Lotus and Williams Advanced Engineering have confirmed plans for a 鈥渟trategic technical partnership鈥?which will see the two firms share development and research into 鈥渁dvanced propulsion technologies鈥? with an emphasis on the development of new fully electric powertrains. The two companies have not announced anything beyond their intentions to work together on new powertrains, but Williams鈥?expertise in battery technology is mentioned specifically as one of the key drivers of the partnership. The collaboration with Lotus is an entirely new project, and the deal intends to develop battery and electric propulsion technology specifically for the Lotus brand, rather than third-parties. It all points to an all-electric Lotus being part of new owner Geely鈥檚 plan to inject fresh impetus into the British sports car marque. Collaboration with Williams confirms bespoke engineering, rather than using hand-me-down electric technology from sister brand Polestar. Lotus has not confirmed any plans to challenge the likes of the upcoming second-generation Tesla Roadster just yet though. Phil Popham, CEO, Lotus Cars said, 鈥淥ur new technology partnership with Williams Advanced Engineering is part of a strategy to expand our knowledge and capability in the rapidly changing automotive landscape. What do you make of this new partnership?
This is true if you up the pace as well. There鈥檚 some roll, but this lets you feel the level of grip on offer, because there鈥檚 not much feedback through the steering. This roll means that the Insignia is still comfortable at higher speeds and there鈥檚 compliance to absorb the bumps, too. At a cruise refinement is good. The diesel might be noisy like the 508 when you push it, but at lower revs on a cruise it fades into the background as the ride and engine flexibility come to the fore. It鈥檚 an accomplished motorway car that also drives fairly sweetly. Testers' Notes: 鈥淥nStar is no longer standard on any Insignia. The Insignia wins yet again thanks to its incredible value for money. Performance, practicality, affordable running costs and a strong level of core kit are what counts in this class, and the Vauxhall nails it. It鈥檚 nearly as refined as the Kia, but faster, while it rides and handles as well as the Peugeot.
It adds efficiency into the mix to make it a brilliant all-rounder. Some minor updates to the Optima have improved things. The new 1.6-litre diesel engine is refined and delivers acceptable performance, while the Kia still looks good, plus there鈥檚 plenty of space and, therefore, practicality to call on. However, the interior is bland and so is the driving experience. While it doesn鈥檛 offend, it鈥檚 also not as well-rounded as the cheaper Vauxhall. Make no mistake: the Peugeot 508 is a good car. It rides and handles well enough, the infotainment is strong and it鈥檚 efficient, so it will be relatively cheap to run. Trouble is, the 508 won鈥檛 be cheap to buy outright or on PCP, and it doesn鈥檛 offer any more practicality, performance or kit than its rivals. It鈥檚 economical and feels premium, but it鈥檚 simply too pricey in this company. More power from its 2.0 TDI means there鈥檚 plenty of poke, while the Superb SE is relatively well equipped, too. It鈥檚 great to drive and the big hatch means plenty of practicality, revealing a 625-litre boot. It鈥檚 also well priced. This budget buys you plenty on the used market, including a 2018 model BMW 320d in M Sport trim. It might not be as practical, but it gets lots of kit, feels more premium and drives brilliantly. It鈥檚 an automatic, too.
The exterior of the GLC impresses right from the first glimpse, with a powerful front stemming from a very upright-looking radiator trim, with two louvres and the centrally placed Mercedes star. Striking, too, is the design of the headlamps and daytime driving lamps and the bucket-tooth-look sump shield. Seen from the side, the cladding on the wheel arches reinforces the GLC's SUV look, which can be further enhanced with optional aluminium-look running boards. These pronounced wheel arches are primarily responsible for the wide-based, sporty look of the GLC's rear. The vehicle's roof spoiler also serves to emphasize the athletic look. The Audi Q5 sports its own great exterior look, while the 2016 BMW X3 also looks impressive, with new headlights from an earlier refresh making it look like a downsized X5. The Q5-derived 2016 Porsche Macan is probably the sports car of the bunch and is positioned by Porsche as a 'Porsche through and through'.
With the GLC, Mercedes-Benz has aimed for an intelligent combination of functionality and agility in a modern, timeless SUV design. The vehicle's interior is one of high-class appeal that features authentic materials, flowing surface finishes and a newly interpreted centre console and which exudes a luxurious sense of lightness. This sense of lightness comes partly from the controls which are in silver chrome, with metallic tactile qualities. Giving a natural feel are the seat coverings in wool and linen and the open-poor wood used as trim. The Q5 also features classy interior design and top-notch construction, while the X3's interior is classic BMW from its traditional analog gauges to restrained sense of style. Mercedes' new GLC is designed to offer more space, more flexibility and greater appeal. The vehicles' 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission offers efficiency, comfort and dynamism and swifter and smoother gearshifting actions. Available for the first time is the optional AIR BODY CONTROL air suspension system in combination with continuously variable damper control, ensuring ride comfort and dynamic handling.
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