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In my opinion, Mercedes is going through a personality crisis. Look at the CLK Black. For starters, it’s not even black, it’s silver. And considering the Mercedes brand still means ‘exquisitely-engineer-saloon-that-last a million miles’ to most people, this CLK is absurd, incongruous. I know its related to the F1 Safety Car, but away from the track this Mercedes feels like its related to TVR. The misfit character starts as soon as you get in-you will find hardcore bucket seat, an empty expanse of black carpet in the back, and the fattest, flat-bottomed steering wheel you will find in nay road car- my hands look like a three year olds when I grip it. All of this, in an otherwise ordinary-looking Mercedes interior. That’s not to say that Mercedes went off half-cocked with this project- no, if there’s one thing you can say about the Black, its absolutely fully cocked. Under the flared bodywork there is a wider track, adjustable suspension, a heavyweight rear axle with a limited slip diff, massive AMG brakes. Oh, and did I mention the engine? It’s a trifling 6.2 liters of AMG –turned 500bhp V8. And the noise! When I start it up, everyone stops what they are doing. I mean everyone in Anglesey- teacups vibrate their way across kitchen tables. It is stupidly loud, popping and grumbling like awaiting NASCAR. God, I love it.

Time to put the seven-speed semi-auto into ‘manual’, use the aluminium  paddle to click first gear, and rumble out along a twisting North Wales back-road. Immediately, the ride is jumpy, and the steering feels incredibly stiff around the straight-ahead, like a racing car maneuvering on slicks. Unfortunately it feels synthetic, like a factory-fabricated stiffness, rather than road directness like the Porsche’s.

Posted October 31, 2009 Comments(0)

Retirement pads rejoice! Honda has a new Jazz so the old folk’s favorite is back. And lets get this out of the way: they are not going to find the new Jazz as much fun to drive as the new Fiesta. It doesn’t feel as chuckable, as alive or as light-foot as the BlueOval’s baby.But it is refined and easy to drive. The Honda’s steering is direct and the electric assistance never feels clumsy. Its quite at motorway speeds, and the five-speed gearbox is slick, precise and obviously from the company that produces the Civic Type-R.Matched to Honda’s latest 1.4 liter i-VTEC engine (doing away with the costly-to-service twin-spark unit ), its fun to punt around town and race away from the lights. Pity that the new automated manual i-SHIFT- surely the favorite for stop/ start urban driving- is so jerky. It’s not as bad as the old CVT, but it will still bob your head on upshifts.But i-SHIFT is eco-friendly, lifting the 1.4’s 54.3mpg and 123g/km to 55.4 mpg and 120g/km, meaning it matches the 1.2 Jazz. And whether you go for the manual or automated manual, you will find it’s cleaner and more economical than even the greenest light weight Mazda 2. That’s without tiny turbocharged engines or diesel power, though we will see a petrol-electric Jazz early next decade.What the average 63 year old Jazz owner really cares about is space, practicality and versatility. So the new Jazz is 55mm longer, with most of that stretch between the wheels. It’s also wider (by 20mm) yet it looks lower, though it isn’t. If only it looked newer.

Inside it does not appear that different form the old Jazz either, but that’s no bad thing. Ford’s new Fiesta has a mobile phone inspired dash, but I have my grand parents try to text…It’s all clever but simple stuff from the new Jazz that will appeal to OAPs. But because Honda has not given the Jazz any of the Civic’s radical looks, and openly admits it isn’t chasing younger customers, it is a shame that those still working for a living won’t gove this little car a second glance.

Posted October 30, 2009 Comments(0)

Lexus RX is the luxury Sports Utility Vehicle by the American automotive. This Lexus RX 330 is also known as the Toyota Harrier. This is a front engine and 4 wheel drive vehicle. Lexus Rx has the ability as the mid size Sports Utility Vehicle to challenge the Honda CR-V, Land Rover Freelander. This is the inspiring vehicle produced by the Americans. The 3.3 liter engine is a real high performance engine produces Brake Horse power of 225. This is a cross over vehicle. The basic feature of this vehicle is the VVT-I engine which is considered as the finest engine technology in the world. The model is a little bit critical due to its aerodynamic shape. The most positive feature is the powerful engine the Toyota Harrier and the Lexus RX330 had ever. The suspension system is a real suspension system as a full size Sports Utility Vehicle has in true meaning. The challenging shape is more controversial and it look likes a sporty vehicle in the heart of desert. The interior is very beautiful and awesome. The seats have become more comfortable and luxury. Leather has increased the grace in the interior side. The dash board area looks more giant and wide. The Speedo meters are looks pretty good in the vehicle.

A meter measures the speed in miles and an rpm meters is also available. Fuel gage indicator and a parking alarm have made the Toyota Harrier more interesting. The navigation system, DVD Player, CD-Player and the 4×4 option are available in the vehicle. 8 persons can easily sit in the vehicle. Sun roof and cruise control system and a telescopic electronic steering wheel are the part of the vehicle. This Toyota Harrier comes truly to the standard and safety brings the fuel capacity of the vehicle is about 20 gallons.

Posted October 29, 2009 Comments(0)

On Grumpier Days, the temptation to administer an encouraging punt up the luggage to roundabout ditherers is almost too strong to ignore. Bizarrely, given the company’s safety pedigree, Volvo’s new XC60 makes it nigh on irresistible. Because, alongside developments in ABS-based stability control and anti-trailer-snake trickery, the new Volvo also boasts “City Safety” – a laser-enabled system that operates below 18mph to prevent unsolicited contact in urban environments.Demonstrations prove unnerving because the laser only wakes up within ten meters of your victim, but it works. Summoning the courage to try it in the real world is, however, another matter, but its reassuming to know any lapses in attention wont destroy Steve Mattin’s hard work.‘Traditionally, Volvo’s interpretation of DNA signified DO NOT Abandon the design traditions’, says design boss Mattin. ‘We have now expanded its significance to include the more exciting Dramatic New Approach’. But while it is largely handsome, the XC60 isnt as much of a stylistic leap forwards as you might at first imagine. The pinched, ‘coke bottle’ sides are an extension of an idea first visited upon the S80 by Peter Horbury, the rising belt line is merely the current fad, and its left to the front and rear treatments to make the case for anything properly dramatic.

The XC60 is based on the S80/XC70 platform, but 200mm shorter. A quick clamber about in the back suggests that this has largely been lost in rear seat legroom, which would feel even worse were it not for the fact that Mr. Whippy has been at the front seat backs with a large ice cream scoop. Up front, though, it’s a good place for drivers to be. Volvo continues to vie with Mercedes for the most comfortable long-haul seat honors, and the floating center console theme takes on further, elegant twist  with a driver-oriented slant here.

Posted October 28, 2009 Comments(0)

BMW has m-cars merc its AMGs, Audi its RS variants – and now the Americans want in on the act. Welcome Cadillac and its V cars: the fastest, sportiest and priciest products in the line-up. For 2009 comes the CTS-V-Cadillac’s M5. It’s already clocked a 7min 59.32sec production saloon record at the ring- with the selector in D.  It feels like a for door corvette. Not surprisingly, it shares the base LS9 engine with the ‘Vette, the supercharged 6.2litre V8 developing 564bhp at 6100rpm and 551lb ft at 3800rpm. The massive torque is either relayed to tremec six speeds manual or GM’S six speed hydrometric, in which it’s rev-limited for gear box preservation. In the past, Cadillac’s were an acquired taste –too big. Too much bling, too little interest in corners- and Cadillac would sooner lower the price then raising the bar. But the V’s bucket seats are by recaro, the elaborate leatherwork stitched by Germany’s Draxlmaier of bugatti, rolls and maybach fame. This is no go faster Buick or Chevy dressed in funky clothes.  Cadillac’ crisper styling and increasingly competitive dynamics are broadening its appeal and its most compelling driver’s car by a long shot is the cts especially in v spec. The caddy is quantifiably quicker off the mark and substantially fast overall than m5 or e63 amg.

If you’re brave, third gear slides are an option. The steering is still a touch too light and not quite direct enough for non us tastes. , but it works well for the forgiving chassis.In the state the cts-v costs closer to bmw m3 than m5 and should we expect a price in UK. It’s not so finely honed, but its very quick, may be a taste worth acquiring and it’s also the most styling and beautiful car in all over the world.

Posted October 26, 2009 Comments(0)

The minis hedonist’s delight. After 11000 miles with our coopers we can confirm that this is one decadent small car. Yj07 mbr is stuffed with exec-barge niceties such as piped leather seats, dab radio and ambient lighting that bathe the cabin in the color of your choice. It’s the apotheosis of the topsy-turvy 21^st century car market. small car cant skimp on toys as urban downsizes want it all and , crucially are prepared to pay a premium for luxurious little ‘uns. Cooper is right up there with the most desirable hot hatches on sale and the quality of the thing is light years ahead of any fast Renault , Vauxhall or Honda . Only few details like the cheap metal look fascia plastics let the side down.  On the road our cooper is awesome. it got 17 inch alloys , the 1.6’s 173bhp pace is ballistic for a supermini and its lazy torque delivery makes performance so much accessible than the all or nothing , hyperactive civic type r . Gripes? We have been disappointed by the economy of our first long termer with bmw’s efficient dynamics. “Combined economy of 45.6mpg”, boasts the brochure. But we are only managing 34.3mpg.

We say. Ed does plenty of clever things – cuttings the engine at a standstill, shutting off the alternator when not charging – but even this cleverness cant defeat gti pace. Come to think of it, my new cross country commute rarely involves a single halt, which might explain why stop start failed to shine. But as our years with the mini draw to a close, we still rate the cooper s highly. It’s pricey, but four journos at car reckon it’s the best car in the class. Enough said.

Posted October 25, 2009 Comments(0)

Mercedes-Benz E class is the luxury saloon vehicle. Being the normal vehicle of the Mercedes-Benz it is the most demanding vehicle all over the world. E-class has a very special place in the line up of the Mercedes-Benz range of the vehicles. This vehicle is the revolutionary model as declared by the automotive world. This luxury saloon has the ability to challenge any mid size luxury saloon car. E-class is a four door front engine and rear wheel drive vehicle. The early models of the vehicle were more complicated and technically have some problems but now these problems have been removed by the Germans. E-Class has engine displacement of 2600 cc with the production of 208 brake horse power. E-Class is a standard vehicle. In interior, comfortable luxury electric seats are has given more luxury to the vehicle. Dual air conditioner with climate control is also the part of the vehicle. The only thing the E-Class lacks is the navigation system, there is no navigation system installed in the vehicle, only a simple Mercedes-Benz audio player is installed. For safety purpose 4 air bags are included. Brake system used in the vehicle is Anti-Lock Braking System. The fuel consumption is very economical and the performance of the engine is really amazing.

This vehicle is more spacious than to the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and have a beautiful body. Head lights are given in the vehicle in two parts; projection light and crystal lens are in the lamp while in the second lamp it has an indicator and a parking light. 17 inches alloy wheel are available. Sunroof, automatic climate control and Cruise Control are also the part of the vehicle. Rear lamps looks like the as same as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class’s lamps. The tag of the Mercedes-Benz is still on the upper portion of the grill.

Posted October 23, 2009 Comments(0)

Lexus LX 470 is a full size Sports Utility Vehicle by the American automotive. Actually, this vehicle is made by the cooperation of Toyota. This is same as like the Toyota Land Cruiser. Land Cruiser is made under the tag of the Toyota but this is made under the Lexus brand. This Sports Utility Vehicle is also known as the American Land Cruiser. This features a lot of stuff in it. The strong aluminum body has a powerful engine in its heart. The engine technology used in the vehicle is a V engine. Actually it is a V8 and performance of this vehicle is superb. From the beginning it has a special place in the world as people prefer Lexus on the Land Cruiser just because of this reason that it’s an American model. The 4.7 liter engine is a high performance engine and it wouldn’t embarrass you on the off road. Suspensions are more effective and a roll bar is given below the rear wheel. 18 inches alloy wheel are available in the vehicle with the true four by four tires. The finishing of the interior is more smooth and clear. A person who owns a Lexus LX 470 really knows what he has bought because nothing is like the Lexus LX 470. No sports utility vehicle can challenge this American model. In exterior it has 5 doors and beautiful head lamps and back LED lamps.

Everything in it is cool and mind blowing. Interior has beautiful, comfortable and luxury electric seats. A navigation system for America only is given in the heart of the interior. CD-Player, DVD Player, USB options are also available. The drive train includes a 6 speed automatic transmission in it. Powerful air conditioner is the best thing in it and the hot summer’s day can’t beat this luxury SUV. Cruise control is the main feature in this Lexus LX 470. This is the best and the most economical vehicle.

Posted October 23, 2009 Comments(0)

BMW X5 is the German SUV manufactured by the BMW Automotive. It’s a 4 wheel drive vehicle with a powerful engine in his heart. The engine displacement is about 3000cc. The BMW look likes a station wagon but it’s not a station wagon at all. Actually, it’s a crossover utility vehicle which is not a full size luxury Sports Utility Vehicle. Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, etc. are the examples of such crossover utility vehicle.  This X5 is also available in 4.0 liter engine. The 3000 cc engine produces 260 brake horse powers with 6400 RPM. Drive train includes 5 speed automatic transmissions. Fuel capacity of the vehicle is about 25 gallons. After this vehicle BMW made another Sports Utility Vehicle known as BMW X6 which is the advancement of the BMW X5. The body of this mid size luxury SUV looks very impressive. Body cuts looks very beautiful as a mid size SUV should be. The most interesting thing about the X5 is the interior of the vehicle. The interior contains leather electric seats, 2 tone interior color and more comfortable seats as compared to the last versions of the vehicle.

The rear seats can be easily folded and a lot of space is available in the car. 5 doors are given in this SUV. The speedometers looks pretty good, fuel gage, time and the door opening alarms are also the part of the vehicle. Power air conditioner makes the BMW more luxury and comfortable in hot summers. FM radio and a navigation system enhance the grace of the vehicle inside the interior. DVD player is available as for the entertaining option. X5 exterior has a very awesome look. The front grill is same as all the BM’s have. Lights looks like a fish beautiful eyes. LED lights are available in the back. That’s all the BMW X5.

Posted October 21, 2009 Comments(0)

This is the new BMW 5 Series by the Germans manufacturers. This vehicle is a mid size luxury sedan car. This 5 series has the ability to challenge a Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Audi A6. Performance wise this is the best vehicle as a mid size luxury saloon car. The comfortable BMW is now even more luxury and comfortable. Mainly this vehicle was produced for the Business Executives because it has the special stuff for these sorts of persons .The vehicle is a four door saloon car with front engine, rear wheel drive and 4 wheel drive option. In Germany this BMW is known as the BMW E60. This BMW has advancement of technology as compared to the last versions. The vehicle has an electronic control over from head to toe like suspensions, interior lights and different temperature zone in the spacious cabin of BMW 5 Series. Safety is priority of the Germans manufacturers so they have introduced a new technology of trailer stability program which enables towing a caravan. The interior includes very interesting options in it. A superb cruise control and an active steering wheel are available.

The new features of the BMW 5 Series include night vision and high beam lights. The drive train has 6 speed automatic transmissions. For entertainment music system in the LCD screen is available and a CD-Player, DVD Player and a navigation system is also installed in the Heart of this BMW. The Engine is very powerful and has a displacement of 3000cc. and produces brake horse power of 255. The alloy wheels and the body cut of the vehicle enhance the beauty of the saloon car. The grill is very beautiful and the tag of the BMW is right up front of the bout. The lights are very amazing and look pretty good on that mid size luxury saloon car.

Posted October 16, 2009 Comments(0)