Latest news with #MK1
The Herald
12-08-2025
- Automotive
- The Herald
VW Polo named 'Best Car of the Half Century'
'The 20-million motorists who have been buying Volkswagen Polos since 1975 cannot be wrong,' said Rutherford. 'It's the most consistently credible supermini of the past 50 years and has repeatedly hit the sweet spot in understated design, overall dimensions, build quality, competitive retail pricing, efficiency and low standing and running costs. It's super strong on affordability, durability and longevity. 'And it's fair to say that since the birth of the MK1 version in 1975, it has grown in size, stature, quality and market relevance. No longer is the Polo a basic supermini to be driven on tight, slow streets in busy towns and cities around the world. At more than four metres long in its current Mk6 guise it's more of a small, credible, borderline premium family hatchback. 'No wonder it remained one of the top 20 best-selling cars in Europe last year.' Since its debut, more than 20-million Polos have been sold globally. Volkswagen positions it as an affordable car for a wide range of drivers. The model's motorsport record includes four World Rally Championship titles with the Polo R WRC, while performance variants such as the GT, G40 and the locally built GTI have added to its appeal.
Scottish Sun
28-06-2025
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Car mechanic expert reveals most reliable used car in UK… it's 20 years old and cost just £500
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A LEADING car mechanic has revealed one of the UK's most reliable cars. The 20-year-old vehicle has none of the usual, 'unnecessary bells and whistles' and costs just £500. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 The MK1 Ford Focus is one of the most reliable cars on the roads Credit: BNPS 3 Some versions of the car cost just £500 Credit: BNPS Paul Lucas, a car expert, has said that the iconic MK1 Ford Focus is one of the best cars that money can buy. According to him, it's both reliable and focuses on simplicity. The star is an owner of an MK1 vehicle himself and bought it for just £500. He's owned the car for over 15 years and has never looked back. He said: 'For me a 20-year-old 1.6 litre Mk1 Ford Focus is top for reliability. 'It was designed before all the unnecessary bells and whistles came in and even lets you start the car with a real key rather than press a button. 'I bought mine 15 years ago for £500 and have no regrets.' According to AutoExpress, the Focus has an "incredible agility" thanks to its innovative multi-link rear suspension. Although the engine isn't the most fearsome on the road, it's 113bhp 1.8-litre four cylinder units remain fresh for years. The car has a spacious interior, with 350 litres of boot space which is only 31 litres less than a brand-new Volkswagen Golf Mark 8. Ford is forced to immediately shut down factories and halt car production as CEO admits 'day to day' struggle for brand As the cost of a new vehicle soars, Brits are looking for alternative ways of getting on the roads for less. According to Wheeler Dealer superstar Mike Brewer, there is an easy trick which can help you bag a used car for less. The TV presenter says that motorists should look to part-exchange their vehicles to get some money off. Mike said: 'A dealer would be happy to do a much better deal with you on your part exchange, therefore giving you a much better deal on the car you're buying in the hope he can put your car in stock and sell it again.' Dealers will be eager to fill up their stocks and you'll get some money off of your purchase, making both parties happy. However, the star did issue a warning to drivers looking to exchange their car. He said: 'Make sure if you've got a good part exchange. 'If you've got a decent car, clean it, make sure it's really presentable and choose the right dealer to take it to and change up your car. 'That is very important.' Car sales have remained stable over the year, with the Ford Puma topping the sales charts. Over 21,900 models have been sold this year, with the Kia Sportage coming in second place with over 19,600 sales being made. In a close third, the Nissan Qashqai has sold over 17,000 models.
The Irish Sun
28-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Car mechanic expert reveals most reliable used car in UK… it's 20 years old and cost just £500
A LEADING car mechanic has revealed one of the UK's most reliable cars. The 20-year-old Advertisement 3 The MK1 Ford Focus is one of the most reliable cars on the roads Credit: BNPS 3 Some versions of the car cost just £500 Credit: BNPS Paul Lucas, a car expert, has said that the iconic MK1 According to him, it's both reliable and focuses on simplicity. The star is an owner of an MK1 vehicle himself and bought it for just £500. He's owned the car for over 15 years and has never looked back. Advertisement Read more about used cars here He said: 'For me a 20-year-old 1.6 litre Mk1 'It was designed before all the unnecessary bells and whistles came in and even lets you start the car with a real key rather than press a button. 'I bought mine 15 years ago for £500 and have no regrets.' According to AutoExpress, the Focus has an "incredible agility" thanks to its innovative multi-link rear suspension. Advertisement Most read in Motors Although the engine isn't the most fearsome on the road, it's 113bhp 1.8-litre four cylinder units remain fresh for years. The car has a spacious interior, with 350 litres of boot space which is only 31 litres less than a brand-new Ford is forced to immediately shut down factories and halt car production as CEO admits 'day to day' struggle for brand As the cost of a new vehicle soars, Brits are looking for alternative ways of getting on the roads for less. According to Wheeler Dealer superstar Advertisement The Dealers will be eager to fill up their stocks and you'll get some money off of your purchase, making both parties happy. However, Advertisement He said: 'Make sure if you've got a good part exchange. 'If you've got a decent car, clean it, make sure it's really presentable and choose the right dealer to take it to and change up your car. 'That is very important.' Car sales have remained stable over the year, with the Ford Puma Advertisement Over 21,900 models have been sold this year, with the Kia Sportage coming in second place with over 19,600 sales being made. In a close third, the Nissan Qashqai has sold over 17,000 models. 3 The humble vehicle is known for its simplicity Credit: BNPS
Barnama
28-04-2025
- Science
- Barnama
Nuclear Agency, LKTN Unveil New High-yield Kenaf Varieties
KUALA LUMPUR, April 28 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Nuclear Agency, in collaboration with the National Kenaf and Tobacco Board (LKTN), has introduced two new kenaf seed varieties, MK1 and MK2, offering higher yields and greater resilience against climate change. In a statement, the agency said the varieties were developed through research and development (R&D) using gamma irradiation technology, with MK1 irradiated at 300 Gray (Gy) and MK2 at 800 Gy. The induced mutation method was used to improve kenaf's agronomic traits, making the crop more productive and climate-resilient. 'MK1 and MK2 have shown significant yield improvements over the V36 variety, which has been cultivated in Malaysia for over 15 years. Field trials at LKTN's plot in Beseri, Perlis recorded fresh stalk yields between 24 and 32 tonnes per hectare .- a 20 to 60 per cent increase compared to V36's 20 to 25 tonnes per hectare," the statement said. Both varieties also feature distinctive characteristics, including palm-shaped leaves and MK1's fully light-yellow flower petals, making them easily identifiable. The launch was officiated by Minister of Plantation and Commodities Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani at an event held in Kelantan yesterday. Also present were the ministry's secretary-general Datuk Yusran Shah Mohd Yusof, LKTN chairman Datuk Wan Abdul Rahim Wan Abdullah, and Malaysian Nuclear Agency director-general Dr Rosli Darmawan. The agency said the MK name stands for 'Malaysia Kenaf', reinforcing the local identity as part of efforts to strengthen the national kenaf industry. MK1 and MK2 have also received official recognition with Protection of New Plant Varieties (PVBT) approval from the Department of Agriculture Malaysia, under filings PVBT 003/25 and PVBT 004/25 respectively.
The Star
28-04-2025
- Science
- The Star
Two new kenaf varieties with higher yields developed
KOTA BARU: Two new varieties of kenaf, a plant with numerous industrial uses, have been developed in Malaysia that have higher yields and are more climate resilient, say two government agencies. Named as Malaysia Kenaf 1 (MK1) and Malaysia Kenaf 2 (MK2), the two varieties were developed by the Malaysian Nuclear Agency (Nuklear Malaysia), in collaboration with the National Kenaf and Tobacco Board (LKTN). Dr Rosli Darmawan of Nuklear Malaysia explained that the seeds of MK1 were exposed to 300 Gray (Gy) of gamma radiation, while Malaysia Kenaf 2 (MK2) received 800 Gy, a process known as induced mutation, to enhance their agronomic traits. Both MK1 and MK2 produce significantly higher yields compared to the V36 variety, which has been planted for over 15 years in Malaysia, said Rosli, Nuklear Malaysia's director-general. 'Field trials conducted at LKTN's Beseri plantation in Perlis recorded wet stem yields ranging between 24 and 32 tonnes per hectare, an increase of 20% to 60% compared to the V36's current yield of 20 to 25 tonnes per hectare,' he said in a statement, Bernama reported. The new strains also have distinctive physical features. For instance, the flowers of MK1 have pale yellow petals and palmate leaves, which facilitate identification and field management. Both varieties have been officially registered with the Agriculture Department, he added.
