Purpose

I will try my best to provide detailed info on various cars and what is like to live with them, I have already produced a few for Jaguar-car-forums, I will do my best to be unbiased, but it will be hard for some cars. I will re-produce press releases and copy from other motoring news.

Saturday 10 September 2016

Uber rare, MG ZT 1.8 Litre saloon, comes out of storage in pristine condition with just three miles on the clock.

  • 2004 MG ZT with three miles on the clock for auction at Classic Car Auctions’ September Sale.
  • Exactly as it left the factory, the current owner believes this is the best condition and lowest mileage MG Rover in the world.
  • Estimated at between £8,500 and £10,500, the car is for auction on 24th September.
A 2004 MG ZT 1.8 Turbo, with an unbelievable three miles on the clock, will go under the hammer at Classic Car Auctions’ (CCA) September Sale on 24th September at the Warwickshire Exhibition Centre.
A remarkable find, the current and only owner purchased the car from a Derby based dealer in 2005 who was selling off the cars at half price following the collapse of MG Rover. It was then delivered to his farm just outside Silverstone race circuit with only one mile on the clock.

The owner wanted to have the ‘best in the world’ and so the car was immediately placed into storage, initially in a heated garage, subsequently in a Carcoon and latterly in a Car Bag, which has beautifully preserved the car. Amazingly, the owner has driven the car just two miles along the driveway, meaning the mileage now reads only three miles.  
Now for sale again 11 years later, estimated at between £8,500 and £10,500, the owner believes this is the best condition and lowest mileage MG ZT in the world.
Presented in British Racing Green, it is in immaculate condition and exactly as it left the Longbridge factory. It still has the original ContiSport tyres and even the same fuel that was put in the tank all those years ago. The 1.8 litre turbocharged iconic Rover K-Series engine is gleaming.
Commenting on the sale of the car, CCA general manager, Guy Lees-Milne, said, “It’s amazing that our vendor has never used this car on the road and has cared for the car so much that it has been tucked away and only covered three miles. The time is now right to part with it and Classic Car Auctions are very proud to have been asked to help find it a new home.”
The high spec interior, so well preserved there’s still a new car smell, features half leather seats, green alcantara door lining, air conditioning and CD player.
Guy added, “This really is a special collector’s piece and certainly an amazing example of history from the last domestically owned mass-production car manufacturer.”

Vauxhall Motor's announces pricing and specification for the refreshed MOKKA X Crossover.

MARKET AND MODEL
  • New Mokka X arrives in showrooms from October after Geneva Motor Show debut
  • Bold, muscular exterior and elegant interior; designed by Brit Mark Adams’ team
  • Vauxhall OnStar, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto give cutting-edge connectivity
CHASSIS, POWERTRAIN AND TECHNOLOGY
  • Intelligent all-wheel drive for added stability both on and off road
  • Extended engine offering with latest generation petrol and diesel engines
  • AFL LED headlights with nine lighting settings for greater visibility in all conditions
CONNECTIVITY
  • Smartphone integration through R 4.0 IntelliLink and NAVI 900 IntelliLink
  • “Guardian angel” with Vauxhall OnStar personal connectivity and service assistant
RANGE, PRICING & EQUIPMENT
__________________

MARKET AND MODEL
  • New Mokka X in showrooms from October priced from £17,590 OTR
  • Diesel models start from £19,515 and give 20 per cent BiK
  • Powertrains achieve up to 72.4mpg combined and 152PS
The Mokka X builds on the popularity of the successful Mokka model, introducing a fresh interior and updated exterior design, as well as a new powertrain and featuring Vauxhall OnStar and Apple CarPlay.
Incorporating cues from Vauxhall’s new design philosophy, the new Mokka X will be the first model to introduce the “X” segment identifier for future Vauxhall SUV and crossover vehicles.

In the expanding compact SUV segment, Mokka has proven to be a hugely popular option, surpassing 120,000 sales in the UK since its launch. Last year it was in the top ten cars sold in the UK, and is currently 9th YTD. Appealing to retail and fleet buyers in equal volumes, the Mokka was number one in its segment in 2015, topping its class for fleet sales. This year it has strengthened its position as number one in its segment, outselling its rivals for both fleet and retail registrations.

Following a resurgence to the segment in recent years, including an impressive seven per cent growth from 2011 to 2012, the competitive compact SUV segment continues to grow and is now one of the largest in the UK. Compared to models such as the Nissan Juke, Nissan Qashqai, Renault Captur and Ford Kuga, the Vauxhall Mokka X provides an appealing alternative thanks to its bold, muscular new exterior, elegant interior, and cutting-edge connectivity.
The Mokka X’s bold new look is thanks to work carried out by a design team led by Brit Mark Adams. The elegantly sculpted front fascia gives the Mokka X a wider, more solid and muscular stance, while powerful and athletic lines at the rear and sides of the vehicle retain its sporty edge.
On the inside, the Mokka X has a completely new dashboard inspired by the new Astra. The revised instrument panel looks simpler, sharper and more precise in its execution. The centre stack has been redeveloped completely around the seven- and eight-inch touchscreens of the new generation infotainment systems. Now with fewer buttons, it has many functions that are accessible via the touchscreen.
The new Mokka X introduces a new powertrain to the segment, adding the 1.4-litre Direct Injection Turbo (152PS) petrol unit to the range, in addition to the much-lauded 1.6-litre ‘Whisper Diesel’ engine introduced last year. The 1.4-litre Turbo is available with manual or six-speed automatic transmission, as well as adaptive all-wheel drive and start/stop. The petrol engine can achieve up to 47.1mpg combined and CO2 emissions of 140g/km.
With an electromagnetic multi-plate clutch, the all-wheel drive technology is clever and efficient. The front-wheel drive only or all-wheel drive settings adapt automatically based on the road conditions, benefitting fuel consumption without affecting the driving experience.
In addition to the AWD system, Vauxhall engineers have made more innovative technology available to a broad group of customers by introducing LED Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL) headlamps.
The new AFL LED system adapts the headlights’ lighting patterns automatically to the driving situation to give the best possible light performance without dazzling other road users. It features nine different functions, with the new LED system replacing the previous BiXenon AFL. LED technology features a light quality that allows seeing the ‘true’ colours of things, to the benefit of visual comfort, while it is more reliable, faster and more accurate in its reaction.
The new Mokka X will be available with the personal connectivity and service assistant, OnStar, from launch. OnStar offers customers a broad range of safety and comfort services, including access to a trained advisor 24/7, 365 days a year. In the event of the airbags deploying, OnStar automatically connects the vehicle to an advisor to establish if the emergency services are required. If there is no response, emergency responders are immediately sent to the exact location of the vehicle.
OnStar also turns the Mokka X into a 4G LTE mobile Wi-Fi hotspot, allowing up to seven devices, from smartphones to tablets, to be connected simultaneously.
In addition, two versions of the new generation IntelliLink infotainment system will make their debut in the Mokka X. R 4.0 IntelliLink and NAVI 900 IntelliLink bring the world of smartphones to the car via both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto phone projection.


CHASSIS, POWERTRAIN AND TECHNOLOGY

  • Intelligent all-wheel drive for added stability both on and off road
  • Extended engine offering with latest generation petrol and diesel engines
  • AFL LED headlights with nine lighting settings for greater visibility in all conditions
The new Mokka X will appeal to a broad range of customers with a tailored engine and drivetrain offering, providing all-wheel or front-wheel drive, manual or automatic transmissions, and petrol or diesel engines. The new sub-compact SUV brings with it a host of technological highlights such as new full Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL) LED headlamps.
Chassis
The new Vauxhall Mokka X is available with both front and all-wheel drive systems. The all-wheel drive system improves the on road stability when there is reduced grip on the roads, while also encouraging exploring off the beaten track. The Mokka X can easily distribute power between the front and rear axle from 100:0 to 50:50 thanks to the electronically-controlled multi-disc clutch.
In normal everyday use, the Mokka X 4x4 system runs as an economical front-wheel drive car. Its all-wheel drive system activates when the car is stationary to prevent wheel slip when moving away and engages as soon as the driver depresses the clutch pedal. Once driving the power is transferred back to the front wheels. The all-wheel drive system is then engaged when driving situations require it to improve the traction, such as on wet roads.
In instances such as when hitting a pothole or an ice patch, the additional torque can be transferred to the rear axle to provide maximum traction and stability. The ability to instantly distribute power between the front and the rear axles improves handling and ensures more traction when cornering.
Powertrain
The diesel line-up for the new Mokka X includes two of Vauxhall’s critically-acclaimed 1.6-litre CDTi ‘Whisper Diesel’ engines. Both the 110PS unit (NEDC fuel consumption: urban 64.2mpg, extra-urban 78.5-76.3mpg, combined 72.4-70.6mpg; 105-103g/km CO2) and the 136PS (NEDC fuel consumption: urban 61.4-47.1mpg, extra-urban 74.3-64.2mpg, combined 68.9-56.5mpg; 132-106g/km CO2) engines impress with their responsiveness, smooth running and low fuel consumption. The 136PS engine offers 320Nm of torque, from just 2,000rpm, and the 110PS unit 300Nm from 1,750rpm.
The engines add new levels of refinement to the Mokka X as both set new standards for noise and vibration. Engineers used state-of-the-art CAE (Computer Aided Engineering) simulations and scores of optimisation loops to assess the noise characteristics of each component and sub-system. As a result, numerous measures have been taken to improve running refinement, with the engineers also focussing on saving weight, using aluminium instead of cast iron for the engine block.
The VGT (variable geometry turbine) and high-pressure, common-rail fuel injection system add to the engines’ performance. Injectors capable of supplying fuel at 2,000 bar and up to 10 injection pulses per cylinder cycle ensure high power, improved fuel atomisation and efficient mixing with the air intake charge.
The 1.4-litre ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo petrol engine with 152PS, which made its debut in the new Astra, has been added to the Mokka X engine line-up. It is available with the six-speed automatic transmission and the intelligent all-wheel drive system, making it the most capable petrol engine available for the new model (NEDC fuel consumption: urban 35.8mpg, extra-urban 49.6mpg, combined 43.5mpg; 150g/km CO2).
During development, engineers paid particular attention to the petrol engine’s dynamic responsiveness and high performance, while also managing fuel consumption. The engine can deliver maximum torque of up to 245Nm at 2,200rpm and is available up to 4,400rpm. To help reduce fuel consumption, the engine has an all-aluminium construction, as well as the integration of the exhaust manifold and the use of an electronically-controlled oil pump. These factors result in faster engine warm-up and a reduction of mechanical losses.
The entry-level petrol engine for Vauxhall’s sub-compact SUV is the 1.6-litre unit with 115PS (NEDC fuel consumption: urban 32.8mpg, extra-urban 50.4mpg, combined 42.2mpg; 155g/km CO2). It comes in combination with a manual five-speed transmission and front-wheel drive.
The 1.4-litre Turbo with 140PS rounds off the petrol engine range. It can be combined with various drivetrain setups including six-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive (NEDC fuel consumption: urban 37.2mpg, extra-urban 55.4mpg, combined 47.1mpg; 140g/km CO2), six-speed manual transmission and all-wheel drive (NEDC fuel consumption: urban 34.0mpg, extra-urban 50.4mpg, combined 43.5mpg; 152g/km CO2) or six-speed automatic transmission with front-wheel drive (NEDC fuel consumption: urban 33.6mpg, extra-urban 52.3mpg, combined 43.5mpg; 149g/km CO2).
Technology
The optional AFL LED headlamps produce a bright white light automatically and instantly adapting to the driving situation. AFL LED features nine individual functions, which not only optimise visibility but save energy too.
“The widespread availability of intelligent LED technology is the best way to significantly reduce the risks of night-time driving,” said Mark Adams, Vice President, Design Europe. “The new Vauxhall Mokka X with its optional AFL LED headlamps is an important step towards realising this potential.”
Vauxhall is a manufacturer that has always put customers first, and recognised the risks of night-time driving a number of years ago. It was the first manufacturer to bring AFL with bi-xenon headlamps to the compact market in 2003, and the Vauxhall Astra was the first compact car with cornering lights in 2004, followed by the Zafira in 2005. Embracing its tradition of making innovative technology features available across its product range, Vauxhall introduced halogen headlamp-based AFL in the Corsa in 2006.
The company now offers AFL in almost every passenger car model and the technology is developing constantly. For example, IntelliLux LED Matrix Light, which takes LED technology to the highest level, made its world premiere in the compact class last year on the new Vauxhall Astra.
The Mokka X, with adaptive forward lighting and full LED functionality for all headlamp and signal functions, marks the next milestone in the rollout of LED technology from Vauxhall. Similar to the Astra’s matrix system, AFL LED delivers the benefits of adaptive forward lighting without the moving elements. Instead of switching LEDs on or off in a variety of combinations, AFL LED adapts to the driving situation and the presence of other road users by automatically changing the lighting pattern of the headlamps.
The optional AFL LED headlamps have nine functions, each designed for a different road situation to provide optimal visibility. At speeds above 34 mph, Country Light improves illumination of the road and verges when driving in rural areas. The range of illumination in the driving lane is longer, while the distribution of light on the offside is lower to prevent dazzling oncoming traffic. In addition, the improved illumination of roadside verges enables earlier recognition of potentially dangerous objects including wild animals.
When cornering, AFL LED activates dynamic curve light, which switches on an additional left or right LED, illuminating the road in the direction of travel depending on the steering angle or turn signal. Dynamic curve light switches on automatically at speeds over 25mph when the indicators are in use and/or the steering angle changes from the straight-ahead position and crosses a certain threshold. The function switches off when signalling stops and the steering is returned to the straight-ahead position, and is active up to a maximum speed of 45mph.
At speeds under 34mph, AFL LED automatically activates Urban Light. Compared with the Country Light function, the beam is closer to the area near the car and wider at the sides, with the cornering lights operating at reduced intensity. The improved illumination helps the driver to see the sides of the road and avoid potential accidents at lower speeds, such as those involving pedestrians.
The Parking Light function illuminates the area around the vehicle when driving or reversing into a parking space, making it easier to see the surrounding area. In this mode, the cornering lights shine at reduced intensity when the driver selects reverse gear. Manoeuvring Light remains active for 20 seconds after disengaging reverse gear or until the car drives faster than 4mph in a forward gear, allowing time for more complex manoeuvres.
Tourist Mode (for when you are driving on the other side of the road to the UK), High BeamDaytime Running Lights and High Beam Assist (automatic activation/deactivation of high beam depending on the presence of other vehicles) complete the list of AFL LED functions that improve visibility.
The optional AFL LED headlamps for the new Mokka X not only enhance safety, they also require significantly less energy when compared to other lighting technologies. Vauxhall’s AFL LED headlamps take this inherent advantage a step further by automatically activating Stop Mode Light when the vehicle’s start/stop system has stopped the engine. In this mode, the cornering lights switch off while the low beam stays on, reducing the energy consumption of the headlamps yet retaining visibility to other drivers on the road.
CONNECTIVITY
  • Smartphone integration through R 4.0 IntelliLink and NAVI 900 IntelliLink
  • “Guardian angel” with Vauxhall OnStar personal connectivity and service assistant
The new Mokka X is offered with state-of-the-art infotainment and connectivity features, including IntelliLink and the personal connectivity and mobility assistant, OnStar.
R 4.0 IntelliLink and NAVI 900
Vauxhall’s latest generation IntelliLink infotainment software gives owners a simple way to bring the world of smartphones and apps into their Mokka X. NAVI 900 IntelliLink is standard on Design Nav and Elite Nav models, or as an option for £700, while R 4.0 IntelliLink is standard on Active and Elite models.
The Mokka X with R 4.0 IntelliLink features a seven-inch touchscreen as well as USB and Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free phone calls, audio streaming and viewing photos and videos. Like NAVI 900 IntelliLink, it is also compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
By using Android Auto, customers can access Google Maps, Google Now and can talk to Google. The ecosystem of audio and messaging apps is constantly growing, and currently includes WhatsApp, Skype, Google Play Music, Spotify, and podcast players. A full list of supported apps is available athttps://support.google.com/androidauto/
Apple CarPlay enables drivers to make calls, send and receive messages and listen to music through the touchscreen or by voice via Siri. Apple CarPlay supported apps include Phone, Messages, Maps, Music and a number of compatible third party apps. A full list of apps can be found at apple.com/ios/carplay
By using the “Projection” icon on the infotainment touch-screen, drivers can simply select their preferred application when a compatible phone is connected via USB, making IntelliLink easy to use. Android Auto requires a phone running Android Lollipop 5.0 operating system or above, while Apple CarPlay requires an iPhone 5 or later (click here for a list of compatible phones: http://www.vauxhall.co.uk/owners_services/help-and-advice/compatibility.html).
Navi 900 IntelliLink is for customers who prefer an integrated navigation system, where the display and operation are via the eight-inch colour touchscreen. Navi 900 enables audio streaming, voice control and audio SMS messages, as well as watching videos when the car is stationary. The navigation system also features maps of more than 30 European countries, can be displayed two or three-dimensionally and controlled via voice command. Up to 60 radio stations, destinations, contacts, telephone numbers or playlists can be saved as “Favourites”.
Vauxhall OnStar
With the personal connectivity and service assistant OnStar, Mokka X owners get a “guardian angel” at their side – 24/7, 365 days a year.  Standard across the Mokka X range, OnStar automatically reacts in an emergency, alerting an OnStar advisor if the airbags are deployed in an accident.
Automatic crash response (ACR) is one of the many innovative features of OnStar, which makes driving more convenient and ensures best connectivity. In addition to ACR, the unique service, with friendly advisors instead of a recorded message, remotely unlocks doors, downloads destinations directly to the vehicle’s navigation system, sends emails on vehicle health and offers a 4G/LTE Wi-Fi hotspot.
The most popular OnStar service is the myVauxhall smartphone app, which enables remote locking/unlocking of doors, online vehicle location and honking the vehicle’s horn and flashing its lights. Customers can also call up important data such as oil condition or tyre pressures, send destinations to the in-car navigation system and manage the car’s embedded Wi-Fi hotspot, which allows up to seven devices to connect in and around the vehicle.


RANGE, PRICING AND EQUIPMENT

  • New Mokka X in showrooms from October priced from £17,590 OTR
  • Diesel models start from £19,515 and give 20 per cent BiK
  • Powertrains achieve up to 72.4mpg combined and 152PS
The Mokka X looks to build on the success of its predecessor, providing a wide range of variants across the Design Nav, Active, Elite and Elite Nav trims. A number of petrol and diesel engines will be available, including the new-to-range 1.4i 152PS Turbo automatic petrol engine, as well as the 1.6CDTi 110PS ecoFLEX manual diesel.
The new six-speed manual 1.6CDTi 110PS diesel engine is available at every trim level and delivers up to 72.4mpg (combined) and only 103g/km. It is available from £19,515 OTR with the Design Nav trim, which also gives 20 per cent BiK making it an appealing option to a company car driver.
Elsewhere in the range, Vauxhall is also introducing a new generation 1.4-litre Direct Injection Turbo (152PS) petrol unit that offers 0-60mph acceleration of just 9.4 seconds and a top speed of 120mph. With a six-speed automatic transmission, adaptive all-wheel drive and start/stop, the 1.4 Turbo engine is available from £21,150 OTR in Design Nav trim.
Standard equipment on Design Nav models is impressive and includes 18” alloy wheels (excluding ecoFLEX models), LED daytime running lights, front fog lights and silver roof rails on the outside. Inside the cabin, drivers will benefit from an 8-inch touch screen with Vauxhall’s IntelliLink Infotainment system, as well as the innovative OnStar personal connectivity and service assistant. This standard level of equipment is available from just £17,590 OTR with the manual 1.6 115PS petrol engine.
Elite Nav is the top-of-the-range trim and adds a host of comfort and convenience features. Priced from £22,855 OTR, Elite Nav models include full leather interior, heated front seats and steering wheel, and tinted rear windows for added style and privacy.
PRICEVATTOTALOn the road
££££CO2*
Active
Manual 1.6 S/S 115 PS15,595.833,119.1718,715.0019,655.00  155
Manual 1.4T S/S 140 PS16,187.503,237.5019,425.0020,310.00  140
Manual 1.4T S/S AWD 140 PS17,591.673,518.3321,110.0022,050.00  152
Automatic 1.4T 140 PS16,950.003,390.0020,340.0021,240.00    149
Automatic 1.4T S/S AWD 152 PS18,675.003,735.0022,410.0023,310.00  150
Manual 1.6CDTi S/S 110 PS17,300.003,460.0020,760.0021,515.00  105
Manual 1.6CDTi EcoFLEX S/S 110 PS17,300.003,460.0020,760.0021,515.00  103
Manual 1.6CDTi EcoFLEX S/S 136 PS17,591.673,518.3321,110.0021,865.00  106
Manual 1.6CDTi S/S 136 PS17,591.673,518.3321,110.0021,865.00  114
Automatic 1.6CDTi 136 PS18,320.833,664.1721,985.0022,870.00  132
Manual 1.6CDTi S/S AWD 136 PS19,008.333,801.6722,810.0023,565.00  124
Design Nav
Manual 1.6 S/S 115 PS13,875.002,775.0016,650.0017,590.00  155
Manual 1.4T S/S 140 PS14,520.832,904.1717,425.0018,310.00  140
Manual 1.4T S/S AWD 140 PS15,791.673,158.3318,950.0019,890.00  152
Automatic 1.4T 140 PS15,283.333,056.6718,340.0019,240.00  149
Automatic 1.4T S/S AWD 152 PS16,875.003,375.0020,250.0021,150.00  150
Manual 1.6CDTi S/S 110 PS15,633.333,126.6718,760.0019,515.00  105
Manual 1.6CDTi EcoFLEX S/S 110 PS15,633.333,126.6718,760.0019,515.00  103
Manual 1.6CDTi EcoFLEX S/S 136 PS15,925.003,185.0019,110.0019,865.00  106
Manual 1.6CDTi S/S 136 PS15,925.003,185.0019,110.0019,865.00  114
Automatic 1.6CDTi 136 PS16,662.503,332.5019,995.0020,880.00  132
Manual 1.6CDTi S/S AWD 136 PS17,341.673,468.3320,810.0021,565.00  124
Elite
Manual 1.6 S/S 115 PS17,679.173,535.8321,215.0022,155.00  155
Manual 1.4T S/S 140 PS18,270.833,654.1721,925.0022,810.00  140
Manual 1.4T S/S AWD 140 PS19,675.003,935.0023,610.0024,550.00  152
Automatic 1.4T 140 PS19,033.333,806.6722,840.0023,740.00  149
Automatic 1.4T S/S AWD 152 PS20,758.334,151.6724,910.0025,810.00  150
Manual 1.6CDTi S/S 110 PS19,383.333,876.6723,260.0024,015.00  105
Manual 1.6CDTi EcoFLEX S/S 110 PS19,383.333,876.6723,260.0024,015.00  103
Manual 1.6CDTi EcoFLEX S/S 136 PS19,675.003,935.0023,610.0024,365.00  106
Manual 1.6CDTi S/S 136 PS19,675.003,935.0023,610.0024,365.00  114
Automatic 1.6CDTi 136 PS20,404.174,080.8324,485.0025,370.00  132
Manual 1.6CDTi S/S AWD 136 PS21,091.674,218.3325,310.0026,065.00  124
Elite Nav
Manual 1.6 S/S 115 PS18,262.503,652.5021,915.0022,855.00155
Manual 1.4T S/S 140 PS18,854.173,770.8322,625.0023,510.00140
Manual 1.4T S/S AWD 140 PS20,258.334,051.6724,310.0025,250.00152
Automatic 1.4T 140 PS19,616.673,923.3323,540.0024,440.00149
Automatic 1.4T S/S AWD 152 PS21,341.674,268.3325,610.0026,510.00150
Manual 1.6CDTi S/S 110 PS19,966.673,993.3323,960.0024,715.00105
Manual 1.6CDTi EcoFLEX S/S 110 PS19,966.673,993.3323,960.0024,715.00103
Manual 1.6CDTi EcoFLEX S/S 136 PS20,258.334,051.6724,310.0025,065.00106
Manual 1.6CDTi S/S 136 PS20,258.334,051.6724,310.0025,065.00114
Automatic 1.6CDTi 136 PS20,987.504,197.5025,185.0026,070.00132
Manual 1.6CDTi S/S AWD 136 PS21,675.004,335.0026,010.0026,765.00124