Purpose

I will try my best to provide detailed info on various cars and what is like to live with them, I have already produced a few for Jaguar-car-forums, I will do my best to be unbiased, but it will be hard for some cars. I will re-produce press releases and copy from other motoring news.
Showing posts with label panoramic glass roof. Show all posts
Showing posts with label panoramic glass roof. Show all posts

Monday, 4 December 2017

The new Fiat 500L, 40% all new from the previous market leader, now comes with better tech, and look.

  • Even more 500, even more convenient, even more technology: that sums up the new Fiat 500L
  • A unique combination of spaciousness and personality
  • 40% of all components are new
  • Not just a range, but three separate identities to cover all needs: Urban, Cross and Wagon
Having dominated its segment, across Europe, for five years, here comes the new Fiat 500L. The roomiest 500 of all is now even more full of technology and has even more character and personality. These characteristics combine in the three distinct versions of the car: Urban, Cross and Wagon, offered with a choice of petrol and diesel engines to delight different people and serve their individual needs.
All three share outstanding safety features and a flexible internal configuration, enabling customers to create up to 1,500 internal customisations. The 500 style is even more obvious in this updated version, on which 40% of all components are new. The Fiat 500L combines all the style and excitement of the Fiat 500 with the spaciousness and functionality of an MPV.
Design: Even more 500
The new Fiat 500L is designed to reinforce the family feeling of the model. The exterior style expresses all the distinctive elements which have characterised the model throughout its history, ever since its iconic 1950s forerunner. The most obvious visual links are the "moustache and badge" combo set on the trapezoidal nose, the upper headlights with chrome-plated elements and the lower cluster, now with LED daytime running lights, which pick up the graphics of the two "zeros" in 500. These elements ensure that this new car is clearly identifiable as a Fiat 500L, even in the dark.

The revised front bumper with signature trapezoidal trim and the chromed "studded" three-dimensional lower grille mesh give the car an elegant look. At the same time, the chromed strips, which direct the eye to the wheel arches, convey toughness, resulting in the new Fiat 500L looking even more expressive. The chromed inserts at the rear underline the 500 family feeling and horizontal trims reinforce the car's presence on the road. The fog and reversing lights are now in the underside of the bumper, increasing their effectiveness.
The new Fiat 500L is available in ten pastel or metallic colours and with three types of roof: body-coloured, glossy black or white or matt black, giving customers a choice of no less than 36 colour combinations. The colours available are the new Bellagio Blue, Sicilian Orange and Donatello Bronze, Bossa Nova White, Hip Hop Yellow, Darkwave Black, Minimal Grey, Heavy Metal Grey, Beatbox Green and Pasodoble Red.
A unique combination of spaciousness and personality
The interior of the new Fiat 500L is completely new, starting with an updated dashboard to give a more high-tech and iconic look. The passenger compartment offers comfort, convenience, versatility and is filled with light, while being rich in distinctive 500 touches, such as the bright "500" signature on the dashboard.


The area behind the restyled multifunctional steering wheel, now with added chrome accents, has an updated design with two circular instrument gauges on either side of a 3.5-inch colour graphic display. This combination of new steering wheel and dashboard improves the visibility of the instrument cluster, which is further enhanced by white backlighting. The driver also benefits from an innovative TFT colour digital display, with a full set of useful information.
The new Fiat 500L displays an innovative wraparound glazing concept to improve its now class-leading visibility and ease of parking, thanks to its glazed A-pillar. Available as a fixed panel or electrically opening, the 1.5m2 optional panoramic glass roof of Fiat 500L means that occupants can enjoy a light, bright passenger compartment. 
While the top section of the dashboard conveys a fresh personality, the lower part focuses on convenience with new, larger storage compartments and the introduction of new comfort features, such as the central armrest. The gear lever has also been redesigned and placed higher up for greater driving comfort. 
Internal space is top of its class, thanks to the passenger compartment's generous length. Boot volume with the rear seat in the forward position is 455 litres for the Urban and Cross models. The boot on the Wagon offers up to 493 litres when the two additional seats are folded. With the rear seats folded and tumbled, capacity rises to 1480 litres for Urban and Cross and 1509 litres for the Wagon.
Specification: Three identities: Cross, Urban and Wagon
The new Fiat 500L is available with three distinctive personalities: Urban, Cross and Wagon. The more adventurous character of the Fiat 500L is represented by the Cross version. The new Fiat 500L Cross has a one-of-a-kind crossover look with new bumpers and skid plate, new two-colour diamond-finish 17-inch alloy wheels and a bold grille to give it a sporty appearance. It has crossover substance, as well as looks, with ground clearance raised by 25mm, new Uconnect™ HD Live 7-inch touchscreen and the new Mode Selector; with a choice of Normal, Traction+ and Gravity Control.

Normal is the default function and provides a comfortable, safe ride in ordinary conditions. Traction+, which can be activated at speeds of less than 18mph, helps the car to start on slippery surfaces and provides optimal torque distribution across the front axle, braking the wheel with less grip on the ground and transferring torque to the one with more grip. Gravity Control keeps the speed constant when descending steep slopes, and can be enabled when the Traction+ function is active. The new Fiat 500L Cross is 4.28m long with a wheelbase of 2.61m. It is 1.80m wide and 1.68m high.
The metropolitan soul of the Fiat 500L finds expression in the Urban version, available in Pop Star and Lounge trim levels. In Pop Star trim, also available in the new Bellagio Blue colour, the new Fiat 500L Urban come complete with ABS, ESP, 6 airbags, air conditioning, cruise control, multifunction Techno-leather steering wheel, electrically adjustable & heated door mirrors, 3.5-inch colour TFT display, 5-inch Uconnect™ radio with Bluetooth, voice control, USB port and Aux-in, rear seat with 60/40 split, LED daytime running lights and 16-inch alloy wheels.
In the more luxurious Lounge trim, it features upgraded seat upholstery, a dashboard fascia finished with technical fabric, dual zone climate control, fixed glass roof, chromed inserts, fog lights, Uconnect™ HD Live 7-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, voice control, DAB radio, 2 USB ports and Aux-in, rain and dusk sensors, rear parking sensors and Cargo Magic Space height-adjustable load platform. The Fiat 500L Urban measures 4.24m in length, has a wheelbase of 2.61m, is 1.78m wide and 1.66m high.
The Wagon, available in a seven seat configuration, is the ideal solution for combining spaciousness and versatility with the distinctive 500 style. Available in Pop Star or Lounge trim, the new Fiat 500L Wagon is the most compact seven-seater on the market at 4.38m long.
Customising the driving experience
Exclusive packs are available across the new Fiat 500L range to enhance the driving experience, comfort and safety. Every version can customise its style, connectivity, comfort and safety features by adding one of these great value packages; City, Comfort, Safety, Style and Style Plus packs.

Autonomous City Brake, available as part of the Safety Pack, consists of a laser sensor located on the top of the windscreen to monitor the position of the cars ahead. When travelling at less than 18mph, the system automatically brakes the new Fiat 500L if a potential collision is imminent.
Other key equipment include the child monitoring mirror to keep an eye on rear seat passengers, LED daylight running lights and parking lights, which in addition to being design features that reassert the 500 style, also ensure excellent visibility. As well as electrical adjustment and heating, the door mirrors can be upgraded to fold electrically and add puddle lights, to illuminate the area around the car when light is poor.
The passenger compartment lighting is also improved, with the Style Plus Pack providing with ambient light in the base of the central console, on the central tunnel and on the doors. The optional rear parking camera, included in the City Pack, has an improved resolution and active grid lines to assist parking.
Technology: More connected than ever
New advanced smartphone integration systems are debuting on the new Fiat 500L. Smartphone apps can be accessed directly on the 7-inch high-resolution touchscreen of the Uconnect™ HD Live system integrated in the dashboard. The system is also available with Apple Car Play and Android Auto™.

The next-generation Uconnect™ system features a hands-free Bluetooth interface, audio streaming, text reader and voice recognition, AUX-in and USB ports with iPod integration, controls on the steering wheel. A rear parking camera and the new TomTom 3D built-in navigation system are also optionally available. The Uconnect™ LIVE app offers music streaming with Deezer and TuneIn, news from Reuters and connected navigation with TomTom LIVE, as well as updating Facebook and Twitter. Users can also monitor their driving style with eco:Drive and my:Car.
The Fiat 500L is now available with the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto™. Apple CarPlay perfectly integrates the iPhone with the display and native controls of the car so users can make calls, play their music, send and receive messages, get directions optimised for traffic conditions and much more, while staying focused on the road.
With Android Auto™ drivers can access Google Maps, with voice-guided navigation, real time traffic information and lane guidance and Google Play Music, among other music services. They can also make and receive calls and send messages while keeping their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.
The Fiat 500L can be upgraded with the BeatsAudio™ system, which boasts a total power of 520Watt, divided between two 80Watt mid-Woofer speakers (diameter 165mm) positioned in the bottom part of the front door panel, two 40Watt tweeter speakers (diameter 38mm) positioned in the top of the front door panel, two 60Watt full-range speakers (diameter 165mm) positioned in the rear door panel and an 80 + 80Watt subwoofer (diameter 165mm) located in the boot – which ensures dynamic, powerful bass tones, maximising the listening experience. The package is completed by an amplifier with DSP and 8 channels, featuring a built-in advanced equalisation algorithm capable of reproducing the entire spectrum of sound that an artist experiences in the recording studio.
Engines and pricing
The engines most suited for the specific needs of customers were picked for the different identities of the model. The petrol engine line-up includes the 1.4-litre 16V, delivering 95hp, and the 1.4-litre 16V T-Jet, delivering 120hp. The offering is completed by two diesel engines: the 95hp 1,300cc 16V MultiJet, also available with Dualogic transmission, and the 120hp 1,600cc 16V MultiJet. All engines comply with the Euro 6 standards and combine optimal performance with impressive fuel economy.

The new Fiat 500L will be priced from £16,195 OTR for a Fiat 500L 1.4 95hp Pop Star.
Fiat 500L pricing:
Fiat 500L Wagon pricing:
Mopar for the new 500L
Mopar offers a collection of ninety-two accessories created to enhance the versatility of the car, optimise its functional and loading capabilities, further enhances the safety and protection of families with children and provide solutions for customising the looks and details of the new 500L.

A variety of solutions are available for the boot including protectors, nets and cargo organizers, to increas transport capabilities. Mopar has also created surf board racks, ski racks and boxes, which can be easily installed on the roof racks to carry everything you need for your hobbies. Practical and convenient coat hooks and tables can be anchored to the head restraints while seat back protectors, front seat organiser with multiple pockets and a tablet holder offer additional versatility.
Finally, with Mopar, Fiat 500L becomes the ideal choice for pet-loving families with a range of essential accessories for travelling with your four-legged friends safely and comfortably. These include the handy, removable and washable boot protective tray, the rear bumper luggage protector, the rigid partition net, the rear window sun shades and the convenient rear seat housing.
Mopar Vehicle Protection ensures that servicing is performed by highly qualified, specialised technicians at authorised FCA service centres, using specialist equipment and tools and genuine spare parts. The Mopar product portfolio contains a wide and flexible range of extended warranties and service plans. Each plan offers different options in terms of duration and mileage and is designed to meet the different driving requirements of individual customers, ensuring that the car works as efficiently as possible in the long run. A MAXIMUM CARE warranty extension and the EASY CARE prepaid service package are both available on the Fiat 500L.

Monday, 29 May 2017

After the 500 got it's update, the 500L Follows suit with a makeover and updated looks.

  • Even more 500, even more convenient, even more technology: that sums up the new Fiat 500L
  • A unique combination of spaciousness and personality
  • 40% of all components are new
  • Not just a range, but three separate identities to cover all needs: Urban, Cross and Wagon
Having dominated its segment, across Europe, for five years, here comes the new Fiat 500L. The roomiest 500 of all is now even more full of technology and has even more character and personality. These characteristics combine in the three distinct versions of the car: Urban, Cross and Wagon, offered with a choice of petrol and diesel engines to delight different people and serve their individual needs.
All three share outstanding safety features and a flexible internal configuration, enabling customers to create up to 1,500 internal customisations. The 500 style is even more obvious in this updated version, on which 40% of all components are new. The Fiat 500L combines all the style and excitement of the Fiat 500 with the spaciousness and functionality of an MPV.
Even more 500
The new Fiat 500L is designed to reinforce the family feeling of the model. The exterior style expresses all the distinctive elements which have characterised the model throughout its history, ever since its iconic 1950s forerunner. 
The most obvious visual links are the "moustache and badge" combo set on the trapezoidal nose, the upper headlights with chrome-plated elements and the lower cluster, now with LED daytime running lights, which pick up the graphics of the two "zeros" in 500. These elements ensure that this new car is clearly identifiable as a Fiat 500L, even in the dark.

The revised front bumper with signature trapezoidal trim and the chromed "studded" three-dimensional lower grille mesh give the car an elegant look. At the same time, the chromed strips, which direct the eye to the wheel arches, convey toughness, resulting in the new Fiat 500L looking even more expressive. The chromed inserts at the rear underline the 500 family feeling and horizontal trims reinforce the car's presence on the road. The fog and reversing lights are now in the underside of the bumper, increasing their effectiveness.
The new Fiat 500L is available in ten pastel or metallic colours and with three types of roof: body-coloured, glossy black or white or matt black, giving customers a choice of no less than 36 colour combinations. The colours available are the new Denim Blue, Sicilian Orange and Donatello Bronze, Bossa Nova White, Hip Hop Yellow, Darkwave Black, Minimal Grey, Heavy Metal Grey, Beatbox Green and Pasodoble Red.
A unique combination of spaciousness and personality
The interior of the new Fiat 500L is completely new, starting with an updated dashboard to give a more high-tech and iconic look. The passenger compartment offers comfort, convenience, versatility and is filled with light, while being rich in distinctive 500 touches, such as the bright "500" signature on the dashboard.

The area behind the restyled multifunctional steering wheel, now with added chrome accents, has an updated design with two circular instrument gauges on either side of a 3.5-inch colour graphic display. This combination of new steering wheel and dashboard improves the visibility of the instrument cluster, which is further enhanced by white backlighting. The driver also benefits from an innovative TFT colour digital display, with a full set of useful information.
The new Fiat 500L displays an innovative wraparound glazing concept to improve its now class-leading visibility and ease of parking, thanks to its glazed A-pillar. Available as a fixed panel or electrically opening, the 1.5m2 optional panoramic glass roof of Fiat 500L means that occupants can enjoy a light, bright passenger compartment. 
While the top section of the dashboard conveys a fresh personality, the lower part focuses on convenience with new, larger storage compartments and the introduction of new comfort features, such as the central armrest. The gear lever has also been redesigned and placed higher up for greater driving comfort. 
Internal space is top of its class, thanks to the passenger compartment's generous length. Boot volume with the rear seat in the forward position is 455 litres for the Urban and Cross models. The boot on the Wagon offers up to 493 litres when the two additional seats are folded. With the rear seats folded and tumbled, capacity rises to 1480 litres for Urban and Cross and 1509 for the Wagon.
Three identities: Cross, Urban and Wagon
The new Fiat 500L is available with three distinctive personalities: Urban, Cross and Wagon. The more adventurous character of the Fiat 500L is represented by the Cross version. The new Fiat 500L Cross has a one-of-a-kind crossover look with new bumpers and skid plate, new two-colour diamond-finish 17-inch alloy wheels and a bold grille to give it a sporty appearance. It has crossover substance, as well as looks, with ground clearance raised by 25mm, new Uconnect™ HD Live 7-inch touchscreen and the new Mode Selector; with a choice of Normal, Traction+ and Gravity Control.

Normal is the default function and provides a comfortable, safe ride in ordinary conditions. Traction+, which can be activated at speeds of less than 18mph, helps the car to start on slippery surfaces and provides optimal torque distribution across the front axle, braking the wheel with less grip on the ground and transferring torque to the one with more grip. Gravity Control keeps the speed constant when descending steep slopes, and can be enabled when the Traction+ function is active. The new Fiat 500L Cross is 4.28m long with a wheelbase of 2.61m. It is 1.80m wide and 1.68m high.
The metropolitan soul of the Fiat 500L finds expression in the Urban version, available in Pop Star and Lounge trim levels. In Pop Star trim, also available in the new Denim Blue colour, the new Fiat 500L Urban come complete with ABS, ESP, 6 airbags, air conditioning, cruise control, multifunction Techno-leather steering wheel, electrically adjustable & heated door mirrors, 3.5-inch colour TFT display, 5-inch Uconnect™ radio with Bluetooth, voice control, USB port and Aux-in, rear seat with 60/40 split, LED daytime running lights and 16-inch alloy wheels.
In the more luxurious Lounge trim, it features upgraded seat upholstery, a dashboard fascia finished with technical fabric, dual zone climate control, fixed glass roof, chromed inserts, fog lights, Uconnect™ HD Live 7-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, voice control, DAB radio, 2 USB ports and Aux-in, rain and dusk sensors, rear parking sensors and Cargo Magic Space height-adjustable load platform. The Fiat 500L Urban measures 4.24m in length, has a wheelbase of 2.61m, is 1.78m wide and 1.66m high.
The Wagon, available in a seven seat configuration, is the ideal solution for combining spaciousness and versatility with the distinctive 500 style. Available in Pop Star or Lounge trim, the new Fiat 500L Wagon is the most compact seven-seater on the market at 4.38m long.
Customising the driving experience
Exclusive packs are available across the new Fiat 500L range to enhance the driving experience, comfort and safety. Every version can customise its style, connectivity, comfort and safety features by adding one of these great value packages; City, Comfort, Safety, Style and Style Plus packs.

Autonomous City Brake, available as part of the Safety Pack, consists of a laser sensor located on the top of the windscreen to monitor the position of the cars ahead. When travelling at less than 18mph, the system automatically brakes the new Fiat 500L if a potential collision is imminent.
Other key equipment include the child monitoring mirror to keep an eye on rear seat passengers, LED daylight running lights and parking lights, which in addition to being design features that reassert the 500 style, also ensure excellent visibility. As well as electrical adjustment and heating, the door mirrors can be upgraded to fold electrically and add puddle lights, to illuminate the area around the car when light is poor.
The passenger compartment lighting is also improved, with the Style Plus Pack providing with ambient light in the base of the central console, on the central tunnel and on the doors. The optional rear parking camera, included in the City Pack, has an improved resolution and active grid lines to assist parking.
More connected than ever
New advanced smartphone integration systems are debuting on the new Fiat 500L. Smartphone apps can be accessed directly on the 7-inch high-resolution touchscreen of the Uconnect™ HD Live system integrated in the dashboard. The system is also available with Apple Car Play and Android Auto™.

The next-generation Uconnect™ system features a hands-free Bluetooth interface, audio streaming, text reader and voice recognition, AUX-in and USB ports with iPod integration, controls on the steering wheel. A rear parking camera and the new TomTom 3D built-in navigation system are also optionally available. The Uconnect™ LIVE app offers music streaming with Deezer and TuneIn, news from Reuters and connected navigation with TomTom LIVE, as well as updating Facebook and Twitter. Users can also monitor their driving style with eco:Drive and my:Car.
The Fiat 500L is now available with the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto™. Apple CarPlay perfectly integrates the iPhone with the display and native controls of the car so users can make calls, play their music, send and receive messages, get directions optimised for traffic conditions and much more, while staying focused on the road.
With Android Auto™ drivers can access Google Maps, with voice-guided navigation, real time traffic information and lane guidance and Google Play Music, among other music services. They can also make and receive calls and send messages while keeping their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.
The Fiat 500L can be upgraded with the BeatsAudio™ system, which boasts a total power of 520Watt, divided between two 80Watt mid-Woofer speakers (diameter 165mm) positioned in the bottom part of the front door panel, two 40Watt tweeter speakers (diameter 38mm) positioned in the top of the front door panel, two 60Watt full-range speakers (diameter 165mm) positioned in the rear door panel and an 80 + 80Watt subwoofer (diameter 165mm) located in the boot – which ensures dynamic, powerful bass tones, maximising the listening experience. The package is completed by an amplifier with DSP and 8 channels, featuring a built-in advanced equalisation algorithm capable of reproducing the entire spectrum of sound that an artist experiences in the recording studio.
Engines
The engines most suited for the specific needs of customers were picked for the different identities of the model. The petrol engine line-up includes the 1.4-litre 16V, delivering 95hp, and the 1.4-litre 16V T-Jet, delivering 120hp. The offering is completed by two diesel engines: the 95hp 1,300cc 16V MultiJet, also available with Dualogic transmission, and the 120hp 1,600cc 16V MultiJet. All engines comply with the Euro 6 standards and combine optimal performance with impressive fuel economy.

The new Fiat 500L will be priced from £16,195 OTR for a Fiat 500L Urban 1.4 95hp Pop Star, with first deliveries taking place from September.

Friday, 24 June 2016

TMW - The Peugeot 308 GT Line, two cars in one is the only way to describe this great car.

The Peugeot 308 GT Line is a "best of both worlds" model, the three cylinder 1.2 litre engine gives you the economy, yet gives the same power output as a bigger engine within the range, so allowing you GTi levels of fun, without the bills that might be incurred with that sportier version.


The car tested here comes with EAT6 (Efficient Automatic Gearbox), which to be honest is probably one of the smoothest auto boxes out there, take the car at a steady pace and you only notice the gear changes by watching the rev counter rise and fall at each change of gear, even when pushed you only notice a small amount of vocal change when it changes gear, however, this is nothing to worry about.

The engineers have worked hard to make this car seem like a more powerful, faster car than it actually is, that said, this car can achieve 124mph and the sprint to 62mph takes a moderately quick 9.8 seconds, not the fastest, but then this is not the GTi version, and because of that slower get away, and three cylinder engine the car should be capable of achieving :-

  • Urban - 47.9mpg
  • Extra Urban - 65.7mpg
  • Combined - 57.6mpg

Not the best figures in the world, but for a car like this it's up there with equivalent models, the swift gear change enhances the progress of the car, and even though this is a 1.2 litre, you would never guess it once behind the steering wheel, it really is a sheep in wolves clothing.

The brand is well known for low CO2 , and this model is another low figure, however, it is not the lowest of the GT Line range, in fact it is the highest at 112g/km, still a low number though with the GT Line ranging from 98-112g/km.

The 308 has loads of room both front and rear, you are never left wanting in the space dept, and once you are comfortable in the driver's seat, even if you are of limited mobility, there are a myriad of directions the seat can be moved into, so you will always feel comfortable, the bolsters on the seat keep you in place when you take a corner a little too quickly, the lovely leather clad steering wheel is small, and yet perfect for this car, it's like a little pocket rocket.

The small steering wheel serves a purpose as it makes the i-Cockpit dashboard design easier to see, that means the dash dials are raised high in front of the driver, making it easier to watch the road without having to take your eyes to the dials for too long, it is easier to do than explain, and it works very very well.

The car tested here came with the panoramic glass sunroof (£500), giving a great deal of light into the car, which, considering it is mainly black, is very handy, the Ultimate Red (£675) and the Driver Assistance Pack (£450), everything else you could need is fitted as standard like :-

  • Cruise Control
  • Auto Park Assistance
  • Rear View Camera
  • Front and Rear sensors
  • PureTech Engine of the year 2015 & 2016
  • Folding Door Mirrors
  • Automatic Parking Brake
  • Full all round Electric Windows

To name just a few, the interior of the car is very well appointed, whether covered in perforated leather with a red background, or nice soft touch rubberised plastics, the entire surroundings are a pleasure to be in, and the seating and driving experience are near to perfection.


Rear space is ample, especially when you have a six footer in the front seats, boot space is equally as big, offering more than sufficient space for your weekly shopping, luggage to go away, or with the seats down, enough to take some decent sized furniture, and at this price, £22,645 (Plus Options), you would be hard pressed to find a car that has this amount of quality, and with the specification included too, not to mention the decent looks that this car has.

Finally, driving this car you get a feeling of silence, everything from the door locks, starting the car and driving along, all are muffled, you get the feeling that you are in a far superior, luxury car, and now that the car has gone back to Peugeot, I feel like I miss it, a great deal, and I have not said that about many cars, if you are looking for a car in this class, you would be daft not to put this at the top of the list.

It is also to be noted that those of a less mobile nature, will find this car extremely easy to drive and live with, you can get in and out without difficulty, the car has a low running cost, to help keep the pennies under control, and regardless of which model you buy within the 308 range, you will never be left wanting.

The Motoring World

Jon Mower