Volkswagen Group automaker SEAT has put a price on its new SEAT Exeo sedan in the UK, which will come in 7 variants with 3 engines, two diesels and one petrol. The entire range is turbocharged, with the 2.0 liter TDI diesel coming in 2 power outputs - 143 PS and 170 PS. The sole petrol engine is the nice 2.0 liter TSI engine with 200 PS.

The Exeo starts at £17,740.00 OTR including VAT and other misc charges for the SEAT Exeo S 2.0 TDI model, all the way up to £21,340.00 OTR for the SE Lux 2.0 TDI model with 170 PS of power. The only variant with the 2.0 TSI engine is the SEAT Exeo Sport 2.0 TSI priced at £19,410.00. All models are equipped with a 6-speed manual.

* SEAT Exeo S 2.0 TDI 143 PS - £17,740.00
* SEAT Exeo SE 2.0 TDI 143 PS - £18,345.00
* SEAT Exeo Sport 2.0 TDI 143 PS - £19,230.00
* SEAT Exeo SE Lux 2.0 TDI 143 PS - £20,410.00
* SEAT Exeo Sport 2.0 TDI 170 PS - £20,160.00
* SEAT Exeo SE Lux 2.0 TDI 170 PS - £21,340.00
* SEAT Exeo Sport 2.0 TSI 200 PS - £19,410.00

SEAT is the only brand of the entire Volkswagen Group that is not here in Malaysia - Volkswagen, Skoda, Audi, Lamborghini and even Porsche are all here, but if you’re still interested in the B7 Audi A4 I heard there’s still a few Quattro units from Euromobil. The rest of the world (well, Europe at least) can buy a brand new one with a SEAT badge.

Popularity: 1% [?]

There are certain things that arouse the emotional bond between the sports car and the auto fanatics. Driving excitement and appearance are that sets the sports car apart from all the rest. The sports cars appearance is important especially to men; making the one reason the sports car is so popular.

Sports car enthusiasts tend to bond with each other in clubs, talking, and exchanging ideas. As a result they can spend a substantial amount of spare time engrossed with their sports car.

There is in fact, something in sports cars that causes drivers to have a unique attraction and attachment to vehicles, making them very popular among the many vehicles on the market.

Others say that sports cars are toys for the ‘big boys’. Studies do show that sports cars are a popular hobby of many men and they often occupy the time, as well as the hearts, of many fans.

Here are reasons why they are popular:

1. Sports cars are popular because they are symbolic. Sports cars are considered a source independence or freedom. Drivers are no more hindered by the limitations and inadequacy of conventional cars and are able to have a flexible and free life manoeuvring and tackling elements on the road with ease. This perception of freedom makes the sports car popular.

2. Sports cars today are popular because of their ‘innovative technology’. People are essentially attracted to technological progress; sports cars are a moving combination of technical and mechanical expertise.

Sports cars are considered by auto fans to be a complete package of technological advancement; from compact but robust engines to aerodynamic tailoring, sport cars symbolize the frontier of industrial design. Read the rest of this entry »

Popularity: 2% [?]

Mercedes-Benz continues its long tradition of producing legendary sports cars with the launch of the new-generation Mercedes-Benz SL-Class in Spring 2008. The world’s most successful premium roadster in its class features a new design with the emphasis firmly on sportiness and effortless assurance. These traits are also reflected in the handling qualities of the two-seater model, which now delivers even more athletic performance thanks to the new direct-steer system as well as offering enhanced comfort and safety.

The Mercedes-Benz SL 350 is powered by a newly developed, extremely high-revving sports engine boasting an impressive output of 232 kW/316 hp yet returns a fuel consumption figure that is 0.4 litres per 100 kilometres lower than that of its predecessor (NEDC). The Mercedes sports car extends its lead in the safety stakes courtesy of bi-xenon headlamps, included as standard, and the Intelligent Light System whose light functions are designed specifically for typical driving situations. In addition, SL passengers are kept informed and entertained by the standard-fit COMAND multimedia system, which has also been fully redeveloped and features additional functions.

The new-generation Mercedes-Benz SL caps a glorious history of Mercedes sports cars, which began in 1954 with the introduction of the legendary Mercedes-Benz 300 SL ‘Gullwing’, followed in 1957 by the launch of the first SL Roadster. To date, the Stuttgart manufacturer has produced a total of over 630,000 SL sports cars.
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Popularity: 2% [?]

The Honda Element was designed with active people in mind, and to that end was simple and inexpensive, with a spacious, accessible, and easy-to-clean interior. “Active lifestyle” people are more likely to spend their discretionary income on their active pursuits than their cars, after all.

Pros: Extremely functional, solid construction, good gas mileage for a roomy SUV
Cons: Gas Mileage is worse than expected

The 2008 Honda Element represents the sixth year of this small SUV’s model cycle. Although Honda’s funkiest vehicle has aged well, we’d also suggest checking out newer rivals like the Scion xB and Toyota FJ Cruiser, both of which make more of a styling statement these days. In addition, the Scion has a much lower price tag and is apt to be a bigger draw for twenty-somethings paying off college loans. Practical-minded shoppers would also be wise to investigate the Element’s more conventional competition, including the Ford Escape, Jeep Patriot, Mitsubishi Outlander, Toyota RAV4 and even Honda’s own CR-V. Their normal doors make entry/exit an easier affair, and all of them have an extra fifth seat (and in a few cases, a sixth and seventh) and a longer list of available amenities. Some also offer V6 engines with considerably more power than the Element’s four-cylinder.

You can checkout the 2008 Honda Element reviews at thecarconnection.com for more. They give more details on honda element reviews and you can get more pictures there

Popularity: 5% [?]