UK: Mazda2 diesel revealed

Next March, another major introduction will be made by Mazda Motors with the new Mazda2 diesel. Available in two trims, the TS and the TS2 and a base price of £9.499 each Mazda2 is a reflection of distinctive styling and performance plus environmental touch. Its striking features is matched with the new Mazda signature MZ-CD 1.4-litre common-rail turbo diesel engine.
“The new Mazda2 diesel has all the attractive and dramatic styling of the petrol models, and offers customers increased fuel economy, reduced CO2 impact and ultra-low road tax of just £35 per year,” comments Mazda UK’s marketing director Mark Cameron.

“It is going to deliver an entertaining driving experience coupled with Mazda’s renowned Japanese build-quality and reliability. While styling is one of the most important factors in the buying process, consumers are increasingly aware of environmental issues and demand for small capacity diesels is growing. We expect the new diesel models to account for 12 percent of Mazda2 sales,” added Cameron.

For complete specs of the Mazda2 diesel, see below (source: duemotori.com).

STANDARD EQUIPMENT

Mazda2 1.4D TS

Petrol 1.4-litre, 68ps, 160Nm torque, 114g/km CO2, 5-speed manual

Safety & Security

All-disc braking system with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD) with Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)
Driver & passenger front airbags
Driver and front passenger seatbelt reminder
Front seatbelt pre-tensioners with load-limiters
Three 3-point rear seatbelts
Twin ISOFIX child Seat anchorages
Thatcham Category 1 alarm & immobiliser

Exterior

15-inch steel wheels with 185/55 R15 tyres
Body-coloured bumpers
Electric door mirrors
Black mirror housings and door handles
Comfort & Convenience
Remote central locking and dead locks
Folding jack-knife key
Electric front windows, with one-touch auto down
Remote release fuel filler flap
Electric speed-sensing power steering

Interior

Driver’s Seat height adjustment
Driver and passenger Seat height-adjustable head restraints
Front centre console with storage and cup holders
CD Radio with auxiliary jack and two speakers
Multi-function glovebox with magazine rack
Rear Seat three height-adjustable head restraints
Charcoal Black trim

Mazda2 1.4D TS2

Petrol 1.4-litre, 68ps, 160Nm torque, 114g/km , 5-speed manual

Additional equipment over TS model

15-inch alloy wheels with 185/55 R15 tyres
Body-coloured door mirrors (electric, heated and folding)
Body-coloured door handles
Side and curtain airbags
Steering wheel mounted audio controls
Two additional audio speakers (total 4)
60/40 split folding rear seats
Leather steering wheel and gear knob
Manual air-conditioning
Black trim

Mio Technology true 3D mapping C620 and C620t sat-nav device

Last August at the IFA consumer electronics show, Europe’s third largest seller of Portable Navigation Devices (PNDs) launched their most advanced 3D mapping devices, the c620 and C620t giving the driver the 3D true view of the road ahead. Mio installed a total of one thousand land marks and enabled the 2008 Mio mapping device to mimic the area via digital elevation mapping.

What makes this Mio device advanced? It features the high-tech Tele Atlas Maps and Mio’s signature split-screen interface shown in the 4.3” wide screen. The C620 and C620t provide the ultimate in sat-nav functionality and features, up and running in seconds with fast, accurate positioning from SiRFstarIII GPS technology.

Mio made the integrated Traffic Message Channel (TMC) and free the out-of-the-box speed camera alerts offered in this breakthrough device. Like other Mio PNDs, Mio users are able to download speed camera database updates for free for one year from the moment of registration, add their own camera locations and share them with other Mio users over the internet.
Key Features are:

Mapping
* Intuitive map display with 3D landmarks and digital elevation models
- Better orientation and faster recognition of map location
- Road levels are displayed in 3D view
* Easy to use interface
- Split screen for info, POI, TMC, Route, MP3 and phone book
- Play/stop MP3 while navigation
- One click to pick up incoming calls or dial out
- Easy navigation to Photo Viewer
* Enhanced signpost display
* Enhanced POIs along route
* TMC along route display
Device
* 4.3" navigation screen : large and easy to read
* Hands-free calling with built-in Bluetooth® wireless technology and microphone
* Speed camera warnings out-of-the box with free updates
* Fast, accurate positioning from SiRFstarIII GPS technology
* All-in-one cradle : power and TMC (TMC only for C620t)
* Entertainment on the go: Integrated MP3 player and photo-viewer to enjoy your favorite songs and precious photos all on one device.

Toyota to develop cars that aid senior safety

If you’re afraid that driving skills my wear off if you get senile, don’t be. Toyota will clear your fears away with their savoir-faire cars.

Nintendo “Brain Age” developer Prof. Ryta Kawashima said last Tuesday that he will join forces with Toyota Motor Corp. to develop cars with safety equipment and amenities for the elderly.

"We envision future cars will be able to monitor brain and emotional activity to back up elderly drivers," said Kawashima, a Tohoku University scientist who worked on Nintendo Co.'s best-selling "Brain Age" games — and whose smiling image is the guide in the series.

Several innovations are listed for the cars meant for the seniors, Kawashima said that one of these is a technology that will detect the driver’s driving patterns and curb any dangerous activity. For example, this new tool will stop or slow the car in case it noticed that the driver hit the gas pedal when not needed.

Navigation system and temperature controls to maintain driver alertness is also being considered to be included in the special car amenities.

"Ultimately, we hope to develop cars that stimulate brain activity, so that driving itself becomes a form of brain training," Kawashima said.

According to Kawashima, some Toyota executives had attended his “Mobility and Smart Aging” study group sessions last May. The Senior-friendly car is one of the major topics discussed in Kawashima’s forums. Toyota is working with Tohoku University and the professor said that they are already "are done with brainstorming and ready to start making some of the technologies," he even added that the technologies could break into market in five years.

Kayo Doi, spokesperson for Toyota Motor Corp. said the project is already in progress. Both Toyota Motor Corp. and Tohoku University however both parties are not yet ready to announce what specific technologies will the results of their team-up.

Sweden: Volvo Cars previews future safety technology

Volvo Cars will upscale safety technology with its new three prototype technologies, the automatic braking system to avoid pedestrians, automatic steering to prevent head-on collisions and communication between cars to prevent traffic-pile ups. Volvo said that production of these three is planned. However, the date is not yet revealed.

"Today we need to focus on technologies that predict and prevent accidents from even occurring. It is important to understand that collisions are not inevitable. Preventive safety is all about helping and supporting the driver to avoid accidents," says Jonas Ekmark, the manager for preventive safety at the Volvo Safety Center in Gothenburg.

The first newest Volvo technology is the Collision Warning with auto Brake – Pedestrian. This new Volvo signature innovation allows the driver to have clearer vision of people crossing the streets. Via wide range search radar technology, it detects people and objects in front and near the vehicle.

Based on the Lane Departure Warning sytem is Volvo’s Collision Avoidance by Auto Steering. It extends the function of the lane Departure Warning system by checking the location of the car in relation to the lane markers by using a camera. The driver is signaled by a sound telling him that the car is wandering across a lane automatically.

The third of the new advancements is the Collision Avoidance by Auto Steering and according to its maker, this is so far the most advance among the three. Injuries and fatalities are meant to be reduced as it prevents frontal collision due temporary distraction. A camera and a radar monitor is used to determine the position of the car

"With communication between vehicles, and between vehicles and the traffic environment, a large number of today's accidents could be avoided. The major challenges are to find a standard 'language' and the particular applications that are most urgent and effective," Jonas Ekmark states.

Ford Surprises at the 2008 International CES

The 2008 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the world’s largest tradeshow for consumer technology will give Ford Motor Co. its biggest break to showcase the company’s signature technologies.

The last International CES gave Ford the chance to introduce the breakthrough technology it developed with Microsoft, the Ford SYNC. Immediately after the launch, the Sync was given the “People’s Voice” award and was a technology very fêted in the auto industry. Ford made the Sync a standard equipment for various Ford models so its benefits and fun will be well enjoyed by the Ford consumers. On January 6 in Las Vegas, Ford Motor Co. will again, be given the chance to launch its signature technologies to improve every Ford experience.

“Our goal is to deliver the smart, connected in-car experience that customers today demand,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford's group vice president of Global Product Development. “Ford is answering the call with the best technology solutions from companies like Microsoft and SIRIUS, connecting customers with mobile devices, important information they need on the road and bringing the experience to life with the latest in navigation technology and branded audio.”
The spectators at the CES gathering will have the opportunity to witness how Ford Motor Co. will again upgrade driving technologies with new vehicles and equipment developed with major suppliers like Dolby, Gracenote, Microsoft, SIRIUS, Sony Electronics and THX.

“In-car electronics, especially as it relates to information services and entertainment, continues to rapidly change,” added Kuzak. “To keep up with the pace of the consumer electronics industry, we need to work closely with the most capable companies in the business. These technology companies are helping change home entertainment and the movie theater experience, as well as leading innovations in portable electronics and desktop computing. Ford, working with these partners, is beginning to bring these great experiences to the automotive environment, delivering what customers say they want.”

The Hottest Sports Cars for 2008

Sports cars’ basic adjectives are of course, sporty and stylish. However, I guess luxurious is an additional narrative.

This year, sports car sales are great showing that the rich who can afford it are getting richer ad the people who want it are of all ages and sexes, to meet their cravings, additional luxury amenities are added to these vehicles before they are rolled down to exclusive dealerships and showrooms. Before 2007 says goodbye, from forbesautos.com, let me give you the best supercars for the coming year.

Lamborghini Reventon
Talk about exclusivity — only 20 rich people will get their hands on a Reventon, and the cars are all spoken for already. Like the Murcielago LP640 upon which it's based, this extreme-looking sports car is named after a famed fighting bull and promises hard-charging performance thanks to its 650-hp 6.5-liter V12 engine. Its odd-looking body is made of lightweight carbon fiber and its high-tech cockpit is styled after that of a fighter jet, with instrumentation made solely of LCD displays.

Lotus Elise/Exige
Already among the lightest, quickest, and most efficient sports cars available, the Elise roadster and Exige coupe get even faster for 2008: The Elise gets a 220-hp supercharged four-cylinder engine and the Exige gets a 240-hp version. The top Exige is able to reach 60 mph in just four seconds, which amounts to exotic-car abilities at a budget price — and with excellent fuel economy. Airbags are now standard across the line, along with other minor upgrades.

Maserati GranTurismo
The new-for-2008 GranTurismo is big news for the sports car world as Maserati's marginally successful Coupe and GranSport models finally give way to a svelte and modern-looking two-door four-seater. Its Ferrari-designed 4.2-liter V8 powerplant is shared with its four-door sibling, the Quattroporte. As befits a kinder, gentler sports car, only a six-speed automatic transmission is offered. A fully independent suspension includes anti-squat and anti-dive geometry to keep it on an even keel under extreme acceleration and braking.

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster
A new roadster version of Mercedes' hand-built super coupe lets you race the stars, provided you have nearly half million dollars on hand. Both the SLR McLaren Roadster and Coupe were developed jointly with Mercedes' Formula One racing partner McLaren. A power-operated insulated fabric top lowers in about 10 seconds and facilitates open-air conversations at up to 120 mph; top speed exceeds 200 mph.

Nissan GT-R
Soon available in the U.S. after more than a decade of remaining tantalizingly out of reach as the overseas-only Skyline GT-R, the new GT-R ("Skyline" gets dropped from the name) runs with many of the top sports cars for less money. A twin-turbo V6 engine drives all four wheels and propels occupants to 60 mph in less than four seconds. Given its high-profile use in video games, the GT-R is one of the rare sports cars that have both auto-enthusiast and techno-geek appeal. To that end, the creators of the popular Gran Turismo video game series helped design the GT-R's high-tech-looking instrument panel.

Porsche 911 GT2
Priced at nearly $200,000, the GT2 is the most powerful street-legal 911 yet. It's visually distinguished by oversized air intakes up front and a unique spoiler at the rear. But it's most notable for a twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine that sends 530 hp to the rear wheels. The 0-60 mph sprint happens in just over 3.5 seconds. Top speed is rated at more than 200 mph. Other upgrades include carbon fiber/ceramic-compound brake discs and titanium tailpipes.

High-tech rally car named for Colin McRae

The McRae Enduro rally car, bearing the name of the late rally champion Colin McRae was awarded the ‘Idea of the Year’ award at the 2007 Auto Car Awards.

Colin McRae died in a helicopter crash with his son and two more passengers last September. His death was mourned by the Rally world along with his family and fans.

The Ford-assembled engine powered car will race on track in the 60,000km Dakar Rally. The engine assembled at the Ford Dagenham Diesel Centre in Essex, England is a 2.7-liter V6 turbo capable of producing 160 kW diesel engine.

The award was given to the McRae Enduro rally team by Autocar Editor Chas Hallet in front of 480 personalities in the automotive industry.

Christopher Bibb, commercial director for the McRae Enduro operation, received the award and said: "Rally driver Alister McRae, younger brother of Colin, is our chief test driver."

"As soon as testing started, Colin was keen to drive the Enduro, but for many reasons that never quite happened - and, sadly, now never will. We therefore dedicate our award to Colin McRae – one of Britain's greatest sportsmen."

Chris Harrison, director of Ford Component Sales, said: "As the supplier of the engine and other Ford components, we are proud to be associated with the Enduro.

"With an extensive portfolio of more than 100 000 components in Europe alone, Ford Component Sales offers an extremely attractive package to smaller companies.

"It makes sense for low-volume manufacturers to use the resources of a global giant by dipping into its extensive parts bin. Design and development costs are kept to a minimum, reliability and quality at competitive prices are assured."

The assembled Ford engine delivers power via the six-speed manual ZF gearbox to the full-time all wheel drive designed by the McRae Enduro team.

Study reveals owners are satisfied with PNDs despite some hitches

J.D. Power and Associates, a leading authority in the automotive industry, revealed that two thirds (66%) of Portable Navigation Device (PND) owners have has encountered some problems with it. But then, almost all owners (95%) subjected in the firm’s 2007 Portable Navigation Device Usage and Satisfaction Study (SM) said that the device still meets or even exceeds their expectations.

This is the first year that J.D Power have conducted the study it measured the devices’ reliability along six areas including: ease of use, routing, system appearance, speed of system, voice directions and navigation display screen. In the six areas, the consumers reported that they are most satisfied in the overall appearance and voice directions. The lowest in the satisfaction ratings was the system speed category.

Out of 100 PND units, the average problems encountered were as high as 225 problems.

"When experiencing a problem, customers who contacted the manufacturer directly-via online or telephone-for support were much more satisfied than those who returned back to the retail store," said Mike Marshall, director of automotive emerging technologies at J.D. Power and Associates. "This suggests that retail store representatives may lack the necessary knowledge of the products being sold. However, the direct support provided through the manufacturer may be more knowledgeable and better equipped to answer questions and assist customers with their issues."

The study results also include the following key findings:
-- Advanced functionality on portable navigation devices can lead to higher overall satisfaction ratings. For example, owners with text-to-speech functionality on their device provide considerably higher ratings in the voice directions factor.

-- Portable navigation owners report high levels of brand loyalty with more than 90 percent indicating they "definitely/probably" will repurchase from the same brand.

-- Overall, portable navigation device owners rate the value of their devices relatively high, demonstrating that prices are well aligned with owner expectations.

10 Best Car Features Introduced in 2007

In the automotive world, a new technology is born almost every day to give additional safety, comfort and great driving experience to the consumers. 2007 gave birth to lots of car technologies and Cars.com listed the ten coolest innovations in the auto realm.

"We're impressed every year with the new features that show up in cars, but this year the 2008 Infiniti EX35, which goes on sale at the end of December, definitely offered the most," said Cars.com managing editor Patrick Olsen. "It has our favorite new feature, Lane Departure Prevention."

The Top 10 new car features according to Cars.com include:

1. Lane Departure Prevention
Where you can find it: Infiniti EX35

Infiniti's Lane Departure Prevention builds on conventional lane-departure warning systems, which detect lane markings and sound a chime if you drift astray. LDP goes one step further by gently applying the brakes to certain wheels to nudge you back on course.

2. Scratch Shield Paint
Where you can find it: Infiniti EX35

The crusade for city-friendly transportation began years ago with plastic bumpers and dent-resistant doors. It reaches new heights with Infiniti's Scratch Shield paint. On the EX35, Scratch Shield combines a highly elastic resin with the clearcoat finish. The resulting surface is said to maintain a glossy appearance over the years, and it can actually undo minor damage in the course of a few days.

3. Around View Monitor
Where you can find it: Infiniti EX35

Let's be clear on one thing: Infiniti's Around View Monitor isn't pretty. With cameras mounted on each side of the car, its fish-eye, top-down view distorts any three-dimensional object nearby. But is it effective? You bet. With a 360-degree view of exactly what's around your car, it reduces getting into narrow parking spots and crowded alleys to a science. Even the best front-and-rear sonar systems can't replicate this. You have to see it -- and park it -- to believe it.

4. Full-Size Hybrid SUVs/Trucks
Where you can find it: Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Silverado, Chevrolet Tahoe, Chrysler Aspen, Dodge Durango, GMC Yukon

To date, hybrid technology has graced only compact and midsize SUVs Sharing a new 2-Mode Hybrid system, several GM and Chrysler Group full size SUVs and a pickup truck deliver significant mileage gains -- if early estimates prove accurate. Some environmentalists cry heresy over this development, but Cars.com can't see how fuel economy improvement in the vehicles that need it most could be a bad thing.

5. Integrated Booster Seats
Where you can find it: Volvo V70

This is one of those simple features that make so much sense you wonder why they're not present on more cars. In the new V70, the cushions of the outboard rear seats can easily be raised to one of two levels to better accommodate children, which means no more fumbling around with aftermarket booster seats

6. Heartbeat Sensor
Where you can find it: Volvo S80

Cars.com is dubious about the usefulness of a heartbeat sensor, but we were won over by the fact that such a futuristic feature is available in today's cars. The heartbeat sensor, which Volvo says can help you determine if someone is lying in wait inside your car, is part of the S80 sedan's Personal Car Communicator fob that can also do other things, like tell you if your car is locked or unlocked up to about 300 feet away.

7. Easy Third-Row Access
Where you can find it: Hyundai Veracruz

Getting into the third row in SUVs has gotten progressively easier in recent years, but the Veracruz has a three-step system that outshines the competition. Each part individually doesn't seem like much, but put all together it's a wonder no one else has thought of it.
8. Sirius Satellite TV
Where you can find it: Chrysler minivans

Any parent can tell you that one of the big drags about taking kids on long trips is all the stuff you've got to carry with you. Chrysler's new Sirius Satellite TV makes this a bit easier by removing your DVD collection from the list. Your kids can watch one of three channels (the Disney Channel, Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network) on one or both of the rear swing-down screens; if it's just one.

9. Sync Hands-Free System
Where you can find it: Various Ford, Lincoln and Mercury models

Ford has addressed driver distraction with a voice activation system that takes the fumbling out of using cell phones and digital music players. Sync allows drivers to control Bluetooth phones and MP3 players and storage devices that have a USB input using simple voice commands -- it even reads text messages from compatible phones

10. Volvo Blind Spot Information System
Where you can find it: C30, S40, S80, V50, V70, XC70, XC90

Volvo prides itself on safety innovations, and this is the latest. The new S80, V70 and XC70 have an optional blind spot information system that alerts drivers to cars that are hard to spot using mirrors.

Wi-Fi System to provide Service Advisors Computer Access at Vehicle

D-Link, the global leader in connectivity for small, medium, and large enterprise business networking, has designed a highly innovated Wi-Fi System that provides service advisors computer access at vehicle.

According to Scanlon Acura, the service consultant is becoming the solution in retaining customers that are the core of the dealership’s business. The Fort Meyers, Fla. dealership believes that at the vehicle is the best location for service consultants.

To keep his consultants with their customers alongside their vehicles, Service and Parts Director Jim Weems felt the need to have a portable wireless solution. He foresees reduction of redundant administrative work and increase of revenues through up-selling additional service and safety options, aided by the access of vehicle history and warranty information.

With such interest, Weems turned to Chris Mejia of Universal Computer Systems, Inc. (UCS), an authorized D-Link reseller based in Houston. Mejia has proposed his company’s HRO software and tablet PCs to create a D-Link-powered wireless network environment.

Mejia explained, “With a standard PC setup, the Scanlon Acura service consultant would have to make notes on paper, then go inside to their workstation to access data… With the new solution, this obstacle has been eliminated. At present they can stand alongside with customer to accomplish these tasks.”

“Now, as customers arrive on the service drive, Scanlon’s service consultants are ready with their tablet PCs and D-Link’s Wi-Fi-enabled system to access complete customer, vehicle and service history information in a matter of seconds. Repair orders are started before the customer gets out of the car,” he continued. “It is a powerful tool that gives the service technicians direct access to vital information that allows them to offer additional services, including warranty services, recall notices, maintenance services, extended warranties, and the ability to notify customers of safety issues,” he further explained.

Weems said, “D-Link’s Wi-Fi system has given us a huge advantage over our competitors. At many other dealerships, the service technicians have to perform these tasks at their desks while the customer waits. Instead, our people are right there at the vehicle at time of the write-up… Customers car approve work immediately, before they leave the dealership, and we can begin repairs right away.”

“This increases overall productivity and profits, while delivering a high level of customer service. Having wireless capabilities has proven to be a big plus for us, with our efficiency increasing about 15 percent since the wireless system was installed,” he added.