Shoestring Superminis

By Leo Kimitri

Thanks to the rapidly increasing cost of insurance (and of course petrol, road tax, servicing etc.), car ownership levels among young people are plummeting. In a bid to soften the blow, Peugeot is extending its “Just Add Fuel” scheme which rolls all major motoring costs into one fixed monthly payment, so that it now covers drivers as young as 21. While this still leaves under 21s out in the cold, at least those residing in the hinterland between 21 and 25 now have another option when they come to buy a car. But just how tempting is Peugeot’s three year long package?

Well, a 21 year old can expect to pay £215 per month for a 107 Active, which includes comprehensive insurance, road tax (which Peugeot neglects to mention is free on this model anyway), servicing and roadside assistance. Overall, three factors affect the total cost – the car chosen, the owner’s postcode and the age of the youngest named driver. This all means that if you live in a postcode with high car crime for instance you’ll no doubt have to shell out much more than that, but whatever the price you pay, you’ll know exactly how much your car will cost to run every month for three years.

However, as with all finance deals, Peugeot’s “Just Add Fuel” scheme is not that straightforward – it really should have been called “Just Add Fuel and Deposit”. That’s because a 21 year old paying £215 per month would need to stump up the princely sum of £1,633 for a deposit too. And if you have to find £1,633 to pay upfront why not just spend that on a whole car? Sure you won’t have the convenience of a nice round-numbered bill every month and you won’t get a new car, but you’ll be spending much, much less in the first place.

So what can you get for £1,633? How about a 2004 Daihatsu Charade? No it’s not exciting, but it’s no less interesting than the Peugeot 107. Plus it has lots of space, will return nearly 60mpg and cost just £30 per year in road tax. You can even get several hundred pounds change from the £1633 budget if you shop around. Or, if you don’t like the Charade’s gawky looks, there are dozens of cheap, sturdy Ford Fiestas and Renault Clios available for the same price that should prove reliable and inexpensive to run.

Therefore, unless you truly value convenience above cost, Peugeot’s “Just Add Fuel” is of limited value. Despite the manufacturer’s bold claims that their scheme will tackle the drop in young driver car ownership, lumping all motoring costs into one big bill instead of several smaller ones does not suddenly make motoring affordable.

CLICK HERE to read the Verdict on the Peugeot 107

CLICK HERE to learn more about Just Add Fuel

Top 10 New Car Gadgets

Many moons ago if your supermini came fitted with two wing mirrors and a stereo you were one of the lucky ones. Back then essentials such as ABS or Airbags were reserved for luxury cars costing a fortune. Today’s cars are very different and are all about gadgets and gizmos that either make life a little easier or are genuine safety solutions. This year we have road tested over 40 models from a variety of different manufacturers that have featured a wide range of different electronic gadgets. Some have been useful, others not so. If you are wondering what options to add to your next car, read on…

Satellite Navigation

Remember the days when a map was your only way to work out where you were going? I certainly do. Thankfully times have changed with the arrival of satellite navigation which features in many new cars. Systems used to send you all over the place including farmers’ fields and the wrong way down one way streets. The systems fitted to the cars we have tried have been much better and are integrated into the car better than an aftermarket device stuck onto the windscreen.

As seen on the Peugeot 208 Allure

Reversing Camera

It sounds silly, why would you want a camera mounted on the back of your car when parking. Well, these are a lot more useful than you would think especially as the majority of new cars have awful rearward visibility. The models we have tried with a reversing camera fitted also came with parking sensors and a neat grid on the screen giving the driver an idea of exactly how much room there is behind the car. It also makes parking in bays much easier as the edges of the lines can be lined up with the grid on the screen. Kia for example have even cleverly integrated the camera screen into the rear-view mirror.

As seen on the Kia Soul Hunter

Seatbelt Warning

Years ago seat belts were not standard, seems crazy now. Today every car has them but perhaps the hardest passengers to get to buckle up are small children who often think they are a toy to be played with. The majority of new cars have seat belt warning lights and bongs to help drivers ensure everyone on-board is safe. Many MPVs go one step further by offering an individual warning light for each seat, some of the time all seven seats. For parents ferrying kids around looking out for cars with this feature is a must.

As seen on the Peugeot 5008 Allure

Lane Departure Warning

Let’s face it, overtaking isn’t difficult. For some however using indicators to tell other motorist what you are doing isn’t second nature. For this reason lane departure warning systems are a pretty good idea. Using sensors underneath the car they can detect the cars position within a given lane and alert the driver if they get too close or cross the line. Some systems have an annoying bong which will drive everyone crazy; others cause the steering wheel or driver’s seat to vibrate. It’s a system that really works. Ford have taken the system one step further and offer intervention, the car will gently steer itself back into the centre of the lane if needed, this can however be overridden.

As seen on the Ford Focus Titanium

DVD Players

Everyone loves a good movie, now you can easily watch your favourite film in your car. DVD players mounted in the rear headrests have been around for quite a while hidden on option lists. Manufacturers are now starting to fit them to some models as standard. For parents with screaming, bored kids they are a dream to have. If equipped with wireless headphones long journey can come and go with ease, some systems even have pre-loaded games. Brilliant!

As seen on the Mitsubishi Shogun SG4

Blind Spot Warning

One of the more common accidents on today’s roads is caused by drivers not seeing people, bicycles or other cars that are hidden in their blind spot. Modern cars are being fitted more and more with blind spot warning systems. These are usually neatly housed in the car’s wing mirrors consisting of a small led bulb that either lights up for flashes if the car senses an obstacle in the driver's blind spot. It’s a simple system that really can be trusted.

As seen on the Volvo XC60 R-Design Lux

HDD Music Drive

Who frequently listens to CDs in their cars? Most people actually. This could soon be a thing of the past. In the same way that you load music onto your MP3/IPod you can do the same with your car thanks to systems offered on a series of models. If you insert a CD into the unit you will be prompted with a menu asking whether you would like to copy the CD to the units’ hard drive. In doing this you can build up a music collection just for driving. Amusingly in a handful of the press cars we have tried we have found a rather eclectic mix of music from previous road testers.

As seen on the Peugeot RCZ GT

Active City Stop

Ever driven in a built up area and a football comes rolling across the road? Most have; all too often it’s followed by a child unaware of your approach. Active City Stop systems have the ability to activate the car’s brakes at lower speeds and more quickly than the most alert driver can. The systems work surprisingly well, although difficult to test with the use of a little ingenuity their full effectiveness can be demonstrated. These systems are cropping up more and more even in low-cost city cars such as the Seat Mii and Skoda Citigo.

As seen on the Ford Focus Titanium

Intelligent Cruise Control

Cruise control has been around for years and boy is it useful on long journeys. Keeping a constant speed on motorways without the use of your feet is a great idea. Cars today take this one step further. With the help of sensors that detect the distance from the car in front. When activating the cruise control a predefined distance from the car in front can be selected. The car will brake itself if it becomes too close to the car in front and can accelerate fairly hard if needed when a gap ahead increases.

As seen on the Volvo XC60 R-Design Lux

Heated Steering Wheel

OK, you are probably thinking, why on earth would you pay for a heated steering wheel? Well, because they are brilliant. More and more cars are being fitted with this brilliant device that consists of a small element in the wheel that keeps the drivers hands nice and toasty. Most cars just have an on or off function; others have a handful of settings for different temperatures. It seems a little gimmicky but coupled with a heated seat Britain’s cold winters can be an absolute pleasure to drive around in. It’s as simple as that!

As seen on the Kia Cee’d 4 Tech

Words by Rob McSorley

2013 Ford Mondeo REVEALED

Ford today debuted the stylish all-new global Mondeo at its "Go Further" brand event, to reveal a sleek design and new levels of premium-level interior craftsmanship.

Built on Ford's global CD-segment platform, the refined new version of the Ford flagship will be available as a five-door and wagon - uniquely developed for Europe - as well as a four-door that will also be offered as segment-first petrol Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV).

It will be the first car in its segment equipped with a 1.0-litre powertrain, the 2012 "International Engine of the Year" 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine, to deliver expected best-in-class fuel economy.

"This is the most premium Mondeo we've ever built and the most premium vehicle Ford's loyal European customers have ever been offered," said Barb Samardzich, Vice President, Product Development, Ford of Europe. "It raises the bar in its segment in terms of style, technology and quality."

Ford's new global design language informs the all-new Mondeo's refined, elegant, sporty and highly expressive exterior. The low roofline enhances the sports coupe profile while retaining a spacious and practical interior, and incorporates a retractable panoramic glass roof for the wagon bodystyle.

The lean side-profile is sculpted to convey "visual lightness", while the sophisticated and technical front end design features Ford's new, more prominent trapezoidal grille, a power-dome bonnet and segment-first adaptive, full LED headlamps.

Mondeo is the first Ford to feature headlamps with LED high-beam, low-beam and signal lighting. Quicker to illuminate, more durable and more energy-efficient than traditional filament bulb headlamps, the all-new Mondeo's LED headlamps turn with the steering and adapt beam projection to vehicle speed - providing a greater depth of illumination at high speeds and a wider field of vision at slower speeds.

The interior delivers unprecedented levels of ergonomics and comfort, with superior craftsmanship throughout the driver-focused cockpit. Soft-touch materials, premium finishes and equipment contribute to the most premium Mondeo experience ever.

The all-new four-door Mondeo HEV is Ford's first hybrid passenger car for Europe, and combines a specially-developed 2.0-litre petrol engine with a 35kW lithium-ion battery to provide  high fuel economy and low CO₂ emissions. For the first time on Mondeo, a diesel all-wheel drive variant will be offered, delivering superior traction, performance and handling.

Mondeo will also offer segment-first SYNC with MyFord Touch a voice-activated in-car connectivity system that delivers an eight-inch colour touchscreen and the ability to act as a WiFi hotspot for up to five devices.

SYNC with MyFord Touch will enable drivers to keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road while controlling phone and media player functions from connected devices, as well as the vehicle's climate control, radio and CD-player, and navigation system, using voice commands.

 All new Mondeo also delivers the European debut of Ford's rear inflatable seatbelts. These are designed to reduce head, neck and chest injuries for rear-seat passengers. In the event of an accident the belt rapidly expands to disperse crash forces across a body area five times greater than that achieved by a conventional seatbelt.

2013 all-new Global Ford Transit & Transit Connect REVEALED

Ford today revealed a new generation of world-class Transit commercial vehicles at its "Go Further" event.

Developed under its "One Ford" global product strategy in Europe, the Ford Transit and Ford Transit Connect models will be sold in Europe, North America and other worldwide markets, with product ranges tailored to the needs of customers in each region.

"These new products will carry more, work harder, last longer, and cost our customers less to operate - just as Ford Transits have done for 47 years," said Barb Samardzich, vice president Product Development, Ford of Europe. "The unprecedented launch of two all-new Transit models will extend Ford's leadership in serving commercial vehicle customers around the world."

The introduction of the new generation Transit and Transit Connect models is a major step in Ford's commitment to completely redesign its entire commercial vehicle line-up for Europe by the end of 2013.

Using the latest global platforms, the two models highlight Ford's new approach to delivering the next generation of class-leading commercial vehicles to meet the needs of customers in all worldwide markets.

The new range builds on almost 50 years of experience in creating market-leading commercial vans and was engineered at Ford's Centre of Excellence for commercial vehicles in Europe;  applying global product development resources.

The all-new Ford Transit replaces the heavier two-tonne Transit derivatives in Europe and other worldwide markets, and will eventually replace the popular Ford E-Series range in North America. Tough, functional and professional, new Transit brings new levels of capability and versatility to the medium commercial van market.

Offering a comprehensive range of body styles and derivatives, with multiple wheelbases, roof heights and new chassis cowl versions, all-new and more capable Transit is tailored to the needs of key worldwide markets.

For Europe, a full range of Transit bodystyles and derivatives, offering front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, will be powered by the latest 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel.

In North America, customers can choose from several engines, including the proven 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 or a powerful diesel option; each features rear-wheel drive and at least 25 percent better fuel economy than a comparable E-Series. Multiple roof heights and wheelbases will be available. North American Transit vans will be manufactured in Kansas City, alongside the Ford F-150.

The stylish all-new Ford Transit Connect will deliver new standards for the sub-one-tonne segment for load-carrying ability, cost of ownership and dependability.

Available in a choice of short and long wheelbase versions, the new Transit Connect will offer European and North American customers the most flexible and functional loadbox in the segment, with a host of innovative features to enhance everyday productivity.

Transit Connect features the latest low-CO₂ powertrain technologies to deliver best-in-class fuel economy in all of its target markets. In Europe, the engine line-up will include highly-efficient downsized diesel and petrol engines, while the U.S. market will benefit from a tailored range of gasoline powertrains.

The new model has a stylish cockpit with car-like design and craftsmanship, and offers the latest Ford interior technologies and driver assistance features.

The Ford Transit brand has established a legendary reputation for toughness and dependability, and the new global Transit products have been engineered to extend that tradition. Both the all-new Transit and all-new Transit Connect have been subjected to Ford's ultra-stringent commercial vehicle testing and durability standards, covering millions of miles of arduous testing in laboratories, at proving grounds and on customer fleets.

"Our new global Ford Transit products will be totally fit for purpose," said Samardzich. "These are the strongest, most capable and most efficient commercial vans we have ever built - this is the start of a new chapter in the Transit success story."

In Europe, deliveries of the all-new Transit and Transit Connect are due to start by the end of 2013.

In North America, the all-new Transit and Transit Connect are scheduled to go on sale by the fourth quarter of 2013.

The two new global models join the Transit Custom in Ford's renewed commercial vehicle line-up for Europe. Targeting the one-tonne market, the all-new Transit Custom is now on sale across European markets. It will not be introduced in North America but will be launched in other selected other global markets later.

2013 Ford Fiesta REVEALED

Ford today revealed the dynamic new version of the best-selling Fiesta that features a sharper design and a host of exclusive technology features.

The new Fiesta will be on stage tomorrow in Amsterdam at Ford's special "Go Further" product event hosted by Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally and attended by 2,500 dealers. 

New Fiesta delivers an advanced package of technologies including voice-activated in-car connectivity system Ford SYNC, Active City Stop and the European debut of MyKey. It will also be equipped with the acclaimed 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine to deliver expected best-in-class fuel economy.

"Fiesta has been one of the world's best-loved small cars across five decades, and the sporty appeal of the last generation Fiesta inspired real passion among global compact car customers, contributing to its status as the world's most successful small car," said Martin Smith, Ford of Europe executive design director. "We had to keep that vital part of Fiesta's make-up - but we also wanted to give it a more sophisticated look."

The new Fiesta marks the latest chapter in the journey of the popular small car. Ford launched the first Fiesta in 1976 and has since sold more than 15 million models around the world. New Fiesta features design cues inspired by the latest Ford global design language and concept vehicles.

The Fiesta's face is dominated by a trapezoidal front grille, bracketed by laser-cut headlamps with daytime running lamps that use LED technology, and features a power-dome bonnet design. The redesigned Fiesta also delivers a harmonious and ergonomically optimised interior.

Fiesta follows Ford's approach of democratising technology - bringing advanced features to a greater number of drivers for the first time - and will be unique among its European competitors in featuring Active City Stop, a system designed to help drivers avoid low speed collisions.

Ford SYNC in-car connectivity system delivers an unprecedented level of connectivity, enabling owners to voice-activate phone calls and music selection from devices connected via Bluetooth or USB. The SYNC system includes Emergency Assistance, which directly connects the vehicle occupants to local emergency services operators after an accident, in the correct language for the region.

The new Fiesta will also feature the European debut of segment-first MyKey, which will enable parents in particular to encourage safer driving and limit their teenager's exposure to risk at the wheel. The system allows owners to configure maximum speed and audio volume limits. It also mutes audio until seat belts are fastened and ensures driver aids, safety systems and more vigorous alerts cannot be deactivated when used.

The 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine is the 2012 "International Engine of the Year" and is expected to deliver best-in-class fuel economy.

Ford will reveal more details about the new European Fiesta range at the Paris Motor Show in September.

2012 Ford Focus 1.0T Ecoboost ROAD TEST (Josh Ross)

Like many new versions of former greats, Ford’s third generation Focus has everything to prove. In a previous article I detailed how the ’98 Mk1 Focus represented a new dawn for the family motorist. It raised the bar so high dynamically, aesthetically and on the packaging front that it took six years for a worthy rival to emerge. And that was the MkV Golf. Today competition for sales and brand loyalty is fiercer still and some rival manufacturers have used Focus essence to create similarly tempting recipes.

Hyundai, Kia, Volkswagen, Seat and Skoda all now use independent rear suspensions. This move has allowed them to adopt many handling characteristics for which Focus became famed. Namely, neutral cornering, adjustable handling and a ride which perfectly combines both comfort and sportiness. Naturally, Ford has progressed too and their Focus is now far more refined and cosseting than the standard setting Mk1. In this transition the danger was always that its fun characteristics would be diluted out.

Thankfully, I can report that this model retains some of the original’s joie de vivre while building on the Mk2′s quality gains. The dash for instance, now uses soft touch plastics for not only its upper moulding but the lower half too – a rarity at the price and in this class.

Further inspection reveals stereo controls that fall readily to hand. But like the climate control unit, it has a profusion of small buttons which can be difficult to operate quickly on the move. And by occupying such a large area of the central console the stereo also necessitates a lower siting for the climate control unit – it now faces the gear stick and requires one to glance momentarily down to adjust the temperature settings. Luckily, the systems are intuitive and you quickly learn how to adjust their controls.

Much has been written about the peerless refinement of the 1.0 Ecoboost engine and I found its smoothness throughout the rev range uncanny. Virtually silent at idle, the note gently hardens as revs increase but never becomes intrusive and there is no discernible turbo lag either. It’s willing at all revs but the higher gears (5 & 6) are best left for cruising speed. With 125 foot pounds of torque and the same bhp, this is an engine that does need to be worked. And it’s a pleasure to operate at the ceiling of its rev band. Slotting the gear lever between its six ratios requires little effort though I found the action a little springy.

Driven with tenacity through Millbrook’s challenging hill route the tyres and chassis never indicated that they were being stretched – this car has high limits which I didn’t come close to exceeding. The Focus’s light, ultra compact engine – that will fit on an A4 sheet of paper – translates into cornering behaviour that is more sports car than family hatch. It’s keen to dance through bends and can handle rapid direction changes as there is virtually no inertia to speak of.

At all speeds the steering would benefit from more feel and electric assistance robs the rack of a degree of pleasure that you get from the old car’s helm. But, we’re talking inches rather than miles here. No, it isn’t as adjustable as the Mk1 but its limits are higher and one can still trim the cornering line with the throttle. The suspension now feels softer too and Ford has achieved this without any compromise in body control. As speeds increased I also found no reduction in stability – the car remaining flat and controlled on the open stretches and through bends. On the high speed bowl it sat comfortably at 100mph, and thanks to intelligent gearing was only pulling around 3,000 rpm at 85 mph.

To look at Ford’s Focus was once the most distinctive car in its class. While it can no longer lay claim to this title the car still retains elements of visual appeal. The front of the vehicle for instance features two spear like creases that stretch from the grille over the bonnet and tail off just before the windscreen. And, like the previous models, there is a further pressing that punctuates the body and runs the length of the car – this helps define the wheel arches.

To these eyes, the Focus’s most exciting visual cue is its pronounced rear shoulders which also form part of its rear light assembly.

Verdict

The 1.0 Ecoboost Focus brings something unique to the C sector class. If you’re looking for a family hatch be sure to drive the Focus 1.6 EcoBoost, 2.0 TDCI and a model with the 1.0 litre unit before making a decision. It’s 1.0 litre engine offers similar performance & economy to rival 1.6 units – and even Ford’s own, normally aspirated 125 bhp 1.6 – but consumes no more fuel than engines in the 1.2 – 1.4 range. So sophisticated and enjoyable is this powertrain that it helps define an already impressive package – one that is comfortable, fun, well built and with particularly low ownership costs.

Words and Photos by Josh Ross (www.http://joshsross.wordpress.com)

Technical Data

Price as tested: £19,195
Engine: 1.0 turbo 125bhp - 0-60mph: 11.5 secs - Maximum Speed: 120mph -
Economy: 44mpg (urban) –64.1mpg (extra-urban), 55.3 (combined) - Emissions: 114g/km (Band B) - VED (12 months): £30
Dimensions: Length 4358mm - Width: 2010mm - Height: 1484mm - Wheelbase: 2300mm

*data from Ford UK

2012 Ford Fiesta CC | Theophilus Chin

 

 There have been rumours floating around for a while now that Ford will create an open top CC version of the highly successful Fiesta, these images give us an idea of how that car could turn out. Currently Ford are lacking an alternative to the highly successful Peugeot 207CC.

2013 Ford Fiesta SUV SPIED

As these pictures show developement of Ford's Fiesta-based SUV is well underway. The currently unamed model is likely to resemble a scaled down Kuga with Fiesta cues and is based on a development of the current Fiesta chassis and is therefore unlikely to feature 4wd.

Ford Focus | New Reviews | Car Reviews | Auto Express

Ford Focus | New Reviews | Car Reviews | Auto Express

Audi MPV - Good idea??

Ford Focus ST enters final testing | Auto Express News SPYSHOTS

Standard Focus bodywork hides a thoroughly
re-worked chassis and engine

Front bumber is the same as lower level Focus'

The finished car (concept)

Spies Get Clear Look Inside the 2013 Ford Kuga - Car and Driver Blog

Spies Get Clear Look Inside the 2013 Ford Kuga - Car and Driver Blog

Looking at the spy pic the 2nd generation Kuga had a very similar cabin to the recently launched Focus, which is no bad thing.