The New Ford Focus 247bhp EcoBoost

Making its debut at the Paris Motor Show but needing no introduction is the third generation Ford Focus. Due to go on sale in 2012, a lot of the limelight has been stolen by the high performance ST derivative. Thanks to a 247bhp EcoBoost four-cylinder engine lurking beneath the bonnet – a 24 bhp improvement on its predecessor’s 2.5 litre five-cylinder engine – the new ST boasts 10% more power but claims to be 20% better in terms of fuel economy and CO2 emissions. And Ford are breaking the hatch tradition by giving their ST 5 doors as oppose to the usual 3.

The new Focus range which includes a saloon, a hatchback and an estate, is set to start rolling off production lines early next year and towards the end of 2011 we’ll be graced with an ECOnetic model. With a Low Speed Safety System, Blind Sport Information, Lane Keeping Aids, Lane Departure Warnings, Traffic Sign Recognition Systems and Adaptive Cruise Control, owners of the new Focus range should be the safest motorists on the road.

Increase up to 74% Travelling in London

From January 2011, Day Travelcard buyers using The London Underground and the London buses will notice a fare rise of up to 74%.

The Zone 2-6 Day Travelcard will be redrawn and commuters will have to buy the Zone 1-6 Travelcard instead.

According to Transport for London (TfL) statistics, less than 6000 passengers a day use the Zone 2-6 Travelcard daily which include about 300 using it at peak hours.

TfL advice passengers to look into using the Oyster pay-as-you-go system which works out cheaper.

“We are very concerned that these inflation-busting fares will price people off public transport,” said Jo deBank from London TravelWatch.

“Everyone will be hit, but it appears that infrequent users, those in outer London and visitors and tourists will be hit particularly hard.”

Colour and the Second-Hand Value of Cars

Research by Whatcar? has shown that the choice of colour of the car one buys do affect the value of the car when it comes to selling it on as a second-hand. The colour of a car might not be prominent in ones mind at the time of purchase but this could be detrimental when it comes to selling it on

In Britain, people are seemingly conservative in the colour choice of their cars. Executive and luxury cars tend to sell at a higher price in the second-hand market if the colours are in black, grey and the silver. The more brighter colours do well with the sports and convertible cars with metallic paints adding extra value.