The Fab Four: Top New Executive Motors To Look Out For
by Tim Barnes-Clay, the man behind the wheel.
Date: 24 October 2010
AN EXECUTIVE car is an essential tool of the trade for many business folk. Getting from one meeting to the next with minimal stress and creating the right company image are all part of the reason why a car is still an important element of the budget.
Of course, especially in the economic climate, everybody wants best value, and motor manufacturers have had to adapt accordingly. That's why, these days, cars with a bit of class can offer an awful lot for the money. Here are four which are new to the scene, and worth looking out for:
Audi A7 Sportback
The A7 Sportback will project the Vorsprung durch Technik brand into yet another new segment when it joins the UK range in January, priced from £42,925.
The new A7 Sportback will initially offer a choice of four FSI petrol and TDI engines delivering exhilarating pulling power with limousine-like polish.
The naturally aspirated 204PS 2.8-litre FSI and supercharged 300PS 3.0-litre TFSI petrol units will be complemented by two versions of the acclaimed 3.0-litre TDI in 204PS and 245PS forms.
In terms of size the new A7 Sportback stands almost toe to toe with the current A6 Saloon, although its elegantly tapered coupe roofline ensures that it sits even more purposefully on the road. The executive class dimensions are reflected in executive class interior space for up to four adults. And when luggage takes precedence, up to 1,390 litres of capacity can be made available.
Two specification levels - SE and S line – will be offered in the UK, and an impressive ‘core’ equipment list will be common to both. This will include xenon headlamps with LED tail lamps, powered tailgate operation, leather upholstery, electric seat adjustment and heating, cruise and parking controls, satellite navigation, the Audi Music Interface, DAB digital radio and Bluetooth phone preparation.
Drivers with a greater bias towards economy will be well catered for with fuel economy up to 53.3mpg, and CO2 as little as 139g/km.
Volvo V60
Volvo has announced prices for the all-new V60 sports wagon, with first customer deliveries starting in December.
Available in four trim levels and with a choice of four petrol and two diesel engines, the V60 sports wagon will start from £23,145 for the 150PS T3 ES model, rising to £37,895 for the flagship 304PS T6 AWD SE Lux Geartronic model.
CO2 emissions range from 142g/km - 237g/km.
The V60 features coupé-like lines and a pronounced wedge shape that enhances the car’s stance on the road and emphasises the dynamic design. R-Design models, featuring more dynamic styling and chassis enhancements, will also be offered.
The UK is expected to be one of the largest markets for this special edition version, with upgrades including 18” alloys and revised dampers that result in a stiffer chassis for enhanced driver enjoyment. Inside, the driver and front passenger sit in executive class sports seats featuring leather and textile upholstery.
The interior also features an R-Design steering wheel, gear selector, sports pedals and floor-mats. R-Design models are priced from £25,695.
VW Phaeton
Following its debut at the Beijing Motor Show earlier this year, Volkswagen has announced pricing and specification for the new Phaeton saloon - available to order now.
Prices for the revised luxury model start at £46,195 for the 3.0-litre V6 TDI 240 PS engine, while the 6.0-litre W12 450 PS model costs £78,685 on the road.
CO2 emissions range from 224g/km – 348g/km.
The new Phaeton features a re-profiled front end which comprises bi-xenon headlights with LED running lights. Newly designed rear lights sit above a revised bumper, while fresh alloy wheel designs complete the exterior changes.
Inside the revised cabin, a satellite navigation system is fitted as standard which, for the first in a Volkswagen, can be chosen with optional Google Maps. Other standard executive equipment includes adjustable air suspension, leather upholstery, 18-way adjustable electric seats and one of the most advanced air conditioning systems in the world.
All new Phaeton models continue to offer comprehensive safety and security equipment as standard, including 4MOTION four-wheel drive.
Lexus CT 200h
The new Lexus CT 200h is the first full hybrid vehicle to be launched in the premium compact segment.
Having just gone into production, the car is set to provide a new gateway to the Lexus range and is designed to attract new customers to the brand.
Lexus claims that the five-door car, with emissions of just 96g/km CO2, will address the requirements of environmentally conscious customers, while still delivering quality, refinement and driving pleasure.
In profile, the steeply raked windscreen and long, flowing roofline combine to create an elegant and distinctive silhouette. The front and rear corners have been pulled in tight and the wings are styled to improve airflow down the sides of the vehicle.
In spite of its compact design, the CT 200h offers a roomy, executive interior. The 2,600mm wheelbase allows for spacious front and rear passenger accommodation and there is a luggage capacity of 345 litres.
The Lexus Hybrid Drive system in the CT 200h combines a 1.8-litre VVT-i petrol engine with a powerful electric motor. Using the electric motor on its own means zero fuel consumption and zero CO2 emissions. Unfortunately the drawback is that the car can only run in this setting for 1.2 miles at a top speed of 28mph. On sale for around £21,000, first deliveries will arrive into the UK in early 2011.
