Category Archives: SUV/4X4

Mercedes, SUV, SUV/4X4

GLA star of the show

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Mercedes-Benz GLA

By Bill McCarthy

Selling more than a million models is a testimony to the appeal of Mercedes’ baby SUV. Baby is perhaps the wrong term. The smallest in the range, it is far more than a pumped-up A Class, on which it is based.

With its muscular stance, but still coupe-like lines and distinctive three-pointed star of Mercedes, silver roof rails and 19-inch, five spoke alloys, it never failed to attract attention.

This latest version is a bit higher and a bit shorter than its predecessor, but all models  are well equipped and goodies increase as you move up the range with this range topper featuring leather, heated and powered seats, 64-colour ambient lighting, multi-function steering wheel and high-end sound system.

Like all Mercs it hosts myriad gadgets and gizmos, not least its clever MBUX entertainment system which now uses the latest augmented reality software and a comprehensive range of safety kit. It also features highly efficient and frugal petrol and diesel engines and other cutting edge technology.

The interior on this range-topping model is pure executive quality, with piano black and soft touch finish throughout. 

Five round ventilation units are meant to offer a turbine look, and trimmed in chrome, are a classy touch. The centrepiece is a 10.25inch touchscreen which is the brains of the car, connected to a touchpad on the central console. 

Unlike some touchpads, this one is not jerky and works well, operating key features like sat nav, infotainment and connectivity for smartphones. It also houses the reversing camera.

On this AMG model another 10.25 inch merges with the touchscreen to provide a cockpit style and to deliver key driver information.

 The standard MBUX system uses  voice control. It can be individually configured with the aid of a range of options for configuring screens and graphics and sat nav with augmented reality and learning software. 

For this to work, the camera in the roof console behind the windscreen records a video image of the surroundings. This, in turn, enhances the system with helpful navigation information. Indicator arrows or house numbers are automatically superimposed on the image shown on the media display touchscreen.

The GLA features two petrol and two diesel variants, with this model featuring the two litre, 190bhp diesel engine, mated with an eight-speed, dual-clutch transmission.

It is an extremely lively and refined unit offering rapid acceleration, high levels of torque, 400Nm for excellent pulling power in all gears and lowish  CO2 emissions. Add to this fuel consumption of around 50mpg and that’s pretty impressive considering the car is carrying the extra weight of the  four-wheel drive capability.

This diesel is a refined unit with barely any diesel clatter while acceleration is very brisk, the car hits 60mph in just 7.3 seconds.

The increased dimensions means there is plenty of leg and headroom while the seats are comfortable and supportive, the firmish but smooth ride means passengers have a comfortable experience and despite its high stance, the vehicle always feels stable with a marked absence of wallowing on corners.

As an SUV it needs to be practical and the seating arrangements offer various combinations, while the 485 litres of boot space can be increased  to a maximum of 1, 420, while the sliding rear seats offer extra practicality.

While unlikely to spend much time off road, the four wheel drive offers extra safety, with added traction in poor weather. Actually offroad, power is transferred 50-50 to each axle, giving the capability of pulling a horsebox or caravan on and off a muddy field.

Other safety features include a full complement of airbags, standard autonomous braking to avoid a collision, exit  warning function alerting the driver to approaching cyclists or vehicles, and a warning when  pedestrians are detected near zebra crossings, plus many more. The range starts at £31,465.

Factfile

Mercedes-Benz GLA 220 d 4MATIC AMG Line Premium

Price: £41,430

Mechanical: 190bhp, 1950cc, 4-cylinder, diesel engine driving all wheels via 8-automatic transmission

Max Speed: 135mph

0-62mph: 7.3 seconds

Combined MPG: 49.6

Insurance Group: 37

C02 emissions: 130g/km

Warranty: 3yrs/unlimited miles

Electric/hybrid, SUV/4X4, Volkswagen

Tiguan is a true ‘people’s car’

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Volkswagen Tiguan

By Bill McCarthy

THE translation of Volkswagen into English could well describe the latest version of the firm’s hugely popular SUV.

‘The people’s car’ is very apt, with the VW Tiguan having sold six million worldwide since its introduction in 2007. So popular it took another nine years for the second generation to come along in 2016 and now that model has had a major revamp at the end of last year.

It is Europe’s best selling SUV and gets a new trim line-up and a choice of petrol, diesel and hybrid power units, together with design and technological advances.

Already one of the most stylish and recognisable on the market, it retains its muscular SUV look, sitting high off the ground with stylish 18-inch alloys. However the rugged look is softened with roof rails, rear tinted glass, LED Matrix headlights flanking the slim grille and large air flow ducts below.

 The firm’s Y-structure trim allows for two range toppers. It starts with Tiguan, then Life and a choice at the top end of Elegance for luxury, and R-Line, driven here, being the sportier model. This features 20-inch ‘Misano’ alloy wheels, lowered sports suspension, bespoke  bumpers and rear roof spoiler, as well as upgraded light clusters.

“Acceleration is brisk, with top seed of 121mph . . . . if you are driving on German autobahns”

This model featured the hi-tech 1.5-litre TSI, 150 PS engine, mated with the familiar, slick-shifting 7-speed DSG transmission. The engine features cylinder deactivation, shutting down two cylinders under certain conditions to boost mpg and reduce CO2 emissions.

The interior is much improved  with the digital instrument panel ‘cockpit’ and the eight-inch touch screen dominating. The touchscreen controls navigation and sound system which includes DAB radio, and connectivity with streaming and internet capabilities. Smartphones can be hooked to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto via screen mirroring.

In typical VW style the interior is solidly built with high quality fixtures and fittings, together with high-end soft touch finish to dash and doors and leather bound steering wheel and gearshift.

It is a comfortable place to be, with 30-colour ambient lighting, heated front seats, sports steering wheel with touch control function, brushed stainless steel pedals and a black headliner and aluminium scuff plates displaying the R-Line logo.

On the road the engine is refined, with plenty of grunt, and whether in full auto mode or having fun with paddle shifters behind the steering wheel, is an engaging drive. Acceleration is brisk, hitting 60 in just over nine seconds and on to a top speed of 121 mph, if you fancy it, driving on the German autobahns.

Considering its high-off-the-ground stance, it feels stable, even when cornering at higher speeds, while the steering is nicely weighted and direct. The gearshifts via the dual-clutch box are barely perceptible, particularly around town. On the motorway is a comfortable cruiser with plenty of torque to aid overtaking at higher speeds, with only road noise from the large alloys occasionally intrusive and, if being really picky, some wind noise from the door mirrors.

 The cylinder technology helps to deliver impressive real-world economy, with nearly 40mpg possible according to the WLTP figures and CO2 emissions of 143 g/km.

There are multiple space and stowage options via the 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats which also slide back and forth. It has a large boot, which comes with the option of ‘kick’ operation for easy remote opening and easy loading, and partitions for keeping items separate.

The generous 615 litres increases to a huge 1,665 with the seats folded flat. In addition a large bin between the front seats offers further stowage space, as do the roof rails.

 There is a full complement of airbags, plus features like stability and traction control together with Adaptive Cruise Control, Front Assist and front and rear parking sensors, as well as a Driver Alert System and Dynamic Road Sign Display.

The R-Line also features Emergency Assist and Travel Assist over the Elegance trim model, facilitating Level 2 autonomous driving at speeds of up to 130 mph (where permitted).

The entry-level trim kicks off with a generous raft of equipment, including 17-inch alloy wheels and LED headlights and the goodies mount up as you move up through Life and then twin range toppers Elegance and R-Line.

Factfile

Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line 1.5 TSI 150 DSG

Price: £ 32,135

Mechanical: 1498cc, 150PS, four-cylinder petrol engine driving front wheels via seven-speed DSG auto transmission

Maximum speed: 126mph

Acceleration: 0-60mph in 9.2 seconds

Economy: 38.8 mpg

Insurance group: 20E

CO2 emissions: 165g/km

BiK rating: 36 per cent

Warranty: three years, 60,000 miles