BMW M3 (Convertible and Sedan)

                                 

The BMW 3 Series has long been regarded as the benchmark compact sport coupe. the letter M stands for the company's Motorsports performance division.Since its launch in 1986, the BMW M3 has earned recognition  from it’s owners, reviewers and even it’s competitors.As per Driving is considered it offers long distance comfort as well as the everyday riding pleasure.
The 2013 model marks the closing of a chapter in the car’s history. The current model, launched in 2008, comes with a  4.0-liter V-8, rated at 414 horsepower and that is simply wonderful. In the currently available Coupe and Convertible variants comes a engine that sounds as good as it feels when you hop on the accelerator. This engine goes away in 2014, replaced by a more fuel-efficient turbocharged six-cylinder.
The coupe can sprint from 0-60 mph in just 4.8 seconds, while the Convertible takes almost six seconds to reach the same speed. Either car is available with a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch M-DCT gearbox, which is a great  for those who love to drive but also have to face traffic on their daily route.
The M3 has added up a few pounds but handling remains excellent. The suspension  delivers a firm and a comfortable ride.The steering lacks some of the feel of earlier M3 variants, but it’s still very good and  allows for precise positioning. Brakes are another strong point, delivering excellent pedal feel and returning impressively short stopping distances.
M3s also get specific hardware upgrades such as more powerful brakes, stiffer suspension tuning and a specialized limited-slip rear differential.As expected a full range of airbags is standard, as is electronic stability control, traction control and rollover hoops in convertible models.A new-generation M3 comes in 2013 with a smaller-capacity (six-cylinder) engine with turbochargers.So the current BMW M3 is one of the last opportunities to own one of these legendary cars powered by a normally aspirated engine.BMW hasn’t replaced the E46 CSL,  the current M3 considerably quicker than the six-cylinder CSL.
The Coupe sits low to the ground on a set of  19-inch M light-alloys designed to allow maximum airflow around the brake rotors, and one of several features included in the Competition Package.The super light carbon-fibre roof, which was a key feature of the CSL, is now standard fitment on this fourth-generation E92 M3. It effectively lowers the centre of gravity and shaves five kilos off the weight of the car.
Apart from the side skirts, front apron and split rear diffuser, the overall body panels are clean and uncluttered, but  the characteristic gills on the front side panels of the M3 remain the same which signify that it belongs to the ‘M’ family.
 The special ‘M’ plate on the door sills either, or the embossed ‘M’ in the hand stitched M sport leather steering wheel gives it a fine lookThis is what an M3 is all about, all the right equipment for exceptional driver control.The interior trim isn’t  fancy, but it’s practical and uncluttered. There is no lack of comforts in the M3; this is the best you can get in this price range. The Adaptive Bi-Xenon headlights, Comfort Access System, Park Distance Control , High Beam Assist with auto rain sensors, as well as all the latest iDrive system , which is very easy to operate and thoroughly intuitive.While Bluetooth phone connectivity is standard on the M3. Bluetooth streaming for music is not yet available on the M3. However, there is a USB interface for iPhone/MP3 connection For such a focused performance machine, the M3 offers an inordinate level of practicality far greater than the likes of Porsche’s 911 coupe. There’s plenty room for two adults in the individualised rear seats, and there is a  good deal of legroom.
Press the Start button and the four-litre V8 fires up  before settling down to a more subdued engine note. Push the accelerator and you’ll find the mighty 4.0-litre V8  spinning out  8300rpm.
Standard fit on the M3 is a six-speed manual box. More importantly, the M double-clutch option will get you from 0-100km/h in a blistering 4.6 seconds, down from 4.8 seconds for the manual.
Up ahead, there’s some clear road so  flick the miniature ‘M’ shifter to the right, engaging manual mode, and drop the throttle for a taste of what this engine has to offer. It’s not just the sound of that V8 winding up that sounds the goods; it’s more those instant race-style shifts that will have you begging for more.
There’s a reasonable level of compliance in the suspension, which provides a firm but entirely comfortable ride for passengers, and bumps are dispensed with without any harshness through the body.
At 8200rpm the gearshifts are impossibly quick, yet remarkably smooth.
There’s no such thing as body roll with an M3 either, and it doesn’t seem to matter how sharp you turn in, or how hard you push, the M3 sits bolt upright through the bends at all times.
.Driving an M3 is a special kind of experience. The starting price which is around $61,000 for the coupe or $69,000 for the convertible is what to expect with all the features and the comfort one gets riding the car.

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Audi Q5 (Allroad Vehicle)

The Q5 is  the Audi for those who want a mid-sized car but prefer an elevated driving position and enhanced ability in slippery conditions like snow or sand. The model competes with Land Rover Freelander 2, BMW X3 and Volvo XC60.The petrol options are two varients of 2.0 TFSI, the more powerful of which gets the a seven-speed  S-tronic dual-clutch gearbox, as do the 3.2-litre petrol V6 and the  diesel  3.0-litre V6.The hood and wrap-around tailgate are now made of aluminium to save weight.The 2013 Audi Q5 is very similar to the 2012 Audi Q5. However, there are some noteworthy cosmetic changes, and under the hood Audi has fitted more efficient engines and has upgraded the steering and suspension.

The new look of the front grille  is the easiest way to spot the new Q5 apart from the older one and at the same time there are also new bumpers and exhaust tailpipes, and new LEDs for the optional xenon headlights.The new upgraded engine  offers up  15% better fuel economy and 11% lower CO2 emissions. 

Bluetooth connectivity and cruise control are now standard for all models. The Q5's steering and suspension changes are minor but effective. the Q5 steers more smoothly and rides more comfortably than before. Although the ride can be rather bouncy over rough surfaces, the Q5 generally does a good job.

The handling is excellent while the steering is more consistently weighted than before and provides a decent amount of feedback through the wheel. The 2.0 TFSI 225 is usefully flexible, but it's more expensive than the cheapest 2.0 TDI version, emits 20g/km more CO2 (with a manual gearbox).As for the fuel-conscious folks, the 2013 Audi Q5 will now be available as a hybrid too. It’s equipped with the 211PS 2.0 TFSI inline-4 coupled to a 54hp electric motor drawing power from lithium-ion batteries located at the rear. Joined together by a clutch, the engine and electric motor deliver power to the wheels via an 8-speed automatic gearbox and quattro all-wheel drive. The Q5 Hybrid can travel 3.04km in pure electric mode.

Now coming to the interiors apart from some extra metallic trim and a different choice of  leather upholstery(optional), there's little that distinguishes it from its predecessor and that is great because it is practical and classy.The Q5's MMI infotainment control system isn't as user-friendly as it is in some of Audi's other models this is due to the location of its controls low down on the centre console.

Dynamically, the Q5 feels more accommodating than ever. It has added directness to the steering, a more settled ride and, thanks to standard four-wheel drive, tenacious grip and impressive levels of traction whatever the weather conditions.The new Q5 is expected to be priced around $ 38,000 for the base model.

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