LUXURY LIFESTYLE EDIT

Tabitha James Kraan Scented Organic Hair Oil £43 www.tabithajameskraan.com MONPURE London Triple-Hydration Hit £137 www.monpure.com Vintner’s Daughter, Active Botanical Serum £175 www.net-a-porter.com Pour Moi, India Long Sleeve Body £49, Laced in Gold Soft Body £45, India Cami Suspender £38 Laced Up Back Deep Brief £18 www.pourmoi.co.uk Mission 770 £3500 a pair www.mission.co.uk Shake Up Cosmetics Face4Ward Bundle £72 www.shakeupcosmetics.com Luviss Water Based Lubricant £25 www.luviss.com Liforme Year of the Tiger Yogamat £135 www.liforme.com Canterbury Bears Bunny & Freya Bundle £133 www.canterburybears.co.uk Dermanda Boto Lift Face Cream £225 www.dermanda.co.uk HADES Bowie Hunky Dory Vest £269 https://hades-shop.co.uk/ Fitzdares, ‘Guide to London’ for the most discerning gentleman £14.99 www.fitzdares.com The Comfy £39.99 www.thecomfy.com AUBIN: Barlings Socks £18, Scampton Plaited leather Belt £59, Brockham Rugby Shirt £75 www.aubinandwillss.co.uk dCS Vivaldi DAC, Rossini DAC & Rossini Player (Ring DAC APEX hardware as standard) £33000, £25500 & £28000 www.dcsaudio.com www.absolutesounds.com

A guide to some of our the season’s very best edible gifts, meal plans and wines

Beronia wine Rueda £8.99 Waitrose, Crianza £11.99, Reserva £11.99 Cantina Toblino Baticor Pinot Nero £37.80 https://hedonism.co.uk/ www.toblino.it/en/ Monte del Frà Valpolicella Classico £14.95 www.twelvegreenbottleswine.co.uk/ www.montedelfra.it/?lang=en Castello di Cigognola Moratti Rosé Champenoise DOCG Oltrepo’ Pavese Pinot Noir Vintage 2013 £29.95 wineswithstories.com. www.castellodicigognola.com/en Codorniu Rosado Brut NV £6.99 www.waitrose.com Vida Wines Spring Mixed Case £49 https://vidawines.co.uk/ Chapel Down Rosé Brut NV £26.99. www.waitrosecellar.com Farhi Bonbonniere £15 and £25 https://www.farhi.co.uk Munch Fit. Various tasty and healthy meal plans from www.munchfit.co.uk By Ruby. Super range of handmade food for your freezer https://byruby.co.uk/ Love Yourself. Excellent Health meal subscription service https://www.loveyourself.co.uk/ Cartografie Chocolate Collection £24 https://cartografiechocolate.com/ Cartwright & Butler Happy Easter Gift Box £25 www.cartwrightandbutler.co.uk Dukeshill Marc de Champagne Truffles & Fizz £45 www.dukeshillham.co.uk Niederegger Desserts Edition Marzipan Eggs £8 www.johnlewis.com Pale Fox Prosecco www.palefoxprosecco.com

Our favourite superfoods, supplements, clever allergy-busting products and more..

Henry Allergy £139.99 (from £199.99) www.myhenry.com Soda Stream Spirit Hydration Pack £69.99, Crystal Glass from £99.99 https://sodastream.co.uk/ Dr Seaweed Weed & Wonderful Pure Organic Seaweed £19.95 https:// doctorseaweed.com/ Your Super Gut Feeling £22.90 https://yoursuper.eu/ Welleco The Hair Elexir £40 www.welleco.co.uk Earth’s Secret Sleep £35 https://earthsecret.com/ Lily & Loaf Skin, Hair & Nail Gummies £14.18 https://lilyandloafinternational.com/ Prodigy Low Sugar Bars www.prodigysnacks.com Cannoffee Super coffee with the benefits of CBD www.thehashtagcompany.com BOSH! Healthy Vegan Cookery Book £5.49 www.amazon.co.uk

Style & Beauty Edit

The KCR Curated guide to some of the very best beauty and style products this Spring

Style & Beauty Edit

Where to Buy

Leighton Denny Plant Based Nail Polishes. £12.50 each https:// leightondenny.com/ Abbott Lyon Blush Pearl Link Nueva 40 £149.00 Watch www. abbottlyon.com Abbott Lyon Pearl Canvas Resort Bag www.abbottlyon.com Cambridge Satchel Company The Traveller in Fizzy Grape Matte £230 www.cambridgesatchel.com Acotis Diamonds Elements Gold 9ct White Gold Shaped Blue Topaz Diamond Earrings £412.50 www.acotisdiamonds.co.uk The Diamond Store Aquamarine 0.34CT And Diamond 9K White Gold Pendant Necklace £165 www.thediamondstore. co.uk Narciso Rodriguez For Him Bleu Noir Eau de Toilette, 50ml £54.00 www.johnlewis.com Rose Diamond Collection www.theorganicpharmacy.com Willowberry Limited Edition Design Indulgent Hand & Body Lotion £29.99 www.willowberry.co.uk Willowberry Limited Edition Design Luxury Skincare Gift Set £79.99 www.willowberry.co.uk Bon Parfumeur 501 Eau de parfum £75.00 www.selfridges.com Narciso Rodriguez, Narciso Poudrée Eau De Parfum 90ml Spray £89.50 www.thefragranceshop.co.uk Narciso Rodriguez, For Her Musc Noir Rose Eau De Parfum 100ml Spray £101.50 www.thefragranceshop.co.uk Serge Lutens Féminité Du Bois Limited Edition 50ml £110.00 www.harveynichols.com Aaran Glen Rosa Fig & Ylang Ylang 100ml Eau de Toilette £42.50 https://arran.com/ Wonderskin Liquid Gym Face Sculpting Serum £30.00 https:// eu.wonderskin.com/ Tisserand Energy Boost range www.tisserand.com/energy-boost/ Alteya Organic Cold Pressed Rosehip Seed Oil £12.95 https:// alteya.co.uk/ Sensai Contouring Lipstick & Lipstick Holder www.sensai-cosmetics.com Initio Atomic Rose Eau de parfum 90ml £215.00 www.selfridges.com Dolce & Gabbana Dolce Lily Eau de Toilette 75ml £83 www. harrods.com Weleda Love Aroma Shower 200ml £8.25 https://www.weleda. co.uk/ Ren Moroccan Rose range www.renskincare.com Dolce & Gabbana Sheerlips Lipsticks £33.00 www.lookfantastic. com Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist £26.00 and Exclusive Edition Five Roses Hand Cream £32.00 www.jurlique.com Parfums de Marly Delina La Rosee Eau de Parfum 75ml £200.00 www.fenwick.co.uk Heritage Store Rosewater Range https://heritagestore.com/ Dry Bar luxury hair styling range www.drybar.com Natucain Brow Serum https://natucain.co.uk/ Slip Multi Skinny Scrunchies £39 www.slipsilkpillowcase.co.uk HD Brows The Pro Pencil Bundle £25.00. https://hdbrows. com/ Gaia Awakening Body Oil £30 www.gaiaskincare.com Nordic Roots Apple Complex Moisturiser £26 www.greenpeople.co.uk Daniel Dishop Tan Leather Shopper Bag £169.00 www.danielfootwear.com PMD Clean Body £145 https://uk.pmdbeauty.com/product/ clean-body

Duke + Dexter & Fracap

Exclusive Collaboration

Fracap have made hiking boots for over a century – and with this collaboration, D+D have taken that historic know-how, combined it with a freshness from their own design lab in Hackney, London and turned the spirit of adventure to face winter in the city. Every pair has been handmade in Italy, sharing the DNA that has made Fracap boots some of the best in the world. The exclusive collection has been equipped with custom Vibram soles, traditional hiker eyelets and finished in leather or water-resistant suede. There’s even a style that’s been made to leave footprints on the pavement, not the planet, with a Vibram sole made from recycled plastic and a vegan leather upper. In true D+D style, this is a collection that’s been built with a real sense of purpose. Each pair has been designed to be more than just a robust boot that can conquer any terrain – the London footwear label has created them to give the wearer the ability to go anywhere, in any weather, and look damn good doing it. This trio of Hiking Boots are purposefully built to feel as comfortable and suitable up in the Dolomites, as they are on the streets of Dalston.

Archie Hewlett at Duke + Dexter said “Fracap is one of the greatest boot makers of all time, and teaming up with them has resulted in boots that can do pretty much anything. Along with their credentials being fit for taking on mountain paths, we’ve also made them ready to pound the pavement with modern fabrications, lightweight revisions and novel touches that make them relevant to your everyday style - whilst still retaining their world beating features”. Duke + Dexter challenges expectations of what a British shoe brand can and should be - striking a balance between progressive style and familiar British charm. Over the past 5 years, D+D has expanded from its London roots into a global community; working with athletes, musicians, artists, designers, photographers and pioneers who do things differently, who go against the grain. D+D are big believers in making the most of what you own - buy once and buy right is a powerful mantra - and they want the way their shoes are worn to reflect that.

Since launching in 2015, D+D has received international recognition, selling to over 120 countries worldwide and working with reputable international retailers including Harrods, Selfridges, Nordstrom, Levels and Tsum. A Winner at Draper’s 2017 & 2019 Footwear Awards as Premium Footwear Brand of the Year and nominated for Best Online Footwear Business in 2018, the brand has found favour with a credible celebrity clientele. Eddie Redmayne, Ryan Reynolds, Justin Timberlake, Jonah Hill, David Beckham, Snoop Dogg and Rihanna have all sported D+D’s - helping cement D+D’s position as a leading footwear label. Available exclusively at dukeanddexter.com RRP: £290

Spa Time: Grey Wolfe

I arrived at the Grey Wolfe spa on a cold, wet January afternoon, somewhat frazzled after leaving too little time to find somewhere to park. It speaks volumes for the calm and relaxed ambience that the designers of this recently opened spa in Barnes, a pretty corner of West London, have managed to create that within moments I felt the tension easing away. As I waited in the tasteful reception area, with its mellow hues and uncluttered surfaces, sipping a cup of lavender and chamomile tea so delicious that I bought a jar for home, I wondered vaguely why this new arrival on the spa scene is named Grey Wolfe (I never did work it out). In the meantime, my eyes wandered over the elegant glass shelves stocked with a tempting range of products – from oils and infusions to body and face creams. Grey Wolfe claims to be much more than your average health spa – a ‘holistic wellness space, specialising in bespoke treatments that align the mind, body and spirit’, according to the blurb. In advance of my visit, I had been sent a detailed form to complete, covering everything from general health to my aspirations for the treatment. My therapist discussed this with me to make sure that she tailored the experience (a full body massage) accordingly. The treatment began with some breathing exercises, slow and deep to start with, then growing to such speed and intensity that I was left feeling like I’d run up several dozen flights of stairs. If the purpose was to clear my mind and focus it on my breath, then it worked. The ensuing massage was utter bliss. Using scented oils tailored to both revive and relax, as I’d asked, it sent me into a state of such serenity that I wanted time to stand still. Afterwards, I was given plenty of time to relax, cocooned in deliciously warm towels and lulled almost to sleep by calming music.

Another consultation with my therapist followed, during which she made some observations from the treatment, some of which I expected (tightly-knotted shoulders – the perennial lot of someone who spends most of their time hunched over a computer) but others which were more about my emotional state and were surprisingly perceptive. From this, she made recommendations for lifestyle changes and products to try, all of which I found both insightful and inspiring. With treatments starting from £85 for a 30-minute deep-tissue massage to a 90-minute ‘Renaissance body glow’ treatment for £240, the Grey Wolfe experience doesn’t come cheap. Is it worth it? Absolutely. The fact that it offers a genuinely individual, tailored experience sets it ahead of other spas and leaves you feeling thoroughly nurtured, as opposed to merely pampered. By the time I had to venture back out into the now dark and rainy afternoon, I felt so blissed-out that not only could I not remember where I had parked the car, I could barely recall owning one at all. For further details and to book visit:

https://greywolfe.co.uk/

By Tracy Borman

LUXURY SPANISH PROPERTIES FOR SALE

Three new homes-from-home from Asturianproperties.com

1. PROPERTY IN LLANES, ASTURIAS. €4.8 MILLION

At this designer-acclaimed clifftop villa: everything’s planned – just arrive, relax, have fun. Wake up to wide sea vistas, stroll along your private clifftop – there’s no-one to bother you here. Yet, you’re only a 50m amble to the local unspoilt beach. There are three floors, all reached by the lift, plus seven bedrooms and bathrooms, two kitchens and dining rooms, a wine cellar, larder and laundry facilities too. You and your guests will be in awe of the surrounding mountain and marine landscape. Exercise in the indoor and outdoor pools, the jacuzzi, sauna, gym, tennis court, basketball and football pitch in 12,000sq m of grounds, including 948sq m of habitable space and a 108sq m terrace. In Llanes there are top restaurants, some Michelin-starred, and the Santander International Arts Festival or the Opera season in Oviedo are held here.

The villa featured in Interior Designs magazine shortly after construction, for its sleek lines and clean finishes. There’s also a garage for six cars, and an automatic pellet-drive eco-system which supplies underfloor heating, air-conditioning and heating for both pools. And, you can control all aspects of the villa when away via the top-of-therange remote system. The nearby A8 Highway, which links to all parts of Spain and Europe, is out of sight and ear-shot, while airports, ferry ports and other principal transport links are within an hour’s drive.

2. PROPERTY IN VILLAVICIOSA, ASTURIAS. €2.4 MILLION

Manicured wooded gardens set the 6,000m2 scene for this stunning stone manor house and pavilion. During its full restoration, 1996-1999, the owners took exquisite care to maintain the original features whilst implementing new foundations and a reinforced concrete solid core of pillars, slabs and beams, overlaid with the original elements of wood, stone and forged metal. It was a labour of love. Its 815m2 are on 3 floors.

Distribution: Ground Floor - entrance hall, living room with fireplace accessing the beautiful stone-pillared porch, sitting room with fireplace leading to the stone staircase, library, dining-room, wine cellar, kitchen-diner, utility, bedroom, bathroom, toilet. First Floor - 7 bedrooms (1 with living room). Second Floor - 4 bedrooms (1 triple with living room and small loft).All 11 bedrooms have en suite bathrooms and built-in wardrobes.The property is sold furnished.

Opened as an hotel in 2000, soon becoming one of the best rural hotels in Asturias, acclaimed by important travel critics such as Fernando Gallardo. This lead to it being listed in many sector reference guides: “Hoteles con Encanto”, “Turismo de Silencio”, “Michelin Guide”, “Special Places to Stay in Spain”, “Rusticae”, “Domus Selecta Aurea”; the prestigious luxury hotel association Relais Chateaux invited the owners to join the association, potentially making it the first hotel in Asturias to achieve such recognition. However, in 2005 it returned to being the owners’ private residence.

2008 debuted the celebration of weddings, that of a family friend. Such a success was it that the owners were inspired to integrate a pavilion into the garden sensitively and stylishly following English designs that combine stone, wood and glass. The 376m2 encompass the banqueting suite, professional kitchen, porch and dance floor, 6 rest rooms. Capable of hosting celebrations for 300. Very soon TELVA BODAS (the prestigious national wedding magazine) selected it amongst the 6 most beautiful locations in Spain. Ideal as an exclusive home or a business with a high potential return on investment whose options range from a hotel with wedding or corporate events venue, and/or, since it has a professional kitchen, an elite restaurant. All these activities could be perfectly integrated to produce a highly profitable business. In its discreet private setting, the house can host up to 25 overnight guests and 300 private party guests.

Whatever the prospective buyer’s preference its location is second-tonone, with outstanding mountains and coast of stunning beaches and cliffs: Rodiles, La Griega, La Isla, La Espasa. Excellent A8 Highway communications to the nearby 3 cities, Asturias airport 72km and Santander airport and ferry port 148km.

3. PROPERTY IN VILLAVICIOSA, ASTURIAS. €950,000

Near Rodiles beach this traditional Asturian Palace in 4,000m2 stonewalled land with building permission. Family coat-of-arms adorns the 18th Century baroque-style palace, whose first floor is virtually all original chestnut flooring. A large stone barn, guests’ dwelling, and pigeon loft add to the 770m2 construction of 2 kitchens, 3 living rooms, 7 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms.

Ground floors - garages oozing potential. Palace’s first floor accesses its beautiful centennial arboretum gardens to garden house, BBQ, and WC. Just 2.8km to fabulous Rodiles beach, 6.6km to Villaviciosa market town. Communications: Asturias airport 70km eastwards, Santander airport and ferry port 150km west.

THE COMPANY

I am Miriam Malga-Smith and Asturian-Property.com is my business, the highly personalised online agency for English speakers worldwide, based in London and Asturias. I am bilingual and have bilingual professionals to assist my clients through all stages of the sale/purchase of properties in Northern Spain. If you are interested in knowing more about Asturias and other regions in Green Spain, you will find more information at Asturian-Property.com, or please contact me personally via my email miriam@asturian-property.com or the following mobile numbers (+34) 639 170 320 or (+44) 754 575 6152.

KCR Drive

Editor in Chief Lisa Curtiss reviews a selection of our most highly rated cars this Spring

Audi RS Q8

Few SUVs are as handsome and imposing as the RS Q8 from Audi. With its near on matchless blend of sports car pace and SUV space, this 600ps , 800 Nm, 0-62mph in 3.8 secs barnstormer isn’t for the faint-hearted - or financially challenged. Our TSFI Carbon Black model tested with RS Styling Pack, City Assist Pack and panoramic sunroof was just shy of £119,000. Is it worth it? Well.. as one of our wealthy, luxury appreciating readers, a resounding YES. There is so much to appreciate. From its stunning looks, luxury materials, build quality, acres of space and versatility to how fantastically dynamic and engaging it is to drive and the raft of advanced tech at your disposal the RS Q8 excels.

Viewed in the metal this is a sizable car – even as large SUVs go. Despite weighing in at around the 2.4 tonne mark and almost wide enough to completely fill between both lines of your average parking space, it’s sleek and sporty looking and a refreshing change from the numerous large SUVs which favour a more boxy look. The sloping roofline flows into the forward-canted D-pillars and rests against the quattro blisters above the wheel arches. RS-specific trim strips in the body colour widen the body by 10 mm up front and 5 mm in the rear, providing space for the more generous track. The RS sills come standard in Manhattan grey, which makes the body appear even more athletic. An RS roof edge spoiler provides a striking finish at the top; design highlights closer to the road are the RS-specific rear skirt with a diffuser clip in high gloss black and the RS-typical oval tailpipes. The RS roof edge spoiler provides downforce on the rear axle for even balance at high speeds. This stylish new Audi RS Q8 is available in a choice of nine colours: one solid paint finish and eight metallic or pearl effect shades, plus the Audi exclusive programme offers numerous additional exterior colour options. The exterior mirror housings come standard in aluminium, with carbon or black fitted to Carbon Black and Vorsprung models respectively. The black (on Vorsprung) and carbon (for Carbon Black models) styling packages set precise accents at the radiator grille, blades, diffuser clip and rear light strip (carbon only). In combination with these styling packages, the Audi rings and RS logos at the front and rear are also black. The tinted RS HD Matrix LED headlights have a three-dimensional daytime running lights signature with a digital character, similar to the LED tail lights. A light strip backed by a high-gloss black surface joins the rear lights, further emphasizing the wide stance. The RS Matrix LED headlights and the rear lights include dynamic turn signals and are showcased by an expressive RS-specific animation when the car is locked or unlocked.

The interior of the new RS Q8 features a deliberately clean design. All elements beneath the black cloth headlining have a logical connection and harmonise with one another. The headlining is black Alcantara for Carbon Black and Vorsprung specifications. The slim instrument panel and the strongly horizontal lines convey a feeling of spaciousness. The central element in the cockpit is the top MMI touch response display. With its black-panel look, it almost dissolves into a large, black surface when switched off. Another primary design element is the wide, symmetrical console of the centre tunnel. Framing it are design elements in Aluminum Spectrum, which underscore the athletic character of the large SUV coupe. Special RS displays in the Audi virtual cockpit and MMI display provide information on such things as tyre pressure, torque, output, temperature, lap times and g-forces. The shift light display prompts the driver to upshift when the rev limit is reached. The head-up display, exclusively available on Vorsprung versions, also offers several RS-specific graphics. Luxurious RS sport seats in Valcona leather with a honeycomb pattern and RS embossing are fitted as standard. Ventilation and a massage function are also added to the Vorsprung specification. The RS design package – standard on Carbon Black and Vorsprung, and available in red or grey – includes red or grey contrasting stitching on the knee pads, steering wheel rim, floor mats, gear selector lever and the edges of the seat belts. With both packages, the centre console, selector lever and steering wheel are covered in Alcantara. There is an RS logo on the steering wheel. The illuminated front door sill trims sport an RS Q8 logo. The fully perforated RS sport leather steering wheel flattened at the bottom with shift paddles also includes multifunction buttons. The driver can directly select the new Audi drive select modes RS1 and RS2 via the RS-Mode button. RS-specific displays then open automatically in the Audi virtual cockpit. The RS Q8 also demonstrates its uncompromised everyday usability in the rear. A sliding three-seat rear bench is standard. With the seat backrests folded down, the luggage compartment under the power rear hatch holds up to 1,755 litres.

Despite its hefty weight and size, the RS Q8’s performance trounces many that of many acclaimed sports cars. The 4.0-litre V8 TFSI engine with 600 PS and maximum torque of 800 Nm combines with the quattro all-wheel drive and the 8-speed automatic tiptronic to deliver pure dynamism. The 0 to 62 mph sprint is delivered in a in 3.8 seconds. While the Electromechanical active roll stabilisation and RS-specific Adaptive Air Suspension provide excellent agility, precision and comfort, the dual exhaust system delivers a delicious roar too. The power of the V8 TFSI flows to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system via the standard eight-speed tiptronic. Configured as a planetary gear, the purely mechanical centre differential typically distributes the drive power in a 40:60 ratio to the front and rear axles. In the event of slip, more drive torque automatically goes to the axle with the better traction. Up to 70 percent can be directed to the front wheels and up to 85 percent to the rear wheels. Wheel-selective torque control perfects the safe and agile handling of the new RS Q8. During dynamic cornering, the quattro sport differential fitted as standard distributes drive torque between the rear wheels as required. This active torque vectoring improves traction, stability and dynamics. The standard RS-specific adaptive air suspension sport with controlled damping means the new RS Q8 is equally at home on the racetrack or an offroad trail. Its RS-specific damper tuning allows for a particularly broad spread between a setup biased toward comfort and an extremely sporty setup. Depending on driving situation and the driver’s wishes, the body’s ride height varies by up to 90 millimetres. The optional electromechanical active roll stabilisation (EAWS) minimise body roll during fast cornering. There is a compact electric motor between the two halves of the stabilizer on each of the two axles. When driving straight ahead, the two halves of the stabilizer are decoupled, which reduces body movement on uneven roads and also increases ride comfort. All-wheel steering, also standard, moves the rear wheels via a hightorque electric spindle drive and two track rods. At low speeds, the rear wheels turn up to 5 degrees opposite the direction of the front wheels for greater agility. At high speeds, they turn up to 1.5 degrees in the same direction as the front wheels to improve stability during fast lane changes. With variable ground clearance, short overhangs, quattro permanent all-wheel drive and hill descent control, the new Audi RS Q8 can carry on calmly and confidently when paved roads end. The driver can precisely influence the character of the RS Q8 via the Audi drive select dynamic handling system. There are eight profiles from which to choose: comfort, auto, dynamic, efficiency, allroad, offroad and the individually configurable RS-specific modes RS1 and RS2, which can be activated directly via the “RS-MODE” button on the steering wheel. Audi drive select affects such things as engine and transmission management, steering boost, the air suspension, all-wheel steering, engine sound and the characteristic of the automatic air conditioning. The new RS Q8 comes standard with 22-inch aluminium wheels in a 10-spoke star design with 295/40-series tyres – the largest ever factory-installed on an Audi production model. Optional 23-inch cast aluminium wheels in a 5 Y-spoke rotor design are available exclusively for the RS Q8. Carbon Black editions are fitted with the 23-inch 5-Y spoke wheels in gloss black, while an anthracite black with diamond turned finish is applied to the Vorsprung. Behind the large wheels is an RS brake system with internally vented composite discs (420 mm) up front, 370 mm at the rear. Their 10-inch piston calipers are painted black as standard, but are available in red as an option. For more information visit www.audi.co.uk PAGE 73

Salon Prive London

Salon Privé London is set to make its debut at the Royal Hospital Chelsea from 21-23 April 2022, and the brand-new fixture promises to be one of the UK’s most exclusive luxury motor shows.

At the heart of the event is the unique Concours de Vente, a groundbreaking concept that will feature 60 of the finest automotive classics – all of which will be for sale. The cars will be entered by the most respected specialist dealers from across the UK and continental Europe, with Salon Privé London offering a rare opportunity for them to showcase a selection of their most significant consignments in one place. The first 10 dealers to be confirmed are Fiskens, Classic Motor Hub, Howard Wise Cars, Furlonger Specialist Cars, Dylan Miles, RS Williams, Graeme Hunt, Richards of England, Vintage Bentley and Hofmann’s.

Elsewhere at Salon Privé London, the world’s leading luxury and supercar manufacturers will take advantage of the event’s status as the first main automotive fixture in the European calendar by showing off their latest models and technology. The lawn will be full of new cars, many of which will be making their UK, European, or even global debuts. It’s not just about the horsepower, though. Away from the cars, you can expect the most glamorous celebration in the automotive calendar, where the focus will be on creating an environment where everything on display is for sale. Salon Privé has long been renowned for the quality of its hospitality and retail experience, and Royal Hospital Chelsea will host a coming-together of automotive icons and luxury brands. The latter will showcase everything from Riva sports boats and Bell helicopters to the finest jewellery, luxury fashion brands to watches. The Salon Privé TIME emporium includes some of the world’s most revered watchmaking brands displaying their latest designs. Event Director Andrew Bagley said: ‘Salon Privé London is much more than just a car show: we’re planning an experience in the truest sense of the word. You’ll come for the cars, and stay for the bars, gourmet hospitality, luxury shopping, entertainment and vibe – all in the true Salon Privé style that people have come to expect. Guests can enjoy fine dining alongside beautiful classic cars and supercars, while soaking up stunning artworks and the very best that luxury brands have to offer. Entertaining and being entertained is very Salon Privé – and something that’s been at the heart of everything we do, ever since our first luxury car event at the Hurlingham Club back in 2006.’ Various VIP hospitality packages are available, from exclusive dining in ‘The Sloane’, where you can sip bottomless chilled glasses of Louis Pommery and indulge in a sumptuous threecourse seated luncheon, as well as afternoon tea, to gourmet buffet luncheons and full complimentary bar. The celebration will of course retain the luxury cars that you’d expect from Salon Privé, which is globally renowned for showcasing the world’s most respected automotive brands, such as Aston Martin, Bugatti, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche and Rolls-Royce. This really is the place to see and be seen! Tickets for Salon Privé London are on sale now. For further event information visit: www.salonprivelondon.com

The all-new Lexus NX is serious competition for all luxury medium-sized SUVs, with its eye-catching design, dynamic driverfocused performance and efficient eco-forward plug-in hybrid electric powertrain which is a first for the brand. Lexus is on a roll for creating cars as desirable to gaze at as they are great to drive. It’s hard to fault the elegant lines of the sublime LC500 we’ve tested, which happens to be swift, beautifully balanced and engaging to drive. The all-new NX also has ample kerb appeal with its bold muscular curves contrasting with sharp angles to give it substance yet sportiness. It’s all about preserving the avant-garde character that proved so attractive to customers with the first-generation model while using a new more sophisticated, mature and dynamic design language. The result is what the brand calls “functional beauty,” a blending of design with performance to produce styling that delivers improved aerodynamics, noise reduction and fuel efficiency. Viewed from the front, the hallmark Lexus grille plays a more integral role in the design. Its lines flow back to accentuate the long bonnet and generate the overall form and volume of the body as it flares broadly through the muscular rear wings. The elegant shape of the bonnet also supports good forward visibility from the driver’s seat. Head to the back to appreciate how the model’s long and sleek front-end contrasts with a condensed rear section with its short overhang and powerful haunches. The rear view is distinguished by new L-shaped all-LED light clusters, and Lexus’s signature blade lighting which spans the width of the vehicle, a feature first seen on the UX compact luxury SUV. There’s a choice of 11 colours, including three shades that use Lexus’s advanced sonic paint technology – Sonic White, Sonic Titanium and new Sonic Grey. Five ultra-thin layers of paint with compressed pigment particles are applied and hand polished to achieve striking light and shade contrasts and a deeper lustre across the bodywork. Slip inside the new NX to really appreciate how excellent Lexus’ cabins are. This the first model to feature Lexus’s Tazuna concept for the driver’s cockpit, an approach that was first revealed in the Lexus LF-30 Electrified concept car. Taking its name from a Japanese word describing a rider’s use of the reins to control a horse, it focuses on giving the driver direct, intuitive control of the vehicle, following the principal of “hands on the wheel, eyes on the road”. It also raises the quality of the driving experience, making the driver feel confident and in command of their vehicle and their surroundings. While the driver experiences the focused, engaging environment created by the new Tazuna cockpit design, passengers enjoy a greater sense of space with an elevated level of comfort, quality and attention to detail that are quintessentially Lexus, evoking the feeling of a luxurious lounge. Great attention has been paid to making the seats as comfortable as possible and eight-way power adjustment, plus lumbar support, is available for the front seats on high grade models, while on F Sport models additional forward/back headrest adjustment is provided. Gentle, indirect cabin illumination can be adjusted using the Lexus Mood Selector to help create the right effect for every journey, with ambient lighting in the footwells, door panels and centre console. As a SUV you’d expect there to be space, and there is. The load space is 545 litres with the rear seats in place, increasing to a maximum 1,436 litres with the seats folded down. There is sufficient room to carry three golf bags or two large suitcases (77 and 63-litre), without the seats being lowered.

Out on the road, this is a delight of a car to drive. Unlike may SUVs of this class, it’s agile, swift and responsive. Lexus has drawn on more than 15 years of hybrid technology expertise to produce this first plugin hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). The full plug-in system, including electric motors and battery, produces a maximum 305bhp/227 kW, enabling acceleration from 0-62mph in 6.3 seconds. At the same time, CO2 emissions between 20 and 26g/km and fuel economy between 256.8 and 313.9mpg are among the best in the new NX’s class. Thanks to its powerful battery and superior efficiency, NX 450h+ also provides a substantially higher EV range: 43 to 47 miles combined, rising to 55 to 61 miles in the urban cycle - twice the range offered by competitor cars. The NX 450h+ is also equipped as standard with Lexus’s intelligent E-Four electric all-wheel drive system and has a 1.5-tonne (braked) towing capacity. Feature wise, there’s a raft of safety, dynamics and infotainment tech to appreciate. Our top trim Takumi model’s highlights include the excellent 3rd generation Lexus Safety System+ with Pre- Collision System, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Trace Assist, Road Sign Assist & Automatic High Beam/Adaptive High-beam System. Also, Head Up Display, Lexus Link Pro multimedia system with four- year connected services subscription, cloud- based navigation, embedded navigation, voice assistant, 14in HD touchscreen and faster CPU, leather upholstery, 8-way power front seat adjustment and more.

Over all this is a highly desirable, top quality, luxurious and attractive SUV that’s a pleasure to drive and be a passenger in. It’s a lot of car for the circa £59,700 cost. For more information visit www.lexus.co.uk

Imposing, spacious and capable, the globally acclaimed Highlander is now available in an all-hybrid model range making it even more desirable for families who need a tough and versatile 7-seater, but want to minimise their environmental impact. To create the new Highlander Hybrid, Toyota has drawn on more than 20 years’ experience in making hybrid vehicles and more than 16 million global sales. The model’s fourth generation self-charging system provides up to 80 per cent emissions-free driving, combined with Toyota’s renowned quality, durability and reliability. A more practical proposition than plug-in hybrid (PHEV) technology typically used for large SUVs, the Highlander’s self-charging hybrid powertrain and an electric cruising speed of up to 78mph is more suitable for those who frequently travel longer distances. The all-wheel drive 245bhp/182kW hybrid powertrain is exceptionally quiet and offers fuel economy (WLTP combined cycle) from 39.2 to 39.7mpg with 160 to 163g/km CO2 emissions – all respectable given the Highlander’s substantial size and weight. Acceleration is smooth and powerful, and the vehicle can tow loads of up to two tonnes. New Highlander Hybrid is 4,966mm long, 1,930mm wide and 1,755mm high and has a 2,850mm wheelbase. It has the sleek and sophisticated styling of a premium urban SUV while communicating the power, strength and durability of a rugged and versatile all-wheel drive model. Flared wheel arches and the shape of the upper and lower front grilles, reinforce the car’s broad and powerful stance and viewed side on, you get a real sense of dynamism generated by a sturdy, forward-leaning lower body and a rear-sloping roofline. Large, 20-inch alloy wheels add to the premium quality appearance. Seven attractive exterior paint colours are available, including a new Moondust blue pearlescent which uses a two-layer coating process. The Highlander’s interior is designed with all the practicality, durability and flexible space-on-demand expected of a seven-seat family SUV, while offering a comfortable and luxurious environment for everyone on board. The instrument panel has a solid central element that houses the eight-inch multimedia display and flows across the full width of the dashboard, framed by smooth, soft-touch padding. It is visually supported by a wide, square centre console. The switchgear is shaped to flow seamlessly from the panels and for ease of use. Satin and wood grain trim finishes add to the prestigious ambience, while the softtouch padding uses finely textured leather with precise stitchwork. The interior is upholstered in black perforated leather with textured silver ornamentation and dark wood trim.

This is a remarkably spacious vehicle and true seven-seater. Unlike many SUVs there actually is spacious and accessible accommodation in the two third row seats, comfortable for even adults to use. Legroom is generous throughout. A handy feature is the power tailgate with kick-sensor function on the Excel Premium model, giving easy handsfree access to the load compartment. When all seven seats are in place, this provides 332 litres of storage, including 27 litres beneath the floor. When second and third row seats are folded flat, the space increases to a whopping 1,909 litres. There are further storage spaces throughout the cabin, together with power, USB and external HDMI sockets and ports in the front and second row seat areas.

Highlander is available in two high-specification versions in the UK: – Excel and Excel Premium. The Highlander Excel equipment features include seven-inch TFT multi-information display in the driver’s instrument binnacle; multimedia system with a central eight-inch display, satellite navigation and smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto); wireless smartphone charger; triple-zone air conditioning; heated and ventilated front seats; heated steering wheel; power tailgate; Skyview panoramic roof, black leather seat upholstery; and 11-speaker JBL Premium Sound System. The Excel Premium further gain kick-activated tailgate operation; ventilated front seats; heated outer second row seats; digital rear-view mirror; Panoramic View Monitor; and a head-up display. Options include an Essential Protection Pack (boot liner and chrome bumper protection plate); black side steps with stainless steel grips; and seven/13- pin towbars. On-theroad prices are £50,595 for the Highlander Excel and £52,575 for the Excel Premium. Both are protected by Toyota’s five-year/100,000-mile new vehicle warranty. Despite its size and weight, the Highlander is an engaging and pleasant drive and excels as a motorway cruiser, perfect for long family trips. You can choose your preferred drive mode to suit the occasion or conditions – Eco, Normal, Sport and Trail. All four modes can still be used when the vehicle is operating in its (separately selectable) EV all-electric mode. The gear ratio has been optimised for maximum fuel efficiency and dynamic performance. Resonance and noise have been suppressed by measures including polishing of the gear teeth and a new gear structure design, making the hybrid system quieter than ever before.

Highlander is equipped with the latest Toyota Safety Sense active safety and driver assistance technologies, designed to help prevent or mitigate collisions in a wide range of traffic scenarios. Elements include a Pre-Collision System that can detect pedestrians by day and night and cyclists during daytime driving, with Emergency Steering Assist and Intersection Turn Assistance; intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with curve speed reduction; Lane Trace Assist and Lane Departure Alert with steering control; Road Sign Assist; and Adaptive High- beam System. For more information visit: www.toyota.co.uk

These last few years no premium car manufacturer has made such a positive impact in terms of launching models with the highly coveted combination of elegance, versatility, quality, safety and eco-forward credentials than Volvo. The uber-cool Scandi minimalist aesthetic of the brand’s DNA has birthed cars such as the V90 which are a design-snob’s absolute delight. Our most recent model on test, the XC60 Recharge is no exception and is as desirable as SUVs can get. More compact than its also excellent XC90 sibling, the XC60 Recharge is a beautifully crafted midsize hybrid SUV perfect for family life. Bold sweeping lines give the SUV a coupe-esq feel. Viewed from any angle it’s undoubtedly an elegant, aerodynamic and perfectly proportioned car. From the sculpted side lines which run across the doors, to the stylish yet fuss-free lights and iconic Volvo front grille it’s hard to pick fault. Slip inside the cabin and the aesthetic appeal continues. As Volvo says on its website, ‘Details matter’, and that for all its models means tasteful, thoughtful, necessary and refreshingly frill-free. The cabins of the XC60 Recharge, same as the stunning V90 and XC90 reviewed are a masterclass in how to create a calm ambiance, be practical, use environmentally conscious materials and delight the eye. Pale neutral tones from nature and minimal artfully placed chrome details are used, complementing soft yet strong leather-free Tailored Wool Blend upholstery and a driftwood inlay with a pattern inspired by the elemental forces of water, wind and waves. Even the hand-crafted gear shift is of genuine Swedish crystal, made exclusively for Volvo by Orrefors. A panoramic roof which allows the light to flood in illuminates these lovely touches. Comfort is foremost too, and the cabins, both front and rear, are spacious, light and airy. Thoughtful features such as an advanced air purifier in the air quality system prevents up to 95 per cent of hazardous PM 2.5 particles entering the cabin, helping all occupants to enjoy better and healthier air quality, regardless of the conditions outside - and you can even monitor particle and pollen levels outside the car. Volvo interiors are the best you can experience, even compared against other brand models several times the price. The XC60 recharge literally has Google built in to provide best-in-class navigation and entertainment access. With Google Maps seamlessly integrated in the XC60 Recharge, real-time traffic information and automatic rerouting helps you reach your destination with less hassle. Google Assistant – you can talk to Google in your XC60 Recharge for hands-free help. Easily get directions, enjoy entertainment and keep in touch with friends, family and colleagues – just say “Hey Google” to get started. Plus you can stay connected to your digital life as Google Play in your XC60 Recharge lets you enjoy the apps and services that can make every journey more entertaining and convenient. Subscribe to the Digital Services Package and enjoy full access to all the remote services in the Volvo Cars app including locking and unlocking, cabin precleaning and cabin heating or cooling. Our Inscription model on test featured the excellent Premium Sound by Harman Kardon with Dolby Pro Logic II Surround Sound. Of course there’s a wealth of safety features too, including a Head-Up Display which allows you to watch your speed, follow turn-by-turn navigation, and more without losing focus on the road. The brightness of the head-up display adapts automatically to the light conditions, and you can set the system to suit your own personal preferences. There’s also City Safety with Steering Support which includes pedestrian, cyclist and large animal detection, and front collision warning with fully automatic emergency braking and steering assistance. Plus Oncoming Lane Mitigation which automatically provides steering assistance if you unwittingly drift out of your lane, guiding you back into your lane and out of the path of any oncoming vehicles. Run-off Road Protection automatically tightens the front seatbelts should the car inadvertently leave the road, while front seat frames with a collapsible section reduce vertical forces to help prevent spinal injuries. And there are Automatic LED headlights with active high beam and a rear parking camera and front and rear parking sensors. Our XC60 Recharge T8 AWD Inscription Pro model on test was a delight to drive - smooth, supple, swift and engaging – more car-like than a good sized SUV. If you’ve been slightly nervous of going fully electric, this is an excellent model to reassure. It enables you to add electric power to your everyday drive and enjoy a plug-in hybrid that considers tomorrow without compromising today’s experience. With one pedal drive and all-wheel drive, the XC60 Recharge performs with agility while delivering relaxed control and a smooth, powerful drive. The T8 engine delivers 303hp (petrol) and 87hp (electric) and gives a combined economy of 100.9-113mpg with just 56-64g/km CO2. The 0-62mph sprint takes just 5.5 seconds, and the electric range is 46 miles. The XC60 Recharge is very probably the best mid-sized SUV around. Our model tested was £63,735 representing excellent value for this calibre of car. For more info visit www.volvocars.com/uk

Versatile, stylish, sporty, tech-rich and created with the environment in mind, this premium SUV from Audi has all the attributes needed to be the perfect family car. Its strong clean lines give it an assured and sophisticated presence, and the high front, wide stance and large wheels hint at SUV robustness, whilst its sloping roofline adds a dash of Coupé styling. The large, enclosed single frame grille distinguishes it as an all-electric model and the ground clearance of approximately 18 centimetres enables the model to perform well on rougher terrain. The Q4 Sportback e-tron comes in a choice of eight paint finishes including the stunning new metallic shade aurora violet which has until now been reserved for Audi Sport models. In Sport versions 19-inch Graphite grey alloy wheels with a special ‘aero’ design that contributes to overall efficiency amply fill the wheel arches, which along with the lower section of the bumper and the diffusor are painted in contrasting metallic Manhattan grey. A gloss package also accentuates the side windows, which are privacy tinted at the rear in S line models and above. Slip inside and the car continues to delight. This really is a practical, useable and versatile SUV – one that will integrate seamlessly into everyday life. The model’s 4.59-metre footprint offers a level of space which exceeds existing class standards and is in fact more closely comparable with the full-size SUV class. The spacious feel isn’t confined to the front seats – passengers in the rear also benefit from generous legroom thanks in part to the bespoke architecture of the modular electric drive system on which the compact electric SUVs are based, which ensures that a centre tunnel is no longer required. Storage space also abounds, with around 25 litres of capacity available throughout the cabin, including particularly useful bottle holders integrated in the upper section of the doors that can hold bottles of up to one litre in size safely and within easy reach. The luggage compartment is accessible via the powered tailgate which is standard for all variants. It also offers more space than is generally found in the compact class, and actually bears closer comparison with a midsize SUV. Depending on the positioning of the rear seat backs, the volume of the luggage compartment is 535 to a substantial 1,460 litres. The interior of the Q4 Sportback e-tron is characterised by a real sense of space. The centrepiece is the striking instrument panel. This is oriented towards the driver and divided into separate areas integrating two displays - the central MMI touch monitor, with acoustic feedback and natural language voice control, and the Audi virtual cockpit. There’s a new augmented reality head-up display which forms part of the standard specification for Vorsprung versions and is a key component of the optional Technology Pack available for all other variants. Also new to the Q4 Sportback e-tron is a premium sound system supplied by Sonos, the world’s leading sound experience company and a new and exclusive Audi partner. It comes fitted as standard to Vorsprung versions and is available for all others as part of the optional Comfort and Sound pack, the system is incorporated into the Audi soundCube, a fully integrated and easily adaptable software environment. If you’ve been hesitant to purchase a fully-electric model so far, this is a car to reassure you. The Q4 Sportback e-tron is as undemanding as possible and can be quickly and easily charged for daily use. Using the myAudi app, owners can activate charging remotely using a smartphone. The app also provides access to the comfort remote preconditioning system, which enables remote adjustment of the cabin temperature and seat heating functions to ensure that the cabin climate is always comfortable well before a journey begins. The Q4 Sportback 50 e-tron quattro uses the 77 kWh battery and here it supplies an electric motor on each axle that contributes to a maximum output of 220 kW (299 PS) and 460 Nm (339.3 lb-ft) of torque, while also delivering the advantages of all-wheel-drive. One full charge is enough for circa 300 plus mile range, making most journeys a stop and re-charge free breeze. To drive the Q4 Sportback e-tron is dynamic and engaging. The ride is firm without discomfort, steering precise and it feels very well powered and balanced. Visibility is great and everything needed is ergonomically placed. As you’d expect from Audi, there’s an extensive range of driver assist systems. Everyday driving in the compact electric SUVs is facilitated, and delivered as economically as possible, by a number of standard assistance systems. These include predictive efficiency assist, which supports a forward-looking driving style that optimises the consumption of energy, Audi Pre-sense front with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane departure warning and swerve and turn assist. There’s also a number of packages - Assistance Package Pro include adaptive cruise assist, which assists the driver with longitudinal and lateral guidance over the entire speed range, and a four-camera system providing 360° visibility that makes lighter work of city driving and parking. The Safety Package Plus adds features such as Audi Side Assist blindspot monitoring and the rear cross traffic assist reversing aid. Both packages are standard Q4 e-tron Sportbrake features.Prices range from £42,250 to £66,750. For more information visit Audi UK : www.audi.co.uk

Despite being no stranger to driving Defenders for years, it’s always a treat to get behind the wheel. And great to see the New Defender isn’t a diluted down polite cousin of its hallowed predecessors but is still as tough as old boots and snow, mud and ruts ready as ever. Our model on test was the Defender 90 P300 X Dynamic SE resplendent in rather tasteful Tasman Blue Metallic with black accents and an Ebony interior. The distinctive upright boxy silhouette of the earlier models is still evident, albeit given more size, substance and muscularity – it would be unforgivable after all, to pay no design homage to the beloved originals. On the driveway it’s much larger and wider than you might imagine, with wide apart wheels, high bonnet and roof line and plenty of ground clearance meaning you almost need a step to stand on to enter the cabin! This of course makes for a great command driving position, where you’ve excellent views of the terrain ahead.

The front of the cabin is remarkably spacious, with ample space between driver and front passenger. Our only slight gripes are that being only a three door vehicle which is high off the ground, it’s a bit of a reach, scramble and squeeze to get into the rear, and the boot with the seats up is a little small. These niggles aside, there is much to commend, including durability of materials, raft of technology and connectivity. Our X Dynamic SE model on test (£53,930 On The Road ) came with a whole two column A4 sheet of features – something you’re more likely to find on a luxury sportscar spec, than a premium SUV with utilitarian heritage. There’s too many items to list here, but highlights are heated, electric, power fold door mirrors with approach lights and auto-dimming, Windsor leather with Steel cut premium textile, 14-way heated and cooled electric memory front seats with 4-way manual headrests, an excellent 3D Surround Camera and 360 degree Parking Aid, sliding panoramic roof, orange brake callipers, Head Up Display, Terrain Response 2 and more, much more. Tech-wise, this really is a thoroughly modern SUV. There’s a wealth of infotainment, driving aid and safety features as standard and extras. As standard for the Dynamic SE you’ve the 3D surround camera mentioned, Smartphone Pack, Connected Navigation Pro, Lane Keep Assist, Emergency Breaking, Traffic Sign Recognition and Adaptive Speed Limiter etc, and the the X spec on test features the likes of Configurable Terrain Response and the Driver Assist Pack which includes Blind Spot Assist, Clear Exit Monitor, Adaptive Cruise Control, Rear Collision Monitor and Rear Traffic Monitor. To drive the New Defender feels robust, protective and tough. It’s a car you really feel safe it. Out on the road is where the magical transformation is really evident too. I’m sure I could be forgiven for saying the older models were a little rough and ready to drive on road, with minimal noise insulation and weren’t perhaps the most comfortable choice for long, fast motorway jaunts. This new model is a revelation. Smooth, relatively quiet, well-powered, balanced and pretty nippy too thanks to its P300, 2.0L 300hp, 400Nm petrol engine with AWD. The 0-62 sprint can be tackled in just 6.7 seconds, and on to 119mph. Economy isn’t great – but for this size and weight of vehicle, at up to 22.7mpg combined, not bad either. There is now an efficient plug in hybrid to choose with pretty impressive eco-stats. Off-road the New Defender remains unconquered. Its admirable breadth of capability raises the threshold for off-road ruggedness and on-road comfort. Underpinned by Land Rover’s strong D7x aluminium platform – the brand’s stiffest ever body structure – advanced allterrain technologies and state-of-the-art powertrains deliver unstoppable capability. Its carefully honed handling delivers a rewarding drive and first-class long-haul comfort across all terrains, and the experts at Euro NCAP have given Defender a maximum five-star safety rating. A choice of advanced Ingenium petrol and cleaner diesel engines ensure Defender has the power, control and efficiency for any environment, while a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) powertrain provides silent EV-only progress of up to 27 miles. In addition, a powerful supercharged petrol V8 new levels of performance and driver engagement to the Defender family. State-of-the art technology ensures Defender delivers 21st century connectivity. Its next-generation Electrical Vehicle Architecture (EVA2) works in conjunction with Software Over the Air (SOTA) to ensure Defender is always connected and always up to date. Intuitive Pivi Pro infotainment features a simple menu structure and allows the most commonly used functions to be accessed directly from the home screen, while the easily customised layouts require 50 per cent fewer inputs than before. The Defender family now encompasses the Defender 90 and Defender 110, as well as the 90 and 110 Hard Top commercial variants, while the new 525PS Defender V8 combines characteristic Land Rover capability with incredible performance and bespoke chassis settings for heightened driver engagement. For more information on this remarkable vehicle visit Land Rover. www.landrover.co.uk