There’s a passage in Nick Hornby’s “About A Boy” in which Will, the protagonist, concedes that one of the benefits of motoring is the opportunity to listen to music at such volumes which, were they indulged at home, might have had him arrested.

However, a survey as conducted by SEAT has revealed that it’s not volume that’s the issue when it comes to motoring and music. Rather, a lot of drivers appear to view solitary driving as an opportunity to listen to such songs which might otherwise have seen them ostracised by their peers. The research revealed that 14% of men and 11% of women admit to harbouring embarrassing “closet” musical tastes which only ever manifest themselves in the car.

For the men, it’s such music which might be viewed as “a bit girly”, with 12% admitting a fondness to show tunes, 25% as possessing a fondness for Take That and 26% opting for a bit of Abba. Aha.

Some 17% of women, on the other hand, have a fancying for that which SEAT have unfortunately labelled as “macho classics” from the likes of The Clash, Thin Lizzy, AC/DC and Motorhead.

Am I not the only one who finds this incredibly patronising and sexist? Why shouldn’t men have a fondness for that which might be more the remit of their female contemporaries? And since when has it been at all remarkable for women to profess a liking for metal?

The research was commissioned to coincide with the even more alarmingly sexist “SEAT Sex Drive” reality show which “aims once and for all to settle the debate over which of the sexes is better behind the wheel”. Well. That’s not so much the women’s rights movement as being set back by a few decades but, I fear, humanity itself.

Get over your gender-based hang-ups, people. If you enjoy it, why should it make you feel in any way ashamed? If it makes you happy, then go ahead and enjoy it. If your friends think less of you on account of your taste in music, well then. They can’t be very good friends anyway, can they? And the notion that one gender’s “better behind the wheel” than the other? What’s the need? What’s the need.

For the latest in Nationwide’s SEAT car leasing offers, click here.

The Ibiza ST made its showroom debut in the UK this month. To coincide, SEAT have released the full price and specification details for the latest model to join the Ibiza line alongside the sporty SC and the practical 5dr.

The Ibiza ST was designed with a view to offering additional carrying capacity with zero compromise made on the trademark sporty style for which the Ibiza range of superminis is famed. In terms of boot space, the Ibiza ST boasts an impressive 430 litres with the seats up – a full 138 litres over that of the 5dr model.

A range of motors will be available at launch to suit every need, from sporty  turbocharged petrols through to the latest in efficient turbodiesels. In addition,  the optional five-speed manual or hi-tech seven-speed DSG gearbox entails that the new SEAT is even available to order in super-frugal Ecomotive form for reduced CO2 emissions.

So far, so sporty. However, SEAT have also detailed such features that ensure that the new Ibiza ST model will be viewed, as they put it, as “sensible” as it is “chic”. These include split folding rear sears with a 60/40 bias, sleek roof rails in either black or chrome finish, a low load height and wide rear hatch, a flat boot floor and innovative storage options throughout the ST’s  interior.

Such features as air conditioning, four-speaker stereo radio with MP3-compatible CD and AUX-in, steering column-mounted audio controls, electric front windows; roof rails, speed sensitive electro-hydraulic power steering and volumetric alarm and remote central locking with deadlocks will come as standard in all models.

The entry-level 1.4-litre 16V S A/C model will come with an RRP of £12,070. Of course, the price will rise depending upon the engine and equipment levels, but SEAT have announced the current ceiling to stand at £14,910 for the Ibiza ST 1.2 TDI CR Ecomotive in luxurious SE spec.

Many people love classic cars; but if you’re concerned about your environmental impact, how can anyone enjoy driving one? For some, the answer may be having the drivetrain converted to all-electric power and Duke’s Garage just outside Denver, Colorado has created an “Electric Pony” to show off their abilities to do just that. The classic car dealer and restoration specialist has taken a ’65 Ford Mustang convertible in need of some extensive rebuilding and rehabilitated both its looks and its emissions output. The pony car is now powered using twinned electric motors supplied with current from a 144 volt lithium ion battery pack under the hood. The seats have been redone using recycled foam and are swathed in a classy hemp herringbone fabric with dark piping, as are the door panels. Finished in a dark olive, the “Electric Pony” is now green inside and out and ready to carry passengers about in style for 50 to 60 miles between charges. Check out their website for lots of pics of their handiwork. Duke’s will offer the service for $15,000 to $20,000, depending on the car and are eyeing a Volkswagen Beetle and Karman Ghia as their next projects.

[Source: Duke's Garage / Denver Post]

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Ford, USA

Duke’s Garage turns ’65 Mustang into Electric Pony originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 15 Mar 2009 13:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Last fall at the Paris Motor Show, auto parts supplier and part-time vehicle assembler Heuliez debuted an electric car called the Friendly. As of Thursday, the three-seat electric vehicles were made available for pre-order on the internet. Three different versions of the Friendly will be available, all sporting nickel metal hydride battery packs that offer a range of between 100 and 250 kilometers (60-155 miles). Starting price is 12,000 euros ($15,500 in the U.S.). A deposit of 10 euros reportedly places the purchaser on a priority ordering list and deliveries are expected to begin in February of 2010.

Earlier this month, Pininfarina and Bollor� put their French electric car up for order as well. Called the BlueCar, this EV will cost €330 per month to lease (no purchases) and will also be good for 250 kilometers (155 miles). What’s the over/under on which one makes it to production first?

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Green Daily, Europe/EU

Heuliez begins accepting orders for Friendly electric car in France originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 14 Mar 2009 13:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Heuliez begins accepting orders for Friendly electric car in France – Green Cars

Nationwide have reduced contract hire rates on select versions of the Seat Leon and Seat Altea. Best value are the Seat Leon 1.9 TDi Ecomotive 5 Door from £199.95 plus vat per month and the mpv Seat Altea 1.9 Tdi Reference also at £199.95 plus vat per month. For more fantastic offers on the Seat car range click on the link below:

Seat Car Offers

At the British International Motor Show Seat unveiled another world debut for the second year running. The new Seat Ibiza SportsCoupe plans to tear up the supermini market.

The Spanish, sporty supermini has been a popular model for many years and has recently had a makeover. This SportCoupe model is a brand new branch of the Ibiza family and is designed to make a big impact in the supermini market.

This is the first Seat design of the legendary Luc Donckerwolke, former Lamborghini design chief, who is now director of design at Seat. This is where the aggressive design treatment has come from hence the more muscular, masculine appearance. Taking the ‘arrow head’ theme Luc Donkerwolke has adapted things like lowering the headlights and repositioning the front grille.

The SportCoupe is now shorter and lower than before and shares many similarities to the Bocanegra concept shown at Geneva earlier this year. It has been put onto a new, agile chassis using independent front suspension for a sportier drive. For the first time in any supermini, Seat have fitted this car with a Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) utilising the double clutch technology for smooth gear changes with no loss of power.

This will be hitting the showrooms later this year and will be available to lease from Nationwide Vehicle Contracts.

Special Offers are now available while stocks last on the Seat Ibiza 1.4 TDi PD Reference Sport 3 Door and 5 Door. Monthly Contract Hire rates start from £164.95 plus vat for the 3 Door and £174.95 plus vat for the 5 door version. The 1.4 TDi 80 bhp diesel engine delivers excellent performance and fuel economy whilst the Reference Sport specification is comprehensive with 15 inch orduna alloys and front fogs, sports seats, aircondtioning and cd with aux input for ipod all standard. To get a quote on the Seat Ibiza click on the link below to get a quote:

http://www.nationwidevehiclecontracts.co.uk/Seat-Ibiza-variants.htm

SEAT is taking the wraps of a new high performance version of its Leon hatchback at the Madrid Motor Show. The new FR version is equipped with a choice of powerful petrol and diesel engines and benefits from a number of styling modifications.

Inspired by its touring car racing versions, SEAT has added a honeycomb front grille and deep front spoiler, complete with a ‘mock’ air diffuser. Silver-painted door mirrors and 17inch alloys (18-inch wheels are optional) complete the look.

The FR is the first SEAT to make use of the Volkswagen Group’s new 2.0-litre T FSI turbocharged petrol engine, giving 200hp and 280Nm of torque. This delivers 0-62mph in 7.3 seconds and a top speed of 142mph. It will also be offered with a new 170hp 2.0-litre turbodiesel, with 350Nm of torque and a 0-62mph acceleration time of 8.2 seconds.

UK sales will start in July, with prices and full specification to be announced nearer that time.