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It is a legal requirement that all models of new car models should pass a number of safety tests before they can be marketed and these is a minimum legal standard of safety for all new cars. However, most new car models exceed these basic standards.
Euro NCAP stands for the European New Car Assessment Programme and it operates from Belgium. It carries out tests on new car models and published the results. Set up in 1997, it is run by seven European Governments along with motoring and consumer organisations that represent every country in Europe. Although it is not a legal requirement for car manufactures to participate in Euro NCAP most, if not all, do participate.
Euro NCAP tests award ‘star ratings’ depending on how well vehicles perform in a number of crash tests and these include collisions from the front, back and sides along with impacts with pedestrians and impacts with objects such as telegraph poles. The highest rating that can be achieved is five stars. Depending on the tests impact speeds vary from 25 mph up to 40 mph.
The overall effect of Euro NCAP testing has been to increase the safety of cars as the star rating of a car is an important factor for the car buyer who, over recent years, has become far more safety conscious than was the case previously. There are examples of poor performing cars with just a one star rating having such low sales that their manufacturer withdrew them from production; manufacturers tends to be very active in correcting any features on their models that are shown to be a safety risk.
It is important to realize that star ratings refer to the kind of car, and are not comparable between different types of vehicle. Euro NCAP uses the following major vehicle classifications: passenger car, roadster, MPV, off-roader and pickup truck, and secondary classifications depend on the weight of the vehicle.
Although Euro NCAP ratings are voluntary, all vehicles must pass the ˜Whole Vehicle Type Approval™ tests, but these are significantly less severe than Euro NCAP.
If you are not convinced about whether or not you should buy a new car, then why don’t you get a used car instead? Motors.co.uk is the best place to start researching some used cars especially for those who live around Edinburgh area and beyond.
Like the concept, the production Volvo/Polestar C30 would be the first to carry the PCP badge – referring not to the chemical narcotic, but standing, somewhat repetitively, for Performance Concept Prototype. Similar high-performance versions of Volvo’s other products would follow and wear the same nameplate, creating a subdivision for Volvo that would be equivalent to what Mercedes-Benz has in AMG and what BMW does with its M division.
The new BMW X3, which is available from suppliers since the fall of 2010, is uniquely versatile. Now BMW tuning specialist AC Schnitzer has a wide range of accessories to the second generation SUV even more striking.
Only the AC Schnitzer performance upgrade in the 184-218 HP X3 xDrive20d makes the vehicle stand out from the crowd. And in the near future, the Aachen-based specialists provide a performance improvement for many X3 xDrive30d.
With or without the improved power, engine compartment styling with AC Schnitzer logo is available for all models.
Even when stationary, AC Schnitzer X3 from showing his assets – and not just when the door is open. For the 6-cylinder 3.5i petrol and 2.8i models, an AC Schnitzer sports exhaust system made of stainless steel is currently under development. This improves the response and offers special ring tone. Chrome “Racing” tailpipe emissions trim puts the finishing touch to the exhaust. For purely visual enhancement, exhaust trim is also available as a separate device for diesel variants.
Individualists want to fly high, and ensure that the agile X3 AC Schnitzer remains firmly on the ground, Aachen engineers have come up with a suspension kit for the optimum combination of sporty performance and driving comfort.
Aerodynamic kit for the new X3 features a beautiful front spoiler, roof spoiler AC Schnitzer rear skirt and protective film.
AC Schnitzer airbag sports steering wheel, which is currently under development, which provides sports car flair and homeland security. As a sport steering wheel, unique “inner values” of the AC Schnitzer X3 in the eye. Sports accents are set by AC Schnitzer gear knobs aluminum anodized silver / chrome or “Black Line” / chrome, or digital gear display, and “Black Line” aluminum cover for the BMW i-Drive controller specific system.
Further impressive design elements such as AC Schnitzer aluminum pedals, illuminated gear knob leather, velvet and AC Schnitzer floor mats, a fully fitted perfectly unmistakable X3.
Such a unique view to the proper wheels and tires. This was the opinion of the Aachen-based tuning specialist, bicolor X3 given a choice of type VIII forged racing wheels in 22 inch, or type VII or bicolor racing rims in silver 22 inch. A piece of the rims Type VI (bicolor), Type VIII (bicolor) and Type IV (or Silver bicolor) are also available in sizes 18, 19 or 20 inches. Type V alloy forged wheel in 20 inch are a natural part of the wide range.
AC Schnitzer range for the new BMW X3 BMW fans, let alone the problem of choice, and so extends the special abilities of the vehicles with more personal pleasure machine.
Citroen DS3
Citroen DS3 The Citroën DS3 is a supermini, produced by French manufacturer Citroën from 2009. This is the first car in the new DS (Different Spirit) range from Citroën. It was first hinted by the concept car Citroën DS Inside. This range of vehicle shares no common feature with, and is in no way the successor to, the Citroën DS. The DS3 is a compact car which competes against the MINI, Alfa Romeo MiTo and Audi A1. The DS3 features prominently in the video for the Pixie Lott song “Broken Arrow”. It is the first time that a car has had product placement in a British music video.
Citroen DS3
Citroen DS3 The latest entrant into the highly competitive small hot hatch market is this Citroen Supermini based upon the latest DS vehicle. Set to line-up head to head against the Mini Cooper S and Fiat 500 Abarth the Citroen DS3 GT has a tough track to follow. With massive wide arches, rear wing spoiler and pumped up bonnet vent and body kit it certainly looks the business but what about its engine and chassis? Under the vented bonnet it looks likely that Citroen will install the 1.6 litre turbo from the Peugeot 207 GTi and Mini Cooper S. With the release of the DS3 is signals a revival for the DS badged vehicle as was first launched in the 50’s.
Citroen DS3
Citroen DS3 The DS3, based largely off Citroën’s C3 compact, is the first example, aimed squarely at the likes of premium compacts like the Mini Cooper. While the car’s exterior is rather busy, certain styling cues — like the angled B-pillar and the contrasting “floating roof — work well. We’ve yet to see a photo of the complete interior, but Citroen says buyers will be able to personalize the cabin with a seemingly endless array of trim finishes and seat fabrics.
Citroen DS3
Citroen DS3 Citroen’s super stylish DS3 hatchback is now available in the United Kingdom starting from £11,700. Available trim levels include DSign, DStyle and DSport while there is also a DStyle99 model which comes with 90 hp HDi diesel engine which has Co2 rating of just 99 g/km. Other options for engine include 95 and 120 hp VTi, 90 hp and 110 hp HDi, and a 150 hp THP.
The Yamaha YZF-R1, introduced in 1998, is a sport bike manufactured by Yamaha Motor Company;
Yamaha YZF-R1 1998–1999
Yamaha launched the YZF-R1 after redesigning the Genesis engine to offset the crankshaft, gearbox input and output shafts. This “compacting” of the engine yielded a huge dividend in that the total engine length was now much shorter. This allowed the wheelbase to be shortened significantly which resulted in much quicker handling and an optimized center of gravity. The bike had a compression ratio of 11.8:1. with a 6-speed multi-plate clutch transmission.
The launch model Yamaha YZF-R1 was available in white/red or blue. Early models were subject to a worldwide recall for a clutch problem. Yamaha today describes the launch of the R1 as the true value of “Kando”.
YZF-R1 instrumentation
The 1999 R1 saw only minor changes apart from paint and graphics. Notable improvements were a redesigned gear change linkage and the gear change shaft length which was increased for better gear shifting. Fuel tank reserve capacity was reduced from 5.5 l (1.2 imp gal; 1.5 US gal) to 4.0 l (0.88 imp gal; 1.1 US gal), while the total fuel tank capacity was unchanged at 18 l (4.0 imp gal; 4.8 US gal). A second worldwide recall was issued for 1998 and early 1999 models to change a coolant hose clamp under the fuel tank which could, under hard use, come adrift.
Yamaha YZF-R1 2000–2001
In 2000, Yamaha introduced a series of changes to improve the bike, plus minor changes to the body work to allow for better long duration ride handling. The R1 was an excellent bike to live with on short runs, but due to its quick handling was not a favorite longer run bike. Yamaha’s main design goal was to sharpen the pre-existing bike and not redesign it. Even so they instituted over 150 changes in hopes of making an already light, sleek and mean motorcycle even lighter, sleeker and meaner. For example, even with the addition of the new Air Induction System, which weighs four pounds, the overall weight of the bike is down five pounds to 414 lb (188 kg) dry. At 127.8 bhp (95.3 kW) at the rear wheel, top-end output remains the same but changes to the engine management system are supposed to result in a smoother, broader distribution of power.The bodywork is still unmistakably R1 although a few changes were made resulting in a 3% reduction in the drag coefficient. The headlight housing has a sharper profile, the side panels are more aerodynamic and slippery and the windscreen has been reshaped for better rider protection. In fact the bodywork changed so much that bodywork from previous R1s will not fit the Y2K edition. Also updated is the seating area. The fuel tank is reshaped with a more relaxed rear angle and deeper leg recesses to provide for better rider feel. The seat extends further towards the front of the tank and the new, steeper seating position puts additional weight on the front end. All of this is aimed at improving weight bias and offering sharper cornering and more stability. Again, the resounding theme here is to sharpen what was already a very sharp package. The carburetors have been rejetted in an effort to improve throttle response—especially in the low end—all the way up to the bike’s 11,750 rpm redline. The redesigned camshafts are lighter and use internal oil ways to lubricate journals that, when combined with reduced tappet clearance, provide less friction and create less engine noise. Also changed within the crankcase is the gearbox featuring a taller first gear, a hollow chrome-moly shift-shaft with an additional bearing and a completely redesigned shift linkage and foot pedal. These changes are aimed at nixing last year’s transmission complaints as well as helping to transfer as seamlessly as possible the R1′s prodigious power to the pavement.
Yamaha YZF-R1 2002–2003
A new fuel injection system was introduced for the 2002 year, which worked like a carburetor by employing a CV carburetor slide controlled by vacuum created by the engine. With a similar power output to the 2000-2001 bike, the engine was remained largely the same.
Yamaha YZF-R1 2004–2005-2006
With the competition advancing, Yamaha took to a major development. This included style updates like an under seat twin exhaust, and performance upgrades including radial brakes and for the first time on an R1 Ram-air intake. Furthermore, the wheelie-tendency known from earlier productions is drastically reduced by changing frame geometry and weight properties. The all new engine (no longer used as a stressed member of the chassis) featured a separate top crankcase and cylinder block. The 2004 R1 produces a stated 172 hp (128 kW) at the crankshaft (excluding ram air,180 hp (130 kW) with ram air) and also weighs 172 kilograms (dry).
Yamaha YZF-R1 2007–2008
An all-new YZF-R1 for the 2007 model year was announced on 8 October, 2006. Key features include an all-new inline four-cylinder engine; going back to a more conventional 4-valve per cylinder rather than Yamaha’s trade mark 5-valve genesis layout. Other new features are the Yamaha Chip Control Intake (YCC-I) electronic variable-length intake funnel system, Yamaha Chip Control Throttle (YCC-T) fly-by-wire throttle system, slipper-type clutch, all-new aluminum Deltabox frame and swingarm, six-piston radial-mount front brake calipers with 310 mm discs, a wider radiator, and M1 styling on the new large ram-air ports in the front fairing.
Yamaha YZF-R1 2009
In late 2008 Yamaha announced they would release an all new R1 for 2009. The new R1 takes engine technology from the M1 Motogp bike with its cross plane crankshaft, the first ever production motorcycle to do so. Overall handling of the R1 was improved through several changes to frame and suspension. A new sub frame was designed for the 09 R1 which is magnesium cast in a carbon fiber mold. The overall look of the R1 has changed drastically. In a side by side comparison between last year’s model and the 09; to the eye, the 09 looks much more compact and could be compared to the size of the R6r. The center up exhaust on the 09 seems significantly larger compared to previous years, due in some respects to changes in emissions controls.
