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Private Fleet Car Review: 2015 Jaguar XE S Supercharged V6
Once upon a time cars came in three sizes: small, medium, and large. Once upon a time you could buy a Jaguar in just one size. Large. Now there’s a choice of SUV, sports, small medium and medium large and of course, large. The relatively new and all alloy XE (compared to the bigger XF) fits into the small medium size. Why small?
It’s a compact sedan, with emphasis on compact. It’s just 4672 mm long, 2075 mm (with mirrors extended) wide and stands just 1416 mm high. That puts it right into the same ring as the BMW 3 series and Mercedes-Benz C Class. For two normal sized people in the front, there’s just enough room. For the two in the back, because it’s not really wide enough for three abreast to be truly comfortable, rear leg room is then severely compromised. With two sub ten year old children on the rear pews, the front seats have to be moved forward to provide some measure of comfort for them.
Odd given the wheel base is a relatively large, compared to overall length, 2835 mm, an inch longer than the 3 series and 5 mm shorter than M-B’s C Class. Also, the British contender has a slightly larger turning circle than both, at 11.66 metres compared to 11 for the continentals.
Those same front seats become a problem for drivers even of average height, with the seats needing to be lowered to allow some head space…but that then compromised, somewhat, forward vision and the need to look out the window in certain parking situations, regardless of the reverse camera and guidance lines, because sometimes cars go forward into tight spaces and there’s the lingering doubt about clearance for the alloys and scraping on concrete…
There’s also the matter of the steeply raked front screen, with the roof line meeting the glass directly over the driver and passenger’s head. Given the S had a glass roof, which drops the lining by a crucial inch or so, it just doesn’t work ergonomically. BUT, at least the designers have given the rear seat passengers a bit of extra head room.
The interior design of the XE also intrudes into space; the flying buttress wraps around into the bottom of the windscreen nicely however it also curves in at the top along the doors, potentially making driver and passenger a touch liable for claustrophobia. Even the power window switches are oddly placed, perched uncomfortably on the top level of plastic.
Being the size that it is, it also shrinks boot space, (455 litres, compared to the 3 series and C Class 480 litres) to the point a weekly shop started to look like it was going to overfill it. At least it’s a powered boot lid, with a simple button in the mid right side of the lower section needing a gentle press.
It’s black and red leather (which looks a treat)on the seats for the XE S, with, thankfully, both heating and cooling, operated via the eight inch touchscreen. Unusually, the rear seat passengers do get the ability to warm their behinds, a nice touch on a coolish autumnal or winter’s day. There’s DAB+ audio pumping through Meridian speakers and with a fair amount of punch. There are dials just below, housed in piano black plastic, for the aircon that are easy to operate, and the designers have placed embossed lines into the plastic, mimicking the XE’s tail light design.
The Start/Stop button is also located here, pulsating red in a heartbeat fashion. The centre console is of hard, hard plastic, and given the cabin size it becomes a leg rest. It’s not a comfortable feeling for the kneecap, nor is there an abundance of soft touch material in the cabin plastics full stop.
Tech wise, The XE S is loaded: Blind Spot Monitoring, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning (a subtle but noticeable shake of the steering wheel), Reverse Traffic Detection, Park Assist and 360 degree camera view. The driver gets a HUD, a simply brilliant and intuitive piece of vehicle engineering that, in A Wheel Thing’s opinion, should be more prevalent in cars, however the XE’s display was in red, and sometimes lost against the background. You can also option in a Driver Condition Monitor, alerting you to lapses of concentration and Adaptive Cruise with Queue Assist.
Now, for the good news, and the XE’s’ raison d’être. That comes in the form of Jaguar’s bespoke supercharged 3.0L V6, powering down through to the rear wheels, and a razor sharp handling package. There’s 250 kilowatts and a very usable peak 450 torques to play with, but get too exuberant and you’ll see the 63 litre fuel tank being drained faster than a cold beer in the hand of a shearer at day’s end. Jaguar Australia says 11.6 litres/100 kilometres in the urban jungle but a reasonable 8.1 and 6.1 litres for the combined and highway cycles.
It’s an easy spinner, revving freely when asked or lazily rotating at well under 2000 rpm in top gear. Connected to an eight speed auto, with Dynamic and Sports modes, it’ll slingshot the 1635 kg machine to say goodbye to your license speeds in around five seconds, on its way to a computer limited 250 kmh. Dynamic is engaged by the simple matter of tapping one of a pair of buttons mounted in the centre console, which changes the car’s driving mode from Snow, Eco or Normal. Not only does it sharpen the transmission’s response, it feels as if the suspension tightens up, stiffening the ride yet doesn’t lose comfort plus changes the interior lighting from a cool blue to a baleful red.
The dash backlighting takes on the same hue as the centre info screen says Dynamic Confirmed. Left in Normal or Eco, it’s still responsive, but needs just a little bit more pressure on the go pedal. The gearbox changes somewhat more softly, easing into the changes, rather than snatching them through . Outside, a passer-by would hear a gentler note from the twin exhaust, rather than the erotically charged, raspy snarl, emitted when the XE is punted hard.
Back to the road; it’s a superb, fluid and confident chassis underneath the passengers, with a solid and sporting feel at freeway velocities yet doesn’t bounce people around the cabin, offering a pliant, lush, comfortable ride at residential speeds. Undulating roads are consigned to the scrapheap, sharper bumps are leveled and the damnable shopping centre speed bumps are the only ones that feel as if they’ll overpower the XE’s setup.
The sound of the blower is intoxicating, especially under a solid right foot, and being supercharged means instant response when the ankle is bent. Using the paddle shifts adds to the theatre, with a hint of snap/crackle/pop from the exhaust when the foot is lifted.
Outside, there’s gorgeous metallic grey 20 inch alloys wrapped in 265/30 Pirelli tyres ensuring that grip is always there, under normal circumstances. The XE can be provoked a little too, with that powerplant up front combining with the chassis to give a little sideways kick heading into a turn and the power on. It’s almost a coupe style, with a long, flat, aluminuim bonnet (with pedestrian safety pop up installed) and a short tail.
The steering is “on” all of the time; just the slightest movement has the XE responding to your touch, not unlike a cat presenting the belly for a rub and purring the moment you start. Being electrically powered there’s variable ratios, with long sweeping turns handled differently to tighter turns or car parking spaces. It’s communicative and precise in its accuracy.
The dash design is clear, legible, not overthought, and is lit by a cool cobalt blue light, as are the piping lines in the console, right and left air vents, and in the doors. Select Dynamic Mode via the toggle switches in the console, and they become a devilish red shade, as mentioned. It’s a small yet effective visual touch.
Warranty? Three years and unlimited kilometres. Price? Call it around $102K plus on road costs.
At the End Of The Drive.
The XE S is a Jaguar, mostly. There’s grace, there’s pace, but not a lot of space. If Jaguar is aiming the XE at a SINK or the DINKs, it’s fine. Add an extra body and things become interesting.
Feature wise, there’s plenty on board, as there should be and you’ve got that sensational supercharged V6 heartbeat up front that’s simultaneously enticing and intoxicating. For two aboard, it’s comfortable in the leather seats, with almost every button within easy reach of both front seat passengers but just seriously don’t expect the back seat to be a comfy place.
Plastics need to soften up, the centre console really is too hard and detracts from what is an otherwise enjoyable work space. There is, however, plenty of toys to play with, that cracker engine and in truth a reasonable economy figure as well. A longer warranty, though, would be nice.
But, it IS a Jaguar, a technological advancement with the aluminuim construction, and a fantstic ride and handling package. If you need more room, there’s the XF. Or the XJ. Or the soon to be released (Q3 2016) F-Pace.
For more info, click here: Jaguar Australia
Private Fleet Car Review: 2015 Range Rover TDV6 S Sport
Range Rover’s TDV6 is the entry level model to the Range Rover Sport family and has some omissions surprising to find in a luxury SUV. We’ll come to them shortly.
What’s important here is the engine. It’s an impressive piece of earth rotating machinery, with torque enough to twist Superman’s arm. What it also delivers is an engaging driver experience, aurally and physically, shoving the passengers backwards whilst reeling in the horizon, complete with a snarl from the exhaust and a most undiesel like growl from the front. Impressive stuff from a 2115 kilo machine.
The reason for the excitement is a V6 of 3.0 litres capacity; there’s a whopping 600 torques (peak) at just 2000 rpm with a suitably eyebrow raising 190 kW at 4000 revs. It’s the redline figure for this that raises the eyebrow further, with 6000 rpm the end of the line here. It’s a figure that only the most churlish and disliking of torque will see, or someone that likes to think about engines self destructing from revs, as that torque really is all you should need to know.
The engine is hooked up to a slurry eight speed auto; if you’re in a hurry, use the paddle shifts. It’s quick, sharp, instant, crisp to a fault when you do so, compared to the easy and soft change under gentle acceleration or the slide from ratio to ratio under a heavy right foot. There were instances of what is known as turbo lag, when the right foot goes down and the turbo is spinning at revs lower than required to pressure the engine into performing. Consequently, some driving situations had the big beastie lurching forward after a moment’s hesitation, requiring the driver to be on their guard.
As it’s a vehicle that asks for, nay, demands spirited driving, the economy was a surprise all the way. The official figures are: 6.9L/100 km for the combined, 6.4L/100 km for the highway and a not unreasonable 7.8L/100 km for the urban. A Wheel Thing’s stint saw 8.5L per 100 km as the final figure.
Right quality seemed less jiggly than the HST tested in early 2016, with a sensation of rubber meeting the varying road surfaces more efficiently, with perhaps a touch more softness in the air adjustable suspension. Handling was also just that little more planted, as a result, lacking the minor skittishness the HST exhibited. Rubber was 235/65/19 from Pirelli, which may have contributed.
The steering was quick, responsive, with the variable ratio speed sensitive making parking easier to deal with. It’s planted, stable, thanks to an almost equal front to rear rear track of 1690 mm and 1685 mm. A decently large wheelbase of 2923 mm, inside the 4850 mm overall length, does however make a turning circle of 12.3 mm a little larger than expected. 
Inside, you’re greeted with a nice office. You get in, strap in, hit the Start button, go to zero the trip meter and then adjust the electric seats….except the TDV6 doesn’t have them. Yes. Being the entry level, it’s Mr Manual Adjustment to the rescue. Being a vehicle from the UK, there’s no problem with heating the comfortable leather seats. Cooling, however, is a different question. Hmmm…
Given it’s the entry level model, it’s not unsurprising that the TV function (yes, truly) wasn’t fitted but it does come with DAB+, with station info on a cluttered screen. Again, the sensitivity of the tuner in the TDV6 wasn’t quite as strong as hose in the Japanese cars tested, with signal dropout and degradation far more apparent. But, when locked in, sound quality was punchy and clear.
Here’s where the geek part comes into play: not all digital stations are the same in broadcasting strength, as A Wheel Thing’s inquisitive mind found out. There’s an “i” symbol for info, on the screen, with the preferred station (Triple M Classic Rock) showing as “single channel” yet sounding like stereo.
Here’s the tech info from Adam at Triple M Classic Rock:
“It appears that because we are running classic rock at a lower bit rate to 2DayFM, we chose to use parametric stereo over discrete stereo. Essentially the stereo signal is down mixed and is encoded with some small amount of information about the stereo signal. This is called Parametric Side info. The Decoder (Car Radio/ DAB Radio) then uses the mono signal with the Parametric Side Info to faithfully regenerate the stereo signal. This technique only actually gives a “good” stereo impression and is only used at lower bitrates.
So the car in theory is showing the correct information by saying “Single Channel” but really it should show “Parametric Stereo”.”
Got that? Good. It would also account for the quicker dropout on that station when it comes to distance but doesn’t account for the weaker reception in areas other cars with DAB+ tuners have.
The interior otherwise has the split fold seats, a robotic face to the steering wheel and plenty of clear vision. There’s no sunroof fitted, though, nor is there the chillbox in the centre console. One does, however, get a power tail gate. There’s analogue dials for the driver and a small LCD screen separating the two. There’s the drive mode dial, also, offering program selections for surfaces like Gravel, Grass, Snow, and little doubt that it’s capable of doing so. There’s also the ride height adjustments, with a bit of “old man” groaning when settling down once the ignition had been turned off.
Outside it’s business as usual for the Sport range, with a strong slope to the windscreen, a stiff taper in the window line through to the rear, LED head and tail lights which provide a distinctive visual signature, more than a hint of brawn to the body style and enough bodywork to justify the Sport nomenclature. 
The review car was in Silver metallic, suiting the bluff shape of the big car. Puddle lamps mounted on the underside of the doors show the Range Rover logo, when illuminated. What the heated wing mirrors didn’t get was Blind Spot Alert, leaving the pilot to use the organic analogue detection devices…
However, The TDV6 S does get Hill Descent Control, Gradient release and Gradient Acceleration Control, the Terrain Response Control system, plus Cornering Brake Control and the now standard electronic driver aids.
Safety isn’t an issue, with the brakes (non branded in colouring) responsive immediately, wonderfully progressive throughout the travel and, of course, airbags and most required electronic aids. Warranty wise, you’re covered by three years worth of after purchase peace of mind, including Roadside Assistance.
Should Sir decide to go offroad, Sir can feel comfortable in the knowledge of being able to wade up to a depth of 850 mm and with a variable suspension height of 213 mm to 278 mm, approach and departure angles of 19.4 to 27.2 degrees and 24.9 to 31.0 degrees are possible. Towing? Natch. 3500 kilograms, thank you kindly.
Using the online price calculator, the TDV6 comes out on road at just under $101K driveaway, with a list price of just over $88K.
At The End Of The Drive.
Every car is something to its driver, be it an appliance used to get from A to B to A again or an investment that rarely sees the road and is washed once a week, regardless. To A Wheel Thing, the appeal of the TDV6 was the torque, the sledgehammer response when the slipper was sunk and the surprisingly alluring noises as a result. As a road package, it felt better attracted to the tarmac, less liable to be unsettled and skittish.
It was a surprise to not find certain safety options not fitted in a car circling the $100K mark, but conversely it IS the entry level in its range, therefore needs the same differentiation from bottom to top as other ranges of vehicles costing far less.
The TDV6 Sport fitted A Wheel Thing nicely, leaving no doubt that the same engine in a higher range model will offer the ideal balance of “Work” and “Play.”
2015 & 2016 Range Rover and Land Rover range is where you need to go for more detailed info, book a test drive and check out the options list.
BMW Wins Best Driver's Award
BMW’s latest M car, the rear wheel drive, six speed manual transmission BMW M2, has taken out the coveted “Australia’s Best Driver’s Car” award.
The testing to find a winner was conducted by motoring.com.au, part of the Carsales Network. The cars are shipped to Tasmania and driven hard to evaluate them over the course of a week, including roads used during Targa Tasmania.
For 2016, 13 finalists competed for the award on some of the best tarmac in Australia, being driven for some 1200 kilometres, including drag strip and and track sessions.
Mike Sinclair, Editor in Chief for the Carsales Network, said: “M2 delivers on its promise of being the born-again compact six-cylinder BMW coupe we were waiting for in spades, thanks to a combination of exquisite steering, brakes, handling and, to an extent in this company, real-world ride comfort.”
“Even at the very limit, it’s quite forgiving and that instils a sense of connection with a wide range of enthusiast driver types and abilities.”
Marc Werner, BMW Group Australia Chief Executive Officer, remarked: “This award reinforces the incredible all-round capability of the BMW M2.To take out the ABDC title against top competition – some costing more than twice the M2’s purchase price – is definitely cause for celebration.”
The BMW M2.
Taking inspiration from 1974’s BMW Motorsport built 2002 Turbo, the new M2 Coupe takes the classic ‘compact coupe, big power’ philosophy into BMW’s next 100 years.
Featuring a turbocharged 3.0-litre version of BMW’s renowned straight-six cylinder engine, the new BMW M2 generates 272kW of power and 465Nm of torque, with 500Nm available thanks to an overboost function.
Sending these outputs to the rear wheels, the BMW M2 accelerates from standstill to 100km/h in only 4.3 seconds, when fitted with the standard seven-speed M DCT dual-clutch transmission. The no-cost option six-speed manual gearbox achieves the benchmark in 4.5 seconds.
BMW’s M Division has ensured this performance is maximised by fitting an Active M electronically-locking differential, specific wider-track M suspension, recalibrated Driving Experience Control with M Dynamic mode function and M Compound braking system adapted from the larger M4 Coupe.
BMW M2 Australian Pricing*
BMW M2 Pure:$89,900, BMW M2:$98,900
* Manufacturer’s Recommended List Price is shown and includes GST and Luxury Car Tax (LCT) – if applicable, but excludes dealer charges, stamp duty, statutory charges and on-road charges, which are additional and vary between dealers and States/Territories. Customers are advised to contact their nearest BMW dealer for all pricing inquiries.
Private Fleet Car Review: 2015 Toyota FJ Cruiser
Toyota has long been regarded as the Corolla car company and that’s fair enough. However the brand also made its mark by producing the tough as nuts Landcruiser. Production and release goes back to 1951 with the FJ nameplate coming into being in 1954. It’s proven to be a solid and dependable vehicle, selling world wide and conquering the harshest environments. In the early 2000s a secret design group commenced work on a new “Rugged Youth Utility” vehicle. 
Sharing much of the Prado underpinnings, such as the ladder bar chassis, the FJ Cruiser quickly gained popularity after finally being exposed to the public and news broke of its off road capability.A Wheel Thing tested the FJ recently and found that the car’s off road capability is limited by the driver. Fitted with a swag of electronic aids (and, somewhat surprisingly, automatic only) plus a high and low range transfer case, it’s a high tech trekker with a low tech history.
The powerplant is Toyota’s 200 “killerwasps” V6, albeit in four litre guise and pushing out the grunt via a five speed automatic, via the front wheels predominantly. A press of a button locks the REAR diff plus there’s a variable speed CRAWL control, allowing the driver to move at a slow but constant velocity across terrain. Backing that up is A-TRC, diverting torque to each corner on demand and adapting to the driven ratio, be it high or low range. 
Naturally there’s plenty of the normal driver aids such as brake force distribution, ABS, airbags and more. The off road ability is given extra oomph with approach and departure angles of 36 and 31 degrees, ground clearance of 224 mm and a side or break over angle of 29 degrees. The huge tyres, 265/70/17 in size, along with the near 2700mm wheelbase and track of close to 1900mm add their muscle to the Cruiser’s strength.
On the road it’s quiet inside the basically appointed cabin, with tyre roar muted until you push hard into a turn. It’s also a good idea to plan about a few seconds before hand, as the tyres, being a dual purpose setup, aren’t a fan of being told to turn hard on tarmac, protesting audibly. Being a high sidewall height helps absorb bump/thump and provides a smooth compliant ride. 
Acceleration is leisurely when under way, with peak torque of 380Nm coming in at a surprisingly high 4400rpm. It requires a severe prod of the go pedal to provoke some excitement in changing gears, with the engine and exhaust emitting a somewhat monotone drone. Seating is comfortable, supportive and easily adjustable whilst the dash is simply laid out with black on white dials.
Design wise, the FJ Cruiser is not unexpectedly clever; the cabin has rubber flooring and water repellent coating on the seats inline with its ostensibly off road intentions and there’s interesting extra quirk with the rear suicide doors. Once the main doors are opened, a small lever to the fore of the rear doors opens and swings them back, making access to the rears much easier. The tailgate is a side, not top, swinger and comes with the rear vision camera embedded in the spare wheel cover plus an upward hinging glass window.
The front window was fitted with three wipers, keeping the near vertical screen clean but nothing could be done about the distracting reflection from the inside. The exterior is a deliberate harkening back to the original FJ, with the grille and headlights an almost carbon copy, having a nod to history by having the word TOYOTA rather than the corporate badging, whilst having an almost Humvee like squat profile. Packaging is clever; with an overall length of 4670mm it’s not huge yet TARDIS spacious with a massive amount of rear cargo space . 
Width is 1905mm allowing great shoulder room and a feeling of airiness. The downside of retro is the usage of very cheap looking brushed alloy plastic highlights around the aircon vents, they look and feel terrible. The exterior colour on the test car was a bright yellow, with the colour scheme carried into the cabin. Again, it’s a minimalist look which doesn’t entirely work however it is ergonomic and allows the touchscreen entertainment system/satnav to blend reasonably well into the vertically styled dash.
The FJ continued the solid off road history that Toyota is famous for and mixes in a lot of electronic smartness to help a less talented bush driver. It’s a fun ride that, for the most part, overcomes a few quirks but definitely adds to the family timeline. Priced from $47k plus on roads, (driveaway is around $51700)it is, in my opinion, an exceptionally well priced buy for the size, room and, more importantly, the proven off road ability Toyota’s 4WD family history has. May of 2016 revealed that Australia will no longer see the FJ Cruiser, with production ceasing in August of 2016. After being launched in 2011, Toyota saw 11000 plus FJ’s finding homes down under.
For more info, click here: http://www.toyota.com.au/fj-cruiser/specifications/fj-cruiser
A Wheel Thing TV:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPHwo6SirXI&feature=em-upload_owner
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