Innholdsfortegnelse for 1412 i Auto Express

Cool new XV’s glimpse of future Subaru range THE next-generation Subaru XV is still a few years away, but this Geneva show concept (above) indicates how it could look. It also previews the design direction for the entire next generation of Subaru vehicles, bosses at the company have claimed. It features a new version of Subaru’s ‘hawk-eye’ headlamps and grille, plus ‘Glacier Khaki Silica’ paint. Peugeot-Citroen set to quote ‘real’ economy PSA Peugeot-Citroen will become the first maker to publish real-world fuel consumption figures for its models. Under natural testing, the Peugeot 308 (above), Citroen Grand C4 Picasso and DS 3 returned 56.5mpg, 50.4mpg, and 57.6mpg respectively – some distance off the claimed economy of 88.3mpg, 70.6mpg and 78.5mpg. The test was conducted in various scenarios, with passengers and luggage…

AS Skoda focuses on SUVs, one model which has departed the line-up is the quirky Roomster. The car (right) dates back to 2006 and the brand had planned to replace it with a rebadged VW Caddy, as we exclusively reported last year. It was scheduled to appear before the end of 2015 and was even spied out testing, but Skoda CEO Bernhard Maier told us: “In the last year we sold 16,600 units, but we have decided to focus on the segments which will drive our future. So we decided to skip the Roomster.” A sizeable 2,000 of those 16,600 sales in 2015 were here in the UK.…

Jake_Groves@dennis.co.uk @_jakegroves. THE Lamborghini Centenario, an outrageously styled and uprated Aventador with a 760bhp V12, was revealed at the Geneva Motor Show. The limited-run, carbon fibre-bodied supercar has been developed to celebrate what would have been founder Feruccio Lamborghini’s 100th birthday. Just 20 coupés and 20 roadsters will be produced, with each costing around £1.7million – but the company says every single example has already been sold. The styling takes the already flamboyant Lamborghini Aventador to another level, with sharp creases, jagged edges and a striking rear diffuser. Also fitted is an active rear wing, which remains hidden at low speeds but rises by 150mm from the body to enhance downforce under “high-performance conditions”. The entire body and monocoque chassis are crafted from lightweight carbon fibre, so the Centenario weighs…

John_McIlroy@dennis.co.uk @johnmcilroy “New electric platform is likely to be called MEB, but is expected to be largely compatible with current MQB” VOLKSWAGEN is placing a bespoke rival for the Toyota Prius – revealed in our exclusive images – at the heart of radical plans to increase the amount of electrified vehicles in its line-up by 2020. As it continues to suffer from ongoing criticism over its handling of the Dieselgate scandal, the manufacturer has decided to accelerate its investment in a set of allelectric and hybrid components. As part of this, it will extend its EV line-up to include a new standalone model to sit alongside the likes of the GTE-badged plug-in hybrid Passat and Golf (tested on Page 48) and the all-electric Golf and up! in the range. Speaking…

Ford’s new Ka+ aims to be the ace of space FORD’S new Ka+ supermini will be priced from £8,000 when it goes on sale to rival Dacia’s Sandero later this year. Ford of Europe boss Jim Farley is wary of budget car associations, though: “Don’t just think of it as a cheap car,” said Farley. “It’s very roomy, and it’ll have the driving dynamics of a Fiesta.” The Ka+ was previewed by a 2013 concept (above). BMW turns up figures on ultimate 7 Series BMW revealed a new hot 7 Series at Geneva to take the fight to the Mercedes-AMG S 63. The M760Li xDrive (above) had been quoted with 592bhp from its 6.6-litre twin-turbo V12 and 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds. But M boss Frank van Meel told us: “The…

Aston’s boss spells out seven-year plan THE next seven Aston Martin models are already mapped out as part of CEO Andy Palmer’s vision for the brand’s future. Speaking as the DB11 (above) was revealed at the Geneva Motor Show, Palmer told us: “To me, the next seven cars are absolutely crystal clear – all of them. We’ll reveal seven separate model lines over seven years under the two brands: Aston Martin and Lagonda.” Fresh-faced Mokka SUV has the X factor VAUXHALL has applied its new family face to the Nissan Juke-rivalling Mokka SUV, plus it’s updated the diesel engine and given the car a new name. So when it goes on sale later this year, the model (above) will be called the Mokka X. All the brand’s future SUVs and…

James_Batchelor@dennis.co.uk @JRRBatchelor Behind wheel of ultimate BMW M4 BMW’S M division has been busy. Its new M2 impressed when we drove it in Issue 1,409, proving engineers still know how to build a great car. They’ve also turned up the heat on the M4 – a car that first landed in showrooms two years ago. The result is an all-new Competition Package, and our man Steve Sutcliffe finds out whether it’s worth the £3,000 extra over the standard car. New MINI Cooper S Convertible driven MINI is on a roll. Its three and fivedoor hatches seem to be keeping the Oxford factory busy, and now a new Convertible has joined the range. It becomes the only drop-top MINI (after the Roadster was axed), and as our video shows, it blends…

Joe_Finnerty@dennis.co.uk @AE_Consumer HAVING a parking fine or speeding ticket drop through your letter box is never a pleasant experience, but imagine finding you’ve been penalised for not paying and displaying in a car park you’ve never been to or have been caught speeding on roads you’ve never driven on. In a panic, you’d think your car has been stolen, yet a quick check of the driveway suggests everything is fine. So what’s gone wrong? While a glitch in the system could be to blame, it’s more likely you’ve been victim of car cloning. And it’s a problem that’s on the rise, according to industry experts, with the criminal underworld relying on fake registrations to avoid being pulled over by automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) patrols while driving stolen cars. As…

Essentials Alfa Romeo 4C Spider Price: £59,500 Engine: 1.75-litre 4cyl turbo Power: 237bhp Transmission: Six-speed TCT auto, rear-wheel drive 0-62mph: 4.5 seconds Top speed: 160mph Economy: 40.9mpg CO2: 161g/km ON SALE Now Dean_Gibson@dennis.co.uk “The engine’s power delivery needs to be kept in check to make the most of the car’s performance” THERE’S nothing more evocative than an open-topped Italian sports car, and the new Alfa Romeo 4C Spider is aiming to tap into that appeal. The drop-top version of the coupé model is now available here in the UK, and we got behind the wheel. The 4C Spider is set apart from the coupé by a few detail changes. The most obvious differences are the addition of a fabric roof and a redesigned engine cover, while the coupé’s controversial LED…

MODEL TESTED: Ford Mondeo 2.0 Hybrid Titanium 4dr PRICE: £26,445 ENGINE: 2.0-litre 4cyl/electric motor, 184bhp Testers’ notes “While the Mondeo Hybrid will be a popular eco purchase in countries where petrol is the dominant fuel, in the diesel-friendly UK market, it makes less sense. Unless bottom line running costs are your only concern, a 2.0-litre TDCi 180 PowerShift hatchback model looks much more tempting financially. It’s better to drive, has a bigger boot and claims 58.9mpg economy – which is only 8mpg behind the Mondeo Hybrid.” James Disdale Road test editor THE fourth-generation Ford Mondeo is a product of the company’s One Ford strategy, which sees the same models sold globally. As a result, Ford is now offering the Mondeo Hybrid in the UK. It’s offered only as a saloon,…

On-the-road price/total as tested Residual value (after 3yrs/30,000) Depreciation Annual tax liability std/higher rate Annual fuel cost (12k/20k miles) Ins. group/quote/road tax band/cost Servicing costs Length/wheelbase Height/width Engine Peak power Peak torque Transmission Fuel tank capacity/spare wheel Boot capacity (seats up/down) Kerbweight/payload/towing weight Turning circle/drag coefficient Basic warranty (miles)/recovery Service intervals/UK dealers Driver Power manufacturer/dealer pos. NCAP: Adult/child/ped./assist/stars 0-60/30-70mph 30-50mph in 3rd/4th 50-70mph in 5th/6th Top speed/rpm at 70mph Braking 70-0/60-0/30-0mph Noise levels outside/idle/30/70mph Auto Express econ (mpg/mpl)/range Govt urban/extra-urban/combined Govt urban/extra-urban/combined Actual/claimed CO2/tax bracket Airbags/Isofix/park sensors/camera Auto box/stability/cruise control/AEB* Climate control/leather/heated seats Metallic paint/xenon lights/keyless go Sat-nav/USB/DAB radio/Bluetooth Results 1st RENAULT IT’S already seen off plenty of talented rivals, and the Kadjar has claimed another scalp here. Extra safety tech helps boost its appeal, while it pretty much matches…

Got a query? Kim_Adams@dennis.co.uk @AE_Consumer Q Best mobile parking app THIS month I start a new job where I’ll need to travel into London and other major cities by car. Is there a way I can use my smartphone to locate the cheapest places to park, with free spaces, without driving round looking for hours? Faith Myers, E-mail A OUR Issue 1,390 test pitched some of the latest apps against previous favourite, AA Parking (right), but the AA still reigned supreme. It’s available for iOS (£1.49) and Android (£1.99) devices, and combines a slick interface with a mix of on-street, commercial and private spaces. Q How do I restrain dog in car? WE’VE just got a new addition to the family – a King Charles spaniel – and want to…

Kim Adams KEYLESS theft of cars has seen sales of physical devices like steering wheel, pedal and gearlever locks soar as owners bolster their car’s vulnerable electronic security. This has prompted us to revive our physical security test after over a decade as we pick the best kit to deter criminals. Ironically, it was electronic security that left devices like steering wheel locks redundant, as immobilisers improved, and stopped thieves in their tracks. Now, those electronic systems can be hacked quickly and quietly with kit bought online. Hacking gives thieves keyless entry, ready to drive the car away or load on to a truck. Yet an old-fashioned steering lock can persuade a hi-tech crook to look elsewhere. And the basics remain the same as in our first tests in the…

Graham_Hope@dennis.co.uk “The exterior design [of the Vision S] is pretty much what we want to deliver from our serial production car” BERNHARD MAIER CEO, Skoda SKODA’S assault on the SUV market got under way at Geneva as the firm unveiled its Vision S concept, which previews a production model called the Kodiaq to be revealed later this year. The Kodiaq will be the first of four new SUV/crossover models to be launched by Skoda over the next few years. New CEO Bernhard Maier told Auto Express: “We are now clearly focusing on our SUV strategy as the SUV segments are the fastest growing in the entire automotive business.” And Maier confirmed that the concept pointed very firmly to what we can expect from the Kodiaq. “The exterior design is pretty…

Joe_Finnerty@dennis.co.uk @AE_Consumer OPINION DAB delay brings big risk THIS project has a long history of delays, and you can’t help but feel the Government isn’t interested. Ed Vaizey, the minister in charge, failed to face the music at a recent launch event, citing “ministerial business”. Instead, we were told by an aide it’ll be 2018 before there’s any decision. The Government shouldn’t wait for drivers to make the change; it should set a cut-off date, or drop the switch entirely. By 2018, DAB could be old news and we’ll be listening to Internet radio via in-car Wi-Fi. THE DAB switchover is still at least two years away, with the Government expected to dodge a decision on turning off the analogue radio signal until 2018. A batch of 18 new digital-only…

Chartered Trading Standards practitioner www.tradingstandards.gov.uk YOU’VE just bagged a bargain car from a nice new forecourt down the road, but as you went back to get an engine knock fixed a couple of weeks later, you found the dealer was gone. Sound familiar? There is no firm solution to this problem other than to do your homework first. Is the garage part of a known retail group? Is it a limited company? Does it have signs displayed of who the owners are (as is required by law)? Does it offer finance? Did you pay by credit card? None of these issues is a guarantee, but they are all indicators of a bona fide garage. If the answers to these questions are ‘no’, then you’ve just purchased a whole load of…

Graham_Hope@dennis.co.uk “Across an area the equivalent of 700 football pitches, five different factories produce 14 different cars” IF anyone ever doubted the scale of Hyundai’s ambition, one visit to its plant in Ulsan, South Korea, is all it takes to convince even the most hardened sceptic that this is a firm that means business. Ulsan, truly, is the car manufacturing facility to top them all – a sprawling mass of five different factories that churn out a vehicle every 10 seconds, with production last year hitting a barely credible 1.53 million. The numbers are so mind-boggling that it’s hard to know where to start to convey the sheer vastness of the operation. Across a total of 15 million square metres – the equivalent of 700 football pitches – five different…

MODEL TESTED: Volkswagen Golf GTE Nav 5dr PRICE: £35,760 ENGINE: 2.0-litre 4cyl/electric motor, 201bhp Testers’ notes “The Golf GTE arguably delivers the best of both worlds. It’s pretty efficient in standard drive mode, while pressing the GTE button transforms its character to be more like a GTI. I’m not keen on the artificial engine sounds, although they do add a sporty touch, while the extra weight of the hybrid system means the GTE isn’t as agile in corners as a GTI. But for some, the compromise will be small enough to justify the GTE’s potential savings.” James Disdale Road test editor THE Volkswagen Golf GTE lines up alongside the petrol GTI hot hatch, GTD diesel and R mega hatch in the company’s performance Golf line-up. It uses the same plug-in…

MODEL TESTED: Kia Sportage 2 1.7 CRDi PRICE: £22,050 ENGINE: 1.7-litre 4cyl, 114bhp Testers’ notes “The 1.7 diesel only comes as a manual. If you want an auto, you’ll have to upgrade to a 2.0-litre four-wheel-drive model. The smaller engine in the Kadjar is available in both manual and auto form – although it’ll cost you £1,200 extra for the EDC gearbox. This doesn’t change the Renault’s 99g/km CO2 emissions, which undercut the Kia’s 119g/km output, meaning the Sportage loses out when it comes to running costs.” James Disdale Road test editor THE fourth-generation Kia Sportage takes the brand’s successful seven-seat Sorento off-roader and scales the recipe down for this new five-seat, mid-size crossover – but does downsizing work? We test the £22,050 2 model in popular twowheel-drive 1.7-litre CRDi…

Carbuyer.co.uk THE new Kia Sportage has only just hit showrooms in the UK, so you wouldn’t expect many deals on the latest model. However, Kia is already offering an attractive finance package across the range, allowing owners to choose terms to suit them. It means you could get the 1.7-litre diesel in the 2 trim level tested here with a £500 deposit contribution thrown in. That’s based on a 24, 30 or 36-month contract with interest charged at 4.9 per cent APR. You can choose the value of your monthly repayments by selecting the length of your contract and how much money you want to put down initially. For example, a £5,500 customer deposit on a 36-month deal works out at £195 per month, with an optional final payment after…

FIRST TEST Sealey E/START600 jump pack Price: £132.98 Rating THE problem with conventional battery jump packs is they often aren’t charged when you need them. This new Sealey option uses capacitors, so it’s ready to go in a minute or so. Instead of needing to be charged for several hours, the E/START, or ElectroStart, draws power from the dead battery, which it then feeds back into the power pack. Car batteries below 11V will not start an engine (they need closer to 14V), but Sealey claims it can be energised on just 5V. If your battery doesn’t even have this when you hook up, you can use the clamps to power the unit from a fully charged battery. Also supplied is a lead to charge it from a USB source,…

Anatomy of the Works Minis Brian Moylan (Veloce Publishing, veloce.co.uk) Price: £19.99 (paperback) Rating: FEW cars have such a cult following as the original Mini, and this interesting book looks at how the tiny machines were turned into world beaters in racing, rallying and rallycross. Author Moylan is a veteran mechanic, so not surprisingly it’s really detailed, with descriptions of engines, electrics, suspension and handbrakes. But its appeal is probably limited to Mini or rally enthusiasts. Mercedes-Benz W123 Series Brian Long (Veloce Publishing, veloce.co.uk) Price: £45 (hardback) Rating: IN a decade of production, Mercedes built 2.7 million examples of the W123 series in saloon, estate and coupé forms, and this book details every one. Long worked extensively with the Stuttgart factory to tell the model’s whole story, including race history…

Lawrence_Allan@dennis.co.uk @LobAllan ABARTH has worked its magic on the new Fiat 124 Spider. The tuned-up roadster made an unexpected debut at the Geneva Motor Show and will go on sale towards the end of the year. It’s powered by a 168bhp version of the 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine from the Fiat, but gets racy looks and a tweaked chassis to go with the performance boost. We’ve only just driven the standard 124 Spider (Issue 1,410) and came away very impressed with Fiat’s adaptation of the Mazda MX-5 platform. The new Abarth version will become the halo car for Fiat’s performance arm, with the roadster available to order now from £29,565 – a premium of around £10,000 over the Fiat 124 Spider’s predicted price tag. But the Abarth is clearly more…

Plug-in completes new Hyundai ‘Prius’ range HYUNDAI debuted the plug-in hybrid version of its Ioniq at Geneva. That means we’ve now seen all three versions of the Toyota Prius rival, as the plug-in (above) joined the regular hybrid and EV in the range. The latest model develops 140bhp from a 1.6-litre petrol engine and electric motor, and emits 32g/km of CO2. World Car of the Year shortlist announced THE final contenders for the World Car of the Year award were announced in Geneva. The Audi A4 (above), Mazda MX-5 and Mercedes GLC will fight it out before the winner is crowned at the New York Motor Show on 24 March. Vauxhall’s Astra was crowned European Car of the Year, but the Brit-built hatch doesn’t feature in the global shortlist. Auto…

Hydrogen fuel cell for BMW’s irange BMW’s i brand could get hydrogen fuel cell tech, the firm’s product boss Hildegard Wortman has revealed. “Hydrogen could be a perfect fit for i,” she said. “There’s work to do on infrastructure, but i customers accept these developments.” The i3 (above) will get a battery upgrade later this year, adding around 50 per cent more capacity for a pure-EV range of 130 miles. Uprated Corvette Grand Sport is go CHEVROLET has revealed a new version of the Corvette Grand Sport (above). On sale in autumn, it features uprated suspension with magnetic ride control, unique springs and new anti-roll bars for better handling. Its 460bhp 6.2-litre LTI engine benefits from the cooling system and dry-sump lubrication from the Z51 performance pack model. GENEVA SHOW…

Morgan to produce three-wheeler EV BRITISH sports car maker Morgan revealed the all-electric EV3 (above) at the Geneva Motor Show. The pre-production version of its three-wheeler claims a zero-emissions range of 150 miles and a 0-62mph time of less than nine seconds. The top speed is expected to be around 90mph, and the car should cost just over £30,000 when it goes into production later this year. Fast Ford stars as Fiesta tops charts JUST days after Ford unveiled its 197bhp Fiesta ST200 hot hatch (above) at the Geneva Motor Show, it was announced that the supermini had topped the charts for new UK registrations in February. Ford shifted 4,507 Fiestas last month – nearly 2,000 more than the next best seller, the VW Golf. Vauxhall, Toyota and VW all…

FUTURE TVRs are set to be manufactured in Wales, as the British brand joins Aston Martin in establishing a new production facility across the Severn Bridge. The fundamentals of a deal are said to have been agreed for TVR to set up a base only a few miles away from the St Athan super-hangar in Glamorgan that will house the production line for Aston Martin’s forthcoming DBX crossover. The reborn TVR brand, which has been saved by former computer games developer Les Edgar and other investors, is planning to use a production process devised by McLaren F1 designer Gordon Murray to make a car powered by a Cosworth-sourced V8 motor. The engine fired up on the test bed several months ago – another reason why an announcement on the South…

SALES of steering wheel locks are on the rise to help tackle keyless thefts, but an Auto Express investigation has highlighted how easy it is to remove budget versions. We tested eight locks in total (Page 76), and found three took little more than a firm tug to remove in under three seconds. One broke in two, one bent and the other had its lock easily broken. In at least one case, our tester found it was quicker to pull the lock off the wheel rather than use the key supplied. The steering locks came off so quickly that our team didn’t even have time to stop the clock accurately. The three devices were all priced at less than £15, and could be suitable for acting as a deterrent to…

IT’S clear that one of the biggest negatives of electric vehicle ownership is range, coupled with the fact that you have to take hours out of your day if you have to recharge. However, that’s due to be less of a problem, as this week, a 1,100km rapid charging network has gone live across the UK and Ireland. There are now 74 chargers available, capable of boosting a battery to 80 per cent capacity in less than 30 minutes. The new 7.4million Euro (£5.8m) network was funded by the EU with four manufacturers – Nissan, BMW, Volvo and Volkswagen – and promises to “signal the end of plug-in vehicles being restricted to towns and cities”. You’ll be pleased to hear that it’s not just focused on London, either. At its…

Contact Martin Saarinen mail@autoexpress.co.uk @AutoExpress Write to: Watchdog/Letters, Auto Express, Dennis Publishing 30 Cleveland Street, London W1T 4JD HOT TOPIC Fiat 124 Spider driven FROM: Phil I HAVE the same engine in my Fiat Punto Evo 135, and I love it. Not only does it rev well, it gives many larger-engined cars a run for their money. It’s good to see that Fiat has used a six-speed gearbox on the 124, as my Punto only came with a five-speed. FROM: Jay THE exterior design of the Fiat 124 seems a little confusing to me. It doesn’t look very Italian or indeed European, but it isn’t typically Japanese, either. For me, it almost resembles a shrunken American sports car. It is attractive, though. Join the debate at www.autoexpress.co.uk ■ “I have…

MODEL TESTED: Toyota Prius 1.8 VVT Excel PRICE: £27,450 ENGINE: 1.8-litre 4cyl/electric motor, 121bhp Testers’ notes “When it comes to handling, the new Prius is a revelation. The steering is still rather light, but there’s a lot more mechanical grip from the chassis, and the car doesn’t feel like it’s teetering at the edge of adhesion on its eco tyres like its predecessor did. The other good news is that the Prius’ new platform will be used on future Toyota models, which will give the firm a fighting chance against its European rivals.” James Disdale Road test editor THE Toyota Prius has been totally regenerated from the ground up for this fourth generation. Not only does it feature radical, modern looks, but there’s a new platform underneath, with a more…

On the road price/total as tested Residual value (after 3yrs/36,000) Depreciation Annual tax liability std/higher rate Annual fuel cost (12k/20k miles) Ins. group/quote/road tax band/cost Cost of 1st/2nd/3rd service Length/wheelbase Height/width Engine Peak power/revs Peak torque/revs Electric motor/combined output Transmission Fuel tank capacity/spare wheel Boot capacity (seats up/down) Kerbweight/payload/towing weight Turning circle/drag coefficient Basic warranty (miles)/recovery Service intervals/UK dealers Driver Power manufacturer/dealer pos. Euro NCAP: Adult/child/ped./stars 0-60/30-70mph 30-50mph in kickdown 50-70mph in kickdown Top speed/rpm at 70mph Braking 70-0/60-0/30-0mph Auto Express econ (mpg/mpl)/range Govt urban/extra-urban/combined Govt urban/extra-urban/combined Actual/claimed CO2/tax bracket Airbags/Isofix/park assist/camera Auto box/stability/adaptive cruise ctrl Climate control/leather/heated seats Met paint/LED headlights/keyless go Sat-nav/USB/DAB radio/Bluetooth Results 1st TOYOTA THE new Prius wins this test, but more importantly it has the all-round ability to be an outright contender in the hatchback…

MODEL TESTED: Renault Kadjar 1.5 dCi Dynamique Nav PRICE: £21,595 ENGINE: 1.5-litre 4cyl, 108bhp Testers’ notes “The Kadjar cleverly mixes appealing design with useful tech. You can enhance the styling with our test car’s £625 Flame Red Renault i.d metallic paint, while normal metallic colours are £525. We think the colour is worth the extra outlay as it highlights the car’s flowing curves nicely. Keyless entry and go are standard, with a white plastic pebble-like key card hinting at the crossover’s sense of style even before you climb on board.” James Disdale Road test editor SINCE the Renault Kadjar hit showrooms, it’s been our favourite family crossover – knocking Nissan’s Qashqai off top spot thanks to its extra style, cheaper price tag and identically impressive low running costs. The question…

Stuart_Milne@dennis.co.uk Second opinion “Based on the looks, as well as the brilliantly equipped, luxurious interior, the NX could be fantastic. On the move, however, the hard ride, numb steering and occasionally frenetic hybrid power delivery spoil the initial sense of occasion.” Tom Goodlad Carbuyer web producer “Three-year-old Isla liked the panoramic roof for looking at the stars – a perk I had missed from the front seat” SPENDING time with our Lexus NX hybrid has been revealing – but not for the reasons you might expect. Instead, my daughter has used the SUV to show her potential as a future Auto Express road tester. Three-year-old Isla praised the lofty seating position, and loved the full-length panoramic sunroof to look at the night sky – a perk I had missed from…

NEW PRODUCT Glow 5-Stage Valet Car Care Price: From £2.99 each Contact: 01535 614077, www.airedale-solutions.com VALET brand Glow has unveiled its new fivestep car care range, covering everything from basic bodywork muck removal to tyre shine. The soon-to-be-launched line-up is made in the UK, with individual bottles from £2.99 each. And the products aren’t just affordable; they promise to get your car looking great in the most efficient way possible, too. Step one is Quick Shift, which claims to lift the film of filth your car picks up from being in traffic. Not only does the 500ml trigger spray work on paint and alloy wheels, it’s also said to quickly shift grime from your car’s glass. Meanwhile, if you add a few capfuls of the one-litre Wash and Wax to…

Self-parking boost from hi-tech towbar WESTFALIA-Automotive has released a new system that allows drivers to use their car’s self-parking tech for parallel manoeuvres even when they’re towing – and it promises to make reversing with a trailer or caravan easier than ever. The Trailer Towing Assistant has been incorporated into the ball of Westfalia’s latest electric swivelling towbar (above). The sensor is part of Audi’s Driver Assistant Systems, and is a factory-fit option on the Q7 SUV. For more information, click on westfalia-automotive.com. Dunlop in recall KO on SportMaxx GT GOODYEAR Dunlop is recalling 1,084 Dunlop SportMaxx GT tyres after an incorrect compound was found. The affected summer tyres, in a 255/40 ZR19 100Y XL size, were produced in September 2015, and Goodyear Dunlop wants to retrieve 369 units. They…

Got any car queries? Martin_Saarinen@dennis.co.uk @AE_Consumer Q Timing chain choker THE timing chain tensioner needs replacing in my son’s seven-year-old Golf. The car has been serviced regularly at a VW specialist. Is this is a common problem for Golfs, and if so, are we entitled to any goodwill from the company? Graham Millward, E-mail A OTHER VW owners have experienced similar issues. Replace the tensioner immediately, as not doing so may cause significant damage to the engine. But as the warranty has expired and the car has been serviced outside the VW dealer network, a goodwill gesture is unlikely. Q Mustang GT350 for UK? HAVING read your review of the new Mustang GT (Issue 1,405), I wanted to know whether Ford has any plans to bring the GT350 version to…

Dear Lawrence, My BMW 5 Series gives me back pain, so I’m after a similarly sized car that is more comfortable. What should I consider for £22,000? Harold Jacobson, E- Contact: Lawrence_Allan@dennis.co.uk CARS Lexus GS FOR: Quiet, comfortable and reliable AGAINST: Clunky infotainment, no diesel LEXUS has always had an eye on comfort with its larger saloons, and the GS is no different. Although it’s not as much fun to drive as your 5 Series, this is one of the most refined cars in its class. It has cosseting, supportive seats with lots of adjustment, and a soft ride that’s only slightly unsettled in town. The 300h hybrid model is very smooth and reasonably efficient, too. We found a 63-plate GS 300h Luxury with 16,000 miles for £18,995. Volvo S60…

Stephen_Errity@dennis.co.uk “I appreciate the quest for safety, but this is Formula One; the way it is now is perfectly fine” LEWIS HAMILTON Mercedes WORLD champions Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso heavily criticised the current state of Formula One last week, as pre-season tests wrapped up at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona, Spain. As bosses struggled to decide on exactly when and how proposed new ‘knockout’ qualifying would be introduced, Alonso said that he was “sad for the sport”. The double champion told the media: “It doesn’t look right, from the outside, when in the space of just one week, we change the qualifying format three times. If I was from another sport, I would look at F1 and be surprised. The complexity of the rules is high. “All my…

“EU member or not, Britain’s car production industry is in rude health – and will stay that way whichever way the vote goes ” DROPPED in on Switzerland last week. I recommend you do the same. The Salon de l’Auto runs until 13 March, and while it’s not quite the greatest car show on earth, it’s certainly the best in Europe, even though it’s out of it – a status Britain will adopt should we vote to leave this summer. The Swiss border is a mere 420 miles from our most southerly shore; some residents of England are nearly 800 miles from those in northern Scotland. And the Brits and Swiss might get closer still if we become members of the exclusive Out Of It Club that occupies European soil…