Substitute the words in Russian with their appropriate equivalents in English.

springs,  fit and finish,   brakes,   steering,   gauges and controls,

seats,   adjust,  lag,  all-wheel drive,   noise levels, ride,  

engines,  handling balance,  dampers

The focus of BMW’s designers and engineers was toward creating a next-gen X4 that looks and drives more like a coupe than an SUV. Did they succeed? Both the standard and optional adaptive M suspensions feature firmer (пружины), (амортизаторы), and anti-roll bars than in equivalent X3s. The 30i’s (тормоза) provide excellent modulation, feel, and short stops. But the M Sport brakes are incredible in their ability to vaporize speed. The (рулевое управление) still does not feel as linear as I would like, but the overall (езда)/steering/ (сбалансированность) is as advertised. Dynamically, the X4 doesn’t drive like an SUV. Except for a slight (задержка) at WOT from a stop, the X4’s 2.0-L turbo motor responds more like a powerful six. Likewise, the M40i’s 6-cylinder performs like a V8. Both (двигателя) come with standard (полный привод) and a ZF 8-speed automatic with shift paddles at the ready.

The X4 provides exceptional comfort, well sited (датчики и механизмы контроля) and low (уровень шума). (Сидения) are comfortable and supportive. One of the M40i’s I drove was equipped with BMW’s gesture-control system, which can (настраивать) controls such as audio volume and zooming the nav map in and out. It needs more development. High-quality materials, and excellent (оборудование и отделка) are found throughout the interior. And the central control screen can be programmed.

 11. VIDEO ACTIVITY

Before you watch

Today’s vehicles are fitted with such advanced technologies as:

· passive safety systems to protect occupants of a car and other road users if a collision occurs, and also,

· active safety technologies to prevent accidents from happening.

ü Match the names of safety features to their definitions, translate the definitions and guess if they are active or passive safety systems:

ü Match the English words with their Russian equivalents.

ü Complete the sentences with the verbs below.

engage, prevent, turn on, monitor, reduce, deploy

1. The system can apply brakes, ___ a knee airbag and ___ ABS if it senses that a frontal collision is likely to happen.

2. When you ___the ignitionand lights don't light up on the dashboard, it means that the energy doesn't get enough energy from the battery.

3. ESC uses sensors to ___the attitude, steering and throttle opening of the vehicle.

4. Pretensioners tighten and ___ slackin seatbelts to protect occupants from rapidly moving forward in the event of a crash.

5. Electronic stability control systems help ___ vehicles from skidding or rolling over when drivers need to steer hard or turn on slippery roads.

While you watch

ü Watch the video and answer the questions.

· Which system has sensors situated in the windscreen, grille, bumper?

· Which system may cause the car to make a thumping noise?

· Which system should be turned off when you start the car on very slippery surfaces?

· Which system is identified by SRS emblems?

· How do you know that your vehicle is equipped with ABS?

ü Watch the video again and complete the gaps in the sentences.

knee,  skidding,  window,  distance,  button, injury,

airbags,  swerve,  collision

1. This stops the car from uncontrollable ___, reduces the stopping ___ and enables the car to be steered during braking.

2. ESC can correct a slide or help prevent the car from rolling after a sudden ___.

3. Most cars have a ___ that allows you to turn the ESC off.

4. Some systems can reduce the ___ impact at higher speeds.

5. Some cars may have a ___ bag under the steering column on the driver’s side that helps prevent lower leg ___.

6. There are curtain ___ that deploy from along the top of the side ___ to help prevent head injuries in a side collision. 

After you watch

ü Discuss the following questions in groups.

·  What standard safety features must any car be equipped?

·  Do you always wear seat belts? Why/why not??

·  Should people be required to wear seatbelts in the back seat?

·  Do you agree with the saying “The best car safety device is a rear-view mirror”?

·  What's the correct action to take if your car begins to skid?

ü Work in pairs. Choose a safety feature. Give a short presentation or prepare a three-minute report.