9 NOVEMBER 2009
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More of the same
Captain Walsh soldiers on
2009 Show
Ibis Belfast city centre
A close neighbour
Premium check-in area
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VOLVO C30 1.6D SE STOP + START
Every Little Helps - a Lot!
Volvo have produced a stylish hatch back
Clearly there are some more practical and roomier rivals, particularly when it comes to the rear accommodation. The limited luggage space is also compromised by both the high floor/tight aperture. 50/50 split folding rear seats can at least provides for say three adults and luggage.
Having re-established these factors the big news is that Volvo has recently seriously enhanced this car’s environmental status by the addition of a version equipped with the latest Stop and Start technology. And it is no gimmick!
The test example employed a similar mechanical package as my earlier test car, i.e. a 1.6-litre turbo diesel engine producing a useful 107.5 bhp and delivering the business through a five-speed manual gearbox but where that earlier car returned a range of about 565 miles between fuel stops this one, provided the system was fully exploited, could return up to a massive 857 miles!
What is more Volvo claim a 74.3 mpg combined fuel cycle and exemption from the dreaded Vehicle Excise Duty thanks to a sub 100 g/km figure.
However, nothing comes to he or she who does not deserve it and one has to ensure that the gear lever is in neutral when stationary to make the engine switch off. As soon as a gear is engaged the engine re-starts so the real bonus is gained by those who literally spend a lot of driving time in stop-start conditions rather than cruising the motorways. You do your bit and this car will do its.
Initially I found the situation a bit uncanny but with experience of this a Stop + Start systems on Audi, Toyota and Citroen cars I am getting accustomed to the way of life. I now hope that the car in front of me is also so equipped enabling me to benefit from the elimination of exhaust fumes when stuck in a jam.
That’s the bonus, the free lunch, the real benefit for a car that costs only about £1,500 more than the standard version.
As far as overall performance goes this 1.6SE turbo diesel version is probably sufficient for most drivers in the market sector, providing a claimed top speed of 118 mph with 62 mph (100 kph) reached in an acceptable 11.9 seconds allied to a frugal fuel consumption potential. I also found that the diesel unit proved quieter than the 1.6-litre petrol powered entry level version.
At the wheel I felt relaxed appreciating the comfortable driving position, the smart and logical fascia with its clear to see 4-dial instrumentation and a control layout proving every bit as good as the larger Volvos.
My comfort was achieved by a good combination of an adjustable lumber support, a tilt and reach adjustable steering column and good pedal spacing (but no footrest). Visibility from the driving seat is actually much better than the average hatch back.
The C30 is an entertaining drive thanks to good/light feel through the controls, a suspension system that takes variable road surfaces in its stride and also generates strong road grip, an insulated ride and effective braking qualities. Perhaps not that sporty a drive but immensely competent.
The basic car comes well equipped with items like alloy wheels, climate control air conditioning (with innovative carbon monoxide sensing/avoidance intake system), 4-speaker CD system automatic headlamp levelling and home safe lighting etc, the SE adds bigger wheels, automatic rain sensor windscreen wipers, steering wheel mounted audio controls and a rear spoiler etc.
Finish is to a very high standard, the test car featuring part leather trim and the interior trim features tasteful good quality materials while the build quality, as ever with a Volvo, should ensure long survival of the both car and its occupants.
Currently most of the car news is about electrically powered or hybrid models and probably this Stop and Start technology may be an interim phase but the fact it is here now and can deliver good results under the right conditions.
Other Stop + Start Contenders: Toyota Auris 1.3 TR Stop + Start £14,565, Citroen C2 Stop + Start ££11,156, Audi A5 Cabriolet 2.0 TFSI Stop + Start £30,880
STAR RATINGS
Performance 9
Handling 8
Transmission 8
Noise 9
Economy 10
Ride and Comfort 8
Accommodation 9
Styling 9
Brakes 9
Finish 9
TOTAL: 88%
Price: From £ 19,710
IN BRIEF
BMW: The BMW730Ld model has won the Professional Driver magazine’s Chauffeur Car of the Year award, beating rivals from Lexus and Mercedes-Benz. Judges particularly favoured the diesel powered car’s economy at a combined 40.9 mpg.
FORD: A voice control system is now available from as little as £150 on the Ford car range – standard on the top models, optional on the smaller models. The system can operate climate control, audio and satellite navigations systems.
LAMBORGHINI: The exotic Italian car producer has opened a further two dealerships in China, bringing representation to seven outlets.
LEXUS: Production has commenced on a 500-only run of a 575 bhp LFA super car powered by a 4.8-litre V10 engine redlined to an awesome 9,000 rpm and driving the rear wheels via a 6-speed sequential gearbox. UK price will be a massive £336,000.
MAZDA: According to used car evaluations experts CAP, the Mazda MP3 model has scored serious residual values boost of up to £750.
MITSUBISHI: An all-new on-road Crossover vehicle has been announced. Sales are due to begin in Japan in February 2010 and the first European viewing will be at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2010.
NISSAN: Buyers of new Nissan cars, ordered before 31 December 2009 and delivered by 31 March 2010 have been promised to have the impending VAT increase knocked off up to 2.5%.
SKODA: UK sales for the first three quarters of this year topped a recession-busting 25,000 cars and world-wide sales for the same period were 6.5% above those of the same period in 2008.
SUZUKI: A new 3-month deferred payment system has been launched enabling buyers of new models to beat the pending VAT rise due in January.
World Travel Market (WTM) is upon us once again, the 30th manifestation of what now competes with ITB as the world’s senior gathering of the international travel industry.
WTM does have two major advantages over the Berlin event. WTM is in a single building, with a 50% expansion due to open in May 2010.
Its other great benefit is Heathrow, the world’s busiest international airport, although with the present government’s passenger tax policy this may be now short lived. A classic example of how to destroy the goose that laid the golden egg. Ferrovial have not helped although there are some signs that the Spanish owners are beginning to realise British thinking is different to their own.
What is surprising is that British Airways, who must carry a major proportion of incoming visitors to the show and is an important player in the tourist trade, has no visibility at all at Excel.
It is not even possible to physically make a booking or change a flight reservation at the show. Only via internet. Global industry visitors cannot even talk to BA.
Yes it can be argued that a stand or kiosk is not cost effective but somehow BA management must be persuaded that it needs to be seen as part of the marketing/sales battle.
In what is proving to be the longest economic downturn since the end of the Second World War the travel industry somehow remains robust. Not for everyone. IATA continues to publish horrific figures concerning its members and delays to the A380, Boeing Dreamliner, and the A350 may have been bad news for the manufacturers, but in truth was just what the airline doctor ordered.
The (Government inspired?) downward rush of the pound sterling towards parity with the Euro must have an effect on UK outbound traffic for next year, together with the Government’s, already mentioned, very open, theft – officially called APD. At least MPs going abroad on holiday will have to pay it in full, just like the rest of us.
The good news is that inbound business and tourism should do well, but originating traffic from the UK looks to be potentially very weak.
Some 50,000 people will pass through Excel during the next few days. There will be endless announcements, fine entertainment and much liquor consumed. The number of social invitations flowing is easily a record.
If you think that WTM is hard work and much walking, in 2010 it is going to be that much harder!
Well done Reed in assembling the show. Yes there will be problems over the next few days, that is inevitable, but WTM is not just a travel industry gathering but a showcase for London and the United Kingdom. If you are not planning to go, move something in the diary. Visiting Excel this week (up to and including Thursday) will be well worth the effort. You never know who you might meet. www.wtmlondon.com
Malcolm Ginsberg
Editor in Chief
Left to right: Simon Moore (Commercial Manager) & Neill Huston (UK Commercial Director)
Is BusinessFirst set for more awards?
Left to right: Capt Graham Rose, Capt and CEO David Fletcher, Operations Manager and First Officer David Taylor, First Officer and Operations Assistant Danielle Stoney, Airworthiness Manager Colin Campbell, Chief Pilot and Flight Operations Director Gerry Rolls
Would the Eagle remain?
New lounge at Chek Lap
Travelodge seems to be everywhere
Tom Wheatcroft has died at the age of 87 after a long illness. Perhaps not as well known on the international stage as other characters engaged in motor sport, and in particular the world of Formula One, the genial East Midlander will always be associated with Donington Park and his GP collection. A local man, successful in business as a builder, and a keen motor racing enthusiast, he purchased Donnington Park and its motor racing track in 1970. Using his own funds he developed it over the years with the European Grand Prix of 1993, won by Ayrton Senna, perhaps the pinnacle of its fame. The outstanding car in the collection is the blue Rob Walker Lotus 18 in which Stirling Moss won the 1961 Monaco Grand Prix. Also on display is Jim Clark’s championship winning Lotus 25, although there was a dispute with Colin Chapman over this car, said only to be a loan. In more recent times Wheatcroft leased out the circuit to an independent company called Donington Ventures Ltd, whose failure to raise the funds for the 2010 British Grand Prix raises questions over the circuit’s future.
A baby croc caused chaos on a flight to the Egyptian capital Cairo when it escaped from a passenger's luggage, according to airport officials.
Passengers screamed as the crocodile, which was about 20 inches long, scuttled down the cabin before it was captured by crew members.
All passengers on the Egypt Air flight were asked about the reptile, but none owned up to bringing it on board.
The crocodile was handed to local authorities when the plane landed.
Reports said it will be donated to a local zoo.
FROM BBC NEWSROUND
Left to right: Todd Kelman, General Manager of Belfast Giants, Aer Lingus cabin crew member Lauren McGarrigle and Enda Corneille, Aer Lingus Corporate Affairs Director
Aircraft for sale
New security area
Simon Calder
Airports are less busy
O'Leary is going grey
Off to Africa
Aerion SSBJ – Looking for a builder
Sub-orbital RocketPlane
Aerion interior mock-up
Entry Level Jet
Ben Bewsey of Air Partner
Emissions Transfer Scheme
Panellists - l to R David Macdonald, Andy Hoy, Claudio Carmelier, Brian Humphries
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