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Showing posts with the label cars review

GET THE BEST FROM YOUR CAR

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One of the most crucial things that you consider when you go to the showroom to check for a car to buy is the luxury and comfort it offers you. This is in the bid to get the best from your car. The fact is that a car is probably one of your hefty investments which make it one to think about it. There are many ways you can ensure you get the best from your car in terms of luxury and comfort. Some will apply to the moment when you are buying a new car and others will apply to making sure that your old car is still bliss to drive in. If you have been inside a car that troubled you in terms of comfort, then you would understand the state that you do not want your car to be in. Most of the cars in their new state will look very nice and more so feel comfortable and luxurious. As the car grows older, parts begin to fall apart and the former glory of the car also fades. You need to know that it is possible to keep your car as luxurious and as comfortable as possible. Before you make any maj...

Learning New BMW Models and their rising popularity in South Africa

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Residents of Cape Town and its surrounding suburbs who are looking to buy a new used car can choose from the great rage of BMWs that can be found for sale over the internet. The German car manufacturer have, over recent years, produced a stunning range of models from sports cars and saloons to modern, chunky, yet sophisticated 4 x 4s. A BMW is universally accepted as being one of the best cars in the world, and as such they are much sought after. The build quality is superb, and if well looked after and kept in good condition, they also hold their value better than most other used cars. It?s one of the main reasons that a used BMW in Cape Town is one of the most popular choices for people on the lookout for a quality second hand car. Despite popular opinion amongst BMW enthusiasts, the letters BMW do not stand for Best Motorcar in the World. They stand for something much more plain and boring, namely Bayerische Motoren Werke, or in plain English - Bavarian Motor Works. The Germ...

2012 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque coupe

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2012 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque coupe Dynamic Base Price: $44,995 As-Tested Price: $58,745 Drivetrain: a pair of.0-liter turbocharged I4; AWD, six-speed automatic Output: 240 horsepower @ five,500 rpm, 251 lb-ft @ one,750 rpm Curb Weight: three,902 lb Fuel Economy (EPA City/Highway/Combined): 18/28/21 mpg AW discovered Fuel Economy: eighteen.4 mpg Options: Dynamic Premium package together with black grille, side vents, mirror caps, spoiler extension and waist finisher, sports exhaust tips, rear skid plate, oxford-leather handwheel, perforated animal skin seat center panels, door panels with distinction handicraft, bright aluminium pedal finishers, passive entry, surround camera system, HDD navigation, intuitive voice management, 825-watt Meridian surround system with seventeen speakers, chemical element headlamps with AFS, AHBA, blind-spot observation ($7,900); 20-inch shadow chrome alloy wheels ($2,500); climate comfort pack together with heated front seat...

Ford Focus

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Although similar with Deutschland, the Ford Focus currently has stronger links to Tom Yum Goong than to dish. The switch to Thai production in August saw the introduction of the Focus Mk2, that debuted Ford's hands-free synchronise moving-picture show system among different technical school options, nevertheless failed to suffer a come by cabin quality to the extent of the Fiesta it created an equivalent transition 2 years earlier. The production shift was quickly followed by a price cutting that saw the RRP of the entry-level Ford Focus Ambiente manual drop to $20,290 and therefore the dual-clutch automatic to $22,590 though Ford's 'special' driveaway valuation supply of $19,990 and $21,990 severally remains months later and may be your start line negotiating with dealers. It puts the Focus within the thick of the action within the ultra-competitive small-car phase, wherever it takes on the new-generation Toyota Corolla (from $19,990), the top-selling Mazda3...

Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCI

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This is the all-new, second-generation Kuga, Ford's mid-size SUV. As before, it's supported Focus underpinnings, however the massive news is that it replaces each Europe's Kuga and also the utterly completely different and long-established Escape SUV within the United States of America thence it's the Escape within the United States of America. It's a troublesome equalization act: the Escape incorporates a name as a durable, direct, sensible SUV. The Kuga is a lot of of a classy crossover. It's a great deal a logo of Ford's One Ford global-car policy: the platform is built in Cologne, the powertrain in Dagenham and also the higher body and interior in port. It'll be in-built urban center, America, and Valencia, Spain. There square measure a selection of 2 one.6-litre turbocharged Ecoboost petrols with 148bhp or 177bhp, each putt out a similar 177lb linear unit and 2 a pair of.0-litre turbodiesels with 138bhp/236lb linear unit and 161bhp/251lb linea...

The Audi A1 Sportback 1.4 TFSI Sport

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The Audi A1 Sportback 1.4 TFSI Sport is, as you’d hope with a badge that options the word ‘Sport’ not once however double, the sportiest version of the German brand’s smallest automotive. It’s additionally the foremost valuable, cost accounting from $42,500, tho' as a typical premium little automotive there square measure still various ways that to expand your final bill. Following the trend set by the likes of the mini hatch and edict five hundred, the Audi A1 Sportback 1.4 TFSI Sport is filled with choices and style alterations covering each interior and exterior, giving people management over however their A1 can look provided they’re willing to get it. From different roof colors and totally different wheels, to S line tweaks applied within and out, there’s no shortage of selections once buying this flagship of the four-metre-long Audi. Our Misano red check automotive wore a superb black roof ($720) and half polished 17-inch alloy wheels ($400), however passed over on padd...

2012 BMW 550i Sedan: Sport package including dynamic damper control

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Base Price: $62,895 As-Tested Price: $73,095 Drivetrain: 4.4-liter turbocharged V8; RWD, eight-speed automatic Output: 400 hp @ 5,500-6,400 rpm, 450 lb-ft @ 1,750-4,500 rpm Curb Weight: 4,365 lb Fuel Economy (EPA/AW): 18/16.2 mpg Options: M sport package including dynamic damper control, 19-inch alloy double-spoke wheels, multi-contour seats, M steering wheel, aerodynamic kit, shadowline exterior trim, anthracite headliner ($3,800); driver assistance package including automatic high beams, lane departure warning, active blind spot detection, side and top view cameras, head-up display ($3,500); convenience package including power tailgate, comfort access keyless entry, soft-close automatic doors ($1,700); premium sound package including satellite radio and one-year subscription, premium hi-fi system ($950); BMW apps ($250) New BMW 5-series at shopautoweek.com I would describe the 2012 BMW 550i sedan, despite its size and 4,365-pound curb weight, as fleet of foot...

2012 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe

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2012 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe Base Price: $65,390 As-Tested Price: $71,485 Drivetrain: 6.2-liter supercharged V8; RWD, six-speed manual Output: 556 hp @ 6,100 rpm, 551 lb-ft @ 3,800 rpm Curb Weight: 4,209 lb Fuel Economy (EPA/AW): 16/15.4 mpg Options: Heated and vented Recaro high performance seats, metal pedals ($3,400); black diamond tricoat exterior paint ($995); 19-inch satin graphite wheels ($800); midnight sapele wood trim package ($600); suede steering wheel and shifter ($300) Buy a New Cadillac CTS at shopautoweek.com The 2012 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe is world class and can compete with other 500-plus horsepower sport coupes out there especially when you look at the price. At $71k, this is a performance bargain. The supercharged powertrain is a delight, with smooth linear power delivered locomotive-like. The engine just keeps pulling to redline, then bang, grabs another gear and gets delighted all over again. I had no trouble with heel/toe shifting my onl...

2013 Bentley Continental GT Speed

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2013 Bentley Continental GT Speed On Sale: November Price: $217,725 Drivetrain: Twin-turbo, 616-hp, 590-lb-ft W12; awd, eight-speed automatic w/ torque converter Curb Weight: 5115 pounds 0-60 mph: 4.0 seconds, (mfg.) Fuel Efficiency: 13 city/20 hwy/15 combined The Bentley Continental GT Speed is the fastest production Bentley ever made, with a top speed of 205 mph. How fast was the second-fastest Bentley ever made? The 2009 Continental Supersports went 204. The 2007 Continental GT Speed went 202. So we're splitting hairs to some degree but the hairs are all on very fast heads. Granted, you're not likely to ever find a place where you could actually go that fast, but it's nice to know you could and to be able to throw out the 205 figure and the phrase "fastest ever" when you're talking about your car. The first Bentley Speed appeared in 1923 as the Bentley 3.0-liter "Speed Model." That one used twin SU carburetors and higher compressi...

Bullet Proof New Honda Accord

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FAST FACTS Model: 2013 Accord Touring V6. Exterior color: White Orchid. Interior color: Ivory. Engine: 3.5-liter, six cylinder. Horsepower: 278. Transmission: six-speed automatic. Fuel economy: 34 mpg highway, 21 mpg city. Dealer: Economy Honda. Price (as tested): $34,220. Most car companies worry about what a car looks like on the outside, hoping to lure buyers with love at first sight. Honda , to its credit, cares more about your view of the world from the inside of its vehicles looking out. It's one of the many reasons why Accord owners are among the most brand-loyal in the world. Big windows are among the many utilitarian virtues of the all-new 2013 Honda Accord sedan, which went on sale last week. (An Accord coupe will arrive next month.) Frankly, the new, airy Accord makes the cockpits of some of its competitors look like tank turrets. If that's not enough, our test Accord, in top-of-the-line Touring trim, includes a slick lane-change camera in...

2012 Acura MDX

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NEWS GREG MIGLIORE: The 2012 Acura MDX is a classy SUV with respectable power and a bit of space inside. Using it for a commuter lap, I unfortunately didn't make full use of its potential, but I'll leave that to members of the staff with offspring of the two- and four-legged variety. I was impressed with the six-cylinder engine. It didn't strike me until I merged a few lanes over and jabbed the throttle, producing a pleasing sound and decent acceleration as I trailed in the wake of a Chevy Camaro convertible. I played with the paddles a bit, too. They were fun, amusing for a good-sized crossover, but not exactly Formula One-inspired. They're just something to spice up the drive into work and summon the revs a bit more purposefully on the expressway. The cabin of the MDX is impressive in appearance and execution. This sampler came in stately black inside, and the steering wheel and door panels were smart. The atmosphere was quiet and serene, with just a bit of wind ...

2012 Subaru Impreza WRX 5-Door

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This 2012 Subaru Impreza WRX for the weekend, and I was surprised by how little I missed our long-term 2011 Impreza WRX STI version. This car provides almost all of the fun, without many of the drawbacks of the hard-core model. The WRX is down 40 hp from its big brother, but in between 3,000 rpm and 5,000 rpm you'll hardly notice. It makes the same sounds as the STI and rips off the line with the same aplomb. Unfortunately, fuel mileage didn't seem to improve; my two fill ups averaged about 19 mpg. I did like the feel of an old-school five-speed manual in the hatchback, instead of the six in our sedan. The cogs could be held for a bit longer, and there are no extra steps to get into reverse. Like the STI, the driver doesn't need to shift out of top gear to pass on the expressway. Also, the shifter felt robust in the hand. There wasn't a lot of flexing from any of the linkage parts. The steering and suspension are both softer than the STI. I put a good amount of miles o...

Audi releases a further 250 RS3s

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Audi has revealed that it is releasing a further 250 Audi RS3 Sportback quattro models into the UK market due to 'consistent demand'. The new batch of cars will join the 500 units sold in the UK last year and will carry the same £39,930 price tag. The Audi RS3 is powered by the marque's turbocharged, five-cylinder, 2.5-litre engine, which produces 335bhp and 332lb ft torque. The RS3 will sprint from 0-62mph in 4.6sec before hitting its 155mph limited top speed. External features of the hot A3 comprise 19-inch alloys, flared carbonfibre arches and a prominent roof spoiler. The RS3's closest rival is the BMW M135i, which goes on sale in October and costs from £29,995 (three-door) and £30,585 (five door). The BMW produces an RS3-rivalling 316bhp from its turbocharged in-line six-pot motor. BMW claims that when mated to its 6-speed manual gearbox, the M135i will hit 62mph in 5.1sec or 4.9sec when fitted with its eight-speed auto 'box. The Mercedes A45 AMG another of the...

BMW M135i Sports Hatch Sport Auto

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Price: £31,595 0-62mph: 4.9sec Top speed: 155mph (limited) Economy: 37.7mpg combined CO2: 175g/km Kerbweight: 1500kg Engine: 6-cyls, in-line, 2979cc, petrol turbo Installation: Longitudinal Power: 316bhp at 5800rpm Torque: 332lb ft at 1300-4500rpm (with overboost) Gearbox: 8-spd automatic A mix of dry and damp, tight bends and a narrow road should be challenge enough for a hot hatch with 316bhp to spill from its rear wheels. And if that sounds like a temptingly reckless number then you'd be right it's only 19bhp down on the output of the lately departed 1M Coupe, and the M135i's 320lb ft of torque is identical. If it comes with the optional eight-speed paddle shifter of our test car, the 135i will zoom-flick, zoom-flick, zoom-flick through the gears to 62mph in just 4.9sec. Go for the six-speed manual and the time actually rises to 5.1sec because its wider spread of ratios are less speedily swapped. Either way, this new three-door 1-series is eag...

2012 SLP GMC Sierra 1500 4WD Crew Cab SLT

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After four days in this truck I began to feel something of an appreciation for how Genghis Khan must have felt as he charged into unsuspecting villages. The 450 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque were intoxicating in this pickup, and the whine of the supercharger was a quick way to bring a smile to my face. While docile under normal driving conditions, when dipping into the WEP War Emergency Power of the supercharger, the truck became even more enjoyable. While the truck is no slouch, given its weight, the additional height from the off-road suspension and its oversize wheels, it feels much faster than a normal Sierra, but not as insanely quick as one would hope with the additional power of forced induction. The TVS 1900 supercharger kit for the 5.3-liter gives you instant power when you tromp on the loud pedal. And loud it is, because with the addition of SLP exhaust tips, the truck has a burble and growl that makes a great addition to something with a high ride height and badges that say ...

An exhaustive introduction to the Ferrari FF

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BY: Nic Cackett An exhaustive introduction to the Ferrari FF is likely to be superfluous to even the most casual Ferrari fan so we'll only pause for a brief recap before getting to the nitty gritty of our first UK drive. Launched around a year ago, the shooting-brake-styled four-seater offered buyers a first: a full-size Grand Tourer with a 651bhp V12 engine and, somewhat contentiously, four-wheel-drive.

 The colossal, naturally aspirated unit is a direct injection descendant of the V12 that featured in the Enzo, but Ferrari's first production all-wheel drive system is an altogether more novel solution. When required by the front wheels, power is fed directly from the crank into a second, smaller gearbox located beneath the engine. This transmission only has two forward gears, and because its ratios cannot replicate the seven-speeds of the main gearbox, the resulting wheel speed mismatch is managed by two continually slipping clutches. The main benefit of the system is that it...

Subaru Impreza 2.0i Sport Limited 2012

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Leave it to a black Subaru Impreza interior with Vinyleather upholstery and all-weather floor mats to redefine the word cheap. Add a raucous engine note amplified by the dreaded continuously variable transmission, and you have a recipe for Japanese Econobox Flashback, 1988-style. Justy, anyone? OK, so comparing our 2012 Subaru Impreza 2.0i Sport Limited to the three-pot Scooby scooter is probably a bit harsh. In Subaru's defense, I probably wouldn't be so hard on the Impreza if it weren't for the fact that I was in two Kias earlier in the week, each of which had interior appointments far surpassing that of our Subaru. These weren't $30,000 Optimas, either: They were both Kia Rios, and both came in at less than $21,000. On the road, once the CVT had stopped adjusting its belts and pulleys, things definitely improved. Noisy though the cabin was, the 2.0-liter flat-four proved adequate for pushing the Impreza along. The driving position was good, with much better seat-bott...

Dodge Charger 1966

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This bargain priced 1966 double black Charger is a freshly restored big block, 4-speed street warrior that will get a ton of respect and appreciation anywhere you show it and provide endless entertainment behind the wheel! The beneficiary of a frame off restoration that was completed just last year, this fully detailed 1966 Charger's refurbished panels and brand new all-business black paint are as crisp as a fall morning at the local drag strip. During the extensive restoration, correct Chrysler code B Black was laid down over an exceptionally straight body that includes new high quality quarter panels and front fenders. Once the deep basecoat/clearcoat paint was dry and buffed to a glossy mirror-like shine, the cars original and surprisingly straight stainless trim was buffed to an excellent shine and reinstalled in its rightful place. The result is one spectacular show and go piece that is so much fun to drive and show off, you'll almost feel guilty. Best known for its clean ...