Innholdsfortegnelse for 1907 i Auto Express

BRIGHT headlights were back in the headlines last week, with the subject of headlamp glare hitting the news (Page 16) after the recent change of clocks meant that more of us are driving in the dark again. The Department for Transport is carrying out research that should be published soon, but it’s tricky to see what it can do to improve things. While retro-fitted and illegally bright LED and xenon bulbs are a small part of the issue, fundamentally new car lights are getting brighter, and newer cars increasingly have tech that doesn’t work as well as it should. Full-on pixel LED lights are excellent; these light the road around oncoming traffic, but extinguish a little bubble encircling cars ahead or coming towards you. However, they can be rather costly,…

THE Vision X-Coupe, or ‘Cross-Coupe’ as it’s called, features a dramatic extension of Mazda’s flexible powertrain strategy, marking the first appearance of a new twin-rotary plug-in hybrid that runs on renewable fuels and has carbon-capture tech. The crux of Mazda’s concept is that it plans to offer all things to all people, with zero compromise. We’ve heard of plug-in hybrids and we’ve heard of rotary powertrains, but rarely have they been put together. The Vision X-Coupe does just that by combining a turbocharged twin-rotary combustion engine with a substantial battery pack and an electric motor. Mazda hasn’t revealed any technical specifications, but quotes an all electric range of 100 miles from the battery, with the petrol engine adding a further 400 miles to that figure. But the company is also…

PRIMED to take over as the flagship of the Lexus range is a brand-new SUV to rival cars such as the Audi Q8, Porsche Cayenne and Range Rover Sport. The LS Coupé Concept is still just a show car at this stage, but the production version will take over from the LS saloon, moving Lexus – like customers in this area of the market – away from four-door saloons. The unashamed pivot towards a higher-volume segment – high-end SUVs – means the future production car will sits above the existing Lexus RX. It will also take a much more road-focused approach than the GX off-roader available in overseas markets. And while other Lexus SUVs have generally been derived from Toyota foundations (as was the LS saloon), the new LS Coupé…

NISSAN will build an all-new Skyline with rear-wheel drive, a manual transmission and looks inspired by some of the nameplate’s most iconic iterations. The news comes as the company grapples with an extensive reorganisation, which has led to a refocus of the brand’s model range, and by extension the rebirth of this iconic nameplate. The bad news for UK fans is that this car is likely to only find its way onto its home roads in Japan. It’s also worth remembering that Nissan disconnected the Skyline moniker from GT-R back in 2007, so this isn’t a new R36 GT-R – that’ll come later, and to international markets. Technically, the Skyline never actually went off sale in the Japanese domestic market. In fact it was a car we saw in Europe…

THE all-new Smart #5 is now available to order, with prices starting from £39,800. That puts the bold, tech-centric electric SUV within spitting distance of the Skoda Enyaq, and means it’s £5,000 cheaper than the Tesla Model Y. There are six specifications – Pro, Pro+, Premium, Pulse, Summit Edition and Brabus – but no option packs or different powertrains. Every Smart #5 features a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, a 13-inch central touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a panoramic sunroof, a wireless charging pad, keyless entry, 360-degree camera system plus lots of driver-assistance tech. The entry-level Pro uses a single 268bhp e-motor and a 76kWh battery for a 288-mile range, but the Pro+ model (from £43,800) swaps in a 100kWh battery and a 358bhp e-motor that ups the car’s…

HUGE changes to the UK’s on-street EV charging network could be on the way after the Government proposed reforms that would scrap the need for planning permission for cross-pavement charging solutions, as well as potentially bringing a cut in public charging costs. Arguably the headline announcement is the proposed removal of the need for planning permission for cross-pavement solutions, such as gullies (shown above) – channels dug into the pavement, through which a cable runs. With roughly 40 per cent of properties in the country not having a driveway, the complexity and cost of today’s planning application processes is thought to be one of the major barriers to many making the switch to an EV. Ben Whitaker, chief technical officer of on-street charging solution firm Kerbo Charge, explained that residents…

IF you’re looking at the car in these pictures and struggling to get a sense of what an Alpine A390 is, you’re not the only one. The A390 GTS is very much an ‘Alpine’ in terms of its design, but this is an all-electric 4.6-metre-long crossover packing a high-performance powertrain underneath a body that’s somewhere between an SUV, a coupé, and a four-door fastback. The car’s technical starting point doesn’t make good reading for fans of the high-performance French brand, either. Unlike the A110 sports car, which features a bespoke all-aluminium structure and platform, the A390 shares more with the Renault Scenic and Nissan Ariya. But before we write this car off as anything more than a sheep in wolf’s clothing, let us consider that Alpine has a history of…

THE sharply styled SEAT Leon has traditionally been pitched as the sporty sibling within the Volkswagen Group’s hatchback portfolio. But the rise of the Cupra brand has seen SEAT move towards a more value-focused position. That hasn’t stopped it from looking as desirable as ever; if anything, the prospect of more tempting prices – especially with the huge discounts available through our Buy a Car service – have made the Leon more appealing than ever before. ENGINES & PERFORMANCE IF you’re a fan of choice, then few cars in this class offer as much as the SEAT Leon. Petrol, diesel and hybrid (both mild and plug-in) options are available to buyers, and on the whole it’s a range of strong performers. The engine line-up starts with the tried-and-tested 1.5-litre turbo…

MAZDA surprised visitors to the Japan Mobility Show with a unexpected concept car called the Vision X-Compact. This supermini-sized model previews a new Mazda 2, which should arrive some time in 2026 or early 2027 with a choice of hybrid and ICE powertrains. A petrol-powered supermini might sound old-fashioned by European standards, but a B-segment model is crucial for car manufacturers in many international markets, not least Mazda in the UK. This new Vision X-Compact previews what a new model might look like, with a more playful evolution of the design language seen on the larger Mazda 3. The nose has a revised grille, with the 3’s previous trim now forming the daytime running lights. There’s no physical mesh, and instead it has a simple body colour inside it. The…

AMONGST the bright lights and swooping shapes on the Mazda booth at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show, a fascinating piece of tech was quietly revealed that might change the fortunes of combustion engines. The exhaust system on the Vision X-Coupe concept’s turbocharged, twin-rotary plug-in hybrid powertrain has a direct carbon-capture device that removes carbon from its exhaust fumes before it leaves the tip. In effect the system acts as a filter within the exhaust system, pulling carbon dioxide out from the exhaust gases. The science is similar to that seen in larger-scale atmospheric carbon-capture systems, except the gases coming out of a car’s exhaust system generally have a carbon density of around 350 times that of the air around it, making it more efficient to capture. Mazda will continue to…

MORE details about Toyota’s new Corolla concept have been revealed, confirming the company’s intention to make this just about the most adaptable single model on sale. Introduced at the Japan Mobility Show, the eye-catching concept might look like pure fiction, but it’s closer than you may think to being the Corolla that’ll go on sale in 2027. The saloon show car reveals lots of fresh design directions the production model will take. These range from a new take on the three-box shape, to the digital interfaces – everything on the concept is relevant – and now we know Toyota’s new global car will be offered with pure ICE, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and all-electric power. There won’t be any compromises on passenger or luggage space, because the floor will be variable…

SUBARU’S STI performance brand has hinted at an exciting future courtesy of two new concept cars revealed at the Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo. The Performance-B STI concept is based on the current-generation Impreza, while the Performance-E STI is an EV that “represents the future of the Performance Scene”, according to the Japanese company. Although the latter showcases its exterior design in its entirety, there’s not a lot of technical detail about what’s underneath the bodywork. Subaru says the concept has “outstanding aerodynamics and practicality, with a design that evokes the brand’s heritage while providing a driver-friendly layout and a comfortable, spacious interior.” It added: “By incorporating various innovative technologies, this concept model offers intuitive, exhilarating driving experiences.” Given that the concept pays tribute to Subaru’s heritage, and judging by…

THE Government could be set to enforce tighter rules on car headlight design amid growing unease from drivers who are being dazzled by bright lights as winter brings longer hours of darkness. Last year, the Department for Transport (DfT) launched a study into the root causes and effects of headlight glare, with data from the RAC suggesting four-in-five drivers are concerned about getting dazzled by oncoming vehicles. More than a year later we are still yet to see the findings, but the DfT has told Auto Express that the research “is due to be published in the coming weeks”. A DfT spokesperson said: “We know headlight glare is frustrating for many drivers, especially as the evenings get darker. That’s why we commissioned independent research to better understand the causes and…

VAUXHALL will launch a hot GSE version of the current Corsa supermini next year, following the new Mokka GSE that hits UK roads in early 2026 as it seeks to inject excitement and emotional appeal into the British brand. Although an all-new Corsa is due to be revealed next year, the GSE will be based on the existing model, helped by its close relationship to a couple of sister cars that already use the same powertrain. Like the Mokka GSE (pictured right), the Corsa GSE will have the 276bhp e-motor from Peugeot’s upcoming e-208 GTi and the Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce, and will be good for a sub-six-second 0-62mph time. Uprated set-ups for the suspension, steering and chassis can also be expected, along with beefier styling – shown in our…

SEAT has breathed new life into its range recently, announcing mid-life updates for both the Ibiza supermini (Issue 1,906) and Arona small SUV. But we’ve been made to wait, because the revised cars were first teased two years ago. The Arona arrived in 2017, designed to tackle the all-important crossover class and going up against cars such as the Nissan Juke and Vauxhall Mokka. The segment has exploded in recent years, welcoming the big-selling Ford Puma, plus other models from the Volkswagen Group, including the VW T-Cross and the Skoda Kamiq. The Arona was first facelifted in 2021, but this latest round of changes aims to focus on the model’s design, while also throwing in some extra kit as standard. With SEAT repositioning itself as the VW Group’s ‘entry brand’,…

“TODAY DS is far away from the likes of Audi, but you need to start the dream,” then-CEO Carlos Tavares told us over a Parisian lunch in 2014. “Anybody trying to compete in the premium area thinks they need to fight the Germans with the same weapons. I won’t do that because I will lose. “We want to convey the French touch, sophistication and trendiness in our new DS models; the French way of life, everything that makes the Brits come to France for their holidays. DS is a fashionable brand. This is unique to us.” Carlos Tavares was the hotshot leader who dragged Peugeot and Citroen from near-bank-ruptcy to profitability, and had the vision to take DS from Citroen sub-brand to standalone French premium marque. His ambition was clear:…

SAYING that a passenger car “drives like a van” would probably be seen as a negative by a lot of people, but that would be to ignore two important facts. Firstly, modern vans are much closer to their car cousins than they were years ago. Things have moved on in all kinds of ways – from ride quality and refinement, to performance and technology. Secondly, vans are great to drive anyway! The VW ID. Buzz drives like a van, which is to say that you’ve got that classic tall driving position (even taller than the ones people can’t seem to get enough of in SUVs), great all-round visibility and a super-tight turning circle for something this large. You do have to hoist yourself up into the driver’s seat a little…

LOOKING for a gift for the car lover in your life, or just want some ideas for your own Christmas list? We’ve been scouring the world for perfect petrolhead presents. Some are practical and useful, while others are a bit sillier and designed to raise a smile or start a conversation at the dinner table. For this list we’ve set ourselves a budget of £50, but some of the gift ideas cost less than a tenner, making them perfect for a Secret Santa or stocking filler. Here are our top 20 gifts for under £50. “SOME ARE PRACTICAL AND USEFUL–OTHERS A BIT SILLIER, DESIGNED TO RAISE A SMILE” BUY YOUR CAR KIT WITH CONFIDENCE Every week, we extensiavely test all the latest car kit from tyres to trim cleaners. Scan…

WITH its clean and classy bodywork, MINI cuteness and 7,700rpm red line, the concept hinting at a future Mazda 2 holds lots of promise for supermini buyers starved of fresh models. Customers wanting affordable, petrol powered small hatches have fewer options these days: Ford’s Fiesta has infamously ceased production, the Kia Rio has bowed out and Audi is discontinuing its baby A1. Making a profit on superminis has long been difficult, even before the current era of rampant cost inflation. Manufacturers have partly blamed tougher European safety and emissions regulations: Renault reckons these have hiked new Clio prices by 40 per cent in 15 years. An all-new Clio, with hybrid and petrol power, is on the way but won’t hit the UK before 2027. The electric transition has also choked…

HONDA has surprised Japan Mobility Show goers with a brand-new Series 0 SUV prototype that’s only a year or so away from series production. This new model, the 0 Alpha, will be based on the same architecture as the larger SUV and saloon, and rival similarly sized EVs such as the Skoda Elroq, Kia EV3 and forthcoming Toyota C-HR+. Pricing and technical details have still to be confirmed, but the model will be launched first in its native Japanese market, followed by other Asian countries soon after. European sales have yet to be decided, but given that all 0 Series cars have global market relevance, we’d be shocked not to see it appear in European showrooms later in the decade. Fundamentally, the new Honda 0 Alpha will compete in the…

THE all-new, all-electric Mercedes E-Class has been spotted for the first time as it begins to get in shape to fight the BMW i5, Volvo ES90 and Audi A6 e-tron. The E-Class with EQ Technology, as it will officially be called, is expected to be unveiled in late 2026 before hitting the streets sometime in 2027. It will replace the Mercedes EQE, which was created as the pure-electric alternative to the E-Class. However, before any executives get too alarmed, the E-Class will still be available with combustion power. Mercedes recently decided that it would offer combustion and electric versions of its established models side-by-side – as BMW does. The two versions of the E-Class will look almost identical, meaning the new E-Class EQ has a much more traditional three-box saloon…

JUST days after Skoda announced its diesel-car record (above), Kia hit back by setting a brand-new benchmark with a fully laden pure-electric van. An unmodified PV5 Cargo L2H1 with a 71.2kWh battery completed a 431-mile run on public roads with a full payload, setting the world record for “the greatest distance travelled by a light-duty battery-powered electric van with maximum payload on a single charge”. It covered 430.84 miles in 22 hours 30 minutes, averaging more than 6.2 miles/kWh. The run took place at the end of September under “realworld conditions”, on an “extra-urban” loop of 36.2 miles. Official WLTP range for this model stands at 258 miles, meaning the vehicle exceeded its maximum by more than 172 miles – even with its maximum payload of 690kg.…

CUPRA sold just under one-third of DS Automobiles’ European volume in 2020; four years later, SEAT’s start-up premium brand registered almost six times as many cars. Why? It’s down to product and positioning. While DS targeted old-school premium with big cars such as the DS 7 and DS 9 (for Chinese saloon buyers), Cupra went for the heart of Europe’s biggest market, the mid-size SUV. The Cupra Formentor was launched in 2020, and looked fresh with its jacked-up estate bodystyle covered in trendy matt paint and copper-coloured accents. Most importantly it cut through, giving the brand visibility and momentum. Subsequent launches – the Tavascan EV and combustion-engined Terramar – also doubled down on mid-size crossovers with swoopy, aggressive designs. New chief executive officer Markus Haupt chuckles at the memory of…

SOME facelifts are more subtle than others, and the changes for the Honda Civic in 2025 take a keen eye to spot. Most of the design tweaks at the front have been made possible thanks to updated and improved LED headlights. While the units are the same shape as before, new internals now house the foglamps, too, meaning that they’ve been removed from their previous position on the front bumper. This has allowed designers to tidy the front end, with a wider front air intake and slim vertical vents sitting to either side. The grille has also been altered, while a new alloy wheel design (18-inch items are fitted across all three trim levels) and a fresh paint finish round out the exterior changes. But the tweaked styling doesn’t change…

THE farewell to a long-term test car is always bittersweet, but perhaps none more so than saying goodbye to my Mazda CX-30. For nearly a year, this small SUV has served as my dependable companion, seeing me through a few thousand miles and giving a deep dive into the realities of daily life with a car that truly punches above its weight. It’s a vehicle that certainly sparks some debate: is it a small SUV or simply an elevated hatchback? And how does Mazda – a non-premium brand – still manage to deliver more sophistication than most manufacturers? Our CX-30 arrived last November in Homura spec with optional Soul Red Crystal metallic paint, and the immediate reaction was unanimously positive: Mazda had once again nailed the aesthetic brief. Unlike many…

“LEASING SUFFERS FROM A STIGMA. MANY PEOPLE CAN’T GET PAST THE FACT THAT THEY DON’T EVER ACTUALLY OWN THE CAR THEY’RE PAYING FOR” BUYING a new car is an exciting time for most people. A nice shiny new motor on your driveway, that fragrance when you jump inside and all the new technology to learn. The novelty can soon wear off when you realise how much it will depreciate within just three years, though. However, there is a solution: car leasing. Its popularity has skyrocketed in recent years, but it still suffers from a stigma. Many people just can’t get past the fact that they don’t ever actually own the car they’re paying for – and that’s the response I get every time I recommend leasing to friends and family.…

IF you want to stand out from the crowd, the usual cohort of German cars won’t quite fit the bill. Sometimes, it’s worth considering what’s on offer in a French model – such as the chic looks and comfort in DS’s new flagship, the No.8 (right). However, it’s expensive, starting at £54,000 and rising to almost £70,000. So we thought: what three other left-field luxury cars could you get for the same money? Avoiding the obvious German options, we found this trio in the Auto Express marketplace. 1 INFINITI Q30-£9,550 FIRST up, we have an Infiniti Q30 at well under £10,000. Infiniti was Nissan’s rival for Lexus, and if you’re wondering whether to trust a brand that no longer exists in the UK, don’t worry; the Q30 uses the same…

I’VE just served a 30-day stretch in North East Asia, doing my digital nomad bit. Temporary homes, offices, eateries and sacred places ranged from a room with no view in Beijing to the delights of the Seoul Foreign Correspondents’ Club, the bonkers Insa-Dong Ppong Da Bang (honest!) tea room/cafe, and the neighbouring Jogyesa Buddhist Temple, which calms me like no other place on Earth. This is a region that has quietly, comprehensively and controversially taken over as the centre of the car-producing world. While the UK makes hundreds of thousands of cars a year, China builds around 28 million, Japan seven million, South Korea four million. Not sure why, in the eighties, a young lad from South East London was inclined to repeatedly visit North East Asia. But I was.…