End of the traditional paper tax disc in the UK

Moving into the digital era, the DVSA has done away with the need for traditional paper tax discs in the UK. The first paper tax disc was issued in the UK over 90 years ago.

No paper dics means less trees cut to make them.

Flying cars

Was stuck in a jam back from the University yesterday and how I wished I had a car that could take off vertically and just fly back home. Well the idea is nothing new and countless sci--fi movies feature flying cars.

In fact there are several prototypes of flying cars in existence right now. Check out this feature about flying cars on Yahoo! news.



Check out the test flight of the Moller Skycar.

Ford recalls 3.6 million vehicles

This is a voluntary safety recall involving speed control deactivation switch systems in Ford passenger cars, trucks and SUVs built between 1992 and 2003. This is in response to some reports of fires in some Ford Crown Victoria passenger cars.

Ford dealers will provide a quick repair to all affected vehicles at no charge to the customers starting in early October.

According to the Ford website, this repair will involve

the installation of a fused wiring harness into the speed control electrical circuit, or the replacement of the deactivation switch if it is found to be leaking.

I appreciate the fact that Ford is doing this whole sale recall voluntarilly, unlike other companies who carry out such actions only after there is a widespread public outcry.

Read the official news release here.

New Honda Accord versions coming soon

Two new versions of the Honda Accord will be launched on the 1st of September here in the UK.

First is the new Sport GT 2.2 i-CTDi and the other is the diesel-engined Accord SE 2.2-litre i-CTDi.




The Sport GT as an accord with a sports suspension and comes in Saloon and Tourer models. Not really sure how different they are apart from the fact that the Saloon has 17 inch alloy wheels whereas the later has 16 inch wheels.

One new colour option will be exclusive to this version - Premium White Pearl (shown here).

I don't have much information other than

The Sport GT is on sale from 1 September, expected to be priced from £20,767 (OTR).

On the other hand the Accord SE is a entry-level diesel engine car. It has a 6 speed gear box with stability assist. It is expected to be priced around £18,600 (OTR).

MG plant reopens

The former MG Rover plant in Longbridge, Birmingham reopened today. Three new 2-seater MG TF sports cars were rolled out of the production line at a ceremony marking the official reopening by new Chinese owner Nanjing Automobile Corporation (NAC).

The ceremony was attended by Senior Chinese government and company officials. Not sure whether any senior British Govt official attended.

At present, the Chinese firm employs just 150 people at the plant. However, the new owners have promised to create 1200 new jobs.

Industry analysts remain skeptical, however. Read the BBC report here.

For your information, the Rover brand name was bought over by Ford.

Renault Clios recalled

Renault has recalled all the Clio II here in the UK. This follows complaints of bonnets suddenly flying open while driving. Read the BBC report here.

There was report about a Clio bonnet popping up and smashing the windscreen yesterday.

Perodua Viva just a poor copy of Mira

Learned about the launch of the new Perodua Viva on the 10th of this month, from Xcarz who left a comment on my blog.

This new model is a replacement for the Kelisa and is based on the Daihatsu Mira (also known as the Cuore, Domino or Charade outside Japan). In fact it is almost identical to the Mira externally. Internally however, it is a different matter all together. Malaysians have been handed down the old tired design. Take a look at Paul Tan's blog post here to see what I mean.

Prices range from RM 28,400 (for the Solid color 660cc EX Manual) to RM 44,200 (for the 1000cc Metallic paint Automatic Premium) - these are on the road prices.

FYI, Perodua is short for Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd.

UPDATE: Learned from Azwan that the 660cc and 850cc versions of Viva don't have power steering.

Mitsubishi launches 2 new models

Mitsubishi Motors is going to release two models for the Japanese domestic market this fall, namely the GALANT FORTIS sedan and the LANCER EVOLUTION X high-performance 4WD sedan.


Galant Fortis is actually the US market Lancer. Features of the Galant Fortis 1 include a high-rigidity platform, a new 2-liter engine with aluminum cylinder block with sporty exterior styling .

The Lancer Evolution X2 features Mitsubishi's S-AWC3 traction and handling system, with the four-wheel drive system/. It is powered by a lightweight 2.0-liter turbocharged MIVEC4 engine with aluminum cylinder block and a 6-speed automated manual transmission.

Don't you think the Evo X looks deadly?