New British Cars

Welcome to New-British-Cars.com!

2009-05-31T12:04:00.001-07:00

What you have found on this site is a brief educational guide to every new car currently on sale in the Britain today. (that we know about!). We have listed every manufacturer that currently offers cars for sale in Britain tiday, and given you a picture of the model and a brief description of the car to give you a basic understanding of it. We would love to give a more comprehensive guide to each model but we lack the time and resources to be more thorough in our detailing - this should come with time, but for now, enjoy reading through. Please bear in mind this is a private website and any views here are purely personal opinions, notions and ramblings of the author and do not represent the view of any company. This website was set up as a fun project to educate me in the wide diversity all of the cars you can buy in the United Kingdom marketplace, and I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did putting it together. Just pick a manufacturer from the list on the right hand side > > > to get started reading up about the many and varied wonderful automobiles on offer on these fair shores... Happy Reading Folks!

VOLVO

2009-05-31T11:10:00.000-07:00

Volvo or more formally the Volvo Car Corporation is separate from Volvo AB which is the commercial vehicle division that makes trucks, buses and other heavy machinery. Volvo is owned by Ford motor group, and is the last remaining part of the Premier Automotive Group division of Ford, that originally contained Jaguar, Land Rover, Volvo and Aston Martin, with Ford selling all the other companies, and a sale of Volvo too now looks likely within the next year. Volvo has built its reputation primarily on the safety aspect of the cars, and is one of its key marketing components. It introduced several world firsts in automotive safety, such as laminated glass, the 3 point safety belt, padded dashboards, Side impact protection, side airbags and the high mounted brake light. Current UK Volvo Models: Volvo C30 The Volvo C30 is the smallest model Volvo currently produce, being a 3 door hatchback but marketed more as a 3 door coupe model. the C30 is based on the Ford Focus platform, but with driving dynamics softened to suit the more mature tastes of the typical Volvo customer. The C30 is also priced much higher than the equivalent Focus model to push the car towards the premium small cars offered by rivals such as the Audi A3 and BMW 1-Series. Prices for the C30 start from £14,990 on the road in the UK. Volvo S40 The Volvo S40 is the twin sister of the V50 Estate model and they share the same basic architecture. Most car manufacturers would market them as a saloon and estate version of the same model but the Volvo policy seems to be to push them as 2 separate models. They both share the similar Ford Focus underpinnings as the C30, and ride a little more firmly than some of the larger Volvo models that customers are traditionally used to. The S40 also has the innovative "floating dash" design that gives the appearance that the centre console is separate from the dash - a clever piece of visual design. Volvo V50 The Volvo V50 as mentioned is effectively the same car as the S40 above, and shares all of its characteristics. It is a junior lifestyle estate car, and while it has an estate lifting tailgate, it is not particularly capacious so those looking for the legendary carrying capacity of Volvo models in days gone by should look at the larger V70 model. The V50 prices start from £16,490 on the road in the UK. Volvo C70 The Volvo C70 is now into its second generation, with the first model being a standard fabric roofed convertible, and this new car having an increasingly popular folding hard top. Both are true 4 seat cars, with good levels of space in the rear for full size adult passengers - something of a rarity in convertibles, particularly folding metal roofed ones. The C70 has never been a sports car, and with comfort orientated suspension settings is much more suited to the role of boulevard cruiser, something at which it is very accomplished. Volvo V70 The Volvo V70 is the archetypal Volvo and the companies most recognisable model - a big squared off estate car with cavernous carrying capacity in the boot - there are few car on sale that fulfill this role better than the V70, which is capable of cruising all day with huge amounts of luggage - one of the reasons the car is so popular with the UK motorway police force - the V70 will take all the equipment they need and more. Volvo XC70 The Volvo XC70 takes the V70 model as a base and modifies it for some light off road work, adding 4 wheel drive, raising the ground clearance with longer travel suspension, and bolting on a rugged looking plastic bodykit to complete the SUV look. The V70 will not climb mountains in the manner of a Land Rover, but for the occasional muddy green lane, it's perfect, and is very popular with the country set because of this. Volvo S80 The Volvo S80 is effectively the saloon version of the V70, sharing the same platform, engines, bodywork and interior, but has never sold in as large numbers as the more popular estate. It is an executive car but the Volvo badge does not quite have the same cache as one from BMW or Mercedes, so the S80 lacks the popularity and also the residual values. It tends to come loaded with more equipment as standard and a cheaper list price than its Germanic rivals to try and compensate for this. Volvo XC60 The Volvo XC60 is the newest of the Volvo models, and is a compact 4x4 SUV that focuses mainly on road driving rather than attempting to beat rivals such as the Land Rover Freelander at its own game. Volvo is making strides in moving away from the boxy styling of its cars of the 70's and 80's with the XC60 being a particularly good looking and curvaceous junior 4x4. unfortunately the market segment the model is positioned in is incredibly competitive with nearly every volume and premium car manufacturer having an offering in this segment, and with the popularity of 4x4's on the wane in the recession, the XC60 has not taken off in the way Volvo were hoping in emulating its big brother the XC90. Volvo XC90 The Volvo XC90 is the brands largest car - a full size 7 seat SUV 4x4 off roader that is more focused on the school run than going rock climbing, making the car popular for big families. The XC90 avoids some of the more overt aggressive styling of some of the other big 4x4's on the market and hence has picked up a lot of sales to women who use it for picking up the kids. The XC90 starts from £29,995 on the road in the UK. Manufacturer website: www.volvocars.com/uk

VOLKSWAGEN

2009-05-29T10:43:00.000-07:00

Volkswagen is one of the worlds largest car manufacturers and as part of the VAG (Volkswagen Audi Group) it owns VW, Seat, Skoda, Audi, Lamborghini and Bugatti, and is currently in talks about a merger with Porsche. Such a voluminous repertoire gives VW access to great economies of scale meaning its floor pans, chassis, and engines along with switchgear and other components can be used several times across the different model ranges spreading out the development costs. Volkswagen is the top selling brand in Europe and is rapidly expanding in China, and also is taking advantage of the current difficulties in the US market and the demand for fuel efficient cars to expand into the US as well. UK Volkswagen Models: VW Fox The Volkswagen Fox is the smallest of the VW range, and is the successor to the popular Lupo model. The Fox is a 3 door hatchback city car but is also a fair bit bigger than the Lupo model and has not been as successful in the UK volumes sold. The Lupo was built in Europe and designed as small but high quality whereas the Fox is built in Brazil as low cost transportation and is powered in the UK market by a choice of a 1.2 or 1.4 litre petrol engines - a diesel is conspicuous by its absence. The Fox starts from £6840 on the road in the UK. VW Polo The Volkswagen Polo is alongside the Golf one of VW's biggest European sellers. It comes in a 3 door or 5 door hatchback form and sells against rivals such as the Ford Fiesta and Renault Clio models. The current Polo is just about to be replaced by an all new model in September - this car is already on sale in Germany but its release date has been put back in the UK due to home market demand. The current outgoing model starts from £8935, with prices set to increase slightly for the new version. VW Golf The Volkswagen Golf is an icon in European motoring and has been the best selling car in Europe since the year dot. It shares its underpinnings with several models - the Seat Leon, the Skoda Octavia, along with VW's own Jetta, Scirocco and Tiguan models. It comes with a huge engine range with the diesel options being the most popular, the new 2.0 TDI common rail engine taking over from the Venerable 1.9 Pump Deuse engine. The Golf is currently in its 6th generation and looks to continue for years to come. VW Jetta The Volkswagen Jetta is a very close relative to the Golf and is effectively a Golf with a boot, or a Golf saloon if you prefer. It was primarily developed for the American market where hatchbacks are not as popular in the European countries, and the Jetta does not sell as well here as it does in America. The Jetta has been around for several generations but has had a few name changes along the way, with the previous models also being known as the Bora and Vento, but all being a saloon version of that generations Golf model. VW Golf Plus The Volkswagen Golf Plus is a high roofed version of the standard Golf model with all new styling. This higher roof and slightly extended bodyshell is semi MPV in nature and designed for those whom a Golf is too small but a Touran is too large. It is popular with older people as the high roof-line makes it easier to get in and out. The Golf plus costs approximately £1500 more than the equivalent Golf model and is available with a slightly reduced engine range. VW Scirocco The Volkswagen Scirocco is now in its 3rd version as a coupe version of the Golf model - it takes its dynamics from a similar set up to the Golf GTi and shares the same 2.0 turbo engine, with a 1.4 turbo and a2.0 diesel also being available. The Scirocco has not been around for some time, the mark 1 and 2 Scirocco models being followed up by the corrado based on the Mk33 golf, but the Mk4 Golf did not receive a coupe version. VW Eos The Volkswagen Eos is based on a platform that is a mixture of Golf front end and Passat rear, and takes over from the less than successful golf cabriolet versions. The Eos has a folding hard top roof that is split into 3 sections allowing it to span over 4 full size seats without requiring an A pillar that extends back over the drivers heads like it does on equivalent Peugeot and Renault competitors. The Eos is currently rated as one of the best compact folding hardtop convertibles available. VW Beetle The Volkswagen Beetle is the retro styled copy of the original beetle but based on the old mark 4 Golf platform, meaning that it abandons the original beetles rear engined rear wheel drive steup and moves to a more modern front engined front wheel drive design. The Beetle Mk2 has been around for a long time now and is stuck with some rather outdated engines that are starting to show their age, but its cheeky girly styling and focus on looks rather than performance means this is not an issue for the mainly female customer base that buys the cars. VW Passat The Volkswagen Passat has been around for as long as the Golf model, and is the mid size family saloon and estate model that also sells well as an executive company car in the fleet market. It shares most of the larger VW range of engines and the 2.0 diesel is easily the most popular, although the engine range goes all the way up to a 3.6 litre V6 in the performance R36 model. The Passat sells against its main rival the Ford Mondeo, but has more of a comfort orientated set up whereas the Mondeo has a sharper more handling based suspension set up. VW Passat CC The Volkswagen Passat CC follows the trend set by the Mercedes CLS by producing a 4 door saloon with a swoopy curvy coupe roof line. This has the effect of reducing the headroom for the individual rear seats but the styling is improved vastly by this change taking the standard Passat and making it positively "sexy". Prices are around £1200 - £1500 more than the equivalent normal Passat model for the CC version, and the engine and trim range is reduced. VW Phaeton The Volkswagen Phaeton is VW's attempt at the ultimate luxury car for those that aren't badge snobs. Unfortunately for VW, those that buy luxury motors generally are badge snobs, hence the low levels of sales, despite the cars mechanical talents. Looks wise the Phaeton appears as a slightly bigger more luxurious Passat, but has a fantastic W12 12-cylinder engine that is incredibly smooth, a fantastic interior and advanced 4 wheel drive. But the VW badge kills it when compared to the market best seller, the Mercedes S-Class. Thankfully VW proved the capability of the engine and chassis when it used them for the Bentley Continental GT model, which won rave reviews and has great levels of sales. VW Touran The Volkswagen Touran is VW's compact MPV people carrier, based on the passat platform the Touran carries 7 people in comfort, or 5 people and their luggage. It has like most compact people carriers a folding 3rd row of seats that stows into the floor when not in use making it very practical as a family car. The Touran model sells against competitors such as the Renault Scenic and the Ford S-Max. VW Sharan The Volkswagen Sharan is a full size seven seat people carrier that has been in production for a very long time. The Sharan was joint developed with Ford, who sold a rebadged version with different grille and interior as the Ford Galaxy, but have since discontinued the model. The design was also used for the Seat Alhambra model which is identical to the Sharan in almost every way save the badge and a cheaper price. The Sharan has long been a favourite car of taxi drivers due to its people carrying ability and trusty diesel engines. VW Tiguan The Volkswagen Tiguan is the smaller of the 2 VW 4x4 off road SUV cars, and is based on a stretched VW Golf platform. It shares the larger engines with the Golf model, with the 2.0 diesel predictably being the biggest seller. The Tiguan starts from £18,640 on the road in the UK. VW Touareg The Volkswagen Touareg is the largest of the 4x4 models that VW produce, and was developed in conjunction with partners Porsche to develop the Cayenne 4x4 (and also subsequently used for the Audi Q7). The Touareg was developed at the same time as the Phaeton in a period when Volkswagen was trying to stretch its legs upmarket, and produced a fine 4x4 with a high quality interior, however, demand for larger SUV models has slipped drastically in the last year and residuals have been hit hard, meaning huge discounts are available due to the lack of a premium badge. VW Caravelle The Volkswagen Caravelle is a people carrier based on a converted Volkswagen Van. it is not available from VW car dealers in the UK, but via Volkswagen's separate commercial van division, but the caravelle is still seen as the closest available successor to the iconic VW Camper. Manufacturer website: www.volkswagen.co.uk

VAUXHALL

2009-05-29T08:05:00.000-07:00

Vauxhall is the UK arm of General Motors European operations, although with GME's takeover imminent and several bids being considered, it is difficult to say who will own Vauxhall - the Mangna group is currently looking favourite at time of writing. Vauxhall rebrands all of GM Europe's Opel models for sale in the UK, as Vauxhall was a UK brand that was felt the public identified with, so despite being rebadged Opels owned by a US firm there is a sense of "Britishness" about the brand as it is not on sale anywhere else. Current UK Vauxhall Models: Vauxhall Agila The Vauxhall Agila is the smallest model that Vauxhall make, and it shares a platform with a Suzuki model - the first generation was a rebadged Suzuki Wagon R, with no real modifications, this second generation is shared with the Suzuki Splash, which while having some shared body panels, has a different nose and interior. The Vauxhall Agila is available as a 5 door hatch only and starts from £8295 on the road. Vauxhall Corsa The Vauxhall Corsa is one of the most popular cars in the UK. Now in its 3rd generation, it was originally an evolution of the Vauxhall Nova model (that was badged Opel Corsa in Europe) and is a supermini class car similar in size to the Ford Fiesta and VW Polo models, who are 2 of its biggest competitors. The Corsa is available as a 3 or 5 door hatchback, with a wide range of engines, and prices starting from £8695 in the UK. Vauxhall Astra The Vauxhall Astra is a mid size hatchback that again is very popular in the UK, selling against the VW Golf and Ford Focus models. It is available as a 3 or 5 door hatchback, a hard top convertible model known as the Twintop, or an estate version, with a huge combination of engine and trim levels (184 at the last count). The 3 door differs in style significantly from the 5 door, being much more overtly sporty, and the Twintop model is much longer than either replacing the previous generation Astra Coupe model. Vauxhall Insignia The Vauxhall Insignia is the executive flagship model in the range that rivals the VW Passat and Ford Mondeo for sales, and sells both as a family car and an fleet car - the diesel models in particular are popular with company car fleets. The Insignia takes over from the previous Vectra model, which was a replacement for the long running Cavalier model. Vauxhall Meriva The Vauxhall Meriva is the smallest of the MPV people carrier models in the Vauxhall range, being based on a floorpan the size of the Corsas, but with a raised roof line and individual seats. The Meriva has the firms flexible seating option also seen on the Zafira, to allow individual seats to be folded or removed for flexible storage, but is considerable more expensive than the Corsa on which its based. Vauxhall Zafira The Vauxhall Zafira is the manufacturers compact mid size MPV, and is based on the Astra Platform. It has the companies Flex Seven seating which gives a 3rd row of seats in the back that fold from the floor allowing whole families to be transported, or the seats can be stowed and boot space freed up. The Zafira sells against the Ford C-Max and Renault Scenic models. Vauxhall Tigra The Vauxhall Tigra is a compact 2 seat convertible based on the Corsa platform, and similar in size to a supermini. It has an ever popular folding hard top roof that folds in just 2 parts giving a neat style either up or down, and does not suffer from the swollen rear end syndrome most Coupe-cabriolets compromise with. Vauxhall Antara The Vauxhall Antara is a compact 4x4 SUV off roader similar in size to a Toyota Rav4 or VW Tiguan. It replaced the popular but unreliable Frontera in the line up, and despite the proliferation of SUV's in GM's US range, this is the only SUV model offered by Vauxhall in the UK. The Antara also sells as the Saturn Vue in the US and the Holden Captiva in Australia. Vauxhall VXR8 The Vauxhall VXR8 is a rebadged Holden HSV Clubsport model brought over from Australia to give Vauxhall a performance flagship. It features the 6.2 litre V8 GM engine from the Corvette model and is a powerful brute of a car with many reviewers describing it as unsophisticated fast fun. It also sells in the US as the Pontiac G8 model. Manufacturer website: www.vauxhall.co.uk

TOYOTA

2009-05-28T06:32:00.000-07:00

Toyota is a Japanese car manufacturer and one of the largest car producers in the world. It has several ranges of cars that differ in Europe, America and Asia. Toyota also owns the Luxury brand Lexus and also the Scion youth orientated brand that is not currently offered in Europe. Toyota Cars is a department of Toyota Industries that produce a huge range of different items. Current UK Toyota models: Toyota Aygo The Toyota Aygo is the smallest of the models currently offered by Toyota, and was designed and manufactured alongside the Citroen C1 and Peugeot 107 in the same factory, and the Aygo shares the majority of the same body panels with a different nose. With Toyotas reputation for quality the Aygo is priced at a slight premium to its sister models. The Aygo starts from £7285 on the road in the UK. Toyota IQ The Toyota IQ is a new cleverly designed and packaged model that has an incredibly short overall length for a car that is capable of transporting 4 people. The IQ is a similar overall length to the 2 seat only Smart car, making parking and manouvering in traffic a doddle. The IQ is also sold as a premium offering rather than a budget small car, priced at £9,495 on the road in the UK. Toyota Yaris The Toyota Yaris is a compact supermini that competes with the VW Polo and Ford Fiesta models. It's is available as a 3 or 5 door hatchback, wityh a choice of engines with a 1.0 litre and a 1.3 litre petrol engine and also a 1.4 litre turbodiesel engine. The Yaris starts from £9,300 on the road in the UK. Toyota Auris The Toyota Auris is a mid-size 3 and 5 door hatchback along the lines of the VW Golf and Ford Focus hatchback. It is available with a 1.3 and 1.6 litre petrol engine and 1.4 and 2.0 litre diesel engine. The Auris replaced the Corolla model which was the worlds best selling car for several years. The Auris model starts from £12,900 on the road. Toyota Prius The Toyota Prius is the first commercially available hybrid car, now in its second generation. The Prius uses a 1.5 litre petrol engine combined with an electric motor which kicks in in town at low speeds and shuts the petrol motor off to improve fuel consumption and emissions. The hybrid costs from £18,370 on the road in the UK. Toyota Verso The Toyota Verso is an MPV people carrier that is based on the Auris model with a higher roofline and individual seats. The Verso sells against models like the Renault Scenic. The Verso is available with a 1.8 petrol engine and a 2.0 Diesel engine, and starts from £16,745 on the road in the UK. Toyota Avensis The Toyota Avensis is a saloon and estate car that sells against the likes of the VW Passat, Honda Accord and Ford Mondeo that is seen as both a family car and executive saloon, and sells in big numbers to the fleet market. The Avensis starts from £16,560 on the road in the UK. Toyota Urbancruiser The Toyota Urban Cruiser is a 5 door hatchback crossover vehicle that combines a family hatchback with a people carrier and 4x4 off road styling. It is between the Yaris and Auris in size with a raised roofline to give a light an airy feel inside the car. The Urbancruiser starts at £14,500 on the road in the UK. Toyota Rav4 The Toyota Rav4 is a compact 4x4 SUV car that is similar in size with the VW Tiguan, Suzuki Vitara, etc. It comes with a choice of a 2.0 Petrol engine or a 2.2 litre diesel engine, and starts from £18,750 on the road in the UK. Toyota Landcruiser The Toyota Landcruiser is the largest of the 4x4 SUV models that Toyota make, and sells against primarily the Mitsubishi Shogun and Range Rover. The Land Cruiser is known for its go anywhere ability alongside ruggedness and outstanding reliability. Prices start from £28,640 in the UK. Manufacturer website: http://www.toyota.co.uk/

SUZUKI

2009-05-28T03:00:00.001-07:00

Suzuki Motor Corporation is a Japanese motor Manufacturer that produces a range of cars, motorcycles and ATV's. It is most famous for its race winning range of motorcycles but it produces a range of small passenger cars too, many of which have shared underpinnings with other manufacturers such as GM, Vauxhall, Subaru Mazda, Nissan and Fiat. Current UK Suzuki model range: Suzuki Alto The Suzuki Alto is the smallest in the range and sold in Japan as a Kei car, with a 660 cc engine, but in the UK it receives a 1.0 litre petrol engine. Controversy currently surrounds the Alto as Suzuki were to release the car in the UK at a £5995 price point, but with the current scrappage scheme in place the manufacturer has to contribute £1000 towards the overall £2000 discount, Suzuki raised the sale price by £1000 just before launch but claimed the price increase was unrelated to the scrappage scheme. The Alto has also received criticism for its poor performance in the European NCAP crash testing scores, which has served to marr the image of a car that has received incredibly positive reviews from the motoring press at launch. Suzuki Splash The Suzuki Splash is a city car based on a platform that was jointly developed with Vauxhall/Opel and also used for the Vauxhall Agila model. It is available with a 1.0 litre or a 1.2 litre petrol engine or a 1.3 litre diesel engine from the Fiat group. Prices start from £8750 on the road in the UK for the Splash. Suzuki Swift The Suzuki Swift is a supermini that is currently in its fifth generation and a direct competitor to the Ford Fiesta and the BMW Mini. Previous generation Swift models had always been seen as budget models selling on price and not much else, but this most recent version of the Swift has been incredibly well received and has some very positive reviews from UK journalists praising its sporty nature and entertaining handling, while still undercutting rivals on price. Prices start at £8,800 on the road in the UK. Suzuki SX4 The Suzuki SX4 is a replacement for the previous Liana model, (the first "Reasonably Priced Car" in the well known Top Gear feature) and was developed in a collaboration with Fiat, who sells the car as the Fiat Sedici. The car is offered in the UK as a 5 door hatchback only, and available with either a 1.6 litre petrol engine or a 1.6 or 1.9 litre turbodiesel engine sourced from Fiat. The SX4 has 4 wheel drive, slightly raised ride height and a chunky bodykit to give the impression of an off road vehicle. Suzuki Jimny The Suzuki Jimny is the smallest of Suzukis 4x4's and is a junior off roader. It is a 3 door only with the rear door side hinged like most 4x4's. The car is available with just the single choice of a 1.3 litre petrol engine, either with manual or automatic transmission, and costs from £10,560 on the road in the UK. Suzuki Vitara The Suzuki Grand Vitara is the largest of Suzukis 4x4 offerings in the UK, and is a compact 4x4 similar in proportions to the Toyota Rav-4 and the Landrover Freelander. It is available in either a shortened 3 door form or a full size 5 door, and with a choice of 1.6, 2.0 or 2.4 petrol engines or a 1.9 litre diesel engine, and starts from £13,340 in the UK. Manufacturer website: www.suzuki.co.uk

SUBARU

2009-05-27T08:46:00.000-07:00

Subaru is the car manufacturing arm of Fuji Heavy Industries in Japan. It has historically been famous for its use of 4 wheel drive on all models, its flat 4 boxer style engines with horizontally opposed cylinders (as used on BMW motorbikes) and its success in rallying. Current UK Subaru Models: Subaru Justy The Subaru Justy is the smallest model that the manufacturer produces, and has been around in various forms since its introduction in 1984. The latest version is effectively a re-badged Daihatsu Sirion model, also sold in some markets (but not the UK) as the Toyota Passo. It has a 1.0 litre petrol engine and retails from £9305 on the road in the UK. Subaru Impreza The Subaru Impreza is perhaps the most famous Subaru model, having won the WRC - World Rally Championship many times over. The standard Impreza is a family hatchback but the Turbo & STI version is a very highly tuned tarmac rally car capable of supercar levels of performance and handling that sells against the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo model. Subaru Legacy The Subaru Legacy is Subaru's executive size saloon and estate, around the size of a VW Passat, and again featuring Subaru's famous 4 wheel drive. It is a more civilised than the Impreza, and has a similar range of engines, with a 2.0 , 2.5 and 3.0 petrol boxer layout engines and a new 2.0 diesel - the only diesel in the world that has the boxer opposed cylinder layout. Subaru Outback The Subaru Outback is based on the Legacy Estate model, with increased ride height and rugged plastic cladding to give the appearance of a tough off road vehicle, in the same manner as the Audi Allroad and the Volvo XC70. The Outback is known for being an extremely competent left-field choice of car with good residual values and an excellent reliability record. Subaru Forester The Subaru Forester is a dedicated off road compact 4x4 SUV car, based on the Impreza mechanicals that is now in its 3rd generation, being originally launched in 1997. It is only offered with a 2.0 petrol or diesel engine in the UK, but the 2.5 petrol is available in other markets. The Forester starts from £19,00 in the UK. Subaru Tribeca The Subaru Tribeca is a larger 4x4 based on the platform of the Legacy model. The most recent version has been controversial with the front styling in particular called into question. The Tribeca has not sold well in the UK and big discounts are currently available off this model. Saab was expected to arrange a tie in to use a lightly modified version of the Tribeca, due to be called the Saab 9-6X but due to financial difficulties the plan never got off the ground. Manufacturer website: http://www.subaru.co.uk/

SSANGYONG

2009-05-27T07:54:00.001-07:00

Ssangyong is a South Korean manufacturer that originally produced all sort of different products but was split up into several companies, with the car maker keeping the name. It was bought by fellow Korean car make Daewoo in 1998 and Ssangyong cars were re-branded Daewoo for a period of time, then Daewoo itself faced financial difficulty and was bought by GM, with the Ssangyong brand being sold to Chinese company SAIC in 2004. Currently Ssangyong is in the Korean equivalent of Chapter 11 bankruptcy due to the worldwide recession and huge drop in new car purchases. If it successfully manages to restructure it could start producing car again by 2010. Current Ssangyong Models: Ssangyong Kyron The Ssangyong Kyron is a budget compact 4x4 Sport Utility Vehicle, and utilises a Mercedes Benz 2.0 and 2.7 litre diesel engine and automatic gearbox. It was launched in 2005 band has been a moderate success in Europe, prices start from £18,500 on the road in the UK. Ssangyong Rexton The Ssangyong Rexton is the largest of the 4x4 SUV's that Ssangyong offer. Again it comes with just the one engine choice of the 2.7 litre V6 Mercedes diesel engine and transmission, and prices start from £18,995 in the UK. Ssangyong Rodius The Ssangyong Rodius is the firms people carrier MOV, capable of carrying 7 adults with ease, the Rodius is spacious and cheap, but to Western eyes also incredibly ugly, and voted one of the ugliest cars of all time, surprising since it was designed by a Westerner, once head of the Royal college of art's transport design course. Apparently it is meant to be considered a good looking car in its intended home market, but looks have restricted sales in Europe and the US. Manufacturer website: www.ssangyonggb.co.uk/

SMART

2009-05-27T06:59:00.000-07:00

Smart is a city car company started by Swiss watch manufacturer Swatch, who teamed up with Mercedes Benz to build the car. unfortunately the initial project was not profitable and Swatch pulled out, leaving the project to be owned by Mercedes, who also distribute the Smart cars via their own dealer network. The basic Principle of Smart was to produce a car 2.5 meters long that could be easily manoeuvred in traffic and parked sideways without protruding onto the street, ands in this they were successful. Once out on the open roads, the small size becomes less of an advantage. Smart created the car with a basic frame in a choice of silver or black and plastic body panels that could be purchased separately and interchangeable to allow the owner to customise and change the look whenever they wanted. Smart ForTwo Coupe Smart Fortwo is the mainstay of the range, a 2 door hatchback (referred to by Smart as a coupe) with a compact engine at the rear of the car, either 799cc or 999cc, giving either 45 or 71 horsepower, and a funky interior which is spacious for 2 people. There is also a tuned version by Mercedes tuning company Brabus which gives 99 bhp from the 1 litre engine, and adds larger alloy wheels with a wider tyre to try and counteract the standard cars under-steer when pushed in a corner. Smart ForTwo Cabrio Smart Fortwo Cabrio is a convertible version of the ForTwo with the same basic architecture and engine choices, but with a cloth roof that can be removed for open top motoring. it is slightly more expensive than the coupe with cars starting at £9200 on the road in the UK. Manufacturer website: www.truthaboutsmart.co.uk/

SKODA

2009-05-27T05:22:00.001-07:00

Skoda is a manufacturer from the Czech republic, and is part of the Volkswagen group which also owns Audi, Seat and of course VW. Skoda originally produced very low cost (but also low quality) cars, but with the Volkswagen takeover, it now uses chassis and engines from the parent group, whilst still selling as a value proposition, so the equivalent Skoda is several thousand pounds cheaper than its VW counterpart. Skoda Fabia The Skoda Fabia is a 5 dr supermini sized hatchback based on the same underpinnings as the VW Polo and Seat Ibiza models, and uses a similar range of engines, 1.2, 1.4 and 1.6 petrol engines and 1.4 and 1.9 litre diesel engines. It costs from £8625 on the road in the UK. Skoda Octavia The Skoda Octavia is a 4 door saloon based on the VW Golf platform, so is very similar to the Jetta in size. It also shares most of the Golf and Jettas engines, with 1.4, 1.8 and 2.0 litre petrol engines and 1.9 and 2.0 litre turbodiesel power plants. The Octavia is much cheaper than the equivalent Golf and because of this, it is one of the most popular choices for taxi and minicab drivers, with the combination of low price, cheap running costs and efficiency from the diesel engines making it a winner. Skoda Superb The Skoda Superb is the top of the range Skoda model, and has similar underpinnings to the VW Passat, and again shares most of its engines, with the 2.0 litre diesel being easily the most popular. The Suberb is physically bigger than the Passat and is on a par with rivals such as the Mercedes E-Class for interior space, having plenty of room in the back for use as an executive car. Skoda Roomster The Skoda Roomster is one of the increasingly popular car / van crossover vehicles which gives a raised roof line and van like rear doors to allow a huge degree of practicality for use transporting people as an MPV or transporting objects with seats folded / removed. Being a Skoda, it's cheap too, with prices starting from £11,535 on the road in the UK. Manufacturer website: www.skoda.co.uk

SEAT

2009-05-24T09:38:00.000-07:00

Seat is one of the few Spanish car manufacturers, and are part of the Volkswagen group. All Seat models have their own bodyshell, but rely on VW underpinnings, chassis and engines. Seat models usually sell as a cheaper more youth orientated version than the equivalent Volkswagen model. UK Seat Models: Seat Ibiza The Seat Ibiza is the smallest Seat model on sale and is based on the VW Polo chassis, and shares several of its its engines also, with 1.2 a 1.4 a 1.6 petrol engines and 1.4 and 1.9 litre diesel engines. It is cheaper than the equivalent Polo, and more flamboyantly styled. Prices start at £8,800 for the Ibiza model. Seat Leon The Seat Leon is the manufacturers mid sized hatchback, based on the Volkswagen Golf underpinnings and a very similar size. It is available only as a 5 door hatchback, unlike the Golf there is no 3 door version. It also shares the Golfs engines, with a 1.4, 1.6 and 2.0 petrol motor and a 1.9 and 2.0 diesel engine options. Prices start from £12,985 in the UK. Seat Exeo The Seat Exeo is unlike most other models, based directly on an Audi rather than a VW. (although both are owned by the same group. Seat has taken the design and all the manufacturing machinery for the previous generation Audi A4, which was a very successful model, and changed a few minor details such as the nose and tail, and used the interior from the Audi A4 cabrio model. Whilst this may seem like it would result in an old feeling model, in practice the last generation A4 was a good car, and it still feels like a quality machine. Seat Toledo The Seat Toledo is a booted version of the Leon model, just as the Jetta is a saloon version of the VW Golf. The Toledo has a very limited range of engines - the choice is diesel only , and between a 1.9 or 2.0 turbodiesel version. Seat Altea The Seat Altea is a people carrier version of the Leon, with almost identical styling but a higher roof line to give a more spacious, airy feel to the cabin, similar to the Golf Plus model. The Altea sells against cars such as the Renault Scenic and the Peugeot 3008. The manufacturer offers a Seat Altea XL model which has an extended wheelbase to give more interior room and 7 seats. An off road styled version called the Altea Freetrack 4 with chunky grey plastic cladding and a raised ride height to give the impression of an off road car. Seat Alhambra The Seat Alhambra is the biggest MPV people carrier that Seat offer, and has been on sale form several years now, having been developed alongside the original VW Sharan and Ford Galaxy. It is a full size 7 seater, and being a Seat is cheaper than the equivalent Sharan model, very popular with larger families and taxi drivers alike. Manufacturer website: www.seat.co.uk

SAAB

2009-05-24T08:41:00.000-07:00

Saab are the swedish car maker with a history of making not just cars but also aircraft, with the company producing fighter jets. Saab is now owned by GM, but at time of writing is currently in bankruptcy protection and awaiting a sale as part of the GM Europe portfolio. Saab 9-3 The Saab 9-3 is a family sized saloon car based on the outgoing Vauxhall / Opel Vectra model. It is also available as an estate and a popular convertible model. The 9-3 has a range of engines both normally aspirated and turbo engines, starting from a 1.8 and going upwards. Prices start from the £18,000 mark. Saab 9-5 The Saab 9-5 is a larger model competing with the BMW 5 series and Mercedes E-Class but is very much a small volume niche seller compared to these 2. It is front wheel drive (a disadvantage with the rear wheel drive competition) and about to be replaced shortly. It comes with a choice of a 1.9 turbodiesel, or a 2.0 or 2.3 litre turbocharged 4 cylinder petrol engine. It comes in either a saloon or estate bodyshell and starts from £20,240 in the UK. Manufacturer website: www.saab.co.uk

ROLLS ROYCE

2009-05-24T08:22:00.000-07:00

Rolls Royce is the archetypal British luxury car manufacturer, and makers of the best luxury cars in the world. Rolls Royce is owned by BMW, but has generally done well in allowing RR to expand and develop new models without too much interference. Currently only the Phantom model is on sale but the new Ghost model has just been revealed and will go on sale late 2010. Rolls Royce Phantom is a huge beast of a car, and one of the most elegant and imposing cars on the road. It is available in several variants - the traditional saloon model with rear opening passenger doors, but has recently been released in a drophead convertible version and also a coupe version. Prices, well if you need to ask you probably cant afford it but the saloon starts from £257,000 and goes to £309,000 for the convertible version. Manufacturer website: www.rolls-royce.com

RENAULT

2009-05-24T07:28:00.001-07:00

Renault is one of the largest French car manufacturers with a full range of passenger cars, MPV's, buses and trucks. It has well over a hundred years of history, being founded in 1899. It has a partnership with Nissan and shares some engines and platforms, and also owns Dacia which is a budget brand that doesn't yet sell in the UK. Renault Twingo The Renault Twingo is a 3 door hatchback and the smallest of Renaults cars, and is placed in size between a city car and a traditional supermini, being smaller than the Clio model. the Twingo is sold mainly with a 1.2 litre petrol engine, except from the high performance Renaultsport model which borrows the 133 bhp 1.6 litre petrol engine. Renault Clio The Renault Clio is the companies best selling model, a supermini sized hatchback available in either 3 or 5 door formats, and sells against the Ford Fiesta and VW Polo models. It has a choice of a 1.2, 1.6 and 2.0 litre 4 cylinder petrol engines and a 1.5 litre turbodiesel motor, and starts from £9995 in the UK. Renault Megane Renault Megane is the manufacturers mid sized hatchback - competing size wise with the VW Golf and the Ford Focus. It is available in a 5 door or a more aggressive styled 3 door coupe like bodyshell. It has a range of engines from a 1.5 and 1.9 litre turbodiesel motors or 1.6 and 2.0 litre 4 cylinder petrol engines. Prices start from £14,530 in the UK. Renault Laguna The Renault Laguna is a large family saloon and estate car, competing with the likes of the Ford Mondeo and VW Passat models, and it is a big fleet car seller. The Laguna is in its 3rd generation, originally a replacement for the Renault 21 in 1993. The Laguna comes with a range of 2.0 petrol and diesel engines, but due mainly to fleet sales the 2.0 litre diesel model is easily the most popular. The Laguna is priced from £16,000 in the UK. Renault Kangoo Renault Kangoo is a practical van based car that gives the owner a huge choice of storage and seating arrangements. The Kangoo is available with a choice of a 1.2 or 1.6 litre petrol engine or a 1.5 litre diesel engine, and costs from £10,220 in the UK. Renault Koleos The Renault Koleos is a compact 4x4 SUV that shares the current Renault famil nose from the Clio. It is available with just the single engine choice - a 2.0 litre diesel engine, and can be specified with 2 wheel drive making the car lighter and more fuel efficient, but much less capable off road. Prices on the Koleos start at £18,905 in the UK. Renault Modus Renault Modus is a is a mini MPV people carrier based on Clio underpinnings and engines, no longer than a standard supermini but with a high roof line giving a light and airy interior. The Modus is a product of the Nissan - Renault alliance and was developed in conjunction with the Nissan Note. The Renault Grand Modus is also available which is an extended version of the car with more interior space. Renault Scenic Renault Scenic is a development of the popular previous generation Megane Scenic - a junior people carrier MPV, with underpinnings of the previous generation Megane model, but with very flexible seating for 5 or 7 people. The Renault Grand Scenic is an extended version of the car. Renault Espace Renault Espace is the largest of the Renault people carrier models, and one of the first people carriers ever to be introduced. Like most of its MPV models, there is also a Grand Espace version on offer which is extended for more interior room. Manufacturer website: www.renault.co.uk

PROTON

2009-05-24T07:03:00.000-07:00

Proton is a Malaysian car manufacturer that originally was based on some Mitsubishi models at launch in the 1980's, but now makes its own cars, and the UK sees just a proportion of these models. Proton also owns Lotus and uses the sports car company to help hone the suspension on several of its models. UK Proton Models: Proton Savvy The Proton Savvy is the smallest of the 3 cars sold by Proton in the UK market. It is a 5 door supermini size hatchback and is sold as a budget offering, starting from £7295 on the road. The Savvy uses a 1.2 litre petrol engine sourced from Renault. Proton Satria Neo The Proton Satria Neo is a VW Golf sized 3 door hatchback available with just the one engine choice - a 1.6 litre 4 cylinder petrol engine with either a manual or automatic gearbox, and just 2 spec levels, the more basic GSX or the higher spec Sport trim. The Satria Neo starts from £9995 in the UK market. Proton Gen 2 The Proton Gen 2 is the most expensive of the 3 Proton models on offer in the UK, and is a 4 door family saloon or 5 door hatchback just slightly bigger than the Satria model. It comes with a choice of a 1.3 or a 1.6 litre petrol engine and starts from £8995 in the UK. Manufacturer website: www.proton.co.uk

PORSCHE

2009-05-21T09:00:00.000-07:00

Porsche is the world famous German sports car manufacturer that came about when Ferdinand Porsche developed a rear engined sports car from the original VW Beetle. Porsche has produced hundreds of amazing road and race cars over the years and has a hugely colourful history, which we unfortunately don't have the time or knowledge to delve into here in any great detail, so we will just stick to the current road car offerings: Porsche 911 Porsche 911 - The Icon. The 911 has been around for many generations and has gradually been refined until it is widely regarded as one of the best sports cars on the planet, despite the less than perfect positioning of the engine over the rear axle. There are several versions of the current generation 911 available (known as the 997) - there are: The 911 coupe, the Porsche 911 Targa which is a coupe model with a glass roof panel like a sunroof the entire size of the roof) that slides back into the roof to give a semi open top driving experience, The 911 convertible with a full traditional fabric folding hood, the Porsche 911 Turbo which is the turbocharged seriously fast version of the 911 with 4 wheel drive and close to 500 bhp, and the hardcore track special versions - the 911 GT3 and GT2. Porsche Boxster The Porsche Boxster was launched as a small affordable Porsche 2 seater mid engined convertible (affordable in the context of the more expensive 911 anyway) and now has a choice of a 2.7 litre or 3.4 litre engine in the S model. It has been a sales success for Porsche, bringing in may buyers who would otherwise not consider a Porsche, and a great deal of women drivers into a male dominated brand. Porsche Cayman The Porsche Cayman was launched as a hard top version of the successful Boxster model, and it shares chassis, engines and many common body panels. Significantly though, and almost exclusively in the motor industry, the hard top Cayman is more expensive to buy than the convertible, despite being cheaper for Porsche to make. Porsche puts this down to the fact that the Cayman has a more rigid chassis and better body control than the Boxster and was developed independently. This marketing ploy has been successful and made Porsche a lot of money, no doubt helped by the fact that the Cayman is rated as one of the best handling drivers cars on sale today. Porsche Cayenne The Porsche Cayenne is a large 4x4 SUV that was joint developed with the Volkswagen Touareg model and shares the same chassis, but has unique Porsche engines, and suspension and handling developed by Porsche to give the Cayenne the title of best handling 4x4. The Cayenne is great handling for a 4x4 and Porsches work in this department is remarkable, but the laws of Physics cannot be cheated and something that weighs well over 2 tonnes and has a high centre of gravity cannot out handle a sports car. The Cayenne has been a sales success, particularly in the US.

PGO

2009-05-21T08:44:00.000-07:00

PGO is a small French manufacturer of open top roadster type models, originally kit cars but now sold in fully assembled production form. They take inspiration from the classic Porsche Speedster in their look, and are only available via a limited number of dealers. PGO Cevennes The PGO Cevennes is a 2 seater open top roadster type car, built with the single choice of a 2.0 litre petrol engine, and available in Manual or automatic transmission. The car is mid engined for better weight distribution and handling, and has a steel space frame with a composite shell over the top. The Cevennes starts from £30,540 in the UK. PGO Speedster 2 PGO Speedster 2 is a slightly different style to the Cevennes, but based on the same basic architecture of a 2.0 litre motor in a mid engined tubular space frame chassis and fibreglass composite body shell. the Speedster starts from £29,500 in the UK.

PEUGEOT

2009-05-01T11:24:00.000-07:00

Peugeot is a French car manufacturer and makes up half of the PSA group, along with Citroen. The majority of the Peugeot models use the same platforms and drive trains as their Citroen counterparts. The cars are known for cheap fun motoring and when they were styled by Pininfarina, has some beautifully proportionally balanced designs, but now partly down to the new safety regulations, the models look bulbous. Peugeot 107 The Peugeot 107 is the smallest car in the range and is a joint development between Peugeot, Citroen and Toyota, being all being built in the same factory and with the majority of the same parts to keep costs down - only the front lights and bumpers are really different. Citroen calls their version the C1, Toyota the Aygo, but effectively they are the same car. Peugeot 1007 The Peugeot 1007 is an attempt to add some van like practicality into the range - it has a higher roof height form more storage and headroom, and making it easier to get in, along with a van style sliding door that means no banging into other cars in the supermarket car park, and gives a vast entry and exit space. Unfortunately the 1007 has not been a popular seller in the UK. Peugeot 206 The Peugeot 206 is the classic previous generation model to the 207 (as the name suggests.) It is still on sale in limited numbers in the UK as a cheap budget offering, but feels rather dated compared with its newer rivals, but its styling displays a much more deft elegant touch than its replacement. Peugeot 207 The Peugeot 207 is the replacement for the 207, and a super mini class car that sells against the Ford Fiesta and VW Polo, but has not been able to replicate the sales success of its predecessor, largely down to the less attractive looks of the car. Peugeot 308 The Peugeot 308 is a heavily face lifted version of the previous 307 rather than an all new car. It is a mid size family hatchback that sells against the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf models. It is a sales success in France but is sold in smaller numbers in the UK. Peugeot 4007 The Peugeot 4007 is a joint venture between Mitsubishi, Peugeot and Citroen to produce a cheap practical mid size SUV 4x4. It shares most of the body parts with the Citroen C-Crosser and Mitsubishi Outlander, with only the nose being different to match the corporate looks - engines are also shared and the 4007 comes with the singular choice of a 2.2 litre diesel engine which does a decent job and has plenty of mid range torque. Peugeot 407 The Peugeot 407 is Peugeots mid size family car, and its biggest fleet seller, being the size of the Ford Mondeo and BMW 3 series. Large amounts of the 407 go into company car fleets at heavily subsidized rates, meaning there are bargains galore on the used markets. Peugeot offers the 407 in both saloon, estate and coupe forms, as it did its predecessor - the 406. Peugeot 607 The Peugeot 607 is the flagship of the Peugeot range - a large executive car the same size as the BMW 5 series. Only very small numbers are sold in the UK due to the lack of a prestige badge - something vital for residual value on cars of this class, and depreciation is savage, making it a great cheap used buy. Peugeot 807 The Peugeot 807 is a full sized people carrier with 8 seats that has room for all the family. It primarily uses the diesel engines available in the rest of the range. Peugeot Partner Tepee The Peugeot Partner Tepee is based on the Peugeot Partner commercial van, but with windows and seats fitted to make a cheap practical form of transport - good for moving people and with the seats removed good for work too - ideal for tradesmen who need it all from one car. Peugeot Expert Tepee The Peugeot Expert Tepee is again a van based car, from the Expert van in the commercial Peugeot range. It is roughly the same size as a Ford Transit, and has been converted with windows and seats, and with its size is closer to a small minibus than a traditional MPV. Manufacturer website: www.peugeot.co.uk

PERODUA

2009-04-30T09:19:00.001-07:00

Perodua is Malaysia's second largest car manufacturer after Proton. It has a relatively short history, producing its first car in 1993. They mainly produce very small city cars that sell purely on price, often sold through Proton dealers, and in 2008 only sold 624 new cars in the UK. the cars themselves are not engineered by Perodua - in most cases they are rebadged and redesigned Daihatsu models. Perodua Kelisa The Perodua Kelisa is an old model in the line up that is still offed due to its incredibly cheap price - it was on sale from £4674 in the UK, and was related to the Daihatsu Mira, and the replacement for the Perodua Nippa - the first Perodua car to be sold in the UK. The Kelisa has a 3 cylinder 899 cc petrol engine and can reach 97 mph (with a good wind.) Perodua Kenari The Perodua Kenari is a "challenging" looking car based on the Mk1 Daihatsu Move but with a larger 1 litre petrol engine. It has a tall roofline in the style of an MPV to enable easy entry and exit, and was first launched back in 2000. Prices for the Kenari star from £6305 on the road. Perodua Myvi The Perodua Myvi is a more recent offering, and the design shows this looking much more modern, and is based on the Daihatsi Sirion and Toyota Passo models. In the UK it is available with a 1.3 litre petrol engine and as either a manual or automatic transmission. Prices start from £6969 on the road in the UK. Manufacturer website: www.perodua-uk.com

NOBLE

2009-04-30T09:04:00.000-07:00

Noble is a very recent manufacturer on the British sports car scene, founded in 1999 by Lee Noble and based in Leicestershire, noble started out by showing the word the M10, which quickly morphed into the M12, and the M400 special edition. Unfortunately it is difficult to predict the future of the brand as the founder sold the company in 2007 and the rights to build the M12 and M400. Noble is said to be working on producing the M600 after having shown the M14 and M15 but never releasing them. From the reaction the M12 got from the worlds press as one of the all time best handling road cars, we hope they return soon! Noble M12 Noble M12 is a 2 seater sports car, built on a separate steel chassis and a lightweight fibreglass body. It uses a 3.0 V6 Ford duratec engine, turbo charged to produce 340 bhp in the GTO-3R or 425 BHP in the M400 model, and in such a lightweight car that gives spectacular acceleration, with the M400 giving a 0-60 time of 3.5 seconds. The M12 is known for fantastic handling and has been described as one of the best handling road cars of all time. Manufacturer website: www.noblecars.com

NISSAN

2009-04-26T04:15:00.000-07:00

Nissan is a Japanese manufacturer with head offices in Tokyo, that also runs factories across the world and has one in the UK based in Sunderland, that has the reputation as the most efficient car factory in Europe. Formerly known as Datsun, Nissan produces a wide range of cars and commercial vehicles, and also has recently introduced the Infiniti luxury brand into the UK - their own luxury brand to rival Lexus, BMW etc. Nissan has ties with French producer Renault and shares some platforms and engines. UK Nissan Models: Nissan Micra The Nissan Micra is a Ford Fiesta sized supermini that is built at the Sunderland plant. It is the smallest of the UK Nissan offerings and is a popular choice, known for its reliability. It is known in some other markets as the Nissan March and is currently in its 3rd generation model. Prices start from £7995, and the car is available in either 3 or 5 door hatchback versions. Nissan Micra C+C The Nissan Micra C+C is a coupe-convertible version of the Micra hatchback with a folding hardtop that has been becoming increasingly popular in recent times. It is very definitely seen as having a "girls car" image, reinforced by TV coverage at launch on the Top Gear TV show where a fluorescent pink one was road tested. the Micra C+C competes with rivals such as the Peugeot 207 CC for sales. Nissan Note The Nissan Note was jointly developed with Renault and shares a lot of engines and the chassis with the Renault Modus. It is a compact people carrier with an overall length similar to a supermini, but with individual seats and a high roof line, designed for family transportation. It is available with a choice of a 1.4 or 1.6 petrol engine or a 1.5 turbo diesel unit, and costs from £9990. Nissan 350Z The Nissan 350Z is a 2 seater sports car available as either a coupe or convertible that builds on the heritage of the Datsun and Nissan Z cars that have been popular since the 240Z was introduced in 1969. It is shortly to be replaced by the new 370Z model that builds on the same chassis. The 350Z uses a 3.5 litre V6 normally aspirated petrol engine and the car is said to have excellent sports handling and performance and being a Nissan it is considerably cheaper than rivals such as the BMW Z4 and Porsche Cayman. Nissan GT-R The Nissan GT-R is Nissan's flagship model that proves just how technologically capable the brand is. It is the latest in a line of cars that came from the Japanese market Skyline model, and originally was known as the Skyline GT-R. It has always been fitted with an advanced 4 wheel drive system controlled by sophisticated electronics, and a medium capacity engine with a powerful turbocharger strapped to it, enabling easy tuning with some previous models being taken to over 1000 horsepower by their owners. The current model has 480 horsepower as standard, and competed head on with the Porsche 911 Turbo for ability, despite being nearly 40 thousand pounds cheaper. Nissan Qashqai The Nissan Qashqai is a crossover vehicle designed to sit between somewhere between a family hatchback, a people carrier and an off road 4x4. It has the looks of a 4x4 and an elevated driving position but in a somewhat smaller package, meaning that parking, fuel consumption etc. are all more comparable to a mid sized hatchback, and acknowledges the fact that owners are unlikely to ever take the car off road, so is based around urban capabilities. Nissan Qashqai+2 The Nissan Qashqai+2 is a slightly larger extended Qashqai model that has as the name suggests, room for an extra 2 seats in the back making it a full 7 seat family car rather than a 5 seater like the original. In most other respects it is virtually identical to its smaller brother - engines, chassis etc, and costs a small premium over the basic model for the extra space. Nissan Murano The Nissan Murano is a full sized 4 wheel drive that competes with the likes of the BMW X5 and Mercedes M-Class, yet avoids the traditional chunky squared off big off-road styling which is backed up by the cars firm on-road focus. It shares the same engine as the 350Z with a big 3.5 litre V6 motor, which does hamper the sales in the diesel orientated UK market. Nissan X-Trail The Nissan X-Trail is a compact 4x4 that sells against the Land Rover Freelander, Honda CR-V etc. It is only currently available with a 2.0 litre diesel engine with 173 horsepower, and costs from £22340 in the UK. The current version has been enlarged over the previous model to give space for the smaller Qashqai in the range. Nissan Pathfinder The Nissan Pathfinder is based on the Nissan Navara double cab commercial vehicle but with a full working boot. It has the same styling, chassis interior and engines as the Navara. Nissan Patrol The Nissan Patrol is much more of a traditional 4x4 with full off road ability to compete with other four wheel drives such as the Mitsubishi Shogun and the Toyota Hi-Lux. It uses a separate ladder chassis to its body and several electrical and mechanical off road systems. Manufacturer website: www.nissan.co.uk

MORGAN

2009-04-26T03:45:00.000-07:00

Morgan is a great British sports car manufacturer, founded in 1909 based in Malvern, Worcestershire. It builds all its cars by hand and they are one of the few cars still constructed from wood, with most models having panels over an ash frame. The cars are always built to order only, and have long waiting lists, typically a year to 2 rs, but between 5 and 10 years wait for the car has not been unknown in the past and gives the cars a great degree of exclusivity. Current UK Morgan Cars: Morgan Aero 8 The Morgan Aero 8 is the most modern of Morgans offerings, designed in 2000 to try and bring the factory into the 21st century, the car still had elements of ash in its frame, but was also constructed from aluminium, and very lightweight. IT featured a 4.4 litre V8 BMW engine, giving a top speed of 160 mph from its 325 horsepower making it a high performance sports car. Morgan 4/4 1800 The Morgan 4/4 1800 dates back to the first ever 4 wheeled Morgans built from 1936, with the 4/4 meaning 4 wheels, 4 cylinders. The model uses Morgans traditional open top roadster styling and is fitted with a 1.8 litre Ford Duratec 16 valve petrol engine with 125 horsepower, and is the entry level offering in the range currently costing £27,265 in the UK. Morgan Plus Four The Morgan Plus Four is a larger and more powerful version of the 4/4 with an enlarged frame to allow more space inside for the occupants, and has been around in the Morgan range periodically since 1950, and it is the only Morgan available with a 4 seat option. It costs from £31,150 currently in the UK. Morgan roadster V6 The Morgan Roadster V6 replaced the Plus 8 as the most powerful of the traditional style Morgans (excluding the Aero 8) in 2004, and is identical to the Plus 8 but uses a Ford sourced 3.0 V6 petrol engine to power it. due to the lightweight design, performance is great for a car of this type with a 0 to 60 time of 4.9 seconds. The Roadster V6 costs from £38,550. Manufacturer website: www.morgan-motor.co.uk

MITSUBISHI

2009-04-25T08:13:00.001-07:00

Mitsubishi is another Japanese car manufacturer, and is owned by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries - a company that produces all sorts of motorised machinery from garden mowers to Naval warships - cars are only one small part of its forte. The cars it does produce are known as being innovative and reliable, and topped by the flagship Evo rally cars who have a remarkable array of talents. UK Mitsubishi models: Mitsubishi I-Car The Mitsubishi I-Car is a small new innovative city car launched recently by Mitsubishi, designed to carry 4 people in comfort in a car not much bigger than the Smart 2 seater city car. This makes it incredibly easy to park and manoeuvre around a crowded city like London. An electric version is about to go on sale that should prove very popular. Mitsubishi Colt The Mitsubishi Colt is the newest generation of the popular little hatchback, recently face lifted to receive its bigger brother's looks, with the wide grille opening of the Lancer model transplanted - some would say less than successfully - on to the nose of the car. The Colt still drives well and the more powerful CZT model is really good fun. Mitsubishi Lancer The Mitsubishi Lancer is the mid size saloon car, about the same size as a VW Jetta model, and competes with hatchbacks like the Ford Focus. It is a half decent family car that lives to some extent off the success of its powerful rally inspired variant, the Evolution X - see below. Mitusbishi Lancer Evo X The Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X or to give it it's full name Evolution X (where X stands for 10) is as you would expect the 10th generation of the rally bred Evo model, which runs a powerful small capacity turbocharged engine available in several power outputs, that has been the flagship of the range for a long time, due to its success in the world rally championship over many years. The Evo X gives owners a car that has an advanced 4 wheel drive system and enough power and cornering ability to embarrass a super car, especially in the wet. It's main rival is the Subaru Impreza Turbo. Mitsubishi Grandis The Mitsubishi Grandis is an unashamed attempt to make a conventional people carrier look sexy. It has given what is usually classed as family transport a very masculine and aggressive nose, and looks good for it. It has a full 7 seats, but unfortunately is a fairly rare sight on UK public roads. Mitsubishi Outlander The Mitsubishi Outlander is a compact 4x4 model that is a joint development between Peugeot, Citroen and Mitsubishi, producing 3 identical cars that have their own manufacturers respective noses engines and interiors, but the chassis pressings are shared. Citroen's car is called the C-Crosser, and Peugeot's is the 4007. Mitsubishi Shogun The Mitsubishi Shogun is one of Mitsubishi's best sellers and has a reputation as a tough full sized 4x4 model to compete with the Toyota Hi-Lux. It runs a 3.2 litre diesel engine and is available either as a more compact 3 door or larger 5 door 4x4 SUV. It is known for its rugged looks and reliability. Manufacturer website: www.mitsubishi-cars.co.uk

MINI

2009-04-24T11:54:00.000-07:00

Mini is the brand relaunched by BMW to give them a range of small premium priced hatchbacks that has been a stunning sales success. The design pays homage to the Alec Issigonis original, but is a far bigger car, reflecting today's complicated safety legislation. A convertible model was also launched along with an extended traveller version with an extra rear door for easier access. Current UK Mini Models: Mini One The Mini One is the entry level model in the Mini range, with a 1.4 litre petrol engine and available in manual or auto. The Mini One is available as a standard 3 door, or the 5 door version, but not the convertible. The car can be upgraded with the popular Pepper Pack. Mini Cooper The Mini Cooper has the more powerful 1.6 litre petrol engine, or a choice of a 1.6 diesel engine, again in manual or auto, and with the Pepper or Chilli pack as upgrades giving better alloys etc, and can come as an estate or convertible version. Mini Cooper S The Mini Cooper S is the most powerful version of the mini and has a 1.6 litre turbocharged engine (as opposed to the mark one version of the BMW mini which ran a 1.6 litre supercharged engine). it has firmer upgraded suspension and brakes to cope with the extra power and is a real pocket rocket. Manufacturer website: www.mini.co.uk

MICROCAR

2009-04-24T10:04:00.000-07:00

Microcar is a small firm that imports its cars from France, and is part of the Beneteau group that mainly produces boats and ailing equipment. Microcar cars are actually Quadracycles - effectively classified as 4 wheeled motorcycles and can be driven on a bike license. UK Microcar Models: Microcar MC1 The Microcar MC1 is the smaller of the 2 near identical models and has a 505cc tiny 4 stroke petrol engine with 20 bhp that can power the car up to 70 mph. The MC1 costs £7264 on the road in the UK. Microcar MC2 The Microcar MC2 is a stretched version of the MC1 with an extra foot of space in the back for extra carrying capacity. It runs the same 505cc engine and costs from £8745 in the UK. Manufacturer website: www.micro-car.co.uk

MERCEDES-BENZ

2009-04-23T08:02:00.000-07:00

Mercedes is a large German manufacturer owned by the Daimler-Benz corporation that also owns Maybach and Smart, and was for a period owner of the Chrysler group. It produces a range of luxury cars right from small hatchbacks to £100,000, 20 mph saloons and sports cars, and is also well known for its range of commercial vehicles and vans. UK Mercedes Models: Mercedes A Class The Mercedes A Class is the smallest car Mercedes produce under its own brand (they also make the Smart) and it is a 5 door hatchback with a unique design that has a twin floor, allowing the engine to be sandwiched at an angle at the front of the car between the 2 floors. It was criticised at launch for poor handling and failing the famous elk test that involves swerving one way then the other at speed, but changes to the suspension have improved things a lot on this most recent model. Mercedes B Class The Mercedes B Class is of a similar design to the A Class and is positioned somewhere between a conventional hatchback like a VW Golf and a compact people carrier, as its high roof allows easy access. It has been criticised for having high prices when compared to its rivals, but the luxury image of the Mercedes brand allows it to get away with it to an extent. Mercedes C Class The Mercedes C Class is the second biggest seller in the Mercedes range, and is a direct competitor to the BMW 3 Series - its main rival. the C Class is front engined and rear wheel drive, and its cornering dynamics have vastly improved on this latest model, putting it almost on a par with its BMW rival. The C Class is a big seller to company car fleets. Mercedes CL The Mercedes CL is the largest and most expensive of all of Mercedes Coupe models. It is a big 2+2 front engined rear wheel drive GT car that is set up for power and comfort rather than sporting ability, and competes mainly with the likes of Bentleys, although as the Mercedes badge doesn't quite have the prestige of some of its £100k rivals, depreciation on this model can be savage. Mercedes CLC The Mercedes CLC is a heavily face lifted and renamed version of the Mercedes Sportcoupe, essentially a cut down 3 door hatch version of the previous generation C Class saloon, but updated with the current more angular styling trend rather than the smaller round lights of its predecessor. Despite being a coupe, it is more dynamically limited than the new C Class, as the previous generation chassis does not quite have the capability the new C has. Mercedes CLK The Mercedes CLK is not long for this world. It is a coupe and cabrio version of the previous generation C-Class, and competed with the BMW 3 Series Cabriolet and Audi A4 Cabrio. It is not directly being replaced, as Mercedes is introducing an E Class Coupe in the next generation model - out in the summer. Mercedes CLS The Mercedes CLS was codenamed the Jaguar Killer during development, and it is one of the first saloons to receive the 4 door coupe look - it has a curvy roof-line and styling that more resembles a coupe, but has most of the space of a standard saloon. It is based on the E-Class and has a similar but restricted range of engines. Mercedes E Class The Mercedes E Class is the mainstay of the Mercedes range - a mid size executive saloon, front engined and rear wheel drive that is the car of choice for business executives. It competes with the BMW 5 Series, Audi A6 and Jaguar XF for sales, with most popular engines being the diesel versions in Europe. Mercedes GL The Mercedes GL is the biggest of Mercedes 4x4 off road cars. It has a separate ladder chassis and can easily carry 7 people with plenty of room for luggage. More popular in the US than the UK due to its bulky size, the GL mainly sells with big diesel engines in it. Mercedes M Class The Mercedes M Class is the mid size 4x4 SUV in the range, and competes with the BMW 5 series, Audi Q7 and Range Rover Sport for sales. first generation cars were considered rather poorly made, but the new second generation are faring much better. Mercedes R Class The Mercedes R Class is a rare sight on UK roads, due to lack of demand - it is an executive people carrier, giving its rear seat passengers individual chairs. It was hoped to be popular in the Limo market, but execs preferred to be seen in the more prestigious S Class. Mercedes S Class The Mercedes S Class is the largest saloon in the range without considering the S Class based Maybach models. t has proven to be the car of choice in recent times for business owners and directors, and sells mainly against the Jaguar XJ in the UK, and to a lesser extent the BMW 7 series and Audi A8. Mercedes SL The Mercedes SL is a big 2 seat convertible with a folding hard top roof. It has a range of large engines, and sells against the Jaguar XK and Porsche 911, but is softer and more comfort focused than either of those - more designed for road cruising rather than cornering ability, and ha recently been face lifted to the model you see here. Old Mercedes SL The Old Mercedes SL is also on sale in small numbers until stocks tun out. Known as the SL Series, it is sold as a budget alternative to the new model, and some say is better looking than its replacement. Mercedes SLK The Mercedes SLK is the smaller version of the SL, and the first car in production with its novel folding hard top roof, now much copied on other models. The roof design is clever, but does add weight, making the SLK more of a cruiser than a sports car. BMW has recently copied the design for its competitor, the Z4. Mercedes Viano The Mercedes viano is a modification of one of the range of Mercedes vans - not covered here, into an 8 seat people carrier, used more for corporate and taxi work rather than as personal transportation. Manufacturer website: www2.mercedes-benz.co.uk

MAZDA

2009-04-22T09:37:00.000-07:00

Mazda is one of the bigger Japanese car manufacturers, wit its head office in Hiroshima, and is pronounced "Matsuda" in Japanese. It originally produced machine tools and switched to vehicles in 1927. Mazda is currently majority owned by Ford, and some models share components. It was well known for pioneering the rotary engine, which is still seen today in its RX-8 model. Current UK Mazda Cars: Mazda 2 The Mazda 2 is the smallest car in the range, similar in size to a Ford Fiesta supermini. It is available in both 3 and 5 door hatchback forms, and starts from £8899 in the UK. Mazda 3 The Mazda 3 is the VW Golf sized mid range compact model, available as either a 5 door hatch or a 4 door saloon, like the Jetta. it has a range of petrol and diesel engines from 1.4 to a powerful 2.3 litre MPS range topping model, and starts from £11,200 in the UK. Mazda 5 The Mazda 5 (there is no Mazda 4 currently in production) is an MPV people carrier the size of a Vauxhall Zafira model, that has 7 seats and sprightly handling, designed to transport the whole family. It comes with a choice of 1.8 and 2.0 petrol or 2.0 diesel engines, and starts from £15,770. Mazda 6 The Mazda 6 is the mid size saloon and estate car that is a similar size to the Ford Mondeo and VW Passat models. It is called the Atenza in its home market, and in the UK comes with a choice of 1.8, 2.0 and 2.5 litre petrol engines or a 2.2 diesel power plant. Prices start from £15180 in the UK. Mazda MX5 The Mazda MX5 is the worldwide best selling roadster model, based on the simple principle of a small front engined rear wheel drive 2 seat convertible. It is in its 3rd generation but has always been considered one of the best handling, most fun cars to drive - my wife has one and loves it! It is now also available with a folding hard top roof. Mazda CX7 The Mazda CX7 is a 4x4 crossover vehicle that also works as a practical people carrier. It has very much on road focused dynamics and has sports car like styling rather than traditional squared off chunky looks. It would be a good seller in the UK but is limited by a single engine choice of a 2.3 petrol unit that it a good motor, but the UK rally looks for diesel in its 4 wheel drive models. Mazda RX8 The Mazda RX8 is an individual front engined rear wheel drive 2+2 coupe that has a set of rear doors that are half size and open backwards to allow easier access to the rear seat than conventional coupe models. It also has an unconventional Rotary engine, that is only a 1.3 but provides the power of a much larger unit but revving incredibly highly. Rotary engines are known for high revs and very little torque, and also poor fuel consumption, but to use the engine is incredibly smooth and free revving. Manufacturer website: www.mazda.co.uk

MAYBACH

2009-04-22T05:40:00.000-07:00

Maybach is the ultra luxury marque brought in by Mercedez Benz to create a rival to Rolls Royce, and a proper limousine rather than an aftermarket stretch version. Maybach models are all made to order for their owners and are incredibly customisable with almost every conceivable option you can add to a car. UK Maybach models: Maybach 57 The Maybach 57 is the shorter wheelbase version of the Maybach. It is available as a 5.5 or 6.0 litre V12 petrol engine, and starts from a piffling £263,245 in the UK. Maybach 62 Maybach 62 is the long wheelbase version of the Maybach, the 62 refers to the 6.2 metres in length, It is available with a 5.5 or 6.0 litre V12 petrol engine, and starts from a piffling £303,180 in the UK. Manufacturer website: www.maybach-uk.com

MASERATI

2009-04-22T04:15:00.000-07:00

Maserati is a manufacturer of fine Italian sports cars with a real heritage. It is owned by the Fiat SPA group that also owns Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, and of course Fiat. Maserati has a rich history of producing gorgeous sports cars that rivalled Ferrari, and now produces just 2 models, both simply stunning. UK Maserati Models: Maserati Granturismo The Maserati Granturismo is a 2+2 coupe GT car, that sharesunderpinnings with the Alfa 8C Competizione, along with its 4.7 litre petrol V8 engine, also used in the Ferrari California. It's closest rivals are the Jaguar XKR and Mercedes SL, but also the Aston Martin DB9. IT has stunning looks and a fearsome engine noise, and starts from £78,210 in the UK. Maserati Quattroporte The Maserati Quattroporte is a unique car, it is a 4 door luxury saloon with styling that lends itself to a sports car, with a coupe like roofline and shark nose, and it has to be said, one of the best looking 4 door luxury saloons in existence - this is backed up by the fact that in a market segment where residual values are terrible, and Maserati residuals have historically been poor, the current Quattroporte is best in class, and an ideal alternative to the boringly traditional Mercedes S-Class. Manufacturer website: www.maserati.co.uk

MARLIN

2009-04-22T03:01:00.001-07:00

Marlin is another of Britain's little cottage industry sports car manufacturers following the tried and tested methods of putting larger manufacturers engines into lightweight roadster chassis. Marlin was founded in Plymouth in 1979 and is now based in Devon. It originally sold cars purely in kit form but now also produces fully factory assembled cars. Current UK Marlin Models: Marlin 5exi The Marlin 5exi is the latest of the Marlin models and is a lightweight 2 seat roadster designed mainly for the race track and regularly enters race series. It is available in kit or fully assembled form and is powered by either a Honda Civic Type R or Rover K Series engine. Marlin Hunter The Marlin Hunter is a retro styled open top roadster available with either a 2.3 or 4.0 litre petrol engine and comes in either short or long wheelbase versions. It is based on the earlier Marlin Roadster that used Ford Sierra parts. Marlin Sportster The Marlin Sportster is another retro design that gives the traditional roadster shape a modern 4.0 litre petrol V8 BMW engine, making it a powerful lightweight car. Manufacturer website: www.marlinsportscars.co.uk

MARCOS

2009-04-21T07:39:00.000-07:00

Marcos Logo Marcos is a low volume British sports car company that produces lightweight fibreglass sports cars based on steel space frames and large capacity American V8 motors. Started in 1959, the company has gone bankrupt and the name resurrected a couple of times, and it has produced such classics as the Mantis and Mantaray. Current Marcos UK Models: Marcos TSO Marcos only has one current model in production for the UK, the Marcos TSO. It has a 6.0 litre V8 Chevy Corvette engine in a lightweight 1170kg chassis, it is front engined and rear wheel drive, with 420 horsepower, and costs from £67,475 in the UK. Manufacturer website: www.Marcos.co.uk

LTI

2009-04-21T04:05:00.001-07:00

It wouldn't be right to have a list of all the current cars for sale in the UK without having one of the most iconic. LTI stands for London Taxis International, and is the maker of the classic London taxi cab. The style has remained true to the Austin FX4 original model with its coach-built Daimler style. Models are built in Coventry, but there is also an agreement for the Chinese manufacturer Geely Automotive to assemble the cars for its domestic market. UK LTI models: LTI TXII The LTI TXII came out in 2002 as the long awaited update to the TX1 model that has completely redesigned the classic London Black Cab. It changed the engine from a Nissan diesel unit to a Ford duratorq 2.5 diesel. LTI TX4 The LTI TX4 is the most recent version of the black cab, launched in 2007, and quite similar in body to the TX2 it replaces. (there was no TX3 model.) The TX4 has a 2.5 diesel motor made by VM Motori diesel, and it has a separate chassis and body. Manufacturer website: www.LTI.co.uk

LOTUS

2009-04-17T08:13:00.000-07:00

Lotus was founded by Colin Chapman in 1952, and produced both lightweight road cars and cars for racing, notably formula one cars and raced in F1 from 1958 - 1994. It has had sales success with iconic cars such as the seven, the Elan and Esprit. Its current models are all spun from the aluminium Elise platform which was revolutionary when first introduced in 1996. Current UK Lotus Models: Lotus Elise The Lotus Elise is the backbone of the current range, with an advanced lightweight aluminium chassis and fibreglass bodywork. The first Elise models had Rover K-Series engines, but these have been replaced by 1.8 litre Toyota engines. The Elise remains a byword for the ultimate in lightweight fun sports cars and has some of the best handling and steering feel of any road car in production. Lotus 2-Eleven The Lotus 2-Eleven is an ultra lightweight track version of the Elise stripped down to just the bare essentials to save weight, so no windscreen or passenger seats. It is road legal, but the majority of the cars spend time on the track, and it has its own one make race series. Lotus Exige The Lotus Exige is a more powerful version of the Elise, again a hardcore track variant, this time with an enclosed roof, and a wider track and modified bodywork. The Exige is available with a range of highly tuned engines and again despite being road legal is mainly a racing car. Lotus Europa The Lotus Europa uses an extended version of the Elise chassis, with the idea that it is more road focused and more usable every day than the Elise, so it has more concessions to comfort than most of the range- it has a fixed roof, and carpets, cup-holders etc. which is meant to allow the car to compete with cars like the Porsche Cayman. Lotus Evora The Lotus Evora is a brand new model, much larger than the Elise, it is a 2+2 with small but usable rear seats, and a much more powerful 3.5 litre V6 engine. The car has only just been launched and the first road tests have not been printed at time of writing but motoring journalists are eager with anticipation to try the car out. Manufacturer website: Lotus Cars UK

LIGIER

2009-04-16T07:52:00.000-07:00

Ligier is a french manufacturer most famous fro producing Formula 1 racing cars, and now produces a range of Quadracycles - tiny city cars that are classed as 4 wheel motorcycles and can be driven on a bike license. These are imported from France and sold in very low numbers, but are still counted as a UK sold new car manufacturer. Ligier Ambra The Ligier Ambra is a steel space frame with plastic body panels and a tiny 505cc engine capacity. It's about 2.5 metres long so incredibly easy to manoeuvre and park, although we would not want to be inside one in a high speed crash as cars like this are exempt from some of the stricter safety legislation. The Ambra costs from £5090 in the UK. Ligier Nova The Ligier Nova is very similar to the Ambra in terms of size, body shell, platform and engine, but is more luxuriously equipped and costs rather more at £7047 in the UK, making it seem rather expensive compared to some conventional car rivals. Manufacturer website: Ligier UK

LEXUS

2009-04-16T05:37:00.000-07:00

Lexus is the luxury car brand introduced by Toyota in the 1990's when it realised that the traditional Toyota brand was considered too mainstream to be able to sell more expensive luxury cars without them devaluing. It has since produced some of the best luxury cars in the world, and is slowly gaining on brands like Mercedes by producing cars with masses of the latest tech as standard rather than as expensive optional equipment like most of the German manufacturers. Lexus IS The Lexus IS is the smallest model in the Lexus range, is now in its second generation and rivals the BMW 3 series and Mercedes E-Class. It doesn't have the same range of engines as its rivals, with a choice of either a 2.2 litre diesel, a 2.5 petrol or a top end M3 rivalling 4.6 V8 model. Lexus GS The Lexus GS fits neatly into the next category up from the IS - the GS competes with the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class. It has traditionally been available with just the single choice of engine - the 3.0 litre unit in the GS300, but has recently been launched as a hybrid in the form of the GS450h. It's main barrier to volume sales in the UK has been the lack of a range of diesel engines though. Lexus LS The Lexus LS is the top of the range luxury flagship model, a huge limousine of a car, matching the Mercedes S-Class and Jaguar XJ models for size and coming with every conceivable extra as standard, making it good value, although like all cars in the market segment, depreciation is heavy. Lexus SC The Lexus SC430 was launched several years ago as the upper class coupe to take on the Mercedes SL sports car, and the SC also features a similar folding metal roof arrangement to the SL. The SC never sold in the numbers the SL did, mainly due to the lack of success the car had in hiding the folding roof arrangement, with the overall styling being rather bulky. Lexus RX The Lexus RX is the companies off road offering, to rival the BMW X5 and Mercedes ML models. It comes with the choice of a 3.5 litre petrol engine in the RX350 or a petrol-hybrid combination in the RX400, making it the worlds first hybrid off road car. This car is great for confusing environmentalists who hate big polluting 4x4's but like the green hybrid technology. Manufacturer website: www.lexus.co.uk

LAND ROVER

2009-04-16T00:12:00.000-07:00

Land Rover started out as a single 4x4 model in the Rover range that expanded into an entire company. It has had several owners - it was part of British Leyland, bought out by BMW along with rover for the 4x4 technology, BMW subsequently sold Land Rover to Ford, who added it to their Premier Automotive Group along with Jaguar, Volvo, and Aston Martin, and then sold along with Jaguar to Tata Motors. This has resulted in Jaguar & Land Rover being one financial entity, and they now share the same engines and technology. Current UK Land Rover Models: Land Rover Freelander The Land Rover Freelander is the smallest Land Rover, and currently in its second generation. Like the rest of their Land Rover range it has a focus on off road ability and is one of the most competent cars in the compact 4x4 class off road. It sells against a large amount of competitors such as the BMW X3, Honda CRV and Toyota Rav 4. Land Rover Discovery The Land Rover Discovery was the mainstay of the Land Rover range but sales have dropped considerably since the launch of the Range Rover Sport model. The Discovery is the most competent of all the Land Rover models off road, demonstrated when Jeremy Clarkson drove one to the top of a mountain in Wales. It has a separate ladder chassis that gives the 4x4 its talent but it also adds a great deal to the weight. Range Rover Range Rover is the luxury model in the range. The current model was designed and engineered by BMW under its stewardship, and is considered one of the best luxury cars available, giving all the luxuries of a grand saloon car, with a commanding driving position. Range Rover Sport Range Rover Sport is, despite the name, developed on the discovery chassis. It targeted the BMW X5 in sales, and is seen as the Range Rover for the town rather than country, and is regularly seen "blinged up" with blacked out windows and huge alloys. Manufacturer website: www.landrover.co.uk

LAMBORGHINI

2009-04-15T09:20:00.000-07:00

Lamborghini is the world famous sports car manufacturer that has in the past produced such greats as the Muira, Countach and Diablo. Once independent, it is now owned by Audi (itself owned by the Volkswagen group). This has injected some much needed German build quality into the exuberant Italian design. Current UK Lamborghini Models: Lamborghini Gallardo The Lamborghini Gallardo is the smaller of the 2 current models, and shares a platform with the similarly fantastic Audi R8 super-car. The Gallardo is aimed squarely at the Ferrari F430 as its main rival, but ill also compete with top end Porsche models like the 911 Turbo. The Gallardo has a 5.2 litre V10 petrol engine capable of producing close to 560 horsepower, and it is available either as a coupe or an convertible (spider) version. Lamborghini Murcielago The Lamborghini Murcielago is the last of the old school pre-Audi Lamborghinis, and replacement for the Diablo, although it is itself going to be replaced shortly. It has a Thunderous 6.5 litre V12 engine that gives a whopping 640 horsepower, and has a space frame chassis and aluminium and composite bodywork. It's dramatic wedge shape looks fantastic and cuts through the air, but does make everyday driving a challenge as visibility isn't great. Manufacturer website: www.lamborghini.co.uk

KIA

2009-04-15T07:20:00.000-07:00

Kia is a recently formed South Korean brand formed when the huge Hyundai company experienced financial difficulties several years ago, and part of its motoring division was split up. The resulting brand has gone from strength to strength, improving their initially budget quality designs, and have new models out that are capable of matching the accepted mainstream. As an added bonus all cars carry a 7 year warranty in the UK. UK Kia Models: Kia Picanto The Kia Picanto is the smallest new kia, launched as a budget city car, offered as a five door at the price most car companies were offering budget 3 door models for - and the model starts from just £5995 in the UK making it one of the UK's cheapest new cars. Kia Ceed The Kia Ceed is a new offering from Kia that definitely gives them the quality product to match the opposition. It is a mid size hatchback the size of a VW Golf or Ford Focus, and manages to keep p with its European competitors in terms of design and engineering. Kia Pro Ceed The Kia Pro Ceed is the sporty 3 door hatchback that is marketed as a sports coupe, following the fashion set by the Astra and Megane for the 3 door hatchback versions to be more overtly sporty and stylish. It comes with a range of 1.4, 1.6 and 2.0 engines, identical to the Ceed sister car. Kia Rio The Kia Rio is one of the earlier budget offerings from Kia and the difference from that to newer models like the Ceed is very noticeable. It sells very much as a budget hatchback ,and is closer in size to a VW Polo. The Rio starts at £7995 on the road in the UK. Kia Soul The Kia Soul shows just how individual and stylish Kia can be when it puts its mind to it, producing a funky crossover between a hatchback and a true 4x4, with rugged styling and certain models carrying loud graphics to attract younger buyers. It is currently only available with the new 1.6 engine. Kia Sportage The Kia Sportage is the smaller of the two true off road cars, the Sportage being the size of the VW Tiguan and Ford Kuga models. It sells mainly with a 2.0 diesel engine, but a 2.0 petrol unit is also available. Being a Kia, it's list price is considerably cheaper than rivals starting at £14,910 on the road in the UK. Kia Sorento The Kia Sorento is the full size 4x4 SUV in the Kia range, and a rather good looking one too. It has more than a passing resemblance to the Mercedes ML and Lexus GS models, and is similar in size but undercuts both heavily on price. Due to this the car was a good seller in the off road segment when launched. Kia Magentis The Kia Magentis is the biggest saloon car in the UK Kia range, and a rare sight on UK roads. It competes with the Ford Mondeo and VW Passat, but ike the rest of the models in the range, is a budget offering, meaning a cheap price but poor residual values. Kia Carens The Kia Carens is a compact people carrier in the mould of a Vauxhall Zafira or VW Touran, although is a bit of a niche seller. It starts from £11550, again undercutting the competition. Kia Sedona The Kia Sedona is the full size 7 seat people carrier that rivals the Ford Galaxy and Renault Espace for interior space. it comes with a choice of a 2.7 V6 petrol unit or the more popular 2.9 diesel power plant. Manufacturer website: www.kia.co.uk

JEEP

2009-04-15T00:49:00.000-07:00

Jeep is the off road division of Chrysler. It was originally the transport vehicle of choice for the US army since world war 2. It now produces a range of civilian cars, all based on 4 wheel drive chassis. The UK receives all 6 of the models Jeep produce: Jeep Cherokee The Jeep Cherokee is a small to mid size off road 4x4, that received a complete refresh for 2008. It has a 5 door body shell with just the single engine choice of a 2.8 turbo diesel engine. Jeep Commander The Jeep Commander is a larger 7 seat SUV based on the Grand Cherokee platform and engines, meaning it gets the single choice of a 3.0 turbo diesel engine for the UK market. It is quite a boxy and over square style. The Jeep Compass The Jeep Compass is one of the smallest Jeep models, a similar size to the Patriot and are below the Wrangler in the Jeep range as entry level cars. They are both based on the Dodge Caliber family car platform. it is available with a 2.0 diesel engine and a 2.4 petrol engine. Jeep Grand Cherokee The Jeep Grand Cherokee is the flagship model in the Jeep range and comes with either a 3.0 diesel motor or a massive 6.1 Hemi V8 SRT-8 petrol engine from the Dodge Viper. Jeep Patriot The Jeep Patriot is another of the entry level Jeep models on the same platform and sharing the same engines as the Compass that uses the Dodge Caliber chassis. Jeep Wrangler The Jeep Wrangler is what most people would think of it as closest in spirit to the original army Jeep, and shares styling cues with the utilitarian original. It comes with either a 2.8 diesel or a 3.8 V6 engine in the rubicon model. Manufacturer website: www.jeep.co.uk

JAGUAR

2009-04-14T03:53:00.000-07:00

Jaguar are a well known British brand & luxury car manufacturer, producing iconic cars like the Mk2 and the E-Type, voted most beautiful car of all time. Jaguar has been owned by several different parties, from British Leyland to Ford, and most recently bought by Tata motors, owned By Ratan Tata the Indian steel magnate. It is part of the JLR group, also including Land Rover, with whom they share most of their engines. UK Jaguar models: Jaguar X-Type The Jaguar X-Type is the smallest of the Jaguar range, introduced in 2001 to produce an affordable Jaguar. It was built on the Ford Mondeo chassis, and shared the Ford's engines. It was available with a 2.5 and 3.0 V6 petrol motors and also 2.0 and 2.2 diesels, and a short lived 2.1 V6 petrol engine. Jaguar XF The Jaguar XF is the newly launched mid size saloon car that has brought in a completely new styling direction for Jaguar, moving it away from the old fashioned retro stying that put off so many younger buyers and towards a new modern look. It competes against the Mercedes E-Class and BMW 5 Series. Jaguar XJ The Jaguar XJ is the Flagship saloon of the Jaguar range, and is in its 7th generation. Its looks have been evolutionary and still bears a strong resemblance to the original 60's XJ models. This retro style hides an ultra modern aluminium lightweight monocoque chassis and advanced engines. Jaguar XK The Jaguar XK is the sports car in the Jaguar range, available with a 5.0 litre V8 engine in either standard normally aspirated or supercharged R form giving 500 horsepower. The XK is all aluminium like the XJ making he car much lighter than rivals such as the Mercedes SL. Manufacturer website: www.jaguar.co.uk

INVICTA

2009-04-14T03:08:00.000-07:00

Invicta is a small specialist sports car manufacturer based in Chippenham, Wiltshire. It makes one single model - the S1. It does not have an established dealer network, so enquiries for sales should be made direct to the factory. Invicta S1 The Invicta S1 is a 2 seater sports car, available as a coupe only. It is front engined and rear wheel drive. It has a moulded carbon fibre body bonded to a steel space frame chassis, and is powered by an imported engine from Ford America, the 4.6 litre V8 from Fords SVT unit. In this application it provides 320 horsepower, which wile quite low by sports car standards, is plenty when the car weighs a lightweight 1100 kg. Manufacturer website: www.invictacar.com

HYUNDAI

2009-04-14T00:46:00.000-07:00

Hyundai is the major South Korean manufacturer that has slowly improved its models to European standards and currently has a very mixed model range of ageing and brand new models, most of the newer models share component parts with sister company Kia. UK Hyundai models: Hyundai Accent The Hyundai Accent is a 3 door hatchback, available only with a 1.4 petrol engine in the UK, and one trim level the "Atlantic" spec. The only choice is manual or auto. Hyundai Amica The Hyundai Amica was removed from the line up back in 2002 and was re-introduced in 2006 without many major changes. It is only available with a 1.1 litre engine and sells on its low list price of £5995. Hyundai Coupe The Hyundai Coupe is a good looking budget coupe that has been around for several generations. It is available with a 1.6 and 2.0 petrol engines, and starts from £15760. Hyundai Getz The Hyundai Getz has been Hyundais best selling car in Europe for several years. It is another small hatchback with a 5 door bodystyle, available with a 1.2 petrol engine, starting from £6999. Hyundai Grandeur The Hyundai Grandeur is the manufacturers largest saloon car, broadly similar to rivals like the Honda Legend. It is a very small seller - well equipped, but a lack of a prestige badge means the car suffers from savage deprecation. It comes with the single choice of a 3.3 litre V6 petrol motor. Hyundai I10 The Hyundai I10 is one of a series of new small hatchbacks aimed at replacing its ageing models. It shares many of its platform mechanicals with the Kia Picanto, along with its 1.2 litre engine. It starts from £6999 on the road in the UK. Hyundai I20 The Hyundai I20 is another new car introduced recently that also shares a platform with the forthcoming Kia Rio and Kia Soul models. It comes with either a 1.2 or 1.4 petrol engines or 1.4 diesel engines, It has both 3 and 5 door hatchback models. Hyundai I30 The Hyundai I30 is another new model, a mid size hatchback the size of a VW Golf and Ford Focus that shares a platform and engines with the Kia Cee'd, and has a range of engines from the 1.4 and 1.6 petrols or 1.6 and 2.0 Diesel engines. It comes as a 5 door hatch or an estate versions. Hyundai I800 The Hyundai I800 is a large people carrier, and one of the few true 8 seater models around, and also the cheapest 8 seater at £19580 on the road in the UK. It is closer to a mini van in size and shape. Hyundai Matrix The Hyundai Matrix is another of the ageing models in the Hyundai range. It is a compact people carrier that again sells mainly on its budget price. It has a choice of a 1.5 diesel or 1.6 petrol engines. Hyundai Santa Fe The Hyundai Santa Fe is Hyundais most expensive flagship model, and is an upmarket 4x4 available with either 5 or 7 seats. It has either a 2.2 diesel engine or 2.7 petrol V6 selling around the £21-£26k mark. Hyundai Sonata The Hyundai Sonata is a family saloon around the size of the Ford Mondeo / VW Passat. It is built mainly for the American market but does sell in limited numbers in the UK. It is available with either a 2.0 turbo diesel engine or a 3.3 V6 petrol engine. Hyundai Tucson The Hyundai Tucson is Hyundai's compact 4x4, smaller than the Santa Fe, and only available with a 2.0 petrol or 2.0 diesel engine, It starts from £14390 on the road in the UK. Manufacturer website: www.hyundai.co.uk

HUMMER

2009-04-13T07:53:00.000-07:00

Hummer is an offshoot of General Motors, that originally produced a large off road military vehicle for the US army, the "Humvee". This military vehicle was adapted for civilian sale, and called the Hummer H1, but had more in common with a small tank than a road car, and was huge. It sold in the US, but was far too large for UK roads, and only a few made it here as personal imports. following the (slightly) smaller more road focused cars were produced, 2 of which are on sale here: Hummer UK Vehicles: Hummer H2 The Hummer H2 is not than much smaller than the originally H1 but has many concessions to comfort - a proper road car interior and windscreen, for example. The car is still based on a huge truck chassis making it very wide for UK roads, dwarfing large cars like range rovers. The majority of Hummers now seen in the UK are stretch versions used as limos for stag parties etc. Hummer H3 while it looks identical to its bigger brother, the Hummer H3 is in fact a fair bit smaller and more manageable than the bigger H2, it also has a smaller 3.7 litre engine compared to the H2's 6.2 V8, giving much better fuel economy. The H3 is built for Europe at Hummers South African Plant. Manufacturer website: www.hummer.com

HONDA

2009-04-12T08:59:00.000-07:00

Honda is one of the largest Japanese car manufacturers, along with Toyota (the largest in terms of volume) and Nissan. It produces both cars and motorbikes, along with plenty of other motorised machinery. Honda's products differ in Europe to those sold in the US and Japan, and Honda has its European base of Operations at is factory in Swindon, where it produces the European spec Civic model. Honda Jazz The Honda Jazz is the smallest Honda model on sale in the UK, similar in size to the Ford Fiesta supermini, but it has a higher roof line than most of its competitors, making it easy to get in and out of - a feature that shows the target audience of the Jazz is with the older population. Honda Civic The Honda Civic is the mid sized family hatchback model similar in size to a VW Golf or a Ford Focus hatch. Honda moved the styling of this latest model away from the rest of the range with sharp angles and a futuristic interior, aimed at moving the car towards a younger buyer. The civic model sold in Europe is completely different to the Civic sold in the US or Japan, and is built in Swindon. Honda Accord The Honda Accord is the family saloon and estate in the Honda range, similar in size to the VW Passat, and is a direct competitor, although Honda took rather longer than most to produce a 2.0 litre diesel engine which is the main requirement in cars this size and the biggest seller, although this has been rectified with the 2.2 CDTi engine. Honda FR-V The Honda FR-V is Honda's People carrier model and is unusual in that it has a 3+3 layout - 3 seats across the front (the centre seat slightly behind the other 2 so the drive does not rub shoulders with the passenger) and 3 seats across the back, making the car shorter and slightly wider than traditional people carriers. The FR-V shares this layout with only one other car - the Fiat Multipla. Honda CR-V The Honda CR-V is Honda's only 4x4 on offer in the UK, and it is a compact off roader model that uses front wheel drove most of the time, with 4 wheel drive being engaged when the driver chooses. It has very car like handling characteristics, and has very limited actual off road capability, but this does not seem to be a concern to most owners who never take it off road anyway. Honda S2000 The Honda S2000 is the firms 2 seat convertible roadster model. It has a manic 2 litre normally aspirated engine that car rev incredibly highly. This gives the car a split personality - it feels civilised but not particularly fast at low and medium revs, but once you go over 5500 you hit the power band and the S2000 takes off. This can make the car great fun on the right road, but frustrating as you really have to push to access the power. Honda Insight The Honda Insight is the only real rival to the Toyota Prius, being a petrol electric mild hybrid - the car has both a petrol engine and electric motors, allowing the car to run on electricity only in low load situations - around city centres in traffic etc, and only use the petrol engine to drive the wheels when more power is required. Honda Legend The Honda Legend is hondas largest saloon car, about the size of a BMW 5 series. It is only available with a 3.5 litre V6 petrol engine. This, along with a lack of a prestige badge has hampered sales in the UK, where the Legend is only sold in very low volumes. Manufacturer website: www.honda.co.uk

FORD

2009-04-12T07:32:00.000-07:00

Ford is the well known huge American brand, that has its own European division that operates completely separately (and profitably) from the US wing of the company. It builds cars that are specifically developed for European tastes and driving styles, and is well known for making family cars that are very dynamically accomplished. The UK Ford Range: Ford Ka The Ford Ka is the smallest of the Ford models, and has been newly launched as a second generation model. The first generation was based on a shortened Fiesta platform, available as a 3 door hatch only, and sold as a budget city car. Its unique styling launched Fords "Edge Design" and was widely acclaimed as being successful. The new second generation Ka shares a platform with the new Fiat 500 and Panda, and while still fun to drive, has been reported as having lost some of the dynamic ability of the original. Ford Fiesta The Ford Fiesta is the VW Polo sized supermini that is one of the best selling cars across Europe. This recently launched all new model introduces are pleasing to the eye styling theme that has won acclaim across the motoring press, and is widely praised as one of the best handling small hatchbacks money can buy. Ford Focus The Ford Focus is the Mid sized family hatchback in the range, and the main European competitor to the VW Golf. Like its sister cars, the Focus is very accomplished dynamically, which is down to its sophisticated multi link rear suspension set up, more expensive to build than a torsion beam system that is present on most hatchback cars of this size. Ford Mondeo The Ford Mondeo is the family saloon car in the Ford line up, and is very popular with company car fleets and leasing companies in the UK, competing against the BMW 3 series and the VW Passat. It is known for its handling ability, like all Fords, and is front wheel drive with a wide range of engines, It is available as either a 4 door saloon or a 5 door Estate car. Ford Kuga The Ford Kuga is Fords only current 4x4 off road offering and is a compact off roader that is unashamedly set up with an on road driving focus, and adopts the dynamic superiority of the rest of the range, It sells against the Volvo XC60 and VW Tiguan, and is based on the Ford Focus platform. Ford Fusion The Ford Fusion is the smallest of Fords people carriers, and is based on the outgoing Fiesta's chassis. It shares many components with the outgoing Fiesta, but has a higher roof line to give more passenger space, but its squared off styling is now at odds with the new angular look brought in by the most recent models. Ford C-Max The Ford C-Max is the second smallest of the 4 people carriers in the range, this one based on the Focus platform and competes with other cars such as the Renault Megane Scenic and the VW Golf Plus, along with the Citroen Picasso. Ford S-Max The Ford S-Max is the larger sized 7 seater MPV model with flexible seating that can be folded flat into the floor to give a larger boot. It it quite a good looking car that manages to blend a degree of style into the usually boxy MPV shape, and as it is based on the Mondeo chassis, is still fun to drive too. Ford Galaxy The Ford Galaxy is the largest of the 4 people carriers and is a full 7 seater with room to spare, and with seats folded and removed, has the interior space of a mid sized van, almost equivalent to the Ford Transit. Manufacturer website: www.ford.co.uk

FIAT

2009-04-10T02:42:00.001-07:00

Fiat is the main car manufacturer in Italy, and the Fiat SPA group owns Alfa Romeo, Lancia, Maserati and Ferrari, so some parts and platform sharing are common throughout the group, especially between Fiat and Alfa, the more volume companies. Fiat is synonymous with small good looking and cheekily styled cars, and made its name with the original Fiat 500, one of the first compact rivals to the Mini in the mid part of the 20th century. Fiat 500 The Fiat 500 is the spiritual successor to the original 500 model from the 1960's. It follows on from the earlier cinquecento (italian for 500) model in being the smallest in the Fiat range, but it is not the cheapest. It is built on the cheaper Panda platform and shares most of the engines and mechanicals, but is sold more as a style proposition at a premium over the Panda and its main rival is the more expensive Mini. Fiat Panda The Fiat Panda is the cheapest model in the range, and is very much sold as budget motoring. It has a choice of 1.1, 1.2 or 1.4 litre petrol engines or a 1.3 litre diesel and starts from just over £7000 in the UK. There is also a 4 wheel drive version, but the extra weight makes the car rather slow. Fiat Punto The Fiat Punto (or Fiat Grande Punto to give it its full title) is the biggest seller of the Fiat range, and is a supermini the same size as a Ford Fiesta or a VW Polo. it comes in both 3 and 5 door hatchback versions with a choice of a 1.4 petrol or a 1.3 diesel engine, and starts from £9450. Fiat Abarth The Fiat Abarth models are the hot performance versions of the fiat range, and currently just 2 of the models have received the Abarth treatmant - the Punto and most recently the 500. They have uprated versions of the 1.4 16V petrol engines with turbochargers, and are available with an upgrade on top of that to receive even more power if you opt for the Essesse pack. Fiat Bravo The Fiat Bravo is the mid size hatch of the range, again available in both 3 and 5 door versions, and competes with the VW Golf and Ford Focus for sales. The Bravo is based on an extended version of the Fiat Punto chassis which it shares with the forthcoming replacement for the Alfa 147. Fiat Fiorino The Fiat Fiorino is a people carrier version of the Qubo van, and provides simple cost effective transport for 5 people along with all the room and practicality you get from a Van. Fiat Multipla The Fiat Multipla is a MPV / People carrier that differs from nearly every other people carrier on the road in that rather than being a 5 or seven seater, it is a 6 seater with 2 rows of 3 seats, meaning the front row strangely also has 2 passenger seats. Only the Honda FRV shares this layout, but the Multipla was first to market with it. The first version of the Multipla was a very unusual looking creation, this new second version has toned the weird styling down and goes back to a conventional look, ableit a rather short wide one. Fiat Doblo The Fiat Doblo is the small to mid size van in the Fiat range, about the size of a Ford transit connect, and it has been in the Fiat range since 2001. Fiat Sedici The Fiat Sedici is a mini 4x4 that was developed with Suzuki, and is identical to the Suzuki SX4 model. It is a similar size to the Punto, but has slightly raised ground clearance, a rugged bodykit and 4 wheel drive. Fiat Qubo The Fiat Qubo is the mid size van in the Fiat range, the next step up from the Doblo, and was recently launched in 2008. It has a distinctive protruding front bumper. It shares its platform with the Citroen Nemo an Peugeot Bipper vans. Fiat Scudo The Fiat Scudo is Fiats largest van, around the same size as the ever popular Ford Transit, and has a vast array of different engines and size combinations available to meet the demands of trade customers. Manufacturer website: www.fiat.co.uk

FERRARI

2009-04-09T09:22:00.000-07:00

Ferrari is a brand that needs little introduction anywhere on the planet - a manufacturer of magnificent sports cars and winner of multiple Formula 1 world championships. Its road cars have won every award going and are more often than not wonderful and spine tingling to drive for the lucky few that can afford them. going through historic Ferrari cars is like reading a who's who of some of the most beautiful sports cars of all time, and the current models on sale are fantastic - just take a look: UK Ferrari models on sale: Ferrari F430 The Ferrari F430 is the smallest in the range, and is a mid engined high revving V8 model with a massive 483 horsepower, giving a 0-60 time of just under 4 seconds. It is an advancement on the previous 360 Modena chassis, and is a strict 2 seater, available in either coupe or Spider (convertible) variants, and with either a traditional manual or a F1 inspired paddle shift gearbox. Ferrari 430 Scuderia The Ferrari 430 Scuderia is the more track focused hardcore version of the standard F430. Scuderia is Italian for team, meaning the Ferrari race team had input into the car, along with Michael Schumacher himself, the legendary racing driver. The Scuderia takes everything good about the F430 and strips out items like the carpets an air con to make the car over 100 kg's lighter and at the same time adds more power (510 horsepower) uprated suspension and a faster changing gearbox to make one of the worlds greatest cars. Ferrari 599 Fiorano The Ferrari 599 Fiorano is the larger two seater Ferrari model with a front mounted V12 petrol engine with a huge 612 horsepower, through an advanced rear wheel drive chassis giving amazing performance. Like all Ferraris, it isn't cheap, starting at £176,000 in the UK, but if you can afford that sort of money, it's more than worth it. Ferrari 612 Scaglietti The Ferrari 612 Scaglietti is a Grand Tourer more than a sports car, designed as a 2+2, with serviceable rear seats, and able to crush continents with its ground covering ability. It has Ferraris 612 bhp V12 engine - hence the name, and is set up slightly more for comfort than outright cornering ability - but please notice the word slightly as this is still a Ferrari after all... Manufacturer website: www.Ferrari.co.uk

EAGLE

2009-04-09T08:30:00.001-07:00

Eagle are a small British company that specialise in stretching certain vehicles into Limousines, mainly Jaguars, Daimlers and Vauxhalls. Their cars are actually registered as being made by a new manufacturer rather than being a Jaguar or whatever, which is why they are included here. The models they currently list as being on sale in the UK are: Eagle Statesman The Eagle Statesman is based on the old Vauxhall Omega stretched into a Limousine, and is available with a 2.2 or 2.6 petrol engine. It has Estate and Raised Roof variants, and starts from £49,695. Eagle Jaguar XJ8000 The Eagle Jaguar XJ8000 is a stretched version of the previous model steel bodied Jaguar XJ saloon, and comes with the Jaguar's 3.2 litre V8 petrol engine. it starts from £65,600 on the road in the UK. Eagle Daimler XJ8000 The Eagle Daimler XJ8000 is like the Jaguar version, based on the now obsolete seel bodied Daimler model that was in production until 2003, and itself based on the Jaguar XJ saloon car. The car has all the luxury upgrades you would expect of a daimler and comes with the daimlers 4.0 V8 petrol engine. Unfortunately We cant find any record of the Eagle website on the internet.

DODGE

2009-04-09T05:59:00.000-07:00

Dodge is a subsidiary brand of Chrysler, the big US based motor manufacturer currently in financial difficulties. It has a wide range of vehicles sold in the US all with chunky masculine styling, but only a small proportion of those are deemed relevant to the UK market. UK Dodge Models: Dodge Caliber The Dodge Caliber is a mid sized hatchback car whose looks suggest it is a large 4x4 but on closer inspection the vehicle is closer in size and role to the VW Golf, and is actually a compact family hatch that has aggressive 4x4 styling but actually rides on the Mitsubishi GS platform. Dodge Avenger The Dodge Avenger is a 4 door mid size family saloon based on the platform of the Chrysler Sebring model. In the UK it comes with a choice of either a 2.0 litre or 2.4 petrol engine or a 2.0 litre diesel and start from £16495. Dodge Nitro The Dodge Nitro is a small 4x4 people carrier cross over that shares its platform with one of the smaller Jeep models, the US Jeep liberty. With its angular aggressive styling it is aimed at very much a male orientated target audience, and comes with just the single choice of a 2.8 litre diesel in the UK. Dodge Journey The Dodge Journey is a people carrier / off roader crossover that has just been launched in 2009. It is based on the same platform as the Dodge Avenger and comes with either a Volkswagen sourced 2.0 diesel engine or a 2.4 petrol engine from Chrysler. Prices start at £16795 in the UK. Manufacturer website: www.dodge.co.uk

DE TOMASO

2009-04-09T02:41:00.000-07:00

De Tomaso is a small Italian Sports Car company, founded by owner Alejandro De Tomaso, who died in 2003. The company had in the past been responsible for such classics as the Pantera and the Mangusta models. Today De Tomaso produces just one model - the Guara. De Tomaso Guara The De Tomaso Guara is a 2 seat super car powered by a 4.6 litre V8 petrol engine giving 283 bhp, and is available either as a coupe or convertible. Its body is constructed from lightweight materials. It runs on 18" alloys and is just under 4.2 metres in length. Manufacturer website: www.detomaso.it/

DAIMLER

2009-04-08T10:01:00.000-07:00

Daimler is a sub brand owned by Jaguar, and has a history of producing luxury cars for the UK market used by government and royalty alike. Newest models have always been based on extended versions of a Jaguar model hence their styling and appearance come directly from that with a few characteristic changes of the Daimler badge, sober colours, extended wheelbases and a front grille which has a fluted appearance. Daimler Super Eight The Daimler Super Eight is based on the long wheelbase version of the Jaguar XJ model and shares the same lightweight aluminium body, and uses the XJ's top spec 4.2 litre supercharged V8 petrol engine. It has unique seats and interior fixtures and fittings and adapted suspension. The Super V8 is due to be decommissioned shortly as the Jaguar XJ model is being replaced by an all new model in September 2009.

DAIHATSU

2009-04-08T08:09:00.001-07:00

Daihatsu is a little Japanese brand known for its small cars, or Kei cars in Japan. It is owned by majority shareholder Toyota, who is heavily involved in the distribution of Daihatsu products across the globe. UK Daihatsu Models: Daihatsu Sirion The Daihatsu Sirion is a small 5 door hatchback available with a choice of 1.0 litre, 1.3 and 1.5 litre petrol engines, and has a list price starting at £8320 in the UK. It is a minority seller against the likes of the Ford Fiesta and VW Polo models. Daihatsu Copen The Daihatsu Copen is an intriguing little car, styled to look a lot like a smaller Audi TT convertible, and meant in Japan to be available as a Kei car with a 660 cc engine, but in Europe, the Kei rules don't apply so it has a more powerful 1.3 litre petrol motor. It is a good looking and cheap little car at £11745. Daihatsu Materia The Daihatsu Materia is a 5 door hatchback with unconventional looks - it has a squared off style meant to attract younger buyers and is certainly individual, avoiding the usual hatchback styling cues. It is available in the UK with a single engine choice - a 1.5 litre petrol engine, with either a manual or automatic transmission. Daihatsu Terios The Daihatsu Terios is a miniature 4x4 off roader about the same size as the Suzuki Jimny, and comes with a 1.5 litre engine as seen in other Daihatsu models. The outright off road ability of the car is fairly limited, as it is more suited to on road usage.

CORVETTE

2009-04-08T07:03:00.000-07:00

Corvette is a sub brand of Chevrolet, itself owned by General Motors. corvette focuses on just the one model - a 2 door coupe & convertible American muscle car with a big V8 engine, known for speed but also lacking chassis sophistication. UK Corvette Models: Corvette C6 The Corvette C6 is the standard model corvette, available in either coupe or convertible variants, and features a 6.2 litre V8 engine with 436 horsepower, known as the LS3 engine. Corvette Z06 The Corvette Z06 is the extreme high performance version of the corvette ad has a bored out 7.0 litre engine with 512 horsepower, its chassis is made from Aluminium rather than the standard cars steel to save weight, and selected body panels are formed from lightweight carbon fibre. It is also available in an ultra high performance ZR1 specification that is not sold in the UK. Manufacturer website: www.chevrolet.com/corvette

COLEMAN MILNE

2009-04-07T08:51:00.000-07:00

Coleman Milne is one of the UK's leading producers of cars for the funeral industry, with Limousines and Hearses based on several different models, just like traditional stretch limos would be. UK Model Range: Coleman Milne Dorchester The Coleman Milne Dorchester is a new Limousine model due to come out in June 2009 based on the US model Ford Fairlane executive car, and uses the Fairlane's running gear and 4.0 petrol engine. Coleman Milne Cardinal The Coleman Milne Cardinal is a new Hearse model due to come out in June 2009 and like the Dorchester it's based on the US model Ford Fairlane executive car, and uses the Fairlane's running gear and 4.0 petrol engine. Coleman Milne Hearse The Coleman Milne Hearse models are based on either the Saab 9-5 with a choice of its 2.0 turbo or 2.3 turbo petrol engines or its 2.2 diesel engine. Alternately you can have a model based on the Mercedes E Class models, either the E220 CDi diesel or the E240 petrol model. Coleman Milne Limousine The existing Coleman Milne Limousine models are just like the hearses and based on either the Saab 9-5 with a choice of its 2.3 turbo petrol engines or its 2.2 diesel engine. Alternately you can have a model based on the Mercedes E Class models, either the E220 CDi diesel or the E240 petrol model, or the more powerful E320 CDi 6 cylinder diesel.

CITROEN

2009-04-07T03:30:00.001-07:00

Citroen is a French manufacturer and part of the PSA group that also includes Peugeot. It produces a full range of family cars and vans, but find most sales success in its range of smaller cars, fitted with small petrol and diesel engines which it also shares with Peugeot. Citroen is famous for the 2CV model designed in the early 20th century as a way for farmers to get around cheaply and easily. Citroen Models currently on sale in the UK: Citroen C1 The Citroen C1 is a small city car just slightly larger than the Smart car. It is a joint venture between Peugeot, Citroen and Toyota, who all make versions of the car with different body panels but the same basic architecture. The Peugeot is called the 107, and the Toyota version is the Aygo. Citroen C2 The Citroen C2 is the firms current supermini offering, available as a 3 door hatch only, with a choice of 1.1, 1.4 and 1.6 litre petrol engines, and a 1.4 diesel. It replaced the ageing Citroen Saxo in the line up. Citroen C3 The Citroen C3 is a small hatchback, based on a similar platform to the C2 but with 5 doors. The C3 has styling that is a reinterpretation of the classic 2CV, and comes in a range of 1.4 and 1.6 litre engines. Citroen C4 The Citroen C4 is Citroens mid size hatchback to rival the VW Golf and ford Focus for European sales. It is available in a 3 and 5 door variant, each with different distinctive styling. It is widely recognised due to the heavy amount if TV advertising Citroen used where the car transforms into a robot. Citroen C5 The Citroen C5 is one of the newest to the current range, being a mid size family saloon that competes with the likes of the VW Passat and Ford Mondeo. It has won recent plaudits for its stying, as large French cars in recent times have had pretty unconvincing looks, and the C5 does a very good impression of a premium German saloon car. Citroen C6 The Citroen C6 is a car with very individual styling, very much love it or hate it, but it is distinctive and upmarket, and does the opposite job to the C5, in that it moves the C6 away from trying to look like a German executive saloon, and does its own thing. It is available with Citroens excellent HydroPneumatic self levelling suspension, giving a very comfortable ride. Citroen C8 The Citroen C8 is a rarely seen large MPV people carrier, and does not sell in large numbers. It is available with a whopping 8 seats making it more useful as a taxi or minibus, but very large for the average family. Citroen C4 Picasso The Citroen C4 Picasso is the recent replacement for the ageing Xsara Picasso, that at time of writing is also still on sale. It is a medium sized people carrier and sells strongly across the UK. Citroen C4 Grand Picasso The Citroen C4 Grand Picasso is an extended version of the standard C4 Picasso, giving more room for seats and luggage, ideal for larger families. It comes with the same range of engines as its little brother. Citroen Xsara Picasso The Citroen Xsara Picasso is the outgoing original Picasso model that was based on the old Citroen Xsara platform. It was a popular seller due to its egg-shaped looks, but is now being replaced with other Picasso people carrier models. Citroen Berlingo Multispace The Citroen Berlingo Multispace is somewhere between a car and a van - it offers immense space and all the practicality of a van, but with removable seats fitted, and has a low list price and seen as good value for money. Citroen Berlingo First The Citroen Berlingo First is as its name suggests the original Berlingo model, still currently offered for sale as a budget model, and has similar characteristics to the new Berlingo in being incredibly practical transport. Citroen Nimo The Citroen Nemo is the smallest of the commercial vans offered by citroen, based on the floorplan of the C3, it is compact but has a fairly big load are for a car its size. Citroen Dispatch Combi The Citroen Dispatch Combi is The largest of Citroen car based vans, competing with the smaller variants of the Ford Transit. Manufacturer website: www.citroen.co.uk

CHRYSLER

2009-04-07T00:48:00.000-07:00

Chrysler is another huge American brand with limited exposure to the UK market. It is part of the Chrysler group which also owns Jeep and Dodge. It has previously been known as Daimler-Chrysler after an ill-fated tie up with Mercedes-Benz and with the current financial woes happening in the US, is rumoured to be discussing a collaboration with Fiat. In the US, Chrysler has a large range of cars, but the range on offer in the UK is limited to just 3 models. UK Chrysler models: Chrysler Sebring The Chrysler Sebring is the mid size coupe / convertible in the Chrysler range, and displays most of the values Europeans have come to expect from traditional American cars - it is considered rather overweight, with poor body control and over soft suspension for British roads. The convertible version suffers from excessive scuttle shake - an issue with quite a few cabrios. Chrysler 300C Unlike the Sebring, the Chrysler 300C has been a real sales success in the UK. It has a purposeful and aggressive stance that is balanced and manages to keep good proportions. It has become a left-field alternative to the traditional BMW 5 Series executive car, with a cheap price and high levels of standard kit. The introduction of a diesel model in the UK helped boost sales too. Chrysler Grand Voyager the Chrysler Grand Voyager has been on sale in the UK since the nineties and was one of the first people carriers, or MPV's launched in the UK. It is a large car with genuine seating for 7 people, and while larger MPV's have fallen out if fashion recently for mid size versions that are easier to manage on British roads, the Voyager still continues to sell. Manufacturers Website: www.chrysler.co.uk

CHEVROLET

2009-04-06T02:53:00.000-07:00

Chevrolet is one of the brands under the General Motors group, and is the mainstream division for US sales. In Europe however, the brand is less well known, and is being marketed as a budget offering, after GM bought out Daewoo and has rebranded several of its models as Chevrolets for sale in the UK. UK Chevy models: Chevrolet Matiz The Chevrolet Matiz once known as the Daewoo Matiz, is a budget city car, with a choice of 0.8 or 1.0 litre petrol engines, and starts from as little as £6315, making it one of the cheapest conventional cars on sale in the UK today. Chevrolet Aveo The Chevrolet Aveo is what once was the Daewoo Kalos, a VW Polo sized hatchback available in the UK with either a 1.2 or 1.4 litre petrol engine, starting from a price of £8,315 on the road. Chevrolet Lacetti The Chevrolet Lacetti is a mid size hatchback around the overall size of a Volkswagen Golf, it is mainly sold as a 5 door hatch but an estate version is also available. The Lacetti, originally a Daewoo was the car used in the Top Gear TV show "star in a reasonably priced car". Chevrolet Captiva The Chevrolet Captiva is one of the Few Chevy models on sale in the UK that is not a rebadged Daewoo, as the Captiva is on sale in the US in a similar form, having been developed specifically for Chevy alongside the Opel / Vauxhall Antara, and uses the same platform and engines. Chevrolet Epica The Chevrolet Epica, on sale in other countries as the Daewoo Tosca, is a front wheel drive family saloon car around the size of a VW Passat, available with a 2.0 petrol or diesel engine. Like the rest of the range it sells as a budget offering in the UK, being several thousand pounds less than its competitors, starting at just £14,250 on the road. Manufacturer website: www.chevrolet.co.uk

CATERHAM

2009-04-06T01:08:00.001-07:00

Caterham started life as a UK kit car brand that bought the rights from Lotus to keep producing the original Lotus Seven in kit car form, and has kept producing this fantastic little car for years. Its philosophy of being light weight and cheap to assemble has made it incredibly popular and has produced thousands of copies from rival firms over the years, with the most notable rival being Westfield. Caterhams are available to purchase in kit form or as fully assembled and warrantied cars direct from the manufacturer. Caterham Super Sevens The Caterham Super Sevens are the only model that Caterham produces, but there is such a wide variety of specs within the seven range. The main differences are the engine powers, with Caterham using several different engines, from the entry level 1.4 classic, to the most popular 1.8 roadsport version, the manic R300, R400 and R500 with race tuned engines, and top end CRS 200 and 260 models, all just depending on how fast you want to go. All Super Sevens are designed primarily for racetrack work and are at home on the circuit, with several race series devoted to them, and they make ideal track day cars. They are all road legal thanks to low volume production rules, but crash protection is limited compared to modern road cars, as is protection from the elements as most lack proper side windows and have an optional basic cloth hood. Manufacturer website: www.Caterham.co.uk

CADILLAC

2009-04-06T00:41:00.000-07:00

Cadillac is General Motors American luxury brand, and it is starting to establish a small presence in Europe, with cars that are gradually being improved to meet European standards and sensibilities. Its recent model styling is all about sharp creases and edges and big grilles. Caddilac BLS The Cadillac BLS is the Smallest Cadilac saloon and is based on the same platform as the Vauxhall Vectra and Saab 9-3 models, meaning front wheel drive, rare for a US car. It also shares a similar range of engines, is available as a saloon or estate model and starts from £22495 in the UK. Caddilac CTS The Cadillac CTS is Cadillacs good looking mid-size executive saloon model, and is similar in proportion to the BMW 5 Series, and Jaguar XF. It has the brands distinctive angular styling, and is rear wheel drive with a choice of a 2.8 or 3.6 V6 engine. A CTS-V version is also available with the big V8 engine from the Corvette, giving massive power. Cadillac STS The Cadillac STS is the largest of the Cadillac saloons available in the UK, and is rear wheel drive with either a 3.6 V6 shared with the CTS or a big 4.6 V8. The STS competes with the Lexus LS and Mercedes S-Class, but is considerably cheaper than either model, starting from £34,995 in the UK, but perceived quality isn't in the same league. Cadillac Escalade The Cadillac Escalade is GM's massive SUV off-road vehicle, and it really is huge, dwarfing the Range Rover. It comes with an equally big 6.2 V8 and costs £54,495. The Escalade is popular with rappers etc as the car to be blinged up with ridiculously big alloy wheels and sound systems etc. Expect to see Westwood in one, but looks out of place on British roads.

BRISTOL

2009-04-03T12:29:00.000-07:00

Bristol is a uniquely British car manufacturer that is still under British control and ownership and makes unique hand built cars. They do not have any dealers or retail base - you buy the cars direct from the manufacturer. They have a cult following, and require many hours of hand finishing. The Full Bristol Range: Bristol Blenheim 3 The Bristol Blenheim 3 is a hand built aluminium car resembling classic Bentleys and Rolls Royces from years gone by. It has an American sourced 5.9 litre V8 engine and an aluminium body, and costs a whopping £163,295 in the UK. Bristol Blenheim 3G The Bristol Blenheim 3G takes the standards Blenheim 3 and adds Liquefied Petroleum Gas to give much better fuel efficiency and running costs. as LPG costs roughly half conventional petrol, the car is converted with 2 cylindrical tanks in the boot. Performance is almost identical to the standard car. Bristol Fighter The Bristol Fighter is a 2 door super sports car, based around a hand built aluminium chassis with fantastic gull wing doors. Its performance is remarkable - the car has a lightweight aluminium 8 litre V10 engine giving out 535 bhp and a top speed of 210 mph. It has an optional turbocharged version called the T which can produce 1012 bhp. Bristol Speedster The Bristol Speedster harks back the the roadster modes of the 50's and 60's, and is a take on the original AC cobra, but gentrified for a more classic and dignified car, that is less raw. The Speedster features the engine from the and chassis Blenheim models in a lightweight open top body. Manufacturers website: www.Bristolcars.co.uk

BMW

2009-04-03T11:36:00.000-07:00

BMW are a premium German manufacturer offering a wide range of products from mid size hatches, executive and luxury cars and 4x4's. Their direct competition generally comes from Mercedes-Benz and Audi, but also Lexus and Jaguar. Most of their cars are manufactured in Germany, but they have been known to outsource production occasionally. BMW's motto is "the ultimate driving machine" and as such have a sharp handling focus and tend to have fairly firm suspension set ups. The full UK BMW range: BMW 1 Series The BMW 1 Series is the smallest car in the BMW range, and is VW Golf sized, but costs considerably more, on a par with the Audi A3. It's main differentiation to its rivals is the fact that the 1 Series adopts rear wheel drive - a rarity for a small hatchback. The 1 Series is available in either a 3 r 5 door hatch, and also as a coupe (styled more like a 2 door saloon) and a convertible. BMW 3 Series The BMW 3 Series is the biggest selling BMW model and is the best selling family size saloon in the UK, even outselling the popular Ford Mondeo. These sales come mainly from company car fleets, where the 3 Series is ubiquitous. The 3 series is available as a 4 door saloon, a 5 door estate car, and a convertible with a folding hard top roof. BMW 5 Series The BMW 5 Series is the next size up from the 3, and competes with the Jaguar XF, Mercedes E Class and Audi A6 models. It is available in a broad range of engine sizes and can be ordered as a saloon or estate car. BMW 6 Series The BMW 6 Series is a coupe and convertible model based on the platform of the 5 Series saloon. Normally this would lead to stodgy handing, but thankfully as the 5 is so driver focused, the 6 is still a crisp drive. It is available with engines from 3 litres upwards and is one of the few performance diesel coupes available on the market in the form of the 635d. BMW 7 Series The BMW 7 Series is BMW's flagship luxury car, competing with the Mercedes S-Class, Audi A8 and Jaguar XJ among others. It is like all BMW models known for its sharp handling, but the ride is considered very firm for what is meant to be a cossetting luxury car. The 7 series is always equipped with a stream of new technical innovations that gradually filter down the range. BMW Alpina Models The BMW Alpina models are standard BMW cars, taken by official tuner Alpina and breathed on to improve performance and comfort. They are a less hyper alternative to BMW's own M Series models, and rely on big engines and strong mid range torque rather than revs to accelerate the car along. Because the work is of such a high standard, BMW allows these to be sold through selected BMW retailers and have a full warranty. BMW M3 The BMW M3 is the ultimate 3 series model, with 420 horsepower from its high revving 4 litre V8 engine, improved suspension and interior. It is available in both the saloon, coupe and convertible models. BMW M5 The BMW M5 is, like the M3, the BMW's ultimate interpretation of the 5 series. Available as both saloon and estate variants, it has 500 bhp from its F1 inspired 5 litre V10 engine. BMW M6 The BMW M6 is the coupe and convertible version of the M5, with the same 500 horsepower engine, and the drive is very similar, although the M6 costs substantially more than the M5. BMW X3 The BMW X3 is the smallest of BMW's 3 off road 4x4 vehicles. It is a 5 door SUV approximately the same size as the Land Rover Freelander. The X3 has been criticised for its looks, but is also known to be one of the best handling small 4x4's. BMW X5 The BMW X5 is the first 4x4 made by BMW, and the first true premium rival to the Range Rover. It has a much more road handling bias than its off road rivals, with very little body roll and car like handling. BMW X6 The BMW X6 is a "coupe crossover" - essentially a coupe like version of the X5 with a sloping roof line and reduced headroom in the rear of the car. BMW Z4 The BMW Z4 is BMW's small 2 seater convertible. It replaced the X3, which was closer to the Mazda MX5 in terms of size and intent, but once Porsche launched the Boxster, BMW responded by making the Z4 larger and more expensive. It was the car that launched head designer Chris Bangle's controversial "Flame Surfacing" style into the BMW range. Manufacturer website: www.BMW.co.uk

BENTLEY

2009-04-03T07:49:00.000-07:00

Bentley are one of the words premier luxury car manufacturers with few real rivals, notably Rolls Royce. Bentley are owned by the Volkswagen group, and some of the technology and parts have recently filtered down (or up) to current Bentley models, so cars are split between the old style Bentley shape and the new style based on the VW Phaeton platform and W12 engine brought in under the new owners. Bentley Models Bentley Continental GT The Bentley Continental GT is the first of the new generation models based on the 4 wheel drive platform of the VW Phaeton model, and shares its 6 litre W12 cylinder engine. the Continental GT is a good looking car that has sold well, and is the best seller in the Bentley range. Its design was carried forward into the GTC convertible and the Flying Spur Saloon. Bentley Continental GTC The Bentley Continental GTC is the convertible version of the above Continental GT. It is available with the single engine choice of the 6 litre W12 motor, and shares the GT's characteristics of being extremely powerful and a great cruiser but its handling ability is compromised by its outright weight. Bentley Continental Flying Spur The Bentley Continental Flying Spur is the luxury saloon version of the Continental GT, based on the same platform and using the same engine, but with a full size body capable of transporting 2 adults in the back in supreme luxury. IT is one of the very first production saloon cars to crack 200 mph, primarily because of the W12 engine. Bentley Brooklands The Bentley Brooklands is the last in a long line of the traditional big Bentley coupes, incredibly imposing, with a design that is a lot more squared off than the continental models, with a hand built interior and Bentley's venerable 6.7 litre twin turbo V8 engine that has been in production in many models over the last 30 years. Bentley Azure The Bentley Azure is the convertible version of the Brooklands coupe, and the perfect choice for a relaxing drive down to the South of France. It shares the 6.7 litre twin turbo V8 with the Brooklands model. Bentley Arnage The Bentley Arnage is the last of Bentleys big saloon cars with the 6.7 V8 twin turbo petrol engine. It is an imposing car when parked next to a traditional family saloon, and looks every bit of its 2.5 tonnes. It is also available as the Arnage T with an enhanced 500 horsepower over the standard cars 450. Manufacturers Website: www.Bentleymotors.com

AUDI

2009-04-03T06:34:00.000-07:00

Audi is a large and successful part of the Volkswagen group that also features VW, Skoda, Lamborghini and Seat, and a controlling 75% of the shares of the VW Group are currently owned by Porsche. Based in Germany, Audi is a premium car manufacturer who competes with rivals from BMW and Mercedes for market position. It has had success in the past in rallying and is famous for its Quattro 4 wheel drive system. Audi Models: Audi A3 The Audi A3 is currently the smallest and cheapest model in the Audi range, although this is expected to change in the future with the forthcoming A2 and A1 models. The A3 is a premium hatchback based on the VW Golf platform with a wide range of engines and available as a 3 or 5 door hatchback or a convertible model. Audi A4 The Audi A4 is the mainstay of the Audi range, and is a 4 door family / executive saloon car the size of a BMW 3 Series, and very popular as a company car. It is available as a saloon or estate version, and has in the past had a convertible version also, but this has just been replaced by the A5 convertible. The A4 has a huge range of engines, with the 2.0 Turbodiesel being easily the most popular seller in Europe. Audi A5 The Audi A5 was launched as a coupe version of the A4, and has recently added a convertible variant. The A5 is a very good looking yet understated car designed by Walter Da Silva, new head of Audi design, and it shares a similar range of engines with the A4. Audi A6 The Audi A6 is a mid size executive saloon and estate car, similar in size to a Mercedes E-Class although is available in either front or four wheel drive, unlike most of it rear wheel drive competitors. It has a vast range of engines from 2.0 litres upwards, and in estate form has a huge boot. Audi A6 Allroad The Audi A6 Allroad is based on the A6 estate, and adds a degree of off-road ability with longer travel suspension, quattro 4 wheel drive as standard and a rugged bodykit. It has a reduced range of powerful 3.0 petrol and diesel engines. Audi RS6 The Audi RS6 is the high performance version of the current A6, with a massive 5.2 litre V10 petrol engine that is turbocharged and gives over 560 horsepower through its 4 wheel drive system, frankly silly amounts of power in a family saloon or estate car, and faster than most Ferraris. Audi A8 The Audi A8 is the flagship executive luxury car in the Audi range. It has all aluminium construction making it very light and also rust-proof. It shares most of the family styling and is a very understated luxury car. Audi Q5 The Audi Q5 is Audis small - mid size 4 off road model, based loosely on the A4's platform and similar in length. It is primarily designed for on road rather than off road work, but gives a commanding driving position and all of the usual Audi luxury benefits in a mid sized easy to park package. Audi Q7 The Audi Q7 is a huge 4x4 SUV car with equally attention grabbing looks. It competes with the Range Rover and BMW X5, and is useful due to the 7 seats for transporting an entire family around. Like its smaller sister the Q5, the Q7 is more suited to on-road work. Audi TT The Audi TT is Audi's design statement car. Now in its second generation, the original TT launched Audis incredibly successful design language that is seen on all new Audi models today. It is available in a coupe and convertible, has a truly beautiful interior and is a very desirable car. Audi R8 The Audi R8 is a sensational sports car recently introduced by Audi. It is based on the underpinnings of the fantastic Lamborghini Gallardo, so has an advantage from the start, and has a choice of either a 4.2 V8 with 420 horsepower or a new 5.2 V10 straight from the Lambo with 518 horsepower. Currently it is a coupe only but a convertible is in the pipeline. Manufacturer website: www.Audi.co.uk

ASTON MARTIN

2009-04-03T06:07:00.000-07:00

Aston Martin are a sports car manufacturer with real heritage. Most famous for the cars used by James Bond, dating back to the DB5 model, Aston has a racing pedigree over the last 50 years. The company was recently sold by Ford to a private investment group headed by the Prodrive racing team owner Dave Richards, with rumours that Mercedes are interested in investing & collaboration with new engines. Their current models are: Aston Martin Vantage The Aston Martin Vantage is the smallest of the 3 current Aston models, a strict 2 seater available in both convertible and coupe models, with a 4.7 litre V8 petrol engine (recently enlarged from 4.3 litres) and 420 horsepower. Prices start from £84,500 in the UK. Aston Martin DB9 The Aston Martin DB9 is the mainstay of the range as a 2+2 coupe or convertible, and is a truly beautiful GT car. It has a glorious V12 engine with 470 horsepower, and costs from £112,850 in the UK. Aston Martin DBS The Aston Martin DBS is James Bond's most recent car, and is a heavily modified DB9 with resculpted bodywork, flared wheelarches, new interior and a more powerful version of the V12 engine with 510 horsepower. Avilable as a coupe only, It currently strats from just over £160,000. The Manufacturers website: www.AstonMartin.com

ALFA ROMEO

2009-04-02T08:44:00.000-07:00

Alfa Romeo is the well known Italian car manufacturer. Owned by Fiat SPA, part of the group that contains Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Lancia, Maserati and Ferrari, and parts and platform sharing is commonplace between Alfa, Fiat and Lancia. Known in recent times for producing good looking cars that ooze sex appeal, are fun to drive but limited by front wheel drive chassis, and have been known ith the past not to be the most reliable, with electrical systems a recognised weak point in our experience. Current Models: ALFA ROMEO MITO The Alfa Romeo Mito is the gorgeous little 3 door hatchback based on the Fiat Punto platform and is pitched as a luxury hatchback to compete with the BMW Mini. Its looks are based on the amazing limited edition 8C competitizione supercar. ALFA ROMEO 147 The Alfa Romeo 147 is the mid size hatchback model that shares its underpinnings with the Fiat Bravo hatchback. It competes with the likes of the VW Golf and Ford Focus for sales. The 147 has been around for a while and is due for replacement in late 2009 / early 2010. ALFA ROMEO 159 The Alfa Romeo 159 is the mid size saloon and estate of the Alfa range, again it is front wheel drive and competes with the likes of the BMW 3 series and Audi A4. It has the great looking nose taken from the Alfa Brera coupe. ALFA ROMEO BRERA The Alfa Romeo Brera coupe is a stunning looking car whose looks survived largely intact from the original Brera concept car shown at the 2002 Geneva motorshow. It is a mid range coupe with a choice of a 2.2 4 cylinder petrol ,a 2.4 diesel or a 3.2 V6 petrol engine, and was labeled one of the best looking cars of all time by Jeremy Clarkson on Top Gear. ALFA ROMEO GT The Alfa Romeo GT is an older mid sized coupe in the Alfa model range, sitting curiously alongside the Brera, similar in size but cheaper, starting from £18,580 on the road. It is based on the 147 platform and shares similar looks, and is available with a 1.8 and 2.0 4 cylinder petrol engine or a 1.9 diesel. ALFA ROMEO SPIDER The Alfa Romeo Spider is the convertible version of the Brera, adding about 150 kg in weight, but sharing the same good looks. It is available with the same range of engines, and costs slighty more. The manufacturers UK website: www.Alfaromeo.co.uk

AIXAM

2009-04-02T08:18:00.000-07:00

Aixam are a french company specialising in tiny city cars with petrol and diesel engines, and also a range of electric vehicles know as MEGA. Its cars are officially classed as "Quadricycles" rather than normal cars, removing some of the restrictions in legislation normal cars have. Most are made from plastic over a lightweight aluminium frame. The Aixam models on sale in the UK are below: AIXAM A751 The Aixam A751 is the mainstay of the range, a little 3 door hatch available with a Petrol or diesel engine. Great as a runabout with prices from £7,236 on the road. AIXAM A751 CROSSLINE The Aixam A751 Crossline is the more rugged version of the standard A751, still with the ABS plastic bodywork but with more off road styling and an enlarged easier to use boot. AIXAM A751 SCOUTY The Aixam A751 Scouty is the fun convertible version of the standard A751, purely a 2 seater in the style of a mini Jeep, it sells for £9445 in the UK. Their website is here: www.Aixam.co.uk

Welcome to UK New Cars!

2009-04-02T08:00:00.000-07:00

This little blog is all about car manufacturers. We aim to devote a page to each different one, listing their models, with a few pictures, and a link to their UK website (if there is one!). We will try and give you not just the well known, but also the obscure, tiny, different and individual manufacturers that we know of that are currently on sale in the UK car market - and we hope we don't miss any out - if we have, please let us know, just drop me an email. We are a UK blog so we are concentrating on stuff purely on sale in the UK, no matter where thay are manufactured, but we won't include models not sold here. We don't know vast amounts about each one - you're better of trying Wikipedia or the less well known but equally good (if not better) Wikicars for full information, but hopefully we can at least give you a taster here. Happy reading, again, if you come across anything that you feel isn't right, or a fact we've got wrong we'll gladly change it if you just let us know. Best Regards Jonathan W