05 Feb 07
An independent suspension system with combined springs and dampers, commonly believed to provide the best ride and handling balance. [See also: Independent suspension]
As in the current Chevy Corvette and top-end Cadillacs. A multi-mode adaptive damping suspension system that uses dampers with a fluid containing magnetic particles. When the fluid is energised by a charge - triggered by sensors monitoring driving style - the particles align to firm up the dampers. Helps cut body roll and wallowing in large SUVs in particular. Also known as rheostatically charged suspension.
Cars with their engines mounted behind the cabin but in front of the rear wheels such as the Lotus Elise, Ferrari F430 or Honda NSX. Most supercars adopt this approach, as it achieves an ideal front-to-rear weight balance and allows for very low mounting of the engine, which thus lowers the car's centre of gravity and aids handling.
Audi's Multi-Media Interface: an all-in-one control for non-core functions such as hi-fi, sat nav and air conditioning, using scroll-down menus, a large central dial and buttons mounted between the front seats. Similar in concept to BMW's iDrive and Mercedes-Benz's COMAND, but a little more user-friendly.
Also known as unibody; the usual construction method for roadgoing cars, with an all-in-one chassis/passenger cell structure to which suspension, powertrain etc are attached. First seen in racing cars, it has now largely superceded traditional ladder-frame build even in many 4x4s.
Standing for Ministry of Transport, this refers to the annual test all cars over three years old have to go through each year in the UK. Registered test centres will examine your car's brakes, lights, tyres and other safety-related items before issuing (or refusing) a certificate. It also measures a car's exhaust emissions. This is legally required and you can't get a new tax disc without a valid MoT. A new MoT won't necessarily indicate that a car is reliable, but it should show that it's basically safe.
The figure generally quoted is for combined fuel consumption, a figure calculated from a mixture of city and open-road conditions; manufacturers usually quote urban and extra-urban figures, too. You'll be lucky to match these figures in real life, though: they are obtained in ideal simulated conditions on a test track, by experienced test drivers. Their benefit is in allowing you to compare similar models, knowing they've been through the same tests. Mainland Europeans now use litres per 100km instead.
Multi-purpose vehicle, or people-carrier; known in the US as a minivan. These are usually large family vehicles with an emphasis on interior space and versatile seating layouts; many seat six, seven or eight people. MPVs have evolved over the years from basically being vans with seats to sophisticated, comfortable, well-equipped and fashionable status symbols. Popular MPVs include the Renault Espace and Ford Galaxy; similar principles have also been applied to create new classes of smaller compact MPVs such as the Renault Scenic and Citroen Xsara Picasso, and even mini-MPVs such as the Vauxhall Meriva and Fiat Idea.
Rear suspension layout in which a series of arms replace the damper. They keep the wheel as upright as possible, improving the ride.
System of electrical distribution within a car, using a single network that's able to support functions such as automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers and lights, as well as sat nav and display screens.
