Showing posts with label Citroen. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Citroen. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
For many prospective buyers in today’s market, the question of which new cars are cheapest to insure is a critical one.
In the UK, finding the answer is made easier because all models are placed at launch into one of fifty advisory groups, with the idea being that cars in Group 1 should attract the lowest premiums, and those in Group 50 the highest.
Deciding which vehicles go into each group falls to the Association of British Insurers, working with the Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre at Thatcham. The allocation process takes into account things like parts costs, repair times, performance and security.
Unfortunately, there aren’t too many new cars that fall into Group 1 or Group 2. In fact, the total number is ten, and here they are listed alphabetically by manufacturer:
Chevrolet Spark 1.0 (Group 1E)
At £7,215 on the road, the base Spark is one of the cheapest cars on sale in the UK. That’s enough to buy eye-catching styling and a five-door body, with little else besides. Customers wanting electric windows, central locking, air conditioning or an audio system have to look higher up the Spark range, but more kit means a higher insurance group.
The Chevrolet’s four cylinder, one litre engine produces 67 bhp (50 kW / 68 PS) and 93 Nm (68 lb/ft) of torque, giving a top speed of 96 mph (154 km/h). Average fuel consumption is a reasonable 55.4 mpg (5.1 l/100km).
Image © GM Corp.
Citroën C1 1.0 VT (Group 2E)
Unlike anything from the closely related Peugeot 107 and Toyota Aygo line-ups, a Citroën C1 makes it into Group 2. However, the downside is that it’s the basic VT spec, so owners miss out on niceties such as electric windows and air conditioning.
Max power from the three cylinder engine is 67 bhp (50 kW / 68 PS), which is enough to propel the C1 from zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 13.3 seconds. Such brisk performance doesn’t come at the expense of efficiency though, as it’ll average 62.8 mpg (4.5 l/100km) with CO2 emissions of just 103 g/km. Prices are £8,695 for the three-door, or £9,045 for the five-door.
Fiat Qubo Active 1.4 (Group 2E)
Possibly the biggest (literally) surprise amongst all the models here is the Qubo, a van-derived mini MPV. The Fiat’s looks may divide opinion, but there’s no doubting that at £10,705 on the road it’s a lot of metal for the money. Equipment levels are fairly generous too, with the Blue&Me Bluetooth / USB connectivity system and four airbags coming as standard with the basic Active trim grade.
Although it has a 1.4 petrol engine, it’s by no means a performance car. 0-62 mph (100 km/h) takes a lethargic 16.2 seconds, while the claimed top speed is 97 mph (156 km/h). Combined cycle fuel consumption of 42.2 mpg (6.7 l/100km) is reasonably good, given the Qubo’s relative bulk.
Nissan Pixo Visia 1.0 (Group 2E)
Nissan recently reduced the price of the Pixo Visia from £7,350 to £6,995, thereby undercutting the Chevrolet Spark. Predictably for that amount of money the windows have to be wound up and down manually, the doors locked individually and there are only two airbags. At least the Visia gets a CD player, though.
The Pixo’s 996 cc three cylinder engine generates 67 bhp (50 kW / 68 PS), and it’ll achieve a very impressive 64.2 mpg (4.4 l/100km) while emitting 103 g/km of CO2.
Nissan Pixo Acenta 1.0 (Group 2E)
The £8,100 Acenta trim grade has only just been dropped from the Nissan price list, effectively replaced by the n-tec version which falls into a higher insurance group. However, there might be some Acenta models still at dealers awaiting buyers.
Toyota Yaris T2 1.0 VVT-i (Group 2E)
Surprisingly, the entry-level Yaris falls into a lower insurance group than the smaller Aygo. Air conditioning and extra airbags are absent from the T2 version, but it does get electric windows, electrically adjustable door mirrors and a four-speaker stereo with steering wheel mounted controls.
Power comes from a three cylinder, one litre engine producing 68 bhp (51 kW / 69 PS), which is not a lot for a supermini. Consequently, it’s no great surprise that the 0-62 mph (100 km/h) sprint takes a sluggish 15.7 seconds, but the compensation is decent average fuel consumption of 55.4 mpg (5.1 l/100km). The Yaris T2 is priced at £10,730 in three-door form, with the five-door costing £500 more.
Vauxhall Corsa Expression 1.0 ecoFlex (Group 2E)
Costing £9,995 and only available as a three-door, as expected the standard equipment list for the Corsa Expression is sparse.
In common with many of the cars listed here, under the bonnet lurks a one litre, three cylinder engine. With an output of 64 bhp (48 kW / 65 PS), it’ll do 56.5 mpg (5.0 l/100km) with CO2 emissions of 117 g/km.
Vauxhall Corsa S 1.0 ecoFlex (Group 2E)
Mechanically the same as the Expression, the slightly posher ‘S’ gets electric front windows and remote central locking, but there’s still no air conditioning.
It costs £11,625 on the road for the three-door, although the ‘Vauxhall Internet Price’ is currently £9,895, which actually makes the lead-in Expression superfluous. For more practicality, the five-door retails at £12,050 (with a ‘Vauxhall Internet Price’ of £10,730).
Image © GM Corp.
Volkswagen Fox 1.2 (Group 1E)
The trump card for Volkswagen’s Brazilian-built entry level model is plenty of cabin space, thanks to a body that’s taller than a Polo’s and almost as wide. Interior trim quality and equipment levels might not be up to Phaeton standards, but then the Fox does currently cost just £7,295 on the road.
A recently reworked 1.2 litre engine provides 59 bhp (44 kW / 60 PS) and a useful 108 Nm (80 lb/ft) of torque, but the Fox tops out at 95 mph (152 km/h). Fuel consumption of 48.7 mpg (5.8 l/100km) isn’t outstanding against the competition, and CO2 emissions of 136g/km are disappointing.
Volkswagen Urban Fox 1.2 (Group 1E)
Sharing its engine with the basic Fox, the Urban version is differentiated by having some extra goodies. These include electric windows, remote central locking, a split folding rear seat and body coloured bumpers. The retail price for the Urban Fox is £8,030.
Related post:
Top 10: Cheapest new cars
For many prospective buyers in today’s market, the question of which new cars are cheapest to insure is a critical one.
In the UK, finding the answer is made easier because all models are placed at launch into one of fifty advisory groups, with the idea being that cars in Group 1 should attract the lowest premiums, and those in Group 50 the highest.
Deciding which vehicles go into each group falls to the Association of British Insurers, working with the Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre at Thatcham. The allocation process takes into account things like parts costs, repair times, performance and security.
Unfortunately, there aren’t too many new cars that fall into Group 1 or Group 2. In fact, the total number is ten, and here they are listed alphabetically by manufacturer:
Chevrolet Spark 1.0 (Group 1E)
At £7,215 on the road, the base Spark is one of the cheapest cars on sale in the UK. That’s enough to buy eye-catching styling and a five-door body, with little else besides. Customers wanting electric windows, central locking, air conditioning or an audio system have to look higher up the Spark range, but more kit means a higher insurance group.
The Chevrolet’s four cylinder, one litre engine produces 67 bhp (50 kW / 68 PS) and 93 Nm (68 lb/ft) of torque, giving a top speed of 96 mph (154 km/h). Average fuel consumption is a reasonable 55.4 mpg (5.1 l/100km).
Image © GM Corp.
Citroën C1 1.0 VT (Group 2E)
Unlike anything from the closely related Peugeot 107 and Toyota Aygo line-ups, a Citroën C1 makes it into Group 2. However, the downside is that it’s the basic VT spec, so owners miss out on niceties such as electric windows and air conditioning.
Max power from the three cylinder engine is 67 bhp (50 kW / 68 PS), which is enough to propel the C1 from zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 13.3 seconds. Such brisk performance doesn’t come at the expense of efficiency though, as it’ll average 62.8 mpg (4.5 l/100km) with CO2 emissions of just 103 g/km. Prices are £8,695 for the three-door, or £9,045 for the five-door.
Fiat Qubo Active 1.4 (Group 2E)
Possibly the biggest (literally) surprise amongst all the models here is the Qubo, a van-derived mini MPV. The Fiat’s looks may divide opinion, but there’s no doubting that at £10,705 on the road it’s a lot of metal for the money. Equipment levels are fairly generous too, with the Blue&Me Bluetooth / USB connectivity system and four airbags coming as standard with the basic Active trim grade.
Although it has a 1.4 petrol engine, it’s by no means a performance car. 0-62 mph (100 km/h) takes a lethargic 16.2 seconds, while the claimed top speed is 97 mph (156 km/h). Combined cycle fuel consumption of 42.2 mpg (6.7 l/100km) is reasonably good, given the Qubo’s relative bulk.
Nissan Pixo Visia 1.0 (Group 2E)
Nissan recently reduced the price of the Pixo Visia from £7,350 to £6,995, thereby undercutting the Chevrolet Spark. Predictably for that amount of money the windows have to be wound up and down manually, the doors locked individually and there are only two airbags. At least the Visia gets a CD player, though.
The Pixo’s 996 cc three cylinder engine generates 67 bhp (50 kW / 68 PS), and it’ll achieve a very impressive 64.2 mpg (4.4 l/100km) while emitting 103 g/km of CO2.
Nissan Pixo Acenta 1.0 (Group 2E)
The £8,100 Acenta trim grade has only just been dropped from the Nissan price list, effectively replaced by the n-tec version which falls into a higher insurance group. However, there might be some Acenta models still at dealers awaiting buyers.
Toyota Yaris T2 1.0 VVT-i (Group 2E)
Surprisingly, the entry-level Yaris falls into a lower insurance group than the smaller Aygo. Air conditioning and extra airbags are absent from the T2 version, but it does get electric windows, electrically adjustable door mirrors and a four-speaker stereo with steering wheel mounted controls.
Power comes from a three cylinder, one litre engine producing 68 bhp (51 kW / 69 PS), which is not a lot for a supermini. Consequently, it’s no great surprise that the 0-62 mph (100 km/h) sprint takes a sluggish 15.7 seconds, but the compensation is decent average fuel consumption of 55.4 mpg (5.1 l/100km). The Yaris T2 is priced at £10,730 in three-door form, with the five-door costing £500 more.
Vauxhall Corsa Expression 1.0 ecoFlex (Group 2E)
Costing £9,995 and only available as a three-door, as expected the standard equipment list for the Corsa Expression is sparse.
In common with many of the cars listed here, under the bonnet lurks a one litre, three cylinder engine. With an output of 64 bhp (48 kW / 65 PS), it’ll do 56.5 mpg (5.0 l/100km) with CO2 emissions of 117 g/km.
Vauxhall Corsa S 1.0 ecoFlex (Group 2E)
Mechanically the same as the Expression, the slightly posher ‘S’ gets electric front windows and remote central locking, but there’s still no air conditioning.
It costs £11,625 on the road for the three-door, although the ‘Vauxhall Internet Price’ is currently £9,895, which actually makes the lead-in Expression superfluous. For more practicality, the five-door retails at £12,050 (with a ‘Vauxhall Internet Price’ of £10,730).
Image © GM Corp.
Volkswagen Fox 1.2 (Group 1E)
The trump card for Volkswagen’s Brazilian-built entry level model is plenty of cabin space, thanks to a body that’s taller than a Polo’s and almost as wide. Interior trim quality and equipment levels might not be up to Phaeton standards, but then the Fox does currently cost just £7,295 on the road.
A recently reworked 1.2 litre engine provides 59 bhp (44 kW / 60 PS) and a useful 108 Nm (80 lb/ft) of torque, but the Fox tops out at 95 mph (152 km/h). Fuel consumption of 48.7 mpg (5.8 l/100km) isn’t outstanding against the competition, and CO2 emissions of 136g/km are disappointing.
Volkswagen Urban Fox 1.2 (Group 1E)
Sharing its engine with the basic Fox, the Urban version is differentiated by having some extra goodies. These include electric windows, remote central locking, a split folding rear seat and body coloured bumpers. The retail price for the Urban Fox is £8,030.
Related post:
Top 10: Cheapest new cars
Thursday, May 26, 2011
If there is one television crew that is almost impossible to go by unnoticed (at least by the male population) anywhere they go in the world, it is the hosts of BBC’s widely popular Top Gear program. This time, Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond were spotted in the medieval town of Lucca in Tuscany, central Italy. Read more »
If there is one television crew that is almost impossible to go by unnoticed (at least by the male population) anywhere they go in the world, it is the hosts of BBC’s widely popular Top Gear program. This time, Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond were spotted in the medieval town of Lucca in Tuscany, central Italy.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Citroen C3 Picasso Recalled in the UK because the Brakes can be Activated from the Passenger Side!
0 comments Posted by bajol at 7:48 AM
Citroen announced it will recall over 20,000 C3 Picasso models sold in the United Kingdom for a rather unusual reason. It seems that the car's brakes can be activated accidentally by the front passenger when pushing their feet into the footwell! The discovery was made by a BBC TV show called Watchdog that was alerted about the problem from a cleaning company owning three C3 Picassos.
The reason for this malfunction is a manufacturing flaw occurring in France during the right-hand drive assembly of the C3 Picasso for the UK market. Even though the brake pedal is switched to the right, it remains connected to a mechanism on the left passenger side, BBC's Watchdog explained. It was discovered that the mechanism was covered only by a thin piece of felt, and that it could be easily activated by the passenger’s feet.
Citroen C3 Picasso Recalled in the UK because the Brakes can be Activated from the Passenger Side!
0 comments Posted by bajol at 7:48 AMCitroen announced it will recall over 20,000 C3 Picasso models sold in the United Kingdom for a rather unusual reason. It seems that the car's brakes can be activated accidentally by the front passenger when pushing their feet into the footwell! The discovery was made by a BBC TV show called Watchdog that was alerted about the problem from a cleaning company owning three C3 Picassos.
The reason for this malfunction is a manufacturing flaw occurring in France during the right-hand drive assembly of the C3 Picasso for the UK market. Even though the brake pedal is switched to the right, it remains connected to a mechanism on the left passenger side, BBC's Watchdog explained. It was discovered that the mechanism was covered only by a thin piece of felt, and that it could be easily activated by the passenger’s feet.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Volkswagen has confirmed that it will be contesting the World Rally Championship from 2013. The announcement was made in Olbia - just ahead of the Rally d'Italia Sardegna - where a concept version of the firm’s Polo R WRC was also revealed.
A fourth manufacturer is good news for the series, and the arrival of Volkswagen Motorsport should provide some added competition for the existing entries from Ford, Citroën and newcomers Mini.
The catalyst for the WRC’s revitalisation has undoubtedly been new cost-saving regulations, introduced at the start of this season.
Like its rivals, the Polo R WRC will be powered by a 1.6 litre, turbocharged petrol engine with direct injection producing around 295 bhp (220 kW / 300 PS) and 350 Nm (258 lb/ft) of torque. Featuring all-wheel drive, bodywork alterations and various aerodynamic aids, the end package is going to have to comply with the minimum weight limit of 1,200 kilograms (2,645 lbs).
Although the car is just a concept at the moment, work on the first prototypes is planned to commence later this year ahead of a testing programme in 2012.
Related posts:
Mini Countryman WRC
Citroën DS3 WRC 2011
Ford Fiesta RS WRC 2011
Volkswagen has confirmed that it will be contesting the World Rally Championship from 2013. The announcement was made in Olbia - just ahead of the Rally d'Italia Sardegna - where a concept version of the firm’s Polo R WRC was also revealed.
A fourth manufacturer is good news for the series, and the arrival of Volkswagen Motorsport should provide some added competition for the existing entries from Ford, Citroën and newcomers Mini.
The catalyst for the WRC’s revitalisation has undoubtedly been new cost-saving regulations, introduced at the start of this season.
Like its rivals, the Polo R WRC will be powered by a 1.6 litre, turbocharged petrol engine with direct injection producing around 295 bhp (220 kW / 300 PS) and 350 Nm (258 lb/ft) of torque. Featuring all-wheel drive, bodywork alterations and various aerodynamic aids, the end package is going to have to comply with the minimum weight limit of 1,200 kilograms (2,645 lbs).
Although the car is just a concept at the moment, work on the first prototypes is planned to commence later this year ahead of a testing programme in 2012.
Related posts:
Mini Countryman WRC
Citroën DS3 WRC 2011
Ford Fiesta RS WRC 2011
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Citroën’s DS4 has been declared Most Beautiful Car of the Year 2011 at the International Automobile Festival, which is currently taking place at the Hôtel des Invalides in Paris, France.
The decision was based solely on a public internet ballot, with voters allowed to choose from a shortlist of seven different models. None of the candidates could have a retail price tag exceeding €50,000.
Emerging as a clear winner, the DS4 received 45% of all the hundreds of thousands of votes cast.
Of course, beauty and good design are subjective things, but it’s arguable that the opposition wasn’t exactly strong. Indeed, although some of the cars on the shortlist could be described as ‘elegant’, ‘striking’ or even ‘purposeful’, ‘beautiful’ is possibly too strong an adjective for any of them.
| Most Beautiful Car of the Year 2011 | |
|---|---|
| Position | Model |
| 1 | Citroën DS4 |
| 2 | BMW 5 Series Saloon |
| 3 | Honda CR-Z Hybrid |
| 4 | Renault Wind |
| U | Mini Countryman |
| U | Infiniti M37 |
| U | Volvo V60 |
| U = Unclassified | |
As well as the Most Beautiful Car award and an exhibition of concept cars, the International Automobile Festival also sees Jury Grand Prizes being given to reward artistic automotive creations:
Most Beautiful Concept Car of the Year
Nominees
Kia Pop
Jaguar C-X75
Renault DéZir
Bertone Pandion
Winner
Jaguar C-X75
Most Beautiful Interior of the Year
Nominees
Honda CR-Z Hybrid
Citroën DS4
Mini Countryman
Infiniti M37
Winner
Citroën DS4
Most Beautiful Book of the Year
Nominees
Gotha de l'Automobile Française - E-T-A-I - Laurent Friry and Claude Rouxel
Joyaux Automobiles des Maharadjahs - E-T-A-I - Gautam Sen
Carrosserie, une histoire de style - La Martiniere - Serge Bellu
60 voitures des années 60 - DUPUIS - Jidéhem
Winner
Gotha de l'Automobile Française - E-T-A-I - Laurent Friry and Claude Rouxel
Most Beautiful Photo of the Year
Nominees
‘Jump’ - Jari Matti Latvala in a Ford Focus. WRC 2010 Rally New Zealand, 09-05-2010 - François Baudin (Agence DPPI)
‘Etincelles’ - Dario Franchitti (Ganassi). Indycar race at Homestead, Miami, USA, 02-10-2010 - Jean-François Galeron
‘Marchand de Sable’ - Nasser Al Attiyah, Volkswagen race Touareg, Kalmoukie desert, Silk Way Rallye 2010, Dakar series 2010 - Eric Vargiolu (Agence DPPI)
‘La Dolce Vita’ - Jaguar Type C, 1000 Miglia. Tuscany, Italy, 07-05-2010 - Cathy Dubuisson
Winner
‘Marchand de Sable’ - Eric Vargiolu
Most Beautiful Advertising Film of the Year
Nominees
Fiat: ‘Brainstorming’ - Marcel Paris (France)
Mercedes-Benz: ‘The Best or Nothing’ - Jung von Matt / Alster Hamburg (International)
Citroën: ‘Dog’ - Agence H (France)
Alfa Romeo: ‘Uma Thurman’ - Leo Burnett, USA (International)
Winner
Mercedes-Benz: ‘The Best or Nothing’
Top Prize for Design
Winner
Bertone
Top Prize for the Environment
Winner
BMW Efficient Dynamics
Top Prize for Art
Winner
BMW M3 GT2 Jeff Koons Artcar
Top Prize of the Festival
Winner
Mercedes-Benz CLS
Jury’s Special Top Prize
Winner
Adrien Maeght
The Palme d’Or
Winner
Red Bull Racing - Dieter Mateschitz / Sebastian Vettel / Adrian Newey
Related post:
Citroën DS4 revealed
Citroën’s DS4 has been declared Most Beautiful Car of the Year 2011 at the International Automobile Festival, which is currently taking place at the Hôtel des Invalides in Paris, France.
The decision was based solely on a public internet ballot, with voters allowed to choose from a shortlist of seven different models. None of the candidates could have a retail price tag exceeding €50,000.
Emerging as a clear winner, the DS4 received 45% of all the hundreds of thousands of votes cast.
Of course, beauty and good design are subjective things, but it’s arguable that the opposition wasn’t exactly strong. Indeed, although some of the cars on the shortlist could be described as ‘elegant’, ‘striking’ or even ‘purposeful’, ‘beautiful’ is possibly too strong an adjective for any of them.
| Most Beautiful Car of the Year 2011 | |
|---|---|
| Position | Model |
| 1 | Citroën DS4 |
| 2 | BMW 5 Series Saloon |
| 3 | Honda CR-Z Hybrid |
| 4 | Renault Wind |
| U | Mini Countryman |
| U | Infiniti M37 |
| U | Volvo V60 |
| U = Unclassified | |
As well as the Most Beautiful Car award and an exhibition of concept cars, the International Automobile Festival also sees Jury Grand Prizes being given to reward artistic automotive creations:
Most Beautiful Concept Car of the Year
Nominees
Kia Pop
Jaguar C-X75
Renault DéZir
Bertone Pandion
Winner
Jaguar C-X75
Most Beautiful Interior of the Year
Nominees
Honda CR-Z Hybrid
Citroën DS4
Mini Countryman
Infiniti M37
Winner
Citroën DS4
Most Beautiful Book of the Year
Nominees
Gotha de l'Automobile Française - E-T-A-I - Laurent Friry and Claude Rouxel
Joyaux Automobiles des Maharadjahs - E-T-A-I - Gautam Sen
Carrosserie, une histoire de style - La Martiniere - Serge Bellu
60 voitures des années 60 - DUPUIS - Jidéhem
Winner
Gotha de l'Automobile Française - E-T-A-I - Laurent Friry and Claude Rouxel
Most Beautiful Photo of the Year
Nominees
‘Jump’ - Jari Matti Latvala in a Ford Focus. WRC 2010 Rally New Zealand, 09-05-2010 - François Baudin (Agence DPPI)
‘Etincelles’ - Dario Franchitti (Ganassi). Indycar race at Homestead, Miami, USA, 02-10-2010 - Jean-François Galeron
‘Marchand de Sable’ - Nasser Al Attiyah, Volkswagen race Touareg, Kalmoukie desert, Silk Way Rallye 2010, Dakar series 2010 - Eric Vargiolu (Agence DPPI)
‘La Dolce Vita’ - Jaguar Type C, 1000 Miglia. Tuscany, Italy, 07-05-2010 - Cathy Dubuisson
Winner
‘Marchand de Sable’ - Eric Vargiolu
Most Beautiful Advertising Film of the Year
Nominees
Fiat: ‘Brainstorming’ - Marcel Paris (France)
Mercedes-Benz: ‘The Best or Nothing’ - Jung von Matt / Alster Hamburg (International)
Citroën: ‘Dog’ - Agence H (France)
Alfa Romeo: ‘Uma Thurman’ - Leo Burnett, USA (International)
Winner
Mercedes-Benz: ‘The Best or Nothing’
Top Prize for Design
Winner
Bertone
Top Prize for the Environment
Winner
BMW Efficient Dynamics
Top Prize for Art
Winner
BMW M3 GT2 Jeff Koons Artcar
Top Prize of the Festival
Winner
Mercedes-Benz CLS
Jury’s Special Top Prize
Winner
Adrien Maeght
The Palme d’Or
Winner
Red Bull Racing - Dieter Mateschitz / Sebastian Vettel / Adrian Newey
Related post:
Citroën DS4 revealed
Monday, January 24, 2011
Citroën has confirmed its entries for the 2011 World Rally Championship, ahead of the first round which takes place in Sweden between the 10th and 13th of February.
Following major changes to the regulations for this season, the venerable C4 WRC is no more and so all will be driving the brand new DS3 WRC with its 1.6 litre turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive.
In the lead car of the Citroën Total World Rally Team will once again be Frenchman Sébastien Loeb, who is aiming for an incredible eighth successive world drivers’ title. Sat alongside him will be co-driver Daniel Elena, from Monaco.
Joining them as team mates will be the French pairing of driver Sébastien Ogier and co-driver Julien Ingrassia, their promotion to full-time duty in the works outfit undoubtedly helped by victories in 2010’s Rally de Portugal and Rally Japan.
Although the Citroën Junior Team has ceased to exist, Citroën Racing Technologies will be running three additional cars for private crews.
Petter Solberg / Chris Patterson, competing for the Petter Solberg World Rally Team, are going to enter all thirteen rallies. Kimi Räikkönen / Kaj Lindström will contest at least ten rounds under the Ice 1 Racing banner, while the Van Merksteijn Motorsport entry of Peter van Merksteijn / Eddy Chevaillier is expected to begin its season at March’s Portuguese event.
Related post:
Citroën DS3 WRC 2011
Citroën has confirmed its entries for the 2011 World Rally Championship, ahead of the first round which takes place in Sweden between the 10th and 13th of February.
Following major changes to the regulations for this season, the venerable C4 WRC is no more and so all will be driving the brand new DS3 WRC with its 1.6 litre turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive.
In the lead car of the Citroën Total World Rally Team will once again be Frenchman Sébastien Loeb, who is aiming for an incredible eighth successive world drivers’ title. Sat alongside him will be co-driver Daniel Elena, from Monaco.
Joining them as team mates will be the French pairing of driver Sébastien Ogier and co-driver Julien Ingrassia, their promotion to full-time duty in the works outfit undoubtedly helped by victories in 2010’s Rally de Portugal and Rally Japan.
Although the Citroën Junior Team has ceased to exist, Citroën Racing Technologies will be running three additional cars for private crews.
Petter Solberg / Chris Patterson, competing for the Petter Solberg World Rally Team, are going to enter all thirteen rallies. Kimi Räikkönen / Kaj Lindström will contest at least ten rounds under the Ice 1 Racing banner, while the Van Merksteijn Motorsport entry of Peter van Merksteijn / Eddy Chevaillier is expected to begin its season at March’s Portuguese event.
Related post:
Citroën DS3 WRC 2011
Saturday, January 8, 2011
The new Greener Vehicle Discount, which replaces the Alternative Fuel Discount, means that more cars will potentially qualify for 100% off the daily charge.
Naturally, there are a couple of caveats that come attached with this generous gesture from Transport for London.
The first is that the vehicle needs to be ‘green’. More precisely, it should be Euro 5 emissions compliant and produce 100 grams of CO2 per kilometre or less.
Secondly, if you already own such an eco-friendly machine, don’t presume that you can just swan about in central London and not worry about the Congestion Charge. To receive the Greener Vehicle Discount, a car must first be registered with Transport for London, and that involves a £10 annual payment.
So, what cars will qualify for the Greener Vehicle Discount? According to the Vehicle Certification Agency, the models that currently meet the criteria are:
| Manufacturer | Model | Specification | Transmission | Fuel | CO2 g/km |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audi | A3 | 1.6 TDI 105PS Stop Start | M5 | Diesel | 99 |
| Citroën | DS3 | 1.6HDi 90hp w/ energy saving tyres | M5 | Diesel | 99 |
| Citroën | New C3 | 1.6HDi 90hp Airdream+ | M5 | Diesel | 99 |
| Fiat | 500 / 500C (2010 on) | TwinAir | M5 | Petrol | 95 |
| Fiat | 500 / 500C (2010 on) | TwinAir Dualogic | SAT5 | Petrol | 92 |
| Fiat | Punto Evo (Jan 2010 on) | 1.3 16v MultiJet 85 ECO | M5 | Diesel | 95 |
| Ford | Fiesta (Post 2010¼) | 1.6 Duratorq 95PS +DPF ECO | M5 | Diesel | 98 |
| Hyundai | i10 | 1.0l SOHC | M5 | Petrol | 99 |
| Mini | Hatchback | One D w/ DPF | M6 | Diesel | 99 |
| Mini | Hatchback | Cooper D w/ DPF | M6 | Diesel | 99 |
| Seat | Ibiza | ST 1.2 CR TDI 75PS Ecomotive | M5 | Diesel | 92 |
| Seat | Leon | 1.6 CR TDI 105PS Ecomotive | M5 | Diesel | 99 |
| Skoda | New Fabia Hatch | 1.2 CR TDI 75PS GreenLine II | M5 | Diesel | 89 |
| Skoda | New Fabia Estate | 1.2 CR TDI 75PS GreenLine II | M5 | Diesel | 89 |
| Skoda | New Fabia Estate | 1.2 TDI 3 cylinder 75PS GreenLine | M5 | Diesel | 89 |
| Smart | fortwo cabrio (MY 2011) | 54 bhp cdi w/ Softip & 15" rear wheels | 5 AMT | Diesel | 86 |
| Smart | fortwo cabrio (MY 2011) | 54 bhp cdi w/ Softouch & 15" rear wheels | 5 AMT | Diesel | 87 |
| Smart | fortwo cabrio (MY 2011) | 71 bhp mhd w/ Softip & 15" rear wheels | 5 AMT | Petrol | 99 |
| Smart | fortwo cabrio (MY 2011) | 71 bhp mhd w/ Softouch & 15" rear wheels | 5 AMT | Petrol | 100 |
| Smart | fortwo coupé (MY 2011) | 54 bhp cdi w/ Softip & 15" rear wheels | 5 AMT | Diesel | 86 |
| Smart | fortwo coupé (MY 2011) | 54 bhp cdi w/ Softouch & 15" rear wheels | 5 AMT | Diesel | 87 |
| Smart | fortwo coupé (MY 2011) | 71 bhp mhd w/ Softip & 15" rear wheels | 5 AMT | Petrol | 97 |
| Smart | fortwo coupé (MY 2011) | 71 bhp mhd w/ Softouch & 15" rear wheels | 5 AMT | Petrol | 98 |
| Toyota | iQ (MY 2011) | 1.0 VVT-i | M5 | Petrol | 99 |
| Toyota | Auris Hybrid (MY 2010) | T4 89g 1.8 VVT-i | E-CVT | Petrol Hybrid | 89 |
| Toyota | Auris Hybrid (MY 2010) | T4 1.8 VVT-i | E-CVT | Petrol Hybrid | 93 |
| Toyota | Auris Hybrid (MY 2010) | T Spirit 1.8 VVT-i | E-CVT | Petrol Hybrid | 93 |
| Toyota | Prius (MY 2009) | T4 1.8 VVT-I | E-CVT | Petrol Hybrid | 92 |
| Toyota | Prius (MY 2009) | T3 1.8VVT-I | E-CVT | Petrol Hybrid | 89 |
| Toyota | Prius (MY 2009) | T Spirit 1.8 VVT-I | E-CVT | Petrol Hybrid | 92 |
| Toyota | Prius (MY 2009) | T Spirit w/ Solar Panel 1.8VVT-I | E-CVT | Petrol Hybrid | 89 |
| Volkswagen | New Polo | 1.2 TDI 75PS BlueMotion | M5 | Diesel | 89 |
| Volkswagen | New Golf | 1.6 TDI 105PS BlueMotion | M5 | Diesel | 99 |
| Volvo | C30 (MY 2011) | DRIVe | M6 | Diesel | 99 |
| Volvo | C30 (MY 2011) | DRIVe | M6 | Diesel | 99 |
| Volvo | S40 (MY 2010) | DRIVe | M6 | Diesel | 99 |
| Volvo | S40 (MY 2011) | DRIVe | M6 | Diesel | 99 |
| Volvo | V50 (MY 2011) | DRIVe | M6 | Diesel | 99 |
| NB: Electric and plug-in hybrid cars aren’t eligible for the Greener Vehicle Discount - they have their own discount scheme. | |||||
It’s worth bearing in mind that Transport for London has committed to review the Greener Vehicle Discount in the future, so that eventually only vehicles emitting 80 g/km or less qualify. This tweak will be introduced ‘when the time is right’, but the first reassessment of the discount has been confirmed for 2012.
And finally, the area covered by the Congestion Charge is now much smaller, following the scrapping of the Western Extension zone on 4th January 2011:
Related posts:
Congestion Charge change
London Congestion Charge
The new Greener Vehicle Discount, which replaces the Alternative Fuel Discount, means that more cars will potentially qualify for 100% off the daily charge.
Naturally, there are a couple of caveats that come attached with this generous gesture from Transport for London.
The first is that the vehicle needs to be ‘green’. More precisely, it should be Euro 5 emissions compliant and produce 100 grams of CO2 per kilometre or less.
Secondly, if you already own such an eco-friendly machine, don’t presume that you can just swan about in central London and not worry about the Congestion Charge. To receive the Greener Vehicle Discount, a car must first be registered with Transport for London, and that involves a £10 annual payment.
So, what cars will qualify for the Greener Vehicle Discount? According to the Vehicle Certification Agency, the models that currently meet the criteria are:
| Manufacturer | Model | Specification | Transmission | Fuel | CO2 g/km |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audi | A3 | 1.6 TDI 105PS Stop Start | M5 | Diesel | 99 |
| Citroën | DS3 | 1.6HDi 90hp w/ energy saving tyres | M5 | Diesel | 99 |
| Citroën | New C3 | 1.6HDi 90hp Airdream+ | M5 | Diesel | 99 |
| Fiat | 500 / 500C (2010 on) | TwinAir | M5 | Petrol | 95 |
| Fiat | 500 / 500C (2010 on) | TwinAir Dualogic | SAT5 | Petrol | 92 |
| Fiat | Punto Evo (Jan 2010 on) | 1.3 16v MultiJet 85 ECO | M5 | Diesel | 95 |
| Ford | Fiesta (Post 2010¼) | 1.6 Duratorq 95PS +DPF ECO | M5 | Diesel | 98 |
| Hyundai | i10 | 1.0l SOHC | M5 | Petrol | 99 |
| Mini | Hatchback | One D w/ DPF | M6 | Diesel | 99 |
| Mini | Hatchback | Cooper D w/ DPF | M6 | Diesel | 99 |
| Seat | Ibiza | ST 1.2 CR TDI 75PS Ecomotive | M5 | Diesel | 92 |
| Seat | Leon | 1.6 CR TDI 105PS Ecomotive | M5 | Diesel | 99 |
| Skoda | New Fabia Hatch | 1.2 CR TDI 75PS GreenLine II | M5 | Diesel | 89 |
| Skoda | New Fabia Estate | 1.2 CR TDI 75PS GreenLine II | M5 | Diesel | 89 |
| Skoda | New Fabia Estate | 1.2 TDI 3 cylinder 75PS GreenLine | M5 | Diesel | 89 |
| Smart | fortwo cabrio (MY 2011) | 54 bhp cdi w/ Softip & 15" rear wheels | 5 AMT | Diesel | 86 |
| Smart | fortwo cabrio (MY 2011) | 54 bhp cdi w/ Softouch & 15" rear wheels | 5 AMT | Diesel | 87 |
| Smart | fortwo cabrio (MY 2011) | 71 bhp mhd w/ Softip & 15" rear wheels | 5 AMT | Petrol | 99 |
| Smart | fortwo cabrio (MY 2011) | 71 bhp mhd w/ Softouch & 15" rear wheels | 5 AMT | Petrol | 100 |
| Smart | fortwo coupé (MY 2011) | 54 bhp cdi w/ Softip & 15" rear wheels | 5 AMT | Diesel | 86 |
| Smart | fortwo coupé (MY 2011) | 54 bhp cdi w/ Softouch & 15" rear wheels | 5 AMT | Diesel | 87 |
| Smart | fortwo coupé (MY 2011) | 71 bhp mhd w/ Softip & 15" rear wheels | 5 AMT | Petrol | 97 |
| Smart | fortwo coupé (MY 2011) | 71 bhp mhd w/ Softouch & 15" rear wheels | 5 AMT | Petrol | 98 |
| Toyota | iQ (MY 2011) | 1.0 VVT-i | M5 | Petrol | 99 |
| Toyota | Auris Hybrid (MY 2010) | T4 89g 1.8 VVT-i | E-CVT | Petrol Hybrid | 89 |
| Toyota | Auris Hybrid (MY 2010) | T4 1.8 VVT-i | E-CVT | Petrol Hybrid | 93 |
| Toyota | Auris Hybrid (MY 2010) | T Spirit 1.8 VVT-i | E-CVT | Petrol Hybrid | 93 |
| Toyota | Prius (MY 2009) | T4 1.8 VVT-I | E-CVT | Petrol Hybrid | 92 |
| Toyota | Prius (MY 2009) | T3 1.8VVT-I | E-CVT | Petrol Hybrid | 89 |
| Toyota | Prius (MY 2009) | T Spirit 1.8 VVT-I | E-CVT | Petrol Hybrid | 92 |
| Toyota | Prius (MY 2009) | T Spirit w/ Solar Panel 1.8VVT-I | E-CVT | Petrol Hybrid | 89 |
| Volkswagen | New Polo | 1.2 TDI 75PS BlueMotion | M5 | Diesel | 89 |
| Volkswagen | New Golf | 1.6 TDI 105PS BlueMotion | M5 | Diesel | 99 |
| Volvo | C30 (MY 2011) | DRIVe | M6 | Diesel | 99 |
| Volvo | C30 (MY 2011) | DRIVe | M6 | Diesel | 99 |
| Volvo | S40 (MY 2010) | DRIVe | M6 | Diesel | 99 |
| Volvo | S40 (MY 2011) | DRIVe | M6 | Diesel | 99 |
| Volvo | V50 (MY 2011) | DRIVe | M6 | Diesel | 99 |
| NB: Electric and plug-in hybrid cars aren’t eligible for the Greener Vehicle Discount - they have their own discount scheme. | |||||
It’s worth bearing in mind that Transport for London has committed to review the Greener Vehicle Discount in the future, so that eventually only vehicles emitting 80 g/km or less qualify. This tweak will be introduced ‘when the time is right’, but the first reassessment of the discount has been confirmed for 2012.
And finally, the area covered by the Congestion Charge is now much smaller, following the scrapping of the Western Extension zone on 4th January 2011:
Related posts:
Congestion Charge change
London Congestion Charge
Thursday, December 16, 2010
The UK’s Department for Transport has announced the first nine models that will be eligible for its Plug-in Car Grant.
Beginning in January 2011, the scheme will see buyers able to claim 25% off the list price (up to a maximum of £5,000) per qualifying vehicle. The government has allocated £43M for the grants up until the end of March 2012, with a review of the programme’s viability beyond that date scheduled for January 2012.
The nine are:
| Manufacturer | Model | First UK Deliveries | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mitsubishi | i-MiEV | January 2011 | £23,990 including grant |
| smart | fortwo electric drive | January 2011 | TBC. Available to lease in limited volumes from January 2011 ahead of full series production starting in 2012 |
| Peugeot | iOn | January 2011 | Only available via four year lease at £415 plus VAT per month |
| Nissan | Leaf | March 2011 | £23,990 including grant |
| Tata | Vista EV | March 2011 | TBC |
| Citroën | CZero | Early 2011 | Only available via four year lease at £415 plus VAT per month |
| Vauxhall | Ampera | Early 2012 | £28,995 including grant |
| Toyota | Prius Plug-in Hybrid | Early 2012 | TBC. Currently only available to lease in limited volumes |
| Chevrolet | Volt | Early 2012 | TBC |
 |
| smart fortwo electric drive |
Although it looks like there’ll be plenty for customers to choose from, the choice isn’t as wide as it first appears. The Peugeot and Citroën are essentially re-badged versions of the Mitsubishi, while the Ampera shares its underpinnings with the Volt.
 |
| Peugeot iOn |
Business Minister Mark Prisk said: “Today’s news that motorists will be able to choose from at least nine cars under the consumer incentive scheme… will further reinforce the message that the UK is Europe’s leading producer of ultra low carbon vehicles."
Unfortunately the last part of that particular statement shouldn’t be taken at face value just yet. The only model on the list that is definitely confirmed for UK production is the Nissan Leaf. However, domestic manufacturing will only start in 2013, with cars being imported from Japan until then.
Meanwhile, GM Europe has yet to decide whether the Vauxhall Ampera will be built at Ellesmere Port in England, but it has confirmed that the Ampera’s UK price will be £28,995 after the Plug-in car Grant has been applied.
 |
| Vauxhall Ampera |
A surprising inclusion is the Tata Vista EV, mainly because it’s an unknown quantity in the UK. Apparently it has been developed from the Indica Vista, the previous version of which was the basis for the almost universally unloved and derided CityRover.
 |
| Tata Indica Vista |
Tata Motors European Technical Centre in Warwick has been involved in the project, and the rumour is that the Vista EV may be built in the UK. A location has yet to be disclosed so, unless there has been a lot of work going on behind the scenes, an on-sale date of March 2011 seems very optimistic unless the initial cars are going to be imported from India. And then there’s the slight issue of not having a dealer network to sell through. Maybe Tata will use the showrooms of its Jaguar and Land Rover subsidiaries?
Related posts:
Leaf is Car of the Year
US to get wider i-MiEV
SMMT Electric Car Guide
Mitsubishi i-MiEV costs
UK i-MiEV prices slashed
Electric car grants saved
PSA goes electric
The future’s electric
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