Optimum Resource is proud to present the newest version of its award-winning program, Car Builder Deluxe. Sophisticated, yet easy to use, Car Builder Deluxe appeals to children ages 8 and up, teenagers and adults who are fascinated by cars. As “design engineers,” users build cars on screen, specifying chassis length, wheelbase, engine type, transmission, fuel tank size, suspension, steering, wheels, tires and brakes. All functional choices are interrelated and will affect the performance of the final design.
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Honda Odyssey Road Tests covers:
LIKES Wide door openings Folding third row seat headrests High standard of finish To see how the people mover class has changed and progressed, one needs to go back to the eighties. At the time most people movers were based upon commercial variants in a manufacturers range and the vehicle from a distance looked more like a delivery van with windows. Move forward to the present time and look at the new Honda Odyssey. A purpose built vehicle that since its initial release in 1996 has been constantly improved and refined.
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Fourth Revision for the HSD (2004-2008) model DRIVING Just Drive It ! Startup Shutdown Cruise-Control Neutral Reverse Hybrid Driving Brakes Stealth Driving “B” Mode Charge-Level Radio Multi-Display Steering-Wheel CD Player Audio Buttons Inside Air Outside Air UNDERSTANDING MPG Measurement Increasing MPG EPA Estimates Seasonal Cycles Emissions Gas Prices NURTURING Filling the Tank Multi-Display Care Long-Term Storing Polishing Tire Care Tire Upgrades Washing Valet Use Grille Blocking MAINTENANCE Oil Changes Engine Air-Filter Window Wipers Fuel Door Air-Conditioning OPTIONS SKS: Smart-Entry SKS: Smart-Start Homelink Electrochromic Mirror Navigation Bluetooth Voice-Recognition VOICE-RECOGNITION Help Navigation - Commands Navigation - Locations Audio Climate Screen OTHER Battery-Pack Rear Hatch External Cargo Side Mirrors Internal Storage Transmission Information Sources Informational Materials GLOSSARY Startup Step On the Brake New owners sometimes fall victim to this, not being able to figure out why the car won’t start.
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The new Peugeot 407 ST HDi Diesel is a n exiting new vehicle in many ways; Peugeot has been able to put their latest diesel technology into one of the most striking looking vehicles around. Powered by a two litre turbocharged diesel engine it features the latest common rail diesel injection technology to maximise power and torque. Fitted with Peugeot’s latest Diesel Particulate Filter the 407 ST HDi reduces emissions to better the Euro Four emission standard for diesels which doesn’t come into force until 2006. DISLIKES Potential to scratch paintwork when loading luggage. Easy to confuse coolant and oil temperature gauges. DESIGN & FUNCTION SPACE & PRACTICALITY Because the 407 HDi shares the same body as its petrol engined cousins, interior space is the same. The 407 provides plenty of interior room and also features a decent sized boot.
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Volkswagen says that the new bodyshell has best-in-class torsional rigidity, with significantly enhanced safety qualities. The new Polo scored four stars in Euro NCAP crash tests. Everything about the body spells high quality; from the excellent paint and trim finish, to the solid feel of the doors and rear hatch when closing, and to the small panel gaps that are achieved through laser welding processes. The body, which is made from high-strength galvanized steel, carries a 12 year anti-corrosion perforation warranty. However, the Polo isn’t quite as ‘concentrated’ as it used to be. The new body, with its stylish looks, is longer, wider and taller. This has brought some welcome improvements to interior space, both for occupants and their luggage. Polo buyers can choose between three model types. There’s a base (price leader) Polo 3door, and there are S and SE variants in three and five door versions. Automatic or manual transmission is available on all models. Prices start at $19,800 for the base three-door, the S 3-door costs $20,800 and the SE 3-door is $22,500. Prices for the five-door models are $21,800 (the S) and $23,500 (the SE). Automatic transmission costs an extra $2,000. The base model comes with dual front airbags, five lap-sash seat belts and five head restraints, electro-hydraulic power steering, engine immobiliser, heated and power adjustable exterior mirrors, steering column adjustable for tilt and reach, a single CD audio system and a 60/40 split fold rear seat.
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Volkswagen Golf (2003 model) Volkswagen Passat Volkswagen Polo Volkswagen Sharan TYRE PRESSURES (COLD) regularly Check tyre pressure regularly The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6 mm psi (bar) 195/65 R15 Front 195/65 R15 Rear 195/65 R15 Front (full load) 195/65 R15 Rear (full load) 205/60 R15 Front 205/60 R15 Rear 205/60 R15 Front (full load) 205/60 R15 Rear (full load) 215/55 R16 Front 215/55 R16 Rear 215/55 R16 Front (full load) 215/55 R16 Rear (full load) 38 35 39 44 34 30 36 39 34 30 36 39 (2.6) (2.4) (2.7) (3.0) (2.3) (2.1) (2.5) (2.7) (2.3) (2.1) (2.5) (2.7) People Carrier / 7 Seats CONTROLS 4/6 11 7/8 2 9 Heating & Ventilation Hazard Lights Starter Switch Headlights Sidelights Indicators Wipers Rear Screen Wipers Horn Bonnet Release (not shown) Heated Rear Screen Rear Fog Lamp Front Fog Lamp R BRIEF OPERATIONAL ABOUT YOUR VEHICLE Locking the doors? Anti-theft system? Key / remote control operated central locking. Depress the door locking knobs to lock the doors from the inside. Or press central locking switch on the driver’s door armrest. Some models are fitted with a remote anti-theft alarm. Passive arming of electronic engine immobiliser after removal of the key from the starter switch. Opening the boot/tailgate? Most models are centrally locked. Use the key or remote control to unlock / open. Adjusting the door mirrors? Opening the windows? Operating the sunroof? Manual internal adjustment operated via control levers on the front doors. Or electric internal adjustment operated via a control knob on the driver’s door. Electric front operated via control buttons on the driver’s door. Manually operated rear. Or all electric. Not fitted.
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Hyundai’s all new Sonata should be causing its opposition some sleepless nights. Consigning its predecessor’s quirky aesthetics to history, the newcomer’s larger, more attractive “euro” style is just the ticket to generate some showroom traffic. Mix typical Korean value for money with an impressive list of standard safety features, and you have a package set to tug at the purse strings of medium and family car buyers. DISLIKES Clutch action Front seats lack support VALUE FOR MONEY PRICING Kicking off the four cylinder range is our manual test car at $25,490. Add $2,000 for the auto version. Next is the Elite 2.4 (auto only) at $31,490. With high levels of standard equipment the only option for either car is metallic or mica paint at $225. Bear in mind the solid colours are limited to Ebony Black and Noble White. STANDARD FEATURES For the money you receive air-conditioning, power windows on all doors, cruise control, 6 speaker CD, MP3, cassette audio system, remote central locking, front foglights and leather trimmed steering wheel.
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Hyundai’s latest Sonata has stepped on a few toes in the large car segment. Externally the new V6 is almost identical to its four cylinder sibling –dual tailpipes being the only clue to the extra power. Yes, they share the same attractive Euro style body, but have decidedly different personas. DISLIKES Small front seats Light coloured trim marks easily well shaped, fine for a long trip, and the centre armrest is a welcome bonus. But anyone riding in the middle might feel short-changed by the lack of support. ERGONOMICS Functional and uncluttered, the dash layout is a model of simplicity. Large instruments face the driver, with the high set audio controls just to the left. Three rotary switches look after all of your air conditioning functions. The boot and fuel cap releases are tucked away under the driver’s armrest. Thanks to its large windscreens, front and rear vision is very good, making manoeuvring easy.
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