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Ford Mondeo

10/22/2014

The new Ford Mondeo might not look that new to some. It was first shown in Europe at the Paris motor show – not in 2014, but in 2012.

Under the company’s ‘one Ford’ global strategy new models are developed to sell in multiple markets, and the new Mondeo has been on sale in North America and Asia as the Fusion.

Soon after its appearance at Paris two years ago, Ford announced it would be closing the factory in Belgium that built the current Mondeo.

Ford’s Valencia plant, where the Kuga and Transit Connect are also built, was required to accommodate the new model.

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Nissan X-Trail

10/21/2014

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Luxury SUVs have come a long way from their original ‘dual-use’ origins.

Nissan still makes ‘proper’ 4x4s: separate chassis; high/low ratio gearing, ground clearance of real use, mechanical handbrake and a manual gearbox.

The X-Trail marked a trend for lighter compact SUVs based on lower-medium sized hatch/estate bodywork.

It came to Europe in 2001, was revised in 2003 and renewed in 2007. Initially 4x4 only it offered a 4x2 front-wheel drive more recently. It followed current compact SUV practice in having a transverse engine and FWD layout with on-demand clutch activation of the rear axle triggered by signs of slip (Haldex-style).

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Citroën C4 Cactus

10/17/2014

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Citroën has produced some iconic cars in what seemed to define the appeal of the best French cars. Functional yet stylish; quirky yet mainstream. But cars such as the 2CV, DS, BX and XM are now distant memories.

The Citroën range today is showing signs of popularity. The DS3 is a strong seller and offers low whole-life costs. The latest C4 Picasso (and Grand C4 Picasso) show that the company hasn’t lost its knack for those values mentioned above.

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Ford Mondeo

Nissan X-Trail

Citroën C4 Cactus

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