Posts
AUDI A5 & Subaru Impreza WRX STI
Posted On Tuesday, August 28, 2007 at at 2:45 AM by Sanky
The Audi A5 is growing on us. When we first saw the 3-Series rival, we weren't quite convinced by the styling, and an early drive of the S5 revealed it be, well, a bit lifeless.
But we've had the 3.0-litre TDI A5 in this week, and it's doing a sterling job in converting the office to the charms of the Audi coupe.
It looks good in the flesh - a lot better than in photos - and feels sturdier than a New Zealand prop forward.
And all those good portents just get better with the news that Audi is adding another couple of engines to the A5 line-up: a 3.2 FSI petrol and 2.7 TDI.
The 3.2 FSI is the same unit found in the A4 and A6, but with a power boost to 261bhp and 243lb ft of torque. That'll see the A5 to 62mph in 6.6 seconds and on to 155mph, with consumption in the region of 32mpg.
The 2.7-litre turbodiesel should be a tidy option, too. Once again, power is up over the A4 iteration of the engine, with 178 horses hauling the A5 to 62mph in 7.6 seconds while returning a highly respectable 42.2mph.
Both engines are available with Audi's CVT automatic transmission, but given the precision of the six-speed manual we've been testing this week, we can't see why you'd bother.
The A5 2.7 TDI starts at £31,640, while the 3.2 FSI weighs in at £33,230, and both should be in the UK by the end of October.
Subaru Impreza WRX STI Roll on the Impreza WRX STI. That's all we could think when Subaru sent us over these shots of the new Impreza, due to go on sale in the UK from this September.
We've seen a fair bit of the Impreza already, and these photos confirm what we suspected: that the third-generation of Scooby's chav deity isn't going to win any beauty contests.
There's a bit of Mazda 323 in there, a fair chunk of old Nissan Almera and a soupcon of BMW 1-Series - none of them beautiful cars in their own right and no more handsome when they're stuck together.
However, we're yet to see the WRX STI, which Subaru promises will be 'visually more aggressive' when it arrives in spring next year. Here's hoping that flared arches and a big ol' spoiler can do something for the Impreza's looks.
Ignore the appearance, though, and the Impreza could be a more tempting proposition. Bigger and wider than its predecessor, there's more bootspace and, promises Subaru, better handling thanks to the engine and tranny sitting 10mm lower in the platform. Aerodynamics have been improved while the weight is down, too - the WRX has shed 30kg.
Even the base spec Imprezas will get permanent four-wheel drive with centre viscous coupling, although only the WRXs will get Subaru's rear limited slip diff.
Boxer engines will dominate the line-up, with 1.5-, 2.0- and 2.5-litre four-pots available at launch.
Although there's no power boost for the WRX, with its 2.5-litre engine still putting out 227bhp, it should be more tractable thanks to better low-end torque and shorter gearing. It'll still hit 60mph in 5.4 seconds, but economy is up to 27.2mpg on the combined cycle.
We could go on with the stats, but the ones you really want to know are still conspicuously absent. We'll find out all the details on the WRX STI closer to its launch early next year, by which time Subaru's designers will hopefully have worked out a way to add a bit of bite to the Impreza's appearance.
Cars-....Estates
Posted On Tuesday, August 14, 2007 at at 5:59 AM by Sanky
- Priced at Rs 4.6 - 6.4 lakhs
- Prefered version is LX DICOR
Skoda Otavia Combi
- The luxurious L&K trim with the 1.9 diesel engine
- The mental RS with turbocharged 1.8 and superb handling though theres also a rock hard ride
Of the two, L&K would probably make the best sense ,because you 'd get an even better long distance express than the Octavia hatch, and lots of equipment to go with it . The RS sounds nice, but if you want handling,go for the hatch
- Cost Rs. 13.8 - 14.4 lakhs
Tiguan and Passat
Posted On Wednesday, August 8, 2007 at at 5:47 AM by Sanky
- Comfort
- Standard
- Sport
Volkswagen will offer the SUV – and this for the first time worldwide – exclusively with turbocharged direct injection engines. This “high-performance turbocharging” significantly reduces fuel
Coming to Passat...
The Volkswagen Passat is a family car built by Volkswagen , produced in various forms since 1973..
From the very first glance, the new Passat Estate makes a definitive statement, its wide track width and low-set front end producing a striking appearance, giving a hint of the driving pleasure to come.The new Passat Estate not only tells a story of exceptional space and load carrying capacity, but also superb ergonomics and interior ambience. Sit in the driving seat and you'll immediately appreciate its intelligent and convenient design, with the clearly arranged instrument panel and easily accessible controls, enhanced by the beautifully co-ordinated, luxurious décor.
BUT.....
Even with that chrome grill and incongruous V6 in the model line-up, we always knew that the Volkswagen Passat was a bit boring at heart.
And now the big VW has proved its true colours. It's not just boring, it's a caravanner.
The Passat Estate has beaten off stiff competition to be voted Towcar of the Year 2007.
Apparently the Passat was subjected to a rigorous testing programme before being awarded the title.
Although the details of this test are unclear, we must assume that the 'idling down the outside lane of the A30 at 30mph with a two-mile queue of traffic behind' challenge, the 'how many miles can you cover before realising that you forgot to hitch your caravan onto the towbar back at the trailer park' exam and, of course, the 'most ridiculous wing mirror extensions' shootout all formed part of the curriculum.
On a serious note, we hope - as will anyone who saw the 'Top Gear Goes Camping' episode a couple of series back - that the examiners saw fit to test the fireproof qualities of the Passat. It's a dangerous business, this camping lark.
AUDI
Posted On Monday, August 6, 2007 at at 7:24 AM by Sanky
Welcome to the world of WHEELSPUN.
First say will be on the fantabulous creation called the AUDI.....
Audi is a manufacturer of exquisite cars – attractive, sophisticated and technically perfect. Our success stems from creativity, commitment and enthusiasm. The wishes and emotions of our customers are the guiding principle behind our approach. We strive to lead the way with our innovations, and to set new standards which substantiate our brand claim of "Vorsprung durch Technik".
The four rings----
Audi’s history is one of the most multifaceted stories ever told in the history of the automobile. The Audi emblem with its four rings signifies one of Germany’s oldest automobile manufacturers. It symbolises the amalgamation in 1932 of four formerly independent motor-vehicle manufacturers: Audi, DKW, Horch and Wanderer. These companies formed the roots of what is today AUDI AG
The brands----
Audi is one of Germany’s oldest automobile manufacturers. Since 1932 the Audi emblem has been the ‘four rings’, which stand for its amalgamation with DKW, Horch and Wanderer to form Auto Union AG in Chemnitz. It supplied the widest range of passenger vehicles that the German industry could offer in the 1930s – from motorcycles to luxury saloon cars.
Here are a few new cars on the roll in INDIA....for the indian car fans...
AUDI A8--
AUDI Q7--
AUDI TT--
AUDI A6--
AUDI A4--
More to come in my next blog...
