Auto Express 1418

FOR 15 years now, our Driver Power car ownership survey has revealed the truth about owning cars in the UK. By giving us your honest feedback on the models you drive, you’ve helped thousands of other people choose their next car. You’ve also helped the car makers shape their products – there’s nothing more valuable to them than knowing what their customers really think. And they know you’ll often tell us more than you might tell them. What this year’s survey tells us is that those of you who are embracing new tech really love it. Six of the top 10 cars are what could be described as ‘alternative fuel’ vehicles – the top two are allelectric, with four hybrid models in there, too. Top of the lot, and a…

Exclusive images show look of new, five-door-only C3 Will debut in summer as first car of PSA ’s new model blitz @johnmcilroy The new Citroen C3 will continue to focus on practicality and comfort when it makes its debut this summer, ahead of sales starting in the autumn. We got our first glimpse of the French manufacturer’s new Ford Fiesta and VW Polo rival when we visited the first test of the brand’s new rally car in the south of France (Page 126). Now, our exclusive images show how the extreme motorsport version should translate into a distinctive road car. Despite a heavy disguise and the additional width and wings of the rally car, several key design cues of the new C3 are visible. It’s wider and lower than the…

John_McIlroy@dennis.co.uk @johnmcilroy TOYOTA is preparing to beef up its SUV range with a stylish, sportier alternative to the RAV4 – and Auto Express has had a chance to experience the new C-HR. It’s the first model since the latest Prius to be based on Toyota’s new TNGA chassis technology. Despite rumours before launch of this being a Nissan Juke rival, it’s roughly as long as a Qashqai, so it’s better to think of it as a more style-focused take on a family SUV than another entry to the ever-expanding baby off-roader market. Direct competitors are hard to find, but you could consider Audi’s new Q2 as a rival. The C-HR’s regular configuration will be a 114bhp 1.2-litre turbo petrol with frontwheel drive and either a six-speed manual or CVT auto…

DROP-TOP Under disguise, newcomer is set to share saloon’s styling, while the chassis and engines will also be carried over Sam_Naylor@dennis.co.uk @SamNaylor_AE MERCEDES’ expansion of the new E-Class range continues as the drop-top has been spied development testing for the very first time. It will join the saloon (tested on Page 80) and imminent Estate and Coupé versions of the car later next year. The heavily disguised prototype in our pictures gives little away, but you can make out the long front doors and smaller side windows, while the shape of the soft-top roof is a giveaway as to what’s beneath the camouflage. Disguises on the bonnet and boot surfaces indicate that there could be minor changes to those panels, too. The upcoming E-Class Cabriolet will use the same platform…

Lawrence_Allan@dennis.co.uk @LobAllan Tesla has very quietly revealed a nip and tuck for its Model S. The allelectric executive saloon gets a revised front end, inspired by the Model X and Model 3, as well as new tech and faster charging. The most notable revision is seen at the front, where the familiar black grille design has been interestingly blanked off, to leave only the badge surround at the top and small air intakes in the lower bumper. The headlights have also been revised with a different LED signature, plus the rear lights benefit from very subtle tweaks. Inside, Tesla has confirmed there will be two new ash wood finishes for the dash, although we’ve yet to get a glimpse. As it’s a Tesla, there’s also some new tech in the…

AUDI hasn’t even launched its new A5 coupé, but work is already under way on the more practical and sporty S5 Sportback, as these spy shots show. The curvy five-door coupé features an all-new look and a turbocharged V6 engine to help it go head-to-head with the BMW 440i Gran Coupé. Tell-tale signs such as larger wheels and quad exhausts mark it out as the flagship model. Under the bonnet, the S5 Sportback will share the S4’s new 3.0-litre V6 turbo, which produces 349bhp and 500Nm of torque – a cut above the 328bhp and 440Nm in the current S5’s supercharged engine. The power boost, as well as the lower weight from the new MLB platform it shares with the A4, should mean a significant step up in performance and…