Innholdsfortegnelse for 1445 i Auto Express

“The 01 is based on the Compact Model Architecture used by Volvo to underpin future models such as the XC40” Cool concept unveiled, too ALONGSIDE the 01 SUV, LYNK & CO also showed off this striking concept car, which gives a pointer to its future design language – specifically, how it would translate to a lower-bodied model such as a saloon. The swoopy four-door four-seater made a big impact with its scissor doors, hi-tech interior and smooth surfaces. But don’t expect to see the sporty model make production any time soon. Asked where the car would fall in LYNK & CO’s numerically ordered line-up, design boss Peter Horbury laughed and said: “Down at about number six. We have to concentrate on the bread-and-butter stuff first.” CHINESE giant Geely has shown…

Fisker’s Tesla rival wings in on Twitter FISKER Automotive’s founder Henrik Fisker has used Twitter to release the first image of the brand’s Tesla Model S rival. The picture (above) shows it has a radical ‘butterfly’ door layout, aimed at making access to the car easier. The newcomer will have a carbon fibre and aluminium structure, as well as a 400-mile range, with Fisker promising a roomier interior than “its closest competitor” (the Tesla). Government backs ‘dieselgate’ payouts VOLKSWAGEN bosses have been “summoned” back to meet with the Government to explain why UK customers affected by the diesel scandal have not been compensated. Responding to the Transport Select Committee’s findings on the emissions case, ministers at the Department for Transport said the lack of payouts was unacceptable. Ministers said they…

Behind the wheel of 533bhp R8 Spyder AUDI chose March’s New York Motor Show to reveal the R8 Spyder, but it’s only now that we’ve driven it. We sent special contributor Steve Sutcliffe to experience the new Audi drop-top, which for now only comes in non-Plus guise, with a 533bhp naturally aspirated 5.2-litre V10. Head to our YouTube channel to see if he thinks it’s the version of the R8 we should all be buying. Has teen race star got what it takes? WHAT were you doing when you were 14? You probably weren’t learning how to become a racing driver. Teenager Kiern Jewiss is viewed as motorsport’s next big thing, so we teamed up with Nissan to see if he can cut it. You’ll have read our report in…

“The wraparound one-piece glass windscreen looks as if it’s been elegantly draped around the driver” IT’S not every day you get theIT’S not every day you get the invitation to drive a brand new Aston Martin with over 1,000bhp in Monaco. However, we’re not talking about a new Aston supercar hitting the streets made famous by the grand prix; instead the invitation was to drive, or rather pilot, the new Aston Martin boat in the principality’s glamorous harbour. We enjoyed a marvellous Monday motoring around Monaco in a £1million-plus powerboat and mixing it with the champagne-swilling locals. Of course, cynics will look at the glorious pictures and dismiss this as yet another example of a motor manufacturer slapping its badge, heritage and brand values on something other than a car…

Testers’ notes “An aluminium bonnet and boot, as well as lightweight suspension components, have helped Hyundai save around 25kg over conventional items. When it comes to efficiency, every gram counts, so stripping mass out of a car boosts fuel economy and lowers CO2 emissions. However, the welcome benefit is that lighter cars also handle and perform better; while the Ioniq won’t set your pulse racing, the chassis is relatively capable.” James Disdale Chief reviewer Testers’ notes “Go for the optional 17-inch wheels like on our test car, and CO2 emissions rise significantly to 92g/km – almost as high as some regular diesel-powered eco cars. This is much worse than opting for the bigger wheels on the Prius.” Sean Carson Senior staff writer HYUNDAI is offering the Ioniq in three guises.…

DOWNSIZED petrol engines are all the rage these days, as they aim to deliver big-chested performance without the big bills. So it’s no surprise to find Renault has recently fitted a 1.2-litre turbo under the bonnet of its latest Mégane. When combined with the racy GT Line trim, this new unit promises fun and frugality in a practical and well equipped package. The 128bhp four-cylinder isn’t short of firepower, while racy additions inside and out give sporty kerb appeal. Yet it’s not the only family-friendly five-door that’s had a warm hatch makeover. In SRi guise, the Vauxhall Astra gets just enough design cues to stand out. And under the skin you’ll find Vauxhall’s latest 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo, which is very refined and punches well above its weight. Completing our welcoming…

Testers’ notes “Buyers wanting a downsized 308 with a little more visual aggression need look no further than the GT-Line version. Under the bonnet it features the same turbocharged 1.2-litre that’s been tweaked to develop 128bhp and is paired with a six-speed gearbox. Externally, you get the GTi’s 18-inch alloys and twin-exit exhaust. However, CO2 emissions increase to 131g/km, while the price is pumped up to £22,380.” James Disdale Chief reviewer THE Peugeot 308 is often overlooked in the compact family hatchback class, but its blend of quality, refinement, practicality and performance means it merits serious consideration. Like its rivals, the car is available with a range of downsized petrol engines, and we test the 108bhp 1.2-litre unit in £20,808 Allure guise for the first time. Styling 3.8/5 VIEWED alongside…

Got a query? products@autoexpress.co.uk @AE_Consumer  Q Search for cheap floor mat I’M looking to protect my car’s carpets, which are showing signs of wear as the mat has worn through on the driver’s side. Although tailored aftermarket mats look great, I’ve been put off by the price. What’s the best alternative? Bill Carter, E-mail A RING has won our tests twice with its DuraShield 3000 rubber mats (ringautomotive.com). The mats (above) are durable and easy to clean, cost less than £20 and can be cut to fit your footwell. Use your existing mats as a template to find the right trim lines moulded into the new rubber. Q Will tyres get flat spots? IT’S time for me to take my recently purchased classic car off the road for the winter.…

“What we really wanted to emphasise with the design was the toughness. It’s a car to have an adventure in” NICOLAS GRIEBNER MINI “New Countryman is 200mm longer and 30mm wider than before, and now sits between Audi Q2 and Q3” THIS is the all-new MINI Countryman, the biggest model ever launched by the British brand. The second-generation car will arrive in the UK in February, with prices ranging from £22,465 to £28,430. Auto Express had the chance to see the Countryman up close with MINI UK’s head of product, Nicolas Griebner, who explained the changes to the big-selling model. “What we really wanted to emphasise with the new design was the ruggedness and toughness. It’s a car to have an adventure in,” he told us. Despite moving to a…

New Rolls upgrades add a touch of class ROLLS-Royce has announced a new ‘Spring/Summer 2017 Couture’ collection of bespoke upgrades for the Dawn. The ‘Inspired by Fashion’ model (above) is based on classic white paint, with three bright secondary interior colour choices of blue, red or Mandarin. Hand-painted coachlines, aluminium particles for the dash and a bespoke clock are just some of the design choices available to order on the luxury drop-top from next month. Campaign day cuts road death figures A DEDICATED day aimed at reducing road deaths across Europe saw a 39 per cent fall in fatalities. Project EDWARD (European Day Without A Road Death) took place on 21 September, with awareness campaigns and safety pledges made across the continent. In total there were 43 deaths across 31…

PCPS were originally designed for car buyers who put down small deposits. Monthly payments were kept lower than a typical HP agreement through an outstanding balance set aside until the end of the agreement. And these deals are now fuelling a booming UK new-car market, with the 66-plate taking new registrations in 2016 to over two million – only the second time it’s reached this milestone in September since 2004. The growth of PCP in the used sector is helping to support demand, too, as motorists get more comfortable with a ‘cost to use’ over a ‘cost to drive’ model. Despite the huge increase in PCPs, though, some questions remain as to its long-term sustainability. Can it keep its leading market position? Will these terms keep increasing as both retail…

“Dinky turbo has plenty of poke, even with a family on board” “Materials inside are of a high quality, and look and feel great. Design of the dash is simple” Verdict THE Citroen C4 Picasso Touch Edition looks like a great buy: a comfortable ride and plush interior remain even on this entry-level car, so it represents fantastic value for money. It’s also one of the most practical people carriers on the market, and the quirky looks and strong refinement only add further strings to its bow. While the 1.2-litre petrol engine doesn’t match the 1.6-litre diesel for economy, it’s still a top choice and works best for shorter trips. A RECENT facelift for the Citroen C4 Picasso only reinforced the fact that the French MPV is one of the…

Testers’ notes “The Prius features an EV button, whereas the Ioniq doesn’t, but there’s not much point in using it. Toyota admits this function is a hangover from the first hybrids, with the US market wanting an all-electric mode at the touch of a button. These hybrids boost efficiency by using electric power to support the petrol engine rather than replace it, so it’s best to let the software intelligently manage the switch between the two modes.” James Disdale Chief reviewer TOYOTA has found its form with the fourthgeneration Prius. The manufacturer has addressed many of the issues that afflicted the model’s predecessor, to the point where the Prius is now our favourite ‘green’ car. It’s seen off challenges from other eco models including the hybrid Kia Niro SUV and…

Testers’ notes “This GT Line model’s sporty looks are somewhat at odds with its laid-back driving experience. It highlights the fact that the Mégane is at its best in more luxurious Dynamique and Dynamique S trims, especially when fitted with the brand’s torquey 1.5-litre dCi diesel. This combination delivers comfort, performance and pennypinching running costs. It’s the pick of the line-up and one of the best compact hatches there is.” James Disdale Chief reviewer Testers’ notes “The Mégane’s Multisense ambient lighting system gives the cabin a classy feel. Strips of LEDs set into the door tops and centre console can be configured to show one of five colours, from neutral white to red.” Sean Carson Senior staff writer THIS all-new fourth-generation version of the Mégane has propelled Renault into classleading…

Dear Lawrence, I’m looking for a people carrier that can seat my three nearly teenage children in the back in comfort. What can I get for £6,000? Colin MacPherson, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warks Contact: Lawrence_Allan@dennis.co.uk Ford C-MAX FOR: Great to drive, strong engine range AGAINST: Not that versatile, fiddly dash FORD’S second-generation C-MAX was one of our favourite small MPVs when it launched, and its appeal hasn’t diminished. Based on the Focus underneath, it’s the most fun car to drive in its class, with an impressive balance of comfort and agility. Strong EcoBoost petrol or diesel engines plus decent kit make it a great buy, even if the interior isn’t the most flexible. We saw a 2011 1.6 TDCi Zetec with 68,000 miles for £5,995. THERE’S lots of kit even on Zetec…

“Brawn claimed arrival of current bosses Lauda, Wolff and Lowe forced him out of Mercedes F1 team” FORMER Mercedes-AMG Formula One team boss Ross Brawn has revealed that he left the outfit at the end of 2013 due to his “lack of trust” of the senior management. The 61-year-old Briton has claimed that the arrival at the squad of current bosses Niki Lauda, Toto Wolff and Paddy Lowe forced him out of the team that he had sold to Mercedes after securing the 2009 world championship as Brawn GP. “I was beginning to deal with people whom I didn’t feel I could ultimately trust,” he explained. “I never knew really what they were trying to do. Niki would tell me one thing, then I would hear he was saying something…

“We really concentrated on the technology and wanted to modify the car with small steps” Hot Ateca SUV spied AS the wraps were being pulled off the updated Leon, lurking outside the launch venue was a completely undisguised Ateca Cupra. It belonged to SEAT’s R&D boss Matthias Rabe – a strong sign that the racy SUV could be getting the green light for production very soon. The Cupra modifications aren’t tough to spot, thanks to its matt-black paint, big alloys and quad exhausts. There’s no tell-tale badging, but the huge Brembo brakes give us an idea of what’s going on under the skin. Power is likely to come from a 296bhp version of the 2.0-litre turbo engine in the Leon Cupra. The test mule featured a DSG automatic box, while…

“Despite switch from 5.5 to 4.0-litre V8, E 63 brings more power and performance” MERCEDES is aiming to set a new bar for supersaloon performance with the latest AMG-tuned version of its E-Class. The E 63 and E 63 S have been revealed ahead of a public debut at next month’s Los Angeles Motor Show, with a couple of very significant mechanical changes separating the BMW M5 and Audi RS6 rivals from their predecessors. They move from a 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8 to a smaller 4.0-litre unit, and now get 4MATIC four-wheel drive as standard across the line-up. Despite the loss of capacity, Mercedes-AMG’s latest motor (which made its debut in the AMG GT sports car) actually brings an increase in power and performance. The regular E 63 now produces 563bhp,…

LAST year, a driver made a claim against a council every 17 minutes, due to their car being damaged by a pothole. We all know the state of our roads is poor, but that figure is startling. This translates to 85 claims in a day, almost 600 in a week and just over 31,000 in a year. It’s a wonder councils have time to do anything other than deal with compensation requests. Perhaps the way they keep the paperwork moving is their penchant for rejecting claims, as just a quarter end up successful. That means some 23,000 motorists were left out of pocket over the last year because the council didn’t see fit to foot the bill for their pothole-damaged motors. Of course, some areas are better and more generous…

Contact Martin Saarinen HOT TOPIC Uninsured vehicles FROM: Mr T Bagg SURELY the money the police earn through uninsured car auctions (Issue 1,443) should find its way back to the insurers to help reduce premiums for honest drivers. But then we’d have to trust them to not siphon the money off to shareholder dividends. FROM: Nicko612 THE fine for driving uninsured is small compared to the price of an average premium. This incentivises some to drive illegally. To cut down on the practice, the penalties should be higher than the cost of an insurance premium, not lower. Join the debate at www.autoexpress.co.uk ■ “I’m concerned about a profit motive for police forces, since all of the money goes back to them.” Matthew Jensen ■ “With the cutbacks in spending, this…

Verdict THE Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 is an incredibly fast SUV, but it doesn’t sacrifice comfort or practicality compared with its diesel siblings. Some people may be put off by the economy and the price, but the 3.0-litre V6 petrol and four-wheel drive is a highly effective powertrain and great fit in the GLC. The looks are a bit bling, but the classy interior, refined driving experience and huge reserves of power give this new hot Mercedes SUV wide-ranging appeal. “Nine-speed auto is well matched to the V6; it can deliver smooth shifts or more aggressive changes” THE Mercedes GLC is a practical and comfortable family SUV, so the brand has decided to offer it in the UK with only diesel engines – plus this feisty petrol we test here. It’s…

Testers’ notes “Vauxhall’s turbocharged 1.0 litre is one of the best downsized units in the business. Its balancer shaft technology keeps it smoother than a three-cylinder unit is expected to be, yet when it’s extended, it delivers a characterful snarl that’s suited to the SRi model’s sporty image. And you shouldn’t be put off by the engine’s modest power and torque figures, as in the real world, it punches well above its weight.” James Disdale Chief reviewer Testers’ notes “The Astra’s sat-nav and OnStar service add plenty of showroom appeal, but there are some surprising omissions from the kit list. At this price we’d expect to see parking sensors and climate control as standard.” Sean Carson Senior staff writer THE latest Vauxhall Astra is one of the best compact family…

Got any car queries? Martin_Saarinen@dennis.co.uk @AE_Consumer Q Can I reject faulty Golf? I BOUGHT a used Volkswagen Golf from a garage two days ago. I’ve now found out the front offside shock absorbers are leaking heavily. I wasn’t told about this by the dealer. Do I have a case to reject the car? Hasan Ahmed, E-mail A YES, the 2015 Consumer Rights Act allows 30 days to reject goods that are of unsatisfactory quality, unfit for purpose or not as described, in return for a full refund. Explain this to your dealer. Alternatively, if you like the car, you can ask the garage to repair it for free. Q Celerio inspection needed MY wife’s nine-month-old Suzuki Celerio has done only 2,000 miles, but the bite point is very high. If…

“Congestion could cost the UK £307bn over the next decade, estimates say, so how about a ruralisation programme? ” THE congestion problem is big, and getting bigger. In 1960, 41 million folk lived in Britain’s urban areas. Today, 54m or more are considered urbanites. Most are adults with cars, using city road networks – that won’t be growing at the same rate. This over-crowding nightmare we’ve generated for ourselves will worsen. The rural/urban exodus is continuing. No wonder estimates say congestion could cost the UK £307bn over the next decade or so. The UK Government can at least encourage firms and individuals to vacate the traffic-choked conurbations that have reached breaking point. How about a Revolutionary Ruralisation Programme, starting with a transfer of its admin staff to Ruraldom? Big charities,…