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Hailed as the most important new car launch of 2011, the Ford Focus takes a huge evolutionary step forward and sets the tone at this week’s Detroit Motor Show.
Arriving next year, the focus boasts a dramatic new look, promising to be the most ambitious evolution yet of the nation’s favourite car. With pricing yet to be confirmed Ford are insisting that the 2010 Focus will offer great value for money, with entry-level editions starting from around £15,000. On top of this there will be the introduction of turbocharged petrol and diesel engines, advanced auto transmissions and an improved chassis.
While the current model remains one of the finest-handling cars in the class, Ford has developed an advanced new chassis in a bid to take the latest generation leagues ahead of the VW Golf MkVI and latest Vauxhall Astra. For the first time, the Focus will use torque vectoring, which demonstrates stability and steering response improved through a combination of braking and engine power, resulting in a more refined and comfortable ride. In addition, a new electric power-steering system has been carefully tuned, and for the first time offers dynamic cornering control – a set-up that helps the driver make the most of the car’s handling.
Below details taken from the 2011 Ford Focus Website
Start Yourself Up
Focus is as stimulating as a good cup of coffee. As responsive as a good conversationalist. Because every time you see it, touch it, drive it, Focus stirs something inside you. Whether it’s the satisfying, connected-to-the-road feel you get as you negotiate a tight turn. The feeling of complete control as you sink into the cockpit. Or the sheer joy of its intuitive technology. The next-generation Focus. See how it can power you on. Arrives early 2011.
Dynamic and exterior design
Kinetic design and a muscular stance give you the sense that Focus is alive. The dynamic exterior design conveys a promise of the experience that awaits. Yes, Focus is pleasing to the eye. But make no mistake about it; this is not design for design sake. This is design that delivers an uncompromised driving experience. Inside and out.
Plug Yourself In
Once you plug yourself in to the next-generation Focus, you’ll be fully engaged. Thanks to outstanding ergonomics, Focus fits you like a glove. With controls that are within easy reach, and exactly where you’d expect them to be. An uncompromised design aesthetic engages you further, by making everything that surrounds you as beautiful as it is functional. Thoughtful craftsmanship is evident in every detail. From artful air vents to sleek, chrome door handles, this is design that’s as rewarding to look at as it is to use. Design intended to put you in the driver’s seat.
Techno-Talented
The intuitive technology of the next-generation Focus allows you to truly take charge without ever missing a beat. From MyFord Touch™ Driver Connect Technology and SYNC® voice-activated communications, to touch-screen navigation and Intelligent Access with push-button start, these innovative technologies enhance both your drive and your life.
Addictive Driving Experience
No hesitation here. This is a full-on driving experience with all the agility, precision and connection you crave. Agile suspension. Precisely honed steering. Dynamic Cornering Control that connects you to the road. Not to mention a fuel-smart, fully engaging six-speed PowerShift automatic transmission. Direct driving responses and instantaneous driver feedback make the next-generation Focus so fun to drive, you’ll find it habit-forming.
To keep up to date with the latest news on the 2011 Ford Focus visit Lifestyle Ford
The popular Mazda6 has scooped its fifth and sixth What Car? Car of the Year awards being crowned both ‘Family Car’ and ‘Estate Car of the Year 2010’ at the prestigious What Car? Awards held at the Grosvenor House hotel in London.
The Mazda6, available at Lifestyle Mazda in Horsham, Crawley and Eastbourne, impressed a panel of three judges with its performance, reliability and affordability after evaluating three cars in each of the ‘Family Car’ and ‘Estate Car’ categories.
Now in its 33rd year, the What Car? Car of the Year Awards compares 392 different models across 16 major categories.
Peter Lawson, panel judge for the ‘Family Car’ category commended the Mazda6 for its practicality, comfort, class, reliability and its fun to drive appeal, claiming: “If you choose wisely, you can have all these talents wrapped up in one car: the Mazda6.”
He added: “What’s more, this Mazda’s resale values are stronger than a body-builder’s biceps.”
Steve Fowler, What Car? Editor commented on Mazda’s double triumph: “The Mazda6 Hatchback and Estate outclassed contenders in the ‘Family Car’ and ‘Estate Car’ categories with its overall package of practicality and good looks proving too much for the competition. The Mazda6 ticks all the right boxes when it comes to company car and family car drivers making an informed car purchase”.
Mark Spowage: “We are truly delighted that the Mazda6 has been crowned the What Car? ‘Family Car’ and ‘Estate Car of the Year’. These are the fifth and sixth awards from What Car? for the Mazda6, which is further confirmation why it is one of the most popular models in the range.
“The current model has sold particularly well at Lifestyle Mazda thanks to its high levels of comfort, flexibility, dynamic handling and great engine; attributes which have been particularly popular among families and company car drivers. We are now looking forward to introducing the Mazda6 range to even more car buyers in Horsham, Crawley and Eastbourne.”
The Mazda6 Estate impressed judges with the same attributes of the Mazda6 hatchback yet the extra space and clever mechanisms ‘dazzled’ panel judge Barnaby Jones and beat off stiff competition for the ‘Estate Car of the Year’ title .
The Mazda6 range, priced from £16,115 on-the-road and available at Lifestyle Mazda, inspired a decisive reaction from the judges and claimed the ‘Family Car’ and ‘Estate Car’ titles from the Skoda Superb and Ford Mondeo in the ‘Family Car’ category, while the Mazda6 Estate outshone the Skoda Octavia Estate and Mercedes E-Class in the ‘Estate Car’ category.
Mazda6 is offered with a choice of four powertrains and five equipment levels. Each of the equipment levels – S, TS, TS2, Sport and Sports Luxury are highly specified within its price band. Specification upgrades on the Mazda6 in 2009 included a new standard equipment feature on 15 models from the £18,440 TS2 – Mazda’s innovative safety-boosting lane‑change ‘Rear Vehicle Monitoring System’.
To find out more about the Mazda6 range or to arrange a test-drive, please call Lifestyle Mazda on Horsham, 01403 254 331, Crawley, 01293 845 000 or Eastbourne, 01323 737 233 or visit the your nearest showroom.
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The world premiere of the all-new Mazda5 on 2 March will be a highlight of this year’s Geneva Motor Show. The all-new Mazda5 has been designed and developed to be especially good at meeting the needs of European families with active lifestyles.
“In approaching development of the all-new Mazda5,” says Hideki Matsuoka, Mazda5 Programme Manager, “our team aimed to create a new C-MAV that combines superb practicality with the superior environmental performance these modern times demand and a new expression in stylish design.”
The all-new model further evolves Mazda5’s acclaimed functionality – with rear sliding doors and up to 7-seat Karakuri flexibility in the spacious cabin – and creates an eye-catching exterior that is unique to the segment. This design, which also uses elements of Mazda’s ‘Nagare Flow’ design language, is also highly functional and contributes to fuel efficiency by achieving a particularly low drag coefficient, together with optimal lift and air-flow stability characteristics.
The all-new Mazda5 is fitted with a newly-developed 2.0-litre DISI1 petrol engine equipped with i-stop, and a six-speed manual transmission with gear ratios specific to this version. This new direct-injection petrol engine offers linear and smooth performance characteristics which ensure that it is fun to drive in the best Mazda tradition.
The all-new Mazda5 is also one of the most frugal and clean C-MAVs on the market, achieving approximately 15 percent reduction in CO2 emissions compared to the 2.0-litre petrol model it replaces. The petrol line-up also features a 1.8-litre engine with a six-speed manual transmission.
The all-new Mazda5 will go on sale across Europe later this year. The new model is one of three premieres that will be unveiled during Mazda’s press conference to be held at the Mazda stand in Hall 5, on 2 March at 11:15 (CET).
1 DISI = direct-injection spark ignition
To find out more about the Mazda Range please visit Lifestyle Mazda
Sites in Horsham and Crawley, West Sussex and Eastbourne, East Sussex, providing New and Used Car and Commercial Vehicle Sales, Servicing, Motability and Accident Repair
Mazda2 | Mazda3 | Mazda5 | Mazda6 | Mazda MX-5 | Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupé | Mazda RX-8 | Mazda CX-7 | Mazda BT-50
World debut wows crowds in Motor City. Bosses confirm electric and plug-in hybrid versions on way.
As well as being the most technically advanced family hatchback ever launched, Ford’s new Focus also promises to be the greenest!
Speaking at the Detroit Motor Show – where the new Focus made its public debut – company chairman Bill Ford announced both electric and plug-in hybrid versions of the car would be built in the US. The EV will be available in only 18 months, with the plug-in hybrid going on sale in 2012. Although details are yet to be confirmed, a Ford source has told Auto Express that the EV edition, which will initially only be available in left-hand drive, is to share much of its technology with the recent Magna-engined BEV prototype.
With a 23kWh lithium-ion battery, it will deliver 134bhp and offer a range of around 75 miles. A full charge will take six hours from a household plug, and half that time from a 400-volt industrial supply. Meanwhile, the plug-in hybrid will use the same lithium-ion battery technology and incorporate a conventional hybrid powertrain, similar to that fitted to Toyota’s Prius, rather than the range-extending EV technology offered by Vauxhall’s Ampera.
Speculation suggests that this car could reach the UK late in 2012. The technology has already been fitted to the US-only Escape 4×4, which returns around 120mpg with fully charged batteries. Cells are topped up by braking and freewheeling, or can be recharged with a standard household plug.
The Focus, which is lighter, smaller and more aerodynamic than the Escape, should better this figure with fuel economy of more than 130mpg.
Ford’s all-new Focus range goes on sale in the UK later this year, with the introduction of the Grand C-MAX.
It will be joined in January 2011 by the five-door hatchback model, also revealed at Detroit.
To find out more about the Ford Range please visit Lifestyle Ford
Sites in Kent, Sussex and Surrey, providing New and Used Car and Commercial Vehicle Sales, Servicing, Motability and Accident Repair
Source | Auto Express | Written By Dan Strong
Ford Ka | Ford Fiesta | Ford Fusion | Ford Focus | Ford C-MAX | Ford Mondeo | Ford S-MAX | Ford Kuga | Ford Galaxy
Ford’s top selling vehicle range secured almost 17 per cent of the UK’s total 2009 market for the blue oval, making one in six new vehicles a Ford. Other highlights of the official full-year 2009 figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders include:
Number one UK car brand for 33rd successive year.
Ford share of the total (car and CV) market up from 16.3 in 2008 to 16.7 per cent for 2009.
Total Ford sales to retail customers up by over 9,000 compared with 2008.
Ford car share rose 0.8 points to 15.9 per cent compared with 2008.
Ford car sales to retail customers up 5,500 compared with 2008.
Ford commercial vehicles have been the UK’s favourite for 45 years.
1-2 for Ford Fiesta and Focus in the car sales charts.
45 years as number one for Ford Transit, which has enjoyed market leadership its entire lifetime.
Ford light commercial share up by 4.5 per cent and total CV share up by 0.8 percentage points compared with 2008.
Ford sold 316,369 cars in the UK last year during a challenging trading period which saw the Government introduce its vehicle scrappage scheme mid year. Ford took over 35,200 scrappage orders in 2009, helping to maintain car registrations to within two per cent of its 2008 total.
Ford car sales to retail customers were up over 9,000 in 2009, compared with 2008, with Ford Fiesta recording an additional 22,300 sales (fleet and retail) during the year.
In early 2009 Ford Fiesta took over the top UK sales position from the Ford Focus and the pair retained first and second in the sales charts through to the end of the year. The economical Ford Fiesta led Ford sales of cars with emissions under 120g CO2/km, which doubled for the blue oval during 2009 versus the prior year. Ford also offers three sub 100g CO2 vehicles in its Ford Focus, Ford Fiesta and Fiesta Van ECOnetic models.
Ford Transit, launched in 1965, has led the commercial vehicle sector ever since. The iconic Transit helped grow Ford’s 2009 CV registrations to 24.4 per cent – up from 23.6 per cent the prior year.
In a particularly challenging 2009 CV market, Ford light commercials raised their share of the segment by 4.5 percentage points to 26.3 per cent, compared with 2008.
For December 2009, both Ford car and total CV sales were up compared with December 2008. Car sales were up by 3,544 to 21,732 and CV sales were up by 595 to 3,983. During December most Ford car models also saw increased sales compared with the same month in 2008 with Focus up by 1,778 to 7,339, for example.
Nigel Sharp, Ford Britain managing director, said: “Ford’s strong 2009 sales performance underlined once again the market appeal of the company’s best ever product line up. 2010 is set to be another year of tough trading but Ford will continue to benefit from a flow of new models, including S-MAX, Galaxy and C-MAX, and the unrivalled strength of its dealer network.
“Ford Fiesta continued collecting awards through the year after kicking off 2008 as Car of the Year according to What Car?. Autotrader named the Ford Focus their Car of the Decade.”
To find out more about the new Ford range please visit Lifestyle Ford
Mazda’s CX-7 SUV is set to ditch its highly polluting petrol engine for a diesel powerplant featuring groundbreaking exhaust-cleaning technology.
The revamped five-seater is fitted with a special catalyst system that uses an additive called AdBlue to reduce the amount of poisonous oxides of nitrogen it emits. The Japanese firm says this will help it to meet tough Euro V regulations.
The 171bhp 2.2-litre diesel is also much better on economy and CO2 output than the old turbocharged petrol engine, recording a combined 37.7mpg and 199g/km. That halves the annual road tax to £205 a year.
The CX-7’s swift but comparatively thirsty 2.3-litre petrol unit has been dumped in favour of the new diesel taken from the 6 range. A single, highly specced model will be sold, with equipment likely to include xenon lights, heated leather seats, cruise control, parking sensors and a nine-speaker Bose sound system.
The CX-7 diesel will make its debut at next month’s Frankfurt Motor show, before going on sale in October. Prices are set to start at around £25,000, a rise of £1,000 over the petrol model.
Source: Auto Express
To find out more about the Mazda CX-7 why not visit our Dealerships in Sussex based at Manor Royal, Crawley, 53-55 Bishopric, Horsham or Lottbridge Drove, Eastbourne
We have a number of exclusive offers currently available and can also offer the Government Scrappage Incentive across the entire Mazda range of models. We are a one-stop-shop for all things Mazda, including Parts and Accessories, Aftersales including Service and Accident Repair, Motability Car Sales.
Visit www.lifestylemazda.co.uk or call Horsham – 01403 254 331, Crawley – 01293 845 000 or Eastbourne – 01323 737 233 today.
It’s back to basics for sportscar legend Mazda – the Japanese firm will premiere a super-light version of its best selling MX-5 sports car at next month’s Frankfurt Motor Show.
Dubbed the Mazda MX-5 Superlight, the concept celebrates 20 years of success with an open-topped, no-frills design focusing on affordable driving fun.
Created by Mazda’s studio in Oberursel, Germany, the two-seat roadster has been pared back to the bare essentials.
As these official Mazda pictures demonstrate, the Superlight concept is a roofless speedster offering only minimal protection from the elements. The cabin is a race inspired affair in keeping with the radical exterior.
A spiritual successor to the dramatic Renaultsport Spyder, Mazda claims that the Superlight concept takes the lightweight nature of the MX-5 to a whole new level, so expect extensive use of exotic materials amongst other weight saving measures.
Engine output has not been revealed, however the radical weight loss alone would make faster than your regular MX-5. Options open to engineers include the turbocharged 2.3-litre unit that offers up to 260bhp in the Mazda 3 MPS
In addition to the performance benefits of lightweight construction, Mazda is keen to stress the fuel saving and emission reductions possible with a lighter vehicle.
More details will be announced early next month.
Source: Auto Express – By Christopher MacLean
To find out more about the Mazda MX-5 why not visit our Dealerships in Sussex based at Manor Royal, Crawley, 53-55 Bishopric, Horsham or Lottbridge Drove, Eastbourne
We have a number of exclusive offers currently available on the award-winning roaster and can also offer the Government Scrappage Incentive across the entire Mazda MX-5 range of models. We are a one-stop-shop for all things Mazda, including Servicing, Accident Repair, Motability and New and Used Car Sales.
Visit www.lifestylemazda.co.uk or call Horsham – 01403 254 331, Crawley – 01293 845 000 or Eastbourne – 01323 737 233 today.
Hailed as the most important new car launch of 2011, the Ford Focus takes a huge evolutionary step forward and sets the tone at this week’s Detroit Motor Show.
