Diesel XF Supercar Bares its Claws

XF line up gets new diesel flagship model with 600Nm of torque

The big cat is finally out of the bag! Jaguar has released the first pictures and full details of its new XF Diesel S, an oilburning flagship that combines class-leading performance with impressive fuel economy.

Due on sale in March, the newcomer is fitted with a new 3.0-litre V6 engine with 273bhp and a staggering 600nm of torque. Capable of a top speed of 155mph, and a 0-60mph sprint of 5.9 seconds the newcomer also promises to return 42mpg.
Meanwhile, CO2 emissions are 179g/km – that’s 10 percent less than the acclaimed 2.7-litre unit that this new engine replaces.

Power is transmitted to the road via the rear wheels, through an updated six speed automatic gearbox. Drivers can either select a fully automatic mode, or swap ratios via steering wheel mounted paddles.
To complete the package, XF Diesel S also gets 20 inch wheels, an aerodynamic boot lid spoiler and discreet ‘S’ badging.
Inside, the S gets sports seats, and a number of specification upgrades to the car’s satellite navigation and air-conditioning systems.

However, the new Diesel S is not the only XF to benefit from the company’s latest diesel technology.

Jaguar has announced that is also plans to add an entry level 3.0-litre V6 model to the line-up to replace the basic 2.7-litre V6.

BMW CS back from the dead?

Shock sighting of CS, after BMW confirmed it wouldn't become a production reality.

Could BMW’s low-slung Quattroporte rival, make it to the showrooms after all? Little more than two weeks ago, BMW bosses confirmed that the luxury four-door saloon, previewed by the CS concept, wouldn’t be built because of financial concerns… But our exclusive pictures would suggest otherwise!

Our snappers caught this CS mule testing at the firm’s Munich Headquarters, sparking rumours that BMW has made a u-turn on its recent statement.

The CS will be longer, lower and wider than the 7-series on which it’s based - as our illustrations show - drawing comparison’s with the rash of recent ‘four-door coupes’, including the Mercedes CLS, Aston Martin Rapide and Porsche Panamera.

Let's hope BMW will be more decisive this time around, and confirm that the sporty saloon will make it from concept to reality.

New Golf MkVI vs rivals

VW’s MkVI hatch takes on the all-new Renault Mégane, facelifted Honda Civic and established Ford Focus in the definitive shoot-out.

What a way to start the new year – with one of the biggest verdicts of 2009! The compact family class is set for a shake-up, with two new models and a facelifted class leader. The car hogging all the limelight is the Volkswagen Golf. It has already been criticised for being an evolutionary step on from the MkV rather than a giant leap.

Will that prevent it triumphing here? Blending in is not what Renault’s Mégane was designed for. It is even more daring than before, with striking lines visible from every angle. Both of these newcomers are here to take on two of the best compact family cars in the business. Honda’s Civic has long been our top choice, and with a mild makeover helping it to stay at the top of its game, it will be the model to beat.

However, let’s not forget the irresistible talents of the Ford Focus. It comes to the challenge without the benefit of a facelift, yet it still offers a blend of practicality and driving dynamics that few rivals can match. With thousands of buyers intending to choose one of our quartet over the next year, this is a ranking you can’t afford to miss!

New Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S

With unique looks and tuned engine, Maserati's new Quattroporte Sport GT S is fastest Maserati saloon yet built.

With its unique headlamps, new look badges and ultra luxury interior, this is the car Maserati says will finally break BMW and Mercedes grip on the supersaloon class.

These are the first pictures of the new Quattroporte Sport GT S, a BMW M5 and Mercedes E63 AMG rival which will be unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show this week.

Offering a staggering 432bhp from its 4.7-litre V8 engine, the model also gets a quick shift gearbox, and revised suspension.

The car’s ride height has also been lowered, and there a new sports exhaust has been fitted that features a special set of valves that varies the system’s volume and pitch.

To help drivers immediately identify the newcomer, changes have also been made to the front grille – which is now the same design as that fitted to the recently launched Gran Turismo.

Door handles get a colour coded finish, while inside, driver and passengers are offered leather and alcantara trimmed bucket seats, plus composite detailing on the doors and dash.

Prices for the newcomer will be announced in the New Year.

Volkswagen Golf GT

New VW Golf hits the UK.

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Now in its sixth generation, the latest Volkswagen Golf is shorter and lower than its predecessor, but still instantly recognisable. It's stylish body looks modern and overall the design is less fussy than before. But with an unchanged wheelbase, cabin space is similar. The extra width helps rear passenger room but boot capacity is the same.

The dash design is similar to the current model's, but the central console is now angled more towards the driver, while the instrument binnacle features white backlit dials. Quality has taken a step forward too, as a result the Golf’s cabin is once again class leading but it’s the new levels of refinement that’s the most impressive.

Thanks to new sound insulation and a laminated windscreen the Golf’s ability to isolate road and wind noise is excellent, it’s noticeably more refined than its rivals in this segment, while the new common rail 2.0-litre TDI is impressively civilised too. The chassis is very capable as well; high grip levels, a revised stability control system and nicely weighted controls mean its great to drive. The GT model gets 15mm lower sports suspension, which adds a firm edge to the ride but this aside the damping is supple and composed.

And for the first time Volkswagen’s Adaptive Chassis Control active damper system is an option on the Golf, as is the automatic parking ParkAssist technology. With BlueMotion, GTI and more powerful diesel models coming next year, Golf should be big in 2009.

New BMW Z4

BMW has finally lifted the lid on the new Z4 – and replaced the fabric roof of old with a folding hard-top.

As with the latest 3-Series Cabriolet, the Z4 now boasts a smart electro-hydraulic lid which can be raised or lowered in 20 seconds.

But the powered top isn’t the only thing BMW has reworked on its sports car.

The sharp lines of the outgoing model have been complemented by gentle curves and muscular haunches. Head-on, the Z4 smiles rather than frowns, thanks to smoother, sweeping headlamps. The tail-lights have been redesigned to match. Under the skin, BMW has axed the entry-level 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit in favour of heftier six-cylinder power.

There’s a choice of three petrol engines, comprising a 201bhp 2.3, 255bhp 3.0 and a range-topping 302bhp twin-turbo 3.0-litre. These are badged 23i, 30i and 35i respectively.

With an automatic gearbox, this car will cover 0-62mph in 7.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 149mph. The flagship 35i has a time of 5.1 seconds and a 155mph maximum. All new models are offered with a six-speed manual box as standard. However, the 35i comes with the option of BMW’s seven-speed double-clutch set-up.

This system drops the 0-62mph time by a further tenth of a second. It also raises fuel economy by 1.3mpg to 31.4mpg, and lowers CO2 emissions from 219g/km to 210g/km. A six-speed automatic box with steering wheel-mounted paddleshifters is available as an option on the 23i and 30i.

The new Z4 comes with electronically controlled M Sport suspension. This provides three different settings for the driver to select, depending on the type of responses required.

There’s also a new Drive Dynamic Control set-up, which enables throttle response, steering and ride comfort to be adjusted to taste. Inside the Z4, there’s a high-quality cabin. The driver-focused layout features twin inset dials and a deep-dished steering wheel. Heater and air-conditioning controls are now arranged in a group, and set higher to improve ease of use.

The stereo has been moved further down the centre console. By making the new car 148m longer and 9mm wider than its predecessor – as well as redesigning the cabin – BMW claims to have freed up more space inside.

There is an extra 20mm and 43mm of shoulder and elbow room respectively. What’s more, the new roof arrangement provides a further 44mm of headroom. There’s a generous boot for the sports car class, too – owners get 180 litres with the lid down and 310 litres of space when it’s raised.

Customers also have the option of a loading system which frees up extra storage space between the seats. It’s big enough, according to BMW, for a set of golf clubs. Prices are due to start at around £25,000 when the Z4 goes on sale early next year.

Curvy S60 guns for BMW

Four-door coupé styling is a radical departure from current S60.

Volvo is taking the fight straight to BMW – and judging by these pictures, it’s well prepared. The Swedish firm has redesigned the normally conservative S60 in an attempt to break into the hotly contested four-door coupé market – and this is the stunning, 3-Series-rivalling result.

We gave you a glimpse of the car’s radical looks in Issue 1,041, when Volvo released a teaser shot. Plus, we reported that the S60 concept would debut at next month’s Detroit Motor Show.

But this racy new study is no pipedream. According to design boss Steve Mattin, the final car will remain close to the concept. The imposing grille and flowing shoulder lines hint at a new design direction for Volvo’s range, while 20-inch alloys, bronze-painted brake calipers, integrated twin exhausts and a retractable rear diffuser show off the S60’s sporting intentions.

Inside is an ultra-modern interior, complete with slim bucket seats and a panoramic roof. The LED headlights project an image of Viking longboats!

But most eye-catching are the doors. The front pair open conventionally, while the rears hinge out before sliding back. As the S60 has no B-pillars, access should prove easy.

The S60 will come crammed with a raft of new safety kit, including sensors that can apply the brakes if a pedestrian steps into the car’s path.

Engines comprise a range of Ford and Volvo units, including a 2.0-litre diesel and a 1.6-litre turbo petrol. The new S60 is set to reach the UK early in 2010.

Mazda RX-8

Sharp driving dynamics and a distinctive rotary engine, the quirky Mazda RX-8 has always been one of our favourite coupes.

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• For : Sharp driving dynamics, eye-catching looks, roomy cabin
• Against : High fuel consumption, small boot

Styling/Image

When it was revealed in 2003, the RX-8 created quite a stir. Thanks to its novel ‘suicide’ rear doors the rakish coupe stole a practical march on more conventional rivals. The latest version retains this neat layout, while subtle tweaks to the shark-like nose freshen the car’s distinctive looks. Entry-level versions get either a 189 or 228bhp version of the high-revving 1.3-litre Wankel rotary engine. The range-topping R3 adds sports suspension and bodykit.

Interior/Practicality

Given its sleek coupe profile, there’s a surprising amount of cabin space available in the Mazda. It’s a strict four-seater, but all occupants get decent head and legroom. Only the lack of luggage capacity is a problem, which is exaggerated by the narrow tailgate opening. All models get climate control, a Bose hi-fi and a limited slip differential. Pick the R3 and leather trimmed Recaro seats and xenon headlamps join the list of standard kit.

Engine/Performance

It’s not just on the outside that the Mazda is unconventional. Take a look under the bonnet and you’ll find the firm’s trademark Wankel rotary engine. Even in entry-level form this smooth-spinning 1.3-litre unit delivers 189bhp. Pay a little extra and you get 228bhp and a standard six-speed gearbox. Both engines suffer from poor low rev torque, although the higher power version will sprint from zero to 60mph in 6.4 seconds. However, owners need to keep a keen eye on oil consumption.

Driving experience

There are few cars in this class that are as entertaining to drive as the Mazda. A traditional rear-wheel drive chassis, near perfect weight distribution and direct steering combine to make the RX-8 a delight on twisting back roads. The range-topping R3 gets Bilstein sports suspension, which sharpens the handling still further. Decent refinement and a firm but well controlled ride mean the Japanese coupe is also a comfortable long distance cruiser.

Ownership costs

For the price, few cars serve up as much performance, style and driving fun as the Mazda. However, look past the low list price and you’ll find surprisingly high running costs. Even the lower power car struggles to return 27mpg, while CO2 emissions of 267g/km result in a £400 annual tax bill. Worse still are the RX-8’s residuals, with all models retaining just 30 percent of their value after three years.

Safety environment

The RX-8 has escaped EuroNCAP testing, but it does feature six airbags, electronic stability control and traction control as standard. Both rear seats get ISOFIX fittings, making the Mazda a genuine proposition for the family buyer. Sadly, the coupe’s eco-friendly credentials are less impressive. The 227bhp model emits a staggeringly high 284g/km of CO2 – the 189bhp car is little better at 267g/km. Both versions are thirsty at the pump, with around 27mpg the absolute best you can hope for.

Jeep Cherokee

Few off-road brands can match the heritage of Jeep. So how does the latest version of its famous Cherokee stack up?

• Rating:
• For : Chunky looks, great in the mud
• Against : Poor cabin quality, terrible on the road

Styling/Image

With its trademark seven-slot grille you won’t mistake the latest Cherokee for anything else. Large headlamps, a boxy profile and pronounced wheel arches are the other Jeep styling cues that feature prominently. Its uncompromising looks are at odds with many rivals, which are increasingly car-like in their proportions. The Cherokee is a bluff old-school off-roader that isn’t ashamed of its go anywhere credentials.

Interior/Practicality

You expect a rugged off-roader to feature a workmanlike interior but the Cherokee cabin is a disappointment in every sense. Space is restricted by the large transmission tunnel, which eats into the front footwells, while the simple design of the dashboard looks bland. It’s also made from cheap, unappealing plastics. As a result the Jeep has one of the worst modern car interiors that money can buy. Boot space is also extremely disappointing. The shallow and narrow load area provides just 419-litres of carrying capacity, although the tailgate does have an opening rear window for dropping lighter items through.

Engine/Performance

You only get one engine option – the firm’s 2.8-litre CRD diesel. It’s pretty refined at cruising speeds, but floor the accelerator and the noise from under the bonnet becomes intrusive. The racket isn’t really justified by its performance either because the oil-burner is slow to respond. Go for the automatic transmission and the sluggish gear changes makes matters even worse. Fuel economy is reasonable for a proper four-wheel drive, and the Jeep is seriously capable off-road thanks to its four-wheel drive transmission and low range gearbox.

Driving experience

Vague steering, fidgety ride comfort and poor brakes leave the Cherokee feeling like a fish out of water on the road. Twisty lanes highlight the off-roader’s cumbersome nature and excessive body roll, leaving keen drivers with little to get excited about. The Jeep is most at home trundling across unsurfaced tracks and muddy terrain. Sadly, few motorists need such capability, which leaves the model with a limited audience.

Ownership Costs

Compared to its rivals the Jeep is competitively priced, but given its shortcomings it’s not cheap enough. High CO2 emissions also rank it in the most expensive road tax band. The Cherokee range is simplicity itself, with just one engine, two transmissions and a single trim level to choose from. Options are restricted to a full-length canvas sunroof, metallic paint and sat nav.

Safety/Environment

You get just four airbags in the Jeep but any four-wheel drive will come into its own in poor weather conditions. There is a trade off for the extra traction provided by its four-wheel drive system, and it comes at the pumps. Fuel economy of 31.4mpg and CO2 emissions of 242g/km are nothing to write home about.

Our Choice: Jeep Cherokee 2.8CRD Limited (manual)

Audi R8 V10 Unveiled

Audi's sensational V10-engined R8 has finally been unveiled.

Audi has 10 new reasons to celebrate, and here’s why – it’s the R8 V10 supercar!

Making its debut at next month’s Detroit Motor Show, the fastest R8 yet shares its 5.2-litre V10 engine with the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 and the wild R8 LMS GT3 racer. It produces 528bhp, and takes the flagship from 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds and on to a 196mph top speed.

Audi’s magnetic ride dampers come as standard and, as with the V8, you can choose a six-speed manual gearbox or an R tronic semi-auto. With the latter, the car returns 20.6mpg – only 0.1mpg less than the R8 V8. While it is similar to the V8 on the outside, the V10 has headlights which use LEDs for main and dipped beams – a world first – plus trademark daytime running lights. The front bumper also features fewer slats to improve air flow, and high-gloss black paint for the air intakes.

At the side are bigger slats, and the V10 will get 19-inch alloys as standard. Ceramic brakes are optional. The biggest changes are at the back, where there’s a new rear diffuser to generate more downforce, more gloss black paint and twin oval tailpipes to replace the V8 car’s quad chrome exhausts.

Inside are heated Nappa leather seats and a Bang and Olufsen stereo. The R8 V10 is set to cost £99,575 in manual trim and £104,665 with the R Tronic gearbox.

Mercedes Fascination

Behind the wheel of the Mercedes Fascination... A breathtaking vision of the future.

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An undisputed star of this year's Paris Motor Show, the ultra-stylish Fascination represents the very latest in the firm's design and technology.

Officially, the shooting brake is a blueprint for the all-new E-Class, and with its long, lithe bodywork, it also hints at the look of the next CLK. And as both of those models are set to remain top-secret until early next year, our exclusive drive offers the clearest view yet of what will be on offer.

In the flesh,the Fascination is one of Mercedes' most dramatically styled models ever. As well as a distinctive headlamp design, it gets a deep front grille and a sharp crease along the flank. At the rear are sharp-looking tail-lights and an integrated exhaust system. The hatchback tailgate - not confirmed for production - points to a new, practical evolution of the CLK coupé, and opens with the simple press of a keyfob-mounted button.

Inside, the cabin takes inspiration from the S-Class limousine. It's fitted with that car's COMAND multimedia control set-up, as well as safety kit such asnight vision cameras and collision avoidance systems.The strict four-seateralso gets a generous boot, lined with wood and chrome.
Mercedes says the radical shape was influenced by the Volvo P1800, as well as limited-edition Aston Martin shooting brakes of the Seventies and Eighties.

To get behind the wheel, drivers first need to press one of the flush-fitting door handles on the side of the car. The lever rises out of the bodywork, allowing you to grip and pull it. The door opens smoothloy, and its wide apperture means climbing in is easy.

Turn the ignition key, and the 2.2-litre Bluetec turbodiesel engine fires into life. It delivers 201bhp and more than 500Nm of torque, and provides strong in-gear performance.

The unit complies with the toughest emissions legislation, and will be offered in the new CLK and E-Class model line-ups from next year.
The cabin is ergonomically superb,with a comfortable driving position. What's more, the wide body and tall roofline ensure there's plenty of head and elbow space, while each of the four occupants gets lots of legroom and a great view of the road ahead.

On the move, the engine is refined yet responsive, and the seven-speed automatic transmission gives smooth and swift gearchanges. Standard air-suspension delivers a smooth ride, even though the model has enormous alloys.

The brakes felt reassuring this isunusual in our experience of driving such prototypes, and an indication of exactly how well developed the Fascination is.

For production, Mercedes promises this well rounded driving experience will be backed up bythe very latest safety technology. As well as offering a full complement of driver and passenger airbags, the car will be fitted with a feature called Attention Assistant. This promises to wake the driver upif it senses they have fallen asleep.

New traction control and an updated, three-dimensional navigation package are also included
While some of this technology is still under development, it's incredibly promising, and gives an exciting glimpse of the future. No wonder bosseschose to call this prototype the Fascination...

Volkswagen Scirocco R

Show star previews R20T due for 2010 with spectacular bodykit and Audi S3-sourced turbo

The hottest-ever Scirocco has just blown in - and it should go down a storm when it comes to the UK in 2010!

Volkswagen wowed visitors to Italy's Bologna Motor Show with this striking concept car, called the Studie R. Auto Express can now reveal that it previews a new performance flagship Scirocco which will rival Ford's Focus RS, and is effectively a roadgoing version of the GT24 racer.

When the model joins the line-up, it's likely to be badged R20T - as Auto Express revealedin Issue 1,041. It will come with a 2.0-litre TFSI turbocharged petrol engine,giving 262bhp.
This powerplant has been shoehorned into the Studie R, andis a development of the current Audi S3's unit. It promises to shave about a second off the Audi's 0-62mph time, giving a figure of around six seconds. The VW Group's dual-clutch DSG box is also likely to feature.

The Studie R's racing genes are much in evidence, with sports suspension, four-pot brake calipers and what VW says is a 'sound-optimised' exhaust system. If this makes it to the production version of the car, your neighbours will certainly hear you coming!
To appeal to showgoers at Bologna, VW added red and green flashes to the sparkling white paint job,making up the Italian tricolour flag.

The Studie R also gets a sporty bodykit, while a deep front splitter incorporates three large air inlet openings to cool the brakes and engine. This is also designed to minimise the aerodynamic lift of the front axle. Further intakes feature in the car's bonnet.

At the back, there's a large integrated rear wing, as well as a diffuser in the lower section of the bumper. These combine to reduce lift at the rear axle and keep the Scirocco firmly planted on the road.
New side skirts and a set of highly polished 19-inch alloy wheels, each with five sets of triple spokes, provide the car with a dramatic profile.Inside, there's softblack Nappa leather onthe steering wheel, front armrest, gearlever trim and floor mat, with white stitching to reflect the exterior colour.
The Recaro racing seats are also upholstered with a carbon-look deep blackhide, finished off with white leather piping. More carbon fibre appears throughout the cabin, while there's a set of special aluminium pedals, too.

Volkswagen is playing its cards close to its chest with regard to pricing, although UK buyers can expect to pay around £25,000 when the car arrives in showrooms.

Mercedes Gullwing

Latest spy shots show new Mercedes supercar is close to showroom-ready.

Mercedes' all-new supercar is winging in! This is the Gullwing and, as you can see by these exclusive spy shots, it's getting ready to hit the showrooms. Wearing less disguise than ever, and featuring production-ready 'gullwing' doors, the new flagship machine is entering the final phase of its development process.

Caught testing in icy northern Europe, this latest prototype is showing off some interesting hitherto unseen features including a strip of LED daytime running lights – just below the headlights – and production-ready brakes, which feature large cross-drilled discs. As for the body itself, expect styling to be influenced by the original 300SL Gullwing, with a large Mercedes star positioned in the centre of the grille.

Inside, the car gets a paddle shift semi-automatic gearbox, with at least six gears. There's still no word on what engine will power the flagship machine, but there are rumours of an AMG-sourced turbocharged V8 or even a V10. Either way, the Gullwing will boast 550bhp-650bhp, which will mean 0-60mph in under four seconds and a 200mph top speed.

When it arrives in mid-2010, just after a world debut at that year's Geneva Motor Show, the Gullwing could even be sold under the AMG brand. Production is likely to be limited to two years and around 6,000 models. Expect a price tag of at least £200,000.

S5 blows its top

Audi has turned its sizzling coupé into a beautiful soft-top - and new supercharged four-seater promises more wind-in-the-hair thrills than A4 Cabriolet it replaces...

The S5 Cabriolet is out in the open – and it’s shaping up as the only thing to be seen in next summer!

We have the first official pictures of Audi’s newcomer, which is grabbing all the headlines with its good looks and sporty proportions. It’s powered by the same 328bhp 3.0-litre supercharged V6 as the latest S4 – so this is one car with performance to match its style.

The S5 shuns the trend for folding hard-tops and sticks with a traditional fabric roof. Audi claims its triple-layer hood is lighter than a metal lid, yet equally refined at speed, and it folds away in 15 seconds. Additional sound deadening is available as an option – this aims to deliver wind noise on
a par with the fixed roof model.

There’s a generous 320 litres of boot space even with the roof stowed, and as it’s bigger than the A4 Cabriolet, it’s a genuine four-seater. The swooping shoulder line from the A5 coupé is immediately noticeable, providing the new car with a free-flowing silhouette.

But the trademark Audi grille, flanked by large air intakes and LED running lights, give the front end an aggressive look, while at the rear, quad exhausts hint at the car’s performance potential.

The S5 rides on 18-inch alloy wheels as standard, although buyers can also specify 19-inch or 20-inch rims.

Despite losing the roof, the car promises to deliver the razor-sharp driving experience Audi owners have become accustomed to. High-strength steels used in its construction, plus reinforcement at selected points on the chassis, ensure class-leading rigidity.

The S5’s blown V6 is hooked up to the quick-shifting S tronic twin-clutch transmission, which drives all four wheels via the quattro system.

There’s also a sport differential, which shuffles power between the rear wheels to provide it where there’s most grip. All this means the S5 should deliver huge entertainment from behind the wheel.

In addition, owners benefit from an advanced drive select system. This lets them adjust the throttle response, the ferocity of the gearchanges and the weight and feel of the steering. All of these functions can be tweaked through Audi’s new MMI cabin control set-up.

Dig deeper, and the S5 has more tricks up its sleeve. The leather seats feature a special layer of trim to reduce heat from the sun, while in cold weather, neck-level ducts in the seats provide a Mercedes-style ‘air scarf’ to keep occupants warm. What’s more, if the car senses that it’s about to roll, aluminium hoops shoot up behind the rear headrests for protection.

Prices for the A5 Cabriolet range will start at around £30,000 when it arrives in the second quarter of 2009. The S5 is expected to weigh in at £44,000.

Land Rover Freelander TD4.e

We try out the first 4x4 in the world with stop-start technology.

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GOING green is set to take on a whole new meaning for Land Rover. The firm is preparing to put a stop to its vehicles’ emissions with a new generation of cars – starting with the Freelander.

It has equipped the SUV with a simple stop-start function which will be standard on all manual diesel models. The new system promises to improve the Freelander’s urban fuel economy by up to 20 per cent. Crucially, the arrangement reduces CO2 emissions to 179g/km without affecting performance.

Land Rover claims that the Freelander TD4.e is the first SUV in the world with stop-start. It uses sensors that shut the engine off when the car is stationary and the gearbox is in neutral.

The diesel fires the moment the clutch is pressed to engage first. The process is instant and, thanks to an exhaustive engineering programme, it’s extremely smooth in operation.

There’s no doubt that you need to adjust your driving style to make the most of the system.

It’s only activated by taking the car out of gear, and you need to discipline yourself to put it in neutral – particularly in the cut and thrust of busy city traffic.

However, the extra effort is worth it. When traffic snarls up and the engine is stopped, there are genuine benefits for refinement, as well as economy.

Elsewhere, it’s business as usual for the Freelander. The TD4.e offers the same fine ride and accurate steering as the current model.

Available from next March, the stop-start set-up is part of Land Rover’s e_Terrain strategy, which will bring together hybrid engines and other technologies to create cars that have less environmental impact.

And even though a hybrid Land Rover is some way off, the promise of stop-start should not be underestimated. It’s simple to use and has clear benefits for drivers who spend a lot of time in town. The Freelander is a must for anyone who doesn’t want to compromise when saving fuel.

Rival: Honda CR-V i-CTDi
thanks to its super-smooth 2.2-litre diesel engine, the CR-V returns an impressive 43.5mpg on the combined cycle. It’s extremely well put together and comes with a long list of equipment as standard.

Mazda 3 Unveiled

All eyes are on Mazda, as the stunning new 3 debuts at the Bologna Motor Show.

The stylish Mazda 3 has finally broken cover at the Bologna Motor Show. Sporting a radical, stylish makeover, the five-door hatch clearly intends to meet its straight-laced Golf rival head on.

Sporting a striking new colour – celestial blue – the newcomer boasts a number of exciting developments, including an innovative headlight design.

The protruding, angular lamps help boost the car’s aerodynamics, to a Cd coefficient of just 0.3. Also on offer is also clever blind-spot technology and adaptive dynamic lighting.

The engine line-up includes two versions of the firm’s new 2.2-litre turbo diesel engines – one with 185ps and the other with 150ps. A 1.6-litre turbo diesel plus 1.6 and 2.0-litre petrol units will also be on offer. Prices will be announced in January.

But there’s more good news for fans of the hothatch version of this family favourite. Sources revealed last night that an MPS variant will be unveiled as early as Spring, at next year’s Geneva show, sporting a more marked, sporty makeover than the predecessor.

With a tuned version of the existing model’s 2.3-litre turbo engine, which already boasts a heady 260PS, it will also be faster, lighter and more economical than the outgoing model. Bosses said it would be competitively priced too – so expect a price tag just short of the Golf GTI’s anticipated starting price of £21,500, when it goes on sale in the summer.

Bosses added there are no current plans to introduce an MPS version of its Mazda 2, however.

Audi R8 LMS supercar revealed

The fastest Audi ever makes its debut at Essen Motor Show.

Strap yourselves in, the fastest-ever Audi R8 is ready to roar!

Last week we brought you spy shots of the harder, lighter version of the firm’s supercar at the Nürburgring circuit in Germany. Now it has been unveiled at the Essen Motor Show, the country’s premier motorsport expo. Called the R8 LMS, it will take the fight to the Porsche 911 and Aston Martin DBR9 on racetracks around Europe but, more importantly, it give us an exciting glimpse of the forthcoming flagship V10-engined R8, which is due in UK showrooms late 2009.

Audi’s motorsport division has made a series of tweaks to the standard car to ensure that the R8 LMS is the ultimate ‘off-the-shelf’ racer. But it’s not purely a track-based toy – thanks to homologation rules for the GT3 class, Audi is obliged to build a small run of road-legal models, too.

Visually, the LMS packs a punch even when standing still. The wide bodykit, ground-hugging front splitter and wild rear wing give the car a menacing appearance, but also serves to produce masses of downforce at speed.

It’s under the bonnet where this car really shines though. Gone is the 420bhp V8 from the road-going machine, and in its place is a high-revving 500bhp 5.2-litre V10 mated to a six-speed sequential box, operated via wheel-mounted paddles.

The hydraulics used in the gearbox are borrowed straight from Audi’s Le Mans 24 Hours-winning R10 prototype, so shifts should be virtually instant. And with a kerbweight of 1,250kg, it promises to deliver stunning performance – 0-60mph in less than four seconds and a top speed of well over 200mph.

Up to eight customer cars will compete in different European race series and at the Nürburgring 24 Hours. Audi Sport has developed a special endurance version of the R8 LMS for that event which comes with a 120-litre fuel tank.

The first customers are scheduled to take delivery of the new car next autumn. But dream racing cars don’t come cheap: the R8 LMS will set you back £206,000.

New safety test - NCAP cracks the whip!

Protection against whiplash has long been ignored – but tough new tests are forcing car makers to rethink safety strategies...

Whiplash is far more common and serious than you’d think. Its symptoms can be painful, debilitating and last for several years. It also accounts for more than half of Europe’s personal injury claims – costing billions of pounds annually. So, which new cars offer the best protection? You can now find out. Euro NCAP’s independent crash tests incorporate a rear impact assessment which measures exactly that – and Auto Express has been given exclusive access to the results!

The test examines the size and shape of the car’s seat, and its performance in a series of three sled trials ranging from low to high-intensity impact. Each model is marked out of four points and classified with an associated colour.

A ‘good’ green result reflects a seat that offers state-of-the-art performance and reduces long- term injuries by up to 40 per cent. A ‘marginal’ or yellow result means the chair may help, but needs further improvement. A ‘poor’ or red result indicates the seat will not be helpful in preventing a potential injury.

The first vehicles to get the treatment were 25 cars already recently crash tested. And as our table reveals, there was a shocking variation in the results. Only five achieved a green rating, proving there’s plenty of room for improvement.

But the most appalling figures are at the foot of the table, where three models achieved zero points. And you’ll be stunned to hear three out of the bottom five cars – the Peugeot 308 CC, Ford Kuga and Citroen C5 – managed a five-star rating in NCAP’s usual Adult Occupant Protection test.

A spokeswoman for the body said: “If the whiplash protection test was immediately integrated as part of a car’s NCAP star rating, these three models would move down a grade. It’s a wake-up call for manufacturers.”

Only two makers in the list – BMW and Mercedes – employ active head restraints designed specifically to reduce whiplash in a rear-end collision. Yet they could manage only seventh and 16th on the list respectively, suggesting their technologies are not as effective as their marketing claims.

It came as no surprise that Volvo topped the table. It’s a company which stakes its reputation on being at the cutting edge of crash protection, as Hans Nyth, director of the Volvo Cars Safety Centre, confirmed: “Safety is a high priority and we are pleased that the new XC60 has performed in line with our expectations from our own tests and standards.”

In fact, Volvo has installed dedicated whiplash protection on seats on its production cars since the WHIPS system was introduced on the S80 in 1999. This simple but effective set-up is explained on the opposite page.

So, just what makes the difference between a dangerous and a well designed seat? The head restraint and its correct adjustment are the most important aspect of a good anti-whiplash design. The rest must be as close to the back of the head as possible and the top of the cushion should be at least as high as the top of the skull.

Also, the seat itself should control the relative movements between the occupant’s torso and head, and be capable of dissipating the energy of impact while keeping the occupant securely in place.

From February next year, if manufacturers still want to achieve the maximum five-star NCAP rating, they can no longer ignore the whiplash performance of their models.

A new scoring system will be introduced, where the marks from the rear-impact test will contribute to a car’s final tally in Adult Occupant Protection.

This, together with scores from Euro NCAP’s three other areas of assessment – child occupant protection, pedestrian protection and safety assist – will contribute to the award of an overall star rating for the vehicle. If these initial findings are anything to go by, let’s hope the manufacturers are bracing

Why latesttest matters

It's a complaint that’s often not taken seriously, but whiplash can have a painful and long-lasting effect. Caused by a sudden distortion of the neck, it is not uncommon in frontal and side-impact accidents, but it more often occurs in low-speed, rear-end shunts.

Mild symptoms involve stiffness and tenderness of the upper back and neck muscles, as well as headaches and dizziness. Such cases are classed as short-term and can last up to three months.

More serious, long-term cases can involve permanent impairment, plus neurological and musculoskeletal injuries. Also, whiplash is hard to diagnose and costly to treat. Accounting for more than half of Europe’s personal-injury claims, such soft-tissue neck injuries currently cost billions of pounds every year.

How do your car’s seats rate in Euro NCAP tests?

CAR / SCORE / RESTRAINT

Volvo XC60 / 3.54 / Fixed head restraint
Alfa Romeo MiTo / 3.35 / Non-locking Reactive-type head restraint. No tilt adjustment
Volkswagen Golf MkVI / 3.31 / Standard head restraint. No tilt adjustment
Audi A4 / 3.15 / Standard head restraint. No tilt adjustment
Vauxhall Insignia / 3.06 / Standard-type head restraint. Non-locking tilt adjustment
Renault Koleos / 2.94 / Standard-type head restraint. Non-locking tilt adjustment
BMW X3 / 2.44 / Locking Pro-Active-type head restraint. Locking tilt adjustment
Lancia Delta / 2.43 / Non-locking Reactive-type head restraint. No tilt adjustment
Renault Kangoo 2 / 2.38 / Standard-type head restraint. No tilt adjustment
Honda Accord / 2.26 / Non-locking Reactive-type head restraint. No tilt adjustment
Skoda Superb / 2.22 / Standard head restraint. No tilt adjustment
Ford Fiesta / 2.21 / Standard head restraint. No tilt adjustment
Hyundai i30 / 2.21 / Reactive-type head restraint. Locking tilt adjustment
Renault Mégane / 2.19 / Standard head restraint. No tilt adjustment
SEAT Ibiza / 1.96 / Standard head restraint. No tilt adjustment
Mercedes M-Class / 1.82 / Locking Pro-Active-type head restraint. Non-locking tilt adjustment
Dacia Sandero / 1.58 / Fixed head restraint
Daihatsu Cuore / 1.10 / Standard head restraint. No tilt adjustment
Citroen Berlingo / 1.04 / Standard head restraint. No tilt adjustment
Hyundai i10 / 0.94 / Standard head restraint. No tilt adjustment
Citroen C5 / 0.57 / Standard-type head restraint. Non-locking tilt adjustment
Ford Kuga / 0.44 / Standard head restraint. No tilt adjustment
Daihatsu Terios / 0.00 / Standard head restraint. No tilt adjustment
Peugeot 308 CC / 0.00 / Fixed head restraint
Suzuki Splash / 0.00 / Standard head restraint. No tilt adjustment