Innholdsfortegnelse for 1429 i Auto Express

Visit autoexpress.co.uk for all the latest new cars news VOTING can be a hugely emotive process, as the past couple of weeks here in the UK have demonstrated. I won’t pretend the sessions we held to decide our New Car Awards winners of 2016 were quite as tumultuous as the Brexit debate, but as you might imagine there were some pretty strong opinions expressed. The talent pool in the current new car market is particularly deep, so picking the models we consider to be the best on sale was far from easy. And of course, we fully recognise how important it is to get the decisions right. We’re in the privileged position of being first to drive every new model that appears, and we know many of you wait until…

“We expect it to weigh in at around 900kg, meaning around 900bhp is entirely feasible” Sam_Naylor@dennis.co.uk @SamNaylor_AE ASTON Martin has finally revealed its AM-RB 001 hypercar, developed with the Red Bull Racing Formula One team. The project has been headed up by Marek Reichman, Aston Martin’s chief creative officer, and Adrian Newey, Red Bull Racing’s chief technical officer. The AM-RB 001 has been designed to be used on the road and track, but there are actually two versions in the works: a road car and a track-only version. It’s expected the latter will deliver performance to match an LMP1 Le Mans racer. A mid-mounted V12 engine provides the power, with no turbos in sight. The engine is naturally aspirated, and Aston says it’s a high-revving unit capable of a 1:1…

Sam_Naylor@dennis.co.uk @SamNaylor_A THE Volkswagen up! has been on sale since 2011, so the brand has seen fit to update the range with a new look and new engine. A good step, as the current model is still one of the best city cars you can buy. The new look is subtle but works well, with the front bumper giving the car a wider, sportier look and the new rear light design making it slightly sharper from the back. It’s still very handsome, plus it has a more grown-up feel than rivals such as the Fiat 500 and Toyota Aygo. There are a few new personalisation options, too, including some decals and alloy wheel designs. That’s the theme inside as well, as the up! has one of the most modern cabins…

Essentials Mercedes-AMG C43 Coupé Price: £46,280 Engine: 3.0-litre biturbo V6 Power/torque: 362bhp/520Nm Transmission: Nine-speed auto, four-wheel drive 0-62mph: 4.7 seconds Top speed: 155mph Economy: 36.2mpg CO2: 178g/km ON SALE Now “C 43 feels more under control and more usable every day than C 63” ONCE upon a time, 362bhp might have been flagship AMG power, but today that’s mere half-fat in the tuning division’s range. The new Mercedes-AMG C 43 Coupé is something of a halfway house between the entry-level diesels and the boisterous C 63. That car delivers 469bhp (or 503bhp in C 63 S guise) from a biturbo 4.0-litre V8 driving the rear wheels. The C 43, on the other hand, uses a 3.0-litre biturbo V6 that’s paired with the brand’s tried-andtested 4MATIC four-wheel-drive system. Even so, AMG…

COMMENDED Hyundai i10 THE second-generation Hyundai i10 arrived featuring downsized engines and upscaled dimensions, pushing efficiency and practicality even further. Hyundai also improved quality, meaning the more spacious interior feels more upmarket. It still can’t quite match the Citigo’s classiness, but a standard five-year warranty is a big bonus. Vauxhall Viva VAUXHALL revived the Viva nameplate for its new city car, calling on its heritage. Its well packaged design means it’s roomy inside, while impressive safety tech, sub-100g/km CO2 emissions and options like Vauxhall’s IntelliLink system add to the appeal. The interior also boasts decent material quality and solid construction. OUR CHOICE Citigo SE L 1.0 75 GreenTech 5dr (£10,815) SE L trim heads the range, but even at this price, the Citigo is still incredibly affordable given the level…

WHY IT WON AFTER a few stagnant years, Vauxhall has reinvented its Astra compact family hatch – and it needed to, as the class was being left behind by the SEAT Leon for style, the Volkswagen Golf for quality and the Ford Focus for handling fun. But the British brand has come back with all guns blazing to fight off the competition, adding plenty of real-world appeal and futuristic tech to claim our crown. The Astra takes on its rivals in all of their showcase areas, and puts up a compelling performance across the board. A compact hatchback has to do everything – ferry the family around, offer enough space in the cabin and boot to cover day-to-day practicality, and serve up strong enough pace for an interesting drive. Vauxhall’s…

WHY IT WON EVERY good estate should offer a cavernous boot that can swallow just about everything you can throw at it, but it also needs to team this with attractive looks, efficient engines, refinement and a quality cabin. Last year, the Volkswagen Passat Estate drove off with the Auto Express Best Estate Car award, but this year that honour goes to its VW Group stablemate, the Skoda Superb. It’s based on the same flexible MQB underpinnings and offers the same solid range of engines as the Passat, but the Superb boasts a bigger boot and a similarly upmarket interior for a lower list price. Even so, Skoda has added lots of useful touches, including an ice scraper in the fuel filler cap, umbrellas in the doors and cup-holders that…

WHY IT WON THIS year, a host of new and updated luxury cars are vying for the attention of well heeled buyers, but none has been able to knock the Mercedes S-Class off its perch, and it seals its third win on the trot in 2016. It doesn’t matter whether you look at the car’s cutting-edge technology, its imposing design or its beautifully crafted interior, the latest S-Class sets new standards in every area. Then there’s its comfort and refinement. All models come as standard with air-suspension, which effortlessly soaks up bumps and potholes as if they weren’t there. There’s even the clever Magic Ride Control that uses cameras to scan the road ahead and prime the suspension for the terrain. All versions feature a long-wheelbase bodystyle that offers acres…

WHY IT WON IT’S been a busy 12 months for the MPV sector, with a host of new arrivals. Yet for the third year in a row, the Citroen Grand C4 Picasso takes the honours. That’s all thanks to its clever blend of surprisingly bold looks for such a big people carrier, impressive incar tech and, crucially in this class, its versatile cabin. Family-friendly features in this stretched version of the C4 Picasso include five individually folding rear seats, allowing you to adapt the space to suit your needs. If you’re abandoning the school run for a trip to Ikea, for example, these can all be folded flat, to free up a whopping 2,181 litres of load space. Put the seats back in place and passengers benefit from one of…

WHY IT WON IT’S often said that fashion fades and style is eternal – and no car sums up this sentiment better than the Audi TT. Over a year after making its debut, the eye-catching coupé still has what it takes to shade any new model around. And it’s not just the way the TT looks that earns it the plaudits here – it’s also beautifully built, good to drive and surprisingly cost effective to run. There’s a wide range of engines, including frugal diesels and a storming turbocharged five-cylinder petrol. This latest, third-generation TT sticks to the template set by the 1998 original, but continual evolution of the shape has kept it looking fresh. There’s a bold mix of curves and creases, while LED light signatures help the car…

WHY IT WON McLAREN has been winning on the track for decades, but its road car division is a relative newcomer. However, by applying what it’s learnt from Formula One to the road, it has produced some stunning performance cars. Its latest is the 570S – the most affordable McLaren yet. At £143,270, it’s still massively expensive, but then again, it’s simply incredible. Performance cars should be about theatre, and from the moment the 570S’s sculpted, dihedral doors arc skywards, it delivers the true supercar experience. The 562bhp 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 has a raucous bark at idle, plus it revs with real zing and a demented howl. It serves up scintillating acceleration, with the 0-60mph sprint taking just 3.1 seconds thanks to launch control and an ultra-quick seven-speed dual-clutch box.…

WHY IT WON EVEN though it looks like a predictable progression from the five incarnations of the mid-size panel van that have gone before it, under the skin the new Volkswagen T6 Transporter is a big step forward in every respect. And that’s enough to secure it the Auto Express Van of the Year award in 2016. That classily subdued exterior hides an updated engine range that meets Euro 6 emissions rules and delivers a fine blend of performance and economy. On the road, the Transporter sets the class standard in terms of comfort and refinement, while the cab environment delivers genuinely car-like levels of quality. A raft of advanced safety technology is built into the van, with much of it included as standard, and class-leading residuals contribute to a…

WHY IT WON DESPITE being a newcomer to the SUV party, Jaguar has stormed to the front immediately with its brilliant F-Pace – and scooped our coveted Car of the Year title in the process. Embodying Jaguar’s core values of grace, pace and space, and wrapping them in a fashionable off-roader package, the highriding F-Pace has become one of 2016’s musthave new cars. Imposing looks, engaging driving dynamics, a luxurious cabin and family-friendly practicality mean the car ticks all the boxes. Yet it’s the fact the Jaguar mixes huge desirability with great value that really sets it apart from rivals. Not only does the F-Pace undercut models such as the Porsche Macan on price, the entry-level 2.0-litre diesel features running costs you’d expect from a family saloon. However, while the…

Land Rover Discovery Sport AS with many modern diesel engines, our Land Rover uses AdBlue additive to help reduce nitrogen oxide exhaust emissions. So road test editor James Disdale wasn’t surprised when a warning message on the compact SUV’s dashboard further revealed that reserves of the liquid were running low after around 8,500 miles. Handily, the Sport’s trip computer features a ‘distance until empty’ readout, but even with a healthy 1,500 miles to go before the tank ran dry, our man decided to make a quick detour to his local dealer Lookers in Chipperfield, Herts. Here the helpful staff provided two 1.5-litre containers of AdBlue, which cost just over £15. James was able to top up the tank himself, but he was informed that a complete refill would require booking…

PRODUCT GROUP TEST 6 | 7 | 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. NOT everyone trusts a sat-nav to direct them to an exact location, while some people find the screen and audio directions distracting while driving. That’s where a good old-fashioned printed list of step-by-step instructions has always succeeded. Online route finders can be great for drawing up a map before you leave, allowing you to pre-plan a journey, incorporating any stops, and judging traffic hold-ups in advance. Having a printed route can also act as a vital back up should you drive somewhere that doesn’t have the required satellite or phone signal to power your portable…

DEALERS are being reminded to be up front with customers or face hefty court fines after a recent case where a salesmen failed to disclose a car’s one previous owner as being a hire company. Middlesbrough Trading Standards Officers took Pendragon Motor Group Limited (trading as Evans Halshaw in Cambridge Road, Middlesbrough) to court after a complaint from a customer who’d bought a Vauxhall Astra. She was told by the salesman the hatch had ‘one previous owner’ and it was one person. She paid £11,623 and part-exchanged her own car. She only became fully aware of the Astra’s true history as a rental when the car’s logbook arrived in the post days later. The District Judge who heard the case at Teesside Magistrates’ Court said knowing it was previously owned…

Sean_Carson@dennis.co.uk @Sean_Carson_ “It doesn’t have a turbo’s instant shove, but builds in a linear manner to a mesmerising crescendo” Essentials Ferrari GTC4 Lusso Price: £240,430 Engine: 6.3-litre V12 petrol Power/torque: 681bhp/697Nm Transmission: Seven-speed dual clutch auto, four-wheel drive 0-62mph: 3.4 seconds Top speed: 208mph Economy: 18.8mpg CO2: 350g/km ON SALE Now FERRARI is determined it won’t build an SUV. CEO Sergio Marchionne even said you’d have to shoot him before the brand put an off-roader into production. However, it’s no stranger to four-wheel drive, and the new GTC4 Lusso finishes what it started with the four-seat, all-wheel-drive FF, blending even more luxury with bonkers performance. The heart of any Ferrari is its engine – especially a front-engined grand tourer with a 681bhp V12. While the 488 GTB has now turned…

Jake_Groves@dennis.co.uk @_jakegroves IN the past six months, we’ve driven the all-new Ford Ranger and Nissan NP300 Navara, but what if you want a pick-up that’s a little bit stealthier? Enter the SsangYong Korando Sports DMZ. This limited-edition double-cab comes with a rather bold (if dubious) camouflage paintjob. The name is equally brave, as DMZ is a reference to the de-militarised border zone between North and South Korea. Here in the UK, however, the DMZ is simply “a bit of fun”, according to SsangYong bosses. There’s no armour plating down the side and no machine gun mounted on the back, but you can’t argue that the unique paintwork will prove quite a talking point. Cheap gags about losing it in the supermarket car park aside, the Korando Sports DMZ certainly isn’t…

WHY IT WON A 2015 facelift kept the Volkswagen Polo looking fresh and boosted its charm, and this year the German brand has added even more efficient engine options that see the supermini once again edge ahead of its rivals. The Polo now shares VW’s 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine with the smaller up! city car, but there’s also a more potent turbo version available. Even the lower-powered model is sufficient, thrumming along at motorway speeds with plenty of refinement. However, if you need a bit more oomph, the punchy and efficient 1.2 TSI engine is the one to go for. Volkswagen released a sporty new R-Line model this year to address one of the Polo’s biggest downfalls, which ensured the supermini can no longer be accused of looking a little…

WHY IT WON CROSSOVERS are a big hit with new car buyers, and with a range of manufacturers battling it out for class honours, this is arguably one of the most fiercely fought New Car Awards categories. So that makes it even more impressive that SEAT has scooped victory first time out with its all-new Ateca. Delve under the sharply styled skin, though, and it’s easy to see why it’s our number one. It shares much of its running gear with SEAT’s Leon hatch, which was our overall Car of the Year in 2013, but the extra ride height and larger dimensions mean it’s even more versatile. The Ateca delivers plenty of space inside, with a generous 485-litre boot that’s easy to access, while the back seat layout provides more…

WHY IT WON AFTER years of striving, Jaguar finally cracked the compact executive market in 2015 – and its excellent XE has held on to top spot this year. Other upmarket small saloons are more efficient, roomier or better equipped, but none can match the baby big cat’s beguiling mix of talents. With its sleek looks, cosseting cabin and perfect ride and handling balance, the Jag feels a cut above its rivals. Like all of the brand’s recent models, the XE is underpinned by a lightweight aluminium structure that helps deliver punchy performance, responsive driving dynamics and remarkable efficiency – some models boast CO2 emissions as low as 99g/km. At the heart of the car is the brand’s Ingenium diesel engine, which is available in 161bhp and 178bhp guises. Both…

WHY ITWON THE flames of the hot hatch fire were well and truly fanned when the Ford Focus RS hit the market. Nürburgring lap records had been shattered by SEAT, Honda and Renault, but Ford pulled the rug from underneath them, arriving with a 345bhp four-wheel-drive monster for £31,000. While that may still sound like a lot of money, it actually makes the Focus RS a performance bargain – especially given the clever tricks the car has up its gaping tailpipes. With development input from stunt driving sensation Ken Block and thanks to its incredibly clever all-wheel-drive system, the RS has been developed to drift. There’s even a special drift mode that can send all of the power to one individual rear wheel, kicking the Ford’s tail into a graceful…

WHY IT WON WE’VE waited a while for Jaguar’s first-ever SUV, but it’s been worth it. The F-Pace is a stunning 4x4 that combines jaw-dropping looks with comfort, usability and effortless performance. But that’s not all the F-Pace has to offer. It’s great value, too. Unlike the Porsche Macan, it’s available with a 2.0-litre diesel from £35,000, opening up ownership to a new group of buyers, while the 3.0-litre supercharged V6 petrol S model is more than £10,000 cheaper than the Macan Turbo. Whichever powertrain you choose, refinement is a given, plus Jag’s eight-speed auto is smooth and contributes towards the unruffled driving experience. Even on big 22-inch wheels, the SUV rides with composure and balance thanks to continuously adaptive dampers that monitor wheel movement 500 times a second. Select…

WHY IT WON NO car embodies the spirit of a roadster better than the Mazda MX-5. With its nimble rear-wheel-drive handling, compact dimensions, an eye-catching price tag and simple fabric top, it delivers wind-in-the-hair thrills to the masses. The key to the latest MX-5’s success is its focus on fighting the flab. Thanks to Mazda’s SkyActiv technology, this fourth-generation model weighs around 100kg less than its predecessor, meaning it feels faster and more agile than ever. Even the entry-level 129bhp 1.5-litre delivers all the performance you’re likely to need, with the 0-62mph sprint covered in just 8.3 seconds. There’s a larger and more powerful 2.0-litre option, but it doesn’t rev as sweetly or respond as crisply to the throttle as the smaller unit. Whichever engine you choose, you’ll benefit from…

WHY IT WON IF there’s one firm that knows a thing or two about building hybrids, it’s Toyota. The pioneering Prius is now into its fourth generation, and nearly 20 years on from the original model, it’s more efficient and user-friendly than ever, which means it’s a deserving recipient of our Green Award. The latest version is also a car that has embraced its eco sensibilities, thanks to a new look that shouts green machine from every angle. Of course, it won’t be to all tastes, but the low, narrow nose, rising waistline, flared wheelarches and chopped-off tail are a refreshing change from the bland previous-generation Prius. It’s equally hi-tech inside, with gloss-white trim and a two-tier central dashboard that has a raft of eco-driving displays in the top section,…

WHY IT WON DEBUTS don’t get much better than Tesla’s first appearance in our Driver Power satisfaction survey. The pioneering manufacturer of electric cars took our annual poll by storm in 2016, with owners placing the brand top of the pile thanks to a quite remarkable satisfaction rating of nearly 98 per cent. What made this success even more amazing is that the firm only had one car on its price list: the Model S. However, with its mix of performance, practicality and penny-pinching running costs, the battery-powered executive proved unstoppable in our ranking of Britain’s 150 best cars to own. It secured top spot ahead of the impressive electric Renault ZOE and the Renault Kadjar crossover. Yet it was the manner of the Model S’s victory that will have…

Otis_Clay@dennis.co.uk Second opinion “MINIs are all about personalisation, because if you go for a standard model, you don’t get much for your cash. The Chili Pack is an essential addition, plus we’d specify the Media Pack for the full stereo upgrade. Costs vary according to the other options you add, but if you budget another £5,000 on top of the list price, you should get yourself a well specced and personalised car. Our only niggle with the Clubman’s options is that through loading is a £200 extra.” James Disdale Road test editor Essentials MINI Cooper D Clubman On fleet since: February 2016 Price new: £22,385 Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbodiesel, 148bhp CO2/tax: 109g/km/£20 Options: Metallic paint (£515), contrasting roof (£125), 18-inch alloys (£1,145), sports leather seats (£1,715), Chili Pack (£1,385), MINI…

NEW PRODUCT Joie Spin 360 child booster seat Price: £250 Contact: www.joiebaby.com/shops A CHILD booster seat is one of the most important purchases new parents will have to make, and after the UK Government recently approved the i-Size standard for new seats, the market is brimming with choice. The latest contender is the Group 0+/1 Joie Spin 360. The innovative 360-degree spin mechanism allows you to place your child in the seat, fasten them in safely and spin them into a secure position without needing to lean over. It’s capable of carrying a child from birth up to 18kg, and rotates 360 degrees front to back. That means it doubles as two seats in one, as infants up to 18kg can face the rear, or it can be used as…

YOUR VIEWS ON YOUR CARS 2016 Results XC60 Factfile Years: 2008 to present CO2: 137g/km Fuel economy: 54.3mpg (2.4 D4 AWD SE) Best options: Sat-nav, city braking, lane keep assist, park assist, Bluetooth, stop/start Prices: From £7,490 OVERALL SCORE 90.57% Bars show where model finished out of 150 cars in our 2016 survey. The lower the rating the better GOOD “THE XC60 is fantastic; it’s the most comfortable car I’ve ever driven.” “It’s a real joy to drive. Great performance and decent fuel economy.” “The car is filled with safety features which brought down my insurance premium.” “The D4 diesel engine is quick and has plenty of power for overtaking.” “Pulling a caravan doesn’t dent the XC60’s performance at all.” “The high driving position feels nice, and the seats are…

Interior THE cabin looks classy, but the build quality isn’t what you’d expect and the screen looks like an afterthought. Those in the front have it best, as back seat space is tight, while rear visibility is poor due to the small windows. The boot isn’t the biggest, either, at 340 litres with the rear seats up, or 1,157 litres with them folded. Contacts Official www.mercedes-benz.co.uk Forums www.aclassclub.co.uk www.mbclub.co.uk www.benzworld.org “After just three years on the market, there are currently over 2,000 Mk3 A-Classes on sale used” www.autoexpress.co.uk/driverpower OUR VIEW THE A-Class Mk3 came 119th on its Driver Power debut in 2015, before creeping up to 86th in this year’s satisfaction survey. Owners love the in-car tech (14th), seat comfort (25th) and ease of driving (30th), but lowly rankings of…

“Next Citroen launch is likely to be based on the Aircross concept” John_McIlroy@dennis.co.uk @johnmcilroy “Citroen could give the Aircross the ‘C5’ suffix and call it the C5 Aircross” CITROEN is also promising to take a radical approach to its next C4 and C5 models – and that could mean dropping the regular bodystyles to build SUVs instead, Auto Express can reveal. The ultra-conservative C4 and C5 now look increasingly outdated compared with the rest of Citroen’s range, which features the refreshed C4 Picasso and the C4 Cactus. Speaking at the launch event of the new C3 (Page 8), product boss Xavier Peugeot said that while a new C4 is part of the brand’s planned eight ‘silhouettes’ (bodystyles), it may not be a regular rival for the Ford Focus. “There will…

“Given the paint had been confirmed as original by the dealer, we agreed Audi should pay for repairs” RUST is never a welcome sight on a car, which is why manufacturers go to great lengths to provide warranties against corrosion. However, claiming on that warranty is sometimes easier said than done, as one reader found out. Geoff Berrett from Sprotbrough, Doncaster, got in touch with us after he noticed bubbles building up on the front wheelarches of his 2005 Audi A6. “The car has done over 114,000 miles, but I keep it in perfect condition. It was bought in 2007 with the intention to keep it, being only my second Audi in 18 years,” Geoff told us. “Five weeks ago, I noticed rust bubbles on the wheelarches.” Aware that the…

Essentials Mercedes GLC 250d 4MATIC Coupé Price: £41,735 Engine: 2.1 litre 4cyl turbodiesel Power: 201bhp Transmission: Nine-speed automatic, four-wheel drive 0-62mph: 7.6 seconds Top speed: 138mph Economy: 56.5mpg CO2: 131g/km ON SALE Now Lawrence_Allan@dennis.co.uk @LobAllan “Once up to speed, the air-sprung GLC offers a strong balance between ride comfort and agility” WHEN BMW launched its X4 coupécum-SUV in 2014, following up the larger and more bulbous X6, and the niche SUV movement continued with relentless force, it became inevitable that Mercedes would soon respond. And sure enough, only a few months after the standard GLC landed in UK showrooms (but two years after BMW’s effort) here we are driving the new GLC Coupé on European roads. The premise is simple: take a practical family SUV with a bit of off-road…

WHY ITWON THE MINI once again sets the standard in the premium small car class and scoops our award for the third year in a row. Even the efforts of the revamped Fiat 500 and DS 3 weren’t enough to topple the fashionable Brit. It’s the compelling blend of style, quality, customisation and driving fun that gives the MINI the edge over the competition. Ever since parent firm BMW revived the name a decade-anda-half ago, it’s always been one step ahead. This is particularly true of the current third-generation car, which has brought new levels of refinement, sophistication and technology to the already tempting package. Yet while the MINI has moved with the times, at its core it’s as fun-loving as the original. It doesn’t matter whether you pick the…

WHY IT WON FEW cars are as aptly named as the Skoda Superb. With its compelling blend of space, refinement, composed driving dynamics and low running costs, the Czech machine makes a formidably good family car choice all round. However, it’s the sharp styling and premium-feeling cabin of the latest thirdgeneration model that’s helped elevate the Superb above its talented and desirable rivals. Crisp, defined lines and neat detailing give the Skoda real street presence, while inside, the mix of high-grade materials and robust build is more than a match for more expensive German cars. However, it’s not the Superb’s flawless finish or its extremely generous list of standard equipment that gives the interior a real sense of luxury – it’s the space. Climb aboard the Skoda and you’ll find…

WHY IT WON MERCEDES has moved the goalposts in the executive market with its new E-Class, which blends imperious quality and refinement in a stylish and efficient package. And it pushes the boundaries for driving tech, too. Second-generation autonomous driving, called Drive Pilot, keeps you in your lane at up to 80mph and even changes lanes for you where traffic laws allow. Plus, the cabin is more than a match for the S-Class saloon’s. Twin widescreen displays are available and add a futuristic edge, while the sumptuous seats ensure you’re very comfortable on long journeys. The old E-Class wasn’t hugely refined, but by pairing a new 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel with a nine-speed auto gearbox under the bonnet, the newcomer is much better – it goes to the top of the…

WHY IT WON THE new MINI Convertible proves you don’t need masses of power to have fun behind the wheel. By removing the fixed roof from the MINI hatch and replacing it with a folding fabric top, it adds a whole extra dimension to the driving experience. Usually, when converting a car to a cabriolet, you lose some of the strength in the structure, but the transition to open-top has proven a convincing exercise for the British brand. The Convertible is over 100kg heavier than the regular MINI due to the added chassis strengthening, but that’s resulted in a solid car that doesn’t fidget or wobble like other small convertibles. This also means the typically fun MINI driving dynamics are retained, so the fast, pointy steering, taut suspension damping and…

Why it won It’s a hugely competitive market, but Volvo has managed to take home the title for Best Large SUV once again this year, with its brilliant XC90. That’s hardly surprising, as it also scooped our coveted Auto Express Car of the Year title in 2015. Plus, with its unrivalled combination of superb luxury, advanced technology and affordable prices, the slick Swede is still on top of its game. But it’s the cool Scandinavian styling and clever design features that make Volvo’s premium seven-seater stand out, and sets the tone for the brand’s future model line-up. Outside, crisp, minimalist lines are combined with distinctive features, such as the aggressive ‘Thor’s Hammer’ daytime running lights. A classy cabin is set apart by brushed metal inserts, lots of leather and a…

WHY IT WON DESPITE challenges from new workhorses like the Nissan Navara and Ford Ranger, the Mitsubishi L200 retains its crown in 2016 as our Best Pick-up. Its robust underpinnings will take just about anything you can throw at a working vehicle, but the Mitsubishi is more car-like to drive than its rivals, with superior refinement helping improve comfort. Yes, some of the switchgear looks dated, but there are plenty of car-like features to use, reinforcing the L200’s civilised feel. DAB radio, sat-nav, a rear-view camera, cruise control and keyless go are available, while seven airbags and lane departure warning give it strong safety credentials for a pick-up. Yet flexibility and carrying capacity are arguably more important for these working vehicles. The L200 stands up to the challenge with a…

WHY IT WON HONDA is on a roll at the moment. Over the past year it has launched the scorching hot Civic Type R, plus it has finally pulled the wraps off its eagerly awaited NSX supercar. Yet the good news doesn’t end there, as the brand’s exciting Civic Concept has scooped our coveted Design Award. Voted for by you on autoexpress.co.uk, the sleek Civic beat 14 contenders, including glamorous models such as the Alfa Romeo Giulia and Mazda MX-5 RF. That’s a big result for a car that’s essentially a humble family hatchback. You see, look past the Concept tag and wildly oversized wheels, and this star of March’s Geneva Motor Show is essentially a thinly disguised version of next year’s all-new production Civic. That’s great news for buyers,…

WHY MIKE WON JEEP boss Mike Manley topped the 2016 Auto Express Brit List in Issue 1,426 and wins a place in the Auto Express Hall of Fame. Manley was appointed to run Jeep back in 2009 when the company was selling 320,000 cars a year. Since then, the boy from Bedfordshire has transformed the company’s line-up and seen sales rocket to 1.23 million last year, with a target of 1.9 million for 2018. With more models, including a Nissan Qashqai-sized rival, due later this year, we wouldn’t bet against Manley and his team smashing that target by some margin. Manley’s success hasn’t gone unnoticed at Jeep’s parent company FCA, with boss Sergio Marchionne giving the Brit the extra responsibility of another iconic US brand, RAM, as well as asking…

There’s more space in the back of the Qashqai, plus the car is refined, comfortable and agile 1 Nissan Qashqai THERE’S no question the Qashqai is the more competent car here, with better efficiency, handling, refinement and cabin tech. The only black mark is its less-thanperfect score for reliability. Kia offers reasonable amount of room, and diesel delivers decent punch on the road 2 Kia Sportage IT’S by no means outclassed in this head-to-head, but the Kia Sportage doesn’t feel as modern as its rival in some areas. A fine dependability record is enough to ensure it’s still a wise used buy. Nissan Qashqai 1.5 dCi Years: 2014 to date Engine: 1.5-litre 4cyl, 109bhp Insurance grp: 14 Official econ/CO2: 74mpg/99g/km Why? It’s a top seller for a reason: the Mk2…