Learning New BMW Models and their rising popularity in South Africa

Residents of Cape Town and its surrounding suburbs who are looking to buy a new used car can choose from the great rage of BMWs that can be found for sale over the internet. The German car manufacturer have, over recent years, produced a stunning range of models from sports cars and saloons to modern, chunky, yet sophisticated 4 x 4s.

A BMW is universally accepted as being one of the best cars in the world, and as such they are much sought after. The build quality is superb, and if well looked after and kept in good condition, they also hold their value better than most other used cars. It?s one of the main reasons that a used BMW in Cape Town is one of the most popular choices for people on the lookout for a quality second hand car.

Despite popular opinion amongst BMW enthusiasts, the letters BMW do not stand for Best Motorcar in the World. They stand for something much more plain and boring, namely Bayerische Motoren Werke, or in plain English - Bavarian Motor Works.

The German car manufacturer have been churning out great cars for several decades now, and as the once new models appear on the used BMW in Cape Town car listings, they are soon snapped up, none more so than the BMW3 series.

The BMS 3 series is probably the most popular used BMW in Cape Town. The fact that this series is now in its 6th generation says it all. Its looks alone speak volumes. Not only is it one of the most aerodynamically handsome cars of its class, it has actually become the bench mark that most drivers looking for a new second-hand vehicle, measure other used cars by.

But as well as being a good looking car, the series 3 is also reasonably economical, particularly the 320i which has proven to be the most sought after model. The average fuel consumption is a pleasing 6.1 liters per 100km. Later model 320is are also fitted with Eco Pro, a system which helps to maximize fuel economy. In automatic models, Eco Pro actually adjusts the gear selection, thereby optimizing fuel efficiency; whilst in manual gear models, Eco Pro regulates the engine?s idling speed. Eco Pro also controls the car?s interior climate control system, effecting even more control over fuel usage. It?s small wonder that the 3201 is the most sought after model of used BMW in Cape Town today.

BMWs are renowned for their inclusion of high technology componentry at the cutting edge, and later model 320is keep the faith by utilizing BMW?s iDrive system. iDrive facilitates dash mounted control of the majority of the cars integral functions. This includes start/stop technology, use of Bluetooth electronics, and access to the World Wide Web. The BMW 320i is right there in the mix when it comes down to being the best used BMW in Cape Town.

Author Bio:
My name is Tal and I write Info on various cars, along with this article referenced for BMW In Cape Town There is also much more available at the official Pick A Car website, along with reviews, and news.

RV Travel: How to travel affordably

When it comes to traveling, a great option for travelers is an RV. A recreational vehicle is a smart way to travel as they provide a means for transportation as well as a home base. An RV is a great way to travel as well as a means of rest and relaxation. A JustRVs purchase can be expensive but it can also be an investment. It is very wise for new RV owners to travel affordably in the beginning so that the cost of the RV does not affect traveling abilities. Below are a few tips to traveling on a small budget!

Research

First, the best way to save money when traveling in an RV is to do your research. Determine where you want to go and figure out how long it will take you to get there. You need to find the best route so you will use less gas on your travels. Gas is a major expense with American motorhomes so finding the quickest route can save you time as well as money! Also research your destination, determine how else you can save money, such as discount restaurants, low price campgrounds, etc.

Plan Carefully

It is very important that you plan carefully to have an affordable trip. Determine how much money you will need for your trip and stick to it. Make a strict budget and keep out unnecessary items such as expensive dinners, high priced attractions and the like. Settle for easy and uncomplicated meals in your RV so you can pay a little for groceries and save money by not having to go out to eat!

Book Low Rate Campgrounds

Another option for travels is to locate low rate campgrounds. There are many campgrounds that allow for $10 or less a night. It is more affordable to stay at these locations than a more luxurious option. This way, you still have the hookups you need to have a functional motor home but you are not paying a high price to stay on site. You can research different options by checking online for various campgrounds in the area in which you wish to stay! Many times, larger cities have camping parks which allow you to simply park your camper for a low rate. Check on these types of sites as well!

Travel Advice

You can also choose to seek out travel advice from seasoned RV travelers. If you know someone who has traveled to the same area or someone who owns an RV, ask them how they save money. You would be surprised at the tips you can learn, many that you would have never thought of! Simply ask your friends how you can save money when you travel! Who knows, your friends may even want to travel with you and then expenses could be split, saving you even more money!

No matter where you want to go, a little research will help you go on your trip in the most affordable way. Take the time to research your options and you will have a successful trip on a budget!

Maria is a freelance writer. She writes articles related to finance, money saving. Planning to buy a car. Her choice is Just RV’s, which is specialise in the sale and brokerage of high quality American motorhomes.

Benefits of choosing a car lease

Buying a car can be very expensive, which is why the opportunity of paying for your car in monthly payments should not be surmised. Just like there is a car for everyone, there is a car lease available to meet every budget.

While the majority of people will not have £15000 to pay upfront for their favourite car, a monthly payment of £150 for example makes buying this dream car much more achievable. Join millions of people in getting a lease for a car. You can now invest this capital amount on something else without the need to leave such a big dent in your pocket.

Luxury cars have now become an option, making leasing a car the better option. That Porsche has suddenly become affordable without breaking the bank.

Convinced? If you are thinking about car leasing it is vital that you understand how the lease will work. Ensure you choose the right deal for you and most importantly your circumstances.

So what is car leasing?

In simple terms leasing a car means entering an agreement with a leasing company which will provide the funds to the customer but not ownership of the car. The customer is able to treat the car like their own and it is their responsibility to maintain the car and ensure it is taxed and fully insured. But unlike other arrangements the owner will never take ownership of the car.

Therefore the lessor or the leasing company will remain as the legal owner and also will be documented as the registered keeper on all documents such as the log-book. Once the lease has come to an end the leasing company can choose to give the owner the option to continue leasing or transfer the car to another person looking for a leasing agreement.

Did you know there are many variations of the term lease and these include finance lease, contract hire or an operating lease, each with their own terms of reference? When signing up to a lease, ensure you fully read the terms and conditions and once again ensure the agreement meets your personal circumstances.

So where do you start in getting a cheap car lease to fully meet your needs and requirements?

This is where the fun part begins, find your car. This can be exciting as with a car lease you can often afford a more luxury car than if you were buying outright. The lease terms are usually for a duration of 2-3 years but this will be agreed with the lease company. Other terms will be agreed such as expected mileage. This will help determine the future value of the car taking into account depreciation.

Once you are happy you are free to start driving your dream car and pay regular payments for this privilege.

Once the agreement comes to an end the car will either be returned or you can choose to continue your lease term. Remember if the car is not returned according to the terms and conditions you may be asked to pay an excess to recover the value of the car.

Have fun shopping for your own Porsche style car!

Author Bio:
Vincent Hill is Marketing Executive at First Vehicle Leasing. First Vehicle Leasing provides best car leasing solutions to all over United Kingdom.

2012 BMW M6 Convertible

Base Price: $115,295

As-Tested Price: $125,595

Drivetrain: four.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8; RWD, seven-speed dual-clutch serial manual

Output: 560 horsepower @ vi,000 rpm, five hundred lb-ft @ one,500-5,750 rpm

Curb Weight: four,508 lb

Fuel Economy (EPA City/Highway/Combined): 14/20/16 mpg

AWObserved Fuel Economy: fifteen.5 mpg

Options: govt package together with heated handwheel, soft-close automatic doors, active front seats, full LED lights automatic high beams, head-up show, satellite radio with annual subscription, smartphone integration, BMW apps ($4,900); black merino sheep animal skin ($3,500); driver-assistance package together with lane-departure warning, active blind-spot detection, aspect and top-view cameras ($1,900)

From the skin, this generation of BMW's huge M6 is way prettier than the last one. And it is not simply because the last one might need been the ugliest automotive that BMW has ever sold-out. No, this is often a genuinely sensible trying automotive. It's bulging and aggressive during a means that its competitors don't seem to be, and that i adore it. it is not wild or something, simply exciting enough to create the worth purpose appear slightly less ridiculous. Like all convertibles with auto origins, the look suffers from the shortage of a roofline. In person, if not on-screen, the design of the M6 auto grows on you. i am afraid i am still not the right age to love convertibles.

Inside, BMW has the animal skin factor perfect. The animal skin is soft, supple and nearly rubbery. the things may well be created into an excellent try of hot pants.

This generation of iDrive is way from intuitive, however BMW can tell you that if all you drive ar BMWs, you may begin to seek out it intuitive. that is clearly not what "intuitive" is.

Still, once you learn it, it works for the foremost half, that among driver/technology interfaces puts iDrive close to the highest of the heap. it is also a large improvement over previous generations.

The process by that a driver puts the automotive in park is therefore laborious to apprehend that I really had to seem it up within the manual the primary time I drove it. Doing it wrong can lead to the ringing of numberless bells and also the flashing of warning lights, with very little graphics that tell you you are doing it wrong however while not directions on the way to have a go at it right. And, as crazy because it is to mention this in 2012, you are going to possess to dedicate it slow to learning the way to operate this factor. therein sense, it is a very little archaic. however i might imagine that almost all of the folks that pip out can expect to possess to be told the way to use it.

And that's quite an issue with the M6. automatically and visually, it is a marvellous grand tourer, however the natural philosophy ar largely useless or obtrusive or each.

Over the course of the previous couple of years, the Germans are building more and more powerful and quick cars. which implies that, within the wrong hands, they will be dangerous. So, instead of let wealthy individuals kill themselves, they leave the necessary stuff up to the automotive. Get accustomed it. you would like 560 hp? Be able to place the robots to blame of exploitation it responsibly.

But the robots ar solely concerning ninety nine % good. as an example, with the traction management in its default setting, the M6 nearly killed Maine. i used to be actuation into traffic on a humid town street and, after I hit the gas, the automotive lurched into the intersection. As traffic bore down on Maine from either direction, the rear wheels slipped and power was cut mechanically, going Maine nearly stationary within the intersection. I hurriedly became a parking zone.

If you would like to like this automotive, you wish to create peace along with your mechanical overlords.

You'll even have to know that it is a GT and not a sports automotive. the primary factor the motive force notices is however serious it appears. The M6 weighs 900 pounds quite a 2004 motorcar Grand Cherokee. So, whereas BMW spent plenty of your time and cash creating it feel agile -- and it will -- it's serious. It's extremely serious. despite however agile or capable it's, it's still immense therefore it'll not want a sports automotive. The engine is splendid, however it's sterilized by its transmission.

But most of it's OK within the finish. it is not a track automotive. it is a crosser of continents, engineered to create long distances appear shorter. and that is precisely what it will.

In the tradition of different nice GTs, it makes sustaining huge speed easy. it's power to spare and an excellent huge gasoline tank. it's sensible and has area for 2 individuals and a few baggage. In my mind, it is the second- or third-best huge GT automotive on the market.

It's very sensible, great even, however it is not quite an hero.

The 2012 M6 convertible may be a good machine that exudes a muscular conduct with its look and drive character. It strikes the correct feelings deep within Maine as a result of this is often exactly the breed of automotive I like: massive, powerful, rear-wheel drive and assured. it's a presence on the road while not being chesty. the ability is robust, however civilized. The seven-speed may be a sleek, calming partner for the monster V8. The chassis feels jazzy, and also the steering includes a correct, athletic weight once the large automotive is pushed; still, the ride is sort of invariably comfy and infrequently discomposed by road imperfections.

The engine has lots of punch and emits a raw, intoxicating sound. The quad pipes in back ar stylish , associated most would say the M6 appearance and seems like an contestant. it is a thick one maybe, however in form still.

The cabin is appointed in dark, nearly sinister fashion. The materials look and feel cool and stylish to Maine. Everything is obtainable, and it seems like a cockpit. I worshipped this handwheel. massive and leather-clad, it felt slightly old-school, interactive and jazzy. Drop the highest, and on a commute with temperatures within the 60s, it is a cathartic cruiser.

For this value, there ar different choices which will provide sportier dynamics. Or additional luxury. however the M6 is one in every of the most effective mixtures of the 2.

Ford Focus

Although similar with Deutschland, the Ford Focus currently has stronger links to Tom Yum Goong than to dish.

The switch to Thai production in August saw the introduction of the Focus Mk2, that debuted Ford's hands-free synchronise moving-picture show system among different technical school options, nevertheless failed to suffer a come by cabin quality to the extent of the Fiesta it created an equivalent transition 2 years earlier.

The production shift was quickly followed by a price cutting that saw the RRP of the entry-level Ford Focus Ambiente manual drop to $20,290 and therefore the dual-clutch automatic to $22,590 though Ford's 'special' driveaway valuation supply of $19,990 and $21,990 severally remains months later and may be your start line negotiating with dealers.

It puts the Focus within the thick of the action within the ultra-competitive small-car phase, wherever it takes on the new-generation Toyota Corolla (from $19,990), the top-selling Mazda3 (from $20,330), the Australian-made Holden Cruze ($21,490), and therefore the dramatically improved second-gen Hyundai i30 ($20,990), to not mention over a dozen different compact sedans and hatchbacks.

The Ambiente is that the solely variant within the third-generation Ford Focus vary steam-powered by a one.6-litre four-cylinder gasoline engine (the higher-grade models feature two.0-litre gasoline and diesel alternatives). Its 92kW/159Nm output is respectable for a naturally aspirated engine of its capability, but the willing unit is burdened by the car's 1335kg edge weight. It's happy and sometimes needed to rev towards its 6300rpm most wall plug however begins to sound thrashy and strained north of peak force at 4000rpm. At lower engine speeds it's moderately quiet and refined.

The same can't be aforementioned for the ex gratia six-speed dual-clutch motor vehicle transmission. Gear changes square measure jerky when cold start-ups whether or not created mechanically or manually by the driving force via the dinky +/ buttons on the within of the shift lever and may stay overly thus for minutes. It tends to lurch in low just like the initial generation of twin clutches and misunderstands the engine's limitations at higher speeds, upshifting on hills and killing momentum before sharply trying to find a lower magnitude relation. nevertheless it's additionally unpunctual to react to aggressive throttle inputs, waiting (and wondering…) before kicking down. Best save yourself $2K and keep on with the quality five-speed manual, that is additionally a lot of fuel economical, employing a claimed six.2 litres per 100km on the combined cycle compared with the auto's six.5. On our take a look at covering a variety of conditions we tend to achieved economy of ten.6L/100km.

The Focus claws back points within the dynamics department, wherever it's each well balanced and fascinating. The electrically assisted steering (standard all told however the Ambiente sedan, that options an easier hydraulic system) is lightweight however keen, giving fast associated direct response to minute inputs and an encouraging changeability to greater twists of the tiller.

Unsurprisingly, the chassis that could be a highlight of the Focus ST hot-hatch remains capable and composed supporting the less performance-oriented variants. The suspension reacts promptly to disembarrass bumps and coarse surfaces, making a cushty ride, and helps to contain roll through corners.

The excellent seats, that square measure soft and adjunct, and significantly cossetting within the second row, enhance comfort. Rear passengers fancy tight head, leg and foot area within the back of the Focus, and whereas they miss out on a centre rest in Ambiente and Trend trim lines, square measure taken care of with a set of clever storage spots round the seat base and doors.

Visibility from the driver's seat is suitable front and rear, though the read of the centre console is a lot of of associate penchant. just like the smaller fete, the Focus options Nokia 5210-inspired switchgear and a little three.5-inch blue matrix screen that a minimum of to a smartphone-savvy info Y-er misses the mark each in terms of style and work and end. as luck would have it, the yr styling is saved modern technical school, with Ford's synchronise property system facilitating voice-activated hands-free job, phone book transfer, sonic text message readout (with compatible phones) and music player integration via either Bluetooth or USB.

The inaccessibility of controller within the Ambiente is unsatisfying, however, and therefore the base model will while not reversing sensors, foglights and alloy wheels (it gets 16-inch steels with a space-saver spare), that square measure all normal throughout the remainder of the Ford Focus vary. different options of the entry-level model embrace manual air con, multi-function show with trip pc, one-touch up/down electrical driver's window, and 60/40 split-fold rear seats. Boot house behind the rear bench trails the likes of the Hyundai i30 and Mazda3, with 316 litres on the market within the hatch and 421 litres within the sedan.

The entire Ford Focus vary has attained ANCAP's most five-star safety rating, every model equipped with six airbags (dual front, facet and curtains), electronic stability management and hand brake lights that flash below significant braking to warn drivers following behind.

The Focus is roofed by a three-year/100,000km guarantee and has 12-month/15,000km service intervals. Most services for the Ambiente can set you back $320 below Ford's six-year capped-price coupling program, with the sixty,000km interval the sole outlier at $455, that involves replacement the fuel and air filters and therefore the spark plugs on high of the regular service.

Well priced, well balanced and comfy, however lacking drivetrain refinement and a few basic options, the Ford Focus Ambiente could be a dish best served manual… maybe when sampling the i30 and Mazda3 for entree and main.

Scion FR-S

Producing two hundred power unit from a direct-injected a pair of.0-liter Boxer four-cylinder engine and mated to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic, the FR-S is one in every of the best rear-wheel drive economy sports cars of uncomparable.

Starting at around $24,000, the performance to cost quantitative relation of the FR-S is unexampled not solely within the fashionable automotive market however within the historical automotive market moreover.

Developed by Subaru however got by Toyota, the FR-S additionally competes with a near-twin vehicle here within the states: the Subaru BRZ.

The FR-S is tiny, light, sensible trying, and cheap. With a well crafted however easy interior, the FR-S provides enough area for 2 adult passengers despite the fact that it's technically a four-seater and a few baggage within the trunk.

While two hundred power unit doesn't seem to be abundant lately in an exceedingly sports automobile, the FR-S is high-revving auto that's desperate to please. What it lacks in grunt it simply makes up for with its cornering capabilities. The FR-S comes from the plant with identical tires because the European Prius. This may build some scoff however it's truly a superb alternative. The tires offer enough grip to stay the FR-S planted to the road, however additionally the additional benefit of being low cost to interchange.

As for why we have a tendency to selected the FR-S over its brother the BRZ, we have a tendency to felt the altered suspension setup of the BRZ accessorial with its satellite navigation unit and exaggerated sticker value created the FR-S the apparent winner. The FR-S is stiffer, lighter, and cheaper than the BRZ, and as a corner taming economy sports automobile, it gets our nod.

Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCI

This is the all-new, second-generation Kuga, Ford's mid-size SUV. As before, it's supported Focus underpinnings, however the massive news is that it replaces each Europe's Kuga and also the utterly completely different and long-established Escape SUV within the United States of America thence it's the Escape within the United States of America. It's a troublesome equalization act: the Escape incorporates a name as a durable, direct, sensible SUV. The Kuga is a lot of of a classy crossover.

It's a great deal a logo of Ford's One Ford global-car policy: the platform is built in Cologne, the powertrain in Dagenham and also the higher body and interior in port. It'll be in-built urban center, America, and Valencia, Spain.

There square measure a selection of 2 one.6-litre turbocharged Ecoboost petrols with 148bhp or 177bhp, each putt out a similar 177lb linear unit and 2 a pair of.0-litre turbodiesels with 138bhp/236lb linear unit and 161bhp/251lb linear unit.

The base gasolene will solely be had in front-wheel drive type with a manual gear case, whereas the 177bhp model is had solely with all-wheel drive and also the Powershift machine. The 138bhp diesel, meanwhile, is had in front- or all-wheel, however solely with the manual transmission, whereas the range-topping TDI will have either gear case, however four-wheeled drive solely.

There's additionally the same old line-up of Zetec, metal and metal X trim levels. costs vary from £20,895 for a one48bhp 1.6 Ecoboost Zetec to £29,795 for a 161bhp a pair of.0 TDCI.

We're driving a 161bhp a pair of.0TDCI metal all-wheel drive manual, yours for £25,545.

It's good, if usually quotidian. the foremost powerful diesel is entirely flat below 1500rpm, however keep it higher than that level and also the force zings you on on a wave of boost that doesn't stop till 4000rpm. this can be usually all well and sensible, however it will feel perceptibly unpunctual on inclines.

The steering is Ford's acquainted electrically motor-assisted set-up, that is fast and meatily weighted and absolutely pleasant to use, however if something it's too springily desperate to self-centre.

You sit high and also the chassis is sort of soft that doesn't lend a very gaudy feel, however the Kuga is truly quite in a position handler: the compliance means that it soaks up bumps while not turning into upset over rougher tarmac, and the four-wheeled drive system is pretty wonderful it's Ford's own hardware and package, and it's as if the tall ride height and soft chassis is doing its best to disguise the brilliance of this method. It subtly snuffs out the onset of understeer with one thing a lot of neutral, which means cornering speeds is indecently high, and it quickly juggles force between the axles, which means its way quicker acting, a lot of reactive and a lot of participating to drive than, say, a Haldex system. It'd be fascinating to mix this with, say, a Focus RS.

Really, though, this can be a awfully comfort-oriented automobile, with spectacular levels of refinement.

It is. The seats square measure cozy part-leather with grippy material centres in our Titanium-spec model and there's lots of headroom all spherical, and there's rather more legroom within the back than you'll realize in a very Focus one thing that the rigorously crenated seatbacks solely exaggerate. The rear-seat passengers will recline their seats a trifle with a pull on a handle, whereas a similar handles permit the 40/60 split seats to fold flat in a rapid. There are lots of cupholders and cubbyholes, and also the door cards square measure sharply carved too, giving bigger room.

The new automobile is 81mm longer than the first-gen Kuga, however it's additionally 4mm narrower and 8mm lower. Those reclining seats mean there's a spread for the seats-up bags area instead of a collection range, however it currently stands at 438-481 litres versus the previous 410 litres.

However, there's no seven-seat possibility, as you'll realize in Ford's Grand C-Max or, indeed, Nissan's rival Qashqai +2, therefore you're primarily handling a a lot of spacious Focus, instead of one thing that genuinely offers up a lot of creative ways that to use a similar quite area.

The Kuga gets keyless access, and you'll be able to open and shut the tailgate by waving your foot below the bumper a bit like you'll be able to on the Merc FTO and BMW 3-series. It's simply a shame it takes see you later to really open which the load sill is fairly high.

The Kuga may be a sensible, refined automobile, however one that struggles to square out compared with the already excellent opposition. it's sensible, however obscurity close to pretty much as good as a (far a lot of expensive) vary Rover Evoque or maybe, whisper it, a (cheaper) Kia Sportage, and it doesn't have the desirability of either the Rangey or the VW Tiguan. It's sensible to drive, however terribly comfort-focussed: the Evoque is much a lot of dynamic.

The Kuga doesn't extremely place a foot wrong, however nor will it do something that creates you're feeling compelled to shop for it. It's a solid, practical, snug automobile that ought to work simply into family duties, however one which will do therefore while not ever dazzling you with its brilliance.

The Audi A1 Sportback 1.4 TFSI Sport

The Audi A1 Sportback 1.4 TFSI Sport is, as you’d hope with a badge that options the word ‘Sport’ not once however double, the sportiest version of the German brand’s smallest automotive. It’s additionally the foremost valuable, cost accounting from $42,500, tho' as a typical premium little automotive there square measure still various ways that to expand your final bill.

Following the trend set by the likes of the mini hatch and edict five hundred, the Audi A1 Sportback 1.4 TFSI Sport is filled with choices and style alterations covering each interior and exterior, giving people management over however their A1 can look provided they’re willing to get it.

From different roof colors and totally different wheels, to S line tweaks applied within and out, there’s no shortage of selections once buying this flagship of the four-metre-long Audi. Our Misano red check automotive wore a superb black roof ($720) and half polished 17-inch alloy wheels ($400), however passed over on paddle shifters a further $200. You’ll need to pay far more, though, for sat-nav ($3600 for the MMI navigation and package) associated $490 for an auto-dimming rear vision mirror which may even be expected to air the quality options list.

Open the driver’s door and nestle into the substantiative, and well bucketed, sports seat, tho' and you’ll notice an enclosed that will ‘premium’ higher than any of its rivals, together with the BMW-owned mini. The high-end Audi look and feel the German complete has become therefore synonymous for is true there.

Top-notch materials used throughout the four-seater cabin mix with logical controls and a high-quality show to form occupants feel over a trifle special. The Audi A1 Sportback is equally associate Audi, on par with several of its way more valuable relatives and closely connected in quality and style to the company’s A8 flagship.

The animal skin multi-function sports handwheel is one amongst the simplest within the business associate absolute delight to carry and use and is joined within the cabin by ever-so-slightly-transparent gloss black air vent surrounds that meld cleanly into the imposingly soft-touch dash contrasted by brushed atomic number 13 rings encasing the black air vents.

The rating of the Audi A1 Sport 1.4 TFSI will take it into the realm of larger hatches, and people of the recent selection together with the Volkswagen Golf GTI (from $40,490 in five-door form) and Renault Megane RS265 (from $42,640). however the sportiest Audi A1 Sportback additionally weighs solely 1215kg 2 blokes but a Golf GTI permitting its terrific twin-charged engine to deliver just-as-strong performance and higher fuel economy.

Audi’s A1 1.4 TSI options a similar twin-charged 1.4-litre four-cylinder engine found within the $27,790 Volkswagen Polo GTI. With 136kW at 6200rpm and 250Nm from as low as 2000rpm, the punchy and versatile engine is simply as happy taking part in cart or tearing through the mountains.

One of the key party tricks of using each a compressor for low-down surge associated a turbocharger for mid-range boost square measure stats of 0-100km/h in seven seconds (a bit slower than a GTI however slightly faster than an motorcar Cooper S) and a combined fuel consumption figure of five.9 litres per 100km (more economical than each a GTI and Cooper S). we tend to averaged seven.9L/100km, in keeping with the car’s trip laptop, however saw as low as five.4L/100km.

The Audi A1 Sportback 1.4 TFSI Sport’s ride is firm however manages the difficult balance between stiffness and compliance well, ne'er obtaining unsettled over bumps and creating for a confidence-inspiring drive. whereas road joins will jar, the A1 is obscurity close to as rigid as a mini Cooper.

Sharp, direct associated communicative steering is one amongst the simplest on an Audi with a purity and consistency oft missing from costlier Audis, together with even some RS models. The brakes, too, square measure terrific, providing consistent feel and a solid, dependable pedal even when perennial serious stops.

The dual-clutch shell are often a supply of frustration, frequently dynamical from fourth or fifth gear down into third mid-corner, even once in manual mode, associated an odd awkward shift will occur sometimes. Cogs square measure swapped quickly, though, and in additional relaxed driving with cheap runniness. like the dual Polo GTI, there’s no manual various.

With a gap value that sees it square up against a number of the present era’s best hot-hatches with extra space and additional power, the Audi A1 Sportback 1.4 TFSI isn't getting to attractiveness to patrons sorting out a cut price. except for those craving for a automotive that includes the four-ring badge at a additional come-at-able value, the Audi A1 Sportback 1.4 TFSI Sport could be a little, mighty, luxurious very little package that’s correct fun.

Source CarAdvice

2012 BMW 550i Sedan: Sport package including dynamic damper control

Base Price: $62,895

As-Tested Price: $73,095

Drivetrain: 4.4-liter turbocharged V8; RWD, eight-speed automatic

Output: 400 hp @ 5,500-6,400 rpm, 450 lb-ft @ 1,750-4,500 rpm

Curb Weight: 4,365 lb

Fuel Economy (EPA/AW): 18/16.2 mpg

Options: M sport package including dynamic damper control, 19-inch alloy double-spoke wheels, multi-contour seats, M steering wheel, aerodynamic kit, shadowline exterior trim, anthracite headliner ($3,800); driver assistance package including automatic high beams, lane departure warning, active blind spot detection, side and top view cameras, head-up display ($3,500); convenience package including power tailgate, comfort access keyless entry, soft-close automatic doors ($1,700); premium sound package including satellite radio and one-year subscription, premium hi-fi system ($950); BMW apps ($250)

New BMW 5-series at shopautoweek.com

I would describe the 2012 BMW 550i sedan, despite its size and 4,365-pound curb weight, as fleet of foot. The throttle tip in is sufficiently sensitive and before long you've run through five gears and are nearing triple-digit speeds without any drama. The 4.4-liter turbocharged V8 pushes all the way to redline before a butter-soft shift from the ZF eight-speed automatic transmission.

The 550i is quieter than you'd expect. The heavy doors and sound-deadening material keep out the wind and road noise, and unfortunately the engine as well. It is truly about effortless speed in the 550i, especially when the suspension is set to comfort.

The four drive settings change the engine map, transmission and suspension settings. Full sport turns the traction control off and really buttons things down for "spirited" driving, while comfort moves the 550i into Mercedes territory for smoothness and isolation. I kept the car in sport plus most of the night, but I had to stay vigilant, any random pothole could be a tire killer. We learned that expensive lesson with our long-term BMW 550i xDrive tester. It ate six or seven Goodyear runflat tires in one year.

I did enjoy the thick M Sport steering wheel that comes with the M Sport package. It costs $3,800 but includes the adjustable suspension, 19-inch wheels, anthracite headliner and multi-contour seats. As far as other options go, I would ditch the $3,500 Driver Assistance package, though I did appreciate the heads-up display. The Convenience package can go but the premium sound system should stay.

The audio functions work through the iDrive setup, which seems to improve every year. My only complaint is with the iPod functionality that seems extra convoluted. Tapping your way through the menus won't play a song, you have to find a track list and scroll down to initiate. I think some other systems work better in this regard, Hyundai being one of them.

Those in winter climate may want to look at the all-wheel-drive version of the BMW 550i, especially since it only costs $2,300 more than the rear-wheel-drive model. It won't produce the kind of tail-wagging, rubber-burning fun that enthusiasts love, but on the slick stuff it's like an Arctic Cat for the street.

The person looking to buy this car would probably be cross shopping the Mercedes-Benz E550 4Matic, which costs $60,400, or the supercharged Audi A6, which stickers for $50,400. The only problem is that the Audi doesn't offer a V8 or rear-wheel drive, and the Mercedes gives you the V8, but you have to take all-wheel drive with it. As it stands, if you want a mid-sized luxury sports sedan with a V8 and rear drive, it's going to be a BMW.

By JAKE LINGEMAN