Mitsubishi MiEV Evolution III Wins Pikes Peak Electric Division & 2nd Outright

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) entered two MiEV Evolution III all-electric racecars, which combine the best of MMC's electric vehicle (EV) and four-wheel drive control technologies, in the Electric Modified Division of the 2014 edition of the world-famous Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (Pikes Peak, June 23 to June 29) in Colorado, United States.

Race Day was held on Sunday June 29 and after posting the fastest time of 9 minutes 08 seconds 188, Greg Tracy won the Electric Modified Division honors and 2nd overall. Meanwhile, Hiroshi Masuoka set a time of 9 minutes 12 seconds 204, finishing 2nd in the division and 3rd overall, dominating the Electric Modified Division. These Race Day results and the performance of the cars during the event speak volumes about the advanced level of MMC’s EV and four-wheel drive control technologies.

The race starts at an elevation of 2,862 meters and takes competitors through 156 corners on a 20 km course to the finish on the 4,301 meter summit of Pikes Peak. With an elevation difference of 1,439 meters, atmospheric pressure, temperature, weather and other conditions vary significantly between the start and finish. A feature of the race course is that it is split into three major sections: Bottom at the foot of the mountain, Middle and then Upper near the summit.

Lined by coniferous trees, the Bottom section starts with its rhythmical series of mid- to high-speed corners but all of a sudden the drivers hit a series of much tighter and difficult turns which demand the utmost care and concentration.

The Middle section is distinguished by some spectacular scenery with oddly-shaped rocks closely bordering the road. This is a very technical section as shortly after the start a series of tight hairpin bends demand precise handling as the car races along the steeply ascending road.

The Upper section is a very high-speed course taking competitors through many fast corners between craggy rocks and boulders. With little guard railing at the side of the road, this very difficult section brings with it the risk of plunging over the edge should the car slide off the tarmac. This is why the highest levels of vehicle stability are required over the high-speed parts of the section. At 4,301 meters, the mountain summit is higher than Mt. Fuji and the thin air means that cars powered by internal combustion engines lose power the higher up they go. Electrically powered cars, however, are unaffected by the thin air and so this could prove the key section in setting a really fast overall race time.

Position	Driver	Vehicle	Time
1	Greg Tracy	MiEV Evolution III	9:08.188
2	Hiroshi Masuoka	MiEV Evolution III	9:12.204
3	Tajima Nobuhiro	E-RUNNER Pikes Peak Special	9:43.900
4	Ikuo Hanawa	HER-02	12:18.019
5	Janis Horeliks	2014 Tesla Roadster 360	12:57.536

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The Volkswagen XL1 is more important than you might think

I CAN only conclude David Cameron’s vow to get tough on all those City bankers is finally having an effect.

Why else would Volkswagen launch a car which – as far as I can tell – is designed specifically with them in mind? The rising stars of RBS, HBOS and Lloyds have long had a fascination with flashy German metal, as evidenced by all those Porsche 944 Turbos the Gordon Gekko generation drove in the 1980s and all the Audi R8s which have been lining London’s shinier streets these last few years.

However, all those efforts to get tough on bankers’ bonuses must be having an effect because the latest bit of German exotica to hit Britain’s roads uses a combination of an 800cc diesel engine and an electric motor rather than a whopping great V10. It’s also considerably smaller than a Ford Fiesta, won’t do 100mph and will be comprehensively outdragged at the lights by a diesel Skoda Fabia.

Yet the Volkswagen XL1 costs £98,515, making it more expensive than the BMW M5, the Porsche 911, the Maserati Granturismo and the Jaguar F-type. In essence, it’s a small city car you’d need to be on a Fred Goodwin-esque salary to even contemplate affording – and I still love it.

The XL1, aside from having a wonderfully sci-fi moniker which renders it cool in an instant, is significant because it opens up a whole new front in the long-running war of the supercars. Put simply, it does for MPG what the McLaren F1 and the Bugatti Veyron did for MPH. I’m aware of the irony of blowing the best part of a hundred grand on a car which takes saving money at the pumps to the extreme, but it somehow ekes 282 miles out a gallon. Try doing that in your Ecoboost Focus.


Doing 282mpg would – at the current going rate for diesel - get you from The Champion’s front door to Land’s End for a little over £8, and in a mad miniature two-seater which looks a bit like a Mercedes 300SL Gullwing crossed with something out of The Jetsons. Somehow, I think pursuing the edges of what’s possible with fuel economy has got to be more relevant than the battle to be the first out with a production car that does more than 300mph. In the same way the Jaguar XK120 eventually gave us everyday hatchbacks that could crack 120mph, maybe one day we’ll all be driving cars that do upwards of 200 to a gallon.

The first time I see some City stockbroker type driving an XL1 won’t be a moment of utter contempt. It’ll be quiet respect for someone test-piloting the future.

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DIY Conference Room Makeover Tips

"Do it yourself" does not mean you have to do it alone! And for those of you looking to redo your office conference area with style, you've come to the right place. In today's article, we'll be listing the steps every DIY decorator needs to take to get a conference room your business can be proud of. Check out these tips for a helpful office makeover process that's sure to impress!

Assess Your Needs

Every business is different. That's why it's so important to assess exactly what you'll be using your conference space for. As a place where you'll be meeting with other corporate executives and guests, a good conference room should be professional, but also showcase your business personality. Try to choose classy, effective conference room furniture with the same personality you want visitors to associate with your company. Also remember that you may be using the space for more than just corporate meetings. Having versatile modular conference tables that can reconfigure, or nest for easy storage, will be beneficial if the conference room doubles as a training area, presentation room, or boardroom.

Measure Your Space

For DIY experts, accurate measuring is probably thoughtless reflex by now, but for those of you just getting started, we cannot stress the importance of properly measuring space for interior design. Anytime you plan to decorate an interior, get a few friends to help you take measurements of the room. Then, make a scale drawing on graph paper to put it all in perspective. Be sure to make note of any entryways, power outlets, windows, and other permanent fixtures in the room. This will help you determine the best layout for furniture. Of course, once you've got an idea of the furniture you want, it never hurts to make scale drawings, cut them out, and move them around the floor plan to help decide on a layout.

Choose A Reputable Manufacturer

This is the space you're relying on to represent the best your business has to offer. So remember, choosing reputable office furniture manufacturers is a must-take step (unless you plan on attempting to DIY a conference table by yourself). For those new to the office furniture world, know that Global Total Office, Cherryman, and Mayline have long been some of the best brands for choosing quality conference room furniture. You may choose to shop by office furniture collection with any of these great brands, or pick through furniture by categories (such as "top conference furniture" or "leather conference room chairs"). Either way, going with best selling office furniture brands is a surefire bet!

Shop For Value

Almost all quality office furniture brands sell through a dependable office furniture dealer. However, with so many dealers out there, it's hard to know if you're getting the best price. Unless you plan on crafting your own furniture along with your DIY office space, do-it-yourself shopping is unfortunately part of the deal. But don't worry! There are plenty of ways to shop for value. Furniture can get expensive so don't be afraid to sign up for mailing lists (you can always unsubscribe later). Use an app or a comparison shopping engine to help you choose a top furniture dealer with free shipping to extend your budget. Markdowns, clearance specials, and holiday sales are excellent times to shop. And don't be afraid to ask for bulk discounts (most dealers offer them to shoppers that buy more than three items).

Paint Before Furniture Arrives

Once you've picked out your furniture and decided on colors, fabrics, and textures, it's time to break out the paintbrush. Getting the walls painted before your furniture arrives is crucial if you want a space that's ready to receive whatever you've bought. Try to choose cool paint colors with similar shades and patterns to the furniture you selected. Make sure to pick a few contrasting colors so your conference room doesn't seem visually bland. Try to get the painting done and dried before the date you set the furniture to arrive by. Remember, it's a lot easier to paint an empty room than one you've just decked out with new furniture!

Prep For Installation

The big day is almost here, and that means preparation. Like getting ready for a new baby, new furniture arrivals require a lot of groundwork and planning to prevent unwanted surprises. Unfortunately, most new decorators overcomplicate the very simple furniture installation process by under preparing. In order to have a swift, safe, successful installation, discard the old furniture first or move it to a new area where you can confer with guests until your new conference room is done. Always create a "staging area"to house and organize furniture and boxes when they arrive. Try to have basic tools on hand, like a screwdriver, a cordless drill, pliers, and a first aid kit. Keep a buddy around to help with the heavy lifting and ensure safety. And finally, don't forget that there will be lots of debris afterwards. Plan a space to store trash, cardboard boxes, plastic coverings, bubble wrap, styrofoam, and packing peanuts to discard of them responsibly.

Evaluate Your Space

Ah! Finally we reach the last step. Now that your new conference area furniture is all set up, it's time to take a last inventory of the room. Evaluate your space to determine any outstanding needs. Check to see if your conference area has proper lighting and power to tables and other electronics. Marker boards, lecterns, and TV carts are all helpful office presentation accessories that most conference room decorators forget about until it's too late. Add them in to create nice additions that will improve meeting area functionality and impress clients. Now you can enjoy your space!

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ER-A RaceAbout EV sets new speed record 285 km/h [VIDEO]

Metropolia Electric RaceAbout road legal electric vehicle top speed record 285.31 km/h at Lappeenranta airport during Unlimited Racing event on June 28th 2014. Driven by Janne Laitinen, the car recorded 0-100 km/h, 6,3s & 0 - 100 mph, 10,6s.

The E-RA has a 33 kWh Altairnano lithium-titanate battery which powers four-electric motors that develop a peak output of 383 PS (282 kW / 378 bhp) and 3,200 Nm (2,360 lb-ft) of torque. This enables the 1,700 kg (3,747 lb) prototype to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in approximately six seconds and travel approximately 200 km (124 miles) on a single charge. At top speed the E-RA consumed around 1250 Wh/km measured as energy required from grid to recharge the battery.

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Voltron Evo win Australian eFXC electric Formula Xtreme

Round 1 of the 2014 Australian electric Formula Xtreme Challenge - eFXC - was help today at Queensland Raceway.

Five electric superbikes made the record grid with first time entrant O'Hanlon Electric Motorsport winning all four heats with their new Voltron Evo ridden by Danny Pottage.

Built in Western Australia by Dr Chris Jones, the new bike is based on a custom frame fitted with Turnigy 40c LiPo RC batteries that provide 700 VDC to an Evo Electric AFM-140 Axial Flux BLDC motor good for 400 Nm peak, 250 Nm continuous.

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BMW i3 with F1 Technology [VIDEO]

The BMW i3 is one of many cars that now come equipped with F1 technology. The carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) Monocoque is used to reduce weight and ensure road safety.

The extensive use of carbon fibre keeps the curb weight down to 1,195 kg which is much lower then either a Nissan Leaf (1,500 kg) or a plug-in hybrid like the Chevy Volt (1,700 kg).

When combined with the i3's 125 kW BLDC electric motor, which is more powerful than either the Leaf (80 kW) or the Volt (110 kW), the result is a 0-100 km/h time of 7 seconds.

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Toyota i-ROAD: Tokyo Trials [VIDEO]

Toyota's i-ROAD compact electric personal mobility vehicle takes to the streets in Japan's capital.

Participants in the limited public trials share their feedback on the ultra-compact, fun to drive i-ROAD, which is available in five colors.

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Nissan Leaf Replacement Battery Priced @ $5,499

The Nissan Leaf has been on the market since 2010, so there’s a good chance that some of them are getting close to 60,000 miles. This is important because it’s when the 5 years/60,000 miles capacity loss warranty expires. Nissan has announced that pricing for a replacement battery start at $5,499.

As an EV battery pack is defined as 'used' once it's capacity reduces to approx 80% Nissan have developed a new business model to create a market for 'used' Leaf battery packs. The old battery must be exchanged for the new battery as a condition of the sale of the replacement battery, and Nissan’s suggested retail battery pricing reflects a $1,000 core value assigned to the battery. Nissan will ensure that the old battery is recycled and reused as part of their 4R Energy business.

Nissan and Sumitomo Corporation created the joint venture company, “4R Energy Corporation”, in September 2010, to address the secondary use of EV lithium-ion batteries. Earlier this year they launched the world’s first large-scale power storage system which utilizes used batteries collected from electric vehicles.

The used EV batteries that will be recycled into this large-scale storage system have been recovered and have gone through thorough inspection and maintenance at 4R, to confirm safety and performance. The prototype system (600kW/400kWh) consists of sixteen used EV batteries.

The $5,499 price is just for the battery, and that doesn’t include taxes or dealer installation. Owners of the 2011 and 2012 Nissan Leaf will also need to pay $225 for an installation kit that allows the newer battery design to fit into the older models.

Nissan will offer financing options to customers who need to replace their battery. Details about this financing probably won’t be finalized until closer to the end of the year, but Nissan expects to keep monthly payments close to $100 per month.

Like the batteries found in a new Nissan Leaf, the replacement batteries will carry an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty against defects and a five-year/60,000-mile against capacity loss.

To read more head on over to the My Nissan Leaf forum.

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5 Stylish Desks For An Effective Home Office

Home office design is tricky. Sure, you don't have to worry so much about whether your boss will approve of the space, but working around size constraints and an environment that isn't always businesslike poses problems too. Fortunately, there are tons of efficient home office workstations out there to help you get the job done. Here's a few options that won't sacrifice functionality for fashion!

First on our list is the cool home office desk that has all the heads turning, both in homes and office buildings. The MNCNZ72-MNBBF-MNBBF-LMH desk seems like a lot to type into a search box, but when this stunning credenza desk from the popular new Mayline Medina series pops up, all is forgiven. Available with a whole set of stylish furniture to unify the look, this desk makes the perfect space-effective model for a home office. It's compact, modern, and equipped with storage features for added value. For most though, it's shining asset is the affordable price!


Next up, we're proud to present the unmistakably modern style of the VL-743N-GLASS Verde Desk by Cherryman. This contemporary desk is affordable and packed to the gills in appeal. It makes a perfect option for public and home business use, especially because of it's reconfigurability and storage space. The combination of wood and chrome accents brings out the futuristic style that will make this model popular in years to come.


Got a space by a window you're dying to work from? Then the 55196 L-Shaped Workstatuon by OFM is the model for you. This discount corner office desk is the perfect thing for a place that's tight on square footage. It offers plenty of work room without taking up much of it's own! Available in two gorgeous finishes, this desk has versatility of style to match decor. For less than the cost of a fancy office chair, it makes the perfect easy-to-assemble desk to get work done.

For those of you out there that like to customize, nothing is better than the desks from the Princeton furniture collection by Global for your home office. Complete with stunning modern appeal, an efficient modular desk design, affordability, and loads of finish options to choose from, models like the A10 Princeton desk by Global are supremely popular for both home and business use.

Finally, we leave you with the simple and affordable modern glass desk by Calico Designs to jazz up your home office. Anyone on a tight budget will appreciate the stunning OL2 desk. Featuring plenty of work room and great professional materials like hardwood and glass, this desk is a steal at it's current affordable price. It looks just as perfect in a home as it does in public business places without breaking the bank!

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Audi plans plug-in hybrid offensive

Audi plans to launch at least four plug-in hybrid cars as it bets on the technology to counter rival BMW's electric car offensive.

Audi will roll out the A3 Sportback E-tron, its first plug-in hybrid, in Europe this month. U.S. sales are expected to begin in the second or third quarter of 2015, while China deliveries will start in the first or second quarter of next year.

The model will compete with cars such as the battery-powered BMW i3 in a bid to win customers looking for environmentally friendly vehicles.

Audi CEO Rupert Stadler said today the A3 Sportback E-tron will be followed by other plug-in hybrids.

"We strongly believe in plug-in hybrids and we will add a new model each year, beginning with the Q7 next year, followed by the A6 long-wheelbase sedan for China and the A8," Stadler said on the sidelines of the A3 Sportback E-tron's introduction here.

Audi believes plug-in hybrids are the best solution for low-emission vehicles because they don't face the same range constraints as battery-powered vehicles. Plug-in hybrids use a conventional internal combustion engine but can also run on electric power with zero emissions.

“Plug-in hybrids are electric vehicles for everyday driving, exactly what our customers are asking for,” Stadler said.

The A3 Sportback E-tron can be driven under electric power for about 30 miles. Using the gasoline engine, it has a 373-mile range. BMW's i3 has a driving range of up to 100 miles, rising to about 187 miles for the version with a range extender.

Audi’s approach to clean-car technology diverges from the path taken by BMW, which created the “i” subbrand to showcase its environmental technology. The i3 city car and the plug-in hybrid i8 supercar have plastic exterior body panels and distinctive styling to make them stand out from other cars on the road.

“BMW created a product that is totally different,” while Audi as well as Mercedes-Benz “try to integrate e-mobility into their existing vehicles,” said Christian Breitsprecher, a Frankfurt-based analyst with Macquarie Europe. The advantage for Audi and Mercedes is “if there’s lots of demand, they can produce a lot. If not, they can allocate the capacity to their normal cars.”

Stadler said he could not give a figure for how may plug-in hybrids Audi will sell. "Plug-in hybrids could account for 10 percent to 20 percent, even 40 percent of the 2 million units we plan to build annually by 2020. It will be our customers who decide, and we are ready to satisfy their demand,” he said.

“Plug-in hybrids are fully integrated in our platforms and production process, so we are beginning with the A3 E-tron in Germany, but the same technology could be applied to the production lines we have in China and in Mexico,” Stadler added.

Extra cost

Audi's approach may keep spending under control, but the question is whether customers will pay the extra cost for technology that’s not evident from the curbside.

The A3 Sportback E-tron looks identical to its conventional A3 counterpart and starts at 37,900 euros ($51,700) in Germany. That’s 15,100 euros more than the base gasoline-powered version of the A3.

Hiding its green technology under the hood could be a risk for Audi. Inroads by electric-car maker Tesla Motors into the luxury-car segment show that wealthy drivers are ready to buy upscale green cars, if they get noticed. That goes for the BMW i3 as well. Demand for the car prompted BMW to triple production of carbon fiber, which is used for the passenger compartment.

“In an i3 and the Tesla, the attributes of luxury, modern technology and protecting the environment are clearly visible to everyone,” Breitsprecher said. The Audi plug-in “doesn’t show off that the consumer paid extra.”

Still, the threat for Audi is more to its image as a technology leader, with demand for plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles expected to remain restrained. The segment is forecast to account for just 5.7 percent of global auto production in 2019, according to IHS Automotive.

In Germany, Audi is selling the A3 Sportback E-tron via a network of 100 selected dealerships where service employees have been trained to work with high-voltage technology. The E-tron dealerships have an electric charging station that customers can use free of charge during business hours.

The A3 E-tron has a 150 hp 1.4-liter direct injection turbo gasoline engine and a 102 hp electric motor housed within the six-speed dual clutch transmission. As the two power sources never work together at full force, combined system power is 204 hp, Audi said. Top speed is 137 mph in hybrid mode and 80 mph in pure electric mode.

Audi said it takes about 3 hours and 45 minutes to fully recharge the lithium ion 8.8 kWh battery from a 200 volt household outlet. With an industrial 380 volt charging station, recharging time decreases to 2 hours and 15 minutes, the company said.

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Driving Tesla Model S P85 on German autobahn [VIDEO]

Norwegian Tesla owner Bjørn Nyland has uploaded a video demonstrating his Model S at Autobahn speeds.

A Tesla Model S P85 driven at it's maximum speed of 210 km/h (130 mph) has an estimated range of 154 kms (96 Miles). This fact is the reason behind recent strategic moves by Tesla to partner with BMW to build-out a large / dense supercharger network in Germany.

Having recently returned from Munich I can vouch for the fact that driving at 130 km/h (80 mph) in the fast lane is considered slow, they really do drive at 200 km/h routinely on unlimited sections.

Yet the road toll is actually lower in Germany than in many other countries including, by any measure, Australia where you would simply be arrested and have your car impounded if caught driving at such speeds.

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Behind the Scenes with Virgin Racing Formula E Team [VIDEO]

Watch behind the scenes footage of Sam Bird in the Virgin Racing garage at Donington Park.

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Continental introduce tire optimized for hybrids [VIDEO]

Continental has taken the Conti.eContact that was originally launched in 2011 with electric vehicles in mind and refined it to meet the needs of hybrid models. Thanks to the introduction of numerous new technologies and processes, this new and extensively hand-crafted summer tire is the first from Continental to obtain the top A rating on the EU Tire Label for both wet grip and rolling resistance, while making no significant compromises in terms of the many other performance parameters.

With immediate effect Continental is offering the Conti.eContact in six sizes for 17 and 18-inch rims, specially designed for models such as the Opel Ampera, BMW 5 ActiveHybrid, Lexus LS 600h and Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid, as well as other cars and SUVs with hybrid drive. Given that this is a new vehicle segment that also involves highly complex production processes, Continental is kicking off with low-volume production at its French tire plant in Sarreguemines.

The rolling resistance of the new Conti.eContact for hybrid vehicles is some 20 percent lower than in a conventional tire, while delivering a wet braking performance similar to that of a normal car tire. This is made possible by a combination of advanced technologies in the development, compounding and production sectors. In terms of handling and braking on dry roads, the tire performs at the same high level as a Continental sedan tire of comparable size. As a member of the Continental tire family for hybrid and electric vehicles, the Conti.eContact bears the “BlueEco” logo on the sidewall. Continental’s in-house studies point to incremental growth in the proportion of hybrid vehicles in the passenger car segment, which could account for as much as eight percent by 2020.

Green Chili compound
Featuring the newly developed Green Chili compound, the silica compound of the new Conti.eContact for hybrid vehicles is made up in such a way that the internal friction of the filler particles and the polymers is lower than in conventional rubber compounds. The use of special additives provides an additional boost in terms of handling properties. With this new compound, the chemists at Continental have achieved a marked reduction in rolling resistance, while maintaining a high level of handling and braking performance on dry roads.

Hydro-sipes

On wet roads the specially configured twin sipes in the tread blocks generate a ‘windshield wiper’ effect that breaks up the film of water under the contact patch. This smart thinking by the tread designers at Continental enables the water between the surface of the tread blocks and the road to be rapidly dispersed, making for very short stopping distances in the wet. The fast dispersion of the water also benefits the tire’s wet handling – even at higher speeds. The tread design makes a valuable contribution to the short stopping distances in the wet that led to the Conti.eContact’s A rating for wet grip on the EU Tire Label.

AeroFlex technologyAlong with the new technologies adopted for the compound and tread design, the sidewalls of the new Conti.eContact have also been redesigned. In this case the tire designers focused on minimizing aerodynamic drag and rolling resistance. This they achieved through the aerodynamically modified sidewall and its flexible, lightweight design. As a result, in the new Conti.eContact less energy is lost when the tire deflects and rebounds than in a conventional tire. In addition, the drop in turbulence has led to a further reduction in the tire’s contribution to fuel consumption.

ContiSilent

When hybrid vehicles run in electric mode they are virtually silent. As tire noise is no longer drowned out by other sources of noise such as a conventional engine, it is all the more noticeable. Consequently, the new Conti.eContact is designed to generate minimum audible noise in the vehicle interior. This is achieved with the aid of ContiSilent technology. A thin layer of polyurethane foam attached to the inside of the tread reduces the vibrations that are generated as the tire rolls along the road. This means that less vibration is communicated to the chassis, leading to a lower level of noise in the cabin.

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Fire up the.... Suzuki Swift Sport (again)

THE Suzuki Swift Sport isn't perfect and it's a car of few superlatives, but it is brilliant.

That’s exactly the verdict I reached two years ago when I last drove the Japanese firm’s addictively entertaining junior hot hatch, and just about the only thing I could find to mark it down on was that it lost a little of the Mk1 version’s edge by becoming a little better in just about every other area. It was – and still is – a superb little streetfighter of a car which punches well above its weight.

Why then, the need to test it again?

Put simply, Suzuki has opened doors to anyone previously put off by the sprightliest of the Swifts. In true pocket rocket tradition, the Swift Sport has until very recently only been available as a three-door hatchback, a configuration which benefits its aggressive stance and suits the model’s youthful target market perfectly, but it means plenty of keener drivers with families to look after have had to look elsewhere. That’s why it’s great to see Suzuki finally offering the Sport with the full five-strong compliment of doors, as you can get throughout the rest of the Swift range.

Happily, the £500 translation from three-door to five-door hasn’t affected the aesthetics – true, a five-door is never going to look as single-mindedly sporty, but you still get the deep double grille at the front, a cheeky spoiler, a twin helping of exhausts at the back, and some added practicality in the middle.

Anyone looking for a polished all-round supermini isn’t going to find the Swift perfect –with the best will in the world, it’s starting to show its age – but keen drivers will forgive it because of the consistently smile-inducing way it craves corners and the revvy demeanour of its 1.6 litre, 136bhp engine.

There’s a wonderfully old-school charm to its handling and the whole car begs you to take it by the scruff of its neck and make the most of its petite dimensions. It is, to all extents and purposes, a sort of Greatest Hits compilation of all the best characteristics of the classic hot hatches of the 1980s, and all the more loveable for it.

It’s just that, with a £14,499 price tag, five doors and a very 2014 helping of safety clobber, it’s vaguely sensible too.

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Sorry Renault, I can't quite capture the point of the Captur

A MATE of mine has taken leave of his senses. He’s about to blow five thousand of his carefully-earned pounds on a Triumph Stag.

Followers of automotive folklore will happily bore you rigid with stories about why this Seventies convertible has a home-brewed V8 with a habit of overheating, a body with a penchant for rot in places you wouldn’t imagine possible and a reputation for raiding your bank balance if you buy a bad ‘un. However, I understand said mate’s obsession with the Stag completely because it ticks all three boxes of what I look for in a car. It looks fantastic, makes a great noise and it's a pleasure to drive.

In an idealist, bedroom-wall-poster sort of way all cars would satisfy this holy trinity of petrolhead perfection. However, I’m a grown up so I’ve developed an alternative checklist for cars that aren’t Triumph Stags – normal cars on normal roads need to look passably nice, but more importantly drive in a sensibly pleasing way and have an interior that’s bearable on long journeys.

That’s why a weekend with one of Renault’s latest offerings left me with more questions than it answered, because it didn't really tick any of the boxes.

I was actually quietly excited when a Captur arrived on the driveway, particularly because my dad – for reasons I’m still not sure – insisted on calling it the much more menacing-sounding “Raptor”. It’s an important car for the French firm because it’s a crossover – a sort-of hatchback-meets-off-roader, once you translate the word from Marketing back into English. Given Renault’s links with Nissan, who conquered the crossover kingdom with the Qashqai and Juke, I was keen to see if some of the Japanese cars’ sparkle had rubbed off on their Gallic cousin.

Yet after 300 miles on just about every type of road imaginable, I couldn’t quite capture the essence of the Captur.

What Renault appears to have done is taken the Clio, a car which is great because it’s small, pretty and quite nice to drive, and made it bigger, uglier and not very nice to drive. There’s plenty of room for you and four passengers in the cabin, but the boot space, at 455 litres, just isn’t enough to carry all their clobber. The 90bhp 1.5 DCi engine in the version I tested was smooth and quick enough on paper, with the dash to 60mph being dealt with in 12.6 seconds, but in the real world it just didn’t feel lively enough.

All of that, however, pales into insignificance with the biggest question the Captur asks. Why would you spend the best part of £12,000 on a car which has – and I choose my words carefully – a truly nasty interior? It’s well equipped and festooned with airbags, which is great, but the last time I saw plastics that cheap was in a branch of Woolworth’s. The steering wheel, in particular, has a scratchy texture which makes sliding it through your palms an unpleasant experience.

Don’t get me wrong; Renault makes some great cars, including a hatchback that’s usefully bigger than the Clio. It’s called the Megane.  

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Have You Evaluated Your Office Needs Lately?

Evaluating your office needs on a yearly basis is supremely important. To maintain a productive and efficient work environment, several key areas must be regularly assessed. The 5 step process highlighted in today's post will hep you to properly asses your space and effectively identify your office needs.

Step 1: Evaluate Crowding

When evaluating your space, you'll first want to check for crowding. If you're limited on floor space and worksurface, you may be working in an overcrowded an unproductive area. While a simple clean up is sure to free up some usable area, it might be time to go modular! Selecting a new workstation built around your current needs will greatly improve your work rate and overall effectiveness. Modular workstations provide excellent space saving benefits and will allow you to create stylish desking configurations designed to grow around your future needs. Brands like Cherryman Industries, Mayline, and Global Total Office all offer best selling furniture collections to fit your needs.

Step 2: Evaluate Clutter

Office clutter will no doubt slow down your work rate. If you find yourself searching for items regularly, it's time for a simple cleaning session. Start by getting organized! Grab a couple boxes and remove the unnecessary items from your desk top and work area. A good rule of thumb is that if you aren't planning to use the item that day, it shouldn't be on your desk top. Once you've removed the general clutter from your area, create an office organizing system that works for you. Keeping stationary supplies like pens, sticky notes, calculators, and staplers in one general area is a great place to start. Simple desk top organizers are inexpensive and will help you maintain a more efficient office place. When everything has a place (and you know where it is) you'll have a much better chance to beat the clutter bug!

Step 3: Evaluate Discomfort

Once you've assessed your crowding an clutter, it's time to evaluate your current discomfort. While addressing discomfort in the workplace is of the utmost importance, it's far easier to note your problem areas in a clean and well organized space. Most office discomfort stems from the office chair. Poor sitting posture can result in back problems and blood flow issues. Before jumping online to shop for ergonomic chairs, try adjusting your current seating solution for better results. If work discomfort is severe, you might also consider meeting with a physician to determine additional ways and ideas to help your specific situation. Purchasing a new chair is definitely a great start if your current model isn't cutting it, but it's not your only defense! New and helpful ergonomic products like monitor arms, articulating keyboard trays, and adjustable foot rests will all help alleviate common workplace comfort issues.

Step 4: Evaluate Your Layout

Is your current office furniture layout based on aesthetic value or productivity? Your answer should be both! A stylish and effective furniture configuration will help you to maintain a happy work life while keeping you operating at peak levels of performance. If for example your desk is setup to face a wall, you probably aren't feeling much inspiration. Consider alternative ways to setup your space that will help your corporate appeal, visitor experience, and personal productivity. New, affordable, and custom modular furniture sets are available (if needed) to create a space you can be proud and work your best in. A well rounded furniture layout is sure to improve your comfort, style, and effectiveness.

Step 5: Evaluate Fatigue

Believe it or not, fatigue is a major factor to consider when evaluating your office needs. If you find yourself tired throughout the work day, it's time to make a change. As your office needs revolve around your personal health and wellness, a good nights sleep is the first place to start. If you don't already, try eating a healthy breakfast to help jump start your day. In addition to these common practices, you may be experiencing fatigue due to a lack of inspiration and overall comfort. While steps 3 and 4 of today's article will help these areas, you can save energy by limiting the times you have to get up for various things needed throughout the workday. Try creating a list of things you commonly get up for. Consider moving these essential items to a location within arms reach to prevent unnecessary (and often frustrating) trips around the office. As evaluating your office needs stems specifically around your personal needs, maintaining good structure and practicing the simple tips mentioned above will surely improve your day.

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10 Ways To Rock Your Office

The typical image of an office worker usually involves a bored business person on the phone, trapped in a tasteless cubicles, but that's not at all what work has to be. Many creative people have shared their ideas for making the office, a fun, productive place where everyone gets along. If your workplace could use a change of pace, here are some excellent ways to rock your office for sure!

1. Season's Greetings

Decorating in time with the seasons and holidays is a great way to keep the office feeling fresh as the year goes by. Changing decorations, scented candles, and floral decor provides a nice change of pace that keeps the workplace from getting stagnant or suffocating. It's also a great excuse to provide deals, sales, benefits, or seasonal packages to clients and employees, while also really getting everyone into the spirit of whatever season or holiday is coming up next!

* Here are some fun office decorations for every season:

Spring: 
Flowers, greenery, bright colors, open windows, linen or floral scented candles

Summer: 
Coral, seashells, sun cutouts, ocean photography, paper pinwheels, fruity drinks and smoothies

Fall: 
Autumn leaves, pumpkins, pinecones, cinnamon and spice scented candles, Halloween decorations

Winter:
Paper snowflakes, snowmen, hot coffee and cocoa, holiday decor, ornaments, peppermints

2. Healthy Snacks

Staying healthy at the office is a big problem for many Americans because it promotes such a sedentary lifestyle. However, eating right can do a lot to increase energy, focus, and even weight loss at work. Adding healthy snacks to your list of smart office accessories is sets an excellent example for coworkers and clients alike. Not only will you feel better, but with "brain food" snakes like walnuts and blueberries, you may also increase productivity and output in the workplace.

* Here are some healthy grab-n-go snack recommendations perfect for work:

Dark Chocolates
Blueberries
Veggies with Dip
String Cheese
Pistachios
Bananas
Dried Fruits
Whole Grain Cereal
Hummus
Granola Bars

3. An Awesome Lunch

With snack time taken care of, we can move on to everyone's favorite part of the workday: lunch! Brown bagging it has long been the preferred method for dieters and health fanatics that want to eat their way to a healthier lifestyle. Packing one's own lunch is a much better alternative to fast food, especially since you'll have a much better idea of what's going into your body. Simply pack a lunch and instead of dining on the office break room tables, head to a nearby park for a coworker picnic with some close work friends. This B.L.T.A wrap or sandwich makes a super healthy tagalong!

* B.L.T.A (Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato, Avocado) Wrap Recipe:

Cooked bacon slices (warmed in microwave optional)
A few sliced Roma or baby tomatoes
Shredded or chopped lettuce
Sliced avocado
Whole wheat or flour tortillas (warmed in microwave optional)
Your favorite salad dressing or hummus

Slice up some Roma tomatoes, romaine lettuce, chopped leftover bacon from breakfast, and sliced avocado. Snag some of your favorite whole wheat or flour tortillas and lay them out (you may even decide to warm them up in the microwave for 30 to 45 seconds). Spread some ranch salad dressing, yogurt, or hummus down the center of the tortillas, and lay down the B.L.T.A. ingredients. Roll it all up and take a bite of the goodness!

4. Bringing the Outdoors In

Many studies have shown that an outdoor walk on a work break helps to increase both focus and health in the average office worker. But if you can't get outside for lunch, don't worry, there are plenty of excellent ways to bring the outdoors into the office. The best way to start is by adding a little green! In studies done by universities like Rutgers, the University of Hawaii, and even NASA, many plants have been scientifically proven to improve indoor air quality by removing toxic VOCs. The removal of VOCs helps increase focus by clearing out the volatile organic compounds that, when breathed in, negatively affect the brain. By adding efficient office air purifiers like good indoor plants (for example, peace lilies, spider plants, or lemon balms), office workers can drastically improve the air quality of offices in the cities.

5. Craft Contest 

On a slow workday, nothing livens things up like a little craft contest. This can be done with friends or by yourself on a day when you happen to have a little extra time to boost creativity. Just dig around through your retractable desk pencil drawers for some creative tools. Block erasers, pens, pencils, paperclips, binder clips, rubber bands, and pushpins all make excellent equipment for building spaceships, rockets, or little office animal buddies to sit on the desk. Time yourself with some coworkers and judge based on final output for a team-building session everyone can enjoy!

6. Decorated Cubicles

Expressing creativity and personality with cubicles is one of the best parts of working in an office. Empty cubicle walls are boring and can contribute to diminished creativity or even a bad habit of napping on the job. Instead of suffering through a boring space day in and day out, take the initiative to create for yourself a workplace sanctuary. It's usually okay to bring photos of pets and loved ones, but don't be afraid to ask the boss for live things too. Plants and bowl fish like bettas are quiet companions that won't distract or make a ton of noise during phone calls. If that's not your cup of tea, see if it's okay to print out large photos of places you want to visit or art that you like and paste them to the walls. In the end, you'll all have creative, professional cubicles for business that clients will be happy to visit.

7. Office Games

Craft contests are loads of fun to do by oneself or with others when there's extra time, but it does require using materials reserved for work. Office games, on the other hand, provide excellent team building opportunities that can unite the whole workplace. On slow days, lunch breaks, or during office parties and events, taking time for a quick game of "trash-bin basketball" serves as a fun break, and an excellent cleaning opportunity. See who can get the most shots into vertical office file cabinets or cubicle trash bins by balling up old paperwork and tossing from an office chair. Any of the dry erase presentation boards for conference room use will make excellent scoreboards.

8. Go Ergo

It may not be as fun as decorating with flowers or fish, but outfitting your workspace to be more ergonomic is an excellent way to increase work output while also improving health and comfort. Adding devices like ergonomic monitor arms to reduce neck strain, or adjustable high tech office chairs to reduce back pain leave users feeling more at ease in the office. Over time, these gadgets can help force the body into more healthful positions and habits, so the whole workplace can benefit.

9. Privacy Boosters

Not everyone is a talker. For those of you out there who love your coworkers, but are still distracted by Talkative Tim, privacy boosters make excellent solutions. No one likes to be bothered when they're on a really productive streak. To combat contact, check with the boss to see if you can add a folding shoji screen to cover your cubicle entrance (they also double as efficient sound barriers). As an added precaution, noise-cancelling headphones act as the universal symbol for "don't bother me." And for those immune to symbols, a real sign never hurts...

10. Surprises

Surprises are the spice of life. Not always knowing what's around the next bend is a wonderful way rock the workplace, especially in offices that never seem to have a change of pace. See if you can get the boss to agree on an event coordinator to organize potlucks, game sessions, and holiday events after work hours. Movie nights, harmless pranks, funny outfit days, open mic nights, and scavenger hunts provide just the right amount of whimsy to make all the work in the workplace worth it!

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Outlander PHEV to Tackle Asia Cross Country Rally 2014

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) announces that it will dispatch a team of technical support engineers for an Outlander PHEV entered in the T1.3 4x4 Electric class of the grueling 2,200km FIA-certified Asia Cross Country Rally 2014 (AXCR) from August 9 through 15, to be run from Thailand to Cambodia. The Two & Four Motor Sports rally team (Two & Four), headed by Kenji Ishida, will run an Outlander PHEV in the race for the second straight year. MMC engineers will provide Two & Four's team technical support for the plug-in hybrid four-wheel drive SUV for the duration of the rally. MMC will utilize valuable data and knowhow acquired by the technical support team in future vehicle development.

The 19th edition of the AXCR will get under way with the Ceremonial Start in the Thai beach resort of Pattaya on Saturday August 9. The next day, August 10, sees the start of the rally proper as Leg 1 takes entrants from Pattaya to Sakaeo. On August 12, Leg 3 of the rally takes the competitors into Cambodia and past the World Heritage site of Angkor Wat. The event finishes in the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh on Friday August 15. The AXCR covers a total distance of 2,200 km and offers a grueling test of all-terrain performance and durability as it requires competitors to conquer mountains, forests, swamps and river crossings.

The Outlander PHEV rally car will use competition suspension and reinforced mountings to raise ground clearance and improve all-terrain performance over poor surfaces. The vehicle's S-AWC integrated vehicle dynamics control system will be tuned for competition use to deliver better traction. Other modifications include the fitting of a roll cage and underbody skid plate, the use of lighter engine hood, rear gate and interior parts, and additional sealing and a snorkel for water crossings.

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Audi Plans Range of High-Performance Electric Cars

Audi has drawn up blueprints for a wider range of high-performance electric cars to help it take on German rivals and U.S. firm Tesla Motors, according to sources at the carmaker.

Tesla has managed to stay ahead of the pack with new technology, which has extended driving range and reduced costs. Its success and the excitement about BMW's new "i" electric series have caught the attention of Audi, which some analysts have said risks looking like a laggard in an industry where innovation is a major draw for customers.

Audi, a unit of Volkswagen, is about to launch its first purely electric car, a battery-powered version of its R8 supercar, which is due to hit European dealerships in 2015. It will offer a driving range of 450 km (280 miles), close to the 502 km of Tesla's top-selling Model S luxury saloon.

Meanwhile, Audi has scaled up its electric car plans, having devised blueprints for several high-performance electric saloons and sport-utility vehicles, two company sources told Reuters, asking not to be identified because the matter is confidential.

VW declined to comment. Audi did not return calls seeking comment. The manufacturer has shown various hybrid and purely electric concept cars since about 2009, but the latest blueprints stand a bigger chance of getting the nod for production after it lately overcame range limits.

"Germany's major carmakers all have their electric car plans ready in the drawer," Hanover-based NordLB analyst Frank Schwope said. "They want to be prepared when demand accelerates," he said. The sources at Audi did not specify how many models were being planned or the scale of any production plans.

They said, however, that one of the blueprints is for an electric version of a new Q8 SUV that would pit the brand against Tesla's forthcoming Model X. Audi has defined a range target of about 400 km for any future electric model it aims to develop, the sources said.

Audi's plans will be helped by steps underway to upgrade a production platform dubbed MLB that already underpins larger models across the VW group, such as the Audi A8 saloon and Porsche Cayenne SUV, and would cut costs for electric cars.

INNOVATIONS

Sales of electric cars are expected to surge to 2.7 million globally by 2018 from 180,000 last year as more models come to market, battery costs fall and the number of charging stations grows, according to business consultancy Frost & Sullivan. While mid-market battery cars such as the Renault Zoe and Nissan Leaf have missed sales targets, there has been more buoyant demand for premium offerings. Germany's three leading luxury carmakers are all advancing on the electric market.

Rival BMW has launched its "i" series of electric models, including a 34,950 euro ($47,400) city car, while Mercedes, whose parent Daimler owns a 4.3 percent stake in Tesla, started production in April of its B-Class electric compact.

Tesla has devised innovations that have cut the cost and raised the safety of battery packs. Its models also recharge more quickly than those of rivals, thanks to its connectors, software and efficient power management.

But the California-based company is now facing its own challenges related to scaling up further after its success. It said last week it would share its patents with competitors in hopes of speeding up development of electric cars across the industry.

Tesla executives have also met counterparts from BMW to discuss ways to promote electric cars which analysts say must include steps to create a common infrastructure and share the cost of building recharging stations.

Audi's electric-car moves highlight a change of tack at VW. In 2012 Audi shelved the R8 e-tron at request of its parent as efforts to expand the model's driving range had stalled at only 215 km.

Audi, which has since swapped R&D chiefs, has overcome the range limits by increasing the efficiency of the electric drivetrain and curbing on-board power consumption, development chief Ulrich Hackenberg has said.

"Electric mobility is a key focus of our development strategy," he said in March. "We are ideally prepared for the future with our strategic roadmap and a well-filled development pipeline."

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Best Reception Desks for Office Welcome Areas

Reception areas are almost always the first impression a visitor will have of a business, so it's important that a reception desk looks stunning. Unfortunately for business owners though, one size does not fit all. Diverse workplaces will have different needs and floor plans that render some desk models useless, and others perfect! Here, we'll establish what desks are best for different welcome environments, so your office can wow guests from the start!

Small Reception Desks

You guessed it! Tiny reception desks are the ideal option for the small office welcome area, mainly because the compact size makes them a great fit. Although the general idea is that the "small" in small office welcome desks generally makes shoppers think that the desk will lack in features, this is certainly not the case. Office furniture manufacturers like OFM, Cherryman Industries furniture, and Mayline have become experts in making space-saving, efficient desks that combine curb-appeal with functionality so that even the smallest workspace can get the job done. Stunning wood laminate, veneer, chrome accents, and glass transaction counters turn heads, while expertly crafted storage features help the receptionist stay happy and organized!

Salon Reception Desks

Because spas and other beauty-oriented businesses need a little more pizazz to draw the customers in, business owners often rely on stunning welcome desks for salons to get the job done. Salon desks are often designed with a little bit more thought put into the their looks, especially since they're usually housed in places where beautification is key. The small size and user friendliness allows stylists to make quick transactions in a fast-paced environment. Because of the high class modern design, they're also becoming a regular alternative to reception desks in the average workplace as well.

Large Reception Desks

Something needs to fill the space in a large office, and for the guest area, nothing is better than a large reception desk to fill the void. Large reception desks are a big hit in the modern workplace. Not only do the spacious dimensions suggest business popularity and affluence, they also provide all the room needed for an all-day receptionist. Some models, like the AM-403N multi user reception desk by Cherryman can house more than one person for when the flow of guests is greater. They're always boasting ample storage features and style to turn a simple reception area into a fabulous first impression!

Modern Reception Desks

Boasting glass, chrome, and excellent contemporary features, few things are better for the fashion forward office than a gorgeous modern welcome desk. For businesses on the cusp of the industry, cool desks for office reception areas always let visitors know what the company is all about. They're the perfect choice for tech companies, software producers, and offices that blend a homey sort of charm with just the right amount of modern design to set an example of professionalism for guests.

Curved Reception Desks

For the office with an oddly shaped floor plan, sometimes stylish curved reception desks are the only thing that can work in the space. For long offices, wide offices, and spacious offices where guest seating can be all over the place, curved reception desks welcome visitors from all directions rather than a single one. Under the surface, these desks work to represent diversity and equality with a rounded design. For the eco-friendly office, a fun circular welcome desk can even represent the globe! An excellent pick for designers, the usefulness for a curved reception desk is only limited by the imagination.

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Harley-Davidson Reveals Project LiveWire EV Concept [VIDEO]

Innovation, meet heritage. Today, Harley-Davidson reveals Project LiveWire – the first Harley-Davidson® electric motorcycle.

In keeping with the company's customer-led product development approach, starting next week select consumers across the country will be able to ride and provide feedback on the bike, helping to shape the future of Harley-Davidson's first-ever electric motorcycle.

While not for sale, Project LiveWire is specifically designed for the purpose of getting insight into rider expectations of an electric Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

"America at its best has always been about reinvention," said Matt Levatich, President and Chief Operating Officer, Harley-Davidson Motor Company. "And, like America, Harley-Davidson has reinvented itself many times in our history, with customers leading us every step of the way. Project LiveWire is another exciting, customer-led moment in our history."

Spurred by this heritage, the Project LiveWire Experience invites customers to test ride, provide feedback and learn more about the story of the motorcycle. Even those who don't yet ride will have the opportunity to feel the power of Project LiveWire through Jumpstart – a simulated riding experience.

A 2014 U.S. tour – kicking off with a journey down Route 66 – will visit more than 30 Harley-Davidson dealerships now through the end of the year. In 2015, the Project LiveWire Experience will continue in the U.S. and expand into Canada and Europe.

"This builds on many recent reinvention successes for Harley-Davidson," said Levatich. "In just the last few years, we've broadened our reach to serve an increasingly diverse society, as well as reinvented our approach to product development and manufacturing. This has resulted in cutting-edge products like the recently launched Project Rushmore touring bikes, Harley-Davidson Street 500 and 750 models and this reveal of Project LiveWire."

An Innovative Approach to Advance the Possibilities of Personal Freedom This exciting new ride blends the company's styling heritage with the latest technology to deliver a new expression of the signature Harley-Davidson look, sound and feel.

"Project LiveWire is more like the first electric guitar – not an electric car," said Mark-Hans Richer, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Harley-Davidson Motor Company. "It's an expression of individuality and iconic style that just happens to be electric. Project LiveWire is a bold statement for us as a company and a brand."

The bike offers a visceral riding experience with tire-shredding acceleration and an unmistakable new sound.

"The sound is a distinct part of the thrill," said Richer. "Think fighter jet on an aircraft carrier. Project LiveWire's unique sound was designed to differentiate it from internal combustion and other electric motorcycles on the market."

Longer term plans for retail availability of Project LiveWire will be influenced by feedback from riders along the Project Livewire Experience tour.

"We offer a no excuses riding experience in everything we do and we are led by what our customers tell us matters most," said Richer. "Because electric vehicle technology is evolving rapidly, we are excited to learn more from riders through the Project LiveWire Experience to fully understand the definition of success in this market as the technology continues to evolve."

Helping Preserve and Renew the Freedom to Ride for Generations As riding in the great outdoors is one of the best elements of motorcycling, sustainability remains a core strategic focus at Harley-Davidson.

"Preserving the riding environment is important to all of us," said Levatich. "Project LiveWire is just one element in our efforts to preserve and renew the freedom to ride for generations to come. As a company that has seen success for 111 years, we think in generational terms about our great riding environments for the next 111 years."

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Fire up the... Dacia Sandero 1.2 Access

THE Nokia 3310 is one of the world’s best selling mobile phones.

There was a time when everybody seemed to have one, and in a way I miss its simple, unpretentious charms. Why spend a fortune on a slick, 4G-guided piece of smartphone technology which can shoot movie footage and let you play Angry Birds simultaneously which you need to charge up every few hours? What was wrong with a cheap, no-frills phone which does nothing other than call your mum and text your mates, but lasted four days on a single charge and was practically indestructible? 

The same argument goes for cars too – there are far too many motors these days with radar-guided cruise control and iPod connectivity, but not nearly enough which offer the four-wheels-and-a-roof simplicity plenty of today’s recession ravaged drivers are looking for.

Which is where Dacia’s £5,995 entry-level Sandero – drumroll please, Britain’s cheapest new car – steps in.

For your fiver short of six grand it’ll have to be the base Access version, which manages to contradict Henry Ford by coming in any colour you like as long as it’s white, with some black bumpers and 15-inch steel wheels to let passers by know you’ve opted for this Nokia 3310 of cars.

Not surprisingly, it’s deliberately deprived of many of the luxuries you’d expect from a new hatchback in 2014, with the windows firmly of the wind-up variety and the cheap, plastic dashboard lacking the plethora of buttons you’d get in most other supermini offerings. However, you really can’t deny that in terms of offering a brand new and reasonably well built family car for as little as possible it hits a bullseye; the days of Britain’s cheapest new car being badly thrown together Eastern Bloc obscurities are long gone. 

The  Sandero masters offering four seats, four doors a roof and reliability but little else besides. The 75bhp 1.2 litre petrol engine, for instance, isn’t especially refined and feels gutless compared to other offerings of its size. There is an innate ability hidden within the Renault-engineered hatchback’s handling, but the harshness of the noise and vibrations mean it’s not something you’d particularly enjoy using on a longer journey.

More worryingly, I’m not even convinced that it particularly excels at being value for money. Throw in even basic equipment you’d get as standard elsewhere and the price quickly stacks up – for the sake of an extended warranty, a spare wheel and a CD player the Sandero I tested became a £6,245 car – and heavy depreciation means most of the money you save initially is unlikely to be recouped when you sell up. That’s before you get to the intelligent question of warranty, because while Kia’s entry-level Picanto might cost two grand more than the Sandero, you get a far more modern design with a seven year warranty as standard.

The prospect of having a brand new car on your drive for less than six grand might sound pretty tempting, but I’m struggling to make the sums add up.

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5 Versatile Brands to Consider for Your Next Office Makeover Project

Most of us have been through the experience before. You're out shopping, and just when you think all hope is lost, you finally find the perfect thing - only, it's in the wrong color, or size, or shape. It's the quintessential "close, but no cigar" moment that always leaves one feeling frustrated and empty-handed.  But fortunately, the office furniture world has solutions! For every interior designer out there that's had to let go of the perfect item, these brands save the day with amazing customizable versatility! Check 'em out!

RFM Preferred Seating

For all your office seating and chair needs, RFM Preferred Seating is definitely the "preferred" option. With RFM, cutting edge ergonomic chairs are just an amazing side effect for interior designers. For most, the true allure comes from the brand's spectacular fabric upholstery options. RFM provides one of the largest color and pattern selections on the market for nearly all of their chairs. Shoppers can take their pick of the basics, choosing navy or black leather, or they can mix it up! Platinum, Brandywine, Cerulean, and even Space Blue are just a few of the stunning versatile fabrics on RFM chairs out today. Always comfortable, the customizable features make this brand a perfect choice for office designers.

Global Total Office

From the reception area to the executive office, Global Total Office really covers it's bases by providing top quality furniture for almost every part of the office. But that's not the only reason this brand is such a favorite. In addition to providing versatile workplace furniture for every part of the office, Global also makes sure that it can fit with just about any existing decor. Almost every item from this brand comes in a wide array of laminate finish options, powdered steels, or customizable fabrics for chairs. The astounding versatility makes Global an ideal place to start for anyone looking for new furniture to match what they've already got.

Lesro Industries

From a brand that's dedicated to customer service, it's no surprise that Lesro Industries only caters to the guests. This brand is the choice for affordable modern reception furniture at a low price. With fashionable sofas, coffee tables, and end tables available from a wide array of cool Lesro furniture collections, shopping is never a disappointment. With a clever assortment of colors and fabrics for users, this brand has long been a favorite for lobbies, reception areas, and waiting rooms.

Flash Furniture

While Flash Furniture does not always provide a customizable fabric selector for their products, finding what you need is almost never a problem. As one of the biggest office furniture producers around, Flash relies on astounding variety to meet the needs of consumers. Those that shop with Flash always have low prices and plenty of options at their fingertips. More often than not, a chair seen in one color will almost always have twins in every color of the rainbow!

Mayline

Mayline is a brand that's well known for manufacturing quality office casegoods at affordable prices. However, affordability is not the only thing they offer. Much like Global, Mayline makes tables and desks for almost every part of the office. Whether you're shopping for an executive, the conference room, or for fun foldable training chairs, Mayline has got what you need in spades. Cool fabric and finish options by furniture collection complete the look along with a host of stylings to make decorating a cinch. It's always a top pick for office designers everywhere.

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