Innholdsfortegnelse for June 3, 2015 i Auto Express

IT’S been something of an oddity over the past few years that the pace of change in the car industry hasn’t really been matched by especially significant development elsewhere. With alternative fuels, autonomous driving, a proliferation of new bodystyles and amazing connected car tech, there’s arguably never been a more innovative period for car manufacturers. The rules of the road, though, aren’t moving quite so quickly. For example, with such a hi-tech revolution underway, is the Highway Code still relevant? I don’t think so, and chief executive of the Institute of Advanced Motorists, Sarah Sillars, agrees. “Too long, rather boring and largely ignored,” was her assessment. Clearly it needs updating. And is the driving test still fit for purpose? It seems incredible, for example, that the use of sat-nav –…

AS the driving test celebrates its 80th birthday, Auto Express readers have called for major changes to be made to make it more comprehensive. A poll of over 1,500 people on our website revealed that 65 per cent support steps to make it tougher, while just 21 per cent think it’s fine as it is. A further seven per cent would like changes introduced to make it more straightforward – and another seven per cent want it axed! Trials are currently underway in select test centres for learners to take the test with a new set of manoeuvres, plus an independent driving section where they must follow a prescribed route via sat-nav. But there’s plenty more scope for change, so we asked a range of top motoring organisations for their…

TOYOTA is planning a big surprise for October’s Tokyo Motor Show, in the form of a three-seat, open-wheel sports car concept inspired by the Caterham Seven. And a source has told Auto Express that if the model gets a unanimous thumbs-up from the press and public at the event in Japan, the world’s biggest car maker will seriously consider building it. Alongside the GT86, the ‘Seven’ will continue Toyota’s attempts to stimulate the Japanese youth into becoming the next generation of car buyers. Our company insider said: “Such cars must grab kids’ imaginations and give them an interest in owning and driving cars in the future.” It will incorporate a narrow front end, exposed suspension arms and a staggered seat layout with a central driver’s seat – a layout that’s…

MITSUBISHI’S recent financial successes mean a new performance model is closer than ever. Auto Express has learned that a long-awaited replacement for the Lancer Evo supersaloon is likely to be based on the next ASX crossover – which itself is set to take cues from the XR PHEV concept, seen at March’s Geneva Motor Show (right). Mitsubishi’s UK boss, Lance Bradley, says the Mk2 ASX will launch next year with four-wheel drive available. A two-wheel-drive model with plug-in hybrid tech will follow later. Bradley said it “isn’t a huge jump” to develop a performance model. “We can afford to take that risk,” he added. According to Bradley, the financial case for the ASX Evo is yet to be made, but he said: “When you’re not making money, there are things…

Fresh Boxster spied on road with 4cyl? PORSCHE’S revised Boxster has been spied on test (above), ahead of its expected release next year. Exterior updates will be limited to a fresh front bumper, plus new front and rear lights. But big changes are rumoured under the skin, with talk of a four-cylinder petrol turbo being introduced for the first time ever in the Boxster. The two-seater is in final testing, so it could debut at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show. Next Astra in Apple and Android boost ALSO on the way in 2016 is the next-generation Astra, and we now know it’ll be the first Vauxhall to get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. This will allow a multitude of apps, music streaming and even video calling to be controlled…

NEARLY a quarter of fixed speed cameras in the UK were switched off in 2014, according to data from a Freedom of Information request. There are 1,714 fixed cameras on our streets, yet 391 – or 23 per cent – aren’t in use, the figures from insurance comparison website Confused.com revealed. Police forces counteracted this switch-off, however, by operating 345 mobile cameras across the UK. And the move to mobile sites has led to more drivers being caught. The number of speeders rose by nine per cent in 2014 compared to the previous year. In total, 1,743,252 motorists were caught exceeding the limit – up from 1,594,132 in 2013. Analysis of the camera breakdown shows mobile sites are three times as effective. Fixed cameras caught nearly one million motorists, while…

THE following provide help with motoring problems. Some services are free, others charge a fee or operate on premium-rate lines (p), while some offer advice for members only (m). Legal AA: 0906 010 1300 (p) RAC: 0870 5533 533 (m) Which?: 01992 822 800 Consumer Direct: 0845 404 0506 Local Trading Standards Local Citizens Advice Bureau Used car inspections AA: 0800 085 3007 RAC: 0800 085 2529 Technical advice AA: 0870 606 1619 (m) Driving licences DVLA: 0300 790 6801 Car registration/history HPI: 01722 422422 AA: 0800 316 3564 DVLA: 0300 790 6802 RAC: 0800 975 5867 Traffic information AA: 09003 401100 (p) RAC: 09003 444999 (p) Problems with dealers Motor Codes: 0800 692 0825 RMIF: 0845 839 9205 (m) Scottish Motor Trade Association: 0131 331 5510 Problems with makers…

IN TOWN Once on to the slower urban roads, though, our man found throttle response a bit hesitant, especially when the engine was cold, plus when traffic started to build EMISSIONS Liveried Focus drew plenty of attention on the road, but its low emissions should have been the real talking point, with a 15 per cent reduction claimed M-WAY MILES We head home on the motorway, and when racking up high mileages on this type of road, LPG makes the most sense, costing just 61p per litre WITH tighter emissions legislation on the horizon, growing concerns about air quality and rising petrol and diesel prices, it’s almost a certainty that traditional fuels aren’t a long-term solution. At present, the Government is keener than ever to give drivers a leg-up on…

Essentials Lamborghini Aventador SV Price: £321,723Engine: 6.5-litre V12 petrolPower: 740bhpTransmission: Seven-speed automatic,four-wheel drive0-62mph: 2.8 secondsTop speed: 217mphEconomy: 17.6mpg CO2: 370g/km ON SALE Now SO where do you start when trying to describe what the new £321,723, 740bhp, 217mph Lamborghini Aventador SV is like, not just to drive but to look at, to sit inside, to listen to, or even just to smell? At the beginning, I suppose, which was well over four years ago now when the Aventador was first unleashed upon the world. Back then, the Aventador reshaped the headlines not merely because of its outrageous looks and thundering 6.5-litre V12 engine. It stood out from those around it because it had a full-blown carbon fibre chassis tub and racing car-like pushrod double wishbone suspension, and even back then…

Essentials BMW M6 Gran Coupé Price: £93,100Engine: 4.4-litre V8 twin-turboPower/torque: 552bhp/680NmTransmission: Seven-speed dualclutch, rear-wheel drive0-62mph: 4.2 secondsTop speed: 155mphEconomy: 28.5mpgCO2: 231g/km ON SALE Now UPDATES to the BMW 6 Series aren’t limited to ‘basic’ models like the 640d (left). They extend across the board, to cars like the M6 Gran Coupé, which features the same hard-to-spot changes to the bumpers, plus new door mirrors and full-LED lights. Inside, the flagship four-door coupé also benefits from some black trim on the centre console, a revised iDrive infotainment screen and BMW’s ConnectedDrive as standard. Yet while the normal 6 Gran Coupé gets digital dials, the M6 retains its M-branded analogue set-up. Still, luxurious Merino leather is now standard, which makes the cabin even plusher, and there’s a head-up display. Other than this,…

Essentials Renault Espace Initiale Paris TCe 200 EDC Price: 46,300 EurosEngine: 1.6-litre 4cyl turboPower: 197bhp/260NmTransmission: Seven-speed auto,front-wheel drive0-62mph: 8.6 secondsTop speed: 131mphEconomy: 45.6mpgCO2: 140g/km ON SALE N/A WE know Renault has no immediate plans to bring the new Espace to the UK, but this top-spec Initiale Paris model has more relevance than you may think – with the trim likely to be used on upcoming cars in the not-too-distant future. Renault has thrown everything at its flagship model, with all but the panoramic roof included as standard. That means unique 19-inch alloy wheels, exclusive colours, full Nappa leather and heated massage seats. Initiale cars even get laminated side windows – which, when paired with this hushed turbo petrol engine, make for impressively quiet cruising. In France, the Initiale Paris version…

Badges JOHN Cooper Works logo is a nod to the famous Formula One race team that started tuning the original Mini in the early sixties. The Mountune name dates back to 1980, but didn’t begin its association with Ford until the late eighties. Meanwhile, the VXR can trace its roots to Vauxhall’s VX Racing British Touring Car Championship squad of 2003. Styling THE Fiesta and Corsa are given muscular makeovers courtesy of their racy bodykits, larger wheels and lowered suspension. However, the MINI goes one stage further. You can have contrasting roof and door mirror covers, distinctive body decals and several alloy wheel options. Gearboxes ALL three of our cars get a six-speed manual box as standard, but only the MINI is available with an auto transmission. The six-speed Steptronic…

AS it’s a relatively new car, Audi isn’t currently offering any dealer discounts on the Q3, but it does have some attractive finance available across the range. Go for the lower-powered 2.0 TDI 150 in S line Plus trim, and you can get behind the wheel for a deposit of £6,080 and 35 monthly payments of £349, with a representative APR of 6.5 per cent. It’s a similar story with the Evoque, as strong demand means there’s no scope for dealer discounts. But again, Land Rover offers 6.9 per cent APR finance on a 37-month contract package. New car brokers are less shy when it comes to discounts, and buyacar.co.uk  has the Q3 tested here with a £2,248 saving over list price. Yet take a quick look at…

Ford Transit: Fifty Years Peter Lee (CrowoodPress, www.crowood.com) Price: £25 (hardback)Rating: MORE than seven million Transits have rolled off Ford production lines around the world since its debut 50 years ago. And the iconic van’s evolution through eight generations is documented in this book, which looks fondly at the number of different uses the Transit has applied itself to through the years. Interesting for fans, but may be a little dry if you’re not a convert. The Book of Mazda MX-5 Miata Roadster Brian Long (Veloce, www.veloce.co.uk) Price: £29.99 (hardback)Rating: IN Issue 1,370, we looked at another book about MX-5s from the same author, focusing on the roadster’s design and development. This adds depth to Mk1 models made from 1988 to 1997, also exploring their production history and eventual phasing…

Q Are LED lights OK abroad? MY 2013 SEAT Leon has LED lights. I intend to drive it to France this summer, and am not sure if I should carry a spare set of bulbs or fit headlight deflectors. Can you help? Mike Hedley, E-mail A THE Leon’s LED headlight range is suitable for driving abroad. Unlike other set-ups, you won’t need to fit stickers to adjust the beam. But it’s advised that you only drive temporarily on this beam; if you’re planning a long stay abroad, it’s best to fit left-hand lights. Q Squeaky seats on 3 Series THE front seats have started squeaking when I get in and out of my 2012 BMW 3 Series. The car is just out of warranty, so I’m concerned I’ll be hit…

More stylish, rugged looks, more practicality for smallest SUV Petrol engine joins diesel line-up; 3cyl front-drive 16d to follow BMW’s smallest SUV, the X1, isn’t so small any more. This is the new second-generation version, and along with larger dimensions inside and out, it’s got a taller, more rugged new style that makes its predecessor look like a low-riding estate. “Our project goals were for a pure SUV design,” Ralf Gräser, project leader for the X1, told Auto Express. “This is what customers were asking for. The last one was more of a crossover, but this has a new architecture, so a new characteristic.” An increase of 53mm in height but a decrease of 38mm in length gives it a more classic SUV silhouette – more like a mini X3.…

AUDI has further demonstrated its commitment to autonomous driving technology with the unveiling of the R8 e-tron piloted concept at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Shanghai, China. Based on the fully electric R8 e-tron, the newcomer is the brand’s third autonomous concept following experiments with the RS7 and A7. It carries over the 455bhp electric powertrain from the standard R8 e-tron, which promises 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds, a top speed of 155mph and a full battery recharge in less than two hours. “Our efficiency technologies are ready for series production and customer roll-out,” Audi research and development boss Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg told Auto Express. “The same applies to our current flagship technology – piloted driving.” The hi-tech concept is equipped with an array of sensors, laser scanners and ultrasonic…

Is there a reason that Q1 of 2015 saw the most recalls in the past four years? RECALLS are a tricky subject – does a manufacturer admit there is a safety concern and risk ruining the reputation of a car? Or does it repair cars on an individual basis? We get plenty of E-mails from owners believing their problems warrant a recall, but the manufacturer disagrees. As recalls can be costly, this is understandable, but latest figures from the industry suggest recalls aren’t as uncommon as you think. During the first quarter of 2015, there were 69 recalls in the EU – up one per cent from the previous quarter and 38 per cent from Q3 of 2014. In total, 32 brands initiated a case in the first quarter, with…

YOUNG drivers are often in the news, and justifiably so, as vehicle fatalities are the major cause of teen deaths. But what can be done to change this? It’s true that extra training hasn’t worked – the take-up for the Pass Plus scheme is critically low. Yet, if drivers can find money for additional coaching – such as night-time and rural driving – it’s money well spent. These are scenarios which play a major part in crashes. It would help if this type of coaching was included alongside ‘normal’ driving tuition. Trouble is, location plays a part. For example, not all parts of the UK have easy access to a motorway. Spreading instruction out via a graduated driving licence could help learners earn their ‘safety stripes’ before being allowed to…

OUR test revealed you could save nearly £300 a year by converting your car to run on LPG, but some motorists have benefited more. Driving instructor Nigel Franks, based in Aylesbury, Bucks, is one of those converts who has reaped the rewards of gas. Back in 2010, he converted his 1.8-litre Ford Focus learner car to LPG – and hasn’t looked back. Nigel spent £1,000 installing the system, but saves up to £2,000 annually doing 25,000 miles a year. Those savings are ploughed back into the car parts needed when you’re letting learners loose. He said: “I generally get through a clutch every year, as well as other wear and tear items. I’ve probably replaced most of the parts on the car over time! “As I’ll probably be keeping the…

Essentials Vauxhall Viva SL 1.0 Price: £9,495 Engine: 1.0-litre 3cyl petrolPower/torque: 74bhp/95NmTransmission: Five-speed manual, front-wheel drive0-62mph: 13.1 secondsTop speed: 106mphEconomy: 62.8mpg CO2: 104g/km ON SALE Now THE Vauxhall Viva started life as a small family saloon car back in the sixties, but after 16 years in production and more than 1.5 million sales, the name was consigned to the history books. Or so we thought. The brand’s decided to revive the Viva this year as an all-new city car – designed to rival the likes of the Hyundai i10, Citroen C1 and our current favourite, the Skoda Citigo. On paper, things look good. Prices start from just £7,995, with even the basic SE getting five seats, electric front windows, cruise control and a trip computer. It’s this top-spec SL that…

Essentials BMW X5 M Price: £90,180Engine: 4.4-litre V8 twin-turboPower/torque: 567bhp/750NmTransmission: Eight-speed auto,four-wheel drive0-62mph: 4.2 secondsTop speed: 155mphEconomy: 25.4mpgCO2: 258g/km ON SALE Now IN a game of Top Trumps, the X5 M puts clear daylight between itself and rivals. To demonstrate, let’s take its obvious competitors as yardsticks – the Porsche Cayenne Turbo and Range Rover Sport SVR. With 567bhp and 750Nm of torque from its 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8, the BMW beats the Range Rover (542bhp and 680Nm), and while the Porsche has 750Nm of torque, it can only manage a ‘puny’ 513bhp. The X5 M’s power translates to an unhinged 0-62mph time of 4.2 seconds – three and five-tenths faster than the Cayenne and SVR respectively. And although its 155mph top speed lags behind both, we wouldn’t bet against it…

Lexus RC F Carbon Price: £67,995Engine: 5.0-litre V8Power: 471bhpTransmission: Eight-speed auto,rear-wheel drive0-62mph: 4.5 secondsTop speed: 168mphEconomy: 26.2mpgCO2: 251g/km ON SALE Now THE RC F has only been on sale for a matter of months, but Lexus has already spruced it up with some carbon fibre add-ons and an £8,000 price hike. The Carbon gets an unpainted carbon fibre bonnet, roof and spoiler, all available only on this standalone model rather than as optional extras. The car weighs 10kg less than standard, but posts identical performance figures from the 471bhp 5.0-litre V8. That means it still covers 0-62mph in 4.5 seconds – 0.2 seconds slower than the new BMW M4 – and will keep accelerating to an electronically limited 168mph. There’s no denying it’s fast, but it doesn’t feel as urgent…

Essentials Ford Mondeo Titanium 2.0 TDCi 180 On fleet since: May 2015 Price new: £24,545 Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl diesel, 178bhp CO2/tax: 115g/km/£30 Options: Ruby Red metallic paint (£795), panorama roof (£600), power tailgate (£400), rear sunblinds (£125), Sony DAB touchscreen nav with 12 speakers (£450), inflatable rear seatbelts (£175), Active Park Assist (£545), Active City Stop (£200), Adaptive Cruise Control with Collision Mitigation (£900), blind spot monitoring system (£500), rear view camera (£250), power adjustable and memory steering column (£200), Titanium X pack (£2,000) Insurance*: Group: 27 Quote: £367 Mileage/mpg:1,687/43.5mpg Any problems? None so far *Insurance quote from AA (0800 107 0680) for a 42-year-old in Banbury, Oxon, with three points. Second opinion “Ford’s European engineers have tried their best, but ultimately they’ve failed to completely gloss over the new…

Audio giant shows off its Smart moves CAR audio giant Harman has been showing off sub-brand JBL’s newest tech in Smart’s ForTwo and ForFour as it demonstrates how to achieve great sound quality in small vehicles. Harman also collaborated with German tuning company X-Dream Car Audio to install custom-made hardware around the cars (above). Each takes 650 hours to complete. Harman says it gives the user a “feel of being in a bigger car” and the tech “sets a new standard for audio”. Battery giant now venturing into cars DURACELL is better known for its household batteries, but it’s now also making them for cars – and they’re available to buy from Euro Car Parts. The Advanced range comprises 20 batteries, covering around 95 per cent of vehicles. Prices start…

Essentials Mercedes GLC 250 Price: £35,000 (est)Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo petrolPower/torque: 208bhp/350NmTransmission: Seven-speed auto,four-wheel drive0-62mph: 7.5 seconds (est)Top speed: 140mph (est)Economy: 40mpg (est)CO2: 160g/km (est) ON SALE June WHILE Audi and BMW have been cleaning up with the Q5 and X3, Mercedes has been staring at a medium-sized SUV-shaped hole in its UK line-up. The brand has sold the GLK in other markets for years, but its decision not to make the costly conversion to right-hand drive has left it without a contender in the UK’s fastest-growing sector of premium SUVs. That won’t be the case for long because the all-new GLC, based on a stretched version of the new C-Class’ architecture, will begin rolling off the production line later this month, with first UK deliveries scheduled for November. To…

Prices slashed on Rapid Spaceback SKODA has announced it is dropping prices across its Rapid Spaceback range. The three trim levels – S, SE Tech and SE Sport – are on sale now with price reductions of up to £1,905. It means the entry-level 1.2-litre TSI in S spec starts from £13,500, with the range rising to £18,660 for the 1.4 TDI SE Sport DSG. Equipment and specs for the Spaceback (above) remain unchanged, with the cleanest model emitting only 94g/km. Second recall for Porsche 918 Spyder PORSCHE has recalled every example of its 918 hypercar – which includes 47 models in the UK. The problem involves a wiring harness for the radiator fan which could be damaged by a carbon-fibre component. Porsche says owners will be contacted individually, while…

THE Association of British Insurers (ABI) has supported a move for policy renewals to include what customers paid last year. AXA and Swiftcover became the first two major brands to include last year’s premium in renewal letters. Mark Shepherd, manager for general insurance at the ABI, said: “We’ve asked the Financial Conduct Authority to bring in regulation that would mean customers can easily compare the price they paid last year with their renewal.” Graeme Trudgill, executive director of the British Insurance Brokers’ Association, supported better transparency, but added: “For us it is a case of what a customer thinks is the right balance of information without tipping the scales to information overload.”…

LAMBORGHINI is the latest in a long line of high-end manufacturers unable to ignore the growing trend for SUVs. After years of speculation, the Italian supercar maker has confirmed it will build a new 4x4 based on the Urus concept – revealed at the Beijing Motor Show back in 2012 – and it’ll launch in 2018. Russia, Germany and the UK as key markets for the car. But it won’t be alone, with Rolls-Royce, Bentley and Aston Martin all planning assaults on the luxury SUV market, too (see panel, opposite). Details of what will power the SUV are thin on the ground, but the Urus concept did feature a naturally aspirated V10 engine. CEO Stephan Winkelmann has told Lamborghini called the announcement “the beginning of a new era”, with the…

ASTON MARTIN DBX First all-wheel-drive, all-electric model from Aston Martin will be more of a luxury GT than a full SUV. BENTLEY BENTAYGA Based on the new Audi Q7 platform, the Bentayga will be built in Crewe and go on sale in 2016. ROLLS-ROYCE CULLINAN Mule has already been seen testing, and Cullinan is set to be more luxurious than Bentayga at 2017 launch. FERRARI & McLAREN Both main rivals to Lambo have completely ruled out any plans to add an SUV to their line-up, focusing on the supercars familiar to fans.…

New Renaultsport Mégane 275 Trophy A TRACK day fan’s dream come true, the Mégane Trophy 275 has been stripped out by Renaultsport’s expert engineers, and then fitted with super-sticky tyres to deliver even more intense driving thrills than the standard hot hatch. So join us as we push the Trophy to the limit in this thrilling video, measuring just how fast it is and how much cornering grip it generates. Full video report on new Aventador SV THE Lamborghini Aventador SV’s numbers simply beggar belief: 740bhp from the uprated V12, a 217mph top speed, 2.8 seconds from 0-62mph and a £321,723 price tag. And our report on Page 34 tells you what it’s like to drive. But you’ll have to watch our video to hear its spine-tingling exhaust note. You…

Contact Lawrence Allanmail@autoexpress.co.uk@AutoExpress Write to: Watchdog/Letters, Auto Express, Dennis Publishing, 30 Cleveland Street, London W1T 4JD HOT TOPIC £31k Mondeo Vignale FROM: Actually AM I the only one who has a problem with the tiny Ford badge on the nose? It looks comically small, as if Ford is embarrassed by it. Most premium makers are boasting bigger badges, not smaller ones. Ford should create a new chrome version going forward. FROM: AJN95 THIS car really does show up the badge snobs, because interior quality isn’t an argument with this against Audi or Jaguar. It’s a lovely car and why should it look any different to the normal model? It’s essentially just a higher trim level than the Titanium X. Join the debate at www.autoexpress.co.uk • “People should accept…

BENTLEY stole the limelight at March’s Geneva Motor Show when it took the wraps off its stunning sports car concept, the EXP 10 Speed 6. No concept car is ever displayed without intent, and bosses at the company have made it clear they want to build a small, sleek sports car. But before big bucks are spent on development, the car has to tour the globe so Bentley can establish if a business case exists after showing it off to potential customers and dealers. Auto Express followed the most beautiful Bentley for a generation as it went east and west, gauging reaction and speaking to the team behind the car. Just a few weeks after the concept’s unveiling in Geneva, the automotive world turned to New York for its annual…

Essentials BMW 640d M Sport Price: £66,170Engine: 3.0-litre 6cyl turbodieselPower: 309bhp/630NmTransmission: Eight-speed automatic,rear-wheel drive0-62mph: 5.3 secondsTop speed: 155mphEconomy: 51.4mpgCO2: 147g/km ON SALE Now BMW added some intrigue to the launch of the revised 6 Series. Before we got behind the wheel, it announced we’d be driving the new LCI version of the coupé. So would the car benefit from something really exciting such as Lightweight Chassis Innovation or Larger Combustion Injection? Or perhaps it has a Low Carbon Impact? Turns out LCI means Life Cycle Impulse, which is BMW-speak for a mid-life facelift. And as facelifts go, it’s rather minor on the 6 Series – especially compared to the revolutionary update to the 1 Series. You get some external styling tweaks, like revised bumpers, full LED headlamps as standard, new…

Essentials Subaru Forester Price: £30,995Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbodieselPower/torque: 145bhp/350NmTransmission: CVT automatic,four-wheel drive0-62mph: 9.6 secondsTop speed: 117mphEconomy: 46.3mpgCO2: 158g/km ON SALE Now THE Subaru Forester has forged a loyal following thanks to its unusual styling that blends estate and SUV, along with its rugged image and focus on off-road ability. This is the latest version and there are no visual differences to speak of over the previous model. With the flood of new and fashionable crossovers, such as the Mazda CX-5 and Nissan Qashqai, the Forester’s boxy silhouette is starting to look dated in an increasingly style-conscious sector. However, there are important changes inside. The previous Pioneer aftermarketstyle infotainment system has been ditched in favour of Subaru’s own 7.0-inch display, featuring sat-nav and Bluetooth. It’s far more intuitive to use, but…

Practicality BOTH our test cars featured power-assisted tailgates. While it would be faster to open the boots manually, it does take the effort out of the process. The set-up comes as standard on our Q3 S line, while it’s a £400 option on the Evoque. Plus, if you add keyless entry to the latter, you can get a hands-free opening function as well. Off-road IT’S clear the Audi is geared for tarmac rather than off-roading. The Evoque’s Terrain Response system optimises the traction control for different surfaces, but the Q3 just gets an ‘off-road’ mode, which turns the traction control off to allow wheel slip to get out of tricky conditions. Eco measures THE Q3 has been made more efficient, but the clever coasting function found on other models in…

Essentials Volkswagen Golf GTI Performance Pack On fleet since: April 2014 Price new: £29,150 Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl, 227bhp CO2/tax: 139g/km/£130 Options: Discover Navigation Pro (£1,765), Dynaudio stereo (£535), Climate screen (£295), Dynamic Chassis Control (£830), Winter Pack (£380), Advanced phone connection (£320), Pure White paint (£260) Insurance*: Group: 30 Quote: £395 Mileage/mpg: 17,156/35.3mpg Any problems? Flywheel replaced *Insurance quote from AA (0800 107 0680) for a 42-year-old in Banbury, Oxon, with three points. Second opinion “It’s the Golf’s telepathic ability to match your mood that impresses. On a jammed commute home, the smooth ride and classy cabin soothe your frayed nerves, yet swap town for a twisty back road, and the VW turns into a thrilling driver’s car.” IT’S been 40 years since the Golf GTI set the hot hatch…

Q Where to buy new tyres I’VE been looking around for cheap prices and availability of the Dunlop Sport BluResponse, which won your summer tyre test, but can’t see much for sale. Where’s best to search? Joseph Butler, E-mail A HAVE a look on www.blackcircles.com. It was the best site in our Issue 1,334 test of online tyre retailers. It can find prices and availability of tyres near you, fully fitted or by mail order. In our test, we found prices were competitive, while the website is very user-friendly. It also offered the best selection of tyres per car. Q Shifting screen stickiness I’M struggling to remove stubborn glue stains on my windscreen after taking off a dash cam that had been permanently installed. What can I use to get…

A CAR’S boot might seem like the best place to transport shopping and other cargo, but loose items can still be knocked around and damaged if they’re not secured. Since its recent rebrand, Type S has relaunched its product range, and we were keen to try the latest version of its Trunk Organiser, after its predecessor fell behind rivals in our Issue 1,155 test. So we’ve brought back the best remaining option from that comparison – Draper’s 47650 Boot Organiser. Prices are from a range of sources as we went to press. Both products are practical organisers with handles that take the strain out of ferrying items to the car. The Type S feels stronger than before, thanks to its new reinforced handles. Its base and divider are still flimsy,…

MOTORSPORT’S governing body the FIA wants another team to join the Formula One grid – possibly as early as next season. A new selection process has just been launched, with candidates being asked to approach the FIA by the end of this month, ahead of a final decision on 30 September. The American Haas F1 outfit is already set to take a place on the grid next year and any new team would be in addition this. But the FIA has indicated that a decision on whether to accept a new entry would be based on “the overall long-term interests of the championship”, and it may decide not to award an entry if there’s no viable candidate. The application process will take in an assessment of a potential team’s technical…

I CASED a few of the Case joints west of Miami the other day. Rick and Rita Case (he never wears a cowboy hat, she never takes hers off) are mega-dealers. They’re multi-franchised and own and operate an auto mall half an hour from Miami Airport. Truth is, when I heard about their business and saw it on the map out near the Everglades, I was expecting something a little tacky, old school and in the wrong part of town. But I couldn’t have got it – or them – more wrong. As I drove on to their colossal and pristine premises, it seemed bigger and more impressive than most of the small to medium car company headquarters I’ve visited around the world. Rick and Rita are so big, they’re…