Fiat 500 1.3 Diesel

<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR8prC2edPsx-TtxruHAgF85aR2c5KrlFt9CA7wy_DrszUJMUB1_Lqy3Y80o1l3gLZhyphenhyphenpNHvh7PUsK3fq2OViD72xFHnkSDiYjC0d5umiJQeyCxf-_Dt6K3x6JosM2JwsN7I4s79h_Sgns/s1600/500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR8prC2edPsx-TtxruHAgF85aR2c5KrlFt9CA7wy_DrszUJMUB1_Lqy3Y80o1l3gLZhyphenhyphenpNHvh7PUsK3fq2OViD72xFHnkSDiYjC0d5umiJQeyCxf-_Dt6K3x6JosM2JwsN7I4s79h_Sgns/s1600/500.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br />The Fiat 500, based on the 500 from 1957, was launched in 2007 and has been a huge hit ever since, with the millionth car rolling off the production lines in November 2012. The popularity was boosted with the high amount of personalisation available, with over 500,000 different trim, colour and decals to choose from.<br /><br />On the safety front, it scored five stars in the EuroNCAP rating, with 7 airbags, Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and a hill holder device to name but a few.<br /><br />Below is a review by Lorraine Mackay, a current owner of a 500 1.3 Diesel Lounge model.<br /><br /><br /><br />I chose the fiat 500 entirely on look of it, it is retro already but by choosing yeye green it became retro heaven. The colour is reflected in the inner surfaces and even the key matches! Design is flawless, and it is practical for town and city driving. it actually has a button you press for city which affords easier maneuverability.<br /><br />It is the car equivalent of the queen sized bed, very easy to park and manoeuvre but decidedly cramped if you have passengers; i learned not to take teenagers and their rucksacks during a series of bad tempered exchanges. In fact a large food shop is the limit of the fiat's boot space.<br /><br />The incredibly inexpensive road tax was a lovely surprise and the fuel consumption is good i believe although i have little to compare it with. On the subject of fuel i must admit that i find the fuel cap so difficult to replace that i always ask for help, my fault i am sure but i do wonder why this should be so fiddly-can't be to discourage fuel theft  (does that even exist?) as the instructions for the cap are printed on it and i'm sure those who steal cars can also read.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVbMy9fnZD2RFz_DNTBL9U5RH0X3LEfwLWLrNB6fSJ6igkrWTsGAl_Qlbtq7r3spUCqz1gh1ckPASxSjAaeNzBrW8hy62fV1T8H8FN3EhWn5dOu0TsluputN8W7AQvwAGB7VDdMHVkvIOR/s1600/500stats.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="101" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVbMy9fnZD2RFz_DNTBL9U5RH0X3LEfwLWLrNB6fSJ6igkrWTsGAl_Qlbtq7r3spUCqz1gh1ckPASxSjAaeNzBrW8hy62fV1T8H8FN3EhWn5dOu0TsluputN8W7AQvwAGB7VDdMHVkvIOR/s320/500stats.bmp" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Before i sound irrepressibly girly i should point out that i have a disability which may well be the origins of my cack handedness. I have become more confident about driving since i bought my little fiat simply because it is so easy and "nippy" in traffic. On the other hand i have recently had  some problems with the computer which runs the engine-apparently cars have not escaped the newness of technology. On one occassion it refused to be steered and only went forward and backwards, luckily i was going slowly in a car park when this happened and not on a motorway at the time. I'm not really sure what happened and to be honest i prefer not to dwell on it.<br /><br />The fiat garage here is lovely and i must admit i enjoy the admiring glances my, still unusual yeye green 500 gets. I intend to keep it as long as possible but when i told my teenage son that he could have it one day he was not impressed at the considerable generosity and love expressed in this gesture-"sure mum i really want girl car, that'll help, cheers".<br /><br />Well, as i said at the time, I like it.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU7QdvLiXowUXnS_v6Br2DeES1-IS5a-CExEt6YPGlmD9sqA-UiWUuRuo4On2x1eG0ypz3YvAE021VvX77o7g77wLJFhhzoYY31WEmsn5S4geIwNrJttdDCkI6QI9s972DjIXlJjtbJQh1/s1600/500'2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU7QdvLiXowUXnS_v6Br2DeES1-IS5a-CExEt6YPGlmD9sqA-UiWUuRuo4On2x1eG0ypz3YvAE021VvX77o7g77wLJFhhzoYY31WEmsn5S4geIwNrJttdDCkI6QI9s972DjIXlJjtbJQh1/s320/500'2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div><br /></div>

Fiat 500 1.3 Diesel

The Fiat 500, based on the 500 from 1957, was launched in 2007 and has been a huge hit ever since, with the millionth car rolling off the pr...

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Fiat Qubo

<span id=".reactRoot[32].[1][2][1]{comment414915385244023_3474792}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3]" style="background-color: #f1f2f6;"><span id=".reactRoot[32].[1][2][1]{comment414915385244023_3474792}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"></span></span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; line-height: 14px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKfsZTQW5Sr-1KHbkyk0M7agKYK6KEB1XYCgrNS0azO_Qu1pgRwLrwc0hE6WDM-M7f883Lq4uXf4sIB3BJUHLNixS4K8O3aIhVaSA1nnPEOHm2KJQmaF5E-bOsUoohza0H6TpcW6KDED71/s1600/qubo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKfsZTQW5Sr-1KHbkyk0M7agKYK6KEB1XYCgrNS0azO_Qu1pgRwLrwc0hE6WDM-M7f883Lq4uXf4sIB3BJUHLNixS4K8O3aIhVaSA1nnPEOHm2KJQmaF5E-bOsUoohza0H6TpcW6KDED71/s320/qubo.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><div style="line-height: 14px;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="line-height: 14px;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="line-height: 14px;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="line-height: 14px;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><i>Fiat launched the Qubo at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2008. Previously made as the Fiorino city van, which was made with partnership from Citroen and Peugeot in 2007. Engines include a 1.3 Diesel and a 1.4 petrol and 5 or 6 speed manual and automatic gearboxes. </i></span></div><div style="line-height: 14px;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="line-height: 14px;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><i>Tall, french cars are very popular with disabled people, due to having a high ride position and ample amounts of room both in the cabin and in the boot, room for wheelchairs and mobility scooters.</i></span></div><div style="line-height: 14px;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span></div><span style="color: #333333;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 14px;">This review comes </span></span><span style="line-height: 14px;">courtesy</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 14px;"> of Chris Rigby.</span></span></i></span><br /><div style="line-height: 14px;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="line-height: 14px;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="line-height: 14px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Z8VmAXZQJXzzTH0ky6IveHtaE3iaggsTNF7u9thRCP2fMgYJxG8Q68QQtmNCN9NbZsWg9NAFrmFj-lUzC9D83fjybDWw3tg-bNPi3SA_CSYeljjMBumJrxUXIwO31aWPktWe-ZSq-LMG/s1600/table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Z8VmAXZQJXzzTH0ky6IveHtaE3iaggsTNF7u9thRCP2fMgYJxG8Q68QQtmNCN9NbZsWg9NAFrmFj-lUzC9D83fjybDWw3tg-bNPi3SA_CSYeljjMBumJrxUXIwO31aWPktWe-ZSq-LMG/s320/table.jpg" width="241" /></span></a></div><div style="line-height: 14px;"></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">The FIAT QUBO is good for those who have a very </span><span style="color: #333333;">small mobility scooter. A hoist can be fitted in the</span></span><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">back, which along with the scooter, still allows all</span><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">seats to be used. </span><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">I use the diesel 'Easytronic' </span><span style="color: #333333;">version (semi-automatic) which theoretically should </span><span style="color: #333333;">give me a great MPG. Unfortunately it isn't working </span><span style="color: #333333;">out like that, but after only 400 miles I don't know </span><span style="color: #333333;">if that's (1) because the diesel engine is still 'running</span><span style="color: #333333;"> in' or (2) the weight of the hoist plus scooter, or both.</span></span><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The turning circle is pretty woeful but there are good</span><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">wing mirrors to help you see behind. It's quite a high</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">car, but not too long which helps when parking. It is </span><span style="color: #333333;">quite comfortable to drive, and should be compared to</span></span><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the Peugeot Bipper (almost identical), and the Citroen</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">Nemo.</span><span style="color: #333333;"> </span></span><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you have difficulties with a conventional rear gatefold</span><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">door, go for the 'twin door' (van) option instead which</span><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">doesn't involve having to take a step back when opening.</span><br /><div><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><br /><div style="line-height: 14px;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfNKOCxa4yktCM6jDp50heBm4IC_pBfYkHRX2yALYw0kGsPLsS8KrTyqMGw0yzUoFCm4RsKUWvzIZZaGq7_GMgRXqterVoB2qVzt6oxX1LraSfJFW0j72PsJBKLNjXK9dM4-dofoniSN0m/s1600/qubo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfNKOCxa4yktCM6jDp50heBm4IC_pBfYkHRX2yALYw0kGsPLsS8KrTyqMGw0yzUoFCm4RsKUWvzIZZaGq7_GMgRXqterVoB2qVzt6oxX1LraSfJFW0j72PsJBKLNjXK9dM4-dofoniSN0m/s1600/qubo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfNKOCxa4yktCM6jDp50heBm4IC_pBfYkHRX2yALYw0kGsPLsS8KrTyqMGw0yzUoFCm4RsKUWvzIZZaGq7_GMgRXqterVoB2qVzt6oxX1LraSfJFW0j72PsJBKLNjXK9dM4-dofoniSN0m/s1600/qubo2.jpg" /></a></div><div style="line-height: 14px;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="line-height: 14px;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="line-height: 14px;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="line-height: 14px;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><br /><br /><br />

Fiat Qubo

Fiat launched the Qubo at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2008. Previously made as the Fiorino city van, which was made with partnership from...

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Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0 TDI

<br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2kMsZZSLwel0lpXGSU167SwJFP_YwDyjx_U5nQoNr1V1cI2MNeshEU4NsUuYdzh9hSy_34FzqvYuiQOPWkgbNWtbT_ejXjq959ZXJulhEQ2k24JpSvEmfidag79BE4PS9VFuV7PKbR9FF/s1600/Tiguan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2kMsZZSLwel0lpXGSU167SwJFP_YwDyjx_U5nQoNr1V1cI2MNeshEU4NsUuYdzh9hSy_34FzqvYuiQOPWkgbNWtbT_ejXjq959ZXJulhEQ2k24JpSvEmfidag79BE4PS9VFuV7PKbR9FF/s1600/Tiguan.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div>The Volkswagen Tiguan was launched in late 2007 and has been very popular with the world of motoring, selling over 700,000 cars worldwide to date. I had one of these cars for a short period of time, and although it was a good car, there were some things that didn't quite float my boat.</div><div><br /></div><div>The model i had was the 2.0 TDI with a 6 speed automatic gearbox. Yes it was economical, averaging about 43 mpg (if you're careful) and the driving position was very good, the steering was light and the space inside was more than adequate. That is, apart from the boot. The boot isn't small, but if you're in a wheelchair, you will really struggle getting it in. This is because the lower lip on the boot is so high, you would need a crane to get your chair in.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1uW-ux2bRUgI3Jt2NSwzbSP2hO9cuWsCW1Zjf3-1LfwhIHboeiwUYz6jdvddB3B-LIeN66wKrK2szOAY4zfmNABO84_GfB07YLyTpNXgDxc443bqizXDaixLi3sdwFB0CRcpqBdTN4Vy-/s1600/sheet.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1uW-ux2bRUgI3Jt2NSwzbSP2hO9cuWsCW1Zjf3-1LfwhIHboeiwUYz6jdvddB3B-LIeN66wKrK2szOAY4zfmNABO84_GfB07YLyTpNXgDxc443bqizXDaixLi3sdwFB0CRcpqBdTN4Vy-/s320/sheet.JPG" width="207" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Then there is the ride and comfort. The car i had was so unbelievably firm, you could ride over marshmallow and have a jolt to the spine. Now before i continue on this, i must point out that there are 3 different specifications for the Tiguan: Trend and Fun, Sport and Style and Track and Field. So which to chose from? Well, unless you live in the middle of a swamp, the Track and Field spec is out of the picture, although this has "comfort seats" with adjustable lumbar support. Sport and Style comes with 17inch alloy wheels and lower profile tyres, so the ride is stiffer than the Track and Field spec, although this option does come with a load of goodies such as tinted windows, under-seat draws and a folding table in the back.</div><div><br /></div><div>So that just leaves Trend and Fun. This is known as the "entry level" in Tiguan specifications. It comes with traction control, electric windows and an electronic handbrake (which i never trusted!) Yes the light came on, but im suppose to park my car on a hill and trust that it will be safe, because the light it on? But all round, this would be the spec i would go for. Easy to drive, easy to park and easy to live with.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikaL0FxAjcqiBAhEgFIposzDOdS0OoZU9Pr5H-ek9vkuKJQY93_2MGIzp9zsBiO3c2yymfAX5kCP7EKnLX3o8LBAC5Pzah3ucpUkUtounWfQUGzSCpdPrf5qc28R_Z7VBE2KgbGdUmXl3V/s1600/tiguaninside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikaL0FxAjcqiBAhEgFIposzDOdS0OoZU9Pr5H-ek9vkuKJQY93_2MGIzp9zsBiO3c2yymfAX5kCP7EKnLX3o8LBAC5Pzah3ucpUkUtounWfQUGzSCpdPrf5qc28R_Z7VBE2KgbGdUmXl3V/s1600/tiguaninside.jpg" /></a></div><br /></div></div>

Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0 TDI

The Volkswagen Tiguan was launched in late 2007 and has been very popular with the world of motoring, selling over 700,000 cars worldwide to...

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Ford Maverick XLT/Escape

<br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw1KgRiHFz_Kg8CRL-tFXBlxlNbFCoDp0GDKUB7wskTaZj4l8Tc3o7-K4TyrBdZ8N3K9lShUV7c-oLjSYuBZ4M3r6cBiLGrZz5_OS225tIyq05E_M_4MgE2OZny6Vz_pTbbem225mHSJC3/s1600/maverick4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw1KgRiHFz_Kg8CRL-tFXBlxlNbFCoDp0GDKUB7wskTaZj4l8Tc3o7-K4TyrBdZ8N3K9lShUV7c-oLjSYuBZ4M3r6cBiLGrZz5_OS225tIyq05E_M_4MgE2OZny6Vz_pTbbem225mHSJC3/s1600/maverick4.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="background-color: white;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">The Ford Maverick XLT, or the Escape in America, was first launched in the UK in 2001 and was a collaboration between Ford and Mazda, with Mazda launching the Tribute at the same time.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">The Maverick was intended to replace the previous UK Maverick and Nissan Terrano II with two engines available to chose from. A 2 litre Zetec manual and a 3 litre V6 automatic. Both cars are All Wheel drive (AWD) vehicles, and while most of the power from the engine is sent to the front wheels, if traction is lost, more power is automatically sent to the rear.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">While the 3 litre V6 is certainly more of a gas-guzzler, it is by far the best engine out of the two available, although the gear ratios are something to be desired, having only 4 normal gears, and 2 low range.</span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFrfyvjI-sWBwyQJiHJyj3Kanpffivvig_tVcoSj0iLzmwLUhs2DhUGOD550H4iTPSIxTCV0hqixj3qubtWoi7V_R_7KsX96-_X_J5wO2ANtPZ-bQXVZcrYev6QrJbVPUdXuRSgcCEuj84/s1600/maverickstats.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="139" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFrfyvjI-sWBwyQJiHJyj3Kanpffivvig_tVcoSj0iLzmwLUhs2DhUGOD550H4iTPSIxTCV0hqixj3qubtWoi7V_R_7KsX96-_X_J5wO2ANtPZ-bQXVZcrYev6QrJbVPUdXuRSgcCEuj84/s320/maverickstats.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">As for off-roading? Well it would seem that Ford had decided for us that we didn't want to drive this car on anything beyond lose gravel, and even though it does handle reasonably well in our "Arctic" winters, i wouldn't want to tow a caravan with it over a frozen lake!</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">So why, you ask, do i own one? Well, i am a wheelchair user, and for me, power and off-road ability is not that important for me. What is important for me, is space and comfort. All of which this car has in abundance. And although it has solid rear axles  designed for carrying heavy loads, it is still remarkably comfortable and the boot is more than big enough for a wheelchair.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">Safety equipment features are driver, </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">passenger </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">(and optional, but recommended)</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"> side impact ai</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">r bags. Stiff anti-roll bars, allowing some lean</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">when going round corners, but no risk of rolling,</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">unless going round a hair-pin at 80mph! </span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">The </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">ignition key has a chip inbedded into it, which the </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">car reads when the key is inserted. If the car fails </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">to read this chip, the car will not start, even if the </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">key has been cut to exactly match the original. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">Due to this, the Maverick/Escape has some of the</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">lowest reported thefts in its class.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">For those of you who are looking for a car to take to the top of Snowdon, then i might suggest going for a Range Rover. But if the only off-roading you will ever be doing is parking on the beach, then this will do the trick just nicely.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_NAx27_84pEYfMFABrsKq00NuBCWX9ASsB7Fpkeq3nyeOi3wprGXqJInt5pH_5WnKNJ8ZF3MfyrZ1y1bt8_ZCDIjYjQlPOF_sXtR7I4SRjWwSHqlzuZTGArJVEPKaLPUzDeff115-9st1/s1600/maverickinside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_NAx27_84pEYfMFABrsKq00NuBCWX9ASsB7Fpkeq3nyeOi3wprGXqJInt5pH_5WnKNJ8ZF3MfyrZ1y1bt8_ZCDIjYjQlPOF_sXtR7I4SRjWwSHqlzuZTGArJVEPKaLPUzDeff115-9st1/s1600/maverickinside.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>

Ford Maverick XLT/Escape

The Ford Maverick XLT, or the Escape in America, was first launched in the UK in 2001 and was a collaboration between Ford and Mazda, with M...

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