Martin's Blog

This week’s manufacturer news

marketing@cap.co.uk — Wed, 09 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

ASTON MARTIN – Has opened a new dealership in Newport Pagnall, Buckinghamshire. The Aston Martin Works centre is situated on a 3.6 acre site on Tickford Street and includes a 10 car showroom, workshops and body repair facility.

FORD – Sales of the Focus model have reached 1,500,000 this week. The landmark model was delivered to Essex and under 19s England cricketer Jaik Mickleburgh.

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Test car – Volkswagen Up!

marketing@cap.co.uk — Wed, 09 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

We have now driven the trio that belongs to VW Group: the Skoda Citigo, Seat Mii and VW Up! There is really nothing between them so if you were to pick one of these three, you’d have made a wise choice either way as all three are cracking little cars – they’re absolutely superb. Pricing and specification does vary slightly between all three, but it is only slight so any of them look like good value. The only recommendation I would make would be to go for a 60ps engine and not the 75ps.

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First driving impressions – Kia Cee’d, European press launch, Malaga

marketing@cap.co.uk — Wed, 02 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Since the launch of the Cee’d in 2007, over 633,000 have been sold, which is a good result in just five years. Hyundai/Kia sold a total of 6.09 million vehicles worldwide. In Europe they sold 1 million in 2004 and last year this figure was over 2.5 million. New car sales in Europe in 2011 were down 1.4%, but Kia sales were up 11.8%. So far this year the market in Europe is down 7.8%, but Kia is up a massive 31%. Helping their figures are the new Picanto, Rio and Sportage – all are high quality models available at relatively good value.

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This week’s manufacturer news

marketing@cap.co.uk — Wed, 02 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

AUDI – Has announced the introduction of the TT RS Plus – a 360ps enhanced specification version of the standard RS which is due in the UK this summer. With a power increase of 20ps, the RS Plus gains addition features including 19” rotor design alloy wheels, carbon door mirrors, black oval exhaust tailpipes, satellite navigation and the Audi Music Interface system. The TT RS Plus holds a new price premium of £3,085 over the TT RS.

CHRYSLER – Has announced pricing for the new 300C. Starting at £35,995 on the road for the Limited model, the new executive saloon will go on sale in the UK next month.

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Test car – BMW 3 Series 320d

marketing@cap.co.uk — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The all-new 3 Series is now almost perfect. The latest version is the 6^th generation, with the first one being launched in 1975. The recently discontinued 5^th generation E90 sold over 170,000 in the UK since it was introduced in 2005. It has enjoyed sales success for seven years, with the largest number being sold in 2006 when 30,471 were registered. During the period between 2005 and 2011, one of the biggest criticisms of the 3 Series has been its lack of rear legroom, which is by no means tight but it could just have done with a bit more. The new 3 Series is 93mm longer and has a longer wheelbase, so in turn interior space has seen an improvement. The prior criticisms of the interior have been addressed and rear occupants have been given the extra space they needed. The improvement is so noticeable, that you’d think you were sat in a 5 Series.

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This week’s manufacturer news

marketing@cap.co.uk — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

ETERNITI – The London based luxury manufacturer Eterniti Motors has unveiled a prototype of its first car at the Beijing Auto Show. The Artemis – described as the world’s first super SUV – has a 4.8 litre V8 twin turbo engine that produces over 600bhp. Production will commence in summer this year, with first deliveries starting in autumn.

JAGUAR – Has unveiled its new XJ Ultimate at the Beijing Auto Show. The top-of-the-range trim level in the XJ range features Meridian Surround Sound – a 15 amp channel, 20 speaker audio system which has been specially designed and developed for the XJ Ultimate.

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First driving impressions – Renault Twizy, European press launch, Ibiza

marketing@cap.co.uk — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

I don’t really know where to start with this one, as it’s a very unusual mode of transport and does not really fit into any category. The best way to describe it is as an electric four wheel scooter, but it’s much more than that.

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This week's manufacturer news

marketing@cap.co.uk — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

FIAT – Has published first glimpse snapshots of the Viaggio – an all-new saloon model which will be previewed at the Beijing International Motor Show on 23^rd April.

KIA – Has commenced work on a new dealership in North London. The site on Edgware Road currently houses a multi-storey car park, which is costing £1 million to re-develop into the brand’s new showroom. The building will be transformed into a 15 car showroom and will feature a 7 bay workshop and a dedicated MOT facility. It is due to open in early July.

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Test car – Bentley Continental GT V8

marketing@cap.co.uk — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

From building its first car up until 2003, Bentley sold 16,000 cars worldwide. Since its launch in 2003, the GT alone has sold 23,000 units worldwide and has been hailed as a huge success for them.

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This week's manufacturer news

marketing@cap.co.uk — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

INFINITI – Has announced that enhancements have been made to its FX model, with design changes to the front end and a new alloy wheel style. UK prices remain unchanged for the 2012 version, which is available to order now.

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