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How to deal with car salesmen: part two
(Thu, 09 Sep 2010 16:48:00 GMT)
In part one of our masterclass on how to beat car sales tactics we covered how dealers will tell you discounts aren't available, when they are, and how they use time limits to pressurise you into making a decision.
Here we're going to look at two other tricks and techniques designed to put you onto the back foot.
One of the tricks is very timely, the other is an old chestnut, but with both we'll show you how you can stay in the driving seat of the negotiations.
Tactic three – 'We're very busy at the moment, so we don't need to discount'
March and September are certainly the busiest two months of the year, because the new registration plates are released and buyers swarm to dealerships.
You may find that a salesman tells you that he has buyers queued up around the block and that he can pick and choose his customers and cut back discounts to the bone as a result.
Just because a showroom's busy, it doesn't mean they can afford to turn your valuable business away.
In fact, if a dealership is close to a sales target you might find the sales staff willing to offer an even bigger discount than usual to hit the target and release a large bonus payment to them.
It's worth playing a waiting game and trying your luck towards the ends of these months, then, to see if a dealer is wiling to bite your arm off.
Even if they aren't, the usual discounts apply no matter how busy it is, so use the What Car? Target Price, stick to your guns and don't pay over the odds.
Tactic four – 'I'll check with my boss and see what he can do'
This is called second-facing. It's when you reach a point in negotiations where the person you're dealing with says they're not authorised to discount as much as you're asking and they'll need to check with their boss instead.
They'll probably tell you they're doing it as a special favour, just for you. They'll do it to try and earn some extra trust, getting you on their side against the sales director, but still charging more than you should be paying.
The chances are that when they disappear for 10 minutes to talk to the chief they'll just be having a cup of tea and leaving you to stew.
The moment it happens, politely ask to start dealing directly with the top man, or woman, who holds all the cards and decides the most that can be sliced off the list price.
If you keep the middleman between you and the decision maker, they might continue to disappear and drag negotiations out until you're desperate to get things finalised.
Keeping negotiations face-to-face and between just two people – you and the boss – will speed things up and should get you a better deal.
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Nissan to unveil Townpod concept
(Thu, 09 Sep 2010 15:14:00 GMT)
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.
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What Car? in Future Car Challenge
(Thu, 09 Sep 2010 14:00:00 GMT)
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.
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Audi R8 Spyder gets V8 power
(Thu, 09 Sep 2010 13:45:00 GMT)
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.
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New engines for Saab 9-3 and 9-5 ranges
(Thu, 09 Sep 2010 12:40:00 GMT)
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 9-5
New 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 Range
Meanwhile, 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.
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Peugeot iOn on lease-only deal
(Thu, 09 Sep 2010 09:13:00 GMT)
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 range
Peugeot 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 year
Although 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.
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Peugeot 508 gets Chinese influence
(Thu, 09 Sep 2010 09:08:00 GMT)
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 China
Sales 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 Europe
European 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 hybrid
In 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.
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Chevrolet unveils Aveo supermini
(Wed, 08 Sep 2010 11:37:00 GMT)
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.
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How to deal with car salesmen: part 1
(Wed, 08 Sep 2010 10:30:00 GMT)
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 RCZ Tactic 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 two
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How to deal with car salesmen - part 1
(Wed, 08 Sep 2010 10:30:00 GMT)
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 RCZ Tactic 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%.
Come back tomorrow for part two.
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Petrol Kia Sportage goes on sale
(Tue, 07 Sep 2010 15:00:00 GMT)
Kia's all-new Sportage crossover is now available with a 161bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine from £19,495
The petrol-powered Kia Sportage First Edition does an average of 35.8mpg and emits 188g/km of CO2. It has a top speed of 113mph and a 0-60mph time of 10.3 seconds.
As with the recently launched 2.0 CRDI Kia Sportage, the four-wheel-drive petrol version is available in just one well-equipped trim that includes:
• leather upholstery
• dual-zone climate control
• 18-inch alloy wheels
• LED daytime running lights
• Bluetooth
• cruise control
• rain-sensing wipers
• a colour rear parking camera system integrated into the rear-view mirror
Initially, 850 diesel Sportage First Editions were made for the UK, however Kia says these have all now been sold.
The full line-up, with two- and four-wheel-drive versions and lower-powered engines, will be available later this year, but Kia says it made the petrol First Editions available now to meet customer demand.
The petrol First Edition costs £1282 less than the diesel and is available to order now, with deliveries starting in October.
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Mini Cooper D driven
(Tue, 07 Sep 2010 14:29:00 GMT)
As part of the ongoing changes to the Mini range, there’s now a new diesel engine in Cooper versions of the hatchback, Clubman and convertible.
Derived from the unit in parent company BMW’s 1 Series, the turbocharged direct-injection 1.6-litre engine has more power and torque than the unit replaces, but is also more economical and has lower emissions.
At low speeds, there’s no hiding the tell-tale sounds of a diesel engine, but once you pick up the pace, things quieten down nicely. The unit combines well with the standard stop-start system, too, although again there’s no disguising the engine’s cough and splutter as it kicks back into life.
Petrol vs diesel
Generally, performance is strong, and the strong pull in the mid-range (much more than in the old engine) means you don’t need to rev the unit as hard as you do with the petrol alternative.
That means the two engines have very different characters. The petrol model is the more exciting and sporty because it needs to be worked hard, whereas you can be a little lazier with the diesel, relying on its mid-range pull to haul you along at a perfectly acceptable rate.
The only problem comes if you let the revs drop much below 1750rpm. Amble round a tight turn in town in second gear, for example, and there’s a distinct lull in proceedings until the turbocharger kicks the engine into life.
More photos of the Mini Cooper
Coinciding with the introduction of this engine is what can only be described as a very minor facelift: revised bumpers at both ends, as well as a new black cross-piece below the front number plate and new-look rear lights.
That may sound like a lot, but even with the new and old cars side-by-side, you’ll be hard-pressed to spot the differences.
There are also new wheels and paint colours to choose from, revised trims inside, and some new options. These include adaptive headlights and Mini Connected, an in-car infotainment system that is controlled by Mini’s version of BMW’s iDrive. It also works through an iPhone to give web radio, Facebook and Twitter updates, and a variety of other features.
The trouble is that these minor changes add up to a surprisingly major price rise. At £15,730, the new Cooper D hatchback, for example, is more than £500 dearer than the model it replaces – and there are similar rises in the Clubman and Convertible ranges.
Perhaps more significantly, it’s also over £1000 more expensive than the petrol-engined Cooper, which has more character, is quicker to 60mph and still does over 50mpg. Unless you do an awful lot of miles, you’ll struggle to make up that kind of price difference in lower fuel bills.
Andy.Pringle @whatcar.com
What Car? says
Better than the old car, but we prefer the petrol model
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Lighter and more powerful Bentley GT
(Tue, 07 Sep 2010 14:00:00 GMT)
The Bentley Continental GT coupe has been given an overhaul with more power, less weight and tweaks to its exterior and interior.
See more photos of the Bentley GT in our Facebook gallery.
Performance and efficiency
The 6.0-litre W12 engine gets a 15bhp power boost from 552bhp to 567bhp which – combined with the car's 65kg weight loss – results in a 0-60mph time that's cut from 4.6 seconds to 4.4. Top speed remains 198mph.
Average fuel consumption improves slightly by 0.1mpg to 17.1mpg, while CO2 emissions drop from 396g/km to 384g/km.
The front and rear track of the car are also increased, by 41mm and 48mm respectively, and the six-speed Quickshift automatic transmission has been modified. Shift times are halved to 200 milliseconds, while 60% of the engine's power is now sent to the rear wheels compared with 50% previously. Bentley says the new arrangement allows for greater cornering control on the throttle.
Styling
New headlights, squarer exterior styling and a refreshed interior with new seats and a 30GB in-car control system mark the revised car out.
New engine
A more efficient 4.0-litre V8 option will be added to the range late next year. Power output hasn't been confirmed yet, but Bentley says it will have class-leading emissions-to-power ratio.
Both of the engines in the GT will be able to run on E85 bioethanol fuel, which Bentley estimates will reduce your well-to-wheel CO2 emissions by 70%. However, E85 is sold in only 21 petrol stations in the UK.
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What Car? Q&A replay
(Tue, 07 Sep 2010 11:45:00 GMT)
The What Car? lunchtime question and answer session is has now ended.
Don't worry if you missed the live action, though, you can scroll down and replay all of the questions and answers - or logon between 1pm-2pm next Tuesday for another live Q&A session.
Next session
The next live What Car? Q&A session will take place from 1pm-2pm, Tuesday, September 14.
Our team will be on hand to cover all subjects, whether it's a new car, used car or a problem with your current car. However, some questions might be too involved to sort out in a single lunchtime. We'll let you know what to do if so.
Answering your questions:
The What Car? team today were:
• Iain Reid: whatcar.com producer
• Peter Lawton: whatcar.com deputy editor
• Matt Sanger: What Car? used car editor
• Leo Wilkinson: What Car? deputy road test editor
Live Q&A replay
The What Car? Q&A session is now closed.
Iain Reid:
whatcar.com producer Peter Lawton:
whatcar.com deputy editor Matt Sanger:
What Car? used car editor Leo Wilkinson:
What Car? deputy road test editor
Previous Q&A sessionsReplay our previous live Q&A sessions by clicking below.
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What Car? Q&A - live now
(Tue, 07 Sep 2010 11:45:00 GMT)
The What Car? lunchtime question and answer session is now live.
Whether you're looking for advice on buying a new or used car, or have some other motoring-related issue that you'd like to try to resolve, our team of experts will be on hand to help out.
However, some questions might be too involved to sort out in a single lunchtime. We'll let you know what to do if so.
Answering your questions:
The What Car? team today:
• Iain Reid: whatcar.com producer
• Peter Lawton: whatcar.com deputy editor
• Matt Sanger: What Car? used car editor
• Leo Wilkinson: What Car? deputy road test editor
Live Q&A
The What Car? Q&A session is now live
Iain Reid:
whatcar.com producer Peter Lawton:
whatcar.com deputy editor Matt Sanger:
What Car? used car editor Leo Wilkinson:
What Car? deputy road test editor
Previous Q&A sessionsReplay our previous live Q&A sessions by clicking below.
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Kia issues Soul and Sorento recall
(Tue, 07 Sep 2010 11:22:00 GMT)
Kia is recalling more than 500 of its Sorento and Soul models because of a potential problem with the wiring in their doors.
In models that have 'mood-lighting', Kia says there is a small danger of the wiring overheating, which could cause a fire.
Kia is recalling 73 Souls and 476 Sorentos, and it says the work to fix the problem should take no more than an hour.
Hamish McCowan, after-sales and logistics director at Kia Motors (UK) Ltd, said: 'We are not aware of any vehicles in the UK suffering from this problem, but we believe it is better to be safe, and that is why we are taking this recall action.
'The risk of a fire is small and would only occur under extreme circumstances, but we want to make sure none of our customers are anxious about the safety of their vehicles'.
The recall affects vehicles built between September 2009 and June this year.
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Infiniti prices M30d saloon
(Tue, 07 Sep 2010 11:08:00 GMT)
Infiniti's new diesel-powered M30d saloon will join the range in October with prices starting from £36,750.
The 235bhp 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel engine produces 406lb ft of torque and is capable of accelerating the car from 0-62mph in 6.9sec. Average fuel consumption is 37.7mpg while CO2 emissions are 199g/km.
Trims
The entry-level version of the car gets a seven-speed automatic transmission, xenon headlights, climate control, electric seats, reversing camera, parking sensors and a heated steering wheel.
GT
GT models are priced from £39,250 and add leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats and active headlights.
S
Sportier S versions cost from £41,250 and include four-wheel steering, stiffer suspension and 20-inch wheels.
GT Premium and S Premium
Buyers can also buy a GT Premium or S Premium for £44,600 or £46,600 respectively. The extra cash brings a suite of technology including a blind-spot warning system, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning and prevention, a premium sound system and uprated climate control.
The diesel engine for Infiniti's BMW 5 Series is an important addition to the range for European markets. It will be joined by a V6 petrol-based M35 hybrid in 2011.
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Car registrations slump again
(Mon, 06 Sep 2010 16:34:00 GMT)
New car registrations fell for the second month in a row in August and the downward trend is expected to continue for the rest of the year.
Sales fell by 17.5% compared with August 2009, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). A total of 55,305 cars were registered last month.
Although the SMMT predicts registrations will continue to be down on monthly 2009 figures for the remainder of the year, it is also forecasting year-end figures to be 1.2% up thanks to a strong start to 2010. In all, the SMMT reckons two million new cars will be registered by the end of the 2010.
Diesel-powered cars accounted for more than half of the market for the second month in a row, with 52.6% of all registrations, while superminis still dominate the top 10 best sellers.
Top 10 best-sellers Position
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10 In August
Ford Fiesta
Ford Focus
Vauxhall Astra
Vauxhall Corsa
BMW 3 Series
Volkswagen Golf
Nissan Qashqai
Vauxhall Insignia
Volkswagen Polo
Audi A3 Registered
2660
1926
1906
1629
1600
1511
1456
1193
1193
1037 Year-to-date
Ford Fiesta
Ford Focus
Vauxhall Astra
Vauxhall Corsa
Volkswagen Golf
Volkswagen Polo
Peugeot 207
BMW 3 Series
Mini
Nissan Qashqai Registered
66,863
54,448
53,449
51,147
37,171
30,574
27,880
25,849
25,189
24,836
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New Ford C-Max MPV from £16,745
(Mon, 06 Sep 2010 16:16:00 GMT)
The new C-Max will cost from £16,745 when it goes on sale in October, Ford has confirmed.
The five-seat MPV will be sold alongside the larger Grand C-Max, which goes on sale at the same time, with the added practicality of seven seats and twin sliding rear doors. Prices for the bigger car start at £18,745.
Ford says the C-Max will appeal to buyers who want something more practical than a standard hatchback, but still want it to feel sporty. The Grand C-Max, on the other hand, is a more family-friendly model.
The line-up will include three petrol and two diesel engines, although the least powerful 1.6-litre petrol engine is available in the five-seat car only.
Making its first appearance in the C-Max is a new 148bhp 1.6-litre version of Ford's Ecoboost petrol engine. This will be sold alongside 1.6- and 2.0-litre versions of the Duratorq diesel engine, with the smaller of the two emitting just 119g/km of CO2 (or 129g/km in the Grand C-Max).
Limited trim options
Buyers have a much more limited range of trims to choose from: just Zetec and Titanium.
Standard on every model are alloy wheels, air-conditioning, and a DAB radio/CD with Bluetooth, USB connectivity and voice control. The Grand C-Max also has rear parking sensors.
Step up to Titanium trim, and you also get automatic wipers and headlights, dual-zone climate control, cruise control and an uprated stereo, with the Grand C-Max also having folding mirrors.
Ford C-Max prices Engine
Duratec Petrol
1.6 TI-VCT
1.6 TI-VCT
1.6 Ecoboost
Duratorq diesel
1.6 TDCi
2.0 TDCi
2.0 TDCi (auto) Bhp
104
123
148
113
138
138 CO2 5/7-seat
154
154/159
154/159
119/129
134/139
149/154 C-Max
Zetec
£16,745
-
-
£18,245
-
- C-Max
Titanium
-
£18,745
£19,745
£19,745
£20,745
£21,995 Grand C-Max
Zetec
-
£18,745
-
£19,745
£20,745
£21,995 Grand C-Max
Titanium
-
£19,995
£20,995
£20,995
£21,995
£23,245
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Ask What Car? experts - live
(Mon, 06 Sep 2010 15:59:00 GMT)
Join us in our live Q&A session, which takes place on Tuesday, September 7, from 1-2pm.
Whether you're looking for advice on buying a new or used car, or have some other motoring-related issue that you'd like to try to resolve, our team of experts will be on hand to help out.
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Join us live from 1pm Tuesday, September 7.
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Fraud to blame for costly insurance
(Mon, 06 Sep 2010 11:49:00 GMT)
Younger drivers have themselves to blame for high insurance costs, because one in 20 motorists under 35 has faked an accident to make a fraudulent claim, according to a survey by Moneysupermarket.com.
The survey of 2023 drivers also exposed that 5% of younger drivers would also consider a fraudulent claim which, with nearly 36 million licence holders in the UK, adds up to 1.7 million motorists.
The Association of British Insurers says 2000 fraudulent claims worth £16 million are detected each week.
Cut the cost of car insurance
The cost of car insurance for young drivers has rocketed, but staging or inventing an accident to get cash fraudulently will have a massive impact on the driver's premiums if discovered.
Download our guide to cutting insurance bills and reduce your premiums without resorting to breaking the law.
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Motorists accept speed cameras says AA
(Mon, 06 Sep 2010 11:40:00 GMT)
The UK's speed camera-switch off – caused by the slashing of road safety budgets – could create a public backlash rather than win the hearts of motorists, the AA has warned.
It reckons the views of motorists aren't being properly reflected in the debate on speed cameras and it claims lives will be put at risk as more cameras are cut.
According to the AA's survey, 69% of 15,000 AA members polled accept the use of cameras, while local residents near the first switch-offs in Oxfordshire report speeds have already increased.
The AA believes the Government's announcement that there will be no new funding for fixed speed cameras, and a 37% cut in road safety budgets, will cost lives.
AA president Edmund King said: 'There is currently a road safety policy void, which could lead to an increase in crashes. Cameras will never be loved, but their use is accepted by the majority of motorists.'
The AA believes cameras have a vital role to play in safety – there is an 80% chance a pedestrian will be killed by a car travelling at 40mph, compared with an 80% survival rate at 30mph.
It has raised the issues in a letter to transport secretary Philip Hammond and says it will discuss the speed camera switch off with ministers in a meeting soon.
Do you agree?
Do you back the use of speed cameras? Vote in our poll on the whatcar.com homepage to register your view.
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