Euro NCAP test results
Apparently this is the last time the present rating system will be used. The new rating system will be launched in February 2009.
The cars which received the top score of five stars for adult occupant protection were the Alfa Romeo Mito, Ford Fiesta, Peugeot 308CC, Volkswagen Golf VI, Renault Megane, Honda Accord, Opel Insignia and the Volvo XC60.
However, some of the cars didn't do as well for child occupant or pedestrian protection.
Go over to the Euro NCAP site for more details.
From IED
Specifications of Fiat Linea
Fiat is going to introduce their new brand in India, Fiat Linea.
Design & Style
Designed by the Fiat Style Centre, the new car’s originality is summed up by elegant, distinctive styling, with captivatingly smooth, simple, uncluttered lines that give the car a dynamic, harmonious look.
The Fiat Linea is also unmistakably Italian, which confirms the brand’s intention to create a new Fiat family feeling, inaugurated with the Grande Punto and continued with the Fiat Bravo, while the forward, sloping windscreen, the drop-shaped headlights and the large front end sporting the new Fiat logo.
In line with the dictates of the new standards, the grille marks the dividing line between the bonnet and the front bumpers, and the latter taper off gradually until they meet the wheelarches. A ridge starts from the foglights, which link up to the sides, and incorporates them, linking up again at the centre with the lower air intake.
And finally, a rib between the headlight and the foglight makes the bumper look lighter and creates the same graphical motif. The sleek, faired headlights which extend towards the sides of the car suggest dynamism and a strong Italian imprint.
Proposed with a single body type, the car conveys an impression of solidity, robustness and roominess, which is confirmed by the generous dimensions.On the side the styling is cut through by a ‘slash’ which starts from the middle of the wheelarch and dissolves into the rear, emphasising the car’s dynamic look.
The emphatic, robust, muscular wheelarches give the Fiat Linea a feeling of strength and solidity. And the same reassuring impression is conveyed by the rear end, with its elegant uncluttered line.
Interiors
The lines that run inside the passenger compartment are harmonious and well balanced with the external lines, which combine with the generous glazing to create a friendly, light-filled environment that guarantees excellent interior roominess, and more comfort than you might expect from a conventional 3-box saloon in terms of ergonomics and space for the driver and passengers.
Driving is made particularly enjoyable by the position of the pedals, the steering wheel alignment, the position of the armrest and footrest, the excellent manoeuvring of the gearshift and the perfect visibility of the instrumentation and the main controls.
The instrument panel designed by Magneti Marelli has a clear family feeling with the latest Fiat models, with large, clearly visible characters, while the graphics of the instrumentation make the information easily and immediately legible.
At night, the orange illumination allows the pupil to focus more rapidly when alternating between the dark of the road outside and the luminosity of the dashboard. The rear seat is homologated for three passengers, and comes with a fixed or 40/60 split squab depending on the version.
The rear seats are also fitted with Isofix attachments for child seats, and head-restraints are standard equipment on the side seats.
Safety
In addition to its excellent braking system, the Fiat Linea is also equipped with one of the most advanced ABS anti-lock braking systems on the market, complete with EBD electronic brake force distribution. The latter distributes the braking force over the four wheels to prevent them from locking, guaranteeing complete control of the car in all conditions.
The sturdiest components in the engine bay are positioned at a suitable distance from the bonnet, to allow the ‘skin’ of the bonnet to absorb the energy deriving from impact with a pedestrian’s head better. Then the new chassis, which was designed to absorb any impact very effectively. And finally, the contribution made to occupant protection by the bodywork, the bonnet, doors and facia crossbeam.
Engines & Variants
Fiat Linea will be available in two engine options:
1.4 Litre 95Bhp Twin Cam Petrol
1.3 Litre 90Bhp Multijet Diesel
Both will be available in 3 variants each: Active, Dynamic & Emotion. The fully loaded Emotion variant will come with Airbags, ABS, EBD, Fog lights, Alloys, Rear AC vents & Parking Sensors.
Important Features :
Top Speed:168
Fuel Consumption: (Highway) 18.00 kmpl.
Fuel Consumption: (City) 14.00 kmpl.
Displacement:1248cc, Multijet, 4 cylinders
Engine Type:Diesel
Maximum Power:90 Bhp @ 4000 rpm
Maximum Torque:200 Nm @ 1750 rpm
It is expected that Linea will be priced around Rs. 875,000.
The Aprilia RSV-4 Superbike for 2009
A revolutionary design project has led to a truly unique motorcycle and Aprilia’s return to the Superbike World Championship. With 31 world championship titles, 250 MotoGP wins and 8 Superbike victories in the last sixteen years, Aprilia is a legend in modern motorcycling.
Aprilia motorcycles have dominated circuits all over the world thanks to unconventional technical solutions, experimentation and innovation and, sometimes, by revolutionising technology thought to be unchangeable. With this unique sporting heritage behind them, Aprilia is proud to present the RSV4, the bike with which Aprilia will return to the Superbike World Championship in 2009. This extraordinary machine has been conceived, designed and developed entirely by Aprilia Racing for competition use.
With four cylinders, 999 cc and top of the class power in the race-ready version, the RSV4 will make its debut in the 2009 Superbike World Championship. A V-four engine with total electronic management, and an exceptionally light and compact chassis are just some of the features that make this bike unique in the world of motorcycling. The Aprilia RSV4 is powered by the most revolutionary and most powerful engine ever developed by Aprilia.
The new engine uses multi-mapping ride-by-wire technology, a solution that opens up new horizons in engine control, and offers virtually infinite opportunities for power delivery and traction control (present as standard on the racing version). All components are naturally of the highest calibre. They include an Öhlins fork, rear monoshock and steering damper, Brembo monobloc brake calipers and forged aluminium wheels.
All in all, this ultra modern superbike is born to win.
Fuel prices go lower
I have to thank Asda for this new development. They were the ones who started the price war by lowering the fuel prices first of all. I think I will start shopping there even though it's a bit further away.
Kawasaki's New KLX250
With demand for the Ninja 250R continuing to grow, Kawasaki is pleased to announce the release of another new model in the quarter litre class; the off-road styled KLX250.?? The new, fuel injected, KLX250 is based on the hugely successful KLX300R Enduro machine and is equipped with the convenience of electric starting plus a well proven and durable 249cc water-cooled DOHC power plant.
The lightweight, high-tensile steel perimeter frame offers both great cornering performance and straight-line stability, while the 43mm inverted cartridge fork and fully adjustable gas-charged rear shock allows the KLX to be enjoyed both off-road and on.??“The KLX250 is ideally suited to new riders as well as commuters who want the style and adaptability of an off-road machine” commented Michael Johnstone, Kawasaki Motors UK Sales & Marketing Manager. “Plus, with a retail price of only £3,699, we are sure that it will meet the needs of those people simply wanting an affordable, stylish means of two wheeled transport”.
The KLX250 is available in Lime Green and is in Kawasaki showrooms now.