Wheels News
BMW 640i xDrive Gran Turismo
Five meets seven when creating the BMW 640i xDrive Gran Turismo.
Take the front from a 7-series and combine it with the tail end of the 5-series. Add in some extra comfort, take away the road noise and you get BMW’s new 640i xDrive Gran Turismo. Built for conquering oodles of tarmac in smooth, leisurely silence, this 5m+ tourer effortlessly turns a journey into a vacation. This five-door lift-back GT offers enough luggage space to shame an SUV, and so much legroom and luxury in the rear you may prefer to be driven rather than drive. The 6-cylinder engine casually delivers 250kW and 450Nm, while the driver’s aids and all-wheel xDrive system take the stress out of whatever conditions you may find yourself in.
Getting Street Smart with Holden
Firmly embracing the mantle of road safety, and helping to ensure our teens will be more road savvy, Holden has just launched its Street Smart program. The program has been designed to expose teens to a variety of ‘real life’ driving scenarios and situations they may encounter throughout their time behind the wheel. Street Smart coaches takes students, and their parent or caregiver, through 10 practical situations – in their own car – all in a safe and controlled environment, away from the open road – and other drivers. Some of the exercises throughout the day include, Head On Collision avoidance, Following Too Close, Emergency Braking, Peripheral Vision and Hazard Identification. Street Smart takes place over the course of one day during the school holidays.
I know a few adults who should do this course too!
UBCO are now street legal!
From charging around the farm or beach to now conquering the urban terrain, the New Zealand-developed two wheel-drive Electric Utility Vehicle (electric motorcycle to the rest of us), continues to expand its appeal by becoming street legal. No heat, no exhaust, no engine noise and no motorbike licence needed either (a car one is fine). Just simply twist and go!
Volkswagen – More space, more comfort, more beats
Volkswagen NZ has just added to its vehicle portfolio, and now everyone gets a seat. Firstly the all-new Polo: one of the world’s most successful compact cars is now sportier and larger, offering greater comfort and even more driver assistance. There is also a Beats version, too, with a funky new interior and sounds to boot – Dr Dre would be proud. Secondly, VW’s highly important Tiguan has been stretched, turning 215mm of additional length into expansive 7-seater upmarket freedom. With its masculine exterior styling, refreshed-looking cabin and oodles of technology, the Tiguan Allspace leverages the love of this already popular model.