How to use the Car Buyers' Guide

New Car Buyers' Guide

The UK New Car Buyers' Guide comprises of 201,096 car facts carefully compiled by our new car research team. It features the specification of 385 different car models from 53 major manufacturers. The UK Car Price Guide lists the on the road price of 3,591 cars and was updated on the 19/05/2009. Both guides have been designed to help you research your new car purchase, with unbiased guidance.

Within our New Car Buyers' Guides we list insurance groups and where tested the NCAP crash test results, plus photographs - other vital car stats such as the car's overall dimensions and fuel consumption and new car prices. CO2 Emissions are listed, along with green labels, which indicate how ‘green’ your new car is judged to be. Simply use the menus on the right of the screen to select a car and/or manufacturer.

How to use the Car Buyers' Guide

The Car Price Guide allows you to jump straight to the cars within your budget, listed by body style and the Car Insurance Guide lists cars by insurance group. Plus if we have reviewed the car there is a direct link to the in-depth road test, written with the consumer in mind by an experienced motoring journalist.

FORD FOCUS EARNS IIHS ‘TOP SAFETY PICK

Small Car Safety

The 2009 Focus uses high strength steel throughout its structure, is loaded with six standard airbags – including side curtains and seat-mounted air bags – and comes with new front seats designed to perform well in dynamic rear impact collisions.

The Focus’ front seats are designed to help reduce the risk of soft tissue neck injuries, commonly referred to as “whiplash,” by keeping the occupant in the proper position in the event of a rear collision. The head restraint and seatback work together to maintain the occupant’s alignment by supporting the head, neck and torso. This helps manage the crash forces and minimizes the chances of whiplash-type injuries.

Focus features Ford’s fully integrated, computer-driven Personal Safety System™, which employs nearly a dozen technologically advanced components. It analyzes different frontal crash conditions and deploys the appropriate occupant protection systems for the specific crash conditions.

A new option for 2009 is electronic stability control (ESC), which uses sophisticated sensors and the anti-lock braking system to help drivers maintain control of their vehicle under a variety of driving conditions.

More Than Half A Million Ford Kas Sold In The UK

More than half a million UK customers have bought Ford Ka models thanks to its iconic design, low running costs and fun-to-drive personality.

The original Ford Ka was launched in the UK in 1996. Marketing director, Ford of Britain, Mark Simpson, said: "There were eight competitors in the Ka's market segment in 1996 - now there are 26 rivals. Offering low ownership costs and cheeky distinctive styling, the Ka has maintained its strong appeal over the years and remains at the top of its segment."

The new Ford Ka went on sale at the turn of this year and it is now leading its market segment with 14 per cent share.

New Ford Ka facts include:

* Driven by 'Bond girl' Olga Kurylenko in the movie "Quantum of Solace".
* Best selling model is the Ford Ka Zetec.
* Best selling Ford Ka colour is black, followed by Dive (blue).
* More than 11,000 new Ford Ka models have been sold since its launch in January this year.
* 90 per cent of sales are to private customers.
* New diesel engine is taking around four per cent of all orders.

The New Ford Ka Advert Soundtrack Released

After requests by thousands of viewers, Universal Records, in collaboration with Ford is releasing the exclusive music track composed for its recent Ford Ka European TV campaign.

The track is the first release from "The Tease featuring Megan Wyler" and was created exclusively for the TV launch advert for the all-new Ford Ka in January 2009. The advert prompted an immediate posting on the video-sharing website, YouTube, and thousands of viewers subsequently attempted to identify the music. To date almost 400,000 hits have been registered.

Ford quickly made the decision to record the music as a full length commercial track in association with Universal Records and to release it digitally through iTunes, the on-line media store operated by Apple. The track is now available to download.

Megan Wyler, currently recording her first solo album, is an experienced singer on the New York City club scene. "The track was a fun collaboration for me so it was fantastic to hear there was desire for a full track to be recorded - I'm really pleased its been such a success for all involved."she said.

The original music was composed on Ford's behalf by Soundtree and Ogilvy Advertising, London, with assistance from the Universal Records label.

The Ford Focus ECOnetic Supports BP's Fuel Efficiency Challenge

The most frugal Ford Focus models have gone on tour as part of BP's Fuel Efficiency Challenge in the UK.

The Ford Focus ECOnetic, capable of 65.7mpg, can cut motorists' fuel bills by up to a quarter. That's the aim of fuel and driving experts from BP Ultimate who are taking a special eco-driving event to UK regions during July and August 2009.

Ford's ECOnetic range of diesel cars and vans combine simple modifications for improved fuel economy, such as an indicator encouraging timely gear changes, modified engine calibration and aerodynamic changes to reduce drag.

The Ford Focus ECOnetic models being driven by BP's Efficient Driving Challenge participants are fitted with special equipment to analyse driving styles. Volunteer drivers are coached in smooth eco-driving techniques, which can reduce fuel consumption by 25 per cent.

Ford product manager David Calder said: "The Ford Focus pioneered the ECOnetic philosophy that environmental efficiency, desirable looks and class-leading dynamics are compatible in a single car. This combination has attracted awards and industry recognition, and has now been selected as the car of choice for BP's Efficient Driving Challenge."

Sue Horler, BP Ultimate brand manager, said: "The specially developed in-car computer fitted to our Focus ECOnetics reveals the effect of every squeeze of the accelerator and push of the brakes."

With CO2 emissions from a Ford Focus ECOnetic certified at 114g/km, and 98g/km for the Ford Fiesta ECOnetic, both models lead Ford's surging sales of vehicles with CO2 emissions under 120g/km - and accompanying road tax of just £35 per annum.

Registrations of Ford's low carbon sub-120g models increased by over 71 per cent in the first half of 2009 versus the same period last year. The Ford Focus ECOnetic is on sale now priced at £18,145 on the road.

BP's Efficient Driving Challenge moves to Reading on 28th July and Northampton on 4th August 2009.

Ford Dagenham Celebrates 80 Years of Manufacturing

Celebrations marking 80 years of manufacturing at Ford Dagenham have included a dedication to the estate's best-known hero.
On 3rd July 2009, 58 years to the day since the quick actions of boilerhand Sidney Tillman avoided a major incident, his grandchildren gathered in the boiler control room of London's largest industrial employer to unveil a plaque and two medals commemorating his brave actions.

In the middle of the night on 3rd July 1951, a high-pressure pipe burst - beginning a chain reaction that resulted in scalding mud, steam and blast furnace gases pouring into the boiler room. Rather than leave his post, Sidney Tillman covered his head and stayed at the boiler room's controls to bring the situation back under control. His dedication to duty averted an explosion which would have endangered the Ford Dagenham site.

Tony Tillman, from Clacton on Sea, was one of four Tillman grandchildren who attended the dedication and said: "He was a very modest man and never spoke much about what he did but he would have been very proud of this event today - he was a Ford man through and through."

Sidney Tillman, who died in 1962 aged 62, remains the only Ford employee to receive the British Empire Medal - the highest award for industrial bravery. He also received the Daily Herald newspaper's order of industrial heroism and both medals now hang by a plaque commemorating Sidney Tillman and his shift in Ford Dagenham's modern day boiler control room.

Darren Bearwish, Dagenham's superintendent of manufacturing engineering, said: "The actions of Sidney Tillman and his colleagues were extraordinary and serve as an inspiration to us all. The facilities, equipment and procedures we work with today make the events of 1951 almost unimaginable: three 50 megawatt dual fuel natural gas/gas oil boilers can provide steam to the whole site - a far cry from the demands on the coal-fired boiler room of the 1950s."

Today Ford Dagenham comprises engine, stamping and transport operations, employing 4,000 people and producing 1,000,000 diesel engines a year.

Ford Exceeds 12000 Scrapage Scheme Orders

Ford dealers have taken over 12,000 orders for new cars under the Government's scrappage scheme - rising by about 300 a day.

More than 75 per cent of Ford's 'scrappage' orders are for its small car range, with over 47 per cent of the 12,000 new Fords replacing blue oval-branded vehicles aged 10 years or over, and the balance being delivered to customers new to Ford.

As of 1st July 2009, Ford had received 12,000 'scrappage' vehicles, each with a minimum £2,000 discount against mostly Ford Fiesta, Ka and Fusion models.

Ford of Britain managing director Nigel Sharp said: "New vehicle sales have been boosted by the scrappage scheme and, in doing so, helped secure UK jobs at Ford and our dealer partners. Ford has taken a healthy share of scrappage business considering the limited number of models we have in the budget area, which represents the vast majority of these sales."

Independent analysis of Ford's registrations by cleangreencars shows that the average CO2 of a new Ford sold under the scrappage scheme is 134.9g/km, while the average for a 10-year-old car was 188.4g/km. These figures mean that each new Ford is emitting 53.5g/km less than the car it is replacing. Assuming national average mileage of 8,400 miles for private motorists, that equates to 8,736 tonnes of CO2 saved annually by the 12,000 new Fords registered. In reality, savings will be higher as the scrapped car would have emitted more CO2 today than when new, given engine wear and tear.

The most popular car ordered by Ford customers is the new Ford Fiesta, costing from £8,595 to scrappage customers, followed by the all-new Ford Ka available from £6,595.

A top of the range Ford S-MAX Titanium replaced a 1997 Ford Escort Encore and a former 1997 Ford Galaxy owner bought a Ford Kuga Titanium after logging 250,000 miles in the seven-seater.

Father and son Andrew and Billy Humphrey, from Kent, kept scrappage in the family by buying the Ford Focus and Ford Fiesta Zetec models respectively. Both traded in R-reg models - dad Andrew a Vauxhall Astra and Billy his Citroen Saxo - at Dagenham Motors Strood who delivered the new cars within the family's 24-day deadline.

Star sales staff in the Ford dealer network include Sumit Kanwar who has secured 40 scrappage deals at Dagenham Motors Alperton.

The Ferrari California

The Ferrari California is the Prancing Horse's first front-engined V8 which has been classically styled to echo one of the greatest designs from Ferrari's history, the 250 GT California. The new Ferrari California, however, is packed with the latest technology and includes Ferrari's first dual-clutch 7-speed gearbox, a direct injection 4.3 V8 engine with 460hp, the latest F1-Trac traction control system, a new multi-link rear suspension, and, of course, an innovative retractable folding hardtop that opens or closes in only 14 seconds. The Ferrari California has already received the critical acclaim of the automotive press around the world, with Top Gear claiming it is a "proper God's honest, marrow-deep Ferrari", and Autocar describing it as "absolutely bloody marvellous!".

The Ferrari Scuderia Spider 16M is a very special high-performance model launched to commemorate Ferrari's 16th F1 Constructors' Title in 2008. Limited to an exclusive 499 examples worldwide, the Ferrari Scuderia Spider 16M features the same honed-to-perfection handling of the 430 Scuderia, but with some additional livery options, interior detailing and, of course, the extreme thrills that come with open-top motoring in Ferrari's fastest convertible car around the company's Fiorano test track in Maranello. The Ferrari Scuderia Spider 16M has already been described by EVO as "utterly, totally, mesmerisingly visceral" and by CAR as "breathtakingly gorgeous" and "simply biblical".

The Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano with HGTE package completes Ferrari's presence at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this year, with a car that takes the handling of the award-winning Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano to another level, with improved steering feel, brake response, throttle response, suspension and traction control settings to ensure the sharpest driving experience of any front-engined V12 GT car on sale today. The HGTE package can also be identified by additional visual cues such as revised front grille, new wheel design, exhaust tips and a bespoke interior with HGTE stitching on the seats. Like the Ferrari California and the Ferrari Scuderia Spider 16M, the 599 with HGTE package has received praise from the automotive press, with Performance Car declaring it "Ferrari's most complete supercar to date" and the Daily Telegraph succumbing to the appeal of a "supercar named desire".

Ferrari is also represented by the Scuderia Ferrari team who will be demonstrating the 2008 Championship-winning F1 car, driven by Marc Gene, throughout the weekend. Additional fine examples of Ferrari's illustrious racing heritage can also be seen in the Cathedral Paddock

5 caught dismantling stolen car

KUALA LUMPUR, Sun:

Five men who were engrossed in dismantling parts of a luxury car were arrested during a raid on a workshop in Sungai Lalang, Semenyih, near here on Friday.
Selangor police chief, Datuk Khalid Abu Bakar said during the raid, the men, aged between 25 and 46, including two Bangladeshi nationals, were preoccupied with dismantling the parts of a Toyota Fortune which was believed to have been stolen.

He said police believe the car parts would later be distributed to spare-part shops in the Klang Valley.

"We believe the group has been active over the past four months in the Klang Valley and they had established contacts with certain buyers in the area," he told reporters after presenting prizes for the Selangor Chief of Police Cup karate tournament here today.

Khalid also said police were in the midst of tracking down two men who are still at large, believed to be masterminds behind the operation. -- BERNAMA

DAB Radio Now Available With Ford Cars

Ford drivers remain in pole position to benefit from the UK's digital switchover thanks to the latest generation of in-car entertainment available on Ford cars.
As the Government reveals its 'Digital Britain' roadmap this week, the majority of Ford models are already available with Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) radios, enabling drivers to enjoy a wider choice of stations and digital-quality sound, free of hiss and crackle.

DAB audio systems have been fitted to the Ford Kuga, Mondeo, S-MAX and Galaxy models since mid-2008, with more than 50 per cent of these sales including DAB as standard equipment. Titanium versions of the Ford Focus and C-MAX also now come with DAB as standard.

Paul Singleton, Ford of Britain product marketing manager, said: "Ford has been the leader in making DAB radio available in cars, and it has become a popular feature. We welcome the clear direction for digital radio switchover set out in the Government's 'Digital Britain' report."

For an alternative source of digital sounds, most Ford models - including the exciting the new Ford Ka and Ford Fiesta - are available with USB ports, so that drivers can listen to music or other audio files stored on memory sticks. MP3 players or mobile phones can be connected via a 3.5mm socket and most Apple iPods can be linked by a special connector (available from Ford dealers), which enables full control of the iPod using the main audio system controls.

The Ford S-MAX Awarded At The British Insurance Car Security Awards

Ford S-MAX has won the large MPV class in the British Insurance Car Security Awards, for the third year in a row, with the Ford Galaxy yet again named as runner-up.
Supported by security experts Thatcham, the Department for Transport, the Home Office and UK insurers, the awards are the highest official recognition of vehicle security in the UK.

The Ford S-MAX - European Car of the Year 2007 - has received the highest score in its class at the awards every year since its launch in Britain. Once again, the Ford Galaxy was a close second in the category, reaffirming Ford's reputation for excellent active and passive security systems.

Ford of Britain managing director, Nigel Sharp, commented: "This award is both testament to the dedication and expertise of Ford's vehicle security team and a ringing endorsement of Ford MPV security that our customers can trust."

Standard security features on the Ford S-MAX include Thatcham Category 1 alarm, remote-control deadlocks, engine immobiliser and visible VIN numbers.

The New Mercedes Benz CLS Grand Edition

There is a choice of five colours, including, for the first time on the Mercedes Benz CLS, Palladium Silver. For those customers who want an even more exclusive look there is also the option of the unique designo Palladium Silver Matt Paint, which is not only eye catching, but also highly scratch and dirt-resistant.

Since the Mercedes Benz CLS launched in 2005 over 14,500 units have been sold and the success story will gain a boost with the introduction of the Mercedes Benz CLS Grand Edition. Features include stunning 18" AMG 5 spoke alloy wheels with a Titanium Grey finish, front grille louvers and headlamp housings in a Palladium silver matt finish and floor mats with Grand Edition Badging.

Diesel power accounts for over seventy per cent of Mercedes Benz CLS Class sales in the UK and is the focus for this special edition as well. The Mercedes Benz CLS Grand Edition boasts a power upgrade of 48 hp which takes the overall power of the CLS 350 CDI V6 to 272 hp. This twinned with a 50 Nm increase in torque has resulted in 0-62 mph being achieved in 6.5 seconds, an improvement of half a second, without any compromise to the combined fuel consumption of 37.2 mpg or CO2 emissions of 215 g/km.

Style and performance are important, but so is safety. In the Mercedes Benz CLS Grand Edition the driver benefits from the Bi-Xenon Light Package as standard including the Cornering Light Function and the Active Light System. Cornering Light Function improves safety when driving slowly and on tight bends using the low beam headlamps and fog lights to illuminate the area to the side of the vehicle. The Active Light System improves road illumination in corners by up to 90% enabling the driver to see 25 metres further along an extended bend with a radius of 190 metres.

A New Ford Mondeo ECOnetic

Ford is boosting its Ford Mondeo ECOnetic range. With the introduction of a new, 2.0-litre, 115PS model - the lowest CO2 Ford Mondeo yet - and broadens the choice of Ford models available with less than 140g/km CO2.

The new Ford Mondeo ECOnetic is offered in five-door or estate form, each with the same, 139g/km CO2 rating, furthering Ford's commitment to creating fuel efficient models, without sacrificing practicality or driving characteristics.

Each uses Ford's proven 2.0-litre, 115PS TDCi engine, optimised with a six-speed transmission to create EC combined fuel economy of 54.3mpg, rising to 64.2mpg in motorway cruising and giving a potential combined driving range of over 800 miles.

Other emission-reducing ECOnetic features include low-rolling resistance tyres and an optimum gear change indicator, plus aerodynamics-enhancing sports suspension, air deflectors and a rear spoiler. Inside, the no-compromise Ford Mondeo driving environment offers dual-zone automatic temperature control, Bluetooth connectivity with voice control, cruise control, seven airbags and Quickclear heated front windscreen.

ESP with Traction Assist and Emergency Brake Assist complete a standard features list that ensures the Ford Mondeo ECOnetic is as poised as it is efficient and comfortable.

The arrival of this new Ford Mondeo ECOnetic is good news for company car drivers - the 2.0-litre engine gives access to a greater number of company car lists, while its low CO2 and competitive price ensure the lowest tax band in its class and low P11D costs.

Family buyers will also find the latest Ford Mondeo ECOnetic easy on the pocket, with its low CO2 qualifying for Vehicle Excise Duty Band E (£120 per year) and excellent driving range.

"Running costs are driving purchase decisions, but customers do not want to compromise to achieve low ownership costs," explains Mondeo brand manager, Jon Gunn-Smith. "More people than ever are recognising that ECOnetic delivers the right balance for them - and more Mondeo customers have opted for ECOnetic in the first five months of 2009, than in the whole of 2008."

The new models will be offered alongside the existing five-door or estate 1.8-litre, 125PS Ford Mondeo ECOnetic models. Ford now boasts the broadest sub-160g/km vehicle range of any manufacturer, with 185 models providing savings to company car and family buyers alike. At the end of 2008, Ford was named "Greenest Manufacturer of the Year" by Green-Car-Guide.

Five Star Cars

Five of Ford's key new models - the all-new Ford Fiesta, Ford Focus, Ford Mondeo, Ford Kuga and Ford S-MAX - star in the new advert, which sets out to visualise the key philosophy of the company's award-winning kinetic design form language used across the range: that the latest Ford cars look like they're moving even when standing still.

The story portrays an urban car chase with a twist. Although the storyline appears to show the cars in motion, the vehicles never left the confines of the film studio as the vast majority of the action was filmed with static vehicles mounted on bespoke electro-hydraulic turntables.

Shooting took place over a week at Pinewood's famous 007 Stage, the largest of its kind in Europe and the same studio used for the stunning collapsing Venetian building scene in the Casino Royale James Bond film.

The shoot was broken down into three stages; the filming, the intensive post-production work and then the associated generation of additional elements for use with on-line media.

Matching the studio film material to an urban environment was undertaken by The Mill Studios, the renowned London post-production company awarded an Oscar for its work on Ridley Scott's film Gladiator in 2000.

Maureen Graham, Ford of Europe's Director of Marketing Communications said: "Not only is this commercial a huge technical achievement for everyone involved, but it also marks a shift in Ford's advertising strategy. We're not moving away from single model adverts; additionally we're planning campaigns which focus on key attributes of our brand as a whole. In this campaign, we want to emphasise that driving a new Ford car is now a more emotional experience thanks to the impact of 'kinetic design' which has become a recognised styling theme across our portfolio of new models."

"Ford kinetic design visualises the driving characteristics of our cars. This advert articulates that by making the cars look like they're moving even when they're not. We're very pleased with the concept and with the end result," she added.

The new TV advert will make its television debut to an estimated 30 million European audience during the half-time break of the UEFA Champions League final on 27th May 2009. Supporting the new advert is an online campaign developed by Ford's digital agency, Wunderman.

New Ford European TV Advert

Ford's award winning 'kinetic design' styling is the star of the company's new pan-European brand TV commercial. Shot in a London studio, the commercial marks an evolution in Ford's advertising strategy, adding multi-model brand commercials to complement its traditional model-specific campaigns.
The innovative new advert will debut during the half-time break of the UEFA Champions League football final on May 27th to an estimated 30 million television audience across Europe. It was created by London-based agency Ogilvy and directed by Nick Lewin from the award-winning production company Partizan.

Ford Fiesta News Articles

he all-new Ford Fiesta's advanced steering technology automatically maintains safety and accuracy by compensating for normal service wear in the tyres and suspension.

Ford's Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS) system helps deliver improved fuel economy, great manoeuvrability and responsive handling as well as compensating automatically for the small suspension and tyre changes that are a normal part of service wear.

Fitted as standard across the Ford Fiesta range, EPAS incorporates "pull-drift compensation" which automatically makes the subtle steering corrections often required during a car's normal life after tyre and suspension wear.

Impacts with pot-holes or kerb stones, or even differences in tyre pressure, can introduce small variations to the suspension geometry. Without EPAS to intervene, they would require slight steering correction by the driver.

Pull-drift compensation uses computer software to identify when this is happening, and applies imperceptible steering adjustment to eliminate the effect before the driver is even aware.

Professor Dr Pim van der Jagt, of Ford Vehicle Dynamics, said: "Research tells us that drivers can be irritated by minor pulling or drifting on their vehicle. This technology helps us to avoid this, while retaining all of the positive benefits offered by Ford's EPAS system."

The pull-drift compensation system is designed so that steering correction cannot exceed a pre-set level, ensuring that it will not mask defects requiring workshop attention.

EPAS on the new Ford Fiesta replaces the traditional hydraulic power-assisted system of previous models. The electric system has been fine-tuned for reduced effort while parking, but gives reassuringly firmer steering, with accurate and involving feedback, at higher speeds.

EPAS also delivers a reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by operating only when steering assistance is required to reduce power consumption.

All-new 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor

Ford's all-new 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor will be making its Hollywood debut on June 23 when a new feature film about the ultimate production off-road performance truck hits the silver screen.

"Raptor – Born in Baja" – produced by Brentwood Communications (BCII) in conjunction with Ford Motor Company – will premiere at the Egyptian Theater in Hollywood, Calif., before an audience of more than 500 automotive and off-road motorsports executives, entertainment industry heavyweights, celebrity guests and members of the press.

The documentary follows Ford designers, engineers and race program directors, along with Foutz Motorsports and other aftermarket organizations, as they construct, test and unveil the new F-150 SVT Raptor to the automotive world by entering it in the grueling 631-mile Baja 1000 race, one of the toughest point-to-point off-road races in the world.

"I had read in the automotive trades that Ford had told its dealers that the Raptor would be the 'first truck you could buy right off the lot and drive in Baja,' " said Bud Brutsman, BCII CEO and the film's executive producer. "I told Ford, 'Let's prove it.' "

Not only did Raptor finish the race, but it sped through the finish line in 25.5 hours, placing third in its class in what was originally supposed to be only a development drive.

"For 32 years now, Ford trucks have led the marketplace because of our long history of capability and durability," said Doug Scott, Ford Truck Marketing Manager. "With the F-150 SVT Raptor, we are delivering a true off-road performance truck with the proven 'Built Ford Tough' capability and durability that is at the core of every F-150."

The all-new Raptor was built to take on the most challenging desert adventures as well as the everyday commute. The vehicle produces true off-road performance thanks to its stock high-performance parts, standard FOX Racing Shox and standard Ford SVT-tuned BFGoodrich® all-terrain tires. It will be available in showrooms in July with a MSRP of $38,995.

Following the June 23 premiere of "Raptor – Born in Baja," a one-hour television version of the film will air on SPEED on Sunday, July 12, at 4 p.m. EST with several additional airings to be determined at a later date.

To view the trailer and clips from "Raptor – Born in Baja," visit www.youtube.com/RECONdesign.

For more information about the F-150 SVT Raptor, visit www.fordvehicles.com/f150raptor.

Ford Kuga Guide

The Ford Kuga model range lies within the price bracket of £19,790 - £25,090. The Kuga has been awarded a five star NCAP Adult rating by the European New Car Assessment Programme out of a possible five stars. Based on this Euro NCAP rating the Kuga fairs very well in an accident having been given the highest possible result. Ford Kuga insurance groups start at group 10 and rise to group 13. Base models are average (group 10 being average) to insure, whilst the higher specification cars are above average to insure.

How to use the Car Buyers' Guide

Within our New Car Buyers' Guides we list insurance groups and where tested the NCAP crash test results, plus photographs - other vital car stats such as the car's overall dimensions and fuel consumption and new car prices. CO2 Emissions are listed, along with green labels, which indicate how ‘green’ your new car is judged to be. Simply use the menus on the right of the screen to select a car and/or manufacturer.

The Car Price Guide allows you to jump straight to the cars within your budget, listed by body style and the Car Insurance Guide lists cars by insurance group. Plus if we have reviewed the car there is a direct link to the in-depth road test, written with the consumer in mind by an experienced motoring journalist.

Topeka: Tasca III - Ford interview 2009-05-27

This Week in Ford Racing:

Bob Tasca III, driver of the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang Funny Car, heads into Topeka this weekend for the first of three races in three weeks. The second-year driver sits eighth in NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing series points standings.

YOU'VE BEEN LOOKING FORWARD TO THE FIRST OF THESE THREE-IN-A-ROW RACES ALL SEASON, AND NOW THEY ARE HERE. HOW DO YOU FEEL GOING INTO TOPEKA, CHICAGO AND ENGLISHTOWN? "I'm back to work this morning and truthfully, the first three back-to-back-to-back races of the season, in my opinion, this will determine the top five. The top five coming out of this stretch are either going to pull away, or lock themselves into the top 10, and we want to be one of those top five coming out of this three-race swing. Where we're positioned right now, its great to be in the top 10, but we're a handful of rounds out of the top four or five but we're really at a turning point in this chase, and we've got to make our move over the next three races."

IN ADDITION TO BEING THREE CLOSE RACES, THESE RACES SHOULD HAVE WEATHER CONDITIONS SIMILAR TO WHERE YOU PERFORM AT YOUR BEST - IN THE HEAT. "Our Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang has been a car that performs better in the heat, there's no question about that, and it's a good time to have a race car like that. We are working on a cool weather tune-up and we've made good progress with it, but even in Bristol, when Saturday the sun rolled in, we were the quickest car on the property. We're going into Topeka, Chicago and Englishtown; all tracks that can propose hot weather tune-ups, particularly Topeka. Last year we had a great Mustang, raced to the quarterfinals. We performed very well at Topeka last year, so we're hopeful for a good run this weekend. We've been close, but unfortunately we haven't been able to get a run going on Sunday like we did in Gainesville, but I think we're a race away from running the table again."

HOW IMPORTANT IS THIS PART OF THE SEASON? "The next three races are critical races for the top-10 run. I really feel it will separate the top five from the pack and then there are five more spots to go. [Ron] Capps is already distant, so there's really four spots left in the top five, and that's what we're focused on achieving. It's not just being in the top 10, it's about solidly being in the top 10, and we've been very fortunate thus far this season to be in that position. The next three races are going to be pivotal for the top five."

YOU QUALIFIED NUMBER TWO IN TOPEKA LAST YEAR. DO YOU HAVE A LOT MORE CONFIDENCE GOING INTO THE RACE KNOWING YOU HAD A SOLID CAR LAST YEAR? "We had a great car last year, but we didn't have a consistent car last year. This year we have a very consistent Motorcraft/Quick Lane Mustang Shelby race car, and on certain conditions we're just lethal. Topeka plays to that regardless of what we did last year because it's traditionally a hot race track. Truthfully, from now until the end of the season, you're going to see a lot of hot race tracks because that is the time of year that we're in, so that plays to our strong suit. I'm looking forward to getting back to Topeka just because it was one of those tracks that we did well at, it was a fun place to race. The stadium is a great place to race, but I think the conditions play more to our favor right now with the race car that we have."

YOUR ALLIANCE TEAMMATE, TIM WILKERSON, WAS RUNNER-UP LAST YEAR IN TOPEKA. "Wilkerson is starting to come on -- he jumped around us by a handful of points to move into seventh -- but there's no question about it. His Shelby Mustang is running better, he ran great there last year. He had a great car last year and his car is back up and running to the point he expects it to run at. I think you're going to start to see that the two-car strategy has been beneficial for both Tim and for us. I don't think Wilkerson is not happy where he's at in the points and neither are we. We both want to stay solidly up in this top 10, and it's going to start with Topeka."

WHAT MAKES TOPEKA A UNIQUE TRACK? "It's big. The one thing I remember about Topeka, is that it's huge. In Bristol, our pit was basically on the drag strip and in Topeka you better make sure you have a full tank of gas because the pits are spread out. A lot of people come out to this race. I had fun there, I thought it was a pretty cool place to race at."

AT THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR YOU TALKED ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING IN THE TOP 10; NOW YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT BEING IN THE TOP FIVE. WHAT'S IT GOING TO TAKE TO GET INTO THE TOP FIVE? "We're only a few round wins out of the top five. What's it going to take? To be in the top five, when the points reset, you're going to need a win, or a final-round appearance at minimum. You need a win or a final-round and you're going to need three semifinals, so you're going to need to put some rounds on. We're going to have to more than double what we have now."

DO YOU LOOK AT THINGS A ROUND AT A TIME? "Oh yeah, for sure, one round at a time. And you have to want to win every race. Look at Tony Pedregon, he hasn't won a race yet, but he's been to five straight semifinals, and I think he's third in the points. Now, it's about round wins. You focus on winning -- obviously you go to a race and put yourself in the position to win -- but to be in the top 10, it has nothing to do with how many trophies you have, it's about how many round wins you have. That's what we need to do. You want to go into the last couple of races with a little bit of a cushion so you can push yourself up the ladder a bit. These are going to be pivotal races."

WHY DO YOU LIKE BACK-TO-BACK RACES? "As a driver I think you get into a routine, you get into rhythm. Certainly for the crew it's a lot more work, those guys will work three weeks straight. They'll have enough time to sleep and wake up in the morning but between racing, servicing the car, packing up, driving to the next race, servicing the car again, there will be little to no time for those guys. As a driver I like having the seat time, particularly for me, I'm not a rookie this year but other than Matt Hagan there's no one that has less experience out there than me. It really puts it into perspective as I'm really learning to drive these cars that the more times I get to drive, the better I'll be."

Ford Galaxy Guide

The Ford Galaxy model range lies within the price bracket of £22,190 - £28,040. The Galaxy has been awarded a five star NCAP Adult rating by the European New Car Assessment Programme out of a possible five stars. Based on this Euro NCAP rating the Galaxy fairs very well in an accident having been given the highest possible result. Ford Galaxy insurance groups start at group 10 and rise to group 12. Base models are average (group 10 being average) to insure, whilst the higher specification cars are above average to insure.

Ford launches Ford Select used car programme

As more buyers opt for quality second hand cars, Ford Ireland tells us that it and its network of dealers around the country have put in place a new used car programme called Ford Select (www.fordselect.ie). It promises quality used cars that provides the highest levels of assurance to Irish customers.

“Let’s face it, second hand car sales have traditionally had an image problem,” says Ford Ireland chief, Eddie Murphy. “There was always a certain element of ‘hope for the best’ when buying a second hand car. Our new Ford Select programme is aimed at taking the worry out of second hand car sales.”

Ford tells us that in preparing the Ford Select programme, it and its dealer network identified five key concerns of an average second hand buyer, and at each stage built into the programme solutions that answer each of those concerns:

1. Untrustworthy claims of the dealer: It says that all Ford Select cars undergo a 101-point AA Autocheck audit providing independent third party verification as to the quality of the vehicle.

2. Mechanical problems with the car: All Ford Select cars come with a 12-month dealer guarantee.

3. Roadside assistance in event of break down: All Ford Select cars come with free 12-month AA Rescue Cover.

4. Past history of the car: Once a customer has found his/here ideal car on the Ford Select website, a full motorcheck vehicle history report can be downloaded for free (normally costs €35).

5. Financing the deal: Recently, availability of finance has been an issue for people seeking to buy a second hand vehicle, but as part of the Ford Select programme, easy, competitive finance is available via Ford credit.

The programme encompasses both Ford and non-Ford cars sold through participating Ford dealers.

Production milestone for Europe’s best-selling car

Ford's hot new Ford Fiesta has become the fastest-selling model ever to wear that famous name badge, with the 250,000th example coming off the Cologne assembly line today, just nine months after the car went on sale.

No previous Fiesta model has reached this milestone in such a short period of time.

In Ireland the car was named as Semperit Irish Small Car of the Year for 2009. With some 1,662 models sold in the first quarter, Fiesta has taken the number two slot in this year’s sales charts in Ireland, second only to its big brother, the Ford Focus. That level of success is replicated across Europe. In March European sales soared to 52,800, earning the Fiesta the title of Europe's best-selling car, according to UK automotive business consultancy, JATO Dynamics.

The Fiesta has also established itself as the best-selling model in the UK for the fifth consecutive month. In Germany, Fiesta had its best March since 1998.

"The new Fiesta has been a tremendous hit with consumers since it went on sale all over Europe," said Eddie Murphy, chairman and managing director of Ford Ireland. "Customers are attracted to Fiesta by its design, the driving experience, and affordability of the car."

Since the very first Fiesta was launched in 1976, more than 12 million have been sold worldwide with some 160,000 sold in Ireland.

Ford C-MAX Guide

The Ford C-MAX Buyers' Guide comprises individual specification of sixteen cars. The data includes car prices, car photographs & images, reviews and car insurance groups. You can also find engine data & performance ratings, NCAP safety ratings and insurance groups. Maintenance and warranty information, dimensions and capacities, comfort features, in car entertainment & satellite navigation specs, equipment and option prices.

The Ford C-MAX model range lies within the price bracket of £15,640 - £22,390. The C-MAX has been awarded a four star NCAP Adult rating by the European New Car Assessment Programme out of a possible five stars. Based on this Euro NCAP rating the C-MAX fairs fairly well in an accident having been given a high result. Ford C-MAX insurance groups start at group 6 and rise to group 12. Base models are below average to insure, whilst the higher specification cars are above average to insure.

For Focus CC Buyers' Guide

The Ford Focus CC Buyers' Guide comprises individual specification of five cars. The data includes car prices, car photographs & images, reviews and car insurance groups. You can also find engine data & performance ratings, NCAP safety ratings and insurance groups. Maintenance and warranty information, dimensions and capacities, comfort features, in car entertainment & satellite navigation specs, equipment and option prices.

he Ford Focus CC model range lies within the price bracket of £19,790 - £23,790. Currently the Focus CC has not been tested by Euro NCAP and therefore does not have a rating. Ford Focus CC insurance groups start at group 8 and rise to group 11. Base models are below average to insure, whilst the higher specification cars are above average to insure.

Ford Focus Estate Guide

The Ford Focus Estate Buyers' Guide comprises individual specification of twenty cars. The data includes car prices, car photographs & images, reviews and car insurance groups. You can also find engine data & performance ratings, NCAP safety ratings and insurance groups. Maintenance and warranty information, dimensions and capacities, comfort features, in car entertainment & satellite navigation specs, equipment and option prices.

The Ford Focus Estate model range lies within the price bracket of £15,790 - £22,790. The Focus Estate has been awarded a five star NCAP Adult rating by the European New Car Assessment Programme out of a possible five stars. Based on this Euro NCAP rating the Focus Estate fairs very well in an accident having been given the highest possible result. Ford Focus Estate insurance groups start at group 5 and rise to group 10. Base models are fairly cheap to insure, whilst the higher specification cars are average (group 10 being average) to insure.

Ford Fusion Buyers' Guide

he Ford Fusion Buyers' Guide comprises individual specification of thirteen cars. The data includes car prices, car photographs & images, reviews and car insurance groups. You can also find engine data & performance ratings, NCAP safety ratings and insurance groups. Maintenance and warranty information, dimensions and capacities, comfort features, in car entertainment & satellite navigation specs, equipment and option prices.

The Ford Fusion model range lies within the price bracket of £11,990 - £15,095. The Fusion has been awarded a four star NCAP Adult rating by the European New Car Assessment Programme out of a possible five stars. Based on this Euro NCAP rating the Fusion fairs fairly well in an accident having been given a high result. Ford Fusion insurance groups start at group 5 and rise to group 7. Base models are fairly cheap to insure, whilst the higher specification cars are below average to insure.

Ford Ka Guide

The Ford Ka model range lies within the price bracket of £7,995 - £10,595. The Ka has been awarded a four star NCAP Adult rating by the European New Car Assessment Programme out of a possible five stars. Based on this Euro NCAP rating the Ka fairs fairly well in an accident having been given a high result. Ford Ka insurance groups start at group 1 and rise to group 2. All models are (group 1 and 2 cars are the cheapest to insure) very cheap to insure

Ford launches Ford Select used car programme

As more buyers opt for quality second hand cars, Ford Ireland tells us that it and its network of dealers around the country have put in place a new used car programme called Ford Select (www.fordselect.ie). It promises quality used cars that provides the highest levels of assurance to Irish customers.

“Let’s face it, second hand car sales have traditionally had an image problem,” says Ford Ireland chief, Eddie Murphy. “There was always a certain element of ‘hope for the best’ when buying a second hand car. Our new Ford Select programme is aimed at taking the worry out of second hand car sales.”

Ford tells us that in preparing the Ford Select programme, it and its dealer network identified five key concerns of an average second hand buyer, and at each stage built into the programme solutions that answer each of those concerns:

1. Untrustworthy claims of the dealer: It says that all Ford Select cars undergo a 101-point AA Autocheck audit providing independent third party verification as to the quality of the vehicle.

2. Mechanical problems with the car: All Ford Select cars come with a 12-month dealer guarantee.

3. Roadside assistance in event of break down: All Ford Select cars come with free 12-month AA Rescue Cover.

4. Past history of the car: Once a customer has found his/here ideal car on the Ford Select website, a full motorcheck vehicle history report can be downloaded for free (normally costs €35).

5. Financing the deal: Recently, availability of finance has been an issue for people seeking to buy a second hand vehicle, but as part of the Ford Select programme, easy, competitive finance is available via Ford credit.

The programme encompasses both Ford and non-Ford cars sold through participating Ford dealers.

Production milestone for Europe’s best-selling car

Ford's hot new Ford Fiesta has become the fastest-selling model ever to wear that famous name badge, with the 250,000th example coming off the Cologne assembly line today, just nine months after the car went on sale.

No previous Fiesta model has reached this milestone in such a short period of time.

In Ireland the car was named as Semperit Irish Small Car of the Year for 2009. With some 1,662 models sold in the first quarter, Fiesta has taken the number two slot in this year’s sales charts in Ireland, second only to its big brother, the Ford Focus. That level of success is replicated across Europe. In March European sales soared to 52,800, earning the Fiesta the title of Europe's best-selling car, according to UK automotive business consultancy, JATO Dynamics.

The Fiesta has also established itself as the best-selling model in the UK for the fifth consecutive month. In Germany, Fiesta had its best March since 1998.

"The new Fiesta has been a tremendous hit with consumers since it went on sale all over Europe," said Eddie Murphy, chairman and managing director of Ford Ireland. "Customers are attracted to Fiesta by its design, the driving experience, and affordability of the car."

Since the very first Fiesta was launched in 1976, more than 12 million have been sold worldwide with some 160,000 sold in Ireland.

Ford Fiesta Rallycross

New Fiesta in Rallying

The Ford Fiesta will be Ford Motor Company’s main competition vehicle for rallying in the coming years.

Ford has a long and distinguished history in the FIA WRC (World Rally Championship), the toughest competition in motorsport for production-based cars. The series covers 12 three-day rallies across three continents, with competitors driving flat out on roads ranging from smooth asphalt to rutted, boulder-strewn tracks in conditions ranging from -25°C to 40°C.

Ford has competed in the WRC since 1999 with the Focus RS World Rally Car and won back-to-back manufacturers' world titles in 2006 and 2007. The Focus has claimed 37 rally victories in that period, the latest coming just last weekend when BP Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally team claimed a one-two finish in Rally d'Italia Sardegna in Italy.

The current generation of World Rally Cars will be replaced by a 'Super 2000' formula by the start of the 2011 season. In April, M-Sport, the team that oversees Ford’s efforts in the World Rally Championship, announced it was developing the Ford Fiesta Super 2000 rally car.

In addition, an all-new Ford Fiesta R2 rally car, based on the top-selling Ford Fiesta road car launched last year, was unveiled last week at the Rally d'Italia Sardegna. Designed to replace the successful Fiesta ST rally car, the new vehicle is targeted at competitors in the popular Fiesta SportTrophy series, as well as in regional rally championships.

The Fiesta SportTrophy, launched in 2006, is a one-make championship aimed at career-minded young drivers and pure enthusiasts alike. More than 10 countries host national championships, with a top level international series linked to the World Rally Championship calendar.

The all-new Fiesta R2 conforms to the latest FIA regulations and will satisfy strong customer demand for an exciting yet affordable point of entry into rallying.

The five-speed Fiesta R2 rally car is based on the Ford Fiesta Sport (Zetec S in the UK and Ireland) using the 1.6L Ti-Vct 120PS (1598cc) base engine as in regular production. It is built from a standard conversion kit developed by M-Sport

Ford Fiesta Guide

Here is Ford Fiesta Guide

The Ford Fiesta model range lies within the price bracket of £9,995 - £14,795. The Fiesta has been awarded a five star NCAP Adult rating by the European New Car Assessment Programme out of a possible five stars. Based on this Euro NCAP rating the Fiesta fairs very well in an accident having been given the highest possible result. Ford Fiesta insurance groups start at group 1 and rise to group 6. Base models are (group 1 and 2 cars are the cheapest to insure) very cheap to insure, whilst the higher specification cars are below average to insure.

Ford Mondeo Guide

Here is Ford Mondeo Guide

The Ford Mondeo model range lies within the price bracket of £17,390 - £27,340. The Mondeo has been awarded a five star NCAP Adult rating by the European New Car Assessment Programme out of a possible five stars. Based on this Euro NCAP rating the Mondeo fairs very well in an accident having been given the highest possible result. Ford Mondeo insurance groups start at group 7 and rise to group 14. Base models are below average to insure, whilst the higher specification cars are above average to insure.

Ford Focus Guide

Here is Ford Focus Guide

The Ford Focus model range lies within the price bracket of £13,990 - £25,740. The Focus has been awarded a five star NCAP Adult rating by the European New Car Assessment Programme out of a possible five stars. Based on this Euro NCAP rating the Focus fairs very well in an accident having been given the highest possible result. Ford Focus insurance groups start at group 4 and rise to group 19. Base models are fairly cheap to insure, whilst the higher specification cars are expensive (group 20 being the highest rating) to insure.

Ford Buyers' Guide

Here a Ford Car Guide

The Ford Car Buyers' Guide of twelve models and two hundred seventy-three
variants. Amongst the 15,288 items of data recorded, we list new car prices, NCAP safety and
insurance ratings, servicing schedules and warranty information. Included within the car
specifications are CO2 emissions levels, which affect VED, the environment and car tax
bands. We also list fuel consumption data, overall dimensions, capacities and specifications
plus towing limits.