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2008-05-15

Formula One Stars On Mercedes-Benz Ad : New Mercedes-Benz car

Formula One Stars On Mercedes-Benz Ad : New Mercedes-Benz car
by Anthony Fontanelle
German automaker Mercedes-Benz has strong ties with Formula One and it is banking on the popularity of the sport's drivers for its new TV ad. The said television commercial will feature Vodafone McLaren Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso as well as former McLaren driver and world champion Mika Hakkinen.In the Mercedes-Benz TV ad, Hamilton and Alonso will reveal that they have racing in their blood. The concept of the commercial is to show that the two Formula One drivers consider each other as friendly rivals. In the commercial, the two drivers not only races through the circuit but also rivals each other in other activities and in other places such as at a hotel reception desk, at a gym, and even in a sauna.The TV ad will run for sixty minutes and it will be aired starting next Saturday which will coincide with the qualifying session for the upcoming European Grand Prix which will be held at the Nürburgring in Nurburg, Germany. The said commercial will be aired on the most popular public and private TV channels in Germany, Spain, where Alonso hails from, and the United Kingdom, where Hamilton resides.The commercial will demonstrate that auto racing is not only based on the fighting spirit of the drivers but also incorporates playfulness and fun. These are the messages that Mercedes-Benz is hoping to get across to viewers of the commercial.The choice of Hamilton and Alonso for the commercial is an obvious one since both are sponsored by Mercedes-Benz and would even have been tapped to market Mercedes-Benz products such as Mercedes-Benz car covers although that would seem out of place."Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton have a passion for auto racing," said Norbert Haug, the head of Mercedes-Benz Motor Sports. "Both of them are ambitious, focused, and competitive. They cultivate a healthy sense of rivalry and appreciate and respect each other very much."These attributes, according to Haug, is evident in the shooting and the outcome of the commercial. "Of course this is obvious on the race track, and it was evident while we were shooting the new TV commercial, too. In spite of the time pressure and their lack of familiarity with the TV medium, they really enjoyed the shoot."Former McLaren driver and two-time champion Mika Hakkinen also joined the two current stars of the sport. "Mika Häkkinen, who has won the Formula 1 championship twice, has been in commercials before, and he's as cool and appealing as ever this time around," said Haug of the appearance of the Finn in the commercial.A sneak preview of the commercial will be aired at the Mercedes-Benz Internet TV at www.mercedes-benz.tv on the 20th of this month. The said commercial will then be aired at the site on its full length after that."The idea for this commercial originated in our brand philosophy," said Dr. Olaf Göttgens, the Vice President for Brand Communications Mercedes-Benz Passenger Cars. "After all, motor sports are deeply rooted in the history of Mercedes-Benz, and today they're still an essential element of our brand's fascination. Motor sports embody the passion that characterizes Mercedes-Benz." The German automaker has been the engine supplier of the McLaren Formula One team since 1995 and this partnership has led to success in the sport.The commercial is said to have a twist at the endings since Hamilton and Alonso will be outdoing each other most of the time. That is where Hakkinen comes in. At the end of the commercial, Hakkinen will outdo both Alonso and Hamilton in their contest in a sauna.

Mercedes Benz Introduces C 63 AMG : New Mercedes Benz car

Mercedes Benz Introduces C 63 AMG : New Mercedes Benz car
by Evander Klum
The German automaker Mercedes Benz introduces the newest C-Class model with design cues and performance features from the company's AMG sports tuner.The new Mercedes Benz C 63 AMG will roll out in the market with two variants: sedan and estate models. Both variants are equipped with a monstrous AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine capable of pumping out 336 kW / 457 hp and 600 Nm amount of peak torque. This naturally aspirated engine allows the Mercedes Benz C 63 AMG to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in a mere 4.5 seconds and can reach an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h. The car is equipped with a continuous dual-flow AMG sports exhaust system with two chromed twin oval tailpipes with large cross-sections to reduce back pressure, according to Mercedes Benz. Along with high performance catalytic converter, the C 63 AMG complies with almost all of the emissions standards including EU 4 and LEV-II. According to the NEDC, the new Mercedes Benz C 63 AMG achieves a fuel consumption of only 13.4 l/100 km and emits a mere amount of CO2 of 319 g/km. The AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine is coupled with AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC transmission to complete the powertrain package.Like all other Mercedes Benz AMG models, the C 63 AMG comes with a wide array of interior and exterior components. Outside, the C 63 AMG features AMG bonnet with power domes, distinctive AMG radiator grille, flared front wings, AMG rear apron with a black diffusor insert, AMG sports exhaust system with two chromed twin tailpipes, electrically adjustable and heated exterior mirrors, AMG spoiler lip, EASY PACK tailgate and load-securing kit, headlamp Assist, and bi-xenon headlamps with cornering light function and headlamp cleaning. The C 63 AMG also comes with various wheel and tire combinations. These include the new 18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels in a five-spoke design wrappe3d with tyres in size 235/40 R 18 (front) and 255/35 R 18 (rear). A 19-inch AMG titanium grey light-alloy wheels in a multi-spoke design is also available as an optional feature. These high-gloss finish wheels are covered with 235/35 tyres (front) and 255/30 R 19 tyres at the rear.On the inside, the Mercedes Benz C 63 AMG offers the distinctive AMG sports seats with integrated head restraints, AMG performance steering wheel in a three-spoke design with a 365-mm rim diameter, flattened lower section, tubular-design AMG instrument cluster with AMG main menu, aluminium trim panels on dome, doors and centre console, armrest with roller-top compartment, AMG lettering and brushed stainless steel sports pedals, 1/3:2/3 split-fold rear seat backrest (saloon), /3:2/3 split-fold rear seat backrest (estate), AMG carbon-fibre trim, AMG velour floor mats, and Nappa leather upholstery, just to name the few. Safety feats include ISOFIX child seat attachment points in the rear, THERMATIC two-zone automatic climate control, knee bag on the driver's side, airbags for the driver and front passenger, and Mercedes Benz's PRE-SAFE system available as an optional feature.Technical features include improved multi-link independent rear suspension with increased track width, fade-resistant AMG high-performance brake system, and new 3-stage ESP with Sport function.The company said the Mercedes Benz C 63 AMG will roll out in selected markets in Europe early in 2008 carrying a base manufacturer's suggested retail price of 67,235 Euros ($95,782) for the sedan variant, and 69,853 Euros ($99,512 USD) for the estate. Probably this model will also roll out in the US market. Mercedes Benz lovers should watch out for this model instead of upgrading their auto parts (like Saab OEM parts).

Mercedes-Benz to Double Sales of Diesel Cars, SUVs in the US : New Mercedes-Benz car

Mercedes-Benz to Double Sales of Diesel Cars, SUVs in the US : New Mercedes-Benz car
by Anthony Fontanelle
The luxury car unit of Daimler AG, Mercedes-Benz the producer of high quality Mercedes S350 radiator support has announced recently that it may double the sales of its diesel vehicles in the US after successfully meeting the emission regulations in all states.The Bluetec diesel motors equipped on Mercedes cars and sport utility vehicles were able to comply with the country’s strictest emission requirements especially in the state of California and because of this the luxury car maker will finally start marketing its vehicles in the US.According to Ernst Lieb, the unit’s chief executive officer for the US, "When we're able to have diesel in all states we'll be in a position to possibly double the number of diesels we sell." In an interview in New York, Mr. Lieb said that the models to be offered in the US will include cleaner models such as the re-engined versions of the M, GL and the R-Class SUVs.The coming of Mercedes vehicles in the US is just perfect since according to the study conducted by J.D. Power & Associates, diesel’s share in the US car and light-truck market is likely to quadruple to 11.8 percent by 2015. This is attributed to the fact that automakers are already responding to calls and demands for emission controlled vehicles. Likewise, the fuel that powers half of the new cars distributed in Europe has been blocked from entering US since consumers associate it with heavy trucks and aside from that most of the gas stations in the US don’t offer it.In California and in four other US states sales of new diesel autos are restricted since diesel vehicles are believed to emit soot and gases that are linked to heart and lung disease. The luxury unit of Daimler AG has started selling a diesel version of its E-320 sedan in all 50 states since its Bluetec engine was able to meet up with the emission standards required in the US.Mercedes-Benz will also offer its new GLK small SUV on the market in early part of 2009 which Mr. Lieb said will provide that extra boost to sales. The GLK will be made to compete with BMW’s X3.Daimler for this year is predicting record sales in the US which happens to be its second-largest market. Mr. Lieb further stressed that at present the company has no plans of offering the B-Class compact van in the US. The efforts to sell the model were dropped in 2005 attributed to the plunging of the dollar against the euro thereby reducing the vehicle’s profitability.For this year the dollar has declined by 4.8 percent as compared to the European currency bringing the record to as low as $1.4967 on November 23.

2008-05-14

Cheap Jeep : New jeep car

Cheap Jeep : New jeep car
by Ieuan Knox
When it comes to building stuff, the Americans don’t do things by halves. Whether it’s adding to a cityscape with a moon-prodding skyscraper, jetting off to said moon, building the SR-71 ‘Blackbird’ - the fastest plane ever (2,193.167 MPH!), or constructing a colossal super-sized meal, the US rules supreme. But before we get carried away with Uncle Sam, in motoring terms they’ve been…well…unremarkable, shall we say. So whilst sports cars don’t handle and stick you into a hedge backwards and saloons possess suspension that breaks your back at the mere sight of a pebble, Americans go elsewhere. The biggest selling style of vehicle is anything big and with four-wheel drive, and this is where Jeep come in. The words ‘cheap jeep’ may not seemingly fit together ��" one look at the shear size of a Cherokee or Grand Cherokee (that’ll be the model range, not native Americans) has your wallet popping a cyanide capsule, but you’ll be pleasantly surprised.For a tad under 15 grand (UK Money) you can jump on the Jeep bandwagon and have a sparkly new Cherokee all to yourself (that’ll be the model name not an Indian ��" is this going to get tiresome?) Right lets start at the beginning ��" other than being cheap, Jeep has a lot going for it. A brief history lesson would inform you that Jeep are the oldest Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV to you and me) manufacturer, beating even long-established companies like Land Rover. Heritage counts for a lot, plus once you’ve been making SUVs for 67 years, you must be doing something right.One look at American roads will have you gazing into the distance without seeing a single bend, the horizon gobbling up the tarmac until it’s out of sight. Faced with this mundane terrain and the alternative - vast mountainous deserts and cactus lined off-road passes, Jeep came to a simple conclusion that was probably along the lines of: “if we make sure it can handle a desert, then geez man, a straight road in Chicago ain’t gonna be a problem”. Owning a Jeep affords you the luxury of cruising comfortably on the motorway, safe in the knowledge that the American (or in my case British) countryside holds no fear should you turn off at the next junction and head for the hills.Now obviously an SUV isn’t built to climb Mount Everest but that’s because it’d be foolish to assume everyone is going to drive off-road all the time. We all know the school run will far outweigh the amount of times the Jeep will contend with anything taller than a blade of grass. It is however the combination of having the ability to tackle tough terrain and driving something that is built to withstand it that is key. The Jeep Wrangler for example is the US Army’s company car. Essentially, four big wheels, a seat and steering wheel, the only time this vehicle encounters a school is defending one in a war. It is arguably, the most robust, go-anywhere vehicle available to buy today, but is far too small and workmanlike for a mother of three.The aforementioned Cherokee and Grand Cherokee ranges however, give you Wrangler bullet-proof suspension and reliability whilst lapping air conditioning over you and your leather seats. Ok so which Jeep is it to be? The Cherokee as mentioned earlier, is the entry level model, offering the usual refinements for a price that pits it against the likes of the Ford Focus and the Vauxhall Astra. In the jam packed world of the hatchback, the Cherokee offers a bit of individuality on the road, or outside the school gates.If you want to really impress however, the Grand Cherokee may be your choice. Ok, so at nearly £30,000 it’s not initially the cheap Jeep I’ve been harping on about, but compare it to the rivals and you’ll need a lie down. For your money you get everything you’d expect on the specification sheet (that’s not me being vague, you really do even get the kitchen sink) and of course the big one ��" 4 wheel drive. Right sit down please, here’s how the rivals stack up. A BMW X5 is £10,000 more, a similar specification Land Rover is £6,000 more and don’t get me started on Mercedes or Audi.Admittedly owning the flagship American brand may lead to badge snobbery in the staff car park from BMW man and yes you may be filled with dread every time you reach a corner ��" but don’t be as you’ll come out the other side without a problem. The Cherokee derivatives really are a serious alternative to the sombre, repetitive metal that lines our streets and despite the US of A’s car making CV; they’ve made a pretty good car, sorry SUV.

Jeep Dealership Houston Texas â€" the Best of its Kind : New jeep car

Jeep Dealership Houston Texas â€" the Best of its Kind : New jeep car
by Norman Hendricks
One of the main sources of information if you are looking for jeep dealership Houston, Texas is the Internet. If you key into the search engine you would find a number of options available. Some sites accumulate all the data (across all over the United States) and store it into a large database for user convenience.This process is highly beneficial for both the buyer and the seller. It is not possible for the buyer to know each and every seller in the locality. Internet search makes the whole process of localized searching as easy as a pie with just a mouse click. One can simply put in the area, type the name of the jeep manufacturing company, select the model and input the zip code of Houston, Texas. Within few seconds the result will list all the names of jeep dealers Houston will be reflected on your screen. You will also view the options to find out about 'Used Auto Dealerships' in Houston Texas if you are looking for a second hand car. Search engines access the right database to facilitate the user experience.Buyers are provided with ample information about the sources that are accessible to them. In addition, they can view the details of the car and its price. The buyer can even check the price list of various dealers and decide on his selected vehicle. Conversely, sellers too get similar facilities. Due to high competitive nature of the jeep dealership Houston, Texas market the prices are kept at a minimal.Online the buyer can get hassle free discounted quotes on his selected jeeps. And if you are worried about hidden costs you can make full enquiries about the jeep before purchase. Moreover, visiting any site and enquiring does not put you under any obligation to buy.If you are enquiring about Archer Chrysler Jeep, then you can get an unlimited number of quotes from the Chrysler Dealer Houston. For quick information buyers can also get 'Quick Quotes' and 'Nada Guides'.Help on finance is also available if you are looking for car loans. Information on Gap Insurance, how to pre-qualify for the car loan, car loan payment rate calculator and privacy statement â€" all can be obtained through the jeep dealership Houston, Texas websites.Not only new and used jeeps, spare parts for the old jeep can also be acquired by filling out a simple form. The form has some easy to comprehend data fields. Under the 'vehicle information' â€" year, miles, make, VIN and model number should be provided. Under 'parts information' - 'part number' and 'part description' are to be supplied. Under the 'additional information' - 'part needed by', 'customer account number', 'payment method' and 'business name' are to be provided.Summary: The article provides tips on how to sell or purchase on the internet for say Jeep Dealership Houston Texas and how to locate online finance and insurance schemes looking for different new and used automobiles.

Jeep Wrangler â€" a 4x4 that goes off road! : New jeep car

Jeep Wrangler â€" a 4x4 that goes off road! : New jeep car
by Ieuan Knox
This week I was driving through whimsical countryside, with the leaves sweeping past my windscreen just as the road did the same and all was right with the world. Suddenly a shadow was cast over my beloved car and as I dared peak into my rear-view mirror I asked myself “What’s that coming over the hill?” It was indeed a monster, in the form of a Chelsea tractor, piloted by none other than a life sized Barbie that was just a plastic. As she applied her makeup â€" presumably for Ken, the thought of driving seemed like an added bonus, the hand stitched hide of what appeared to be a white tiger lavished over the empty child seat next her. And then she was gone.This got me thinking. Barbie is your typical 4x4/SUV driver aka the school run mum that sees driving over a pebble as going off road. Well I hear you 4x4ers cry: “we’re not all like that”. I do believe there are those of you out of there that do need off-roaders and there is a simple way to show yourselves â€" buy a Jeep Wrangler. Oh yes, by purchasing Chrysler/Jeep’s Wrangler, you say to every other wannabe off-roader that you are the real deal and the school run is a thing of the past â€" unless the school is atop Everest.Heritage is a key component to standing out from the crowd and the Jeep Wrangler has it in spades. So what heritage then - motor racing? No. Italian flair? No. Helping protect the world from evil? Um, yes actually.Produced by Chrysler and marketed under the ‘Jeep’ moniker, the Wrangler is derived from the CJ (Civilian Jeep) the go anywhere, do anything utility vehicle made famous throughout World War II, as it helped allied troops immeasurably against German invaders. Launched in 1987, the first generation Wrangler featured four wheels (five if you count the steering wheel), a drop top, large ground clearance and a roll cage. I’m really not skimping on detail, that was about it. Put simply, the reason why the civilian production version was as-near-as-makes-no-difference the same as the army’s’ version was because, like the military version it was designed to go off road and off road alone.Perhaps in a misguided move, Jeep launched the Schwarzenegger sounding ‘Renegade’ derivative of the Wrangler in 1991. However the company miss-read it’s key demographic and offered it’s hardcore, off road customer base ‘luxuries’ such as floor mats (front only), a locking glove box, engine lights and cup holders. If these features didn’t alienate their customers with uselessness, the extra $7,000 (£3,500) price tag did. The Renegade sold poorly and was decommissioned in 1994, a year before the standard model gave way to it’s younger brother â€" the generation two Wrangler.A key change was Jeep making the new Wrangler available in right hand drive as the company sought to expand its global market. Style wise, it paid heavy homage to its World War II compatriot, with circular headlights a welcome return from the much maligned square monstrosities on the Mk1. The new Jeep also featured a relatively civilised coil spring suspension â€" if civilised is Mike Tyson biting your ear off. Admittedly, the Wrangler was more manageable on the tarmac but wisely, Jeep didn’t compromise it’s off road performance. A few additions such as a radio and the updating of the interior design were also welcomed, without softening the Jeep too much.On the back of the successful Mk2, the current generation three offering was launched merely months ago and has been criticised for being too large compared to the military hero it is derived from. Personally I think the Wrangler has grown up and is now a true contender to the likes of Range Rover, the BMW X5 and Porsche Cayenne. To help with this, anti-lock brakes make an appearance 20 years too late, traction control appears seven years too late and Jeep are about on par with introducing Satellite Navigation. Ok, so the Wrangler may not be as good to drive on the road as an X5 or Cayenne, but its ultra reliable (the US postal service uses them extensively) and it’ll still do the ugly off-road stuff with a grin on its face, whilst the Porsche struggles with a broken nail. Plus it’s about $10000000000000000 (£100000000) cheaper.The latest edition is also available for military use â€" complete with a snorkel so the engine can breathe underwater (seriously). Jeep then have not watered down the Wrangler but with a slight measure of creature comforts it’s a serious contender for the best 4x4 you can buy.I’ve seen the latest Barbie motoring range - Ken’s cramped and his hair is blown around. She’s been beaten and she’s back in the sports car.

New Features With New Jeep Grand Cherokee : New Jeep car

New Features With New Jeep Grand Cherokee : New Jeep car
by Anthony Fontanelle
For the 2008 model year, the Jeep brand decided to upgrade their Jeep Grand Cherokee model. The brand has decided that with a new look and with new features to boot, the vehicle would become attractive to consumers and it would bring in more sales for the company. The auto maker claimed that the upgrades done to the vehicle “makes this Jeep the most luxurious yet”. Let us find out and see what the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee has got to offer.Take a seat behind the wheel and you would find that the materials used are soft to the touch. The interior colors given to the vehicle are also new and actually gives the vehicle a luxurious appeal. Along with these, Jeep also added a telescope steering column which can be tilted by the driver. The steering wheel has also been made to be better. The instrument clusters are new and the floor console has been worked on so much so that operation is better than before. Add in those new comfortable armrests, and you get a really comfortable ride with the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee.For entertainment, you would find that the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee comes with the MyGIG infotainment system. However, keep in mind that such a technology is an option and a unit would only be able to have one if you choose to have the technology installed in the vehicle. With the MyGIG infotainment system which has a hard drive memory of 20GB, you can plug in your MP3 players and drive to the sound of your favorite songs. The car maker even disclosed that with such a high amount of memory, you can store up to a high of 1600 songs with the MyGIG infotainment system. The satellite navigation system that comes with the mentioned technology can be controlled with just a touch of your finger.Aside from the MyGIG infotainment system, the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee also has a Bluetooth-enabled feature - the UConnect. This one allows users to communicate with other people without having to use their hands.Jeep also added new headlights, a new grille, a new color for the front sill, a new air dam, and quite a number of options for the vehicle’s alloy wheels.The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a sport utility vehicle which is handled by Chrysler’s Jeep division. Units of the model that are sold in Europe are produced by Magna Steyr in Austria.

Jeep Patriot May Become Chrysler's Hero

Jeep Patriot May Become Chrysler's Hero
by Mike Bartley
After a disappointing year in 2006, Chrysler is looking for its new auto models to bring them back to profitability. One of the newest releases for the automotive group is the Jeep Patriot. The compact SUV is released shortly after the launch of the bigger Compass.Although the Patriot is significantly smaller than the Compass and other Jeep vehicles, it is still recognizable as a Jeep. This is because of the imposing Jeep trademark grille. While smaller than the Compass, the Patriot is equipped with the same engine as the Compass. Aside from the similarity in the powerplant under the hood of the two Jeeps, they also share the same drivetrain system, body platform and suspension configurations.The Patriot is being marketed by the Chrysler Group as a vehicle with an SUV packaging and an interior flexibility while having the performance, handling, and fuel economy of a hatchback. Priced lower than the Compass, the Patriot is a good choice for auto buyers looking for crossover SUVs.The Patriot is offered with two engine choices. The first one is a 2.4-liter gasoline engine. This powerplant can produce as much as 168 horsepower - enough to give the compact SUV its requirement for power. The second engine offered with the Patriot is a 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel engine. According to Jeep, this diesel engine can produce as much as 138 horsepower.These engines will be complemented by Jeep's all-wheel drive system. The said system automatically switches between two and four wheel drive to suit the terrain. If traction is needed on all wheels, the system will deliver power to all the wheels. When two wheels can provide traction for the vehicle, it automatically switches on the four-wheel drive system.According to Steve Gray, the marketing director for the Chrysler Group in the UK, the Patriot is an important addition to their lineup. "The Patriot is an important entry point model for us," says Gray. "Key players in the compact SUV segment have all recently introduced new models, the Honda CR-V, the Land Rover Freelander and the Toyota RAV4; they are all bigger and more expensive than the models they replace.""Their move up in size and price gives us an opportunity in the car derived SUV sector. The most obvious competitors now are the Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, Chevrolet Captiva and Suzuki Grand Vitara but SUV and hatchback crossover models such as the Volkswagen Golf Plus and Nissan Qashqai are also competitors," he added.According to Chrysler Group, the Patriot has between 1.5 to 19.4 percent better value than its competitors if disparity in specification is adjusted.Gray sings the Patriot praises by saying: "The Patriot is modern, but still styled as a traditional Jeep and we have not had this price range before in the Jeep brand. It is lighter and more fuel efficient. Modern electronics allow the vehicle to be driven in front wheel drive or four wheel drive automatically. The Patriot brings nippiness, agility and yet it is fuel efficient.""Customers for the Patriot will be classic Jeep buyers but a greater number, and our primary targets, are young families and second car users," added Gray.The Patriot's exterior look is also a strong selling point for it. Its rugged looks will be hard not to flaunt that owners might not be using their Jeep Bestop car cover frequently.

Jeep Patriot: A Family Car

Jeep Patriot: A Family Car
by Evander Klum
Jeep has formulated a new way of marketing its Patriot by presenting the Compass sibling as an interesting alternative to a conventional family car. The main idea behind such marketing concept is to introduce the Jeep Patriot as a vehicle having an off-road appeal for less---in short it a Jeep within the budget.Jeep's new entry-level model targets family car buyers who prefer something different especially vehicles with combined rugged styling, a switchable four-wheel drive system and an economical diesel engine.The Jeep Patriot although promoted as a family car is in every inch a Jeep. Its angular profile and seven-slot grille signifies it Jeep heritage. Come to think of it, the Patriot sure looks like a miniature Jeep. Although it's low ride height maybe in contrast with its off-road look and yet the Patriot still manages to look more appealing compared to its Compass brother. Both Compass and the Patriot share a VW-derived diesel engine.Inside the Patriot is a further evidence of parts sharing with its Compass brother like for instance the simple cabin design which was borrowed from the Compass. There are also plenty of low-grade plastics and cheap switchgear dominating the interior but the bluff center console is improved by silver trim.If there's one thing that the Patriot can boast of, it's in terms of practicality. It has plenty of room in the back for passengers and a decent 536-liter boot. It also has a washable floor that expands to 1,277 liters especially when the rear seats are folded flat. The Patriot just like its other Jeep brothers possesses a solid Jeep bumper which explains why it can smash through walls basing from accident reports involving Jeeps.Anyway out on the road, the diesel engine is short on low-down punch which means that you would have to use the entire rev range to accomplish a decent progress. Its smooth six-speed manual gearbox aids drivers in achieving this and is responsible for most of the Patriot's performance.When driving over demanding roads, the Patriot's undersized height guarantees efficient handling and despite the fact that the oil-burner is not the most refined component that it has, it can save up to 42 mpg.The Patriot's low bodywork is also perfect for preventing any serious mud-plugging but of course this will not hinder buyers from purchasing the Patriot especially since it delivers its promise of tough looks at an affordable price.

2008-05-09

The Honda Civic Hybrid From The Drivers Perspective : Honda ca review

The Honda Civic Hybrid From The Drivers Perspective : Honda ca review
The Honda Civic Hybrid From The Drivers Perspective
by Tony R.
We all know, in basic terms what a hybrid is all about and what some of the advantages are, but do we really know how they work and why they work? Let's take a closer look at that question starting with Honda's Civic hybrid as an example. To make it simple we have a vehicle with a gasoline powered engine much like any other. Added to that, is an auxiliary electric motor that functions to keep the gasoline motor working at a minimum. The electric motor needs some type of power supply to make it function, enter the hybrid system battery which is in addition to the normal 12 volt vehicle battery. Now, we have all the basic components covered so lets get a little deeper into how all these parts work in harmony to power your hybrid vehicle.We have to think about how and when the IMA system in a Civic hybrid is functioning. There are 2 modes that are used when you're in the car. Either the System is in charge mode working to recharge the hybrid system battery or it is in assist mode where the electric motor is being used to power the vehicle.How does it work? "Assist"Now, jump in your hybrid and let's take a look at how things get going. Turning the key to start your Civic hybrid is about the only step that would be comparable to a conventional car. Instead of a starter, your Civic uses the electric motor that is positioned between the gasoline engine and the transmission to get things turning. Now your up and running and heading for the grocery store, your watching that fancy little gauge that shows whether the car is charging or assisting and how much. Your climbing that hill and notice it indicates full assist, good thing since that little gas motor doesn't really like accelerating too quickly on its own.How does it work? "Charge"Well, lets pretend that hill was really long and now you've spent a good amount of the energy stored in the hybrid system battery. On the way down your gauge shows full charge mode because the car is using something called regenerative braking to charge the battery back up again for the next hill. Basically, instead of throwing away all the energy that's lost while decelerating or braking, we use regenerative braking to recapture and store some of that energy for when we need that assist function again.How does it work? "Autostop"When we come up to a stoplight right before the grocery store, it turns red and we stop. When we stop a Civic hybrid it goes into autostop mode, where the gasoline engine shuts down completely. The unique thing about hybrids is some of your traditional features are electric now instead of mechanical. So, when your sitting at the red light, your air conditioning, audio system, and other comforts continue to work as they would if you were idling there burning gas in a conventional vehicle. Now, when the light turns green and we are off to the races again, you step on the gas peddle and seamlessly the gasoline engine is back up and running. Remember, there is not a normal starter, so it functions just like when you go to start your hybrid.So what do i get out of it? "Advantages"With all this back and forth between charging and assisting we find our savings on fuel. We get the advantage of using wasted energy to charge our battery instead of having to plug into an outlet every night. We get the convenience of filling up at normal gas stations, but less often. The biggest advantage when talking about hybrids is, you can walk out to your driveway, get in your car, and head on down the road just as conveniently as you could in a gas only car. Nothing is drastically different from a drivers standpoint, you will not need to get used to a new routine of plugging your car in or trying to find some obscure alt-fuel station.

Honda contract hire - Previewing the Honda range : Honda car review

Honda contract hire - Previewing the Honda range : Honda car review
by Darrell Freeman
Honda contract hire & Honda car leasing can offer the outstanding reliability and quality that you expect from one of Japans leading auto manufacturers. Here are some tips and guides for their various models currently available.The Accord saloon is available with a choice of two petrol engines, the2.0Litre, 5 speed or the 2.4Litre 5 speed. There is also the highly efficient and powerful turbodiesel 2.2Litre engine.The Accord saloon is available with a choice of two petrol engines, the2.0Litre, 5 speed or the 2.4Litre 5 speed. There is also the highly efficient and powerful turbodiesel 2.2Litre engine.The Accord's reliability is second to none according to the customer satisfaction survey published by the independent JD Power organisation. There is also a generous equipment level including cruise and climate controls and alloy wheel trims. This is a very roomy small car with a good amount of boot space.Honda's little baby is the Jazz, a sure footed town car with spirited performance from its 1.2Litre or 1.4Litre petrol engines. Which don't lack power but are capable of excellent mpg, and are considered to be very reliable. Standard features include two front airbags and anti-lock brake systems; the SE Sport version is also equipped with side impact air bags.The CR-V with a 2.2-litre diesel engine giving up138bhp is a popular model in the range with an, as standard, manual, 6 speed gearbox. This 4X4 has great off-road capabilities combined with smooth regular road use. Its bulk and height give it a very safe and secure feeling. The gear lever is conveniently situated on the dash; upper end spec models also have a very useful rear view camera, for added safety.Some models also include ES Trim packs and alloy wheels with back and front parking sensors. Luggage space is the largest in its class, with plenty of headroom for back and front seat passengers. Honda contract hire can put you behind the wheel of this great vehicle at a price you can afford.Honda's Legend Saloon comes equipped with just one choice of engine, that is not a drawback when it's the impressive V6 3.5Litre putting out 291bhp, married to a 5-speed automatic gearbox. Add in the standard permanent 4-wheel-drive set up and this car was made to be driven hard.The Legend is designed to compete on a level field with the mighty 5 series BMW's. Standard executive refinements include, all leather upholstery, a powered sunblind for rear passenger comfort, dual climate controls. There is even a new intelligent system for the cruise control that keeps the car within lanes.The S2000 is an exiting sports model that delivers 237bhp for hair raising open top driving excitement. Its 2-seater cockpit setup gives the feel of a real sports car, with an absolute no frills feel, apart from its luxurious leather interior, and top of the range CD player, essential for cruising down winding country lanes.Whichever vehicle you choose, Honda car leasing is a highly cost effective way to finance the best that this forward thinking manufacturer has to offer. From the nippy Jazz to the awesome power of the Legend, Honda contract hire is the place to go.

Getting a Good Price on Your Honda : Honda car review

Getting a Good Price on Your Honda : Honda car review
by Paul Rushton
There are many ways that you can get a good price on your new Honda car. You just have to know what questions to ask and what to do to get the price just right.What to AskWhen you get ready to go find your perfect Honda car or truck, you should look for the final price on the vehicle. Many dealers will not include the price of the vehicle that you are interested in on the windshield of the vehicle like they will with the payments. Honda dealers are not the only ones that may try to sidestep you when you are trying to find out what the full price is on the vehicle before you start into the purchasing process. You also should ask about the interest rate that may be applied to the loan. If it’s too high then even the best priced Honda car will still be high for an average customer. If the dealer is reluctant to tell you what the price will be for the vehicle, then it’s best to keep looking for a different place to get your Honda car. First instincts will tell you a lot about the payments and if the dealer seems to be a little off.What Will Affect Your Price?There are a few things that will make your payments more or will help you to get the best rates and prices. Your credit is a big factor when it comes to getting a good deal. This is because you will pay a higher interest rate if your credit is not as good as it could be. If you have no down payment, then it will also be higher for you to pay each month and be a higher price in the long run. You need to figure what your full price will be after the vehicle is paid for at the full term so that you know what you will end up paying in the long run for the vehicle. Honda cars are known for being very affordable for the average person. You still need to be aware of the full price including the interest payment that you may have to pay in the end.Many people will jump right in to buying their new Honda car because they feel that the price is right and that they may have found a great deal. You should understand what you need to know before starting your search because you want to get the best deal for you and you want to get a great car for yourself as well. You may need to look at a few different dealers to find the right deal and the right price for you to be able to afford. Remember that when you finance a car, you will most likely get a better price then if you finance a truck. Take the time to look for the best deal and you will be more likely to get it.

Dissecting The 2008 Honda Accord Marketing Brochure : Honda car review

Dissecting The 2008 Honda Accord Marketing Brochure : Honda car review
by Dan Mercurio
Honda, like most other manufacturers, has placed a premium on their point of sale (POS) products. The most widely circulated of these point of sale products is their individual model brochures.In this article, we are going to take a thorough look into the 2008 Honda Accord marketing product brochure. This is a 23 page brochure that Honda has invested a tremendous amount of money hoping to persuade the general public that this is more than a car, but an extension of who you are."In Developing the new Accord, we considered the road...and everything beyond it." This is the lead in for the brochure. Honda is trying to create the feeling that the 2008 Accord is designed to be than just another car, it's a driving experience.On Page 4, they cleverly turn the Accord into a personalized driving machine. "To surpass everything we've done before, we've looked for inspiration beyond where it lives to where you live. Precisely tuning the new Accord to the demands of the road, and to desires of its driver." The marketing department wants you to imagine that the new Accord is going to taught the nuances of your driving environment and learn the way you drive on the roads you drive.Turn a couple more pages and find that even with a Honda, "Sex Sell". "This is about lines and curves and shape. In other words, it's about desire." They mention that the new Accord is designed to invite a stare and that it can stir passion. Everyone wants to seen in the right place with the right people and of course in the right car. Honda has done a great job on this page to address the "Right Car" part of this equation.As you continue through the brochure, "It's like no other Accord we've ever built. It's like every Accord we've ever built." If it aint broke don't fix it, well Honda knew the Accord was not broken, but they wanted you to know that they completely scrutinized all facets of the Accord and refined all areas to make the latest Accord the greatest Accord.Honda has always been about its engine. The reliability of a Honda will never be undersold. Now, to go along with the engines unsurpassed reliability, is a new found power plant and environmentally emission friendly design. "It starts with a commitment. It starts with a promise. It starts with an engine."Of course, Honda had to touch on what is becoming "The Marketing Catch Phrase" "DNA". This is simply what engineers' thought process was when creating the new Accord. They wanted to be environmentally friendly, "Green". They wanted the Accord to be safe and at the same time be fun. They are convinced and wanted to convince you that they have accomplished all the above.The overall design and layout of the 2008 Honda Accord brochure gets a big thumbs up. They have managed to touch on the emotional side of the potential buyer and let them imagine what it would "Feel like" to own the 2008 Honda Accord. Being one with your machine, getting noticed, sexy, fun, safe and "Green" is what they want to feel. If the Accord comes close to the sales pitch of the brochure, Honda has another homerun on their hands.