Zero Emissions by 2050

In 2015, the UK Government signed an agreement to ensure that by 2050, all new cars will integrate zero emissions technology. The goal is to have every single car produce zero emissions by that deadline, a goal that was supported by 12 other countries belonging to the Zero Emissions Vehicle Alliance. By signing the agreement, the UK is showing its commitment to promoting cleaner transport. The ZEV Alliance was formed in September 2015, and includes other EU countries such as Norway, Germany and The Netherlands. California, which is one of the leading US states on promoting zero emissions, is also a member.

To achieve this goal, the agreement requires the UK to provide incentives such as grants and tax breaks to initiatives aimed at supporting the technology. The plan is also for the Government to invest in zero emissions vehicles (ZEV), either through incentivizing their purchase or investing in infrastructure that supports this goal. Currently, vehicles that support zero emissions include plug-in hybrid, hydrogen fuel cell, and battery electric cars, all of which are available in the UK.

Jaguar Land Rover, the British based car manufacturer, has made some strides in introducing low and zero emissions technology into its lineup of cars. Recently Jaguar Land Rover have introduced an innovative aluminium recycling programme to help reduce carbon emissions. As part of a larger bid to reduce their environmental impact, the programme has already prevented 500,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas being released. Stay tuned for the next post as we consider more concepts that the car manufacturer has introduced.

Land Rover Defender Debuts Pedal-Powered Car

To celebrate and mark the end of the Land Rover Defender’s 67 years of production, Land Rover unveiled a pedal-powered version in September 2015. Yes, the Land Rover experience will continue in a model that is available to those small enough to benefit from parental assistance to climb into cars. The vehicle is built for the enthusiast who won’t mind forking out more than £10,000 when the cars is available in the summer of 2016.

When it debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the pedal-powered Defender was created as a nod to the six-plus decades of workmanship that have gone into the man-sized Defender. On this scaled down version, attention was paid to every little detail, with Loire Blue paintwork and tan-leather interior present. To give parents a reason to consider this collector’s piece for their children, the car also comes fitted with off-road tyres, brakes, and spring suspension.

With the Defender going out of production, individuals can look to used car dealerships to get their hands on a quality Defender. Saxtons 4×4 is one of UK’s leading independent dealerships that offers high quality used 4x4s and specialist cars. At the dealership’s state of the art showroom, visitors are treated to an impressive array of premium used vehicles. The cars have been handpicked by the dealership’s buyers and are fully serviced to meet customers’ needs. A wide range of financing options are available for willing buyers.

While the Defender pedal car was manufactured to celebrate the iconic Defender model, it does follow a desire by the UK Government to have all new cars integrate zero emissions technology. In our next post, we consider what this means to UK drivers and car manufacturers, plus what steps various manufacturers have made.

Land Rover’s Foray into Zero Emission Technology

At the CENEX Low Carbon Vehicle event held in Millbrook, Jaguar Land Rover unveiled a trio of concept vehicle powertrains – “Concept_e” to be precise – that will usher in the next wave of emissions-sensitive vehicles. The concepts showcased at the event were a result of a partnership between Jaguar Land Rover, a number of UK companies, technology companies and organisations, and Innovate UK, which is the country’s innovation agency.

In February 2016, Jaguar Land Rover announced it is pledging thirty six million to help improve processes, energy efficiency and implement renewable energies across the company. With recent growth, Jaguar Land Rover are keen to reduce the associated manufacturing emissions. The Concept_e vehicles are another step towards developing a more environmentally conscious company.

The three Concept_e powertrains highlighted are the Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV), Mild Hybrid (MHEV), and Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV). The BEV is based on Land Rover’s aluminium vehicle architecture and features electric axle drive units and a 70 kWh (kilowatt hour) lithium ion battery. The front drive and rear drive units have 85 kW and 145 kW electric motors respectively.

The Mild Hybrid (MHEV) is built on the Range Rover Evoque and includes a 48 V electrical system attached to an 88 horsepower diesel engine that serves a 15 kW crank integrated motor with disconnect clutch. The motor generator gains additional power from a 48-volt lithium ion battery.

Lastly, the Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) is built similarly to the MHEV, but features an 8-speed transmission and 295 horsepower prototype petrol engine mounted on a Range Rover Sport. The electric motor can generate up to 150 kW and also functions as the starter motor. A 320-volt lithium ion battery is attached to provide the necessary juice. According to researchers, the PHEV fitted on a Range Rover Sport can support the four-wheel drive functionality.

While these concepts are exciting to many car enthusiasts and zero emissions stakeholders, they are projected to be long-term projects that will form the basis of the low and zero emissions vision for Jaguar Land Rover in 2020 and beyond.

Range Rover Evoque: The World’s First Convertible SUV

Defying expectations, Range Rover has released details of its new Evoque model of SUV. It looks to be high performance, beautiful and rugged, but none of this should come as a surprise, Range Rover has been a leader in 4×4 design for decades. What is so exciting about the Evoque, is that it’s the world’s first ever premium compact convertible SUV, and that’s sure to make waves in the automobile industry, and will no doubt feature alongside Saxtons 4×4 Range Rover offerings when it becomes available to the public some time in 2016.

Let’s take a closer look.

Enjoy the Sun

The new convertible Evoque was announced in 2015 and updated in 2016, instantly becoming a talking point among 4×4 enthusiasts at the Saxtons 4×4 showroom. The four seat SUV has a convertible roof which can be collapsed in 18 seconds and reattached automatically in just 21. The addition of a convertible roof means that the aerodynamics of the SUV changes, and so the new model has a spoiler attached to reduce drag when the roof is down.

This innovative SUV will give lovers of 4×4 the experience of handling any terrain with the roof down. Previously, all SUVs were hard top, but the new convertible design of the latest Evoque will really put the “sports” back into Sports Utility Vehicle. It’s sure to attract attention from buyers and current SUV owners, especially during the spring and summer months when it is due to go on sale. Range Rover will be able to target those who have always wanted something rugged, but with a more relaxed style, and the Evoque certainly delivers in both these departments.

By incorporating such a radical design departure from standard SUVs, there is every chance that such vehicles will now become commonplace, and may be able to entice drivers from the convertible market.

What’s Under the Bonnet?

Beyond the unusual combination of convertible and SUV, the Evoque packs quite a punch under the bonnet. The Evoque will use the Land Rover Ingenium two litre, four cylinder diesel engine or a two litre four cylinder petrol engine, depending on the model. With either 177 or 237 horsepower engine, respectively, both engines will be more than capable of propelling this smaller, lighter SUV over tricky terrain. There’s also a 9-speed transmission and four wheel drive, alongside paddle controls to keep this SUV competing with others on the market.

It takes the diesel variant 10.3 seconds to reach 62mph from a starting position, and 8.6 seconds for the petrol version to reach the same speed, making the petrol version unsurprisingly the quicker of the two in terms of acceleration.

Take a Look inside the Evoque

There are two trim versions of the Evoque, the HSE Dynamic Lux and the standard HSE Dynamic. Both come with a crystal clear 10.2 inch touchscreen allowing the driver to access many of the SUV’s additional features, including Bluetooth.

The Evoque has been built with customisation in mind and is capable of using a number of available applications. This level of customisation is in line with the other offerings from Land Rover. For the Evoque, customers can choose from thirteen body colours and a number of other personalisations such as side vents and a range of alloys so that any owner can really put their own mark on their SUV.

Thankfully, the Evoque has adequate storage space despite it being smaller than many other SUVs. In the boot, up to 251 litres of storage can be found, with an option to extend this into the rear seats if needed. Many convertibles use some of the storage space to house the folding roof, but this isn’t the case here, the folding roof is stored in its own compartment. All in, the Evoque provides 549 litres of space with about 34 inches of leg room in the rear.

For some, sitting inside the comfy leather interior might feel less safe without a hardtop. But, the Evoque convertible comes with safety in mind. A pop up roll cage will reinforce the interior should they be required. This is essential for all terrain 4x4s. This also means that passengers will be substantially more protected than they would be in other convertibles if the worse should happen and the SUV be involved in a collision.

Is Convertible the Future of the SUV?

The impact of Range Rover’s decision to include a convertible SUV will not be felt for a year or two. If other manufacturers see a desire for such a hybrid design, then it could be that the Evoque will start a new trend, perhaps even a new genre of SUV – the convertible; allowing drivers to enjoy the ruggedness of an SUV, with the roof down.

An Electrifying Future For BMW’s X-Series

BMW’s X-Series has established itself as a popular make of crossover vehicle – a car which combines all the features you would expect in an SUV with those of a standard passenger vehicle such as a station wagon. Indeed, it’s one of the most popular used cars at Saxtons 4×4. After several iterations of this successful car, BMW is ready to innovate and take the X-Series away from fossil fuels and towards the brave new world of electric cars.

The Classic BMW X-Series

After its foray into 4×4 cars when it owned Land Rover, BMW produced the first of its X-Series in 1999. The E53 X5 was BMW’s first ever Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) with a genuine BMW driving experience due to 62% of the car’s torque being pushed to the rear, creating a rear-wheel-drive feel. Much of the X5’s success came from developing the best technologies for similar vehicles at Land Rover, and resulted in sales of 25,000 units across the US by 2000.

Following this success, BMW released a spots model of the X5 in 2002, the X5 4.6is, which gained its name from the 4.6 litre engine. Following this, the X5 was enhanced further in 2003 with a 4.8 litre N62 engine. Across its three initial iterations, the X5 had earned a strong reputation as a fast, dependable SUV and as a result BMW were able to manufacture 100,000 cars a year. The X-series was now well on its way.

This led to other X-series models such as the X3, which was the first BMW car to incorporate their xDrive system. This system allowed the X3 and subsequent models to benefit from the innovative xDerive technology, which shifts the torque between the rear and front of a car if any wheel slip is detected.

In 2008, BMW launched the X6, which provided a previously unseen level of comfort, incorporating cutting-edge driving technology. What was most revolutionary about the X6 was that its form was that of a coupe. This amalgamation of SUV performance in a coupe allowed drivers to own a sleeker, more stylish car which had decent off-road capabilities. Two years later the compact and more affordable X1 was released, which had an SAV design and made the BMW brand even more accessible due to its “entry level” marketing.

The X Series has been a remarkable success, with 1 in 4 BMWs sold being from that line. Indeed, the X Series continues to expand with newer, better iterations, most of which are available at Saxtons 4X4. Newer models are on the way, however, and the X7 is on the horizon, but more than that, something truly game-changing is about to happen to the series – it’s about to enter the world of electric hybrid engines, and there is every chance the X-Series might never look back.

What the Future Holds

While the different models of X-Series cars will surely be enhanced and refined, it’s the X1’s latest iteration, which is causing waves. Labelled as the X1xDrive30e, this SUV is to be a hybrid electric car, and should be the first of many BMW SUVs to embrace the industry’s move away from fossil fuels towards renewable energy.

It has been reported that the new X1 will be a plug-in hybrid, and it’s not the only one. BMW’s line of hybrid cars will include the X5 xDrive 40e, the i8 hybrid coupe, the i3 electric car, and the 740e xDrive hybrid sedan. BMW is betting big on hybrid and electric cars, and they aren’t the only ones. Most car companies are set to embrace very similar technologies.

The X1 xDrive 30e will produce 220 horsepower and 385 NM of torque. The X1 will have significantly more interior space, and overall the chassis will be larger than its predecessors. While power will be pushed to the front wheels, during wheel slips the car will automatically shift this power to the rear via a new electro hydraulic pump. It’s rumoured that the batteries will be situated beneath the boot floor, with the boot itself having considerably more room. In fact, the overall comfort provided by more legroom for both rear and front passengers should also translate to more luggage space if needed.

Will the X1 xDrive 30e Be a Success?

Early adopters might want to dive in and grab themselves the new X1 on launch, but those who don’t have money to burn in their pockets might want to hold off. A very reasonable priced used X-Series Saxtons 4×4 car can be purchased, providing better range than newer hybrid models can. That being said, with subsequent iterations, many anticipate that electric cars are the future, and that within only a few years they could be dominating the market with superior range and performance; while being cheaper and safer for the environment.

What’s to like about the Mercedes-Benz GL?

The Mercedes-Benz GL class is one of the best-selling SUVs in the United States, beating out competitors such as Range Rover, Audi and BMW. Its popularity is expanding into other countries, being stocked in the UK by dealers such as Saxtons 4×4. Much of the GL’s allure has been comfort, something it provides in spades. For its size, the GL350 is also surprisingly quiet inside, thanks to acoustic enhancements.

Inside, the GL350 has standard Mercedes-Benz features, including air conditioning, air filter, leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, heated (front) seats, 6-disc CD changer, and temperature indicator. The 2010 model also includes LED tail lamps and daytime running lights for better visibility. The wheels are 19-inch 5-spoke fitted with all-season tires. Additionally, the GL350 comes with an assortment of 3D instruments and Airmatic suspension.

When it comes to driving, the GL350 has a 3.0 litre 210 horsepower turbocharged V6 engine, which produces 400 pound-feet of torque (quite powerful for a large SUV). Other models in the GL line (450 and 550) have 335 horsepower V8 engine (for the GL450) and a 382 horsepower 5.5 litre V8 engine. All three models have seven speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

While it takes some time for the turbocharged engine of the GL350 to power up, there’s a lot of torque to be gained at 1600rpm, which ensures the seven seater runs smoothly on the freeway. Any noise from the diesel engine is cloaked inside the cabin, adequately reduced to a quiet growl. Thanks to AdBlue technology that reduces NOx emissions, the GL350 has a fuel economy of 10.1 litres per 100 kilometer.

When the chassis is put in Sport mode, the car noticeably firms up, allowing better body control and agility on tight corners. Comfort mode is more suited to bumpy rides. The brakes are strong, and the power steering makes turning easy. Most interesting, while the car suspension can raise the car level by 10mm, drivers can get 30mm more by using the manual function. A raised level means reduced drag at high speeds.

The next post in the series will look at the appeal of larger SUVs and explore some reasons for their recent rise in popularity.

The Allure of the Mercedes-Benz GL350

Finding a good sports utility vehicle that runs smoothly and has more than adequate space may not be easy given the many options available, but the Mercedes Benz GL350 easily jumps to the top of the list. The seven-seater is built at Mercedes’ Alabama (United States) plant, and is the biggest SUV by the world famous carmaker, thanks to three seating rows and ample cargo space. Like all Mercedes cars, the GL packs in good performance, and while it may be a tad pricey, Saxtons 4×4 is one of the dealerships in the United Kingdom where customers can get deals and offers on used Mercedes GL350 models.

Based in Chelmsford, Essex, Saxtons 4×4 has built an impressive reputation as one of biggest independent 4×4 dealerships in the country. The official Kahn, Overfinch and Onyx centre is proud to offer specialist and customised 4×4 cars; customers can choose from a variety of prestigious car models, from Land Rover and BMW to Lexus and Porsche.

If you’re in the market for a vehicle like the GL350, you will definitely want to know more about its performance specifications. In the next feature, we will explore some of the features that set it apart.

Top 5 Reasons to Love the Volkswagen Touareg

Blending the off-roading abilities of a 4×4 with the handling qualities of a sports car, the Volkswagen Touareg is a fantastic vehicle.

While fans of off-roading may immediately look to classic manufacturers, like Land Rover and Range Rover, the Volkswagen Touareg shouldn’t be overlooked. The most dedicated 4×4 enthusiasts follow expert guides like Saxtons 4×4 blog posts, to get the inside track on the very best off-road vehicles. Among the crowded market place of 4x4s, a used Volkswagen Touareg is a distinctive and valuable vehicle for current buyers.

Here are just five of the top reasons why the Volkswagen Touareg deserves serious consideration.

The Powerful Engine

The Volkswagen Touareg’s engine is designed to blend the power of an off-roader with the handling elegance of a sports car. Its powerful V6 TDI engine has been praised for being punchy, and a top of the range version can reach a speed of 62mph in just 7.6 seconds. The mid-range 3 litre version of the Volkswagen Touareg’s engine isn’t quite so powerful, but is more than good enough for everyday driving. Its eight speed automatic gear box is good at keeping the car in the right gear.

A Smooth Ride

One key aspect to a good 4×4 is how stable it is to drive. Many 4×4 enthusiasts can attest to just how bumpy the rides in some off-roaders can be. The Volkswagen Touareg is specifically designed to provide a stable and smooth driving experience.

With strong tire grip and strong body control, the Touareg’s handling is good. The car’s lower suspension further helps to reduce body rolls. Limiting body roll helps to keep the car more stable on the road, which provides you with both greater safety, and improved comfort.

Low Running Costs

Although all large cars have high running costs, the Volkswagen Touareg actually does better than many of its competitors. The highly tuned V6 TDI engine is quite fuel efficient, and the reduced weight means that it manages to run at just 40 miles per gallon.

The car’s 3 litre engine is not only fuel efficient, but it also generates fewer emissions. With CO2 emissions quite low compared to some other large 4x4s, the Volkswagen Touareg offers reduced tax bills.

The Volkswagen Touareg also lies in a lower insurance band, meaning your insurance premiums should be kept quite cheap too.

So, although big cars are always more expensive to run that smaller cars; the Volkswagen Touareg is fairly cheap, when compared to its competitors.

Practical Interior

The Volkswagen Touareg’s interior is distinctly Volkswagen and supremely practical.

The Touareg’s interior is in fact very similar to the interiors of many other Volkswagen cars. Certain aspects of the exterior and design have been modernised, like the new Xenon lighting across the range mark, and the revised four bar grille. The rest of the vehicle however, is simple and practical.

Its features are large and sturdy, to suit the car’s large frame. Inside, the controls and features are equally as big and robust. The traditional layout of controls in the interior makes everything instantly recognisable and easy to figure out for new owners.

The Volkswagen Touareg comes with a wide range of high quality features as standard. Internal climate control helps to make the car comfortable on long journeys. A DAB digital radio saves you from having to rely on the limited selection of unreliable old FM radio stations. A satellite navigation system makes it easier to find your way, and heated seats make sure you feel comfortable when you’re doing so.

As added extras, drivers can also choose a heated steering wheel, keyless entry, and can even opt for full leather seats.

Regarding space, the Volkswagen Touareg is amazingly spacious. At maximum, the boot can hold 1,642 litres. This is because of the clever rear seating arrangements. The back seats can be slid, either clear out of the way, or manoeuvred to provide a balance between passenger comfort and boot space.

The car’s sturdy tow bar can pull up to 3,500 kg. This makes the Volkswagen Touareg ideal for towing things like horse boxes and caravans.

The Cost Today

With all of those high quality features, the Volkswagen Touareg is definitely a quality vehicle. One aspect that put some potential buyers off during its initial release back in 2002 was its relatively high price and running cost. More recent models have been upgraded to be lighter and more efficient, dramatically reducing running costs.

While buying a new Volkswagen Touareg new may be expensive, the second hand models are a bargain. From specialist 4×4 retailers like Saxtons 4×4, you’ll find high quality pre-owned Volkswagen Touaregs for around £23,000 and even as low as £15,000. For such a highly hard-wearing and reliable Volkswagen 4×4, that’s a great price.

So, if you’re looking for a high quality 4×4, without wanting to spend an arm and a leg, then finding a good used Volkswagen Touareg might be the answer.

Check out Saxton 4×4 Review on the Land Rover Range Rover Sport.