What's The Alternatives?

[chatman]

.......Mini’s new ‘urban off-roader’.......

What on earth does that actually mean??? That you park on the grass verges?? My better half went "urban off roading" and ended up with a €40 fine!

The fine is null and void...it says 4x4 when it is infact a 4x2....... :lol: :lol:

Get onto them Robert plead the case...

[cabcurtains]

.......Mini’s new ‘urban off-roader’.......

What on earth does that actually mean??? That you park on the grass verges?? My better half went "urban off roading" and ended up with a €40 fine!

The fine is null and void...it says 4x4 when it is infact a 4x2....... :lol: :lol:

Get onto them Robert plead the case...

When you look at the pics they dont connect the reg number to the offence, there are 2 picks of "a" car parked on a pavement and one of "a" reg number, how does Robert know that the car is the same one as the reg number, the snapper should have taken a long range picture me thinks?

[Manxrav]

Thanks Chatman for excellent photo of new Urbancrusier. Can,t wait to see that one in the flesh. One question what would you expect the mpg of a 1.4 D4D with 4wheel drive to be?

Clare

[Fujisan]

Thanks Chatman for excellent photo of new Urbancrusier. Can,t wait to see that one in the flesh. One question what would you expect the mpg of a 1.4 D4D with 4wheel drive to be?

Clare

Not sure on the actual mpg figures but I've seen CO2 figures of 133 g/km posted around, so the mpg should be pretty good!

[Robert6920]

The fine is null and void...it says 4x4 when it is infact a 4x2....... :lol: :lol:

Get onto them Robert plead the case...

Already tried all that - they said I was a little pleader and I had to pay :censor:

[chatman]

New Hilux......... :drool: :drool: :drool:

And It has an Auto.....

Toyota's tough Hilux pick-up has been given a mid-life facelift! The 2009 model gets a new grille and bumper with a wider air intake, while fresh 15 and 17-inch alloys complete the external modifications.

Inside, there’s a revised steering wheel, which now incorporates stereo controls, and air-con is added to the standard kit tally.

But the changes are not purely cosmetic. The mud-plugger’s 3.0-litre diesel engine has been given a power boost, and can now be mated to a new five-speed auto box. All variants benefit from revised suspension and bigger brakes, while the Double Cab version boasts side and curtain airbags. Prices for the Hilux will be announced closer to its on-sale date, at the end of the year.

[Robert6920]

New Hilux......... :drool: :drool: :drool:

Oooh, I really want a Hilux as a toy - even an old one would do. Have "mentioned" it several times to my better half who is starting to get that "resigned" expression on her face. :o

In fact, I actually like the old ones a bit more than the new - but the new one is loverly, so that makes the older ones very desireable

[St Thicket]

Check out the new mini SUV!

gizmag article

Can anyone spot the spare wheel that is mandatory on a SUV that's made for driving off road? Didn't think so :D

[Fujisan]

This is the SsangYong C200, a concept car that will be unveiled at next month's Paris motor show.

The car is designed to be used in towns but have 4x4 looks, much like the Nissan Qashqai.

It's powered by a 175bhp 2.0-litre diesel engine, which is linked to a six-speed automatic gearbox.

Emissions meet Euro 5 standards – underlining the fact that the car is likely to make it to production in the future.

It also has full-time four-wheel-drive, although the platform can also be set-up for front-wheel-drive.

[Fujisan]

Audi Q7 6.0 V12 TDI

"Audi’s spectacularly powerful range-topping Q7, the world’s first V12 diesel SUV. Not exactly a car for the times, we admit, although the uber-Q7’s massive performance is certainly worthy of note.

The Q7 V12 TDI has been developed by Audi’s quattro GmbH division – also responsible for the RS4 and RS6, as well as the mould-breaking R8. So, although the Q7 doesn’t receive the ‘R’ Badge itself, it’s certainly in good company.

The 6.0-litre V12 diesel powerplant made its debut in the R8 TDI concept car earlier this year, and was inspired by the engine in the Le Mans winning R10 TDI racer. It’s based around the existing 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine, sharing cylinder bore spacing but getting a 60-degree bank instead of its sibling’s 90-degrees.

It’s good for 493bhp at 3750rpm, with 737lb ft of torque from 1750 and 3250rpm – fearsome outputs even in a big four-wheel drive. For perspective, VW’s existing 5.0-litre V10 ‘unit injector’ engine pumps out 350bhp and 626lb ft, and no-one’s ever accused that of being short of shove…

What’s it like?

Given the V12 TDI Q7 tips the scales at a massive 2635kg, it’s acceleration is nothing short of spectacular. Audi claims it can dispatch 0-62mph in just 5.5sec. Top speed is electronically pegged to 155mph, but officials at quattro GmbH reckon the big seven-seater would haul beyond 180mph without the limiter.

Even more impressive, is a combined cycle economy average of 25mpg, which theoretically gives the Q7 V12 TDI a range of 550 miles. In the real world, and using the performance, that average plummets – enthusiastic use sees the trip computer showing a less impressive 12.3 mpg. Unlike many big capacity diesels, Audi’s new V12 sounds great when wound up with a heavy application of right foot, with an alluring combination of mechanical roar and exhaust blare.

As in all recent Audi models, the quattro four wheel drive system and Torsen centre differential has been set up to provide a nominal 40:60 front-to-rear drive split. And for something so vast in size, the Q7 is remarkably agile. The steering gets revised steering mapping and air spring settings, reducing the ride height by 5mm compared to the standard car, but retaining its 240mm ride height in lift mode.

The handling feels nose-heavy, unsurprising given the engine’s 300kg mass, but excellent body control helps the Q7 V12 TDI to disguise its enormous bulk. Braking is assured by massive 420mm (front) and 370mm (rear) carbon ceramic discs from the Bentley Continental GT, gripped by Brembo calipers from the RS6.

Should I buy one?

If you’re looking to combine SUV practicality, sportscar performance and diesel economy then the Q7 V12 TDI is top of the pile, although its massive pricetag makes it nearly twice as expensive as the Q7 V8 TDI.

The range-topping Q7 is a remarkable technical showpiece for Audi. It’s not a car that can be justified by rational criteria, but it’s certainly raised the bar for diesel power."

If you have to ask......it's £96,295!

[Manxrav]

Go on then you,ve twisted my arm I,ll have a couple

Clare

[Fujisan]

Go on then you,ve twisted my arm I,ll have a couple

Clare

Order me one while you're there!

[Fujisan]

"Cleaner RX heads Lexus show stars

The lid has been lifted on Lexus’ Paris show line-up. And this advanced LF-Xh concept is among the stars.

The hybrid 4x4 – first seen a year ago at the Tokyo Motor Show – gives plenty of clues about the look of 2009’s all-new RX off-roader.

It features a new hybrid system, too. The production car, due next summer, will have the bigger 3.5-litre V6 from the GS450h, and its fifth-generation petrol-electric set-up is smaller, lighter and more efficient. As a result, it improves on the current variant’s 34.9mpg economy and 192g/km emissions. And Lexus is expected to ditch the petrol version of the RX in the face of dwindling sales."

[cabcurtains]

Is it me or does this (lexus above) look like a BMW X6?

The small windows/high waist line and the steep back, are the reasons :)

Why do concept cars not have door handles or wing mirrors, i prefer mirrors to camera's!!!!!

[Fujisan]

"Iveco Campagnola

What is it?

This is possibly the Land Rover Defender's most significant rival yet. Few people outside Italy will be familiar with the Campagnola name, but this butch off-roader can call on a lineage dating back to 1951 as Fiat's version of the wartime Willys Jeep.

The current Campagnola is marketed under the branding of Iveco, Fiat's commercial division, and it's undoubtedly a proper off-roader.

This is partly due to its distant relationship with Land Rover's earlier products - it was spawned from the Spanish-built Santara 4x4, which originated as a constructor of licence-built cart-sprung Land Rovers.

What is it like?

As you would expect, it's pretty talented in the dirt and pretty compromised off it.

Iveco has combined the Santana's chassis with its own 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel unit, drafted in from the Daily van.

The 176bhp engine is undoubtedly the Campagnola's best feature. It delivers strong performance low down the rev range, and peak torque arrives at just 1250rpm.

The car is still mounted on leaf springs at the back, but axle articulation is excellent and the Campagnola can get an impressive distance into the wilderness without breaking sweat.

Four-wheel-drive is also available in both high and low range, but can be disengaged to improve fuel economy, making the car rear-drive only. There is also an electronic centre differential.

Unfortunately on road the inadequacies of the Campagnola's rudimentary chassis quickly become apparent.

The steering feels vague and disconnected while the suspension combines poor body control and acute roll angles with an uncomfortably bouncy ride.

The enormous transmission tunnel also creates an awkward seating position for the driver, off-setting you from the pedals and pointing slightly towards the side of the vehicle.

Iveco is only planning to bring the Campagnola to the UK in limited numbers, but leather upholstery and air conditioning will come as standard along with the option of satellite navigation.

None of which fits particularly well with the tough, unpretentious interior. Curiously, only two colours are available - drab "sage green" and a slightly dirty-looking "ivory".

Should I buy one?

Iveco believes the Campagnola is the "best true off-road car on the market", and although its Santana/ Land Rover DNA gives it plenty of off-road ability, it lacks the capability of a Defender or Wrangler to combine heavy duty mud-plugging with acceptable road manners.

The name might evoke nostalgia on the continent but in the UK there isn't enough history and prestige to justify buying one."

An Italian Land Rover! :lol2: :lol2: :lol2: :lol2: :lol2:

[anchorman]

1 forward gear and 6 reverse!!!

[flexy7]

Found these "Spy Shots" of a possible replacement !

[dave.m]

I like this one

[Fujisan]

I like this one

So do I......hope the real thing turns out to be something similar.

Unfortunately I think it will be priced beyond my means! :(

[Fujisan]

Subaru Forester 2.0D XSn

Full test report in Autocar.

[Fujisan]

Volvo XC60 D5

Read the first drive report here.

[chatman]

Keeping on the Pickup theme....Local garage near me has a mint 57 plate Nissan Navara SE in Silver.....Have to pass it every day too from work :drool:

And now VW have a hand in the market....

Volkswagen is on a search and rescue mission! This is VW’s new Pickup concept, penned by a team led by ex-Audi design chief Walter de Silva, and set to go into production at the end of this year.

When the Pickup hits showrooms early next year it will be the first of its type in Volkswagen’s lineup, joining the Caddy, Transporter and Crafter in the German maker’s commercial vehicles stable.

The concept you see here is dressed up as a search and rescue (SAR) vehicle, but look through the decoration and you’ll see VW’s answer to pickups like the Nissan Navara, Mitsubishi L200 and Toyota Hilux. The newcomer’s combination of sharp styling and VW’s fabled bombproof quality should ensure it creates a real stir among these established rivals.

Set to debut at the IAA commercial vehicles show in Hanover this week, the Pickup will be powered exclusively by familiar turbodiesel engines, though VW has yet to confirm exactly which they’ll be. A five-cylinder 2.5-litre TDI unit in various states of tune is likely, with outputs ranging between 108bhp and 161bhp.

[Fujisan]

Keeping on the Pickup theme....Local garage near me has a mint 57 plate Nissan Navara SE in Silver.....Have to pass it every day too from work :drool:

And now VW have a hand in the market....

Personally I would not touch a Navara with a barge pole! From what I've read, owners have nothing but trouble with them. :ffs:

Link here.

The VW looks good

But I doubt if it will do 60 mpg!

[chatman]

At least the RAC and AA will have a less stressful week ahead now....

Jaguar Land Rover is closing its Halewood factory for a week, the company has confirmed.

JLR yesterday told the workforce at Halewood, home of the X-type and Freelander, that the plant would join Castle Bromwich and Land Rover's Solihull plant on short-time working until the year's end.

Despite heading for a 20,000 sales boost this year, due to booming US sales in the first half of the year, Jaguar is trimming production at both its production plants in the wake of the credit crunch.

Sales of the XF saloon will lift production close to 80,000 new cars, a considerable increase on last year's disappointing output of 54,000, which was dragged down by the run-out of the S-type.

Halewood's week-long shutdown will coincide with the school half-term in late October, trimming production by around 2000 units. Output of the XJ and XK at Castle Bromwich is also being cut back by the loss of the Friday shift until the end of the year, as previously announced.

Land Rover's Solihull plant, which makes the Range Rover, RR Sport and Discovery, has been on short-time working since mid-August, also losing the Friday shift to take out around three weeks of production.

Despite these cutbacks, Land Rover is still predicting historically high sales of around 200,000 cars this year. It sold 226,000 cars in 2007.

[chatman]

Personally I would not touch a Navara with a barge pole! From what I've read, owners have nothing but trouble with them. :ffs:

Link here.

Yea i heard about all the woes they've been having...

I did say I pass it...Looks like beauty on the Navara side is only skin deep.... :lol: :lol: