Excited for the New Citroen DS5

I am so excited for the new Citroen DS5 to be launched next year. It was unveiled at the Shanghai Motor Show on the 18th of April 2011 and I can’t wait for my new and used Citroen Brighton dealer gets them in stock.

I will be waiting a while though as Citroen have announced it will be available in the UK sometime in spring 2012. It is the latest edition to the growing DS range and will become the third member of the family.

They say it can accommodate five adults which means we can all go road tripping together in the fuel efficient new Citroen. Complete with a diesel hybrid engine reported to produce 200bhp the new DS5 is said to emit 99g/km which in turn will help save me money at the petrol station whilst protecting the planet.

Citroen say it will be capable of four-wheel drive and will also have an electric only function. The diesel engine keeps you going on longer journeys. Looking forward to finding out exact stats and offerings but first got to get saving.

Car Treasure Hunt

At the weekend local Renault dealer in Sussex held a car treasure hunt to really start the school holidays with a bang. Dozens of families arrived to take part in the treasure in the hope of winning a new car.

It was lovely to see the sun out for the event, shining down on everyone who got involved. The treasure hunt started at the Woolpack pub in Burgess Hill. From there, families started their 25 mile journey through the local countryside.

The journey was broken up by car park challenges and prizes were given to winners of these challenges. Prizes included car valets and sat navs that were supplied by Dinnages Renault dealer. The overall winner however is lucky enough to receive a brand new Wind Roadster convertible also supplied by the Renault dealership in Sussex.

Dinnages are known for their involvement with local communities and the event last weekend continues to prove this. Dinnages are a Renault and Ford dealer selling new and used cars in Sussex. They also offer a wide range of commercial vehicles including the Renault trafic and Ford Transit vans in Brighton.

MINI Wins Award For Great Motability Offers

On Friday the 8th of July MINI UK was awarded Motability Manufacturer Partner in the ‘Up to 10,000 registrations’ category at the 2011 Motability Supplier awards. The event was hosted by television broadcaster Huw Edwards at Brocket Hall in Hertfordshire.

The award acknowledges their competitive strengths when it comes to integrating the Motability scheme into their overall business. Competitive pricing is not only apparent in just their sales but also through to servicing to ensure successful Motability Operations are in place.

Since joining the scheme in 2006, MINI has worked hard to produce great offers through every area of their business. Their hard work is highlighted by generating over 1,000 new car orders for the scheme already this year. Even more praise should be given to MINI for producing over 90% of these vehicles in the UK and creating much needed jobs for the country.

The MINI range offers great savings through the Motability Scheme and also through their fuel saving vehicles. The combined fuel consumption for the MINI One D is reported to produce an impressive 74.3mpg whilst emitting 99g/km of CO2. MINI Preston dealer, Bowker Motor Group are proud to be a part of this recognition and strive to keep up the great levels of customer service that MINI is renowned for.

Order the New Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet Now

The new Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet is now available to order from UK dealerships including Volkswagen Kings Lynn dealer, Marriott Motor Group. The Golf Cabriolet hasn’t made an appearance for nine years so we are expecting its entrance to be great.

Making its first appearance at the Geneva Motor Show the new VW Golf is expected to start deliveries in September. It seats four and allows easy access for rear passengers thanks to a 50:50 split and an Easy-Entry function.

The fabric soft top is electrically powered and can be lowered in just 9.5 seconds. They say that it can even be used whilst travelling at a max speed of 18mph.

There are three engines to choose from which include a 1.2-litre TSI 105 PS, 1.4-litre TSI 160 PS and a 1.6-litre TDI 105 PS. There are also three trims to choose from including the S, SE and GT. Another petrol and two diesel engines will offered towards the end of the year and VW will introduce DSG automatic transmissions and BlueMotion Technology later this year too.

Audi Launches 'Complete' Peace of Mind

Audi have just launched their new Audi Complete service and maintenance package. The service consists of a five year warranty, fixed price servicing and maintenance across every new Audi car.

Customers can choose from a fixed monthly payments or a one off monthly fee. Fees depend on models and mileage options however Audi have said that the service is transferable. That means that if you wish to sell your used Audi TT after the first couple of years of buying it from new for instance, the new owner can take on the service. Direct Debits can even be transferred at the owner’s request.

Audi are also providing new Audi car owners with an MOT for free which is due after the first 3 years of being on the road. I think this used to be available for three years and now they have extended it.

Tyre replacement is offered at an extra cost for an optional add on. Motorists can even specify mileage between 5,000 and 40,000 however the maximum mileage over five years is 90,000 miles. Thanks Audi for the extra peace of mind.

New BMW X5 is on My Wish List

The BMW X5 M is the answer to recent onslaughts of other high performance SUV’s sold in the market. Those who want ultimate pace and power in an SUV often look into other models but the X5 M provides a different approach to the world of ultra high performance SUV’s. I have been to see the stunning BMW in Bolton and I can say that it is definitely on my wish list.

It all starts with already capable and magnificent X5. BMW then hands over this model to the M engineers to dial in some serious grunt and ounce of body aesthetics. The result is an ultra fast SUV that seems to defy logic altogether.
The twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 produces 547hp and an astonishing 501lb-ft of torque and produces a monumental growl that will scare both animals and people alike. The BMW X5 M weighs in at more than 2.5 tons but is capable of accelerating from 0 to 62mph in 4.7 seconds. The feeling can only be described as out of this world.

However, there are certain prices to pay for this athleticism. The suspension is considered too hard to be used on city streets and react in a strange way when driven hard. Overall, ride comfort is compromised but still maintains a great deal of control when driven at speed.

The BMW X5 M is more of a stunner rather a good personal choice for a high performance SUV. The sheer engineering competence that engineers dialed into this model is enough to win it praises from the car-loving crowd. Ditto for the exterior styling and soft leather on the seats coupled with the superb driving position and expert handling.

If you desire a more comfortable and fuel miserly drive then stay away from the BMW X5 M as much as possible. If you are prepared to accept the consequences then prepare to experience like nothing else on Earth.

New Vauxhall Ampera Will Be Up For Rent

I have always wanted to drive one of those electric cars to see what they’re like so Vauxhall’s announcement to hire the new Ampera when it launches was great news. According to the car manufacturer the new Vauxhall Ampera will be available to rent in Europe from Europcar.

They think that here in Europe we are more accepting of the electric innovation and so they are trying to get us familiar with their new model. I think it’s a great idea as I would like to know how the electric cars felt before I think about buying one. Quite cool to think that it can be charged from the household plug socket that produces 240 volts (which is most).

They will be available to rent in Germany first and will eventually make their way to the UK for hire next year. The new electric technologies power the wheels at all times and when the battery dies, a generator powered by the petrol engine kicks in to make sure the electric motor still runs.

No fuel is used and no CO2 is emitted when the new Vauxhall Ampera is in battery mode. I’m not sure how many models will be involved in the car hire yet but if you are looking for more information, contact Vauxhall Oakham dealer Aston Vauxhall.

Ford Says Goodbye to CD Players

Ford has announced plans of ditching the CD player from their models and replacing it with digital connections. The lean towards digital entertainment came from reports that CD sales fell in the UK by 35% from 2006 to 2010.

Apparently the same report announced that digital album sales increased by seven times and around 98% of singles sold are accounted for by digital sales. It’s quite a sad thought that CD players may now be removed from cars but having said that I don’t use mine anymore as I have nowhere to store my CD’s in my used Ford in Wolverhampton.

Ford are saying that around 95% of the people that bought their new Ford Focus chose one that they could connect their MP3 players to. Unsurprisingly and comforting to know, 90% also opted for Bluetooth wireless connectivity. These stats has support Ford’s argument to remove CD players.

I still remember when tape players were a luxury and then CD players over ruled them. Now MP3 devices are taking over from the CD player. I wonder how many music takeovers there will be in my lifetime.

Simply Mazda

I have been looking at getting a new Mazda MX-5 from my Mazda Peterborough dealer these last few months although I have not yet been in to take one for a spin. The Beaulieu National Motor Show held their first ever Simply Mazda event on Sunday 10th of July in Hampshire. The event has pretty much convinced me that the Mazda MX-5 is the way to go.

Of around 400 Mazda models that attended the event, over 200 of these were the feisty Mazda MX-5’s. Attendees included individual Mazda owners, the MX-5 Owner’s Club, the RX-8 Owner’s Club and members of the Mazda Rotary club.

All models were displayed in the grounds of the museum however only the best were selected to take part in a procession. Graham Kett won the Pride of Ownership Award and was presented with £100 and a Beaulieu trophy. He is a member of the RX-8 Owner’s Club but more impressively is raising money for Help For Heroes by taking the car to almost every Japanese car show last year and even the 2010 Le Mans rally.

Not sure that my Mazda will be unique enough to compete with Mr Kett, however I would like to head to one of these meetings once I have my own Mazda MX-5.

BMW Enter 2012 German Touring Car series

BMW has released details about their new BMW M3 DTM concept car which is being tweaked to compete in the 2012 DTM German Touring Car series. Images that have been released portray the initial look of the new M3 DTM based on the fourth generation M3 but BMW warn that this may change quite a bit before the 2012 season.

It is clear to say that we won’t see the new BMW in Preston any time soon so most of us will have to wait until it hits the Motor Shows and the track. What we do know however is that BMW once had a great track record between 1087 and 1992 where they claimed 150 podium finishes of which 40 were race wins. We have also been told that BMW will be racing three M3’s next year BMW Team RBM, BMW Team RMG and BMW Team Schnitzer. The two drivers that have already been chosen and named are Andy Priaulx, and Augusto Farfus.

BMW has not entered the series in nearly 20 years so I’m sure they will be feeling the pressure to make sure everything is perfect. Adhering to new guidelines BMW have given their new M3 DTM a naturally aspirated 4.0 litre 480bhp V8 powertrain supported by a six speed gear box. BMW have reported that it is capable of accelerating form 0-62mph in about 3 seconds and can reach top speeds of 186mph.

One of the key new regulations is to improve upon the safety of the race cars. BMW has therefore made use of lightweight carbonfibre-reinforced plastic monocoque panels coupled with a robust steel roll cage. Another key updated rule is to cut the cost of the vehicles which is one of the reasons why BMW have decided to re-enter.

New Peugeot Headed for Frankfurt Motor Show

The Frankfurt Motor Show will be upon us before we know and I can’t wait to see some of the great new models that will be unveiled. I know that the new Peugeot 508 RXH will make its official debut in Germany between the 15th and 25th September 2011. The new Peugeot is aimed at a more luxury conscious market and offers the latest technologies and accessories both inside and out.

Peugeot have recently released details about their new model with the hope that interest will generate over the coming months in the run up to the show. The Peugeot 3008 will make it to showrooms (end of this year) before the 508 RXH but they will possess the same 2.0 litre diesel-hybrid 'HYbrid4' 200bhp engine. Peugeot have combined an electric motor and a 2.0 litre turbodiesel engine to power their forthcoming models.

The new Peugeot 508 RXH is said to support four wheel drive mode, with the electric motor powering the rear wheels and the combustion engine powering the front wheels. This is quite an interesting combination and I can’t wait to see how well it works and nor can my Peugeot Tunbridge Wells dealer, Thames Motor Group. They are looking forward to the specific details being revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show and are already excited about the launch which is due for next spring.

10 Congestion Free Citroen Models

For those out there looking for fuel efficient cars that look after the environment then I suggest taking a look at the new Citroen sub-100g/km of CO2 range. They offer now offer 10 models that all emit less than 100g/km of CO2 emissions and as a result also save motorists money at the pumps.

My Citroen Tunbridge Wells dealer, Thames Motor Group is proud that they can contribute to minimising the affect motoring can have on the environment. These 10 Citroen models are even excluded from London congestion charges and free V.E.D. I’ve heard that businesses benefit from B.I.K tax rates of 13% for nine of the sub-100g/km of CO2 and 0% for the C-Zero which doesn’t emit any CO2.

The CO2 friendly models are powertrain variations of the Citroen C3 and the Citroen C4. CO2 emissions from these 10 models range from an impressive 99g/km of CO2 to an even more impressive 93g/km. For those that are more interested in wallet savings I can say that certain models are capable of 78.5mpg.

New VW Polo Match Merges Best of Both Worlds

Volkswagen are ditching their old Moda and SE VW Polo trims and are introducing the new Volkswagen Polo Match. VW say that the Match will include the best of both the older trims.

I’m looking forward to going down to my Volkswagen Stowmarket dealer to understand what the Match will offer. I know that they have made a range of engines available, but that can sometimes make my decision even more difficult. That is why I like going into my Marriott Motor Group new and used Volkswagen dealership in Stowmarket to discuss what is on offer.

For those of you that do understand engines I have listed the engines offered with the new Volkswagen Polo Match:

1.2litre 59bhp petrol engine
1.4-litre 84bhp petrol engine
1.2-litre 74bhp diesel engine

The diesel is (not surprisingly) the more eco-friendly engine and only emits 102g/km. I’m a bit more clued up on that part as like doing my part for the planet. The petrol engines produce between 128g/km and 139g/km of CO2 emissions which is still impressive for a petrol engine.

Vauxhall Offer 0% Flexible Finance

I have been looking at purchasing a used Vauxhall Insignia in Gloucester however I have heard that starting Tuesday the 19th of July Vauxhall are launching a Flexible Finance promotion. This means that I may actually be able to afford to buy a new Vauxhall and my Vauxhall dealer in Gloucester, exciting times.

Terms and conditions outline that the finance must be taken between 24 and 60 months which is perfect for me. Vauxhall have also said that buyers can choose to use anything for nothing upwards as a deposit. They have even offered to help pay a finance deposit allowance too. Looking for an Agila? Vauxhall will pay £500, perhaps you’d prefer a Corsa? Vauxhall will pay £750. Any other Vauxhall model? Vauxhall will pay £1,000.

Sadly the Expression models aren’t included and neither is the Vauxhall Astra GTC but the 100,000 mile lifetime warranty is included. So not only can you have a new Vauxhall with 0% finance but you can have the peace of mind that it will be under warranty for its 100,000 mile life. Offer ends 30th September 2011.

New Ford Fiesta Special Edition Looks Sleek

Alongside the launch of the new Ford Fiesta Style is the Ford Fiesta Special Edition. It really does look pretty special complete with a choice of a diesel or petrol engine. This is definitely one for those drivers looking for a little extra from their Fiesta.

The twin exhaust coupled with the rear spoiler shows off the Fiesta’s sporty personality and the 17 inch alloy wheels adds something more. Black leather is used throughout the cabin from the heated seats to the hand brake.

If I was going to buy this new Ford in Reading I would definitely go for the Black Panther body paint. However there are seven colours to choose from but I would want to keep it black on the inside and out.

The next decision would be whether to go one of the petrol engines they offer or a diesel. I’ve never had a diesel before and one of the main things that I worry me about is that I would forget to use the diesel pump in the petrol station. I am going to visit my Reading Ford dealer to see what would suit me better, a 1.6-litre 94bhp Duratorq TDCi diesel engine or a Duratorq 1.6-litre, 132bhp petrol engine.

Car Dealer Power Awards 120 Metres off the Ground

The Spinnaker Tower is famous in Portsmouth for its mesmerising views. This year the Car Dealer Power Awards are being held at this impressive venue so that automotive website management companies, dealers and suppliers can enjoy the panoramic view.

Dealers across the UK have been nominating motor trade suppliers and car manufacturers for various awards. The nominations are based on the dealer’s personal experiences with each of the businesses. To be nominated and respected by industry is a privilege in its own right but we will have to wait until the 20th of July to find out who the winners will be.

I wish I was attending as I’m sure it will be a memorable evening, I'm sure there might be some magnificent photos of the views especially if it's a clear night. I wonder if there’s any other way I can get to the top of the Spinnaker Tower to be wined and dined.

Improved Style for the Ford Fiesta

News on the street is that Ford has given their Fiesta some more ‘Style’. Apparently it is going to be a new trim that sits above the entry level ‘Studio’ trim. Perhaps this is their way to connect with a female audience.

The new Ford Fiesta Style takes things up a gear and incorporates a few technologies that most of now take for granted, including electric front windows. Ford say that 75% of customers usually go for the high spec performance cars and believe the Style will provide different options for motorists looking for quality.

The new model will be available with a selection of engines. The two diesel engines include a 1.4 litre that produces either 70bhp or 95bhp. If you’re looking for a petrol engine you will ned to make a choice between the five that are on offer; a 1.25-litre with 59bhp or 80bhp, a 1.4-litre with 96bhp, available with manual or automatic transmissions, and a 1.6litre with 120 or 134bhp.

Door mirrors, bumpers and door handles match the rest of the cars paintwork. For more information about the new Ford in Basingstoke, contact Gowrings Ford Dealer.

Ford Represents Dealers on Google+

I have been trying to get an invite for Google+ but, unlike Ford, I have yet to be successful. It shouldn’t come as much of a surprise to see Ford participating in the test for a corporate presence on the new Google social media platform.

Ford are a major manufacturer in the UK and across the world so it comes as no shock that they have been given the honour to be one of the first to take part. It’s nice to see that they are not wasting the opportunity and they are actually talking to their followers. This is quite possibly their one chance to receive honest views from the public without being spammed by other corporate entities.

Ford has helped to ignite interest around the Goole+ video chat ‘hangout’ by hosting a session after they hold their live chat with Ford's marketing communications director. They have also launched a Google+ photo caption competition and openly asked people what they want from the manufacturer.

Once Google are done with their trial perhaps my Ford Kidderminster dealer, Hills Ford will build a page to interact with their local community. I feel it would be more beneficial to be able to communicate with a local dealer rather than a huge manufacturer as it wouldn’t be specific to me.

New Vauxhall Zafira Helps Start the Adventure

Vauxhall are planning the launch of their new new Vauxhall Zafira and Ampera next year. Before we get excited about those, I will remind you that the Vauxhall Astra GTC is due to launch later this year.

I like the Vauxhall Zafira as it represents real life and family adventures. Brings back nostalgic memories of when I was a child and we all used to pile into my Dads people carrier for our latest journey.

When I was a child however we did not have all the mod cons that now come with a family car like the Vauxhall Zafira. The revitalised Zafira helps parents entertain the family with a choice of infotainment systems, which we certainly never had.

For those of you ladies out there that can never find keys in their handbag or for anyone rushing out of the supermarket with hands full of shopping…Vauxhall gives you keyless entry. I just hope the 100,000 mile lifetime warranty is still valid by then.

I know I will be rushing to get a new Vauxhall Zafira in Leicestershire as soon as my Vauxhall Leicestershire dealer starts stocking them. It will be great to start my own adventures with my own family with a little bit of help from Vauxhall.

New Audi A5 Facelift

Audi have made some changes to their Audi A5 range giving them a set of new engines. Audi look to be going a bit eco-friendly with the new Audi A5’s which could be welcomed revision as long as they haven’t compromised on performance, after all that’s one of the reason most of us love an Audi. I asked my local Audi Ipswich dealer when the revised range will be available. They are hoping the new Audi Ipswich A5 range will be available in September with deliveries expected to start at the end of the year.

New technologies are going to include a stop-start system and an energy recuperation system. The new engines include an entry level 1.8 TFSI four-cylinder petrol engine capable of delivering 168bhp. The entry level 2.0 TDI with 175bhp, only emits 122g/km and supports a range of 60.1mpg. Impressive for an Audi.

Revisions to existing engines have also been made to improve brake horse power which together with the added technologies makes for a more economically friendly Audi. If the inside workings of an Audi isn’t enough then you’ll be impressed by the infotainment system and high quality cabin materials that never fail to exist inside an Audi. If that still isn’t enough then you’ll be glad to know they look good too.

Vauxhall Dealers Benefitted From 'Street Style' Campaign

I always see these Facebook competitions where users are asked to design or create something for car manufacturers. I often wonder what happens to the winners work or whether they actually receive their prize.

Vauxhall asked the public to design a scene with a Facebook app and publish it to their gallery. The design had to incorporate the new Vauxhall Corsa to promote the ‘street style’ campaign. The 10,000 designs were scrutinised by Facebook users and 20 were shortlisted from an online vote. Judges then chose Leigh Hoyte to win the competition and received a brand new limited edition Vauxhall Corsa.

I was then walking down Old Street in London and was faced with a 96-sheet billboard which very quickly eradicated my negative attitude to whether manufacturers actually used winning designs. Vauxhall commissioned the live spray painting of Leigh’s design in London which helped to promote their ‘street style’ campaign and build awareness for their new Corsa.

The design is actually quite inspiring, so much so that I popped into my Vauxhall Luton dealership, Aston Vauxhall. Now that’s great advertising. I wonder if Vauxhall will continue building interest for their Vauxhall models and whether local dealerships might carry out a scaled down version for their new and used Vauxhall cars.

Vauxhall Dealer Offers 20% off Brand New Models

This weekend is your last chance to take advantage of the 20% Countdown Vauxhall offer. I’ve been looking for a new car for a while so to stumble across an offer like this is perfect.

I’ve always thought of Vauxhall as a reliable brand but always thought I would need to look at purchasing a second hand. With 20% off a brand new Vauxhall I can compare the new and used Vauxhall Insignia in Cheltenham but I may just be able to get my first ever brand new car.

If that wasn’t enough the new cars come with a 100,000 mile lifetime guarantee. I wish I had of known about the offer sooner but I am glad that I have caught it as this is the last weekend the offer will be running.

I’m going to pop into my local Baylis Vauxhall dealer on Saturday to order my first brand new car before the offer ends on Monday 18th July.