Home Tags Posts tagged with "3.0 litre"
So here it is… The BIG one. 2014 has been an excellent year for cars of all shapes and sizes. We have had MPVs that brought style to a class where traditional there is none, trendy crossovers, sleek superminis, a batch of fantastic sports cars and family cars that just keep raising the bar. It was genuinely a tough decision to make, but after whittling down the list of potential winners we eventually came to a solid conclusion. The overall winner of Inside Lane Car of the Year 2014 is the BMW M235i.
When we say this car is a deserving winner we really mean it. In a world where driver involvement in being quashed and the enthusiast is a minority, here is a car to meet your petrol headed needs. Whilst not a fully fledged M car, we thought that this M235i possessed a great balance between performance and everyday usability. Powered by a turbocharged 3.0 litre straight-six engine producing 321BHP, the BMW M235i will get you to 62MPH in just 5 seconds. Looking handsome and arguably the right proportions to be a modern day M3, the current model is huge in comparison to the original, its driving manors fit like a glove. Sharp, responsive and just a tad tail happy, this is the recipe manufactures should strive for.
Find out exactly why this car has won the grand prize of 2014 in its review HERE.
The new Audi Q7 has gone on a diet for the Detroit Motor Show weighing in at 1995kg with the 3.0-litre TDI engine, which is a huge 325kg less than before making it the lightest in it’s class. This massive loss of weight is due to intricate and clever means such as a 100kg lighter suspension and 71kg stripped off the body, chiefly due to the fact that the new aluminium doors are 24kg less than before.
The engines also lead the way for all-wheel drive SUVs. The primary Q7 models to reach the UK will be powered by the most recent 3.0 TDI engine which produces 268bhp and will go from 0-62 in just 6.3 seconds. This diesel V6 engine is capable of achieving 47.8mpg, also impressive for a car of just under 2 tons.
Audi’s all new MMI all-in-touch control unit with large touch pad makes operating the features easy and coherent. Expanded services for Audi connect, Audi’s tablet for rear seat passengers and the two sound systems with 3D audio all feature. Further additions include smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto, the Q7 being one of the first ever cars to offer these functions. Also available is cruise control with traffic jam assistant.
The Audi Q7 e-tron Quattro will be released shortly after the combustion powered versions. It is the first plug-in hybrid from Audi with a diesel engine and produces 368bhp. It is also the first diesel plug-in hybrid with Quattro all-wheel drive in the premium SUV segment. A fully charged battery will keep it running for 35 miles and the diesel hybrid can achieve up to 166.1mpg.
Freedom is a noble sentiment… The ability to do whatever, whenever, with no limitations in reality is very hard to achieve. There are barriers, rules and responsibilities that prevent this aspirational get-up-and-go attitude for many. However, there are means of obtaining this freedom whilst still ticking the necessary boxes. A way to have your cake and eat it if you will. For the past 25 years the answer has been Discovery. There is a reason for this nameplates survival and its formula for success is still clear for all to see, especially in this 2014 Land Rover Discovery HSE Luxury we tested.
With its bold and illustriously boxy shape, the current Land Rover Discovery has the appearance of a machine that means business. Whilst over the years it has collected more chrome trim, its fundamental form follows function design has endured. Whilst not as utilitarian as the Defender, its short overhangs still allows for impressive approach and departure angles. It is a big vehicle and certainly makes a statement when driven around an urban environment, but in Indus Silver with these very smart 20 inch alloy wheels there is a classy element to it. The keen observers amongst you will notice that for 2014 the badging on this Discovery doesn’t read Land Rover on the nose. That is because Discovery is becoming its own family of vehicles of which will emerge over the next few years. This cars proud stance, stepped roof and unique daytime running lights make it unmistakable.
The interior of this 2014 Land Rover Discovery HSE Luxury is plush to say the least. If equipment is your thing then you will love this fully loaded 4×4. From your high driving position you feel as if you have dominion of all around you, seeing over things you otherwise would not. Comfortable leather heated seats cosset you as you place your hands on the heated steering wheel. The gear selector rises up from the centre stack, just like a Jaguar, greeting you in an almost James Bond-like fashion. A touchscreen display gives you access to all of the cars media, of which there is a lot, including DAB radio, digital television, DVD, CD, Bluetooth and satellite navigation. Clever utilities such as cameras enabling you to see around junctions and sonar for sensing how deep water may be ahead are all at your disposal through this easy to use interface. Below you will find controls for air-conditioning of which are all quite chunky enabling their use even whilst wearing thick gloves. Further down again the Discovery’s terrain response options and suspension settings can be found. More on those later… The second row allows seating for five adults with plenty of head and leg room. The two outer seats are heated and treated to T.V.s mounted in the forward headrests. Wireless headphones compliment these, but the Meridian surround sound system is also excellent. The final two seats fold out from the boot floor allowing for a total capacity of seven. Leg room is limited here but far better than you might expect. With the seats tucked away the boot is vast and lovingly equipped with a split-folding tailgate, something many Land Rover owners simply love.
This Land Rover Discovery is powered by a 3.0 litre turbocharged diesel V6 engine producing 255HP and a hefty 442lb ft of torque. When mobile you always feel that the engine provides enough grunt for the situation, it is a V6 after all. Put your foot down and it will get from 0-60MPH in 8.8 seconds which is not half bad for something of this size and weight. A ZF 8 speed automatic transmission swaps cogs effortlessly to the point where you hardly even feel the gear change occurring. Around town there is no getting away from how big the car is, but an array of sensors and cameras do make it relatively easy to park. On a motorway life is peaceful as you enjoy all of the onboard comforts and let the Disco take the strain. There is some wind noise at higher speeds and obviously with a car of this nature the expected body roll is present around bends. SO there you have it, a lovely comfortable SUV to live with. However, that is only half of the Land Rover Discovery story. These cars have always been infinitely capable off-road. We took this 2014 Land Rover Discovery HSE Luxury to Salisbury Plain where the British Army test their tanks.
After being questioned by a platoon of soldiers and granted access, we took to some seriously tough terrain. Steep muddy inclines, deep swamps which would happily engulf most cars, the Discovery never missed a beat. When the going started to get tricky we simply selected the appropriate terrain response option and the on-board computers then send power to the appropriate wheels to get things moving. Hill descents were easy with the car doing all of the work maintaining a steady speed downward. Sonar in the wing mirrors informs the driver how deep the water around the car currently is and will also sound an alert if it becomes too deep ahead to proceed. This machines command of the environment around it was nothing short of impressive. There we were chasing tanks whilst drinking an ice cold cola from the cars onboard fridge! I mean really, what other car can offer such comfort whilst you navigate a simulated war zone? Amazing.
It really is very hard to fault this astonishing piece of engineering. Ok yes, we did only get 27MPG out of it and the steering could do with being a bit more responsive when on road, but as a complete package you can’t help but admire its sheer brilliance. Our 2014 Land Rover Discovery HSE Luxury came to £63,395 with all of its toys which clearly is a lot of money. The first few days of living with it I though it was nice to drive, but the price still seemed huge. That was until I exploited its full potential off-road and now I am totally convinced it is worth that sum. The amount of engineering, technology and outright usability means that you are not only king of the road in a Discovery, but king of everything off of it also.
If you are looking around the automotive industry wondering why car manufacturers are endlessly trying to create new niche products then look not further than the BMW X6. Since its launch this coupe styled SUV has created over 250,000 sales for the German brand. Regardless of what you think of how it looks, drives or says about its owner, you can not argue that the X6 is anything other than a success. Hence the gold rush to find “the next big thing.” BMW hope to replicate that success on a smaller scale with the new X4. We got behind the wheel of a BMW X4 xDive 30d M Sport to see for ourselves.
When reading road test you have to remember that the section talking about a cars visuals is subjective and solely that journalists opinion. I personally do not like the looks of the X6 and so was surprised that I warmed to the proportions of the X4. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still no visual picnic, but it not being quite so big and imposing does do something for the design. This M Sport model with sculpted bumpers and large grills appeared subtle in Carbon Black, which is actually a shade of very dark blue. Retaining proportions usually reserved for a large SUV, the BMW X4 has the visual cues of a coupe. A sloping roofline neatly tapers off to create a short rear overhang, something that made its bigger brother such a big seller.
The interior is classic BMW in that it is logically laid out and ergonomically designed. This cars dashboard is predominately black plastic but is detailed with areas of glossy piano black inserts. The console is headed by a large widescreen infotainment display which is excellent for navigation due to its size allowing for a greater peripheral of the map. Supportive Oyster Nevada leather seats contrast against the black of this cabin creating a two-tone dynamic. Whilst the front seats are very good, the rear bench presents several cons along with its pros. Whilst head and leg room is good, the way in which BMW have gained head space with a coupe roofline is by lowering the seat swab. The end result is rear passengers sitting in a squat position which isn’t the most comfortable. Another compromise in having the X4 over its more practical X3 sibling is the reduction in boot space, again due to its profile.
Something that can not be criticised about this car is its engine. BMW arguably make the best diesel engines and this BMW X4 xDive 30d M Sport benefits from a 3.0 litre turbocharged unit. A 0-62MPH of 5.8 seconds thanks to 255BHP reaching the tarmac via all four wheels reminds you that this car is no slouch. In fact, stamp on the go faster pedal in Sport+ mode and 560Nm of torque makes itself know by pulling you back into your seat. This X4 handles much better than it has any right to considering how much it weighs. In its regular driving mode the steering is light and so makes it very easy to drive, however, in Sport+ where the steering weights up this SUV will eagerly hit any apex you point it at. Put the suspension in its tautest setting and body roll is all but eliminated. Somehow BMW has managed to get a big heavy car to handle like a grippy 3 Series. We suspect witchcraft… The 8 speed ZF automatic gearbox is arguably the best in the business with seamless shifts and a responsiveness to driver inputs on the paddles that is immediate. In this car it is the perfect partner for the diesel engine enabling you to quickly get the car into its torque band and surge out of corners. Whilst the BMW X4 xDive 30d M Sport undoubtably has very good handling characteristics, there is a tradeoff. The ride at low speeds is not what you expect of a luxury SUV thanks to the sporting nature of its suspension. It is upset by our potholed roads, not helped by this cars 20 inch alloy wheels, and results in thuds going through the cabin. Whilst on the subject of noise, the X4 does make a for an excellent motorway cruiser, but a buildup of wind noise at motorway speed again upsets the tranquility of the journey.
The BMW X4, much like the X6, attempts to be so many different things that it compromises on SUV cores such as comfort and practicality. This BMW X4 xDive 30d M Sport moves with impressive vigour and is genuinely enjoyable to drive. In the UK there are only two engine options, of which both are diesel. Having this 3.0 litre turbocharged unit under the bonnet makes for a commendable choice. Ultimately this car will be bought for its appearance and if sales of the X6 are anything to go by, it will do very well. For those of us who aren’t willing to sacrifice sustenance for style, there is always the X3 which can be had with the same engine. Our test car came to £55,248 which is a vast amount even with its impressive equipment list. Love it or hate it, you will likely see plenty of them about.
The Infiniti Q80 concept is the companies biggest push in cementing themselves as makers of premium saloons, and you would definitely give it a second glance if it drove past! A car that has seemingly been pulled straight out of the future with effortlessly flowing panels and curvaceous angles makes the Q80 a very impressive car to look at. The front and rear doors open opposite to each other and reveal the luxurious and futuristic cabin. High quality materials and uniquely shaped seating certainly make the Q80 different from any potential competitors.
The Q80 Concept isn’t just all about looks though. Underneath it hides a twin turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 hybrid electric engine, which produces a staggering 550bhp. Despite this almighty power, the Q80 is still capable of achieving 42.8 mpg, which gives this car an impressive blend of performance and sophistication. Partnered with high levels of fuel economy it is a tantalising package.
Highly sophisticated technology allows the driver to always be fully in control of the car. Cameras, lasers and sensors alongside a customisable HUD enables the driver to receive the information he or she wants when they want it. Suggestions are offered to the driver in situations such as high levels of traffic on what alternate courses of action there may be, but ultimately the driver is always in control of what happens.
Refined and complex levels of design all mean the Infiniti Q80 Concept has a good chance of being a highly desirable premium product. Innovative technologies all aimed to help the driver in their experience is very appealing to the customer and alongside an impressive figure for fuel economy, it appears to be the complete package.
For several months now, anticipation has been building around the upcoming release of Jaguar’s all-new range-completing XE small saloon. We have already been teased with various sightings of the big cat during testing and most recently Inside Lane exclusively brought you a handful of spy shots of the XE prototype being put through its paces on the Sierra Nevada in Spain. With the unenviable task of taking on the German C-Class and 3 Series juggernauts, luxury saloons that simply don’t do things by halves, the smallest Jaguar yet would have to tick an innumerable amount of boxes to genuinely stand shoulder to shoulder with its firmly established rivals. All this build up culminated this week in a star-studded world premiere at the glitzy setting of Earls Court, London.
Our patience was well and truly rewarded. After possibly one of the most elaborate car reveals ever, involving a Red Arrows fly-past, a helicopter trip over Tower Bridge, a high-speed boat journey up the Thames, a robotic guard of honour and a musical journey charting Jaguar’s entire history performed by some of the UK’s biggest stars, the cat itself was finally unveiled.
Slotting in below the larger XF and XJ in the Jag stable, the XE will be the British marque’s first crack at battling the C-Class and 3 Series since the ill-fated X-Type, discontinued in 2009. However, this latest contender could not be further away from its rather underwhelming predecessor.
In terms of style, the new XE is clearly derivative of the gorgeous architecture inspired by Jaguar design guru Ian Callum that has proved such a hit on its bigger sister cars; some would say totally transforming the image of the brand in the last few years.
The sleek coupe-like profile is evident from the short front and longer rear overhang as well as the position of the cabin more towards the rear of the car. Its sports saloon credentials are also backed up by the characteristically low driving position.
At the front, the sculpted bonnet has a suitably muscular look to it, while the form of the rear section takes more than a little inspiration from the effortlessly elegant F-TYPE Coupe. These parallels continue inside, courtesy of F-TYPE-style dials and the incredibly cool sweep of the needle as the engine is fired in to action.
The engines in question include Jaguar’s all-new series of Ingenium low efficiency power units. The first of these off the production line will be the 2.0-litre diesel versions, joined later by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol option. Each of these will be offered with an 8-speed automatic transmission, whilst buyers who prefer the diesel model can also plump for a 6-speed manual gearbox.
However, for top end performance, the XE S is on hand to deliver the thrills and take the fight to AMG and M-Sport. Distinguished by its large front air intakes, chrome side vents, rear spoiler and optional 20-inch alloy wheels, this top of the range cat gets the same supercharged 3.0-litre V6 engine that underpins the exceptional F-Type . With 335bhp and 332 lb/ft torque on tap, the XE S will spring from 0-60mph in just 4.9 seconds, all the way up to an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph. All this power is channelled through a paddle shift variant of the 8-speed gearbox.
The rear wheel drive Jaguar XE is also the lightest and most aerodynamic Jaguar saloon ever built. Its electric power steering is a first for the British brand and is tuned for maximum responsiveness and feel on the road.
Full details of the entire XE range will be announced at the Paris Motorshow in October, including spec and the all-important pricing.
The early signs are very encouraging indeed but the Jaguar XE still has a daunting task ahead of it to bring its highly polished German rivals down a peg or two. The mission will commence when sales start in 2015.
Drifting was once confined to 70’s film cop chases when it was used to portray the worst driver starting to lose control and taking a slower line than the hero. Today it is a very different story with controlled slides being engineered into an art form, one that a certain Mr Block has made a career from. BMW has shot a video of ace drivers putting the BMW M235i through its paces… Sideways. Named the BMW Driftmob, they are very good.
Starring in likely the most impressive piece of synchronised driving you will witness today. The BMW Driftmob take over a roundabout and preform a choreographed routine that not only includes prolonged slides, but also some manoeuvres that come within inches of each other. These five M235i’s burn rubber like there is no tomorrow and then simply vanish into the city. Fantastic driving from each of these highly talented drivers.
We know that the BMW M235i is a very capable car with its 3.0 litre straight six engine producing 321BHP. See our review here. With a 0-62MPH of just 5 seconds and a top speed electronically limited to 155MPH, it walks the walk and talks the talk.
Check out the BMW Driftmob video.
Great ingredients can often lead to delicious results. The correct combination of desirable attributes have produced such glories as the banana daiquiri, beautiful three piece suits and cake. When it comes to cars we all have our preferences, but those of an enthusiast’s persuasion adore keen handling, ample power and handsome looks. Having the roof down on a sunny day is the cherry on top. BMW claim to have produced an intoxicating elixir of all one could ask for in the form of the BMW 435i M Sport Convertible. The question is, have BMW created pancakes and maple syrup or a slightly repulsive mixture of grapes and ketchup.
If the cars design is anything to go buy, then the forecast is good. Its low and wide stance is purposeful and commanding. Angled headlights and snarling kidney grills make this a lean mean machine that is also detailed buy muscular lines to reinforce its sporting nature. With the metal folding roof stowed it is a stunner! With it in place, however, the profile is slight compromised. Don’t get me wrong, in hard-top configuration this car is far from ugly, but the BMW 435i M Sport Convertible looks at its best on a sunny day.
The cabin is your typical BMW blend of German understated luxury. A prominent three spoke M Sport steering wheel takes pride of place at the driver’s chest. The large widescreen display houses infotainment with its proportions being particularly useful when reading the satellite navigation. A full colour head-up display is an option well worth going for as it clarity and brilliantly ergonomic function makes for a more “eyes on road” driving experience. In the front there are two large rib reinforcing seats whilst in the rear, a bench offers just enough space for two adults providing those sat ahead are not King Kong. Obviously with a car of this nature boot space will be compromised when the roof is tucked away, but unlike its 3 Series predecessor, the 4 Series Convertible has the ability to move the roof out of the way in order fit luggage more easily.
This 435i is powered by a turbocharged 3.0 litre petrol engine producing 306HP and a tarmac tearing 400NM of torque. Clearly not just a pretty face, the BMW 435i M Sport Convertible will do 0-62MPH in just 5.6 seconds and go onto an electronically limited top speed of 155MPH. Heading out in this 435i, I took the liberty of lowering the roof which completes its transformation in 20 seconds and can be done at speeds up to 8MPH. The drive at usual speeds is one of tranquility and comfort. This cars 6 speed manual transmission is as smooth as honey, as is the power delivery from the engine. Steering is light and precise making this car a prime candidate for those who intend on making a long-term investment. However, the 4 Series is meant to be a more focused and sporting model to the 3. So where is that loving spoonful of brute force that we expected? Click the car into Sport or Sport+ and you will light the fuse to an enthralling driving experience. Exhaust valves open, steering gains weight and the throttle response sharpens providing you with the tools necessary to put a grin on your face. Heel and toe down a gear and hold tight as all of those ponies are channeled to the rear wheels. The high levels of torque sucks you back into your seat as the horizon becomes a damn sight closer. Point the car in the vicinity of an apex and the direction change is immediate. It feels alert and alive. Above 3,000rpm the power delivery is relentless and at 4,000rpm the engine note is sonorous. The hills are alive with the sound of horse power as you enjoy the dynamic and involving drive this BMW 435i M Sport Convertible brings to the table. There isn’t a hint of chassis flex and the 435i rides well in all environments. With the roof up, peace and quiet returns to the cabin for the journey home.
The BMW 435i M Sport Convertible is an extremely likeable car and one we would wholeheartedly recommend to those in the market for a powerful sporting convertible. In a world of automatic transmissions it was also very refreshing to swap cogs with three pedals, once again becoming the organic part of the machine. Our test car would set you back £45,470 with its equipment, which is a lot of money however you look at it. Yet as a complete package, that just like apple pie and custard, it is a mouth watering proposition.
Concept cars are a great way for manufacturers to gather public opinion on future design direction. Whilst some appear wacky and from another planet, there are details hidden within that represent clues to up and coming models. VW like to “give something back” to the fans at the Worthersee tuning festival every year. The event has seen debuts of such cars as the mad W12 Golf GTI. This time around the Germans have gone completely bonkers with the Volkswagen GTI Roadster Concept.
Originally designed as an out of the box idea for VW’s contribution to the Playstation game Gran Turismo, the GTI Roadster was so popular within the company that they decided to turn the virtual design into a reality. Its gaping grill forms a menacing smile on this chop-top machine. Design elements clearly hinting at future GTI’s can be found in the lights and detailing. The Volkswagen GTI Roadster Concept is powered by a 3.0 litre VR6 turbo petrol engine that is good for 496BHP and 413lb-ft of torque. Those figures translate into a 0-62MPH super car rivalling time of 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 190MPH.
Obviously this concept car will never make production.
At the beginning of this millennium BMW launched their first SUV. The 4×4 BMW X5 came at a time where financially the world was in quite a good place. European households had healthy amounts of disposable income and those who were doing very well indulged themselves in a BMW that told their neighbours that they were the boss. The Germans saw huge success with this car and went on to build a second generation. However, as we all know, this financial bubble burst and the resulting global recession had far reaching repercussions. All of a sudden owning a big luxury SUV was far too costly. BMW stuck with the X5 throughout, but now the scars of the banking crisis are beginning to heal, 2014 could again see a boom in X5 ownership. As the craze for high riding family cars has grown over the years, competitors have had no choice but to produce some stiff competition for BMW. Can this all-new 2014 third generation F15 model become king of the castle?
Our specific car that we are testing is the 2014 BMW X5 xDrive40d M Sport meaning that just about every bell and whistle is equipped. Powering this X5 is a 3.0 litre turbocharged diesel engine that sends its potential to all four wheels via an 8 speed ZF automatic transmission. Total outputs are 313HP and tarmac torchering 630Nm of torque.
In its Space Grey metallic paint, the muscular structure of this new M5 has a somewhat menacing demeanour about it. Angled headlights and huge kidney grill nostrils gives this SUV an almost snarling expression. The M Sport bodywork adding swollen intakes and grills genuinely add to this machines distilled aggression, something missing from the standard car. This is a big powerful machine and it wants everyone to know it…
Inside the passive aggressive exterior styling dissipates into a refined executive environment. A beautiful widescreen display sits on top of the console providing access to the cars system settings and infotainment. Whilst BMW’s iDrive system gets a lot of stick, and even now its not perfect, in its latest form it is much more fluid and nicely illustrated with graphics. The console itself is logically laid out with well engineered ergonomics at its core. This X5’s high quality leather interior adds to the premium nature of the vehicle and the bolstered seats they that it wraps around are very comfortable. A panoramic retractable glass roof, a £1,295 optional extra, bathes the cabin in light. Rear passengers are to be just as comfortable as those in the front with loads of head and leg room. The boot is huge offering 650 litres of space with the rear seats up, or 1,870 litres with them folded flat. We also very much like the split tailgate.
Slip into the drivers seat and hit start, the 2014 BMW X5 xDrive40d M Sport comes to life in a quietly civilised manor. Our test cars heads up display may be another costly £995 option, but due to is clarity and wealth of displayed information it is well worth the investment. Setting the chassis to comfort via its adaptive suspension will see the X5 soak up even the most begrudging potholes our battered Uk roads have to offer. The steering has reasonable feel and good weight to it making for accurate placement of the car. visibility is good all around and the overall experience actually makes the X5 feel much smaller on the roads than it actually is. Hit the sport button and feel the steering become a bit heavier and the throttle response sharpen. You are now ready to experience this car at its best. You see whilst it does the family workhorse bit very well, it wears a BMW badge and so eager drivers should expect an involving drive. They needn’t be disappointed as the handling of the 2014 BMW X5 xDrive40d M Sport is some of the best in the class. A lack of body roll and bags of grip will have you feeling confident when it comes to opening the taps on that 3.0 litre engine. The X5 surges forwards utilising its torque to accelerate what is quite a big car to speeds the wrong side of the law. 0-62MPH is completed in 5.9 seconds and it won’t stop until it gets to 147MPH. The most impressive thing about how this car drives is just how effortlessly it dishes out its performance. Thanks to the high levels of refinement, you need to keep an eye on just how fast you are going as it masks its speed exceptionally well.
Now, we all know that the options list on any German car is enough to make even the most generous bank manager wince, this 2014 BMW X5 xDrive40d M Sport is no different. When all is said and done this car comes to a vast £65,115. £9,750 of that accounts for optional extras. Despite its performance credentials, 44.8MPG is claimed by BMW. It may be a costly purchase but this X5 is a strong contender for class honours.
