Category Archives: SUV

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, Skoda, SUV

Customise your new electric ŠKODA

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Enyaq iV has launched in retailers nationwide 

  • Enyaq iV is delivered to customers with CO2-neutral balance sheet
  • WLTP range of up to 333 miles
  • Rapid charging capability of up to 125kW; charging to 80 per cent in just 38 minutes
  • Available from £31,995* 

The new Enyaq iV introduces a new way for customers to perfectly tailor the car to their tastes and requirements. Instead of selecting from traditional trim levels, customers choose the battery size they need, select an interior design and then personalise their vehicle from a comprehensive range of equipment packs and individual options. 

From launch, the range consists of two variants; Enyaq iV 60 Nav and Enyaq iV 80 with 62kWh and 82kWh battery packs respectively. 

Six design selections are available; Loft, Lodge, Lounge, Suite, ecoSuite and SportLine, all of which offer a different interior look and materials. 

A new way for customers to finance their new Enyaq iV
The Enyaq iV comes with a new finance option that gives owners even greater peace of mind. Lease&Care has been developed by ŠKODA Financial Services specifically for electric car buyers and is a personal lease that includes built-in aftersales packages in one monthly payment.

Enyaq iV customers select their ideal Enyaq iV, choose an initial deposit which can be as little as one monthly payment, choose their annual mileage and select their term of either 24, 36 or 48 months. Customers can then tailor their package by choosing one of three aftersales ‘care’ packages they would like: Small, Medium or Large.

The most affordable Small package covers a customer for essential servicing, which includes all routine manufacturer servicing, brake fluid changes, as well as dust and pollen filters. It also includes access to the Driverline concierge – a dedicated 24/7 service that covers breakdown, recovery and glass care.

The Medium package adds all routine maintenance items, including brake, suspension and cooling system repairs, electric system maintenance, and all fluid top-ups, while the Large package includes tyre replacement and wheel alignment (due to fair wear and tear), puncture repair, geometry check and wheel balance.

The Enyaq iV is the first ŠKODA production model to be based on Volkswagen Group’s MEB modular electric car platform. The all-electric SUV has been awarded the top five stars and the best-ever grading for occupant protection in the European New Car Assessment Programme (EURO NCAP) tests. 

To ensure a safe environment for customers visiting ŠKODA retailers test drive appointments for the all-new Enyaq iV are available to pre-book at http://www.skoda.co.uk.