Top 10: Irish car sales 2011

Despite continued bleak economic conditions, the Irish car market managed to grow slightly during 2011. Figures released by the Society of the Irish Motor Industry show that total registrations were 89,904, an increase of 1.7% compared to the previous year’s 88,373.



Around 12,000 of 2011’s sales were due to the scrappage scheme, which closed at the end of June. This gave Vehicle Registration Tax relief of €1,250 per new car, provided that the customer’s trade-in was at least ten-years-old.



While the Focus was the most popular model, Ford slumped to third place in the manufacturers’ rankings. That left Toyota to take the top spot, closely followed by Volkswagen.

Ireland's most popular car in 2011: The Ford Focus.

BMW slipped into the top ten, thanks mainly to 2,163 new 5 Series registrations. The entire Mercedes-Benz range combined couldn’t beat that performance, which contributed to BMW achieving a massive 37.7% year-on-year sales upsurge.



Even that wasn’t quite enough to beat rivals Audi, though, because it too experienced an impressive growth rate and ended the year with 3,464 registrations.



The other stand-out success was Hyundai, which posted 1,052 extra sales compared to 2010.

Top 10: Irish Car Sales 2011 - By Manufacturer
Position	Manufacturer	2011	2010	+/-	% +/-
1	Toyota	11,812	10,660	1,152	10.8%
2	Volkswagen	11,247	10,301	946	9.2%
3	Ford	10,519	11,215	-696	-6.2%
4	Renault	8,580	9,746	-1,166	-12.0%
5	Nissan	6,763	5,494	1,269	23.1%
6	Opel	6,387	6,603	-216	-3.3%
7	Škoda	4,651	4,915	-264	-5.4%
8	Hyundai	4,011	2,959	1,052	35.6%
9	Audi	3,464	2,723	741	27.2%
10	BMW	3,433	2,493	940	37.7%
Figures provided by SIMI Statistical Service

Top 10: Irish Car Sales 2011 - By Model
Position	Manufacturer	Model	Registrations
1	Ford	Focus	4,242
2	Volkswagen	Golf	3,980
3	Toyota	Avensis	3,661
4	Renault	Fluence	3,016
5	Volkswagen	Passat Saloon	2,975
6	Ford	Fiesta	2,953
7	Nissan	Qashqai	2,653
8	Toyota	Corolla	2,592
9	Renault	Mégane	2,530
10	Toyota	Yaris	2,311
Figures provided by SIMI Statistical Service

Related posts:

Top 10: UK car sales 2011
Top 10: Irish car sales 2010

New Škoda Fabia IRC livery

The Fabia S2000 campaigned by Škoda UK Motorsport in the Intercontinental Rally Challenge is getting a fresh paintjob for the 2012 season.

To be driven by the reigning IRC champion, Norwegian Andreas Mikkelsen (the chap who made Vicki Butler-Henderson rather carsick when they competed together in a navigational rally for Fifth Gear), the car’s new livery combines Škoda’s traditional green, white and black colours with a Union Flag design for the roof and bonnet.



The 2012 Intercontinental Rally Challenge comprises thirteen events, of which nine are run on asphalt, three on gravel and one on mixed surfaces. The series begins with the Sata Rallye Azores, which takes place in February.



Related posts:
Škoda Vision D - more pics
Octavia vRS hits 200 mph
Škoda entry in 2012 BTCC

Škoda Vision D - more pics

Škoda first revealed the Octavia-sized Vision D concept at March’s Geneva Motor Show.



Now more images have been released, perhaps as a reminder that the Vision D’s styling represents the Czech brand’s future design language.

Typified by a long wheelbase and short overhangs (plus the new grille shape that’s already been seen on the new Citigo city car), it suggests that upcoming Škoda models could potentially look very sleek and elegant.



The rumour is that the Vision D will form the basis for the next-generation Octavia. If so, the only hope is that its dynamic appearance doesn’t get too diluted in the transition from concept to production car.

Related posts:
Škoda reveals the Citigo
Škoda MissionL concept
Škoda Vision D at Geneva

Mii joins Up! and Citigo

In an unsurprising move, Seat has followed Škoda by unveiling its take on the Volkswagen Up! city car. The Spanish version has been named the Mii (after the Nintendo Wii and 3DS characters?) and, despite being virtually identical to both the Up! and the Škoda Citigo, Seat is trying to pitch it as the sporty and youthful choice.

2012 Seat Mii. Scroll down for more images.

The Mii’s exterior styling is almost indistinguishable from that of the Citigo, with both cars sharing the same glasshouse and rear end. It’s only really at the front where the Seat is different, thanks to a unique design for the headlights, grille and bumper, plus a slightly re-profiled bonnet. Overall, it’s a neat if fairly anonymous look, but both the Volkswagen and Škoda are more striking.



On the inside things are fairly austere, which is to be expected in the city car segment. The Mii will be available with standard, Reference or Style trim levels, with Style getting ‘luxuries’ such as central locking and electric windows.



Additionally, two equipment packages will be on the options list. Chic includes a chrome trim pack, while Sport consists of stiffer suspension and tinted glass. Both also feature alloy wheels and a leather-covered steering wheel.



As with the Up! and Citigo, power comes from a 1.0 litre, three-cylinder petrol engine that’s available with either 59 bhp (44 kW / 60 PS) or 73 bhp (55 kW / 75 PS). Go for the Ecomotive version, and CO2 emissions are just 97 g/km - not spectacular for such a small, low-powered car, but usefully below the 100 g/km threshold nevertheless.



Sales of the Seat Mii are due to begin in Spain during November, with market launches for the rest of Europe to follow in Spring 2012. Next year will also see the debut of a five-door version.



With three such similar models, it will be interesting to see which of the Mii, Up! and Citigo proves to be the best seller. Doubtless relative prices will be a crucial factor, but so will brand loyalty / badge snobbery.

Related posts:
Volkswagen Up! revealed
Škoda reveals the Citigo

Škoda reveals the Citigo

Škoda has unveiled its new Citigo city car. Based on the Volkswagen Up!, it’s due to go on sale in the Czech Republic by the end of this year. Market launches across the rest of Europe will follow in mid-2012.



Both three- and five-door versions will be produced and, although the Citigo is only 3.56 metres (11’ 8”) long, a generous 2.42 metre (7’ 11”) wheelbase means that there should be room inside for four adults. Luggage capacity is 251 litres, but this increases to a sizeable 951 litres with the rear seats folded down.

Unsurprisingly, the Citigo uses the same 1.0 litre, three-cylinder petrol engine as the Up!, and it’ll be available in two states of tune.



With 59 bhp (44 kW / 60 PS), it averages 62.8 mpg (4.5 l/100km) and produces 105 g/km of CO2. Go for the ‘Green Tec’ version though, and those figures improve to a more impressive 67.3 mpg (4.2 l/100km) and 97 g/km.



For those wanting a little extra power, the 73 bhp (55 kW / 75 PS) motor manages 60.1 mpg (4.7 l/100km) while emitting 108 g/km of carbon dioxide, but in ‘Green Tec’ guise it achieves 65.7 mpg (4.3 l/100km) and 99 g/km.



The styling echoes the new design language first seen on the MissionL and Vision D concepts, and it’s typified by the more angular grille with a prominent Škoda badge sitting just above it. While the front end is neat, uncluttered and works well, the rear of the Citigo is perhaps less successful.



Škoda certainly has high hopes for its new arrival, as Board Chairman, Prof. Dr. h.c. Winfried Vahland, explained: “The Citigo is one of the pillars of our growth strategy. It paves the way for tremendous opportunities in a new segment.



“The demand for small cars with low fuel consumption, at a favourable price and with reasonable operating costs, is growing. Škoda’s new small vehicle is a reaction to this trend. We are entering new ground and the Citigo will attract prospects mainly in our European markets.”



Indeed, key to any success in the city car sector will be price, and rumours suggest that Škoda could be looking to charge as little as £7,000 (about €8,000) for the Citigo.



If so, that would make it one of the cheapest cars on sale, easily undercutting rivals such as the Ford Ka and the Peugeot 107 / Toyota Aygo / Citroën C1 trio.



Related posts:
Škoda MissionL concept
Volkswagen Up! Revealed
Škoda Vision D at Geneva
Top 10: Cheapest new cars

Škoda MissionL concept

Škoda is to unveil the MissionL at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Although it’ll be presented as a concept, the compact five-door is in fact virtually production ready, and previews an all-new sixth model for the Czech manufacturer.

No dimensions have been revealed, but given the description it’s probably going to slot in between the existing Fabia and Octavia. To help fulfil Škoda’s aspiration to sell 1.5 million vehicles per year by 2018, the new addition will be marketed in Europe, China and Russia. India, meanwhile, is to get its own four-door version.



The styling of the MissionL develops the themes first seen on the Vision D concept at the Geneva Motor Show back in March, which means much sharper lines and a crisper, more prominent grille. It’s certainly an attractive look, but one of the Vision D’s defining features - a long wheelbase and short overhangs - hasn’t completely survived.



Related post:

Škoda Vision D at Geneva

Octavia vRS hits 200 mph

This year’s Bonneville Speed Week has seen a team from Škoda UK succeed in its bid to crack 200 mph (322 km/h) using a modified Octavia vRS.



With journalist Richard Meaden behind the wheel, the speed actually achieved across the salt flats was 202.15 mph (325.32 km/h). However, with a few days of Speed Week still remaining, the aim now is to reach 216 mph (347 km/h) - the 2.0 litre production car record.

Robert Hazelwood, Director for Škoda UK, said: “Months of rigorous planning, testing and preparation have all been worthwhile. At 13:24 on Monday 15th August, we took our Octavia vRS past the 200 mph barrier.



“The entire team has done an outstanding job. Our special thanks go to Richard on an incredible drive. This marks another exciting milestone in the brand’s motorsport achievements and is a great way to celebrate 10 years of the vRS range and commemorate 110 years of Škoda’s participation in motorsport.”



Related posts:

Škoda entry in 2012 BTCC

200 mph Škoda Octavia vRS

Škoda entry in 2012 BTCC

Hertfordshire-based TH Motorsport has announced that it’ll be entering the 2012 British Touring Car Championship with a Škoda Octavia vRS.



The team’s aim is to get the car, which will be built to Next Generation Touring Car regulations, completed by the end of this year. Matt Hamilton has been confirmed as the race driver for 2012, and he’ll also be involved in developing the Škoda.

Trevor Humphrey, Team Principal of TH Motorsport, said: “We were very disappointed to have to leave the BTCC in 2010, and it was always my intention to return as soon as possible. I considered purchasing an S2000 car to run this year, but for a smaller team like us, it was a ‘no brainer’ to be patient, and go the NGTC route. In the long run, the NGTC car will be much more cost effective to run, and with a structured development programme, I know that we can be competitive.”



And it may take a little while for the full-NGTC cars to make an impression on the BTCC, especially during the current transitional phase for the regulations. So far in the 2011, the results have been dominated by the mixed S2000 chassis / NGTC engine entries, with Matt Neal in his Honda Civic currently heading the championship.



Related posts:

Turbo cars lead BTCC

200 mph Škoda Octavia vRS

2011 BTCC entries

99 g/km Astra ecoFLEX

The Vauxhall Astra is already one of the neatest looking cars in its class, and now it’s among the most economical and environmentally friendly, too.



With a revised 1.7 CDTi diesel engine, the latest Astra ecoFLEX joins a growing list of C-segment models that produce under 100 g/km of CO2.

But while competitors from Volvo and the Volkswagen Group match the Astra on emissions, the Vauxhall boasts lower fuel consumption and a higher power output. On those last two measures, it even eclipses the Toyota Prius and Auris hybrids:

Manufacturer	Model	Fuel Type	CO2 Emissions	Fuel Consumption	Power
Vauxhall	Astra 1.7 CDTi ecoFLEX	Diesel	99 g/km	76.3 mpg (3.7 l/100km)	128 bhp (95 kW / 130 PS)
Audi	A3 1.6 TDIe	Diesel	99 g/km	74.3 mpg (3.8 l/100km)	103 bhp (77 kW / 105 PS)
Seat	Leon 1.6 CR TDI Ecomotive	Diesel	99 g/km	74.3 mpg (3.8 l/100km)	103 bhp (77 kW / 105 PS)
Skoda	Octavia 1.6 TDI Greenline	Diesel	99 g/km	74.3 mpg (3.8 l/100km)	103 bhp (77 kW / 105 PS)
Toyota	Auris Hybrid	Petrol Hybrid	89 g/km	74.3 mpg (3.8 l/100km)	97 bhp (73 kW / 99 PS)
Toyota	Prius	Petrol Hybrid	89 g/km	72.4 mpg (3.9 l/100km)	97 bhp (73 kW / 99 PS)
Volkswagen	Golf 1.6 TDI BlueMotion	Diesel	99 g/km	74.3 mpg (3.8 l/100km)	103 bhp (77 kW / 105 PS)
Volvo	S40 DRIVe	Diesel	99 g/km	74.3 mpg (3.8 l/100km)	113 bhp (84 kW / 115 PS)

Various measures have been employed to help the Astra attain its mix of power and economy.



The engine has been comprehensively reworked, and it now features a new fuel injection system, variable geometry turbocharger and engine management system that lets it operate at a lower compression ratio. A lot of the internals are now low friction, and there’s even an oil cooler bypass that lets the engine get up to its optimum operating temperature more quickly.



Drive is via a specially adapted six-speed manual transmission. Again, attention has been paid to reducing mechanical friction, and it comes equipped with a shift indicator to encourage more efficient driving.



Apart from the drivetrain enhancements, the Astra ecoFLEX comes with brake energy regeneration and stop-start systems, both of which are now virtually obligatory for any eco-car.



The aerodynamics have also been tweaked to further reduce fuel burn. Ride height has been lowered by 12 mm, while the grille has an active shutter which closes when less throttle load is required. Completing the package are low rolling resistance tyres.



Achieving 99 g/km brings several benefits to UK drivers. These include zero-rated Vehicle Excise Duty, a full discount on the London Congestion Charge, and qualification for the lowest Benefit In Kind tax band for company car users.



So, whatever your views on global warming, there are definite financial advantages to be gained from running a low CO2 car. The only potential downside is that more people are going to change their buying habits accordingly, meaning that the tax authorities will eventually realise that they’re missing out on a huge chunk of revenue.



Consequently, the chances of those ‘free’ thresholds falling from 100 g/km to something much lower in the future have to be high.



Prices for the Astra ecoFLEX have yet to be announced, but it will be available in Exclusiv, SE and SRi specifications. Deliveries are expected to begin later this year.



Related posts:

2011-12 company car tax

Zero Congestion Charge

Police spec Astra

200 mph Škoda Octavia vRS

Škoda UK is to enter a highly-tuned Octavia vRS at August’s Bonneville Speed Week. Running in the 2.0 litre production car class, the aim is to hit 200 mph (322 km/h) across the salt flats.

Remarkably, the car’s 2.0 TSI engine remains unaltered, although the standard turbocharger has been replaced with an upgraded Garret G05 item that can handle 28 psi of boost. Running on high octane race fuel, the result is an output of around 590 bhp (440 kW / 600 PS) - about three times that of the stock Octavia vRS.



Various pieces of safety equipment have been installed, including fire extinguishers, a roll cage and a parachute. The rear brakes, however, are obviously redundant as they’re missing from the spec sheet.



Other modifications are there solely to improve the Octavia’s aerodynamics, and therefore top speed. The ride height is lowered by 80 mm, disc wheel covers are fitted and anything extraneous such as the door mirrors has been thrown away.



The 200 mph attempt is being made to celebrate ten years of vRS performance models. Like all other Bonneville competitors, the Škoda will travel along a nine-mile straight course, of which a mile in the middle is timed.



One thing that the project highlights is the standard Octavia vRS chassis could easily handle more than its current 197 bhp (147 kW / 200 PS).



Assuming all goes well, maybe Škoda should congratulate itself by producing a celebratory showroom model using either the 236 bhp (177 kW / 240 PS) 2.0 litre engine from the Seat Leon Cupra, or even the 266 bhp (198 kW / 270 PS) version from the Volkswagen Golf R?

Technical Specifications	Škoda Octavia vRS (Bonneville Special)	Škoda Octavia vRS (Production version)
Performance
Max speed	200 mph + (322 km/h +)	149 mph (240 km/h)
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph (100 km/h)	TBC	7.2 secs
Power	550 - 600 PS	200 PS
Max. torque	450 Nm at 6,000 - 7,700 rpm	280 Nm at 1,700 - 5,000 rpm
Fuel consumption	TBC	36.7 mpg (7.7 l/100km) combined
CO2 emissions	TBC	180 g/km
Engine
Type	TSI, traverse-mounted	TSI, traverse-mounted
Capacity	1,984 cc	1,984 cc
Bore x stroke	82.5 mm x 92.8 mm	82.5 mm x 92.8 mm
Valves per cylinder	4	4
Fuelling	Direct fuel injection	Direct fuel injection
Compression ratio	9.6:1	9.6:1
Turbo	Garret G05 65 mm twin blade billet cut compressor wheel with ported intake housing and TIAL exhaust housing with 40 mm external waste gate and 55 mm blow-off valve	Stock Škoda IHI turbo with internal recirculation valve mounted on cast exhaust manifold
Boost pressure	26 - 28 psi	18 - 20 psi
Fuel type	120 RON high octane race control fuel with water methanol injection	95 RON unleaded petrol
Engine management	Stock Škoda engine control unit with REVO Technik software and AIM data logging	Stock Škoda engine control unit
Transmission
Gearbox	Six-speed Octavia GreenLine II manual transmission, fully synchronised with direct gearshift and GripperDiff Limited Slip Differential	Six-speed manual transmission
Clutch	Hydraulically-activated single plate four-pad sintered clutch with single mass flywheel	Hydraulically-activated single-plate dry clutch with diaphragm spring, asbestos-free coating
Chassis
Front axle / rear axle	McPherson axle with independent multi-link suspension	McPherson axle with the bottom triangular control arms and independent multi-link suspension with one longitudinal and two cross arms and torsion stabiliser
Suspension	K+W coilovers two-way adjustable with anti-roll bar removed. Ride height of 50 mm (subframe from floor)	Coil springs, telescopic shock absorbers, rear springs located outside the shock absorbers (gas shock absorbers in rear)
Front brakes	Škoda Octavia GreenLine front discs and calipers for reduced drag	Disc brakes with hollow discs, internal cooling and single-piston floating calliper
Rear brakes	None	Disc brakes with full discs and single-piston floating callipers
Wheels	Škoda GreenLine 15” steel wheels	18” Neptune alloys
Tyres	Goodyear Eagle Land Speed Tyres	7.5J x 18” 225/40 R18 92Y
Dimensions
Kerb weight	1,450 kg	1,395 kg
Total weight	2,000 kg	1,950 kg
Ground clearance	50 mm	128 mm

Related posts:

Škoda Vision D at Geneva

Škoda Fabia Monte Carlo

Škoda Superb Estate L&K

Škoda has unveiled the Superb Estate Laurin & Klement at the Autosalon Brno, which runs from the 4th to the 9th of June.

Named after the founders of the company that eventually became Škoda Auto, the Laurin & Klement brings some added luxury to the Superb range. Distinguishing it externally are 18” Sirius alloy wheels, a chrome grille and some subtle badges.



The spacious interior of the Superb is already a very nice place to sit, with Volkswagen-rivalling levels of fit and finish. For the Laurin & Klement, it’s enhanced further by stainless steel door sills and leather upholstery in a shade called Magnetic Brown. That colour looks much better than perhaps it sounds, and at least Škoda is trying something other than the usual blacks or beiges.

As befits a range-topping model, engines are restricted to the more powerful selections from the Superb line-up. For petrol fans, there’s either the four-cylinder 197 bhp (147 kW / 200 PS) 2.0 TSI or the six-cylinder 256 bhp (191 kW / 260 PS) 3.6 FSI with all-wheel drive, both of which feature the DSG automatic transmission as standard.



Alternatively, the one diesel on offer is the 167 bhp (125 kW / 170 PS) 2.0 TDI CR. It’s available with a choice of six-speed manual or DSG automatic transmissions, and will doubtless be the big seller in Europe.

Also on show in Brno are the Škoda Vision D concept and Fabia Monte Carlo special edition.



Related posts:

2011 Fleet News Awards

Škoda Vision D at Geneva

Škoda Fabia Monte Carlo

2011 Fleet News Awards

Following a strong showing at the Business Car Awards in January, BMW has been similarly rewarded by the 2011 Fleet News Awards. As well as being voted manufacturer of the year, it also secured four individual vehicle accolades.



There’s no doubt that the combination of badge appeal, driving dynamics and strong residuals make the honours deserved, but surely such ever increasing popularity amongst fleet users risks eroding the exclusivity of the brand?



However, BMW didn’t get everything its own way. The new Ford C-Max / Grand C-Max scooped the company car and people carrier prizes, the former being voted for by Fleet News readers.



Meanwhile, Volkswagen Group secured wins for its Polo, Golf and Superb, while the Kia Sportage was declared the best crossover.



2011 Fleet News Awards winners



Voted for by Fleet News readers



New company car of the year: Ford C-Max / Grand C-Max

Fleet manufacturer of the year: BMW

Fleet News Hall of Fame: Phil Redman

New company car of the year and best people carrier: Ford C-Max / Grand C-Max

Voted for by Fleet News jurors



Manufacturer Awards



Best small car: Volkswagen Polo

Best lower-medium car: Volkswagen Golf

Best upper-medium car: Skoda Superb

Best people carrier: Ford C-Max / Grand C-Max

Best estate car: BMW 5 Series Touring

Best SUV: BMW X3

Best premium car: BMW 3 Series

Best boardroom car: BMW 5 Series

Best crossover: Kia Sportage

Most improved fleet manufacturer of the year: Renault

Green fleet manufacturer of the year: Peugeot

Best boardroom car: BMW 5 Series

Supplier Awards



Environment: The Miles Consultancy

Customer service: Leaseplan

New product / service: Arval

Safety award: Peak Performance

Short-term rental company of the year: Hertz

Leasing company of the year: Arval

Fleet supplier of the year: The AA

Fleet manager of the year: Val South, Xerox



Fleet Awards



Fleet initiative of the year: Balfour Beatty

Fleet of the year (under 250 vehicles): The Independent Group

Fleet of the year (251-500 vehicles): Iron Mountain

Fleet of the year (501-1,000 vehicles): Kelly Communications

Fleet of the year (>1,000 vehicles): Johnson & Johnson



Related posts:

2011-12 company car tax

Business Car of the Year

Škoda Vision D at Geneva

11 December 2011 Update:

For more images of the Škoda Vision D, please click here.

Škoda has unveiled an Octavia-sized concept that previews the manufacturer’s future design direction.

Characterised by its sharp styling, long wheelbase and short overhangs, the Vision D also introduces a refreshed brand identity for Škoda.



That includes a new logo, which loses the ‘Škoda Auto’ word mark around the rim but features a more prominent version of the winged arrow device. Meanwhile, the grille has evolved. Although there are still vertical slats, the chrome surround is now finer, and the badge assumes a more prominent position.

Jürgen Stackmann, Škoda Board Member responsible for sales and marketing, said: ‘We are keen to express the new power of our brand not only through our future products, but also in the way we present ourselves to partners and customers.



‘Škoda is synonymous with attractive cars offering exceptional value for money, countless clever solutions and precisely executed work. All this is clearly reflected by our updated corporate design. As it forges ahead, Škoda is eager to flex its newfound strength in the international arena. Škoda is steadily evolving and it shows. Our new design and fresh outlook reflect our plans for the future.’



All of which points to an ever more desirable Škoda. Bad news for its competitors of course, but it could also cause real problems for sister brand Volkswagen. Differentiating between the two marques’ products is already increasingly difficult, making the extra cost of the Polo, Golf et al harder to justify.

Top 10: Irish car sales 2010

According to figures published by the Society of the Irish Motor Industry, 88,373 cars were sold in Ireland during 2010.



That was almost 55% more than 2009’s figure of 57,118, an encouraging increase achieved in spite of harsh economic conditions. However, the market still has a long way to go before it recovers to the volumes seen in 2008, when sales topped 150,000.



2010’s performance was undoubtedly helped by the scrappage scheme, which accounted for over 17,000 registrations. Good news for the industry is that the programme will continue until the end of June 2011, although the amount of support - which is applied via Vehicle Registration Tax relief - is reduced from €1,500 to €1,250.



The top three manufacturers remained unchanged in 2010, with Ford selling the most cars followed by Toyota and then Volkswagen.



Fourth spot went to Renault, which trebled its sales thanks partly to being the manufacturer with the most scrappage scheme reclaims. Skoda also recorded a notable result but, despite a doubling of volumes, it only moved up one place to seventh on the league table.

Top 10: Irish Car Sales By Manufacturer
Position	Manufacturer	2010	2009	+/-	% +/-
1	Ford	11,215	8,121	3,094	38.1%
2	Toyota	10,660	7,603	3,057	40.2%
3	Volkswagen	10,301	6,174	4,127	66.8%
4	Renault	9,746	2,414	7,332	303.7%
5	Opel	6,603	4,046	2,557	63.2%
6	Nissan	5,494	4,684	810	17.3%
7	Skoda	4,915	2,390	2,525	105.6%
8	Hyundai	2,959	1,665	1,294	77.7%
9	Peugeot	2,924	1,766	1,158	65.6%
10	Audi	2,723	2,388	335	14.0%
Figures provided by SIMI Statistical Service

Skoda Fabia Monte Carlo

Good news for anyone wanting to celebrate the 110th anniversary of Skoda’s involvement in motorsport: the Czech manufacturer has decided to create a special Fabia to mark to occasion.



Called the Monte Carlo (because it also commemorates one hundred years of the eponymous rally), its look seems to have been strongly inspired by the performance Fabia, the vRS.

Based on the current SE-spec hatchback, the Monte Carlo’s exterior is distinguished by 17” Trinity alloy wheels, black door mirror housings, a black roof, smoked headlights, a black radiator grille top and piano-black body trim which extends over the wheel arches and along the length of the car.



The inside features front sports seats, a black headlining, a perforated leather steering wheel, leather handbrake and gearstick gaiters, steel pedals and silver kick plates. Buyers can choose from either black or black and red upholstery.



All which adds up to an appealingly sporty package, but without the higher running costs that might come with the extra horsepower of the vRS.



Except that, as can be seen from the prices below, each Monte Carlo edition is a surprisingly hefty £1,520 more than the equivalent SE model from which it’s derived.



They even cost £370 more than the Elegance versions, whose additional spec over the SE includes 16” alloys, rear parking sensors, leather steering wheel, trip computer, climate control, leather gearknob and gaiter, curtain airbags and cruise control.

Skoda Fabia 2011 UK Prices
Engine	SE	Elegance	Monte Carlo
1.2 69PS	£11,235	£12,385	£12,755
1.2 TSI 86PS	£11,850	£13,000	£13,370
1.2 TSI 105PS	£12,510	£13,660	£14,030
1.6 TDI CR 75PS	£12,665	£13,815	£14,185
1.6 TDI CR 105PS	£13,480	£14,630	£15,000
All prices are on the road and include VAT at 20%.

So it looks like it’s a choice between appearance and extra kit. For those who favour the former, the Skoda Fabia Monte Carlo will be available to order from 24 January 2011.

Zero Congestion Charge

In a rare piece of good news for motorists, the beginning of 2011 saw a change to the London Congestion Charge that could see some drivers now (legally) avoiding the fee altogether.



The new Greener Vehicle Discount, which replaces the Alternative Fuel Discount, means that more cars will potentially qualify for 100% off the daily charge.



Naturally, there are a couple of caveats that come attached with this generous gesture from Transport for London.



The first is that the vehicle needs to be ‘green’. More precisely, it should be Euro 5 emissions compliant and produce 100 grams of CO2 per kilometre or less.



Secondly, if you already own such an eco-friendly machine, don’t presume that you can just swan about in central London and not worry about the Congestion Charge. To receive the Greener Vehicle Discount, a car must first be registered with Transport for London, and that involves a £10 annual payment.



So, what cars will qualify for the Greener Vehicle Discount? According to the Vehicle Certification Agency, the models that currently meet the criteria are:

Manufacturer	Model	Specification	Transmission	Fuel	CO2 g/km
Audi	A3	1.6 TDI 105PS Stop Start	M5	Diesel	99
Citroën	DS3	1.6HDi 90hp w/ energy saving tyres	M5	Diesel	99
Citroën	New C3	1.6HDi 90hp Airdream+	M5	Diesel	99
Fiat	500 / 500C (2010 on)	TwinAir	M5	Petrol	95
Fiat	500 / 500C (2010 on)	TwinAir Dualogic	SAT5	Petrol	92
Fiat	Punto Evo (Jan 2010 on)	1.3 16v MultiJet 85 ECO	M5	Diesel	95
Ford	Fiesta (Post 2010¼)	1.6 Duratorq 95PS +DPF ECO	M5	Diesel	98
Hyundai	i10	1.0l SOHC	M5	Petrol	99
Mini	Hatchback	One D w/ DPF	M6	Diesel	99
Mini	Hatchback	Cooper D w/ DPF	M6	Diesel	99
Seat	Ibiza	ST 1.2 CR TDI 75PS Ecomotive	M5	Diesel	92
Seat	Leon	1.6 CR TDI 105PS Ecomotive	M5	Diesel	99
Skoda	New Fabia Hatch	1.2 CR TDI 75PS GreenLine II	M5	Diesel	89
Skoda	New Fabia Estate	1.2 CR TDI 75PS GreenLine II	M5	Diesel	89
Skoda	New Fabia Estate	1.2 TDI 3 cylinder 75PS GreenLine	M5	Diesel	89
Smart	fortwo cabrio (MY 2011)	54 bhp cdi w/ Softip & 15" rear wheels	5 AMT	Diesel	86
Smart	fortwo cabrio (MY 2011)	54 bhp cdi w/ Softouch & 15" rear wheels	5 AMT	Diesel	87
Smart	fortwo cabrio (MY 2011)	71 bhp mhd w/ Softip & 15" rear wheels	5 AMT	Petrol	99
Smart	fortwo cabrio (MY 2011)	71 bhp mhd w/ Softouch & 15" rear wheels	5 AMT	Petrol	100
Smart	fortwo coupé (MY 2011)	54 bhp cdi w/ Softip & 15" rear wheels	5 AMT	Diesel	86
Smart	fortwo coupé (MY 2011)	54 bhp cdi w/ Softouch & 15" rear wheels	5 AMT	Diesel	87
Smart	fortwo coupé (MY 2011)	71 bhp mhd w/ Softip & 15" rear wheels	5 AMT	Petrol	97
Smart	fortwo coupé (MY 2011)	71 bhp mhd w/ Softouch & 15" rear wheels	5 AMT	Petrol	98
Toyota	iQ (MY 2011)	1.0 VVT-i	M5	Petrol	99
Toyota	Auris Hybrid (MY 2010)	T4 89g 1.8 VVT-i	E-CVT	Petrol Hybrid	89
Toyota	Auris Hybrid (MY 2010)	T4 1.8 VVT-i	E-CVT	Petrol Hybrid	93
Toyota	Auris Hybrid (MY 2010)	T Spirit 1.8 VVT-i	E-CVT	Petrol Hybrid	93
Toyota	Prius (MY 2009)	T4 1.8 VVT-I	E-CVT	Petrol Hybrid	92
Toyota	Prius (MY 2009)	T3 1.8VVT-I	E-CVT	Petrol Hybrid	89
Toyota	Prius (MY 2009)	T Spirit 1.8 VVT-I	E-CVT	Petrol Hybrid	92
Toyota	Prius (MY 2009)	T Spirit w/ Solar Panel 1.8VVT-I	E-CVT	Petrol Hybrid	89
Volkswagen	New Polo	1.2 TDI 75PS BlueMotion	M5	Diesel	89
Volkswagen	New Golf	1.6 TDI 105PS BlueMotion	M5	Diesel	99
Volvo	C30 (MY 2011)	DRIVe	M6	Diesel	99
Volvo	C30 (MY 2011)	DRIVe	M6	Diesel	99
Volvo	S40 (MY 2010)	DRIVe	M6	Diesel	99
Volvo	S40 (MY 2011)	DRIVe	M6	Diesel	99
Volvo	V50 (MY 2011)	DRIVe	M6	Diesel	99
NB: Electric and plug-in hybrid cars aren’t eligible for the Greener Vehicle Discount - they have their own discount scheme.

It’s worth bearing in mind that Transport for London has committed to review the Greener Vehicle Discount in the future, so that eventually only vehicles emitting 80 g/km or less qualify. This tweak will be introduced ‘when the time is right’, but the first reassessment of the discount has been confirmed for 2012.



And finally, the area covered by the Congestion Charge is now much smaller, following the scrapping of the Western Extension zone on 4th January 2011:

Related posts:

Congestion Charge change

London Congestion Charge

Audi A1 1.4 TFSI, not S1

Audi is to unveil the hot(ish) version of its A1 supermini at the Paris Motor Show. But, contrary to normal convention, it won’t be called S1. Instead, it’ll have the long and inelegant title of Audi A1 1.4 TFSI, because there’s no quattro all-wheel drive system to warrant the ‘S’ prefix.

Its 1.4 litre turbocharged and supercharged engine, seven-speed dual clutch gearbox and underpinnings are all shared with the Volkswagen Polo GTI, Skoda Fabia vRS and Seat Ibiza SC Cupra. However, Audi obviously felt the need to differentiate the ‘premium’ version of the quartet, so the A1 gets a superficial power increase from 176 bhp (132 kW / 180 PS) to 182 bhp (136 kW / 185 PS).



Not that those few extra horsepower make any difference. The 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of 6.9 seconds is exactly the same as the Polo GTI’s, for example, while a top speed of 141 mph (227 km/h) is actually 1 mph slower than the Volkswagen can manage. At least the combined cycle fuel economy of 47.9 mpg (5.9 l/100km) and CO2 emissions of 139 g/km are equal to what the Polo achieves.



UK pricing and final specification have yet to be confirmed. In Germany, though, the 182 bhp 1.4 TFSI will be around 15% more than the current most expensive model in the range. Applying a similar relationship to the UK price list could mean the de facto ‘S1’ costs nearly £21,000.



Perhaps that might be justifiable if the A1 had quattro to distinguish it from its Polo, Fabia and Ibiza cousins - but it doesn’t. However, such details probably won’t be enough to deter those who are determined to have four rings on the front of their car.