Issue 2/2 DIGITAL
EXCLUSIVE
jaguar f-type Why this is the best british sports car in decades
NISSAN JUKE
DRIVEN: compact crossover
VAUXHALL ADAM
driven: stylish supermini
RALLY CHAMPION LOUISE COOK ON her ROAD TO SUCCESS
range rover sport driven: classy premium 4x4
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editorial LEAD Simon Carr Brand Director COMMERCIAL LEAD Chris Smith SME Marketing Manager EDITOR Heidi Warner Brand Manager CONTACT
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ello and welcome to the digital issue of You Do The Driving, the ultimate consumer guide to the hottest new metal and getting the best deal on your new lease. Featured are road tests of two exciting new Jaguar Land Rover products – the F-Type convertible and the new more-upmarket Range Rover Sport – plus reviews of some more downto-earth offerings in the form of the Vauxhall Adam, Citroen C4 Picasso and Nissan Juke. Our reviews are accompanied by our experts’ top tips on what to look out for when looking for a new vehicle lease. From arranging comprehensive insurance to opting for different servicing plans, these useful pointers will ensure you get a deal that is most suitable for you. If that’s a bit too sensible for your tastes, we’ve also managed to sample Audi’s stunning R8
ignition e-Tron and its supercar-humbling all-electric performance. You can read about it on page P11. Also getting our pulses racing this issue is British rally driver Louise Cook. We caught up with the 2011 Ladies British Rally Champion on her plans for the season ahead. If you fancy driving a car to its limits yourself, we’ve got details on the UK’s hottest manufacturer track experiences. Not for the faint hearted! Full details on page P6. Enjoy the magazine! Heidi Warner Editor
LeasePlan Go St Andrews House Caldecotte Business Park Milton Keynes MK7 8LQ
Published by
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editorial James Baggott WRITERS Leon Poultney James Baggott James Batchelor Daljinder Nagra design Graeme Windell You Do The Driving is published by Blackball Media Ltd (Company No 6473855) and printed by Warners. All rights reserved. Conditions of sale and supply include the fact You Do The Driving shall not, without our consent, be lent, resold, hired out or otherwise disposed of in a mutilated way or in any unauthorised cover by way of trade or affixed to or as any part of a publication or advertising, literary or pictorial matter, whatsoever. You Do The Driving is fully protected by copyright and nothing may be reprinted or reproduced wholly or in part without permission.
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Prices throughout You Do The Driving are powered by
personal LeasePlan Go’s personal leasing product (PCH) is different from the rest. All the prices displayed include four years’ AA cover, four years’ road fund licence and service maintenance repair (SMR) for the duration of the contract. Tyre cover is included as part of the SMR cover – that’s unlimited tyres for four years, except for driver abuse of course. This all-inclusive service is supported by LeasePlan Go’s Driver Line, for more information please call 0845 408 4047 or visit LeasePlanGo.co.uk All personal contract hire leasing prices powered by LeasePlan Go are based on 10,000 miles per annum. Payment terms are based on six months’ initial payment and 47 subsequent payments. Prices valid for a limited period only. Personal leasing prices include maintenance and VAT. Images for illustration purposes only. Vehicle specification data is provided by Newspress, all figures published are indicative.
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contents
contents
Audi A6 Page 24
Issue 2
personal 12 Top 10 personal leasing tips
The experts at LeasePlan Go provide top tips on what to look out for and how to get the best from your lease.
15 Citroen C4 Picasso review
The French marque’s new people carrier boasts a striking design and high levels of technology inside and out.
20 Vauxhall Adam review
The Adam offers great scope for customisation. We find out if the car underneath the bling is worth considering.
Nissan Juke Page 21
SEAT Leon Page 19
22 Range Rover Sport review
The second-generation Range Rover Sport promises greater opulence and driver interaction than ever before.
25 Jaguar F-Type review
Jaguar’s first true sports car in decades is certainly a looker, but is it all show and no go? We find out.
Rally champion Louise Cook on making it to the top Page 16
Jaguar F-Type Page 25
Volvo XC60 Page 10
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FEATURE
top 5
Mercedes-Benz Ultimate AMG
BMW M3 Master
The Mercedes-Benz AMG Ultimate AMG Driving Experience gives you the chance to get behind the wheel of several powerful AMG models. Lasting three hours, during this experience you drive the C63 AMG Coupe Black Series, an A45 AMG hatch and the SLS AMG. You are given an hour in which to drive each car around the Mercedes-Benz World track, putting their top speeds and 0-60mph sprint times to the test.
Take to Oulton Park, one of the most famous race tracks in the world, in a punchy BMW M3 model. As it is based on the popular 3 Series saloon, expect the M3 model to deliver all the slick handling of its saloon sibling with the added power of a 4.0-litre V8 engine. With a 0-60mph sprint time of just 4.6 seconds and a power output of 420bhp, drivers are let loose around the Oulton Park track to push the BMW M3 to its limits.
Price: £1,350 Race circuit: Mercedes-Benz World Experience duration: Approximately three hours Address: Brooklands Drive, Weybridge, Surrey, KT13 0SL Contact number: 0870 400 4000
Price: £185 Race circuit: Oulton Park Experience duration: Two hours with 30 minutes’ driving Address: Little Budworth, Tarporley, Cheshire, CW6 9BW Contact number: 0843 453 1000
manufacturer
driving
days Whether you are a motoring enthusiast or merely a lover of flash sports cars, track day experiences can be one of the most exciting things you will ever do. Sitting behind the wheel of a car and finally being able to push it to its limits by putting your foot to the floor or cornering erratically is empowering. For those who have never tried a track day experience or for those who may just want to practise their skills, take a look at our top five track day experience picks.
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bit.ly/LPGmercday
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FEATURE
Porsche experience
Aston Martin Experience Weekday
Audi Driving Experience
Fans of the Porsche 911 will find this track day experience particularly enticing, as drivers take to the asphalt in the 911 GT2 and the 911 GT2 RS. But it is not just driving the punchy 911 models that make this experience so special. You can specify exactly what it is you want to do on the track – working on your cornering, for example – and then have a one-to-one consultation with an instructor.
Take control of one of the most iconic British sports cars ever – made famous by 007 himself – the Aston Martin V8 Vantage. With 420bhp on tap, the V8 Vantage delivers a thrilling drive around the Knockhill race circuit and lets you test its 0-62mph capabilities. As the experience lasts an hour and a half, you will be able to get a feel for the car and do everything from practising your fast laps to perfecting your cornering.
Price: £550 Race circuit: Silverstone Experience duration: 90 minutes Address: Porsche Experience Centre, Hangar Straight, Silverstone Circuit, Towcester, NN12 8GR Contact number: 08443 575 911
Price: £199 Race circuit: Knockhill Experience duration: 90 minutes Address: Knockhill Racing Circuit, Dunfermline, Fife, KY12 9TF, Scotland Contact number: 01383 723337
The Audi experience at the beloved Silverstone circuit will leave petrol heads smiling from ear to ear. With the chance to drive the Audi RS 5, Audi TT RS and the legendary Audi R8, you will experience at first hand why the German brand is so iconic. The Audi R8 is a particularly menacing model, delivering more than 500bhp from its V10 engine. Alongside its line-up of powerful Audi variants, you’ll also benefit from the knowledge of experienced instructors, with tips on everything from cornering to high-speed lane changes. There is even breakfast, lunch and other refreshments thrown in for good measure.
bit.ly/LPGporscheday
bit.ly/LPGastonday
Price: £499 inc VAT Race circuit: Silverstone Experience duration: One day Address: Silverstone Circuit, Towcester, Northamptonshire, NN12 8TN Contact number: 0844 3750 740
bit.ly/LPGaudiday
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Driven
VIDEO
scan this code TO SEE A VIDEO OF THE volvo xc60
INSIDE
Logic, comfort and space delivers a great package along with striking design, making the XC60 an excellent place to spend time
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DRIVING
More at home cruising than attacking a road but will shrug off huge mileages as if they were nothing
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Impressive Swedish off-roader gets a mid-life facelift
Volvo XC6O
THE tech stuff Model
Volvo XC60 D4 SE FWD Manual Price £31,260 Engine 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, turbodiesel Power 179bhp, 400Nm Max speed 130mph Economy 64.2mpg Emissions 117g/km 0-60mph 8.5 seconds
Heidi Warner, Brand Manager at LeasePlan Go An SUV with many faces! Chic, fun, practical and powerful, the XC60 has proved a credible and popular contender in the premium soft-roader market, with a pleasing emphasis on comfort and usability over supreme road-holding and driving dynamics.
THE RIVALS BMW X3 Audi Q5 Land Rover Freelander Infiniti QX50
What is it? Updated and refreshed, the XC60 returns fiercer than ever with tweaked exterior styling and an impressive digital dashboard. The elevated and well-isolated cabin offers an overwhelming feeling of safety and solidity, great for innercity and motorway cruising! I’d recommend the automatic gearbox Powered by
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THE KNOwledge
for effortless driving and the fourwheel-drive is great fun in rough terrain, although don’t take my word for it, you need to experience this for yourself!
control as standard, but you’ll have to venture higher up the range for kit such as TFT driver-information display and a driver’s electric seat.
key selling points
What’s under the bonnet?
What’s it like to drive?
3. Discreet and understated yet suitably classy styling
In front-wheel-drive guise the XC60 gets a 161bhp 2.0-litre diesel, which increases to a 2.4-litre with a choice of 161bhp and 212bhp in four-wheel-drive D4 and D5 models respectively. The sole petrol option is a 3.0-litre six-cylinder, developing a muscular 300bhp.
The XC60 ticks all the boxes, it’s powerful, responsive, comfortable and really fun to drive! Handling is second to none and the large, raised cabin delivers a relaxed driving experience with barely a whisper of cabin noise and a smooth ride, which takes the sting out of even badly-rutted road surfaces.
What’s the spec like?
What do we think of it?
the deal clincher
Four trim levels are offered, with R-Design and R-Design Lux models wearing sporty body addenda and interior trim. Base SE models come with such niceties as cruise
An impressive all-rounder, the Volvo XC60 is amazing! It presents an appealing proposition with its classy image, quality and family practicality.
«««««
1. Huge array of safety technology available 2. Supremely comfortable ride
It’s a high-riding SUV that won’t make you the most hated person on the road
Driven INSIDE
Standard R8 cabin is lifted by extensive use of carbon-fibre and EV-specific dials and readouts
click here
DRIVING
Instant torque means speed builds rapidly. Combined mechanical and electric braking helps to stop it
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Audi’s first EV is an impressive statement of intent
Audi R8 e-Tron BY Leon Poultney This £850,000+ all-electric supercar will never go on sale, but it’s a glowing sign that performance cars won’t die off when the petrol runs out.
What’s under the bonnet? Replacing the 4.2-litre V8 or 5.2-litre V10 of the standard R8 is a 48.6 kWh battery cell mated to two electric motors that develop 280 kW (380bhp) and an astonishing 820 Nm torque. Performance remains fiery, with the e-Tron accelerating to
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THE tech stuff Model Price Engine
Audi R8 e-Tron £850,000+ 2x electric motors, 48.6kWh battery pack Power 380bhp, 820Nm Max speed 125mph Economy 133-mile range Emissions 0g/km 0-60mph 4.2 seconds
THE RIVALS
What is it? Audi engineers have rebuilt the R8 from the ground up, with liberal use of carbon-fibre throughout the car, lightweight aluminium in the underpinnings and the replacement of the rear window with a carbonfibre screen. Extreme weight-saving has been the name of the game, offsetting the colossal weight of the battery pack and electric motor.
THE KNOwledge
Mercedes-Benz SLS electric Tesla Model X
62mph from a stand-still in just 4.2 seconds – two-tenths faster than the 4.2-litre V8 version.
What’s the spec like? The interior is as plush if not slightly more special than the standard R8, particularly with the Star Trek-esque ‘power dial’ that sits in place of a standard rev needle. Thanks to the lack of rear windscreen glass, the rear-view mirror has been replaced by a crystal-clear AMOLED display that projects the view sent from a rear-facing camera.
What’s it like to drive? Utterly breathtaking and slightly nerve-racking, given the R8 e-Tron’s enormous price tag. Acceleration is punchy and torque is transferred directly and instantly to the Tarmac.
Ground is covered extremely quickly, yet it is just as rapidly scrubbed off thanks to both electric and mechanical brakes. Steering is perfectly weighted, with plenty of feedback, although thanks to a clever torque vectoring system the Audi R8 e-Tron practically corners itself. The noise, too, is slightly surreal, a sort of futuristic cacophony that rises and falls with throttle inputs, making the whole experience even more special and out-of-this-world.
key selling points
What do we think of it?
the deal clincher
This is an absolutely magnificent piece of engineering that offers an insight into the future of electric supercars. It’s just a shame that it won’t make it to production in its current form.
1. Supercar looks without supercar running costs 2. Crushing performance with no exhaust emissions 3. Points to an exciting future
All the supercar benefits with none of the drawbacks except the price tag
««««« leaseplango.co.uk
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trade tips
10
personal tips leasing
top
If you are new to personal leasing it can be daunting to know what to look out for to make sure that you are getting the very best deal, especially with a plethora of online quotations and deals available. Finding and securing the right leasing deal for you is a simple matter of breaking down what leasing actually is and tailoring
...from leaseplan go, the car leasing experts the various elements to suit your needs. With more than 30 years’ experience helping leasing customers source the right new cars in the UK, the leasing experts at LeasePlan Go have compiled a list of top 10 tips to help guide you to the very best personal leasing deal.
3 1
personal leasing deals are vatinclusive
When searching for vehicles online, the VAT on leasing deals can be easy to miss. Something to always bear in mind is that while business leasing deals are always shown without VAT applied, personal leasing deals will always have the VAT included. When checking one quote against the next, make sure these quotes are like-for-like, both inclusive of VAT, and if you’re unsure, a member of our team is always a phone call away to help guide you.
4
excess mileage charging
The excess mileage fee is an amount charged for any miles that you go over the total mileage on your contract. This figure is usually charged as a pence-per-mile figure, and this exact fee will be outlined in your tailored quotation. It’s yet another reason why it’s so important that our team at LeasePlan Go will tailor your annual mileage to your actual anticipated mileage, rather than manipulate the quotation by using a lower mileage than necessary. 12
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the initial payment/advance rental
The initial rental is often overlooked when searching for a new personal leasing deal, especially with headline-grabbing monthly leasing deals. With any leasing deal there is always an initial payment to make – generally three, six or nine monthly payments in advance. The higher the initial payment figure, the lower the monthly payment figure, so it’s another important factor to check when looking at one quote against another. At LeasePlan Go, we make it very clear what the initial payment of our business and personal leasing deals is, so there are no nasty surprises.
annual mileages
Contract mileage is the amount of miles that a car will do over the life of the contract. This figure is agreed at the start of the term in an ‘annual mileage’ figure, which is used to work out the monthly payments. These figures are generally shown in increments of 10,000 miles per annum, although some advertised deals will be as low as 6,000 miles per annum to lower the advertised monthly payment. When quoting for a personal leasing deal, our experts will always ensure that your annual mileage is tailored to your anticipated mileage for the duration of the leasing deal.
trade tips
5
To maintain or non-maintain. At LeasePlan Go, it isn’t even a question. A comprehensive maintenance package is standard on LeasePlan Go personal leasing deals. Our comprehensive maintenance package covers all maintenance, servicing, replacement tyres and roadside assistance for the duration of the contract. Each of our personal leasing deals includes this to ensure our personal customers have hassle-free motoring – we feel this is the best personal leasing solution around. With a personal leasing deal through LeasePlan Go, you’ll also have AA cover for the full term, helping you further reduce costs on a monthly basis as part of your one monthly payment.
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Maintenance
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hidden feEs
Let’s be honest, we all hate hidden fees. They crop up when you least expect them and, more often than not, when you can least afford them. It’s not uncommon to see, or rather not see, administration fees, finance acceptance fees or handling fees for documents in finance agreements, leasing included.
At the end of your leasing contract you’ll hand the car back to your leasing provider and, assuming that all is well with the vehicle, you are free to walk straight into a new deal. But if the vehicle is damaged, there may be charges. And, we bet nobody told you about that at the start of the term!
The road fund licence (RFL) should always be covered for the duration of your leasing deal. But in certain cases only one year’s RFL is included, leaving you to pay for the remaining years. With LeasePlan Go leasing deals you’ll always get the RFL for the life of the contract as part of the deal.
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fair wear and tear At LeasePlan Go, we abide by the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) Fair Wear and Tear Policy, so will check the vehicle for damage but only charge for items covered by the policy. And, because we know that the car that you hand back to us is likely to have one or two small scuffs and scrapes, we’ll cover you for the first £150-worth of damage. We even use an independent service to ensure that these checks are 100 per cent impartial.
road fund licence
when is your car available?
Searching and finding an incredible personal leasing deal online isn’t necessarily too good to be true, but it’s certainly worth checking when the vehicle advertised is available – too often, very cheap leasing deals are often on short-supply vehicles. At LeasePlan Go, we’ll always ensure that our deals are based on either physical cars that actually exist or on cars where we can give you a realistic order time from the manufacturer. And often, we’ll bulkbuy vehicles off manufacturers on popular models, and if it’s in our stock we’ll tell you exactly how many vehicles are left.
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premium models
Because personal leasing deals are worked out using the residual values of vehicles, and because premium models will lose less money on average, desirable cars are often far cheaper to lease than other forms of finance – they’re sometimes even cheaper likefor-like than non-premium brands – and so your dream car on a personal leasing deal may be cheaper than you think!
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Driven INSIDE
Citroen’s ‘loft architecture’ interior design theme means comfy seats and lots of lounging room
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DRIVING
Comfort and calm is the order of the day but the soft-riding C4 is no slouch through the corners
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People moving has never been so stylish
Citroen C4 Picasso BY Daljinder Nagra Citroen’s second-generation C4 Picasso MPV majors on style, comfort and technology. It’s an appealing package for families looking for stress-free transport.
What’s under the bonnet? All engines are 1.6 litres, with petrol
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Model
Citroen C4 Picasso 1.6 eD VTR+ Price £19,710 Engine 1.6-litre, turbodiesel Power 92bhp, 230Nm Max speed 108mph Economy 67.3mpg Emissions 110g/km 0-60mph 12.7 seconds
Renault Scenic Ford C-Max Toyota Verso
units in 120bhp and 155bhp guises and a choice of 92bhp and 115bhp from the diesels. The 115bhp unit we tested is perfectly adequate, never feeling breathless. A six-speed manual gearbox is standard, with a six-speed automated manual optional on selected models.
What’s the spec like?
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THE tech stuff
THE RIVALS
What is it? Citroen labels its striking new design language ‘Technospace’ – something that will filter through to other models. The C4 Picasso is designed to appeal to more than parents, with stacks of equipment and an airy interior housing lounge-style seats and a ‘loft architecture’ design theme with vast expanses of glazing.
THE KNOwledge
Its four trim levels, VTR, VTR+, Exclusive and Exclusive+, all have a dual-screen dashboard configuration, with a seven-inch touchscreen and a high-definition 12-inch screen above it. It is larger than similar items found on even premium saloons. More expensive models get a rear-view camera and ‘lounge’ seating. Niceties such as a panoramic sunroof are optional.
What’s it like to drive? Diesel models are the best bet for those looking for a relaxing drive – the extra torque negating the need to constantly work the gearbox. Buyers with children will be pleased to hear that the Picasso is supremely comfortably and quells even the harshest bumps. Despite this, the C4 doesn’t roll excessively while cornering, remaining impressively flat and composed.
What do we think of it? Good to look at, comfortable to sit in and pleasant to drive, the C4 Picasso is a rare breed in that it’s desirable as well as functional, and one of the few family-orientated MPVs you would happily show off to your friends.
key selling points 1. The best-looking MPV on sale 2. Vastly improved interior quality and design 3. Impressively low emissions
the deal clincher A standout car in its segment for clever technology
««««« leaseplango.co.uk
15
FEATURE
INTERVIEW
louise
cook Rallying the funds to get back on top
L
ouise Cook set the world alight when she won the FIA Production Car Cup for Drivers of 2WD in 2012. Unfortunately, due to sponsorship challenges, 2013 has been a challenging year, but Louise is focused on getting back into the driving seat in 2014 and fulfilling her aim of becoming the first-ever female to become World Rally Champion. Newly-crowned champion Sebastien Ogier should be looking over his shoulder…
BIOGRAPHY Age: 26 Home town: Maidstone, Kent Height: 165cm Weight: 50kg Loves: Strawberries Favourite films: Senna Santa Claus The Movie Hates: Losing Favourite drivers: Sebastien Loeb Michelle Mouton Louise Aitken Walker
What was your first car? My late father gave me my first car when I was six. It wasn’t a real car, it was actually an electric Jeep. It took 24 hours to charge and it struggled a little uphill. The best part was that it had space for my first co-driver, Honey the Bunny Rabbit. It needed more power, although I did crash into the conservatory twice, took two garden fences out and broke the front axle.
When did you start competing? My first experience of driving a rally car was at the age of 19. When studying car design at Coventry University, I saw a competition advertised to get more women into rallying. With no previous motorsport experience, I finished runner-up out of 1,000 women, and decided that I wanted to continue in the sport and entered my first rally using part of my student loan, the 16 16
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Rockingham Stages and finished 51 out of 105 competitors in a Peugeot 205.
What do you drive when rallying? At present, I have a Ford Fiesta R2 – I won the title in a Fiesta ST so it seemed the next logical step. For 2014 I aim to compete in five to six rounds in the 2014 WRC3 championship. Recently, I got the fantastic opportunity to drive the MINI WRC car, thanks to the guys at Prodrive. The MINI WRC is worlds apart from my Fiesta R2 and the World Rally Car is much more powerful. It was much easier to drive than I thought it would be, which was a pleasant surprise.
What is your road car? I am currently driving a Ford Fiesta Diesel. It is all about mpg not mph on the road, but it is left-hand drive.
This is because my rally car is lefthand drive and, to be honest, all the works cars are left-hand drive, so it is a good thing to get used to as soon as you can.
What challenges are you facing today? Money is the big one. The cost of running a car on the world level is an incredible jump from running it in the British championship. The pinnacle of the sport is where I want to be and it is not easy to get there. I had to resort to selling my trophies to allow me to compete in 2012. Winning the World Rally
Top 5 cars n Any World Rally Car n Ford Fiesta n Aston Martin DB9 n Bugatti Veyron n Audi R8
FEATURE
Achievements n FIA Production Car Cup Champion for Drivers of 2WD 2012 n British Rally Championship – Ladies Champion 2011 n Fiesta Sport Trophy ViceChampion 2011 n BRCC RC4 Champion 2010 n BRCC Ladies Champion 2010
Top driving tips n Keep calm n Push the steering wheel instead of pulling down n When driving in ice and snow, leave 10 times the space you would normally to the car in front. Championship is my aim. I am dedicated to fulfilling this dream.
Do you have a special diet? Yes, I avoid bad chemicals in my diet. This is aimed at feeding the body and brain what it needs. I eat very little chocolate or junk food and have a very basic and natural diet in order to avoid the damaging chemicals.
How do you train your brain to remember pace notes? My co-driver and I play memory games. This is to improve my memory so that my brain can compute the pace notes that my co-driver is calling to me throughout the rally stage.
Who inspired you? Michelle Mouton, the first female to win a round of the WRC, and Louise Aitken-Walker, Ladies World Champion, are two drivers I have been inspired by. The main driver though is Sebastien Loeb. He has dominated the sport and so he is the driver I study the most. Louise’s Twitter profile states: ‘Set a goal so big that you can’t achieve until you grow into the person who can’ and after talking to her there’s every chance her hard work will pay off and she will be back in the WRC in 2014.
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17
WE FIT TYRES AT A REALLY CONVENIENT PLACE. YOURS.
For free expert tyre fitting on your doorstep call 0844 493 7659 or visit kwikfitmobile.com. Available to both Fleet and Retail customers.
Driven DRIVING
Secure and sure-footed but never dull. The Leon would make a fine companion on any journey
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INSIDE
for more seat offers
Angular surface treatments and funky design details lift the cabin ambience
German engineering with Spanish flair
THE KNOwledge
Seat Leon
THE tech stuff Model Seat Leon FR 2.0 TDI Price £21,830 Engine 2.0-litre, turbocharged, diesel Power 148bhp, 320Nm Max speed 134mph Economy 68.9mpg Emissions 106g/km 0-60mph 8.4 seconds
BY Daljinder Nagra The new Seat Leon closes the gap on its VW Golf sibling with improved construction and a youthful sense of fun. If you’re bored of the strait-laced demeanour of the Golf but don’t want to compromise on quality, this could be just the tonic.
THE RIVALS Volkswagen Golf Audi A3 Ford Focus Vauxhall Astra
What is it? The third generation of the Leon to be offered in UK. It makes an appealing case in this competitive market segment, pushing the boat out with high levels of technology and attractive design both inside and out. It’s available as a five-door hatch, three-door coupe and also as a practical estate.
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What’s under the bonnet? Buyers can specify a 1.2, 1.4 or 1.8litre turbocharged petrol engine, or a 1.6- or 2.0-litre diesel. Even the smallest engines in the range offer useful power, so you won’t feel short-changed when opting for entry level spec. The 2.0-litre diesel will suit those who spend most of their time on the motorway, thanks to bags of pulling power even at low rpm.
What’s the spec like? The three trim levels offered are S, SE and FR. Even basic models are well-equipped, with cruise control, rear parking sensors and MP3 compatibility. FR models have firmer suspension settings for a more sporting feel. Although it gives the ride a harder edge, it
never feels uncomfortable, even over harsher ruts.
What’s it like to drive? Sharing its underpinnings with the VW Golf and Audi A3, the new SEAT Leon delivers broadly the same driving experience: good body control in corners and a feeling of security and stability. The Leon never feels inert.
key selling points 1. High-quality cabin material and construction 2. All engines offer useful oomph 3. Generous levels of standard equipment
What do we think of it? Key improvements in refinement, space and emissions now see the Leon ranked among the best in its class. It’s fun to drive, exciting to look at and comfortable on long journeys. Overall, it’s an extremely well-rounded offering and certainly worthy of consideration.
the deal clincher The Leon is one of the few head-turning hatchbacks in its class
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19
Driven INSIDE
The Adam is the only car other than a Rolls-Royce with a star-lit interior roof feature
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DRIVING
The smaller 1.2-litre engine is recommended as it matches the larger option in real-world driving
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Vauxhall discovers its glamorous side with the stylish Adam supermini
Vauxhall Adam With rival manufacturers cleaning up with their stylish supermini offerings, Vauxhall is hoping to grab a piece of the pie with the Adam, which is something of a departure for the usually sensible-shoes marque.
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Model
Vauxhall Adam 1.4 Black Edition £14,995 1.4-litre, petrol 87bhp, 130Nm 109mph 51.4mpg 130g/km 12.5 seconds
THE RIVALS Mini Cooper Citroen DS3 Fiat 500 Audi A1
What is it?
Powered by
THE tech stuff Price Engine Power Max speed Economy Emissions 0-60mph
BY Leon Poultney
Vauxhall’s uncharacteristically fashionable foray into trendy transport. The Luton-based brand has high hopes that the jazzy motor will appeal to style-conscious drivers, with its four billion trim combinations, and aims to muscle in on a market currently dominated by the Fiat 500, the Mini and the Audi A1.
THE KNOwledge
What’s under the bonnet? The Adam is offered with two petrol engines – the 1.2 unit produces 68bhp and the 1.4 is available in 84bhp and 96bhp states of tune. All are mated to a slick five-speed gearbox and even the most powerful coughs up just 119g/km CO2 when the stop/start option is ticked. It’s 129g/km if you don’t.
What’s the spec like? All models come with air conditioning, a single-slot CD sound system with USB connectivity, plus bags of standard safety equipment such as hill-start assist and ISOFIX points in the rear. Smartphone integration via a seven-inch touchscreen display is also available. Customers can spend
hours navigating the options list – everything from door mirrors to interior foils are customisable.
What’s it like to drive? The Adam is most at home in the give-and-take of city traffic. The smallest 1.2 engine is as much as most drivers will need, feeling as nippy as the 1.4 around town. Image-conscious drivers may want to opt for the larger 17- and 18-inch wheels, although they do firm up the Adam’s ride somewhat.
key selling points 1. Improves on Vauxhall’s normal levels of construction quality 2. Frugal; environmentally friendly 3. A style-conscious addition to the otherwise sensible Vauxhall range
What do we think of it?
the deal clincher
The Adam will appeal to style-savvy drivers. Its unique looks and quality construction increase its appeal. Just set aside a few days to pick through the options list.
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Over four billion customisation combinations guarantee individuality
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Clever dual-function buttons save dashboard clutter and look cool
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DRIVING
The Juke offers more entertainment for those behind the wheel than its key rivals
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A commendablY compact crossover with opinion-diviDing styling
Nissan Juke
THE tech stuff Model
Nissan Juke 1.5 Dci Tekna Price £19,0650 Engine 1.5-litre, turbodiesel Power 110bhp, 260Nm Max speed 109mph Economy 70.6mpg Emissions 104g/km 0-60mph 11.2 seconds
BY Leon Poultney Having arguably introduced the idea of a desirable crossover with the Qashqai, Nissan is seeking to cement its sales success with its little brother, the striking Juke. The new n-tec version has a selection of cool new interior tech and some neat exterior styling.
THE RIVALS Peugeot 2008 Renault Captur Chevrolet Trax Vauxhall Mokka
What is it? The n-tec spec level is based on the Acenta Premium trim, but for £300 extra, customers are treated to twotone 18-inch alloy wheels and an updated multi-media system with a serious tech punch. Otherwise it’s the familiar Juke recipe: a small, sporty, two-wheel-drive SUV with some challenging exterior styling. Powered by
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What’s under the bonnet? Petrol and diesel variants include the gutsy 1.5-litre DCi, which delivers the torque, and the top end 1.6-litre DIG-T petrol, which has the most impressive performance figures. There’s also a punchy and efficient 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol.
What’s the spec like? The n-tec trim level adds exterior flair to the already eye-catching Juke with alloys, gloss black B-pillars and door mirrors and black highlights on the bonnet-mounted sidelights. Tech-savvy customers will enjoy the cruise control, smartphone-driven applications and MP3 connectivity.
What’s it like to drive? The Juke’s 1.5-litre diesel engine offers a good dollop of torque that makes overtaking and pulling away from junctions a doddle. The car’s tall ride height means there is a fair amount of body roll but the tradeoff is a reasonably comfortable ride around town. It’s rare to find a modern SUV at this price point that delivers such a well-rounded driving experience.
key selling points 1. Good value for money 2. Funky crossover looks 3. Its diesel engines are strong but frugal
What do we think of it? If the unique and trendy exterior styling attracts you then this is the car for you. It feels robust inside and out, rides well and features Nissan’s famed bulletproof engines. The n-tec optional pack only increases the appeal with its flashy touches.
the deal clincher It’s backed by Nissan’s bulletproof reputation for reliability
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Driven
VIDEO
scan this code TO SEE A VIDEO OF THE range rover sport
DRIVING
Direct and responsive when you’re in the mood, relaxed and cosseting when you’re not. Land Rover engineers have managed wonders with the new Sport
INSIDE
Land Rover has moved the entire Range Rover model line upmarket and is chasing down the best of the best. It’s no exaggeration to say the cabin is on a par with that of a Bentley
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It’s got a smart new look but does it drive as well as the best?
Range Rover Sport Chris Smith, SME Marketing Manager, LeasePlan Go Land Rover has upped the desirability stakes with the new Range Rover Sport, but is it focused enough to match its talented German rivals?
Lighter, faster and more capable, the new Sport is no longer based on the Discovery. Now it takes its underpinnings from the full-fat Range Rover and design DNA is from the popular Evoque. Mixed with a luxurious interior it’s a potent combination. We’re in no doubt it’ll be a winner.
What’s under the bonnet? Tested here is the supercharged
Model Range Rover Sport 5.0 V8 Supercharged Autobiography Dynamic Price £82,650 Engine 5.0-litre, supercharged petrol Power 510bhp, 625Nm Max speed 155mph Economy 22.1mpg Emissions 298g/km 0-60mph 5.0 seconds
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Porsche Cayenne BMW X5 Infiniti FX50 5.0-litre V8, which not only sounds like a Spitfire it’ll also catapult you to 60mph in five seconds and to a top speed of 155mph. A powerful SDV8 will soon be offered, as will a hybrid version. Now you can choose from the 3.0-litre V6 diesel in 258bhp and 292bhp guises – the more powerful hits 60mph in 7.1 seconds.
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THE tech stuff
THE RIVALS
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The Sport is loaded with technology, from wade-depth sensors to trafficsign recognition. There are two extra seats in the boot – handy for families. The front seats are adjustable 14 ways, there’s a cooled centre console that takes a bottle of champagne, and soft-close doors. The Meridian stereo is brilliant and buyers can choose from nine wheel designs.
What’s it like to drive? Very different from its predecessor. In 5.0-litre form it’s ludicrously quick and can claim the title of the fastest production Land Rover yet. Flick it into Dynamic mode and it becomes a completely different car – the steering quickens, it corners harder and the throttle response sharpens. It’s worlds apart from the standard mode, which is far more sedate.
key selling points 1. Nearly half a ton lighter than its predecessor 2. Equally capable on and off-road 3. Styling no longer makes it look like a second-rate Rangie
What do we think of it? This is the new benchmark in the performance SUV market. Its capabilities are astonishing. This is a car that will undoubtedly please sports car drivers as much as traditional SUV owners – and the best bit is that it is considerably cheaper than its equally brilliant Range Rover.
the deal clincher A full-size premium SUV that really does a good impression of a sports car
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we are your Hospice Willen Hospice is the only hospice within Milton Keynes and surrounding areas, covering an expanding population of 300,000. The Hospice is a unique, specialist, independent charity providing free services to our patients, families and loved ones. Whilst the bulk of our care takes place in the community, the Hospice also provides an In-Patient Unit with 15 beds that receives over 300 admissions a year. Willen Hospice must raise over £3.6 million a year to continue providing our high quality services, without charge, to the local community. The contributions we receive from our supporters are essential and without this generosity it would not be possible to continue our work. From £5 to £500, every penny is vital to our care. By spending just £5 you can help to cover the cost of essential clinical items such as syringes, needles and sterile dressings whilst £90 can cover the cost of a Staff Nurse for one shift. As much of our care takes place in patients’ own homes, £650 can pay for a shift of our team of Hospice at Home nurses. There are many ways in which you can help to support Willen Hospice, and all of them will help to fund the vital services we provide to our community, so we can be ‘always there to care’.
For more fundraising ideas please visit our website www.willen-hospice.org.uk Registered charity number 270194
Driven INSIDE
High-quality fit and finish that comes loaded with cutting-edge tech for the driver and decent leg room for passengers
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DRIVING
Selectable driving modes transform the A6 from a motorway cruiser to a B-road bullet at the touch of a button
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A German giant in the luxury saloon sector
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Audi A6
THE tech stuff Model: Audi A6 Bi-TDI SE Price: £44,675 Engine: 3.0-litre, six cylinder, turbodiesel Power: 309bhp, 650Nm Max speed: 155mph (limited) Economy: 44.8mpg Emissions: 166g/km CO2 0-60mph: 5.0 seconds
BY Leon Poultney It doesn’t have the history of rivals the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class but the Audi A6 is a credible force in the executive saloon market, with its premium styling, plush cabin and a company car-friendly choice of engines.
THE RIVALS BMW 5 Series Mercedes-Benz E-Class Lexus GS
What is it? Audi’s mid-sized premium saloon, although you have to look hard to tell, as the A6 shares most of its design with the smaller A4 and the A8 limousine. We can forgive this identikit approach, however, when the end result is this appealing.
What’s under the bonnet? Aside from the 2.0-litre hybrid Powered by
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model and the 4.0-litre S6 and RS6 performance derivatives, the range features 2.0- and 3.0-litre diesel options ranging from 175bhp to 309bhp, with a choice of a six-speed manual or an automatic with seven or eight gears, depending on the model.
What is it like inside? Material quality is high, fit and finish exemplary, and the interior design is ergonomically sound but slightly lacking in design flair. Of the two trim levels SE and S Line, the latter is garnished with sporty interior trim but standard specification is good, with DAB radio, Bluetooth connectivity and sat-nav all present.
What is it like to drive? Audi’s brilliant Drive Select means
drivers can change a number of parameters, including the weight of the steering, stiffness of the suspension and throttle response at the push of a button. Select ‘Comfort’ and cruise the motorway or hit ‘Dynamic’ for a blast on your favourite B-road.
key selling points 1. Razor-sharp styling 2. More powerful engines add performance edge 3. Stylish and spacious cabin
What do we think of it? In isolation the A6 is a very accomplished car, but when compared to rivals, its middleground stance means it struggles to compete with the dynamism of the BMW 5 Series or laid-back demeanour of the Mercedes E-Class. That said, the grunty new Bi-TDI engine is a welcome addition and gives the A6 performance credentials to match the BMW 535d.
the deal clincher Premium quality inside and out that’s difficult to match at this price
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Driven INSIDE
Modern design details dominate the cosy, well-ordered cabin. Material quality is as high as you’d expect from a premium sports car
DRIVING
Taut enough to thrill but supple enough to be an everyday proposition – the best of both worlds
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A red-blooded British sports car to be proud of
THE KNOwledge
Jaguar F-Type
THE tech stuff
Model Jaguar F-Type V6 S Price £67,500 Engine 3.0-litre, supercharged petrol Power 375bhp, 460Nm Max speed 171mph Economy 31mpg Emissions 213g/km 0-60mph 4.8 seconds
BY JAMES BAGGOTT The E-Type replacement has taken 50 years to arrive – but can it live up to the legend?
What is it? The most important Jaguar for more than 50 years and a new halo model for the brand. This powerful two-seater convertible is already proving a hit, with buyers joining a six-month waiting list. Expect that delay to get a lot longer as more people get a taste behind the wheel.
What’s under the bonnet? Base cars are fitted with a supercharged 335bhp 3.0-litre V6, which rises to 375bhp in mid-range Powered by
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THE RIVALS Porsche 911 Cabriolet Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster Mercedes SLK AMG ‘S’ models. Topping the range is a raucous 488bhp V8, which gives the F-Type a hugely muscular feel on the road. No matter which model you choose, you’re guaranteed a breathtaking performance and a soundtrack to die for.
What’s the spec like? No trim levels as such but a wealth of toys is available. Highlights include the eight-speed automatic gearbox, the multiadjustable sports seats and Meridian sound system. There are some brilliant design touches too – such as the central heater vents that rise out of the dash when you turn the air-con on, and the deployable door handles that pop out of the bodywork.
What’s it like to drive? Incredible. If you’re thinking this is simply an executive car park-posing machine you couldn’t be more wrong. This is a driver’s car through and through. It feels a lot lighter than it looks, thanks to extensive use of aluminium. It’s nimble, involving and huge fun – we’d go as far as saying this is the best driver’s Jaguar ever.
key selling points 1. Stunning good looks 2. Sensational cabin 3. Twenty-five per cent cheaper than the equivalent 911
What do we think of it? It’s the car of 2013, without a shadow of a doubt. It’s a stunning drive but the real coup is the pricing – every model is 25 per cent less than the equivalent 911, its bitter rival. Jaguar is going to be way ahead with this car – it’s a gamechanger for the manufacturer.
the deal clincher A great all-rounder and arguably the bestlooking car currently on sale
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FEATURE
plug ’n’ go go go! ELECTRIC COMBINATION OF GREEN CREDENTIALS WITH SUPERB DESIGN AND TERRIFIC PERFORMANCE tesla model s review
F
lushed with success in the US, electric vehicle maker Tesla has arrived in the UK armed with the Model S – a car it claims to be the world’s first premium electric saloon car. Quite possibly the coolest car to have been launched in the UK for some time, the Model S is the brainchild of Paypal founder Elon Musk. In just over a year, Tesla has sold more than 13,000 Model S cars in North America, and the firm hopes the UK will be the next market to fall in love with the car. Aimed at a high-end clientele, the car is made of quality materials. The shell, for instance, is made from aluminium, while steel has been used to strengthen certain areas of the design. For UK customers, two battery options are available. The smallest is a 60kWh, delivering a range of 240 miles between charges, and it will complete the 0-60mph benchmark sprint in 5.9 seconds. A higher-powered version produces 85kWh and has a range of more than 310 miles between charges. Add the performance pack and it will get from zero to 60mph in 4.2 seconds, topping out at 130mph. Weighing more than two tonnes, the Tesla Model S is a large car. It’s more suited to motorways but, having said that, it does feel agile on twistier roads. Three assistance settings are available – we found Comfort was the most appropriate for most of our test. The Model S doesn’t disappoint when it comes to technology. It’s filled with clever gadgets, such as keyless entry and a nifty driver seat detection sensor for start/stop functionality. Other highlights include cruise control, standard-definition reversing camera, automatic climate control, USB ports for media and power, and eight airbags. The best bit of technology, however, is the 17-inch touchscreen that houses media, internet communication, Bluetooth and cabin and vehicle controls. 26
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The internet connection is very quick and particularly good if there is a 4G signal. The touchscreen can be used to operate the sunroof as well as change the set-up from Sport to Comfort or the ‘normal’ default setting. If you choose the high-powered
battery version (85kWh) and you drive ‘normally’, you should achieve an average range of between 240 and 310 miles. Given that this is an electric car and many only achieve 100 miles on a full charge, the Tesla Model S gives a real insight into how
FEATURE
LEASING PARTNER LeasePlan Go is a preferred leasing partner of Tesla, the world’s only exclusively electric luxury car manufacturer, which combines technical brilliance, ultra-efficiency, supercar performance and quality design inside and out. The iconic Tesla Model S is a zero-emissions luxury coupe with a range of up to 310 miles and a 0-60mph sprint time of 4.2 seconds using its 85 kilowatt-hour battery performance pack. This innovative vehicle undoubtedly matches green motoring credentials with sumptuous design and breathtaking performance.
THE KNOwledge THE tech stuff far electric cars have come and how good they can become as the age of electricity in motoring draws closer. You can charge the Tesla from a 32-amp charger that can be found in Westminster in London, or you can use a standard household
13-amp plug. Off-peak, charging fully from a 13 amp will cost less than £5. Tesla has confirmed that it will establish a super-charger network in the UK so that customers can get a quick top-up at places such as service stations.
Model Tesla Model S Price £60,000 est Battery power: 85kWh Max speed 130mph Emissions Zero Economy Zero mpg 0-60mph 4.2 seconds Range: 240-310 miles Cost: £5 to charge fully during off-peak
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BMW Corporate Sales
The Ultimate Driving Machine
THE NEW BMW 1 SERIES 3-DOOR. LOOKS THE BUSINESS.
The new BMW 1 Series 3-door is the latest addition to the BMW 1 Series Sports Hatch line up with a range of models designed to appeal to the corporate market. The 114i, which achieves 51.4mpg while emitting just 127g/km CO2, is both a new engine and a new entry point to the BMW brand. The 116d ED model with only 99g/km CO2 DPNFT XJUI UIF CFOF‍׊‏UT PG MPX #*, [FSP SPBE UBY BOE DPOHFTUJPO DIBSHF FYFNQUJPO .FBOXIJMF BU UIF PUIFS FOE PG UIF TQFDUSVN UIF OFX IJHI QFSGPSNBODF . J TPBST GSPN NQI JO BO awesome 4.9 seconds.
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BMW EfficientDynamics reduces BMW emissions without compromising performance developments and is standard across the model range.