Swedish firm Autoliv...
Swedish firm Autoliv has unveiled its latest innovation, which it says will prevent injuries in rollover accidents. The device focuses on stopping occupants moving. A key element of the set-up is its reverse seatbelt arrangement. With the new system the strap starts at the inside edge of the front seat, not the door pillar. The buckle is located at the base, near the door, instead of by the handbrake. An airbag on the chair"s inside edge prevents the occupant slipping out of their belt - as can happen at present. A spokesman for Autoliv said: "Our system is simple, but the test results are promising."
The German company"s...
The German company"s engineers thought that they had sneakily avoided detection by disguising the car - codenamed Tupi but expected to be called the Fox - with the badges and painted-on rear light clusters of its French rival.
But they were rumbled when close inspection revealed the tailgate had more spelling errors than a five-year-old"s homework! Instead of putting the Citroen letters on in the right order, VW arranged the badge so it said "Cetrion", while the C3 insignia had been reversed to read "3C". What"s more, the French company"s double chevron motif had been applied upside down.
Despite the cover-up, our spies recognised the new car thanks to its distinctive side profile, chunky door handles and badly concealed back lights. Commenting on the Tupi"s identity crisis, a spokesman for Citroen said: "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but those lamps aren"t very convincing!" VW declined to comment on the car.
Auto Express was first to bring you the news of the new í‚á£5,000 baby, which is due to hit showrooms next year. We revealed plans for the car, which will be based on the Brazilian-built Fox, in Issue 775, when insiders told us that it would be the cheapest VW sold in Europe since the original Beetle left our shores in 1978.
We"ve also learned that more than 50 modifications have been made to create a more European model. The changes include different bumpers, a larger number plate surround and new headlights, while the interior will be completely re-designed to give a more upmarket feel.
A choice of three engines will be offered: two petrol powerplants - a 55bhp 1.2-litre three-cylinder unit, and a 75bhp 1.4 four-pot - and one diesel, the three-cylinder 1.4-litre 75bhp engine found in the Polo and Audi A2. This oil-burner should deliver around 80mpg - giving a range of over 600 miles.
See page 18 of this week"s issue: Did you know?