B

Braked trailer weight

This is the maximum weight of a trailer and its contents in kilograms that a vehicle is approved to tow when the trailer is equipped with brakes.

Brake horsepower (BHP)

Brake horsepower (bhp) is the horsepower measured at the output shaft (without any loss caused by transmission of power to the gearbox or auxiliary systems).

Bi-Xenon Headlights

These headlights increase brightness up to 2.5 times more than halogen lights whilst using 33% less energy giving you the added benefit of increased visibility at night.

C

Curtain airbags

Curtain airbags are generally deployed from the roof liner above the doors to protect the heads of the driver and passengers seated next to the side of the vehicle in a side impact. There may be separate curtain airbags for the front and rear of the occupant compartment, or single curtains that run the length of the interior.

Cruise control

Provides you with comfort on long journeys by assisting you to maintain safe driving speeds by setting your speed as the circumstances dicate.

Combined fuel economy

The figure for combined fuel consumption, which is calculated for a mixture of driving conditions, expressed as miles per gallon (mpg) and litres/100km.

CO2 classification

In Britain, the calculation of Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) for cars registered since March 2001 has been based upon a calculation of their CO2 emissions and their fuel type. (The purpose of this is to address greenhouse gas emissions, the stated principle being: "The less it pollutes the less you pay".) Every vehicle in the market is placed in a band from "A" (low CO2 emissions) through to G (highest CO2 emissions). The system of taxation is properly known as Graduated Vehicle Excise Duty. The amount the owner pays increases the higher the band of the vehicle.

Climate Control

Air conditioning offers great advantages over standard ventilation and the first is keeping your vehicle cool during the summer months. But surprisingly becomes an effective tool in winter, demisting the windows faster than standard ventilation. Other added benefits include increased residual values and desirability.

Central locking

The capability to lock or unlock the doors of a vehicle simultaneously through a single action – through use of a key or a remote device.

CD autochanger

A CD autochanger holds more than one audio CD-ROM. It allows music to be played through the ICE (In car entertainment) system from any one of the CDs it contains, so that a greater variety of music can be accessed. This avoids the need for constant manual selection/changing of CD-ROMs.

CAN Bus

The CAN Bus is an electronic data bus which links the various different electronic control system in the car. It ensures ideal co-ordination between systems and reduces the amount of wiring needed in the car.

D

Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG)

DSG transmission uses the very latest technology to aid your driving safety and comfort. The DSG can opertae in two modes. (fully automatic and manual tiptronic) This means comfortable gear shifting with no loss of performance usually found with automatics, but also provides excellent acceleration and greater fuel economy than standard automatics.

Differentail

A differential is a geared assembly that allows the driven wheels of a vehicle to turn at a different speed on the same axle. This is to allow the outside wheel to travel further when cornering without causing the inside wheel to spin.

Diesel particulate filter

Diesel particulates are microscopic particles of carbon (soot) created during diesel engine combustion. Measuring approximately 0.05 micron, they are associated with a number of human health problems, both respiratory and other. A particulate filter traps the carbon from the vehicle exhaust stream in a ceramic, honeycomb structure and then burns ('regenerates') it at a high temperature to oxidise the carbon to carbon dioxide (CO2) which, as a gas, is easily dispersed.

Diesel common rail (CRD)

A fuel injection system for diesel engines where a single fuel rail is fed by a high pressure fuel pump. Because injection pressure is independent of engine speed and load the injection can be precisely controlled by an electronic control unit allowing phased injection of fuel to reduce noise and emissions.

E

Extra urban fuel economy

The figure for fuel consumption in an Extra-urban environment, expressed as miles per gallon (mpg) and litres/100km.

Estate

Is a car with a large load compartment where the roof height of the occupant cell is extended to the back of the vehicle which, in profile, has a vertical or near vertical rear hatch or door.

Engine Capacity

The volume displaced by the engine pistons of an internal combustion engine between top dead centre and their bottom dead centre. The engine capacity can be expressed in litres or imperial volume measurements but here we always show the volume in cubic centimetres (cc) as the most precise measurement available.

Electronic stability program (ESP)

The ESP can be switched on or off by the driver. It has been designed to stablize the dynamic handling response of the vehicle by countering any tendency towards understeering or oversteering. The ESP constantly compares the actual movement of the vehicle with predetermined values and according to the situation ESP reacts by braking each wheel individually (according to direction of slip) and automatically adjusting the engine's output.

Electronic Differentail Lock (EDL)

Electronic Differentail Lock continually compares the rpm of the drive wheels, and if it identifies a difference between them which could lead to an individual wheel spinning, for example, if the two wheels are on different types of surface or accelerating on wet leaves, the system brakes the wheel affected until uniform rpm of all drive wheels is restored.

Electronic Brake Distribution

Electronic brake distribution is a function which replaces the brake regulator on the rear axle. The ABS control unit registers the speed of wheel rotation. If it detects a difference in the speed of rotation of the rear wheels, it regulates the brake pressure on the rear axle, thus preventing excessive braking of the rear wheels.

F

Fuel economy

Fuel economy performance figures indicate the amount of fuel a vehicle will use to travel a specific distance.

Fuel Cut-out

If or more of the airbags inflate after an accident, this system automatically cuts out the fuel supply, thus preventing subsequent leakage of the diesel or pertol.

Front mudflaps

A flexible guard usually of plastic or rubber, positioned behind the front wheels to prevent stones, mud or water spray being thrown up from the wheels.

Front fog lights

Front fog lights are additional lights, normally below the level of the front bumper, intended to provide better vision when driving in poor visibility.

Front Airbag Deactivation

By a turn of a key the driver can de-activate the front passenger airbag to allow the use of a rear facing child seat in the front passenger seat.

G

Gross vehicle weight

The maximum permitted weight of the car including all passengers and cargo.

H

Hill Hold Control (HHC)

Hill hold control is a further system, with which the system ESP can be extended. This system is activated when pulling away from stationary position on a hill (forward or backwards) without having to use the handbrake and not having the risk of the vehicle rolling back. This HHC system will only work on gradient over 5% with the driver's door closed.

Heated windscreen

The windscreen has an electrical element to assist in defrosting/demisting the screen. This is distinct from the almost universal practice of siting vents from the vehicle's heating system in close proximity to the windscreen for the same purpose.

Headlight washers

Washers that clean dirt from the front glass of the headlight to maintain their brightness and effectiveness. Headlight cleaners may consist of a high pressure water jet and/or a mechanical wiper blade similar to a miniature windscreen wiper.

Hatchback

A rear hatch that provides access into the occupant cell of the vehicle rather than just into the boot compartment. Generally therefore the hinges of the rear opening are at roof level and above any window in the rear hatch. In Europe it is common practice to count the hatch as a door - a hatchback will therefore have three or five doors.

Halogen headlights

Headlamps provide better illumination, are more durable, and use less energy to produce the same amount of light as a conventional bulb.

I

Isofix

This allows child seats equipped with the Isofix system to be fitted securely to the vehicles body via the spaces provided between the rear seat backrest and seat base.

Immobiliser

A vehicles anti-theft system that works by disabling the engine management system and/or other electronic systems to prevent unauthorised starting of the engine.

K

Kerb weight

The weight of your car including a full tank of fuel, oil, water, tools and spare wheel plus 75kg for driver and luggage.

M

Multifunction steering wheel

A 'multifunction steering wheel' allows the driver to operate a range of equipment and vehicle functions without taking their hands off the wheel by utilising control buttons directly on, or 'stalks' very close to, the wheel itself.

Multi Purpose Vehicle (MPV)

Is the acronym for 'Multi Purpose Vehicle' which is characterised by a single continuous high-roofed compartment to give maximum space to passengers.

Motor Slip Regulation (MSR)

The engine torque control system recognises when the wheels are subject to too much slippage and regulates the power supply by intervening in the engine management system. This prevents wheel spin when, for example, changing down on a smooth or wet road surface. MSR is a constituent part of the ASR system.

Min load capacity

This is the basic volume of the load space of a vehicle with all the seats and any parcel shelf or luggage cover in place – the vertical measurement is therefore generally equivalent to the level of the top of the rear seat back or to the bottom of the rear windows. In vehicles with a separate boot and fixed rear seats – generally some sedans or coupes – the maximum and minimum load capacity will be identical.

Metallic paint

Metallic paint contains tiny metal fragments that reflect light and give the car extra shine. In addition metallic paint is almost always covered with a clear coat of lacquer to give the vehicle the appearance of extra shine.

Mechanical Brake Assist (MBA)

The mechanical brake assist system increases brake effort under emergency braking conditions through a duel rate servo.

Max torque

Torque is defined as the product of a force and its perpendicular distance from a point about which it is causing rotation: put simply a twisting force. For an engine a torque value is a measurement of the twisting force produced at the crankshaft. The maximum torque is the greatest amount of torque an engine is capable of producing. (measured in rpm, this defines the rotational speed of the crankshaft that the engine must attain to produce maximum torque. Also measured in newton metres Nm, which expresses the torque produced by a force of one Newton acting on a one metre long lever.)

Max speed

Speed is the ratio of the distance covered by an object or body to the time taken. Maximum speed is the top speed that the vehicle can achieve as published by the manufacturer. Maximum speed is measured in miles/hour or kilometres/hour.

Max roof load

This is the maximum load in kilograms that a vehicle roof will support for a roof rack or container, including any fastenings and contents.

Max performance

The rating that indicates its ability to maintain or maximize the vehicle's speed. (measured in Bhp and rpm)

Max load capacity

This is the maximum volume of the load space of a vehicle. In a passenger car this is measured with the rear seats folded down and includes the entire volume of the compartment – i.e. from floor to roof headliner.

Manual

A type of transmission where the driver changes gears using a manually operated gear lever.

N

Number of valves per cylinder

The valves of an automobile engine control the intake of fuel and outlet of exhaust gases. The number (and manner of control) of these valves effect many aspects of the engine's performance. With more valves per cylinder, engines can be ventilated more effectively with the potential to increase torque and power outputs as well as improve fuel consumption and emissions characteristics.

Number of cylinders

In a reciprocating internal-combustion engine the cylinders are the tubes in which the pistons move up and down which are surrounded by the engine block. In an automobile engine there will generally be a number of cylinders (commonly 4, 5 or 6, but conceivably a number between 3 and 12). The total volume of the cylinders determines the engine cc (capacity).

Navigation system

A vehicle navigation system combines location information with mapping data to provide directions to a destination set by the vehicle driver. The location of the vehicle is determined by a satellite based GPS (Global Positioning System). Information from other vehicle systems such as the ABS or trip computer may be combined with this to give greater accuracy. The positional information is then overlaid onto map data which is retrieved from a database (typically stored on a dedicated CD ROM or DVD). The route to the final destination is constantly recalculated so as to ensure the correct driving directions are being delivered at any given point. These directions may be delivered to the driver in the form of a map or 'arrow' direction indicators through a visual display and/or audibly, using a voice synthesiser.

P

Protective side mouldings

A protective and decorative, strip that runs along the side of a vehicle, to prevent damage to the doors and side body panels, particularly that caused by the doors of adjacent vehicles when parked.

Pearl effect paint

Paints contain fine pigments that reflect light from many different angles creating a rich luxurious effect. The light reflection varies with the angle at which it is viewed and can create the appearance of colour change.

Payload

Payload allowance is calculated as follows: (Total Vehicle Weight) – (Kerb weight)

Parking sensors

Parking distance sensors automatically warn the driver of obstacles when manoeuvring a vehicle. Typically, these systems use ultrasonic signals from sensors in the bumper or vehicle body to detect and measure the distance to any physical object within close range of the vehicle. The information is fed back to the driver by a visual display, or by an audible warning signal, or by a combination of both. They may additionally or alternatively make use of externally mounted close circuit cameras to guide the driver via a dashboard mounted display.

Panoramic roof

A panoramic roof is a single sunroof that extends over both front and rear seats.

R

rpm

This defines the rotational speed of the crankshaft (expressed in revolutions per minute) that the engine must attain to produce maximum power.

Roof rails

Bar-like structures for transporting loads on a vehicle roof which run parallel with the centre line of the vehicle. Roof rails are load bearing members to which other load carrying equipment can be fastened such as cross-bars or other types of load and luggage rack. They are not intended to have a load or luggage attached to them directly.

Rear spoiler

A spoiler is a body part designed specifically to improve the flow of air around a vehicle body, either to lower the aerodynamic resistance of the vehicle, or, sometimes in high-performance vehicles, to create a down-force on the wheels to improve vehicle traction and stability. A rear spoiler may be a separate wing-like entity mounted on the roof or boot lid, or an aerodynamic shaping of the surface of the rear part of the roof or boot lid.

Rear mudflaps

A flexible guard usually of plastic or rubber, positioned behind the rear wheels to prevent stones, mud or water spray being thrown up from the wheels.

Rear disc brake

In a disc brake a disc or rotor is straddled by a stationary caliper. When the brake is depressed, the calliper closes onto the disc, creating friction that progressively slows and stops the wheel. Disc brakes have virtually superseded drum brakes on the front wheels of nearly all cars, although smaller, lower-priced vehicles may still utilise drum brakes on the rear wheels.

Rain sensors

A feature of some front windscreen wipers where the wipers will start as soon as it begins to rain or if other moisture is detected on the windscreen.

S

SUV

Is the acronym for 'Sports Utility Vehicle' (also known as off-roader or 4x4) these are vehicles which have the capability to be driven off-road, characterised by higher ground clearance than other passenger vehicles and rugged construction and appearance - usually, but not exclusively, featuring all wheel drive.

Steering Column Mounted Controls (Multifunction steering wheel)

Allows you to operate the stereo and other minor controls using buttons on the steering wheel.

Steel wheel

Wheels are of heavier weight construction, with the hub of the wheel painted/treated to protect the wheel from corrosion.

Sports suspension

Sports suspension is often characterised by a lower ride height and or stiffer suspension springs and shock absorbers to a standard vehicle.

Spare wheel

The spare wheel of a vehicle is normally contained under a removable panel within the load compartment floor.

Solid paint

A standard paint coating.

T

Tyre repair kit

This is specifically a tyre repair kit that substitutes for a spare wheel allowing a punctured tyre to be re-inflated 'in situ' so that the vehicle can be driven to a repair facility.

Tyre pressure monitor (TPM)

Sensors in the wheel send a signal to the driver in the event of pressure loss.

Trip computer

This is a dashboard mounted device that calculates and displays information from a variety of vehicle systems, most usually displaying: fuel consumption, the distance that can be covered on remaining fuel, and average speed. A clock and an external temperature display are also commonly included.

Transmission

The transmission is the mechanism, normally consisting of gears, belts and/or hydraulic components, that transmits power from an engine to the driveshaft that turns the vehicle's drive axles and wheels. (i.e.manual.automatic)

Total vehicle weight

The maximum permitted weight of a loaded vehicle, including the vehicle, equipment, fluids, passengers and load.

Tiptronic

The car has no clutch pedal and you changes gears using paddles on the steering wheel. Or you can leave it in full automatic mode.

U

Urban fuel economy

The figure for fuel consumption in an Urban environment, expressed as miles per gallon (mpg) and litres/100km.

Unbraked trailer weight

This is the maximum weight of a trailer and its contents in kilograms that a vehicle is approved to tow when the trailer is not equipped with brakes.

V

Vehicle alarm

An alarm which detects entry into a vehicle and in some varients detects attempts to physically lift or tow the vehicle away.

W

Wheelbase

Viewed from the side, the distance between the centre points of the front and rear wheels, expressed in millimetres.

X

Xenon Headlights

These produce a much brighter light than normal headlights whilst using less energy. They increasee brightness by up to 2.5 times more than halogen lights whilst using 33% less energy.