Cars

The second generation of the Audi A8 second generation has been in production since 2004. The base 3.0-liter V6 petrol engine has been replaced with a new 3.2-liter FSI engine, and it has strong performance with 3.7 and 4.2-liter petrol engine options, with the 4.2 being more appealing to fans of high speed.

There is also a refined 6.0-liter W12 engine that has an output of 450 horsepower and provides impressive performance. Currently, this is the most powerful diesel engine Audi currently makes, although the 3.0-liter TDI works smoothly and is still the most fuel efficient of the three.

All models except the 3.2-liter have four-wheel drive with a six-speed automatic transmission. The adaptive air suspension on the A8 has four settings, each built for a different kind of road and a different kind of driver.

Overall management for such a big car is very good. The A8 cabin is well insulated from outside noise, and proven to be more accessible than its rivals BMW and Mercedes.

All materials inside the cabin are of excellent quality, the tip top for the price. All major controls and instruments are easy to reach, although it will take some time to get used to managing the stereo, satellite navigation and suspension settings all from one console.

The Audi A8 has a huge interior space, especially in models that come with the extended wheelbase. Even tall people seated on the rear seat can experience absolute comfort in this supercar. The trunk is deep, and comes included with all the safety equipment you would expect from such a high-end car.

Eight airbags are fitted as standard, as well as anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution and stability control. Even Audi A8 models with the lowest level of equipment have leather upholstery, climate control, satellite navigation, parking sensors, CD changers, alloy wheels, and voice control.

The Stilo is a model by Fiat which has been in production since 2001. It is available only as a hatchback. There are a number of drivers who have bought these cars over the years. The base 1.2-liter petrol or the 1.9-liter turbo diesel do not offer spectacular performance, but is still very suitable for city driving.

The 1.9-liter turbo diesel engine provides 115 horsepower and is a good choice for drivers who want long distance savings. Another option is the 2.4-liter gasoline engine which provides 170 horsepower. The suspension of the Fiat Stilo hatchback is not very good, though, and it certainly cannot compare with that of it's competitors.

Nevertheless, the wheel rotation helps makes it convenient and easy to park. All Fiat Stilo engines run smoothly but the turbo diesel engines are quite noisy. Even still, acceleration and high speed sound is more pleasant than annoying. You will not hear much noise from wind or the road in the city, but it becomes a problem on the highway. The best thing about the Fiat Stilo, is that the price is very low.

It is practical, but the resale price falls sharply because of unreliable mechanics. Most of these cars get great economy mileage, but do not expect to save money on the 2.4-liter model. Inside the cabin, some of the materials look good but others things feel cheap and the overall build quality is below average among the cars of a similar class.

Most drivers will find the Fiat Stilo comfortable to drive, as the steering wheel and the seat can be adjusted easily. All controls are within easy reach on the dashboard, but it is overloaded with small switches, especially with higher specification models. This can be distracting while the driver is trying to find what he needs. Fiat Stilo has some good points, though. The five-door model is one of the best in its class.

There is plenty of room for the head and feet of everyone in the car. The car is even fitted with folding tables for passengers. The trunk is also great and can be expanded by folding the split rear seat two. In the three-door model, space is limited for rear passengers. Fiat Stilo comes standard with four airbags and ABS. More expensive models come with side airbags (curtain airbags).

Parking sensors are also included as standard. Stability control is a system which can be ordered separately. It is also equipped with remote central locking, CD player, electric front windows and air conditioning. If you are willing to pay more, you can get alloy wheels and a better stereo system. The Fiat Stilo continues to be in production.

If you are looking for new or used auto parts for Fiat, you can send a quick inquiry and get a quote with the best prices in SA.

Aston Martin DB9 has been in production since 2003. The sports car available as a coupe and convertible. V12 engine of the Aston Martin DB9 has a power output of 450 horsepower. Also the power of the engine at low revs is impressive as diesels. Modification of the unit (engine) is like that of the Aston Martin Vanquish.

DB9 is now available with a manual or six-speed automatic transmission. Management is very heavy, but that's quite normal for this type of high speed car. DB9 runs best on flat and smooth roads. 12-cylinder Aston Martin engine sounds great, both low speed and at high.

Even with the automatic transmission, V12 works smoothly. At high speeds the wind noise is heard loudly. Waiting list to buy this car is reasonably short. The resale value of this car is very good. Maintenance of Aston Martin cars is expensive. With this engine and this type of class car can not talk about fuel economy.

DB9 has a 85-liter tank. The Aston V12 engine has proven repeatedly. The automatic transmission is very reliable. The cabin looks great, but some of the materials used are not of the highest quality. Volvo helped develop Aston DB9, which is electronically controlled full benefits airbags.

Also the car has multi deformable structure in accidents. Thus people in the car are well protected. The sports vehicle is equipped with the Tracker system that allows the vehicle to be easily opened in the event of theft. The interior is opaque elements of wood, aluminum, leather and high-quality textiles.

The seats are fully adjustable. Visibility is good for a car of this type. The biggest drawback is that the keys on the board are too small and not easy to read and manage. DB9 is a very good sports car. The car has four seats. Adult in the back will not feel very comfortable legroom because the head is limited.

Unfortunately, these small rear seats can be folded down to expand the relatively small trunk. For its high price car offers a very good level of standard equipment. Aston Martin is a long time in the marketing of luxury cars for decades, and as already mentioned, equipment DB9 great. Production of the Aston Martin DB9, is still ongoing.

If you are looking for new or used auto parts for Aston Martin , you can send a quick inquiry and get a quote with the best prices in SA.

The Nissan Micra has been in production since 2002. The characteristics of the Micra are modest, but the car is nimble enough to handle city traffic with no problems.

You need to know that cars with automatic transmission have slightly slower acceleration. Despite the small wheels and short wheelbase, the Nissan Micra rides quite well. The suspension is a little harder than expected, but it comes with better vehicle stability to compensate. The Micra handles surprisingly well for a city car, although body roll is always present.

Wind noise is heard at high speed. The noise of the engine remained well controlled at fifth gear, keeping the engine speed low even on the highway. The running costs for the maintenance of Nissan Micra are average, and the car has relatively low fuel consumption.

However, after the vehicle is purchased, within three years the Micra will be worth less than half of the new price. Micra has a great reputation for durability and reliability. The quality of the materials and elements in the interior of the car is low, but the airbags are standard across the entire range of equipment for Nissan Micra.

The most disappointing is that the anti-lock brakes did not come in the list of options. There is no means of adjusting the position of the steering wheel or seat height, even though the main controls are easy and convenient to manage.

The Micra model five-door is practical, although the legroom and headroom for passengers seated in the rear is slightly limited. It has an average boot capacity of 371 liters, which can grow to 584 by folding the rear seats.

The Nissan Micra is available in three trim levels. All models come with servo power steering, side impact protection locks and protection for children in the rear doors. Some models have electric front windows, central locking and metallic paint. The high-end features and electric power mirrors and stereo. Generally cars Nissan Micra, reliable and durable cars.

If you're in need of new or used auto parts for Nissan, you can send a quick inquiry and get a quote with the best prices in SA at www. findspares.co.za.

Skoda Roomster is a mini MPV that has been in production since 2006. There are a number of models the buyer can choose from, and all of them are powered by a VW 1.4-liter gasoline engine.

Handling is safe and predictable. Small engine cars like the Skoda Roomster have to work hard at high speed during an overtaking or on the highway, making them noisy during the rev. Wind noise is well contained, but some noises caused by bad roads can not be avoided.

The Škoda Roomster continues in the tradition of the brand in providing an excellent price-performance ratio while nevertheless providing a variety of useful and simply clever features, increasing comfort. The outer mirrors can be adjusted manually or electrically from the interior depending upon the version. Reading lamps incorporated in the ceiling at the front and in the rear provide spot light and the interior lighting remains on for a short time after closing the doors.

And even if the Škoda Roomster is ordered without the automatic airconditioning system, Climatic, or the electronic Climatronic system, the outer air drawn in is automatically cleaned by a pollen filter before it passes into the interior. All of the Škoda Roomster versions have a steering wheel adjustable in height and length, a factor which is not a matter of course in a car of this class.

The rear part of the passenger cabin of the Škoda Roomster is designed as a comfortable and variable "living room". The higher position of the rear seat provides the passengers in the rear the best view looking out over the heads and the headrests of the driver and co-driver. Large side windows, seats which are 46 mm higher than those in the front and the innovative VarioFlex system of the seating make it possible to design the configuration of the rear to suit the occupants' needs.

The panorama roof which can be ordered as an optional extra creates additional excellent lighting conditions throughout the whole of the Škoda Roomster. In the event that the light is too strong, it can be closed off using a roller blind. The variability of the "living room" sets new benchmarks, and the back of the centre seat can even be folded down to form a space for placing items using it as an armrest.

The list of standard equipment are sensors for safe parking. In the base model Skoda Roomster, omitting the alarm system, but the car comes with front power windows and a CD player. Unfortunately, the standard equipment are omitted rear speakers and remote locking. In the next class of equipment you will get alloy wheels, air conditioning and electric mirrors. Skoda Roomster models in the upper range are equipped with cruise control and sunroof.

In need of new or used parts for Skoda, you can send a quick inquiry and get a quote with the best prices in South Africa.

The Honda Accord is a standard 4-door that has been in production since 2003, and is available as a sedan or wagon. The car is also sold as a coupe in the U.S. and Canada.

The refined 2.2-liter turbo diesel engine gives a strong performance, and the 2.0-liter petrol engine comes with a 5-speed manual gearbox, while the 2.4-liter comes with a six-speed as standard. A five-speed automatic transmission and hybrid engine are also available as options on the Accord.

The Honda Accord has excellent grip, and the balance gives an excellent amount of control to the driver. Accord engines are impressively quiet, and works smoothly in all types of terrain.  It also gets great fuel economy.

Accords have a great resale value, and there are hardly any mechanical concerns for owners or leasers. The interior is well crafted, but perhaps not as much as comparable German models. With plenty of space for all your passengers, the Honda Accord outclasses most other cars in comfort and reliability.

There is enough space to accommodate three people in back, and each model comes with six airbags, and an anti-lock braking system. Alarm and parking sensors are fitted as standard.

Cruise control, A/C, front and rear electric windows, CD player and alloy wheels all come standard on the Honda Accord. The executive model adds leather upholstery, electric seat adjustment, and a CD multi-changer.

Production of the SEAT Leon began in 2005, and it is based on the platform of the Volkswagen Golf V. The SEAT Leon is powered by a number of petrol and diesel engines, all of which run flawlessly. The most popular versions are the 1.6-liter petrol, 1.9-liter turbo diesel, and 1.4-liter petrol engine. The 2.0-liter TDI is a good compromise between power and fuel economy overall.

The 261bhp 2.0 TSI Leon Cupra R is the most powerful car SEAT has ever put into production, covers 0-62mph in 6.2 seconds and has a top speed of 155mph. The next sportiest model, the Leon Cupra, is no longer in production so if the Cupra R is too rich for your blood (and your money) it’s the Leon FR and FR+. These models boast a winning combination of performance and practicality which appeal to head and heart. The petrol line-up’s 208bhp 2.0-litre TSI boasts performance which doesn’t fall far short of the Cupra R – covering 0-62mph in 6.9 seconds with a top speed of 145mph. The 123bhp 1.4 TSI FR is, as might be expected, somewhat slower with a 0-62mph time of 9.8 seconds and 122mph. The final turbocharged model in the line-up is the 104bhp 1.2-litre TSI with a 0-62mph time of 10.9 seconds and 116mph top speed.

If performance doesn’t matter there’s a more pedestrian alternative in the shape of the 84bhp 1.2 TSI with 14.1seconds 0-62mph time and 107mph top speed. As for diesel, there is a choice of 168bhp and 138bhp 2.0-litre engines as well as a 104bhp 1.6-litre diesel engine which can be specified in green Ecomotive form. These offer a good range of performance though not in the same ballpark as the Cupra R and 2.0-litre TSI.

SEAT sets its cars up to handle safely rather than in an exciting manner, so enthusiasts are unlikely to be stimulated by a Leon’s dynamics. Its value is held about the same as the Volkswagen Golf. The interior of Leons are made from high quality materials, save for some hard plastic here and there. For several years the high-performance models were too stiff for British roads, but SEAT changed its policy, and since 2009 the quicker models have been much smoother and more effective through bumpy corners. Now the road noise is more of an issue than the ride itself.

Standard equipment on all models includes ABS, front and side airbags, and remote central locking. Also, all models of the Leon come with front power windows and air conditioning free of charge. The upper range of the sport models come with alloy wheels, sport suspension, rear electric windows, cruise control, and audio controls on the steering wheel.

The Nissan Primera was produced between 2002 and 2008, and is available as a 4-door sedan or 5-door hatchback. The entry-level 1.6-liter petrol feels underpowered for a large car. The 1.8-liter petrol is keen, the refined 2.0-liter unit is the star performer. An improved 2.2-liter turbodiesel performs well, but is only relatively economical, as it's competitors in this class with similar characteristics offer even lower fuel consumption.

The Primera received a new front suspension, which made it more comfortable to drive, as it absorbs most of the bumps at speed. However the low-speed ride is firm comparing with it's rivals. Steering is very light.

It's cabin is well isolated from the outside noise. The road noise is kept away, and the engines are inaudible as well, except coupled with automatic gearboxes while accelerating rapidly. There is some wind rustle present, coming from the rear doors, but it does not make you feel uncomfortable.

The Nissan Primera offers reasonable running costs. It is also famous for producing solid and reliable cars and engines, but recently it's competitors started to offer better warranty conditions. Unfortunately it's resale values are very weak.

SX trim adds rear electric windows, satellite navigation, cruise control, larger alloy wheels, automatic wipers and CD multichanger. Sve model adds heated seats, leather upholstery and xenon headlights. T-Spec model is equipped with intelligent cruise control and constant monitoring of tire pressure.

The Renault Laguna II was produced between 2001 and 2007, and was available as a hatchback or station wagon. The range of engines for Renault Laguna starts with the 1.9-liter turbo diesel, and is considered the most economical option. The base 1.6-liter petrol engine also performs well and is powerful enough to drive in the city with its 1.9-liter turbo diesel engine.

Laguna II model has a 2.0-liter diesel-powered 150 horsepower. In the high range included 3.0-liter petrol engine that has impressive performance, although it is combined with an automatic gearbox. Laguna has a smooth ride and very good handling, the car really is very stable in all kinds of ways.

At launch, the Irish spec Laguna II featured a 16 valve range of belt driven petrol engines available in both 1.6 and 1.8 litre capacities. These produced 110bhp and 118bhp respectively and were quite closely matched in terms of performance, with the latter being slightly torqueier and about 0.7 seconds quicker from 0-60 mph. Trim lines included ‘Sport’ (in conjunction with 1.6 litre and 1.9 DCi only) and ‘Supersport’ (1.6 litre and 1.8 litre). The standard equipment on these trims was highly impressive, even for today. Diesel power featured in the form of the 1.9 dCi with 101bhp and 240 Newton Metres of torque.

A look back at the equipment list of the time shows that rare and usually costly features such as xenon headlights and electric folding exterior mirrors were standard, in addition to an electric glass sunroof and an on-board computer. Externally, the two specs were differentiated by the Sport spec featuring standard 16 “ ‘Rhodes’ alloys, while Supersport models came with larger 17” ‘Silverstone’ items which further enhanced the Laguna’s already sharp styling.

At the end of 2001, the Renault Laguna II had had a lucrative first year on the market and to add to this, it received the Semperit Irish Car of the Year award for 2002. A base model was also launched which did without many of the gizmo’s of the launch cars, as well as more obvious things like alloy wheels. From here on in, the range went on without any great changes until 2005. In 2003, the Mirage model was launched and featured full leather as standard. These models proved popular and further enhanced the Laguna as a value proposition in its specific segment. A 120bhp version of the dCi engine also became available in Supersport trim, but is rare compared to the standard 101bhp model.

If you're in need of new or used auto parts for Renault , you can send a quick inquiry and get a quote with the best prices in SA at findspares.co.za.

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class has been in production since 2007. It is available as a Sedan with a wide range of engines, including a mix of old and new units. There is an increased weight in the new model  some of the older engines are improved. The most sensible purchase is the C220 turbo diesel, which has sufficient power and fuel economy.

The C350 V6 petrol can be correlated with a sports car engine. There is a choice of a 6-speed manual, and 5 or 7-speed automatic transmission. In the new Mercedes-Benz C-class, the driving experience is much better than in previous models. The car has a tight chassis and the engine is set further back for better balance of the body. The new Mercedes-Benz C-class, comes with a new suspension, making it more convenient to drive.

The Sport models come with a sport suspension package. The cabin is well insulated, but some sounds are still present. Wind noise around the side mirrors can be heard when driving on the highway. Noise is also present when the car moves over a rough surface, but the noise is not excessive. The new Mercedes-Benz C-class is a good value, just like that of it's predecessor.

The improved engines are more economical and their strength is slightly increased. The mechanics are perfectly designed so that you should not have any concerns regarding reliability. Inside the car, build quality seems excellent. The only disappointment is some of the less sleek-looking elements of the interior. The new Mercedes-Benz S-class comes with central control and swivel screen, which were present in the earlier luxury S-Class models.

Th central control gives access to most of the hi-tech extras, but it takes time to get used to. The new Mercedes-Benz C-class features a nice, fully adjustable driving seat with plenty of room for the driver. Moreover, the new C-Class is longer and wider than the previous model. Passengers in the rear seats benefit most from this increase in size.

There is more than enough head and legroom, even for taller passengers. The trunk is also larger and better formed. The new Mercedes-Benz C-class comes with seven airbags. There's even an airbag protecting the driver's legs included in the standard package. Control stability and improved anti-lock brakes are also installed as part of the standard package. The new C-Class is available in three trim levels - SE, Elegance and Sport. All of them have a great number of equipment and features.