Vauxhall Astra the most seized car in 2009 (UK)

Around 500 uninsured vehicles are apprehended on a daily basis, with the Vauxhall Astra taking the top spot.
The second most seized car is the BMW 3 Series according to the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB) police helpline.

The figures arrive as a new online video cautioning the consequences of driving without insurance is released by the MIB, which reimburses victims caught up in accidents with uninsured drivers.

MIB chief executive, Ashton West said: "Christmas is a time when household budgets are stretched to the limit and, for some, the renewal of insurance may be overlooked. Modern technology means that motorists who have no insurance are more likely than ever to be caught. It is simply not worth the risk."

He went on: "The proposed change in insurance law in 2011 will mean that the number of people caught without motor insurance will increase. We are working with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency and expect to reduce the numbers of uninsured drivers on UK roads even further."

The 10 most seized uninsured cars in 2009 were:

1. Vauxhall Astra

2. BMW 3 Series

3. Vauxhall Vectra

4. Volkswagen Golf

5. Vauxhall Corsa

6. Ford Mondeo

7. Ford Fiesta

8. Ford Focus

9. Ford Escort

10. Renault Megane.

U.S spec Audi A4 Allroad spied in Scandinavia

Spies have caught what seems to be a U.S spec Audi A4 Allroad, undergoing winter testing in Northern Sweden. Audi decided the A4 Allroad wouldn’t go on sale in the U.S due to the financial slowdown, however, an executive at Audi has overturned that decision.

The A4 Allroad will be similar to the European model; grey/black bodykit, increased ride height and front and rear skid plates will feature as standard.

The biggest giveaway to this virtually undisguised U.S spec A4 Allroad was its amber reflector lights. Other little clues included a reduced license plate surrounding hidden behind the vehicles European plate and the miles-per-hour on the speedometer.

Under the bonnet will be a 2.0 litre 4-cylinder 211bhp petrol engine, mated to a 7 speed dual-clutch S-tronic transmission.

Expect the car to debut at next month’s Detroit motor show.

Via Roadandtrack

Honda gets attacked by cyber criminals (U.S)

Honda has contacted millions of customers after cyber criminals stolen a database enclosing names, email addresses, and VINs (the Vehicle Identification Number).

Around 2.2m Honda customers have been affected by the security breach. One theory suggests hackers sent out e-mails on behalf of Honda, tricking the end user into clicking on malicious attachments or links, thus handing over personal information.

A report by the Columbus Dispatch suggests the data was taken from a third-party company who sent out "Welcome" emails to customers who created accounts with the firm.

Honda’s luxury arm, Acura, also contacted a further 2.7m consumers after hackers stole customer e-mails addresses from a separate list.

Rising fuel prices threaten SUV sales (U.S)

Recently, sales of SUV’s and pick-up trucks have risen, but at late so have fuel prices, which may hinder sales and residual values of large SUV’s and pick-ups.

With fuel prices across the States averaging around $3 a gallon, it’s signing the highest levels observed since October 2008. An additional ¢50 may see customers purchasing smaller vehicles.

“If you see a ¢20 -¢30 price increase per gallon over the course of a couple weeks then of course people are going to panic,” Alec Gutierrez, analyst for vehicle evaluation at Kelley Blue Book, said. Nevertheless, Gutierrez noted that if prices increase steadily, it’ll give the “market a chance to react rationally.”

Some showrooms have already begun to see consumer’s down-size. A large amount of customers are ditching large SUV’s in favour for compact ones like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and Mercedes GLK.

Jason Stewart, general manager of Earl Stewart Toyota of North Palm Beach in Florida said: “Our small SUVs are doing OK but the large SUVs and large trucks have definitely cooled off since the pickup in gas prices”.

He also claimed sales of the Toyota Prius have tripled at his dealership. Dealers are also reporting a decline in prices as an end result to shove consumer’s into smaller and more fuel efficient vehicles.

Paris may ban SUVs from the city (FR)

If you’re living in France and want to take your SUV into Paris, you might want to think again. According to reports, environmental official, Denis Baupin has proposed a new set of limitations that could potentially ban old diesel car and SUV’s.

Baupin is a hardcore SUV-hater and has even suggested that current sport utility owners should “sell it and buy a vehicle that’s compatible with city life.” He then added, “I’m sorry, but having a sport utility vehicle in a city makes no sense,” when exclamation to local radio station.

Unfortunately, the proposals are legal and are backed by French law, as the Environment Ministry said that each city can independently choose what types of vehicles can be under attack, in which neighbourhoods and during what hours and/or times of the year certain vehicles could be banned.

Cadillac debuts 4-cylinder 2.0T SIDI in SLS sedan (CN)

GM has unwrapped the new SLS 2.0T SIDI at the 2010 Guangzhou motor show. While the car hasn’t changes cosmetically, it sports a new petrol engine.

A Cadillac and large executive sedan first, the 2.0 litre turbocharged petrol engine SIDI signs the first usage of a turbocharged four-cylinder in a Cadillac. This engine gives Cadillac a workable competitor into the Chinese premium large sedan market, which is dominated by 2.0 litre – 2.5 litre cars.

The 2.0T SIDI kicks out 260bhp with 358Nm (265lb-ft) of torque. The turbocharged 2.0 litre is likely to be just as powerful as the STS V6 sold in the U.S.

It is very doubtful at the engine will arrive in North America as the SLS/STS are at deaths door.

BMW 6-Series MR600 GT by CLP 2010 With Specification And Prices

BMW 6-Series MR600 GT by CLP 2010 With Specification And Prices With Reviews And Pictures Images.

The Aerodynamic Kit MR 600 GT by CLP (5990 Euro) is the main component of the vehicle concept. Among other things, the wide front bumper, on the one hand, complies with the dynamics of the BMW 6 Series, but on the other hand, it effectively reduces lift on the front axle and ensures optimization of the air flow for effective cooling of high-performance braking system. The complete kit consists of two front wings, two rear fender flares, left and right side skirts and a rear apron. The tailgate spoiler (for an extra charge of 399 Euro) merged with the trunk lid is offered as a complete unit or separately at the customer’s option.
As appropriate wheels, CLP installed exclusive 3-part alloy wheels with stainless steel trim rings in size of 9.5 x22 inches and 11.5 x 22 inches, equipped with high-performance tires in sizes of 255/30-22 and 285/25-22. The cost of the wheel set is 8960 Euro.

Dodge Journey to replace Fiat Ulysse (EU)

The Dodge Journey will be the first Dodge vehicle to bare the Fiat emblem. The revised Journey, dubbed Freemont will arrive in dealerships across Europe from June 2011. Historically, large Fiat models haven’t been successful in the UK, so Fiat has its work cut out.

The Freemont will obtain minor revisions inside and out, as well as receiving suspension adjustments that are better match European tastes.

Out goes Volkswagen 2.0 TDI 140PS PD diesel engine, in favour of Fiat’s sophisticated 2.0 litre 170bhp MultiJet engine.

Fiat-Chrysler forecast substantially stronger sales of the Freemont, because of Fiat’s popularity in Europe. The Freemont will also replace the Ulysse large MPV, which has just gone out of production.

Dodge Journey sales increased by 62% across Europe, at 8,395 units. Compare that to Ford, both the S-Max and Galaxy sold 42,991 units and 26,103 units in 2009.

A world debut at the Geneva motor show in March 2011 is likely.

BMW 6-Series Coupe Concept 2010 With Specification And Prices

BMW 6-Series Coupe Concept 2010 With Specification And Prices With Reviews And Pictures Images.

BMW 6 Series Coupe

The combination of the nature of the sports car and luxury sedan attracts business class, but something it has remained elusive. All-generation BMW sports coupe perfectly meet this criterion is today a model 645Ci borrows the best features of these grand-torero and set new standards. The new BMW 6 Series Coupe – passion, accuracy, style.

BMW 6 Series Coupe

An ambitious, distinctive and elegant: design of the BMW 6 Series Coupe is nothing exceptional, and as the embodiment of impeccable taste. Long wheelbase and shortened overhang, bending the hood and standard 18-inch wheels attached to a car strong look. Through subtle, elegant and graceful bends trifles, its elegance itself. What do you know about the combination of force? This consummate sports coupe (length 4.80 m, width 1.90 m, height 1.40 m) that was power.

BMW 6 Series Coupe

Fine double headlights, bonnet impressive line and built rear spoiler guarantee that the new BMW 6 Series Coupe looks equally dynamic from any perspective.

BMW 6-Series 650i Convertible 2010 With Specification And Prices With Reviews And Pictures Images.

In appearance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is more fluid, and using more aerodynamic design, in order to reduce the drag coefficient.

Power system have been enhanced, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is more emphasis on fuel economy, and the use of turbocharging and direct injection technology. Which the C250 Sport model equipped with a new 1.8T four-cylinder engine, fuel economy of 24mpg . And the C350 model equipped with a Mercedes-Benz E-class’s V6 engine, the maximum output power of 302hp, maximum torque of 271Nm, and also improve fuel economy by 5%.

In addition, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is also equipped with a new driver assistance system, including attention warning system, adaptive high beam assistant system, parking assist system, lane keeping support system and blind spot assist system.