Wednesday, 14 January 2009

New Jaguar cars revealed

Jaguar showed off their new generation XK and XF ranges at the North American International Autoshow, Detroit.

The new Jaguar XK has new 3.0 Litre V6 Diesel engine, new exterior and a redesigned interior.

The range comprises three models: the XK, XK Portfolio and supercharged XKR, and each are available in Coupe or Convertible body style.

The new 510 PS 5.0 Litre AJ-V8 GEN III R supercharged engine is said to be Jaguar's most powerful and efficient ever.

The new XF range are available with the naturally aspirated version of the new 5.0-litre petrol V8 and the new 3.0-litre V6 diesel engines (in two versions -500 and 600Nm).

Extras include a 7-inch Touch-screen, Portable Audio Interface, Driver Information Centre and the industry-leading JaguarDrive Selector used to control the all-new ZF 6HP28 six speed automatic transmission.



According to their press release, the new XF Diesel S model has a powerful 275PS engine and goes from 0-60mph speed in just 5.9 seconds. Available as Premium Luxury and Portfolio models. It was interesting to note that the maximum speed is electronically limited to 155mph.

If you are worried about the green credential (if you really are, why don't you drive a Prius) the average fuel consumption in both models is 42.0mpg and has a CO2 emissions rating of only 179g/km.

The new XFR - XF's new sporting flagship model, has two new generation 5.0 litre V8 petrol engines that goes from 0-60mph in 4.7 seconds. The AJ-V6D Gen III engine - available in either 240PS/500Nm form or 275PS/600Nm 'S' features parallel sequential turbochargers to help deliver the high levels of power and torque. The engine is coupled with a six-speed ZF 6HP28 automatic transmission.

Of course you don't buy a Jaguar just to drive fast. There's the comfort and craftsmanship. The new Jaguar cars offer a wider choice of veneers and trim colours. For audiophiles, a Bowers and Wilkins 440W surround sound system with portable audio interface and DAB radio is also included.

The new XK and XF range will be on sale from March 2009.

Friday, 9 January 2009

New Vauxhall Insignia



Have been seeing ads about the new Vauxhall Insignia everywhere on the net. In continental Europe, it is sold as the Opel Insignia. It was unveiled at the British motor show in 2008.



Recently voted as Car of the Year 2009, it has also achieved a five-star adult occupant rating and four stars for child protection and two stars for pedestrian protection (the highest so far in it's category) from Euro NCAP.

The Insignia is available in Hatch and Saloon variants and come in a choice of 5 engines - Two 2 litre diesel engines and three petrol engines (1.8, 2.0 and 2.8 V6 engines).

Prices start from £15600.74 (OTR) for the base model - Insignia Exclusiv 1.8i 16v VVT (140PS) Manual.

Tuesday, 23 December 2008

Tuesday, 16 December 2008

The new BMW Z4


The new BMW Z4 is out. In case you are wondering what's new. Well, it's the first BMW with a retractable Hard-Top roof. I wonder why it took them so long. The Mercedes SLK has had retractable hardroofs for a long time.

Anyway, the two-piece, electro-hydraulically operated Retractable Hard-Top roof can be raised or lowered in 20 seconds.

There is a choice of three six-cylinder engines. Their flagship model features the International Engine of the Year winning 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged engine. It produces 306hp at 5,800rpm, and the car goes from zero to 62mph in 5.2 seconds (5.1 seconds for a Double Clutch Transmission-equipped car) and on to an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph.



The new BMW Z4 is slightly larger than its predecessor measuring 148mm longer at 4,239mm and 9mm wider at 1,790mm, and according to their news release, means "greater interior space and luggage capacity". Apprently, this means that the boot is large enough to stow a full set of golf clubs. As for driving comfort, bigger drivers can feel less cramped as there is more head and elbow room.

The new roadster is also offered with Adaptive M Suspension. Electronically controlled dampers allow for three different configurations and can lower the ride height by up to 10mm for a more dynamic drive.

Other new features include their latest generation of the iDrive - BMW Professional Multimedia Navigation system.

Prices of the new Z4 start from £28,645 (OTR ) for the sDrive23i.

Monday, 15 December 2008

Jaguar's Used car locator

Jaguar has launched a brand new Used Car Locator to find approved used Jaguar cars. With great features including personalised content, high quality images and links to fully interactive e-brochures among others.

According to them, all the used cars undergo extensive warranty and vehicle checks.

So if you are looking for a Used Jaguar, do check out their Approved Used Car Locator.

Wednesday, 10 December 2008

The Nissan Z tour

The Nissan Z has developed quite a following and as a warm up to the upcoming launch of the all new 370Z, Nissan is having a rally across the US. You can Follow the Z North American Rally which is currently in Washington D.C.. This will be followed by a stop in Gaithersburg, Maryland on December 11th.

Check out the new Z promo video clip:

Tuesday, 9 December 2008

National Tyres and Autocare Spon End

Contrary to what some people might believe, I don't have anything against National Tyres and Autocare. If I have a good experience as a customer with any business, I will write about it and vice versa. In case you are wondering what I am talking about read my review "Experience with National Tyres and Autocare". It was about my experience with their branch at Gosford Street, Coventry.

I wanted to make sure that it was just one branch and not all branches cheating customers. This time I decided to try out their branch at Spon End, Coventry. However, I called them first to make sure whether their wheel alignment was only £12.50 as advertised. When I received an answer in the affirmative, I drove down to their workshop.

They checked my Volvo and I found out that I had to change one of the Tyres. This cost me £44 for a Tigar Prima (one of the cheapest). The final cost came to £62/

I was quite surprised when I found out that they had given me a further discount of £5/ which was quite welcome. Of course, this was before the reductions in VAT was announced.

More info about the branch is given below:

National Tyres and Autocare
70 Spon End, Coventry, CV1 3HA
Phone: 02476674206

Monday - Friday: 8.30am - 6.00pm
Saturday: 8.30am - 5.00pm
Sunday: 10am-4pm