It’s hard to make a choice in a saturated market. The automotive market is no different as most manufacturers offer a model to fit into each category. This leaves buyers confused with a plethora of different makers, models and specs that are often confusing. The pickup truck market is no exception with many models offering a variety of cab and engine sizes.
Isuzu Rodeo
Having driven the range of pick up trucks available, the Isuzu Rodeo stood out for its generous loadbay and standard equipment. There is plenty of space for anyone who requires a vehicle of this nature and interior space is also good if you opt for the double cab option which can be found on 5 of the 6 models available. The interior provides ample space for a family or set of friends and the high seating position aids in visibility and control for the driver. The Isuzu Rodeo has light steering for when driving around town and functionality to switch between 2 and 4 wheel drive. The 4 wheel drive option offers a smooth ride, whereas the 2 wheel performance is firm and more responsive.
...Read The Full Post (whole text)»...
With more and more people looking for ways to clean up the environment by reducing waste and pollution, the last several years have shown a marked growth in the market for eco-friendly vehicles. From biodiesel to hybrids to fully electric automobiles, there are an astounding number of options these days for consumers looking to reduce their carbon footprint (and their total at the gas pump). Of course, most expect that the car they end up with is going to be bland and boring, with limited range and acceleration capabilities, but nothing could be further from the truth. With new advances popping up at breakneck speeds (improved acceleration among them), consumers might be surprised at what they can get these days in the way of green transportation. So if you’re looking into purchasing an eco-friendly vehicle, here are just a few that might get your heart racing.
1. Aston Martin Cygnet. Who would have thought that Double-oh-seven’s ultra-masculine chick-magnet of streamlined metal could become eco-friendly? Considering the company’s dedication to building some of the most exclusive cars in the world (and the association with gadgetry), it really should come as no surprise that they would take it to the next level by creating an eco-friendly vehicle. Although this one looks more like a Smart car than the sleek and sporty vehicle driven by the world’s best spy, it’s certainly not short on amenities. And this tailor-made city car won’t break the bank, either. With a starting price of just under $50,000 and an mpg of nearly 60, you can get all the luxury of an Aston Martin for less (while going green).
...Read The Full Post (whole text)»...
Germans just send the message to the oil rich Arab world: – We do not need you anymore!
To send this message they choose Qatar Motor Show which was held in Doha the capitol of oil rich country of Qatar from 26 to 29 January.
In Qatar, VW – the masters of the diesel technology just launched the XL1 concept. Volkswagen XL1 is diesel electric hybrid which fuel consumption is only 0.9liters/100km and it is nature friendly. The CO2 rating is only 24g/km. The aerodynamic drag is very low – just Cd 0.186.
Volkswagen XL1 concept
...Read The Full Post (whole text)»...
Green cars are the in thing and more and more people are getting in line to get one for themselves. Environmentally friendly green cars are a vital step towards a healthier planet. A great green car means better fuel efficiency (or no reliance on gas at all!), and is cost effective both to purchase and maintain. It should also be mechanically reliable for you and your family for many miles and many years, and it should be easy to service. A good green car should be comfortable and safe to drive and ride in as well as perform better on emissions tests than the majority of other vehicles available in the mainstream market.
Let’s examine a few of the top green cars of 2010 and examine the price tag associated with each of them.
Chevrolet Volt 230
This car receives top marks for being eco-friendly and comes in with gas mileage for city driving at an incredible 230 miles per gallon. At this rate, if you do not do much driving in the city every day, like less than 40 miles, it’s quite possible you won’t use any gas at all. This is because the car’s fantastic electric engines can go 40 miles before needing a charge. With a price tag at around $40,000, the Chevrolet Volt is one of the more pricey options for green cars, but certainly a remarkable one.
...Read The Full Post (whole text)»...
Mayor Boris Johnson had pledged to install 22,500 electric car charging points across London, with 7,500 in place by 2013 of which 6,000 were to be installed at work places, 500 on the streets, 330 in public car parks, 50 at Tube stations, 140 in supermarket car parks and 120 at car clubs. This £60 million scheme was intended to make London the “Electric Car Capital of Europe” , but, following the Spending Review, the mayor’s earlier pledge of £20 million funding has now been cut back to just £7 million. Boris also promised that no Londoner would be more than a mile from a charging point. At present there are only around 250 charging points in London with just over half of them funded by Transport for London (TfL), to service the capital’s 1,700 electric vehicles currently registered.
There’s no doubt that the specification of Electric Vehicles (EV’s) is improving all the time. Ranges are steadily being extended and their performance is getting closer to regular cars. The various technologies are still sparring for dominance and projected retail prices seem to be relatively high (£30,000 is suggested for a Plug in Prius for example). That’s reflected in sales of new electric cars in the UK, which plummeted by nearly 90% in 2009 compared with their peak in 2007, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Nearly half of the electric vehicles sold last year were the tiny G-Wiz, which is ineligible for a government grant scheme thanks to its low speed and limited range.
...Read The Full Post (whole text)»...
Kia Motors, who have become renowned for their innovative concept cars, have announced they will be revealing their all-new electric concept car; the Kia Pop.
Although the Korean firm are being remarkably quiet about the exact details of their new machine, which will be displayed at the Paris Motor Show on the 30th September, a few details have been released.
The offical details released by Kia are minimal to say the least, but they highlight some pertinent facts. The car produces zero emissions while in use, as it’s electric only, making it one of the most environmentally sound concept cars ever produced. It also has enough room for three people, despite being only three metres long. Whilst this may be hard to picture looking at it, the overhead shot reveals more about the incredible styling and use of space inside the car:
...Read The Full Post (whole text)»...
The Mini team has been working on a smaller version of the MINI for some time now. Rumor has it, that the concept should be ready for the 2011 Geneva Motor Show in March. Not much information has been revealed yet, but it will probably be a two-seater based on a modified version of an existing front-engine/front-wheel-drive platform with a shorter wheelbase and small-capacity gasoline engine. It would make it a direct competition to Smart ForTwo. Another possibility is that the car will have three seats. It is also expected that it will be a development of an existing concept that first appeared in Geneva in 1997 – a 4-seater known as the MINI Spiritual.
...Read The Full Post (whole text)»...
The T.25 City Car has been recently unveiled by the designer of McLarens F1 sports car; Gordon Murray. The aim of the T.25 is to be the most complete car for easy use in and around the city. A very lightweight and small car the T.25 is set to rival the smart car in the city car market place.
Its small size means that the car is very easy to park, being able to fit sideways or long ways into a parking space. In fact the T.25 is even slimmer than a smart car. With its single door design the car is able to be parked in the smallest of spaces whilst also allowing the driver to easily access and exit the vehicle.
Extra benefits of the reduced width of this car mean that it is feasible for two T.25’s to occupy a single lane side by side, which could potentially reduce the amount of traffic jams during peak times.
...Read The Full Post (whole text)»...
One of the most successful Chinese automotive companies in China – BYD (Build Your Dreams) Auto is going to attack the US auto market with a four-door electric car, which was presented at the last Detroit auto show.
BYD e6 will roll out of the assembly plant soon and the first vehicles will be offered on the American market by the end of 2010 year.
BYD e6 is full sized electric vehicle with 4 doors. The operational costs are only 1/3 of the regular car in the same segment. Autonomy is 205 miles and the maximum speed is 88 miles per hour. In 14 seconds can accelerate from 0 to 60 miles. BYD e6 can be charged at home, but charging stations will be offered to any interested party like transportation companies, airports, restaurants etc…
...Read The Full Post (whole text)»...
Picking one car that has everything you desire and need for your family road trips usually boil down to what you can afford. Because you’re traveling with precious cargo – your family – safety and security are often at the top of the checklist for cars.
Then comes comfort. The American pastime is driving across the country and many days on the road are going to add up to frazzled nerves and short tempers if everyone is uncomfortable.
One thing that is creeping up on the list is gas mileage and environmental considerations, especially as gas prices continue to gouge our budgets.
So, if you’re preparing for one of those road trips, or gearing to make them a tradition while the kids are still under your roof, which car is going to give you the most for your money – and keep saving you money? If you’ve traveled 1500 miles and are looking for things to do in, say, Boston, the last thing you want to be worried about is constantly filling up your safe and comfortable, but gas-guzzling vehicle.
...Read The Full Post (whole text)»...
