2011 BMW X3 Review

2011 BMW X3 Review
BMW's X3 compact SUV . It's also bigger (3.4 inches longer and 1.1 inches wider), better looking, and more fuel-efficient. The trade-off: The engine in the xDrive28i has less oomph (20 horsepower less) than the only engine offered in the outgoing X3.

The new X3 xDrive35i is relatively expensive, with a starting price of $41,925. It comes with a powerful 3.0-liter, 300-horsepower, turbocharged six-banger engine, however, that matches or bests the top horsepower rating of any of the X3's main competitors.
The X5's other rivals offer only seven- or six-speed automatics.
The mileage rating is exactly the same for the xDrive35i, except that highway mileage rises to 26 mpg.

Among the X3's main rivals, only the four-cylinder-powered Audi Q5 2.0T, with an average mileage rating of 22, does better. The Volvo XC60's mileage rating matches the X3's, but its average drops to 20 mpg with AWD and 19 mpg with a turbocharged engine. The Audi Q5 3.2 is rated to get 20 mpg, and the Mercedes GLK350 is rated to average only 18 mpg, whether with rear-wheel drive or AWD.

The 2011 BMW X3 has higher fuel economy ratings, more standard features and more interior space than previous models, making it an all-around stronger contender.
For the 2011 model year, BMW has taken the luxury compact X3 back to the drawing board and returned with a SUV that the industry admires. “The original BMW X3 ‘Sport Activity Vehicle’ debuted in 2004, and was one of the pioneers of the luxury small crossover craze, influencing brands like Acura, Infiniti and Mercedes-Benz to follow in their footsteps. Here's the good news: That all changes with the 2011 BMW X3.

Other Compact SUVs to Consider
Instead it offers rear-wheel drive with an all-wheel drive option. The result, reviewers say, is that the EX is extremely fun to drive. Reviewers like the Q5’s car-like ride and handling, as well as its luxurious interior.

Details: BMW X3
All-wheel drive is standard on both trims. The 2011 model is bigger than the outgoing model, and has a new suspension and transmission, more passenger room and more cargo space.
The 2011 BMW X3 has been fully redesigned. Highlights include an optional turbocharged engine, a standard eight-speed automatic transmission, crisper exterior styling, revised suspension tuning and an updated interior design with the latest iDrive electronics interface.
Thankfully, BMW softened the suspension and upped the power in successive years. An optional adaptive suspension allows the driver to select from three different modes calibrating suspension, throttle, transmission and stability control settings.

The xDrive28i ostensibly replaces last year's xDrive30i, and offers slightly less power, but also a slimmer entry fee. Both models get a new eight-speed transmission, which rows through gears in a quiet fury to reach cruising speed. Overall, BMW's refinements make the X3 a prime contender in the small luxury crossover SUV segment.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2011 BMW X3 is a five-passenger compact luxury crossover SUV available in two trim levels: the xDrive28i and the xDrive35i.
Standard features on the 28i include 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, foglights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, eight-way power front seats, a tilt-and-telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel, leatherette (premium vinyl) upholstery, automatic climate control, cruise control, Bluetooth, BMW's iDrive electronics interface and a 12-speaker audio system with a CD player, HD radio, an auxiliary audio jack and an iPod interface.

The Sport Activity package varies slightly for each model, but includes 18-inch wheels, sport front seats, roof rails and a sport transmission with paddle shifters. The Technology package offers a rearview camera with top view, front and rear parking sensors, Bluetooth streaming audio and a hard-drive-based navigation system with voice commands and real-time traffic. Opting for the Dynamic Handling package gets you adaptive suspension dampers, variable-ratio steering and three driver-selectable drive modes. A Cold Weather package adds heated front and rear seats and a heated steering wheel.

A 3.0-liter inline-6 engine powers both 2011 BMW X3 models. BMW estimates the x35i's fuel economy at 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway.
Standard safety equipment includes antilock disc brakes, automatic brake drying (useful in rainy weather), front airbags, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, active front-seat head restraints, stability control, and hill descent control. In Edmunds testing, the xDrive35i stopped from 60 mph in a short 116 feet.

Volkswagen New Beetle Convertible by CarFilmComponents

CarFilmComponents, adhesive company, had used an "old" Volkswagen Beetle Convertible New to demonstrate its expertise at Tuning World Bodensee.

If the car is not new, nor preparation for the adhesive, it turns out that the final SWC has just been released. At Tuning World Bodensee, at the beginning of May, CarFilmComponents was gradually covered the body of the New Beetle. The German tuner, armed with tape and a printer, applied without much complication to decorate drawings wildest bumpers and low-to-cash small convertible. The interior is also revised, including the custom door moldings.

Assumptions: Lamborghini Aventador in "uniform" cop

A team of designers drew the police's version of Lamborghini Aventador. In the past, the Italian manufacturer of supercars has donated two copies Gallardo fully equipped police.

Milanno artworks designers drew police version of Lamborghini Aventador. For now, the Sant'Agata supercar was not offered as a colleague Carabinieri, but the model could become fellow Italian police in the future. Most of the artworks Milanno and drew within this model, painting the seats in blue and equipping the interior with some of the equipment necessary human law.

Aventador Lamborghini is equipped with a 6.5 liter V12 engine that develops 700 hp at 8250 rpm. Peak torque is provided by the powerful suction of 690 Nm is reached at 5,500 rpm. Acceleration from 0-100 km / h is achieved in just 2.90 seconds. Italian police could use this model for rapid response to crisis and emergency transportation of organs. In addition, it lends itself to speed prosecutions, Aventador being able to easily exceed the "threshold" of 300 km / h.

Police in Italy received three years ago, two copies Gallardo LP560-4. Repectivele models were equipped with numerous high-tech devices, such as an automatic registration plate recognition, which can send real-time information to police headquarters and inform the driver about the vehicle model Lamborghini. In addition, the camcorder is coupled to a GPS system, which records all information about where it was filmed every second of the "film".

Accident Santana do Ipanema - AL - Overturning the Hilux's Robinho

In the past Sundays have become cause for great handling horses dick free Airfield in Santana do Ipanema, even away from 50 days to the Festival of Youth, where traditionally the race happens, many people are attending the camp where they risk drivers the dangerous wooden horses.

By late afternoon on Sunday (29) more than 100 vehicles were on the field where a major accident killed Robson de Souza Silva, 32.

Second that were popular in the local board Hilux KKO-0011 - Recife some maneuvers performed, wooden horses, light form. At one point tried to give a stronger form 360 and overturned. Robson, who was in the passenger seat, was thrown from the car and died instantly.

2011 Indy 500 Crazy Finish JR Hildebrand crashes video

Only Indy can provide a finish like this, rookie JR Hildebrand looked like the winner of the race, until the final corner when he smacked into the wall. he kept his foot on the gas to make it across the line, but Dan Wheldon was there and took the win.

LAST NISSAN GT-R GODZILLA MAY HIT 420KW JACKPOT!

The okes at Best Car magazine in Japan (through 7tune.com) reckon they have the best scoop of the day by “revealing” awesome news about the next and last Nissan GT-R. It was only two months ago that Nissan showed the world the new 390kW GT-R and promised less than 3 seconds for 0 – 100km/h. This scoop claims the last R35 Godzilla edition will hit the streets in 2012, with up to 418kW!

But before the car bows out of production, a Spec R model is supposedly being developed. That will run against the highly-rated Porsche 911 GT3 RS, thanks to a slight power hike and a weight-loss programme. I don’t expect the limited-edition Spec R to be imported into SA though. Besides, there probably won’t be an allocation anyway.

Spy Photos: 2012 BMW 6-Series Cabrio with M package

The BMW 6-Series Coupe with M-Sport package was shown, but the Cabrio is not seen to wear. The Belgian Bimmertoday, holds some live spy photos of the open 6-Aras wearing new bumpers, front spoiler and wheels 20. The car is painted red Imola Red and thus somewhat resembles the next M6.

Jeep Wrangler Jurassic Park edition sold on eBay

The legendary movie Jurassic Park I think you've seen all of you. One crazy American, it seems that adored Jeep Wrangler used in the film and so decided to create his own replica. She took a Jeep Wrangler Sahara 1995 and did similar to those in the film.

The Jeep now sold on eBay for $ 9,000. Many will tell me about a 16 year old car that has come close to 190,000 km but think that this is a unique car that has received much attention from the owner. Definitely will not go unsold.

Video: Volkswagen Golf GTI 35 Edition first promo video

Volkswagen gave the first promo video of the new Golf GTI Edition 35, which will debut at Worthersee will take place from June 1-4 in Austria. There will be a Golf GTI 16S and the racing Golf24.

REFRESHED HYUNDAI I10 WILL BE A STAR

Hyundai launched its new facelift i10 sub-compact amid first quarter results that painted the company as one to really look out for, if your name is Toyota or Volkswagen. And the i10 is one of its best-selling models in the country. Goodness, the Koreans have arrived!

Big on value and features, the i10 is quite different from the car it replaces, in looks and quality. A new front bumper sets the scene, followed by a trapezoid front grille that now features in all new Hyundais like ix35, a new set of headlights, side looks, rear lights and rear bumper. The car has been thoroughly refreshed and looks all-new, unlike some other facelifts that end up being no more than just mild. All wheels are 165/ 60 R14 with 14-inch steel rims used all round. Good thing they also have a full-sized spare wheel in the boot.

Not just outside but inside as well have the changes been made. A new lights cluster was installed, matched by a new front fascia and a new style of cloth seats. Because Hyundai is still a value automaker, several “bigger-car” features come standard. Within the next 5 to 10 years Hyundai will start to charge similar prices to its competitors while simultaneously removing some of these features, which include air conditioning, ABS for the 1.2 GLS, at least two front airbags, a USB/ auxiliary connection, central locking, front and rear electric windows and others.

The driver tends to sit quite high in the i10, something that irritates the more enthusiastic pilots among us. But then we tend to forget who the i10 is targeted at. Interestingly only 20% or so of i10 buyers are black African. I don’t know if this is because they aren’t too interested in Hyundai, or if Hyundai is not too bothered about advertising in media consumed by these ever-swelling consumers.

The derivatives being sold are the 1.2 GLS, 1.1 GLS manual and the 1.2 GLS automatic. The entry-level 1.1 GLS sears 50kW at 5500rpm and its peak torque of 99Nm at 4500rpm. It’s a cast iron block with a single overhead cam and two valves per cylinder, making it an 8-valve motor. A 5-speed manual gearbox with a rather long gear lever puts thrust on the front wheels, returning 0 – 100km/h in 15.2 seconds as tested by Hyundai engineers. Fuel consumption is said to be 4.8 litres per 100km, with C02 emissions reportedly at 114 g/km.

Slightly higher up is the 1.2-litre (Hyundai insists on calling it a 1.25) 4-cylinder giving out 64kW at 6000rpm and 119Nm at 4000rpm. Lighter than its 1.1-litre sibling, thanks to an aluminium block, the engine is apparently a little more fuel efficient, averaging 4.7 litres per 100km and C02s of 113 g/km. For the 0 – 100km/h sprint, a time of 12.3 seconds is claimed and top speed of 169km/h.

Most expensive is the 1.2 GLS with a 5-speed automatic and a sprint time of 13.8 seconds, the highest fuel consumption at 5.5 litres per 100km and a 132 g/km C02 combination.

While I can attest to its willingness to rev, the i10, in either engine guise, is no neck-jerker by any means. But then again it’s not meant to be. This is an urban runabout for people on a serious budget or those looking at a reasonably-priced second or third car.

Hyundai i10 pricing

1.1   GLS (R99 900)

1.2   GLS (R109 900)

1.2 GLS auto (R119 900)

Fiat 500 TwinAir Plus Sport equipment version

The Fiat 500 is TwinAir is now available in the equipment package "plus". The new line is up for the sedan and convertible.
The 500 TwinAir Plus is recognized by black-painted 16-inch light-alloy wheels double-spoke design. A rear spoiler, electric adjustable and heated outside mirrors in body color as well as a chromed tailpipe trim are also standard with it. For the 500 TwinAir plus ten exterior colors are available, including the date the special edition Fiat 500 by Diesel reserved Metallic Blue Midnight Indigo Blue. The closed version can optionally be ordered with a black painted roof.

Both body styles are driven by a 85 hp two-cylinder turbo engine. Standard of Fiat with a five speed gearbox is fitted. Optional there are also the automatic transmission Dualogic. The base price for the closed three-door model is 14 400 €. As the Fiat 500 Cabrio Plus TwinAir from € 17 200 is to be had.

2012 Audi A1 clubsport quattro: power dwarf with 503 hp

Audi does with its smallest horse in the stable flex its muscles. The A1 will get a "club sport quattro" package. The ideal platform to present the show car is the GTI meet at Wörthersee in the Austrian Reifnitz (1st to 4th June 2011). With the force will dwarf the Ingolstadt to win the hearts of local fans attending PS.

2011 Infiniti EX35 Review

The 2011 Infiniti EX35 gets a new transmission. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain-side airbags, and front-side airbags. Standard on the Journey are a power tilt and telescopic steering wheel, heated front seats, sunroof, wireless cell-phone link, and hard drive for storing digital-music files. Lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, power-folding rear seat backs, and a navigation system are among the options offered on the Journey.

COMPETITION
Premium-Compact SUVs are luxury SUVs that are compact in size.
With rear-wheel-drive and a more wagon-like profile, the EX35 isn’t your average people and cargo hauler. if Goldilocks drove, she might consider it just right. North America sees the EX in 3.5-liter trim (hence EX35), but Europe and Japan get a zippier EX37 with Infiniti’s larger V6, while China gets an EX25 with Infinit’s smaller V6.
For the 2011 model year, the Infiniti EX35 finds itself grille to grille with some of the brightest in the business.

Any breakthroughs?
Then there are the other techno-fab pieces like the Lane Departure Warning, and Lane Departure Prevention systems, Full-speed Intelligent Cruise Control, Distance Control Assist, and finally the Blind Spot Warning system.

When you compare the EX with big brother FX, you get the impression that the EX came out on top when the genetics were being sorted out. With our Infiniti and its rear-wheel-drive setup (all-wheel-drive is optional), we didn’t even make an attempt at some of the rough terrain that is South Florida.

Chrome trim strips frame the greenhouse, and blacked out B, C and D-pillars help to minimize the size that comes with adding various safety items like air curtains and seat side-curtain airbags. The overall look is finished off nicely with 19-inch split-spoke wheels mounted with Bridgestone Potenza sport tires. The liftgate is equipped with a curved expanse of glass covered by a rear window shade. Once again, Infiniti shows that it is at the top of its game as far as interior design is concerned. Infiniti has managed to avoid going to the spinning control dial as seen in Mercedes-Benz, Audi, BMW and, yes, Hyundai vehicles. Large, living room chair-style front seats kept us firmly tucked in during our tracking through twisties. Cargo space in the “way back” was accommodating for 18.6 cubic feet with the 60-40 split seats in the upright and locked position. Following Infiniti’s (and Nissan’s) economy of scale, the EX shares underpinnings with its sistership, the G sedan. But with the EX 5.6 inches shorter in overall length at 182.3, than the G’s 187.9-inches, it is able to bring forth a sporty car feel that actually makes it a fun driver.

Our EX RWD weighed in at 3,795 lbs., and according to the EPA, managed to tick off 17 city and 24 highway miles per gallon during government testing. From a handling standpoint, the EX is equipped with a subframe mounted double-wishbone setup that has high-performance dual-pass shock absorbers with a 26mm stabilizer bar in front. A speed-determined variable-power assist handles steering.

The EX was quite the performer throughout our week of constant cruising. Once again, the thought “Infiniti G wagon” came to mind.
Infiniti’s 2011 EX35 captures the spritely feeling of a small car with the luxury and technology of a land yacht.

Lumping the Infiniti EX35 in with other “small cars” is a bit of a stretch. The Infiniti EX35 is not exactly small, since it measures about 15 feet long and weighs 3,764 pounds. Like the Infiniti M37x, the EX35 has that cocooning cockpit feel. You slip in and the car just feels right. The lighting inside, especially the “electroluminescent” gauges, have that extra luxury look that makes the car worth the higher price tag (our test car is priced at $46,605 but the base price is $35,150 – or much closer to the X3.)

The exterior styling is not as pronounced as the M37x we tested.
Pick a speed, any speed
We’re jumping right to the driving experience here, because that is the real draw with this sporty hatchback. It now has a 7-speed transmission. Truth be told, switching from a 5-speed to a 7-speed might be a technical improvement. The real reason the Infiniti EX35 begs you to drive fast is due to the cockpit feel.

Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2011 Reviews

The Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T model comes standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, 12.6-inch disc brakes, a front strut brace, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, steering wheel audio controls, power windows, AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3, air conditioning, projector beam headlamps, trip computer, cruise control, Bluetooth, iPod connectivity, active head restraints, front/side/curtain airbags, ABS, and electronic stability control.

The Premium edition gains a power driver's seat, 360-watt Infinity audio with 10 speakers, push-button start, auto-dimming mirrors, a tilt-and-slide power sunroof, and navigation system.
Available for $26,750, with a six-speed manual only, is the 2.0T "Track" model. It has all the same mechanical upgrades as the Track model, but lacks the premium leather seats, Xenon lights, and navigation.

A six-speed manual is standard, while upgrading to the Shiftronic pushes the price to $26,500.
Lastly, the "Track" V6 model comes with 19-inch gunmetal finish alloy wheels, Brembo brakes with 13.4-inch rotors and four-piston brakes, track-tuned suspension, and Torsen-type limited-slip differential. Unlike the 2.0T, the Track model is available with a Shiftronic automatic, in addition to a regular manual.

The 2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe is a solid value, providing rear-wheel drive sports car abilities for a lot less than the competition. The Genesis Coupe is Hyundai's sportiest vehicle yet, but struggles to find its place in the exciting, fast-paced world of sports cars.

Other Sports Cars to Consider
Within the class of Affordable Sports Cars, only the Mazda RX-8 and Mitsubishi Eclipse offer seating for four and everyday usability. Shoppers seriously considering the 2011 Hyunda Genesis Coupe should shop it against Muscle Cars, like the Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang.

Details: Hyundai Genesis Coupe
The Genesis Coupe 2.0T is available in base, Premium and R-Spec trims.
The 2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe features improved interior materials, including padded door armrests, softer leather for the leather-wrapped steering wheel and more chrome accents for the instrument panel. Though it shares its name with the larger Genesis luxury sedan, the Genesis Coupe is a considerably different type of car. It follows the basic formula for a high-performance coupe with its sleek styling, rear-wheel drive and a pair of small backseats. Thankfully the Genesis Coupe has the goods to back it up. With either power plant the Genesis Coupe provides some of the best handling you'll find in a sport coupe, with precise steering and plenty of cornering grip.

The 2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe is a performance coupe available in six trim levels: 2.0T, 2.0T R-Spec, 2.0T Premium, 3.8 R-Spec, 3.8 Grand Touring and 3.8 Track.
The base 2.0T comes standard with 18-inch cast-aluminum wheels, keyless entry, tilt (but not telescoping) steering column, air-conditioning, full power accessories, cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, trip computer, Bluetooth and a CD/MP3 stereo with USB/iPod connectivity and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls.

The 2.0T Premium loses the R-Spec's performance hardware and instead comes with a sunroof, automatic headlights, power driver seat, keyless ignition/entry, auto-dimming rearview mirror, automatic climate control, an upgraded audio system plus a navigation system.

Powertrains and Performance
The rear-wheel-drive Hyundai Genesis Coupe is powered by either a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine (in 2.0T models) or a 3.8-liter V6 (in 3.8 models). For the 2.0T, Hyundai offers either a six-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic with manual shift control. For the 3.8 models, there's the manual or a six-speed automatic, also with manual shift control.
EPA estimated fuel economy for the 2.0T is 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway and 24 mpg combined with the manual transmission.

Safety
The 2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe comes standard with stability control, antilock disc brakes with brake assist, front-seat side airbags, active front head restraints and full-length side curtain airbags.
The front seats are superbly shaped for both enthusiastic driving and long-distance cruising.
Driving Impressions
On the road, the 2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe is notably impressive for its excellent body control, responsive steering and sophisticated ride quality.

1 M COUPE: DID BMW LIE?

InsideLine, one of America’s favourite motoring reads, got its hands on a new BMW 1 Series M Coupe. First thing they did? Put the dynamite on a dyno of course! Strapped to the hilt the turbo laser surprised test engineers by posting around 280kW, which is all of 30kW more than what BMW officials claim! Say what?

IL often pulls these stunts with certain cars they get lent for media testing. But the tests they use are different from the ones used by manufacturers who test engine power at the crank, not at the wheel as what IL does. Results between the two methods are often 15% or so off.

For the record, the official line is that the new 1 Series M Coupe spits out 250kW from its twin turbo 3.0-litre straight 6 engine.

Spy Shots: Geely Geagle GC3

With so many sub-brands, Geely is making the life in excess. And do not say or by LTX (London Taxi) or by Volvo, which are also owned, but by divisions Emgrand, Englon and Geagle. In the latter had so far only two models (Panda and Panda Cross), although they are working on increasing the family.

Based on the Geely CK, a derivative marketed Geagle in which only the front differs significantly. At the rear are released optics, but retains the original style. Inside if more changes, with a redesigned center console and better materials. We do not have exact date for commercialization, but has indicated it will be equipped with a 1.5i 16v engine with 103 hp Mitsubishi home. Price, another of the unknowns, should be around 50,000 yuan, about € 5,400 at current exchange rates.

HONDA ACCORD ADORNS FRESHER FACE

Honda’s Accord has been one of our favourite cars since it came into the country as Darth Vader’s helmet in 2003. Since then we’ve had two new models, one facelift in 2006 the other all-new (2008). It’s time for a facelift again. While the first facelift made things sober, this one gives Accord a sharper future. Both sedan and Tourer are affected.

The styling revision is quite apparent on the front grille which now surrounds itself with cleaner headlights that feature clear-lensed indicators now located closest to the grille instead of outside the headlights. A different lower front bumper is less gaping. New reversing light indicators and a chrome bar just above where the number plate is placed round up the gist of it. Three new exterior colour Alabaster Silver, Graphite Lustre metallic and Celestial Blue Pearl, are available. Unfortunately due probably to their ages, Accord buyers seem to favour the darker, duller colour palate.

The three different trims at dealership floors are the Elegance, Executive and Exclusive. Goodie features rise higher with each trim from left to right.  Elegance for instance, is the baseline with either a 6-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic, 17-inch alloys and dual-zone climate control. Add Bluetooth connectivity, 8-way adjustable front seats, cruise control and satellite steering wheel controls and you have the Executive. Exclusive Accords have all that stuff plus more special bits like rain-sensing wipers, Active Cornering lights, a USB/iPod/auxiliary insert and parking sensors for both front and rear ends.

Honda is an innovative company with a proud history of invention and general bettering of motor cars. One of these is the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) which reacts to impending accidents in three ways, the last of which (hard braking) is taken just before the accident happens. It follows a beeping alarm, a light tugging of seatbelts and light braking by the car. We’ve seen a similar system employed by the likes of Audi, Mercedes-Benz and BMW before.

Another is the Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), also used by the three Huns as well as Volvo. Honda’s system operates at between 70km/h and 180km/h. What it does is to beep when the driver veers into the wrong lane unintentionally. Such is determined by the fact that he/she didn’t use the indicator. Sadly South Africans generally do not indicate and could thus find themselves being beeped at incessantly. Should no reaction be forthcoming, the car then steers itself back into the correct lane. Thankfully the driver is always in control and will not encounter a counter-counter steering effect normally experienced with the Mercedes-Benz system.

When it comes to engines, the range is well-equipped. The two petrols are the 2.0-litre and 2.4-litre which are both naturally aspirated. Not very good news for us Gautengers who appreciate a good turbo boost in overtaking. But maybe there’s a solution later. The 2.0-litre gives off 115kW at 6300rpm and 192Nm of torque between 4100rpm and 5000rpm. You can buy it with a manual or automatic gearbox. Nought to 100km/h acceleration is claimed at 10 seconds, top speed 215km/h, average fuel consumption 7.2 litres per 100km and C02 emissions at 165 g/km in manual.

The 2.4-litre is quite a lively thing with its robust 148kW made at a high 7000rpm, with torque of 234Nm sneaking in at 4300rpm. Honda says it will run between 0 – 100km/h in 8.1 seconds, top off at 227km/h while using only 8.8 litres per 100km of unleaded, with average C02 emissions checking in at 203g/km.

Last but not least is the kicking 2.2-litre i-DTEC turbo diesel whose power output is now rated at an impressive 132kW at 4000rpm, up from the old model, while maximum torque of 380Nm spreads outwards from 2000rpm. Give it the correct boot and it goes from standstill to 100km/h in 8.7 seconds, peaking off at 220km/h. Its combined fuel average is 5.8 litres per 100km, while C02s are rated at 151g/km. The same engine can be ordered mild at 110kW in automatic form only.

With its new styling, hi-technology, safety features and engine choices, the facelift Honda Accord will be very difficult to ignore, even for those who always think Germany first at these price levels.

Facelift Honda Accord Pricing

2.0 Elegance (R303 000)
2.0 Elegance auto (R317 500)
2.4 Executive (R358 700)
2.4 Executive auto (R371 200)
2.2 i-DTEC Executive (R388 200)
2.2 i-DTEC Executive auto (401 200)
Tourer 2.4 Executive (R388 700)
Tourer 2.4 Executive auto (R401 200)
Tourer 2.4 Exclusive (R416 700)
Tourer 2.4 Exclusive auto (R431 200)
Tourer 2.2 i-DTEC Executive (R428 200)
Tourer 2.2 i-DTEC Executive auto (R431 200)

Hyundai Elantra compact sedan returns in Europe

At Barcelona Motor Show in the South Korean company said it will sell in the summer in Europe, the new Elantra.
This is the fifth generation of the car, the first European country to be sold is Spain.


Fifth-generation Elantra has changed in scale compared with the fourth, the length is 4530 mm (+ 25 mm), width is 1775 mm (unchanged) and the height is 1445 (less than 35 mm from the previous generation). The most important change is the distance between the axles, which increased to 2700 mm.


Serious changes are in the exterior design, which is much more modern, dynamic and attractive. Large elongated rear lights, original fog lights beneath them, large front and minimal excess back. In 2007 in Europe stop sales of third-generation Elantra, taking its place began selling hatchback i30, developed specifically for Europe. The fourth-generation Elantra did not reach European markets.


But now of Hyundai have decided to return to Europe this model, although the Barcelona forward and deputy Sonata, i40, which, however, is more luxurious and will aim at a higher price segment, though it is practically in the same class .

China - a large country with large holes

One of them swallowed a truck, literally!
Complaining that our roads are pocked with holes that break our cars. It is true we are 135th in quality of roads, but the holes in the streets we still eat cars.

In China, however, make it. In the most populous country in the world on the road hole swallowed whole truck. According to investigators transported iron truck was too heavy and the driver failed to comply with road signs.