New Jaguar XF Review
The Jaguar XF is more striking than a
supermodel on the beach. However, as is the eventual fate of even the
most beautiful people, this mighty saloon is now middle-aged. Time
for a nip and tuck. The surgeon has performed liposuction on several
key body parts. The wings and front bumper have been re-sculpted to
maintain a youthful appearance, and collagen filler has exaggerated
the bonnet's menacing power bulge. It also had a nose job, hence LED
lights.
The Jaguar XF's interior has been tweaked too. For starters luxury loving motorists can now park themselves on revised leather seats. Secondly, the switches are more finger-friendly and it is easier to interpret their function. These enhancements are small but worthwhile. After all, there was no need to reinvent this sleek saloon completely - and its 'less is more' upgrade works beautifully. Perhaps surgery loving celebrities could learn a thing or two from Jaguar.
Now, some say that beauty is only skin deep. This is not the case here. The Jaguar XF is now available with a new 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel engine. This is the most economical version and competes against the ever-popular BMW 520d. Jaguar's eight-speed cruiser produces 187bhp, returns a combined average of 52.3mpg, and hits 62mph in a respectable 8.5 seconds. Not quite as fast or frugal as the BMW, but then the Jag's overall feel is preferable.
The Jaguar XF's facelift ensures it can still compete in the image obsessed world of luxury motoring. In fact, it now resembles a thirty-something model. Still strikingly attractive, but more mature and easier to live with. Its economical new engine and upgraded interior see to that. As such the XF remains one of the most fashionable, capable, and complete saloons on the market. It clearly looks fantastic on the catwalk. No further surgery required.
The Jaguar XF's interior has been tweaked too. For starters luxury loving motorists can now park themselves on revised leather seats. Secondly, the switches are more finger-friendly and it is easier to interpret their function. These enhancements are small but worthwhile. After all, there was no need to reinvent this sleek saloon completely - and its 'less is more' upgrade works beautifully. Perhaps surgery loving celebrities could learn a thing or two from Jaguar.
Now, some say that beauty is only skin deep. This is not the case here. The Jaguar XF is now available with a new 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel engine. This is the most economical version and competes against the ever-popular BMW 520d. Jaguar's eight-speed cruiser produces 187bhp, returns a combined average of 52.3mpg, and hits 62mph in a respectable 8.5 seconds. Not quite as fast or frugal as the BMW, but then the Jag's overall feel is preferable.
The Jaguar XF's facelift ensures it can still compete in the image obsessed world of luxury motoring. In fact, it now resembles a thirty-something model. Still strikingly attractive, but more mature and easier to live with. Its economical new engine and upgraded interior see to that. As such the XF remains one of the most fashionable, capable, and complete saloons on the market. It clearly looks fantastic on the catwalk. No further surgery required.
New Ford Focus Review
The
new Ford Focus will soon be more familiar than sliced bread. After
all, its practicality and versatility mean it is virtually guaranteed
to sell like yeast to a baker. The new model is an evolution of its
predecessor, rather than a complete revolution. As such this small
family car's ingredients are easily recognisable, but new spices have
been added to update its flavour. So, is this distinctive new workhorse a
stale loaf or a value-packed baker's dozen?
First things first. Engines come in various flavours, the most economical being the 113bhp 1.6-litre diesel. This powers the robustly constructed Focus to 62mph in 10.9 seconds and averages a fantastic 67.3mpg. This is partly due to its fuel saving start/stop system. Petrol lovers are catered for too with various 1.6-litre units. An excellent compromise between speed and economy is the 123bhp manual version. This hits 62mph in 10.9 seconds and averages 47.9mpg.
The new Ford Focus' exterior closely resembles the old version, although its stance is more purposeful. It is attractive overall, except that the rear lights look like stretched current buns. By contrast, the interior is as different from its predecessor as a cheap baguette is from a caviar sandwich. The dashboard feels noticeably higher, the finish better quality, and there is a vast selection of snazzy buttons. Goodbye baking bread over a fire. Hello space-age oven.
This army of switches controls numerous new gadgets. These include an active parallel park assist feature that automatically steers the new Focus into bays. There is also a low speed collision mitigation system. This slows, and potentially stops, the vehicle if its driver fails to notice a hazard. This could be a stationary car waiting at the lights. This technological marvel is also available with a lane departure warning system and blind spot indicator. Very reassuring.
The new Ford Focus comes as a five-door hatchback or estate only, so wave farewell to the sporty three-door hatchback and the four-door saloon. The estate carries 1,502-litres of wheat-based products with the rear seats folded flat, or 476-litres plus five passengers. The hatchback holds 316-litres of luggage with ease, or 1,101-litres if load-lugging bread lovers choose to rearrange the seats. These figures are comparable to rivals such as the Volkswagen Golf.
The old Ford Focus has pin-sharp steering, a sensibly firm ride, fantastic body control, and inspiring traction. In other words - a driver's car. The new version is marginally softer on its springs and the steering can, by comparison, lack feel. That said, the latest version is still extremely composed. It is an excellent motorway cruiser and can outperform many of its rivals on twisty roads. It is a guilt-free wholemeal loaf that performs beautifully, even if its non-wholemeal predecessor is slightly tastier on occasions. Great effort Ford. Nine out of ten.
First things first. Engines come in various flavours, the most economical being the 113bhp 1.6-litre diesel. This powers the robustly constructed Focus to 62mph in 10.9 seconds and averages a fantastic 67.3mpg. This is partly due to its fuel saving start/stop system. Petrol lovers are catered for too with various 1.6-litre units. An excellent compromise between speed and economy is the 123bhp manual version. This hits 62mph in 10.9 seconds and averages 47.9mpg.
The new Ford Focus' exterior closely resembles the old version, although its stance is more purposeful. It is attractive overall, except that the rear lights look like stretched current buns. By contrast, the interior is as different from its predecessor as a cheap baguette is from a caviar sandwich. The dashboard feels noticeably higher, the finish better quality, and there is a vast selection of snazzy buttons. Goodbye baking bread over a fire. Hello space-age oven.
This army of switches controls numerous new gadgets. These include an active parallel park assist feature that automatically steers the new Focus into bays. There is also a low speed collision mitigation system. This slows, and potentially stops, the vehicle if its driver fails to notice a hazard. This could be a stationary car waiting at the lights. This technological marvel is also available with a lane departure warning system and blind spot indicator. Very reassuring.
The new Ford Focus comes as a five-door hatchback or estate only, so wave farewell to the sporty three-door hatchback and the four-door saloon. The estate carries 1,502-litres of wheat-based products with the rear seats folded flat, or 476-litres plus five passengers. The hatchback holds 316-litres of luggage with ease, or 1,101-litres if load-lugging bread lovers choose to rearrange the seats. These figures are comparable to rivals such as the Volkswagen Golf.
The old Ford Focus has pin-sharp steering, a sensibly firm ride, fantastic body control, and inspiring traction. In other words - a driver's car. The new version is marginally softer on its springs and the steering can, by comparison, lack feel. That said, the latest version is still extremely composed. It is an excellent motorway cruiser and can outperform many of its rivals on twisty roads. It is a guilt-free wholemeal loaf that performs beautifully, even if its non-wholemeal predecessor is slightly tastier on occasions. Great effort Ford. Nine out of ten.
New Volkswagen Passat Estate Review
The new Volkswagen Passat estate is a Volkswagen Passat estate. This is everything motorists need to know before opening their long suffering chequebooks. After all, this versatile load-lugger's reputation alone virtually guarantees trouble free adventures. Nobody would ask to see Albert Einstein's G.C.S.E. chemistry certificate. Nobody would question Sir Ernest Shackleton's navigational skills. So, no need to think too hard about the Passat. Just buy it.
One reason motorists can have such confidence in the Passat is that its credentials have been perfected over many years. In fact, the original version was launched in the early 1970s. Clearly, technology has evolved considerably since the era of flared trousers and silly haircuts, but the Passat has remained faithful to its commendable roots. So, the basics are still the same. The difference is they are now presented in a striking twenty-first century package.
As such, the new Passat's core values include rock-solid durability. It actually feels strong enough to outlast time. Practicality scores highly too, as this Germanic hold-all can carry five people and 603-litres of Einstein memorabilia. Fold the rear seats flat and lovers of heroic explorers can throw-in their Shackleton collection too. Anything, in fact, up to 1,731-litres. Once motorists stop loading the boot and start driving, they are protected by numerous reassuring safety features. These include an electronic stability programme, six air-bags, and an extremely strong body.
The new Volkswagen Passat is available with a choice of refined engines. The most powerful is the 2.0-litre 207bhp petrol unit that propels this large family car to 62mph in only 7.7 seconds. This averages 39.2mpg in six-speed manual form, and 35.8 in auto. Motorists who favour frugality over speed can choose a 1.6-litre 103bhp diesel model. These average 64.2mpg and reach 62mph in 12.5 seconds. Whichever engine you prefer the Passat's handling is composed, the ride comfortable, and the overall driving experience as relaxing as a week in bed.
What we have then is an extremely practical family workhorse. It is spacious, safe enough to earn Euro NCAP's maximum five-star rating, and robust enough to ensure your mechanic remains a stranger. There are diesel versions for cost conscious fuel savers and fast models too. Oh, and high-spec variants have a very nice equipment specification. Could the new Passat be the perfect 'hassle free' companion? No need for Albert Einstein to work it out.
One reason motorists can have such confidence in the Passat is that its credentials have been perfected over many years. In fact, the original version was launched in the early 1970s. Clearly, technology has evolved considerably since the era of flared trousers and silly haircuts, but the Passat has remained faithful to its commendable roots. So, the basics are still the same. The difference is they are now presented in a striking twenty-first century package.
As such, the new Passat's core values include rock-solid durability. It actually feels strong enough to outlast time. Practicality scores highly too, as this Germanic hold-all can carry five people and 603-litres of Einstein memorabilia. Fold the rear seats flat and lovers of heroic explorers can throw-in their Shackleton collection too. Anything, in fact, up to 1,731-litres. Once motorists stop loading the boot and start driving, they are protected by numerous reassuring safety features. These include an electronic stability programme, six air-bags, and an extremely strong body.
The new Volkswagen Passat is available with a choice of refined engines. The most powerful is the 2.0-litre 207bhp petrol unit that propels this large family car to 62mph in only 7.7 seconds. This averages 39.2mpg in six-speed manual form, and 35.8 in auto. Motorists who favour frugality over speed can choose a 1.6-litre 103bhp diesel model. These average 64.2mpg and reach 62mph in 12.5 seconds. Whichever engine you prefer the Passat's handling is composed, the ride comfortable, and the overall driving experience as relaxing as a week in bed.
What we have then is an extremely practical family workhorse. It is spacious, safe enough to earn Euro NCAP's maximum five-star rating, and robust enough to ensure your mechanic remains a stranger. There are diesel versions for cost conscious fuel savers and fast models too. Oh, and high-spec variants have a very nice equipment specification. Could the new Passat be the perfect 'hassle free' companion? No need for Albert Einstein to work it out.
