Competition is so fierce in the family hatchback market, any new entrant has to stand out. With excellent choices in the shape of the VW Golf and Ford Focus, not to mention upstarts such as the new Hyundai i30 and Kia Cee'd, there's no room for a me-too product. So how does the new Honda Civic fit into that mix? We got hold of one of the first right-hand-drive cars in the UK to find out.
Since its launch in 1973, Honda has sold more than 650,000 Civics. The previous generation really hit on a winning formula – striking looks, a futuristic yet practical cabin and a fun driving experience. The new model seeks to build on that reputation, while offering a more comfortable ride and a better-quality interior.
This time around, Honda has been less daring with the car's shape. The more you look at it, the more it feels as if it has lost some of its personality.
LED running lights add some show to the front end, but although the shape has been smoothed off and updated, the rear window is still split awkwardly and hampers vision.
What about comfort? Honda engineers have spent many hours testing the new Civic on UK roads, and you can tell straight away their hard work has paid off. New fluid-filled suspension bushes make it much more compliant, so it soaks up potholes well. Big bumps still send a jolt through the cabin, but it's generally comfier than the outgoing car.
Overall, it feels more grown up. The body may not be as distinctive but it's far more aerodynamic and, as a result, wind noise is reduced – the Civic is much quieter at any speed.
Quality has improved, too. Out go the brittle plastics of the old car, and in comes a new soft-touch material for the dash. The digital display has also been simplified, but still looks a bit busy. Equipment levels are excellent, even on basic SE-trimmed cars. Climate control, an ECON button (which modifies throttle response to improve economy), stop-start and alloy wheels are all standard. Our EX GT flagship had leather upholstery on its very comfortable seats, xenon headlights, a parking camera and sat-nav.
On the move, the 148bhp 2.2-litre diesel we tested had quite a narrow power band – you need to change gear quickly and often to maintain acceleration – and it sounded a little gruffer than similarly powerful engines from VW and Ford. It's capable of 0-62mph in 8.8 seconds, while Honda claims 64.2mpg and CO2 emissions of 115g/km, making road tax free in the first year.
Our advice, however, would be to hold out for the new 1.6-litre diesel, which will be even more economical and has sub-100g/km CO2 emissions. This engine is due at the end of the year.
The Civic is still fun to drive on a twisty road. With retuned suspension and a rear trailing arm that's stiffer than that of the old Type R hot hatch, it's a pretty agile machine, with decent turn-in and good grip. The new electric power-steering is precise, if a bit light. That's fine at low speed, but it could do with more weight as the pace quickens.
2012年1月2日星期一
2011年12月29日星期四
Time dimming for 100-Watt incandescent light bulbs
Time is dimming for those of us who favor 100-Watt incandescent light bulbs.
The government several years ago decided to flip the switch on incandescent bulbs in favor of better energy efficiency bulbs, and now, the time is here.
Some lighting companies plan to keep the bulbs on the shelves until they run out, and for customers, some are showing resistance to the new law.
"I am familiar with those, and those are not the ones I want," says Onalee Wilson.
Onalee Wilson says spiral compact fluorescent lights, CFL's for short, have a place, but not in her kitchen.
"I don't like the color, and I don't like the look of the new lights," she admits.
And she's not taking any chances, even if that means she has to find a little room on her storage shelves.
"I'm trying to buy enough so they'll live longer than I do," Wilson laughs.
"They're stocking their warehouses as well as possible to feed us as well as possible," says Petoskey Meyer's Ace Hardware manager Carole Genson.
Meyer's Ace Hardware is stock-piling 100-Watt incandescent bulbs before they stop making them on January 1st. Manager Carole Genson says several people are like Onalee Wilson and want to get their favorite bulbs before they're gone.
"We're just selling through them," says Genson.
"A lot of people don't like the spiral, and I don't blame them, the incandescent, the old warm light people have grown up with, is really what people like," says Andy Driver, owner of Advanced Lighting Center in Gaylord.
Advanced Lighting Center has its shelves stocked and will sell the 100-Watt incandescents as long as they last. Driver says some companies have worked around the system, creating 95-Watt bulbs, and he believes it's not CFL's, but actually LED's that are the future.
"It's a great law, because we all need to save energy, it's just the growing pains," says Driver.
But growing pains and change are hard for some to overcome and wish they had the choice.
"In some places I use them, but not in my kitchen," says Wilson.
Price is another factor. Take for example a five pack of CFL's and compare it to a four pack of incandescent bulbs. You're going to pay about six times as much for the CFL box compared to the other. But here's the deal: Each CFL bulb is supposed to last about 10 times longer, and you're going to save money in the long run because of the energy consumption. Some say that's not enough, and they'd rather have looks over the energy savings.
The government several years ago decided to flip the switch on incandescent bulbs in favor of better energy efficiency bulbs, and now, the time is here.
Some lighting companies plan to keep the bulbs on the shelves until they run out, and for customers, some are showing resistance to the new law.
"I am familiar with those, and those are not the ones I want," says Onalee Wilson.
Onalee Wilson says spiral compact fluorescent lights, CFL's for short, have a place, but not in her kitchen.
"I don't like the color, and I don't like the look of the new lights," she admits.
And she's not taking any chances, even if that means she has to find a little room on her storage shelves.
"I'm trying to buy enough so they'll live longer than I do," Wilson laughs.
"They're stocking their warehouses as well as possible to feed us as well as possible," says Petoskey Meyer's Ace Hardware manager Carole Genson.
Meyer's Ace Hardware is stock-piling 100-Watt incandescent bulbs before they stop making them on January 1st. Manager Carole Genson says several people are like Onalee Wilson and want to get their favorite bulbs before they're gone.
"We're just selling through them," says Genson.
"A lot of people don't like the spiral, and I don't blame them, the incandescent, the old warm light people have grown up with, is really what people like," says Andy Driver, owner of Advanced Lighting Center in Gaylord.
Advanced Lighting Center has its shelves stocked and will sell the 100-Watt incandescents as long as they last. Driver says some companies have worked around the system, creating 95-Watt bulbs, and he believes it's not CFL's, but actually LED's that are the future.
"It's a great law, because we all need to save energy, it's just the growing pains," says Driver.
But growing pains and change are hard for some to overcome and wish they had the choice.
"In some places I use them, but not in my kitchen," says Wilson.
Price is another factor. Take for example a five pack of CFL's and compare it to a four pack of incandescent bulbs. You're going to pay about six times as much for the CFL box compared to the other. But here's the deal: Each CFL bulb is supposed to last about 10 times longer, and you're going to save money in the long run because of the energy consumption. Some say that's not enough, and they'd rather have looks over the energy savings.
2011年12月28日星期三
James River's light proposal delayed for public meeting
Commissioners called a timeout earlier this month on a request by James River High's booster club to install lighting on a school baseball field.
The case has been deferred for 30 days to hold a community meeting on the proposal in early January. The club wants to install six 70-foot light poles on one of James River's baseball fields.
Several adjoining property owners from the Riverdowns subdivision attended the commission meeting because they're concerned about light and noise spilling over onto their properties.
According to the county's ordinance, the illumination from exterior lighting at a property line adjacent to single-family residential districts is limited to five-tenths foot-candle.
Under the booster club's proposal, the illumination at the school's property line will be approximately 1.95 foot-candle. There's a 40-foot drainage easement located between the school and adjoining residential properties. When that easement is factored in, the lighting would meet the county's ordinance. There also are tall pines between the school and neighboring homes to help reduce the light spillage.
"The current design is very close to meeting the ordinance on its own," reads a letter from Icon Sign & Lighting, the Farmville company that would be installing the lighting, "but Musco [the lighting manufacturer] cannot prove on paper that the ordinance is most likely being met due to the knock down from the evergreens currently surrounding the property."
Property owner Christopher Shepherd supported last week's deferral.
"The fear is in the unknown," Shepherd told commissioners. "There's word of an impending lease … of leasing the ball field out to other parties."
Gerald O'Connor, another nearby property owner, said there is already a problem with noise when the field is used on weeknights.
Midlothian Commissioner Reuben Waller acknowledged he has heard of plans to lease the field.
"The lease issue between the applicant and the county is not directly tied to the land-use issue before us … but it connects to the issue of intensity and who will be playing there," Waller said.
Waller asked for the deferral to hold a community meeting with nearby residents and address questions about the lighting.
Late last week there were reports that the booster club may be modifying its proposal to meet the county's lighting restrictions. If that happens, it would not require approval by the commission.
Matoaca Commissioner Wayne Bass was presented with a resolution recognizing his service to the county during his last meeting.
Commissioners are appointed by their supervisors, and Matoaca Supervisor Marleen Durfee was defeated during November's election.
The case has been deferred for 30 days to hold a community meeting on the proposal in early January. The club wants to install six 70-foot light poles on one of James River's baseball fields.
Several adjoining property owners from the Riverdowns subdivision attended the commission meeting because they're concerned about light and noise spilling over onto their properties.
According to the county's ordinance, the illumination from exterior lighting at a property line adjacent to single-family residential districts is limited to five-tenths foot-candle.
Under the booster club's proposal, the illumination at the school's property line will be approximately 1.95 foot-candle. There's a 40-foot drainage easement located between the school and adjoining residential properties. When that easement is factored in, the lighting would meet the county's ordinance. There also are tall pines between the school and neighboring homes to help reduce the light spillage.
"The current design is very close to meeting the ordinance on its own," reads a letter from Icon Sign & Lighting, the Farmville company that would be installing the lighting, "but Musco [the lighting manufacturer] cannot prove on paper that the ordinance is most likely being met due to the knock down from the evergreens currently surrounding the property."
Property owner Christopher Shepherd supported last week's deferral.
"The fear is in the unknown," Shepherd told commissioners. "There's word of an impending lease … of leasing the ball field out to other parties."
Gerald O'Connor, another nearby property owner, said there is already a problem with noise when the field is used on weeknights.
Midlothian Commissioner Reuben Waller acknowledged he has heard of plans to lease the field.
"The lease issue between the applicant and the county is not directly tied to the land-use issue before us … but it connects to the issue of intensity and who will be playing there," Waller said.
Waller asked for the deferral to hold a community meeting with nearby residents and address questions about the lighting.
Late last week there were reports that the booster club may be modifying its proposal to meet the county's lighting restrictions. If that happens, it would not require approval by the commission.
Matoaca Commissioner Wayne Bass was presented with a resolution recognizing his service to the county during his last meeting.
Commissioners are appointed by their supervisors, and Matoaca Supervisor Marleen Durfee was defeated during November's election.
2011年12月27日星期二
A Savvy Shopper resolution: Shop local
In December 2009 — yes, I had to look through the archives for that date — I publicly promised readers that I would spend more dollars in locally owned stores in the upcoming year.
I'm happy to report that I have kept that promise. I'd let you check my bank statement, but, well, I'm not willing to let my promise become quite that public.
A growing number of shoppers are joining me.In 2010, a new retail holiday celebrating local businesses — Small Business Saturday — was hatched to create buzz around Main Street during the Black Friday frenzy.
That movement grew exponentially this year, and the "Shop Local" idea spread through social media outlets, TV commercials and radio spots.
Shopping with your conscience will be in vogue in 2012 as political debates head toward a boiling point, and consumers begin to voice their opinions with their pocketbooks.
The "Made in America" movement continues to maintain strength, as well, and the crafting community's cry for support seems to be resonating more than ever.
Convenience will continue to rule, but more and more of us are willing to step away from the automated glass doors and fluorescent lights and into a much smaller, homier, boutique, where the owner will greet you with an enthusiastic smile.
As for me, I found some of my best deals in locally owned shops on the Peninsula this year. I get so much joy out of pushing my new double stroller around town, for example. Instead of dropping $200 (or more) at Target, I spent $40 at Chelsea's Closet, a Hilton Village consignment store.
I purchased one of my mother-in-law's favorite Christmas gifts — a gift set containing various pepper jelly flavors — from the first annual Bodacious Bazaar in Hampton.
And I bought my 3-year-old son's soccer-themed Christmas ornament at Beach Treats Gifts in Peninsula Town Center for at least $3 less than the mall's price.
Even my son loves to shop local. During a recent "Mommy and Son" outing, we headed to Phoebus after enjoying the Virginia Air & Space Center in Hampton. It was to be a quick in-the-door-and-back-out-again shopping experience, I predicted.
Every store owner gushed over my little boy, handed him goodies and treated him like a king. When mom was done shopping, Brody begged to keep going.
The marketing technique worked, as I spent an unplanned $100 that evening.
So as you go about your retail purchases in the upcoming year, I challenge you to think local. Stop by and visit Tish at Countryside Gardens in Hampton. Or say hello to Jenn at Quirks of Art in Williamsburg. I promise, they will be thrilled to see you.
And, local business owners, here is your official notice: Let us know you're here with a note on the Savvy Shopper Facebook page or in an advertisement in the Daily Press.
Reach out with a suggestion for this column or plan a special event that showcases your specialty.
I intend to spend more of my money in local stores this year, and I want to know where I can shop.
I'm happy to report that I have kept that promise. I'd let you check my bank statement, but, well, I'm not willing to let my promise become quite that public.
A growing number of shoppers are joining me.In 2010, a new retail holiday celebrating local businesses — Small Business Saturday — was hatched to create buzz around Main Street during the Black Friday frenzy.
That movement grew exponentially this year, and the "Shop Local" idea spread through social media outlets, TV commercials and radio spots.
Shopping with your conscience will be in vogue in 2012 as political debates head toward a boiling point, and consumers begin to voice their opinions with their pocketbooks.
The "Made in America" movement continues to maintain strength, as well, and the crafting community's cry for support seems to be resonating more than ever.
Convenience will continue to rule, but more and more of us are willing to step away from the automated glass doors and fluorescent lights and into a much smaller, homier, boutique, where the owner will greet you with an enthusiastic smile.
As for me, I found some of my best deals in locally owned shops on the Peninsula this year. I get so much joy out of pushing my new double stroller around town, for example. Instead of dropping $200 (or more) at Target, I spent $40 at Chelsea's Closet, a Hilton Village consignment store.
I purchased one of my mother-in-law's favorite Christmas gifts — a gift set containing various pepper jelly flavors — from the first annual Bodacious Bazaar in Hampton.
And I bought my 3-year-old son's soccer-themed Christmas ornament at Beach Treats Gifts in Peninsula Town Center for at least $3 less than the mall's price.
Even my son loves to shop local. During a recent "Mommy and Son" outing, we headed to Phoebus after enjoying the Virginia Air & Space Center in Hampton. It was to be a quick in-the-door-and-back-out-again shopping experience, I predicted.
Every store owner gushed over my little boy, handed him goodies and treated him like a king. When mom was done shopping, Brody begged to keep going.
The marketing technique worked, as I spent an unplanned $100 that evening.
So as you go about your retail purchases in the upcoming year, I challenge you to think local. Stop by and visit Tish at Countryside Gardens in Hampton. Or say hello to Jenn at Quirks of Art in Williamsburg. I promise, they will be thrilled to see you.
And, local business owners, here is your official notice: Let us know you're here with a note on the Savvy Shopper Facebook page or in an advertisement in the Daily Press.
Reach out with a suggestion for this column or plan a special event that showcases your specialty.
I intend to spend more of my money in local stores this year, and I want to know where I can shop.
2011年12月26日星期一
No room at the inn as Bethlehem celebrates Christmas
In Rome, thousands of the faithful gathered in the Vatican's St Peter's Square as night fell for the blessing of a giant Nativity scene to the sound of accordions, hurdy gurdies and Christmas carols.
Pope Benedict XVI appeared at his window shortly after 1700 GMT to light an oil lamp for peace and make the sign of the cross as a blessing to the crowd in the square below.
Peace was also a central theme in Patriarch of Jerusalem Fuad Twal's Christmas homily to be delivered in Bethlehem.
"We ask for peace, stability and security for the entire Middle East," the homily reads. Twal, the most senior Roman Catholic in the Middle East, urges "the return of calm and reconciliation in Syria, in Egypt, in Iraq and in North Africa" in the text of a speech published ahead of delivery at midnight mass in the place of Christ's birth.
In popular uprisings in Tunis and Egypt which ended decades of "secular" dictatorships, Islamist parties have taken the front stage. Egypt's main
Islamist parties emerged on Saturday as winning 65 per cent of votes for party lists in the second round of the new parliament.
The UN Security Council says that Syria has killed more than 5,000 of its people in recent months, and Thursday attacks in Iraq killed 60 people, heightening sectarian tensions less than a week after US troops withdrew.
"O Child of Bethlehem, in this New Year, we place in your hands this troubled Middle East and, above all, our youth full of legitimate aspirations, who are frustrated by the economic and political situation, and in search of a better future," Twal's homily reads.
It also addresses the Palestinians, welcoming Palestinian Authority president Mahmud Abbas who was to attend the mass, and congratulating him "in his unfaltering efforts to achieve a just peace in the Middle East, a main thrust of which is the creation of a Palestinian State."
The address says the Palestinians "recently turned to the United Nations in the hope of finding a just solution to the conflict," and notes that "they have been asked to re-engage in a failed peace process," which "has left a bitter taste of broken promises and of mistrust."
As day broke on the not-so-little-town of Bethlehem, a few miles south of Jerusalem, residents readied to welcome thousands of pilgrims who wanted to see where the Bible says Jesus was born to a couple from Nazareth.
In the afternoon, Twal made his solemn entry into the birthplace of Christ accompanied by Palestinian Scouts playing bagpipes, an inheritance from the British mandate in the first half of the 20th century.
The procession led to Manger Square in central Bethlehem, where a huge poster at Omar's Mosque showed Abbas and late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat.
Hotels and guest houses across this ancient town perched on the hilltops were packed to capacity, Palestinian officials said, with more than 50,000 visitors from around the world expected.
"Hotels are full. We have no rooms left even though the number of hotel rooms has multiplied in the last three years," Palestinian tourism minister Khulud Daibes told AFP.
Pope Benedict XVI appeared at his window shortly after 1700 GMT to light an oil lamp for peace and make the sign of the cross as a blessing to the crowd in the square below.
Peace was also a central theme in Patriarch of Jerusalem Fuad Twal's Christmas homily to be delivered in Bethlehem.
"We ask for peace, stability and security for the entire Middle East," the homily reads. Twal, the most senior Roman Catholic in the Middle East, urges "the return of calm and reconciliation in Syria, in Egypt, in Iraq and in North Africa" in the text of a speech published ahead of delivery at midnight mass in the place of Christ's birth.
In popular uprisings in Tunis and Egypt which ended decades of "secular" dictatorships, Islamist parties have taken the front stage. Egypt's main
Islamist parties emerged on Saturday as winning 65 per cent of votes for party lists in the second round of the new parliament.
The UN Security Council says that Syria has killed more than 5,000 of its people in recent months, and Thursday attacks in Iraq killed 60 people, heightening sectarian tensions less than a week after US troops withdrew.
"O Child of Bethlehem, in this New Year, we place in your hands this troubled Middle East and, above all, our youth full of legitimate aspirations, who are frustrated by the economic and political situation, and in search of a better future," Twal's homily reads.
It also addresses the Palestinians, welcoming Palestinian Authority president Mahmud Abbas who was to attend the mass, and congratulating him "in his unfaltering efforts to achieve a just peace in the Middle East, a main thrust of which is the creation of a Palestinian State."
The address says the Palestinians "recently turned to the United Nations in the hope of finding a just solution to the conflict," and notes that "they have been asked to re-engage in a failed peace process," which "has left a bitter taste of broken promises and of mistrust."
As day broke on the not-so-little-town of Bethlehem, a few miles south of Jerusalem, residents readied to welcome thousands of pilgrims who wanted to see where the Bible says Jesus was born to a couple from Nazareth.
In the afternoon, Twal made his solemn entry into the birthplace of Christ accompanied by Palestinian Scouts playing bagpipes, an inheritance from the British mandate in the first half of the 20th century.
The procession led to Manger Square in central Bethlehem, where a huge poster at Omar's Mosque showed Abbas and late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat.
Hotels and guest houses across this ancient town perched on the hilltops were packed to capacity, Palestinian officials said, with more than 50,000 visitors from around the world expected.
"Hotels are full. We have no rooms left even though the number of hotel rooms has multiplied in the last three years," Palestinian tourism minister Khulud Daibes told AFP.
2011年12月25日星期日
ABC News: Obama To Run On Economic Inequity
Well, there's nothing truly shocking in that knowledge, I'm sure most of us have been prescient enough to understand that he damned sure can't run on his economic record, the economy being the issue for Americans. He can't run on ObamaCare, as it is still vastly unpopular by the majority of Americans.
His environmental record? Forget it. Getting tough on illegal immigrant deportations? He was doing well, then put in some squishy "reforms", which might play to the Statist base, but, won't play well to middle America, which is generally unhappy with allowing lawbreakers to remain in the country.
He can't run on how well he vacations and plays golf. I mean, he does those two quite well, but, wouldn't go over well as a campaign platform would it? So, what else is there to run on, except trotting out the tired class warfare meme?
The difference here is in how the two differentiate solutions to economic inequity. Republicans want to empower the middle class by creating an open atmosphere of less regulation, fewer rules, and less government, which gives the middle class a chance to grow into those evil "rich" people. Obama's ideas are to regulate and tax job creators to death while promising free everything to middle class people paid for by those evil rich people.
I really despise those Verizon "Susie's Lemonade" commercials, because using the song "I Want Candy" as the background music to a commercial featuring a pre-teen girl is a Bad Idea. But, let's consider: in today's economy, as pushed by Liberal statists, could Suzie actually turn her lemonade stand into a mega-business?
First, she'd have to make it past the cops/elected officials/FDA weenies, who would either shut her down or force her to get all sort of business licenses. Then the health inspectors. Then the IRS.
The Lemonade Workers Of America union, followed by the National Labor Relations Board. Finally, after jumping through even more hoops not mentioned, Democrats like Obama will complain about Suzy being rich and that she should pay her fair share.
Republicans want to remove most of the road blocks to success inherent in the system. "But, Teach, we should worry about things like health and safety and all the rest." Sigh. There is a point when common sense, like a quick inspection to make sure the lemonade doesn't contain Ebola, becomes bureaucratic and political interference, killing the entrepreneurial spirit. When Big Government is entirely too heavily involved for companies to truly succeed.
Consider this: the dreaded compact fluorescent lighbulb has been around in some form or fashion since the 1890's, but didn't become any sort of real consumer object till the 1980's. Since it contains mercury, does anyone truly think the design could get into production today were it developed today? They'd be banned from being imported from China.
The GOP does need to be careful in responding to Obama's line of campaigning, in that they cannot get caught up debating the issue on the surface, and instead move the issue to how damaging Obama's policies have been forthe economy , and how his policies are about taking money from the evil rich and moving it through the government to supposedly end up in the hands of the middle class, which never seems to happen.
His environmental record? Forget it. Getting tough on illegal immigrant deportations? He was doing well, then put in some squishy "reforms", which might play to the Statist base, but, won't play well to middle America, which is generally unhappy with allowing lawbreakers to remain in the country.
He can't run on how well he vacations and plays golf. I mean, he does those two quite well, but, wouldn't go over well as a campaign platform would it? So, what else is there to run on, except trotting out the tired class warfare meme?
The difference here is in how the two differentiate solutions to economic inequity. Republicans want to empower the middle class by creating an open atmosphere of less regulation, fewer rules, and less government, which gives the middle class a chance to grow into those evil "rich" people. Obama's ideas are to regulate and tax job creators to death while promising free everything to middle class people paid for by those evil rich people.
I really despise those Verizon "Susie's Lemonade" commercials, because using the song "I Want Candy" as the background music to a commercial featuring a pre-teen girl is a Bad Idea. But, let's consider: in today's economy, as pushed by Liberal statists, could Suzie actually turn her lemonade stand into a mega-business?
First, she'd have to make it past the cops/elected officials/FDA weenies, who would either shut her down or force her to get all sort of business licenses. Then the health inspectors. Then the IRS.
The Lemonade Workers Of America union, followed by the National Labor Relations Board. Finally, after jumping through even more hoops not mentioned, Democrats like Obama will complain about Suzy being rich and that she should pay her fair share.
Republicans want to remove most of the road blocks to success inherent in the system. "But, Teach, we should worry about things like health and safety and all the rest." Sigh. There is a point when common sense, like a quick inspection to make sure the lemonade doesn't contain Ebola, becomes bureaucratic and political interference, killing the entrepreneurial spirit. When Big Government is entirely too heavily involved for companies to truly succeed.
Consider this: the dreaded compact fluorescent lighbulb has been around in some form or fashion since the 1890's, but didn't become any sort of real consumer object till the 1980's. Since it contains mercury, does anyone truly think the design could get into production today were it developed today? They'd be banned from being imported from China.
The GOP does need to be careful in responding to Obama's line of campaigning, in that they cannot get caught up debating the issue on the surface, and instead move the issue to how damaging Obama's policies have been forthe economy , and how his policies are about taking money from the evil rich and moving it through the government to supposedly end up in the hands of the middle class, which never seems to happen.
2011年12月21日星期三
Audi A1 quattro: 256 hp and 350 Nm, only 333 units
Audi has announced the arrival of the range-topping A1 model called the A1 quattro. Just 333 examples of the form will be built in 2012, and all will be left-hand drive units.
The vehicle is powered by a 2.0 TFSI mill offering 256 hp at 6,000 rpm and 350 Nm of torque available between 2,500 and 4,500 rpm, which is of course delivered to all four wheels. Performance figures include a 0-100 km/h time of 5.7 seconds and a 245 km/h top speed.
The 2.0 TFSI delivers its power to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system via a six-speed manual transmission, which features an electronically controlled, hydraulically actuated multi-plate clutch whose package of plates rotates in an oil bath. There's an electronic differential lock in the mix, of course.
The car's chassis has been adapted to the dynamics of the drivetrain, and is much more tautly tuned than that of the production model. The front suspension is a McPherson construction, while a four-link axle is used at the rear, and the electrohydraulic power steering on the car features a direct 14.8:1 steering ratio.
The Audi A1 quattro rides on 18-inch cast alloy wheels, finished in Glacier White, wrapped with 225/35 series tyres. Elsewhere, the internally vented 312 mm diameter front brake discs are clamped by black calipers.
The car is available only in Glacier White metallic, with a high-gloss black roof, some dashes of red and a two-colour rear wing providing contrast. Decent amount of tint to be found too – the rear windows are blackened, as are the LED rear lights. The exhaust system terminates in two polished dual tailpipes on the left and the right, adding yet more flair to the equation.
Inside, black is the thematic shade, with the seats and door armrests covered in Silk Nappa leather, with contrasting red seams. The S sport seats up front have pronounced bolsters, integrated head restraints and a quattro badge on the backrest covers.
Elsewhere, the lower section of the centre console is in high-gloss black, while the footrest and the pedal caps are in brushed stainless steel. Red seams frame the floor mats, and the door sill trims bear A1 quattro badges.
As for the instrument cluster, unique cues include white needles, a red tachometer and a quattro logo. Meanwhile, the multifunction flat-bottom sport steering wheel is wrapped in leather, again with contrasting red stitching and it also sports the car's serial number.
There's also plenty of other mod cons, including xenon plus headlights, high-beam assistant, adaptive brake lights, LED interior lighting package, light and rain sensor, automatically dimming interior mirror, rear parking system, automatic air conditioning, alarm system, storage package, convenience key and cruise control.
Rounding things off are a Bose sound system with 14 speakers and 465 watts of power, and the woofers in the doors are indirectly lit with light guide LEDs.
The vehicle is powered by a 2.0 TFSI mill offering 256 hp at 6,000 rpm and 350 Nm of torque available between 2,500 and 4,500 rpm, which is of course delivered to all four wheels. Performance figures include a 0-100 km/h time of 5.7 seconds and a 245 km/h top speed.
The 2.0 TFSI delivers its power to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system via a six-speed manual transmission, which features an electronically controlled, hydraulically actuated multi-plate clutch whose package of plates rotates in an oil bath. There's an electronic differential lock in the mix, of course.
The car's chassis has been adapted to the dynamics of the drivetrain, and is much more tautly tuned than that of the production model. The front suspension is a McPherson construction, while a four-link axle is used at the rear, and the electrohydraulic power steering on the car features a direct 14.8:1 steering ratio.
The Audi A1 quattro rides on 18-inch cast alloy wheels, finished in Glacier White, wrapped with 225/35 series tyres. Elsewhere, the internally vented 312 mm diameter front brake discs are clamped by black calipers.
The car is available only in Glacier White metallic, with a high-gloss black roof, some dashes of red and a two-colour rear wing providing contrast. Decent amount of tint to be found too – the rear windows are blackened, as are the LED rear lights. The exhaust system terminates in two polished dual tailpipes on the left and the right, adding yet more flair to the equation.
Inside, black is the thematic shade, with the seats and door armrests covered in Silk Nappa leather, with contrasting red seams. The S sport seats up front have pronounced bolsters, integrated head restraints and a quattro badge on the backrest covers.
Elsewhere, the lower section of the centre console is in high-gloss black, while the footrest and the pedal caps are in brushed stainless steel. Red seams frame the floor mats, and the door sill trims bear A1 quattro badges.
As for the instrument cluster, unique cues include white needles, a red tachometer and a quattro logo. Meanwhile, the multifunction flat-bottom sport steering wheel is wrapped in leather, again with contrasting red stitching and it also sports the car's serial number.
There's also plenty of other mod cons, including xenon plus headlights, high-beam assistant, adaptive brake lights, LED interior lighting package, light and rain sensor, automatically dimming interior mirror, rear parking system, automatic air conditioning, alarm system, storage package, convenience key and cruise control.
Rounding things off are a Bose sound system with 14 speakers and 465 watts of power, and the woofers in the doors are indirectly lit with light guide LEDs.
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