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CAP Blog > CAP Blog > Martin's Blog
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Author: |
Martin Ward |
Created: |
Friday, March 07, 2008 |
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Welcome to Martin's Blog |
By Martin Ward on
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
This week's manufacturer news - 25th November 2009
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By Martin Ward on
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
We went to Hyundai’s European HQ in Frankfurt to have a short drive in an early pre-production ix35. The ix35 will be available with either 2WD or 4WD when it goes on sale next spring, but it is expected that the 2WD will take the majority of sales.
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By Martin Ward on
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Skoda UK managed to get a hold of some left hand drive, Czech registered Superb estate models, and we had the chance to test one for a few days. The estate goes on sale in the UK on 26th February with a large choice of engines, ranging from the 1.4 litre TSI 125ps petrol up to the 3.6 litre V6 260ps petrol; both of which will be sold in very low numbers. The diesel engines though will be the ones that will take over 90% of sales. We had the 2.0 litre TDI common rail diesel that produces 170ps but this engine is also available with 140ps, which is certainly the one to choose. The Estate is around £1,100 more than the five door hatchback model, so the premium that has to be to be paid is about right. Skoda expect the estate to account for around 30% of Superb sales, with around 1,000 per year being sold. I think this figure is a little low for a very practical and versatile vehicle.
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By Martin Ward on
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
This week's manufacturer news - 18th November 2009
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By Martin Ward on
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
On paper, this car should be a non-starter or even a non-mover. The diesel engine that is fitted to this car is also available in the Ford Fiesta and the S80 weighs in at 1586kg; about 560kg more than the Fiesta with the same engine.
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By Martin Ward on
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Moda is a new name in Volkswagen vocabulary and it sits in the Polo range between the S and SE trims. The Moda has a sporty theme and VW say that it is aimed towards the younger market who want a car that possesses more in terms of style than luxury. The Moda has the following standard features which help to make it more appealing for just such a market: 15” Cadiz six spoke alloy wheels, body coloured door mirrors and door handles, radiator grille with chrome trimmed louvre insert, front fog lights and tinted rear windows. There are some nice touches in this list, especially the front fog lights as they are integrated into the bumper and give the car an attractive and stylish look. The alloys also look good and are really easy to clean, and the darkened rear windows also make the car look a bit special; they make it look larger than it really is.
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By Martin Ward on
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
The X1 is in a class of its own, as there is no real competition at the moment that sits within the same category. However, the X1 will go on choice lists alongside many other cars ranging from traditional C sector hatches to small 4x4s. The X1 really is neither one thing nor the other, but it does fit in amongst many camps.
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By Martin Ward on
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
This week's manufacturer news - 11th November 2009
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By Martin Ward on
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
I don’t really know where to start with this car and its launch event. Nissan in their wisdom chose to hold the launch of this new car at the Hospital Club in Soho, which in itself is not the easiest or cheapest place to get to from Yorkshire. The Hospital Club is for members only and attracts the rich and famous; designers, the musically inspired and all types of creative minds. Nissan told us that these are exactly the type of people who are the target audience for the new Cube.
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By Martin Ward on
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
The new Ibiza Cupra is an odd mix of features. The Cupra name is well known by the public and whilst its recognition is not up there with GTI or VXR, it is still nonetheless a good brand.
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