Land Rover Teams with 'Tile' in 2017 Discovery Sport

It has been a little over a year, and already, Land Rover has announced an update for its premium 7-seater, the Discovery Sport.

Why don't we kick off with a new feature that's almost unheard of not only in the automotive industry, but right across the board? Miniature Bluetooth trackers can be attached to important items such as wallets and bags which will then connect to the car's infotainment system. If these items are not inside the vehicle, the occupants will be alerted, and even presented with the option to navigate to their location. This should save the average British person around 15 minutes per day. This has been made possible thanks to Land Rover working together with Tile.

Furthermore, SE and SE Tech models will be optionally available with the Graphite Pack. This adds Dark Atlas detailing to parts such as the grille and side vents, as well as a Corris Grey contrasting roof and Narvik Black mirror caps. A new 19-inch wheel option rounds off the list.

If these darker colours aren't quite your cup of tea, Silicon Silver, Farallon Black, Carpathian Grey and Aruba might tickle your taste buds. These four new metallic colours will join the 2017 model year Discovery Sport.

As part of the InControl Touch Pro infotainment system, a larger 10.2-inch touschreen will use familiar smartphone-like apps as well as swiping and pinching gestures. The fact that it has a 21:9 widescreen ratio gives it a very classy appearance. The standard 8-inch touchscreen, then, looks a bit primitive in comparison. A 60 GB SSD storage as well as quad-core processing give it powerful computing capabilities.

And finally, Land Rover looks forward to introducing three new safety systems to the 2017 Disco Sport. These include:

1. Driver Condition Monitor - assesses driver's drowsiness and deploys audible and visual warnings when necessary
2. Intelligent Speed Limiter - limits the vehicle's speed in conjunction with the Traffic Sign Recognition system
3. Lane Keep Assist - forward-facing camera detects lane markings with counter steering for unintentional drifting out of lanes

Pricing for the 2017 Land Rover Discovery Sport starts at £31,095, with a sole 2.0-litre turbodiesel making up 100% of sales. This can be specified with 148 bhp in its E-Capability guise, or 178 bhp in regular mode. All models come with four-wheel-drive, whereas only the higher power 178 bhp model is available with an automatic transmission. The TD4 148 promises high 50s on the mpg scale, with 129 g/km of CO2 emissions. The TD4 178 lowers our expectations to low 50s and 139 g/km.

Audi TT RS Coupé and Roadster Unveiled

Joining the third generation Audi TT as of today are the Audi TT RS Coupé and Roadster. Order books open in the summer with deliveries due towards the end of the year.

Its 395 bhp 2.5-litre 5-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine produces 480 Nm of torque which is available over an extremely wide band of 1,700 - 5,850 rpm. This propels the TT RS Coupé to 62 mph in 3.7 seconds, however you can add another 0.2 s for the Roadster and its additional 90 kg.

Electronically limited to 155 mph, the TT RS is actually capable of 174 mph as an option. Power is put down to the road thanks to an industry-favourite dual-clutch 'S tronic' transmission and quattro all-wheel-drive. Audi's drive select system allows the driver to choose between comfort, auto, dynamic and individual.

Standard equipment includes 19-inch alloy wheels (wrapped in 245/35 tyres), however 20-inch alloys (255/30) are available too. Matrix OLED tail lights will be made available on the TT RS and LED headlights come as standard.

Up front, the honeycomb grille and aggressive bodystyling point out the fact that this is no ordinary TT. Both models have fixed rear spoilers however automatically extending spoilers can be specified. Both the Coupé and the Roadster measure 4.19 m in length and 1.34 m in height as well as taking up a width of 1.89 m. The Coupé is slightly more aerodynamic (0.32) than the Roadster (0.33).

Inside, the 12.3-inch screen can replace the standard analogue instrument cluster and display RS-specific details such as a highlighted rev counter with torque figures and g-force stats.

Pricing is expected to be in the region of £50,000 which puts it in line with rivals such as the Porsche 718 Cayman S and Boxster S. Both the BMW M2 Coupé and Mercedes-AMG SLC 43 can be had for around £5,000 less. The Jaguar F-Type delivers slightly better performance for a premium of almost £2,000.

Renault Mégane Tried and Tested in Europe, Soon to Arrive in the UK

We've seen a new design language in Renaults of late, including the Clio, Captur and Kadjar. Even the Espace and Talisman have been given this design, although they're not offered in the UK. It's no surprise, then, that the highly popular family car is getting the same treatment. The all-new Renault Mégane has already been on sale in France since the beginning of 2016 along with other left-hand-drive European countries, but as always, the UK's debut has been stretched out to summer 2016.

The redesigned Mégane features a lower and longer design. Significantly widened front and rear track widths and angular shoulder lines help give this some serious road presence. Not only that, but it also means it should be more practical inside thanks to its elongated wheelbase.

The most striking part of the Mégane has to be the lights. The C-shaped headlights are said to be made up of 3D-effect LEDs. Flowing straight into the grille and oversized Renault badge means it's a car not to be missed. The tail lights extend further into the centre of the tailgate giving an elegant look to the family hatchback. They're said to represent brush strokes.

Inside, the occupants will experience a similar ambiance to that of the Espace, and even the more premium Talisman. A range of high-quality soft-touch materials are used throughout, we can only hope that scratchy plastics don't make it to the UK market. Some models will be specified with heated seats and electric lumber support for the front seats.

Higher trims get Renault's latest 'R-Link 2' infotainment system with a striking 8.7-inch portrait touchscreen dominating the centre console. As well as controlling multimedia, Renault will allow the driver to control the vehicle's characteristics through Multi-Sense technology. This includes the accelerator and engine response, steering weight, shift speeds for the EDC automatic gearbox and even the engine's sound, although some may say this could sound too artificial.

Safety technologies are not forgotten either. Some of them include an Adaptive Cruise Control, Active Emergency Braking and a Lane Departure warning system. Thanks to Traffic Sign Recognition, the Mégane can even ensure that the driver doesn't creep over the speed limit. Hands-Free Parking and 360-degree parking sensors should also make manoeuvring the Mégane a breeze in tight spaces.

For those who wish to turn heads but still keep some money in their pockets, the GT-Line offers the best of both worlds. Aggressive bodystyling including a honeycomb grille and a wider air intake give it a different personality, and the 17- or 18-inch dark metal alloys certainly help it stand out. The Iron Blue body paint is complimented by blue contrast stitching inside. Renault will even include 4Control - an all-wheel steering system, which hopes to improve stability and precision.

There's no word on engines for the British market yet, however 5 petrols and 6 diesels are available in France. These include one naturally aspirated petrol (1.6-litre), three 1.2-litre turbo-petrols and a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol. Over with the diesels, Renault will sell you four 1.5-litre turbodiesels or two 1.6-litre units. The 1.5 dCi 110 ECO2 paired with a 6-speed manual transmission claims over 85 mpg and 86 g/km of CO2 emissions. The 1.6 TCe 205, however, is a turbo-petrol with attitude. Thanks to a 7-speed EDC automatic transmission it sprints to 62 mph in a fraction over 7 seconds.

Rivals for the Mégane include the similarly redesigned Vauxhall Astra (£15,295) and Peugeot 308 (£15,495) as well as the tired VW Golf (£17,595). Both the Astra and 308 have similar hot versions (Peugeot 308 GTI 1.6 e-THP 205 and Vauxhall Astra 1.6i Turbo 200) with 0-62 mph times of 7.5 and 6.6 seconds respectively. The Mégane GT also struggles to keep up with the VW Golf GTI 2.0 220 DSG which sprints to 62 mph in 6.5 seconds.

Audi A8 L extended, a.k.a. A8 XXL

The current generation Audi A8 has been around since 2009, and since then we've seen the regular A8, an S8 and even a long wheelbase A8 L. It's available with a range of high powered petrol and diesel engines as well as a range-topping W12 unit.

It's 2016 that marks the entry of the A8 L extended. It's a 6.36-metre long A8 L with an extra set of doors. Audi plans to sell it as a small-scale built-to-order super limo for the duration of the current generation (D4) of A8.

Almost a year of development has resulted in an elongated Audi that has the torsional and flexural rigidity of an A8 L (or not too far off anyway). This has been made possible thanks to further structural modifications such as additional cross-bracing. 

The wheelbase and overall length of the A8 L extended are more than a metre longer than those of the regular A8 L, and in the roof you can find a 2.4-metre long panel of glass to give it an airy, spacious ambiance.

Each row of seats are finished in premium 'velvet beige' Valcona leather and feature sunblinds as standard. The electrically adjustable seats make for a comfortable ride, while the continuous centre console means that the Audi is a strict 6-seater. Nevertheless, there is a coolbox to the rear of the 3rd row of seating. 

So the all-important question. Power. Would it be the A8's 3.0- or 4.2-litre TDI diesel engine? Or maybe the prestige W12 petrol? Or could it be the S8's 4.0-litre TFSI? In fact, it's none of them. The A8 L extended will come with a 3.0-litre TFSI petrol unit that produces 306 bhp and 440 Nm. This gives it a 0-62 mph sprint time of 7.1 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. 

Power is delivered to the road through an 8-speed tiptronic automatic transmission and quattro all-wheel-drive. Behind the 19-inch 15-spoke alloy wheels is the same break system from the S8 which helps stop the A8 L extended's 2,418 kg. That's an increase of 343-538 kg over the other A8 models.

Expect pricing to be in the region of €350,000 (£278,000 / $395,000).

Top Gear's Reasonably Priced Car up for Grabs

Back in 2002 Top Gear relaunched. It wasn't until the second series that James May joined Richard Hammond and of course Jeremy Clarkson, but since then 175 episodes have brought in hundreds of millions of views in 170 countries.

For seven series, the Suzuki Liana was the reasonably priced car. It was later followed by the Chevrolet Lacetti and Kia Cee'd. The twentieth series welcomed the Vauxhall Astra which is now up for auction.



Finished in Power Red, the 115 bhp 1.6-liter petrol Astra has five doors and belongs to the Tech Line trim level. It features:

• 17-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels
• Satellite navigation with 7-inch display
• Three-spoke leather sports steering wheel
• Multi-function trip computer
• USB, iPod and Bluetooth connectivity
• Six premium speakers as part of a digital radio
• Chrome-effect exterior side window surrounds
• Front Corbeau Sprint Racing seats with 5-point safety belt harness
• Full roll-cage

It has clocked up a little over 2,900 miles, which is the equivalent of more than 1,600 laps around the Top Gear test track.

Oh, and you'll also be able to say that the following celebrities have driven your car around the track with their respective times:

• Olly Murs - 1:44.6
• Nicholas Hoult - 1:44.7
• Aaron Paul - 1:44.7
• Brian Johnson - 1:45.1
• Jimmy Carr - 1:45.6
• Hugh Jackman - 1:46.1
• David Haye - 1:46.7
• Warwick Davis - 1:46.8
• Margot Robbie - 1:47.1
• Will Smith - 1:47.2
• Benedict Cumberbatch - 1:47.8
• Rachel Riley - 1:48.5
• Gillian Anderson - 1:48.5
• Charles Dance - 1:48.8
• Joss Stone - 1:48.9
• Kiefer Sutherland - 1:49.2 (wet)
• James Blunt - 1:49.4 ("very very wet")
• Ron Howard - 1:49.9
• Tom Hiddleston - 1:49.9 ("very wet")
• Hugh Bonneville - 1:50.1 (wet)
• Steven Tyler - 1:51.0
• Mike Rutherford - 1:51.5
• Ed Sheeran - 1:54.3 (wet) (automatic)
• Jack Whitehall - 1:54.5 (automatic)

It is worth noting that the airbags have been disabled to make room for the roll-cage and racing seats, thus making it illegal for road use. To revert it back to a road-legal state would incur some hefty costs which means it would be best kept as a prized possession locked safely away in your garage!

So the all-important price? The reserve has been set at £10,000 and all proceeds will be donated to BEN.

You have until the 28th of April to try to get your hands on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

Head over to http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/-/231913252015 to place your bid now.

Renault Kadjar Gets New Top-of-the-Range Trim

Since going on sale, the Kadjar has boosted Renault's sales by 16%. It's no wonder, then, that the French firm wants to add an extra option to satisfy buyers.

It's definitely not an entry-level trim that Renault needs as the Kadjar is already competitively priced. This time, it's a luxurious trim that sits above all the others in the range.

Based on the Signature Nav, it includes a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry, an R-Link 2 infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen featuring TomTom LIVE services and a premium BOSE sound system. Safety kit includes a lane departure warning system and traffic sign recognition. What differentiates the new Signature S Nav from its inferior brother is a full black leather upholster, heated front seats, an electrically adjustable driver's seat height, a reversing camera and front and rear parking sensors. As regards safety, it also gets a blind spot warning system, too.

All of this extra kit is worth £1,750, however Renault is only asking for a £1,400 premium over the Signature Nav. Now, although that doesn't sound like too much of a deal, it's important to note that the Kadjar is already very reasonably priced and features some standard kit that other rivals don't.

Renault has decided to kill two birds with one stone, as it also marks the introduction of the ENERGY TCe 130 engine and 7-speed EDC automatic combination. It's a 1.2-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine found elsewhere in Renault's range, but now it can be specified with the French dual-clutch automatic transmission without compensating on fuel efficiency.

Take a look at the crucial specs here for the new Kadjar Signature S Nav:

• TCe 130, manual - 130 g/km CO2, 48.7 mpg, £23,695
• TCE 130, EDC - 132 g/km CO2, 49.6 mpg, £25,025
• dCi 110 manual - 103 g/km CO2, 72.4 mpg, £25,595
• dCi 110 EDC - 103 g/km CO2, 72.4 mpg, £26,795
• dCi 130 2WD - 117 g/km CO2, 62.8 mpg, £26,795
• dCi 130 4WD - 129 g/km CO2, 57.6 mpg, £28,195

For the pricing on the ENERGY TCe 130 engine in conjunction with the 7-speed EDC dual-clutch automatic transmission, see below.

• Dynamique Nav - £21,395
• Dynamique S Nav - £22,295
• Signature Nav - £23,495
• Signature S Nav - £24,895

The Beach Buggy Has Been Born - Volkswagen Beetle Dune

When an auto maker adds a sporty twist to a car, you can usually expect a ride height decrease of around 10-15 mm, however the Beetle Dune actually goes up by 10 mm. That's because it has been made to look like a crossover version of the Beetle.

The order books opened on the 5th of April and deliveries will start arriving in June, perfect timing for the summer season.

The Sandstorm Yellow and Dark Bronze metallic paints complement the character of the Beetle Dune really well, however you can also specify it in Deep Black pearlescent or standard black or white non-metallics.

Around the front, a silver-framed air inlet and black honeycomb grille make the Beetle Dune stand out from its siblings, and a large spoiler and LED tail lights further accentuate its playful look around the back.

Inside, a contrasting 'Turmeric' stitching on the sports seats, leather-covered steering wheel and handbrake lever go well with the Sandstorm Yellow paint.

Based on the Beetle Design, the Dune comes as standard with a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, DAB, CD and USB inputs. It also features automatic lights and wipers, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and front and rear parking sensors.

Unfortunately, the whole range of engines isn't carried over to the Beetle Dune. It only gets the 104 bhp 1.2-litre TSI petrol or 148 bhp 2.0-litre TDI diesel. The petrol can achieve up to 50 mpg, while the diesel boasts a figure of more than 60 mpg. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard on both, however a DSG automatic can be specified, with 6 gears for the diesel or 7 for the petrol. Both engines feature BlueMotion Technology, which boasts stop/start among other fuel-saving ideas.

Pricing for the Beetle Dune is as follows - figures in brackets are for the DSG models.

• Coupé 1.2 TSI - £21,300 (£22,760)
• Coupé 2.0 TDI - £23,805 (£25,410)
• Cabriolet 1.2 TSI - £24,255 (£25,700)
• Cabriolet 2.0 TDI - £26,875 (£28,235)

That makes the Beetle Dune £2,395 more expensive than the Beetle Design every time.

Dacia's Ambiance Prime Limited Edition Trim Level

In the UK, you can buy 3 Dacias. The Sandero (which has a Sandero Stepway part-brother), the Locan MCV and Duster. This is essentially a car in each of the main categories - hatchback, estate and SUV.

Dacia's no-nonsense approach to motoring means that you can have a Sandero for less than £6,000, however its standard equipment list is very scarce. Entry-level Access is definitely one to avoid, which leaves you with Ambiance or Leauréate.

A new trim level will join them for a limited time, named the Ambiance Prime. Building on the Ambiance's kist list of Bluetooth, electric front windows, body-coloured bumpers, radio with CD, USB and auxiliary inputs, 60:40 split folding rear seats and Emergency Brake Assist, it adds a 'Chestnut' metallic paint. The Sandero and Logan MCV get 15-inch 'Aquila' alloys, whereas the Duster will get 16-inch 'Everest' alloy wheels. The Sandero and Logan MCV also get front fog lights thrown in for free.

Dacia claims the Ambiance Prime throws in £1,190 worth of equipment for only £500, which if you ask me is a steal!

The Ambiance Prime pricing falls into two categories. This first is the Sandero and Logan MCV, where it costs £800 to upgrade from the 1.2 16V 75 engine to Renault's TCe 90. To go from the TCe 90 to the dCi 90, it's an extra £1,000. The dCi 90 will emit 90 g/km and achieve 80 mpg on both models.

The second pricing category is the Duster. You can go from the 1.6 16V 115 engine to a dCi 110 unit for £1,500, as well as an upgrade to four-wheel-drive for £2,000.

If you fancy a bit of Ambiance Prime, models start at a little over £7,000 (Sandero 1.2 16V) and go up to £15,000 (Duster dCi 110 4x4).

Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport Edition 40 Released to Mark Golf's 40th Birthday

The Volkswagen Golf is now 42 years old, and the Golf GTI isn't too far behind. This year it celebrates its 40th birthday, which is why Volkswagen have announced a special Golf GTI Clubsport Edition 40.

It shares the same 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine as the regular Golf hot hatch, although power is upped to 261 bhp making it the most powerful Golf GTI to date. What's more, in 3rd gear or higher, 'overboost' increases power output to a total of 286 bhp. Maximum torque is 350 Nm.

The front-wheel-drive hot hatch can be had with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed DSG automatic, the latter coming as standard with launch control. The lightest GTI 40 weighs in at 1,375 kg.

It will be electronically limited to 155 mph, yet reach 62 mph in 6.3 seconds, whichever body guise or transmission you go for. That's a couple of tenths of a second quicker than the regular GTI. Both models achieve a claimed 40 mpg, with CO2 emissions of 158-162 g/km.

Just like the GTI, the GTI 40 is 15 mm lower than the standard Golf. Also following form, it includes a golf ball gear knob, Alcantara sports seats and black headlining.

A new bumper, sides sills and rear diffuser as well as a roof spoiler all intend to add more downforce for added traction. The 18-inch 'Quaranta' alloys are 3 kg lighter per wheel than conventional alloys and are wrapped in 225/40 tyres. Optionally available are 19-inch 'Brescia' and 'Pretoria' alloys, with 235/35 tyres.

A few paint colours are available, however you can also ask for your GTI 40 to have a black contrasting roof.

As you'd expect, the Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport Edition 40 will be a collector's item, with only 1,000 units destined for the UK.

The standard Golf GTI is available for £27,435, however it's an additional £3,440 for the GTI 40, making it £30,875 for the 3-door 6-speed manual variant. Add £655 if you want a set of rear doors and other £1,415 for the 6-speed DSG transmission. So that's another £655 and £1,415 for the 5-door DSG model.

Audi A3 Gets a Facelift

With this mid-life refresh, it's all about filtering the best bits of technology that we've seen elsewhere in the Audi range down into the A3. And when you think A3, don't just think hatchback, because there's also the saloon and cabriolet.

This includes Audi's virtual cockpit, a 12.3-inch TFT display that replaces the standard analogue instrument dials. Of course, this does come at a premium.

The MMI infotainment display has also been redesigned with a simpler and intuitive menu structure. It measures 7 inches as standard and features iOS and Android integration, just like the A4 and Q7. Two mobile phones can be connected via Bluetooth at any one time (for the first time in an A3) which will open doors for company car drivers.

Other technologies include a traffic jam assist system and cross-traffic assist.

When it comes to design, the A3 follows its bigger family members with some bold, sharp creases along the body and a prominent grille. Five new colours will be available, including Ara blue, Cosmic blue, Nano grey, Tango red and Vegas yellow.

A new entry point will be made for the A3 with the German's 1.0-litre 3-cylinder TFSI petrol engine, usually reserved for the A1. Despite its little design, it still packs a punch, with 113 bhp and 200 Nm thanks to a turbocharger. This will be the lightest A3, weighing it at just 1150 kg!

The hugely popular 1.4-litre TFSI engine with cylinder-on-demand technology remains. It's able to disengage 2 of its 4 cylinders under low acceleration, yet still provide 148 bhp and 250 Nm when needed.

There's also a new 2.0-litre TFSI with 187 bhp and 320 Nm, however it's the diesels that are the most popular.

The 1.6-lite TDI diesel produces a meagre 108 bhp, however the 2.0-litre TDI can be had in 148 bhp or 181 bhp guises, with 340 or 380 Nm of torque. The latter uses the same engine as Volkswagen's Golf GTD, the diesel equivalent to the GTI.

The optional sports suspension (which comes as standard on S line models) lowers the car by 15 mm, however this increases to 25 mm for the S line sport suspension.

All models come will alloy wheels measuring 16 inches and above, and even the entry-level A3 will come with xenon headlights and LED daytime runnings lights. Automatic lights and wipers, and cruise control, all make up the standard equipment list.

If you opt for a higher spec, you can be upgraded to full LED headlights, and Audi's matrix LED headlight system can also be optionally requested. Other options include a driver's seat with massage functionality.

Fret not, the eco-friendly e-tron plug-in petrol-hybrid will stay the same. The 1.4-litre TFSI engine and electric motor make for a total of 201 bhp and equally impressive running costs.

Also on the cards is the S3. With the S tronic transmission is gains 10 bhp and 20 Nm, with total figures of 306 bhp and 400 Nm (available from a very broad range of 2,000-5,400 rpm).

For the RS 3, we're going to have to wait a bit longer to find out what happens to it.

Volkswagen Reintroduces the Tiguan

The latest-generation Tiguan has been completely redesigned - it's not just a facelift with a general nip-and-tuck. It's also the first new SUV by VW to sit on the MQB platform which underpins most of the mid-sized cars in the VW Group including the popular Golf and new SEAT Ateca. Only the Golf and Polo outsell the Tiguan in the UK, so it's no surprise that VW want to give the Tiguan a winning formula.

It's almost as if someone has stepped on the old Tiguan. It's 33 mm shorter, yet 30 mm wider and 60 mm longer. It features a 77 mm longer wheelbase, too. The rear bench can slide up to 180 mm, which is 20 mm more than the previous generation's. The boot capacity has now been increased to 615 litres, which is a mammoth 145-litre inflation.

Eventually, the Tiguan will be available with 3 petrol and 4 diesel options, but for the time being we're only blessed enough to have one of each.

The 2.0 TDI diesel produces 148 bhp. With a 6-speed manual transmission, it can be specified as a front-wheel-drive SUV or with VW's 4MOTION part-time all-wheel-drive. The 7-speed DSG automatic is reserved for the 4MOTION model. It's sufficiently rapid, too, with a 0-62 mph time of 9.3 seconds. It will still achieve almost 60 mpg and emit 125 g/km of CO2.

There will also be a 2.0 TSI petrol from launch, boasting an impressive 178 bhp. This option restricts you to a 7-speed DSG transmission and 4MOTION all-wheel-drive. Its key figures are 7.7 seconds to 62 mph, almost 40 mpg and 170 g/km.

It's no wonder than VW has introduced these two first, as they're expected to make up for 75% of UK purchases, combining power and efficiency. Further entries into the engine lineup will be made in two stages, on the 5th of May and the 2nd of June.

The new Tiguan is also a very safe car. All models are equipped with Front Assist which features City Emergency Braking and Pedestrian Monitoring, as well as Lane Assist and automatic post-collision braking. Other safety elements include an active bonnet which rises 50 mm within 22 milliseconds of an accident in order to reduce injury to those outside the vehicle, as well as 7 airbags.

Volkswagen plans to offer the Tiguan with 5 trim levels - S, SE, SE Nav, SEL and R-Line. Pricing for the launch models ranges from £25,530 to £35,095.

Cabriolet Joins the Mercedes S-Class Family

If you would have said to a fan of Mercedes a few years back that the S-Class would be available in Coupé and Cabriolet forms as well as the Saloon, they would have laughed at you. But that's exactly where we are today, and we wouldn't at all be surprised if an Estate car comes along either!

But for now, the Cabriolet needs some explanation. The Saloon version comes with a diesel hybrid (S 300 h) and a petrol hybrid (S 400 h). There's also a petrol plug-in hybrid (S 500 e) and a standard diesel (S 350 d). It's the petrols that really impress, though, with an S 500 and S 600, as well as Mercedes-AMG S 63 and S 65. Despite Mercedes already having developed so many engines, it may come as a surprise to you that there are only three engines headed for the Cabriolet, and they are:

• S 500
• twin-turbocharged 4.6-litre V8
• 449 bhp
• 0-62 mph in 4.6 seconds
• 32.5 mpg, 204 g/km
• 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission
• £110,120
• S 63
• twin-turbocharged 5.5-litre V8
• 577 bhp
• 0-62 mph in 4.2 seconds
• 237 g/km
• AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed automatic transmission
• £135,675
• S 65
• twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre V12
• 621 bhp
• 0-62 mph in 4.1 seconds
• 272 g/km
• AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission
• £192,805

All models are electronically limited to a top speed of 155 mph, however the AMG models can be released to 186 mph for £2,760 (S 63) or £765 (S 65) as part of the AMG Driver's package.

The 'entry-level' S 500 is far from entry level. It comes as standard in the highest AMG Line trim with 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, AIRMATIC air suspension, dual 12.3-inch displays, AIRSCARF heating from the headrests, all-round heated seats, front ventilated seats and an automatic boot separator for the roof.

The S 63 gets design upgrades in line with the rest of Mercedes-AMG's cars as well as 'V8 BITURBO' lettering on the front wings and a 13-speaker Burmester surround sound system.

Similarly, the S 65 gets 'V12 BITURBO' lettering and an upgraded 23-speaker Burmester system. It also features 20-inch alloys and LED headlights with Swarovski crystals. 

Volvo S90 / V90 Event

If reading the reviews and watching the videos just aren't enough for you, Volvo is now inviting you to see its brand-new luxury saloon and estate cars in the flesh.

You can already buy the S90 for £32,555 and the V90 for an additional £2,000, although they won't be delivered until the autumn. Both will come standard with the 9-inch portrait display found in the XC90 and Pilot Assist which will autonomously drive the vehicle at speeds of up to 80 mph. 

Also at the stand to complete the family photo will be the XC90. This is already for sale and on the British roads for prices of above £46,850.

The put Volvo's pricing into perspective, take a look at some rivals here:

• BMW 5 Series Saloon - £31,115
• BMW 5 Series Touring - £33,315
• BMW X5 SUV - £44,575

• Audi A6 Saloon - £32,295
• Audi A6 Avant - £34,345
• Audi Q7 SUV - £47,755

• Mercedes E-Class Saloon [new] - £35,935
• Mercedes E-Class Saloon [last-generation] - £36,660
• Mercedes GLE SUV - £49,285

To go and see the 90 family in real life, you can head to one of two locations:

• The Oracle, Reading (lower mall next to Superdry and opposite Hollister)
• Mon-Fri 09:30-20:00
• Sat 09:00-19:00
• Sun 11:00-17:00
• Silverburn, Glasgow (near Superdry, Debenhams and Swarovski)
• Mon-Fri 10:00-21:00
• Sat 09:00-19:00
• Sun 10:00-19:00