Innholdsfortegnelse for 1428 i Auto Express

Lawrence_Allan@dennis.co.uk @LobAllan THE Ford Focus RS hasn’t been around for long, but work on an even hotter version is already under way. Spied on test for the first time, the four-wheel-drive megahatch could resurrect the RS500 name, with a tweaked chassis and even more power. Our spies caught the RS test mule doing the rounds at Germany’s Nürburgring race track. There are subtle yet important changes to the bodywork, including altered front air intakes and vents on the bonnet to dissipate heat from the turbocharged engine. An insider told Auto Express that all body panels on the standard RS have a function and are there “for a specific reason”, meaning changes to this prototype are unlikely to be purely cosmetic. The vents and intakes will aid cooling and boost performance,…

James Batchelor James_Batchelor@dennis.co.uk @JRRBatchelor Blast-off in thrilling new ultimate GTI VW’S 40th birthday celebrations for the Golf GTI are continuing with the hottest version yet. The Clubsport S takes the already special Clubsport and removes its back seats and adds sticky tyres. The S has also taken the frontwheel-drive lap record at the Nürburgring from the Honda Civic Type R. Is it a winner? Our man Steve Sutcliffe gives us his verdict. Video verdict on 595 pocket rocket MEANWHILE, over in Italy, Abarth has updated its Fiat 500-based 595. There’s more power for a couple of models, new front and rear bumpers and a facelifted interior. We find out if it the changes do enough to rejuvenate the ageing 595 and give it a fresh lease of life. You can…

Essentials Audi S5 Coupé Price: £45,000 (est) Engine: 3.0-litre turbo V6 Power/torque: 349bhp/500Nm Transmission: Eight-speed auto, four-wheel drive 0-62mph: 4.7 seconds Top speed: 155mph Economy: 38.2mpg CO2: 170g/km ON SALE Late July Jonathan_Burn@dennis.co.uk @Jonathan_burn “The first thing you notice about the svelte S5 is how civilised it feels from behind the wheel” THE Audi S5 has undergone quite a transformation; it’s been sent to the tailors, put on diet and had a heart transplant. That’s a radical overhaul, but the outgoing S5 had been around since 2007, so a big update was well overdue. The most significant change comes under the bonnet. Audi has ditched the supercharged 3.0-litre V6 and replaced it with a turbocharged version. That doesn’t exactly sound groundbreaking, but the engine is almost 80 per cent new…

MODEL TESTED: Audi R8 V10 Plus PRICE: £134,500 ENGINE: 5.2-litre V10, 602bhp Testers’ notes “With ever more manufacturers turning to turbocharging to boost performance and efficiency, the Audi’s naturally aspirated V10 looks to be one of the last of a dying breed. However, to lose engines such as the R8’s mighty 5.2-litre unit would be a crying shame, as its spine-tingling soundtrack and razor-sharp throttle response deliver an extra layer of excitement and involvement to the driving experience.” James Disdale Road test editor THE R8 hit the headlines when it debuted in 2007. With supercar looks, a mid-engined layout, exotic aluminium construction and four-wheel drive, the wild two-seater helped inject some serious glamour into Audi’s line-up. An all-new, second-generation model was launched late last year, featuring more power and even…

MODEL TESTED: SEAT Ateca 2.0 TDI 150 Xcellence 4Drive PRICE: £27,425 ENGINE: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbodiesel, 148bhp Testers’ notes “The Ateca comes hot on the heels of another recent VW Group crossover launch; the Tiguan. However, the two cars are distinctly different. The Tiguan uses a larger version of the MQB platform, but it lacks the all-round driving appeal of the SEAT. It’s bigger inside, but it’s also lacking the stylish looks of the Spanish newcomer, and with prices ranging from £22,500-£36,400, it’s pretty expensive in comparison.” James Disdale Road test editor Testers’ notes “Get in early, and you can pick up an Ateca First Edition with extra standard kit. You can only get it with 1.0 TSI petrol or 1.6 TDI diesel power, but it does have the option of…

Jonathan_Burn@dennis.co.uk @Jonathan_burn “The Honda Civic Type R is, without doubt, one of the most exciting hot hatches around” Second opinion “I’m not sold on the Civic’s looks. On traffic-clogged commutes, these wild additions attract the wrong sort of attention. A more sober look might have increased Honda’s Nürburgring lap time, but it would also have broadened its appeal.” Dean Gibson Deputy road test editor Essentials Honda Civic Type R On fleet since: December 2015 Price new: £32,300 Engine/torque: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo, 306bhp CO2/tax: 170g/km/£210 Options: None Insurance*: Group: 33 Quote: £558 Mileage/mpg: 10,295/31.4mpg Any problems? Service due at 12,500 miles, but car’s on-board computer made maintenance request at 8,000 miles. *Insurance quote from AA (0800 107 0680) for a 42-year-old in Banbury, Oxon, with three points. WE’RE going to have…

Got a query? products@autoexpress.co.uk @AE_Consumer Q Is more carnauba better? I’VE seen waxes that have their percentage of carnauba content listed on the container. Does that mean a 100 per cent carnauba wax would be the most effective? Danny Bellows, E-mail A A PRODUCT made solely from carnauba wax would be like a brick, because it’s very hard. That’s why makers quote a percentage – around 50 per cent is usually the maximum. The rest is additives to make it usable. Products claiming ‘100 per cent carnauba’ are likely referring to the fact that it’s the only wax in the formula. Q Check a used car carefully I’M considering buying a used car from a friend, but it has several advisories on the MoT. I won’t have the money to…

Living the Supercar Dream Tim Burton (Blink Publishing, blinkpublishing.co.uk) Price: £16.99 Rating: ★★★ THERE’S a good chance you’ve heard of superstar YouTuber Shmee150 – he has been making videos since 2010 and amassed a vast following. His first book details his experiences with some of the greatest supercars of all time; it’s interesting to read and packed with beautiful pictures. But we’d have liked to see more than a single page dedicated to some of these cars, with some more detail. How to Paint Classic Cars Martin Thaddeus (Veloce Publishing, veloce.co.uk) Price: £25 Rating: ★★★★ ANY classic car owner probably winces at the thought of repainting – a trip to the spray shop can be very expensive. This book aims to soften the blow, providing a genuinely useful guide to…

Got any car queries? Martin_Saarinen@dennis.co.uk @AE_Consumer Q Will early sale KO my NCD? I NEED to sell my Skoda Fabia as soon as possible, but I’m also trying to build up a no-claims discount. I’ve had the car for 10 months; is there any way I can get one year’s NCD bonus, or will I lose it if I sell now? Graeme Burns, E-mail A MOST insurers will need you to drive accident-free for 12 months before handing out an NCD bonus. However, some offer it after 10 months, as long as you renew with them. If you’re looking to buy another car, give your insurer a call to negotiate a deal. Q Noise annoys on Supra THERE’S an odd clonking noise coming from the rear wheels in my Toyota…

John_McIlroy@dennis.co.uk @johnmcilroy VOLKSWAGEN is aiming to trump rivals on interior quality, infotainment and connectivity with its next-generation Polo, revealed in our exclusive images and set to arrive by the end of 2017. The new Polo is likely to go on sale in the second half of next year, around six months after a heavily revised Ford Fiesta arrives in the UK. As with the Ford, VW engineers have been focusing on improving rear cabin space and the quality of interior materials. But while Ford’s offering can move upmarket to allow room for the valueorientated Ka+ (Issue 1,425), the Polo still has to serve budget-conscious customers and cater for the ever-increasing demands of buyers who want upmarket, premium features in a small supermini. To help reduce costs yet boost sophistication, the…

Lawrence_Allan@dennis.co.uk @LobAlla “GT R’s body design is inspired by the Mercedes-AMG GT3 racer, with a vertical slatted grille and chunky air intakes” A faster, lighter and racier version of the Mercedes-AMG GT has landed, called the GT R. Officially revealed at last weekend’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, it will go on sale in November as a limited-run model. Power from the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 rises from 503bhp to 577bhp, while torque is up by 50Nm to 700Nm. The dual-clutch gearbox software has been tweaked for faster shifts, too, helping the AMG GT R cover 0-62mph in 3.6 seconds and hit 198mph – that’s two tenths and 4mph faster than the GT S it’s based on. To scrub off all that speed, the standard brakes have been uprated, while optional carbon…

Richard_Ingram@dennis.co.uk @rsp_ingram “Chief powertrain engineer Brian Fitzsimons told us the twin-turbo V12 has been ‘proven to 820bhp’ in testing” THE next Aston Martin Vanquish will launch with a tuned version of the DB11’s new twin-turbo V12 – possibly with more than 700bhp. Bosses have confirmed there is “significant headroom” for more power from the already potent 12-cylinder, and the new Vanquish is a likely target. Aston’s engineers are satisfied with the DB11’s 600bhp V12, but as the Vanquish has historically sat at the top of the range, it will need a power boost to maintain its position as the brand’s flagship model. Chief powertrain engineer Brian Fitzsimons told Auto Express the twin-turbo V12 has been “proven to 820bhp” during testing – with some “very elegant solutions” to help marry relatively…

Managing director www.motorcodes.co.uk A RECENT report by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), showed UK motorists spend an average of £695 on car maintenance each year – 12 per cent more than anywhere else. This significant annual investment re-affirms the importance of a Code of Practice within the aftermarket sector to ensure motorists receive a consistently high standard of care from dealers. This is where Motor Codes’ Service and Repair Code of Practice has played a crucial role for nearly a decade. Approved by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, it’s a set of recommended operating guidelines and standards that subscribers to the Code comply with. Using a Motor Codes garage gives consumers the confidence and peace of mind that they’ll receive a professional level of service. And if…

Sam_Naylor@dennis.co.uk @SamNaylor_AE “Entire collection of old models is in unassuming warehouse in Barcelona” YOU might think of SEAT as a relatively new brand as part of the VW Group, but its history is much deeper than that. In fact, it was founded in May 1950, which makes it 66 years old this year. SEAT began life in an alliance with Fiat, and started offering cars to the Spanish people using designs from the Italian company which it built and sold locally. The first SEAT was the 1400, although it was mostly used by officials and taxi fleets because few people could afford their own cars at the time. The model that really got Spain moving was the famous SEAT 600 – based on the Fiat of the same name. “SEAT…

Essentials Volvo V40 D2 Momentum Price: £22,855 Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbodiesel Power/torque: 118bhp/280Nm Transmission: Six-speed manual, front-wheel drive 0-62mph: 10.5 seconds Top speed: 118mph Economy: 84.1mpg CO2: 89g/km On sale Now Richard_Ingram@dennis.co.uk @rsp_ingram “Find a twisty stretch of tarmac, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how agile the Volvo feels” THE Volvo V40 sits in a very competitive class, one that’s awash with premium compact family cars such as the BMW 1 Series and Audi A3. And with the likes of the new Vauxhall Astra taking a step upmarket, deciding which model to buy is perhaps not as simple as it once was. But to keep it competitive, Volvo has tweaked its smallest model for 2016. The changes are most evident from the front, where designers have added a pair…

Model tested: McLaren 570S Price: £143,270 Engine: 3.8-litre V8, 562bhp Testers’ notes “As with all upmarket brands, McLaren offers a bespoke tailoring service. McLaren Special Operations allows deep-pocketed owners to create a bespoke look for their cars. There’s a virtually limitless choice of colour and trim finishes, plus the option of weight-saving carbon fibre for the bumpers, aerodynamic splitters and roof panel. But as with the Audi and Porsche, these extras don’t come cheap.” James Disdale Road test editor Testers’ notes “Little things mark the McLaren out. For instance, look in the mirror when stationary and you’ll see the rear view is subtly distorted by the mighty 3.8-litre V8’s heat haze. It all adds to the race-bred drama.” Dean Gibson Deputy road test ed. McLAREN launched its legendary F1 supercar…

MODEL TESTED: Renault Kadjar 1.6 dCi Signature S 4WD PRICE: £28,195 ENGINE: 1.6-litre 4cyl, 128bhp Testers’ notes “The Renault Kadjar is essentially a Nissan Qashqai that’s been improved in a number of areas. Renault’s engineers clearly used their development budget wisely to refine and enhance what the Nissan already had to offer, rather than build a car from scratch, and it’s reaping the rewards as a result. In some ways, the Ateca manages a similar trick, thanks to its MQB platform and parts sharing within the VW Group.” James Disdale Road test editor SO far, the Renault Kadjar has beaten all class rivals to secure a string of road test victories, thanks to its mix of style, practicality, refinement and low running costs. Renault used the Nissan Qashqai as the…

Products@autoexpress.co.uk AS soon as we get a new car, whether it’s used or straight from the showroom, we start to swap over those cabin essentials we’ve gathered over the years – the long-loved products and gadgets that fill the glovebox, preparing you for any outcome. But what if you’re just building up your driving kit? Whether a new driver or someone wanting to take their car care more seriously, what should be the top choices from the hundreds of accessories available? We take a look at some of the best tricks for running your smartphone, the digital tech to help with tyre safety, plus the easiest way to keep your interiors clean and tidy. Here are our top 10 car essentials for the modern glovebox. Kit to plot a route…

Sean_Carson@dennis.co.uk @Sean_Carson_ THE battle for the Formula E drivers’ title will go down to the wire this weekend, as the all-electric racing series charges into London for the culmination of its second season with a double-header event. Although the final rounds of the season at the Battersea Park track were in doubt earlier in the campaign, the green light has been given for the championship showdown to go ahead – but the race is looking for a new venue in the English capital next year. Just one point separates Formula E leader Lucas di Grassi and second place Sébastien Buemi, with the drivers on 141 and 140 points respectively. Both arrive in London fresh from troubled experiences at the famous Le Mans 24 Hours race, so will be looking to…

Sizzling new Giulia QF names its price ALFA Romeo announced prices for its range-topping Giulia Quadrifoglio (above) at Goodwood. It’ll go on sale in October and cost from £59,000 – pitching it slightly higher than the less powerful £56,000 BMW M3, but below the £60,000 Mercedes-AMG C 63. The Giulia gets a 503bhp 2.9-litre V6 turbo engine and can sprint from 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds. It holds the class lap record for the Nürburgring race track and can hit 190mph flat out. X2 concept set to star at Paris show AS headline sponsor, much of this year’s Festival of Speed focused around German giant BMW. But with the brand celebrating its 100th birthday this year, the excitement doesn’t stop there. A BMW insider exclusively told Auto Express that the company…

IT’S now summer, and with the school holidays imminent, plenty of learner drivers will be looking to pass their test. Latest Government figures show an average 12-week waiting time for test dates, which of course allows 12 weeks to practise. So you might be surprise to see a number of driving schools offer accredited training in less than a week. The idea behind these ‘crash courses’ is that within five days the school can teach you enough to pass the test. Given the popularity of these services – a look online found a host of driving schools in our area offering courses – the business model clearly works. Yet what does that say about the test itself, if a complete novice can be taught to become a ‘safe driver’ in…

Contact Joe Finnerty mail@autoexpress.co.uk @AutoExprss Write to: Watchdog/Letters, Auto Express, Dennis Publishing, 30 Cleveland Street, London W1T 4JD HOT TOPIC Ford Mustang police car FROM: TonyH IT’S a real shame we don’t get the Dodge Charger in right-hand drive as well. It’s often used by the police in the US. How awesome would that be – Mustangs and Chargers patrolling our roads? Not many criminals would get away from those two... FROM: Robbie POLICE patrol cars have to be economical and reliable because the nature of their role is to do a lot of miles. The V8 Mustang may be relatively affordable to buy, but 20mpg and American build quality look to be a recipe for high running costs to me. Join the debate at www.autoexpress.co.uk ■ “Essex Police loves…

Sam_Naylor@dennis.co.uk @SamNaylor_AE “The excellent performance goes hand-in-hand with the 4 Series’ impressive handling balance” Essentials BMW 440i M Sport Price: £42,230 Engine: 3.0-litre 6cyl turbo Torque: 322bhp Transmission: Eight-speed auto, rear-wheel drive 0-62mph: 5.0 seconds Top speed: 155mph Economy: 42.8mpg CO2: 179g/km ON SALE Now LAST year, BMW replaced its top-spec 3 Series, the 335i, with a more powerful 340i. Now it’s the 4 Series Coupé’s turn for an upgrade, with this 440i getting an extra 20bhp from its six-cylinder turbocharged 3.0-litre petrol engine. Developing 450Nm of torque, our automatic model will go from 0-62mph in five seconds flat and on to an electronically limited top speed of 155mph. It’s not all about the numbers with this car, though, as the way the straight-six delivers its power quite quickly becomes…

MODEL TESTED: Porsche 911 Turbo S PRICE: £146,478 ENGINE: 3.8-litre flat-six, 572bhp Testers’ notes “The Porsche’s four-wheel-steering system is a technical masterpiece. Around town, the rear tyres turn the opposite way to the fronts in order to reduce the turning circle, while at high speed they turn in the same direction, which boosts agility, stability and grip. On the road this set-up makes the 911 feel far lighter and more manoeuvrable than its on-paper kerbweight and dimensions would suggest.” James Disdale Road test editor Testers’ notes “The 911 Turbo S is Porsche’s flagship sports car, so it’s cheeky of the brand to charge £122 for an Isofix seat mounting and £744 for keyless entry. Both of these handy items come as standard on its cheaper rivals.” Dean Gibson Deputy road…

NEW PRODUCT Ariel Atom model Price: £149.94 Contact: www.arielmotor.co.uk “It has been replicated down to the builder’s plaque on the seat” NOT many of us can afford full-size supercars, which means that models can be a great way to get a piece of escapist action. Now, for the first time, Ariel Atom enthusiasts can join in the fun with a scale model of their favourite track day special. The manufacturer has worked in partnership with new Spanish company Soul Models to produce a 1:18-scale version of the Atom V8. It features a gold chassis and wheels, carbon bodywork, side pods and the unique Atom colour scheme. Attention to detail is deeply impressive, because the real car has been replicated right down to the builder’s plaque on the seat. Ariel told…

A VACUUM just for the workshop and car makes a lot of sense when you consider the cost of home cleaners. If you don’t want to expose your house vac to the grit, grease and grime of the garage or street, it’s a wise investment and Kärcher has just increased the choice with its new Tough Vac. We tried the WD 3, which Kärcher claims is its ‘most robust vacuum offering’, and the tough yet lightweight unit looks up to the job with strong plastics and a range of accessories. But how does it match up to our Issue 1,137 champion, the Nilfisk Multi 30T? In a controlled test, we analysed how effective our vacuums were at cleaning and also took ease of use, features and price into account. The…

Dear Lawrence, I’m looking for a premium hatch to replace my VW Golf, and I need it to have electric seats. What should I be looking at for £22,000? Ron Westlake, E-mail Contact: Lawrence_Allan@dennis.co.uk THE PREMIUM CHOICE CARS Mercedes A-Class FOR: Classy feel inside, plenty of tech AGAINST: Firm ride, petrols aren’t efficient THE third-generation A-Class is a stylish, sporty hatch with a wide range of engines and trims. The ride is on the firm side, especially on Sport and AMG Line models, but the diesel engines are punchy and the seven-speed DCT has a smooth shift action. The interior feels fairly upmarket and comes with plenty of kit; for electric seats, look out for Premium Plus cars. In the classifieds was a 2015 A200d Sport Premium Plus with 7,800…

“The Volkswagen Group has a 300-plus car, van and truck line-up – and that’s ridiculously large and unmanageable” I CAN only go by personal and professional experiences. And they tell me this. Firstly, the Germans do efficiency better than anyone. Secondly, no German firm has been more efficient over recent decades than the Volkswagen Group. Yet on the latter point at least, I’m wrong. Matthias Müller says so! And since he’s the Group’s top man, he should know. “We have severe weaknesses, above all when it comes to our structure, culture and efficiency,” confesses the CEO, who’s the bravest bloke in the auto industry for accepting what is the most thankless job going. Here’s a man who’s about to spend tens of billions on technical solutions relating to his Group’s…