2013 Ford C-Max Energi

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZYgaK9pghKEmdTbZ-FL69xClRUkVNXhKOn3jscJT94T4GREBIK5RAUupUdmbAfqe46GMgWQYnosKfCabXHwf9vTdon7EDQqlzLSedaX8khYD2qHe-ovKl3bcKurVPj2nsETM7YLKxDi4/s1600/2013-Ford-C-Max-Energi-Action-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZYgaK9pghKEmdTbZ-FL69xClRUkVNXhKOn3jscJT94T4GREBIK5RAUupUdmbAfqe46GMgWQYnosKfCabXHwf9vTdon7EDQqlzLSedaX8khYD2qHe-ovKl3bcKurVPj2nsETM7YLKxDi4/s400/2013-Ford-C-Max-Energi-Action-01.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <br /> As part of its commitment to sell a broader selection of fuel-saving hybrid and electric-powered vehicles, Ford launched the 2013 no-plug C-Max Hybrid and plug-in C-Max Energi hybrid.<br /> The C-Max is an American version of the European five-passenger C-Max that shares its underlying global C platform and many key components with the 2012 Ford Focus.<br /> "C" refers to an international size class, which in the U.S. falls into the compact class. In Europe, the C-Max is called a multipurpose vehicle (MPV), while most Americans will dub it a hatchback.<br /> <br /> Even though the <a href="http://neohybridcars.blogspot.com/2013/05/toyota-prius-c.html">Toyota Prius</a> may be the undisputed benchmark of hybrid vehicles, Ford believes the C-Max near twins can chip away at Toyota's market dominance of hybrid cars. And part of their strategy takes a page out of the Prius' playbook — design.<br /> <br /> C-Max Energi and the less-electrified C-Max Hybrid are the first Ford models to employ the third-generation version of Ford’s hybrid system. They also mark Ford’s first integration of lithium-ion battery technology in a hybrid.<br /> <br /> Both C-Max models use a lean-burning Atkinson-cycle 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, scaled down from the 2.5-liter version in the Fusion Hybrid. Without delving into details, an Atkinson-cycle engine gives up a little power output in exchange for improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHOlQEaTT4v8m9eY2Mp2vEfCB6lEUUzfT3yAXPX8Fhe4CTFmzF1bW0ruLlorlfntr2xYQCtK4cFN4gvYP22t3zmBy2dg3i7CfwBWsMGbM7yXXySkYaqQPbquw8FcPsd3-ACsrXiBZai0Y/s1600/2013-Ford-C-Max-Energi-Seating.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHOlQEaTT4v8m9eY2Mp2vEfCB6lEUUzfT3yAXPX8Fhe4CTFmzF1bW0ruLlorlfntr2xYQCtK4cFN4gvYP22t3zmBy2dg3i7CfwBWsMGbM7yXXySkYaqQPbquw8FcPsd3-ACsrXiBZai0Y/s400/2013-Ford-C-Max-Energi-Seating.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> Ford rates the four's output at 141 horsepower and 129 pounds-feet of torque.<br /> <br /> C-Max styling is heavily influenced by the Iosis MAX concept unveiled at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show. The design was created by Ford’s European design group and follows the company's "kinetic" styling themes.<br /> <br /> Up front, a large, lower, inverted trapezoid grille and small upper grille are becoming signature design elements of Ford cars. Long flowing headlights establish an athletic look and the short, sculpted hood leads into a sharply raked windshield.<br /> <br /> Driving in EV mode, the Energi performs quite well. Thanks to the instant-on torque from the electric motor, acceleration can be rather brisk when needed, but that action can devour electrons rapidly.<br /> <br /> It cruises city streets in quiet fashion and easily keeps up with the flow of traffic. Considering the 38-psi inflation pressures for the Michelin Energy Saver P225/50R-17 tires, the ride is quite smooth.<br /> <br /> Energi trounces the Volt's 35 mpg city/40 highway/ 37 combined gasoline fuel economy but the Volt can travel 38 miles on electric juice compared to the Energi's 21 miles. The Energi also posts a 100 MPGe compared to the Volt’s 98 MPGe.<br /> <br /> Volt’s base price is $39,995 and qualifies for a federal tax credit of $7,500, lowering the price down to $32,495. That’s $2,200 more than the Energi after the tax credit, but if your round trip commute is in the 35 to 40 mile range, that difference could be offset with the savings in gas-free commuting.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHL45_IGIRPKSi3wNoBThJpSolenG9Jd_XeEYiv0qqLeMB9R9b2zYo-u0ETvBLyFOdI9-QsvJzrVK57nMd39mBINt3sM41DyC7IR58t-F755Ih1kWiM4bk9PhF0sM2wuhiY-QH57RTY9I/s1600/2013-Ford-C-Max-Energi-Cargo-Full.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHL45_IGIRPKSi3wNoBThJpSolenG9Jd_XeEYiv0qqLeMB9R9b2zYo-u0ETvBLyFOdI9-QsvJzrVK57nMd39mBINt3sM41DyC7IR58t-F755Ih1kWiM4bk9PhF0sM2wuhiY-QH57RTY9I/s400/2013-Ford-C-Max-Energi-Cargo-Full.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> Choosing between these three plug-in cars will require determining what your needs are and how a car fits into your daily life.

2013 Ford C-Max Energi

As part of its commitment to sell a broader selection of fuel-saving hybrid and electric-powered vehicles, Ford launched the 2013 n...

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BMW i3 Electric Car

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxvQF6b5G-emzuJBP6QHzaGMBB1wxcHHIP60s0qSK9tMV6OfvfGoz4AUFMZ8Bgp5HRMDfu-hPYC6DNJdvWixE-n5rmaDqmFliOErGFWj-RRxS2lrxac84cAafOQrSVRRcyHYEzlPXPHTA/s1600/BMW-i3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxvQF6b5G-emzuJBP6QHzaGMBB1wxcHHIP60s0qSK9tMV6OfvfGoz4AUFMZ8Bgp5HRMDfu-hPYC6DNJdvWixE-n5rmaDqmFliOErGFWj-RRxS2lrxac84cAafOQrSVRRcyHYEzlPXPHTA/s400/BMW-i3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> As promised, today was the global debut for the BMW i3, the luxury carmaker's first in its "i Series" of electrified cars and featuring several innovations intended to match the company’s reputation for being a cut above.<br /> <br /> The i3 will be the smallest BMW and approximately the size of a 1 Series, but with interior space on par with a 3 Series, and with range somewhere near that of a Nissan Leaf or Ford Focus Electric. A gas-powered 650-cc twin cylinder range extender will be a $3,850 option and the vehicle is slated for sale in the second quarter of 2014.<br /> As the "world's first mass-produced car" using carbon fiber reinforced plastic, the i3 has been built from the ground up as a pure EV.<br /> BMW says CRFP is "equally as strong as steel, while being 50 percent lighter, and 30 percent lighter than aluminum," and the estimated weight for the all-electric version is 2,700 pounds.<br /> <br /> A smaller 22-kwh lithium-ion battery weighing about 450 pounds was deemed sufficient as there is less total vehicular mass to move around. The smaller battery also means less cost and shorter recharge times.<br /> At the same time, the sturdy structure is said to be safe for occupants.<br /> <br /> Constructed of aluminum, the "Drive Module" combines the battery, electric drivetrain, MacPherson strut and 5-link rear suspension system along with structural and crash components. The rear-mounted motor is close to the rear drive wheels. BMW says it gives impressive performance characteristics while also providing better traction.<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguLYP5njTw3XeUd-01iXQw76bgLDVQii9VCQhy3r6GL5KyTphcI1zhot18sLnzS9rDYNCVJrj0z_lbcg73krFGM1e0AJCHBbBavyjsVTTEdrwDeTQ9ko_b239cjQHaWdUPLEwk1a6wz7k/s1600/BMW-i3-interior.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguLYP5njTw3XeUd-01iXQw76bgLDVQii9VCQhy3r6GL5KyTphcI1zhot18sLnzS9rDYNCVJrj0z_lbcg73krFGM1e0AJCHBbBavyjsVTTEdrwDeTQ9ko_b239cjQHaWdUPLEwk1a6wz7k/s400/BMW-i3-interior.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> In this case, 0-35 mph is said to take 3.5 seconds, 0-60 mph is said to be in around 7 seconds, and top speed is 93 mph. This is quicker than the much less expensive Chevy Spark EV which boasts a 400 pound-foot torque figure and around 7.6 seconds to 60.<br /> <br /> Rated power for the i3 is 170 horsepower and 184 pounds-feet of torque.<br /> <br /> Pricing including destination will start at $42,275 and the range-extended version will begin at at $46,125. The battery will include an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty. Included is roadside assistance if the battery loses a charge during a trip and the navigation system does shows charging station locations.<br /> <br /> BMW is also offering house calls for customer test drives and special training for dealers. A fee-based loaner vehicle program, arranged by dealers is also available.

BMW i3 Electric Car

As promised, today was the global debut for the BMW i3, the luxury carmaker's first in its "i Series" of electrified cars a...

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Citroen C4

The Citroen C4, launched in late 2004, and designed to replace the Xsara, is now in its second generation, and boy has it been improved. My personal biggest hatred of the first generation C4, and some of you might disagree here, was the steering wheel. The wheel was one were the outside moved, but the inside stayed in the same place, so you never knew which way your wheels were pointing until you started moving.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp6BEpViXlfGhEGz6a3cb0v1JYhww792nL0gREJCQcQAb2KRvGe7GDMcT5Jgx-_jdZgMyZsZnWSl5gcyz3MnWWo8-yuxtvaSOIpq9Xx6udPSM3R25i5HjAG8Eq_R9Jk3cZ3JQui_ma7JVw/s1600/c4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp6BEpViXlfGhEGz6a3cb0v1JYhww792nL0gREJCQcQAb2KRvGe7GDMcT5Jgx-_jdZgMyZsZnWSl5gcyz3MnWWo8-yuxtvaSOIpq9Xx6udPSM3R25i5HjAG8Eq_R9Jk3cZ3JQui_ma7JVw/s400/c4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> One thing i will say about the first generation, is that it wasn't an ugly looking car, but the this new one, is even better. With its big grills, prominent lines and angry looking headlights, it really is a car that fits in with the 21st century.<br /> <br /> Personally, I've never been a huge fan of French cars. The peddles were always to close together, so if you have a shoe size bigger than a 7, your right foot would always be pressing slightly on the brake as you drove a long. And they were plagued with electronic problems. Hands up if you have ever seen a Peugeot 206 driving down the road with its brake lights on.<br /> <br /> So, down to business, what is it like from a disability point of view. Well the following review was from Lauren Millgate who owns a C4 VTR+ 5 door manual.<br /> <br /> "I got this car on mobility as my disability meant that I struggle to walk, get in and out of the car (we had a 02 plate ford fiesta) and injure more easily than is normal so I needed a car that was easier for me to use. I can’t drive so my husband is helping me with the driving aspect of this review. We chose the C4 as it has a fairly big boot, is 5 door and still looks sleek and stylish and we are a young couple. There is no difference in price or advance payment between the basic range VTR and the mid-range VTR+ when going through motability and the VTR+ has more ‘extras’, such as rear parking sensors."<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyRCS0MoXO8AdxfH6FFE8aK5-jrqgO7ilpZ1YXHjztwvaIcDc9ayHKPOhvMTXPA-7oD3-5qAFOq193Ob3SmFQSxIR6ut5MHma9I9MkhT3u4LXycnEnhe0BcDS-ub65niIqYU6__-1pTi7Y/s1600/c4stats.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyRCS0MoXO8AdxfH6FFE8aK5-jrqgO7ilpZ1YXHjztwvaIcDc9ayHKPOhvMTXPA-7oD3-5qAFOq193Ob3SmFQSxIR6ut5MHma9I9MkhT3u4LXycnEnhe0BcDS-ub65niIqYU6__-1pTi7Y/s640/c4stats.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> "I fell in love with the car the first time I went for a test drive in it and didn’t bother to look at any other cars afterward as my husband and I both loved it. The ride is smooth and soft but with enough suspension and shock absorbance that you don’t feel minor bumps in the road. The car (so my husband tells me) has fairly light steering but has enough weight behind it to give you a good feel for the car whilst being very easy to manoeuvre and gear changes are smooth and easy. The display in the car is easy to read and you can change the colour and brightness of it to suit you and you can turn some parts of the display off – this is particularly useful for night driving as it helps your eyes to adjust to the road ahead instead of getting glare off the display.  There are lots of controls on the steering wheel that are well placed to make them easily accessible but don’t get knocked and make calls as you try to turn a corner. The controls in the car are soft to touch and don’t need much pressure and are also well sized, which I find useful as I often have trouble using my hands so they would be suitable for people with things such as arthritis also. They are also not complicated and confusing to use in terms of being able to change the settings of the car as to how you like them. The fuel economy is also one of the best in its class; we have managed to do over 600 miles on one tank. There are also display settings to show how you are driving in terms of fuel economy.<br /> <br /> "The front seats are soft but supportive and completely adjustable with adjustable lumbar support also. The back seats are also comfortable.There is also an adequate amount of leg room in the back seats when the front seats are back. The boot is 408 litres, so comfortably fits a folding wheelchair and still has room for a few items of shopping. The wing mirrors also have lights underneath them that light the pavement when you unlock the car on returning to it or get out of the car. I find this a really useful feature as I have issues that mean I don’t always know where my limbs are without directly looking at them. The doors aren’t too heavy and they have a fairly long door so that it’s easy to get in and out if you have difficulties bending your legs as I do.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM0W4QMxe-dtX-1G79MGIUBW9OOoSkMAmDBZgXI3Ihw1rbfvbGY1xyrBqhrQyZIeL6Nm9oSBSxFkckmAUd1LwUBcMb2xiMvD_9c46LL3sGyx_uTp8eUurbQRNYJWuObMGne1wGN2MjhCch/s1600/c4inside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM0W4QMxe-dtX-1G79MGIUBW9OOoSkMAmDBZgXI3Ihw1rbfvbGY1xyrBqhrQyZIeL6Nm9oSBSxFkckmAUd1LwUBcMb2xiMvD_9c46LL3sGyx_uTp8eUurbQRNYJWuObMGne1wGN2MjhCch/s400/c4inside.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> "This car is fantastic for disabled people and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it and it is still functional for an average family also whilst still looking ‘normal’. I love the fact that I can use this car so easily. It blends in and still performs the tasks I need it to as a disabled person and doesn’t, in effect, make a huge statement to everyone else that I am disabled as some cars do."<br /> <br /> This one seems to be coming up trumps in all the right places, lets just hope the French have learnt a few things over the past years.

Citroen C4

The Citroen C4, launched in late 2004, and designed to replace the Xsara, is now in its second generation, and boy has it been improved. My ...

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Kia Picanto

The Kia Picanto, a small and quirky city car available with 3 and 5 doors, launched in 2004 and has been popular worldwide ever since. In January 2013 it was voted the most reliable car in the UK and comes with a variety engines.<br /> <br /> As a small city car, it is rather good looking, full of prominent lines, grills and fashionable headlamps. Kia have spent a lot of money designing the look of this car, and it seems to have paid off. Making this car good looking has attracted a younger clientele, especially with most models having free road tax and being cheap to insure.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJcUW3JFetpMxlGStEqAwpWBoxWNzKH5mNVhR4BIJuqUFQyrnsqza2egxK3f2YjYEwEkcZ_wkfGdkJ_A5xrYpf_XoT_lhkOvVT7Ugo_iZMuqrdQBKFrkQAG_XpkzNursLLyNFooYZrwLpH/s1600/kia+picanto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJcUW3JFetpMxlGStEqAwpWBoxWNzKH5mNVhR4BIJuqUFQyrnsqza2egxK3f2YjYEwEkcZ_wkfGdkJ_A5xrYpf_XoT_lhkOvVT7Ugo_iZMuqrdQBKFrkQAG_XpkzNursLLyNFooYZrwLpH/s400/kia+picanto.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> All in all, a good looking reliable car. But, and that's a big but, this is far from the most practical car for people with disabilities.<br /> <br /> The Picanto is small, possibly too small for anyone with physical difficulties. The cabin is cramped and if there are 4 people in the car, the boot is near non-existent, so no room for a wheelchair on scooter, and with the Picanto being very low down, getting in and out could be very tricky.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6-UmcA_KfOHYFTvmklekdigbySoLnIrhejb3EAeXhxqTWDQ_achfLKpD3cXl7luIgFBZmuNqZLGXflr8Uvf2xZm5lT1SQY5dGnqm1m8-CS1VyIotAnFqdwu0N4M4tY1WOU-uOma96RTeu/s1600/kiapicantostats.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6-UmcA_KfOHYFTvmklekdigbySoLnIrhejb3EAeXhxqTWDQ_achfLKpD3cXl7luIgFBZmuNqZLGXflr8Uvf2xZm5lT1SQY5dGnqm1m8-CS1VyIotAnFqdwu0N4M4tY1WOU-uOma96RTeu/s640/kiapicantostats.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> Emma Lou owns a 1.1 '2' automatic Picanto, she doesn't use a wheelchair but describes what her car is like from a disability point of view.<br /> <br /> "My Picanto is a 1.1.2. It's just the basic, I didn't have to pay any money upfront. The boot is tiny, i cant even get my mums case in it. I dont have a wheelchair, but I think it wont have much room for one unless they have the all the back seats down, or split seats. It goes really well, petrol is a little thirsty, but then it depends how fast you drive.  To me I can get in and out easily, as i'm only little with an extra cushion to sit on.<br /> <br /> I have the Auto 5 door, so far this car is the best I've had, though the Ford Fiesta Zetec was just as good."<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBoecUUacBJRin8OxK3uEOra6j39jufFQfcYNcBHlGtyzf50z2GwRYLc262BC-3Zjxf2VTm0ZLldkmDCOmD3Jmn_fZxB61BkABv5NP9DOyR-w_9dPzPCwOc1kOnO9eJfvAIWm9afJL1SdX/s1600/kia+inside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBoecUUacBJRin8OxK3uEOra6j39jufFQfcYNcBHlGtyzf50z2GwRYLc262BC-3Zjxf2VTm0ZLldkmDCOmD3Jmn_fZxB61BkABv5NP9DOyR-w_9dPzPCwOc1kOnO9eJfvAIWm9afJL1SdX/s400/kia+inside.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> One thing this car does have in ample amounts, is safety equipment. From the common 6 airbags and Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS), to doors that lock when you drive, and automatically unlock after a collision. The latest Picanto scored 4 stars on the Euro NCAP test, not bad for a small city car. Kia have built this car to be as safe as possible for the driver and passengers.<br /> <br /> So, a small city car that is easy to drive, easy to park and safe but not so easy to live with. The Picanto seems to be having an identity crisis, and it's the practicality side that really lets this car down.

Kia Picanto

The Kia Picanto, a small and quirky city car available with 3 and 5 doors, launched in 2004 and has been popular worldwide ever since. In Ja...

Read more »