VW Polo - Enjoy Your New Car

Everyone enjoys a new car. The new car smell, the new car look and even the way a new car drives. One of the newest cars on the market today, is the VW Polo. With today's vehicle crisis, it is a great car to bring some spice to the subcompact car world. This car is sure to be one of the smallest compact cars made at an affordable price. They could not have picked a better time to introduce the car to the U.S. It has been popular in Europe for some time now and about time they added some spice to the U.S. car industry.

The VW Polo has been reincarnated several times. Only this time with the VW logo in front and the best of it's kind. The Polo Blue motion is putting a stop to seeing red at the pumps. It can get anywhere from 60mpg to 70mg which is pretty impressive. It is suppose to be one of the best when it comes to sucking down the fuel. It has longer gear ratios, which helps it consume less fuel.

This car is truly all about efficiency. There are a few different styles of the VW Polo. The Blue motion has been getting great reviews, however unless you pay attention to detail then you may not see much of a difference. Other than it's added blue interior, there are few changes to the style. The front bumper appears to be a bit smoother and the suspension is a tad lower. One of the great features it has is the third door. The hatch back style door is said to make it very versatile for a lot of different people.

Overall, the VW Polo is bringing a lot of hype to the car industry in the U.S. It is going to make a big impact on those that enjoy the small compact cars. It is a car that offers great style, smooth ride and budget friendly. With their excellent reputation and history of long lasting cars, this car will have no problem being one of the best compact cars sold on the market today.

2010 Ford Focus Review - Out of the Box Thinking Done Right by Ford

Ford has done things a little differently with the new Focus, especially the four-door sedan model. It launched the Focus range at the Paris Motor Show in late September last year, but the prototype Focus Concept, a thinly disguised Focus sedan, was actually revealed three months earlier in June at the Beijing Motor Show.

Why would Ford showcase its best-selling European model in Asia before its world premier in Europe? Perhaps it is because, unlike the previous Focus, the new one - especially this saloon version - is targeted at the Asian markets.

The first thing one notice about the sedan is that it looks well-proportioned and neat, unlike the last model, which looked like it had its boot grafted on as an afterthought. What has also helped is that the new Focus has leaner and more elegant lines and these lend themselves better to a four-door sedan than the aggressively bold styling of the previous model. From the rear three quarters, the Focus sedan comes across as crisp and discreet, with triangular rear lamps that make it look like a scaled-down Mondeo, an important point in status-conscious Asian markets.

The last Focus set a benchmark in its class, and the new sedan has been developed to expand the Focus' reach even beyond its better-known three-and five-door siblings, even if the cabin space is the same as offered by the five-door hatchback, boot aside. It's also interesting to note that apart from the Renault Megane sedan, the Focus is the only other European engineered and built 1.6-litre car in the market.

One thing that remains unchanged is that Ford has not forgotten to give the new Focus an impressive list of technical features. Even on the entry-level 'Trend' spec, four-wheel disc brakes with a sophisticated Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) are standard equipment. More commonly found on large, high-performance cars, an ESP system acts like a co-pilot, monitoring the traction at each wheel, either braking or cutting power to should the vehicle begin to lose composure or grip. While the Focus' chassis set-up is inherently impressive and allows the car to handle beautifully, it is reassuring to know that the car is actually intelligent enough to Intervene should its road holding limit* be reached. On the other hand, 11 rivers who want to pretend to be Mr Colin McRae, slipping and sliding on loose gravel, there is the option of switching the ESP off.

The other high-tech feature on the new Focus is the three-mode automatic gearbox. On the face of it, this might seem outmoded - after all, the latest auto boxes have intelligent adaptive programmes that 'learn' driving patterns, negating the need for the driver to choose between 'economy' or 'power' modes. That being said, no matter how clever a transmission is, it doesn't read minds, and can only react to, and not predict situations. Ford has partially solved this problem by allowing the driver to select from three programmed modes: adaptive, sport or economy. True to their titles, the transmission behaves differently in each mode, with 'economy' making the car feel under powered because it changes up at the earliest opportunity and is reluctant to change down when the accelerator is floored.

Instead of buttons next to the transmission gate, switching transmission modes is performed through the left stalk on the steering column. This stalk also manipulates the trip computer and there is even a thumb wheel to scroll through the different readouts on the instrument binnacle. While it is impressive that so much information is handled through a single input device, it does take some time to fully comprehend and use this one-stalk computer mouse.

In fact, this multi-functional stalk best sums up the new Focus. As with the previous model, it is well-engineered and entertaining to drive, but the new model comes fully-loaded with the latest technical equipment to once again raise the bar in the family car segment. On the other hand, most of these goodies are largely invisible, and while they are tangible, they are also unseen. In 'Trend' trim, this is particularly obvious, as being the price-leader, it appears well-built but quite spartan, and does not have the bells and whistles that come with the Ghia trim. At the moment, only the five-door hatchback is offered in Ghia trim, with the sedan version only available later in the year.

This means the Focus' success in Asia is still not the fait accompli as Ford had planned, crisp styling notwithstanding. The sedan looks better than it ever did, but in Trend trim, it does not feel luxurious nor as well-appointed as some of its rivals.

Get behind the wheel though, and one will be impressed with the Focus' engine, chassis and overall ability. The problem is, there is already a good looking, 1.6-litre family sedan that drives and handles well, replete with the Focus' impressive chassis and suspension set-up - it's the Mazda 3. How ironic that the car that probably poses the greatest challenge to the Focus sedan is from Mazda, a company that Ford also owns.

Car Covers Can Save You Money

Most people take pride in their vehicle and rightly so, after all cars are not cheap these days and protecting their value is important. Keeping it clean and maintained are paramount to protecting the investment. You can spend money and hours washing and waxing to preserve the finish and their are many situations that can ruin your hard work. Using a quality car cover will preserve the finish and hard work spent ensuring that new car shine.

The UV rays of the sun can causing fading of your cars finish. The sun can also fade the interior and cause drying which can lead to cracking in time. Storms that bring hail can cause dimpling. The rain itself can ruin a days work washing and waxing. There's nothing worse than water spots after all that time and energy spent making your car look great. Pollen, dust, bird dropping and tree sap will also make you feel like you wasted your time cleaning and waxing. Even if you park in a garage, covering your vehicle is a smart decision. Dust finds it way into any garage.

Summer is just about here and the sun is at it's strongest and the thunderstorms are bound arrive soon. What better time to protect your car, truck, SUV, van or station wagon. Even your recreational vehicles such as boats and RV's would benefit from a quality vehicle cover and they make them for every make and model imaginable.

Think of the money you'll save buying wax and shampoo if you don't need to use it as often. Not to mention what it can cost to have your vehicle repainted or dents and dings repaired. No matter how you look at it, car covers can save you money. They will also provide peace of mind knowing that your har earned money invested in your vehicle is being protected. Any vehicle will hold it's value if it is protected, well cared for and looking great.

Vehicle covers can be purchased at retail stores as well as on the Internet. You will have the best options for size, color, and protection options if purchased on line. There are two layer, three layer and four layer covers available today. Your budget and where you live and park your vehicle should determine which cover is best for your needs.

When purchasing on line be sure to shop around and review shipping and return policies before making your purchase. There are sites that offer free shipping and those that do not so do your homework. You will also want to ensure you have selected the correct size as most companies will not pay return shipping if you make the wrong choice. There will be sizing charts/instructions on the website.

Once you have your cover you will know that using a vehicle cover is a smart decision which will save you money, time and effort. Your vehicle will never look better. For more information regarding car covers visit http://www.EliteCarCoversOnline.Com today.

2009 Was a Tough Year For Mazda

Since 2000, Mazda has become synonymous with the phrase Zoom-Zoom to describe what it calls the emotion of motion. After its initial use in a North American marketing campaign, the catchy phase has become a long lasting success around the globe. Zoom-Zoom reflects the automaker's goal to deliver an invigorating spirit, quality craftsmanship, and fun-to-drive experience to its valued customers.

Mazda Performance in 2009

1) Revenue

Globally, the auto industry struggled during 2009. It was a tough year for Mazda. Sales revenue and profit levels suffered. Even though December 2009 indicated signs of recovery for the Japanese automaker, the annual figures showed losses from the prior year of 2008. Stock prices also fell as a result of revenue losses. Another contributing factor was the disintegration of a 30-year Ford-Mazda partnership, with fewer joint projects for product development.

2) Most Popular Model

Celebrating 20 years of success, the MX-5 (also known as Miata or Roadster), is the best selling sports car in the world. The two-seater boosts precise steering and handling, low base price, economical operation, and choice of a soft or hard top. New features include the power retractable hard top and heated seats with 5-temperature settings. Collision safety was also improved with an advanced impact system specifically designed for convertibles.

3) New Launch

A 5-door hatchback, a newer version of Mazda-3, was launched. The hatchback has similar characteristics to the 4-door sedan which include a dynamic design, with optimum environmental and safety performance.

4) Electric Vehicle Development

Mazda has postponed electric vehicle development until battery technology improves. The high cost of the project is a deterrent. In the meantime, the Japanese automaker will focus instead on other fuel saving methods.

5) Worst Selling Model

The RX-8, powered by a rotary engine, was the most expensive and slowest selling model.

You Can Replace Your Car's EGR Valve

Located smack dab on your car's intake manifold, an EGR [Exhaust Gas Recirculation] valve functions by sending exhaust gas back into the combustion chamber as "exhausted air" is much hotter than intake air. By bringing warmer gas into the combustion chamber, your engine operates much more cleanly and efficiently.

Like any part, your Ford EGR valve or Toyota EGR valve is subject to getting clogged with dirt or crud. A clogged unit may cause your car to stall, hesitate, or idle roughly. Sometimes, simply cleaning the EGR valve with a product like STP carburetor cleaner will resolve the problem. Still, if you take your car in for its MV inspection and the diagnostic tests shows that your EGR valve is not working, you will fail inspection and be forced to swap out the device before bringing your car back in for a follow up inspection. What a hassle, but something you just don't want to forget about.

Prices on replacement EGR valves are all over the place: some parts are reasonably priced while others will cost you a mint. Your Ford or Toyota dealer will charge you a mint if you purchase one through their parts department, as buying through any dealer can quickly turn into a financial nightmare. Instead of going through all that aggravation, you can save big money by shopping online through a quality wholesaler such as All EGR Valves. As is common with all high quality auto parts wholesalers, you can purchase an EGR valve at a huge discount and save a bundle over dealer mark up prices. Leading wholesalers deal directly with manufacturers, buy in gigantic quantities, negotiate the lowest prices, and pass big savings on to you.

Replacing an EGR valve is a simple process and can be accomplished with standard automobile tools. With your handy Chilton repair manual at your side, you will quickly remove and replace the device and have a strong sense of accomplishment on a job "well done." Best yet, you will have saved yourself plenty of money which you can use for other parts, like the K&B cold air intake that you always wanted!

The Best Carport Kits On The Planet

One of the best ways to protect your vehicle from the harsh weather conditions is to make sure that you park under a carport whenever you can. This will keep your car out of the harmful sun, free from hail or snow and protected from the rain.

You can now also have a carport for your home to provide extra protection of your own car or for other members of your family who might have to park in the driveway. Carport kits are available to everyone on the internet and once they ship it to you, you will be well on your way to adding an extra effect to your home and protecting your valuable asset. If you need to re sell your car in a few years, you will want to get a high price for it and the only way to do that is to keep it in tip top shape.

Carport kits are found with many shapes of carport as well as sizes and materials; however, the most popular are metal carport kits like steel or the more expensive aluminum. When you are putting a carport in you will have to measure the area that you need to assemble it in.

You may want a double carport or an extra tall carport for parking an RV under. All of these are available ready made for you to buy. Otherwise it is also possible to make your own designs and specifications.

The company that you choose should be able to make you carport kits that are according to your specifications. In the carport kits you will find, the separate pieces used to build your carport like the poles, fittings, cover, and pads. You will also find your detailed plan of how the parts should be assembled and what it must look like when completed.

These carport kits are meant to make your job of assembling your carport very easy. This is great because you can then use your carport for other occasions too. You can take it down and assemble it in your garden for a special garden luncheon or birthday party.

You can even decorate it and drape it with fabric for a small wedding reception. This will ensure that your party is a success out of the rain and in the shade. You get different types of roof styles with these carport kits.

You can get flat tops, gabled roofs, angled roofs and more. You will need to look a the one that best fits in with the style of your house and what you need it primarily for. If rain is a big issue, then you will need to get a gabled on or angled one. The angled one is perfect if the driveway is along the side of the house because then the top of the roof can touch the wall and angel down to the other side.

Carport kits can also be used for businesses and will help employees to keep their cars protected or to provide shelter for those employees that have not yet kicked the habit of smoking. You will be able to offer them a great alternative when they have to stand out in the rain to have a smoke break.

San Francisco, California

The first time I visited San Francisco I was bowled over. This was the centre of the '60s counter culture, flower power and anti-war demonstrations. Then there were the TV series and the enthralling movies set in Frisco: the Streets of San Francisco with Michael Douglas, Dirty Harry with Clint Eastwood, Hitchcock's Vertigo, and McQueen's legendary car chase through the city in Bullet. I first visited with three Irish friends, Mary and Aidan who had lived in the Bay area for several years and had a good working knowledge of the city, and Carmel. We travelled from Fremont on the Bart. I always remember standing on the escalator as we moved towards the underground exit at Market Street in downtown San Francisco, and being assailed by towering skyscrapers in every shape and style. What a dramatic introduction to one of the most famous cities in the world!

That first afternoon was action-packed. We took a cable car to Pacific Heights, and gazed out over the city and ocean below. Of course there was the shadow of the Golden Gate looming over my imagination, and I just had to take a boat trip, to glide under this queen of bridges, and then skirt the infamous island of Alcatraz. We had lunch at Fisherman's Wharf, a huge conglomeration of gift stores and cafes. Just across from here is Ghirardelli Square, named after the famous chocolatier who arrived in San Francisco in the great gold-rush era of the 1850s. It is now an exclusive shopping district. More in our league was Chinatown, the largest Chinese neighbourhood outside of Asia. The streets were alive with amazing stores selling all kinds of herbs, food, jewellery and colourful banners with intricate Chinese calligraphy, and beautifully decorated gift items.

Later when I returned to California I spent a day just getting familiar with some of the streets in downtown San Francisco. It was a real treat to sip coffee in Starbucks in Market Street early on Friday morning, and just gaze out the window as hoards of people hurried to work. San Francisco is a major financial center and many banks and businesses have their headquarters here. There are also many computer firms located here, so it's quite a bustling city. It would be great to work here for a while to experience the buzz of being part of this lively cosmopolitan city. The nearest I've got so far is working on a contract in South San Francisco, but that was miles from the real action downtown.

I once walked about four miles on a rather warm day from Market Street to the Haight-Ashbury area. This area was the centre of counter culture in the '60s, where students, artists, musicians and nonconformists moved in to old Victorian houses, ushering in the hippie phase. Groups like The Grateful Dead and Jefferson Airplane hung out here, and played at the famous Fillmore concert venue just around the corner. The era of rock music and pot, incense and pop art, eastern meditation and anti-Vietnam demonstrations was short lived. Today Haight-Ashbury is a paradise for collectors of old memorabilia. The stores are stacked with tie-dyed dresses, posters, jewellery and CDs, all reminiscent of that colourful decade. It's also a great place to get a wonderful sandwich, any amount or variety of vegetarian fare, and lots of good tasting coffee.

Probably the best vegetarian restaurant I've ever eaten in is Greens, at Fort Mason, overlooking the Bay, where all the food is organically grown. One cold rainy February evening Bob brought me there for a birthday treat. The hot, spicy soup was wonderful; the plates of gorgonzola cream, walnut and basil pasta, and curried vegetables were divine. Then coffee, followed by a chocolate hazelnut mouse dessert. Dinner was expensive, but the flavour and quality of the food, the glittering view of the Golden Gate, and the general ambience of the place, was well worth it.

My friend, Mary, once took me on a day's outing to some interesting spots on the outskirts of the city. In the morning we went for a hike in Muir Woods, home of some magnificent redwoods. Then we drove to Golden Gate Park where we had a magnificent view of the famous bridge. It was foggy as it often is in San Francisco. We drove to the Cliff House for lunch, which is at the Northwest corner of San Francisco and offers some fantastic views of the coast. A restaurant has been located on this spot since 1863, and the present establishment is full of décor and memorabilia from Victorian times.

There's nothing I love more than to browse around downtown, admiring the diverse architecture that gives San Francisco a richness and colour that few cities can match. After the giant earthquake in 1906 the city was largely rebuilt in the ornate art nouveau style. Then there are the decorative art deco buildings built from the 1930s. The real charm of the city is a blend of many styles and eras, from modern marvels, like the Transamerica building, to old surviving Victorian houses dating back to the late 1800s. One of my favourite buildings is City Hall, with its glorious doom, located at Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place. I also love the Legion of Honor art gallery, with its great Rodin collection, that sits overlooking Golden Gate Park.

When my nephew, Michael, visited in the autumn I brought him to Equinox, the revolving restaurant on top of the Hyatt Hotel in Market Street. From this vantage point there are some great views of the city and bay, particularly Bay Bridge. Here you can survey the skyscrapers and look down upon the busy streets while sitting in the lap of luxury, sipping coffee and eating chocolate fudge ice cream.

This is certainly a marvellous city. I always love the buzz of exploring its unique streets, admiring its assortment of buildings, and browsing in its stylish stores. Supposedly San Francisco is the most visited city in the US. It is well worth visiting many times over.