Car Reviews: 11/02/09

Monday, November 2, 2009

Eco labels launched for used cars (UK)

First used on brand-new cars and now launched on used cars. A new 'green' labelling system for used cars has been launched with the support of over 2,000 dealers. The colour-coded system is similar to the one already applied to new cars, with the labels making it easy for buyers to tell how economical the car is.

The label gives details of a car's make and model, as well as:

• The car's CO2 emissions in grams per kilometre

• The official mpg figure

• The estimated fuel cost based on 12,000 miles driving

More economical cars are distinguished with green labels while cars with high fuel consumption and CO2 emissions get red labels.

Dealers that sign up for the scheme can choose whether to label cars up to two years old or whether to label cars that have been registered since 2001, when the modern scheme of CO2 banding was first introduced.

However, 94% of participating dealers have opted to label old cars, too. Minister for Transport, Sadiq Khan MP, said: 'I hope as many dealers as possible will participate and I encourage used car buyers to look for the label when they consider what to buy.'

From its launch over 2,000 garages have signed up to the scheme including franchised dealers, independent garages and car supermarkets. Over 200 Ford Direct centres are using the label, however, Ford plans that all 350 members of its franchised network to sign up as soon as possible.

Previous tax band table shown above

RHD Polos have higher CO2 emissions than LHD Polos (UK)

Right-hand-drive Volkswagen Polo diesels will have slightly poorer fuel economy and higher CO2 emissions than the left-hand-drive models sold in Mainland Europe.

This is because the oxidation catalyst and diesel particulate filter in the exhaust system have been moved to allow the controls to be switched to the right side of the car. The switch means that the 1.2 litre Polo Bluemotion, which has the lowest CO2 figure of any diesel car on sale in Europe at 87g/km, can't make the same claim in the UK.

The Polo's emissions in the UK are 90g/km, while fuel economy dips from 85.6mpg to 83.1mpg. The two 1.6 litre Polo diesels (74bhp and 89bhp) are also 3g/km worse off in right-hand-drive form, while the official fuel consumption figure falls from 67.3mpg to 65.7mpg. The Polo CO2 emissions in the UK are 112g/km, compared to 109g/km for Mainland Europe.

The good news is that both road tax and company car tax are unaffected by the right-hand-drive car's drop in efficiency – it's not significant enough to move the Polos up a tax band.

Other VWs are not affected by the transformation from left to right-hand drive because there is more bonnet space under the hood to re-route the controls.

Toyota Hybrid X concept car The leading Hybrid Synergy Drive® technology.

Toyota Hybrid X concept car

Toyota will provide a vision for the future of hybrid cars when it unveils the Hybrid X concept car at this year’s Australian International Motor Show.
Hybrid X proposes a new design language for Toyota’s hybrid models while also acting as a technology showcase for future hybrid cars.
Created and developed by Toyota’s European styling centre ED² in the south of France, Hybrid X is a four-door, four-seat concept that is spacious and comfortable.It is a step closer to Toyota’s vision of the ultimate environmental driving technology.
Its design will influence the entire Toyota brand and its hybrid models in the future.A vision for future environmentally friendly motoring, the appearance of Hybrid X comes soon after Toyota announced it would build a hybrid Camry in Australia from 2010.
Hybrid X is the latest concept to demonstrate Toyota’s world-leading Hybrid Synergy Drive® technology, which is at the core of the company’s strategy to develop the ultimate eco-car.

Toyota Hybrid X concept car

The show car fits clearly within Toyota’s environmental strategy of offering sustainable mobility for modern families.
It has the dimensions of a conventional family car with an overall length of 4,500mm and wheelbase of 2,800mm. The width is 1,850mm and height 1,440mm.
It proposes unconventional creative solutions that will potentially become the signature points of a specific hybrid identity.
Hybrid X features a futuristic body shape that is dominated by two ‘U’ shapes created by the upper glass frame area and the unconventional A and C pillars.
Viewed from above, this gives the impression of a large X – hence the name of the concept, Hybrid X.
Dynamic hints of driving performance are provided by the customised 20-inch alloy wheels with ultra-low profile 225/40 R20 tyres.
LED headlamps are integrated into the dashboard and are now part of the interior of the car and can communicate information such as safety distances, acceleration and braking to other drivers and pedestrians.
The driver can set the ambience within the car, controlling sight, sound, touch and even smell.
A drive-by-wire steering pad features a central screen to relay information to the driver about the energy flow path, fuel consumption and gear position.
Space-saving seats are formed using injected foam techniques, which create comfort while reducing weight.
The two independent rear seats can swivel by 12 degrees to allow passengers to enjoy the scenery or conversation.

Acura ZDX Sport Car powered by a 3.7-liter VTEC® V-6 ,The first vehicle to be styled from start to finish in the new

2010 Acura ZDX

The first vehicle to be styled from start to finish in the new,2010 Acura ZDX powered by a 3.7-liter VTEC® V-6.
The all-new 2010 Acura ZDX will make its auto show debut as a production model on October 15, 2009, at the Orange County Auto Show,10/15/2009 – TORRANCE, Calif. Arriving this winter at Acura dealerships, the ZDX features dramatic styling, outstanding performance and the latest in advanced technology. The segment bending ZDX has stunning coupe-like styling with the added benefit of a commanding presence and flexible utility.

Designed, developed and manufactured entirely in North America, the ZDX is the first vehicle to be styled from start to finish in the new, dedicated Acura Design Studio in Torrance, California. Staying true to the original sketch from Acura’s first female designer, Michelle Christensen, the ZDX features sensuous curves, deeply sculpted shoulders and strong character lines.

2010 Acura ZDX

The design highlights of the 2010 Acura ZDX include:
All-glass panoramic roof stretches from the windshield to the tailgate – making it the longest continuous glass surface found in the automotive industry.
Rear door handles cleverly concealed within in the C-pillar to emphasize coupe-like styling.
Ultra-luxurious interior features a standard hand-stitched leather dash, door panels and sculpted center console.
The ZDX is powered by a 3.7-liter VTEC® V-6 that generates 300 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. Standard on the ZDX is Acura’s exclusive Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) system that provides outstanding handling as well as excellent all-season capability.

2010 Lotus Evora Type 124 Endurance Racer Pictures

The new  Lotus Type 124 Evora endurance racer may be the most luxurious Lotus cars. The Lotus Evora Type 124 Endurance Racecar has been developed from the award-winning Evora road car and is built to FIA regulations and safety standards. The engine hasn't changed -- it's still a Toyota-sourced 3.5-liter V-6 -- but its power has. Lotus says in Type 124, the six-cylinder can produce as much as 400 hp. Lotus replaced the standard six-speed sequential gearbox with a normal six-speed manual transmission.The Evora Type 124 will make its debut at the 2010 ADAC Nrburgring 24 Hours in May, and will continue competing at a number of various endurance races through 2011 as part of a factory supported program.Finally this car is very luxury cars..

Some Great 2009 Cars From Around The World

Some of the cars which have made their way onto the roads in the year 2009 are termed as 2009 cars. All these are very rich in technical and design aspects. They are good even in comfort and luxury terms.