SUV | On the road

BMW X4

By Bill McCarthy

IT seems only five minutes ago that BMW’s striking X4 was launched.

It was in fact in 2014 and the latest model has enhanced driving dynamics, even more refinement, along with state-of-the-art driver assistance systems and connectivity.

Among these is the optional the BMW Display Key. Fuel level, remaining range and service information are all shown on its 2.2-inch touch display, while the key can also be used to lock the doors, close the windows and operate the optional auxiliary heating system.

Longer and wider than its predecessor, but now lighter, the latest X4 sits 3mm lower to the road, to give it a more dynamic appearance.

It features new horizontal LED fog lights integrated into the outer air intakes and adaptive LED headlights as standard.

The rear also features neat light clusters and twin exhaust tailpipes to round off a sporty look.

In addition, the M Sport model adds bespoke air intakes, side skirts and rear underguard protection.

Like the rest of BMW’s X range if offers high performance levels, the xDrive all-wheel drive system and decent levels of standard equipment.

Performance is underpinned by a range of high tech engines including this two-litre 190bhp unit mated with the standard eight-speed sport automatic transmission.

All engines are cleaner with the system of emission control for the petrol engine including a particulate filter that cuts down emissions, while the diesel models boast BMW BluePerformance technology comprising a particulate filter, an oxidation catalyst, a NOx adsorption catalyst, as well as an SCR catalyst with AdBlue injection to hugely reduce harmful emissions.

This model claims a combined mpg of 54.2, while CO2 emissions are just 146g/km. It is fair to say it didn’t seem far off the mark for economy.

It is a super refined engine, with a muted diesel clatter, while the slick eight-speed Steptronic gearbox transfers power seamlessly.

Like all BMWs the interior is of the highest quality, with premium soft touch material, high-gloss black-panel look and aluminium trim strips in the wood panelling

The dials and switchgear are clear, and concise while the latest IDrive ‘brain’ of the car, which controls the standard sat nav, connectivity and infotainment system, is intuitive and handily placed between driver and front seat passenger. Throught this BMW ConnectedDrive gives intelligent connectivity between car, driver and the outside world.

It works alongside Apple iPhones and Watches, smartphones and smart watches running the Android operating system, and the Amazon Alexa voice-controlled personal assistant to offer all kinds of connectivity.

As you would expect with a car of this nature it is packed with driver aids and goodies.

The driver-focused layout of the cockpit features redesigned sports seats with contoured side bolsters provide lateral support even in extreme handling situations.

For safety Parking Assistant Plus, helps drivers select and manoeuvre into parallel and perpendicular parking spaces. The system comprises Top View, Panorama View and 3D View functions, which combine to depict a 360 degree image of the vehicle and the surrounding area. Additionally there is a host of other safety kit including airbags, traction and stability control, lane assist, auto headlights and assisted braking.

The X logos embossed into the electroplated surfaces of the front and rear doors are further eye-catching details. Meanwhile, ambient lighting, adding extra light sources around the centre console and instrument panel, in the door panelling and in the footwells, enhances the sense of luxury.

Three full-size seats are fitted in the rear providing passengers with an additional 27 millimetres of legroom over the previous model.

The boot, accessed by a powered tailgate, has a capacity of 525 litres and the load space can be expanded to a maximum of 1,430 litres by folding down the sections of the rear backrest, with its standard 40:20:40 split. There are also large stowage trays, roomy door pockets, cupholders and various storage compartments add extra practicality.

On the road, the car drives brilliantly. Push it hard and the on-demand xDrive four-wheel drive kicks in which makes it grip like a limpet corners. With its new lowered suspension, the car feels ultra stable, particularly in by selecting Sport mode from the BMW Performance Control system which stiffens up steering, suspension, steering and gear selection.

For a more emgaging drive, you can switch to the paddles behind the multi-function steering wheel. To calm things down, switch back to comfort mode.

The intelligent all-wheel drive also splits drive power to maximise sporting performance; the rear-biased set-up produces a highly rewarding driving experience, especially when powering through corners.

FACTS

BMW X4 2.0d M Sport

Price: £45,600

Mechanical: 190bhp, 1,995cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving four wheels via 8-speed automatic gearbox

Max Speed: 132mph

0-62mph: 8 seconds

Combined MPG: 52.3

Insurance Group: 31

C02 emissions: 142g/km

Warranty: 3yrs/unlimited miles

Skoda Kodiaq

By Bill McCarthy

THERE was a time, (sorry again Skoda), when if you mentioned a £43k-plus Skoda, you would have laughed out of the pub, club, cafe, wherever.
We all know what has happened since then with the VW backed Czech car maker.
Producing cars to rival its parent company, it was only a matter of time before that particular barrier was hurdled.
The large SUV Kodiaq takes that laurel with its high(ish) performance vRS version, which features a twin-turbocharged, two litre, 237bhp engine. It rockets all two tonnes to 60mph in just seven seconds, not jaw dropping, but quick enough and yes, costs more than £43k.
The slight surprise is the vRS is a diesel, a diesel with bags of pace and power with oodles of torque, so power is on hand at all times. In addition it features Dynamic Sound Boost a system that modulates the sound of the car. to deliver a throaty roar when the pedal goes to the metal.
How many would plump for this over a more basic model at around half the price, won’t be very many, I would guess. But there’s no doubt it’s a bit special.
For that price tag you get quite a package including switchable all-wheel drive with seven speed DSG gearbox, cutting edge technology and not forgetting Skoda’s ingenious little extras, like the umbrellas hidden in the front door, retractable door guards and an ice scraper in the fuel flap and even a little bin in the door.
An excellent car already, the beefed up vRS is also a five or seven seat offroader that looks pretty sensational.
The day of the ugly duckling polluting 4×4 is long gone and the Kodiaq features sleek, sharp, for the type of car, styling, attractive light clusters with LED technology, eye-catching bumper set up, sporty grille with wing mirrors and roof rails in gloss black. The huge 20inch alloy wheels are the largest ever on a Skoda.

The sporting theme continues inside the car with Alcantara sports seats and black, diamond-cross stitching on the doors and red stitching to the flat -bottomed steering wheel and seats. There are chrome inserts and the vRS logo prominent both inside and out.
The centrepiece is the nine inch central control screen which controls navigation infotainment and connectivity, which includes smartphone connectivity.
Standard on this model is the large virtual cockpit in the binnacle which is driver programmable for various views, from sat nav, to car settings or infotainment.
On the road, Skoda claims an average fuel consumption of around 35mpg with CO2 emissions of 167g/km, pretty much confirmed by the onboard computer. Still pretty good for such a heavy beast.
Switchable all wheel drive is standard via a seven-speed DSG gearbox. There’s also adaptive, dynamic chassis control and various drive modes, depending on your mood.
Also standard are electronically adjusted shock absorbers and nicely weighted, progressive steering is also included as standard. This makes the handling as sharp as a tack for such a big car with virtually no evidence I could find of body roll.
Whether a five or seven seater in this case, practicality is excellent with 720 litres, expanding to 2,065 litres with all the seats folded, ideal for a large family, while the roof rails offer further carrying capacity. In addition there are other cubby holes, cup holders and bins through.
Securing nets in the boot are also a boon.
Happy at high speeds on the motorway, where the 500Nm of torque gives instant power, it is equally comfortable pottering around town. The only slight downside is the low profile tyres make it hard for the suspension to soak up the bumps on lesser roads.
Packed with standard equipment and jam packed with safety kit, it is a fine package, a worthy flagship for Skoda, which is throwing out a challenge to the best.

Factfile

Skoda Kodiaq vRS DSG 4×4
Price: £42,870
Mechanical: 237bhp, 5950,968cc, four cylinder biturbo diesel engine driving all wheels via 7-speed auto gearbox
Max speed: 136mph
0-60mph: 7 seconds
Combined mpg: 68.9
Insurance group:
CO2 emissions: 167g/km
Warranty: 3 years, 60,000 miles

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