Vehicle assessment: Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

This impressive new Mercedes is an energetic, sporty drive – but it does take a bit of obtaining employed to, writes motor reviewer Tim Barnes-Clay.

Sometimes a pair of new shoes feels just correct.

No blisters ever seem and they quickly turn into your go-to selection of footwear.

Initial discomfort

Other individuals cause you a small discomfort at very first – but, once worn in, you really feel as even though you’d never ever sauntered in something else.

The Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 AMG Sport I drove was really a lot in the latter category.

It took me a while fine-tuning the seat to give me the very best driving position. I then had to adjust the steering wheel numerous times – and then get the lumbar assistance appropriate.

For the first day I just couldn’t nail it and, squirming uncomfortably, I was convinced this vehicle wasn’t for me.

Adjustments required

But, by the second day of my week with the Merc, I felt it was made with my name on it.

Some auto seats just need a quick twiddle here and there and you’re all set up. 

I believe the CLA’s sports seats with integral headrests just take some acquiring used to.

They’re sculpted in a curve-forward position, and make you feel like your head requirements to go back more – although that could have been me being fussy on the day the automobile was delivered.

An excellent machine

Anyway, sufficient of the seats and my hair-splitting: let me explain why, on the complete, the CLA is an superb piece of German machinery.

Aesthetically, its proportions and dynamic style give the compact 4-door saloon-cum-coupé an unmistakable look.

The vehicle’;s striking features consist of the bonnet embedded in the front end with power-domes and a diamond-look grille.

The light modules and LEDs behind the headlamp cover glass have been arranged in such a way as to develop a characteristic “flare effect” for the daytime driving lights and indicators.

‘Energetic and youthful’;

This light signet defines the car’;s energetic form and shapes a new, youthful Mercedes face.

The width-emphasising rear finish exudes muscle and athleticism, featuring an interplay between convex and concave surfaces.

The gently sloping roof contour and the pronounced, hallmark curvature of the rear window, supply the CLA 250 AMG Sport with a coupé-style character from the rear, as well.

The exterior’;s progressive, sporty look is continued inside the Benz.

Far more seating problems

All trim surfaces are galvanised in silver shadow, resulting in a cool-to-the-touch metallic finish.

The instrument panel incorporates 5 massive round vents and there’s a prominent cost-free-standing display screen that attributes a black piano-lacquer-look front panel with a flush-fitting silver frame.

In the back, the seats, as soon as again, turn into a sticking point.

They are cramped for adults and not even the greatest match for 2 youngster seats, but my 8- and 5-year-old coped without too significantly squabbling.

Spacious and precise

On the plus side, boot space is excellent for this type of vehicle.

On the road, the CLA 250’s turbocharged 4-cylinder engine rocks for most scenarios.

The automobile has outstanding grip when pushed by means of corners and its 6-speed automatic transmission climbs and descends excellently below pressure.

Specially noteworthy is the Mercedes’ direct steer method, which provides precise feedback in comparison with traditional energy steering.

Safety hasn’t been overlooked either, with numerous driving assistance systems supplying support and lowering your workload behind the wheel.

Normal-match characteristics include drowsiness detection and radar-based collision prevention assist with adaptive brake help, which helps to safeguard you from collisions from a speed of only 4mph.

Pros & cons

• Style √


• Steering √


• Grip √


• Safety kit √


• Rear seats X

Fast details

• Max speed: 149mph


• -62 mph: 6.6 secs


• Combined mpg: 42.8


• Engine: 1991cc 4 cylinders 16 valve turbo petrol


• Max. power (bhp): 208


• Max. torque (lb.ft): 258


• CO2: 154g/km


• Price tag: £33,440

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Vehicle assessment: Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

Automobile assessment: Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

This impressive new Mercedes is an energetic, sporty drive – but it does take a bit of obtaining utilized to, writes motor reviewer Tim Barnes-Clay.

Occasionally a pair of new shoes feels just appropriate.

No blisters ever seem and they quickly turn into your go-to option of footwear.

Initial discomfort

Others trigger you a little discomfort at first – but, once worn in, you really feel as even though you’d never sauntered in something else.

The Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 AMG Sport I drove was quite a lot in the latter category.

It took me a whilst fine-tuning the seat to give me the greatest driving position. I then had to adjust the steering wheel several instances – and then get the lumbar help appropriate.

For the initial day I just couldn’t nail it and, squirming uncomfortably, I was convinced this car wasn’t for me.

Adjustments necessary

But, by the second day of my week with the Merc, I felt it was produced with my name on it.

Some auto seats just call for a quick twiddle here and there and you’re all set up. 

I feel the CLA’s sports seats with integral headrests basically take some obtaining utilised to.

They’re sculpted in a curve-forward position, and make you feel like your head requirements to go back more – despite the fact that that could have been me getting fussy on the day the automobile was delivered.

An excellent machine

Anyway, adequate of the seats and my hair-splitting: let me explain why, on the complete, the CLA is an exceptional piece of German machinery.

Aesthetically, its proportions and dynamic design give the compact 4-door saloon-cum-coupé an unmistakable look.

The vehicle’;s striking attributes consist of the bonnet embedded in the front finish with power-domes and a diamond-appear grille.

The light modules and LEDs behind the headlamp cover glass have been arranged in such a way as to create a characteristic “flare impact” for the daytime driving lights and indicators.

‘Energetic and youthful’;

This light signet defines the car’;s energetic form and shapes a new, youthful Mercedes face.

The width-emphasising rear finish exudes muscle and athleticism, featuring an interplay among convex and concave surfaces.

The gently sloping roof contour and the pronounced, hallmark curvature of the rear window, offer the CLA 250 AMG Sport with a coupé-style character from the rear, too.

The exterior’;s progressive, sporty look is continued inside the Benz.

A lot more seating problems

All trim surfaces are galvanised in silver shadow, resulting in a cool-to-the-touch metallic finish.

The instrument panel incorporates 5 massive round vents and there’s a prominent cost-free-standing display screen that attributes a black piano-lacquer-look front panel with a flush-fitting silver frame.

In the back, the seats, after once more, turn out to be a sticking point.

They are cramped for adults and not even the very best match for 2 child seats, but my 8- and 5-year-old coped with out also much squabbling.

Spacious and precise

On the plus side, boot space is good for this kind of vehicle.

On the road, the CLA 250’s turbocharged 4-cylinder engine rocks for most scenarios.

The car has outstanding grip when pushed through corners and its 6-speed automatic transmission climbs and descends excellently under stress.

Especially noteworthy is the Mercedes’ direct steer system, which delivers precise feedback in comparison with traditional power steering.

Safety hasn’t been overlooked either, with quite a few driving assistance systems supplying assistance and decreasing your workload behind the wheel.

Regular-match attributes incorporate drowsiness detection and radar-based collision prevention help with adaptive brake help, which assists to defend you from collisions from a speed of only 4mph.

Pros & cons

• Style √


• Steering √


• Grip √


• Security kit √


• Rear seats X

Rapidly details

• Max speed: 149mph


• -62 mph: 6.6 secs


• Combined mpg: 42.8


• Engine: 1991cc 4 cylinders 16 valve turbo petrol


• Max. power (bhp): 208


• Max. torque (lb.ft): 258


• CO2: 154g/km


• Price tag: £33,440

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Automobile assessment: Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

Vehicle assessment: Wonderful Wall Steed S

China’s first foray into the UK market is getting spearheaded by a sluggish pick-up. But its efficiency in difficult circumstances impresses Tim Barnes-Clay.

Fantastic Wall? Isn’t that one thing to do with a series of fortifications built across the historical northern borders of China?

Effectively, yes and no.

Cheap to purchase and run

It is also the name of 1 of the most lucrative car companies in China – and Fantastic Wall is the initial Chinese automotive brand to commence volume vehicle sales in the UK.

It began in 2012 with the launch of the Steed choose-up – a difficult-hitting, no-nonsense motor, equally proficient as a workhorse or a weekend getaway set of wheels.

The Steed is also 1 of the most low-cost choose-up trucks in Britain – both to purchase and to run.

The S model, on test right here, has a 2.-litre, 16-valve turbocharged diesel lump which sips rather than gulps fuel.

Stocky load-lugger

The upshot is an typical claimed fuel economy of 32 mpg.

The Steed’s stocky look – enhanced by broad-shouldered wheel-arches and higher ground clearance – indicates its resilience as properly as its credentials as an adaptable load-lugger, both on the road and in the rough.

Carrying capacity compares properly with nicely-identified choose-up rivals, and the 1,050kg maximum payload is really competitive.

Towing capability is impressive as well at 2,500 kg with a braked trailer.

Generous storage

Climb inside and the 4-door Steed’s double-cab body is nicely balanced.

Slip behind the wheel and the driving position is decent, with all the dials and controls effortless to see and use.

There’s enough space for up to 4 passengers and storage space is generous.

This includes a lockable glove-box, front centre console, front door pockets with cup holders and front seat-back map pockets.

Slow to get going

On the move, the Excellent Wall Steed is something but fast.

It requires an absolute age to get from -62 mph – 17 yawn-inducing seconds in fact.

It also has a top speed of just 87 mph.

That stated, when it at some point gets rolling, it does a great job of acquiring you from A to B.

A challenging drive

You have to truly operate it even though: it will not drive you, so you may possibly nicely really feel like you’ve had a decent perform-out by the finish of a extended journey.

When the terrain gets a lot more demanding than the blacktop, you can engage the Steed’s low-range gearbox, as well as the on-demand 4-wheel-drive system – the latter at speeds of up to 12 mph.

This is when the Chinese choose-up comes in to its own.

It will work tough and plough its way across rutted tracks and fields with no difficulty.

No rivals at this value

But the Steed isn’t just a stripped-down, no-frills instrument.

It’s well kitted out, and no similarly priced choose-up on sale in the UK will rival its notable tally of regular gear.

The entry-level S model comes with a entire host of characteristics usually presented as options in competitors.

These include 16-inch alloy wheels, daytime running lights, remote central locking, a Thatcham-authorized Category 1 alarm, electric front and rear windows, an Alpine CD/radio with USB/MP3 and Bluetooth connectivity, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, air-conditioning, heated fronted seats and a leather interior.

The Excellent Wall Steed comes with a extensive 3-year or 60,000-mile mechanical warranty, a 6-year anti-perforation warranty, a 3-year paint warranty, and 3 years’ roadside recovery and help.

Pros & cons

• Reasonably priced √


• Resilient on and off road √


• Roomy √


• Fantastic load-lugger √


• Painfully slow X

Fast information

• Max speed: 87 mph


• -62 mph: 17 secs


• Combined mpg: 32.8


• Engine: 1996 cc 4 cylinder 16 valve turbo diesel


• Max. power (bhp): 137 at 4000 rpm


• Max. torque (lb.ft): 225 at 1800 rpm


• Max. towing weight (braked) 2500 kg


• CO2: 222 g/km


• Cost: £17,941 on the road

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Vehicle assessment: Wonderful Wall Steed S

Automobile assessment: Mitsubishi Outlander hybrid electric SUV

This high-tech hybrid electric SUV is in a class of its personal. A great decision for environmentally-conscious households, writes car reviewer Tim Barnes-Clay.

The Mitsubishi PHEV could look like a normal Outlander, but hiding behind the mask is the most technologically advanced sport utility vehicle (SUV) on the market.

PHEV stands for plug-in hybrid electric automobile. It indicates the SUV can be fed by electricity from a domestic socket to power electric motors that are supported by a petrol engine.

2 electric motors drive the front and rear axles separately while batteries enable electricity-only driving at up to 75mph.

Beyond that pace, or should the battery pack drain to significantly less than 30% of its charge, a 2.-litre petrol engine kicks in to life.

It acts as a generator to help the PHEV accomplish a total driving variety of about 500 miles on a full tank. 

Great fuel efficiency

The Outlander PHEV is also the most fuel efficient 4-wheel drive.

That’;s astounding for a household-size automobile that guidelines the scales at a bulky 1,810kg, and seats 5.

As a international 1st, the Outlander PHEV also has no direct rival.

The closest is the Lexus RX450h, though it cannot be recharged via a powerpoint and cannot run on electricity alone.

All mod cons

Befitting its very first-class status in the Outlander variety, the PHEV is extremely nicely stacked with kit.

It has 18-inch alloy wheels, dusk-sensing auto headlamps, touch-screen with satellite navigation and reversing camera, climate manage, parking sensors and 6 airbags.

The flagship GX4hs was driven for this evaluation and the model comes with added functions such as adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning. 

The latter squeals at you if it detects you have drifted across the road’s white dividing lines.

Impressive following a slow commence

If you’;re used to a common automobile, it is going to be a peculiar expertise the first time you gently push the gearstick over to the correct into D and drive off in silence.

Even sharp jabs of the throttle create the exact same quantity of hush, although that has its rewards – the audio unit is only typical, so at least there is plenty of clarity in the quiet cabin.

The Outlander PHEV isn’;t rapid from a standing start, but tremendous pulling energy tends to make up for it when you get going.

Initial acceleration suffers simply since of the heavy jumble of battery and electric motors that the regular Outlander doesn’;t possess.

Simple charging

When you need to have to recharge on the move, all you need to have to do is hit the Charge switch behind the joystick, which fires up the 4-cylinder engine to replenish the battery.

A single charge through a powerpoint requires 5 hours, which could price you next to practically nothing based on the time of day you decide on to plug in to the grid.

Inside, it is pretty much common Outlander layout apart from the joystick-style gearstick and electric charging buttons.

The tachometer has also been replaced by a energy meter, which shows when you’;re charging up or utilizing the battery, or operating the engine.

Green, yet effective

Behind the wheel, physique handle is good for an SUV of this weight as the Outlander PHEV profits from Mitsubishi’;s Super All-Wheel Manage (S-AWC).

This is a program that ensures maximum stability when cornering.

Certainly, for its green yet powerful talents, Mitsubishi’;s PHEV is an SUV that a lot of British families will take to their hearts. 

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV: Pros and cons

• Low cost to run √


• Pulling power √


• Lots of kit √


• Secure √


• Initial acceleration X

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV: Fast details

• Max speed: 106 mph


• -62 mph: 11 secs


• Combined mpg: 148.7


• Engine: 2.-litre petrol plus 2 electric motors


• Max. power (bhp): 119 at 4500 rpm


• Max. torque (lb/ft): 140 at 4500 rpm


• CO2: 44 g/km


• Cost: £40,054 on the road

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Automobile assessment: Mitsubishi Outlander hybrid electric SUV

How usually need to you assessment your bank accounts?

This was a recent question on my News Corp Gen Y column: how frequently must you review your bank accounts? The answer is that you ought to review them each year, to take advantage of offers on provide.

That may possibly look fairly typically, especially if we’re speaking about transaction accounts, but the fact is that in spite of our at the moment-low interest price, bank accounts are surprisingly competitive. Economic institutions know that your transaction and savings accounts are 2 of the easiest financial items to switch – surely a lot less complicated than switching your residence or private loans, or insurances. Some institutions go all out to win your “easy” enterprise in the hope that you will then turn into a client for life.

Prior to you go out and get a new account although, it is essential to comprehend how you use your current one. Do you want branch access? Do you frequently use ATM machines? Is every little thing accomplished on the internet? How significantly do you preserve in your account at any a single time, and how a lot of transactions do you make each and every month? When you have worked all that out, you’ll know what you need to have from an account.

Some things to appear for consist of:

• No/low monthly costs. There are plenty of charge-cost-free banks accounts out there – presently on our database there are 16 transaction accounts on its database that have no monthly account-keeping charges or charges for electronic transactions.


• Access to a lot of free of charge ATMs. Naturally the ‘Big 4’ banks have ATMs galore, but so do several of the smaller sized institutions by means of agreements with other banks as well as third-celebration ATM providers. ATM costs can be far more than $ 2 a pop, so free access is essential.


• A very good interest rate. Interest isn’t critical on a transaction account, but it undoubtedly is on a savings account and despite our currently-low official money price, there’s far more than a a single % difference in between the highest and lowest interest rates on supply across most term deposits and at-call savings accounts.


• Other bonuses. There are often discounts and rewards points on supply as nicely. As an example,  the Bankwest Rewards Transaction account offers rewards points on both the balance held and on spending, and the ING DIRECT Orange Every day account gives 2% cash back on Visa payWave purchases under $ 25 in Australia (each subject to situations).

Make it a yearly habit to assessment your accounts – you could shocked by how a lot you could save.

How usually need to you assessment your bank accounts?

Truckfest Assessment 2014

I am going to create a quantity of blogs about various trucks from Truckfest more than the next few weeks. Nothing at all like dragging it out when your brief of blog material!! Any way I will say that the couple of hours I spent at Peterborough on Sunday morning exactly where the most enjoyable hours I have spent there for a excellent quantity of years. The place was packed with trucks, I was told it was about 1900 trucks this year which is an amazing number. I do not know what has changed at Reside Promotions but this years show was far better than its been in years. Far more trucks at a truck show how easy can it be. Maybe the only improvement subsequent year could be some slightly distinct region events, but I will not complain. Hold it up Live/Truckfest organisers!!

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Truckfest Assessment 2014