The 325Ci Coupe vs ...

The 325Ci Coupe makes a statement standing still, with a beautifully sculpted exterior that hints at its true purpose—pure performance. With sport suspension calibration and a smooth-revving 184-hp inline six, that statement becomes more emphatic with every corner and push of the accelerator. Whether you choose the standard 5-speed manual transmission, or opt for the 5-speed STEPTRONIC automatic transmission, the result is the same: total exhilaration.

BMW Assist with Bluetooth® Wireless Technology. It is almost like wireless router in the car :)

BMW Assist is a Global Positioning System and wireless communication system for Automatic Collision Notification, Emergency Request, enhanced Roadside Assistance, and Concierge Services. Bluetooth wireless technology is standard with the BMW Assist option.

Bluetooth is a wireless communications technology that connects mobile phones enabled with Bluetooth to a vehicle for hands-free calling. With the use of a compatible Bluetooth enabled mobile phone, a driver can place and answer calls, and browse and select phonebook contacts from their phone, simply by using the multifunction steering wheel controls and radio keys.

Double Vanos

Double VANOS allows the engine to 'steplessly' choose valve timing for both intake and exhaust camshafts. Electronically controlled in response to engine speed, load and temperature, Double VANOS maximizes engine response, efficiency and emission control. The benefit: more low- to medium-speed torque for strong acceleration and added flexibility for better highway performance, plus quieter, smoother engine at idle.

Dynamic Brake Control

Dynamic Brake Control is another important safety feature, crucial in extreme braking situations (such as when avoiding an accident). When it is necessary to build up brake pressure as quickly as possible, Dynamic Brake Control can speed up and reinforce this process, helping to provide the shortest possible stopping distance.

Dynamic Stability Control

Dynamic Stability Control is an innovative technology that combines the functions of traction control, braking enhancement, and cornering stabilization. DSC sensors continually monitor cornering-steering angle, transverse acceleration, yaw, wheel speed and brake pressure to instantly detect and correct loss of wheel traction due to slick spots, nasty weather, or emergency maneuvers. DSC helps you stay in control under all conditions, in any situation.

Head Protection System (HPS)

BMW's Head Protection System is an inflatable tubular structure to protect the heads of a vehicle's front and rear seat occupants. Operating in conjunction with the side airbags, the system provides front seat occupants with outstanding protection in the case of severe side impact. It helps protect the head from hitting the side window and being hit by objects penetrating the side window. In recognition of this remarkable protection, BMW was named 'Safe Car of the Millennium' by the International Brain Injury Association.

Rain Sensor

Uses infrared light to measure the amount of rain. When the wipers are in the 'intermittent' mode, the rain sensor automatically adjusts the windshield-wiping interval as needed.

Service Interval Indicator

Recognizing that each vehicle is used differently - and so the need for routine maintenance is different for each vehicle - BMW developed the Service Interval Indicator. This device continually analyzes the way the BMW is driven, and uses this analysis to determine when it needs servicing - not just based on miles driven. The basic Oil Service includes a change of engine oil and filter, and select other maintenance items. Long-life sparkplugs are designed for a service life of 100,000 miles.

Few more word about BMW i135

he new BMW 1 Series convertible is basically a 3 Series with four inches cut off the wheelbase and 11 inches off the body length. The BMW 135i ($41,000) is “one of best buys on the luxury market,” says The New York Times.
The 135i has a 300-horsepower, 3.0-liter inline six boosted by two turbochargers, shifted by either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. If you can live without the power, get the 230-horsepower 128i and save $6,000.
Since BMW’s 3 series have perennially made Car and Driver’s “Top 10 Best Cars” list, the i135, which is more affordable but just as fast as the the 335i convertible, is indeed the “ultimate tanning machine.”
Of course, you can’t cover small convertibles without mentioning the Mercedes Benz-designed, French-built Smart, which is a huge hit in Europe, where nearly 1 million have been sold. Now that the Smart is available in the U.S., there’s a waiting list for the gas-sipping micro-mobile.

Ford Kuga 2009 again

I already wrote about Ford Kuga, but since I am so impressed with this powerfull car I will do that again :)

Advantages: Striking and stylish features, good drive.

Disadvantages: Clonish to Nissan’s Qashqai.

Summary: Admittedly, the new Kuga is the first 4x4 Ford has built all by itself. It is a good strong. Built similar to Focus small family car, it's more soft-roader than proper off-roader. As such, it should be good to drive on Tarmac.


The new Ford Kuga is an exciting all-wheel drive (AWD) crossover that combines style with technology and promises impressive on-road dynamics coupled with substantial off-road ability.

On sale in the UK summer 2008, the new Ford Kuga takes many of its design ideas from Ford’s iosis X concept.

The trend-setting newcomer combines elements of SUV and estate car design with a coupé-like profile in a package similar in size to a Focus hatchback.

The new Ford Kuga is the latest showcase from the car maker’s acclaimed kinetic design.

The new Ford Kuga comes with an all-wheel-drive system that contributes positively to normal road use and helps give an almost sporty dynamic ability for those who want to use it cross country.

The car uses Ford's established and fuel efficient 2.0-litre, 136 PS Duratorq TDCi common-rail diesel engine, mated to the slick Durashift six-speed manual transmission.

The new Ford Kuga combines an athletic look with bold features like the trapezoidal front grills, rising belt-line and kick-up of the rear window graphic and the dramatic swept back headlamp shapes.

It comfortably seats five with the luggage compartment accessible via a split tailgate. Together with the divided rear lights this ensures the maximum full load width is available for loading and unloading.

Inside, fine leathers and striking orange piping dominate. The Ebony interior is set off by a centre console and details in the door which also feature the piano-white finish from iosis X.

A hint of the technology coming in Kuga, and other future Ford models, is seen in the new Blaupunkt navigation system which incorporates a 7-inch colour display to also show images from a rear view camera incorporated into the tailgate. 
Coming to Ford showrooms nationwide as of June 2008, the £20,495 off-roader makes its public bow in Geneva next month.
Sharing the Focus platform, albeit enjoying raised ride height, the go-anywhere cross-over vehicle starts life with the single engine incarnation.
The 134bhp 2.0 litre Duratorq TDCi diesel powerplant, paired with a six speed manual gearbox holds the surface beneath courtesy of it´s full-time Haldex four-wheel drive system.
Industry insiders note that more engine variations will follow, including the possibility of Ford of Europe´s first hybrid powertrain.
Launched with the two trim levels – Zetec and the top spec Titanium – safety seems uppermost in Ford´s minds. The Kuga illustrates this impeccably through ESP, Anti Rollover Mitigation, ABS and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution being standard kit.
Interior space befits its off-road credentials too, boasting 1355 litres of luggage capacity when its rear seats are folded flat.
A practical dual splitting tailgate making it an adaptable proposition to buyers who´d otherwise opt for the Honda CRV, Toyota and Land Rover Freelander 2.
As established acts they´ll face stiff rivalry from the Kuga, another model expected to do good business for Ford over a year when the new Mondeo, new Focus and and all-new Fiesta are on sale.
Emitting a lean 169g/km of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, the Ford Kuga returns a combined 44.1mpg. Other technical specifications are set to be announced nearer the launch.