Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Subaru Legacy PZEV Sedan
For some people, it's not just about the look, and it's not always about the drive. For some people, it's about both! That is where the Subaru Legacy PZEV Sedan comes into play. People who would like the Subaru Legacy PZEV Sedan are the same people that know that it's not just about the destination, it's about the drive to the destination.The 2009 Subaru Legacy PZEV Sedan is one of those cars
Monday, April 27, 2009
2009 Seat Exeo Review
Overview
To the untrained eye it's hard to tell the difference between the new Seat Exeo and the current Audi A4. The front and rear light clusters and, of course, the badge give the game away.
With this in mind the ordinary family saloon buyer looking to cut costs may consider the Exeo a wise choice. Indeed, the 2.0 TDI PS Sport we tested costs £19,230 whereas the equivalent Audi A4 TDI retails at £23,425 - over £4,000 more expensive.
This car, however, is based on the previous-generation A4, first built in 2001. It's not a cynical rebadging exercise, though: Seat has taken the trouble of changing 30% of the parts.
It's not a direct rival to the current A4 anyway - it's taking on the likes of the Ford Mondeo and the Vauxhall Insignia, and it's hard not to be seduced by the thought that you are getting Audi quality for Seat money. Prices start at £17,735 for the generously equipped entry-level Exeo and that's pretty competitive when you compare it the base-spec Mondeo which starts at just over £17,390. It's here the Exeo starts to make sense.
The Exeo uses the new generation of Volkswagen engines so it's not been short-changed. The old noisy, lethargic and unrefined pumpe duse diesel engines makes way for a torquey 2.0-litre common-rail engine and there's also a smooth-revving 2.0-litre in the line-up. So are you really getting Audi quality at Mondeo money? Read on to find out.
With this in mind the ordinary family saloon buyer looking to cut costs may consider the Exeo a wise choice. Indeed, the 2.0 TDI PS Sport we tested costs £19,230 whereas the equivalent Audi A4 TDI retails at £23,425 - over £4,000 more expensive.
This car, however, is based on the previous-generation A4, first built in 2001. It's not a cynical rebadging exercise, though: Seat has taken the trouble of changing 30% of the parts.
It's not a direct rival to the current A4 anyway - it's taking on the likes of the Ford Mondeo and the Vauxhall Insignia, and it's hard not to be seduced by the thought that you are getting Audi quality for Seat money. Prices start at £17,735 for the generously equipped entry-level Exeo and that's pretty competitive when you compare it the base-spec Mondeo which starts at just over £17,390. It's here the Exeo starts to make sense.
The Exeo uses the new generation of Volkswagen engines so it's not been short-changed. The old noisy, lethargic and unrefined pumpe duse diesel engines makes way for a torquey 2.0-litre common-rail engine and there's also a smooth-revving 2.0-litre in the line-up. So are you really getting Audi quality at Mondeo money? Read on to find out.
Reliability and Quality
The previous-generation Audi A4 was a pretty solid car, so we think it's fair to assume your shiny new Exeo will stay bolted together for years to come. The cabin is of a decent quality but we did get a rather annoying rattle from the alloy trim on the gearlever.
The mechanicals and exterior quality should stand the test of time if customer satisfaction surveys are a guide. In the 2008 JD Power Survey the A4 finished 20th out of 100 models - not bad- but Seat finished 21st out of 28 brands - not particularly good. Still, we think the A4 result gives a more accurate picture for the Exeo.
The mechanicals and exterior quality should stand the test of time if customer satisfaction surveys are a guide. In the 2008 JD Power Survey the A4 finished 20th out of 100 models - not bad- but Seat finished 21st out of 28 brands - not particularly good. Still, we think the A4 result gives a more accurate picture for the Exeo.
On the road
There are three engines on offer with the Seat Exeo: a 2.0-litre 140bhp common-rail diesel, a 170bhp diesel and a 197bhp turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol.
We tested the 140bhp diesel and came away extremely impressed with the low-down pull - the maximum torque of 236lb-ft is delivered as low as 1,750rpm, ideal for A-road cruising and more than adequate for town driving. It will take you from 0-62mph in 9.2 seconds and then all the way up to a top speed of 133mph and that's on par with a similar powered Ford Mondeo and even a BMW 3-Series.
The 170bhp does 0-60mph in 8.4 seconds with a top speed of 142mph and the petrol will complete the benchmark sprint in 7.3 seconds and top out at 149mph.
Handling-wise the Exeo is pretty predictable: dynamically it's not in the same league as the Mondeo and 3-Series, but it's acceptable and you'd have to be a picky travelling salesman to start complaining to the fleet manager about it. Turn in and the car will respond nicely - it's not prone to too much body lean because the springs are rather firm. But it feels safe and secure and it's only when you are charging into a corner that you'll start to experience any levels of understeer.
The old A4's steering didn't feel particularly precise but the new Servotronic power has helped things on the Exeo. There's a bit more weight now to give you more confidence behind the wheel.
The brakes have a nice progressive feel but the gearchange is fractionally notchy at times, particularly if you are going down from third to second.
We tested the 140bhp diesel and came away extremely impressed with the low-down pull - the maximum torque of 236lb-ft is delivered as low as 1,750rpm, ideal for A-road cruising and more than adequate for town driving. It will take you from 0-62mph in 9.2 seconds and then all the way up to a top speed of 133mph and that's on par with a similar powered Ford Mondeo and even a BMW 3-Series.
The 170bhp does 0-60mph in 8.4 seconds with a top speed of 142mph and the petrol will complete the benchmark sprint in 7.3 seconds and top out at 149mph.
Handling-wise the Exeo is pretty predictable: dynamically it's not in the same league as the Mondeo and 3-Series, but it's acceptable and you'd have to be a picky travelling salesman to start complaining to the fleet manager about it. Turn in and the car will respond nicely - it's not prone to too much body lean because the springs are rather firm. But it feels safe and secure and it's only when you are charging into a corner that you'll start to experience any levels of understeer.
The old A4's steering didn't feel particularly precise but the new Servotronic power has helped things on the Exeo. There's a bit more weight now to give you more confidence behind the wheel.
The brakes have a nice progressive feel but the gearchange is fractionally notchy at times, particularly if you are going down from third to second.
Safety and Security
The 2001 Audi A4 secured 4 stars out of 5 for adult occupant protection and 1 star out of 4 for pedestrian safety in the Euro NCAP crash tests. That's not too shabby for a 2001 car but the game has moved on and there are now better-performing four-doors out there including the BMW 3-Series, Ford Mondeo and Vauxhall Insignia.
Stability control with electronic brake assist is standard as are front, side, and passenger airbags. Front active head restraints are also standard-fit.
An alarm and immobiliser are also included on the Seat Exeo's standard equipment list.
Stability control with electronic brake assist is standard as are front, side, and passenger airbags. Front active head restraints are also standard-fit.
An alarm and immobiliser are also included on the Seat Exeo's standard equipment list.
Running Costs
Thankfully the VW group diesels are refined and frugal. Official fuel consumption for the 140bhp version is 51.4mpg and that compares well with rivals. The 170bhp diesel returns 48.7mpg and the petrol 36.7mpg. Emissions levels are reasonable: the lower-powered diesel emits 143g/km of carbon dioxide which will put you in the Band F for road tax. The 170bhp emits 153g/km (Band G) and the petrol 179g/km (Band I).
Insurance will be affordable since the diesel models in groups 12 and 13. A group 14 rating for the high-powered petrol version should keep premiums low.
You won't pay a king's ransom if you choose the Exeo as a company car: Benefit-in-Kind rates are pegged at 19 % for the 140bhp diesel, 21% for the 170bhp diesel and a very affordable 23% for the petrol model.
Insurance will be affordable since the diesel models in groups 12 and 13. A group 14 rating for the high-powered petrol version should keep premiums low.
You won't pay a king's ransom if you choose the Exeo as a company car: Benefit-in-Kind rates are pegged at 19 % for the 140bhp diesel, 21% for the 170bhp diesel and a very affordable 23% for the petrol model.
Comfort and Equipment
The benefits of having an Audi A4 as a base are obvious as soon as you step inside the Exeo - this is probably the best cabin of any Seat. All the controls and switches respond with a satisfying thunk and the layout is no-nonsense and logical. All the materials look and feel decent and the addition of chrome on the rotary dials and the more aesthetically pleasing chromed circular vents offering an overall feeling of quality.
Fire up the Exeo and there's a slight sense of disappointment. The common rail diesel engine is noisy and rumbly, which is especially tiresome when you're pootling around town. It does settle down once you get up to motorway speeds, though.
The ride, although fidgety at times, is compliant and nicely balanced to give you reasonable comfort levels when cruising. The driving position is a little low but the seats are comfy and there's plenty of legroom and headroom available in the front and the back. Wind and road noise is well contained.
You can fold the rear seats down to get more space from the 460-litre boot. We stuck three golf bags in there with no problem with two rear seats folded down.
Base models get stability control, cruise control, electric windows and mirrors, split-folding rear seats, CD player and climate control.
Fire up the Exeo and there's a slight sense of disappointment. The common rail diesel engine is noisy and rumbly, which is especially tiresome when you're pootling around town. It does settle down once you get up to motorway speeds, though.
The ride, although fidgety at times, is compliant and nicely balanced to give you reasonable comfort levels when cruising. The driving position is a little low but the seats are comfy and there's plenty of legroom and headroom available in the front and the back. Wind and road noise is well contained.
You can fold the rear seats down to get more space from the 460-litre boot. We stuck three golf bags in there with no problem with two rear seats folded down.
Base models get stability control, cruise control, electric windows and mirrors, split-folding rear seats, CD player and climate control.
Used Value
Used prices for the Exeo are unlikely to be in the same league as the current Audi A4, but Seat still performs pretty well in the second-hand market.
The 140bhp 2.0-litre diesel will be the pick of the bunch and we expect it to retain between 38-40% of its original value after three years/36,000 miles. That trumps the 2.0-litre diesel Ford Mondeo's 35% residual value.
The 140bhp 2.0-litre diesel will be the pick of the bunch and we expect it to retain between 38-40% of its original value after three years/36,000 miles. That trumps the 2.0-litre diesel Ford Mondeo's 35% residual value.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Feature: Best of 2009 Shanghai Auto Show
Detroit may be in the doldrums, but Shanghai is swinging: the Chinese motor industry is growing rapidly, investing in design expertise and preparing to have a significant global impact in coming years.
And besides the domestic manufacturers, who are producing ever-more interesting concepts, the established European and Western car-makers are finding that they can't afford to ignore China, where new-car sales are rising exponentially. Here's the low-down on the most important cars of this year's Shanghai Auto Show.
Bertone Mantide
Based on the 620bhp Corvette ZR1, the insectile Mantide (Italian for 'praying mantis') is a one-off, road-legal creation from the Stile Bertone studio for a private client.
Designer Jason Castriota - the man behind the one-off Pininfarina P4/5 - says it's inspired by jet-fighter aircraft, and its fuselage-type body, butterfly-opening doors and canopy certainly make it look ready to fly away.
Though the underpinnings are Corvette, the extra-aerodynamic Mantide is some 100kg lighter, thanks to its carbon fibre bodyshell and interior - which help it to 217mph and 0-60mph in less than 3.5 seconds. Downforce is 30% better than that of the Corvette, thankfully.
Buick Business Concept
Chinese buyers love GM's Buick brand - they see it as the epitome of American luxury - and the Business Concept MPV is suitably kitted out with armchair-type seats, plush burgundy and cream suede upholstery and carpets, and high-tech LED displays.
The work of the GM-SAIC Pan-Asia joint research and development facility, it incorporates traditional Chinese patterns in its trim, and evokes Chinese crystal sculptures in its headlight design. It shares its hardware with the Chevrolet Orlando and thus also the upcoming new Vauxhall Zafira, and also previews a next-generation GM hybrid powertrain.
Source:http://www.channel4.com
Sunday, April 12, 2009
MODIFIKASI FERARI 360 MODENA
Ferrari modified! Yup, that was made of the owner Mr M-enggak usah requested his name is called the origin-of Surabaya. Imagine, bodinya to have all the dibor.
Ferrari dimodif that this type of Modena 360 years of production in 2003. Enggak need only be modified, the prancing horse logo sedan has been invited amazed. In addition bercita sense of high design, the number of sport sedan preparation of this Italian manufacturer with a finger in Indonesia.
Mr M is for modification of the world. He dares to submit Si Merah home modifications because KJ Auto Fashion has menjajal before. But not with Ferrari, but a black Porsche 911 Carrera that had shown in Kompas.com years ago.
From touch of skilled hands and Adi Roy, owner of KJ Auto Fashion, Mr M felt satisfied with the Porsche display. Both in terms of quality, detail, and cleanliness. "Now turn his Ferrari," Roy proud.
Try Tebak, part of which has been Roy and Adi? Not many, I. Only add lips spoiler wing and rear of fiberglass material. Surely there is a thought, "Ah that's easy to do the work!"
Yes, the object is a normal sedan. Ferrari and the process is outside the natural sciences modifications. Usually, the beginning of creating a master dimal in the original bumper that will be a mattress. After the master is finished, made kopinya. Here is the difference, Roy uses a copy of the master to be a spoiler lips, and master's saved. "Of course it is neat because it is lightweight and thin. But do not give up power," said Roy.
For installation, not just dilem, but strengthened again with the two screw. Thus, the original bumper and spoiler dibor. The goal, when the impact occurred, spoiler lips remain firmly alias can not be separated.
Meanwhile, the rear wing manufacture far more bold. The position is in the top of the engine room and must be resistant to high temperatures or excessive heat. Hence, the portion of Silicon glue more. However, Mr M will replace the lips and the wing rear spoiler with carbon fiber material.
Besides wings, Mr M also made the velg Fabulous spek really have to jump up and down horse. The four wheels installed Detonatore Mesh 20 inch hubcap berlambang following jingrak horse imported directly from Japan. Velg celong the lips chrome reinforce the aroma racing
Ferrari dimodif that this type of Modena 360 years of production in 2003. Enggak need only be modified, the prancing horse logo sedan has been invited amazed. In addition bercita sense of high design, the number of sport sedan preparation of this Italian manufacturer with a finger in Indonesia.
Mr M is for modification of the world. He dares to submit Si Merah home modifications because KJ Auto Fashion has menjajal before. But not with Ferrari, but a black Porsche 911 Carrera that had shown in Kompas.com years ago.
From touch of skilled hands and Adi Roy, owner of KJ Auto Fashion, Mr M felt satisfied with the Porsche display. Both in terms of quality, detail, and cleanliness. "Now turn his Ferrari," Roy proud.
Try Tebak, part of which has been Roy and Adi? Not many, I. Only add lips spoiler wing and rear of fiberglass material. Surely there is a thought, "Ah that's easy to do the work!"
Yes, the object is a normal sedan. Ferrari and the process is outside the natural sciences modifications. Usually, the beginning of creating a master dimal in the original bumper that will be a mattress. After the master is finished, made kopinya. Here is the difference, Roy uses a copy of the master to be a spoiler lips, and master's saved. "Of course it is neat because it is lightweight and thin. But do not give up power," said Roy.
For installation, not just dilem, but strengthened again with the two screw. Thus, the original bumper and spoiler dibor. The goal, when the impact occurred, spoiler lips remain firmly alias can not be separated.
Meanwhile, the rear wing manufacture far more bold. The position is in the top of the engine room and must be resistant to high temperatures or excessive heat. Hence, the portion of Silicon glue more. However, Mr M will replace the lips and the wing rear spoiler with carbon fiber material.
Besides wings, Mr M also made the velg Fabulous spek really have to jump up and down horse. The four wheels installed Detonatore Mesh 20 inch hubcap berlambang following jingrak horse imported directly from Japan. Velg celong the lips chrome reinforce the aroma racing
Yaris Groovy 2009
After the competitors dress up, even with the face showing the new total, this year Toyota Yaris only try to show little change or with "minor change". However, changes in exterior, especially the front of the face, enough to make the look "groovy" is more trendy. More fresh and dynamic!
Gril & Bumper. Changes made on each variant Yaris, which consists of type A (standard), E (medium) and S (sport) or most luxurious vary. In the future, the same part of the third variant is the form of a bumper and gril.
The differences appear on the spoiler of the type E and S with J. Type S has a spoiler (lip) in the middle of the bottom of the bumper, while the type A screw loose, no.
Under the fog lights, added aero mudguard for all types. However, the form for the type S with E and A different. Other differences, the type S is equipped with fog lights plus the cover of the Garnish. While the A and E without fog lights.
Gril showing the structure of the hive. While the bumper below it, a line harisontal. The combination of new and bumper gril this, create a more dynamic look Yaris than previous versions.
For the future, the change is very small. Glance, can not be distinguished between the old version with the new. According to Toyota is a different size of the surface light.
Back. Behind the changes made in the design of the bumper and the police. The last mentioned, size greater than Yaris and long form letter "V". For type S, rear spoiler made more sharp. While in the E type have additional aeromudguard.
Taillight little changed despite a few design essentially the same form. Yellow lens for light signal is made more explicit. To stop light, LED multireflektor used.
Pelek alloy that is used today, using the crossbar 8 (previously 5). Other changes in compliance with variannya. For S, outside rearview mirror equipped with lampun sein that the current trend.
Interior. In the interior changes only on the color panel and place a stick shift. The new version, comes with a stylish silver bright. While for the S variants using titanium silver. Setirnya equipped with some extra buttons to set the audio. This feature makes the S type of luxury!
Also changes the color and pattern on the seats and interior trim. Additional other, according to the target users, the young among them, provided the interface to connect the iPod to the audio in the car.
Engine. For machines not changed and remain the same as the previous version. According to Joko Trisanyoto, Marketing Director of TAM, Toyota assessing the performance of this engine now has a maximum.
Interesting also, is the Toyota engine can use E20 ethanol fuel or gasoline with a mixture of ethanol content 20%.
Also described the changes in the Yaris, especially accessories is the result of the design team of designers plus winners Toyota Toyota design years ago. According to Johnny Darmawan, although the Yaris is not made in Indonesia, but had to design accessories made in Indonesia.
"In fact, in the Asean region, the taste of Indonesia's most high," he said. Because of that accessory New Yaris is also marketed to ngara-Asean countries.
Specific to the type S adalagi that make the fun and style, the smart keyless entry, or for transmission otomatik. And of course, the Yaris is the most wah style, because to turn off the engine and be done with the button.
Dimensi
Item | |
Panjang x Lebar x Tinggi (mm) | 3.750 x 1.695 x 1.520 |
Jarak sumbu roda (mm) | 2.460 |
Mesin
Tipe | 4 silinder, segaris, 16 katup, DOHC, VVT-i |
Kapasitas | 1.497 cc |
Diameter x langkah | 75,0 x 84,7 mm |
Daya maks. | 109PS @6.000 rpm |
Torsi maks. | 14,4 kg-m @4.200 rpm |
Perbedaan fitur pada Yaris berdasarkan tipe
Tipe | |||
J (standar) | E (sedang) | S (mewah) | |
Transmisi | Manual 5 kecepatan | ||
Automatik 4 kecepatan, Super ECT | |||
Sistem rem: Depan | Cakram | Cakram berventilasi, ABS, EBD, BA | |
Belakang | Teromol | Teromol ABS, EBD, BA | Cakram, ABS, EBD, BA |
Ban | 185/60R15 | ||
Dual airbag | - | Ada | Ada |
Keyless | - | - | Ada |
Catatan. ABS: Antilock Brake System, EBD; Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, BA : Brake Assist
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Mobil Arina-micro mobil from semarang
Jakarta - Cars attract Arina Minister of Industry Fahmi Idris. Fahmi also menjajal akan test drive a car or mini Semarang from this.
According to the plan the Minister of Industry Fahmi Idris akan visit to Semarang on Friday 3 March 2009 to see the micro car Arina.
"Menperin also try akan Arina 150 cc car," said the Head of Laboratory Design Appropriate Use of Technology Mechanical Engineering Department of the State University of Semarang, car creator Arina, Widya Aryadi to detikOto, Thursday (2/4/2009) the night.
Fahmi Idris visit to Semarang in the socialization Exhibition Production Indonesia (PPI), which will be held at the Jakarta International Expo on 13-17 May 2009.According to the plan the Minister of Industry Fahmi Idris akan visit to Semarang on Friday 3 March 2009 to see the micro car Arina.
"Menperin also try akan Arina 150 cc car," said the Head of Laboratory Design Appropriate Use of Technology Mechanical Engineering Department of the State University of Semarang, car creator Arina, Widya Aryadi to detikOto, Thursday (2/4/2009) the night.
According to Widya, lawatan Menperin to precisely in Semarang Hotel Patra Jasa Semarang Jalan Sisingamangaraja simultaneously to encourage local automotive industry in Semarang participate showcase the results of its production on the micro car Arina PPI later.
"Hopefully, with the arrival Menperin, the local automotive industry in Semarang at this time can help to absorb labor from the local automotive component industry and the body of a car industry in the country," said Widya.
Arina car designed for 4 passengers, while the engine is available in Arina this engine is quite economical in its use, ie, 1 liter to 40 km and get power to 10.5 hp with a speed of 70 km per hour to 150 c engine
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)