The high performance Jaguars get an R on their Racing variants but the current XJ hasn't, until now.
Launched at this week's New York International Auto Show, the XJR will have a supercharged 5-litre V8 delivering 542bhp, a bespoke chassis and improved aerodynamics. Price is yet to be announced. MG
Source: Live supplement, Mail on Sunday. 31st March 2013
It's difficult to quantify the influence that a car brochure can have on the overall purchase of a car.
We strongly suggest to order the brochure online prior the visit to the showroom.
In the calm environment of your own house you can then scroll through different models, engines range, trim levels and colour combinations. Also you can accurately choose different accessories and option packages.
The brochures also give you a chance to understand the studies, researches and technical development that hides behind the production of a new car.
The understanding of the features of your new car may also make you aware of the reasoning behind an higher price tag than a similar but not as advanced car.
We take as a reference the 83 page brochure that we were handed at the Audi dealership after our test drive of the new Audi A3, where everything is clearly explained to its smallest detail.
In comparison after we drove the new Renault Clio, we got a mere 10 pages brochure. This will obviously start an argument where people will mention the size, brand and price difference between the Audi A3 and the no-so-little-anymore Renault Clio. In response to that we can say that a Toyota Yaris which compares to the Clio has a 50 page brochure.
Often it's difficult to configure your new pride and joy amongst the hustle and bustle of a busy dealership so a well laid out and informative brochure can be the key of a good and satisfactory purchase.
Good Luck on choosing your new car and avoid to be dazzled by shiny showroom demonstrators. Considering the unreliable British weather, your car will look dirty in less than a week! MG
Learners could face tougher lessons and passenger numbers cut amid efforts to reduce accidents involving young motorists.
Newly qualified drivers might face restrictions on their night driving and the number of passengers allowed in their cars, under proposals being considered by ministers.
But learners could also be allowed to drive on motorways and given lessons during bad weather and in darkness to help them reduce risks after they pass their tests.
The government hopes to reduce the number of serious accidents involving young drivers and cut rising insurance costs. Firm proposals are expected in a green paper within two months.
Among other proposals being considered are a minimum learning period before candidates are permitted to sit their test, increasing the probationary period from two to three years for new drivers' licences to be revoked if they receive six or more penalty points, making the driving test more rigorous, and incentives for young drivers to take up additional training after passing their test.
The transport secretary, Patrick McLoughlin, said: "It is alarming that a fifth of people killed or seriously injured on our roads in 2011 were involved in a collision where at least one driver was aged 17 – 24. "Improving the safety of our young drivers is therefore a real priority and will not only reduce casualties but should also mean a reduction in the sky-high insurance premiums they pay.
"I have been clear that I want to see insurance premiums reflecting conditions, performance and risks on the road. We have already done much as a government to address the concerns around motor insurance but more still needs to be done before young drivers feel satisfied they are getting value for money."
The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has called for a one-year minimum learning period for young drivers, curbs on the number of young passengers and restrictions on night-time travel for young motorists for a period after passing their test, although with exemptions for those driving to and from work.
It also says there should be a zero blood-alcohol driving limit for an initial period after a young person passes their driving test. The ABI suggests such measures could lead to a 15-20% fall in premiums for young drivers. MG
Source: The Guardian, 26th April 2013.
Are these two guys going to replicate the days of Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost? Surely those were interesting days of Formula 1 history. Make sure nobody gets hurt!
The S60 was introduced in 2000 and it started the softening process of the notoriously boxy styled Volvos of old days. In England it's often seen on duty as a police car and the myth wants us to believe that those T5 police spec vehicles are tuned to pursue the wildest boyracer in the UK. The truth is different, the S60 T5 provided to the police have revised brakes, suspensions, electrical wiring and sound proofing but is not quicker than any S60 T5 sold to the public other than the 155mph speed limiter being removed on some examples. The second generation S60 has been out since 2010 and this week we drove the eco-friendly S60 D2 SE Lux in metallic black sapphire.
EXTERIOR: As we already mentioned, the S60 abounds with sweeping lines. We particularly like the back with boomerang shaped lights and V O L V O spelt loud and clear across the top lip of the boot lid. The profile is really smooth with a smart window shape, modern looking alloy wheels, all aimed to capture younger demographics. The front end is our least favourite part and this top spec SE Lux should have front fog lights as standard. Instead, the tired looking badge still screams mid class arrogance despite the fact that the average S60 buyer has an higher household income of a BMW 3-series customer.
INTERIOR: Volvo is a pioneer of comfy seats and this S60 is no exception. We still find a few glitches like the unnecessary need for an individual lock switch in every door and the penny pincing idea of having the electric seat adjustment only for the driver. The centre console has too many similar buttons and the silver instruments are not as clear as the ones found in an Audi A4. The Bluetooth connected quickly and worked perfectly, digitally streaming music from our smartphone. We would have preferred a switch for the electronic parking brake by the gearstick and an heavier key fob that doesn't look like a fake toy.
DRIVING: When it was launched in 2000, the S60 T5 broke 18 British land speed records. This D2 1.6ltr automatic won't be setting your heart racing. The gearbox is rather lethargic and the car is sluggish. The 0-60mph sprint is completed in a big 12.3 seconds yawn. The gearbox struggles in kickdown, holds a low gear for too long and sounds coarse spoiling the limo comfort provided by a total absence of wind noise. A huge oversight is also represented by the manual steptronic override on the gearstick which you need to push forward to change up and pull backwards to change down, opposed to the laws of physic which will push your body forward on deceleration and backwards in acceleration.
PRICES: The S60 D2 SE Lux costs £28,195 although dealers are keen to give you around three thousand pound off the list price due to the heavy depreciation that will affect this car. We found an identical 2011 model with manual gearbox and 4,000 miles for around £15,000 which represents a huge initial loss of value.
VERDICT: You must really like the looks of this stylish Swedish saloon or perhaps the safety features such as the City Safety device which brakes the car automatically if it finds you distracted and you are about to run a pedestrian over. However we would quite happily spend our money on an Audi A4 TDI and drive with both eyes open. MG
Tom Selleck would be in his element! A rare chance to snap a fine example of an '80s classic, the exotic Ferrari 328 GTS. This car is the successor of the Ferrari 308, an icon associated to the tv series Magnum P.I. starring Tom Selleck. This 1988 (F registration) model has covered a mere 21,000 miles and it's on the best color combination, Rosso paintwork with Cream leather interior. It's in stunning conditions at £38,750. MG
This is a piece of history. A Ford badge which has a lion similar to the one used by Peugeot. However, can anybody guess which exact model belongs to?
We found this rare Citroën DS3 Racing available on the used market. This fine example is available at £18,450.
The Citroën DS3 Racing is the hardcore version of the DS3 THP 156, the turbocharged DS3 that is the quickest and most engaging in the DS3 range of warm-to-hottish hatchbacks. Engine power rises to a sound 207bhp, with suspension, steering, brakes and wheels toughened up to suit. MG
We test drove the Mini Paceman Cooper S. A full review will follow shortly. MG
Thousands of new Mercedes are set to be banned from sale in Britain after they were declared 'illegal' by the EU.
The German luxury car maker is embroiled in an extraordinary row with EU bureaucrats over a decision to force all car manufacturers to use a new 'green' air-conditioning gas.
Mercedes has raised fears that the new coolant causes cars to catch fire. Any car maker refusing to install the gas faces a ban on selling cars across the Continent, the European Commission warned this week. The DVLA and the Vehicle Certification Agency in the UK are poised to suspend any new registration of the luxury German cars if they do not conform to the regulations.
All new Mercedes A-Class hatchbacks, B-Class family cars and SL roadster models will be affected because the manufacturer has failed to agree to the law, which came into effect on the 1st January. Most manufacturers have already complied with the directive. Last September Mercedes appealed to delay the implementation of the law.
Internal tests by the company allegedly showed that ten out of 14 cars using the new coolant caught fire when subjected to conditions that simulated the coolant leaking into the engine in a front-end collision.
The Commission last week rejected the claims and warned it is not possible for new cars to be sold within the EU if they do not conform to the legislation. Implementing the directive could result in thousands of new cars being left on dealers' forecourts, unable to be registered by the DVLA. In an update last week, the European Commission said 'controversial' testing techniques by Mercedes were to blame for the findings and the Department for Transport in the UK would be fined if it allowed the company to sell the affected models.
It stated: 'It is not possible for motor vehicles to be registered and marketed in the EU if they are not in conformity with the relevant legislation.
The Department for Transport said it was monitoring the situation closely, but it could cost Mercedes almost £500 million in lost sales in the UK and more across Europe.
Mercedes predicts sales of about 15,000 A-Class cars this year, which cost from £18,970. About 6,500 £21,000 B-Class models and an estimated 800 of the £72,550 SL models are also expected to be bought by Britons – but all could remain unsold if the DVLA refuses to register them for the UK market.
Older models will be unaffected but from 2017 every vehicle released into the European car market must be installed with the new coolant. Daimler, parent company of Mercedes-Benz, claims its tests show the new air-con chemical is 'highly flammable', poisonous and poses a danger to occupants and rescue services.
The European Commission is now involved in 11th hour talks with Mercedes. Volkswagen, which owns the Audi, Porsche and Skoda brands, has also refused to install the new coolant.
However, the fellow German manufacturer has insisted its engineers have designed a new coolant using carbon dioxide which adheres to the European environmental guidelines and is in advanced talks to use the new variant. Mercedes claims it has instructed its engineers to design a similar chemical but the Commission denies knowledge of the plans. Critics have accused Mercedes of putting costs ahead of global climate concerns because the new coolant is more expensive.
Lib Dem MEP Chris Davies, who helped to draft the new law, said: 'This amounts to a declaration of war on Daimler. It is widely believed Daimler is trying to avoid paying extra costs of about £20 per vehicle. 'The Commission's briefing makes clear that new models using the old refrigerant should not be sold.'
Mercedes was last month confirmed as the leading premium brand in the UK. It registered 3,329 new cars in February – up 13.5 per cent on last year. Professor Thomas Weber, from Daimler, claimed the company was in the process of producing a new coolant using carbon dioxide which would be approved by the European Commission. He said: 'Daimler has examined all possible options very closely over recent months and worked with the other manufacturers within the VDA (German Association of the Automotive Industry) to find a solution that is acceptable to all.
'These efforts have shown clearly that CO2, is by far the most promising solution, as it is environmentally acceptable and safe. We have given our engineers the clear commission to develop the CO2 air-conditioning system.'
A Department for Transport spokesman said: 'The safety of all road users is paramount. However, we have seen no evidence that the air-conditioning fluid in this case poses any risk in appropriately designed vehicles. We continue to monitor this issue and the European Commission is leading a review to ensure a consistent approach for all vehicle manufacturers and purchasers.'
The European Commission said it would not take action against anyone who has bought one of the affected Mercedes models since January 1. A spokesman said it would continue to appeal to countries to enforce the legislation and ban future registration of all new vehicles that do not contain the new coolant gas.
Source: Mail Online, Sunday 24th March 2013.
The name Rapid is certainly not new to the Skoda connoisseurs. Skoda introduced the Rapid in 1935 with a six-cylinder, 1165cc boosting 26bhp. Skoda used the name Rapid again in 1984 with a 2 door rear engined coupe which, in 1.2ltr guise, produced 55bhp, referred by Autocar as "the poor man's Porsche". Today, the Skoda Rapid is available as a 5 doors hatchback with a variety of engines: 1.2ltr 75bhp, 85bhp with 5spd manual, a 1.2ltr 105bhp with 6spd manual, a 1.4ltr with a 7spd DSG automatic and a 1.6ltr TDI with 5spd manual. The trims available are S, SE and Elegance. The Rapid is available in 13 different colours. We tested the 1.2 TSI 105 in SE trim in Brilliant Silver Metallic.
EXTERIOR: The Rapid is the first Skoda to use the manufacturer's new design with the front badge now placed on the bonnet and kept separate from the grille. We also like the lower honeycomb grille which adds a sporty edge to the clean and crisp styling. The profile is neat and dynamic whilst the back is a mixture of sharp and precise lines inspired by the Bohemian crystal produced in the Czech Republic, a proud patriotic reference.
INTERIOR: The interior is a familiar place to Skoda and Volkswagen owners alike, the V-shaped centre console could easily belong to a VW Passat. All controls are placed with a brilliant exercise in ergonomics and every control is intuitive to use. The instruments are clear to read and the trip computer in our SE spec car abound with information on fuel consumption, range, exterior temperature and so on. The only gripe was the indicators and wipers stalks which we found a tiny shorter than the diameter of the steering wheel but, considering the interior quality, we could easily live with it.
DRIVING: Our 1.2ltr engine produces a remarkable 105bhp thanks to the clever TSI technology. This unit is mated to a 6 speed gearbox with positive and well spaced ratios. The engine has a brilliant response throughout the rev range and has no hesitation or flat spots. The 6th gear helps it to be a whispery cruiser. Under brisk acceleration this 1.2 TSI engine emits a rather pleasant growl and it's never thrashy. The fuel consumption is the biggest revelation, with urban average of 38.7mpg and a combined average of 51mpg, which could easily divert interest from the diesel option.
PRICES: Prices start at £12,900 for the 1.2ltr 75 S with the 1.6TDI Elegance topping the scales at £17,850. Our 1.2ltr 105 TSI SE costs £15,350 which represents fantastic value-for-money. The Rapid comes with a 3yrs-60,000mls warranty, the first 2 years with unlimited mileage. It also comes with 3 years European-wide Road Assistance Cover provided by RAC.
VERDICT: It's literally no surprise that the new Skoda Rapid is becoming a popular car already. The hatchback practicality hidden in a stylish saloon body with an impressive 550 litre boot is 'Simply Clever' to use a Skoda slogan. Skoda also likes to define itself as the "Manufacturer of happy drivers" especially after they won the 2012 Driver Power survey for the fourth year running. All this has been proven when we visited the Benfield Skoda in Newcastle upon Tyne to pick our test car, where the staff couldn't have been more welcoming and proud of the Skoda brand. We are eagerly awaiting to pick up the new Octavia for a review but we have no doubts that it will be another quality product from a brand with a very bright future. MG
The new Toyota Auris has the task to revive the dull looks of the previous generation and inject a bit of life to the brand. We tested the only diesel version in mid-spec Icon. The full name is Toyota Auris 1.4 D-4D Icon, which sounds very technical but also anonymous and easy to be confused with the younger sibling Yaris. We personally preferred the name Corolla, a name used by Toyota for their sub-compact since 1966 and sold in over 39 million worldwide. Toyota obviously fancied a modern name opposed to Volkswagen who kept the name Golf since 1974 and sold in over 29 millions across the world, a household reference for reliability. Toyota is also a trusted name in motoring and all the range comes with 5-year/100,000-mile warranty.
EXTERIOR: The new Auris adopts Toyota's new 'Keen Look' styling. The front is really sporty with LED running lights and a big lower air intake. The back is very vertical and sharply cut, a bit of an heavy contrast with the sweeping front end which makes the three quarter angle view a bit wedgy. However we like the rear looks with vertical reflective studs on the bumper and the big light clusters which resembles to an Hyundai i30. The profile instead is a familiar look, very similar to the Lexus cousin, the elegant CT200h. Our car came in Aspen Grey, a sort of pale bronze. We prefer the Pearl White which enhances some of the styling effects but it's only available on the Hybrid version.
INTERIOR: Our Auris in Icon trim came well kitted with the optional IPA, a revolutionary Intelligent Parking Assist, a sort of electronic Jeeves which parks the car for you using a rear view camera and 10 parking sensors. The Icon trim includes Toyota Touch Multimedia, Bluetooth, DAB radio, Multifunctional steering wheel, Climate Control and 7 airbags. The interior seems well put together but there are loads of empty surfaces on the dashboard made of shiny hard plastic which makes it look dated, surely the lonely placed '80s digital clock doesn't help but it will last a lifetime. The instruments are easy to read and comprehensive of a multifunctional display. The oversized brushed aluminium insert on the dashboard causes quite a dazzling effect to the driver side under a low winter sunshine.
DRIVING: The 1.4ltr D-4D is a surprisingly brisk unit considering its cubic size. This 90 bhp Stop & Start engine is mated to a super-sleek 6 speed manual gearbox which is a pleasure to use. The power delivery comes in a big lump, the refinement is nowhere near the class leaders and the engine noise reminds of a Toyota Hi-Ace van with a boomy note at the top end of the rev range. However the Auris is a quiet cruiser at motorway speeds with just a whispering note. The fuel economy is rather impressive with a real world average of 57.2 mpg on a combined cycle.
PRICES: This version of the new Toyota Auris D-4D Icon has a retail price of £18,495 which undercuts a similar spec Golf by two thousand pound. The insurance is group 10, it comes with a vast array of kit as standard and it should prove dependable. All this package is backed up by the Toyota 5-year/100,000-mile warranty.
VERDICT: If you want something sensible to take to the shops, the Auris is a valid alternative to the usual Golf/Focus/Astra. Ultimately though there is a new-kid-on-the-block called the Seat Leon 1.6 TDI SE which in our opinion looks more stylish, has a better fuel economy from a more responsive and refined engine. The warranty on the Seat is not as long as the one on the Toyota and the Leon's insurance group is slightly higher but it's priced the same and it's a big threat for the not-so-entertaining and anonymous Auris. MG
We drove the near silent Lexus CT200h in Advance spec. A full review will follow soon. MG
The delivery of the new Peugeot 208 GTI is set to start in a few weeks time and the expectations are high. This long awaited model is meant to re-born the GTI badge amongst Peugeot. Looking at the 294,000 examples of 205 GTIs sold compared to the 207 GTIs which only pulled out a mere 9,000 units, it's fair to say that the hottest version of the 208 has a big responsibility and some sales figures to boost. The new 208 GTI looks brilliant inside and out and all the red details bring back those '80s days of pure hot hatch fun. I'm glad Peugeot kept the manual gearbox unlike the new Clio RS, a small hot hatch is more enjoyable without the electronics taking over the communication between the driver and the car. They also managed to shave off over 150 kilograms from the 207 GTI which will mean a much more nimble and entertaining car. Who knows, the might even make an extra-light Rallye version like the rare 205 on our picture. We are counting the sleeps and we are rather excited. MG
The new Skoda Octavia is out and it looks impressive. We are looking forward to a Test Drive so we can tell you all about it. MG
