SPORT-UTILITY vehicles are often considered rugged or macho but rarely do they project a cool image.

AFTER stamping its authority in diesel technology, BMW is now seriously focusing on hybrids. The German luxury carmaker's ActiveHybrid 5 saloon is a petrol-electric version based on the BMW 535i, with an electric drive system that works with the conventional 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder petrol engine.

FASTER and more driveable, yet more fuel efficient and comfortable. It could be a disingenuous sales pitch, except all this is true of the new Porsche 911.