BMW X1 Review and Specifications

By Girish Kadu

BMW has recently launched model BMW X1 in India. It is the cheapest and smallest SUV from the company. The car is based on the on the 3-series platform. It is priced at 22-30 lakhs. The price tag is playing a crucial role for the SUV. The middle class families are happy to buy a luxury SUV. But the upper class people are saying this model will not meet Company's standards. Compare to other models of the company it looks dull. The company is now targeting to grab middle class customers. Its Chennai plant is manufacturing the engine of this SUV. It is available in petrol and diesel versions.

Models - It comes with 3 models i.e. Cool Elegance, High-line and corporate edition in India.

Shades - It comes with eye-catching colors like Marrakesh Brown, Space Grey, and Sparkling Bronze, Tasman Titanium Silver, Vermilion Red, Black Sapphire, Cashmere Silver, Deep Sea Blue and Graphite Blue.

Exterior - It is an SUV but looks too small. The exterior of the SUV is smartly designed. It can rob the customers' hearts by its exterior features. Halogen headlights and round shape front fog lamps, body colored door handles, Panorama Glass and 17 inch light alloy wheels heated and automatic adjustable Outside Rear View Mirrors (ORVM) will make the car even more sporty. But compare to earlier product it looks tedious.

Interior - Compared to earlier versions of the Company it is missing many features like bells and whistles which include sunroof, CD-changer etc. Other than that everything remains same. Even after missing some features it can still provides safety and comfort for the customers. The seats are good which can be manually adjustable. Dual toned dashboard with AC vents at the both sides looks awesome in the car. It has sufficient storage place to carry your treasures with excelling lighting options like ambient lighting, illuminated glove compartment, Illumination for vanity mirrors, illuminated luggage front foot well lights, courtesy lights front and rear compartment,, front and rear reading lights with velour's floor mats. Overall it is not so good not so bad.

Engine - It is packed with turbocharger, variable intake geometry and common-rail fuel injection in 1955cc four-cylinder. The petrol version of this SUV can generate maximum power of150 BHP with a torque of 200 Nm at 3600 rpm. The diesel version of this SUV can produce utmost power of 177 BHP and torque of 350 Nm from 1750 to 3000 rpm. It is mated with six speed automatic transmission gearbox which gives enough power to ride.

Safety - It promises the security for customers with its safety features like Rain sensor, ABS (Anti lock Braking System), dual front airbags and side ITS head airbags for front and rear both, central locking, crash sensor, front and rear fog lamps, halogen headlamps, front and rear seat belts with pretensioners and belt force limiter, side impact protection and Xenon lights, etc.

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Kia Forte - The Car That Everybody Desires

By Alfred Bruno

The 2011 Kia Forte is the latest happening on the front. Powered by electricity but not tethered as you would imagine to power outputs, this car does everything that gasoline driven cars does and even more. It is the 2011 Motor trend Car of the Year and is exactly what the car-crazy generation of today was waiting for.

Though powered by electricity, the 2011 Kia Forte can drive on gas as well without any emissions. However, if long drives are what pumps you up, then a gas powered on-board generator comes into the act and can take you wherever you desire to go. A superior volt battery is the backbone of Kia Forte. The battery is subjected to vigorous tests that include testing for corrosion and weather variations. The battery is guaranteed to give you a highly impressive 100,000 mile or an 8-year warranty.

The Kia Forte comes with a thermal cooling and heating system that keeps the battery at manageable levels of temperature as it is charged and discharged. While the Kia Forte is not the first electric car in the market and will certainly not be the last, but it certainly is the best one to hit the U.S markets. It is promising, practical and most importantly meets the needs of its customers. The car runs on electricity for an initial range of 35 miles after which an onboard gas generator takes over and takes it ahead for another 340 miles by creating electricity from a full tank of gas.

Two LCD screens on the dashboard display speed, battery power, the range to recharge and the efficiency gauge in real time. A high-resolution screen with touch screen control helps in managing the vehicle on road. You can program the charging schedule as per your needs and based on the electricity rate plans.

Every component in the Kia Forte is designed to change the way you use your car. Optimum output from every single component ensures that the 2011 Kia Forte offers full value for money every time you take the car out on the roads. The car has the perfect aerodynamics to provide the maximum mileage per charge and per gallon which is further enhanced by a closed grille and efficiently designed back edges. While running on electricity the Volt can reach a top speed mph of 100 mph.

The Kia Forte is without doubt the car of the future. It is just the automobile that America was waiting for.

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BMW Vision ConnectedDrive

Watch the revealing of the BMW Vision ConnectedDrive and visit the car at the Geneva International Motor Show 2011.

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All new Fiat 500 with TwinAir 85 HP Two-Cylinder Engine

All new Fiat 500 with TwinAir 85 HP Two-Cylinder Engine

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Volkswagen Polo Price and Variants

By Meena Singh Shah

Volkswagen Polo is the impressive car and it is available in both versions petrol as well as diesel. The diesel engine of Volkswagen Polo comes within the three variants with the capacity of 1.2 L. this diesel variants is the very economical on the roads and offer the great mileage of 16kmpl in the city and 20kmpl on the highway.

Polo is available in two petrol engines of 1.2L and comes with the 5 Speed Manual Transmissions. It is a very fuel efficient and provides the mileage of 12 kmpl in the city and 16.5kmpl on the highway. The some Polo variants present in the Indian market are

Polo Petrol Trend line 1.2L Features: it is the base variant of Volkswagen Polo and comes with the all basic features like AC, Central Locking, Power Steering, Front Power Widows, Halogen Headlamps, Chrome Finished Gear Shift Knob and Interior Door Handles etc. This Polo Price in Delhi is around 4, 44,734.

Polo Petrol Comfort line 1.2L Features: This variant is equipped with few additional features like Metallic Pearl Effect Paint, Body Colored ORVMs, 60/40 Split Folding Rear Seat, Luggage Compartment Cover/Parcel Tray, Front and Rear Power Windows, Height Adjustable Driver's Seat, etc. This Volkswagen Polo Price in Delhi is around Rs. 4, 95,949.

Polo Petrol High line 1.2L Features: it is the more advanced variant and accompanied with the features like 15inch Alloy Wheels, Chrome Interior Trims, Livon Upholstery and Fabric Door Trim, ABS, Dual Front Airbags, Front & Rear Fog Lamps, Rear Wiper and Defogger, Multifunctional Display, Door Open Warning, etc. This Polo Price in Delhi is around Rs. 5, 85,916.

Polo Diesel Trend line 1.2L Features: It is the standard diesel variant and has almost similar features like Polo Petrol Trend line 1.2L offers. This Polo Price in Delhi is 5, 49,163 around. Polo Diesel Highline 1.2L Features: It is the top end model and offers the same features like Volkswagen Polo Petrol High line 1.2L This Polo Price in Delhi is around Rs. 6, 86,270.

Polo Petrol Highline 1.6L Features: This is the sports version of Volkswagen Polo which is accompanied with the high capacity of engine and delivers the great performance. Other features of the car are just similar to the Volkswagen Polo Petrol Highline. This Polo Price in Delhi is around Rs. 6, 16,000.

These are the estimated on-road prices of Polo, to confirm the price visit to the online car stores.

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Audi TT car review

Stig drives the Audi AS1 and the Audi TT MTM Bimoto around the track. The AS1 is super-light and the Bimoto has two engines so they should both be very fast - but can either of the German cars beat the British Radical in the power lap times?

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Car Reviews - 2011 Range Rover Supercharged

By Jason Neeson

Unlike many of the modern day Sport Utility Vehicles (SUV), the Land Rover Range Rover is a true off road capable SUV that feels just as comfortable on paved roads as it does in the dirt. The Range Rover has a body on frame construction, like a truck, which makes it a very capable off road vehicle. The Range Rover has been in production since the 1970's and is classified as a luxury vehicle. Many of the early models from the 1970's can still be seen driving around, which is a testament to their durability and high quality.

The modern Range Rover is extremely luxurious with all of the latest technologies one would expect from a luxury car. The interior is lined with premium soft-touch leather and includes a lot of insulation to reduce cabin noise. It can seat five adults comfortably and is equipped with the highest quality sound system and includes an in-dash 6 DVD system for the occupants to watch movies. The 2011 Range Rover comes with a hard disk based navigation system that can be synced with local traffic control centers to avoid highly congested streets. The front leather seats are heated and cooled and also have a massage function, which comes in very handy after a hard day's work. There is a three zone climate control system for the driver, front passenger, and the three rear passengers.

On the exterior, the 2011 Range Rover has the same basic shape as models from the 1970's but it has been refined over the years to give it a contemporary look fit for the 21st century. The vehicle comes with aluminum wheels, High Intensity Discharge (HID) head lights with LED daytime running lights and LED tail-lights.

Under the hood is a supercharged 5.0 liter Ford V8 engine that produces 510 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 461 pound feet of torque at 5,500 rpm. The power is delivered to all four wheels via a six speed automatic transmission with a manual shift mode. The Range Rover can reach 60 miles per hour from standstill in 6.2 seconds, which is very impressive considering it weighs over 4,000 pounds, and can reach a top speed of over 140 miles per hour.

There are various styles and configurations that the Range Rover can be order with. There is the standard version which starts at around $70,000, the next step up is the supercharged version which costs around $100,000, and the extremely luxurious version called the Autobiography that costs well over $125,000 and is fitted with all leather interior surfaces including the dashboard, door panels and even the ceiling.

For those looking for a bit less off-road capabilities and more sporty driving dynamics, there is the Range Rover Sport which comes with a completely different sporty body.

If you'd like to read more car reviews, visit our blog which is filled with articles on the latest Super Cars news, reviews, and pictures.

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Ford Fiesta Zetec Car Review

By Melissa Pye

Driver Comfort & Visibility
Overall the visibility in the Zetec is good. There are only 2 areas of slight concern for vertically challenged people like me (Entertainment

This is worth a mention. Not only can you control your choice of tunes with a button on the steering wheel, but you can connect just about any portable music player including a USB stick, MP3 player and iPod. The Zetec also has a small screen located in the centre of the dash showing you what is playing.

Safety
It's no good looking sexy in your car if you're not safe. The Fiesta has you covered. ABS with Electronic Brake Distribution and front passenger and driverairbags are standard across the range. The Zetec also has Dynamic Stability Control, Emergency Brake Assist and head, thorax and driver knee airbags as standard. You can opt for these additional safety features on the other models for a small $1,000, which is well worth it.

Rear Passenger Comfort
It's not a huge car, so the back seat will not sit 3 burly blokes comfortably. But at least their noggins won't hit the roof thanks to the more than generous head space. However, if you're shipping around kids or small dogs, then space is not an issue.

Storage
Some good storage options for a car of this size. There are front door pockets which will hold a bottle of water, a good sized glove box and a small coin holder on the right hand side of the steering wheel. In the rear you'll also find pockets on the back of the front and passenger seats. It's got 3 good drinks holders that are well positioned in between the driver and passenger seats.

The boot is not huge, but you will easily fit in a gym bag and some shopping with the rear seats in use. We popped in 2 overnight suitcases and 2 brief cases with ease. If you need even more space, just fold the rear seat down.

Green Factor
Plenty of green news here. It consumes about 6 litres per 100kms, has a greenhouse rating of 7.5 out of 10 and has been awarded 4 stars by the GreenVehicleGuide. Cheap to run and not too harsh on the environment.

The Drive
We took the cars for a spin in the Adelaide Hills to really test its road holding, acceleration and braking. The Fiesta loved the hairy turns and steep inclines. It performed incredibly well and was a very fun car to drive. One very clever feature is its speed sensitive steering called Electronic Power Assisted Steering (EPAS). Basically the steering is lighter when you're going slower, like parking, and it firms up when travelling at speed, which gives it a sporty feel.

What We Love About the Fiesta
Healthy list of safety features, great audio system, iPod and MP3 player compatibility, blue tooth technology (in the Zetec) and the seat trim. You've got a choice of 11 exterior colours with a stand out lime metallic. And yes, we do love its styling. It's sporty, cheeky and a little bit sexy!

Test Drive Tips
The indicators are located on the left hand side of the steering column, thanks to its European origins. Not so bad if it's raining, but on a dry day you'll feel a bit of a goose putting on your wipers each time you go to use your indicators!

If you are thinking about test driving this car, you might also want to consider the Hyundai Getz, Kia Rio, Toyota Yaris, Suzuki Swift and Holden Barina.

Melissa Pye is an Australian pioneering the way women are valued in the automotive industry and works with leading auto brands to educate them on the needs of women. Her site, Her Car, is the only site in Australia where all of the new car reviews are written by women! When buying a new car or if you need any automotive information look to HerCar.

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Give a Gift - Give Away Your Scrap Cars!

By Stuart Breaker

There are plenty of people out there who spend plenty of their time scratching their heads wondering how best to get rid of their old cars. It can be an expensive business, and not a lot of people want to try to keep their old cars on the roads. Of course, plenty of people do this, but it is not the best news in the world for all of these old cars to still be out on the roads given the environmental factor. Old cars have far worse emissions by and large in comparison to newer cars, so it is always a good thing when an old car is put to bed in the proper manner! Of course, if you are less worried about the environment and more worried about your own pocket, it is worth remembering that most cars that are more than ten years old will be worth less than what you spend on them in any given year.

So it seems fairly clear that the best thing you can do with old cars - both financially and in terms of the environment - is to get rid of them, and this doesn't have to be a chore. A lot of people are now discovering a fantastic program where you can have your old car towed away for free. If you want to scrap cars, all you have to do is get in touch with the company who will take your car for free! Not only will they take your car for free, they will also donate any money that is made on the car to a charity of your choice! The process is so simple. All you have to do is to get in touch with the company, and then that company calls in an affiliated scrap merchant, and they come and collect the vehicle. The vehicle is either scrapped, or it is sold at a salvage auction, and the proceeds go to a charity of your choosing. You can select from hundreds of different ones on the website!

When you consider how much money you could potentially spend on the constant repair of an old car, and you then consider the cost of a new vehicle, if you really think the whole thing through you will realise that you will be better off in the long run with a much newer car. Of course you will have an initial payment to make, but over the years you will save an enormous amount of money. Getting rid of your old car is so easy, and when you have an opportunity to help others so easily,then it is a great choice to make.

giveacar.co.uk is perfect for anyone who is looking to scrap a car and likes the idea of being able to help those in need. They are committed to car recycling, and are proud of their position as a company looking to help charitable foundations wherever possible.

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Choose the Right Tires for Your Car - Know the Basics

By Ken Geers

The tires on vehicles are one of the most important safety factors, yet we tend to take them for granted more than any other feature. Your car tires keep you and your loved ones safe, give you a comfortable ride and also contribute to more efficient gas mileage. With value like that it's important to give them special attention. The first thing you want to do is to check your auto tires for wear to confirm that you need new ones. An easy method for this is to take a penny and insert it into the tread. If Lincoln's head can be seen you need new tires. Other signals are wear bars, breaks, slashes and evidence of uneven wear.

Once you have determined that you need new tires you need to consider the type of driving you do. This includes the weather, distance and speeds that you normally drive. Car tires are designed for specific results. Many people are the most comfortable with an all-season tire because it is a good compromise for all conditions. Take a look at your current tire size to know what size your new ones should be. On the side of your auto tires you'll see a number such as P275/75/R15. The P represents passenger followed by the width and then a number that represents the height which is a ratio of the height to width. An R should follow which stands for radial and then the final number is the diameter of the wheel.

Now that you know the type of car tires you need and the size that fits your car it's time to go shopping. Car dealerships, tire specialty stores, discount stores and the Internet are all good options for getting a good deal on the price of new auto tires. Competition on the Internet is very high so good deals are found everyday. Regardless of where you buy your tires it's important to have them installed by a professional. They have all the special machines and tools needed for proper and safe installation. They will also do the necessary balancing and aligning.

Once you have your new car tires installed it is important to perform proper maintenance to keep them at their best for as long as possible. This includes regularly rotating them to keep the wear even, regularly checking the air pressure to assure that you get the best gas mileage and they are at a safe level. Taking proper care of you auto tires will not only keep you and your family safe but will save you money by extending their lifespan.

Ken Geers the writer can be found at Sporto Motoring Accessories Sporto Motoring offers automotive interior and exterior accessories to enhance and protect your vehicle investment.

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Car Review - 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR

By Matt Straub

This is the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR. It's quite literally the best blend of performance on the track while giving you a excellent ride for everyday driving, and it definitely proves itself every time you step on the gas. Can I get 5 of these to go please?

The new Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is offered in two different versions, one being the GSR which only has a five speed manual transmission, Recaro Sports Seats and Enkei Wheels. You can also get the optional spoiler, the HID headlights and the upgraded sound system. These are all nice and everything, but if you had that extra thousand available, spend on it on what i'm driving today.

The new MR model is sublime in every way possible. It comes with Mitsubishi's new Twin Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission (TC-SST) which makes driving this car so great. It shifts smooth and very quick. I don't think I lost any torque at all between shifts which is fantastic. You can also use the three different modes: Normal, Sport and S-Sport, depending on how aggressive and fast you want to shift. It also comes with Eibach springs, Bilstein shock absorbers, lightweight brake rotors, and BBS forged-alloy wheels. And at only $38,990 it's a great price. Of course, you could go with the Touring version which has a few little extra perks to it for $40,990.

As always, the Lancer Evolution's come with a 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder MIVEC4 motor producing 295 hp and 300 pound-feet of torque and the Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) drive system.

Taking this thing on the main city roads is very comfortable. Although, when you hit bumps I will have to say you feel them right away. It's not exactly comfortable and you find yourself every now and then dodging bumps and holes in the roads much to the displeasure of people around you. However, that is one thing that I didn't let bother me. On good roads it feels great, and to smoke some dumb hillbilly in a pickup truck off the stoplights was great as well (no lie, he got his ass kicked).

Taking it to the highway, it was fantastic. Stepping on the gas you get instant power, and extremely smooth shifting thanks to the new gearbox. It was just unbelievably good. Sorry to the local law enforcement, but I got the car up to 130mph before I decided to slow down. Guess you would have had to be there to catch me. I then pulled off to the country roads, set the mode to S-Sport, and took it to the corners. It goes around them really fast, but it just feels so smooth. It's almost perfection at it's best. If I could, I would drive 45 minutes away from here to the nearest road course and beat the hell out of this car, but I guess that's not for me to do.

Now I could also talk about the extra sound insulation, the optional navigation, upgraded audio with Sirius Satellite reception, and leather seats. But I think when you buy a car like this, you're not getting it for these little extra things. You're getting it for the overall experience of it. It's a great car for a great price.


Matt Straub is the Editor for Street Diaries, an online car news, reviews, and opinions web site designed for the everyday car enthusiast. Originally formed by a group of people who love cars in 2007, the web site has grown from a once small news web site, to a social media network, and finally now into a large information blog.

Every two weeks Matt does a review on a popular or top end vehicle on the market and gives it his opinion how how it handles not only in city driving, but highway and country roads. He also does the Car Opinions on things that "drive him nuts" about cars or what people do with them.

Visit our web site at http://street-diaries.com/

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The Italians Are Coming Back to America - 2012 Fiat 500 Is Unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show

By Alan Gell

It can't be much "newer" than this one - the Fiat 500 which will be a 2012 model and not available until next year. It was unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show last week and I was lucky enough to have a front row seat during the press conference. During the two day media frenzy, this press conference and unveiling probably received the most attention of all the events.

After some loud music and swirling spotlights, a small, red 1957 Fiat 500 drove onto the stage. A very attractive lady got out of the car. Attractive females and shiny automobiles have always been a part of car shows. But it became instantly obvious that this was not a typical female model or product specialist employee. This was Laura Soave, the Chief Executive for Fiat North America.

Soave has been with the North American Volkswagen team for several years, but Fiat recently hired her to take control of the brand in the United States. She is a first-generation Italian-American with a lot of her family still in Italy. She commented, "This is not just a job for me, it is a passion and very near and dear to my heart." She showed a photo on the large screen, of her as a small girl standing on the hood of a Fiat back in Italy.

The 2012 Fiat 500 will be called a Cinquecento and will compete directly against the Mini-Cooper and other small cars. Besides looking very cute, the anticipated price of $15,500 attracts a lot of attention. The Cinquecento will have a six speed automatic transmission for the North American market. Standard shift is all that is available in Europe. The styling and overall looks will remain true to the Fiat heritage and Soave is almost passionate about that. Her sense of duty to Fiat was obvious throughout her talk. "My job is to protect the Fiat brand and keep it consistent around the world," she said.

The Fiat 500 Cinquecento will retain the European names for the three trim levels - Pop, Sport, and Lounge. Each of these models was driven onto the stage during the press introduction. There are 14 exterior colors and 14 interior colors, and these will all have Italian names. This was Soave's idea also. "I renamed all our colors in Italian to distinguish ourselves more and have more Italian-ness in the brand," she commented. For example, red will be called "roso."

The exterior styling is basically unchanged from the past few years of the European model. Like the Mini-Cooper, it is considered "retro" and looks very similar to the little 1957 model that opened the press conference. Changes that are not obvious to the eye are abundant, however. These include a redesigned body structure that meets American regulatory requirements for crashworthiness. The cabin is quieter, in response to US customers demand for quietness. The floor, trunk, and instrument include new sound-deadening materials. There are new body and door seals as well as hydraulic powertrain mounts that help minimize engine vibrations.

Doug Betts is Chrysler Group's Senior Vice-President and very involved with the Fiat 500 introduction. He said, "The Fiat 500 is an excellent package to start with. As we enhanced it to match North American driving conditions and consumer expectations, we also made sure to preserve the world-class, fit-and-finish standards achieved by Fiat's development team."

The Fiat 500 is powered by a 1.4 liter MultiAir engine that is considered highly efficient. There are new four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, a revised electronic stability control system, and a redesigned twist-beam rear suspension feature.

The Fiat 500 is creating a lot of excitement among journalists and I look forward to a test drive sometime next year. Because Fiat has been out of the American market for about 15 years, it will take some adjustments. With the purchase of Chrysler Group by Fiat, the obvious solution will be to initially merge the two. Chrysler is currently identifying major dealerships which will offer the Fiat 500 for sale. It will available early next year.

ALAN GELL, Lh.D.
Member, Texas Press Association
Member, Texas Auto Writers Association
http://www.CarColumns.Net

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Skoda Superb

By Gurg Sumit Kumar

Skoda Superb has been given a rebirth by Volkswagen designers who have named this flagship car of Skoda family in honor of the luxurious Skoda Superb of 1930's. It shares its platform with highly successful WV Passat model. Dubbed as executive car, current models include 1.8L I4 Turbo as standard engine. More powerful petrol and diesel engines include 2.8L V6 30v and 2.5L V6 TDI, respectively.

Specifications
A recent facelift offers new radiator grille, headlights, side repeater indicators and C-shaped tail lights. As part of refurbishment project, interior panel is fitted with real wood and includes extras that were once hallmark of original Skoda Superb. Utilizing transverse engine layout, the all new B6 comes with fuel stratified injection turbocharged engine which can be upgraded to a powerful 3.6L 191kw FSI VR6 versions, providing reduced fuel consumption. For automobile enthusiasts who prefer even more power, Skoda engineers are now offering an optional direct shift gearbox with 6 or 7 speed transmissions in all trim combination. These trim levels are classified as Comfort, Ambition and Elegance in Europe, however, in UK they are marketed as S, SE, Elegance and Greenline. A Combi 5 door estate model is already introduced in Frankfurt Auto Show. This version of Skoda family cars is made for car owners who prefer luxury and more passenger space.

B6 Models
Produced in Czech Republic and India, Skoda Superb B6 2008, contains 4motion four wheel drive which is fitted with more advanced technology, constituting top of the line petrol engines such as 3.6 L VR6 FSI 4x4. Similarly, powerful diesel variants have also been reintroduced to include 1.9 L I4 TDI PD DPF Greenline and 2.0 L I4 TDI CR DPF. It seems that Skoda Superb designers are bent on providing even more choices. Their motives are expressed in classical 'Laurin and Klement' model which derives its features not only from original Skoda masterpiece but also from Rolls Royce. Like Rolls Royce it includes components such as an umbrella hidden in rear door panel.

As of 2008, the first generation Skoda Superb has stopped production. In its place, B6 is being offered in either 5 door liftback sedan or 5 door estate versions. Based on Volkswagen Group A5 PQ35 platform, the new version is a touch longer and wider than its predecessor. Fortunately, a slight price difference should not limit loyal Skoda buyers to catch onto the latest frenzy in Czech Republic and certain other East European markets.

Gurg Sumit Kumar provides reviews on latest car models, automobiles and all four wheelers. Find more about his latest review on Skoda Superb, its specifications, features and all the available models.

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Volvo XC60 Review

By Michelle Spencer

Sleek, elegant, chic and sporty are not words you might normally associate with a 4x4 - and you'd be extremely unlikely to use them all at once to describe the same 4x4. That is until the advent of Volvo's XC60.

Since bringing the utilitarian off-roader into the family leisure market, car makers have striven to style it and tailor it to offer the broadest appeal, with varying degrees of success. Some try a 4x4/MPV cross, while others go for a more laid-back SUV image. There's even been an attempt by a premium car maker at trying to turn its large SUV into a sleek sports coupe, with notably unsleek, nay, grotesque, results!

Unlike many SUVs, Volvo's XC60 manages to retain, and even enhance, the svelte lines and subtle contours of its more lightweight saloon and estate brethren. In fact, if you lowered an XC60 to make it adopt a road-hugging stance, it would doubtless appear as a rather rakish sports estate. Volvo calls it "emotional" styling.

Cabin Comfort

You wouldn't accuse the XC60's interior of being overdone. It is fresh, modem, stylish and, above all, simple. The all-anthracite lower-half trim of our test example might seem dull and oppressive in some cars, but with little more to lift it than white contrast stitching and tastefully applied bright moldings, the Volvo manages an air of smart practicality. You'd expect nothing less from Swedish design.

The focal point is without doubt Volvo's now well known 'floating' center console, in this instance having a bright metallic finish. It presents an array of logically-arranged and clearly-marked controls - the human-shaped air-distribution graphic being a particular case in point - which become almost intuitive at first glance. Above this and the CD slot resides the clear sat-nav screen, slightly inset to reduce reflections in the window glass, and located on the same plane as the instruments where a quick glance enables immediate visual clarity without refocusing.

Gauges - just the two - convey the necessary details via annular analogue dials and (that word again) 'floating' pointers with digital supplementary information displayed in their centers. They have a chronographic look to them, but Volvo has thankfully resisted the usually Far-Eastern car manufacturers' trend to decorate them with too much bling and fancy illumination.

In true Volvo tradition, the seats are well-shaped, supportive and comfortable with those in the front offering a useful range of adjustment. The rear compartment boasts reasonable if not commodious legroom, and the nicely contoured seat should provide three average-sized adults with cozy but comfortable travel. The 40:20:40 split/fold seat gives a flat load floor when the one-touch release levers are operated.

Zoned climate control gives a degree (actually, quite a few degrees) of heating/cooling versatility and clean cabin air using filtration and Volvo's Clean Zone Interior Package, an innovative air-purging system.

Driving Dynamics

Five-cylinder engines make a deal of sense, being as responsive as a 'four' yet almost as smooth as a 'six', although the smoothness bit is less apparent with an oil burner. Once warmed up, though, the D5 is a pleasant enough diesel, delivering brisk performance in concert with the smooth-shifting six-speed Geartronic transmission, which also has Sport mode and manual override.

Having originally thought the steering over-weighted, a few miles later it seemed to feel quicker and more responsive. Speed-dependent assistance is available as standard or an option, depending on model, with a user-selection facility.

In normal conditions the all-wheel drive system is front-biased, with torque re-apportioned via the computer-controlled hydraulic clutch as available grip alters. Volvo's Instant Traction is designed to assist with standing starts. Ride is quite firm (maybe due to the BMW X3 being an XC60 benchmark) but gives car-like cornering and handling, though well-judged initial compliance takes the sting out of many road imperfections.

The Volvo's City Safety helps avoid low-speed accidents; Collision Warning with Auto Brake and Adaptive Cruise Control with Distance Alert operate at higher speeds; BUS reveals your blind spots; DAC and LDW try to stop you falling asleep or straying out of lane; and IDIS delays phone calls while you deal with complex driving situations. These systems can be had along with Volvo's renowned safety design and engineering assisted by Roll Stability Control, Hill Descent Control, Dynamic Stability and Traction Control, and Trailer Stability Assist. Oh, and there's Park Assist...

Pulling Performance

The Volvo's 90kg nose weight offers a good margin to accommodate most appropriate caravans, and rectangular, straight-edged door mirrors provide a better platform than many for towing mirrors.

The XC60 proved to be brisk, turning in a 0-60mph time of 14.5 seconds despite initial take-off being softened by the automatic gearbox.. Hill starts were equally as trouble-free. The outfit felt quite unruffled in urban conditions, possibly due to the assurance of City Safety, and with a 30-50mph time of 6.1 sec was rarely in danger of holding up other traffic. Normal auto mode coped well, smoothly finding itself in the right gear at the right time.

The steering could occasionally feel a bit weighty in tight, twisty urban conditions but improved at higher speeds to become smooth, responsive and accurate, where the Volvo felt in complete control through strings of minor-road bends. On steep descents manual gear selection could be useful, but the strong brakes with their various driver- assistance systems provided reassurance.

At motorway speeds the XC60 tracked straight and true, though on a very windy test day some buffeting was experienced, as was some enforced deviation offline from large overtaking trucks and coaches.

Ride comfort in all conditions was firm, though rarely uncomfortably so, and the XC60 managed to damp out the caravan's bump reactions very competently over all but the worst ruts.

Verdict

Think of this SUV as a tall, slinky, blonde Swede that'll never have a blonde moment, yet is very XC.

Check out these automotive reviews from hybrids to the latest forklift truck models, and HGV to forklift training guides.

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Top Gear: BBC:Audi R8 Car Review vs Porsche 911 Carrera

Jeremy Clarkson reviews the new Audi R8 supercar and claims it to be one of the best supercars in the world - only to be interrupted by a competitive Richard Hammond in a Porsche 911. Which one is better - the Porsche 911 or the Audi R8? The only way to settle this argument is through a Top Gear special drag race! Who will win? Watch this clip in full to find out.

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Mercedes-Benz E500 Cabriolet: All You Want In A C-CLass Packed Stylishly

By Janelle Elizabeth

It is back again and it'll deal with lots of competition from a lot of Euro convertibles. Presenting the Mercedes-Benz E-Class cabriolet! Featuring its E-Class foundations assuring that it is bigger than the CLK cabrio and that it will successfully replace, the E-Class Cabrio appears a lot like its siblings, specifically the coupe. The side profile is good-looking too and even with a top which is fabric, that has been picked to help keep the load down, the load of this vehicle is simply heavier by 120kg compared to equal hard top.

In the winter weather, you can really have a quiet driving with the roof in place similar to cruising a coupe. If the roof is lowered, it is just as awesome. And thanks to climate control, and Airscarf, one will definitely remain cozy. It also makes use of "Aircap" that is a deflector in the frame of the windscreen and a draught stop which is between the back car seats which as outlined by Merc, will minimize the wind flow and noise in the cabin at 160km/h. Nonetheless, this automobile is centered on unperturbed development since it isn't a real sports car but a luxury GT. Just simply look at the large steering wheel if you'd like proof!

With a three-link front, multi linked suspensions in the rear, together with features which make it obvious that a lot of money has been spent on the car, it's really a fantastic drive. There are much more great features like cruise control with automatic following, a rear view camera, park control, drowsiness detector, TV tuner, temperature controlled seats, auto headlights, and a lot more.

Step on the accelerator and you will definitely discover its 51:49-front to rear equilibrium providing an enjoyable agility. This vehicle navigates corners precisely using speed sensitive guiding and also dynamic dampers assist. And although there's a hint where the strong engine may well take control of the rear, the stability control though will gather up.

Nevertheless, in spite of its undoubted capability and minimal flex for a drop-top, this particular car never truly feels light-footed. It's not a big surprise though, since it weighs in at 1840kg. This car isn't as hardcore as the engine indicates nor the reality that this engine is not actually brand new won't make an impression on its buyers. They're going to still adore the muffled gurgle of its 5.4-litre V8 engine as well as the delivered acceleration. On top of it all, who will not enjoy all the extravagance of an E-Class sedan that's packaged more stylishly?

It's back again and will also encounter lots of competition from plenty of Euro convertibles. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class cabriolet! Using its E-Class foundations guaranteeing that it is larger than the CLK cabrio and that it will essentially replace, the E-Class Cabrio appears nearly the same as its siblings, mainly the coupe.

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Fiat Punto Car Review

By Himanshu Shekhar Jha

Fiat, the well known name in the automobiles market recently came up with a new hatchback called the Grande Punto. Both its exteriors and interiors look powerful and muscular. This mid sized hatchback has quite been liked by the users.

Design and Styling
The design of the Fiat Punto car is quite attractive to look at. The car is available in very varied colours such as: Exotica Red, Hip Hop Black, Bossa Nova White, Minima Grey and Medium grey. The interiors of the car are two toned. The seats have a sporty structure and padded base providing utmost comfort to the people sitting inside. The steering wheel is leather based.

The dashboard is simple and the cabin spacious. There is a lot of room for leg-space perfect for long journeys. The rear seats can be folded. Apart from the back storage area there are few notable areas of storage, advantageous for travelling on outstation tours. The rear view mirror is electronic and can be adjusted without opening the door glass. The air conditioner installed in the car is climate sensitive and adjusts the temperature accordingly.

There are many state-of-art technological features used in the car making it appear truly European. With the help of Blue & Me technology developed by Microsoft, mobile is synchronised with Bluetooth for SMSes and Voice Dialling. Fiat Punto is available in the following models: Active, Dynamic, Emotion and Emotion Pack.

Engine and other specifications
There are a total of three kinds of engine available in all the models of Grande Punto. They are: 1.2 litre petrol engine, 1.4 litre petrol engine and 1.3 litre diesel engine. The maximum power given out by these engines is 68 Bhp@ 6500 rpm and the maximum torque being 96Nm@ 2500 rpm. The fuel efficiency of Punto is seen to be a maximum of 16 kilometres per litre. The engine displacement is 1172cc, FIRE, 8 valve, SOHC. The kerb weight comes to 1140 kilograms.

The front brakes are disk type and the rear drum. The suspension is Independent Mc Pherson Struts, Teles Stabiliser Bar. The size of the tyres is 165/80 R14. The car is provided with 2 trip meters and a tachometer. The bumper resembles the colour of the body of the car.

The door mirrors are manual on both the sides. The driver seat adjustment is manual with power windows and steering. Remote boot and remote fuel filter have been provided with. The top speed of the car zooms up to 182 kilometres per hour.

Drawbacks
The quality of the interiors is average and the fuel efficiency given out by the petrol models is low. On speeding the car, the engine produces quite a lot of noise too. The services provided by Fiat are not competent with other hatchback companies.

Conclusion

Fiat has made a satisfactory attempt by launching Grande Punto. This hatchback is not the best but definitely not the worst either.

Besides this Fiat Punto Car Review you can read other car reviews at http://www.techfren.com

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The Importance Of Breakdown Cover

By Adam Leyton

As of 2010, the number of vehicles operating on the roads in the United Kingdom is in excess of 31 million, as reported by the SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders). This figure is among the largest in the world and consequently leads to a very large number of breakdown cover calls every year. There are several reasons why breakdown cover is extremely essential to motorists in the United Kingdom. These factors are discussed below.

Personal vehicle travel in the UK forms one of the main backbones of the country. Therefore if a person's car breaks down unexpectedly in the middle of a journey, he or she is left with very few options available. If the breakdown occurs in a remote location, the problem is even worse. He cannot leave the car unattended on the side of the road as it would be a hazard to other motorists. This is where breakdown cover comes in. The person can easily call a roadside assistance company and they will swiftly come to help him or her out. If the vehicle has a minor breakdown such as a flat tyre or lack of radiator fluid, the mechanic can easily and quickly get it running again which is very useful for consumers.

If the problem is more severe and your vehicle cannot be fixed immediately, it is taken away to the nearest local garage while options are provided in order to help you reach the destination of your choice. These options may depend on the cover that you have chosen and may include services such as providing a hire car for you or arranging public transport which is paid for by the company. If a person does not have breakdown cover in an instance of a breakdown, the problems that he or she would face would be acute and it would make the subscription of a roadside assistance package well worth it. As it is impossible to know when and where your car will suddenly break down, it is best to be prepared in advance instead of facing headaches at times when you need to urgently reach your destination.

Breakdown cover sometimes also provides the facility of home call-out. This means that if the vehicle breaks down while parked at your own home and not in the middle of a journey, the crew will still come over and repair your car and if that is not possible it will take the car away for repairs which will save you the hassle that would have been resulted without a breakdown package.

Quote Professor is a new website looking at many general insurance lines an with plenty of hints and tips on getting the right cover.

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Audi A6 Saloon Whatcar Review

Performance
There's a good range of petrol engines, including a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder unit, a 2.8-litre V6, and a supercharged 3.0-litre. The V10-engined S6 is amazingly fast, but the more popular diesel units include two 2.0-litre units, plus a sweet 2.7 and a potent 3.0 V6. The A6 is a big car, and while you might think it needs a big engine to shift it, in fact our favourite is the more powerful of the two 2.0-litre TDI units. Its smooth, powerful, refined and economical.

Ride & Handling
Although the standard suspension offers a decent blend of comfort and control, it doesnt cope with as wide a range of road conditions as the more sophisticated, more expensive air-suspension. With air added to the reassurance of traction-boosting four-wheel-drive, youre getting close to the ultimate A6. With this set-up, the A6 changes direction sharply, resists roll and clings on well. In the S6, though, the ride is very firm, and the car is not as agile as you might expect.

Refinement
Sporty the A6 may be, but refinement has not been overlooked; the car is remarkably hushed up to motorway speeds. The 3.0T is the smoothie of the bunch, but all the engines, other than the 2.0-litre diesel, are impressively quiet, although the S6's V10 sounds great when you give it its head. The automatic gearbox changes gear almost imperceptibly, and the manual is much better than the one offered in the BMW 5 series.

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5 Tips to Avoid an Autumn Breakdown

By Simon Macsis

Unfortunately, many British motorists head out into the cold and wet without carrying out the maintenance checks that could save them serious hassle in the ice and snow.

Avoid putting yourself at the risk of suffering from a breakdown or accident this winter and get your car ready for winter in autumn. Research from breakdown specialist, Green Flag, has found that over 75 per cent of motorists don't check their battery before winter - and batteries are the most common cause of winter breakdowns!

Not making sure your battery is in tip top shape means you have a 50 percent chance of suffering from a breakdown and finding yourself stranded in the snow.

So what can you do about it? Here are five tips to avoid an autumn breakdown, courtesy of Green Flag.
1. Check your battery regularly at a garage and don't to leave your lights on.
2. Take a few minutes before you drive off and carry out a few maintenance checks.
3. Remove all ice from windows to ensure you have good all-round visibility.
4. Ensure tyres are inflated to the correct pressure and have enough tread.
5. Check the oil and water levels and top up whenever necessary.

It's always a good idea to carry your fully-charged mobile phone in the car and have the number of your breakdown cover organisation at hand, in case of emergencies. Knowing your route is a great help, and Green Flag provides a route planner which works out your route for you and is a great help when planning your trip.

Find more on breakdown cover and European breakdown cover online from Green Flag.

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