Jaguar XE - why it deserves to succeed

FORGET Euro 2016. The most realistic chance of watching England going up against the Germans and giving them a comprehensive thrashing is in the car mags, sometime next spring.

It’s not often you get three hugely important automotive unveilings within a week of each other, but that’s precisely what happened when the Land Rover Discovery Sport, Mazda’s new MX-5 and Jaguar’s XE all waded into your Twitter feed at roughly the same moment. For what it’s worth, it’s the unveiling of only the fourth MX-5 in 25 years which pressed all my petrolhead buttons, but that’s a small, open top sports car enjoyed by hedonists in search of a hairpin bend in the Welsh countryside.

The XE, on the other hand, could very well be the most important new car launched this year. Largely because it offers to take the fight to the BMW 3-Series and Audi A4 and actually win. A victory which – and I know Jaguar Land Rover is owned by an Indian conglomerate – would be fantastic news for UK Plc.

It’d be a particularly hard-earned result if the Jaguar’s new saloon did pull it off because – in a well-established tradition of so-near-yet-so-far established by England’s footballers on their business trip to Italy back in 1990 -  the company got so close to pulling it off originally with the X-type 14 years ago.

It was far from a bad car, essentially being an improved and upgraded twist on the hugely accomplished Mk3 Ford Mondeo, but even being that wasn’t quite as talented as the contemporary 3-Series, and as a result few BMW salesmen lost any sleep over the British upstart. All anybody remembers about it now is it being a bit of an also-ran in terms of sales figures and (unfairly) that it’s a Mondeo-in-drag.

The XE, on the other hand, has got everything going for it. It’ll be keenly priced - £27,000 should get you into the entry-level version – and comes with the exactly the sort of small diesel engine which has helped the 3-Series storm past the Mondeo to earn the top spot as Britain’s favourite big saloon. It’ll also be rear-wheel-drive (which is important, given the X-type was also castigated for being propelled by the ‘wrong’ wheels) and it looks like a younger, fresher version of the XF, which is a bit like Dannii Minogue looking like a younger, fresher version of Kylie.

Obviously, the real proof will be out on Britain’s roads in a few months time, when we’ll discover whether England really has scored the automotive equivalent of 5-1 over BMW and Audi. If it has, expected every motorway outside lane to be packed with XEs this time next year.

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Audi S3 now available in saloon form

A HOTTED-up version of the Audi A3 will be offered as a saloon for the first time, it has been announced.

Previously, anyone looking to buy the performance-orientated S3 would have been limited to a three-door hatchback or five door estate, but the company is now offering the 300bhp stormer as a four-door saloon, with prices starting at £33,240.

The S3 saloon will go on sale in March, with an al fresco S3 Cabriolet due to follow later next year.

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Black Leather Executive Chairs Under $200

For the modern executive, sitting comfortably is absolutely essential. However, these higher ups didn't reach their positions by spending frivolously. Finding a bargain is important regardless of your social status and these 5 executive chairs provide just that. Enjoy these discount seating solutions all priced under $200 from the top chair manufacturers today.

Finding a comfortable chair is never a hard task when you're familiar with brands like Offices To Go. This discount office seating provider offers a host of top chair styles adored by industry professionals and consumers alike. From ergonomic desk chairs to high end leather conference chairs, OTG boasts an awesome reputation consisting of affordable quality. The 11692B adjustable mesh chair is an excellent example of their craftsmanship at work. This super cool chair is priced to sell at $169.99. The leather accents and breathable mesh back are just a few of the awesome features offered by the 11692B. Needless to say, this product was a no brainer for this article!

Another top seating solution by Offices To Go that couldn't be left out is the 11730B. This modern executive chair features a chrome frame and segmented leather upholstery. The contemporary look of this swivel chair has made it a top seller to start 2013. Look for the 11730B in many applications far beyond the executive office. This versatile chair makes a perfect addition to the conference room as well. Priced at $199.99 this product is at the top of our budget, but well worth it. The ergonomic benefits, style, and value of this great item make it an absolute winner.

Global Total Office is definitely one of the biggest and most reputable names in the seating game. This industry leader prides themselves on providing the perfect office chair for any application. Wether your needs are modern or traditional, Global offers a product sure to keep you comfortable and working efficiently all day. This much is guaranteed. In 2013 they've released a wide variety of modern chairs to go with the industries hottest new trends. However, one Global chair has stool the test of time in terms of durability, comfort, and style. The Arno executive chair is definitely worth a look by those in the market for a simplistic chair that's all business. Priced at $192.99, the Arno chair is available in 12 leather options to match the decor of any space. The loop arm design and adjustment capabilities of this chair make it not only comfortable but effective all day. Rest assured, Arno will be making a lasting impression for years to come.

Keeping it classy in the workplace doesn't have to cost a fortune. This is especially true for those who've taken advantage of the $158.99 price tag of this OFM executive chair. A long time manufacturer of discount office furniture and stylish chair, OFM is always a top solution for any office environment. The 507-LX model chair offers a high back design that's sure to impress. The luxury look accompanied by the everyday low price makes for the perfect combination of success. Ergonomic features like the instant seat height adjustment and tilt tension control add to the value of this already stellar chair. The versatile features and durable leatherette upholstery ensure good looks and comfort for years to come.

Last but not least, a chair perfect for those in love with the modern look. Flash Furniture seating is probably the most affordable product for available for the executive office. With chairs starting as low as $75 it's no wonder why this awesome brand has so many hit models on the market today. Chairs like this one offer the contemporary look and ergonomic features desired by today's executives at a price that can be appreciated by any budget. Priced at $152.99, these leather executive chairs are flying off the shelf. Attributes like the chrome frame are simply unheard of at this price point. Get yours before their gone and enjoy the benefits of a chair that should be priced nearly three times as much.




Regardless of what office chair you choose it's important to remember a few simple tips. The first is to stay within in your budget. Set a price range for your purchase and stick to it! Secondly, find a solution that works best for you. Meet with dealer or visit a showroom to discuss the benefits of ergonomics in the workplace. Utilize the features that will most improve your day to day efficiency in order to be the most productive while working. Lastly, choose a style that will compliment your executive furniture. If your office features modern desking, utilize a chair with the same attributes to enhance your current decor. Other popular seating manufacturers to consider not listed in today's article include Mayline office chairs and even RFM Preferred Seating. As a final point, make sure to shop around. With deals like these, savings are never too far away!

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Is this the best looking saloon on sale today?

IN THE classic gangster film Get Carter, the villains drove a Jag MK2. In The Long Good Friday, the vehicle of choice was an XJ6.

This automotive star of this year's gangster film - The Sweeney - was a Jaguar XF. Having clocked one parked up in a Southport side street today, it's not hard to see why.

I've already driven the 2.2 diesel version of the Brit saloon and can tell you that from a driver's perspective it's excellent; one of the best new cars I've tried this year, in fact. But what I could see from the Stratus Grey example I saw, with its understated alloys and meshed grille, was that it looked the part too. In cinematic terms, it's exactly the sort of quietly menacing motor an assasin would drive.

Until this year I would've argued the best looking Jag is in fact the big XJ - there's something about the challenging styling, which stands out next to all the other luxobarges, that I love - but now I reckon the smaller XF's caught up with it. After being wowed by the stunning C-XF concept car of all those years ago, I know I wasn't the only one to be a bit dissapointed with the production version that followed - far too much in the way of gloopy headlights and not enough in the way of visual treats.

The facelifted version, though? That really is a treat for the eyes.

In fact, I'd go as far as to say it's the best looking saloon on sale today. Better than a Maserati Quattroporte or a Merc CLS? I'd reckon so...

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Fire up the... Citroen DS5

IN the unlikely event I get asked to design a luxury car, the Citroen DS5 is probably not too far off what I'd come up with.

Surely what you want in a plushly trimmed motor is plenty of space, some clever gadgets, a comfy ride, and an interior which, while clearly cosseting, shows where a bit of thought's gone into it? Unfortunately, sales of luxury cars suggest you want sportiness and a blue-chip image instead. The best selling luxury car for this sort of outlay is BMW's 3-Series.

So what do you get if you're a middle management type and you plump for Paris over Munich, or Ingolstadt or Stuttgart for that matter? Well, you get the world's first diesel-hybrid system, and a clever one it is too; while a turbodiesel, in the case of the range-topper I tested one with 2.0 litres and 163bhp at its disposal, struts its stuff at the front end, an electric motor offers a helping hand by sending some eco-friendly oomph to the back wheels. Not only does it offer you the benefits of four wheel drive at this time of year, but it keeps things eco-friendly and, as far as the taxman's concerned, cheap to run too.

Yet what really grabs you with the DS5 is the interior. Fans of the smaller, strikingly good DS3 will find themselves in familiar territory, with the same attention to detail with the materials and use of colour but with the added flair of buttons in the roof, Boeing 747-style. It's also far roomier than any of its immediate executive car rivals, thanks to Citroen shunning the saloon norm and going for a sleek hatchback instead.

Admittedly, it's not got the same grin factor to its handling as the smaller DS3 but that's not what this luxury lounger's about - if you do a lot of motorway work and value comfort over thrills, I'd struggle to find another premium offering that does the job as comfortably.

Hand on heart, I couldn't recommend the range-topping DSport versions - not when it's straying close to Jag XF territory - but the mid-range DStyle, which Citroen reckon are going to be the biggest sellers, have got a lot going for them.

As published in The Champion on December 6, 2012

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Fire up the... BMW 3-Series

THE problem with BMW's 3-Series is you don't really need to read a road test to decide whether one should take pride of place on your driveway. It's simple; you either want one or you don't.

That's why I thought I'd start this week not with the car, but Coldplay. Every couple of years, they release an album which goes straight to the top of the sales charts with almost crashing inevitability, and - being someone who doesn't want to follow the herd - you do your absolute darndest not to buy a copy. Then you hear one of the tracks on the radio and you realise, as much as you hate them for it, that they've recorded an absolute belter. Again. If Coldplay made a car, they'd make a 3-Series. That's why it now outsells both Ford's Mondeo and Vauxhall's Insignia.

You don't need me to tell you then that this sixth-generation car is larger than the old one, a little lighter and - this being 2012 - kinder to the environment too. In time you'll be able to buy it as a coupe, a cabriolet and a Touring estate, but chances are it'll be this saloon version you'll be seeing on driveways up and down the land in the next few months.

Even if the new 3-Series is awful it'll be parked on driveways up and down the land in six months time but - and it's a verdict I deliver grudgingly, through gritted teeth - it's really, really good. The styling, inside and outside, is still a little bland for my liking and at £28,000 for the 320D Efficient Dynamics version I tried it's not especially cheap either, but once you get in it's an absolute delight to drive. It's not just that it feels agile and well balanced, but all the controls are exactly where you'd instinctively expect them to be, and feel as though though they could withstand years of abuse. It's comfy too - an Audi this agile would land you an appointment with your osteopath, but in the 3-Series, even motorway speeds, progress is quiet and unruffled.

In this corner of the motoring marketplace the badge is just as important as the car it's glued onto, and I know full well that if you want a new 3-Series you're going to buy one anyway. It's good to know, though, that there is substance to back up the gravitas that blue-and-white propeller brings.

The new Mondeo will have to be unbelievably brilliant to coax buyers out of their Beemers. Watch this space...

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Mayline Napoli Furniture - The Affordable Contemporary Choice

The Napoli veneer office furniture system by Mayline features Italian-influenced, sophisticated styling for business or home office applications. Available in three rich finishes, Mayline Napoli furniture features AA-grade select North American hardwood veneers throughout. The Napoli line is extremely popular due to the quality craftsmanship and modern design. In today's entry we will share with you several of our favorite Napoli items!

Napoli Conference Furniture

Napoli veneer conference room furniture features elegant lines and excellent durability. This contemporary conference furniture line is available in three finishes, and all veneer surfaces are protected with two coats of high-tech catalyzed lacquer. Items like the 10' Napoli conference table pictured are an excellent fit in upscale boardroom environments and really impress visitors. Along with conference tables, a variety of Napoli wall cabinets and presentation boards are available to provide a cohesive look throughout work areas.

Napoli Executive Furniture

Napoli executive furniture conveys success. This line of high end contemporary executive desks and modular workstations offers the versatility and modern appeal desired by most professional businesses. Mayline executive furniture has long been an industry favorite and collections like Napoli are why! The affordable price of workstations like the Napoli Desk shown make this line an excellent choice for home office use as well.

Napoli Reception Furniture

Napoli reception furniture is sure to enhance the appearance of any business. This collection of modern reception desks is used in a variety of office environments from boutiques to fortune 500 companies. Napoli reception furniture includes a variety of attractive office tables to match decor. The Napoli reception station shown is one of several popular models that offer ample storage along with glass transaction counters for added appeal.

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Fire up the... Jaguar XF 2.2D

FIGURES. There were all sorts of fantastic ones involved with the Jaguar XKR-S I drove recently but with this rather more realistic big cat just one matters - 133.9. The going price, in pennies, for petrol at the moment.

That's why any executive car maker worth their salt has got to have a decent diesel at its disposal, because while the slippery stuff costs a little bit more you get an awful lot more for your gallon. Look through the sales figures of any swish saloon and it's no longer the silky straight sixes and the thumping V8s that are the big sellers. It's the ones you fill up with the black pump.

Jaguar's been lucky to have a superb diesel - the 2.7 litre, Citroen-derived V6 - to call on in recent years but it's this smaller, 2.2 litre unit that really matters for the XF. Finally, more than four years after the saloon's introduction, it's got an engine that can actually hit the 5-Series, the A6 and the E-Classs where it hurts. The 2.2 XF diesel could and should be the firm's biggest seller.

The improvements aren't just limited to the engine room, either; you might have noticed the XF got a facelift last year, meaning the slightly-clumsy headlights are gone in place of some much sharper, XJ-style ones. I can think of few cars whose looks actually improve after the now compulsory midlife makeover, but the XF's one of them.

Anyone venturing inside won't find the church pew dashboards and acres of cream leather you got in this car's ancestors but what you get instead is Jaguarness with added modernity. The way the rotating gear selector for the slick eight-speed auto rises out of the centre console, for instance, is very Gadget Show, but the use of wood, leather and tech make the cabin infinitely more interesting than the wall-to-wall black leather you'll get in BMW's 5-Series.

 So would you buy one over the Beemer? Both cost £30,000, both will prove cosseting and comfy companions and both come with all the toys any thrusting middle-management type demands, but it depends on what you're looking for. The BMW, by a whisker, is the more refined of the two and will go ever so slightly further on a gallon, but the Jag's better looking, more characterful and more fun when it strays off its natural habitat of the motorway's outside lane.

I'd take the Jag.

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