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Video: The Ferrari FF is it worth it?

Video: The Ferrari FF is it worth it?

Even down here in Devon we have been lucky, on several occasions, to see a Ferrari FF on the road – although it was always the same blue one!

But this new four seater has caused a stir with Ferrari fans as. like Marmite, you either love it or hate it. Add the price tag of £227,000 and this ‘bread van‘ (as some people describe it) becomes a real talking point.

We doubt we’ll ever get to try out this new ultra sophisticated Ferrari down here in the South West, even if we do have some ideal roads to try out the new unique  four wheel drive system from Marenello. With its four seats and a boot capacity of 450 litres (up to 800 with the seats down) we could also see if it really is the best car for the school run!

Autocar‘s Steve Sutcliffe has recently tried out the FF to see if all the technology, V12 engine and, dare we say, prcaticality really does make this car value for money!

So what do you think of the Ferrari FF? Let us know!

Video: Ferrari FF tries snowy rally stage

Video: Ferrari FF tries snowy rally stage

What happens when a former World Rally Champion gets behind the wheel of the new Ferrari FF for a challenge on a forest track completely covered in snow?

This exceptional event was captured on camera by Ferrari.com, who followed this very special day for Markku Alen on the Arjeplog track, in Northern Sweden, about 100 km South of the Artic Circle. The track is probably the most challenging surface for Ferrari’s latest 12-cylinder which features an innovative 4RM four-wheel drive system that has fascinated the international press and clients, and was highly praised by Markku, the Finnish ice track specialist and winner of the World Rally Championship in 1978.

At temperatures between -15° and -30° Celsius on the steep inclines and challenging corners of the 14km “Forest” track, Markku Alen was able to test the Ferrari FF to extremes, particularly the car’s traction on surfaces with extremely low grip. Thanks to the perfect weight distribution and the car’s mechanical set up, the Ferrari FF again demonstrated its safety, stability and performance, with Markku commenting that the FF is especially enjoyable to drive, even for a former World Champion.

Subaru announces prices for new XV crossover

Subaru announces prices for new XV crossover

Subaru has announced pricing and specification levels for its new All-Wheel Drive crossover vehicle, the XV.  Priced from £21,295 for entry level 1.6i S models, the latest addition to the Japanese brand’s stable is set to firmly establish itself as one of the most capable and best-value-for-money compact crossovers currently available.

The five-star Euro NCAP-rated Subaru XV – officially certified as the safest vehicle in its class and which scores particularly highly for child occupant safety – combines style and functionality with generous levels of standard-fit equipment, making it more than a match for many of its established compact crossover rivals.

Every XV is equipped with two core Subaru technologies – Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and a Boxer engine – ensuring that this new vehicle feels both engaging and incredibly safe to drive, in all conditions.  Subaru is confident that the XV will thoroughly satisfy the needs of existing customers, while also attracting new consumers to the brand.

 

Three Euro V-compliant Boxer engines are offered with the new XV: 1.6 and 2.0-litre petrol, and 2.0-litre diesel.  The 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre petrol engines develop 114ps and 150ps respectively, while the 2.0-litre diesel produces 147ps and 350Nm.  The go-anywhere XV is available with a choice of either a five and six-speed manual or a six-speed CVT automatic (petrol only).

Reaching 60mph in 9.3 seconds, the 2.0 diesel XV – likely to be the best-selling variant in the UK – offers class-leading fuel economy of 50.4mpg on the combined cycle, while emitting 146g/km of CO2.  Subaru’s XV also features the highest ground clearance and lowest centre of gravity in class, making it a highly capable performer both on and off road.

Even entry-level S models feature a standard kit list to make many models from premium compact SUV manufacturers blush.  Buyers can expect to find ABS, traction control, Subaru Vehicle Dynamics Control (SVDC), front, side, curtain and knee airbags, 17-inch alloy wheels, daytime LED running lights and automatic air conditioning as standard.

SE models add cruise control, rear-view camera, Bluetooth functionality and USB/iPod connectivity.  Meanwhile, top-of-the-range SE Lux Premium models also come with a sunroof, Keyless Smart Entry, push-button start, leather seats and satellite navigation.  All 2.0-litre models are fitted with roof rails.

Petrol-powered XV models benefit from Subaru’s new fuel-saving Auto Start Stop System as standard, boosting fuel savings in congested traffic.  It was the aim of Subaru engineers to make the engine cut-out virtually unnoticeable to the driver, and they achieved this with a time lapse between stop and start of approximately 0.2 seconds, one of the fastest currently available.

Pricing for the new XV range starts at £21,295 for the 1.6i S models, and rises to £29,995 for the range-topping 2.0D SE Lux Premium. For more information about the XV or the rest of the Subaru line-up, visit Subaru online.

Five star Euro NCAP rating for new Subaru XV

Five star Euro NCAP rating for new Subaru XV

The new Subaru XV has been awarded the maximum five-star safety rating in the latest round of Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment Programme) safety performance tests.

The latest crossover vehicle from the Japanese All-Wheel-Drive specialists scored particularly highly in the occupant protection category and was praised for its full complement of safety equipment.

Euro NCAP’s safety performance test – the industry standard across the continent and one of the most rigorous programmes in the world – has previously awarded the Subaru Impreza and Legacy/Outback with the five-star safety rating, but Subaru have further enhanced occupant safety in its latest model.

‘Whilst we naturally anticipated such a result for our fantastic new XV crossover, this further underpins the vehicle’s credentials as a ground breaking all-rounder, and one that will appeal to young families in particular with its inherent safety characteristics’, said Kenyon Neads, Marketing Director, Subaru (UK) Ltd.

The XV benefits from Subaru’s symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) system, as well as the introduction of an advanced impact energy relay structure, ensuring the driver and passengers are well-protected in the event of a collision.  This modern design makes use of high-tensile steel to improve safety and reduce weight throughout the car.

Dual front and side airbags are also installed as standard, with driver’s knee, curtain and torso airbags ensuring the car scored maximum points for side protection.  VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control – Subaru’s version of ESP), which provides greater stability through the use of sensors throughout the AWD system, is also provided as standard across the XV model range.