< PreviousCHALLENGINGCONVENTION90 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYSomeone once said,‘the greatest progressmade is by pushing thestatus quo, not byconforming to it’ andthis is certainly true forthe motor industrywhich is reinventingitself to produce someof the leanest, greenestcars ever… CHALLENGINGCONVENTIONPHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/PHILIP LANGE 090-091:Layout 1 15/9/14 10:17 Page 1urrently cars are achieving around 135g/km but the motor industry is hardat work to bring this figure way down. In fact by 2020 they expect to improvetheir cars to the extent where a typical family car will produce less than 90g/kmand fuel efficiencies of over 300mpg.So, what innovations are currently being researched by manufacturers, andhow will the cars of the not so distant future be propelled? Here’s a fewexamples of the technology we can expect to see..The most obvious perhaps is engines with variable compression ratios. Detailsare naturally being closely guarded but in simple terms, what this means is thatan engine’s compression ratio will vary according to the demands placed on itand this will undoubtedly mean leaner greener combustion engines.Next up is a bit of a coup for us Brits – a flywheel system, that drives the rearwheels of a front-wheel-drive car (or perhaps the front wheels of a rear wheeldrive car) It’s genius, really - the flywheel uses ‘kinetic ‘energy that wouldotherwise be wasted and then releases it, just like an electric motor or batterywould - but without the cost or weight involved. Then there’s free-wheeling technology, which is simplicity in itself andsomething that this old sage recalls was used in Saab’s 96 cars when travellingdownhill although a rather fiddly manual switch needed to be set to allow this.The new systems will be far more fluid than that though. In fact, somemanufacturers already use the technology in part where they fit cars with dual-clutch automatic gearboxes. The next generation of free-wheeling technology,however, will kick in at low speeds and the intention is to take that one stepfurther so that the transmission can decouple allowing the engine tosimultaneously shut-down when cruising at speed or travelling downhill, forexample.Last, but by no means least, is the electric turbocharger which uses apowerful fan in the engine’s induction system - blowing air through the turbowhenever the engine decelerates. This inturn would spin the turbo fan up to speedand provide full boost as soon as the driverdepresses the accelerator again.Of course, there will be moreinnovations as the industry researches newmethods of propulsion and these almostall relate to improving the efficiencies ofthe humble combustion engine – inventedin a day and age when production ofpetroleum began and the dangers ofburning fossil fuels weren’t evenconsidered. The industry is certainly changing, ascan be seen from the latest offerings frommanufacturers, but the next five years islikely to see acceleration in innovation, notto mention design and style. LINCOLNSHIRETODAY91COUNTY MOTORINGPHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COMMAKSIM TOOMEPHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/BETTO RODRIGUESC090-091:Layout 1 15/9/14 10:18 Page 2“Where did that come from?” Howmany times has that happened whenyou’re just about to pull out of ajunction? You get the pounding heartand feeling of relief that comes from aclose shave. Failing to see anothervehicle, cyclist or pedestrian and poorjudgement are the biggest causes ofcollisions and serious injuries. The eyeand brain all too often fail to pick upother vehicles and the consequences canbe devastating.There are a number of ways to try andavoid this. Firstly make sure you lookproperly – a quick glance can easily misssomething. Look again beforecommitting yourself –you give yourself asecond chance to see approachingvehicles.When pulling out from the kerb orovertaking, use both your rear viewmirror and your wing mirror as they givedifferent perspectives. It’s also worthchecking over your shoulder just beforeyou commit, as it gives a final chance tosee something right on top of you andcover any blind spot your mirrors have.Pedestrians and cyclists are just as likelyto get caught out. Using phones or iPodscreates an added problem as they distractand deaden your sense of hearing.When you’re approaching junctions onthe main road ease off the accelerator alittle and move out slightly towards thecentre of the road if safe to do so. If adriver coming out of the junction fails tosee you, this will give a bit more timeand space.Remember the old advert “Think once,think twice, think bike”? It applies just asmuch now as it ever did but for all roadusers and all vehicles.A close shaveAs North Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership point out, failing to take a closerlook while driving can have dire consequences92 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYCOUNTY MOTORING092:Layout 1 15/9/14 08:37 Page 1The new BMW 2 Series Active TourerThe UltimateDriving MachineEVERYDAY EXCEPTIONAL.Soper of LincolnRoman Way, South Hykeham, LincolnLincolnshire LN6 9UHJOIN US FOR THE ULTIMATE PICNIC TO CELEBRATE THE LAUNCH OF THE NEW BMW 2 SERIES ACTIVE TOURER ON 27 SEPTEMBER.To discover our countryside launch location and reserve your place, please visit www.soperbmw.co.uk If you would like to book a test drive*, contact us on 01522 690000.Official fuel economy figures for the new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer range: Urban 43.5–60.1mpg (6.5–4.7l/100km). Extra Urban 61.4–76.3mpg (4.6–3.7l/100km). Combined 53.3–68.9mpg (5.3–4.1l/km). CO2 emissions 124–109g/km.Figures may vary depending on driving style and conditions. *Test drive is subject to applicant status and availability.093:Layout 1 12/9/14 14:24 Page 1The times theyare a-changin’94 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYIn fact, BMW's 2 Series Active Tourermarks a huge change for the Bavarianmanufacturer as it's their first ever MPVand the first time ever that they'vedesigned a BMW with front-wheel drive. They have of course had unprecedentedsuccess with the front wheel drive Miniand this has presumably been the catalystto use it in the 2 series active to producenot only a spacious and versatile MPVbutalso a car with sporty performance andincredible efficiency. To coin BMW'swords, “dynamism, style, elegance andpracticality in one cleverly packaged car.”Marginally longer than a BMW 1 Series,the new Tourer combines compactdimensions on the outside with a spaciousfeel on the inside. It's also quiteThe times theyare a-changin’distinctively styled with that low-slung,sporty appearance we all associate withthe BMW coupe range - a double kidneygrille, positioned lower than theheadlights, and a clearly defined andsculpted bonnet rising up to a steeplyraked windscreen. In the cockpit, though, the driver andfront passenger enjoy a far higher seatingposition than in a saloon giving acommanding all-round view and makingit easier to get in and out. Inside, theamount of light flooding in gives the 2series a bright and airy feel which can befurther enhanced with the addition of apanoramic glass roof. Drivers can choose from two newlydeveloped engines, a three-cylinder134bhp 1.5-litre petrol turbo, or a 2.0-litrefour-cylinder 148bhp diesel, although awider choice of engines, including a 216d,220d, and the option of a versatile four-wheel drive version, are also planned forthe line-up. Whichever engine you chooseyou can be assured of a comfortable, quietride even at high speeds. As you'd expect, BMW has done agreat job with the handling too withprecise positive steering and start stoptechnology when driving in urban areas. In terms of versatility, it seems clear agood deal of thought has gone into thecar, too. Take the cargo area, forexample, access to which is easy thanksto a large, broad, wide-opening tailgate,which also features push buttonBob Dylan coined the phrasebut nowhere could this be truerthan at BMW094-095:Layout 1 15/9/14 10:19 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY95COUNTY MOTORINGautomatic opening and closing, or theSmart-Opener function where a quickflick of the foot sets it in motion. Theload bay enlarges from 468 to 1510litres, with the seats down and the40:20:40 split-folding rear seats exemplifythis model’s excellent everydaypracticality. Flexibility is further enhancedby a sliding rear seat, allowing eitherknee room or luggage space to beincreased or decreased as required. Evenits backrest can be adjusted to recline forthe three rear seats or sat more uprightfor extra luggage space.One particularly clever touch is thefoldable boot floor that conceals astorage compartment with a handymultifunction tray. Lashing points andbag hooks, one on either side of the rearcompartment, show that no stone hasbeen left unturned. In addition to the entry level version,Sport, Luxury and M Sport models makeup the line up. The Sport model placesthe emphasis on the dynamic side, whilethe Luxury model is all about eleganceand exclusivity. The standard specification for this latestedition to the BMW range includesautomatic tailgate, two-zone automatic airconditioning, rear Park Distance Controland BMW Emergency Call. The 40:20:40split folding rear seat also has electronicfolding functionality.Additionally, you can expect Bluetoothwith USB interface and audio streamingfunctionality, BMW Professional radiowith single CD player and 6.5-inchmonitor, DAB digital radio, PerformanceControl, Comfort Go keyless engine startand Drive Performance Control with ECOPRO, Comfort and Sport modes are alsoincluded. Rain sensor with automaticheadlight activation, Sport multi-functionleather steering wheel and an additional12V power socket complete the standardspecification highlights.Sport models come with 17-inch Sportalloy wheels, Sport front seats, LEDambient lighting, Black High-gloss trimand Sport enhancements to the exteriorstyling while the luxury models have 17-inch Luxury alloy wheels, Dakota leatherupholstery, LED ambient lighting,Chromeline exterior, Fineline Streamwood trim and Luxury enhancements toexterior styling. Luxury models cost£2000 over an SE.A host of standard and optionalfunctions make driving even safer, likethe full colour Head-Up Display whichextends out between the steering wheeland windscreen, enabling drivers to viewall key information without having todivert their attention from the road.There's also the new PedestrianWarning with City Braking function,which should the system detect apedestrian, or a stationary vehicle, it willemit an audible and visible signal to warnthe driver, and prime the brakes. If thedriver fails to react, the system actsautonomously to reduce vehicle speed.Then there's the Parking Assistant,which helps the driver look forappropriate parallel parking spaces usingultrasound sensors on the left and right-hand sides of the vehicle and onceidentified takes charge of the steering,leaving the driver to focus onaccelerating, braking and switchingbetween forward and reverse gears.All in all, it’s one hugely intelligentpackage which has to be test driven tobe believed - prices start at £22,125.Test car courtesy of Soper ofLincoln, Tel: 01522 690000094-095:Layout 1 15/9/14 10:20 Page 2Outer Circle Road, Lincoln, Lincolnshire LN2 4LD 01522 806200 charleswarner.co.uk CHARLES WARNER MITSUBISHIBook a test driveFROM £14,999 - £24,6491MITSUBISHIASX RANGE1. Prices start from £14,999 for ASX 2 1.6 petrol to £24,649 for ASX 4 2.2 diesel 4WD auto. Model shown is an ASX 4 1.8 diesel 4WD at £23,249. Prices shown include VAT (at 20%), exclude VED and First Registration Fee. Prices correct at time of going to print. Metallic paint extra. 2. Finance is through Finance Mitsubishi 116 Cockfosters Rd, Barnet, EN4 0DY and is subject to status to customers aged 18 and over. Indemnities may be required. Finance Mitsubishi is part of Lloyds Bank Asset Finance. Finance offers are only applicable in the UK (excludes Northern Ireland, Channel Islands & I.O.M) and may be amended or withdrawn at any time. We may receive commission or other benefits for introducing you to Finance Mitsubishi. Offer available at participating dealers between 1st July and 30th September 2014. Fuel figures shown are official EU test figures, to be used as a guide for comparative purposes and may not reflect real driving results.ASX range fuel consumption in mpg (ltrs/100km): Urban 36.7 – 46.3 (7.7 – 6.1), Extra Urban 55.4 - 65.7 (5.1 – 4.3), Combined 47.1 – 56.5 (6.0 – 5.0), CO2 emissions 153 - 131 g/km.FIVE STAR EURO NCAPOPTIONAL 4WDOPTIONALAUTOGREAT FINANCEOPTIONS2096-097:Layout 1 15/9/14 10:21 Page 1Crossing over Crossing over Last month we reported on a number of crossover vehicles, following which Mitsubishi offered us the opportunityto put their compact SUV, the Mitsubishi ASX, through its paces; a vehicle that up until now had eluded us.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY97COUNTY MOTORINGFirst impressions are good, judging bythe response as it arrives at LincolnshireToday. The team love the sculptedbonnet and the way the front grille andheadlights express its heritage. Theinterior is equally praiseworthy on our 1.8Di-D, which in addition to air-conditioning, electric windows, heatedseats, automatic lights and wipers alsofeatures luxuries such as cruise control,wheel-mounted stereo controls, leatherseats, sat-nav, Bluetooth and USB. There'seven a reversing camera and panoramicglass roof! Of course, Mitsubishi have beenmaking utility vehicles for some time nowand it seems evident that the level ofexpertise they have gained over theyears, on larger models, has all gone intothe ASX.For starters, although more compact insize than any other Mitsubishi, it's still aproper SUV. Built on the same platform asits larger stablemate the MitsubishiOutlander, it comes complete withMacPherson struts at the front and multi-link set-up at the rear. This translates intophenomenal road holding and comfort onLincolnshire's A and B roads even whetherthe vehicles loaded full of passengers andtheir luggage or unloaded. There's alsoplenty of space inside too, with rearpassengers getting more head and legroom than almost any car inits class. In fact, whenthe seats arefolded flat, the ASX has a far better load-carrying capacity than many of thecrossovers we reported on last monthalmost 25% more than some! Anotheradvantage of using the Outlander platformis, of course, that it cuts manufacturingcosts, making the ASX more affordable todrivers.Our front-wheel drive 1.8-litre diesel isalso a world first - being one of the firstturbo diesel engines within the passengervehicle market to be fitted with variablevalve timing. An already proven feature onmany petrol engines that transforms theperformance and enhances economy andemissions, Mitsubishi have found a way tofit this to their diesel model which alsoassists with greater levels of low downtorque.So, how does the ASX perform? Well,behind the wheel it's simplicity itself to geta comfortable position, thanks to the allelectric adjusters - and, yes, the steeringwheel adjusts too. All the instruments arecrisp and easy to read and laid out in alogical order to ensure the driver can focuson the road ahead and as long as you havethe key on you, or in thecar you justdepressthe clutch while pressing the start buttonand you're away. That low-down torque we mentionedseems obvious from the off and the sixspeed box ensures maximum flexibilitywith fuel economy of up to 50mpg.Taking the car along some of the county'swinding B roads we find the ASX offersample grip so decent speed through thewinding bends. The ASX absorbs the worst of roadsurfaces - and, lets face it, there's plenty ofthem in Lincolnshire to choose from - andproves a comfortable ride throughout.We'd even go so far as to say it's one ofthe most economical and powerful cars inits class. With the ultra low CO2 emissionsof 145g/km, there's savings on the annualroad tax and, of course, company cardrivers are going to love it. The range doesn't stop at the 1.8diesel powered version. There's also a 1.6petrol and a range topping 2.2 DI-D fourwheel drive auto to choose from, andwith prices starting at just over £15,000that's got to make it an attractiveproposition.Test car courtesy ofCharles Warner Lincoln.096-097:Layout 1 15/9/14 10:21 Page 298 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYWHAT’SONBostonFriday 10th OctoberPaul Daniels and Debbie McGee, BlackfriarsTheatreTwo of the UK’s favourite entertainers are taking tothe road again this autumn with another fantasticevening of their favourite magic tricks and brand newillusions never performed in public before. Paul andDebbie haven’t stopped since they burst onto ourscreens in 1979 and this will be an evening full ofcomedy and amazement. Show starts 7.30pm, tickets£17.50 from 01205 363108.GainsboroughFriday 24th OctoberThe Neil Diamond Story, Trinity Arts CentreAs Neil Diamond prepares to mark fifty years at thetop of his profession, singer and guitarist Bob Drury,described as the UK’s ‘Voice of Neil’, celebrates the lifeand work of this musical legend. Featuring iconic songsfrom a hit filled musical career alongside much lovedalbum tracks and more recent acoustic material, Bob’sone-man show is a ‘must see’ for all Diamond fans.Show starts 7.30pm, tickets £12 from 01427 676655.Saturday 26th OctoberThe Legend of Love – Bolshoi Ballet Live fromMoscow, Trinity Arts CentreThis splendid tale of forbidden love, self-sacrifice,jealousy and suffering returns to the Bolshoi stage aftera ten year absence, and will be broadcast live to theTrinity Arts Centre. The Legend of Love is one of Yuri098-101:Layout 1 15/9/14 10:43 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY99WHAT’S ONGrigorovich’s earliest choreographic works,and its storyline explores the conflictbetween love and duty through its twoheroines. Featuring dance movements, setsand costumes inspired by the Middle East,this stunning ballet, which uses pure danceto tell the story, is further enriched by thetalent of the Bolshoi troupe. Show starts3pm, tickets £15 from 01427 676655.GrimsbySunday 19th OctoberExample, Grimsby AuditoriumSinger, songwriter, producer, occasionalrapper and all round king of the clubbanger Example is set to once againtransform venues into colossal partyscenes. The aim of this tour is to cover thewhole of the UK and he will be joined byspecial guests Delta Heavy. Doors 7pm,tickets £28.50 from 0844 871 3016.LincolnThursday 2nd to Friday 10thOctoberLincoln Comedy FestivalThe seventh Lincoln Comedy Festivalfeatures a mix of established acts, theleading emerging talents on the UKcomedy circuit and something a littledifferent. At the Drill Hall, Engine Shedand Lincoln Performing Arts Centre areshows from Cardinal Burns, BridgetChristie, Marcus Brigstocke, Gary Delaneyand many more, For more informationvisit www.lincolncomedyfestival.co.uk.Friday 17th OctoberRat Pack Live, Theatre RoyalBoasting stars from the West End, abrand-new spectacular featuring the kingsof swing – Sammy Davis Jr, Dean Martinand Frank Sinatra – is coming to Lincoln.The show combines the sound of bigband swing with an all-star cast. MarkHalliday has performed as Dean Martin tocritical acclaim both in the West End andin international touring productions.Stephen Rashbrook as Frank Sinatra hasplayed Ol’ Blue Eyes in the West End andformer professional footballer Jim Whitleyhas extensively toured the UK as bothSammy Davis Jr and Nat King Cole. Showstarts 7.30pm, tickets £22.50 from 01522519999.100 Example, GrimsbyAuditoriumRat Pack Live, Theatre Royal, Lincoln098-101:Layout 1 15/9/14 10:43 Page 2Next >