Fiat 500C

Fiat have just announced the prices and specification for the new Fiat 500C Convertible.

Whilst the official launch isn’t until June, ordering opens this Friday so that the vehicles will be available during the important Spring market.  It also means that buyers will be able to enjoy open-top motoring throughout the summer months.

In response to market needs, Fiat have also made air conditioning standard across the range.  Upgrade to the Fiat 500C Lounge and you’ll also get front fog lights, automatic climate control and rear parking sensors.

The Fiat 500C is generally priced £3,000 more than the hatchback version and is available in 2 trim levels.

Fiat 500C Versions and Specification

Fiat 500C Pop

• 7 Airbags (driver, passenger, windows, side and knee);
• Air conditioning;
• Height adjustable steering wheel;
• Radio CD/MP3 player;
• Remote central locking;
• Electric front windows;
• Black electric door mirrors;
• Vintage wheel covers
• 1.4 16v 100hp engine comes with ESP as standard and 15″ wheel covers.

Fiat 500C Lounge

• As the POP above plus;
• Automatic climate control;
• ESP;
• Rear parking sensors;
• Foglights;
• Specific trim with black or brown sides;
• 15″ Alloy wheels;
• Leather steering wheel with Blue&Me controls;
• Body coloured electric door mirrors;
• 50/50 split folding rear seat;
• Chrome kit.

There are three engines available:  1.2 8v 69hp petrol, 1.4 16v 100hp petrol and a multijet diesel 1.3 16v 75hp.  All the engines are Euro V compliant.

Fiat 500C Features

The Fiat 500C has all the strong points of the 500 hatchback plus it will offer:

• 3 new body colours (Pearl Red, Dark Metallic Grey, Pastel Blu);
• 3 Soft top colours match with the body colour: black, ivory, red;
• 2 new alloy wheels (15″ and 16″);
• new sticker sets.

The Fiat 500C also comes with a glass rear window in the electrically operated roof. The roof can be operated with the remote control and takes 16 seconds to open and 17 seconds to close. In addition, the Fiat 500C seats 4 people and has only 3 litres less boot space than the hatchback.

Fiat 500C Prices

The Fiat 500C range starts at £11,300 OTR for a 1.2 Pop with air conditioning. Below is the price list for the full Fiat 500C range:-

Model	RRP
1.2 POP	£11,300
1.4 POP	£12,500
1.3 POP	£12,700
1.2 LOUNGE	£12,700
1.4 LOUNGE	£13,900
1.3 LOUNGE	£14,100

Fiat 500C Colours

Fiat 500C Interior Trims

The Fiat 500C Pop has cloth seats in red or grey with the ivory or black interior colour.

The Fiat 500c Lounge has black or brown cloth seats with black or brown and the choice of black or ivory interior colour.

The Fiat 500C has a choice of three leather interiors: vintage, black and red.

Fiat 500C Alloy Wheels and Wheel Trim Designs

Fiat 500 Technical Specifications

The Fiat 500C maintains the same technical specifications as the hatchback model. The fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and top speeds are the same as the standard Fiat 500. only the weights are slightly higher on the soft-top.

Fiat 500c Fuel Consumption Figures

Fiat 500C Insurance Groups

Suzuki Jimny

Suzuki Jimny Overview

The Suzuki Jimny is a small, chunky 4×4 with a genuine off-road ability. 

Suzuki Jimny JLX+ Interior

It’s ideal for people looking for a vehicle that’s easy to drive around narrow country lanes with the 4×4 capability to get you home safely during the winter months. Plus, it’s small size means that it’s easy to park when popping down to the village shop too.

The exterior features tinted glass, front fog lamps, roof rails and a hard spare wheel cover for that proper 4×4 look.

The interior is stylish and refined with the Suzuki Jimny JLX + model adding part leather part velour seats with a leather steering wheel.

The Suzuki Jimny also features the comfort and convenience of power steering, front electric windows, remote door locking, heated electric door mirrors and a radio/cd player. 

Safety features on all models include full size driver and front passenger airbags, side impact protection beams, height adjustable front seat belts with pre-tensioners and ABS brakes.

Suzuki Jimny on YouTube

Suzuki Jimny Colours

The Suzuki Jimny is available in Bright Red and Metallic Grove Green (available at extra cost) whilst the Suzuki Jimny JLX + is available in metallic Blueish Black, Cat’s Eye Blue, Shining Red and Graphite Grey. On the JLX+ models metallic paint is included at no extra cost.

Suzuki Jimny Specification

The Suzuki Jimny is available with a 1328 cc 16v fuel injected petrol engine with Variable Valve Timing (VVT).

The standard Suzuki Jimny JLX specification features:-

Comfort and Convenience

• 3 doors as standard;
• Electric front windows;
• Power steering;
• Remote door locking;
• Heated electric door mirrors;
• 4-speed air flow control;
• Radio/CD player.

Instrument Panel

• Rev counter with trip meter;
• Fuel warning indicator;
• Digital clock;
• Cigar lighter with ashtray;
• “4WD” on indicator;
• Push button 4WD selection;
• “Lights on” reminder.

Interior Features

• 3 position interior light;
• Sun visor with ticket holder and vanity mirror on both sides;
• Day/night rear view mirror;
• Sliding/fully reclining front seats;
• Walk-in sliding seat system on passenger side;
• Front/rear sear head restraints;
• 50/50 Split/folding rear seats;
• Centre console with cup holders;
• Front door armrests;
• Front door pockets;
• Moulded quarter trim with cup holder;
• Passenger side grab handles;
• Luggage storage compartments;
• Lockable glovebox.

Exterior Features

• Hologen headlamps;
• Tinted glass;
• Front fog lamps;
• 2-speed intemittent windscreen wipers;
• Rear wash/wipe;
• Heated rear windows;
• Roof rails;
• Towing eye;
• Internal fuel flap release;
• Folding door mirrors;
• Hard spare wheel cover.

Safety & Security

• Immobiliser;
• Driver and front passenger airbags;
• ABS;
• Height adjustable front seat belt anchorages;
• Front seat belt pre-tensioners;
• Collapsible steering column;
• Side impact protection beams;
• High mounted rear brake light;
• Steering lock.

The Suzuki Jimny JLX+ Model also features:-

• Air conditioning;
• Leather steering wheel;
• Part leather/velour seats;
• Metallic paint;
• Silver effect roof rails;
• Chrome plated inner door handles;
• Alloy wheels.

Suzuki Jimny Technical Data

Engine:

The Suzuki Jimny is fitted with a 16 valve, 4 cylinder, multi-point fuel injection 1328 cc engine producing 85 PS (62.5kW) at 6,000 rpm, with maximum torque of 110NM at 4,100 rpm.

Transmission

The Suzuki Jimny is available in a 5 speed manual transmission and an automatic version.

Dimensions

• Ground clearance 190mm;
• Angle of approach 42 degrees;
• Angle of departure 46 degrees;
• Ramp angle 31 degrees;
• Overall length 3645mm;
• Overall width 1600mm;
• Overall height 1705mm;
• Front track 1355mm;
• Rear track 1365mm;
• Wheelbase 2250mm.

Weights

• Kerb weight 1149kg (man JLX) 1158 kg (JLX+) 1173kg (auto);
• Gross vehicle weight 1420kg;
• Towing capacity (braked) 1300kg;
• Towing capacity (unbraked) 350kg.

Performance

• Maximum speed 87 mph (manual) 84 mph (auto);
• Acceleration 0-62 mph (secs) 14.1 (man) 17.2 (auto).

Fuel Consumption and CO2 Emissions

• CO2 emissions g/km 174 (Manual) 184 (auto)
• Urban cycle – 30.4 mpg (Manual) 28.5 mpg (auto)
• Extra-urban cycle – 45.6 mpg (Man.) 42.8 mpg (auto)
• Combined – 38.7 mpg (Man.) 36.2 mpg (auto)

Chassis

• Turning Circle 9.8m;
• Seating Capacity 4 people;
• Fuel tank Capacity 40 litres;
• Suspension front and rear triple linked rigid axle with coil springs;
• Steering power assisted recirculating ball and nut;
• Brakes servo assisted front-back split front discs and rear drums on JLX. Servo assisted/diagonally split front discs and rear drums on JLX+ version.

Check out our latest offers on the Suzuki Jimny range – click here. ]]> http://www.cardealernews.co.uk/2009/03/21/review-specification-data-suzuki-jimny/feed/ 0 http://www.cardealernews.co.uk/2009/03/09/discover-the-new-suzuki-splash/ http://www.cardealernews.co.uk/2009/03/09/discover-the-new-suzuki-splash/#comments Mon, 09 Mar 2009 15:27:46 +0000 rdsingleton http://betterdeal.wordpress.com/?p=175

The New Suzuki Splash

Suzuki Splash Design

The Suzuki Splash’s high roofline gives it street presence as well as more headroom and a commanding view of the road. It’s high driving position gives great all-round visibility. The gently rising nose and A-pillars that flow into the roof give a streamlined look and help the new Suzuki Splash cut through the air helping to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. In addition, its sharp design gives a sleek, agile look on the road. The rear light clusters are set right at the corners to allow a wide tailgate for easy loading. The large multi-reflector headlamps cut through the darkness. Sporty features such as alloy wheels and front fog lamps on the GLS and DDiS models add to its stylish looks. Inside, it’s remarkably big on space with enough room to seat five adults in comfort so even the longest trips can be enjoyed instead of endured. The rear seatback splits 60/40 for extra load-carrying versatility. There are bottle holders everywhere. Air conditioning, remote central door locking, a trip computer and CD/Radio with MP3 are standard.  The range also features a leather steering wheel, a stylish metallic silver ringed centre console featuring a large easy-to-read speedometer with a dashboard mounted rev counter pod.

New Suzuki Splash Opal Trim

Suzuki Splash Colours

The new Suzuki Splash is available in six eye-catching colours: Bright Red and White are the standard solid colours with Galactic Grey, Splash Green, Cosmic Black & Lagoon Turquoise metallics. Plus, there are two trim options, Opal (on models with Lagoon Turquose metallic paint) and Nero for all other body colours.

Suzuki Splash Specification

The new Suzuki Splash is available in three engines: 1.0 and 1.2 petrol and a 1.3 diesel plus the option of an automatic gearbox on the Suzuki Splash 1.2 GLS+ model. The standard Suzuki Splash GLS specification features:-

Comfort and Convenience

• 5 doors as standard;
• Electric front windows;
• Height adustable seats (driver and passenger);
• Rear seat with 60/40 split & tilt-down function;
• Cloth-accented door trim;
• 12v interior accessory socket;
• Front sun visors with vanity mirrors;
• Front passenger side-assist grip;
• 2 Rear seat grips with coat hooks;
• Power steering;
• Tilt-adjustable steering wheel;
• Tachmoter;
• Digital clock;
• Outside temperature display;
• Fuel consumption display;
• Distance until tank empty display;
• Remote fuel lid opener;
• Low fuel warning lamp;
• Lights-on and key-in reminder;
• Driver’s seat belt warning lamp and alarm;
• Door ajar warning lamp;
• Front map light;
• Luggage area light.

Heating, Ventilation & Visibility

• Manual air-conditioning;
• Pollen filter;
• Two speed front wipers with adjustable intermittent;
• Electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors;
• Day/night rear view mirror;
• Multi-reflector headlamps with headlamp levelling.

Storage

• Glove box;
• Passenger side storage pockets;
• 2 Cup holders (one in front and one in rear);
• 2 Front bottle holders;
• Upper tray with coin holder;
• Sunglasses holder;
• Storage pockets in front door;
• front passenger seat back pocket;
• Ticket holder on driver’s sun visor;
• Dash storage pocket;
• Luggage area underfloor compartment;
• 2 luggage area convenience hooks.

Safety Features

• ABS with EBD function;
• Brake assist function;
• ESP (Electronic Stability Program);
• Driver and passenger front airbags;
• Side airbags (incorporated into the front seats);
• Curtain airbags;
• Front passenger airbag deactivation system;
• Energy-absorbing trim on pillars and roof rails;
• Front 3-point ELR seatbelts with pretensioner, force limiter and height adjuster;
• 3 Rear 3-point ELR seatbelts;
• Foot-protecting brake and clutch pedals;
• Side impact protection beams;
• High mounted stop lamp;
• ISOFIX child seat anchorages;
• Child seat tether anchorages;
• Childproof rear door locks.

Security

• Immobiliser;
• Remote central locking;
• Deadlocks;
• Freewheeling key cylinders;
• Visible VIN plate;

Styling

• Body coloured exterior door handles and mirrors;
• Black-coloured B-pillars;
• Green-tinted windows;
• 15″ steel wheels with full wheel caps;
• Silver-coloured instrument panel centre garnishes;
• Silver-coloured side louvre bezels;
• Silver-coloured inside door opener;
• 2-spoke leather covered steering wheel.

In-Car Entertainment

• MP3/WMA compatible CD tuner with 4 speakers;
• Steering wheel mounted audio controls;
• Speed sensing audio volume control;
• Front roof mounted antenna.

The Suzuki Splash GLS+ and DDiS models also feature the above plus:-

• Driver’s side foot rest (automatic version only);
• Front fog lamps;
• 15″ alloy wheels;
• Privacy glass (rear doors and tailgate).

Suzuki Splash Technical Data

Engine

The new Suzuki Splash GLS and GLS+ come with a 4 cylinder 16 valve, Euro 4 compliant, 1242 cc 86 PS (at 5,500 rpm) petrol engine with 114 NM of torque at 4,400 rpm. The Suzuki Splash DDiS model features a direct injection 4 cylinder 16 valve, 1248 cc turbo diesel engine offering a maximum power output of 75PS and 4,000 rpm with 190 Nm of torque at 1750 rpm.

Transmission

The new Suzuki Splash is available in a 5 speed manual or 4 speed automatic transmission.

Dimensions

Overall length 3,715 mm Overall width 1,680 mm Overall height 1,590 mm Wheelbase 2,360 mm Minimum turning circle 9.4 m Tyre size 185/60R15 Seating capacity 5 Luggage capacity seatback raised 178 litres,  seatback folded 573 litres

Weights

Kerb weight 1065kg (man) 1165kg (auto) 1160kg (DDiS) Gross weight 1485kg (GLS/GLS+) 1530kg (DDiS)

Performance

Maximum speed 109 mph (GLS/GLS+) 106 mph (auto) 102 mph (DDiS) 0-62 mph 12.3 seconds (GLS/GLS+) 14.9 seconds (auto) 13.9 (DDiS)

Fuel Consumption and CO2 Emissions

Fuel tank capacity 45 litres CO2 emissions g/km 131 (GLS/GLS+) 142 (auto) 120 (DDiS) Urban cycle – 40.9 mpg (GLS/GLS+) 36.2 mpg (auto) 51.4 (DDiS) Extra-urban cycle – 60.1 mpg (GLS/GLS+) 57.6 mpg (auto) 70.6 (DDiS) Combined – 51.4 mpg (GLS/GLS+) 47.9 mpg (auto) 62.8 (DDiS Check out our latest offers on the New Suzuki Splash range – click here. ]]> http://www.cardealernews.co.uk/2009/03/09/discover-the-new-suzuki-splash/feed/ 0 http://www.cardealernews.co.uk/2009/03/06/introducing-the-new-suzuki-alto/ http://www.cardealernews.co.uk/2009/03/06/introducing-the-new-suzuki-alto/#comments Fri, 06 Mar 2009 16:14:04 +0000 rdsingleton http://betterdeal.wordpress.com/?p=159 The Alto is Suzuki’s new city car aimed at people looking for a compact stylish car giving fun and excitement but losing none of the practicality.

Suzuki Alto Design

The rounded front headlamps add to the new Suzuki Alto‘s fun personality, whilst the angular rear lights give it a sleeker, sportier feel. The SZ4 models add 14″ alloy wheels complementing the car beautifully.

It’s eye-catching curvaceous style not only gives it lots of character but also great aerodynamics. Little touches like the streamlined door mirrors help reduce drag which lowers fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The new Suzuki Alto also has a body which is strong but lightweight helping the manual transmission version achieve 64.2 mpg on the combined cycle with only 103 g/km CO2 emissions making it qualify for the £35 road tax band.

Inside, eveything is designed to be both easy to reach and operate. The CD tuner has MP3 compatibility with iPod connectivity. There’s also handy storage compartments for your CDs, keys and drinks. The SZ4 also has a tachometer for that sporty touch.  In addition, there’s room for four adults plus their shopping with the new Suzuki Alto’s 129 litre boot space.

Suzuki Alto Colours

The new Suzuki Alto is available in nine striking colours: Bright Red and White are the standard solid colours with Fortune Rose, Paradise Blue, Desert Brown, Healing Green, Silky Silver, Midnight Black and Azure Grey metallics.

Suzuki Alto Video

Suzuki Alto Specification

The new Suzuki Alto is available in three versions with either a manual or automatic transmission:-

The standard Suzuki Alto SZ2 model features:-

• 5 doors as standard;
• Electric front windows;
• 12v interior accessory socket;
• Power steering;
• Tilt-adjustable steering wheel;
• Low fuel warning lamp;
• Lights-on and key-in reminder;
• Driver’s seat belt warning lamp and alarm;
• Door ajar warning lamp;
• ABS with EBD function;
• Driver and passenger front airbags;
• Side airbags (incorporated into the front seats);
• 2 ISOFIX child seat anchorages;
• 2 child seat tether anchorages;
• Childproof rear door locks;
• Storage pockets in front and rear doors;
• Luggage area cover;
• Immobiliser;
• Remote central locking;
• 14″ Steel wheels with full wheel covers;
• 3-Spoke steering wheel;
• MP3/WMA compatible CD tuner with 2 speakers.

The Suzuki Alto SZ3 model is as above plus:-

• Manual air-conditioning;
• Pollen filter.

The Suzuki Alto SZ4 also adds:-

• Rear seat with 50/50 split folding bench;
• ESP electronic stability programme;
• Curtain airbags;
• Front fog lamps;
• Body coloured exterior door handles and mirrors;
• 14″ alloy wheels.

Suzuki Alto Technical Data

Engine

The new Suzuki Alto comes with a Euro 5 compliant, 996 cc 68 PS (at 6,000 rpm) petrol engine with 90 NM of torque at 3,400 rpm.

Transmission

The new Suzuki Alto is available in a 5 speed manual or 4 speed automatic transmission.

Dimensions

Overall length 3,500 mm
Overall width 1,600 mm
Overall height 1,470 mm
Wheelbase 2,360 mm
Minimum turning circle 9.0 m
Seating capacity 4
Luggage capacity seatback raised 129l seatback folded 367 l

Weights

Kerb weight 885kg (man) 910kg (auto)
Gross weight 1250 kg

Performance

Maximum speed 96 mph (man) 93 mph (auto)
0-62 mph 13.5 seconds (man) 17.0 seconds (auto)

Fuel Consumption and CO2 Emissions

Fuel tank capacity 35 litres
CO2 emissions g/km 103 (man) 122 (auto)
Urban cycle – 51.4 mpg (man) 42.1 mpg (auto)
Extra-urban cycle – 74.3 mpg (man) 62.8 (auto)
Combined – 64.2 mpg (man) 54.3 mpg (auto)

Check out our latest offers on the new Suzuki Alto range – click here. ]]> http://www.cardealernews.co.uk/2009/03/06/introducing-the-new-suzuki-alto/feed/ 0 http://www.cardealernews.co.uk/2009/01/17/new-fiat-qubo/ http://www.cardealernews.co.uk/2009/01/17/new-fiat-qubo/#comments Sat, 17 Jan 2009 13:33:57 +0000 rdsingleton http://betterdeal.wordpress.com/?p=94

Fiat Qubo Dynamic

Fiat Qubo Specification

The instruments and controls look and feel well made. Standard specification on the Fiat Qubo Active model includes a Radio CD player with MP3, Blue&Me (Fiat’s bluetooth hands-free phone system), a leather steering wheel , trip computer, electric front windows, power steering and remote central locking. Upgrading to the Fiat Qubo Dynamic model gives you air conditioning, front fog lamps, 16″ alloys, electrically adjustable door mirrors, body coloured bumpers and wing mirrors, roof bars and more. Safety features on all models include ABS with EBD, front, passenger (with deactiviation) and side airbags, rear head restraints, auto door locking over 13 mph and Isofix child seat anchoring.

Fiat Qubo Engines

The Fiat Qubo is powered by either a 1.4 8v petrol engine or a 1.3 16v Multijet diesel. The 73 bhp 1.4 petrol engine boasts a top speed of 97 mph with 0-62mph in just over 16 seconds.

Fiat Qubo Fuel Economy

Fuel economy on the combined cycle is 40.4 mpg rising to 47.9 mpg on the motorway. Whereas the 75 bhp diesel unit offers a top speed of 97 mph with 0-62 in 16.5 seconds. Fuel economy is better at 62.8 mpg on a mixed journey and 74.3 mpg on the extra-urban cycle. The Fiat Qubo also has green credentials too with the 1.4 petrol’s CO2 emissions 165 g/km and the diesel 119 g/km making the diesel version eligible for the £35 per year road tax bracket.

Fiat Qubo Colours

The Fiat Qubo is available in a choice of ten exterior colours and three interior trims. The standard pastel colours are Rumba Red, Ambient White. Line Blue and Funky Orange are chargeable special paints. Metallic colours available include Bolero Red, Disco Green, Foxtrot Azure, Cool Jazz Blue, Minimal Grey and Rockabilly Black. Three interior trims are available: Black Tangram cloth, Black and Grey Sail cloth and Black and Blue Sail cloth.

Fiat Qubo Options

The options list includes a Dualogic (automatic) gearbox, twin rear doors (rather than a tailgate), alarm and rear parking sensors.

Check out our Fiat Qubo page now for our latest deals. ]]> http://www.cardealernews.co.uk/2009/01/17/new-fiat-qubo/feed/ 0 http://www.cardealernews.co.uk/2009/01/08/what-is-the-best-way-to-finance-a-new-car/ http://www.cardealernews.co.uk/2009/01/08/what-is-the-best-way-to-finance-a-new-car/#comments Thu, 08 Jan 2009 01:38:12 +0000 rdsingleton http://betterdeal.wordpress.com/?p=49 There are a number of ways to finance a new car and the best way very much depends on your individual situation.

The most common forms of finance for a retail car purchaser are Hire Purchase (HP) and Personal Contract Purchase (PCP).

With Hire Purchase,  you can choose how much deposit you want to put down and you can repay the loan over one to five years at a fixed monthly repayment and interest rate. At the end of the agreement, title to the vehicle passes from the finance company and you become the owner of the vehicle.  You also can pay the loan off at any point during the agreement by asking the finance company for a settlement figure. HP agreements are great if you intend to keep your car for a while.  

With Personal Contract Purchase (PCP), you pay a deposit at the start of the agreement and then make repayments to cover roughly half of the balance plus all of the interest. The repayments are fixed and can usually be made over 2 or 3 years. The interest rate is also fixed. At the end of the agreement, you have three options: pay the balance and keep the car, hand the car back to the finance company and walk away or part-exchange your car for a new one.  PCP’s are great for people who like to change their cars regularly. They also offer protection against depreciation in that the finance company guarantees the value at the end of the agreement (provided that the car is in good condition and the mileage limit has not been exceeded). So if your car’s value is less than the amount owed at the end of the agreement, it’s the finance company’s problem.

Our experienced advisors at Better-Deal.co.uk can go through the different car financing options with you. Give us a call on 0845 129 0979 when you’re in the market for a new car.