Chevrolet Sonic Sedan 2013

The Sonic is Chevrolet's latest entry in the growing subcompact segment. Available in sedan and hatchback form, the Sonic represents a huge improvement over its predecessor, the Aveo, thanks to a refined cabin and surprisingly good driving dynamics.

The Sonic represents Chevrolet's first attempt at fielding a truly competitivesubcompact car after the Aveo struggled in the market, prompting the automaker to drop the name in the U.S. market and adopt "Sonic" for the latest subcompact car to wear the Chevy bowtie. So did Chevy reinvent the car enough to warrant the new name? Let's find out.

Powertrains from above
When it comes to the Sonic, the powertrains come from above - literally - as they were all borrowed directly from the C-segment Chevy Cruze. Despite being smaller and lighter, the less desirable aerodynamics typical in the subcompact class limit highway fuel economy to 40 miles per gallon with the optional 1.4-liter Turbo engine and six-speed manual.

The aforementioned optional 1.4-liter, turbocharged engine comes at a $700 premium and boasts the same 138 horsepower as the base engine, but with a broader torque curve and a higher peak torque rating with 148 lb-ft. This engine comes mated either to a six-speed manual good for 29 city, 40 highway mpg, or an optional six-speed automatic transmission that lowers efficiency to 27/37 mpg.

The base engine is a 1.8-liter, naturally aspirated four-pot that is good for 138 horsepower and 125 lb-ft of torque. While the power ratings are similar to the optional engine, fuel economy suffers with a dip to 26 city, 35 highway for the five-speed manual or 25 city, 35 highway with the six-speed automatic.

Aside from offering engines pulled straight from a segment above, the Sonic also offers are features typically found in larger cars - such as 10 standard airbags, rollover sensing technology, hill-hold assist for manual transmissions and levels of interior quietness more reminiscent of a small luxury car than an economy car.

The Sonic Sedan differs from the Hatchback in design starting with the front doors and continuing all the way back - giving each vehicle a truly unique appearance beyond the front fascia.

New to the Sonic is an optional MyLink infotainment system, which offers voice control of certain entertainment functions and includes Bluetooth smartphone connectivity and streaming audio via Pandora radio and Stitcher SmartRadio. MyLink comes with a color touchscreen and can be outfitted with navigation.

The trim levels start with the base LS, followed by the LT and range-topping LTZ.

Sonic Sedan LS
The Hatchback LS comes standard with the 1.8-liter engine and a five-speed manual transmission, along with 15-inch alloy wheels, the most standard safety features in the segment (10 air bags, StabiliTrak, traction control, anti-lock brakes, collapsible pedals and power rear-door safety locks), OnStar with six months of free turn-by-turn navigation, air conditioning, power locks, keyless entry, Bluetooth connectivity and a tilt and telescoping steering wheel with Bluetooth controls.

Sonic Sedan LT
Stepping up to the LT will see the addition of a CD player with MP3 capability and six speakers, SiriusXM satellite radio, power windows with one-touch auto up/down on the driver side, premium cloth trim, rear floor mats and power-adjustable and heated exterior mirrors.

Wheels are also swapped from 15- to 16-inches and made of aluminum alloy.

An optional LT Connectivity and Cruise package adds cruise control, a USB port and second auxiliary jack, steering wheel audio controls and Bluetooth phone streaming.

Sonic Sedan LTZ
The range-topping LTZ takes all the aforementioned equipment and either adds to or replaces it with perforated leatherette seating surfaces, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, upgraded stereo with auxiliary input jack, a USB input, cruise control, remote start, steering wheel-mounted audio and phone controls, fog lamps and 17-inch alloy wheels. The LTZ also features MyLink as standard.

Key Competitors
The Sonic Sedan faces competition from a strong set of rivals in the subcompact segment, including the Ford Fiesta, Honda Fit, Hyundai Accent and Toyota Yaris. Particularly price-conscious buyers can also consider the Nissan Versa.

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FIAT 500c 2013

The 500c ragtop was the second model to join Fiat's U.S. lineup, preceded by the500 hardtop and followed by 500 Abarth hot hatch. Essentially the same quasi-convertible model that has been on sale in Europe for the last couple of years, the U.S. version of the 500c features a power-sliding cloth roof that opens up the cabin to sun and fresh air.

Personalization is the name of the game with the 500c, with Fiat offering three soft top colors, 14 exterior colors and 12 unique seat colors and material combinations. Two "interior environments" are also on offer.

Power comes from a new 1.4-liter MultiAir four-cylinder engine, good for 101 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 98 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. Thanks to several mechanical tweaks for the latest model year, the five-speed manual-equipped 500c returns 31 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway (up by 1 and 2 mpgs, respectively). A six-speed automatic is available to satisfy the clutch-averse, although it lowers efficiency drastically to 27/32 mpg.

What's different compared to the hatchback?
While one might assume that the only real changes from the fixed-roof Fiat 500 would come in the form of a sliced off roof and some added reinforcement for roll-over protection, there's more to it than that.

For starters, the Fiat 500c has a slightly longer windshield than the hatchback and is designed to provide passengers with a maximized outward view. As you would imagine, the design is also intended to conceal the reinforced upper-cross member which Fiat says is intended to help retain spirited driving dynamics.

Even from the side the profile is a bit different as the Fiat 500c's pillars stand out more, and of course the soft top is a bit more slender than the hatchback version. Changes continue to the rear of the 500c, as a roof-mounted and color-matched spoiler is added to improves aerodynamics, and also integrates the center high-mounted stop lamp.

Pick your poison
The 500c comes in three models: Pop, Lounge and Gucci.

The 500c Pop is the entry-level model and comes with a manual transmission, 15-inch steel wheels with chrome-accented wheel covers and all-season tires, seven standard air bags, air conditioning, CD/MP3-compatible radio with auxiliary audio input, chromed exhaust tip, power windows, power door locks, power heated mirrors, speed control, Bluetooth with USB port and eco:Drive. Other features include iPod control capability, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, reconfigurable Electronic Vehicle Information Center with trip computer, miles-to-empty, average fuel economy and a tire-pressure monitoring display.

The 500c Lounge takes the basis formed by the Pop, and adds front- and rear-fascia chromed accents, chromed mirror caps, fog lamps, 15-inch aluminum wheels with all-season tires, premium cloth seats, Sirius satellite radio, automatic climate control, and Bose Energy Efficient Series audio system with six premium speakers and subwoofer and a security alarm.

The style-focused Gucci trim brings heated front seats, a Bose premium stereo system, a power sunroof, automatic climate control, Bluetooth connectivity and iPod integration, 15-inch color-keyed aluminum wheels, green brake calipers and a host of Gucci badges inside and out. The six-speed automatic transmission is included as standard.

Occupant Safety
Standard safety items include dual front, front side and full-length side curtain airbags in addition to a driver's knee airbag and traction and stability control systems.

Key Competitors
Open-air rivals to the 500c include the smaller smart fortwo cabriolet and the slightly larger MINI Cooper Convertible. Those willing to pay a bit more can opt for the Mazda MX-5 Miata, which doesn't offer the practicality of rear seats but features incredibly pure rear-wheel-drive handling.

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Audi Q5 2013

Positioned below Audi's three-row Q7, the compact Q5 crossover has space for five passengers in a stylish and well-appointed interior. For the latest model year, Audi updated the Q5 with fresh styling and a new supercharged V6. Hybrid and diesel models are also on the way.

Exterior revisions for the latest model year include a new grille with pronounced vertical slats, redesigned front air intakes and revised headlights with a new pattern for their LED running lights. Around back, the Q5 sports sports new-look LED taillights and an updated diffuser.

The Q5 continues to share a basic platform with the A4 sedan and A5 coupe/convertible. Like those models, it features relatively sporty handling along with a comfortable ride, though the platform's driving dynamics are dulled somewhat by the Q5's higher height and larger size. On the other hand, the Q5 does provide an elevated view of the road ahead along with plenty of cargo space: 29.1 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 57.3 with them folded.

Despite being a car-based crossover, Audi says the Q5 still acquits itself well off-road. Its climbing capability of 31 degrees of incline is respectable, while its overhang angle is 25 degrees thanks to a short front overhang. The ramp breakover angle, determined by the wheelbase, is 17.5 degrees. Ground clearance is a healthy 7.87 inches, with a fording depth of up to 19.69 inches when driving through water. Despite all that, the Q5 should not be mistaken as a hard-core off-road vehicle.

The Q5's cabin is tastefully trimmed in high-quality materials and can be outfitted with the most recent version of Audi's MMI infotainment system. The latest model year brings Audi Connect, an optional feature that brings in-car internet connectivity and industry-first Google Earth integration - complete with panoramic views and high-resolution 3D satellite and aerial imagery.

Powertrain Choices
The Q5 can be had with two powertrains, each of which shift through an eight-speed automatic transmission that sends power to all four wheels via Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system.

The entry-level engine is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that makes 211 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Shifting duties are handled by an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the pair is good for an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. Those looking for a bit more power can spec a 3.0-liter supercharged V6, which replaces the old 3.2-liter unit and produces 272 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque.

For the latest model year, electromechanical steering is standard in all Q5s to reduce fuel consumption.

Trim Level Breakdown
Audi asks Q5 buyers to choose between four separate trim levels.

The 2.0T Premium features the turbo four in addition to leather upholstery, tri-zone automatic climate control, an AM/FM/CD/SiriusXM sound system with an AUX inout jack, automatic wipers and headlights, a driver information system and 18-inch wheels.

The 2.0T Premium Plus adds a panoramic sunroof with two glass panels that run nearly the full length of the roof, a power tailgate, heated from seats, Xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights and full iPod integration.

The 3.0T Premium Plus brings the six-cylinder motor in addition to a sporty S-Line bodykit, a proximity key, 19-inch wheels and headlight washers.

Finally, the 3.0T Prestige boasts a navigation system with voice control, a 14-speaker, 505-watt Bang & Olufsen Sound System, a rearview camera, adaptive headlights, Audi side assist and rear-door sunshades.

Highlights from the options list include the Comfort package, which includes heated and ventilated front seats and Milano leather, the Sport Interior Package, featuring front sport seats and a 3-spoke sport steering wheel, and the Driver Assist package, which lets the driver tailor steering effort, throttle response and transmission shift style to his or her preferences. This package also includes adaptive cruise control.
Occupant Safety
Standard safety features include dual front, front side and full-length side curtain airbags in addition to traction and stability control systems and a tire-pressure monitoring system.

Also available as extra-cost items are rear side airbags and side assist, which warns the driver of vehicles in the Q5's blind spots.'

Key Competitors
Vying to steal the hearts and wallets of premium crossover buyers away from the Q5 are the Cadillac SRX, the Lexus RX350 and the Acura RDX.

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Chrysler 300C 2013

All new, with fresh styling and improved dynamics.

Introduction

The Chrysler 300 has been redesigned for 2011, and the new model offers improved ride and handling, and it comes with a new V6 engine that's smooth and powerful. The result is an American luxury car with room, comfort, power and presence. 

The 2011 Chrysler 300 succeeds a model that was enormously successful, a big sedan with rear-wheel drive that served as the brand's flagship. The outgoing Chrysler 300 was the most awarded, most recognized car in the history of the industry, and the most customized Chrysler model ever, the first Chrysler to adapt oversize wheels and tires, custom grilles, and other aftermarket custom touches. Replacing it during a period of grave uncertainty at Chrysler was a three-and-a-half-year program during which ownership changed three times, from Cerberus to the federal government, through bankruptcy and then to Fiat's control. Under those circumstances, it's something of a miracle that the replacement for the 300 came out as well as it did. 

For 2011, Chrysler 300 looks much slicker. Aided by a new windshield design laid back three inches farther than the windshield on the original model, the 2011 Chrysler 300 achieves a drag coefficient of only 0.32. It looks bolder and classier than the previous version. Every body and underbody panel has been changed from the ground up to the roof, with a smoother, rounder front end, new headlamps, a new, rounder grille, a new hoodline and aluminum hood, new bumpers, larger windows with bright trim around them, more heavily sculpted fenders, a completely new treatment at the rear, with new Chrysler winged badges, and beautiful new LED lamps front and rear. 

Underneath, nearly everything has been changed, stiffened, reinforced, or otherwise made stronger so that the four corner suspension systems can operate independently and accurately and provide a much better ride, quicker steering, and more responsive handling. 

The Chrysler 300 competes with the Cadillac CTS, Lincoln MKS, Lexus GS, and Infiniti M. The Lexus LS 460, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, BMW 5 Series, and Hyundai Genesis were aspirational targets during development. 

The Chrysler 300 and 300 Limited come with a V6 engine and 5-speed automatic. 

The Chrysler 300C features a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine and 5-speed automatic. 

The 2011 Chrysler 300C AWD model features a new, more effective and more efficient part-time, computer-controlled all-wheel-drive system with modified suspension pieces that allow the AWD version to ride much lower than earlier versions, at about the same ride height as rear-wheel-drive 300C models. 

Lineup

The 2011 Chrysler 300 ($27,170) comes standard with cloth upholstery, automatic air conditioning with rear outlets, humidity sensor and air filtration, multi-function steering wheel, driver information center, keyless entry, automatic halogen lamps, power windows, mirrors, and locks, cruise control, Uconnect dashboard display and control system for audio, Sirius satellite radio, USB port with iPod control, and a pair of 12-volt outlets. 

Chrysler 300 Limited ($31,170) upgrades with leather upholstery, eight-way power driver seat, more exterior brightwork, halogen fog lamps, remote starting, 18-inch wheels and tires, heated front seats, rear seats with lighted cupholders, a premium Alpine AM/FM/CD satellite radio with eight channels, six speakers, and 276 watts of power, plus Uconnect voice command with Bluetooth. The Luxury Group ($3,250) includes luxury leather trimmed bucket seats, climate controlled front seats, heated rear seats, wood and leather wrapped heated steering wheel, power adjustable pedals, trunk mat, power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, power rear sunshade, 160-amp alternator, auto-dimming exterior mirrors, heated/cooled cupholder, driver memory for radio, seat, mirrors, pedals. 

Chrysler 300C ($38,170) and Chrysler 300C AWD ($40,320) add Garmin navigation, Sirius Travel Link, power adjustable pedals, 12-way power front seats, heated front and rear seats, power tilt and telescope steering column, a performance brake package, and other features. 

Options include the Safety Tec Package ($2,795) with adaptive HID headlights, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-path detection, park assist, HomeLink, rear foglight. The Sound Group ($650) includes the Alpine stereo system with 506 watts of power, nine speakers, 12 channels, and 7.1 matrix surround sound. 

Safety equipment on the Chrysler 300 includes front, side and roof curtain air bags, and ABS disc brakes with both EBD and Brake Assist, traction control, tire pressure monitoring system and stability control. All-wheel drive is available for more stable handling in slippery conditions. The Safety Tec Package adds several safety features. 

Walkaround

The new, 2011 Chrysler 300 looks like a large sedan version of the Chrysler 200 midsize sedan and Town & Country minivan, with many of the same visual cues in the grille, headlamps, air intakes and front bumper. It's much sleeker and more rounded at the nose, but carries a much lower aerodynamic drag coefficient because of the rounded elements and the very laid-back windshield angle. Neither the windshield nor the rear window carries any bright moldings at all, unusual for a luxury car, but it works on the 300. 

The profile view of the new Chrysler 300 shows much more pronounced wheel lips front and rear, and they are connected by a sharp new body line that starts at the trailing edge of the front wheel well and rises continuously to finish at the side of the tail lamps. That line, coupled with the larger side windows, narrower pillars, and a new sculpted line at the bottom of the doors, does wonders to slim down and muscle up the new look of the 300. 

At the rear, there's a cross-car chrome bar running across the bottom edge of the decklid between the new vertical LED taillamps and a tall, flat rear bumper between the exhaust outlets that widens the look of the car at the rear. The execution of the LED daytime running lights at the front and the LED rear lamps is excellent. 

Interior

The 2011 Chrysler 300 instrument panel, seat trims, door panels and door pockets have all been redesigned for more comfort and utility. The instrument panel, center stack, switches and controls have all been redone for the 2011 models. 

One of the more pleasant surprises in the new Chrysler 300 is the amount of light entering the car through the larger windows and their thinner pillars. Chrysler says outward vision has been improved by 15 percent over the gun-slit side window design of the last 300, and that makes a huge difference in the enjoyment of just driving or riding in the car. This is a big car, and the interior roominess and dimensions front and rear are generous, to say the least. The interior environment is classy without being chromy, and the lighting and instrumentation are spot-on. 

Although the seats and seat coverings have been redesigned for a more luxurious feel and appearance, the interior cube is the same as the outgoing 300, just over 122 cubic feet, making it a large car under EPA rules. As for storage, the rated trunk capacity of the Chrysler 300 is 16.3 cubic feet. 

The instrument panel contains a bright new two-round-gauge package, and is much more pleasing to the eye after the redesign, with much-improved graphics and ice-blue accent lighting that is brilliantly legible day or night. The center portion of the instrument panel is dominated by the industry's largest touch-screen control system, an 8.4-inch screen that comes in base and Limited versions with audio and climate functions, but in 300C and 300C AWD versions comes with a brilliantly colorful, large-icon Garmin navigation system (optional on Limited versions, not available on 300). This system, because of its size, graphics, and capabilities, may be the best all-around nav system currently available, easy to read, easy to use, and readable from the back seat. 

The 300's new four-spoke padded steering wheel has a nice, thick leather-wrapped rim and a thickly padded hub flanked by redundant switches for the voice-activated telephone, cruise control, sound system, and driver information center. 

All the materials in the seats, door trim panels, headliner and instrument panel are softer, more luxurious and more pleasing to the eye, and the seats feel much more luxurious, supportive and long-drive comfortable than before. 

Driving Impression

The standard engine in the Chrysler 300 and Limited models is the new 292-horsepower, 260-foot-pound, 3.6-liter double-overhead-cam 24-valve Pentastar V6 engine with variable valve timing that gives it more flexibility in delivering low-rpm torque and high-rpm horsepower while delivering good fuel economy. The Chrysler 300 with the 3.6-liter V6 is rated 18/27 mpg City/Highway by the federal government on Regular gas. 

The Chrysler 300C comes with the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine, generating 363 horsepower and 394 foot-pounds of torque, with a 5-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy is an EPA-estimated 16/25 mpg; Midgrade gasoline is specified. 

We concentrated our driving efforts on a 300 Limited V6 model, but we also drove the cloth-upholstered base model briefly and both the rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive versions of the 300C, with the muted but brutally torquey Hemi V8 on board. 

Most drivers will find the V6 more than adequate even in this heavy car. It's long on horsepower and high on torque for its size, very flexible and driveable in town and out on the highway with none of the roughness or graunchiness formerly associated with V6 engines. The V6 delivers 63 percent more power and 36 percent more torque than the old 2.7-liter V6, and 42 more horsepower and 10 foot-pounds more torque than the old 3.5-liter V6. Plus it sounds good at wide-open-throttle. 

We exercised, pushed and stressed a Chrysler 300 Limited in the hills and valleys east of San Diego and found it to be a wonderful traveling companion. The new variable-ratio electro-hydraulic power steering system has a lovely, heavy feel to it, as though it's actually connected to and directing something down there on the road surface, and the car turns in with authority and without objectionable body roll. 

The ride delivered by the new suspension system is smooth, comfortable and quiet, and the cabin itself has been quieted down considerably with the addition of an acoustic bellypan under the car, acoustic material in the wheel wells and pillars, and an acoustic wrap around the complete interior to block out noise from the mechanical systems, the wind and the tires. 

The anti-lock brake package with electronic brake-force distribution has everything you could ask for in terms of power, pedal modulation, and emergency capabilities, and is the largest component of a very complete safety package that includes traction control, stability control, and front, side, roof and driver knee air bags. 

Summary

We think the new Chrysler 300 is the finest sedan that Chrysler Corporation has ever built. There is a model here for every purse and purpose, from base car to 300C Hemi AWD, and the list of options and option packages is very generous. This is an American luxury car with room, comfort, power and presence that you might think seriously about adding to your shopping list. 

Jim McCraw filed this NewCarTestDrive.com report from San Diego, California. 

Model Lineup

Chrysler 300 ($27,170), Limited ($31,170); 300C ($38,170), 300C AWD ($40,320). 

Assembled In

Brampton, Ontario, Canada. 

Options As Tested

Model Tested

Chrysler 300 Limited ($31,170). 

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Mercedes-Benz ML-Class 2013

MERCEDES-BENZ M-CLASS

VITAL STATS

•  
  Engine

  3.5L V-6
•  
  Power

  302 @ 6,500 rpm
•  
  Transmission

  7-spd auto w/OD
•  
  0-60

  7.6 seconds
•  
  Drivetrain

  rear-wheel
•  
  Monthly Payment 

  $892 - $1,814
•  
  Seating

  5 passengers
•  
  Cargo

  80.3 cu.ft.
•  
  MPG 

  18 City / 23 HWY
•  
  Blue Book® Fair Purchase Price

  $46,898
•  
  Invoice Price 

  $43,961 - $89,373
•  
  Warranty

  48 months/50,000 miles

^*Monthly payment estimate based on 0% down, 5% interest rate for 60 months; taxes, dealer delivery and extras not included.

The M-Class SUV is the original luxury sport utility in the Mercedes-Benz lineup. Comfortably sized, it seats five with room for plenty of luggage, drives like a sedan, and is a capable off-roader. For 2013 the ML350 4x2 model returns and the ML550 will include an M-B Tex wrapped dashboard. New for 2013 is a On/Off-Road package with adaptive damping and AIRMATIC air suspension available on the ML350 and ML550 4MATIC.

All models are equipped with a seven-speed automatic transmission. Electronically managed 4MATIC all-wheel drive is standard on all models except the rear-wheel drive ML350 4x2. The ML350 BlueTEC is powered by a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V6 generating 240 horsepower. The ML350 is powered by Mercedes' latest-generation 3.5-liter gasoline V6, generating 302 horsepower. The ML550 includes a 4.6-liter twin-turbo V8 engine with 402-hp and the ML63 AMG has a 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 with either 518- or 550-hp and ECO stop/start. The extensively equipped M-Class includes standard features such as stability control and active front head restraints, as well as front, side, side curtain, and driver knee airbags. Collision Prevention Assist, a color display instrument cluster and Mercedes-Benz mBrace2 in-vehicle services are now standard on all models. Available features include a navigation package, satellite radio, bi-xenon headlamps, and a driver assistance package.

The M-Class is a carryover for 2013 with the re-introduction of the ML350 rear-wheel drive model.

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Range Rover Vogue 2013

Land Rover has released new images and details for its 2013 Range Rover, following its unveiling last month.

The online reveal of the new 'Rangey' confirm what pundits and Photoshop practitioners have long expected: LR's little Evoque SUV has become the brand's style leader.

Dropping the 'Vogue' moniker, the all-new Range Rover will retain its classic boxiness, but more than a few of the Evoque's traits have crept into the big luxury off-roader's attitudeUp front, the new model does away with the blunted face of its predecessor, switching the upright look for the Evoque's laid-back approach.Surrounding the familiar three-bar grille are slender new headlights wrapping a talon into the front quarter-panel - a look mirrored at the back end.

The tail-lights have also dropped the familiar two-ring internal layout, introducing a pair of square LED lights in their place.

There's new bumpers at both ends, and the profile reveals a softly tapered roof with a taller belt-line and new gills that stretch further down the front doors.

"Designing the next generation Range Rover, following over forty years of success, came with a huge responsibility to protect the DNA of such an icon," Land Rover design boss Gerry McGovern said of the new Range Rover.

"Our design team worked incredibly hard to capture the elegant proportions and pure surfaces which have been a feature of the best Range Rover designs."

The Evoque influence continues in the cabin, with a streamlined new dash design dominated by a large centre display and fewer dials.

There's also a brand-new steering wheel design and a new Jaguar-like rotary gear selector that lies flush with the centre console when not in use.

Land Rover says the new 'Rangey' benefits from a new all-aluminium monocoque body, 39 percent lighter than its steel predecessor and saving up to 420kg in weight.

There's also brand-new air suspension designed, Land Rover says, to deliver the same luxury comfort and flatter cornering performance.

Engines

Engine options will include a V8 petrol engine and TDV6 and SDV8 diesel options.

Diesel options include the 190kW 3.0 litre TDV6, and the 250kW 4.4 litre SDV8, while the petrol end will be held up the big 375kW 5.0 litre supercharged V8.

All models in the new Range Rover line-up will be offered exclusively with a ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic transmission - also featured in the updated Jaguar line-up.

Fuel consumption in the smaller of the diesels has been cut by a huge 22 percent, dropping to 7.5 l/100km. Carbon emissions are listed at 196g/km.

Later in 2013, the range will add a diesel-electric hybrid model, powered by Jaguar Land Rover's 3.0 litre V6 turbodiesel and an electric motor, combined with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a lithium-ion battery pack.

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