It’s obviously important to be comfortable at the wheel, especially if you’re covering long distances. If you are hunched over the steering wheel, you are more likely to get tired while driving – and more liable, therefore, to be involved an accident. Sitting in the proper position when driving also ensures you have a clear, unrestricted view of the road ahead. It’s pretty obvious, really.
So what are the main things to consider, according to actual tall people?
Legroom
Our resident tall person, Alastair, says the most important factor is legroom. Most people’s legs are just under half their height: if you’re more than 6 foot tall, you’ll need space for 36-inch legs – at least.
The Ford C-MAX offers more than 43 inches of legroom for the driver, as well as a panoramic sunroof to make you feel like there’s even more space. (You can also change the seating configurations with just one hand, apparently.)
Ford cars in general appear to accommodate people with long legs, so you could also try the Ford Focus or even the deceptively spacious Ford B-MAX.
Tall drivers may struggle to find cars with enough legroom
Headroom
For those (unlike my friend Alastair) who have long bodies but shorter legs, it’s headroom that will make all the difference. Don’t be fooled by the overall height of a car, or assume an MPV will give you more space, because the seat could be higher up – and headroom could be as minimal as a supermini.
We’ve found that the new Hyundai ix35 offers a good amount of space between the seat and the roof (about a metre), with a height-adjustable seat to offer a decent view of the road ahead, no matter where your eyes are. If you get me.
Driving position
Alastair claims that cars like the Mercedes-Benz A-Class are good for those with long legs, because the seats are upright and high – meaning that you don’t have to push the seat right back to be comfortable. (A Seat Comfort Package is fitted as standard in all A-Class models.)
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class offers a good amount of space for the taller driver
Adjustable seats
Some cars, such as 2-seaters, don’t allow you to move the front seats back very far. For Alastair, it’s important that you can actually push the seats back quite a distance.
The Skoda Superb comes with electronically adjustable front seats, allowing you to move them around at the touch of a button. It also provides an impressive 1100mm (40 inches) of legroom.
And it’s worth checking if the car you fancy has an adjustable steering wheel, because that could make all the difference to the comfort of the drive. Search cars with adjustable steering wheels
While some believe that a car with small exterior dimensions won’t accommodate a larger human, this isn’t always the case.
The Volkswagen up! plays to this notion in its latest TV advert (below). The idea is that a small car couldn’t possibly be housing a tall guy – but lo and behold, it is! That’s because the up! is surprisingly spacious, offering up 993mm (39 inches) of headroom and 1009mm (nearly 40 inches) of legroom in the front.
Other small cars (which, incidentally, belong to low insurance groups) that can apparently accommodate very tall drivers include the Citroen C1 and the Peugeot 107.
Unless you stick your head out of them, sunroofs are a bit useless
You might want to avoid cars with sunroofs, purely because they take up precious headspace. Many Honda cars don’t have sunroofs, and the seats are positioned quite low, so they provide maximum space for tall drivers.
When in doubt, try a hatchback
“A hatchback will almost always be OK for me,” said more than one lofty member of Arnold Clark staff when I asked them. So, when you tall folk are commencing your car search, start with the hatchbacks on display and work from there.
Car roofs can be inconvenient for the very tall driver
Try before you buy
While it’s useful to do your research online, nothing beats a proper test drive at your local dealership when it comes to choosing the car that's right for you.
The 86th Academy Awards, and a whole host of sleek celebrity cars pulled up to the red carpet. In celebration, we thought it was a good opportunity to look at where famous movie (and TV) cars are now.
Where is the Back to the Future DeLorean now?
The Time Machine Restoration team undertook a year long restoration project on the original DeLorean DMC-12, which appeared in Back to the Future I, II and III. The project involved restoring the bruised body panels and flux capacitor, and replacing many parts damaged in the time it had spent on outdoor display.
The DeLorean is now on permanent display at its new home in the Universal Experience at Universal Studios.
Hosts Anne Hathaway and James Franco "arrived" in a "DeLorean" at the 83rd Oscars ceremony in 2011.
Where is KITT from Knight Rider now?
During 2011, an eBay seller attempted to sell the "original" KITT - a 1982 Pontiac Trans Am. After the internet caught on to the sale and whipped itself into a frenzy, the seller withdrew the item. We're still uncertain as to the whereabouts of the original KITT.
Where is the Ecto-1car from Ghostbusters now?
The 1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor ambulance, which served as transportation for our favourite ghost hunters, sadly lies in a state of disrepair. Last year it was discovered that the Ecto-1 is sitting in a Sony Pictures prop lot in Culver City, California.
Some dedicated Ghostbusters fans have started a petition to have the car restored and, with Ghostbusters 3 looking like it may be coming out of development hell, they may just get their wish.
At this year's Oscars, Bill Murray paid tribute to Ghostbusters star Harold Ramis, who died in February. Ghostbusters was nominated for two Oscars back in 1985.
Where is the General Lee from Dukes of Hazzard now?
The Dukes of Hazzard was infamous for the long line of destroyed 1969 Dodge Chargers left in its wake. US golfer Bubba Watson paid $110,000 for the Dodge Charger used as The General Lee in the very first episode of the show in 1979. Disappointingly for that seller, a Dodge Charger with significantly less history sold for $9,900,500 on eBay in 2007.
Where is Chitty Chitty Bang Bang now?
In 2012, DJ Chris Evans paid £500,000 for the iconic car from the 1968 film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. He has even been spotted driving the unique car through central London.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was nominated for a "Best Music, Original Song" Oscar in 1969... for the song "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang".
Where is the 1966 Batmobile now?
Before he was the Mayor of Quahog, Adam West ran about in lycra as the 1966 TV Batman. The heavily modified 1955 Lincoln Futura, which served as the primary means of transport for the Caped Crusader in the TV series, went on sale in 2012 - and fetched $4.6 million. The Batmobile had just one previous owner - the original customiser, George Barris.
Today, Apple announced that a new service allowing the control of your iPhone via your car's built-in display will be available on 'select new cars' in 2014 - just in time for the Geneva International Motor Show.
Apple appear to have moved away from the more generic-sounding "iOS in the Car" announced in June last year at its WWDC keynote.
Here's what you need to know about Apple CarPlay
Apple CarPlay has been announced today with some significant basic functionality, along with expected availability and compatibility.
Controlling the iPhone via your built-in display
You'll be able to use the car's interface to directly control compatible devices, through the touchscreen, or via Siri voice controls using a steering wheel-mounted button.
Apple CarPlay Messaging
Siri can send, read, and reply to your text messages for you.
Apple CarPlay Maps, predictive navigation and spoken directions
Apple CarPlay will give drivers access to iOS mapping, music services and messages, with simple words or touch controls.
CarPlay navigation functions are said to predict destinations based on recent trips, giving you driving directions and traffic information. Siri will give you spoken directions, with maps appearing on the car's display.
Music and Spotify support
On the music front, there's support for apps like Spotify and Beats Radio, as well as iTunes and the Podcasts app.
Apple CarPlay controls
CarPlay features Siri voice control and is specially designed for driving scenarios. However, according to Apple, it also works with your car’s controls - "knobs, buttons, or touchscreen. And the apps you want to use in the car have been reimagined, so you can use them while your eyes and hands stay where they belong."
Apple CarPlay Compatability
Apple CarPlay will be compatible with all Lightning-equipped iPhones (iPhone 5, iPhone 5S, iPhone 5C) and will arrive as an update to iOS7.
Apple CarPlay Availability
CarPlay will be available in 2014 on some new models from:
The initial reaction amongst consumers has been overwhelmingly positive, with some going so far as to state that they wouldn't buy a car without it. However, critics argue that CarPlay is just another way to "distract, frustrate and confuse drivers" - something that according to All Things D is becoming an increasing problem as in car technology develops.
Earlier this year, Google announced the Open Automotive Alliance at CES, to bring Android into the car. Interestingly, there is a significant amount of overlap in the manufacturers involved - so we could see an intense battle for the car dashboard real estate.
Do you live in the East Kilbride area? Visit our brand new branch on Saturday 8th March for our exciting launch event.
We're hosting a fun-filled launch event for our brand new Toyota site based in East Kilbride. The event will take place on March 8th at the lovely new branch, and will feature a variety of entertainment – including Real Radio’s Ewen and Paul Harper playing legendary ‘Risk It For A Biscuit’ LIVE between 9am and 11am.
Tweet @ArnoldClark to let us know you're there! #EKToyota
There will also be a lucrative prize draw where entrants can win £500 of holiday vouchers, and an iPad mini. There’s also free food and drink for all guests.
The refurbishment of the Toyota site began in August 2013, and the branch will be officially opened by local MSP Margaret McCulloch on Saturday 8th March.
Guests will be able to view eleven different varieties of Toyota models whilst enjoying a variety of fun activities, including world-renowned balloon artist ‘Pop’, a local Glasgow milkshake business ‘Shake Bar’, and cupcakes courtesy of local East Kilbride businesses Wild Flours and Cheeky Wee Cupcakes. There will also be a variety of savoury food and refreshments available on the day.
Throughout the day there will be numerous prize draws, with the opportunity to win £500 worth of holiday vouchers and an iPad mini.
The new branch has a team of seven expertly trained staff, led by General Manager David Kane. The team includes an Arnold Clark ‘Product Genius' who can offer up their specialised knowledge of each model, as well as test drives and expert demonstrations for customers on the day of the launch. The branch now holds over twice as many vehicles as the previous Toyota site: 120 in total. The new facility also offers customers MOTs and has an impressive Parts department.
Come along to get yourself a free ‘Wash & Vac’ voucher as well as an Arnold Clark voucher booklet worth up to £200, which can be redeemed in the service centre.
General Manager David Kane commented, “We are delighted to be able to launch the new Toyota site and provide East Kilbride with this brilliant new showroom. We look forward to welcoming the local community, and hope to see lots of faces, old and new, as we continue to offer the highest level of Arnold Clark Service.”
The fun filled launch event will take place from 9am to 6pm on March 8th and is open to all – so save the date and come along to welcome your new Toyota dealership.
It kicks off properly today, but the doors were opened to motoring journalists earlier this week. The 84th Geneva Motor Show– or the Salon international de l’automobile Geneve, to give it the honour of a full title and explain the #SIAG hashtag– will showcase some dazzling new cars to the world. Indeed, between the 6th and 16th March, no less than 146 cars will make their debut. We take a look at some of the vehicles you can expect to see at the Palexpo in Geneva…
Abarth – 695 biposto
Abarth 695 biposto: it means ‘2 seats’ in Italian
All of the manufacturers we represent are proudly revealing new models and concepts at the Geneva Motor Show, so what’s say we tackle this alphabetically?
Abarth has revealed the 695 biposto, a pared back 500 with just 2 seats and a 187bhp turbocharged 1.4-litre engine. It’s 50 years since the first 695 was presented (in Geneva!) and Abarth is dubbing it “the fastest street legal Abarth ever” thanks to acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.9 seconds.
Abarth is also unveiling the new Abarth 500 model for 2014 and the Abarth 695 Assetto Corse Evoluzione at the Geneva Motor Show – showcasing the brand’s formula, “a perfect balance of rarity and accessibility, tradition, performance tuning, Italian style and passion for racing.”
Speak to our Abarth dealers to get a slice of this action.
BMW – 2 Series Active Tourer
The 2 Series Active Tourer is BMW's first front-wheel drive model
Of course, this is BMW. They haven’t just brought one car to the party – far from it. BMW is presenting “a selection of fascinating new series-production models”, including the 4 Series Gran Coupe, the X3, the 2 Series Coupe, the M3 Sedan, the M4 Coupe, the i3 and the i8.
But we think the 2 Series Active Tourer is pretty exciting, because it’s the first car from BMW to offer a front-wheel drive system. The engine line-up at launch includes turbocharged three- and four-cylinder units, and a six-speed manual transmission will be standard. The range extends from the 225i to the diesel-powered 218d. The 225i has a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, and will go from 0 to62 mph in 6.8 seconds (reaching a top speed of 146 mph.)
It will be available from our BMW dealerships in September this year.
Chevrolet – Corvette Z06
Chevrolet has two European Corvette premieres for us – the C7.R race car and the Z06. Due to launch in Spring 2015 (before Chevrolet pulls out of Europe), the Z06 boasts a supercharged V8 engine, an automatic transmission and a removable roof panel. New technologies in the car include Direct injection, Active Fuel Management, and continuously variable valve timing.
According to Chevrolet, this model “launches Stingray into supercar territory” and “represent the closest link in modern times between Corvettes built for racing and the road…” And it’s probably not an empty claim – the car produces an estimated 625 bhp and 635lb-ft of torque.
Rollback fabric roof on Citroen C1 available on Airscape version
It’s a world premiere for the new Citroen C1, but it’s not alone at the Citroen stand (that's stand 6220, if you’re actually at the Geneva Motor Show). Other new models include the C4 Cactus (based on last year’s Cactus concept) and the C5 CrossTourer (a reworked version of the C5 estate car).
The “fresh take on a best-seller” features, and I quote, “dynamic lines and a cheerful front end, with a cheeky haze created by the headlamps.” It’s fun, it’s bright and it’s easy to handle – a customisable car that’s perfect for city driving. It’s also got loads of useful technology, such as a 7’’ touchscreen, and Mirror Screen technology allowing you to copy and run smartphone apps from the touchscreen. Low CO2 emissions and light in weight, it’s skinny on running costs.
The new C1 will be available at your local Arnold Clark Citroen from July this year.
Fiat – Panda Cross
Fiat Panda Cross: an adorable SUV with attitude
Fiat are showcasing the new Fiat Panda Cross, providing “all the exclusivity offered by the SUVs of higher segments” in a more compact format. It comes with ‘Torque on demand’ all-wheel drive and Electronic Locking Differential function as standard, as well as Terrain Control and body protection. You even get a set of all-season tyres thrown in.
It’s available with boosted versions of the 80HP 1.3 MultiJet II and 90HP 0.9 TwinAir Turbo engines. You can also request City Brake Control, winner of a Euro NCAP award for safety. Following the Panda 4x4 and Panda Trekking, the Panda Cross represents the top of the Fiat Panda off-road range.
Fiat are also displaying the Freemont Cross, the new 500 model for 2014 and the new Fiat 500 Cult version, which has caused quite a media storm. On top of that, you can see the new 500L Beats Edition (with BeatsAudio), the new 2014 Fiat 500L range AND a Fiat 500L Trekking ‘Street Surf’ show car.
The Fiat Panda Cross will be in Fiat showrooms across Europe from this autumn.
Ford – new Ford Focus
With updates to the styling, technology and the engines, the facelifted Ford Focus will be on sale in the UK in June. Probably just as well, then, that we get to see it in all its glory at the Geneva Motor Show.
You can choose from the 1.5-litre EcoBoost Petrol or 1.5-litre TDCi diesel engines, which offer 19% greater economy, or the 1-litre EcoBoost petrol, which offers 99g/km CO2 emissions.
The outer stance is wider, the interior is more intuitive, and driving it will feel pretty different, thanks to revised suspension, retuned shock absorbers and recalibrated electric power steering. Fancy a car with a quieter ambience? Luckily, it’s got thicker carpets and side window glass, to offer just that.
When it goes on sale at the end of this year, the new Ford Focus will be the first car in Europe with Sync 2, Ford’s in-car connectivity system. I won’t baffle you with the techy stuff – suffice to say, if you’re looking for a car that can practically choose a restaurant for you and take you there, you’re on to a winner. It even offers hands-free ‘Perpendicular Parking’ assistance.
Ford is also premiering the Ford Mustang and the Edge Concept at Geneva – exciting times.
Hyundai – Intrado concept
Hyundai Intrado concept: takes its inspiration from planes.
Hyundai is revealing a futuristic car with a hydrogen fuel-cell and intuitive, interactive displays. The Intrado also has a carbon-fibre frame, reflecting Hyundai’s aim to create cars that are lighter and easier to drive (and repair). Production versions? You might be waiting up to 10 years.
The fuel-cell – something we know Hyundai is a big fan of– uses a 36kWh lithium-ion battery, and only emits water. The design references the wings of an aircraft – ‘intrado’ describes the underside of a plane’s wings – which might explain the funny styling round the wheels.
Jeep is debuting its exciting (and rather cute) new SUV at Geneva: the Jeep Renegade. The design inspirations are clear: it's got similar architecture to the Fiat 500L, draws heavily on the Wrangler, and has shades of the original military jeep thanks to the grille and the upright windscreen.
There’s a delightful range of engines, transmissions and trim levels on offer – but you don’t have to make your choice just yet. The left-hand-drive version for Europe will be produced first, later this year, and the right-hand-drive model will come thereafter. Our Jeep dealerships will have all the info when the car does arrive in the UK.
Kia – new Soul EV
This 5-door city car from the Japanese marque looks somewhat different to the Kia Soul– but, of course, the most noticeable difference is the electric engine. It's Kia’s first foray into the EV universe, and it gives a range of over 200km, a top speed of 145 km/h and it does 0 to 100 km/h in 12 seconds.
As well as a 81.4 kW electric motor, the abilities of the car can be put down to some ingenious energy-saving technologies. Kia has brought a ‘driver-only’ ventilation system to the word, and offer new advanced heating and air-conditioning technologies, regenerative braking and a battery heating system to make the Soul EV as efficient as possible. It will be on sale at Arnold Clark Kia branches later this year – along with Kia’s brilliant 7-year warranty.
Mazda – Hazumi concept car
It may be a concept car, but the Mazda Hazumi will give us all a taste of how the new Mazda2 will look (it will probably be on display at the Paris Motor Show in September). The Hazumi features Mazda’s brand-spanking 1.5-litre 4-cylinder SkyActiv D diesel engine, which offers lower emissions and dynamic performance.
Inside, there’s the latest in infotainment (MZD Connect, compatible with every brand of smartphone) and safety technology (i-ACTIVSENSE, which pretty much just stops accidents from happening.)
Mercedes S Class: brilliant, especially if you like chickens or sparkles.
It’s not the only Merc premiering at Geneva, but we are big fans of the new S-Class Coupe with Magic Body Control (an adaptive suspension system that reads the road to improve ride comfort – have you seen their chicken advert?) PLUS a ‘curve tilting’ function to reduce ‘lateral acceleration’ acting on passengers – in other words, creating less movement within the car.
The S-Class Coupe will actually replace the CL Class at the very very top end of the manufacturer’s range. It’s not far from the concept version that they showcased at Frankfurt last year (aesthetically) – it has a nice diamond radiator grille, angular headlamps, large air inlets and doesn’t have those pesky door frames or B-pillars inside.
With a 2-part TFT screen, the driver can enjoy Sat Nav, infotainment and all the usual instruments through a cool touchpad... hold on, I’ve just re-read the press release. The car comes with optional SWAROVSKI BLOOMING CRYSTALS in the headlamps. NO MORE NEEDS TO BE SAID.
MINI – Clubman Concept
The five-door Clubman Concept is longer and wider than the current MINI Clubman, and the manufacturer describes it as “sophisticated, cool and elegant”. It has more interior space, a “greater sense of high-end quality” (more chrome highlights on the exterior, for example) and refinement of the recognisable MINI styling.
Stretching the present design – perhaps to compete with the Golf and Audi A3– the MINI Clubman Concept is unlikely to change much when it becomes a production model next year.
If this upgrade is anything like its big brother the Qashqai, then it’s sure to be a winner.
What is evident with the new Nissan Juke is that it has a more sporty, athletic and stylish feel than the previous model.
The most striking element is the new choice of colours now available to personalise your car – both inside and out. Your chosen colour can be added to the entire console, air vent rings and door trim finishers, as well as the bumper and headlamp finishers, mirror caps and alloy wheels – to give what Nissan describes as “head turning urban appeal”.
Drivers will also benefit from increased boot space (more than 100 litres), redesigned LED running lights, and a glass sunroof – all to create a spacious ambience in the cabin.
There is also a new engine line-up, with improved C02 emissions and MPG figures. Choose from the 1.6 petrol (94PS), 1.6 petrol (117PS), 1.5dCi diesel (110PS) or the new 1.2 DIG-T petrol (115PS). There is also the 1.6 DIG-T (190PS).
Another plus is that Stop/Start technology is now standard on the manual versions of the 1.5dCi, 1.2 DIG-T and 1.6 DIG-T models.
As with the new Qashqai, the new Juke will benefit from Nissan Safety Shield technology, which includes Lane Departure Warning, Blind Sport Warning and Moving Object Detection.
It’s been crowned car of the year by the Geneva judges, who hail from 22 European countries. The Peugeot 308 was chosen for its “general balance and versatility”, and creating a new standard in terms of interior space – “light-flooded, comfortable and ergonomic.”
The Peugeot 308 is already available, but this spring will see the launch of the 308 SW, which is unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show. This estate car will have a range of 9 engines to choose from, one of which (the BlueHDi 1.6-litre 120bhp) emits just 82g/km of CO2.
Renault – Twingo
The third generation Twingo has had a bold transformation. With extensive personalisation options – you have four body colours to choose from – the small city car is the only one of its kind to offer two multimedia systems (the R & Go and the R-Link Evolution).
Thanks to the positioning of the (optionally turbocharged, 3-cylinder) engine at the rear, the new Twingo is agile, has a bigger turning circle, and is more spacious. With five doors and “clever stowage”, it has a long load length of 2.2m and “good humouredly illustrates Renault’s small car expertise”. Its forward vertical field of view and high-up driving position are terrific for driving in built-up areas.
The SEAT Leon Cupra is the fastest production car to grace the Geneva Motor Show ring
The SEAT Leon Cupra is the most intense Cupra ever made, and most powerful series production road car SEAT has ever produced. On the evidence so far, we can see why.
It’s the fastest ever front-wheel drive car at the Geneva Motor Show, eclipsing the previous record by over 10 seconds, beating even Porsche and Aston Martin.
This car is the epitome of sporty design and exceptional performance – proving once again how far the SEAT brand is evolving and progressing along with other brands under the Volkswagen Group.
The design of the new Leon Cupra follows a similar design to the Leon FR, but with enhanced design and performance features that pack a punch in every way.
The hot hatch comes with 19” alloys, full LED headlights, DAB radio, rain-sensing headlights and auto wipers as standard, while the Cupra 280 adds a rear spoiler, gloss black mirror caps, red brake calipers and Satellite Navigation.
Under the bonnet of the Cupra, there’s a range of engine that all deliver maximum output. There’s 261bhp in the manual, or the DSG automatic 276bhp. The 261bhp delivers 0-62mph in 5.9 seconds. All versions hit an electronically limited top speed of 155mph.
Another one that won’t be available on the market for a while, the Skoda Vision C Concept does give us some indication of the design for future models – in other words, edgy, sporty and more striking. This five-door coupe has more pronounced headlights than current Skoda models, and boasts a 110PS 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine – as well as a CNG tank. CO2 is under 92g/km, and Skoda claims that the drive technology in the car is “close to production”.
This may mean that we can expect to see future Skoda models using lightweight materials (carbon fibre is used on the Vision C’s fuel tank) and featuring sleeker styling. Of course, we may even see an entirely new Skoda model based on the Vision C Concept – boss Dr Winfried Vahland hasn’t ruled it out.
Arguably the most notable change on this new Aygo model is the customisable colour schemes on certain areas of the car, such as the grille, bumper inserts and dash panels.
What is sure to be an iconic feature of this new model is the new ‘X’ shape, which is visible when looking at the car front-on.
We really like the Aygo designer philosophy on the new Toyota model: “In a crowded marketplace, it's better to have a design that half the people absolutely love, rather than one that nobody objects to.”
Vauxhall has unveiled the ADAM Rocks, a tougher and more rugged version of the current city car. It has a folding fabric roof, retuned suspension, rear roof spoiler and LED running lights – and you can get it in ‘Ghostbusters Yellow’ if you fancy. It’s also the first model with Vauxhall’s new 1-litre ECOTEC 3-cylinder engine.
Vauxhall is also presenting a new Astra VXR and the ADAM S at the event.
The ADAM Rocks goes on sale in summer – you’ll be able to see it at your local Arnold Clark Vauxhall dealership.
Volkswagen – Golf GTE plug-in hybrid
Phew. Volkswagen are putting out a ton of new vehicles at their Geneva stand (2161) – but let’s take a second to look at the exciting new Golf GTE.
With the dynamics of the GTI and the green credentials of electric power, it has a range of 37 miles in electric mode and a total range of 583 miles. 188mpg and 35g/km are impressive figures; 7.6 seconds to get up to 62mph is too. The top speed is capped at 134mph. Order books will be opening for the Golf GTE plug-in hybrid in August (contact your local Arnold Clark Volkswagen to give it a whirl…)
Volvo – Concept Estate
If you look at this list you’ll see that Volvo are also packing a LOT in to their Geneva experience. One of the many premieres at the motor show will be the Concept Estate, an elegant three-door version of the Saint’s P1800 from the 1960s.
A key feature is the tablet-like touchscreen display on the car’s dash, something that you can expect to see in future Volvo models. “The basic idea is to organise controls and information in a perfectly intuitive and user-friendly way. Everything is exactly where you expect it to be,” said Thomas Ingenlath, head of design at Volvo.
With local saddle leather on the dash, aged wood on the inlays and copper detail throughout, this concept vehicle does its best to show off Swedish design talent. Indeed, Volvo claims that it has “the feel of a Swedish living room”.
What next?
Most of these delightful new models will be available from our dealerships at some point in the next year or so. If you can’t wait until these new cars become available – don't! We always have terrific deals on brand new cars, so start your search today.
2014 marks the 60th Anniversary of Arnold Clark Automobiles – and it's shaping up to be a great year.
The year has started with a record-breaking Real Sale, as total customer savings reached over £10 million.
And now the Real Sale is over, we're keen to let our customers in on our secrets. Why have we been so successful for 60 years? As our new advertising campaign says, ‘We’re 60 for a reason’!
The reasons for our success
A huge choice: Arnold Clark offers customers competitive prices on over 15,000 new and used cars.
Superb value: 80% of Arnold Clark customers save money when changing their car – even when they switch to a newer model. Plus, 76% of customers have improved their MPG.
Fantastic service: A massive 97% of Arnold Clark customers would recommend us to their friends and family.
Customer loyalty: Arnold Clark has built up a loyal customer base of over 2.5 million people.
Long history: 60 years ago, Sir Arnold Clark bought a Morris Ten Four and sold it on for a profit. The rest, as they say, is history.
Wide coverage: Arnold Clark has expanded into England in recent years – and now has 200 dealerships across the UK.
Award-winning website: We now welcome more than 60,000 visitors to ArnoldClark.com every day.
Motoring peace of mind: ACCIST, our free accident management service, comes as standard with every vehicle. Moreover, every car goes through a 120-point inspection, and an HPI check, before hitting the forecourt.
We've got lots of exciting activities planned to celebrate this milestone – and to thank our loyal customers for getting us to this point. Watch this space!
The Good Egg Driver campaign, sponsored by Arnold Clark, has launched a UK programme to increase safe driving among 17 to 24 year olds – spearheaded by 18 year old racing driver Christie Doran.
Twenty percent of new drivers aged 17-24 are involved in a collision within six months of passing their test, and an average of twelve young drivers or passengers are killed on the roads every day. Indeed, as noted in our young drivers report, this age group is twice as likely to be involved in a road traffic accident.
The New Driver Guide, as well as the Parents of New Drivers Guide, offers the practical advice and guidance that young drivers require in order help them get their licence, keep it and, most importantly, stay safer on the roads. 100,000 copies of The Good Egg Guide for New Drivers will be distributed to young motorists across the UK, via advanced driving instructors, schools, colleges and road safety professional.
The campaign’s public face, 18 year old Scottish driver Christie Doran, has two years' experience in Triumph TR8 and the BMW Compact Cup. She will visit schools to brief new and prospective motorists on safe driving.
Christie Doran said today, “There is a time and a place for speed – and it is not on our roads. I am delighted to be involved with The Good Egg guides, as I wanted to help highlight how devastating the consequences can be when drivers my age get it wrong on the roads. However, we also want to show that there is a positive side to young drivers. Most are sensible. They are the role models.”
Eddie Hawthorne, Managing Director of the Arnold Clark Group, said, "We are delighted to continue our sponsorship of these potentially life-saving guides. We sell thousands of cars to new or young drivers every year, and it is of paramount importance to us that these are driven with care and due diligence.”
We are pretty nifty with a roll of white vinyl. Give us a classic 1973 Fiat 500L, which has been languishing on the top floor of one of our dealerships for a while, and ask us to strip it right back and make it look like a white Fiat Abarth... well, we're in our element.
We removed the windows, door handles and even the lights from this classic car, and covered it in Avery Supreme Wrapping Film, before carefully adding the red and green stripes and the new Arnold Clark 60th Anniversary logo.
The car has been given a new lease of life as part of our 60th anniversary celebrations, and will be on display at our brand new Edinburgh Fiat/Kia/Abarth branch.
The new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show last week. We take a look at the first ever front-wheel drive from BMW.
The Active Tourer bears all the stylish design hallmarks of a BMW, with added functionality and flexibility. It will launch as a 5-seater, with the 7-seater option to follow later in 2014.
As well as being the first front-wheel drive car from BMW, it is based on the new BMW UKL platform – the same as the 2014 MINI Hatch.
There will be two models available at launch – the 218i and the 218d.
The BMW 218i Active Tourer is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, which produces 134 bhp. It will go from 0-60mph in 9.3 seconds and hit top speeds of 124mph.
The BMW 218d Active Tourer has a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine, which produces 148bhp. It will move from 0-60mph in 8.9 seconds and achieve top speeds of up to 127mph.
The Active Tourer breaks with convention as a BMW: it is all about functionality rather than being a powerful drive.
BMW 2 Series Active Tourer Dimensions
The model measures just 4342mm in length, 1800mm in width and 1555mm in height.
It is a people carrier, so it needs to be roomy – and, despite compact dimensions on the outside, it is. The rear seats slide and recline to give owners the ability to increase the existing boot space of 468 litres to 1150 litres.
The flexible space theme continues with a folding front passenger seat, which allows Active Tourer drivers to transport items up to 2.4 metres in length.
Smart Boot
The Innovative Comfort Access system – including Smart-opener – allows for contactless opening of your boot when you're laden with shopping bags. Before you panic about folk getting into your boot, don't – this nifty wee feature is secure and only works when somebody with a key is detected nearby.
Drivers simply wave their foot under a sensor in the rear bumper and like magic the boot opens – a particularly useful feature in a car geared towards families and the outdoors.
Active Tourer Specification
The Active Tourer includes a raft of additional features:
M Sport Suspension
Adaptive Dampers to help adjust to anything the road might throw at you
Head Up display and Traffic Jam Assist to ensure Active Tourer drivers have vital information in their line of sight when they need it
ConnectedDrive technology, including camera-based adaptive cruise control
Smartphone apps, including concierge service and real-time traffic information
When will the Active Tourer be available?
Full pricing for the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer will be announced in July, with the deliveries beginning in September. It is expected to be priced at under £23,000.
The Scotland national team has recently been rejuvenated, following the managerial appointment of international hall-of-famer, Gordon Strachan. With 4 wins in their last 5 matches, Scotland approaches the new European Championship qualifiers with a renewed hope of potentially reaching their first major tournament in two decades.
"Dream car? One that pours tea and can pick winning teams for me." Strachan
Do you feel being placed in Pot 4 for the European Championship qualifiers is a fair reflection on the ability of the current squad?
It doesn’t matter what I think: that’s the way the draws are made and I suppose any nation that hasn’t qualified for a major finals for a while can’t really complain about being in a lower pot. That said, I have seen some anomalies in my time here. Belgium were Pot 3 in our World Cup qualifiers and, very early on in that campaign, became one of the best teams in the world. Wales were in Pot 6 and had an £80m player in Gareth Bale. I believe we have the potential to be that dark horse this time around.
Now that the European Championships have been expanded to include more teams, you must be very confident that you can qualify for 2016, going by your recent results?
We need to keep improving. That’s the only way to qualify for a major tournament, regardless of how many teams are in it. Of course it helps but, as I said earlier we can’t use Pot seedings, number of teams or the axis of the Earth to the sun: in order to be a top nation, i.e. one that qualifies regularly for tournaments, we have to work, train and perform like one on a consistent basis.
Who do you think will win the World Cup?
I am a huge admirer of German football: the way their clubs play, especially Bayern Munich, and the way the national team plays with that balance of skill, sheer physicality and prodigious work ethic. It certainly makes them one of the favourites.
Brazil will fancy their chances, being the host nation, and traditionally European teams don’t perform overly well in South America. It would be naïve to write-off Spain, though, as holders.
Who is your footballing idol?
My father was a Hibernian fan and I grew up watching the Famous Five at Easter Road. I treasure those early memories watching Lawrie Reilly, Gordon Smith, Bobby Johnstone, Eddie Turnbull and Willie Ormond. Lawrie was a particular favourite of my father’s and he left us with some great memories last year. He scored five times against England but, even though I met him so many times, he never mentioned that once. He was such a modest, humble man.
What was your first car?
My first car was a Vauxhall Viva and it was the best thing ever to get my kids to sleep.
What is your dream car?
One that pours tea and can pick winning teams for me.
Do you have a message for Sir Arnold on the 60th Anniversary of Arnold Clark?
Congratulations from me and everyone at the Scottish Football Association on your 60th anniversary, Arnold Clark. A fantastic achievement, and long may your good work continue.
Vauxhall is the official sponsor of each of the four national football teams. Visit the Vauxhall Football website for more information, and find your local Arnold Clark Vauxhall dealership by clicking below.
With a spectacular variety of features and gadgets, including an Audio 20 CD/Radio with a large 5.8 inches colour display, telephone keypad, Bluetooth, and USB and aux-in sockets compatible with MP3 Players, the Mercedes-Benz A Class is guaranteed to turn any drive into an unforgettable journey.
To ensure your hire is as comfortable as possible, the A-Class boasts full sport seats with integrated headrests for added support. With impressive overall body-styling adding to the sporty, sleek look of the A-Class, hiring a car has never looked better.
The new Mercedes A-Class has a lower roofline, a longer bonnet and the familiar large grille and three-pointed star at the front. Auto Express has described it as “up there with the Volvo V40 as one of the best-looking hatchbacks you can buy, premium or otherwise.”
Mercedes-Benz is well known for creating vehicles with a high standard of safety in mind, which is especially handy for our safety-conscience customers. Luckily the A-Class is no exception – it’s fitted with Collision Prevention Assist (CPA), Adaptive Brake Assist and up to nine airbags within the vehicle, ensuring peace of mind and stress-free driving.
With a retail purchase price of over £20,000, it is possible that the Mercedes-Benz A-Class may be a little over your budget. However, with superb seasonal offers and low weekly rates available from Arnold Clark Car & Van Rental, you could experience this beautiful vehicle without breaking the bank.
Whether you are driving along winding country roads or negotiating through city traffic, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class will provide a little bit of luxury to make your vehicle rental even more enjoyable.
To make a booking, or for more information on the other vehicles available to hire, visit Arnold Clark Car & Van Rental.
Premiered in late 2013 in London, LA and Shanghai, the lovely new third generation MINI is rolling off the production line at their Oxford plant, where the first Mini was produced in 1959. The car will launch globally throughout March 2014.
In a press release, MINI has said “The new MINI is one thing above all: a car with even more MINI about it. The new-generation model has made significant advances in every area when it comes to driving fun, quality and individuality. With new design solutions and exquisitely crafted exterior and interior details, the new MINI is more modern, eye-catching and versatile than ever.”
MINI heritage
The new three-door MINI hatchback doesn’t diverge from the unmistakeable design and driving fun of earlier models – it’s still small, with short overhangs and the hallmark “stance on the wheels”. However, there are some clear changes to the design of the iconic car, outside and inside, and there’s a new range of fuel-efficient engines to choose from.
“The new MINI generation strikes the perfect balance between MINI heritage, future-defining forms and innovations,” says Anders Warming, Head of MINI Design.
Exterior
The new MINI brings greater precision and class to iconic features.
Lighter, wider and 10cm longer with newly designed flanks and a dynamic shape
One-piece chrome frame to show off the hexagonal radiator grille
More grown-up, redesigned head and rear lights
LED headlights an option
The outlines of the headlights, wheel arches and lights are emphasised
Optional Chrome package for even higher standard of exterior appeal
Interior
The interior is recognisable as MINI, but more mature and with higher-quality materials.
New instrument cluster in driver’s eyeline, including all driving-related displays
Switches and handbrake have been moved to be more comfortable to use
Atmospheric ambient lighting accentuates the space and design
Sporty rear seats have been given an ‘individual-seat’ character
Rear seating can be split 60/40 and footwells are larger
Driving
From launch, you can choose from one of the following three engines, all of which are turbocharged.
Engines
Cooper
Cooper D
Cooper S
Engine size (litres)
1.5
1.5
2
Cylinders
3
3
4
Fuel type
Petrol
Diesel
Petrol
Capacity
1499 cc
1496 cc
1998 cc
Output
100kW/136 bhp
85kW/116 bhp
141kW/192 bhp
Max torque
220 Nm at 1250-4000 rpm
270 Nm at 1750 rpm
280 Nm at 1250-4750 rpm
Acceleration (0-100km/h)
7.9 seconds
9.2 seconds
6.8 seconds
Top speed (km/h)
210
205
235
Fuel consumption* (l/100km)
4.5 - 4.6
3.5 - 3.6
5.7 - 5.8
CO2 emissions* (g/km)
105 - 107
92 - 95
133 - 136
*Fuel consumption will depend on tyre format. Figures for manual variants given.
Each model comes with a stop/start system, complies with Euro 6 emissions regulations and is 27% more fuel efficient than the previous engine.
6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic and a sports automatic transmission are all on offer in the new front-wheel drive models.
The new MINI is built on the UKL platform, which will underpin the MINI range and support all-wheel drive, hybrid and electric drivetrains.
Intensified handling comes from aluminium and high-strength steel in the suspension, and Variable Damper Control is an option (providing a ‘Comfort’ and a ‘Sport’ setting.)
Technology
The new MINI is filled with more useful tools for a great driving experience.
“Beneath the outer skin is a brand-new car with state-of-the-art technologies seen for the first time at a small car.”
As well as the new infotainment system and optional MINI Head-Up display, the new MINI features Pedestrian Protection, revised suspension technology and comprehensive safety features. A rear view camera, Driving Assistant and Parking Assistant are available for the new MINI.
The new MINI also features an innovative MINI key cap. The key cap is built around an integrated Near Field Communication (NFC) cap, facilitating data exchange between the MINI key and the owner’s smartphone. The key cap recalls the driver’s individual settings, allowing access to features like MINI Connected Services, Bluetooth connection, volume control and app launch.
Customise
12 exterior colours to choose from (including five new shades)
Five interior colour lines
10 seat cover designs and other optional trim surface variants
MINI Yours interior style packages available
The introduction of four design lines featured on a range of optional interior and exterior upgrades – including everything from key lanyards to sun protection:
Vivid Green
Speedwell Blue
John Cooper Works Pro
Essential Blue
And the roof can be a contrasting colour – for no extra charge.
Size & Space
3821 mm long (98mm longer)
1727 mm wide (44m wider)
1414 mm high (7mm taller)
2495 mm wheelbase (42mm increase)
211 litres of boot space (30% increase)
Price and release date
The new MINI Cooper is available now from £15,300.
Peter Schwarzenbauer, BMW Group’s board member for MINI, BMW Motorrad, Rolls-Royce, Aftersales BMW Group, said: “MINI is an inspiration for trend-setters and creative spirits the world over. And with our latest generation of MINI, we want to excite once again. To ensure the new generation of MINI is as successful as its predecessors, we have made just subtle modifications to its design. But beneath the outer skin is a brand-new car with state-of-the-art technologies seen for the first time at a small car.”
To book a test drive of the new MINI, contact our dealerships in Giffnock, Irvine or Kirkcaldy.
Renault has taken a fresh look at its celebrated city car, giving it a rear-mounted engine and five doors and thus enhancing manoeuvrability and cabin space.
Revealed initially on February 14th and showcased fully at the Geneva Motor Show on March 4th, the new Twingo is described by Renault as an “innovative and agile car that is great fun to drive”. The original Twingo launched at 1992 Paris Motor Show; the third generation of this popular city car, developed in parallel with the new ForFour from Smart, now comes with 5 doors and a rear-mounted engine for agile handling and extra cabin space.
Rear-mounted engine
The Twingo has either a normally-aspirated or turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine, delivering a fuel-efficient and punchy performance. The configuration of the engine, along with the placement of the wheels at the car’s extreme corners, makes the Twingo more agile to drive than ever. It has an improved turning circle – 8.65m, 1m less than some of its competitors – and surprisingly roomy dimensions.
With an extra 13cm inside– despite being 10cm shorter overall – the Twingo is extremely practical, and offers a whopping 2.2m maximum load length.
“We had been thinking about a rear-engined architecture for some time. It takes courage and creativity on the part of the design teams to completely rethink how a car’s volumes can be used. New Twingo is particularly innovative and is notable for several attributes that are vital for a city car, namely manoeuvrability, visibility and space for passengers.”
Christian Steyer, Chief Engineer, New Twingo
Exterior styling
So we know the engine has moved to the back, it’s now got five doors, and it’s more compact on the outside. What else has changed on the Twingo’s exterior?
At the front, you can see trademark Renault styling – a prominent logo, big head lights with LED daytime running lights, and an unmistakeably cute little face. Renault claims it has a “cheery yet robust air” and a “sprightly personality”. If ever the attempts to anthropomorphise a car have been well placed, it is here.
“We wanted to ensure that New Twingo was instantly recognisable, both day and night.”
At the back, a wide one-piece glass tailgate gives the car a modern feel. The rear lights flow naturally from the tailgate. Like the new Clio, the Twingo boasts a sleek profile, with concealed rear door handles (so you can’t really tell that it’s got two extra doors).
Inspiration has clearly been taken from the Renault 5– the flat new face, wide rear arches, placement of the rear screen and rear engine, and tiny overhangs – as well as the Twin’Z and Twin’Run concept cars that Renault unveiled last year. Comparisons have also been made to the Fiat 500.
“New Renault Twingo was inspired not only by the original Twingo but also by the Renault 5. It is a modern take on the city car theme with the accent on innovation in terms of its lines and architecture. New Twingo is a fun, playful and vibrant city car. It is ultra-manoeuvrable, roomy and immensely practical. You’ll be itching to get behind the wheel and take it out for a drive.”
Laurens van den Acker, Head of Industrial Design, Renault
Interior
“Our mission was to create a cheery cabin that was fun to be in.”
Twingo drivers can enjoy a nice high driving position in front of a large windscreen, giving them the optimum view of the road ahead – and a record forward visibility, with a vertical field of view of 12 degrees– as well as a sporty, fun feel to their journey.
Although more compact (let’s face it, this is a cute car), the Twingo boasts plenty of space for drivers and passengers. Indeed, the car offers best-in-class kneeroom (13cm) and can carry a 2.2m load, even with someone sitting in the back.
All this space is created thanks to a flat floor, 50/50-split folding rear seats and a forward-tipping front passenger seat back – in other words, a “highly modular interior”. The boot is surprisingly spacious (the wheels arches don’t interfere) and there are some other great storage solutions: with Flexicase®, the new Twingo can be equipped with, for example, nets underneath the rear seats, rear door bins complete with bag hooks, a console between the front seats, or a removable bin at the bottom of the centre console. Together, these solutions can provide an additional 52 litres of storage.
“Our mission was to create a cheery cabin that was fun to be in, with a host of opportunities for personalisation – right down to the different stowage solutions. The idea was to reimagine the iconic interior of the original Twingo. The driving position is enticingly sporty and we gave it a cockpit-like feel that makes you want to climb in and take it out for a drive.”
Laurent Negroni, Interior Designer, Renault Twingo
Personalisation
Following on from the Twin’Z and Twin’Run concept cars that Renault presented last year, the Twingo has a colourful personality. You can choose from four striking colours (light blue, white, yellow and red) and there’s plenty scope for personalization. Exterior trim features like the door mirrors, side protective mouldings and decals are customisable – so you can really make this car reflect your own individual tastes.
"The spirit of the original Twingo was a major inspiration for us when it came to colours and materials."
Inside, the uncluttered dashboard with white gloss trim includes a large speedometer and a central display with a blue, white, black or red surround. Coloured piping on the seats comes in red, blue or grey. Steering wheel inserts, air vents and door panels are picked out in white. The seat fabric and armrests can be blue, grey or red, with flecks of colour.
Or pick the sportier trim – “a black ambience combined with red highlights and mixed fabric upholstery.”
New Renault Twingo can also be personalised with 15- or 16-inch alloy wheels, and you can choose a large electric fabric sunroof as an additional extra – reminiscent of the Citroen DS3 Cabriolet.
“New Twingo’s interior features several distinct zones that are ideal for multiple personalisation permutations... The spirit of the original Twingo was a major inspiration for us when it came to colours and materials, and we have built on our experience with Clio and Captur to develop an ambitious personalisation programme.”
Kenneth Melville, Small Car Design Director (Twingo, Clio, Captur)
Technology
The new Twingo is the only city car to offer a choice of two multimedia systems and connectivity solutions: the R & GO radio (for use with a smartphone) and the latest generation R-Link Evolution®.
The R & GO® application, compatible with Android and iOS operating systems, can be downloaded for free by Twingo owners. It allows smartphones to connect automatically to the vehicle’s radio, giving drivers a menu of clear icons to access:
3D Navigation
Telephone
Media (e.g. internet radio)
Trip computer
The R & GO® radio is supplied with a universal mounting, so you can place your smartphone on the dashboard at eye level.
R-Link Evolution features a capacitative display (giving zooming and scrolling capability) and DAB digital radio (depending on market).
Engines
Yes, it’s at the rear – but what of the engine itself? Fitting a modern engine into such a small space meant engineers had to rethink the engine configuration – reducing its height and angling it at 49 degrees.
New Twingo is available with two of Renault’s latest-generation engines:
The brand new SCe 70, a normally-aspirated derivative of the TCe range, is a 999cc petrol engine offering 70 hp and 91 Nm. It’s very responsive, and ideal for city driving, especially since torque is available from very low engine speeds. Inexpensive to buy and run, this latest-generation powerplant will be available with or without Stop&Start.
The Energy TCe 90, an 898cc turbocharged petrol powerplant with a power output of 90 hp and peak torque of 135 Nm. It’s responsive at low engine speeds but it also delivers refined performance. It was redesigned specially for the new Twingo and the turbo is equipped with an electric waste gate to give the right balance between performance and fuel consumption. The Energy TCe 90 engine incorporates Stop&Start as standard and complies with Euro 6 emission legislation.
While we don't yet have official figures, the Twingo is likely to offer close to 70 mpg, and CO2 emissions will be below 100g/km.
"You’ll be itching to get behind the wheel and take it out for a drive."
The new Twingo will go on sale in the UK in September, and will be available from all of our Renault dealerships. The price is expected to be under £10,000.
The Nepal Schools Trust is a Scottish charity working to help children and their schools in the Pragatinagar and Devchuli village development committee districts in Nepal.
Jim Campbell, a salesman at our Springburn Fiat dealership/ref/arneh/), became a trustee of the Nepal Schools Trust in 2013. He has already raised £250, which was given to Surya Kiran Primary School in Nepal, providing 25 students with scholarships.
Although Surya Kiran Primary is a government school, less than 50% of the required funding is provided by the government – leaving the school and the local community to raise the money required to pay for teachers and resources.
While families are charged a small fee for registration and for exams, the policy at the school has been to give as many children as possible access to education – so the money raised by Mr Campbell has gone towards helping children from some of the poorest families in Nepal.
Other projects Jim has seen first hand have included the establishment of a school for deaf children in Nepal, and the improvement of water filtration systems at 20 schools in the country.
Jim commented: “It’s stuff we take for granted here, but a big thing for the people of Nepal. Everything makes a difference.”
Jim has been heavily involved with this charity for around 3 years, and has raised money through various fundraising efforts, including climbing Ben Nevis and other outdoor pursuits. His next mission? Wingwalking.
Chris Dickinson, Chairman of the Nepal Schools Trust, said: “I would like, on behalf of the community we work with in Nepal, to express since gratitude for the assistance provided by Arnold Clark in 2013.”
If you have you ever asked yourself “do Beetles float?”, the answer is yes: the original Volkswagen Beetle would indeed float on water. However, it is certainly not recommended that you experiment with this.
The original Volkswagen Beetle was essentially a unibody car built on a floor pan, with very few openings and well sealed doors. If the floor pan is intact and not rusted, the Volkswagen Beetle should float.
How long does a Beetle float for?
Several print and TV ads of the 1960s and 70s depicted the floating Beetle experiment in practice – one ad suggested that the Beetle floated for 42 minutes.
In the ad below, the Beetle is driven into the water and floats along for a few seconds on camera. We are told that, "although the Beetle does definitely float, it will not float indefinitely."
Proof that the Volkswagen Beetle floats
Another 60s print ad introduced us to Stanley Siegel, a journalist who decided to expose the myth around floating Volkswagen Beetles. He drove a Volkswagen Beetle into Beetle Creek in Wisconsin, expecting it to sink to the bottom, and it floated. The surprised journalist stated, "These things really do float!"
Siegel achieved the unexpected – he provided proof that the Volkswagen Beetle floats.
So there you have it – the original Volkswagen Beetle does float… but please don't try this at home.
The Good Egg Driver campaign, sponsored by Arnold Clark, has launched a UK programme to increase safe driving among 17 to 24 year olds – spearheaded by 18 year old racing driver Christie Doran.
Twenty percent of new drivers aged 17-24 are involved in a collision within six months of passing their test, and an average of twelve young drivers or passengers are killed on the roads every day. Indeed, as noted in our young drivers report, this age group is twice as likely to be involved in a road traffic accident.
The New Driver Guide, as well as the Parents of New Drivers Guide, offers the practical advice and guidance that young drivers require in order help them get their licence, keep it and, most importantly, stay safer on the roads. 100,000 copies of The Good Egg Guide for New Drivers will be distributed to young motorists across the UK, via advanced driving instructors, schools, colleges and road safety professional.
The campaign’s public face, 18 year old Scottish driver Christie Doran, has two years' experience in Triumph TR8 and the BMW Compact Cup. She will visit schools to brief new and prospective motorists on safe driving.
Christie Doran said today, “There is a time and a place for speed – and it is not on our roads. I am delighted to be involved with The Good Egg guides, as I wanted to help highlight how devastating the consequences can be when drivers my age get it wrong on the roads. However, we also want to show that there is a positive side to young drivers. Most are sensible. They are the role models.”
Eddie Hawthorne, Managing Director of the Arnold Clark Group, said, "We are delighted to continue our sponsorship of these potentially life-saving guides. We sell thousands of cars to new or young drivers every year, and it is of paramount importance to us that these are driven with care and due diligence.”
Renault has taken a fresh look at its celebrated city car, giving it a rear-mounted engine and five doors and thus enhancing manoeuvrability and cabin space.
Revealed initially on February 14th and showcased fully at the Geneva Motor Show on March 4th, the new Twingo is described by Renault as an “innovative and agile car that is great fun to drive”. The original Twingo launched at 1992 Paris Motor Show; the third generation of this popular city car, developed in parallel with the new ForFour from Smart, now comes with 5 doors and a rear-mounted engine for agile handling and extra cabin space.
Rear-mounted engine
The Twingo has either a normally-aspirated or turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine, delivering a fuel-efficient and punchy performance. The configuration of the engine, along with the placement of the wheels at the car’s extreme corners, makes the Twingo more agile to drive than ever. It has an improved turning circle – 8.65m, 1m less than some of its competitors – and surprisingly roomy dimensions.
With an extra 13cm inside– despite being 10cm shorter overall – the Twingo is extremely practical, and offers a whopping 2.2m maximum load length.
“We had been thinking about a rear-engined architecture for some time. It takes courage and creativity on the part of the design teams to completely rethink how a car’s volumes can be used. New Twingo is particularly innovative and is notable for several attributes that are vital for a city car, namely manoeuvrability, visibility and space for passengers.”
Christian Steyer, Chief Engineer, New Twingo
Exterior styling
So we know the engine has moved to the back, it’s now got five doors, and it’s more compact on the outside. What else has changed on the Twingo’s exterior?
At the front, you can see trademark Renault styling – a prominent logo, big head lights with LED daytime running lights, and an unmistakeably cute little face. Renault claims it has a “cheery yet robust air” and a “sprightly personality”. If ever the attempts to anthropomorphise a car have been well placed, it is here.
At the back, a wide one-piece glass tailgate gives the car a modern feel. The rear lights flow naturally from the tailgate. Like the new Clio, the Twingo boasts a sleek profile, with concealed rear door handles (so you can’t really tell that it’s got two extra doors).
Inspiration has clearly been taken from the Renault 5– the flat new face, wide rear arches, placement of the rear screen and rear engine, and tiny overhangs – as well as the Twin’Z and Twin’Run concept cars that Renault unveiled last year. Comparisons have also been made to the Fiat 500.
“New Renault Twingo was inspired not only by the original Twingo but also by the Renault 5. It is a modern take on the city car theme with the accent on innovation in terms of its lines and architecture. New Twingo is a fun, playful and vibrant city car. It is ultra-manoeuvrable, roomy and immensely practical. You’ll be itching to get behind the wheel and take it out for a drive.”
Laurens van den Acker, Head of Industrial Design, Renault
Interior
Twingo drivers can enjoy a nice high driving position in front of a large windscreen, giving them the optimum view of the road ahead – and a record forward visibility, with a vertical field of view of 12 degrees– as well as a sporty, fun feel to their journey.
Although more compact (let’s face it, this is a cute car), the Twingo boasts plenty of space for drivers and passengers. Indeed, the car offers best-in-class kneeroom (13cm) and can carry a 2.2m load, even with someone sitting in the back.
All this space is created thanks to a flat floor, 50/50-split folding rear seats and a forward-tipping front passenger seat back – in other words, a “highly modular interior”. The boot is surprisingly spacious (the wheels arches don’t interfere) and there are some other great storage solutions: with Flexicase®, the new Twingo can be equipped with, for example, nets underneath the rear seats, rear door bins complete with bag hooks, a console between the front seats, or a removable bin at the bottom of the centre console. Together, these solutions can provide an additional 52 litres of storage.
“Our mission was to create a cheery cabin that was fun to be in, with a host of opportunities for personalisation – right down to the different stowage solutions. The idea was to reimagine the iconic interior of the original Twingo. The driving position is enticingly sporty and we gave it a cockpit-like feel that makes you want to climb in and take it out for a drive.”
Laurent Negroni, Interior Designer, Renault Twingo
Personalisation
Following on from the Twin’Z and Twin’Run concept cars that Renault presented last year, the Twingo has a colourful personality. You can choose from four striking colours (light blue, white, yellow and red) and there’s plenty scope for personalization. Exterior trim features like the door mirrors, side protective mouldings and decals are customisable – so you can really make this car reflect your own individual tastes.
Inside, the uncluttered dashboard with white gloss trim includes a large speedometer and a central display with a blue, white, black or red surround. Coloured piping on the seats comes in red, blue or grey. Steering wheel inserts, air vents and door panels are picked out in white. The seat fabric and armrests can be blue, grey or red, with flecks of colour.
Or pick the sportier trim – “a black ambience combined with red highlights and mixed fabric upholstery.”
New Renault Twingo can also be personalised with 15- or 16-inch alloy wheels, and you can choose a large electric fabric sunroof as an additional extra – reminiscent of the Citroen DS3 Cabriolet.
“New Twingo’s interior features several distinct zones that are ideal for multiple personalisation permutations... The spirit of the original Twingo was a major inspiration for us when it came to colours and materials, and we have built on our experience with Clio and Captur to develop an ambitious personalisation programme.”
Kenneth Melville, Small Car Design Director (Twingo, Clio, Captur)
Technology
The new Twingo is the only city car to offer a choice of two multimedia systems and connectivity solutions: the R & GO radio (for use with a smartphone) and the latest generation R-Link Evolution®.
The R & GO® application, compatible with Android and iOS operating systems, can be downloaded for free by Twingo owners. It allows smartphones to connect automatically to the vehicle’s radio, giving drivers a menu of clear icons to access:
3D Navigation
Telephone
Media (e.g. internet radio)
Trip computer
The R & GO® radio is supplied with a universal mounting, so you can place your smartphone on the dashboard at eye level.
R-Link Evolution features a capacitative display (giving zooming and scrolling capability) and DAB digital radio (depending on market).
Engines
Yes, it’s at the rear – but what of the engine itself? Fitting a modern engine into such a small space meant engineers had to rethink the engine configuration – reducing its height and angling it at 49 degrees.
New Twingo is available with two of Renault’s latest-generation engines:
The brand new SCe 70, a normally-aspirated derivative of the TCe range, is a 999cc petrol engine offering 70 hp and 91 Nm. It’s very responsive, and ideal for city driving, especially since torque is available from very low engine speeds. Inexpensive to buy and run, this latest-generation powerplant will be available with or without Stop&Start.
The Energy TCe 90, an 898cc turbocharged petrol powerplant with a power output of 90 hp and peak torque of 135 Nm. It’s responsive at low engine speeds but it also delivers refined performance. It was redesigned specially for the new Twingo and the turbo is equipped with an electric waste gate to give the right balance between performance and fuel consumption. The Energy TCe 90 engine incorporates Stop&Start as standard and complies with Euro 6 emission legislation.
While we don't yet have official figures, the Twingo is likely to offer close to 70 mpg, and CO2 emissions will be below 100g/km.
"You’ll be itching to get behind the wheel and take it out for a drive."
The obsession with all things USA is ramping up, especially if you’re a foodie – American diners are popping up all over the UK. We are more than happy that one of America’s best exports is making a name for itself across the food blogosphere.
Bread Meats Bread, a new addition to Glasgow’s city centre, serves up a mean burger.
This American burger rush has put us in the mood to reflect on America’s other greatest export – muscle cars. Not only has the USA blazed the trail for the best burgers on the market, they are also the king of the classic car. From the Chevy to the Mustang, America knows how to build an iconic piece of machinery.
The king of the American highway has been revamped for the 21st century, and may even be making more of a splash this side of the Atlantic. We have a selection of our favourites to share with you...
Chevrolet Camaro Z/28
A classic muscle car, the Camaro has been brought back with a host of new features, and is also 300 pounds lighter – handy for those Muscle car drag races.
Ford Mustang GT
Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2013, the Ford Mustang is by far the most iconic of the muscle cars. The 2015 GT made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show and was the star attraction, showing exactly what American muscle cars are all about.
Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee
With an emphasis on both luxury and performance, the Dodge Charger SRT8 gives a touch of elegance to the original Dodge.
Arnold Clark Car and Van Rental are delighted to be able to offer their support to all the 2014 Kiltwalk events taking place around Scotland (and further afield) throughout the year.
The Kiltwalk is a Scottish charity, specialising in arranging sponsored walking events to raise money for various children’s charities around the country. This year’s Scottish events will take place in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Speyside and Dundee. However, 2014 will also see the Kiltwalk appear in the slightly more exotic locations of Brazil and Machu Picchu, to celebrate the World Cup Finals and to explore the Lost City of Inca.
Last year, the charity raised over £1 million for disadvantaged and sick children across Scotland, thanks to the participation and fundraising of more than 3000 walkers. With a choice between a 26-mile, 13-mile or 10km walk with bagpipes, refreshments, celebrities and entertainment, there’s a route for everyone to enjoy on the Kiltwalk.
We realise its all about walking – but you still need to get to the starting line. That’s why Arnold Clark Car and Van Rental are offering a 15% discount on vehicle hire to all Kiltwalk participants. A number of specialist vehicles have been provided along with promotional items for the goody bags, which will be given to all those taking part in Kiltwalk events.
To find out more about the location of the events, visit our website.
On Wednesday 19th March 2014 at Grosvenor House in London, the Fleet News team named the Volvo V60 and Volvo S60 models the Best Premium Car of the Year.
Seeing off competition from the Audi A4 and A6, and the BMW 3-Series, the Volvo models were applauded for their range of fuel-efficient engines, the quality, desirability and reliability of premium models, and the effiency of the “Designed around you and your business” fleet solutions.
Volvo also made the shortlist for New Company Car of the Year for the S60 and V60 models, and in the Best Crossover category for the Volvo XC60. This comes after a great start to 2014, with Volvo Car UK’s business sales at a great level and the introduction of the new, class-leading versions of the V60 featuring an all new D4 engine that emits just 99g/km of CO2.
The D4 engine will also be available in the Volvo V40 5dr hatchback later this year, providing yet more choice to business customers.
Selwyn Cooper, Head of Business Sales for Volvo Car UK, said: “We’re delighted to have won this Fleet News award, which serves to underscore Volvo’s commitment to providing great cars and user experiences to our business customers. With our new D4 engine, we have one of our strongest model line-ups to date for 2014 and we look forward to building on this success.”
Tall drivers may struggle to find cars with enough legroom
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class offers a good amount of space for the taller driver
Car roofs can be inconvenient for the very tall driver
Abarth 695 biposto: it means ‘2 seats’ in Italian
The 2 Series Active Tourer is BMW's first front-wheel drive model
Rollback fabric roof on Citroen C1 available on Airscape version
Fiat Panda Cross: an adorable SUV with attitude
Hyundai Intrado concept: takes its inspiration from planes.
Mercedes S Class: brilliant, especially if you like chickens or sparkles.
The SEAT Leon Cupra is the fastest production car to grace the Geneva Motor Show ring
Lime green machine: the Skoda Vision C Concept
“We wanted to ensure that New Twingo was instantly recognisable, both day and night.”
“Our mission was to create a cheery cabin that was fun to be in.”
"The spirit of the original Twingo was a major inspiration for us when it came to colours and materials."
"You’ll be itching to get behind the wheel and take it out for a drive."
Bread Meats Bread, a new addition to Glasgow’s city centre, serves up a mean burger.
