POOLE AUDI

PROTECTING THE VALUE OF YOUR CAR

Amidst rising costs and interest rates, it’s a natural time to evaluate personal expenses, with a view to getting the best value from the money you spend. When it comes to car maintenance, it is often better to protect the value of your vehicle by using a franchised dealer, many of whom will have a range of products and offers more affordable than you may think.

Dave Tindall, Group Marketing Manager for Poole Audi, said: “We often get asked how service history affects the value of Audis. In addition to ensuring the car is maintained by our fully-trained technicians, using genuine parts, having a full service history protects its value when you come to sell or part-exchange. A car with a full Audi service history, particularly from Poole Audi, will always maintain the highest value, as it will be more desirable to its next potential owner. When we buy the car, this difference tends to be between £250 and £400 compared to a car serviced an independent garage.”

To help customers budget for maintenance costs, Poole Audi has just announced a price reduction for its All-in service plan, which is available for Audi models aged 3 – 6 years, with a 2-litre engine or under, and below 100,000 miles. This plan includes two services, two MOTs, 2 years’ roadside assistance and a 2 year warranty, for just £29.99 per month, saving over £1,200 compared to paying separately.

To find out more, including full terms and conditions, visit www.pooleaudi.co.uk or call 01202 775050.

T. 01202 775050 A. Poole Audi, Old Wareham Road, Poole, Dorset, BH12 4QN

www.pooleaudi.co.uk

THE NEW ALL ELECTRIC ROLLS-ROYCE SPECTRE GETS CLOSER

The announcement of any new Rolls-Royce produces a certain expectation, but the Rolls-Royce Spectre, the company’s new all-electric coupe, is arguably one of the most anticipated in the company’s history. It’s also a great name for a car.

While Rolls-Royce has built a reputation for creating what are regularly described as “the best cars in the world” using internal combustion engines, the idea of electrification is something that is familiar to the brand. Henry Royce began life as an electrical engineer and dedicated much of his life to creating internal combustion engines that simulated the characteristics of an electric car – silent running, instant torque, and the sensation of one endless gear.

Spectre also represents a promise kept. In 2011, Rolls-Royce showcased a fully electric Experimental Phantom concept named 102EX. This was followed by 103EX, a dramatic design study that anticipated a bold electric future for the marque.

Every new Rolls-Royce begins its life in winter. Temperatures at the bespoke facility used by the marque, located in Arjeplog, Sweden, just 55km from the arctic circle, drop to -26c. and are further cooled to -40c.

With the winter testing phase now completed, Spectre will continue its global testing programme. The Electric Super Coupé still has to complete nearly two million kilometres before the marque’s engineers will consider it complete prior to first customer deliveries in the latter part of 2023.

Words by Mark Slack

NEW VW ID BUZZ AND BUZZ CARGO INVOKE SPIRIT OF ICONIC T1

Volkswagen gave the new ID. Buzz and ID. Buzz Cargo1 their world premiere in Hamburg, Germany last month (March). The ID. Buzz and ID. Buzz Cargo are launching across Europe with a 77 kWh battery providing current to a 150 kW electric motor, which – as the flat engine once did in the T1 – drives the rear axle.

The position of the battery, integrated deep down in the sandwich floor, and the lightweight electric drive system result in a good distribution of weight and a low vehicle centre of gravity. The lithium ion battery can be charged from wall boxes or public charging stations using 11 kW alternating current (AC). Via a CCS plug connector at a DC rapid-charging station (direct current) the charging power increases to as much as 170 kW. When charged in this way, the battery charge level rises from 5 to 80% in about 30 minutes.

The T1 – an icon of the 1950s – has obviously formed the basis for ID. Buzz, and this T1 DNA is brought to the present day into the era of electric powered vehicles. The lounge-like, friendly ambience of the MPV version, five people have ample room for travelling and for their luggage. If the second row of seats is folded down, the load capacity increases further. Two or three seats up front, as the customer desires, and a fixed partition separating off the cargo space are distinctive features of the ID. Buzz Cargo. The zero-emission cargo version can take two loaded euro pallets, loaded in transversely.

The ID. Buzz and ID. Buzz Cargo will come onto the market in the first few European countries this autumn. Advance sales are due to start in May.

FIRST INEOS GRENADIER RETAILERS IN THE UK WILL OPEN IN JUNE

INEOS has revealed the first 24 retail sites in the UK that will sell their new Grenadier. By the end of 2022 INEOS plans to have a network of 200 sales and service sites for the Grenadier spanning over 50 countries, including established dealer groups, 4X4 specialists and agricultural equipment dealers.

The 24 retail locations confirmed so far in the UK include Harwoods in Portsmouth and Heritage Dorchester. INEOS is working with these retailers to set up their outlets and be ready to welcome customers in the next few months. The first of the newly nominated sites will open in June.

The aim is for the majority of customers in the UK to always be within 45 minutes of an official sales and service location. The retail partners will form the backbone of the service network in the country, with additional geographical coverage provided by ten selected partners and hand-picked INEOS-accredited Bosch Car Service outlets. All servicing centres in Scotland will eventually support sales and test drive activity, including sites confirmed for Stirling, Kilmarnock and Inverness.

ROAD TEST: GENESIS G70 - STYLE, PRESENCE AND CONTINENT CROSSING COMFORT

One sometimes wonders how manufacturers conjure up names for new models. It’s fairly obvious what Hyundai was thinking when it came up with the name Genesis for its luxury arm. The first book of the Old Testament, Genesis, starts with the words ‘In the beginning’, so a rather good name for a new marque.

Having been in America since 2015 Genesis is only now arriving on European shores with a five model range of two saloons, a shooting brake and two SUVs. Two allelectric models will arrive shortly. My test model, a G70 saloon, comes with the choice of two engines; a 2.2-litre diesel or a 2.0-litre petrol with two power outputs and three trim levels.

G70 prices start from a sector competitive £33,400 with very good standard equipment even on the lead-in model. You’ll get LED lights, intelligent cruise control, auto dimming, powered and heated door mirrors, keyless entry and start, auto lights and wipers, front and rear parking sensors with rear view camera, navigation, smart phone connectivity, air conditioning and electric seat adjustment. There’s even (as far as this writer’s concerned, hallelujah!) the no cost option of a light interior rather than the seemingly omnipresent funereal black.

My G70 was the top trim Sportline model and with the 2.2-litre diesel priced at £40,030. Those admiring the G70, and there were many, thought it strikingly smart and, subjective though looks are, it’s hard to disagree. The good news continues inside too with a very premium feel and touches like perforated and fluted upholstery show there’s more than a degree of thought gone into the detail.

A welcome array of proper buttons, possibly because the G70 is an updated version of the car that won the 2019 North American Car of the Year, means it lacks the overdone digitalisation of so many new cars.

On the road the G70 feels and drives like it looks, premium luxury. It’s no sports machine but picks up its feet when required and can be fast paced on cross country routes. The automatic transmission changes are seamless, with paddle assisted changes for added involvement. There’s the usual too interventionist lane keeping ‘safety’ kit, that involves far too many actions to stop it being meddlesome, which to be fair applies with most manufacturers.

The G70 may not rewrite the automotive rule book but it’s got style, presence and enough creature comforts for continent crossing relaxation.

ISUZU EXPANDS D-MAX PICK-UP RANGE WITH SIX NEW VARIANTS

Isuzu has introduced six new variants to its D-Max range, expanding the range from 11 to 17 models.

The new versions mainly fall within the Business range, with automatic transmission now available for Utility Extended Cab, Utility Double Cab and DL20 Extended Cab vehicles, which were previously only offered with manual transmission. A rear differential lock is now available across all levels of the D-Max range.

The Utility models are ideally suited to hardworking environments, with features like an easily-cleanable vinyl floor covering and robust steel wheels, while the bumpers, door mirrors and door handles are made from hard-wearing and durable black plastic. The Utility models also feature a wide range of safety features along with features like automatic headlights with high-beam assist, automatic windscreen wipers, speed-sensitive power steering, DAB radio and a start&stop system.

With safety being of paramount importance, the Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS) are standard on all models and include autonomous emergency braking, traffic sign recognition, intelligent speed limiter and lane departure warning & prevention included. Double Cab models further benefit from rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring and emergency lanekeeping assistance. These safety systems resulted in the D-Max being awarded five stars in the latest Euro NCAP safety tests, a unique achievement for a pick-up.

The range starts at £21,999 +VAT.

ROAD TEST: STYLISH MG HAS LOTS TO OFFER PRICE CONSCIOUS BUYERS

It carries an iconic British badge but these days MG is owned by Chinese car maker SAIC, and built in China. Gone are the days of sporty two seaters in favour of more populist SUVs, an estate and a very smart hatchback, and what by today’s standards are bargain prices. There is now a very capable range of EV power within the MG line-up too.

The latest MG ZS is a different matter though. Style is subjective but most who saw my test model mentioned words like smart, stylish and quite a few admired the optional Battersea Blue paintwork. Inside the good vibes continue with decent legroom, a quality feel and premium look. The top of the range Exclusive model tested here has an extensive standard equipment tally and puts rivals to shame at the price.

Two engines are on offer, both petrol units, a 1.0-litre turbocharged three cylinder and a more conventional 1.5-litre four cylinder. They are mated to a six speed manual or automatic transmission and a five speed manual with the 1.5-litre engine. Prices for the range start from £16,995 with my top of the range Exclusive model driving in at £21,350, with the 1.0-litre power unit, 6-speed manual gears and optional Battersea Blue paint finish. Standard fare includes pretty much everything you would need including sat nav, cruise control, keyless entry and start, auto lights and wipers, heated front seats, faux leather upholstery, air conditioning, heated and powered door mirrors, 360 degree cameras, 10-inch touchscreen with Apple Car Play and Android Auto, electric seat adjustment and six speaker sound system. Phew!

On the road the ZS is a smooth and comfortable ride. The 6-speed manual gearbox is a delight with a slick change and well-chosen ratios. Quiet and refined, with particularly comfortable seating, it has excellent steering and handles surprisingly well with minimal body roll.

MG’s new car profile is growing and they have relatively recently added an all-electric ZS, including a long-range version, the MG5 EV estate and a plug-in hybrid HS model.

MG models are increasingly gaining in build quality and feel, with the ZS representing especially good value. Compared to similarly priced rivals the MG will probably not hold its value to the same level, but in many cases looks and feels better quality, rides and drives better and is a very nice place to be for your daily commute and holiday drive.

ROAD TEST: HYUNDAI IONIQ 5 – ATTENTION SEEKING STYLE

We’re used to cars being adapted from combustion engine vehicles to accommodate the change to battery power. Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 is different in that it was designed as a battery electric vehicle. It looks striking compared to anything else and one of the best comments describes it as looking very digital. From matrix style lights to pop-out door handles it’s futuristic without looking odd.

It’s a surprisingly large vehicle, inside and out, and you might reasonably expect it to be something along the lines of the i30, but it’s much larger and almost feels like a mini-SUV. It attracts attention! Rarely have so many people stopped me to talk about a car. The top-of-the-range 20-inch wheels are particularly unique and add to the futuristic look. Oddly, there is no rear wiper despite an obvious need, water may disperse off the screen at speed, but dirt doesn’t!

Inside it looks and feels very premium, with the lighter interior especially upmarket. A near flat floor and seats that are more like aircraft than car seat, particularly good comfort levels and an exceptionally good range of adjustment. Clever battery saving devices such as switching off passenger heating are well thought out. Equally good thinking with doors that open beyond the sill to keep your legs clean when exiting the car. Many manufacturers are moving towards completely digital controls but the IONIQ5 is very digital, but it’s a double-edged sword. There’s a cleaner and more modern interior look, but many functions require delving into sub menus making it somewhat of a hassle. Buttons are quicker, easier and more readily useable without taking your eyes off the road. I could rant on further about the far too interventionist lane-keep and other automatic systems, but this is something common to all manufacturers.

The IONIQ 5 starts at a not unreasonable, in EV terms, £37,600 with three trim levels and two battery options of 58kwh or 73kwh. The driving range is 238 miles or 298 miles respectively, but bear in mind those are ideal world figures. On the road the IONIQ 5 is a superb drive, 62mph in just over 5 seconds and a suspension system that very successfully irons out the bumps with generally decent handling given its size and a ride obviously aimed at comfort.

If you’re thinking of making the change to electric motoring, then the IONIQ 5 really should be on your shortlist.