Used Cars Information

The R8 from Audi was a car that revolutionised the way that super sports cars were addressed and since then it has provided the blueprint for success. And now Audi fanatics are in for a real treat thanks to the introduction of the R8 GT that will soon be hitting the shop shelves. However, you will need to be quick to action as reports suggest that there is only going to be 333 units produced; each carrying a price of 193,000 Euro! Reports also suggest that the R8 GT will not be released until the end of 2011’s first quarter, which no doubt further enhances the appetite for consumers! Housing the same 5.2 litre engine as the used Audi R8 V10 model, the GT really is given a solid foundation for success. Offering 560 hp and with a 0 to 62 miles per hour time of 3.6 seconds as well as a top speed of nearly 200 miles per hour, Audi fans will certainly feel the added benefit of the R8 being a GT unit. The performance of this car is quite simply breathtaking and I certainly envy each and every one of those 33 potential buyers! So what else does the new version of this brilliant car have on offer? Well there are the updated nineteen inch alloy wheels, a new range of metallic body colours and a new stereo entertainment system (optional). Of course other, more standard features such as Bluetooth connectivity, leather interior, heated seats and a steering wheel with functionality are also available.

When the N420 Vantage was first introduced it sent ripples through the market and was the talk of the industry. And quite rightly so as this truly is an Aston Martin car that produces in all areas of style, design and performance. So when news arrived that there was a convertible version being released, the rumour mill went into overdrive! However, the talk is no longer required because the Aston Martin V8 Vantage N420 Roadster has indeed arrived and will soon be available for purchase. Visually gorgeous, splendidly smooth and with an engine roar like no other, this is a car that definitely offers something fresh and innovative. There is no major differences between the original used Aston Martin V8 Vantage N420 and the new Roadster version, but there has been some minor updates and style changes that are just enough to give the car its own unique identity. One of the more noticeable and advantageous changes with the Roadster is the reduction in weight, which is very much attributed to the amount of carbon fibre material used throughout. The Aston Martin Sports Pack comes as standard with the unit and there are various other features that compliment this such as 10 spoke diamond turned alloy wheels, Bluetooth connectivity and parking assist. And, as noted above, the N420 Roadster has an engine roar like no other, which is very much thanks to the cars’ V8 engine that provides 420 BHP; quite the unit if I do say so myself!

Given that the brand of Smart is one very much associated with being eco-friendly, it should come as no surprise whatsoever to hear the news that a Smart electric vehicle will soon be introduced to the mainstream market. It will be called the “electric drive” and there will be approximately two hundred and fifty units manufactured; with only five locations around the world having access (all in America initially before a worldwide market rollout in the year 2012). This new model looks no different to the current Smart car that is on sale; with the engine being the only real update (albeit a big update). Of course there is now no engine situated in the front of the vehicle and instead, the battery power unit has been positioned in the boot. Without opening the fuel v electric debate, it is worth noting that this new Smart offers approximately 83 miles before it requires the battery to be recharged. And one element that actually saves energy and charges the battery is when the driver stimulates the brakes; pretty impressive if I do say so myself! First indications are that there are only minor differences in the actual driving experience provided by this electric version of the used Smart car but handling is reported to be quite impressive, which makes for a pleasant surprise indeed. So if you are in the market for a new or used Smart car and want to take being eco-friendly to another level; the “electric drive” might just be the perfect option.

The brand of SEAT is one that is always on the lookout for something new and has been responsible for many different car models, which have gone on to have huge success. One such vehicle is the used SEAT Alhambra. Not resting on their laurels, however, SEAT will soon be introducing a fresh version of the unit that is due to go on sale later this year. Early indications show that the car will be available in three different trim levels; the S, SE and the SE Lux with prices varying from between £21,000 and £30,000. The stand out variant of the three is the SE Lux unit that offers fantastic fuel efficiency rates, an eco-friendly engine and various sound features such as leather interior, parking assistance and a panoramic sunroof. From the outside it is fair to say that the new Alhambra looks a tad ordinary but it is a family car after all. However, what it lacks in overall style, it certainly makes up for in terms of both interior comfort and driving performance. Reports suggest that the Alhambra will also be extremely efficient and reliable as well as offering minimal wind noise when the vehicle is in motion. SEAT has come a long way as an automaker over the years and it is the progression of such vehicles like the Alhambra that has contributed to their overall success. Advancements in technology and performance are among some of the areas where the company has made tremendous enhancements; both of which are clearly evident with this new addition to the range.

Fortunately for the economically minded, the Smart car was introduced as a way of owning a vehicle that didn’t have such an adverse effect on the environment (by way of producing harmful gases). Part of the Daimler group, Smart is still producing the micro cars that made them so famous upon their initial release. Compact, cute and above all eco-friendly, new and used Smart cars have become universally recognised as the trend setter and leader of lower Co2 automobiles. Another area where new and used Smart cars excel is in the safety department, which has seen 4 out of 5 stars achieved in the Euro NCAP Adult Occupant Protection test. So for such a small sized unit, much of the safety options are taken care of and this can very much be attributed to the cars’ structure, which is known as a Tridion Safety Cell. The idea behind this setup is to activate the crumple zones of approaching cars (in the event of a collision). Another benefit of owning a new or used Smart car is that they are relatively cheap in terms of purchase price, maintenance costs, fuel and road tax etc. Therefore, they really do make for an ideal purchase for first time drivers looking to get on the driving ladder. So the summary is that Smart Cars provide so much on and off the road that they are hard to ignore. Perhaps the only downside is that all models and trims look near on identical (Roadster aside) and so maybe Daimler need to start creating some new designs to move on with the times?