Perodua UK intends to build on the success of its micro-panel van, the Piaggio Porter, and launch its arguably iconic sister; the Piaggio Ape.  The unmistakable 3-wheeler is marketed under the terms “quirky,” “unique” and “nimble” – perhaps not the most traditional USPs but certainly appropriate.

The Ape will be available in a number of guises including as a panel van, pickup and tipper.  More strange is Piaggio’s offering of a “Web” and “Cross Country” variations; a flat-bed and roll-bar clad pickup respectively.

Piaggio will use their 218cc petrol and 422cc diesel engines across the range so drivers can expect unrivalled fuel economy and cheap insurance.

It’s coming to the end of the regular football season.  To some this represents a huge void in the normal Saturday routine.  To others it’s a reason to cry for joy in a manner not too dissimilar to the former celebrating their team scoring a dramatic winner.   To Vansdirect.co.uk it marks the end of a proud year of sponsorship – Cardiff City Football Club.

With any luck I’ll soon be blogging about the Bluebird’s promotion to the Premier League.  However, as I type this (during a momentary lapse of “cheap vans” marketing and advertising) I’m actually pondering how any business can hang its boots on such uncertainty; will or won’t we be promoted?

Match Preview: Blues -v- Bluebirds

Cardiff travel to Coventry

Cardiff City, the Championship club sponsored by Vansdirect, travel to Coventry tonight with Cardiff looking to capitalise on their 2 games in hand over other their fellow promotion hopefuls.  In contrast, Coventry sit in 14th place and must surely only be looking for another point to keep them away from the drop zone.

Cardiff are likely to be without Jay Bothroyd who is a doubt after picking up a knock during an outstanding performance against Arsenal in the FA Cup.  Likewise, Peter Whittingham (hamstring) is also out so Chris Burke will continue in the midfield.

Match Report: Birmingham City 1 - 1 Cardiff City

Cardiff City Take the Lead

Cardiff City, sponsored by Vansdirect, narrowly missed all 3 points at the weekend conceding a late goal in injury time.  Cardiff’s Joe Ledley opened the scoring with a stunning volley 15 minutes into the second half.  This gave Cardiff a deserved lead in a match that saw Birmingham play well below par.

However, as is typical it seems, Cardiff allowed on-loan debutant Lee Bowyer to score from just inside the area on 90 minutes.

Rangers’ Winger Joins Cardiff

Dave Jones has made an excellent signing today with the arrival of Chris Burke from Rangers.  Burke, a 25 year old winger with 2 Scottish caps, is a former player of the year at Ibrox and joins Cardiff City on a free transfer.

Burke presents an ideal replacement for the departing Wayne Routledge (who departed to QPR without so much as the common courtesy to say goodbye or indeed tell anyone). Jones told the BBC “he brings [...] pace, skill and delivery” - the ideal attributes for a Championship starlet!

Cardiff v Arsenal

Still a great competition - the FA Cup - where dreams are made!

What a scintillating draw in the FA Cup.  Last year’s runner up hosting the formidable Arsenal.  And what timing!  Given their defensive frailties, in-camp arguments and lack of cutting edge in the centre of the park, is there ever going to be a better time to defeat the Premiership boys?!

Ipswich v Cardiff City

Portman Road - Home of Ipswich Town aka Tractor Boys

The football world is full of cliches, rumour and gossip.  It’s therefore nice to see a player come out and say it (or at least their agent) - “The most likely with Joe is that maybe he plays his contract out, then we see where we are.”  Joe Ledley therefore, a fantastic player with bags of potential will be with the Bluebirds a little longer.  Or is this a clever ploy to get Risdale and Jones to weigh-up £6m in January or £ZERO in 18 months?!

Cardiff 2 - 0 Preston

Johnson leads the celebrations

Cardiff secured an unlikely 3 points in front of a 16,500 crowd on Saturday to move 5th in the Championship table.  Goals in each half from Roger Johnson and Michael Chopra were enough to see off the visiting promotion contenders.

It was a somewhat scrappy encounter between two teams tipped for success this season until the deadlock was broken.  On-loan Wayne Routledge again turned provider on 42 minutes, whipping in a tantalising free kick for Johnson to beat his marker and head the ball home.

Match Preview

The Christmas Fixtures

The December fixtures get underway this weekend with the Bluebirds, sponsored by Vansdirect, hosting high-flyers Preston.  With only a point between them and Cardiff looking to reclaim their playoff spot, it’s all to play for.

Preston are in a good vein of form having scored 6 goals in their last 3 games only conceding 3.  Cardiff in comparison have scored 5 but conceded 6.  What does this suggest?  A goal scoring frenzy.  That’s why I’m predicting a bore-draw.

Swansea 2 - 2 Cardiff

Derby Ends in a Draw

A fiery Welsh derby, the first in 9 years, ended with both teams taking a share of the spoils with the BBC & Dave Jones describing the match as “a thrilling advert for Welsh football”.

Cardiff City, sponsored by Vansdirect.co.uk, will be disappointed not to have come away from the Liberty Stadium with all three points - especially given that the draw sees them slip to 7th in the Coca-Cola Football League Championship.