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Looking around my local car dealerships last weekend, I came across some pretty impressive car finance offerings being promoted. Some of the APR rates were the lowest that they have ever been and if I were in the market for a new car, I could very easily obtain a great financial package due to these offers. There were also some excellent used car credit deals and not in the way of a bad credit car loan package neither. The rates here were slightly higher than on new car purchases but that is to be expected as there is more profit in new car units than there is from most used cars. However, given the current financial situation we are faced with, it seems that many people do not qualify for a car credit loan and can therefore not take advantage of such promotions. The reason behind these rejections is all down to a bad credit history and the fact that there are only a handful of lenders actually lending people money for car credit and finance. With the hope that such things can improve, maybe then the conversion ratio from enquiry to acceptance will be increased.

The Citroën C5 is a large family car produced by the French manufacturer Citroën since early 2001. The C5 replaced the Citroën Xantia in the large family car class.
The first generation C5 is available as a five-door liftback or station wagon. Unlike its predecessors, the C5 is a liftback with a three-box design and a hatch. This form actually disguises the hatch, so Citroën has completely reversed the design philosophy from the fastback sedan era of Robert Opron. Power comes from by 1.8 and 2.0-litre straight-4 and 2.9-litre V6 petrol engines as well as 1.6, 2.0 and 2.2-litre direct injection diesel engines.
The C5 is the last Citroën developed under the chairmanship of Jacques Calvet (1982-1999), a period which saw the marque’s historically distinctive design and engineering brand erode markedly.
The C5 had a further development of Citroën’s hydropneumatic suspension, now called Hydractive 3. The major change with this system was the use of electronic sensors to replace the mechanical height correctors seen in all previous hydropneumatic cars. This allowed the suspension computer to automatically control ride height: at high speed the suspension is lowered to reduce drag and at low speeds on bumpy roads the ride height is raised. Manual control of ride height was retained, though it was overridden by the computer if the car was driven at an inappropriate speed for the selected height. Certain cars also featured the computer controlled ride stiffness seen on the Xantia and XM.
In a major break with Citroën tradition, the brakes and steering were no longer powered by the same hydraulic system as the suspension. It has been speculated that the primary driver for this was the cost of developing electronic brake force distribution for the system when the PSA Group already had an implementation for conventional brakes. Another factor may be the highly responsive nature of Citroën C5 brakes, which some have found hard to adjust to on other hydropneumatic cars, though it is felt by some to be superior. It can be scary for a C5 driver used to the instant reactions of an older hydropneumatic car to drive another vehicle and find an inch of pedal travel before any significant braking is achieved.
In 2004, the C5 underwent a major facelift (new front and rear ends; same centre section) to bring it into line with the look of the new Citroën C4. The liftback was lengthened from 4618 mm (181.8 in) to 4745 mm (186.8 in) and the station wagon from 4755 mm (187.2 in) to 4840 mm (190.6 in). Also this new version got swivelling directional headlights.
The Hydractive suspension improves ride quality and keeps the car leveled and can enable the car to drive on three wheels if one tire is flat. The suspension is derived from the Hydropneumatic suspension used in the 1950’s Citroën DS. Variations in height using the Hydractive suspension range up to 15mm in the front and 11mm in the back.
The turbo power originates form two fixed turbochargers of identical size. Each of these can supply half the air input required to give the engine more power. Fuel mileage is 8.1 litres/100km - this was received from city and highway driving. The side windows are laminated to reduce noise from passing cars.
The second generation C5 was officially unveiled in October 2007, and it does not retain the liftback body style, now being a regular, three box saloon. The estate version is to be released in May 2008.

Firstly, do not spend what you don’t have! One of the things that have struck me over the last few weeks is that people can spend less if they want to do so. The only problem being that it has taken something like the current credit crunch for them to realise that they should reduce their spending levels. My theory is that you should always act and not react. Why should you wait for a situation to occur before you change your ways? It is the same thing with an illness; people suddenly decide to change their lifestyle upon realising that they have a problem. It is the exact same with finance and credit – look to reduce your debts, daily spending and any outgoings before you are down to the last pound. I had one of my friends not so long ago come to me complaining that they were being charged X amount of monthly interest by the credit card provider. My response was simple; get a new 0% credit card, transfer the balance and then you will not be paying the interest. It was that simple. Off they went and so now, although there is the same level of debt to be paid back, more of the actual debt is being paid off as opposed to just the interest.

The Nissan March (マーチ, Māchi?) is a supermini produced by the Japanese automaker Nissan since 1982. It is known outside Asia as the Nissan Micra, and since 1992 has also been built in Europe at the NMUK plant in Sunderland, England.
The original March (chassis name K10) was introduced in October 1982 as a challenger to the highly successful Honda City. It was intended to replace the Nissan Cherry as the company’s competitor in the supermini sector, as the Cherry model itself had progressively become larger with each successive generation. It was introduced in the European market in 1983, and in the Canadian market in 1984. Although Nissan was slowly phasing out the Datsun name, a small “Datsun” (ダットサン, Dattosan?) appeared on the tailgate for the first two years, and in some European markets, the car was known as the “Datsun-Nissan Micra”. The March was initially available with an extremely refined all-aluminium MA10S SOHC engine. The Datsun badges had disappeared completely by the end of 1984.
The model was revised in June 1985, identifiable by the slightly larger rear lamp clusters. The Japanese market saw the debut of the first March Turbo/MA10ET, where Nissan grafted a turbocharger to the small 1.0 L engine. Another facelift came in March 1989, which consisted of some minor upgrades such as deeper bumpers, a new front grille, minor interior details, and headlight changes. It also saw the introduction of an electronically controlled carburettor, the larger MA12 1.2 L engine with 60 PS (44 kW/59 hp) and a 5-door hatchback version.
In 1988, Nissan launched a limited 10,000 unit run of its homologated Nissan 1989 March Superturbo (EK10GFR/GAR). Both this and the 1988 March R (EK10FR) featured the same highly advanced sequential compound charged (supercharger plus turbocharger) engine in an all-aluminium straight-4 930 cc 8-valve 4 cylinder Nissan MA MA09ERT unit that produced 110 PS JIS (81 kW/108 hp) at 6400 rpm. This car came with either a 3-speed automatic or 5-speed manual gearbox with viscous limited slip differential, as well as options such as air conditioning and electric mirrors. The March Superturbo still holds the crown for the fastest production March in Nissan’s history, with factory performance figures of 7.7 seconds to go from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) and 15.5 seconds to run a quarter mile. It has a top speed of 180 km/h (112 mph).
The March’s chassis spawned a number of variations. The Be-1 (BK10), launched at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1985 (but not sold until 1987), was a limited edition model with a more rounded bodyshape, and only 10,000 were sold. In 1987, the canvas-topped, retro looking hatchback Pao (パオ) (PK10) was launched (also at the Tokyo Motorshow) and sold to the public in 1989; 51,657 models were sold. The canvas-topped Figaro (フィガロ) (FK10) coupé was unveiled at the same show in 1989, but not released until 1991. Because demand for the Figaro exceeded the 20,000 vehicles built, Nissan sold the car by lottery: winners could place orders for the car. Despite being a JDM-only model, the Figaro is one of the most imported models of the K10 derivatives; its popularity among numerous celebrity owners helped it earn cult status. The K10 ceased production on 21 December 1992. During its lifetime, it gained a good reputation for reliability and economy.
In August 2006, the K10 was still receiving credit for its impressive durability. An Auto Express survey revealed that of the 340,000 K10 Micras registered in the UK between 1983 and 1992, 96,000 were still on the road — nearly 30%, an impressive figure for a car which had been out of production for 14 years. This gave it a far higher rating than the Fiat Uno and the Austin Metro, both of which had dwindled away to less than 3%.
In Canada, the K10-J was sold and branded as the Nissan Micra. It came standard with the larger MA12S inline 4 cylinder OHC 1.2L (1235cc) engine. The Nissan Micra was finally discontinued in Canada in 1991, but many K10s are still running on Canadian roads today.
The second-generation K11 was built and launched in Japan in early 1992, and released in Europe in the fourth quarter of the year. The Micra (as it is known in Europe), was the second model after the Primera built in Nissan’s NMUK plant in Sunderland. It was powered by brand new all-aluminium 1.0 L (CG10DE) and 1.3 L (CG13DE) DOHC 16 valve engines, with 55 PS DIN (40 kW/54 hp) and 75 PS (55 kW/74 hp) respectively (higher outputs in Japan), both with ECCS (Electronic Concentrated Control System) fuel injection. Power steering was an option on some models, and the equipment list included security features not usually available in this market segment, such as standard pre-tensioning seat-belts with load limiters and a side door beam on each door. Airbags, antilock brakes, electric windows, central locking and air conditioning were available as options on some of the March range as it developed in its life cycle. The car soon won the European Car of the Year award for 1993 (the first Japanese car to do so) and the Good Design Award (a Trade and Industry Design award in Japan) along with the Car of the Year Japan award in 1993. This would spawn the V3 Award edition.
After minor changes in 1996, in 1998, six years after its launch, the March received a facelift which saw the whole range get power steering as standard. This also saw the introduction of the Peugeot-sourced 1.5 L TUD5 Diesel engine into the Western European range.
Also in 1998, the Sunderland plant produced its millionth Micra, becoming the first Japanese manufacturer in Europe to achieve the milestone.
A final facelift came in 2000 for the K11, when the original 1.3 was replaced by a revised 1.3 L unit (CGA3DE) known as 1.4 but with an actual displacement of 1348 cc, which would be discontinued in late 2002 for the K12 model.
In the Republic of Ireland, the Micra was a popular car. The trim levels were aligned with the Continent rather than the United Kingdom. However, there was no diesel option.
In Taiwan, where the car has been sold since February 1995, the K11 March is still sold with an entirely facelifted and improved version called the Super March. It has a digital instrument cluster, LED rear light clusters, indicators built-in to the side mirrors and a facelifted front end with modern crystal headlights. It also comes with a semi leather interior with rear headrests. The car still retains the original CG13DE engine.
The UK-built Micra was briefly exported to the Australian market beginning in 1995 with a three model line up, base 3-door LX, 5-door SLX and 3-door Super S (of which only 303 were ever sold in Australia and demand a hefty price premium over the other models). Class leading performance, a surprisingly dynamic chassis with well sorted suspension, roomy interior and above average build quality were the Micra’s strengths in comparison to its Korean competitors like the Hyundai Excel, Daewoo Cielo and Ford Festiva. A poor exchange rate between the UK and Australia meant the Micra’s pricing was rather steep and Australian buyers saw the cheaper Koreans and more established Japanese-sourced superminis, such as the Suzuki Swift and Daihatsu Charade, as offering better value for money. Also, the Micra received the lowest possible rating (one star) in Australian crashtests. The Micra was dropped from Nissan Australia’s lineup in 1997. Like the Japanese March, the Micra’s success in Australia has reached what some may consider a “cult-car” status as people become aware of its underestimated capabilities as a cost-effective runabout and a competitive track/rally car.
Like the K10, the K11 spawned numerous spin-offs, which were all sold only in Japan. In April 1994, the V3 Award edition was released to commemorate the three awards the car won in the first year of production, based on the C# with a coloured roof spoiler. It came with a special commemorative tachometer and sticker. There was a specially retro facelifted model called Tango in June 1996, based on the F and A# model, and the Collet was unveiled in October 1996 to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the March in Japan, with central locking. Initially sold for five months, this became a regular model soon after. In October 1997, another facelifted 5-door model called the Bolero made its appearance, with a round headlight and a large grille, resembling a classic British saloon of the 1960s. The Juke (December 1997) , Rumba (November 1998) and Polka (December 2000) kept the retro theme alive, all of them with slight variations. In April 2001, there was a Muji 1000 edition, which was sold through the MUJI website. The car came with an exclusive one piece grille and unpainted bumpers and wing mirrors. Like the Box estate car, this version had a double folding seat. The car was only available in white and production was limited to 1000 units. At the same time, there was a Collet F, a 20th anniversary model. Most of these spin-offs were produced by Autech.
There was a cabriolet unveiled first at the Tokyo Motorshow in 1995, but it was not sold until August 1997, with an electric top. There was also an estate version called Box (WK11), which was unveiled on November 1999, with a double folding rear seat, along with an automatic transmission four-wheel drive model.
In Japan, several speciality companies modified the March, often catering to the vogue for “classic” styling:
In 1999, Renault bought a 36% stake in Nissan, and in 2000 there was talk of moving production of the Micra to Flins, near Paris. However, the UK government stepped in with £40 million to help: a grant that was approved by the European Commission in January 2001. The Micra’s next incarnation was also be made in Britain.
The next version of the March/Micra, the K12, was unveiled in late 2002. The car was radically redesigned: it featured a new, 70mm longer wheelbase (developed with Renault) and an even more curvy exterior that was taller and slightly wider. Its most distinctive feature was a pair of prominent headlamps that extended to the wing-tops. Other additions included a sliding rear seat and the option of keyless ignition on higher specification models. The range of engines included improved 1.2 (CR12DE) and 1.4 (CR14DE) petrol models, and a Renault-sourced 1.5 diesel unit (HR15DE).
The K12 was well received by the motor industry and set a new standard for the superminis that followed it.
In July 2004, Nissan announced that a Coral Blue K12 Micra had become NMUK’s one millionth car for the UK market, and that its Sunderland plant had produced over 250,000 K12s since the model’s launch, for sale in up to 45 markets.
In 2005, Nissan Europe released a performance model of the K12. Dubbed the 160 SR, it was released as a direct competitor to the MINI Cooper, Ford Fiesta Zetec-S and the Citroën C2 GT, with a 1.6 L HR16DE engine, giving 113 PS (83 kW/111 hp) and uprated sports suspension. In 2006, Nissan renamed the 160 SR to the Sport SR in line with name changes across the board for the K12. However, this rebranding was shortlived: the performance model reverted to the 160 SR name in late 2007.
The launch of the 160 SR coincided with a revision of the K12. The radiator grilles were given a chrome strip through the centre and the original amber indicators were replaced with clear ones. The rear bumper was restyled and made more robust (apparently in response to French parking habits). The interior was also given a makeover, with more supportive seats, thicker glass and better soundproofing.
There were originally six trim levels of the K12, but in 2006 they were simplified to just three: Initia, Spirita and Sport. In addition, the launch line-up of six engines was reduced to the most popular four.
Autech, a Nissan-owned company, has unveiled alternative models called the Bolero and the Rafeet. The Bolero, like Autech’s versions of the K11, has the usual retro front end (which with the standard March headlights makes the car resemble the Lancia Ypsilon); the Rafeet has a more modern approach, resembling a BMW MINI, with either a black or white leather interior, whereas the Bolero has partial wood panelling and exclusive seating.
While Nissan Europe has the 160 SR, in Japan the 5-door only March is available with the 12 SR and 15 SR-A versions, the first one with a tuned 1.2 L CR12DE engine giving 110 PS (81 kW/108 hp). It is equipped with an exclusive HKS exhaust and has a set of 15×6 wheels on a 185/55R15 81V Bridgestone RE-01R tyres. From 2005 in Japan, 3-door models and the CR10DE were dropped from the range, the CR14DE was only used for 4WD models, and the HR15DE was introduced.[citation needed]
In 2003, Nissan UK, inspired by the Andros Trophy K11, unveiled the Micra-R, a one-off mid-engined K12. Shown at the Geneva Motor Show without running gear and engine, being only a display car, it was later given the go-ahead and Nissan commissioned Ray Mallock Ltd to insert a mid mounted BTCC-derived Primera QG20DE engine for show and press demonstration purposes. In 2005, Nissan UK decided to replace the Primera engine with a VQ35DE from a 350Z with a modified Altima SE-R gearbox for user-friendliness on the road. This model was baptized 350SR, although it was not offered for sale. Other modifications to this car include a vented rear arch and a set of Rays Engineering wheels. To date, Nissan has no plans to put this model into production.
In 2005, the K12 chassis spawned the coupé convertible model called the C+C. It was designed at the new London-based Nissan Design Europe studio, developed at the Nissan Technical Centre Europe at Cranfield, Bedfordshire and built, as with its predecessor, at the Sunderland plant. The electric folding glass roof is made by Karmann coachworks and has a 2+2 seating layout. The car is powered by an 1.4 or 1.6 L engine. It is also the first European-specification Micra to be sold in Japan.[citation needed]
There were originally four trim levels: Urbis, Sport, Essenza and Active Luxury.
In late 2007, the Nissan March/Micra was facelifted for the final time before its successor is launched sometime in 2009. It has had several cosmetic tweaks: every model now comes with the standard racing grille taken from the K12 160 SR; the front headlights have been tidied up (incorporating light blue-tinted sidelights) and the grilles housing the indicators are edged in chrome. In addition, the B-pillar trims are no longer colour-coded. Inside, there are new seat fabric designs, and the dashboard features parts taken from other Nissans. New equipment includes an audible speed warning, bluetooth connectivity with the vehicle and reversing sensors. All models (save for entry-level) are fitted with sport bumpers and spoilers on the sides and rear.
The model grades have been brought into line with the rest of the Nissan UK range, namely Visia, Acenta, Tekna, 160 SR and Active Luxury.
K12C models in Europe:
The 1.2 litre engine for the entry-level Visia is a 65 PS unit, as opposed to the 80 PS version on other grades. In addition, the Visia does not have the option of a 1.4 litre engine. The 1.6 litre engine is reserved for the 160 SR and as an option on the Active Luxury grade.
Nissan re-introduced the Micra to Australia in 2007, being sold only as a 5-door hatchback, and coming from Japan and not the UK.
The Micra C+C convertible is available in Visia, Acenta, Tekna and Active Luxury grades. However, the 1.6 litre engine is available for all models, save the Visia.
Nissan first entered the March in motorsports with the March Superturbo R. Introduced in 1987, this rare pre-facelift K10 weighed in at 740 kg (1630 lb) with half interior, roll cage and tool kit. It was built for the new sub-1600 cc Group A class, and shortly after in 1988 Nissan released the March Superturbo as a road car.
While the March was a favourite with the drivers in the Japanese Rally Championship, veteran Swedish rally driver Per Eklund finished the 1988 RAC Rally in 21st position and the 1989 Acropolis Rally Greece in 10th place.
During the K11’s production life, there was a series of national rally championship trophies held all over Europe called the Micra Challenge. This was intended as a cheap introduction to rallying, as the cars all had identical 1.3 L race-prepared engines. The UK series ran between 1995 and 1999. This model is still used in club and national rallies. In France, the 1.3 L model was used as the basis for a circuit racing one-make cup for celebrity drivers, the Nissan Stars Cup. In Portugal, the Micra spawned a one-make trophy alongside the National Rally Championship for Beginners.
In the late 1990s, a K11 was adapted into a VQ30 mid-engined 4WD configuration to race in the Trophée Andros, the French ice racing series. Drivers who raced this car include Érik Comas, Philippe Gache, Stéphane Peterhansel and Emmanuel Collard.
Nissan sponsors a one-make series in Japan called the March Cup, which has been running since the introduction of the K10. Usually a JGTC support race, it is held in two separate five-round championships called West Japan Series and East Japan Series, and a ladies series running simultaneously. At the end of the season, the best performing cars from both sides meet up for the Champions Cup final at the end the season.
The March/Micra is known for its reliability, excellent build quality, and user friendliness. The K12 model has received consistently good overall reviews, with the main criticisms being the lack of head room and luggage space in the rear.
There are numerous tuning parts available for the car. Engine transplants are not new for the March, as many owners with mechanical skills have installed the SR20DE and more commonly, the GA16DE into their K11s. Turbocharger kits are a popular choice for the K11 and K12s.
The insurance company Folksam rated it as a dangerous car in case of crash for the years 1988–1995. However, safety specification has improved with successive models. The Micra’s Euro NCAP ratings are two stars for the K11 and four for the K12.
The K12 Micra came top of its class in What Car? magazine’s Security Supertest in 2003, passing both entry and driveaway tests and achieving a maximum score for its locking system and immobiliser.
In 2005, the UK motor insurance research expert Thatcham introduced a standard for keyless entry, requiring the device to be inoperable at a distance of more than 10 cm from the vehicle. In an independent test, the Micra was found to be the most secure, while certain BMW and Mercedes models failed, being theoretically capable of allowing cars to be driven away while their owners were refuelling.
In What Car?’s Reliability Supertest in 2007, Nissan was ranked 6th out of 26 manufacturers overall, with the K11 Micra (1998–2002) being its most reliable model.
The Micra K10 first went on sale the UK over the summer of 1983, and it was an instant sales success. In its best year, 1990, it was the eleventh most popular new car in the UK with just under 50,000 sales. It was a popular choice with driving instructors and undemanding motorists thanks to its ease of driving, solid build and durable mechanical components. As of 2007, 15 years after its demise, tens of thousands of Micra K10s are still on British roads, vastly outnumbering many other small cars of its generation, such as the Austin Metro, Fiat Uno, and Renault 5.
The second incarnation of the Micra was launched in the UK at the end of 1992, with production taking place in Britain at the Sunderland plant rather than in Japan. Like its predecessor, it was a very popular car thanks to its quality, ease of driving and fuel economy. However, it was available with a limited range of engines: 1.0 and 1.3 petrol units. A facelift over the summer of 2000 saw the 1.3 shelved and replaced with a 1.4 unit. This upgrade, after a previous makeover in 1998, enhanced the Micra’s appeal and it was still fairly popular on the launch of its successor in December 2002.
Like the previous version of the Micra, the third generation model was made at the Sunderland plant. It had a wider range of engines, including Renault-sourced 1.2 petrol and 1.5 direct-injection diesel powerplants, and offered an improved driving experience. Its chassis would form the basis of the next Renault Clio, launched in 2005 but still built in France. This stylish, all-new Micra helped Nissan bolster its market share of the supermini sector, which had been declining in the final year or two of its predecessor’s life. Although it has never featured in the SMMT’s official top 10 best-selling cars in the UK, it has been among the best-selling 10 cars in Britain among private buyers for virtually all of its production life.
In 2003, the BBC’s Top Gear programme featured a segment on cars that gave value for money, highlighting specification that could be purchased for £9,000. The Micra K12 was selected and tested by presenter Richard Hammond, who gave it a positive review. This was despite comparing its qualities to those of a Boeing 737, concluding that the Micra “had all the toys”. However, when Hammond tested the Micra C+C in 2006, he was less than enthusiastic. This was because his model was coloured pink and as a result, he spent most of the segment driving it with a paper bag over his head.
The pink C+C was one of only five, made specifically for Nissan’s sponsorship of the C+C TLC Tour in 2005–06, in support of the Breakthrough Breast Cancer charity. Such was the public’s response that Nissan subsequently announced the launch of the Micra C+C Pink, limited to 100 models. These quickly sold out and another production run was announced in August 2006, this time limited to 175 cars.
Fujimi makes 1/24 scale plastic model kits of a 3-door K11 and 5-door K12, in several different versions. Kyosho also makes a 5-door K12, as a 1/43 scale diecast in both left- and right-hand drive versions. Bandai makes 1/24 or 1/43 etc plastic model kits and diecast model kits Nissan Be-1, while Norev makes a 1:43-scale Micra C+C 1.6, complete with folding roof.
The next generation Nissan Micra is due in 2009, and is expected to be built at the NMUK plant in Sunderland.[citation needed]

The Citroën Xsara is a small family car produced by French automaker Citroën since 1997.
Like its predecessor, the Citroën ZX, the Xsara shared the running gear with the Peugeot 306.
It came in three- and five-door hatchback and five-door estate body styles; the estate was marketed as the Break and the three-door as the Coupé. The straight-4 engine range includes 1.4, 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0-litre petrol engines as well as 1.6, 1.9 and 2.0-litre turbodiesels.
The original Xsara was launched in 1997, and was available with different engine choices:
In 2000 the Xsara was facelifted; the car was now stiffer (so safety and handling improved), had a new front design and some interior modifications (i.e: new steering wheel). New 1.6i and 2.0i 16 valve engines were being introduced and 1.8L were removed. Now Xsara is offered with following engine choices:
The Xsara provided excellent ride, handling and refinement, but was largely sold on price because of stiff competition from the class leaders the Ford Focus and VW Golf. It was also let down by its staid styling.
The Xsara hatchback was discontinued and replaced by the stylish C4 in 2004. However, Station Wagon production continued into 2005. The Xsara continues to be produced for the Chinese market by the Dongfeng Peugeot-Citroën Automobile, a joint venture with the PSA Group.
Since 2005, the Xsara Picasso has been the only version of the Xsara to be built or sold in Europe.
The Xsara Picasso was Citroën’s answer to the enormously popular compact MPV Renault Scénic when it went on sale late in 1999 with two trim levels - LX and SX, and three engines - a 1.6 and 1.8 litre petrols, and a 2.0 Litre HDI engine. The rear seats could be removed to create extensive storage space. It soon became the bestselling multi-purpose vehicle in France, Great Britain, and most of the rest of Europe.[citation needed] The Xsara Picasso is also built in Brazil for the Latin American market since 2001, where it is the top selling car in its class.
In early 2003 the Xsara Picasso in the UK was given a 2.0i 16v engine with a four-speed Automatic gear box (the Picasso was only available with manual transmission for the first three years of production).[citation needed] In August 2006, Citroën unveiled its successor Citroën C4 Picasso, based on the Citroën C4. There are two versions, the Grand C4 Picasso seven-seat and the slightly smaller five-seat C4 Picasso. The Xsara Picasso will remain on sale as the smallest MPV in Citroën’s range.
Only 1.6i 16v, 1.6HDi 16v 92BHP and 1.6HDi 16v 110BHP is now available
The Xsara World Rally Car, based on the road-going Xsara hatchback but ultimately having very little resemblance to it under the skin, was a major competitor in the World Rally Championship and one of the most successful cars in WRC history. The car took Frenchman Sébastien Loeb to 28 rally wins, three consecutive Driver’s Championship titles from 2004 to 2006, and Citroën to three consecutive Manufacturer’s Championship titles in 2003, 2004, and 2005. Although it is the Frenchman who has proved the archetype Xsara WRC pilot virtually since its 2001 conception, Jesus Puras, Carlos Sainz and Francois Duval are among the other drivers to have won.

An Individual Voluntary Arrangement otherwise known as an IVA is a measure taken to prevent the dull and disheartening option of bankruptcy. An IVA can be for people that have mortgage repayment problems, debts with their credit cards or car credit repayments, store cards, personal loans, over drafts or just have low levels of capital cash. The reason that an IVA would be suitable in these instances is because it may well be the only option to help reduce these debts in a fixed and manageable manner. By setting up an IVA, you will also be free from any creditors contacting you in regards to your outstanding balances. Normally, to qualify for an IVA, your debts will be above 13-15 thousand pounds (depending on the company you enter into an IVA with). A certain, set amount of money then needs to be guaranteed to this on an ongoing monthly basis. It needs to be noted though that certain types of debts cannot be included in an IVA. For example secured loans, car finance debts, council tax arrears and parking fines cannot be settled using an IVA. These need to be separately.

Ford Fusion is a name used on two different types of cars from the Ford Motor Company.
Additionally, Ford used the name before the launch of the European Ford Focus, in communications with contractors working on elements of that model’s launch publicity. (Ford did not reveal whether the late change to “Focus” had been the result of a genuine change in its plans, or simply a desire to conceal the real name from the press until the company was ready for the launch.)
Ironically, the North American Fusion also encountered naming problems. In this case, its original name was Futura, a model designation used for a version of the 1960s Falcon and the 1998 AU Ford Falcon line and last used on a two door version of the Ford Fairmont, and others. Since the name had been shelved for too long, and meanwhile a tire distributor (Pep Boys) had used it, a court challenge by Pep Boys was decided against Ford. Hence the two different Fusions exist.
In July 2007, Ford India launched Ford Fusion in India with a 1.4 L Duratorq diesel engine and 160 N·m (118 ft·lbf) torque at 2000 rpm.

The Kia Sorento is a compact SUV produced since 2003 by the Korean automaker Kia Motors.
It has two transmission options: a 5-speed manual or 4/5-speed automatic transmission (pre-2005 models have a 4 speed automatic, whilst 2005 Sorentos come with a 5 speed tip-tronic style automatic transmission). Sorentos are equipped with a Hyundai-manufactured 3.5L 24-valve DOHC V6 producing 192 hp (143 kW) at 5500 rpm, and 217 lb·ft (294 N·m) of torque @ 3,000 rpm. The Sorento is very capable off-road, with an automatic four-wheel drive system featuring low range gearing. A sport package is available for the LX base model which adds a 5 speed manual transmission, fog lamps, alloy wheels, step bars, a leather wrapped steering wheel, a roof rack and remote keyless entry. All American Sorentos also come with dual front airbags and dual side-curtain airbags in the front and rear. The 4×4 system is a shift-on-the-fly nob located usually on the lower panel to the left of the steering column. Three modes available are Two-Wheel Drive, Four-High, and Four-Low. On-dash indicators show when the Four Wheel Drive System is active.
Common features of the Sorento family are 4 wheel disc brakes (standard on all models) Optional anti-lock braking system, and a 21.1-gallon fuel tank. Also standard is a battery saving feature which prevents wearing out the battery by leaving your headlights turned on (a shutoff engages when the key is removed from the ignition, even if the lights were left turned on). The chassis of the vehicle is also based on a ladder frame design which is more often used in building trucks. This lends a rigidity to the Sorento that other vehicles in its class lack, even at the same price point. (See Also: unibody)
The 2007 Sorento has received upgrades, such as the transition from the 3.5L Sigma to the 3.8L Lambda that will almost double the Sorento’s towing ability and boost Horsepower from 192 to 262. Projector beams were added in the head lamps, along with new tail lamps. The 5 speed manual transmission is no longer available; the 5 speed Sportmatic® tip-tronic automatic transmission is standard for all trims. The 2007 Kia Sorento earned a five-star crash safety rating, the highest rating possible, for all seating positions in the latest frontal and side impact crash tests conducted by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (NHTSA)
Dimensions information from the Kia Motors Website:
The Sorento will be redesigned in 2010, and its platform will be shared with the Kia Borrego mid-size SUV.

The Alfa Romeo 156 (known internally as the type 932) is a compact executive car introduced by Italian automaker Alfa Romeo at the 1997 Frankfurt Motor Show as the replacement for the Alfa Romeo 155. Cars were assembled at Fiat Group factory in Pomigliano d’Arco, Italy and General Motors facility in Rayong, Thailand (production in Thailand started March 2002 and lasted couple of years, cars were targeted for Asia Pacific markets). Between 1997 and 2005, 680,000 examples of the 156 were produced, a huge success for the brand.
The 156 was available in saloon and estate ‘Sportwagon’ bodystyles with seven engine configurations and it went through two facelifts, first in 2002 and second in 2003.
At the beginning the engine range encompassed four cylinder Twin Spark (1.6 L 120 PS (88 kW), 1.8 L 144 PS (106 kW) and 2.0 L 155 PS (114 kW)) 16 valve engines with variable valve timing, along with the straight-4 1.9 litre 8-valve 105 PS (77 kW) and straight-5 2.4 litre 10-valve 136 PS (100 kW) JTD common rail turbodiesel engines. Until January 2002, the range-topping engine was the venerable double overhead camshaft 2.5 litre 24-valve Alfa Romeo V6 engine rated at 190 PS (140 kW).
Initially the 156 range was available with different options (packs) like a sport pack that could include either Blitz clothing , Momo leather interior or Recaro seats, it also included 16 inch wheels, lowered suspension and leather steering wheel and gear knob. There was also available De-Luxe pack with Momo’s mahogany steering wheel and gear knob and for Nordic countries special winter pack consisting of fog lights, headlight washers and heated seats.
Starting from 1999 five-speed Selespeed sequential transmission came as an option to 2.0 litre Twin Spark version and four-speed automatic Q-System to 2.5 litre V6 version, the Q-system can be used as normal automatic or shift manually with H-pattern, it has three automatic modes: city, sport and ice.
A significant addition to the 156 range was the Sportwagon estate in 2000, a first attempt at an estate car of this size for the company. Sportwagon was also available with Boge-Nivomat self-levelling hydropneumatic rear suspension. The Sportwagon was marketed as lifestyle estate without large carrying capacity.
In 2001 engines were upgraded, engines complied with Euro3 norm and outputed 120 PS (88 kW) (1.6 L), 140 PS (100 kW) (1.8 L), 150 PS (110 kW) (2.0 L) and 192 PS (141 kW) (2.5 L).
The 156 was designed by Alfa Centro Stile under control of head designer Walter de’Silva. Its distinctive style with its high curved flanks, retro styled front door handles, hidden rear door handles, dramatic deep grille and sweeping profile made it, to some, the best looking car in its class. The car was one of the first saloons to feature hidden rear door handles and prominent front door handles to give it a coupé look. The design was influenced by three historical Alfa Romeo models: the 1900, the Giulietta and the Giulia. The 156 achieved a drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.31. The sportwagon bodystyle filled a gap in the market that Alfa Romeo had distanced themselves from since the 33 SportWagon of the 1980s. The 156 Sportwagon was released to much critical acclaim, being one of the best, if not one of the most spacious estate cars available. Oddly enough, the 156 saloon has more luggage space than the sportwagon. It can be seen the sportwagon is a hatchback version of the 156 with much better access to storage. Other differences included a lower ride height, side skirts as standard and a factory spoiler. Walter de’Silva has commented the design of the 156 as:
The 1998 original interior builds on a benchmark set by Alfa Romeo in their previously released Alfa Romeo 166, with a deeply scolloped upper dashboard and simple centre console. All of the main controls and displays are angled towards the driver in typical Italian sports car style, although this can sometimes be awkward for passengers who will struggle to see the interior clock. Despite being a family car, the interior design lacks cup holders, which normally come standard in saloons. Typically, for a smaller executive car, there is ample room up front for the driver and passenger to sit comfortably, with very comfortable seats. However, rear seat passengers may find the design restrictive in overall room. The 156 is a car for four people, rather than five, although later models did add a full centre seatbelt in place of the lap belt in earlier models.
2002 saw an update to both the interior and exterior of the 156.
The 156 uses a platform derived from the Alfa Romeo 155, which in turn was derived from the Fiat Group’s “Tipo” platform. However it is sufficiently different from the original “Tipo” one to be seen as a new platform. The 156 is a highly-developed front-wheel drive car; (the Cross/Sportwagon Q4 offered four-wheel drive in left-hand drive markets) with a double high wishbone front suspension and all independent multi-link rear suspension,which is consists of a telescopic vertical strut with coaxial spring and two transverse links of different lengths and a longitudinal strut. This structure means that the rear wheels have a small passive steering ability. Weight saving material (aluminum) has been used in several parts both front and rear suspension. The weight saving materials was also used in many other parts like magnesium framed front seats.
2002 also saw the arrival of a facelifted interior with different matte-finish surfacing and chrome highlights. New version used the 147’s dual-zone digital climate control and CanBus serial wiring system, the interior climate could also be controlled via air quality sensor.A different choice of colours were available for the interior, with the option of a two-tone interior very much like that BMW were introducing at the time. A wider range of options including xenon lighting, tele-informatics (CONNECT and CONNECT NAV) and a Bose stereo system were available, the stereo system could now also be operated via buttons on the steering wheel. Also the Selespeed gearbox control system was updated, buttons at steering wheel were replaced by paddle shifters, like seen earlier on Alfa Romeo 147. In the center console was added multifunctional display with trip computer, fault and service monitor. Also electronic stability control VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control) and slip control ASR (Anti Slip Regulation) came as standard. Passive safety was also made better, all versions got window airbags as standard. The 2.0 L JTS 165 PS (121 kW) gasoline direct injection engine replaced the 2.0 litre Twin Spark engine, offering more low end torque and more power than the Twin Spark, diesel engines were also uprated. Only notable difference exterior-wise was a body colored mirrors and bumper strips which were earlier black.
Late 2003 saw the launch of a facelifted 156, with new front and rear fascias designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro. To the top of range was added new TI trim level (Turismo Internazionale) designating a sporty kit, this version was equipped with modified suspension, bigger wheels (215/45 17″) and leather-trimmed interior. This mid-life facelift divided opinion with some preferring the prettier pre-facelift look with others singing the praises of the newer more aggressive demeanour of the latter models. The GTA models never received the exterior update. Diesel engines underwent a major re-working, new four valve per cylinder heads were added, second stage common rail injection with 1400 bar maximum injection pressure with up to five injections per cycle for lower noise, consumption and higher performance. They were rated at 140/150 PS (103/110 kW) for straight-4 1.9 litre 16-valve and 175 PS (129 kW) for straight-5 2.4 litre 20-valve.
In 2004, Q4 (short for Quadrifoglio 4) four-wheel drive versions arrived to some markets, which were known as the Crosswagon Q4 and Sportwagon Q4 (both using the 1.9 L 150 PS (110 kW) JTD diesel engine). These cars were equipped with a Torsen C four-wheel drive system and raised ride heights (Crosswagon height: 1,497 mm (58.9 in), Sportwagon 1,458 mm (57.4 in). The Crosswagon version was made to look more like all-terrain vehicle; door sill aluminium protection, front and rear bumpers were equipped with aluminium inserts. The Sportwagon Q4 was a normal looking version with just slighly higher ground clearance than the front wheel drive Sportwagon.
The 156 saloon was discontinued late in 2005 in Europe, Q4 Crosswagon was produced to the end of 2006. The 156 was replaced with 159, which also spawned the Brera, the 2-door coupe that replaces the GTV along with its convertible sister the new Spider.
In September 2001, the 156 GTA and Sportwagon GTA were launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The GTA was named after the Alfa Romeo GTA from the 1960s, the letters GTA meaning Gran Turismo Alleggerita (English: lightened Grand Tourer). Even the name gives a hint of a light car the GTA isn’t any lighter than base 156, it was actually 91 kilograms (200 lb) heavier than 2.5 litre V6 engined version. With its 3.2 litre engine its easy to get very varying fuel consumption figures, the EC urban fuel consumption is 15.6 miles per imperial gallon (18.1 L/100 km/13.0 mpg US) and combined 23.3 mpg (imp) (12.1 L/100 km/19.4 mpg US), on the highway the consumption is 32.8 mpg (imp) (8.61 L/100 km/27.3 mpg US).
The very first GTA was sold on-line auction from September 13 to 23, the duration of the Frankfurt Motor Show. Winning bid was 48,691.26 euros, which was donated to “Telethon” charity fund. Equipped with a 3.2 litre V6 with six-speed manual transmission or six-speed Selespeed (paddles in steering wheel, hydraulically operated clutchless manual gearbox), the GTA variants were aimed at the performance market. The GTA variants boasted 250 PS (180 kW), had a lowered and stiffened suspension, a distinctive body kit and leather interior. The suspension was specifically made for the GTA by Fiat Research Centre and Fiat Auto Design and Development Department.Steering was also made faster, only 1.7 turns from lock to lock compared to 2.1 in normal models. The GTA had also much bigger brakes (Brembo), at front 305 millimetres (12 in) discs and rear 276 millimetres (10.8 in). The front discs were later updated to 330 millimetres (13 in). The GTA subsequently stopped production in October 2005 citing the upcoming replacement to the 156, the Alfa Romeo 159.
The 156 offered various engines and power levels during its lifespan, four and six cylinder petrol engines and four and five cylinder diesel engines, all produced at Pratola Serra except the V6 engine , which was produced at Alfa Romeo’s Arese plant. The 1.9 JTD diesel was world’s first common rail diesel engine in a passenger car.
-2.0 TS, 2.0 JTS and GTA Selespeed versions have same performance statistics as manual transmission.
*Crosswagon Q4 topspeed is 192 km/h (119 mph) and acceleration 0–100 km/h (62,5 mph) is 10.5 seconds, for Sportwagon Q4 numbers are 200 km/h (124 mph) and 10.2 seconds.
Alfa Romeo 156 GTAm was shown at Bologna Motor Show in December 2002, car was built by Fiat Group’s partner N-Technology. The GTA 3.2 L (3179 cc) engine was bored to 3.5 L (3548 cc) and power pushed to 300 PS (220 kW). Car had widened wheel arches and 19 inch tyres and it was equipped with N-Technology limited slip differential. This car never reached production phase.
London based aftermarket tuning company Autodelta made also two high performance versions based on 156 GTA, in GTA AM version Alfa Romeo V6 engine was bored to 3.8 L (3750 cc), which was capable to push 328 PS (241 kW) at 7300 rpm. With this power car can reach top speed of 280 kilometres per hour (175 mph). The other one GTA AM Super was “upgrade” to the first version, now fitted with Rotrex supercharger and pushing out 400 PS (290 kW).
In 1998, an international jury of 56 journalists representing 21 countries awarded the Alfa 156 the European Car of the Year award; it was described as having a “very refined suspension layout so to offer an impeccable roadholding”. The 2.5 V6 engine was awarded with the International Engine of the Year award in 2000. The 156 has won more than 35 awards, including:
The Alfa Romeo 156 was as well vested in motorsport as its predecessor, the 155. It runs in the British Touring Car Championship as well as various European championships, most notably the WTCC and formerly the ETCC where it was especially successful. The 156 sports car program was run by Fiat Group’s partner N.Technology S.p.A., originally founded as Nordauto Squadra Corse to compete in Italian Touring Car Championship. In 1994 name was changed to Nordauto Engineering and 2001 to N.Technology. In 1998 Alfa Romeo also offered for sale the 156 Group N version for the track. The 156 Group N had no carpets, seats or upholstery, but included additional track safety devices. The 156 has won the following titles:
Touring versions:
1910-1920: 24 HP · 40-60HP
1920-1945: 20-30HP · 6C · 8C · G1/G2 · RL · RM
1945-1980: 1750/2000 · 1900 · 2000 · 2600 · 33 Stradale · Alfa 6 · Alfasud · Alfetta · Giulia · Giulietta · Gran Sport Quattroruote · GTA · GTV · Nuova Giulietta · Montreal · Spider · Sprint
1980-2000: 145/146 · 155 · 156 · 164 · 166 · 33 · 75 · 90 · Arna · GTV · Spider · SZ/RZ
Current models: Mi.To · 147 · 159 · 8C Competizione · Brera · GT · Spider
Concept Cars: 33.2 · BAT series · Disco Volante · Kamal · Nuvola · Scighera · Visconti
Clubs: Alfa Romeo Owners Club (USA) · Alfa Romeo Owners Club (UK) · Alfa Romeo Owners Club (Italy)

The Fiat Seicento is a city car produced by the Italian company Fiat, introduced in late 1997 as a replacement for the Fiat Cinquecento. The Seicento did not differ much from its predecessor, retaining the same engines, chassis and general dimensions, although it did gain a minor 9 cm in length (total length of 3.34 m). The design was similar too, in which the Seicento kept the same 3-door hatchback body, instead of the 5-door mini MPV look seen on many Korean city cars. Like its predecessors, the Cinquecento and Polski Fiat 126, the Seicento is built in Fiat’s factory in Bielsko-Biala, Poland. From 1997 to April 2004 one million one hundred thousand examples of the Seicento had been produced.
The Seicento name was intended to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Fiat 600, Seicento being the Italian word for this number.
In EuroNCAP crash tests, the Fiat Seicento was only awarded a 1.5 star rating, and fractionally beat the worst contenders in the history of EuroNCAP, namely the Rover 100 and the original Chrysler Voyager MPV . This is not so surprising, as the car has an extremely short front-end and keeps many components from its predecessor, originally conceived in 1991.
In comparison, another small car, the Smart Fortwo (which has a shorter front end), earned three stars in the crash test.
At launch, the Seicento was available with three trim levels; a basic ‘S’ with black bumpers and spartan equipment and initially the 899 cc engine; an ‘SX’ model, a slight upgrade over the ‘S’ with colour coded bumpers, electric windows, central locking and a sunroof - which was also available as a ‘Citymatic’ with a clutchless manual gearchange - and a ‘Sporting’ with the larger FIRE engine mated to a close-ratio gearbox, and anti-roll bars added. Cosmetically, this version gained 14″ alloy wheels, sports seats and bodykit with optional Abarth 14″ wheels and side skirts also available.
In 1999, the FIRE engine was used in the special ‘Suite’ version, which came with air-conditioning. A special edition ‘Soleil’ model was available in some markets, which was based on the ‘SX’ model but came with a full-length electrically-folding fabric roof.
After the 2001 update, all cars were given clear indicator lenses, with the Sporting model getting a restyled bodykit. Cars built from this period also come with an anti-lock braking system. A ‘Michael Schumacher’ edition of the Sporting, with the Abarth styling kit, was also launched at this time to celebrate the Ferrari driver’s Formula 1 success. In 2004 this model was facelifted: the changes concerned a new shape of wheel rims and the introduction of the Fiat logo in the rear.
Then, in 2005 the name seicento was replaced by 600 (in occasion of the 50 anniversary of the glorious first edition, in 1955) toghether with some changes in the front and in versions dotations: now the name Fiat is written on the seats. The new versions now are named “Class” and “50 annivesary”, thus reminding the strict relationship between this model and the previous one.
The Seicento is available with two engines: the old 899 cc OHV (29 kW / 40 hp) engine used in early base S and SX models (which was removed from West European markets due to emissions regulations), and the 1108 cc FIRE (40 kW / 54 hp and used in the Sporting version since launch), was fitted universally with multi-point fuel injection from 2001, replacing the old pushrod units. There was also a version with an electric engine (30 kW / 41 hp).
German tuner Novitec created a special edition of the Fiat Seicento, adding a turbocharger and six-speed gearbox to the little car. The German tuner is able to extract 101 hp (74 kW) from the 1242 cc FIRE engine.
No official replacement plans are known at the moment. The Seicento will continue to be produced alongside the Fiat Nuova 500, which was officially presented to the press in July 2007.