Audi Reveals Urban Concept Car

 

Audi has released more detailed images of the Audi Urban Concept it plans to reveal to the public for the first time at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show next month.

The Audi urban concept has a sleek body. The wheels are free-standing, their surrounding protective plates feature blinking strips of LED lights.

Behold Muammar Gaddafi's ‘Libyan Rocket

Colonel Muammar Gaddafi has always been internationally recognised for his vibrant fashion sense, sleeping in Bedouin tents wherever he goes, wearing huge provocative buttons, being guarded by heavily armed women, just to name a few. An epitome of Gaddafi’s eccentricity is the car he designed for himself, which Libya claims is the safest vehicle on earth. However, don’t go into any details to back up the claim.

The Saroukh el-Jamahiriya, which means Libyan rocket, is a five-seater saloon with the nose and tail of a rocket and powered by a 230bhp V6. Launched at a conference called the Organization of African Unity and organized by Colonel Gaddafi in 2009, the Libyan Rocket comes with airbags, an electronic defense system and collapsible bumpers that supposedly help out in a crash.. Wonder what is an “electronic defense system”? Apparently, no one knows what it is or how it works.

Dukhali Al-Meghareff, chairman of the Libyan Arab Domestic Investment company which produced the prototype, touted it as revolutionary in automotive history. "The leader spent so many hours of his valuable time thinking of an effective solution. It is the safest car produced anywhere," Mr Meghareff said.

How to Find the Best Used Car

In the earlier post we discussed how to clear up your car buying confusion. Most of us have agreed that buying a used car is often the best and most financially efficient choice. However, out of the excitement of getting a car, many used car buyers don’t look close enough at the pre-owned vehicle or they look at the wrong things. I don’t want your story included in the list of used car tragedies, so here are ten commandments on examining a pre-owned car.

1. Carefully examine the body, look for fresh paint jobs or different colors of paint on the body panels. Open the bonnet and look at the paintwork so that you can make out if the car has been repainted or not.
2. Under the bonnet, look for oil leaks and use the dipstick to check the amount of oil. If the level is low, the car hasn’t been looked after properly. Examine the surroundings of the oil filler cap, if you find a white substance it is an indication of a damaged head gasket, replacing which is going to be darn expensive.
3. Check the tyres and the spare tyre to ensure they’re in good condition with plenty of tread. If the tyres are bald, you can bargain up to Rs 1000 per tyre. Worn tyre edges indicate problems with the wheel alignment.
4. Check for acid wear and tear around the battery areas. If the battery is not new, there is another chance of decreasing the price of the car by Rs 2,500.
5. Another very important thing to assess is the suspension. Push down on top of the wing each side just once and release, the vehicle should go down and come back up once and stay put. If the car bounces up and down and appears soft, the shock absorbers are faulty. While test driving the car, listen for any ‘thud’ sound coming from the shock absorbers. Replacing them is going to be incredibly expensive, so what I would suggest is, try another car if the suspension is defective.
6. Get inside, check the kilometre reading of the car and calculate with the year of manufacture. There is always a possibility of Odometer tampering irrespective of the meter being mechanical or electronic.
7. Personally speaking, clutch is the most challenging part of a used car. Because, if the car has done more than 50,000 kms, you don’t know when the car is going to break down in the middle of the road due to clutch failure. Unfortunately, there’s probably no practical way to measure the degree of clutch wear. Yet, you can refer this link to get an idea on How to Diagnose a Slipping Clutch.
8. Check ALL electrical components, lightings, dippers, cabin lights, indicators and tail lamps, stereo, windshield washer and wiper and especially, Air Conditioner.
9. Start the engine. It should start at the first attempt without any hiccups. The engine should idle seamlessly without clattering or metallic sounds. With the engine idling, turn the steering wheel right and left and ensure there’s no play in the wheel before the tyres start to turn.
10. Test drive is the most important part of examining a used-car. Drive it for 4-5 kilometers in different road conditions, paying attention to the synchronization of the steering wheel, brake pedals, clutch, and the gear shifts. Drive with AC on/off while climbing a slope, there shouldn’t be an abnormal drop in power when the AC is on.

Five of the best: city cars for under £4,000

As the streets get more crowded and the sky dirtier, small cars get more popular. Here are the top five city dwellers for those not on City bonus money.
SMMT sales figures for September 2009 have shown a general shift towards smaller, more efficient cars. That's no surprise given we're all more eco-aware these days, but it's also an indication that city cars are getting better and better, cramming more space into smaller shells than ever; some of them aren't far short of packaging miracles.

It used to be the case that the city car was the choice for those who secretly wanted something bigger. Now, small is the new big - and that's great because smaller means more affordable. So, we've set ourselves a £4,000 budget and gone about finding the best proper city cars we can find. Cars that you won't be ashamed to rock up to the golf course in, or whatever other cliché you can think of that represents big cars and old money.

Volkswagen Lupo, Not so loopy
The VW Lupo remains the perfect way of getting plenty of badge prestige for little money, despite being an obvious platform sharing exercise with sister car the SEAT Arosa. It was replaced by the Fox, which despite being bigger and more refined, arguably dispensed with all the cute character than made the Lupo so appealing. It was conceived as a littler version of the ever-bloating Polo, and while it doesn't quite have the quality we expect of a VW it is of course built to last. And the 1.6-litre GTI is a proper pocket rocket.

Obviously it's not on sale new any more, but having been discontinued in 2005 there are plenty of decent examples to be had for well under our £4,000 budget. It's a VW, so residuals are solid which means that a decent GTI version is still out of our budget, believe it or not. So, we'd opt for a late 1.4-litre in Sport guise, which cost £10,500 when new and comes with alloy wheels, front fog lights and a cool central tailpipe. The 100bhp engine gets the car to 60mph in ten seconds exactly, but it's so small and low that things feel altogether faster from the inside - and that's what really matters

Fiat Panda, A bit of an animal
The beauty of the Panda is its utilitarian coolness - and the fact it's so cheap. Released in 2003, the Panda was something of a revelation because, as opposed to its forebear, it was spacious, modern and really good to drive. It has stood the test of time too, because it still stands tall (literally) among much newer competition - even that from within the ranks in the form of the Fiat 500.

It's available in petrol and diesel guises, the latter a smooth and frugal 1.3-litre MultiJet, but unless you need all that torque for lugging a family of four fatties, we'd say keep it basic with our choice: a 1.1-litre petrol model in Active spec. In that case it will be easy to find an example from 2005 with low mileage for under £4k. It won't be massively well equipped (you'll have to make do with plastic wheel trims), but that's still a lot of space and cool for the money.

Ford Ka, City socialite
The original Ford Ka's place in city car legend was cemented with the arrival of the current version; the new Ka isn't a bad car, but it's regarded by many (us included) as having none of the character that marked out its predecessor as special. Don't be fooled though, cars have moved on since the Ka's 1996 launch: step into an original now and it feels cramped and cheap.

But that doesn't stop it being great, because despite what BMW would have you believe, the Ford nailed the 'go-kart handling' thing well before the new MINI did. There's something raw and uniquely involving about the Ka, and its tiny footprint makes it an ideal city car for those who don't really need that much space. In terms of buying one, anything pre-2007 should be within the reach of a punter with four grand in their pocket and a bit of self-belief. There are absolutely loads of them about, so go for the newest, most well equipped, lowest mileage 1.3-litre petrol you can find, and haggle for the best price. Don't accept anything less than a minter, as someone in the trade might say.

Mini, City car czar

BMW era MINIs haven't quite dropped below the £4k mark yet, even for 2001 examples, but like the Ka earlier on this list, there's a strong case for the original even though the update is in every respect the better, more modern car. (Angry emails to the usual address please, original Mini owners.)

You've heard the gushing talk about the original Mini's cult status and all encompassing greatness before - especially given the whole 50th anniversary thing - so we won't go over old ground here. So, what can be had for £4k? Well, the Mini is a bona fide classic, and an aged one at that, so there's a huge swell of rubbish to sift through for every good example. Our budget should be enough to buy a car in good fettle and capable of running nicely as a day-to-day city dweller. But as ever, if you're not au fait with all things mechanical, take someone who is when you're looking otherwise you could spend more time under the car than in it. Re-builds can be a good option, but we refer to the previous sentence to make sure you're buying into quality workmanship

Renault Twingo, French fancy
Mini-schmini! If you really want to stand out in your city car - and tell the world you've got skills behind the wheel - buy an original Renault Twingo. It wasn't brought to the UK officially and is only available in left hand drive - so you'll need your wits about you during the crowded rush hour - but you'll be unique among other road users. Score.

Now, you may well be thinking 'oh my, that's an ugly car.' And you'd be right, it is, but it's also really clever, still - despite being a stroppy teenager now, having been born in 1992. It's still in production in Columbia too, despite being replaced by the Twingo we see in Renault showrooms today. Nearly 2.5 million of them have been made so far and counting. Its sliding rear bench seat means drivers can choose either more boot or rear leg space depending on need, and it went through a couple of facelifts during production, so the cabins of later cars look relatively modern even today. There aren't many around, but used examples often crop up, plenty of them very well looked after by owners with the smarts to import something different. All cars get power from four-cylinder petrol engines of 1.1-litre or 1.2-litre capacity.

iDrive

More functions, fewer buttons: the iDrive system puts everything at your fingertips.

The main task of a vehicle control system is to support the driver. With iDrive, BMW has opened up a new development in driver orientation and vehicle control, enabling you to control all kinds of different functions through just a few instruments in new, logical arrangement.
The small number of control elements really crucial to driving, plus the most frequently used functions, are positioned around and on the steering wheel. These include indicators, windscreen wipers, headlight controls and basic sound system and communication controls. As the driver, you never need to take your hands from the wheel. Key driving data such as speed and navigation directions are presented in your line of sight, on the Info Display or the Head-Up Display.
Most other functions - from the air conditioner and navigation settings to BMW Assist and suspension settings - are activated through the Controller: a single turn-and-push dial in the centre console. It enables intuitive operation in a precise dialogue with the Control Display in the upper middle section of the instrument panel. The Controller can be used with just one hand, and offers haptic feedback so you can use it without even looking at it.
A second Controller in the rear of the cabin enables rear passengers to use the entertainment, comfort, multimedia and navigation systems if desired.

Price comparison: Honda main dealer vs. Supermarkets

2006 55 Reg Honda Civic 2.2 i-CTDi Sport with 35,537 miles, for £8,499.
Whereas the best deal we could find on Honda’s website was this:
2006 06 Civic Sport 2.2 i-CTDi Sport, with 29,890 miles, for £ 9,995


Most people think main dealers are expensive. But, in the current market you have to look at every car on a case-by-case basis.

Most people only shop for cars to test drive on a classified website of cars for sale. This leads them to first of all find the kind of cars they are interested in.

As an example, we have been looking for a two and half to three year old Honda Civic diesel (i-CTDi ) in Sport trim.

Then, because of the nature of classified website listings most people start to compare price and mileage. The car with the lowest combination of both is often assumed to be the best value car – because it is the cheapest.

Used Car Expert set out to see if that’s true…
So first stop, of course, was the Used Car Expert price guide, which revealed that average mileage is about 25,000, that a fair price is £10,500, the low price is £10,992 and the best price we can expect is £8,911.

Looking on the major classified websites, within a 60 mile radius of home, we were instantly struck by this little beauty from one of the big supermarkets:

So what's the catch? That's a £1,496 saving for two cars that look pretty much the same.

Well there are potentially 3 catches with this car:

1. The mileage
The cheaper car has 5,500 miles more on the clock and is a thumping 10,000 miles above average for diesel Honda Civics.

2. The service and repair costs
The service interval for the 2.2 diesel Civic is every 12,500 miles or every year, whichever is the sooner.

So both cars should have their first two services and will need another one at some point in the coming year.

The main dealer car has a complete service history, and is prepared to Honda’s used approved programme, which should mean it will be 12 months until you have to pay for a service. At £247 for a service, this is good news.

With the cheaper car, that bill could be just a couple of months away.

Plus, the cheaper car will be at the end of its manufacturer warranty. The dealer selling the cheaper car will offer you a warranty, which is from the AA, but it will cost at least another £250. Whereas the main dealer car comes with extended 12 months warranty included in the price.

3. The preparation, especially the recalls
As you can see in our ‘behind the scenes’ features, a used approved Honda is prepared to ‘as new’ standard; having every imperfection repaired.

If the cheaper car has any interior damage or a couple of body work dents (such as trolley dents in the doors) then each one will cost at least £50 to put right and bring the car up to the equivalent standard of the main dealer car.

The car will also be serviced (if required) so that breakdown is less likely and you will get roadside assistance worth another £100.

Then there are the safety recalls…

Some Honda Civics built between 13/09/2005 and 12/10/2007 are subject to a recall, where the car will have its handbrake assembly replaced for free. This is because it has been identified that if the handbrake is applied with the release button depressed, there is a small risk that the handbrake may not latch sufficiently to hold the vehicle securely on a slope.

Any car sold by a main dealer will have had all such recalls completed. Cars bought from independents may not.*

Conclusion
The main dealer car is not £1,496 more expensive than the supermarket car.

If you take the servicing savings, warranty, roadside cover and bodywork repairs into account, it is less than £899.

For a car that has done 5,000 miles less, is less likely to break down, has had its safety recalls, won’t cost a penny in repairs for the year ahead (there is a full manufacturer backed warranty), I think, even though it is more money, in the long-run, it’s the better value deal.

2006 55 Reg Honda Civic 2.2 i-CTDi Sport with 35,537 miles, for £8,499.

Used Approved Vauxhall (Network Q)

Used Car Expert ask, "What do I get if I buy a Network Q Vauxhall?"

Are the cars inspected?
“Every Network Q vehicle is subjected to a rigorous series of checks, related to the age of the vehicle, with Vauxhall technicians testing everything from engine performance to paint work. And if we do find anything amiss, we'll make sure it’s put right before allowing a vehicle to carry the Network Q badge.”

Do they have a history check?
“The details of your car are checked to ensure they match the manufacturer's description and the details originally recorded by the DVLA, have no outstanding finance, never written off, or stolen. The mileage is checked and the Vauxhall Recall Register is checked to make sure any necessary work has been correctly carried out.”

What kind of cars do you sell?
“Any used car.”

What’s included…
Warranty? “Comprehensive 12 months/20,000 mile Guarantee, plus a brakes, battery and clutch guarantee.”

Exchange policy? “In the unlikely event that the vehicle details given in the Network Q Ownership Promise are subsequently found to be incorrect, the supplying Network Q Retailer will replace your vehicle with a similar model within 30 days, or if this is not possible, offer you a full refund.”

Recovery? “No.”

What else should I know?
“You can take delivery of your new vehicle the same day thanks to Vauxhall Motor Insurance and Phone & Go – 7 days free insurance now comes as standard with every Network Q vehicle.”

Get a New Car for FREE !

You really can drive a new car for FREE!
All you need to do is drive a certain amount of mileage every day and agree to the car carrying advertising like you see on rally cars and taxis. It works because the car becomes a moving billboard seen by thousands of people and advertisers are happy to pay while you drive for free apart from petrol and insurance.

Or get paid to drive your existing car!
If you already have a car you're happy with, you can earn extra income every month, by agreeing to carry advertising on your car. You can earn from £50 to £1500 per month depending on the size of the ad - the larger it is, the more you earn!

Show the world how different you are!
Carrying modern, stylish advertising makes you stand out from the crowd. The car looks cool and different and it’s easier to find in a car park! The ads are vinyl (some are magnetic), won't damage the paint, and even help protect it from stone chippings!

Act now - what are you waiting for!
We’ve worked hard to find the best ad companies’ in the United Kingdom, all of which are listed in our Members’ area. Each of these gives contact information and a direct link to their application forms. We’ve also created some tips and hints on how to improve your chances of acceptance so why not try searching for a programme available in your area today!

Just go right now here

Toyota IQ watch this nice details

Fusion 1-4: 34mpg.* Fusion Hybrid 41 mpg. The 2010 Fusion +HYBRID

Performance /The Thrill

Here’s to the asphalt addicts. ( You know who you are ) . The nuances of a fine-tuned suspension .Increases in engine displacement without dogging fuel economy. ( A best-in-class 34 mpg* on the highway,by the way . All of it gets your pulse going .Embrace that Obsession. Obviously,we do

Fuel Efficiency

You would think that an 1-4 engine with a six-speed transmission is all about fuel economy . But notwith Fusion. We increased the displacement of our 1-4 from 2.3L to 2.5L to up the horsepower. Took us from 160 to 175 horses. Crazy thing is fuel economy went up with it-a best-in-class 34 mpg*. Quick and efficient .That’s how we like it.

3.5L V6 Sport with Six-Speed Select Shift

New to the Fusion Lineup, this engine has a dual overhead cam and four valves per cylinder delivering 263 horses. It’s got ground effects, a sport-tuned suspension, rear spoiler and 18- inch painted aluminum wheels . Not to mention the addition of six-speed selectshift automatic transmission that lets you shift your own gears with a flip of a switch and without the hassle of a clutch.

AdvanceTrac with ESC

Advance Trac electronic stability control ( ESC) is standard equipment on every Ford Fusion .This system (besides being a mouthful) automatically applies the brakes and adjusts engine torgue to help maintain control in case of wheelslip, understeer or oversteer . This ,in turn ,helps keep all four wheels firmly planted. Exactly where you want them.

All-Wheel Drive

The available class –exclusive .All-Wheel-Drive System automatically reacts to wheelslip by redirecting power to the wheels with the best traction. Within milliseconds . So you don’t lose grip despite the ice, snow,mud and gravel that get in the way.


All these comes with a very Budget Price of $ 23,000 Approx.

Before you buy a Ford KA, KA2/3, StreetKa 10 common faults or wear items that you should check for

Before you buy a Ford KA, KA2/3, StreetKa (1996 - Present) there are 10 common faults or wear items that you should check for. Our research amongst the experts that work on this specific model everyday, has identified:

2 engine check(s) to make
4 interior item(s) that you need to ensure work
1 wear item(s) to spot on the suspension
1 area(s) on the bodywork to inspect
2 official recall(s) that should have been completed
Our three-stage process makes it easy (even if you know nothing about cars) to spot these potential problems. For each fault we tell you:

What to look for (this is written so that it is easy to understand even if you know nothing about cars)
What it means if you find the fault
What to do (here we give you the streetwise options)
Here is just one example check for the Ford KA, KA2/3, StreetKa (1996 - Present):
What to look for
During the test drive, notice whether the revs race (rise quickly) when you press the clutch to change gear.

What it means (if you find this fault)
Racing revs are usually caused by a faulty idle speed control valve, speedo sensor or throttle potentiometer. The car needs a diagnosis test.

What to do (your options)
Negotiate the repair completed. Budget £50 for a diagnosis test and £50 - £105 for the repair/part.