1 May, 2012

Brits find fine dodging fine

By Miles per Litre


One in twelve Brits have successfully appealed a parking fine when they knew they were in the wrong.

New research reveals that one in ten sneaky Brits (10 per cent) have been caught parking illegally in the past year, hoping to dodge a fine or parking warden.

The study by Sheilas’ Wheels car insurance found that one in twelve Brits (eight per cent) have successfully appealed a fine in which they knew they were in the wrong, while over a fifth (22 per cent) do not believe that flouting parking regulations counts as breaking the law.

Men were the most dishonest when dodging regulations with more than one in ten (11 per cent) admitting they regularly park illegally.  Shockingly, a further 11 per cent of men have even left their parking fine glued to their windscreen so that they can park illegally again without being stung with a second fine, compared to just three per cent of women who had used the same trick.

39 per cent of Brits said they were regularly confused by parking regulations, with a quarter (25 per cent) choosing to completely ignore regulations during weekends or Bank Holidays.  15 per cent of motorists said they regularly parked illegally as it was easier to risk the fine than buy a ticket or find parking elsewhere.  Despite this, 14 per cent of Brits surveyed have spent up to £100 on paying parking fines in the past year.

The MilesPerLitre.com M25 Challenge - fuelled by Shell

Seven per cent of Brits regularly park in ‘customer only’ parking spaces when they are not a customer and five per cent revealed they often park on single yellow lines.  13 per cent of Brits have even conspired with their children by using them as ‘look-outs’ for the parking warden while they were away from the car.

In the study, Brits also revealed the excuses they have used in the past to avoid paying a parking ticket with nine per cent claiming the regulations were not clear.

Top five excuses given for avoiding a parking fine:

  • The regulations were not clear (nine per cent)
  • I was only gone briefly (six per cent)
  • I was looking for a place to buy a ticket (five per cent)
  • I had a personal emergency (four per cent)
  • My ticket went missing (three per cent)

Jacky Brown, at Sheilas’ Wheels car insurance, said: ”Flouting parking regulations has become a game of cat and mouse between many motorists and parking wardens and often involves people who would never consider themselves as law-breakers.

“Parking regulations exist for a reason and it’s shocking to see the lengths motorists go to in order to avoid being caught out.  All motorists should familiarise themselves with parking rules and regulations and keep loose change in the car – so it’s at hand should you need to pay to park when you least expect it.”

The research also revealed that not everyone who tries to beat the ‘fine’ system had selfish intentions as almost two thirds of Brits (62 per cent) surveyed said they have given away a parking ticket with spare time on it to a complete stranger.

Regional Breakdown:

Almost a third of Brits from the North East do not believe that flouting parking regulating counts as breaking the law – the highest result of any of the regions polled.  Londoners seem to be the most dishonest when it comes to dodging regulations with 17 per cent contesting a parking ticket even when they knew they were in the wrong. 

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1 May, 2012

More speed added to new 360PS Audi TT RS plus

By Miles per Litre
The new Audi TT RS plus

The new Audi TT RS plus

As if it didn’t already have enough letters after its name, the new Audi TT RS plus Coupe and Roadster are set to join the existing TT RS models.

For £3,085 on top of the already extreme TT RS, the new TT RS plus is an even more focused version of the high performance sports car with a new, autobahn-devouring 174mph top speed, increases in power and torque to 360PS and 465Nm and an equipment upgrade. The new RS plus duo joins the UK range in addition to the existing ‘standard’ TT RS models, and will be available to order from early May priced from £48,945 OTR – first deliveries are expected in the summer.

The step up from TT RS to TT RS plus involves tuning the 2.5-litre, five-cylinder TFSI petrol engine to extract an additional 20PS and 15Nm of torque compared with the ‘standard’ car. The resulting 360PS and 465Nm can be channelled to the quattro all-wheel-drive system through either a six-speed manual gearbox or the seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission.

The new Audi TT RS plus

With the latter installed, the TT RS plus Coupe catapults from rest to 62mph in just 4.1 seconds (manual version 4.3 seconds) to the tune of an addictively full-bodied five-cylinder growl, closely followed by the Roadster, which needs 4.2 seconds (manual version 4.4 seconds). Top speed is limited to 174mph in all cases.

Despite these suitably headline-grabbing figures the RS plus models also stack up in economy terms, the Coupé achieving a combined economy test figure of 7.3 miles per litre (33.2mpg) and the Roadster 7.2 miles per litre in the same test.

These impressive figures are due in no small part to the extremely lightweight Audi Space Frame (ASF) bodies made of aluminium at the front and sheet steel at the rear. The TT RS plus Coupé with manual transmission weighs just 1,450kg.

The new Audi TT RS plus

The new Audi TT RS plus

The two muscular bodies sit on 19-inch five-arm “Rotor” design titanium-look alloy wheels which replace the 18-inch five double spoke examples fitted to the standard car. The single frame radiator grille with its matt aluminium surround and polished anthracite diamond-pattern mesh also sets the Audi TT RS plus apart visually, as do the carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) door mirror housings and black oval tailpipe trims. These indicate that the TT RS plus is fitted as standard with the sports exhaust system, an option in the standard car which further intensifies the already bass-heavy exhaust note.

Under the bonnet a carbon design package also gives the engine compartment of the TT RS plus a more exclusive look, and in its suitably sporting cabin a TT RS plus logo on the gear knob serves as a subtle reminder that this particular RS has even more to offer.

In keeping with its name, the ultimate TT also adds more cabin equipment, including satellite navigation, Bluetooth phone preparation and Audi Music Interface iPod connection, all of which form part of the normally optional Technology Package.

Leave a comment   |  tags: , , | posted in Audi, Car News

30 April, 2012

Mazda’s defy-convention offer with all-new Mazda CX-5

By Miles per Litre
The all-new Mazda CX-5

The all-new Mazda CX-5

Mazda UK held its first VIP tour recently, which gave potential customers the chance to drive the all-new Mazda CX-5 ahead of the launch in mid-May.

Claire Andrews, Marketing Director for Mazda UK said: “Mazda defies convention is a key message and the Mazda CX-5 is the best example of how we have done that since cars like the Cosmo Sport in 1967, the first rotary engine, the MX-5 in 1990 – a lightweight two-seater sports car when people said sportscars were dead – and the RX-8 in 2002.  We have a proven track record of how we defy convention and our sixth generation cars continue that.

“Not many cars are built completely new from the ground up – the Mazda CX-5 is.  It’s fun-to-drive yet has Mazda’s new technology, SKYACTIV, that gives the car tangible environmental credentials and is a technology for all drivers – it is not a sub-brand or charged at a premium price, but a democratic approach to offering customers more fun, excellent fuel economy and low emissions.

“We believe that the Mazda CX-5 will bring new customers to Mazda.  The compact SUV segment is one that is growing – sales grew by 38.5 percent year-on-year in Europe – and our challenge is to attract those customers who might be considering a VW Tiguan, Kia Sportage, Ford Kuga, Toyota RAV4 or a Volvo XC60 to buy what will be the cleanest and most fuel-efficient vehicle in the segment.

“The Mazda CX-5 will also provide a stepping stone for existing Mazda3 customers, allowing them to stay with Mazda and bring back RX-8 customers who want to develop deeper bonds with Mazda.” added Andrews.

“The newcomer is also a car without compromise.  It’s the perfect solution for customers with young families thanks to its best-in-class luggage space and flexible seating arrangement as well as class-leading CO2 emissions and outstanding fuel economy.  At the same time it’s a stylish car that stands out from the crowd,” concluded Andrews.

To support the launch of the CX-5, Mazda UK has developed a new customer fuel economy and CO2 comparison tool.

http://www.mazda.co.uk/showroom/cx-5/fuel-and-CO2-comparison/?showroom_CTA=CX-5

Here, customers can check the potential fuel and CO2 savings of the Mazda CX-5 against a list of competitors.

For in-depth information the Mazda SKYACTIV technology site is available at www.mazdaskyactiv.co.uk

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30 April, 2012

Win tickets to @EcoVelocity 2012

By Miles per Litre
Win tickets with MilesPerLitre.com

Win tickets with MilesPerLitre.com

EcoVelocity, the low-carbon motor event, is returning for its second year from 5th – 13th May at London’s ExCeL.

The event will showcase the latest in cutting edge technology from the world’s leading car manufacturers as well as providing a chance for you to test drive the newest low carbon and electric vehicles.

The show will provide you with the opportunity to view the current and future options for more environmentally responsible motoring, get a greater understanding of the technology and processes involved in developing low carbon vehicles and an insight into the benefits of owning one.

Advance tickets are now on sale but we have a number of pairs of tickets to give away so you and a friend can gain entry to the show for free. As an added benefit, EcoVelocity is co-locating with Grand Designs Live. Tickets holders to EcoVelocity will be able to visit both events on one ticket! Based on the Channel 4 TV series, and presented by design guru Kevin McCloud, the event is packed to the brim with ideas, design and innovation for every room in your home.

For your chance to win a pair of tickets, email us the answer to the following question:

What is the official “combined” fuel economy of the Honda CR-Z sports coupe?

The Honda CR-Z - how many miles per litre?

We’ll draw a random winner from all entries received by midnight on 30th April.

 

Additional we’ve got a pair of EcoVelocity tickets to give away immediately to the first person to send us the correct answer measured in miles per litre.

 

 

To enter, email [email protected] with “EcoVelocity – Honda CR-Z” on the subject line or just click here.

Good luck and look out for our other competitions that will run all week to give you more chances to win.

 This contest is open to anyone but only one pair of tickets may be won per entrant.  We will not cover any associated transportation or accomodation costs involved in attending this event.

 

Leave a comment   |  tags: , , , | posted in Competitions

30 April, 2012

The new generation Audi Q5

By Miles per Litre
The new generation Audi Q5

The new generation Audi Q5

The Audi Q5 is about to climb to a new peak on the efficiency scale as the latest versions of the popular mid-size SUV are readied for their October début on UK roads.

Combining subtle styling revisions and equipment enhancements with power increases and economy gains of up to 15 per cent, the remodelled range will be available to order from late May priced at around £33,400 OTR.

The updated Q5 will arrive in the UK with four engine options: two TDI and two TFSI and a start-stop system is standard in all versions. Although most of the engines have enhanced performance, their fuel economy has been improved by up to 15 per cent.

The 2.0 TDI with 177PS and 380 Nm of torque (with S tronic and quattro drive) is the entry point to the diesel range, and delivers 47.1mpg on the combined cycle. The 3.0 TDI delivers 245PS and 580 Nm of torque. This acclaimed V6 diesel has been completely redesigned and now combines the potential for up to 9.7 miles per litre according to the combined cycle test (previously 8.3 miles per litre) with a torque increase of 80Nm over its predecessor for even more forceful acceleration.

Equipped as standard with the seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission, it powers the Q5 from zero to 62mph in 6.5 seconds on the way to a top speed of 140mph.

The new generation Audi Q5

The new generation Audi Q5

Taking its lead from the advanced new 1.8-litre TFSI unit which already powers the latest A4 and A5 ranges, and employing the same innovations, the new 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine is a particular highlight and offers 225PS with 350 Nm of torque. It can cover up to 8.2 miles per litre according to the combined cycle test.

The supercharged 3.0-litre TFSI engine is also new to the Q5, and replaces the naturally aspirated 3.2-litre FSI. This powerful and efficient engine delivers 272PS and 400 Nm of torque, enough for a 5.9-second sprint from rest to 62mph, a top speed of 145mph and combined fuel economy of 7.3 miles per litre.

The four-cylinder engines are linked to a manual six-speed transmission as standard. The seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission is standard for the 3.0 TDI quattro and optional for the 2.0 TDI quattro, while the eight-speed tiptronic automatic is standard for the 3.0 TFSI quattro and optional for the 2.0 TFSI quattro.

The quattro permanent all-wheel drive system is standard for all launch versions in the UK. Normally, its distributes engine power to the axles at a ratio of 40:60 in favour of the rear, but it can rapidly redistribute the power at high speed when necessary.

Naturally the Audi Q5 also performs very well on rugged terrain with vehicle ground clearance of 20 cm. Continue reading

1 comment   |  tags: , | posted in Audi, Car News

30 April, 2012

The new Volkswagen Polo R Line

By Miles per Litre
The new Volkswagen Polo R Line

The new Volkswagen Polo R Line

Volkswagen is adding even more style to its popular supermini with the launch of the Polo R Line, which builds on the impressive specification of the Polo Match, with unique styling touches inside and out.

On the outside, the R Line is distinguished by a unique styling pack.  This consists of deeper, sportier R Line front and rear bumpers, a black gloss radiator grille with R Line badging, deeper side sills and 16-inch ‘Mallory’ alloy wheels.  From the B-pillars back, the glass is dark-tinted and 65 per cent light-absorbing, while the standard front foglights also include a static cornering function.

Step past the brushed aluminium scuff plates with R Line logos, and inside there are sports seats with ‘Kyalami’ cloth upholstery and an R Line logo on the headrests, along with a leather-trimmed three-spoke steering wheel with R Line logo and aluminium-capped pedals, while the roof lining is finished in black cloth.

The new Volkswagen Polo R Line

The new Volkswagen Polo R Line

Standard equipment is comprehensive, including an RCD 310 radio/CD player with six speakers and multi-device interface, for plugging in an iPod or other compatible device, ‘Climatic’ semi-automatic air conditioning, a multifunction trip computer, electric windows (including in the rear on five-door models), height-adjustable front seats, a split-folding rear-seat backrest, electrically operated and heated door mirrors, illuminated vanity mirrors, front and rear reading lights, a tyre pressure monitor and, of course, remote central locking.

The new Volkswagen Polo R Line

The new Volkswagen Polo R Line

The R Line is available with just one engine, the existing 1.2-litre 105 PS TSI petrol unit, with a six-speed manual gearbox.  This engine propels the Polo R Line from zero to 62 mph in 9.7 seconds, and on to a top speed of 118 mph.  Fuel consumption is 11.7 miles per litre (53.3 mpg) on the combined cycle, and CO2 emissions are 124 g/km.

Prices start at £15,195 on the road for the three-door model, rising to £15,815 for the five-door.  The Polo R Line is available to order at Volkswagen Retailers now, with first deliveries expected in July.

For more information visit www.volkswagen.co.uk

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13 April, 2012

Europe’s first Lexus LFA ‘Nürburgring’ is delivered

By Miles per Litre
Europe’s first Lexus LFA with Nürburgring Packag

Europe’s first Lexus LFA with Nürburgring Packag

A rather lucky British customer will be the first in Europe to take delivery of the Lexus LFA supercar with a Nürburgring Package, one of just 50 examples that will be sold.

Finished in orange [although it looks yellow to us] with a black interior, the model’s exclusivity is matched by its track-focused performance and hand-crafted quality. Building on the speed and handling of the LFA, the Nürburgring Package adds a number of elements that increase downforce for sharper circuit performance, without compromising out-and-out speed.

Includes in the packages are a front spoiler, made from carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) for strength and weight reduction, plus special mesh-type wheels and dedicated, high-grip Bridgestone Potenza RE070 tyres to improve manoeuvrability and stability. Maximum power from the LFA’s 4.8-litre V10 engine has been increased from 552 to 562bhp (411 to 420kW), maintaining the car’s 3.7-second nought to 62mph acceleration time and 202mph top speed. We haven’t been able to find an official economy figure for this special model yet, maybe Lexus will be kind enough to let us run it in our M25 Challenge, but the combined test on the standard model achieves 3.8 miles per litre of unleaded; or 17.3mpg in old money.

Europe’s first Lexus LFA with Nürburgring Package

Europe’s first Lexus LFA with Nürburgring Package

The package has handsomely demonstrated its worth: last year Lexus undertook a performance check around the Nürburgring’s famous Nordschleife.

Driven by Akira Iida, the LFA set a time of 7:22.85 (video confirmed), the 10th-fastest time ever for a production vehicle. The LFA also hit 181 mph) on the last straight uphill climb, which is one of the highest speeds achieved by a stock exotic supercar on that segment of the track.

Buyers of this model, at a base price of US$445,000 in the USA, receive training sessions at the Nordschleife, accompanied by Nürburgring chief instructors, a one-night stay at the Lindner Congress and Motorsport Hotel Nürburgring, admission to the ring°werk leisure park, a Nürburgring branded jacket, and a one-year pass to the circuit.

Europe’s first Lexus LFA with Nürburgring Package

Europe’s first Lexus LFA with Nürburgring Package

On September 2, 2011 reports came from Lexus via Twitter as well as Chris Harris of Evo Magazine that the Lexus LFA Nürburgring Package completed a lap of the Nürburgring in 7:14 with a top speed of 298 km/h on the “Dottinger” uphill climb, the fourth fastest time ever for a production car, and four seconds quicker than the Porsche 911 GT2 RS at 7:18. A few days later, the time was confirmed by Lexus as 7:14.64, a video was provided. OEM Bridgestone Potenza RE070 street tires had been used. The LFA Nürburgring Package is the only car ever to have lapped Nürburgring in less than 7:20 without racing compound super-slick competition tires.

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13 April, 2012

Slow down and move over

By Miles per Litre
A recovery worker risks his life to recover a vehicle from an accident

A recovery worker risks his life to recover a vehicle from an accident

There are times when people may feel it is okay to speed when driving in a car.

Some think that is only on a race track. Others like a quick trip down the German Autobahn. You might even take a gamble on a late night blast down quiet motorways. One time it’s never appropriate, is when there are people in the road.

Numerous people are killed or seriously injured each year on British roads where vehicles collide with stationary vehicles and their drivers. It’s not just broken down drivers at risk, those who try to help them out are also in serious danger every time they attempt repair or recovery. Breakdown services like the AA or RAC, emergency workers from the Police, Ambulance or Fire Brigade are also putting their lives on the line each day.

A new campaign, appropriately entitled “Slow Down Move Over” seeks to change the laws to make it a legal requirement for drivers to slow down and move over when they see emergency warning lights in the hard shoulder  ahead.  This is already a law in many parts of the world, as our friend Ed Brill discovered when driving in Illinois USA, and we think it makes a lot of sense.

Slow Down Move Over

Slow Down Move Over

Motorsport fans love speed but they are also fully aware of the importance of yellow flags during racing. In extreme conditions, a safety car will even be brought out onto the track to slow things down. Slower equals safer and, when there are people working in the road, I’m sure we all agree that we need to drive as safely as possible.

It only takes a spare tyre to roll into the road to create horrendous consequences for those on the carriageway. The car in lane one may swerve to avoid it, restricting the road for the driver in lane 2 who will then take evasive action. If you’re doing 80mph in lane 3 it’s only going to end in tears, insurance claims or much worse.

@SlowDownMoveOvr is asking for your support on its campaign to change the Highway Code and the team at MilesPerLitre.com is in full support and we would like our readers to join the campaign and share it with their friends and colleagues.

A safer world is a better world, click here to sign up.

(Images with kind permission from McAllister’s Recovery)

 

Leave a comment   |  tags: , , | posted in Motoring, News, Special Features

19 March, 2012

SEAT’s Leon FR+ Supercopa sports a stunning new look

By Miles per Litre
The SEAT Leon FR+ Supercopa

The SEAT Leon FR+ Supercopa

Fresh for the new ‘12′ plate change SEAT is giving one of its most popular performance models, the hi-spec Leon FR+, the benefit of an even more sporty look courtesy of a dramatic special edition styling kit.

The impressive additions to the Leon’s sleek lines give the turbocharged FR+ looks reminiscent of SEAT’s many recent motorsport successes.  And that’s no accident, as the  Supercopa is constructed by the same expert engineers at SEAT Sport who have nurtured SEAT’s WTCC title-winning race cars in years gone by.

Boasting bespoke ‘Supercopa’ badges the special edition car’s comprehensive styling additions include extensively re-worked front and rear bumpers, smart side skirts, a more pronounced tailgate spoiler, bespoke BBS 18-inch alloy wheels and unique chrome-tipped, twin exhausts.

Naturally the extensive styling enhancements come in a range of eye-catching colours including Nevada White, Emoción Red and, appropriately enough, Speed Blue.

The Leon FR+ which forms the basis of the special edition new Supercopa is a generously equipped offering that’s a significant step up from the ‘standard’ FR trim in terms of both performance and equipment.

The SEAT Leon FR+ Supercopa

The SEAT Leon FR+ Supercopa

Equipped with SEAT’s powerful 2.0 TSI 211 PS petrol or 2.0 TDI CR 170 PS turbodiesel engines the Leon FR+ takes the FR trim and adds arch-filling 18-inch alloy wheels, the SEAT Media System 2.2 (which includes satellite-navigation with five-inch colour touchscreen), DAB radio with Bluetooth audio streaming and SD card slot, Bluetooth phone connection, bi-xenon headlights with adaptive front-lighting and rear parking sensors.

Representing truly exceptional value, the new Supercopa editions feature £3,000-worth of SEAT Sport body kit for just £750 more than standard versions of the Leon FR+.  Prices therefore start from just £22,530 RRP on-the-road for the 2.0 TDI 170 PS six-speed manual model.

Leon FR+ Supercopa models are available to test drive, and order, at SEAT dealers nationwide.  For more details on the new model take a look at the dedicated area on the SEAT website.

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19 March, 2012

Software Update Brings New Features To TomTom LIVE customers

By Miles per Litre

A major software update brings a whole range of new features to TomTom LIVE Services customers.

Drivers can access Expedia and Trip Advisor, share their destination on Twitter, and enjoy many other enhanced features.

With TomTom Search & Go, drivers can pick a hotel with availability and price information from Expedia, and find the best places to visit using trusted reviews from TripAdvisor.  Once they’re on their way, they can keep friends and family up to date with their destination and arrival time on Twitter.

The free software update includes dozens of other new features and enhancements.  A route viewer gives drivers a bird’s eye view of alternative routes, several improvements have been made to the Speed Cameras service, and content sharing is now far easier.  The device also now automatically turns on and off with the car ignition.    

These services were previously available only on the latest GO LIVE 1005 models but is available on TomTom Via LIVE 120/125, GO LIVE 820/825 and GO LIVE 1000 devices.

Customers can download the new upgrade from www.tomtom.com/mytomtom. It can be downloaded by any customer with a  valid LIVE MyTomTom subscription. Continue reading

Leave a comment   |  tags: | posted in Motoring