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30 settembre What's the UK's most economical car?Richard Aucock writes: In a few hours' time, the annual MPG Marathon gets underway. What's the most economical car on sale in Britain today? That's what the competition is set to find out - how many of MSN Cars' Greenest Cars will be among the winners?
Me, I'm in something different. A 7st Renault Grand Scenic 1.4 TCe. 1.4 litres, lots of pews, big body, tiny engine, all such contrasts abound here. The official figure is a smidgen under 40mpg. That in itself sounds pretty admirable to me. My job now is to beat it. Erk.
It's going to call for a whole lot of patience and not a little technique. I don't think I'll be getting anything like the 85-odd mpg of last year's city car driving winner, but a 50mpg petrol MPV wouldn't be bad, would it? Progress report later. First, toast. Good for keeping right feet light, apparently...
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No insurance? No excuse... Dan Trent writes: You may recall I alluded to my trip out with the Police bringing the issue of uninsured drivers into sharp relief. Thanks to the ANPR numberplate recognition gear now fitted to many traffic cars they know, instantly, if you're uninsured. And if - when - they stop you they will tow your car away and you will be walking home, with nothing to show for your trouble but six points on your licence and a hefty fine.  Sounds scary? It's meant to be. Because uninsured drivers are a menace, with an estimated 1.7 million cars on UK roads with no insurance cover whatsoever. Indeed, in some areas of the country it's reckoned over 10% of cars are driving round uninsured. And if you're pulled over the Police will accept no excuses - you're either insured or you ain't. And you'll be dealt with the same way whether you're deliberately fiddling the system by cancelling direct debits and keeping a supposedly valid paper certificate (not worth the paper it's printed on) or simply forgot to renew your policy or had it cancelled for missing a payment. On my day out with the Police on Monday they confiscated a car from a chap who fairly convincingly thought he was covered but apparently wasn't. His car was towed regardless as he watched, horrified. Suffice to say, as soon as I got home I checked my paperwork was in order! But if you want to know instantly you can check with the Motor Insurance Database - the same one the Police use when they run your details through the system. Simply enter your registration number here and it'll tell you instantly if you're covered or not. Bet you do it now... Dan --- Links: A ride in a police car MID insurance checker --- Share It
29 settembre Ever tried starting your car with a USB stick? Dan Trent writes: It's a risk I run this week, considering I'm in the fortunate position of having the keys to a BMW M3 Edition in my pocket. But you see they're joined by this, the USB stick containing the media pack for the X1 press launch I attended last week. Can you tell them apart? Because - key fob aside - I'm not sure I can!  One contains useful X1 related info. The other unleashes 420hp of howling, petrol guzzling, licence endangering V8 goodness.  Nice to see press offices getting creative with their USB sticks though. As indeed manufacturers are with their keys. Heck, this is starting to get confusing... Dan --- Links: BMW M3 Coupe Edition first drive Vorsprung Durch ... USB sticks Richard has key dramas Porsche's Panamera key cleverness --- Share It
Bentley’s “Green” SupersportsPeter Burgess writes:
I have just arrived at Hacienda Benazuza about 30km outside Seville. The afternoon has involved driving Bentley’s new Continental Supersports across a combination of Spanish motorways and plenty of twisty bits before arriving at the MonteBlanco racetrack. Never heard of it? Neither had I. Seems it was built with idea of hosting F1 testing. Great idea, great location (year round sunshine), but testing is now banned during the F1 season. How those seemingly brilliant business plans can sink so quickly.
Anyhow, it’s onto the track with our road cars with nothing more than a tyre check. The deal with the Supersports is that it is a FlexFuel car, running on regular petrol, 85% methanol-petrol mix or any combination in between. Good for the environment, see, or as good as a two-tonne car with 630hp can be. Simon Newton, Bentley’s chassis engineer, takes me round the circuit for a couple of sighting laps. This Supersports is not just about being holier than other supercar manufacturers, it’s faster too. Richard explains that the bushing in the front suspension has been firmed up, rear seats thrown away and engine tweaked to make this the most focussed road Bentley ever.
And boy, is it quick. My turn behind the wheel shows just how well this four-wheel-driver turns into corners with minimal understeer. It’s all a bit alarming how such a substantial car can be made to hustle through the bends which such aplomb. Composite brake discs are standard (£10k on other Continentals). They work well on the track but there’s a hell of a lot of smoke when I get back into the pits. Simon says not to worry, it’s just the resin burning off…….
After a couple of hours at MonteBlanco it’s off to the hotel. Outside is a Continental Supersports in a new soft sheen metallic grey, a cool €20,000 option. It’s a different world, this luxury car business. Peter --- Links: Spot the difference with the Volkswagen Caravelle MTM Bentley in subtle German tuning shock ---
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24 settembre Spot the difference with the Volkswagen Caravellecj hubbard writes:
Nope, I’m not talking about the outside – which pretty obviously has a much angrier visage thanks to the latest corporate front end design. Rather what’s on the inside.
Can you see what the difference is? Ignore the DSG gearlever – although that is new to this facelift. The top image is the fancy new dashboard exclusive to the European Caravelle (actually Multivan – the Caravelle is something else on the Continent - but let’s not get into that) and California. The lower image is the dashboard from the ordinary Transport van, which both these passenger orientated vehicles are descended from; it’s updated with the revisions, but still the van dash, nonetheless. Guess which is the only one we’re getting in the UK… Apparently it’s all to do with economies of scale in the right-hand drive conversion. Still a shame, though – the Cali dash is much more car like, much nicer. --- Links: --- Technorati Tags: Volkswagen, VW, Caravelle, California, dashboard, spot the difference, On launch, Inside Track --- Share It:
Clean wheels for the clean green VolvoRichard Aucock writes: He's doing what, you say? Yes, my parent's neighbours, I was indeed polising the wheels of the MSN Cars long term Volvo C30 DRIVe last Sunday.
Why, you undoubtedly all asked? Well, it's all to reduce drag, don't you know. These wheels are so flashy and sleek to ease air past with minimal resistance. Thus, I reckon, by making the surface even smoother, I'll be able to gain crucial extra miles (yards?) to the gallon.
Mind you, I haven't noticed any difference as yet. It doesn't feel any faster or more well oiled. The proof, though, will be in the stats. Why, of course. I'm due a fuel-brim tonight, too...
I have to make an admission too, though. I was partly also driven to get the polish out purely for the bling effect they so effectively carry off. Loads of people look at them when out driving, because these rims really are stand-out. Sure, many then question my taste-judgement, but even so, I'm still aiming for mirror-finish. Though I won't be admitting this to the neighbours... --- 23 settembre Escaping from Colditz Dan Trent writes: Our route for the BMW X1 launch I'm on today took an unexpected twist when the name of a very familiar town appeared on a road sign: Colditz - 9km. What, that Colditz? Yes, it would appear so, the proof here in a rather poor quality phone pic of 'our' X1 in front of the famous castle-cum-POW camp. Escaping Colditz was indeed a challenge too, the obstacles in this case being roadworks and closed roads with the dreaded sat nav baffling 'Umleitung' (diversion) rather than armed guards, this unexpected landmark unsurprisingly not especially highlighted in the route books by our hosts. Dan --- Links: BMW reveals the X1 at Frankfurt --- Share It
22 settembre Scout's honour Dan Trent writes: 'Be prepared' So goes the slogan of the Boy Scouts, one that the Skoda Octavia of the same name seems well qualified to live up to. Indeed, over the last few days it's been busy racking up the merit badges for a host of hearty, useful tasks and activities comprising carting bikes around (no rack like Peter's Smart but the boot is huuuuge), a trip to Ikea (shelving units and a full set of dining chairs swallowed with ease) and today to the tip with a boot full of hedge trimmings. We're nothing if not thorough in our testing here at MSN Cars, although I've now handed the keys over to CJ to see how it is at tying knots, whittling sticks, improvised first aid, singing beside the campfire and all those other stereotypical Boy Scout activities so beloved of founder Baden Powell. Dan --- Links Richard on the Tour Of Britain Dan takes Peter's Smart racing --- Share It
A ride in a police car Dan Trent writes: Finding yourself in the back of a police car is not usually something to celebrate. But my ride yesterday in the back seat of a Northamptonshire Police BMW was entirely through my own choosing and an opportunity to find out exactly what goes on at the sharp end of traffic policing. The full story will follow soon but, suffice to say, it was a fascinating experience.  Somebody even called me 'officer', which goes to show the power of a high-viz jacket if nothing else. I'd have thought my lack of a hat and the fact I was bumbling around with notebook and camera would have blown my cover somewhat but clearly not.  Weapon of choice for the boys from Northants is the BMW 530d which, hard ride aside, seems a very capable tool for the job and well up to the high-speed (very high speed - these boys don't hang about) work they do. That said, there were some envious words for their colleagues up in Humberside and their new Lexus LS-F! More to follow but the biggest lesson of the day? Make sure your insurance, tax and MOT are up to date. Especially your insurance... Dan --- Share It
18 settembre Why Mercedes has got it right with the SLS Dan Trent writes: So, what do you think of the Mercedes SLS? As something of a Gullwing fan (check my biog!) I was taking more interest than most in the SLS at Frankfurt. After all, this revives one of the most iconic Mercedes ever built and one in my previous job at Mercedes Enthusiast magazine I was lucky enough to drive on more than one occasion.  Note the steely professionalism I approached this with in the above picture. Overexcited at being given the keys to a Gullwing? Me? Anyway, I was amused to read AMG boss Volker Mornhinweg claiming the distinctive doors are “the only similarity to the 300SL you’ll find on this car.” Yeah right Volker, who are you trying to kid? From the grille back the SLS is pure homage – even the little vent above the rear window is straight from the original 300SL. But who cares. The 300SL is one of the most recognised classic cars in the world. The only surprise is it has taken Mercedes this long to revive its image. I’ll have to wait until I get a drive in the SLS to confirm this but, by the sounds of it, they’ve absolutely nailed the SLS in terms of bringing the SL’s spirit into a 21st century context.  I was surprised when I first drove the 300SL. From image and reputation I’d expected a soft, boulevardier. Far from it. It sounds, feels and goes like a 50s racing car, the steel space frame poking through the admittedly plush interior and reminding you of the exotic (for the time) construction. The gearbox whines like a racing car’s and the noise … wow. Rich, deep and powerful the Gullwing has an engine note that could only be German and, from its direct injection, dry-sumped straight-six a powerband as wide as it is thrilling to explore. As the following sound clip I took proves: And it’s fast, easily settling to a 100mph-plus cruise with plenty more to give. And it sounds like AMG has succeeded in coming up with a pretty hardcore, driver focused spec for the SLS, without skimping on the luxuries. It’s certainly far more clear about its intentions than the McLaren-built SLR, which never seemed sure whether it wanted to be a luxurious GT or out-and-out supercar and ended up satisfying neither brief. The SLR could have been confused for a super hardcore (and expensive) SL. But the SLS has a purity of purpose and a clear identity of its own that risks no such confusion. I hope I'm able to find out for myself before too long. If and when it does happen just don’t expect me to be any more cool about it than I was with the 300SL! Dan --- Links: Dan’s biog Mercedes SLS debuts at Frankfurt Mercedes SLS – official pics Mercedes Enthusiast magazine --- Share It
Twix and tea on tourcj hubbard writes: Funny how the world works. If Dan hadn’t burnt his toast this morning – and by burnt I mean cremated; I haven’t seen that much smoke since my mum put a scone in the microwave for two minutes a couple of Christmases ago – we wouldn’t have opened the building’s back door. And I wouldn’t have seen this.
Er, yes. That would indeed appear to be a former electric milkfloat with a giant tea cup on the roof. And a hot water urn. And a pair of handles.
It’s been done up like a tea trolley for a Twix chocolate bar promotion. Since this involves getting a free cup of tea with every purchase of said bi-part confectionary item, it instantly meets the approval of this office.
However, sadly we didn’t get any free tea – not such a big issue since while he was burning the toast, Dan also produced a storming brew – nor any free bars of Twix. This is because the Twix Mobile is actually the brainwork of one of the other businesses that occupies our building; it has literally just arrived on a trailer for some final customisation details and a test run of the boilers.
Shortly it will be off on tour, bringing tea to the nation. Godspeed, Twix Mobile – may the people of Great Britain thank you… For more details, see the promo website.
--- Links: ‘Could you just nip down to Rolls-Royce?’ Mazda MX-5 mk1: Oh no. This is going to be expensive. ---
17 settembre Kia designer reveals his rootsRichard Aucock writes: Kia's chief designer is Peter Schreyer. He joined in 2006 - too late to influence the cee'd. Which is why Kia is showing a facelifted version here at Frankfurt: to 'incorporate some of the ideas Schreyer would have introduced, given the chance.' It's all rather subtle, apart from one element.
Yes, there on the centre console are now grab handles. Yes, you may have seen them before. Yes, the idea did in fact debut on the original Audi TT.
And, yes, Peter Schreyer's most famous design is, in fact, the original Audi TT... --- Share It
SEAT subconscious at FrankfurtRichard Aucock writes: Looking from afar, I spotted an Audi logo, a blue wagon, and Audi's unmistakable styling cues. Only one thing for it: a new RS Avant Frankfurt show surprise! Then, I got closer...
A ha, Mr. Bond! It's no such thing! Rather, it's the SEAT Exeo ST, aka 'old Audi A4', cunningly painted in Audi RS-esque blue, and craftily positioned prominently next to SEAT's German parent.
What's this, SEAT, subconsciously emphasising a link? Surely not... no, I'm sure it's entirely coincidental that this SEAT RS ST just so happened to be placed here, in this colour, in this sporty trim, as an Avan... sorry, Sport Tourer. Yes.
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16 settembre Fiat gets the kids inRichard Aucock writes: We like to think we can imagine the conversation over at Fiat HQ. 'No, no, no! These proposals for our Frankfurt stand, they're all wrong! My kids could do a better job!' And, sure enough...
Bet you never thought you'd see journos working from daisy tables, did you.
The effect is quite something, and most aren't quite sure what to make of it. Particularly in a hall that is the epitome of sophistication - Fiat is next to Maserati, Ferrari, Lancia, Alfa Romeo...
Many of the show personnel are dressed up to co-ordinate, too. It is all very odd...
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‘Could you just nip down to Rolls-Royce?’
Dan Trent writes: You’ll have heard us whinging about the size of the Frankfurt show. Well, allow me to prove it to you! We start our journey at the Mercedes stand (above) and a text from CJ requesting I pop down to Rolls-Royce for a price on the new Ghost. OK… Off I go down the first of many endless corridors…
…up the escalator…
…past the station…
…wait, a sign! Surely can’t be that far now…
…past the off-road course…
…wait! I can see my destination!
…but there’s another endless corridor to reach it…
…but I finally make it…
…to be greeted by the snootiest show stand woman in the world who looks in disgust at my sweaty state and impertinence at asking the price for a Rolls-Royce.If you have to ask you can’t afford and all that but the figure is 213,000 Euros, plus taxes in case you were wondering.
Still, the BMW stand is pretty impressive and even has its own track, around which a man in a big ‘tache is driving in a noisy 1940 328 Mille Miglia. Nice.
Right, back to Hall 4 now. Might take a shuttle car this time… Dan Frankfurt shuttles Peter Burgess writes: It seems a point of honour that the IAA Frankfurt, Germany’s premier motor show, is bigger than any other event like it in the world, possibly the universe. From the main entrance and press office to BMW in Hall 11 must be at least a kilometre, and with all the halls in between and many journalists spending 12 hours at the show, the potential for simply giving up is high.  The organisers recognise this by putting on shuttles along the roads between the halls. In previous years it has been mini buses, but 2009 is much better, with dozens of cars that can be flagged down. Here are three out side the BMW hall. Well, one actually, the two Rollers were for BMW execs only. Note the white one - it's Rolls' brand new baby Ghost.  The German manufacturers have got into the swing of this with fleets of Audis, BMWs and Mercedes touting for business like it’s 2am outside a Berlin nightclub. So it was great to see BMW had managed to park up no less than seven of its heavily liveried cars – “Efficient Dynamics – 114 g/km” right outside the Mercedes pavilion. One-upmanship indeed. Peter Burgess --- Links: Spot the journo at Frankfurt Peugeot 'surprise' at Frankfurt Party on at Porsche --- Share It:
Spot the journo at FrankfurtRichard Aucock writes: Frankfurt show organisers have, for 2009, decided they want us journos to be seen.
Why? So ALL the cars ferrying people around the show grounds won't run us over? No, I don't think they're that interested in journo welfare. No, it's much more straightforward.
See? No missing me in this shot. Or, indeed, those journos in the background, either. And it's the same wherever you look in the show - wherever there's a journalist in range of a flash, they'll be picked out in in a, err, flash.
This has all sorts of interesting repercussions for organisers. Want to find out which journos were speaking to who, and when? Just fire a flash into a crowd... no missing them. Mind you, I was glad for it last night. Busy, these Frankfurt roads are... --- Technorati Tags: frankfurt Share It
Peugeot 'surprise' at Frankfurt...Richard Aucock writes: 'Yes', said the Peugeot man I was speaking to, 'it'll be well worth coming back later, to see what we've got under those covers. We promise you'll be surprised!' He was really getting into the sales pitch, too, of the firm's futuristic four-seat electric concept...
... then, we both stopped speaking. That cover, wasn't it, err...
Being pulled off? Yup. There, before our very eyes, was the BB1, revealed. I'd timed my chat to coincide with the Peugeot stand practice run. Bingo! Or, D'oh! Depending on who you worked for.
Guess I may as well take some shots, I said. Guess you will, said my man, with a resigned smile. So I did - capturing the handlebar-controllers that reveal its Peugeot Motorcycle roots, plus that MAD front end treatment. It quickly ended the conversation, mind. 'What else do you have?', I asked. 'Ah,' said my man. 'We'll keep you guessing there...' --- Share It
15 settembre Party on at Porsche
Dan Trent writes: Greetings from the Frankfurt motor show, where we’ve been wearing our shoe leather down to bring you the latest from the show floor. And stopping for the occasional coffee and cake stop from the more accommodating manufacturers. These days everyone is so serious at motor shows though. It’s eco this, responsibility that with a dash of sustainable whatnot on top, all delivered with pious sincerity. Nobody has fun anymore. Indeed, it’s a wonder most show stands aren’t serving gruel, such is the industry-wide sense of cut backs and seriousness.
Not at Porsche. The Porsche stand is the last bastion of excess, with a proper bar where you can get – gasp – alcoholic drinks. There are cakes. Lots and lots of sugary, calorie laden cakes. Heavens, there are even people smoking up here. What’s more it’s heaving, people sitting two to a seat, pretty much on each other’s laps. Many of them seem to have spent a life time indulging in this kind of excess too, going by some of the ruddy faces and waistlines on display. With something close on to a party atmosphere the attractions of the Porsche stand extend to more than just the cars. Which are very nice too. Dan --- Links: --- 14 settembre Most popular things kept in garages (besides cars)Ian Dickson writes Interesting press release bonged into my inbox this morning from Ecclesiastical Insurance profiling the 'secret life of the garage'. From personal experience, my own garage hasn’t seen a car inside it in years, instead becoming a dumping ground for whatever old pieces of furniture, gym equipment, golf clubs and so on I no longer use but cannot throw away. The survey suggests the whole nation is at it:
And of the strangest items ever stored in garages, this list of the top 10 is downright bizarre and a little bit disturbing:
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