FREE MP3 Player

Invicta and Dees Ford are both offering a Free MP3 player for the fist 50 people who Testdrive the New Ford KA

Visit Motorparks for more information
or Book a test drive online here - Click Here to Book Your Test Drive

The New Jaguar XKR

Jaguar has unveiled at the 2009 NAIAS the new generation of the 2010 Jaguar XKR.



Jaguar features the dual advantage of being the fastest car along with a very luxurious interior. Carefully revised exteriors take the seductive, elegant lines that define Jaguar's new design language and interpret them for a beautiful 2+2 sports car whose shape is even more taut, powerful and athletic. Evoking the essence of performance long before it moves, the new XK family shape is unmistakably 'new-school' sporting Jaguar: wholly contemporary, finely sculpted, efficiently packaged and precisely detailed.

Powered by basically the same engine as the XFR, the XKR is powered by a supercharged 5.0 litre V8 that puts out the same 510 horsepower and 460 lb/ft of torque. Although, that power plant is now in a sleeker, fairly lighter, grand touring package. Power is increased by 29 percent and torque by 25 percent.

All cars featured automatic gearboxes only, something that sports car purists have bemoaned, but the auto gearbox suited the relaxed Grand Tourer nature of the XKR perfectly. All this upgrading is done at the cost of a mere weight increase, about 154lb (70kg). So not surprisingly it’s the ultimate vehicle for high-tech speed.




Fuel is delivered via twin, high-pressure fuel pumps that are driven via auxiliary shaft in the all-new engine block. Fuel efficiency stays the same for both models despite the increase in power. This is impressive given the XKR will handle 0-100km/h in 4.6 seconds, with the Portfolio following closely behind at 5.2 seconds.

Powerful and aggressive, wide shoulders, long front, just amazing. Jaguar did an amazing job blending power with class in with this style! Power is put down on the road with immense levels of grip. Few cars can match the speed with which the Jaguar XKR can cover the ground.

Immediately recognizable, the new XFR sports a new front-end design with revised chrome air intakes, ‘Supercharged’ bonnet louvers, four polished exhaust tailpipes, an aerodynamically functional boot lid spoiler and side sills, unique new 20-inch wheels and discreet ‘R’ badging.

Front cabin room is excellent, and the beefy seats can be electrically adjusted in every conceivable way, including lumbar and side-bolster support. The rear buckets, however, are extremely cramped, and an adult would find it uncomfortable for a long-distance journey. However, you don’t buy a car like this for rear seat space. The front seats are very comfortable and supportive. The cabin feels spacious and airy and all the controls are well thought out and positioned around the easy to use 7” touch screen.

Jaguar Cars have fought hard to attain an envious reputation for reliability in the premium sector and now regularly win awards for it, and with the aluminum chassis you are guaranteed never to see a patch of rust. Allied to the Servotronic steering system, which has also been tuned both mechanically and electronically to give the steering more weight and even greater response, the uprated suspension ensures confidence-inspiring handling without any loss in refinement and comfort levels.



Jaguar's XKR convertible is a sophisticated, open-top, grand touring car that continues to exude the mystique of the storied British marquee while delivering all the refinement and comfort afforded by modern technology. The current XK Series, debuted for 2007, has a much stiffer chassis than the predecessor, which allowed the engineers to tune the suspension for excellent handling and still deliver a comfortable ride for everyday driving.

Jaguar also produced a concept car called the XKR-R which was very similar to the production XKR, but with a more powerful engine and improved handling. The naming convention is similar to that of the S-Type R special edition. Jaguar has created the Jaguar XKR as a vehicle that could stand out despite various environments. The vehicle has also been created to be swift and quick and has been designed to have a real good balance.





Current Motoring affairs brought to you from http://www.motorparks.co.uk/ Visit http://www.motorparks.co.uk/jsp/index.jsp?lnk=e11 for more Motoring News and Information

Aston Martin DB9

More videos of performance cars can be found on Grange TV

Current Motoring affairs brought to you from http://www.motorparks.co.uk/ Visit http://www.motorparks.co.uk/jsp/index.jsp?lnk=e11 for more Motoring News and Information

SC300 Body Kits- Be Unique

By: Louie Liu

Redesigning your vehicle with body kits is all about enhancing the looks of your automobile. This doesn’t mean though that body kits are only limited to physical enhancement, body kits, as a matter of fact, also improves the aerodynamics of a vehicle. Body kits may include ground effects like side skirts that channel and manipulate the amount of air which passes under the car, improving down force.

If you want your vehicle to be converted to a race car, all you have to do is purchase body kits parts like wings and spoilers. Depending on you, it can either be installed in front in the rear to lessen aerodynamic drag and increase traction during acceleration. Other kits include customized hoods, fenders, side mirrors, mags, and windows.

More often than not, shops which provide alterations and customization offer two kinds body kits: fiberglass and urethane. If you have a Lexus SC300, and you need a Lexus SC300 body kit, aside from the style you have in mind, you should also know which kind of kit suits you. There are drivers which favor fiberglass since they fit better and can easily be repaired. Fiberglass also has a better finish because of its compatibility with paint. One good advantage of urethane though is that is highly resistant to damage. The downside is that it is rather more expensive and most of the time cannot be repaired. Depending on your situation and needs, choose the one you think can benefit you in the long run and for more years to come.

If you know any good mechanic, ask him to come along with you when looking for a Lexus SC300 body kits since he most likely know what kind of kit fits your car. Remember that a body kit has to fit your vehicle first because if it does not fit your car, no matter how beautiful the body kit is, it will be useless. Most body kits are made with only one make and model in mind. You cannot force a body kit to fit your vehicle, if in the first place, it is not meant for it. Body kits are usually for one make and model only, make sure that you get the right one for your car by checking if the body kit matches the frame specifications of your vehicle.

I Love Body Kits was created not to just provide excellent products to high clientele, but also to create a more personal relationship between the company and the consumer. Their knowledgeable staff will make the time to build a personal relationship with each customer so that all your requests and questions can be answered. Their representatives will help set up a ideal plan that will best fit our clienteles project. Companies who choose to open a business account with them will be provided with a personal representative of I Love Body Kits who will help set up the account, and help with your every need in getting your order quickly and promptly.

Louie Liu has been in the car aftermarket products industry for 5 years. He has specialized in body kits, headlights, cold air intakes and other aftermarket products. You can learn about a wide range of Lexus SC300&SC400 Body Kits and other Body Kits at his site http://www.ilovebodykits.com/.

http://www.motorparks.co.uk/jsp/index.jsp?lnk=e11

The Coming Launch of the New Renault Laguna Coupe

New Laguna Coupé With a raft of high-performance engines, impressive equipment levels and 4Control chassis in its Coupé GT guise, the svelte four-seater has a formidable arsenal.

Laguna Coupe dCi emits 192g/km of CO2, which is in line with most of the best German engine manufacturers. Of course, the new V6 will be fitted with particle filters and a SCR, to make it one of the cleanest diesel engines in the world. The dCi 150hp version is available with automatic transmission. The latter receives a 5hp power increase from the current dCi 175 in the rest of the New Laguna range, together with a particulate filter. The new flagship diesel engine, 3.0 V6 dCi 235 FAP, arrives in early 2009.

The shape of the New Renault Laguna Coupe has an unmistakable Aston Martin influence making it stylish enough to turn heads. The Laguna Coupe 20-inch aluminium wheels lend it poise and emphasize its image of dynamic performance and power. Their helix design cleverly hides the nuts and bolts from sight, while also efficiently ensuring that the brake callipers cool.

Developed to surpass the handling qualities of its predecessor, the New Laguna's chassis will be appreciated for the precision of its steering and its capacity for cornering without roll. The GT version is available with the dCi 180 which, in addition to its class-topping performance, driving pleasure and low noise, delivers maximum power of 180hp (131kW) at 3,750rpm and torque of 400Nm, available from 2,000rpm. It revs freely and smoothly up to 5,000rpm and is equipped with a low inertia variable geometry turbo for extra punch at low revs, which is where it really comes into its own since Renault Laguna Coupe GT covers the kilometre standing start in just 29.6 seconds (0-100kph in 8.5 seconds).

More fuel efficient cars use less fuel so they produce fewer emissions, as well as saving you money on fuel bills and on Road Tax (Road Fund Licence).

Besides the low CO2 emission and low fuel consumption of its diesel technology, the Laguna concept also features 4-wheel Drive Active chassis (4-wheel steering). The 4Control chassis brings many benefits, starting with improved manoeuvrability, sharpened dynamic response, and unrivalled steering precision giving the driver truly intuitive control over the cornering line, achieving new heights in drivability and active safety. In town and on country roads, the car is easy to drive: highly manoeuvrable and precise. Stylish, expressive Renault Laguna GT introduces the new Active Drive chassis with four-wheel steering (4WS), developed jointly by Renault and Renault Sport Technologies to yield the ultimate in driving pleasure, as regards handling, response and precision. Its sporty calling is further enhanced by the availability of two exclusive, high-performance engines (180hp/131kW and 205hp/150kW).

The New Renault Laguna Coupe also boasts a high standard of safety equipment with eight airbags, automatic lights and wipers, rear parking sensors and xenon headlights making it stylish and safe - who says that you can't have your cake and eat it?

The 4Control chassis excels in active safety, both under difficult braking conditions (with impressive control over asymmetrical grip and with the ESP matched to a more sporting driving style), and during avoidance manoeuvres at speed ('elk' test).

The New Renault Laguna Specifications

Laguna Coupe

18" Interlagos alloy wheels

Front sports seats

3D Arkamys sound: 4x45W single CD/Radio with MP3 CD reader and Bluetooth


Coupe GT
Top-of-the-range Coupe GT specification (in addition to the standard equipment on Coupé)
4Control chassis (4 Wheel Steering)

18" Celsium alloy wheels

Cruise control with speed limiter

Full Leather upholstery - dark carbon

Wealth of options for luxury customisation: BOSE® sound system, full colour 3D satellite navigation with Bluetooth and 230W audio system MP3 6CD changer (in-dash), heated front seats with driver's side electrically adjustable with memory and tyre pressure monitor



Current Motoring affairs brought to you from http://www.motorparks.co.uk/ Visit http://www.motorparks.co.uk/jsp/index.jsp?lnk=e11 for more Motoring News and Information

The Invention of Seat belts

The seatbelt seems such a trivial thing, mealy a piece of cloth and yet the humble seatbelt has come a long way, and has had a huge impact on today's society. While seatbelts do occasionally contribute to serious injury or ¬death, nearly all safety experts agree that buckling up dramatically increases your chances of surviving an accident. According to the NHTSA, seatbelts reduce the risk of death for a front seat car occupant by about 50 percent.

Rear seatbelts are essential to save the lives of the passengers sitting in the front seats as well as saving the lives of the rear seat passengers. An adult who is not wearing a seat belt will be equivalent in weight to a small elephant as he or she flies through the air when the vehicle comes to an abrupt stop. Imaging a small elephant crashing into the headrest, it's easy to understand how rear seat passengers can kill people in the front of the car when you look at it in these terms and yet research shows that 24 per cent of people admit they sometimes don't wear a seat belt when travelling in the back

Seat belts were invented by George Cayley in the 1800's but they didn't find their way in to cars until later. Volvo was the first manufacturer to install seatbelts into their Vehicles in 1849. These seat belts were lap belts, a belt with two attachment points. The lap belt; as the name suggests, rests on the wearers lap, restraining the wear across the thighs. The Lap belt would prevent the wear from being thrown from the car in a collision, however their main upper body would still be very mobile and the occupant would be thrown around the inside of the car, often impacting on the windscreen or dashboard. (The so called second impact) Additional the seatbelt wearer risked injury to body organs as the body was flung forward onto the belt.

The lap belt was followed by the Sash Seat Belt. The sash seatbelt had three attachment points, the two previously seen in the lap belt and a further belt that came from one side of the lap belt and up over the opposite shoulder like a Sash. The sash belt was popular in the 1960's. The idea behind the sash belt was that the sash would prevent the wearer from being so mobile; however the sash was of limited use because the adjustable strap meant that the wearer could easily slip out from the seatbelt during a collision.

Nils Bohlin a Swedish inventor and engineer working at Volvo in Guttenberg invented the 3 point safety belt in 1958. This was the first modern seat belt and one that you would recognize today and it is a safety device that is fitted in most cars. Nils Bohlin's lap-and-shoulder seat belt innovation was introduced into Volvo vehicles in 1959.

Despite Bohlins car seatbelt sounding very similar to the sash seatbelt, Bohilins seatbelt was revolutionary. Bohlin worked on the premise that a seatbelt's job is to spread the stopping force across sturdier parts of your body in order to minimize damage.
''I realized both the upper and lower body must be held securely in place with one strap across the chest and one across the hips,'' Mr. Bohlin once said. ''The belt also needed an immovable anchorage point for the buckle as far down beside the occupant's hip, so it could hold the body properly during a collision.” The position of the buckle often caused severe internal injuries in high-speed crashes.

Volvo estimates that the seat belt has saved more than one million lives in the last 40 years.


Current Motoring affairs brought to you from http://www.motorparks.co.uk/ Visit http://www.motorparks.co.uk/jsp/index.jsp?lnk=e11 for more Motoring News and Information

James Bond and Aston Martin

If you were asked what car James Bond drives, most people would reply - Aston Martin. However throughout the James Bond series of films and novels, Q branch has given Bond a wide variety of vehicles including, Bentleys, the Lotus Esprit; the BMW Z3, BMW 750iL and the BMW Z8 and even a Saab 900. So why is there such a firm association between James Bond and Aston Martin vehicles?

Not only are Aston Martins important exotic espionage equipment , packed full of mission winning gadgetry, weapons systems, anti-pursuit systems, alternate transportation modes, and various other functions but they are also character building. James Bond isn't your average man; and with a brand new Aston Martin DB9 costing more than half the value of the average house in the UK, only a very few people to own one, this mirrors the exclusivity of Bond.

Bond's most famous car is the silver grey Aston Martin DB5. James Bond, then played by Sean Connery was introduced to his silver birch Aston Martin DB5 in the 1964 first seen in Goldfinger; it later featured in Thunderball, GoldenEye, Tomorrow Never Dies, and Casino Royale. The standard equipment on the Aston martin DB5 included reclining seats, pile carpets, electric windows and a fire extinguisher. All models had 4 seats and 2 doors. Of course James Bonds Aston martin DB5 came with a few extras - front machine guns, electable passenger seat, bullet proof glass and steel shield.

During filming a number of different Aston Martin DB5s are used because vehicles inevitably get bumped and smashed up during the filming process. One of the Aston Martin DB5s that featured in so many of the 007 films was sold in January 2006 at an auction in Arizona for $2,090,000 to an unnamed European collector.

Similarly, one of the Aston Martin DBS' that was used during the filming of Quantum Of Solace, its fate ending in Lake Garda, was sold 200, 000 pounds when a fan decided to pay for its wrecks.

Current Motoring affairs brought to you from http://www.motorparks.co.uk/ Visit http://www.motorparks.co.uk/jsp/index.jsp?lnk=e11 for more Motoring News and Information

Jaguar XFR

Jaguar stunned everyone at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed by revealing the high-performance version of the XK and showing off the immense talents of its forthcoming super-saloon, the XFR.

Jaguar has secured its position at the cutting edge of automotive design with the proposal of it’s fastest-ever car, the XFR. The big news for the XFR is its engine. While the top-spec 2009 XF made do with the older, 4.2-liter supercharged V8 with 420 hp, the new 2010 XFR gets a new 5.0-liter supercharged V8.

The XFR accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds – quite literally breathtaking. The Jaguar XFR has received special attention to deliver the required V8 intake sound character commonly absent on supercharged engines. Intake manifold pressure pulsation’s are fed into an acoustic filter at the rear of the engine that is tuned to "tenor C", with the output from the filter ducted into the cabin. The Jaguar XFR is a sabre-toothed tiger of feline badness. The supercharged, direct-injection V8 is good for a jungle-canopy-shaking 510 horsepower – 125 hp up on the naturally aspirated V8, and 0-to-60 bolt that takes but 4.7 seconds.

Jaguar programmes director Mick Mohan hailed the XFR as the “ultimate Jaguar sports saloon” and said that it was the perfect showcase for the group’s cutting-edge design capabilities.

Immediately recognisable thanks to unique new 20-inch wheels, a new front end design with revised chrome air intakes, 'Supercharged' hood louvers, four polished exhaust tailpipes, an aerodynamically functional rear spoiler and side sills, the new XFR also sports discreet 'R' badging. Power comes from an all-new 5.0-litre direct-injection supercharged V8 engine delivering 510PS and 625Nm of torque. Immediately recognisable, the new XFR sports a new front-end design with revised chrome air intakes, ‘Supercharged’ bonnet louvers, four polished exhaust tailpipes, an aerodynamically functional boot lid spoiler and side sills, unique new 20-inch wheels and discreet ‘R’ badging.

And to provide true driver involvement, the 6-speed features jaguar’s lightning-quick Sequential Shift system with its steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. No matter which engine you chose, you are guaranteed a driving experience designed to be exceptional. This time the addition of a 6-speed gearbox as opposed to the WRX 5-speed. Also a nice welcome was similar headlamps which were found on the UK300 .

With lots of the modified XFR was kitted out with a modified air intake and exhaust, remapped engine control unit and a boosted supercharger. However, the internal engine components and six-speed automatic gearbox remained as standard.

We know the new Jaguar XFR is going to be fast, but how fast exactly? Well, the company has just released this video of a prototype XFR achieving 225.675mph at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah.

The Jaguar XFR is due to be putting in an appearance on a Jaguar forecourt near you in 2010 and I’m sure that the Test Drive appointments will be snapped up the moment the New Jaguar arrives, if the popularity of the Jaguar XF is anything to go by. 42,000 Jaguar XF’s have been sold since its launch last spring.

The competition? The new Jag is sure to turn heads but how will it stack up against the BMW M5, Mercedes AMG or the Audi RS6. All offer a thrilling drive with super-high performance guaranteed but the Jaguar XFR should fit somewhere between the BMW and Mercedes.

Current Motoring affairs brought to you from http://www.motorparks.co.uk/ Visit http://www.motorparks.co.uk/jsp/index.jsp?lnk=e11 for more Motoring News and Information

New Vans Promotion at Dees Ford Croydon

Now's the perfect moment to get a new Ford Commercial Vehicle with great customer savings available until 31 March 2009.

Ford Fiesta Van Offer WAS £9,326 NOW £7,429 SAVE £1,897 Offer Ends: 31/1/09 Fiesta 1.4TDCi 68PS Ford Ranger Thunder Double Cab Offer WAS £18,176 NOW £13,447 SAVE £4,729 Offer Ends: 31/1/09 Ranger Double Cab 4x4 Thunder. Ford Transit Limited Offer WAS £16,720 NOW £13,868 SAVE £2,852 Offer Ends: 31/1/09 The New Ford Transit 260 SWB Low Roof Limited 85ps

Ford Transit Trend Offer WAS £15,670 NOW £12,819 SAVE £2,851 Offer Ends: 31/1/09 The New Ford Transit 260 SWB Low Roof Trend 85ps. Transit Connect Offer WAS £11,925 NOW £9,495 SAVE £2,430 Offer Ends: 31/1/09 The New Ford Connect 200 SWB 75ps. Transit LWB Offer WAS £23,365 NOW £17,669 SAVE £5,696 Offer Ends: 31/3/09

Dees Ford Croydon

Money Saving Motoring Voucher

Save Money on servicing and repairs with this printable money saving voucher http://www.motorparks.co.uk/jsp/index.jsp?lnk=3251

Accepted at 22 dealerships in the UK
Visit the link to see the dealerships locations
http://www.motorparks.co.uk/jsp/index.jsp?lnk=a00

Print out and take along when you want to use one of the services listed.

Vin a Valentines Competition with Buy a Gift:

* The closing date is Monday 9th Febuary with the winner being drawn on Tuesday 10th Febuary. The lucky person will be sent a voucher with 3 months validity which can be used Monday to Thursday; subject to availability. The voucher will not be valid on Valentine's night. Please note by entering the competition you will be signing up to the Buyagift newsletter offering you excellent offers and promotions in the future.

www.motorparks.co.uk

The Halfords January Sale:

Police Car Tea Cosy Knitting Pattern

This car knitting pattern was designed by Susan at http://www.teacosyfolk.co.uk/ for http://www.motorparks.co.uk/

Leagal Stuff...
This pattern is provided for you to knit your chosen tea cosy. This pattern should not be reproduced or sold and the design remains the property of its creator.


To make the Police Car Tea Cosy you will need...
5.5 mm, UK size 5 or US size 9 knitting needles.
3.25 mm, UK size 10 or US size 3 Knitting needles.
50g White Double knitting wool, (or the main colour of the car)
25g grey or silver double knitting wool,
and scraps of black, yellow, white and orange double knitting wool and some stuffing.

Divide the White and some of the Orange balls of wool into two balls so that the yarn can be used as double thickness but knitted up as a single strand.

The Back
Using size 5.5mm knitting needles and double thickness Main car colour yarn cast on 28 stitches and work 2 rows in straight garter stitch (Knit each row).

Work a further 6 rows of Stocking Stitch (one row knit, one row purl) ** in this colour and them work 2 rows of stocking stitch in Orange. Re-join white and continue in white for the rest of the main car.

Leave the stitches on a spare needle until later. The Front
Work as given for the back to **

Shaping the top...
Using the main car colour wool as a double yarn proceed to knit across the tea cosy front and then tea cosy back as Follows...

Shaping the top Row 1: *K5, K2 tog* repeat to end

Next and every alternate row Purl.

Row 3: *K4, K2 tog* repeat to end.
Row 5: *K3, K2 tog* repeat to end.
Row 7: *K2, K2 tog* repeat to end.
Row 9: *K1, K2 tog* repeat to end.
Row 11: *K2 tog* repeat to end.

Thread the end of the yarn through the remaining stitches and through the loop of the yarn itself and draw up the knitting tightly and Finnish off.

With the front and back right sides together, sew approximately 9.5cm from the finishing off point, down the side seam towards the cast on edge.

At the bottom of each side seam, sew about 3cm upwards. The holes are left for the teapot handle and spout.



Car Bonnet or Hood

With 5.0 mm, UK size 6 or US size 8 Knitting needles and Double thickness knitting wool in the main car colour cast on 40 stitches.

Work two rows of Stocking stitch and then as follows

Row 1: K9, Inc in next 2 stitches, K18, Inc in next 2 stitches, K9.

Next and every alternate row Purl.

Row 3: K10, Inc in next 2 stitches, K20, Inc in next 2 stitches, K10.
Row 5: K11, Inc in next 2 stitches, K22, Inc in next 2 stitches, K11.
Row 7: K12, Inc in next 2 stitches, K24, Inc in next 2 stitches, K12.
Row 9: K13, Inc in next 2 stitches, K26, Inc in next 2 stitches, K13.
Row 11: K14, Inc in next 2 stitches, K28, Inc in next 2 stitches, K14.
Row 13: K15, Inc in next 2 stitches, K30, Inc in next 2 stitches, K15.

Purl a row and cast off.

Sew the row ends together flat so that the seam lies in the centre at the bottom. Sew the cast on edges to complete the car bonnet or hood shape. Sew into place at the centre front of the main tea cosy and lightly stuff.


Stripes for the Bonnet (make 2 alike)

With 3.25 mm, UK size 10 or US size 3 Knitting needles and orange (single strand of double knitting wool) cast on 4 stitches. And work 26 rows in stocking stitch and cast off.

Sew the stripes to the bonnet along the shaping lines on the sides so that they match up with the orange stripe of the main tea cosy.


Headlights (make 2)
With 3.25 mm, UK size 10 or US size 3 Knitting needles and white (single strand of double knitting wool) cast on 12 stitches.

Knit 1 row
Next row: *P2 tog* to end

Break the wool and thread the wool through the remaining stitches and draw up. Sew the row ends together so that it forms a circle.

Sew the headlights in place on the bonnet with 2 headlights on each side.



Radiator Grill
With 3.25 mm, UK size 10 or US size 3 Knitting needles and pail grey (single strand of double knitting wool) cast on 12 stitches.

Knit 2 rows.

Row 3 and 4: *K1, P1* to end

Knit 2 rows
Cast off.

Sew the radiator grill in place on the front of the bonnet between the headlights.



Car Boot or Trunk

With 5.0 mm, UK size 6 or US size 8 Knitting needles and Double thickness knitting wool in the main car colour cast on 40 stitches.

Row 1: K9, Inc in next 2 stitches, K18, Inc in next 2 stitches, K9.

Next and every alternate row Purl.

Row 3: K10, Inc in next 2 stitches, K20, Inc in next 2 stitches, K10.
Row 5: K11, Inc in next 2 stitches, K22, Inc in next 2 stitches, K11.
Row 7: K12, Inc in next 2 stitches, K24, Inc in next 2 stitches, K12.

Purl a row and cast off.

Sew the row ends together flat so that the seam lies in the centre at the bottom. Sew the cast on edges to complete the car boot shape. Sew into place at the centre back of the main tea cosy and lightly stuff.


Stripes for the Boot (make 2 alike)

With 3.25 mm, UK size 10 or US size 3 Knitting needles and orange (single strand of double knitting wool) cast on 4 stitches. And work 16 rows in stocking stitch and cast off.

Sew the stripes to the boot along the shaping lines on the sides so that they match up with the orange stripe of the main tea cosy.



Car Registration Plate

With 3.25 mm, UK size 10 or US size 3 Knitting needles and yellow (single strand of double knitting wool) cast on 12 stitches and knit 4 rows and cast off. Embroider on the numbers with black wool. ‘COP’ makes a great registration plate. Sew into place on the middle of the car boot.



Exhaust Pipe

With 3.25 mm, UK size 10 or US size 3 Knitting needles and black (single strand of double knitting wool) cast on 14 stitches

Work 10 rows of stocking stitch and cast off.

Roll up the knitting (short ways) and over sew the row ends on to the roll. Sew into place on the left, underside of the car boot. Allow a little of the exhaust pipe to stick out from the boot.



Windows (make 2)

With 3.25 mm, UK size 10 or US size 3 Knitting needles and grey (single strand of double knitting wool) cast on 30 stitches and stocking stitch 10 rows.

Shape the top of the window

Row 1: K2 tog, K8, K2 tog, K6, K2 tog, K8, K2 tog
Row 2: Purl
Row 3: K2 tog, Knit to last 2 stitches K2 tog.
Cast off.

Sew the front window to the middle front of the main tea cosy so that the bottom of the window rests on the top of the bonnet. Similarly sew the back window in the middle back of the tea cosy so that the bottom of the window rests on the boot of the car.



Wheels (make 4)

With 3.25 mm, UK size 10 or US size 3 Knitting needles and black (single strand of double knitting wool) cast on 6 stitches.

Row 1: *Inc in next stitch* to end

Next and every following alternate row Purl

Row 3: *K1, Inc in next stitch* to end
Row 5: *K2, Inc in next stitch* to end
Row 7: *K3, Inc in next stitch* to end

Row 8: Knit
Knit 3 more rows
Row 12: Purl

Row 13: *K3, K2 tog* to end
Row 14: Purl
Row 15: *K2, K2 tog* to end

Change to grey wool and continue
Row 16: Purl
Row 17: *K1, K2 tog* to end
Row 18: Purl
Row 19: * K2 tog* to end

Break the wool and tread it through the remaining stitches and draw it up. Sew the row ends together and flatten so that if forms a circle with a black backside and a black front with a grey wheel trim at the centre. Sew the 4 wheels in place on the ‘car’ where the bonnet or the boot joins the main tea cosy.



The Blue Light for the top of the Police Car

With 3.25 mm, UK size 10 or US size 3 Knitting needles and Blue (single strand of double knitting wool) cast on 30 stitches.

Row 1: Knit
Row 2: Purl
Row 3: Knit
Row 4: Knit

Repeat these 4 rows three more times.

Cast off.

With the right side of the work facing you, pick up and knit four stitches on and between two of the ridges on the row ends. Work 3 rows in sticking stitch beginning with a Purl row and cast off.

Work another small square flap at the other end of the strip light, in the same way as you knitted the last flap.

Roll the light over so that the cast on and cast off edges meet (wrong sides together) and over sew the edges together.

Fold one of the light flaps up so that it forms the end and neatly over sew into place. Lightly stuff the light and then fold up the last flap, and over sew. Sew the light to the centre top of the tea cosy so that the ends of the light protrude slightly off the tea cosy.


To buy the Police Car Tea cosy Ready knitted visit http://www.teacosyfolk.co.uk/show.php?id=39

The New Renault Megane Sport Hatch

French car manufacturer Renault was formed as early as 1898. The company has evolved considerably since then to the modern manufacturing car giant that it is today.

Renault is continually pushing themselves in automotive innovation, sending out a clear challenge to their competitors. The Renault marquee incorporates their industry leading technologies and polished design features throughout its entire model range. Renault is working hard to improve child protection but some efforts were not fully documented for our tests. Renault has promised to address this issue. Renault is renowned for an excellent level of safety with nearly all Renault cars receiving the coveted 5 star NCAP rating. Renault has a range of some of the most advanced diesel engines on the market, which offer increased fuel efficiency and lower emissions.


Renault is a fine automobile manufacturer that sells high-quality cars with incredible durability, economic gas mileage, and premium safety records. Renault is at the forefront of extracting as many variants as possible from a single platform, so there is certain to be a model in the Megane range that will fit the bill.

Most family cars are hatchbacks or saloons, although there are MPVs, estates and a good range of engines and specification though has made the Megane a popular car, in fact it was the best selling mid size hatchback in Europe last year. The 1.9 litre common rail 130BHP diesel engine is the pick of the range and is a good engine. The common sense answer to needing a supermini with more room is to buy a Megane-sized hatchback. And the New Renault Megane sport hatch is an apt example here.

Renault Megane Sport Hatch was designed for the driver. It isn't only a sporty car; it is comfortable too and as you would expect from Renault the Megane Sport hatch has a 5 star Euro NCAP safety rating. With Renault Megane Sport Hatch you will enjoy every journey you make. It is a perfect car for everyday travelling.

The New Expression specifications on the Meagane Sports Hatch boast 16-inch Ozedia alloy wheels, a multi-functional Tunepoint and air conditioning. Move up to Dynamique and you'll enjoy 16-inch Kubera alloy wheels, Cruise control and speed limiter, as well as front fog lamps. The Tech Run Special Edition features include 16-inch alloy wheels, front fog lamps, Climate control and Automatic headlights and windscreen wipers. Finally the GT Megane Sport Hatch provides sporty style with excellent road holding to create a new driving experience with its 17-inch alloy wheels with lower sport suspension, Sport interior, body kit and twin chrome exhaust and ESP with ASR traction control and CSV understeer control. This is definately a little number that will turn heads.

Say goodbye to changing CD's - The multi-function TunePoint will enable you to connect your personal music player to the original radio of your Renault. Use either the USB, jack or iPod sockets to connect and control your personal mp3 player using the fingertip remote controls on the steering wheel; navigate your way through your favourite music tracks. The TunePoint is fitted into the glove box for added security, and is available as standard on a number of Renault models. Tunepoint is also available on all models as an option or a dealer fit accessory.

At the end of 2005 new anti-pollution standards were introduced to Europe to cut down the carbon emissions of both petrol and diesel engines. For diesel engine this meant that emission had to be virtually cut in half, which prompted the development of the new DCI engine, which is fitted in the new Megane. The benefits of this engine are not just from an environmental perspective, but also benefits the driver with a faster and more efficient engine and vehicle.

We are all looking to cut down on are carbon emissions and to save ourselves money buy ensuring that we buy more fuel-efficient and smarter cars. With more and more vehicles meeting the Renault eco2 requirements, you do not have to compromise on the car of your choice. This gives you the freedom to buy the vehicle you actually want whilst considering the environment and how to save money at the same time.

The New Renault Megane Sport Hatch is due to be lunched in January 2009, so keep a watchful eye on Renault forecourts.



Current Motoring affairs brought to you from http://www.motorparks.co.uk/ Visit http://www.motorparks.co.uk/jsp/index.jsp?lnk=e11 for more Motoring News and Information

Speed-Limiting Devices

Speed-limiting devices called intelligent speed adaption (ISA) should be fitted to cars on a voluntary basis to help save lives and cut carbon emissions we were told today (30th December 2008). A panel from the Commission for Integrated Transport and the Motorists' Forum, both of which advise the Government on transport, explained that adding the technology to vehicles would cut injuries from road accidents by 29 per cent. The study also looked at how the devices would help fuel consumption, emissions, noise and ease traffic on the roads.

The report follows lengthy trials backed the Department for Transport, which has been in talks with the motor industry over how the devices could be made available.
Government transport advisers want voluntary speed-limiting devices fitted to cars to help save lives and cut emissions.

The device then uses satellite positioning to check if a vehicle is breaking the speed limit and will automatically slow a car down and apply the brakes if necessary. John Lewis, who chaired the panel, said: "You can override the device that we're talking about, either by pressing a button on the steering wheel or by kicking down the accelerator as you would on an automatic car.

From an environmental perspective, the report found that on 70mph roads, keeping to the speed limit could lead to savings of up to 6 per cent in CO2 emissions which would be a great help towards the Governments carbon footprint cutting targets.

However, critics have warned that a similar, existing system for truck drivers showed that the devices could cause drivers to not give driving their full attention.

In a report published in September 2007, only two percent of road accidents were caused by adult drivers exceeding the posted speed limit, according to the UK Department for Transport (DfT) The DfT based its analysis on 147,509 accidents ranging in severity from slight to fatal. So would a Speed-limiting device really have much of an impact on road traffic accident figures?

Volvo has fitted a ‘City Safe’ feature in their new XC60. This safety device was developed because rear-end collisions make up 29 per cent of all reported car accidents. This safety feature is designed to work at slow speeds (20 mph and below), they types of speeds that you might be travelling at in a city or town centre.

Is this latest idea just another gimmick from the Nanny State? Shouldn’t we all just be using our own common sense, and obey the already existing laws that ensure everyone’s safety? And wont car manufacturers think that speed-limiting devices fitted in their vehicles will make their cars less desirable?

Current Motoring affairs brought to you from http://www.motorparks.co.uk/ Visit http://www.motorparks.co.uk/jsp/index.jsp?lnk=e11 for more Motoring News and Information