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The best deals in the motor trade are done by bucking the trend.  If “everybody” is down-sizing and going for diesel, look for something larger and petrol.

Pushed by Euro V (and soon to arrive Euro VI) emissions rules the premium paid for diesel is rising and pump prices for Derv already dilute the mpg advantage.

There is a trend back to petrol in the small car market but, if you are after something bigger, Skoda’s new Superb will give you food (and fuel) for thought.

 
BMW 520d 29/08/2010
 
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Three years ago BMW began adopting new technology across its range that thrust its models to the top of their classes for CO2 emissions and fuel consumption.

It was called EfficientDynamics and included a variety of measures, some or all of which were put in place across the range.

The BMW 5 Series didn’t receive the same level of EfficientDynamics as the 3 and 1 Series, but the new 520d brings it into line.


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Volvo S60 26/08/2010
 
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Is the latest S60, an all-new design, worthy of stealing customers from its perceived German rivals? It is a major step forward from the previous version.

For a start the new S60 is much better on the eye. It has a rakish, coupe-like body with a sharp nose.

And despite the sleeker visuals there is proper family car space inside, particularly in the back, and a really big boot.

Slip behind the wheel and your surroundings maintain the image. The dash is functional yet stylish, and I still very much like the ‘floating’ centre console, a flat plate which you can put your arm behind. 
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Two strangers knocked on my door this week - both with questions about the striking yellow car parked on my driveway.

Admittedly one of them was one of those annoying people who come round and persuade you to donate £2 a month to a cat charity but the other genuinely did drool over the bonnet of the new, very fast, very sexy, Seat Leon Cupra R.

You see the Cupra R is more than just a car, it's a statement, it turns heads in the same way Angelina Jolie would do if she walked into your local supermarket. You get the idea... it's attractive!
 
 
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Alfa Romeo reached its centenary this Summer and marked the occasion here with the launch of the new Giulietta.

Reviving such a hertitage-laden name is quite something.  A modern classic already the 1955-1964 car also led to estate, sports and coupe models.

A ‘nuova’ Giulietta was offered 1977-1985 as a (slightly) shorter version of the upper-mid range Alfetta – rear wheel drive with the gearbox in unit with the back axle.

But this was the last throw of a debt-laden state subsidised car company – it was sold off to FIAT in 1986.  Brilliant design and stunning looks could not overcome a reputation, exaggerated or not, for woeful build-quality.

 
Kia Sportage 16/08/2010
 
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The 2010 Sportage is Kia’s latest model and, although increasingly ‘rationalised’ there are some distinguishing features between Kia and major partner Hyundai’s range.

The latter’s headline-grabbing five-year warranty was a sharp move some time ago but Kia’s ante-upping seven-year package heralded its take on a whole new generation of cars from the giant Korean combine.  

The latest Sportage also displays the full impact of Kia’s new Head of Design, Peter (ex-Audi) Schreyer.  It is a strikingly attractive vehicle.