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Monday, May 18, 2009

CITROËN C3 Pluriel attracts attention


















INTRODUCTION

CITROËN’s C3 Pluriel really does embody the words fun, fresh and functional. It’s five cars in one - a 3-door saloon, a Panoramic Saloon, a Cabriolet, a Spider and a Spider Pick up. And as well as looking great, the CITROËN C3 Pluriel drives brilliantly and is packed with an unrivalled level of equipment, safety features, technology and storage.

The CITROËN C3 Pluriel combines the practicality of a supermini with the excitement of a convertible. It’s a deceptively spacious 4 seater (in fact, it’s one of the roomiest in its class), and the secret of its versatile appearance is in the roof design, which features an electric full-length retractable roof and removable roof arches. It looks stylish too, and draws attention wherever it goes.

Safety is paramount in the CITROËN C3 Pluriel. All models feature anti-lock braking (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Emergency Braking Assistance. You can find out more about these in the Technology section. Four airbags, 3-point inertia reel seatbelts, a specially stiffened body shell, reinforced windscreen pillars and roof arches, plus strengthened seat backs and head rests all add to the sense of safety and stability. It’s no surprise it has a four-star EuroNCAP rating.

A car as unique and inspiring as the CITROËN C3 Pluriel also has some unique and inspiring accessories - each designed specifically to enhance or personalise your CITROËN C3 Pluriel, or add to its convenience, storage and safety features. For example, there’s a rain cover to protect the CITROËN C3 Pluriel from sudden downpours when it’s parked. Or the roof arch storage stand. Or the contoured mudflaps that reduce the effects of road spray and prevent paintwork damage, and the Tom Tom sat-nav to get you to your destination.

There’s a choice of three engines - and each blends performance and economy in the city, or the open road. There’s the 1.4i petrol and 1.4HDi diesel engines, plus the 1.6i 16V engine with SensoDrive paddleshift five-speed sequential gearbox - for those who prefer instant fingertip gear changing.

The CITROËN C3 Pluriel - open to anything as long as it’s fun.

EXTERIOR



The CITROËN C3 Pluriel attracts attention wherever it goes. And it’s no surprise with its distinctive styling featuring body colour bumpers and skirts, and when it’s guaranteed to look good, roof arches that contrast with the exterior body colour. But the CITROËN C3 Pluriel really turns heads when it’s in one of its five different body configurations - you just need to check the weather and decide which one you prefer today.

Techno style headlamps and rear lights add to the fun, contemporary look and to make your CITROËN C3 Pluriel even more eye-catching, the ‘Elegance Pack’ on selected models takes the style dial even higher, featuring aluminium bumper inserts, rubbing strips and door handles.

There’s a great choice of attractive paint colours and finishes for your CITROËN C3 Pluriel, including pearlescent or metallic paint options. Plus, your exterior choice of colour is reflected in the interior to create a contemporary look and feel.

INTERIOR

Inside, the CITROËN C3 Pluriel is about comfort, style and modern chic. It has variable power-assisted steering, height and tilt adjustable leather steering wheel for the optimum driving position, aluminium effect front vents, electric windows front and rear, electric door mirrors, and a 6-speaker CD player.

Creating space is no problem either. Simply fold the rear seats down and you have an extensive, completely flat floor from the back of the front seats to a downward opening tailgate that makes loading easy.

Whichever colour exterior you choose, there’s a perfectly co-ordinated and upholstered interior, and all models feature body-colour inserts on the front doors and rear panels to further enhance the CITROËN C3 Pluriel’s individuality.

DRIVE

The CITROËN C3 Pluriel is fun to look at and fun to drive. Its long wheel-base, wide tyres and reinforced body shell ensures it handles responsively whatever the road conditions. The digital display provides all the driver information you need clearly, while unnecessary glare can be minimised when driving at night by selecting the ‘black panel’ instrument lighting. The elevated front seats and windscreen provide excellent visibility of the road ahead. And a programmable, audible ‘over speed’ warning helps you keep your speed in check.

And with its range of active and passive safety features, such as hazard lights that automatically activate when you brake sharply, front and lateral airbags, ABS, Emergency Braking Assistance (EBA) you can feel safe and secure however demanding the roads are.


PERFORMANCE

On the open road or in the inner city, the CITROËN C3 Pluriel’s range of engines balance performance with fuel economy. Choose one of two petrol engines or the popular diesel option. The CITROËN C3 Pluriel 1.4i offers an attractive combination of performance and economy.

Raise the bar with the dynamic 1.6i 16v SensoDrive engine and experience the power of 110hp and the fingertip paddle-shift gear changes from a five-speed sequential gearbox. And if you want to keep running costs as low as possible, the CITROËN C3 Pluriel 1.4HDi diesel offers great driving pleasure and an impressive 60.1 mpg on the combined cycle.

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Free Auto Insurance Quotes Online

More and more people are discovering the benefits of shopping online. Here's how to get free auto insurance quotes online and get cheap rates quickly and easily.

Where can I get free auto insurance quotes online?

There are a ton of websites that will give you free auto insurance quotes online. The bigger sites are operated by the larger companies and only give you their quotes. But because rates can vary by $1,000 or more from one company to the next, you need to go to a site that will give you quotes from a number of auto insurance companies.

Not only can you get multiple rate quotes from these sites, the better sites also have an articles section where you can get auto insurance tips, and a chat section where you can talk with an insurance expert online and get answers to your questions (see link below).

What auto insurance discounts can I get?

When you fill out the online questionnaire for an insurance comparison site you'll be asked what discounts you want. Here's a list of the discounts that will save you the most money:

1. Increase your deductible - Depending on how high you raise it this can save you 30% to 50% on your auto insurance premium.

2. Combine your insurance - Placing your auto and homeowners insurance with the same company will save you up to 15% on your premium.

3. Install security devices - Outfitting your car with a burglar alarm or other theft-prevention device can get you a good-sized discount.

4. Eliminate unneeded coverage - You may want to eliminate your comprehensive and collision coverage if your car is more than five years old, or if the cost of your annual premium is the same as the value of your car.

Bottom Line

It only takes a few minutes to get a free auto insurance quote online and you could save $500 to $1,000 every year you own your car. So why not head over to an insurance comparison site right now and find out how much you can save.

Friday, May 15, 2009

Priced at just £11,995, Twingo Renaultsport 133 offers on-the-road































With a heritage of iconic cars such as the R8 Gordini, 5 GT Turbo and Clio Williams, the Renault range has always featured affordable performance cars based on mainstream production models. Twingo Renaultsport 133 is latest car to enjoy that distinction.


Priced at just £11,995, Twingo Renaultsport 133 offers on-the-road thrills at an affordable price. Unlike some of its competitors, 133 is easily distinguishable from the standard car with extended wheel arches and sills as standard.

Sporty looks, style and performance as standard

There is no doubting the Twingo Renaultsport 133’s vigorous performance, tenacious road holding and refinement, whilst its exterior and interior styling makes it obvious that this is a car in which to have fun.

The Twingo comes with specific Renaultsport chassis and steering tuning as standard, ensuring it offers optimum performance and handling. There is no wait necessary for the ‘Cup’ chassis either as Renault Sport Technologies has developed this for Twingo from launch, along with a new naturally-aspirated 1.6-litre VVT engine delivering 133hp at 6,750rpm with 160Nm of torque at 4,400 rpm.

Twingo Renaultsport 133 has a long list of other standard equipment that can be found from the left hand menu. From ESP with manual deactivation to the gearshift indicator light, 133 has been designed to deliver sports performance while at the same time ensuring that the car is easy to use on a day-to-day basis. A choice of five colours are available on 133: Capsicum Red or £375 optional metallic Pearl Black, Extreme Blue, Mercury Silver or Mirage Grey. The latter is a new colour exclusive to the Renaultsport version.

'Cup' chassis available from launch

An option available on Twingo Renaultsport 133 is the ‘Cup’ chassis. Priced at £650, it features a 4mm lower ride height, stiffer springs and dampers, 17” dark grey Anthracite alloy wheels and 195/40 tyres.

New Mégane Renaultsport 250













As the latest in a long line of Renaultsport models, the New Mégane Renaultsport 250 stands out through its unrivalled combination of exhilarating performance and handling. The mix of its 250hp engine and stunning new coupé design demonstrate that Renaultsport remain top of their class.



Going on sale later this year, the New Mégane Renaultsport 250 has had its first public unveiling at the Geneva Motor Show.



The 2-litre 16-valve turbocharged petrol engine now boasts maximum power of 250hp at 5,500rpm and peak torque of 340Nm from 3,000rpm, an improvement of 20hp and 40Nm over the previous Mégane Renaultsport R26. The Renaultsport engine's twin-scroll turbo is exceptionally responsive and is particularly responsive at lows revs, with 80 per cent of maximum torque available from just 1,900rpm.



The New Mégane Renaultsport 250 has inherited the same suspension arrangement as the current Mégane Renaultsport. Thanks to an independent steering axis layout at the front, the suspension and steering functions have been separated to ensure a particularly high standard of handling and traction performance. Just as with the Renaultsport versions of Clio and Twingo, the New Mégane Renaultsport 250 is available with a choice of two chassis settings: standard or Cup, the latter with a limited slip differential.

The New Mégane Renaultsport 250’s stunning coupé design features a front bumper incorporating LED daytime running lights, a splitter from the design of the nose of the R28 Formula 1 car, a central rear exhaust, rear diffuser and 18-inch alloy wheels.



Inside you’ll find all the features you’d expect: Renaultsport front seats and steering wheel together with a digital speedometer with analogue rev-counter, visual and audible gearshift indicator and aluminium pedals, all signed off with the Renaultsport logo on the headrests, rev-counter and fascia.

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Scrappage benefit 'lost in 88 days'

The £2,000 incentive under the Government's "cash for bangers" car-scrappage scheme will be wiped out in just 88 days due to depreciation, it has been revealed. Skip related content


From Monday, owners of cars 10 years old or more will get £2,000 if they trade in their old model and buy a new one.

But according to price comparison company uSwitch.com, vehicle depreciation is set to be the "thorn in the side" of the scrappage scheme.

The company said on average, the initial £2,000 incentive is wiped out in depreciation in just 88 days of owning the new car.

In total, new vehicles purchased under the Government's car scrappage scheme are set to lose £12.5 billion in depreciation after just one year, it said. Purchasing one of the top 10 most popular new cars costs £16,232 on average and this value plummets by 49% in the first year alone, while the UK's best-selling car - the Ford Focus Style - loses £8,635 or 51% of its value in the first year.

Drivers should read the small print on car insurance policies as the write-off value varies substantially between policies.

Mark Monteiro, of uSwitch.com, said: "The Government's car-scrappage scheme has been introduced to give the ailing motor industry a much needed shot in the arm by enticing motorists to participate with a £2,000 incentive.

"However, while this is a positive bonus for consumers, it seems even this payout can't hold its weight against the magnitude of vehicle depreciation, which dents the value a car from the moment you drive off the forecourt."

He went on: "When choosing a new vehicle, motorists should ensure they research the rate of depreciation of their desired new car, as research highlights how some of the top 10 most-popular vehicles hold their value far better than others. Any motorists tempted to take advantage of the scheme should research the cost of insuring their desired new vehicle as a matter of priority, as the cost could be significantly higher than they are currently paying for their old banger.

"All drivers who are planning to switch their old cars for a newer model need to be prepared for a hike to their premiums of up to 30%."

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Why to choose Toyota Pirus























Projector-beam halogen headlamps with auto-off feature
LED (light-emitting diode) headlamps with auto leveling, auto-off and headlamp washers
Integrated fog lamps
LED taillamps
Color-keyed foldable power heated outside mirrors
Hybrid Synergy Drive® blue accent badges and headlamps
15-in. 5-spoke alloy wheels with P195/65R15 tires and wheel covers
17-in. 5-spoke alloy wheels with P215/45R17 tires
Washer-linked variable intermittent windshield wipers
Rear window with electric defogger with timer and intermittent wiper
UV reduction glass windshield
Driver and front passenger water-repellent side windows
Aerodynamic rear deck spoiler
Power tilt/slide moonroof with Solar Powered Ventilation System and Remote Air Conditioning System
Roof-mounted XM Satellite Radio antenna

Navigation Package
Voice-activated touch-screen DVD navigation system with JBL® AM/FM/MP3 4-disc CD changer, eight speakers, integrated satellite radio capability, XM NavTraffic® ] capability, hands-free phone capability and music streaming via Bluetooth® wireless technology, and integrated backup camera
Safety Connect
Advanced Technology Package (includes Navigation Package)
Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC)
Pre-Collision System (PCS)
Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
Intelligent Parking Assist (IPA)
Solar Roof Package (includes Navigation Package)
Power tilt/slide moonroof with Solar Powered Ventilation System and Remote Air Conditioning System



MECHANICAL

Gasoline Engine
Type
Aluminum double overhead cam (DOHC) 16-valve VVT-i 4-cylinder
Displacement
1.8 liters (1798 cc)
Bore x stroke
3.17 in. x 3.48 in.
Compression ratio
13.0:1
Valvetrain
Four valves per cylinder with Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i)
Induction system
Sequential multi-point EFI with Electronic Throttle Control System with intelligence (ETCS-i)
Ignition system
Electronic, with Toyota Direct Ignition (TDI)
Power output
98 hp @ 5200 rpm (73 kW @ 5200 rpm)
Torque
105 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm (142 N•m @ 4000 rpm)
Emission rating
Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (AT-PZEV)
Electric Motor
Motor type
Permanent magnet AC synchronous motor
Power output
80 hp (60 kW)
Torque
153 lb.-ft. (207 N•m)
Voltage
650V maximum
Traction Battery
Type
Sealed Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-MH)
Power Output
36 hp (27 kW)
Voltage
201.6V
Hybrid System Net Power
134 hp (100 kW)
Mechanical/Performance
Transmission
Electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (ECVT)
Front Suspension
Independent MacPherson strut with stabilizer bar
Rear Suspension
Torsion beam
Steering
Electric Power Steering (EPS); rack-and-pinion with electric power-assist
Turning circle diameter, curb to curb (ft.) 34.2 34.2 34.2 36.0
Brakes
Power-assisted ventilated front disc, solid rear disc with Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) and integrated regenerative braking
Coefficient of drag (Cd) 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25


Price Range $ 22,000 to $ 27,300

Monday, May 11, 2009

Why Choose Volvo C70 Ice White










Why Choose between a car that’s Practical and the car that you really want?
Volvo C70 Ice White is a true four –seater coupe that effortlessly transforms into a stunning convertible and includes GBP 2,350 worth stylish extras .


Along with volvo’s usual class-leading safety technology the c70 Ice White Comes loaded with the latest features

a) Retractable hardtop
b) Ice White colour
c) 2.0D engine manual ( available in 6 speed powershift as cost option )
d) New interior colour combination ( Off black interior with Leather calcite Cream)
e) New 18” Aluminium Midir Diamond –cut wheels
f) Four-seater with comfortable rear seats for 2 adults
g) 404-litre cargo capacity
h) Door –mounted inflatable curtain airbags


All come with a Price GBP 24,495

Saturday, May 9, 2009

MICHELIN® HydroEdge® tires offer an outstanding 90,000-mile warranty



Our Premier Passenger Tire. MICHELIN® HydroEdge® tires offer an outstanding 90,000-mile warranty, modern aesthetics, and better wet braking than the competition.

Features and Benefits
Lasts Up To 33,000 Miles Longer Versus the Competition3
MaxTouch Construction™, features a unique contact patch shape that evenly distributes the forces of acceleration, braking, and cornering.

The Most Fuel-Efficient Tire in the Category4
EnergySaver Construction™ marked by the Green X label helps deliver excellent fuel efficiency by requiring less effort from your engine.

Better Braking — Up To 14 Feet Shorter Than the Competition
A silca-based compound and wide center-groove design create a sure-grip tread, helping HydroEdge® tires stop up to 14 feet shorter in wet weather conditions versus the competition.

A 75th birthday for the '34 Ford




Two years ago, the hot-rodding world pulled out all the stops to celebrate the diamond jubilee of the iconic 1932 Ford, the hot-rodder's hot rod.

The high point of that jubilee was a gathering of the 75 most significant '32s in conjunction with the Grand National Roadster Show of 2007. It was held in its own hall at the L.A. County Fairplex in Pomona and was awash with fabulous Fords and hot-rod royalty.

Now, two years later, the 1934 Ford turns 75, with considerably less pomp and circumstance but no less love from its devotees.

The Model 40, as both the 1933 and 1934 Fords were designated, had a graceful grille in front and--while so many '32s are now and were then fenderless--most Model 40 survivors wear full, sweeping fenders over the front wheels and down the sides.

While much of the '32's notoriety flowed from its all-new, affordable V8, those first eight-cylinder engines were problematic to make and prone to numerous failures, many of which would have resulted in massive recalls were they issued today. But by the time the Model 40 Fords came out, the teething problems of the V8 had largely been cured.

So the '33 and '34 Fords were really better cars, mechanically, to begin with. And because the '32s often command more attention, a buyer could usually get a better price on a '34, all other things being equal.

Nonetheless, even in this diamond-jubilee year, celebrations are decidedly muted for this car. We attended a pretty good one this week at the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum. The museum has several Model 40s on display, including famous representatives such as the innovative, record-setting Pierson Brothers Coupe and the California Kid, now more famous than the Martin Sheen movie of the same name for which it was made. The cars will stay on display at the Parks museum through Father's Day. For more, visit www.museum.nhra.com.

Then, as part of the museum's regular monthly Prolong Twilight Cruise Night, organizer John Duran added a healthy, shining row of '33 and '34 Fords to the sprawling, eclectic mix of rods and customs that usually fill the museum's parking lot. There were yellow and orange, blown and unblown, black and purple, street and competition cars lined up next to the fence by the front entrance.

Bob Slovick was first drawn in by two movie cars.

"American Grafitti and The California Kid really took me in, made me crazy" he said.

He built a '34 with a 427 big-block topped by a massive Weiand blower. The plates read, "BLON 34." Did he consider a '32?

"No," he said. "I just like the look of the '34, it's more rounded; the '32 looks kind of square."

Petersen Automotive Museum director Dick Messer drove his own '34 Tudor to the show.

"It's like driving a normal automobile," said Messer of his highly modified, highly modernized car. It sports a Corvette drivetrain, air conditioning and power seats. "I drive it all the time."

Messer understands the difference in public perception between the '34 and the '32.

"The '32s were like, 'Oh man, I got a Deuce,' the '34s were like, 'Oh yeah, I got one of those, too."

Art Bereuter spent seven years building his orange--unchopped--1934 Ford 3-window. Now it has a 420-hp Cleveland V8, a C6 transmission and a nine-inch Currie rear end. Why a '34 instead of the '32s everybody else has?

"I had a car before this, a '29 sedan delivery," he said. "Then I saw this car, I don't know, I wanted it."

The same thing happened to longtime NHRA announcer Dave McClelland.

"The '34 is the car I've lusted after since I was 16," McClelland said. "I saw a '34 3-window when I was in high school, I told my dad I wanted it, took him over to where the car was parked. My dad said, 'Absolutely no way are you going to have this car.' I ended up with a '39 Plymouth. But I maintain that his rejection of my '34 is what led me to my life of cars."

McClelland still has not gotten a '34 but, he says, he's not dead yet.

"I walk past a line of cars like that and it's just terminal lust."

Friday, May 8, 2009

FIAT 500C MAKES INTERNATIONAL PUBLIC DEBUT AT GENEVA





A worldwide preview of the new Fiat 500C will be taking place at the Geneva Motor Show in early March, before its launch throughout Europe in the spring. This original cabriolet pays homage to the open-top 1957 model, whilst offering leading-edge solutions for mechanical installations, powerplants and interior comfort. All this in authentic Fiat tradition, giving access to higher segment engineering and state-of-the-art technology.

Featuring an innovative soft top – an unrestricted window to the sky – the new 500C is exactly the same size as the basic model (3.55 m x 1.65 m x 1.49 m), and utilises the same three powerplants: 1.3 litre 75 hp MultiJet Turbodiesel coupled to a 5-speed manual transmission, and the two 1.2 litre 69 hp and 1.4 litre 100 hp petrol engines, available with either manual or robotised Dualogic transmission. Providing different features, all three engine types are responsive and flexible, offering strong performance based on sophisticated technology. Standard features include in-built reliability, robust construction, high quality build and environmental friendliness.

Moreover, as proof of Fiat Automobiles’ commitment to ecology and sustainable mobility, the new 500C incorporates the company’s recently announced Start&Stop system, an innovative device which initiates engine shutdown and subsequent re-ignition. To this end, at every complete stop, when shifting to neutral and releasing the clutch, the engine is switched off, and then restarted simply by selecting a gear.

Created by the Fiat Styling Centre and manufactured at the Tichy plant in Poland, the Fiat 500C incorporates all the strong points of the basic model, namely top-of-segment safety features, proper accommodation for four adults, and generous luggage space combined with easy loading potential, even with the soft top fully open, thanks to a clever parallelogram hinge system.

A highly original exercise in design, the soft top of the Fiat 500C stands out for its refined electrically operated linkage and engineering solutions of great quality and finish, such as the glass rear window and the built-in centrally positioned high mounted stop light. Available in three colours (ivory, red and black), this original soft top will be matched with several body colours, two of which have been conceived specifically for the new car in a brilliant Pearl Red and a special Warm Grey.

Thanks to the adoption of the innovative sliding soft top combined with a design concept which retains the vehicle’s all-round protection, the Fiat 500C offers a delightful motoring experience at any time of the year. All told, its many special features make this new car one of the best equipped cabriolet models currently available in the city-car segment.

The 500C is further proof of Fiat's undisputed leadership in this vehicle class, where continuous innovation ensures that its position as the industry's standard is maintained. In fact the car sets new standards in terms of comfort and safety, engineering and appointments whilst maintaining a unique and inimitable Italian style. A new cabriolet has been created which provides excitement and sustained driving pleasure, combining captivating lines with the performance of flexible, environment-friendly, low consumption engines.