MAZDA LAUNCHES NEW DIESEL ENGINE
MAZDA is strengthening its successful Mazda3 line-up of family friendly hatchback and saloon models with the launch of an updated Euro 5 compliant 1.6-litre common-rail diesel engine.
Now featuring a six-speed manual transmission, the new unit produces 115PS and boasts fuel economy of 64.2 miles per gallon on the combined cycle with 117g/km of CO2.
Key to the new engine is a variable-geometry turbocharger that, combined with an improved compressor and turbine, allows the engine to deliver 12.5 per cent more torque than the previous 1.6-litre diesel.
MELUA LINKS UP WITH VAUXHALL
SINGER/songwriter Katie Melua has become Vauxhall’s new brand ambassador.
The collaboration between the artist and the motor manufacturer will coincide with the singer’s 50-city European tour in 2011, during which she will be accompanied by the new Ampera extended range electric vehicle.
And she said: “I like the way Vauxhall addresses topics like environmental efficiency and sustainability and I feel very comfortable with the partnership; it’s a great fit.”
BEWARE THE INNOCENT FRAUDSTER WARNING
VEHICLE information experts HPI report finance related issues were one of the biggest causes of claims against the HPI Guarantee in 2009.
While finance fraud by true car criminals is believed to be on the decline, the tough economic climate means used car buyers are at increased risk from the threat of innocent fraudsters.
Increasing numbers of people are selling their vehicle before they have paid off the outstanding finance, leaving buyers at risk of losing their cash and the car.
HPI warns buyers to watch out for finance fraud before purchasing a vehicle.
CYGNET MAKES ITS DEBUT AT HARRODS
ASTON MARTIN’S new luxury city car the Cygnet, which will go into production next year, is making its global debut at the prestigious Harrods department store in London’s Knightsbridge.
Occupying a prominent position in the store’s Brompton Road window display, the Cygnet has been placed in the heart of the capital so people can see the compact luxury city car in production-ready form for the first time.
The Cygnet will be built from next year at the company’s headquarters in Gaydon and will be the eighth major production car Aston Martin has introduced at the facility since 2004.
HONDA LANDS AWARD HAT-TRICK
HONDA’S CR-Z – the world’s first sporty hybrid – has impressed judges at Stuff magazine, Japan Car of the Year and the RAC Future Car Challenge to collect three top accolades in a week.
The hybrid coupe beat tough international opposition to become Japan Car of the Year 2010-2011, the eleventh time a Honda car has collected the honour.
It followed up by scooping the Eco Gadget of the Year prize at the Stuff Gadget Awards, having already been awarded Most Economical & Environment Friendly Sports HEV at the first RAC Brighton to London Future Car Challenge.
FINANCE BOOST FOR CAR DEALERS
CAR dealers enjoyed a good September, as figures from the Finance & Leasing Association showed an increase in new and used car finance compared to the same month last year.
The number of new cars sold on finance to consumers was up by five per cent and the number of used cars by six per cent, despite a fall of almost 19 per cent in the total number of private new car sales in September.
And, consequently, the percentage of new cars sold to consumers on dealer finance over the last 12 months rose by more than two percentage points, from 47.5 per cent in August to 49.6 per cent in September, showing that dealer finance remains a popular choice for consumers.