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46 Articles

In this issue of What Car?

‘The new V90 is Volvo’s best estate yet’ SUVs might dominate the sales charts, but in the last month we’ve had two reminders that it’s also worth considering an estate as a plush and practical family car. First, Mercedes-Benz unveiled its sophisticated new E-Class Estate (see page 31), and then we had our first drive of the V90, a direct rival from Volvo (page 26). At the launch of the V90, the people who developed it were more interested in talking about its looks and technology than its boot space – probably because the V90 breaks from Volvo’s boxy tradition, trading ultimate practicality for a swoopy design. However, while it’s more suited to hauling bikes and baby buggies than wardrobes and white goods, the V90 is still Volvo’s best estate yet. After all, how…

In this issue of What Car?

All-new coupé is a vast improvement, with powerful engines and high-tech gadgets Verdict Great all-rounder that brings the fight back to German rivals ‘New A5 sits on same platform as the A4, our Car of the Year 2016’ THE CURRENT A5 is the one remaining dinosaur in Audi’s line-up. Originating from a time when Tony Blair was Prime Minister and you could happily puff away on a cigarette in a bar or restaurant, this four-seat coupé has roamed the earth for nearly a decade. Now it’s finally about to become extinct – and not before time because the current A5 is not only one of the least recommendable cars in Audi’s range, but it’s also long been outclassed by newer and more sophisticated rivals, such as the BMW 4 Series and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class…

Fiat 124 Spider

Based on Mazda MX-5, but Fiat drop-top has new engine and tweaked handling Verdict A convincing, albeit pricier, alternative to the MX-5 ‘The Fiat’s turbo engine has a lot more punch than the Mazda’s naturally aspirated ones’ THE FIAT 124 Spider signals the Italian firm’s return to the roadster market. The result of a collaboration with Mazda, it has a rear-wheel drive platform under the two-seater body (courtesy of the MX-5), hence the hat-tip to a model name last used by Fiat in the 1960s and 1970s. Homage to that 124 Spider is paid in a host of styling details on the completely redesigned body, which is sufficiently altered for it to be slightly larger than Mazda’s effort. Underneath, the engine has changed, too, with Fiat opting to use its turbocharged 1.4-litre Multiair petrol…

Fiat 124 Spider

New Nissan Qashqai rival offers a hybrid alternative to diesel Verdict Spacious and refined; could be more comfortable though ‘Predicted prices should undercut the Toyota Prius by a couple of thousand pounds’ DON’T BE FOOLED by appearances. The Kia Niro may look like yet another compact crossover, but it offers something a little different at this price point. Like the Toyota Prius, the Niro is a hybrid that uses an electric motor and battery pack to supplement its petrol engine. That means its CO2 emissions are as low as 88g/km and fuel consumption should rival that of the most frugal of diesel-powered alternatives. As we’ve come to expect from Kia, the new Niro is likely to be good value as well. Although prices haven’t been confirmed, they should undercut the Prius by a couple…

Electric car maker aims to bring performance and long range to the SUV market Verdict Practical and fantastic to drive, but has some drawbacks ‘If you need to go any faster, you’re probably a little unhinged’ YOU WILL HAVE probably heard of Tesla by now. Its electric luxury saloon, the Model S, is becoming ever more common on our roads due to its long range, low running costs and impressive performance. Now the American manufacturer is branching out with the Model X, a large SUV that combines a high driving position and practicality with the impressive performance and zero emissions of the Model S. While the basic platform with the battery pack and motors is shared with the Model S, Tesla has tried to innovate with the Model X to make everyday life easier. It…

Audi’s cheapest Q car brings a touch of luxury to the small SUV sector Verdict Ride quality niggles aside, Audi’s new baby is an impressive thing SUPERMINI-SIZED SUVs are nothing new. The Nissan Juke, Renault Captur and Mini Countryman all offer cute looks, compact dimensions and a slightly jacked-up driving position for comfortably less than £20,000. If you want a premium badge your smallest option is currently the Audi Q3, however, and that’s neither dinky nor cheap, with even the entry-level version costing £26,150. The Audi Q2 is designed to plug that gap. It’s roughly the same size as a Captur, and will undercut the Q3, BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA by around £6000 when it goes on sale this November. Audi is still putting the finishing touches to the Q2, so we’ve driven…

The Spanish brand’s first ever SUV is a new rival for the formidable Nissan Qashqai Verdict More fun to drive than its Volkswagen Tiguan sibling ‘The Ateca delivers acceleration that no diesel powered Qashqai can muster’ FOR A BRAND that’s supposed to be young and trendy, Seat has always been conspicuously absent from the SUV crowd. That’s set to change over the next few years,as the Spanish marque adds several high-riding offerings to its line-up. The first of these is the Ateca. It goes on sale in September, with the Kia Sportage and best-selling Nissan Qashqai squarely in its sights. The Ateca has a wide range of engines to choose from, starting with a 114bhp 1.0-litre petrol and topped by a 188bhp 2.0-litre diesel. Depending on which engine you choose, there’s also a choice of…

Anglo-Chinese manufacturer’s Qashqai rival promises punchy performance Verdict Disappointing in almost every area ‘The cheap feeling interior is a far cry from those of most rivals’ THE MG GS is a first for the Chinese owned brand. Never before has it entered the hotly contested SUV marketplace. Costing from less than £15,000, could it be a credible cut-price Nissan Qashqai rival? MG famously produced sports cars for decades, but the GS isn’t a total departure from those roots: the manufacturer claims the GS should be plenty of fun on a twisty stretch of road, helped by an engine that offers a lot more power than you’d expect from such a vehicle. Even the entry-level version gets a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine that produces 164bhp. Although many rivals are available with four-wheel drive , there’s no plan…

Estate version of the S90 will be fighting it out with the BMW 5 Series Touring Verdict Impressive D5 engine, plenty of space and loads of kit ‘The interior is fantastic. It’s easily on a par with that of the BMW 5 Series’ THE VOLVO V90 Estate is the latest signal that the Swedish car maker is aiming to seriously compete with the dominating German rivals of Audi, Mercedes-Benz and BMW. A more practical estate version of Volvo’s S90 large executive saloon, the V90 is on offer with a choice of two 2.0-litre diesel engines. The D4 produces 187bhp, and the sprightlier D5 we’re driving here has 232bhp. A T8 petrol-electric hybrid will join the range later. Most premium car makers offer lots of trim levels, but Volvo is offering just two on the…

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate

Premium, stretched E-Class targets the Audi A6 Avant and BMW 5 Series Touring On sale October 2016 Price from £38,000 (est) ‘There’s less storage space than in the old E-Class Estate, but it’s still more than rivals offer’ UPMARKET ESTATES ARE gaining popularity in the UK as more families look to these cars for their practicality and comfort – as well as their luxury. The latest car to get the conversion treatment is the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, which we already like in functional saloon form. The E-Class Estate is due to go on sale in the UK in October, and will rival cars such as the Audi A6 Avant, BMW 5 Series Touring, and the new Volvo V90 (see page 26). Historically, about a quarter of all E-Classes sold in the UK have been estates,…

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate

Vauxhall Zafira Tourer

Updated version of Vauxhall’s seven-seat MPV gets Astra-inspired looks and new tech On sale October 2016 Price from £18,500 (est) THE TRADITIONAL MPV market is shrinking. More and more buyers in the UK are opting for crossovers and SUVs, which means MPV stalwarts such as the Vauxhall Zafira Tourer and its rivals – the Citroën Grand C4 Picasso and Ford S-Max – need to offer exceptional practicality at a low price to survive. The trouble is, exceptional practicality hasn’t always been the Zafira Tourer’s forte. It offers seven seats and a fairly spacious boot, but its rivals are easier to live with and more refined on the road. It’s high time for an update, then. New looks, same seats This facelifted version has a new look, inspired by the latest Astra hatchback, but keeps its seven-seat…

Vauxhall Zafira Tourer

BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo

BMW’s 3 Series hatchback gets a subtle restyle and a more efficient range of engines On sale Now Price from £31,505 LAST SUMMER, BMW gave its 3 Series saloon and Touring estate a mid-life update, and now the Gran Turismo hatchback version has received a similar refresh. Longer and taller than its sister cars, the Gran Turismo (or GT) has always offered the biggest boot and most generous rear space of the three. Yet it sells in relatively small numbers: probably because it’s also the most expensive 3 Series model. This hasn’t changed as part of the update; in fact prices have risen by around £400, so the 3 Series GT now costs from £30,405. By comparison, the saloon is available from £25,160 and the Touring from £26,590. However, the exterior of the GT now features…

BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo

New S4 introduces potency to the A4 range; will take on rivals from BMW and Mercedes Verdict Understated saloon combines blistering pace with a classy interior THE NEW AUDI S4 Saloon is now the quickest car in the current A4 range. Like the other ‘S’ models, it looks discrete but has a healthy amount of power under the bonnet. Turning up the heat Its looks have been enhanced with slightly more aggressively styled bumpers, four exhaust tailpipes and a matte chrome or black finish to the front grille and door mirrors. The S4’s new turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine is more efficient and more powerful than the previous car’s engine. This helps the S4 to match key rivals such as the BMW 340i and the Mercedes-AMG C 43 in terms of performance, fuel economy and…

Mercedes C 250 d Cabriolet

The first ever convertible C-Class should be practical, but will it be enjoyable? Verdict A relaxing and economical sunshine cruiser JUST IN TIME for the ‘summer heat’ this August, the Mercedes-Benz C 250 d Cabriolet will go on sale. It can whisk you from 0-62mph in a sprightly 7.2sec, yet offers private and company car buyers sensible running costs. Its claimed fuel economy figure is 61.4mpg and CO2 emissions are 121g/km – that’s better than the BMW 420d Convertible. A nine-speed automatic gearbox is standard, and you can opt for either rear or four-wheel drive. There are two trim levels: entry-level Sport, or the higher AMG Line. Close but no cigar The C 250 d’s 2.2-litre diesel engine isn’t particularly charismatic, and the clatter it makes when driven hard feels at odds with the car’s…

Mercedes C 250 d Cabriolet

Porsche 718 Boxster

We try the latest Boxster in entry-level form, with a four-cylinder engine, for the first time Verdict It might be less characterful, but it’s still a sensational sports car PORSCHE’S CHEAPEST DROP-TOP has won our Sports Car of the Year Award four times over the past five years for many reasons, one of which was its 2.7-litre flat-six petrol engine, which made the Boxster feel and sound like a proper sports car. Gained pace, lost charm This latest 718 model is the first to lose that glorious flat-six. In its place goes a flat-four 2.0-litre turbo, in the name of improved fuel economy and CO2 emissions. Fortunately, Porsche has squeezed a bit more power out of the new engine. This entry-level car can accelerate from 0-62mph in 5.1sec – quicker than its predecessor and an…

Porsche 718 Boxster

Renault Grand Scénic

Rival for the Citroën Grand C4 Picasso will go on sale later this year On sale Late 2016 Price from £24,000 (est) RENAULT REVEALED THE new Scénic MPV earlier this year, and it’s now the turn of the larger Grand Scénic to make its public debut. MPV in an SUV’s clothing For its MPV family, Renault has taken inspiration from SUVs. The new Grand Scénic gets higher ground clearance than the outgoing car, chunky SUV styling and 20in wheels as standard across the range. The Grand Scénic is 24cm longer than the Scénic, and will be available as either a five or a seven-seater. It’s not only bigger than the new Scénic, it’s also larger in every direction than the model it replaces. The five-seat Grand Scénic offers a huge amount of boot space. The…

Reborn city car has grown in size; it will take on the Vauxhall Viva and Dacia Sandero On sale October 2016 Price from £8995 IF YOU’RE LOOKING for a small city car in the UK, you’re in luck; the market is overflowing with choice. The likes of the Hyundai i10, Peugeot 108, Suzuki Celerio and Vauxhall Viva ensure there is plenty of competition, and while Ford maintains a presence with its Ka city car, the model has not been well received in its current form. In fact, it’s one of the few cars to receive a one-star rating from What Car?, indicating that it’s not just below par, but poor in almost every area. One size fix all? The Ka’s replacement is the five-door, five seat Ka+. It’s roughly the same size as the UK’s best-selling…

Updated Clio hatchback has new engine choice and more standard kit On sale October 2016 Price from £11,500 (est) COMPETITION IN THE small car market has always been tough. Cars here need to be practical, cheap to run and affordable to buy. Renault’s fourth-generation Clio has been a real contender so far, competing with key rivals, such as the Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa since its launch in 2012. With a new Clio not due to arrive until at least 2018, though, Renault has updated the current car to keep it fresh. The revised Clio gets new LED headlights, a new grille and a modified rear bumper. One new engine The Clio’s engine range is largely unchanged, but there is now the option of a new 1.5-litre diesel with 108bhp. Our favourite current Clio engine is…

Ssangyong Tivoli XLV

Affordable estate-style small SUV is given bigger boot and more equipment Verdict Average at best in most areas, but has some redeeming features SSANGYONG HAS ELONGATED its Tivoli SUV by 24cm, giving us the five-seater Tivoli XLV, which stands for Exciting Lifestyle Vehicle. Bigger and better boot The mechanical parts of the car are identical to the standard Tivoli. The big news here is the bigger, more practical boot, which now has 720 litres of space. In comparison, the class-leading Nissan Qashqai’s has 430 litres. However, the XLV’s official boot capacity should be taken with a pinch of salt because it’s measured from the boot’s base up to its roof – in most rivals it’s measured from the floor to the parcel shelf. It’s easily big enough for a family’s luggage, though. Although the XLV’s…

Ssangyong Tivoli XLV

Jaguar’s SUV gets a punchier V6 diesel engine Verdict By far the best F-Pace model, even though it’s not quite perfect THIS IS OUR first opportunity to sample the 3.0-litre V6 diesel version of the Jaguar F-Pace on British roads. The larger of the two diesel engines available, it’s only offered in range-topping S trim. That makes it a pricey option compared with its many rivals. All-wheel drive and an exceptional eight-speed automatic gearbox are standard, as is more sophisticated adaptive suspension. The 3.0-litre V6 engine has much more low-end shove than the 2.0 diesel. It feels authentically quick, and while it isn’t the smoothest, the characteristic throb of its six-cylinder engine makes progress more invigorating. The bigger engine suits the F-Pace’s free flowing handling better, too. The car usually manages to have it…

‘It’s easily big enough for a family’Sarah Vince‘The plug-in is the perfect compromise’Nigel Kidd‘The interior looks great for such an affordable car’Tananeth Laemlukvorakul THE HYUNDAI IONIQ is a first for alternative fuel cars: it’s the only model to come in one bodystyle with three different electric powertrain options. There’s a hybrid version, which runs on a 1.6-litre petrol engine and a battery, a plug-in hybrid version, which has a petrol engine and battery giving it a claimed electric-only range of 31 miles, and a fully electric model, which Hyundai says can cover 155 miles on a full charge. In both hybrid and electric sectors, the Ioniq is up against well-established rivals, such as the Toyota Prius and Nissan Leaf. So, can the Ioniq tempt buyers? What Car? readers came to an exclusive preview of…

Dealing with delays

DELAYS CAUSE HEADACHES and financial stress. They leave owners frustrated and potentially without transport. So, whether your dealership is struggling to track down a replacement windscreen or your new car hasn’t turned up, here’s what you can do to improve the situation. ‘The price you’ve agreed on is the price you should pay, regardless of how long it takes for your car to arrive’ That elusive delivery date Who doesn’t enjoy shopping for a new car? You’ve spent hours on websites, specced up your dream model and you’ve placed the order with the dealer, who has given you a delivery date. That date has been and gone, though, and your enthusiasm is waning. Where’s your new car? Contacting the dealership can prove an exasperating process, with ‘just a couple of weeks’ becoming a phrase…

Dealing with delays

Useful contacts

New car, service, repair and warranty issues www.motorcodes.co.uk Citizens’ Advice Bureau www.citizensadvice.org.uk Check a car has a valid MoT test certificate www.motinfo.gov.uk Check if a car has outstanding finance www.whatcar.com/historycheck Trading standards www.tradingstandards.gov.uk Financial Conduct Authority www.fca.org.uk Check if a vehicle has been recalled www.gov.uk/check-if-a-vehicle-has-been-recalled Check car crash safety ratings www.euroncap.com Your car loan questions answered www.whatcar.com/car-news/carloanfaqs…

PCP or HP: which finance option makes most sense for car buyers?

THREE LETTERS HAVE come to dominate the car finance market in recent years: PCP. It stands for personal contract purchase, and it’s by far the most popular way to finance a new car. According to the Finance and Leasing Association (FLA), some 76% of all new car finance agreements in the year to March 2016 were PCPs. It’s far from the only type of car loan, though. Good old-fashioned hire purchase, or HP, is still alive and kicking and still holds appeal for some car buyers. So, how do you choose whether a PCP or HP agreement is the right way to finance your next new car? What is a PCP? Let’s start with the basics. A personal contract purchase is technically a form of hire purchase, but a substantial portion of the amount…

PCP or HP: which finance option makes most sense for car buyers?

What’s coming when

LARGE SUVS Renault Koleos (Early 2017) Renault’s new large SUV is based on the Nissan X-Trail. A roomy seven-seater with class-leading boot space, it will have Renault’s latest tablet-style infotainment system and a digital instrument panel. Two petrol and two diesel engines will be available, ranging in power from 128 to 173bhp and connected to a CVT automatic or a six-speed manual gearbox. The Koleos should cost from around £23,000. ALSO COMING SOON CITY CARS AND SMALL CARS Ford Ka+ (September 2016) Ford says its five-door Ka+ is aimed at the lower end of the market. Nissan Micra (2017) Better interior quality is promised. FAMILY CARS Fiat Tipo (summer 2016) Fiat’s five-seat hatchback and estate. Honda FCV Clarity (2017) Large hydrogen-powered five-seater. Hyundai Ioniq (winter 2016) Available as a conventional hybrid, a plug-in hybrid or a fully electric car. Subaru Impreza…

What’s coming when

Who’s the favourite family ?

MOVING UP A league doesn’t always bring success. The rewards may be greater, but the competition will be tougher. So it is for the Tiguan. The one-time Nissan Qashqai and Kia Sportage rival has been reinvented as a bigger, posher and more expensive SUV, so now it’s up against formidable competition from the premium badge wearers. Most formidable of all is the BMW X1, our favourite small SUV thanks to its fine driving manners and classy interior. You can spend well over £35,000 on either car, but if you can do without four-wheel drive and an automatic gearbox, you can have a diesel engine and plenty of kit for a more palatable £26k after haggling. Or you could spend less on the bigger, even better-equipped Mazda CX-5. It’s been around a few…

Who’s the favourite family ?

SUZUKI HAS IMPRESSED us for some time with the fast and characterful Swift Sport, but the workaday Swift 1.2 – fun and affordable as it is – can’t compete with the best small cars. However, Suzuki has now introduced the five-door-only Baleno. It’s bigger, more efficient and – with the new 1.0-litre turbo three-cylinder petrol engine tested here – faster than the Swift, with an impressive equipment list to boot. It enters one of the toughest classes, though. To prove its mettle, the Baleno must face our Small Car of the Year for both 2015 and 2016: the roundly impressive Skoda Fabia, which delivers space, neat handling and decent levels of kit on a budget. Completing our line-up is the Hyundai i20. Like the Baleno, it has a peppy new 1.0-litre three-cylinder…

The kings of summer

‘Both the TT and SLC are talented open-top cruisers at motorway speeds’ SUMMER’S HERE, AND what better way to enjoy it than with a shiny new two-seater drop-top? The new Mercedes SLC certainly looks an appealing choice. It’s effectively a revised version of the SLK, with a few styling and mechanical tweaks, such as a new nine-speed automatic gearbox. It could prove a tempting package, especially in frugal SLC 200 form. We’ve lined it up against Audi’s TT Roadster. It’s a cracking car to drive in 2.0 TFSI Sport form, and it’s reasonably practical and has sensible running costs. So, does the refreshed Mercedes have what it takes to beat the TT? What are they like to drive? The SLC’s 2.0-litre petrol engine is gutsy enough. Acceleration starts to pick up from around 1700rpm, although it…

The kings of summer

Bolt out of the blue

‘Activate launch control and these cars detonate rather than accelerate’ FOR DECADES THE Porsche 911 has been the benchmark to which other sports cars aspired. However, there are now markedly different 911 versions, and the four-wheel-drive powerhouse that is the 911 Turbo could be worthy of supercar status. The 911’s petite 3.8-litre twin-turbo engine officially propels it from 0-62mph in 3.0sec. That’s half a second faster than the all-new R8. Even in its ‘cheapest’ form, the Audi now has a huge 5.2-litre V10 engine, so the argument for calling it a supercar is stronger than ever, too. Sports car or supercar - the category these two fall into may be up for debate, but which car is best? What are they like to drive? These cars don’t so much accelerate as detonate. Both have seven-speed,…

Bolt out of the blue

LESS THAN £10,000 Skoda Citigo Our pick 1.0 60 SE 5dr List price £9485 Target Price £9061 MPG 62.8 CO2 105g/km For It’s economical, reasonably practical, solidly built and feels grown-up to drive. Against It’s not as classy as the Volkswagen Up and the 59bhp engine can struggle at speed. What Car? says Seat Mii Our pick 1.0 SE Technology 3dr List price £10,210 Target Price £9702 MPG 62.8 CO2 105g/km For The Mii feels remarkably grown-up to drive, and is cheaper than the near-identical VW Up. Against It’s not as well finished inside as the Up and this version can feel slow on faster roads. What Car? says Suzuki Celerio Our pick 1.0 Dualjet SZ3 List price £8499 Target Price £8119 MPG 78.4 CO2 84g/km For It has a spacious, practical interior, real-world economy impresses and standard kit is good. Against The engine is noisy, the dashboard is old-school…

LESS THAN £12,000 Dacia Sandero Our pick 1.2 Ambiance List price £6795 Target Price £6764 MPG 48.7 CO2 130g/km For Lots of space for the money, plus a proven four-cylinder petrol engine from Renault. Against The interior and equipment list are basic, while the low-speed ride is lumpy. What Car? says Suzuki Swift Our pick 1.2 SZ3 3dr List price £10,749 Target Price £10,032 MPG 56.5 CO2 116g/km For Lots of equipment as standard and a smart cabin. It’s also fun to drive. Against The engine is noisy and a little gutless at motorway speeds. What Car? says Seat Ibiza Our pick 1.0 EcoTSI 95 SE 5dr List price £13,975 Target Price £11,447 MPG 67.3 CO2 98g/km For Rides and handles well and it has a generous standard kit list and low running costs. Against The cabin is cramped and the boot is smaller than that of many rivals. What Car?…

LESS THAN £16,000 Vauxhall Astra Our pick 1.0T 105 Design List price £15,995 Target Price £15,233 MPG 65.7 CO2 99g/km For Good to drive and well equipped, with a comfortable, roomy cabin. Against The steering assistance is too light and lumbar adjustment costs extra. What Car? says Nissan Pulsar Our pick 1.2 DIG-T Visia List price £13,995 Target Price £12,810 MPG 56.5 CO2 117g/km For There’s plenty of room for occupants and their luggage, and there’s lot of equipment. Against Several rivals have stronger resale values and lower running costs. What Car? says Seat Leon Our pick 1.2 TSI 110 SE List price £17,700 Target Price £15,995 MPG 57.6 CO2 114g/km For The engine is refined, running costs are low and S trim has a decent amount of equipment. Against Some of the cabin plastics feel cheap and it could be more refined on the motorway. What Car? says £16,000-£19,000 Skoda Octavia The Octavia…

Compact executive cars

LESS THAN £25,000 Skoda Superb Our pick 2.0 TDI 150 SE Business List price £22,555 Target Price £20,466 MPG 68.9 CO2 108g/km For Masses of standard kit, a huge amount of rear leg room and boot space, and good to drive. Against Other executive cars are more fun to drive and have stronger resale values. What Car? says Volkswagen Passat Our pick 2.0 TDI 150 SE Business List price £25,015 Target Price £22,759 MPG 67.3 CO2 106g/km For Drives very well, with a good ride and refined diesel engine. The interior is top notch. Against Some rivals are more practical, while the dashboard design is a bit dull. What Car? says Audi A3 Saloon Our pick 2.0 TDI 150 Sport List price £25,035 Target Price £22,904 MPG 68.9 CO2 107g/km For It handles well, the engine is strong and the cabin is beautifully built. Against It costs more than the…

Compact executive cars

Large executive cars

LESS THAN £35,000 BMW 5 Series The 5 Series has been on sale since 2010, but it’s still a class leader. In part, this is because the 520d is so well equipped, with sat-nav and leather as standard, but it also has remarkably low emissions and low company car tax costs. Its interior feels nicer than most rivals’, refinement is outstanding and the eight-speed auto is sublime. Just make sure you spec the adaptive dampers for the best ride quality. Our pick 520d SE auto List price £34,165 Target Price £29,577 MPG 68.9 CO2 109g/km For Impressively refined, economical and tax-efficient. The cabin is exquisitely assembled. Against It needs the optional Variable Damper Control to make it ride and handle at its best. What Car? says Mercedes-Benz E-Class Our pick E 220 d SE List price £35,935 Target Price £33,202 MPG 72.4…

Large executive cars

LESS THAN £70,000 Mercedes-Benz S-Class The S-Class is a supreme luxury car that feels like it should cost double what it does. The key strengths of the S350 are its beautifully finished cabin and impressively refined 3.0-litre diesel engine. The S-Class is comfortable, too, with a sumptuous high-speed ride, and there’s plenty of easy-to-use technology on board. To cap it all, the S350’s relatively low emissions make it an attractive company car option. Our pick S 350 d SE Line L List price £68,955 Target Price £57,367 MPG 50.4 CO2 148g/km For Mixes a supremely comfortable ride with superb refinement. The cabin is sumptuous. Against Some of the most desirable equipment costs extra, including the clever safety aids. What Car? says Jaguar XJ Our pick 3.0D V6 Luxury List price £58,690 Target Price £53,617 MPG 46.3 CO2 159g/km For Combines agile handling with…

LESS THAN £18,000 Skoda Fabia Estate Our pick 1.2 TSI 90 SE List price £14,765 Target Price £13,487 MPG 60.1 CO2 107g/km For It’s one of the roomiest small estate cars around and SE trim brings air-con and a touchscreen. Against The ride is unsettled over poorer surfaces and the dashboard looks a little dull. What Car? says Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer Our pick 1.0i 105 Turbo Design List price £17,285 Target Price £16,169 MPG 65.7 CO2 100g/km For There’s plenty of room, equipment is generous and the engine is a willing performer. Against The boot isn’t that flexible and some rivals are better to drive. What Car? says Kia Cee’d Sportswagon Our pick 1.4 CRDi 89 1 ISG List price £17,395 Target Price £16,016 MPG 67.3 CO2 109g/km For Lots of space, a high-quality cabin and plenty of equipment for a low price. Against It’s not as good to…

LESS THAN £20,000 Citroën C3 Picasso Our pick 1.2 Puretech Edition List price £16,225 Target Price £12,119 MPG 56.5 CO2 115g/km For The interior is spacious and the boot is big. Ride comfort and refinement impress. Against Some rivals are cheaper and the engine feels a bit weedy on faster roads. What Car? says Renault Grand Scénic Our pick 1.2 TCe 130 Dynamique Nav List price £22,695 Target Price £16,837 MPG 43.5 CO2 145g/km For It’s good to drive, well equipped, there’s room for seven and dealer discounts are huge. Against Interior quality could be better and the middle row of seats is heavy to lift out. What Car? says Ford B-Max Our pick 1.4 90 Zetec List price £14,995 Target Price £13,164 MPG 47.1 CO2 139g/km For The engine is eager, Zetec trim brings plenty of kit and rear-seat access is easy. Against There are only five forward gears,…

LESS THAN £15,000 Suzuki Vitara Our pick 1.6 SZ4 List price £13,999 Target Price £13,090 MPG 49.4 CO2 123g/km For The Vitara is good to drive, has a practical interior and SZ4 trim brings lots of equipment. Against CO2 emissions are comparatively high and the steering weight is too light. What Car? says Renault Captur Our pick 0.9 TCe 90 Dynamique Media Nav List price £15,675 Target Price £14,135 MPG 56.5 CO2 115g/km For It’s refined, well equipped and roomy for four adults. The sliding rear bench is practical. Against The interior plastics feel hard and cheap, while the engine is underpowered. What Car? says Kia Soul Our pick 1.6 CRDi 134 Connect List price £16,600 Target Price £14,842 MPG 58.8 CO2 128g/km For The interior is spacious, Connect trim brings plenty of kit and it’s decent to drive. Against CO2 emissions are comparatively high and the steering feels lifeless. What…

LESS THAN £25,000 Mazda CX-5 Our pick 2.2d 150 SE-L Nav 2WD List price £24,995 Target Price £23,249 MPG 61.4 CO2 119g/km For Lots of space and kit for a good price, while CO2 emissions and economy are impressive. Against Firm low-speed ride, and wind and road noise can intrude at speed. What Car? says Nissan X-Trail Our pick 1.6 dCi Acenta 2WD 7-seat List price £26,545 Target Price £24,492 MPG 57.6 CO2 129g/km For It’s comfortable, has a spacious and classy interior, a large boot and lots of equipment. Against Body control is sloppy and the diesel engine is noisy. What Car? says Honda CR-V Our pick 1.6 i-DTEC 120 SE List price £26,060 Target Price £23,469 MPG 64.2 CO2 115g/km For The engine is economical and powerful, while there’s plenty of space in the cabin and boot. Against Performance is flat at low revs and the engine sounds…

LESS THAN £25,000 Mazda MX-5 This is a car with next to no rivals. The rear-wheel-drive MX-5 is small enough to suit UK roads perfectly, and even in 158bhp 2.0-litre guise is unintimidating enough to allow you to enjoy 100% of its punch every day. SE-L Nav trim comes with climate and cruise controls, LED headlights and a leather-trimmed, multifunction steering wheel, plus sat-nav, Bluetooth and a decent sound system. Our pick 2.0 SE-L Nav List price £21,100 Target Price £19,744 MPG 40.9 CO2 161g/km For Terrific handling and steering with a comfortable ride and a slick gearshift. Against Rivals have bigger boots, while the cabin feels pretty snug. What Car? says Mini Convertible Our pick Cooper Pepper Pack List price £19,815 Target Price £18,853 MPG 57.6 CO2 114g/km For It’s fun to drive, handles well, has good resale values and is nicely…

LESS THAN £15,000 Suzuki Swift Our pick 1.6 Sport 3dr List price £14,149 Target Price £13,440 MPG 44.1 CO2 147g/km For Loves to be thrashed, thanks to a rev-hungry engine and snappy gearchange. Against The cabin is plain, so there’s none of the ‘wow’ factor that hot hatch buyers crave. What Car? says Seat Ibiza SC FR Our pick 1.4 TSI 150 List price £16,245 Target Price £13,671 MPG 60.1 CO2 109g/km For Gutsy engine, low running costs, plenty of equipment and a spacious interior. Against Some rivals are more fun to drive and the cabin plastics feel cheap. What Car? says Fiat 500 Abarth Our pick 595 List price £14,610 Target Price £14,610 MPG 47.1 CO2 139g/km For Small hot hatches don’t get any more stylish and the Abarth is certainly rapid. Against The ride is harsh and the power delivery is uneven. What Car? says £15,000-£20,000 Ford Fiesta ST The Fiesta ST…

LESS THAN £25,000 Seat Leon SC Our pick 1.4 EcoTSI 150 FR List price £20,225 Target Price £18,561 MPG 57.6 CO2 114g/km For It’s quick, agile, economical and excellent value. There’s good space for people and bags. Against A few bits of cabin trim feel low-rent and there’s too much wind noise at speed. What Car? says BMW 2 Series Our pick 218d SE List price £25,100 Target Price £23,215 MPG 62.8 CO2 119g/km For It rides and handles well, and the diesel engine is punchy and economical. Against The rear seats are cramped for adults and the engine is noisy. What Car? says Volkswagen Scirocco Our pick 2.0 TDI 150 GT List price £25,580 Target Price £23,334 MPG 67.3 CO2 109g/km For Good to drive, with quick steering and fine handling and strong resale values. Against The ride is too choppy, and its Golf sibling is cheaper and better…

LESS THAN £50,000 Porsche 718 Boxster The Boxster might have lost a couple of cylinders but it’s gained a turbo and is a lot better for it, with the engine pulling hard from low revs. Even this entry-level version will get to 62mph in just over 5.0sec and goes on to 170mph. The handling is just as sweet as ever and the interior is classy and well built, although you’ll still want to add a few options, which means it isn’t quite as good value as the old car. Our pick 2.0T List price £41,739 Target Price £41,739 MPG 38.2 CO2 168g/km For Hugely flexible engine and superb handling. It’s also practical and quiet with the roof up. Against You don’t get much kit as standard and the new engine isn’t as characterful as before. What Car? says Porsche…

New Cars A to Z

Star ratings Outstanding Good Average Below par Poor Target Price The most you should pay for a car True MPG Our real-world fuel economy figures Shopping @whatcar? The place to look, whether you’re buying, leasing or simply running a car KEY INFORMATION Verdict Our road test reviews are the standard by which the car industry judges new cars. Price on the road The price set by car makers, including delivery and the variable rate of Vehicle Excise Duty (VED). Contract hire Contract hire rental prices supplied by Wessex Fleet Solutions. These are based on a three-year/36,000-mile contract, excluding maintenance and VED. For quotes, call Wessex Fleet Solutions on 01722 322888. Target Price The Target Price tells you the most you should pay – start low and work up to it. If your dealer won’t match it, we’ll give you one who will: call…

New Cars A to Z

Contract hire and leasing

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RUNNING A CAR ON CONTRACT HIRE AND LEASING? Contract hire is actually a form of leasing – effectively it is an operating lease. ‘Leasing’ is a general, catch-all term that includes finance lease and lease purchase, as well as contract hire. I’M SELF-EMPLOYED AND WANT A CAR FOR MOSTLY BUSINESS USE. Should I go for contract hire or investigate a PCP? Personal contract hire isn’t proving as popular as personal contract purchase (PCP) among private individuals and the self-employed. Monthly payments are often broadly similar, but at the end of the deal a PCP gives you the flexibility to own the car for an extra lump sum or, potentially, a bit of cash to put towards a deposit on another PCP deal. If you find you want or need to…

A BROKER CAN SUPPLY ME WITH A NEW BMW X5 SOONER THAN MY LOCAL DEALER CAN. Is this possible? The broker might have pre-ordered one on the basis he’d be able to find a buyer, or he may have a cancelled order. Ask to see proof, though, and get the delivery date in writing, too. A BROKER IS CHARGING ME A FINDER’S FEE OF £1000. Is this right? Shop elsewhere. There is nothing to stop brokers charging finder’s fees, but, as a general rule, most reputable brokers earn their commission from the dealer, not the customer. IS IT SAFE TO PAY THE BROKER BEFORE I’VE TAKEN DELIVERY? The safest options are to pay the dealer directly, or into an ‘escrow’ holding account until the car is ready for delivery. Always get written proof. WHAT FINANCE AND WARRANTY CAN…

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