24 DUNDRUM gazette 4 April 2013
Gazette
MOTORS OUT&ABOUT road NOISE More efficient and better equipped volkswagen: The new Golf 1.4 ACT TSI Highline 140bhp
Ford launches the new Fiesta ST
The new Ford Fiesta ST is Ford’s fastest and most dynamic small production performance car ever, employing a precision-tuned and driver-focused powertrain and chassis to deliver the ultimate Fiesta driving experience. Developed by Ford Team RS, the European arm of Ford Motor Company’s Global Performance Vehicle group, the new Fiesta ST is equipped with a 1.6-litre ecoboost petrol engine to achieve 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds and offer 182 PS and 240 nm of torque. Top speed is 220 km/h. Ford Team RS tuned the powertrain, suspension, steering and brakes for optimised driving dynamics; and introduced features only previously found in larger performance cars – including enhanced torque vectoring control (eTVC) and three-mode electronic stability control (ESC), six-speed manual transmission and rear disc brakes. Everyday practicality is underlined by fuel efficiency of 5.9 l/100 km and 138 g/km CO2 – a 20 per cent emissions reduction compared with the previous generation Fiesta ST, though it produces almost 20 per cent more power than the first-generation model’s 2.0-litre engine. The new Fiesta ST features a large trapezoidal grille with a unique honeycomb construction and dramatic rear diffuser element. The refined high-contrast interior is equipped with Recaro seats, and a new sound symposer channels the engine note to the cabin to ensure the distinctive engine roar is integral to the driving experience. Electronically-optimised enhanced chassis eTVC applies brake force to the inside front wheel of the Fiesta ST when cornering to improve road holding and reduce understeer without affecting speed. New software controls the Fiesta ST’s balance in response to steering inputs under acceleration and braking – and ESC offers full system intervention; wide-slip mode with limited intervention; and full ESC deactivation. Electronic power assisted steering offers a sharper steering ratio of 13.69:1 and a shorter steering arm for a more direct response. The Fiesta ST debuts rear disc brakes on the Fiesta platform and introduces a larger tandem brake master cylinder that boosts braking performance.
The Fiesta ST
n Cormac Curtis
I recently took the 1.4TSI ACT Highline spec Golf with 140bhp for a week-long road test. The test model I drove may have had enough poke to leave me with a grin as wide as O’Connell Bridge, but its fuel efficiency betrayed its boyracer appeal. This is thanks to VW’s active cylinder technology, or ACT. This helps to create an extremely efficient engine capable of 4.7 l/100km (combined cycle) and 109 g/km thanks to the ability to deactivate the central two cylinders under light loads. This makes it 23% more efficient than the equivalent engine in the previous version of the Golf. The petrol engine range available for the new Golf starts with a four-cylinder 1.2-litre TSI unit producing 85 bhp, rising via a 1.2-litre TSI 105 bhp up to the all-new 1.4-litre TSI 140 bhp engine with the active cylinder technology mentioned above.
The two diesel engines at launch are a 1.6-litre TDI 105 bhp and a new 2.0-litre TDI 150 bhp unit. Both feature the latest common rail diesel technology for maximum efficiency. All new Golf models – both diesel and petrol – come with a Stop/Start system as standard, along with battery regeneration. A 90bhp diesel will follow in Q2 of 2013. On Trendline models, the standard composition colour system includes a five-inch colour touchscreen, FM/AM radio as well as eight speakers (front and rear) and a CD drive (MP3 compatible). The CD drive is located in the glovebox along with the SD card slot. It’s the host of other features that sometimes makes road testing a car that bit more difficult – in this case, I find myself thinking of the features that I could do without to bring down the price a bit (I’ll get to the price later), but, at the same time I know that it is often the sum of the parts that make this particular model so
The Golf is a stunningly well built and beautifully designed car
thoroughly enjoyable. Let’s start with what’s included in the highline spec. There is the impressive 5.8” composition media radio with TFT display and Bluetooth connectivity; climatic air conditioning; electric windows front and rear; electronic parking brake with autohold function; cruise control; sport seats with lumbar support, front; front fog lamps including static cornering lamp; fatigue detection;
SIMI Motor Industry Awards Denning’s Cars win the coveted Bodyshop of the Year award local business Denning’s Cars have won the nationwide award of Bodyshop of the Year at the recent SIMI Motor Industry Awards in association with Castrol and attended by Niall Quinn (right). Denning’s are a bodyshop repair specialist which are approved by major brands such as BMW/Mini, Mercedes-Benz and Honda, whilst also being the chosen repair centre for many major insurers. Pat Denning started the business in the 1960s and since then, Pat and three of his children have grown the business from strength to strength. For more information visit www.dennings.ie or www.facebook.com/denningscars
ESP (electronic stability programme) including multiple impact braking. Phew! I would say that for such a generous supply of kit, the highline spec Golf is definitely good value for money. But the model I was driving had even more tasty treats, such as the sport pack that included 17” “Madrid” alloy wheels and 65% light absorbing tinted rear windows; it had a winter pack, a Dis-
cover pro’ navigation system, park assist including park distance control, premium multi-function display, adaptive cruise control with front assist, lane assist including dynamic light assist, xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights. But these options alone came to an extra €6,336. Which would make the beautiful Golf that I drove cost a whopping €33,081. The moral of the story is – do your homework.