Sebastian Vettel’s 999 ‘job swap’

Watch what happened when four-time F1 world champion Sebastian Vettel took to the wheel of a three-tonne ambulance as part of a job swap with a twist.

Scuderia Ferrari Formula 1 driver Vettel shared tips with another high performance driver in a different field – UK paramedic Alex Knapton.

Shell V-Power Nitro+ invited the pair to the Bruntingthorpe race track near Silverstone where the Grand Prix ace showed off a Ferrari 488 GTB before joining Alex on a lap of the track in his ambulance.

The unique ‘job swap’ video features the two coaching each other on their mission critical driving styles before taking part in a lap against the clock.

“Paramedics play an essential role in motorsport around the world and not just in Formula 1,” said Sebastian Vettel.

“They need to perform to such high standards every day because people’s lives depends on them.

“Shell V-Power race fuel supplied to Scuderia Ferrari contains at least 99% of the same types of compounds used in Shell V-Power fuels for the road.”

Alex Knapton added: “Getting the opportunity to swap the ambulance for the Ferrari 488 GTB was a dream come true!

“It was an unbelievable experience to get that close to one of the stars of Formula 1.

“Sebastian was on great form coaching on high performance driving tips and joking about the lack of a radio in the ambulance.”

The post Sebastian Vettel’s 999 ‘job swap’ appeared first on Automotive Blog.

from Automotive Blog http://www.automotiveblog.co.uk/2016/07/sebastian-vettels-999-job-swap/
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Jaguar founder’s own car for sale

A unique Jaguar Mk X owned by company founder Sir William Lyons is to be sold at Silverstone Auctions’ Salon Privé Sale in September.

Built in December 1961, the car was delivered to Sir William in January 1962 and registered to his Wappenbury Hall address in Warwickshire.

Not just any ordinary Jaguar, this Mk X was one of the very first “Zenith” cars produced and made specifically for Sir William to use as his daily driver and finished to his very personal and exact specification.

Synonymous with his reputation, he clearly demanded only the very best and the top of the range car houses a 3.8 litre, 6-cylinder engine, which could have whisked him along Warwickshire’s roads at speeds of up to 120 mph – impressive for Britain’s widest ever production saloon.

Inside, the interior is trimmed out in luxurious leather, with carpeted foot wells and walnut woodwork throughout.

Extra features added at Sir William’s request include walnut rear picnic tables, complete with angled mirrors allegedly installed to allow lady passengers to adjust their makeup.

He also requested electric rear windows, which was not the norm at the time, allowing him to enjoy a cigarette when riding in the back seat, which his wife did not approve of.

Sir William, also known as “Mr Jaguar”, used the car for three and half years before it was sold to the Cheltenham Motor Jaguar dealership. It was then purchased by a local gentleman in 1968 who owned the car until he died in 2012, after which it was acquired by its fourth owner.

The current owner purchased the car in 2014 and then decided to subject it to a long term, comprehensive restoration to near concours standard, carried out by Jaguar specialists under his supervision.

The car was then transferred to the Jaguar Heritage facility in Coventry for final checks and sourcing of minor parts.

The Mk X is finished in its original colour of Opalescent Dark Green with beige leather interior, and still bears its original Coventry number plate, 7868 RW. The odometer shows just over 71,300 miles, covered over the last 55 years between five owners.

It will be sold at Silverstone Auctions’ most prestigious sale of the year at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire, on September 2-3 for an estimated £75,000-£100,000.

The post Jaguar founder’s own car for sale appeared first on Automotive Blog.

from Automotive Blog http://www.automotiveblog.co.uk/2016/07/jaguar-founders-car-sale/
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First dedicated UK Bugatti showroom opens

Luxury motor dealer H.R. Owen has opened a new showroom in London’s Mayfair devoted to iconic French brand Bugatti.

The dealership in Bruton Street is the only place in the UK to view and order the new Bugatti Chiron.

The legendary Bugatti blue plays a prominent part in the styling of the showroom which is also furnished with items from the recently launched Bugatti Home Collection.

The specially designed armchairs are made using the finest leather and blue carbon fibre, the same high-spec materials that feature in Bugatti’s cars.

As well as the present and future, the showroom will also reflect Bugatti’s history and heritage, with a selection of art installations and sculptures that celebrate the brand beyond the cars.

”London is one of the most important locations for Bugatti worldwide,” explained Bugatti’s Dr Stefan Brungs.

“Many of our current customers love this city and have a residence here. The launch of H.R. Owen Bugatti means that we are now able to serve our exclusive clientele in a perfect setting.”

About 65 Bugatti Veyrons are currently owned by customers in the UK and around 15 orders for the Chiron have been received so far.

“The Chiron is the greatest car in the world, and it is only right that it has a showroom that reflects that,” added Anita Krizsan of H.R. Owen Bugatti.

“We aim to deliver the most exclusive, most luxurious and most bespoke service of any car dealership in the world.

“At H.R. Owen we are proud to have been chosen to be the only Bugatti dealership in the UK, and the first standalone showroom in the history of the brand in the country. This is truly a reflection of our standing as the premiere luxury car dealer group in the UK.”

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from Automotive Blog http://www.automotiveblog.co.uk/2016/07/first-dedicated-uk-bugatti-showroom-opens/
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Beware of car hire rip-offs

Italy has topped a list of countries where Brits are most likely to be stung with unexpected car rental costs.

The USA and Greece were the next worst for unpleasant surprises, according to new research by comparethemarket.com.

A further 16% of the 2,000 holidaymakers questioned ,who have hired a car abroad in the last five years, have parted with more money than planned due to additional car charges or road fines.

Penalties for not knowing the local laws of the road were the biggest budget buster, catching 22% of those fined out, followed by slight damage to the vehicle hired, including scratches often thought to be already on the vehicle (16%).

The third most common reason was the car being clamped or towed which had affected 16% of people who’d been fined.

Most people (64%) admit to only partly reading, or completely ignoring, the rental Ts and Cs. More than two in five (44%) confessed to signing the car hire agreement having only ‘briefly’ scanned the detail, with one in five (19%) ignoring them completely.

Three in five (64%) people believe the impact of the recent Brexit vote will raise costs of hiring a car abroad, with half (48%) also concerned it will raise associated car insurance costs abroad.

“Today’s research shows just how easy it can be to slip up and find yourself with an unwelcome cost whilst driving abroad,” said Simon McCulloch of comparethemarket.com.

“Resist the temptation to drive off without fully checking the car carefully first, as this can easily lead to unnecessary charges if damage such as small scratches are already present.”

To avoid holiday budgets mounting with unexpected costs, comparethemarket.com has launched the Great British Getaway hub designed to offer practical advice to ensure people are as best prepared as they can be, and to keep holidays as stress free and safe as possible.

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from Automotive Blog http://www.automotiveblog.co.uk/2016/07/beware-of-car-hire-rip-offs/
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Top 10 car buying considerations

Car safety is not on the shopping list for the majority of car buyers, according to new research from the Co-op Insurance.

Only 4% of UK motorists placed car safety at the top of their buying criteria, in the survey of UK motorists.

However, despite this, nore than three-quarters (77%) of drivers are calling on the motor industry to be more proactive when it comes to highlighting both new and used vehicle safety features.

The research revealed that whilst 79% of consumers describe car safety as very important when buying a car, 71% don’t place safety in their top five buying criteria, with price, value for money and car brand  taking precedence in the buying process.

The Top 10 things that prospective car buyers prioritise when choosing a car are:

1. Price
2. Value for money
3. Brand
4. Mileage
5. Colour
6. Appearance (if there are scratches)
7. Performance (how fast it goes)
8. Fuel economy
9. Size
10. Safety

When it comes to safety, more than half of drivers (54%) did not ask any questions about safety when they were making their car purchase, despite the fact that features such as Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Keep Assist and Blind Spot Detection now being widely available on many affordable used cars.

This may be because motorists are left confused by a deluge of jargon, acronyms and a lack of quality information when it comes to understanding car safety according to the new research released by Co-op Insurance and safety experts Thatcham Research.

Over two thirds (68%) have no idea what the safety rating of their own car is, and more than half (54%) didn’t ask about car safety at all when making a purchase.

The used car market is changing dramatically, as newer models are often made to a higher quality than in decades gone by.

Two thirds (66%) of motorists believe that a new car is automatically safer than a used car, however many older cars can often be a safer option. According to Thatcham Research, a driver of a Euro NCAP 5 Star rated car, has a 60% greater likelihood of walking away from a crash compared to someone driving a 1 Star car.

Buying a new car? Key safety considerations…

1. Check what Euro NCAP safety rating the car has – this gives a guide on the crash worthiness of the car and its ability to avoid a crash in the first place. A 5 Star rating is what you should be looking for.
2. Does it have AEB (autonomous emergency braking) fitted – AEB is a safety technology first used on production cars in 2008 that monitors the traffic conditions ahead and automatically brakes the car in an emergency situation if the driver fails to respond. It is proven to prevent crashes and is a feature fitted to many widely available used cars
3. What additional safety features are available – look for cars that have an additional safety pack that can include technologies like lane keep assist, that actively helps you stay in lane. Active Cruise Control takes the burden of long journeys by keeping you at a safe distance from the car in front, Driver Monitor Systems stop you falling asleep at the wheel and High Beam Assist automatically dip your headlamps. And for your most valuable passenger, ISOFIX child seats that make buckling and unbuckling them a doddle.

The post Top 10 car buying considerations appeared first on Automotive Blog.

from Automotive Blog http://www.automotiveblog.co.uk/2016/07/top-10-car-buying-considerations/
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Aston Martin’s Spitfire special

A limited edition Aston Martin V12 Vantage S has been launched to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the legendary Spitfire fighter plane’s first flight.

Jardine Motors Group, Aston Martin’s Cambridge retailer, has commissioned a special collection of eight V12 Vantage S ‘Spitfire 80’ models.

Owners of the £180,000 car will experience a special handover day in the AirSpace exhibition at Imperial War Museum (IVM) Duxford, the home of the first Spitfire squadron.

The Q by Aston Martin personalisation service created the car which has been painted in a special Duxford Green colour, with the trademark Spitfire yellow pinstripe on the side strakes and deck lid.

Some of the car’s components are made by the Aircraft Restoration Company at IWM Duxford. These include tailpipe finishers with a rainbow “bloom” effect to match the Spitfire exhaust stack and an aluminium rear cabin finisher that matches the Spitfire strut brace.

Inside, the car boasts a ‘Spitfire 80’ logo embroidered in Raven Black onto the headrests, saddle leather floor mats with sheepskin inserts (a nod to the iconic Irvin flying jacket), while the door inserts are finished with door pulls in red ‘webbing’ to match the Spitfire aircraft.

The V12 Vantage S ‘Spitfire 80’ comes with a range of accessories including a unique Irvin Jacket with Spitfire 80 logo stitched inside, an Irvin flying helmet and flying goggles, themed car cover, an embossed owners’ manual and a leather photo album featuring high quality images taken on the handover day for each customer.

The eight cars will be collected by their owners at IWM Duxford on October 18, 2016. Aston Martin Cambridge will make a donation for every car sold to the RAF’s leading welfare charity, the RAF Benevolent Fund.

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from Automotive Blog http://www.automotiveblog.co.uk/2016/07/aston-martins-spitfire-special/
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Skoda tops UK vehicle dependability survey

Skoda owners experience the fewest problems of any car brand, according to the latest JD Power 2016 UK Vehicle Dependability Study.

The Czech manufacturer has topped the table two years running, with two models heading their sector for quality and reliability in 2016.

The Fabia was ranked he most dependable car in the Small Car category, while the Yeti finished top of the Compact SUV sector. The Octavia also performed well, finishing second in the Compact Car category.

JD Power examined 177 problem symptoms across eight categories – engine and transmission, vehicle exterior, driving experience, features/controls/displays (FCD), audio/communication/entertainment/navigation, seats, heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC), and vehicle interior.

Based on responses from more than 13,000 owners of 2013-2015 model-year vehicles, the research was carried out between February – April 2016.

Overall dependability was determined by the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100), with a lower score reflecting higher quality.

JD Power dependability league table 2016

1. Skoda – 66 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100)
2. Suzuki – 79 PP100
3. Kia – 80 PP100
4. Vauxhall – 90 PP100
5. Peugeot – 92 PP100
6. Volkswagen – 92 PP100
7. Ford – 95 PP100
8. Seat – 96 PP100
9. Toyota – 96 PP100
10. Nissan – 98 PP100
11. Mazda – 111 PP100
12. Fiat – 112 PP100
13. Citroën – 115 PP100
14. Renault – 116 PP100
15. Honda – 117 PP100
16. Jaguar – 123 PP100
17. Volvo – 123 PP100
18. Hyundai – 130 PP100
19. Mini – 140 PP100
20. Mercedes-Benz – 154 PP100
21. BMW – 156 PP100
22. Audi – 170 PP100
23. Dacia – 174 PP100
24. Land Rover – 197 PP100

Best cars by category

• Best city car – Kia Picanto
• Best compact car – Toyota Auris
• Best compact SUV – Skoda Yeti
• Best large and luxury car – Mercedes-Benz E-Class
• Best mid-size car – Vauxhall Insignia
• Best small car – Skoda Fabia
• Best small MPV – Ford B-Max

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from Automotive Blog http://www.automotiveblog.co.uk/2016/07/skoda-tops-uk-vehicle-dependability-survey/
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Get set for Dumball Rally 2017

Fancy joining the boldest and brightest charity car rally on an epic journey through India?

In January 2017, 200 charity fundraisers will take India by storm on a week-long, 3000km journey in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust.

In archetypal Indian Mahindra jeeps and wearing fancy dress, they will drive from Jodhpur through the heart of India to the tropical paradise of Goa in the fabulous festival on wheels that is known as The Dumball.

The intrepid Dumballers will take on rough roads and anarchic driving, sharing the roads with cows, camels, tuk-tuks and literally everything in between.

The colourful convoy will snake through desert and hills, past stunning waterfalls, tranquil temples and frenetic cities.

With anything from 5-12 hours driving per day under the blazing Indian sun, the Dumball is not for the faint-hearted.

Each team of 2-4 people has the first morning in Jodhpur to decorate their jeep inside and out, with awards for the best (washable!) paint job and interior.

These and a host of other awards are voted for by participants and presented at a final beach party blow-out at the aptly named Club Mahindra beach resort.

One of the most coveted is the Adam Horn Bling Bling award, which is given to the coolest Dumballer of the trip. This award celebrates the memory of Dumball legend Adam Horn, who lost his fight with cancer all too soon after completing the 2007 rally to Istanbul, aged just 22.

Every Dumballer pledges to raise at least £1,000 for Teenage Cancer trust. Since the first Dumball event 11 years ago, £650,000 in total has been raised.

There are still places to join the 2017 Dumball event (January 13-14). Prospective Dumballers should visit www.dumball.org for all the details.

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from Automotive Blog http://www.automotiveblog.co.uk/2016/07/get-set-dumball-rally-2017/
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Volkswagen Tiguan review

Back in 2008 when the original Volkswagen Tiguan was launched in the UK,  few predicted the SUV explosion that was to follow.

Now, no sensible car manufacturer can afford NOT to have a Sports Utility Vehicle or crossover in its range.

Such has been the success of this segment that 2015 was the most successful year for the outgoing Tiguan. Nearly 22,000 were sold, meaning more than 100,000 have found homes in the UK since launch (2.8 million worldwide).

The second generation Tiguan is not only VW’s most important new car of 2016, it will have to build on the current model which is the third most popular in the range – after the Golf and Polo.

Volkswagen has done the sensible thing and decided to create an all-new car which is not unlike an evolution of the original.

Longer, lower and wider, it’s now sharper looking than the slightly dumpy Mk1, while the front is dominated by VW’s new signature wraparound grille and headlights.

Things get even better inside where the look and feel bring it bang up to date and there’s even more space. In fact, it’s almost limo-like in the back, so adults can sit comfortably front and rear.

Add to that the 615 litres of luggage space (1,55l with the rear seats folded) and you have a serious load carrier.

There’s more of a premium feel inside too with slick design, premium materials and excellent build quality.

And if you’re going to upgrade, go for the superb leather seats and Active Info Display – VW’s version of the ground-breaking digital dashboard first seen in the Audi TT. Instead of traditional dials and warning lights, AID offers a fluid digital display which can be configured in various ways including the sat nav centre screen so it’s directly in front of the driver. Combine AID with the head-up display and that’s some serious treats for tech-loving drivers.

There are a variety of petrol and diesel engines available, starting with the 1.4-litre TSI petrol, but it’s the 2.0-litre diesel (148bhp/150Ps) that VW expects to be the biggest seller in mid-range SE Navigation trim. In fact, diesel engines are expected to account for some 90% of Tiguan sales.

The new Tiguan has to be good because it’s competing in the most competitive SUV sector, up against the likes of the Ford Kuga, Honda HR- V, Toyota RAV4 and best-selling Nissan Qashqai.

Thankfully for VW, it’s more than up to the task. Starting at £22,510 for the entry-level 1.4 TSI in S trim, the range is topped out by the 2.0- litre 4Motion diesel in R-Line spec. 4 Motion is VW’s four-wheel drive system and gives the car off-road capability. It’s not hardcore, but it should be enough to get you out of trouble in extremes of weather here in the UK. It’s especially important to Tiguan buyers because 75% of buyers opted for AWD in the outgoing version.

A high driving position coupled with plenty of space and light means the Tiguan cabin is a very pleasant place to be.

I tested a few versions, but for me, the pick of the bunch in terms of the package and value for money was the Tiguan SEL TDI 4Motion with seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox. Priced at £32,010, it was closer to £36,000 with options.

Like many diesels, engine noise is noticeable under harsh acceleration, but soon settles down and, overall, the Tiguan is very refined.

With a top speed of 124mph, it can reach 62mph in a decent 9.3 seconds and it’s capable of 50mpg with CO2 emissions of 149g/km.

The six-speed manual on offer is good, but the slick seven-speed auto suits the car better. For me, the Tiguan is best enjoyed as a cruiser. Hurry it along and its SUV character becomes apparent. Body roll is well controlled, but it’s no hatchback in the handling stakes.

Above all, it’s an easy car to drive with light steering and good visibility. It’s also packed with safety gizmos, earning it a maximum five stars in Euro NCAP crash tests.

Finally, if caravans are your thing, the Tiguan is now capable of towing up to 2,500kg. A Trailer Assist package is also available – it allows you to use the door mirror adjustment joystick to control reverse steering.

Verdict: The all-new Tiguan is an excellent, if sensible, package. Stylish, spacious, safe and comfortable, the mid-size SUV sector just got a whole lot more competitive.

Review: @garethherincx

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Caterham’s spoof airline video

British sports car maker Caterham Cars has produced a spoof airline-style safety briefing video – watch and enjoy!

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from Automotive Blog http://www.automotiveblog.co.uk/2016/07/caterhams-spoof-airline-video/
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2016 Auto Express awards winners

The F-Pace, Jaguar’s first SUV, has been crowned Car of the Year at the 2016 Auto Express awards. Read on for the full list of winners…

As well as winning the top award, Jaguar also took home the Compact Executive Car of the Year title for the second year running.

Jaguar Design Director Ian Callum, the man who styled both the F-Pace and XE, said: “What an incredible evening for us; we’ve got two cars competing in the most highly sought-after categories and not only have we won them both, but F-Pace is Car of the Year, too.

“As ever, I’m amazed and proud by what the Jaguar team is capable of.”

2016 Auto Express new car awards winners

• Car of the Year – Jaguar F-Pace
• Best city car – Skoda Citigo
• Best supermini – Volkswagen Polo
• Best premium small car – MINI Cooper
• Best compact family car – Vauxhall Astra
• Best crossover – SEAT Ateca
• Best family car – Skoda Superb
• Best estate car – Skoda Superb estate
• Best compact executive car – Jaguar XE
• Best executive car – Mercedes E-Class
• Best luxury car – Mercedes S-Class
• Best hot hatchback – Ford Focus RS
• Best convertible – MINI Convertible
• Best MPV – Citroen C4 Grand Picasso
• Best compact SUV – Jaguar F-Pace
• Best large SUV – Volvo XC90
• Best coupe – Audi TT
• Best roadster – Mazda MX-5
• Best pick-up – Mitsubishi L200
• Best performance car – McLaren 570S
• Technology award – Hyundai
• Green award – Toyota Prius
• Driver Power award – Tesla
• Design award – Honda Civic Concept
• Best advertising campaign – Peugeot 308: confidence built in
• Van of the year – Volkswagen Transporter

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Audi A3 review

Originally launched in 1991, the Audi A3 is now in its third generation and selling better than ever. In the UK, 2015 was its best year yet with 47,653 registrations, putting it in 8th place overall.

Audi’s not one to stand back, and just four years after the introduction of the current version, the whole range has received an update.

A facelift infers that the changes are simply cosmetic, but the fact is that there’s more to the ‘new’ A3 than meets the eye.

Yes, the exterior tweaks are subtle, but when the refreshed and outgoing cars are parked alongside each other, the 2016 model is definitely sharper.

The most obvious changes are the new headlights and deep grille at the front, echoing the A4 and Q7 launched in 2015, plus A4-esque rear light clusters with mesmeric pulsing indicators. Xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights are now standard, while matrix LED headlights are offered as an option.

It’s inside that the changes are mostly noticeable – if you’re into tech and connectivity.

For instance, the Audi virtual cockpit is now available for the A3. First seen in the TT, it’s a digital dashboard which allows the driver to toggle between various viewing options – there’s everything from traditional dials to Google Earth sat nav.

Audi’s MMI (infotainment system) has also had an update. It’s now simpler to use, while voice control and a touch-sensitive pad are now available.

Cruise control, light and rain sensors, plus three-spoke multi-function steering wheel are now standard. And there’s more – place your smartphone in the optional Audi Phone Box at the rear of the centre console and it will now charge wirelessly, plus two phones can now be connected via Bluetooth.

Audi has also introduced various driver assistance systems, including traffic jam assist system, which works together with adaptive cruise control (ACC) to keep you a safe distance from the car in front. It can automatically set off again after a short stop.

Cross-traffic assist can be specified too. It warns of oncoming traffic when slowly backing out of a drive, for example.

Finally, there are six engines in the new A3 line-up (three petrol and three diesel units) and, of course, four body shapes – three and five-door Sportback (hatchback), Saloon and Cabriolet. There are also high spec and performance S3 and RS3 versions of the A3.

I tried all four body styles with three engines – the 1.4 TFSI, plus 1.6 and 2.0-litre diesel units (sadly the superb new three-cylinder 1.0 TFSI first seen in the A1 was not available). Whichever shape or engine rocks your boat, they all have different characteristics, but essentially the evergreen A3 is still a premium choice in the mid-size sector.

If it’s economy you’re after, the pick of the engines has to be the 1.6-litre diesel which is capable of a claimed 78.5mpg with CO2 emissions of just 107g/km, resulting in £20-a-year road tax.

The A3 range caters for all tastes. At a basic £22,480 before extras, the three-door Audi A3 1.6 TDI (110PS) in Sport trim was the best combination of value for money, economy and driving enjoyment for me, though the five-door version might be more practical.

The Vegas yellow convertible was fun and the 1.4-litre petrol engine was smooth and responsive, while the 7-speed S tronic automatic transmission was suitably slick. However, rear legroom is modest and fitting the large wind deflector robs space from the rear. The basic convertible costs £31,440, though extras on the car we tested brought the final cost to £40,280.

The saloon was spacious with room for four adults and a large boot. It was fitted with the 2.0-litre diesel which is a definite step up in terms of torque from the 1.6. For the record, it has a top speed of 139mph, can reach 62mph in 8.8 seconds can return a shade over 60mpg.

Starting at £28,700, the A3 Saloon 2.0 TDI S line (150PS) S tronic we tested had various options bringing the final price up to £38,795.

Verdict: The Audi A3 range is classy with sharp looks, excellent build-quality, good choice of engines, refinement and lots of toys – just don’t go mad with the optional extras.

Review: @garethherincx

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Remember your first love?

The majority of UK drivers have fonder memories of their first car to their first kiss, new research reveals.

A first car, even if it’s an old banger, holds a very special place in our hearts, according to a poll of 1,000 parents carried out by leading car website NFDA Trusted Dealers.

Three-quarters of those polled (76%) revealed they looked back more fondly on their first car than their first kiss (60%). First loves came even lower, with just half of people (50%) surveyed saying they looked back fondly on their time with their first boyfriend or girlfriend.

When asked to describe their first car, a third of all parents said their car was an unreliable old banger which they loved, with only 6% saying they regretted their rust buckets.

When asked to compare their affection for life ‘firsts’, cars were only just pipped to the post by wedding days, which received more than three-quarters of people’s votes (79%).

When it comes to buying your first car, the research showed the bank of mum and dad to be far more generous today than 20 years ago. Only 23% of parents said they’d had help to finance their first car. Today, 70% cent said they had helped their own child buy their first car.

“Cars play a big part in people’s lives and as we can see, we have a special place in our hearts for our first wheels, whether rusty or racy,” said Neil Addley, Managing Director of NFDA Trusted Dealers.

“The figures from the survey illustrate that people emotionally invest in their cars which is why Trusted Dealers aims to make the buying experience as stress-free as possible.

“The rise of PCP deals has opened up far more opportunities for parents to opt for new cars, but our research has shown the vast majority still prefer to buy a used model for their kids.

“As such it’s vital to ensure the right financial and mechanical checks are undertaken. At Trusted Dealers we ensure all members adhere to our ‘Ten Points of Difference’ to make the site the safest place to buy a used car online, especially to those buying their first motor.”

The post Remember your first love? appeared first on Automotive Blog.

from Automotive Blog http://www.automotiveblog.co.uk/2016/07/remember-first-love/
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