Innholdsfortegnelse for 1420 i Auto Express

Steve_Fowler@dennis.co.uk @stevefowler JAGUAR’S highly acclaimed XF saloon will spawn an estate version – and it’s likely to debut towards the end of next year. Jaguar design director, Ian Callum, had previously been reported as saying that the firm would not build another estate, but he was keen to put the record straight in an exclusive interview with Auto Express. “I was misquoted saying we’d never build another wagon,” Callum told us. “I was asked if we’d ever build an XE wagon – and we won’t.” When asked about an XF estate, he added: “That would be a very pretty car.” Auto Express understands the new estate has already been signed off and could debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2017, before going on sale later that year. Our…

Steve_Fowler@dennis.co.uk @stevefowler GEELY, the Chinese car maker that owns Volvo and London Taxi Company (LTC), plans to launch its first car in Europe in 2018 according to design boss Peter Horbury. Brit Horbury heads a team of 350 designers working out of Geely’s design studios in Gothenburg, Shanghai, Barcelona and Los Angeles, and the first fruit of their labour to go on sale here will be an SUV designed in Sweden. Speaking at last week’s Beijing Motor Show, Horbury said: “Geely cars in Europe are not far away at all – within the next two years. The first car will be an SUV and it will be on a platform we’ve shown before.” Geely is sharing the development of a new small car platform with Volvo – the Compact Modular…

James_Batchelor@dennis.co.uk @JRRBatchelor Video round-up of Beijing show stars AS these pages illustrate, there were a host of interesting new cars at this year’s Beijing Motor Show. This Far Eastern show always throws up some gems, and there were a handful of stars this year, including the Jaguar XF L (above). Editor-in-chief Steve Fowler was our man in Beijing. Check out his video where he picks his favourite cars from the stands in China. Which is our no.1 performance car? WITH more and more performance cars being launched, we’ve decided to count down the top 10 on sale. Performance, handling and desirability were all taken into account, as well as power. Which is our number one? Log on to find out in our thrilling video. You can watch any of our…

LATEST figures show that 5.1 per cent of adults are unemployed in the UK, despite the best efforts of Government policies to get people back into work. But perhaps ministers should look for some joined-up thinking in their decision making, as by continually hitting motorists they might be stopping some people getting a job. Take the Government’s own employment database as an example. RAC Foundation analysis reveals 15 per cent of job vacancies state that access to a vehicle or a valid licence is necessary to fill the post. Professions that require applicants to be able to drive are as diverse as carers, cleaners, zoo workers, chefs, sales consultants and security guards. Instead of cutting benefits to force people back to work, why not make it easier to learn to…

Contact Martin Saarinen mail@autoexpress.co.uk @AutoExpress Write to: Watchdog/Letters, Auto Express, D ennis Publishing, 30 Cleveland Street, London W1T 4JD HOT TOPIC Citroen’s new C3 FROM: Phil THIS looks so much better than any other supermini currently on sale. The four-door configuration, along with the way the grille neatly incorporates the Citroen logo, makes the C3 a very stylish car – even more desirable than the DS 3. FROM: Andrew Hughes I’D say that the new C3 is actually more conservatively styled than the vehicle it replaces. It just looks like a bloated C1. It isn’t quirky at all, and loses all of Citroen’s past brand values of designing unusual vehicles. Join the debate at www.autoexpress.co.uk ■ “The new Citroen C3 is a nice-looking car. It’s not boring like the VW Polo…

MODEL TESTED: Land Rover Discovery Sport PRICE: £39,800 ENGINE: 2.0-litre 4cyl, 178bhp Testers’ notes “Unlike the Jaguar and BMW, the Land Rover isn’t yet available with adaptive dampers. The hi-tech kit is due to be added to the options list later this year, but it’s strange that it’s taken this long, as the brand’s MagneRide system has been fitted to the mechanically similar Range Rover Evoque since 2011. It’s a shame the Discovery has gone without, because the current car’s firm ride undermines an otherwise refined and comfortable package.” On and off-road Land Rover’s smart styling is inspired by that of its Range Rover Sport big brother. Solid all-terrain heritage pays dividends off-tarmac, while on-road handling is accomplished, too THE Land Rover Discovery Sport is our current class favourite, as…

FIRST TEST Alcosense Ultra Price: £249.99 Contact: www.alcosense.co.uk Rating THE morning after consuming alcohol, it’s hard to determine whether or not you’re still over the legal driving limit. In Issue 1,408, we featured the Alcosense Pro breathalyser, which makes finding out a lot easier. Now the brand has launched the Ultra, and we put it to the test here. At £249.99, the newcomer carries a £100 premium over the Pro, but it features a bigger sensor for a more accurate reading, and the kit comes with 100 single-use mouthpieces and a protective case, worth £40. Unlike the Pro, the Ultra has been programmed to analyse samples for various nations’ regulations, including France and the US, which calculate readings differently. It has markers to ensure you give your sample correctly. And although…

Jaguar All The Cars Nigel Thorley (Veloce Publishing, www.veloce.co.uk) Price: £40 Rating: IT can’t be denied that Jaguar has produced some of the most beautiful and emotive cars ever – and this book covers all of them, from the very early pre-war SS models right up to the latest F-Pace. It’s a pretty dry read, though, concentrating on technical specifications over anything more visually appealing. Good for the enthusiast, but that’s about all. Formula 1: All The Races (3rd edition) Roger Smith (Evro Publishing, evropublishing.com) Price: £50 Rating: A REMARKABLE amount of work has been put into this book by author Smith to chart every single Formula One championship race from 1950-2015, including the qualifying results, final outcome and any key events from each GP. Across those 65 years, a…

Got any car queries? Martin_Saarinen@dennis.co.uk @AE_Consumer Q All change for spare wheel I’M looking to ditch the space-saver in my car in favour of a full-sized spare wheel. Would any rim with the same dimensions as my current set fit? Brian Beeton, E-mail A WE asked a spokesman from safety group TyreSafe, and he told us the best option is to buy a spare wheel made specifically for that model. Although some wheels from different makes may be of similar size (and cheaper), the offset and pitch circle diameter may differ, which could be potentially dangerous. Q How do VED changes work? IN Issue 1,417, Auto Express mentioned the Government’s upcoming Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) changes in 2017. I’ve recently changed cars, and want to know if my Toyota Auris…

mail@dennis.co.uk “It’s rapid if you bury the throttle; the V12 really does sound magnificent” “It feels like an Aston of old – but better at everything it does, full stop” IT’S not often that we get to drive cars as important as this as early in their development process. But for one rather memorable afternoon, Aston Martin threw us the keys to its new DB11, months before it’s due to hit showrooms. The DB11 is the replacement for the excellent but ageing DB9. It’s a vital car for Aston, not least because it heralds a new era for the famous sports car company – created under a new boss, by a new engineering team, with a new set of goals. It also happens to feature a brand-new twin-turbo V12 engine.…

Tesla boss hints at sub-£30k Model 4 TESLA CEO Elon Musk has hinted at plans for a cheaper electric car – after the £30k Model 3 (above) launches next year. Speaking at a conference in Norway, Musk said: “There will be future cars that are even more affordable. “With the fourth-generation and smaller models, we will be in a position where anyone can afford the car,” he continued. Rumours suggest a small EV could be badged Model 4. A ‘Model Y’ small crossover is also on the cards. VW revs up torquey new turbo engine VW has revealed tech details for its new EA211 evo petrol turbo. Set to replace the current 1.4 TSI, the 1.5-litre fourcylinder gets a variable geometry turbo to allow maximum torque from 1,300rpm. A high…

Martin_Saarinen@dennis.co.uk @AE_Consumer VW Group bosses have admitted emissions recalls have fallen behind schedule and may extend into 2017. The fix for all EA 189 2.0-litre engines was scheduled to start from March this year, and although German transport authorities have now approved it for the 2.0-litre TDI in the Golf, there are still delays on finding a solution for the Passat. Speaking at a VW Group press conference in Wolfsburg, CEO Matthias Müller said he is confident a solution will be found in the next few weeks for the saloon and ruled out any possibility of introducing a buy-back scheme in Europe similar to the one announced last week in the US. The latest confirmed fix will see around 15,000 Golfs in Europe fitted with manual gearboxes recalled imminently. This…

Joe_Finnerty@dennis.co.uk @AE_Consumer THE London Motor Show officially opens its gates on Friday (6 May), with hundreds of exciting models signed up and ready for display in Battersea Park. The UK has been without its own dedicated automotive showcase since 2008, but organisers of the revamped event have secured backing from 35 different car brands, including Aston Martin, Rolls-Royce, Ford, Nissan, Jaguar, Land Rover and BMW. Over the three days (6-8 May) at Battersea Evolution Centre, 130 models will be displayed, from superminis to supercars. There will be several UK debuts headlined by MG’s first SUV – the GS – and the £154,000 McLaren 570GT. The Infiniti Q60 will also be on display on these shores for the first time alongside a limitededition one-off Land Rover Defender designed by Khan. As…

Martin_Saarinen@dennis.co.uk @AE_Consumer WIND back the clock half a decade, and you’d find yourself amid the heyday of British engineering and design. The likes of Jaguar, MG, Triumph, Aston Martin and countless others were coming up with new and daring sports cars by the dozen – some which go for record fees at auction today. Given the fondness for the era, it’s no surprise that when Auto Express ran a poll asking our readers which legendary car they’d most want to see resurrected, the MGB emerged as the clear favourite. The original MGB remains one of the great icons of early British sports cars and a pillar of the nation’s automotive history. The roadster first saw daylight in 1962, powered by a raspy 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, good for 94bhp and…

Sam_Naylor@dennis.co.uk @SamNaylor_AE “On a twisty road, the JCW comes into its element. Steering is communicative, quick and well weighted” MINI has already impressed us with its Cooper S Convertible, but now the even hotter John Cooper Works model has joined the drop-top range. There’s no mistaking it, thanks to the array of large air intakes on the front bumper, plus there are unique alloys. The red highlights on the grille and JCW badges also hint at its potential. The Convertible gets a big power boost over the already spicy Cooper S – up from 189bhp to 228bhp. That’s the same as the JCW hatch, but due to extra strengthening, the drop-top is three-tenths slower from 0-62mph than the hatch, taking 6.6 seconds. That’s still 0.6 seconds faster than the Cooper…

Sam_ Naylor@dennis.co.uk SamNaylor_AE THE SEAT Mii has been one of our favourite city cars ever since it was launched in 2012 – and now the brand’s added this new FR Line model to the range. It gets a fresh, sporty look, featuring 16-inch alloys, special decals, FR Line badges and grey door mirrors. The interior receives an upgrade, too, with a red and black glossy finish on the dash, sportier-looking seats and red stitching on the steering wheel. The revamp spruces up the Mii nicely, as it always looked more awkward than its two VW Group cousins, the Skoda Citigo and VW up! The wheels are smart, as are the black decals along the sides, while the seats are comfortable and the black dash looks smart. There’s plenty of standard…

MODEL TESTED: BMW X3 PRICE: £38,590 ENGINE: 2.0-litre 4cyl, 190bhp Testers’ notes “If you’re willing to forego racy visual additions, then the X3 xDrive30d SE is worth a look. With BMW’s lusty and refined 258bhp 3.0-litre straight-six diesel, it’ll sprint from 0-62mph in only 5.9 seconds, which is quicker than many hot hatches. Add the optional adaptive dampers, and it’ll be as engaging to drive as M Sport cars. The only downside is that its 159g/km CO2 emissions mean it’ll cost more as a company car.” On the road M Sport bodykit gives a subtly sporty look. X3 is impressively composed, even if ride is on the stiff side and it can’t match its rivals’ crisp dynamics EVER since its launch, the BMW X3 has set the dynamic benchmark in…

Lesley_Harris@dennis.co.uk WHEN our new Mazda MX-5 arrived on the Auto Express fleet, there was a predictable bun-fight as to who was going to run the highly acclaimed two-seater roadster. However, with most of my colleagues having small children to consider, it was soon whittled down to me – and I certainly wasn’t going to argue! I was lucky enough to run the previousgeneration 2.0-litre MX-5 when it was launched back in 2006 – and loved it – so I was immensely excited about getting behind the wheel of this latest incarnation. But with its new smaller 1.5-litre engine, would it live up to my high expectations? Off I went to be reacquainted with my local Mazda dealer – TW Whites in Bookham, Surrey – where sales executive Tom Birdsall was…

NEW PRODUCT Dyson V8 Cord-free Vacuum Price: £499 Contact: 0800 298 0298, www.dyson.co.uk DYSON has replaced its cordless V6 vac with a new higher-powered, longer-lasting version that can double as a cleaner for the car and the house. Battery runtime is said to have been doubled over previous versions to 40 minutes, while the maker says “fade-free” lithium-ion batteries keep suction strong for the duration. A useful new addition is a battery indicator, as well. Dyson claims the V8 is 50 per cent quieter than past vacs, and a higher suction max mode provides 115AW of suction – up from 100AW. While the vac has a long arm, it can be converted to a handheld device for ease of use in-car. There’s a selection of tools available, such as a…

New tech brings bags up to speed THE airbag has been largely unchanged for many years, but a new development could be on the way in the shape of the Speed Adjusted Airbag System (SAAS). This aims to prevent injuries from airbags in low-speed collisions, with 15 speedsensitive stages of deployment. SAAS is currently being crowdfunded on Indiegogo. Head to www.indiegogo.com to watch a video that explains how the process will work. BMW M4 rubber covers all bases MICHELIN’S latest creation is the Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyre. Developed specifically for the BMW M4 GTS (driven in Issue 1,417), the tyres are produced with a bi-compound asymmetric tread pattern and, unusually, a casing design to optimise the balance between handling, grip and tyre life. The rubber has not solely been…

PRODUCT GROUP TEST 4 | 5 | 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. THERE are so many reasons why smartphone-based sat-nav apps make sense. Your mobile is almost always with you and ready to go, and chances are that it’ll boast a bigger screen and higher-definition graphics than standalone navs, too. Then there’s the simple fact that your mobile can be more than just a map. Even most of the free apps here mix offline data with constant live updates for accidents, speed cameras and other hazards. Finally, onboard features often rival premium standalone devices, despite the apps costing a fraction of the price or, often, nothing. How…

Stephen_Errity@dennis.co.uk “Mercedes has introduced new bodywork to reflect the latest C-Class Coupé” HOCKENHEIM is the venue for this weekend’s opening round of the 2016 DTM German touring car championship. As with last year, there’s a four-strong contingent of Brits on the grid – two at Mercedes and one each at Audi and BMW. At Mercedes, Gary Paffett and Paul di Resta face the biggest challenge as the manufacturer introduces new bodywork to reflect the latest version of C-Class Coupé road car. Although the DTM’s technical regulations are frozen, brands are allowed to make visual updates to their cars to mirror their current road-car ranges. Mercedes DTM boss Ulrich Fritz said: “While the car has changed visually, we weren’t allowed to improve any of the performance-relevant aerodynamic parts below what is…

Joe_Finnerty@dennis.co.uk @AE_Consumer TOP FIVE MISFUELLING UK POLICE FORCES We reveal the forces with the biggest repair bills for misfuelled cars in the last five years. The Met Police tops the table but it also spends the most on fuel. 1. Metropolitan Police Total repairs £167,118.00 2. Kent Total repairs £25,629.00 3. Derbyshire Total repairs £16,078.53 4. Hampshire Total repairs £14,070.64 5. Devon and Cornwall Total repairs £13,118.00 POLICE forces in the UK have spent nearly £400,000 in the last five years on repairing their fleets after officers filled patrol cars with the wrong fuel, according to an exclusive Auto Express investigation. Since 2011, there have been 2,147 incidents of an officer putting the wrong fuel in their vehicle while on duty – more than one every day. And the problem…

Lawrence_Allan@dennis.co.uk @LobAllan LEXUS IS Facelifted compact exec is heading to Britain LEXUS unwrapped its facelifted IS in Beijing, although we won’t see it in the UK until January 2017. A pair of reshaped headlights and a striking new spindle grille bring it in line with cars like the RX SUV and RC coupé. Sharper rear lights and sporty touches to F-Sport models complete the exterior tweaks. Inside there’s a new 10.3-inch infotainment screen, which Lexus claims is easier to use than before. A redesigned dash and more standard driver-assist tech will help it fight the new Audi A4, BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class. MERC E-CLASS LWB Exec car is stretched to provide more space and luxury LIKE Jaguar, who revealed an XF L (Page 10), Mercedes has also stretched…

Chartered Trading Standards practitioner www.tradingstandards.gov.uk RUST – you don’t see it until it’s too late, and you can’t hear or smell it. Advances in technology mean you don’t see the “rustbuckets” of the past, but with Britain experiencing wetter winters and widespread flooding, cars remain at risk. In 2010, it was first brought to my attention that new cars subjected to flooding were being dried out and resold as used models at premium prices. This all came to light when an independent dealer inspected a Jaguar due to intermittent electrical faults, and discovered it had been submerged in floods halfway up its doors. It had then simply been valeted and offered for sale as a low-mileage used car. Flood water had not only got into the electrics, but also the…

Dean_Gibson@dennis.co.uk “It’s best to take it easy in the Convertible, and when you do, the EcoBoost makes sense” THE all-new Ford Mustang has caused quite a stir in the UK. We’re fans of the coupé here at Auto Express, because it delivers a satisfying driving experience on UK roads at a competitive price. But is the Convertible as attractive as the Fastback version? We tried an EcoBoost model with an automatic gearbox to find out. First impressions are good, because aside from the fabric roof, the Convertible looks largely identical to the coupé. You get the same retro-modern design, with a smattering of galloping horse logos to remind you of what you’re driving – the only Ford badge of note is on the windscreen behind the rearview mirror. The interior…

MODEL TESTED: Jaguar F-Pace 2.0d R-Sport AWD auto PRICE: £40,360 ENGINE: 2.0-litre 4cyl, 178bhp Testers’ notes “Our car featured a new option for Jaguar – Active Key. It works with a digital bracelet that acts as a key for the F-Pace, letting you lock the vehicle from your wrist with the regular key inside it. This cuts down on the potential for losing your key if you’re exploring the great outdoors. At £300 it’s not a cheap option, but for tech fans it brings bragging rights compared to even conventional keyless entry.” JAGUAR’S quest to grow sales is on a roll, but while its stunning F-Type sports car and smart XE and XF saloons have helped bring the brand’s image up to date, the lack of an SUV in the…

John_McIlroy@dennis.co.uk @johnmcilroy Second opinion “With its vast boot, low running costs and healthy kit list, there really isn’t any other large estate that’s as tempting as the Superb for private and business users alike.” Dean Gibson Deputy road test editor “With the Superb’s hefty 66-litre tank, I’ve been seeing a predicted range of around 700 miles” WE’VE passed the 2,500-mile mark in our Skoda Superb Estate and already have a solid list of the car’s strong points. It’s massive, of course; we’ve not even scratched the surface of its load capacity. It’s comfortable and refined, with very little wind or engine noise at a fast motorway cruise. Indeed, these have not been easy months for the VW Group’s diesel engine department, but I’m going to risk a grilling here and…

Got a query? Kim_Adams@dennis.co.uk @AE_Consumer Q How to store a classic car I’VE just bought a classic car I plan to restore. I don’t have a garage at the moment, so will have to keep it outside. What’s the best way to keep it protected while I sort out permanent storage? Stuart James, E-mail A THERE’S a good choice of outdoor covers that’ll keep the rain off and allow moisture to escape. If you have the space, consider a fabric shelter. There’s a range of designs and you could even start your restoration in one. Inside, protect the car with a cover like our Issue 1,383 test winner from Cosmos (above, www.comotpro.com). Q How do I stop wiper judder? FOR a while, the wipers on my SEAT Leon have been…

AS we saw in our Car Care Special (Issue 1,414), buyers have plenty of brands to choose from if they’re looking to clean or polish their car. New to the scene is Rocket Butter – part of the Autobulbs Direct range, which covers everything from snow foam to air fresheners. Here, we look at the wheel cleaner, as we put its claim of “top-end quality at an affordable price” to the test. We try it against multiple test winner Bilt Hamber auto-wheel, which turns deep purple as it works, plus Black Diamond Alloy Shine. Prices were taken from a range of sources as we went to press. As in our group tests, we applied each to a section of wheel trim, then gently rinsed off to assess how effectively they…

Dear Lawrence, My 2008 Jaguar XF is showing its age and I’m thinking about replacing it. I want an exec that’s just as comfy for £20k. What should I go for? Keith Horrens, E-mail Contact: Lawrence_Allan@dennis.co.uk BMW 5 Series FOR: Great handling, logically laid out cabin AGAINST: Staidlooks,rivalsmoresoftlysprung BMW’S 5 Series has a reputation for being the exec for keen drivers, and it’s easy to see why when you get behind the wheel. The current model is a very popular choice and there are plenty on the road, but it remains one of the best large saloons around. It’s great to drive and feels smaller than it actually is, plus it offers a composed ride and strong yet efficient engines. In the classifieds was a 2013 520d SE Business auto…

“SsangYong doesn’t want to be the most exciting car firm on the world stage – but without knowing it, it’s one of the coolest ” BIG bosses at large car companies don’t do ‘happy’ or ‘relaxed’. Agonising over if they have the right products, the energy for more battles with rival firms or cash to pay tens or hundreds of thousands of workers – such anxieties generate sleepless nights. But Young-Han Song and Sanjeev Saksena, managing directors at SsangYong World HQ in the trendy Gangnam district of Seoul, qualify as the most chilled and smiley motor industry chiefs I’ve ever met. They invited me over for a cuppa, and hugely impressed me with their biscuits, humour, honesty and refusal to conform to industry norms. For example, you might assume every…