Innholdsfortegnelse for 1430 i Auto Express

Martin_Saarinen@dennis.co.uk @AE_Consumer 364,817 £40 PER BAG TO CLEAN UP BAGS OF LITTER SINCE 2013 £40 PER BAG TO CLEAN UP Source: Highways England “Total bill could be higher when local roads across UK are considered” LITTERING motorists on England’s motorways and A-roads have cost taxpayers £14.5million over the past three years. Exclusive figures obtained by Auto Express revealed that over 364,000 bags of rubbish have been collected since 2013. According to data from Highways England, roadside crews have picked up over 333 sacks of litter every day along the 4,300-mile Strategic Road Network, with an estimated cost of £40 for each bag collection – roughly equal to the price of fixing a pothole. It means taxpayers have shelled out more than £4.8m a year on cleaning up after motorists. The…

Executive Director at British Insurance Brokers’ Association (www.biba.org.uk) IN 2007, a Slovenian farmworker, Damijan Vnuk, was injured when he was knocked off a ladder by a tractor. Mr Vnuk sought compensation but as the tractor was not on a road, there was no compulsory motor insurance in place. The case went through the courts leading to the decision that motor vehicle ‘use’ should mean ‘any use of a vehicle that is consistent with the normal function of that vehicle’, so compulsory motor insurance should apply. This created a problem for insurance as it meant vehicles such as sit-on mowers, fork-lifts, golf buggies and even robot vacuum cleaners would need motor liability cover under the Road Traffic Act. Similarly, motor racing events would need to provide cover to compensate racers who…

Richard_Ingram@dennis.co.uk @rsp_ingram FOUR years ago, Watford-born boxer Anthony Joshua stunned the crowds at the London 2012 Olympics, taking gold in the Super Heavyweight division as part of Team GB. After turning professional, he worked his way up the ranks to the summit of the sport, claiming the IBF world heavyweight title in April. And he successfully defended it in June against American Dominic Breazeale with a seventh round technical knockout, his 17th stoppage in a row. Joshua, 26, has quite a lot in common with the car you see here, then. Earlier this year (Issue 1,416) we awarded the Jaguar F-Pace a five-star first drive verdict – before it went on to beat the Land Rover Discovery Sport and BMW X3 in our early group test. As a result, it…

MODEL TESTED: SEAT Leon Cupra 290 DSG PRICE: £30,035 ENGINE: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo, 286bhp Testers’ notes “Like its rivals here, the Leon has made an attempt on the hot-hatch lap record at the fearsome Nürburgring in Germany. However, the car that was used to clock a 7 minute 58.4 seconds time was fitted with the £1,950 Sub8 pack that adds larger Brembo brakes, side skirts and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres. If that price seems a little steep, then you can ditch the sticky rubber and save £500.” James Disdale Road test editor Driving SMART 19-inch alloys set 290 apart, yet they don’t hamper ride; you can use Individual drive mode to adjust dampers to comfortable setting “Through faster bends, SEAT feels planted, with rock-solid body control” Practicality REAR…

Results 1st JAGUAR THE F-Pace claims victory, on account of its sheer breadth of ability. It’s not as sharp to drive as the Macan, but these are road cars so its balance of agility, superior ride comfort and real-world performance is hard to overlook. Add to that practicality to rival larger SUVs and more standard kit than the Macan, and the stylish Jag convincingly shows why it’s our Car of the Year. 2nd PORSCHE MAKE no mistake, the Macan is still a brilliant SUV. It’s not as versatile as the Jaguar, but its precise handling makes it more engaging to drive; it’s just let down here by its firmer ride. Still, it’s about the best value Porsche you can buy, feels every inch a premium product and will hold its…

NEW PRODUCT Nest Cam security system Price: £159 Contact: www.nest.com Rating: ★★★★ WITH thieves increasingly targeting classic and prestige cars, security is a worry for owners who lock their vehicles away for long periods. The Nest Cam will raise the alarm if the worst happens, and lets you keep an eye on your car via a smartphone. It needs power and WiFi access to work, so it’s no use for isolated lock-ups or remote barns, but works well in a home garage. Installation is easy; the compact cam comes with a magnetic base and metal disc, for mounting almost anywhere. Just find a spot that gives a good view of the space, plug in and download the free iOS or Android app. The camera delivers bright, crisp and sharp 1080p HD…

Dear Lawrence, I’m looking for a comfortable auto compact executive saloon to replace my ageing Honda Accord. What is there for under £20,000? Ryan Stanford, E-mail Contact: Lawrence_Allan@dennis.co.uk CARS THE HYBRID CHOICE Lexus IS 300h FOR: Smooth, quiet and comfortable ride AGAINST: Performance compared to rivals THE Lexus IS is a stylish compact executive saloon that tears up the German-written rulebook, rivalling cars like the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class. Under the bonnet of the 300h model is a 2.5-litre petrol-electric hybrid drivetrain with an output of 220bhp, while the entry-level car claims a strong 67.3mpg. The seats are supremely comfortable over long journeys, making it an ideal executive car. We found a 2013 IS 300h with 15,000 miles for £19,995. INTERIOR INSIDE, the Lexus is similar to other…

“The motor industry has in the past destroyed bigger men than Elon Musk and better known firms than Tesla” WORKSHY he isn’t. Tesla’s Elon Musk started earning aged 12, was a multimillionaire by his twenties, and is now the $12billion man. Few folk are genuinely able to claim entrepreneur, inventor, engineer and explorer status. Musk can. Still only 45, he’s already seen and done a bit. If Musk ain’t the motor industry man of the decade, who is? If his firm isn’t the hottest new, mainstream (just!) car company out there, which one is hotter? And as for customer satisfaction, our latest Driver Power survey proves that nobody keeps the clients more content than Tesla. Yet despite these and other positives, something troubles me about the man and his built-from-scratch…

Jonathan_Burn@dennis.co.uk @Jonathan_burn “It will use the same midmounted V12 engine and KERS system as coupé, developing 950bhp” SVO facility to bring bespoke touch to smaller JLR models JAGUAR Land Rover is planning to offer bespoke customised vehicles based on its smaller models, following the opening of a purpose-built facility for its Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) division. The new HQ, built on the former site of Peugeot’s factory in Ryton, Coventry, includes a state-of-the-art paint shop that can match any colour or shade and a suite for customers to configure and commission cars. But the facility also has the capacity to produce fully customised versions of other models – and JLR Special Operations managing director John Edwards told Auto Express this is likely to extend to the likes of the Range…

IT’S now nine months since the introduction of laws to ban smoking in cars when children are passengers. So what has it achieved? Latest figures suggest not much at all, as just three police forces in England and Wales have reported any incidents. All seven of these cases were dealt with by way of a verbal warning, despite cops having the power to issue an on-the-spot £50 fine. To qualify that, police did previously admit they wouldn’t be enforcing the law by way of fines for the first three months and would be taking an “educational approach” instead. But that seems to have rumbled on to cover the following six months, too, and it appears drivers just aren’t being stopped, even for a ‘talking to’. When only three out of…

Contact Martin Saarinen mail@autoexpress.co.uk @AutoExpress Write to: Watchdog/Letters, Auto Express, Dennis Publishing, 30 Cleveland Street, London W1T 4JD HOT TOPIC Ford’s Focus RS500 FROM: Nigel Hendricks THEY should rename this car the Ford Focus RSX instead of the RS500, seeing that the Focus RS RX was built recently and will be participating in the FIA Rallycross Championship. It’d be awesome to see Ford crack past the 400bhp mark. FROM: Guest THE RS is about 150-200kg heavier than the lightest hot hatches. First, the RS500 will have to shave at least 100kg, and second, it will have to outperform the Audi RS3 in a straight line to be the new hot hatch king. These are tough targets to meet. Join the debate at www.autoexpress.co.uk ■ “The jump from 345bhp to 376bhp…

MODEL TESTED: Honda Civic Type R GT PRICE: £32,300 ENGINE: 2.0-litre 4cyl, 306bhp Testers’ notes “Honda’s aim to secure the Nürburgring lap record for a front-wheel-drive car has clearly had a profound effect on the Type R’s character – with its monster power output and hugely grippy handling, the Civic is perfect for the track. Yet this has come at the expense of character: you’d struggle to call it fun. Honda should have focused on real-world excitement rather than a circuit many owners will never set foot on. ” James Disdale Road test editor “Acceleration lets you revel in the race trackinspired grip and poise” Testers’ notes “Honda has a strong reputation for innovation and engineering, so it’s a surprise the Type R’s infotainment system looks and feels so outdated.…

MODEL TESTED: Jaguar F-Pace 3.0 S AWD Auto PRICE: £52,300 ENGINE: 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel, 296bhp Testers’ notes “Jaguar knows who it’s aiming the F-Pace at, and has created a new feature for owners looking for an outdoors lifestyle vehicle. The Active Key system lets you lock and unlock the car using a watch-style keyless entry system, so if you’re off exploring the great outdoors, there’s no chance of losing your key. For some, it’ll prove a useful option, but as keyless entry comes as standard anyway, most people will save the £310.” James Disdale Road test editor Handling JAGUAR isn’t quite as agile as the Porsche in fast corners, but it has a more comfortable ride. Choice of driving modes allows you to alter the effect of the adaptive dampers…

Next Mégane RS to target ’Ring record RENAULTSPORT is aiming to smash the front-wheel-drive lap record at Germany’s Nürburgring race track, currently held by the Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport (tested on Page 40), with the new Mégane RS, due in 2018. Renaultsport boss Patrice Ratti told Auto Express: “We’ll have to save [the record attempt] for the next Mégane.” Previously, an insider had hinted fourwheel drive was being considered for the car, but Ratti’s comments confirm the Golf GTI rival (previewed in our exclusive image, above) will stick with front-wheel drive. Hyundai’s Prius rival starts at under £20k FOLLOWING the Geneva Motor Show debut of the all-new Ioniq eco hatch, Hyundai has announced full UK pricing. The Toyota Prius rival starts at £19,995 in hybrid form, with order books open…

James Batchelor James_Batchelor@dennis.co.uk @JRRBatchelor First drive video on new Audi S4 Avant FAST Audi estates like the S4 Avant have always been incredibly capable, offering an appealing cocktail of crushing performance with comfort and usability. However, they’ve never been that involving to drive, so can the latest version, with its new 3.0-litre turbo V6, deliver on all fronts? Our senior road tester Sean Carson finds out in this thrilling video review. Round-up of our top Mazda sports cars ALTHOUGH the MX-5 is the most famous Mazda sports car, there’s far more to the brand’s history in this market than just the roadster. The company has produced a number of classics over the past 40 years, so head over to our YouTube channel to see our favourites. You can watch any…

Essentials Hyundai Ioniq Electric Price: £28,995 (excluding Government grant) Engine: Electric motor plus lithium-ion battery Power: 119bhp Transmission: Single-speed auto, front-wheel drive 0-62mph: 10.2 seconds Top speed: 103mph Range: 174 miles CO2: 0g/km ON SALE October Jonathan_Burn@dennis.co.uk @Jonathan_burn “Ioniq is the world’s first production car to be made available with three electrified powertrains” THE all-new Hyundai Ioniq is the car designed with the herculean task of taking over from the Toyota Prius as the definitive eco-friendly model. But the Ioniq has more up its sleeve than A-list celebrity endorsement; not only is the Hyundai available as a conventional hybrid like the Prius, but also as a plug-in and pure EV. It’s the first production car in the world to be made available with three electrified powertrains. So Toyota may want…

Lawrence_Allan@dennis.co.uk @LobAllan Essentials Audi A3 Sportback 2.0 TDI S line Price: £27,285 Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl diesel Power: 148bhp Transmission: Six-speed manual, front-wheel drive 0-62mph: 8.6 seconds Top speed: 135mph Economy: 62.8mpg CO2: 114g/km ON SALE July “At the back, there’s a reprofiled bumper, and new alloy wheels and colours give A3 a lift” AUDI is credited with kick-starting the premium hatchback class 20 years ago with the original A3, and it’s honed the tried-and-tested formula with every update since. Despite an influx of rivals following in its footsteps, the A3 still holds the lion’s share of the market, so this latest facelift should make it more competitive than ever. As you’d expect, changes for this midlife nip and tuck are minor, with a widened front grille and reshaped lights all…

MODEL TESTED: Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport Edition 40 PRICE: £32,350 ENGINE: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo, 261bhp Testers’ notes “We were surprised how the Golf struggled for grip compared to its rivals. It uses the same electronically controlled differential as the SEAT, yet it washed wide in corners sooner and couldn’t match the traction of the Spanish model. This disadvantage could be due to our car’s Bridgestone tyres, which didn’t have the bite you’d expect. Sticky, track-focused Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres are available with 19-inch alloys for £2,480.” James Disdale Road test editor On the road STANDARD 18-inch alloys wear Bridgestone tyres, but they don’t offer as much grip as rivals. Still, Clubsport is more composed than regular GTI, with powerful brakes “Adaptive dampers have been recalibrated to be firmer…

Results 1st SEAT IN the final reckoning, the revised Leon Cupra has a decisive edge over the competition here due to its long list of strengths. Not only is it the cheapest car to buy, it’s just as fast and agile as the Honda in the real world, yet its adaptive dampers and subtle looks make it a relaxing choice for the daily grind. It’s also packed with standard kit and is every bit as practical as a standard Leon. 2nd HONDA THE Civic Type R’s narrow focus on ultimate performance means you have to make compromises, but find the right road, and few cars are faster than this. And while its wild looks won’t be to all tastes, there’s no denying that the Type R screams power. It’s pricey…

MODEL TESTED: Porsche Macan S Diesel PRICE: £46,182 ENGINE: 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel, 255bhp Testers’ notes “If you want to travel further in the Macan – and buying the diesel means you’re probably after efficiency and practicality – you can upgrade the standard 60-litre tank to a larger 75-litre version for free. Based on our average economy figure of 33.9mpg, this takes cruising range between fill-ups from 447 miles to 559 miles, meaning the Macan can get from London to Porsche’s home in the German city of Stuttgart on just one tank.” James Disdale Road test editor On the road THERE’S more weight to the Macan’s steering than the F-Pace’s, giving it a sportier feel here, but the trade-off is that it doesn’t ride quite as well Interior DASH takes cues…

Got a query? products@autoexpress.co.uk @AE_Consume Q Slow dirt build-up on rims I DON’T need to drive very far before my wheels require cleaning, but the rest of the car is still shiny. Is there a way to even this up? Harvey Marks, E-mail A YOU could clean just the wheels. Careful use of a pressure washer should keep the rest of the car dry. Use a small drying cloth such as Wo-Wo’s (www.wo-wo.co.uk) to reduce the risk of dragging up grit from the ground. A rim sealant or wax – like Armor All Shield for Wheels (www.armorall.eu, above) – should also slow disc dust build-up. Q How to spot failing gasket MY car’s engine is running poorly and a friend said it was the head gasket. Is there a way…

Jaguar XK DIY Bob Exelby (Porter Press, www.porterpress.co.uk) Price: £35 Rating: ★★★★ FEW cars are as stunning as the Jaguar XK120, and following a ground-up restoration is like watching a phoenix rising from the ashes. Although this book isn’t as in-depth as some guides we’ve read, by focusing on a single car from start to finish it has a more personal touch, which is great to read. Ford Midsize Muscle Marc Cranswick (Veloce Publishing, veloce.co.uk) Price: £35 Rating: ★★★ A TIMELINE of three classic Ford cars from 1950-1980 – the Fairline, Torino and the first car-based pick-up, the Ranchero. Stuffed with more than 200 great pictures, it’s certainly informative, but a little dry to read unless you’re heavily into your American metal. For most, we suspect the Mustang will remain…

Got any car queries? Martin_Saarinen@dennis.co.uk @AE_Consumer Q Can I reject faulty car? A FRIEND of mine bought a new Audi A4 in September, and it’s needed three new steering racks since then. He wants to reject the car, but Audi has told him it’s now fixed so he can’t. What are his options? Paul Cleary, E-mail A AS the car was bought in September, it falls under the old Sale of Goods Act. This means your friend does not have a case for rejecting the vehicle, because it’s now fixed and fit for purpose. If the steering rack breaks again, he’d be able to pursue a rejection case. Q Is heavy steering normal? I’M looking to buy my first car. I went to see an owner about his 2001 MINI…

Stephen_Errity@dennis.co.uk 2016/17 FORMULA E CALENDAR RD1 Hong Kong, 9 Oct RD2 Marrakech, 12 Nov RD3 Buenos Aires, 18 Feb RD4 Mexico City, 11 Apr RD5 TBC, 22 Apr RD6 Monaco, 13 May RD7 Paris, 20 May RD8 Berlin, 10 Jun RD9 TBC, 24 Jun RD10 Brussels, 1 Jul RD11/12 Montreal, 15/16 Jul RD 13/14 New York, 29/30 Jul “Next year’s 24 June date is earmarked for possible London race in a new venue closer to the centre” DOUBLE World Touring Car champion Jose Maria Lopez is set to race in Formula E next season for DS Virgin. The move marks a return to single-seaters for the Argentine driver, who raced in F3000 and GP2 and was on track to sign for the illfated USF1 team in 2010 before it folded.…