tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54245724798269085352024-03-14T06:37:52.237+00:00Definitely MotoringUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger234125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5424572479826908535.post-6183850450219631812020-10-19T18:59:00.006+01:002022-08-10T05:50:51.995+01:00UNSUNG HEROES: Mazda 6 (2002-2007)<div style="text-align: justify;">
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The car that rejuvenated Mazda with an unlikely halo-effect across its line-up.</h3>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span><a name='more'></a></span>AS Mazda celebrates its 100th birthday. There will be countless tributes and columns dedicated to the RX-7 and the MX-5. In all fairness, they were the cars that put Mazda on the map. They're great sports cars, and are the Japanese company's landmark models. But Mazda are also famed and well-respected for their engineering integrity and thinking outside the box.</div></div>
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However, I do think there is one car that is worthy of recognition to celebrate its centenary is with the original incarnation of their Mazda 6 saloon. At the very least, it deserves a mention and is something of an unsung hero from the Japanese company.</div>
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When the original Mazda 6 arrived in 2002, as the replacement for the 626. It literally caught everyone by surprise. For years, Mazda's line-up of everyday cars were very forgettable. That's not to say they were bad cars, as Mazda had a good reputation for making reliable cars. They just never left much in the way of a lasting impression like drinking a glass of water would.<br />
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But they lacked any design or engineering flair that their sports cars had in abundance. Which left you feeling cold with no emotional response or attachment. Dull but worthy white goods. Then came the arrival of the Mazda 6. It was one car that single-handedly, transformed its rather dowdy image overnight.</div>
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What Mazda made here, was a smart and slick family saloon. That wouldn't fade into the background in the company car park that its predecessor would. Compared to the usual Mondeo, Passat, and Vectra of the day, the Mazda 6 stood out like a swan in the canal full of ducks and geese.<br />
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Furthermore, the 6 single handedly rocked up the D-segment sector at that time as well. As the motoring press raving about the Mazda's solid build quality, sharp handling, and good road manners. The beauty also lied with the engineering as well as the styling.<br />
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'<i>More than any family saloon has expects and has any right to be'</i>, something reviewers and critics would probably have said about the Mazda 6. Many loved the fact that it had sporting pedigree, and feel good factor behind the wheel like its very own MX-5 (Miata).</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Given how the Mazda 6 pleasantly shocked and surprised the motoring press. Consumers were soon taken in by the Japanese company's family saloon. As a complete package itself, the Mazda 6 was enough to lure buyers and fleets out of their usual Mondeo, Passat, Vectra, or maybe <i>even</i> their BMW 3-Series or Audi A4. Rated as a smart and credible alternative to what many would've considered before.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Reception was well received by the media and the public alike. So much so that Mazda used the successful 6 as a template. For re-inventing themselves as a maker of mass produced cars with some sporting pedigree. Which in effect, created a ripple effect within the Mazda brand. As was seen with newer cars that arrived in Mazda's line up in the following years.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5424572479826908535.post-11445661870643955022020-09-30T20:20:00.002+01:002020-09-30T20:20:53.606+01:00Gatecrashing the German party<h3><b>Volvo quietly rocks up the establishment...</b></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha3gK4bwndXI47KbGIcaN38dPnHsoAw0mBd-6Xn8J09RJh5YUbWSp5bZdZnX6A6pZNBR5Zpi8m0YV8VrHtjQYEOMJ3l_TMjkcxo0ALPPmHNFSEL4EUcI9cUdOYXZl9sBbrTk41S-2oj8M/s1600/Volvo+line+up.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1008" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha3gK4bwndXI47KbGIcaN38dPnHsoAw0mBd-6Xn8J09RJh5YUbWSp5bZdZnX6A6pZNBR5Zpi8m0YV8VrHtjQYEOMJ3l_TMjkcxo0ALPPmHNFSEL4EUcI9cUdOYXZl9sBbrTk41S-2oj8M/s640/Volvo+line+up.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><span><a name='more'></a></span>GERMAN cars are very popular amongst millions of motorists. It's not just down to the competitive lease rates on your BMW, Mercedes or Audi. But it's also image on what <i>really</i> seals the deal for consumers from the badge kudos they carry. </b><br />
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</b> Lets face it, we're all a sucker for vanity when it comes to these premium motors.<b> </b>When making progress on a professional (and personal) level. Many will trade in their humble Ford, Vauxhall or Toyota to showcase that. But when it comes to choice over getting the next car that's somewhat, being a cut above the rest. A lot will resent the fact on how ubiquitous - and vulgar - some German cars have become over the years.</div>
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Some like to stand out from the crowd and not jump on the bandwagon. Some don't even want to show off that they've 'made it'. Depending on the car, it's more of being exclusive that will make their drivers feel special - or dare I say it, more important.</div>
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There are some car firms who have identified that there is a market for premium cars. Particularly for those who like the quality, refinement and sophistication expected from your Beemer, Merc or Audi. They want the same but different. One of the legitimate reasons over why consumers fancy a German alternative in recent times.</div>
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Out of the established German trio, it would be fair to say that Mercedes was the go-to brand when it came to making majoring comfort over being firm and sporty. Though, it's appeared they're abandoning their roots and tradition of that to some degree. In the pursuit of chasing sales and keeping tabs on Audi and of course, BMW.<br />
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Volvo has clearly identified a gap in the premium segment. That's one they have filled in and catered for consumers who like their cars cut above the rest, but something low key yet tasteful. But also that some of us like it softer. Some of us value comfort over handling prowess.</div>
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The Swedish marque has enjoyed a renaissance under Geely. From once being a middle-market brand under previous owners, Ford. Sandwiched between Jaguar and their former parent company in the prestige ranks. Volvo though, has successfully pushed themselves upmarket, and have made cars that more aspire to have.<br />
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In true Scandinavian style akin to IKEA. Volvo has demonstrated that less is more and simplicity is a virtue in a sophisticated manner. Which in itself, is not an easy trick to pull. They're proud to be different. Volvo are quietly confident, self-assured, about who they are, and what they're about.<br />
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As well as individual flair that Volvo showcases in the design and engineering of their cars. With the strong emphasis on strength, comfort, practicality and ergonomics. But lets not forget what Volvo is famed for most, and that's safety. They're proud to be different of being an understated, very credible, left-field alternative to the established German trio.<br />
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Besides Volvo, other manufacturers have looked at carving out their own niches and playing to their own strengths. Of which they're renowned for, made their mark in history, of which their heritage is built from. Alfa Romeo, Lexus, and Jaguar, will in no doubt, have took note of that too.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5424572479826908535.post-64510536440978810902020-05-28T10:15:00.000+01:002020-06-08T20:55:11.323+01:00Not putting the boot in<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
<b>They made a prototype of a Metro saloon. It didn't make production and was it a missed opportunity for British Leyland?</b></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSeSYjYdAS8FJABEpr1LcL9i_i6BbgmGZylm0Enl25ZuDLClUhqVtk4P727xYT6IZwG1AVWv5DOeMAeK1YH645TTsTt3enyXA-y1aMLG8sN-pGJfwcojjhR46o4amzK8pX0U77gZ2dIbk/s1600/Austin+Metro+saloon.webp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="401" data-original-width="600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSeSYjYdAS8FJABEpr1LcL9i_i6BbgmGZylm0Enl25ZuDLClUhqVtk4P727xYT6IZwG1AVWv5DOeMAeK1YH645TTsTt3enyXA-y1aMLG8sN-pGJfwcojjhR46o4amzK8pX0U77gZ2dIbk/s640/Austin+Metro+saloon.webp" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a name='more'></a>WHEN British Leyland was developing the hugely important Metro (LC8), they did have a saloon variant in the pipeline. With prototypes made, but the idea of a booted Metro wasn't pursued further as it never reached production.</div>
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To my undertsanding, BL management must've felt that there wouldn't have been a return from the investment put into making and selling the Metro saloon. Not enough confidence in the product. Given that the company was state-owned at that point. Funds would have also been tight for the company. So, it was understandable BL were keen to maximise profits from the Metro. Which was arguably their most important car at the time. </div>
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Given the consumer trend of Austin Rover's cars. Which was mainly in its domestic home market and accounted for the lion's share of their cars sold. As more of their cars made and remained in Britain than they were being sold and exported overseas. Where buyers were favouring hatchbacks over saloons as well when it came to our smaller cars.</div>
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Despite
this, the Metro did enjoy modest sales overseas in Western Europe in
countries such as France, Spain and Italy. But if they made a three-box
Metro. Could this have boosted its appeal, and subsequently sales, in
Ireland and Eastern Europe? The markets where they have a preference for saloons
over hatchbacks. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjreZU7CXGoJVLl8jPord36aOD2oxncFhvUQulzeALszxuVgExNgkOF-8F3mZL2ShrpEnVgvXVvpYY0uXf8qcInjnVHy5wrUvYBwLFa57XrXd5IPyHYFufbx4h91_Wm7UHR3VYXgZKdJs8/s1600/Austin+Metro+saloon+prototype.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="678" data-original-width="1024" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjreZU7CXGoJVLl8jPord36aOD2oxncFhvUQulzeALszxuVgExNgkOF-8F3mZL2ShrpEnVgvXVvpYY0uXf8qcInjnVHy5wrUvYBwLFa57XrXd5IPyHYFufbx4h91_Wm7UHR3VYXgZKdJs8/s640/Austin+Metro+saloon+prototype.jpg" width="640" /></a>However, Vauxhall and Volkswagen offered booted variants of the Nova and Polo supermini at that time. Which were popular with more traditional and conservative buyers in the UK. They did sell reasonably well, if not as well as their hatchback siblings. Who were more accustomed to saloons and preferred them over hatchbacks. So there was a niche market there.<br />
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It's very likely, that the Metro saloon would not have sold as well as
its hatchback counterpart if the Nova and Polo's saloons sales figures
were anything to by. If it did enter production, the Metro saloon could have potentially built on its success.<br />
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Much in a similar way that the five-door variant did upon its arrival in 1984. Needless to say on a smaller scale, but boosting the Metro's appeal by expanding its range of another bodystyle in the range.<br />
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The Metro saloon's model range would have been similar to the five-door Metro. Available in City, City X, Mayfair and Vanden Plas guises. Highly doubt there would have been an MG model, mind. On the basis that Austin Rover didn't make a more-door MG Metro.</div>
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But it's great to know that the prototypes survives with us today. It's lovingly preserved (in a museum, I presume), and being put out on display in classic car shows and events. Definite ice breaker for any car enthusiasts in or out of the BLARG circle.<br />
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As as often the case with British Leyland. <i>What if? Could have? Should have? Would have?</i>
Very easy to look in hindsight now, and debate on whether or not this
was an oppotunity missed by BL. We'll never know for sure but we can always
speculate over that...<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Images credited to Flickr and AROnline.</i></span></b> </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5424572479826908535.post-59950008246855823702020-05-17T19:25:00.000+01:002020-07-11T21:31:26.785+01:00Shall we (not) believe the hype?<h3 style="text-align: justify;">Much-maligned by critics, but was the Vauxhall Vectra <i>really</i> the car with the reputation that preceded it?</h3><div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiws9uuLHWrA9ohHFeuTE_kt0xdawXqG9gey4WKg4N0THsSObGKCTrbkv275Iifv6Oy_V_yoiXmY01_C5pgdXn0yaOx5DjeCc5f3tDAGhU1sJCNk_ba3o8PpS_SeYL_cSVw0LEfwVQ3oFI/s1600/Vauxhall+Vectra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiws9uuLHWrA9ohHFeuTE_kt0xdawXqG9gey4WKg4N0THsSObGKCTrbkv275Iifv6Oy_V_yoiXmY01_C5pgdXn0yaOx5DjeCc5f3tDAGhU1sJCNk_ba3o8PpS_SeYL_cSVw0LEfwVQ3oFI/s640/Vauxhall+Vectra.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<a name='more'></a>VAUXHALL certainly had its work cut out when it came to replacing the Cavalier in the mid-1990s. The Cav was well liked them for its slick looks by fleets, and the fact that they were inexpensive to lease and run as company cars. But for being spacious, comfortable and dependable motors. That made the Cavalier a household name in the UK.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
With Vauxhall having a wide dealer network and offering competitive finance packages for the Cavalier. Sensible, rugged, cost effective, hassle-free motoring that also appealed to many private buyers. Who bought them as family cars with their own money.<br />
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The Cavalier was a big seller for Vauxhall, and was one of the nation's favourites. Consistently being the UK's top 10 best sellers every year. For GM's UK division, the Cavalier was the car that gave Ford a real run for its money and key to its turnaround. With fierce competition for the well-established Cortina.<br />
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In the 1980s, the Cavalier ended up outselling the Ford Sierra that controversially replaced the Cortina. So, it wouldn't have come to a surprise that there would have been excitement and anticipation for Vauxhall's up and coming replacement for the Cavalier.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-C0b4hoSq7fpms9_nB8BaeR2gMO5zfg9V6IcI_GNAx4dcM6KDUyVdvSIorN2ss0jaMPaA16L6LDNc4irj5V-L91ucjmprARTamtjel-JaLcIt5jwRVNHEK6e07ujSkfofrgKNN7A__ZU/s1600/Vauxhall+Cavalier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-C0b4hoSq7fpms9_nB8BaeR2gMO5zfg9V6IcI_GNAx4dcM6KDUyVdvSIorN2ss0jaMPaA16L6LDNc4irj5V-L91ucjmprARTamtjel-JaLcIt5jwRVNHEK6e07ujSkfofrgKNN7A__ZU/s640/Vauxhall+Cavalier.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>There was a lot warmth and affection for the good old Cavalier.</b></td></tr>
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When Vauxhall launched the Cavalier's replacement with the new Vectra in October 1995, it was not to be. The Vectra was in for a frosty reception upon its launch after a being highly anticipated arrival prior to its launch.<br />
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Many critics dismissed it for its bland looks and uncouth handling (on earlier cars). Not for being a big enough leap forward from the old Cav. In its defence, it was a plain and inoffensive looking car. One of the (only) positive talking points for the Vectra by them, was those rather fancy door mirrors.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>But the Vectra’s dull looks were the least of its problems. Vauxhall’s new family fleet car was in for a bit of a pasting with lukewarm verdicts from its critics. None more so than a Mr. Jeremy Clarkson, which was in for a lot more flack with his <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJ756HncddI" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">infamous review</a><b> </b>on<b> </b><i>Top Gear</i> back in 1996. To be honest, it's difficult to speak of the Vectra without mentioning Clarkson upon this discussion here.<br />
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Clarkson struggled to find anything interesting about the Vectra. So much so that he went on a tangent about Chris Goffey's son, Danny. Informing viewers that he is the drummer of the Britpop band, Supergrass. (<i>A bit of shameless plugging there?</i>)<br />
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After being accustomed to exciting, high-performance cars and exotic supercars. Being brought down to earth road testing the Vectra for Clarkson, would have been a shock to the system for him. Rather like a child being made to eat his vegetables after being endlessly spoilt with cake. Then ends up throwing his plate off the table in protest against eating them greens.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><i>"It's just a box on wheels."</i> "<i>The dullest car I have ever tested.</i>" "<i>It was designed on a coffee break by somebody who couldn't care less about cars</i>." Some of the comments by Clarkson about the Vectra. Who was quick to dismiss the Vectra for being a boring car, and wrote it off before it was given it a chance.<br />
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The Vectra was in for a lot more stick when he reviewed the <b><a href="https://youtu.be/LbppDiFYGr0?t=22" target="_blank">GSi V6 Supertouring</a></b> performance model. Vauxhall's tribute and celebration to its success in motor sport for the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC). Clarkson believed that the Vectra Supertouring was nothing more than a marketing ploy from Vauxhall. Viewed it as a cynical attempt of creating a halo-model to boost its kerbside appeal. <i>Don't most car manufacturers do that? </i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPHXdADgm8fOfAmV5RqrrGNDzCv2JsSJ4JIBhGnqOQqmnP4R5z5B8YyzXtW3F4HXfQOloQ6ZcEkYTMiJykV1suShMq5lVMuSmUnqn5sDGCGzHDBETrObieX1pSpzZbIuFjNLbvzl9BcjY/s1600/Vauxhall+Vectra+Supertouring+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="635" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPHXdADgm8fOfAmV5RqrrGNDzCv2JsSJ4JIBhGnqOQqmnP4R5z5B8YyzXtW3F4HXfQOloQ6ZcEkYTMiJykV1suShMq5lVMuSmUnqn5sDGCGzHDBETrObieX1pSpzZbIuFjNLbvzl9BcjY/s640/Vauxhall+Vectra+Supertouring+%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Some will have a soft spot – or appreciation, at least – for the fast and brutish Vectra Supertouring.</b></td></tr>
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Today, no love would have been lost for the Vectra by Clarkson. Given his irrational hatred for it, I'm surprised he hasn't destroyed many of them. <i>Has he destroyed any Vectras? </i>Like he has done with cars he hates with a passion. Like dropping pianos on Morris Marinas for example.<br />
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So Jeremy Clarkson made no secret of his dislike of the Vauxhall Vectra, and that it didn't exactly get his pulses racing. <i>But so what?</i> Following his scathing reviews of the Vectra created a ripple effect. Many have been quick to dismiss it without hesitation, and Vectra-bashing became fashionable. That gave the car a rather dour image.<br />
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Sure, rivals like the: Ford Mondeo, Citroen Xantia, Nissan Primera, Renault Laguna and Peugeot 406, had their unique selling points. With redeeming qualities that gave them a little bit more panache than the Vectra rendering it average. In all fairness, most cars in the market Vauxhall's family fleet car was pitched in, weren't exactly automotive exotica either. '<i>Oh I dream of owning a Mondeo, Primera, or a 406,</i>' said no one ever.<br />
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What's to be liked about the Vectra as boring as it may be. In a world full of hatchbacks today that want to be 4x4s - crossovers and SUVs, to me and you. What the Vectra lacks in glamour or excitement, is a plain, inoffensive, self-assured and refreshingly honest car. To be fair, that's what it was designed to be. Do what it's supposed to do. Even if it doesn't stir the soul or emotions.<br />
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It doesn't need to show off and pretend to be something that it's not. Because it's not trying to be, and it doesn't, and that should be commended. With its lack of pretensions. What you see is what you get and for some, and that was part of its appeal. Because of Clarkson's thoughts and opinions of the Vectra. Many simply won't appreciate or accept it for what it is. You could go as far and say that the car itself is misunderstood.<br />
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I haven't owned or driven a Vectra. But my experience of one was when I was growing up. My aunt and uncle had an Opel Vectra for years <span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "book antiqua" , serif; font-size: 14.6667px;">–</span> at least for a decade. They liked it because it was a spacious, comfortable, rugged and dependable family workhorse. Which stood up to the abuse from whatever was thrown at it. It did everything they expected of it with no fuss or drama. It did everything it said on the tin. Owning a car for that length of time, is more than enough to convince me that it wasn't a bad car. So it must have served them well.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6tYpDm3Zv6LLUm8f87li2LHdw9YN0RHKW7It93aY3Knu5IPVawfsnz0YZNotkdXreZV_4a5c51kgMkug8tLum68YoeFP0sOTszCtUqqmePIaBWiO6YZqflNYO2lF6D4NG0fpy3CWdURI/s1600/Vauxhall+Vectra+Police.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6tYpDm3Zv6LLUm8f87li2LHdw9YN0RHKW7It93aY3Knu5IPVawfsnz0YZNotkdXreZV_4a5c51kgMkug8tLum68YoeFP0sOTszCtUqqmePIaBWiO6YZqflNYO2lF6D4NG0fpy3CWdURI/s640/Vauxhall+Vectra+Police.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>If memory serves me right, being a kid in the 1990s, was that the nation's police forces did have their fleet of Vectras when out on patrol. So, despite what you may have heard or seen what Clarkson has said about Vauxhall Vectra.<i> </i>Then surely it couldn't have been THAT bad, right? If it was good enough for the Bobbies on the beat. Then it should be good enough for the average Joe or Joanne on the street, right?<br />
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One of the Vectra's problems also lied with the name. New name of car, so the public probably would have expected Vauxhall to have started from scratch. So a fresh new look for the Cavalier replacement was eagerly awaited upon its arrival.<br />
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Given how good and well liked the Cavalier was. Expectations were high. But no, it looked ever so similar to the Cavalier. The same shape and silhouette profile as its predecessor. Even the same (tried-and-tested) engines and running gear. Subtle changes and updates from the old Cav. That was one of the <i>very </i>reasons the Vectra was heavily criticised.<br />
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You see, Vauxhall's parent company, General Motors, rearranged Vauxhall and Opel's marriage. Introducing a new nomenclature for Vauxhall and Opel's cars. Which made sense because Vauxhall and Opel's cars were identical but in name and the badges they wore. By having identical nameplates from the 1990s on wards. The Astra nameplate remained on Vauxhall's part, as Opel replaced the Kadett with the Astra. But the Nova was replaced with the Corsa.<br />
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The Cavalier MK3 in Opel guise, was sold as the Vectra. By 1995, the new Vectra was merely a form of evolution than revolution. GM were well aware of how popular these cars were. So, it was more of a case of building on its success from the Vectra A to pave way for the Vectra B. Exercising caution when it came to its replacement. <i>So why fix something that wasn't broken?</i> Which could be argued from GM's perspective with the product in question.<br />
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Looking in hindsight, they probably could have retired the Cavalier name when the Vectra C arrived in 2002. Which was a much newer car, and a significant leap forward from the Vectra B that went before. Which is where GM made a strategic error with Vauxhall-Opel cars in the naming of the cars in the line-ups, and retired the Cavalier name prematurely when the Vectra B arrived.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjK8aCptBf2Nyf9c9_zgqdPnBbh7pkAgc7McqdS63JFsPCNlfxj6VRfLtv-RUD-10pBVCAzkSbELuTnyF56zVtlFm8EWRz9knmrjNMLzth9SHz_kXbe-e-7aRXg29OzLWVaeovupqqNwg/s1600/Clarkson+Vectra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjK8aCptBf2Nyf9c9_zgqdPnBbh7pkAgc7McqdS63JFsPCNlfxj6VRfLtv-RUD-10pBVCAzkSbELuTnyF56zVtlFm8EWRz9knmrjNMLzth9SHz_kXbe-e-7aRXg29OzLWVaeovupqqNwg/s640/Clarkson+Vectra.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>"<i>Right! Lets destroy this P.O.S! What shall I use? A piano? A crane? Or maybe some dynamite</i>?"</b></td></tr>
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Granted that the Vauxhall Vectra wasn't a particularly exciting or interesting car. I can happily accept the fact that it is a boring car. I can easily count a list of cars on both hands (and feet) that were more exciting and better than the Vectra. The cars that can easily fill the voids or scratch those itches. But in its defence, I can assure you there are worse cars than the Vectra too. At this current rate, getting one of these would be cheaper than a train ticket from London to Edinburgh. Cheap chod, I say.<br />
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Truth to be told, there has been plenty of cars like the Vauxhall Vectra. A big seller that didn't exactly capture peoples' imaginations. Nor would it have took the world by storm and got pulses racing. But isn't that always the case with big selling cars made for the masses? A car for a lot of people, is simply a white good to get them from point A to point B.<br />
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It's funny how history treats some of these cars. The Volkswagen Beetle is a much loved icon. Ironically, the Cavalier (that the Vectra replaced), is looked back with warmth and fondness. <i>Nostalgia, eh?</i> Then you have the Morris Marina and Ford Escort MK5, being forgotten or much-maligned cars. Big sellers that both were unremarkable cars.<br />
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Like the Vauxhall Vectra, probably being average and mediocre at best. One for <i>Festival of the Unexceptional</i> in the years down the line? Though, I can't leave without mentioning the fact, that there was a row of Vectras on every driveway on Privet Drive in <i>Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone</i>. I don't ever recall J.K Rowling mentioning in her book that the Dursleys had a Vauxhall Vectra. Well that's claim to fame for it, eh?</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5424572479826908535.post-56398585865795271222019-10-21T13:47:00.002+01:002020-05-21T22:46:33.015+01:00Silk purse from a sow's ear<h3>
<b>Something that Land Rover did with the original Discovery...</b></h3>
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<a name='more'></a>WITH the wave of Japanese 4x4s in the 1970s and well into the 1980s. They bridged the gap on having creature comforts like the Range Rover. Yet being rugged and more affordable like the Defender. </div>
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Due to their popularity, this left Land Rover needing a new car to fill the gap in their line-up. As buyers would find the Range Rover too expensive moving upmarket. Or the Defender being too crude and unrefined.<br />
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The Rover Group though, had a bit of a dilemma. Cash and resources were limited into making an-all new car. So the new Land Rover had to be developed on a shoestring budget. With the resources they had to hand, and so they raided the parts-bin into making an entirely new car.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi56OQdDRQ30GZKlLNj_LLqMg3XQmInxqzJ5FQpEF4f0OKiuavalWKLMGVoQHRMNYkwf8z_iB6bpzYHdLNsIVtLmp_ABOw9SI_CL9GCueBG9QKHKohU7yOzqqmRFge8Esnpl4_zAxyPqRc/s1600/Range+Rover+Classic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi56OQdDRQ30GZKlLNj_LLqMg3XQmInxqzJ5FQpEF4f0OKiuavalWKLMGVoQHRMNYkwf8z_iB6bpzYHdLNsIVtLmp_ABOw9SI_CL9GCueBG9QKHKohU7yOzqqmRFge8Esnpl4_zAxyPqRc/s640/Range+Rover+Classic.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The starting base for a Disco.</b></td></tr>
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Land Rover used the original Range Rover as a starting base on making the original Discovery. In fact, it very much had the same architecture as the Rangie. Having the same doors, mirrors, windscreen, the same wheelbase, and even the same pedals as the more expensive 4x4 that it was based on. Under the skin, it was also built on the same ladder frame chassis, and had the same engines and running gear as the Range Rover – and <i>even</i> the Defender (nee 90 or 110).</div>
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On the outside, the Discovery didn’t just share the same external parts as the Range Rover. There were also parts on it from other vehicles within the Rover Group (as well as Austin Rover and even British Leyland).<br />
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The door handles were from the Range Rover, and also a few BL cars gone by like the Austin Allegro, Morris Marina and Triumph TR7. The rear light clusters were from the Maestro van. Headlamps on the pre-facelift Discoveries were from the Freight-Rover Sherpa van.<br />
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Inside, much of the interior shared much with the Range Rover and the Defender. Much of the switch gear and instruments were from the Metro, Maestro and Montego – like the indicator stalks for examples. The dashboard air vents were lifted straight out from the Rover 800.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3NnGk-kvrkEj1k-nAI4IpQZ8aDUnqFP4ueO5FJ962acYMu-Eickz9ozb9rYP5Vt3JcblkBlSwsiunWo5N6Eq72rjgRz16tdsccjgtZa10XllSa8c_EAC5ttV9d_f4g7Dxl6yf4GH9yxQ/s1600/LR+Discovery+rear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="687" data-original-width="1024" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3NnGk-kvrkEj1k-nAI4IpQZ8aDUnqFP4ueO5FJ962acYMu-Eickz9ozb9rYP5Vt3JcblkBlSwsiunWo5N6Eq72rjgRz16tdsccjgtZa10XllSa8c_EAC5ttV9d_f4g7Dxl6yf4GH9yxQ/s640/LR+Discovery+rear.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Spot the parts you've seen from other cars!</b></span></td></tr>
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If there’s anything to go by it. It was ingenious on how Land Rover made an all-new vehicle with extensive use of the BLARG parts bin into making the Discovery. Today, no car manufacturer could get away with doing that. They’d be under such scrutiny for '<i>penny pinching</i>' by the press and regulators for carrying out this practice. The fact is though, that most cars are built down to a price. The Discovery was a more extreme example of this.</div>
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The original Discovery went on sale in 1989. Well into the 1990s, it became the UK's best selling 4x4xFar. The kudos that came with owning a Land Rover meant many buyers flocked to the showrooms. Buyers loved the high driving driving position, giving a commanding view of the road. Having a sense of adventure, and the lifestyle image that it projected.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioTKw6-_TAVtefP43-kr5Yy0B5QrXNFxeIGK8LJD30RJHWelxMPnP5idNspJxKqk8B0oZbGJHqwEPsxYQdE66Vx3KmLPYAqxUbsr54W0A0RmqysbEzbnyijHEVMjnEeGrzBpniqeSITO8/s1600/LR+Discovery+interior.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioTKw6-_TAVtefP43-kr5Yy0B5QrXNFxeIGK8LJD30RJHWelxMPnP5idNspJxKqk8B0oZbGJHqwEPsxYQdE66Vx3KmLPYAqxUbsr54W0A0RmqysbEzbnyijHEVMjnEeGrzBpniqeSITO8/s640/LR+Discovery+interior.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">And in here too!</span></b></td></tr>
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It filled the brief of being more comfortable and civilised like the Range Rover. Yet being attainable, and practical and capable in the rough stuff as the Defender. It was the 4x4 with a breadth of abilities that sold like hot cakes.<br />
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It was the car they needed to bridge the gap between the Range Rover and the Defender. Yet, it was popular for those who were in the market for a 4x4 that would have otherwise bought a: Toyota Land Cruiser, Mitsubishi Shogun, or a Jeep Cherokee.<br />
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With the Discovery being made and available to seat seven. It was an appealing proposition for those with larger families. Especially for those who'd rather be walking than be seen in a Renault Espace, or a Ford Transit minibus. The Discovery was seen as a smart and desirable alternative to people-carriers.<br />
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The Discovery though, was a gamble for Land Rover that paid off handsomely. You can go as far and say that it was one of the cars along with the all-new Rover 200 that help turned fortunes round for the Rover Group in the early 1990s. If making a silk purse from a sow's ear was such a thing in automotive terms, then the original Disco was a proven example of this.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5424572479826908535.post-78071908518209477072019-03-27T19:55:00.002+00:002019-10-21T16:44:07.234+01:00End of the three-door hatchback?<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
We're preferring more doors these days. A sign of the times?</h3>
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<a name='more'></a>WHEN a new medium sized car is launched and put on sale. They've always been available with a few bodystyles. Five and three door hatchback, an estate, but also an open-top cabriolet, and even an ugly four-door saloon.</div>
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In recent times, the choice of bodystyles have been slashed by car manufacturers. The most notable one has been the three-door hatchback. They're going the same way as the four-door saloons and open-top models have gone. Now that's a sign of the times.</div>
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There is a very simple reason behind this. They don't sell in the numbers like they used to. When manufacturers make a three-door hatchback in recent times, some have made them to look more like a coupe - like Vauxhall and Renault have done with the previous Astra and Megane. But no one wants a coupe today, hence why the latest Astra and Megane aren't made and available in three-door variants.<br />
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Others like Ford, Peugeot and Honda have stopped making three-door hatchbacks on their Focus, 308 and Civic. On their current models, they're only available as a five-door hatch and an estate. Volkswagen and Audi have also recently discontinued making three-door variants of the Golf and A3.<br />
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It doesn't just apply to mid-range hatchbacks, Superminis as well. Renault have stopped making the Clio in three-door guise. Kia and Nissan now make the Rio and Micra as five-door only hatchbacks. As have Audi, SEAT and Volkswagen (VAG) with all-new A1, Ibiza and Polo. However, Ford and Vauxhall still continue to make three-door variants of the Fiesta and Corsa.<br />
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With the phetlora of SUVs and crossovers, the market for them has boomed. Which has coincidentally been killing off the MPV. In the rhythm of the famous Buggles song, <i>Qashqai killed the Scenic</i>. It's something I couldn't help but notice. But who really saw the demise of three-door hatchbacks coming anytime soon?<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5424572479826908535.post-74328547976625691852019-03-24T17:15:00.000+00:002020-04-24T10:42:17.522+01:00BOTTLED IT!: Top 5 Worst GTis<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<b>A <i>Bottled It!</i> special. The five worst Hot Hatches <i>ever </i>made!</b></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu1f36Fs5zKYXPz-xfnFtLE0iRm0SDAqPXaNam-21ZGqWDpF6gAiX1pp-7liiL481A89S6ejvwPGMBxgr2M1kams7SR2epvoOYVddt0EZMCOBzvFkJUkN_RViROOsGl3-35bcmhyphenhyphen14zsY/s1600/Bad+Hot+Hatches.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu1f36Fs5zKYXPz-xfnFtLE0iRm0SDAqPXaNam-21ZGqWDpF6gAiX1pp-7liiL481A89S6ejvwPGMBxgr2M1kams7SR2epvoOYVddt0EZMCOBzvFkJUkN_RViROOsGl3-35bcmhyphenhyphen14zsY/s640/Bad+Hot+Hatches.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a name='more'></a>EVERYONE loves a Hot Hatch. Shoehorn a big engine under the bonnet of a normal, everyday car. Lower and stiffen the suspension, a quicker steering rack. Then doll it up with spoilers, side skirts, fancy wheels and even add an air scoop to it.<br />
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We love Hot Hatches because they're fast, fun, practical and attainable. There's something of a working class hero about them. Which is part of its appeal. They're all things to all men and women, where dreams of owning one can become realities. Over the years, there have been some cracking Hot Hatches.<br />
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</b> However, there have been some equally duff Hot Hatches. That looked promising on paper, appealing propositions with the badge kudos they carried. But they turned out to be underwhelming, and something of a disappointment.<br />
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In no particular order. Here are five of the worst examples that should never have graced tarmac, let alone wear a GTi badge...<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Peugeot 207 GTi</span></b></h3>
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While the 206 GTi has never been as well liked as the legendary 205 GTi. It was a quick car under the very stylish exterior, albeit a bit soft, and proved to be quite popular. But the 207 GTi was even <i>worse</i> than the 206 that it replaced.<br />
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Even though it was better built, safer and had more space and a much improved driving position than the 206 in standard guise. The 207 was bigger, heavier and uglier with that big gaping mouth, and awkwardly shaped wheel arches. It just looked like the 206's ugly sister that ate all the pies.<br />
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On paper, the creation of the 207 GTi was off to a good start. Having a brand new turbocharged 1.6 litre THP engine producing 175bhp, which also powered the MINI Cooper S. Meaning that it had the ingredients of making a good Hot Hatch.<br />
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So what made the 207 GTi a bad Hot Hatch? Whilst it was quick, it was just too soft and roly-poly. The poise and lively feel that the 205 GTi had in making it such a great Hot Hatch, just wasn't there in the porky 207.<br />
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Regardless of good performance. The 207 GTi fell short of the mark when came to handling, agility and driver thrills. In comparison to more talented opposition such as the Renaultsport Clio and the Ford Fiesta ST of the day.<br />
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If there's anything to go by it. The 207 GTi should be treated as a cautionary tale by Peugeot. Thankfully, they learnt their lesson from that with the newer ‒ and much improved ‒ 208 GTi, but also with the latest 308 GTi. It appears that Peugeot have got back on form when making Hot Hatches. That are worthy contenders, that can compete with the finest that Volkswagen, Ford and Renault offer.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkYOTsb_Ebvo2rjRtXqK2sbrEtu0_s2FJw6bUrNEhP34FSz-Fi5EdhZuLovop_sR9QKlsiDCJAGW1kh7rKicDUVWveNJK3GDEFYMf_wQXHvM0pmasbQFnhi5sbcG_-oUJ3sfSO-7l5d4I/s1600/Volkswagen+Golf+GTi+MKIV.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkYOTsb_Ebvo2rjRtXqK2sbrEtu0_s2FJw6bUrNEhP34FSz-Fi5EdhZuLovop_sR9QKlsiDCJAGW1kh7rKicDUVWveNJK3GDEFYMf_wQXHvM0pmasbQFnhi5sbcG_-oUJ3sfSO-7l5d4I/s640/Volkswagen+Golf+GTi+MKIV.jpg" width="640" /></a><b><span style="font-size: large;">Volkswagen Golf GTi MK4</span></b></h3>
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The MK4 Golf that arrived in 1998 was more grown up, refined and better built than its predecessor. Like the Peugeot 207 GTi as fore mentioned. In effect, the new Golf GTi was worse than the unremarkable <a href="https://definitelymotoring.blogspot.com/2011/09/bottled-it-3-volkswagen-golf-gti-mk3.html" target="_blank"><b>MK3 </b></a>that it replaced.<br />
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The MK4 Golf GTi had a 2.0 litre engine producing 115bhp. There was no increase in power from the MK3, but it was a car that piled on the pounds from being bigger and heavier than its forebear. So, it was slower and ponderous, meaning that it never it got off to a great start.<br />
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On the exterior, there was very little that distinguished the GTi model from the standard Golf. Only the eagle-eyed would notice from bigger wheels and a '<i>GTi</i>' badge on the tailgate. The Golf GTi in its fourth incarnation was a GTi by name, not by nature, and a far cry from its livelier predecessors. Merely a trim level than a hot performance model.<br />
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Compared to other Hot Hatches of that time. The Ford Focus ST170, MG ZS 180, and <i>even</i> the Toyota Corolla T-Sport and Vauxhall Astra GSi. That would comfortably out perform and run rings round the pot-bellied Golf GTi.<br />
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VW though, did improve the lukewarm GTi. By replacing the 2.0 litre engine with a 1.8, 20-Valve, turbocharged unit. Which also became popular unit within the Volkswagen Group that also saw use in various Audis, Skodas and SEATs. The 1.8 litre engine pumped out 150bhp, so the mildly revised Golf GTi was moderately more powerful, and also a little bit quicker than the outgoing car.<br />
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Despite the improvements, the MK4 Golf GTi was more like a Chicken Korma compared to other Hot Hatches. Even those from fellow VAG Hot Hatches like the Škoda Octavia vRS and SEAT Leon Cupra R. Nullified the Golf GTi; making it look poor value for money.<br />
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VW themselves, made more powerful, and faster four-wheel-drive Golfs with the 2.8 V6 4Motion, and the R32. In an attempt to make up for lost ground from the GTi, but also to be able compete with Hot Hatch heavyweights like the Ford Focus RS and the Honda Civic Type-R.<br />
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By then, many had felt that VW had lost their mojo altogether. But to many peoples' surprise, they were back with a bang with the MK5 Golf GTi. It's safe to say since then, that the Volkswagen Golf GTi has returned and back to its former glory.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdvHXTzdjlM6sWhK5JdtGXL1MA3WgWSodcpNIsGERnPyAJPXpOsr9afqdNpx2ze9yFk7Nan_l4UqSJz2SVlfIlwqPVHyT_-ANrMCPfp5T6-SBZZ7_gBS6-zzHjWM-ctbofR189TFEXqwY/s1600/Ford+Fiesta+XR2i.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdvHXTzdjlM6sWhK5JdtGXL1MA3WgWSodcpNIsGERnPyAJPXpOsr9afqdNpx2ze9yFk7Nan_l4UqSJz2SVlfIlwqPVHyT_-ANrMCPfp5T6-SBZZ7_gBS6-zzHjWM-ctbofR189TFEXqwY/s640/Ford+Fiesta+XR2i.jpeg" width="640" /></a><b><br />
</b><b><span style="font-size: large;">Ford Fiesta XR2i</span></b></h3>
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Ford know a thing or two about making Hot Hatches. They have a good track record from how popular and how successful they have been. The Escort XR3i and the Fiesta XR2 were flying out of the Ford showrooms. The Fiesta XR2i though, was something of a lukewarm offering from The Blue Oval.<br />
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The gruff CVH engines were already rough and past it upon its arrival in 1990. So performance wasn't exactly the XR2i's strong point with the 1.6 litre fuel injected engine borrowed from the recently phased out Escort XR3i.<br />
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But in all fairness, the Fiesta XR2i was no slouch and a pretty brisk performer, and for buyers, that was enough. If you wanted a faster Fiesta, Ford made a more extreme RS Turbo. As with most Fast Fords, its rough and ready nature was part of its appeal.<br />
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The standard <b><a href="https://definitelymotoring.blogspot.com/2017/10/bottled-it-ford-fiesta-mk3.html" target="_blank">MK3 Fiesta</a></b> that it was based on, was a half arsed effort from The Blue Oval itself. Altogether, suggesting that it was developed and made in an obsolete manner. Dynamically, the Fiesta XR2i was slated in this department for being sloppy and uncultured. <i>CAR</i> magazine infamously regarded the Fiesta XR2i as '<i>another duff Fast Ford</i>'.<br />
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Compared to the well-established and well-received Peugeot 205 GTi. Then there's other good Hot Hatches like the Renault Clio Williams and Volkswagen Polo G40. The Fiesta XR2i looked and felt stodgy in comparison. It was one car, that was in no threat of stealing the 205's crown and thunder. That wouldn't have had Peugeot bosses losing sleep either.<br />
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Despite the less-than-favourable reviews of the Fiesta XR2i. They were popular Hot Hatches. Thanks to a car that was a slickly marketed and competitively priced. With good looks, on-paper performance, the kudos and kerbside appeal that came with having a Fast Ford. With The Blue Oval having a wide dealer network, and the Fiesta (as with most Fords) being a cheap car to buy, own and run.<br />
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Ford though, did respond to its criticism, and made improvements to the XR2i when the MK3 Fiesta was given a mid-life update in 1992. The old CVH lump was replaced with the new twin-cam, 16-valve Zetec engines. The RS models also got the new Zetec units, and the RS Turbo was subsequently renamed as the RS1800. Due to the fact that Ford replaced the turbo-charged engine with a naturally-aspirated unit.<br />
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By the time The Blue Oval carried these useful updates and improvements. The bubble had burst for Hot Hatches. Following to high insurance premiums they commanded at the time. So it was too little too late, and it wasn't long before Ford quietly dropped the XR2i from the Fiesta range in 1994.<br />
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Ford though, had learnt their lessons from being rather too complacent when making the MK3 Fiesta. Warm and quick Fiestas that arrived in the future such as the MK4 Fiesta Zetec-S, and recent Fiesta STs are proven and well-known examples.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>M</b><b>G </b><b>Maestro 1600</b></span></h3>
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To try and inject some pizzazz and give the frumpy Maestro some much needed street-cred. Austin Rover made a performance model by slapping an MG badge on it. Which was much to the dismay of some MG enthusiasts mourning the demise of the MGB, and the closure of the Abigdon factory. Of which they (and cynics) would see as nothing more than a marketing ploy.<br />
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While the MG 1600 models were brisk performers, but the Escort XR3i, Astra GTE and Golf GTi were quicker Hot Hatches. To add insult to injury, they had more kerbside appeal than the Maestro.<br />
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But image and performance figures were the least of the Maestro's problems. The R-Series engines that powered the MG 1600 though, were woefully unreliable. The Weber carbs always malfunctioned, and they always had trouble running or starting when engines were running up to temperature and got very hot – of which they often did!<br />
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Oh, and didn't I tell you that MG Maestro 1600s came with digital dashboards that could talk? Voiced by actress Nicolette MacKenzie, it was nothing more than a gimmick that often cried wolf. Which gave many Maestro owners a headache.<br />
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Austin Rover though, hastily carried out updates to the MG Maestro to address these problems. The 1600 was replaced with the much-improved EFi models. The temperamental 1.6 R-Series engine was replaced with a more powerful (and more reliable) 2.0 litre O-Series unit.<br />
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Prior to that, the Volkswagen-derived gearbox that often divided opinion, was replaced with the slicker Honda-sourced PG1 gearbox. As well as further tweaks to the brakes, suspension and chassis set up. Thankfully, the oddball talking dashboard was also dropped and the red seatbelts remained available with the sporty Maestro.<br />
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It all resulted the MG Maestro EFi being a much better car all round for it. That was a fun, practical and capable Hot Hatch in its own right that could hold its ground against its chief rivals. A worthy alternative to the Escort XR3i, Astra GTE and Golf GTi.<br />
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There was even a more powerful, quicker and highly sought after MG Maestro Turbo. Launched in 1989, of which they made and sold only 505 examples. Five of which were press cars. Which would have given the Escort RS Turbo, Astra GTE 16V, and Fiat Strada 130TC Abarth a run for its money.<br />
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However, there was no getting away from the fact that this car was a Maestro. The car's reputation for patchy reliability and fragility lingered on. From the teething problems that earlier cars had. The damage was done and the Maestro didn't recover from it. Image conscious buyers of the day, simply couldn't and wouldn't overlook its iffy image.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgllvsJEnRjo-xC_67UhW2P3bjVpwHKqPJSHrj1-PIHts_WcTeJcGLYtHJqpbSzNqKrh_5m5GapyplWLDyzrn9Fl_jmWSxMJicqu1udjSajQW-UUWkDhbtcnzTtvQOEVpkhxD0bxciGNoA/s1600/Fiat+Stilo+Abarth.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgllvsJEnRjo-xC_67UhW2P3bjVpwHKqPJSHrj1-PIHts_WcTeJcGLYtHJqpbSzNqKrh_5m5GapyplWLDyzrn9Fl_jmWSxMJicqu1udjSajQW-UUWkDhbtcnzTtvQOEVpkhxD0bxciGNoA/s640/Fiat+Stilo+Abarth.jpeg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Fiat Stilo Abarth</span></b></h3>
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After an absence of Scorpion tails on Fiat's performance models. The iconic Abarth name made a comeback on the Fiat Stilo. For anyone expecting an exuberant Hot Hatch with adrenaline-pumping thrills that the loud and proud Strada/Ritmo Abarth did. Then they would be in for a disappointment.<br />
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Given how bland and uninspiring the standard car was. A hot Abarth model, was one that could have added some much needed zest to the Stilo range. Sadly it wasn't to be. As Fiat's idea of a Hot Hatch with the Stilo Abarth was poorly executed.<br />
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They didn't bother to make it look sporty or aggressive. Only some larger wheels and a Scorpion tail badge on the tailgate, and err...that's about it. There was very little that set the Abarth model apart from the standard Stilo. Not a great start. No spoilers, no bodykits, and rather like VW's lazy effort with the MK4 Golf GTi mentioned previously. Given the impression that not much time and effort was put into sprucing up the Stilo.<br />
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Fiat just simply slotted in a 2.4 litre, 20-valve, five-cylinder engine into the Stilo. But its modest power output of 170bhp. and a 0-60mph in 8.5 seconds was underwhelming. Meaning that it fell way short of the mark in comparison to a number of Hot Hatches of the day. To add insult to injury, rivals like the Ford Focus ST170 and the Honda Civic Type-R were not only quicker, but more talented and entertaining Hot Hatches than the lukewarm Stilo Abarth.<br />
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Worse still, the Stilo Abarth was only available with the Selespeed automatic transmission. Of which there has been horror stories from buyers and the press who had one. Fiat though, did rectify this by making the Stilo Abarth available with a six-speed manual gearbox. While that was an improvement, the damage had been done and it was too little too late.<br />
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If there's anything to go by it. The Stilo Abarth was one performance car from Fiat that was simply not worthy of wearing the Scorpion Tail. It was lazily put together, and a cynical attempt of giving the Stilo some much needed street cred.<br />
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In the following years, Fiat had re-launched Abarth models and came back with a sting on its tail with Abarth 500 and Grande Punto. It seems that they have learnt their lesson from the Stilo Abarth, and treated it as a cautionary tale.<br />
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Do you agree with this list?</h3>
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<i>Which was the worst of this crop? If not, what do you reckon were the worst Hot Hatches ever that should have made this list? Let us know, by leaving your comments below...</i><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5424572479826908535.post-71680183905670558822018-01-19T11:14:00.002+00:002018-03-03T21:07:28.292+00:00Definitely Motoring takes a break<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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YOU might have been wondering from the lack of updates in recent times. Is on whether I still bother with writing my blog, or whether my interest in cars has faded away. I can assure you, that I still love my cars as much as I did when I was a youngster.</div>
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The things is though, that I have been very busy of late with what's been going on in my personal and professional life. The changes of circumstances in the present and in the near future take precedence to that. Thus, <i>Definitely Motoring</i> has unfortunately fallen down the pecking order. Hence why I've not been writing, nor posting as much new material as I'd like to. That's why there's been no or very little updates in recent times.</div>
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I won't go into great depth or detail here, because (it's more than likely) I will bore you to death with the gobbledygook. As of now, <i>Definitely Motoring</i> remains active but is taking a hiatus. </div>
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It's not a matter of <i>if</i> I will come back. It's a matter of <i>when</i>. I can't really confirm when I will be back, as some things haven't been set in stone as I write this. But do keep your eyes peeled on a lookout for future updates. Nevertheless, my blog will <i>still</i> be here for you to hopefully enjoy reading; by flicking through the content in my carchive, and maybe leave some comments if you'd like.</div>
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Before I go, take care and all the best.</div>
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Luke :)</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5424572479826908535.post-76935855180965226942017-10-30T13:42:00.003+00:002017-11-07T22:04:41.713+00:00Cactus loses its spikes<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Citroën have lost the pair they grew with the revised C4 Cactus.</b></h3>
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<a name='more'></a>CITROËN has enjoyed a renaissance under the leadership of Linda Jackson. Re-learning how to make cars with bold designs and quirky innovations. The things that people know and love about the French firm.<br />
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The C4 Cactus is one example. A car that has divided opinion. Like Marmite which you’ll either love or hate. It’s rather like – dare I say – a modern-day 2CV. Though, it wouldn’t surprise me if Citroën used the <i>deux cheu veux</i> for inspiration in the making of the Cactus. <br />
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A car with a less is more ethos, that’s economical, practical, unpretentious, and comfortable. All in a weird yet wonderful. It’s Citroën with Gallic flamboyancy at its finest and thinking outside the box. The Cactus is a car with a friendly and relaxed nature that really makes it a very likeable one. <br />
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Citroën have pretty much nailed it making idiosyncratic cars when it comes to design. As with the C4 Cactus, it is the airbumps. The rubber cladding on the doors, the tailgate, bumpers, and surrounding the headlights. An ingenious solution to tackling the issue of dents and scratches from car park dings. That itself is a great idea. Something that people bought into – as well as customisable colour configurations – were talking and selling points for the C4 Cactus.<br />
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The C4 Cactus is to be given a mild revision. It will be riding on a hydraulic set up. Which in no doubt, was inspired from the Hydropneumatic system that Citroën are famous for. Replacing the conventional coil springs and torsion beams that the outgoing car rides on. Furthermore, Citroën has redesigned the seats filled with high density foam. Which in turn, will already enhance the comfortable ride that the Cactus has had glowing reviews about.<br />
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Engines are largely unchanged, though there will be a 1.2 litre, 128bhp, turbo-charged, three-cylinder PureTech unit added to the range. Elsewhere, I do hope that Citroën move the fuse box when they make the revised C4 Cactus in right-hand-drive. Which will free up space in the glove compartment. Make the dashboard more user-friendly. Some switches would make it quicker and easier to operate the fans or the air conditioning for example. Not through an infotainment touch screen.<br />
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While these are useful updates. To signify the changes, Citroën has also toned down the C4 Cactus’ looks. <i>Shock! Horror!</i> Sure they’ve tidied up and smartened up the front and rear design. But they’ve pretty much scrapped those airbumps – apart from those now on the bottom of the doors albeit a lot smaller. A feature itself being a Cactus hallmark.<br />
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It's unmistakably a Citroën. But the biggest shame is that the C4 Cactus has lost some of the character and individuality that I grew to like about it. Something it had in spades. The outgoing C4 was a demonstration of Citroën being proud and daring to be different.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5424572479826908535.post-40411014037809662732017-10-24T11:58:00.001+01:002019-05-16T16:52:03.044+01:00Get off your phones!<div style="text-align: justify;">
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Alarmingly, this is something of a dangerous epidemic.</h3>
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<a name='more'></a>WE all know that it’s illegal to use your mobile phone when driving a car. If caught, the penalty is a £200 fine and six points on your licence. If you’ve been driving for less than two years, you could get your licence revoked.<br />
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What’s disconcerting is that so many people STILL do this. Texting while driving, scrolling the news feed, posting a status or a selfie on social media. More often than not, people do it behind the wheel while waiting in traffic. Not only is having a phone in your hand, but it’s also <b>DANGEROUS! </b><br />
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It’s astonishing on how people are more concerned about the ‘news’, gossip and rumours from their peers and acquaintances on social media. Instead of concentrating on the road ahead, and what’s around them <i>right now!</i> What potential hazards they could be encountering. They're oblivious to the fact that they're becoming a hazard to themselves and others. What's worse is those choosing to ignore the dangers.<br />
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The sad thing is, that it will take one accident resulting in a <b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKU7b6UaJsY" target="_blank">fatality or near-death</a></b> experience. Will only make them learn ‒ the hard way ‒ on how dangerous it is use your mobile phone whilst behind the wheel of their cars.<br />
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As well as tougher penalties. Apple have been working to combat the problem of people using their phones while driving. By introducing a <i>Do Not Disturb</i> driving mode on peoples' iPhones. Where notifications will also be turned off. So, that you won't get them dangerous distractions when behind the wheel and on the move. Let's hope that Google are also onto this for those who have Android smartphones.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5424572479826908535.post-75133465584561216242017-10-10T21:34:00.002+01:002018-08-19T19:20:25.200+01:00Volkswagen on D.I.V.O.R.C.E<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Adverts that made light of a depressing topic.</b></h3>
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<a name='more'></a>VOLKSWAGEN’S marketing department clearly have a sense of humour. Which belies the cars they make in contrast to how sensible, serious and pragmatic they are. Though some maybe a bit more critical of saying that VW’s cars are boring.</div>
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It’s a known fact that around 43% of marriages end in divorce. In reflection of this, VW cleverly made light situation of the depressing topic. With the iconic advert featuring former model, Paula Hamilton, from 1988. Who’s happy to dispose her wedding or engagement ring, her pearl necklace and her fur coat.<br />
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But as she was about to throw away the car keys. She soon realised that the Volkswagen Golf was something worth hanging onto. Simply because it could give her escapism and a great deal of pleasure. That is what she can depend on, and all is what she needs right now.<br />
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VW clearly displayed confidence in their cars. For years, their commericals had the infamous tagline, '<i>If only things in life were as reliable as a Volkswagen</i>'.</div>
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A few years down the line. VW made another advert in relation to divorces and break ups featuring the next generation Golf in 1993.<br />
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Though, they weren't so subtle and more tongue-in-cheek with this commercial when it came to making light of the issue. So much so, that they were probably making a joke on how many marriages end in divorce.<br />
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With the Bluebells' song, <i>Young at Heart</i>, on the advert. It strongly emphasises on the woman celebrating her new found freedom. As well as the car being what she needs that she can depend on. Funnily enough, the <i>Young at Heart</i> song was re-released as a single coinciding with the VW commercial. Which also topped the UK charts, and was No.1 for four consecutive weeks.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/aWaGgyCabPE?rel=0" width="640"></iframe><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5424572479826908535.post-28443545514956483762017-10-06T14:03:00.003+01:002020-04-23T15:15:38.809+01:00BOTTLED IT!: Ford Fiesta MK3<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Very well marketed, but the product in question by the Blue Oval was a half-arsed effort. A triumph of marketing over engineering.</b></h3>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b> Planned obsolescence</b></span></h3>
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TOWARDS the end of the 1980s, the Ford Fiesta was getting long in the tooth. The ageing Fiesta had already started to lag behind other small cars on the market such as the Peugeot 205 and the Fiat Uno. Which arrived on the same year the heavily revamped Fiesta (known as the MK2 Fiesta) was launched in 1983. </div>
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Not only were the 205 and Uno better engineered cars. They were better packaged, and offered higher levels of practicality and efficiency than Ford’s small car ever could. In other words, the Fiesta at that time was outclassed by many of its rivals in pretty much every area, and rendered obsolete.<br />
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Despite this, the Fiesta sold well. That was largely down to the fact that the Fiesta was a well-marketed car, competitively priced and that Ford had a huge dealer network. The Fiesta though, was a simple car that’s cheap to buy, run and maintain. That's what really mattered to buyers of small cars in that time.</div>
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Ford eventually replaced the MK2 Fiesta with an-all new model (codenamed Urba) in April 1989. It was a bigger car than its predecessor, and for the first time, was available as a five-door hatchback. Which would boost the Fiesta’s appeal. Especially for buyers who wanted a small car with practicality high on the list of priorities. <br />
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On the surface, the MK3 Fiesta appeared to be an all-new car. When it came to the styling, it looked as if Ford’s small car was an imitation of the Peugeot 205. Some might say that imitation is a sincere form of flattery. Put into consideration that Ford spawned out the radical looking Sierra seven years ago. They played it rather safe with the Fiesta, which looked very bland in comparison.<br />
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In typical Ford fashion, the Fiesta was available with in a variety of guises to cater for tastes or budgets. Ranging from the basic, no-frills Popular and Popular Plus, the mid-range L and LX, then there was the lavishly appointed Ghia, the warmer S, and the hotter XR2i and RS models. In short, there was a Fiesta for everyone.<br />
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Ford even made a Fiesta-based panel van, though it was sold under the Courier nameplate. Which sat below the popular Escort van in their range of commercial vehicles. To rival other supermini-based vans like the Citroën C15 and Fiat Fiorno.</div>
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It may have looked like the 205, and that's where the Fiesta's similarities end with the little Pug. In reality, the then-new Fiesta was quite frankly crap. The only improvement the MK3 Fiesta was over its predecessor, was that it was available as a five door hatchback. Take that out of the equation, and it failed to improve on its predecessor in any meaningful way. One of the least convincing cars to be launched by The Blue Oval that was cynically conceived.<br />
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Under the skin concealed an old hat. The old CVH/Valencia engines were carried over from its predecessor. It also sat on the same floor pan as the old MK2 as well albeit having a longer wheelbase. Don't forget that the MK2 was a revised MK1, so this is a car that actually dates back to the 1970s.</div>
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With the new Fiesta being a bigger car, it was also heavier. So the CVH/Valencia engines carried over from its smaller predecessor that powered the Fiesta range. Which were rough and already outdated back then, and had to work even harder. Meaning that fuel economy and performance was never going to be the Fiesta's strong points.<br />
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Adding insult to injury was the sloppy steering, excessive body roll, along with the gruff engines, that did not bode well in making it a fun car to drive. Adding insult injury was the patchy build quality. Summing up that the MK3 Fiesta was cynically conceived and lazily put together. <br />
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Compared to its rivals, the MK3 Ford Fiesta was inferior to other small cars in pretty much every conceivable way. Particularly from newer superminis following the Fiesta's arrival in 1989. The Vauxhall Corsa, Fiat Punto, and the Nissan Micra to name some. They were all better cars than their predecessors that came with a raft of useful improvements.<br />
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Furthermore, the new Fiestas did not score well in customer satisfaction surveys. Ford on the whole, did not do well in the surveys. The new <a href="http://definitelymotoring.blogspot.co.uk/2011/05/bottled-it-1-ford-escort-mkv.html" target="_blank"><b>Escort</b></a> that arrived the following year after the Fiesta, was in for a lot more stick.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-KyZHFgnK11uLzpGIFiRLRXCspXkzBcK-Ud80Wn-Krmf-MK0zU_-A70ykXiwjsbyRo9Zrs8LDbwrAwJpx4Wu7puMdqYkzx2O5Pl0q9gdPYvTeDzcSSNsTx5hfQTjXHgnDn_eEvRnFyKg/s1600/Duff+Fast+Ford.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="664" data-original-width="487" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-KyZHFgnK11uLzpGIFiRLRXCspXkzBcK-Ud80Wn-Krmf-MK0zU_-A70ykXiwjsbyRo9Zrs8LDbwrAwJpx4Wu7puMdqYkzx2O5Pl0q9gdPYvTeDzcSSNsTx5hfQTjXHgnDn_eEvRnFyKg/s640/Duff+Fast+Ford.jpg" width="468" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>The Fiesta didn't exactly get a warm reception.</b></span></td></tr>
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Despite the less-than-satisfactory consumer surveys, and less-than-favourable reviews from the motoring press. The third generation Fiesta was a very popular car. What made it all the more remarkable, was that it was the UK's best-selling car for two consecutive years in 1990 and 1991. Which was down to the Fiesta being competitively priced, and Ford having a wide dealer network. But more than anything, it was a triumph of marketing over engineering.<br />
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The Fiesta XR2i was dismissed by motoring magazine, <i>CAR</i>, for being '<i>another duff Fast Ford</i>' in 1990. The major improvement over the old Fiesta XR2 was more power and fuel injection. Despite this, the XR2i was a popular pocket rocket. A quick car with good on-paper performance, and kerbside appeal that came with Fast Fords.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b> Filing out the rough edges</b></span></h3>
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Ford though, did respond to the criticism the Fiesta got. Newer 16-valve twincam engines were introduced in its later years, and replaced the elderly units on mid and higher spec models. Thanks to the all-new 16-Valve Zetec unit under the bonnet, the XR2i was quicker and more polished than the CVH lump in the previous XR2i. The Zetec lumps were also slotted into the RS models, but the RS Turbo was replaced by the RS1800. As the RS1800 had a normality aspirated engine.<br />
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But the XR2i wasn't to be as successful as the old XR2. Which was largely down to sky-high insurance premiums that would have been commanded at the time. By then, Hot Hatches fell out of favour with buyers. Which came to no surprise that Ford quietly dropped the XR2i and the RS1800 from the Fiesta range.<br />
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After the stick Ford got for their sheer mediocrity in the making of the MK3 Fiesta from the press and buyers. The Blue Oval acknowledged that improvements needed to be made, and devised an action plan. They clearly addressed these issues following the arrival of Ford's new chief engineer, Dr Richard Parry-Jones.<br />
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When the Fiesta was heavily revamped in which it became the <a href="http://definitelymotoring.blogspot.co.uk/2011/04/driven-ford-fiesta.html" target="_blank"><b>MK4 Fiesta</b></a>. Parry-Jones used his expertise when he developed the Mondeo. Which was filtered over when it came to updating and revising the Fiesta. The new Zetec engines that Ford co-developed with Yahama. The extensively reworked and re-engineered chassis set up, made the revitalised Fiesta a fun car to drive. The contrast was night and day compared to its predecessor.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_SQVILTzkFIdsfYB9kE1KbbhtDzPRBIQfx-xVlwYRjQAD35MAnFJhXUv3ZnA66pDQpejZ-_4bQnR2O0A-Ck39ZiaYEs_tVHAFDNl3eo4oeWt1bEaLUsG4VcAyRXMsmG9N0tsfLhoWZ3Q/s1600/Ford+Fiesta+MK4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_SQVILTzkFIdsfYB9kE1KbbhtDzPRBIQfx-xVlwYRjQAD35MAnFJhXUv3ZnA66pDQpejZ-_4bQnR2O0A-Ck39ZiaYEs_tVHAFDNl3eo4oeWt1bEaLUsG4VcAyRXMsmG9N0tsfLhoWZ3Q/s640/Ford+Fiesta+MK4.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>The MK4 Fiesta may look similar the MK3. But was a quantum leap over the old Fiesta.</b></span></td></tr>
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The new MK4 Fiesta went on sale in 1995. Whilst the new Fiesta looked very similar to the outgoing car. You'd be forgiven for thinking that it was an updated MK3. Well it did have the same architecture, and have the same compact dimensions as the old Fiesta. So you couldn't be far from the truth there.<br />
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Strangely enough, Ford continued selling the MK3 Fiesta alongside the new MK4. Though, the Blue Oval did trim down the range of models to make way for the new Fiesta. Which remained in production and on sale until it was quietly killed off in 1997. To date, the MK3 is the Fiesta to have the longest production life-span throughout the Ford Fiesta's 41-year history.<br />
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Given the success of the new Fiesta. Of which it was well received by the media and the public. Ford also utilised the Fiesta platform, and used it as a starting base for the 'New Edge' design Fords that arrived in the following months ahead with the smaller Ka, and the Puma sports coupe. Which also played a role in (alongside the Fiesta) in challenging Ford's rather dowdy image, and building its reputation as a maker of fun-to-drive cars.<br />
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If there's anything to go by it. Ford learnt that they can't afford to be too complacent. It's all well and good having their cars well marketed. But if the products in question as aren't as good and back up their claims. It won't go down well, and can have an adverse effect on sales and reputation of the Blue Oval.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5424572479826908535.post-5959326560495222152017-07-16T20:30:00.000+01:002019-11-05T18:27:03.818+00:00UNSUNG HEROES: Peugeot 405<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Very much forgotten and in banger territory today. But the 405 reflects a golden era for Peugeot.</b></h3>
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<a name='more'></a>FOLLOWING success of the 205. After all, it was Peugeot’s saviour, in being the car to make or break the company. Which goes to show on how important the 205 was to the French outfit. Peugeot understood that putting the goodness from their desirable and high-flying supermini. Could be passed on and filtered across the range. Of which is what they did with the 405. </div>
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Upon its arrival in 1988, the 405 was the replacement for the old Peugeot 505. As a rugged and dependable family car that it was. It didn’t appeal to fleet buyers that larger cars were often bought from. Peugeot though, had missed out on sales despite that the 505 had sold well worldwide by private buyers in Europe. In France and Africa, they have a cult following in being a hit with minicab drivers.</div>
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Despite strong sales, there was no getting away from the fact that the 505 was looking and feeling dated. Becoming obsolete after the arrival of newer family cars, like the radical looking Ford Sierra, and the well-accomplished MK2 Vauxhall Cavalier/Opel Ascona.</div>
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After looking at the competition for inspiration, and to use as a benchmark. Which is more than likely what Peugeot came up with a brief into making their new family fleet car. As slick and aerodynamic as the Sierra. But also in having decent performance and road holding of the Cavalier/Ascona. But all in all, making it Peugeot’s family car with its own DNA.<br />
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When it came to designing and styling of their new family fleet car, Peugeot had turned to Pininfarina. Who for many years, had worked with the French company in sketching the designs of their cars. The Italian styling house came up with the goods once again.</div>
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On appearances alone, the 405 bore some passing resemblance to the Alfa Romeo 164 ‒ another car designed by Pininfarina. With a wedge-like profile sporting a high tail and a low nose. But in keeping with Peugeot branding and DNA, the 405 had design and styling elements from the 205 and the 309.<br />
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The Peugeot 405 shared much with the Citroën BX under the skin. As hard as it is to believe considering how much different the 405 looked to the BX. Unlike Citroën, Peugeot used conventional coil springs for the 405. With independent suspension having MacPhearson struts at the front, and torsion beams in the rear in contrast to the complex, hydro-pneumatic unit used in the BX.<br />
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Peugeot's boffins sprinkled the 205 magic onto the 405. By using their expertise on the chassis-set up giving it excellent ride and handling. Something many buyers and the motoring press had raved about the 405. It was one car that drove as well as it looked.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilW8ukWSkKKfOz7yop1wOsJ9Yh0RLkxY3wHMcK1TkTBsxaZxzkhlJbp1KO70SWd3D6q3gIHrExaxqbaEcXet97K0bhyphenhyphenV7sD0WbaqUZz1gDAi7isXIn3IzcV9dUsoO3-D6i4f4uMl3VELk/s1600/Peugeot+405+Coupe+concept.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilW8ukWSkKKfOz7yop1wOsJ9Yh0RLkxY3wHMcK1TkTBsxaZxzkhlJbp1KO70SWd3D6q3gIHrExaxqbaEcXet97K0bhyphenhyphenV7sD0WbaqUZz1gDAi7isXIn3IzcV9dUsoO3-D6i4f4uMl3VELk/s640/Peugeot+405+Coupe+concept.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Peugeot made a coupe prototype of the 405. Never made production though.</b></span></td></tr>
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Given how good the 405 was as a standard car. Peugeot used its starting base in making quick, performance models. Of which they did with the 405 Mi16 and T16 models. Which are rare, and become increasingly sought after. Sadly, as many Mi16s have been broke to shoehorn the excellent all-alloy, 16-Valve, 1.9 litre blocks, into 205s. At the other end of the scale, the diesel 405s were frugal (if noisy), and drove as well as their petrol engined counterparts.<br />
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The 405 was available in two bodystyles. A smart looking four-door saloon, and also a practical and cavernous five-door estate. Peugeot did make a 405 coupe prototype, but that never made production. Would have been interesting to see how that would've fared against the Vauxhall/Opel Calibra, Toyota Celica and the Volkswagen Corrado. Especially in Mi16 and T16 flavours.<br />
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The 405 was a huge success for Peugeot. As well as appealing to the more sophisticated European buyers. The 405 sold well in Africa and the Middle East that large Peugeots did from yesteryear. It also built on the company's strengths from the foundations that was laid down by the 205. As did the 106 and 306 that arrived in the following years, and the 406 that replaced the 405 in 1996.<br />
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Furthermore, the Peugeot 405 made its mark in history in setting the standards of making fun to drive family cars. So much so, that Ford and Nissan used the 405 for inspiration onto making the new Primera and Mondeo.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc7CgPYPIaR1tvreOzU-I6edBh4lS_YBlfLkVwWqmAcrjynZLkqbtDv3j7uPRkVHkhVTnXmw88kzFta-BDKxeqZwXfu9K9sAcu78wSwVAdJVe9RrCgBGFKFe0OogGIDhNMjr3NZRmGBY4/s1600/Peugeot+405+Mi16.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="661" data-original-width="1024" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc7CgPYPIaR1tvreOzU-I6edBh4lS_YBlfLkVwWqmAcrjynZLkqbtDv3j7uPRkVHkhVTnXmw88kzFta-BDKxeqZwXfu9K9sAcu78wSwVAdJVe9RrCgBGFKFe0OogGIDhNMjr3NZRmGBY4/s640/Peugeot+405+Mi16.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>The quick, rare and highly sought after 405 Mi16.</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u>PUB FACTS</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;">The 405 was the last ever car from Peugeot to be sold in the United States.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">The 405 was a major departure from the 505 it replaced. In being a smaller car that was also front-wheel drive.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">The 405 was the first Peugeot made and available with four-wheel-drive. Which was on the more powerful Mi16 models.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Even though it was replaced by the 406 once it ceased production in France and the United Kingdom in 1996. The 405 continues to be manufactured and sold in Africa and the Middle East. More on this featured on the excellent <b><a href="https://ranwhenparked.net/2014/01/22/a-look-at-the-iranian-built-peugeot-405-pars/" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">Ran When Parked</a> </b>website.</li>
</ul>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5424572479826908535.post-48345971197512078652017-06-27T10:42:00.001+01:002017-06-29T12:08:27.214+01:00Paul Hollywood’s Big Continental Road Trip<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
If you like cars and into modern history. It’s definitely worth a watch.</h3>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVwi0EXpjbD0JFX5B9qsW98HJDvZdakeNbDkARFllxC0w24F5J93tZ9krWQvbQRagBn4YqiUR2I_4P51Kjzf8JT_oLCjyb1Qnul9YYA0b79MuzCcFhonlrfCt2xFyq9VcMNDiJbbZN-Cs/s1600/Paul+Hollywood%2527s+Big+Continental+Road+Trip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="702" data-original-width="1248" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVwi0EXpjbD0JFX5B9qsW98HJDvZdakeNbDkARFllxC0w24F5J93tZ9krWQvbQRagBn4YqiUR2I_4P51Kjzf8JT_oLCjyb1Qnul9YYA0b79MuzCcFhonlrfCt2xFyq9VcMNDiJbbZN-Cs/s640/Paul+Hollywood%2527s+Big+Continental+Road+Trip.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
YOU’LL probably know Paul Hollywood best for being on <i>The Great British Bake-Off</i> alongside Mary Berry. While we all know his love and passion for food. Little did I know that he has a keen interest in cars – and something that has been a lifelong passion of his.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In the three-part series, Hollywood travels to Italy, Germany and France. He looks at how cars have been an influence on people, and society of their respective countries where they were made. Also in making their mark in history, reflection of their culture, and playing their part in shaping up their national identity.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If you have seen James May’s <i>Car of the People</i>, then you will probably enjoy watching Paul Hollywood’s <i>Big Continental Road Trip</i>. It's informative yet entertaining.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>If you want to watch the show. It is available to watch on <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/b08sxmns">BBC iPlayer</a>*.</b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>*Available at the time of writing, and only available to UK viewers.</i></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5424572479826908535.post-61433950379762748572017-05-26T17:51:00.000+01:002019-10-21T17:13:11.726+01:00The future’s bright for Lotus<h3>
<b>A glimmer of hope in East Anglia.</b></h3>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgtdBQAUowe-SQAteMLzgpN3TFQ7aOVG5bmtcA7PWCSQ4vQTzEEzRity0_c_Y-hHL3yZlSis1T8icfXTy9XEsAdblIqjDCl9m7YFMcsbg0zwlM7BRHqPujW4YsA64bdLAzSK18mVuch_Y/s1600/Lotus-Elise.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="681" data-original-width="1024" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgtdBQAUowe-SQAteMLzgpN3TFQ7aOVG5bmtcA7PWCSQ4vQTzEEzRity0_c_Y-hHL3yZlSis1T8icfXTy9XEsAdblIqjDCl9m7YFMcsbg0zwlM7BRHqPujW4YsA64bdLAzSK18mVuch_Y/s640/Lotus-Elise.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
MALAYSIAN car firm Proton Holdings, have been struggling for some time now. But their future has been secured after a takeover by the Geely Group this week. Which in turn, should be great news for Lotus Cars – who are owned by Proton.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Proton have been struggling due to a major decline in sales. Consequently, this has meant Lotus has been starved from investment into research, development, and with limited resources into making new and exciting sports and performance cars. Meaning funds were drying up for the Norfolk-based company.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
With the hands-off treatment of Volvo – along with millions invested into the Swedish marque, and let them do what they do best. In return, they have enjoyed a successful renaissance under Geely. If there is anything to go by given how things have panned out for Volvo. There should be plenty of cause of optimism for Lotus.<br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5424572479826908535.post-38505916710322343772017-04-30T16:53:00.001+01:002019-10-11T12:52:50.506+01:00What happened to the ornament?<div style="text-align: justify;">
<h3>
It's a shame UK-spec Mercedes saloons (barring the S-Class) don't have them.</h3>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYLL_VE2JOcFgffhPOXP3ikeHQq8WkPHO25x2HpP0rZYl-matwpCGWnNslX1toh4TxyV2W0MixAqswg1A9wg6yl_72nkcU3arpTWK0rfSmXzTtcIDTRlUH0lUIwtj2N_PjPm5xBtxWN-g/s1600/Mercedes+traditional+grille.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYLL_VE2JOcFgffhPOXP3ikeHQq8WkPHO25x2HpP0rZYl-matwpCGWnNslX1toh4TxyV2W0MixAqswg1A9wg6yl_72nkcU3arpTWK0rfSmXzTtcIDTRlUH0lUIwtj2N_PjPm5xBtxWN-g/s640/Mercedes+traditional+grille.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<b></b><br />
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>VIRTUALLY any new Mercedes-Benz you can buy, isn't available with a badge on the bonnet – well in the UK that is.<br />
<br />
Yeah that’s right. You can’t buy your new C or E-Class saloon, with the traditional grille and the three-pointed star on the bonnet of your Merc. The only car that Mercedes sell in the UK with the traditional grille and badge on the bonnet, is the S-Class.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I appreciate that Mercedes don’t sell their cars with the traditional grilles. Simply because more people prefer the sportier look, with the overly large Merc emblems on the grille of their cars. As the traditional bonnet badge are viewed by some as a bit twee. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But a Mercedes saloon with the large chrome grille, and the iconic three-pointed star sitting on the bonnet of your car looks stately and far classier. With it looking more understated, I believe that Mercs looks more dignified and majestic for it. You’re telling others that you’re doing well and being gracious about it. Everything a Mercedes-Benz saloon <i>should</i> look.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Don’t get me wrong. The three-pointed star on the grille look fine on smaller, sportier Mercs like the SL and the SLK – and even the A-Class. But they don’t suit having them on the saloons. They just make the C and E-Class look vulgar. Though, you can probably get away with having them on the smaller C-Class (on AMG models).</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
With Mercedes-Benz UK denying buyers in Blighty, the chance to buy their saloons that comes with the traditional grille. Many love Mercs for the fact that they're quality products. Some would love one, but don't want to come across as a show-off about their success, and would rather be more low-key and gracious about it.<br />
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrlZxeqiPNSTNODoD2EvbHKelcTysb2UF4k28-9yxP7mULOJCoTu1LGycQQdnPiBSFtZy41Vxf3XiKn4o3Tj7fFqQIp1VZRZUiokaUsD1itaC6ed-_twAAtqFWJfwApIOxO61gFOLSS9U/s1600/Mercedes+grille.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><b><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrlZxeqiPNSTNODoD2EvbHKelcTysb2UF4k28-9yxP7mULOJCoTu1LGycQQdnPiBSFtZy41Vxf3XiKn4o3Tj7fFqQIp1VZRZUiokaUsD1itaC6ed-_twAAtqFWJfwApIOxO61gFOLSS9U/s640/Mercedes+grille.jpg" width="640" /></b></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Left or right? You decide!</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5424572479826908535.post-54898815797273142122017-04-08T21:16:00.000+01:002017-05-22T09:56:15.764+01:00I'm getting a dashcam<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
<b>This can only be a good thing...</b></h3>
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<b><br />
</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih-lv2XYQcCB4tGN1n9Qp-J_wY-m1ER24BPL8cwjlHrYCZe20g0FPVD5yx22uHl3yvcAHEtS-vuYhSGAhyphenhyphenJYp-MkozZ1NzOjPjVRFOfHjxzTSoqGj3Kk5Mvu8hO5rjBRV1I2B_NS40RTE/s1600/Dashcam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih-lv2XYQcCB4tGN1n9Qp-J_wY-m1ER24BPL8cwjlHrYCZe20g0FPVD5yx22uHl3yvcAHEtS-vuYhSGAhyphenhyphenJYp-MkozZ1NzOjPjVRFOfHjxzTSoqGj3Kk5Mvu8hO5rjBRV1I2B_NS40RTE/s640/Dashcam.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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</div>
<a name='more'></a><div style="text-align: justify;">
DASHBOARD cameras – dash cams they’re usually called – are becoming a more popular with motorists in the UK, and it’s easy to see why.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
More often than not, people often drive their cars on their own. Should you happen to be in an accident that’s between you and the other driver with no witnesses. It could be your word against theirs. So, when it comes to insurance companies finding out and disputing who’s at fault is never easy.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This is where the dashcam can come in handy for being your witness – especially when you’re driving on your own. More so if the other driver happens to have witnesses that could potentially provide false information to the police and/or their insurance provider. You will have concrete evidence of the accident from the footage provided from your dash cam to back up your claim. They say that the camera never lies.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As well as having one for my own personal protection. A dash cam will also be handy for watching and evaluating my own driving. Looking at the footage myself, to see where I can make improvements behind the wheel.<br />
<br />
Such as: stopping some bad habits I've picked up – even how I could deal with potential hazards from pedestrians, cyclists, bikers and other drivers. Which should make me more inclined to become a better driver with Big Brother watching me and also on my side.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
For my own safety and piece of mind, and due to the fact, that there are simply too many idiots out on the roads. I feel that it’s a necessity of having a dashcam, hence why I’ve gone and bought myself a reputable dashcam online via Amazon. Just waiting for it to arrive within the next couple of days, and I will let you know how I get on with my new toy.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QCK8GUu8D1c" width="640"></iframe><br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5424572479826908535.post-24362362782342749692017-03-25T22:45:00.002+00:002017-07-10T23:37:52.800+01:00Edd China quits Wheeler Dealers<div style="text-align: justify;">
<h3>
<b>And why he was right to leave the show...</b></h3>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigcAS-yTvBaKRtYWgaEsaTTnrVk0jPLiO_2PRFdmLxACtluj4qEtA0Qdj3qwk2RwPEVMIOfoK2_18-yXJnKjRWVGL04fv0qLaVtHM98j5YF9vI3ZRXcbDuNv2ceCDRMnGn7LwuLh8fMak/s1600/Edd+China.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigcAS-yTvBaKRtYWgaEsaTTnrVk0jPLiO_2PRFdmLxACtluj4qEtA0Qdj3qwk2RwPEVMIOfoK2_18-yXJnKjRWVGL04fv0qLaVtHM98j5YF9vI3ZRXcbDuNv2ceCDRMnGn7LwuLh8fMak/s640/Edd+China.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a>EDD CHINA made the shock announcement that he will be leaving <i>Wheeler Dealers</i>. Meaning that him and the show’s co-presenter, Mike Brewer, will be going their separate ways after doing the show together over the past 13 years.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Reasons citing for leaving the show, is that Edd felt the producers are to be dumbing down <i>Wheeler Dealers. </i>In which he believed he couldn't continue doing the show. As production company, Velocity, are changing the show’s format by simplifying it. As explained by the man himself on the video below.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8IB15T1LYiY?rel=0" width="640"></iframe><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I totally respect and back Edd’s decision for leaving <i>Wheeler Dealers</i>. It's clear that he's a man with a great deal of integrity. Who takes a lot of pride in his work, and also one with self-respect by sticking to his principals.<br />
<br />
The details and information about the oily bits from crankshafts to exhaust pipes that he told us about. When Edd carried out the tasks in the workshop to fix and restore the cars. Not only was it entertaining and educational, but it was also insightful.<br />
<br />
Edd demystified the complex functioning of motor vehicles. Giving many hope and belief that they can successfully do the work on their own cars. He's a legend, who single handedly inspired confidence for petrol heads to fettle with their pride and joy.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
With Velocity wanting to cut out some ‒ or a lot ‒ of the details and information from the hands-on work carried out on <i>Wheeler Dealers</i>. It's in the interest of those dollar signs, and not the quality of the show. All in all, it could erode and take away the appeal of <i>Wheeler Dealers</i>.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, Mike Brewer will continue presenting <i>Wheeler Dealers</i>. Buying and selling cars, but also getting parts for them. Who's going to replace Edd China then? Ant Anstead will be taking his place. You may have seen him on Channel 4's <i>For the Love of Cars</i> alongside actor Philip Glenister (aka Gene Hunt from <i>Life on Mars</i>).<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/o1qBmh-yQM8?rel=0" width="640"></iframe><br /></div>
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ERo-l61LbEM?rel=0" width="640"></iframe><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5424572479826908535.post-91026678585109589432017-02-13T21:56:00.002+00:002019-08-19T11:47:05.928+01:00Ka by name, not by nature<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMKp_d8b5DjHkKtJ5aYGfmpl8fNBXusLAal4yok4lFyEiq60xJvPDFyZudYHWK47y9kZhzypFD_TJo3jlUbIt6WI7wlYAUYksAu9KeFc33k9bHiZzICMGEV2Hp9pDZhsEAcVtdUBC_uV0/s1600/Ford+Ka%252B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMKp_d8b5DjHkKtJ5aYGfmpl8fNBXusLAal4yok4lFyEiq60xJvPDFyZudYHWK47y9kZhzypFD_TJo3jlUbIt6WI7wlYAUYksAu9KeFc33k9bHiZzICMGEV2Hp9pDZhsEAcVtdUBC_uV0/s640/Ford+Ka%252B.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><br />
</b> <b><br />
</b> <b>FORD weren’t wrong to make a car for those wanting cheap, basic, no-frills transport. The likes of the Dacia Sandero, Vauxhall Viva, Skoda Citigo and Fiat Panda prove that there's a market for them.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A lot of people buy a Ford for that reason alone. Some also do it out of apathy and convenience. There’s a Ford dealer in every town like there are Tesco supermarkets. But I can’t help but think that The Blue Oval was wrong in deciding that the Ka was to be that model in their line-up.<br />
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<a name='more'></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Isn’t the Ka meant to be Ford’s cheapest car?</i> Yes, but there’s more to it than that.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="543" src="https://i.wheelsage.org/pictures/f/ford/ka/ford_ka_52.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>This is the Ka we all know and love. A fun and quirky small car.</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
You see, when the original Ka was launched 20 years ago back in October 1996. It was quite simply a revelation in the world of small cars and re-wrote the rule book. A quirky town-toddler, with design flair and distinctive features. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Under the skin, concealed a basic small car that was a hoot to drive. That you could chuck it round the bends like a go-kart when attacking the B-roads. Thanks to having the mechanical simplicity of a door hinge, the Ka was also an inexpensive car to buy and run. The original Ka was proof that a cheap car doesn't have to be nasty.<br />
<br />
When you look at the latest Ka, it's a far cry from the original. Sure the latest Ka – sorry Ka+ – now in its third incarnation is based on the Fiesta like the original was. But that's where the similarities end. Its quirky looks were binned in favour of something far more ordinary.<br />
<br />
There was a time when the Ka was the fun and outgoing younger sibling. The Fiesta in comparison, was the older sibling that was more of being the shy and retiring introvert. Funny how it's all changed.<br />
<br />
The new Ka+ is to be the no-frills offering from Ford's range of small cars. Which in effect, replaces the basic and lower spec Fiestas. Considering that the Blue Oval have dropped the Style and Edge trim levels on the Fiesta in recent times. They're concentrating on making the Fiesta the more stylish and glamorous small car in stark contrast to the Ka.<br />
<br />
Like I said before, Ford were right to make a small, basic, no-frills motor built for purpose. The problem is with the nameplate. It's only a Ka by name, but not by nature. None of the ethos from its predecessors has been carried over with no imagination or creativity thrown into it.<br />
<br />
Ford should have called it the Popular. A nice nod to the past. The old Ford Popular from the 1950s was also Britain's cheapest new car prior to being the cheapest in their line up. Though many will remember the Popular name on Fords being on the entry-level Escorts and Fiestas from the 1970s and 1980s.<br />
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With it being based on a Fiesta. I'm convinced that the Ka+ will be a nice car to drive though. It could well be one for keen drivers who want something that's cheap, and where you can blend in whilst having a bit of fun behind the wheel.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5424572479826908535.post-27608658425342571612017-01-22T15:25:00.001+00:002017-09-07T06:30:46.399+01:00Living with a Bimmer<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Took the plunge and bought a cheap BMW. What could possibly go wrong?</b></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinVIRZjDpsHGaeTjZVGmAA8QmJggHB1ikLF4I92QxNZACP4L1Fi3ILIo0h-X2NGA3QPjwkT67H2RcxV3sbL1MRCUTNc7vrMu8CRUMe4S0qpb9Wkbx__MRaj0WvjAjHRIesk1c3b-v9HVA/s1600/BMW+325i.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinVIRZjDpsHGaeTjZVGmAA8QmJggHB1ikLF4I92QxNZACP4L1Fi3ILIo0h-X2NGA3QPjwkT67H2RcxV3sbL1MRCUTNc7vrMu8CRUMe4S0qpb9Wkbx__MRaj0WvjAjHRIesk1c3b-v9HVA/s640/BMW+325i.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a name='more'></a>I HANKERED after a BMW for a while. After searching and saving up, I bought myself a 325i saloon in the Summer. At first, it looked like a very clean and well maintained car. An original and unmolested example that looks like it hasn’t done any drifting in its lifetime. It had a low mileage (just under 100,000 miles on the clock) and a service history to back it up.</div>
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But after getting the Bimmer serviced and inspected. It unravelled some horrors, and there was a list of jobs that needed doing on the car. </div>
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It needed a valve cover gasket because it had a minor oil leak, which dripped onto the manifold. When the engine was up to temperature, the dripping oil steamed up. Creating a smell and a whiff of smoke under the bonnet. A bit embarrassing when in traffic, because people will think that my car was either: breaking down or on fire.</div>
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I took it to two garages, yet this wasn't resolved. The dripping oil and the burning smells persisted. It hadn’t solved anything as this still happened. I suspect that the job hasn’t been done properly. So, I went to BMW and got a new gasket cover, and I intended on doing the job myself to see if it will cure this oil leak.</div>
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It needed a new belt tensioner too, which has been replaced. That couldn’t have come any sooner because the cracks were showing. If that went whilst driving, I would have been well and truly fudged. </div>
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Then there was problem(s) with the car’s cooling system. It’s likely that it would have needed a new radiator and a coolant expansion tank. The car was losing coolant as quickly as I refilled it. I suspect that there was a leak somewhere.</div>
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Sometimes, my BMW did also cut out when slowing down or idling in traffic. Which was scary or embarrassing. There were been times when I’ve had to pull over and put on my hazard lights. The car has struggled to start again, but did again. Could this be that a new alternator or fuel pump was needed? <i>Crikey!</i></div>
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With a growing list of problems on the BMW. What looked like a peach was turning out to be a lemon. It’s a shame really, because the BMW was a great car to drive – when not idling in traffic. The handling was sublime with sharp and composed steering, along with plenty of grip, feel and precision. </div>
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The performance from that lusty straight-six engine was decent. It wasn't only quick, but what impressed me most was on how smooth it was with the power delivery. Fuel economy was not too shabby for a six-pot returning around 30mpg on motorway trips. But it did have a thirst for the old jungle juice on short trips and driving in town.</div>
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Elsewhere, the BMW felt solid in places, with decent build quality with top notch soft-touch plastics, and tactile switch gear on the interior. It's also a comfortable place to sit in, with a snug and cocoon-like cockpit. Giving the illusion that you’re in a sports car and not a saloon.</div>
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I don’t regret buying the BMW because I got experience of driving and owning one. You live and learn as they say. But I’ve reach the conclusion that I couldn't live with its fragility, and that it's a high maintenance car. Which would have been potentially bleeding me dry. Hence why some tell you that BMW is an acronym for <b>B</b>reaking <b>M</b>y <b>W</b>allet.<br />
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It was time to get rid of it and get something else. <i>Quickly!</i> Simply because I was driving a ticking time bomb. Not a case of <i>if</i>, but a case of <i>when</i> it would all come to blow! I've surrendered and succumbed to the fact that I couldn't afford to keep the BMW. So PX'd it, and replaced it with a newer car. Relieved.<br />
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Moral of the story? If it's too good to be true, it usually is. A BMW that I bought for less than £1,000 is proof in the pudding.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwVlEunoYrlziQNlMpFZXCX_YxjHnXnqNugZL9iJ0WP6vrR4MCS_T7v0Fgv_bscvqnv73rGiafIC41CbPn-I8_-4GeV0s9Sugz7trOgKaJWYcsICMVmKUdYUwLWGOpzvP7vbjXM_nJPpY/s1600/BMW+325i+%25285%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwVlEunoYrlziQNlMpFZXCX_YxjHnXnqNugZL9iJ0WP6vrR4MCS_T7v0Fgv_bscvqnv73rGiafIC41CbPn-I8_-4GeV0s9Sugz7trOgKaJWYcsICMVmKUdYUwLWGOpzvP7vbjXM_nJPpY/s640/BMW+325i+%25285%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>My recent experience has got me asking you this. Have you ever bought a cheap BMW – or a prestigious car like a Mercedes-Benz or a Jaguar? Whether it was good or bad and gained something from doing it? Leave me with a response as I would love to hear your tales...</b></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5424572479826908535.post-23967329969258850222016-11-25T00:30:00.003+00:002019-10-23T18:50:52.483+01:00BOTTLED IT!: NSU Ro80<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
An influential car with great design and ideas behind it, that sadly never realised its potential.</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_L2eJDVS_nY3xlIrWrpdPZ292HZUFF2bI6TVcfxCqs0VgnczxVf5ZhTL5PTKIvLBH202w05HPpUPzVB9cgzrnLhYfbz_O_QyMJ9F1DXEp1sIeC13GwFkDzQDOuC1tytoxc-ZSk4RbY28/s1600/NSU+Ro80.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_L2eJDVS_nY3xlIrWrpdPZ292HZUFF2bI6TVcfxCqs0VgnczxVf5ZhTL5PTKIvLBH202w05HPpUPzVB9cgzrnLhYfbz_O_QyMJ9F1DXEp1sIeC13GwFkDzQDOuC1tytoxc-ZSk4RbY28/s640/NSU+Ro80.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a name='more'></a>THE NSU Ro80 is one car with great ideas and concepts behind its creation. It’s such a great shame that this car never fulfilled the potential it had in spades.</div>
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When it was launched back in 1967, there was nothing on the road quite like it with its sharp lines and rakish profile with wind cheating aerodynamics. Which gave it an excellent co-drag efficient of 0.35. A remarkable achievement given that this was a car from the 1960s. Looked unique then, and one that certainly turns heads today.<br />
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Under the space-age skin was a front-wheel-drive saloon, having all-round independent suspension, and rack and pinion steering. Other idiosyncrasies the slippery-shaped Ro80 had was a three-speed semi-automatic gearbox. Which had no clutch pedals, and was operated through the gear lever.<br />
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The FWD layout and independent suspension also lent for a spacious interior, as did the long wheel base with minimal overhangs. Furthermore, it was a recipe for great handling and road-holding.</div>
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Under the bonnet, the NSU Ro80 had an engineering novelty, as they were powered by twin-rotor Wankel engines. They had triangular pistons, which meant more air passed through them that created more power, and gave it decent performance. It was the very first production car to have this unique power plant. The 999cc Wankel units produced an impressive 113bhp, which got the Ro80 from 0-60mph in a very respectable 12 seconds.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAt3R-ffcIOfYAona8DPNpnziQ85uIllytu5MkMNyRVGdl9gk95BY_f5H4ijDNDcK2byGPkHaOTsBXvDDoKILM0Di7mGyHiOAjX0ehokHnOgzsN2hLDTkenC-q0A6RSVTThnl7urAbHJs/s1600/NSU+Ro80+technical+drawing.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAt3R-ffcIOfYAona8DPNpnziQ85uIllytu5MkMNyRVGdl9gk95BY_f5H4ijDNDcK2byGPkHaOTsBXvDDoKILM0Di7mGyHiOAjX0ehokHnOgzsN2hLDTkenC-q0A6RSVTThnl7urAbHJs/s640/NSU+Ro80+technical+drawing.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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All sounds great, right? Yeah, a car that was quite simply ahead of its time bristling with technical innovation. It was evident that there was some forward thinking, and NSU were clearly thinking outside the box on the creation of the Ro80. These merits alone won it the award of being the 1968 European Car of the Year. <br />
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The NSU Ro80 clearly had potential of being a success. But it sadly wasn’t to be, because the Ro80 was a commercial flop of epic proportions.<br />
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The Ro80's Achilles heel was the rotary Wankel engine. While it was smooth and gave great performance given the engine's cubic capacity. It came at the expense of poor fuel economy returning 15mpg. What didn't help matters was that an oil crisis broke out in the mid 1970s, when the Ro80 was still in production and on sale at that time.<br />
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Worse still, the NSU Ro80 was woefully unreliable. The Wankel engines were complex units. That had notoriously fragile rotors, and were prone to breaking at a relatively young age. It was reported that tips on the rotors broke or worn out prematurely, when the cars had covered low mileages <span style="background-color: white; font-family: "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , "georgia" , "utopia" , serif; font-size: 14.84px;">–</span> we're talking as little as 10,000 miles. Many Ro80s were in need of major repairs and engine rebuilds. Some even needed engine replacements after covering as little as 30,000 miles.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Zu9QQ5fmNxft0gkoX3HxZOP_qD9P1tmXRqkposgBXSHou36JN_L1IdhwucZvlQYMwcsTKoX5f__LDRMz-wmOG5Oa7fKESsjRbvj-rFOdNYQS39z22OU1FLTJMnFJDjswWSYP6xJDWDw/s1600/NSU+Ro80.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Zu9QQ5fmNxft0gkoX3HxZOP_qD9P1tmXRqkposgBXSHou36JN_L1IdhwucZvlQYMwcsTKoX5f__LDRMz-wmOG5Oa7fKESsjRbvj-rFOdNYQS39z22OU1FLTJMnFJDjswWSYP6xJDWDw/s640/NSU+Ro80.jpeg" width="640" /></a>NSU generously offered owners to fix or replace the Wankel units on the cars through the warranty claims made by owners. They continuously made improvements on the engines to improve its reliability. But the damage was done, as it was too little too late, and the Ro80 never recovered from its casualty.<br />
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But with its reliability woes affecting so many Ro80s, that the warranty expenses bled the company dry. So much that it killed the car – and NSU – when it went out of production in 1977. In the end, NSU was bailed out by Volkswagen, and merged NSU with Audi and Auto Union, which formed Audi NSU Auto Union AG, and the creation of Audi.<br />
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While the NSU Ro80 was a huge flop, after only selling 37,406 examples in its 10-year production. Despite this, it was a car that made its mark in history, because it <i>really</i> was ahead of its time. It single-handedly pioneered the design of cars for the 1970s and beyond. As you could see on cars from the Citroën CX to the Triumph TR7.<br />
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The Ro80 was also advanced in its engineering as well as its design, it foresaw features that were to be widely used by the mainstream car makers <span style="background-color: white; font-family: "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , "georgia" , "utopia" , serif; font-size: 14.84px;">–</span> even today. Take the Ford Focus for example, it's a car bought and driven by the many. Which is front wheel drive and has all-round independent suspension – just like the Ro80 .<br />
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Funnily enough, and to some extent, Audi carries the ethos from NSU with technical innovation on their cars – of which they still do today. <i>Vorsprung Durch Technik</i> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , "georgia" , "utopia" , serif; font-size: 14.84px;">–</span> for years, has been Audi's trademark slogan with <i>'Advancement Through Technology</i>' in German. Like the A2, TT and the legendary Quattro for example.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyg_uw8C9gM4UFrNGTGwv9QYGS5Yhir-MZzFYpGzHjGMTruU7TxKU1c-_P28Hr7xsgvZfF2QTSknOly1DdPGuFiGijGCb5_qMd92xhMbsBxq_iPTJuoc7sACSjHgkLjzlrK-DnUXsrw3c/s1600/Mazda+RX-7+wankel.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyg_uw8C9gM4UFrNGTGwv9QYGS5Yhir-MZzFYpGzHjGMTruU7TxKU1c-_P28Hr7xsgvZfF2QTSknOly1DdPGuFiGijGCb5_qMd92xhMbsBxq_iPTJuoc7sACSjHgkLjzlrK-DnUXsrw3c/s640/Mazda+RX-7+wankel.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>Mazda proved that the rotary Wankel engine could become a decent power plant.</i></b></span></td></tr>
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As well as NSU's legacy living on through Audi, the rotary Wankel engine lived on. Mazda though, saw the virtues of the rotary Wankel engine in being a compact, lightweight and powerful unit. On that basis, the Japanese manufacturer made a bold move in using Dr. Felix Wankel's invention for powering their sports cars like the Cosmo and the RX-7.<br />
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Undeterred by its fragility, Mazda spent a lot of time and money with further development and improving the Wankel power plant. Not just for performance, but also (and most importantly) to make it more robust and improve the car's reliability. Mazda proven that the Wankel engine has the potential to be a great unit, and one that was.<br />
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Today, the NSU Ro80 is a car that's held in high esteem. Despite its chequered past, many appreciate that it's an idiosyncratic sporting saloon ahead of its time. A design and engineering marvel that was revolutionary in many ways. Today, they're now highly sought after classics.<br />
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In summary, the NSU Ro80 was a flawed gem. Despite its flaws, this didn't deter Mazda from employing the use of it powering their sports cars. One can't help but think had that Wankel engine been properly developed – like Mazda has done – the Ro80 could have (and would have) been a world beater.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5424572479826908535.post-37918907384367171582016-11-11T11:43:00.001+00:002019-07-10T11:32:04.140+01:00Evolution – Germans do it best!<h3>
<b>Who does it better?</b></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip7fohyq5j5WxoofetyTpnVg6kUn7L3dtHbUzk47oifOAZoQJVIs4jl2zB92TzzrPiMMparQXY6M5SezF7SJWkzaF3QJGK7hinHQEUlFBY8rmAIhK8XWgsN0KoAsn8FdEPaY0l-cRkUi8/s1600/Volkswagen+Golf+evolution.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip7fohyq5j5WxoofetyTpnVg6kUn7L3dtHbUzk47oifOAZoQJVIs4jl2zB92TzzrPiMMparQXY6M5SezF7SJWkzaF3QJGK7hinHQEUlFBY8rmAIhK8XWgsN0KoAsn8FdEPaY0l-cRkUi8/s640/Volkswagen+Golf+evolution.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a name='more'></a>WHEN it comes to changing and updating cars, it's always been evolution than revolution from the Germans. If their cars are to be successful, more often than not, they stick to a winning formula and build on its success.</div>
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Many people do accuse them of playing it safe and being boring. But you can always argue on why fix something that isn't broken. The Volkswagen Golf, has recently had a mild revision. As expected, it doesn't look much different to the outgoing car and you'll have to play spot the difference to notice the updates. A real case of evolution over revolution.<br />
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The original Golf was a crucially important car for Volkswagen. After years of being reliant on the high-selling Beetle, its popularity was fading in the wake of newer and more sophisticated cars by the late 1960s – and well into the 1970s. They desperately needed a new car to replace the long serving and outdated Bug.<br />
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The Golf was to be the replacement for the old Beetle, and it was a radical departure from the old bug. Under the skin, was a front-engined, front-wheel drive hatchback that was powered by water-cooled engines. That was a solid, practical and efficient family car which went on sale in 1974.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVZpJjuEOCZx0CFLXkyvoRar_oH-oyxq1gispKwXuPST6TmmHojajXuV9-fJWKLJAYx3-p_vbyo-cAaBpfHFeHi6LRaoRLExpRPlmln34XBMjtU_VB9ZM8kNkEZFJovW3bO7KUpm84pPo/s1600/VW+Golf+MK1+5+door.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVZpJjuEOCZx0CFLXkyvoRar_oH-oyxq1gispKwXuPST6TmmHojajXuV9-fJWKLJAYx3-p_vbyo-cAaBpfHFeHi6LRaoRLExpRPlmln34XBMjtU_VB9ZM8kNkEZFJovW3bO7KUpm84pPo/s640/VW+Golf+MK1+5+door.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Visually, the original Golf was equally as radical. Gone was the curvaceous shapes VW used on their long serving cars. In favour of a contemporary design, with crisp, clean lines and penned by the legendary Giorgetto Guigaro from Italian styling house, ItalDesign.<br />
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The original Golf was a huge success for Volkswagen. Which crucially saved them from becoming obsolete and going under, as it was an important that car that would either make or break them. By 1976, VW had already sold a million Golfs.<br />
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Then there's the legendary Golf GTi – a quick, practical and affordable performance car for the masses which pioneered the Hot Hatch. Which has been a roaring success and influenced the likes of Ford and Peugeot to make their own – creating a Hot Hatch frenzy in the 1980s. But that's another story for another time.<br />
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Having been a roaring success. It was understandable that VW stuck to a winning formula when it came to making newer incarnations of the Golf. More often than not, they have continuously refined and tweaked it over the years. Of course, it has grown in size over the years. More often than not, to comply with safety regulations, improve aerodynamics, performance, fuel economy, and to satisfy consumer demands.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEtZ2InxnEzG95I7FtZHstkWSZH1R6mBozDmUMbHaevhStHZ3Eb_ASl5ey5z_lBgHbgfllTeir9D7u8yfEBUuNnHPom3_i5nIY9g7nu2FBuJWSlS_cHi8sbghXLkCFZO78o8dBio709yw/s1600/VW+Golf+MK7.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEtZ2InxnEzG95I7FtZHstkWSZH1R6mBozDmUMbHaevhStHZ3Eb_ASl5ey5z_lBgHbgfllTeir9D7u8yfEBUuNnHPom3_i5nIY9g7nu2FBuJWSlS_cHi8sbghXLkCFZO78o8dBio709yw/s640/VW+Golf+MK7.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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What has made the Golf's design timeless, that it has always had a neat and understated design. VW has also continued to use design cues that have been – and continued to be used – on newer incarnations of the Golf that have followed on.<br />
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Some examples are the twin headlamps that adorn the front end of the car, and the thick C-pillar, that have become design hallmarks on the Golf. Which has made it it a motoring icon in its own right, and you can also go as far and say that it's been key to it becoming Volkswagen's best seller.<br />
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You look at the latest Golf, you can see the resemblance from the original car and that it's an evolution from its predecessors. To date (and at the time of writing), VW have sold over 30 million examples since the original first graced tarmac back over four decades ago.<br />
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Like what I mentioned before, that many people accuse of VW playing it safe when it comes to releasing a new Golf or updating one. You look at it from another angle, they cleverly do this to lure in new buyers. But without alienating those who are already familiar with the Golf, and making those with older Golfs feel inferior. It's human nature to people like things that are the same but different.<br />
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The Volkswagen Golf isn't the only car that has continuously evolved over time. Other examples include the Porsche 911, the Audi TT and the BMW 3-Series. The Germans are famous for evolving and tweaking their cars, but you can also say this about the Range Rover and the Mazda MX-5.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5424572479826908535.post-78097670762320312832016-09-19T10:43:00.002+01:002017-02-28T00:38:28.060+00:00BOTTLED IT!: BMW X6<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
<b>It's one of the most pointless cars <i>ever</i> made.</b></h3>
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<a name='more'></a>NOW while I’m aware of the praise the BMW X6 gets from the motoring press. More so on how good this car is to drive. I’ve not driven one myself, but I’m pretty sure it will be a decent steer - BMWs are renowned for that. They’ll say how well made and refined the X6 is too. How quick it is with its strong performance and powerful engines as well. Credit where its due, I'm sure the Beemer has its merits.</div>
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<i>But so what?</i> <i>Big deal!</i><br />
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It becomes irrelevant with the road testers and journalists' good(ish) reports on the car. But I'm sorry, the BMW X6 is quite simply, one of the most pointless cars to have<i> ever</i> been created.</div>
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Which of the dweebs at BMW, in their right mind, thought of making a car that's a mish mash of a Coupe and an SUV was a great idea? <i>What were they on!?</i> I'm intrigued and would love to know what they had. Before they went to the boardroom and brought up this idea at the meeting.</div>
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At the meeting, did them same dweebs (who brought up the idea of the X6), put the substances they've been taking and spiked their bosses brews with it? Possibly, and they'd be on it too. Convinced that making the X6 was a great idea. Off to the drawing board then.<br />
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Things didn't get much better when the car was designed on the drawing board. BMW's designers could have been having an off day when penning the X6. <i>Heck! </i>Even Pininfarina has had them moments. When he has a good day, he sketches an Alfa Romeo Spider. If he's having a bad day, a Hyundai Matrix. Still, BMW's design was signed off, and the X6 that went into production was a ghastly looking motor.<br />
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The X6 shares many components with BMW's flagship SUV the X5 - well it is based on it after all. It's also more expensive than the X5, and what you get is less headroom, a smaller boot, poorer visibility, oh and less seats - it's a strict four seater by the way.<br />
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Like the X5 that it's based on. The X6 won't impress in the rough stuff. A Range Rover would leave it trailing behind stuck in the mud. But mind you, this wasn't initially designed to be a mud-plugger.<br />
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So this begs the question itself: <i>What was the point of the BMW X6!?</i></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5424572479826908535.post-16148574729245260092016-09-02T16:46:00.004+01:002019-11-21T11:58:50.053+00:00Aston Martin DB7 – The James Bond car that wasn't<div style="text-align: justify;"><h3><b>Well Mr. Bond, we expected you to drive that...</b></h3><div><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig_RIavYRVtL_kSZSlK3BcCx8DJlFj5XhlltgWdGGxkmDcxBHneFnFJRlQCn4leGd95UCvcw44-j7ZEQ4KfsOg5hueQagJIiMQcit4ZbWHKS5VJuCZ3Y-NRLIXU1JmesQtm0kDDEsvGjs/s1600/Aston+Martin+DB7.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig_RIavYRVtL_kSZSlK3BcCx8DJlFj5XhlltgWdGGxkmDcxBHneFnFJRlQCn4leGd95UCvcw44-j7ZEQ4KfsOg5hueQagJIiMQcit4ZbWHKS5VJuCZ3Y-NRLIXU1JmesQtm0kDDEsvGjs/s640/Aston+Martin+DB7.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<a name='more'></a>THERE'S one thing many James Bond fans couldn’t get their head around is that 007 didn’t drive an Aston Martin DB7. No one could really argue that it would have been the perfect set of wheels for Nineties Bond.<br />
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Aston Martin has been synonymous with the MI6 agent since the 1964 box-office smash hit <i>Goldfinger</i>. With Sean Connery behind the wheel of the DB5. Having a car with the looks, power and performance. That was stuffed full of gadgets and gizmos aiding Bond to escape from the crooks and complete his missions briefed by M. As well as Sean Connery, the car was also the star of the film.<br />
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The DB5 was also featured in <i>Thunderball</i>, and has appeared in numerous Bond films since <i>Goldfinger. </i>007 has had other cars. The Lotus Esprit is a well-known example from the film franchise in <i>The Spy Who Loved Me,</i> which could turn into a submarine. Somehow, Roger Moore caught a fish and thrown it out of the window once he reached the shore.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS1LEUWoQ3Jt4zaOuxWU5SwuDCz-BtoHZnI39fPo15XG8if7pA1A0PZqrRgj7owtiF5-Nx6Sg7adpxGTavG_0mITVyIoAN4X16HW6xSwhqCYT9IoaLhiOFsjv0m90vdVlO80tncT7OE8s/s1600/James+Bond+Aston+Martin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS1LEUWoQ3Jt4zaOuxWU5SwuDCz-BtoHZnI39fPo15XG8if7pA1A0PZqrRgj7owtiF5-Nx6Sg7adpxGTavG_0mITVyIoAN4X16HW6xSwhqCYT9IoaLhiOFsjv0m90vdVlO80tncT7OE8s/s640/James+Bond+Aston+Martin.jpg" width="640" /></a>Despite this, Bond has climbed back into the Astons akin to wearing an old pair of slippers. 007 didn't get a new Aston Martin until the 1980s. When Timothy Dalton was behind the wheel of the V8 Vantage in <i>The Living Daylights</i>. Equipped with lasers to see off the rozzers in Ladas.<br />
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In the 1990s, Aston Martin got back to what they did best in making beautiful cars that are luxurious, having pedigree and brutish charm about them. The DB7 launched in 1994, marked a renaissance for Aston Martin since Ford bought them out in 1988.<br />
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The DB7 (particularly the Vantage model) would have been the perfect car for 007. A handsome and slick looking Gran Tourer that looked the part for Bond in his suit and dickie bow tie, when he arrives at a villa or a casino.<br />
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The DB7 has an awesome V12 engine that made a glorious noise, that is quite simply music to ears of any petrolhead. Furthermore, it has plenty of power to effortlessly cruise across a few countries, and also be a great getaway vehicle for Bond. Last but not least, is cramming in the gadgets and gizmos to add the icing on the cake.<br />
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It's baffling to say the least that James Bond never drove an Aston Martin DB7. When it was in production between 1994 and 2004. Not one, not two, but THREE Bond films were made in 1990s during the DB7's production lifespan – and 007 wasn't supplied by Q-Branch with an Aston Martin.<br />
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OK, so Bond was driving an Aston Martin in <i>Goldeneye</i> in an exciting car chase with a Ferrari F355 – but he was in an old DB5. Instead, he was supplied with a BMW Z3! In the next two films that followed on from <i>Goldeneye</i>, BMWs were his set of wheels. A 750i in <i>Tomorrow Never Dies</i>, and a Z8 in <i>The World Is Not Enough</i>.<br />
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Don't get me wrong, BMW make great cars. But I wasn't keen on the idea of a British agent driving a German car. It all seems wrong to me, as Bond is a great example of Cool Britannia. The DB7 was – and still is – Cool Britannia.<br />
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Thankfully tradition was resumed, and Bond was back behind the wheel of an Aston Martin for the first time (again) in <i>Die Another Day</i>. When Q-Branch supplied Bond with the V12 Vanquish – or Vanish as Q called it, because it had a gadget to make the car invisible.<br />
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Since <i>Die Another Day</i>, and any James Bond film that has followed on. 007 has been behind the wheel of Aston Martin, and it has always been the case since then...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv3m5Vx6D4wPNm3y3-g-R7bQHc_u_ewTweQ1RAfSzN4niDgJ0Spz7UPpADlviZKgeLO98WGMdQqI8uDu1jQ4lGUGYbxuLXhdj7O_1yHLuEQwl9gb5I_KDM_n8MCo5fox3A71s8vaujnr0/s1600/Aston+Martin+Vanquish+Die+Another+Day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv3m5Vx6D4wPNm3y3-g-R7bQHc_u_ewTweQ1RAfSzN4niDgJ0Spz7UPpADlviZKgeLO98WGMdQqI8uDu1jQ4lGUGYbxuLXhdj7O_1yHLuEQwl9gb5I_KDM_n8MCo5fox3A71s8vaujnr0/s640/Aston+Martin+Vanquish+Die+Another+Day.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5424572479826908535.post-31619524495379314392016-06-27T14:53:00.003+01:002016-11-16T03:02:40.025+00:00Happy 40th Birthday to the Ford Fiesta<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
Here's a toast to Ford's small car as Uncle Henry's baby turns 40...</h3>
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<a name='more'></a>THIS year, it will be 40 years ago when the very first Ford Fiesta ever graced tarmac back in the Summer of 1976. The Fiesta has been a successful and long-running staple for The Blue Oval, and has long been a household name in the world of small cars.</div>
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From the very beginning, Uncle Henry's baby has always been a car that is: cheap to buy, cheap to run and relatively easy to maintain. Today, these principles have largely remained in practice in the Fiesta. It's a winning formula that Ford has stuck to over the past 40 years which has been key to its success.<br />
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Ford has always made a wide range of Fiestas to cater for tastes or budgets. Ranging from the basic no-frills Popular; the plush and well-appointed Ghia, to the hot and sure footed XR2 and ST. In a nutshell, there was a Fiesta for everyone.<br />
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The Blue Oval's small car has consistently been a big seller over the past four decades. Especially in Britain, where the Fiesta has always been one of the nation's best sellers. In 1990 to 1991; 1996 to 1999, and from 2009 to present, the Fiesta has been Britain's best selling car.<br />
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In July 2014, the Fiesta broke the British sales charts record by being the nation's all time best seller. To date, Ford has sold over four million Fiestas in the UK.<br />
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Due to its success in the UK, the Fiesta has become part of the fabric of British culture. A staple of our society. You will have either driven or owned a Fiesta. If not, you'll know someone who has. Who's probably had one as a first car, or maybe as a little runaround which is a second car in their household.</div>
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The Fiesta has changed and evolved over the years. Keeping up with consumer trends and to comply with safety regulations. Not just to ensure it remains top of the class in the Supermini segment. But most importantly, it's been done to ensure the Fiesta continues selling and makes up the numbers for Ford.<br />
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It's impossible to overstate that the Fiesta has been a very important car for Ford. Four decades on, this continues to be the case today and the Fiesta is still going strong. To celebrate the occasion, the Blue Oval have made a special edition Fiesta ST200. They've also done a parade of 40 Fiestas of all generations going from Dagenham to Brighton.</div>
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<b>Happy 40th birthday to the Ford Fiesta.</b><br />
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