Honda Civic - 360 views of the car – The new Civic spinning 360 degrees in our Honda space,with clouds and textures overlaid giving glimpses of its full appearance.

We then follow a red line used in the campaign to represent the engineers’ journey and use this to neatly transition through the different product points.


Honda Civic – Unveil Film – If we never venture into the unknown, how do we get anywhere new? That’s the lesson the Honda engineers learnt when developing the New Civic. This film showcases the unveiling of the Honda Civic at the 2011 Frankfurt Motorshow.


Drive safe! ;-)

BMW M5 hits the beach in Wales

BMW M5 hits the beach in Wales - Ahead of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, a quiet beach in Wales echoes with the sound of the new BMW M5's twin turbo engines as precision driver Wolfgang Weber enjoys drifting around Pendine Sands to help us support the BMW London 2012 Performance Team athletes.

All engines meet the EU5 emissions standard. Fuel consumption is determined in accordance with the ECE driving cycle (93/116/EC) made up of approximately one third urban traffic and two thirds extra-urban driving (based on the distance covered).

CO2 emissions are measured in addition to fuel consumption as such. Fuel consumption levels are calculated based on vehicles with standard equipment. Special equipment (e.g. wider tyres) can have a significant impact on fuel consumption levels.

market. The models illustrated may, in part, include optional equipment and accessories not fitted as standard.

According to the specific requirements of other markets, alterations may occur regarding models, standard and optional equipment as described in the text and illustrations. For precise information, please contact your BMW Partner. Subject to change in design and equipment. Subject to error. Equipment specific to national markets is not represented here.

Unladen weight (EU) in kg: the figure quoted includes a 90 per cent tank filling, 68 kg for the driver and 7 kg for luggage. Unladen weight applies to vehicles with standard equipment. Optional equipment may increase this figure.

Rated output: BMW recommends the use of super unleaded 95 RON fuel. Unleaded RON 91 fuel or higher with a maximum ethanol limit of 10 percent (E10) is also permitted. The performance and fuel consumption rates listed are based on the use of RON 98 fuel.

Maximum speed: electronically limited.

The Green Machines You Won't Have Seen

What with the environment on everyone’s conscience these days, it’s refreshing to see that even gas-guzzling cars are getting a makeover.

And with the price of gas hardly looking like it’s about to take a nose dive, it’s all the more important for consumers to be given a more eco (and pocket) friendly alternative.

This is old news though. Every man and his dog has a Prius, and biodiesel is being sold at pumps around the world. We're more interested in the new contenders in the arena of green motoring.

So read on to discover the newest - and most exciting - developments in the world of carbon-friendly cars…

1. SEAT
Spanish manufacturer, SEAT, has recently unveiled its plans for a plug-in hybrid car as well as a full electric car, too.

TwinDrive – the company’s new plug-in hybrid is forecast to hit the car showrooms in just over three year’s time, in 2015, and its full-on electric version which will produce absolutely zero emissions is due to go on sale in 2016. And the main news about these two eco developments is the fact that both models are being based on models already in the SEAT range – in fact, the TwinDrive system is being developed in the Leon hatchback.

As for the first totally electric SEAT, this is being based around the Altea XL compact MPV.

If you’re interested to find out more, make sure you get over to the Geneva Motor Show in March 2012 when the TwinDrive version of the new Leon will be presented for the first time.

2. Zoleco
We won’t point and laugh at you if you’ve never heard of Zoleco before, in fact we wouldn’t be surprised as it’s very early days for this car manufacturer.
Zoltan Bod, the man behind the brand, has designed what could easily be classed as the craziest eco car out there.

Merging a retro-style 1970s body which almost looks like it has little wings (for images, see here) with up-to-the-minute eco technology means the Zoleco sports car certainly stands out from the crowd.

Fitted out with a regular engine and a three-cylinder turbo engine that’s linked up to your standard five-speed manual gearbox, the eco-ness of the car is actually more down to the look of the car than the actual mechanics.

And, according to Mr Bod, it’s all because the streamlined shape of the body would produce a tiny 8.2hp for the car to reach a top speed of 65mph.

The crazy-but-cool car shape should also produce a 50% reduction in drag compared to that of a standard car, which as any car expert can tell you is good for fuel consumption. What’s more, this technology coupled with a thermal energy recovery system and advanced braking systems, means the Zoleco sports car might not be as crazy as it looks, and initial figures are showing it could offer an 82% drop in gas guzzling.

Sadly, don’t expect to see it on a forecourt anytime soon as it’s still very early days for the Zoleco and much more investment and testing needs to take place before we can see this funky model go into production.

3. Land Rover
You’d be forgiven for thinking this big beast of a vehicle could ever be deemed as eco, but over in South Africa things are changing. Axeon and Jaguar Land Rover have been working in partnership to produce a completely electric version of the Defender that is used in game parks.

The electric Defender has been specifically designed for game parks because of the benefits of reducing noise pollution in an environment stocked with endangered species.

With a reduced noise output, it will be much easier for wardens to patrol the park without scaring the animals in the electric Defender. Reduced noise means rampaging elephants are less likely, and in turn there should be lesser need to call the Land Rover Insurance call centers for claims!

The difference between the electric Defender Land Rover and other electric cars is that the battery pack has been designed to fit in the engine bay as opposed to the floor or the car.

This means the distance between the bottom of the vehicle and the ground isn’t compromised and therefore means it’s an ideal car for uneven and wet terrain like game parks.

When tested, the electric Defender was shown to be able to cover around 80km with a reserve distance of 20km on one battery charge – more than enough for a regular game park patrol.

Insurance for Luxury Cars

How does insurance for a luxury car differ from regular car insurance? Here’s what you need to know if a prestige vehicle is in your sights.

Every man wants a luxury car that’s going to make him feel like a man – whether it’s Mercedes, a BMW or a Ferrari, insurance for luxury cars is obviously more expensive than your standard car insurance and will vary depending on which provider you choose.

Here are the ins and outs that you’ll need to be aware of if a prestige vehicle is in your sights.

Luxury Car Insurance

In Australia, insurance for your luxury car is undoubtedly going to cost more than typical car insurance, simply because your car costs more to fix or replace.

While your age, driving record and storage plan for your car will of course be taken into consideration (among the other standard criteria) the premiums for your insurance will more likely be based on the value of your car and the location you live in, since it is more likely to be stolen than say a beat-up Honda from 1993.

It’s also no secret that luxury cars are expensive to repair. Should you get into an accident, your premiums will obviously be higher because the cost of repairing your vehicle is more expensive. 

Since your car will also pretty much be a high-speed “zoom machine,” several insurance companies will not include accidents due to excessive speeds in your premiums, so you will need to check this out when buying. Also note that the faster your car goes, even if you do not drive at its full capacity, the higher your premiums will be.

As always, you’ll need to shop around for the best deal and obtain a few car insurance quotes for your luxury vehicle before going ahead. If you’re so rich that you don’t even care, you can ask the dealership to organise insurance for you, but you’ll still need to pay attention to what’s included and what’s not.

Luxury Car Tax

In Australia, if you are buying a vehicle that is over the current threshold of $57,466, you are buying a luxury car. If this is the case you are liable for the luxury car tax, which is charged at 33% of the net price of your car that is over the current threshold limit.

For example, if Joe buys a car for $90,000, he is only taxable on $32,534 of the total cost. Most luxury car dealerships will automatically include the luxury tax in the sale price of the car, however make sure you double check this when you buy.

Also bear in mind that if you are purchasing the car for business purposes, you will be able to claim back all or some of the GST in your annual tax return, but you won’t be able to claim back the cost of the luxury tax. Sorry folks.

How do you get around this tax? 

Unfortunately, there is no way if you plan to buy a luxury car, however, there are some exceptions to the rule where you will not have to pay luxury tax, including: if you buy the car at a private sale, if it is an emergency or commercial vehicle, if it was sold by retail or imported into Australia before July 2000 or if it is has been modified to transport a disabled person in a wheelchair.

If you’re still unsure whether your car qualifies for the luxury tax you will need to check with the tax office or with your accountant. Of course, if you want to avoid the tax completely but still purchase from a dealer, you can consider buying a luxury vehicle where the price is below the threshold.

Benefits of Luxury Car Insurance

Because you’re paying so much, luxury car insurance does come with extra perks and can include things like guaranteed repairs with your choice of repairer, replacement vehicles (or cover for the cost of hiring one) if your car is damaged or stolen, higher no-claim bonuses, installed car phones, free “one-off” claims for replacements on things like windows or lights, travel expenses if your car is affected by damage or theft while you’re away and claims on other contents inside the car if it is damaged or stolen.

Not all providers will offer benefits like this, so it’s up to you to assess what’s included in your quote.

8 Tips to Getting the Best First Car

The three best tips for buying a car, new or old, are: Research, Research, Research. This article will consider what you can expect for your money and provide tips on choosing the best automobile.

Buying your first car is a difficult decision. There is a huge amount to think about; price, insurance, value, history, condition, and all of this has to fit within a specific budget.

For many of us, buying a car will be the first real financial responsibility that we take on so it is really important to do the leg work to make sure you get the best deal. For many young people the most important factor actually becomes the look of the car rather than its performance. This is understandable but it is often a mistake.

The three best tips for buying a car, new or old, are: Research, Research, Research. No matter whether you are looking for a Holden with a UTE Toolbox or a Sylvia (like the one in fast and furious), the key is to shop around until you can get a really good deal.

One more thing to consider before you buy is where the car was made. This makes a huge difference because if you break a bearing and have to wait for it to arrive from Japan, you may have to wait an unnecessarily long time to get your car back on the road.

What can you expect?

An important thing to know about your vehicle hunt is what you can expect in your price range. If you have a budget and are after a car that doesn’t fit the budget, then the only ones you will find will be beaten up and damaged ones.

You always need to focus on getting the best you possibly can for your dollars.

$3-5k

In this price range you really do need to be looking just for the best you can get. Most cars will be from the mid-80s so they will have a high millage on them for sure. Do not look for a stand out or modified option in this price range because they will cost far more to run and repair.

$5-7k

Cars in this bracket are often found at dealerships. In this bracket it makes sense to look at more popular cars with the smallest millage you can find.

Sometimes bigger cars will be disproportionately cheaper in this bracket, so that may be a sensible decision for you. Larger cars are also generally more durable so they may well be in better condition.

$10-12k

There should be no problem finding a nice car within this range. Look for a popular car which has no history of mechanical failure as these will be easier to find replacements for if something does go wrong. It is also worth considering saving a further couple of thousand dollars and looking for a reasonably priced new car when looking in this range.

Tips for buying the your first car:

• Buy something which suits your budget. Do not buy a car that will be very expensive to keep on the road if you can’t afford to.
• Always get a used vehicle inspected by a qualified person before buying it.
• Don’t rush into buying a car because you will probably end up regretting it.
• Ignore any warranty or promise that isn’t given to you in writing.
• Never sign a contract until you have a full understanding of it. Always keep a copy of the contract.
• Always get a copy of the safety certificate.
• Ensure reliable finances before buying a car.
• Insure the car before driving it off the lot. 

Looking for Something Better in a Car Phone Kit?

Looks at best consumer options for buying a good car phone kit. Dos and don’ts for buying car phone kits.

There’s so many car phone kits on the market you could go cross-eyed. Some are great, some are definitely not so great, in fact they’re terrible. Some “car phone kit installers” still actually put holes in the car when they’re installing these prehistoric kits! Technology direct from 1990.

That, you don’t need. It’s well worth it for your wallet’s perspective and your peace of mind as well as your quality of phone kit to go looking for something really good. If you’re looking for a benchmark standard for phone kits, start with an iPhone car kit or another top brand.

How to buy a car phone kit

Now is the time to start getting fussy about your car phone kit. You really should be able to get a top of the line kit for a very decent price. You can also avoid the traps pretty easily.

These are the basics:

Don’t just get any old thing- Literally, this means don’t buy Brand X or older kits. Brand X phone kits are truly terrible, without exception. The older car phone kits are really primitive compared to the new ones. Avoid these fossils like the plague, because they sometimes can’t even do the job with new phones.

Don’t buy from “mixed” sellers- You’re much better off buying from car kit specialists, because they’re real experts and can always help if you’re having difficulties with a kit. They also give much better warranties and can deliver when they say they can service your kit if it needs it.

The big issue- Quality!

You put a bit of effort into getting a good phone. So put equal effort into finding the right car kit.

The top brands are a bit more expensive, but they’re also tailor made for your phone, reliable and can save you endless hassles when you’re on the road. A good car phone kit is all about quality, and for a few extra bucks you can get a kit that will do anything you want it to do.

Important- Find the right suppliers!

Following on from the advice to deal with specialist car phone kit providers, a bit of shopping around will find the really efficient online suppliers. These guys are a league or several above the retailers in terms of knowledge and service.

The simple fact is that they have the technical expertise onsite, where the retailers often don’t, and tend to mutter about manufacturers and sending the kit off for servicing. That’s expensive in terms of time as well as money.

Even if it does cost a bit of money, the specialist car phone kit suppliers can speed up the turnaround time if there are any problems. They can also help with tech support whenever you need it.

Renting a car?

If you’re renting a car for business or holidays and want a car phone installed, the top suppliers can put a no-holes car kit in to your car with no problems at all. You won’t breach the terms of the car lease, and you’ll find when you compare car hire that the top car hire people are on the ball and understand the need for a car phone.

Getting the right car phone kit is easy- Get the best, and nothing else!

Kia Rio and 20th Century Fox new animation movie! – What if Kia Rio meets Rio animation characters of 20th Century Fox?

The 2012 Kia Rio debuts at the 2011 New York Auto Show today, sporting brand new bodywork, Kia's new direct-injected four-cylinder and the company's Idle Stop and Go, or stop-start technology. Kia claims the combination of direct fuel injection and stop-start means the 2012 Rio will pull down 30 miles per gallon around town and 40 mpg on the highway.

On top of that, the new Rio should be a peppy little beast, knocking down 138 horsepower from its 1.6-liter four cylinder. Switching the ratios will be either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic. Idle Stop and Go is an all-new feature for any Kia – when the car is stopped and the brake depressed, the computer kills the engine to save gas. When the brake pedal is released, the engine fires back up and away you go.

Outside, the Rio has been treated to a full re-skinning, taking on the high-shouldered, wedge-shaped look of the rest of the Korean automaker's lineup. Out front, the Rio gets a slightly slimmer version of the company's familiar grille, re-shaped to better integrate with the car's headlights.

The 2012 Rio has also grown to 171.9 inches in length and 67.7 inches in width, but sits lower than the outgoing model. Kia claims that, despite its increased dimensions, the widened stance and use of high-tensile steel in the car's construction makes for significantly better ride and handling over the old Rio.

The 2012 Kia Rio will be available in three trim packages, starting with the LX, which gets 15-inch steel wheels, body-color door handles and side mirrors.

Above that, the EX model rides on the same wheels as the LX, but gets power mirrors and locks and keyless entry. The top-level trim will be the SX, which sports 17-inch wheels, fog lamps, LED daytime running lights, a dual-tip exhaust and heated mirrors sporting turn signal repeaters. The five-door Rio5 SX, meanwhile, will be upgraded to projector headlights.

Here's the video remix of Kia Rio and Rio animation! Amazing ....

Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 35 – Vanishing car

Here’s a special edition Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 35 named after the milestone celebration hot hatchback.

This is the 35th marker Anniversary of the presence of the original Golf GTI in 1976, it would be the second anniversary model after the release of the “Edition 30″ in 2006.

The Golf GTI Edition 35 comes with an improved engine and some styling updates that set it apart from the standard Golf GTI.

Starting with the updates to the engine is the 2.0-liter TSI turbocharged engine from the standard GTI is derived revised to churn out 235 hp instead of 210 hp the car’s performance must be improved.

Any interested buyers in Germany can now begin to bring the price of € 30.425 ($ 43.885) and begin shipping mid-June. The 2011 VW Golf GTI Edition 35 is expected to have its world premiere at the 2011 GTI Meet at Wörthersee (June 1-4) to make.

Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 35 – Vanishing car – To celebrate 35 years of the Golf GTI, Volkswagen have fitted an unusual feature to the new Edition 35 of their iconic car. At an exclusive event in London, a group of specially invited guests had the chance to see it in action...

Kia TV Ad with Rafa Nadal

Kia TV Ad – The new TV advertisement from Kia Motors (UK) for the new Kia range. Featuring Rafa Nadal.