Innholdsfortegnelse for 1411 i Auto Express

THE new Mercedes C-Class Cabriolet (above) has been revealed. It’ll be available in time for the summer, with prices expected to start from £37,000. There are two types of roof: a basic version or a more costly, soundproofed set-up that’s available in brown, blue, red or black. Both can be opened in less than 20 seconds, at speeds of up to 31mph. With the top down, boot space is reduced from 360 to 285 litres. Engines include six petrols and two diesels, ranging from 154bhp to 362bhp, and several models come with Mercedes’ 4MATIC four-wheel-drive system. All are available with a nine-speed gearbox. An AMG C 43 model has also been unveiled, and it’ll debut on the C-Class Coupé (below) this year. Merc says it gives younger buyers the chance…

Lawrence_Allan@dennis.co.uk @LobAllan “Fiat is quick to boast about the Tipo’s versatility, saying it can accommodate three six-footers across the rear” WE drove the not-for-UK Tipo saloon in Issue 1,400, but now Fiat has pulled the wraps off the hatchback and Estate versions of its newcomer at the Geneva Motor Show. The value-focused family model will land in British showrooms in September as a rival for the Skoda Rapid. As Fiat promised, the car is identical to the saloon from the C-pillar forward, with the same sharp front end and curving window line. The hatch is 4.37 metres long – around 100mm more than a Volkswagen Golf – while the Estate gets an extra 20mm in length. At the rear, the two models share similar styling, with only the chunkier back…

PLANS are in place to convert nearly 500 miles of motorways in England – nearly a quarter of the network – into all-lane running by using the hard shoulder. But while smart motorways can help ease congestion and manage traffic, new police evidence submitted to the Transport Select Committee suggests they might not be as helpful as claimed. A document produced by the Central Motorway Police Group (CMPG) reveals some key concerns. It says gantries used in smart motorways are creating blackspots in CCTV coverage, while the use of concrete barriers and the lack of fire hydrants hamper access for the emergency services. The CMPG also says plans to spread out emergency refuge areas every 2.5km rather than every 800 metres – as was done during a trial on the…

What do you think? Contact Martin Saarinen mai@autoexpress.co.uk @AutoExpress Write to: Watchdog/Letters, Auto Express, Dennis publishing, 30 Cleveland Street,London W1t 4JD HOT TOPIC Alpine Vision revealed FROM: LeeMints I THINK Renault is on to a winner here. Apart from those body-coloured door inserts and some of the interior detailing, I really like this car. It could mount a challenge to the mighty Porsche Boxster. I can’t wait to read more about it. FROM: Oswald Spong A GREAT-looking little car; just a pity the designers lost the plot at the back end and did what Jaguar did with the XE, grafting on an Audi tail. Notwithstanding that, as a long-time French car fan, I’d definitely buy one, if I could afford one. Join the debate at www.autoexpress.co.uk ■ “It’s France’s equivalent…

National Motor Museum, Beaulieu Where: Brockenhurst, Hampshire Admissions: £24 (adult), £12 (5-17); discounts available www.beaulieu.co.uk (01590 612345) WITH over 250 historic cars and bikes, Beaulieu is another must. New exhibits include vehicle design and construction, plus a peek into the future via alternative technologies. It’s open from 10am to 5pm daily (6pm June to Sept). Goodwood Estate Where: Chichester, West Sussex Admissions: Track day prices start from £69 www.goodwood.com (01243 755073) THE Goodwood Estate has much more to offer than simply the Festival of Speed and Revival; track days and off-road driving experiences for starters. Check out the website for details. Lakeland Motor Museum Where: Ulverston, Cumbria Admissions: £8 (adult), £5 (5-15) www.lakelandmotormuseum.co.uk (01539 530400) THIS Lake District museum has a great selection of early Brit cars and motorcycles, plus…

FOR years we’ve seen premium brands becoming more mainstream by offering smaller and cheaper cars to more people. Now the most mainstream brand of all, Ford, is fighting back with Vignale, its own definition of premium. Vignale has existed on certain Mondeos for a few months, but at this week’s Geneva Motor Show the line-up expands enormously, with variants based on the S-MAX and Edge, plus a Kuga concept that’s certain to make production in the coming months. Over the next 31 pages, we dig into the detail of why Ford’s management think this bold move will work, get insight from the designers who have created the new models, and talk to the sales staff who are gearing up to offer the higher levels of customer care that come with…

MODEL TESTED: BMW 320d Touring M Sport PRICE: £35,620 ENGINE: 2.0-litre 4cyl, 187bhp BMW revised the 3 Series last year so that the car remained competitive against Audi’s latest A4, and as our test in Issue 1,395 proved, the saloon had the measure of the newcomer. The question is, can the Touring estate emulate the four-door? We test the 320d model here in M Sport guise and with an eight-speed automatic gearbox. The car in our pictures also has xDrive four-wheel drive. Styling 4.1/5 DESPITE the 3 Series’ recent update, you’d be hardpressed to spot the differences. Look closely at the nose and you’ll notice subtly reprofiled headlamps with a new LED running light signature, while lower down is a revised bumper featuring wider air intakes. At the rear, full-LED…

Engines BOTH our contenders use V8 engines, but that’s where the similarities end. The Lexus features a high-revving naturally aspirated V8 that can trace its roots back to the IS F saloon of 2008. By contrast, the VXR8 is powered by a supercharged 6.2-litre ‘small block’ LS3 unit (below) that debuted in the 2008 Chevrolet Corvette. Data logging IF keeping a close eye on your car’s performance is important, the Vauxhall is ideal. Its Enhanced Driver Interface (below) is one of the best set-ups in the business, as it records everything from lap times to G-force readings. Plus, you can plug in your laptop and download all the data. Differentials THE Lexus uses a clever three-stage torque-vectoring differential than can shuffle power across the rear axle to improve agility. Vauxhall…

WHEN it debuted 30 years ago, the M5 set the supersaloon template. The latest fifth-generation car has a twin-turbo V8, and blends amazing performance, agility and luxury. It’s just a bit too clinical, and lacks the fun of the Mercedes (right). Mercedes-AMG E 63 PRICE: £74,725 ENGINE: 5.5-litre V8, 549bhp CRUSHING performance, a bombastic soundtrack and agile handling make the E 63 our favourite fast four-door. An £84,720 S model delivers even more power, plus there’s an Estate for the ultimate in pace and space.…

James_Batchelor@dennis.co.uk @JRRBatchelor IT’S fair to say that Jaguar is one of the most emotive car names around. This is a brand that speaks to the heart, and that’s probably why it’s often chosen to appear on the silver screen, as driving a Jag means something. It’s no coincidence that the bad guy in James Bond’s Spectre drove a C-X75, or that an XKR featured in Die Another Day. Jaguar is no stranger to TV, either. For people of a certain age, a beaten-up Jag only meant one thing – it was going to be chased by The Sweeney in a Ford Consul. The sight of Inspector Morse behind the wheel of a maroon MK2 driving through the streets of Oxford is known worldwide, too. Speak to other people about a…

Got a query? Kim_Adams@dennis.co.uk @AE_Consumer Q Alcantara cleaner advice I’VE just bought some second-hand seats with Alcantara faces and leather bolsters. I’ve never had this type of material before; how would you recommend A IN Issue 1,410, we tested leather cleaners, and Dodo Juice Supernatural (above) won again. This will be fine for the bolsters, but the Alcantara requires something different. Several fabric upholstery cleaners can safely be used on the material. Check the pack instructions and test in an out-of-sight place first if unsure. Q Winter hand warmer MY hands get so cold when I’m out cleaning the car in the winter, despite using warm water. I’m looking for a solution better than rubber gloves. Any suggestions? Charlotte Hulse, E-mail A COLD hands are almost inevitable when washing, but…

Nextbase 512G Ultra Best price: £161 Type: Suction mount Contact: 020 3195 0877, www.nextbase.co.uk Rating: Silent Witness SW006 Best price: £149.95 Type: Suction mount Contact: 01773 746591, silentwitness.co.uk Rating: COMBINING a magnet and a suction mount, this Silent Witness dash cam is a top performer in many ways. Although the lightweight device can’t match the build quality of the Nextbase or Transcend, the 170-degree field of vision is the best on test and playback is easy – via a memory stick adaptor for micro SD cards. The night vision quality is good even though there’s no anti-glare tech. Instructions have tiny writing, but set-up is simple and the price includes a memory card. TranscendDrivePro220 Best price: £129.99 Type: Suction/adhesive Contact: www.transcend-info.com Rating: KEENLY priced and including a memory card, the…

Got any car queries? Martin_Saarinen@dennis.co.uk @AE_Consumer Q Best rusty bolt remedy MY one-year-old VW T5 van’s wheel bolts are rusting. VW tells me it can put plastic caps on the bolts to prevent further rusting, but I think they ruin the looks. Can I claim under warranty? Richard Pallender, E-mail A VOLKSWAGEN provides a 12-year warranty against corrosion, although this doesn’t cover negligence or damage. It’s hard to prove that the rust has formed another way, especially in the winter months with plenty of salt on the roads. Plastic caps are probably the best solution for this. Q Battery life debate THE battery on my five-year-old Land Rover Discovery 4 has gone flat. A new one costs £300, but I think a battery should last longer. Do I have a…

Richard_Ingram@dennis.co.uk @rsp_ingram A CONCEPT version of the new Honda Civic hatch has been revealed at the Geneva Motor Show – and last week Auto Express was granted an early interview with the chief designer to find out more about the upcoming 10th-generation model. While the car you see here is strictly for modelling purposes, it gives us a good idea of how the new version will look when it hits dealers in February 2017. Principal designer Diasuke Tsutamori told Auto Express: “This prototype is already on a very close level to mass production. When you see the final car, you’ll probably think it’s still the prototype.” It’s a stark departure from the current Civic, which has been criticised for its divisive styling. At the front, short overhangs, large air intakes…

Sam_Naylor@dennis.co.uk @SamNaylor_AE THIS is the DS E-Tense concept, a luxurious all-electric GT that previews future styling, tech and drivetrains for the luxury brand. It’s been revealed at Geneva, but Auto Express had the chance to see the car up close ahead of the big unveil. DS product managers were keen to stress that the E-Tense isn’t merely a concept – it’s a real car that could go into production. Design manager Bertrand Dantec told us the only thing needed to build this model would be “a decision”. It’ll cover 0-62mph in 4.5 seconds and hit 155mph, but still manages an EV range of 193 miles. DS product manager Olivier Desserprit told Auto Express: “It’s a different vision of the next step for DS, looking into electric cars. This is the…

Lawrence_Allan@dennis.co.uk @LobAllan “The Chiron is ‘the world’s most powerful, fastest, most luxurious and most exclusive production super sports car’, according to Bugatti” ONE of 2016’s most eagerly anticipated cars is finally here: the Bugatti Chiron has been unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show. The successor to the Veyron boasts an astonishing set of figures, and will come with a £1.9million price tag when it goes on sale in autumn this year. Bugatti modestly describes the new Chiron as the “world’s most powerful, fastest, most luxurious and most exclusive production super sports car”. It uses a redeveloped 8.0-litre, quad-turbo W16 engine to produce 1,479bhp and 1,600Nm of torque from as little as 2,000rpm. That’s almost 300bhp more than its Veyron Super Sport predecessor. The top speed is limited to 261mph for…

Audi names price for new 354bhp S4 AUDI has revealed European prices for its hot S4 and S4 Avant (above). The performance exec starts from 59,300 Euros (just under £47,000), while the estate is 61,550 Euros (about £48,300). UK pricing may be adjusted slightly when the car goes on sale here later in the year. The turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 produces 354bhp and 500Nm of torque, while weight is down by around 75kg thanks to the new MLB platform. PAGE 80: Audi A4 Avant vs rivals Wireless charging for Tesla Model S PLUGLESS, the wireless charging specialist, has announced a new system for the Tesla Model S. Available only in the US so far, it uses an inductive charging pad that sits on the floor, doing away with cumbersome charging cables.…

John_McIlroy@dennis.co.uk @johnmcilroy “T-Cross is being shown as a drop-top, but regular car is set to have a fixed roof” VOLKSWAGEN has previewed its longawaited rival for the Nissan Juke, Renault Captur and Mazda CX-3 with this convertible concept, called the T-Cross Breeze, at the Geneva Motor Show. The car gives a clear idea of the lines and proportions of a new model that’s set to be based on the platform and mechanicals of the next Polo. It’s being shown at Geneva as a drop-top, but while this is a clear sign that such a model could exist, the regular car is expected to have a conventional fixed roof. It’s also likely to have rear doors; the show car is a two-door. But the concept’s overall proportions should be retained. As…

L200 leads bright Mitsubishi specials MITSUBISHI has revealed striking new concept versions of the L200 (above) and ASX at the Geneva show. The ‘Geoseek’ models get grey paint with bright orange detailing, plus skid plates and sleek roof boxes for carrying extra equipment. Neither the pick-up nor the crossover is changed mechanically, although there’s no confirmation of any production intentions yet. Taxpayers’ £650k emissions test bill GOVERNMENT plans to retest vehicles after the Volkswagen emissions scandal will cost taxpayers at least £650,000, says roads minister Andrew Jones. The Vehicle Certification Agency will not seek contributions from car manufacturers to “retain independence” in the Emissions Testing Programme (ETP), it has been revealed. The Government announced the ETP in November at the height of the emissions crisis as a calming measure to…

John_McIlroy@dennis.co.uk @johnmcilroy VOLVO is enjoying strong sales of the latest XC90 SUV, but that car was on safe ground for the brand, which has long had a reputation for building big, comfortable 4x4s. The task is about to get trickier with the introduction of the S90 executive saloon that’s set to take on German giants such as the BMW 5 Series, Audi A6 and all-new Mercedes E-Class. Auto Express has been to Volvo’s winter testing facility in Sweden to try a couple of pre-production versions of the S90 in snowy conditions. Diesels will dominate the UK line-up, with the initial range comprising the front-wheel-drive 188bhp D4 and fourwheel-drive 232bhp D5 tested here. We’ll also get the T8 hybrid, which mixes a four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor to produce…

James_Batchelor@dennis.co.uk @JRRBatchelor Videowatch AT youtube.com/Autoexpress this week, we bring you Geneva highlights, plus a report on the revamped Bentley Mulsanne. The very best of the Geneva Motor Show IT won’t have escaped your notice that this week is one of the biggest on the automotive calendar. The glitzy Geneva Motor Show is in full swing, but if you can’t get to Switzerland to see this year’s most important cars, there’s no need to panic – Auto Express has a full round-up. Head over to our YouTube channel to see the best cars from the show. Bentley Mulsanne secrets uncovered THE new EXP 10 Speed 6 (left) is still some way from dealers, but the fresh Bentley Mulsanne is already here. In this video, we show you in detail the cosmetic…

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 Consumer Ombudsman: www.consumerombudsman.org RMIF: 0845 839 9205 (m) Scottish Motor Trade Association: 0131 331 5510…

Lawrence_Allan@dennis.co.uk @LobAllan WHILE the DS brand may still be finding its feet, there’s one car in the range that has a firmly established following already. The DS 3 supermini has been a big success story for parent company Citroen, with 390,000 examples sold globally since 2010. Over 25 per cent of those were registered in the UK, and we are now the biggest market for the DS 3 – even overtaking France. DS isn’t resting on its laurels, though, as it has given the supermini a facelift for 2016. After a quick badge change last year to mark the launch of DS as a separate outfit, this tweak brings the 3 in line with the DS 4 and 5. The front end gets the new hexagonal corporate face and LED…

John_McIlroy@dennis.co.uk @johnmcilroy “Vignale is a bit of a learning process – and I don’t think it’s going to stop. It’ll always evolve. Anything’s possible... ROELANT de Waard, Ford of Europe’s marketing and sales boss, is generally a pretty decisive guy, with the sort of steely focus you tend to need if you’re a major car industry executive. But mention his company’s new luxury sub-division, Vignale, and de Waard’s eyes light up, thrilled by the idea of doing something before any other maker and, yes, excited by the thought of taking a step into the unknown. Because Vignale is precisely that. Born out of a desire to offer high-end Ford customers that little bit extra, the brand is a mix of more luxurious versions of existing models, plus a closer relationship…

FORD’S decision to roll out Vignale across Europe is a brave one, but perhaps less of a risk in the UK, if the region’s boss Andy Barratt has done his sums correctly. “Our series mix across every car line in the UK is much higher than in the rest of Europe,” he says. “Whether it’s a small car, a medium car or a large car, our mix leans more heavily towards Titanium and Titanium X, and the ST series. We will be 50 per cent of Europe for Focus RS (right), too. “So we’ve always had a more premium feel in the UK, more aspirational and always more towards that top end,” Barratt adds. “ And we always knew, through research that we do about where people come from and…

MODEL TESTED: VW Passat Estate 2.0 TDI 190 DSG R Line PRICE: £30,770 ENGINE: 2.0-litre 4cyl, 187bhp THE current Volkswagen Passat Estate has impressed against mainstream rivals such as the Ford Mondeo Estate and Mazda 6 Tourer, but the flagship R Line version is aiming to deliver sporty upmarket appeal to match executive cars such as the A4 Avant and 3 Series Touring tested here. It has plenty of kit, and power comes from the same 2.0 TDI diesel as is found in the Audi. Perhaps the most tempting part of the Passat package is its price – at £30,770, it undercuts the A4 Avant by £4,660. However, opt for the DSG to match the S tronic Audi and the price gap shrinks to £3,060. Styling 4.0/5 VOLKSWAGEN has a…

MODEL TESTED: Lexus GS F PRICE: £69,995 ENGINE: 5.0-litre V8, 471bhp THE high-performance GS F is the latest addition to Lexus’ executive saloon line-up, and its arrival coincides with a mid-life facelift for the upmarket four-door. At the newcomer’s heart is the same 471bhp 5.0-litre V8 that debuted in the RC F coupé around a year ago. The GS F also gets upgraded suspension, more muscular looks and a generous amount of standard kit. There’s only one model, and it costs a hefty £69,995. Styling 3.9/5 WHILE it’s handsome and well proportioned, the Lexus GS has failed to make the same visual impact as the brand’s smaller IS saloon, or NX and RX SUVs. However, a recent facelift has given the car a sharper look, which is enhanced by the…

OUR Lexus and Vauxhall test cars are likely to sell in really small numbers, so neither company is offering any deals. However, if you want to make some big savings, there are plenty of used supersaloons to pick from. For instance, if you’re looking for a fast four-door Lexus, how about an IS F for around £16,000? The flagship model is based on the previousgeneration compact exec, and is powered by a 417bhp 5.0-litre V8 that promises 0-62mph in 4.8 seconds. Cars at this price are likely to have covered around 100,000 miles, but most will come with impeccable service histories to match. Equally tempting are early VXR8s, prices for which have now dipped below £14,000 for the 414bhp 6.0-litre models. Pay around £2,500 extra, and you can get the…

PRODUCT GROUP TEST 2 | 3 | 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 Cat Dow DASH cams give drivers peace of mind in the event of a collision and protection against crash for cash scammers. They’re fast becoming the next vital piece of in-car tech to invest in. Purpose-built cameras arguably offer better reliability than dash cam apps like those we tested in Issue 1,406, but they don’t come cheap. Since our last group test (Issue 1,398), where the Transcend 200 earned our Best Buy title, technology has moved on, and new devices are being released more or less every week. We put eight of the latest dash…

Richard_Ingram@dennis.co.uk @rsp_ingram “Newcomer is the most powerful, most efficient and ‘most dynamically gifted’ Aston DB ever” AFTER months of speculation and spy shots, the Aston Martin DB11 has finally been revealed – and Auto Express has been given the lowdown on the car at the brand’s headquarters in Gaydon, Warks. The DB11 is Aston’s most significant model since the outgoing DB9 debuted in 2003. It’s the most powerful, most efficient and “most dynamically gifted” DB model in the company’s history, and will arrive in showrooms this year priced from £154,900. From the front it’s instantly recognisable, but shows the brand is moving in a new design direction after a decade of similarly styled models. This differentiation was so important during the design process that product development director Ian Minards told…

MINI Opens up with special Convertible MINI has released a limited ‘Open 150’ Edition (above) of the new Cooper S Convertible. It’s available to order from Saturday 5 March, priced from £29,990, and gets a Union Jack roof, heated leather seats, 18-inch alloys, and Chili and Media Packs with sat-nav and LED headlights. There’s also a clever ‘Rain Warner’ feature, which alerts the driver of bad weather ahead when the roof is down. Only 150 examples will come to the UK. P43: MINI Cooper Convertible driven EV savings spelled out for motorists BRITISH motorists could save £304 a year in garage bills by switching to an electric car, according to research by Government campaign Go Ultra Low. The average motorist spends £400 a year servicing their petrol or diesel car…

THE new Alfa Romeo Giulia saloon has been revealed in Geneva, and as well as getting a look at the toned-down styling, we now have details on the car’s engine range. Previously, we’d been shown only the hot Quadrifoglio (QV), so this is the first time we’ve seen the more mainstream cars set to occupy the bulk of sales. The saloon will rival popular compact execs such as the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4 and Mercedes C-Class. Gone are the Quadrifoglio’s bonnet vents, spoiler and quad tailpipes, to be replaced with twin exhausts, smaller wheels and air scoops on this less potent version. The Giulia retains a sporty look even in lower specification, though, thanks to its flowing lines and sharp head and tail-light designs. Engines aren’t confirmed for the…

Sam_Naylor@dennis.co.uk @SamNaylor_AE FORD’S new Fiesta ST200 has been revealed in Geneva. It’s a more powerful version of the hot hatch, with the 1.6-litre turbo boosted from 180bhp to 197bhp. The newcomer gets an extra 50Nm of torque, too, at 290Nm. That means the 0-62mph sprint takes 6.7 seconds – twotenths faster than the standard car’s – while it hits a 143mph top speed. The ST200 is the most powerful production Fiesta ever, but falls short of authorised tuner Mountune’s MR230 – although unlike that car, the ST200 maintains Ford’s three-year warranty. Tweaked ratios improve in-gear performance, working with the car’s overboost system that adds extra power and torque for 15 seconds. As with the normal ST, the ST200 also gets a torque-vectoring system, threemode stability control, quicker steering and lowered…

Traffic and transport law specialist www.keepmeontheroad.co.uk THE threat of fines, penalty points or disqualification doesn’t seem to be enough to deter the thousands of drivers caught without insurance every year. The majority of offenders tend to be young people on low incomes, who insurers see as a high risk – when the cost of an annual premium can range from £1,000-£2,000, it’s a gamble many are unfortunately prepared to take. Driving with no insurance can also arise through innocent mistakes. Common errors include assumptions that fully comprehensive cover allows individuals to drive other vehicles, thinking you’re covered by your employer’s policy, or that insurers will automatically renew a policy. Many motorists don’t realise they can fall foul of the law, even if they’re not the one behind the wheel –…

Essentials Alfa Romeo Giulietta Super 1.6 JTDM 120 TCT Price: £21,050 (est) Engine: 1.6-litre 4cyl diesel Power/torque: 118bhp/320Nm Transmission: Six-speed dual-clutch auto, front-wheel drive 0-60mph: 10.2 seconds Top speed: 121mph Economy: 74.3mpg CO2: 99g/km ON SALE April Sam_Naylor@dennis.co.uk @SamNaylor_AE “The subtle facelift is a success, and the already great-looking Giulietta is more beautiful than ever” DESPITE a few delays, Alfa Romeo is still planning a range revamp over the coming years – including the launch of the Giulia saloon (Page 17). Before that, however, an updated Giulietta hatch will hit dealers – debuting a new family face for the brand, a handful of trim changes and some extra kit. There’s also a new engine and gearbox combination that sees Alfa’s economical 1.6-litre diesel partnered with the brand’s TCT dual-clutch automatic.…

SUPERMINIS Ford Ka+ 2017 Ford Fiesta 2017 Kia Rio 2018 Nissan Micra summer Renault Twingo GT mid 2016 Renault 5 late 2017 SEAT Ibiza 2017 Smart ForTwo Brabus mid 2016 Suzuki Swift 2017 Suzuki Baleno May Volkswagen Polo 2017 FAMILY CARS Alfa Romeo Giulia late 2016 Alfa Romeo Giulia Estate 2017 Audi A3 three-cylinder mid 2016 BMW 3 Series Plug-in spring Fiat Tipo mid 2016 Honda Civic late 2016 Honda FCV late 2016 Kia Optima estate late 2016 Jaguar XE Sportbrake late 2016 MG5 2020 MINI Countryman late 2016 Nissan Leaf 2017 Porsche Panamera late 2016 Porsche Panamera estate 2017 Renault Mégane Sport Tourer autumn Subaru Impreza late 2016 Tesla Model III late 2016 Toyota Prius spring Vauxhall Insignia 2017 VauxhallInsigniaSportsTourer late 2017 Volkswagen Beetle Dune May Volkswagen Golf CC…

Joe_Finnerty@dennis.co.uk @AE_Consumer “It’s the detail that makes a difference. It’s not about the quantity or volume, but the quality” FORD manufactures millions of cars worldwide, with global markets lapping up its offerings. However, it’s eastern Spain where its new flagship brand is being rolled out in a quiet corner of Ford’s mega-plant. From the outside, the Vignale Quality Centre looks like just another warehouse on the 2.7 million square-metre site on the outskirts of Valencia. Inside, though, it’s a world away from the high-paced hubbub of the main production line. The white-walled Vignale centre is all about finesse and attention to detail. Posters of the Vignale concepts adorn the walls and bright floodlights shine down on each model as the small team of experts pours over their every inch. The…

MODEL TESTED: Audi A4 Avant 2.0 TDI 190 S tronic S line PRICE: £35,430 ENGINE: 2.0-litre 4cyl, 187bhp EVERY generation of Audi A4 has been sold in saloon or estate form, and the new Avant is the biggest model yet. It has a 505-litre boot, which is 15 litres more than its predecessor, while the engines offer greater efficiency and performance. Here we test the 2.0 TDI 190 with an S tronic twinclutch gearbox in S line trim, which costs £35,430. Styling 4.2/5 JUST like the A4 saloon, the Avant’s styling takes an evolutionary approach, and from a distance, you’d be hard pressed to distinguish it from the old model. But the clues are there: look closely, and there’s a larger, squared-off grille, sharper headlamps and new tail-lights. A sharp…

Boot access THE A4 Avant and 3 Series Touring both have standard-fit power tailgates. The Audi’s load cover moves automatically with the tailgate, while the BMW’s rear window opens independently to boost access in tight spots. Efficiency THE AUDI emits 113g/km of CO2, compared to 119g/km and 110g/km for the BMW and Volkswagen respectively. That means it falls in between its rivals here for company costs. Higher-rate users will pay £2,830 for the A4 and £2,457 for the Passat. Lighting ALL three cars are offered with adaptive LED lights, but Audi’s £650 optional matrix system (above) is the most advanced. On full beam, sensors can detect other road users and dip a section of light to avoid dazzling, while illuminating the rest of the road.…

NEW: Mercedes C 220d AMG Line 7G-Tronic PRICE: £36,365 ENGINE: 2.1-litre 4cyl, 170bhp IT looks stylish, is well built and is comfortable, but the C-Class Estate is pricey in this company, plus it only has a 490-litre boot. Emissions of 119g/km are on a par with the 320d M Sport’s, although that higher price means business users will face bigger tax bills. USED: Audi A6 Avant 3.0 BiTDI Black Edition PRICE: £34,000 ENGINE: 3.0-litre V6, 268bhp IF you’re not concerned by company car costs, an 18-monthold A6 Avant with a V6 twinturbodiesel, quattro 4WD and a Tiptronic auto is within reach. We found a fully loaded Black Edition model that had done just 13,000 miles.…

MODEL TESTED: Vauxhall VXR8 GTS PRICE: £57,200 ENGINE: 6.0-litre V8, 577bhp IGNORE the Vauxhall badges, because the VXR8 was designed and is built by General Motors’ Australian arm, Holden. Based on the brand’s large Commodore saloon, it features a supercharged V8 engine and traditional rear-wheel-drive chassis to deliver old-school muscle car driving thrills. It’s only available in GTS trim, with a choice of sixspeed manual and automatic gearboxes. Here we test the latter, which weighs in at £57,200. Styling 3.7/5 WHILE the Lexus GS F tries to play down its highperformance potential, the Vauxhall wears its racy credentials proudly on its sleeve. For starters, the VXR8 is longer and wider than its rival, meaning it looks more imposing on the road. On top of that, its bodywork additions aren’t as…

No glare with smart head-up display kit A US start-up has created the first head-up display system to use the paper-like e-ink technology found on Amazon’s Kindle e-reader. Carloudy (above) connects drivers with their smartphones, and relays key detail into their line of sight, so they can keep their eyes on the road. Plus, the e-ink display resists glare. With 25 per cent of accidents now said to be caused by mobile use at the wheel, the lightweight, voicecontrolled Carloudy will help with directions, weather alerts and speed limits when it goes on sale later in the year. More details at carloudy.com. New bag boost for blow-up roof rack HANDIWORLD has updated its Handiholdall, which goes with the company’s Handirack inflatable roof rack (tested in Issue 1,318). The bag fits…

Driver’s Guide: Defend Your Licence Andrea Clegg (Clink Street, www.bookpublishing.co.uk) EXPERIENCED solicitor Andrea Clegg has created this practical and helpful guide to give drivers peace of mind if they are penalised, whether unfairly or justifiably. It spells out the criteria required by law to serve such penalties, and accurate legal guidance on how to contest cases. Well written in simple language, with chapters focusing on specific offences. Making A Morgan Andreas & Dagmar Hensing (Veloce, www.veloce.co.uk) Price: £40 (hardback) Rating: IT’S a 17-day handcrafted process to take a Morgan from order sheet to finished product, and this book documents the journey of putting one of the cars on the road. It paints a colourful background, and by attaching personal info to each of the production crew, brings a sense of…

Dear Lawrence, I’m looking for a quick and stylish family hatch, but I need a diesel engine for my long commute. What should I consider for £8,000? Sam Harrison, E-mail Contact: Lawrence_Allan@dennis.co.uk CARS BMW 1 Series FOR: Fun drive, performance, styling AGAINST: Firm ride, cramped cabin BMW’S original 1 Series got a mixed reception when it first arrived, but it proved to be a popular buy. It remains the only rear-wheel-drive hatchback on the UK market, and that makes it one of the most engaging to drive. The downside is that it has an overly firm ride, and rear space is poor. Still, the 2.0-litre diesel in the 120d is punchy and efficient, while M Sport trim looks smart. We found a 2011 120d M Sport with 73,000 miles for…

Join the debate now... www.autoexpress.co.uk/opinion “Many of the fine cars from the VW Group and Toyota indicate that their eyewatering spending on R&D pays off” HOW much time, effort and cash do publicly-owned car and component makers invest in research and development that should lead to customers getting better, safer, class-leading, cutting-edge vehicles? The short answer is that, in 2015, around £78billion was spent in this area. At least, that’s the figure from financial expert PWC. Volkswagen invested the most in R&D last year, at £10.9bn. That’s commitment to the cause. And it’s also more than the combined figure for GM and Ford. Toyota was second to VW, spending an impressive £6.6bn, with Mercedes (£5.5bn), GM (£5.3bn) and Ford (£5bn) completing the top five. Honda and BMW are right up…