Car - Summer scorchers

by Colin Randolph Ashe

BMW Series I Coupe

BMW is extending the 1 Series line-up in the UK with a new model consisting of a brace of high performance twin-turbocharged engines and a diesel capable of a frugal 58.9mpg. The new BMW 1 Series Coupé goes on sale in the UK in November and will be available in 120d, 123d and 135i guises. The 135i marks the first time a twin-turbo petrol engine has powered a 1 Series, while the launch of the 123d heralds the introduction of the world’s most powerful production four-cylinder diesel engine.

The flagship of the range is the BMW 135i with its 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged petrol powerplant. Offering 306hp from its light alloy and magnesium straight-six engine, the 135i is capable of accelerating from zero to 62mph in 5.3 seconds before going on to an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph. Peak torque of 400Nm from just 1,300rpm through to 5,000rpm ensures smooth yet rapid progress and in-gear flexibility.

Courtesy of High Precision Direct Injection for the most efficient burn of fuel mix and Bi-VANOS variable valve technology combined with lightweight engineering principles, the BMW 135i is capable of frugal motoring while maintaining its top end performance. The 2,979cc engine posts a 30.7mpg figure on the combined cycle and a CO2 emissions figure of 220g/km. BMW’s EfficientDynamics programme seeks to boost engine performance while at the same time cut fuel consumption and emissions. Second generation High Precision Direct Injection and Brake Energy Regeneration are both elements of EfficientDynamics deployed on the 135i Coupé.

Jaguar at Goodwood

Jaguar’s famous and much-envied motor sport heritage is to be celebrated at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed with an irreplaceable array of its most prestigious cars. With models from the 1950’s to present day, the crowds will be left in no doubt that Jaguar remains an icon of British motor manufacturing.

Taking to the Goodwood hill will be Jaguar’s Le Mans-winning XJR-9. Powered by the Jaguar V12, the XJR-9 earned its place in the history books after claiming first, fourth and sixteenth place at the 1988 Le Mans 24 Hour Race.

Other cars gracing the hallowed hill climb will be the record breaking XK120 ‘Montlhéry’ Fixed Head Coupé. Famous as the ‘Seven Days and Seven Nights’ car driven by Stirling Moss, Bert Hadley, Jack Fairman and Leslie Johnson, the car averaged 100.31mph (161.43 km/h) for seven days and nights covering 16,851 miles. Joining the XK120 in the ‘Classic Endurance Cars’ group will be the 1956 long nose D-Type which this year celebrates the 50th anniversary of an unparalleled 1-2-3-4-6 finish at Le Mans in 1957. Finally in the International Sports Cars category Jaguar will be entering the stunning and unique XJ13.

More diesel choices for Volvo C70

Volvo is extending the engine options in its stylish C70 coupe convertible range with the addition of the popular 136PS 2-litre turbodiesel. The 2.0D powerplant has already established itself as a firm favourite amongst Volvo customers1 and will now offer C70 drivers a combination of enhanced driving pleasure and impressive fuel economy. The Volvo C70 2.0D will arrive in UK showrooms later this autumn and is available to order now.

The 2-litre turbodiesel is the first 4-cylinder engine in the convertible and features second-generation common rail technology to provide cleaner emissions, improved fuel economy and a quieter drive.

With prices starting from £26,000 for the Volvo C70 2.0D S, this new model gives drivers a powerful 136PS and 320Nm of torque enabling a top speed of 127mph and 0 to 62mph in 11 seconds. Power does not come at the expense of the economy; the Volvo C70 2.0D offers a strong 46.3mpg combined fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of 161g/km.

The 2-litre diesel will fit alongside the current five-cylinder engines: D5 and the two petrol variants – 2.4i and the range topping T5. The Volvo C70 is available in four trim levels – S, Sport, SE and SE Lux with prices starting from £25,750 for the 2.4i S, which offers customers high levels of standard specification including 16" Castula alloy wheels, ECC, cruise control and High Performance sound audio system.

New Ford Power Rangers

With their no-nonsense attitude, tough design and civilised cabin environments, Ford's new generation of 4x4 pickups are gaining sales with both retail and business customers.

Ford’s latest Ranger, a top-seller in the segment, has always provided a model to satisfy the needs of customers in both the business and lifestyle sectors. Now, two new additions, featuring a powerful 3.0-litre turbo diesel engine, give Ford an added competitive advantage.

The Ranger 3.0-litre Double Cab Thunder auto and 3.0-litre Double Cab Wildtrak, which were both positively received by the media and public at the recent Commercial Vehicle show, are priced at £19,972 and £20,872 respectively (on the road, excluding VAT). Featuring luxury levels of specification, tough styling enhancements and enhanced power, the dynamic duo are set to broaden Ranger's appeal in the pickup sector.

Already a popular choice with the existing 143PS 2.5-litre turbo diesel engine, the Thunder's new 156PS 3.0-litre engine, mated to a new smooth five-speed automatic transmission, aims to attract new pickup drivers.