Smart ForTwo receives 4 stars in safety test

The Smart ForTwo supermini received four out of five stars in Euro NCAP’s Adult Occupant protection rating. It was not assessed for child protection as it doesn't have any rear seats.

However, it only received 2 stars for Pedestrian Protection.

Check out Smart's Road to Enlightenment site.

Turn your car into a workstation

Do you want to find how you can turn your car into a mobile workstation check out this article on the Bootstraper blog. The article by Christina Laun lists 15 gadgets.

The only thing I have from the list, is a TomTom sat nav.

Comparing car insurance

It's amazing how fast one year flies. The time has come for us to renew our car insurance. With all the different car insurance companies out there , it's quite a headache going through the individual sites and trying to get the cheapest quotes. It's amazing how much information we have to fill up. I wasted a lot of time, going through the individual sites one by one and having to fill up all the same information again and again.

I finally got to know about the Go Compare car insurance site, where I can compare insurance quotes from all of the leading insurers for free. This car insurance comparison service enables you to get a quote in four easy steps. You begin by entering your details. The best policy is indicated by their unique five star rating system. This process saves us time - we can at a glance see the best policies that best match our requirements.

Their site mentions that they are independent insurance comparison specialists, not insurance brokers, thus we get the same prices as if we go direct to the individual companies. They do not charge a commission.

Besides car insurance, you can also compare 'Breakdown Cover', 'Motorbike Insurance', 'Home Insurance', 'Van Insurance' as well as 'Travel Insurance'.

Nissan unveils the Pivo 2

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., unveiled the Pivo 2, an advanced electric concept car yesterday. The car will debut at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show. It is powered by an advanced Compact Lithium-ion Batteries and featuring a unique rotating cabin - meaning no reverse gear required.

Pivo 2 employs a 'by-wire' technologies for braking and steering.

Each of the four wheels are powered by Nissan's advanced electric In-wheel 3D Motor and can turn through 90 degrees to allow Pivo 2 to drive sideways as well as forward.

Pivo 2 will be on display at the Nissan Ginza Gallery in Tokyo, for an exclusive public sneak preview ahead of the Motor Show.

Venue: The Nissan Ginza Gallery
5-8-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Dates: Oct. 13, 2007 (Sat) to Oct. 14, 2007 (Sun)
Time: 10:00-20:00

Check out the PIVO 2 Website for more information.

The new Jaguar XFat the Frankfurt. Motor Show

Jaguar unveiled the new Jaguar XF sports saloon at the IAA Motor Show in Frankfurt.

The new XF fuses sports car styling and performance with the refinement, features and space of a luxury saloon.

The XF will be available with a choice of six models and a range of four engines from the 2.7 litre V6 turbodiesel, to a range of petrol engines culminating in the supercharged 4.2-litre V8 petrol with 416hp. All models feature Jaguar's proven six-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel-mounted 'paddles' for manual gear selection.

The new Jaguar XF will cost from £33,900 in the UK.

The new Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation today launched the Lancer Evolution X high-performance 4WD sedan, at dealerships throughout Japan. It features a new platform, engine, and exterior and interior designs. Models fitted with the Twin Clutch SST transmission are due to be launched towards the end of November.



"Fast as possible yet safe" was the development goal for the new Lancer Evolution. To that end Lancer Evolution X is loaded with the very latest in automotive engineering technology, including the S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control) vehicle dynamics control system and the newly developed, power-efficient Twin Clutch SST (Sport Shift Transmission).

The Lancer Evolution X is powered by a new turbocharged engine. It has a new high-output and lightweight 4B11-type 2.0-liter 4-cylinder 16-valve DOHC MIVEC unit with aluminum block, used in the Galant Fortis. The engine generates more torque at 422 Nm (43.0 kg-m)/3500 rpm and has better response than its 4G63 predecessor. It is also 12 kg lighter than the 4G63. Best of all, the new model earns a 3-star rating for emissions that are 50% lower than the requirements of the Japanese 2005 standards.



Mated to the engine is the twin Clutch SST is a 6-speed automated manual transmission incorporating a dual automated clutch system. It is also offered with a new 5-speed manual transmission for those who prefer the joys and more direct control of manual shifting.



Safety features include, standard SRS dual-stage airbags for driver and front passenger, SRS knee airbag for driver and adaptive front lighting system (AFS) are all standard equipment on the GSR trim level. SRS side and curtain airbags are available as factory-fitted options.

All models come standard with an engine immobilizer and security alarm to deter theft. (The security alarm is standard on the GSR only.)

All Lancer Evolution X GSR models are fitted with the S-AWC vehicle dynamics control system. The system intelligently manages several component systems to regulate drive torque and braking force at each wheel, reading and reflecting driver intent in real time over a wide range of situations.


The GSR trim level is offered in a lineup of five body colors designed to strongly project a functionally aesthetic image and including a vividly sporty Red Metallic and a new classy and deep-hue Phantom Black Pearl. RS is offered in two body colors, including White Solid which is exclusive to this trim level.



For more information read the full press release "MMC launches Lancer Evolution X — new-generation high-performance 4WD sedan"