3rd gen BMW X5

Check out the third generation of the BMW X5  This Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) combines performance and luxury. The new model has enhanced aerodynamics, a few new engine variants, adaptive chassis options and a range of customisable design packages.

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New 2014 Volvo models [Video]

New design changes:


About the technology behind (or inside) the cars:

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Mill Garages for Volvo cars

I recently wrote about the exciting new Volvo V40 R-Design and how the new breed of models are slowly changing the perception of this brand. Anyway, I just found out that besides the great looks and specifications, I found out that this hatchback is quite economical to run. It gives you 83.1MPG and you do not have to pay the DVLA car tax. You can now have the car for only £299 per month with a £299 deposit.

If you live in the North East of England, check out the V40 R-Design and other offers on the Mill Garages website (http://www.millnortheast.co.uk/).   One of the biggest car dealers in the region, I discovered that they have a long and fascinating history. The first Mill Garage was established in Sunderland in 1947 by a guy called George Rollings. They have had a number of ownership changes and the current owners have been running the company since 2008. They now have 4 dealerships at Sunderland, Stockton, St James Retail Park and Newcastle.

They website is really clean and easy to navigate with clear links. I really liked the videos as well. I was going through the testimonials and noticed that many of them referred to the staff by their name which says a lot about the service quality of this company. 

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Mantis Fast Glass review

Here is a review I wrote sometime back but forgot to post up. I have been trying out the new glass cleaner from the Mantis Car Care range called Fast Glass. 

This new product from JML promises a "crystal clear, smear-free finish on glass and plastic windows”. As a marketer, I am aware of all the unsubstantiated claims that companies make about their products and I was sceptical. However, it did just what it claims - just sprayed the windscreen and wiped it off. See the result below. 

I also wanted to test the claims that it creates a "rain-resistant shield".  

It was the Easter break and we were driving to the Scottish highlands. As some of you might recall, the weather was really strange and we had light rain and sleet most of the way. Perfect way to test out the claim. On the motorway I did not even have to use the wiper as the rain drops just slid away from the glass. I have to point out that we did not have heavy rain then but it does work even under very wet conditions, though I did have to use the wipers as well. I am definitely going to keep using this windshield glass cleaner/ water repellent. 

I only have one complaint. It is with regards to the quality of their spray mechanism. I am not sure why but the liquid kept leaking out when I sprayed and in the end, I  transferred it to an empty Dettol cleanser spray bottle I had at home. 

Mantis Fast Glass is available here in the UK for £9.99

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2013 Subaru BRZ

Former NHRA champion and film producer Ali Afshar will attempt to set a new record for the World's fastest Subaru this month for the second time. He has held this record previously.  In case you are not aware, Ali was producer of the indie car hit film, Born to Race. He is currently involved in the post-production on a new car racing film slated to be released before the end of the year.

Ali's ESX team include 2-time NHRA National & World Champions, 18-time NHRA event champions.

He is also the creator of his own line of signature Aston Martin and Subaru vehicles sold at dealerships across the  US.

Subaru twin turbo BRZ

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Crash test results of 4 new vehicles published by Euro NCAP

Euro NCAP recently released the crash test results for four new vehicles, namely the Nissan Evalia, the Dacia Sandero, the Renault CAPTUR and the Chevrolet Trax. Out of the three, the Nissan was the worst performing with just 3 stars. However the Renault CAPTUR and the Chevrolet Trax both achieved the overall five star rating.

More test results will be released on 26 June 2013.

For more details visit the Euro NCAP website. 

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Replacing door speakers on the Volvo S40

While giving one of my friends a lift to the railway station on my old trusty Volvo S40, he somehow punched a hole through the speaker on the passenger side. I took it to the garage and they told me that it would take about £100 to replace the speakers and cover, plus the service. That was several months ago. I tried some DIY repair work on the speakers by putting super glue but that was a bad idea and it did not turn out well. The sound was terrible. In the end , I used the balancing knob on the music system to shut off the left speakers. It was irritating but I was not going to shell out almost £100 for one speaker. 

Anyway, one day while surfing eBay I chanced upon someone selling used speakers and covers from a S40 and without thinking much, I just bought them - all for £17.50.

I then went to YouTube looking for a tutorial video, I was sure there was bound to be at least one and I was right. 

It took me less than 10 minutes to replace the speakers with the new (old) ones and save myself around £80. 

New speaker in

Pop the cover on

The old speakers and cover

It is so great to finally listen to music with all the speakers on. 

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