Auto Express 1423

Visit autoexpress.co.uk for all the latest new cars news I’VE not really got a great deal of time for politicians and their quest for what always seems like personal glory ahead of what’s right for the majority. Sadly, true to form, the current debate about whether we should remain as part of the European Union seems to be getting pretty personal, too. That’s a shame – this particular vote will have far greater implications for our future than if we were ‘just’ electing our next Government. Among all the bluff and bluster that’s doing the rounds at the moment, this week we’ve analysed what effect staying in, or leaving the EU, will have on your motoring world – from the safety of the cars you buy to the cost of…

Show car said to be close to production XC40; due in 2017 Likely to start at £22,000; petrol, diesel and hybrid power John_McIlroy@dennis.co.uk @johnmcilroy VOLVO is taking aim at the BMW X1 and Audi Q2 and Q3 with this small SUV show car, called Concept 40.1, that’s going to reach production late next year as the XC40. The Swedish manufacturer has been investing heavily in its larger models recently, having introduced the XC90, S90 and V90 over the past 18 months. Now it’s the turn of its small-car line-up – and while Volvo has also previewed an innovative hatchback design with another show car, Concept 40.2 (see Page 10), the range overhaul really starts with this baby SUV. Volvo has developed an all-new set of chassis components for its small…

John_McIlroy@dennis.co.uk @johnmcilroy OPINION Richard Ingram News editor Is Volvo’s saloon crossover viable? the new Volvo concepts unveiled last week in Gothenburg are fascinating, but while the 40.1 (XC40) could be a licence to print money, I wonder whether there’s space for an additional salooncum-hatch crossover like the 40.2. It’s a bold move, and one that should be commended in such a conservative market. Potential buyers will love the raised ride height and striking front end, but the lifted tail might confuse those looking for an alternative to cars like the Mercedes GLA or Audi Q2. Volvo has all but confirmed the XC40 for production, but bosses are rightly holding fire on the second model – using the next few months to gauge public opinion. The key will be winning over…

“Small steering wheel, high-set display make dials easier to see” Sam_Naylor@dennis.co.uk @SamNaylor_AE THE Peugeot 3008 MPV has been reinvented as a small SUV to rival the Nissan Qashqai and is set to make its debut at September’s Paris Motor Show. It will go on sale in the UK from October, with deliveries starting in January 2017. The raised ride height, upright nose, long bonnet, body cladding and roof bars all give the new 3008 a more utilitarian look. But the wide grille, LED lights, sculpted bonnet and floating roofline add a dose of style, too – a huge step on from the previous MPV-like design, especially thanks to the large 18-inch wheels. We’ve already had a taste of the interior, with Peugeot revealing its new i-Cockpit last month (Issue 1,418).…

Essentials Porsche Panamera V8 S diesel Price: £90,000 (est) Engine: 4.0-litre V8 diesel Power/torque: 435bhp/900Nm Transmission: Eight-speed auto, four-wheel drive 0-62mph: 4.5 seconds Top speed: 180mph Economy: 40mpg (est) CO2: 180g/km (est) ON SALE Late 2016 PORSCHE’S original Panamera was positioned at the sporting end of the luxury four-door saloon market, and now a team of engineers and technicians is busy finalising the next-generation model, ahead of its launch later this year. We’ve been to South Africa for a first ride in one of five pre-production Panameras with Dr Gernot Döllner, director of model line Panamera. It’s the job of Döllner and his team to ensure that the new car retains its sporty edge, while also improving comfort, space and refinement. Enabling that is an all-new MSB platform, which allows…

Gearbox boost for Mercedes Citan van MERCEDES has updated its Citan van with a six-speed, dual-clutch gearbox. The new 6G-DCT transmission is only available with the 114bhp petrol engine – on both MPV and panel van (above) models. When fitted with the new box, the Citan claims 44.1mpg fuel economy, with 144g/km CO2 emissions. It’s set to cost about £1,500 more than the standard manual van, from £15,820 (ex VAT), and goes on sale next month. Government laws for driverless cars THE UK Government has pledged to be at the forefront of transport tech with a focus on driverless cars, as revealed in the Queen’s Speech last week. A Modern Transport Bill will look at law changes so motorists can buy and own driverless cars by 2020. These will extend…