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New car lines
publication date: Dec 2, 2010
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author/source: Robin Roberts
 | The latest Audi model to move into the vanguard of
Vorsprung durch Technik is the A6 Saloon.
With weight kept in check through aluminium and
steel composite construction, despite enhanced equipment levels, the new A6
will deliver dynamically and in terms of efficiency, with
57mpg-plus economy potential and low CO2 outputs of as little as
129g/km. UK A6 orders will be possible from January 2011, and first deliveries
will begin in the spring. | Aluminium and high-tech steels make up much of the
completely reworked body of the new A6, the former accounting for around 20 per
cent of the surface area, rendering it exceedingly light, rigid and safe.
Combining the two materials reduces the shell
weight by around 15 per cent, and enables the A6 2.0 TDI to tip the scales at a
relatively modest 1,575kg - an impressive figure by class standards and one
that works in favour of agility, economy and emissions control. State-of-the-art
design methods and materials ensure extremely low interior noise levels, while
precision tuning of all components and systematic hydraulic damping in the axle
and drivetrain bearings provides excellent refinement.
The range of four responsive and highly efficient
engines available at launch in the UK will certainly not shatter this calm. The
2.0-litre TDI 177PS, 3.0-litre TDI 204PS, 3.0-litre TDI 245PS and 3.0-litre
TFSI 300PS units all make use of advanced direct injection technology for the leanest
possible fuel burn rate, and work in conjunction with important technologies
from the brand's modular efficiency platform - the start-stop system, the
energy recovery system and the innovative thermal management concept. As a
result, fuel economy has improved by up to 19 per cent compared to the previous
model, pushing the A6 to the front of the class in this discipline. A hybrid
will follow.
Online
services including news and weather information supplied by Google will also be
accessible if the Mobile Telephone Preparation High option is specified.
This
option will enable drivers to plot detailed routes on a home computer and
download them to the navigation system when they start a trip. Google Earth
images will also be beamed via the car's internal UMTS module to the MMI monitor
for navigation purposes.
Through
its wireless local area network link passengers will also be able to connect to
the internet using their own computers.
The
six-model range begins with the A6 2.0 TDI SE Manual six-speed, 177PS £30,145 rising
to the A6 3.0 TDI quattro S line S tronic seven-speed, 245PS £40,650. | | | | Renault is slashing its model range by 20pc from early next month.
As a result, the core trim levels will be reduced to a maximum of three per
model, excluding Renaultsport.
In total, the number of versions across the Renault car range falls from
227 to 159 and the three trim levels available, depending on model, will be
Expression, Dynamique TomTom and GT Line TomTom. Limited editions will continue
to be offered for peak sales periods and Gordini versions (right)continue as limited
editions. |  |
Taking the popular Clio supermini as an example, the range currently
features six trim grades of Extreme, Expression, S, Dynamique TomTom, Privilège
TomTom and Initiale TomTom, plus two special editions.
The line-up from January 4 will see a greatly reduced model matrix of
entry-level Expression, mid-range Dynamique TomTom and top-of-the-range GT Line
TomTom, available across its three body styles of three and five-door hatchback
and Sport Tourer. | | | | Not only is it the perfect combination of bold and
new, but Chevrolet's new Orlando MPV is also ‘spec'-tacular value for money.
Prices for the newcomer have just been announced,
and from £16,395 they represent the best value in the class in terms of
standard equipment.
When the car arrives in UK dealerships in the
Spring, three trim levels and three engines will be available, including two
diesel options. |  | The entry level Orlando is badged LS, and is
anything but basic. Standard equipment includes ESC, air conditioning,
follow-me-home headlights, electric windows and mirrors, remote central
locking, six airbags, three 12v power sockets, tinted windows and an adjustable
steering wheel.
It also includes two clever innovations - a
supplementary rear-view mirror allowing both driver and passenger to see all of
the car's occupants, and an extremely clever hidden cubby compartment behind
the stereo facia; the perfect place to conceal MP3s, phones and iPods away from
prying eyes.
The LS is available with the 141PS 1.8-litre petrol
engine, or a new 130PS 2.0-litre diesel unit, the latter of which also comes
with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard.
LT models come loaded with even more kit. As well
as the standard LS equipment, they get rear parking distance sensors, a USB
port, 16-inch alloy wheels, climate control, a chrome-effect tailgate handle,
driver's armrest, leather-covered steering wheel, front fog lights, electric
rear windows and an upgraded sound system with steering wheel audio controls.
In addition, the LT can be specified with the most
powerful Orlando engine, a 163PS 2.0-litre diesel with six-speed manual
transmission, or a six-speed auto as an option.
The range-topping LTZ models, which are also offered
with a choice of all three engine options, come with an astonishing amount of
on-board goodies.
These include distinctive 17-inch alloys, automatic
cruise control, an electro-chromatic rear view mirror, automatic headlights and
windscreen wipers, blue ambient panel lighting, a gloss black centre console,
power-folding door mirrors, a rear cargo net and chrome-effect body detailing.
Buyers of diesel-engined LTZ models can also
specify an optional Executive Pack, priced at £2,000. This adds full leather
upholstery, heated front seats, satellite navigation and smart 18-inch alloy
wheels.
Orlando also benefits from best-in-class insurance
group ratings - no other seven-seat MPV can match the 1.8-litre petrol model's
10E T1 classification, while the 130PS 2.0-litre diesel is in class 14E T1 and
the 163PS 2.0-litre diesel is the 16E T1 bracket. | | | |
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