Mazda 3 MPS - Close up

The new Mazda3 MPS has seen a residual values claim boost from industry experts, CAP. Apparently, the launch this Autumn of the new model has seen a rise in the value of the model second hand, with plaudits coming from car valuation experts. Depreciation is a big factor in the cost of any car, so it’s good to see this new ’super hatch’ bucking the trend and making sure that a decent amount of value is left in the after the 3 years (average) ownership life.

Here’s some further information from Mazda:

The all-new Mazda3 MPS ‘super-hatch’ has been given a residual value boost to coincide with the range-topper going on sale in the UK this Autumn. The 2.3-litre petrol model, which generates 260ps and 380Nm of torque and has a limited top speed of 155mph, has won plaudits from used car valuation experts at CAP.

After driving the car, CAP’s price forecasters praised the model’s sporty styling and aggressive look and consequently upped its benchmark three-year/60,000-miles forecasted value by three percentage points.

A ‘blind’ prediction of the car’s worth saw CAP give the model, which has a P11D list price of £21,500 OTR, an initial valuation in September of £6,425 (30%) at the benchmark period. However, now the residual value has been increased by £450 to £6,875 (2%). That means that against the previous Mazda3 MPS the new model will retain an additional £750 of its value.

Jeff Knight, forecast manager at CAP, said: “The all-new Mazda3 MPS looks the part. It has the right styling cues and a more aggressive stance, which are important on a vehicle in the performance car bracket. The previous Mazda3 MPS always had performance, but it lacked the necessary visual appeal. Mazda has addressed that issue with the new model. We agree with Mazda that the new car is a significant step forward.”

Interestingly, October was the fourth successive month showing a rise in sales. Prior to July, there was a 15 month slump n the car economy. No doubt this was down to the state of the nation’s finances. However, you do have to wonder why we continually bail out banks when other industries seem to receive far less support. Had the government used some of the most recent bail-out money as funding for green car research for example, I’d wager that some of us would now be driving round in motors capable of more than 100 miles per gallon.

On a similar topic, in 1890 Wilhelm Maybach built the first four cylinder, four stroke engine. Basically, the modern engine was born. What amazes me is just how little in some respects we’ve come when it comes to the very heart of the car. Look out for my post in the near future on the history of cars.

Yesterday I wrote about the sales success of the Ford Fiesta. I also briefly mentioned a review that Top Gear conducted, or rather a certain Jezza Clarkson performed on BBC2 (season 12, episode 6). If you’re looking for a ‘proper’ review then go elsewhere. However, if you’re after some entertaining TV that shows how good a Fiesta is as a mall-stormer and as a beach assault vehicle, then you can’t go wrong. Enjoy, folks.

Ford Fiesta

I rarely talk about sales levels on the blog – for me it’s a bit of a no-no. Sure, it’s probably useful information if you’re in the industry, but if you’re on the consumer side of the fence do you really care that a manufacturer sold x amount of cars? Well, this news story is exactly that, due to the figures. Ford has managed to shift 100,000 Fiestas in 2009. Perhaps that shouldn’t be surprising really. The 2009 Fiesta is an absolutely cracking little car (in fact, it’s not even that little any more), especially in the Titanium Individual guise shown here.

Market leader Ford continues to make progress, raising its share of the car market to 16.2 per cent year to date, a 1.3 percentage point increase on the same period in 2008. Ford’s share of the total vehicle market, including commercial vehicles, rose to 17 per cent – meaning that over one in six new vehicles on UK roads is a Ford.

Also worth mentioning is that the Ford Fiesta is the What Car? Car of the Year. Stylish, modern and well equipped, Ford, we salute you for producing such a good car. Look out for the video of Clarkson’s review. It really is quite hilarious, especially when driving it in the mall…

This is simply one of my favourite Top Gear videos of all time. The Nissan GT-R is a proper Japanese performance car. Immense speed, grip, cornering ability and all manner of electronics going on in the background to keep you on the straight and narrow. Some perhaps were even more impressed that it managed to give a certain Mr Jeremy Clarkson a rather nasty injury… See for yourself and let me know what you think!

Nonetheless, as a Top Gear presenter, I think that he got off easily. Anyone remember Jeremy Clarkson’s neck being damaged by the brutal forces available when driving a Nissan GT-R? Video to follow tomorrow…

VW Golf R and Scirocco R

The Golf R and Scirocco R are now available to order. Both are absolutely brilliant looking cars, as you can see in the above image. Build quality, reliability and driving performance are no doubt great too (I’ve not had the pleasure of test driving either so I can’t give you the official ‘Car Articles’ verdict just yet.

Here’s the official information from Volkswagen:
Volkswagen has today confirmed pricing and specification for the most powerful and fastest accelerating derivatives of the Scirocco and Golf ever produced. Developed by Volkswagen’s special projects wing, Volkswagen Individual, prices for Scirocco R start at £26,945 on-the-road and £28,930 for the Golf R.

Fitted with a 2.0-litre TSI four-cylinder engine and a six speed manual gearbox as standard, the Scirocco R develops 265 PS and 258 lbs ft of torque while the Golf R produces 270 PS and 258 lbs ft of torque. A six-speed DSG gearbox is available as an option on both models from £1,300.

For the first time on an ‘R’ model, the Scirocco R channels power though the front wheels and is fitted with the XDS electronic cross-axle traction control system to ensure improved grip in all conditions. The Golf R, available in both three- and five-door bodystyles, uses a pre-charged hydraulic version of Volkswagen’s 4MOTION four wheel drive system. This system can react quicker than previous 4MOTION systems while also limiting torque to maximise traction and minimise wheelspin.

The range-topping Scirocco accelerates from a standstill to 62 mph in 6.0 seconds, falling to 5.8 seconds when equipped with the DSG gearbox, while achieving a combined figure of 34.9 mpg (35.3 for DSG) and 189 g/km of CO2 (187 for DSG).

The Golf R is the fastest accelerating Volkswagen ever produced, with a 0 to 62mph sprint taking just 5.7 seconds. As with the Scirocco, the DSG gearbox shaves a further two tenths of a second from this time. Despite this impressive performance, the Golf R returns 33.2 mpg on the combined cycle (DSG 33.6 mpg) and CO2 emissions of 199 g/km (195g DSG). Both the Scirocco R and Golf R models have a top speed of 155 mph.

To set the ‘R’ models apart from a conventional Scirocco or Golf, both feature unique styling features. New front bumpers complete with LED running lights and a trio of deep airdams, Xenon lights which frame gloss black grille elements, gloss black wing mirrors, sill extensions and 18-inch five-spoke ‘Talladega’ alloy wheels housing gloss black ‘R’ callipers give the new models a purposeful look. Optional 19-inch alloy wheels in the same design are also available and, on the Golf R, these can be specified with a gloss black finish.

At the back, both models feature roof mounted spoilers and are fitted with twin exit exhausts; the Golf R’s positioned in the centre of a gloss black diffuser and the Scirocco R’s mounted on either side. Smoked rear light units, which on the Golf house high-intensity LED bulbs, further differentiate the R models.

Styling changes continue inside the cabins of both new models with new sports seats complete with ’R‘ logos, piano black and silver highlights, a new three-spoke black leather sports steering wheel with contrasting stitching and revised white backlit dials with subtle electric blue needles unique to the ‘R’ range. Vienna leather sports seats are available on both models and Recaro bucket seats can also be specified as an option on both the three- and five-door Golf R models.

Alongside the new addition to the Scirocco range, the power output in the ‘standard’ 2.0-litre TSI Scirocco GT has now been increased to 210 PS. This extra power reduces the sprint to 62 mph to 6.9 seconds for both the manual and DSG gearboxes, and top speed increases to 149 mph (147 DSG). Fitted with revised oil and cooling systems, the 210 PS unit also boasts improved fuel consumption of 38.2 mpg (was 37.2) and emissions of 172 g/km of CO2 (was 179) over the engine it replaces.

The first examples of Volkswagen’s most powerful hatchback and coupe are expected to arrive in showrooms in February 2010. For more information, visit your local Volkswagen Retailer or www.volkswagen.co.uk.

Here’s an interior shot of the Volkswagen Scirocco R for your pleasure (yes, it sure makes me jealous!):

Volkswagen Scirocco R Interior

How about Abu Dhabi though? The race took place on the new circuit that features 3 very different sections and a wonderful tunnel exit from the pit lane. The scene was set for a race that would go from day into dusk and apparently the facilities were first rate. What about the action though? Well, following qualifying was brisk and Hamilton showed that he continues to have the pace and the skill to bring his car to the front of the pack. Vettel similarly was looking strong, as was Webber.

Unfortunately for Lewis Hamilton, a brake problem on lap 20 saw his race brought to an early halt – leaving Sebastien Vettel to cruise on to a more than deserved victory. Webber then came in second, closely followed by none other than Jenson Button – showing just what a class act he really is to be on the podium.

So, what did you make of this year’s Formula 1 season? There’s of course been a ton of controversy – in fact probably more than I can remember in a long time. Most of it, unfortunately, has been bad for the sport. Everything from ‘crashgate’ through to the racist incidents at a couple of grand prix events took a shine off the sport. Worst of all was the apparent disparity between the technology/car set up of the teams. Whilst some took the opportunity and fitted a rear diffuser, it meant that others simply lagged behind the pack and no doubt meant that Brawn were in an excellent position to take advantage with their superbly set up car.

Next year brings some sweeping changes to F1 – most notably a ban on refuelling during races. The biggest net effect this will have is that cars will start off extremely heavy and drivers will have to manage their tyres and other ‘perishables’ much more carefully. Other than that, we’ll see the KERS system going by the consent of all teams.

So, what other announcements can we expect before the inaugural F1 grand prix in 2010? Well perhaps the biggest will be just where many of the drivers are going to be end up. I’ve heard rumours that we may even be looking at a 1-2 of Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton at McLaren. Now wouldn’t that be an interesting team up!

Ferrari World

Ferrari has a history unlike another other car manufacturer, so it’s perhaps a fitting tribute to the marque that a theme park is opening up. Would you want to visit though? Well, it’s in Abu Dhabi (on Yas Island to be specific), so that will be reason enough visit to go for some.

Here’s the press release giving some further information:
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, set to open in 2010, is the world’s first Ferrari theme park and largest attraction of its kind. It will be an intense multi-sensory experience and a must-visit for enthusiasts, fans and families. The Park pays tribute to the passion, excellence, performance, technical innovation that Ferrari has established over the years and represents today. Its iconic sleek red roof is directly inspired by the classic double curve side profile of the Ferrari GT body, spanning 200,000 m2 and carrying the largest Ferrari logo ever created.

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi will host a number of attractions, including rides for children of all ages, providing the complete Ferrari experience: over 20 state-of-the-art attractions, each designed to bring to life a different part of the Ferrari story, including the world’s fastest rollercoaster, travelling at speeds exceeding 200 km/h and emulating the thrilling sensation of being in a Ferrari F1 car, or the G-force experience taking passengers on an adrenaline-pumping ride up over 62 m, through the roof and back down again.

The Park is located on Yas Island – set to become a global tourist destination with a wide range of accommodation and entertainment facilities – on the North East side of Abu Dhabi’s mainland. Abu Dhabi, at the crossroads between Europe, Asia and Africa, was chosen as the ideal location to build the Ferrari theme park, motor sports being extremely popular in the United Arab Emirates. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi will offer a unique and intensely fun way, together with a wide variety of Italian delicacies and of course unique shopping experiences.

Let’s cut to the chase though, just what exactly do the rides consist of? Well, there’s rumoured to be over 20 different attractions altogether including: the world’s fastest rollercoaster, emulating the speed of an F1 car, a G-force experience, racing simulators to show how difficult driving an F1 car really is, A flume ride through the heart of a Ferrari 599 and even a driving/racing school. Prices yet to be announced but I doubt it’s going to be as accessible as Disneyland Paris…

Yes, that’s probably the longest title on the blog, but the above is also one of the best supertests I’ve ever seen. Great job done by Autocar on this one and I must say that I’m extremely jealous. Perhaps most impressive is the sheer monstrous performance of the Bugatti Veyron. It makes even the mighty Audi R8 seem rather slow in comparison, which is frankly insane.

Which would I have from the group? Well I think it would have to be the Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera. Whilst Autocar doesn’t really rate it as much here, there’s something about the Lamborghini shape that just gives me a thrill. Not as much as the Reventon mind you… Which is a very special thing indeed.