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Audi e-Tron

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We love our cars here at How To Kill An Hour and cars are getting more and more technological. If not for the tech inside the car, such as sound systems and air con, but the actual car itself. Electric cars are becoming more and more popular and there’s more choice on the market too. So we decided to check out Audi’s first fully electric production vehicle. The Audi e-Tron.

Turning Audi’s well-known e-tron technology into a series. The car has tons of personal space, a fantastic and a powerful driving experience all thrown into an SUV. An all electric SUV at that. This thing is a beast and can handle anything you throw at it, it will handle city driving with ease and will handle countryside driving with a breeze. It’s the ultimate everyday use car.

Power consumption, combined*: 26.4–21.8 kWh/100km (NEDC); 23.6–21.0 kWh/100km (WLTP)CO₂ emissions, combined*: 0 g/km

Audi’s Electric Drive.

The e-tron is powered by two electric motors. Allowing the SUV, bearing in mind this thing is a beast. To go from 0-100km/h stupidly quick. During our tests Marcus estimates it’s around 5-6 seconds. So that’s comparable to a sports car. The Audi e-Tron is also all-wheel drive, allowing you to have optimal traction and handling in any driving condition. So, that’s right, you guessed it. Off roading!

The quattro drive can be switched on when required and the results are that which are specific to the situation that you are in. You’ll get situation specific torque distribution, flexible control of the axle movements!

Charing Solutions

Audi are great as they offer you various different ways to charge at home.

You can either use the standard mobile charging system, which allows you to use a household 23oV household outlet or a 400 volt three phase outlet.

Or you can use an optional “Connect” charging system. This doubles the charging power to as much as 22kW. Combined with a home energy management system this will offer some intelligent functions. As charging when electric is less expensive, or with solar electricity. If you have it of course. This will need a photovaltaic system if you choose this route of charging.

You can control all charging processes as well as pre-heating and pre-cooling via the myAudi app!

If you are just using the car for everyday driving, you won’t need to stop at charging stations. While if you are on a long trip you are able to use fast charging stations, which will use DC (direct current) at up to 150kW. This is a first for series production vehicles. This will allow the Audi e-Tron to get set for the next stretch of a long distance drive, all within half an hour!

It can also be charged using AC (Alternating Current) though this will take longer, recharging at 22kW is also available as an option.

Audi e-Tron design.

The car looks amazing, there;s no doubt about that. Not only does it look great the insides are just as good.

The Audi Virtual cockpit is amazing, it has a sleek display and it stands virtually free in space and can display the optional virtual exterior mirrors. The navigation system will also intelligently give you suggestions based on previous routes!

Listen to the guys chatting about this here!

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Need A New Car? These Top Tips Should Help You Decide

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There comes a time in life when you have to put down your electric scooter and upgrade to something a bit more substantial to get you from A to B. Getting a new car is one of the most rewarding ventures, and choosing one that fits your own specific needs couldn’t be simpler. Following a few basic guidelines can help you sort through the thousands upon thousands that are on offer today, and help you to make the most of any test drives you plan for cars that you’re potentially interested in. So, if you need to buy a new or even your first car, then read on for some of the best top tips to aid you in making the right choice!

 

Set Your Budget

 

Before you even start looking for a car, you have to set your budget. Looking at vehicles that are completely out of your price range will only leave you disappointed when you feel as though you are ‘settling’ for a cheaper make and model. Secure an amount that you can definitely stick to, and begin searching for cars that are less than this number. Don’t be afraid to search for second hand vehicles, as despite them having a previous owner, they can still provide you with all of the usual services at a fraction of the price. For example, a brows though a used Audi Q range can offer you some really great prices for SUVs which although they have been used previously, they have been looked after very well with low mileages, valeted to a high standard – what’s not to love? 

 

Petrol Or Electric?

 

With such an increase in investment in the electric car industry, the following question is becoming more and more common: do you really want or need a petrol powered vehicle? Though there is such a wealth of different makes and models that run on petrol, or even diesel, buying an electric car might just be a smart investment. They offer all of the usual services and features of their gas counterparts, but are much more environmentally friendly, and are said to be much cheaper to run and maintain. The main issue with electric cars is finding a charging point when you are out and about, as they are much less common than petrol stations, which could leave you in need of a tow on more than one occasion. 

 

Always Do A Test Drive

 

One of the most important things you must always do before purchasing any car is perform a test drive in the vehicle. That very reasonable price tag might be down to an issue that’s not listed in the advert, and this could leave you out of pocket with a car that doesn’t work. Even if you just go for a short spin around the block, you will get the chance to listen to the car, and test the steering and motor for any obvious faults. 

 

So, what are you waiting for? for? Get out there and find your next car today!

Luxury Tunes

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When you’re looking at luxury cars, sure you could get sucked into engine size, handling and performance. The interior styling is definitely worth some consideration and types of headlights count for something, but when you spend hours on the road, what you really need to know is how the in-car infotainment system stacks up.

 

In this blog, for people looking for that next luxury car purchase, we take a look at five infotainment systems and what they offer you for your money:

 

Audi

 

This so-called “virtual cockpit” is definitely up there when it comes to enhancing your driving experience. Featuring controls that translate to either steering wheel or the mounted interface, the Audi’s system is easy to access while you’re driving.

 

You’ll also benefit from Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and functions that allow you to limit interaction from teen drivers and impressive voice control.

 

BMW

 

With a long standing reputation for affordable luxury, the BMW’s infotainment system matches its impressive track record.

 

Easily integrated with your smartphone and smartwatch, the BMW system also connects to Amazon Echo and offers wireless smartphone charging.

 

You’ll find a few minor differences between the 5 and 7 series models but the concept remains the same and is a solid option both for entertainment and navigation.

 

Jaguar

 

At the top end of the range we have the Jaguar. With its famed design and performance power, the Jaguar doesn’t scrimp on the tech side either. The InControl Touch interface offers drivers customisable voice controls, talk-to-text functions, Spotify and Stitcher streaming Apps.

 

Naturally, you’ll be able to sync it to all your smart devices, which makes the New Jaguar F-Type well worth a look at.

 

Alfa Romeo

 

The more basic of these options, the interface still offers three USB ports with all controls featured on the central console.

 

A larger screen option is available in some models.

 

Land Rover

 

If you’re a fan of these luxury SUVs then you’ll be pleased with the options the Land Rover’s infotainment system offers you. In fact, this one needs no further explanation except to say that Land Rover and Jaguar share their interfaces, so you’ll find the same model in the Land Rover and Land Rover Sport as you would in many Jaguar saloon models.

 

It’s a great piece of technology and it’s no wonder these two giants have opted to install it in their vehicles.

 

We know that a great system isn’t the be all and end all when it comes to choosing your luxury car, but it is important. You’re looking for smart integration between your smartphone or watch and your car. For so many people, the car is an extension of the office so having access to your contacts by voice control is essential when you take those calls on the road.

 

If you’re willing to spend out on a luxury vehicle then don’t compromise on your tech. Find a vehicle that gives you the best of all worlds, with powerful performance, sleek curves and technology to match.