Buying a car in Spain - Ford Kuga 2.5T

The combination of an SUV and a high-performance petrol engine isn't necessarily a tailor-made fit for the car buying market in Spain, but it never hurts a model line-up's image, does it? The range topper in the Kuga range bursts on to the scene with the turbo-charged, inline four cylinder 2.5l engine used to great effect both in the Focus ST and (in an uprated and seriously re-worked manner) the flagship Focus RS. How's that for bragging rights eh!

Delivering a maximum 200 bhp at 6,000 rpm and an impressive shove of torque of 320 Nm at just 1,600 rpm, what we have here is a practical small family SUV of surprising ability. 0-100km/h in a shade under 9 seconds and a maximum speed of 220 km/h allied to a combined consumption figure of 10.3 l/100km, the package adds up to a tasty proposition for the growing young family always on the move and not a moment to waste out on the road.

In true Ford style, the car handles dynamically with a surprising level of feel transmitted through the helm of a car that your average Joe Public would otherwise hardly rate as a driving tool. This is obviously down, in no small measure, to the fact that, as has been the case since the birth of the first Focus, Ford's engineers are unable to design a car that drives anything less than fantastically well (consider the C-max and S-max families...).

Inside, the sporting theme continues, but in a restrained, family-oriented kind of way. There's great visibility, generous height and smooth finish which relay the now common message of build quality present in all of the blue oval's range. Equipment-wise, there's plenty on offer. Six airbags, cruise control, computer, climate control, automatic lights and wipers, and radio CD are standard. By way of optional equipment you can add a panoramic roof, leather seats and a whole host of goodies to keep the little ones properly entertained. At a price of €32,655, the difference in price between this and lowlier 2.0 TDci engined cars, the 2.5T Kuga really is a very tempting proposition.

If you need any help buying a Ford Kuga in Spain, get in touch with us at www.personalcarshopper.net and we'll be happy to help you find the best deal without the hassle or stress associated with buying a car in Spain

Buying a Maserati Grancabrio in Spain

The Frankfurt motor show in the Autumn will see the first public outing of a new Maserati four-seater convertible, the GranCabrio, which has been designed by Pininfarina and will go on sale next spring. This, Maserati's first true four-seater, as opposed to the 2+2 configuration in many current convertibles, will be available in good time for the start of summer 2010.

To accommodate a comfortable cabin with room for four passengers, the new cabrio has been designed and built with a long wheelbase and, as is traditional for Maserati, will sport a canvas roof, a move which sets it apart from the products on offer from competitors, many of which now favour a folding hard top configuration.

The GranCabrio is powered by a V8 4.7-liter generating a fantastic 433 bhp. Although the car is yet to be driven, the promise of that V8 purring under the bonnet as you pootle along Puerto Banus or some other glamorous location is enough to get even the hardiest of motoring journalists salivating.

If you're looking for that something special to get you through the recession blues, get yourself an account on eBay and sell everything you have and whatever you can borrow (!) and visit your friendly dealer today. If, as is par for the course in Spain, you can't find a friendly dealer contact www.personalcarshopper.net and let us help you buy a Maserati Grancabrio in Spain

Buying a car in Spain - Kia Venga

Later this year, Kia will launch the new Venga, a compact MPV that will be manufactured in Europe.

With a length of 4068 mm, a height of 1,600 mm and a wheelbase of 2615 mm the Venga boasts a a spacious cabin with a sliding and folding rear seat to improve its load space in the boot. As is becoming practically standard across the industry, the Venga is also available with the panoramic glass roof.

The Korean brand has chosen a name in Spanish because "it has an attractive and cheerful sound, and fits in with the more urban users in Europe."

The Venga is available in a range of petrol and diesel engines in 1.4 and 1.6l guises with 75 BHP and 115 BHP respectively. The Venga is also available with a a Stop & Go system to help make that little less harmful to the environment and that much more frugal.

Buying a car in Spain - Fiat 500 by Diesel

When I first came across this I thought 'Wow, Fiat's taken a while to get in the game with a Diesel Fiat 500, the oil-burning version of one of the world's most desirable small cars. This, however, is not a diesel Fiat 500, its a Fiat 500 which has had some DIESEL (the fashion brand) magic sprinkled on it. The coolest car in Italy, where not even the MINI can mount a serious challenge, combined with the hip-culture associated with a brand like Diesel, makes this collaboration a match made in style heaven.

Crucially though, the bean counters and designers have been working together on this one and not made it a Limited Edition car. Fiat plans to produce 10,000 units in two years. The pricing has also been subjected to the branding game which means that the 1.2l version of the car, with a measly 69 BHP will cost about 15,000 euros while the other two versions, a 1.3 Multijet, 75 BHP (diesel) or 1.4 16v 100 BHP petrol versions are up to 17,000 Euros.

This represents a premium of 4,500 on a car which has precious few extras over a standard model.There's special alloy wheels with the Diesel logo emblazoned on the hub, yellow brake calipers, Diesel branded trims along its sides and a raft of other styling tweaks. Nothing substantial but, frankly, even if there were nothing in particular added over the standard car there is no doubt that this model will indeed sell well. There's certainly plenty of hopeless/die hard fashionistas in Italy alone to ensure its success. Look further afield to fashionable cities throughout Europe and you'd be sure to find a few of these parked up next to Ferraris and Lamborghinis in Mayfair. With the ambitious target of producing 10,000 a year, Fiat must be setting its sights on markets beyond the domestic one.

Available in a choice of green, brown or black, the Diesel variant distinguishes itself from its lesser brethren by sporting unique styling cues inside and out. From denim-upholstered seats, Diesel logos on the gear shift and on the exclusive, yellow-backed instrument panel, to pockets designed into the sides of the front seats, you'll not mistake this 500 for any other.

Buying a car in Spain

Welcome to the Buying a Car in Spain blog. I'll be keeping you all informed with all the news from the car buying world in Spain. To buy a car in Spain is not like buying one in the UK. It can be quite frustrating having to deal with a customer service experience which is nothing as good as you tend to expect in other European countries.

I'll keep you posted on deals and offers as they come up so that you can choose the right car for you.

Email me at selwyn@personalcarshopper.net if you'd like me to cover a specific topic during my ramblings.

I hope you enjoy it

Selwyn