Sibling Rivalry : Olympic athletes compete in unique Jaguar XF triathlon


Olympic triathletes Alistair and Jonny Brownlee have reignited their rivalry in a triathlon with a difference – behind the wheel of a Jaguar XF and XF Sportbrake. Te pair competed in a trio of challenges to show off the dynamic performance, increased load space and parking technology of both vehicles. First was the swim, otherwise known as the ‘Smartcone Slide’, pitting the brothers against each other in a slalom contest on a wet skid pan that proved the all-wheel- drive capability, outstanding traction and overall performance of the Jaguar XF Sportbrake in low-grip conditions. Round two put the pair on their bikes for ‘Pedal to Pack’ as they raced to stow their equipment the quickest in the 565 litres of rear load space and on the versatile roof rack of the new XF Sportbrake estate. With all to play for in the final challenge ‘Race


to Reverse’, the brothers were


tested with a parallel park in the XF saloon. Alistair took the wheel and manually tried to park the car in the shortest possible time, while Jonny put his faith in the semi-automated Park Assist function, proving the difference as he triumphed over his brother to take overall victory. “Alistair might have got the better of me in the Olympics, but this one is really


going to hurt him. He prides himself on his driving skills, so to beat him here will give me serious bragging rights. Tis might have been a little different to what we’re used to, but it was great fun to test the capability of the Jaguar XF and XF Sportbrake. Tey’re both very impressive cars.”


Jonny Brownlee, World Champion triathlete


With a maximum load space capacity of 1,700 litres and a flexible 40:20:40 folding rear seat split, the new Jaguar XF Sportbrake is


a premium estate


that sets new standards for practicality and convenience. Tis combination of


driving lessons for learners Road safety charity Brake is today calling for compulsory lessons on rural roads for learner drivers, as part of a graduated licensing system, to reduce fatalities and serious injuries. In 2015, the last year for which statistics are available, 120 young drivers lost their lives in crashes - 80 per cent of these occurring on rural roads, 16 per cent on urban roads and four per cent on motorways. Jason Wakeford, Director of Campaigns for Brake, the road safety charity, said: "High speeds, sharp bends, narrow lanes, risky overtaking and the presence of vulnerable road users like cyclists, make rural roads the most dangerous by far. Te combination of rural roads and novice drivers is lethal - a staggering 80 per cent of all young car driver fatalities occur in rural locations. "Brake is calling for a total overhaul of the learning to drive system to help cut fatalities and injuries. A graduated licensing system, including a minimum learning period, mandatory training on rural roads and restrictions for newly-qualified drivers - such as a zero drink-drive limit - will allow new drivers to build up more skills and experience over a longer period of time. "Tis approach has dramatically reduced road casualties in countries including Australia and New Zealand and could save some 400 lives a year if implemented in the UK. "Brake is also calling for a review of rural speed limits and for 'Voluntary Intelligent Speed Adaptation', which helps drivers keep within the limit, to be fitted as standard to new cars. Tere is also the need for better and more affordable public transport, so fewer young people see starting driving in their teens as a necessity."


space, driving dynamics and advanced technologies make it the ideal vehicle for customers with active lifestyles. It also boasts a maximum roof payload of 100kg and a number of different accessories and racks that can accommodate skis or snowboards, cycle racks and water sports equipment. Te load space is also accessible with the convenient Gesture Tailgate, letting you open the boot when your arms are full with just a wave of a foot. Its lightweight construction and optimised driving dynamics combine with near 50:50 weight distribution to deliver the ideal balance between ride


and handling. All Surface Progress Control enables smooth, effortless traction on low-grip surfaces, while on- demand all-wheel drive and Intelligent Driveline Dynamics deliver optimum performance and capability. Both the XF and XF Sportbrake feature Park Assist. Tere are semi-automated functions for both bay and parallel parking, with ultrasonic sensors to measure the space and steer the car into position. All the driver has to do is manage the accelerator and brake, while the car does the rest. “As a triathlete I’m used to being in control of my own performance. I’ve also always prided myself on my parking, so when it came to the final challenge, I wanted to make sure I was in charge. As it turned out, I would have been better off trusting the XF’s technology. I’ll get Jonny back next time!” Alistair Brownlee,


two-time Olympic


Triathlon Champion Te new XF Sportbrake joins Jaguar’s award-winning XF saloon in its tenth year


of production and delivers a


compelling combination of design, driving dynamics and advanced technologies. Both are manufactured at Jaguar Land Rover’s Castle Bromwich plant alongside the XE and XJ saloons and F-TYPE sports car.


Brake calls for compulsory rural Buying a used car: tips from IAM RoadSmart


You may be a first time car buyer or just in the need for a new ride. This week’s tips offer advice on buying a used car from IAM RoadSmart’s head of technical policy and advice, Tim Shallcross. • Check the ‘log book’ (V5) against the number (VIN) on the car. If the V5 is not present, do not purchase the car


• The V5 does not prove ownership, so check the person selling it is the actually owner – ask for a receipt or contract from the dealer


• Do your research. Check the mileage and MOT history at https://www.gov.uk/topic/mot/get- check-mot


• Blown turbochargers, snapped timing chains, smoking engines – all these and more can result from delaying an oil change or using the wrong oil. Ask for the service history and take time to look through it. If a service is due negotiate on the price, but if the history’s missing, walk away


• Dashboard lights are important. Check all the systems such as ABS and stability control. Make sure they all light up when you turn on the ignition and go out after a few seconds or when you start the engine. Check the handbook if you’re not sure you’ve seen them all


• After starting the engine, listen carefully for the first few seconds – any knocks or rattles are bad signs. Grey exhaust smoke is a sign of a worn engine – check it after your test drive


26 - Friday 1st September 2017 – Cardiff & South Wales Advertiser when the engine is hot


• As well as checking the suspension by listening for rattles or clunks over rough roads, try stopping at different rates – gently and rapidly. The engine should never stall as the car stops and the revs shouldn’t drop very low and then pick up to the right idle speed


• Reject a car if you have any concerns. Cars are too often an emotional rather than a rational choice. If in doubt, sleep on it and make a decision in the morning


Tim said: “ Getting a new car, whether it’s brand new or new to you, is an exciting time. It’s also an expensive time, so the last thing you want is to pick a bad model. Do your preparation before you go so you know what you’re looking for. If you’re not confident, take a friend, get it checked at a garage, or ultimately walk away.”


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