♦ 68 Clitheroe Advertiser &Times, Thursday, November 29th, 2007 hillendale.co.uk motorstoday.co.uk


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Supermini: Winner - Vauxhall Corsa range


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a Vauxhall Corsa, but that is exactly what has happened - and the decision was not even that close. It is a cut-throat market, and while


of Corsa J


the Corsa covered all the bases ade­ quately there was just too much excel­ lence among the opposition to make it stand out. Something needed to be done, but


rather than play a conservative hand, Vauxhall, for the very first time, set out to endow the Corsa with some genuine flair. No longer just a shopping trolley,


the Corsa now has real impact. The front end features a deep Vauxhall V- grille with aggressive air intakes under the bumper and a pair of headlamps that smear back along the wings. Bigger than the model it replaces,


the Corsa shares a platform with Fiat's Grande Punto, the benefit of a


UST two years ago, we would never have guessed the Renault Clio would have been deposed by


rather complicated relationship between Fiat and General Motors that is too convoluted to go into here. Suffice to say, you may be remind­


ed of the pretty Fiat when you spot the window by the A-pillar and the rather unconventional door outlines. Climb inside and, if you are used to


the Astra, you will feel immediately at home here. The quality of materials used is leagues ahead of the old Corsa, and like the Astra there is the bullet­ proof feeling of build quality that is as good as anything in the sector. Just about the only criticism of the


Astra’s interior was that, although well built, it did not offer a whole lot of slick design to catch the eye. The Corsa changes that particular script with translucent ambient lighting on the centre console switchgear, one of


those “surprise and delight” features that adds the showroom wow-factor. The round air vents and big satellite


navigation screen (available on high specification cars only) give the Corsa’s dashboard a far more modem, integrated look than the somewhat piecemeal integration of technology of the old car. Other smart ideas include “chameleon-style” Velcro and zip-off dashboard and trim parts that can be changed to alter the personality of the Corsa's cabin. Four petrol engines and two diesels


make the starting line up. First up on the petrol menu is a 1.0-litre power plant that is targeted at city users, then there are some rather more ver­ satile 1.2-litre and 1.4-litre units. Also available is the 197 b.h.p. l.G-litre VXR variant that certainly gives the


equally powerful Clio Renaultsport 197 and Honda Civic Type-R some­ thing to think about. Able to hit 60 m.p.h. in 6.8 seconds and with a 140 m.p.h. top speed, this is the first Corsa to really appeal to hardcore car enthu­ siasts rather than pimply teens. No modem supermini can get by without a decent diesel engine and Vauxhall, fortunately, has two at its disposal. The 123 b.h.p. 1.7-litre diesel will spearhead the line up, with a budget 1.3-litre CDTi acting as the entry level option in either 75 or 90 b.h.p. guises. If you are looking for a big car feel


in the supermini class, you cannot do any better than the Corsa. At a time when downsizing is an increasingly popular option, it is why the Vauxhall retains its title and with some ease.


dealeraralile


over four decades. Based in Burnley Road, Accrington, near to Junction 8 of the M65, Accrington Garages is renowned for commit­ ment to unrivalled, excellent customer care. Owner Wal Singh has been a t the helm for


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the past 15 years and has worked hard to fos­ te r expertise with out losing the personal touch. He says: “The whole ethos of our business is


customer care, coupled with a personal, friend­ ly service. This has resulted in us growing from strength to strength over the years.” The sales department, headed by general


sales manager Moni Singh, offers brand new Vauxhall cars, Network Q used cars, a Mota- bility specialist and Vauxhall Leasing. “Watching your customers drive away with


a huge smile on their faces and a great sense of satisfaction is what it's all about. We pride ourselves on delivering great customer care as well as the best deals around,” he says. Moni adds: “We think our current deals are


our best yet, with offers such as one year’s free insurance from 19 years or 0% finance, as well as enormous cash discounts off RRP.”


AMILY-RUN Vauxhall dealership Accrington Garages has been supplying Vauxhalls across Lancashire for well


Hot hatchback: Winner-


Renault M egan e Renaultsport 230 F1 team R26 range


road test Winning


at a car that is something quite out of the ordi­ nary. We have already seen the Renault Megane


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Renaultsport 225 FI Team model th a t was launched to celebrate Renault's 2005 FI tri­ umph, and the R26 is a progression from that - albeit with some key modifications. Power is paramount in the world of the per­


formance hatchback. Even if it is extremely ill- advised, most buyers would quite like more of it. Renault has obliged in the case of the R26, boosting the output of the 2.0-litre 16-valve turbo-charged engine from 225 b.h.p. in the standard Renaultsport models to 230 b.h.p. This has been achieved via a modified sports


exhaust system that sounds particularly gruff under full-boar acceleration and tweaks to the engine mapping. Torque is also increased from 300Nm to 310Nm, with 90% of that maximum


HE Renault Megane Renaultsport 230 FI Team R26 may not tiptoe elegantly off the tongue, but all those letters hint


output available between 2,000 and 6,000 r.p.m. I t is this characteristic that best defines the Megane Renaultsport engine, because despite its forced induction set-up it pulls strongly through a vast swathe of the rev range. The chassis on the R26 has not escaped atten­


tion. Stiffer springs firm-up the suspension, while smaller bump stops help increase damper travel to enhance composure over poorer road surfaces of the kind that are so commonplace around the UK. The anti-roll bar on the R26 is a beefier item, as are the 312mm Brembo brakes with their four-pot callipers. The most intriguing inclusion on the R26


Megane is that of a limited slip differential to help it deploy all that power through the front wheels.


The differential can divert torque away from a wheel tha t is loosing traction, so that the


BRAND NEW CORSA BREEZE NEW CORSA SXi CORSA DESIGN OBIG SAVINGS N NEW UNREGISTERED m 7 FREE INSURANCE 19+ SAVE £1,295 £7,995 SAVE £1,305 s 1 Air-con | Electric windows | Alloy wheels Alloy wheels | Sports seats | Front fog lights Alloy wheels | Part leather seats | Air- £8,995 SAVE £1,305 £8M


Right now, we're offering Vauxhall models at prices with big, big savings. Whatever model you're looking for, you'll be able to pick up a real bargain. Call into our showroom for a chat about our generous offers.


•Free insurance subject to terms and conditions. Prices shown ore on-lhe-road and include any customer savings. Savings shown based on RRP. Cars For illustration purposes only. Offers available for orders placed u until 4 December 2007


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............ a s s e s s A w w w .i lk itc l ie i i .G O .u k Kitchens


We are currently able to offer a selection of unregistered vehicles which offer BIC SAVINGS when compared to the ‘Manufacturers Recommended Retail Price.


We guarantee that they are all brand new, meaning that you'll be the genuine first owner!


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chance of wheelspin is lessened and forward progress is better maintained.


Renault has done a comprehensive job of


upping the ante with the R26 model and it has also taken steps to make it obvious that this is not your run-of-the-mill Megane. The che­ quered Renault FI Team logo appears on the bumpers and doors and you can even have the decals on the roof if you want them, at no extra charge. The 18 in. Anthracite alloy wheels tally with the metallic colour of the door mirrors and if you peer through the spokes, you'll spot the red brake callipers. The car is available in the Liquid Yellow


metallic paint which once graced the bodywork of the Clio Renaultsport V6. Quite capable of embarrassing far more expensive sports cars, the Megane has revolutionised the hot hatch sector. Drive it at ten-tenths and you will see why.


dealer motile


Burnley, is certainly setting high standards within the local area.


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HEN it comes to combining quality with value for money and quality of service with customer satisfaction, Kitchens of Trafalgar Street,


As one of the longest established motor dealer groups


b.h.p. Dynamique, a small car that is big on performance. With a saving of over £1,200, this is a model that contin­ ues to attract attention from buyers who recognise the style and value that it provides. Kitchens company director David Blackadder is proud


of the reputation that his family business has for provid­ ing customers with the highest levels of customer service and value for money. He said: “We have been established in Burnley for many years, providing Renaults to several generations of the same families. They recognise the value of what we provide and I am delighted to be able to reward their support through the offers that we are able to provide.” For details of all offers visit wsvw.dkitchen.co.uk


Kitchens, which is a family-owned business, prides itself on providing local motorists with the best models at the best possible prices. The offer currently available on the Renault Megane sport R26 is certainly no exception. With a saving of over £2,750 available, you can view the R26 in Kitchens showroom, where members of the team will be happy to demonstrate the full range to you. Also in the showroom is the Renault Clio 1.2 TCE100


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0 7 - 5 7 R e n a u l t S p o r t M e g a n e 2 3 0 R 2 6


Includes Metallic Paint, Xenon Headlamps


B l a c k (o n l y )


List P rice £20,720 Ou r P rice £17,994


0 7 - 5 7 R E N A U L T C L IO 1.2 T C E


l O O B H P d y n a m i q u e 3 d r S i l v e r


(OTHER COLOURS AVAILABLE) Includes Metallic paint


LIST PRICE £11,200 Our Price £9,994


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