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What Car News

• How to deal with car salesmen: part two September 9, 2010
  In
• Nissan to unveil Townpod concept September 9, 2010
  A new Nissan electric concept car will make its debut at the Paris motor show at the end of this month. It will be called the Townpod and shows one way in which Nissan could expand its line-up of zero-emission vehicles. According to the company, the concept car combines 'eye-catching design with a spacious and practical interior' and is 'more than just a car and more than just a van.' They say it will be aimed at 'a future generation of home-based, innovative entrepreneurs who are creative and tech-savvy.'However, beyond that, just about all that the company has confirmed about the car so far is its name. That suggests it will be smaller than the Leaf, and that it will be intended primarily for town use. However, the company is yet to say exactly how big it will be, or how many seats it will have. As yet, there is not even a photograph of the whole car. All Nissan has released is this picture of one of its lights. We'll see the actual vehicle in three weeks' time, when it is unveiled at the Paris motor show, and where it will appear alongside the Leaf (which Nissan has just started to take orders for), as well as the new Micra and Juke, and the revised version of the X-Trail 4x4. Nissan expects to build five electric cars over the next four years. Following the Leaf and this small commercial vehicle there will also be a city car and two further yet-to-be-confirmed electric cars.Get interactive with whatcar.com...
• What Car? in Future Car Challenge September 9, 2010
  The latest in electric, hybrid and high-efficiency petrol and diesel technology will join the oldest of cars in an expanded London to Brighton event this November.In the inaugural Future Car Challenge, which is part-sponsored by What Car?, 40-50 cars packed with cutting-edge technology take on the famous 60-mile route on Saturday, November 6.The cars will run in the opposite direction to the following day's veteran car rally for vehicles from 1905 or before. The event will be judged on how little energy the new cars use to make the journey from coast to capital.It's hoped that the Brighton to London run, which will be held each year, will help the public become familiar with the new era of technology.What Car? will be taking part in the run, which will include a host of cars such as VW Bluemotion models, Gordon Murray's T.25, hybrids such as the Toyota Auris, and electric cars such as the Tesla Roadster. Get interactive with whatcar.com...
• Audi R8 Spyder gets V8 power September 9, 2010
  Audi's R8 Spyder supercar will now be available with a V8 engine. The 4.2-litre unit, which joins the existing V10, is a revised version of the one already used in the R8 coupe and develops 424bhp. It’s enough to power the Spyder from 0-62mph in 4.8 seconds and on to a top speed of 186mph. It comes with the choice of two six-speed gearboxes, either a manual or a semi-automatic R tronic, with the complete package costing £95,545 and £100,855 respectively. Both versions will go on sale alongside the existing 518bhp V10-powered car, which – at £112,500 – costs about £7000 more than the V8 model.The standard specification on the V8 Spyder mirrors that of the V8 Coupe, but with the addition of metallic paint, and heated and electrically adjusted seats. It also extends to Bluetooth phone preparation, which includes seatbelt-mounted microphones, which Audi says make it possible to hold a conversation even with the top down on the motorway.Like the V10 car, the V8 model has an electrically operated hood, which can be lowered in 19 seconds at speeds of up to 31mph. The car is available to order now, with first deliveries to customers in January next year. Get interactive with whatcar.com...
• New engines for Saab 9-3 and 9-5 ranges September 9, 2010
  Saab has introduced a host of new and revised engines to its 9-3 and 9-5 line-ups. The recently launched 9-5 gains two new engines, while the new units in the 9-3 range bring major cuts in emissions and running costs. New for the 9-5New to the 9-5 is a 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel engine. The new unit comes with Vector SE and Aero trims, with average economy of 47.1mpg and CO2 emissions of 159g/km, and gives Saab buyers the option of the company’s XWD four-wheel-drive system with a diesel engine for the first time. Also joining the 9-5 range is a 177bhp turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol engine, which is available only with Vector SE trim. This gives a 0-60mph time of 9.5 seconds, as well as average economy of 36.2mpg and 179g/km CO2 emissions. 9-3 RangeMeanwhile, the 9-3 benefits from revisions to its diesel engine range that bring an average rise in economy of 12%. There are now three versions of the 1.9-litre engine to choose from, with 128-, 158- and 178bhp. In the saloon, the least powerful of these does average economy of 62.8mpg and emits just 119g/km of CO2. Those figures make it the cleanest-ever Saab and represent a considerable improvement on the TiD 120 engine it replaces, bringing big benefits for company car users and private owners alike. At the same time, Saab has also revised the petrol engine range – bringing average cuts of 7% in economy and emissions – while equipment levels have also improved across the range. All 9-3 models now come with Bluetooth and heated front seats as standard, as well as gearchange indicator to encourage more economical driving. Get interactive with whatcar.com...
• Peugeot iOn on lease-only deal September 9, 2010
  The Peugeot iOn, the small four-door, four-seat electric car will be available only on a leasing deal.For £498 a month, when the new 20% VAT rate comes in next January, users will get the car and batteries with full warranty cover for a period of four years or 40,000 miles. All maintenance costs are included, and from next April a GPS-based emergency accident and breakdown rescue service will also be part of the package.Early adopters are expected to include government departments and local authorities, car-sharing schemes and energy companies.The iOn is made for Peugeot by Mitsubishi, which sells a similar car in the form of the i-Miev for £28,990 (for a limited run) before Government grants. Citroen will also have a version to be marketed as the C-Zero.Increased rangePeugeot has given the iOn's interior a more European flavour than the i-Miev's and also modified the electric powertrain to increase the driving range on a full charge by 30%. It has achieved this by increasing the amount of battery charging that occurs when decelerating or braking.The car's maximum range is quoted at just under 100 miles, although Peugeot admits this can be halved by hard driving or excessive use of power-sapping features such as the air-conditioning or heating system.Recharging the lithium-ion batteries takes six hours, but a quick-charge system can restore them to 80% of capacity in 30 minutes.Savings of up to '£5700' each yearAlthough the leasing costs are expensive for an electric supermini, Peugeot claims the potential savings in fuel and parking costs compared with a small petrol or diesel car could amount to £4000 a year. This will be increased by a further £1700 for users who drive into and out of the London Congestion Charge zone. Get interactive with whatcar.com...
• Peugeot 508 gets Chinese influence September 9, 2010
  Peugeot says that its new Ford Mondeo rival, the 508, has been influenced as much by the needs of the booming Chinese market as by the requirements of the company's European heartland. Sales double in ChinaSales of traditional family saloons in China have more than doubled to 1.4 million a year since 2005, while in Europe they have slumped from 2.4 million a year to 1.7 million over the same period.'We are still selling the same number of cars, but in different parts of the world,' says Vincent Rambeaud, head of Peugeot.The 508 will be made and sold in China from next autumn, six months after French-built versions go on sale in Europe. The UK will launch saloon and estate (SW) models simultaneously in April, with prices likely to be roughly the same as those for the outgoing 407. With China in mind, the 508 has grown by around 100mm over the 407. More than 90% of the increase is in the wheelbase to improve rear legroom – chauffeur-driven cars are hugely important in China – but boot space has also improved thanks to a longer rear overhang. The front overhang has been reduced to compensate so that the car is not too big or ill-proportioned.It was initially believed that the 508 would replace both the 407 and the larger 607, but Xavier Peugeot, the family member responsible for marketing and communications, says this is not the case. 'We don't want to give up the upper segment and there will be something else connected to the 508 in a year,' he said.Greener for EuropeEuropean requirements are as much to the fore in the 508 as the demands of the Chinese market, however. Weight, aerodynamics and emissions are all better than those of the 407 in an effort to meet ever-stricter EU regulations, which are due to come into force in the 508's lifetime.Despite the increase in size and equipment, the saloon is 35kg lighter than the equivalent 407, while the SW has been trimmed by 45kg. Both versions are also sleeker.Rimbeaud says the average CO2 reduction is 40g/km compared with the 407, which will be a major boon for company car users who make up the majority of customers. At the top of the range a new 204bhp 2.2-litre turbodiesel replaces the 3.0-litre V6 diesel with no loss of performance, but CO2 emissions are cut by 73g/km. 'I will not say there will not ever be a V6 diesel in the 508, but it is not in our plans,' said Rambeaud.Other engines are a 112bhp 1.6-litre diesel, including an e-HDi version with next-generation stop-start; 140bhp and 163bhp 2.0-litre diesels; and 120bhp and 156bhp 1.6-litre petrol units.Diesel hybridIn autumn 2011, a diesel hybrid system – using the 163bhp HDi engine to drive the front wheels and a 37bhp electric motor to power the rears – will be added to the range. The CO2 target for this model is 99g/km.The 508 is the first production car to feature Peugeot's new design language, which features a floating grille instead of the gaping mouth of the previous-generation cars.Get interactive with whatcar.com...
• Chevrolet unveils Aveo supermini September 8, 2010
  Chevrolet has revealed the production version of its new five-door Aveo supermini. On sale in the UK next autumn, it follows two sporty RS concept versions that were shown earlier in the year at the Detroit and Geneva motor shows. At first glance the Aveo might look like a three-door car because the handles for the rear doors are hidden in the C-pillars.Two petrol and two diesel engines will be available from launch. The 1.2-litre petrol develops 85bhp while the 1.4-litre has 99bhp and will be available with a six-speed automatic transmission for the first time.The 1.3-litre diesel delivers either 74bhp or 95bhp and will have engine stop-start technology to improve economy. Chevrolet promises lively handling for the car, which, it says, has been fine-tuned to cater for European tastes. Get interactive with whatcar.com...
• How to deal with car salesmen: part 1 September 8, 2010
  What Car? Target Price mystery shoppers experience the full range of tactics that sales staff use to get the most cash out of car buyers.One recent experience at a Peugeot dealer uncovered two typical tactics that we're going to reveal here. Learn how to spot these tactics and you'll know how to deal with them when they're used against you, whichever brand of car you're shopping for.Tactic one – 'Sorry, we can't discount that car.'This is, almost certainly, complete rubbish. The majority of cars on sale are available with a discount. The exceptions are models available in limited numbers, such as a Ferrari 458, where demand will always outstrip supply. Recently launched cars where demand is buoyant will also miss out on the biggest discounts. So, you're unlikely get a discount on a new Ferrari, but how about a Peugeot RCZ?We were told by one Peugeot dealer that: 'Unfortunately Peugeot have said that anyone who discounts the RCZ will have the rights of selling the car taken away from them.'Peugeot denies they have threatened dealers with any such action, admitting it's just a case of 'salesmanship' in action. However, a spokesman for Peugeot said: 'There has been so much demand that the RCZ doesn't attract the same kind of incentives that other Peugeot products enjoy. 'There would be no point in discounting the car and we have communicated that to dealers.'Competition laws exist to ensure that Peugeot, or any other importer, can't dictate to franchised dealers the price at which cars are sold. That's why when you look in a pricelist it says 'recommended retail price,' not compulsory retail price.If you're told by a dealer they can't discount, for any reason, be suspicious. Consult our Target Prices to see the most you should pay for any new car and don't take no for an answer. You should be able to find a dealer or broker that will discount more than our Target Price, but get in touch with us if you can't and we'll put you in touch with one that will.As far as discounts on an RCZ goes, take a look at the hundreds that Drivethedeal.com is offering off prices. Don't expect a big discount on newly lauched cars such as the Peugeot RCZTactic two – 'You have to buy now to get this price.' This can be true, but more often than not it is just used to seal the deal by panicking buyers into signing on the dotted line.Take time to satisfy yourself you're happy with the deal and don't be pressurised. Go for a breath of fresh air away from the pressure-cooker atmosphere of the dealership, so you can look over the details with a cool head.The same Peugeot dealer that told us they couldn't discount the RCZ told us we needed to order now to avoid the increase in next January's VAT increase. This simply isn't true. Even if a car you order now isn't delivered or paid for in full until next year, a dealership can raise a tax 'point of sale' this year, when you place a deposit, which means VAT will be applied at the current rate, not the increased level of 20%. Read part twoGet interactive with whatcar.com...
• Vauxhall reveals GTC Paris Concept September 7, 2010
  This is the Vauxhall GTC Paris Concept, which will make its debut at the Paris motor show later this month.Hints at new Astra Sport HatchVauxhall describes the GTC Paris Concept as 'the strongest hint yet to the Astra Sport Hatch's successor.' The car maker has suggested that a production version 'will not stray far' from the concept car and that it will retain the GTC name for the production car.The concept car is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a start-stop system and is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. More photos of the GTC Paris Concept> GTC Paris C/cept: click to enlarge> GTC Paris C/cept: click to enlarge> GTC Paris C/cept: click to enlarge> GTC Paris C/cept: click to enlarge> GTC Paris C/cept: click to enlarge> GTC Paris C/cept: click to enlargeIt's fitted with a limited slip differential and an updated version of Vauxhall's Flexride adaptive shock absorber system.Despite looking production-ready, the three-door Astra is at least a year away from going on sale.Get interactive with whatcar.com...

Spain

• Motorsport: Youngster off to Spanish racing nursery' September 7, 2010
  Daniel Mettam has been making waves all season and now he's going to have the chance to send out a few ripples overseas. The Glen Eden 14-year-old is the latest in a line of talented Kiwis who have been invited in recent years...
• US Open: Isner's 33 aces not enough September 5, 2010
  NEW YORK - John Isner's trip to the US Open ended in the third round and included none of the drama or history he created at Wimbledon. The 18th-seeded American, best known for winning the longest match in tennis history, lost...
• Basketball: Spain takes down Greece September 4, 2010
  TURKEY: Juan Carlos Navarro scored 22 points as Spain beat Greece 80-72 in round 16 at the basketball world championships. The Spaniards made eight of 18 three-pointers and used a 13-3 run in the fourth quarter to push ahead. Greece...
• Wine: Get independent August 31, 2010
  Last week's column focused on the infuriatingly futile search for something interesting on a supermarket wine shelf. And since I've found those poorly stocked shelves to be wanting, it is only fair to share where I do find good wines,...
• Spain: The other side of Mallorca August 29, 2010
  What does the name of Spain's largest Mediterranean island conjure up for you? Sun, sand and sangria? Bars crammed with tattooed, lobster-hued Brits, getting noisily sloshed? Probably - if you have never been there. In 1960, Majorca...
• Kazakh man severs penis August 28, 2010
  SPAIN: A Kazakh man cut off his penis at Madrid's Barajas airport to avoid being extradited home and was taken to hospital in a serious condition, Spanish media reported. The 52-year-old man had finished serving a five-year prison...