Innholdsfortegnelse for 1432 i Auto Express

www.drd.uk.com @drpaulripley “DRIVERS only crash when they run out of space or time” – this simple statement applies to all aspects of driving, and covers simple road safety. So how critical is time and space for driving protection? If you increase your ‘space’ (particularly in front and to the sides of the car), this will allow more ‘time’ to react to sudden changes. It also allows more thinking and assessment time so better decisions can be made. Different situations require various space requirements, but it’s up to you to ensure enough time to react. So what is a safe gap and how can it be judged? The space can’t be based on speed alone, and must always be under constant review to relate to all relevant prevailing circumstances: road, traffic…

Graham_Hope@dennis.co.uk “We didn’t build on the energy of FX. So we have been concentrating on getting the portfolio consistent” Alfonso Albaisa Executive design director “You need to have product on the road. When it is on the road, you will gain the awareness that is needed to grow the business” Roland Krueger Infiniti president LAUNCHING a new car brand that captures the public imagination is no easy task, unless, of course, you’re Tesla. Just look at Infiniti, Nissan’s upmarket arm, for example. Despite some success in the US over the past 27 years, it has struggled for acceptance, and sales, here in Europe since its arrival in 2008. Low brand awareness and a mediocre product range have meant it has struggled to attract buyers away from the German heavyweights, while…

Joe_Finnerty@dennis.co.uk @AE_Consumer YOUR TOP CARS We look back at the results of our Driver Power satisfaction survey to reveal the cars you rated highest Page 44 HERE at Auto Express, we know car ownership is about far more than just the make and model, with motorists considering a raft of other concerns before signing on the dotted line. That’s why we’ve compiled this ultimate guide to steer you away from potential pitfalls and into the perfect car armed with the best insurance and breakdown cover there is. It’s timed perfectly, as the imminent 66-plate change means there are plenty of great deals to be had. So, over the next 36 pages we’ll get you fully prepared, from dealer service to roadside assistance. But first, we’ll look at the best cars…

@AE_Consumer TAKE advantage of one of our top deals, and you’ll benefit from a new car warranty or even a servicing plan, too. However, plenty of motorists dip into the used market to get their next model at a lower price. While it makes financial sense up front, it can mean footing the bill for repairs once the manufacturer warranty expires. For most, that’s after three years. One of the solutions is to buy an aftermarket warranty that’ll protect you if anything major goes wrong with your vehicle. Auto Express has teamed up with Warrantywise, one of the UK’s leading warranty providers, to reveal what you could face should you pick one of the top-selling used models on the market. We’ve crunched the numbers to find out what the most…

DID YOU KNOW? Swiftcover and One Call are among four new entries in the Driver Power 2016 insurers’ chart. Marks and Spencer (Page 75) is the highest-ranking newcomer. Joe_Finnerty@dennis.co.uk @AE_Consumer How much is your premium? If you asked for a discount, how much did you negotiate? How long did it take to settle a claim? IF you own and drive a vehicle, you need motor insurance; it really is that simple. Yet even though many of us spend hours researching the very best model to suit our needs, few put the same time into finding the right cover. And while price is everything for many people, if you need to make a claim you may end up regretting not taking out cover with a company that charges slightly higher premiums…

MODEL TESTED: Infiniti QX30 2.2d (170) Premium Tech AWD auto PRICE: £33,370 ENGINE: 2.2-litre 4cyl turbodiesel, 168bhp Testers’ notes “There are only two trims available on the QX30, and both of them are very well equipped. Our Premium Tech costs £3,880 more than the Premium model, and features Nappa leather, electric front seats, a reversing camera, full LED adaptive headlights and keyless entry. The Premium version isn’t short on equipment, though – both cars get multimedia sat-nav, dual-zone climate and a raft of safety kit.” James Disdale Road test editor Testers’ notes “The QX30 is closely related to the Q30 hatch, and in the US the QX30 name is used for both ranges. That’s because Infiniti’s X-badged SUVs have gained a reputation in the States that boosts this car’s appeal.”…

Results 1st BMW IN the final reckoning, the X1 scores a clear victory. In many ways it has the premium crossover formula licked, thanks to its SUV-style practicality, agile handling and small hatch economy. You’ll have to decide if you really need four-wheel drive or you can pocket the savings by going for the front-drive model, but either way it’s the king of the premium crossover class. 2nd INFINITI THE QX30 is a goodlooking car, but it really should be considered more of a crossover hatch than a bona fide crossover. Smaller dimensions than the X1’s mean it isn’t as practical, while the fact there’s only the one engine and driveline also limits its appeal. Still, the lower list price, longer list of standard kit and more appealing cabin design…

MODEL TESTED: Mitsubishi L200 Barbarian Double Cab Auto PRICE: £30,238 ENGINE: 2.4-litre 4cyl turbodiesel, 178bhp Testers’ notes “With smarter styling and extra interior comfort, pick-ups are crossing over into the lifestyle sector where buyers want decent design and enough versatility to load items like mountain bikes. As a result, the L200 and Hilux offer roof-mounted bike racks, as well as ski and snowboard holders, while roof boxes and different tow bar options are also available. There are features such as tablet holders for rear seat passengers, too.” James Disdale Road test editor. FRESH from claiming our Best Pick-up crown for the second year in a row (Issue 1,429), the Mitsubishi L200 is facing another stern test from the new Hilux. To match the Toyota’s strong spec, here we’ve tested the…

Got a query? products@autoexpress.co.uk @AE_Consumer Q Give me a hand to clean up I’VE just got my first car and have started doing a few basic maintenance jobs to keep costs down. My biggest problem seems to be getting my hands clean when I’m finished. Any ideas? Paul Lincoln, E-mail A YOU could try wearing gloves. We’ve had good results with nitrile versions which seem to last longer than latex, at the expense of a little feel. If you can’t get on with gloves, our favourite hand cleaner is Bilt Hamber’s heavy duty citrus (above). It’s £16.95 for a five-litre pack. Q Spanish sat-nav directions MY mother is from Spain and her English is still improving. I’m looking to get her a sat-nav to help her drive in the UK,…

Bluebird CN7 Donald Stevens, (Veloce Publishing, veloce.co.uk) Price: £30 (paperback) Rating: ★★★★ ALTHOUGH heavy on the technical detail, this book offers a really interesting insight into one of the most recognisable Land Speed Record cars ever built. With contributions from original engineers of the sixties Bluebird CN7 project, as well as the current record-holder Andy Green, it’s a great read about one of the wildest forms of motorsport out there. Wide-Open Muscle Randy Leffingwell (Motorbooks, motor-books.co.uk) Price: £35 (hardback) Rating: ★★★ US-based publisher Motorbooks produces many great books on muscle cars, and the latest concentrates on only the convertibles. It details cars from Ford, GM and Chrysler from 1963-71. Yet while it’s as beautifully printed and photographed as any of the company’s past titles, it’s a little too specific for…

“Louise Ellman is Chair of the House of Commons Transport Select Committee and the greatest ally car drivers have” SEVERAL of our leading politicians disgraced their sorry selves in recent weeks. Lies and lethargy are in; loyalty and leading by example are out. But let’s be positive and focus on one political heavyweight who’s consistently demonstrated that she cares about motorists – while not favouring the lazy Department for Transport (DfT) and greedy or dishonest corporate giants. She’s an unlikely figure is Louise Ellman, 70, Chair of the House of Commons Transport Select Committee and the greatest ally car drivers have at Westminster. Here’s a lady who has torn into and helped change the deeply flawed car insurance industry. She knows and understands residual values and vehicle depreciation (THE most…

Jonathan_Burn@dennis.co.uk @Jonathan_burn Mercedes’ 2017 plans laid bare THE next A-Class may be two years away, but a leaked document that surfaced online last week has outlined Mercedes’ product plan for 2017. First to arrive will be an all-new E-Class Coupé that will join the saloon and Estate in a revamped exec line-up. It will be swiftly followed by an All Terrain version of the Estate, rivalling Audi’s A6 Allroad. Towards the end of the year, a drop-top version of the E-Class will also land, taking the model range up to five. An updated S-Class will launch, likely to offer tweaks inside and out, and more autonomous tech. A facelifted GLA will arrive, too, alongside a new GLA Coupé. Mysteriously, Mercedes outlines plans for a GT C roadster and a GT…

Richard_Ingram@dennis.co.uk @rsp_ingram “It’s likely Tesla’s first pick-up will rival Mercedes’ new X-Class, but without conventional petrol or diesel power” Elon Musk’s‘masterplan’ set out Smaller SUV, plus trucks and buses to come, alongside new pick-up, boss says A NEW EV pick-up and more autonomous tech are only part of Elon Musk’s ‘Master Plan, Part Deux’ for Tesla. It comes 10 years after the first Master Plan, which the company founder and CEO says is now “in the final stages of completion”. Key to the plan is a broader model range to cover all “major forms of terrestrial transport”. That means a smaller SUV to sit below the Model X, as well as lorries and driverless buses – the latter two being unveiled next year. Plans are also afoot for a solar-roof-with-battery…

AFTER several weeks of political uncertainty and dramatic party reshuffling, the UK has a new Prime Minister and, with it, a firm commitment to making Brexit work. Since taking over from David Cameron at No 10, Theresa May has wasted little time in proclaiming “Brexit means Brexit”, and created a fresh Government department to deal exclusively with our EU departure. While debates over immigration and the single market may dominate headlines, motoring and travel concerns shouldn’t be ignored. The European Transport Safety Council (ETSC) pointed to four key areas where EU legislation currently applies to the UK in vehicle safety, with all needing careful thought by the new department. These include vehicle standards for new cars, which cover requirements such as seatbelts, electronic stability control and crash protection standards. They…

Contact Martin Saarinen mail@autoexpress.co.yk @AutoExpress Write to: Watchdog/Letters, Auto Express, Dennis Publishing, 30 Cleveland Street, London W1T 4JD HOT TOPIC Citroen C3 revealed FROM: Nicko612 I LIKE the look of the C3. It certainly offers something different to the more ‘grown-up’ superminis currently on sale. I really wish Citroen would keep things more simple on the inside, though, and fit separate, easy-tooperate climate control dials. FROM: Paul Robinson WHEN the Cactus was first announced, I loved the look of it, but within a few months it looked a bit dated, which probably explains why I haven’t seen many around. I fear the same will happen with the C3 – it will age quicker than people expect. Join the debate at www.autoexpress.co.uk ■ “Citroen’s designs are still too busy for me,…

ULTIMATE GUIDE TO BUYING A CAR BEST CARS DID YOU KNOW? Tesla’s winning score with the Model S was a new record in our Driver Power survey. It was an impressive four per cent higher than our winner 12 months ago. Martin_Saarinen@dennis.co.uk @AE_Consumer “2016 saw a changing of the guard; the first time an electric car was crowned the winner” EXECUTIVE CAR WINNER TESLA MODEL S WHY IT WON If a £60,000 price tag from a new name doesn’t put you off, then the Tesla Model S is the executive car for you. It has received outstanding ratings all round, finishing first in a staggering seven categories. The Tesla is best known for its in-car tech, and has a tablet-sized touchscreen for its main interface, plus multiple autonomous driving modes.…

DID YOU KNOW? This year, 42 per cent of respondents to our Driver Power survey had cause to complain to their dealer about their car or customer service. @AE_Consumer IF our Driver Power model rankings show one thing, it’s that the gap between the toprated cars is tighter than ever, and that makes it extremely hard for buyers to decide which way to go. This is where a strong dealer network, promising great customer service, can tip the balance in one brand’s favour. So, to help guide you we’ve compiled a rundown of each manufacturer in the UK with the assistance of the 50,000 readers who completed the survey. We’ve ranked the best and worst garages, highlighting what you can expect should you visit a dealer. As was the case…

DID YOU KNOW? Overall satisfaction with breakdown providers is down. Our top operator in 2015 scored 91.20 per cent; 2016’s number one hasn’t broken 90 per cent. @AE_Consumer OWNING a car can be an expensive business, as running costs and insurance premiums soon add up. Yet many of us choose to spend that little bit extra and opt for breakdown cover, knowing that if we get stuck at the side of the road, help will only be a phone call away. But which provider should you invest your money in, and is one type of cover that much different from the next? The results of our Driver Power 2016 survey will help you answer these questions, so you can find the perfect breakdown operator. This year we’ve ranked the top…

MODEL TESTED: BMW X1 xDrive20d Sport auto PRICE: £32,890 ENGINE: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbodiesel, 190bhp Testers’ notes “The previous X1 was bit of a disappointment, particularly the ‘semi-command’ driving position that left you sitting no higher than in a 3 Series Touring. It also looked awkward and felt low-rent inside, with more cheap plastics than you’d expect from the brand. BMW has nailed it with the latest version, which feels just like an X model should. In fact, unless you need the space it’s probably a better bet than the more expensive X3.” James Disdale Road test editor Testers’ notes “Go for an sDrive18d model and you get a more efficient front-wheel-drive set-up. The Sport version has CO2 emissions of 109g/km, which is 15g/km less than the four-wheel-drive xDrive18d model emits.”…

Results 1st MITSUBISHI THANKS to its broader breadth of ability, the L200 takes class honours yet again. It’s slightly down on the Hilux in terms of practicality, but this is easy to accept thanks to the level of standard kit on offer, lower running costs, superior performance and comfort on the road. Like the Hilux, we’d recommend saving even more money by going for the manual model. 2nd TOYOTA BIG improvements where it counts mean the Hilux is more competitive than ever, being able to carry and pull more weight than its predecessor. But it’s pricey and doesn’t feature as much equipment as the L200, plus it’s not as efficient and can’t match the Mitsubishi’s road manners. While it looks good, the deciding factor is that the Toyota will simply…

FIRST TEST Lego Technic Porsche 911 GT3 RS Price: £249.99 Contact: 0800 5436 111, www.shop.lego.com Rating: WHEN we first showed off the new Lego Technic Porsche 911 GT3 RS back in Issue 1,423, many members of the Auto Express team couldn’t wait to get their hands on it. After two of our finest minds finally built it, the finished product was just as stunning as it looked in the pictures. Outwardly, the Porsche isn’t all that impressive. While it’s unmistakably a Porsche 911, the limitations of the Lego pieces mean it’s somewhat stylised, with massive panel gaps and some questionable trim pieces. However, it’s what’s underneath that counts, and the teams at Lego Technic have managed to recreate a working PDK dualclutch gearbox in the bowels of the car. Such…

PRODUCT GROUP TEST 27 | 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. THERE’S a little bit of magic about clay bars; unlike other cleaners, they remove grime you cannot see. Even the most thorough of washes will leave behind invisible contaminants in the paint that you can only feel. These will adversely affect the bond a wax can form with the paintwork, as well as reduce the shine once it’s applied. A clay bar will remove these particles – usually brake dust, tree sap and metal filings – that collect primarily on horizontal panels, leaving the ideal surface for a wax or sealant. The products were once…

Got any car queries? Martin_Saarinen@dennis.co.uk @AE_Consumer Q Concerned with Skoda ride I RECENTLY test-drove a Skoda Octavia vRS, and while the car was good, I found the ride harsh. Is there any way of making it softer? Would fitting a different set of tyres help? Eddie Doody, E-mail A THE vRS can feel a little stiff due to its sport set-up. Some cars come with 19-inch wheels, so check if the version you tried had these, and ask to have a go in an example with a smaller set; this should help. Changing the tyres is a possibility, but you’ll get better results by opting for smaller wheels instead. Q Clutch is heavy in Hyundai HAVING just purchased a 2008 Hyundai i30, I’m struggling with the clutch being heavy, and…

Dear Lawrence, I’m looking to replace my current car with a small SUV suitable for urban life. I have £12,000 to spend. What do you recommend? Jane Howarth, E-mail Contact: Lawrence_Allan@dennis.co.uk CARS THE ECCENTRIC CHOICE Nissan Juke FOR: Distinctive styling, plenty of tech AGAINST: Relatively small boot, expensive RELEASED in 2011, the five-door, two-wheel-drive Juke has a style unrivalled by any other car in its class, even if it’s not to all tastes. The 1.6-litre Tekna petrol model offers 115bhp and claims 47mpg. The light steering makes driving around town a breeze, but due to the tall, SUV-like stance, the Juke does suffer some body roll through corners. Our classifieds search revealed a 2013 example with 28,497 miles on the clock for £10,000. INTERIOR WHILE it trails on space, the…

New Mégane vs Leon and Astra Renault’s stylish new family hatch takes on competitors from SEAT and Vauxhall New Ferrari 488 Spider blasts off Turbo V8 660bhp beauty storms into Britain – and we get behind wheel to deliver verdict So you want to be a car designer? We talk to the experts to find out what it takes to make it as a top-level auto stylist ● News ● Product tests Drives ● Features & Sport on sale Wednesday 3 August Contents are subject to change…

Competition Edition takes M5 out in style BMW has announced a run-out Competition Edition of the M5. The super-saloon (above) sees power and torque boosted by 40bhp and 20Nm, to 592bhp and 700Nm respectively. There’s a bespoke M-Performance bodykit, black wheels and embroidered leather upholstery. The chassis has also been tweaked for sharper handling, while the new car benefits from a big upgrade in standard kit. Only 200 of the special M5s will be produced worldwide, priced from around £101,000 each. Six-fold increase in market for used EVs THE growing popularity of electric vehicles has seen a massive rise in the availability of affordable, secondhand versions in the UK over the past two years, according to AA Cars. The used market for EVs has grown six-fold in the past two…

Martin_Saarinen@dennis.co.uk @AE_Consumer BOOK A TEST DRIVE As Mahindra has no dealers, it lets buyers book test drives online. Then its consultants call to confirm details and answer queries BUYING A CAR After entering a few contact details and just clicking a button, customers can purchase their car direct from the website any time, day or night GET YOUR CAR SERVICED To make life even easier, services and repairs can be organised online, too, using a list of certified Mahindra mechanics WHETHER we like it or not, the world is going digital. The way we work, shop and socialise has changed drastically over the last decade, with everything available at the simple click of a button. The automotive sector is no different; modern cars are crammed with connected tech, and apps…

MODEL TESTED: Mercedes GLA 220d Sport Premium 4MATIC PRICE: £33,855 ENGINE: 2.2-litre 4cyl turbodiesel, 177bhp Testers’ notes “You can pick up a GLA 220d auto for £349 per month with a deposit of £3,832. This is for the higher-spec AMG Line version, so with the dealer throwing in an extra £1,649 up front, this Sport Premium model will likely be no more expensive over the 48-month contract. PCP finance deals make cars such as these accessible, but watch out for the 10,000-mile yearly limit here, as well as the £15,800 balloon payment.” James Disdale Road test editor On road SPORT-spec Mercedes has large alloy wheels, but unfortunately its handling doesn’t live up to badge. Steering is vague and the body rolls too much LIKE the QX30, the GLA is a…

MODEL TESTED: Toyota Hilux Double Cab Invincible Auto PRICE: £31,350 ENGINE: 2.4-litre 4cyl turbodiesel, 148bhp Testers’ notes “There are lots of options to kit out the Toyota’s load bed to suit your needs. These include a truckman hard top (£1,732), an aluminium roll cover (£1,410), protective liners, plus hard and soft tonneau covers at £980 and £705 respectively. You can also add storage options to stop things rattling around on the move. If you want to team this with extra style, the £680 chrome roll bars provide a solid look and another securing point.” James Disdale Road test editor Testers’ notes “New Hilux deliveries are just beginning, but if ultimate pulling potential is what you’re after, we’d suggest waiting until Toyota ups towing capacity to 3,500kg towards the end of…

Stephen_Errity@dennis.co.uk “Spa race’s 65-car grid boasts many potential winners” AUDI, Mercedes, BMW, McLaren, Bentley, Lamborghini, Nissan and Ferrari will go head to head for 24 hours at the Spa-Francorchamps Grand Prix circuit in Belgium this weekend in the biggest GT3 endurance race of the year. Forming part of the Blancpain GT Series, the Spa 24 Hours this year boasts a 65-car grid, featuring a host of potential winners. After rounds in Monza (Italy), Silverstone, (UK) and Paul Ricard (France), McLaren trio Rob Bell, Shane van Gisbergen and Come Ledogar lead the standings on 66 points and will be among the favourites for the win. Their nearest challengers are the HTP Mercedes crew of Jazeman Jafaar, Dominik Baumann and the 2013 Spa 24 winner Maximilian Buhk, driving an AMG GT. Audi…