Category Archives: Car Reviews

BMW 1 Series hatchback

If you are looking for fantastic driving dynamics along with classy interiors, then have a look at BMW 1 Series hatchback. But those looking for wheelchair accessible cars Derbyshire may be a little disappointed by its poor rear packaging and controversial styling.

Exterior and Interiors

It would be safer to say that BMW 1 Series hatchback isn’t quite based on rules of proportion. You need to look at the model from your own perspective and angle to make up your mind about the looks. If you are still in doubt about the exteriors, don’t expect the same confusions about the interiors. You simply can’t deny the top quality within. The soft-molded plastics are perfectly matched to the grain of the natural leather seats to maintain a visual consistency.  With a lower window line, you get more light and visibility in the car. With a low set driving position along with the three-spoked wheel, you feel very sporty while driving BMW 1 Series hatchback.

Performance

BMW 1-series really sets the benchmark for performance and emissions. Bringing mechanical refinement in this sector, 116i petrol runs very smoothly. And coupled with the new eight-speed gearbox, the shifts are near seamless and let the car accelerate from 0 to 62mph in 7.2secs while still giving 62.8mpg.

Running costs

BMW 1-series may be luxurious and pricey, but the awesome range of engines do a commendable job of keeping the running costs low. An ultra-green 116d ED is expected to arrive soon offering an average fuel consumption of 74 mpg and claimed CO2 emissions of 99g/km.

Dependability
Although BMW 1 Series hatchback is a new model, looking at the performance of the  previous models of  BMW 1-series, there is little to doubt about the dependability of the model. The 1 Series has scored a full 5 star rating in the Euro NCAP crash tests. All the models come equipped with six airbags and stability control.

Pros

  • Excellent interiors
  • Superb range of diesel and petrol engines
  • Competitive Boot space

Cons

  • different opinions on looks
  • Rear wheel drive  eats into rear cabin space
  •  Expensive amongst rivals

The BMW 1-series hatchback offers a fine range of engines, beautiful classy interiors and still remains the first choice for the small family hatchback sector. However it is not a good choice for those looking for wheelchair accessible cars Derbyshire. But if you are willing to pay for luxury, then  go for the BMW 1-series.

Ford Focus Zetec S 2.0 TDCi

The new Zetec S comes at the same price as Titanium-spec cars, although its focus seems to be on bringing more sportiness than luxury. Those with a yen for ultimate performance would be wise to choose the 1.6 EcoBoost petrol car, with a bhp rating of 177. That does not mean, however, that this 2.0-litre TDCi with a bhp rating of 161, which is the most powerful diesel engine on offer, is in any way a poor substitute. It is only seven tenths slower from 0-62 miles per hour, with a time of just 8.6 seconds, and it trumps the petrol car in terms of economy with a rating of 56.5 miles per gallon, an increase of 9.4 miles per gallon.

The diesel Zetec S feels quick rather than outrageously fast when actually on the road, with the low rev torque offered by the engine providing effortless progress. Unlike with many turbo diesels, there is plenty of incentive to rev it, given that the TDCi provides a wide power-band and continues to stay refined even when at high revs. The gearshift is also precise and quick.

The big difference with the Zetec S is in its handling and ride. The vehicle has been fitted with what the company has called a Sports Pack suspension, and so the damper rates and springs have been stiffened by as much as 25 per cent in order to sharpen up the car when it is on the road. Also featured are larger 17-inch alloys.

The result of all this is a much more alert feel to the steering and considerably improved resistance to body rolls. Even more impressively, this increased precision has been reached without having to compromise on ride comfort, which the firm claims is because they have left the ride height as standard.

A beefy body kit manages to make the Zetec S still seem as though it sits lower on the road, though and the new vehicle is set apart from the regular Focus by body coloured skirts, a roof mounted spoiler, standard fit fog lamps and lower bumpers on the front and the rear.

When it comes to the interior of the vehicle, the changes include the likes of Ford’s “Power” engine start button, a raised centre console situated between the driver and passenger seats and alloy covers on the pedals.

The seats themselves have been more heavily contoured in order to hold someone tightly, while the sporting feel is also only added to by the leather on the steering wheel. Aside from that, it is all standard stuff for a Focus, which means that the dashboard is backlit in blue and generally well constructed, if a tad busy.

The space offered is as good as always, though anyone wanting the extra carrying capacity of an estate vehicle will have to wait until the Zetec S wagon is released in February next year.

With strong economy, suspension changes that give finer control and extra kit, the Zetec S is an undeniably attractive proposition. Especially when you consider that you can now pick up a used ford in Leeds for an even more competative price!

New Honda Civic (U.S. Edition) Review

The new Honda civic for the North American market is the pinnacle of the models evolution. Click here  for more informaion on any of the used models

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Specifications:

  • Base Price for the coupe is $16,355 and that for the sedan is $16,555
  • Vehicle Type: front-wheel-drive, front-engine, five-passenger, two-door coupe/four-door sedan
  • Displacement: 1798 cc, 110 cu in
  • Torque is 128 lb-ft at 4300 rpm
  • Engine Type: port fuel injection, aluminum head & block, 16-valve SOHC inline-4
  • Power: 140 hp at 6500 rpm
  • Five-speed automatic Transmissions, five-speed manual