Jaguar F-Pace review

The Sports Utility Vehicle boom sweeping the world means that no manufacturer can afford NOT to have a 4×4 or crossover in its range.This year alone has seen debut SUVs from Maserati, Bentley, and now Jaguar with its F-Pace.

Arguably the best looking car in its sector, Jaguar is billing the F-Pace as “a performance crossover for those who love driving, with unrivalled dynamics and everyday usability”. So, no pressure there then.

Bigger than a Audi Q5 and BMW X3, but smaller than a BMW X5 and Range Rover Sport, it’s closest in size to the superb Porsche Macan, which is also its main rival.

Jaguar founder Sir William Lyons would be pleased with the car too. He demanded that his vehicles should always have Grace, Space and Pace, and at first sight, the F-Pace doesn’t disappoint.

It’s big, but still manages to look graceful. It’s certainly spacious, and thanks to its combination of lightweight aluminium architecture borrowed from the XE and XF saloons and a range of engines including an economical 2-0-litre diesel, powerful 3.0-litre V6 diesel and raucous 375bhp supercharged V6 petrol, it has pace,

Competitively priced from £35,020 to £65,275, I tested an “entry-level” car with a 178bhp 2.0-litre diesel in Portfolio trim which comes with all-wheel drive and slick eight-speed ZF auto gearbox as standard.

On paper it’s capable of reaching 60mph in 8.2 seconds and a top speed of 129mph, while returning 53.3mpg and CO2 emissions of 139g/km.

On the road the engine is lively enough, if a little gruff under hard acceleration, but it soon settles down and cruises well.

If economy is not top of your list, then the smooth V6 diesel or the vocal V6 petrol (lifted straight from the the F-Type) are the engines to opt for.

The F-Pace is one of those cars that feels special from behind the wheel. Comfortable with a commanding view of the road over that huge bonnet complete with trademark Jaguar bulge, it has serious road presence.

There’s bags of room inside for tall adults up front and in the rear, though it should be noted that it does not have a third row of seats like some big SUVs. There’s also 650 litres of space in the boot which increases to a cavernous 1,740 litres with the seats down.

There are four driving modes available – Normal, Eco and Dynamic – as well as an all-weather mode for more challenging terrain. And while it’s not billed as a hardcore 4×4 like its Land Rover cousins, it’s very capable off-road.

Riding on optional 20-inch alloys with standard suspension, the ride is firm and there’s noticeable body lean when driven in a spirited fashion, so if you’re tempted to buy an F-Pace and you want your handling as sharp as the Porsche Macan, I’d go for the optional adaptive suspension.

It’s also worth upgrading to the bigger 10.2-inch InControl Pro touchscreen infotainment system.

Verdict: Entertaining to drive, practical, competitively priced, well equipped and with enough space for five adults, the Jaguar F-Pace is a great looking all-rounder. As comfortable cruising as it is off-road, it’s the Big Cat that got the cream.

Review in association with H Edition Magazine – the monthly publication dedicated to Business, Economy, Luxury, Lifestyle and Culture.

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from Automotive Blog http://www.automotiveblog.co.uk/2016/08/jaguar-f-pace-review/
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Kia Optima Sportswagon review

SUVs seems to be getting all the love these days, but there’s still demand for traditional estate cars – and they don’t come much better looking than the new Kia Optima Sportswagon.

The standard Optima saloon has been with us for a few years and is one of those hidden gems of the car market.

However, its misfortune is that it competes in one of the most competitive sectors there is, so it’s up against the mighty Mondeo and the Insignia. It’s not perfect, but it’s good value and is arguably the most handsome car in its class.

The Sportswagon isn’t just eye candy – it should be a seriously considered by fleet buyers, families and taxi drivers.

Boasting 552 litres of luggage capacity and a cavernous 1,686 litres with the 40:20:40 split rear seats folded, it’s a true load-lugger. It can’t quite match the class-leading Skoda Superb for space, but then its Czech rival isn’t so pretty. However, with a wide tailgate and low loading lip, the Sportswagon is very practical.

What’s more, even with two tall people in the front, the back seat space is limo-like and there’s plenty of headroom, despite the sporty roofline.

The car comes in a refreshingly simple three trim levels. The basic ‘2’, mid-range ‘3’ and flagship GT-Line S. Prices start at £22,295 for the 2 and rise to £30,595 for the GT-Line S which is packed with extras and driver aids.

All three are powered by Kia’s 1.7-litre CRDi turbodiesel engine, which develops 139bhp. Top speed is 124mph, while 0-60mph acceleration is 9.8 seconds (manual) and 10.7 seconds (automatic).

With Kia’s Idle Stop & Go engine stop/start system as standard, CO2 emissions for manual cars are 113g/km, while potential fuel economy is 64.2mpg.

The seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, which sadly is not available on the basic ‘2’ trim level car, is capable of 61.4mpg and emits 120g/km of CO2.

The manual box is fine, but the auto is sweeter. One tip – if you go for the the manual option and you have long arms, make sure you can change gear freely without knocking your elbow on the cubby box between the seats.

The 1.7-litre engine is all about economy. It’s a little harsh under hard acceleration and you’ll have to floor it for overtaking, but it cruises well, which is job done because the Sportswagon is likely to spend much of its time on motorways.

However, another larger engine choice would help matters because fully loaded, the current Sportswagon probably won’t quite live up to its name or looks. A sporty high-performance GT version is promised for early 2017 for more spirited drivers.

The good news is that it drives well. The ride quality is smooth, body roll is well controlled, grip is good and the steering is light and accurate. The driving position is comfortable and the full leather seats on the GT-Line S are to be recommended.

Inside, the cabin has a quality feel with a range of decent, durable materials, but basically you get what you pay for. So whether it’s black cloth, black cloth with faux leather or black leather seats, or a 7 or 8-inch touchscreen, it’s worth scanning the spec sheets.

As you’d expect, the kit available (depending on which trim level is chosen) is extensive and includes Autonomous Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, and wireless smartphone charging.

If you can stretch to £30,595 the GT-Line S comes with all the toys and looks the sharpest with 18-inch alloy wheels, sleek roof rails and a twin chrome-tipped exhaust system built into a rear diffuser.

Verdict: The Kia Optima Sportswagon is a great all-round package – a competitively-priced, economical, well-equipped, spacious estate with plenty of kerb appeal. And of course, it comes with Kia’s unbeatable seven-year warranty.

Review: @garethherincx

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from Automotive Blog http://www.automotiveblog.co.uk/2016/08/kia-optima-sportswagon-review/
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Ford Mustang is top of the pops

The new Ford Mustang is the UK’s most popular high-performance sports coupe.

Ford has done some number-crunching and based on the sales of rivals with 250PS (247bhp) or more for the first half of 2016, it’s comfortably ahead of competitors from Porsche, BMW, Jaguar and Mercedes.

More than 4,000 right-hand drive Ford Mustangs have been sold already, but just between January-July 2016, 2,317 were registered, putting it top of the table  – its closest rival being the Jaguar F-Type with 1,446.

Top 10 250PS+ Performance Sports Coupes
Ford Mustang (2,317)
Jaguar F-Type (1,446)
BMW 6 Series (1,367)
Porsche 911 (1,315)
Porsche Cayman (787)
Audi TT (778)
Porsche Boxster (526)
Mercedes SL (489)
Porsche 718 (482)
BMW i8 (382)

Figures from January to July 2016

The current split in sales across models shows that 70% of customers specified the 5.0-litre V8 engine, with the remaining 30% favouring the 2.3-litre EcoBoost.

Total customer orders for the Ford Mustang in Europe now stand at more than 19,500 since the car was launched in the third quarter of 2015.

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from Automotive Blog http://www.automotiveblog.co.uk/2016/08/ford-mustang-top-pops/
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Renault record-breaker back at Bonneville

Renault’s famous ‘shooting star’ gas turbine-powered car has returned to the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah – 60 years on.

The Renault Etoile Filante (“shooting star” in French) established four new world land speed records – two of which still stand to this day.

On September 5, 1956, the whistle of the slippery blue car’s powerful turbine ricocheted around Bonneville’s salt lake. A few moments later the world speed record for gas turbine cars had been broken.

The Étoile Filante had reached 308.9kph (192mph) over a kilometre (0.6 miles) and 308.85kph (192mph) over 5km (3.1 miles) – records that still stand today.

Back in 1956, the speed tests also helped promote sales for Renault’s newest car in the States, the Dauphine.

To celebrate the anniversary, Renault Classic dispatched a Dauphine to Bonneville where Nicolas Prost, driver for Renault e.dams in the FIA Formula E Championship, established a new class record 76.5mph (123.1kph).

The 956cc-engined car beat the existing CGC (Classic Gas Coupé) record for cars made between 1928 and 1981 with an engine capacity of between 754cc and 1,015cc.

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from Automotive Blog http://www.automotiveblog.co.uk/2016/08/renaults-cooking-gas/
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Self-driving Ford ‘coming in 2021’

Ford plans to mass-produce a fully autonomous self-driving car without a steering wheel by 2021.

Company president Mark Fields outlined the bold plan at an event in Palo Alto, California.

Ford said it would double its investment in its research centre in the city, as well as collaborating with four startups to enhance its autonomous vehicle development and doubling its Silicon Valley team.

“The next decade will be defined by automation of the automobile, and we see autonomous vehicles as having as significant an impact on society as Ford’s moving assembly line did 100 years ago,” said Mark Fields.

“We’re dedicated to putting on the road an autonomous vehicle that can improve safety and solve social and environmental challenges for millions of people – not just those who can afford luxury vehicles.”

This year, Ford will triple its autonomous vehicle test fleet to be the largest test fleet of any car maker – bringing the number to about 30 self-driving Fusion (Mondeo) Hybrid saloons on the roads in California, Arizona and Michigan, with plans to triple it again next year.

Autonomous vehicles in 2021 are part of Ford Smart Mobility, the company’s plan to be a “leader in autonomous vehicles, as well as in connectivity, mobility, the customer experience, and data and analytics”.

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Jeremy Clarkson’s Top 10 drives

Former Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson has named his “top 10 drives of the past year (or so)”.

The star of the upcoming Amazon Prime show, The Grand Tour, listed his favourites in his The Sunday Times Driving column.

Here they are, in no particular order…

Mazda MX-5 2.0 Sport Recaro
“It’s a cure for depression, this car, it really is. You just can’t be in a bad mood when you’re driving it.”

Alfa Romeo 4C coupé
“It’s a terrible car. And yet I adored it. Every other vehicle, with its perfect refinement and its perfect electrics, cannot help but feel like a machine. Whereas the Alfa, with its flaws and its tendency to go where it wants, feels human.”

Mercedes-AMG GT S
“This is a modern-day muscle car. It’s Merc’s Mustang. You sense this when you drive it. It feels raw.”

Ford Focus RS
“Even at James May speeds, on a roundabout in Hounslow, this car feels cleverer than is normal. It feels like a Nissan GT-R.”

Ford Mustang Fastback 5.0 V8 GT
“What it is, is a muscle car. And you sense that in the second yard. This is a machine that wants to turn its tyres into smoke and go round every corner sideways.”

Volvo XC90 D5 AWD
“This car is so good in fact that it’d be ideal for those who find the offerings from Land Rover a bit -how can I put this? – pratty.”

Vauxhall Zafira Tourer 1.6 CDTi Tech Line
“Never have I encountered any car, including the Rolls-Royce Phantom, that’s so good at refusing to transmit road irregularities into the cabin. Which makes it the most comfortable car in the world.”

BMW M2
“I like the M3 before the present model – the one with the V8 – and I adore the current M6 Gran Coupé. And then there was the original, 286bhp M5: the ultimate Q-car. It looked like the sort of box that your chest freezer was delivered in but it went like a spaceship. That’s always
been my favourite M car. Until now.”

Ferrari 488 GTB
“The old 458 was not as good as a McLaren 12C. But this new car puts the prancing horse back on top. As a driving machine, it’s – there’s no other word – perfect.”

Lamborghini Aventador
“Given the choice of any supercar, this is the one I’d buy. I admire the McLaren P1. But which would you rather have as a pet: a clever and sophisticated electronic robot? Or a bloody great brontosaurus?”

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from Automotive Blog http://www.automotiveblog.co.uk/2016/08/jeremy-clarksons-top-10-drives/
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Volvo XC90 review

A year on from its launch and Volvo’s widely acclaimed big new SUV is still turning heads and still winning awards.

The previous version of the XC90 had a strong following thanks to its durability, space, safety and comfort and it remained a big seller in its final year.

The all-new car isn’t just a step up, it’s a game-changer.

The XC90 has to be good because it’s up against the new Jaguar F-Pace, Audi Q7, Range Rover Sport and Land Rover Discovery Sport, plus the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE.

First impressions count and the XC90 is mightily imposing with a highly distinctive front end featuring Volvo’s bold new signature grille and those dramatic “Thor’s hammer” LED headlights.

While its clean side profile also sets it apart, its rear isn’t a million miles away from the old XC90.

It’s just as good inside – innovative too. There’s an enormous sense of space and light up front, combined with a commanding driving position.

The dashboard is refreshingly minimalist. Most of the car’s functions are controlled via the impressive 9-inch portrait-orientated tablet, or touchscreen infotainment system, dominating the centre console, which is responsive and intuitive.

Thankfully this means that Volvo’s irritating sat nav, complete with daisy wheel letter/number selection, has now been sent to car hell.

The XC90 is well equipped. Standard equipment across the range includes sat nav, cruise control, rain sensors, LEDs, climate control and leather interior trim. However, the enormous options list is worth scanning too because it includes some gems too, but go easy.

The quality of the materials, the build quality and the shades of colour used give the cabin a premium feel with a Scandi twist.

I tested the entry level XC90. Priced from £46,850, my D5 AWD Momentum came in Osmium Grey with Blond Leather no less. Optional extras including the 12.3-inch digital driver’s dashboard, heated front seats, adaptive cruise control and even heated washer nozzles pushed it over the £50,000-mark.

Under the bonnet is a powerful 2.0-litre 222bhp four-cylinder diesel engine which is capable of 0-60mph in 7.8 seconds, a top speed of 137mph and 149g/km of CO2 emissions.

Volvo claims it’s capable of 49.6mpg, though realistically I think you’re looking at closer to 35-40mpg in everyday driving.

A little noisy under initial acceleration, the XC90 soon settles down into a relaxed, refined cruiser. The eight-speed automatic gearbox is slick, the steering relaxed and well judged, while the ride is smooth and the all-wheel-drive grip superb.

There’s no getting away from the fact that it is a big, relatively tall car, so if it’s pushed on challenging country roads, there’s a fair amount of body lean, though it is well controlled.

Like all UK spec XC90s, my car was a seven-seater. Unfolding seats 6-7 is easy, though best left to children and ‘compact’ adults. Otherwise it’s very spacious in seats 3-5 on the second row (they slide, recline and fold flat individually), while the luggage capacity ranges from 451 litres to 1,951 litres, depending on how many seats are folded down.

Those looking to tow are well catered for because the XC90 can haul 2,700kg.

Needless to say, the car (claimed to be the safest Volvo ever) was awarded a maximum five stars in Euro NCAP crash tests and it’s packed with the latest safety tech and driver aids.

Verdict: Safe, spacious, stylish and comfortable, Volvo’s distinctive, cutting-edge XC90 SUV is classier than ever.

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from Automotive Blog http://www.automotiveblog.co.uk/2016/08/volvo-xc90-review/
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Aston Martin’s fashion statement

Iconic British marque Aston Martin and upmarket menswear retailer Hackett have announced a new, long-term global partnership.

One of the first fruits of the new partnership is an exclusive capsule collection for Autumn/Winter 2016 entitled ‘Aston Martin by Hackett’, available from September 5, 2016.

Hackett’s relationship with Aston Martin stretches back many years through a successful partnership with Aston Martin Racing, the company’s global sports car racing operation.

The 14-piece ‘Aston Martin by Hackett’ collection includes outerwear, knitwear, shirts, trousers and accessorises, and “reflects the coming together of two stylish brands”.

“By bringing together our creative teams from the outset of the project we have created a look that captures the essence of this great partnership,” said Aston Martin’s EVP & Chief Creative Officer, Marek Reichman.

Jeremy Hackett, Chairman and founder of Hackett, added: ”I am very proud of the successful relationship that Hackett has forged with Aston Martin.

“Taking the step from uniforms for the race team into a beautiful capsule collection of luxurious clothing has been a pleasure for Hackett and we believe we have created a collection that drives us to the next level in elegance and refinement.”

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from Automotive Blog http://www.automotiveblog.co.uk/2016/08/aston-martins-fashion-statement/
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Most powerful Range Rover ever unleashed

Land Rover has announced the introduction of the Range Rover SVAutobiography Dynamic for 2017.

It’s the most powerful (and dynamic) Range Rover ever thanks to the addition of the bonkers 542bhp, 5.0-litre supercharged V8 petrol engine lifted straight from the Range Rover Sport SVR and Jaguar F-Type.

Land Rover says its will deliver “the ultimate combination of performance and handling without compromising Range Rover’s peerless comfort and refinement”. All we know is that it’s capable of a 0-60mph time of 5.1 seconds and a 140mph top speed.

The raucous 3.0-litre V6 supercharged petrol engine, also from the F-Type, will be available too. It achieves a 0-60mph time of 7.1 seconds.

The new ‘Dynamic’ spec gives a sportier driving experience with revisions to the suspension and an 8mm lower ride height.

You’ll be able to spot the Dynamic model by its chrome quad tailpipes, graphite-coloured exterior detailing, red Brembo brakes and unique alloy wheels. The plush interior includes diamond quilted leather seats, contrast stitching and a “knurled finish” rotary shift controller and pedals.

That’s not all, the Range Rover SVAutobiography Dynamic will also receive a suite of advanced semi-autonomous driving technologies and connected-car technology.

Available from late 2016, prices for the 2017 Range Rover range will start at £76,350 for the TDV6 Vogue, with the SVAutobiography Dynamic coming in at £132,800.

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from Automotive Blog http://www.automotiveblog.co.uk/2016/08/powerful-range-rover-ever-unleashed/
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Millions of UK vehicles on illegal tyres

More than 10 million UK motorists could drive a vehicle with an illegal and dangerous tyre during 2016, according to new research.

The survey of Survey of some 340,000 replaced tyres by TyreSafe in partnership with Highways England at 819 retail outlets revealed that more than 27% of tyres were already illegal when they were replaced.

That could equate to more than one in four of the 37 million cars and light commercial vehicles (LCVs) on the UK’s roads being driven with a tyre that could cost its driver a £2,500 fine and three penalty points, an MoT failure – or worse.

Tread depth has a decisive impact on the amount of distance a vehicle takes to stop in the wet, and must be of at least the minimum legal limit (1.6mm).

Previous studies have proven that the braking distance of a vehicle with tread of 1.6mm is nearly 12m further than a vehicle with new tyres when braking in the wet from 50mph.

Tyres cause more accidents resulting in casualties than any other vehicle defect, including brakes.

Motorists can help reduce the risks to themselves and other road users by carrying out tyre checks every month and before long journeys.

The air pressure in each tyre should follow the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended settings.

Tread depth should be over the minimum legal limit of 1.6mm, roughly the same as the rim of a 20p piece which can be used as a guide by inserting into the tyre’s tread.

If the rim is visible, the tyre may be illegal and the assistance of a tyre professional should be sought. While checking tread depth, also look out for any lumps, bumps, signs of ageing or scuffing on the tyre which may indicate internal damage.

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from Automotive Blog http://www.automotiveblog.co.uk/2016/08/millions-uk-vehicles-illegal-tyres/
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Renault Megane review

It’s hard to believe that the Renault Megane stretches back 20 years and some 6.5 million have been sold globally. Now it’s time to welcome the fourth generation car – and it’s better than ever.

Longer and lower than the outgoing car, the new Megane also sports a sleeker design and interior features which set a new benchmark in the family hatchback sector.

Renault’s trademark diamond badge sits bigger than ever at the front, while the eye-catching new LED light signatures (front and rear) are up there with the best of them.

The range (all with five doors) starts at £16,600, but I’m going to concentrate on the Dynamique S Nav dCi 110 (£20,400, or £22,925 with extras on my test car), which is likely to be one of the biggest sellers.

Finished in eye-catching Flame Red, its impressive 1.5-litre diesel is capable of 76.4mpg ((50-60mpg is possible in the real world), while its CO2 emissions dip below the magic 100 at 96g/km, which means it’s tax exempt too.

Thankfully all this fuel efficiency is not totally at the expense of performance. On paper it has a top speed of 116mph and can reach 62mph from standstill in 11.3 seconds, but it feels brisker.

Step inside and it’s clear that the new Megane is a big step up from the previous model.

The centre console is dominated by a large portrait-orientated 8.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, giving a more minimalist feel with fewer buttons than before, so touch, pinch and swipe away.

The system is slick and intuitive, giving access to many of the car’s main controls including the latest in connectivity. A portrait screen is unique in this class – you’d have to look at a Volvo XC90, Tesla Model S, or even a McLaren 570S Coupe, so find a similar system.

The cockpit in general has a quality feel, offering plenty of space up front, though it’s fair to say that it’s adequate in the back rather than class-leading, but still an improvement over the Mark 3. Boot space is a healthy 384 litres.

Ambient interior lighting is also available and there are five options to choose from.

Delve deeper into the infotainment system, plus the stalks and buttons on the steering wheel, and it’s clear that the new Megane is packed with tech too.

Active Emergency Braking (AEB), Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Warning and automatically dipping headlights to name but a few.

These driver aids, plus features such as four airbags help the Megane on to a maximum 5-star safety rating in Euro NCAP crash tests.

Start her up and it’s immediately obvious that Renault’s engineers have done a fine job – the 1.5-litre diesel is surprisingly smooth and refined, while the six-speed manual gearbox is a pleasure.

The suspension set-up is fairly soft, making progress comfortable, although it’s no hot hatch so there is a little body roll if it’s hustled on more challenging roads. In summary, it is easy to drive around town, but also relaxing on longer journeys.

There are five driving modes to choose from – Neutral, Sport, Comfort, Perso and Eco – which pretty much do what they say with varying degrees of success – but ultimately, this Megane is all about economy, comfort and practicality.

Verdict: Golf, Focus and Astra buyers should think again – Renault’s gone upmarket with the latest Megane and it’s a return to form. Chic, safe, comfortable, economical and refined, the new Megane continues Renault’s renaissance.

Review: @garethherincx

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McLaren 570S Coupe review

Any car finished in Ventura Orange stands out. Even more so when it’s as stunning as a McLaren. Other colours available are equally eye-catching – especially Mantis Green.

The McLaren 570S is supposed to be more sports car than supercar – up against rivals such as the Porsche 911 Turbo S and Audi R8 V10 Plus, rather than Ferraris and Lamborghinis.

As McLaren Automotive CEO Mike Flewitt explains, it’s “the most day-to-day usable, practical and attainable McLaren we’ve ever made”.

In many ways he’s right. Priced from £143,250 it costs about the same as its rivals, and it’s certainly one of the less expensive cars in the McLaren range, but can something as exotic looking as the 570S be an everyday car?

In short, yes, partly because once you get up close, it’s not as daunting as you might think.

The design is clearly aerodynamically optimised, featuring a wide grin at the front, sweeping sides, flying buttresses and a complicated rear diffuser.

Pop open the massive scissor doors (McLaren calls them ‘dihedral’) and you’re greeted with a cockpit that’s refreshingly minimalist, if a little hardcore. The centre console is dominated by a generous touchscreen infotainment tablet, while the sculpted sports seats are finished in leather and offer a multitude of adjustments for driver and passenger.

Slip inside the comfortable driver’s seat and you can only marvel at the mass expanse of windscreen ahead.

Hit the ‘Start’ button select ‘Normal’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Track’ drive mode and you’re away. Simply let the seven-speed transmission do its stuff automatically at first, then use the paddles behind the steering wheel when you’re feeling brave enough.

Driving the 570S can be as easy as that. However, the performance of the twin-turbo 3.8-litre V8 behind your head cannot be underestimated. Producing 570PS (562bhp), it’s capable of 328 km/h (204mph), 0-100km/h (62mph) in 3.2 seconds and 0-200km/h (124mph) in 9.5 seconds.

And believe me, the acceleration is every bit as gut-wrenchingly quick as the stats suggest. In everyday traffic the 570S is a surprisingly relaxed drive. It can pull away from junctions and traffic lights as smoothly as the next car and there’s great forward visibility.

Allow it to stretch its legs on the open road and it’s impossible to stifle a smile thanks to the pin-sharp handling and a glorious soundtrack from behind your head.

The ride is firm, but not uncomfortably so. Crank up the drive mode into ‘Sport’ and ‘Track’ and the gearbox sharpens up with lightning-fast changes and the suspension stiffens.

The steering is perfectly weighted and precise, while the grip through corners and traction under acceleration is phenomenal. Stopping power is hugely impressive too, thanks to the 570S’s carbon ceramic brakes.

Unlike some sports cars, there’s storage space behind the seats and room for a modest amount of luggage (144 litres) under the bonnet. The 570S is also the first McLaren fitted with vanity mirrors and there’s even a glovebox and door pockets. As you’d expect, rearward visibility isn’t the best, but the reversing camera and the large screen make up for it.

Hand crafted in the state-of-the-art McLaren Production Centre in Woking, England, the build quality is superb. Apparently each car takes “188 man hours” to build.

As with every McLaren designed and developed for the road or track since 1981, the heart of the 570S is a lightweight carbon fibre chassis. This helps it achieve some surprisingly decent fuel efficiency and emissions figures for a member of the 200mph club. In theory it can return 26.6mpg (10.7/100km) with CO2 emissions of 249g/km. It’s also the first McLaren to be fitted with a stop-start engine, again aiding economy.

The 570S comes with a three-year unlimited mileage warranty and requires yearly servicing with an oil change every two years or 10,000 miles (15,000km), whichever comes first.

Aluminium is used extensively for body panels, meaning that it’s easier to repair than the composite seen on previous McLaren models. As a result, repair work is easier and cheaper in the event of an accident.

Verdict: McLaren has created a surprisingly usable sports car. In fact, I’d go as far as calling it an entry-level supercar, for while it’s squaring up against cars such as the Audi R8 and Porsche 911 Turbo, it boasts the thoroughbred driving experience, looks and tech you’d expect to find in a Ferrari. The only frustration is that it’s virtually impossible to enjoy the 570S to the full without venturing onto a track.

Review in association with H Edition Magazine – the monthly publication dedicated to Business, Economy, Luxury, Lifestyle and Culture.

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from Automotive Blog http://www.automotiveblog.co.uk/2016/08/mclaren-570s-coupe-review/
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Top 10 most reliable used convertibles

The previous generation Mazda MX-5 has been named the most reliable second-hand summer driving soft-top.

Warranty Direct, the leading provider of direct consumer warranties, analysed its database of 50,000 live policies to reveal that Mazda’s classic roadster (05-15) is the least likely of all convertibles to leave you stranded with maximum repairs costs of £501.40.

The study was based on cars aged 3 – 8 years old and the next best car on the list was the Vauxhall Tigra (04-09), which boasted the second lowest maximum repair cost in the Top 10 at £663.74. the Tigra however, is more than twice as likely than the MX-5 to suffer a fault, with 18 in every 100 expected to break down each year.

The Peugeot 206 CC (98-09), Mercedes-Benz SLK (04-11) and Volvo C70 (06-13) complete the top five, with both the Mercedes-Benz and the Volvo racking up wallet wilting maximum repair costs of £2695.02 and £2086.51 respectively, more than three times that of the Mazda in the most expensive case.

Top 10 most reliable used convertibles

	Make	Model	Year	Reliability Index	Maximum Repair Cost
1	Mazda	MX-5	(05-15)	16	£501.40
2	Vauxhall	Tigra	(04-09)	36	£663.74
3	Peugeot	206 CC	(98-09)	72	£1,701.37
4	Mercedes-Benz	SLK	(04-11)	92	£2,695.02
5	Volvo	C70	(06-13)	101	£2,086.51
6	Volkswagen	Eos	(06-14)	126	£5,864.46
7	Audi	TT Roadster	(06-14)	132	£4,408.37
8	BMW	Z4	(09-16)	136	£2,152.4
9	Audi	A3 Cabriolet	(03-13)	145	£4,373.11
10	BMW	3 Series	(07-13)	204	£5,958.06

“With the summer holidays upon us and the recent heatwave, many drivers might just be thinking about finally dropping the top,” said Philip Ward of Warranty Direct.

“The Mazda MX-5 is head and shoulders above its competition. It’s fun to drive, has long-proven reliability and is surprisingly affordable in terms of convertible ownership.

“Manual folding roofs have fewer parts to go wrong, whereas modern electric roofs include motors and hydraulic pumps, which can cause expensive repairs. This explains why some high-end convertibles appear lower on the list.”

Expensive repairs

Electrical faults are the most common on the top 10 most reliable drop-tops, with an average repair cost of £349.35.

Nearly two in five (37%) of BMW Z4 garage visits are due to electrical faults, whilst 28% of Audi A3 Cabriolet breakdowns are on account of engine faults.

The BMW 3 Series is the most expensive car in the top 10 to fix if something does go wrong, with repair bills soaring to £5958.06.

At the opposite end of the scale, the Porsche Boxster (04-12) is the least reliable convertible, with 42 in every 100 suffering problems which cost an average of £731.07 to repair.

The post Top 10 most reliable used convertibles appeared first on Automotive Blog.

from Automotive Blog http://www.automotiveblog.co.uk/2016/08/top-10-reliable-used-convertibles/
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Kia Niro review

This year Kia is celebrating 25 years in the UK – a period that has seen a meteoric rise for the South Korean car maker.

Kia’s constantly evolving range has gained a reputation for its stylish, well-made range of cars offering great value for money, and – of course – backed up by that unbeatable seven-year warranty.

Just a few months after the launch of the latest Sportage SUV, which is already selling like hot cakes, comes the all-new Niro – not only Kia’s first hybrid crossover, but also occupying a fairly unique position.

The Niro is yet another example of Kia’s ability to surprise. Slotting in just below the Sportage, it’s a pioneering car, carving out a new niche.

In one fell swoop Kia now has a challenger in the compact crossover segment, competing with the likes of the Nissan Qashqai and Renault Kadjar, plus established hybrids such as the Toyota Prius.

It’s also worth remembering that, unlike some competitors, the Niro has been built on a special platform, which allows for future plug-in hybrid and all-electric versions.

The Niro range starts at £21,295, giving families and fleet buyers access to a well-equipped, stylish state-of-the-art hybrid for a great price.

On paper the most frugal Niro is capable of a claimed 74.4mpg and CO2 emissions of just 88g/km. I couldn’t match that, but on varied test routes I found that 50-60mpg is quite possible.

The design teams in South Korea and California have managed to create a slippery car (with a low drag coefficient of 0.29 Cd) that doesn’t look weird like some hybrids and yet can seat five people in comfort with ample luggage space.

I tested the flagship ‘First Edition’ model, plus the cheaper ‘2’ version, priced at £26,995 and £22,795 respectively.

Both look good, but the First Edition comes with all the kit thrown in. Crucially, if economy is a priority, it has bigger wheels (18″ instead of 16″) which surprisingly results in a slightly lower potential economy of 64.2mpg.

Well proportioned, the Niro is also cleanly designed inside and has a quality feel. The centre console is dominated by an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system (standard in the First Edition), resulting in mercifully few buttons, while the dashboard is clear and simple. It also includes essential hybrid charging info.

The Niro isn’t quite as high as some of its rivals, but there’s still a commanding driving position in an otherwise comfortable and spacious cabin, front and rear.

A whole host of driver aids and safety kit are available, including Autonomous Emergency Braking, Blind Spot detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Adaptive Cruise Control, helping the Niro onto a maximum five-star Euro NCAP crash safety rating.

You don’t so much fire up the Niro and press the start button (in high spec models) because it will simply switch on in electric mode. Then simply select D on the six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox and you’re off.

Thankfully, Kia hasn’t opted for an annoying CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) system like many of manufacturers of hybrids, and there’s also an option for select gear manually in ‘Manual Sports’ mode.

Unless you put your foot down, it will also glide away silently at low speeds. Go a little faster and the 1.6-litre petrol engine kicks in pretty seamlessly. In theory, the combination of 102bhp petrol engine and 42bhp electric motor, boosts output to 139bhp.

For general driving the gearbox and engine are fine, though more spirited drivers may yearn for more power, but the fact is that you don’t buy a five-door hybrid to drive it like a sports car, so most will be more than happy with the performance on offer. For the record, it’s capable of a top speed of 101mph and can reach 60mph from standstill in 11.1 seconds.

What also sets the Niro apart is that the engineers have done a great job at creating a refined driving experience – not just in terms of cabin noise, but ride too, which is surprisingly smooth.

I wouldn’t say the Niro was exciting to drive, but it’s certainly very capable and compares well with the opposition. Roadholding is decent and there’s a little body roll if it’s pushed, but ultimately the Niro is all about economy and if driven sensibly it will deliver.

And if you’re new to hybrids, it’s worth getting a few driving tips so that you can make the most of your Niro. For instance, braking gently and early helps the regenerative braking harvest more energy, which means the car can boost the petrol engine more and operate in electric mode for longer periods.

Verdict: Kia has another winner on its hands. Stylish, safe, practical, economical and refined, the Niro makes sense, especially in mid-spec ‘2’ trim.

Review: @garethherincx

The post Kia Niro review appeared first on Automotive Blog.

from Automotive Blog http://www.automotiveblog.co.uk/2016/08/kia-niro-review/
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Nigel Mansell’s up and under

Ex Formula One World Champion Nigel Mansell’s Jersey car dealership, Mansell Mitsubishi, has teamed up with the island’s biggest rugby club.

The St Helier dealership has struck a deal with St Peter-based Jersey Reds, who play in the Greene King IPA RFU Championship.

In exchange for prominent advertising at the ground and on match days, Mansell Mitsubishi has provided the Reds’ head coach Harvey Biljon with an Outlander PHEV GX4h.

Harvey will use it for all his regular driving and conducting the club’s other community activities, which have included visiting care homes and going on school visits.

“This hybrid car is absolutely unreal,” said Harvey. “I’ve had it a few weeks and I haven’t had to put fuel in yet!

“A lot of people have stopped to talk to me about it, and how the hybrid engine works.

“It’s all about changing minds, and spreading the message of how environmentally friendly this car is. I love it.”

The post Nigel Mansell’s up and under appeared first on Automotive Blog.

from Automotive Blog http://www.automotiveblog.co.uk/2016/08/nigel-mansells-up-and-under/
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Game of Thrones star Kit Harington’s Infiniti role

Emmy-award nominated actor Kit Harington stars in short film showcasing the all-new Infiniti Q60.

The one-minute video opens with Harington striding towards the Q60. He then settles in the car and dramatically begins reciting William Blake’s primal poem, The Tyger.

“What inspires me personally in my life, is a beautiful piece of writing. Something which is specific, delicate and beautiful,” says Kit Harington.

Blake’s The Tyger is an inspiring reflection of such writing and also captures the high performance empowerment of the Q60 – they are both an exploration of aesthetic beauty, primal ferocity, ambition and seduction.

The post Game of Thrones star Kit Harington’s Infiniti role appeared first on Automotive Blog.

from Automotive Blog http://www.automotiveblog.co.uk/2016/08/game-thrones-star-kit-haringtons-infiniti-role/
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