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Suzuki
IN THE NEWS
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Suzuki GB
is pleased to announce the addition of the new state-of-the art
Clarion© multimedia unit to its accessories range,
which is now available exclusively for the Grand Vitara, Swift,
Swift Sport, and SX4 models.
Developed specifically for Suzuki, the new flagship unit, which
can be fitted by Penton Suzuki, provides drivers with a one-stop
solution for their in-car entertainment requirements. The system
comes complete with a seven-inch colour touch screen and built-in
40GB hard drive, and sits neatly within the centre console of
the car, thanks to the bespoke installation kit which has been
developed specifically for each of the vehicle models.
The user-friendly and fully integrated interface means that users
are able to select from the numerous features at the touch of
a finger which include 24 pre-selected radio stations, high performance
GPS satellite navigation with multiple route calculation, and
full hands free mobile phone operation thanks to Bluetooth connectivity.
Drivers can also listen to their favourite albums on CD or DVD
or connect directly to their iPod, with the ability to select
from songs, playlists, and artists using the touch screen and
audio steering controls. Furthermore, there is also the facility
to store the former using the built-in “Music Catcher”
and Gracenote® recognition service, which allows for the high
speed recording and storage of files from either an MP3 device,
CD, or DVD.
The Clarion© multimedia unit can be purchased from Penton
Suzuki at a cost of £1,499 including VAT, excluding installation.
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Citroen
Commercial
IN THE NEWS
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Citroën
continues to expand its LCV range with the launch of the new Citroën
Berlingo L2. This newly launched Berlingo model implements
the existing L1 version by providing an additional 250mm of load
deck length and an extra 0.4cu.m load volume. Other features of
the new Berlingo L2 are the standard fitment of twin side load doors
and the capability – in the L2 LX model – of carrying
long lengths of up to 3.25m flat on the floor. All Berlingo L2 vans
are fitted with Trafficmaster Smartnav and Trackstar stolen vehicle
tracking systems as standard.
Priced from £12,395 + VAT + delivery, the
new Berlingo L2 is available in both X and LX versions. Both models
are powered by Citroën’s smooth running, fuel efficient
1.6HDi 90hp engine and have a 750kg payload. The Berlingo L2’s
main load compartment has a 3.7cu.m capacity (0.4cu.m greater than
that of the Berlingo L1). Berlingo L2 LX models, with their Extenso
dual passenger seat folded, can provide up to 4.1cu.m load volume
and the capability of carrying long lengths such as pipe, conduit
or wood of up to 3.25m flat on the floor.
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Citroen
IN THE NEWS
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A Citroën
C1 1.4HDi has achieved an amazing 84.32mpg in the independent
2008 ALD Automotive/Total Excellium MPG Marathon - organised by
Fleet World magazine - more than enough to take the car from Plymouth
to Aberdeen (633miles) on just one tank of fuel.
The super efficient city-car achieved a significant improvement
on the official Combined MPG figure of 68.9mpg to finish just ahead
of the Citroën Nemo, which won the van category, and only 0.3mpg
behind the overall car winner.
And more relevant than ever, as car buyers are compelled to focus
more closely on cost, the C1’s low consumption is complemented
by a low price, with the C1 1.4HDi available from just over £8,500;
low CO2 emissions (109g/km) and low (Group 1) insurance costs.
Driven by Martyn Collins of Tiscali Motoring and Fleet World magazine’s
Tina Ries, the C1 was put through a rigorous 400+ mile fuel economy
test on a variety of different UK road conditions including everything
from motorways to winding country B-roads.
Citroën’s Nemo 1.4HDi van also proved its fuel-sipping
credentials, achieving an amazing 84.09mpg, despite carrying over
300kgs load. The compact hi-cube van beat all rivals to win ‘Overall
Best MPG’, successfully taking over the title of the UK’s
most economical van which the Citroën C2 Enterprise had held
since 2006. |
Kia
IN THE NEWS
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Kia Academy,
the dealer training division of Kia Motors (UK) Limited, has achieved
the highest stamp of approval from IMI Awards for their non-technical
dealer training programme.
The programme, known as Kia Advance, earned IMI Awards
QAA (Quality Assured Award) following a rigorous audit by IMI Awards
which was completed earlier this month.
Ian Goswell, Dealer Training Manager at Kia Motors (UK) Limited
commented on this latest achievement: “We are proud that in
just one year the Kia Advance programme has done so well. We have
worked hard to develop the perfect programme and so far have trained
over 550 delegates. As our training continues we can now offer QAA
certificates to delegates achieving a pass mark of 80% or more.”
Tracey Drake is one example of Kia’s successful training programme.
She attended the Service Management workshop and as a result has
progressed to a new role as Customer Service Manager. Tracey’s
manager, Graham White said: “as a result of the training,
Tracey seems more receptive to changes and forward planning. She
also understands the business and the requirements of her role in
more depth. In all, the training has proved very beneficial to the
department.”
The Kia Advance curriculum has been developed by automotive learning
and development experts rts in conjunction with Kia Motors. Their
Managing Director, Richard Wells, states: “We are delighted
to be working with Kia Motors. The results prove the business benefits
of learning and development.” |
Citroen
IN THE NEWS
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Citroën has embarked on a new project to
look into the feasibility of producing an ultra-environmentally
friendly vehicle based on the critically acclaimed C-Cactus concept
car.
The C-Cactus represents a new approach to eco-friendly design.
The radical, essentialist vehicle, with its emphasis on environmental
technology, features a simplified design throughout, significantly
reducing the number of components and leading to a reduction in
weight, cost and the impact on the environment.
Removing features that are non-essential to the running of the
car or the comfort and safety of the occupants – even doing
away with the dashboard – has resulted in an interior comprising
around half the parts of a similarly-sized conventional car. The
door panels are made of just two parts, compared to twelve in
a conventional car and many components are made from recycled
materials.
The project will consider a range of powerplants including a 1.0
litre, sub 100g/km CO2 , petrol; a HYmotion2 diesel–electric
hybrid returning near 100mpg fuel economy and CO2 emissions of
just 78g/km or a 100% electric model, similar to the version which
is on display at the Paris motor show and which offers zero emissions
together with a top speed and range of almost 70mph and 100 miles
respectively.
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Suzuki
IN THE NEWS
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Suzuki launched
its first Vitara 20 years ago, creating the world’s
first compact SUV and tapping into a new market for vehicles that
deliver true off-road performance with responsive, fun-to-drive
on-road performance. Since then the stylish and versatile SUV has
steadily evolved and kept pace with growing demand for good-looking,
versatile 4x4s that are as rewarding on the open road as they are
motoring off the beaten track.
The highly specified Grand Vitara 2.4-litre is
available in three and five-door body styles and the arrival of
the 2.4 three-door gives Suzuki a unique offering in the SUV market,
with no other manufacturer currently offering this engine/body style
combination.
At the heart of the new model is a 166PS 2.4-litre petrol engine.
The unit makes full use of advanced technical and design features
to deliver improved power and torque, with only modest adjustments
in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. In fact, with five-speed
manual transmission, tailpipe emissions are unchanged at 208g/km
for the five-door model (205g/km for three-door).
Recognising the life saving potential of electronic stability systems,
Suzuki is equipping the 2.4-litre Grand Vitara as standard with
ESP, part of a company policy to introduce the system progressively
on all forthcoming new models and model facelifts. ESP uses selective
wheel braking and controls engine output as necessary to stabilise
the vehicle if it detects understeer or oversteer situations which
could possibly result in total loss of control.
Both the exterior and interior have been given a mild facelift.
On the outside there is a revised front end treatment and new door
mirrors with integrated turn indicators, while inside the cabin
chrome and wood-effect inlays add extra touches of quality, together
with improvements to the design and operation of some of the dashboard
controls, including a new multi-information display and revised
air conditioning control panel.
The 2.4-litre model has a high standard specification including
an in-dash 6CD player with MP3 compatibility, rear privacy glass
and 17-inch wheels. Five-door models additionally feature leather
seats with front seat heating; High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps,
cruise control, 18-inch wheels and electrically-operated glass sun-roof
as standard.
* ESP is a registered trade mark of Daimler AG
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