If you're in the market for a new car and don't fancy a road-hogging 4x4, then perhaps the Smart car is the one for you. Part of the Daimler AG brand, the Smart car is a form of microcar created in Hambach in France and Bobligen in Germany. You might not know this about the logo, but it shows a grey 'c' and a yellow arrow, this is to represent 'compact' and the arrow is to symbolise forward thinking. It was in 1991 that Hayek shared his ideas with Volkswagen and the Smart car began the idea of concept stage development. The first idea was to create a car that ran on a three-litre fuel tank, consuming three litres per 100km driven. Hayek decided to seek support from other companies and offered his Swatchmobile project to other car manufacturers. A number of car companies rejected his designs, but Daimler-Benz AG (a subsidiary of Mercedez-Benz) decided to take it on in 1994. They began to develop concept cars that would become the first real designs for the Smart car. The assembly plant was opened in 1997 by the French President Jacques Chirac and the unveiling of the Smart city-Coupe was set for March 1998. Daimler-Benz bought out SMH's share and went into production as 'smart GmbH'. Models such as the Smart Fortwo and the Roadster soon hit the market and customers were buying and leasing a Smart car as quick and agile city run-arounds. In more recent years their electric version has been on limited release in the UK with plans to create serial production of battery-powered models over this year. One of its main selling points is its low CO2 emission figures and compact size.
There’s nothing like tackling the hilly roads of the Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, and Newport Beach areas in an efficient and eco-friendly electric vehicle like the 2017 Volkswagen e-Golf. If you’re the proud owner of this vehicle, then you’re probably enjoying the strong and fuel-efficient performance. However, in order to continue your trips and enjoy the benefits of this electric car for the years to come, you’ll want to keep up with the recommended maintenance. At Norm Reeves Volkswagen Superstore Irvine, we’re here to help drivers by giving them the important details of their 2017 VW e-Golf maintenance schedule. By following this e-Golf maintenance schedule closely, you’ll be able to keep this vehicle performing at its best and most efficient for many years and miles. In order to stay on top of your VW’s recommended maintenance, you’ll need to understand how to keep your maintenance schedule organized. You’ll see a list with specific mileage intervals, along with a few important services and inspections that you’ll need to have performed when your vehicle reaches the corresponding mileage. You’ll also need to have these services repeated throughout the years in order to keep your electric car in great condition.
10,000 Miles: At 10,000 miles, you’ll have some minor, but important, services that you’ll need to have performed on your vehicle. This includes a thorough inspection of your e-Golf’s brake pads and discs to see their condition, and address any signs of premature wear. Your battery should also be inspected at this visit. 20,000 Miles: While the previously listed services can be performed during this interval, there’s also a wide variety of services you’ll want performed. This includes checking the brake fluid, the coolant level, and the eMotor and its components for any leaks or damages. There will also need to be a pretty meticulous inspection of your vehicle’s high-voltage charging components including the connections, as well as the exterior features like the head lights, turn signals, brake lights, and the hazard lights. 40,000 Miles: All the services performed during this interval fall under the category of extended maintenance. During this service, you’ll need to have a visual inspection of your vehicle’s ball joints, wheel bearings, drive axles, coupling rods, tie rod ends, and stabilizer bar rubber bushings. The VW e-Golf body will also be inspected for any signs of corrosion while the braking system is checked for leaks or damages. You’ll also need to have your dust and pollen filter replaced during the 40,000 mile visit. Now that you’re aware of the several inspections and services that your vehicle needs in order to perform at its best and last throughout many years of ownership, you’re ready to keep up with your maintenance schedule. When you glance at your odometer and see that you’ve got a service interval coming up, you can always contact us at Norm Reeves Volkswagen to schedule service and maintenance.
The 2018 Audi Q5 2.0T quattro S tronic. Want to see a great example of the rapid progression in cars these days? Check out the Phoenix Bureau's review of the 2014 Audi Q5 TDI quattro Tiptronic. Compare the pictures in that review to the pictures in this one. You may not think Audi's mid-size SUV has changed much in four years, but the pictures tell the story. There's been a remarkable evolution of the design. Now look at the technicals. The '14 was a three-liter diesel V6 making 240 horsepower and delivering an EPA fuel economy estimate of 24 city/31 highway. 2018 Audi Q5 2.0T quattro S tronic. Audi spells "quattro" in all lower-case letters. It's their full-time all-wheel drive system. I am comparing a loaded Chevy to the base Audi. 2018 Audi Q5 2.0T quattro S tronic interior. But the press fleet folks at Audi didn't stop there. 575 for the Florett Silver metallic paint. 1,600 for the 20-inch wheel package, which includes upgraded all-season tires. 950 for an upgraded Bang & Olufsen sound system with 3D sound. 500 for the Cold Weather package (heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel). Before we do the math, let's address the headline: Almost Perfect. There was one glitch, a minor but annoying one. Our tester had Apple CarPlay, which is tremendous. Anytime you put the car in reverse and activate the backup camera, or a parking alert lets you know of an impending connection with another object, that takes over the screen. The idea is to connect the phone and not touch it from that point on. Audi needs a fix for this and quickly. 55,155. Jeep Grand Cherokees can easily be optioned up into this price range. A loaded Audi Q5 for less money than a Ford or a Jeep is a sweet deal.
