CONNECTEDrive Motoring Correspondent, Darryl Campbell
Summer’s here, so that can only mean one thing… an influx of convertibles. I’ve reviewed the new Mini Convertible and got an exclusive insight into the new Land Rover Evoque Convertible. Also, I’ve brought back all the best bits from this year’s London Motor Show, only for CONNECTEDrive.
NEWS
Wraps Off for Tesla Model 3 The hugely anticipated Tesla Model 3 has finally been revealed. The premium American electric vehicle manufacturer’s first compact executive car is about to shake the industry like no other, as the brand’s Model 3 will be competitively priced, starting at approximately £24,400. Many details are yet to be announced, but the car is said to offer a minimum range of 215 miles with its advanced lithium ion batteries and all-electric powertrain and is said to do 0-60 in just six seconds. ‘Tesla doesn’t make slow cars’ – Tesla CEO, Elon Musk. ‘I want one’ – me. Summer Sensation Evoked by Range Rover Jaguar Land Rover has introduced the world’s first luxury compact SUV convertible to the market, the Evoque Convertible. With space for four adults, a 251 litre boot capacity and a ski hatch, the Evoque price will begin at approximately £47,500. I attended the preview event at Charles Hurst Land Rover in Belfast in April – and this car has the wow factor. Unlike anything I’ve seen before, the Evoque Convertible will definitely be a stand out on the roads in Northern Ireland once it is launched.
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BMW Award for Local Retailer BMW have announced their National Retailer of the Year awards, with Coleraine firm JKC Specialist Cars picking up the ‘New Car Retailer of the Year’ award, beating competition from 150 BMW UK retailers for the second year running. JKC were presented with the award by host Rob Brydon at the prestigious ceremony, held in the 02 Intercontinental Hotel in London. Having also been shortlisted for the ‘BMW Marketing Retailer of the Year’ and the prestigious ‘BMW Dealer of the Year’ in the privately owned category, it was a highly successful night for the Coleraine business. Mercedes Announces New E-Class The all-new Mercedes Benz E-Class is the latest entry to the super-competitive executive class. Smart and practical, this car is one of Mercedes most sleek offerings yet. The interior is also a huge step forward for the brand, featuring an integrated infotainment set up that sits flush in the dash and an optional virtual instrument display. ‘Drive Pilot’ is being heralded by Mercedes as ‘the next step in autonomous motoring’, allowing a driver to follow the car in front at a safe distance. Costs begin at £35,935.