Cars

Top 10 cars for 2005!

1. BMW M6
M stands for monster here. The M5’s 5.0-litre engine gives the M6 507bhp, 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds and a limited maximum of 155mph. Derestricted, BMW confirms it’ll do 200mph+. For £70,000, it’s serious competition for the slower, less powerful Porsche 911 Carrera S. Through corners it can generate over 1g of lateral force, the F1-style SMG gearbox shifts ratios three times faster than an eye blink, and a carbon fibre roof cuts weight just where its needed. It stops as well as it goes too, from 62mph in 36 metres, 50% less than the Highway Code says. It goes on sale towards the end of the year and may just be another BMW M car that sets new standards for the rest.


2. Volkswagen Passat
The first ***y VW saloon? Next summer’s all-new Passat looks, on first evidence, to be a car set to strike fear into Ford Mondeo, Peugeot 407 and Renault Laguna rivals. Significantly larger than today’s model, the new Passat is mounted on a stretched, widened version of the latest Golf platform, which brings with it the advance of four-link independent rear suspension. With body stiffness up nearly 60%, big advances in ride and handling are promised, for both front-and four-wheel-drive variants. Engines will be familiar to VW drivers, with the 140bhp 2.0-litre TDI the likely best-seller. Class firsts? An electronic handbrake and two-zone draught-free climate control are not exciting but useful – giving it substance as well as style. Oh, and expect to see the radical radiator grill on every new VW in time.
Click here for our story on the new Passat

2. Volkswagen Passat


3. Mercedes ML
One of the first ‘premium SUVs’ back in the 1990s, an M-Class new from the ground up is launched next summer, promising to be a huge advance over today’s stylish but disappointing model. With all the traditional ML cues plus a lithe, sporty new look, it’s launched at the Detroit Auto Show early next year – which should give time for people to take in all the features it offers. Such as seven-speed automatics, 4-ETS running gear, air suspension, PRE-SAFE accident-sensing safety gear; it’s a breathless array of kit, pulled along by a new range of engines. Mercedes is particularly boastful of its new 224bhp V6 diesel, and rumours of V8 and V12 diesels sounds tasty, too.
Click here for our story on the new M-class

3. Mercedes ML


4. Aston Martin V8 Vantage
The British company’s third model line is launched in the summer, and it’s one of the most ‘affordable’ Astons ever. Sure, £70,000 is still not cheap, but it takes the company into direct competition with Porsche’s 911 range, which is seen as this car’s arch-rival. The 4.3-litre V8 punches out 400bhp, easily exceeding the latest 997 911s, and the DB9-derived rear-drive chassis is likely to provide well-honed thrills. Many have commented that it looks like the DB9 and Vanquish, but in the metal it’s likely to prove much more muscular, lithe and distinctive. Better order now if you want one any time soon.
Click here for our story on the new AMV8

4. Aston Martin V8 Vantage


5. Bugatti Veyron
This insane supercar is almost certainly the last of its type. It’s hard enough to justify this insanely powerful two-seater as it is, and VW has sunk so much money into it, few will be willing to take it on. The numbers make an unbeatable Top Trumps hand; W16 8.0-litre engine (yes, that’s 16 cylinders – two mated narrow-angle V8s), 1001PS (987bhp), a 252mph top speed and 0-60mph in 3.0 seconds. It’ll certainly need its four-wheel-drive chassis. The 300 or so owners are guaranteed one of the most perfectly-finished cars in the world, and even the chance to drive flat-out on closed roads in Dubai. It’s been so long in development, could it possibly be anything other than brilliant to drive? You’d hope so, for 1.2 million Euros.
Click here for our story on the Veyron from the Paris Motor Show

5. Bugatti Veyron


6. BMW 3 Series
Surely the biggest story of 2005? The 3 Series is BMW’s most important car, and the German company know it can’t afford to get it wrong. So the flame surfacing has been toned down, i-Drive made optional, and engineers have worked through the night for years in honing the way it drives. Basically, it’ll be a radical visual proposition until you get used to it, but from behind the wheel should be the BMW we know and love. Engines are derived from today’s units, with V8 stormers on the cards, but for March’s launch we’ve got our eyes on the 258bhp 3.0-litre petrol. Already seen in the 6 Series, 155mph and 0-60mph sounds thrilling – and it’s not even the fastest 3 due! Prices, just announced, start at £21,090 for the 320i; Audi and Mercedes must already be concerned.
Click here for our story on the new 3-series

6. BMW 3 Series


7. Noble M14
It was the star of the 2004 British Motor Show, and finally hits the roads this year. Ferrari F430, watch out. The amazing Noble M14 is the sexiest model yet from the Leicestershire company, with curves and lines that prove founder Lee Noble learned a trick or two from his work developing McLaren’s F1. The Jaguar-derived 3.0-litre V6 has twin turbos to produce 400bhp, with 60mph taking 4.3 seconds and 190mph achievable flat-out. The chassis is light and race-bred; Lee Noble himself has driven an M14 GT car in races throughout 2004, to hone the road version to perfection. For £75,000, it’s sure to be some car – await the headlines this summer. 7.


Noble M14


8. Peugeot 1007
Peugeot’s city car is the most innovative the class has yet seen. Why? Twin electric sliding doors which zip back electrically, allowing four passengers to enter freely. They’re a winner in tight parking spaces and are the car’s key selling feature. Related to sister company Citroen’s C2, engines are the familiar mix of 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre petrol and diesel units, while semi-auto gearbox technology debuts for the first time in a Peugeot. And if the swish interior isn’t distinctive enough, changeable interior trims allow a degree of personalisation. An interesting concept, and we’ll see if it works in reality by early 2005.
Click here for our story on the 1007 from the Paris Motor Show
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8. Peugeot 1007


9. Range Rover Sport
Smaller, faster and cheaper than its famous sister car, the Rang Rover Sport looks to have it all. When it hits showrooms in the spring, with prices starting at £35,000, expect disorderly queues to form, as it’ll be the most lusted-for SUV of all. Between the flared front wheelarches nestles a 385bhp Jaguar V8, good for 140mph and 60mph in around 7 seconds; there’s also a V6 Jaguar diesel, should fuel economy be an issue. Interestingly, it’s not based on the larger Range Rover platform, but that of the new Discovery – boosted by ‘Dynamic Response’, electronics that make it stiffer, sportier, sharper, with manoeuvrability aided by a shorter wheelbase. The concept was called ‘Stormer’; this certainly looks like one.
Click here for our story on the Range Rover Sport


9. Range Rover Sport


10. Vauxhall Astra Sport Hatch 3dr
You’ll see this on the roads for the first time and not believe it’s a production reality. The Astra Sport Hatch carries over most of the cues seen on the ‘GST’ concept car, and adds a unique option of its own; the Panorama windscreen, extending from bonnet to B-pillar with no cross-member or other obstructions. Simply a huge expanse of glass, created using a special new bonding process. The effect is like nothing else – the designer says only flying matches it – but while it’s optional, the rest of the car should impress as standard too. We like the five-door models already, and look forward to 200bhp versions of this model. We’ll drive them in March, in readiness for an early summer UK launch

Car News: 350Z gets Gran Turismo treatment

Further blurring the boundaries between gaming and reality Nissan is set to offer a limited ‘GT4’ edition of its 350Z in celebration of the launch of the Sony PlayStation Gran Turismo 4 driving simulator game.Please



Launched at next weekend’s Autosport International show, Birmingham, only 176 examples of this tweaked 350Z will be available in the UK, in either retina straining Ultra Yellow, or more menacing Kumo Black. Nissan 350Z GT4


Changes to the engine increase power by 20bhp, up to 300bhp, and it rides on unique lacquered, five-spoke, 18-inch wheels. Inside all come with GT pack specification that includes leather seats and a 240 watt Bose stereo. In addition all GT4 editions come with a numbered plaque and a PlayStation and GT4 game in a gift box in the boot. Available for pre-order from Feb 1 at 3.50pm, prices have yet to be announced, but expect them to be around £27,500 and for it to sell out as quickly as it goes.
Click here for our review of the 350Z Nismo conversion
Nissan 350Z GT4




In other news...
RAC Foundation calls for Government resolutions
The RAC Foundation and Euro Car Parts have suggested that the Transport Minister, David Jamieson, should make a New Year’s resolution to bring more flexibility to the use of speed cameras and to listen more to motorist’s views. The ideas submitted to the Minister, which came about as part of the Share Ideas Day, include clearer speed limit signposting, reviewing speed limits when suggested by motorists, the promotion of defensive driving and speed awareness courses and offering such courses as an alternative to penalty points.


Other recommendations include the redesigning of junctions or accident blackspots rather than blanket focus on speeding issues, the introduction of interactive ‘slow down’ and speed limit signs and 20mph limits around schools at peak times. Commenting on the ideas generated by the Share Ideas Day, Edmund King, Executive Director of the RAC Foundation said: “The system needs to be more flexible, with a review of limits, clear signing of speed limits on the camera and road surface, and more emphasis on speed awareness courses.” Mark Wardell of Euro Car Parts added: “We hope the Minister takes heed of the positive and constructive suggestions made by motorists when thinking about his plans for 2005”.

New Year offers from Citroen…
Citroen enters ’05 with more generous offers on its model line up. All C8 people carriers feature a saving of £3,000, while the new look C5 benefits from up to £2,000 worth of savings. The Picasso continues to offer generous reductions of up to £3,400, while even the new C4 hatchback sees a £1,100 reduction. Other offers on the C2 and C3 superminis are also available from Citroen dealers for customers ordering their new car before January 31. Citroen C4



And… even more New Year savings
Citroen’s sister company is offering savings on its 307 range, too. Three new special editions of their popular family hatchback bring better value and enhanced specification – including a SmartNav navigation system on the Quiksilver models. Nissan, too, is offering Sat Nav on its SX Primera for no extra cost, while Hyundai has 0% finance, insurance and servicing deals across various models in its range. With other manufacturers set to follow, January looks like a good month to be getting the best new car deals. Peugeot 307 Quiksilver


Insurance set to soar in ’05
It’s perhaps just as well that manufacturers are offering new year discounts as a survey by Egg bank suggests car insurance rates will soar this year. The internet bank surveyed 50 insurance brokers and 63% of them suggested that they believe prices will rise by at least 5% next year. More worryingly some 25% considered a rise of over 10% as likely, yet some 20% of motorists will simply accept their quote when renewing cover.

Andy Deller, Director of Banking and Insurance at Egg says: “The threat of rising premiums should encourage motorists to shop around for the best deal on their car insurance.” He adds: “The average motorist could save £120 by shopping around for the best deal.” The rises are a result of insurers trying to recoup their losses from the increasing cost of claims and administration

On test:
Hundai Tucson

Model: Hyundai Tucson V6

Bodystyle: 5dr 4x4

Engine: 2.7–litres V6 petrol

Transmission: 4–speed automatic

Date of Test: January 2005

What is it?
This falls into what has become known as the compact SUV category: a sport utility vehicle that scarifies the space of the full-sized off-roaders that started the game for more manageable proportions and price. Thus the entry-level Tucson costs around the same as the cheapest Mondeo, yet offers the regular 4x4 benefits of a high, commanding driving position and the promise of great ability in tricky conditions like snow or mud. Don’t reckon on full mountain-climbing, billy-goat tenacity though – cars like the Tuscon are more about style than anything.
Where does it fit?
This is the smallest of Hyundai’s range of three 4x4s – the others are the Santa Fe and the massive Terracan. According to the manufacturer it competes directly with models like the Toyota RAV-4, Honda CRV, Subaru Forester and Mitsubishi Outlander, though the top model, the 2.7 V6 tested here, runs into more the more expensive territory of the Land Rover Freelander. On the plus side all Tucsons come with five doors, but on the minus side, as we shall see, it has to compete head on with Kia’s latest Sportage, the same car under the skin.
Is it for you?
Despite what Ken Livingston has to say, 4x4s are a growing market driven by the lower prices and increased choice of models like the Tucson. So what’s the attraction? Good visibility from the high seating position is one. A feeling of safety and security, arguably misplaced, is another. They make sense for families who feel that they should be up to the rough and tumble of kids climbing in and around them. Logically these arguments are outweighed by the existence of compact MPVs like the Scenic and Zafira, which offer all of the plus points at a lower price, significantly lower running costs and a much better driving experience.

What does it do well?
This top-of-the-range V6 drives very nicely. The engine is extremely smooth and refined, combining very acceptable performance with little noise, even when extended. A four-speed automatic gearbox is standard with this engine. The changes up and down are smooth, and there is the option to slip the lever sideways and then back and forth to give full manual control. The steering and handling are easy and straightforward – no-one is going to get much entertainment out of driving a Tuscon, but it does the job.
What doesn’t it do well?
The good point of this particular Tucson is also its major weakness. The V6 is disastrously thirsty. We never reached 20mpg on the trip computer, even on a steady run, and you could almost watch the needle on the fuel gauge slip down the scale. The other aspect which is a real turn-off is the look if the interior. Now you can sometimes get away with rock hard plastics that still look good inside a car – Kia does it remarkably well with the Tucson’s sister, the Sportage - but this Hyundai looks plain cheap and nasty. It might be passable in a budget supermini but not one that, here, costs close to £20k.
What’s it like to live with?
On a day-to-day basis the Tucson is an easy choice. Nothing’s difficult to deal with and there are good levels of comfort and even, on the CDX models, heated leather seats. It’s roomy inside for four adults, five at a push. Luggage space is fair but as usual in vehicles like this, four-wheel-drive robs the boot of some depth and leaves the loading height a long way up. The divided rear seats fold very neatly, cushion and backrest in one simple movement forward and down to increase the luggage space. You can even drop light luggage in through the rear window which opens separately of the tailgate.
Would we buy it?
This is a highly competitive area of the market in which the Hyundai has only one trump card – its five year warranty. The V6 version, nice as it is to drive, is a totally uneconomic proposition. Even if you choose, unwisely to spend the asking price, you’ll find it will depreciate far more quickly than cheaper four cylinder petrol and diesel models. So would we buy one of those instead? No. The interior is too low-rent and the exterior, notably the bumpers, look utilitarian. It’s direct Kia rival offers a nicer interior, but we’d be opt for rivals like the Nissan X-Trail and Toyota RAV4. They might cost more to buy initially, but similarly they’ll be worth more when you come to sell them, too. Peter Burgess

the lexas concept car is hot.
the honda suv is ugly

baazi 180

Bush_Blasta said:

the lexas concept car is hot.
the honda suv is ugly

post some cars 2

herez a few concept cars...

My FAV

Blasta bro cool cars

ahaan baazi

hain je?

where r the cars?

how bout everyone post pic of their current ride? (no BS)..sachi mae what do u drive? car/ bike etc?

i walk

new cars..coming soon

how about poritng u;r current rides?

i didnt get my license yet, here in USA. but i got my permit cause I just turned 16 and i got a 96/100 on the New Jersey Drivers State test! I drive my dad's Honda accord.

velly velly good

mein samjha v.relly

i take my new car's delivery tomorrow

weird car

Bush_Blasta said:

weird car

true..that's the kind i bought...

mine is like this one ---> (my interior is black leather though not red)

idher Amsterdam main car show ho raha hai from 10 to 20 feb...i will post the cars very soon...

shahrukh khan said:

I was thinking that there should be a topic abt cars...Hmmmmm well mod's??

sanoooooo
veeee layy challlll   nal   wey &nbs p;  baooo sony   gadiii waliya


~Happy VALINTAIN from RANI~