All posts by IMichailidis

The launch of the new Fiat Strada begins

The launch of the new generation of the Fiat Strada begins in neighboring Italy, which, although it maintains the same body dimensions, has an upgraded design as well as technology.
With more than 127.800 worldwide sales for the 2011, the Fiat Strada emerged as Fiat Professional's second most popular light commercial vehicle behind the Ducato.
However, the omens for the future of the Italian Pick-Up seem even more favorable as it started in January, from the Italian market, the commercial course of its new generation.
Significantly upgraded body design
Built on the FIASA production line in Betim, Brazil, the new Strada will be offered in three trim levels (Working, Trekking και Adventure) while its most important differentiation from the existing model focuses on the existence of three body types. The Strada will now be offered with three cabin types (Short, Long but also Crew Cab) in a total of six editions.



Regarding its design, the new Strada is distinguished by the completely renewed front end with the robust bumper with two air vents as well as the new lighting bodies that have single or double headlights depending on the version (singles in Working editions, doubles in Trekking). In addition, the top Adventure versions are provided with additional elements such as "touches" made of chrome, etc.
Body dimensions remain the same as the existing model with the length set at 4.409 mm. (4.457 mm. in the Adventure editions), width 1.664 mm. (1.740 mm. in Adventure) and wheelbase with length 2.718 mm.



As for the interior of the new Italian Pick-Up, we find a completely redesigned dashboard and central console with easy-to-read indicators on the instrument panel, improved ergonomics in the various controls and completely new seats.
At the same time, the comfort and safety equipment has been significantly improved, including elements such as an air conditioning system, travel computer, height adjustable steering wheel, foglights, aluminum rims, new – standard- electronically controlled differential locking system "E-Locker", sunroof, linings made of leather or metal in the interior, etc.
Portability 4 of passengers and up to 705 kg of cargo
Depending on the type of passenger cabin, the length of its cargo space ranges from 1.082 mm. (Crew Cab versions) up to and including 1.685 mm. (Single Cab) with its useful width set at 1.300 mm. (1.070 mm. between the domes). At the same time, the rear door can be fixed at an angle 90 degrees relative to the road surface and to support weight loads of up to 300 kg or even be removed if the requirements of use require it.
Depending on the version, payload ranges from 630- 705 kilos while with a gross weight of up to 1.915 kilos, the new Strada can tow loads weighing up to one tonne.
Multijet Euro 5 with consumption 5,3 lt./100 km.
Under the engine cover in the new Fiat Strada sits the 16-valve 1,300 Multijet that delivers power 95 horsepower and maximum torque 200 Nm of 1.500 rpm.
Thanks to the variable geometry tourniquet and the intercooler, the engine in question is able to offer very good performance in the Italian light commercial while its average fuel consumption is limited to 5,3 lt./100 km. while – of course- also covers the Euro specifications 5 regarding its emissions.

Source : autotritipro.gr

Ford's 1,000th EcoBoost in the new Focus as well

The new 3-cylinder Ecoboost engine of the 1.000 κ.εκ. of Ford makes its debut under the hood of the company's new small and medium model.
Low-displacement turbocharged engines have now entered our modern automotive everyday life for good. No compromises in performance, thanks to the help of their sophisticated turbochargers, but also with very significant advantages in terms of emissions and fuel economy, have already begun to... spread at breakneck speed, largely replacing many of their elders, in displacement, atmospheric engines. Faithfully following the path blazed by Ford's new engine family, named EcoBoost, the company is now officially launching the third version of this series, after the debut of the respective sets at 1,6 and 2,0 l, which currently yield from 150 until 240 horsepower. The reason, for the new 3-cylinder 1,000, who, initially, it is placed under the hood of the new Focus and soon after in the C-Max, Grand C-Max but also in the upcoming B-Max, which will probably be revealed for the first time at the Geneva Motor Show next March.

According to Ford's official announcements, said set will be available in two variants, the sales of which start already from 22 February in the market of M. Britain, that they will perform 100 and 125 horsepower. In other words, those that are currently produced by the known versions of their atmospheric engine 1,6 liters of Ford. In the smaller of its two versions, emissions amount to just 109 grams per kilometer, while the eldest just 5 extra grams. Their average consumption respectively ranges from just 4,8 and 5,0 liters for each 100 km. With impressively compact dimensions (SS.: according to Ford, the engine cylinder head is so small in size, so that it fits in a roll of A4 size paper!), the torque of the larger of its two variants amounts to 170 Nm, which are consistently assigned by the 1.400 up to 4.500 s.a.l., while in overboost mode, to the above price are added momentarily 30 additional Nm.
Commenting on the parchments of this new 3-cylinder engine, the company's executives point out that "the days when the number of cylinders dictated the performance of the engines are gone forever. This high-performance and technologically advanced engine is not only enjoyable to drive, but at the same time offers significant benefits in fuel economy and extremely low CO2 emissions, that lead to real cost reduction for our customers".

Source : 4troxoi.gr


Protect your car or bike from theft


Advice from ELAS

  • Always have your car doors and trunk closed, locked when driving in the city.

  • Never leave the vehicle with the engine running and the key in the ignition, even if you step out of it for a few seconds. Always take the key with you.

  • Always lock the doors, close the windows and activate the alarm when you park the car somewhere.

  • Do not leave objects of any kind, money, wallet, mobile phones, sunglasses, bags and valuables in the car.

  • Remove the radio faceplate and anything valuable when you get out of your car.

  • Do not store spare vehicle keys in it, but in another, safer place.

  • If you park your car or two-wheeler in a parking space (parking), take its keys with you. Do not leave any identifying information in the vehicle.

  • Avoid parking your vehicle in deserted places.

  • In case you realize, that you are being followed or harassed by other vehicles, when driving alone, call it 100 with your mobile phone or go to the nearest Police Station.
Source : newsbeast.gr

BMW M135i comes with at least 320 horsepower

A real explosive version of the new Series 1 this time with the accompanying M logo is prepared by BMW. The 5-door model will use a 3-liter turbo engine with power of at least 320 horses.

A few days ago, BMW has revealed the features of some new M models (eg M550d) thus attracting the increased interest of the international special press. But what the German brand did not tell us is the new explosive version it is preparing for the new Series 1. This is the M135i model for which we may not have an official photo in our hands, but we know some of its "fairytale" technical elements. More specifically, the M135i will carry a 3-liter 6-cylinder 2-fold turbocharged engine with a power that will touch or even exceed 320 horsepower, while its torque will reach 450 Nm. The presentation of the car is expected to take place at the Geneva show, with the version in question naturally positioned at the top of BMW's range 1. Will we see an even more powerful M version when the 3-door Series is launched? 1;

Source : autotriti.gr

The diesel Skoda Octavia5

The release of diesel drives motivates those who want an Octavia5 with enhanced fuel economy and low road tax, to look at the diesel version 1,6 TDI.

+Consumption, splicing, spaces, comfort, road behavior, cost of use
-Conservative appearance, engine vibrations
Except for the “TDI” logo on the back and left, nothing testifies to the existence of a diesel engine in the Skoda Octavia5 we tested, which without a doubt aims for fuel economy. In the case of Octavia5, the engine of 1,6 l. easily copes with the family needs generated by the long body 4.569 mm. with his performance, while in addition to low consumption it also pays limited road taxes ( 107,1 euro). Nevertheless, however we do it there is an issue. And this is the 1,2 TSI petrol engine of 105 PS, so comparisons are inevitable. It is a fact that, the average consumption of the particular engine is 1,2 lt./100 km. higher and the resulting road taxes are 147,4 euro, but Octavia5 1,2 ΤSI costs 4.200 euros less (after discounts applicable to both models). If of course we are talking about the same Ambiente equipment version with which the diesel Octavia5 starts, because the 1,2 TSI starts from Comfort with which the difference reaches 5.650 euro. It is therefore obvious that a substantial benefit from the choice of the diesel version will have those whose driving menu includes many kilometers.
Motor- Performances: Saves gasoline!
THE 1,6 Octavia5 common rail turbodiesel wins impressions with its torque and fuel economy. Only at idle it sounds like a diesel, while there are also some vibrations that reach the leg. Otherwise, it's not sluggish at low revs, uploads with ease, it does not produce much noise and moves the Octavia5 very efficiently. In fact, in direct opposition to the version 1,2 TSI, the model we tested was only marginally faster at 0-100 km / h and obviously more willing to repeat (the edition 1,2 TSI has a 6-speed gearbox anyway). However, consumption is a basic quality and only reaches 4,5 lt./100 km. (CO2 emissions 119 g/km). 

Source : autotriti.gr

Tips for driving in snow

The ongoing wave of bad weather will probably catch us by surprise, if he finds us complacent. Snow will cover the country's mountains again, but also many of the towns and villages, making life difficult for drivers and… cars. And yet, snows can be treated, it is enough to pay attention to some things, such as:
1. Battery in excellent condition.
2. Antifreeze in engine coolant and windshield washer reservoir.
3. Fresh wiper blades.
4. Special spray on the locks to prevent them from freezing.
5. Reading the heating/ventilation instructions, which are detailed in each car's owner's manual.
6. Tires in good condition, with fresh tread that has wide and deep grooves. Note that narrow tires with a high profile have a significant advantage over wide and low profile tires.
7. Tire pressures must follow the instructions in the owner's manual with a tolerance of up to 2 pounds upwards.
In the luggage compartment we store a set of chains, a pair of gloves and a plastic spatula (for cleaning the windows). Here to point out that chains are just emergency accessories, are placed on the drive wheels (in case of permanent four-wheel drive, to the front ones), in order to help us overcome a very difficult part of the road and then remove them. Cars with chains must not be driven with more than 30-40 km / h, while the instructions state that, when chains are worn, the driver must disengage the Electronic Stability System (ESP) with the corresponding switch.
Anyway, in any case we must make absolutely progressive manipulations, because any spinning or locking of wheels means skidding, while the abrupt weight shift ΔEN is controlled. End, when we park, we don't pull the handbrake and it's a good idea to lift the wipers from the windshield. Have a good winter!
 Source : 4troxoi.gr

Fanis Dimitropoulos lost the battle

Πενθεί ο χώρος του αυτοκινήτου στην Ελλάδα
Μια μεγάλη απώλεια δέχτηκε σήμερα ο χώρος του αυτοκινήτου στην Ελλάδα, καθώς ο Φάνης Δημητρόπουλος σε ηλικία 65 years, έχασε τη μάχη με τον καρκίνο.
Γνωστή ήταν η αγάπη του για τα συλλεκτικά και ιστορικά οχήματα, έχοντας αναπτύξει στενές σχέσεις με την Ελληνική Ομοσπονδία Φίλων Παλαιού Αυτοκινήτου (ΦΙΛΠΑ). Yet, είχε διατελέσει γενικός γραμματέας του Συνδέσμου Βετεράνων Οδηγών Αγώνων.

Λάτρης των αγώνων αυτοκινήτου, ο Φάνης Δημητρόπουλος είχε συμμετάσχει σε αγώνες είτε από τη θέση του συνοδηγού είτε από αυτή του οδηγού.

Ακόμη και κατά τη διάρκεια της μάχης με τη νόσο, ο εκλιπών δεν σταμάτησε να ασχολείται με τη μεγάλη του αγάπη, προσφέροντας έργο για την ΦΙΛΠΑ.

Source : newsbeast.gr