20th November 2008 9:00 am

Upgraded Mazda BT-50 range now on sale from £10,495 (CV OTR)*
New exterior and interior design, plus enhanced specification boost model appeal
New 3-litre turbo diesel and 5-speed automatic ‘Intrepid’ range-topper for UK only
Black leather interior trim and rear privacy glass for ‘Intrepid’ model
Body-colour flared wheelarches and new-style alloys on Double Cab models
Customer savings of up to £1,981 - available until 31 December 2008
The refined, upgraded Mazda BT-50 line-up of pick-ups, now on sale in the UK, introduces a new range-topping ‘Intrepid’ model with a 3-litre, 156ps turbo diesel engine, five-speed automatic transmission and leather interior. All upgraded models inherit the athletic looks of the previous model, while incorporating a further touch of brawny truck toughness into the exterior design. Combined with a broader range of exterior colours, the refreshed appearance conveys rugged reliability and an even stronger on-road presence.

“The upgraded Mazda BT-50 range is more boldly styled and better equipped and, in response to British customer feedback, now offers buyers in the UK a new ‘Intrepid’ model with more power and more comfort. Across the range, all the technical and practical attributes of the predecessor are retained, including its car-like driving dynamics, and valuable upgrades, such as ABS as standard, and an improved MP3-compatible audio system with auxiliary input jack. These enhancements, plus fresh exterior colours, will boost the appeal of Mazda’s pickup,” comments Mazda UK’s sales director Mark Cameron.

The five-strong range of upgraded Mazda BT-50 models is priced from £10,830.74 (Commercial Vehicle, on-the-road) for the 4×2 Single Cab and rise to £18,680.96 (CV OTR) for the new range-topping 4×4 Double Cab 3.0 Intrepid model. Currently, a range of customer savings (retail sales only, until 31 December 2008*), offers outstanding concessions of up to £1,981 (including VAT), meaning that Mazda BT-50 ownership can begin at only £10,495 (CV OTR), whilst Intrepid is offered at just £16,995 (CV OTR).

“The revised on-the-road prices for the upgraded Mazda BT-50 range - together with our ‘customer savings’ until 31 December, ensure that our pick-up remains extremely competitive for this market sector. I am confident our latest model will continue to build a strong presence for Mazda in the pick-up sector,” concluded Cameron.

All upgraded Mazda BT-50 models feature a new bonnet and grille, revised headlamps and a new front bumper design. The side-view of the upgraded Mazda BT-50 is also bolder and simpler, with Double Cab models featuring body-coloured flared wheelarches. A new, 16-inch, deep-recess alloy wheel design is standard on Double Cab TS2 and Intrepid models.

The upgraded Mazda BT-50 continues to deliver excellent off-road performance, with highly competitive approach, departure, breakover and tilt angles. Measuring 5,075mm in overall length, the Mazda BT-50 has a 465mm-high double-walled cargo box and a rear suspension featuring double-acting shock absorbers, enabling the 4×4 models to carry a load of up to 1,219kg.

Enhanced Convenience, Comfort & Equipment
The upgraded Mazda BT-50 carries over the car-like comfort and ambience that has earned widespread praise in the current model. New fabric designs and materials further improve the interior trim quality to provide class-leading comfort and bring a touch of sporty flair.

It also now features a new auxiliary (AUX) jack at the base of the centre stack to allow users to connect a portable audio player and listen to their favourite music through the vehicle’s audio system with two, four or six speakers - depending on model. The centre stack is now painted all-over silver, giving it a cleaner and deeper appearance.

New 156ps, 3-litre turbo diesel ‘Intrepid’ model exclusively for the UK
Especially for the UK market, a new MZR-CD 3.0 common-rail DOHC 16-valve turbo diesel engine is now available for the upgraded Mazda BT-50, offering 9% more power and 15% more torque than the 2.5-litre engine available with the rest of the range. The new engine is exclusive to the ‘Intrepid’ model and makes the Mazda BT-50 even more of an ideal companion for a number of lifestyles.

Delivering more power and more torque for even greater towing ability, the 3-litre turbo diesel engine generates a maximum power output of 156ps at 3,200rpm, and immensely exploitable maximum torque of 380Nm at just 1,800rpm. All 4-wheel drive Mazda BT-50s have a class-leading braked towing capacity of 3,000kg.

The new engine is matched to a new five-speed automatic transmission with a higher fifth gear ratio than the other 4-wheel drive models in the range (0.710:1 compared to 0.800:1 and the same final drive ratio of 3.727:1) for quiet economical cruising.

The new Mazda BT-50 4×4 Double Cab 3.0 Intrepid now heads-up the range with luxuries such as full leather trim, air conditioning and an MP3-compatible 6-CD autochanger with auxiliary jack input and six speakers. In addition to the leather trim, exclusive to the model are a stainless steel rear bumper bar and unique B-pillar trims, BT-50 branded scuff plates, a durable load-bed liner and privacy glass to the rear windows. The Intrepid logo features as a bold graphic on the front doors.

Buyers of Single Cab, Double Cab TS and Double Cab TS2 models will enjoy power provided by the popular 143ps, 330Nm 2.5-litre turbo diesel engine which is carried over unchanged, together with a five-speed manual gearbox, and delivers outstanding fuel economy of up to 39.7mpg on the extra-urban cycle.

Tough and Easy to Handle
The upgraded Mazda BT-50 retains the numerous chassis and safety improvements introduced with the previous model. The drivetrain is still offered in two versions - as before - a 2WD only version and a 2WD/4WD version with a two-speed (high/low range) transfer case and all 4×4 models are equipped with a rear Limited-Slip Differential (LSD).

Every Mazda BT-50 is provided with a full 3-year, 60,000 mile warranty cover, including Mazda European Assistance, 3-year paintwork warranty and a 6-year anti-perforation warranty for added peace of mind.

Customer Savings until 31 December
For a limited period, Mazda is offering a series of ‘customer savings’ for VAT-registered retail customers. These ’savings’ rise up to £1,981 (including VAT), depending on model, on retail sales until 31 December 2008 and mean that Mazda BT-50 ownership can begin at just £10,495 (CV OTR) for VAT-registered customers during this period.

All models in the Mazda BT-50 range have a payload in excess of 1,000kg, ensuring their qualification as a commercial vehicle for company car tax purposes. Customers running their Mazda BT-50 as a company vehicle therefore qualify for ‘Benefit-in-Kind’ taxation at a rate of just £3,000, meaning an annual car tax bill for a 20% tax payer of £600, which compares favourably to similarly-specified passenger cars.

Mazda2 Achieves 84MPG In Fuel Economy Challenge

19th November 2008 4:00 pm

After completing more than 410 miles on the gruelling ALD Automotive/TOTAL Excellium Fleet World MPG Marathon 2008, a Mazda2 diesel entered by Mazda Motors UK has secured a splendid second-place finish, recording an exceptional 84.58mpg.

The objective of the MPG Marathon was to promote eco-driving and highlight the fuel savings that are possible with a little thought and the use of ’smarter motoring’ techniques. A demanding route over a wide variety of roads in mid-Wales and the north-west Midlands attracted a field of 39 cars and crews from 22 manufacturers - representing a broad cross-section of vehicles. The event challenged crews “to improve upon the car’s official ‘combined cycle’ fuel economy figure” by the biggest margin.

Mazda2 1.4 5dr TS2 Diesel crew members - motoring journalist Sue Cooke and her daughter Joanne - fully exploited the supermini’s light weight and smooth aerodynamics, plus the engine’s 68ps and excellent torque (160Nm at 2000rpm). After two days of competitive ‘economy’ driving, they scored a 19 per cent improvement on the combined cycle figure (65.7mpg) of this popular Mazda, while averaging 40mph. The Mazda2 diesel has a CO2 rating of just 114g/km and qualifies in the £35 road fund licence band.

A delighted Sue commented: “I have never regarded my driving style as being expertly economical, but adopting a common-sense approach and employing some basic ’smarter motoring’ techniques - accelerating gently, shifting-up early and planning ahead to avoid unnecessary braking - allowed us to clearly demonstrate the huge fuel economy potential of the Mazda2.”

Ultimately, seven cars achieved more than 70mpg and eight recorded more than 80mpg. Event organiser, Ross Durkin, publisher of Fleet World magazine, explained: “It’s not what you drive, but how you drive that makes the difference. Once again this event has shown that skilled driving techniques work and can make a dramatic impact upon miles per gallon.”

Mazda’s ‘Smarter Motoring’ Tips

Change up ‘early’ through the gears, just before the ‘peak-torque’ rpm
Ease your speed. Driving at 70mph uses around 15 per cent more fuel than at 50mph
Anticipate to avoid unnecessary braking and stopping
Use the air-conditioning sparingly as it increases fuel consumption
Switch off the engine whenever it is safe to do so
Check tyre pressures regularly
Remove unnecessary weight from your car
Reduce aerodynamic drag whenever possible, e.g. removing roof racks when not in use
Follow the recommended servicing schedule.

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Honda Unveils Experimental Walking Assist Device With Bodyweight Support System

19th November 2008 9:00 am

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. unveiled its second experimental walking assist device that helps support bodyweight to reduce the load on the user’s* legs while walking, going up and down stairs, and in a semi-crouching position. Honda will now begin testing the device in real-world conditions to evaluate its effectiveness.

The new walking assist device with the bodyweight support system reduces the load on leg muscles and joints (in the hip, knees, and ankles) by supporting a portion of the person’s bodyweight. The device has a simple structure consisting of seat, frame, and shoes, and the user can put it on by simply wearing the shoes and lifting the seat into position. Moreover, a mechanism that directs the assisting force toward the user’s center of gravity and the ability to control the assist force in concert with the movement of the legs – both unique Honda innovations – make it possible for the device to provide natural assistance in various postures and motions.

Honda began research of a walking assist device in 1999 with the goal to provide more people with the joy of mobility. Honda developed the knowledge required to develop the walking assist device from its thorough study of human walking represented by the research and development of Honda’s advanced humanoid robot, ASIMO. This research has been conducted by the Fundamental Technology Research Center of Honda R&D Co., Ltd. in Wako, Saitama. To evaluate the effectiveness of the experimental model of the walking assist device with bodyweight support system, Honda will test the walking assist device at its Saitama Factory (in Sayama, Saitama) starting this month. * This device is designed for people who are still capable of walking on their own.
¦ Key Features 1. Convenient sitting-type device
  · The user simply needs to wear the shoes and raise the seat into place.

 
· The user can benefit from the assist without need of a belt to fasten the device to their body.

 
· The structure to position the device between the user’s legs minimizes the required footprint, therefore making it easier for them to maneuver.

 
 
2. Method to assist bodyweight support
  · The device will support a portion of the person’s bodyweight by lifting the seat as the frame between the shoe and seat bends and extends, just like knees, with the force from the motor. As a result, the load on leg muscles and joints (in the hip, knees, and ankles) is reduced.

 
· Honda developed a unique mechanism where the seat and frame follow the movement of the body and legs. The assisting force will be directed toward the user’s center of gravity, just as with human legs, which enables the device to provide assistance in various movements and postures including walking, going up and down stairs, and in a semi-crouching position.

 
 
3. Natural control of the assisting force
  · Natural walking is achieved by changing the amount of assisting force applied to the right and left legs through the control of two motors based on the information obtained though sensors imbedded in the shoes of the device.

 
· The effectiveness of the device was increased in those motions and postures which put increased load on knees, such as going up and down stairs and in a semi-crouching position. This was achieved by adjusting the assisting force in accordance with the bending and stretching motion of the knees. 
 
¦ Key specifications of experimental walking assist device with bodyweight support system 

Weight	6.5kg (including shoes and batteries)
Drive system	Motor X 2
Battery pack	Lithium ion battery
Operating time per charge	2 hours (including walking and in a semi-crouching posture, etc.)
Suitable height of the user	Within plus or minus 5cm of the set height (Example: set height for Medium size is 170cm)

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Seat Ibiza’s Golden Steering Wheel

18th November 2008 4:00 pm

SEAT is celebrating a brace of impressive European awards for its all-new Ibiza supermini after judges in both Germany and The Netherlands voted it top of its class.

Earlier this week executives from the Barcelona-based car maker travelled to Berlin to collect a prestigious ‘Golden Steering Wheel’ awarded by influential German newspaper Bild am Sonntag - one of Europe’s biggest-selling titles.

Nominations for the final five cars in each category were voted on by readers of the Sunday newspaper before going on to be judged by an expert panel of drivers and celebrities including former rally and race ace Walter Röhrl, and ex-F1 driver Hans-Joachim Stuck.

The Ibiza came out tops in the small car class after being judged best in dynamics, design comfort and handling.  The SEAT’s low CO2 emissions and outstanding value for money also helped it to the title.

Receiving the award in Germany on Wednesday, SEAT S.A. Vice President of Research and Development, Frank Bekemeier, said: ‘The Golden Steering Wheel awarded to the Ibiza is a great honour for the whole team.’

Meanwhile, only a few days before, the elegant Ibiza 5dr had been named ‘Compact Car of the Year’ by the Dutch automobile club ANWB.

Monthly magazine De Kampioen, edited by the ANWB for its members, tested a five-door SEAT Ibiza 1.4 SE against a basket of top competitors including the new Ford Fiesta, Mazda 2 and Alfa Romeo MiTo.  The judges’ verdict was clear: ‘The Ibiza is one step ahead of its rivals.’

The SEAT’s fine design, exceptional quality and extensive standard equipment helped it secure top spot in the Dutch test, with the ANWB judges praising in particular its ‘big car’ features such as the availability of ESP, EBA, Hill Hold Control and Tyre Pressure Warning.

SEAT UK Head of Marketing, Steve Robertson, said of the Ibiza’s growing haul of European awards: ‘The fact that independent judges in both Germany and Holland have put Ibiza top in such a competitive sector shows the tremendous appeal of the car.

‘SEAT’s push for quality and value, our famous reputation for high levels of standard equipment and our determination to make the Ibiza the most engaging, enjoyable drive in its class clearly make the Ibiza a winner.”

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Eyecatching Economy From New Audi A5

18th November 2008 9:00 am

Coupé styling now combines with 53mpg-plus economy in new four-cylinder diesel-powered Audi coupé.
• New A5 2.0 TDI available in front-wheel-drive and quattro four-wheel-drive forms priced at £28,485 OTR and £30,010 OTR
• Sport and recently introduced S line upgrades also available at premiums of £950 and £2,250 over standard models
• Powered by latest 2.0 TDI engine with common rail piezo fuel injection delivering 170PS at 4,200rpm and 350Nm from 1,750rpm to 2,500rpm – initially available with manual transmission only
• A5 2.0 TDI - 0-62mph in 8.3 seconds, 140mph top speed, 53.3mpg combined, CO2 140g/km, A5 2.0 TDI quattro 0-62mph in 8.2 seconds, 140mph top speed, 47.9mpg combined, CO2 156g/km
• New S line specification available across the A5 range includes S line body and interior styling enhancements, 18-inch S line alloy wheels, sports suspension and xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights

The cost of cutting a dash in the Audi A5 coupé has just been further reduced by the frugal new 53mpg A5 2.0 TDI, which is available to order now in front-wheel-drive and quattro four-wheel-drive forms priced from £28,485 OTR, and will reach its first UK customers in March 2009. Its launch also coincides with the introduction of the even more striking S line specification for all A5 models, available at a premium of £2,250 over standard trim.

In keeping with its performance coupé positioning, the A5 adopts the most powerful, 170PS version of the new generation 2.0-litre TDI unit first seen in the A4 Saloon and Avant. Enhanced by an advanced common rail piezo fuel injection system, the state-of-the art unit makes its impressive 350Nm torque output available from just 1,750rpm, and by fully exploiting this via the standard six-speed manual transmission the 0-62mph sprint can be dispatched in just 8.3 seconds in the front-wheel-drive version. This strong performance is underpinned by fuel economy that at 53.3mpg on the combined cycle is 20 per cent better than the already sparing A5 2.7 TDI (44.1mpg), and CO2 output that at 140g/km is 9 per cent down on the next lowest producer, the A5 2.0 TFSI (154g/km)

The significantly improved refinement of the new common rail TDI and the sophistication of the aluminium-rich five-link front and trapezoidal link rear suspension makes for unruffled progress in the A5 2.0 TDI, helped by its longest-in-class wheelbase. The repositioned front axle permitting shorter overhangs and much improved axle load distribution also works in favour of handling balance and agility, traits which are especially evident in the quattro version with its latest generation system with 40/60 front-to-rear power distribution.

New S line option
Even sharper response is available to drivers who choose the optional Sport upgrade, which along with 18-inch 10-spoke V-design alloy wheels and sports seats brings sports suspension lowered by 20mm. This suspension set up is also included as part of the new S line specification available for all A5 models, which features 18-inch 5-spoke S line alloy wheels, an exclusive S line front and rear bumper design, side sill extensions, S line treatments for the interior and xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights. S line subscribers also have the option to specify an even more driver-focused S line suspension at no extra cost. A5 Sport models carry a premium of £950 over their standard counterparts in each case, and new S line versions a premium of £2,250 over standard specification.

The addition of the latest generation 2.0 TDI engine brings the total number of units powering the A5 to six. The range includes 2.7-litre and 3.0-litre V6 diesels with outputs of 190PS and 240PS, two 2.0-litre TFSI petrol units with 180PS and 211PS and a 3.2-litre V6 FSI petrol with 265PS.

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Renault Nissan Alliance And Yokohama City To Pursue Zero Emission Mobility

17th November 2008 5:00 pm

Renault Nissan Alliance and the city of Yokohama today announced a partnership to study sustainable mobility solutions for Yokohama. Under the Environment Model City* pilot, Yokohama aims to achieve significant CO2 reductions by experimenting with a range of methodologies across key sectors including transportation, housing and renewable energy development.

Nissan will introduce an all-electric vehicle in Yokohama by 2010, making the city one of the first in the world to offer the vehicle.

The scope of the Memorandum of Understanding will examine the following:

1. Measures to promote eco-driving
2. Study of route navigation systems to alleviate traffic congestion
3. Measures to promote mass acceptance of electric vehicles

3-1) Customer incentives
3-2) Development of electric-charging infrastructure

Nissan has been piloting its Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS), combining telematics and vehicle navigation system, to offer real-time traffic solutions in Yokohama since September 2006. The University of Tokyo is also participating to monitor and evaluate the progress of the program.

“Through our Environment Model City pilot, we hope to define an innovative vision that leads to CO2 reduction, sustainability and improved quality of life for our citizens. We look forward to a mutually-beneficial partnership with Nissan,” said Yokohama Mayor Hiroshi Nakada.

“Nissan firmly believes the solution to sustainable mobility can be achieved with electric vehicles. We look forward to working with the city of Yokohama to make electric vehicles a sensible, attractive and eco-friendly choice for customers,” said Carlos Tavares, executive vice president of Nissan.

The Renault Nissan Alliance aims to be a global leader in zero-emission vehicles. The Alliance has entered into partnerships worldwide including Israel, Denmark, Portugal, France and the State of Tennessee in the U.S.

* The City of Yokohama has been selected by the government in July 2008 as an Environment Model City and aims to achieve 30% or more reduction in CO2 emissions per capita (compared to the ratio in fiscal year 2004).

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