Innholdsfortegnelse for 1436 i Auto Express

Visit autoexpress.co.uk for all the latest new cars news HERE’S a prediction for you: diesel engines will completely disappear from the line-ups of some major car makers in the next five years. Actually, it’s not me making that prediction – I met with the boss of one big car company this week who told me he thought that he wouldn’t have any diesel models in his brand’s range by 2021. A bold statement given that around half of the models his company is currently selling are diesel powered. Much has been written recently about the potential demise of diesel due to concerns over the local pollutants they emit compared with petrol engines. The car industry has been lobbying hard, especially encouraging politicians not to demonise diesel amid threats of punitive…

MERC-MAYBACH VISION 6 THE Mercedes-Maybach Vision 6 is a 2+2 coupé with an allelectric powertrain. It will set its sights on the Rolls-Royce Wraith when it arrives in production form in 2017. With its huge 24-inch wheels, long bonnet and rounded tail, it’s a dramatic and futuristic-looking concept. Its length only adds to the drama: as the name suggests, it’s nearly six metres long. This theme continues inside with a minimalist feel; the strange seats, swooping dash and windscreen that doubles as a display all help give a unique look. Naturally, performance is impressive: the Vision 6 uses an all-electric powertrain with 740bhp and a 200-mile range. It’ll go from 0-62mph in less than four seconds and up to a limited 155mph. Autonomous driving is included, too, and fast charging…

Essentials Kia Niro 2 Price: £22,795 Engine: 1.6-litre 4cyl/electric motor Power/torque: 141bhp (combined)/265Nm Transmission: Six-speed dual-clutch auto, front-wheel drive 0-62mph: 11.1 seconds Top speed: 101mph Economy: 74.3mpg CO2: 88g/km ON SALE Now HYBRID technology has been around for decades, so there’s no denying that Kia has arrived a little late to the party with its Niro. Yet the petrol-electric model is aiming to stand out from the crowd with a blend of affordability and ease of use. Unlike models such as the Toyota Prius, the Niro isn’t attempting to emphasise its eco-friendly credentials with bold styling and a futuristic interior. Instead, Kia has taken a more low-key approach, and delivered a traditional crossover hatchback model that just so happens to have hybrid underpinnings. We’re already impressed by the flagship 3…

“Several marketing campaigns launched, but the Papa & Nicole ads worked really well this side of the Channel” “With so much riding on the Clio, it fell on Plantegenest to deliver the goods – in Europe and further afield” THE Renault Clio is an icon. But when the supermini was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in 1990, it had some very big shoes to fill; after all, this was the successor to the legendary Renault 5 (affectionately known as the supercinq in Mk2 guise). However, the Clio went on to become a sales hit in the UK, following a memorable series of expertly executed ‘Papa & Nicole’ TV adverts only one year later. The man responsible for the Clio’s initial triumph was product manager Thierry Plantegenest. He works at…

Clio I: Baccara – first small car with remote audio controls SOME in-car innovations don’t have to be exciting or radical – the smallest things we take for granted today can have a big impact when they appear. And the luxurious Mk1 Clio Baccara debuted a feature that had never before been seen on a small car: audio controls mounted on a steering wheel stalk. It doesn’t sound like much, and the stalk – hidden behind the wheel spoke in our picture – was huge by modern standards. But it was a revolution back then, allowing drivers in the class to change the volume and station setting without taking their hand off the wheel. Now, of course, virtually every new car sold has such a feature as standard, and perhaps…

“The Clio created big-car refinement in a tiny package; a big little car, as it was coined back then” THE original Renault Clio landed at the Paris Motor Show in 1990. The name, taken from the Greek “to make famous”, hinted at the brand’s intentions for its new supermini. The Clio had to trump the success of the Renault 5 by creating big-car refinement in a tiny package; a big little car, as it was coined back then. It went on to be crowned European Car of the Year in 1991. In France, it offered previously unseen amounts of kit, with six engines, two bodystyles and three trim levels, and later spawned sporty S, RSi and Williams versions. Renault replaced the square original with the curvier Clio II in 1998.…

“This is considered one of the classic hot hatches, mixing strong performance with a great chassis” Clio Williams Year: 1993 Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl, 148bhp 0-60mph: 7.8 seconds Top speed: 133mph Price (new): £13,275 THE story of the hot Clio begins with a car that doesn’t bear the Renaultsport name at all: the Clio Williams. It was developed by RS following work on the Clio 16V, and references the Formula One team that used Renault power at the time. It featured a 148bhp 2.0-litre engine, which was plenty in 1993 as the car weighed only 990kg. A close-ratio box and wider track gave it much more focus than any other Mk1 Clio. Distinctive dark blue paint and gold alloys mark out the first of the hot Clios. Each car has a…

TO mark the Renault Clio’s 25th anniversary, we’re giving one lucky reader the chance to get behind the wheel for a whole six months. We’ve teamed up with Renault to offer up the latest Dynamique S model, with keyless entry, parking sensors and a media system. The car will be powered by the 1.5-litre dCi 90 diesel engine that claims 85mpg fuel economy and CO2 emissions of just 85g/km. Renault will provide third party, fire and theft insurance for the duration of the loan, plus a free tank of fuel so you can drive the car home from your dealer. For a chance to win the keys to the Clio for six months, simply complete our entry form online by 1 October 2016. TO ENTER GO TO: autoexpress.co.uk/winaclio See online…

ACCORDING to Jaguar, the new F-Type SVR is “the 200mph all-weather supercar”. That’s a bold claim for the most hardcore model in the F-Type range, and it opens it up to some strong competition – most notably from Porsche. For years, the German brand’s 911 Turbo has laid claim to the title of the supercar you can use in all conditions. But now, it seems, the iconic machine has some genuine competition from the SVR. Both are four-wheel drive, helping to put their prodigious power down on slippery roads to improve their usability, but neither is cheap. In coupé form, the F-Type SVR will set you back £110,000, while the Porsche is even pricier, at £127,630. It’s also down on power compared with the Jaguar, but the 911 has a…

Land Rover Disco Sport OUR Discovery Sport was in good company when chief reviewer James Disdale and his family headed to Jersey for their summer break. Here our family 4x4 came face-to-face with the Defender 110 TD5 that belongs to James’ father-in-law. The 10-seat British off-roader is normally first choice for transporting the extended family around the island on trips to the many beaches, but our Disco’s seven-seat layout meant the 110 spent most of its time in the garage. And it wasn’t just the versatile interior that made our Land Rover such a holiday hit. The raised driving position offered a clear view over walls and hedges on Jersey’s narrow roads, improving safety and allowing James to enjoy more of the scenery, plus the excellent refinement took the sting…

NEW PRODUCT Power Maxed car care range Price: From £4.99 Contact: www.powermaxed.com BRITISH Touring Car Championship team Power Maxed has been busy over the summer, not just racing but also developing its car care product range. Launched specifically for the warmer months is Summer Jacket Nano Shield (£12.99 for 500ml). Power Maxed says it’s the next level of nanotechnology, which is more reflective plus protects and enhances paintwork. You simply spray it on and wipe it off and, after the initial application, top up with a diluted solution once a month. It also makes up to 10 litres of post-wash rinse aid. More conventional protection is provided by Typhoon Carnauba Wax. This uses the top-grade T1 carnauba, plus hydrophobic beading elements, to create a highly water-repellent finish. Power Maxed says…

Martin_Saarinen@dennis.co.uk @AE_Consumer “DVLA figures identified one motorist in Liverpool and another in Basildon, Essex, who had 51 points each” THE number of drivers escaping a ban despite racking up 12 or more points on their licence has grown by a quarter in the past year, according to latest figures. Data obtained from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) by insurer esure shows there are now 8,600 motorists in Great Britain who have 12 or more penalty points on their licence but still remain behind the wheel. That’s up from 6,887 in 2015. Current law stipulates if a driver gets 12 points over a three-year period, they must attend court and face a minimum six-month driving ban. But magistrates are allowed to be lenient with motorists if the ban is…

RUST is a silent killer for many ageing cars, but when you’ve got a 2011 Hyundai i10 you don’t expect to face such chronic issues. We first covered David Gray’s case in Issue 1,425, when he told us he was “very shocked” by the condition of the bodywork on his five-year-old Hyundai i10, which had been stored at his father’s home by the Cornish coast. David, from Andover, Hants, had just bought the car from his dad, and noticed rust on all four doors, the hatch and around the foglamp. Hyundai had refused a warranty claim, but agreed to inspect the i10. It’s now finished that extensive work, and concluded the salty sea air was most likely to blame. A Hyundai spokeswoman told us: “Initial testing is inconclusive, but it…

“Select E-mode and you’ll glide along on electric power for as many as 31 miles at up to 81mph” Essentials Volkswagen Passat GTE Advance Price: £37,680 (incl Govt. grant) Engine: 1.4-litre 4cyl turbo petrol, plus electric motor Power: 215bhp Transmission: Six-speed auto, front-wheel drive 0-62/top spd: 7.6 secs/140mph Economy: 166mpg CO2: 39g/km ON SALE Now THE diesel engine isn’t dead yet, but Volkswagen isn’t taking any chances. The manufacturer has begun its rapid expansion into alternative forms of propulsion – and the Passat GTE is the newest addition to the electrified fleet. While it’s some way from the long-range pure EVs that VW has in the works, the Passat GTE, as with its smaller Golf GTE cousin, offers a halfway house between a full EV and a conventional combustion engine…

Richard_Ingram@dennis.co.uk @rsp_ingram Essentials Ford Ranger Double Cab 4x4 Limited 2 3.2 TDCi Price: £31,834 (inc VAT) Engine: 3.2-litre 5cyl diesel Power/torque: 197bhp/470Nm Transmission: Six-speed auto, four-wheel drive 0-62mph: 10.6 seconds Top speed: 109mph Economy: 31.7mpg CO2: 234g/km ON SALE Now IN just over 12 months, the European market has seen no fewer than six new or updated pick-up trucks arrive. There’s been a fresh Mitsubishi L200, and revised versions of the Nissan Navara and Toyota Hilux, while even Fiat has had a crack of the whip with its double-cab Fullback. However, while those new models have been rebuilt from the ground up, Ford’s dependable Ranger has had to make do with a mid-life facelift. The changes for 2016 include a new front end, updated cabin and tweaks under the skin…

“The facelifted fourth generation has the pressure of carrying the Clio into its 25th year of production” PEOPLE have always had a soft spot for the Clio; even the Brits have a hidden love for French cars – although they may not say it out loud,” laughs Renault design director Laurens van den Acker as he shows us round the latest Clio. He certainly has a point. Since 1991, UK buyers have snapped up more than 1.2 million Clios. In fact, globally the model is the best-selling French car ever. And this new version, the facelifted fourth generation, has the pressure of carrying the Clio into its 25th year of production. Van den Acker arrived from Mazda to head up Renault’s design department in 2009. He openly admits he was…

RENAULT has been one of the most dynamic brands in international motorsport over the past 30 years – helping to introduce turbocharging into Formula One as long ago as 1977, and winning back-to-back British Rally Championships with the Mégane in 1998 and 1999. But for sheer weight of numbers, it’s impossible to beat the motorsport versions of the Clio, which have graced countless rally stages and influenced the early careers of plenty of big-name racing drivers since the car was introduced in 1991. Renault Clio Cup THERE have been plenty of single-make racing championships over the years, each promising unrivalled promotion and close racing. But none has stood the test of time like the Renault Clio Cup. Introduced in 1991 as a successor to the long-standing series for the 5…

THE wraps were pulled from the original Renault Clio at the Paris Motor Show in autumn 1990, and it went on sale in France later that same year. But it wasn’t until the following spring that we got our hands on the car in the UK. It was well worth the wait, as the Clio improved on the legendary Renault 5 it replaced in near enough every area. Way back in Auto Express Issue 121, we praised the Clio I for being “comfortable, refined and responsive”, heralding it as a car that “loves to be driven”. It’s easy to see why it was awarded the coveted European Car of the Year title in 1991, ahead of the Nissan Primera and Vauxhall Calibra. But the most amazing thing is how modern…

“With £800 covering the price of these crossovers, which is the best buy?” A PETROL-powered crossover won’t be the most obvious choice if you’re after a practical SUV, but for buyers who don’t do many miles, this group of downsized, family-friendly vehicles could be a more cost-effective way of getting into an attractive 4x4. Generally, a petrol crossover is tangibly cheaper than a diesel version – although our lead car here doesn’t actually have a diesel equivalent. The MG GS is only available with a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol, but it does offer lots of kit for the money. The £20,995 top-spec Exclusive with dual-clutch transmission is facing some stiff competition, though. We’re fans of the Renault Kadjar, our former crossover champion, and although the TCe 130 model tested here is…

Stuart_Milne@dennis.co.uk Second opinion “The greatest improvements on this fifth-generation A4 have come inside. The interior design makes the Audi one of the slickest cars in its class, with beautiful build quality and high-grade materials. Tech like the Virtual Cockpit doesn’t come cheap, but it adds a special feel. Together with the Matrix LED headlights fitted to our car, it ensures the A4 is incredibly flexible and really easy to live with – exactly what a compact exec saloon should be.” James Disdale Chief reviewer Essentials Audi A4 Saloon 2.0 TFSI 190 S line S tronic On fleet since: June 2016 Price new: £32,080 Engine/torque: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo, 187bhp CO2/tax: 119g/km/£30 Options: Technology Pack (£1,450), Light and Vision Pack (£975), adaptive suspension (£600), privacy glass and front acoustic glazing (£450), flat-bottom…

Mercedes C220 45.3mpg (on test) £74 fill-up 1 Mercedes C220 THE Mercedes is good to look at inside and out, plus it has powerful, efficient engines. It’s practical enough and, although it’s pricier to buy used than the A4, it’s a significantly newer car. 2 Audi A4 Ultra WELL built with an efficient range of engines, this outgoing A4 is a good used buy. You’ll have to cope with a slightly dated cabin, but it’s comfortable and practical, and older models are great value. Mercedes C220 BlueTEC Sport Years: 2014 to date Engine: 2.1-litre 4cyl, 168bhp Ins grp: 31 Official econ/CO2: 65.7mpg/110g/km Why? Latest C-Class has a smooth look inside and out, with plenty of power on offer from the diesel. Prices from: £17,000 Audi A4 2.0 TDI Ultra SE…

“While a seven-seat Tiguan is VW’s priority, a coupé-style version is also on the cards” WE knew Volkswagen was up to something, but this is our first physical confirmation that a larger Tiguan XL is on the way. Previously caught testing under the disguise of a Passat body, the extendedwheelbase SUV can be seen without its camouflage in these new spy shots. The images show an extension of the wheelbase and rear overhang, which is expected to accommodate an extra row of seats for occasional use – turning the Nissan Qashqai rival into a competitor for the likes of the Land Rover Discovery Sport. The car was shot on European roads – hinting that, despite initial speculation, China might not be the only market where a bigger Tiguan is sold.…

THE eagerly anticipated All-New Renault Mégane has finally arrived, and promises to set a new benchmark in the C-segment. It’s packed with luxury and innovation, and aims to take driving pleasure to a new level for the Renault range. Stunning design With its low, sporty stance and distinctive lighting signatures, the All-New Mégane’s exterior achieves a fine balance of dynamic flair and seductive design. This continues inside, where the beautifully crafted interior showcases the very best of Renault. The company has really paid attention to detail on the inside and out to achieve this sleek design. Technology and innovation Building on its sharp looks, the new model comes equipped with a raft of premium tech and driving aids – including the innovative 4CONTROL fourwheel-steering system on the All-New Mégane GT.…

“He noticed small bubbles on the bumper when he first cleaned the car, but this soon deteriorated” INDEPENDENT inspections by approved automotive assessors can be a great way to win your dispute with a car manufacturer. If a report finds in your favour, it will go a long way to sorting out your problem. That’s why Alan Dobedoe, who lives in Ammanford, Carmarthenshire, was left frustrated when an inspection by an approved bodyshop recommended by Vauxhall failed to have the desired effect when getting his Astra GTC repaired. Alan had bought the 2014 exdemonstrator when it was only six months old. He spotted small bubbles on the plastic bumper when he first cleaned the car, but this soon deteriorated. “I didn’t take much notice at first,” Alan told Auto Express.…

Lawrence_Allan@dennis.co.uk @LobAllan “Grand C4 Picasso’s ace card has always been its styling, so little has been changed for updated car” Essentials Citroen Grand C4 Picasso Flair BlueHDi 120 EAT6 Price: £28,160 Engine: 1.6 litre 4cyl diesel Power/torque: 118bhp/300Nm Transmission: Six-speed automatic, front-wheel drive 0-62mph: 11.2 seconds Top speed: 117mph Economy: 68.9mpg CO2: 105g/km ON SALE Now THE Citroen Grand C4 Picasso has been our favourite MPV for three years now, and its appeal hasn’t diminished. You’d forgive the manufacturer for not wanting to alter too much for the model’s mid-life facelift, then – but times are changing, because the people carrier market isn’t far from dying on its feet. Large, rugged-looking SUVs are the order of the day now, with buyers snapping them up at the expense of traditional, less…

Essentials Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport S Price: £33,995 Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo Power/torque: 306bhp/380Nm Transmission: Six-speed manual, front-wheel drive 0-62mph: 5.8 seconds Top speed: 165mph Economy/CO2: 38.1mpg/172g/km ON SALE Sold out VOLKSWAGEN is celebrating 40 years of its GTI, and as a present to itself it’s come up with this: the Golf GTI Clubsport S. As the name suggests, it’s an even more hardcore version of the GTI Clubsport we tested in Issue 1,430. In fact, it’s the quickest-ever roadgoing GTI, and the fastest front-wheeldrive hatch around the Nürburgring circuit. This means it works wonderfully on bumpy UK roads. With standard adaptive dampers, the ride is eerily good. A brilliant Nürburgring mode keeps the dampers supple but the engine and chassis sharp. Ramp things up to Race, though, and the…

Renault Clio Iconic 25 Nav DATE: 2015 THIS is the newest special edition, built to celebrate a quarter of a century of Clios in the UK. The Iconic 25 Nav is all about creating a classy ambience; it’s based on the top-spec Dynamique S but has a host of upgrades to help set it apart, including 17-inch alloys, tinted rear glass and striking mirror and roof graphics. Inside, you’ll find heated seats, plus a leather armrest and handbrake cover. It’s offered with the TCe 90 petrol or dCi 90 diesel engine, in both manual and automatic form. Renault Clio Baccara DATE: 1991 ALTHOUGH not strictly a special edition, the plush Clio Baccara was sold only in small numbers due to its high price (which was not far shy of the…

IN its 25 years on sale, the Renault Clio has amassed a huge number of fans, whether they love the early models that served as first cars or the racier, more grown-up Renaultsport versions. Either way, the supermini holds a very special place in many people’s hearts, and Auto Express has caught up with some of those who’ve enjoyed driving their Clios over the past 25 years. We quizzed them on what made the Renault so special and why they keep coming back for more. “Michael hasn’t exclusively owned Clios, but admits he keeps coming back to them” Michael Chambers Maldon, Essex RENAULTS have been a huge part of Michael Chambers’ life – he was even brought home from the hospital as a newborn in one! Since then, he’s progressed…

“Clio IV encapsulates everything that made previous models great while adding a modern slant and plenty of cutting-edge tech” WHILE Clio II production continued in various markets until 2012, the third-generation car was revealed back in 2005. Less than 12 months later, it was crowned European Car of the Year, making the Clio the first car to win the award twice. Renault changed the formula again with the Clio III, replacing the bubbly shape of the Mk2 with a boxier and more chiselled design. Our facelifted car arrived in 2009 with revised headlights and bumpers, as well as a betterquality interior and all-new GT specification as seen here. Priorities for the new model revolved around safety; it was the first model in its class to achieve a five-star Euro NCAP…

“It’s a Renault Clio-sized fivedoor supermini, but with a radical aerodynamic shape” RENAULT grabbed headlines around the world when it peeled the covers from its EOLAB concept at 2014’s Paris Motor Show. This supermini-sized stunner mixed breathtaking looks with the promise of 282mpg economy from its cuttingedge hybrid drivetrain. We see what it means for the Clio of the future. Powertrain THE EOLAB features a hybrid drivetrain comprising a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine from the Twingo, which develops 74bhp, and a small electric motor generating 67bhp and 200Nm of torque. This is powered by a 6.7kWh battery. A dual-clutch or CVT automatic gearbox would be too heavy, so Renault has used a three-speed clutchless box to suit city driving. The car is front-wheel drive only, covers 0-62mph in nine seconds…

Second opinion “What surprises me most about the Clubman is its comfort. The ride is supple, there’s little wind noise and the engine is quiet. It’s as capable as a compact exec on the motorway.” Sean Carson Senior staff writer “No matter which MINI you choose, all the firm’s cars have been developed to entertain” 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 Media Pack (£1,310), front and rear parking sensors (£655), active cruise control (£810), through loading system (£200) Insurance*: Group: 18 Quote: £565 Mileage/mpg: 18,735/47.1mpg Any problems? None so far *Insurance quote from AA (0800 107 0680) for…

www.autoexpress.co.uk/driverpower OUR VIEW THE S60 hasn’t appeared in our Driver Power satisfaction survey since 2014 (it came 50th), but the similar V60 estate ranked 86th last year and 72nd in 2016. This year, owners said they love the seat comfort (second), build quality (13th) and tech (22nd), although 127th for reliability and 125th for handling aren’t great. YOUR VIEW KEITH Connors from Andover, Hants, owns an S60 2.0 D3. He told us: “I love the comfort and refinement, the value (I bought used) and all the safety tech. But I’ve had software issues, the ride is too hard and the fuel economy is far less than Volvo claims – although for such a big, well built saloon, it’s not bad at nearly 50mpg I suppose.” Interior INSIDE, the S60 feels…

All the action from the world of motorsport Stephen_Errity@dennis.co.uk “It’s a fight between Red Bull and Ferrari to be best of the rest” AFTER a month-long summer break, Formula One is back in action this weekend with one of the biggest fan favourites of the season – the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps. Lewis Hamilton’s strong run of form sees the Brit take a 19-point lead over Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg into the last nine races of the season. “There’s no rest really during the year,” Hamilton said last week. “But you’ve got to enjoy it as well. It’s my 31st year in my life but my ninth in F1. And I’m enjoying driving more than ever, so it’s important to enjoy it because it’s going quick.” Hamilton admits he’s…