New Audi A6 Allroad Quattro unleashed

The Audi A6 Allroad Quattro, now in its 3rd generation, has some big shoes to fill, with the previous generations of the model, released in 2000 and 2006, winning awards and being particularly successful. For the latest version A6 Allroad, there have been improvements to the performance, as well as significant improvements to the fuel consumption, with a reduction of almost 20%.

New Audi A6 Allroad Quattro exceeds expectations

The body of the latest model is 4.94 metres long and 1.9 metres wide, which makes it slightly bigger than the Avant. The interior is particularly spacious thanks to the long wheelbase of 2.91 metres and comes with a clean elegant design. Vehicle weight has been kept on the low side though thanks to aluminum components being used for around 20% of the body. Total vehicle weight comes in around 70kg lighter when compared to the previous generation.

Driver aid systems come in the form of a radar-based adaptive cruise control, active lane assist, night vision assistant and a 360 degree display park assist system.

Under the hood, the new Audi A6 Allroad Quattro comes with a choice of four 3-litre V6 engines, which all have direct injection and turbocharging. Fuel consumption is kept under check by a start-stop system and innovative thermal management. The 3-litre TFSI produces 228 kW and 440 Nm of torque and completes 0-100km/h in just 5.9 seconds before topping off at a max speed of 250km/h (limited). Fuel consumption stands at 8.9 litres/100km. The diesel options range in power from 150 kW to 230 kW and as expected, come with a reduction in fuel consumption, with the entry level option clocking in at 6.1 litres/100km.

The new Audi A6 allroad quattro arrives in Europe later this year.

Fiat 500c launched in South Africa

Fiat are punting their latest offering as the cheapest cabriolet in South Africa. The Fiat 500c 1.2 comes with a price tag of only R175 000, which is quite a bit less than you would expect to pay for a cabriolet. Fiat does maintain though, that even though it comes with a small price tag, the car is still practical, safe and styling.

Fiat 500c is an affordable and stylish Cabriolet

Under the hood the Fiat 500c comes with a 1.2 Euro 4-compliant motor which produces 51 kW at 5 500 rpm and 102 Nm of torque at 3 000 rpm. CO2 emissions have also been kept under check, with the value clocking in at only 119g/km which means it is free of the Environmental Levy Tax. Along with the low emissions, the fuel economy is also rather respectable, with an average city driving consumption of just 6.4 l/100km and a highway consumption rating of 4.3 l/100km.

The Fiat 500c cabriolet comes standard with 7 airbags, ABS and Electronic Brake Distribution. It also comes with power steering, aircon, daytime running lights, Blue&Me hands-free system, voice recognition and USB port.

The automatic soft-top roof is controlled by buttons near the interior ceiling light or via a remote control. The roof can also be operated throughout its horizontal travel at any speed, with its vertical movement able to be engaged at speeds under 60km/h. If the boot needs to be opened while the roof is fully open, the soft-top will first need to be moved to a midway point to avoid obstructing the boot. To reduce turbulence for passengers with the top down, the Fiat 500c features an optional wind-stop which is positioned behind the rear headrests.

Mazda3 face-lifted for 2012

The 2012 Mazda3 has undergone some changes and is looking all the better for them. The design of the front and rear bumper has been updated. There are new 16 and 17 inch wheel designs as well as an update to the instrument panel. Lastly the handling, stability and performance of the car have also been improved.

New face for Mazda3

For the design of the updated Mazda3 facelift, engineers looked to make sure the drive was as fun and enjoyable as possible in a number of different driving conditions. The styling of the vehicle needed to ensure that it didnt only look good but was as aerodynamic as possible. The face-lifted version now has a muscular look thanks to a large 5-point grille and larger fascia around the air-lets. The 5-door version has also received some changes to the rear, with a slimmer bumper and the reflectors are placed closer to the side panels.

There will be three new exterior paint options available: Sky Blue Mica, Dolphin Grey Mica and Indigo Lights Mica.

Improved Handling

The handling and ride comfort has been designed to ensure the car is as fun and predictable to drive as possible. The car now comes with traction control and dynamic stability control as standard. The handling was further improved thanks to a rigid single brace bar that has been added to the front of the body. There are also changes to the front strut and rear multi-link suspension system which have resulted in improved steering feedback and road feel.

Engine Options

Under the hood are a number of engine options to choose from. There is a 1.6 litre inline 4-cylinder 16 valve engine that produces 145 Nm of torque at 4 000 rpm with a max power output of 77 kW, all the way up to a 2.5 litre inline 4-cylinder 16 valve engine that produces a max torque of 227 Nm and 122 kW.

Mazda3 – Price

The face-lifted Mazda3 will start at R210 650 all the way up to the R342 090.

Toyota Prius C Hybrid full details revealed

The Toyota Prius C Hybrid is a 5-door hatchback that extends the Prius range and aims to hit the market in March, at least in the U.S. The C in Prius C stands for city, which leaves no doubt as to how Toyota have tailored this vehicle and who they are targeting, with the most notable feature being the fuel economy which clocks in at around 4.4 litres/100km.

Toyota Prius C Hybrid is a City Slicker

Interior space has been optimized thanks to effective packaging and design. The compact engine, transaxle and power-control are optimally placed within the vehicle for ideal weight distribution and a low centre of gravity. The hybrid battery and the fuel tank are positioned beneath the rear seat, which continues the weight distribution and enhances the handling.

Efficient Engine

Powering the Prius C is a 1.5 litre in-line 4 cylinder petrol engine which uses an Atkinson cycle which increases the efficiency. The engine produces 73 hp and 82 lb-ft of torque, which contributes to a total hybrid output of 99 hp. The hybrid system uses a 144 volt nickel-metal hydride battery pack. The car will include the following drive modes: Normal, Eco and EV mode. Eco mode will, as you can expect, reduce consumption by governing the climate control and the throttle. EV mode will allow the vehicle to drive solely on electric power, assuming the car maintains a low speed and only for a short distance.

Handling has also been looked at in the Toyota Prius C Hybrid thanks to a number of features. The body structure has been constructed with lightweight, high-strength steel which has reduced the mass of the vehicle. This also contributes to the cars ability to absorb and disperse impact energies which will help with occupant safety. The coil-spring and shock-absorber in the Prius C have been tuned to enhance the handling, flat turning and ride comfort. If the 16 inch wheels are chosen, the handling is even further enhanced thanks to a faster steering ratio which will also quicken the vehicles dynamic response.

As information becomes available on a local release date of the Toyota Prius C Hybrid, we will let you know.

The top 5 cars we are looking forward to in 2012

Last year car manufacturers announced a whole host of incredible cars set for release in 2012. Here are the 5 we are looking forward to the most:

5.Hyundai i30

The current Hyundai i30 is a great car but in an incredibly competitive small family hatch segment it has not broken away from the pack. Hyundai hope to change this with the 2nd generation i30 which along with the i40 will be the brand’s ambassador as well as quality benchmark.

The 2012 i30 has been made slightly wider and longer than the current model, this improved on interior space. The car is also lower which provides a lower centre of gravity and gives the car a sportier look. Under the hood there will be a range of petrol and diesel engines to choose from, with power output ranging from 89 bhp to 133 bhp.

When it gets released the i30 will be up against some formidable competition in the form of the Volkswagen Golf, the Opel Astra and the Ford Focus. It’s a tough ask, but with improvements all-round as well as new styling and design, the 2012 Hyundai i30 might just make some waves.

4.Ford Focus Electric

More and more cars these days are going electric or at least hybrid. There is no doubt that the future will see this trend continue until electric cars become main stream. The Ford Focus Electric is currently only available in the States and only a limited amount will be made but it is the first fully electric production car the brand has produced and it will be pioneering their electric efforts.

The Focus Electric is powered by a high voltage lithium-ion battery which produces 23kWh and will have a driving range of around 160km, with a top speed of 135km/h. The standout figure is its fuel economy which should clock in somewhere around 2.4 L/100km. It also comes with a number of advanced technologies as well as software which integrates with your smart phone.

Ford is pushing the boundaries of electric cars and we are really excited about the Focus Electric.

3.Peugeot 208

The eagerly anticipated replacement to the Peugeot 207 is almost upon us in the form of the 208. The Peugeot 208 will come as a 3-door or 5-door, with both versions looking particularly slick. The 208 is a huge 110kg lighter than the 207 even while providing more interior space.

The Peugeot 208 comes with a range of engines that have some impressive statistics. Fuel economy has been improved, CO2 emissions reduced and on almost all models there will be a touchscreen system that Peugeot have called the Mobility Portal. This interface is used to control the audio, the climate control, the navigation system as well as other features.

The 208 might be just what Peugeot needs to make a serious dent in the South African car market.

2.Toyota GT 86

Every now and then a really special car comes around that gets everyone talking. Its not a very subtle car and it will no doubt come with a sizeable price-tag when compared to the other cars on our list, but that doesnt stop it from taking the number 2 spot.

What makes the Toyota 86 so special though? Firstly the wait for the car to finally come out, which was first revealed in 2009, with such a long wait it almost seemed like the car was never going to see the light of day. Secondly, it has been developed in a joint effort with Subaru and comes with a number of odd choices, with the ultimate goal being a fun an exhilarating drive. The tyres are the same that are used on the Prius, the brakes are standard and there isn’t a huge amount of grip going around corners. This however is part of the point though and it makes the drive all the more fun.

The Toyota 86 is summed up perfectly by Yoshi Sasaki who is the product planning boss on the GT 86: “Many of the rivals have turbos, big tyres and four-wheel drive, they have become sports cars that control their own behaviour sports cars have become boring.”

Best of all, it should be in South Africa in the 2nd half of 2012!

1.Volkswagen UP

Volkswagen have proven time and time again, at least in South Africa, that they know how to make hatchbacks that people want to buy. The affordability and styling of the VW range of hatchbacks is what ensures the brand has produced the top 2 best selling passenger cars in SA for as long as we can remember, with the Vivo and Polo. Which can surely mean only one thing, an even cheaper Volkswagen hatch has to be an instant hit.

The Volkswagen UP aims to cut costs in its price as well as on the road, with impressive fuel economy. While VW are cutting costs at every corner, the car still maintains some impressive standards. The interior is quite spacious for a small car and you can still have air-con as well as a number of other features. The safety rating is no slouch either and has hit the mark with a 5-star rating.

The UP checks all the boxes that have made VW’s previous hatchbacks so successful, its specifications are all impressive for what it is, the styling looks good and most importantly, it is aiming at being even cheaper than the Vivo. The VW UP is the car we are most looking forward to in 2012!

BMW 116i (2012) Driving Impression

The first-generation BMW 1 Series was one of those cars that were praised and criticized in equal measure. On the one hand, we all appreciated the fact that BMW chose to stick to its brand DNA and launch a compact rear-wheel drive hatchback. This had obvious benefits for the vehicles dynamic ability. On the other hand, the decision directly impacted the Ones suitability as a compact family car, because the drivetrain layout robbed it of space, especially in the rear. Nevertheless, the first-generation 1 Series was deemed successful enough for BMW to continue with this drivetrain layout for its successor. But BMW says they’ve addressed the shortcomings. Is this the case in the BMW 116i?

Awkward looks

Another area in which BMW has very much followed in the first cars footsteps, is in design controversy. When images of the new 1 Series were first revealed most comments were extremely negative, with particularly the awkward lines at the front and the Polo-esque rear lights drawing scathing criticism. At least the odd flame-surfacing of the old car has gone, so the newcomer looks a bit tauter in profile. In the metal, though, the new small BMW 116i is quite a looker. The nose may look awkward in two-dimensional images, but is both interesting and attractive in 3D. Even the rear lights look quite fitting when viewed in person. Overall, the BMW 116i looks less top-heavy than before and a bit more muscular. This perception has much to do with the significantly wider track widths. What helps the looks further are big alloy wheels So, while 16-inch alloys may cut it on most entry level vehicles, they dont quite do the job with this BMW.

Riding on a lengthy 2 690 mm wheelbase, it is clear that BMW had targeted rear access and legroom as areas to improve. Certainly, entry no longer requires the kind of twisting and squishing of feet that were hallmarks of getting into the back seat of the previous model. And theres more knee room once seated, too. But the BMW 116i is still not as spacious as most cars in this class. At least the boot is reasonably big at 360 L.

Improved cabin quality

Another area in which the previous 1 Series was often criticized was trim quality. Although the fit and finish was good, as youd expect from BMW, the quality of the materials used werent quite up to scratch. Thats certainly not the case with the new BMW 116i. BMW has also been clever in the way it has used coloured plastic trim pieces to actually add to the ambience, rather than detract from it. A variety of trim options are available, but whichever you choose even red strips on the facia the end result is appealing.

At first glance the BMW 116i also appears to offer a good standard specification, but check the options boxes very carefully, as the price can very quickly escalate. You get air-conditioning, electric mirrors/windows, a radio/CD player and keyless entry, among a few other items, but there are many options to choose from, and some of them are very pricey. Leather will set you back at least another R6 400. A sunroof costs R9 600 and navigation adds R10 100. The problem is that some of the options are really quite desirable including a Connected Package which will demand a cool extra R26 000 But hey, even if you leave it stock standard, its still a comfortable, neat cabin that gains an element of sophistication courtesy of the standard fitment of iDrive and its neat freestanding screen.

Good performance/economy balance

The BMW 116i is powered by a sophisticated, twin-scroll turbocharged, direct-injection 1,6-litre petrol engine that also boasts stop/start technology. A slick six-speed manual transmission sends power to the rear wheels. On paper, the power figures dont look terribly impressive theres 100 kW and 220 Nm of torque on tap but in reality the little BMW is quite a lively performer. BMW has worked hard to keep the weight down and it shows the BMW 116i tips the scales at only 1 290 kg.

The performance on offer is actually very impressive, with a claimed 0-100 km/h time of 8,5 seconds and a 210 km/h top speed being more than good enough for most. Like most new BMWs, the 1 Series features the Driving Experience controller which allows for the selection of Comfort, Sport and Eco Pro modes. Select Sport and the throttle response is immediately sharper. Opt for Eco Pro and the priority is very much fuel economy, with accompanying lazy responses. Drive carefully in this mode and you may well end up achieving the 5,5 L/100 km fuel consumption claim, but a realistic daily figure is closer to 7 L/100 km.

BMW 1 Series still the dynamic benchmark

The previous 1 Series always offered entertaining dynamics, but at some cost to interior comfort. The ride was just a little bit too firm, and the steering perhaps on the heavy side. The new model has very clearly been improved in both areas. The electrically assisted steering offers very nice weighting and is also impressively precise. Around town and during parking manoeuvres it makes the BMW 116i far less of a muscle building machine.

And the ride? Well, its still firm, but the damping has markedly improved, so it rides bumps better without getting crashy. This is not to say that it has gone soft, either. In fact, the extra suppleness actually boosts its composure on poorer surfaces. Theres not quite enough power in this specific model to fully exploit the rear-wheel drive dynamics, but theres always a feeling of being behind the wheel of something that doesnt mind being thrown around a bit you feel connected to it, which is such an important part of the BMW driving experience.

BMW 116i – Verdict

At first glance it would appear as if BMW hasnt done anything radically different with the new 1 Series, but it comes across as a very different car. BMW has addressed all the problem areas of the previous model. In some instances, most notably rear space, the improvements are marginal, and in others (ride quality, cabin quality), the improvements are far more impressive. Either way, the BMW 1-Series is improved all-round.

We like:

Improved cabin quality
More space
Ride/handling balance
Fuel economy

We dont like:

Pricey options
Not exactly a performer

Fast facts

Engine: 1,6-litre, four-cylinder, turbopetrol
Power: 100 kW @ 4 400 rpmTorque: 220 Nm @ 1 350 rpm
Transmission: Six-speed manual
Wheels: 16-inch alloy
Top speed: 210 km/h
0-100 km/h: 8,5 seconds
Fuel economy: 5,5 L/100 km

Source: www.um.co.za

Also consider:

Audi A3 Sportback 1,8 TFSI Ambition: Nearing the end of its lifecycle, but the Sportback remains a very desirable offering. In 1,8-litre TFSI guise it packs more power than the BMW, and the cabin is also more practical. Not as modern, though.
Volkswagen Golf 1,4 TSI Highline: Ultimately the VW doesnt have the snob appeal of the Audi, but its a more practical offering, and also in this case more powerful and better equipped.
Mercedes-Benz A200 Avantgarde: OK, in reality the A-Class pursues a different type of buyer, but if you must have a premium German badge, this is one of the few options. More spacious than a 1 Series, but thats where its advantage starts and stops.

2013 Porsche Boxster Details Revelead

Ahead of its official debut in March, here is the 2013Porsche Boxster. Porsche note how this new model is one of the most comprehensive updates to a model they have ever done. Almost everything has improved, from fuel economy, to performance and all the way to a reduction in weight.

New and Improved 2013 Porsche Boxster – Features

The wheels are now larger, the wheelbase is longer and it has a wider track. The power steering system is now electromechanical and will enhance the driving dynamics. The windscreen has been moved further forward and the new electric top has been redesigned. The interior has been enlarged, offering more space to the occupants.

Both the 2013 Porsche Boxster and Boxster S models will be powered by a flat-six engine with direct fuel injection. Fuel economy has been improved on these engines, thanks in part to electrical system recuperation, thermal management and Start/Stop function. The base model will produce 265 hp from the 2.7 litre variant. The Boxster S comes with a 3.4 litre engine which delivers 315 hp. Both models will come with a 6-speed gear box with the 7-speed PDK available as option.

The new 2013 Porsche Boxster is set to arrive overseas around the middle of 2012. Look for more information and details on a local release closer to the time.

Lexus LF-LC concept revealed

Lexus are in the process of redesigning the style of their vehicles, which they note is the biggest change in the brands history. To this end the new Lexus LF-LC concept has been designed as a look into the future of the brands hybrid sport coupe range. The car has just been revealed at the North American International Auto Show.

Impressive styling for Lexus LF-LC Concept

The Lexus LF-LC concept is framed by a deep aluminum surround with mesh patterns in the spindle grille to give it a 3D form. There are daytime running lights which are shaped like an L, along with vertical fog lamps which utilize a fading dot matrix pattern. The roof is made from glass with a cantilevered pillar and a glass-to-glass juncture to give the vehicle a greenhouse design which will add to driver visibility.

The tail lamps have been inspired by jet afterburners with their use of inner lighting. The rear also comes with fog lamps which continue the fading dot matrix pattern found in the front. They also maintain the L shape which is present in the front all the way down to the quad exhaust. Inside the Lexus LF-LC, there are two 12.3 inch LCD screens to provide information to the driver, which can be controlled by a touch-screen control board in the centre console. The driver can control the audio of the car, the climate control and the navigation.

Look for more information on the Lexus LF-LC concept as it becomes available.

2013 Toyota Land Cruiser revealed

The latest generation of the legendary 2013 Toyota Land Cruiser comes with a host of improvements and new features. The styling has been updated, many popular options now come as standard and the performance has been improved.

2013 Toyota Land Cruiser gets major overhaul

The exterior design of the 2013 Toyota Land Cruiser has been brought in line with Toyotas new Advanced and Rugged design theme, most notably with the front lights and grille. The headlights are now HID low-beams along with LED Daytime Running lights. The front and rear fenders have been enlarged. The 2013 Toyota Land Cruiser is available with the additional exterior colour option of Pearl White.

Powerful engine

Under the hood, the 2013 Toyota Land Cruiser comes with a 5.7 litre V8 DOHC engine that produces 381 hp at 5600 rpm and 401 lb-ft of torque at 3600 rpm. The V8 has advanced dual independent Variable valve Timing which helps to optimize power, fuel efficiency and control CO2 emissions. The torque availability has been improved thanks to the Acoustic Control Induction System which switches the length of the intake tract in 2 stages based on the RPM and throttle angle.

The 2013 Toyota Land Cruiser also comes with a new 5-speed CRAWL Control feature. When the transfer case is shifted into low range, the CRAWL control regulates the engine speed and output to propel the vehicle forward or reverse at one of 5 low-speed settings. This allows the driver to focus on steering when traversing over extremely rough terrain and not having to worry about controlling the throttle or brake pedals. Another new feature comes in the form of an Off-Road Turn Assist. This feature pulses the rear corner brakes to help the car with sharp turns on rugged terrain.

Look for more information on the 2013 Toyota Land Cruiser, including a South African release date, as it becomes available.

BMW ActiveHybrid 5 Review

From the general consensus, hybrid vehicles are frowned upon by petrolheads and car owners. I blame the Prius for this. While theres nothing wrong with the technology, it started a stereotype that hybrids are awkward-looking and lacking in performance. The BMW ActiveHybrid 5 breaks these stereotypes. Heres why

BMW ActiveHybrid 5 technology

From the outside, the ActiveHybrid 5 looks much like a standard 535i with twin exhaust pipes. Big ActiveHybrid badges adorn the rear flanks and on the rear, and thats pretty much the only clue to other road users that this is a hybrid. It even comes in its own special colour called Bluewater, which I like. The 5-Series has always been an attractive vehicle and is far more visually appealing than its German counterparts.

Whenever a hybrid vehicle comes in for evaluation, I take great delight in trying to get the fuel economy as low as possible. In the case of the ActiveHybrid 5, I recorded a figure of 7.8L/100km. While this doesnt sound very good, bear in mind that this a2ton car and the engine is well-known for doing duty in high performance vehicles like the BMW 1M and 335i.

BMW ActiveHybrid 5 electric assist and operation

On paper, theActiveHybrid 5 has 225kW and 400Nm from a 3.0-litre turbod straight six. Thanks to the addition of a small 40kW/210Nm electric motor located in the gearbox, the power is increased. The batteries are located just behind the rear seat, which hampers boot space, but youre still left with a useful and practical storage area. Right, so how does it work? Start the vehicle up and youre greeted withnothing. The car is completely silent and only the lights on the dashboard indicate that its actually running. The dashboard has a neat little display which tells you exactly what the car is doing at that specific moment. You can see when its running on battery, petrol and when the clever recovery system is in operation.

Power is transmitted through an eight-speed automatic and to be honest, its best left to its own devices if you want to get the best economy. Should you want to have some involvement, the steering wheel-mounted paddles are precise and responsive. TheActiveHybrid 5 is happy to travel at speeds of up to 60km/h on battery alone. Once youre on the open road and take your foot off the accelerator, the engine will cut out and the momentum will start charging the batteries through a kinetic recovery system. If you depress the brakes, theyll assist in the charging process too.

If you come to a traffic jam, the car then uses that recovered power to drive the wheels. If youre careful with the accelerator, the electric motor can get the car up to 60km/h and then the petrol engine takes over. Initially I found it quite weird seeing the rev counter sitting at 0rpm while I was doing 80km/h, but you get used to it and adapt your driving style accordingly.

BMW ActiveHybrid 5 performance

One day I decided to put the car out of Economy mode and engaged Sport. The green credentials went out the window and I was suddenly behind the wheel of a fire-breathing sports sedan that would happily chew up youngsters in their little hot hatches. The transition from careful and thrifty to snarling rocket is quite something. BMW says the ActiveHybrid 5 will hit 100km/h in under 6 seconds, and it certainly felt that fast. The top speed is 250km/h very quick for something thats marketed as a hybrid!

This then is the ultimate wolf in sheeps clothing car. A complete Jekyll-and-Hyde vehicle. On one hand you have the tried-and-trusted 3.0-litre engine that offers fantastic performance and sounds meaty, while on the other hand theres a cutting edge technological marvel that has only one thing on its mind: fuel-saving efficiency. The technology is so good and comprehensive that Ill have to do a separate post on it!

Now Ill happily admit that I follow the growth of hybrid vehicles quite closely and I find them interesting. Im genuinely interested in the engineering behind the vehicle and how car companies try their hardest to make their vehicles fun and entertaining, yet still being environmentally conscious. I was initially quite sceptical when seeing the ActiveHybrid 5 on paper for the first time. Why make a hybrid vehicle with a high-performing engine?

BMW ActiveHybrid 5 conclusion

Yes, the 3.0-litre is a great engine but its thirstier than, say the equivalent diesel motor. Theres absolutely nothing wrong with the 530d/535d either, both are terrific cars. Its interesting to note that the ActiveHybrid 5 costs R760 979, while the 535i retails for R684 386 and the 535d goes for R780 394. Its good positioning in my opinion. If you have a petrol 535i, youll probably burn the deficit in petrol over a few years anyway!

Simply, this is the most popular engine in the 5-Series and the ActiveHybrid 5 combines great performance with fuel-saving ability. So if you want a fast, executive 535i and dont want to be spending time at the fuel pumps, then this car has your name on it. Its not going to win any economy battles against the oil-burning brigade, but it will save you Rands here and there, while still being a thoroughly entertaining drive that has a surprisingly decent amount of standard specification. The technology is very impressive and I look forward to seeing it applied to future models.

BMW ActiveHybrid 5 price in South Africa

The BMW ActiveHybrid 5 retails for R760 979.

We like:
·         Very clever car
· Great specification
·         Best of both worlds
·         Reasonably light on fuel

We dont like:
· You could get better economy from a 535d.
· Seems a little expensive

BMW ActiveHybrid 5 specifications

Engine: 3.0-litre, six-cylinder, petrol, electric motor
Power:                 225 kW @ 5 800 rpm
Torque:                400 N.m @ 1 200 rpm
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Wheels: 18-inch
0-100 km/h:        5.9 seconds (claimed)
Fuel economy: 6.4l/100km (claimed combined cycle)

Also consider:
Lexus GS450h
BMW 535d