June 4th, 2019
In this article, we wanted to showcase some of the new makes and models that are getting our team excited. From the unreleased Land Rover Defender to the entire 3 Series range, there is plenty that we want to get our hands on and test drive.
Price
From £33,915
Specification
What is it like?
According to reports, the Jaguar XE is made up of 75% aluminium, with the rest of the construction being the high-strength steel in the doors, boot and rear underbody. As such, this has made the model slightly lighter than the rest of the rivals on the market.
The XE also takes on the industry trend of minimalizing the interior design, with fewer controls and a central, touchscreen display. Those who have already driven the model say that it is well assembled, and the interior feels like high-quality materials have been chosen, without compromising on aesthetics.
Price
From £21,305
Main features
What is it like?
According to their website, Toyota has said that the hybrid Corolla comes with a stylish interior, excellent handling and stability that makes the drive even more rewarding.
It comes with either a 1.8 or a 2.0-litre hybrid engine, which has been configured to give a responsive, smooth ride, as well as the power the driver needs to keep up with motorway traffic.
The Corolla takes 7.9 seconds to reach 60mph, which is considerably quicker than the older Toyota Auris, which makes the Corolla feel more flexible and powerful on faster roads. With a larger engine, you also get gearshift paddles as standard, which means you can control the speed for a faster start or an overtake.
Price
From £29,260
Main features
What is it like?
With a 2.0 litre engine and turbochargers to boost power, the Audi A4 comes with 148bhp, but still includes a blend of pace and fuel efficiency. Some models also come with three suspension setups (Comfort Dynamic, Sport and Adaptive Sport), which help to improve the ride and handling.
The A4 also comes with a range of seat and steering wheel adjustments, which give you additional, adjustable lumbar support to help keep a comfortable posture on longer journeys. The minimalist dashboard is simple to use, as Audi wanted to make it easier for drivers to control their surroundings.
Harder plastics are few and far between on the inside, and nearly everything is made of plush, soft-touch plastics. Real metal or wood veneer trims cover the dashboard and centre console, giving the A4 a feeling of opulence and sophistication.
Price
Price to be confirmed later this year
Main features
Main features to be confirmed when the model is released
What is it like?
The short answer is, we are not sure yet. It has not been released for sale, but reports have said that engineers have completed 750,000 miles of testing already, putting the rugged 4×4 through its paces in some of the world’s most inhospitable environments.
The Defender has been sighted testing numerous times in recent months, including at the Nurburgring (Germany), where engineers were working to fine-tune the chassis and ensure that the current brake setup suits a variety of driving conditions.
According to an article on Autocar, the new Defender will be based on a common Jaguar Land Rover architecture, a toughened-up version of the D7u underpinnings used on the Range Rover, Range Rover Sport and Discovery models.
Price
Main features
The entry level 3 series comes with:
What is it like?
Each of the three models have been tested to the extreme. From ice-covered roads in Areiplog to mountain passes in Death Valley, these cars have been put through their paces. BMW have not scrimped on the internal technology either.
For example, the new BMW 3 Series Saloon comes with the new Intelligent Personal Assistant, which learns and remembers the behaviour of the driver, and seamlessly integrates their journey with their daily working (or personal) life.
According to reports, as a long-distance vehicle each 3 Series model is quiet and smooth, and the driver will not be interrupted by engine or wind noise. BMW have filled the screen pillars with foam, and have used acoustically insulated glass. With a range of upgrade options available, drivers can customise their vehicle with everything they need to make their driving time comfortable, connected and streamlined.
If you would like to test drive one of these vehicles, or to find out how our team of specialists are able to help you improve your green fleet credentials, speak to us today on 01844 852000 or email us here.