Automotive

The Mk1 GTI

The Volkswagen Golf GTI was launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1975, arriving in the UK two years later in 1977. Originally the car arrived in the UK as left hand drive, leading to sales of just 34 vehicles in it’s first year on our shores. As the first ‘hot hatch’ sales of the Mk1 GTI quickly gather pace, the little car could hit 60mph in 9 seconds and reach a top speed just short of 110mph. Once it’s 1588cc engine, four speed gearbox and 108bhp were complimented with a right hand drive model in 1979, buyers flocked to Volkswagen dealers across the country and sales topped 1,570, trebling within two years. The Mk1 Golf GTI are something of a collectors item nowadays, finding a decent one is likely to set you back over £3000.

The Mk2 GTI

The Mk2 Golf GTI took over from the Mk1 in 1984 offering a 1781cc engine and 113bhp. The Mk2 is slightly larger than the Mk1 and of course slightly heavier. This meant power to weight had little improvement overall from the Mk1. However Volkswagen released a 16v, 138bhp engine capable of 130mph in 8 seconds and a top speed of 130mph, which soon grabbed the attention of potential buyers. Many enthusiasts feel this Mk2 is the best of the Golf GTIs. Sales of the Mk2 peaked at just over 17,190 in 1989 an the car remains a popular hot hatch to this day.

The Mk3 GTI

When unveiled in 1992 it’s 2.0 8v produced a bhp of 113bhp, showing no increase from the 1.8 Mk2 engine. Although the car’s aero dynamics had been improved, it was heavier than it’s predecessor. Volkswagen managed to regain popularity with the meatier 2.0 16v 150bhp engine. With a top speed of 133mph and a 0-60 of 8.3 seconds the Golf GTI was back on top. However it’s 0-62mph remained slightly slower that the Mk2 thanks to it’s increased weight, and despite the new aero dynamics the average mpg was only 25.3mpg. Perhaps for these reasons the Mk3 GTI was, and remains a less popular car.

The Mk4 GTI

The Mk4 GTI can be a contentious vehicle. Released in 1998 the line up was altered to include the first diesel GTI engine, bringing it to the interest of company car owners across the country and changing the Golf GTI’s image. The GTI was picking up a lot of competition, and some feel that the Mk4 effort did not match expectation. The 123 and 148bhp engines in heavy cars did not tantalise the GTI crowd. What did get them salivating again was the release of the 180bhp Anniversary Edition which went on to inspire the Mk5 Golf GTI. The Anniversary was built to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the the first Golf GTI. It’s high specification level including Recaro seats, and torquey performance made it a sure fire hit for GTI enthusiasts.

The Mk5 GTI

The Mk5 was launched at the Paris Motors Show in 2004. With it’s new 2.0, 200 bhp engine and six speed gearbox teamed with nods to the original such as the tartan interior red grille surround the Mk5 was a true contender on the hot hatch market once again. Production stopped in 2008 with reports of high production costs, totalling sales of over 17,600 units in it’s four year reign.

It’s always wise to have your beloved GTI cared for by experts. Regular maintenance and careful ownership help preserve the value of the car and keep it in tip top condition. Volkswagen dealer and Volkswagen servicing and repairs may not be as steep as you think in today’s competitive after sales market and potential buyers are keen to see the Volkswagen dealer stamp throughout a car’s service book.

When looking to buy a new or used car it is advisable to read a number of reviews from motor journalists, magazines, industry experts and owners. These reviews will help you decide if the car will fit your requirements, any manufacturing faults, recalls and safety campaigns it may be subject to, plus any other issues which may affect your decision.

Make a list of what is important to you and search for those specific terms. Some motor journalism is designed to entertain as much as to inform, and this may mean upon reading it you are sold on the idea because you have been entertained, not because you have found it to be suitable. One popular UK television programme and magazine is notorious for this. Keep your list handy and stick to it, adding to it if more ideas come to you.

It’s important to read review from all segments, remember these reviews are written by people, with opinion which may not match your own. For example, if you need more space than your current car offers you may be dissuaded from a vehicle which has been described as too small by someone posting on a forum. But too small for what? That individual may have a family of five, for whom which many cars would be too small, but may suit your needs perfectly.

Use the internet to find facts and figures on vehicles you are interested in. If you want to see how much more space you will have or how much more powerful it will be than your current vehicle, find facts and figures from the manufacturer which will allow you to compare the two. If you find facts and figures from site snot belonging to the manufacturer be advised they may not be wholly accurate. Or example, if you search the brake horse power (bhp) of a Mk4 Volkswagen Golf GTI you may find differences of up to 5 bhp. While this is not a decision making amount of power it is an example of the inaccuracies you may find while researching for information on your new potential purchase. Wherever possible get the facts from the manufacturers site to avoid confusion and false information.

There are many reputable websites which can be found easily through the internet to read reviews of cars by both owners and journalists. You will usually find lovers and haters of most vehicles, be prepared to take each with a pinch of salt. A car is essentially a machine, and as such inevitably most car makers will experience a little trouble at some point with a particular model. If one owner has a hard time and has a real dislike for the model you are interested in don’t be put off just yet. Read more reviews, check facts online, and make your own decisions. If you search you are likely to find many reviews saying just the opposite.

When you have narrowed your search down to a select few possibles, contact your local car dealership to arrange a test drive. Write a new list with any questions you have about each vehicle, and don’t forget to take your driving licence, both parts, or you may not be able to drive the car. Most new car sales and used car sales businesses are open seven days a week and will try their best to accommodate you. Your sales person will be a font of knowledge on the vehicles for sale so don’t be afraid to ask. If you don’t feel the cars you have tested are quite what you are looking for, see if your sales person can recommend anything else. Once they know what you are looking for they may be able to recommend another vehicle in stock which you were unaware of, or they may have just the car for you at another site nearby.

In the UK, most of the CO2 caused by individuals comes from driving cars, so it makes sense to invest in an environmentally friendly car and do your bit for the planet. There are several factors to consider when it comes to choosing a green car; the guide below will take you through the steps.

From nought to carbon emissions

Before you even drive your car, it has a carbon footprint. By opting for a smaller, lighter car you can reduce that initial carbon footprint and earn yourself some environmental kudos.

Check out the Euro number

In the UK, all new cars have to meet ‘Euro’ standards. These standards set limits for emissions that can harm health and have a detrimental effect on the environment. As a rule of thumb, the higher the Euro number, the cleaner the car. If you’re looking now, then all new cars have to meet Euro 5 standards, which will reduce diesel cars’ particulate emissions to similar levels to petrol vehicles. As of September 2015, this will be bumped up to Euro 6, ensuring all new cars are even cleaner than that. Check the car fuel database for the Euro standards of different cars.

Less of the fuel

A reduction in fossil fuel consumptions = less greenhouse gas. That makes sense, so when it comes to reducing the impact our cars have on the environment, we should start by reducing out consumption of fuel. There are two aspects of any car which will contribute towards fuel consumption: Engine efficiency and weight.

Weight: This has a direct impact on the amount of fuel required to get anywhere. Generally speaking, the lighter the car, the less demanding of fuel it is.

Engine Efficiency: This comes down to the fuel used (we’ll get to that later) but it can be helped by a few technical advances. Look out for cylinder shutoff, direct injection, variable valve timing and so on. You could also consider a hybrid, for example the new Peugeot 3008 Hybrid4, which is the first car ever to have a diesel engine in an electric hybrid car

Petrol vs. Diesel

Understanding the difference between petrol and diesel can help you make the right decision for your lifestyle.

Petrol: A petrol engine is generally considered less fuel efficient than diesel engines, and also produces more CO2.

Diesel: Diesel engines omit a lot of air pollutants, which can have a negative impact on the quality of air and in towns and cities especially this can be quite damaging to health. That said, some new diesel cars come fitted with a diesel particulate filter, which goes someway in reducing the pollutants. If the car you’re after doesn’t have one fitted already you could ask your local garage about having one installed. When opting for a diesel car, make sure you look at the Euro standards, a car that meets the more demanding standards of Euro 5 or 6 will be best for the environment.

So if you live and drive in town where air quality is a big consideration you may want to opt for a petrol engine. However if you often drive long distances then a diesel engine would be better for both fuel efficiency and lower carbon emissions.

Fuel efficiency is the name of the game these days as drivers weary of record prices at the pump and are eager to reduce their energy costs. Fill ups north of $50 are common these days, adding hundreds of dollars to already strained household budgets.

If you’re in the market for a new car, then one of these five fuel efficient beauties should satisfy your needs. Best of all, each one is priced from under $20,000, allowing you to save at the dealership as well at the pump.

1. Ford Fiesta – With pricing from about $14,000 and highway gas mileage of 40 mpg, the subcompact Ford is big on value. This model seats up to five people and is versatile, available in sedan or hatchback body styles. For about $17,000 you can get a fully loaded car with a premium sound system, satellite radio, a navigation system and push button start.

2. Chevy Cruze – With a large interior, the compact Cruze offers midsize legroom and many standard features including 10 airbags. Choose the 1LT trim level and you’ll enjoy leather wrapped steering and shift knob, steering wheel mounted audio controls, Bluetooth connectivity and a turbocharged four cylinder engine. Enjoy 42 mpg with a manual transmission or choose the optional automatic for 39 mpg highway. This trim level Cruze is priced from just under $19,000.

3. Hyundai Elantra – No model except the Hyundai Elantra offers the same fuel economy across its entire model line regardless of whether a manual or automatic transmission is selected. This car, rated at 29 mpg city, 40 mpg, is priced from $16,500 and is loaded with amenities including four-wheel ABS, front and rear heated seats, satellite radio, traction control, stability control and more.

4. Kia Optima – Among midsize sedans, the Optima is the value leader and can be had for just under our targeted price threshold. A Sirius audio system is standard as is Bluetooth connectivity. Full length side curtain airbags, active front head restraints, stability control, electronic force distribution and anti-lock brakes are among the many safety features that are standard. This car gets 35 mpg on the highway.

5. Honda Insight – Only one hybrid model is priced from under $20,000 and that is the Insight, by Honda. This vehicle gets 40 mpg city, 43 mpg highway and offers a surprising number of amenities standard. Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port, a premium audio system and numerous safety features including ABS, electronic force distribution, traction control and active front head restraints can be found on every Insight model.

There are many more models priced from under $20,000, including a handful priced for less than $15,000. If you’re shopping for a new car today and are trading in a fuel efficient model, your trade may be worth more than you think, offering further savings for you.

Electric cars are often referred to as “the car of the future” and when you look at some of the benefits they have to offer consumers, it’s easy to see why. Years ago, these vehicles were something you seen in movies designed for the rich and famous. Today, it’s not uncommon to see them around the neighborhood or at the local grocery store. Electric cars are propelled by engines that use energy for propulsion instead of gasoline. This energy is stored in the battery until you use it. When the energy source runs low, you simply plug the car into an outlet so it can recharge and you’re ready for another drive. There are also hybrid cars available. These run off electricity but they also have a gas powered engine that can be used in the event your energy runs out. Here are 10 ways electric cars bring benefits to consumers:

1. They’re safer for the environment because they help to reduce air pollution. They don’t release harmful emissions into the air that can cause cancer and other serious medical conditions.
2. You don’t have to worry so much about the rising gas prices.
3. The government offers tax breaks to those who buy electric cars, for the tax year in which it was purchased. These are incentives to encourage people to make the switch to these new age vehicles.
4. Electric cars are quieter than the traditional vehicle. Noise pollution is a big problem especially in the city and the reduction in noise is more than welcomed.
5. The maintenance needed for the upkeep of these vehicles is much less than what you may be use to. There are fewer parts to tear up and the battery will last about 4 years on average.
6. The engine design of the electric car is created to last a lifetime with proper care.
7. If you’re involved in a crash, these cars are safer. You won’t have to worry about gasoline catching on fire and exploding.
8. The innovated design looks great and makes it easier to park and maneuver in and out of traffic.
9. Due to the gear system in electric cars, they maintain full power whether you’re going downhill or up a steep hill. As a result, you can always enjoy a smooth ride.
10. They have a quick take off, which can be very useful when merging into traffic.

Electric cars are wonderful inventions that provides a cleaner, less expensive means of transportation. These cars may cost more upfront but the savings you enjoy will more than make up for it through the years. It’s not unrealistic to think that in a few years the electric cars will be much more common than gas powered ones, as more and more people learn the benefits they have for consumers. günstige Mietwagen
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