Auto Express takes a look at the Mazda RX-8 to advise buyers what to look for when purchasing a used model of Mazda’s ‘radical’ rotary engine coupe.

Journalist Richard Dredge describes the Mazda RX-8 as looking ‘a million dollars’ when it hit showrooms in 2003 and ‘it’s just as stylish today’.

Richard warns that like any performance car, the Mazda RX-8 has a higher fuel consumption rate but this should not put buyers off as it is a ‘dream to drive’.

The article includes a review from an owner of a used Mazda RX-8, John Siddeley: “There’s nothing else like it, so when I come to sell it I think I’m going to get another one. I think its fuel consumption puts people off, but any performance car will be thirsty – and this doesn’t have to visit the pumps as often as my last car, a BMW 330i.”

Prices for used models start from £7,000 and buyers are advised to check the clutch, suspension, oil system and headlamps.

While the new Fiesta, on sale later this year, was unveiled at last month Geneva motor show, the current Fiesta continues to be the UK’s top selling model amongst private, or retail, buyers with 9,348 sold to these customers in the first two months of the year.

Figures from the society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) showed 47,967 vehicle registrations for market leader FORD in those two months. In January and February 36,946 cars and 11,021 commercial vehicles were sold by Ford - the best selling brand in both markets.

Arround 425,000 cars were expected to be sold this March in the UK, the month coinciding with the number plate change.

Leading the Ford sales drive this spring are the Fiesta and new Focus, which went on sale in February. These models are contributing to the increasing number of retail buyers already flowing through showroom doors for Ford’s Mondeo, S-Max and Galaxy large cars. Ford’s recently launched large car range has helped the company win over 20 per cent more private customers during January and February than in the same month last year.

October’s planned London Congestion Charge exemption for cars emitting under 120g CO2 per Kilometre is fuelling interest in Ford’s 28 different models falling under this threshold based on model, engine and trim. More than 3,000 customers have so far expressed interest in the 115g Ford Focus ECOnetic model now on sale.

With the aim to become the UK’s favourite small car, which shouldnt be too hard as its already pretty close with the existing model! Fiesta adopts the same family face as the new Mondeo and the latest cutting edge Ford Focus.

 The most noticeable improvements are said to be in terms of the craftmanship and quality of materials used for both the three and five door versions, which both boast a sleeker, coupe like shape.

There will be choice of half a dozen engines mated to a five-speed manual transmission which optional four-speed automatic.

Petrol models include the 1.25 litre and 1.4 litre.

All-new, all-whell drive compact SUV the all-new Ford Kuga.
June this year will see the launch of Fords low volume targeted SUV. Jennings will be among the first to have this exciting new vehicle on the Road in the UK. Based on Ford’s acclaimed C-Car architecture, which is well proven in both Ford Focus and the Ford C-Max,
the Kuga’s distinctive design, inteligent AWD system and impressive on and off-road ability make the Kuga an attractive proposition.

Powered by the 2.0 litre Duratorq TDCi 136 PS diesel engine with standard particulate filter and six speed manual transmission, the kuga comes with full-time Haldex intelligent AWD system.

Available in two specification including Zetec and Titanium, standard features include - keyless start, 17″ alloy wheels air conditinoing, electronic stability Programme, ABS with electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Ford Easy fuel, thatcham category 1 alarm and MP3 connector.

The titanium version ads rain sensing wipers, blue tinted glass, partial leather trim, cruise control, automatic headlights and dual electronic air temperature control.

 Additional Premium options include rear facing camera panoramic roof, USB connectivity and DAB radio.

In addition to celebrating the successful launch of the parts website, we’ve also been celebrating after the groups’s website www.jennings-ford.co.uk achived ‘highly commended’ in the 2007 FRESH DIGITAL AWARDS.

 Our main dealer website was piped at the post by HMV to win the category outright. The awards recognise creativity in the retail sector for reselling a product online. With our unique brand of advertising and strong corporate presence we were close to obtaining the top spot.

Special Thanks to pearsons the creative design people who helped us put the site together and have been working closely with our IT department and who are responsible for designing the graphics on our website.

10 diesel Mazda6 models in showrooms in early February, priced from £15,620 on-the-road
£700 premium on nine estate Mazda6 models on sale in March
Choice of three petrol and one diesel engine – across the Mazda6 range
Five equipment levels – S, TS, TS2, Sport and a new Sports luxury ‘SL’ grade
In the UK, the launch line-up of petrol-engined new Mazda6 models has been in dealer showrooms since the end of 2007. Now Mazda is introducing 10 diesels and nine estates to complete the range of 25 models for the UK.

“The introductions of the diesel and estate models to the new Mazda6 range are tremendously important as they will account for a significant share of total Mazda6 sales volumes,” enthuses Mark Cameron, Mazda UK Marketing Director.

“Almost 90 percent of fleet sales for Mazda6 are diesel powered models, and in its estate form, the new Mazda6 is a great blend of sporty stylishness and immense practicality.

“At 140ps, our diesel Mazda6 out-performs many potential rivals, particularly their entry and mid level derivatives, and its reduced CO2 emissions will deliver real financial benefits to company car drivers,” added Cameron.

“With its handsome proportions, fine detailing and chrome roof-rails as standard on all versions, I am sure that the new Mazda6 estate is a uniquely appealing vehicle that will attract new buyers to the Mazda brand and boost our conquest sales.

“In some European markets, such as Germany and Italy, Estate cars account for the majority of sales of many popular C/D segment models. In the UK we will start to follow that trend by gradually improving our mix for Estate models, although not to such a large scale.

“Simultaneously, more buyers will abandon larger SUV and MPV models, attracted to cars like the new Mazda 6 for its people and cargo carrying abilities and its modest CO2 emissions levels,” concluded Cameron.

The current Mazda6 estate has proven popular, accounting for 12 percent of Mazda6 sales. With the new model’s enhanced styling, specification and interior space, and the price premium for the estate reduced to just £700 over the hatchback, Mazda anticipates estate sales could grow to 20 percent.

With new Mazda6, Mazda has retained and built upon the original model’s sportiness and design flair. The creation of bodyshells which are significantly stiffer, as well as lighter, means that both the hatchback and the estate models deliver even more responsive handling. Flexural (bending) rigidity has been increased by 45 and 33 percent (hatchback and estate), while torsional (twisting) rigidity is 30 and 25 percent higher respectively.

All three new Mazda6 body styles will be available in seven new body colours – Brilliant Black (solid) and a choice of one metallic (Lilac Silver), and five mica finishes – Aurora Blue, Copper Red, Crystal White, Galaxy Grey and Stormy Blue.

Estate brings Style & Practicality
Within its stylish new bodyshell, the new Mazda6 estate has a luggage compartment that is even more practical. The Karakuri fold-flat seating system is now accompanied by an automatic tonneau cover and with one of the segment’s widest openings (1,066mm), its load floor is 45mm longer (1,926 mm) than the outgoing estate (with the rear seats folded) and has a maximum load volume of 1,751 litres.

From the tailgate opening inward, the first 700mm of the cargo floor are a segment-leading 1,146mm wide, after which it narrows to 1,030mm between the wheel wells. This design means smaller items can be placed further into the car and heavier items can be placed closer to the opening where they are easier to load.

For the new Mazda6 estate an ingenius automatic tonneau cover was created so that drivers no longer needed to manually pull across or retract the tonneau cover when loading and unloading items from the boot. Inspired in part by the traditional Japanese art of Origami paper folding, development engineers at Mazda carefully scrutinised office and domestic furniture drawers and curtain rails for their smooth sliding mechanisms and durability. Numerous prototypes of the automatic tonneau cover were created before the design was finalised.

An early design with an electric motor was not retained under Mazda’s strict weight-savings programme (and for reasons of durability), in favour of a simple and robust mechanical mechanism. The same principle applied to the tonneau cover material, which had to be stored when not in use, had to be large enough for Mazda6’s wide tailgate opening and still be rigid and durable, lightweight and heat resistant. Not only did engineers deliver all these attributes, Mazda6 estate’s automatic tonneau cover employs a mesh material that allows the user to see through it when the tailgate is open. When not in use, the tonneau cover can be stored under the boot floor.

Responsive, Refined, Fuel-efficient, 140ps Diesel
With new Mazda6, customers who prefer diesel rather than petrol power, can order their car with the updated MZR-DC 2.0-litre engine. In its latest form, this 1,998cc, four cylinder 16-valve turbocharged power unit, which generates 140ps at 3,500rpm, and 330Nm of torque at 2,000rpm, incorporates several technical enhancements which reduce both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

Engine upgrades include a newly calibrated ECU with optimised mapping for the fuel injection, which reduces knock even more and results in better drivability, fuel efficiency and emissions performance.

Sequential valve timing boosts torque generation in the 2,500 to 3,500rpm range (to maintain the unit’s excellent ‘pulling-power’ beyond the torque peak), and an electronic throttle delivers enhanced accelerator feel. Engineers also changed the layout of the intake and exhaust manifolds to improve the engine’s EGR cooler efficiency by 10 percent.

These enhancements, combined with the engine’s ultra high-pressure common-rail technology with six-hole injectors and a relatively low compression ratio of 16.7:1, result in the latest diesel using seven percent less fuel than the outgoing diesel.

On the combined cycle, the hatchback Mazda6 returns 50.4mpg (up from 47.1mpg for the previous model) and a CO2 figure of just 147g/km – down 11.0 percent from the 165g/km of the older model. This also places the diesel hatchback in a highly competitive band C for vehicle excise duty, down from band D for the outgoing Mazda6.

Although diesel models weigh an additional 120kg, versus petrol models, with 46 percent more torque than even the largest capacity (2.5-litre) petrol engine, the diesel Mazda6 retains all the Zoom-Zoom, fun-to-drive, attributes of the Mazda brand. Acceleration to 62mph with the 2.0-litre diesel takes just 0.5 seconds longer than the 2.0-litre petrol model (10.7 compared to 10.2 seconds for the hatchback), while top speed is 125mph.

Every Mazda6 diesel comes with a six-speed manual transmission – fitted with a high top ratio (0.673:1) for quiet, relaxed and fuel-efficient cruising – and comes with a maintenance-free diesel particulate filter system as standard. Like the petrol engined models, diesel variants of new Mazda6 also benefit from significantly improved NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness). Mazda engineers have made such big strides in this area – engine noise at idle is 5dB less and 2.5dB less at 40mph – that testing of prototypes points to new Mazda6 being among the very best-in-class for refinement.

Safety as Standard
“As part of Mazda’s commitment to improve the safety of our cars for customers, we have introduced Daylight Running Lights as standard to the all-new Mazda6 range to improve visibility on the road,” comments Mark Cameron.

“This passive safety feature allows you to be seen more clearly by both pedestrians and other drivers. This is particularly useful on typically dark winter days when drivers may not instinctively use their lights.

In-depth Technology beneath the Styling
While the distinctive exterior styling of all three new Mazda6 body styles is the new model’s most striking feature, the new look incorporates high-quality engineering beneath the skin that delivers genuine customer benefits.

The low-drag body shapes, which produce best-in-class Cd figures of just 0.27 (hatchback, down from 0.30) and 0.28 (estate, down from 0.32), are the result of more than 300 hours of wind-tunnel testing and play an important part in achieving the new Mazda6’s remarkable refinement.

As well as its smooth aerodynamics, one of the strongest influences on new Mazda6’s greatly reduced CO2 emissions levels is the strict weight control exercised by Mazda structural engineers. Although the new model is bigger and better equipped (and had the potential to weigh up to 90kg more than the previous model), optimised bodyshell and component designs, plus the use of high and ultra-high tensile steels, resulted in overall weight reductions of up to 50kg.

While all Mazda6 models share the same 2,725mm wheelbase, the estate body style is 30mm longer – with all of that increase behind the rear wheels, and 50mm taller (including the roof rails). These changes result in increased rear headroom (up by 45mm) and cargo capacity (up by 49-litres/2.9 percent) – both compared with the hatchback.

New Mazda6 – Dimension variations (mm)
Saloon Hatchback Estate
Overall length 4755 4755 4785
Width 1795 1795 1795
Height 1440 1440 1490
Wheelbase 2725 2725 2725
Front headroom 1001 1001 1001
Rear headroom 955 945 990
Cargo volume (litres) 519 510 519
(rear seats folded)* —- 1702 1751

*loaded up to the roof

Boosted appeal for Fleet Drivers
“The really good news for company car drivers is that engine improvements across the new Mazda6 range mean that CO2 emission levels are significantly lower than the outgoing model, with Mazda promising reduced benefit-in-kind tax levels despite a modest increase in list prices over the previous model,” observes Mark Cameron.

Mazda’s figures show that the new Mazda6 model will deliver huge savings in company car tax. The new 1.8 model provides an amazing five band reduction in company car tax from 24 percent to 19 percent in 2007/08. Depending on model, CO2 reductions for other models range from 23 to 15 g/km, while tax band reductions average 5 percent (see table).

New Mazda 6 – CO2 and Company Car Tax reductions
Old / New Company Car Tax Old / New
1.8 hatchback 186 / 162 g/km 24 / 19 percent
2.0 hatchback 191 / 168 g/km 25 / 20 percent
2.0D hatchback 165 / 147 g/km 23 / 19 percent
2.5 hatchback* 207 / 192 g/km 28 / 25 percent

*compared with previous 2.3-litre model

The reduced CO2 emissions levels also mean savings in Vehicle Excise Duty – the 1.8 petrol is down two bands, while the 2.0 petrol and 2.0 turbo diesel are both down one band on the current model – so fleet operating costs will reduce with the introduction of the all-new Mazda6.

All New Mazda 6 article provided by www.mazda.co.uk

The Ford Kuga is based on Ford’s acclaimed C-car architecture – well proven in both the Ford Focus and the Ford C-MAX. Distinctive design, intelligent AWD system, and impressive on and off-road ability make the Kuga an attractive proposition.
“I’m really excited about moving into this growing segment with such a stylish and capable vehicle. I’m confident that Kuga is going to give the competition a run for their money!” said Roelant de Waard, Chairman and Managing Director, Ford of Britain.

Powered by the Ford Kuga 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi 136PS diesel engine with standard particulate filter and six-speed manual transmission, Ford Kuga comes with full-time Haldex intelligent AWD system. The engine provides 320Nm of torque at 2,000rpm and 340Nm in transient overboost. With combined fuel consumption of 44.1mpg it also achieves class-leading levels of CO2 – just 169 g/km.

Ford Kuga is only available in two specifications - Ford Kuga Zetec and Ford Kuga Titanium. Standard features include - keyless start, 17-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Ford Easy fuel, Thatcham category 1 alarm and MP3 connector.

Kuga Titanium adds rain sensing wipers, blue tinted glass, partial leather trim, cruise control, automatic headlights and dual electronic air temperature control. Additional premium options available include, rear facing camera, panoramic roof, USB connectivity and DAB radio.

New features to the segment and to Ford include a dual split-tailgate design - offering flexibility and convenience with separate access to either the glass upper tailgate section only or both sections simultaneously.

The car is available in a choice of nine body colours including two brand new metallic colours – ‘Chill’ and ‘Electric White.’

The eye-catching Kuga interior incorporates cloth or fine leathers and gloss finishes with a choice of shades. Colour-matched details of the interior design and integrated trim colours highlight the instrument panel and door trims, creating a complete, unified look of design-led quality and premium sportiness.

Kuga offers comfortable and spacious seating for up to five adults. The second row of seating has a 60/40 split and can fold completely flat to maximise the load space. Underseat storage beneath the second row with further storage under the floor of the luggage compartment area offers maximum practicality. The Kuga has a generous luggage capacity of 1,355 litres when in two-seat mode, while the enclosed luggage compartment achieves a volume of up to 410 litres.

New Ford Kuga

FUN-loving and fashionable, sensational and safe; Ford’s all-new Fiesta is guaranteed to wow the crowds when the wraps come off at next month’s Geneva Motor Show.

Taking much of its exterior and interior design from the striking Verve Concept, the next generation of Britain’s best-loved small car promises to shake up the supermini scene at its global premiere.

More than 12 million Fiesta models have been sold since its introduction in 1976, and the arrival of this latest Fiesta opens another chapter in the story of Ford’s most successful small car. Following the company’s ‘kinetic design’ philosophy introduced on all the latest models, the 2008 Fiesta marks a major leap forward in terms of style, craftsmanship, quality of materials and model choice.

Behind the innovative design, however, lies a car that remains true to Fiesta fundamentals of practicality, affordability, agility and safety. The compact congestion-busting dimensions remain yet the head-turning looks wrap a structure that’s both lighter and stronger than before.

Thoroughly modern and designed to meet every need and desire of today’s supermini buyers, the sixth generation of the Fiesta family will be offered in both three and five-door bodystyles. The prominent coupé-like profile of both versions indicates how deeply the spirit of the Verve Concept has been carried into production. Make no mistake about it – this is a small car with a big presence.

It’s a similar story inside. A Verve Concept interior – the futuristic, mobile phone-inspired, human-machine interface technology of the instrument panel centre stack – will be a core feature of the new Ford Fiesta when it hits the road.

The Ford Convers+ system – already available on the Ford Mondeo, S-MAX and Galaxy models – will also feature, representing a major step forward for the small car buyer. It is just one of several new features and technologies, including keyless vehicle technology symbolised by the distinctive ‘Ford Power’ button on the instrument panel.

Connectivity is another new Fiesta strength. The new centre console features a convenient tray for MP3 players complete with built-in sockets for an auxiliary (AUX) audio and USB cables, along with the traditional 12 volt outlet. This allows the car’s audio system to control and charge the MP3 player. Bluetooth® connectivity with voice control is also offered in the new Fiesta, along with more big-car technologies.

Powering the Fiesta to global success is a mix of efficient petrol and diesel engines. The 1.25-litre (60 and 80PS) and 1.4-litre (91PS) Duratec petrol units are joined by a new Duratec 1.6-litre Ti-VCT (115PS) option. This advanced powertrain provides an additional 15PS over the outgoing model but, thanks to variable valve timing, with no fuel consumption penalty.

For the ultimate in economy, Ford’s TDCi common-rail diesel engines will continue to be offered in 1.4-litre (68PS) and 1.6-litre (90PS) guises. Later in 2008 a Fiesta ECOnetic with CO2 emissions of less than 100g/km will become available.

From launch, all Fiestas will be equipped with the slick Ford Durashift five-speed manual transmission, and a four-speed automatic transmission will be available on selected models.

Throughout each generation, the Fiesta badge has always been synonymous with agile, entertaining handling and this remains the case. The bold new design may be tougher and safer but this isn’t at the sacrifice of driving enjoyment. New Fiesta retains the MacPherson strut front suspension and twist-beam rear suspension layout that has been one of its traditional strengths, but the new suspension and steering system has undergone significant development.

Ford’s acclaimed dynamics engineers worked hard to enhance Fiesta’s ride comfort and isolate road, wind and powertrain noise from the cabin. The result is an impressively quiet drive for a small car.

Electric-Power Assist Steering (E-PAS) is introduced in the Fiesta for the first time. E-PAS provides the right balance of low-speed assistance and excellent feel and responsiveness.

Summing up the latest Fiesta ahead of its Geneva debut Martin Smith, Executive Director of Design for Ford of Europe said: “All the vital elements of ‘kinetic design’ have been translated into the new Fiesta to create a dynamic spirit of fun and energy. “New Fiesta evokes an instant emotional response that says ‘I want one’ which extends the traditionally practical values of the Fiesta to appeal to a new, style-conscious generation of small car buyers.” Full technical details and UK trim levels for the new Fiesta range will be released closer to the launch of the production model in autumn 2008.

New Ford Fiesta available to buy in the UK

Forget the badge, its’s just a better drive

The Passat and new Mondeo are closely matched on the spec sheet and, in their top trim levels, only split by a few hundred pounds on price.
But we’ve come to Somerset to find out if the new Mondeo is the best in its class and on the long schlep down the M4, it holds the initial advantage. The Passat may be more powerful, but it has a noisier motor, and the Ford’s TDCi unit is more flexible.

Of the two, the new Mondeo is the better mile-eater, mainly because it’s just so damned refined. And on the Somerset back roads it’s on its toes to the Passat’s heels. You’re in no doubt that the Ford’s is the more sophisticated chassis and it wins the test.

You can separate the Ford and BMW - significantly - by price. We’re pitting 2.0-litre turbodiesels against one another here, and the 320d M Sport tested is the priciest 320d. Ranged against it is the most expensive Mondeo 2.0 TDCi, the Titanium X. Even adding sports suspension and 18in wheels to the Ford leaves a price gap of close to five grand.

You instantly see how much bigger the new Mondeo is, and it is far larger inside. You’re less confined up front and in the rear you can sprawl. And for ride, it’s an easy win for the new Mondeo. Both cars roll on 18in rims and sports suspension but there’s a world of difference in their tackling of turbulent B-roads, which have the 3-series darting and bucking. The Ford seems serene by comparison and no less entertaining.

In daily use, the new Mondeo has the 3-series beaten - in Sport form, at least - on the ‘liveability versus entertainment’ compromise. Ford Talk

In rational terms, then, the new Mondeo - which is just as satisfying to drive as the 320d - simple makes more sense. You just need to park up your brand prejudices.

A member of staff at Jennings is climbing the career ladder after receiving his first promotion.

For the past five years, Dave Horsley, 44, from Billingham, has been working as a sales executive at JenningsFord’s Yarm Road dealership in Stockton.

That was until his hard work was rewarded with a promotion to sales controller/business manager and resulted in a transfer from Stockton to the Group’s Mazda dealership at Cargo Fleet Lane in Middlesbrough.

Dave’s new role involves working closely with franchise manager, James Chorlton, with the day-to-day running of the dealership, in addition to being responsible for all aspects of finance and liaising with both existing and potential customers.

Delighted with the promotion, Dave said; “This is an excellent opportunity and an exciting challenge for me.”

Prior to taking on the new role, Dave successfully completed a Business Manager’s course, which was organised by Mazda and took place in Leeds. The course entailed both theory and practical exercises, which Dave passed with flying colours.

James Chorlton, franchise manager at JenningsMazda in Middlesbrough, said; “I am delighted to welcome Dave on board. He is an enthusiastic and ambitious individual and an asset to the team.”

Prior to joining the motor industry, Dave worked in a managerial position within the retail industry.

For more information about the range available at JenningsMazda, customers can either call into the Cargo Fleet Lane Middlesbrough dealership or contact 01642 256655.