Auto Sector

New Golf tops European safety test

New Golf tops European safety testWolfsburg, Germany  - The new Golf VI generation has been given a top safety rating in the independent EuroNCAP crash test.

Testers described the model as an improvement on the predecessor Golf V, which scored lower marks against its main competitor, the Opel Astra.

The Golf scored 36 out of 37 possible points on occupant, pedestrian and child safety, with a maximum five-star rating for occupant safety.

Styling revisions announced for new Citroen C1

Styling revisions announced for new Citroen C1Paris  - French carmaker Citroen is giving the 2009 model of the C1 a makeover. The new look includes a modified front and a more economical engine, which should lower fuel consumption to 4.5 litres per 100 kilometres.

The one-litre engine, with an output of 50 kilowatts/68 horsepower, has been adjusted so that carbon dioxide emissions are only 106 grammes per kilometre. Production of the Hdi 55-diesel version will end because of poor demand.

Porsche downplays plans for four-cylinder Boxter

Porsche downplays plans for four-cylinder BoxterStuttgart  - Porsche is said to be downplaying plans to build a special economical four-cylinder version of the Boxter, the British Autocar magazine has reported, quoting company sources.

A Porsche spokesman described the report as "pure speculation." The next generation of the Boxter Roadster and the Cayman coupe would still be offered with a six-cylinder engine, the spokesman added. He pointed out that they would be more economical because of direct injection systems.

Jaguar XJ epitomizes some highlights of British motoring

Jaguar XJ epitomizes some highlights of British motoringCoventry, England  - The Jaguar XJ, which celebrates its 40th birthday this year, in a sense epitomizes the very best and worst of British motoring.

Driving an XJ is an emotional experience that clearly differs from the cool precision of taking the wheel in a Mercedes.

For a start, there is the distinct smell of the opulent leather interior coupled with neatly arranged dials on the wooden dashboard, giving it an aura of luxurious opulence.

Smart Fortwo hits cult status as Batmobile

Smart Fortwo hits cult status as BatmobileLas Vegas  - At least Batman doesn't have to worry about getting a parking space now.

A specialty auto fitter gave a Smart Fortwo a kind of celebrity makeover at a Las Vegas trade show earlier this month, transforming the subcompact car into a mini-Batmobile, complete with a black airbrush paint job and tailfins.

Designer George Barris, renowned for creating the original Batmobile in the 1960s superhero television series, teamed up with the Californian specialist firm Vertical Doors to build the Batsmart.

Mazda buys back 6.87-per-cent stake from Ford

Mazda Motor CorpTokyo - Mazda Motor Corp bought back 6.87-per

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