For the majority of us, we don't worry too much about what the inside of our car looks like. In many cases, we are on the go and we live in our cars so to speak. We may place an air freshener in it for good measure, but not really think about what we are breathing in. A car air purifier can help eliminate unwanted particles of dust or bacteria that we are mindlessly breathing in. The only good an air freshener can do is disguise the smell in the vehicle, but it can't eliminate it. Many of the air fresheners contain strong fragrances that can set off an allergy attack. This article will give the truth behind what a car air purifier is and does.
A car air purifier can be a life saver for someone who suffers with allergies or asthma. You can't always control the outside air you breathe, but with the use of a car air purifier, you can control the air you are breathing inside your vehicle. You can help cut down on particles that float through the air such as pollen that can trigger an allergy or asthma attack. For someone driving, an allergy or asthma attack can be dangerous. If your eyes begin watering or itching, or if breathing becomes difficult, it can become hard to concentrate or see while you are driving. The use of a car air purifier can be a way of eliminating irritants that can distract from your driving.
Using a car air purifier will not only help you get rid of obvious smells found in a car such as mold or mildew, but it will also keep the air fresh so it doesn't smell musty or give you the feeling like you can't breathe. Other odors such as perfume or body sprays can be overwhelming inside a vehicle, but with the use of a car air purifier, these smells can be cut down tremendously. There are odors such as tobacco smell that seem to just linger inside a vehicle. A non smoker can usually smell it right off, but for someone who smokes, they may not be as aware. The use of a car air purifier will help rid the air inside of your vehicle from harmful smells such as tobacco smoke.
Saturday, June 9, 2007
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Auction Autos Inspection Tips
Looking to buy your next car at an auction? There are a few things you need to keep in mind and be prepared for when buying this way. The main thing is to get your head straight. You are trying to save money, right? Don’t get caught up in a bidding war. Know beforehand how much you want to spend and stick to it. Check your emotions at the door so you don’t get carried away. This holds true for all sorts of auctions —real estate, collectables, etc.
What kind of auto auction is this? Police impound? Municipal government surplus? Repossessed? Rental fleet? It’s important to know what sort of life your car has “lived” before you two met. A vehicle used by the police may have seen some rugged action chasing bad guys. And that fancy Mercedes over there could have been the one being chased. Now, if the auction is for repossessed cars that the bank took back from someone who suffered some financial loss, chances are it’s not been “ridden hard and hung up wet.” In any case, you need to inspect it. Here’s what I do:
1. Start at the bottom. Look at the tires—better yet, feel the tread. If there is uneven wear or the tread has a “saw toothed” feel, that may indicate suspension and alignment problems.
2. Look under the engine and the transaxle (on rear wheel drive cars) for any wet, oily drips on the ground. Also look for any crud that's stuck to these areas where there is oily “sweat” road grime coating it. These are from leaky seals and could indicate serious maintenance problems.
3. Stand up (stretch you back) and go to the four corners of the car. Press down firmly on each corner and let go. If the car bounces, you’ll need shock absorbers or struts.
4. Pop the hood. Take a helicopter view of the engine. Look at everything, and if there are any loose wires, corroded connections (battery) frayed electrical tape, cracked “rubber booties” on the spark plugs, ragged belts or dried out, cracked hoses, you should be aware that these things will cost money to repair. Check the oil. If it’s dark and smells burnt, there’s a problem. Check the transmission fluid. It should be a transparent amber color and at the proper level. Check the coolant level and the brake fluid levels If these are not ok, adjust you bid accordingly.
5. Inspect the exterior. Is the paint and shine regular all around the car? No ripples? Is the gap between the doors, hood and trunk even with the body of the car? If it is, good. If it’s not, the car has been hit and it wasn’t repaired properly. Beware.
6. Open the doors—all of them. Listen for squeaks and groans—not good. Check the glass for even the tiniest of cracks and chips. Do the windows roll up and down easily? Try them all.
7. Get in. Is the seat firm and comfortable? Or does it feel like a hippo has been sitting there?
8. Turn on the engine and listen for knocks and noises. Press on the gas. Any vibrations? Noises? Let it idle and look at the exhaust pipe. Any smoke? A little is OK, a lot is not!
9. Check the radio, CD player, cigarette lighter, turn signals, interior lights, head lights, brake lights, and everything else you can that should work from the inside.
10. Get out, shake your head, look disgusted (even if you really like the beast). This last one is to psyche out the other bidders and possibly reduce the competition when the bidding starts.
Take your maximum bid in your head and mentally subtract the estimated cost to repair those problems you even suspect that the car has. Remember that if you can’t drive it, you still are taking a chance on the transmission—a really costly repair. Then subtract half the cost of your estimated repairs again because you underestimated the repair costs—guaranteed. Now you have your maximum bid. Don’t you dare go over it!
What kind of auto auction is this? Police impound? Municipal government surplus? Repossessed? Rental fleet? It’s important to know what sort of life your car has “lived” before you two met. A vehicle used by the police may have seen some rugged action chasing bad guys. And that fancy Mercedes over there could have been the one being chased. Now, if the auction is for repossessed cars that the bank took back from someone who suffered some financial loss, chances are it’s not been “ridden hard and hung up wet.” In any case, you need to inspect it. Here’s what I do:
1. Start at the bottom. Look at the tires—better yet, feel the tread. If there is uneven wear or the tread has a “saw toothed” feel, that may indicate suspension and alignment problems.
2. Look under the engine and the transaxle (on rear wheel drive cars) for any wet, oily drips on the ground. Also look for any crud that's stuck to these areas where there is oily “sweat” road grime coating it. These are from leaky seals and could indicate serious maintenance problems.
3. Stand up (stretch you back) and go to the four corners of the car. Press down firmly on each corner and let go. If the car bounces, you’ll need shock absorbers or struts.
4. Pop the hood. Take a helicopter view of the engine. Look at everything, and if there are any loose wires, corroded connections (battery) frayed electrical tape, cracked “rubber booties” on the spark plugs, ragged belts or dried out, cracked hoses, you should be aware that these things will cost money to repair. Check the oil. If it’s dark and smells burnt, there’s a problem. Check the transmission fluid. It should be a transparent amber color and at the proper level. Check the coolant level and the brake fluid levels If these are not ok, adjust you bid accordingly.
5. Inspect the exterior. Is the paint and shine regular all around the car? No ripples? Is the gap between the doors, hood and trunk even with the body of the car? If it is, good. If it’s not, the car has been hit and it wasn’t repaired properly. Beware.
6. Open the doors—all of them. Listen for squeaks and groans—not good. Check the glass for even the tiniest of cracks and chips. Do the windows roll up and down easily? Try them all.
7. Get in. Is the seat firm and comfortable? Or does it feel like a hippo has been sitting there?
8. Turn on the engine and listen for knocks and noises. Press on the gas. Any vibrations? Noises? Let it idle and look at the exhaust pipe. Any smoke? A little is OK, a lot is not!
9. Check the radio, CD player, cigarette lighter, turn signals, interior lights, head lights, brake lights, and everything else you can that should work from the inside.
10. Get out, shake your head, look disgusted (even if you really like the beast). This last one is to psyche out the other bidders and possibly reduce the competition when the bidding starts.
Take your maximum bid in your head and mentally subtract the estimated cost to repair those problems you even suspect that the car has. Remember that if you can’t drive it, you still are taking a chance on the transmission—a really costly repair. Then subtract half the cost of your estimated repairs again because you underestimated the repair costs—guaranteed. Now you have your maximum bid. Don’t you dare go over it!
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
First Contact - Cadillac SRX
Elvis Presley had bought the beautiful classical with nose and tail fins and each quantity charm in its life over one hundred Cadillacs. Whether the King would have decided also for the SRX, is questionable. The sharp-edged SUV does not have to do anything with the beauty of the 50's and works - at least in this country - as from another world.
With a length of nearly five meters the Cadillac SRX in a league with AUDI A6 Avant and CO plays. But 30 centimeters more height let the sharp edged Ami advance into the SUV region. The salient front zieren a broad radiator grille and angular headlights, at the tail fall the upright standing tail lamps up of the SRX is with another vehicle hardly to be compared.
Heavyweight
Clearly as SUV identify the SRX also his weight: The Ami with itself drags nearly two tons around. No miracle that Cadillac has two potent engines in the offer. Alternatively are available a 3,6-Liter-V6 with 258 HP and tail or all-wheel drive as well as a 4,6-Liter-Achtzylinder.
The V8 brings it on an output of 325 HP and heaves 427 Newtonmeters on the drive shaft - when 4.400 revolutions they stand ready. One distributes Kraft always to both axles, she is administered by a six-course automat. That changes the long translated courses gently and briskly, does not know however with quick driving fashion sometimes not so quite, which he is to take.
Thirstily
On speed 100 the SRX accelerates 225 km/h in 7.4 seconds, maximally runs it. The indicated consumption of on the average 16.3 litres can certainly be reached only with difficulty. Particularly in city traffic the Cadillac is enough excessively too, drinks to the 24 litres premium fuel. In addition an immense CO2-Ausstoss of 396 gram per kilometer comes.
Who connects Cadillac and SUV only with schaukeligen Sänften, does not know the SRX. Under its sharp-edged sheet metal dress the upper class sedan CTS puts - and thus pure passenger car technology. The chassis does not approach yet to Bavarian models, but the SRX can be directed well.
Road cruiser
The steering element direct for American conditions works precisely, in fast concerned curves is inclined the SRX however to the Untersteuern. Optionally Cadillac offers the electronically regulated absorber adjustment „to Magnetic Ride control “, which adjusts the hardness in fractions of a second. The good road characteristics do not go debited to the Offroadfähigkeiten, for' s area are created the SRX.
The space utilization is typically American. Despite the sumptuous dimensions no outstanding available space prevails in the interior. The large instrument panel and the broad, unloading center console take much place up. The wuchtigen armchair are comfortable, offer however only moderately stop.
Reservoir or seat row
Comfortably it sits itself in the second row. The increased position provides for good view, the freedom of movement is OK ONE. Lateral installations, the double soil diminish the baggage compartment go debited to the height. However under it the optional third seat row can be stowed away. Between 238 and 1.968 litres the Cadillac seizes, besides the large load length convinces.
To the standard 60,950 euro expensive SRX with 4,6-Liter-V8 belong among other things an electrical seat adjustment, a keyless entrance system, leather equipment, air conditioning system (also in the rear) and a system of sound of Bose. The most favorable SRX is available starting from 40.950 euro.
Result
Completely clearly, with a Cadillac one is noticeable. That is also with the SRX like that, which is recommended thus in the best way for individualists, which want to stand out against the mass. While one had to accept for it in former times spongelike chassis and bad driving dynamics, one gets a vehicle all around succeeded today with the SRX. As long as one does not look exorbitant consumption.
With a length of nearly five meters the Cadillac SRX in a league with AUDI A6 Avant and CO plays. But 30 centimeters more height let the sharp edged Ami advance into the SUV region. The salient front zieren a broad radiator grille and angular headlights, at the tail fall the upright standing tail lamps up of the SRX is with another vehicle hardly to be compared.
Heavyweight
Clearly as SUV identify the SRX also his weight: The Ami with itself drags nearly two tons around. No miracle that Cadillac has two potent engines in the offer. Alternatively are available a 3,6-Liter-V6 with 258 HP and tail or all-wheel drive as well as a 4,6-Liter-Achtzylinder.
The V8 brings it on an output of 325 HP and heaves 427 Newtonmeters on the drive shaft - when 4.400 revolutions they stand ready. One distributes Kraft always to both axles, she is administered by a six-course automat. That changes the long translated courses gently and briskly, does not know however with quick driving fashion sometimes not so quite, which he is to take.
Thirstily
On speed 100 the SRX accelerates 225 km/h in 7.4 seconds, maximally runs it. The indicated consumption of on the average 16.3 litres can certainly be reached only with difficulty. Particularly in city traffic the Cadillac is enough excessively too, drinks to the 24 litres premium fuel. In addition an immense CO2-Ausstoss of 396 gram per kilometer comes.
Who connects Cadillac and SUV only with schaukeligen Sänften, does not know the SRX. Under its sharp-edged sheet metal dress the upper class sedan CTS puts - and thus pure passenger car technology. The chassis does not approach yet to Bavarian models, but the SRX can be directed well.
Road cruiser
The steering element direct for American conditions works precisely, in fast concerned curves is inclined the SRX however to the Untersteuern. Optionally Cadillac offers the electronically regulated absorber adjustment „to Magnetic Ride control “, which adjusts the hardness in fractions of a second. The good road characteristics do not go debited to the Offroadfähigkeiten, for' s area are created the SRX.
The space utilization is typically American. Despite the sumptuous dimensions no outstanding available space prevails in the interior. The large instrument panel and the broad, unloading center console take much place up. The wuchtigen armchair are comfortable, offer however only moderately stop.
Reservoir or seat row
Comfortably it sits itself in the second row. The increased position provides for good view, the freedom of movement is OK ONE. Lateral installations, the double soil diminish the baggage compartment go debited to the height. However under it the optional third seat row can be stowed away. Between 238 and 1.968 litres the Cadillac seizes, besides the large load length convinces.
To the standard 60,950 euro expensive SRX with 4,6-Liter-V8 belong among other things an electrical seat adjustment, a keyless entrance system, leather equipment, air conditioning system (also in the rear) and a system of sound of Bose. The most favorable SRX is available starting from 40.950 euro.
Result
Completely clearly, with a Cadillac one is noticeable. That is also with the SRX like that, which is recommended thus in the best way for individualists, which want to stand out against the mass. While one had to accept for it in former times spongelike chassis and bad driving dynamics, one gets a vehicle all around succeeded today with the SRX. As long as one does not look exorbitant consumption.
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Driving Report Nissan Note 1.6 Acenta - Intelligent Box
Practical cars do not have to be beautiful. That applied in former times once. Nowadays humans cars buy over the Design - and there the opinions go apart with note. “From the rear somehow amusingly”, a voice read, “sees really successfully out” another. Undisputed are however the practical qualities of the Japanese. A journey with large luggage too third mastered the note without detunings.
In the test moved forward the compact Van with from other series already admitted 1,6-Liter-Benziner, which carries 81 kW/110 out HP. More spritziger associated without acoustic remarkablenesses, which besides despite the surcharge-requiring four-stage mechanism (850 euro) no momentum miss let and also with the Spritkonsum negatively was not noticeable. 8.0 litres were it on average. The mechanism is pleasant, it switches softly and without jerking. Only with the kickdown a full of seeds sound comes from the engine compartment. The maximum speed of 175 km/h reached the note easy. Much place close together is the basic concept for a Van - this task settles the note properly.
The Fünftürer with a length of 4.08 meters and a wheel base of 2.60 meters aims particularly at young families and leisure sportsmen. Inside it offers place and and divided a hinged back bank adjustable around 16 centimeters despite the shortness plentifully. Also the seat-back of the passenger seat can be surrounded, creates place for articles of up to 2.40 m. If the rear seats are completely to the rear pushed, still 280 litres remain trunk volume, which rises up to 437 litres, if the passengers move the seat forward. If the backrests turned down, the transportation volume rises on up to 1332 litres. A Flexi board system in such a way specified (series starting from equipment “Acenta”) consists of two covers embodied in different height, which lock under normal conditions with the remaining load bay floor and shield among them lying reservoir forwards curious views. If the plates loadable with 50 Kilos are dismantled, the 437 litres of pilot volume already mentioned are available. On the back they are coated with a genoppten rubber mat, which facilitate the transport of wet or dirty articles.
In addition, a nearly compelling reason the Flexibord is the fact that when surrounding the seats the seat-backs fold and not the seat faces. Thus no even loading area, but a stage develops when surrounding. The fiber boards must fill then the gap. Others can do that better, which let all obstacles disappear with the turning of the seats down also. Folding tables to the rear seats, six Cupholder, a large glove subject and various files make the note the flexible and family-fair transporter. Who pushes the rear seats completely back, place has as in a luxury sedan. The seat faces were criticized however of a 1,90-Mter-Mann as too short. Against it travel-suited Gestühl with tidy side stop is blocked in front in sufficient size. The steering wheel is not only in the height adjustably, nevertheless is a tidy seating position a problem.
Under the passenger seat is a hidden stowage box. Switches and levers are platziert handy, optics and Haptik tune. The rain sensor developed an active independent existence, but that is not unusually and-came already in other vehicles forwards. In the test car the “Comfort package” versüsste with climatic mechanism, sixfold CD change-over switch and evenly light and rain sensor the driver life just like the Style package with darkened disks in the back and 15.Zoll-Leichtmetallfelgen for 500 euro each. ESP is by the way in series of the Top version “Tekna” reserved, otherwise it costs 350 euro specially. In this Fahrzeugklasse incomprehensibly. Even if the note in our test with good comfort and unproblematic handling convinced, certified it technical periodicals a poisonous tail with changes of load. We do not have it on public roads ausprobiert.19 290 euro cost the test car with really sumptuous equipment, the basic price in the equipment “Acenta” amount to with the recommendable 1,6-Liter-Motorisierung 17,040 euro. A navigation system is ex factory intended, but in the trade for 399 euro (TomTom) or 449 euro (VDO Dayton) available. Thus does not only erweisst itself the note as practically and optically independent, but also as good calculates in the price. (ar/sb)
In the test moved forward the compact Van with from other series already admitted 1,6-Liter-Benziner, which carries 81 kW/110 out HP. More spritziger associated without acoustic remarkablenesses, which besides despite the surcharge-requiring four-stage mechanism (850 euro) no momentum miss let and also with the Spritkonsum negatively was not noticeable. 8.0 litres were it on average. The mechanism is pleasant, it switches softly and without jerking. Only with the kickdown a full of seeds sound comes from the engine compartment. The maximum speed of 175 km/h reached the note easy. Much place close together is the basic concept for a Van - this task settles the note properly.
The Fünftürer with a length of 4.08 meters and a wheel base of 2.60 meters aims particularly at young families and leisure sportsmen. Inside it offers place and and divided a hinged back bank adjustable around 16 centimeters despite the shortness plentifully. Also the seat-back of the passenger seat can be surrounded, creates place for articles of up to 2.40 m. If the rear seats are completely to the rear pushed, still 280 litres remain trunk volume, which rises up to 437 litres, if the passengers move the seat forward. If the backrests turned down, the transportation volume rises on up to 1332 litres. A Flexi board system in such a way specified (series starting from equipment “Acenta”) consists of two covers embodied in different height, which lock under normal conditions with the remaining load bay floor and shield among them lying reservoir forwards curious views. If the plates loadable with 50 Kilos are dismantled, the 437 litres of pilot volume already mentioned are available. On the back they are coated with a genoppten rubber mat, which facilitate the transport of wet or dirty articles.
In addition, a nearly compelling reason the Flexibord is the fact that when surrounding the seats the seat-backs fold and not the seat faces. Thus no even loading area, but a stage develops when surrounding. The fiber boards must fill then the gap. Others can do that better, which let all obstacles disappear with the turning of the seats down also. Folding tables to the rear seats, six Cupholder, a large glove subject and various files make the note the flexible and family-fair transporter. Who pushes the rear seats completely back, place has as in a luxury sedan. The seat faces were criticized however of a 1,90-Mter-Mann as too short. Against it travel-suited Gestühl with tidy side stop is blocked in front in sufficient size. The steering wheel is not only in the height adjustably, nevertheless is a tidy seating position a problem.
Under the passenger seat is a hidden stowage box. Switches and levers are platziert handy, optics and Haptik tune. The rain sensor developed an active independent existence, but that is not unusually and-came already in other vehicles forwards. In the test car the “Comfort package” versüsste with climatic mechanism, sixfold CD change-over switch and evenly light and rain sensor the driver life just like the Style package with darkened disks in the back and 15.Zoll-Leichtmetallfelgen for 500 euro each. ESP is by the way in series of the Top version “Tekna” reserved, otherwise it costs 350 euro specially. In this Fahrzeugklasse incomprehensibly. Even if the note in our test with good comfort and unproblematic handling convinced, certified it technical periodicals a poisonous tail with changes of load. We do not have it on public roads ausprobiert.19 290 euro cost the test car with really sumptuous equipment, the basic price in the equipment “Acenta” amount to with the recommendable 1,6-Liter-Motorisierung 17,040 euro. A navigation system is ex factory intended, but in the trade for 399 euro (TomTom) or 449 euro (VDO Dayton) available. Thus does not only erweisst itself the note as practically and optically independent, but also as good calculates in the price. (ar/sb)
Driving Report Nissan X-Trail - Success Makes Addicted
Success makes addicted - on still more success. Nissan could sell world-wide approximately 800,000 vehicles from its first compact sport utility Vehicle (SUV) with name X-Trail since the year 2000.
Into Germany nearly each second user had driven a sedan or a combination before. Why should one change thus something for the new edition? Outwardly proof of worth, inside however…
Nissan decided in view of this success history to build with the exterior on the proven and essentially offer under the sheet metal new, particularly since with customer opinion polls it had turned out that three of ten X-Trail-drivers use their SUV actually also in the area and a further quarter him than towing vehicle. The successor could thus nothing by his area qualities lose, should better to the road be however at the same time adapted. Good “climbing characteristics”
In the area the new one in the rauen mountains of north Greece proved now that it to it-won on this occasion. On the platform of the Qashquai developed and with an automatically connecting all-wheel drive provided, he creates amazing climbing portions without complaints from the obviously very torsionally stiff body. A Differenzialsperre and a mountain driving off assistance, which limit the speed on approximately 7 km/h by ABS, help it. Comfortably on such as off Road
On the road the investment disburses itself into the new chassis. The straight line discharge convinces, and the driving dynamics fits likewise. It is no curve miracle, but it masters also mountain passages quite manierlich and - owing to its standard ESP - unproblematically. On the road and in the area equally the X-Trail moves its passengers amazingly comfortably. Propulsion variants
Well the combination with the 2-Liter-Dieselmotor with 110 KW /150 HP of achievement and a maximum torque of 320 Newtonmeters (Nm) with the six-course transducer mechanism pleased us. In addition Nissan offers a 2,5-Liter-Diesel with 127 KW/173 HP, which with the mechanism can be likewise rigged. Both engines with a six-course hand switch are supplied in series.
In addition two four cylinder Benziner are available, of one with two litres capacity, 104 KW/141 HP and 196 Nm, the larger with 2,5 litres, 124 KW/169 HP and 233 Nm. Nissan assumes however in Germany nearly 90 per cent of Diesel can be brought to the man. But first consumption speaks. For the Diesels 7.1 litres and/or 7.4 litres per 100 km are indicated as normal consumption, for the Benziner of 8.7 and/or 9.8 litres plus mechanism addition, if the transducer mechanism is ordered. If one decides for the stepless CVT transmission, consumption sinks easily. Handling characteristics
With the road performances the Benziner and the Diesels take themselves not much. The smaller accelerate the X-Trail in approximately 10 seconds of 0 to 100 km/h, the larger need for it one second less. In the maximum speed the Diesels with scarcely 190 km/h and approximately 200 km/h lie even a little more highly than the Benziner. But they offer then also approximately 40 per cent more torques, meanwhile jeep drivers did not only learn which to estimate. More ITS than seem…
That outwardly apparently so little changed new ones grew after the slogan: More its than seem. However at tray surfaces, beverage holding and pilot possibilities in the interior he offers now approximately 50 litres of volume. Its trunk grew even on class optimum of more than 600 litres, if one takes the lower load soil out, under which approximately 120 litres camouflaged area hide themselves. If one leaves in the vehicle, 40:20 develops after surrounding the rear seat in the relationship: 40 a completely even loading area. Without the soil maximally 1773 litres of volume are available. That empty something over two tons weighing X-Trail can zuladen - depending upon equipment - between 460 kilograms and well 530 kilograms and draw as Diesels maximally two tons. To the Interieur
Only in the interior we had with this first establishment of contact somewhat too meckern. Thus one decided with the instrument panel to throughout high-quality materials, but there is too many, and properly matching finished they could also be. In addition the instrument panel with the put on peak in the center and many corners and edges works rather fissured as elegant or sporty.
Also we would have found gladly larger seats with better side stop. But side stop for particularly fast curves was not the goal of the developers. The X-Trail is not a curve artist, but in the best sense a good car: useful, on the height of the compact SUV time and with good manners. The price structure
Manierlich is also the price structuring for Germany. The new costs approximately 1500 euro more as the old, has however Diesel soot filters and ESP to offer in series and shows also otherwise clearly more qualities than the old person. It will give the 2007-er to class in three equipment lines: XE, SE and LE. The price margin reaches from 26,900 euro to 35,140 euro for the fully equipped LE with the strong Diesel and mechanism. Not a straight good deal, in addition, no reason to predict the end of the Erfolgsstory of the X-Trail.
Into Germany nearly each second user had driven a sedan or a combination before. Why should one change thus something for the new edition? Outwardly proof of worth, inside however…
Nissan decided in view of this success history to build with the exterior on the proven and essentially offer under the sheet metal new, particularly since with customer opinion polls it had turned out that three of ten X-Trail-drivers use their SUV actually also in the area and a further quarter him than towing vehicle. The successor could thus nothing by his area qualities lose, should better to the road be however at the same time adapted. Good “climbing characteristics”
In the area the new one in the rauen mountains of north Greece proved now that it to it-won on this occasion. On the platform of the Qashquai developed and with an automatically connecting all-wheel drive provided, he creates amazing climbing portions without complaints from the obviously very torsionally stiff body. A Differenzialsperre and a mountain driving off assistance, which limit the speed on approximately 7 km/h by ABS, help it. Comfortably on such as off Road
On the road the investment disburses itself into the new chassis. The straight line discharge convinces, and the driving dynamics fits likewise. It is no curve miracle, but it masters also mountain passages quite manierlich and - owing to its standard ESP - unproblematically. On the road and in the area equally the X-Trail moves its passengers amazingly comfortably. Propulsion variants
Well the combination with the 2-Liter-Dieselmotor with 110 KW /150 HP of achievement and a maximum torque of 320 Newtonmeters (Nm) with the six-course transducer mechanism pleased us. In addition Nissan offers a 2,5-Liter-Diesel with 127 KW/173 HP, which with the mechanism can be likewise rigged. Both engines with a six-course hand switch are supplied in series.
In addition two four cylinder Benziner are available, of one with two litres capacity, 104 KW/141 HP and 196 Nm, the larger with 2,5 litres, 124 KW/169 HP and 233 Nm. Nissan assumes however in Germany nearly 90 per cent of Diesel can be brought to the man. But first consumption speaks. For the Diesels 7.1 litres and/or 7.4 litres per 100 km are indicated as normal consumption, for the Benziner of 8.7 and/or 9.8 litres plus mechanism addition, if the transducer mechanism is ordered. If one decides for the stepless CVT transmission, consumption sinks easily. Handling characteristics
With the road performances the Benziner and the Diesels take themselves not much. The smaller accelerate the X-Trail in approximately 10 seconds of 0 to 100 km/h, the larger need for it one second less. In the maximum speed the Diesels with scarcely 190 km/h and approximately 200 km/h lie even a little more highly than the Benziner. But they offer then also approximately 40 per cent more torques, meanwhile jeep drivers did not only learn which to estimate. More ITS than seem…
That outwardly apparently so little changed new ones grew after the slogan: More its than seem. However at tray surfaces, beverage holding and pilot possibilities in the interior he offers now approximately 50 litres of volume. Its trunk grew even on class optimum of more than 600 litres, if one takes the lower load soil out, under which approximately 120 litres camouflaged area hide themselves. If one leaves in the vehicle, 40:20 develops after surrounding the rear seat in the relationship: 40 a completely even loading area. Without the soil maximally 1773 litres of volume are available. That empty something over two tons weighing X-Trail can zuladen - depending upon equipment - between 460 kilograms and well 530 kilograms and draw as Diesels maximally two tons. To the Interieur
Only in the interior we had with this first establishment of contact somewhat too meckern. Thus one decided with the instrument panel to throughout high-quality materials, but there is too many, and properly matching finished they could also be. In addition the instrument panel with the put on peak in the center and many corners and edges works rather fissured as elegant or sporty.
Also we would have found gladly larger seats with better side stop. But side stop for particularly fast curves was not the goal of the developers. The X-Trail is not a curve artist, but in the best sense a good car: useful, on the height of the compact SUV time and with good manners. The price structure
Manierlich is also the price structuring for Germany. The new costs approximately 1500 euro more as the old, has however Diesel soot filters and ESP to offer in series and shows also otherwise clearly more qualities than the old person. It will give the 2007-er to class in three equipment lines: XE, SE and LE. The price margin reaches from 26,900 euro to 35,140 euro for the fully equipped LE with the strong Diesel and mechanism. Not a straight good deal, in addition, no reason to predict the end of the Erfolgsstory of the X-Trail.
Sunday, June 3, 2007
The Car That Runs On Air
The auto industry is bracing itself for its biggest shift since Henry Ford used an assembly line to roll out Model Ts. The race to develop and implement a new kind of fuel - both environmentally-conscious and affordable - has been going on for years now, but we’re still a while away from a full-scale gasoline overhaul. Ethanol, biodiesel, hydrogen, and lithium batteries are all vying for the title of gas killer, but there’s a new contender making a lot of noise - and that contender is...air? Well, compressed air.
Moteur Development International (MDI) is a research and development firm that has tinkered with the concept of an Air Car for nearly fifteen years. Based in Nice, France, engineers at MDI now say their latest design, the MiniCAT – CAT stands for Compressed Air Technologies – is ready for production. More importantly, Tata Motors (India’s largest automotive manufacturer) seems to concur, and have agreed to initially build several thousand of these vehicles, with plans for expansion in the next couple years for production both in India and Europe.
How it Works In a MiniCAT, compressed air is stored in a tank underneath the vehicle and funnels into pistons where it expands to about 15 times the compressed level. The de-crompression of the air creates pressure to push the pistons which propels the car. The expansion of the air also creates a by-product of cold air that can be used to run the air-conditioning. The end result is an efficient engine generating plenty of power and having zero emissions. The biggest hurdle for any new fuel is in its availability and distribution. Here air has an obvious advantage.
Compressed-air “pumps” are inexpensive to manufacture and implement on a large scale, and as a renewable and abundant resource, air fill-ups would be far cheaper than gasoline is today. Some estimate that a full tank of air – which for a MiniCAT is about 200 miles of driving – could be as little as $3. Also in development is the CityCAT, which uses a dual-function engine to generate higher speeds and a longer range. The compressed air system is still central to propulsion, but a second system is added that takes over at speeds over 35 mph. This system is similar to General Motors’ Flex Fuel technology, meaning it can run on gasoline, biodiesel, ethanol, or other sources. When the second system is running it generates air that can be compressed and stored for later use by the central system.
Introducing it to the Populace MDI has built compressed air engines with 2, 4, and 6 cylinders and is looking for the best way to introduce their vehicles to the market.
One goal is a taxi fleet – after all, taxis drive a lot more than the rest of us and are a good way to generate buzz. MiniCATS seem built for the city, and with several urban hubs in Europe considering a ban on gasoline-powered vehicles, the air-powered vehicle could be a popular choice indeed. CityCATs, despite their name, are made more for the suburban commuter. The Tata Motors agreement is a major first step in a very long walk. The Indian manufacturer has quickly become one of the world’s largest automakers, specializing in large trucks and buses. MDI has already built concept versions of pick-up trucks and vans for their fuel systems, and even larger vehicles are likely in the works. No final figures on pricing have been determined, but Tata and MDI estimate that MiniCATs would be around the equivalent of $10,000 in euros. Both vehicles are quick and nimble on city streets, with comparable acceleration to other economy-class cars. The higher-cylinder versions can provide more boost, but the MiniCAT tops out at around 68 mph, so it can get out on the freeway if it must. This flexibility would be more important in the U.S. should MDI expand production to our shores.
Moteur Development International (MDI) is a research and development firm that has tinkered with the concept of an Air Car for nearly fifteen years. Based in Nice, France, engineers at MDI now say their latest design, the MiniCAT – CAT stands for Compressed Air Technologies – is ready for production. More importantly, Tata Motors (India’s largest automotive manufacturer) seems to concur, and have agreed to initially build several thousand of these vehicles, with plans for expansion in the next couple years for production both in India and Europe.
How it Works In a MiniCAT, compressed air is stored in a tank underneath the vehicle and funnels into pistons where it expands to about 15 times the compressed level. The de-crompression of the air creates pressure to push the pistons which propels the car. The expansion of the air also creates a by-product of cold air that can be used to run the air-conditioning. The end result is an efficient engine generating plenty of power and having zero emissions. The biggest hurdle for any new fuel is in its availability and distribution. Here air has an obvious advantage.
Compressed-air “pumps” are inexpensive to manufacture and implement on a large scale, and as a renewable and abundant resource, air fill-ups would be far cheaper than gasoline is today. Some estimate that a full tank of air – which for a MiniCAT is about 200 miles of driving – could be as little as $3. Also in development is the CityCAT, which uses a dual-function engine to generate higher speeds and a longer range. The compressed air system is still central to propulsion, but a second system is added that takes over at speeds over 35 mph. This system is similar to General Motors’ Flex Fuel technology, meaning it can run on gasoline, biodiesel, ethanol, or other sources. When the second system is running it generates air that can be compressed and stored for later use by the central system.
Introducing it to the Populace MDI has built compressed air engines with 2, 4, and 6 cylinders and is looking for the best way to introduce their vehicles to the market.
One goal is a taxi fleet – after all, taxis drive a lot more than the rest of us and are a good way to generate buzz. MiniCATS seem built for the city, and with several urban hubs in Europe considering a ban on gasoline-powered vehicles, the air-powered vehicle could be a popular choice indeed. CityCATs, despite their name, are made more for the suburban commuter. The Tata Motors agreement is a major first step in a very long walk. The Indian manufacturer has quickly become one of the world’s largest automakers, specializing in large trucks and buses. MDI has already built concept versions of pick-up trucks and vans for their fuel systems, and even larger vehicles are likely in the works. No final figures on pricing have been determined, but Tata and MDI estimate that MiniCATs would be around the equivalent of $10,000 in euros. Both vehicles are quick and nimble on city streets, with comparable acceleration to other economy-class cars. The higher-cylinder versions can provide more boost, but the MiniCAT tops out at around 68 mph, so it can get out on the freeway if it must. This flexibility would be more important in the U.S. should MDI expand production to our shores.
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