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Frida Sundemo: Try Me...

LIKE A PURE MOUNTAIN STREAM with its source high in hidden valleys, Frida's music has found its way out from her tiny home studio in Gothenburg and earned her a following in Japan, where her debut album was released this summer.

Towers, her first single, became one of the most played songs on Japanese radio earning her the accolade of 'Japan's biggest musical secret'.

The album, titled Dear, Let It Out, was produced by Frida herself and the acclaimed producer Rasmus Faber, best known for his productions in house music — but that didn't stop him from engaging in a collaboration with this promising new pop wonder.

In fact, their different musical backgrounds created a multifaceted duo and led to Frida's involvement in some of Faber's house tracks.

Her lyrics are personal, sometimes bordering on private; in her early days she even deliberated on whether to play for the public or not. Her intelligent observations of people sometimes reflect a sad reality, and despite wanting to tell stories, she has to tiptoe her way through the song-making process to avoid exposing the people in her life. "It's a balance," she says, as she now finally lets people enjoy the sounds of her charming voice.

The headline news is, of course, that this year sees Frida taking her spellbinding stories and soft harmonies out on tour.

Jaguar to launch C-X75 as a hybrid supercar — less than 99g/km CO2 emissions; 0-60mph in less than 3 seconds; 0-100mph in less than 6 seconds; top speed in excess of 200mph; prices from Ł700,000...

JAGUAR HAS CONFIRMED THAT IT WILL BUILD A LIMITED NUMBER — JUST 250 — of its exclusive hybrid supercar, the C-X75.

The marque's most advanced model to date, it will offer performance on a par with the fastest production cars on the market while adopting cutting-edge technology that offers remarkably economical running. Jaguar expects their hybrid supercar to deliver incredibly low CO2 emissions — below 99g/km — while being able to achieve in excess of 200mph.

Jaguar C-X75

"People expect Jaguar to be innovators — that is when Jaguar is at its best," says Adrian Hallmark, Jaguar Brand Director. "The C-X75 received an incredible reception as a concept car. We've been building on that momentum and there is a clear business case for this exclusive halo model. No other vehicle will better signify Jaguar's renewed confidence and excellence in technological innovation than this."

Project C-X75 will be the ultimate expression of Jaguar design and engineering innovation and will stay true to the initial concept design study that made its debut at the 2010 Paris motor show, while fulfilling requirements that allow it to be homologated for road use.

"We were always determined that the Jaguar C-X75 would be as striking on the road as it was in concept form," said Ian Callum, Director of Design, Jaguar Cars. "This will be the finest looking and most innovative Jaguar ever produced. Even in the world of supercars, we can still produce the most beautiful."

In an unprecedented move, Jaguar C-X75 will be developed in association with Williams F1 who will provide their engineering expertise in areas including aerodynamics, carbon composite manufacture and hybrid technologies. This association will be at the leading edge of British automotive engineering and innovation.

It also marks a new milestone in both company's histories as Jaguar Land Rover and Williams collaborate for the first time to produce one of the world's highest performance and environmentally-sustainable supercars.

A direct technology transfer between elite motorsport and road-going production cars is the key to C-X75. The Jaguar supercar's chassis will be made of carbon-fibre to create an incredibly lightweight yet rigidly strong structure. Aiding the transition from concept to production vehicle is the choice of powertrain: Jaguar continues to develop the use of the micro-turbine technology that was showcased in the original concept C-X75.

Jaguar's parent company Tata has taken a significant stake in Bladon Jets, and will develop this very advanced technology as a medium-term aspiration that will play a part in Jaguars of the future.

To bring Project C-X75 to showroom reality within the timescales of a conventional model programme, an equally innovative powertrain had to be developed. The road-going supercar will use a state-of-the-art, small-capacity, highly-boosted internal combustion engine with one powerful electric motor at each axle.

The engine's compact size allows it to be mounted low in the car for optimum weight distribution and to retain the concept's stunning silhouette. This will make the C-X75 a bona fide hybrid supercar capable of silent electric running with an EV range in excess of 50km.

When C-X75's motors and combustion engine combine, it will be one of the fastest production cars in the world, with a sub-three second 0-60mph time and a top speed in excess of 200mph.

Just 250 examples will be built, each costing between Ł700,000 and Ł900,000 depending on market and local taxes.

Jaguar is now taking expressions of interest via its website jaguar.com or via its dedicated C-X75 contact service on the following numbers: UK 0800 015 8605 | International +44(0)1932 335370 or +44(0)1932 335365 | China: 400 820 8955.

Affordable May half-term holidays in France...

FAMILIES DON'T HAVE TO WAIT until summer to enjoy an adventure abroad together. Although France is just across the Channel, its picturesque towns, castles, beaches and lakes can make it feel worlds away.

Lagrange Holidays, French travel specialists in the UK for over 25 years, offer affordable accommodation in over 250 holiday destinations on the coast and in the countryside, cities and mountains of France.

Here are a few of their hand-picked family escapes to France this May half-term, with accommodation starting at only Ł8 per person per night:

Relax by the Lake in the Aquitaine

What could be more relaxing than sitting by a tranquil lake? The region of Aquitaine on the south-west coast is home to countless lakes and the largest forest in France. In Aureilhan you can try some fishing or just enjoy the lake's beach, picnic tables, children's play area and walking paths.

Where to stay — Lagrange Confort+ Residence Les Terrasses du Lac in Aureilhan. Lakeside apartments by the children's play area and lake beach. Seven nights from 28/05 in a two bedroom apartment is only Ł224 in total — just Ł8 per person per night based on a family of four sharing.

Best way to get there — Eurotunnel from Folkestone to Calais for approx Ł191/car return, then possible stops in Paris, Tours and Bordeaux on the drive down to Aureilhan. The journey takes about 10 hours in total.

Explore the Chateaux of the Loire by Bike

The Loire Valley is a land of fairytale castles and hamlets, easy to explore by bicycle or on foot. From Azay le Rideau, families can visit the nearby chateaux, villages and gardens on one of the themed cycling circuits and walking paths.

Where to stay — Lagrange Prestige Residence Les Jardins Renaissance in Azay le Rideau. Groups of terraced holiday houses with bike storage situated around a pool and tennis court, walking distance from the chateau, town centre and supermarkets. Seven nights from 27, 28 or 29/05 in a two bedroom holiday house is only Ł382 in total — under Ł14 per person per night based on a family of four sharing.

Best way to get there — Eurostar to Paris, a train from Paris to Tours, then a local train or taxi to Azay-le-Rideau. The journey takes about 7 hours in total from London and is the most environmentally-friendly and relaxing way to travel. Return train from London to Tours via Paris is currently approx Ł298/pp return.

Get Active in Brittany

Brittany is the perfect destination for a family active break not too far from home this May half-term and with activities ranging from surfing and sand-yachting to golf and go-karting, the whole family will be spoilt for choice.

Where to stay — Lagrange Confort+ Residence Les Roches Douvres in Saint-Briac-sur-Mer, on the Emerald Coast, easy to access by plane, train or ferry. Apartments are 300m from the beach and the golf course. Seven nights from 28/05 in a two bedroom apartment is only Ł406 in total — under Ł15 per person per night based on a family of four sharing.

Best way to get there — By ferry from Portsmouth to St. Malo for approx Ł483/car return, then a 20-minute picturesque drive down the coast to Saint-Briac-sur-Mer.

Enjoy Spring Sunshine in the South of France

Spring is the perfect time to visit the beautiful beaches and classic resorts of the Cote d'Azur and enjoy the sunshine in peace before the tourists arrive en masse. In Sainte-Maxime you can buy an ice cream and walk along the promenade taking in the lovely views of Saint Tropez across the bay.

Where to stay — Lagrange Prestige Residence Port Marine in Sainte-Maxime. Apartments 150m from the beach and 300m from the town centre with outdoor swimming pool. Seven nights from 28/05 in a one bedroom alcove apartment is only Ł487 in total — under Ł18 per person per night based on a family of four sharing.

Best way to get there — Take the Eurostar to Paris, a train from Paris to Saint-Raphael, then a bus or taxi to Sainte-Maxime. Return train travel is approx. Ł334/pp return and the journey takes about 8 hours in total.

The Lagrange France 2011 programme has something to suit all styles and budgets, from apartments on the Côte d'Azur to villas with private pools, or holiday houses in Brittany and the Loire Valley. Accommodation can be booked alone, or with self-drive or rail packages at a supplement.

For brochures and reservations, visit lagrange-holidays.co.uk or call 020 7371 6111.

Pre-book a Citroen C-ZERO test drive at Brighton Festival Fringe...

AS HEADLINE SPONSOR of this year's Brighton Festival Fringe, Citroën is offering visitors the opportunity to book a test drive in the Citroën C-ZERO — the brand's new 100% electric city car — during the festival period.

The Citroën C-ZERO has been designed to facilitate environmentally considerate day-to-day journeys, with a rapid charge to make urban mobility easier.

Citroen C-ZERO

Festival-goers will be able to enjoy a test drive in the stylish Citroën C-ZERO every Saturday and Sunday throughout the duration of Brighton Festival Fringe.

Drivers can register in advance for a test drive by sending an email request with their preferred date to pia.decker@citroen.com.

Visitors will also be able to test drive the Citroën C1, DS3 and C3 Picasso, supplied by Tates Citroën in Portslade, every weekend throughout the Brighton Festival Fringe. Tates Citroën, Portslade will have a display of vehicles at the East Street Bastion seafront.

Drivers will need both parts of their driving licence.

The Brighton Festival Fringe is the third largest open access arts festival in the world, which runs from 7-30 May.

A total of 180,000 visitors are expected to attend over 600 events and tickets are on sale now. For more information please visit brightonfestivalfringe.org.uk.

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