What's The Alternatives?

[Fujisan]

Fuj - that must take the biscuit as the biggest post ever!

I did think about spliting into three seperate posts............but.............it was easier this way

The landrover only has 2 doors and a rear door, and a um 2 seats. Having put larger wheels and massive tyres onto it, I need a step to get up! Then again its so smoky, that ye wouldnae think o goin near a supermarket!!

Could have benefit's! While everybody else is evacuating the store and calling for the emergency services you could do your shopping in peace and quiet!

[bothwell_buyer]

Aye - had a good laugh at that! I used the machine this morning to shift the caravan and the neebur asked whit the stuff wis flowing frae the front - aifter a look ah realised that I'd forgotten to switch the cooling fan oan!! Wis concentrating oan the smoke frae the 'dashboard'!! Telt ye afore that tae get a car ahind tae back aff, ah jist take ma foot aff the pedal that feeds the engun mair juice! The clouds that erupt are enormouse!! Whit kills me is that cos its 1963 vintage, ah get the car tax fur nuthin!!! :lol: :lol: You guys in yer sweet smelling dieselly oily pro 2001 motors will end up haein tae pay a fortune as weel :lol2: :lol2: :lol2: :lol2: :lol2: :lol2: :lol2: :lol2: :lol2: :lol2:

Isn' t the UK jist so unfair? Well, wi the Shell drivers gain oan strike fur 4 days, ma RAVs are aff the road. Ma bus is poorly cos its got oil in the coolant and is overheating so thats the propane alternative aff n all. So its back tae the landrover cos ahve goat me stock o oil roon the back o the hoose!!! Up here in Scotland ye get it naturally ye ken, frae digging deep!!

[Fujisan]

Keep digging!

[Fujisan]

A bit of news of slight interest

"Mazda will show a new SUV concept car at August's Moscow International Automobile Salon that shows the potential for a smaller brother to the CX-7.

Smaller than the Mazda Hakaze concept from two years ago, the concept does not directly preview a production car. Instead it shows more of Mazda's Nagare design theme, as seen on the Nagare, Ryuga, Furai, Taiki and Hakaze concepts. It is not a second-generation Hakaze but an entirely new vehicle.

The car was designed specifically for the Russian market because Russia will become the biggest market for new cars in Europe next year, overtaking Germany. SUVs have a 20 per cent market share in Russia."

[chatman]

A bit of news of slight interest

"Mazda will show a new SUV concept car at August's Moscow International Automobile Salon that shows the potential for a smaller brother to the CX-7.

Smaller than the Mazda Hakaze concept from two years ago, the concept does not directly preview a production car. Instead it shows more of Mazda's Nagare design theme, as seen on the Nagare, Ryuga, Furai, Taiki and Hakaze concepts. It is not a second-generation Hakaze but an entirely new vehicle.

The car was designed specifically for the Russian market because Russia will become the biggest market for new cars in Europe next year, overtaking Germany. SUVs have a 20 per cent market share in Russia."

Hmmm I'm at Ford tomorrow...Have a look in there car pound tomorrow..see what I can see. Saw the new Fiesta there the last time... Looks a nice car and the interior is really nice....

[Fujisan]

Hmmm I'm at Ford tomorrow...Have a look in there car pound tomorrow..see what I can see. Saw the new Fiesta there the last time... Looks a nice car and the interior is really nice....

Seen first "moving" Kuga on the motorway last week. Unfortunately it was heading in the other direction so didn't get a good look but it is recognisable, more than some cars these days :D

[chatman]

Seen first "moving" Kuga on the motorway last week. Unfortunately it was heading in the other direction so didn't get a good look but it is recognisable, more than some cars these days :D

There's loads of Kuga's here. .. seen a few on the road around Chelmsford... Looks nice in Silver

One other car escaped our scrutiney is the Jeep Compass. Friend up road from me has down sized from his X5 4.4 to the diesel version of the jeep... say's it's good for economy and does not cry now when filling up (used to be 100+ for the X5 :o ) but misses the gadgets the X5 has...asked if I wanted his X5....errrrr how much is the road tax again :P :P .... So if any one wants a good 55 plate X5 4.4 with all the gadgets...give us a call and I'll pass your details on...

[chatman]

As reported earlier by Fuji.......... :rolleyes:

The winds of change are blowing at Mazda! This sketch shows the Japanese maker's all-new SUV, set to be unveiled at this year's Moscow Motor Show in August.

The sleek crossover, whose styling is inspired by 'crosswinds', will be uncovered in concept form at the Russian show and will provide the basis for an Eastern European market SUV called the CX-5, due in 2009.

Read full story HERE

[Fujisan]

Jeep Compass.

Selected quotes from an Autocar first drive:

"A soft-roader from Jeep, aimed at stealing sales from the likes of Honda CR-V, Land Rover Freelander and Toyota Rav4. Based on the Dodge Caliber platform and built on the same production line, the Compass is the first example of platform sharing within Chrysler-Jeep.

Unlike UK-spec Calibers, the Compass is four-wheel-drive, with a new Jeep automatic on-demand system. Power predominantly goes to the front axle, but an electronically controlled clutch directs up to 60 per cent of the drive rearwards as required. Power comes from either a VW-sourced 2.0-litre manual diesel or 2.4-litre four-cylinder manual or CVT petrol.

What’s it like?

The diesel is the engine to go for or, put another way, it is the lesser of two evils. It is much less refined than in its VW applications and gutless below 2000rpm. Thankfully then, the six-speed gearbox is slick.

It’s better packaged too, with more headroom, but what it doesn’t improve upon is the Caliber’s sub-standard interior.

Should I buy one?

No, not unless you really must have a Jeep. The Rav 4, CR-V and Freelander are all better cars, even if they cost a chunk more than the £18,990 Jeep asks for the Compass (especially when you consider the Jeep’s alloys, leather heated seats and keyless entry).

The biggest rival to the Compass, however, is Nissan’s Qashqai, which is similar on price if not spec, but much better-engineered and finished. "

[Fujisan]

Not sure if we will see this on sale in Europe

"The new Saab 9-4X and its sister car, the Cadillac BRX, have been caught testing in Germany. These are the first shots of the Saab, which will go on sale next year after being unveiled at the Detroit motor show in January.

Developing the 9-4X alongside the Cadillac BRX has saved enough money for Saab to design its own bodyshell and interior. On the outside the car will be very similar to the concept, retaining the distinctive angular door frames and big Saab grille.

The project's chief designer, Andrew Dyson, said that the car will be bold with simple shapes. There's a roundness in the front end, with the front corners rounded off, but simple body sides with big wheels and arches.

The cabin will also draw heavily on the concept, so expect an update of the shapes and forms used in the 9-3 and 9-5,- but with more modern materials and better build quality.

Our spies tell us that, unlike the 9-4X concept, this test car is fitted with GM's 2.8-litre petrol V6 and an automatic box. We also know it's running on 255/55 tyres on 18-inch rims -- more practical than the concept's 21-inch wheels.

The production 9-4X will be 4.95m long and 1.92m wide, a company source has told Autocar. Along with the Cadillac BRX it uses a new platform -- a mix of GM's Theta 4x4 platform and the new Epsilon II chassis known as Theta premium.

Both cars will be built in Mexico."

[bothwell_buyer]

Buy one, get 3 Fajitas free???

Up here anything wrapped in black poly bags has been nicked!

[Fujisan]

Buy one, get 3 Fajitas free???

It's GM, so the Fajitas will be the best thing about it! :D

[bothwell_buyer]

Buy one, get 3 Fajitas free???

It's GM, so the Fajitas will be the best thing about it! :D

raffle then?

[Fujisan]

A little more news about Ford and GM SUV's in the States:

"Ford has announced that it is further reducing production of large SUVs and pick up trucks at its American plants as demand dwindles in the face of soaring fuel prices.

GM has also admitted that it will be extending the production life of its “full-size” pick-up and SUV platform, and it is also seriously considering the future of the Hummer brand.

Ford will delay the introduction of the revised 2009 F-150 to ensure it doesn’t become overwhelmed by stocks of the unsold current version. Company bosses in the US have also confirmed that more European models will be brought to America, potentially good news for plants and workers on this side of the Atlantic.

America will be getting the next generation Fiesta - and Ford CEO Alan Mulally has confirmed that four- and five-door versions of the current European Ford Focus will be produced in the USA from 2010 with direct injection petrol engines.

Both Ford and GM are struggling to reduce their cost base in the face of sliding sales and collapsing consumer confidence. Ford is planning to produce just 475,000 vehicles in the US in the third quarter this year, 25 per cent less than the same period last year. The company has also said that its 2008 financial results will be worse than 2007’s. GM has also announced today that over 18,500 of its hourly-paid American employees have applied for early retirement."

[chatman]

A little more news about Ford and GM SUV's in the States:

"Ford has announced that it is further reducing production of large SUVs and pick up trucks at its American plants as demand dwindles in the face of soaring fuel prices.

GM has also admitted that it will be extending the production life of its “full-size” pick-up and SUV platform, and it is also seriously considering the future of the Hummer brand.

Ford will delay the introduction of the revised 2009 F-150 to ensure it doesn’t become overwhelmed by stocks of the unsold current version. Company bosses in the US have also confirmed that more European models will be brought to America, potentially good news for plants and workers on this side of the Atlantic.

America will be getting the next generation Fiesta - and Ford CEO Alan Mulally has confirmed that four- and five-door versions of the current European Ford Focus will be produced in the USA from 2010 with direct injection petrol engines.

Both Ford and GM are struggling to reduce their cost base in the face of sliding sales and collapsing consumer confidence. Ford is planning to produce just 475,000 vehicles in the US in the third quarter this year, 25 per cent less than the same period last year. The company has also said that its 2008 financial results will be worse than 2007’s. GM has also announced today that over 18,500 of its hourly-paid American employees have applied for early retirement."

Yep the F-150 was out sold for the first time in years by............... A TOYOTA... Camry I believe as well :toast: :toast:

Looks like all those red necks are moving on to family cars :unsure: still cant see a dear strapped to the hood of a camry though ......

Having seen the new Fiesta up close and personal...It is a very nice looking car and the inside is huge as well..They also had a booted version (not for Europe though) looked good (had feint disguise on though as all manufactures do) :ph34r:

[Fujisan]

Having seen the new Fiesta up close and personal...It is a very nice looking car and the inside is huge as well..They also had a booted version (not for Europe though) looked good (had feint disguise on though as all manufactures do) :ph34r:

One to lookout for when you trek around the London Motor Show :

"100g/km Ford Fiesta at London show

The new Ford Fiesta ECOnetic will be unveiled at next month's London motor show, a company source has revealed.

The ultra-efficient, stylish Fiesta hatchback will produce less than 100g/km of CO2, equivalent to more than 70mpg, pitching it directly against the VW Polo Bluemotion as the most fuel-efficient family car in the UK.

The new Ford Fiesta weighs around 50kg less than the previous model and will be powered by a 1.4-litre turbodiesel engine, built at Ford's wind-powered plant in Dagenham.

The production-ready Ford Fiesta, which was revealed at the Geneva motor show in March, bears a striking resemblance to the Verve concept car, though it has not retained the frameless doors of the concept."

[Fujisan]

7 seat Freelander?

"Autocar has learned that Land Rover will be boosting its range with the addition of a new seven-seat model, coming in 2012.

Insiders at Land Rover know the seven-seater as ‘Project L486’ and the new model is based on the Freelander platform. The car will have unique bodywork, styling and interior to mark it out as being more than a Freelander variant.

The standard Freelander platform will need to be heavily modified, with an extended wheelbase to make room for the seven-seat configuration. The new model is likely to be closer in size to the Discovery than the Freelander.

The seven-seater fits in to Land Rover’s range as a more road-focused car than the Discovery, with a lower kerbweight, sharper chassis, better fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions.

It will have the Freelander’s front-biased four-wheel drive system with a centre diff to send torque to the slipping wheels. Other off-road aids will include hill descent control, traction control and stability control, all operated via the Terrain Response switch in the cabin.

Engines and transmission will shared with the Freelander, Land Rover having secured powertrain supply from Ford as part of the deal under which it was sold to Tata. The key engines from a UK perspective are likely to be 2.0-litre and 2.2-litre diesels with a choice of manual, automatic and twin-clutch transmissions. Land Rover is expected to use the same Getrag twin-clutch system that Ford and Volvo are using – a ‘micro-hybrid’ soft-start system will also be available.

The styling, represented in our artist’s impression, is said to be a mix of the Freelander and forthcoming LRX. “But with its own distinct look,” according to a source.

We have drawn it with a distinctive ‘stepped-roof’, a feature that increases head-room for rear-seat passengers.

The company is in the process of choosing a name for the seven-seater with one possibility, among several under consideration, being ‘Ventura’. It’s a name that’s been mooted before at Land Rover for previous new models.

Land Rover plans to build the L486 alongside the LRX at Halewood, current home of the Freelander and X-Type. Both Land Rover hopes to build up to 70,000 of each model a year, which will boost production at the Merseyside plant to 210,000 units year – a much more profitable level than the current 100,000 units. "

[Fujisan]

Diesel Cayenne!

"After years of rumours, Porsche has confirmed that the Cayenne will be available with a diesel engine from March 2009.

The new unit will be sourced from Porsche’s fellow Volkswagen Group subsidiary Audi and is likely to be a version of the company’s 3.0-litre V6 TDI – as also found in the Cayenne’s Q7 cousin. It will have around 240bhp and 237lb ft of torque.

Porsche had apparently planned to reveal its diesel Cayenne in January 2009, alongside the facelifted version of the Boxster.

But Stuttgart’s sports car maker will now hold it back until later in the year to give the updated entry-level Boxster the limelight. "

[Fujisan]

Land Rover LRX five-door on the way

"Autocar can exclusively reveal that Land Rover will launch a more practical five-door version of its sleek compact LRX in 2011.

The LRX – which has only been previewed as a three-door concept - will be Land Rover’s most significant product launch since Tata Motors took the company over.

Autocar understands that the three-door LRX will follow the concept car’s shape and design as closely as possible. But Land Rover is also working on a five-door model and the company’s design team is striving to retain the lines and style of the compact concept car, while adding the extra practicality of two rear doors.

It’s not yet clear whether the three- and five-door versions of the LRX will be launched simultaneously in 2011. It’s more likely that the five-door variant will arrive six months after the three-door, allowing Land Rover to take the fight to fashionable urban cars like the Mini Clubman.

Sources suggest that a hybrid version of the LRX is a vital part of Land Rover’s plan, and that this will boast excellent fuel economy and low CO2 emissions.

Land Rover hopes to build 70,000 LRXs per year at its Halewood plant in the UK."

[Fujisan]

Chunky Polo SUV heads for the hills

Based on Polo platform, beefed-up supermini set to take on 4WD Corsa.

"Volkswagen is giving its Polo four-wheel drive for the first time and launching a new baby SUV.

The car is set to replace the current Polo Dune, and it will get beefed-up looks to match its all-terrain ability. It will go up against forthcoming supermini 4x4 class rivals such as the Vauxhall Corsa SUV and its planned Chevrolet-badged sister model.

As you can see, the rugged Polo borrows many styling cues from the firm’s bigger Tiguan. It has a bold chrome grille and Eos-style headlights, plus protective cladding for the bumpers, wheelarches and side skirts. Roof rails and sporty alloy wheels also feature.

Under the chunky-looking skin is a development of the current Polo’s chassis. This same platform will also provide the basis for the standard next-generation supermini, which is due on sale here in 2009.

The SUV version is fitted with VW’s 4MOTION four-wheel-drive system. It also sits 20mm higher than the regular Polo, so it should prove capable over rough terrain.

On the inside, buyers can expect a cabin design which is a little sportier than that of the regular hatch, with plenty of metal-effect trim. There will be room for five people, while a sliding rear bench gives the car added flexibility, as do extra storage cubbies under the boot floor.

The off-road Polo will be available with the same range of engines as the standard car. That means the line-up kicks off with a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol motor in a choice of 60bhp or 70bhp guises. This will be joined by an 85bhp 1.4-litre, while a 1.2-litre TSI uses VW’s clever supercharging and turbocharging technology to deliver an output of 105bhp.

Diesel options will include a 1.6-litre TDI in 75bhp, 90bhp and 105bhp forms. Buyers will also be able to specify a low-emissions Bluemotion car with a 1.4-litre TDI unit.

As well as the replacement for the Dune, VW is planning a drop-top. Standard three and five-door cars arrive next year, with the SUV debuting in 2010."

[chatman]

A little more news about Ford and GM SUV's in the States:

"Ford has announced that it is further reducing production of large SUVs and pick up trucks at its American plants as demand dwindles in the face of soaring fuel prices.

GM has also admitted that it will be extending the production life of its “full-size” pick-up and SUV platform, and it is also seriously considering the future of the Hummer brand.

Ford will delay the introduction of the revised 2009 F-150 to ensure it doesn’t become overwhelmed by stocks of the unsold current version. Company bosses in the US have also confirmed that more European models will be brought to America, potentially good news for plants and workers on this side of the Atlantic.

America will be getting the next generation Fiesta - and Ford CEO Alan Mulally has confirmed that four- and five-door versions of the current European Ford Focus will be produced in the USA from 2010 with direct injection petrol engines.

Both Ford and GM are struggling to reduce their cost base in the face of sliding sales and collapsing consumer confidence. Ford is planning to produce just 475,000 vehicles in the US in the third quarter this year, 25 per cent less than the same period last year. The company has also said that its 2008 financial results will be worse than 2007’s. GM has also announced today that over 18,500 of its hourly-paid American employees have applied for early retirement."

More Doom and Gloom in the Car Manufacturing:

Volvo is laying off 2000 of its Swedish staff and cancelling 500 consultancy contracts, the company has announced.

The job losses are part of a cost-cutting move that will fuel speculation that Ford is poised to sell the company.

Most of the Volvo employees made redundant will be white-collar workers, but 600 blue-collar workers on the third shift at Volvo's Torslanda plant (where the V70 and XC90 are built) will also lose their jobs, along with a further 300 people worldwide.

Volvo gave the Swedish government official notice of its plans today and intends to restructure its workforce before the end of the year.

"Volvo Cars is implementing a cost-reduction programme which is estimated to reduce the total cost level by about $700 million," said Volvo.

"This is an unfortunate but necessary action if we are to achieve a better financial position," said chief executive Fredrik Arp, citing the declining US market as a key reason for the cut-backs.

Reports suggest that Ford has entered into preliminary negotiations with a Chinese company, believed to be Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC), that is interested in buying the ailing car maker, and a Russian investor is also believed to want Ford's luxury wing.

Industry rumours have suggested that BMW and Mazda are other potentially interested parties. But a Ford spokesman said: "We are focused on improving Volvo's business results."

However, Ford's new major shareholder Kirk Kerkorian, who now has a 6.49 percent stake in the company, recently indicated that he would like to see the cash-strapped US giant part ways with Volvo.

[chatman]

Was passed yesterday on way to work by the new BMW X6... big car and looked imposing in black...The back however looked ugly....

Local BMW dealer has a burgundy one out the front....

Have a look here at the vid...HERE

[dave.m]

Was passed yesterday on way to work by the new BMW X6... big car and looked imposing in black...The back however looked ugly....

Local BMW dealer has a burgundy one out the front....

Have a look here at the vid...HERE

And sold out till 2009 :o :o WTF

[chatman]

And sold out till 2009 :o :o WTF

Yep and I bet Darling is jumping for joy... all those Extra £400 first year road tax......Should pay the nanny bills for a while :unsure: :lol2: :lol2: :lol2:

If in London...They will be appearing by a school near you soon....

[Hoovie]

I find it a bit odd that in these times of massive fuel bills and hiked up road tax, there seems to be new 4x4s announced on a near weekly basis?

coming up is the Polo 4x4, the Corsa 4x4, the kuga is now out of course - I guess it is the the development cycle is such that they were started when these issues were not issues and it is just bad timing?

I quite like this motor - Skoda Yeti

It was first shown when I still had my Honda HR-V (which I still think is a funky motor) and it looks like a good replacement for that - albeit from the wrong company