< Previous70 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYCOUNTY MOTORINGAn excellent executive car needs toblend two qualities: luxury andaffordability. The top vehicles haveeconomical powerplants that make theminexpensive to run as company cars. Yet,they also have swish cabins and enoughsound-proofing to keep them hushed onthe motorway.Preferably, they should also deliver acomfortable ride and be pleasurable todrive. Last but by no means least, theyshould come kitted-out with the cutting-edge safety and infotainment technology.Here we count down ourtop executive cars:Mercedes C-ClassThe C-Class is one of the best executivecars. It has a luxurious interior and mostpower units emit low CO2 emissions. TheMercedes-Benz also comes loaded up withkit. The basic C 220d diesel makes themost business sense, though, and pullspowerfully from low revs.Our choice: C 220d SEJaguar XETaking the fight to Teutonic brands inthe executive saloon segment is a big ask,but Jaguar has made a first-classimpression with its small saloon, the XE. Ithas a sturdy line-up of engines, andExcellentExecutiveCarsBMW 3 Series70-73_Layout 1 20/06/2017 11:11 Page 1repays ardent drivers with superbhandling and sharp steering. It’s let downa tad when it comes to interior quality,but a bountiful kit list should attractcompany car users.Our choice: 2.0d 180 PrestigeAlfa Romeo GiuliaAlfa Romeo’s first stab at an executivecruiser is a very convincing effort. TheGiulia is a pure joy to drive rapidly, and ifyou shift from B-roads to motorways itoffers very involving handling. Its cabinquality is below standard for the executiveclass, but at least with the Super trim thatwe recommend you won’t be short ofequipment.Our choice: 2.2d 180 SuperBMW 3 SeriesFor many motorists, the BMW 3 Seriesis the only executive machine worthconsidering. It mixes awesome handlingwith a crisp cabin and the bestinfotainment system in the sector. Thediesel units do sound a bit harsh, but the320d Efficient Dynamics model provideslashings of performance and remarkableCO2 and MPG numbers, so it’s a greatvehicle for drivers of company cars.Our choice: 320d Efficient DynamicsPlus autoSkoda Superb The latest Skoda Superb may not havethe badge appeal, but it is a real matchfor premium cars. It’s comfortable andstylish, and offers heaps of room inside.The small CO2 emissions of the SkodaSuperb’s 2.0-litre diesel unit make it asmart choice for company car customers,and it offers refined performance with no-nonsense running costs.Our choice: 2.0 TDI 150 SE Executive72 ÁMercedes C-ClassJaguar XEAlfa Romeo Giulia70-73_Layout 1 20/06/2017 11:11 Page 272 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYCOUNTY MOTORINGAudi A4Audi’s A4 is difficult to fault in nearly everyarea. In many executive cars, the 2.0-litrediesel is the de facto engine, but the A4’s3.0-litre diesel unit is the best, because itserves up muscular performance withoutforfeiting good MPG and CO2 emissions. Asyou’d assume, this Audi’s cabin is well-appointed and handsomely laid out, withgood rear seats and a voluminous boot. Ifyou want to drive a top executive car, thisranks highly indeed.Our choice: 3.0 TDI 218 SportAudi A5Audi’s A5 Sportback is directly related tothe A4, so it is another superb product. Withits segment-leading cabin quality andcompelling line-up of engines, the Sportbackis a splendid executive choice. It’s alsoagreeably practical, and our preferred Sportmodel gives you everything you’ll need,including leather seats and sat-nav.Our choice: 3.0 TDI 218 SportRange Rover VelarThis one might seem an odd choicecompared with the other cars on our list. Butthe all-new Range Rover Velar is worth aclose look. It’s perhaps the most car-likemachine Land Rover has ever made – andthat’s because it has Jaguar F-Paceunderpinnings. The Velar is shoehornedbetween the Evoque and Range Rover Sport,so it should prove a good alternative forcompany car connoisseurs. Priced from£44,830 the Velar goes on sale this summer.Our choice: 2.0-litre D180 standard trim.Skoda SuperbAudi A4Audi A5Range Rover Velar70-73_Layout 1 20/06/2017 11:11 Page 3DISCOVERY SPORT ADVENTURE. IT’S IN OUR DNA.MONTHLY PAYMENTS FROM £399 PLUS DEPOSIT AND OPTIONAL FINAL PAYMENTGet behind the wheel of the Discovery Sport and discover our most versatile compact SUV to date. Featuring Narvik Black exterior enhancements, rear privacy glass and 20 inch five split spoke Gloss Black alloy wheels. HSE Black offers a more striking exterior, emphasising the assertive and confident stance of the vehicle. With a generous loadspace of up to 1,698 litres and the clever option of 5+2 seating, call us to book a test drive and experience the great indoors in style.Book your test drive today.Duckworth Land Rover (Market Rasen)Racecourse Garage, Willingham RoadMarket Rasen, Lincolnshire, LN8 3RE01673 842101www.duckworthlandrover.co.ukDuckworth Land Rover (Boston)Avalon Road, KirtonBoston, Lincolnshire PE20 1QR01205 722110www.duckworthlandrover.co.ukOfficial Fuel Consumption Figures for the Discovery Sport range in mpg (I/100km): Urban 44.1-50.4 (6.4-5.6); Extra Urban 60.1-62.8 (4.7-4.5); Combined 53.3-57.7 (5.3-4.9). CO2 Emissions 139-129 g/km. Official EU Test Figures. For comparative purposes only. Real world figures may differ. Representative Example relates to a Discovery Sport HSE Black 180 (7 Seat) Automatic. 6.9% APR Representative available on Discovery Sport HSE Black 180 (7 Seat) Automatic models registered between 1st April to 30th June 2017 at participating Retailers only. With Land Rover Freedom Personal Contract Purchase you have the option at the end of the agreement to: (1) return the vehicle and not pay the Optional Final Payment. If the vehicle has exceeded the maximum agreed mileage a charge per excess mile will apply. In this example, 14p + VAT per excess mile up to 4,999, or for excess mileage of 5,000 or more, a charge of 28p + VAT will apply to each excess mile above the maximum agreed mileage. If the vehicle is in good condition (fair wear and tear accepted) and has not exceeded the maximum agreed mileage you will have nothing further to pay; (2) pay the Optional Final Payment to own the vehicle or (3) part exchange the vehicle subject to settlement of your existing credit agreement; new credit agreements are subject to status. Representative example is based upon an annual mileage of 10,000 miles. Credit is subject to status and only available to UK residents, 18 plus only. This credit offer is only available through Black Horse Limited trading as Land Rover Financial Services, St William House, Tresillian Terrace, Cardiff CF10 5BH. We can introduce you to Land Rover Financial Services and a limited number of other lenders to provide funding for your vehicle. We may receive commission or other benefits for introducing you to such lenders.Discovery Sport HSE Black (7 Seat) Automatic PCP Representative ExampleOn the Road Price*£41,790Finance Deposit Allowance £1,250Customer Deposit£9,610Total Amount of Credit£30,930Purchase Fee (incl. in optional final payment)£1036 Monthly Payments£399Optional Final Payment£22,058Total Amount Payable £47,282Duration of Agreement 37 monthsRepresentative APR6.9% APRInterest Rate (Fixed)6.69%*The model shown is a Discovery Sport HSE Black with optional metallic paint (£625) at an On the Road price of £42,415. Duckworth Land Rover is a trading style of Martin Duckworth Ltd who is acting as a credit broker and not a lender.70-73_Layout 1 20/06/2017 11:11 Page 474 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYCOUNTY MOTORINGThe robust, brawny lower section of theJaguar XJ is juxtaposed with the slender andbeautiful quality of the car’s roofline, whichtakes encouragement from the 1968 Jaguar XJsaloon. The XJ R-Sport, driven for this test, has a moreathletic look than the standard model. Basically,this is jaguar’s take on BMW’s M Sport series.Dressed powerfully, the car comes with a rearspoiler, privacy glass, a gloss black rear valanceand ‘R’ style aerodynamic side sills. Step inside, and the whole impression is one ofpersonal space – a feeling heightened by theform of the leather-enveloped instrument panelsitting low across the Jaguar XJ. The soft grainhide upholstery features adjustable side bolstersthat provide you and your and passenger withexcellent lateral support during hard cornering.The finishing touch is provided by Jaguar’s ‘R-Sport’ logo, which appears on the tread plates,side power vents and steering wheel.Behind the Jaguar XJ’s wheel, you are met bythe rotary control of the JaguarDrive selector,which, on engine start-up, ascends into yourpalm. Then animations become visible in theinstrument cluster and on the touchscreen. Under the hood, the Jaguar XJ profits from aformidable and resourceful 3.0-litre V6 powerunit, linked up to an eight-speed automaticgearbox. The engine, supported by dualturbochargers, thrusts the XJ from zero to62mph in 6.2 secs, then on to a maximumspeed of 155mph. The Jag feels every bit asquick behind the wheel as it advocates it is onpaper; it is a splendid sensation – evocative oftaking off in an airliner.Undeniably, this Jaguar makes every journeyan outstanding one, both for you and yourfellow travellers, but this level of clout andclassiness doesn’t come bargain-basement.You must fork-out over £70,000 for the R-Sport 3.0 V6 diesel version of the Jaguar XJ. Fast FactsMax speed: 155 mph0-62 mph: 6.2 secondsCombined mpg: 47.9Engine: 2993cc, 24 valve V6 twinturbo dieselMax. power (PS): 300CO2 155 g/kmPrice: £70,980Jaguars are well-known for their graceful lines – and the XJ, with itslithe, modern-day style, backs that up.Jaguar XJ R-Sport74-75_Layout 1 20/06/2017 11:13 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY75COUNTY MOTORING74-75_Layout 1 20/06/2017 11:13 Page 276 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYEQUINE1Getting individually reselected torepresent Britain in the Children,Junior and Young Rider NationsCup in the Netherlands is quite anaccolade. Are you planning oncompeting professionally intoadulthood?Holly:I don’t want to stop riding – it’stoo much fun and I’d love to ride as ajob. What could be better than that?2You were sponsored byTruelove Property &Construction, with your horseGolly Girl owned by the company’sDirector (and your father) BarrieTruelove. Do you think that localbusinesses have a place to play inhorseracing and competitions? Holly:I know my dad helps otheryoungsters too, so why not get involvedas a business? You never know, you couldbe helping a future Olympic champion!3There’s only a two-year agedifference between you andyour 11-year-old horse – howstrong is the relationship betweenyou two? Holly:I spend lots of time talking toGolly in her stable. I ride her all the time,she knows me and I love her. We are ateam and we have a really strong bond.4Show jumping requires a lotof training, just how muchwork is involved? Holly:My mum, Heather, put me on apony when I was three, and I don’t thinkI’ve really got off ever since! Training isOK in the summer, but not so great whenit’s wet and cold in the winter and I ridemost nights after school.5Obviously, not every teen isout there on horseback, but doyou think that diverting youngpeople away from screens and to thestable is something we should bechampioning? Holly:I do all sports at school, buthorses are special – they try hard for youso we should get more people riding. It’sa brilliant sport!6Lincolnshire is blessed withwide open space and one ofthe biggest garden-to-houseratios in the country, but noteveryone has the same access tothese spaces. What would yourecommend for people in towns andcities looking to get into horse riding?Heather:There are lots of places toride, you just need to check online to findyour local riding club, pony club orequestrian centre. You don’t need yourown horse – most centres will hire you ahorse or pony and will give you lessons.You may never have ridden before, ormaybe you’ve ridden earlier in life andwant to start back up again. Either wayit’s a great way to meet people and havefun. You may not even want to ride, butdon’t let that put you off: equestriancentres hold many events and alwaysneed volunteers to run a show, and theydon’t necessarily need any experience. Sojust pick up the phone and get involved,as you’ll love it!7On a similar note, to whatextent does your hometown ofBrigg offer for horse riding?Heather:There are lots of well runcentres and pony clubs around Brigg, asthere are all over England. You’re nevertoo far away from a horse around Brigg!”8How did you first get intoriding? Did it just start as ahobby, or was it more acalling?Holly:I started to ride at the age ofthree and it has always felt normal to me.My mum and dad took me to BrocklesbyPony Club after that, which was greatfun; after a while we went showjumpingall the time and now I’m on Team GB,which is amazing.equestrianEverythingWe sit down with Holly Truelove, the spritely Brigg native whowas recently reselected to represent Britain in the Children,Junior and Young Rider Nations Cup, to talk everything equine. 76-77_Layout 1 20/06/2017 11:14 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY77EQUINE76-77_Layout 1 20/06/2017 11:14 Page 278 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYonwhat’sSleafordFriday 1 April – Sunday 24SeptemberHigh Flying Women –Pioneering Aviators,Cranwell Aviation HeritageMuseum Discover the incredible stories ofwomen who fought against adversity toachieve aviation history. From worldfamous Amy Johnson to the EpiscopalPriest’s wife who became a world classstunt pilot, come along and be inspired.For more information, call 01529488490.Welbourn Saturday 2 July Firing of the ForgeSee traditional ironworking in atraditional Victorian forge located in theheart of the village of Welbourn. Thisformer forge and blacksmith’s workshopdates back to 1864 and is still in workingcondition. For over 100 years WelbournForge has served the needs of farmersand tradesmen in the area. The forgeopens on the first Saturday of the monthand now exhibits old photographs,displays and memorabilia along with arestored earth privy. For moreinformation, call 01400 272623.LincolnFriday 7 JulyStreets Charity Golf Day,Lincoln Golf Club A charity golf day, organised by StreetsChartered Accountants, is being held toraise much needed funds for thecompany’s local air ambulance charities:Lincolnshire & Nottinghamshire AirAmbulance, East Anglian Air Ambulanceand Yorkshire Air Ambulance. The eventinvites teams of four, or individuals, toenter and help make a difference to thework of these nominated local airambulance charities. For moreinformation, visit www.streetsweb.co.uk.GrimsbyFriday 15 JulyA Grimsby Fish Tale,Grimsby Central HallThis is a tribute to the contributionmade by those in the fishing industrywho were instrumental in feeding thenation and protecting it in times of war.It is a powerful and exciting evening ofjazz and poetry guaranteed to stirmemories of the fishing communities. Formore information, emailboxoffice@grimsbycentralhall.org.North Hykeham Sunday 16 JulyAlice the Musical, TerryO’Toole TheatreWonderfully retold through a creativeCleethorpes Friday 14 July Craig David in Concert, Meridian ShowgroundPop sensation Craig David is headlining the Meridian Showground this summer, withspecial guest Sigma in tow. From a UK garage pioneer to a mainstream multi-seller,Craig David is so much more than your average artist. The Southampton born singertranscends the norm, consistently outdoing expectation and pushing musicalboundaries. For many, he will be best known for his catchy hit ‘7 Days’, but there’s somuch more to this artist than that. See for yourself come summer. For moreinformation, call 01472 323551. 78-82_Layout 1 20/06/2017 11:50 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY7980 Ácombination of music, dance anddrama, this is the beloved Lewis Carrolltale as you’ve never seen it before.Performed by Sarah Hogan’s MovementAcademy and Shining Stars TheatreSchool, this is a perfect outing for thewhole family. For more information,visit www.terryotooletheatre.org.uk. StamfordFriday 21 JulyJoelle Taylor, StamfordTheatrePoet Joelle Taylor delivers a fusion ofpoetry and spoken word, offering ajourney through the council estates ofthe UK via deserted tower blocks andback street parties, through toimmigration centres in coastal townsand broken backed sofas whereeverything you have lost will be returnedto you. For more information, visitwww.stamfordartscentre.com.CaistorFriday 21 – Sunday 23 July Festival 8, Caistor Market This family friendly boutique festivaltakes place in the heart of thepicturesque Lincolnshire Wolds, andoffers a celebration of the senses hiddenin a magical grove of yew, beech andash. For those who’ve never been to afestival before, or find themintimidating, Festival 8 is the perfectplace to start. As a smaller event, it willfeel friendly, but with enough going onto keep you entertained and occupied.For more information, visitwww.festival8.co.uk.LincolnshireSaturday 29 July – Sunday 6August Lincolnshire InternationalChamber Music Festival,countywide This year’s event marks the start of aStamfordTuesday 6 June – Saturday 26 August A Summer of fun at Tolethorpe, Tolethorpe Hall, Rutland Open Air TheatreThe Stamford Shakespeare Company warmly welcomes you to the Rutland Open Air Theatre. Lastsummer, over 34,000 people experienced the magic of an evening at Tolethorpe Hall. Enjoy a picnic inthe beautiful grounds as the sun slowly sets, then take your seat, protected from summer showers, andsee a stage like no other. This year includes a line-up of three wonderful comedies: A Midsummer Night’sDream, which runs until 29 July; Much Ado about nothing, which runs until 19 August, and Hobson’sChoice, which opens 4 July and runs until 26 August. For more information,www.stamfordartscentre.com.78-82_Layout 1 20/06/2017 11:50 Page 2Next >