Five years after the launch of the i30 model range Hyundai is proposing a second generation of its compact sedan. It has been much praised in advance of its launch, but does it keep its promises?
It is no disadvantage for the driver of this Jaguar to hold a pilot’s licence. The 550 horsepower Jaguar XKR-S will be available as a convertible from March this year. Our test of the British convertible took place at the El Centro Airforce Base close to the Mexican border.
400 horsepower, the hundred kilometres an hour mark reached in 4.3 seconds and a top speed of 299 kilometres an hour… data which hold real promise. In the case of the new Porsche 911 Cabrio in the Carrera S version, however, the figures tell only half of the story. We tested the new top-down 911 and can tell just how much fun is to be had with the high-tech sportster from Swabia.
The luxury coupés which used to figure only in the premium segment are now finding their way into lower positioned automobile classes. The agile BMW 3-Series Coupé can be had with the 184 horsepower basic diesel but also as an all-wheel-drive version… not just in winter an interesting option.
It has the look of a classic British sports car but is in fact entirely made by German craftsmen… the roadster MF3 built by Wiesmann. The firm which once specialized in making hard-tops started manufacturing cars in 1993. The model we tested is the ‘Final Edition’ version.
The Mini Roadster is the second top-down model proposed by the marque… and it is a car which makes fewer compromises. It offers a more purist approach, a bigger boot and it is strictly a two-seater. In short, lots of fun but at a price.
One almost does not notice that in the BMW 5-Series Hybrid there is an electric motor and an array of batteries as well as the 306 horsepower turbocharged petrol engine on board. The question is, however, whether this is a good thing or not. And whether there is in fact any good reason for buying this model.
More power, enhanced sporting character and added dynamics for the Panamera. Porsche have given their sports limousine an energy cure. The new Panamera GTS is for the customer who finds the 4S too tame. And our test confirms that this customer will be fully satisfied.
Cars with two doors and a propensity for slinging their tail ends around are not manufactured only in Munich or in Zuffenhausen. The Asian alternative is called Hyundai Genesis 3.8 VC Coupé and we put it to the test.