Audi vs BMW – Which one is sportier?

This is the battle going on for years and years. Audi has attempted to claim the crown of ‘Ultimate sports saloon’.

The Munich manufacturer certainly makes a good case for itself – there’s the V8-powered M3 powerhouse, the sleek 6 Series, the stunning new BMW Z4 roadster, and the Godfather of the super-saloon segment…the 507bhp BMW M5.

On the other hand, Audi with its new TT RS debutant at the Geneva has given a great buying option to think at. With the great handling Audi RS4 and the massive Audi Q5 and Audi Q7, Audi has proved it can produce stylish SUV’s.

In the horsepower battle, the Audi S4 gives a tough fight to BMW M3. Some might think that BMW still overpowers because of its great chassis and superior steering wheel. While the S4 with its superior torque thrashes the M3 on in-gear times.

It seems that Audi has hinted BMW that it can give an equivalent sportier car in this performance battle.

Volvo C70 appeals to men and women equally

The Volvo C70 is a two-door manufactured by Volvo Cars in two generations: the first from model years 1997-2002 as coupé and from 1997-2005 as a softop convertible. The second generation Volvo C70 has been marketed since 2006

Volvo’s don’t usually turn heads but this one does and we reckon it is the contrast of serious and fun styling which should make it appeal to men and women equally rather than aiming at either gender’s wallet.

The downside of many of the new hard-top convertibles is the boot-space sacrificed. Not so the C70. Admittedly with the roof down there is just 200 litres of boot space but keep your lid on and there’s a little over double the volume.

The C70 is an all new model so no reports as yet on its reliability. According to our Reliability Index, its predecessor performed averagely with the axle and suspension accounting for almost half of all problems.

Audi A3 Sportback Grown up, Fun & with a choice of 9 engines

It’s a grown-up fun hatch. No, that isn’t an insult. There comes a time when the desire to drive an involving hatch isn’t accompanied by a desire to drive a car which looks like it dressed for the roller disco. The A3 Sportback is fun and grown-up.

The A3 looks every inch a premium hatchback and the five door Sportback mode.But it is done in a very grown-up way. Longer, lower and wider that its predecessor and boasting its own rear-light cluster and discreet spoiler point to performance.

A3 buyers have a choice of nine engines, covering both diesel and petrol, ranging from the 1.6-litre FSI turbo model to the 3.2-litre V6 which powers the Quattro model. The 140bhp 2-litre TDI S tronic A3 Sportback achieves 0-62mph in 9.2 seconds and has a top speed of 129mph.

Audi has a good reputation for reliability. In the 11 years since its launch the A3 has proved a reliable car with electrical problems the main source of worries after an average four-and-a-half years into the vehicle’s life.

Vauxhall Vectra wont let you downs you effortlessly cover mile after mile.

The Vauxhall Vectra has a ride and level of refinement which competes with the best cars in its class. It is a practical car which shouldn’t let you down as you effortlessly cover mile after mile. It doesn’t have class leading looks and dynamic handling, but for the majority of customers it won’t matter.

Vauxhall Vectra is one of the most common car on our roads.  But as a popular choice for fleets, many owners drive a Vectra out of obligation not choice.

This is a car designed to be practical and functional and with so many around it simply fades into the background.

The Vauxhall Vectra is a large car and can seat five, although we found it suits four adults the best. There is a handy space just behind the handbrake lever which is perfect for a mobile phone or sunglasses.

Due to the Vauxhall Vectra’s popularity as a fleet car, the biggest hit to running costs is its poor depreciation. It can be expected to retain between 30 and 37 per cent of its value after three years.

Renault Megane with its “Shakin’ that Ass” Rear

Renault Megane

The Renault Megane is yet another commonly seen car on roads. But the attention grabbing feature of this car is its “shakin’ that ass” rear. And the credit for this goes to the Frech manufacturer’s “Shakin’ That Ass” advertising campaign. So obviously the first thing that gets noticed of Renault Megane is its rear end. This has won quite a lot of fans to make this car a bestseller.

The Renault Megane features a nice and neat interior. It has an unusual handbrake emerging from the armrest unit like an airliner’s throttle; but would be felt very natural once its used a couple of times. The information display and central console are clearly laid-out in a conventional manner.Renault has manufactured one of the best Hatchback ever.

It might have grabbed our attention with its “shakin’ that ass” rear but some of the car’s other attributes are even more impressive. The Renault Megane is fun to drive. It strikes a nice balance between entertaining the driver with good responsive handling and leaving all the passengers feeling comfortable, helping it to achieve what all hatchbacks should – being adaptable to long-distance motorway and shorter trips in-town.

Renault Megane

Another good thing about Megane is its cheaper car for insurance. The 1.5-litre diesel falls within Insurance Group 5. Naturally, the performance Renaultsport versions will cost considerably more to keep on the road. CO2 emissions of 120g/km currently means this particular variant falls within tax band B, keeping the tax bill to just £35 per year.

The X-Factor of Renault Megane is that “ass”. The car’s frugality will likely be the thing which really catches your eye. Cheap tax and insurance combined with an excellent mpg means wallet-friendly motoring.

Watch Renault Megane “Shakin’ that ass” video

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Latest from Geneva Motor Show 2009

Mercedes E-Class Coupe to debut in Geneva Motor Show 2009

The first official details of the new Mercedes E Class Coupe have been announced ahead of the car’s debut at the Geneva Motor Show.

Mercedes E class Pictures

The new BMW 5 Series GT appears to have taken styling cues from across the BMW range.

BMW 5 Series GT Concept – a new niche model which will make its official debut at the Geneva Motor Show.

More News from Geneva Motor Show

• £490,000 Maybach Zeppelin at Geneva
• Geneva debut for Mini JCW convertible
• Alpina B6 GT3 at Geneva
• New Renault Clio GT
• Aston Martin V12 Vantage
• Mazda 3 MPS
• ‘Extreme’ Bentley
• Mansory-tuned Bugatti Veyron

Volkswagen Scirocco gets 350bhp

VW Scirocco

Volkswagen released the first official details on the new Volkswagen Scirocco that will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show 2009.

Swiss tuner Sportec, which specialises in modifying German cars, has turned its hand to the brilliant Scirocco 2.0TSI – and increased power from 200bhp to 350bhp.

The Volkswagen Scirocco made its debut at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show and was Auto Trader’s star car at the event. It has become a tuners’ favourite with after-market modifiers such as Abt and Oettinger both getting their hands on the ‘Rocco.

Sportec has a stand at this year’s Geneva Motor Show but it’s unknown whether the SC 350 will be on display. However, it’s likely the Swiss car maker will be showing off its SPR1 hypercar.

Designers were not only able to port over the strong character line that created a broad shoulder down the entire length of the concept, but they even made it more pronounced on the production version by adding a slight crease.

Fiat Multipla – MPV with practicality and comfortably seating six adults

Fiat Multipla

Fiat Multipla MPV won a host of awards for its practicality – comfortably seating six adults.

The problem with the Multipla was its controversial looks, but its 2004 facelift saw the Fiat go full circle, offering a more conservative design, but still maintaining the innovative six-seating profile.

Inside, the Fiat Multipla is a place of purpose. From the gear stick which is placed to the left of the steering wheel to the handbrake to the right of the driver’s seat, everything has been set out to accommodate the front row’s middle seat.

For a car with such a high roofline, the Fiat Multipla handles quite well.

Fiat’s new models fair better than ever in the reliability stakes.

It’s not an overly well specced car and is available in three trim levels – Dynamic Family, Dynamic Plus and Eleganza. All models get remote central locking, electric front windows, CD player and immobiliser.

The Fiat Multipla is a competent MPV which should be complimented on its innovative six-seat layout..

Fiat Bravo – Good News For The Family Hatch Consumers

Fiat Bravo

British buyers hunting for a family hatch are spoilt for choice. The Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astral dominate the market.

But then there’s the mighty VW Golf, Toyota’s newly-launched Auris and Honda’s sexy Civic to choose from, not to mention the Peugeot 307, Citroen C4, Seat Leon, Kia Cee’d, Dodge Caliber… need we go on?

Now Fiat has unveiled the Bravo to compete in an already crowded market – which can only be good news for the consumer.

The first thing you’d expect from a Fiat is for it to be a bit of a looker – and its no surprise the Italian company sees this as one of the Bravo’s strongest selling points.

Buyers can choose between three petrol engines, the 1.4-litre T-Jet 120bhp model, 1.4-litre T-Jet 150 bhp model and a 90bhp model due later in the year. Diesel fans can choose between a 120bhp and 150bhp 1.9-litre model.

The model achieved to a maximum five star rating following EuroNCAP safety tests.

Overall, Fiat has achieved considerable success in meeting their big aims with the Bravo – beauty, safety and performance.

And in terms of building on the good work begun with last year’s launch of the Grande Punto – the Bravo looks set to be a winner.

There’s no mistaking the Nissan Murano

There’s no mistaking the Nissan Murano. But the Nissan Murano is not all show. Its 3.5-litre engine is borrowed from the 350Z sportscar, and comes crammed with equipment.

Love it or hate it, there’s no denying the Nissan Murano has massive presence. Whether it’s in its trademark Burnt Orange paintwork or mean and menacing in black, it’ll still turn plenty of heads.

The in-your-face styling continues in the cabin, where grey and silver plastics fight with the yellowy dials for the occupants’ attention..

The Nissan Murano is a very well thought out package when it comes to storage space.

Rather than compromising the Murano’s on-road abilities by making it capable on serious off-road terrain, Nissan has created an ‘urban 4×4′. This means it’s a competent steer on twisty roads.

Just one engine is offered in the Nissan Murano; a de-tuned version of the 3.5-litre V6 found in the Nissan 350Z. The engine, which produces 234bhp is flexible and is rarely left wanting in the performance stakes.

With its 3.5-litre V6 engine, its no surprise fuel economy suffers. It’ll cover 23 miles to the gallon on average, and emissions of 295g/km place it in the top tax band G, which currently costs £400 a year.

Nissan is known for building tough cars, and the Murano feels as though it will continue the trend.

Superbly equipped and competent road manners make the Nissan Murano a unique choice in its market. It might not boast the off-road ability of some of its rivals, but it’s a better car on the tarmac for it.