Top 10: Car sales Q1 2011

UK car sales in the first quarter of 2011 fell 8.7% to 558,336, according to figures released by the SMMT.



With the fleet and business segments showing slight increases on 2010, the decline was due to 57,769 fewer private registrations. However, given the scrappage scheme that was running last year, such a drop was expected.



Probably reflecting those reduced private sales, the proportion of petrol-powered cars dipped to just over 50%. Consequently, average new car CO2 emissions were 140.3g/km, a 3.4% reduction compared to 2010.



The Ford Fiesta retained its position as the most popular car in the UK. Further down the chart, a D segment model from a mainstream manufacturer actually managed to outsell the ubiquitous 3 Series, with the Vauxhall Insignia achieving 11,904 registrations compared to the BMW’s 10,141.

Top 10: UK Car Sales Q1 2011
Position	Manufacturer	Model	Registrations
1	Ford	Fiesta	27,924
2	Ford	Focus	24,435
3	Vauxhall	Corsa	20,536
4	Vauxhall	Astra	17,250
5	Volkswagen	Golf	17,101
6	Volkswagen	Polo	12,214
7	Vauxhall	Insignia	11,904
8	Peugeot	207	10,335
9	BMW	3 Series	10,141
10	Nissan	Qashqai	9,253

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80 mpg Focus ECOnetic

Ford has announced that the 2012 Focus ECOnetic is expected to achieve 80 mpg (3.5 l/100km), while producing just 95 g/km of carbon dioxide.



That would be good enough to make it a viable alternative to hybrids such as the Toyota Prius, which currently manages 72.4 mpg (3.9 l/100km) on the combined cycle and CO2 emissions of 89 g/km.

Power for the Ford will come from a specially developed version of the 1.6 litre Duratorq TDCi diesel. With an output of 103 bhp (77 kW / 105 PS), it gets a new turbocharger, a revised fuel injection system and a water-cooled intercooler instead of an air-to-air item. The engine’s internals have also been modified to minimise friction.



Alongside the fuel-saving measures common across the rest of the new Focus range - stop/start system, gear shift indicator, regenerative battery charging and Eco Mode driver information system - the ECOnetic additionally benefits from a revised final drive ratio with raised gearing and low rolling resistance tyres.



Tweaked aerodynamics also play a part in enhancing efficiency. The underfloor features various shields and deflectors which are there to improve airflow and reduce drag. Up front, an active grille shutter controls airflow into the engine compartment, opening only when needed.



A European market launch for the Focus ECOnetic is scheduled for early 2012. It will be available as either a hatchback or estate.

Free upgrade for WRX STI

The 2011 WRX STI hasn’t been around for long, but already Subaru is tempting potential buyers in the UK with a no-cost upgrade package.

Enhancements to the 2.5 litre boxer engine lift power from 295 bhp (220 kW / 300 PS) to 315 bhp (235 kW / 320 PS), while maximum torque rises by a useful 43 Nm (31 lb/ft) to 450 Nm (331 lb/ft) at 3,400 rpm.



As a result, the car’s zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) time falls from 5.2 to 4.9 seconds. There’s no word on whether top speed, fuel consumption or emissions are affected.



Also included in the deal is a Pioneer satellite navigation unit which features Bluetooth, a touch screen and an MP3 player connection.



The WRX STI upgrade offer runs from the beginning of April until the end of June, and applies to the hatch and saloon models. Both cost £32,995 on the road but, unless you like red or white paint, £460 will have to be added to that amount for a metallic finish.



Regardless of colour choices, that seems like good value. However, anyone wanting a rapid all-wheel drive saloon at a special offer price might want to consider the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X GSR FQ-300 SST, which is currently £29,699. It’s also marginally quicker, with a 0-62 mph time of 4.7 seconds.



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Moparized Jeep Wranglers

Daftest model name of the year (so far) must be the Jeep Wrangler ‘Pork Chop’. Built in collaboration with Mopar, it’s a customised special that’ll first appear at the upcoming Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah.

Six such models are set to be unveiled, although for now only two have been revealed - the other being the much more sensibly titled ‘Renegade’.

Can’t wait to see what other weird monikers Jeep comes up with for the remaining four…



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BMW Concept M5

BMW has revealed the 2012 M5 - albeit in ‘concept’ form - ahead of its debut at this month’s Shanghai motor show.

Performance figures have yet to be released, although BMW has confirmed that the V10 engine of the previous generation E60 M5 has been ditched in favour of a twin-turbo V8 for the new F10 model.



This is expected to be an adapted version of the 4.4 litre unit already seen in the X5 M and X6 M, and BMW is promising increased power combined with a 25% reduction in fuel consumption and emissions.



Drive to the rear wheels will be via a seven-speed M double-clutch transmission, while a specially calibrated active differential has been engineered to minimise wheel spin and maximise traction.

Visually, all of the usual M5 styling cues are present. These include subtly widened wheel arches housing bespoke 20” forged alloy wheels, neat front wing gills and reworked front and rear aprons that are designed to aid both cooling and aerodynamics.



The interior remains a mystery for now though. The blacked-out glass of the concept suggests that it’s probably still work in progress.



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Kia Naimo electric concept

Kia has revealed its Naimo (pronounced neh-mo) electric concept car at the Seoul Motor Show.



Powered by a motor producing 107 bhp (80 kW / 109 PS) and 280 Nm of torque, it’s claimed that the Naimo will achieve a top speed of 93 mph (150 km/h).

Not bad outright performance, but the more relevant issue for any electric vehicle is always going to be how far it can travel before running out of juice.



Thanks to a 27 kWh lithium ion polymer battery pack, which is housed under the boot floor, the Kia should be good for a range of around 124 miles (200 km). By comparison, that’s slightly more than a Nissan Leaf manages.



Recharging time is another area that has clearly received plenty of attention, because the result is that the Naimo’s battery can be restored to 80 percent of its capacity in a reasonable 25 minutes. A full recharge would take five and a half hours, though.



Promising figures then, but the disappointing news is that this particular concept isn’t going to make it to production. Rather, Kia will be using it as a test-bed to help develop future models.