Latest news with #MK1
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.
New Straits Times
27-04-2025
- Science
- New Straits Times
Malaysia launches new kenaf seed varieties to boost resilience and yield
KOTA BARU: The Malaysian Nuclear Agency, in collaboration with the National Kenaf and Tobacco Board (LKTN), has launched two new kenaf seed varieties that offer higher yield potential and stronger resilience against climate change. The new varieties, namely Malaysia Kenaf 1 (MK1) and Malaysia Kenaf 2 (MK2), were launched by Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani at a hotel here today. Also present at the event were Plantation and Commodities Ministry secretary-general Datuk Yusran Shah Mohd Yusof, LKTN chairman Datuk Wan Abdul Rahim Wan Abdullah, and Malaysian Nuclear Agency director-general Dr Rosli Darmawan. Speaking to reporters later, Rosli said MK1 and MK2 are the result of research and development (R&D) using gamma irradiation technology, with MK1 produced through exposure to a 300 Gray (Gy) dose and MK2 at 800 Gy. "The induced mutation technique was employed to enhance the agronomic traits of kenaf, making the plants more climate-resilient and capable of producing higher yields. "MK1 and MK2 demonstrated significant yield improvements compared with the parent variety V36, which has been used in Malaysia for over 15 years," he added. He said trials conducted at LKTN's Beseri plot in Perlis showed that the estimated fresh stalk weight ranged between 24 and 32 tonnes per hectare — an increase of 20 to 60 per cent compared with the current V36 yield of between 20 and 25 tonnes per hectare. "Beyond the superior yield potential, both varieties exhibit distinctive physical traits, including palmate-shaped leaves and, in the case of MK1, fully light yellow flower petals, making them easily identifiable in the field. "MK1 and MK2 have received official recognition through the approval of the New Plant Variety Filing (PVBT) from the Department of Agriculture Malaysia, under filing numbers PVBT 003/25 (MK1) and PVBT 004/25 (MK2). "The 'MK' designation stands for 'Malaysia Kenaf', reinforcing local identity in the effort to empower the national kenaf industry," he added. Rosli said the development of these new varieties aligns with the objectives of the National Nuclear Technology Policy (DTNN) 2030, which promotes the application of nuclear technology in non-energy sectors such as agriculture and biotechnology to support socio-economic progress and national sustainability. The initiative also supports the goals of the National Agri-Commodity Policy (DAKN) 2021–2030 to strengthen the country's agri-commodity sector through science and technological innovation. "This strategic collaboration highlights the potential of nuclear technology in agriculture, particularly in developing more resilient and productive crop varieties, in line with government efforts to bolster food security and sustainable farming amid climate change challenges. "The Malaysian Nuclear Agency remains committed to advancing nuclear technology for the benefit of the people, industry, and national economy. This approach not only broadens the peaceful use of nuclear technology but also strengthens public confidence in its contributions to daily life, particularly in the areas of food security, health, and environmental sustainability," he added.
