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AUDI

First revealed by Auto...

First revealed by Auto Express in issue 827, this model will break new ground for Jaguar, showcasing the firm"s new petrol/electric hybrid technology which will eventually spread across the range. Likely to be based on the platform of the all-new X-Type, the soft-roader will get a sleek yet muscular bodyshell and a raised ride height, as well as an all-wheel-drive system based on that of the next-generation Freelander. Land Rover"s SUV is due next year, but a Jaguar soft-roader is unlikely before 2009.



The Patent Office says...

The Patent Office says the Traveller name isn"t currently signed to any car manufacturer. Yet it is owned by a variety of other firms, including makers of electrical goods and bicycles - and this would make any attempt to use the badge very difficult. BMW has yet to confirm the newcomer"s name, but given that the show cars at the Frankfurt, Tokyo and Geneva expos in the past year have all been referred to as Traveller concepts, it would be logical for the company to try to capitalise on public awareness and take the name through to production.


News of the day
Volvo is being crystal...

Volvo is being crystal clear about its future line-up. The Swedish firm has released a teaser shot of its S60 concept ahead of its debut at next montḥ€™s Detroit Motor Show.

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Despite a raft of innovations...

Despite a raft of innovations, the new model will seat only five, unlike its Land Rover Discovery and Volvo XC90 rivals. But it"s 15cm longer than the outgoing car, so interior space will be boosted. High-quality cabin materials will address a major criticism of the current model. And much work has been done to make the M-Class a true off-roader.

Externally the styling is sharper, and the rising shoulder line gives the car a sporty stance. To make sure performance matches the looks, a range of four engines - three of them new - will appear. The line-up will kick off with the ML280 CDI, featuring a 190bhp diesel, while a new 224bhp V6 oil-burner debuts in the ML320 CDI. Petrol power is provided by the ML350"s new 272bhp V6 and the flagship ML500"s V8.

A new 7G-Tronic auto gearbox can be controlled either by a conventional lever or steering wheel-mounted buttons. The system has been dubbed Direct Shift by the maker and, combined with improved aerodynamics, gives the M-Class better fuel consumption. The company"s engineers claim the entry-level diesel will return 30mpg.

Off-road enthusiasts are sure to welcome the optional low-range gearbox and two diff locks. The standard car"s Airmatic suspension can be specified with a modified set-up for increased ground clearance. A third option will give improved tarmac responses, too.

Standard safety features include new crash-responsive head restraints, while Merc"s optional Pre-Safe system, which prepares occupants for a possible crash in critical situations, will be available. The new car goes on sale next autumn, with prices similar to the outgoing model.




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