carcreditblog.co.uk

Ford Ka, officially pronounced as /kɑː/ (like “car” in non-rhotic dialects of English) not kay ay, (with the letter names said individually) but usually pronounced in the latter way to avoid confusion[citation needed], is a city car from the Ford Motor Company marketed in Europe and elsewhere.
The European version is produced in Valencia, Spain, while the one sold in Latin America is built in Brazil.
It has been produced since 1996 and is due to enter its second generation in 2008.
The car was introduced on September 11, 1996 as a small and low-cost addition to the Ford range. The Ka is based on the same platform as the Mark IV Ford Fiesta, but with a radically different external design. The vehicle was manufactured on the production facility of Almussafes, Valencia. When the Ka was first introduced to the public it provoked mixed reactions due to its original and striking New Edge design, created by Jack Telnack.
Besides the styling, the Ka, like its sister cars Fiesta and Puma, was lauded in the motoring press for its nimble handling. Under Richard Parry-Jones’s supervision, the suspension and steering settings allowed for spirited cornering and high levels of grip making it one of the best handling cars of the current generation superminis, not unlike the original Mini.
The main drawback was the Ka’s 1300 cc OHV four-cylinder Endura-E engine, a design dating back to the 1960s Kent engine used in the Ford Anglia. Although not very modern, it provided enough torque to allow relaxed if not spirited driving.[citation needed] In 2002, the Endura-E was replaced by the overhead cam Duratec engine, with claims of improved fuel efficiency and increased refinement, mostly caused by taller gearing on the non-air conditioned models.
The Ka has proved highly profitable for Ford despite its low selling price, largely due to the lack of spending required in its development.[citation needed] It has been the best selling car in its class in the United Kingdom for a number of years and commands around a fifth of the city car market.
The United Kingdom model range consisted of the standard version, the Ka, and the higher specification Ka². The Ka³ was introduced later. Initially, all Kas were delivered as the standard model and upgraded to the higher variants at Ford dealerships, saving on production costs. However, this practice was dropped following the renaming of the Ka² and Ka³ as the Ka Collection and the LuxuryKa (later Ka Luxury).
These offered colour-coded bumpers for the first time, although this lost the designer’s original intention of the black plastic bumpers avoiding parking damage to paintwork in city conditions. The Luxury version came with a Quickclear heated windscreen, leather seats and interior trim as well as standard air conditioning and Ka Sun Collection with a full-length fabric folding roof was also added to the range during the summer months. A revised line-up gives Ka the following trim levels in the United Kingdom: Studio, Style, Style Climate, Zetec Climate, and SportKa SE.
Famous Manchester United footballer Wayne Rooney is known to own one.

In Latin America, the Ka received a facelift in 2003 and is now slightly different externally to the European model; the main noticeable difference is at the rear, with taller lights. The other differences from the European model are the very short gearbox and the lack of soundproofing, gradually removed each year since 2000 as a way to cut down costs, following what other Brazilian car makers previously did. It is powered by either a 95 hp (71 kW) Zetec Rocam 1.6-litre petrol engine or a 65 hp (48 kW) Zetec Rocam 1.0-litre petrol engine, both of which are four-cylinder units. 108,600 Ka’s have been sold in Brazil since July 2002, without counting the sales since 1997 (its launch in Brazil).
Ford presented the new Brazilian Ka on 14 December 2007. Sales started on 2 January 2008 in Brazil, and the car will be exported to other markets in Latin America.
The Ford Ka will be officially discontinued in Mexico in early January 2008 due to poor sales since its introduction in late November 2001.[citation needed] The Mexican Ford Ka was the Brazilian model; it has also been announced that the new Brazilian Ka will not be offered in the Mexican market.
In 2003 the Ka brand was diversified, with the addition of a new SportKa featuring a sporty body kit, wider track with stiffened suspension and redesigned 16″ alloy wheels. Both models came with slightly widened bumpers front and rear with integral fog lamps. A convertible model called StreetKa also appeared, launched with the help of pop singer Kylie Minogue.
In 2005 all Ka models including Sportka and Streetka received a slightly updated interior bringing the cabin back up to date while still retaining the look and feel of the original. Both Streetka and Sportka received a new 95 hp 1.6-litre 8-valve Duratec petrol engine, whereas Ka, Ka Collection and LuxuryKa retained the 1.3 Duratec petrol engine.
The SportKa was noted for its surprising advertising campaign, “The Ka’s Evil Twin”, denouncing the Ka’s traditionally perceived “cute” design. The SportKa T.V. advertisement showed a cat being decapitated, thus creating certain controversy. The advert can be seen on YouTube, however many users have illustrated their disgust at the graphic content.
StreetKa ceased to be officially on sale in late 2006.
A Ford KA rally championship was created in 1998 and has proved to be one of the most popular junior rally championships in Britain and Ireland. In 2007 Luke Pinder won the BRC Silverstone Tyre 1400 Championship in a Chris Birkbeck Ford KA.
The Ka generally has a good reliability record.[citation needed]
However, taper-fit sparkplugs are notorious for rusting into the cylinder head. Frequently the head has to be removed and sent to a machine shop when the time comes to change the plugs. The simple solution to this problem is to remove and inspect the plugs at every service interval.
Many Endura-E owners complain of a chattering, rattling or tapping noise from the engine. This is often the tappets. With the tappets set to Ford’s specification gap, some noise can be expected but it should not be excessive. If the tappets require almost continuous adjustment or Ford specifications are used and the engine is still excessively noisy (and often starts ticking) the most common problem is the camshaft. Early Endura-E engines are especially prone to this problem.
The plastic bumpers were clearly in part intended to prevent wheel arch rust, but instead the Ka is known to rust in the welds under the bonnet and tailgate and where the outer sills are shaped around the doors.
The idle control valve can become blocked, causing an unstable idle and driving difficulties. The part may be replaced or carefully cleaned, ensuring the seal is kept.
The front suspension bushes may need to be replaced about every 3 years or 30,000 miles (48,000 km). A symptom of the bushes nearing replacement is a creaking noise from the front of the vehicle when going over bumps. This is a relatively inexpensive problem to correct.
Those models with solid front discs can suffer from overheating brakes in hilly terrain or, given the car’s agile handling, with spirited driving.
In older models the oil sump is prone to corrosion if the protective sealant of the car underside is not maintained.
Earlier models of Ka suffer from a clutch which is known to not stand the test of time very well and will usually need to be replaced after 30,000 miles (48,000 km). Ford became aware of this problem and it does not affect later models.
The door and boot locks have been known to seize up although this problem can be fixed by spraying lubricant such as WD40 into the locks.
In 2008 the Ka will be replaced with a model car co-developed with Fiat S.p.A using the Fiat Panda platform. It will be produced in Tychy, Poland with its Fiat sister, the Fiat 500.
The new Ka will maintain the curvy styling features of the original, while bringing the look up to date with details such as elliptical headlamps. It will retain the distinctive rear overhangs and wheel at every corner design; therefore this modern interpretation will be instantly recognisable.[citation needed] Standard equipment is expected to be improved, with elements such as MP3 player compatibility and satellite navigation.
The new Ka will be available with both 1.4 and 1.6-litre petrol engines and additionally a 1.4 TDCi diesel engine. The traditional Ka logo is also expected to be dropped.
For several years a modified Ford Ka was installed in the lobby of the London Aquarium to promote Ford’s sponsorship of the attraction. The vehicle’s doors, windows and vents were sealed and the interior filled with water, forming a home for a shoal of goldfish. The car’s number plates read “KARP”, a pun on “Ka” and “carp”, to which family goldfish belong. The display has now been removed.
According to the BBC TV’s Top Gear Cool Wall, the Ford Ka collects a ‘Cool’ rating, while the StreetKa enjoys a ‘Sub Zero’ classification. The SportKa is deemed ‘Uncool’.
The Ford SportKa found fame in 2003 with the release of two viral TV adverts: Pigeon and Cat. Ford and advertising agency Ogilvy Mather distanced themselves from the campaign, saying that the creatives behind the advertisements had not been given the go-ahead to make or release them.
A 2002 Ford Ka is driveable in Gran Turismo 4.

The Opel Agila is a city car produced by German automaker Opel since 2000. It is badged as a Vauxhall in the United Kingdom and as a Suzuki in many markets.
The first-generation Agila was a rebadged version of the Suzuki Wagon R+, which was produced in Japan. The Agila’s Opel-sourced 1.0 and 1.2-litre petrol engines were smaller than the European-market 1.3-litre found in the European-market Wagon R+, but were more powerful and refined. Equipment levels, low asking prices and running costs also contributed towards the Agila’s success.[citation needed]
The Agila was built at a General Motors factory in Gliwice, Poland. The Suzuki Wagon R+ was built at the Suzuki plant in Esztergom, Hungary until 2004, and since January 2005 has also been built in Poland.
While many city cars such as the Ford Ka, Volkswagen Lupo, Fiat Seicento and Renault Twingo come with just three doors, the Agila came with five. It was as tall as Korean city cars such as the Hyundai Atos and Kia Picanto.
The second-generation Agila was officially announced on May 15 2007 and was presented at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show. Suzuki sells this model as the Splash. The car is 200 mm (7.9 in) longer than its predecessor, that is bigger than traditional city cars and similar to small superminis and mini MPVs like the Peugeot 1007, Toyota Yaris, Renault Modus and Nissan Micra.
Petrol engines are a three cylinder 1.0-litre 65 hp (48 kW) and a four cylinder 1.2-litre 86 hp (64 kW), and the diesel unit a four cylinder 1.3-litre 75 hp (56 kW) with common rail technology.

The Fiat Punto is a supermini produced by the Italian manufacturer Fiat since 1993. It is currently in its third generation.
Internally codenamed Project 176, the Punto was announced in September 1993 and launched in early 1994 as a replacement for the aging Fiat Uno. The Punto was voted European Car of the Year for 1995. The Punto’s distinctive clean-cut styling by Giorgetto Giugiaro was an instant hit (though one of the car’s most recognisable features, the vertical tail lights, were not part of Giugiaro’s original design and were in fact added later in-house at Fiat). Competitive pricing which undercut rivals such as the Opel/Vauxhall Corsa and Volkswagen Polo also helped the Punto become an instant success in the marketplace.
Entry-level in the Punto range were the 1.1 and 1.2 L petrol engines and the 1.7 diesel engine. The 1.2 engine’s actual capacity is 1.242 liters, available in 2 versions. The first, was fitted in the Punto ELX 75 and produced 75 hp at 6000 rpm while the second, fitted to Punto ELX 85 produced 86 hp at 6000 rpm. Both came with a 5 speed manual gearbox.
A 1.6 Sporting was also available producing 88 bhp (replaced in 1997 by the more economic 16 valve 1.2 unit), but the best performing version was the 136 PS (134 hp/100 kW) 1.4 GT using an evolution of the turbocharged 128 SOHC engine originally found in the Fiat Uno Turbo Mk II- capable of running over 200 km/h (124 mph) and reaching 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 7.9 seconds. This car was also fitted with a 5-speed manual gearbox, with different gear ratios than the ELX series. During the years the GT was made in three different “series” with power 136 PS (134 hp/100 kW) (1993-1995),133 PS (131 hp/98 kW) (1995-1997) and 130 PS (128 hp/96 kW) (1997-1999).
A cabriolet (convertible) version was also available; built by Bertone (rather than at the main Fiat factory) it featured a powered fully-retracting roof and was one of the cheapest open-top cars in the world at the time.
Particular versions of the Mark I Punto were the Punto 6Speed, a 1.1 FIRE Punto 55 with a 6-speed gearbox, the Punto Selecta, the only Punto in history with the automatic gearbox, and the Punto ED (Economical Drive), a 1.1 Punto whose 5-speed geabox was designed for high fuel efficiency.
The second generation Nuova (New) Punto, codenamed Project 188, was launched in 1999. The styling was all-new while retaining the original Punto’s distinctive shape and design, while the chassis and interior were completely overhauled. The new Punto also became the first Fiat in decades to carry the original round Fiat badge, to celebrate Fiat’s centenary.
The 1.1 and 1.4 turbo engines were discontinued due to emissions issues, and the entry-level models had only a 1.2 petrol unit (with either 8 or 16 valves, giving 60 and 80 hp respectively) or a 1.9 diesel (with or without common-rail injection).
Two sporty versions vere offered. The 1.2 16 valve Sporting model with a 6-speed manual, and the hot 1.8 HGT which could reach almost 130 mph. The 1.2 16V model also has a CVT-equipped variant (with a sequential manual shift mode consisting of 6 gears, 7 for the Sporting model). The 1.8 HGT accelerates 0-60 in 8.2 seconds. While slower than its turbocharged 1.4 predecessor in a straight line, it was considered a big improvement in handling over the Mark 1 GT.
The Mark two Fiat Punto has also adopted Dualdrive electric power steering and comes with two operation modes, using an electric motor, rather than a hydraulic pump driven by the engine. This results in reduced fuel consumption and less environmental impact. It has a fuel economy of 31.7 mpg - urban and 58.4 mpg - extra urban for the 1.7 diesel. The 1.8 petrol does 31.7 mpg - urban and 48.7 - extra urban.
In early 2003, Fiat celebrated the rollout of the 5,000,000th production Punto. In the same year, the Mark 2 Facelift brought further revisions to the platform, including extensive changes to the exterior styling and engines.
The round Fiat badge, found only on the bonnet of Mark 2 models, was introduced on the tailgate of the Mark 2 Facelift. On June 1, 2005, Fiat produced the 6,000,000th Punto at the Melfi plant. This Punto is currently the fourth-best selling supermini in Europe.
Engine changes included the dropping of the 1.2 L Sporting in favour of a new 1.4 16v engine, and the introduction of two HGT versions, 1.9 L Multijet diesel , and 1.8 L 16v petrol engine which could reach almost 130 mph continued over from the Mark 2. There was an introduction also of the 1.3 L common rail diesel MultiJet engine.
Despite the launch of the slightly larger Grande Punto in 2005, the 1999 Punto is still in production, and was launched for the first time in Chile in 2007, as Punto Classic. It is to be replaced by a new B segment model.
In October 2005, Serbian manufacturer Zastava reached an agreement with Fiat to make this version under licence with the model name Zastava 10.
The third FIAT car to be called Punto, codenamed Project 199 and marketed Grande Punto, was unveiled at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show and went on sale later that year. Again styled by Giugiaro, the car is based on the Fiat/GM SCCS platform.
The Punto Van is a compact van that is used in a commercial environment. It is built also with a diesel 1.3 Multijet 16 valve engine with 70 BHP, ensuring low emissions. It has 1000 litres capacity with a metal partition to give the Punto a commercial model.
The Punto has always been popular with amateur racing drivers due to its low cost and the wide availability of spare parts. Several competition and homologated versions of the Punto have been produced, such as the Punto Rally, the S1600 and the Punto Abarth. A new rally car based on the third generation Punto, the Super 2000 Punto Abarth, was unveiled in 2005. It is four-wheel drive and powered by a 2.0 L 16 valve engine capable of producing 280 hp.
Punto has competed in the following motorsport events;
Punto won several rally championships, especially:
A motorsport version of the car can be found in several liveries in the video games Colin McRae Rally 04, Colin McRae: DiRT and Sega Rally Revo.

The Ford Fiesta is a supermini car designed and built by Ford Europe, a subsidiary of Ford Motor Company. It was also manufactured in Brazil, Mexico, Venezuela, China, India and South Africa. It is now marketed worldwide, including Japan and Australasia, and was sold briefly in North America. It is one of Ford’s most successful cars with over ten million sold in seven distinct generations since 1976 and production continues as of 2007, with an eighth generation expected during 2008. It is also set to return to the US in 2010.
In the early 1970s, European demand from consumers for superminis was rising. Even Ford’s smallest model, the Escort, was a conventional front-engined, rear wheel drive car; yet competitors were launching smaller, front wheel drive cars, like the Fiat 127 and the Renault 5. The effects of the 1973 energy crisis was also increasing demand for smaller cars. BMC (which had since merged into British Leyland) had entered the mini-car market with its Mini in 1959, while the Rootes Group had launched the ultimately less successful Hillman Imp in 1963, but times had moved on and people looking for small cars now wanted practical hatchbacks instead of conventional saloons. Vauxhall had entered the modern supermini market with its Chevette three-door hatchback early in 1975.
Ford needed a small car to compete in this emerging market. After research and many mock-ups, a prototype and project known as “Bobcat” was created, which would be the basis of Ford’s new car. The original plans for the “Bobcat” specified a desire that the new car cost US$100 less to produce than the Ford Escort.
The short listed names for the new car designed by the project Bobcat team (headed by Mr Trevor Erskine) were Amigo, Bambi, Bebe, Bravo, Bolero, Cherie, Tempo, Chico, Fiesta, Forito, Metro, Pony and Sierra. Despite more board votes for “Bravo”, Henry Ford II personally overruled and named the car “Fiesta”, while “Sierra” was introduced on the Cortina replacement in 1982, and ironically the “Metro” nameplate was introduced by rival manufacturer British Leyland for the similar-sized Austin Metro in 1980.
The name Fiesta belonged to General Motors at the time; however, it was freely given for Ford to use on their new B-class car. After years of speculation by the motor press about Ford’s new car, it was unveiled in late 1975.
Mechanically, the Ford Fiesta followed tradition, with an end-on four-speed manual transmission mounted to a new version of the Ford Kent OHV engine, dubbed “Valencia”, named after the brand new Spanish factory in Almussafes, Valencia, developed especially to produce the new car. Ford’s plants in Dagenham, England and Cologne, Germany were also used to manufacture Fiestas. To cut costs and speed up the research and development time, many modified Kent engines destined for the Fiesta were tested in Fiat 127s. This also allowed covert road testing across Europe. It was only the second hatchback mini-car to have been built in the UK by this stage, being launched a year after the Vauxhall Chevette, but a year before the Chrysler Sunbeam and four years before the Austin Metro.
The Fiesta was a runaway success overnight, and the one millionth Fiesta was produced on January 9, 1979. The car was available in Europe with a 957 cc (high compression and low compression options), either a 1.1 and 1.3 L OHV petrol engines and in Base, Popular, L, Ghia and S trim, as well as a van. The US Mark I Fiesta was built in Saarlouis, Germany but to slightly different specifications; US models were Base, Decor, Sport, and Ghia, the Ghia having the highest level of trim. These trim levels changed very little in the US Fiesta’s run from 1978 to 1980. All US models featured the more powerful 1.6L Kent (1597cc) 4 cylinder engine (retrofited with a catalytic converter and air pump for lower emissions), energy-absorbing bumpers, side-marker lamps, round sealed-beam headlamps, improved crash dynamics and fuel system integrity as well as optional air conditioning (a/c was not available in Europe).
A sporting derivative (1.3 Supersport) was offered in Europe in 1980, effectively to test the market for the similar XR2 introduced one year later, which featured a 1.6 L version of the same engine. Black plastic trim was added on the exterior and interior, and the car looked exciting. The small square headlights were replaced with larger circular ones resulting in the front indicators being moved into the bumper to accommodate the change. With a quoted performance of 0-60 in 9.3 s and 105 mph (169 km/h) top speed, the XR2 hot hatch became a cult car beloved of boy racers throughout the 1980s.
Minor revisions appeared across the range in late 1981, with larger bumpers to meet crash worthiness regulations and other small improvements in a bid to maintain showroom appeal ahead of the forthcoming Mk2.
In 1978, the Fiesta overtook the Vauxhall Chevette as Britain’s best selling supermini, but in 1981 it was knocked off the top spot by British Leyland’s Austin Metro and was still in second place at the end of 1982.
In 1982, coachbuilders Crayford produced the Fiesta “Fly” — a convertible version of the Mk1 Fiesta 1300 Ghia, and a total of just fifteen vehicles were produced. The following year the more powerful 1600 Mk1 Fiesta XR2 was the donor car, and a further seven conversions were carried out, part of which involved welding the boot shut.
The Mk2 Fiesta appeared towards the end of summer 1983. The bodyshell was essentially a Fiesta Mk1 design with a more aerodynamic front end and an overhauled interior design. It also featured an altered bootlid design which mirrored the swage lines from the sides of the car. The 1.3L OHV engine was dropped, being replaced in 1984 by a CVH powerplant of similar capacity, itself superseded by the lean burn 1.4L two years later. 957 and 1117 cc engines continued with only slight alterations and for the first time a Fiesta diesel was produced with a 1600 cc engine adapted from the Escort.
The XR2 model was thoroughly updated with a more unsubtle bodykit. It also featured a 96 bhp (72 kW) 1.6L CVH engine as previously seen in the Ford Escort XR3, and five-speed gearbox (also standard on the 1.3L CVH models). The engine was replaced by a lean burn variant in 1986 which featured a different head and carburettor. This replacement engine was significantly cleaner from an environmental viewpoint but was reportedly slightly less powerful as a result.
A “Fiestamatic” had been rumoured for some years and the new CTX continuously variable transmission, also fitted in the Fiat Uno, eventually surfaced early in 1987 on 1.1 models only.
A truly “hot” Fiesta was never produced by the factory to avoid impacting on sales of performance Ford Escort variants but many aftermarket conversions were available, the best-known being that by the English firm Turbo Technics boosting power to a well documented 125 bhp (93 kW), this hike in power and torque made it easily outclass all its “standard” rivals. Ford appreciated the high quality of this conversion and was keen to look after its customers: the installation was undertaken by approved fitting centres and thus all the warranties remained valid after.
The most bizarre feature of the Mk 2 was that the fitment of an almost completely different dashboard was perpetuated on the lower-series trim levels compared to the more expensive variants, the sole common visible components (save for minor switchgear and, where fitted, lighter socket) being the fuse-box cover and fuel/water gauges.
The facelifted Fiesta quickly reclaimed its place as Britain’s most popular supermini, and retained top spot for the remainder of its production life. In its best-ever year, 1987, over 150,000 Fiesta models were sold in the UK, though it missed out on first place in the sales charts to the Ford Escort. It was well-regarded by both men and women. But towards the end of the decade, it began to show its age compared to more modern rivals like the Citroen AX, Peugeot 205 and Fiat Uno.
This version of the Fiesta was still a common sight on British roads as recently as the beginning of the 2000s, though as the decade nears its end, it is becoming a rare sight. However, it is still a more frequent sight than its notoriously rust-prone main rival, the Austin Metro.
The Mk2 Fiesta lives on as the donor vehicle for Quantum Sports Cars’ 2+2 convertible with several hundred manufactured at the factory in Stourbridge before production moved to Kingsbridge.
See also Ford Fiesta RS Turbo
The introduction of the Fiesta Mk3, codenamed BE-13, strengthened the Fiesta’s popularity, helped largely by the addition of a five-door version.
Sometimes considered the ‘quintessential’ Fiesta, this model had the longest production life of any Fiesta to date, and also achieved the highest yearly sales of any Fiesta in the early 1990s. The car’s longevity meant it was the Fiesta that went through the most changes in its life. For example, the car had four different versions of standard steering wheels during its lifetime (the launch wheel, then updated in 1992, 1994 and 1995) and the most changes to standard UK trim levels of any Fiesta (examples across the years show the large line-up: Popular, Popular Plus, L, LX, Ghia, 1.6S, XR2i, RS Turbo, RS1800, Fiesta, LA, DL, SX, Azura, Si, Classic, Classic Quartz, Classic Cabaret).
Fuel injection engines became available in 1992. Major changes were introduced to the range in 1994: steering wheel airbags were made standard across the range, a move not echoed by arch-rival Vauxhall’s Corsa until October 2000[citation needed]. Major structural improvements were made to improve safety, as well as a new immobiliser being fitted to petrol models. The UK trim line-up was also simplified to Fiesta, LX, Si (which also boasted a new bumper and seat designs) and Ghia. Revised door mirrors were also fitted, as were a line-up of fresh wheel trim designs.
As for sports models, 1992 saw the RS Turbo being supplanted by the RS1800 — as the CVH engine was being phased out, the RS1800 shared its 1.8 L Zetec fuel-injected engine with the 130 PS (128.2 hp/95.6 kW) version of the then-current Ford Escort XR3i and had a top speed of 125 mph (200 km/h). The XR2i name was also dropped in early 1994, and the insurance-friendly “Si” badge appeared in its place on a slightly less sporty-looking model with either the 1.4 L PTE (a development of the CVH) or the 1.6 L Zetec engine.
Trim levels were again revised in October 1995, to coincide with the introduction of the Mk4 Fiesta: the range was marketed as the “Fiesta Classic” from 1995 until production finally ceased in 1997.
The Mk3 Update Fiesta was launched in 1995, the internal Code name was BE91.
Considered to behold a smooth, svelt look, this car featured many Italian design influences, including the recessed dashboard on the passenger side, popular in Alfa Romeos. Once again the new model proved popular, making it Britain’s best selling car from 1996 to 1998. Versioned from the chassis of Mk3 car, but most components were heavily revised, including a new suspension system, which gave the Fiesta one of the best handling abilities in its class.
The range was further improved with the addition of a range of new Zetec engines, available in 1.25 L and 1.4 L forms, the 1.8 diesel engine was slightly modified for the Mk4, now marketed as the “Endura DE”. The 1.3 L OHV engine was carried over from the Mk3. As well as the major changes to the chassis, the Mk4 also benefited from a new interior and exterior styling, including a soft painted instrument panel for the first year of production, albeit maintaining a similar dimensions to the Mk3. The Mk4 Fiesta shared a production line and design with the Mazda 121, which sold in much lower volumes and was not produced for the British market after 1999. The Mk4 was not sold in North America. Ford Puma was based on this Fiesta, sharing it’s underpinnings.
In Brazil a 1.0-litre version was available, in L, LX and GL trim levels. This wasn’t sold in Europe, but it was in Argentina and Chile.
The UK trim level line up had relatively few changes over the years: (1995, Encore, LX, Si, Ghia; 1996, Ghia X added as range-topper; 1998, Si replaced by Zetec, petrol LX models briefly renamed Zetec LX, Ghia X models axed; 1999, Finesse added between Encore and Zetec).
In 1999, the Mk3 Update II Fiesta appeared. Ford facelifted the Fiesta with a ‘New Edge’-restyle, consisting of a Focus-inspired face, new bumpers and wheel designs. Along with the new look and trim revisions, the following changes were made to the model:
The Mk5 was the last generation of Fiesta to be built at Dagenham in England. Its internal Code name was still BE91. The UK trim level line-up consisted of: 1999, Encore, Finesse, Zetec, LX, Ghia; 2000, Zetec S added; 2001, E-Diesel added at bottom of range, Flight and Freestyle respectively replace Finesse and Zetec.
This model formed the basis of the Ford Ikon (Code name C195), which is a four-door Saloon designed for India, where Ford was now producing cars in a joint venture with Mahindra. The Ikon was also introduced in other developing countries, such as Brazil (where it is known as the Fiesta Sedan), South Africa, Mexico and China, where saloons (sedans) are preferred to hatchbacks. They are extremely reliable, and became one of Ford’s successes.
The Fiesta was still Britain’s best-selling supermini in 2001, by which time it was making use of a design over a decade old (though heavily updated visually and mechanically). In three-door form, it was sold alongside the Mk6 Fiesta from April to December 2002.
In 2002, the all new third-generation car was unveiled, with no genetic links to the 1976 original. Of this Mk4 Fiesta, most engines were carried over from the previous Fiesta, but renamed “Duratec” with the “Zetec” tag used for the sportier models in place of the previous Si. Trim levels available initially were Finesse, LX, Zetec and Ghia, with limited edition variants soon following. The Mk6 was also the first Fiesta to feature the Anti-lock Braking System and passenger airbags as standard.
Engines available include 1.25 L, 1.3 L, 1.4 L, 1.6 L, 2.0 L petrol (gasoline), plus 1.4 8v and 1.6 16v Duratorq TDCi common-rail diesels built in a joint venture with PSA.
In Brazil the Fiesta is a no-frills car and the engine options includes 1.0 L 8v, 1.0 L 8v Supercharged (95 hp, not sold any more in Brazil, though still assembled and exported to Colombia), as well as a Brazilian specific 1.6 L 8v alcohol/gasoline (110 hp) “RoCam” “flexifuel” version. The internal Code name of this model is B256 (5 door) and B257 (3 door).
The Ford Fiesta ST is the performance variant of the new Fiesta, capable of speeds of up to 130 mph (210 km/h) and hopes to relive the success of the XR2. To differ it from the standard Fiesta, it also has visual enhancements, including 17″ alloy wheels, different front and rear bumpers, side skirts, body colour handles and bump strips, partial leather seats and a ST logo on the steering wheel. The ST version features a 2.0L Duratec petrol engine, which produces 150 PS (147.9 hp/110.3 kW) in standard form.
In Australia, the Fiesta ST is sold as the Fiesta XR4. Like all Euro sporty Fords sold in Australia, they all use the ‘XR’ badging, instead of the ‘ST’ badging used in Europe.
This was also the first Fiesta to be sold in Asia and Australasia (all 1.6 L LX 3dr/5dr, Zetec 3dr, Ghia 5dr), replacing the Kia-based Festiva. In Brazil and Argentina, a Fiesta Saloon version was introduced in late 2004. A similar Fiesta Saloon model, with a different front end, was released in India in late 2005. Although the Mk6 Fiesta was ergonomically and mechanically more advanced than any previous Fiesta generation, it was criticized for being too dull and ‘heavy’ looking. However, the Mk7 came with an improved exterior.
In 2002, it was the fifth best selling new car in the UK, but was pushed down to third place in the supermini charts by the Vauxhall Corsa and Peugeot 206, not claiming top spot in its sector until 2006.
The Fiesta is one of Brazil’s best-selling vehicles, selling around 5,000 units per month. From July 2002 to July 2007, more than 336,000 units have been sold, outselling its competitors: Chevrolet Corsa (183,000 in the same period) and Renault Clio (122,267). Ford Brazil also makes a Fiesta Sedan, which has sold 113,000 units since its launch in 2004.
In November 2005, a revised version of the Mk 6 Fiesta went on sale (sometimes known as the Mk 6.5). A number of cosmetic changes were introduced: both front and rear lights featured new detailing, and bumpers, side mouldings and door mirrors were also altered. Furthermore, a bright new colour palette was introduced.
Inside, the dashboard featured both a new design and better quality soft touch materials, following criticisms of the hard, cheaply textured original. A new analogue instrument display features in a style similar to the Mk 2 Ford Focus.
New technology was also made available, including power folding mirrors, automatic and ‘home-safe’ headlights, automatic windscreen wipers, Bluetooth with voice control, Trip computer, MP3 player connectivity and the Electronic Stability Program.
The changes had immediate and startling effects on sales. After years being outsold by Vauxhall’s Corsa, among others, in February 2006 Ford announced sales in the preceding month were up 25% on January 2005 for the previous model. Furthermore, the Fiesta captured the title of Britain’s most popular supermini in both 2006 and 2007, for the first time since 2001.
In the United Kingdom, the car is available in Studio, Style, Style Climate, Zetec Climate, Zetec S, ST and Ghia trim levels. In 2007 two more models were added — the Fiesta Zetec Blue, and (following on from the hugely successful Fiesta Zetec S 30th Anniversary), the Fiesta Zetec S Celebration.
Since the launch of the 2005+ model, the advertising motto has been “StupidDogbot, CleverFiesta”, with the car showing a new gadget, while the robotic dog does something stupid; e.g. the Fiesta showing MP3 connectivity, while the Dogbot sticks its head into an old record player.
The Mk6 Fiesta was shown in concept form as the Ford Verve and made its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2007. It shares its platform with the Mazda 2. Ford was considering replacing the Fiesta name with Verve, but recently decided to keep the name.
Ford intends this to be a truly global vehicle, going on sale in Europe, the Far East, and North America. It will become available in North America in 2010. Recently it was announced that the Mk7 Fiesta will be built by AutoAlliance Thailand, a factory of both Ford and Mazda for Ford Australia.
The production version of the new Ford Fiesta was revealed on 14 February 2008. The car features Ford’s ‘kinetic’ design direction, now seen across the Ford range. It will be both lighter and stronger than the current Ford Fiesta, with similar dimensions.
Ford’s Convers+ menu system, as seen on the Mondeo, S-MAX and Galaxy and complemented by steering wheel button controls, will be available for the first time. Ford anticipates that more than 85 per cent of Fiesta orders will feature such a multifunction display. Also available for the first time will be keyless entry with ‘Ford Power’ starter button, reach and rake adjustable steering wheel and a USB port for portable music players. Ford Easyfuel, the capless refuelling system recently introduced with the Ford Mondeo designed to prevent accidental misfuelling, will also feature, and ‘ambient lighting,’ casting a soft red glow over the interior, will also be an option.
Ford has also revealed the engine line-up for the new Fiesta: both 60PS and 80PS 1.25-litre, 91PS 1.4-litre and 115PS 1.6 Ti-VCT petrol engines; and reworked versions of the current Fiesta’s 68PS 1.4TDCi and 90PS 1.6TDCi diesel engines. Both a five-speed manual and a four-speed automatic transmissions will be available, the former standard on all engines and the latter optional with the 1.4 petrol engine. Electric power assisted steering (E-PAS) is also introduced to the Fiesta for the first time; this differs from the standard hydraulic system as it does not operate when not needed, reducing damage to the environment.
Ford has only announced one trim level of the new Fiesta to date, and it will not be available at launch. This is the ECOnetic model, which Ford states will emit less than 100g/km of carbon dioxide. While Ford has not specified which engine will power the ECOnetic, like other Ford ECOnetic vehicles it will use conventional fuel and achieves its environmental credentials through weight loss and aerodynamic adjustments. This would exempt the car from London’s congestion charge.
European sales will begin in autumn 2008.
Two Ford Fiestas famously starred in the 1979 Monte Carlo rally — the British entry driven by Roger Clark and aided by co-driver Jim Porter, and a German entry piloted by Ari Vatanen and co-driven by David Richards.
Both cars were highly modified with special motorsport components throughout and featured pioneering Limited Slip Differential (LSD) technology. The cars were powered by competition tuned versions of the 1600cc Kent crossflow engine — a later version of which appeared in the Mk1 Fiesta XR2.
The 2 cars worked well in the arduous ice and snow that year. Roger Clark did not set any records but the German car achieved 9th position overall — a very encouraging result which sparked demand for sportier Fiestas.
Since this there have been sporting and “hot hatch” editions. Versions include Supersport, XR2, S(Sport), XR2i, Si, RS Turbo, RS1800, Zetec S, Zetec RS, and ST. All of these were powered by a range of engines from the Ford Kent engine to the Ford Duratec engine.
The “Fiesta SportingTrophy” is a One Make Championship; beginning its 1st season in March 2006. It combines keen competition with equal performance and leaves the decision about winning or losing to the drivers and co-drivers capabilities. The driver, co-driver and mechanics work as a team to compete against the toughest adversary of all — the clock.
The Fiesta SportingTrophy will be based around the Fiesta ST Group N car. The car has 165 PS (162.7 hp/121.4 kW) from the 2-litre Duratec ST engine which when combined with the conversion kit from M-Sport, has been designed to provide all of the safety equipment and performance upgrades to enable the car to be competitive and reliable at any event around the world.
In March 2007, the Pirtek Rally Team introduced the Ford Fiesta Super 2000 rally car, which will compete in the Australian Rally Championship.
Asphalt: 17in OZ Racing wheels Wheels manufactured in both Super T and Rally Racing style.
In the United Kingdom, the Fiesta is commonly used in numerous club level motorsport series but has its national one-make series called the Ford Fiesta Championship. During its peak in the 1980s and 1990s it had manufacturer support and it even was a support race to the British Grand Prix and numerous BTCC rounds. The series has gone through numerous name changes including Ford Credit Fiesta Championship, Ford Fiesta Zetec Championship and BRSCC Ford Si Challenge and is nowadays run by the BRSCC (British Racing Sports Car Club) as a club racing championship. The organisation also run the other series that consists of Fiestas.

Ford Focus is the name of a series of compact/small family cars made by the Ford Motor Company and sold in most Ford markets worldwide. As with other Ford models, today different versions of the car are sold in North America and in other markets. For details on particular models, see:

The Toyota Avensis is a large family car built in Derbyshire, United Kingdom by Japanese automaker Toyota since the 1998 model year. It is the successor of the Carina E and is available as a four-door saloon, five-door liftback and estate. A large MPV called the Toyota Avensis Verso (Toyota Ipsum in Japan and previously the Toyota Picnic in other markets) is built in Derby in the UK on a separate platform. The Avensis is the basis for the youth-oriented, North American-market Scion tC.
Toyota introduced the Avensis nameplate on its all-new car which was launched at the end of 1997. Like its predecessor, the Avensis was built at the Burnaston factory in Derby. At the same time, production of the five-door Toyota Corolla also started at this British plant.
The original Avensis had the option of four engines (1.6, 1.8 and 2.0-litre petrol and a 2.0-litre turbodiesel) and three body styles (saloon, hatchback and estate). The station wagon was essentially the Japanese-market second generation Toyota Caldina. All of the range gave solid build quality, excellent reliability, a spacious comfortable interior, generous equipment, smooth ride quality and good refinement, but very little in the way of excitement. A facelift in the summer of 2000 (which saw the engines fitted with variable valve timing) made little difference to this, although a sporty Avensis 2.0 L SR with bodykit and tuned suspension did become available.
The Avensis Verso large MPV was introduced in 2001, with room for seven occupants and 2.0-litre engines only. The Verso’s platform previewed the Avensis second generation. The Avensis Verso won Australia’s Best People Mover, where it is simply called Avensis, the other variants unavailable to that market.
The second generation Toyota Avensis was launched in early 2003 an all-new format; this time it offered more in the way of driver involvement and visual appeal. The 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0-litre petrol and 2.0-litre turbodiesel engines were carried over from the previous Avensis, and the 2.4-litre four-cylinder from the Camry was also added to the range. This was the first Avensis that is exported to Japan. Due to the Camry wagon ending production, the Avensis Wagon is exported to New Zealand, in both 1.8 and 2.0-litre forms. In Britain, there were no 1.6 versions available.
In the 2004 European Car of the Year contest, the Avensis was just edged out of the top three by the Fiat Panda, Volkswagen Golf and Mazda3.
Following the withdrawal of the Toyota Camry in 2004 (2005 in Switzerland), the Avensis became the largest Toyota saloon sold in Europe.
Trim levels in the UK are the T2, T3-S, T3-X, T4, T Spirit and the T180. There is also a special edition, based on the T2 called the Colour Collection. In Ireland there are four trim levels - Aura, Strata, Luna, and Sol.
The original 115 PS (85 kW) D-4D Diesel engine has been complemented with a 2.2 L D-4D in 150 PS (110 kW) and 177 PS (130 kW) versions. Newer versions have dropped the “D-4D” and “2.0″ badging from the front wings and tailgate respectively.
In Japan, the Avensis is sold as 2.0 Xi, 2.0 Li, and 2.4 Qi. Only the base model 2.0 Xi is offered with 4-wheel drive.
The Avensis Verso continued to be available alongside the new Avensis until 2006. A replacement to take over from the Avensis Verso and Previa has yet to be unveiled, but is rumoured to feature Toyota’s 2.2-litre D-4D engine.
The new facelifted Toyota Avensis became available in June 2006. Some changes from the old model are the inclusion of turn signals in the side mirrors, an MP3/WMA/ASL-ready audio system, new front bumper, and a new grille. Interior materials and cloth seats have also been changed for 2006. Its multi display with on-board computer will be integrated in optitron display and is navigation ready. Also added are automatic headlights and a height-adjustable front passenger seat.
The most notable mechanical difference is the addition of a 124 bhp (92 kW) D-4D engine. This, coupled to a six-speed manual gearbox has lowered fuel consumption, emissions, and gives a quoted 0-60 mph time of 10.5 seconds.
The third generation Avensis is due on sale in 2009.

The Dodge Caliber is a compact car produced by the Dodge division of the Chrysler Group. It replaced the Neon, and went on sale in the spring of 2006 as a 2007 model year vehicle. The Caliber is a five-door hatchback roughly the size of a Neon, and was first shown at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show. It features styling elements derivative of larger Dodge vehicles, such as a crosshair grille and large flared fenders. The Caliber is one of the first modern Dodge-branded vehicles for sale in the European, Asian, and Australasian markets. It debuted publicly on January 10, 2006 at the North American International Auto Show, amid jokes by David Spade. The base price is US$13,985.
The Dodge Caliber offers a continuously variable transmission (dubbed CVT2 by Dodge) sourced from Jatco (a Nissan subsidiary), the second DaimlerChrysler model to employ this technology after the Mercedes-Benz A-Class. It uses a four-cylinder 1.8–2.4 L GEMA gasoline engine.
The car also features an optional electronically-controlled all-wheel drive system with variable torque between speeds of 25 and 65 mph (105 km/h) for optimal handling.
The Caliber rides on a heavily modified GS platform, co-designed with Mitsubishi Motors. The modified GS platform is now called JS platform by DCX for mid-size cars and PM/MK for compact cars. It shares the platform with the Mitsubishi Lancer, but is most similar to the Jeep Compass and Jeep Patriot.
The Caliber is built at the Belvidere Assembly (Illinois) plant, where its predecessor was produced.
The Caliber is an important vehicle for Chrysler in its quest to expand globally. The Caliber was one of Dodge’s first modern offerings in Europe. Dodge also introduced the Caliber as part of its launch lineup in Asian markets such as Japan and Singapore, as it established new distribution channels there. It will be introduced in China in 2008 as Dodge’s second modern vehicle offering in that market. Dodge vehicles were last officially sold in China during the World War II era. The introduction of the Caliber has also marked the return of the Dodge brand to Australia, for the first time since the early 1970’s.
Three models were available at the Caliber’s launch, with a fourth available in mid-2006.
The base SE model features front-wheel drive and a 1.8 L 148 hp (110 kW) GEMA I4 attached to a Magna Drivetrain T355 5-speed manual transmission. A 2.0 L 158 hp (118 kW) version of the engine paired with the CVT2 transmission is available as an option.
The standard configuration for the SE lacks air conditioning, and does not have power windows, door locks, or mirrors. The grille surround is body-colored, while that of all other models is chromed. There is no tachometer, and no assist handles. 15 inch steel wheels with wheel covers are standard. Some options are not available on the SE.
The SXT has the same engine choices as the SE but many more features are available as standard. Air conditioning is standard equipment at this level, including the Chill Zone beverage cooler inside the front lower glove compartment. The gauge cluster gains a tachometer and an (optional) trip computer. The driver’s seat adds height adjustment, the passenger seat folds flat for load-carrying, and the rear seats recline. Power windows, locks, mirrors, and remote keyless entry are included. The grille surround is chromed and 17-inch steel wheels are standard, with 17-inch aluminum wheels as an option. The cargo area light includes a removable and rechargeable flashlight while the front dome light incorporates two reading lamps. The center console includes a 115-volt 2-prong power outlet, two illuminated cup holders for the front passengers, and two non-illuminated cup holders for the rear passengers (which are standard on all trim levels).
Some Dodge publications mention a SXT Sport model, while others (e.g. the Dodge website) list a SXT “E” package with identical features. This consists of 17-inch aluminum wheels, color-keyed cloth seat inserts, color-matched instrument panel trim, and fog lamps.
The UK SXT Sports model gets 18 inch alloy wheels, color-keyed cloth seats and instrument panel, and a 9-speaker audio system as standard; early UK models do not have the chrome grille. The UK SXT Sport is also available with a Volkswagen 2.0 L diesel engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission.
The R/T model has 172 hp (128 kW) 2.4 L version of the GEMA engine, equipped with the CVT2 transmission, and programmed with an ‘AutoStick’ feature giving six simulated fixed ratios in a clutchless manual mode in addition to the standard CVT ‘Drive’ mode. All-wheel-drive is currently an option on the R/T model. 18-inch aluminum wheels are standard, while chromed are an option. At launch, the CVT2 with all-wheel drive was the only powertrain combination available for the R/T. A front-wheel drive variant with the T355 5-speed manual transmission commenced production in late summer 2006. ABS is standard, and the suspension and steering are tuned for performance.
Externally, the R/T is distinguishable by body-color/chrome door handles (replacing black on other models), a chrome side molding, chromed exhaust tip, and front fog lights as standard, as well as R/T badging.
Internally, the car comes as standard with color-keyed fabric seat inserts, leather seats being an option as on the SXT. Color-keyed instrument panel trim is also standard, as is a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls and speed control, and a cargo area cover (all options on the SXT).
The SRT-4 model, introduced at the Chicago Auto Show in February 2006, is a replacement for the original Neon-based SRT-4 produced by Chrysler’s Street and Racing Technology group. It is a hatchback set to compete with the likes of the Volkswagen GTI and the Mazdaspeed 3. It features a 2.4-liter DOHC 16V Turbocharged I4 with dual variable valve timing (DVVT). It produces 285 hp (213 kW) at 6,400 rpm, and 265 lb·ft (359 N·m) of torque at 5,600 rpm using the Mitsubishi TD04HL4S-20 turbo. The engine is mated to a Getrag six-speed manual transmission, and utilizes a front-wheel drive drivetrain. The Caliber SRT-4 utilizes a high-performance MacPherson strut front suspension, and a performance-tuned multilink rear suspension. The SRT-4 uses large 340 mm (13.4 in) vented front disc brakes with dual-piston calipers and 302 mm (11.9 in) rear single-piston disc brakes. It will feature four-wheel antilock brakes, with electronic assistance. The wheels are 19-inch, five-spoke, SRT-stamped, painted aluminum. The car will feature Goodyear performance 225/45R19 tires. The SRT-4 base price will be $22,435, with lot-availability starting in March, with orders being taken at dealerships as of November, 2007. Package options include polished wheels, GPS navigation, bluetooth, a block heater, and rear hat-rack.
The Chrysler Group announced a marketing plan for the first year of the car’s production. The plan included 20% of the budget going towards online marketing, a blitz of print ads and a number of television ads.
Dodge is marketing Caliber in a way that contrasts the Neon’s introduction to the buying public. With Neon, the advertising campaign was based around its personable, appealing, “cuddly” looks. Examples of ads typically constituted a shot of the car front-on with a simple “Hi” hovering above it. In contrast, Caliber has been labeled as “Anything but cute” in its advertising campaign, with taglines or statements of “It’s [the car] neither cuddly nor wuddly” or more bluntly “it scares the <bleep> out of me”.

The Renault Scénic is a compact MPV produced by French automaker Renault, the first to be labelled as such in Europe. It is based on the chassis of the Mégane small family car. It became European Car of the Year on its launch in late 1996.
The origins of the Megane Scénic can be traced back to a concept car designed under the supervision of Anne Asensio, then Head of Design at Renault. Underneath, the Scénic was mechanically identical to the Mégane hatchback (itself based on the older R19). The 1.4 L, 1.6 L “Energy”, 1.8 L “F-type” petrol and 1.9 L diesel engines were shared with the hatchback range. The Scénic was aimed at those who wanted all the praticality of a multi-purpose vehicle, but could not accommodate the larger size and higher price of the likes of Renault’s own Espace. Renault underestimated the sales impact that the Scénic would have — originally predicting that it would be a niche model with only 450 produced a day, production at the company’s Douai plant would eventually peak at nearly 2500 cars a day just to cope with demand. With the Scénic, Renault had created a whole new market segment — the compact MPV, and the concept was quickly imitated by other manufacturers.
Along with the Mégane hatchback, the Scénic underwent a minor frontal restyle in 1999 and the newer 16-valve engines introduced. From the time of this restyle, it became officially known as the Renault Scénic, although a small “Mégane” badge still appeared on the rear door signifying the car’s origin. This model is still built in Brazil with flexible fuel engines.
Renault developed a four-wheel drive derivative of the original Scénic, the Scénic RX4. Featuring an electronically-controlled viscous centre differential designed by Austrian specialists Steyr Daimler Puch, it offered part-time, on demand 4WD. Renault also fully re-engineered the rear suspension and strengthened the front. The redesigned rear suspension occupied the space required for the spare wheel well and led to the spare wheel being placed on the rear hatch. The RX4 rode higher with increased suspension travel and larger wheels. While these changes provided a rugged chassis, the RX4 was held back by a single range transmission and an engine, the 2.0 litre from the Mégane, with limited low-end torque. Production of the RX4 ceased in 2003, and no replacement was expected until the sudden arrival of the Scénic Conquest in 2007.
Shortly after the launch of the Mégane II, an all-new Scénic was launched. There is also a seven-seater Compact MPV Grand Scénic, with a longer wheelbase and rear overhang, which has two small child-sized seats in the enlarged luggage area.
As with the Mégane, the new car employs Renault’s new corporate styling cues and much of the technology from other models such as the “Renault Card” keyless immobiliser and an automatic parking brake on certain trim levels. It integrates LEDs on all trims since 2006. As with Scénic I Phase 2, a raised “Mégane” logo appears on the C-pillar in tribute of the car’s origin.
Scénics includes folding front passenger seat with integrated table, automatic headlights and windscreen wipers, ‘Child minder’ mirror and front and rear electric windows.
Like the Megane a few months earlier, Scénic II underwent a mild facelift in the latter half of 2006. The redesigned areas included a slightly more pronounced grille section, larger diamond badge, the addition of a “RENAULT” word badge on the bootlid and new wheel designs and interior trim. As with Megane, an optional upgrade enabled all the exterior body mouldings to be painted to match the bodywork.
Included a radar and a IT System (navigation and communication system).
In 2007 the spiritual successor to the RX4 was revealed in the form of the production-ready Scénic Conquest. Although powered by two-wheel-drive, the Conquest has a beefy body kit, raised ride height and features accessories usually reserved for SUVs.
UK sales of the Scénic began in early 1997, and it quickly established itself as a popular buy with family car buyers. For the first two years, the Scénic was the only compact MPV sold by a mainstream manufacturer in the UK. But within five years, Vauxhall, Citroën, Nissan, Fiat and Toyota had all launched similar products. It was still proving popular thanks to its impressive practicality and comfort, but it was quickly being overtaken by many competitors in terms of styling, build quality, driver appeal.
The Scénic II arrived in British showrooms towards the end of 2003, and took off where its predecessor left off. The fresh, modern design brought it on even terms with most of the competition, and it was as popular with British buyers as its predecessor had been.
The original Scénic is now a hugely popular buy in the second-hand market, with some of the earlier examples now being available for one thousand pounds or even less.
Reports by contributors to the independent Renault site RenaultForums.co.uk with concerns that this model is prone to a fire risk appear to now be confirmed. The problem concerns the door mirror switch which is permanently live even with the ignition off. Ingress of water or dirt into the door switch can cause a catastrophic fire. At least three documented cases of Scenics being written off due to this problem have been reported to Renault who have now confirmed that a new door switch assembly will be retrofitted to 80,000+ Scenics starting in Spring 2008. More details are available here:
Scénic fire risk discussion at RenaultForums.co.uk
The Cleanova III, presented in the 2005 Geneva Auto Show, is based in a Scénic platform.

Honda Cr-V

The Mazda Atenza or Mazda 6 is a mid-size car produced by the Japanese car manufacturer Mazda since 2002. The name Atenza is used only in Japan with the Mazda 6 moniker used everywhere else in the world. The Atenza/Mazda 6 replaced the Capella/626, and has sold over one million units worldwide since its introduction, meaning it reached the one million mark faster than any previous Mazda.
The Mazda Atenza was the first of the new generation of ‘Stylish’, ‘Insightful’, and ‘Spirited’ range from Mazda. It was followed by the Mazda 2 in December 2002, RX-8 in August 2003, Mazda3 in January 2004, MX-5 in October 2005, and Mazda CX-7 in November 2006.
The Mazda Atenza is currently raced in the SCCA Pro Racing Speed World Challenge Touring Car Series. Mazda finished first in the manufacturer’s championship standings. Mazda Atenza/6 drivers also finished first and second in the Touring Car driver points.
The model lineup consists of a four-door sedan, a five-door liftback and a five-door station wagon, marketed in North America as the “Sport Sedan”, “5-Door” and “Sport Wagon”. In Australia, the lineup starts with Limited, available only as a sedan. Then comes the Classic, available in sedan, hatch or wagon. The Luxury model is next available in sedan and hatch versions. Topping the range is the Luxury Sports model, available only as a hatch. When it arrived in North America, it was first sold as a 2003 model in the United States and as a 2004 model in Canada.
Drivetrain combinations include the Mazda Z engine in configurations of 1.8 L(L8 European Model), 2.0 L(LF European Model) and 2.3 L(L3 European Model), initially with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission (with sequential-automatic option, dubbed the “Four-Speed Sport AT”). In the US domestic market a 3.0 L Duratec 30 V6 engine is also available with a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic (with sequential-automatic option, dubbed the “5-Speed Sport AT”). European and Australian versions also feature a four-cylinder turbodiesel that comes with a six-speed manual transmission and produces significantly more torque than the V6 with much improved fuel economy.
In North America, the 5-speed automatic optional on the V6 models is replaced by a 6-speed automatic from Ford for 2005 model year. The four-cylinder model receives a five-speed automatic in the following year. Power is directed to the front wheels only in most markets, although full-time all wheel drive models are available in Japan, Europe and Australia. Not all configurations are available in all areas - for example, the Mazda 6 as released in Australia is available in 2.3L four-cylinder guise only, while the 626 which it replaced was available with a choice of four or six-cylinder engines. This was due to the Australian Mazda6 being sourced from Japan where the V6 engine was not available. The Duratec 30 V6 engine fitted to vehicles manufactured at Flat Rock, Michigan is only available in the US domestic market.
Like the 626 before it, Ford is using the Atenza’s CD3 platform as the basis for a number of other vehicles, including the Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ, Lincoln MKX, and a range of SUVs and minivans. Ford also plans to offer a hybrid powertrain on the platform. For its part, Mazda themselves refer to this chassis as either the GG (sedan/hatch) or GY (wagon) series - following the previous 626/Capella in its GF/GW series.
North American Mazda 6 production is handled at the AutoAlliance International plant which is a joint venture between Ford and Mazda. The first Mazda 6 rolled off this Flat Rock, Michigan assembly line on October 1, 2002, one month after 626 production ended. Hofu plants in Hiroshima produce the Mazda 6 for Europe and some Asian markets, including Australia. There are also satellite plants building Mazda 6 models in China and Thailand for their respective local markets. (Ford owns a controlling interest in Mazda.)
In September 2005, all Australian Mazda 6’s received a facelift which included a feature upgrade, 5 speed auto and 6 speed manual transmissions, standard 16″ or 17″ alloy wheels and minor bodywork upgrades.
In China, the Mazda Atenza is used as the base for the Hongqi Benteng, also known as Besturn or Hongqi C301, an upscale model in the Red Flag range manufactured by the First Automobile Works in Jilin Province.
The 2006 Mazdaspeed Atenza (known as MAZDASPEED6 in North America and Mazda 6 MPS in Europe and Australia) is a high-performance version of the Mazda 6. It features a turbocharged version of the 2.3 L MZR I4 which produces 272 PS (200 kW) (European version is detuned to 260 PS (191 kW); the North American version, at 274 hp (204 kW), revised to 270 hp for 2007). This 2.3 L DISI turbocharged engine features direct fuel injection and conforms to the new Euro 5 emissions standards. It has a revised front fascia with a raised hood, a 6-speed transmission, and four-wheel drive. The all wheel drive system uses Mazda’s Active Torque Split computer-based control which routes up to 50% of the power to the rear wheels depending on driving conditions. The Mazdaspeed Atenza competed with the Subaru Legacy GT and less directly with the compact Subaru Impreza WRX STi and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution.
Originally scheduled to be launched in June 2005, the Mazdaspeed Atenza was delayed until November. In North America, the MAZDASPEED 6 comes in two trim levels; the “Sport” trim with cloth interior and standard key entry and ignition; and the “Grand Touring” trim with leather interior, keyless entry/ignition, and an optional DVD navigation. Automatic climate control is standard, as is a 200 W Bose stereo system featuring seven speakers and a 9 inch subwoofer in addition to an in-dash six-disc CD changer. A sunroof with moonroof feature is optional on the Grand Touring trim.
Car and Driver magazine has achieved a 0-60 mph time of 5.4 seconds for this vehicle.
The Mazda 6 was second place European Car of the Year and made Car and Driver magazine’s Ten Best list for 2003. The Sport Wagon won the Canadian Car of the Year Best New Station Wagon award, while the Sport sedan won the Canadian Car of the Year Best New Family Car award for 2005. The Atenza Wagon also won What Car?’s Best Estate award in 2004.
The Mazda 6 won the ‘Best Mid-size Car (over $28,000)’ title in Australia’s Best Cars in 2002 and 2003. It came second in 2004, behind the Subaru Liberty, and fifth in 2005 (the Honda Accord Euro was first in 2005). Wheels magazine also awarded the Mazda 6 winner of its Active Safety Program in July 2005. In December 2007 in Australia the Mazda6 won the Carsales Peoples Choice award for it class.
The Mazda6 second generation made its premiere at the Frankfurt auto show in September 2007 . US version will be redesigned for the 2009 model year. It will be bigger and more luxurious and will strengthen the brand significantly. Engine choices include a new 2.5 liter 4-cylinder and a 3.7 liter V6 sourced from the CX-9.
The new Atenza continues to provide 3 bodies, including 4-door saloon, 5-door hatchback and wagon. Despite its increase in dimensions, weight is not increased significantly and dynamics and fun of driving it could still retain. A number of journalists even praised its electrically assisted steering wheels for being considerably improved compared to the last generation, providing more feedback to the driver. The hatchback model even has a boot space with rear seats down beating the larger rival Ford Mondeo (hatchback) by 200 liters.