2008 Hyundai i30 First Steer

"No, it's not a new Sports version of the A Class Mercedes-Benz or a new a variant of BMW's 1-Series. It's the new i30 from Hyundai and we reckon they're going to sell like hotcakes"

If you've never thought of owning a Hyundai motor car before today, you might want to take little looksee at the i30 hatch from the award winning Korean car company.

Awards you say? Yes, stacks of them. German Auto Zeitung Magazine in it's "2006 Qualitats Report" voted Hyundai "Most Reliable Brand", The exhaustive JD Power & Associates Initial Quality Study: ranked the carmaker 3rd among all nameplates behind Porsche and Lexus and in Australia, reliability and cost of ownership have brought Hyundai a host of accolades from the likes of Wheels Magazine and NRMA.

The small car market is the toughest sector in the world to compete in with just on 37% of all cars sold slotting in to this category. Hyundai needed to produce an exceptional car to have a half a chance with products such as the recently launched Mitsubishi Lancer.

My guess is they have succeeded. I'm betting that the i30 will go straight to the top of the charts and yes that's a big call, but the combination of styling, materials, equipment, drivability and affordability, are of a level not yet seen in this category, to my knowledge at least.

There are three spec levels on offer; SX, SLX and SR powered by a 2.0 CVVT petrol unit mated to either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed auto transmission. And if you are diesel savvy, you'll be exceptionally pleased with the 1.6 CRDi powered i30 and its hill demolishing 255Nm of torque.

At this stage the CRDi is only available with a 5-speed manual box and in SX and SLX trim levels. We're told a 4-Speed auto is literally around the corner and will be available from late December/early January.

I sure would like to see an SR badge with the CRDi though or better still – a proper high performance version of both engine variants in the not too distant future.

You can't help but like the way this car looks. There's a lot more Euro styling than there is Korean in the i30, and it shows.

The well sorted Volkswagen Golf, Mazda 3 and Ford Focus are said to have served as the benchmark vehicles for the i30, but as far as I'm concerned, they threw in an A-Class and a 1 Series for good measure.

The result is one very good-looking hatch, inside and out.

It's a well thought out car inside too. For starters there's an iPod interface allowing you to plug your MP3 directly into the car's sound system. And you won't even need a USB cord. Every i30 comes with one in the centre console. Not only that. The car's audio head unit can control both volume and playlists – a huge plus and not available in many prestige cars.

The standard fit remote folding key fob looks remarkably similar to that found across the Volkswagen range and is a nice touch.

The driver and front passenger seats are particularly good, offering comfort and sports style side bolster. A massive improvement over the Elantra.

Steering is both height and reach adjustable, which in my book, is essential if you are to find the perfect driving position. The SLX and SR versions win a nice thick leather wrapped steering wheel, while the base model SX gets not so handsome plastic model which looks worse than it is to hold.

With over twenty storage compartments throughout the i30 – a family of four is well catered for, including an air-conditioned glovebox, able to chill at least two bottles or cans.

Air conditioning with Pollen filter is standard as are a host of other features such as; power windows and mirrors (heated), ABS with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), driver and front passenger airbags with Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and Traction Control (TCS) standard on the SR but optional on both the SX and SLX.

On the SX – you would need to go with the SX Protectz safety pack, which includes driver and front passenger side and curtain airbags. With the SLX, you would only need to option ESP with TCS, as the full compliment of airbags is standard fitment.

First off the rank was the 2.0 CCVT petrol SLX with the 4 –speed auto and running on 16-inch alloys shod with 205/55 tyres.

With 105kW peaking at 6000rpm and 186Nm of torque at 4600rpm it's not the most powerful in class and as a result, it needs to work hard from a standard start. Once moving and into third gear, it's a much more pleasant drive. The engine note adopts a relatively quiet composure but with plenty of go for highway cruising.

The car feels incredibly well planted while the steering weight is near perfect. Suspension has been tweaked by a world renowned handling and ride guru, who carried out substantial testing on Australian roads which I've been reminded, are far worse than the UK's much criticised "B" roads.

Even over bitumen starved roads here's no jarring through the cars body whatsoever. All bumps and potholes are largely eliminated with this suspension setup.

We gave the i30 a little punt through a nice twisty stretch and just to see if the guru had done his/her job. Yes, in a word. The balance between between ride and handling is spot on.

The brakes are also worth a mention. The pedal feel is confident with excellent stopping power via ventilated front discs and solids at the rear.

We were itching to get behind the wheel of the 1.6 CRDi and all good things come to those that wait.

First off – buy the diesel. Yes, there's a premium of $2500 over the equivalent petrol car but the increased driveability and low down performance of the diesel, is worth every dollar.

And if we're talking fuel consumption – it's a no contest. While the 2.0 petrol isn't bad at 7.2-l/100km, how's 4.7-l/100km sound!

• i30 SX 2.0 Petrol manual - $18,990

• i30 SX 2.0 Petrol auto – 20,990

• i30 SX CRDi man only - $21,490

• i30 SLX 2.0 Petrol man - $23,490

• i30 SLX 2.0 Petrol auto - $25,490

• i30 SLX CRDi man only - $25,990

• i30 SR 2.0 Petrol man $26,490

• i30 SR 2.0 auto - $28,490

Source: http://www.caradvice.com.au/6719/2008-hyundai-i30-first-steer/

Ford and MIT get cozy on new powertrain, fuel and energy

Ford and MIT, two big players that already have an ongoing research alliance, announced a new partnership today that focuses on "new powertrain, fuel and energy technologies to deliver sustainable transportation for consumers."

Last November, MIT established the MIT Energy Initiative (MITEI) to do all kinds of fun stuff, like "help transform the global energy system to meet the challenges of the future." Ford's role is as MITEI's first Sustaining Member not only gives them access to new technologies but also creates two MITEI fellowships – the Ford Alliance Energy Fellows.

Accordign to MITEI's director, professor Ernest Moniz, Ford could help change the world once again with "transformational technologies for a new century." Sounds good, especially if it's undoubtedly for the better this time.

Wonder what Ford's interested in? Some of the research going on at MIT includes crowd-farming, a DIY Segway, an electric Porsche 914 and trying to answer the question, "Which comes first, the alf-fuel or the alt-fuel car?" Related press release after the jump.

FORD, MIT ANNOUNCE ENERGY RESEARCH PARTNERSHIP

Ford Becomes Inaugural Sustaining Member of MIT Energy Initiative

DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 1 – Ford Motor Company and MIT today announce a major new energy research partnership that will focus on new powertrain, fuel and energy technologies to deliver sustainable transportation for consumers.

"Energy related issues pose some of society's greatest challenges," said Sue Cischke, Ford's senior vice president – Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering. "We are delighted to work with MIT toward sustainable solutions."

This new energy research partnership with Ford Motor Company builds on the existing Ford-MIT Alliance. With the establishment of this partnership, Ford becomes the inaugural Sustaining Member of the MIT Energy Initiative (MITEI), which was formally established in November 2006 to address global energy issues.

"Ford and MIT have a long and productive history of working together to meet critical national needs through research," said MIT President Susan Hockfield. "This expansion of the Ford-MIT Alliance will pair innovators at Ford and MIT to help meet the world's energy challenges. We are excited about Ford's support for the MIT Energy Initiative and its key role as the Initiative's first Sustaining Member."

As the inaugural Sustaining Member, Ford Motor Company will have the initial seat on the MITEI Executive Committee, which is responsible for the overall strategic direction of the Initiative. This five-year collaboration will support Ford's research program to develop new technologies and will include Ford's sponsorship of two named MITEI fellowships – the Ford Alliance Energy Fellows.

"Ford and MIT have a long history of innovating together," said Dr. Gerhard Schmidt, vice president, Ford Research and Advanced Engineering. "Focusing our combined efforts on energy challenges is crucial and timely."

The partnership will also support MITEI's energy research "seed fund" to promote the development of a broad range of novel, innovative energy technologies and concepts from innovators across the Institute.

"The development of new transportation technologies is critical for meeting the world's energy needs," noted Professor Ernest Moniz, director of MITEI. "As the first mover for the automotive technologies of the 20th century, Ford Motor Company transformed the world. This research collaboration is designed to support Ford's commitment to providing similar transformational technologies for a new century."

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With about 260,000 employees and about 100 plants worldwide, the company's core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo and Mazda. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.fordvehicles.com.

About MITEI

MITEI is an Institute-wide initiative designed to help transform the global energy system to meet the challenges of the future. The MIT Energy Initiative includes research, education, campus energy management and outreach activities, an interdisciplinary approach that covers all areas of energy supply and demand, security and environmental impact. For more information, please visit http://web.mit.edu/mitei/.

Source: http://www.autobloggreen.com/2007/10/01/ford-and-mit-get-cozy-on-new-powertrain-fuel-and-energy-technol/

Ford News - Ford announces European-spec Focus 2008

Moving it closer to the new Mondeo and adopting the ECOnetic label for the cleanest model available, Ford has announced a restyled version of the Focus (which is very different from the one in the US, unfortunately).

The changes are mostly aesthetic, giving the model what Ford calls "kinetic design" cues, which, according to the press release are: "Working from the front towards the rear, trapezoidal grilles, swept back headlamps, bold wheel arches, newly shaped rear glass, a contoured tailgate and new tail lamps are the key changes. Higher trim grades benefit from chrome detailing and a stylish, body-coloured upper rear spoiler."

The car gets also an upgraded interior with soft-touch plastics (although current models aren't too bad) and a new center console. It can be equipped with a 230V socket to power anything and an USB connection dock as well. The car can be also optionally equipped with Ford's Power Button, to start the car without turning the key.
As announced here before, the 2008 Focus can be fitted with a dual-clutch 6-speed gearbox developed by Getrag, mated to the 136 HP and 110 HP versions of the 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi engine which is claimed to improved fuel consumption by 10 percent.

The 2008 Focus will have engine chioces galore: a Flexifuel engine, an ECOnetic version, as well as CNG and LPG versions based on the 2.0 liter gasoline engine.

BRENTWOOD, Essex,11 September, 2007 - Winner of more than 80 awards and the only vehicle in the world to be named Car of the Year both in Europe and North America, Ford's Focus has been something of a phenomenon since the launch of the original back in 1998.

Now in its second generation, with more than 1.1 million examples sold in the UK and a range which includes hatchback, saloon, estate and Coup -Cabriolet derivatives, the Focus success story enters another chapter.

Following its unveiling at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Ford has announced that a new version of its family favourite will begin rolling off production lines from the end of 2007. Three-door, four-door, five-door and estate body styles will be first in UK showrooms, Coup -Cabriolet and ST sporting flagship variants arriving in spring 2008.

Benefiting from Ford's 'kinetic design' approach to styling, the 2008 Focus takes its inspiration from the critically acclaimed new Mondeo. The result is a classier and more distinctive appearance from a vehicle that's now as exciting to look at as it is to drive.

Working from the front towards the rear, trapezoidal grilles, swept back headlamps, bold wheel arches, newly shaped rear glass, a contoured tailgate and new tail lamps are the key changes. Higher trim grades benefit from chrome detailing and a stylish, body-coloured upper rear spoiler.

Inside, the upmarket aura continues. New soft-touch plastics now cover the instrument panel as well as the upper front door trim and this is complemented by plush new seat fabrics plus a variety of attractive fascia finishing's. The instrumentation has been re-designed too and, along with all other interior controls, is illuminated in red. Controls for the upgraded audio equipment and two-zone air conditioning have also been ergonomically improved.

Furthermore, the Titanium now includes a newly designed centre console (optional with Zetec and part of the Sport Pack), which adopts the flowing 'kinetic design' look. In addition to a movable armrest and a four-litre-capacity storage compartment, there are storage areas for back-seat passengers or the facility to add optional items such as a 230 volt socket or the USB audio connection box. Another feature available as an option from the beginning of 2008 is the Ford Power Button, which will be positioned near the gear shifter.The aesthetic appeal of Ford's latest Focus is matched by a range of mechanical introductions, including an all-new automated gearbox. The Ford PowerShift transmission will be available from early 2008 in the new Ford Focus as well as the Ford C-MAX, in combination with the 136PS and new 110PS versions of the 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi engine.

Jointly developed by Ford and transmission specialists GETRAG, the gearbox consists of two layshaft transmissions working in parallel, each with its own wet clutch unit. Thanks to the layout of the intermediate shafts - one carrying the 'uneven' gears 1, 3 and 5, while the other one 'even' gears 2, 4 and 6 - the next gear change can be prepared by pre-selection whilst in motion and at full power.

As a result, in this configuration, the average fuel consumption improves by around 10 per cent, and CO2 emissions will be lower, compared to a conventional six-speed torque converter automatic transmission. Final homologated fuel economy and CO2 emissions data, as well as performance data for the Ford Focus with this new transmission technology, will be published closer to the car's market launch.

Another new development is the Focus "ECOnetic" which features an array of aerodynamic efficiencies and is powered by a 109 PS 1.6-litre Duratorq TDCi with standard Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF). Average consumption for the Focus ECOnetic is a frugal 65mpg. This corresponds to an average CO2 emission of only 115g/km, which is a class leading result for a conventional vehicle in this segment.

As a direct result of the Ford ECOnetic initiative, all Focus 1.6-litre TDCi variants will achieve 119g/km CO2 and this is regardless of power rating, body style or wheel dimensions. Flexifuel version of the 1.8-litre Duratec petrol four-cylinder engine can be fuelled with bio-ethanol E85-fuel as an alternative to conventional unleaded petrol - or in any mix of both. The Ford Focus range also includes CNG (compressed natural gas) and LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) derivatives both based on the 2.0-litre Duratec petrol engine.

The 2008 Ford Focus range will initially be offered across Studio, Style, Zetec and Titanium trim grades. More detailed information about the UK range and prices will be release close to the car's on-sale date.

Source: http://tsikot.yehey.com/?p=6414

Marcus Grönholm: “It’s the closest and best battle in my career"

BP-Ford World Rally Team drivers Marcus Grönholm and Timo Rautiainen won Rally New Zealand today after a titanic battle with arch rival Sébastien Loeb produced the closest finish in the history of the FIA World Rally Championship. The ice-cool Finns withstood immense pressure inside their Ford Focus RS World Rally Car to win this 11th round of the series by just 0.3sec after more than 350km of blistering driving - a margin which equates to 7.5 metres or less than two car lengths!

It was 39-year-old Grönholm's fifth victory of the season and also his fifth in New Zealand, making him the most successful driver in the event's history. It extended his lead in the drivers' championship to 10 points. Team-mates Mikko Hirvonen and Jarmo Lehtinen finished third in another Focus RS to seal BP-Ford's seventh double podium of the season and extend the reigning champion's lead in the manufacturers' series to 46 points.

New Zealand's North Island roads provide some of the best rallying territory in the world. The smooth and flowing gravel speed tests wound their way through lush, green countryside close to the Tasman Sea coastline, west of Hamilton. Muddy roads during the opening leg contrasted with dry and dusty conditions throughout the second day and damp tracks today to provide a tricky tyre choice throughout the three-day event.

The margin between Grönholm and Loeb never rose above 15sec and the duo started the final leg with the Frenchman ahead by 1.7sec. After overnight storms the roads dried quickly but were still damp and Grönholm opted for BFGoodrich's soft compound rubber throughout the day's seven special stages covering 95.94km.

He moved ahead on the opening stage but Loeb retaliated to lead by 0.5sec after the next test. He extended that to 2.9sec before the BP-Ford driver edged ahead with three consecutive stage wins, culminating in a thrilling performance through the classic Whaanga Coast test, one of the most spectacular in the championship. Grönholm started the final 3.14km test with a 0.7s lead, enough to claim his 30th career win.

"It was an incredible fight all weekend and this win is fantastic for my championship hopes, " said Grönholm. "It's the closest and best battle in my career and I'm delighted to have won it. There wasn't room for a single missed gearchange. I'm really happy for the team, more so because everyone was able to stand outside and watch the final stage near the service park and share in our excitement when we knew we had done it.

"I stayed calm in the rally car and that's something I've learned from many years' practice of attacking. The only big stress came with choosing tyres because the conditions were inconsistent and when it's as close as it has been here, then one wrong tyre choice would have ruined everything. It's good to extend my championship lead and I think it's going to be a great end to the season, " he added.

Hirvonen held third from Friday's opening stage. With no pressure from behind and no opportunity to join the fierce battle ahead, the 27-year-old Finn took no risks to settle for his sixth consecutive podium and ninth of the season. "I made one wrong tyre choice on Friday and I was out of the battle, " he said. "I'm not upset with third and I've enjoyed the weekend but I was a little unhappy with my driving and not being able to join Seb and Marcus in the fight for victory. But I feel like I've learned how to drive here and it was important for the team to get the points for third. "

BP-Ford team director Malcolm Wilson said the timing of the win was perfect considering the rallies remaining. "It's good psychologically for Marcus and has strengthened our position in both championships. It's outstanding for him to come from behind and win and I've never seen a finish like that in my career. When I saw Marcus jumping up and down on the roof of his car at the finish line I knew he had done it. Now I'm going to send him a bill for the dents to the roof! " he said.

Ford Team RS director Jost Capito was equally exhilarated by the outcome. "The drama and excitement we've seen over the weekend was a match for any of the world's great sporting events and demonstrates what a thrilling sport WRC is. My congratulations to Marcus and Timo who kept cool under the most extreme pressure, " he said.

Source: http://www.autoracingdaily.com/article/marcus_groenholm_its_the_closest_and_best_battle_in_my_career_and_im_deligh/

Comment on Ford Focus 2.0S First Impression Test Drive

There are a few cars that one would look forward to getting into in order to experience something because it has a certain reputation surrounding it. You have the BMW 3-Series with the expectations of its fantastic 50:50 weight balance, or the Mercedes Benz S-Class because it is seen as the pinnacle of comfort at under a million ringgit. The Ford Focus is one of those cars that you approach with anticipation.

The original Ford Focus had fantastic handling thanks to its Control Blade rear suspension. Its independent rear suspension offers a rare mix of passenger comfort and a lively driver's experience, something most cars could not do at that time.

Naturally you would expect the Mk2 Focus introduced in 2004 to carry on it's predecessor's values. The new Ford Focus is based on Ford's Global C1 platform which is also used by the Volvo S40/V50/C30/C70, the Mazda3, and Focus C-MAX. The legendary suspension design has been carried over pretty much unchanged from the first generation Focus, and the body shell is stiffer by 10%.

The end result is a fantastic drive, though I do not really have the Focus Mk1 to compare to not having driven it before. The mixture of both comfort and sportiness that Ford achieved is really something to talk about. It feels very different from a Mazda3 as although that is a capable car it just does not inspire you with enough confidence to attack the corners like the Focus as the Mazda3 steering is rather dead. It makes a world of difference when it comes to the driving experience.

Like most modern inline-4 engines with variable valve timing, the 2.0 liter Duratec DOHC 16 valve engine offers some decent punch at low RPMs for you to inch your way through slow traffic. It produces 107kW of power at 6000rpm and 185Nm of torque at 4500rpm. It's no scorching straight line performer, but the 4-speed gearbox is one of them smart ones that keeps the revs up when you are driving aggressively – there is no irritating upshift on the slightest throttle lift-off that causes you to have to downshift again to keep up the pace later.

While its competitors have moved on to funkier interiors with self-illuminating meter faces, the Focus retains a utilitarian dash design with rather traditional green backlit meter faces and oval-shaped air conditioning vents which seem to mimic the outline of the Ford badge. Nevertheless, interior plastic quality was best in class, similar to the really soft plastics that flexed when you pushed into them. This was the stuff you got in cars 10 years ago. It was really quite surprising really, as I had thought no modern car save for the luxury sedans would use this type of soft touch material anymore.

The Focus has decent specs. It is the only car in the C-Segment with rear air conditioning vents, and all four power window buttons have auto up and auto down functions. As you would expect with the way the rear of the car slopes, the car has a rather big boot, something we are not really used to seeing in a hatchback. The side window flip feature is rather interesting, rather than the mirrors being fully open or fully closed, you can actually control how much they turn in and out gradually. So you can actually hold down the button until the mirror is flipped in half way and leave it in that position. I think this would be useful in situations where you need the variable view for parking.

If you don't need the larger interior space that its competitors offer, the Ford Focus is a rather decent buy for those who value driving dynamics in their daily ride. Other than the fact that it's competitors have grown in size, it's really hard to find much to complain about in the Ford Focus. Plus Ford is now offering a 5-year free service promotion for the Focus and Escape as part of a Merdeka promotion, so no worries for the next 5 years. But the promotion ends on the 31st of August 2007, so it's kind of a last minute thing now.

Source: http://paultan.org/archives/2007/08/29/ford-focus-20s-first-impression-test-drive/#comment-108764

Adaptive damping system added to the new Ford Mondeo

Ford has announced the availability of a new adaptive damping system for the latest generation Mondeo in Europe. Although Ford is calling it an active suspension system, what it has described clearly doesn't meet the definition of a system that senses the forces on the body and wheels, and actively moves them up and down to follow the road surface.

Nonetheless, systems like this have proven very effective at offering optimized ride and handling on different road surfaces and driving conditions. The adaptive damping lets the car get better handling without a harsh ride and at a much lower cost than a true active system. Ford is calling its system Interactive Vehicle Dynamic Control (IVDC) and it includes four accelerometers at the corners in addition to yaw, pitch and roll sensors to adjust the damping on the fly. The setup will run £650 (about $1,300) in Britain and all the details are pasted in after the jump.

Source: http://nikhusni.com/cars/adaptive-damping-system-added-to-the-new-ford-mondeo/

Marcus Grönholm: “I’ve not been on the limit and hopefully I’ll find that tomorrow"

BP-Ford World Rally Team drivers Marcus Grönholm and Timo Rautiainen face a thrilling final leg showdown tomorrow with arch rival Sébastien Loeb as the victory battle on Rally New Zealand reached a remarkable intensity today. The Finns start the last day of this 11th round of the FIA World Rally Championship just 1.7sec behind the Frenchman in their Ford Focus RS World Rally Car after two days and almost 260km of gripping competition over spectacular North Island roads.

With the two protagonists also duelling for points at the head of the drivers' championship, the stunning Tasman Sea coastline south of Raglan will be the setting for a dramatic finale to one of the closest encounters witnessed in the WRC for some time.

BP-Ford team-mates Mikko Hirvonen and Jarmo Lehtinen continue to hold third in another Focus RS. The Finns are 1min 12.5sec behind Loeb, having adopted a no-risk policy today but maintaining a strong pace to keep them in the ideal position should either of the frontrunners strike trouble.

In contrast to yesterday's mud, today's six gravel speed tests were dry and dust clouds kicking up from the rear of the cars provided spectacular images as competitors weaved through the lush green countryside. Drivers tackled three special stages this morning near Port Waikato, north-west of the rally base in Hamilton, before a second pass over a short test at the event's service park. Two longer tests over wider roads near Te Akau formed the afternoon itinerary, a total of 130.10km.

Tyre choice this morning was tricky with some roads reported to be dry and others still damp. Grönholm, leading overnight by 13.0sec, opted for BFGoodrich's medium soft compound with small cuts carved into the rubber. After Grönholm and Loeb shared a win each on the opening two tests, the 39-year-old Finn's 14.9sec advantage was cut to just 4.0sec as the dry roads of the 31.58km Franklin proved unsuited to his tyres. The battle raged again throughout the afternoon with Loeb edging ahead in the final few kilometres.

"This morning I took tyres that were too soft and they didn't work on the long stage, " he explained. "The car was like a snake and was sliding a lot. I lost my rhythm and lost time to Loeb, who had a harder tyre. Tyre choice was crucial but it's hard to make the right decision standing here when the stages are two hours and 100km away. Then halfway through the last stage I hit a hole and thought I had punctured. I eased off because the car felt nervous and suddenly three or four seconds went.

"It wasn't such a perfect drive from me today. I didn't have that usual 'super' feeling with the car or my driving. I've not been on the limit and hopefully I'll find that tomorrow. The gap is small and I hope I can turn it around. I would like to win this with the championship in mind, but if I don't, then I don't. Second wouldn't be a disaster, but it would make the championship very tight. Tonight we've made a few small changes to the differential programme and suspension for tomorrow. It will be a great battle! " he added.

Hirvonen encountered similar tyre difficulties to Grönholm this morning. However, with no pressure from behind he was able to consolidate his overnight third on the opening group of tests. A similarly strong pace this afternoon ensured he returned to Hamilton tonight with a comfortable 49.8sec lead over fourth-placed Jari-Matti Latvala.

"I've not pushed too hard but I wanted to stay close and produce some good times so that if anything happens to one of the guys ahead, I can be there, " said Hirvonen. "It was a consistent day with no big attack. But it was a shame I wasn't fighting with someone because when there's no battle you tend to ease off a little.

"The roads were drier than we thought this morning and in general my tyres were too soft. This afternoon they were harder and it was a good choice. The afternoon stages were wider and faster, a bit more like the roads in Finland and I really enjoyed driving on those, " he added.

BP-Ford team director Malcolm Wilson admitted he was enthralled by the fight at the front. "It has been incredible to see two drivers battling at this pace. Sometimes it's easier to challenge from behind. There is a lot at stake tomorrow and Marcus has only one strategy. He wants to win so has to keep pushing and put the pressure on Loeb, " he said.

Source: http://www.autoracingdaily.com/article/marcus_groenholm_ive_not_been_on_the_limit_and_hopefully_ill_find_that_tomo/