctive Polo ever made.

Inside, the cabin will see some dramatic leaps in quality, with similar soft-touch plastics to those in the latest MkVI Golf (tested on Page 40). But what will really make the newcomer stand out will be its detailing – which includes figure-hugging sports seats, red piping and racy aluminium pedals.

The next Polo will be similar in size to the outgoing machine. But as it shares the PQ25 small car platform that underpins the latest SEAT Ibiza, more space has been freed up inside. Using this chassis as a base, company engineers will also add stiffer springs and thicker anti-roll bars, plus sophisticated traction and stability control systems.

When it was launched, the MkV Golf GTI set the standard for modern performance VWs, and the Polo GTI aims to have a similar impact. It will combine accurate steering and limited body roll with a compliant ride. Completing the package is a set of upgraded brakes.

However, the Polo’s hottest asset will be its engine: a 1.4-litre supercharged and
turbocharged four-cylinder TSI, which will grace the Ibiza Cupra early in 2009.
This produces 178bhp and 250Nm of torque in the GTI, and gives a 0-60mph time of around seven seconds and a 140mph top speed.

What will make the car fun to drive will be the way its power is delivered. The combination of turbo and supercharging means there will be a broad spread of torque at low revs, with muscular urge continuing all the way to the red line. The engine’s small capacity will also translate into strong economy and CO2 emissions. Figures of 40mpg and less than 150g/km are expected.
As with the Cupra, the GTI gets a six-speed manual box as standard, with a fast-shifting seven-ratio DSG box an option.

While the new Polo is set to make its world debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, the GTI won’t be seen until early 2010. A price of around £15,500 is likely.

New Vauxhall Meriva is a Smash Hit - Spied

2009-01-03T03:37:00.001-08:00

HERE are the pictures that prove Vauxhall’s new Meriva is a real smasher!

These spy shots show the aftermath of a controlled side impact test of the forthcoming supermini-MPV. And the little people carrier’s star feature – its rear-hinged back doors – have stood up well to the impact!

Set to debut at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show, the new Meriva will shake up the class with a stylish shape which has changed little from the 2008 Geneva Motor Show concept.
The doors are similar to those on the Rolls-Royce Phantom and Mazda RX-8, and are hinged at the rear to allow superb access to the back seats.

In addition, the Meriva will boast a flexible interior with a sliding rear bench seat. And it’s also set to continue the big leaps in cabin quality Vauxhall made with the Insignia. Add in a sleek shape that’s inspired by the Flextreme show car – seen at Frankfurt in 2007 – and it’s sure to turn heads.

As well as conventional petrol and diesel power, there will be an ecoFLEX variant emitting less than 120g/km. And a turbo VXR model is set to top the range.

Diesel XF Supercar Bares its Claws - Official

2009-01-03T01:21:00.003-08:00

The big cat is finally out of the bag! Jaguar has released the first pictures and full details of its new XF Diesel S, an oilburning flagship that combines class-leading performance with impressive fuel economy.

Due on sale in March, the newcomer is fitted with a new 3.0-litre V6 engine with 273bhp and a staggering 600nm of torque. Capable of a top speed of 155mph, and a 0-60mph sprint of 5.9 seconds the newcomer also promises to return 42mpg.
Meanwhile, CO2 emissions are 179g/km – that’s 10 percent less than the acclaimed 2.7-litre unit that this new engine replaces.

Power is transmitted to the road via the rear wheels, through an updated six speed automatic gearbox. Drivers can either select a fully automatic mode, or swap ratios via steering wheel mounted paddles.
To complete the package, XF Diesel S also gets 20 inch wheels, an aerodynamic boot lid spoiler and discreet ‘S’ badging.
Inside, the S gets sports seats, and a number of specification upgrades to the car’s satellite navigation and air-conditioning systems.

However, the new Diesel S is not the only XF to benefit from the company’s latest diesel technology.

Jaguar has announced that is also plans to add an entry level 3.0-litre V6 model to the line-up to replace the basic 2.7-litre V6.
Powered by a detuned version of the new

New Vauxhall Meriva is a Smash Hit - Spied

2009-01-03T01:21:00.001-08:00

HERE are the pictures that prove Vauxhall’s new Meriva is a real smasher!

As well as conventional petrol and diesel power, there will be an ecoFLEX variant emitting less than 120g/km. And a turbo VXR model is set to top the range.

New Vauxhall Meriva is a Smash Hit - Spied

2009-01-03T01:20:00.047-08:00

HERE are the pictures that prove Vauxhall’s new Meriva is a real smasher!

As well as conventional petrol and diesel power, there will be an ecoFLEX variant emitting less than 120g/km. And a turbo VXR model is set to top the range.

New Vauxhall Meriva is a Smash Hit - Spied

2009-01-03T01:20:00.045-08:00

HERE are the pictures that prove Vauxhall’s new Meriva is a real smasher!

As well as conventional petrol and diesel power, there will be an ecoFLEX variant emitting less than 120g/km. And a turbo VXR model is set to top the range.

New Vauxhall Meriva is a Smash Hit - Spied

2009-01-03T01:20:00.043-08:00

HERE are the pictures that prove Vauxhall’s new Meriva is a real smasher!

As well as conventional petrol and diesel power, there will be an ecoFLEX variant emitting less than 120g/km. And a turbo VXR model is set to top the range.

New Vauxhall Meriva is a Smash Hit - Spied

2009-01-03T01:20:00.041-08:00

HERE are the pictures that prove Vauxhall’s new Meriva is a real smasher!

As well as conventional petrol and diesel power, there will be an ecoFLEX variant emitting less than 120g/km. And a turbo VXR model is set to top the range.

Diesel XF Supercar Bares its Claws - Official

2009-01-03T01:20:00.039-08:00

Diesel XF Supercar Bares its Claws - Official

2009-01-03T01:20:00.037-08:00

New Vauxhall Meriva is a Smash Hit - Spied

2009-01-03T01:20:00.035-08:00

HERE are the pictures that prove Vauxhall’s new Meriva is a real smasher!

As well as conventional petrol and diesel power, there will be an ecoFLEX variant emitting less than 120g/km. And a turbo VXR model is set to top the range.

New Vauxhall Meriva is a Smash Hit - Spied

2009-01-03T01:20:00.033-08:00

HERE are the pictures that prove Vauxhall’s new Meriva is a real smasher!

As well as conventional petrol and diesel power, there will be an ecoFLEX variant emitting less than 120g/km. And a turbo VXR model is set to top the range.

New Vauxhall Meriva is a Smash Hit - Spied

2009-01-03T01:20:00.031-08:00

HERE are the pictures that prove Vauxhall’s new Meriva is a real smasher!

As well as conventional petrol and diesel power, there will be an ecoFLEX variant emitting less than 120g/km. And a turbo VXR model is set to top the range.

New Vauxhall Meriva is a Smash Hit - Spied

2009-01-03T01:20:00.029-08:00

HERE are the pictures that prove Vauxhall’s new Meriva is a real smasher!

As well as conventional petrol and diesel power, there will be an ecoFLEX variant emitting less than 120g/km. And a turbo VXR model is set to top the range.

New Vauxhall Meriva is a Smash Hit - Spied

2009-01-03T01:20:00.027-08:00

HERE are the pictures that prove Vauxhall’s new Meriva is a real smasher!

As well as conventional petrol and diesel power, there will be an ecoFLEX variant emitting less than 120g/km. And a turbo VXR model is set to top the range.

New Vauxhall Meriva is a Smash Hit - Spied

2009-01-03T01:20:00.025-08:00

HERE are the pictures that prove Vauxhall’s new Meriva is a real smasher!

As well as conventional petrol and diesel power, there will be an ecoFLEX variant emitting less than 120g/km. And a turbo VXR model is set to top the range.

New Vauxhall Meriva is a Smash Hit - Spied

2009-01-03T01:20:00.023-08:00

HERE are the pictures that prove Vauxhall’s new Meriva is a real smasher!

As well as conventional petrol and diesel power, there will be an ecoFLEX variant emitting less than 120g/km. And a turbo VXR model is set to top the range.

Diesel XF Supercar Bares its Claws - Official

2009-01-03T01:20:00.021-08:00

Diesel XF Supercar Bares its Claws - Official

2009-01-03T01:20:00.019-08:00

Diesel XF Supercar Bares its Claws - Official

2009-01-03T01:20:00.017-08:00

Diesel XF Supercar Bares its Claws - Official

2009-01-03T01:20:00.015-08:00