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Traditional automotive segments have seemingly splintered over the years creating huge a sea of choice for new owners. Instead of simply choosing either a 4×4 or a hatchback you can have the happy medium of a crossover. Don’t want the increase in size but love the more masculine appearance? Well then another niche known as the compact crossover is here just for you. We have tested the Volvo V40 in several guises in the past including the D4 and T2 engine variants. So what are we doing with another V40? This Volvo V40 Cross Country is quite an important one as not only does it capitalises on the growth of this compact crossover segment, but it also ushers in an all-new diesel engine.
Sitting pretty in its eye catching “Power Blue” and smokey grey alloy wheels, the Volvo V40 Cross Country brings a more rugged appearance to the hatchback on which it is based. Aluminium scuff guards, roof rails, sculpted bumpers and a more prominent grill boosts this cars appeal. Whilst retaining a grown-up demeanour, its 40mm increase in hight does create a more commanding stance. Over our time with this V40 several people remarked upon its visage with one proclaiming it to be “a tidy little number.” With the approval of Christchurch behind it, the Volvo V40 Cross Country ticks the box as far as aesthetics are concerned.
Entering the cabin you are greeted with the now familiar Volvo layout of a floating centre console. Whilst this does allow for intelligent storage behind the unit, the vast range of buttons on its facia does date the interior. A textured dashboard and neat Cross Country plaques remind you that this V40 is a cut above its showroom siblings. In SE Nav trim this car is well equipped with navigation and infotainment taking centre stage. An optional winter pack adds heated front seats of which were more than welcome during the arctic blast the UK suffered recently. Volvo do some of the most comfortable seats in the business and these fabric examples where supportive in all of the right places. A digital TFT instrument binnacle, illuminated gear knob and quality materials, this interior is indeed a pleasant place to spend time. The second row of seats offers plenty of space for two adults in cosseting outer seats. The centre seat, however, is very narrow and so having three in the back can feel a bit tight. Its boot is of a reasonable size, although not as large as you might expect. Folding the seats flat reveals a highly practical loading area.
Fitted with a keyless system, a push of a button brings that all-new four cylinder turbo diesel engine into play. At idle the engine note is a bit gruff, but this soon simmers down to a more tranquil note once in motion. The D4 produces 187BHP and a very handy 295lb ft of torque which, in this model at least, is sent via a 6 speed manual gearbox to the front wheels. All wheel drive is offered only on the powerful petrol models meaning that this car doesn’t really possess much in the way of off-road ability. It is a smooth drive in an urban environments with the ride being better than that of the standard car and its blind spot detection system proving to be very helpful in combating the Cross Country’s small rear window. Parking is also a doddle with it being able to park itself in any parallel space large enough with very high levels of accuracy. The steering could do with more feel, however, it is very precise meaning that placing the V40 exactly where you want it on the road is effortless. On a motorway cruise there is a bit of wind noise, but other than that it is a cosseting experience. Its engine pulls very cleanly and there is more than enough punch being produced to enable strong overtaking ability. Settle down for your journey and let the Cross Country take the strain… Its radar guided cruise control and lane departure warning will keep you both safe and a little more relaxed.
There is no denying that the new D4 engine from Volvo is a talented unit. Plenty of torque means that it never feels sluggish and paired with some very good engineering behind it this 2.0 litre engine emits just 104g/km CO2. Claimed fuel economy of 70.6MPG isn’t to be complained about, especially when the car also has a 0-62MPH time of 7.5 seconds. This car starts from £26,770 which isn’t cheap, that said, a less powerful D2 variant begins at £23,320. What will get you is the options list. Our test car with its trinkets such as; metallic paint, park assist, keyless drive, electrically adjustable seats and so on, came to a hefty £34,015. Whilst DAB raido, rain sensing wipers and climate control may come a standard on the SE model, there is no getting away from that being a princely sum. But then again, if you want to see something truly extravagantly priced, you might want to check out the Mercedes-Benz GLA which had a sticker price as tested that made me want to cry.
The Bugatti Veyron is an engineering Tour de Force that literally gives the laws of physics a very hard time. There is no denying this cars brilliance for the sheer human ingenuity required to build a machine that can travel at over 250MPH every single day of the week, and be comfortable, is an achievement as impressive as Concord. For those who simply say “I just don’t like the Veyron” it is either a case of not understanding its complexity or “haters guna hate.” Later models such as the Super Sport pushed on to 267MPH with the aid of 1,200BHP and heavily revised aerodynamics. With confirmation of a Bugatti Veyron successor being built, am I the only person questioning how relevant a car such as the Veyron is anymore?
Don’t get me wrong!!! I love this car and I applaud the Volkswagen group for building it at a loss for the sake of our human curiosity and determination, but looking at the world around it, priorities have changed. I’m not talking about being kinder to the environment, more looking at the competition and seeing that their priorities have changed. Whilst the Veyron was built for the top speed crown, the likes of McLaren and Ferrari have focused on handling and overall lap time. For the Bugatti Veyron’s next incarnation to be as truly staggering as its predecessor, it needs to achieve that headline grabbing 300MPH or possess more performance tech than the P1.
Not 288MPH, not 299MPH… 300MPH. For all of the worlds richest people to sit up and get their credit cards out it needs to be the fastest by a long way, because if it is not it will be forgotten. The Bugatti Veyron did this with 253MPH and that is what made it more than “just another fast car” in a millionaires collection. It became a status symbol.
Whilst we are looking at electric turbos, KERS power boost and a focus on reducing the new Veyron’s overall weight, I’m unsure as to whether the world has outgrown the Bugatti Veyron.
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.
So you have a bit of money to buy a new toy but you don’t want to merely get something expensive, you want to make a statement. Your proclamation when behind the wheel needs to be “don’t you even think about it…” Clearly you are not shy, an introvert or a peasant. Sourcing its origins from a military vehicle, the G-Wagon, or G-Class as it is now known, has hardly changed in its appearance since 1979. Why? Because if what you have read above fits your description, you might just be one of the many cult followers of this German icon. We spent some time behind the wheel of a Mercedes-Benz G 350 BlueTEC LONG WHEELBASE in order to experience just what makes this car a dictators favourite.
There is no getting away from the G-Class’ brutish charm. Its boxy visage detailed with design elements of pure function create a utilitarian and meaningful object. This sort of ethos is only seen elsewhere today on the Land Rover Defender. The Mercedes-Benz G 350 BlueTEC is truly unlike most in its class as it wears round headlights, stocky flared arches and a huge externally mounted spare wheel with pride. Our car was finished in an unusual Designo Mystic Blue and trimmed with chrome. This lean, mean, machine looks nothing short of intimidating preceding whoever may step out of it.
There is something beautifully analogue about the way the G 350’s doors open. A firm press of a button leavers open a weighty door. Climbing upward and into this tall German legend you will find a complete contrast to its exterior. Instead of being full of exposed screws and heavy things to bash your elbow into, the cabin is lavish. Sumptuous Mercedes-Benz luxury is tailored into every inch of this cars porcelain leather. The architecture in here might be dated due to its blocky layout, but the amount of comfort enhancing technology at your disposal fuses past and present together. From your highly adjustable throne you have access to Mercedes 8 inch infotainment screen which sits above a flush facia. Brushed aluminium contrasts piano black features creating an undeniable sense of quality within the cabin. The front passenger receives a dash mounted grab-rail which hints at the G-Wagon’s off-road potential. The second row seats five upon the same beautiful leather as those up front. Head room is plentiful, however, for such a large car space for passengers legs is less than you might expect. A highly usable boot makes up for this and thanks to its boxy shape, can be easily loaded with bulky items. Access to the loadspace is granted via a side hinged door which looks fantastically “old school.” That said, in a parallel parking scenario there needs to be ample space for it to swing open.
Looking out of the windscreen and over just about everything, you feel a huge sense of dominion. Fire up the Mercedes-Benz G 350 BlueTEC LONG WHEELBASE 3.0 litre turbo V6 diesel engine and this 2,570KG beast gets into motion. Do not go thinking that this car is all about image. Its retro looks provide good approach and departure angles for serious off-roading and the car is also equipped with a three way lockable differential. 540Nm of muscular torque will get this 4×4 up and over just about anything you point its nose at. It clearly is a highly focused machine when the going gets muddy, but this does somewhat compromise its driving experience. The high centre of gravity means that it leans almost comically through bends and heavy steering that doesn’t self-centre can become tedious in an urban environment. Put your foot down in a straight line and 211HP, along with all of the aforementioned torque, surges this leviathan along at a rate that will get you to 62MPH from standing in 9.1 seconds. Not bad for something of this size at all. Pottering along the tarmac reveals its engine noise to be a bit intrusive and its 7 speed dual clutch gearbox in manual mode not as fast as you would like. Despite these attributes there is still an unrelenting charm to the G-Class which makes driving it an occasion. People take pictures of it as you drive past or stare up in wonderment from their considerably lower driving positions. There are very few cars that make you feel like a celebrity when you drive them, but this is a very fine example.
Ultimately the Mercedes-Benz G 350 BlueTEC LONG WHEELBASE is flawed by the usual standards, but this SUV is anything but usual. It is beautiful in its prestigious preservation of the past and stands today as a very unique vehicle. You can’t help but like its strange “peanut butter and jam” combination of old and new. Even if this one will set you back £106,150 and do a combined 25.2MPG.
Audi’s new RS3 has been unveiled so lets cut to the chase… It has over 360bhp, which is more powerful than the BMW M135i and the Mercedes A45 AMG as well as every other car in its class. It goes from 0-62mph in 4.3 seconds, which means it can rival an M3. After 62mph is dealt with in this minuscule amount of time it will go all the way to a limited 155mph top speed. If that’s not fast enough, the limiter can be taken off upon request so it can then go 174mph, which is indeed as fast as a Porsche Boxster GTS. The RS3 then, means business.
It is powered by a 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder engine connected to a seven-speed S tronic dual clutch gearbox which has two automatic functions and a manual mode. It also comes with launch control and Quattro four-wheel drive. This uses custom software especially designed for the RS3 enabling between 50 to 100 percent of the torque to be sent to the rear axle.
The RS body kit also gives this car a more imposing look. A roof spoiler, sports seats, flared arches and an RS steering wheel among other additions add to the occasion of driving the RS3. Also a high quality and focused interior layout reminds the driver of the premium product they are in.
Deliveries for the RS3 will begin next year but a price tag is yet to be confirmed.
If first impression account for as much as we are told, then what you arrive driving makes a very big statement. Pull up in a clapped out old banger in todays fashion conscious world and you might be laughed out of the door. Equally, something overly ostentatious with big shiny rims will likely be read as a helpless cry for attention. Clearly there is a balance to be struck between style and the power of the understatement. In this ballgame the Mercedes-Benz CLS SHOOTING BRAKE 350 BlueTEC AMG Line could just be the most charismatic machine on wheels.
“Isn’t Shooting Brake just posh for estate?” Au contraire, a Shooting Brake isn’t simply an estate car. These are machines of opulence and class once designed to ferry privileged individuals around whilst game hunting. Whilst even the most wealthy don’t really go shooting everyday in this day and age, a modern Shooting Brake must not only be practical, but also desirable in equal measure.
This automotive sculpture is the Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake and isn’t it just bite the back of your hand gorgeous? Freshly updated, the sleek yet muscular aesthetic of this car causes people to stop and stare. From its almost floating grill to the taut lines that run down its length, it just oozes class. The combination of a bold front end and elegantly sloping rear gets the Shooting Brake formula just right. This AMG Line car receives some AMG inspired bumpers which adds a hint of aggression in the details.
The cabin is exactly what you would come to expect from a Mercedes-Benz. Well thought out, durable in its function and premium in styling. Cosseting heated leather seats hold you in place as you survey the piano black finishes and classic analogue clock. A large screen heads the console housing all of your infotainment needs. Whilst all of the buttons that run down the centre are placed logically, the mobile phone keypad does date the facia. A thick rimmed steering wheel sits before the driver which is pleasingly not peppered with a million buttons, but just the essentials. Despite the sloping roofline headroom in the back isn’t too bad being suitable for adults of average hight. Leg room is accommodating enough for long journeys. 590 litres of boot space is yours extending to a colossal 1,550 litres with the seats folded flat. Even more conventional rivals find those figures difficult to swallow.
Behind its blunt nose and under that rakish bonnet is a 3.0 litre turbocharged V6 diesel engine which is good for 258HP and a vast 620Nm of torque. Combined with a new 9 speed dual clutch gearbox the CLS Shooting Brake will do 0-62MPH in just 6.6 seconds and go onto 152MPH. As you have just read, this car is more than just a pretty face. Its smooth torquey diesel engine effortlessly get the car into motion and remains quiet and refined. Its lack of noise and vibration makes for a very peaceful driving experience. The firmer ride on this AMG Line model is a worthwhile trade for the composure it demonstrates through the corners. Steering is well weighted and very precise allowing of accurate placement of this big car. As a driving package the CLS Shooting Brake handles well, much better than a machine of this size has any right to. Its strong V6 heart pulls relentlessly and the new gearbox shifts in a seamless fashion. Changes could be a tad faster when manually clicking through cogs via the steering wheel mounted paddles, but this is a minor irritation. Both around town and on the motorway the car runs as smooth as honey, exactly as a Mercedes-Benz should be. However, you would be wise to remember the amount of performance under your right foot, this car is rear wheel drive after all. This specific CLS didn’t have a parking camera fitted and due to its small rear window, visibility isn’t great. That said, you are aided by parking sensors and a clever visual display in the roof lining. But once you have finished with shopping or dropping the kids to school you can enjoy the surge that its engine has to offer. Caution, it can be intoxicating.
The 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS SHOOTING BRAKE 350 BlueTEC AMG Line is a product that could not be mistaken for anything else on the road. Our test car came to £51,765 which to the everyman is a lot of money, yet in the CLS Shooting Brake you are not buying a car that the everyman will drive. It is both graceful and audacious in appearance, enchanting and empowering to drive. In short, it strikes that much searched for balance.
Ready for the Detroit Motor Show, Mini have unveiled the John Cooper Works model, which is the most powerful production Mini ever made. 231bhp is deployed via a 2.0-litre TwinPower turbocharged engine. IN addition the JCW also comes with new suspension, brakes, aerodynamics and interior modifications derived from the companies motorsport expertise.
Time taken to reach 62mph is down 0.2 seconds from the previous JCW model, now at 6.3 seconds, thanks to a 10 percent power. The optional six-speed Steptronic sports transmission reduces the time further, down to 6.1 seconds. Also because of the increased torque, the time taken from 50-75mph is now 10 percent faster than before. Top speed is 152MPH
The enjoyment of driving a Mini, especially one as fast as this, doesn’t mean you’ll have to suffer bad fuel economy either. With the manual transmission it can achieve 42.2 mpg, and this figure is made more impressive when the Steptronic gearbox is equipped where it can hit 49.5 mpg and also produces lower emissions.
17-inch alloy wheels come as standard with the option of increasing the size to 18-inches, each of which house Brembo brakes. The altered look of the JCW improve aerodynamics and help distinguish this model from the standard hatchback. Also an exclusive Rebel Green colour option is available.
Bespoke personalisation options such as Mini’s Head-Up Display, Chilli Red roof and door mirror covers, bonnet stripes and exterior and interior John Cooper Works Pro design accessories are available.
Volvo have shown own off their first purpose built car with plug in/electrification compatibility. The XC90 T8 will be a luxury SUV that very much rivals small hybrid cars as far as emissions go with a tiny 59g/km.
The XC90 T8 delivers ultra low emissions but doesn’t compromise on performance, efficiency, luggage space or driving pleasure thanks to Volvo’s Scalable Product Architecture platform and Drive-E petrol powertrain that produces 400bhp.
This new model can go from 0-62mph in just 5.9 seconds, more than impressive for a spacious 7-seat SUV. Also available are five different driving modes, which offer different performance and efficiency characteristics that can be accessed by either the touchscreen or scroll wheel. These modes include Hybrid, which is for everyday use and uses both the electric and 2.0-litre petrol engine for maximum efficiency. Pure electric offers 25 miles of solely electric driving which is most efficient in the city. Power mode uses both engines; electric motor for responsiveness with higher torque and the petrol engine is responsible for the added speed. AWD consists of constant four-wheel drive, and finally save mode allows the driver to “freeze” the battery level and save it for later with Pure Electric drive.
A specially modified version of the 4-cyclinder Drive-E engine will be in the XC90 T8, equipped with a turbo and supercharger. Producing 318bhp, it has been praised for dishing out the power more efficiently than engines twice its size.
Clever design features such as the battery being mounted down the centre of the car where it doesn’t intrude upon space for passengers and luggage is also beneficial due to a lower centre of gravity. This makes the XC90 T8 safer and easier to handle in the bends.
As the world’s cleanest SUV, the XC90 T8 joins a growing list of Volvo cars designed to create a more comfortable driving experience, a cleaner environment and safer roads.
When you think of a van several things may come to mind… The colour white, poorly brewed tea, The Sun and maybe even a builders arse crack. Sorry for that mental image. But one word trumps the builders bum and that is Transit. In 1965 Ford of Europe introduced a tool of revolution. This purpose-built van was not only excellent at carrying things, but also affordable. Small businesses were soon mobile as the Transit name became the byword for van. Something this legend has always been commended for is the way it drives. During the 70’s it was about as quick as most cars and handled like them to0, which for such a vehicle was a world first. Criminals loved them as getaway cars and the police soon found themselves spouting that old phrase “if you can’t beat them, join them.” Today over 7 million Ford Transits have been produced and it has won countless awards in its 49 years. With a new generation now introduced, the question is can this Ford Transit Custom Double-Cab-in-Van LWB 2.2 TDCi live up to its forefathers reputation?
You have more chance of being struck by a falling satellite than not being able to find a Transit van that is right for you. There are more body styles than you can shake a stick at making this model infinitely versatile. What we have here is the Transit Custom which is a mid-size van possessing front wheel drive. Our specific Transit is the double-cab meaning it has two rows of seats but it is also a long wheel base model meaning that there is an additional large loading area behind them.
For a van the Ford Transit Custom is quite a striking looking machine. In a world of relatively unremarkable slab-sided panel vans here we have something with a bit of design flare. Its ovular grill and large headlights are inspired by the same architecture as Ford cars and presents a pleasing aesthetic face that is very recognisable. Down the vans length a strong shoulder line runs under the passenger window to the rear. Back here you will find slender vertical lights that cascade downwards. Several people remarked upon how smart it looked. I mean really, who has ever complimented a van for its visuals? Ever? Obviously this Transits numberplate drew plenty of attention with FMC1 being THE Ford number plate. (Ford Motor Company 1)
This generation Transit has the best interior of any van bar-none. Although utilising a slightly outdated centre console, the dashboard will be more familiar with drivers of cars. Sculpted surfaces and an instrument layout identical to that of the Focus makes this space not only feel ergonomic, but also welcoming. Three can sit upfront, each with heated seats in this case, with access to DAB radio, satellite navigation and the ability to pair the their Bluetooth devices. Cubby holes, glovebox and a large storage area under the seats are all very useful. The only issue I have is that the air conditioning controls are a bit of a stretch to reach as the driver. In the second row three adult can easily be seated with plenty of room. They are even treated to a full size window. Open the two large rear doors and observe the great amount of space at your disposal. 4.4 cu.m is on offer which is impressive considering this van seats six in comfort. The doors can also swing open 180 degrees allowing for easy loading.
Powered by a 153BHP 2.2 litre turbo diesel engine, this Ford Transit Custom Double-Cab-in-Van LWB 2.2 TDCi has more than enough grunt even when fully loaded. Acceleration is more than adequate and its low down torque is highly accessible. Gear changes are completed via a rather slick 6 speed manual transmission. Pedal feel is good although there is a notable resistance to them as they are likely engineered to be operated with big boots. At low speed this transit is very manageable for its size and drives much more like a car than a traditional van. It is refined and the controls are well weighted. Visibility is good thanks to large door mirrors and a reversing camera integrated into the rear view mirror. At speed I am pleased to say that the Transit still retains its much loved handling characteristics. It is keen to turn in and with torque vectoring hitting an apex is easy. Ample grip gives confidence until you push on a bit too hard and the inevitable understeer begins to build, but that really is when you take it to its limitations. The ride quality is exceptional! Speed bumps, potholes, it takes them all in its stride and also manages to keep lateral motion to a minimum.
The Ford Transit Custom Double-Cab-in-Van LWB 2.2 TDCi is “van mans” best friend. Polite driving manors, versatile with something for everyone and handsome. This specific van came to £34,578 witch is a princely sum, however, it does have just about every option available and includes VAT. In reality it is highly unlikely that your average business user would specify their van so highly or even in Titanium trim. We got 34MPG combined from it this week which isn’t far off of the official 40.9MPG. If it sounds like I hardly have a bad word to say about the Transit it is because I don’t. This van is very deserving of its best in class status.
Volkswagen have now confirmed the release of their VW Golf R Estate which is due for European release during Spring 2015. This sporty estate looks to be the fastest in its class with almost 50bhp over it’s nearest competitor, the 247bhp Focus ST.
At the heart of this is a 2.0-litre turbocharged TSI engine that hasn’t changed from the hatch and produces 296bhp. 0-62mph is only up 0.2 seconds from the DSG hatchback version at 5.1 seconds with the Golf R Estate being limited to 155mph. The driver can make full use of these impressive statistics with its permanent four-wheel drive, despite the added 100kg weight from the extended body.
The VW Golf R Estate is also capable of 40.3mpg, which isn’t too dissimilar from the hatchback variant. Its sportier grill, teamed with the R model front bumper and large air intakes give the R Estate an aggressive character.
Its interior is well keeping with typical Golf R fashion. A choice between Alcantara or leather sports seats, a carbon dashboard and ambient lighting. An impressive 605-litres of boot space is also very generously sized and should accommodate most items including a dog. Prices are expected to start just over £30,000.
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