2011 Volvo S40 cars wallpapers
Upcoming 2012 chrysler Car news: http://masti-jokes.blogspot.com/search/label/chrysler
Upcoming 2012 chrysler Car news: http://masti-jokes.blogspot.com/search/label/chrysler
Showing posts with label volvo. Show all posts
Showing posts with label volvo. Show all posts
Monday, April 25, 2011
2011 Volvo S40 Estate review and wallpapers
2011 Volvo S40 Estate review and wallpapers
Upcoming 2012 Jaguar Car news: http://masti-jokes.blogspot.com/search/label/Jaguar%20cars
Upcoming 2012 Jaguar Car news: http://masti-jokes.blogspot.com/search/label/Jaguar%20cars
Monday, April 18, 2011
Report: Volvo and Pininfarina end C70 joint venture
Volvo has announced it will take sole ownership of its joint manufacturing facility with Pininfarina. The Pininfarinia Sverige AB plant in Uddevalla, Sweden, only builds the Volvo C70 convertible. According to Volvo, the changeover will take place in 2013, and the automaker will continue to build C70s at the plant.
Volvo and Pininfarina have been bedfellows at the plant since Volvo began building C70s in 2003. The car moved just over 4,000 units in 2010, down nearly two percent from the 2009 total.
[Source: Autoweek]
Friday, April 15, 2011
Friday, April 8, 2011
2011 volvo xc70 ocean race cars wallpapers and reviews
2011 volvo xc70 ocean race cars wallpapers and reviews
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Jaguar XF 2.2 litre diesel
Jaguar’s XF saloon will soon be getting a 2.2 litre, four-cylinder diesel engine, a crucial addition to the range that should help steal further sales from its competitors.
Connected to an eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox, the longitudinally mounted 187 bhp (140 kW / 190 PS) motor is claimed to be good for a 0-62 mph (100km/h) time of 8.5 seconds and a top speed of 140 mph (225 km/h).
The car’s target customers - especially fleet users - are probably going to be more concerned about efficiency rather than performance, though. And they shouldn’t be disappointed, because the XF will manage 52.3 mpg (5.4 l/100km) on the combined cycle while producing 149 g/km of CO2.
Fuel saving devices include an intelligent stop-start system, which has been engineered to reduce the time taken during the shut-down and start-up phases, and high seventh and eighth gear ratios that effectively act as an overdrive facility.
But how does the new Jaguar compare to some of its diesel rivals? Well, judging by the figures, it seems right on the money, although the BMW 5 Series remains marginally quicker, more frugal and less polluting.
The introduction of the 2.2 litre XF will coincide with a facelift for the car, hence the disguise seen in the image.
Full production specifications and market launch dates are due to be announced at the New York International Auto Show, which opens to the public on the 22nd of April.
Connected to an eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox, the longitudinally mounted 187 bhp (140 kW / 190 PS) motor is claimed to be good for a 0-62 mph (100km/h) time of 8.5 seconds and a top speed of 140 mph (225 km/h).
The car’s target customers - especially fleet users - are probably going to be more concerned about efficiency rather than performance, though. And they shouldn’t be disappointed, because the XF will manage 52.3 mpg (5.4 l/100km) on the combined cycle while producing 149 g/km of CO2.
Fuel saving devices include an intelligent stop-start system, which has been engineered to reduce the time taken during the shut-down and start-up phases, and high seventh and eighth gear ratios that effectively act as an overdrive facility.
But how does the new Jaguar compare to some of its diesel rivals? Well, judging by the figures, it seems right on the money, although the BMW 5 Series remains marginally quicker, more frugal and less polluting.
| Manufacturer | Jaguar | BMW | Volvo | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model | XF 2.2 Diesel | 520d Auto | S80 D5 Geartronic | E 220 CDI Auto |
| Capacity (cc) | 2,179 | 1,995 | 2,400 | 2,143 |
| Power (bhp / kW / PS) | 187 / 140 / 190 | 181 / 135 / 184 | 202 / 151 / 205 | 167 / 125 / 170 |
| Torque (Nm / lb/ft) | 450 / 332 | 380 / 280 | 420 / 309 | 400 / 295 |
| Acceleration 0-60 mph (100 km/h) | 8.5 secs | 8.1 secs | 8.0 secs | 8.8 secs |
| Top Speed (mph / km/h) | 140 / 225 | 140 / 225 | 140 / 225 | 141 / 226 |
| Fuel Consumption (mpg / l/100km) | 52.3 / 5.4 | 54.3 / 5.2 | 44.8 / 6.3 | 48.7 / 5.8 |
| CO2 Emissions (g/km) | 149 | 137 | 166 | 154 |
| UK Company Car BIK Rate* | 22% | 20% | 26% | 23% |
| *2011-12 tax year. | ||||
The introduction of the 2.2 litre XF will coincide with a facelift for the car, hence the disguise seen in the image.
Full production specifications and market launch dates are due to be announced at the New York International Auto Show, which opens to the public on the 22nd of April.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Volvo Air Motion Open Air Cars wallpapers and specification with images
Volvo Air Motion Open Air Cars wallpapers and specification with images
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Volvo Ocean Race limited edition models get nautical by nature
Volvo is celebrating the start of its fourth Ocean Race by releasing special edition models of its V60, XC60 and XC70 in the UK. The cars will be available to order starting in April, with the first deliveries expected to take place in July.
Engine options are yet to be determined, but the cars will have special interiors in sail-reminiscent off-black or beige, and the seatbacks come embossed with the Volvo Ocean Race logo. There will also be two special exterior colors available, dubbed “Volvo Ocean Blue II” and “Electric Silver.”
Along with the seats, the door panels and cargo covers get the Ocean Race treatment, with special script and stitching. If that isn’t enough Nautical madness for you, you can rest your Sperrys on a set of textile sail-inspired floor mats to cap it all off.
Volvo is expecting to move about 7,500 of the special editions per year, targeting England, Germany and Italy in particular. No word yet on pricing or whether the cars come with a stuffed parrot for full-on pirate effect.
[Source: Volvo]
PRESS RELEASE:
VOLVO OCEAN RACE LIMITED EDITIONS - THREE MODELS INSPIRED BY THE WORLD’S MOST CHALLENGING SAILING RACE
The Volvo Ocean Race is the world’s most grueling sailing adventure, testing the sailing prowess and human endeavour of its participants and competing in all four corners of the globe. To celebrate the start of the fourth Volvo Ocean Race, Volvo Cars have launched three limited edition models specifically designed with the sailing adventure in mind. Design details inspired by life on board a boat help distinguish these models from their standard counterparts with unique interior and exterior refinements.
Launched at the Geneva Motorshow, three of Volvo’s models will be available in the UK with this special Ocean Race inspired specification, allowing customers to own a piece of Volvo’s involvement in the world’s most challenging of sailing events.
The Volvo Ocean Race Editions will be available to order in the new Volvo V60, XC60 and XC70 from April 2011 with customer cars expected to be delivered in July 2011. Engine availability and pricing have yet to be confirmed in the UK.
Customers can choose between two luxurious exterior colours, Volvo Ocean Blue II or Electric Silver, in conjunction with the sail-inspired leather upholstery in off-black and soft beige with embossed Volvo Ocean Race Logo on the backrest of the front seats.
Other features are the uniquely designed aluminium wheels, chromed detailing and the Volvo Ocean Race emblem on the front wings.
Inside the car, the seats and door panels feature an added level of craftsmanship. The load cover displays the Volvo Ocean Race logo in print with stitching and sheet detailing, there are textile floor mats with clew-inspired (lower corner of a sail) details in aluminium and the tread plate in aluminium is embossed with the text “Volvo Ocean Race”. In addition, the Human Machine Interface start-up display shows the Volvo Ocean Race logo and text.
Volvo Cars estimates to sell about 7,500 cars globally. The four largest markets are expected to be Germany, Sweden, Great Britain and Italy. Other markets outside Europe that will be involved in the race will also sell the Ocean Race Editions.
Facts about the race:
The Volvo Ocean Race is the world’s most gruelling ocean adventure. An extreme race that consists of 9 legs. The Volvo Ocean Race starts in Alicante on October 29 and finishes in Galway, Ireland, on July 7, 2012. The Volvo Ocean Race will also stop in Cape Town (South Africa,Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates), Sanya (China), Auckland (New Zealand), Itajaí (Brazil), Miami (the USA), Lisbon (Portugal) and Lorient (France). The event also includes exciting inshore races in all the ports.
For more detailed information about the Volvo Ocean Race, visit http://www.volvooceanrace.com/
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Volvo V60 diesel hybrid
Given the popularity of oil burners in Europe and their superior fuel economy, it’s surprising that manufacturers have taken so long to develop diesel hybrids.
It looks like it could become a popular powertrain combination, though. Land Rover has already announced that it’ll be presenting the Range_e prototype at the upcoming Geneva International Motor Show, and now Volvo has revealed the V60 Plug-in Hybrid.
Driving the V60’s front wheels is a 2.4 litre five-cylinder turbodiesel engine, producing 212 bhp (158 kW / 215 PS) and 440 Nm (324 lb/ft) of torque. The rears, meanwhile, are separately powered by a 69 bhp (51 kW / 70 PS) electric motor which gets its energy from a 12 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The only transmission available will be a six-speed automatic.
Developed in conjunction with Swedish energy firm Vattenfall, the V60 Plug-in Hybrid will also be premiered at Geneva, ahead of a market launch that’s scheduled for sometime during 2012.
The headline numbers are an impressive 148.6 mpg (1.9 l/100km) for the combined cycle and CO2 emissions of 49 g/km. Those are achieved when the car is being driven in default ‘Hybrid’ mode, where the engine and motor work together to balance performance against economy.
Switch into ‘Pure’ mode though, and the V60 runs using just the electric motor. Battery range is a fairly respectable 31 miles (50 kilometres), a distance that Volvo points out will cover most daily journeys.
However, for times when environmental considerations take a temporary back seat, ‘Power’ mode can be selected. Harnessing the combined 281 bhp (209 kW / 285 PS) and 640 Nm (472 lb/ft) of torque on offer, the V60 will sprint from zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) in only 6.9 seconds. Undoubtedly both fuel consumption and emissions are going to suffer badly in this configuration, but figures have yet to be published that would quantify the effect.
Recharging when the V60 is plugged into a domestic power socket can take as little as 3 hours with a 230V / 16A supply, although that time is extended to 4.5 hours with 10A or 7.5 hours with 6A currents.
A clever feature is the pre-heating / pre-cooling of the cabin during the recharging process. Operated by a timer that is set via either the dashboard or remotely by mobile phone, it means that once underway minimal battery capacity is used to adjust the interior temperature.
There’s no word on pricing, but Volvo is managing expectations by saying that the cost of the battery pack will make it more expensive than existing V60 models. However, as fuel costs should be reduced by around two thirds compared to those of conventional petrol or diesel cars, the V60 Plug-in Hybrid might still make financial sense.
It looks like it could become a popular powertrain combination, though. Land Rover has already announced that it’ll be presenting the Range_e prototype at the upcoming Geneva International Motor Show, and now Volvo has revealed the V60 Plug-in Hybrid.
Driving the V60’s front wheels is a 2.4 litre five-cylinder turbodiesel engine, producing 212 bhp (158 kW / 215 PS) and 440 Nm (324 lb/ft) of torque. The rears, meanwhile, are separately powered by a 69 bhp (51 kW / 70 PS) electric motor which gets its energy from a 12 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The only transmission available will be a six-speed automatic.
Developed in conjunction with Swedish energy firm Vattenfall, the V60 Plug-in Hybrid will also be premiered at Geneva, ahead of a market launch that’s scheduled for sometime during 2012.
The headline numbers are an impressive 148.6 mpg (1.9 l/100km) for the combined cycle and CO2 emissions of 49 g/km. Those are achieved when the car is being driven in default ‘Hybrid’ mode, where the engine and motor work together to balance performance against economy.
Switch into ‘Pure’ mode though, and the V60 runs using just the electric motor. Battery range is a fairly respectable 31 miles (50 kilometres), a distance that Volvo points out will cover most daily journeys.
However, for times when environmental considerations take a temporary back seat, ‘Power’ mode can be selected. Harnessing the combined 281 bhp (209 kW / 285 PS) and 640 Nm (472 lb/ft) of torque on offer, the V60 will sprint from zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) in only 6.9 seconds. Undoubtedly both fuel consumption and emissions are going to suffer badly in this configuration, but figures have yet to be published that would quantify the effect.
Recharging when the V60 is plugged into a domestic power socket can take as little as 3 hours with a 230V / 16A supply, although that time is extended to 4.5 hours with 10A or 7.5 hours with 6A currents.
A clever feature is the pre-heating / pre-cooling of the cabin during the recharging process. Operated by a timer that is set via either the dashboard or remotely by mobile phone, it means that once underway minimal battery capacity is used to adjust the interior temperature.
There’s no word on pricing, but Volvo is managing expectations by saying that the cost of the battery pack will make it more expensive than existing V60 models. However, as fuel costs should be reduced by around two thirds compared to those of conventional petrol or diesel cars, the V60 Plug-in Hybrid might still make financial sense.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
World Car Awards finalists
Sixty-six jurors from across the world have completed a first round of voting to determine the 2011 World Car Awards finalists.
With four different awards up for grabs, the shortlist models - in alphabetical order - are:
2011 World Car of the Year
Obviously, this is the big prize. Each of the finalists will be judged on ‘overall merit, value, safety, environmental responsibility, emotional appeal and significance’, a combination that has lead to some previous winners being very worthy but also just a bit dull.
What’s striking is that 2011’s entire crop is from premium or, in the case of the Volvo and Jeep, semi-premium manufacturers. Even the Nissan isn’t exactly mainstream, given its relatively high price.
The Leaf could well repeat its 2011 European Car of the Year victory, but it does tend to divide opinion. There are those who believe it almost makes petrol or diesel cars obsolete, while others won’t back an all-electric car until both battery range and the recharging infrastructure improve.
It’s hard to see either the SLS AMG or Cayenne winning, given their comparative lack of environmental responsibility. The BMW 5 Series has to be a contender given its all-round ability, but it would be good to see the Jaguar XJ clinch it, simply because it represents such a brave departure from previous generation XJ models.
Audi’s A1 probably ticks all the boxes. However, it’d be a shame for it to win because it’s essentially a tarted-up version of last year’s World Car of the Year, the Volkswagen Polo.
2011 World Performance Car
This category is wide open, as it includes everything from a compact hot hatch to numerous supercars for the jurors to choose from. Audi has won the performance car award three times in the past five years, but it’ll be a surprise if the feat is repeated with the RS 5.
2011 World Car Design of the Year
There were originally fifty-one candidates in this category, which is expected to ‘highlight new vehicles with innovation and style that push established boundaries’ - a demanding set of criteria.
On that basis, the Aston Martin would seem to be a strong challenger, but arguably it’s the Nissan Juke that truly stands out as a unique design.
The shortlist was decided by a panel of five design experts but, as with all of the other awards, it’s now solely up to the jurors to arrive at a winner.
2011 World Green Car
Three environmental experts were asked to draw up the finalists for this award based on emissions, fuel consumption and the power plant technology employed.
Perhaps the Leaf stands a stronger chance of winning this category, but it may be the case that more jurors consider the Volt’s range extender concept as being more practical for everyday use.
But with its 109 g/km and combined cycle 68.9 mpg (4.0 l/100km), the 320d Efficient Dynamics Edition proves that cars with a traditional internal combustion engine can still be impressively green.
The next stage is that during February the jurors will vote again, but this time just on the finalists.
Following that ballot, the top three cars in each category will be announced at the Geneva International Motor Show on 1st March.
Then, bringing the process to a close, the 2011 World Car Awards winners will be declared during the New York International Auto Show in April.
With four different awards up for grabs, the shortlist models - in alphabetical order - are:
2011 World Car of the Year
- Audi A1
- Audi A8
- BMW 5 Series
- BMW X3
- Jaguar XJ
- Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
- Nissan Leaf
- Porsche Cayenne
- Volvo S60 / V60
Obviously, this is the big prize. Each of the finalists will be judged on ‘overall merit, value, safety, environmental responsibility, emotional appeal and significance’, a combination that has lead to some previous winners being very worthy but also just a bit dull.
What’s striking is that 2011’s entire crop is from premium or, in the case of the Volvo and Jeep, semi-premium manufacturers. Even the Nissan isn’t exactly mainstream, given its relatively high price.
It’s hard to see either the SLS AMG or Cayenne winning, given their comparative lack of environmental responsibility. The BMW 5 Series has to be a contender given its all-round ability, but it would be good to see the Jaguar XJ clinch it, simply because it represents such a brave departure from previous generation XJ models.
Audi’s A1 probably ticks all the boxes. However, it’d be a shame for it to win because it’s essentially a tarted-up version of last year’s World Car of the Year, the Volkswagen Polo.
2011 World Performance Car
- Aston Martin Rapide
- Audi RS 5 Coupe
- Cadillac CTS-V Coupe
- Ferrari 458 Italia
- Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera
- Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG / CL 63 AMG
- Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
- Porsche 911 GT2 RS
- Porsche 911 Turbo
- Renault Mégane Renaultsport 250
2011 World Car Design of the Year
- Alfa Romeo Giulietta
- Aston Martin Rapide
- Audi A7
- Citroën DS3
- Ferrari 458
- Honda CR-Z
- Kia Sportage
- Nissan Juke
There were originally fifty-one candidates in this category, which is expected to ‘highlight new vehicles with innovation and style that push established boundaries’ - a demanding set of criteria.
The shortlist was decided by a panel of five design experts but, as with all of the other awards, it’s now solely up to the jurors to arrive at a winner.
2011 World Green Car
- BMW 320d Efficient Dynamics Edition
- Chevrolet Volt
- Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
- Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-Cell
- Nissan Leaf
- Smart electric drive
Three environmental experts were asked to draw up the finalists for this award based on emissions, fuel consumption and the power plant technology employed.
But with its 109 g/km and combined cycle 68.9 mpg (4.0 l/100km), the 320d Efficient Dynamics Edition proves that cars with a traditional internal combustion engine can still be impressively green.
The next stage is that during February the jurors will vote again, but this time just on the finalists.
Following that ballot, the top three cars in each category will be announced at the Geneva International Motor Show on 1st March.
Then, bringing the process to a close, the 2011 World Car Awards winners will be declared during the New York International Auto Show in April.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
2011 What Car? Awards
UK publication What Car? has announced its 2011 Car of the Year winners.
During a ceremony held at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London, prizes were awarded across seventeen vehicle categories, with one model going on to be declared overall champion.
Supermini
Shortlist
Best buy less than £9,000: Hyundai i10 1.2 Comfort
Best buy £9,000 - £13,000: Ford Fiesta 1.25 82 Zetec 5dr
Best buy more than £13,000: Audi A1 1.4 TFSI Sport
Winner
Audi A1 1.4 TFSI Sport
Small family car
Shortlist
Best buy less than £15,000: Skoda Octavia 1.2 TSI SE
Best buy £15,000 - £20,000: Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI 122 Match 5dr
Best buy more than £20,000: Toyota Prius 1.8 VVT-i T3
Winner
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI 122 Match 5dr
Family car
Shortlist
Best buy less than £18,000: Skoda Superb 1.4 TSI S
Best buy £18,000 - £21,000: Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCi 140 Zetec
Best buy more than £21,000: Volkswagen Passat 2.0 TDI 140 SE
Winner
Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCi 140 Zetec
Estate car
Shortlist
Best buy less than £16,500: Skoda Octavia Estate 1.4 TSI SE
Best buy £16,000 - £22,000: Ford Mondeo Estate 2.0 TDCi 140 Zetec
Best buy more than £22,000: BMW 5 Series Touring 520d SE
Winner
Ford Mondeo Estate 2.0 TDCi 140 Zetec
MPV
Shortlist
Best buy less than £16,000: Citroën C3 Picasso 1.6 VTi VTR+
Best buy £16,000 - £22,000: Peugeot 5008 1.6 HDi 112 Sport
Best buy more than £22,000: Seat Alhambra 2.0 TDI 140 Ecomotive S
Winner
Seat Alhambra 2.0 TDI 140 Ecomotive S
Hot hatch
Shortlist
Best buy less than £15,000: Renault Twingo Renaultsport 133 Cup
Best buy £15,000 - £20,000: Renault Clio Renaultsport 200 Cup
Best buy more than £20,000: Renault Mégane Renaultsport 250 Cup
Winner
Renault Mégane Renaultsport 250 Cup
Coupé
Shortlist
Best buy less than £25,000: Volkswagen Scirocco 1.4 TSI 160
Best buy £25,000 - £40,000: Audi TT 2.0 TFSI 211 Sport
Best buy more than £40,000: Jaguar XKR
Winner
Audi TT 2.0 TFSI 211 Sport
Open-top
Shortlist
Best buy less than £25,000: Mazda MX-5 1.8i SE AC
Best buy £25,000 - £35,000: BMW Z4 sDrive23i
Best buy more than £35,000: Mercedes-Benz E350 CDI Cab Blue Efficiency SE
Winner
BMW Z4 sDrive23i
Performance car
Shortlist
Best buy less than £60,000: Lotus Evora 3.5 V6
Best buy £60,000 - £120,000: Audi R8 Spyder V10
Best buy more than £120,000: Ferrari 458 Italia
Winner
Ferrari 458 Italia
Crossover
Shortlist
Best buy less than £15,000: Nissan Juke 1.6 Visia
Best buy £15,000 - £20,000: Peugeot 3008 1.6 THP 156 Sport
Best buy more than £20,000: Volvo XC60 2.0 D3 DRIVe SE
Winner
Peugeot 3008 1.6 THP 156 Sport
4x4
Shortlist
Best buy less than £30,000: Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2 CRDi Style 7 seats
Best buy £30,000 - £40,000: BMW X3 xDrive20d SE
Best buy more than £40,000: Land Rover Discovery 3.0 SDV6 XS
Winner
Land Rover Discovery 3.0 SDV6 XS
Compact executive
Shortlist
Best buy less than £25,000: BMW 3 Series 316d ES
Best buy £25,000 - £30,000: BMW 3 Series 320d ES
Best buy more than £30,000: BMW 3 Series 330d SE
Winner
BMW 3 Series 320d ES
Executive car
Shortlist
Best buy less than £30,000: BMW 5 Series 520d SE
Best buy £30,000 - £40,000: Jaguar XF 3.0D V6 Luxury
Best buy more than £40,000: Audi A7 Sportback 3.0 TDI 245 quattro SE
Winner
Jaguar XF 3.0D V6 Luxury
Luxury car
Shortlist
Best buy less than £65,000: Mercedes-Benz S-Class S350 CDI BluTEC
Best buy £65,000 - £100,000: Range Rover 4.4 TDV8 Vogue
Best buy more than £100,000: Rolls-Royce Phantom
Winner
Mercedes-Benz S-Class S350 CDI BluTEC
Ultra-low carbon car
Winner
Nissan Leaf
Safety Award
Winner
Volvo for Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake
Security Award
Winner
Volkswagen
What Car? Car of the Year 2011
Winner
Audi A1 1.4 TFSI Sport
During a ceremony held at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London, prizes were awarded across seventeen vehicle categories, with one model going on to be declared overall champion.
Supermini
Shortlist
Best buy less than £9,000: Hyundai i10 1.2 Comfort
Best buy £9,000 - £13,000: Ford Fiesta 1.25 82 Zetec 5dr
Best buy more than £13,000: Audi A1 1.4 TFSI Sport
Winner
Audi A1 1.4 TFSI Sport
Small family car
Shortlist
Best buy less than £15,000: Skoda Octavia 1.2 TSI SE
Best buy £15,000 - £20,000: Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI 122 Match 5dr
Best buy more than £20,000: Toyota Prius 1.8 VVT-i T3
Winner
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI 122 Match 5dr
Family car
Shortlist
Best buy less than £18,000: Skoda Superb 1.4 TSI S
Best buy £18,000 - £21,000: Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCi 140 Zetec
Best buy more than £21,000: Volkswagen Passat 2.0 TDI 140 SE
Winner
Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCi 140 Zetec
Estate car
Shortlist
Best buy less than £16,500: Skoda Octavia Estate 1.4 TSI SE
Best buy £16,000 - £22,000: Ford Mondeo Estate 2.0 TDCi 140 Zetec
Best buy more than £22,000: BMW 5 Series Touring 520d SE
Winner
Ford Mondeo Estate 2.0 TDCi 140 Zetec
MPV
Shortlist
Best buy less than £16,000: Citroën C3 Picasso 1.6 VTi VTR+
Best buy £16,000 - £22,000: Peugeot 5008 1.6 HDi 112 Sport
Best buy more than £22,000: Seat Alhambra 2.0 TDI 140 Ecomotive S
Winner
Seat Alhambra 2.0 TDI 140 Ecomotive S
Hot hatch
Shortlist
Best buy less than £15,000: Renault Twingo Renaultsport 133 Cup
Best buy £15,000 - £20,000: Renault Clio Renaultsport 200 Cup
Best buy more than £20,000: Renault Mégane Renaultsport 250 Cup
Winner
Renault Mégane Renaultsport 250 Cup
Coupé
Shortlist
Best buy less than £25,000: Volkswagen Scirocco 1.4 TSI 160
Best buy £25,000 - £40,000: Audi TT 2.0 TFSI 211 Sport
Best buy more than £40,000: Jaguar XKR
Winner
Audi TT 2.0 TFSI 211 Sport
Open-top
Shortlist
Best buy less than £25,000: Mazda MX-5 1.8i SE AC
Best buy £25,000 - £35,000: BMW Z4 sDrive23i
Best buy more than £35,000: Mercedes-Benz E350 CDI Cab Blue Efficiency SE
Winner
BMW Z4 sDrive23i
Performance car
Shortlist
Best buy less than £60,000: Lotus Evora 3.5 V6
Best buy £60,000 - £120,000: Audi R8 Spyder V10
Best buy more than £120,000: Ferrari 458 Italia
Winner
Ferrari 458 Italia
Crossover
Shortlist
Best buy less than £15,000: Nissan Juke 1.6 Visia
Best buy £15,000 - £20,000: Peugeot 3008 1.6 THP 156 Sport
Best buy more than £20,000: Volvo XC60 2.0 D3 DRIVe SE
Winner
Peugeot 3008 1.6 THP 156 Sport
4x4
Shortlist
Best buy less than £30,000: Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2 CRDi Style 7 seats
Best buy £30,000 - £40,000: BMW X3 xDrive20d SE
Best buy more than £40,000: Land Rover Discovery 3.0 SDV6 XS
Winner
Land Rover Discovery 3.0 SDV6 XS
Compact executive
Shortlist
Best buy less than £25,000: BMW 3 Series 316d ES
Best buy £25,000 - £30,000: BMW 3 Series 320d ES
Best buy more than £30,000: BMW 3 Series 330d SE
Winner
BMW 3 Series 320d ES
Executive car
Shortlist
Best buy less than £30,000: BMW 5 Series 520d SE
Best buy £30,000 - £40,000: Jaguar XF 3.0D V6 Luxury
Best buy more than £40,000: Audi A7 Sportback 3.0 TDI 245 quattro SE
Winner
Jaguar XF 3.0D V6 Luxury
Luxury car
Shortlist
Best buy less than £65,000: Mercedes-Benz S-Class S350 CDI BluTEC
Best buy £65,000 - £100,000: Range Rover 4.4 TDV8 Vogue
Best buy more than £100,000: Rolls-Royce Phantom
Winner
Mercedes-Benz S-Class S350 CDI BluTEC
Ultra-low carbon car
Winner
Nissan Leaf
Safety Award
Winner
Volvo for Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake
Security Award
Winner
Volkswagen
What Car? Car of the Year 2011
Winner
Audi A1 1.4 TFSI Sport
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Zero Congestion Charge
The new Greener Vehicle Discount, which replaces the Alternative Fuel Discount, means that more cars will potentially qualify for 100% off the daily charge.
Naturally, there are a couple of caveats that come attached with this generous gesture from Transport for London.
The first is that the vehicle needs to be ‘green’. More precisely, it should be Euro 5 emissions compliant and produce 100 grams of CO2 per kilometre or less.
Secondly, if you already own such an eco-friendly machine, don’t presume that you can just swan about in central London and not worry about the Congestion Charge. To receive the Greener Vehicle Discount, a car must first be registered with Transport for London, and that involves a £10 annual payment.
So, what cars will qualify for the Greener Vehicle Discount? According to the Vehicle Certification Agency, the models that currently meet the criteria are:
| Manufacturer | Model | Specification | Transmission | Fuel | CO2 g/km |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audi | A3 | 1.6 TDI 105PS Stop Start | M5 | Diesel | 99 |
| Citroën | DS3 | 1.6HDi 90hp w/ energy saving tyres | M5 | Diesel | 99 |
| Citroën | New C3 | 1.6HDi 90hp Airdream+ | M5 | Diesel | 99 |
| Fiat | 500 / 500C (2010 on) | TwinAir | M5 | Petrol | 95 |
| Fiat | 500 / 500C (2010 on) | TwinAir Dualogic | SAT5 | Petrol | 92 |
| Fiat | Punto Evo (Jan 2010 on) | 1.3 16v MultiJet 85 ECO | M5 | Diesel | 95 |
| Ford | Fiesta (Post 2010¼) | 1.6 Duratorq 95PS +DPF ECO | M5 | Diesel | 98 |
| Hyundai | i10 | 1.0l SOHC | M5 | Petrol | 99 |
| Mini | Hatchback | One D w/ DPF | M6 | Diesel | 99 |
| Mini | Hatchback | Cooper D w/ DPF | M6 | Diesel | 99 |
| Seat | Ibiza | ST 1.2 CR TDI 75PS Ecomotive | M5 | Diesel | 92 |
| Seat | Leon | 1.6 CR TDI 105PS Ecomotive | M5 | Diesel | 99 |
| Skoda | New Fabia Hatch | 1.2 CR TDI 75PS GreenLine II | M5 | Diesel | 89 |
| Skoda | New Fabia Estate | 1.2 CR TDI 75PS GreenLine II | M5 | Diesel | 89 |
| Skoda | New Fabia Estate | 1.2 TDI 3 cylinder 75PS GreenLine | M5 | Diesel | 89 |
| Smart | fortwo cabrio (MY 2011) | 54 bhp cdi w/ Softip & 15" rear wheels | 5 AMT | Diesel | 86 |
| Smart | fortwo cabrio (MY 2011) | 54 bhp cdi w/ Softouch & 15" rear wheels | 5 AMT | Diesel | 87 |
| Smart | fortwo cabrio (MY 2011) | 71 bhp mhd w/ Softip & 15" rear wheels | 5 AMT | Petrol | 99 |
| Smart | fortwo cabrio (MY 2011) | 71 bhp mhd w/ Softouch & 15" rear wheels | 5 AMT | Petrol | 100 |
| Smart | fortwo coupé (MY 2011) | 54 bhp cdi w/ Softip & 15" rear wheels | 5 AMT | Diesel | 86 |
| Smart | fortwo coupé (MY 2011) | 54 bhp cdi w/ Softouch & 15" rear wheels | 5 AMT | Diesel | 87 |
| Smart | fortwo coupé (MY 2011) | 71 bhp mhd w/ Softip & 15" rear wheels | 5 AMT | Petrol | 97 |
| Smart | fortwo coupé (MY 2011) | 71 bhp mhd w/ Softouch & 15" rear wheels | 5 AMT | Petrol | 98 |
| Toyota | iQ (MY 2011) | 1.0 VVT-i | M5 | Petrol | 99 |
| Toyota | Auris Hybrid (MY 2010) | T4 89g 1.8 VVT-i | E-CVT | Petrol Hybrid | 89 |
| Toyota | Auris Hybrid (MY 2010) | T4 1.8 VVT-i | E-CVT | Petrol Hybrid | 93 |
| Toyota | Auris Hybrid (MY 2010) | T Spirit 1.8 VVT-i | E-CVT | Petrol Hybrid | 93 |
| Toyota | Prius (MY 2009) | T4 1.8 VVT-I | E-CVT | Petrol Hybrid | 92 |
| Toyota | Prius (MY 2009) | T3 1.8VVT-I | E-CVT | Petrol Hybrid | 89 |
| Toyota | Prius (MY 2009) | T Spirit 1.8 VVT-I | E-CVT | Petrol Hybrid | 92 |
| Toyota | Prius (MY 2009) | T Spirit w/ Solar Panel 1.8VVT-I | E-CVT | Petrol Hybrid | 89 |
| Volkswagen | New Polo | 1.2 TDI 75PS BlueMotion | M5 | Diesel | 89 |
| Volkswagen | New Golf | 1.6 TDI 105PS BlueMotion | M5 | Diesel | 99 |
| Volvo | C30 (MY 2011) | DRIVe | M6 | Diesel | 99 |
| Volvo | C30 (MY 2011) | DRIVe | M6 | Diesel | 99 |
| Volvo | S40 (MY 2010) | DRIVe | M6 | Diesel | 99 |
| Volvo | S40 (MY 2011) | DRIVe | M6 | Diesel | 99 |
| Volvo | V50 (MY 2011) | DRIVe | M6 | Diesel | 99 |
| NB: Electric and plug-in hybrid cars aren’t eligible for the Greener Vehicle Discount - they have their own discount scheme. | |||||
It’s worth bearing in mind that Transport for London has committed to review the Greener Vehicle Discount in the future, so that eventually only vehicles emitting 80 g/km or less qualify. This tweak will be introduced ‘when the time is right’, but the first reassessment of the discount has been confirmed for 2012.
And finally, the area covered by the Congestion Charge is now much smaller, following the scrapping of the Western Extension zone on 4th January 2011:
Related posts:
Congestion Charge change
London Congestion Charge
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Leaf is Car of the Year
The Nissan Leaf has been declared 2011 European Car of the Year. It’s the first electric car to win the title, but it wasn’t a unanimous decision.
Fifty-seven motoring journalists from across the continent formed a jury to decide the winner, and each was given twenty-five votes to distribute across the seven finalists. The contest rules stipulate that they had to allocate those votes to at least five cars, with no more than ten points allowed for any one model.
Only three jurors gave the Leaf a maximum score, but nine didn’t give it any votes at all.
Such a divergence of opinion reflected that while it’s technically interesting, the Nissan is still unproven in real world conditions. Some of the journalists also recognised that the Leaf is very much a first generation electric car; future models will undoubtedly have better range, shorter recharging times, and cost less.
Consequently, it was a close result, with second and third spots being occupied by the Alfa Romeo Giulietta and Vauxhall / Opel Meriva.
Related posts:
2011 CotY nominations
Electric car grants saved
Leaf to be built in UK
Alfa Giulietta prices
Fifty-seven motoring journalists from across the continent formed a jury to decide the winner, and each was given twenty-five votes to distribute across the seven finalists. The contest rules stipulate that they had to allocate those votes to at least five cars, with no more than ten points allowed for any one model.
Only three jurors gave the Leaf a maximum score, but nine didn’t give it any votes at all.
Such a divergence of opinion reflected that while it’s technically interesting, the Nissan is still unproven in real world conditions. Some of the journalists also recognised that the Leaf is very much a first generation electric car; future models will undoubtedly have better range, shorter recharging times, and cost less.
Consequently, it was a close result, with second and third spots being occupied by the Alfa Romeo Giulietta and Vauxhall / Opel Meriva.
| 2011 Car of the Year | ||
|---|---|---|
Position | Model | Votes |
| 1 | Nissan Leaf | 257 |
| 2 | Alfa Romeo Giulietta | 248 |
| 3 | Vauxhall / Opel Meriva | 244 |
| 4 | Ford C-Max / Grand C-Max | 224 |
| 5 | Citroën C3 / DS3 | 175 |
| 6 | Volvo S60 / V60 | 145 |
| 7 | Dacia Duster | 132 |
Related posts:
2011 CotY nominations
Electric car grants saved
Leaf to be built in UK
Alfa Giulietta prices
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