Land Rover updates the Disco (2021)

The Land Rover Disco is the Land Rover for those who seek versatility. The previous engines offered are no more. You can only choose from a 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder pumping out 296hp and a 3-liter turbocharged six-cylinder with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. Picking between the two of them depends upon what you desire the most. We reckon the six-cylinder is the way to go if you are willing to pay the premium for it. Everyone else will be satisfied with the four-cylinder which is our pick of the range. It’s smooth enough for daily tasks and doesn’t feel shortchanged when you’re on the highway. However, the Disco is by no means a sports saloon. You’ll forgive it though as the ride comfort is superb. Which is exactly what you’d want if you are planning to ferry seven-people around. Air-suspension is now standard-kit across the board here. It helps make the Disco feel planted when driving on narrow switchbacks, but most importantly is provides an elevation of comfort that we’ve come to expect from Land Rover. It really does feel like a luxury saloon. The only real difference is in the dynamics. It does show body-roll when you want to drive in a sporty fashion. However, you’ll have to settle for a BMW X5 or Porsche Cayenne. Both are great choices, but none are as roomy or versatile as the Disco. The driving position is spot on good with excellent comfort and refinement. The infotainment is now a 11.4-inch and is much easier to navigate through than before. We love the simplicity of the interior although some may say that it is a bit plain. The second-row seats offer good headroom and legroom, although those in the third row won’t really want to stay back there for too long. It isn’t as versatile as the XC90 which does the three rows of passenger comfort well. Boot space with the seats in place is about class average, but when you fold that third-row seat down space opens up considerably. Fold the second-row seat down also and you’ve got yourself a cargo van. The electrically folding seats do take a while to fold and unfold. The driving position is spot on good with excellent comfort and refinement. The infotainment is now a 11.4-inch and is much easier to navigate through than before. We love the simplicity of the interior although some may say that it is a bit plain. The second-row seats offer good headroom and legroom, although those in the third row won’t really want to stay back there for too long. It isn’t as versatile as the XC90 which does the three rows of passenger comfort well. Boot space with the seats in place is about class average, but when you fold that third-row seat down space opens up considerably. Fold the second-row seat down also and you’ve got yourself a cargo van. The electrically folding seats do take a while to fold and unfold. Discover S comes with 20-inch alloy wheels standard. Along with rain-sensing windshield wipers, automatic headlights and rearview parking camera. You’ll have to step up to R-Dynamic trim to get the optional six-cylinder engine. With R-Dynamic HSE coming standard with 22-inch alloy wheels, automatic high beam assist and 3D Surround view camera. The Disco is the Land Rover that’s a real jack of all trade. Likes: The new engines are much more refined. The infotainment system has been drastically improved. Dislikes: No more diesel six-cylinder. The new turbo six-cylinder is limited to R-Dynamic. Our pick: The Disco S is the best compromise without having to pay Land Rover price tag.

Porsche Cayenne (History)

The Porsche Cayenne is a series of mid-size luxury crossover sport utility vehicles manufactured by the German automaker Porsche since 2002 (Type 9PA or E1), with North American sales beginning in 2003. It is the first V8-engined vehicle built by Porsche since 1995, when the Porsche 928 was discontinued. It is also Porsche's first off-road variant vehicle since its Super and Junior tractors of the 1950s, and the first Porsche with four doors. The second-generation Cayenne (Type 92A or E2) was unveiled at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show in March following an online reveal. The Cayenne shares its platform, body frame, doors and electronics with the similar Volkswagen Touareg and Audi Q7. It received a facelift in 2014 with minor external changes, and introduced a new plug-in E-Hybrid version, with its public launch at the Paris Motor Show. Since 2008, all engines have featured direct injection technology. The third generation (Type PO536) was unveiled in 2017 at Stuttgart. The Cayenne is the first Porsche assembled outside of Europe, in Kulim, Kedah, Malaysia. Only the base model 3 liter V6 is assembled in Malaysia, while other models are imported from Slovakia. The Porsche Cayenne entered the market to a mixed reception, but it proved itself to have excellent performance for an SUV and had comparably good handling as well as powerful engines. The lineup initially consisted of the V8-powered Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo. Later in the model cycle, VR6 and diesel-powered versions joined the lineup. The base model is powered by a VW 3.2-L VR6 engine producing 250 PS (184 kW; 247 hp). The intake manifold is unique to Porsche, but otherwise the engine is largely the same as the VW engine. Acceleration from 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) is 9.1 seconds with the manual transmission and 9.7 seconds with the Tiptronic S.

The S is powered by a 4.5L V8 engine with a dry-sump lubrication system and variable valve timing. It produces 340 hp (254 kW; 345 PS) and 310 lb⋅ft (420 N⋅m) of torque. Acceleration from 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) takes 6.9 seconds and the top speed is 150 mph (241 km/h). Introduced only for 2006 (as a pre-GTS concept), the Cayenne S Titanium Edition was a one-year exclusive, limited production SUV featuring a lightweight steel body, featuring an aluminium hood (lighter than the one equipped on the Cayenne S), titanium-painted accented body parts, side lower rocker body panels, Sport-Quad Tip Exhaust chrome tailpipes, 19" titanium painted alloy wheels, bi-xenon headlights, two-tone interior upholstery, Porsche PCM 2.0 w/ trip computer navigation, MP3 audio and Bose cabin surround sound. Under the hood, improvements included sport-tuned suspension, an aerodynamic body package, low-range transfer case, locking differential and a 6-speed automatic Tiptronic transmission. The Cayenne S Titanium Edition is powered by the same 4.5L V8 engine that powered the Cayenne S - still producing 340 hp (254 kW; 345 PS) and 310 lb⋅ft (420 N⋅m) of torque. Acceleration is even quicker than the regular Cayenne S from 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) at sub 6.2 seconds and the top speed is 150 mph (241 km/h)+. The GTS is powered with a 405 PS (298 kW; 399 hp) 4.8 L V8 and features a sport suspension and 21-inch (533 mm) wheels. It is lighter than the Cayenne S and has an aerodynamic body kit. The Porsche Cayenne GTS has a 0–100 km/h (62 mph) time of 5.7 seconds. A six-speed manual transmission is also offered. The first-generation Cayenne Turbo has 450 PS (331 kW), and can accelerate from 0–100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.6 seconds.[5] A Turbo S version was built in 2006 to compete with the Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG. The Cayenne Turbo and Turbo S include a low-range case, a locking differential, and height-adjustable, off-road suspension. The Turbo S is powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.5 L V8 that produces 521 PS (383 kW; 514 hp) and 720 N⋅m (530 lb⋅ft) of torque; Acceleration from 0–60 mph (97 km/h) takes 5.0 seconds and the top speed is 167 mph (269 km/h); It features a six-speed automatic Tiptronic transmission. In 2008 an updated Turbo model, featuring a larger 4.8-L engine, was revealed at the Beijing Auto Show. It produces 500 PS (368 kW; 493 hp) more power, and can accelerate from 0–60 mph (97 km/h) in 4.9 seconds.[7] Also revealed with the new Turbo, was a new 550 hp (410 kW) Turbo S model. Acceleration from 0–60 mph (97 km/h) for that car takes 4.7 seconds and it can be had with optional ceramic composite brakes. Porsche has sold a diesel version of the Cayenne, powered by a 3.0-L V6 VW TDI engine, since February 2009. The engine is rated at 240 PS (177 kW; 237 hp) and 550 N⋅m (410 lb⋅ft) of torque. The car was unveiled at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show. The diesel can accelerate from 0–60 mph (97 km/h) in 8.2 seconds. The Cayenne S Transsyberia was originally a racing vehicle designed for Transsyberia rally, only 26 were built. The street version was later built to commemorate Porsche's victory in the Transsyberia rally. It is a variant with the 399 hp (298 kW) direct-inject 4.8-L V8 from the Cayenne GTS. Sales began in January 2009, with a targeted production run of 600 road vehicles worldwide (285 for North America), but far fewer were actually built (102 for USA, 17 for Canada including 3 which were 6spd manual). In May 2009, a limited edition version based on the Cayenne GTS was introduced, designed by Porsche Design Studio and included a Porsche Design chronograph Type P’6612. Production was limited to 1000 units, 100 in the USA.

The second-generation Porsche Cayenne went on sale in April–May 2010 as a 2011 model, with an official debut at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. In preparation for the unveiling, the Cayenne production facility in Leipzig, Germany, closed in December 2009 to commence factory retooling for the new model, a process that took 2–3 months. The 2011 Porsche Cayenne is larger than its predecessors, but features a more slanted rear window, less upright windshield, a more sloping roofline, door-mounted mirrors, smaller windows at the rear of the vehicle, headlights inspired by the Carrera GT, taillights that extend onto the car's tailgate, LED daytime running lights and a vastly redesigned interior much like the Panamera. The 2011 Cayenne is almost 250 kg (551 lb) lighter than the previous models due to removing the low-range transfer case making it slightly more fuel efficient than the previous lineup. More use of aluminium and magnesium too helped shave weight. Despite its lower stance, the new vehicle's off-road capabilities have been retained without compromising the street performance-oriented layout and design. In addition to a diesel offering, a hybrid version is available. Also, model year 2013 - 2016 diesel Porsche Cayennes are included in the Volkswagen emissions scandal. Standard features of the 2011 Porsche Cayenne include air conditioning with dual-zone climate controls, interior air filter, tilt/telescopic leather-wrapped steering wheel with radio controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, eight-way power front seats, outside-temperature indicator, and universal garage door opener in the base model. The Cayenne S adds a power sunroof and memory for the driver's seat. The Cayenne GTS added an optional rearview camera, keyless access and start, and memory system. Finally, the most upscale Cayenne Turbo and Turbo S added a navigation system with voice recognition, optional four-zone climate controls, heated rear seats, premium sound system with six-disc CD changer. The Cayenne's naturally aspirated and turbocharged V8 engines are shared with the Panamera and have been upgraded for faster acceleration times with more horsepower and torque, as well as more powerful direct-injection technology to improve efficiency. The base Cayenne model Cayenne is tuned to offer 300 hp (224 kW). The Cayenne comes powered by a 3.6-L VR6 engine producing 300 PS (221 kW; 296 hp), the Cayenne S features the same 4.8-L V8 in the Panamera S models producing 400 PS (294 kW; 395 hp) and the Cayenne Turbo comes with Panamera Turbo's 4.8 L twin turbo V8 producing 500 PS (368 kW; 493 hp). The Cayenne S Hybrid uses an Volkswagen-sourced 3.0-L V6 engine producing 333 PS (245 kW; 328 hp), paired with a nickel metal hydride battery capable of 47 PS (35 kW; 46 hp), for a total of 380 PS (279 kW; 375 hp). A manual gearbox serves as the standard transmission system on the base Cayenne, with all other models featuring an eight-speed Tiptronic as standard equipment. The low-range transfer case found in the previous generation has been removed. All vehicles will feature about 10% less weight than their predecessors, 70 kg worth of standard equipment in excess of that found on the current model and a more heavily contoured rear bench. Available Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) active anti-roll bars, Adaptive air suspension and Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM). In September 2012 Porsche announced the Cayenne S Diesel. This model is fitted with the Volkswagen 4.1-L V8 TDI engine. In October 2012, Porsche confirmed the addition of a new Cayenne Turbo S. In July 2014, Porsche launched a facelifted Cayenne range, with minor exterior alterations and new power-train options, including a plug-in E-Hybrid and downsizing of the S model's 4.8-L V8 to a turbocharged 3.6-L V6. At the IAA 2005, Porsche announced it would produce a hybrid version of the Cayenne before 2010 (Porsche Cayenne Hybrid). Two years later, at the IAA 2007, Porsche presented a functioning Cayenne Hybrid and demonstration model of the drivetrain. Notable modifications to this car include an electric vacuum pump and hydraulic steering pump, allowing the car to function even when the engine is deactivated. A 288-volt nickel metal hydride battery is placed under the boot floor, occupying the space normally used for a spare tire. The production version, called the 'S' Hybrid, was launched in 2010, with a 3.0-L petrol V6 linked with an electric motor to achieve CO2 emissions of 193 g/km. The S Hybrid was launched in the U.S. market in November 2010. In July 2014, Porsche announced the launch of the Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid, a plug-in hybrid with an all-electric range between 18 and 36 km (11 and 22 mi) under the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) standard. The plug-in model displaced the Cayenne S Hybrid from the line up, and it is part of the revised range. The Cayenne S E-Hybrid is the first plug-in hybrid in the premium SUV segment, allowing Porsche to become the first automaker with three production plug-in hybrid models. Deliveries in Germany were scheduled to begin in October 2014. Sales in the U.S. began in November 2014. On 1 May 2017, a 2017 Porsche Cayenne S Diesel set the Guinness World Record for heaviest aircraft pulled by a production car. The Cayenne towed a 265-ton Air France Airbus A380 to a distance of 42 meters, breaking the previous 2013 record of a Nissan Patrol towing a 170-ton Ilyushin Il-76 to a distance of 50 meters. After the attempt Porsche repeated the test using a petrol-powered Cayenne Turbo S with 800 Nm of torque, 50 Nm less than the S Diesel, in an effort to prove the Cayenne's remarkable ability.

The third-generation Porsche Cayenne, which was redesigned from front to back and now bears more of a resemblance to the 911, was revealed on August 29, 2017, as a 2019 model, based on the Volkswagen Group MLB platform. A model with a more rakish roofline called the Cayenne Coupé became available in 2019. It was revealed during the 2019 Shanghai Auto Show in April 2019. At launch, there were two models, the Cayenne Coupé and Cayenne Turbo Coupé. In June 2021, a Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT lapped 7:38:925 at Nürburgring Nordschleife. The car was driven by test driver Lars Kern. On June 30, 2021, Porsche introduced the Cayenne Turbo GT version. It uses a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine and claimed 0–100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.3secs/0–60 mph (97 km/h) in 3.1secs. It is equipped with 22-inch wheels with Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres.[38] Ride height is 18mm lower and total vehicle height is 30mm lower.

Fun facts about Smart Fortwo

1. The concept for the Smart car started in the early 1970’s.smart car facts Mercedes-Benz engineer Johann Tomforde began to explore city car concepts and designs. He created the first concept sketch, but it wasn’t until the 1990’s that Mercedes assembled a team to start the design process. They studied how to make the vehicles efficient based on how people would use them in and around the city, and how they could improve their overall driving experience. They were all about innovation and driver experience from the very beginning. 2. The “timing” is right for Smart cars The Smart brand was officially born when successful Swiss watchmaker Swatch and established German automaker Mercedes Benz joined forces. Daimler-Benz agreed to manufacture the vehicles, helping the watchmaker get into the auto business. Their microcar name, Smart, is an acronym for “Swatch Mercedes Art.” 3. Smart cars have been around longer than you realize. The first Smart brand microcar was in production by 1994, but not made for sale in the United States until 2008. The United States was the 37th country to sell Smart cars and sold just under 25,000 units their first year of sales. 4. These cars have city smarts. Since microcars were created to be city vehicles, the small size was a huge part of the design. The original Smart car sketch measures 8.8 feet long, and the current models manufactured measure in at 101.6″ which is just under 8.5 feet in length. They are also very narrow measuring in at 65.5″ wide which is just under 5.5 feet. 5. Smart keeps it simple. The Smart car brand offers limited vehicle models, two of which are named after their passenger capabilities; The Fortwo, the Forfour, and the Brabus. They come in a coupe or a cabriolet body style and have different tiers such as pure, passion, prime, or proxy. Their Proxy model is the highest option level you can get, and their most expensive Twofor model is still under $30,000 making them very affordable for such a trendy car. Unfortunately, the only models available in the U.S currently are the Fortwos. 6. The Smart car takes a cue from the VW Beetle. The Smart car is a rear-engine, rear wheel drive car, and the package level and price have an impact on horsepower; the higher the cost, the more power you will have available. If you get the newly released fully electric version, it will come with a three-phase synchronous motor that has 80hp and goes a top speed of 81mph for a full range of 58 miles. 7. Smart is tougher than it looks.smart car facts Microcars have to have excellent safety features in place, and the Tridion Safety Cell frame is Smart car’s claim to fame. They once had a commercial featuring a large SUV placed on top of the frame in the middle of the street. While consumers were shocked to see how sturdy the Smart car frame was, the brand was later accused of photoshopping their commercials. Smart fought back with this youtube behind the scenes video to show that their Tridion Safety Cell frames are in fact that tough:

We get toured in a Mazda 6 Touring

The Mazda6 Tourer is the prime example of an estate without compromises. 

You can choose between one petrol and one diesel. Picking between the two depends upon your needs. We’d personally stick with the 2.2 turbo diesel if you’re planning to do tons of highway driving. Everyone else will be satisfied with the 2.5 petrol four-cylinder. It may not have the torque like the diesel engine, but it certainly is flexible enough for most buyers needs. 

Driving the Mazda6 Tourer is like any other Mazda. It’s quick on its toes when it comes to corners and bends, but most importantly it’s not dullard to drive. Steering feedback is communicative, and the ride comfort is smooth for the most part. However, on some road surfaces the ride comfort can be a little bit firm. Which is a bit disappointing seeing that most drivers will be spending majority of their time on the highway. Wind and road noise aren’t anything to complain of. Although with the larger alloy wheels some road noise can sneak into the cabin. It’s far from being a deal-breaker, however. 

What makes an estate car fantastic is the utilitarian aspects of it. The boot is generous in space and offers tons of versatility. Fold down the rear seats and you’ve got yourself a cargo van. If you find yourself lacking in space with this. You don’t need an estate. You really do need a cargo van. Space in the front seats plenty, while those in the rear won’t have much to complain about either. You can seat three abreast, although life for the middleman may not slightly shortchanged. However, that’s just nitpicking at best. 

Entry-level SE-L Nav+ comes with 17-inch alloy wheels. Auto-dimming rear-view mirror. High beam control for the headlights. Rear privacy glass and Smart City Brake Support. SE-L Lux Nav+ adds black leather trim, 3-stage heated front seats with memory and a reversing camera. Sport Nav+ adds Smart Keyless entry, 19-inch alloy wheels and a 11-speaker Bose premium audio system. Top of the range GT Sport Nav+ adds Nappa Leather trim, 360 View Monitor, ventilated front seats and frameless auto-dimming rear-view mirror. 

Crossovers seem to be the trend that most buyers are going for. However, if you desire a proper estate with decent running costs. One that’s also stylish and engaging to drive. The Mazda6 Tourer is an estate without compromise. 

Likes: The boot space is generous. Standard kit list is generous as well. It’s stylish and engaging to drive. 

Dislikes: The ride comfort can be a tad firm on the highway.