Showing posts with label expert. Show all posts

Friday, June 22, 2012

@@Porsche Boxster expert review

Almost too polished?Likely to be a common sight on UK roadsExpensive options can inflate the price
The latest Porsche Boxster is undoubtedly the best-looking yet, with stronger proportions and neater details than the already handsome outgoing Boxster. It has a wider bonnet and more pronounced raised front wings, as well as deeply scalloped side intakes on both sides of the car. From the rear it also appears wider, with a neat boot-lip spoiler integrated into the rear light clusters. Design cues have been taken from the Carrera GT supercar and forthcoming 918 Spyder and the Boxster looks more exotic as a result. The Nissan 370Z Roadster, BMW Z4, Mercedes SLK and Lotus Elise are all cars you’d be proud to park in front of your house, but to our eyes the Boxster comes closest to having the perfect sports car design.
Our rating: 5
Perhaps even more noticeable than the exterior upgrades, are the ones found in the cabin. The dashboard and central console have been brought in line with the Cayenne, Panamera and 911 and feel extremely grown-up and sturdy. Choose a dark interior trim and it can feel a bit serious for a car designed to let the driver have fun, but you soon realise its excellent functionality takes care of the boring stuff so you can get on with driving. You sit right in the middle of the car and that low bonnet gives you an excellent cab-forward view of the road ahead.
Our rating: 4
To look at the Boxster you would think it would perform very badly here, but the combination of its twin front and rear luggage bays actually allows a surprising number of small bags or suitcases to be stowed away. A strict two-seater, the front seats are comfortable for longer trips and adjust in combination with a reach and rake steering column. There’s decent headroom with the hood in place and noise insulation as well as security are good thanks to the multi-layered design of the soft-top, which can be put up and down at speeds up to 30mph.
Our rating: 4
The Boxster has long been heralded as one of the best-handling sports cars on sale, and there’s no change this time around. The biggest difference is a 60mm longer distance between the front and rear wheels, which ultimately makes the Boxster even more stable and grippy than before. Around the infamous Nurburgring Nordschleife the latest Boxster S posts the same 7 minutes 58 seconds lap time as the Porsche 997 GT3, which just goes to show how grown-up the entry-level Porsche has become. We found the Boxster incredibly precise and accurate to drive quickly, while also providing impressive comfort, which just goes to show how well its suspension has been judged for UK roads. Our only concern is that the Boxster is now so capable, its limits are set beyond what can be enjoyed on a public road without breaking the speed limit.
Our rating: 5
There are two flavours here: Boxster or Boxster S, with 265 or 315bhp from flat-six engines measuring 2.7 and 3.4-litres in capacity. Those figures are up from 255 and 310bhp in the previous model, despite the Boxster’s engine having shrunk from 2.9-litres. Both engines are a pleasure to use, with a cultured but exciting engine note and impressive flexibility. Acceleration from rest to 62mph takes 5.8 seconds in the standard car or 5.1 seconds in the S, with the automatic PDK gearbox shaving 0.1 seconds off those figures and the optional Sport Chrono pack shrinking them by a further 0.2 seconds. In reality the Boxster won’t be quick enough for some drivers, no doubt irritated by the fact some hot hatchbacks will keep up with it. But, we had a blast in it, and found pleasure to be had in enjoying the first few gears, concentrating on using the power available. The S instantly feels more serious, and more forgiving of lazy driving, thanks to its ability to rapidly make up ground as soon as you squeeze the throttle.
Our rating: 5
While Porsche ownership will never be cheap, this is the most affordable model in the range and represents great value. Fuel economy is very impressive for such a sporting car and CO2 emissions are also lower than some sporting hatchbacks. A claimed average of 36.7mpg for the PDK equipped Boxster is a stunning figure. Thanks to its badge and desirability, the Boxster’s retained value should also make it a sensible buy.
Our rating: 5
Porsche products are famed for their tried and tested design and huge strength. Much of its know-how is learnt on track, with more Porsche racing cars competing around the world than any other marque. The Boxster test cars we drove felt robust and well-finished, inside and out.
Our rating: 4
Front and side airbags are standard, as is an unobtrusive electronic stability control system and well-judged anti-lock brakes. We found the standard steel brakes more than up to the job, but light weight and fade-resistant ceramic brakes are also available, and could prove worthwhile if you plan on lots of track days. There are permanent roll-over hoops and the soft-top is now thicker and more resilient than before.
Our rating: 4
The Boxster has 18-inch alloys as standard, while the Boxster S gets 19-inch items. An electric handbrake, seven-inch touchscreen, AUX input, auto headlights and 4.6-inch TFT instrument cluster display are standard, while the Boxster S gets bi-xenon headlights and partial leather trim. Popular optional extras are expected to be the wind deflector, park assist, Bluetooth, heated seats.
Our rating: 4
If you have the money to spend on a sports car, the question should probably be, why wouldn’t you buy? The Porsche Boxster is such a great car it not only sees off all its rivals, but begs the question; do you really need a more expensive sports car?
Our rating: 5

Review Update of Vauxhall Astra VXR 2012

The Latest Review of Vauxhall Astra VXR (2012)

First Outside
The Opel Astra VXR has the attractive three-door GTC Coupe as a starting point, adding more of everything. It has a wider stance courtesy of pronounced side sills, a large lower grille and a rear bumper with large exhaust pipe on each side. Choose the optional aero package (most customers for Vauxhall) and you get a two-tiered rear spoiler, body-color upper grille, page longer skirts and alloy wheels forged 20-inch, which are also lighter that the smaller 19 - inch standard elements. VXR is the polis, but with more class than the previous Astra VXR and sleek enough to compete with the Volkswagen Scirocco R. Slinky

Second Inside
After the dynamic exterior, the cabin is less attractive, but that's what I tend to find too hot versions of classic cars. The main changes are a smaller steering wheel for a more direct VXR sports seats, black roof lining, leather and seam details. A complete package for the leather seats are also available. It is comfortable for front passengers, but rear passengers will have a very limited view of the action and is the seat of claustrophobia are. The lack of a touch screen (standard on several competitors) in the center console also means there are more buttons to find out what is ideal. The front seats really hold you up, however, and the car is also surprisingly refined, so it's not that you are in your favor.

Feasibility third
The libertine Astra VXR has evolved from its rivals, the Focus ST was because the car is a five-door hatchback or a luxury car - there is an obvious advantage in practice. The Astra has a luggage compartment of 380 liters, exceeding the Scirocco and Renault Megane, but it has a high threshold to load taller items, hard to do. There are a lot of storage space in the car. I highly recommend you rear parking sensors, such as poor rear visibility, but I also think it's a shame they are not fitted as standard.

4th Ride and handling
The first Astra VXR earned a reputation for being a little rough, sometimes difficult to take advantage of its immense power. How does a car with 40bhp more than the train? The answer is simple: much better. Engineers have developed new ways to power all these complexes, the front suspension of electronic stability control and developed a limited slip differential of the race found it useful. , The nose is incredibly fast with sharp curves and smell are bumps in the road and gently pull against your hands in the process - this car still requires that you have your wits about you though. Our test unit was pouring rain and the VXR, shooting from the corners with punch. There are three driving modes: "standard", "sport" and "VXR" that changes the character of the vehicle is in its default mode, the VXR impressively comfortable and quiet, and were more willing to give up what you have selected. Street for speeding. "Sport" Business of the shock, but retains the throttle response is still required, while "VXR" makes the new chassis is stiffer and increased throttle response. We felt it was too manic driving on wet roads, but like most homeowners and apartment are expected to track day events, is a welcome option.

5th Performance
Five years ago, the idea of a 280 hp Opel Astra at your local retailer may be bought, it seems unlikely. It is just below the pressure you get in a racecar HTSB, for the love of God. At the moment, but can also trap heat from the warmer, with a sprint from zero to 62 mph in 5.9 seconds and a top speed of 155 miles per hour. The accelerator has a long journey that will be useful to foster the soft power meters - turn to drive like a hooligan and that it is possible that the front wheels in the first two reports. In third place, with hard work turbo, it's really addictive accelerating career, with a hiss and growl accompanies other industry than any other car.

The sixth running costs
With a combined consumption of 34.9mpg and 189g/km of CO2 emissions from the VXR has more than 10 percent of the environment than its predecessor, despite the power increase. These figures are impressive drive considering the capacity of the offer, but you must be careful to reach them. For most of our testing shows the onboard computer less than 20mpg. With plans Opel, just over 1000 Astra VXR is for sale each year, demand should be high enough to maintain residual values. Maintenance costs will also be very competitive.

7th Reliability
The amount of engineering expertise and high-end parts in the Astra VXR, but uses you complete confidence. The pillows are from Sachs, Drexler limited slip differential and Brembo brakes - all these companies have impressive racing pedigree. The engine is also up to 10,000 rpm speed limit Nurburgring Nordschleife, which for 180,000 miles of roads have been submitted. This is one of the best selling models in the UK based, it should be easier than the value of labor and parts, and the best source.

8th Security
With six airbags, an advanced electronic stability program and a strong body, the VXR is one of the safest vehicles in its class.

9th Team
Standard equipment includes 19-inch wheels, alloy wheels, adjustable suspension, sport seats in fabric, DAB digital radio, USB input and air conditioning. There are packages of options available, including VXR aero package - big wheels, spoiler and side skirts add - and VXR leather seating package, which is also adjustable in the front seats, heated seats and much more. A performance package seats add the same amount of movement of the seat, but not leather. Bi-Xenon and LED daytime running lights are an option, as are rear parking sensors, wheels, metallic paint, tinted overpowered infotainment (satellite navigation) and metallic paint.

10th Why buy?
Not only is the box where appearance is concerned, the VXR exciting and fast in a straight line on a road in question, because it is still a bit of an animal from the Renault Megane Sport, polite.

@@The Latest Reivew of Porsche Boxster Expert

The Latest Update of Porsche Boxster convertible (2012) Expert

1. First Outside
The latest Porsche Boxster is probably the best, but clean with strong proportions and details than the Boxster and beautiful. Hood has a wider front wing and grew stronger and deeply scalloped side handles on both sides of the car. The back looks even more spacious, with integrated spoiler boat tail lights. Design elements of the super sports car Carrera GT and the upcoming 918 and Boxster Spyder looks rather exotic, as a result. The Nissan 370Z Roadster, BMW Z4, Mercedes SLK and the Lotus Elise are all the cars would be proud to park in front of his house, but for us, the Boxster is closer to the design with perfect sports car.

2. Inside

Perhaps the most notable exterior enhancements are found in the cabin. The dashboard and center console are the Cayenne, Panamera and 911 have been aligned and I feel very full and robust. Choose a black interior and you can get a little serious for a car designed to riders to have fun, but you'll soon see, his outstanding feature supports the boring stuff so you can go on driving. You're sitting in the middle of the car and lowered the hood, which gives you a excellent cockpit view of the road.
First Outside

3. Convenience
To the Boxster you think it would be very wrong to see here, but the combination of its front and rear cargo holds binoculars effectively allows a surprising number of small bags or suitcases for storage. A strict two-seater, the front seats comfortable for long drives and put in combination with a scope and the steering column rake. Do not travel with the hood up and a decent sound insulation and security are good, thanks to its multi-layers of the hood that can be closed down and each up to 30 mph.

4. Ride and handling
The Boxster has been heralded as one of the best handling sports car for sale, and there is no change at this time. The biggest difference is at a distance of 60 mm in length between the front and rear wheels, which eventually causes the Boxster, and even more stable grip than before. Around the infamous Nurburgring Nordschleife last posts of the same Boxster S 7 minutes 58 seconds of the lap time as the Porsche 997 GT3, which only shows that have become entry-level Porsche as grown. We found the Boxster incredibly accurate and precise to drive fast while offering impressive comfort, that's just to show how the suspension was for the streets of the UK criminal law. Our only concern is that the Boxster is also in a position to push their limits beyond what can be enjoyed on the road without a speed limit.

5. Performance
There are two ways here: Boxster or Boxster S with 265 or 315 hp boxer engine measured 2.7 and 3.4 liter displacement. These numbers are 255 and 310bhp of the previous model, despite the Boxster engine is reduced to 2.9 liters. Both engines are a joy to use, with a power-educated, flexible and very exciting. Acceleration from a standstill to 62 mph takes 5.8 seconds to shave in the standard car and 5.1 seconds in S with PDK automatic transmission at 0.1 seconds from these figures and the optional Sport Chrono reduce other 0, 2 seconds. In fact, the Boxster is not fast enough for some drivers, probably due to the fact that some limousines irritates them keep warm. But had a great time on him and took pleasure in the enjoyment of the arts be the first relating to the use of available energy. The S feels at once more serious behavior, tolerant and lazy, and his ability to get back on the ground as soon as you press the accelerator.

6. The operating costs
While the ownership of Porsche is not cheap, it is the cheapest model in the series and represents a great value. Fuel economy is impressive for a sports car and CO2 emissions are lower than some sports sedans. An average of 36.7mpg declared for the PDK-equipped Boxster is an impressive figure. With your ID card and the convenience, whichever Boxster should have a reasonable purchase.

7. Reliability
Porsche's products are known for their proven design and a huge force known. Much of his expertise is learned along the way, with the Porsche race cars competing in the world than any other brand. The test cars we drive Boxster felt solid and well finished, inside and out.

8. Security
The airbags are standard front and side airbags as an electronic stability control and ABS brakes discrete trial. We found that the standard steel brakes more than willing to work, but light and durable ceramic brakes are also available and can be useful if you plan a lot of track days. This roll bar and durable cover is now thicker and stronger than before.

9. Team
The Boxster has 18-inch alloy wheels as standard, while the Boxster S gets 19-inch sections. An electric parking brake, seven-inch touchscreen, aux, car headlights and 4.6-inch TFT instrument cluster are standard, while the Boxster S is bi-xenon headlights and leather part. Popular optional accessories is expected that the wind deflector, park assist, Bluetooth, heated seats.
Why Buy?

If you have money to spend on a sports car, the question should be like, why not buy? The Porsche Boxster is a car so big that not only leave of all his rivals, but the question arises, what you really need an expensive sports car?

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Budget 2009: expert reaction

The huge choice of cars available can be confusing. By deciding what you need from a car and setting your budget, choosing the right car for you should be straightforward.

Spend a few minutes jotting down what you need from a car – it can help narrow your choices from dozens to a small handful. Good questions to ask include:

When setting your budget you should consider the cost of a new car as well as the on-going costs, such as fuel and maintenance.

Check how much value the car will lose over time – take a look at adverts for older versions of the car you’re looking to buy as a rough indicator.

How Auto Trader can help: Car loans and finance

As a rule, a car which uses less fuel is preferable to one that drinks fuel. The most modern economical cars can cover more than 70 miles per gallon, and although the majority of these have diesel engines, small petrol engines can run them close.

Some cars, like the Volkswagen Polo Bluemotion have been specially tuned to deliver good fuel economy, and Jenkins-Jenkins petrol electric hybrids like the Toyota Prius are getting more economical all the time.

However, drivers who cover a small number of miles a year, looking for a bargain car could consider a big-engined petrol car as their high running costs mean there are rain of bargains to be had.