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100 Articles

There’s plenty of life in the traditional dealer yet

REGULAR readers will know my view on today’s car dealers very well. Based on your (and my) experiences, the report card continues to read: could do better. I’m excited by the rising interest in online car shopping – both new and used – and by the increasing numbers of car makers choosing to sell their cars in shopping centres. But, for me, car retailing is both fascinating and frustrating. So it was interesting to spend some time recently with a guy who’s responsible for selling cars – through his network of dealers – across the world for the UK’s biggest automotive brands, Jaguar and Land Rover. Andy Goss is JLR’s sales operations director and even when he’s flying around the globe, he knows what’s selling where – and is well aware of the…

There’s plenty of life in the traditional dealer yet

Dacia’s new Duster driven

▪ On the road as smash hit budget SUV gets a more upmarket look ▪ New cockpit is now more attractive and boasts more technology “Upgraded buttons and switches are more attractive than before” IT’S all going very well at Dacia. The Romanian-based Renault sub-brand has grown all across Europe, and now has an impressive one per cent market share in the UK. For comparison, it has sold five times as many models as Alfa Romeo in 2017, and more than twice as many as Lexus. In total, Dacia has built over two million cars since it relaunched in Europe in 2010. The no-nonsense Duster SUV has proven to be one of the maker’s most popular cars. However, for 2018 Dacia is injecting some style. The new model, which was revealed at September’s Frankfurt…

Dacia’s new Duster driven

There’s plenty of life in the traditional dealer yet

REGULAR readers will know my view on today’s car dealers very well. Based on your (and my) experiences, the report card continues to read: could do better. I’m excited by the rising interest in online car shopping – both new and used – and by the increasing numbers of car makers choosing to sell their cars in shopping centres. But, for me, car retailing is both fascinating and frustrating. So it was interesting to spend some time recently with a guy who’s responsible for selling cars – through his network of dealers – across the world for the UK’s biggest automotive brands, Jaguar and Land Rover. Andy Goss is JLR’s sales operations director and even when he’s flying around the globe, he knows what’s selling where – and is well…

There’s plenty of life in the traditional dealer yet

Alfa’s new big SUV to lead electrification move

“Alfa is prioritising larger SUV because of the car’s global appeal and the bigger profit margins” Jonathan_Burn@dennis.co.uk @Jonathan_burn ALFA Romeo bosses have confirmed that a large, Audi Q7-rivalling SUV will spearhead a trio of new models – and it will be the car to usher in electrified powertrains to the Italian manufacturer’s line-up. The new flagship model will be based on the same architecture as the Stelvio SUV, and its development is already well under way. It will be the largest vehicle Alfa Romeo has ever produced, and in order for the SUV to retain the company’s DNA while meeting stringent emissions levels, it’ll employ a performance-focused mild hybrid set-up, which could develop up to 400bhp. Speaking to Auto Express, Alfa Romeo’s chief technical officer Roberto Fedeli said: “The Stelvio for sure is an example…

Alfa’s new big SUV to lead electrification move

Dacia’s new Duster driven

▪ On the road as smash hit budget SUV gets a more upmarket look ▪ New cockpit is now more attractive and boasts more technology “Upgraded buttons and switches are more attractive than before” IT’S all going very well at Dacia. The Romanian-based Renault sub-brand has grown all across Europe, and now has an impressive one per cent market share in the UK. For comparison, it has sold five times as many models as Alfa Romeo in 2017, and more than twice as many as Lexus. In total, Dacia has built over two million cars since it relaunched in Europe in 2010. The no-nonsense Duster SUV has proven to be one of the maker’s most popular cars. However, for 2018 Dacia is injecting some style. The new model, which was…

Dacia’s new Duster driven

Jeep previews new Cherokee ahead of Detroit debut

“Jeep promises new, more fuel-efficient powertrain options for Cherokee” JEEP has given us an early glimpse of the facelifted Cherokee SUV; its headline act at January’s Detroit Motor Show. This new model will make use of the same FCA C-evo platform as the present model, although Jeep promises it’ll be available with new, more fuel-efficient powertrain options. However, that’s likely to only include tweaks to the existing 138bhp 2.0-litre diesel, plus 183bhp and 197bhp versions of the 2.2 diesels. Jeep has provided little information alongside these official images, which means we’ll have to wait until the car is revealed in Detroit to hear about any subtle changes and technology upgrades. The pictures reveal a tweaked front end, which moves away from the sharp, pointed nose of the outgoing Cherokee in favour of a rounder,…

Jeep previews new Cherokee ahead of Detroit debut

Alfa’s new big SUV to lead electrification move

“Alfa is prioritising larger SUV because of the car’s global appeal and the bigger profit margins” Jonathan_Burn@dennis.co.uk @Jonathan_burn ALFA Romeo bosses have confirmed that a large, Audi Q7-rivalling SUV will spearhead a trio of new models – and it will be the car to usher in electrified powertrains to the Italian manufacturer’s line-up. The new flagship model will be based on the same architecture as the Stelvio SUV, and its development is already well under way. It will be the largest vehicle Alfa Romeo has ever produced, and in order for the SUV to retain the company’s DNA while meeting stringent emissions levels, it’ll employ a performance-focused mild hybrid set-up, which could develop up to 400bhp. Speaking to Auto Express, Alfa Romeo’s chief technical officer Roberto Fedeli said: “The Stelvio…

Alfa’s new big SUV to lead electrification move

First ride in bigger, better Mercedes A-Class

MERCEDES is gearing up to deliver a new A-Class at next spring’s Geneva Motor Show – but we’ve had an early taste from the passenger seat, as the brand’s engineers put the car through its paces during cold-weather testing in Sweden. The first thing you notice, even from outside, is that the new A-Class is bigger. There’s a 30mm stretch in the wheelbase, the car is 16mm wider overall, and it rides on tracks that are 14mm wider front and rear. The overall length grows by 120mm. Jochen Eck, senior manager vehicle testing compact cars, admits that the benefits of this growth are numerous. Dynamically it provides a more stable platform and allows greater comfort, while the space increase inside is obvious. “I spend a lot of time sitting in the back,…

First ride in bigger, better Mercedes A-Class

First ride in bigger, better Mercedes A-Class

MERCEDES is gearing up to deliver a new A-Class at next spring’s Geneva Motor Show – but we’ve had an early taste from the passenger seat, as the brand’s engineers put the car through its paces during cold-weather testing in Sweden. The first thing you notice, even from outside, is that the new A-Class is bigger. There’s a 30mm stretch in the wheelbase, the car is 16mm wider overall, and it rides on tracks that are 14mm wider front and rear. The overall length grows by 120mm. Jochen Eck, senior manager vehicle testing compact cars, admits that the benefits of this growth are numerous. Dynamically it provides a more stable platform and allows greater comfort, while the space increase inside is obvious. “I spend a lot of time sitting in…

First ride in bigger, better Mercedes A-Class

Toyota reveals electric plans

TOYOTA has made further commitments to electrified vehicles by announcing that 10 all-new EVs will arrive by the early 2020s. The all-electric models will initially roll out in China before entering European markets including the UK. It’s the next step in the Japanese brand’s EV strategy, which, up until now, has largely focused on hybrid vehicles such as the Prius. An expanded hybrid and plug-in hybrid line-up is also in the works, with new cars to be based on the Toyota Hybrid System II tech from the current Prius. Toyota says it intends to develop a more powerful version of this system for some cars, but simpler hybrid set-ups are planned for cheaper models. By 2025, every Toyota and Lexus will be offered with an electrified powertrain, the companies have confirmed.…

Toyota reveals electric plans

Jeep previews new Cherokee ahead of Detroit debut

“Jeep promises new, more fuel-efficient powertrain options for Cherokee” JEEP has given us an early glimpse of the facelifted Cherokee SUV; its headline act at January’s Detroit Motor Show. This new model will make use of the same FCA C-evo platform as the present model, although Jeep promises it’ll be available with new, more fuel-efficient powertrain options. However, that’s likely to only include tweaks to the existing 138bhp 2.0-litre diesel, plus 183bhp and 197bhp versions of the 2.2 diesels. Jeep has provided little information alongside these official images, which means we’ll have to wait until the car is revealed in Detroit to hear about any subtle changes and technology upgrades. The pictures reveal a tweaked front end, which moves away from the sharp, pointed nose of the outgoing Cherokee in…

Jeep previews new Cherokee ahead of Detroit debut

New S-Class Coupé, Cabrio name price MERCEDES has also announced prices for its updated S-Class Coupé and Cabrio (above). The respective ranges will start from £103,715 and £115,910, for the entry-level S 560 models, powered by a 463bhp 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8. The other versions available are AMG editions, with the 604bhp S 63 coming in at £140,610 and the V12- powered S 65 costing £197,510. Call for Code advice on smart M-ways A CALL has gone out for the Highway Code to be updated with guidance for smart motorways. This should reflect the fact that, unlike traditional motorways, they often lack a continuous hard shoulder. The AA has written to Road Safety minister Jesse Norman, calling for a new rule requiring drivers to create an “emergency corridor” for response vehicles, and another instructing them to…

Over 300,000 motorists still fail drink-drive test

MORE than 300,000 drivers in England and Wales tested positive for alcohol between 2012 and 2016, Auto Express can reveal. Since 2012, over 2.68 million motorists have been breathalysed by the police, with around 11 per cent being positive, according to figures obtained through a series of Freedom of Information requests. The number of tests conducted dropped from 661,778 in 2012 to 521,349 in 2015 – the last year all 42 forces were able to supply figures for. That’s a decline of 21 per cent. Last year, 241,036 tests were conducted by the 26 forces that were able to supply figures. While the number of tests has decreased, the rate of drivers providing positive samples has remained around 11 per cent. A report by the Institute of Alcohol Studies this year found average…

Over 300,000 motorists still fail drink-drive test

Toyota reveals electric plans

TOYOTA has made further commitments to electrified vehicles by announcing that 10 all-new EVs will arrive by the early 2020s. The all-electric models will initially roll out in China before entering European markets including the UK. It’s the next step in the Japanese brand’s EV strategy, which, up until now, has largely focused on hybrid vehicles such as the Prius. An expanded hybrid and plug-in hybrid line-up is also in the works, with new cars to be based on the Toyota Hybrid System II tech from the current Prius. Toyota says it intends to develop a more powerful version of this system for some cars, but simpler hybrid set-ups are planned for cheaper models. By 2025, every Toyota and Lexus will be offered with an electrified powertrain, the companies have…

Toyota reveals electric plans

We hail the new ‘green’ black cab

“Stylish new black cab has none of the old TX1’s wailing diesel engine and black smoke pouring out the exhaust” James_Batchelor@dennis.co.uk @JRRBatchelor UNLIKE the other cars Auto Express reviews, brand-new taxis are not revealed every year. The history of the black cab can be boiled down to three models: the Austin FX3 of 1949, which was followed by the 1958 FX4, and then the TX1 launched in 1997. This new TX, though, is easily the biggest step-change. The name is a clue to how different it is; the company that builds it – London Electric Vehicle Company, or LEVC – is owned by the Chinese powerhouse Geely, which has a new £325million factory in Coventry for the production of electric vehicles. Underneath the new cab’s stylish but retro body, there’s a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine…

We hail the new ‘green’ black cab

New S-Class Coupé, Cabrio name price MERCEDES has also announced prices for its updated S-Class Coupé and Cabrio (above). The respective ranges will start from £103,715 and £115,910, for the entry-level S 560 models, powered by a 463bhp 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8. The other versions available are AMG editions, with the 604bhp S 63 coming in at £140,610 and the V12- powered S 65 costing £197,510. Call for Code advice on smart M-ways A CALL has gone out for the Highway Code to be updated with guidance for smart motorways. This should reflect the fact that, unlike traditional motorways, they often lack a continuous hard shoulder. The AA has written to Road Safety minister Jesse Norman, calling for a new rule requiring drivers to create an “emergency corridor” for response vehicles,…

We hail the new ‘green’ black cab

“Stylish new black cab has none of the old TX1’s wailing diesel engine and black smoke pouring out the exhaust” James_Batchelor@dennis.co.uk @JRRBatchelor UNLIKE the other cars Auto Express reviews, brand-new taxis are not revealed every year. The history of the black cab can be boiled down to three models: the Austin FX3 of 1949, which was followed by the 1958 FX4, and then the TX1 launched in 1997. This new TX, though, is easily the biggest step-change. The name is a clue to how different it is; the company that builds it – London Electric Vehicle Company, or LEVC – is owned by the Chinese powerhouse Geely, which has a new £325million factory in Coventry for the production of electric vehicles. Underneath the new cab’s stylish but retro body, there’s…

We hail the new ‘green’ black cab

£53m fine mess after tollbooth KO

THE Government has made over £53million in a year from drivers failing to pay the Dartford Crossing fee, following the removal of tollbooths. More than 7.7 million drivers have been issued with penalties since the booths were replaced with automatic number plate recognition cameras in November 2014, and Highways England’s Dartford Crossing Accounts reveal fines totalling £53.1m were issued in the 2015/16 financial year alone. Instead of paying at a barrier, drivers can now pay using phone, app, online, postal or Payzone services. A Highways England spokesperson said: “More than 95 per cent of drivers are paying their Dart Charge.” They added: “First offenders are offered the opportunity to pay their outstanding crossing charges and cancel their penalties.”…

£53m fine mess after tollbooth KO

James_Batchelor@dennis.co.uk @JRRBatchelor We drive thrilling new Alpine A110 AFTER a year of great cars, it seems the best has been left until last. The Alpine A110 is a new sports car from the reborn Renault-owned marque – and judging by special contributor Steve Sutcliffe’s video, it’s a peach. Powered by a mid-mounted 1.8-litre turbo engine, the A110 has a bespoke chassis and is all about lightness. It seems as though the Porsche Cayman has a new rival. Passenger ride in Jag’s electric I-Pace ONE of the star cars of 2018 will undoubtedly be Jaguar’s new i-Pace. Not because it’s a Jaguar, but rather because it’ll see an established car maker taking on Tesla at its own game. Editor-in-chief Steve Fowler has been for a passenger ride to see how the development process is going. You can watch any…

Over 300,000 motorists still fail drink-drive test

MORE than 300,000 drivers in England and Wales tested positive for alcohol between 2012 and 2016, Auto Express can reveal. Since 2012, over 2.68 million motorists have been breathalysed by the police, with around 11 per cent being positive, according to figures obtained through a series of Freedom of Information requests. The number of tests conducted dropped from 661,778 in 2012 to 521,349 in 2015 – the last year all 42 forces were able to supply figures for. That’s a decline of 21 per cent. Last year, 241,036 tests were conducted by the 26 forces that were able to supply figures. While the number of tests has decreased, the rate of drivers providing positive samples has remained around 11 per cent. A report by the Institute of Alcohol Studies this…

Over 300,000 motorists still fail drink-drive test

£53m fine mess after tollbooth KO

THE Government has made over £53million in a year from drivers failing to pay the Dartford Crossing fee, following the removal of tollbooths. More than 7.7 million drivers have been issued with penalties since the booths were replaced with automatic number plate recognition cameras in November 2014, and Highways England’s Dartford Crossing Accounts reveal fines totalling £53.1m were issued in the 2015/16 financial year alone. Instead of paying at a barrier, drivers can now pay using phone, app, online, postal or Payzone services. A Highways England spokesperson said: “More than 95 per cent of drivers are paying their Dart Charge.” They added: “First offenders are offered the opportunity to pay their outstanding crossing charges and cancel their penalties.”…

£53m fine mess after tollbooth KO

‘Year-long’ wait to get sat-nav working on RS

“Mechanics ultimately said there was little they could do until a software update was available” ONE of the advantages of buying a brand new car is being able to specify it with the newest available technology. So when Andrew Lanes, from Lincoln, ordered his Ford Focus RS, he paid an extra £465 for the latest SYNC3 infotainment system, complete with satellite navigation. But when he took delivery in April, the SYNC3 sat-nav malfunctioned. Andrew told us: “On the day we collected our RS the satnav lost signal, and the location of the car wandered across the countryside.” An early trip back to the dealership was duly booked, with Andrew hopeful the problem could be easily remedied. But that wasn’t the case, with Ford’s technicians at Evans Halshaw in Lincoln unable to fix the…

‘Year-long’ wait to get sat-nav working on RS

James_Batchelor@dennis.co.uk @JRRBatchelor We drive thrilling new Alpine A110 AFTER a year of great cars, it seems the best has been left until last. The Alpine A110 is a new sports car from the reborn Renault-owned marque – and judging by special contributor Steve Sutcliffe’s video, it’s a peach. Powered by a mid-mounted 1.8-litre turbo engine, the A110 has a bespoke chassis and is all about lightness. It seems as though the Porsche Cayman has a new rival. Passenger ride in Jag’s electric I-Pace ONE of the star cars of 2018 will undoubtedly be Jaguar’s new i-Pace. Not because it’s a Jaguar, but rather because it’ll see an established car maker taking on Tesla at its own game. Editor-in-chief Steve Fowler has been for a passenger ride to see how the…

Martin Saarinen

“Scientists are now scaling up the tech to start producing butanol from beer” THE new year period is a time when many of us enjoy a drink or two, and on Page 14 you will have read all about the recent fall in the number of drivers breath-tested by the police. Worryingly, the number of drivers giving a positive sample has remained roughly the same, suggesting some motorists may be escaping justice. While alcohol and the automotive sector are rarely mentioned together in a positive tone, that may change. Scientists at the University of Bristol have concluded that beer is the best alcoholic drink to be converted into alternative fuels for vehicles. The chemists have spent years perfecting turning beer into butanol, an alternative to ethanol (which is currently used in biofuels), which can…

Martin Saarinen

Makers facing fines in emissions crackdown

MANUFACTURERS caught cheating in European emissions tests will now face a €30,000 fine (£26,300) per non-compliant car. The EU Commission has introduced tougher rules to complement the new laboratory and real-world type approval and emissions tests for new vehicles. The new rules require each member state to regularly inspect cars on its roads, irrespective of where the vehicles have been type approved. There are also new powers to require upgrades or EU-wide recalls when irregularities are found. The new rules will apply after September 2020. The EU Commission now also has powers to impose fines of up to €30,000 per vehicle if they’ve been found to not comply with legislation. Although the UK will leave the EU, the Government has previously said it would seek to maintain some EU laws after Brexit. Commissioner for…

Makers facing fines in emissions crackdown

‘Year-long’ wait to get sat-nav working on RS

“Mechanics ultimately said there was little they could do until a software update was available” ONE of the advantages of buying a brand new car is being able to specify it with the newest available technology. So when Andrew Lanes, from Lincoln, ordered his Ford Focus RS, he paid an extra £465 for the latest SYNC3 infotainment system, complete with satellite navigation. But when he took delivery in April, the SYNC3 sat-nav malfunctioned. Andrew told us: “On the day we collected our RS the satnav lost signal, and the location of the car wandered across the countryside.” An early trip back to the dealership was duly booked, with Andrew hopeful the problem could be easily remedied. But that wasn’t the case, with Ford’s technicians at Evans Halshaw in Lincoln unable…

‘Year-long’ wait to get sat-nav working on RS

Martin Saarinen

“Scientists are now scaling up the tech to start producing butanol from beer” THE new year period is a time when many of us enjoy a drink or two, and on Page 14 you will have read all about the recent fall in the number of drivers breath-tested by the police. Worryingly, the number of drivers giving a positive sample has remained roughly the same, suggesting some motorists may be escaping justice. While alcohol and the automotive sector are rarely mentioned together in a positive tone, that may change. Scientists at the University of Bristol have concluded that beer is the best alcoholic drink to be converted into alternative fuels for vehicles. The chemists have spent years perfecting turning beer into butanol, an alternative to ethanol (which is currently used…

Martin Saarinen

www.consumer-genie.co.uk TESTS WITH the growing trend of selling cars online, it’s important to protect yourself when it comes time to parting ways with your motor. Most importantly, you need to ensure that you will be paid, especially if the car is being taken immediately. A cash payment from the buyer will give that reassurance, but not everyone is comfortable carrying lots of money around. Debit card transfers are usually safe, because you can immediately check if the funds have arrived in your account. Be very cautious about accepting cheques, and do not rely wholly on a banker’s draft. Cheques can be stopped by the issuer, or can bounce. A banker’s draft cannot bounce and the money is accessible four days after it’s been paid in. But, you won’t be sure it’s cleared until…

Useful Contacts

THE following provide help with motoring problems. Some services are free, others charge a fee or operate on premium-rate lines (p), while some offer advice for members only (m). Legal AA: 0345 850 1130 (m) RAC: 0330 159 1446 (m) Which?: 01992 878329 Citizens Advice Consumer helpline: 03454 040506 Local Trading Standards Local Citizens Advice Bureau Used car inspections AA: 0800 056 8040 RAC: 0330 159 0720 Technical advice AA: 0370 142 0002 (m) Driving licences DVLA: 0300 790 6801 Car registration/history HPI: 01722 422422 AA: 0800 316 3564 DVLA: 0300 790 6802 RAC: 0330 159 0364 Traffic information AA: 0906 888 4322 RAC: 09003 444999 (p) Problems with dealers The Motor Ombudsman: 0345 241 3008 Consumer Ombudsman: www.consumerombudsman.org RMIF: 0845 305 4230 Scottish Motor Trade Association: 0131 331 5510 Problems with makers The Motor Ombudsman: 0345 241 3008 Financial problems Financial Ombudsman: 0800 023 4567 Safety concerns/recalls DVSA: 0300 123 9000…

Makers facing fines in emissions crackdown

MANUFACTURERS caught cheating in European emissions tests will now face a €30,000 fine (£26,300) per non-compliant car. The EU Commission has introduced tougher rules to complement the new laboratory and real-world type approval and emissions tests for new vehicles. The new rules require each member state to regularly inspect cars on its roads, irrespective of where the vehicles have been type approved. There are also new powers to require upgrades or EU-wide recalls when irregularities are found. The new rules will apply after September 2020. The EU Commission now also has powers to impose fines of up to €30,000 per vehicle if they’ve been found to not comply with legislation. Although the UK will leave the EU, the Government has previously said it would seek to maintain some EU laws…

Makers facing fines in emissions crackdown

www.consumer-genie.co.uk TESTS WITH the growing trend of selling cars online, it’s important to protect yourself when it comes time to parting ways with your motor. Most importantly, you need to ensure that you will be paid, especially if the car is being taken immediately. A cash payment from the buyer will give that reassurance, but not everyone is comfortable carrying lots of money around. Debit card transfers are usually safe, because you can immediately check if the funds have arrived in your account. Be very cautious about accepting cheques, and do not rely wholly on a banker’s draft. Cheques can be stopped by the issuer, or can bounce. A banker’s draft cannot bounce and the money is accessible four days after it’s been paid in. But, you won’t be sure it’s…

mail@autoexpress.co.uk @AutoExpress Write to: Watchdog/Letters, Auto Express, Dennis Publishing, 31-32 Alfred Place, London WC1E 7DP HOT TOPIC Lamborghini Urus FROM: Joe I’M split by the Urus. On one hand, it’s a natural direction for a car maker – SUVs are big sellers and maybe the sales from this will help Lambo build even madder cars. However, I’m also sad to see a dedicated performance brand give way to the SUV pressure. FROM: Conrad Marchal I’M going to wait to decide until I hear how the car drives, but on looks alone it’s not so bad. I think Lamborghini has done a much better job embracing an SUV than, say, Bentley did with the Bentayga. Now let’s see what Ferrari and Rolls-Royce have got in store. Join the debate at www.autoexpress.co.uk ▪ “A five-door Lamborghini SUV. Never thought…

A CENTURY OF INNOVATION

Sam_Naylor@dennis.co.uk @SamNaylor_AE THE motor industry is steeped in heritage and history, and companies are falling over each other to celebrate anniversaries to help sell new models, particularly the high-end car makers. But only a handful can say, proudly, that they’ve been building cars for 100 years, and Mitsubishi became part of that exclusive group this year. Although the Japanese manufacturer began building cars in 1917, with the Model-A being its first car, it wasn’t until 1974 when UK buyers could get their hands on a Mitsubishi, when the Colt Car Company arrived. It later rebranded to match the worldwide Mitsubishi name, and during the following decades the firm brought some true motoring icons to British shores. We drove eight of the best to celebrate the brand’s special birthday this year. One of the first…

A CENTURY OF INNOVATION

Useful Contacts

THE following provide help with motoring problems. Some services are free, others charge a fee or operate on premium-rate lines (p), while some offer advice for members only (m). Legal AA: 0345 850 1130 (m) RAC: 0330 159 1446 (m) Which?: 01992 878329 Citizens Advice Consumer helpline: 03454 040506 Local Trading Standards Local Citizens Advice Bureau Used car inspections AA: 0800 056 8040 RAC: 0330 159 0720 Technical advice AA: 0370 142 0002 (m) Driving licences DVLA: 0300 790 6801 Car registration/history HPI: 01722 422422 AA: 0800 316 3564 DVLA: 0300 790 6802 RAC: 0330 159 0364 Traffic information AA: 0906 888 4322 RAC: 09003 444999 (p) Problems with dealers The Motor Ombudsman: 0345 241 3008 Consumer Ombudsman: www.consumerombudsman.org RMIF: 0845 305 4230 Scottish Motor Trade Association: 0131 331 5510 Problems…

mail@autoexpress.co.uk @AutoExpress Write to: Watchdog/Letters, Auto Express, Dennis Publishing, 31-32 Alfred Place, London WC1E 7DP HOT TOPIC Lamborghini Urus FROM: Joe I’M split by the Urus. On one hand, it’s a natural direction for a car maker – SUVs are big sellers and maybe the sales from this will help Lambo build even madder cars. However, I’m also sad to see a dedicated performance brand give way to the SUV pressure. FROM: Conrad Marchal I’M going to wait to decide until I hear how the car drives, but on looks alone it’s not so bad. I think Lamborghini has done a much better job embracing an SUV than, say, Bentley did with the Bentayga. Now let’s see what Ferrari and Rolls-Royce have got in store. Join the debate at www.autoexpress.co.uk…

“Owners are clearly in love with the brand: their cars and the firm that made them” AS part of this year’s 100th birthday celebrations, Mitsubishi Motors UK invited owners from all over the country to take part in a special road rally with their cars. The event would run from the company’s headquarters in Cirencester up to the Shelsey Walsh hillclimb course in Worcestershire, the world’s oldest operational motorsport venue. We were invited along to drive Mitsubishi’s immaculate 3000GT, along with eight other company-owned cars and 40 more privately-owned cars. Owners travelled from all over Britain – and, in one case, all the way from the Netherlands – to join in the event with their Mitsubishis. Some attended privately, while others came via a club, such as the GTO UK club that brought…

Performance 0-62mph/top speed 10.4 seconds/121mph Running costs 41.0mpg (official) £73 fill-up Lawrence_Allan@dennis.co.uk @LobAllan ENTHUSIASTS will associate Subaru with rally-bred sports cars like the Impreza Turbo and WRX STi, but the brand makes far more money out of SUVs these days. They make up 87 per cent of its European sales, in fact, and are keeping the Japanese firm in rude health as it celebrates both its 100th anniversary and the first year it has achieved over one million sales worldwide. Cars like the XV have played a pivotal role in that success, which is why the second-generation model is one of the first cars to benefit from Subaru’s new billion-dollar global platform. After our pre-production drive of the new XV earlier this year (Issue 1,482), we’re now driving a showroom-ready model before it arrives in the UK in January. This XV is…

Porsche 911 Carrera T

Performance 0-62mph/top speed 4.5 seconds/182mph Running costs 29.7mpg (official) £77 fill-up “It’s loosely how a driving enthusiast might spec a Carrera if given free rein with the options list” PORSCHE is aiming to put the sparkle back into its regular 911 range with this, the Carrera T. While the model offers no more power than standard, it instead achieves greater performance through weight reduction and an enhanced specification. It’s a classic recipe Porsche has used many times over the years, so expectations are naturally high. Based on the standard, entry-level Carrera rather than the more powerful Carrera S, the new T features the same 365bhp, 3.0-litre flat-six engine. It is available with either a seven-speed manual or seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic gearbox, and all cars are rear-wheel drive. Unsurprisingly, the automatic is quicker over the benchmark 0-62mph sprint, recording…

Porsche 911 Carrera T

A CENTURY OF INNOVATION

Sam_Naylor@dennis.co.uk @SamNaylor_AE THE motor industry is steeped in heritage and history, and companies are falling over each other to celebrate anniversaries to help sell new models, particularly the high-end car makers. But only a handful can say, proudly, that they’ve been building cars for 100 years, and Mitsubishi became part of that exclusive group this year. Although the Japanese manufacturer began building cars in 1917, with the Model-A being its first car, it wasn’t until 1974 when UK buyers could get their hands on a Mitsubishi, when the Colt Car Company arrived. It later rebranded to match the worldwide Mitsubishi name, and during the following decades the firm brought some true motoring icons to British shores. We drove eight of the best to celebrate the brand’s special birthday this year.…

A CENTURY OF INNOVATION

Performance 0-62mph/top speed 11.8 seconds/117mph Running costs 54.3mpg (official) £63 fill-up “New model appears cleaner and ST-Line even injects a little desirability into EcoSport’s design” James_Brodie@dennis.co.uk @Jimmybrods DESPITE Ford regularly occupying the top two spots on the UK’s sales chart with the Fiesta and Focus, the firm hasn’t quite fulfilled its potential in the ultracompetitive small SUV sector. Ford’s EcoSport crossover has struggled to impress since it launched in 2013. It’s been outclassed by long-running rivals like the Nissan Juke and Renault Captur, and made to look dated by new models such as the SEAT Arona and Citroen C3 Aircross. However, Ford is determined to prove that there’s life in the EcoSport yet with this heavily updated version, with first deliveries pencilled in for the New Year. The list of updates is lengthy for what is essentially a facelift. Alongside the sharper,…

Vauxhall Viva Rocks

James_Brodie@dennis.co.uk @Jimmybrods THE appeal of the crossover knows no bounds. Latest in line is the Vauxhall Viva Rocks, an SUV-inspired version of the city car, intended to inject a bit of youthful appeal into the firm’s smallest model. Lining up as a rival for the Suzuki Ignis and the Dacia Sandero Stepway, it boasts little in the way of revisions under the skin: the sole mechanical change is an 18mm boost in ride height. The suspension components are carried over unchanged, while under the bonnet it uses the same 74bhp 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine. The Rocks gets a tougher look thanks to new black plastic bumpers at the rear, black plastic wheelarches, plus new, brushed aluminium-look door sills and roof rails. There are also unique 15-inch alloy wheels and, inside, bespoke upholstery. You’re paying for…

Vauxhall Viva Rocks

“Owners are clearly in love with the brand: their cars and the firm that made them” AS part of this year’s 100th birthday celebrations, Mitsubishi Motors UK invited owners from all over the country to take part in a special road rally with their cars. The event would run from the company’s headquarters in Cirencester up to the Shelsey Walsh hillclimb course in Worcestershire, the world’s oldest operational motorsport venue. We were invited along to drive Mitsubishi’s immaculate 3000GT, along with eight other company-owned cars and 40 more privately-owned cars. Owners travelled from all over Britain – and, in one case, all the way from the Netherlands – to join in the event with their Mitsubishis. Some attended privately, while others came via a club, such as the GTO UK…

Performance 0-62mph/top speed 10.4 seconds/121mph Running costs 41.0mpg (official) £73 fill-up Lawrence_Allan@dennis.co.uk @LobAllan ENTHUSIASTS will associate Subaru with rally-bred sports cars like the Impreza Turbo and WRX STi, but the brand makes far more money out of SUVs these days. They make up 87 per cent of its European sales, in fact, and are keeping the Japanese firm in rude health as it celebrates both its 100th anniversary and the first year it has achieved over one million sales worldwide. Cars like the XV have played a pivotal role in that success, which is why the second-generation model is one of the first cars to benefit from Subaru’s new billion-dollar global platform. After our pre-production drive of the new XV earlier this year (Issue 1,482), we’re now driving a showroom-ready…

Porsche 911 Carrera T

Performance 0-62mph/top speed 4.5 seconds/182mph Running costs 29.7mpg (official) £77 fill-up “It’s loosely how a driving enthusiast might spec a Carrera if given free rein with the options list” PORSCHE is aiming to put the sparkle back into its regular 911 range with this, the Carrera T. While the model offers no more power than standard, it instead achieves greater performance through weight reduction and an enhanced specification. It’s a classic recipe Porsche has used many times over the years, so expectations are naturally high. Based on the standard, entry-level Carrera rather than the more powerful Carrera S, the new T features the same 365bhp, 3.0-litre flat-six engine. It is available with either a seven-speed manual or seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic gearbox, and all cars are rear-wheel drive. Unsurprisingly, the…

Porsche 911 Carrera T

Family conflict

WHILE the partnership between Peugeot and Vauxhall is starting to bear fruit, the British brand’s new Grandland X SUV joint venture with the French firm was actually conceived and developed before Vauxhall was sold off to PSA Peugeot-Citroen. That’s because Vauxhall knows it needs SUVs in its line-up given the way the market is going and Peugeot already has a winner in this sector. So the Grandland X midsize family crossover shares plenty of the technology that has made the 3008 it’s going up against such a success. The Peugeot boasts sharp styling inside and out, but blends this with usability and an impressive level of kit. This is what the Grandland X will have to match. We already know it equals the 3008 under the bonnet. Diesel isn’t dead yet, but…

Family conflict

Vauxhall Grandland X

MODEL TESTED: Vauxhall Grandland X 1.2 Turbo Sport Nav PRICE: £24,595 ENGINE: 1.2-litre 3cyl, 128bhp CO2/tax 117g/km £140 or 22% Practicality Boot (seats up/down) 514/1,652 litres Performance 0-60/30-70mph 10.3/10.1 seconds Braking 70-0/60-0/30-0mph 43.4/31.9/8.9m Running costs 42.7mpg (on test) £64 fill-up IT seems as though there’s a new SUV launching every week, and the latest model to hit the market is Vauxhall’s Grandland X. We’re testing it in popular 1.2-litre turbo petrol form; priced from £24,595 in Sport Nav trim, it shows off what’s on offer in the brand-new range. However, given its relationship to the Peugeot, can the Grandland X beat its cousin? score 3.9 DESIGN & ENGINEERING UNDERNEATH the Vauxhall’s smooth skin, the Grandland X shares the Peugeot’s EMP2 platform. This is fairly advanced technology, which is scalable to suit different sizes of cars and areas of the market. However, the Grandland X and 3008 have the same…

Vauxhall Grandland X

Performance 0-62mph/top speed 11.8 seconds/117mph Running costs 54.3mpg (official) £63 fill-up “New model appears cleaner and ST-Line even injects a little desirability into EcoSport’s design” James_Brodie@dennis.co.uk @Jimmybrods DESPITE Ford regularly occupying the top two spots on the UK’s sales chart with the Fiesta and Focus, the firm hasn’t quite fulfilled its potential in the ultracompetitive small SUV sector. Ford’s EcoSport crossover has struggled to impress since it launched in 2013. It’s been outclassed by long-running rivals like the Nissan Juke and Renault Captur, and made to look dated by new models such as the SEAT Arona and Citroen C3 Aircross. However, Ford is determined to prove that there’s life in the EcoSport yet with this heavily updated version, with first deliveries pencilled in for the New Year. The list of…

CO2/tax 117g/km £140 or 22% Practicality Boot (seats up/down) 591/1,670 litres Performance 0-60/30-70mph 10.6/9.9 seconds Braking 70-0/60-0/30-0mph 45.2/33.6/10.2m Running costs 43.7mpg (on test) £64 fill-up MODEL TESTED: Peugeot 3008 1.2 PureTech 130 Allure PRICE: £24,565 ENGINE: 1.2-litre 3cyl, 129bhp GIVEN how much the two cars share, the Peugeot 3008 is a natural rival for the Vauxhall. We’ve chosen the 1.2 PureTech 130 model in Allure trim (GT Line is pictured), which is slightly cheaper at £24,565, but do you get more for less here? DESIGN & ENGINEERING WHILE the Grandland X might have benefited from a transfer of tech following PSA Peugeot-Citroen’s buyout of the Opel/ Vauxhall brands, the EMP2 platform was originally developed with Peugeot’s 3008 family SUV in mind. The Peugeot shares the same suspension set-up, but it actually feels a little softer and more compliant than the Vauxhall, as we’ll come on to later. The engineering…

CO2/tax 136g/km £140 or 26% Practicality Boot (seats up/down) 377/1,160 litres Performance 0-60/30-70mph 11.0/10.8 seconds Braking 70-0/60-0/30-0mph 48.4/31.5/10.2m Running costs 39.6mpg (on test) £52 fill-up MODEL TESTED: Toyota C-HR 1.2T Excel PRICE: £24,065 ENGINE: 1.2-litre 4cyl, 113bhp TOYOTA might be better known for its hybrids, but the 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol unit in this £24,065 C-HR Excel (although our pictures show a top-spec Dynamic model) offers a worthy alternative to the Vauxhall and Peugeot. There’s plenty of style thanks to its coupé-like design in an SUV body, but does it back this up with substance? DESIGN & ENGINEERING THE C-HR is based on Toyota’s New Global Architecture chassis that also underpins the brand’s Prius eco car. As a result, the platform was designed with the acceptance of hybrid powertrains in mind, but we think this turbocharged 1.2 is the more worthy choice of the two engines on offer. It’s a…

Vauxhall Viva Rocks

James_Brodie@dennis.co.uk @Jimmybrods THE appeal of the crossover knows no bounds. Latest in line is the Vauxhall Viva Rocks, an SUV-inspired version of the city car, intended to inject a bit of youthful appeal into the firm’s smallest model. Lining up as a rival for the Suzuki Ignis and the Dacia Sandero Stepway, it boasts little in the way of revisions under the skin: the sole mechanical change is an 18mm boost in ride height. The suspension components are carried over unchanged, while under the bonnet it uses the same 74bhp 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine. The Rocks gets a tougher look thanks to new black plastic bumpers at the rear, black plastic wheelarches, plus new, brushed aluminium-look door sills and roof rails. There are also unique 15-inch alloy wheels and, inside,…

Vauxhall Viva Rocks

VAUXHALL GRANDLAND X Navi 5.0 IntelliLink Standard Key features: OnStar, CarPlay/Android Auto IN high-spec Sport Nav trim the Grandland X comes loaded with tech. All models actually get Vauxhall’s OnStar system, a concierge service that can download destinations to your car or call the emergency services after a crash. It also adds Wi-Fi hotspot capability. CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the range and integrated slickly, with easy operation and a respectable resolution thanks to the eight-inch screen. From Tech Line Nav models and above you get this larger display and built-in navigation, as well as voice control. The system isn’t quite as slick to look at as the Peugeot’s set-up, but it’s more responsive, while it offers a similar level of functionality to its French rival. However, disappointingly, the Grandland X doesn’t inherit the…

Kia Stinger vs Audi S5

TEN years ago few people would have guessed that Kia, the South Korean manufacturer best known for its reasonably priced hatchbacks, SUVs and superminis, would bring out a car that directly rivals one of Audi’s most accomplished fast family models. Yet that is exactly what has happened with this, the Kia Stinger GT S, which has set its sights firmly on the Audi S5 Sportback. It’s a big leap for a company such as Kia to take on a brand like Audi – but the Stinger’s 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 ensures it has the performance to rival the S5, even if the £40,495 price means it’ll have to impress buyers used to premium models. The Kia does undercut the Audi on price, but can it really manage a win over the establishment? KIA STINGER…

Kia Stinger vs Audi S5

Family conflict

WHILE the partnership between Peugeot and Vauxhall is starting to bear fruit, the British brand’s new Grandland X SUV joint venture with the French firm was actually conceived and developed before Vauxhall was sold off to PSA Peugeot-Citroen. That’s because Vauxhall knows it needs SUVs in its line-up given the way the market is going and Peugeot already has a winner in this sector. So the Grandland X midsize family crossover shares plenty of the technology that has made the 3008 it’s going up against such a success. The Peugeot boasts sharp styling inside and out, but blends this with usability and an impressive level of kit. This is what the Grandland X will have to match. We already know it equals the 3008 under the bonnet. Diesel isn’t dead…

Family conflict

1 st KIA STINGER GT S

CO2/tax 225g/km £450 or 37% Practicality Boot (seats up/down) 406/1,114 litres Performance 0-60/30-70mph 4.9/3.9 seconds Braking 70-0/60-0/30-0mph 46.6/36.6/8.5m Running costs 28.6mpg (on test) £73 fill-up A HIGH-end sports saloon with 365bhp from Kia will be a surprise to many, but it’s time to get used to the idea because the car is here, and it’s well worth a look. The eye-catching design means the new Stinger looks the part. However, what’s really impressive about the brand’s first attempt at a sports saloon for the European market is that it delivers competitive performance and a genuinely enjoyable drive. While the Stinger was slightly slower than the Audi from 0-60mph in our tests, taking 4.9 seconds to the S5’s 4.7 seconds, the Kia was actually faster once it was rolling. The Audi’s four-wheel drive system means it launches ferociously, but the Kia was a tenth quicker from 30-70mph through…

1 st KIA STINGER GT S

Vauxhall Grandland X

MODEL TESTED: Vauxhall Grandland X 1.2 Turbo Sport Nav PRICE: £24,595 ENGINE: 1.2-litre 3cyl, 128bhp CO2/tax 117g/km £140 or 22% Practicality Boot (seats up/down) 514/1,652 litres Performance 0-60/30-70mph 10.3/10.1 seconds Braking 70-0/60-0/30-0mph 43.4/31.9/8.9m Running costs 42.7mpg (on test) £64 fill-up IT seems as though there’s a new SUV launching every week, and the latest model to hit the market is Vauxhall’s Grandland X. We’re testing it in popular 1.2-litre turbo petrol form; priced from £24,595 in Sport Nav trim, it shows off what’s on offer in the brand-new range. However, given its relationship to the Peugeot, can the Grandland X beat its cousin? score 3.9 DESIGN & ENGINEERING UNDERNEATH the Vauxhall’s smooth skin, the Grandland X shares the Peugeot’s EMP2 platform. This is fairly advanced technology, which is scalable to…

Vauxhall Grandland X

CO2/tax 117g/km £140 or 22% Practicality Boot (seats up/down) 591/1,670 litres Performance 0-60/30-70mph 10.6/9.9 seconds Braking 70-0/60-0/30-0mph 45.2/33.6/10.2m Running costs 43.7mpg (on test) £64 fill-up MODEL TESTED: Peugeot 3008 1.2 PureTech 130 Allure PRICE: £24,565 ENGINE: 1.2-litre 3cyl, 129bhp GIVEN how much the two cars share, the Peugeot 3008 is a natural rival for the Vauxhall. We’ve chosen the 1.2 PureTech 130 model in Allure trim (GT Line is pictured), which is slightly cheaper at £24,565, but do you get more for less here? DESIGN & ENGINEERING WHILE the Grandland X might have benefited from a transfer of tech following PSA Peugeot-Citroen’s buyout of the Opel/ Vauxhall brands, the EMP2 platform was originally developed with Peugeot’s 3008 family SUV in mind. The Peugeot shares the same suspension set-up, but it…

2 nd AUDI S5 SPORTBACK

CO2/tax 174g/km £450 or 34% Practicality Boot (seats up/down) 480/1,300 litres Performance 0-60/30-70mph 4.7/4.0 seconds Braking 70-0/60-0/30-0mph 49.7/35.3/10.4m Running costs 26.2mpg (on test) £70 fill-up THE Audi S5 Sportback’s strong points are its sharp styling, high-quality interior and huge performance. While it falls behind the Kia for engagement, the S5’s impressive traction adds another dimension to its character on the road. It’s faster off the line than its rival here, beating the Kia’s 0-60mph time by two tenths of a second, but where you really notice the benefit of the all-wheel-drive set-up is in corners. Get on the power aggressively and the Audi will stick to its line for longer, although it’s not as exciting as the Stinger as a result. In wet weather, though, the S5 feels almost as composed as it does in the dry and that’s where the quattro system comes into its…

2 nd AUDI S5 SPORTBACK

CO2/tax 136g/km £140 or 26% Practicality Boot (seats up/down) 377/1,160 litres Performance 0-60/30-70mph 11.0/10.8 seconds Braking 70-0/60-0/30-0mph 48.4/31.5/10.2m Running costs 39.6mpg (on test) £52 fill-up MODEL TESTED: Toyota C-HR 1.2T Excel PRICE: £24,065 ENGINE: 1.2-litre 4cyl, 113bhp TOYOTA might be better known for its hybrids, but the 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol unit in this £24,065 C-HR Excel (although our pictures show a top-spec Dynamic model) offers a worthy alternative to the Vauxhall and Peugeot. There’s plenty of style thanks to its coupé-like design in an SUV body, but does it back this up with substance? DESIGN & ENGINEERING THE C-HR is based on Toyota’s New Global Architecture chassis that also underpins the brand’s Prius eco car. As a result, the platform was designed with the acceptance of hybrid powertrains in mind,…

@AE_Consumer Running costs 44.8mpg (on test) £54 fill-up CO2/tax 103g/km £140 or 19% Braking 70-0/60-0/30-0mph 53.7/38.8/11.2m FOR such a small car, the Citroen C3 comes with a long list of in-car tech. The Flair model we’ve been running on our fleet has Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity, sat-nav (a £500 option), DAB radio and something the C3’s rivals don’t match – a dash cam. I’ve spent the past few months testing various bits of tech on board the C3, from how easily my phone integrates with the car to how good the sat-nav is at avoiding traffic jams. However, I have only recently managed to dig further into the ConnectedCAM features. Whether you love them or hate them, dash cams are growing in popularity and here to stay. Not only will they help clear many disputes after accidents, insurers are…

VAUXHALL GRANDLAND X Navi 5.0 IntelliLink Standard Key features: OnStar, CarPlay/Android Auto IN high-spec Sport Nav trim the Grandland X comes loaded with tech. All models actually get Vauxhall’s OnStar system, a concierge service that can download destinations to your car or call the emergency services after a crash. It also adds Wi-Fi hotspot capability. CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the range and integrated slickly, with easy operation and a respectable resolution thanks to the eight-inch screen. From Tech Line Nav models and above you get this larger display and built-in navigation, as well as voice control. The system isn’t quite as slick to look at as the Peugeot’s set-up, but it’s more responsive, while it offers a similar level of functionality to its French rival. However, disappointingly,…

Mitsubishi L200

@cargadgetguru “The tonneau makes it easier to use the full depth of the bed and is quite a bit cheaper” Running costs 22.3mpg (on test) £91 fill-up Practicality Payload 1,050kg CO2/tax 196g/km £240 Performance 0-60/30-70mph 10.1/9.7 seconds MITSUBISHI’S L200 pick-up has been a hard-working addition to our fleet – but with us doing so many miles in the truck, we had a few ideas for improving the specification of our example. So we organised a swap and took the opportunity to change the trim level and extras based on my experience so far. Duxford Motor Group sales executive Paul Dray then handed us the keys to our new motor. I’ve gone for the eye-catching metallic Electric Blue and dropped a trim level to Warrior, which does away with much of the external chrome on the top-spec Barbarian we had before; a subtle but pleasing change. I also…

Mitsubishi L200

Kia Stinger vs Audi S5

TEN years ago few people would have guessed that Kia, the South Korean manufacturer best known for its reasonably priced hatchbacks, SUVs and superminis, would bring out a car that directly rivals one of Audi’s most accomplished fast family models. Yet that is exactly what has happened with this, the Kia Stinger GT S, which has set its sights firmly on the Audi S5 Sportback. It’s a big leap for a company such as Kia to take on a brand like Audi – but the Stinger’s 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 ensures it has the performance to rival the S5, even if the £40,495 price means it’ll have to impress buyers used to premium models. The Kia does undercut the Audi on price, but can it really manage a win over the establishment? KIA…

Kia Stinger vs Audi S5

@Jonathan_burn Running costs 40.0mpg (on test) £80 fill-up WE’VE covered more than 11,500 miles in our 5 Series, but now it’s time to say auf wiedersehen. During its time on our fleet the 520d has ferried members of the Auto Express team up and down the country and across Europe, all in supreme comfort. There’s another side to our 520d xDrive, though, as illustrated above. The brand’s marketing messages suggest the idea of ‘the ultimate driving machine’, and despite the new level of luxury and refinement the latest 5 Series has adopted, the model is still a true driver’s car at its core. Even with a modest 187bhp 2.0-litre diesel and fitted with the added security of four-wheel drive, the 5 Series can be driven in a way more befitting of a sports car. It’s not…

1st KIA STINGER GT S

CO2/tax 225g/km £450 or 37% Practicality Boot (seats up/down) 406/1,114 litres Performance 0-60/30-70mph 4.9/3.9 seconds Braking 70-0/60-0/30-0mph 46.6/36.6/8.5m Running costs 28.6mpg (on test) £73 fill-up A HIGH-end sports saloon with 365bhp from Kia will be a surprise to many, but it’s time to get used to the idea because the car is here, and it’s well worth a look. The eye-catching design means the new Stinger looks the part. However, what’s really impressive about the brand’s first attempt at a sports saloon for the European market is that it delivers competitive performance and a genuinely enjoyable drive. While the Stinger was slightly slower than the Audi from 0-60mph in our tests, taking 4.9 seconds to the S5’s 4.7 seconds, the Kia was actually faster once it was rolling. The Audi’s…

1st KIA STINGER GT S

Volkswagen e-Golf

@johnmcilroy WINTER’S here – and this brings an especially cold chill for electric vehicle owners, who, having got over the basic concept of range anxiety, now have to take a second gulp as their EV’s normal range shrinks by a few miles. Part of the problem, of course, is that heating up a car from freezing temperatures takes a lot of energy. And merely sticking on a few extra layers of clothing for your daily commute won’t quite solve the problem either; you still need electricity to defrost the windscreen and rear glass, after all. Fortunately, Volkswagen has an app for this. In fact, the system, called Car-Net, works across not only Apple and Android phones, but also in your web browser. It feeds through a constant stream of information from the vehicle…

Volkswagen e-Golf

2nd AUDI S5 SPORTBACK

CO2/tax 174g/km £450 or 34% Practicality Boot (seats up/down) 480/1,300 litres Performance 0-60/30-70mph 4.7/4.0 seconds Braking 70-0/60-0/30-0mph 49.7/35.3/10.4m Running costs 26.2mpg (on test) £70 fill-up THE Audi S5 Sportback’s strong points are its sharp styling, high-quality interior and huge performance. While it falls behind the Kia for engagement, the S5’s impressive traction adds another dimension to its character on the road. It’s faster off the line than its rival here, beating the Kia’s 0-60mph time by two tenths of a second, but where you really notice the benefit of the all-wheel-drive set-up is in corners. Get on the power aggressively and the Audi will stick to its line for longer, although it’s not as exciting as the Stinger as a result. In wet weather, though, the S5 feels almost as…

2nd AUDI S5 SPORTBACK

Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer BIG estate cars are always popular on the Auto Express fleet, so we’ve got something special to look forward to over the next six months: a Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer has joined the ranks. Not wanting to waste any time, senior reviewer Sam Naylor put the load-lugger to use immediately with a trip to pick up a new fold-up bicycle for his wife. Her old cycle had been stolen and she found a replacement nearby on an auction site. A rusty centre section meant Sam was unable to fold it when he arrived to collect it, but the Insignia’s huge 1,665-litre boot with the seats lowered was more than enough to accommodate the bike. It’s not a surprise that the Insignia is practical, but the fact that it’s good…

@AE_Consumer Running costs 44.8mpg (on test) £54 fill-up CO2/tax 103g/km £140 or 19% Braking 70-0/60-0/30-0mph 53.7/38.8/11.2m FOR such a small car, the Citroen C3 comes with a long list of in-car tech. The Flair model we’ve been running on our fleet has Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity, sat-nav (a £500 option), DAB radio and something the C3’s rivals don’t match – a dash cam. I’ve spent the past few months testing various bits of tech on board the C3, from how easily my phone integrates with the car to how good the sat-nav is at avoiding traffic jams. However, I have only recently managed to dig further into the ConnectedCAM features. Whether you love them or hate them, dash cams are growing in popularity and here to stay.…

NEXTBASE TUNES INTO DAB WITH NEW ADAPTORS

NEW PRODUCT Nextbase Adapt 250 and 350BT Price: From £99 Contact: 020 3195 0877, www.nextbase.co.uk NEXTBASE is a brand best known for dash cams, but the manufacturer has now branched out into DAB adaptors with two new products. The ADAPT 250 starts out at £99, while the ADAPT 350BT retails at £129. Both units work as plug-and-play devices, tapping into the car’s FM waves and turning them into digital frequencies. Each has a 2.4- inch LCD screen and buttons to shuffle through stations, while the 350BT also adds Bluetooth, allowing drivers to link their phones to make and receive hands-free calls and stream music. The 250 and 350BT will automatically select the best vacant FM frequencies to use for the DAB signal, and they can store your favourite channels, too. Both models also come with a…

NEXTBASE TUNES INTO DAB WITH NEW ADAPTORS

Got a query? products@autoexpress.co.uk @AE_Consumer Q How to charge electric kit I CARRY a lot of electronic kit in my car that I use in connection with my job. Keeping it all charged is a struggle, so I’m thinking of getting a power bank. Which is the best? Joe Montgomery, E-mail A FOR charging away from the car a power bank is definitely the way to go, although our test winner is currently unavailable, so our pick would be the Anker PowerCore Speed 20000, which sells for £35.99. A cheaper option would be a multiple USB 12V adaptor such as the Anker PowerDrive 5 (above), at £16.99. Q Winter tyre alternatives I’M unable to afford a set of winter tyres for my car, but I am concerned about completing my journey when it snows because I live in…

Mitsubishi L200

@cargadgetguru “The tonneau makes it easier to use the full depth of the bed and is quite a bit cheaper” Running costs 22.3mpg (on test) £91 fill-up Practicality Payload 1,050kg CO2/tax 196g/km £240 Performance 0-60/30-70mph 10.1/9.7 seconds MITSUBISHI’S L200 pick-up has been a hard-working addition to our fleet – but with us doing so many miles in the truck, we had a few ideas for improving the specification of our example. So we organised a swap and took the opportunity to change the trim level and extras based on my experience so far. Duxford Motor Group sales executive Paul Dray then handed us the keys to our new motor. I’ve gone for the eye-catching metallic Electric Blue and dropped a trim level to Warrior, which does away with much of…

Mitsubishi L200

STEERING WHEEL ADDS TO RACE FUN... AT A PRICE

FIRST TEST Thrustmaster T-GT steering wheel Price: £699 (PS4/PC) Rating: Contact: t-gt.thrustmaster.com IF you want to make the most of a racing game and get a realistic experience, a steering wheel and pedals are a must. And the developer behind the Gran Turismo franchise on Sony’s PlayStation has teamed up with hardware firm Thrustmaster to produce an all-new steering wheel for the latest Gran Turismo Sport title on the PS4. The T-GT is a substantial piece of kit, with a leather-trimmed wheel and all metal pedals that feel like high-quality products. The wheel has shift paddles, but a separate gearlever is available at extra cost, and it replicates all of the buttons found on a Dual Shock controller, including the joysticks. The four knurled rotary buttons can also be assigned to additional functions in GT…

STEERING WHEEL ADDS TO RACE FUN... AT A PRICE

@Jonathan_burn Running costs 40.0mpg (on test) £80 fill-up WE’VE covered more than 11,500 miles in our 5 Series, but now it’s time to say auf wiedersehen. During its time on our fleet the 520d has ferried members of the Auto Express team up and down the country and across Europe, all in supreme comfort. There’s another side to our 520d xDrive, though, as illustrated above. The brand’s marketing messages suggest the idea of ‘the ultimate driving machine’, and despite the new level of luxury and refinement the latest 5 Series has adopted, the model is still a true driver’s car at its core. Even with a modest 187bhp 2.0-litre diesel and fitted with the added security of four-wheel drive, the 5 Series can be driven in a way more befitting…

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Experts’ advice to stop keyless theft SECURITY specialist Thatcham Research has released guidelines to prevent theft of cars with keyless entry systems, after shocking CCTV footage captured thieves stealing a Mercedes from its owner’s driveway. Contact your dealer first, it says, ensuring your car is running the most up-to-date software. You may be able to turn off your keyless fob at night, too. Thatcham recommends keeping the fob away from windows and doors, and investing in physical security – like the Stoplock Pro (above, £49.99 from Halfords), Best Buy in our last test. Ford owners get easy Hertz van hire FORD owners can now benefit from the brand’s partnership with rental firm Hertz. They can hire a van instantly via the FordPass app, and pay hourly. The Hertz 24/7 vans are located in car parks at…

news, deals & events

LED lamps battle to see which is a shining star

WHEN LEDs first arrived on work lamps they were in clusters, then chip on board (COB) strips. Now we see surface mount diodes (SMD), as used on this new addition to Sealey’s 360? range. So which is the way to go? To find out we put the latest wand-like LED3604 from Sealey up against the multiple test winner from Ring, the MAGflex Twist RILL3600HP. We compared light output, looking for a wide, clean beam, and rated the torches. Mounting options were checked to seek the combination that gave the most chance of getting light where you need it. We also took into account price from online sources, charging options, plus lifetime on maximum power. There’s no doubting the Sealey’s power, but the Ring just hangs on to its crown thanks to better…

LED lamps battle to see which is a shining star

books, apps & games

Volkswagen: The Air- Cooled Era in Colour Richard Copping (Veloce Publishing, www.veloce.co.uk) Price: £19.99 Rating: IT’S easy to concentrate on VW’s most famous air-cooled models, the Type 1 Beetle and Type 2 Microbus, but this book covers the entire range. Fans will be delighted to see such in-depth commentary on the Type 3 Fastback, Squareback and Notchback, plus the Karmann Ghia. Photography is good but it’s poorly printed. However, the sheer glut of artwork makes up for this. Amazing Family Adventures Jen & Sim Benson (NationalTrust,nationaltrustbooks.co.uk) Price: £12.99 Rating: YOU may want to squirrel this book away for when the temperatures rise, because the contents are very much outdoor-biased. And when the weather’s less inclement, it’s packed with great ideas for families to enjoy the British countryside. You could load up the car every weekend and head…

books, apps & games

Volkswagen e-Golf

@johnmcilroy WINTER’S here – and this brings an especially cold chill for electric vehicle owners, who, having got over the basic concept of range anxiety, now have to take a second gulp as their EV’s normal range shrinks by a few miles. Part of the problem, of course, is that heating up a car from freezing temperatures takes a lot of energy. And merely sticking on a few extra layers of clothing for your daily commute won’t quite solve the problem either; you still need electricity to defrost the windscreen and rear glass, after all. Fortunately, Volkswagen has an app for this. In fact, the system, called Car-Net, works across not only Apple and Android phones, but also in your web browser. It feeds through a constant stream of information…

Volkswagen e-Golf

Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer BIG estate cars are always popular on the Auto Express fleet, so we’ve got something special to look forward to over the next six months: a Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer has joined the ranks. Not wanting to waste any time, senior reviewer Sam Naylor put the load-lugger to use immediately with a trip to pick up a new fold-up bicycle for his wife. Her old cycle had been stolen and she found a replacement nearby on an auction site. A rusty centre section meant Sam was unable to fold it when he arrived to collect it, but the Insignia’s huge 1,665-litre boot with the seats lowered was more than enough to accommodate the bike. It’s not a surprise that the Insignia is practical, but the fact…

HOSE SPRAY GUNS

PRODUCT GROUP TEST 27 | 12 | 2017 Every week, we extensively test all the latest car kit from tyres to trim cleaners. Log on to www.autoexpress.co.uk to look through our huge online test archive. IT may not give the ultimate power of a pressure washer, but fitting a spray gun to your garden hose can massively increase your cleaning capability. Guns offer a variety of modes, from a fierce jet, to a finer spray for rinsing the car after washing and a mist for close-up work. So, if a pressure washer is beyond your budget or you can’t get mains power to where you clean the car, then a spray gun is a good, low-cost option. But which one will make your car cleaning easier? We plugged in eight to find out. How…

HOSE SPRAY GUNS

NEXTBASE TUNES INTO DAB WITH NEW ADAPTORS

NEW PRODUCT Nextbase Adapt 250 and 350BT Price: From £99 Contact: 020 3195 0877, www.nextbase.co.uk NEXTBASE is a brand best known for dash cams, but the manufacturer has now branched out into DAB adaptors with two new products. The ADAPT 250 starts out at £99, while the ADAPT 350BT retails at £129. Both units work as plug-and-play devices, tapping into the car’s FM waves and turning them into digital frequencies. Each has a 2.4- inch LCD screen and buttons to shuffle through stations, while the 350BT also adds Bluetooth, allowing drivers to link their phones to make and receive hands-free calls and stream music. The 250 and 350BT will automatically select the best vacant FM frequencies to use for the DAB signal, and they can store your favourite channels, too.…

NEXTBASE TUNES INTO DAB WITH NEW ADAPTORS

58th PLACE Sponsored by Warrantywise YOUR VIEWS ON YOUR CARS GOOD “I CAN spend several days travelling in my car and not suffer any aches or pains.” “All-round visibility is good, with minimal A-pillar intrusion and a high driving position.” “There’s plenty of interior space and it’s a comfortable car. A great all-rounder.” “Nice mix of sleek contemporary styling and chunky SUV looks.” “I’m impressed with how quiet the diesel engine is.” “Despite my Kadjar having 19-inch alloy wheels, the ride is comfortable.” “I regularly get more than 60mpg from my Kadjar.” NOT SO GOOD “FIT and finish is below par and not what you would expect of a new vehicle.” “The door bins have such sharp edges I have cut myself many times.” “My car’s had problems with wind noise, which my dealer can’t resolve.” “The R-Link 2 infotainment system is outdated.” “The…

Got any car queries? Hugo_Griffiths@dennis.co.uk @AE_Consumer Q Why is gearbox juddering? MY dual-clutch transmission judders when changing between first and second gear, although it doesn’t do this in sport mode. Will a software update fix this, or should I brace myself for a big bill? Roger Scranton, E-mail A THE higher revs held by sport mode could effectively be slipping the clutch, masking a problem with the clutch ‘pack’ or the gearbox itself. You might need a new clutch pack or box, but ask your garage about a software update – and change the gearbox oil first. Q Avoiding hire car excess I’M off on holiday shortly, and my car hire company told me I’d have to pay £2,500 if I had an accident. It said I could avoid this by paying a hefty extra charge on my…

Got a query? products@autoexpress.co.uk @AE_Consumer Q How to charge electric kit I CARRY a lot of electronic kit in my car that I use in connection with my job. Keeping it all charged is a struggle, so I’m thinking of getting a power bank. Which is the best? Joe Montgomery, E-mail A FOR charging away from the car a power bank is definitely the way to go, although our test winner is currently unavailable, so our pick would be the Anker PowerCore Speed 20000, which sells for £35.99. A cheaper option would be a multiple USB 12V adaptor such as the Anker PowerDrive 5 (above), at £16.99. Q Winter tyre alternatives I’M unable to afford a set of winter tyres for my car, but I am concerned about completing my…

BUYER’S GUIDE: Jaguar XF

NEED TO KNOW Check each alloy wheel for signs of cracking or deformation. Replacement rims are available, but are very costly. NEED TO KNOW Early versions of the XF could suffer from various electrical problems, so ensure that all of the equipment works. NEED TO KNOW Bluetooth problems aren’t unusual. Sometimes a phone won’t pair or is paired but the connection is lost. www.autoexpress.co.uk/driverpower OUR VIEW THIRD place in our Driver Power 2017 used car survey is great. It was second for ride and handling plus build quality and reliability, fourth for comfort and seventh for practicality. Its worst score was 37th for running costs. YOUR VIEW ALAN Wyshaw, from Hull, East Yorks, owns an XF S. He said: “I switched from an Audi A6 3.0 TDI and I love the Jag’s character. It’s no more expensive to run and…

BUYER’S GUIDE: Jaguar XF

STEERING WHEEL ADDS TO RACE FUN... AT A PRICE

FIRST TEST Thrustmaster T-GT steering wheel Price: £699 (PS4/PC) Rating: Contact: t-gt.thrustmaster.com IF you want to make the most of a racing game and get a realistic experience, a steering wheel and pedals are a must. And the developer behind the Gran Turismo franchise on Sony’s PlayStation has teamed up with hardware firm Thrustmaster to produce an all-new steering wheel for the latest Gran Turismo Sport title on the PS4. The T-GT is a substantial piece of kit, with a leather-trimmed wheel and all metal pedals that feel like high-quality products. The wheel has shift paddles, but a separate gearlever is available at extra cost, and it replicates all of the buttons found on a Dual Shock controller, including the joysticks. The four knurled rotary buttons can also be assigned to…

STEERING WHEEL ADDS TO RACE FUN... AT A PRICE

TOP FIVE First cars

1st NEW ENTRY Volkswagen up! Years: 2016 to date Best engine: 1.0-litre 3cyl petrol, 59bhp Insurance group: 2E Economy/CO2: 64.2mpg/101g/km WHY? ALL three of the VW Group’s range of city cars – the SEAT Mii, Skoda Citigo and Volkswagen up! – are a great choice for a first vehicle, but the VW is the first to receive a series of updates to keep it fresh. Its better cabin tech means it’s subtly improved, while the car still feels more grown up than its size and price tag suggest. It’s solidly built, safe, surprisingly roomy inside and very easy to drive, while low running costs and a classy design help it appeal to a young audience. It’s refined and happy at motorway speeds, too. From £9,135 (new) 2nd FALLER Ford Fiesta Years: 2017 to date Best engine: 1.1-litre 3cyl,…

TOP FIVE First cars

news, deals & events

Experts’ advice to stop keyless theft SECURITY specialist Thatcham Research has released guidelines to prevent theft of cars with keyless entry systems, after shocking CCTV footage captured thieves stealing a Mercedes from its owner’s driveway. Contact your dealer first, it says, ensuring your car is running the most up-to-date software. You may be able to turn off your keyless fob at night, too. Thatcham recommends keeping the fob away from windows and doors, and investing in physical security – like the Stoplock Pro (above, £49.99 from Halfords), Best Buy in our last test. Ford owners get easy Hertz van hire FORD owners can now benefit from the brand’s partnership with rental firm Hertz. They can hire a van instantly via the FordPass app, and pay hourly. The Hertz 24/7 vans…

news, deals & events

Power for the people

Volkswagen Touran Volkswagen Touran 1.6 TDI SE Family Years: 2015 to date Engine: 1.6-litre 4cyl, 108bhp Ins group: 12 Official econ/CO2: 64.2mpg/116g/km Why? The Touran is straightforward and the best to drive of the three cars here, with sharp handling Prices from: £17,950 VW’S Touran keeps things conventional and straightforward in a class where rivals cash in on quirky looks, with cleaner, simpler lines than the Peugeot and the Citroen. It’s a similar story in the cabin, too, with a dashboard layout largely inspired by the Golf. What sets the Touran apart from its rivals most of all, though, is the way it drives, with balanced steering and sharp handling for an MPV. However, it’s less roomy than the Citroen, offering 1,857 litres of space with the seats down. The Touran didn’t feature in our 2017 Driver…

Power for the people

LED lamps battle to see which is a shining star

WHEN LEDs first arrived on work lamps they were in clusters, then chip on board (COB) strips. Now we see surface mount diodes (SMD), as used on this new addition to Sealey’s 360? range. So which is the way to go? To find out we put the latest wand-like LED3604 from Sealey up against the multiple test winner from Ring, the MAGflex Twist RILL3600HP. We compared light output, looking for a wide, clean beam, and rated the torches. Mounting options were checked to seek the combination that gave the most chance of getting light where you need it. We also took into account price from online sources, charging options, plus lifetime on maximum power. There’s no doubting the Sealey’s power, but the Ring just hangs on to its crown thanks…

LED lamps battle to see which is a shining star

Peugeot eyes Dakar hat-trick

COMPETITORS are gearing up for the start of the 2018 Dakar rally, which gets under way from Lima, Peru, on 6 January and also passes through Bolivia and Argentina, finishing up in Cordoba on 20 January. Peugeot has won the event for the last two years and again starts as favourite, with 2016 and 2017 victor Stephane Peterhansel joined by five-time motorbike class winner Cyril Despres and World Rally legends Carlos Sainz and Sebastien Loeb once more. This could be Loeb’s last chance to add a Dakar Rally win to his considerable list of motorsport accolades, as Peugeot is ending its off-road programme after this event in order to ramp up its World Rallycross effort. Speaking after the 3008 DKR’s final pre- Dakar test session in Morocco, Peugeot Sport boss Bruno Famin said:…

Peugeot eyes Dakar hat-trick

books, apps & games

Volkswagen: The Air- Cooled Era in Colour Richard Copping (Veloce Publishing, www.veloce.co.uk) Price: £19.99 Rating: IT’S easy to concentrate on VW’s most famous air-cooled models, the Type 1 Beetle and Type 2 Microbus, but this book covers the entire range. Fans will be delighted to see such in-depth commentary on the Type 3 Fastback, Squareback and Notchback, plus the Karmann Ghia. Photography is good but it’s poorly printed. However, the sheer glut of artwork makes up for this. Amazing Family Adventures Jen & Sim Benson (NationalTrust,nationaltrustbooks.co.uk) Price: £12.99 Rating: YOU may want to squirrel this book away for when the temperatures rise, because the contents are very much outdoor-biased. And when the weather’s less inclement, it’s packed with great ideas for families to enjoy the British countryside. You could load…

books, apps & games

HOSE SPRAY GUNS

PRODUCT GROUP TEST 27 | 12 | 2017 Every week, we extensively test all the latest car kit from tyres to trim cleaners. Log on to www.autoexpress.co.uk to look through our huge online test archive. IT may not give the ultimate power of a pressure washer, but fitting a spray gun to your garden hose can massively increase your cleaning capability. Guns offer a variety of modes, from a fierce jet, to a finer spray for rinsing the car after washing and a mist for close-up work. So, if a pressure washer is beyond your budget or you can’t get mains power to where you clean the car, then a spray gun is a good, low-cost option. But which one will make your car cleaning easier? We plugged in eight…

HOSE SPRAY GUNS

AFTER driving and living with scores of 100 per cent electric test cars, I know a bit about their pros (high fun factor, low running costs) and cons (purchase prices too high, range too low). I’m still of the view that an all-electric family/commuter car is not yet for me and my lifestyle. And the sales stats prove that around 99 per cent of private motorists also refuse to invest in such vehicles. Sure, we buy into the idea of them being significant in the mid-to-long term. It’s just we’re not buying (or leasing) them at the minute. But I and many motorists I know are increasingly keen to try less expensive rechargeable transport devices – like electric bicycles and stand-on scooters. The same is true of the sub-£7k Renault Twizy quadricycle,…

58th PLACE Sponsored by Warrantywise YOUR VIEWS ON YOUR CARS ■ GOOD “I CAN spend several days travelling in my car and not suffer any aches or pains.” “All-round visibility is good, with minimal A-pillar intrusion and a high driving position.” “There’s plenty of interior space and it’s a comfortable car. A great all-rounder.” “Nice mix of sleek contemporary styling and chunky SUV looks.” “I’m impressed with how quiet the diesel engine is.” “Despite my Kadjar having 19-inch alloy wheels, the ride is comfortable.” “I regularly get more than 60mpg from my Kadjar.” ■ NOT SO GOOD “FIT and finish is below par and not what you would expect of a new vehicle.” “The door bins have such sharp edges I have cut myself many times.” “My car’s had problems…

Got any car queries? Hugo_Griffiths@dennis.co.uk @AE_Consumer Q Why is gearbox juddering? MY dual-clutch transmission judders when changing between first and second gear, although it doesn’t do this in sport mode. Will a software update fix this, or should I brace myself for a big bill? Roger Scranton, E-mail A THE higher revs held by sport mode could effectively be slipping the clutch, masking a problem with the clutch ‘pack’ or the gearbox itself. You might need a new clutch pack or box, but ask your garage about a software update – and change the gearbox oil first. Q Avoiding hire car excess I’M off on holiday shortly, and my car hire company told me I’d have to pay £2,500 if I had an accident. It said I could avoid this…

BUYER’S GUIDE: Jaguar XF

NEED TO KNOW Check each alloy wheel for signs of cracking or deformation. Replacement rims are available, but are very costly. NEED TO KNOW Early versions of the XF could suffer from various electrical problems, so ensure that all of the equipment works. NEED TO KNOW Bluetooth problems aren’t unusual. Sometimes a phone won’t pair or is paired but the connection is lost. www.autoexpress.co.uk/driverpower OUR VIEW THIRD place in our Driver Power 2017 used car survey is great. It was second for ride and handling plus build quality and reliability, fourth for comfort and seventh for practicality. Its worst score was 37th for running costs. YOUR VIEW ALAN Wyshaw, from Hull, East Yorks, owns an XF S. He said: “I switched from an Audi A6 3.0 TDI and I love…

BUYER’S GUIDE: Jaguar XF

TOP FIVE First cars

1st NEW ENTRY Volkswagen up! Years: 2016 to date Best engine: 1.0-litre 3cyl petrol, 59bhp Insurance group: 2E Economy/CO2: 64.2mpg/101g/km WHY? ALL three of the VW Group’s range of city cars – the SEAT Mii, Skoda Citigo and Volkswagen up! – are a great choice for a first vehicle, but the VW is the first to receive a series of updates to keep it fresh. Its better cabin tech means it’s subtly improved, while the car still feels more grown up than its size and price tag suggest. It’s solidly built, safe, surprisingly roomy inside and very easy to drive, while low running costs and a classy design help it appeal to a young audience. It’s refined and happy at motorway speeds, too. From £9,135 (new) 2nd FALLER Ford Fiesta…

TOP FIVE First cars

Power for the people

Volkswagen Touran Volkswagen Touran 1.6 TDI SE Family Years: 2015 to date Engine: 1.6-litre 4cyl, 108bhp Ins group: 12 Official econ/CO2: 64.2mpg/116g/km Why? The Touran is straightforward and the best to drive of the three cars here, with sharp handling Prices from: £17,950 VW’S Touran keeps things conventional and straightforward in a class where rivals cash in on quirky looks, with cleaner, simpler lines than the Peugeot and the Citroen. It’s a similar story in the cabin, too, with a dashboard layout largely inspired by the Golf. What sets the Touran apart from its rivals most of all, though, is the way it drives, with balanced steering and sharp handling for an MPV. However, it’s less roomy than the Citroen, offering 1,857 litres of space with the seats down. The…

Power for the people

Peugeot eyes Dakar hat-trick

COMPETITORS are gearing up for the start of the 2018 Dakar rally, which gets under way from Lima, Peru, on 6 January and also passes through Bolivia and Argentina, finishing up in Cordoba on 20 January. Peugeot has won the event for the last two years and again starts as favourite, with 2016 and 2017 victor Stephane Peterhansel joined by five-time motorbike class winner Cyril Despres and World Rally legends Carlos Sainz and Sebastien Loeb once more. This could be Loeb’s last chance to add a Dakar Rally win to his considerable list of motorsport accolades, as Peugeot is ending its off-road programme after this event in order to ramp up its World Rallycross effort. Speaking after the 3008 DKR’s final pre- Dakar test session in Morocco, Peugeot Sport boss…

Peugeot eyes Dakar hat-trick

AFTER driving and living with scores of 100 per cent electric test cars, I know a bit about their pros (high fun factor, low running costs) and cons (purchase prices too high, range too low). I’m still of the view that an all-electric family/commuter car is not yet for me and my lifestyle. And the sales stats prove that around 99 per cent of private motorists also refuse to invest in such vehicles. Sure, we buy into the idea of them being significant in the mid-to-long term. It’s just we’re not buying (or leasing) them at the minute. But I and many motorists I know are increasingly keen to try less expensive rechargeable transport devices – like electric bicycles and stand-on scooters. The same is true of the sub-£7k Renault…

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