Innholdsfortegnelse for 1405 i Auto Express

AUTO Express has long championed the cause of motorists, so it was pleasing to get the call to attend a session of the House of Commons Transport Select Committee last week to give my thoughts to MPs on how the car Type Approval system can be improved. (That’s me on the left in the picture above). An inquiry is ongoing into what can be done to deliver a more robust, meaningful process for car buyers in the wake of the VW emissions scandal. It proved to be an eye-opening afternoon – topics veered from potential legal action on VW to the rather startling assertion that car magazines might be partially to blame for inaccurate MPG and emissions figures, as we haven’t been proactive enough in pressing for change! When it…

“Plug-in 911 would still be performance-focused and the tech is likely to work with six-cylinder engines” PORSCHE’S newly turbocharged 911 will get an eco-friendly plug-in hybrid powertrain when the next-generation car is launched within the next four years. Speaking to Auto Express as the wraps came off the fastest-ever 911 Turbo at the Detroit Motor Show, 911 engineering boss Dr Erhard Mossle said: “We are, of course, working on different solutions and we’re also working on an all-electric car. “And of course, we are discussing plug-in solutions for the 911, but there are a lot of things to solve with packaging in the car and other things to solve. It will maybe be in the next generation, yes.” Mossle was quick to stress that the plug-in 911 would still be…

Big Buick SUV could hint at next Antara BUICK unveiled the Envision SUV (above) at the Detroit Motor Show. Built in China, it’s described as a “compact crossover” in the US, yet it’s closer in dimensions to what we know as a mid-size SUV. As Buick is owned by General Motors, this could be the next Vauxhall Antara SUV, but nothing’s been confirmed yet. The Envision has a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine and hits US dealers this year. Power upgrade for BMW’s M3 and M4 BMW has announced a new Competition Package for its M3 saloon and M4 Coupé and Convertible. It boosts the cars’ power from 425bhp to 444bhp, cutting the 0-62mph time by a tenth to four seconds flat, or 4.3 seconds for the drop-top. The upgrade also…

WHILE the E-Class saloon was getting its world premiere, Auto Express learned new details about the Estate version. Mercedes design chief Gorden Wagener told us the 2017 model – revealed in our spy shot (below) – would be sleeker and slightly less practical than the existing car. And when asked if it would retain the 1,855-litre load capacity, he replied “almost the same. A little less”. The new E-Class Estate’s steeply raked rear window is likely to affect boot space.…

FORD also plans to use carbon fibre, electric turbocharging and cylinder deactivation in its forthcoming EcoBoost petrol engines to boost efficiency. Bob Fascetti, Ford’s vice-president of powertrain development, revealed the brand aims to make its cars lighter – as it pushes out four new versions of its EcoBoost engine by 2020. The company had a new engine on show at Detroit that had been built using injection-moulded carbon fibre for the sump and oil pan. It’s 13kg and 15.5 per cent lighter than the equivalent three-cylinder engine found in the existing Fiesta and Focus. Ford is also looking at electric, variable-geometry turbos and cylinder deactivation to improve efficiency.…

IT’S not the first time we’ve seen it, but these new spy shots of the Aston Martin DB11 supercar show us more of one of 2016’s most eagerly anticipated cars. The front end retains the usual Aston grille, with a pointier nose and sharper lights. From side on, you can make out the long bonnet and jutting lip spoiler. The windscreen is more steeply raked than the DB9’s, and distinctive lines can be seen running down the wings. That pronounced shoulderline then leads round to a curvy rear with hints of Jaguar F-Type, and we can see an electric boot spoiler protruding upwards. Twin exhausts and a neat diffuser design complete the look. We can also see an air scoop behind the front wing. The engine is set to be…

“The drivers won’t be able to plead their case in full. It’s a potentially costly blunder” LATE last year, a landmark case was heard at the Supreme Court to decide whether parking fines were fair and proportionate. Chip shop owner Barry Beavis had claimed his £85 fine from a private parking firm in Chelmsford, Essex, was disproportionate to the amount actually lost by the company for him overstaying by 56 minutes. Barry was ultimately unsuccessful, although the ruling was ambiguous as to what size of fine is acceptable. However, the case had a knock-on effect for 3,500 other motorists all appealing on the same grounds. They’d had their cases put on ice by Parking on Private Land Appeals (POPLA) until the hearing was concluded. Sounds fine – why judge cases…

DRIVERS facing a ban under the points “totting up” rules can make an application to the court not to disqualify them on the grounds of exceptional hardship. To qualify, this will involve real hardship to the driver or third parties who will be affected by the punishment. Loss of employment, loss of home, financial hardship, disability, inability to care for a loved one and redundancy risk or business failure are all in this range. Without doubt, loss of employment causes hardship, but whether it amounts to an “exceptional” reason depends on the driver’s particular circumstances. Courts will normally take more account of the impact any driving disqualification would have on employees or family members because they’re innocent, whereas the defendant isn’t. This is where the defendant must prove on a…

“4WD transmission is a first for any fast Ford since the legendary Escort RS Cosworth of the nineties” Performance 0-62mph/top speed 4.7 seconds/165mph Running costs 36.7mpg (official) £52 fill-up THIS is the moment we’ve all been waiting for. After months of spy shots, teaser videos and motor show stand appearances, we’ve finally been able to get behind the wheel of the Ford Focus RS. Featuring a thumping 345bhp power output, hi-tech four-wheel-drive transmission and an eye-catching price tag, the firebreathing Focus promises to be one of the most thrilling driving machines of 2016. Even before you open the door and settle down into one of the figure-hugging Recaro seats, it’s clear the RS means business. The gaping grille with matt black surround, prominent front splitter, bulging wheelarches and high-rise tailgate…

Performance 0-62mph/top speed 7.5 seconds/143mph Running costs 38.7mpg (official) £69 fill-up LEXUS may have wowed Detroit showgoers with its stunning new LC 500 (Page 20), but the coupé’s cheaper brother, the RC, is already a striking proposition. Up to now we’ve driven only the spicy RC F – this is the first time we’ve tried the standard version. The regular RC has a lot of visual clout. Our car stands out in F-Sport spec and with its bold optional Solar Flare paint, but even lesser versions are far more distinctive than their BMW 4 Series and Mercedes C-Class Coupé rivals. The interior is solidly built and feels upmarket, although it isn’t as stylish as the C-Class Coupé’s cabin. There are some lovely details, however, such as the white ambient lighting…

DRIVER Power is the UK’s biggest, most influential car ownership satisfaction survey – and there is still time to take part. In 2015, we had a record-breaking 61,000 responses, with our readers telling us all about their cars and their dealer service – and this year we want to go even bigger. From practicality to mpg, from repair costs to whether you’d consider buying the same brand again, and from average mileage to whether your dealer answers the phone... we want to know it all. We receive hundreds of calls and E-mails every year from owners telling us what they do and don’t like about their cars, and now’s the time to have your say and make a difference. And your views really do count, with brands increasingly taking on…

BROWSE through these 100 deals, and you’ll notice that they aren’t only about the monthly payment – there’s a heap of extra elements to consider, too. While you might be attracted by a headline figure, how much do you have to pay up front, how long’s the commitment and what’s the interest rate? We’ve listed all these to help you make a sound financial decision, but there’s plenty of other jargon and small print that you need to consider before signing on the dotted line. The majority of our deals are Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) offers, which means you’ll get the option to buy at the end. However, you might find a hire-purchase deal suits you better, as it scraps the need to pay a hefty final lump sum –…

IT’S not just new cars that come with attractive low monthly payments, as similar bargains can be found on the used market. One of the main benefits of buying second-hand is that the car won’t depreciate as much the moment it leaves the forecourt. A low-mileage used model can sell for 25 per cent less than a new equivalent, and as Auto Express highlighted in Issue 1,404, the UK has heaps of vehicles with only delivery miles on the clock. Most of these come from manufacturer-approved schemes that offer two main benefits. The first is that the finance agreements can be shorter, and the second is that they offer many new-car benefits – such as warranty cover, roadside assistance and a full mechanical check-up by the manufacturer. Looking for something…

1st FORD THE new Mustang represents a return to form for Ford. It may feature some cheap interior parts and be expensive to run, but the newcomer’s price tag, looks and sheer charisma mean you quickly forget these issues. Add in a great chassis that meant it held its own against a far more expensive rival, and it’s a genuine performance car bargain. 2nd JAGUAR IT’S a bit harsh to place the F-Type second in this test, because these two cars are aiming at different markets. In terms of performance, they’re surprisingly close, yet the Jaguar’s supercharged V8 gives it a savage edge that the Mustang can’t quite match. First-class build quality and the F-Type’s catwalk looks mean it still holds plenty of appeal, too.…

NEW: Infiniti Q30 SE 1.5d PRICE: £22,550 ENGINE: 1.5-litre 4cyl, 108bhp THE Q30 sits slightly higher than a regular hatchback, but still isn’t a fully fledged crossover, like the Crossback. Infiniti is due to launch a proper QX30 crossover version later this year, which will be UK-built, like the Q30. USED: Mercedes GLA 200d Sport PRICE: £24,000 ENGINE: 2.1-litre 4cyl, 134bhp A SIMILAR budget will stretch to a used Mercedes GLA 200d in entry-level Sport trim. It should have low mileage for this price, plus it has a proper prestige badge and more power than the DS 4. A 481-litre boot gives the GLA a practical edge, too.…

Q Restoring paint’s shine WHEN new, my car had a really high-gloss paint finish, but I’ve started to notice circular marks in certain light, and the colour is a bit dull. What products would you recommend to bring the paintwork back to life? Alan Anderson, E-mail A YOU can use a special type of polish, which will gently remove some of the clear coat on your paintwork, to give a smooth look. Farécla G3 Professional Scratch Remover (above) was the Best Buy in our Issue 1,309 test. Make sure you use a mitt to apply it, as sponges can collect the grit that creates these swirls in the first place. Q Crying over spilled milk MY shopping bag split after a recent trip to the supermarket and milk was spilled…

WHILE the majority of car shampoos will lift dirt and grime from cars, wheels often need a little bit more attention, meaning a specialist wheel cleaner can be useful. The new Quixx 9-in-1 Cleaner (revealed in Issue 1,395) claims to be great on various surfaces, including alloys, so we tested it against two top wheel cleaners – Bilt Hamber auto-wheel, our test Best Buy, and the successor to our Recommended choice, Simoniz Ultracare Alloy Cleaner – with prices from a range of sources as we went to press. We allowed three minutes for each product to work, as per the instructions, before applying three gentle wipes to clean and three rinses. Then we rated how much grime was left on the rim. The Quixx 9-in-1 is a useful multipurpose product,…

Dear Lawrence, I’m interested in a hybrid (plug-in or regular), but would also like lots of standard equipment. What should I look at for £13,000? Rupert Chattery, E-mail Contact: Lawrence_Allan@dennis.co.uk CAR THE SENSIBLE CHOICE Vauxhall Ampera FOR: Hi-tech powertrain, looks, value AGAINST: Hard to find, only four seats THE innovative Ampera beat the BMW i3 to market with a range-extending petrol-electric powertrain in 2012. It’s an electric car with a petrol engine acting as a generator to charge the batteries. It promises theoretical economy of 235mpg, can travel 50 miles on electric power alone and emits just 27g/km of CO2. Yet while it looks good, it had limited UK appeal when new. We found a 2012 Electron version with 50,000 miles for £11,995. INTERIOR VAUXHALL’S cabin feels the most…

THE annual Monte Carlo Rally is one of the jewels in the motorsport crown, and it kicks off this weekend in the hills above Monaco, marking the start of the European racing season. It’s also the first round of the World Rally Championship, for which Volkswagen, Hyundai and Ford will be battling it out this year. Defending champ VW is the favourite for another title, but rival works team Hyundai is hoping to have closed the gap after last year’s landslide with its all-new i20 WRC. It has controversially promoted Spaniard Dani Sordo to team leader, ahead of last year’s number one Thierry Neuville, in an effort to end its rival’s dominance this season. VW is led by three-time champ Sebastien Ogier, who is the odds-on favourite to add a…

HONDA has announced a three-car entry in this year’s World Touring Car Championship. The factory team will run three Civic Type Rs in the 2016 series, driven by British former champion Rob Huff,Portugal’sTiagoMonteiro and Hungarian racer Norbert Michelisz. Huff moves from Lada to the factory Honda squad, and is looking forward to the challenge. “I’ve become used to seeing the Civics in front of me, so it’s terrific to have the chance to race one this year,” the Brit driver explained.…

“Every dog has its day, and Detroit, Cadillac, Chevrolet and Chrysler have all had theirs. Tastes of Brits have changed” REMEMBER Levi Strauss, Kodak and Tower Records? They were great US brands. But in Britain, they’re now at worst dead and gone, or at best limping along. It’s a similar story with three US car marques; Cadillac, Chevrolet and Chrysler. The harsh truth is these old-school, heavy-metal firms are now almost irrelevant as far as British consumers are concerned. The same goes for the factories in their home town.Every dog has its day, and Detroit, Cadillac, Chevrolet and Chrysler have all had theirs. Currently, they’re about as important to new car buyers in the UK as Longbridge, Rover, Riley and EJYR Rutherford (maker of the Rutherford steam car). Times and…

“With 450Nm of torque served up from the V6 S model’s supercharger, there’s effortless performance available by stroking the car along” “Jaguar’s clever new four-wheel-drive system gives the F-Pace plenty of traction to make use of all the power from the 3.0-litre supercharged V6” JAGUAR has a real conviction to its car design at the moment. The C-X16 concept that previewed the F-Type sports car made it virtually unchanged from sketch to showroom, and the same is set to be true of the C-X17 that gave us a glimpse of the F-Pace crossover back in 2013. Jaguar’s first-ever SUV is now a whisker away from being production ready, and we got an early drive in an F-Pace prototype in the final stages of winter testing in Sweden. Given the tie-up…

MERCEDES’ new GLC SUV will get hydrogen power next year, leading the way for a range of models that will share electric tech from a new modular platform. Prof. Dr. Thomas Weber, Mercedes’ research and development boss, told Auto Express at the Detroit Motor Show: “Our research is behind us and we are in the middle of rolling out the next phase. “We decided to do a series production of a full-electric fuel-cell vehicle with a market launch next year. This will be an SUV based on our GLC, [and] will contain the newest fuel-cell tech as an integral part of our new electro mobility modular componentry set-up. “In the meantime, that helps us develop a full-electric vehicle with a 400-500km [249-310-mile] range and common components like batteries and battery…

AUDI revealed the h-tron quattro concept at the 2016 Detroit Motor Show, featuring a new hydrogen fuel system as well as its autonomous driving tech. It’s based on the Q6 e-tron that appeared at the Frankfurt show last year, and is powered by a 110kW (148bhp) hydrogen fuel cell with an extra 100kW (134bhp) available temporarily from a battery as well. This uses around 1kg of hydrogen per 100km (62 miles), and has a range of 373 miles; much more than current electric cars. It takes four minutes to fill up, in the same way as you would refuel a car today. The system produces the equivalent of 308bhp and 550Nm of torque, so the h-tron quattro can sprint from 0-62mph in less than seven seconds and on to 124mph.…

“Everyone, the engineers included, wanted to make it as close as possible to the LFA’s philosophy” ONE of the stars of this year’s Detroit Motor Show was from a fairly unlikely source: Lexus. The Japanese brand unveiled its new flagship two-door coupé, called the LC 500, and said this is how the production car – due to arrive in 2017 – will look. It’s a step on from the original Lexus LF-LC concept that we first saw back in 2012. There were no initial intentions to actually build it, but Toyota group CEO Akio Toyoda said the company was buoyed by public support, “so we listened, and we made it real”. The BMW 6 Series rival has been renamed for production, and features slightly toned-down styling from that of the…

Vauxhall to unveil coupé at Geneva VAUXHALL has confirmed that it will bring a sporty new ‘GT’ coupé concept to the Geneva Motor Show in March. Our exclusive image (above) shows how it could look, but the Luton brand will gradually reveal more in teaser videos over the coming months. We unmasked plans for the GT in October, when bosses said they would gauge the reaction before deciding on production. The GT could go on sale in two years as a rival to the Audi TT. Volvo offers Apple CarPlay on XC90 VOLVO has boosted its XC90 SUV – our Car of the Year – with Apple CarPlay. The £300 option (£250 on the plug-in hybrid) can be included as an update to existing cars or specified on new orders.…

Behind wheel of Jaguar F-Pace SUV WE’VE been desperate to get behind the wheel of Jaguar’s first SUV since way back in 2013, when we hit the road in the C-X17 concept. And now, finally, the wait is over... We headed to the frozen roads of Sweden and joined Jaguar on its winter testing programme for the crucial new F-Pace. And once you’ve read our full Top Story report on Page 8, don’t miss our video. Video report on the new Ford Focus RS TURN to Page 30 to read all about 2016’s most eagerly anticipated new hot hatch, and then head to our YouTube channel to see and hear the Ford Focus RS in action. The 345bhp, four-wheel-drive RS has all the ingredients to be a great fast Ford.…

HOT TOPIC New Ford Mustang FROM: snappyuk AN excellent price for the package on offer, but given the fuel economy figures, I think we will see a lot more of the smaller-engined (2.3-litre four-cylinder) versions on UK roads. Although I’m a fan of the overall design, the interior looks a bit low rent for me. FROM: Michael A PRICE of just £34,000 for the V8 version surely makes the Mustang a bargain. A base-spec Porsche 911 is more than £70,000, while the Alfa 4C will set you back £45,000. Compared to cars like these, the Mustang is fantastic value – with performance to match. Join the debate at www.autoexpress.co.uk • “Seems like a lot of car for the money. As long as you’re a low-mileage driver, I bet…

“First signs are that the new Sportage is now one of the better compact crossovers to drive” THE previous Kia Sportage stormed the crossover sector, stealing sales from other brands’ offerings thanks to its chunky looks and solid stance. Instantly, it turned Kia into a genuine contender against rivals such as Ford, Mazda and Nissan. It was a massive leap in terms of quality and refinement, too. Kia promises that the new car will refine the formula to the next level, even though it admits that, as it has moved into the mainstream, the gains on each subsequent model won’t be so great. We headed to the brand’s testing centre at the Nürburgring in Germany to get a taste of what it’s like to drive. The answer is good. We…

WHILE the Lexus RC (left) will attract plenty of attention in that paint finish, it isn’t the only high-performance model to have been added to the brand’s range recently. The GS F is based on Lexus’ GS executive car and has the BMW M5 and Mercedes-AMG E 63 in its sights. It features a 5.0-litre V8 engine, rear-wheel drive, heavily uprated suspension and subtly enhanced looks. At the heart of the GS F’s appeal is that V8 engine, which delivers 471bhp and 530Nm of torque, although the latter doesn’t arrive until 4,800rpm. As a result, the Lexus never feels as fast as its claimed 4.6-second 0-62mph time suggests. It isn’t slow, but below around 4,000rpm it lacks the punch of turbocharged rivals. However, once the revs climb the GS F…

A RECORD 2.6 million new cars were registered in 2015 and that’s partly down to great finance offers being served up by manufacturers. Whether it’s low interest rates, cheap monthly payments or a hefty deposit contribution, we’ve compiled a list of the Top 100 deals going. From superminis to SUVs and family cars to executives, there’s something for all tastes and budgets on many of the finest models around. As well as listing the key elements of the deal, we have expert advice on how to avoid getting caught out, plus we look at the benefits of car leasing. We’ve also provided an aim-to-pay price courtesy of buyacar.co.uk.This should be used as a guide when negotiating with a salesman and, if your dealer won’tmatchit, buyacar.co.uk will. Read on over the…

I leased my new car MY lease was advertised on Twitter of all places: £179 a month including VAT for a new Skoda Superb 2.0-litre diesel estate. The deal was over two years and 20,000 miles from Skoda dealer Simpsons in Preston, Lancs, and even the salesman was surprised by the price when I rang up. I didn’t need much convincing. The Superb would make an excellent replacement for my increasingly tired 136,000-mile BMW 3 Series – just 20 minutes on the phone and the Skoda was ordered. Two months later, the estate arrived and I was thrilled – although I’ve found running it less like owning a new car and more like living in a rented house. I’m even more careful with it than I would be if it…

BMW M235i Coupé PRICE: £35,225 ENGINE: 3.0-litre 6cyl, 326bhp IT’S smaller than the Mustang, but the BMW M235i still has a practical body, while the combination of an agile rear-drive chassis and straight-six turbo power means it delivers plenty of thrills. It has the edge on cabin quality as well. Nissan 370Z Nismo PRICE: £37,745 ENGINE: 3.0-litre V6, 339bhp FLAGSHIP version of the Japanese muscle car combines classic Z-car design cues with Nissan’s motorsport heritage. The brand’s competition division has boosted the 370Z’s handling, but V6 engine is archaic and the whole car feels rather old.…

Crossover battle ALTHOUGH the DS and Volvo both boast raised ride heights and extra body protection, the Q3 is the car that conforms closest to the crossover template. However, the Crossback and Cross Country both do enough to justify the term ‘crossover’, bringing something extra to the table over the standard five-doors on which they’re based. Off-road ability IF you intend to hit even some light trails in these test cars, you might want to think twice. The DS doesn’t offer four-wheel drive, and the set-up’s available only on the top-spec turbo petrol Volvo. Audi’s quattro four-wheel drive is available with all engines except the 1.4 TFSI. Missed chance DS had a real opportunity to improve on the old DS 4 with this new model, by addressing annoying quirks such…

“In R mode, the Type R is so firm that it fidgets around like it’s just downed three cans of Red Bull” CO2/tax 170g/km £205 or 29% Practicality Boot 498/1,427 litres Running costs 33.2mpg (on test) £50 fill-up RACE on Sunday, sell on Monday. That’s the mantra car manufacturers recite to justify the billions they invest in motorsport each year. However, the link between race cars and what normal motorists use every day of the week is normally tenuous. Step forward the Honda Civic Type R, which definitely feels like it wouldn’t shy away from circuit duties. Of all the modern hot hatches, the Type R also looks the most like a race track refugee. It seems like you could throw a few stickers on to it and it would…

Audi RS3 Sportback Issues 1,388, 1,399 Caterham Seven 270S Issues 1,397, 1,404 Citroen C4 Cactus Iss 1,365, 1,374, 1,385, 1,395 Fiat 500X Issues 1,393, 1,403 Ford Mondeo Issues 1,373, 1,378, 1,389 Honda Civic Type R New arrival Honda CR-V Issues 1,395, 1,404 Jaguar XE Issue 1,398 Kia Sorento Issue 1,395 Lexus NX 300h Issues 1,377, 1,394, 1,402 Mazda 2 Iss 1,370, 1,381, 1,386, 1,397 Range Rover Sport Issues 1,356, 1,363, 1,382, 1,393, 1,403 Renault Twingo Issues 1,368, 1,387, 1,402 SEAT Ibiza New arrival Skoda Octavia Scout Issues 1,382, 1,392 SsangYong Tivoli Issue 1,401 Suzuki Vitara Issues 1,379, 1,388 Toyota Verso Issues 1,381, 1,391, 1,401…

The Art of the Mustang Donald Farr (Motorbooks, www.motorbooks.co.uk) Price: £35 (hardback) Rating: THE Ford Mustang oozes appeal. Author Farr’s descriptive journey from Mustang “1964 and a half” to the modern day is epic. Seductively shot images illustrate the car’s engaging history, and even though Farr clearly has extensive Mustang knowledge, he’s managed to balance passion and facts perfectly. This is a great read and a must-have for any petrolhead’s book shelf. Porsche Turbo Randy Leffingwell (Motorbooks, www.motorbooks.co.uk) Price: £21.30 Rating: FORMER LA Times journalist Randy Leffingwell brings his enthusiasm and eye for a good image into this hefty coffee table tribute to the Porsche Turbo. The writing flows between the pictures and diagrams of some truly classic models, but is occasionally held up by clunky technical detail. Le Mans…

Q Part replacement too soon? MY 2010 SEAT Altea XL 1.9 TDI needs its dual mass flywheel and clutch replacing after just 64,000 miles. Surely these items should last longer? Could this be a common fault? Steve Spoor, E-mail A SEAT issued a recall for earlier Altea models over clutch and flywheel issues, but these do not apply to 2010 versions. Unfortunately, the lifespan of a clutch is determined by its treatment. It can be worn out prematurely by aggressive driving or lots of stop/start traffic. Q Intermittent fault confusion MY 90,000-mile Lexus GS 300 has developed an intermittent violent shudder. The garage identified it as a sticky offside brake caliper, but why is the shudder intermittent? Jon Turner, E-mail A WE found other GS owners have had their offside…

SINCE the upmarket DS brand split from Citroen in 2014, the popular DS 3 has been sold with most of its double-chevron badges simply removed. But the company has now given the MINI rival a facelift to bring it into line with the larger DS 4 and DS 5. Considering that 390,000 examples of the posh supermini have found homes globally since launch in 2010, you’d have thought this would have been a priority over the family car and compact exec. But the changes are welcome all the same. The most noticeable updates are at the front, where a DS-badged hexagonal grille finally replaces the old Citroen design. Higher-spec models get smarter headlights that combine LEDs and xenons, with three jewel-like LED clusters for a distinctive look. LED indicators and…

“RS is really valuable. People race it and people collect it. That’s why there is room to expand” FORD is going to make more use of the RS brand following the launch of the flagship Focus RS hot hatch, according to Steve Odell, executive vice-president of global marketing, sales and service. “The RS brand is really valuable,” he told Auto Express. “People race it. People collect it. There is room to expand.” While we know that there are no plans for more RS cars in the short term, we can expect to see the RS brand being used to promote, for example, performance upgrades for existing models. Odell refused to elaborate on exactly which models would benefit from the RS branding, but hinted we could see production models in the…

THE following provide help with motoring problems. Some services are free, others charge a fee or operate on premium-rate lines (p), while some offer advice for members only (m). Legal AA: 0906 010 1300 (p) RAC: 0870 5533 533 (m) Which?: 01992 822 800 Consumer Direct: 0845 404 0506 Local Trading Standards Local Citizens Advice Bureau Used car inspections AA: 0800 085 3007 RAC: 0800 085 2529 Technical advice AA: 0870 606 1619 (m) Driving licences DVLA: 0300 790 6801 Car registration/history HPI: 01722 422422 AA: 0800 316 3564 DVLA: 0300 790 6802 RAC: 0800 975 5867 Traffic information AA: 09003 401100 (p) RAC: 09003 444999 (p) Problems with dealers Motor Codes: 0800 692 0825 Consumer Ombudsman: www.consumer-ombudsman.org RMIF: 0845 839 9205 (m) Scottish Motor Trade Association: 0131 331 5510…

“The biggest highlight for me each day is seeing the number of people who thrive off this place”NICK ROGERS Director, group engineering “Sales have doubled over the past five years, with a similar return expected by the end of the decade” AS Hollywood blockbusters go, the story of the car company that was on the verge of collapse less than 10 years ago, yet today is one of the automotive world’s big success stories, could well break box office records. Records are something Jaguar Land Rover knows quite a bit about, with 2015 the company’s biggest ever year for sales, boosted by a range of award-winning models such as the Jaguar XE and Range Rover Evoque. But it could have been so different. In 2008 the firm was on its…

Running costs 55.4mpg (official) £56 fill-up THE Toyota RAV4 is a grown-up SUV these days, and as such, it faces stiff competition from the likes of the Ford Kuga and Mazda CX-5. To set it apart, Toyota has introduced this hybrid version, which comes with two or four-wheel drive. We tested the latter, which emits 118g/km of CO2, so road tax is lower than ever, and it will be much cheaper for company car buyers. The cheapest hybrid RAV4 is £26,195, however, which is £2,500 more than the entry-level diesel model, although the hybrid has more standard kit. Fuel economy of 55.4mpg is around the same as its main rivals’, but it’s beaten by the Mazda CX-5’s 2.2-litre diesel, which claims 61mpg. All models in the range get an updated…

OVER the past decade, the popularity of traditional family cars has decreased, as buyers make the switch to more glamorous SUVs, crossovers and compact executive models. However, Vauxhall hasn’t given up on the class just yet, and hopes this new and improved addition to the Insignia range will win back customers. Using the latest ‘Whisper’ 1.6-litre diesel engine – which debuted last year in the Zafira Sport Tourer and new Astra – the newcomer promises to deliver class-leading efficiency, with penny-pinching running costs for both business and private users. There’s no doubt the Insignia looks good on paper. For example, this Sport Tourer version emits just 104g/km of CO2 and claims 72.4mpg economy. The hatchback model dips under 100g/km and delivers another 2mpg at the pumps. This 1.6-litre turbodiesel isn’t…

Driver aids THE Mustang features four- stage traction control, with Race mode (below) designed to allow the car to slide before the electronics cut in. You can turn the system off completely, too, while launch control is also included. The only F-Type with launch control is the V6, but Dynamic traction control setting on the V8 model boosts its responses. History FORD’S Mustang has been in constant production for over 50 years, although the seventies and eighties versions weren’t the best sports cars. After years of rumours and speculation, the F-Type finally arrived in 2013 – some 52 years after its spiritual ancestor, the E-Type, appeared. Smaller engines THERE’S a 2.3-litre EcoBoost Mustang that has the same engine as the Focus RS. It costs £30,495, returns 35.3mpg and emits 179g/km…

ORDER a UK-spec Mustang today, and you’ll have to wait 12 months for it. As a result there are no discounts, while speculators are offering nearly new cars for £45,000. You could jump the queue by importing one from the US. There’s a wider range that incudes a basic V6 and the track-focused Shelby GT350 and GT350R versions. Plus, prices start at $24,145, which is around £16,500. A V8 GT specified to match a UK car is $39,790, or £27,218, which doesn’t include local sales taxes – if you’re exporting, you shouldn’t need to pay them. Once you’ve found a dealer that will export a car for you, then you need to arrange shipping, which will cost from £1,000. Back in the UK, you need to pay 10 per cent…

1st AUDI THE Q3 is a proper crossover that delivers quality, performance and style, even in entry-level SE guise, so it takes victory once more. Those qualities might come at a price compared to its rivals, but we think it’s worth it. While the Audi is compact, the cabin is the most spacious here, blending practicality with an impressive driving experience, and relatively low running costs. 2nd VOLVO THE V40 is starting to show its age when it comes to interior design, but the V40 Cross Country’s blend of safety, low CO2 emissions and effortless driving is still attractive. The composed ride and solid handling deliver lots of security, while it’s versatile enough if you’ll be carrying passengers and luggage. The design additions over the standard V40 set it apart…

“Previous Ford Mondeos proved that big family cars can be fun, but the new model lacks flair” Practicality Boot (seats up/down) 541/1,437 litres Running costs 38.7mpg (on test) £66 fill-up WHEN the ‘One Ford’ strategy was announced back in 2010, it seemed like a good idea. The brand’s aim was to cut costs and streamline manufacturing by building cars that were suitable for a global audience. However, whenever I get behind the wheel of the Mondeo we’re running on our fleet, it seems like its vision is focused on Ford’s homeland: the US. The latest Mondeo was one of the first cars launched as part of this worldwide strategy, and given the success of previous models – as well as this car’s long gestation period – you would expect it…

NEW PRODUCT Turtle Wax Dash & Glass Price: £5.99 (500ml) Contact: 0845 600 3663, www.turtlewax.co.uk TURTLE Wax has revamped its car care range, giving the packaging a modern new look, and as part of that refresh, it’s launched this two-in-one Dash & Glass interior cleaner. The company says it’s an innovative new solution that will clean without leaving smears and marks behind. Polymer technology claims to trap dirt in the microfibre cloth the firm recommends you use to wipe down surfaces. Turtle Wax has developed this combination cleaner to help make life a bit easier. When using a specialist product, there can often be overspray left on other, inappropriate surfaces of the interior – for example, fabric spray staining the windscreen. By combining glass and dash cleaner together, this problem…

Child seat add-on boosts tots’ safety COMPUTER giant Intel has teamed up with kids’ tech firm Nabi to create a clip which retro-fits to any child seat to remind parents not to leave their little ones unattended in the car. The Smartclip (above), seen at the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show, fixes to the belt of the child seat, and links to a phone app via Bluetooth. Stray too far without unclipping, and an alarm sounds on your mobile. The device has temperature and movement sensors, and it’s claimed the battery will last several months. The Smartclip is set to go on sale later in the year for under £50. Entry-level stereos’ Bluetooth upgrade AUDIO specialists and embedded car tech experts at Harman have come up with a new full-range portable…

KEEPING a pack of moist wipes handy is one of the easiest ways to maintain reasonable cleanliness in your cabin. It makes sense, too. Statistics show we spend on average nearly three-and-a-half years of our lives at the wheel. But some wipes offer better performance, durability and value than others. So we put eight packs of interior wipes to the test. PRODUCT GROUP TEST 20 | 1 | 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. How we tested them WE challenged an array of wipes over a mix of plastic (matt and gloss) and fabric (carpet and upholstery) surfaces. Grease, chocolate and biro were introduced to give a typical…