MOTORING
MOTORING NEWS The latest news on all things motoring. By Nick Fletcher
NEW VW GOLF MATCH Volkswagen is sharpening the appeal of the Golf with a highly specified Golf Match Blue Motion Edition, and Golf Match Edition, priced from £19,840. The new Match Edition models add high-end equipment as standard including Discover Navigation with Car-Net Guide and Inform, and Winter Pack. The entry-level three-door Golf Match BlueMotion Edition has a 1.0 115hp TSI engine, six-speed manual gearbox. The Golf Match Edition, from £20,400, has a 1.4-litre TSI 125 hp engine, BlueMotion Technology and a five-speed manual gearbox. Standard features include 16-inch ‘Dover’ alloys and Discover Navigation system with 6.5inch colour touch-screen control system for navigation, CD and radio functions. Other equipment includes Adaptive Cruise Control with Front Assist and City Emergency Braking, Driver Alert System, PreCrash preventive occupant protection, Driver Profile Selection, automatic lights and wipers, and automatically dimming rear-view mirror.
ROAD TEST: BMW X1 XDRIVE BMW’s all-new X1 compact sports activity model has just entered UK showrooms and seems set to be another top seller, writes NICK FLETCHER. After all, the previous version has been a huge success since its launch in 2009. More than 730,000 have been sold globally with nearly 40,000 new owners of X1 in the UK in that time. Standard specification for the new version X1 includes LED daytime driving lights and for xLine and M Sport models fullLED headlights for low and high beam. This is optional for Sport line models.The new car has also grown, most notably in height compared to its predecessor (+53mm), which helps to create extra space inside. The new BMW X1 is available from launch with one petrol and three diesel units, each with TwinPower Turbo technology and with prices starting at £26,780. A new six-speed manual gearbox is standard. An eight-speed Steptronic transmission is also available which is standard on some models. The X1 offers more space for passengers and luggage and new options for varying its load-carrying capacity. There is a raised seating position (by 36mm in the front and 64mm in the rear compared to the predecessor model), and increased headroom, shoulder room and elbow room for all occupants. The UK standard specification sees automatic tailgate, front fog lamps, remote-controlled central locking and
keyless engine ignition, electric window controls, electrically adjustable and heated exterior mirrors, a leather steering wheel adjustable for height and reach, a rain sensor including automatic headlight control, extended storage and front and rear isofix attachments. The exterior design has a more potent look, and the cabin is both elegant and practical. The iDrive control display uses a 6.5 inch screen, though an 8.8 inch screen is an option. Satnav is standard on all models. Agility has been enhanced by the new chassis, which ensures not only precisely controllable handling but also noticeably improved ride comfort. The 192 hp 2.0 litre entry level petrol model featured is wellkitted and will be a popular choice for those wanting a little more driving zest. With a 0-60mph time of just 7.3 seconds it is very nippy yet can still return 44.8 mpg combined. (The 231 hp diesel is even quicker, 0-60 mph in only 6.6 seconds, and even better fuel economy - 56.5 mpg combined). On the road, there is plenty of grip thanks to the intelligent all-wheel-drive system with switches power wherever the sensors dicate extra traction is needed. With direct steering giving good feedback and adjustable dampers keeping the ride comfortable, this new X1 drives beautifully. It also impresses with its styling and the quality fit and finish of the cabin. Full marks all round!
ORIGAMI JUKE!
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To mark the 5th anniversary of its Juke model, Nissan and a British paper artist have created a full-scale Origami Juke. Artist Owen Gildersleeve hand-built the intricate replica model from paper to the exact dimensions of the current Juke. He took more than 200 hours and folded more than 2,000 pieces of paper to create the detailed sculpture. He said: “This was a great project to work on – hard work but very rewarding. As a celebration piece it draws on so many influences, such as the origami focus inspired by Nissan’s Japanese roots.” The Juke is built in Nissan’s plant in Sunderland and since first deliveries began in October 2010, more than 150,000 Juke models have been sold in the UK alone, with over 700,000 total sales across Europe, making it the continent’s best-selling compact crossover. The Juke’s longer-term future in Britain was recently secured when Nissan confirmed that the Sunderland plant would produce the next-generation Juke benefiting from a further £100 million investment in the Sunderland facility and securing the plant into 2020.