Michelin CrossClimate certified for winter use
The fruit of three technologies, it is made from a compound that grips the road in all conditions. It has an energy-efficient, under-tread layer with low heat build-up properties and a unique ‘V’ pattern tread with varying ‘vee’ angles and self-locking, variable-width sipes that act like claws in snow to enhance traction.
Available in 23 different sizes for 15 to 17in wheels, with additional sizes to be added next year, it is described by a Michelin spokesman as “perfect for our climate”.when we only occasionally get severe winter conditions.”He added that motorists no longer need to have that annual debate with themselves about whether it’s worth fitting winter tyres or not.A study conducted by Michelin during the course of its development revealed that 65 percent of European motorists use summer tyres all year round. In Germany - where regulations require winter tyres - the figure was 20 percent while in France, where no regulations apply, the figure was 76 percent.Out of every 10 European motorists, four considered it a constraint to change tyres in summer and winter, leaving the task until the very last minute, while three percent of drivers in Germany and seven percent in France use winter tyres all year round.Ford Motor Company has announced that the enhanced Ford EcoSport SUV - offering sophisticated styling upgrades, improved driving dynamics and new equipment for more comfort and convenience - is now available to order.Customers can now specify the EcoSport compact SUV without a rear-mounted spare wheel for the first time. Subtle and stylish interior improvements provide a more upscale feel with additional chrome detailing.Convenience and comfort also are enhanced with a Winter Pack - featuring heated windscreen, heated mirrors and heated front seats. EcoSport driving dynamics have been improved with revisions to the springs, dampers, rear torsion beam, Electronic Stability Programme, and Electronic Power Assisted Steering settings.Prices for the enhanced EcoSport available with Ford’s multi-award-winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine, 1.5-litre petrol engine or 1.5-litre TDCi diesel engine start from €22,995.“The stylish and practical Ford EcoSport offers customers a flexible and economical SUV and with these enhancements EcoSport looks and feels even sharper,” said Joe Bakaj, vice president, Product Development, Ford of Europe.“EcoSport was developed in some of the most rigorous terrains and climates across the globe to make it an even more compelling option for customers as part of our growing European SUV range. In addition, the team at Lommel Proving Ground in Belgium have further enhanced the driving dynamics to make the new EcoSport even more fun to drive on European roads,” he added.Ford EcoSport models specified without the rear-mounted spare wheel feature a tyre mobility kit as standard, while the rear swing-gate design for those vehicles also has been revised to allow easier access to the bootspace with partial opening. All models now feature a distinctive EcoSport badge on the rear, giving the compact SUV a more premium feel.
