Auto Express 1406

Visit autoexpress.co.uk for all the latest new cars news NOT everyone is prepared to say what they think in the car world, which is one of the reasons I admire Hyundai so much. The upwardly mobile Korean company has never attempted to disguise its ambition to upset the establishment as it’s bludgeoned its way up the global sales charts. Having spent the past week in Seoul learning about the pioneering new Ioniq, I heard lots of talk about where the firm, in tandem with Kia, is heading – but even I was surprised when one presentation stated the aim was not only to be the world’s largest manufacturer, but the most beloved, too. To be honest, it’s not an impossible leap of faith to imagine global sales domination. Few would…

Exclusive images show look of crossover ahead of Geneva debut Set to sit on the A3’s MQB platform; offers range of customisation EXCLUSIVE IMAGES AUDI is set to place its shiny new Q2 badge on a radically styled SUV in time for March’s Geneva Motor Show. As the smallest SUV in the brand’s line-up, the newcomer – revealed in our exclusive images – will be aimed at a younger audience than Audi has ever previously considered. The Q2 is based on the MQB platform that underpins the A3. Entry-level models will get front-wheel drive as standard, with top-spec cars using quattro all-wheel drive. It’ll be available only as a five-door, and will be significantly shorter than the Q3. A three-door Q2 was considered, but sources suggest it’s since been dropped.…

IF the Q2 (right) is a priority, where are the rest of the Q-badged SUV models we’ve been expecting from Audi? Well, the Q4 is an obvious target, and is set to be a coupé-style SUV built on the Q3’s architecture – but it’s still unconfirmed. The grand plans of retired development boss Ulrich Hackenberg for a family of TTs are also on hold. Audi has shown three concepts that could conceivably become the third variant, alongside the Coupé and Roadster. The TT Sportback was the favourite of the designers and engineers, but not of the commercial people; they saw more volume from the TT Offroad concept car (above). The other option was a development of the Allroad Shooting Brake concept as a three-door TT SUV. While the TT Offroad…

AUDI has struck a deal with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) for the rights to the Q2 and Q4 badges for its upcoming SUVs – even though the latter isn’t confirmed for production (see left) – and it means the company now owns Q1 through to Q9. While we’ve already revealed plans for the Q2 name, the Q4 will be used on a ‘coupé’ version of the next Q3. The deal also reserves the Q1 badge for a baby crossover (due in 2018), based around the architecture of the next A1. The negotiations are believed to have centred on a trademark swap with a VW Group name FCA wants for an upcoming model. There are no details at this time, but ‘Bora’ is a likely candidate. Audi’s also secured the rights…

Sam_Naylor@dennis.co.uk @SamNaylor_AE “ F-Type SVR will get from 0-62mph in 3.7 seconds and on to a 200mph top speed” LEAKED A SALES brochure revealing the Jaguar F-Type SVR has been leaked online, giving us our first look at the brand’s rangetopping sports car. The SVR badge means it has been developed by Jaguar Land Rover’s Special Vehicle Operations department, and the brochure indicates that it will feature the same 567bhp 5.0-litre V8 as the limitededition Project 7. It won’t be the first JLR model to wear the SVR badge, however, as it follows 2015’s Range Rover Sport SVR. Thanks to 700Nm of torque, an eightspeed automatic gearbox and all-wheel drive, the F-Type SVR will get from 0-62mph in 3.7 seconds and on to a 200mph top speed – according to…

Sam_Naylor@dennis.co.uk @SamNaylor_AE “Downsizing from six to four-cylinder engines has big benefits for economy and emissions” PORSCHE announced its new 718 Boxster at the end of last year, and after riding in a disguised version of the revised roadster (Issue 1,401), we’ve now been granted our first look at the finished car. It’s more powerful and efficient than ever, thanks to a new range of four-cylinder turbo engines. The 718 Boxster, whose new name was inspired by the 718 race car from the fifties and sixties, will get a 296bhp 2.0-litre flatfour petrol engine, while the 718 Boxster S will use a 345bhp 2.5-litre flat-four. You’ll pay a premium for the extra power, as the S costs £50,695 compared with the standard car’s £41,739 price tag – £2,837 and £2,186 increases…