Pictures have recently surfaced via various blogs and Websites that show the new Land Rover Range Rover Evoque in all its glory. I must say that even as a non-Land Rover enthusiast, this looks to be a pretty special unit. It is something different and looks to be a larger version of a Coupe, which I believe is the direct reason for me becoming an instant admirer. It still retains the typical Land Rover attitude and style but it also creates its own identity that will surely enable it to reach out to a much wider audience than just the 4×4 SUV sector. If this is Land Rovers’ description of the future then it appears as though buyers are going to be in for a few treats over the coming years. The Range Rover Evoque is like no other used Land Rover before it and it has already been likened to Cayenne model from Porsche. Recent rumours have suggested that there is actually some kind of hybrid version being constructed, but this has so far not been confirmed by the people at Land Rover. If so, and this rumour were indeed be true, it would mean that the Evoque would be the first in the range to go down the route of using hybrid technology. However, as noted above, this is yet to be confirmed and so keen observers will just have to be satisfied with the various pictures currently circulating online.
The established and popular vehicle that is the used Jeep Patriot has been given a new facelift and the 2010 version is coming to a showroom near you very soon. With enhanced and upgraded exterior style that include a new body coloured grille, front / rear fascias and additional height from the top to the bottom of the vehicle; this is a Jeep unit that looks like it will take the market by storm. As with all new and used Jeep models; the focus is once again very much on the auto’s ability to deliver an outstanding off road performance. However, consumers will be in for a pleasant surprise as the 2011 Patriot has been designed to improve fuel efficiency rates. There is also a number of new and additional safety features incorporated that appear to be rather impressive. Jeep says that the new Patriot model will offer consumers more capabilities than any other compact SUV and it is largely down to the vehicles’ advanced features that no doubt contribute to this statement. One area that Jeep has largely focused on is, as noted above, safety. Reports suggest that the Patriot has as many as thirty different safety features, which combine together to assure the safety of all occupants. This 2011 model will reportedly be rolled out from the production line towards the end of 2010 with an early 2011 period expecting to be the time of its official addition to the market. Fortunately buyers will be able to purchase this Jeep in a number of different versions; the Sport, Latitude and Latitude X.
Luxury is well and truly defined with the all new XJ model from Jaguar. For years this is a brand that has continuously delivered cars of the utmost popularity and it is indeed their luxurious qualities that have been one of the main selling points. And it seems that the latest addition to an already glowing range of new and used Jaguar cars, has taken things that one step further. Sleek and professional are just some of the words that could describe the XJ but there are so many others that would be both fitting and accurate. Various advancements in technology have been made and so a step into the future has definitely been delivered. However, it is the luxury element of the vehicle that is without doubt its main focal point, which is very much thanks to an all round stunning design that really does raise the bar. Inside the XJ is where lots of the magic is on show and this is very much down to the various materials and fabrics used throughout that combine to make an extremely comfortable environment. Soft grain leather is one of the main areas of comfort, which makes for a satisfying driving experience. Some of the features that the Jaguar XJ comes with include 19 inch alloy wheels, metallic paint, Xenon headlamps, panoramic roof, dual zone climate control and even a touch screen navigation system. This really is a special vehicle and one that will no doubt continue on the same path of popularity where the Jaguar XF continues to operate.
Ok yes here is more praise for Ferrari. Some may say that this particular brand gets more writing time than any other manufacturer but I would have to immediately counter and say that it is all with good reason. Today we will be briefly discussing the used Ferrari 550 Barchetta, which, as the title suggest, is yet another classic and legendary vehicle provided to us by the number one Italian manufacturer that is Ferrari. Of course to own this little piece of history it will set you back nearly a quarter of a million dollars; but don’t worry as buying this vehicle is no longer an option. A limited edition model when it was announced, the 550 Barchetta was only made available to 448 enthusiasts who will now have the privilege of owning this truly amazing machine. But is this vehicle really worth the money? Well for any collector a prized used Ferrari vehicle is very much a prized possession and so in that respect (and the fact that it was only made available to 449 people), the Barchetta could well be considered a fine purchase. However, the question is whether it is able to compete with some of the other limited edition models that have seemingly been added to the Ferrari range over the years? Without being one to judge, I would have to say that I am a little unsure whether this is indeed the case; simply because I feel that the 550 Barchetta has a few design elements that appear a little out of place. Then again, maybe I am being a little too picky because on the whole the 550 Barchetta is an excellent auto that does deliver a fantastic driving experience.
This is a car where its looks speak for themselves. Available in two different engine types, the new and used Dodge Avenger is very much a leader in it’s class. The design is simply stunning and it gives off the feel of a typical Dodge car; it even highly resembles the Ford Mustang to some viewers. Both of the engines offered with the vehicle combine power, strength, fuel efficiency and a sports performance, which makes them an ideal choice for consumers. The smaller of the two engines is the 2.4 litre type that comes with dual variable valve timing. This enables better fuel efficiency, which transfers to an additional thirty mpg (when travelling on the motorway). The larger of the two engines, the 3.5 litre V6 type, comes with a six speed transmission (automatic) as well as the Dodge AutoStick technology that enables the ease of changing gears. Of course to the casual viewer it is the design of the Avenger that is most attractive, but to the trained eye, it is what is underneath the bonnet that really increases the appetite. A vehicle that looks this good with a performance of the highest rate is surely worth a punt and it seems that Dodge has once again delivered. Finally, with a starting price of around 20,000 dollars, it also makes for a sound financial investment. And let’s face it, in this day and age and in the current climate, finding a new car that doesn’t overstretch the finances is an important area during the purchasing process. Therefore, where better to look than a Dodge Avenger?!
There are very few car manufacturers that provide what Ferrari is able to provide to its customers. In fact, there are only a handful of brands that can be mentioned in the same breath as Ferrari, which is a huge testament to the success of the company. What Ferrari provides is a range of cars that continually develop and impress the industry with their superior designs and incredible engines. Over the years there have been some might impressive used Ferrari cars such as the incredible Testarossa, the splendid used F430 and the greatly appreciated, Mondial (a firm fans’ favourite). The Ferrari colour of red is a familiar feature for all cars in the Ferrari range and is now recognised as the companies’ flagship feature worldwide. Acceleration, speed and manoeuvrability are all aspects of new and used Ferrari cars and are just some of the main reasons as to why this is a brand, which is adored by so many. The only unfortunate aspect of Ferrari cars that stops them from getting even more exposure is that fact that they are so expensive! Paying for quality is clearly a given in the automotive industry and Ferrari certainly attain to this. But for regular car buyers like me, it means that having the opportunity to own such a prestigious brand of car is totally out of the question! And there is no silver lining in the used Ferrari car market neither; with prices still being way too much for the average Joe. I suppose dreams don’t always come true, but then again, it could be the need to want something (and knowing that it is unattainable), that makes a Ferrari car what it is. Prestigious, sporty and elegant are just a few descriptions that could be used when describing a Ferrari vehicle; all of which do not even begin to compliment the true art of their performance.
Not often do we see vehicles of this nature that combine a stunning design with an equally impressive driving performance. Powered by an incredible V10 engine, the fourth generation Viper is very much an improvement on the first generation used Dodge model. Like with the majority of sports cars, the Viper is a two seated unit that is designed to provide exhilarating speed. The new styled Viper is able to produce 600 BHP from its 8.4 litre engine; making it one of the fastest road vehicles available in the market. It also produced 560 lb/ft at 5,100rpm! Incorporated into the engine is a feature known as electronic engine control that was designed by Continental AG, which marks a huge improvement on the previous used Dodge Viper version. In fact it was on the inside and underneath the bonnet of the vehicle where most of the changes took place. Exterior-wise there were only minor tweaks made as these really were not necessary. In fact, most Dodge fans are happy that the company have kept the original exterior style as it keeps in line with the history of the model. The Viper has always been recognised as a car that provides superior performance and with stats such as those listed below, it is clearly transparent why this is the case. The Dodge Viper achieves 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds (7.6 seconds for 100 mph) and has a top speed of 202 mph; both statistics making for a truly outstanding performance. So to summarise, the fourth generation of the incredible Dodge Viper is a stunningly impressive machine that is a worthy addition to the legacy of the used Dodge Viper range. Offering speed and power, this is one Dodge vehicle that will definitely go down in the history books and will no doubt be a part of the small group of “special cars” for many years to come.
The brand of Chrysler is currently enjoying some good times here in the UK as the 300C and Grand Voyager vehicles continue to be contenders for purchase with UK car buyers. Their style and charisma seem to be the main areas of focus for consumers as Chrysler offer something different to what is currently out there in the marketplace. Of course this was always going to be the case given that they are indeed and American company, which is what I believe to be the main reason for their success here in the UK. New and used Chrysler cars are what the company themselves say is “affordable luxury” and this is a very accurate statement indeed. As for the 300C model, this is without doubt one of the most luxurious executive vehicles available, not only in the Chrysler range, but also in the UK market today. What really separates this unit from the rest is its outer style that gives off more of a Bentley look and feel – than it does a Chrysler, which is the ultimate compliment for any car. And on the inside it is just as good as the 300C provides what can only be described as a simply stunning array of comfort and technologically advanced features. So there you have it folks, these are just some of the reasons why you should consider buying a new or used Chrysler 300C or Grand Voyager as your next vehicle upgrade; they offer so much and all at competitive prices. The 300C in particular is a vehicle that will make you the centre of attention on the road and is one that looks as though it is deserved of a higher price tag. But, the fortunate thing for buyers is that they can purchase this vehicle without needing to break the bank and put strain on the finances, which is a perfect scenario for fans of the Chrysler brand.
One brand of cars that is highly committed to fitting in with the future of the automotive industry and riding the big waves to come is Chevrolet. Their approach to car design is simple; every new model is a new experiment that is about pushing through boundaries and testing new innovations such as materials and sources of fuel. Their task is made no easier given the fact that the majority of their used Chevrolet vehicles have been of such a high standard. However, they remain committed to pushing the limits and coming up with new styles, with the aim of making major breakthroughs in overall driving performance. What the Chevrolet engineers ensure is that, regardless of the new cars introduced, they each must maintain the character of a Chevrolet vehicle. Currently, there are a number of prototype / concept cars in the works for Chevrolet that includes the Groove, Trax, Aveo RS, Camaro and the Volt. All very different in overall design, they maintain the Chevrolet heart and soul that is forever evident in each and every Chevrolet vehicle. From the Matiz to the Lacetti and the Cruze to the Captiva, it just becomes apparent what family of cars each of these models belongs too. One thing that each of these cars have in common (and in effect, all Chevrolet cars), is that they are very cost effective to run and maintain. Services, parts and accessories, as well as trips to the fuel pumps are all costs associated with the upkeep of a vehicle. But with a Chevrolet, these costs are kept to a minimum when compared with other manufacturers. This then is one of the huge advantages of buying a new or used Chevrolet car and is one of their main distinctions from the competition. Others can command what are extortionate prices for the same offerings and many buyers don’t always take this into consideration when buying a new vehicle – especially if it is a brand new car fresh from the showroom; the lights and shine of the polished bonnet is sometimes too much of a distraction when it comes to finances!
In terms of the different engines, the new and used Mercedes-Benz C-Class is available in both petrol and diesel types. With the economy very much on the agenda of all car manufacturers, it is the Diesel engines that seem to be growing in popularity as buyers also look to become more efficient. Well with the Mercedes-Benz C-Class you get a vehicle with an engine that incorporates the Mercedes “BlueEFFICIENCY” technology. In short, this innovation enables the C-Class to provide a more economic and optimised engine performance (Petrol engines with the same technology are also available and again incorporate the “BlueEFFICIENCY” technology.). Read the rest of this entry »