August 28, 2012

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Rivals Get In Line, Range Rover Is Back For 2013

August 15, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Instantly recognisable, universally acknowledged, the best. End of. It’s not often that a brand or model can make that kind of outlandish claim in the motoring world. However, in the case of Range Rover, we won’t begrudge them that title. Much like the Bugatti Veyron’s imperious dominance in the super car field over the last six or seven years, Range Rover has established itself at the pinnacle of luxury SUV off-roaders. The only difference is that it has reigned supreme not for a matter of years, but for over four decades!

As the old saying goes, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Just refresh it. That is just what Land Rover had in mind when conceiving the latest incarnation of its flagship model. The fourth generation Range Rover may, at first sight, get you playing spot the difference. Sure, there hasn’t been a major cosmetic overhaul, but did it really need one? If you want something a bit whacky from your Range Rover, then go for an Evoque. Only subtle changes have been made. A more rounded front end incorporates angrier looking headlights that are tapered back along the side panel and two air intakes have been added below the front grille, whilst the outgoing model’s side intakes beneath the wing mirrors disappear.

Though the shape remains fairly similar, the biggest alteration cannot be spotted with the naked eye. The new Range Rover has been on a crash diet and thanks to a revolutionary lightweight all-aluminium body it is now 39% lighter than its steel predecessor. Land Rover say that this development has ushered in significant enhancements in performance and agility, along with a transformation in fuel economy and CO2 emissions.

Naturally, the next generation Range Rover will handle all terrains with the consummate ease and serenity of Roger Federer’s backhand thanks to its newly tweaked Terrain Response system, which analyses driving conditions and automatically selects the most suitable drive settings for the job in hand.

Not forgetting its reputation for luxury and comfort, the 2013 Range Rover will benefit from over 118mm more rear legroom, with the option of a new Executive Class seating package for “the ultimate in rear-seat luxury”, as well as a general interior spruce-up. Under the bonnet, customers will be able to choose from a supercharged V8 petrol engine, or the TDV6 and SDV8 diesels.

We had few quibbles with the previous model, besides its rather unfortunate image as the premier league footballer’s steed of choice.  Barring any unforeseen own goals, this latest refresh should prove just as supreme as those that have gone before it. We look forward to the next chapter of one of the most prestigious family lines in motoring history.

Available to order from September, expect to see the first few models hit the showrooms from early 2013.

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Stranger From Across The Pond: Chevrolet Trax All Set To Enter The SUV Fray

August 15, 2012 By Leave a Comment

It is fair to say that, in the States, Chevrolet is as much of a national institution as rodeos, the Super Bowl and Jay Leno’s chin. For decades they have tuned in to the national psyche and successfully churned out exactly what our American cousins like best; big, powerful and relentlessly rugged machines perfect for cruising the freeways and capable of withstanding a nuclear holocaust with barely a prang or paint chip to show for it.

However, it is a very different playing field here in the UK where the more subtle or mundane, depending on how you view it, is valued more highly than the typically all-American principle of bold, brash brawn. With that in mind, it is not entirely surprising that Chevrolet have never really progressed past the foot-in-the-door stage in the UK market; an established member of the cast, but not really challenging for the lead role. In fact, until now, they haven’t made a single venture in to the flourishing small SUV market.

Well that is about to change with the news that Chevy are bringing their all new Trax to the Paris Motor Show this September. Originally glimpsed as a concept in 2007, the Trax has come a long way since then, transforming from a garish, pint sized ‘micro SUV’ in to a credible AWD baby brother for the Captiva.  Sporting the distinctive Chevrolet front grille, the Trax will come with the choice of three powertrains including a 140 BHP 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine, a 1.6-litre petrol as well as a 1.7-litre turbo-diesel engine. All are hooked up to a six-speed gearbox, although bizarrely only the 1.4 petrol and 1.7 diesel will be available with the on-demand AWD system.

Only the higher spec models will be equipped with Chevrolet’s MyLink infotainment system which collects and displays smartphone content onto a seven-inch, high resolution, colour touch-screen in the cabin. However, this shouldn’t put off those looking for a good deal on a reliable compact SUV as an alternative to the more mainstream X3’s and Rav4’s of this world.

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The Dangers of Part Worn Tyres

August 15, 2012 By Leave a Comment

In these times of credit and crunch we are all looking to tighten our belts. Save a few bob here, claim a few pounds back their. Running a car today is a costly business and again, this is something we want to save money where we can. However, cutting corners in some  elements of motoring can be much more hazardous than first thought. We received a press release from TyreSafe that we thought you should read.

“Keith Johnston, 41 from Tyne and Wear suffered terrible life-changing injuries in the smash earlier this year and is now permanently paralysed from the top of his chest down, only able to move his arms and neck.”

“All of the tyres on the car had recently been purchased in a part-worn condition and a police investigation blamed them as a major contributory factor in the accident. The front pair had only been recently fitted but the rear tyres were found to have an illegal tread depth even though they had only been on the car for a couple of months. Keith had always bought part worn tyres and replaced them every few months, unaware of the safety risks associated with buying used tyres.”

“TyreSafe, the UK’s leading tyre safety organisation, recently revealed the alarming findings of an ongoing investigation it carried out with Auto Express magazine into part worn tyres. Having bought 50 part worn tyres, the tyres were inspected by an independent tyre expert who found that 98 per cent of the tyres were being sold illegally. However, perhaps more concerning was that over a third of the tyres were found to contain other potentially dangerous forms of damage or non-compliance with part worn tyre legislation.”

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