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What Car News

• Who has the biggest saving of them all? March 10, 2010
  We have hundreds of tempting deals online at whatcar.com every day of the week, but which do you think is the biggest of them all right now?There's one car that's being offered with a huge five-figure discount off its list price, but can you guess what vehicle it is?What's the biggest discount of them all?Try and work out the car with the biggest saving by looking through the clues below - and you can even learn how to drive down all of your motoring costs along the way. Just read the clues and check out our 'Remember' sections to let whatcar.com help you save cash when buying a new car.• Discounts naturally tend to get bigger as the list price grows, so our headline car (a 4x4) isn't cheap, even after a whopping saving of £12,228 off its RRP of just over £64,000.Remember…You don't have to spend a fortune to save a £££s.The What Car? Target Price shows you can save £1095 off the price of our Car of the Year, the Peugeot 3008 1.6 THP Sport, for instance, and plenty more on hundreds of other cars. You can expect 13.75% off the price of a Ford Fiesta (save from £1664 to £2224), 6% off a Volkswagen Golf (discounts range from £996 to £1470), or around 4% on a Mazda 6 (save between £1634 and £1996). • Our mystery car is also about to be replaced by an all-new model – with better performance and improved economy – so its already weak resale values are likely to take a further hit. Expect it to lose at least £43,250 over three years.Remember…Depreciation is the single biggest cost of car ownership. Check out how well the cars you're considering will retain their value with our free tables here.Audi's TT currently retains the most of its original value after three years, holding on to as much as 71% of the list price, while the Citroen Xsara Picasso is at the other end of the spectrum. It holds on to just 20% of its original price. • Then there are the other running costs. Servicing will set you back at least £1620 over three years, while insurance will be around £3534. Even though it's a diesel-powered car you can expect to fork out a minimum of £7685 in fuel over 36,000 miles, because its official fuel consumption figure is just 23.7mpg.Remember…You can find all of these other running costs in the car reviews section of whatcar.com here. You can also line up your shortlisted cars with our comparison tool to see how they do against each other like this.What's the answer?Still interested in the deal? Scroll down to find out the full details below…It's the Volkswagen TouaregCoast2coastcars.co.uk is offering the Volkswagen Touareg 5.0 TDi R50 for £52,457, more than £12,000 less than its list price. The new Touareg range goes on sale in June and will include a petrol-electric hybrid version that's cheaper, much more economical and slightly faster than the R50.The 3.3-litre V6 hybrid is likely to cost £57,000 and is 10.7mpg more efficient on the official combined cycle at 34.4mpg. It can manage 0-62mph in 6.5 seconds and has a top speed of 149mph – 0.2 seconds and 3mph faster than the V10 diesel.
• Surrey tops pothole chart March 10, 2010
  Surrey is the most pothole-riddled county in the UK with reports of 1998 holes, according to a survey by Kia.The manufacturer revealed Hampshire as the second-worst-afflicted area, with 892 reports of potholes, while Kent ranked third with 857.Surrey not impressedSurrey County Council rubbished the report. 'The results of this survey are so inaccurate they are absurd,' said a spokesman. 'Kia claims Surrey has 1998 potholes and other counties in Britain have even less – this is pure nonsense. 'In Surrey we have fixed around 15,000 road defects – including potholes – since the recent bad weather alone.'The council is calling for more cash to invest in long-term improvements in the road network rather than patchwork emergency repairs. It argues that proper investment in Surrey's roads over the previous 15 years would have encouraged more business growth and earned the Government £750 million more in tax each year.Claim for pothole damageAuthorities have a duty of care to maintain carriageways so, in theory, you can claim compensation for damage caused to your car by potholes. Here's how:Take a date-stamped picture of the pothole, with something to show the diameter of the hole. Take another picture of the damage caused to your car. Send these, with written estimates for the cost of repairs, to the relevant council (the county council or London borough). In reality, however, the amount that councils have paid in compensation has shrunk dramatically. The Annual Local Authority Road Maintenance Survey estimates payouts peaked at £121 million in 2002, but have since fallen to just £22.1 million in 2009.UK's top 10 pothole hotspotsIs your county in Kia's list of shame? 1 Surrey (1998) 2 Hampshire (892) 3 Kent (857) 4 Hertfordshire (855) 5 Oxfordshire (796) 6 Lancashire (733) 7 Essex (734) 8 West Sussex (680) 9 Buckinghamshire (678) 10 Gloucestershire (655)Get interactive with whatcar.com...
• Visit What Car? for exclusive previews March 10, 2010
  What Car? has a pair of exciting and exclusive previews of new cars coming up – and you could be on the guest list.Preview the Nissan JukeOn March 17, we're inviting readers to get up close and personal with Nissan's new Juke – a supermini-sized crossover that offers something different to the norm.Preview the Vauxhall MerivaThe second preview is on March 22, and is your chance to try out the clever doors and seating flexibility in the next-generation Vauxhall Meriva.We have space for six readers at each of the events, both which run from 4-6pm and will be held in our studios at the What Car? HQ in Teddington, Middlesex.Sign up nowIf you would like to take part in the Juke event, e-mail readertestteam@haymarket.com by midnight Sunday, March 14.If the Meriva is more your bag, e-mail readertestteam@haynet.com by midnight Sunday, March 14.Make sure you include the following information:• what car you currently drive; • where you'll be travelling from on the day;• your mobile number;• a few lines on why you're interested in seeing the new cars.We'll contact six successful entrants prior to each preview. Your comments and photographs will appear in future issues of What Car? magazine's Reader Test Team feature. You'll also be asked to speak on camera for footage to be broadcast on whatcar.com. Please note that you will not be able to drive the car – this is a chance to give your views on its design, ergonomics and specification.Want to know more?Click on the links below to find out more about the Nissan Juke, Vauxhall Meriva and other cars that readers have come to see at What Car? HQ.
• Fiat's new engines in F1 Ferrari March 10, 2010
  Fiat has revealed that the clever technology behind its Multiair engines has been tried in a Formula One Ferrari.The test was part of the development schedule for the technology, but to also to see if it could eventually give Ferrari an advantage in F1.'Multiair technology works best with turbocharged engines, so at this stage there is no benefit in using it in F1,' says Massimo Fulfaro, the Multiair product manager.How Multiair worksMultiair is an electro-hydraulic form of variable valve timing that helps improve performance and fuel consumption. In effect, it makes the engine act like human lungs, drawing in just the right amount of air (and fuel) it needs at any moment.Electro-magnetic and electro-mechanical systems from other manufacturers have promised similar things in the past, but Fulfaro claims they are either too costly or too slow in operation.'This technology (Multiair) will become the standard for petrol engines,' he claims. It's currently available in 1.4-litre versions of the Fiat Punto Evo, and has just gone into the Alfa Romeo Mito.Fulfaro says that Fiat is currently developing a Multiair version of the Chrysler V6 engine (Fiat holds a 35% stake in the American company) and believes the technology will help diesels meet the tougher EU6 emissions standards due to come into force in 2014.'Only with Multiair will you be able to meet EU6 levels at a lower cost,' he claims.
• Vauxhall Meriva exclusive preview March 9, 2010
  Could Vauxhall's new Meriva be the most family-friendly MPV ever made? We're looking for six readers to tell us what they think, at an exclusive private preview.Join our exclusive previewIf you would like to take part, email readertestteam@haynet.com by midnight this Sunday, March 14, including the following information: • what car you currently drive; • where you'll be travelling from on the day;• your mobile number;• a few lines on why you're interested in seeing the new Vauxhall Meriva.When and whereThe exclusive preview will take place on Monday, March 22 from 4-6pm at What Car?'s HQ in Teddington, Middlesex. First lookThe new Meriva boasts a flexible cabin layout, rear-hinged doors for ultra-easy access, a standard kit list which includes a CD player, electric windows and heated door mirrors, and a storage rail running the length of the cabin. There's a choice of three petrol engines and two diesels for the car which costs from £15,495.Your comments and photographs will appear in the June issue of What Car? magazine's Reader Test Team feature; you'll also be asked to speak on camera for footage to be broadcast on whatcar.com. Six readers will be invited to attend – we'll get in touch on Monday, March 15 if you've been successful, with further details of the event.(Please note that you will not be able to drive the car – this is a chance to give your views on its design, ergonomics and specification.)Want to know more?Click on the links below to find out more about the Vauxhall Meriva and see other new car previews.
• Win 25 free driving lessons! March 9, 2010
  We are offering the chance to win 25 free lessons with your local What Car? driving instructor – a prize that will set you on the road to independence.What Car? Driving School uses only the finest instructors to give you the best chance of passing your driving test. Unlike most other national driving schools, we use Driving Standards Agency (DSA) fully qualified instructors who also meet our own selection criteria. To enter, click What Car? Driving School Competition
• Our stars of the Geneva motor show March 9, 2010
  It's a week on from the madness of the Geneva motor show press day, but now the dust has settled, what was the star of the show?The whatcar.com Geneva team has put together a 'two good, too bad' selection of cars from the show to sort out the delights from the duffers.On the basis of our thoughts, the award for star of the show goes to either the Kia Sportage, Mini Countryman and the Porsche 918 Spyder. Click through our report and see if you agree. Steve Fowler – group editor, What Car? Two goodMini Countryman – will anyone want a Mini SUV that’s built in Austria? Yes, me!Kia Sportage – at last, the Koreans discover soft-touch interiors. Looks fab and it's great value, too.Too badNissan Micra – a rare case where the old model looks more appealing than the new one. Porsche Cayenne – a car that’s got uglier and less desirable with every design tweak.Iain Reid – web producer, whatcar.comTwo good Honda CR-Z – at last, a hybrid that looks cool.Justin Timberlake's honesty – asked at the VW Group preview: 'Why did you become an ambassador for Audi?' He replied: 'Because they paid me a lot of money.'Too bad Bugatti 16 C Galibier – there's more than a hint of Porsche Panamera in the rear of the car.Mazda 5 – no clever seating tricks, no wrap-over windscreen, just looks that are verging on the bland and sliding doors – which the current model has anyway.Peter Lawton – deputy editor, whatcar.comTwo goodMini Countryman – I thought I'd hate the Countryman, but I actually quite liked it. I spent more time playing around with this car than any other at the show. Porsche 918 Spyder – you've got to dream, haven’t you? Those bright green brake callipers remind me of Jane Fonda's ankle warmers though (you might have to Google these if you're under 40).Too bad Mazda 5/Ford C-Max – the seats are too complicated to operate. They're a far cry from the ones in the Citroen C4 Picasso and Peugeot 5008, which you can flip and fold with one hand while holding a baby in the other. Lexus CT200h – it's great that the premium small family car segment is finally getting a hybrid, but does it really have to look like this? Roger Stansfield – associate editor, What Car? Two goodNissan Juke – something very different. Porsche 918 Spyder – a technological smorgasbord.Too bad Audi A1 – what’s wrong with a VW Polo? Citroen Survolt – too much pink and too many wings – a cross between Lady Penelope and Dick Dastardly.Will Nightingale – consumer reporter, What Car? Two goodAlfa Romeo Giulietta – Lots of promise – whatcar.com readers voted it their favourite car of the Geneva motor show.Kia Sportage – a huge step forward for Kia’s crossover – it looks sharp and the interior isn’t half bad, either.Too bad Honda CR-Z – a dancer falling off the stage during the unveiling. Oops!Aston Martin Cygnet – takes badge engineering to a whole new level – £30k for what’s essentially a Toyota iQ!Pete Barden – sub editor, whatcar.comTwo good Ford Focus – not just the practical, dull option any more.Porsche Boxster Spyder – 0-62mph in 4.8 seconds, top speed of 166mph, and average fuel consumption of 30.4mpg – what's not to like?Too badFerrari 599 hybrid technology – stop saying what you could do – and do it.Nissan Micra – bland styling after early drawings hinted at something a little more interesting.Peter Brown – video editor, whatcar.comTwo Good Bentley GTC Convertible – suits me, I think. Audi A1 e-tron – cute styling for rich kids with a conscience.Too Bad BMW 5 Series –looks too big to drive, but too small to be driven in. Renault Wind – chunky and ugly - just like me.
• Dramatic cuts in UK CO2 emissions March 9, 2010
  Carbon dioxide emissions in the UK have been slashed thanks to the scrappage scheme and recession, according to new figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT)The SMMT's report reveals that average CO2 levels for 2009 were down 5.4% to 149g/km, compared with figures for the previous year.Biggest fall since records beganThe drop is three times as fast as the average annual rate recorded since the study was launched in 1997 and is, in part, caused by motorists turning to more economical cars, and the scrappage scheme cutting the number of older, less efficient cars on the road.Although the scrappage incentive doesn't impose a CO2 cap, the average emissions of cars bought through the scheme so far is 133.3g/km – 26.8% less than the average scrapped car. Incentives need to be ongoingSMMT chief executive Paul Everitt said: 'While scrappage incentives made a positive contribution to fleet renewal in 2009, there is a risk that over the next few years motorists might be deterred from investing in the latest technology.'Developing a long-term and consistent approach to vehicle taxation and environmental incentives will be important in maintaining the current rate of improvement.'If the current rate of reduction in emissions continues, the UK will hit the 2015 average new car emissions target of 130g/km set by the EU, and which comes into force in 2015.Fall in new car emissionsYear200120022003200420052006200720082009Average new car CO2177.6g/km174.2g/km172.1g/km171.4g/km169.4g/km167.2g/km164.9g/km158.0g/km149.5g/kmDrop on previous year –1.9%1.2%0.4%1.2%1.3%1.4%4.2%5.4%
• Toyota's hydrogen cars reach Europe March 8, 2010
  Toyota has taken another step towards its goal of putting hydrogen fuel-cell cars on sale by 2015 by supplying its hydrogen cars to a scheme in Germany.The company is giving five of its FCHV fuel-cell vehicles to the Clean Energy Partnership (CEP) in Germany, a government-funded project that aims to develop the infrastructure necessary for alternatively fuelled vehicles. Tadashi Arashima, president of Toyota Europe, said: 'We firmly believe that fuel cell-powered vehicles will play a major role in reducing emissions and achieving sustainable mobility. 'Close tie-ups between car manufacturers and infrastructure companies are vital.'Infrastructure growing – slowlyBesides the two billion euro investment in the CEP project, which will install refuelling points between Berlin and Hamburg, other countries in Europe are slowly putting a skeleton refuelling structure in place. There are 15 refuelling stations in Scandinavia, while the M4 is targeted as becoming the UK's first
• General Motors favours local heroes March 5, 2010
  Vauxhall, Opel and other General Motors companies will continue to develop cars to suit local conditions rather than take a one-size-fits-all approach.This is in contrast to arch-rival Ford, which has developed a 'One Ford' policy under CEO Alan Mulally, under which cars are developed with global sales in mind.'Where do we develop our vehicles? We do it always in the region where they will be sold,' said Rita Forst, Vauxhall's head of engineering. 'You can change a lot of things by specification, but in the end you have to understand what Vauxhall and Opel stands for.'We stand for German engineering, high quality and flexibility. That means there has to be autonomy (in the different regions). Our mainstream cars will always be designed and engineered "at home", but even with niche cars that are brought in from outside (such as Chevrolets from America and Korea) my people are involved at an early stage to ensure that they have the right DNA.'

Spain

• Madrid says bullfight 'high art' as debate rages March 7, 2010
  Matadors, philosophers and politicians in Spain are embroiled in a furious debate over the bloody but emblematic sport of bullfighting. And in clear provocation to its great rival Barcelona, Spain's capital Madrid has officially...
• Pain in Spain after housing bust March 7, 2010
  CORDOBA - "For Sale - Prices down 25 per cent!" yells the sign at the Residencia Garcilaso, a brand-new estate of tidy, yellow-walled houses on the outskirts of this southern city. But any family who bought here with the hope of...
• ETA chief arrested in France February 28, 2010
  MADRID - The leader of the armed Basque group ETA was arrested in France yesterday, officials said, in another setback for the separatists, who have seen five of their commanders taken into custody in the last two years. ETA chief...
• $17m for animal groups in will February 24, 2010
  A Spanish woman left ?3 million ($5.85 million) in her will to help protect the Iberian lynx, the world's most endangered feline species. The woman bequeathed a total of ?9 million to animal charities, officials in southern Andalucia...
• Austerity measures driving unrest February 24, 2010
  A wave of industrial and social unrest is building across Europe as workers resist attempts by governments and private companies to impose austerity policies, drive down wages and rescue some nations from near-bankruptcy. Huge...
• Afternoon naps boost brain power, study finds February 21, 2010
  An hour's nap in the afternoon can boost a person's brain power and improve their memory, according to a study showing that short periods of sleep during the day can make it easier to function mentally. Scientists found that a...
• Political wing urges Eta to stop February 21, 2010
  The political wing of Eta, the Basque separatist group, was today to make a historic call for the organisation to lay down its arms after 40 years, so peace negotiators can get to work. The call is a further sign of a growing rift...