Innholdsfortegnelse for 1452 i Auto Express

THERE are many car brands that need a big 2017, but few more so than DS. When it split from Citroen a couple of years ago, it was very much a ‘soft’ launch; there was no genuinely new product. Instead it has concentrated on building its infrastructure in preparation for a major assault. It’s a strategy that has meant progress has appeared slow. But when I caught up with sales and marketing boss Arnaud Ribault at the new DS Urban Store in the Westfield London shopping mall, he made it clear that the vision for DS remains on track. “Yes, the volume has decreased [since launch],” he said. “But that is fine with our strategy as we have a good transformation in brand image. The most important work we do…

THE Arteon is the car that VW says encapsulates its new, more emotional approach to its design, and product development boss Dr Franck Welsch is clearly excited by it. “Did you see how the new front looked when the car is in your rear-view mirror?” he asked. “It’s got much more purpose with the wider grille running into the headlight units, which get a new LED look.” Sadly, we haven’t had the view of an undisguised car that Dr Welsch has, but even behind the swirly camouflage you can see the shape of a large-ish five-door with an Audi A5-style curve to the rear. And yes, that nose does look interesting. Although the Arteon is a replacement for the unloved Volkswagen CC, it’s bigger and, VW hopes, more upmarket to…

TAKING your car into a main dealer should guarantee you’ve got the best technical expertise to fix any problem, but sometimes going outside of the franchise to find a solution could be the answer. That’s what reader Andrew Kirk, from Flackwell Heath, Bucks, found when his 2011 Alfa Romeo MiTo developed a faulty rear wiper that would make one or two sweeps when starting the engine, before stopping in a random place. Andrew booked the car into his local Alfa dealer in Slough, Berks, and was told he needed a new wiper motor fitted for around £200. He said: “This seemed a bit odd as the motor was still working fine.” Andrew then found other owners online who’d had similar problems, so he took the car to Unique Integrations in…

Richard Ingram Richard_Ingram@dennis.co.uk @rsp_ingram THE letters JCW have long been synonymous with MINI’s most extreme models – sharpening Cooper S variants with various mechanical and aesthetic upgrades. Over the past decade we’ve seen John Cooper Works versions of everything from the three-door hatch to the jacked-up Countryman. But now MINI has injected its Volkswagen Golf-rivalling Clubman with some JCW magic – and we’ve driven it. Unlike the old model, the new car has been fitted with MINI’s ALL4 system. It’s the same part-time all-wheel-drive set-up as found on other MINIs, meaning most of the time it runs using only the front wheels. The souped-up Clubman comes with a six-speed manual gearbox, while the familiar eight-speed auto tested here is a £1,600 option. It lifts the JCW hatchback’s 2.0-litre turbo engine…

Kia Sorento KX-3 auto Price: £37,550 Engine: 2.2-litre 4cyl turbodiesel, 197bhp 0-60mph: 9.0 seconds Test economy: 35.6mpg/7.8mpl CO2: 174g/km Annual road tax: £210 Land Rover Discovery Sport 2.0 TD4 Auto SE Tech (5+2) Price: £36,350 Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbodiesel, 178bhp 0-60mph: 10.0 seconds Test economy: 34.8mpg/7.7mpl CO2: 139g/km Annual road tax: £130 Skoda Kodiaq Edition 2.0 TDI 190 DSG 4x4 Price: £34,895 Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbodiesel, 187bhp 0-60mph: 8.3 seconds Test economy: 39.3mpg/8.6mpl CO2: 151g/km Annual road tax: £185 WHILE Skoda has had a crossover in its line-up for a few years in the form of the Yeti, it hasn’t branched out into the full-on SUV market – until now. The Kodiaq marks the brand’s first proper 4x4 and the start of its SUV campaign, and the large seven-seater is…

THE latest Mégane has experienced mixed road test fortunes since making its UK debut earlier this year, but in 1.5-litre dCi form tested here, it’s a class act. Blending sharp looks, strong refinement, exceptional comfort and a premium interior, the Mégane is further confirmation of Renault’s ambitions to push upmarket. All versions boast handsome proportions, while alloy wheels and distinctive LED running lights are standard across the range. The car in our pictures is a Dynamique S, which is visually identical to our Signature Nav test model, apart from the latter’s larger 18-inch alloys. Inside, the Mégane feels even more upmarket than the Mazda. Its dashboard looks slick and is dominated by a large, portrait-style infotainment screen and attractive, configurable TFT dials. Material quality is good, while the ambient strip…

NEW PRODUCT Clarke Micro Multi Function Jump Start/Charger Price: £95.98 Contact: 0115 956 5555, www.machinemart.co.uk LITHIUM battery development means jump starters have gone from hefty powerpacks to units that fit in the glovebox, and the latest to take advantage of the tech is Clarke with its CLIPPJS Micro. It’s around half the size of a paperback and can not only start a car but also be used to charge portable electronic devices like phones and MP3 players via its twin USB sockets. It lives up to its Multifunction name thanks to switchable 12V, 16V and 19V outputs, plus eight adaptors for use with a range of laptops and tablets. The kit, supplied in a tough plastic case, also includes connector leads for Apple’s Lightning and 30-pin sockets, plus mini and…

WHEN Toyota introduced the RAV4 (Recreational Active Vehicle four-wheel drive) in 1994, it effectively invented the compact SUV. And the brand probably didn’t realise just what a phenomenon it would become. More than two decades later, most car makers have a small SUV in their model range; some have several. Meanwhile, Toyota is now on the fourth iteration of its RAV4, and the car is more luxurious and spacious than ever. So far it’s also proving to be very reliable, as you’d expect from a manufacturer famed for its dependability. The RAV4 isn’t a class leader when new, but it’s still a strong choice in many ways with a five-year warranty from new. Here we show you how to find a sound one used. History THE fourth-generation RAV4 reached UK…

MERCEDES has launched a GT4 racing version of its AMG GT coupé, joining the already-successful GT3 version in the stable of AMG cars available to privateer teams. The GT4 rules package aims to offer a more affordable alternative to GT3 racing, with the cars remaining closer in specification to roadgoing equivalents. “The development of the Mercedes-AMG GT4 is an important step in the expansion of our motorsport programme,” said Tobias Moers, chairman of the management board of Mercedes-AMG. “Feedback from teams concerning the AMG GT GT3 strengthened us in our decision.” Other manufacturers already offering GT4-spec machinery include Porsche, McLaren, BMW and Aston Martin.…

“Things are normal in the back seat, but it slides forward to give those in third row more legroom” VOLKSWAGEN’S Tiguan SUV is set to become more of a rival for the Land Rover Discovery Sport and Nissan X-Trail when a sevenseat version arrives next summer. It’s called the Tiguan Allspace, and we’ll see it first when it gets its world debut at next month’s Detroit Motor Show, but Auto Express was able to drive pre-production versions on the dirt tracks of the Kalahari. There was very little disguise on the cars we drove so it was difficult to distinguish the Allspace from the standard Tiguans also on test; just a longer rear door marked it out. And that’s because 110mm of the 220mm extra length of the Allspace…

FRAUDSTERS are sending motorists fake parking tickets via E-mail, containing links filled with malware with the appearance they’re coming from a reputable firm. The tickets (see right) are headed by the logo for UK Parking Control (UKPC), and contain the words ‘Parking Charge Reminder’ in the E-mail subject line. But while they include reference numbers that appear to be legitimate and quote a charge of £90, there is said to be no mention of the corresponding vehicle’s registration nor any reference to the location of the alleged offence. The bottom of the E-mail asks the unsuspecting recipient to click on a link leading to “payment options and photos”, which contains malware that could riddle victims’ computers or mobile devices with harmful viruses. The E-mails are also said to include…

WE’LL see an all-new Polo in 2017, but before then VW has launched a new Polo Match Edition, featuring new infotainment tech and a broader range of standard kit. On sale now priced from £13,315, the new trim level comes with ‘Car-Net App-Connect’ as standard – previously an optional blend of Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink. The system also features a number of VW exclusive apps including a GoPro connect function and an integrated Call & Remind to-do list. Further kit includes electric heated mirrors, an auto-dim rear view mirror, auto lights and wipers and parking sensors. Cruise control, automatic post-collision braking and 15-inch alloy wheels complete the new trim. The model is offered with a 59bhp or 74bhp version of the familiar 1.0-litre petrol engine, while an 89bhp…

We get behind the stories that affect you YOU’VE pressed the central locking button on your key fob, and heard the reassuring clicking sound as the locks engage. So it’s fair to assume your car is now secure, right? Not necessarily. Toyota Aygo owner Mike Frost of Birmingham told Auto Express his 16-plate car had a security flaw which meant the doors or boot could be left ajar but there’d be no warning sound to alert him when engaging the locks via the fob. He said: “It’s worrying to think you might assume the car was secure and walk away, when in fact, there is a door wide open and the car is accessible to all. If something was stolen, and you made a claim, you may have unwittingly voided…

@stevefowler A HIGH-performance GT is not the most obvious place to find the calm combination of a hybrid engine and CVT automatic gearbox. But Lexus has persevered with both over the years, so it’s no real surprise to see them on offer in the stunning new LC 500h – but with a twist. First, let’s just drink in the design that’s sure to turn heads. It’s not traditionally beautiful – there are too many sharp edges and intersecting lines for that – but from the low spindle grille, shallow LED headlights, front wings that sit low over the front wheels, floating roof and 3D-effect rear lights, there’s plenty to keep you interested. Lexus hasn’t hit the high notes with its sportier models since the LFA supercar in 2010. But there’s…

MERCEDES-AMG’s new GT R is a trackfocused, Nürburgring-baiting monster, but the extensive changes for greater speed and engagement create an even better road car. Racing improves the breed, so they say, so it must rile the people at AMG that its success in GT3 racing hasn’t translated into huge sales of its roadgoing AMG GT S sports car. The GT R is a riposte to that, bringing some of the brand’s hard-fought track expertise to the road, and taking the fight to rivals like Porsche’s 911 GT3 RS. Based on the GT S, the GT R follows the tried-and-tested formula of go-faster, drive harder. As a result, it’s lost some weight, added some power, increased its grip and sharpened up its reactions. The weight has been lost through an all-embracing…

SKODA KODIAQ score 4.1 Columbus sat-nav Standard Key features: CarPlay, Android Auto SKODA’S upgraded Columbus sat-nav is standard on SE L and Edition models, and while the eight-inch screen is the same size as the Bolero infotainment unit on lesser versions, there are many more features on offer here. The brand is calling the Kodiaq the most connected car it’s ever built, and the infotainment system definitely reflects this. Infotainment Online means you can check the price of fuel, parking info and Google Earth or Street View, plus Skoda’s SmartLink system brings even greater levels of connectivity, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. There’s also SmartGate – an app Kodiaq owners can download to check the status of their vehicle, such as remaining fuel and range. On top of…

MIXING eye-catching style with agile handling and impressive efficiency, the Mazda 3 Mk3 was an instant class contender when it debuted in 2013. Fast forward three years, and the hatch has been treated to a mid-life update in an effort to keep pace with a whole host of new rivals. You’re unlikely to spot the changes to the exterior unless you look closely. However, careful inspection will reveal the more prominent front grille, revised door mirrors and a reprofiled rear bumper. Our range-topping Sport Nav model is identified by its adaptive LED headlamps, while all versions are available with a trio of new metallic paints. There are fewer changes inside, where eagleeyed fans will spot the MX-5-style three-spoke steering wheel and the adoption of an electric parking brake, which frees…

PRODUCT GROUP TEST 21 | 12 | 2016 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. Joe Finnerty BY escaping into the world of video games, you can experience the best cars on the finest race tracks without leaving the house. Thanks to next-generation consoles like the Microsoft Xbox One and Sony PlayStation 4, plus the latest high-powered PCs, gamers have never had it so good. High-definition graphics are super realistic and driving physics mirror the real thing whether you use a traditional gaming controller or steering wheel. Over the past 12 months, pretty much every style of racing has been given a refresh by gaming studios to take advantage of…

Skoda Fabia 1.4 TDI SE L Estate Years: 2014 to date Engine: 1.4-litre 3cyl, 89bhp Insurance grp: 11 Official econ/CO2: 83.1mpg/88g/km Why? Huge boot, clever storage solutions and refined driving experience are all big selling points for Skoda. Prices from: £8,500 THE Skoda Fabia Estate is a stylish and classy supermini estate that’s good to drive, and it’s difficult to beat for drivers who need a small car with maximum carrying capacity. It looks to have a decisive advantage against the Nissan Note on boot space: when the rear seats are in place there’s a 530-litre load bay; 119 litres more than in the Nissan, even with its sliding bench pushed far forward. All Fabias get a slick infotainment system, although there’s no sat-nav. Instead you use MirrorLink software to…

YOU’LL have to wait 12 months before you can buy one, but the up! GTI will be well worth the wait. Amazingly, VW has managed to instil the Golf’s grown-up GTI talents in the brand’s smallest car. It’s not superquick – a 0-62mph time of around 8.8 seconds proves that – but small fast fun isn’t only about a sprint time. Although our South African test of a prototype model was rather devoid of corners, you could still detect a spirit in the up! GTI that could launch a new generation of hot hatch fans – especially when you realise the up! GTI’s stats are in line with the Mk1 Golf GTI that did the same thing 40 years ago. The diminutive size of the up! means only a…

“Rival for Aston’s V8 Vantage looks set for green light instead of a small SUV” BENTLEY is ready to add another sports car to its model range, as a rival to the Aston Martin V8 Vantage looks set for the green light instead of a small SUV. The firm has been considering an additional product line for the past 18 months. The two projects under consideration are a smaller SUV based on the Audi Q5 platform, and a baby sports car; in effect, the production version of the EXP 10 Speed 6 concept. Wolfgang Dürheimer, Bentley’s chairman and CEO, said: “The problem with a smaller SUV is that it ends up against many other premium brands, not luxury ones. With the product idea we currently have, we will be up…

FOLLOWING the arrival of the facelifted Leon back in October, SEAT has introduced its most powerful model ever: the Leon Cupra 300. Using a tuned version of the 2.0-litre turbo from the current Cupra, the new range-topper develops 296bhp and 380Nm – a 10bhp and 30Nm boost respectively. This means the Leon Cupra 300 now sits near the top of the VW Group’s hot hatchback performance tree – only being edged by the 306bhp Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport S and the Audi S3. SEAT hasn’t announced by how much performance will improve, but we’d expect to see a marginal reduction over the current car’s 5.9-second 0-62mph time. The ST estate version of the Leon Cupra also receives the same power upgrades, but the bigger news comes with the addition…

FERRARI has launched a new special edition called the J50 to mark half a century of business in the Japanese market. Just 10 examples of the bespoke model will be produced and sold to the brand’s loyal existing customers. The eye-catching J50 is a two-seat mid-engined roadster based on the 488 Spider, although the 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8 has been tweaked to produce 20bhp extra, meaning a total power output of 681bhp. It’s another product of Ferrari’s Special Projects division – responsible for cars such as the 458 MM Speciale and the recently revealed SP275 RW Competizione. As with those models, it features an outlandish design, crafted by the team at Ferrari’s Styling Centre in Maranello, Italy. All 10 examples will be modified and tailored specifically to their customers’ requirements.…

A REAL AMG, says AMG boss Tobias Moers, is for those who covet “driving pleasure”. That’s undeniable, and in fairness the 362bhp 3.0-litre V6 bi-turbo engine in the GLC 43 isn’t exactly paltry; it’s just that we’ve become accustomed to AMGs with huge numbers associated with them. We’ve already driven the regular AMG GLC 43, and this Coupé version commands a premium of just over £3,000. Many might consider that a big price to pay for what is essentially a less practical version with identical performance. The hit on practicality is particularly noticeable with the letterboxstyle view out of the rear window, too. The AMG 43 can’t offer the fireworks of a V8, but it’s shouty enough to remind you that it wears an AMG badge on the bootlid. The…

THE compact family hatchback class is as fiercely fought as ever, so it’s no surprise that Mazda has unveiled a facelifted version of its popular 3, less than three years after it made its debut. The changes are subtle but worthwhile, and include tweaked looks, a slightly more upmarket cabin and mechanical upgrades aimed at enhancing the car’s already engaging driving dynamics. We try the newcomer in efficient 1.5-litre diesel guise. Has Mazda done enough to move the 3 to the top of the class? To find out, we pitch the car against the all-new Renault Mégane, which in comfortable, refined and cost-effective 1.5 dCi guise has already seen off talented rivals such as the SEAT Leon and Vauxhall Astra. MAZDA 3 Updated looks inside and out, plus tweaks…

@AE_Consumer THE rise of the pick-up may be helped by the tax breaks for company car users, but when we collected the keys for the latest addition to our fleet, the last thing on our mind was the bottom line. The Mitsubishi L200 is big, and its sheer size is exaggerated by the optional GST Plus Hardtop (£1,860 fitted). Sales executive Paul Dray at Mitsubishi dealer Duxford Motor Group, near Cambridge, is a pick-up fan – as are most of his colleagues – and was quick to show us its virtues as we took delivery. None of the things Paul talked us through was news to us, of course, as the Mitsubishi has been crowned Auto Express’s Best Pick-up for two years in a row. But it was good to…

GOOD “A REFINED and well kitted out car that looks great.” “Very comfortable on long journeys. I’m six foot six tall and can happily drive for over three hours in comfort.” “Auto is smooth and power from the 2.0-litre diesel is excellent for overtaking.” “I get great mpg and my 508 costs just £20 a year to tax.” “There’s plenty of boot space for a family.” “It feels like a safe car to drive, and I like the driver assist systems, like blind-spot warnings.” “My Peugeot garage has been great to deal with.” NOT SO GOOD “I HAD a problem with water getting into the boot, but the dealer fixed this promptly.” “The USB port in my 508 doesn’t always work.” “The interior layout is not the most practical and…