Cars Service

Kia Motors has revealed the first images of its latest concept car that is scheduled to debut at the Paris Motor Show later this month. The strikingly styled show car, named Pro_Cee’d, is based on the forthcoming three-door ‘sporty hatch’ version of the all-new Kia cee’d C-segment model. This five-door family hatchback has its world premiere (in production-ready form) at Paris and will be manufactured at Kia’s first-ever European assembly plant in Slovakia from November 2006.




The engine lineup includes three gasoline-powered units (1.4-, 1.6-, and 2.0 liters) as well as a 1.6-liter diesel. The ceed will initially be available in the four-door hatchback body style shown here, but a station wagon and a sportier two-door hatch will go on sale late next year. (The two-door is previewed by the pro_ceed concept also displayed at this years Paris show.) All three models will compete with C-segment entries such as the Opel Astra and the Ford Focus and be built at Kias new manufacturing facility in Zilina, Slovakia--for European customers only. Thats a bummer, since we wouldnt be ashamed of (bad pun alert!) planting the ceed in our garage.

PRESS RELEASE:
NEW KIA ceed TO HAVE BEST-IN-EUROPE WARRANTY

The all-new Kia family of ceed models will be backed by the best new vehicle guarantee ever offered, by any manufacturer, on cars marketed in the UK and Europe with every Kia ceed benefiting from a seven-year / 150,000 kilometre new car warranty.



Comprising five years cover on the entire car and an additional two years cover for the powertrain, the warranty will be free and transferable to subsequent owners, provided the vehicle is regularly maintained in accordance with the servicing schedule.

"Kia has taken the bold step of introducing a surprising warranty for the model which will unquestionably demonstrate our brands Power to Surprise to consumers in Europe," enthused Jean-Charles Lievens, Senior Vice President Kia Motors Europe. "The Kia ceed is truly a landmark model in our brands history and its debut marks the start of a new era.

"The Kia ceed is going to be a great car, a genuine challenger for top honours against the established stars in the closely-fought C-segment. Thanks to the high quality of vehicles coming from our brand-new facility in Slovakia, Kia is delighted to demonstrate its commitment to delivering maximum customer satisfaction, together with lowered costs of vehicle ownership by offering this revolutionary warranty," added Lievens.



The seven-year warranty is a further endorsement of Kias three core brand values – quality, trustworthy, dynamic – and will come into effect for UK customers when the new ceed goes on sale on 1 February, 2007.

Kia Motors Corporation (http://www.kiamotors.com/ or http://www.kia.com/) -- one of the fastest growing automakers in the world -- was founded in 1944 and is Korea’s oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles. As part of the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group, Kia aims to become one of the world’s premier automotive brands. Kia’s 14 manufacturing and assembly operations in 9 countries produce more than 1.3 million vehicles a year that are sold and serviced through a network of distributors and dealers covering 160 countries. Kia today has over 32,500 employees and annual revenues of almost $16 billion. It is the major sponsor of the Australian Tennis Open and an official worldwide sponsor of the Davis Cup. From 2007 to 2014, Kia will be an official automotive partner of FIFA -- the governing body of the FIFA World Cup. Kia Motors Corporation’s brand slogan -- “The Power to Surprise” -- represents the company’s global commitment to surpassing customer expectations through continuous automotive innovation.

Volvo C30

Volvo will want to make much of its new S80 saloon at Geneva, but the real buzz will be around its C30 concept. It’s aimed firmly at Audi’s A3 and the BMW 1-Series and why not? Volvo has quietly built its reputation and desirability to enable to stand alongside the prestige German brands, so the C30 makes a lot of sense.



The trouble is, the designers couldn’t resist a nod at Volvo’s past, hence the weird rear end. It may have looked OK decades ago, but to our eye it’s rather sad in 2006.


Volkswagen Concept A

There will be plenty of concept cars to drool over at Geneva, many of which will go no further than being mere dreams. VW’s Concept A is a sure thing, even though the detail will alter before the final car is launched. This is a Golf-based SUV, with VW’s renowned 4MOTION all-wheel-drive chassis, 20-inch wheels and 150bhp provided by both a supercharger and turbocharger! Concept A is a hatchback without a central pillar; like the Mazda RX-8, it uses ‘suicide doors’. The production car is likely to debut in 2008 – can you wait?




Ford Focus CC

Everyone’s getting in on the Coupe Cabriolet act, but the Focus CC is sure to be at the top of the popularity tree when it’s launched later this year. Developed and designed in collaboration with Pininfarina, it gains some Italian style and will also be built in Italy. The Focus CC is the first European Ford with a folding hardtop, and second generation cars like the Focus certainly look a whole lot more coordinated than earlier attempts by the French car companies. Ford claims it will be a full four-seater, but judge that for yourself. Other say the same but it only applies if those in the rear have legs cut off below the knee.



Peugeot 207

Motor shows are about excitement but you can’t ignore the new Peugeot 207. The 206 was big favourite amongst private buyers in the UK and the 207 is set to step into its shoes. Decide before anyone else whether it’s beautiful or ugly – we’re not sure ourselves yet. To add some fun, Peugeot is also bringing along a sports concept model, the 207 RCup, which takes 207 to a new level. With its 280bhp engine, 6-speed sequential gearbox and 18" alloy wheels the 207 RCup could be the design blueprint for a future Peugeot Sport competition programme.



Porsche 911 Turbo

Yes, you knew already that the Turbo would look like a regular 911 on steroids but it still makes compulsive viewing. It has a whopping 60bhp more than the outgoing model, its 480bhp on a par with that of the Ferrari F430 and good for 0-62mph in an astonishing 3.9 seconds. Four-wheel drive helps get all that power down on the road. The modified front end gets distinctive, tautly drawn cooling air inlets, while the rear view, which is what most will see on the road, is much more aggressive. Take a look too at the new 911 GT3 Cup, a road racer.



Vauxhall/Opel G

The VX220 has slipped quietly away and it will be another year before we get our hands on its replacement. But what a replacement! The new Opel GT will be shown for the first time at Geneva, the only difference to the Vauxhall being the badges. It’s a full convertible with front engine, rear-wheel drive, which should make it more civilised than the VX220. But it won’t be any slower; the 260bhp turbocharged two-litre engine will make sure of that. The GT will be built in the States and shipped over here; Geneva will be your first chance to see it – and to get you order in.



Lotus Europa

Lotus has played around with the Elise theme a continuously over the past few years but the new Europa is the one that makes most sense. Lotus claims this is more of a Grand Tourer, and when compared to the Elise, the Europa S has a larger boot and easier cabin access. You even get luxuries like a full leather interior, driver and passenger airbags and carpets. None of this is likely to make the Europa anything less than an exhilarating drive, though. The 200bhp Vauxhall turbo engine will make sure of that.



Jaguar XK

It will be all over British roads by the summer, but Jaguar’s XK is definitely worth crawling over at the show. The lines look more impressive in the flesh, and you can make you mind up whether the XK really does make the Aston Martin DB9 seem rather pointless. The 4.2-litre V8 isn’t really powerful enough to do that but the XKR version, which just may make an appearance at Geneva, certainly will. Coupe or convertible? Only you can decide.



Ferrari 599 GTB

This will be your fist chance to eyeball Ferrari’s stunning new replacement for the 575 Maranello. The Italian supercar manufacturer has learnt its lesson and this time launched its two-seater with a Pininfarina design that brokers controversy but lacks no passion. The Ferrari 599 GTB boasts class-leading power thanks to its 5,999cc V12 - derived directly from the Enzo Ferrari supercar – which produces no less than 620hp. Ferrari has adopted the latest evolution in its tried and tested all-aluminium construction technology for the body and chassis.



Alfa Romeo Brera Spider

The Brera coupe has already been shown and driven, so the new Brera Spider is no big surprise. Except that it is impossible to ignore this stunning Ital Design modelled roadster, with its beautiful flowing lines and a real sense of character. The 2.2 is, of course, front wheel drive, which is hardly the perfect recipe for a sports car, but the engine is feisty enough to promise some fun. More exciting is the 3.2-litre V6, which gains Alfa’s charismatic V6 plus four-wheel drive.

In all frankness, Acura had been out of the loop for awhile when it came to building a top-notch luxury/performance car. In recent years, the company has come up with several vehicles that have been a kind of rebirth for the luxury division of Honda. The MDX sport-utility continues to be popular five years into its life cycle. The tired Integra was put to pasture and replaced by the quick and much more sophisticated RSX.




More recently, the sporty and well-appointed TSX and TL came along, giving extra credibility to the notion that a reinventing of the Acura name could actually work. The 2004 model year is the last year for the current RL, so if you like that sort of 1990s-era luxury sedan, youd better get one now. Youll probably get a really great deal on a 2004, because once the buying public gets a look at the new one, we suspect high demand for it will promote generous discounts on the outgoing model.

Inside and Out

VTEC, ATTS, and AWD are nice, but all have been seen by the world before. Its hard to sell a car on performance alone these days, so Honda made sure to take the innovation lead in creature comforts.

Lets start with something everyone can enjoy: audio. The standards of sound have been rising just as fast as the standards of speed, but Acura stands out front for the moment. Its hard to ask for more watts than 260, more speakers than ten, more discs than six, or more formats than AM, FM, XM, CD, MP3, and DVD-A. That last one is exclusive to Acura, who has been among the first to bet on DVD Audio as the next universal format to supplant the aging compact disc. And unless you completely ignore the world of electronics, you have no doubt heard the number 5.1 tossed around a few times. That refers to the number of channels through which audio passes, and it has been the standard of home theater for years. The RL brings this standard to cars, which are hopelessly stuck in a two-channel stereo world.



Unfortunately, the sampler discs provided by Acura were aimed at a generation of journalists a tad past their prime. (Grover Washington? Steely Dan??) Given no familiar material to work with, all my judgment could tell me was that DVD Audio sounds great. How great compared to CD, I cant say, but I am pleased with the life this system brought to my MP3s. I also came to appreciate XM radio more than I expected. It was refreshing to hear a station play more than the same six songs in rotation, and to hear tunes that have been off the air for years, thanks to FM radios policy of banishing any song to the trash heap after three months.

Another nice touch is the key, which youll never have to touch again. Most people past adolescence might recall the days when the act of unlocking a car required the Herculean effort of removing a key from your pocket, inserting it in a keyhole, and turning it. At some point in the ‘90s, we cut that down from three steps to two: removing a remote from your pocket, then pressing a button. Acura cut it down to zero: as long as the remotes in your pocket, you can open the door. You can also start the engine. In fact, if the remote is within two feet of the car, you can do pretty much anything. This might not be the same as finding a cure for cancer, but its close.

Thanks to BMW, todays standards dictate that the RL wouldnt be a luxury car if it didnt have a tyrannical computer screen in the middle of the dash that served as the gatekeeper for every possible function of the car: navigation system, audio, climate control, trip computer, Bluetooth cell phone hookups, etc. Well, it does, so it is. And yes, theres a big central knob that you will be pushing and rotating a lot, but at least the majority of climate and radio controls have their own buttons. Heres my take on the matter: three minutes leads to frustration; three days and almost everything becomes second-nature. It takes memorization and getting used to, but then you get used to it, and it makes sense. This contrasts sharply with all the hearsay on BMWs iDrive, which frustrates everyone to no end. Still, that doesnt mean Acuras system isnt distracting, free of redundancies, or wouldnt be better off with normal controls. And the systems failure to understand simple voice commands makes this Acura a foreigner in need of deportation. When a car comes with an hour-long tutorial DVD, you just know theres bad news ahead.

Acuras navigation system, already praised for its easy operation, stands as far above the competition as does its audio system. No surprise, then, that theyre connected. Unlike your unreliable AM radio station, which probably sends updates every ten minutes (if youre lucky) on whatever areas they feel like reporting on, the RL sends real-time traffic updates every minute for every major metro area in the continental U.S. through the XM band. The next time youre stuck in a freeway traffic jam, dont look for any Acura RLs. Their drivers will have already known something you discovered the hard way. Two personal complaints of the nav system: a non-constant scrolling rate, and breaks in the display when doing so.

The rest of the interior is first-class. Very soft (and perforated) leather, smart cupholders, drivers seat memory, sun-sensing dual-zone climate control, auto-dimming rearview mirror, rear air vents, rear sunshades, xenon headlights that swivel in turns, and all that other stuff is here. The only gaffe is a center console that, if it were 1 mm wider, could comfortably fit the DVD Audio discs it was probably designed for. Oops.

Luxury has other costs besides money. The power tilt/telescope steering columns need to slowly retract or return when you turn the car on or off feels like a waste of time, especially when youre struggling to turn a moving ignition switch. Also, toeroom under the power front seats is cramped, and the center-rear passenger is perched too high to have any headroom, making the RL an even less viable five-passenger car than the Accord.

Other Thoughts

The outgoing RL was never a real contender in the luxury sedan world, as other cars always seemed to offer more luxury, style and performance. The one thing this car has always offered is impressive value, but were not altogether sure thats the kind of thing that rings true with buyers in this segment who typically have flexible budgets.

So the old car is mediocre and the new one is really awesome. Sure, weve heard that story a thousand times if weve heard it once. Even so, the new version of the RL is truly new and has almost nothing in common with the old one. In fact, the new RL could be called overkill, as it offers features we never would have thought of let alone expected on a luxury performance sedan. Acura is well aware that the outgoing RL was not a contender against the likes of Audi, BMW, Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz, and the company set out to fix the problem by designing a car that has the look and feel of a true luxury vehicle combined with the stunning performance of a German sport sedan.

Final Word

This car is packed with so much advanced and complex technology, we cant help but think we should reserve final judgment until we spend more time driving it. Many of the advanced features mentioned here can only be properly evaluated over the course of a week or so, as it is the integration of that technology into a persons everyday life that determines its success or failure. Our preliminary impression is that the new Acura RL is an excellent car that now fits in with and boosts Acuras desired image as a builder of sporty and luxurious cars. Like the TL and TSX, the 2005 RL offers a performance edge normally reserved for such brands as Audi and BMW. The car combines tons of technology (both electronic and mechanical) into a package that is good-looking and fun to drive — its the seamless integration of that technology plus real luxury that makes the new RL such an excellent sport sedan.

Introduction

After more than a year of rumors, false names and spy photos, the Ferrari Enzo finally made its debut at the 2002 Paris Motor Show. Named in honor of the Italian auto maker’s founder, the Enzo is the latest special edition supercar to come out of Maranello. Past limited-run Ferraris have included the GTO, the F40 and most recently the F50 which celebrated the automaker’s 50th anniversary. While the initial plan was to build only 349 examples of the Enzo, Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo announced that 50 additional Enzos would be built for a total of 399. Pricing has not been announced, but it doesn’t really matter – the entire run has already sold out.



Pros:

I like Enzo Ferrari, beacause not because of its speed & accelleration, because what it has done to racing. Since 1975, racers have been wishing to accomplish a good type & nessecery way.That is what I like about Enzo Ferrari.

Cons:

The design and styling of this car looks horrible compared to my F1. If you want the best of the best, wait until the Bugatti Veyron comes out...that car has a great chance of surpassing my McLaren F1.

Overall Review:

This car is known to be one of the greatest sport cars. It will go down in history with all of the other super cars. I have pulled many strings and worked very hard to even get a look at this car. My enzo (#274) off the assembly line is the greatest car I will ever own throughout my collection. I could tell you all of the stats and how it is so perfect in each an every way.

I could tell you that I get goos bumbs just looking at it when I take it out for a test drive on the track every two months or so, but it still wouldnt describe this car. I bought this car for me and it is the one car that will make me feel distingushed and imprtant unlike anyone else in the world. So my overall review is in the end its worth it, for me.

Over all I would recommend the Enzo to anyone with a healthy savings and a tolerance for adrenaline "jet lag". Its styling completely matches its proformance and keeps witht the flow in the way the car handles on straight aways and even corners. Dry or wet pavement, the Enzo goes toe to toe with the best I have driven and dosent miss a beat. I love the fact that no matter how let down I am about how the day has gone I can enjoy the "partnership" of an equally hard working machine. "kudos" - if you will- to Ferrari for living up to the pre-sale hype.

The Toyota 4Runner has become increasingly marginal in the competitive midsize sport-utility vehicle market for the past few years, but the significantly redesigned version brings this Toyota up to speed again.

The 4Runner has a familiar name, having been introduced in 1985 with sales of more than 1.2 million units. But the 2002 version was saddled with a 6-year-old design that had to compete with a large number of new sport-utes unveiled in the past few years.



Redesigned and re-engineered for the 2003 model year, Toyotas long-running 4Runner is still a capable off-road sport utility vehicle with rugged body-on-frame construction.

This new fourth-generation 4Runner is bigger than its predecessor, offers a first-ever V8, adds a number of new features including electronic control for steep downhill descents off road and optional curtain and side airbags and provides an improved, bit of refined ride.

Minor trim and feature changes mark 2006 for Toyotas truck-type midsize SUV. 4Runner comes in SR5, Sport Edition, and Limited trim, each with specific styling touches. All offer a V6 or V8 with a 5-speed automatic transmission and standard rear-wheel drive. The V8 can be ordered with all-wheel drive, the V6 with 4WD that can be used on dry pavement. Both systems have low-range gearing and include hill descent control designed to limit speed down steep slopes. Hill ascent control--to avoid sliding backward--is standard linewide.

Pricing is changed, too. While the starting manufacturers suggested retail price is around $27,000 now, a 4Runner with new V8, four-wheel drive and a host of options can actually carry a lofty price tag of more than $42,000.

This is a far cry from the pricing and amenities offered on the truck-ish, rather barebones SUV that the 4Runner started out as in the mid to late 1980s.

Two new engines, old 4-cylinder dropped

The 4Runner now is available with 6- and 8-cylinder engines. The 4Runners 4-cylinder power plant from last year is gone.
The 2003 base engine is a new, 4.0-liter V6 capable of 245 horsepower and 282 lb-ft of torque at 5200 rpm.

Power here is pleasant and not overly brutish, even if torque is not strong enough to snap your head back.

Both performance numbers top those of the Nissan Pathfinders V6 and the inline 6 in the Jeep Grand Cherokee. In fact, the 4Runner V6s 245 horses even top the 235 horsepower provided in the vehicles up-level V8.

The pulling power, or torque, is highest with the 4.7-liter, double overhead cam, i-Force V8. Its a full 320 lb-ft at 3400 rpm.

This compares with 326 lb-ft at 3600 rpm in the Grand Cherokees High-Output V8.
In the test 4Runner with V8, the vehicle felt like it had plentiful power, no matter if I was climbing hills off road or passing vehicles on the highway.

I needed to only depress the accelerator pedal slightly and the power would come on. If I slammed down hard on the accelerator at startup, there was strong power that pushed my head back against the head restraint.

Shifts were smooth from the 5-speed automatic, which is a first 5-gear automatic in a Toyota truck. The 4Runner V6 comes with a 4-speed automatic, though.
For both engines, Toyota recommends 91-octane gasoline.

Note the towing capacity for the 4Runner remains at 5,000 pounds, the same as last years model.

Safety Features

Safety features include an option that has front side airbags working with front and rear curtain-shield airbags.

The 4Runner has a generally smooth ride, but it isnt as smooth as rides from car-based sport-utility vehicles—or those with an independent rear suspension.

The variable-assist power rack-and-pinion steering is suitably fast. Standard anti-lock brakes are easily modulated despite a rather soft pedal and have brake assist and electronic brake-force-distribution features.

Extra effort is needed to get in and out of the tall 4Runner, and its narrow running boards are more of a hindrance than a help for those with large shoes. At least the windshield posts have large grab handles to assist entry and exit—especially for elderly folks.

Lots of Driver Assists

The 4Runner is loaded with driver assists. One is its Hill-start Assist Control system, which should be especially appreciated by those living in hilly areas. The system comes on all 2- and 4-wheel-drive versions and is a "first" for a sport ute.

By controlling the brakes, Hill-start increases stability for improved control on steep upgrades and stopping and starting on slippery surfaces. It helps prevent the 4Runner from rolling backward or slipping sideways during transition from a stopped position to climbing an upgrade.
Electronic traction control and anti-skid systems also are standard.

"The best vehicle I have owned!"



Pros:

A very well put together and thought out SUV. V8 Power is excellent. The new rims, exclusive to the Limited, are very sharp. Fit and finish are outstanding. Input for your Ipod now standard. Extra power outlets to handle everything from a radar detector to a laptop.

Cons:

A few very minor details. The power window and lock buttons are in a strange place.

Overall Review:

The 4Runner has everything that you want in an SUV. Good power and above average fuel economy for a medium to large SUV define the 4Runner. Interior styling is modern and pleasing. The seats hug your body and make for a comfortable ride. The suspension gives you the feel of a luxury sedan. Good on or off road with the 4x4 option. This is no Explorer or Envoy. This is far beyond anything that they offer.

Overall, this is a great SUV. Its luxurious, powerful, and isnt the typical soccer mommy SUV. We purchased this vehicle as a kid hauler, towing vehicle, and light off road machine. It does all of very well. I highly recommend! Cheers.