Audi A8 2017 review 8

What is it?

This, the new A8, has the greatest capability for autonomous driving of any production car in the world. That, at least, is according to Audi - and even then will only apply once the full complement of 40-plus driver-assistance systems get rolled out, after deliveries have commenced early next year.

The delay stems from the fact that Audi remains at the mercy of the differing statutory frameworks of the markets it operates in. But what exactly should this comprehensively re-engineered, fourth-generation A8 eventually trim from the job description of chauffeurs the world over?

Audi seems proudest of software it calls Traffic Jam Pilot, which allows the driver to relinquish control of this 5.2-metre-long, two-tonne saloon at speeds of up to 37mph, as long as there is a physical barrier separating both directions of traffic. Other autonomous functions will be able to park the car at the touch of a button (even if that involves pulling into a garage) and should greatly reduce the risk of collision - more on which in a moment.

When the new A8 arrives in UK dealerships in December, it will do so with either a turbocharged diesel or petrol V6, making 282bhp or 225bhp respectively. A twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 version will come in 2018 (availability in the UK to be confirmed), along with a 443bhp plug-in hybrid and 557bhp W12 to top the range. Quattro four-wheel drive is standard, as is an eight-speed torque-converter transmission. There’s also a new 48V electrical system – first seen in the SQ7 – that bestows ‘mild hybrid’ status on the A8 and allows for engine-off coasting and extended stop-start capabilities.

Peugeot 5008 GT Line 1.2 Puretech 130 2017 review

What is it?

If you ever had the feeling that MPVs are a bit dull to look at, it's something that you apparently share with Peugeot, which has switched its new 5008 from MPV to large SUV largely because of customer preference for the latter class's muscular style.

The 5008 is classed as a large C-segment car, but you could be forgiven for thinking it’s more of a fit for the D-segment, seeing as it's 190mm longer than the five-seat, C-segment Peugeot 3008 and 110mm wider than the old 5008 MPV.

The 5008 is available in five trim levels: Active, Allure, GT Line and GT. Engine choices are 128bhp and 163bhp petrol engines or 99, 118, 148 and 178bhp diesels. There’s a choice of six-speed manual or six and eight-speed torque converter automatic gearboxes across the range.

The 5008's seven-seat interior is versatile, with a third row of individual seats that fold flat into the floor and can also be removed entirely to increase luggage space from 720 litres to 1060 litres.

On all models, a high-tech, 12.3in i-Cockpit digital instrument display is visible above the steering wheel, along with an 8.0in infotainment touchscreen atop the centre of the dashboard.

What's it like?

When is an MPV not an MPV? Because of the versatility of its interior, the 5008 offers more than the ability to carry your extended family around. The second-row seats stand out from those of competitors in that they're individual and adjustable for leg room and recline. The two third-row seats are also individual and can be pulled up from the floor in a one-touch action.

Each seat weighs 11kg and they can be removed just as easily, lifting from the floor as a folded unit. We found the seats could unfold once out if not handled the correct way, but once you've got the hang of it, they’re easy to extract. There are two storage bins in the second-row floor, each neatly concealed under a trapdoor. The front seatbacks have fold-down tables and the front passenger seatback folds forward to form a picnic table.

Download Pro Evolution Soccer (PES) 2014

Download Pro Evolution Soccer 2014
Download Pro Evolution Soccer 2014
Download Pro Evolution Soccer 2014
Download Pro Evolution Soccer 2014

ASUS MeMo Pad HD 7 review : Hardware

Despite its name, the MeMo Pad HD 7 bears little in common with the older 7-inch MeMo Pad. The nondescript black front and curvy profile are familiar, but ASUS has replaced the textured backing with a smooth surface that's either matte on the dark blue model, or glossy on the green, pink and white versions. Consider getting the HD 7 in white if you want to keep it pretty -- the back is prone to showing fingerprints and other smudges. ASUS' build quality is reasonably solid too, although some slight creaking under strain is enough to remind us this is an entry-level product we're dealing with.

The HD 7 is comfortable to hold, with plenty of grip and a moderate weight of 10.7 ounces (303.3g). It's also a compact device at 7.7 inches tall and 4.7 inches wide. That said, its 0.43-inch thickness makes it as chunky as the old Nexus 7 or theHisense Sero 7 Pro. As reasonable as that is for 7-inch devices, we can't help but covet slimmer tablets like the new Nexus 7 or Samsung's Galaxy Tab 3 7.0.

Price and Review Mercedes E63 AMG estate

Car reviews

Mercedes’ E63 AMG has ruled the fast estate sector since its debut more than two years ago, but it has its work cut out against the RS6. In an effort to maintain its grip on the top spot, the company has treated its practical flagship to a mid-life refresh.

The most obvious change is at the front, where there’s a pair of sleek, swept-back headlamps and a heavily revised bumper. Elsewhere you’ll spot the revised tail-lamps and subtly reprofiled flanks. And while the E63 doesn’t look as muscular and aggressive as the RS6, neat additions include multi-spoke 19-inch alloys and quad-exit exhausts.