Freedom Issue No 1 Oct 2011

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CoMPliMentarY CoPY

FREEDOM

 Yu ss gu  Mby  Suh Ws

 !  W  E  N

YOU DONT HAVE TO DRIVE  YoU Can noMinate UP to 2 driVerS!

 N    o o  i    t t  i  d  E  t  r s  f i r

AM I EN T I TL E D  TO MO TA B IL T Y? ailS  ta See inSide for de t

HALL  XH  VAU X  VA

Ford

M o  or    E  r E   t H  HA   N  4 ,0 0  00     N E  0 E W  W  c Ar s  s t o  o  c H  Ho    o  o   s  o   E  s E   f r  ro    M  o     M NISSAN

A  TA o T  Yo To Y

FREEDOM

CONTENTS CONTENTS & DEALERSHIPS 4 5

Motability Eligibility Frequentl tlyy-As Ask ked Quest stio ion ns

South Sou th Wale aleS S 6-7

Sinclair VW

Bord Bo rder er Co Coun untie tieS S 8-9

Fiv ive e Acr cre es Ni Nisssa san n

BridGend 10-1 0-11 1 12-1 2-13 3

Bassetts Basse tts Hon Honda da Lee Le e & Turn urner er

CardiFF 14-1 4-15 5 16-1 6-17 7 18-1 8-19 9

Fordthorn Fordth orne e For Ford d Fordth For dthorn orne e Volv olvo o Wesse We ssexx Hyu Hyund ndai ai

eaSt eaS t Wal aleS eS 22-23 22-23 24-2 4-25 5 26-2 2627 28-29 30-31 30-3 1 32-33 3233

Evans Hals Evans Halshaw haw Vaux auxhal halll Look Lo okers ers Citr Citroen oen Look Lo okers ers Peu Peugeo geott Newtown Newt own Mot Motors ors Vauxha auxhallll Newtown Newt own Mot Motors ors Chev Chevrolet rolet Wesse We ssexx New Newport port Kia

ValleyS 34-35 34-35 36-3 36 -37 7 38-39 3839 40-4 40 -41 1 42-4 42 -43 3 44-45 46-4 4647

Aberdare Aberd are For Ford d Arro Ar row w Fo Ford rd Griffin Gri ffin Mill Pe Peuge ugeot ot Griffi Gr iffin n Mi Millll Ki Kia a Griffi Gr iffin n Mi Millll Fi Fiat at Griffin Gri ffin Mill Sk Skoda oda Thoma Tho mass & Da Davie viess Citr Citroen oen

Back Page Newport Mazda

FREEDOM

INTRODUCTION Publisher

Motors Manager Pam Appleby  Advertising David Demille Debbie Bowen  Jeff Day Ian Moss Laurence Laure nce Winmill Neil Ivins Shirley Star Starkk Editorial Mike Parker

 r s t  f i r  o N  t i o  E d i t

Design Darren James For far more information about the Motability scheme, please go to www.motability.co.uk

M

otability provides provides a simple way for disabled people to enjoy the freedom and independence of a new car, scooter or powered wheelchair by simply transferring transferring all or part of their government-funded mobility allowance. More than half a million people currently benefit from Motability’s worry-free motoring, motori ng, but there are still more than one million eligible disabled people who could take advantage. A new DVD has been released to help explain the benefits of Motability. Through the stories of real customers, the DVD explains how the scheme works and shows  just how easy it is to enjoy a car car,, powered wheelchair wheelchair or scooterr without the worry of owning and running one. scoote It will be useful for health professionals, advisory groups, social services and other charities and organisations, as well as eligible disabled people and their familie families, s, advising them about the help that is avai available lable through the Motability Scheme. One of the stars of the new DVD, Allen Parton, 51, 51, was only too pleased to help raise awareness of the Motability Scheme. He says “I’m ex-Royal Navy, and was injured in the Gulf War. I suffered a traumatic head injury which left me in hospital for five years. When I woke up I couldn’t recall being married, the birth of my children or even read, write, walk or talk. It’s been a long recovery to where I am today today.” .” Allen continues continues “My life changed changed when I met an assistancee dog called Endal. I went from being a recluse to assistanc an active person again and slowly every day he brought me

back to my family. My life had completely turned around and I wanted to live life to the full and that’s where Motability Motability came into our lives. We got our first car 16 years ago and it’s like joining an exclusive club - a Motability family. Every three years we renew our car and it just gets easier and easier, if that’s at all possible. Motability are there to help you and knowing that you’ve got backup and you’re not on your own if a problem arises gives you real peace of  mind.” You can order your free copy of the DVD by completing an information pack request and ticking the option: Motability DVD. Alternatively you can call 0800 093 1000 and ask for your free copy. The DVD includes options for viewing with British Sign Language and with English and Welsh subtitles.

Thank You 

To advertise in the next edition please telephone 01633 777158 

FREEDOM NEWS

Are you eligible for a Motability car? To le lease ase a ca car r fr from om Mo Motab tabil ility ity,, yo you u mu must st be re rece ceiv ivin ing g either:

disqualifications, or endorsements within the last five years. There are also some restrictions on: Drivers under 25

Higher Rate Mobility Component (HRMC) of the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) - currently £51.40 per week - or

Only one named driver can be under the age of 21, and drivers under the age of 25 can only drive cars in the lower insurance groups of one to 18.

War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS) - currently £57.40 per week.

To find out which group your car is in, visit our Car Search and look at the ABI group information on the detailed specifications page, contact RSAM on 0500 37 37 37 or go to thatcham.org/abigrouprating.

If you choose to lease a car through Motability’s Contract Hire scheme you must have at least 12 months’ award length remaining.

Checking Checki ng you your r eligi eligibility bility

Those Tho se wit with h pro provis visiona ionall lic licenc ences es Provisional licence holders must be aged 21 or over

If you would like assistance checking whether you are eligible for either the Disability Living Allowance or the War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement, you should contact one of the following agencies: For enquiries about the Disability Living Allowance (DLA), please contact Pensions, Disability & Carers Service on 08457 123456 or visit the Directgov website. For enquiries about the War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS), please contact Service Personnel & Veterans Agency on 0800 169 2277 or visit the Veterans UK website.

Do yo you u ne need ed to ha have ve a dr driv ivin ing g lic licen ence ce?? If you opt for our lease agreement you do not need to drive. You can nominate up to two drivers who may be friends or relatives, and parents or carers can apply on behalf of a child aged three years and upwards. However, proposed drivers must not have any serious driving convictions,

Over 4,000 brand new cars to choose from MOT MO TABI BILI LITY TY EV EVE EN BE BETT TTE ER VALUE IN 2011 MOTABILITY, the car scheme for disabled people, has introduced details of its latest price list. Featuring a range of cars that are new to the scheme from a variety of leading manufacturers, the price list also sees a reduction in advance payment on a large selection of vehicles. As of January 1, 2011 disabled customers and their families have an even wider choice of 

cars at no Advance Payment. That means buyers can drive away in a number of vehicles without any up-front costs. Vehicles now available with no Advance Payment include the Toyota Yaris 1.33 TR, Nissan Note 1.6 N-TEC and the Volkswagen Polo 1.2TDI 75 SE. There are further price reduction highlights too, including: No Advance Payment - Ford Focus 1.6 100 £99 Advance Payment - Nissan Qashqai 1.6 £199 Advance Payment - Vauxhall Zafira 1.7CDTi Exclusiv with front and rear parking £395 Advance Payment - Ford C-MAX 1.6 105 Zetec with rear parking sensors £249 Advance Payment

- Volkswagen Golf 1.2 TSI 105 S £399 Advance Payment - Vauxha Vauxhallll Insignia 2.0CDTi 2.0CD Ti Exclusiv £495 Advance Payment - Renault Grand Scenic 1.5dCi 110 Expression EDC Those with a keen eye on running costs and environmental environmen tal responsibility have a greater choice too, with a number of models with low C02 emissions now available with no Advance Payment, such as the low emission Renault Megane 1.5dCi 110 Expression (109g/km), Citroen DS3 1.6 HDi Dstyle, (99g/km) and the SEAT Leon 1.6TDI 105 S Emocion (109g/km) Mike Betts, chief executive, Motability Operations explains: “Keeping a close eye on spending has never been more important and offering great prices that allow customers to enjoy a car that’s right for them is a key aim for Motability. The new price list features an impressive range of  stylish cars and green options including a large selection that require no up-front payment.”

FREEDOM FAQ

Frequently asked questions Q. Is it true that people over 6 are not eligible for the Scheme?

Q. Who can be insured to drive a Motability car?

A. No. Eligibility for the Motability Scheme is based on people being in receipt of either the Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance (HRMC of DLA) or the War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement. People who do not already receive the HRMC of DLA are not able to apply for it after the age of 65, but anyone who already has it can join the Scheme regardless of their age.

A. Customers can nominate two drivers. If the disabled person intends to drive, they count as one of the permitted drivers. Nominated drivers can be changed during the lease and a third driver can also be added by paying a little extra. Young drivers can be one of the nominated drivers but there are restrictions on the vehicles that drivers under 25 can be insured on and a higher insurance excess will also apply.

Q. What are the benefits of leasing a car, powered wheelchair or scooter through the Motability Scheme as opposed to buying one privately?

Q. Does the recipient of the mobility allowance always have to travel in the car?

A. The Motability Scheme provides an all-inclusive package designed to give affordable and worry-free mobility. With a new car, powered wheelchair or scooter every three years, the lease also includes insurance, servicing and repairs, breakdown cover and tyres. The only thing not included is fuel.

A. The car is provided for the benefit of the disabled person. But, they do not always need to be in the car, for example having someone else using the car to do the shopping or run errands is still of great benefit. Q. My client lives in a care home where a number of the residents all receive the mobility allowance. Is it possible for them to pool their allowances to get a bigger vehicle?

Q. Is it possible to have a car and a powered wheelchair or scooter on the Scheme at the same time?

A. Unfortunately no, at the moment joint agreements are not available on the Scheme.

A. Unfortunately no. The mobility allowance is used to cover the cost of  the car, powered wheelchair or scooter and in the case of a car it usually takes the whole allowance so there simply isn’t enough left over to cover the cost of a powered wheelchair or scooter as well.

Q. Does Motability pay for driving lessons for disabled people?

Q. Adaptations may make driving easier for my client, how do they go about getting them?

A. Yes, young people, aged between 16 and 24 and in receipt of the Higher Rate Mobility Component, may be eligible for help towards the cost of driving lessons.

A. Adaptation installers and the Forum of Mobility Centres both offer advice on which adaptations may suit their needs. Once suitable adaptations have been found they can be ordered at the same time as their new car through their Motability dealer. Some of the most popular adaptations are available at no extra cost. Adaptations added during a lease will be at the customer’s own cost and must be fitted by an accredited installer, installer, after notifying us. Q. Is getting a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle on the Scheme any different to a standard car?

A. The main difference is the length of the agreement, which is five years for Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs) instead of three. The mileage allowance is 100,000 over the five years. Q. What is an advance payment?

A. The advance payment is the difference between the overall cost of  the contract hire package and the customer’s allowance over the three year agreement. It’s a non-returnable payment made in one lump sum to the dealer at the start of a lease. Advance payments can range from nil up to several thousand pounds depending on the type of car chosen. Scooters and powered wheelchairs rarely have advance payments - in fact many don’t even use the full allowance. Q. My client can’t afford the advance payment on the car they need, is there anything you can do to help?

A. We may be able to offer financial help towards the cost of a suitable car, adaptations, driving lessons or a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle, depending on the applicant’s individual circumstances. To find out more please contact our Customer Services team on 0845 456 4566.



SOUTH SOU TH WALE ALESS

VOLKSWAGEN POLO

T

HE PAST few years have seen low CO2 motoring come of age. Stripped out, low rent cars offering tax-dodging levels of  CO2 are, thankfully, thankfully, a thing of the past. What consumers, rightly, want now are all the performance benefits associated with a regular motoring experience plus the fuel-sipping qualities of  those early cars. With its Bluemotion sub-brand, Volkswagen has plenty of experience at the frugal end of the market. Its early efforts were pretty impressive, but you often felt like you were having to compromise in the usual areas of refinement and equipment levels. The German car maker’s latest Polo has evolved into a nice little supermini. Actually, scratch that, as the car is now the same size as Volks Volkswage wagen’s n’s original Golf. Granted, everything’s got bigger in the last decade, and this current Polo is one of a number of outsize small cars that should appeal to downsizers seeking a smaller car but also keen to hold on to big car levels of refinement, comfort and generous kit levels. How does 80.7mpg sound? Equally, with a 91g/km CO2 rating Volkswagen’s Polo Bluemotion allows you to legitimately side-step paying road tax. And all this is without any expensive or bulky hybrid trickery, trick ery, just a modest capacity diesel motor and tastefully tasteful ly subtle exterior aero kit to help further streamline the regular Polo shape. Volkswagen is no stranger to diesel engines, and the Polo Bluemotion 1.2-litre, three-cylinder unit is a little 75 horsepower gem. Turbocharged and boasting the now expected combination of engine stop-start and brake energy regeneration features, the compact oil burner is surprisin surprisingly gly refined

for something boasting three, not the usual four cylinders. It’s also an impress impressively ively willing and flexible unit. Sure, the car’s long gearing means economy is the priority, but the engine’s abundant torque torque allows you to easily potter around in a high gear and experience a big-car sized dollop of acceleration when the mood takes you. In fact, the Polo Bluemotion’s ability to easily maintain a relaxed motorway cruising pace puts it head and shoulders above most rivals. Easily capable of accommodating four adults in relative comfort, the Polo is as practical as it is refined. There’s even the choice between three and five doors. It’s also a well-equipped car; Volkswagen hasn’t skimped skimped on the kit, with air-con, a leathercovered steering wheel, cruise control, four airbags and ESP all standard features. Visually Volkswagen’s Polo Bluemotion is a modest-looking car, however in the real world its performance is anything but. With its maker’s familiar attention to detail, every inch of this refined and supremely competent supermini has been tuned to deliver genuine fuel and financial savings. What’s most impressive, though, is the way this particular Polo goes about its business. Without any hint of a compromise you get hybrid-like economy plus a more flexible cross-country cross-country ability than your average petrol-electric alternative. If you want a frugal car capable of taking you across town one day and cross-country the next, Volkswagen’s Polo Bluemotion is hard to beat.

FACTS Model: Volksw Volkswagen agen Polo Bluemotion 1.2 TDI 5dr Polo range from £9,495 Engine: 1.2-litre diesel unit developing 75bhp. Transmission: 5-speed manual transmission as standard, driving the front wheels. Performance: Maximum speed 107mph, 10 7mph, 0-62mph 13.9 seconds. Economy: 80.7mpg. CO2 Rating: 91g/ 91g/km. km.

www.sinclair.volkswagen.co.uk 

BORDER COUNTIES

NISSAN QASHQAI

W

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FACTS Model: Nissan Qashqai Tekna 2.0 Manual. Qashqui range from £16,495 Engine: 2.0 litre petrol unit developing 138bhp and 144lb/ft of torque. Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission, driving the front wheels. Performance: Maximum speed 121mph, 0-62mph 10.1 seconds. CO2 emissions: 184g/km. Economy: 36.2mpg.

www.veacresgarage.co.uk 

BRIDGEND

HONDA jAZZ

I

F YOU want a good example of a company that listens to its customers you have to look at Honda. Although the Japanese firm is well known for innovation, it’s also keen to ensure it promotes a culture of happy drivers. And there’s no better example of this than the firm’s Jazz. More than just a sleeper hit, the compact  Jazz has proven to be a UK best seller. By choosing to develop something that was more than just another supermini, Honda struck a chord with buyers seeking something with a small footprint but with the flexibility and practicality of something much bigger. bigger. This revised second generation car builds on the original model’s success. Presenting a chunkier face to the world, Honda’s engineers have added a few aerodynamic tweaks to boost cabin refinement and overall efficiency. The latter is important, as this element plus selective engines improvements have resulted in economy and emissions gains. It’s also revised the car’s ride and handling performance to boost driver appeal and cabin comfort. Talking of green issues, this Jazz has the honour of being the first small production hybrid. Keen to broaden the appeal of such technology beyond its Insight model, the Jazz hybrid follows on from the  Japanese firm’s sporting CRZ petrol-electric model. As a result, Honda listened, took on board the feedback and now offers a CVT that should please buyers seeking a smoother experience akin to than of a conventional auto, but without the fuel economy penalties. Existing Jazz owners will be familiar with the car’s 1.2 and 1.4-litre petrol engines, which now boast CO2 levels of 12 123 3 and 126g/km respectively in manual gearbox trim and return a combined fuel economy reading in the low 50s mpg.

The hybrid borrows much from Honda’s existing Insight model, right down to the CVT gearbox. It manages manag es 62.8mpg and boasts a lower 104g/km 104g/km CO2 rating, the latter Honda claims is the lowest for an auto gearbox car in the Jazz’s market sector. On the road the petrol cars are as you would expect - willing, capable and refined. In 1.4-litre trim plus the new CVT gearbox, the Jazz is easy to drive and the ‘box offers a welcome extra layer of  refinement over its predecessor predecessor.. Furthermore, the traditional enemies of CVT-equipped cars - inclines and fast moving motorway traffic - are no barriers to progress. There’s plenty of power available to get you moving and maintaining a steady speed. This is also the case for the hybrid Jazz. Even in ‘Eco’ mode there’s enough thrust available for out of  town excursions, while urban motoring is dispatched with predictable ease. The easy to read instrument displays keep you informed regarding fuel consumption and the current combination of engine and electric power, which do a clever job of nudging you in the direction of more considered and smoother driving behaviour. Good though it is on the road, there’s more to the  Jazz than the driving experience. Its versatile nature is another major attraction for buyers, and the car’s folding rear seats offer a greater level of versatility than the little Honda’s more conventional rivals. With its well built and versatile cabin, a good level of standard kit plus the various improvements to the driving and ownership experience, Honda’s Jazz remains a tough act to beat. The hybrid model will please those wanting to pay less for their motoring, too.

FACTS Model: Honda Jazz 1.4 EX CVT. Range from £11,295 otr Engine: 1.4-litre petrol unit developing 99bhp. Transmission: CVT transmission, driving the front wheels. Performance: Maximum speed 109mph, 0-62mph 13.1 seconds. Economy: 51.4mpg. CO2 Rating: 128g/km.

www.bassetts-honda.co.uk 

BRIDGEND

PEUGEOT 3008

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ITH A raft of awards under its belt and the best reception for a crossover model since the Nissan Qashqai kick-started the new sector into life in 2007, you might expect Peugeot to sit back and bathe in the warm glow of the 3008’s success. Not so. Instead, the French manufacturer has been keen to exploit the family car’s popularity by updating the shiny new range even further, with an even more powerful diesel automatic version. In Exclusive trim level, the new variant is essentially the new 3008 range-topper and its six-speed automatic gearbox befits the most luxurious variant in the range. With greater performance and comfort on offer offer,, it’s not difficult to see why Peugeot opted to introduce the new transmission combination, along with the Dynamic Roll Control rear damper system, which improves both the ride and handling still further. The 163bhp engine is a revised version of  Peugeot’s Peugeo t’s 136bhp 2.0-litre diesel. A comprehensive overhaul has seen power increase but, crucially, the peak torque output comes in from just 2000rpm, helping the model to maintain a more than respectable fuel economy figure despite additional power. That said, if it is speed you are after, the 150bhp 2.0-litre diesel is marginally quicker to 62mph, albeit with a fractionally lower top speed. It also boasts better fuel consumption and lower emissions. But the key factor for many drivers will prove to be the 163bhp model’s automatic transmission, one that can’t be specified with the manual only 150bhp model. With its SUV pretensions, the automatic gearbox suits the 3008 particularly well. Combining with the lofty driving position and the contoured, upmarket cockpit design, it makes the 3008 feel like a natural and accomplished long distance cruiser. A stylish button

and control layout may come as a surprise to drivers who aren’t familiar with the brand, and material quality is above averag average. e. Of course, one of the key features of a crossover model is hatchbac hatchback-lik k-likee handling characteristics, and the latest 3008 does not disappoint. Built on the same platform as the 308 model it naturally boasts a composed character despite the bulkier and taller body, but the addition of the aforementioned Dynamic Roll Control improves things even further further.. Body roll well contained putting cornering ability on a par with a hatchback model, while the ride quality retains a welcome air of SUV. A sequential manual mode for the automatic gearbox adds a further dimension, although the gearbox’s ability to adjust to driving style means that drivers likely to want to make the most of the feature will find they don’t need to. Although not as sharp as the twin clutch offerings available from some manufacturers, manufact urers, the torque converter automatic unit proves more than capable of responding quickly to gearing requirements. Working with the low-down pulling power of the 2.0-litre diesel unit this leads to a refined and relaxing feel at the wheel. Easily judged proportions are aided by the short bonnet profile and hatchback, making the 3008 easier to manoeuvre than a traditional SUV. Thick C-pillars do obscure rear three-quarter vision, however. Head-up display, tyre pressure sensor, dual zone climate control and cruise control with a speed limiter are welcome features, but Peugeo Peugeott has not forgotten the 3008’s family role. A full length glass sunroof  benefits rear seat passengers as do built in sun shades for the side windows and masses of interior storage.

FACTS Model: Peugeot 3008 2.0 HDi 163 Exclusive. 3008 range from £15,495 on the road. Engine: 2.0-litre diesel unit developing 163bhp and 250lb/ft of torque. Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, driving the front wheels. Performance: Maximum speed 127mph, 0-62mph 10.2 seconds. CO2 emissions: 172g/km. Economy: 42.8 mpg.

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FORD FOCUS

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HE FAMILY hatchback market might be more competitive than ever but, on the evidence of buyer trends, it’s the same familiar brands that feature at the top of the sales charts. One name, Ford, has dominated the market for longer than most rivals care to remember. In the case of its mid-size Focus it would appear that Ford can do no wrong. From the groundbreaking first generation car to the present day, this mass market commodity has tempted countless buyers into signing on the dotted line. This latest third generation car is no different. Although the overall shape remains familiar, the current Focus has evolved into a more streamlined and premium-looking vehicle. The same is true of the car’s character, which leans more towards comfort and refinement than its predecessor predecessor.. It’s a deliberate move by Ford to capture the premium ambience of some of its rivals. With so many car firms moving their products further up market, even regular family hatchbacks now boats the look and feel of something more expensive. The cabin is noticeably driver-centric, with the car’s major controls close to hand. There’s also no shortage of information available to the driver, what with a pair of superbly clear electronic displays - one for the audio unit and one between the main dials. Fans of the old car will feel right at home thanks to a familiar feel to the various types of switchgear. Newcomers will be faced by a more upbeat and engaging experience than what’s available in some rivals, as the overall cabin ambience is lighter and brighter than the traditional German opposition. For all the creature comforts, and there are many, the harsh reality of motoring in the 21st century

cannot be avoided - it can be a costly experience. Like many, Ford isn’t unaware of the pressures on consumers’ finances, and among the Focus’ engine line up is a frugal 1.6-litre diesel offering wallet-friendly performance and economy without a hint of any compromise. Producing 115 horsepower, the refined engine emits only 109g/km CO2. Factor in the now familiar trick ways of achieving the latter - active aerodynamic aids, engine stop-start - and the car’s 67.3mpg official economy figure looks perfectly believable. And just so you don’t think this Focus variant is a special hair shirt edition, the car’s trademark premiumfeel cabin remains intact, you can specify a whole host of tempting options and the driving experience isn’t diminished by the engine’s desire to sip as little fuel as possible. In short, this Focus behaves like every other Focus. The engine stop-start function works as advertised, is unobtrusive in use and quick to respond when you want to pull away from standstill. For company car users this Focus makes a lot of sense. Aside from the obvious fuel economy and emissions figures, the complete absence of any related compromise - reduced performance - makes it a suitable all-rounder for tackling everything from the daily commute through town to racking up hundreds of motorway miles in one day. That it can do that and prove entertaining when you want to have some fun is the attribute that’s so often separates the Focus from its many rivals. Factor in safety and comfort equipment that only a few years ago would have been the preserve of luxury cars costing tow or three times as much and it’s easy to see why this latest Focus is such a big deal.

FACTS Model: Ford Focus Zetec 1.6 TDCi (Start-Stop) 5dr Focus range from £13,995 £13,995 Engine: 1.6-litre diesel unit developing 115bhp. Transmission: 6-speed manual gearbox, driving the front wheels. Performance: Maximum speed 120mph, 0-62mph 10.9 seconds. Economy: 67.3mpg. CO2 Rating: 109g/ 109g/km. km.

www.fordthorne.co.uk 

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VOLVO S40

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OMPACT saloons are not a particularly common sight in the UK. While our European cousins are partial to booted variants of many of the hatchbacks that we know and love in our home market, UK car buyers continue to vote with their feet in opting for five-doors when it comes to smaller family cars. Of course, in the larger vehicle segments, the saloon is much more popular. The three-box body shape gains instant recognition as a more stylish, executive choice, whereas the five-door shape has a more down-to-earth appeal. This makes Volvo’s S40 something of an anomaly in the UK market. A difficult car to place, it has the exterior dimensions of a C-segment family hatchback but the sharp, executive styling of a D-segment saloon. The result is that if you compare it to a model like the Ford Mondeo or Vauxhall Insignia it feels a little small, but if you compare it to a model like the Ford Focus or Vauxhall Astra it appears less practical. The first triumph hardly comes as a surprise given Volvo’s reputation for building sturdy and robust vehicles. From the very first impression it’s clear that the model benefits from the solid build quality of a larger,, premium saloon model. larger The R-Design trim level comes into its own in leaving the occupants with a sense of quality. Stylish, brushed aluminium additions to the exterior make the interior feel very upmarket. Combined with the neat, two-tone leather, the S40 R-Design has all the makings of a pint-size luxury saloon, aided by the exemplary quality of the fit and finish. Present across the Volvo range, the floating centre stack system is one of the most ergonomically pleasing arrangements available. Although some of the buttons are a little small, they’re stylishly incorporated into an extremely simple to use design. Cruise control

and sound system controls are located on the chunky R-Design steering wheel and even the dials have a functional flair. Outside it’s no different, with large alloy, a boot spoiler, beefed up bumpers and brushed aluminium details giving the model lots of kerb appeal. Engine choices run the gambit from 1.6-litre to 2.5litre, so both economy and performance are available. Somewhere inbetween sits the tractable 2.0-litre diesel unit. Although the quoted fuel consumption figures aren’t so easy to achieve in real world driving, it still post in a highly respectable return on fuel and packs enough punch to make it brisk and comfortable on the open road, while remaining a breeze to drive around town. Combined with Volvo’ Volvo’ss Powers Powershift hift twin-clutch transmission, the 2.0-litre diesel S40 makes for a very capable cruiser. Gear changes are smooth even at high rpm, with the automated box taking care of gear selection for you. It’s easy to override using the selector, but the system works well enough for intervention to be unnecessary. Although offering a more compact alternative to the regular premium saloon, the S40 can’t match the outright practicality of a five-door hatchbac hatchback. k. However, for drivers who rarely fold the rear seats flat but still opt for a five-door as a compact saloon variant simply looks to out of place on UK roads, the S40 makes sense. The boot is still a good size and proves accessible, while the front of the cabin feels roomy and accommodating. Premium saloon attributes squeezed into a family hatchback hatchba ck footprint looks like a great combination on paper and proves to be in the flesh, too. For drivers feeling stymied by the limitations of the UK market, the S40 could be a very welcome alternative.

FACTS Model: Volvo S40 2.0D RDesign SE Sport Powershift. Volvo S40 range from £17,995 OTR Engine: 2.0-litre diesel unit developing 134bhp 134bhp and 236lb/ft. Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, driving the front wheels. Performance: Maximum speed 127mph, 0-62mph 9.6 seconds. Economy: 47 47..1mpg. CO2 Rating: 159g/km.

www.volvocarscardiff.co.uk 

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HYUNDAI I10

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OR ALL the doom and gloom of 2010, one car brand shone extra bright: Hyundai. Although it’s happy to acknowledge that the Government’s Governmen t’s scrappage scheme played its part, it does help if you have the right product in the first place. Post-scrappage the company is still doing great business, and nowhere is this more obvious than with the little i10. It feels like an age away since buyers were prepared to wait months for the diminutive hatchback, but they all knew what they were doing. Cosmetically the i10 benefits from Hyundai’s new family nose. This design theme is already present on the larger ix35, and is set to be the norm on future models. On the mechanical front the car’s 1.2-litre petrol motor is now cleaner, more efficient and more powerful. Also, replacing the 1.1-litre unit is a new three-cylinder,, 68bhp 1.0three-cylinder 1.0-litre litre engine. This forms the basis of Hyundai’s eco-centric i10 Blue variant. This high-tech three-cylinder engine achieves an impressive 67.3mpg 67.3mpg on the combined cycle and boasts a congestion charge and VED-friendly 99g/km CO2 rating. Even if you don’t live in or plan on making regular trips to London to offset the Blue variant’s slightly higher price, the 85bhp 1.2 unit delivers 61.4mpg and an equally impressive 108g/km CO2 rating. Engine stop-start technology is thrown in for good measure. The i10 is something of a refreshing surprise in what is an incredibly competitive market. Small cars are everywhere, and small, cheap cars aren’t exactly a scarce commodity. What makes the i10 special is Hyundai’s decision to treat its mini model as something bigger. You only have to look around the car’s cabin to realise that you can leave your hair shirt at home. You want air conditioning? No problem. Electric front windows? Absolutely. Somewhere to plug in your MP3 player? You bet. Seriously, this is what the i10 is

really like - anything but a budget runabout - and it’s one of the reasons why buyers flocked to the outgoing model in their droves. It might appear no larger than most other cars on the market but appearances are deceptive. Five doors are the norm here, yet the i10 is easily able to accommodate accommod ate four adults. The i10 is also more capable on the road than you might think. Small, inexpensive cars aren’t supposed to be up to much - at least that’s how it usually works. The little Hyundai is not your usual small car, though. With its direct and accurate steering, supple ride and refined cabin, it would appear that compromise has been ripped out of Hyundai’s corporate dictionary. With its eager hum and refined character, the 1.2-litre i10 is more than capable of keeping up with the rush hour traffic and never feels out of place on the motorway. Sure, you have to plan ahead on faster roads, but the unit’s eager nature makes light work of  the point-and-squirt urban environment. There’s no question that the engine’s added oomph and the slick five-speed manual gearbox helps. A four-speed auto is also available for the 1.2 variant. The i10 Blue isn’t far behind, either. Sure, it gets by with less power, but the three-pot motor’s willingness easily outweighs any on paper deficiencies. It’s surprisingly refined, too. Predictably the i10 Blue is more of a city car than its more powerful fourcylinder cousin, however it never feels out of puff away from the city limits and easily holds its own on the motorway. There’s no question that the i10 is a good car - it drives well, feels solid and is exceptionally practical for its size. That it comes equipped more like an entrylevel family hatch is a bonus, and one that potential customers are now starting to appreciate. Factor in high levels of reliability plus Hyundai’s famed five-year warranty and it’s clear that this i10 is no lightweight.

FACTS Model: Hyundai i10 1.0 Blue. i10 Range from £8,345 OTR Engine: 1.0-litre petrol unit developing 68bhp. Transmission: 5-speed manual transmission as standard, driving the front wheels. Performance: Maximum speed 93mph, 0-62mph 14.8 seconds. Economy: 67.3mpg. CO2 Rating: 99g/km.

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NISSAN QASHQAI

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FFICIENT DIESEL engines have always been essential to the family car and MPV sector, but recent advances in economy and fuel efficiency have been quite startling. For a seven-seat model capable of well in excess of 100mph and boasting a 0-62mph time that won’t leave drivers stranded at the lights to achieve 54.3mpg on the combined cycle and 138g/km CO2 emissions is a remarkable achievement. achievement. The Qashqai+2 is not alone in its ability to combine the safety and equipment expectations of  a modern car with seven-seats and budget-friendly fuel consumption. Offering for Peuge Peugeot ot and Citroen are similarly frugal and accommodating. accommodating. Few have managed to carry it off with the novelty and popular appeal of the Qashqai however. however. A large part of that appeal comes courtesy of the SUV inspired ‘crossover’ styling. The original intention was to offer presence, ride height and driving position familiar to an SUV in a compact footprint with car-like driving characteristic characteristics. s. Of course, the extension of the platform in Qashqai+2 form gave the seven-seat model even more of an SUV resemblance, so there’s a certain irony in the 1.5-litre dCi model only being available in front-wheell drive format. front-whee In this frugal specification the onus is on budgetary, rather than off-roading, concerns. Front wheel drive limits transmission losses and reduces the vehicle’s overall weight, allowing the 1.5-lit 1.5-litre re diesel engine to offer maximum economy. Despite the industry wide downsizing trend, 1.5litres in a car of the Qashqai+2’s stature still initially appears and odd combination. The on-paper figures make for positive reading, however. 102bhp, 177lb/ft of torque, a top speed of 108mph and 62mph in 13 seconds will happily suffice in a fuel efficient sevenseater.

The figures translate into real-world driving well, too. Although hardly shattering performance, performance, the 1.5 dCi equipped Qashqai+2 picks up speed in a smooth and lag-free manner. The Qashqai range’s recent refresh stretched as far as the suspension and chassis settings, too. Already a comfortable and responsive drive, the updated model is improved, particularly in terms of the former. Ride quality is very impressive and the model proves adept at long distance cruising. Crucially, none of the model’s joie-de-vivre at the wheel has been lost. For a large and lofty vehicle, the responsiveness of controls and feeling of stability at the wheel continues to impress. The addition of ESP as standard is also reassuring in a family vehicle. Of course, the fold-out rear seats remain suitable for use only by smaller occupants or for occasional use. Adults will find them too compact for all but short journeys, although they are equipped with full seatbelts. Access is good via the rear doors, with the second row folding forward with ease. Folding the third row out is also a pleasantly simple affair. In sensible, grown-up 1.5 dCi specification the Qashqai+2’s more mature styling makes even more sense. Revised light units at the front and rear and new bumpers have given the model a more sophisticated look that arguably suits the larger model in particular. The interior has been given a mild restyling, too. Sharper dials and displays greet the driver. The view from the driver’s seat remains excellent, even if rear visibility is a little restricted by the small rear side windows. The Qashqai’s intriguing mix of qualities is made even more enticing by the efficient 1.5-litre dCi unit. What it lacks in pulling power, it makes up for in family-friendly family-frie ndly practicality and frugality.

FACTS Model: Nissan Qashqai+2 Acenta 2WD 1.5 dCi. Qashqui Range from £17,895 on the road. Engine: 1.5-litre diesel unit developing 102bhp and 177lb/ ft of torque. Transmission: Six-speed transmission driving the front wheels. Max speed 108mph, 0-60mph 13.20 seconds. CO2 emissions: 138g/km. Economy: 53.3mpg.

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VAUxHALL ASTRA

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couple of miles down the road I was tempted to get out, walk around the back and double-check that I was driving a Vauxhall Astra. I’ve driven quite a few generations of the Griffinbadged hatch and each one has fallen frustratingly short of the class standard. Frustratingly because Astras have always had stonking engines which, of  course, have illuminated the chassis’ shortcomings... Not here. This Astra SRi feels sweet, riding with great suppleness, steering with precision and cornering with innate poise. The only thing it doesn’t have is much go, though that’s because this is the base SRi with just 138bhp from a turbocharged 1.4-litre petrol in-line four. The 178bhp 1.6 turbo (more on which in a minute) makes a much better partner for what looks and feels like a big car for its class. If the SRi badges weren’t fitted, you wouldn’t guess it was a sporty version. The 17in alloys wear plump 215/50 215/50 Bridgestone Turanzas and there’s nothing edgy in the car’s stance. The way it moves down the road isn’t sporty in the traditional Vauxhall fast hatch way either, i.e. the ride isn’t rocky. Instead there’s fine body control, decent steering feel and weight, and wonderfully accurate and effortless responses. It’s these attributes that encourage you to press on, and when you do the balance and poise of the SRi, and the depth of its control, are impressive. The new rear axle design has transformed the car’s dynamics. The turbocharged 1.4-litre feels almost normally aspirated, the exertions of its light-pressure turbo - helping deliver 147lb ft of torque between 1850 and 4900rpm - largely smothered by the mass of  the biggest-ever Astra. The gearing beyond first and second is quite

long (mental maths puts the theoretical top speed in 6th at 200mph) so it’s not a fast hatch in the traditional sense. The claims are 9sec dead to 60mph and a top end of 128mph, with a combined mpg of 47.9. We also tried the 178bhp 1.6 model, but fitted with optional ‘FlexRide’ suspension. The engine lifts the performance firmly into warm hatch territory (where it should be with the SRi badge), with decent low- and mid-range urge and a top end worth using. The new Astra’s interior is very like that of the recently launched Insignia, and very smart it is too. At night there are pockets of subtle red lighting and glints of chrome, and it appears just as classy in daylight; of high quality and solidly made (in Britain, incidentally). Refinement is very good, the driving position is spot on and the optional ‘ergonomic sports seats’ (£450) are excellent too. As we said earlier, the new Astra looks and feels like an XL-size hatch in this sector and it’s not as distinctive as the previous-generation model or particularly original. No matter, we love the way the new Astra drives, even with the modest 1.4 turbo engine. Dynamically, it’s right up there with the very best in the class. The stock SRi chassis with the 178bhp 1.6 should be a sweet combination, and you wonder  just how good a properly quick VXR version will be. Very, would be our guess.

FACTS Vauxhall Astra SRi 2 Astra prices from £12,995 Engine: In-line 4-cyl, 1364cc, turbo Max power: 138bhp @ 4900rpm Max torque:147lb ft @ 1850-4900rpm Top speed 128mph (claimed) 0-60mph 9.0sec (claimed)

www.evanshalshaw.com 2

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CITROEN C3

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FACTS Model: Citroen C3 1.6 HDi 90 Exclusive, from £15,200. Range from £10 £10,800. ,800. Engine: 1.6-litre petrol unit developing 90bhp.no Transmission: 5-speed manual transmission delivering power to the front wheels. Performance: Maximum speed 112mph, 0-62mph 11.0 seconds. Economy: 65.7mpg. CO2 Rating: 110g/km.

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PEUGEOT 3008 HYBRID4

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EUGEO EUGE OT’ T’SS 30 3008 08 ha hass sto stole len n a ma marc rch h on the compet com petiti ition on by bei being ng fitt fitted ed wit with h the firs firstt die dieselselelectri elec tric hyb hybrid rid pow powertr ertrain ain to hit sho showr wroom oomss in Europe Eur ope,, mar marryi rying ng the twi twin n ben benefit efitss of sho short-t rt-term erm electri elec tric-o c-only nly pow power er wit with h die diesel sel tor torque que and effi efficie ciency ncy.. Thee sy Th syste stem m wo work rkss in ro roug ughl hlyy th thee sa same me wa wayy as th thee long-e lon g-estab stablis lished hed Toyo oyota ta ver versio sion n seen in sev severa erall of its models mod els lik likee the Lex Lexus us RX4 RX450 50h h and Toyo oyota ta Prius. us. The 3008Hybr 30 08Hybrid id4, 4, or HY HY4 4 fo forr sh short ort,, ha hass a co comp mple lete te an and d fully-integrated ntegrated hybrid system that never neverneeds needs plug plugging ging in, and has no issu issues es wit with h pot potent ential ial ran range. ge. Where Whe re thi thiss syst system em dif differ ferss fr from om the exi existin stingg ‘fu ‘fullll hybrid hyb rid’’ syst systems ems is tha thatt the ele electri ctric mot motor or is muc much h sma smalle llerr - it pu puts ts ou outt ju just st 27 ki kilo lowa watt ttss co comp mpar ared ed to th thee Pr Priu ius’ s’ 60-kil 60kilow owatt att syst system, em, and the mot motor or drives ves the rea rearr whe wheels els leavin lea vingg the fro fronts nts to the eng engine ine.. Peuge Pe ugeot ot wa wante nted d to giv givee the 300 3008 8 max maximu imum m effi efficie ciency ncy and an d a sm smal alle lerr mo moto torr me mean anss le less ss fr fric icti tion,whic on,which h in tu turn rn means mea ns low lower er CO CO2 2 and big tax ben benefit efitss acr across oss Eur Europe ope.. Thee ba Th base se mo mode dell pu puts ts ou outt 99 99g/ g/km km of CO CO2, 2, ma maki king ng it ro road ad tax and con conges gestio tion n cha charg rgee ex exemp emptt in Britain. tain. The mid-r mid-range ange and limite limited d editio edition n rang range-topp e-topping ing versionboth ver sionboth emi emitt 10 104g/ 4g/km, km, which ch put putss themin the lowest low est cha charg rgeab eable le roa road d tax ban band d in this cou countr ntry, y, but signifi sig nifican cantly tly forPeug forPeugeot eot tha that’s t’s a cru crucia ciall mar marke kerr for tax bene be nefit fitss in it itss ho home me Fr Fren ench ch ma mark rket.Eith et.Either er wa way, y, it it’s ’s a remark rem arkabl ablee figu figure re con consid sideri ering ng the car car’s ’s relati ative ve siz sizee and weight ght - 140 40kg kg hea heavie vierr tha than n the die diesel sel-on -only ly 300 3008. 8. Fuell eco Fue econom nomyy is equ equall ally imp impres ressiv sive. e. On the com combin bined ed cycle cyc le the mid mid-ra -rang ngee mod model el offi officia cially lly ret return urnss 70 70.6m .6mpg pg (slight ightly ly le less ss th than an th thee ba base se mo mode del) l),, bu butt it it’s ’s in to town wn where whe re it rea really lly shin shines. es. Dur During ing the lau launch nch in the nort norther hern n Fren Fr ench ch to townof wnof Di Dina nardwe rdwe ha had d a ch chan ance ce to dr driv ivee it on a low low-sp -speed eed urb urban an rou route te ar aroun ound d shor short, t, nar narro row w str street eetss and it ret return urned ed 71mp 1mpgg in all the def defaul aultt driving ving set settin tings. gs. Astonishing, Astonis hing, really. ly. Cars Ca rs lilikethis kethis ha have ve be been en tu tune ned d to be dr driv iven en a ce certa rtain in way. wa y. In a wa wayy th thee 30 3008 08 HY HY4 4 is ju just st lilik ke th thee ro road ad ra race cerr Pors Po rsch chee 911 GT GT3 3 RS - de desi sign gned ed mo more re or les lesss fo forr on onee thin th ingg on only ly,, bu butt sup supre reme mely ly go good od at it.The 30 3008 08 ju just st ne need edss

constan con stantt gen gentle tle use of the con contr trols ols to exc excel. el. Onee of th On thee ke keyy be benefi nefits ts th that at th thee HY HY4 4 sys systemoff temoffer erss is th thee ab abililityto ityto ch choo oose se oneof fo four ur dr driv ivin ingg mo mode des, s, ma maki king ng it mo more re ve vers rsat atililee th than an yo you’ u’d d ex expe pect.The ct.The ZE ZEV V - Ze Zero ro Emissions ssions Ve Vehic hicle le - mod modee bia biases ses the car tow towar ards ds usi using ng the electri ele ctric mot motor or,, which ch is gr great eat for inin-tow town n driving ving but not so goo good d for inc inclin lines. es. Sportmode Sp ortmode bi bias ases es thesyst thesystem em theothe theotherr wa way, y, us usin ingg thee di th dies esel el en engi gine ne al almo most st al alll th thee ti time me an and d gi givi vingthe ngthe fu fullll 200bh 20 0bhp, p, 332 332lb. lb.ft ft thr thrust. ust. In thi thiss mod modee the 30 3008 08 HY4 is act actual ually ly pre pretty tty goo good d to drive, ve, and alt althou hough gh it sho shows ws quit qu itee a lo lott of bo body dy ro rollll it su suit itss thecha thechara ract cter er of th thee ca carr an and d allows ows it to rid ridee ver veryy we well. ll. It’ It’ss a sur surpri prisingly singly com comfor fortabl table car all rou round. nd. Thee ot Th othertwo hertwo mo mode dess ar aree 4x 4x4 4 an and d Au Auto to.. Wh Whililee 4x 4x4 4 hardly har dly tur turns ns the 30 3008 08 int into o a Lan Land d Ro Rover ver Def Defend ender er,, it doe doess givee valuable giv uable ext extra ra tra tractio ction n in stic sticky ky sit situat uation ions, s, lik likee if you need ne ed to dr driv ivee th thee ca carr up uphi hillll ou outt of so soft,wet ft,wet sa sand nd.. Th That at exac ex actt si situ tuat atio ion n wa wass se sett up on th thee la laun unch ch an and d th thee sy syste stem m work wo rked, ed, alb albeit eit les lesss imp impres ressiv sively ely tha than n tha thatt of a ‘pr ‘prope oper’ r’ 4x4. Theonly th thin ingg Au Auto to do does esn’ n’tt do is sw swit itch ch automa aut omatic ticall ally to Spo Sport rt mod mode. e. Eve Even n pus pushin hingg the accele acc elerat rator or int into o the car carpet pet doe doesn’ sn’t, t, whi which ch mea means ns you have ha ve to se sele lect ct Sp Sportmanu ortmanual ally ly if yo you u wa want nt to ov overt ertak akee quic qu ickl kly. y. It It’s ’s a bi bitt cl clum umsy,but sy,but it it’s ’s a re rela lati tive vely ly sm smal alll ar area ea of  compromise. One que questio stion n on po poten tentia tiall buy buyers ers’’ lip lipss mig might ht be whet wh etherthe herthe sys syste tem m is re refin fined ed or no not. t. It is,and ve very ry mu much ch so as lo long ng as yo you u wo work rk th thee pe peda dals ls ge gent ntly ly.. Th Thee en engi gine ne an and d moto mo torr cu cutt in an and d ou outt wi with th no cl clue uess wh what atso soev ever er be beyo yond nd the help helpful ful active ve dia diagra gram m on the cen centra trall scr screen.Get een.Get mor moree insist ins istent ent wit with h the acc acceler elerato atorr and the syst system em bec become omess a lilitt ttle le je jerk rkie ierr as it do does es it itss thing. ng. Alll in al Al all, l, th thee 30 3008 08 HY HY4 4 is an ex exce cellllen entt ca carr, an and d go good od value ue com compar pared ed to its die diesel sel-onl -only cou counte nterpa rparts. rts. It off offers ers moree per mor perfor forman mance, ce, mor moree pre presti stige ge and muc much h bet better ter fuel econom eco nomy, y, esp especi ecially ally in urb urban an env envir ironm onment ents. s. It’ It’ss a ver veryy convin con vincin cingg pac packag kagee tha thatt des deserv erves es to do we well. ll.

FACTS Model: Peugeot 3008 Hybrid4, £26,995 on the road. Engine: Diesel-electric hybrid; 2.0-litre 163bhp diesel engine with 37bhp electric motor, creating a total of 200bhp and 332lb.ft of torque. Transmission: Electronicallyoperated manual gearbox attached to the engine and driving front wheels; electric motor driving rear wheels. Performance: Top Top speed 118mph (limited), (li mited), 0-62mph in 8.5 seconds. Fuel economy: 74.4mpg. CO2 rating: 99g/km.

www.lookers.co.uk 2

EAST EA ST WALE ALESS

VAUxHALL INSIGNIA

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IBERATIN IBERA TING G is no nott a wo word rd of ofte ten n use used d whe when n talking talk ing abou aboutt D-se D-segme gment nt vol volume ume sell sellers, ers, but it can be app applied lied to Va Vauxha uxhall’s ll’s Insi Insigni gnia. a. This Th is isn isn’t ’t one of th those ose lec lectu ture ress abo about ut th thee priva pri vate te ca carr be bein ingg th thee ke keyy to per person sonal al fr freed eedom om.. Ins Inste tead, ad, what wh at the Ins Insig ignia nia of offe feredus redus is the lib libera eratin tingg ex exper perien ience ce of be bein ingg al allow lowed ed to lik likee it. There The re ca can n be lit little tle do doub ubtin tingg the po popu pular larity ity of the Insigni Insi gnia’s a’s Ve Vectra ctra pred predeces ecessor sor,, it rem remaine ained d the For Ford d Mondeo Mon deo’s ’s ke keyy riv rival al in the re rep p ca carr sta stake kess th thro roug ughou houtt its lif lifet etime ime,, bu butt to sta stand nd in fr fron ontt of yo your ur fr frien iends ds an and d sayy th sa that at yo you u lov loved ed it wo would uld ha have ve be been en so socia ciall suicide. cide. Sufferin Suff eringg fro from m a rep reputa utation tion for blan blandnes dnesss desp despite ite all of  its imp impress ressive ive qua qualiti lities, es, fam familia iliarity rity bred indi indiffe fferen rence. ce. Nott so th No thee In Insi sign gnia ia.. Ea Eachtim chtimee on onee pa pass sses es by th thee gutt re gu react action ion is tha thatt th thee dri drive verr has ma made de a sm smart art ch choic oice, e, and an d it it’s ’s ha hard rd to en envis vision ion th that at we wear arin ingg of offf an anyy ti time me soo soon. n. If the dri drive verr wa wass sa satt in the 2.0 2.0-li -litr tree die diesel sel va varia riant nt they wou would ld alm almost ost und undoubt oubtedly edly be thin thinking king they they’d ’d made ma de a sm smart art ch choic oice, e, to too, o, be beca cause use it’ it’ss no nott jus justt th that at sleeker slee ker,, more exe execut cutive ive ext exterior erior tha thatt boos boosts ts app appeal. eal. The int interior erior is an alt altoge ogether ther plus plusher her expe experienc rience. e. Outsid Out side, e, it’ it’ss det detail ails lik likee th that at sw swoos ooshes hes in the forwa fo rward rd do doors ors,, des desig ignedto nedto ma make ke th thee ga gap p be betwe tween en them the m an and d th thee fr fron ontt whe wheels els loo look k gr grea eate terr andimita andimitate te the styling styli ng of rea rear-wh r-wheel eel driv drivee pre premium mium mode models, ls, tha thatt rais raisee the gam game. e. Insi Inside, de, it’s the con contour toured, ed, wrap wraparo around und eff effect ect of th thee cab cabin in an and d the me meta talli llicc ins insert ertss on the switchg tchgea earr. Finis Fi nishin hingg to touc uches hes ar aree one th thing ing.. Mu Much ch ha hard rder er to achie ac hieve ve is th thee lev level el of re refine fineme ment nt th that at the 2. 2.00-lit litre re diesel die sel mod model el is abl ablee to of offe ferr. Co Comp mplet letee wit with h six six-speed spee d aut automa omatic tic tra transmi nsmission, ssion, it’s able to com compet petee with cons consider iderably ably mor moree exp expensi ensive ve vehi vehicle cless in this department. Well sup suppr pres essed sed wi wind nd an and d ro road ad noise se ar aree am amon ongg the vehicles cles ke keyy att attribu ributes, tes, but the impr impressi essive ve ext extent ent to which ch the tw two-l o-lit itre re die diesel sel ha hass als also o bee been n sub subdue dued d stillll com sti comes es as a sur surpri prise. se. As a re resul sult, t, it’ it’ss an iso isola latin tingg

experien exper ience ce in the ca cabi bin, n, one th that at’s ’s ma made de ev even en mo more re enjoyable oyable by the le leve vell of fin finish ishin ingg qua qualit lity. y. Of co cour urse se,, fil filll a ca carr wi with th eq equi uipm pmen entt - th thee SE mo mode dell is ha halfw lfway ay up th thee tri trim m la ladde dderr bu butt has no sh shorta ortage ge oftoyss or sa oftoy safe fety ty ki kitt - pl plus us a lo lott ofwei ofweigh ghty ty so soun und d deadeni dea dening ng mat materia erial,l, and the perf perform ormance ance will be blunted. Vauxha Va uxhallll att attemp empts ts to ove overco rcome me this by off offerin eringg two tw o ve versi rsions ons of the 2. 2.00-lit litre re di diese esell un unit. it. Wi With th 158 58bhp bhp,, 30bhp 30 bhp mo more re th than an the sta stand ndar ard d un unit, it, the mo more re powerful pow erful eng engine ine man manag ages es a resp respecta ectable ble nine seco second nd 60mph 60m ph dash dash.. Per Perhap hapss mor moree rele relevan vantt is the add additio itional nal overt ov ertak akingsurg ingsurgee fr from om th thee ex extratorq tratorque ue th that at ma make kess the carr ad ca adep eptt at ge gett ttingout ingout of mi midd ddle le lan lanee mo motor torwa wayy str strif ife. e. The die diesel sel en engi gine ne doe doesn sn’t ’t ca caus usee the rid ridee to su suff ffer er,, either eit her.. It’ It’ss we wellll su suite ited d to th thee mo moto torwa rway, y, alt althou hough gh a degree deg ree of firm firmnes nesss me mean anss it’ it’ss fa farr fr from om squ squash ashyy on a B-road, B-r oad, and ent entirel irelyy pred predicta ictable ble corn cornerin eringg coup coupled led to well-as wel l-assist sisted ed but not ove overly rly sha sharp rp stee steering ring help helpss mak makee cove co verin ringg gr groun ound d at spe speed ed a br breez eeze. e. Inside Ins ide,, the Ins Insig igniafeel niafeelss as roo roomy my as bo both th its traditi tra ditional onal and new new-fo -found und com compet petitor itorss desp despite ite the coss co sseti eting ng ef effe fect ct of th thee wr wrap ap-a -aro round und ca cabinin binin the fron fr ont. t. Imp Impre ressi ssive ve leg legro room om in th thee rea rearr al also so ad adds ds to thee fe th feeli eling ng of spa spaci cious ousnes ness, s, butther butthere’s e’s a no notab table le la lack ck of hea headr droomin oomin th thee rea rearr, th than anks ks to the sty stylin lingg of th thee rakish rak ish roo roof. f. On the plu pluss sid side, e, the la larg rgee rea rearr ha hatc tch h allows ows ac acce cess ss to th thee dec decen entt siz sizee bo boot. ot. A pr prono onoun unced ced lipmak lipmakes es it les lesss pract pr actica icall th than an th thee Spo Sport rt Tour ourer er,, bu butt in ter terms ms of vo volum lumee it’s it ’s a go good od ef effo fort. rt. Vau auxha xhallll wi willll be hop hopin ingg it ca can n sa sayy the sa same me thing ng aboutsales ab outsales vo volum lumes es as th thee Ins Insig igni niaa be becom comes es mo more re establis esta blished. hed. Wit With h qua quality lity edg edging ing tow toward ardss pre premium mium and engines eng ines lik likee the 2.0 2.0CD CDTi Ti tha thatt max maximis imisee the mode model’s l’s attri at tributes, butes, it sho should uldn’t n’t ha have ve mu much ch to wo worry rry ab about out..

FACTS Model: Vauxhall Insignia 2.0 CDTi 160 SE 5dr Auto. Insignia Range from £19,815 OTR Engine: 2.0-litre diesel unit developing 158bhp and 258lb/ ft of torque. Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, driving the front wheels. Performance: Maximum speed 134mph, 0-62mph 9.0 seconds. CO2 emissions: 179g/km. Economy: 41.5mpg.

www.newtown-motors.co.uk 2

EAST EA ST WALE ALESS

CHEVROLET ORLANDO

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OR man many, y, the hu humbl mble peo people ple car carrie rierr isn isn’t ’t vie viewe wed d as a fa fash shio ion n it item em.. Mo More re of a ne nece cess ssityfor ityfor an anyo yone ne with child children, ren, belo belongin ngings gs and anyth anything ing else associ ass ociate ated d wit with h fam family ily lif life, e, big bo box x MP MPVs Vs use used d to rulee the sales rul es cha charts. rts. Its dom domina inance nce was ev event entual ually ly ch challe alleng nged ed by all manner man ner of alt altern ernati atives ves - cro crosso ssove vers, rs, SUV SUVss andsmall andsmaller er but mor moree ve versa rsatilepeopl tilepeoplee car carrie riers. rs. Ho Howe weve verr, if yo you u need nee d the spa space ce but str strugg uggle le to jus justifyall-wh tifyall-wheel eel drive ve or a gimmicky cky seating ng arran arrangeme gement nt that sacrifi sacrifices ces load space, ther th ere’ e’ss no nott a lo lott to ch choo oose se fr from om.. Chevro Che vrolet let’s ’s Orlando ando is a bi bigg boxMPV alt althou hough gh you’dneve yo u’dneverr gue guess ss tha thanksto nksto its str stream eamlin lined ed pro profile file.. The car’s car ’s des design igners ers hav havee do done ne a goo good d job of dis disgui guising sing its siz size. e. As a gen genuin uinee se seve ven-s n-seat eater er the Orlando ando is a rar raree bea beast. st. Discou Dis count nting ing lum lumbe berin ringg 4x4 4x4ss andthose car carss wit with h fiv fivee seats sea ts andtwo ext extra ra hid hidden den in the boo boott flo floor or fo forr children, ldren, it’ss har it’ hard d to fin find d som someth ething ing the these se da days ys tha thatt doe doesn’ sn’tt cos costt arm and leg mon money ey bu butt delivers ivers in the sea seatt dep departm artmen ent. t. This Th is is tr true ue of th thee Or Orla land ndo, o, wi with th pr pric ices es sta starti rtingat ngat the sam samee lev level el as a well-equi l-equipped pped fam family ily ha hatch tchbac back. k. Facto Fa ctorr in a ch choi oice ce of pe petr trol ol an and d di dies esel el pl plus us ma manu nual al an and d auto aut o gea gearb rbox oxes es and and,, forcostforcost-con consci sciou ouss fam famili ilies, es, thi thiss bi bigg Chevr Che vrole olett star starts ts to mak makee sen sense. se. A ke keyy ele elemen mentt of the Orl Orland ando o is acc access essibi ibility. lity. Apa Apart rt from fro m the ask askin ingg pri price, ce, thi thiss als also o inc includ ludes es ge gettin ttingg int into o the car’ ca r’ss th thir ird d ro row w of se seat ats. s. Le Let’ t’ss fa face ce it, if yo you u ca can’ n’tt do th that at - ev evenas enas anadu anadult lt - th thenthecarhas enthecarhas fa faililedin edin it itss ro roleas leas people carrie carrierr. Thank Thankfully fully the Orlan Orlando do deliv delivers, ers, with even ev en adu adult lt pas passen senge gers rs able to tol tolera erate te mo more re tha than n jus justt a quic qu ick k tr trip ip to th thee pu pub. b. Thee sa Th same me is tr true ue fo forr oc occu cupa pant ntss of th thee tworeg tworegul ular ar rows ro ws of sea seats ts - mid middle dle occ occupa upantswill ntswill str strugg uggle le to findfault, whiletho wh ilethose se up fr fron ontt ar aree bl bles esse sed d wi with th pl plen enty ty of he head ad an and d elbow elb ow ro room. om. The lof lofty ty driving ving pos positio ition n is als also o we welco lcome, me, as it mak makes es spo spottin ttingg tha thatt dis distan tantt sup superm ermark arket et car par park k space much easier. Aside de fro from m the abu abund ndanc ancee of cab cabin in sto storag ragee opt option ionss - al alwa waysa ysa go goodthin odthingg in an MP MPV V - th thee Or Orla land ndo’ o’ss ca cabi bin n

ambience ambien ce is ple pleasi asingl ngly upm upmark arket, et, as is the qua quality lity of the car’s car ’s tri trim m and sea seatt fab fabric rics. s. Engin En ginee cho choice ice is spl split it be betwe tween en 1. 1.8-l 8-litre itre pet petrol rol in 141bh 1bhp p trimand 2.0 2.0-li -litre tre die diesel sel in a cho choice ice of 130 and 163 hors horsepow epower er.. Realistically istically the latte latterr mak makes es the most sens se nse. e. If mo mone neyy is ti tigh ght, t, th thee lo lowe werr ru runn nnin ingg co cost stss of th thee diesel die sel mo motor tor arehard to ign ignor ore. e. CO CO2 2 emission ssionss for the lowpowe lowpowerr die diesel sel area rea reaso sonab nable le 159g 59g/km /km and 186g 86g/km /km forthe hig high h pow power er mod model. el. Fu Fuel el con consum sumpti ption on is 47.1mpg and 40.4m 40.4mpg pg resp respectiv ectively. ely. Diesel Die sel refi refinem nement ent is als also o har hard d to ign ignore ore,, mainly nly becau be cause se it’ it’ss so goo good. d. The en engin gines es are quiet et ye yett respo re sponsi nsive, ve, andonly mak makee the themse mselv lves es hea heard rd whe when n yo you u accelerate accele rate hard hard.. Sayi Sa ying ng al alll th that,don at,don’t ’t be to too o ha hastyto styto wr writ itee of off  f  the pet petro roll alt altern ernati ative. ve. Fin Finee for lo low w mileage eage mo motor toring ing,, refine re finemen mentt is als also o go good od andit’s rar raree tha thatt yo you’l u’ll fee feell wanting wan ting more perfo performan rmance ce during ng eve everyda rydayy driv driving ing dutie du ties. s. Fac Factor tor in the op optio tion n of a six six-sp -speedauto eedauto gea gearbo rbox x to rep replac lacee the six six-sp -speedmanua eedmanuall fo forr bo both th fue fuell type typess and the Orlando ando pro prove vess its itself elf to be com compet peten entt all all-ro -round under er on the ro road. ad. Chev Ch evrol rolet’s et’s bi bigg peo people ple car carrie rierr als also o pro prove vess to be a go good od va value lue pro propos positio ition, n, tha thanksin nksin part to the lev levels els of stan standar dard d kit kit.. Fr From om the gen genero erous us amo amoun untt of saf safety ety equipm equ ipmen entt to the wid widee ran range ge of tho though ughtfu tfully lly cho chosen sen conve con venie nience nce ite items ms suc such h as the aud audio io unit, t, the Orlando’s ando’s longg lis lon listt of toy toyss irr irresp especti ective ve of tri trim m lev level el will put man manyy rivall offe riva offerings ringsto to sham shame. e. Havin Ha vingg star started ted ou outt as a bra brand nd off offeri ering ng cut pri price ce carss for tho car those se on a bud budget get,, Che Chevr vrole olet’s t’s car carss and the compan com pany’s y’s str strate ategy gy has ste stead adily ily ev evolv olved ed in into to a bu busin siness ess model mod el tha thatt sho should uld ha have ve the mo more re est establ ablish ished ed mak makers ers worri wo rried. ed. Valu aluee formoney rem remain ainss a cor coree selling ling poi point, nt, butt tim bu timee has see seen n Ch Chev evrol rolet’s et’s va vario rious us pro produc ducts ts mat matur uree into genu genuine ine cont contende enders. rs. Thee Or Th Orla land ndo o is ju just st th thee la late test st to be bene nefit fit fr from om th this is stra st rate tegy gy,, an and d it sh show owss in th thee wa wayy it dr driv ives es an and d th thee wa wayy it’s built. built.n n

FACTS Model: Chevrolet Orlando 2.0 VCDi 130 LT. Orlando Range from £15,495 Engine: 2.0-litre diesel unit developing 130bhp. Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission as standard, driving the front wheels. Performance: Maximum speed 121mph, 0-62mph 9.9 seconds. Economy: 47 47..1mpg. CO2 Rating: 159g/km.

www.chevorletcwmbran.co.uk 

EAST EA ST WALE ALESS

KIA RIO

T

HESE days, no small car is just another small car. With B-segment cars like the Renault Clio and Ford Fiesta making up a quarter of all new car sales in the UK, if you’re stepping into this particular fray, there’s a lot at stake. Kia has released its new Rio to try and gain ground - and sales - against cars that have been bestsellers for generations. ons. Fortunately, comparing it to the outgoing ng model is like comparing fancy new running shoes to tired old plimsolls. The new Rio is genuin genuinely ely stylish. Kia’s family grille has been adapted, squeezing between ‘devil horn’ headlights, and the rest of the car is just as provocative. A dull runabout for people wearing slippers, this isn’t. A poke around any model of new Rio will turn up a number of well thought-out storage spaces including a surprisingly deep glove box, and a good sized boot boot that’s also very deep. It’s deceptiv deceptively ely spacious, and with a bit of stacking and shuffling you can squeeze a lot into it. There are four engines and four trim levels to choose from. There are 1.25- and 1.4-litre petrol units, along with a super-economical 1.1 diesel and a less frugal but gutsier 1.4-litre diesel. The spec levels are called 1, 1 Air, 2 and 3. The 1 Air was a bit of an afterthought in the range, but it does give buyers the option of specifying air condition conditioning ing without having to fork out for full 2 spec. The mid-range 2 is likely to be the best seller, seller, and 75% of B-segme B-segment nt cars are sold with petrol engines, making this 1.4 petrol 2 test car a good yardstick. On the outside there are standard 16-inch alloy wheels that sit comfortably in the arches, helping the Rio to avoid looking particularly under-wheeled. Inside, air conditioning joins a four-speaker stereo system, electric windows all round round,, electric folding door mirrors, two 12v power sockets, sockets, a USB input for MP3 players and steering wheel-mounted audio controls. It’s a nice place to be, and above all, it’s as stylish as the

exterior, neither looking nor feeling ‘budget’. The smooth 1.4-litre 1.4-litre engine is quiet and relaxed in town, with enough zest on a light throttle to keep up with traffic. Unfortunately, this model doesn doesn’t ’t get Kia’s EcoDynamics treatment, which includes Intelligent Stop & Go to cut the engine in traffic and save fuel, and low rollingg resistance tyres. Most of the diesel versions do rollin though, and the lightweight Rio 1 with EcoDynamics EcoDynamics will return 88.3mpg on the combine combined d cycle while emitting just 85g/km of CO2. That make makess it the lowestCO2 non-electric non-electric car engine in the world. The brakes are fantastic, having plenty of power without being too grabby. The electric power steering steering offers variable resistance, adding adding weight as a s speeds pick up, and taking it away for car park trundling. trundling. Slotting the Rio into a space is physically very easy, but visibility at the front and back is restricted by a high dashboard, a small rear windscr windscreen een and thick pillars all round. A three-door arrives next year, but that won’t really help. If you’re a low-mileage driver one of the petrol versions makes the most sense, because even the huge fuel economy of the basic diesel engine can’t overcome the difference in initial purchase price. If you’d prefer prefer to pay over the odds for a diesel, each will do at least 70mpg on the combine combined d cycle to keep running ng costs low, and are tax-friendly, costing £20 or escaping excise charges altogether under the current rules. Although the jump from the Rio 1 to the Rio 2 is £1,900, the increase from 2 to 3 is only £700-800, and for that you get heated front seats, climate control and genuinely beautiful 17-inch alloy wheels, with more besides. The range-topping 1.4 CRDi diesel Rio 3 is £14 £14,895, ,895, which isn’t cheap, but with Kia’s 7-year warranty behind it, it’s a car that you could buy and keep with peace of mind. It’s a new kid on the block, but the new Rio has arrived in style.

FACTS Model: Kia Rio 2 1.4 5dr, from £13,095 on the road. Rio range from £9,995 Engine: 1.4-litre petrol unit developing 107bhp. Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission as standard, driving the front wheels. Performance: Maximum speed 114mph, 0-60mph 11.1 seconds. Economy: 51.4mpg. CO2 Rating: 128g/km.

www.wessegarages.co.uk 

VALLEYS

FORD FOCUS 1.66 TD 1. TDCI CI ZETEC

P

EOPLE carriers and SUVs might have overtaken the humble hatchback in the desirability stakes for consumers, but the demands set out by company car drivers revolve around a much simpler solution: space. If you need to transport products, supplies or tools of the trade, there’s still a lot to be said for the estate car format. That’s especially true if you need your workhorse to look presentable in a client’s car park and double as the family runabout at the weekend. In this context a van simply won’t do, making an estate car the only sensible option. Furthermore, making the decision between ‘medium or large’ isn’t reserved for trips to McDonalds. The large estate car, once typified by a boxy Volvo or Mercedes, can be a fine tool but also an unwieldy device at the weekend in the supermarket car park. Downsizing, we are told, is all the rage, and has helped boost the fortunes of cars like Ford’s Focus when the larger Mondeo was sometimes judged to be a box too big by some. It’s ironic, then, that’s Ford’s third generation has grown slightly over its predecessor, although the increase is in the right areas. There’s now more room for rear seat occupants, and in estate form the added cabin space also boosts overall carrying capacity. With its flat load bay and ability to fold the rear seats with a simple movement, expanding the car’s carrying capacity beyond the default setting couldn’t be easier. The numbers are pretty impressive, too, with 476 litres available with the seats up and 1,502 litres with the rear seats folded. Driving performance and enjoyment have been attributes that can be traced back to the first generation car, and while the emphasis now has swung more in favour of increased refinement and comfort the basic qualities are still present. The cabin is noticeably driver-centric, with the car’s major controls close to hand. There’s also no shortage of information available to the driver, what

with a pair of superbly clear electronic displays - one for the audio unit and one between the main dials. Fans of the old car will feel right at home thanks to a familiar feel to the various types of switchgear. Newcomers will be faced by a more upbeat and engaging experience than what’s available in some rivals, as the overall cabin ambience is lighter and brighter than the traditional German opposition. Being that’s likely to appeal more at company drivers than private buyers, it’s no surprise to learn that Ford is heavily promoting its diesel engines as the favoured option. One in particular, a 1.6-litre 115 horsepower variant, ticks all the relevant boxes regarding economy, emissions and tax-related costs. Producing 115 horsepower, the refined engine emits only 109g/km CO2. Factor in the now familiar trick ways of achieving the latter - active aerodynamic aids, engine stop-start - and the car’s 67.3mpg official economy figure looks perfectly believable. In real world conditions the car proves willing and capable of keeping up with the, brisk pace of  motorway traffic, and is flexible enough to trickle around town in a high gear to help save fuel and the environment. The engine stop-start function works well,, is unobtrusive in use and quick to restart when you want to pull away from a standstill. Aside from the obvious fuel economy and emissions figures, the complete absence of any related compromise - reduced performance or refinement - makes it a suitable all-rounder for tackling everything from the urban grind to the office to hauling tools or samples halfway across the country in one hit. As a rounded package the Focus estate is hard to beat despite the increase in choice and competition in the time since the first generation car hit the showrooms all those years ago. For some their company car is little more than another tool to get the job done, like a stapler or pen. To view the Focus in this way does it a huge disservice - it’s much more than that.

FACTS Model: Ford Focus Zetec 1.6 TDCi (Start-Stop) 5dr. Ford Focus Range from £13,995 Engine: 1.6-litre diesel unit developing 115bhp. Transmission: 6-speed manual gearbox, driving the front wheels. Performance: Maximum speed 120mph, 0-62mph 11.1 seconds. Economy: 67.3mpg. CO2 Rating: 109g/ 109g/km. km.

www.aberdareford.co.uk 

VALLEYS

FORD FOCUS

E

VEN if you don’t claim to be a car enthusiast, it would be hard to ignore that the Focus has been a huge hit for Ford. It’s been an almost permanent fixture at the top of the sales charts since its original launch, and been the benchmark others have been judged by ever since. So what’s new? In a nutshell, everything. Now positioned as a ‘world car’ within Ford, this Focus will be sold around the world. That brings economies of  scale, and is one reason why the car can be had with a range of good value optional equipment packages such as an impressive safety kit bundle. There’s also a greater emphasis on economy and emissions, with the range kicking off with a 109g/km diesel and the promise of more to more to come in the future. Engine stop-start technology plus the use of Ford’s new EcoBoost petrol engines and fuel-sipping DSG Powershift gearboxes add to Ford’s frugal approach to motoring. The cabin is noticeably driver-centric, with the car’s major controls close to hand. There’s also no shortage of information available to the driver, what with a pair of su-perbly clear electronic displays - one for the audio unit and one between the main dials. Fans of the old car will feel right at home thanks to a familiar feel to the various types of switchgear. Newcomers will be faced by a more upbeat and engaging experience than what’s available in some rivals, as the overall cabin ambience is lighter and brighter than the traditional German opposition. It takes more than a cursory glance around the cabin to fully appreciate the lengths Ford has gone to in order to, hopefully, maintain its class-leading status. The same is true out on the road as, initially, the experience appears to have shifted considerably more to-wards comfort. What has Ford done with the car’s sporty and engaging character? In truth it never left, only this time it’s been cleverly contained in a more refined and composed wrapper. Push a little harder in a corner and you’ll soon experience some of the old Focus magic.

Everything is so darn polished now - Volkswagen and the like should be worried. Considerable praise should also be directed towards the engine department. Ford is offering 1.6 and 2.0-litre engines in both petrol and diesel form, in a range of power out-puts. In petrol guise there’s a choice of 105, 125 and 150 horsepower, horsepower, while diesels run from 115 to 140 and 163 horsepower. Predictably, the highest output diesel motor scores well if you plan on racking up the miles. Its flexible nature makes light work of long distances, and its six-speed manual gearbox can be swapped for a DSGstyle auto if you wish. Ford’s petrol motors have improved beyond all recognition in recent years. As a willing, free-revving alternative to the more frugal diesel units, such engines prove ideal for shorter, stop-start journeys and boast less weight, which further enhances the car’s agil-ity. As the old saying goes, power is nothing without control, and the Focus isn’t short of systems to keep you and the car in check. Packaged as a bundle of features, you get a blind spot warning, lane departure alert, city speed auto braking function and a speed limit sign reader that displays the relevant information in the electronic fascia readout. It was only a few short years ago that such technology was the preserve of expensive luxury cars, and makes the inclusion in a ‘regular’ family hatch a big deal. Make no mistake; this Focus is a supremely competent and attractive car. It might take a few minutes - and a few miles behind the wheel - to fully appreciate the progress made by Ford’s engineers, but when you do you’ll be pleasantly surprised by what’s been achieved. The combination of big-car refinement and equipment levels, a rounded and polished driving experience and an engine range offering real world savings are just a few of the many highlights. Even in uncertain times, if its performance is anything to go by this Focus is destined to be another chart topper.

FACTS Model: Ford Focus range from £13,995. Engine: 2.0-litre diesel unit developing 163bhp. Transmission: 6-speed manual gearbox, driving the front wheels. Performance: Maximum speed 135mph, 0-62mph 8.6 seconds. Economy: 56.5mpg. CO2 Rating: 129g/km.

www.arrowmotors.com 

VALLEYS

PEUGEOT 3008

I

T WAS NOT that long ago that a ‘family’ car was, quite simply, a car that you could fit your family in. Peugeot certainly didn’t struggle in this arena, with models like its 505 estate proving a sure-fire solution for over-productive loins across Europe. These days, it takes more than an extra pair of  seats to appeal to demanding family car buyers. With the blurring of lines between traditional segments leaving drivers with no shortage of choice, a family car needs to do more than physically envelop a family, it needs to emotionally envelop them as well. Crossover models like Peugeot’s 3008 aim to be all things to all men, offering something to engage every member of the family. Parents, kids, even the dog need to feel catered for if it’s going to be a success. Dogs are reasonably easy to please. With the adjustable three-tier boot floor at its lowest setting the boot space is no less accommodating than in the 308 SW estate model. The 3008’s taller body means there’s a slightly higher jump to be made in to the rear, but a clever split rear tailgate offers an extended platform and pooch can be prevented from prematurely disembarking by opening the top portion only. Once in, there’s enough room for Benji to chase the rear wiper ad nauseam. Yet in the family sphere of influence, the dog’s opinion is generally out-weighed by that of the parents. With this in mind, the 3008 has been designed to straddle the varying requirements of life as an adult. Versatility is key - the 3008 operates admirably on the motorway, in town and in the country. True to its crossover branding, the 3008 fits its spacious, chunky body and SUV derived features atop a reasonably compact chassis. Little overhang and a large glass house makes it simple enough to manoeuvre around town, never feeling as cumbersome as the styling suggests it might. On the motorway the ride quality of the 2.0-litre diesel equipped model is the equal of larger models

in the French manufacturer’s range. Combined with the slightly elevated driving position the 3008 proves adept at cruising. In 150bhp form the 2.0-litre diesel unit uses a six-speed manual gearbox with sensibly spaced ratios that keep the revs down but still leave potential for some useful in-gear acceleration. Although less than exhilarating, it’s a worthy choice in a line-up full of worthy choices. Emissions and fuel economy figures are kept surprisingly low across the range. More surprising is the way the 3008 rides and handles away from the motorway. The SUV stylings are, for the most part, exactly that, but the increased height of the model ought to make it less stable on the road than a 308 hatchback. More technology is available in the shape of the ‘Grip Control’ system that means the two-wheel drive 3008 can handle soft-roader tasks such as towing and mildly inhospitable terrain. The lack of a four-wheel drive system means no bulging transmission tunnel in the rear; earning a favourable vote from rear occupants and children. Head and legroom are good, with masses of storage availability making the 3008 interior particularly childfriendly. In the range-topping Exclusive model, the full length glass roof will prove another big draw for the youth vote. Although traditional in its basic interior layout, the 3008 features enough quirks give it some character of its own. The heads-up display, beaming speed information in to the driver’s line-of sight is an obvious example. A distinctive, metal embossed design for the switchgear in the upper centre console also adds an upmarket element. One of the neatest models to come out of the ‘crossover’ ‘crossov er’ revolution yet, Peugeo Peugeot’s t’s 3008 manages to fuse an enormous number of ingredients in just the right measures. A hatchback, estate, MPV and compact SUV combined it’s bursting with family appeal.

FACTS Model: Peugeot 3008 2.0 HDi 150 Exclusive. 3008 Range from £15,495 OTR Engine: 2.0-litre diesel unit developing 150bhp and 250lb/ ft of torque. Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission, driving the front wheels. Performance: Maximum speed 121mph, 0-62mph 9.7 seconds. CO2 emissions: 146g/km. Economy: 50.4mpg

www.grifnmill.co.uk 

VALLEYS

KIA SOUL

O

PTING for a name like ‘Soul’ requires a good deal of faith in the product. Clearly, in the case of Kia’s distinctive mini-MPV there’s a clever pun to be found - suggesting not only that driving the model will indicate you’re an individual with hidden depths, but is also a nod towards South Koreas’ capital Seoul, where the manufacturer has its root. There’s considerably more to the Soul than its selection of distinctive exteriors, though. On paper, the model’s credentials look fairly average. The five-door, front-wheel drive platform and dimensions are typical of those of a family hatchback. hatchbac k. However, the Soul’s boxy shape means it’s a very spacious vehicle. In the flesh, it seems like a bulky car. The high rise body, oversize light units and, on the Shaker model in particular, the large alloy wheels give it a compact SUV-like presence. Behind the wheel it feels smaller and more precise, however. The square body shape makes it easy to position and a lofty driving position makes visibility out of the large glass areas particularly impressive, although the steering column would benefit from being reach, as well as tilt, adjustable. Headroom is among the Soul’s key attractions, but rear legroom is also in good supply and the rear will seat three children with ease, or three adults in a greater degree of  comfort than a regular hatchback. The light, airy and colourful cabin is well suited to family life, with excellent storage in the front adding to the appeal.

Of course, the large, boxy bodyshape lends itself to a large boot. A wide and square boot door opens to reveal what at first appears to be restricted boot space, but closer inspection uncovers hidden storage beneath the floor. Fold the rear seats flat and there’s van-like potential. If pulling unusually heavy loads is common practice then the 1.6-litre diesel unit may make more sense, but for regular family use the 1.6litre petrol copes well and offers excellent value. Using a five-speed manual gearbox, the petrol engine is smooth and refined, though with the majority of the power very high in the rev range it needs to be revved hard to find the performance. It’s a more sedate experience around town where the light steering and controls, slick gear change and closer ratios make for relaxed driving. On A and B roads, the Soul’s impressive chassis works well with the 1.6 petrol. Understeer is tamed and the steering offers a highly respectable degree of feedback meaning the Soul can be as much fun to drive as its charismatic charisma tic looks suggest. Delivering a well-metered combination of  style, practicality and driving appeal, Kia’s Soul is a model with a great character. It appears Kia’s faith in the model is well placed.

FACTS Model: Kia Soul. Kia Soul Range from £11,995 OTR Engine: 1.6-litre petrol unit producing 126bhp Transmission: 6-speed manual gearbox driving the front wheels. Performance: 0-62mph in 11.3 seconds. Top speed 110mph. CO2 emissions: 155g/km. Economy: 47.9mpg

www.grifnmill.co.uk 4

VALLEYS

FIAT 500 TWINAIR

W

ITH car makers keen to reduce emissions and save fuel these days, one obvious place to start is weight reduction. And what better way to cut unnecessary weight weight than to streamline a car’s engine - downsizing is the new black. Fiat has long held a reputation for engine development, and it’s now gone and halved the cylinder count for its popular 500. Dubbed ‘Twinair’ the 500’s 0.9-litre, twin-cylinder petrol unit offers significant savings over a larger four-pot motor in terms of economy, emissions and, unsurprisingly, unsurprisin gly, weight. Fiat is clear that that this engine will be the first of many, and the aim is to reduce emissions levels to new lows well in advance of any country-specific country-sp ecific legislatio legislation. n. The upshot for the consumer is a 500 with more character.. When it first appeared some observers were character disappointed by its lack of a technological ogical highlight. Sure, the car was a faithful, if larger, reproduction of a popular classic. It didn’t boast anything groundbreaking, groundbreaking, though. That’s changed with the arrival of Fiat’s Twinair engine, and it’s difficult to think of a more appropriate home for this remarkable little motor. motor. There’s no question that the technology underpinningg the Twinair engine is impressiv underpinnin impressive. e. Borrowin Borrowingg Fiat’s recent Multiair development development - where airflow into the engine is managed electronically electronically cylinder by cylinder through the unit’s inlet valves, not the throttle - this twocylinder engine is the product of a clean-sheet design, a new type of turbocharger and a few hundred million Euros. In reality Fiat’s achiev achievement ement is worthy of significan significantt praise. In 85 horsepower trim - 105bhp turbo and 65bhp non turbo variants are scheduled to follow - you get the power, accelerative accelerative punch and cruising ability of a traditional small capacity four-cylinder petrol car but with the economy and, crucially crucially,, emissions of somethin somethingg much smaller. How does 68.9mpg and 95g/km CO2 sound? Granted, the 500 is hardly a big car, but that’s a 15 percent CO2 reduction over a regular 1.2-lit 1.2-litre re petrol

500. If you opt for Fiat’s ‘Dualogic’ semi-auto gearbox, the numbers are better still, at 70.6mpg and 92g/km respectively. With all that data in mind, it only takes a minute to realise how much this particular 500 could save you in fuel and tax over the course of a few years. That’s only part of the ownership experience, however. however. Tu Turn rn the key and you enter a new world of two-cylinder fun. Fiat’s engineers have done an excellen excellentt job of  isolatingg the traditional characteristics isolatin characteristics of such an engine - noise, vibration and harshness, and as a result it proves a charming companion to live with. You immediately warm to its slightly offbeat angry bumble bee engine note. Such a signatur signaturee tune is perfectly in keeping with the 500’s visual charm and will have you grinning like a child with a whole chocolate bar to itself. Unlike Unlike when the confectionary has been consumed, the novelty of a 500 with half a ‘proper’ engine is unlikely to wear thin. Accelerate briskly and you can hear what sounds like a distant 2CV attempting to chase you down, which is guaranteed to keep you smiling even on the commute to work. This focus on the intangible elements of the 500 Twinair might appear tedious to anyone without the faintest interest in cars, but given the cute and cheerful nature of the 500, this added layer of enjoyment is the icing on an already mouthwatering ng the cake. Since its launch the 500 has sold well, but was in need of something special to lift it above its numerous rivals. With its clever Twinair engine, Fiat has injected a welcome shot of added interest and set a new benchmark for engine technolo technology. gy. With equipment levels mirroring that of the regular four-cylinder inder model line-up and positioned price-wise a step above the entry-lev entry-level el 500, the Twinair variant is not about sacrificing creature comforts when in the pursuit of saving fuel end money. That the Twinair can also be had in 500C convertible guise is proof that Fiat firmly believes two-cylinder motoring should be fun. And it’s right: this particular 500 is a genuine mini marvel for the masses.

FACTS Model: Fiat 500 Twinair Sport. Fiat 500 Range from £9,900 OTR Engine: 0.9-litre turbo petrol unit developing 85bhp. Transmission: 5-speed manual transmission as standard, driving the front wheels. Performance: Maximum speed 108mph, 0-62mph 11.0 seconds. Economy: 68.9mpg. CO2 Rating: 95g/km.

www.grifnmill.co.uk 4

VALLEYS

SKODA ROOMSTER

D

OES ANYONE lead a normal life anymore? Sane, predictable and methodical, or are we all out wakeboarding wakeb oarding and base jumping at the weekend in order to rid ourselves of the weekday blues? It may seem like a frivolous question, but the notion of (excuse the marketing speak) ‘active lifestyles’ is somethin somethingg that car manufacturers manufacturers are keen to satisfy. Even the sensible, worthy Skoda have now got in on the act, except that they’ve done it...well, sensibly. The Roomster is the realisation of a very simple idea: people want a car that drives like a car, but carries like an MPV. Other manufactures have had a go, but not in the same way. At the front of the Roomster is the ‘Driving Room’, and at the back is the ‘Living Room’. At first glance, it’s hard not to think it looks a bit mad. Cover either end with one hand and it’s easy to see where it should go, but like a black and white French film it doesn’t go where you expect. Advantage to you the buyer however, because once you start to use the Roomster the wacky looks make sense, and its visual appeal grows. Climb into the driver’s seat and there is much to like. You get a better view out than in most ordinary hatchbacks hatchbacks thanks to the position of the windscreen, windscree n, and there’s plenty of light entering the cabin. The dashboard is textbook Skoda, with a clear, uncluttered design and sturdy materials. The driving position is also car-like, but it feels more special than that, especially if you look over your shoulder. In the back is where the clever stuff happens. The rear doors are far taller than those at the front - unusual, certainly, but effective when it comes to getting in and out. The rear seats are

higher than those in the front, so once installed the view out is excellent, which might help keep little ones quiet for longer longer.. Those rear seats can perform a number of  tricks too. The middle seat can be folded forward to create a table, drinks holder or just somewhere to hide things, and be remove removed d altogether. altogether. The outer two can slide sideways to fill this space, as well as move forwards by 15cm 15cm and recline and be taken out too, which gives the Roomster anything from 450 litres to a massive 1,780 litres of storage space. There’s plenty of storage elsewhere too It can hold its own on the road too. It certainly doesn’t feel like a large, floppy MPV on the move, instead it responds more like a decent hatchback. hatchb ack. With the pokiest 1.6 TDI unit up front the Roomster can haul plenty of cargo and make good progress too. Refinement is easily on a par with the competition, and it is secure and stable through the bends. Skoda can point to recent success based on producingg cars that are practical, useful, well producin built and excellent value, but the introduction of  the Roomster shows that there’s more to come. It packs a lot of space and smart thinking into a small package, package, and going on the number of awards collected by Skoda recently, it should be a great car to own.

FACTS Model: Skoda Roomster from £11,775. Engine: 1.6 diesel unit developing 104PSi. Transmission: 5-speed manual transmission as standard, driving the front wheels. Performance: Maximum speed 112mph, 0-62mph 11.5 seconds.

www.grifnmill.co.uk 4

VALLEYS

CITROEN C4

W

ITH the arrival of the C3 and DS3 is was only a matter of time before Citroen brought its bigger C4 into line with the company’s new design philosoph philosophy. y. And here it is; the second generation C4 hatchback hatchba ck promises improv improved ed quality inside and out plus a greater focus on refinement and economy. It’s clear even from the outset that this C4 is a higher-quality item. The car’s rounded curves and glossy exterior trim accents do much to help create a premium ambience. And although this C4 is just as distinctive as its predecessor, it’s also good to see a family connection with the smaller C3. The French firm’s designers have worked hard to make the cabin experience a pleasant one, and the combina combination tion of ergonomic and intuitiv intuitivee controls go a long way to confirming this. As we’ve come to expect from Citroen, the French firm has departed from the norm in a few subtle ways in a bid to generate some extra interest. The car’s electronic handbrake sits close to hand in the centre console, and it’s also possible to change the illumination of the main dials - there’s a handful of colour options to choose from. You can also chang changee the sound of the indicator repeater, proving that Citroen remains keen to show off its quirky personality occasionally. Back to more serious issues, however. however. The second generation C4 has grown slightly slightly over its predecessor in all the key dimensions, and nowhere is this more obvious than at the rear. Boasting 408 litres, the car’s boot is the biggest in its class, making the C4 a genuinely practical and versatile family hatchback. It’s also a car that’s keen to save you money.

With low emissions and fuel consumption the main talking point for anyone buying a mainstr mainstream eam car these days, Citroen’s engine line-up promises much. The focus is very much on efficiency, and it’s encouraging to see low capacity engines boasting above average average power outputs. The 1.6litre range comprises turbo petrol motors shared with BMW and frugal diesels. Alongside the main options is Citroen’s new e-HDi diesel motor. Offering engine stop-start and energy regeneration, this 1.6-litre, 110 horsepower horsepow er unit is initially rated at 109 109g/km g/km CO2 and will later drop to an even more appealing 99g/km. Either way, the unit is willing, smooth, refined and offers more than enough performance performance for everyday driving tasks. That it comes with Citroen’s ‘clutchless’ automated automa ted manual gearbox - that action is automated and you’re presented with columnmounted paddle shifters - is another quirk of the brand. Citroen claims the ‘EGS’ unit offers savings over a manual gearbox, which is part of the firm’s ‘every little saving helps’ ethos and sits alongside the C4’s weight loss program programme. me. What’s clear from driving the new C4 is that Citroen is keen on delivering an experience that’s much closer to that of a premium model than ever before. With the firm’s emerging DS sub brand tasked with offering a sportier edge, the C4 should suit buyers seeking refinement in a practical, well-equipped and familiar package. There’s a noticeable improvement improvement in quality inside and out with this C4, while the driving experience delivers a supple yet engaging ride that Citroen fans will instantly warm to. Factor in the welcome increased focus on economy plus an impressive engine line-up and it’s easy to see the car’s appeal.

FACTS Model: Citroen C4 1.6 e-HDi. C4 range from £15,750 OTR. Engine: 1.6-litre turbo diesel developing 110bhp. Transmission: 6-speed ‘EGS’ semi auto gearbox with column-mounted shifters, driving the front wheels. Performance: Maximum speed 118mph, 0-62mph 11.2 seconds. Economy: 67.2mpg. CO2 Rating: 109g/ 109g/km. km.

www.thomasanddaviescitroen.co.uk 4

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