Jaguar Land Rover has partnered with Glasgow University to develop a new sensory steering wheel that heats and cools to inform drivers of upcoming junctions. To alert drivers, the temperature of the sides of the steering wheel changes by a difference of six degrees celsius but can be adjusted to suit individuals. JLR said the tech will be useful when driving in poor weather conditions. The technology has been developed to help raise drivers鈥?awareness and keep their eyes on the road, rather than a sat-nav screen, as driver distraction is one of the biggest contributors to road accidents. JLR said the tech can also be integrated into the gear-shift paddles for future autonomous vehicles. The paddles will heat or cool when the control of the vehicle has been handed from the driver to the car itself. Other applications of the technology include non-urgent warnings such as fuel level or points of interest ahead and can be used as an alternative to audio or vibrating notifications. The project follows on from previous safety features developed by JLR such as autonomous mobility pods fitted with 鈥榙igital eyes鈥?to inform other road users about their direction of travel and awareness. Do you think a sensory steering wheel is a good safety idea?
The performance SUV might be a niche within a niche, but the sector is expanding at quite a rate. While cars such as the Lamborghini Urus and Porsche Cayenne Turbo prove there鈥檚 a market for high-riding, practical and pokey off-roaders, if your budget is a little less extravagant then your choice has been far more limited - until now. The 拢36,490 Audi SQ2 is one of very few more (relatively) affordable but still sporty compact SUVs. It has a 296bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol turbo that sends power to all four wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch box. The familiar VW Group turbo powertrain is allied to a familiar chassis. Those MQB underpinnings mean the SQ2 drives rather predictably - but that鈥檚 not necessarily a bad thing. You can jump into this car and get to grips with it quickly, pushing it hard to exploit the performance. And there鈥檚 plenty of that, no matter what the conditions. You can feel a deep reserve of power, too - especially in Dynamic mode, which alters the throttle map to give more of the engine鈥檚 performance earlier in the accelerator鈥檚 travel.
This means the SQ2 romps out of roundabouts, putting its motive force to the road with little fuss. Up to 100 per cent of the engine鈥檚 torque can be targeted towards the rear axle, claims Audi, but in reality the car never feels that playful. Effective and ruthlessly efficient, yes, but not so spirited. Those S-model trademark quad exhausts emit an enhanced yet subtle rumble when lifting off. This adds a bit more character, but the SQ2 is still not the most driver-focused choice. The steering is light and, because you鈥檙e sat high up from the road, you don鈥檛 get the same kind of connection as you do with a similarly powerful hot hatch. However, its accuracy and precision mean you can lean on the chassis and bully the platform into giving over its grip. It鈥檚 effective more than entertaining, yet the level of security is reassuring, so there鈥檚 no drama in exploiting what鈥檚 on offer.
Despite riding on optional 19-inch alloys, the SQ2 is relatively supple. This creates more roll in corners than you might like, but for the way most owners will drive the car day-to-day, the level of comfort given the performance is a welcome balance. The chassis is upset by big bumps, and can be persuaded away from your chosen line on an uneven road. However, the trade-off between compliance and control is well judged for such a high, small but sporty car. Of course, any SUV - performance focused or otherwise - has to be practical. With a 355-litre boot and enough space for four, the SQ2 just about delivers enough flexibility for mundane tasks. The Q2鈥檚 basic proportions mean rear legroom is more cramped than in, say, the Cupra Ateca, but it鈥檚 acceptable. Quality is a little more questionable, though. The many S-model upgrades, including sports seats, plenty of soft materials where you touch them most and other interior trim, do feel up to Audi鈥檚 usual standards. However, in a bid to maximise margins, there are some harsh plastics on the dash, which jars with the price tag. The infotainment goes some way to justifying that figure, though, because sat-nav, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are all standard. And, of course, Audi鈥檚 interface works with the slick simplicity we expect.
As premium SUVs have become ever more popular, the upmarket estate has been forced to change its game and step up what鈥檚 on offer. The Germans have led the way here, and if you鈥檙e a buyer who doesn鈥檛 want an SUV but still needs plenty of practicality, decent performance, advanced tech and cosseting comfort, there鈥檚 a wide choice of premium wagons on sale. The latest to join the established group is the Audi A6 Avant. We have already tested the saloon version of the new executive car and it proved its worth, with enhancements over its predecessor elevating the car to the sharp end of its class. But the question is, can the estate do the same? Tech, style, quality, space and refinement are all on the menu, so it should be a close-fought battle with its rival here. However, space is an important commodity in any load-carrier, and the Mercedes E-Class Estate the Audi is up against in this test has plenty of that. A large number of factors will decide the outcome here, but could this be the crucial area where victory is won?
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