THE old image is one of soft,cuddly, universally loved butnot very dynamic. Yet overits 32-year lifetime the FiatPanda has found its way

into 6.4 million homes, flourishingunlike its extinction-threatenednamesake by being able to adapt toits environment.

So much so in fact that Fiat hasonly felt the need to completelyredesign the model twice in thatperiod – until now.

As more motorists prioritiseprice, economy and green issues,they face the dilemma of wonderinghow far they can downsize withoutrunning out of space.

Fiat is confident it can providethe answer to that question and hasthrown a massive resource at doingso.

High numbers like 800 millioneuros invested, two million hours ofproduct development, 200,000 hoursof training and 8,500 suggestionsfrom car workers has resulted inthe new generation Panda.

It goes on sale this week as afive-door, genuine five-seater citycar with all the style, gizmos andinterior comfort you would expectfrom an urban trend setter.

While a modern, rounded designmakes the new Panda less instantlyrecognised than its more squaredoff predecessors, there are stillsome of the straight-edged interiortouches – particularly around thedash – that past owners willappreciate.

Time-honoured Pandapracticality is there too. Becausethis car is longer, wider and tallerthan before, there’s more space forpassengers and luggage.

Most city cars only cater for tworear passengers, the little Fiat canfit three – and there are no less than14 storage compartments, includingan open one on the dash.

Even the cabin can be made tolook more Panda-like with blackand white upholstery and panels.

And that’s not the only thing sureto put a smile on your face becausethis Panda has claws too, courtesyof a lively yet frugal engine line-upthat includes a fabulous 900ccTwinAir turbo.

It has the lowest CO2 emissionsat 99g/km of any volume productionpetrol engine in the world and wasnamed International Engine of theYear in 2011.

The two-cylinder unit soundssporty too with its throaty enginenote, yet has the potential for

67mpg.A normally aspirated

version joins the party later in theyear, along with a 4x4 version, andthere’s also the latest evolution ofthe 69bhp 1.2-litre petrol unit withits average fuel figure of 54mpg.

Completing the line-up is apunchy 1.3 MultiJet turbodieselproducing 75bhp and boastingeconomy of 72.4mpg, and mostmodels have economy boosters likestop/start and a gearshift indicator.

The Panda test exercise took inan extensive route around theCotswolds and confirmed that theFiat has come on in leaps andbounds.

It’s a real fun car to drive, thoughthe five-speed manual gearshift is abit notchy, and responds to beingdriven hard.

As a result the TwinAir Turboonly returned 44.5mpg – way shortof its official figure – but the moreconservatively driven diesel wasbang on its claimed mark of 72mpg.

Prices are from £8,900 for an

entry grade 1.2 Pop model andstandard kit includes electricwindows, central locking, Dualdrivepower steering, four airbags andbody colour bumpers.

Easy trim versions add remotecentral locking, air con, roof railsand a higher grade audio system,while Lounge gets heated electricmirrors, 15-inch alloy wheels, front

fog lamps, body coloured mirrorsand door handles, and sidemouldings.

Safety measures comprise up tosix airbags, double seatbeltpre-tensioners, an activeanti-whiplash head restraintsystem, and ESP.

And a new Low Speed CollisionMitigation system will becomeavailable for the first time later thisyear. It uses a laser sensor on thewindscreen to scan a space a shortdistance in front of the vehicle todetermine the risk of a collisionand can activate emergency brakingat speeds less than 18.6mph.

Options will allow customers tostyle their own car courtesy of 10exterior colours and sixinterior/dashboard combinations.You can also specify the likes of asliding rear bench, a frontpassenger seat that folds into atable, rear parking sensors, foglights and a cargo box.

MOTORS

motors-merseyside.co.ukPowered by

Edited byMike Torpey

8pages of new& used motors

byMIKE TORPEY

NewPandamaturesformodern living

COLOUR CODE: Even the Panda’s cabin reflects its name

CITY SLICKER: The new Fiat Panda is a genuine five-seater – and there are no less than 14 storage compartments

MOTORS Friday, March 2, 20122 ★★★★

GUARANTEE

Friday, March 2, 2012 MOTORS 3★★★★

SKELMERSDALEWIGAN

ST HELENS

LIVERPOOLWIRRAL WARRINGTON

M58

M6

M62

M57

M56M53

MOTORS Friday, March 2, 20124 ★★★★

MOTORS

byMALCOLMROBERTSHAW

Ibiza set for a springsizzlerSPANISH car maker SEAT

has launched a range ofoffers aimed at making itmore affordable for driversto experience its

trademark ‘auto emocion’.A comprehensive array of deals

extends across the entire SEATrange with the brand’s Ibizasupermini series and stylish Leonhatchback line-up leading the way.

A discount of £2,310 off thebest-selling Ibiza SC 1.4 16V SECopa brings its asking price downto £9,995, while similar discountsoff the corresponding Ibizafive-door and Ibiza ST models seetheir prices slashed to £10,495 and£11,205 respectively.

The now-familiar SE Copa trimlevel brings high levels of standardequipment to all three Ibizabodystyles – sporty three-door SC,practical five-door and capaciousST estate.

These features come in additionto the Ibiza S Copa’s medley ofequipment which features the likesof cruise control, four-speaker MP3compatible radio/CD with AUX-inand steering column-mountedcontrols, alarm, immobiliser andelectric windows all round.

The offer price means that the

Ibiza SC 1.4 SE Copa is nowavailable for £199 per month as partof a 42-month Solutions PersonalContract Plan agreement.

Inside you get comfortable roomfor four adults which includesplenty of head and legroom in therear for this level of car.

There is also a prettyaccommodating luggage bay at 292litres which shapes up well.

The sporty driving position facesa very driver-oriented dashboardwith two large circular dials andmuch more to attract occupants’attention while overall visibilitywas good.

Ibiza SE Copa also comes withfeatures like climate control and arefrigerated glovebox, automaticheadlights and rain sensing wipers,and on the safety front there areISOFIX and Top Tether child seatanchorage points and remotecentral locking with deadlocks. Thedriver and front passenger seats are

height adjustable. Much work hasbeen put into driver safety controlsand these include ESP with HillHold Control, EBA and tyrepressure monitoring and steeringcolumn mounted audio controlsalong with some very positivebraking.

Move up the SEAT range to theLeon five-door family hatch line-upand there are also deals to be done.

Savings of up to £3,085 areavailable on the Leon S Copa 1.6TDI CR 105ps which brings its pricedown to £14,795 - the lowest priceever for the hyper economical LeonE Ecomotive.

And with a Solutions financeoffer of £199 per month on the LeonS Copa 1.6 TDI CR 105ps (deposit of£3,751.59, 42-month agreement, theLeon is now as affordable as it is

frugal. A Leon 1.4 TSI FR iscurrently available for £329 permonth over 36 months with acustomer deposit of £6,671.

Offers apply right across theSEAT range though, withsignificant savings available on theAltea, Altea XL and Exeo vehicles,plus a free servicing deal on themulti award-winning SEATAlhambra MPV.

Copa leadstheway inSEAToffers

STAR PERFORMER: The SEAT Ibiza Copa Info from Liverpool SEAT, Pall Mall, L3 6AL. Tel: 08450 171600

Friday, March 2, 2012 MOTORS 5★★★★

6 MOTORS Friday, March 2, 2011

B.M.W.

BMW X5

2009, diesel, black, 5 door,air con, electric windows,sat nav, 2993cc, alloys,25000 miles, xDRIV35d MSPORT TWIN TURBO SD

Diesel.

£9900

08708752962

Citroen

MERSEYCITROEN.CO.UK0151 525 6545

Fiat

FIAT PUNTO

2003, petrol, grey, 5 door,electric windows, FSH,1242cc, 26000 milesex condition ex runner6months mot 4 months

tax

£1500 ono

07516234387

Ford

58 REGFORD C−MAX

1.6silver, 40,000 mls. FSH, c/l,a/c, e/w, e/m, CD, blinds,

etc, tax 31/7/12, MoT 18/9/12, nice clean car, ex

mobility

reducedfirst £5,000

0151 284 802407940 592 008

02 FORDFOCUS

1.8 diesel, silver, full MoT,tax end Feb, PAS, c/l, e/w,heated screen, CD, alloys,FSH, excellent condition,drives well, cheap to run.

(Reduced due totimewasters)

£1,595 ovno07531 461026

53 REGFORD KA 1.3

Metallic black, 1 owner, fullMoT, power steering, CDplayer, loads of servicehistory, bills & receipts.

Very nice car, very reliable.

Cheap tax & insurance

£1,495 ovno07770 869 665

Lexus

LEXUSIS 200Sport. 51 plate.Two months' tax;eight months'MOT. 99,000miles. Well

looked after andmaintained.

£2,200 onoTel. 07920 803 881

(L12)

Peugeot

PEUGEOT 206 05 plate, red,lady owner, Tax & Mot, lowmileage, excellent condition,£1,900. Tel: 07811 525233 or07947 538905.

Rover

2002 25 1396cc 5dr hatch-back, 5 seats, full Mot & tax,Bargain, £595 0151 9292823or 07757 606208

Toyota

TOYOTACAROLLA

X REGAUTOMATIC5 door hatchback,

December MoT, May tax,FSH, 80k. 1 owner, car

spare keys, e/w, c/l, a/c,met green. Drives lovely.

£995.0007564 369834.

Vauxhall

TURBO DIESELVECTRA

53 plate, tax and test,140,000 miles, lady driver,new clutch cost £750, new

shocks, good condition

£175007951 299637

Liverpool

VAUXHALL AGILA 973CC XReg, 10mths tax, 8mths MOT;£450 ono 0151 292 5635.

VAUXHALL ASTRA CDX 16v1800cc. 2000. Vgc. Mot/Tax.£695 ono. 0151 5383964.

CC12 LFCPersonalised number plate

CARLING CUP

Make ideal gift

£1,500 ono

07729 586204

No Texts

Cherished Plates

£37for3days*

ONLY

£31for3days*

ONLY

Full colour6x1 advert

Display4x1 advert

Lineage advert5 lines (MAX)

RENAULTMEGANECOUPE

In great condition,cd, alloys,

elec windows,leather interior,

12 months MOT, tax,immaculate

£12,995 ono0151 227 3030

RENAULTMEGANECOUPE

In great condition,cd, alloys,

elec windows,leather interior,

12 months MOT, tax,immaculate

£12,995 ono0151 227 3030

RENAULT MEGANECOUPE ,12 monthsMOT, tax,leather int,immaculate £12,995 ono0151 227 3030

6 day deals arealso available foran extra

£11Please ask for details. PLUS www.buysell.co.uk

In the event of any error,misprint or omission in the printing of an advertisement or part of an advertisement, the publisherwill re-insert the advertisement or relevant part.No reinsertion will be made where the error,misprint or omission doesnot detract from the advertisement or is not the fault of the publisher.

*price includes VAT*

Pleasebeawaretheseprices/packagesareforPRIVATEADVERTISINGONLY.Fortradeadvertisementspleasecontactyour local tradeteam

Sell yourmotor fast!

Your advertwill appearin the following titles...

LIVERPOOLECHOLIVERPOOLPOSTMETROQUIDS IN

Alternatively pleasecall into yourlocal office: Liverpool Post andEcho, POBox48,OldHall Street,Liverpool L693EB

Toplaceanadvertisement call on:

01512273030

ONLY

PREMIUMpackage

£42for 3days*

ENHANCEDpackage

BASICpackage

Vehicles Wanted

CASH PAID£125 - £15000

All vehicles wantedCall now for instant quote (all areas)

07900 89436101695 551966Trust Hills for fast & friendly service

Authorised Treatment facility

The North West’s largest vehicle recycler

NEPTUNE CAR SPARESCars bought for cash.

Best prices. Parts for all cars.Open 7 days.

0151 647 5735DON’T BEFOOLED

By being told your car has beenscrapped LEGALLY. You need acertificate of destruction from

D.V.L. to avoid the FINE.We issue certificates with cash for

your car and free collectionBRASENOSE MOTOR RECYCLING0151 933 1994 (Day) or07801 385006 (Evening)

LOW MILEAGE CARS96-10 WANTED

TOP PRICES PAIDHP Settled

0151-220 9055GUERNSEY MOTORS

GREEN LANEOLD SWAN L13EST 30 YEARS

£200 MINIMUMFOR MOST SCRAP CARS

AND VANSFriendly reliable service 24/7

07542 287 7870151 292 1982

£200 MINIMUM PAIDFOR MOST SCRAP CARS

VANS & 4X4’STel: 07768 153951or 0151 727 8113

Full receipt given withevery vehicle removed

WANTED£200 UPWARDSFor Most Cars, Vans,4X4’s & MOT failures

Certificate of Destruction1 Hour Collection all areas

T: 0151 260 1700

£220 MINIMUMPAIDFOR MOST CARS

Free collection 24 HRS07515 263746

CALL US FIRST!£200 MINIMUM FOR

MOST SCRAP CARSDVLA CERTIFICATE ISSUED

MERTON CAR SPARES0151 933 725807762 381285

WE WANT YOUR CAR£200− £3000 Cash. ALL

AREAS. 0797 470 1463

£200 MINIMUMFOR MOST SCRAP CARS

AND VANS7 day service

07842 164 9800151 289 1190

BEST PRICES PAIDFOR CARS VANS & 4X4’S

Anything considered.1 hr collection phone now

0151 321 0324 (Aintree) or0777 4508515

LIVERPOOLS TOP CASHBUYER Scrap cars, vans motfa i l u res 7 day co l l e c t i on .

CARS BOUGHT FOR CASHBest pr ices paid , a l l carsconsidered GEORGESONS Tel0 1 5 1 2 6 0 9 5 7 5 o renquiries@georgesonscars.co.uk

SCRAP CARS REMOVED Topprices paid. Collection within thehour. Tel 07712 887218.www.robcliffe.co.uk

TOP CASH Paid Strand Partswant vehicles dead or alive, fullylicensed, reliable 7 days pickup. 0151 287 0286/ 07903560658

TOP PRICES PAID! Scrapcars/vans/4x4. Pickup withinthe hour. 24hr recovery avail-able. Call John 07564 721804

SCRAP CARS WANTED Any-where in Lpool pick up withinhour cash paid 07834 538041

Repairs & Services

CLUTCHES/MOT’SFREE COLLECTIONS

DIAGNOSTICSBrakes, Servicing, Repairs

Class 4, 5, & 7 Mot’sALL PREBOOKED MOT’S

£25CAR & VAN RENTAL AVAILABLESame Day 0151 933 8812Berry St Bootle L20 8AT

GEARBOXESREPAIRS SPARES & RECONS.We also carry a large stock of

used gearboxes0151 726 1777

CLUTCHES − M.O.T.’sFULLY GUARANTEED0151 228 173107521 770587(evg)333A PRESCOT RD, L13(next to Stanley Abattoir)

EUROCLUTCH CLUTCHESBest prices. Fully guaranteed

25 Dublin St L3 7DT0151 236 4079

KENSINGTON CLUTCH &GEARBOX

Fully guaranteed.Unit 2, Keble Street,Kensington L6 1NF.

0151 263 5669

MULTISERVESALES & SERVICES

MOT Testing Cars & Vans £35Car & Van Servicing

& all repairsPunctures * Tyres * Tracking

Unit 2a Cusson Rd KnowsleyInd Est Kirkby L33 7BY

0151 548 6825

SAAB/VOLVO Sales/ServiceMerseyswede. 0151 525 6545

MOBILE AUTO ELECTRICS 7DAYS 0151 263 4919

MOBILE CAR SERVICESrepairs diagnostics brakes etc,non starts.Bill 0151 521 5262

MOBILE REPAIRS Servicing,brakes, diagnostics. Est 30 yrs07850 742 042 Allen

CARTUNE Crypton Tune ABS/engine/airbag diagnostics nonstart mobile 0151 236 0597

WESTONS WINDSCREENSSide windows & rear screens, allcars, taxi’s & vans, new &secondhand, mobile fitting. AshRd, Seaforth, L21 2PY. 0151928 7770.

FORD TRANSIT HIGH TOP Preg, 2.5 diesel, tax and tested,4 extra tyres, new clutch andspare parts £950 ono. 01519240972 or 07845 440496

CHEAP TRANSITS Panel vans,Tippers, Dropsides & Box vans.Call 0151 933 9994

VAUXHALLCOMBO

1.7 DTi, Diesel Van, 03 reg,Tax & Mot, roof rack, ready

for work, high mileagehence price

£1,100

07850 832371

CommercialVehicles

Vehicle Security

WINDOW TINTING specialist.Car alarms 07990 630 194

SAY YOU SAWIT IN THE ECHO

SAY YOU SAWIT IN THE ECHO

7Friday, March 2, 2012

FORD FINESSE Estate 1.6.Six months’ MOT; two months’tax. 62,636 miles. £600 ono.Tel. (0151) 252 2277 (WestDerby).

ESTABLISHED 1972 - BUY WITH CONFIDENCE0151-228 0112

327/331 EAST PRESCOT ROAD, KNOTTY ASH, LIVERPOOL L14 2DDwww.smallwoodcarsales.co.uk

CARSBOUGHT

FORCASH

CLOSEDSUNDAYS

TOP PART EXCHANGE ALLOWANCE OR DISCOUNTS

SMALLWOODTHE SPECIALISTS IN THE FINEST QUALITY LOW MILEAGE, PRIVATELY OWNED VEHICLES

59 FOCUS 1.6 TITANIUM 5 dr, met grey,alloys, PAS, air con, 25,000 miles............................................................£8,995

09 NEW VAUXHALL AGILA 1.2 5DRDESIGN red, Aircon, alloys, CD, PAS,13,000 miles...............................£6,795

58 HONDA JAZZ 1.4 SE silver, a/c, alloys,CD, PAS, 32,000 miles ..............£6,995

08 FIESTA 1.4 ZETEC 5dr silver, alloys,CD, PAS, 9,000 miles ................£5,795

08 FORD FIESTA GHIA 1.4 5 dr, met blue,PAS, Aircon, alloys, leather........£5,995

08 PEUGEOT 308 1.6 SPORT 5dr, silver,PAS, a/c, alloys, CD, cruise control,32,000 miles...............................£5,995

57 CHEVROLET LACETTI 1.6 SX ESTATEMet Black, alloys, aircon, CD, PAS, roofrails, 48,000 miles ......................£3,995

57 NISSAN NOTE 1.4 ACCENTA-R black,a/c, alloys, 34,000 miles............£5,495

57 ASTRA 1.4 SXi, 5dr, metro blue met,alloys, Aircon, 34,000 miles.......£5,495

57 PROTON GEN2 1.6 GLS 5dr, blazered, PAS, CD, alloys, air conm CD, oneowner, 34,000 miles...................£3,495

57 CORSA 1.2 CLUB, panther black met,aircon, CD, PAS .........................£4,995

58 NEW MONDEO 2.0 TDCi ZETECsilver, climate, CD, privacy glass,alloys, PAS, 38,000 miles....... £8,995

08 ZAFFIRA 1.9 CDTi BREEZE, silver,PAS, alloys, a/c, rear privacy glass,CD, 31,000 miles.................... £7,995

08 CORSA 1.3 CDTi blue met, PAS,elec windows, CD, low road tax,35,000 miles ...........................£5,995

57 JAGUAR X TYPE 2.0 DIESEL-S metblack, PAS, climate, CD, alloys, halfleather, cruise .........................£5,995

57 VW POLO 1.4 TDi S 5dr, met blue,Aircon, CD, PAS, alloys, 39,000 miles................................................£6,495

05 PEUGEOT PARTNER QUICKSILVER2.0 HDi PAS, elec windows, roofrailing, CD............................... £3,995

AUTOMATICS07 SKODA OCTAVIA 2.0 AMBIENTE auto,

5 dr, forest green met, a/c, alloys,21,000 miles................................£7,495

55 VOLVO V70 2.4 DIESEL ESTATEAUTO, met grey, PAS, leather, air con,alloys, CD, 50,000 miles.............£8,495

08 FORD FUSION 1.4 ZETEC CLIMATEblack, alloys, a/c, 23,000 miles..£5,995

Y RENAULT SCENIC 1.6 AUTOEXPRESSION elec sunroof, PAS,Aircon, 6 disc CD, 55,000 miles.£1,995

DIESELS 07 VAUXHALL ASTRA 1.4 SXi, 3drcoupe, panacotta met, alloys, Aircon,one owner, 44,000 miles............£5,795

56 NISSAN MICRA 1.2S 3dr, brigade red,PAS, CD, elec windows, central locking,28,000 miles...............................£3,795

56 PEUGEOT 206 1.4 VERVE SW5dr, Met grey, alloys, Aircon,CD, PAS, 19,000 miles ..............£4,495

06 NISSAN PRIMERA 1.8 FLARE 5 dr,met blue, a/c, alloys, 42,000 miles, oneowner..........................................£4,295

05 SEAT LEON 1.6 SX, 5dr, red, PAS,alloys, Aircon, 34,000 miles.......£3,495

54 PEUGEOT 206 1.4 ZEST 2 5dr, silver,PAS, a/c, CD, elec windows, centrallocking, 52,000 miles.................£3,295

04 FORD FIESTA 1.25 LX, 5dr, met black,PAS, CD, air con. 37,000 miles.£3,295

MUST BE SEENW FORD FIESTA 1.25 LX silver, heated

front screen, PAS, Aircon, elecwindows, 1 owner, 8,000 miles.£1,995

CONVERTIBLE55 PEUGEOT 307cc 2.0s CONVERTIBLE,

neysha blue met, PAS, climate, alloys,CD, elec roof, 32,000 miles.......£5,495

05 MEGANE CC 1.6 DYNAMIQUEconvertible, sahara gold, air con, CD,alloys, panoramic roof ...............£3,995

SOLDSOLD

SOLD

Cars For Sale

Cars For Sale

Driving Tuition

HILCREST S.O.M

SPECIAL OFFER First 2 les-sons £9 each, Fully QualifiedADI instructor, Discounts forstudents and unemployed,

Ring 0151 525 2234

07983865201

BILL TURTON SOM Lessonsfrom £10. Crash courses avail-able 07957 731911

AMAZING OFFER 3 x OneHour Driving Lessons. JUST£35.www.skillsdeals.comPASSRITE 1st 6 lessons £10each 07949 767684

1ST 4 LESSONS £10 each.07788 460506

KEARNS SOM Excellent passrate 0151 477 0021

Spares

USED CAR SPARES Al lmakes 0151 933 1994

Caravans /Motorhomes / Tents

WILLOUGHBYRICHMOND

2006, disabled access,excellent condition, 3 bed, 1en suite, central heating, onLakeland Leisure (Haven),

Lakeland Park, in quietcorner, full facilities on site,pool, club house etc, site

fees paid for 2012

£19,50007810 510038

Make your booking online at: www.newmarket.travel/lpe16636

A behind-the-scenes walking tour,coach-inclusive 2 day breakDeparts 21 April, 30 June, 25 August & 13 October ‘12 (kids £99)Opening in Spring 2012, this not-to-be-missed behind-the-scenes studio walking tour is one ofthe most exciting visitor attractions to have opened in years, and an absolute ‘must-see, must-do’ for Harry Potter fans everywhere! Don’t miss this fantastic chance to be one of the first toexperience the authentic sets, props, costumes and special effects of the most successful filmseries of all time.Price includes:• Return coach travel• One night’s bed and continental breakfast accommodation in a good standard hotel in the Greater

London/Heathrow area• Entrance to Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - the Making of Harry Potter• A visit to Royal Windsor• The services of a Tour Manager

One of the most exciting visitor attractions to have opened in years!

For further information or to make a booking: 0844 391 2170BROUGHT TO YOU BY: TRINITY MIRROR NORTH WEST AND NORTH WALES IN CONJUNCTION WITH: NEWMARKET PROMOTIONSLTD. ABTA V787X. 0844 CALLS COST 4p PER MIN. TM & © 2011 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Harry Potter Publishing Rights © JKR.

readertravelholidays.com

Adults from£119.00for 2 days

quotingcode LPE

Opening Spring 2012Secrets will be revealed!

Make your booking online at: www.newmarket.travel/lpe

Easter on theEnglish Riviera

Head to the beautiful English Riviera and have an Easter to remember!Enjoy some sea air, visit the ancient market town of Moretonhampsteadset amid the wild beauty of Dartmoor, and spend time exploring historicExeter and naval Dartmouth with its bustling harbour and narrow streets.Price includes:• Return coach travel• Three nights’ dinner, bed and English breakfast accommodation in a

family owned and managed hotel in Torbay• A short tour of Dartmoor and visit to Moretonhampstead• Visits to Dartmouth, Exeter and Bath• The services of a Tour ManagerSingle supplement applies

6 April 2012

To make a booking Call: 0844 391 2170 quoting code LPEBROUGHT TO YOU BY: TRINITY MIRROR NORTH WEST AND NORTH WALESIN CONJUNCTION WITH: NEWMARKET PROMOTIONS LTD. ABTA V787X. 0844 CALLS COST 4p PER MIN.

from£195.00for 4 days

Best of theWest End by Rail

Our superb value theatre-inclusive rail breaks give you the opportunity ofseeing a top West End show, plus two nights in a choice of hotels in theheart of London! Choose from Mamma Mia!, The Lion King, Billy Elliot theMusical, The Phantom of the Opera, The Wizard of Oz, Legally Blonde,Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Wicked, We Will Rock You, Chicago, JerseyBoys, Les Miserables, Shrek the Musical, War Horse, Ghost, BloodBrothers,The Woman in Black, Crazy for You and Rock of Ages.Price includes:• Return rail travel• Two night's B&B at the three-star Days Hotel, Waterloo, upgrades

available at a supplement at a choice of four-star central London hotels• An evening ticket from a superb choice of top shows (prices vary

dependent on your choice of show, ticket category, departure date & hotel)Single supplement applies

November 2011 - May 2012

readertravelholidays.com

from£117.00for 2 days

MOTORS Friday, March 2, 20128 ★★★★

roadTEST

with MIKE TORPEY

roadtest

SpecCheck

MOTORS

Long term road test: Part 4

Ford Fiesta Metal

HHeeaavvyymmeettaallmmaaggiicc

GET ready for a blast ofheavy metal thunderfrom Ford’s latestlimited editionsupermini. Because if

ever there was a model born to bewild it’s the new Fiesta Metal.

It has the same 134PS engine asthe S1600 Fiesta of last year andremains the quickest Fiesta modelavailable until the fiery Fiesta STarrives in the autumn.

Though the extra power, 14PS,isn’t huge, it certainly makes adifference as the Metal handleswith real precision and feels like anold fashioned hot hatch.

The sensation from the steeringis sharp, all the important switchesfall easily to hand in time-honouredFiesta fashion and the headlinefigure of 0-62mph in 8.7 secondsfeels quicker than the numbers

suggest.And as the grip of winter shows

no sign of slackening, features likethe QuickClear heated windscreenis a boon on icy mornings.

Visually, the Metal really looksthe business with its chrome twinexhaust pipes, silver-painted frontgrille surround, front aerofoil andfront fog light bezels.

Sports tuning with lowered rideheight, a rear spoiler and 17-inchblack alloys mark the Metal out as a

proper sports model, especiallywith the Panther Black paint job.

Continuing the black themeinside, there’s a piano black centrestack, air vent rings and door pulls,plus ebony leather sports seats withsilver contrast stitching and floormats with silver piping.

A mark of just how highly themetal is regarded comes courtesy ofa Performance Cars of the Year pollwhich saw the Fiesta rank seventh,rated higher than entries fromBentley, Porsche, Aston Martin,Maserati and Lotus.

It was also the least expensive ofthe 30 finalists at £15,695, or £16,165if you want metallic paint.

Standard spec includes electronicstability programme, home safeheadlights, electric power steering,Intelligent Protection System, front,side and knee airbags and anti-lock

brakes with EBD.Factor in that the latest

generation is not only the moststylish yet, but also boasts morespace than any of its predecessors,with big car refinement too, and the

Fiesta’s appeal speaks for itself.All in all, the Metal’s a real fun

car that beckons the driver tosqueeze the best out of it. Just don’texpect to get the official averagefuel return of 47.9 miles per gallon.

BORN TO BE WILD: The Ford Fiesta Metal remains the quickest Fiesta model available until the Fiesta ST arrives in the autumn Info from Fairway Ford, Fazakerley. Tel: 0151 521 4014

MAKE: FordMODEL Fiesta MetalENGINE: 1.6-litre Duratec petrolPOWER: 134PS at 6,700rpmPERFORMANCE: 0-62 in 8.7secs, top speed 120mphECONOMY: 47.9mpg CombinedCO2 EMISSIONS: 139g/kmBiK RATING: 17%INSURANCE: Group 17PRICE: £15,695 on the road

WHAT’S HOT: Pace, handlingand street style – especially thosegloss black wheelsWHAT’S NOT: Price tag

RATINGS (out of five):LOOKS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5EQUIPMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4RIDE AND HANDLING . . . . . . . . 5PERFORMANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4VALUE FOR MONEY . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Renault Scenic1.6Dynamique TomTomdCi130Stop&StartOUR closest relatives in the animalkingdom are clearly still evolving at a quitefrightening rate – as anyone who has paid avisit to a safari park will no doubt confirm.

Of course we all ignore the bold signthat warns in large capital lettersBABOONS CAN DAMAGE YOUR CARand egged on by the kids we whizzstraight past the vehicle-friendly routeand plunge headlong into the breach.

The apes lie in wait, telepathicallypassing make, model and registrationnumber details to others further alongthe route. They know which ones havethe easiest doors to open, can seemingly

recognise makes of roof box and can picka lock quicker than a master safe-cracker.

We’re talking a highly organised andcomplex social group here, oneparticularly adept at rendering caraerials useless within seconds, strippingthe rubber from wiper blades andremoving windscreen washer jet hubs inthe blink of an eye.

Terrific fun for the collection of urchinsin the car, who beseech you to go backfor a second circuit – until a spot checkreveals you’ve only got half a car left.

In the course of new car assessment –why else – the Renault Scenic braved theplanet of the apes, and did indeed stopand start a fair bit.

But this car has impressed since dayone and as we passed frustrated parentsattaching wheel trim and assessing tyrepressure, I was able to motor happilyhome with no damage bar hand andfootprints on the windows and roof.

The engine, Renault’s 1.6 dCi 130‘Energy’ unit, was initially only availablein Scenic and seven-seat Grand Scenicmodels, but has since been extended toMegane models.

It is heralded as offering the lowestemissions plus best fuel economy andperformance of any MPV powered by asimilar sized engine in the UK, and is aquiet unit mated to a six-speed manualgearbox with smooth acceleration.

You also get a boot that’s 10 per centlarger than the previous Scenic, whilesafety features include six airbags, largedisc brakes all round and ABS withelectronic brakeforce distribution.

Dynamique Tom Tom spec includes a5.8-inch colour screen satnav, which alsogives traffic info, speed camera locationsand points of interest – like safari parks!